Chinese vice premier urges all-out efforts to ensure smooth, fair college entrance exam

Xinhua) 08:08, June 03, 2024

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the preparatory work for the upcoming 2024 national college entrance examination at the Beijing Education Examinations Authority in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2024. Ding on Sunday inspected preparatory work for the exam, also known as Gaokao. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged all-out efforts to support the upcoming 2024 national college entrance examination and take due responsibilities to ensure it is smooth and fair.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday inspected preparatory work for the exam, also known as Gaokao, which usually kicks off on June 7 each year.

At a Beijing middle school exam site, Ding learned about the exam room arrangement, waiting-for-exam management as well as related services. He also had talks with the staff members working in the monitoring, broadcasting and exam rooms.

He acknowledged their hard work. Also on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Ding extended sincere greetings and gratitude to all those working to ensure that everything linked to the exam proceeds as planned.

Noting that the number of students registering for this year's Gaokao hit a record high, Ding urged meticulous services in terms of traffic control and heatstroke prevention as well as combating noise and ensuring accommodation hygiene, with an aim to create a sound and comfortable exam environment.

At the Beijing Education Examinations Authority, Ding stressed that fairness and safety are the lifeline of Gaokao, asking for strict confidentiality management and crackdown on exam fraud.

Data from the education ministry show that 13.42 million students have registered for China's 2024 national college entrance examination, an increase of 510,000 students from last year. Gaokao is considered the most important exam in China.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the preparatory work for the upcoming 2024 national college entrance examination at a Beijing middle school exam site in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2024. Ding on Sunday inspected preparatory work for the exam, also known as Gaokao. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Learning Chinese gains momentum in Bangladesh with "Chinese Bridge" contest

Xinhua) 10:46, June 03, 2024

Yao Wen, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, presents an award to a contestant during the 23rd Chinese Bridge - Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college students in Dhaka, Bangladesh on May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Nan)

DHAKA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Talk shows in Chinese, lion dances and classical Chinese dances have been staged, with nine contestants from three Confucius Institutes (Classroom) in Bangladesh vying for the crown in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" competition.

At the event, the college students delivered speeches in Chinese and showed their talents in appreciation and love for Chinese language and culture.

Bushra Mubassera Mahmud from the Confucius Institute at North South University won the prize and will represent Bangladesh to participate in the final in China.

"I'm very happy and excited, but also nervous because I'm going to China for the final. I will continue to work hard to win a better place for Bangladesh," Bushra told Xinhua after the competition.

Talking about Chinese language, Bushra said "I'm not just learning Chinese, I also want to explore as much as I can about Chinese."

"In terms of career planning, I want to be a Chinese language teacher, and I want to share what I have seen and experienced with my future students," she added.

Once a contestant in "Chinese Bridge" competition in 2008, Jannatun Naher, now assistant professor of the Department of Chinese in the Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Dhaka, told Xinhua that she felt very happy and proud when seeing her students participate in the competition.

"I am very happy to see the students expressing their interest in Chinese culture in fluent Chinese," Jannatun said, adding "In the future, I hope more Bangladeshi students will learn Chinese and become a bridge for exchanges between China and Bangladesh in various fields."

Shah E Alam, vice-chancellor of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, said in his welcome speech that over the years, a number of talented Chinese learners have emerged from the competition in Bangladesh. Most of them are now active in various aspects of Bangladesh-China exchanges and have become a bridge for Bangladesh-China exchanges.

"It is hoped that the 'Chinese Bridge' (competition) will continue to be a bridge of friendship, communication and cooperation between Bangladesh and China, and that more young Bangladeshi students who are interested in China and willing to learn more about China will join the teams of learning Chinese," said Alam.

For his part, Yao Wen, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, said that the "Chinese Bridge" competition is not only a language skills competition, but also a platform for cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh.

Yao encouraged Bangladeshi students to learn Chinese well, learn more about China, strive to be envoys of China-Bangladesh friendship and contribute to the development of China-Bangladesh relations.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Steve Aoki and Bassjackers dropped two singles last Friday: "Flashing Lights" and "Voices In My Head (feat. Teddy Bee)."

Aoki describes the tracks as "packed with high-energy vibes that are perfect for kicking off the summer." On social media, he said: "We've been working on these two tracks as a two part story that complement and finish each [other's] moments. We made them to bring out a certain kind of energy and [are] happy to see it has brought so many people together. They have been secret weapons in our sets and now they're yours."

Aoki has been playing "Flashing Lights" at various festivals the past year, including at Tomorrowland and UltraEurope. He has also been releasing new material on his Heavenly Hell Tour, which kicked off last March, and features other artists from his Dim Mak label, including Nostalgix, Pickle, Callie Reiff, Deorro, Yetep, Ookay, Henry Fong, Wolfgang Gartner, and Cheyenne Giles.

The two-time Grammy nominee will feature more collaborations in his 9th studio album, where Aoki returns to his dancefloor roots, and partners with Lil Jon, Ne-Yo, and others. The first part of a two-part project, the forthcoming album will also expand on Aoki's HiROQUEST universe, for which he has produced playing cards and a graphic novel, as well as music. The album is set to release on June 28th.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The US Department of Transportation said Monday that three airlines including German carrier Lufthansa have been made to pay over $900 million in passenger refunds due to pandemic-related flight cancellations or changes.

The department is also looking into $2.5 million in civil penalties against the airlinesLufthansa, KLM and South African Airwaysfor "extreme delays" in providing reimbursements.

"When a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, you shouldn't have to fight with the airline to get their money back," said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement.

"We are using all of our tools to improve air travel for everyone," he added.

Lufthansa was ordered to pay $775 million in refunds, while KLM was made to pay $113.3 million and South African Airways $15.2 million.

The assessed civil penalties amounted to $1.1 million each for Lufthansa and KLM, and $300,000 for South African Airways, the Transportation Department said.

It added that the airlines have paid back the refunds exceeding $900 million.

A Lufthansa spokesperson told AFP that the company has long been in contact with the US Transportation Department and "in comparison with other airlines, the fine does not differ from the norm."

The delay in payments, Lufthansa added, was due to the "historically unique level of refunds during the COVID pandemic."

The US flight cancellation rate was below 1.2 percent in 2023, the lowest level in more than a decade despite a record amount of air travel, according to the Transportation Department.

Earlier this year, US authorities issued a rule requiring domestic and foreign air carriers to provide prompt automatic refunds when flights are canceled, or significantly changed, with consumers rejecting the alternative offered.

 2024 AFP
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Microsoft said it would train 250,000 people by 2027 to boost AI knowledge and competence and also increase capacity at its three data centres in Sweden.

Microsoft said Monday that it would invest 33.7 billion kronor ($3.2 billion) over two years in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Sweden, its biggest investment in the country.

The group will train 250,000 people by 2027 to boost AI knowledge and competence and also increase capacity at its three data centers in the country, it said.

"Microsoft's largest investment in our history in Sweden" would enable the Scandinavian country "to build world-leading AI data center infrastructure," the company's president and vice chair Brad Smith said at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

"A big part of the reason we're able to do this is because of Sweden's forward-looking energy policy, the plentiful access to green energy, whether it's carbon-free energy or renewable energy," Smith said.

The US group has in recent months announced similar AI investments in other countries, including in France where it vowed to invest four billion euros ($4.3 billion), Japan where it announced a $2.9 billion AI push, and in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In Sweden, Microsoft will provide more than 20,000 graphic processing units (GPUs), needed for training AI models, and will boost capacity at its data centers in Sandviken, Gavle and Staffanstorp.

"AI is a catalyst for many things," Kristersson said. "It will also help accelerate development in other areas. This huge investment in Sweden has the potential to pave the way for other investments."

Data centers, which crunch and stock vast amounts of data, require large amounts of electricity and water, accounting for about two percent of global electricity consumption, according to a study by the HEC Montreal business school.

In 2020, Microsoft said it aimed to become "carbon negative" by 2030, but in 2023 its emissions rose by 30 percent, its data showed.

'Rise in Russian deepfakes'

Asked about the risks and abuses associated with artificial intelligence, Smith said Microsoft was monitoring AI-generated deepfakes "very closely".

"Our biggest concern, to be honest, is about the Russian government," he said. "We've seen an increase in Russian activity using deepfakes."

"This is the kind of danger for the future that we need to address and protect against, and that's going to require more work."

He said it would require governments to introduce new legislation, as well as new capabilities in the tech sector.

"Fundamentally, it requires the use of AI to defend against abuses that others are advancing with AI," Smith said.

AI technology, which is expected to transform nearly every aspect of human life in the coming years, took a huge leap forward with the 2022 launch of the generative tool ChatGPT, which can create texts, images and audio files upon demand.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Musicians are furious that new tech has gutted their income. Record labels are wary, yet eager to cut deals with ascendant platforms. Fans are delighted to access songs for a pittance, even as they're screwing over beloved artists.

The fears about today's streaming economy echo the existential panic when Napster debuted in 1999. The peer-to-peer servicewhere fans swapped catalogs of MP3 song fileswalloped the record business. It helped demolish billions in label revenue, forcing a sclerotic industry to reassess its entire model. It scrambled loyalties among fans, artists, tech companies and record labels.

But beyond its effect on music, Napster also heralded a troubling new ethic in tech: Make yourself ubiquitous before the law can stop you.

"Years later, Napster is still an exemplar and inspiration in Silicon Valley," said Joseph Menn, the author of "All The Rave," the definitive history of Napster (and a former Times reporter now at the Washington Post). "Uber and Airbnb took the same approachblow away taxi and hotel regulations to give people something they want and grow so big you eventually get politicians on your side. Napster created this whole wave of antihero entrepreneurs."

When Northeastern University undergrad Shawn Fanning and business partner Sean Parker launched Napster on June 1, 1999, music was still largely consumed via compact disk, which labels sold at hefty profits. Fans had ways to trade songs, from taping off the radio to burning mix CDs, but nothing like this.

Fanning saw how a user-friendly platform could take the curiosity of song-swapping and escalate it via MP3s, shared over new broadband internet connections on college campuses. Users posted their digital music libraries online for anyone to see and download for themselves through a decentralized network.

"They mainstreamed an underground hobby," Menn said. "No one is going to go out and buy 100 records, but here the supply of music was infinite. It was always a social lubricant to make a mixtape for someone you wanted to date. Now you could do that at scale."

Within months, Napster was either a mortal wound to the record industry or an incredible marketing and audience research toolor maybe both at once.

"The record industry spends millions (promoting) new bands," its former Chief Executive Eileen Richardson told The Times in 2001. "I saw Napster as a way to test-market and feed new musical artists to you for virtually nothing."

Estimates vary, but tens of millions of people downloaded the service, back when high-speed internet was a rarity in households. A quarter of all college internet bandwidth was used to share music on Napster. Fans no longer had to buy a $20 CD just to get the two songs they likedyou could get every song posted on Napster for free. A $40 billion record industry began a downward slide that would eventually wipe out half its value.

"One reason Napster came to life was the record business gouging users," Menn said. "People were willing to pay for a reasonable digital alternative. But by not providing that, labels couldn't do anything about ripping a CD onto your computer."

Yet labels weren't sure whether they should sue Napster into oblivion or pay them hundreds of millions to get a piece of the action. Lawsuits from the Recording Industry Association of America targeted both Napster and individual music fans who'd downloaded songs, earning wrath and mockery from the record-buying public.

At the same time, Napster got deep into negotiations with Vivendi Universal's Edgar Bronfman Jr. and nearly struck a deal with labels to become a legal service.

"It could have gone either way," Menn said. "Record companies would have had an ownership stake. (German media conglomerate) Bertelsmann gave a big loan to Napster to keep the pirate version alive while they developed a legit system. They couldn't pull it off, but the record business had a motivation to do a deal, because what was coming next was unstoppable."

Fanning, Parker and Napster executives (including Richardson and successor Hank Barry) were plagued with infighting from the start, especially around Fanning's uncle's 70% ownership stake.

"There were horrible conflicts at the board level that effectively derailed most of our strategies," Liz Brooks, former Napster marketing vice president, told The Times in 2001. Yosi Amram, a former Napster board member, told The Times then that the firm "blew a number of opportunities by zigzagging. It didn't have strong, clear leadership."

But they knew there was a legitimate business to be built in paid digital access to songs, even as labels were reluctant to break apart the lucrative CD model. If just a tiny fraction of Napster users bought records they discovered there, and labels could reach them with granular data about their tastes, it could be transformative.

"Napster knew more about the customer than the labels did," Menn said. "They had access to your music collection, they saw what people downloaded. They could say 'Bobby likes Led Zeppelin, and he's curious about AC/DC, here is his e-mail address, and you can tell him when AC/DC has a new album out.' That was the big value proposition."

In September 2001, Napster paid a $26 million settlement to copyright owners, and the company filed for bankruptcy in June 2002. It relaunched as a legal paid service under the software firm Roxio in November 2002, but the industry had moved on. Apple's Steve Jobs had pushed a similar bargain for digital musica clean interface where users could download individual songs for 99 cents.

Faced with new piracy sites like Limewire and Gnutella, the labels chose Apple and iTunes. Coupled with the 2001 launch of the iPod, a portable MP3 player with room for (gasp!) 1,000 songs, the future had arrived.

It's striking that the arguments around Napster are basically the same as the grievances over streaming today, only the heroes and villains have switched sides. The moon-faced Manning, a Time magazine cover star in October 2000, was widely regarded as a plucky music fan sticking it to greedy labels and out-of-touch millionaires.

Lars Ulrich, Metallica's drummer, became the face of the backlash to Napster, yet alienated his own fans. Ulrich personally delivered 13 boxes of paperwork to Napster's offices listing hundreds thousands of users the band suspected were sharing their songs illegally.

"It's not that Lars was seen as wrong, it was just so un-rock 'n' roll," Menn said. "He was seen as on the sellout side of the spectrum. The letter of the law says he's right, but it was inherently uncool to side with big business over fans."

Now, though, the really big businesses are the tech giants inspired by Napster's swashbuckling. Parker invested in Facebook a few years after Napster's collapse, and as its first president, he helped secure Mark Zuckerberg's total control of the company, eventually making Parker a billionaire.

Facebook's house motto was "Move fast and break things"an apt description of Napster's impact too. (Parker, in a witty bit of stunt casting, was played by musician Justin Timberlake in "The Social Network," the film about the birth of Facebook.) Companies like Uber learned from Napster that if you ignored regulations and scaled up quickly, law and industry would bend to your business model.

"The dot-com boom was a feeding frenzy where stupid companies went public, but Napster was a legit technology," Menn said. "Peer-to-peer was a terrific innovation, but it got captured by peak capitalism. It corrupted the way technology developed."

Fanning, meanwhile, sold his video game communication platform, Rupture, to Electronic Arts and led a few short-lived social-networking and chat apps. He never achieved gargantuan wealth commensurate with his place in tech history.

"He was the poster boy, but he never controlled Napster," Menn said. "He was a nice guy from a poor background. He was quite shy and forced himself to be in the public eye, and afterward, he retreated to his reclusive self. He did OK afterward but he was not a titan."

Today, the record business alliances among art, commerce and fandom have shifted again.

Labels, desperate to avoid making the same mistakes, invested early in Spotify to ensure that they controlled streaming's future. Now, only superstars like Ulrich can make money on streaming. The indie artists who were fine with Napster in 1999 are now protesting outside Spotify's offices and working to unionize.

TikTok's recent fight with Universal Music Group was emblematic. Is it better for artists to have free, massive marketing possibilities or to get paid fairly by enormous tech firms? With artificial intelligence's looming influence on culture-making, who can you trust to look after your interests?

The answer is the same now as it was 1999: Probably no one.

"The continuous theme in the record industry, from vinyl to Napster to streaming," Menn said, "is that bands get shafted in every single iteration of the system."

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Scientists from Huazhong University of Science and Technology has introduced an innovative human-following surveillance robot designed to assist individuals with lower limb muscle weakness. Credit: Meiping Zhang,Department of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

A team of researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology has introduced an innovative human-following surveillance robot designed to assist individuals with lower limb muscle weakness, a condition prevalent among the elderly and those suffering from neurological and motor system diseases. This cutting-edge technology promises to enhance daily mobility and accelerate recovery, offering a significant boost to rehabilitation efforts.

The paper is published in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.

The development of the surveillance robot, detailed in a recent study published by Meiping Zhang and colleagues, addresses critical gaps in current rehabilitation technology by focusing on continuous and accurate intention recognition and effective robot following during the rehabilitation process. With an increasing global elderly population, the need for such advanced solutions has become more pressing, with an estimated 400 million elderly worldwide affected by muscle loss.

With an aging global population, the prevalence of lower limb muscle weakness is on the rise, affecting an estimated 400 million elderly people worldwide. This condition, often resulting from neurological and motor system diseases, significantly impairs mobility and independence.

Timely and effective rehabilitation interventions are crucial for recovery and reintegration into society. Assistive robots, which have been increasingly researched, offer a promising solution to reduce the burden on health care systems and enhance patient independence.

The robot utilizes a novel human walking intention estimation algorithm based on set-membership filtering with incomplete observation, which allows it to maintain effective support even when motion signals are interrupted, such as through data transmission blockages or body occlusion. This is crucial for ensuring that the robot can continuously adapt to the user's pace and intended path, providing support exactly when and where it is needed.

In addition to its advanced intention recognition capabilities, the robot employs a human-following control algorithm that ensures it remains within a prescribed distance and orientation relative to the user. This not only facilitates uninterrupted support but also prevents the robot from obstructing the user's path, thereby enhancing the user's comfort and safety during use.

The research team's experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of these technologies. The robot successfully navigated complex walking paths while maintaining a close yet safe distance to the user, adjusting its movement in real-time based on the user's walking intentions and environmental conditions.

"Our robot not only provides physical support but also integrates advanced algorithms to ensure it can adapt to various user needs and environments," said Jian Huang, the senior author of the study. "It represents a significant step forward in assistive technology for rehabilitation, offering potential applications in other areas such as logistics, domestic assistance, and even recreational activities."

The technology developed by Zhang and her team is particularly suited for patients in the early stages of muscle strength decline, who can walk independently but need monitoring to prevent falls. The robot's design includes easy-to-move parts, a humanrobot interaction interface, and a handrail for balance support, all crucial for enhancing the user's mobility and quality of life.

The researchers are optimistic about the future enhancements of this technology, including the integration of more advanced sensors and algorithms to further improve the robot's responsiveness and applicability in diverse environments. The ultimate goal is to create robots that not only support mobility but also actively contribute to the rehabilitation process by enhancing muscle function and coordination.

More information: Meiping Zhang et al, Prescribed Performance Control of a Human-Following Surveillance Robot with Incomplete Observation, Cyborg and Bionic Systems (2023). DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0085 Journal information: Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Provided by Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co.
A Bryan man arrested last week in Bryan on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon has been indicted by the state of Arizona on a 2019 charge of attempted murder, according to an indictment from Navajo County, Arizona Superior Court published by WTAW.

Glen Anthony Estrada, 45, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Brazos County Jail records.

According to the indictment, he is also facing an attempted second-degree murder charge and two counts of aggravated assault-domestic violence in Arizona.

At 1:33 a.m. Friday, police said they responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2700 block of Sprucewood Street. After arriving on the scene, police said they spoke to multiple witnesses who said that Estrada had threatened a victim with a knife.

According to the probable cause report, Estrada had gotten into a verbal argument with one of the witnesses. In response, police said the victim grabbed a shotgun in order to protect the other witness if necessary.

According to the account given to police by the victim, Estrada made threatening gestures at him while displaying a pocket knife. Both the victim and the other witnesses told police that the victim had not pointed the shotgun at Estrada at any point.

Estrada told officers that he did not have a pocket knife on him at the time and said that the victim had pointed the shotgun at him following the argument, according to police.

Officers said a pocket knife matching the victims description was found later inside the apartment.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Attempted second-degree murder is a class 1 felony in Arizona punishable by up to 10 to 25 years in prison. Aggravated assault-domestic violence in Arizona is a class 3 felony punishable by up to several years in prison.

Estrada is being held under a $60,000 bond in Brazos County, according to jail records.
Bilal has dropped another teaser for his forthcoming album, "Live at Glasshaus": the classic hit, "All for Love," recorded with an ensemble cast featuring Questlove on drums, Robert Glasper on piano, and Burniss Travis on bass.

Bilal's first live release, "Live at Glasshaus" was recorded in one night in December 2023 at Brooklyn's Glasshaus, before an intimate studio audience of 100 fans. Also collaborating with him is the rapper, Common, whom Bilal affectionately calls his "big brother." The set features classics from Bilal's 23-year career, including tracks from his highly acclaimed shelved LP, "Love for Sale." Its release undercut by label disputes and a premature leak, the album has attained legendary status among fans. Its success encouraged Bilal to continue writing music. In an interview with journalist Arielle Gray, he said "Because the music was so good, it kind of created a life of its own. It broke away into a space where I was able to be free to do what I wanted to do."

" was a standout track from "Love for Sale." Bilal starts subdued in this live rendition, but eventually rises to the "raw emotion and intricate musicianship that have come to define his work." Glasper bridges the two segments with his soulful keyboard playing, incorporating a bit of Miles Davis' "Milestones." The release was preceded three weeks prior by "Something to Hold"-another "Love for Sale" track on the "Live at Glasshaus" setlist.

The 11-track album is set to come out on vinyl, June 14. Tickets are also available for a one-time only livestream of the recorded performance, scheduled for June 9.
Examining the Polish-Canadian community on the 35th anniversary of the Solidarity victory in the June 4, 1989 national elections By Apolonja (Pola) Kojder and Mark Wegierski

web posted June 3, 2024 On June 4, 1989, Poles voted overwhelmingly for the Solidarity "list", thus presaging the fall of the Communist regime over the next few years. We would like to commemorate this triumph of Polish democracy by commenting on the Polish-Canadian community today. Although, according to the 2016 Canada Census, there are over a million persons of Polish descent in Canada, that group has a comparatively minor impact on Canadian society, politics, and culture. Canadian Polonia (the Polish-Canadian community) seems to have a perennial misapprehension of what constitutes "objective" cultural influence and power today. They have very few active writers. The community is organizationally weak and faces a chronic lack of funding, whether from private individuals or government cultural and multicultural supports. Some types of writing have almost immediate social and political effects. There are currently no opinion-columnists on staff in the major Toronto newspapers, who could be identified as belonging to the Polish-Canadian community, nor do any such opinion-columnists in any major newspaper in the country come to mind. There are also very few authors of books by recognized publishers. What can one say when even the post of the President of the Canadian Polish Congress is a volunteer position. There are, currently, only a few M.P.s who could be identified as emphatically belonging to the Polish-Canadian community, in the Canadian Federal Parliament. One of them is Calgary-area Conservative M.P. Tom Kmiec. Also, in the Ontario Parliament, two dynamic women were elected as Progressive Conservative M.P.P.s in 2018  Kinga Surma (Etobicoke-Centre) and Natalia Kusendova (Mississauga-Centre). They were both re-elected in 2022. In 2011-2015, there were two Polish-Canadian M.P.s from the Conservative Party, Wladyslaw Lizon (Mississauga East -- Cooksville) and Ted Opitz (Etobicoke-Centre). During the 1970s, Stanley Haidasz represented the Parkdale-High Park riding (then the Toronto-area riding with the highest proportion of persons of Polish descent) as a Liberal, being named as Minister of State for Multiculturalism (and later, Senator). His successor in the riding was the Liberal, Jesse Flis. Because of the prominence of Haidasz and Flis, Polish-Canadians tended to support the federal Liberal Party in earlier decades. After a period of high glory in the late medieval and early modern periods, Poland had endured Partition (often harsh foreign occupation under Tsarist Russia, Prussia/Germany, and the Habsburg Empire) since 1795. Independence was regained only in 1918. The Partition period was punctuated by numerous desperate uprisings. The main waves of Polish immigration to Canada could be identified as pre-World War I; interwar; post-World War II; 1956-1979; Solidarity era; and post-1989. The Polish Second Republic fell before the savage onslaught of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (then Hitler's ally) in September 1939 (when World War II began). Betrayed by America and Britain at the Yalta Conference, Poland was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence (to be officially called the People's Republic of Poland) -- along with the wrenching displacement of her frontiers in a westward direction. The largest group of Polish immigrants to Canada in the post-World War II period were the Polish ex-soldiers who had served in the Polish armed forces under Western Allied command. Among their greatest military achievements were the contribution of the Polish pilots to the aerial Battle of Britain in 1940; the storming by the Polish Second Corps of Monte Cassino in Italy, the "impregnable" German positions blocking the road to Rome, in 1944; and the attempt to close the Falaise Gap in Normandy by the Polish First Armoured Division, also in 1944. The Polish ex-soldiers who came directly to Canada in the late 1940s were required to work for two years on remote farms. Conditions there were sometimes none too pleasant. In consequence of the death of Stalin in 1953, the coming to power of Wladyslaw Gomulka in October 1956 essentially "polonized" the regime. The disturbances of 1968-1970 brought Edward Gierek to power, whose economic policies initiated a short period of considerable prosperity. Nevertheless, the election of the Polish Pope in 1978 galvanized the opposition, culminating in the flowering of the independent trade-union movement, Solidarity. On December 13, 1981, Communist General Jaruzelski declared martial law and attempted to crush the Solidarity movement, which went underground. Finally, the impetus of Solidarity was one of the factors that helped to initiate the massive transformations that resulted in the collapse of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1989. The Polish Third Republic was proclaimed. The arrival of Polish-Canadians increased the intra-European diversity of Canada. It could be argued that the initial definition of "multiculturalism" in Canada was mostly meant to refer to other European groups, apart from the English and French, especially Eastern and Southern Europeans. That definition has been mostly eclipsed since the 1980s, with the arrival of huge "visible minority" immigration. Apolonja (Pola) Kojder is the main author of Marynia, Don't Cry: Memoirs of Two Polish-Canadian Families (University of Toronto Press, 1995). She lives in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based writer and historical researcher, published in Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, and The Hill Times (Ottawa), among others. They were both born in Canada of Polish immigrant parents. Home
Online manipulation by big tech ramping up for the 2024 election By Rachel Alexander

web posted June 3, 2024 Have you noticed the top of your feed on Facebook is now full of left-wing posts, even though you hardly have any left-wing Facebook friends? The last couple years, where we saw nothing but relationship memes and people mourning the death of a pet, are over. Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg, infamous for pouring $419 million of ZuckBucks into the 2020 election in heavily Democratic areas, is now focusing the platform on getting out the Democratic message before the 2024 election. Similarly, it has become almost impossible to find conservative information through a Google search, as if Google has suppressed it completely from sight. It is very Orwellian, scrubbing conservative viewpoints from the internet. Since almost everyone gets their information through companies on the internet now, there is no traditional free speech anymore  hardly anyone attends public town halls or listens to speakers in parks. As I wrote previously, these ostensibly private corporations are not really even private due to their interspersing with government; they are squelching the free speech of conservatives. After the jury verdict against Donald Trump was handed down in the porn star Stormy Daniels' case, the internet blew up with searches for how to donate to Trump. However, Google buried the results down after MSM articles by Reuters, CNBC, The Hill, The New York Times, CBS News, Axios and more. The Trump campaign had to buy an ad in order to show up above those search results. A current search of Google News for Donald Trump shows nothing but MSM results going down the entire page of about 40 results, with the exception of a lone Fox Business article. And some would argue Fox barely leans conservative these days. DuckDuckGo, which conservatives used for years as an alternative to Google, is just as bad . Brave is almost as bad , with a couple more Fox News articles and one New York Post result. Psychologist and Democrat Robert Epstein examined how much bias Google puts into its search results and how much that impacts elections. He issued a report on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect in 2015 and testified to Congress in 2019. He said the biased results steered at least 2.6 million votes to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Epstein believes that Google has likely been determining the outcomes of upwards of 25% of national elections worldwide since at least 2015. Thankfully, word is starting to get out about Luxxle, an unbiased search engine. It provides not only regular search and news search results , but a feature called Lenses allows people to choose whether to receive only right-leaning results or only left-leaning results. LinkedIn was co-founded by Reid Hoffman, who funded the E. Jean Carroll case against Trump. Microsoft bought the platform in 2016 and has continued the left-wing slant, suspending users who post about election fraud (I've been suspended three times myself). YouTube, which is owned by Google's parent company Alphabet, has become almost intolerable with its recommendations of left-leaning videos after you've finished watching anything political. It severely censored videos about election fraud and COVID-19, only recently backing off on election fraud. I have two strikes on my videos; if I get a third one I am permanently banned. A YouTube search on Donald Trump brings up almost all MSM results, with the exception of a few Fox News articles and Trump's own sites. Fortunately, Rumble is fast becoming a viable alternative for conservative videos. Steve Bannon, one of the most popular political podcasters in the country, was banned from YouTube in 2021 but is thriving just fine without it on Rumble. Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, renaming it to X, the bias there against conservatives has almost been completely eliminated. There are a few conservative accounts that remain banned or shadowbanned, but those folks are discovering they can quietly create new accounts to get around it. Musk released the Twitter Files to expose how the government was coercing Twitter to suppress conservative speech under the guise of "misinformation." In 2022, then-Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs' office pressured social media companies to censor posts by her Republican opponents, claiming it was misinformation. Her targets included the Arizona Republican Party and former conservative legislator Kelly Townsend. Newsbusters observed that the left refers to its censorship using the deceptively innocuous phrase "content moderation." Newsbusters reported that heavily funded Soros progressive groups are currently trying to suppress conservative speech about the verdict in the porn star case. Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the coalition the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said in a statement about the verdict, "In this overheated environment, it's vital for social media companies to enforce their content moderation policies and prevent lies from spreading unchallenged." Some of the censorship is done indirectly. NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index "generate blacklists of ostensibly risky or unreliable American news outlets for the purpose of discrediting and demonetizing the disfavored press," according to a lawsuit filed by The Daily Wire, The Federalist and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the government last December. The complaint said the government "funded, promoted and/or marketed" the two. Almost daily, a paid troll on X trots out Newsguard's rating of the publication I write for in order to harass me. "The days of conservatives sitting back and doing nothing while a corrupt censorship-industrial complex actively bulldozes the First Amendment are over," Federalist Editor-in-Chief Mollie Hemingway said in a written statement. The MSM's discussion of search engine bias focuses on things like whether AI is racist. The left-leaning Wikipedia, which claims to be a modern day version of encyclopedias with a wide reach, doesn't even mention bias against conservatives in its section on politics within an article on Internet Manipulation. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 grants broad immunity to big tech since they ostensibly serve as neutral parties rather than content creators. But we all know this isn't true . A solution isn't going to be easy, so we need to continue hammering at the problem from all angles. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home
Bright outlook for Vietnam industrial real estate sector amid FDI rise

By Ngan Ha, Minh Hue Mon, June 3, 2024 | 8:21 am GMT+7

Industrial park developers in Vietnam are expecting higher profit growth this year after disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first five months reached an estimated $8.25 billion, up 7.8% year-on-year - the highest figure in five years.

According to their Q1/2024 financial statements, many industrial real estate developers recorded positive business results.

Top developer Becamex IDC, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) as BCM, reported Q1 revenue of VND812 billion ($31.9 million), up 2.6% compared to the same period last year.

Its after-tax profit hit VND118 billion ($4.64 million), up 29%, mainly thanks to the revenue contribution of Bau Bang Industrial Park in Binh Duong province with a higher gross profit margin.

An industrial park of Becamex IDC in Binh Duong province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company.

Viglacera (HoSE: VGC) posted a revenue decrease of 4% to VND2,664 billion ($104.7 million), but its after-tax profit surged by 57% to VND237 billion ($9.3 million). Rising rental prices in the industrial park segment was the driving force.

Idico (HoSE: IDC) reaped VND2,467 billion ($96.94 million) in revenue, double the figure in the same period last year, and VND695 billion ($27.3 million) in net profit, 4.7 times higher. Its revenue hike was derived from the handover of industrial park land under previously signed contracts and 1.45 hectares rented to Japans Aeon Co., Ltd.

Many other businesses reported positive business growth compared to their low figures in the same period last year, such as Saigon VRG Investment Corporation (SIP), Sonadezi (SZN), Sonadezi Chau Duc (SZC), and Tan Tao Investment and Industry Corporation (ITA).

Meanwhile, Kinhbac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) posted disappointing results. Revenue plunged by 93% in Q1 to VND152 billion ($5.97 million) with a net loss of VND86 billion ($3.38 million), compared to a profit of VND941 billion in the same quarter last year.

The company explained that during the period, revenue from its industrial park business fell and there was no income from investment transfers as there was last year.

Following these largely positive results in Q1, industrial real estate businesses have all raised their profit targets from 2023. For example, Viglacera plans a profit increase of 28% to VND1,216 billion ($47.78 million) this year, Idico is aiming for a 40% rise in profit to VND2,502 billion ($98.31 million), while SIP, SNZ and SZC have all set 20% growth targets.

Bright prospects for northern industrial park market

According to the General Statistics Office, total FDI registered in Vietnam (including new registrations, additions, and capital contributions/share purchases) in the year to May 20 had reached $11.07 billion, up 2% year-on-year.

The five-month disbursed FDI is estimated at $8.25 billion, up 7.8% year-on-year - the highest figure in five years.

Broker VPBank Securities (VPBankS) said that in recent years, Vietnam has continued to improve its value chain and is about to benefit from the "China + 1" strategy thanks to the U.S.-China trade war, investors diversification, and the shifting of production value chains from China towards countries in Southeast Asia.

It cited property services firm CBRE's data which shows in 2023, investors from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong accounted for 47% of those in demand for industrial park land, up 32% compared to 2022. This signals a strong shift from China in the near future.

More and more technology/electronic manufacturing corporations have specific plans to shift their production value chains from China to Vietnam, such as Apple, Dell and Google, VPBankS said, adding the northern industrial park market will be a potential destination amid this trend.

The northern and southern industrial park markets are showing opposing trends in supply. There is still a scarcity of new supply in the southern market with no new projects set to come online soon, whilst the overall occupancy rate is 89%.

In contrast, the northern market posted abundant new supply in the first quarter. In Q2, three projects namely Tien Thanh and Nam Dinh Vu - phase 2.2 in Hai Phong city and the Hung Yen Industrial Park No. 3 in Hung Yen province will provide an additional 597 hectares of rental area.

Except for Hanoi, which has run out of rental space, rental prices in the northern market are estimated to increase by 7% over the same period last year. Hai Duong, with a low base, has ample room for price hikes, with an impressive increase of 14% in Q1.

VPBankS estimated that the northern industrial park market will record new supply of 3,039 hectares and 2,268 hectares in level-1 and -2 areas, respectively.

Emerging level-2 areas such as Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc and Bac Giang are attracting FDI capital. They are capable of providing high-quality supply with competitive rental prices, approaching those in level-1 areas.

Investors should pay heed to businesses that own large existing or future land funds in the northern region and have experience in developing industrial parks, meeting the needs of electronics producers such as KBC and IDC, the broker advised.
MORRISVILLE, N.C.  Opportunities to advance sustainable cotton farming in the United States are growing thanks to a nationwide partnership led by the Soil Health Institutes United States Regenerative Cotton Fund.

The funds holistic approach to advance economic insights, soil health measurement and education has made significant progress in the U.S. Cotton Belt since its establishment, engaging more than 1,000 cotton farmers and their advisors. Its efforts support adoption of management systems to improve soil health, the foundation for regenerative agriculture.

"The soil health benchmarks SHI is providing are a great way to help farmers set realistic soil health goals and measure their success, said fifth-generation cotton farmer Zeb Winslow, who hosted a recent USRCF field demonstration at his farm in North Carolina. Reaching farmers where theyre at is important if we're going to continue the soil health movement.

Launched in 2021, USRCF is a farmer-facing, science-based initiative to support long-term, sustainable U.S. cotton production, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere by 2026.

Active in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas, the funds work is made possible by boots-on-the ground partnerships with U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Cotton Incorporated, agricultural extension, local technical specialists, advisors, and cotton farmers.

Clemson, USDA scientists work to boost cotton production Innovative research at Clemson University and USDA aims to enhance U.S. cotton production through DNA markers, customized cropping systems, and broadened genetic base.

Notable successes include:

Economic insights: By assessing 19 farms representing 108,000 acres in Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, researchers found farms implementing soil health management systems reduced production costs by an average of $53 per acre, increasing net farm income by an average of $150 per acre in their cotton rotations.

Soil health measurements: Benchmarks established on more than 2 million acres in Texas and Arkansas provide personalized soil health reports to farmers, describing the health of their soils, opportunities for improvement, and implications for carbon and water storage. These benchmarks can empower farmers and advisors to set science- and place-based soil health goals for their farms.

Experiential learning for a resilient future: Eleven interns from historically Black colleges and universities received first-hand experience translating science into action.

Farmer education: USRCF organized over 25 field demonstrations and workshops led by SHI educators, farmer mentors, and technical specialists, tapping into trusted networks of local peers to help more than 1,300 farmers and advisors across seven states to improve soil health.

FRST to digitize crop nutrient management The FRST project offers unbiased, data-driven nutrient management tool for farmers across the US, supported by over 100 soil science professionals.

The USRCF was initiated through a founding grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. Walmart Foundation, The VF Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co., Hearst Foundations, and Cotton Incorporated are also supporters of the fund.

For more information about the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, please visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/us-regenerative-cotton-fund.
Who spawned the current generation of narcissists?

By Mark Alexander

web posted June 3, 2024

In 1764, as revered historian Edward Gibbon "sat musing amidst the ruins" of Rome, he was inspired to write about the failure of republics. It is no small irony that the original text of his seminal work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published in 1776, as our Patriot ancestors were declaring the innate rights of all people to Liberty. Gibbon detailed how opulence and entitlement led to the incremental degradation of civic virtue.

Alexander Fraser Tytler, an 18th-century lawyer and professor of history at the prestigious University of Edinburgh, summarized the link between opulence and loss of virtue as follows: "[Patriotism], like all other affections and passions, operates with the greatest force where it meets with the greatest difficulties  but in a state of ease and safety, as if wanting its appropriate nourishment, it languishes and decays.  It is a law of nature to which no experience has ever furnished an exception, that the rising grandeur and opulence of a nation must be balanced by the decline of its heroic virtues."

This contiguous rise and decline has been characterized as "The Cycle of Democracy" (attributed to Tytler as its source).

The cycle follows this sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith;

From spiritual faith to great courage;

From courage to Liberty (Rule of Law);

From Liberty to abundance;

From abundance to selfishness;

From selfishness to complacency;

From complacency to apathy;

From apathy to dependence;

From dependence back into bondage (rule of men).

Tytler's assertion about the relationship between opulence and decline of virtues reflected his astute understanding of human nature.

Put another way by contemporary post-apocalyptic novelist Michael Hopf in Those Who Remain: "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times."

I put a lot of credence in this notion of a Cycle of Democracy.

Fortunately, our Founders established a republican form of government in order to enfeeble this democracy cycle. However, those republican protections are being broadly undermined by the systemic suppression of free speech by the Left's mass media propaganda machine.

The politicians who control most of these propagandists promote "democracy"  dependence on the state by expanding statist power through the redistribution of wealth and rewarding votes from their subjugated constituencies with benefits from the public treasury. Thus, because of a misinformed public, our Republic is at higher risk of following the same degenerative cycle as democracies unless there is intervention by leaders committed to republican principles  a higher calling than their own self-interests.

As you know, our national political parties, Republican and Democrat, take their respective names from these two distinct and antithetical forms of government. Their names alone project whether they promote the Liberty of republicanism or the tyranny of democracy.

To be clear, that is exactly what Biden is referencing when he asks, "Is democracy still America's sacred cause?" It's what he means when he incessantly demands that you "support democracy." "Sacred cause" because the state is the Demos deity.

So the question as we consider the politics and culture of our nation today is, are we now irrevocably locked into the Cycle of Democracy? Will Liberty (Rule of Law) be incrementally degraded until it is completely overwhelmed by tyranny (rule of men)?

First, let's consider where in the Cycle of Democracy we are.

I believe we are, to varying degrees, between "Complacency/Apathy" and "Dependence/Bondage."

Regarding "Dependence/Bondage," philosopher Ayn Rand, author of Atlas Shrugged, wrote, "The difference between a welfare state and a totalitarian state is a matter of time." Consequently, we must tirelessly and vigorously fight against those who propagate servitude to and dependence upon the state.

So, the more complicated question is, how did we get here?

It is a question that must be resolved to avoid sliding further into Dependence and Bondage.

I previously wrote about the rise of "Gen N: The Narcissist Generation," a growing malignancy of snowflake narcissists who are a subset of the Gen Y and Gen Z age groups, the offspring of Boomer and Gen X parents.

For context, "Baby Boomers" were born between 1946 and 1964 during the post-war baby boom. They were followed by "Generation Xers," those born between 1965 and 1980.

(For the record, I am classified as a "late Boomer," but I reject that generational assignment as I am, first and foremost, a card-carrying member of Gen L  the Liberty Generation, which includes American Patriots of all generations.)

The offspring of Boomers and Gen Xers are "Generation Y" (a.k.a. "Millennials"), those born from 1981 to 1996, and "Generation Z," those born from 1997 to 2012.

The Gen N narcissist subgroup is drawn from the youngest of the Gen Y Millennials (28 and 35), and the oldest of the Gen Z cohort (18 and 27), in other words, between the ages of 18-35.

The most contemptible of this Gen Y/Z subgroup emerged in force during the "summer of rage" ignited by Joe Biden and his Demos just before the 2020 election. The most disruptive among them were the mostly white "Black Lives Matter" apologists and the antifa fascists.

Since then, other Gen Narcissist collectives have emerged, drawing attention to themselves by continuing to disrupt the lives of Americans across the nation. This would include continued protests to defund police and protests against so-called "climate change."

The latest iteration of their attention-getting folly is the anti-Semitic campus protests to support Hamas terrorists, but to be clear, only a few of these campus Gen N narcissists are really devoted to the "Palestinian Cause." For most, Gaza is just their cause of the day, the latest "shiny thing" that these developmentally arrested adolescents have latched onto in order to draw attention to themselves. In pursuit of that attention, they have perfected their penchant to be "Useful Idiots," Western apologists for Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideology.

Because these narcissistic miscreants get a lot of media attention, the tendency is to assume their whole generation is cast in this mold and the future is bleak, but again, these noxious Gen Narcissists are only a fractional subgroup of Gen Y and Z, perhaps better described as a degeneration than a generation.

This Gen N subgroup is the spawn of woke Boomers and Gen Xers, primarily suburban "white privilege" Democrats, the most influential of those being inheritance welfare leftists  the effluent of generational wealth and privilege. While there are plenty of these elitist Boomers and Gen Xers in urban centers, most choose to live in the safety and comfort of suburbia, far from the poor masses they have propagated, and with whom they pretend to be allied.

Many of these suburban parents were easy to spot in 2020, as they virtue-signaled their privilege with Biden/Harris yard signs and bumper stickers, just as they did in 2016 with Hillary Clinton political paraphernalia to ensure everyone knew they were not among the "deplorables" who supported Donald Trump.

Of course, the Gen N miscreants are not just the prodigy of leftists. Some of these perpetual adolescents were born into homes of affluent Republicans who have spent more time exercising their affluence than they have raising good stewards of Liberty for future generations.

And the abdication of that parental responsibility is a threat to the Republic.

Notably, the Cycle of Democracy's "Faith/Courage/Liberty/Abundance" enjoyed by those Boomers/Gen X parents was provided by the "The Greatest Generation" of Americans  those who lived through the Great Depression, many of whom served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and who built businesses small and large resulting in unprecedented economic expansion that surpassed all other nations. It was they who provided the ease and affluence that would regrettably enable many in the generations that followed, those who inherited rather than earned Liberty, to enjoy the fruits of freedom provided by previous generations and slide into the Selfishness/Complacency/Apathy range of the cycle.

Thus, the answer to the question of how we got to this point in the Cycle of Democracy is that Complacency/Apathy results from Abundance/Selfishness. As was the case with the Fall of the Roman Empire, unmitigated opulence and entitlement leads to the degradation of virtue.

However, the loud protests of the current generational subgroup of narcissistic snowflakes now infesting some urban centers does not mean we are doomed to the cyclical progression from dependence to bondage  at least not if enough voices rise to subdue the "progressives."

I do not subscribe to the apocalyptic view that we are irrevocably destined to bondage before faith and Liberty can emerge again, nor do I ignore the perils of that possibility. The great hope for our future rests in the fact that most citizens across our nation, however badly misinformed some may be, are good people.

We are still a Republic, not a democracy, but the dangerous erosion of republican principles is a serious threat. The only way to stop the slide is to boldly speak the truth.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
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Saudi Aramcos $12 billion share sale sold out shortly after the deal opened on June 2, a report said, citing a Bloomberg report.

The government had demand for all shares on offer in a few hours after books opened. Books were covered across the price range of SR26.70 to SR29, the Saudi Gazette reported.

On May 30, the Government of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Aramco announced the launch of a secondary public offering of ordinary shares of Saudi Aramco.

The offering includes 1.545 billion shares of the company, representing approximately 0.64% of the company's issued shares.

The offering is open to institutional investors in Saudi Arabia, qualified institutional investors outside Saudi Arabia, and eligible retail investors in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

Outside the kingdom, the offering will comply with Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Of the total offer shares, 154.5 million shares, representing 10%, will be allocated to retail investors, provided there is sufficient demand.
Arthur D. Little (ADL) announced that Pallab Roy has been appointed as a Partner in the Middle East and India, where his main focus will be the Growth practice. He will be operating out of ADLs Dubai and New Delhi offices.

With over 20 years of experience in the consulting industry, Roy has particular expertise in delivering value across improvement themes of strategy, end-to-end transformation, revenue enhancement, operations improvement, supply chain transformation, cost optimisation, digital transformation and analytics.

He has worked across India, Europe, Asia and the Middle East with a focus on consumer, retail and agri sectors, as well as delivered engagements in oil & gas, manufacturing and logistics.

Consumer sector business

Prior to joining ADL, Roy was a Partner at KPMG India in the Business Consulting practice, where he co-led its consumer sector business. Before that, he was a Director in the Strategy & Operations practice at Deloitte, spent ten years as a Director establishing and building Capgemini Consultings business in India, and started his career as a Manager at Frost & Sullivan.

Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner, Middle East and India, ADL, comments: We are very pleased to welcome Pallab to ADL and the team in the Middle East and India. His impressive and wide-ranging experience in the consumer sector means he is able to offer specially tailored solutions that draw on the latest thinking.

The economies of the Middle East and India continue to develop at a rapid pace, and companies are looking to embrace innovation to stay ahead of competitors  as such, Pallab is sure to be a major asset to both our clients and to us.

New disruptive models

Roy adds: Its such an exciting time to be in consulting in the Middle East and India geographies right now - companies are willing to leapfrog traditional business practices, and embrace new disruptive models for improving their value. Coupled with the benefits of digital and computing capabilities, companies are seeking profitable growth and expansion. With its entrepreneurial, future-facing philosophy, I know that ADL is going to be a great place to work.

Roy has an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, and a Bachelors degree in Engineering from the University of Pune, India.--TradeArabia News Service
Baheej Tourism Development Company, a joint venture between Asfar, the Saudi tourism investment company owned by PIF, and the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, has announced the development of the waterfront area of the Royal Commission at Yanbu.

Their first project in Yanbu will cover an area of 32,000 sqm and features three iconic leisure assets including a Beach Escape, a Tourist Activation Center, and a Lifestyle Hotel.

Additionally, the project will feature a fourth component to be announced at a later stage. Each of these components will provide rich and comprehensive experiences, as well as sustainable tourism offerings.

Visitors will be soon invited to explore the ancient city of Yanbu, rooted in a rich history dating back to the 16th century, boasting a distinct identity defined by its architectural marvels and sand beaches.

Baheej envisions Yanbu as an iconic destination showcasing Saudi Arabia's rich culture, history, and natural wonders, offering one-of-a-kind inspiring experiences to visitors.

Nora Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, said: We believe that destinations are not just built but discovered, and Baheej's commitment lies in uncovering Saudi Arabias hidden gems. Our strategic collaborations are aimed at curating unparalleled experiences that showcase Saudi Arabia's rich culture, history, and natural wonders.

Yanbu City's contemporary infrastructure, captivating environment, and attractive coastal landscapes make it an exceptional gateway to the Red Sea Riviera. We anticipate the complete unveiling of our destination and its components by the end of 2027.

Al Tamimi envisions the project unfolding in three phases, prioritising community engagement, sustainability, and minimal environmental impact. Through meticulous analysis of risks and investment opportunities, Yanbu is set to become a sought-after tourist destination, both locally and internationally.

Baheej's integral role includes integrating local culture and environmental sustainability, elevating Yanbu's appeal and fostering regional development. This commitment underscores a transformative journey for Yanbu's hospitality landscape, blending community heritage and environmental stewardship seamlessly.

The launch of Baheejs project in Yanbu City aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's targets, aiming to foster a prosperous economy and vibrant society.

As a diversified developer and destination management company, Baheej aims to craft accessible tourism experiences meeting international standards while remaining contextual and sustainable.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to transform Saudi towns into thriving, sustainable destinations. Baheej's commitment to reshaping urban spaces extends to announcing additional projects in other cities by year-end, underscoring its strategic vision for reshaping and revitalising urban spaces across the region.  TradeArabia News Service
Egis, a global leader in infrastructure engineering consulting and operating, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) to supervise two new electric high-speed rail (HSR) lines in Egypt.

This project, undertaken in collaboration with Systra, a leading French engineering and consultancy group specialising in public transportation and infrastructure, as part of a consortium, will be part of the 2,000km network in Egypt, said a statement from Egis.

The consortiums scope, which covers the Blue and Red Line, with a total of 1,325km and 39 stations, includes design co-ordination, project management, design review and construction supervision services, including the interfaces between the different groups of work, to ensure that the project is completed on time, within cost, and with the highest standard of quality.

Once complete, this state-of-the-art rail network will efficiently carry both passengers and freight linking Cairo to Abo Simbel through Luxor and Aswan for the Blue Line and Safaga to Qena for the Red Line, it stated.

On the contract win, Mohammad Ben Messaoud, the Country Managing Director for Egis in Egypt, said:

"We are honoured to contribute to the realisation of Egypts 2030 vision Misr2030 through our involvement in this high-speed rail project for the NAT in addition to the various projects in Egypt we are supporting, across multiple disciplines."

The HSR line aligns with Egypt's 2030 Vision, MISR2030, emphasising the establishment of a transport system which is integral to sustainable development.

It also supports the nation's future economic and social requirements and reinforces the role of transport at both regional and international levels.

The NAT has expressed full confidence in the collaboration of Egis and Systra on the development of the High-Speed Rail line stating that the project was a transformative initiative for the country's vision and would profoundly enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

A global player active in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services, Egis boasts key operations in 100 countries.

Egis has a collaborated with NAT on various rail projects in Egypt, including notable work on Cairo Metro Lines 2, 3 and 6, as well as the Alexandria Tram.-TradeArabia News Service
Eagle Hills Diyar, one of Bahrains most prolific urban developers, has secured a BD130 million ($343 million) dual currency real estate financing facility, to further its ambitious goals for the development of its iconic waterfront project Marassi Al Bahrain.

Announcing this at a key ceremony held in Manama, Eagle Hills Diyar said UAE bank Mashreq had played a vital role in structuring this real estate deal, acting as the sole co-ordinator, book runner (IMLAB), investment manager, security agent, and account bank.

Mashreq Bank along with Kuwait Finance House  Bahrain mandated as lead arrangers, fully underwrote the entire facility.

Dr Maher Al Shaer represented Eagle Hills Diyar at the ceremony alongside Tarek El Nahas, the Group Head of International Banking Group at Mashreq Bank and Yousif Al Hammadi, the Acting CEO of Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain.

Earlier this year, Eagle Hills Diyar had held the official opening of the Marassi Galleria Mall, which was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

The Mall offers an unparalleled beachfront shopping experience and sets a new standard for the retail sector not only in the Kingdom, but across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al Shaer said: "Securing this financing with the support of Mashreq Bank and KFH-Bahrain is a major milestone for Eagle Hills Diyar. This strategic arrangement will provide us with the resources to accelerate the development of Marassi Al Bahrain."

"It will also allow us to confidently push forward with the creation of new residential offerings, leisure facilities, and experiences that will further elevate Marassi Al Bahrains position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination," he noted.

Alhammadi said: "At Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain, we are honoured to support Eagle Hills Diyar in the continued development of Marassi Al Bahrain. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to fostering significant, high-impact projects that drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Bahrain."

"The Marassi Al Bahrain project exemplifies innovation and excellence, and we are excited to be part of its journey towards becoming a leading example of luxury living in the region," he stated.

El Nahas said: "We are proud to have partnered with Eagle Hills Diyar on this financing arrangement which will further support the company in developing a thriving and vibrant community in Diyar al Muharraq. We are hopeful that this is only the beginning of a much broader relationship with the group in the country and internationally."

"The Marassi Al Bahrain development is a visionary project and we are confident that it will continue to be a major driver of economic growth and diversification in Bahrain," he stated.

A major developer, Eagle Hills Diyar has successfully delivered a number of residential projects in Marassi Al Bahrain with several additional projects currently under construction.

These projects have set a new standard for luxury seaside living, making Marassi Al Bahrain a highly sought-after destination for both Bahrainis and expatriates.
NMDC Energy, a subsidiary of National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), has announced a major agreement with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) for setting up its manufacturing facility on a 224,000 sq m area within its freezone.

A major player in the region, NMDC Energy operates advanced fabrication facilities in Abu Dhabi with a capacity to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of structural steel annually across an area of 1.3 million sq m.

Additionally, NMDC is expanding its capabilities with a new 450,000 sq m fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair port, Saudi Arabia, which will have a projected capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year by 2026.

The company owns a fleet of 22 offshore vessels equipped with modern facilities to support its shallow and deep-water operations. It can lift structures weighing up to 4,200 tonnes and is also equipped for laying subsea cables and pipelines, up to 66 inches in diameter in water depths from 10 to 2,000m.

NMDC Energy had inked a 50-year lease agreement at the Make It In The Emirates Forum 2024, that will see it invest AED367 million ($100 million) in the Kezad facility, designated for modular fabrication.

The project will offer several strategic benefits to the regional oil and gas sector including world-class engineering, procurement, project management, fabrication, installation and commissioning services to project owners and operators, said a statement from Kezad.

The facility will create an estimated 3,000 new jobs in the process, it added.

Kezad Group CEO Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed said: "NMDC Energy is a distinguished name in the marine engineering and fabrication industry, and we welcome its new facility to our industrial ecosystem. As the UAE's premier industrial and economic zones, we are continuously working to advance the country's energy, logistics, and marine engineering services."

"In keeping with the vision of our wise leadership, Kezad Group is always striving to bolster the UAE's marine sector by supporting the expansion of national assets like NMDC in the emirate of Abu Dhabi," he stated.

NMDC Energy CEO Ahmed Al Dhaheri said: "This partnership marks a significant milestone for NMDC Energy as we deepen our commitment to the UAE's industrial growth and sector innovation. The establishment of this new modular fabrication facility at Kezad represents not just a significant investment; it mirrors our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision of becoming a global industrial powerhouse."

"We are eager to introduce new capabilities to our company, incorporating advanced technologies and processes that are shaping the future of the oil and gas industry. These advancements will not only elevate our service offerings but also significantly contribute to the nation's economic diversification," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Douglas OHI, a leading regional construction and engineering group, said its consortium with Spanish group GS Inima has secured a major civil works contract at the Shuweihat 4 Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination Plant in Abu Dhabi.

A major regional player with operations in Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia, Douglas OHI spearheads numerous major initiatives across oil and gas facilities, industrial plants, infrastructure projects and in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Douglas OHI said this is its second collaboration with GS Inima after it had work jointly on the Barka Desalination plant in Muscat.

On completion, Shuweihat 4 SWRO plant will supply up to 70 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of drinking water, thus enhancing the security of water supply in Abu Dhabis Al Dhafra region, said Douglas OHI, the civil contractor for the project.

Aaron Hennessy, Group Managing Director, said: "Our previous collaboration with GS Inima at Barka Desalination in Muscat, Oman demonstrated our capability to deliver high-quality works. Im delighted that Douglas OHI has once again been selected as the civil contractor on this exciting project in Abu Dhabi."

"It reaffirms our strength in the built environment and continues our successful relationship with GS Inima," he stated.

Anil Kumar, General Manager, said: "Im personally looking forward to working alongside GS Inima again to deliver a project that is at the heart of our core business."

"At Douglas OHI, we are committed to delivering complex projects with utmost safety, quality and environmental performance, whilst maximising efficiency and cost control," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A Palestinian state will perpetuate the chaos By Dr. Dan Diker and Khaled Abu Toameh

web posted June 3, 2024 Discussions on recognizing or creating a Palestinian state in the aftermath of Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel convey to the Palestinians that terrorism is profitable and can lead to the realization of their goals. Hamas has taken credit for the recent decision by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to recognize a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines. Hamas officials see the decision by the three European countries as a result of the October 7 massacre, which they claim thrust the Palestinian issue back onto the forefront of international affairs. Ironically, the decision emboldens both the Palestinian Authority and, more consequentially, Hamas, who reject Israel's right to exist and seek to replace it with an Islamist state while undermining moderate Palestinians who search for a peaceful resolution with Israel. Moreover, the decision discourages the Palestinians from going back to the negotiating table with Israel to talk about fundamental issues such as borders and the status of Jerusalem. Not only is the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state in violation of the provisions of the agreements signed between Israel and the PLO more than 30 years ago, it will have no effect on realities on the ground. More Is Needed than Recognition of a State The recognition offers the Palestinians nothing more than a symbolic victory. Notwithstanding its significance for other Western states, symbolic wins alone will not suffice for the Palestinians. They need new leaders with the moral and political will to start a de-radicalization process and get the Palestinians ready for peace with Israel, as well as new leaders who would enact significant administrative and financial reforms. Regrettably, such leaders are currently unavailable. For years, both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have separately used their power to suppress the emergence of new leaders or a "third-way alternative." Under such circumstances, there is no room for moderate and pragmatic leaders. Those who are currently advocating for the creation of a Palestinian state, meanwhile, are neglecting several considerations. First, any prospective Palestinian state will most likely be controlled by Hamas. Public opinion polls conducted both prior to and following the October 7 massacre indicate that the majority of Palestinians prefer Hamas over the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. The polls also showed that a majority of Palestinians support the "armed struggle" against Israel, reflecting support for Hamas Jihad on October 7 and beyond. Second, the state would serve as a springboard for additional acts of terrorism against Israel. Until October 6, the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip was essentially a separate, sovereign state. After taking control of it in 2007, Hamas exploited the coastal enclave to produce rockets and mortars, build the world's largest network of terror tunnels, and smuggle weapons from Egypt. The Hamas terrorists who attacked Israel crossed an internationally recognized border with the Gaza Strip (Israel withdrew from the entire Gaza Strip in 2005). The Israeli communities that were attacked near the border with the Gaza Strip were not "illegal settlements;" some were established in the 1940s and 50s. Third, the assumption that a "demilitarized" Palestinian state would not pose security threats to Israel has proven to be untrue. As the October 7 attack demonstrated, Palestinians are capable of killing a large number of Israelis using relatively light weapons, such as rocket-propelled grenades, handguns, gliders, hatchets, AK-47 rifles, and incendiary bombs. Additionally, no Palestinian leader would be able to stop the smuggling of weapons or the formation of armed militias in a Palestinian state. When the Palestinian Authority ruled the Gaza Strip between 1994 and 2007, its security forces were unable to prevent the strip from being transformed into a base for multiple terrorist groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Nor was the Palestinian Authority able to stop these groups from smuggling weapons across the border with Egypt. The same applies these days to the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has failed to reign in several armed groups, among them Iran-backed cells, particularly in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarem. Fourth, a Palestinian state ruled by Iran's proxies would undoubtedly be a source of instability and insecurity in the Middle East, aside from the threat it would pose to Israel. Four Arab countries are already under Iranian regime occupation: Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The last thing that other Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, need is another Iranian-affiliated Palestinian state on their borders. The Egyptians and Jordanians prefer the Israel Defense Forces on their borders over Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Fifth, the experience of the past 30 years has demonstrated that a Palestinian state will not vary from the majority of Arab dictatorships in terms of human rights abuses, corruption, and a lack of democracy. Under the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, the Palestinians lack free speech, a functioning parliament, and a free media. The last presidential election was held in 2005 when Mahmoud Abbas was elected for a four-year term. The previous parliamentary election was held a year later. Since then, Palestinians have been deprived of the right to vote for a president and a new parliament because of the rivalry between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which erupted after the Islamist group won the 2006 parliamentary vote. The last thing the Palestinians need is another corrupt authoritarian kleptocratic state run by leaders who have long been depriving them of international aid and who have led them from one catastrophe to another. Dr. Dan Diker, President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, is the longtime Director of its Counter-Political Warfare Project. He is former Secretary-General of the World Jewish Congress and a Research Fellow of the International Institute for Counter Terrorism at Reichman University (formerly IDC, Herzliya). He has written six books exposing the "apartheid antisemitism" phenomenon in North America, and has authored studies on Iran's race for regional supremacy and Israel's need for defensible borders. Khaled Abu Toameh is an award-winning Israeli Arab journalist, lecturer, and documentary filmmaker specializing in Palestinian affairs. A Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and a Fellow of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, he has also worked as a senior producer for NBC in the Middle East and has reported on events in the West Bank and Gaza for several media outlets. Home
Diyar Al Muharraq, the largest real estate development company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of the fourth edition of its "Tumouh" training programme.

The 'Tumouh' programme is designed to equip Bahraini graduates with the professional skills and knowledge necessary to excel in architecture, engineering, and real estate development.

During the programme, participants will undergo curated training courses to enhance their skill sets and gain valuable experience that will enrich their future careers, said a statement from Diyar Al Muharraq.

They will also get the chance to work alongside a team of seasoned Diyar Al Muharraq professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the company's core values, corporate culture, and vision. Additionally, participants will gain exposure to the company's master plan, as well as current and future projects, it stated.

Commenting on the launch of this year's program, CEO Engineer Ahmed Ali Alammadi said: "We are delighted to welcome the new cohort of participants to the 'Tumouh' program. We are also excited to include quantity surveying as a new specialization, providing further opportunities for talented graduates to participate in the programme."

"We wish all participants the best of luck in the programme, as we look forward to nurturing the next generation of engineers who will shape the future of our industry," noted Ali Alammadi.

"Four recent graduates from prestigious local and international universities have been selected to take part in the program based on the application requirements and the program's admissions criteria," he stated.

"These individuals represent diverse specializations crucial to the real estate development sector, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, real estate development, and for the first time, quantity surveying," he added.

Diyar Al Muharraq stands as the largest integrated residential city in the Kingdom, characterized by its luxurious offerings and commitment to preserving Bahraini values. The city offers a vibrant mix of high-end residences and modern amenities to foster an exceptional lifestyle.-TradeArabia News Service
Pfizers Phase 3 CROWN trial evaluating Lorlatinib for the treatment of lung cancer has found that the majority of patients are living beyond five years without disease progression.

After five years of median follow-up, median progression-free survival (PFS) based on investigator assessment showed an 81% reduction in the rate of disease progression or death compared to Crizotinib.

Further, 60% of patients treated with Lorlatinib were alive without disease progression after five years compared to 8% on the Crizotinib treatment arm. The CROWN clinical trial involved 296 people with previously untreated ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. The treatment is currently available across several countries in Mena region, including GCC, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Morocco.

Previously untreated

Pfizer longer-term follow-up results came for previously untreated, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

These results from the CROWN trial are unprecedented, as the majority of patients on Lorlatinib are living beyond five years without disease progression, said Roger Dansey, MD, Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer.

These results are an excellent example of Pfizers long-standing commitment to discovering and developing scientific breakthroughs for patients, and support Lorlatinib as a standard of care for the first-line treatment of people with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC.

Lung cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the Mena region accounting for around 10% of all cancer deaths. Survival rates for lung cancer remain relatively poor in the Mena region, with a 5-year survival rate estimated at eight%, compared to the global range of nine to sixteen percent suggesting a high incidence of diagnoses at advanced stages.

Prevalence

The prevalence of lung cancer in the Mena region is affected by several factors, including smoking habits, exposure to environmental pollutants, and genetic predisposition.

Yasser El Dershaby, Vice President and Regional Medical Lead at Pfizer Middle East, Russia, and Africa MERA) said: "We are delighted to share the significant progress achieved in the CROWN trial for ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This breakthrough brings renewed hope to patients across the Middle East and Africa, where lung cancer remains a critical health challenge. Pfizer's unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in the region is exemplified by our dedication to bringing the latest and most effective treatments to patients. By increasing accessibility to cutting-edge therapies, we are not only enhancing the quality of care but also contributing to the overall improvement of patient experiences in the region."

Globally, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths. NSCLC accounts for approximately 80-85% of lung cancers, with ALK-positive tumours occurring in about 3-5% of NSCLC cases.

Approximately 25-40% of people with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC may develop brain metastases within two years from initial diagnosis. The treatment involved in the CROWN clinical trial was specifically designed and developed by Pfizer to inhibit tumor mutations that drive resistance to other ALK inhibitors and to penetrate the blood brain barrier.

Updated analysis

ALK-positive advanced NSCLC is typically aggressive and often impacts younger people in the prime of their lives, said Benjamin Solomon, MBBS, PhD, Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Principal Investigator of the CROWN trial. This updated analysis shows that Lorlatinib helped patients live longer without disease progression, with the majority of patients experiencing sustained benefit for over five years, including nearly all patients having protection from progression of disease in the brain. These improvements in outcomes for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC represent a remarkable advancement in lung cancer.

Although ALK-positive advanced NSCLC accounts for only approximately five% of all NSCLC cases, this translates to 72,000 people who are diagnosed worldwide each year, said Kenneth Culver, M.D., Director of Research and Clinical Affairs at the non-profit organisation ALK Positive.

These new results of the CROWN trial symbolise significant progress in the first-line setting for the targeted treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer, which has led to notable improvements for the patient community.

Risk factors

Besides smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants and occupational hazards can contribute to the prevalence of lung cancer in the Middle East and Africa. Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, especially in rural areas, has been identified as a risk factor. Moreover, occupational exposures to carcinogens, such as asbestos, silica, and heavy metals, are common in certain industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing, further increasing the risk of lung cancer.

ALK-positive NSCLC is caused by a mutation in the ALK gene. The mutation results when the ALK gene becomes fused with another gene, but it is unknown why this occurs. This specific type of cancer is typically found in younger age groups with half of ALK-positive advanced NSCLC cases diagnosed before 50 years old.--TradeArabia News Service
Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Petra Engineering Industries, a leading HVAC equipment maker, to accelerate digital transformation in Jordan.

The partnership is poised to promote sustainability, enhance energy efficiency and integrate AI solutions into HVAC control systems, demonstrating Schneider Electric's commitment to supporting Jordan's vision and boosting business for partners in the Jordanian market. This follows the relocation of Schneider Electrics Levant operational hub to Amman.

In the presence of Sebastien Riez, Cluster President of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa & Levant, the MoU was signed by Mohamed Samy, General Manager of the Levant Countries and Iraq at Schneider Electric, and Eng. Omar Abu Wishah, Vice Chairman of Petra Engineering Industries, at Petras Muaqqar factory, with the participation of Eng Mohammad Laham, Electrical Design and Control Manager at Petra Engineering Industries.

Following the signing, Schneider Electrics delegation toured the factory to learn more about the cutting-edge manufacturing technologies deployed at the factory.

Key milestone

This MoU marks a significant milestone for Schneider Electric, as the first-of-its-kind partnership in Jordan, paving the way for mutual cooperation with Petra Engineering Industries in various fields. Potential areas of cooperation include data centres, Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Panel MCC solutions, integrating AI solutions in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy management solutions.

Through this partnership, Schneider Electric and Petra Engineering Industries will explore opportunities to leverage Petras capabilities as an OEM manufacturer to advance sustainability and ensure energy efficiency in various sectors across Levant markets.

Riez said: "We look forward to achieving our joint objectives to increase energy efficiency and drive digital transformation. Jordan is a significant market that has exponential growth and expansion opportunities. This partnership embodies a number of our six long-term sustainability commitments, such as acting for a climate-positive world, ensuring efficiency of resources, and strengthening local partnerships. We look forward to further expansion and growth in the Jordanian market.

According to the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the buildings sector, specifically residential and public buildings, accounts for 48% of total electricity consumption in Jordan across all sectors, making it the highest in consumption.

Keeping pace

Wishah said: We recognise the importance of keeping pace with the global trends in energy management and automation. We believe that our partnership with Schneider Electric will enable us to leverage its extensive global expertise and advanced technologies to provide innovative solutions that best meet the needs of our customers, thus contributing to advancing economic development. We are committed to working together to achieve the goals of this partnership and strengthen our position in the Jordanian and global markets.

We are fully aware of our responsibility towards quality and the environment and our commitment to providing a stable product that has a reduced environmental impact through activities, design, production, and services for its products. This partnership will help us strengthen our commitment to global sustainability standards and provide environmentally friendly products that cater to the demands of our customers."

Samy said: We have been present in Jordan for 20 years and we take pride in the cooperation we have achieved with public and private sectors in various strategic projects. We are confident that our partnership with Petra Engineering Industries will reinforce and expand our footprint in the local market, supported by the relocation of our operational hub for the Levant region to Amman, accelerate digital transformation, maximise the use of technology and AI, upskill the technical calibers and drive more local partnerships in an endeavour to support Jordans objectives in sustainability and economic development.

Petra Engineering Industries, headquartered in Muaqqar, South Amman, is one of the largest Jordanian companies specialised in HVAC manufacturing, with its products exported to 50 markets worldwide.--TradeArabia News Service
Inchcape Shipping Services, a global leader in port agency and marine services with a major presence in the Middle East region, has announced the successful acquisition of Grieg Logistics AS, a renowned brand in Norway from the Grieg Group.

This move marks an exciting development, solidifying Inchcape's commitment to servicing customers with quality operations and people in every port, said a statement from Inchcape.

Under the new ownership, Grieg Logistics will continue to operate under the same name for a period and existing management headed by CEO Stig Trygve Andersen.

Inchcape, a portfolio company of private equity fund Epiris, represents clients in over 85% of the world's ports across 60 countries through its network of 247 owned offices.

The acquisition of Grieg Logistics builds on Inchcapes commitment to high-quality and reliable service offerings, further strengthening operational capabilities in shipping, raw materials, energy, and governmental services, it stated.

On the key move, Inchcape Shipping Services CEO Philippe Maezelle said: "Inchcape and Grieg Logistics have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, first formalised in 2019. The partnership facilitated the sharing of technologies and the expansion of port agency support in Norway."

"We are extremely excited to welcome the Grieg Logistics team into our organisation. We look forward to providing even greater service and coverage to our combined customer base," noted Maezelle.

"This commitment will continue under the new ownership, ensuring that our customers receive the same level of excellence they have come to expect from us," he stated.

"Together, Grieg Logistics and Inchcape will strive to build even better solutions for its customers, with a strong focus on digitalisation and customer-centric services," he added.

Grieg Logistics is a renowned brand in and outside Norway with a proud heritage. It operates terminals at Tnsberg, Mosjen and Skalevik.

It has offices in Tnsberg, Larvik, Bergen, Mongstad, Kristiansund and Mosjen, offering ship agency services all along the Norwegian coastline, mainly with its own staff. The acquisition will strengthen our presence in the Nordics.

"Inchcape Shipping Services and Grieg Logistics complement each other perfectly, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of our business areas within Inchcape," said Grieg Logistics CEO, Stig Trygve Andersen.

It has established itself as a trusted partner for many of the world's largest and most respected shipping companies across various sectors, including Tanker, Cruise, Dry Bulk, Liner, Government, Ship Manager, and Offshore industries, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
HQ by Hope, Bahrain's largest co-working space owned and operated by Hope Ventures, has partnered with leading telecommunications provider, Zain Bahrain to foster the growth of Bahrain's entrepreneurial community.

As a prominent player in Bahrain's digital transformation, Zain Bahrain has consistently demonstrated its commitment to empowering startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) through various initiatives. Zain has actively invested in nurturing the next generation of homegrown innovators, and this partnership with HQ by Hope represents the latest chapter in Zain's mission to build a thriving, interconnected ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

The co-working space, located in the heart of Manama's Seef district, serves as a dynamic hub that brings together founders, freelancers, and business leaders from diverse backgrounds. By offering flexible workspaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive business support services, HQ by Hope creates an environment primed for collaboration, networking and knowledge-sharing.

Key milestone

"We are thrilled to partner with Zain Bahrain, a company that shares our vision of empowering the local startup community," said Fajer Saleh Alpachachi, General Manager of Hope Ventures. "This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in Bahrain's co-working industry, as it showcases the strength of collaboration between corporates and entrepreneurial spaces and highlights how they can work in tandem to drive innovation and growth."

Zain Bahrain's Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer, Sh. Abdulla Khaled Al Khalifa said: "Zain Bahrain is proud to be a strategic partner with Hope Ventures. This collaboration underscores our commitment to nurturing Bahrain's entrepreneurial spirit and fostering innovation to create a dynamic ecosystem that empowers startups and SMEs to thrive and succeed in the digital landscape. We look forward to driving positive change and unlocking new opportunities for Bahrain through this partnership with Hope.--TradeArabia News Service
Dubai AI Retreat is set to host AI experts from the government and private sector on June 11 at the Museum of the Future, which will be the first event held under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI).

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, the event is organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and in collaboration with the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence.

The event brings together over 1,000 AI experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the various challenges and opportunities presented by AI locally and globally and contribute to laying the foundational strategies of AI adoption across all sectors.

Key sessions

It will host key sessions, panel discussions, specialised workshops, and high-profile roundtable discussions centered around 4 key themes, including Funding & Financial, Infrastructure, Data Enablement, and Talent Development.

The gathering aims to consolidate Dubais position as a global AI hub, building a better future for humanity. It facilitates direct and open communication between leadership and the public and private sectors, who will share goals, creative ideas, innovative projects, best practices, and success stories to inspire progress in the field.

Omar Sultan AlOlama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of DFF, underlined the importance of identifying AI opportunities early and accelerating the development of solutions that contribute to a better future for economies and societies. He also noted that the UAE was among the first countries to adopt national initiatives around AI adoption and development.

Flexible plan

He added: Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives and supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Dubai has developed a comprehensive, flexible plan to accelerate the adoption of AI applications, establishing Dubai as a global AI hub.

AlOlama concluded: The AI Retreat provides an integrated set of pillars to position Dubai as a global destination for AI innovations that drive development, support the digital economy, and enhance the nations readiness for the future.

He noted that the UAE has become a leader in facilitating international partnerships to unlock the potential of AI. In line with this convening role, the AI Retreat will bring stakeholders together to shape and develop future strategies that harness the potential of AI.

In April, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched DUB.AI, which focuses on unlocking the power of technology to enhance the quality of life. The plan has a strong focus on AI governance and its deployment in vital sectors to enhance both the society and economy.

The plan aims to provide an optimal ecosystem for AI companies and global talent by offering a business-friendly environment. DUB.AI aims to accelerate the adoption of AI applications, which will support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by contributing AED100 billion ($27.23 billion) annually to Dubai's economy by boosting the digital economy and increasing productivity by 50%.--TradeArabia News Service
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel has been honoured under the Best Hotel Interior Arabia category at the renowned International Property Awards for Interior Design.

This prestigious accolade recognises the hotels exceptional design, inspired by the natural splendour of the nearby Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. A unique wetland reserve that has inspired the design narrative throughout the property.

The International Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry.

Winning the Best Hotel Interior Arabia category highlights Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotels outstanding design among the finest hotels in the Middle East, a statement said.

Designed by the visionary team at WA International, the hotel blends luxury with its surroundings' rich, organic beauty.

Claire Craig, WA Internationals design director, elaborates on the design philosophy: Throughout the hotel, our references to the nearby mangroves with their leafy patterns and rich colours can be found in the interior architectural patterns and finishes.

Custom-designed screens, furniture pieces, and lighting reflect the organic nature of the stunning Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The owners vision for generously oversized suites, ranging from 60 sq m to 232 sqm, demonstrates a commitment to providing spacious luxury in Dubais competitive high-end market.

In the studio and one-bedroom apartments, headboards feature hand-embroidered scenes of the mangroves, carpets are designed with leafy patterns, and organic plaster reliefs embellish the ceilings in the living rooms.

The hotels all-day dining Timo restaurant is a prime example of this inspiration, featuring a high-end Italian concept that contrasts with the rest of the hotels design narrative.

The vision for the restaurant was not only to cater to the morning breakfast ritual but also to become a destination venue in the evening, Craig explains, showcasing Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotels commitment to offering diverse and memorable culinary experiences that complement its overall design philosophy.

Winning the Best Hotel Interior Arabia category at the International Property Awards is a testament to our dedication to exceptional design and luxurious guest experiences, said Stefan Schmid, Complex General Manager of Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, Arabian Park Dubai  Edge by Rotana, and Park Apartments Dubai  Edge by Rotana.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, our hotel offers a unique blend of organic elegance and modern luxury, creating an unparalleled destination for the guests. This award not only honours our commitment to excellence but also highlights the incredible work of our design partners at WA International.

Wafi Group, the owner of Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, said: "We are delighted to see Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel receive such a prestigious award," said Peter French, Non-Executive Director at Wafi Group.

"This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing unique, luxurious experiences that reflect the natural beauty and cultural richness of our surroundings. We commend the exceptional work of the WA International design team, whose vision and creativity have been instrumental in achieving this honour."  TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Ministry of Tourism and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) are studying Chinese tourists' interests and culture to create tourism experiences that will attract more Chinese visitors to Bahrain, the kingdom's Minister of Tourism has said.

Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi emphasised the importance of the deep-rooted historical Bahraini-Chinese ties and cooperation in various domains, including the economic and tourism sectors, said a Bahrain News Agency report.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has launched direct flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai, coinciding with the recent state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to China and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Al Sairafi said the Chinese market is a key target market in Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, highlighting the significant tourism opportunities it presents for the kingdom and the region.

She underscored the ongoing efforts to collaborate with the private sector in developing tourism packages tailored to Chinese tourists.

She added that BTEA recently signed a partnership with tourism offices in China to promote the Kingdom in the Chinese market.

Additionally, the BTEA organised a workshop for over 100 travel agencies, destination managers, and hotel establishments to learn about the Chinese market and the needs of Chinese tourists.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that 73 airline CEOs have subscribed to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, reinforcing the aviation sectors commitment to safety, which contributed to some best-ever results in 2023, including absence of fatalities among IATA member airlines or the airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit Registry.

Strong leadership and strong safety culture are interdependent, and both are needed to drive continuous improvements in safety performance, said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General.

By putting their names to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, 73 airline CEOs have set an example for their airlines and for the industry. In doing so, the Charter is a call to action that keeps in focus the critical obligation of airline CEOs to lead a safety culture that keeps their passengers and staff safe.

The IATA Safety Leadership Charter was developed in consultation with IATA members and the wider aviation community. Its aim is to support industry executives in evolving a positive safety culture within their organizations around eight leadership principles.

 Reinforcing safety through both words and actions.

 Fostering safety awareness among employees, the leadership team, and the board.

 Guiding the integration of safety into business strategies, processes, and performance measures.

 Creating the internal capacity to proactively manage safety and collectively achieve organizational safety goals.

 Creating an atmosphere of trust, where all employees feel responsible for safety and are encouraged and expected to report safety-related information.

 Establishing a working environment in which clear expectations of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours are communicated and understood.

 Creating an environment where all employees feel responsibility for safety.

 Regularly assessing and improving an organizational Safety Culture.

IATA aims to support the industry in continuously improving safety performance with a three-pillar strategy consisting of:

 Safety Leadership (including both safety leadership and culture)

 Safety Risk (identifying and mitigating risks through data collection and analysis from audits, accident reports, and other sources)

 Safety Connect (providing the links so that safety leaders report, discuss, and resolve safety issues)  TradeArabia News Service
Memories of the summer of 2004 in Poland By Mark Wegierski

web posted June 3, 2024 I still have distinct memories of my trip to Poland during the summer of 2004, twenty years ago. Poland had just joined the European Union, on May 1, 2004. I recall that I flew into Warsaw from Toronto on a direct flight from Polish Airlines LOT on the night of June 4, 2004. The flight left Toronto airport at about 10:30 P.M. Toronto time, and reached Warsaw by about 1:30 P.M. Warsaw time on June 5 (in the afternoon). My female relative was waiting with a compact but elegant Peugeot 206 to take me directly to Ciechocinek. Ciechocinek lies about 200 kilometers north-west of Warsaw, near Torun, the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, in the Kujawy-Pomorze (Kuyavia-Pomerania) region or voivodeship (wojewodztwo). It is a spa and resort town of about 14,000 permanent residents, known for its unique titration towers  large wooden structures with thick layers of bramble, through which water from the salt springs is filtered, producing a healthy microclimate which approximates that of sea-air. We drove from the airport through most of Warsaw, again a beautiful city, despite the depredations of World War II. Warsaw was almost entirely destroyed by the German occupiers, in the wake of the tragic Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Over 240,000 Poles perished in the Uprising, and the remaining population was deported to concentration camps. In contrast to the doomed-from-the-outset Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 -- when the Soviet front was hundreds of miles away, and all of Poland was being ground down under German occupation -- the Soviet armies had actually reached the east bank of the Vistula (the main city of Warsaw is on the west side) in August 1944. At Stalin's orders, the Soviet forces simply stood by, allowing the heavily-armed Germans to crush the Uprising over more than two nightmarish months. The Germans methodically reduced the city to rubble, beginning with the venerable, several-centuries-old Royal Castle. The city was painstakingly rebuilt after the war, brick by brick. In fact, the Royal Castle was rebuilt from old plans and fragments only in the 1970s. The rebuilding of the Royal Castle was one of the high points of pride of Poland under Communist Party chief Edward Gierek, when it seemed that greater prosperity was in the offing for the country. Nevertheless, the comparatively sunny Gierek period was followed by the arising of the Solidarity independent trade union movement, when all of Poland hungered for freedom, truth, as well as improved economic and working conditions. As I left Warsaw's Okecie airport, the first thing that caught my eye as we went along a wide boulevard, were the "sexy" European-style billboard advertisements, as well as the campaign posters for the Euro-Parliament elections, being held on June 13, 2004. Poland had joined the European Union in that year. We then followed a highway, whipping by occasional Baroque palaces and churches, 1920s and 1930s Neoclassical buildings, 1950s "socialist-realist" office-buildings, and a series of brand new major corporate towers. Then, driving through a massive new tunnel constructed with large turbo-fans to disperse the gas-fumes, we reached the Vistula Highway (Wislostrada), which is located alongside the Vistula River, with the rebuilt city of Warsaw to the west. The well-known landmarks of Warsaw  the Royal Castle, the Old Town (Starowka), the so-called New Town (dating from the eighteenth century), appeared in succession as we drove by. One also still sees very prominently in the skyline, the huge Palace of Culture and Arts, built in the early 1950s on the orders of Stalin, in the "socialist-realist" quasi-Neoclassical style. Poles understand very well that architecture is the most political of the arts, and that the building of the Palace of Culture in the early 1950s was meant to emphasize that Poland was a satrapy of the Soviet Union. Varsovians have grown somewhat more comfortable with the monumental building, now that the Soviet empire is no more. Quickly reaching the city outskirts, we saw a series of small factories and warehouse stores as we moved deeper into the verdant Polish countryside. My relative is an excellent driver, and we quickly passed through a series of small towns and villages with tongue-twister names. I recall passing along the huge bridges near Modlin, which was a major fort and point of desperate resistance in September 1939. Poland was attacked by virtually the entire German army and air force. The isolated and under-equipped Polish armed forces, actually held out against the German avalanche almost as long as the Great Power of France in 1940. Subsequent to defeat in the field, the Poles would organize one of the bravest and most active Resistance movements in Europe, in conditions of one of the most savage, inhuman occupations in history. Nazi Germany aimed at the annihilation of the Polish state, nation, and culture, planning to exterminate all the more educated and cultured people, destroy or plunder physical representations of Polish culture such as art, book, or archival collections, and reduce whatever population remained to abject, brutal, slave-labour. The massacres of the Polish population began from the very first days of the war. One example of the ferocity of the occupation-regime is that the Germans would typically execute fifty or even one hundred Poles at random for every German soldier or official killed. Few non-Polish people are aware today that at least three million Christian Poles perished as a result of the genocidal policies of the Third Reich. We eventually reached Plock, seeing its finely-preserved Old Town in the distance, crossing the Vistula River on a large bridge at one of the river's widest points. The ecological situation of the Vistula has markedly improved in the post-Communist period. As we drove further the four-lane highway narrowed to a two-lane highway with a wide paved shoulder  which requires a skillful driver to pass by slower-moving vehicles. Eventually, after a hard drive of about three hours, we reached Nieszawa, a picturesque small town on the Vistula, where my relative lives. Despite its small size (about 2,200 people), the town has a very long history, stretching back to the fifteenth century. My relative quickly fixed supper, which consisted of pork medallions, a salad with fine dressing, and excellent, new potatoes from Polish farmers' fields. She then drove me to Ciechocinek, which is about 10 kilometers away, leaving me at the spa called "Pod Tezniami" ("By the Titration Towers") -- which is one of the best spas in Ciechocinek, and, in fact, has won awards as one of the best spas in Poland. The spa aspires to "world-class standards." I thanked my relative profusely, and then quickly checked into the spa, settling into my comfortable room. I had previously visited Ciechocinek on earlier trips to Poland, so I was quite familiar with the town, and the rhythm of life in the spa, which is determined by the "curative procedures" ("zabiegi") one undergoes. I choose a program of individualized exercise, automated hydromassage, and dry massage  each single procedure costing (at that time) about 20 zlotys (about CAN$8). The stay at the spa (including excellent meals served buffet style) cost about 180 zlotys a day (about CAN$75). However, it should be noted that visitors to "international" hotels in Warsaw and other big cities are certainly charged much higher, "world" rates. (An earlier version of this article has appeared in Polonez: Canadian-Polish News (1-15 September 2007), p. 11.) Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based writer and historical researcher. He was born in Toronto of Polish immigrant parents. Home
The Former President and Chief Executive of Etihad Airways James Hogan was honoured at the Air Transport Worlds (ATW) 50th annual awards ceremony in Dubai, in recognition of his leadership of Etihad Airways between 2006 and 2017.

Aviation visionary James Hogan was inducted into the ATW Awards Hall of Fame in the presence of airline CEOs and aviation industry leaders on May 31.

During the Hogan-era Etihad was transformed from an airline with revenues of $300 million into a diversified travel and aviation group generating $20 billion annually.

In 2016, Etihad was ATWs Airline of the Year for demonstrating exceptional achievements and capabilities across operations, financial performance, customer service, safety and labour relations.

Today, Hogan is the Chairman of Abu Dhabi-based Knighthood Global, a specialist aviation, travel and tourism company which provides turnkey strategic planning and operational support capability solutions to governments, airlines, and travel and tourism organisations.

Hogan said he was delighted to be a Hall of Fame recipient and thanked ATWs Editor-In-Chief Karen Walker for her support over many years, and acknowledged the leadership of Abu Dhabi and the mandate it gave him to create a world-class airline as part of the 2030 plan.

ATW rightfully enjoys an international reputation as an authoritative source of news and knowledge in the aviation industry, Hogan said.

This is largely due to Karens integrity and commitment as an editor, chronicling the ups and downs of global aviation while celebrating its achievements. I am honoured to be part of this remarkable story, he said.  TradeArabia News Service
The air passenger traffic in the UAE and Gulf countries is likely to post a 4% growth annually from 2024 to 2030, according to Kamil Al Awadhi, the Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Al Awadhi was speaking at the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit being held in Dubai.

He attributed this uptrend to the region's long-term vision and infrastructure to accommodate growth, citing the new Al Maktoum Airport announcement for expansion, the opening of a new airport in Kuwait within a year, and upcoming project announcements from Saudi Arabia.
The mood was simultaneously somber and celebratory at Fort Caspar Museum on Saturday morning when the sound of a bugle pierced the quiet at the end of a headstone dedication ceremony.

Shortly before the bugle call, a military honor guard presented Elizabeth Jennings a folded flag in honor of her ancestor, Private Adam Culp, who was killed while stationed at the fort. Like those honored by the 19 other headstones on the museums grounds, his body was never recovered. Now, he has a place to rest.

In recent months, Fort Caspar Museum installed nine new headstones to honor members of the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, which was stationed at the fort after the end of the Civil War. Eleven other headstones  commemorating casualties of the 11th Ohio  have been in place since the 1970s, according to museum board member Johanna Wickman.

Wickman  a self-described nerd about the 11th Kansas  has spearheaded the project since it began in 2023.

She said driving past the 11 existing headstones, which only honored members of the 11th Ohio Cavalry Regiment  Caspar Collins company  bothered her, because she knew there were plenty of fallen soldiers who werent included.

Ive worked in military museums. Ive worked with a lot of veterans, and I know thats not how you do things from a military perspective, Wickman said. They should all be honored.

Turns out, there were more than she thought. Wickman said the final tally of the Headstone Project, as the museum has dubbed the initiative, will be 51 new headstones, bringing the total to 62. They will include the contributions of the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, 6th West Virginia Cavalry, 6th Michigan Cavalry, 6th U.S. Infantry, 18th U.S. Infantry, 7th Iowa Cavalry and an additional member of the 11th Ohio, who wasnt included in the original 11.

Wickman said the regiment formed in 1862, and the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry served primarily in Kansas and across the western theater of the war.

One of the feathers in the groups collective cap came during the Battle of Westport, also known as the Gettysburg of the West, Wickman said. In that battle  which included more than 32,000 troops and lasted from Oct. 21 to 23, 1864  a Confederate force sat fortified atop a hill. Wickman said the 11th Kansas performed a dismounted cavalry charge uphill, taking the site.

Outside a few major battles, Wickman also said most of the regiments combat experience was in guerrilla warfare against Southern bushwhackers who engaged in skirmishes more often than full battles.

Though she said she has found no evidence to directly support it, Wickman added that she suspects it had something to do with the regiments experience fighting guerrillas and skirmishing, which were how most battles against indigenous groups near Platte Bridge were fought.

Most of the regiment signed service agreements that were for three years or the duration of the war. By their contracts, they were originally meant to be mustered at the conclusion of the war, but the government reassigned the regiment to Fort Caspar in 1865. That fate was shared by most groups assigned to Fort Caspar after the Civil War.

Colton Sasser, a veteran and Purple Heart recipient who spoke at Saturdays headstone dedication ceremony, lamented how the government doesnt seem to change.

Fort Caspar Museums next goal in the Headstone Project will be honoring members of the 6th West Virginia Cavalry. Many members of that unit survived Georgias Andersonville Prison, where conditions were so brutal that multiple camp staff, including administrator Henry Wirz, were convicted of war crimes.

Though headstones are expensive and the budget is scarce, Wickman is determined to complete the project.

It has to get finished. We have to get all of them here, Wickman said at Saturdays ceremony. All of them deserve headstones.

To support the museums headstone project, donations can be made to the museum by cash or check in person or at https://www.fortcaspar.org/cemetery.
First Citizens has announced its continued sponsorship of the National Secondary Schools Entrepreneurship Competition (NSSEC).

It is an initiative aimed at fostering innovation, leadership, and business acumen among young students outside the traditional school system, the bank said in a media release yesterday.
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Trade with countries involved in Belt and Road Initiative conducted by Taizhou city  located in China's East Jiangsu province  soared to 34.35 billion yuan ($4.74 billion) in the first four months of the year, a whopping 72.6 percent increase on the same period last year.

That's according to Taizhou Customs, which reported that BRI trade accounted for 59.7 percent of the total value of Taizhou's imports and exports. Broken down, BRI exports amounted to 27.23 billion yuan, up 76.7 percent, while imports totaled 7.12 billion yuan, up 58.5 percent.

"Taizhou has deeply integrated into the industrial and supply chains of BRI countries," said Qiao Hualin, deputy director of Taizhou Customs.

"Our complementary resources lead to mutual benefits and win-win outcomes," Qiao added.

In particular, exports of mechanical and electrical products surged by 101.3 percent in the period to 22.13 billion yuan, making up 81.3 percent of Taizhou's exports to BRI countries. Significant growth was seen in exports of new ships and refrigerators, which increased by 182.4 percent and 32.9 percent, respectively.

Private enterprises were the main drivers of the growth. From January to April, private firms in Taizhou conducted trade worth 19.07 billion yuan with BRI countries, up 114.4 percent, accounting for 55.5 percent of the city's total trade with these nations.

At the production plant of Taizhou-based LG Electronics Refrigeration Co Ltd  the biggest refrigerator manufacturing facility run by LG Group globally  production is booming.

"Our exports to BRI countries reached 1.69 billion yuan from January to April, a 23.37 percent increase year-on-year," said Shan Yuhua, head of the supply management department of the company.

Taizhou Customs has implemented several support measures, such as tax reductions and efficiency improvements in cross-border logistics to enhance trade. Customers officers have also provided intellectual property protection guidance to help companies navigate legal risks in international markets.

This comprehensive support aims to sustain and grow Taizhou's trade with BRI countries.




Its sad. Its hurts me. Although she was not born in Arima, or from Arima, her heart was f
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Critical minerals: two words top of mind for nearly every government official, national security expert, and business leader in the United States.

While most of us are far removed from the mineral supply chains that support energy production, national defense and our favorite new electronics, its essential to understand how precarious some of these mineral supplies truly are. As our economy, defense and society become more reliant on technology, it is imperative that we have safe and reliable access to the minerals required in their manufacturing. There are real and significant economic and national security risks embedded in our critical mineral supply chains, and in Southern Arizona, we have the ability to help mitigate them.

While government officials and everyday Americans begin adopting renewable energy, we are gradually increasing our reliance on other nations for the critical minerals that power those technologies. Elements like nickel, manganese, and cobalt enable advancements in battery performance and computing power, but the restraints on current supplies result in serious implications for both Americas economic and military competitiveness and security.

Most of the minerals needed to drive innovation and preserve our nations security are extracted and/or processed by international adversaries like China. Geopolitical tensions and global conflicts are on the rise, and America is left exposed to sudden and devastating shocks as external actors continue to wield power over critical mineral supplies.

Take manganese, for example. Important for steel and electric vehicles, this mineral was one of only five included in the 2022 Defense Production Act (DPA)  a policy designed to ramp up the development of supply chains for minerals crucial to energy production and national defense. Currently, 100% of our nations supply of manganese comes from foreign entities, with 97% of processed manganese being imported from China. This provides no guarantee of future supply.

In Southern Arizona, minerals are abundant, yet new mining investment is scarce.

The United States has some of the most extensive oversight and regulation for mining in the world, both environmentally and with regards to employee safety. This oversight is NOT occurring in the countries that we rely on today for the minerals needed for our future.

We have the resources to provide a sustainable supply of domestically sourced critical minerals, but that can only happen when we commit to extracting and processing those minerals for ourselves.

South32s Hermosa project, located in the Patagonia Mountains, promises to supply two federally designated critical minerals  manganese and zinc  at a time where global demand for both minerals is set to soar over the next decade.

In recognition of its strategic importance to national security, it earned a $20 million grant from the Defense Department to help advance the preliminary work tied to developing its manganese deposit. That announcement follows a $2.16 billion investment by South32 to advance Hermosas zinc deposit, one of the worlds largest undeveloped zinc resources.

These investments bring a promising economic outlook for Southern Arizona and a secure, domestic supply of critical minerals for the nation. The future of American innovation, energy production, our economy and national defense depends on it.

We cannot be confident in our current mineral supply chains when the slightest increase in geopolitical tensions could cause an adversary like China to cancel our access to critical resources and in a position with no alternative supplies. This would have an immediate and significant impact on both our economy and our national defense.

Southern Arizona has the ability to play an important role in Americas future security. Together, we can overcome our foreign dependence and ensure our national defense, all while growing local economies in the process. Its crucial that we support new mining investment here in Southern Arizona. Its our duty to our neighbors, and to our nation.
A Kendall County jury ordered businessman Frank Thomas "Tom" Shumate Jr. to pay $594,000 to Boerne-based WildLife Partners LLC over two exotic animals he sold it in 2022. One of the died en route to the business' Carrizo Springs ranch and the other later died. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News WildLife Partners CEO Brian Gilroy. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer San Antonio attorney David Prichard represented WildLife Partners in its case against Frank Thomas "Tom" Shumate Jr. William Luther

BOERNE  Embattled businessman Frank Thomas Tom Shumate Jr. was ordered by a Kendall County jury to pay $594,000 in a case stemming from two exotic animals he sold to a breeder that ended up dead.

After hearing three days of testimony and deliberating about 2 hours Friday, 12 jurors unanimously found Shumate had committed fraud and theft in his dealings with WildLife Partners LLC, a Boerne-based buyer, seller and breeder of exotic animals.

In 2022, it had paid Shumate $144,000 for four female kudu  African antelope  but later that year sued him claiming that only two were healthy. One kudu arrived dead to its ranch in Carrizo Springs while another allegedly died within two days of delivery.

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The jury awarded the business essentially everything it asked for: $72,000 for the two dead animals; another $72,000 in damages; $200,000 in punitive damages; and $250,000 attorneys fees and costs.

Shumates lawyer had told jurors they should award WildLife Partners nothing.

David Prichard, a San Antonio lawyer representing WildLife Partners, said justice was served.

Kendall County jury sent a big message about how they expect business dealings and transactions to take place, he said.

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Shumate, who lives in Sarasota, Fla., left the courthouse after jurors began deliberations and did not return to hear their decision. Paul OFinan, Shumates lawyer, declined to comment on the verdict.

Latest setback

It marks the latest legal setback for Shumate, who is entangled in litigation on numerous fronts and has three San Antonio-area businesses mired in bankruptcy.

On May 5, a bankruptcy judge issued sanctions against him after finding he failed to cooperate with a bankruptcy trustee by not turning over one of the bankrupt companies corporate books and records and failing to provide access to its assets as required by law. The judge said he didnt find Shumates testimony relating to certain matters credible.

On the witness stand Thursday, WildLife Partners CEO and co-founder Brian Gilroy testified it has always been the practice in the exotic wildlife industry to blame the buyer when an animal dies soon after purchase, a reality thats long troubled him. He has been in the business for more than a decade.

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I made a commitment to myself that I was going to change this industry and I wasnt going to let this crap go on anymore, Gilroy said, getting choked up. I did that initially by standing behind everything I do, standing behind what I sell and treating people right. As a result of that, people in this industry hated me. They didnt want me going out and guaranteeing animals.

Gilroy added that after learning about the kudu that died en route to WildLife Partners ranch, he had received assurances from Ricardo Garcia, then a Shumate agent, that Shumate would make things right if anything happened with the other kudu. Garcia also was a defendant in the case but jurors found no wrongdoing on his part.

Gilroy concluded the two dead kudu suffered from capture myopathy, which occurs in wild animals that overexert themselves during capture, restraint, transportation or pursuit. Its often fatal.

Closing arguments

During closing arguments, OFinan said Gilroy was trying to impose a warranty on Shumate that he didnt agree to at the time of the transaction.

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Everyone knows that these are wild animals and wild animals die for unexplained reasons, OFinan told jurors. We dont know how the kudu died. Its all speculation. Thats why they dont give warranties once the animal steps on the buyers property.

That is the industry standard practice, OFinan added. Gilroy doesnt like the industry standard but we have to live with that. He doesnt get the right to create a brand new industry standard.

In his closing arguments, Prichard questioned the way Shumate conducts business.

Do we, as residents of Kendall County, do we adopt Mr. Shumates business practices, or do we put our foot down and say, Here in Kendall County, a mans word means something?   Prichard said. I believe 12 of you will find it means something here in Kendall County.

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Editor's Note This story written by then-staff writer Kelly Bostian has been edited after its original publication in the July 23, 2017, edition of Tulsa World.

Get a conversation about summer bug issues going, and youll soon find Oklahomans are ate-up with chiggers  and eaten up by them.

When newcomers turn up with red-spotted itchy ankles, Okies are quick on the diagnosis.

Oh, you been eaten up by chiggers, theyll say, and likely launching into the tales of chigger-induced woe they have witnessed, or experienced, over the years.

But the microscopic mites, actually the biting larvae of one of several common mites, are not really well understood.

Chiggers, barely visible to the naked eye, flourish during mild winters and warm, moist summers. When the summer heat comes on is when theyre at their best, according to Justin Talley, entomologist at Oklahoma State University.

Talley said it's the humidity in vegetative cover that supports increased chigger populations, most often in grassy or scrubby vegetation, shaded areas, leaf litter and rotted wood.

Most people dont really know what a chigger looks like, he said.

You wont see a chigger, Talley said. They are very small. Most of them we see are a yellow-orange. You might see them if you encounter large numbers and see them on white cloth  theyre only 150 to 300 micrometers long.

For comparison, the thickness of the thickest human hair is about 180 micrometers.

If you see them, usually what youre seeing is a little ball of several them, he said.

The larval stage of the mite bites a wide variety of critters  everything from snakes and frogs to birds and small mammals and humans, Talley said.

Chigger mites overwinter as adults and lay eggs in the spring, he said. The six-legged larvae emerge as a second stage after the initial hatch. After a larva gets a meal of blood or tissue serum, it detaches, falls to the ground and will morph twice more before emerging in its eight-legged adult stage. The full process takes about two months, he said.

Bites from chiggers may start around the ankles, but the larva may migrate to areas where clothing fits tightly, as well as the armpits and the back of the knees. They don't burrow into skin, experts say, so don't bother with old-school remedies like clear nail polish.

Everyone reacts to chigger bites differently. Some people are very sensitive to the bites and develop itchy welts or blisters that lead to skin discoloration that might last weeks, while others may have experience a slight bump that goes away in short order.

The bites can be miserable for up to two weeks, but too much scratching can lead to secondary infections. A doctor can prescribe a topical steroid cream if over-the-counter hydrocortisone products aren't effective.

Tips from OSU Extension: Preventive measures include DEET insect repellent or clothes treated with permethrin. Remove and launder clothing as soon as possible after exposure to the chiggers. A warm shower taken within an hour or two after exposure greatly reduces the number of irritating bites.

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Aside from the four state-run Vietnamese banks Vietcombank, VietinBank, Agribank, and BIDV, the wholly state-owned Saigon Jewelry JSC (SJC) will start purchasing gold from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and sell the precious metal to residents starting Monday in an attempt to narrow the gap between domestic and global gold prices, the central bank announced on Sunday.

The wholly state-owned SJC, which is under the management of the Ho Chi Minh City administration, owns 36 stores offering SJC-branded gold bars.

The four lenders and SJC are set to offer gold bullion to customers from 2:30 pm on Monday and from 9:00 am on Tuesday.

The gold prices will be published on their official websites and at their transaction locations.

The countrys big-four banks noted that they will only sell SJC-branded gold bars to individual customers but will not buy those gold bars back. However, customers can trade in the SJC-branded bullion with SJC.

Residents need to take identity cards along with them to buy gold bullion at the transaction points.

To fully comply with money laundering prevention regulations, customers wishing to purchase gold bars in bulk must provide detailed necessary information or open bank accounts with these lenders before making the purchase.

Over the past month, the SBV has held nine gold auctions, with six of them being a success, supplying over 1.8 million metric tons of gold to the market in an effort to stabilize the local prices.

However, the gap between domestic and international gold rates remains wide, arousing doubts about market manipulation, as well as pricing and gold trading violations.

Therefore, the central bank decided to scrutinize commercial banks and gold trading firms to impose harsh sanctions on violators and get the local gold market back on track.

At 8:30 am on Monday, SJC gold prices were quoted at VND80 million (US$3,129) per tael for buying and VND82.5 million ($3,221) per tael for selling, down VND500,000 ($19.52) and VND1 million ($39) per tael, respectively, against the figures listed on Sunday.

By 9:15 am on Monday, the selling price of the SJC-branded gold bars fell to VND81 million ($3,161) per tael and the buying rate down to VND79 million ($3,083) per tael, according to Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper.

One tael is equivalent to 1.21 troy ounces.

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Global airlines on Monday raised their profit forecast for 2024 and projected industry wide revenues just shy of $1 trillion as a record number of travellers board flights.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it expected the worldwide industry to generate $30.5 billion of profit this year, higher than an upwardly revised $27.4 billion in 2023 as carriers keep a lid on underlying labour costs despite recent strikes.

That comes just four years after the industry collapsed to a $140 billion loss in 2020 as a result of the pandemic and is above the $25.7 billion forecast for 2024 issued in December.

"The environment is better than we had expected, particularly in Asia," Director General Willie Walsh told Reuters on the sidelines of an annual meeting of IATA's more than 300 members, which account for more than 80% of global air traffic.

However, the airline industry warned its ability to serve a strong rebound in travel demand is being hampered by disruption to global supply chains, including deliveries of its own fleets.

Passenger yields - or the average amount paid by a passenger to fly one mile - are expected to strengthen by 3.2% compared with 2023, IATA said in a twice-yearly economic outlook. In part, that is because capacity growth is constrained, driving up average fares.

By contrast, the corresponding figure for cargo is expected to fall 17.5% in 2024 as freight markets return towards normal patterns after booming during the pandemic.

Airline activity is widely seen as a litmus test for business or consumer confidence, as well as trade.

The industry has high fixed costs and regulations that discourage most cross-border mergers, meaning it remains fragmented.

"The margin remains wafer thin; we're still looking at a margin of just over 3%," Walsh said. "(That) performance is still well below where the industry needs to be."

In Asia, IATA more than trebled its industry profit forecast for 2024 to $2.2 billion despite a sluggish recovery in international travel in China.

At $14.9 billion, unchanged from earlier forecasts, North America remains the most profitable region with "strong consumer spending despite cost-of-living pressure," IATA said.

IATA said airlines had been hit by unforeseen maintenance issues. That appeared to be a reference to repair bottlenecks for engines built by Pratt & Whitney which are expected to leave hundreds of Airbus jets grounded this summer.

Industry sources said on Friday that Airbus, the world's largest planemaker, was itself facing a new surge in supply problems, casting doubt on output plans for the second half. The planemaker has said it is sticking by full-year delivery goals.

Rival Boeing is producing far fewer of its best-selling 737 MAX jets than originally planned after a mid-air cabin panel blowout in January prompted U.S. regulators to cap its production.

IATA's 2025 annual general meeting will be held in Delhi, India, hosted by Indian carrier IndiGo the organisation said on Monday.

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SEOUL -- North Korea said on Sunday it would stop sending balloons carrying trash over the border to South Korea but vowed to resume the practice if anti-North Korean leaflets are flown over again from the South.

South Korea has had enough experience of how unpleasant it is and how much effort it takes to collect trash after North Korea sent 15 metric tons of it using 3,500 balloons, the North's vice-minister of defence Kim Kang Il said in a statement carried by state media outlet KCNA.

South Korea said it would take "unendurable" measures against North Korea for sending the trash balloons over the border, which could include blaring propaganda from loudspeakers directed at the North.

The announcement from President Yoon Suk Yeol's office followed a meeting of his National Security Council on a response to what Seoul said were more than 700 balloons carrying trash that Pyongyang sent over the heavily fortified border to annoy its neighbor.

The council condemned the balloons, and simultaneous GPS jamming, as an "irrational act of provocation".

Seoul did not rule out resuming the loudspeaker blasts, which it stopped in 2018 after a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a senior official at Yoon's office told reporters.

A cigarette butt found from a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash, is pictured in Seoul, in this picture provided and released by the Defense Ministry, June 2, 2024. Photo: Reuters

The South and the North remain technically at war since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Seoul is a firm U.S. ally whose sophisticated military regularly holds drills with the U.S., while Pyongyang is developing missile and nuclear technology that Seoul and Washington say violates U.N. resolutions.

North Korea has said its balloons were in retaliation for a propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea, who regularly send inflatables containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets, food, medicine, money and USB sticks loaded with K-pop music videos and dramas across the border.

The North Korean balloons carrying garbage such as cigarette butts, cloth, paper waste and plastic were found across the capital Seoul from 8:00 pm on Saturday to 1:00 pm on Sunday (1100 GMT on Saturday to 0400 GMT on Sunday), South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

They said the military was monitoring the starting point and conducting aerial reconnaissance to track down and collect the balloons, which have large bags of trash suspended beneath them.

South Korean officers with rifles were picking up and bagging what appeared to be trash from the balloons in cordoned-off areas, local media footage showed.

Various objects including what appeared to be trash that crossed the inter-Korean border with a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, is pictured in Seoul, in this picture provided and released by the Defense Ministry, June 2, 2024. Photo: Reuters

North Korea on Wednesday sent hundreds of balloons carrying trash and what was labelled as manure across the border as what it called "gifts of sincerity". Seoul responded angrily, calling the move base and dangerous.

North Korea has not commented on the weekend balloons.

South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik told U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd at a conference in Singapore on Sunday that the balloons violated the armistice agreement, according to South Korea's military.

The two reaffirmed a coordinated response to any North Korean threats and provocations based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance's combined defence posture, it said.

Emergency alerts were issued in North Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces and some parts of Seoul on Sunday, urging people not to touch the balloons and to alert police.

A plastic bag carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash that crossed inter-Korean border with a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, is pictured in Seoul, in this picture provided and released by the Defense Ministry, June 2, 2024. Photo: Reuters

A balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash, is pictured at a park in Incheon, South Korea, June 2, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Thich Minh Tue, whose real name is Le Anh Tu, well known for his barefoot journeys from the south to the north, has voluntarily stopped pilgrimage and alms-receiving practices, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Monday.

According to the Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs, Tu, born in Ky Van Commune under Ky An District in the north-central province of Ha Tinh in 1981, has his permanent residence registered in Ia Grai District, located in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

He is holding no citizen identification card.

Many of his admirers thought that he was a Buddhist monk.

However, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha affirmed that Tu is not a Buddhist monk, while he does not see him as a monk.

He declared that he is just a citizen, learning and practicing the Buddhas teachings.

From 2017 to 2023, Tu took three barefoot pilgrimages from the south to the north and back.

During this period, his alms-receiving and pilgrimage practices went smoothly and favorably, and did not cause social disorder.

This year, he made his fourth barefoot journey from Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam, heading to Cao Bang and Ha Giang Provinces in the northern region.

Throngs of people follow Thich Minh Tue walking on a local street in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, May 28, 2024. Photo: Duc Tai / Tuoi Tre

He was on the way back, and traveled to Thua Thien-Hue Province in the central region on Sunday afternoon.

However, during his return jaunt, throngs of people followed him, leading to social disorder and negatively affecting the environmental landscape.

In particular, among these followers, a man, named Luong Thanh Son, who lived in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, died of heatstroke, multi-organ failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding on May 30.

In addition, two women who followed Tu fainted from exhaustion and heatstroke on Sunday last week.

As such, local authorities met with Tu and expressed their respect for religious freedom, underlining that the authorities always create favorable conditions for him to walk barefoot and do religious practices.

Besides, officials also stated that it was vital to ensure the safety of residents and social security.

Therefore, Tu voluntarily stopped his barefoot and alms-receiving journey.

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Local inhabitants and marine conservationists have spotted one more mother turtle nesting and laying 102 eggs on a beach in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam.

The turtle returned to the sea after laying her eggs in Nhon Hai Commune under the provincial capital city of Quy Nhon on Sunday night, Nguyen Ton Xuan Sang, a 39-year-old marine conservationist in the commune, confirmed on Monday.

Subsequently, some local residents and marine conservationists relocated the turtle nest to a safe place as it was at risk of being swept away by sea waves.

The mother turtle was some 0.94 meters long, 0.86 meters wide, and weighed more than 90 kilograms, Sang elaborated.

Nguyen Ngoc Nam, vice-chairman of the Nhon Hai Commune administration, recounted the appearance of another sea turtle which crawled onto the beach to lay 103 eggs on May 21, with its nest also being moved to a safer location by Sang and some marine conservationists.

Chu The Cuong, an official from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday that each mother turtle normally lays her eggs in three to five nests during the breeding season, with each nest having some 100 eggs.

After laying her eggs, the mother turtle will fill the nest with sand and return to the sea.

Sea turtle eggs will undergo incubation and hatch in the warm sand.

The IUCN members had previously provided the locals of Nhon Hai with training courses on how to rescue and protect sea turtles that are laying eggs, Cuong said.

The commune later zoned part of the beach to make it a turtle nesting place, he added.

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"How long is needed for the perfect trip to Vietnam?" is a popular question among first-time visitors to the Southeast Asian country, with answers varying widely.

Some people say two to three weeks is enough for the perfect trip to Vietnam, while others believe a whole month is needed.

There are even some who have been in the country for years and feel they have not had their fill!

At least two weeks

Jeanine Romo, an American travel blogger and content creator based in Los Angeles, suggested that tourists spend at least two weeks in Vietnam and use that time to discover three or four cities.

Romo made her visit to Vietnam in 2019.

It was a three-week trip to celebrate my birthday and I traveled to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, she told Tuoi Tre News via email.

Jeanine Romo wears 'non la' (traditional conical hat) while taking a boat tour in northern Vietnam in this supplied photo.

Romo, who has visited 44 countries, said she chose Vietnam because it is a beautiful country with incredible natural wonders, rich culture, and delicious food.

That first trip went so well that she made the second visit in late 2023.

Its somewhere I can keep revisiting over and over again, she said.

During her second trip, Romo revisited Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

I was continuously impressed by the natural beauty of the country. From the coastal views to the mountains and rivers, Vietnam is truly stunning, she said.

I am also impressed with the cities, from the charming streets and alleyways of Hoi An, to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

As to whether or not she plans to continue returning, Romo has no doubt she will be back.

I would absolutely revisit Vietnam! The country is large and offers so much that you can keep going back to experience something completely different, she said.

For first-timers to Vietnam, Romo suggested that they should be very aware of the weather.

Keep in mind that the weather varies in Vietnam, so it may be sunny in one city in the south and rainy in the north, she warned.

While it is possible to visit multiple cities in a span of two to three weeks, the weather can vary drastically.

How long is enough to understand Vietnam?

French-Canadian Joss Huot has lived in Vietnam for the past five years but still feels he has much to learn about the country.

Nha Trang Beach, as photographed by Joss Huot

The 61-year-old from Quebec City first visited Vietnam in July 2006 and made eight subsequent visits before relocating to the Southeast Asian country.

We landed in Hanoi and a couple of hours later we were in our hotel room right in the middle of the Old Quarter, he shared of his first visit.

We then traveled south and ended up in Ho Chi Minh City 16 days later where we've stayed for the last five years.

Huots 2006 visit to Vietnam was inspired by a dream to meet Vietnamese people after he read about the war in Vietnam.

After that trip, he found that, unsurprisingly, his favorite part of Vietnam was its people.

Huot visited Vietnam for the second time the following year by taking a three-week trip from south to north, making stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Sa Pa.

Hoi An City, as photographed by Joss Huot

In 2014, Huot met and fell in love with a Vietnamese woman, whom he later married. The couple now live in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

My ward is 90 percent Vietnamese and I love it!, he said.

Now, Huot enjoys Vietnam as a resident, feeling no need to rush across the country to see everything.

I have time on my side, he said. I dont need to rush to go visit this place or that place before leaving.

I can simply enjoy my days sharing coffee or tea with local people.

I walk a lot, explore small alleys, make friends, and learn about the culture.

Still, Huot feels he has a lot to learn.

I visited Vietnam nine times between 2006 and 2019 when I decided to stay for good. In Vietnam, there is always something new to discover, he said.

In his free time, Huot loves wanderng and capturing the beauty of Vietnam through his lens.

For those planning to visit Vietnam, Huot advises planning for at least three weeks and spending a night or two in each city.

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Ozploitation horror flicks Body Melt, Houseboat Horror and Sons of Steel are being added to Shudder in June.

A Shudder Resurrected season spans repertory titles added to the horror streamer with retro Australian titles from the 80s & 90s.

Amongst the casts youll spy Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Alan Dale, Ian Smith, John Michael Howson, Gerard Kennedy, Andrew Daddo, Jeff Duff, Gavin Wood and even knockout Brian Mannix song hits (go Brian!).

Horror themes, adult themes, violence, nudity.

June 1

Funeral Home

A young woman arrives at her grandmothers house, which used to be a funeral home, to help her turn the place into a bed-and-breakfast inn. After they open, however, guests begin disappearing or turning up dead.

Death on the Beach

David, the disturbed son of a wealthy businesswoman, returns to his sunny beachside home to try to get over the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his boarding schoolteacher. As he tries to overcome his homosexual urges, David begins murdering all those around him who he sees as being responsible for his trauma.

Vacation of Terror

An evil witch gets burned at the stake, but not before vowing to return and get her revenge. A hundred years later a family arrived to spend their vacation at a summer home located in the same immediate countryside area where the witch was killed. Trouble ensues when little girl, Gaby finds an ugly doll thats possessed by the lethal spirit of the malevolent witch.

Vacation of Terror II

The diabolical doll and Pedro return in this sequel. Julio is invited to a birthday party for a. little girl on Halloween in a closed movie studio. At the party, he notices she has a doll that resembles the one that his little sister had.

Outing (aka The Lamp)

A group of high schoolers decide to stay in a natural museum after closing hours, but a newly acquired and mysterious lamp hiding a deadly force will turn the fun into horror.

Arrebato

A low budget horror filmmaker gets in touch with an eccentric who is trying to film his consciousness during drug abuse.

Dr. Caligari (1989)

The granddaughter of an infamous doctor experiments with hormone and shock therapies at her asylum for the insane.

June 3

A Lonely Place to Die

A group of mountaineers in the Scottish Highlands discover a kidnapped girl and are pursued by her captors.

Backcountry

An urban couple goes camping in the woods and find themselves lost in the territory of a predatory black bear.

Pyewacket

A frustrated, angst-ridden teenage girl awakes something in the woods when she naively performs an occult ritual to evoke a witch to kill her mother.

Hunter Hunter

Joseph and his family live in the remote wilderness as fur trappers, but their tranquility is threatened when they think they are being hunted by the return of a rogue wolf, and Joseph leaves them behind to track it.

Killing Ground

A couples camping trip turns into a frightening ordeal when they stumble across the scene of a horrific crime.

The Survivalist

In a time of starvation, a survivalist lives off a small plot of land hidden deep in the forest. When two women seeking food and shelter discover his farm, he finds his existence threatened.

Valhalla Rising

Forced for some time to be a fighting slave, a pagan warrior escapes his captors with a. boy and joins a group of Crusaders on their quest to the Holy Land.

The Nightingale

Set in 1825, Clare, a young Irish convict woman, chases a British officer through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness, bent on revenge for a terrible act of violence he committed against her family. On the way she enlists the services of an Aboriginal tracker named Billy, who is also marked by trauma from his own violence-filled past.

June 10

Night of the Bastard

After an injured woman takes refuge in a gruff recluses home, the two must find a way to escape from a game of bloodthirsty demonists.

Body Melt

Residents of peaceful Pebbles Court, Homesville, are being used unknowingly as test experiments for a new Body Drug that causes rapid body decomposition and painful death

June 15

Gateway

In an ordinary abandoned house  on what could be an ordinary street  a gang of desperate criminals have found something, or has it found them?

Herd

When a woman trying to outrun her past ends up trapped between a zombie outbreak and warring militia groups, she must fight to find her way back home.

Mother, May I?

When Anya starts behaving like her fiancees recently deceased mother, Emmet must confront his deepest traumas to free his fiancee from this bewildering possession.

June 17

Girl on the Third Floor

Don Koch tries to renovate a rundown mansion with a sordid history for his growing family, only to learn that the house has other plans.

Houseboat Horror

When a music video shoot on the seemingly tranquil Lake Infinity turns into a smorgasbord of horror, death and blood-gushing mayhem, it can only mean one thingACID HEAD, a horribly scarred axe-wielding maniac with a grudge against interlopers is on the loose!

Inn of the Damned

A sheriff investigates why the guests at a local hostelry check in but never check out.

June 24

Loop Track

Ian wants to get as far away from humanity as possible and heads into the New Zealand bush, but a four-day journey turns into a fight for survival.

Night of Fear

Insane sadistic hermit stalks and captures those who get lost in his part of the woods. A young woman whose car broke down is about to find out what he does with them next.

Sons of Steel

In a futuristic Australia, a scheme to blow up the Sydney Opera House is discovered. The only way to stop it is to send an agent back in time to prevent the plotters from hatching it.
Alex Vega waits with others to shop at the H-E-B store at Wurzbach Road on Feb 18, 2021. The impact of a winter storm that led to blackouts and deaths across the state could have been reduced if the Texas independent power grid had been connected to others, a new study says. Staff file photo CPS Energy crews drive along Vance Jackson Road on Feb 18, 2021. The impact of a winter storm that led to blackouts and deaths across the state that year could have been reduced if the Texas independent power grid had been connected to others, a new study says. Staff file photo

If the Texas power grid had been connected to neighboring systems in early 2021, the likelihood of deadly blackouts during Winter Storm Uri would have been reduced up to 82%, according to a new study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Their study modeled the February 2021 storm and the likelihood of outages if legislation that would require the Texas power grid to expand interconnections to grids in surrounding states had then been enacted.

The process, which could take a decade or more to complete, has long been opposed by Texas politicians and bureaucrats who say it would bring the state under greater federal oversight. But earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, an Austin Democrat, co-sponsored a bill to do just that.

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MITs findings really prove what everyday people in San Antonio and Texas have known for a long time, Casar said Monday. We didnt have to lose so much power, money and lives in Winter Storm Uri.

Researchers in MITs new Climate Policy Center modeled what would happen if Texas got hit by another storm like the one that led to blackouts and hundreds of deaths across Texas  but this time 11 years from now with parts of the Connect the Grid Act implemented. In addition to slashing outages, the study showed increasing the number of connections to other grids could bring cost savings and lower emissions.

Right now, about 90% of Texas is on an independent grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

Declining risks

In general, the MIT study found that increasing the amount of shared transmission reduces the risk for outages. It modeled varying amounts of gigawatts between the Texas tie-ins with surrounding systems already outlined in Casars bill, which calls for the interconnections to be completed by 2035.

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It found reductions in the likelihood of blackouts ranged from about 40% fewer than in 2021s storm with about 10 gigawatts of interconnections up to 82% fewer if as much as 50 gigawatts was shared.

The models also took into account the ways capacity, demand and generation resources are anticipated to change over the next decade, said Juan Senga, a researcher with MITs new Climate Policy Center. The study also mirrored the generation outages caused by the February 2021 storm, such as those at coal- and natural gas-fired plants.

I think one of the biggest takeaways here is that just having more transmission, based on our findings, would lead to lower amounts of outages in Texas, Senga said.

That came as no surprise to Casar.

We all have relatives or friends in Jasper and El Paso who are interconnected to the national grid and didnt have the mass outages we did while our communities froze, he said.

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Mass outages stretched over five days, contributing to the deaths of at least 246 Texans.

The MIT researchers reached out to Casar, who represents parts of Austin, San Antonio and other areas, with the data after having done similar research for a different House bill regarding interregional connections. The centers director says it aims to work closely with policymakers to analyze existing and potential legislation.

What were trying to do is provide policymakers with data, MIT Climate Policy Center Director Christopher Knittel said. Obviously, theres pressure not to interconnect. And we just want policymakers to know what the trade-offs are from interconnecting or not interconnecting. And hopefully they can make a better decision.

Regulators response

The Public Utility Commission of Texas, which oversees ERCOT, said Monday it would be premature to comment on the proposed legislation because it could change.

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PUC spokesperson Ellie Breed said the ERCOT grid is more operationally reliable today than it has ever been due to reforms implemented after the winter storm, including weatherization and backup fuel supply requirements.

Over the past three years, thanks to these reforms, the ERCOT grid has operated reliably through dozens of daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal and all-time summer and winter demand records without any systemwide disruption in service, she said.

But Senga said his modeling shows about 25 gigawatts of interconnection could hit a sweet spot for the Texas market, with positive financial implications, cumulative lower emissions and reduced possibility of blackouts.

At that amount, he said Texas would see a major increase in grid reliability and hit an optimal savings between the costs of transmission and new revenue exporting power. The national grid as a whole would also get cost savings and Texas generators would be able to sell excess energy from wind or solar farms to other states.

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In February, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas questioned whether interconnections would help Texas economically. He said hed rather see money spent within the state, such as on building power plants within Texas. He warned of a chilling of new generation investment within Texas borders under major interconnection changes.

Casar and the researchers balk at that claim, saying interconnection would benefit Texas generators economically.
Filming is currently underway in Melbourne on a second season of Spooky Files for ABC / BBC.

In this second iteration the Spooky Crew has their work cut out for them when a portal which closed at the end of S1, reopens six months later. They must regroup to save their town from Spooky mayhem yet again, whilst learning theres a big difference between the fears that keep you safe and the ones that hold you back.

Returning from season 1 are creators / writers Guy Edmonds and Matt Zeremes, and writers Marisa Nanakhorn Brown, Emma Gordon, Clem Bastow, alongside Tim Williams and Alexander Andreotti.

The series is a Tony Ayres Productions (TAP) and Megaboom Pictures production, produced by Paul Watters and executive produced by Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm.

It can never be underestimated how valuable kids TV is for training opportunities, Andrea Denholm told VicScreen. In a world where returning series are rare, and there has been more appetite for very high budget limited series, commissioners can be reluctant to take risks on less experienced talent. The chance to develop on and off-screen talent and provide training opportunities is one of the reasons we really value doing [childrens TV].

Spooky Files is expected later this year.
M. I. Khan, TwoCircles.net

Patna: Rani, a poverty-stricken Mushahar girl, was once hailed as lucky when Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates visited Jamsaut Musahari (a settlement on the margins of villages where people belonging to the socially outcast Musahar community live). The couple took the infant into their arms and promised her parents assistance. Fourteen years later, Rani and her parents are still waiting for the assured aid from one of the worlds wealthiest couples. Despite the global media attention the visit received, nothing has changed for them.



Rani has grown up in Jamsaut Mushahari, a squalid and foul-smelling hamlet about 18 km from Patna  Bihars bustling capital. Musahars, known for their extreme deprivation, continue to suffer poverty and untouchability.

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I hardly remember anything except what my parents and elders have told me  that the Gates couple showed affection for me and promised help for a better life. I saw a picture of myself in the lap of a gori (white) woman, who appeared to me super rich. Now, it feels like a dream, Rani told TwoCircles.net, as she cooked on a makeshift mud stove with cow dung and wood collected from the surrounding areas.

The young girl, who dropped out after grade five, spends her days gathering wood, cooking food and playing with other girls in the village. Despite the governments claimed success of the Ujjwala scheme, families like Ranis continue to live without LPG  highlighting the disconnect data and ground reality.



Rani dreams of a better life, a nice house and tasty food. She wishes to become a school teacher, but this seems unlikely due to the high illiteracy rate and frequent school dropouts in her community.

I want to become a school teacher like the women teachers in my village school. This can only happen if I resume studies, she said.

Her mother, Runti Devi, expressed disappointment, saying, We got nothing. The Gates couple has forgotten Rani and sent no help. Their visit turned out to be a photo-op as nothing changed for us.

Her father, Sajan Manjhi, echoed the same sentiment, lamenting the unfulfilled promise of a better future for their daughter.



The visit by Gates raised hopes for the young girls future. They sat under a neem tree, took Rani into their arms and promised help, which never came. None of their representatives ever visited us to check on our daughter, he said.

Interestingly, neither Rani nor her parents can pronounce the names of Bill Gates and Melinda Gates, referring to them as the English rich man and his white wife. They dont know about the billionaire philanthropists or their foundation.

Manjhi wanted to impart Rani with a good education but had to withdraw her from school due to financial constraints. Until last year, Rani was enrolled in the village school, but didnt attend classes regularly. We got her education discontinued so that she could help with household work, he said.

Anoj Kumar, one of the students from the community who is attending college, believes that the Gates couple and their foundation can still help Rani. It is nothing for them, but their help could change her life. There is still time for it, he said.

Runti and Sajan Manjhi, both landless farm laborers, are not only disappointed by the Gates but also by political parties. They have little hope that the next government will bring any improvement to their lives. We are poor and will continue to be poor, no matter who comes to power, they said.

The Manjhi family struggles for survival, relying on occasional government aid. Years ago, we received money to construct a one-room brick house under the Indira Awas Yojana. Since then, we have received nothing from the government, Manjhi said.

Their plight is emblematic of the larger issues faced by the Mushahar community. According to the Bihar caste survey report, Musahars, who make up 3.08% of the states population, suffer from extreme poverty. About 54% of Musahar families live in poverty, making them one of the most marginalized groups in Indias caste hierarchy.

Historically known as rat-eaters, the community has largely given up this practice and now perform manual labor for a living. High migration rates to other states in search of work further underscore their desperate conditions.
Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net

Hyderabad: It was while commuting to college that I began exploring ideas for safe travel for women after personally facing security issues. I researched extensively to find a way for women to commute without harassment and inconveniences, said Zainab Khatoon, one of the founders of Dovely  Indias only bike taxi service for women, driven by women.

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Zainab, along with her friend Masarrat and her siblings Obaidullah Khan and Uzma Khatoon, deliberated extensively and came up with the idea of running taxi bikes for women, where both the passengers and the service providers are women. Together they founded an app (Dovely) to cater to women and girls who want to travel safely in the city.

DOVE is a bird, which represents peace and harmony, and LY stands for ladies, shared another founder, Uzma.

They launched the app on June 15, 2022, initially with very few users. However, they now have around 80-100 riders registered, with 20-25 working as full-fledged riders.

Zainab, who heads the company, personally interviews every candidate to ensure they have a valid license and can navigate Hyderabads busy streets. Their riding skills are also tested by a team of experts.

All of the women who are registered with us share the same concern for womens safety. Besides, they see this as an opportunity to earn income, explained Zainab.

Most registered bikers are young women aged 18-50. Some are single mothers, seeking to support their families, while others are students  earning pocket money. Their passengers include working women, students and middle-aged women visiting relatives or doctors.

The initial stages were challenging, as many Hyderabad residents were unaccustomed to seeing women bikers, especially those wearing burqa (veil). Some questioned the young bikers why they needed to earn money by becoming drivers when there were other job opportunities. They perhaps overlooked the fact that many girls are passionate about riding.

Once a woman passenger books a ride with Dovely, she often becomes a regular customer and subscribes to the app, claimed Zainab.

Many aunties give us lots of duas (blessings) after we drop them safely at their destination, she said.



Uzma Khatoon, Zainabs sister and co-founder of the firm, shared, I am humbled to be part of many womens stories and want to help them fulfill their passion through Dovely.

One young woman, Tasneem (name changed), shared that she tried working with other delivery platforms but quit on the first day because she had to deal mainly with men. She said she feels safe and comfortable working with Dovely.

The founders claimed they get compliments for contributing to a safe commuting experience for ladies. This feedback from our passengers and partners keeps us going. The feeling that we are empowering women in our own way and ensuring that at least 100 women travel safely every day makes us happy, said Zainab.

A member of the Dovely team monitors rides, tracking the live location from pick-up to drop-off. However, some women are also unhappy due to the limited number of drivers and busy schedules. The Dovely team hopes to resolve this issue as they recruit more women drivers.

Currently, it provides services through WhatsApp and plans to launch the app on the Play Store after achieving the target of over 200 rides. The app is still being developed, and the four founders are funding their venture  taking baby steps for now.

Dovely operates at zero commission, unlike other service providers  who charge drivers. The team feels they have a long way to go.

Currently, services run until 8:30 pm, but they may extend the time if more safety measures are in place for women commuting at night. In the future, they plan to expand to auto-rickshaws and cabs, all managed by women. They also aim to handle transport and logistics led by women.

The Dovely team is driven by the passion to empower women.
A sign made with a black marker by a tourist is pictured on the wall of a domus of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, in Ercolano, Naples

ROME (Reuters) -A Dutch tourist has defaced a frescoed wall in an ancient Roman house in Herculaneum, near Naples, damaging a building that survived the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Italian police said on Monday.

The police statement said the 27-year-old tourist was swiftly identified after staff at the archaeological site discovered tagged graffiti writing made with a black, indelible marker pen on a white section of a painted wall.

Police said the writing was the man's graffiti signature.

"Any damage hurts our heritage, our beauty and our identity and that is why it must be punished with the utmost firmness," Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement.

The tourist, who was not named, faces charges of damage and defacement of artistic works.

A smaller city than its more famous neighbour Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a deeper layer of ash, which protected its ruins from thieves and left particularly well-preserved remains.

It is not the first time that historical monuments have been vandalised by tourists in Italy.

Last year, a visitor from England was caught in a video, posted on social media, scratching his and his girlfriend's name with a key on an internal wall of Rome's Colosseum.

Also last year, graffiti artists scaled and tagged the soaring stone facade to Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the prestigious shopping arcade at the heart of the city. They were not caught.

In response to repeated acts of vandalism, Italy this year introduced tougher penalties on those who damage monuments and cultural sites, imposing fines of up to 40,000 euros ($43,548) for those found guilty of defacing monuments.

(Reporting by Matteo Negri, Editing by Crispian Balmer and Christina Fincher)
Gandhinagar voters reveal plan Amit Shah wins by the highest margin in India

In a sensational allegations a day before the counting of votes into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voters in Gandhinagar shared with rights activists how it has been planned using force, intimidation and other such tactics to get Union Home Minister Amit Shah win from the constituency by the highest margin in India

Monday June 3, 2024 8:58 PM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: In a sensational allegations a day before the counting of votes into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voters in Gandhinagar shared with rights activists how it has been planned using force, intimidation and other such tactics to get Union Home Minister Amit Shah win from the constituency by the highest margin in India.



Following the serious revelation, the citizens team invited by ANHAD to inquire into the reports of the election malpractices, in a letter sent to the Chief Election Commissioner of India on 2 June 2024, asked for an urgent investigation into the allegations of voter intimidation and suppression in Gandhinagar in Gujarat  the constituency of Home Minister Amit Shah.

The ANHAD team comprising Prof. Hemant Kumar Shah (noted Ahmedabad-based economist and writer), Lara Jesani, (General Secretary, PUCL Maharashtra), Kavita Krishnan (Delhi-based feminist and writer), and Dev Desai (social activist, Gujarat), met and heard the accounts shared by voters in several wards and booths in the Kalol and Vejalpur municipal areas, and Sanand taluka between May 14 to 18, 2024.

Swear By Kuldevi To Vote Only For Amit Shah

Vakrana village in Sanand taluka, several Dalit and OBC voters told the team that members of dominant castes and supporters of BJPs former Gujarat General Secretary Pradip Singh Vaghela, had warned them:

No one from your mohalla (neighbourhood) should go to cast their vote, if you vote no one in the village will employ you.

Others said that BJP men asked voters in their neighbourhood to gather publicly and swear by the Kuldevi to vote only for him (Amit Shah), as a condition for being allowed to vote.

Allegations against Amit Shah protege Jitu Vaghani



In village Kanetthi (Sanand taluka), a Dalit woman voter told the team that she was prevented from voting by a protege of Amit Shah, Jitu Vaghani aka Jitu Bhai, the BJP MLA from Bhavnagar West. She alleged:

When I arrived at the polling station, Jitu Bhai asked, What is the matter with you? Do you dislike development for this village or the nation, is that why you turn up to vote? Consider the interests of this village and for its sake go back. Your vote has already been given to Amit Shah.

The team told the CEC that a man in the same village said to them:

Jitu Bhai is a dangerous man, hes very close to the Home Minister, tangling with him means inviting an assault on ones family.

Allegations against Police and EC Officials

In village Geedhpura (Sanand taluka), voters of the land-owning a young man from the land-owning Darbar community told the team:

BJP cadres got into the polling booth while police kept legitimate voters out of the booth, telling them, times up, voting is now closed.

In village Andej, a Dalit voter aged 67 told the team:

I first tried to vote at 8 am, the EC officials said theres no electricity, come later. When I went again at 12 pm, they said its a lunch break, try again later. On my third attempt at 4 pm, they finally let me vote.

Also in Andej, a 19-year-old woman, eager to vote in her first election, said:

The election official asked me, are you educated? I replied that I never got a chance to go to school, and he said, Then how will you be able to vote, let us help and guide you.

Then, she alleged, the EC official asked an unidentified man with her to the EVM, where he pressed the Lotus button, against her wishes.

Muslim voters sent to Ajmer by bus on Polling Day

In village Shantipura (Sanand Taluka) the BJP arranged a bus for Muslim voters to be taken to Ajmer on voting day. A Muslim man who stayed back to vote said the police told him to go home:

Anyway your vote is useless because the results are a foregone conclusion, the Home Minister is bound to win.

Intimidation by Miscreants and Criminals

In Kalol Municipality Area, petty criminals from the Muslim community, some of them released from prison on parole on the eve of elections, ganged up to keep voters from reaching the polling station.

In Juhapura (Ahmedabad), Indias largest Muslim ghetto, voters were intimidated by a dangerous criminal Kalu Gardan  thus named because he is said to slit the throat (gardan) of any challenger to his fiefdom.

Turned away three times, voted on fourth try

Most women voters in Rahimpura (Kalol municipality) said they were turned away on their first attempt to vote.

Some voters said they were turned away as many as three times in the morning before being able to vote on their fourth try later in the day.

Amit Shah wants to win by the highest margin in India

The letter also asks the ECI to investigate the allegations by many voters that BJP workers had been told to ensure that Amit Shah wins by a margin of 10 lakh votes  the highest in India.

The activists in their letter also asked the CEC to investigate if constitutional rights were curtailed in the Home Ministers name and in his constituency. The activists said:

The kind of voter suppression alleged is an exercise in disenfranchisement and demoralization of non-BJP voters: in particular but not exclusively Dalit, OBC and Muslim voters i.e. from the marginalized communities. These allegations, if true, cast a shadow on the credibility of Indias free and fair election process and the democratic future of India.

The ANHAD team members say they were moved to see the determination of these voters to exercise their right to vote. Their letter says that the EC must ensure justice to the democratic spirit of the voters of Gandhinagar, and to the whole country.

Voters are afraid to lodge formal complaints, and so, the team members demand an independent investigation where Gandhinagar voters can testify without fear of reprisals.

The Election Commission of India has not yet responded to the activists letter and the allegations levelled by the voters as described in it.





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UAE announces crackdown on illegal digital platforms teaching Holy Quran

Alarmed by the mushrooming digital platforms teaching Holy Quran, authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vowed to impose strictly the law that requires licence to offer any such activities

Monday June 3, 2024 1:41 PM , ummid.com News Network

Abu Dhabi: Alarmed by the mushrooming digital platforms teaching Holy Quran, authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vowed to impose strictly the law that requires licence to offer any such activities.

Quran recitation is an art that requires training from experts. Muslims regard recitation of Quran in high esteem, and with the surge of internet and social media, people have inclined to seek online help for correct Quran recitation.

Taking advantage of rising people interest in Quran learning, a number of digital platforms have suddenly occupied the online space.

This alarming trend forced the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to announce crackdown on unlicensed online platforms offering skill in Quran recitation and memorisation.

As reported by Khaleej Times, conducting Quran classes and religious lectures without a license from the competent authority can result in a severe penalty of two months or more in jail and a fine of up to Dirham 50,000.

The authorities said the digital platforms often recruit unqualified individuals without necessary religious qualification, leading to incorrect teaching, misinterpretation of holy books, and potential misunderstandings about Islamic teachings.

People are also advised to report any suspicious or unlicensed teaching activities to the authorities to prevent the spread of unqualified religious education providers.

The advisory issued by the UAEs General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) for citizens and residents on social media platform X is aimed at ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of religious education to safeguard the younger generation.







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People on South Padre Island wait for Starship to take flight atop the Super Heavy booster early on March 14 from Starbase near Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Visitors to Starbase at Boca Chica Beach check out Starship on its launch pad before sunset on March 13. Brandon Lingle/Staff photo SpaceXs Starship 3 launches from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach on March 14. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer An illuminated SpaceX sign is seen near the launch pad late on March 13 during preparations for the third Starship flight from Starbase on Boca Chica Beach. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People watch and record the flight of SpaceXs Starship 3 from the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island on March 14. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People watch a test of the fire suppression system of SpaceXs Starship on the launch pad at SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica on Nov. 17, 2023, before the second launch of the rocket the next morning. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

The fourth flight of SpaceXs Starship mega-rocket is set to blast off from Boca Chica Beach as soon as Thursday.

The commercial space company said Saturday the launch window opens at 7 a.m. Thursday. If that one doesnt work out, it could go at the same time either Friday or Saturday.

Whether youre traveling to watch the launch in person or want to livestream it from home, heres what you need to know about Starships fourth orbital flight attempt.

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Can I watch it in person? Im on summer break.

Yes. And as with previous launches, thousands of people are expected to travel to South Padre Island, Port Isabel and other nearby areas to watch Starships fourth flight.

This will be Starships first summer launch attempt, so space fans will be competing with vacationers for places to stay and watch.

Will the weather cooperate?

Express-News newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze said last week the forecast was looking OK for a launch from far South Texas.

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Thanks to high pressure developing, the chance of rain by midweek will be low around Boca Chica Beach, with mostly sunny skies expected.

One problem could be winds, which are expected to be from 15 to 20 mph Wednesday with gusts over 25 mph possible. Wind speeds are likely to decrease slightly on Thursday and Friday to 10 or 15 mph.

WEATHER HQ: More from newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze

Thursdays launch window, however, isnt likely to open with optimal conditions for SpaceXs plans, and the following days could be problematic, too.

A storm system is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms to parts of Central Texas on Thursday but Boca Chica Beach is expected to stay dry. But the system will bring cloud cover and wind gusts up to 35 mph to far South Texas, neither of which are generally suitable for launch.

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Temperatures will be high, reaching the mid-90s along the South Texas coast Wednesday through Friday. High humidity will cause heat index values to approach 110 degrees.

OK, Im going. Where should I go?

If youre going to Boca Chica Beach to watch in person, Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island is the most popular viewing location. The park will open early Thursday. It hasnt announced the exact time yet, but it opened at 3 a.m. for the last launch in March. Expect long lines and be sure to have the $12 cash-only entrance fee.

Some sites around Port Isabel and along Texas 48 also offer good spots to watch.

For people seeking a different perspective, several boat operators still have availability to watch from offshore.

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As of Friday, Star Fleet Tours had availability on its charter boat to view the launch for $99 per person. The boat will anchor in the mouth of South Bay, about 4 miles from the launch pad.

Several small boat operators also had seats available.

Another unique option is an outpost called Raptor Roost. This spot is 3.8 miles from the launch pad, just inside the 4-mile exclusion zone. It offers camping options since people must arrive before authorities close Highway 4 at midnight before the launch. Prices range from $150 for car camping to $275 for trailers to $325 for motor homes. Each additional person is $150, and everyone must sign liability waivers.

Rocket Ranch, also at the edge of the exclusion zone, is offering tent camping for $200. Those interested must be at the ranch by 3 p.m. the day before.

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Some people also travel to the Mexican side of the border to watch the launch from Playa Bagdad.

Darn, its too far for me. Can I see it online?

Yes. SpaceX is expected to livestream the even on its website beginning at 6:30 a.m. the day of the launch.

LAST LAUNCH: SpaceX Starship makes it to space on its third test flight from South Texas

Various other space Youtube channels such as Everyday Astronaut and NASA Spaceflight will also be broadcasting.

Whats the flight plan?

Starships fourth flight will focus on demonstrating the ability to return and reuse the upper-stage Starship and its Super Heavy booster. Its main objectives include a landing burn and soft splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and a controlled entry of the Starship over the Indian Ocean.

Since March, SpaceX said, it has upgraded the crafts software and hardware to increase overall reliability and address lessons learned from Flight 3.

What else has been happening since the last launch?

Since March, SpaceX has continued rapid expansion of Starbase with construction of a $100 million Starship manufacturing facility, a $21 million employee parking garage, the $15.2 million RioWest restaurant and retail center, a $13.5 million recreation center and a half-million-dollar sushi restaurant.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that SpaceX owes its Texas vendors more than $2.5 billion in unpaid bills. Various contractors, including four in San Antonio, have filed at least 72 liens against the company.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are working together on possible ways to seize any opportunities from the rising global demand for rice, fruits and vegetables, in order to expand exports sustainably.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Nam, President of Viet Nam Food Association, Viet Nam earned an estimated US$2.3 billion from exporting 3.6 million tonnes of rice from January  May, representing a rise of 11 per cent in volume and 34 per cent in value.

All eyes are on India and whether the country will lift its current ban on rice exports, Nam said. If the ban is kept in September, there will be a significant opportunity for Viet Nam to increase its own exports in response to rising global demands.

Production output from other countries is falling due to the impacts of climate change, heat and drought.

However, Viet Nams rice exporters are competing with each other, under cutting prices and Ngoc urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to find solutions to the unhealthy competition, suggesting that a floor on prices for export rice could be imposed.

Nguyen Nhu Cuong, Director of the agriculture ministrys Department of Crop Production, estimated that around 7.6 million tonnes of rice can be for export this year.

The total output of fruits and vegetables is estimated at 13.5 million tonnes, up 3.4 per cent over 2023.

As regards to concerns that harvesting and planting of several fruits are increasing rapidly without complying with the planning laws, such as durian, the agriculture ministry said that inspections are being enhanced on code-granted growing areas and packaging facilities to ensure compliance with signed protocols.

In addition, the national standards and technical standards are being developed to standardise the farming process.

According to Nguyen Thanh Binh, President of Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, import markets are imposing high standards for the product quality, thus, producers must pay attention to the market demand and diversify export products.

The fruit and vegetable industry also needs to establish value chains to control quality and supply towards sustainable development, Binh said.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that links between Vietnamese exporters remain weak and in terms of trade promotions, enterprises are still going it alone.

Hoan said that associations play an important role in helping farmers, producers and exporters to get market information, take advantages from free trade agreements, as well as promote brands.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade said that the exports of agricultural products will continue to face challenges.

The global demands for importing rice, fruits and vegetables are increasing on disruptions of supply sources in many countries due to geopolitical conflicts and trade wars, providing significant opportunities for Viet Nam. However, the focus must be on improving product quality to meet the requirements, the ministry said.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien urged the agriculture ministry to strengthen the restructuring of the rice, fruit and vegetable industry towards enhancing quality and efficiency.

It is important to ensure compliance with planning and increase the application of technology in production, harvesting, processing and preservation.

The focus should be placed on developing standards for production, processing and quality in line with international economic integration requirements to improve competitiveness and value of Vietnamese farm produces, affirm brands in the international markets and expand shares in potential markets.

Improved quality critical for farm produce

According to the National Agro-Forestry- Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, improving quality and meeting labour and environment standards are critical for agricultural products.

Pham Thi Lam Phuong from the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said Viet Nams export of agro-forestry-fishery products are facing difficulties due to falling consumption demand in major markets. In addition, consumers are paying greater attention to not only origins and quality but also labour and environmental standards.

She said the competition for exporting farm produce is also increasing as several countries are strengthening their participation in free trade agreements.

Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that negotiations are underway to open markets for fresh coconuts and frozen durian to China. Work is being continued to complete the draft protocol for jackfruit.

Jackfruit is a traditional product being exported officially but the protocol must be signed following the standardisation roadmap agreed with the Chinese customs department. Longan, lychee and rambutan will follow.

As for medicinal herbs, China has sent a draft protocol, and reviews are underway towards the signing.

In the US, the market will be opened for passion fruit after coconut. The Plant Protection Department is proposing the US allow treatment measures which have been recognised by other countries such as cold treatment for longan, hot steam treatment for mango and dragon fruit and Methyl Bromide treatment for lychee.

An open market for pomelo to Japan is the most difficult, Hieu said, as this requires a test that might take around one year to complete.

Negotiations also face problems from changing policies and stricter standards of import markets, together with the increasing trend of applying non-tariff barriers on farm produce.

Hieu also expressed worries about products that have the potential for export and the ability to meet the standard requirements of the import markets by domestic producers and exporters.

Import markets also have high requirements for seafood products, such as the EU, ang Van Vinh from the National Agro-Forestry  Fisheries Quality Assurance Department said.

The National Agro-Forestry  Fisheries Quality Assurance Departments Director Nguyen Nhu Tiep said that besides traditional markets, it is necessary to expand to potential and niche markets.

The domestic market of around 100 million population also has strong potential, he said.

In the long term, a market information database will be developed to provide analysis of the market size, demand and trends as a base to develop produce.  VNS
HA NOI  State capital divestment in Viet Nam's enterprises has regained momentum, with the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) announcing plans to sell capital in 31 companies, attracting significant market interest.

The State Capital Investment and Trading Corporation (SCIC) recently unveiled its second-phase divestment list for 2024, which includes prominent businesses like FPT Corporation, Becamex IDC and Tien Phong Plastic. The announcement generated excitement in the market.

The liquidity of BCM shares of the construction and development giant Becamex IDC surged following news of the State's plan to divest 30 per cent of its capital in the company. This development was accompanied by a substantial 23 per cent increase in the market price over the past month.

The market's positive reaction can be attributed to the scarcity of high-profile State divestment deals in recent times. Divestment and equity activities had slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, enterprises with strong financial potential and positive growth prospects have become attractive targets for savvy investors, yielding fruitful outcomes. One such example is the case of VGV shares from VietNam National Construction Consultants Corporation - JSC.

By mid-2022, SCIC acquired 87 per cent of VGV's capital, which currently has a charter capital of VN357.7 billion, no debt and a cash balance exceeding VN200 billion. With nearly 70 years experience, VGV and its subsidiaries have undertaken significant national projects, including the My inh National Convention Center, National Assembly House, Keangnam office complex, Ha Noi Museum and the Military Medical Academy. VGV also holds a 2,500sq.m plot of land in Ha Noi.

VGV's subsidiaries and affiliated companies within its ecosystem also possess valuable land assets. For instance, Viet Nam Water, Sanitation and Environment JSC (VWS) owns a 650sq.m plot of land in Ha Noi's Hoan Kiem District and extensive land holdings in Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces.

Other companies like VCC Engineering Consultants JSC (VCC), Consultancy on Construction of Building Material Projects JSC (CCBM), the National of General Construction Consultants JSC (Nagecco) and Consultant and Inspection Joint Stock Company of construction technology and equipment (CONINCO) possess prime properties as well.

The subsidiary USCO holds land plots in various locations, including Ha Noi and HCM City.

In early 2023, a group of investors recognised the potential of VGV shares when they were priced around VN12,000 per share so began buying. It was a good move, they made significant gains, with the market price tripling.

Eventually, the group sold a portion of their shares to foreign investor Oriental Consultants Global Co Ltd.

Now, VGV is included in SCIC's divestment list, and it is expected to attract substantial investor interest.

FPT is another notable name on SCIC's divestment list. In the first four months of 2024, the company reported revenues of VN19 trillion and pre-tax profit of VN3.4 trillion, marking a 20.6 per cent and 19.7 per cent increase, respectively, compared to the previous year.

In 2020, SCIC announced a public auction of its entire stake in FPT, which exceeded 46 million units, with a starting price of VN49,000 per share. Despite the minimum estimated revenue of over VN2.2 trillion, the auction did not attract buyers.

Currently, the market price of FPT shares has risen 2.7 times compared to the starting price offered by SCIC in 2020, reaching VN134,200 per share. Based on the current market price, SCIC could potentially earn over VN8.5 trillion if it divests its entire capital in FPT. This amount is 3.7 times higher than the minimum expected revenue from the 2020 auction.  VNS
HA NOI  The four biggest state-owned commercial banks of Viet Nam and Saigon Gems and Gold One Member Ltd Co (SJC) begin to initiate the sale of SJC-brand gold bullions to the public starting today.

This strategic move aims to promote market stability and ensure a balanced gold market, rather than to pursue profit motives.

The Big4 banks are Agribank, Vietcombank, Vietinbank and BIDV.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) emphasised that these four state-owned commercial banks are solely authorised to sell SJC gold bars to individual customers and are not involved in purchasing SJC gold bars from customers. The responsibility for all buying and selling transactions of SJC gold bars lies with SJC company.

Nguyen uc Hung Linh, Founder and Chief Advisor at Think Future Consultancy & Investment, told Viet Nam News that the primary objective is to increase the supply and reduce the price gap between the domestic and international gold markets. Therefore, the decision not to repurchase gold is understandable, as it is not driven by profit motives.

Linh said that SJC gold bars have the advantage of being backed by a reputable brand and high-quality standards, making them highly liquid in the market.

As a result, individuals can sell their gold bars to regular gold companies after purchasing from state-owned commercial banks. He further clarified that the aim of market stabilisation is to cater to the demand for long-term investment rather than engage in speculative trading for short-term gains.

If customers intend to purchase a significant amount of gold, it is advisable for them to be prepared with the necessary information for declaration or to open an account at state-owned commercial banks prior to the transaction. This will facilitate the process and allow convenient payment through bank transfers.

Currently, the official websites of the four state-owned commercial banks and SJC company have announced the locations and timings for selling SJC gold bars to individual customers.

The primary focus is on Ha Noi and HCM City. Additionally, SJC company will also sell gold bars in other cities, including Hai Phong, Ha Long, Nha Trang, Hue, Quang Ngai, Bien Hoa, Can Tho, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau.

The banks are scheduled to initiate the sale of SJC gold bars to individual customers at 16 designated sales points in Ha Noi and HCM City at 2.30pm today. And starting on June 4, the gold-selling operations will begin at 9am.

Regarding gold prices, the banks said that they will determine the selling prices based on the SJC gold buying prices set by the SBV. The selling prices will be publicly announced and prominently displayed on the banks' websites, as well as at the designated gold selling locations.

Ahead of the first directing gold sale to the public, SBV has revealed the selling rate to be VN78.98 million per tael (US$3,108) for the four banks and SJC company.

On the global market, the spot gold price is traded $2,314.5 an ounce.

At the levels, the gap between the domestic and international gold prices narrawed to VN11.28 million. Early last week, the premium was around VN20 million.

The local gold price tumbled last week after the SBV announced the new measure to stabilise the market.

At 9am, SJC gold prices are quoted at VN79 million per tael for sellers and VN81 million for buyers.  VNS
HA NOI  Thailand, the worlds biggest durian exporter with a total export turnover of US$7 billion, became Viet Nam's second largest importer of this fruit in the first four months of 2024.

In the period, Thailand spent up to $22.5 million importing Vietnamese durian, a year-on-year surge of 82 per cent. This figure is much higher than that of the third ranked market, Chinas Hong Kong, with only $3.6 million. In 2023, Hong Kong was the second largest import market with a turnover of $20 million, followed by Chinas Taiwan with $16 million.

ang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), explained that in recent times, Thailand increased imports of Vietnamese durian because during that time, Viet Nam was the only country supplying this kind of fruit in the world.

Although Thailand is the largest exporter of the fruit, its durian has decreased significantly in quantity and quality due to severe drought, so it has to buy this fruit from other countries to serve domestic and tourist needs, stated Nguyen.

Vinafruit Chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh added that while China is the largest importer of Vietnamese fresh durian, Thailand is Viet Nam's top frozen durian importer thanks to competitive prices.

Some of the imported frozen durian is to serve processing activities, but the majority is exported to third countries, mainly China, Binh said, adding that currently, Viet Nam is not allowed to export frozen durian to China while Thailand and China have a protocol on frozen durian.

Therefore, the Vietnamese business community is looking forward to the early signing of a protocol between Viet Nam and China, so that products do not have to detour to benefit both Vietnamese farmers and Chinese consumers.

In April, Vietnam earned $217 million from shipping durian abroad, up 487 per cent against the same period last year.

The figure for the first four months of this year reached $470 million, a year-on-year rise of 146 per cent. China was the largest importer, accounting for 92 per cent of the market share.  VNS
HA NOI  The market opened the new week on a positive note with many stocks witnessing big gains, while liquidity also soared.

The VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) finished the trading day at 1.280 points, up 18.28 points, or 1.45 per cent.

The market's breadth was positive as the number of gainers surpassed that of losers by 264 to 79. Liquidity on the southern bourse rose by 39.2 per cent to more than VN26 trillion (US$1.09 billion), equivalent to a trading volume of more than one billion shares.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 biggest stocks on the HoSE, increased 21.81 points, or 1.71 per cent, to finish at 1,297.78 points. In the VN30 basket, 29 stocks ticked up while one inched down.

Leading the market's uptrend were pillar stocks in the banking industry.

Data compiled by a financial website vietstock.vn showed that the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB) was the biggest gainer on the market with shares up nearly 1.2 per cent, contributing over 2.2 points to the VN-Index gain.

It was followed by the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBB), up 3.91 per cent, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (CTG), up 2.19 per cent and the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID), up 0.42 per cent. Notably, the Sai Gon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (STB) hit a ceiling, up 6.82 per cent, contributing nearly one point to the VN-Index.

Other large-cap stocks that performed well included Vingroup Joint Stock Company (VIC), up 0.92 per cent, FPT Corporation (FPT), up 1.71 per cent, and Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN) which increased 4.68 per cent.

Limiting the rallies, some big stocks still faced slight sell-offs, such as uc Giang Chemicals Group JSC (DGC) which posted a decline of 0.48 per cent, Vietnam Rubber Group JSC (GVR) down 0.43 per cent and Vietnam Commercial Joint Stock Export Import Bank (EIB) which lost 0.75 per cent.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also finished higher on Monday. It rose 0.67 per cent, to 244.72 points.

During the session, more than VN1.8 trillion worth of shares, equivalent to a trading volume of nearly 105 million shares, were moved on the northern market.

On the other hand, foreign investors extended their net selling spree as they net sold over VN245 billion on the HoSE.  VNS
HA NOI  Seafood exports in Viet Nam grew in the first five months of the year, with positive signals seen in major markets in terms of both demand and prices, said the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

In May, the countrys seafood exports are projected to reach US$870 million, reflecting a growth of more than 7 per cent over last year.

Tuna and crab exports have experienced significant advancements, while tra fish, squid and octopus exports have seen a modest increase.

However, shrimp exports have slightly declined compared to the previous year.

Overall, seafood exports for the first five months of the year were estimated to reach $3.6 billion, up 6.5 per cent year-on-year.

Viet Nam's tuna exports increased by 36 per cent to over $95 million in May, with canned tuna up 18 per cent, bagged tuna up over 3.5 times, frozen tuna loins/fillets up 25 per cent and frozen whole tuna up nearly 7 times compared to the same period last year.

In the same period, crab exports soared by 92 per cent, tra fish rose 10 per cent, while exports of squid, octopus and other fish species saw a modest 3 per cent growth. In contrast, shrimp exports declined by 1.5 per cent.

For the first five months, tuna exports rose 25 per cent to nearly $397 million, while crab exports hit $101 million, an 84 per cent jump, mainly driven by a doubling of crab product exports. China and Japan, the two largest markets, increased their imports of Vietnamese crabs.

Tra fish and shrimp exports during the period increased 3 per cent and 7 per cent on year, respectively, to nearly $755 million and $1.3 billion.

Major markets, including the US, Japan, the EU and South Korea, are gradually showing signs of recovery in both demand and import prices for seafood.

In May, exports to these markets grew positively, ranging from 5 to 26 per cent.

On the other hand, exports to China declined by 8 per cent over last year. The US remained the top market with 13 per cent growth, reaching $635 million worth of seafood imports from Viet Nam.

Exports to Japan, China, South Korea and the EU had modest growth of 3-4 per cent.  VNS
Call them casitas, in-law suites, guest houses or accessory dwelling units, but small backyard buildings are becoming increasingly popular and could provide at least one part of the solution to the current shortage of affordable housing. Robin Jerstad

Paperwork from Laura Browns work-from-home job and materials from her crafting hobby were overflowing from her office into another room of the Oakwell Farms house she shares with her husband, Bill. Something had to give.

We decided I needed a she shed,  said Brown, who works in financial operations for a health care company.

San Antonio-based Elbow Room built this 240-square-foot casita the homeowners use as an artist studio and a yoga studio. Robin Jerstad This casita was customized with an expanded outside deck and cable railing. Robin Jerstad The sunny, spacious, one-bedroom apartment was built complete with a kitchenette and a full bathroom. Robin Jerstad Large windows over the front doors and windows allow plenty of natural light to stream into this 320-square-foot tiny home. Robin Jerstad The 320-square-foot tiny home includes a complete bathroom. Robin Jerstad When Laura and Phil Browns Oakwell Farms home became overrun with work-for-home and hobby materials, they decided they needed to build a backyard casita to relieve the pressure. Richard A. Marini/Staff The Browns' recently completed casita is flooded with natural light, thanks to a series of clerestory windows above the doorway. Richard A. Marini/Staff The Browns requested their recently completed casita be built with large closets to store Laura Brown's crafting supplies. Richard A. Marini/Staff

After an extensive online search, the couple hired Elbow Room, a San Antonio-based firm that specializes in building she sheds, also known as casitas, in-law suites, granny pods, guest houses or, in technical terms, accessory dwelling units.

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These and other terms usually refer to separate structures, though the city's definition of ADU includes an above-the-garage apartment or an addition to a home, built on the same lot as an existing single-family home.

Usually located in the backyard, they can range in size from a large walk-in closet to a small house. Relatively affordable, they could, according to some experts, provide at least part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis.

A space-saving barn-style door divides this tiny house into two separate spaces. Robin Jerstad

Unlike the outdoor sheds sold by big-box stores, the buildings that Elbow Room constructs  for consistency, lets call them casitas  are made with the same materials, such as drywall and insulation, used in most residential homes. Depending on size and amenities, they can be built on either concrete or pier-and-beam foundations, include electricity and running water, and feature ceilings as high as 10 feet.

Elbow Room was born out of the pandemic, when Erin and Patrick Callahans young children were taking classes remotely and the couple realized they needed more space.

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So we built a little casita in our backyard, said Erin Callahan, a former business executive and schoolteacher. It gave us the extra room we needed, and it was heated, air conditioned so it was a really comfortable space.

Erin Callahan, co-owner of San Antonio-based Elbow stands in front of one of her company's recently built casitas. She predicted the company will build 30 to 40 units in 2024. Robin Jerstad

The stylin shed was so popular, others began asking them to build one in their yards. Suddenly, they had a business.

Today, Callahan and her sister, Amy Moody, control the companys day-to-day operations. Callahan predicts theyll complete 30 to 40 casitas this year, up from 22 in 2023.

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A major reason for the companys success is that they handle everything, from design to permitting to construction. Theyll even help smooth the way with persnickety homeowners associations.

And their casitas can be customized to fit a clients needs. Since Laura Browns crafting supplies will take up a big portion of her casita, for example, it was designed with large storage closets running along the back wall.

Erin Callahan's San Antonio-based company Elbow Room built this 320-square-foot tiny home for a client who wanted a place where their adult son could live. Robin Jerstad

For another client, a couple who wanted a place where their adult son could live, they built what is essentially a sunny, spacious, one-bedroom apartment, complete with kitchenette and a full bathroom.

Other available upgrades include standing seam metal roofs, enlarged outdoor decks, interior walls to break the inside space into smaller rooms, and space-saving barn, pocket and saloon-style doors.

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We can do almost anything a client wants to make the place their own, Callahan said.

Callahan got into the business at a fortunate time. ADUs are one of the hottest areas in real estate construction, growing at a rate of 9%, or 100,000 new builds, annually, according to a 2021 study by the home improvement site porch.com.

The study also found they add to a homes value. In larger cities, ADUs add an average of 35% to the asking price of a home on the market  in San Antonio the figure is 164% higher.

TERRELL HILLS TINY HOME: It's small but really catches the eye

For another client, a couple who wanted a place where their adult son could live, Elbow Room built this one-bedroom apartment, complete with kitchenette and a full bathroom. Robin Jerstad

Callahan said the company can complete a nonpermitted build in as little as four to six weeks  the Browns took a month  while permitted buildings can take four to six months once the building permits are acquired.

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Elbow Rooms smallest floor plan, measuring 8 by 8 feet, costs $26,000 to build, while its largest, a 40-by-20-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom with a full kitchen, is $197,000. Prices are all-inclusive, except for sewage, water and, in some cases, electrical connections.

People build casitas for many reasons: as a place where family members can live nearby, for a home office, gym or craft space, even as a pool cabana.

An increasingly popular strategy is to operate them as an Airbnb or long-term rental.

Some investors are even experimenting with developing multiunit housing complexes made up of these tiny homes.
PHU YEN  The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the south-central coastal province of Phu Yen in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in HCM City, organised a tourism promotion programme with the participation of many travel agencies from the province and Kerala state of India.

The event aims to promote bilateral cooperation between the two localities and stimulate tourism demand to Phu Yen this summer.

Deputy Director of the department Nguyen Le Vu said he hopes the event will lay a foundation for promoting tourism cooperation and cultural exchange between the two localities.

Indian partners and businesses can collaborate, exchange experiences, and establish partnerships to develop tourism and promote the image of Phu Yen, thus creating a bridge to attract more international tourists and Indian visitors in particular to Phu Yen, and Vietnamese tourists to Kerala, he stressed.

According to the department, India is one of Phu Yen's traditional partners. In recent times, the cooperation between Phu Yen and India has recorded significant results in investment, culture, sports, and tourism. With the participation of local tourism businesses and the nearly 30 tourism firms from Kerala, this event will open up opportunities for multifaceted cooperation between the two localities.

As part of the programme, WebCRS company from Kerala signed memoranda of understanding on cooperation with several travel agencies and hotels in Phu Yen.  VNA/VNS
PARIS  An event titled Bac Ninh - Kinh Bac Cultural Night was held in Paris to promote cultural values of the northern province of Bac Ninh which is often referred to as Kinh Bac  a land with long history and ancient culture in Viet Nam.

The event was organised by the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province, the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France to mark the 15th anniversary of UNESCO recognition of Bac Ninh Quan Ho (love duet) singing as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2009-2024).

The event saw the participation of nearly 200 people, including about 30 ambassadors of countries to UNESCO, representatives from French agencies and organisations, diplomatic missions and international organisations based in Paris and Vietnamese associations in France.

Participants had a chance to enjoy and learn about Quan Ho singing and ong Ho painting  two typical cultural values of Kinh Bac.

Previously, Kinh Bac consisted of Bac Giang province and ong Anh and Long Bien districts of Ha Noi. The region is associated with several legends and is considered the cradle of the ai Viet civilisation.

Located in the centre of the Red River Delta, Kinh Bac is blessed with fertile land, beautiful landscapes and favourable conditions for economic and cultural exchanges with other localities throughout the country.

Since the early years before Christ, the region was one of the cradles of the wet rice civilization and the founding place of the ai Viet civilisation. Kinh Bac is also famous nationwide for its folk festivals, especially Quan Ho singing, an art form that combines various elements, including music, lyrics and costumes, and features the distinctive culture of people in the region formerly called Kinh Bac.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UNESCO, affirmed that Viet Nam always pays attention to protecting intangible cultural heritage and promoting cultural heritage values associated with sustainable development.

As a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 term and currently the Vice Chairman of the committee, Viet Nam has been strengthening cooperation with other member countries and relevant parties to promote the implementation of the convention, she said.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A beautiful beach and high-quality healthcare services have made Nha Trang city in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa one of the eight best coastal destinations for retirees, according to US magazine Travel Leisure.

Located about 400km northeast of HCM City and over 1,200km south of Ha Noi, Nha Trang boasts a beautiful beach and an established expat community of about 4,000 people.

There are wet and dry seasons, with the latter running from January through August and monsoon season spanning from September to December.

Travel Leisure said Betsy Burlingame, founder and president of Expat Exchange, described Nha Trang as a walkable city with reliable public transportation, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and abundant opportunities for recreation, from parks to hiking and boating.

Other destinations on the list are Carlsbad, Beaufort, Falmouth and Ponte Vedra in the US, Ambergris Caye in Belize, Quepos in Costa Rica and Mazatlan in Mexico. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The French Embassy held a press meeting in Ha Noi on June 3 to announce the results of a project named Share and Preserve Vietnam's Heritage.

The 2022-2024 project, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects and initiated by the French Embassy in Vietnams Cultural Cooperation and Operations Department, aims to meet the needs of Vietnamese partners and foster cooperation with French museums.

Speaking at the event, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet highlighted the significance of the project with a budget of some EUR 600,000 (US$667,000) over a period of two years. More than 200 officials from 20 Vietnamese heritage units have benefited from the project.

He further hinted at the project's potential to pave the way for future collaborations as early as 2025.

The project consists of three main components, including developing training courses in the field of conservation and valorisation of heritage in Viet Nam, enhancing the capacity of Vietnamese museum officials and three pilot projects in three locations in Viet Nam, namely renovation of the visitor centre of Cuc Phuong National Park - the first national park in Viet Nam in the northern province of Ninh Binh, support of the content display at the education and communication centre of Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve in the central province of Quang Nam, and design and production of storytelling tools using sound called "Storytelling Box" for museums in HCM City. - VNS
PARIS  A working group from the Vietnamese Embassy in France led by Ambassador inh Toan Thang paid a working trip to Bordeaux, the capital city of Frances southwest region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, from May 30 to June 1.

During the visit, Ambassador Thang had meetings with Prefect of Nouvelle Aquitaine region Etienne Guyot and President of the region Alain Rousset, and attended a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of twinning relations between the region and Lao Cai province of Viet Nam  a typical decentralised cooperation model of Viet Nam and France.

At the meetings, leaders of the region showed their impression at the close friendship between the two peoples after ups and downs of the history, as well as the development achievements of Viet Nam, and highly valued the fruitful cooperation model between Lao Cai and Nouvelle Aquitaine region.

Rousset highlighted strengths and potentials of the region in re-industrialisation and innovation to bring opportunities to both countries in the spirit of cooperation and shared success.

Chairman the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Nouvelle Aquitaine Jean-Francois Cledel introduced the investment and business opportunities of the region. In addition to its strengths in agriculture and wine production, the region, which ranks third out of the 15 of France in terms of production capacity and second in investment in research and development, is also strong in aerospace, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, cruise shipbuilding and ceramics production, he said.

During their stay, the group had a working session with Hydrogene de France SA (HDF Energy), a pioneering enterprise in developing and building high-capacity power plants from stable renewable energy sources (Renewstable) and hydrogen gas sources (Hypower) in many countries around the world. HDF Energy is also a fuel cell manufacturer, exclusively owning the technology to create high capacity storage batteries (+1MW). The firm opened a representative office in Viet Nam in March 2022 and signed a cooperation deal with Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) in developing power projects using Renewstable technology and hydrogen gas sources using Hypower technology in Viet Nam and the Asia-Pacific.

They also visited Bordeaux Montaigne University, one of the five major research and training facilities in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, and the Centre for the Study of Foreign Languages, French and Francophone (CLEFF), which is providing training programme for more than 20 languages, including Vietnamese. Antoine Ertle, Director of the centre, said that in the coming time, CLEFF aims to develop the Vietnamese language department with classes in a mixed model, including both face-to-face and online teaching to meet the increasing demand in research and application of Vietnamese language and Vietnamese culture.

On the occasion, Ambassador Thang also worked with a delegation from Lao Cai province, which was on a working trip to the French region, during which the diplomat affirmed his willingness to support Lao Cai in implementing its cooperation programme with Nouvelle Aquitaine in the time to come. He also had a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Bordeaux.

French partners showed their optimism about the cooperation potential between Nouvelle-Aquitaine region as well as Bordeaux with Vietnamese localities.

The president of the region showed his interest in the prospect of cooperation Lao Cai in growing and producing medicines from medicinal plants, while the CCI Chairman recognised the bilateral cooperation potential in agricultural development and recycled energy, and CLEFF Director wanted to find partners in Viet Nam for student exchange programmes. VNS
HA NOI  Inspector General of the Government Inspectorate oan Hong Phong held talks with Khamphan Phommathat, President of the Lao State Inspection Authority, in Ha Noi on Monday.

The Vietnamese official emphasised that the Lao official's working visit is a vivid demonstration of the good cooperation and friendship between the two inspectorate agencies in recent years.

While also being a valuable opportunity for the two sides to implement the memorandum of understanding on cooperation, which they signed in 2022, they also shared experiences abd exchanged the best practices in directing and managing inspection, citizen reception, complaint and denunciation solution.

He expressed his belief that the effective cooperation and friendship between the Viet Nam and Laos will continue to contribute to promoting great friendship, a special solidarity and solid cooperation.

For his part, Phommathat said that the talks offered an important chance to implement the contents of the MoU signed between the two agencies.

The two sides provided an overview of the socio-economic situation in each country, results and experience in managing inspection activities, citizen reception, complaint and denunciation solution, and combating corruption and negative phenomena in recent times, as well as orientations and tasks for the future.  VNS
GENEVA - In an effort to enhance economic diplomacy for national development and to strengthen Viet Nam-Switzerland cooperation in trade, investment, finance, innovation, and education, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland and the Swiss-Viet Economic Forum Organisation (SVEF) plan to organise several events at the University of Zurich from June 3 to June 4.

According to the announcement, a seminar on Viet Nam-Switzerland education and training cooperation will take place on June 3, with the participation of several universities, educational institutions, and enterprises from both Viet Nam and Switzerland. These entities are interested in human resource training and seeking opportunities for collaborative projects and joint training programs between Vietnamese and Swiss partners.

After the seminar, the 2024 Swiss-Viet Economic Forum event will be held on June 4, with approximately 200 delegates from governmental agencies, local authorities, associations, investment funds, and businesses from both countries attending. The forum will be conducted both in-person and online, focusing on four main topics: policies to promote trade, investment, and development in key sectors; the role and potential of strategic industries; opportunities for Viet Nam-Switzerland cooperation in finance; startup investment.

For more than half a century, the bilateral relationship between Viet Nam and Switzerland has developed comprehensively across all fields including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, and training. Among these, trade and investment cooperation are two crucial pillars in the relationship between the two countries, with substantial room for further development.

The forum aims to foster trade, investment, education, and innovation cooperation among ministries, local authorities, and businesses of both countries. The executive board of the Viet Nam-Switzerland Economic Forum includes representatives from reputable Swiss businesses and renowned experts from the Vietnamese community in Switzerland working in economics, trade, finance, law, and education. VNS
SEOUL  The Republic of Korea (RoK) supports Viet Nam's efforts in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, as recommended by the European Commission (EC), said Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung.

During a recent interview granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Seoul, Kang described Viet Nam as a major seafood trading partner.

Last year, Viet Nam was the third largest seafood exporter to the RoK with a value of roughly US$800 million, primarily consisting of shrimp, shrimp meat, and octopus. He added that Viet Nam is also the fifth largest source of seafood imports from the RoK, valued at some $240 million last year.

The RoK Government plans to work with major Korean companies like Lotte Mart in HCM City to launch trade promotion initiatives that will benefit both Vietnamese seafood producers and Korean consumers, he revealed.

The interview also shed light on ongoing technical cooperation projects between the two countries. "The RoK's National Institute of Fisheries Science and Viet Nam's Research Institute for Aquaculture are currently engaged in a project to enhance aquaculture productivity in the northern Vietnamese provinces of Nam inh and Ninh Binh", Minister Kang said. This project, valued at 3 billion KRW ($2.1 billion) and running from 2022 to 2026, aims to improve aquaculture practices through technology transfer. He reaffirmed the RoK's commitment to building long-term partnerships with Viet Nam to develop a sustainable aquaculture sector.

Presenting the RoKs ongoing efforts and experiences against IUU fishing, he said the RoK Government advocates for upholding the rule of law, information sharing, public awareness campaigns, and refraining from violence in enforcement efforts.

He expressed wish for joint work with Viet Nam in this regard, saying that the RoK will also collaborate to strengthen the capabilities of Asian countries like Viet Nam to address IUU fishing.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam always gives the top priority to maintaining, consolidating and fostering its great friendship, special solidary and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told visiting President of the Lao State Inspection Authority Khamphan Phommathat at their meeting in Ha Noi on Monday afternoon.

"Viet Nam stands ready to work with and assist Laos in building an independent and self-reliant economy," the Government leader added.

Informing the host PM about good outcomes of the recent talks between his delegation and the Government Inspectorate of Viet Nam, Phommathat proposed Viet Nam offer further support for Laos, especially experience in macro-economic management, perfecting institutions and legal regulations, and improving professional capacities and skills, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of inspection, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption measures.

Both host and guest expressed their joy over the growing Viet Nam-Laos cooperation toward practical outcomes, with delegation exchanges maintained and bilateral trade hitting some US$620.6 million in the first fourth months, up 10 per cent year-on-year.

PM Chinh recommended inspection bodies under the countries Parties and states coordinate in building plans to effectively implement high-level agreements, existing collaboration mechanisms, and the outcomes of the 46th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

"It is necessary to step up cross-border economic cooperation and projects that enhance transport and trade connectivity and economic integration, with key initiatives including the Ha Noi-Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway," he noted.

He also called on the bodies to continue their high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation, particularly in inspection work, anti-corruption efforts, and complaint resolution. Chinh encouraged them to maintain training programmes to improve the professional capacity of their personnel.

The PM affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to share expertise with Laos in macro-economic management, particularly in monetary and fiscal policies, and support the neighbour in successfully undertaking its international responsibilities this year, including the rotating ASEAN chairmanship.  VNS
HA NOI  Classifying waste into different types is gradually bringing desired results, but the efficiency is not high and there are many causes, difficulties and problems in making it a routine, according to experts.

Several pilot schemes are underway across Viet Nam, but after being told basic technical instructions on how they need to sort, each locality, residential area, household and individual really needs a specific roadmap to develop a specific system so that the legal regulations can be enforced.

Currently, household solid waste is still a major threat to human life, so classification, collection and treatment needs to strictly adhere to regulations, in order to bring benefits.

Viet Nam's Law on Environmental Protection 2020 regulating the classification of household solid waste will be officially implemented across the country from January 1, 2025, a date which is considered a turning point for domestic solid waste management.

Classifying solid waste at source will not only reduce the volume of waste that needs to be buried, but also the volume of liquid that leaches out from the site. So negative impacts on the environment will also be significantly reduced to include the process of treating leachate and pollution of underground and surface water sources.

Household waste classification also brings many economic benefits. First of all, it creates a clean source of raw materials for compost production. At the same time, it helps reduce the cost burden in treating leachate and handling odours arising from waste.

However, many households are still not in the habit of classifying household solid waste and some people do not even understand what classification is for or how to classify it.

Many types of solid waste are still thrown together in one place, waiting for environmental workers to sort through it.

According to experts, to make the waste classification process work and for it to become habitual, there needs to a clear roadmap of what is involved.

Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, president of the Viet Nam Clean Air Network, said that currently, localities are confused in terms of classifying waste because of the lack of guiding documents.

This problem is not simply about classifying waste at source but also entails many other problems such as collecting rubbish, transporting and processing waste and issues related to people and management units, Tung said.

Meanwhile, Tong Viet Thanh, vice head of Sosid Waste Management Division of the HCM City Natural Resources and Environment Department, said that at present, departments are trying to follow the targets and tasks assigned by the city, but will have to wait to see any firm results.

Thanh said: "In my opinion, this is a very difficult task. So far, all localities are in the process of research, but many localities have not yet found a way to realise the issue."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An, director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development also expressed concerns about whether household waste classification is even feasible.

The Environmental Protection Law has taken effect and waste classification is about to be implemented, but I am worried that this will not be feasible, because there is a big gap from theory to practice, An said.

Asked about the issue of refusing to collect garbage when people do not classify it, Nguyen Thi Nu, from the Hanoi Urban Environment Company - URENCO said: "We have the right to refuse when people do not classify waste, but this is quite difficult. Because when we refuse to collect, they will get angry and the next day, they can litter in other places.

When household solid waste is not properly classified, it will be very difficult to recycle or treat while the amount of waste still increases every year. Many landfills and waste treatment plants in provinces and cities are already overloaded.

Nguyen uc Dung, vice director of URENCO in Ba inh District branch, said that while people are being mobilised to classify waste at source, there are not enough treatment plants, so all waste is still transported to Nam Son landfill, which is a waste of people's efforts.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen inh Tho, director of the Institute of Policy Strategy and Environmental Resources, also stressed that localities need to prepare waste treatment plants so as to deploy waste classification from January 1, 2025.

The Law on Environmental Protection stipulates that the classification of household solid waste is mandatory for all individuals and households. If waste is not classified, collection will be refused.

And Decree 45/2022/N-CP on penalties for administrative violations in the field of environment, households and individuals who do not classify household solid waste and do not use solid waste packaging according to regulations will be fined from VN500,000 - 1 million (US$20-40).

However, in reality, many people still do not know about the regulations, even though it has been over a year since the decree took effect and there are only a few months left before the new rules and fines, are imposed.

According to environment experts, although the policy is good, putting it into practice is another issue, so there needs to be an adequate enforcement monitoring mechanism and many other sanctions.

Head of Natural Resources and Environment Division of Ha Nois Ba Vi District Nguyen Thi Nam said: How to detect people who do not throw their trash in the right place or do not classify their trash? This is an extremely difficult task.  VNS
A view of the front entrance at the Bexar County Appraisal District, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. The Bexar County Appraisal District was voted the best mid-sized employer in the San Antonio Express-News survey. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News A polling site worker holds a roll of "I Voted" stickers as she peers out the window at an early voting location, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in San Antonio. Early voting runs through March 1. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

Voters started casting ballots Monday to decide who will fill the last two at-large seats on the Bexar Appraisal District board of directors.

Early voting for the runoff runs through June 11. Election day is June 15.

This year marks the first time candidates are being elected to the Bexar Appraisal District's board. Voters in November approved an amendment to the Texas Constitution setting up elections for at-large appraisal district seats in the state's largest counties.

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Three of the local boards seats will be filled by election, while taxing entities within the district will appoint members to the other five seats.

The two appraisal board seats are the only races on this month's ballot.

In May, Naomi Elizabeth Miller won the Place 1 seat.

Miller is executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of San Antonio. From 2018 to 2022, she was the director of governmental relations for the Northside Independent School District. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade as district director to then-Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.

She had the support of the conservative True Texas Project and Bexar County Republican Party Chairman Jeff McManus.

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Erika Hizel and Stephen Spears are vying for the Place 2 seat in this month's runoff.

Hizel owns Kimeaux Investments, a real estate investment firm. She is co-founder and president of San Antonio Property Owners Alliance, which says it advocates for mom and pop, or small-scale, landlords. North East Bexar County Democrats endorsed Hizel.

Spears is a Realtor at Stonepoint Properties Inc.

Robert Bruce and G.L. "Larry" Lamborn are facing off for Place 3.

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Bruce founded United Audio Recording Productions and Boerne Stage Airfield, and is co-owner of Astro Super Bowl bowling alley. He also has the support of the local Republican Party chairman.

Lamborn is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel and retired CIA senior operations officer who is endorsed by the North East Bexar County Democrats.

Voters can cast ballots at 41 early voting locations across the county, including the Bexar County Elections Department office on South Frio Street. A full list of voting locations is on the Bexar County Elections Department website.

Early voting hours vary:

Today-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
VIENTIANE  A secondary school built with a non-refundable grant from the Vietnamese Government has been inaugurated in Houameuang District in the northern Lao province of Houaphanh.

Jointly implemented by the authorities of Viet Nams Hoa Binh Province and Houaphanh, the project cost close to VN156.23 billion (US$6.25 million), of which Viet Nams funding amounted to VN126.6 billion.

Speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the facility and transfer it to the Lao side on Monday, Secretary of the Hoa Binh Party Committee Nguyen Phi Long said the project aims to improve the quality of education and human resources in the district.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Laos-Viet Nam Cooperation Committee Viengsavanh Vilayphone expressed his gratitude for comprehensive assistance given to Laos and its localities by the Vietnamese Party, State and people so far. The support covers the building of educational infrastructure, serving the growth of Laos younger generation.  VNS
HA NOI - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) held a press conference in Ha Noi on June 3 to announce the results of the 20-year implementation of the Politburos Resolution 36-NQ/TW on OV affairs.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and SCOV Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Resolution 36 has raised public awareness of OV affairs as well as sense of reponsibility in implementing tasks relevant to OV affairs. It has garnered widespread support and active participation from OVs.

She highlighted achievements made in policy building consultations, securing legal rights and protections for OVs, preservation of Vietnamese language and national cultural identity, and external news services to ensure OVs remain informed about Viet Nam.

Resolution 36 builds upon the Party and State's unwavering commitment to viewing OVs as an integral part of the Vietnamese nation, a vital resource, and a cornerstone of national unity, she said.

On the occasion, Hang revealed that the fourth World Conference of OVs and the 2024 forum of OV intellectuals and experts will take place from August 21-28. The aim is to disseminate the Party's guidelines and State policies and laws related to OVs, gain insight into their difficulties to provide timely support and collect suggestions for national development in the new situation. - VNS
Viet Nam has been named as one of the best places to visit for women travelling alone by British magazine TIME OUT. We are the only country to make the list in the whole of South East Asia. We took to the streets to ask female tourists and expats, as well as a tourism expert what makes the country so safe.
Big4 banks, SJC sell gold bars directly to customers, Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced on June 3 that the selling price of SJC-brand is 78.98 million VND (3,108 USD) per tael.

The selling price is determined based on SJC gold buying prices set by the SBV for four state-owned commercial banks of Vietnam and Saigon Gems and Gold One Member Co Ltd (SJC), it said, adding that it will continue to follow the roadmap to narrow the difference between the domestic price of SJC gold bars and the world price.

Earlier, the SBV said the four state-owned commercial banks - Agribank, Vietcombank, Vietinbank and BIDV - and SJC are solely authorised to purchase SJC gold bars from the SBV and sell to the public. This strategic move aims to promote market stability and ensure a balanced gold market.

On June 2, the official websites of the four state-owned commercial banks and the SJC have announced the locations and timings for selling SJC gold bars to individual customers.

The primary focus is on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the SJC will also sell gold bars in other cities, including Hai Phong, Ha Long, Nha Trang, Hue, Quang Ngai, Bien Hoa, Can Tho, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau.

The banks were scheduled to initiate the sale of SJC gold bars to individual customers at 16 designated sales points in Hanoi and HCM City at 2.30pm on June 3. And starting on June 4, the gold-selling operations will begin at 9am.

Vietnam central bank postpones gold bar auction The State Bank of Vietnam was to auction 16,800 taels of gold bars, branded by Saigon Jewelery Company (SJC), on the morning of April 22. However, an hour before the bid opening time, the central bank announced it was postponing the auction as there were not enough members to participate in the bidding and transfer deposits.
Vietnam is a key market for Daesang's global business, as the company posted sales surpassing 200 billion won ($145 million) last year by combining its food and ingredient businesses. The figure was nearly double the figure from 2017, with the growth attributed to the growing consumer demand driven by the K-food wave.

As reported by Korea IT Times, Daesang has made an investment of 30 billion ($22 million) into two factories in Hai Duong and Hung Yen provinces, being respectively run by the company's subsidiaries, Daesang Vietnam and Daesang Duc Viet.

Daesang Vietnam has upgraded the annual output capacity of the Hai Duong factory by 40 per cent with an expanded seaweed line and a new ambient-ready meal manufacturing line.

Meanwhile, Daesang Duc Viet's factory in Hung Yen has more than doubled its annual output capacity. Alongside the existing meat processing products, the company will produce its kimchi products and convenience foods such as spring rolls and steamed pork buns, also knowns as 'banh bao'. Daesang's flagship product, Jongga Kimchi, will be produced by a new production line at the factory.

By increasing kimchi production locally, Daesang aims to expand its market share in Vietnam. In addition, the company also has a plan to secure a stronger presence in Vietnam's ready-meal market with its O'food brand.

Daesang first entered Vietnam in 1994 by establishing its local subsidiary, Miwon Vietnam Co., Ltd. In 1995, the South Korean food maker began the production and sales of Miwon fermented seasoning by establishing a factory near Hanoi. It acquired the local meat processing company Duc Viet Foods in 2016.

Daesang Duc Viet opens Hung Yen Factory No. 2 Daesang Duc Viet JSC held an opening ceremony for Hung Yen Factory No. 2 on May 13, marking a new milestone in its production expansion.

F&B is still a game for TOP brands With a growth rate of more than 10 per cent per year, the food and beverage market is still a vibrant playground led by big brands.
"Cham" is a short film on the topic of domestic violence. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Director Pham Vinh Khuong said he is making a short film using artificial intelligence (AI) on the topic of domestic violence, aiming to contribute to educating the community, especially young people, and calling for their efforts to prevent and combat this problem.

Khuong said that the film, entitled Cham (touch), will be released on the occasion of the Vietnamese Family Day (June 28).

It tells the story of a young family facing conflicts and violence, warning of the danger of domestic violence, advising victims to seek help from the community and social organisations.

Particularly, the film upholds the role of education and popularises domestic violence prevention and control regulations, encouraging all in the community to speak up when detecting domestic violence.

Khuong said that the film goes beyond just reflecting the current situation of domestic violence to provide practical solutions to the problem. The characters in the film will be multi-dimensional, from those who endured violence to those who overcame difficulties and resumed normal life, he added.

The combination of art and AI technology in the project is expected to bring a new approach and deeper experiences to audience through special effects scenes.

Along with the short film, the project also includes many community activities such as conferences and seminars as well as communications campaigns to call for the engagement of the community in domestic violence prevention and control.

The film is scheduled to be screened in late July.

US company steps up AI investment in Southeast Asia The US chip manufacture Nvidia is planning to build a 200 million USD artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Indonesia as part of its push into Southeast Asia.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke (Photo: nst.com.my)

Kuala Lumpur  Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke on May 31 said that his country wants to strengthen cooperation with China in artificial intelligence (AI) with focus placed on education and training.

Speaking on Bernamas TV programme Roundtable: 50 Years of Malaysia-China Friendship, Loke said that China is focusing on developing high technology, especially AI  the area that Malaysia is paying much attention to.

He emphasised that the two countries can strengthen cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Loke highlighted TVET as a key focus for Malaysia's education system, aiming to equip students with practical, workforce-ready skills.

Strong emphasis is being placed on TVET, and we have a strong collaborative partnership with China in this area. China has offered many opportunities for our students to receive TVET training, and vice versa. We hope to see even more collaboration in the future," he said.

Lin Shiguang, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, said that bilateral cooperation helps the two countries to solve the shortage of high-quality human resources when implementing major projects. China is promoting STEM education, particularly AI, cloud computing, data centres and emerging technologies.

On May 30, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that 220 Chinese companies are offering 5,125 places to Malaysian students for short-, medium- and long-term training related to TVET.

Rail route connects China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia The first China - Laos - Thailand - Malaysia express freight train recently departed from Chengdu, the capital of Chinas southwestern Sichuan province, marking a significant milestone in regional trade connectivity.

Malaysia, RoK renews currency swap deal The Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) announced that it has signed an agreement with its counterpart from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to extend a bilateral swap arrangement by another three years.
At the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (Photo: Paultan.org)

Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysia Autoshow 2024 has concluded with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) reporting a total of 1.4 billion RM (about 294.4 million USD) potential sales, 2,620 bookings of vehicles, and 13,799 sales leads - marking a significant milestone for the automotive industry.

Taking place from May 21-26, the event featured over 200 brands and exhibitors and saw 47 product launches. This year's autoshow attracted 223,876 visitors, reflecting a 17 per cent year-on-year increase, and recorded a total of 6,263 test drives and rides.

Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) CEO Azrul Reza Aziz expressed his gratitude to all sponsors, partners, exhibitors, and visitors for their support, which contributed to the autoshow being recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest international autoshow.

Azrul hinted at the return of the Malaysia Autoshow in 2025, potentially with new settings and evolved themes as Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

The event showcased a diverse range of attractions, including concept vehicles, electric and efficient ICE vehicles, autonomous driving demonstrations, modified cars, classic automobiles, campervans, and military vehicles. It also facilitated the exchange and signing of 15 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) and memorandum of agreement (MoAs) among industry players.

A notable highlight was the display of xEV models, which made up 50 per cent of the vehicles showcased, aligning with the National Automotive Policy (NAP2020) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP2030), both of which emphasise greener and more efficient technologies.

Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, said the impressive turnout and engagement at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 clearly indicate the robust interest and confidence in Malaysia's automotive industry.

As Southeast Asia's recently anointed second-largest auto market, Malaysia has a strong foundation to propel the growth of this sector, particularly in electric vehicles, thanks to well-established E&E sector, he noted.
Established in 1993, the WTAs are a globally recognised and prestigious award that honours outstanding locations and high-quality service providers in the travel industry. The awards encompass a wide range of categories, including airlines, hotels, resorts, travel companies, and tourist destinations.

Representatives from Muong Thanh with Graham E. Cooke, founder of the WTA awards

Muong Thanh has consistently demonstrated a competitive edge and confidently stands alongside internationally renowned hotel brands such as Dusit, Hilton, InterContinental, Lexis, Pan Pacific, Park, and Swissotel. This is a significant honour for Muong Thanh and an aspirational goal for many brands in the hospitality and tourism industry today.

Muong Thanh Luxury, Phu Quoc

Voting for the WTAs is conducted online, and Muong Thanh wants to inspire pride in Vietnamese people for a home-grown brand that meets the highest of international standards. Vietnamese travellers are being encouraged to vote for Muong Thanh as every vote may be crucial to help elevate tourism here on the global stage.

Each vote will bring Muong Thanh closer to the prestigious 'Asia's Leading Hotel Brand' award at the WTAs, often referred to as the 'Oscars of the travel industry'.

Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Long Centre I and II

To show gratitude to its customers, Muong Thanh has launched the 'Vote for Muong Thanh - Win AirPods' minigame. This is an opportunity for people to have a chance to win attractive prizes such as AirPods Pro 2, vouchers for Muong Thanh hotels, and many other valuable gifts, just by participating in the voting.

Join Muong Thanh in bringing pride to Vietnamese tourism by voting until July 28, at: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote-for-muong-thanh-hospitality-2024.

Muong Thanh New Year welcomes spring to the northwest At a time when ban flowers, the distinctive blossoms of the northwestern mountains, are in full bloom, thousands of Muong Thanh Group employees across the country earnestly prepare for their own traditional new year celebration.

Muong Thanh Group campaign celebrates 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024, Muong Thanh Group is running a series of meaningful events under the campaign themed "Huyen Thoai Dien Bien-Hao Khi Muong Thanh" (Legend of Dien Bien Phu - Pride of Muong Thanh).

Muong Thanh Group sets record for largest simultaneous Thai Xoe dance performances As part of the 'Legendary Dien Bien Phu - Muong Thanh Spirit' campaign commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024, the 'Simultaneous Thai Xoe Dance - Muong Thanh Circle' held by Muong Thanh Group encapsulated the victorious spirit of the historic battle and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok  Thailand is exploring small modular nuclear reactor technology, as the Southeast Asian country looks to diversify its energy mix amidst dwindling reserves of natural gas that produces much of its power.

Speaking at a recent event of the American Chamber of Commerce, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin described the countrys green transition goal as one of the most ambitious in the region, and said it has a comprehensive roadmap in place to have 50 per cent of energy production be renewable by 2040.

Alongside green hydrogen and battery storage solutions, the country is looking at small modular reactor (SMR) power plants to make manufacturing more environmentally friendly, he said.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with the capacity to generate around one-third of the electricity produced by traditional nuclear power reactors.

Under a previous power development plan, Thailands first nuclear power plant was scheduled to operate in 2020 but the project was delayed after Japans Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

Southeast Asia currently has no operational nuclear reactor, although several countries in the region have sought to develop civilian nuclear projects, including through SMR technology.

Thailand largely relies on natural gas for its electrification needs, with the fuel accounting for two-thirds of its electricity generation. The country has ramped up liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in recent years due to falling domestic reserves.

During 2018-2037, Thailand aims to meet 53 per cent of its energy requirement from natural gas, 36 per cent from renewable sources, and 11 per cent from coal and other fossil fuels.
A man panhandles near the intersection of Brooklyn Avenue and East Elmira Street in San Antonio on Feb. 25, 2020. District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez has placed signs encouraging people to donate their money to nonprofits. Josie Norris/Staff Photographer

Signs across the Northwest Side of San Antonio now discourage residents from giving money to panhandlers.

Council Member Manny Pelaez has placed signs throughout District 8 encouraging people not to give money to panhandlers but to outreach services instead.

The signs reading Panhandling  Its OK to say no now stand in hot spot areas, such as intersections along Interstate 10, where people are known to stand at street corners with signs asking for money.

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They also say that not giving money is for your safety and theirs.

The signs are limited to District 8, as the districts office purchased them.

Pelaez said that the signs are a way to continue the conversation that was started years ago as part of the Change the Way You Give campaign. People may still use the citys website to donate funds for distribution to area outreach services.

Were trying to raise awareness that its a complicated issue, but the solution to panhandling requires the funding of these nonprofits who serve the homeless community, he said.

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Panhandling creates a dangerous situation for those seeking money and drivers because it often stops busy traffic for someone to give or receive the money.

Pelaez said hes aware that panhandling prevention programs were flawed because they were insensitive to why some people turned to panhandling, such as an immediate need to find money for food or other necessities.

He cited discussions with both San Antonio police and people experiencing homelessness themselves that revealed the money often doesnt go to housing or food but instead is used to purchase illegal drugs and, in turn, fund the sophisticated operations that keep them flowing.

People are encouraged to give the money instead to area outreach services, such as Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter, Haven for Hope or their own church.

We know that by giving money out of windows, youre running the chance of helping people stay in the grips of these addictions, he said. But we also know if you give them to nonprofits like Haven for Hope or Salvation Army, those organizations will stretch those dollars and put them to work.

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Its a difficult and delicate conversation, but what I do know is that doing nothing gets you nothing, Pelaez said, adding that his office is collecting data based on how the program works in the district.

Valerie Narvaez, director of homeless services for the Christian Assistance Ministry, works closely with people experiencing homelessness to ensure they receive the services they need.

Shes familiar with people who use their appearance to gain sympathy from passersby and then use the money to feed their addictions.

It can be very enabling and damaging to someone with significant trauma  99.9% of people experiencing homelessness have trauma behind homelessness, Narvaez said. Its hard because we live in such a compassionate city.

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Some people pose as homeless on street corners but then are seen leaving the area in high-dollar vehicles, she said.

You see someone presenting as super vulnerable, but the truth is, we dont know the whole story, and we need to trust the boots on the ground, Narvaez said.

Katie Wilson, executive director of Close to Home, said their recommendation is also not to hand out money but resource cards that direct people to shelters, housing or hotlines that assist.

Close to Home also manages an alternative giving platform for the city. While they agree that donating funding to service providers rather than individuals is fruitful, Wilson said doing so should always be done with compassion for the person in front of you.
Just after 10 p.m., the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Interstate 380 when it left the roadway. It then struck a barrier wall in the median, slid across the interstate and came to rest on the outside shoulder.
DES MOINES  A Stop the Scammers tour crisscrossed the state this spring, reaching more than 1,000 seniors with information to help them avoid financial scams.

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services joined forces with the Iowa Attorney Generals Office and Iowa AARP to host a series of events across the state  including Waterloo  to raise awareness and help Iowans prevent and report fraud.

Scammers are adapting to the digital age we are all now living in, and Iowans need to arm themselves with real-world tips and tools to spot, prevent, and protect themselves from fraud, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said in a news release.

According to a study conducted by the AARP Public Policy Institute, con artists target people aged 60 and older, swindling Americans out of $28.3 billion each year. The tour was targeted towards older Iowans to help them understand the state resources that are available and provide them with financial literacy tips to prevent and report scams.

Iowans who were unable to attend the tour can find more resources online at iowafraudfighters.gov, which covers topics such as Medicare and investment fraud.

At nearly every stop along the tour, attendees came forward to share with people in their communities about the scams they have encountered.

Scams and fraud can happen to anyone, Ommen said. The people who came forward to share their personal stories are brave, and are doing a great service in helping spread awareness to other Iowans.

The Stop the Scammers roadshow made its way through 18 communities across Iowa, with the first event occurring in Des Moines on Feb. 20. Attendees heard from Ommen, Attorney General Brenna Bird, Investigator Al Perales, and local AARP volunteers.

By raising awareness, we hope communities can build a culture of skepticism and vigilance, making it more difficult for scammers to succeed, said Heather Kriener, financial literacy director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Our work is far from finished. We will continue to find ways to help equip Iowans with the tools and information they need to protect their money and keep them safe.

Iowans have a whole team of state and local agencies dedicated to fighting fraud. Knowing which scams to report to each agency is the first step. Become an Iowa Fraud Fighter or learn more at iowafraudfighters.gov.

Essential dog and cat safety tips for the hottest days of summer 1. Learn the signs of overheating in pets. 2. Keeping your pets hydrated is essential. 3. Grooming keeps your pets cool, but dont overdo it. 4. Avoid hot pavement. 5. Provide shaded areas. 6. Swim safely. 7. Adjust your routine. 8. Dont leave your pet unattended in the car.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (2 June 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces continue advancing to the depth of the enemys defences.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the AFU 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 92nd Assault Brigade, 36th Marines Brigade, 125th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 13th National Guard brigade near Maliye Prokhodi, Gatischche, Liptsy, and Neskuchnoye (Kharkov region).

Seven counter-attacks launched by units of the AFU 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 71st Jaeger Brigade, 82nd Assault Brigade were repelled near Glubokoye, Liptsy, and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 190 Ukrainian troops, two armoured personnel carriers, including one U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, and one Buk SAM.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer were neutralised.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on formations of the AFU 14th, 116th mechanised brigades, 77th Airmobile Brigade, and 40th National Guard Brigade near Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Grigorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Three counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade were repelled near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to 465 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, and five pick-up trucks.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one UK-made 155-mm AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and one Grad MLRS combat vehicle were neutralised.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 56th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 28th, 30th, 93rd mechanised brigades, and 104th Territorial Defence Brigade near Kalinin, Orekhovo-Vasiliyevka, Konstantinovka, Zalizhnyanskoye, and Pershe Travnya (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

One counter-attack launched by formations of the AFU 10th Mountain Assault Brigade was repelled near Razdolovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 290 Ukrainian troops, two armored fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 towed howitzer, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers were neutralised. Three AFU field ammunition depots were destroyed.

As a result of successful actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Umanskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Losses were inflicted on formations of the AFU 23rd, 24th mechanised brigades, 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novgorodskoye, Yevgenovka, Rozovka, and Novosyolovka Pervaya (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 47th, 110th mechanised brigades, and 68th Jaeger Brigade were repelled near Novoaleksandrovka, Solovyovo, Sokol, and Novopokrovskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 360 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and two MT-12 Rapira anti-tank guns.

??Units of the Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, as well as inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 128th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 23rd Separate Mechanised Brigade were repelled near Urozhaynoye, Staromayorskoye, and Vodyanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 125 Ukrainian troops, one tank, six motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, and one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, 15th National Guard Brigade, and 38th Marines Brigade north of Rabotino, Zherebyanki, Novopokrovka (Zaporozhye region), and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 70 Ukrainian troops, six motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M109 howitzer.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged one P-18 aerial target detection and tracking radar station, as well as enemy manpower and military hardware clusters in 103 areas.

Air defence units shot down two MiG-29 aircraft of Ukrainian Air Force.

Air defence units shot down 50 unmanned aerial vehicles, 23 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, two Touchka-U operational-tactical missiles, three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, and one Neptune anti-ship missile.

In total, 609 airplanes and 274 helicopters, 25,014 unmanned aerial vehicles, 526 air defence missile systems, 16,228 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,327 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 10,024 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 22,212 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (2531 May 2024)

From 25 to 31 May 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have carried out 25 group strikes with high-precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and UAVs, which hit command posts, military airfield infrastructure facilities, air defence means, ammunition and fuel depots, manufacturing facilities, and storage sites of unmanned aerial vehicles and boats.

In addition, temporary deployment areas of AFU units, nationalist formations, and foreign mercenaries have been hit.

The units of the Sever Group of Forces continued to move deep into the enemy defence during combat actions.

During the week, manpower and hardware of five AFU brigades and two territorial defence brigades have been hit, as well as 20 enemy counter-attacks have been repelled.

The AFU losses during the week amounted to up to 1,740 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, nine armoured fighting vehicles, 28 motor vehicles, eight Grad MLRS and Vampire combat vehicles, as well as 29 field artillery guns.

During the week, the units of the Zapad Group of Forces have liberated Berestovoye, Ivanovka (Kharkov region), and continued to advance further into the depths of the enemy defence.

The units of the eight AFU formations and two brigades of the Ukrainian National Guard have been defeated. Eleven counter-attacks of enemy units have been repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 2,310 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, 35 motor vehicles, two 122-mm Bastion MLRS fighting vehicles, and 30 field artillery guns, including 14 Western-made guns.

During the week, the units of the Yug Group of Forces have improved the situation on the front line and engaged manpower and hardware of 12 AFU formations close to Seversk, Ostroye, Krasnogorovka, Elizavetovka, Novy, Konstantinovka, Rasdolovka, and Chavov Yar (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Two counter-attacks by units of an assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a territorial defence brigade have been repelled.

The enemy losses were up to 3,415 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 30 motor vehicles, and 25 field artillery guns, of which 11 were manufactured from abroad. Nineteen AFU ammunition depots have been destroyed.

During the week, the units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued to advance at the depth of the enemy defence. Russian troops have liberated Arkhangelskoye and Netailovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Russian troops have hit nine AFU formations and the Ukrainian National Guard close to Yasnobrodovka, Konstantinovka, Yevgenovka, Sokol, Rozovka, Semyonovka, Novgorodskoye, and Selidovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic) were defeated.

Russian servicemen have repelled 31 counter-attacks of enemy assault units.

During the week, the enemy losses were up to 2,515 Ukrainian troops, one tank, 15 armoured fighting vehicles, including three U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, three Grad MLRS combat vehicles, and 51 field artillery guns.

The units of the Vostok Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation, defeating manpower and hardware of two brigades of the AFU, two formations of the Territorial Defence Brigade, and one brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard.

In addition, four counter-attacks by units of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade have been repelled.

The enemy losses were up to 920 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, 33 motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS combat vehicle, and 18 field artillery guns, of which five were of Western-made.

Over the past week, the units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged manpower and hardware of two brigades of the Marines, three formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one territorial defence brigade, and one brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard.

The enemy losses were up to 325 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 24 motor vehicles, and 17 field artillery guns, including three U.S.-made M777 howitzers.

Aviation and air defence systems shot down: two MiG-29 and two Su-27 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, 14 U.S.-made ATACMS operational and tactical missiles, 17 French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, six U.S.-made HARM anti-radiation missiles, six Neptun anti-ship missiles, 58 U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, one Czech-made Vampire and one Olkha projectiles, as well as 312 UAVs.

Over the past week, 45 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered.

In total, 607 airplanes and 274 helicopters, 24,902 unmanned aerial vehicles, 524 air defence missile systems, 16,208 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,325 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 9,972 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 22,135 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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US President Joe Biden speaks with US Customs and Border Protection officers as he visits the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) JIM WATSON/TNS Mayor Ron Nirenberg delivers one of his last State of the City addresses at a luncheon hosted by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce at Marriott Rivercenter on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Ron Nirenberg (second from right) and District 4 Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia (second from left) join others at a candlelight vigil at Pearsall Park on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 to pay tribute to the 50 lives lost and to survivors of human smuggling, as well as all loved ones impacted by Mondays horrific discovery in an abandoned semi-truck trailer. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer

Mayor Ron Nirenberg will join mayors from border cities at a White House event Tuesday, where President Joe Biden is expected to announce a move to drastically reduce migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Associated Press reported last week that the White House was finalizing an executive order that would use a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny migrants ability to seek asylum at the southern border once the number of illegal border crossings reaches a certain daily threshold.

That threshold could be an average of 2,500 daily crossings a week, CNN reported.

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Border Patrol agents apprehended an average 3,700 migrants between official ports of entry over the first three weeks of May.

I expect President Bidens announcement to be an important development for San Antonio and the border region, Nirenberg said in a statement. Congress has failed to enact the immigration reform our nation needs, and President Biden has been forced to cope with a crisis largely created by congressional inaction.

Other mayors expected to attend the White House event include El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza and Brownsville Mayor John Cowen.

More than 228,000 asylum seekers passed through San Antonio last year, and most of them spent time at the Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro Avenue before catching buses or flights to their final destination in the United States.

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The city opened the center in July 2022 to address the growing number of asylum seekers passing through San Antonio after being released from Border Patrol custody. San Antonio is the closest big city to the 1,254-mile Texas-Mexico border.

City officials saw the Migrant Resource Center as a better, more orderly alternative to having migrants spend days waiting at the San Antonio International Airport or the downtown Greyhound bus station to secure transportation out of town.

Though the number of illegal border crossings has been on the decline for months  partly because of increased enforcement by Mexican immigration officials  immigration remains a top concern for voters heading into the November presidential election.

Close to 31,200 asylum seekers have passed through San Antonio this far this year, according to city figures. In comparison, nearly 26,000 asylum seekers came through the city in December, when Eagle Pass and Del Rio saw a surge in illegal crossings.

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Bidens executive order would head off any spike in crossings that could occur in the fall, when crossings tend to rise as the weather cools.
The Cancer Community Clubhouse hosted its fourth annual National Cancer Survivors Day celebration on Sunday.

The event featured live music, games, informational booths and more.

Some cancer survivors we spoke with say that events like these are a fun way to connect with others and celebrate the difficult challenges they have been through.

"It's really to celebrate the resilience that we have as survivors as we move through these very difficult treatments and then to have this day where we can bring the equal and opposite energy of what cancer treatment normally brings," said Natalie Stevenson.

Other people say that, joining the Cancer Community Clubhouse taught them the importance of connecting with others, instead of fighting these battles alone.

"I was really struggling and most people who are diagnosed with cancer really struggle especially in the very beginning, and I have found that reaching out and connecting with the community, the cancer community that is, has really been helpful. I have made so many friends," said Jamie Vaughn.

The Cancer Community Clubhouse hosts other events throughout the year as well.

They also plan on opening their own location soon where people can hang out and take part in group activities that promote strengthening mental health.

Members of the organization feel that being able to connect with other cancer survivors is very important, as they know what it truly feels like to battle cancer.

To learn more information about the Cancer Community Clubhouse, you can visit www.cancercommunityclubhouse.org
Superstar pianist Lang Lang takes the stage with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony.

The celebratory program will feature Saint-Saenss Piano Concerto No. 2 and Carnival of the Animals (with Lang Lang playing alongside his wife, pianist Gina Alice), together with selections from Prokofievs Romeo and Juliet.

For an elevated experience, reserve a gala dinner package. Sponsors of the opening gala support the San Francisco Symphonys artistic, education, and community programs.

// Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center); tickets are available at sfsymphony.org.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together every June to celebrate Pride Month to showcase history, cherish diversity and find community with others.

LGBTQ+, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning, plus other sexual and gender minorities, is a term that includes anyone with a gender identity or sexual orientation other than cisgender or straight.

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Pride Month has been celebrated in the United States and around the world for decades and was first recognized by President Bill Clinton in 1999 as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. President Barack Obama changed the designation to LGBT Pride Month in 2009, and President Joe Biden amended it to LGBTQ Pride Month in 2021.

According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2023, 7.6 percent of U.S. adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or some other sexual orientation besides heterosexual. This includes 4.5 percent of Generation X, 2.3 percent of boomers and 1.1 percent of the silent generation. The percentage of U.S. adults who identify as something other than heterosexual has more than doubled since the poll was first conducted in 2012.

This year, Pride coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which began June 28, 1969, in New York City. Early that morning, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular club in Greenwich Village. But unlike in previous raids, patrons did not leave and clashed with police in a confrontation that included hundreds of demonstrators. The riots continued into the following week. This Pride Month marks a larger reason for a celebration of the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community through decades of discrimination. In fact, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is opening June 28 with a private event. AARP is a founding sponsor of the visitor center.

Pride Month in particular is an opportunity to elevate that shared history of the community banding together to raise their voices to make sure again that they refuse to be invisible, theyre heard, says Christina Da Costa, chief experience officer at SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Pride Month celebrations will occur throughout the country in many forms, from virtual education events and museum exhibits to traditional Pride parades. Anyone is welcome to participate in Pride events, whether theyre a member of the LGBTQ+ community, have a loved one who is or just want to show support as an ally.
When their 16-year-old grandchild began going by they/them pronouns, it was a surprise to Ellen and Richard Romano and hard for them to get used to.



It was like learning to switch from being right-handed to having to use your left hand, says Ellen Romano, 81, a retired counselor living in Binghamton, New York. Maybe harder. If you were to tie your right hand down, at least then youd be forced to use your left hand.

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There has been a surge in tweens and teens changing pronouns in recent years due to increased acceptance [by society], increased exposure to language that fits their experience and expanding societal ideas about gender, says Luke Allen, a Las Vegasbased licensed psychologist and gender therapist.

According to the Trevor Project, a research and advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth, one in four LGBTQ+ youth use pronouns or pronoun combinations that fall outside of the binary construction of gender.

Having to adapt to pronoun changes can be tricky for grandparents who grew up at a time when only binary pronouns were generally recognized.

Their brains have been wired for 60, 70, 80 years to conjugate verbs in one way, says Stuart Getty, the author of How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity, who has always felt somewhat in the middle of two genders and goes by they/them pronouns. It takes some time and practice.

Here are six tips on how to gracefully handle grandchildren who are changing their pronouns.

Do your research

A persons decision to change gender pronouns may have come after a period of unease or distress known as gender dysphoria, which is a deep sense of discomfort and distress that may occur when someones gender identity doesnt match their sex assigned at birth.

Educating yourself about this term and what your grandchild may have been  or still is  wrestling with can help you appreciate the courage it took to share this time of change with you.

Read articles and books on the subject. Talk to others whove gone through the same experience.

Explains Allen: As much time as we spend researching what new car to buy, maybe we should also do that with these things that are really important to the people we love and care about.

Video: What to Say When Your Teen Announces They're Nonbinary

Ninety-year-old Joan Taylor started reading and talking with friends about the topic after learning her 19-year-old grandchild identified as genderfaun, a form of gender fluidity that flows between multiple genders but does not include female or feminine genders. She learned from her friends that gender identity may continue to be an open-ended exploration for her grandchild.

When a teenager, and in some cases a much younger child, makes that decision, its important to keep [being] involved and learning, says Taylor, a former social worker from Towson, Maryland.
How do I check my voter registration status?

You can verify your presence on the Voter List via the Electoral Search website (https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in), by calling the Voter Helpline at 1950 (prefix your STD code), sending an SMS to 1950 with your EPIC number, or through the Voter Helpline App for Android and iOS.
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Fallout 2 Fan Remake Project Arroyo Set to Launch on Steam

Project Arroyo, a fan-made remake of Fallout 2 using Fallout 4's creation engine, is nearing completion. The development team shares regular updates on the project's progress on X. In an interview with TheGamer, project lead Damien Daponte discussed bringing Fallout 2's San Francisco setting into an open-world format and the team's plans for the mod's launch.

Read Also: 343 Announces Match Composer for Halo Infinite, Launching on this Date

Welcome to Arroyo

Daponte suggests that releasing the mod on Steam is a practical decision. "It's a platform that everyone uses. It's easier to access, update, and install, making it more efficient," he says.

Nexus Mods, another popular platform for mods, is not as efficient for a project of this size, which will require frequent updates and patches.

"We need to avoid legal issues by requiring players to own Fallout 2, Fallout 4, and all its DLC," Daponte explains. "But we'll see - we're still looking into it. Personally, I'm leaning towards Steam."

Massive Undertaking

The most recent update for Project Arroyo was posted on May 23, featuring concept art for a new location called the Oakland Crater.

With over 100 volunteers working on the project, Project Arroyo is a significant effort. The team is creating a lot of original content, including new voice acting for every character and a unique soundtrack due to copyright restrictions on the original music.

There is no set release date yet, but the mod is progressing steadily.

You can watch FALLOUT 2 Remake vs Original Comparison [Project Arroyo] here:

Related Article: Fallout New Vegas Mod Overhauls Gun Animations for Better Gameplay
United States seriously threatens, hinders healthy development of world human rights cause

11:14, June 03, 2024 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

China's State Council Information Office on May 29 released a report on human rights violations in the United States in 2023, revealing the deteriorating human rights situation in the United States with facts and figures.

The report says that civil and political rights have become empty talk in the United States, where there are the chronic disease of racism, growing economic and social inequality, persistent violations of the rights of women and children, and heart-wrenching struggles of undocumented migrants. Besides, American hegemony has created humanitarian crises.

Various human rights problems in the United States not only turned its own human rights essentially into a privilege enjoyed only by a few, but also seriously threatened and hindered the healthy development of the world human rights cause.

Facts provide the most accurate depiction of a country's human rights situation. When evaluating a country's human rights record, actions speak louder than words.

Approximately 43,000 people were killed by gun violence in the United States in 2023, averaging 117 deaths per day, and at least 1,247 deaths were attributed to police violence. Ethnic minorities in the United States face systematic, persistent and comprehensive racial discrimination. The gap between rich and poor in the United States has reached its worst level since the Great Depression of 1929. Women and children's rights in the United States have long been systematically violated, with constitutional provisions for gender equality remaining absent.

Facts have fully proved that human rights are becoming increasingly polarized in the United States. The U.S. Department of State recently released so-called 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, criticizing and making unfounded claims about the human rights situation in nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide, while saying nothing about the United States itself. This is just another case of double standard. The hegemonic, domineering and bullying nature of the United States and its selfishness and hypocrisy are on clear display.

The U.S. politics has been plagued by political polarization and partisan fights, which seriously threatens human rights in the United States.

American scholar Francis Fukuyama said in an article that when a society's institutions fail to adapt to changing circumstances, sclerosis follows.

Political polarization in the United States is becoming increasingly severe, with issues such as gun control, abortion rights, immigration, and women's rights becoming bargaining chips in the fierce battles between the two parties.

The constant farces of vetocracy have hindered the U.S. government from effectively safeguarding human rights, leaving the American people deeply disappointed.

According to U.S. research and survey institutions, the U.S. public trust in government has been near historical lows and stood at 16 percent in 2023. From January to December 2023, at most 81 percent and at least 76 percent of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with the way things are going in the country. Besides, 76 percent of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. American democracy, which favors shows over effectiveness and disregards human rights, will inevitably lose its credibility.

Why is the United States, which has long claimed to be a "human rights defender," unable to bridge its own human rights deficit? A poll by the Pew Research Center well answers this question. According to the organization, 65 percent of the U.S. citizens say most political candidates run for office "to serve their own personal interests."

These American politicians prioritize the interests of parties, constituencies, interest groups, and their own over national and public interests, even going so far as to tear the society apart. They certainly do not care about the human rights of ordinary citizens.

For decades, the United States has pursued hegemony, unilateralism, and power politics, and abused force and unilateral sanctions, causing serious humanitarian consequences.

A research report released in May 2023 by Brown University's "Costs of War" project website reveals that in the theaters of war where the United States conducted overseas "counter-terrorism" operations following the 9/11 attacks, the total death toll ranges from at least 4.5 to 4.7 million people.

Extensive "proxy forces" operations by the United States undermine social stability and violate the human rights of other nations. Continuous delivery of weapons such as cluster munitions to other countries exacerbates regional tensions and armed conflicts, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties and severe humanitarian crises.

The United States' disregard for the tens of thousands of civilian casualties in Gaza and its repeated vetoing of the United Nations Security Council's efforts to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is a clear demonstration of the country's disregard for human rights and its trampling upon them.

The hypocrisy of the United States seeking hegemony under the disguise of protecting human rights has long been laid bare.

The country should seriously examine the fundamental defects and malpractices of its own political system, and safeguard human rights in a practical manner, rather than continuing pointing fingers at other countries as a "human rights lecturer," while turning a blind eye to its own dismal human rights record.

It should stop interfering in other country's internal affairs, stop infringing on the human rights of other countries, and stop exporting conflicts and turmoil.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Some bodies inside the mass graves in Gaza had their hands tied together, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) alleged in a statement calling for an investigation into the situation.

At least 238 bodies were discovered outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, while a similar site was found in a similar site near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The recovered bodies were "buried deep in the ground and covered with waste," according to the OHCHR.

"Among the deceased were allegedly older people, women and wounded, while others were found tied with their hands...tied and stripped of their clothes," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said that some of the recovered bodies were hand-cuffed and clad in detainee uniforms. Basal accused the Israeli military of executing people and burying their bodies, the New York Times reported.

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, "expressed his horror" at both the mass graves and the destruction of Palestinian hospitals.

"Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. The intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat [unable to participate in combat] is a war crime," Turk said.

In response to the UN's call for investigations, Israel released a statement claiming they exhumed bodies - but only so they could identify whether there were hostages buried among other bodies.

"The claim that the IDF buried Palestinian bodies is baseless and unfounded. During the IDF's operation in the area of Nasser Hospital, in accordance to the effort to locate hostages and missing persons, corpses buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser hospital were examined," the statement read.

"The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place."

The Israeli statement made no mention of the other mass grave discovered near Al-Shifa Hospital.

At least one Palestinian alleges that Israeli forces took the bodies of two male relatives who were killed during Israel's offensive on Khan Younis.

"After I had buried them in an apartment, the [Israelis] came and moved their bodies," he told the BBC. "Every day we search for their bodies, but we fail to find them."
Over 37 cities across various states in India recorded temperatures over 45C this weekend. The scorching heat wave has left people sweating across the country with no relief in sight. The Sleep Company , Indias leading comfort-tech brand, aims to rescue people during this tough time ensuring everyone gets the basic privilege of a good night's sleep.

High temperatures and humidity filled rooms make cozy environments sweaty and stinky, leading to allergies, nausea and sleeplessness, thereby impacting the overall health of individuals. Experts believe that deep sleep is only possible when the body temperature is low. The Sleep Companys Smart Luxe SnowTec mattress is designed in such a way that the mattress regulates body temperature by managing heat and humidity, creating a cool sleeping environment. With over 2500+ air channels to enhance airflow, the SnowTec cooler technology feels 4-6 degrees cooler. Its thermal conductivity is specifically designed to absorb extreme levels of heat and water vapour.

Patented with the SmartGRID technology combined with the cool SnowTec fabric, the mattress gives 25% extra cooling, giving 10+ more hours of undisturbed sleep. Besides, it intelligently adapts to the body shape and is soft where one needs comfort and firm where one needs support.

To help more people access this cooling technology, The Sleep Company has launched #BeatTheHeat campaign. Through this, the company is offering discounts based on the previous days highest temperature. The Sleep Company will monitor yesterdays highest temperature and it will be captured.on their system and on placards in the retail stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Customers can walk in or place an order through the website to enjoy these exciting offers throughout the day.

Priyanka Salot, Cofounder of The Sleep Company said, We deeply understand the challenges posed by the ongoing heat wave in India. The extreme temperatures, reaching over 45C in many cities, significantly impact the quality of sleep and overall well-being of individuals. With the #BeatTheHeat campaign, we aim to make this technology accessible to everyone, offering discounts based on the highest temperature of the previous day. This initiative reflects our commitment to helping people combat the adverse effects of extreme heat and prioritize their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Get rid of the heatwave and avail the discount on the Smart Luxe SnowTec mattress in The Sleep Companys store or website.
Cheil Indias new campaign for MG Motor Indias celebration of 100 years of the brands existence as it commemorates the milestone with a limited edition range of cars in green color. MG Motor entered the Indian market in 2019 with MG Hector, an iconic British brand, which made a strong debut in India. Since then, the company has been disrupting the market with their technology-driven, luxurious and innovative cars like Astor, Gloster, ZS EV and Comet.

Speaking about the campaign, Udit Malhotra, Head of Marketing, MG Motor India, said, The launch of our 100-Year Limited Edition is a testament to our enduring legacy and passion for automotive excellence. MG pays homage to the British legacy and racing heritage by launching a range of vehicles in Evergreen color.

The idea behind the film was to reveal MGs legacy and brand ethos, while unveiling the Limited Edition range in an epic manner. The film brings together MGs legendary car, MG TD, and its 100-year Limited Edition range, comprising Hector, Astor, ZS EV and Comet, in a dynamic race formation.

The brief was to launch the MG 100-year Limited Edition in spectacular fashion. We thought it would be a great opportunity to bring to life MGs legacy and use it as a narrative to unveil the iconic range. Thats how Drive the Legend was born. Shot on the picturesque white sands of Sambhar Lake, the campaign is an ode to MGs glorious past and its ambitious plans for the future, says Amit Nandwani, National Creative Director, Cheil India.

Talking about the film, Neeraj Bassi, Chief Growth Officer, Cheil India, said We take immense pride in working on a legacy brand like MG Motor. The film is a piece of work that celebrates the Britishness of MG Motor as it completes an iconic milestone of 100 years. We have infused a sense of panache and style into the film that elevates its tone to match the momentous occasion which the film is celebrating.
The rapid growth of digital and emerging technology has also posed some regulatory challenges. While digital is revolutionising businesses as well as the society, the dark underbelly has led to some serious ethical and law and order issues.

Morphing of images is not a new problem  from the era of Photoshops and air brushing to the use of special filters, photographs and videos have been manipulated, either for aesthetic reasons or more malicious motives.

With the growth of Artificial Intelligence, a major issue that has arisen is the proliferation of deepfakes. These artificially created videos and images have the potential to cause significant damage, having been used to generate fake news, false pornographic videos, and malicious hoaxes. High-profile individuals such as celebrities and politicians have frequently been targeted, with well-known figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Rashmika Mandanna, Alia Bhatt, and Ranveer Singh falling prey to such deceptive practices.

Taking cognizance of the serious damage that deepfakes are capable of doing, recently, Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, filed a public interest litigation against non-regulation of deepfake technology in the country. In May this year, a division bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, issued notice on this PIL and sought response of the Union Government through Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. During the hearing, the bench orally remarked that this is a major problem and asked the Central Government if it is willing to act on the issue.

Sharmas plea states that the proliferation of deepfake technology poses significant threats to various aspects of society, including misinformation and disinformation campaigns, undermining integrity of public discourse and democratic processes, potential use in fraud and identity theft as well as harm to individuals reputations and privacy.

Also read:

Regulating Deepfake: India TVs Rajat Sharma moves Delhi HC; Notice Issued

In this special conversation with Adgully, Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, India TV, speaks at length about the reasons that prompted him to take this legal step, as well as his expectations from the PIL; why deepfakes are such a menace, steps that need to be taken to regulate deepfakes, effectively mitigating the harm associated with deepfake misuse, and more.

India TV has carved a niche for itself in the media landscape. What, according to you, sets it apart from other news channels? How do you navigate the balance between providing unbiased news coverage and catering to the interests of your audience?

India TV has always aimed to provide accurate and timely news, while ensuring that our coverage resonates with a wide audience. What sets us apart is our commitment to journalistic integrity and our efforts to present news that is both factual and relevant to our viewers. We navigate the balance between unbiased coverage and audience interests by adhering to strict editorial standards and continuously engaging with our audience to understand their needs and concerns. Our focus remains on delivering news that informs, educates, and empowers the public.

You have been a prominent figure in Indian journalism for quite some time. Could you elaborate on the motivation behind filing the PIL against the non-regulation of deepfake technology in India?

As a journalist, I have always believed in the power of truthful reporting and the accuracy of information. Filing the PIL was driven by my worry about the erosion of trust in the media and its broader implications for society and celebrities. I was shocked to see videos showing me selling medicine for diabetes and weight loss, and the potential damage deepfakes could cause to my image deeply concerned me. Ive seen similar videos causing sleepless nights for Amitabh Bachchan and other celebrities.

Deepfake technology, if left unregulated, poses a significant threat to the authenticity of information, which is the bedrock of journalism and democracy. After experiencing firsthand the malicious use of my likeness in several deepfake videos promoting false medical advice, it became clear that immediate legal and regulatory measures were necessary to curb this growing menace.

What specific concerns led you to take legal action on the deepfake issue, particularly in relation to its impact on public discourse and democratic processes? Could you share any personal experiences or instances where you or your organization have been directly affected by the proliferation of deepfake content?

The decision to take legal action was driven by several specific concerns. For instance, one day Sarod Maestro Ustad Amzad Ali Khan met me at a get-together. He asked me, Why are you selling medicines? He said, You shouldnt do this. I tried explaining that it was not me, but he was not convinced. This made me realise how deepfakes can manipulate public opinion, spread misinformation, and create false narratives, which can severely disrupt public discourse and democratic processes. Personally, my experience of being targeted by a deepfake video underscored the vulnerability of individuals to such attacks. As a media organization, we have observed an increase in the misuse of deepfake content, which not only harms individuals, but also undermines public trust in media institutions.

In your opinion, what are the potential risks associated with the misuse of deepfake technology, particularly in terms of fraud, identity theft, and erosion of trust in media and public institutions?

The misuse of deepfake technology presents several risks, including fraud, identity theft, and the erosion of trust in both media and public institutions. Deepfakes can be used to create convincing false identities, manipulate financial transactions, and deceive individuals and organizations. Furthermore, the spread of false information through deepfakes can lead to widespread misinformation, causing panic, social unrest, and undermining the credibility of legitimate news sources. The potential for deepfakes to influence elections and political processes is particularly concerning, as it can distort democratic outcomes and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

The PIL emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to define and classify deepfakes and AI-generated content. What specific measures or regulations do you believe are necessary to effectively mitigate the harm associated with their misuse?

To effectively mitigate the harm associated with deepfake misuse, several regulatory measures are necessary. First, platforms and applications that facilitate deepfake creation should be identified and blocked to prevent their proliferation. Additionally, there should be a mandate for the clear disclosure of AI-generated content, such as through watermarks or other identifiable markers, to ensure transparency and prevent deception. It is also crucial to appoint a government official responsible for addressing deepfake-related complaints swiftly, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Furthermore, stringent measures must be implemented for the rapid removal of deepfake content to minimize its potential harm. Increasing public awareness about the dangers of deepfakes and how to recognize them is also essential in combating their misuse. These combined efforts can significantly reduce the adverse impacts of deepfakes on individuals and society.

How do you assess the governments response to the issue of deepfake regulation so far, particularly in light of its statement of intent in November 2023?

Taking a positive stance, the government has addressed the deepfake regulation matter in its statements of intent, notably those released in November 2023 and the minister has assured me of concrete action and effective enforcement mechanisms. The government has promised to adopt a more proactive approach, implement comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and ensure the active participation of all stakeholders, including tech companies, media organizations, and civil society.

Looking ahead, what steps do you believe are necessary to protect individuals and democratic institutions from the potentially harmful effects of deepfake technology? Do you trust the judiciary system to give a respite from this growing concern?

To protect individuals and democratic institutions from the harmful effects of deepfake technology, it is essential to enact comprehensive laws specifically targeting the creation and distribution of deepfake content, invest in advanced detection and prevention technologies, and encourage robust collaboration between governments and tech companies to address the issue. Additionally, ensuring judicial support by equipping the judiciary to handle deepfake-related cases promptly and effectively is crucial. Trusting that the judiciary will recognize the gravity of this issue and take decisive action, it is imperative to provide timely relief and safeguard the public from the detrimental impacts of deepfake technology.
Jill Biden blasted former President Donald Trump as a "bully" and "dangerous to the LGBTQ+ community" during an unexpected campaign appearance at a Pride festival in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania.

The first lady unloaded on her husband's presumptive Republican challenger during a speech in which she told the crowd in Pittsburgh, "This community is under attack," according to the Advocate.

"Donald Trump is a bully," she said. "He's dangerous to the LGBTQ+ community, to our families, to our country, and we cannot let him win."

Biden added: "We have to meet this moment as if our fundamental rights are at stake because they are. We have to meet this moment as if our democracy is on the line because it is."

Her remarks were repeatedly interrupted by applause and cheers, including a chant of "Four more years!" for President Joe Biden, the Advocate said.

Some attendees also reportedly heckled her with shouts of "Free Palestine!"

Jill Biden showed up at the event after delivering a commencement speech at Pennsylvania's Erie County Community College, the Hill reported.

But that appearance was reportedly politics-free, with the first lady  who teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College  telling graduates to "Never be afraid to face the unknown" and "Take the risks that scare you," according to her prepared remarks.
One of the pioneering TMT bar manufacturers and suppliers in India, Shyam Steels more than six decades journey has been remarkable. Stepping into the world of manufacturing industry with the establishment of a small factory in Howrah, Kolkata in the year 1953 to Build the Nation with the right mix of Strength & Flexibility, its founder Shriram Beriwal was joined by Shyam Sunder Beriwal, his younger brother, in forging the legacy of Shyam Steel. The company has a strong reach in Eastern India, besides a nationwide presence.

Shyam Steels products are utilized by the Indian Railways, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI), Military Engineering Services, and others. Its state-of-the-art engineering, process of manufacturing, and quality design have provided the pliability and robustness to the TMT steel bars needed for the construction industry of the present times.

Shyam Steel has gained the revered GreenPro Certification from the CII-Green Products and Services Council and has associated with celebrities such as Sonu Sood, Vijay Deverakonda, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, and Ravi Kishan. Its brand campaigns are well recognized, emphasizing the brands commitment to strength and flexibility. Its campaign, titled Maqsad Toh India Ko Banana Hai featuring actor Sonu Sood, throws light on the role played by Shyam Steel in strengthening relationships, helping people to accomplish their dreams and thereby contribute actively to the process of building the nation.

The CSR initiatives of the company are in the areas of women empowerment, education, elimination of hunger, and poverty, and conservation of the environment. It has partnered with Olympic medalists Manpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain, besides launching the Shyam Steel Apna Ghar app, offering individual home builders an all-inclusive solution for their construction requirements.

Shyam Steel operates through the Steel Manufacturing Plants situated in West Bengal, with the manufacturing of its products in the Durgapur steel plant. Shyam TMT Rebar, its flagship product is utilized in several projects for bridges, energy and defense, rails, airports, and roads, and is immune to corrosion and earthquake. The product portfolio of Shyam Steel, which is one of the most cost-friendly steel producers in India, also includes FlexiSTRONG, appropriate for regions prone to earthquakes and with the capacity for the absorption of seismic forces. It also provides waterproofing solutions through Sturdflex given most of the homes face damage due to water within 12-18 months of construction.

Currently, the turnover of the company has exceeded Rs 6,000 crores, with the plan to reach a total turnover between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 10,000 crore within the next 2-3 years with a robust expansion strategy in the process.

It is driven by its philosophy for the production of sustainable, quality, and safe steel backed by technological innovation and in-house R&D, making a valuable contribution to the national progress in the steel sector in alignment with India's vision for 2030. Its vision is to move towards growth with responsibility, emphasizing overall well-being.

In conversation with Adgully as part of the special Focus East initiative, Megha Beriwala, President  Marketing, Shyam Steel Industries, sheds light on the current market trends, challenges and opportunities in the TMT bar industry in the East market as well as the evolution of consumer behaviour, and much more.

Emphasizing on the need to tailor marketing strategies to regional preferences, Megha Beriwala said, As far as Shyam Steel is concerned, it has very cautiously analyzed the nature and extent of the changes in the existing market, and the challenges that come with it, as well as the new consumers of the TMT Bar industry, especially in the East market. What we have seen, apart from spending on brand endorsement, TV commercials, and other conventional methods of marketing, market diversity, linguistic challenges, and most importantly, competition from regional players, are very critical aspects in this regard. Naturally, it becomes obvious as to how one goes about adapting to the marketing strategies to regional preferences, festivals, and cultural nuances.

Megha Beriwala further pointed out, However, a major opportunity lies in increasing consumer awareness, as people are keen on seeking detailed product information before making purchasing decisions. Shyam Steel has meticulously leveraged this by sharing comprehensive product details on social media, addressing consumer queries, and prioritizing transparency.

Reflecting on how the company has customized its marketing initiatives to suit festive preferences and bolstered relationships with dealers, Megha Beriwala noted, The company has also tailored its marketing efforts to regional festivals like Bihu, Rath Yatra, Ram Navami, and Chhath, establishing an emotional connection with local audiences through customized collaterals and gifts. Strengthening relationships with dealers through personalized initiatives has cemented trust and reinforced credibility. Successful campaigns like the TVC Contest have generated remarkable consumer engagement, and many more such contests and campaigns have been taking place around the year. Thus, by adopting this consumer-centric approach, adapting to the evolving regional preferences, and focusing priority on transparency, Shyam Steel has been able to build a strong brand reputation and loyal customer base across the East market.

Commenting on the marketing & media mix strategy of Shyam Steel as well as its market share, ad spends in the East market, and the way it is careering to the needs of the East market, she said, It is quite satisfying to say that Shyam Steel has, by now, been able to craft a comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy to fruitfully reach and effectively engage its target audiences in the East market. In its ATL campaigns, Shyam Steel has prudently focused on popular regional TV channels as a part of market inclusion. This involves partnering with well-known regional shows and award events like the Zee Sarthak Sansar Awards in Odisha SAREGAMAPA Odiya and Filamchi Bhojpuri Awards. Besides, the ad placements have targeted the national channels for the L-bands and the Aston bands for increased visibility.

Adding further, Megha Beriwala said, One of the major areas has also been outdoor advertising with billboards and hoardings at airports, railway stations dealer points, etc. Again, an ATL campaign that was employed by Shyam Steel was its principal sponsorship of the Lucknow Super Giants team in the much-awaited IPL 2023 season generating very fruitful and effective advertising on the JIO Cinema application. Importantly, Newspaper and magazine advertisements in both national as well as regional levels also substantially bolster the mediascape of the brand.

Megha Beriwala also highlighted how the brand has established strong connections with consumers even in the remotest part of the country, saying, In addition to its ATL initiatives, Shyam Steel has simultaneously carried out extensive BTL campaigns to maximize its reach and make its presence felt more stoutly in different regions. This includes innovative initiatives such as wall paints and wall wrap in rural and semi-urban areas, around dealer properties, ensuring visibility more conspicuous at the grassroots level. Auto branding and canter activities have further expanded the brand's reach, allowing it to connect with potential customers even in the most remote and inaccessible areas. It bears reiteration that during major festivals like Bihu in the Northeast and Diwali in Jharkhand, Shyam Steel stimulates its local presence by displaying images of its business partners alongside its brand ambassador, Virat Kohli, at sales counters. It inevitably establishes a personal touch. Such a strategy not only celebrates the brand's partnership but also carries a strong message to the local communities enlisting deeper confidence for the brand as well as reinforcing the trust reposed in Shyam Steel products. Moreover, Shyam Steel has extended its support to the dealers through in-store branding initiatives aiming to strengthen relationships and consolidate customer trust. This multifaceted marketing strategy has enabled Shyam Steel to effectively connect with its target markets across multiple states while maintaining a pan-India vision with a clear roadmap for increased penetration.

Discussing the core of the creative communication process at Shyam Steel, Megha Beriwala shared, Contextually, at the core of Shyam Steels creative communication process, lies a focus on product information, brand legacy (spanning over 70 years), and sustainability efforts. The companys creatives prominently feature the GreenPro logo, highlighting its recent GreenPro Certification by the Confederation of Indian Industries for its Fe 500D (GPSSM345002) and Fe 550D (GPSSM345001) products. This certification underscores Shyam Steels unwavering commitment to sustainability and the delivery of superior-quality products, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the East market.

Beriwala informed, What Shyam Steel essentially aims at is to fully keep the consumers abreast of its offerings, benefits, and how its products meaningfully contribute to the realization of their dreams. By employing this comprehensive marketing mix and tailoring its strategies to cater to the diverse requirements of the East market, Shyam Steel aims to establish a strong emotional connection with its target audiences and reinforce its position as a leading TMT Bar brand in the region.

Elaborating on the focus areas of Shyam Steel in 2024 in the East market and the medium in which it is investing more, Megha Beriwala pointed out, As far as Shyam Steels market strategy for East Market in 2024 is concerned, we are determined to make deeper penetration in the regional markets for heightened output. Given the nature of our product as a commodity, we consider that we must employ a balanced approach that leverages both traditional and digital marketing strategies. As a matter of strategy, our primary focus will be on a judicious mix of traditional and digital mediums. As things stand now, traditional marketing channels continue to be relevant and their impact on many regional markets is widely embraced. Therefore, we will explore innovative ways to make full utilization of the potential available in this area to make our reach more extensive and brand visibility more conspicuous. But, given the growing importance of digital platforms and their ability to connect with audiences easily, we will make the best use of their efficacy. Thus, our strategy will involve seamlessly integrating digital marketing initiatives to complement our traditional efforts. This synergistic approach will allow us to leverage the strengths of both mediums, maximizing our reach and engagement across various segments of our target audience. One notable example of our digital innovation is our Apna Ghar platform, a one-stop solution for all construction material needs. This platform provides expert guidance, a free material calculator, and hassle-free delivery, helping customers from start to finish. In other words, we can say Neev Se Pravesh Tak. It has facilitated order placement and seamless communication with regional markets, demonstrating the potential of digital strategies in enhancing our market penetration and customer outreach.

Discussing how Shyam Steel is leveraging digital media, technology as well as influencer and social media marketing and its performance in 2023 in the East market and the growth projections, and expansion plans for 2024, Megha Beriwala said: "In an age of fast-changing technological landscape, evolving market needs, surging customers' aspirational level and fierce competition in the market, it is challenging to reach out to the wider segment of audience through the available platform in a productive way. Shyam Steel's perspective is very clear, what it has done is strategically invest in its social media presence to engage with consumers and shape their perceptions of the brand and the steel industry by way of utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. It seeks to create targeted content highlighting its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. This is done through product posts, educational posts, and contests to ensure that the audience is kept active. As already said, Shyam Steel also focuses on the regional festivities by providing content related to festivals like Chhath, Bihu, Onam, Baisakhi, etc. which helps to target audiences across the regions. Customer engagement in the company's TVCs is very high, boosted by initiatives such as the TVC Contest. Dealer testimonials also establish Shyam Steel's good partnership with the dealers, and therefore, customers. Shyam Steel primarily aims at constantly strengthening its market reach in regions where growth prospects in the country are quite high. It aims to extend its outreach by associating its brand with popular, reliable, and acclaimed public figures in diverse areas. The engagement of Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli & Vijay Deverakonda as brand ambassadors by the Company is one such initiative whereby it carries to the market and customers Shyam Steel products' invincibility, strength, and flexibility with unmatched qualitative excellence as those of its brand ambassadors."

Throwing light on the marketing plans of Shyam Steel for 2024, Megha Beriwala said: "It bears repetition to say that Shyam Steel has crafted ambitious marketing plans for 2024 aiming to redouble its brand visibility and engagement through a robust online presence and impactful content marketing campaigns. Leveraging the power of digital platforms, such as social media, the company seeks to reach the widest possible audience and establish itself as an innovative thought leader in the industry. In 2023, Shyam Steel registered remarkable growth because of its outreach to the customers with unmatched qualitative excellence of its range of products through effective brand marketing initiatives. Standing on a rock-bottom foundation built over the last seven decades, the Company now represents the hopes and aspirations of millions of customers far and wide. It is poised for further growth to meet the objectives of ViksitBharat @2047, and in this forward journey it envisions to make its digital presence more pronounced and visible."

Commenting on the support by government for its growth journey in alignment with the goal towards Viksit Bharat, Megha Beriwala shared: " The company is also confident that the growth trajectory will be adequately supported by government initiatives and policy interventions such as investment-friendly policies and improved logistical facilities besides an incentive policy for the medium sector steel makers on the lines of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme as already introduced for the large-scale sector and policy of linkage of coal block and iron ore mines for steel producers in the MSME sector who remain the fulcrum of the whole industry. The intended policy measures will help Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan or we can say "Maksad Toh Hai India Ko Banana Humesha Ke Liye Strong" the desired goal towards the journey to Viksit Bharat. Importantly, Shyam Steel's efforts are on the one hand directed towards the realization of India's steel production targets of 300 MT by 2029-30, increasing per capita steel consumption as envisaged in the National Steel Policy 2017 and, on the other hand, enlist cent percent public trust to its range of products on a pan-India basis. The core of Shyam Steel's business ethics  growth with responsibility  is thus been embedded in its vision and mission  a vision where peoples expectations and commitment to the national goals converge for Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas, sab ka vishwas.
Lifree, a pioneering adult diaper brand based in Japan, roped in the renowned television actress Rupali Ganguly as its brand ambassador. The collaboration stems from the profound impact of her character, Anupamaa, on audiences, making her an ideal representative for a brand focused on addressing sensitive health issues with empathy and understanding. Through this engagement, Lifree aims to leverage relatability and trustworthiness amongst the consumers.

The brand also announced the launch of its DVC campaign, Leakage ka no dar, jiyo khul kar, to spread awareness on adult incontinence and the benefits of using adult diapers. In the video, the actress shares a heartfelt story about her mother and her challenges due to urinary incontinence. The video continues to talk about how the unique 12-hour absorption capacity in Lifree Adult Diapers helped her regain confidence, empowering her to navigate her life independently.

Speaking about their commitment to providing effective solutions, Yuji Ikeda, the Managing Director at Lifree, said, As a brand, our primary objective has always been providing an ease of life to the adults with urinary incontinence. Lifree Adult Diapers are designed to offer unparalleled protection that ensures our consumers can go about their daily activities, hence fostering a sense of empowerment. We are delighted to join hands with Rupali Ganguly and spread awareness of sensitive health-related concerns with dignity.

Rupali Ganguly, said, Brands like Lifree are trying to solve a problem that needs to be more widely discussed, and this made me join the initiative and spread awareness. This DVC communicates that battles of old age are not fought alone. I want my audience to know that they have partners who will support them while dealing with such medical conditions. And with Lifree, older adults can now live a life full of confidence and independence.

The product gives older adults the confidence to live their lives to the fullest and uses advanced technology to build a powerful absorption core that can hold up to 6 glasses of liquid. It acts as a trusted partner for individuals, providing comfort, confidence, and renewed vitality.
Kochi: Maitri Advertising Works made history at Goafest 2024, India's premier advertising award show, by becoming the first agency from Kerala to win the coveted Grand Prix. In addition to this top honor, Maitri earned a silver, a bronze, and three merit awards, solidifying its position as a leader in the South Indian advertising industry.

The highlight of Maitri's success was a five-minute promotional film for Netflix's popular series "Sex Education," featuring popular actress Shakeela. The film, which depicts a humorous yet informative scenario of a driving lesson that turns into a sex education class, stood out for its creative storytelling and tasteful approach. The campaign went viral, drawing significant media attention and acclaim.

"Shakeela is often linked to soft porn films that distort the essence of sexual relationships. In our film, we sought to redefine this narrative by embracing a positive stance on sex education, even with Shakeela's participation. With the boundless creativity of our young team and the unwavering support of Netflix, we achieved this vision," remarked R. Venugopal, Ideation Director at Maitri.

Francis Thomas, Group Creative Director, noted the transformative changes in the advertising landscape over recent years. "For the last couple of years, there have been revolutionary changes in the advertising field," he said. He emphasized the shift from producing single-language ads and dubbing them into multiple languages to creating original content in five South Indian languages. "This is a recognition of the strong support from the market towards such content," Thomas added.

Chairman C. Muthu highlighted "Big companies starting from Muthoot Finance, Swiggy, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar to Crafton Games have partnered with Maitri because of their expertise in the creative and tactical skills developed over the years,". Managing Director Raju Menon celebrated this achievement, stating, "This is not just a win for Maitri but for the innovation and inclusivity in Indian advertising and the beginning of a new era in advertising."

With 28 years of experience, Maitri operates offices in Kochi, Trivandrum, Maldives, Seychelles, and Bangalore. Their extensive client list includes Mathrubhumi, Muthoot Finance, AVT, Kerala Tourism, myG, Lazza Icecreams, KLF Nirmal Industries, Brahmins (Wipro), Asianet, Swiggy, Amul, IM Galvanised Steel Pipes, Alappat Jewellery, Hyundai, Kerala Vision, KSIDC, KINFRA, Oushadhi, and Kottakkal.

Maitri's remarkable performance at Goafest 2024 is a milestone for the agency and a testament to the innovative and inclusive nature of the Indian advertising industry.
As the anticipation for the Lok Sabha Election results culminate on the Counting Day, Times Now, and Times Now Navbharat are set to revolutionize election news broadcasting with state-of-the-art technology and dynamic campaigns in India and the U.S.

Augmenting the election news viewing experience like never before, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat have introduced two new state-of-the-art Studios, offering an immersive and interactive experience. The studios feature large interactive & big data display screens, AI led technology to consolidate reporter and audience feedback live, advanced 3D graphics, real-time data analysis & data crunching, high-depth immersive graphics, experiential integrative technology, and interactive news broadcast to provide viewers with a comprehensive election news and analysis.

To maximise reach and engagement, the Network has launched unique collaborations with leading partners across the country. Engaging over 15 million daily consumers, Zomato users will get real time poll updates from Times Now Navbharat while they wait for their order to deliver. To bring the pulse of democracy closer to the people, Times Now Navbharat has partnered with leading movie theatre, MovieMax across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, and Delhi broadcasting live election updates and providing comprehensive coverage on Counting Day. Fostering vibrant discussions and informed participation, Times Network has created Chunaav Charcha Corners across leading Media Agencies in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Through live screenings and interactive sessions on Counting Day, this initiative aims to engage audiences in meaningful conversations about the elections.

To delve into India's landmark elections from the oldest democracy in the world, Times Network has curated a series of interactive on-ground activities engaging the Indian diaspora in The U.S. Drawing attention to Counting Day, a special display van travelled from New York City to New Jersey communicating highlights of the programming led by Times Nows leading anchors and culminating into a carnival at New Jerseys biggest desi market area. Sharing her perspective on the election action in India with live updates from the country, Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat, will join the thought-provoking panel discussion with eminent panellists, to be held on June 3 to discuss, dissect, and deliberate on the Indian elections.

The Network has rolled out an aggressive marketing campaign across Out-of-Home (OOH), print ads in leading National dailies, tie-up with leading Radio Stations, digital screens at airports across India. The Networks bouquet of news channels and its digital platforms across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram will keep viewers ahead with the fastest updates on Counting Day.
Delhi Court Convicts Activist Medha Patkar in Defamation Case Filed by Delhi LG V K Saxena 2

A Delhi court on Friday convicted Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar in a defamation case lodged against her by V K Saxena, the incumbent lieutenant governor of the national capital.

Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma found Patkar guilty of criminal defamation.

Under the relevant law, the activist may get a jail term of two years or fine or both as the punishment.

Patkar and Saxena have been locked in a legal battle since 2000 after she filed a suit against him for publishing advertisements against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).

Saxena was then the chief of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties.

Saxena had also filed two cases against her for making derogatory remarks against him on a TV channel and issuing a defamatory press statement.
Every big city or small town in Alabama is proud of their hometown barbecue, and rightly so.

They  and we  have lots to brag out, whether were talking pulled pork, smoked chicken, ribs, turkey, or, yes, even brisket.

But a few cities around the state stand a little taller than the others when it comes to their contributions to Alabamas storied barbecue tradition.

Here, in descending order, are our selections for Alabamas 5 best barbecue cities, along with our rationale for ranking them where we did.

Which Alabama city would be No. 1 on your barbecue list?

The pulled pork sandwich at Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot in Selma is doused with a house-made sauce and topped with a crispy pork skin.(Photo by Art Meripol, from the book "Alabama Barbecue: Delicious Road Trips")

5. Selma

The Queen City of Alabamas Black Belt has a lot going on these days  the 2024 winner of The Voice; a really cool, chef-driven lunch series; and, of course, all that Civil Rights history. Selma, a city with a population of less than 17,000, may also lay claim to two of Alabamas best barbecue joints, a couple of old classics that have been around for decades: Lannies Bar-B-Q Spot and Hancocks Country Bar-B-Q. Lannies, which opened nearly 80 years ago in Selmas Tuxedo Park neighborhood, is famous for its pulled-pork sandwich, which is doused with a house-made barbecue sauce, topped with crispy barks of pork skin and served open-faced with two slices of white bread. While Lannies has been closed for a year, it is reopening June 7 in a new building in the same location. (Lannies Bar-B-Q #2 on Medical Center Parkway, which is separately owned by other members of the Lannies barbecue family, serves some mighty fine cue of its own.) Out on County Road 46, Hancocks is another family-owned Selma institution that has been in the Hancock family for three generations. To taste the best of both worlds at Hancocks, we recommend the combo plate with chopped pork and two ribs, along with a choice of sides. And youll want to get a quart jug of sauce to take home with you.

RELATED: Its all in the family at Hancocks, an Alabama BBQ gemx

The menu at Bow & Arrow restaurant in Auburn includes ribs, turkey, brisket and smoked sausage.

4. Auburn/Opelika

The restaurant scene in the twin cities of Auburn and Opelika has exploded over the past decade -- with elevated dining establishments such as Acre, Botanic and 1856 -- Culinary Residence setting the standard. But if its old-school barbecue youre hungry for, theyve got that covered, too. Byrons Smokehouse is an Auburn institution thats been around since the Gulledge family opened their barbecue joint in 1989. New owners took over the business after Glen Gulledge and his wife, Stephanie, hung up their aprons last year, but the Byrons menu of chopped or sliced pork, grilled chicken and ribs remains the same as it ever was. Elsewhere in Auburn, brisket is the star of the show at Acre chef and Iron Chef Showdown champ David Bancrofts Bow & Arrow, a Texas-style smokehouse that is inspired, in part, by Bancrofts childhood growing up in the Lone Star State. Also, Auburn is home to 12-year-old grillmaster Bryson Cheese Curd McGlynn, the 2024 winner of Gordon Ramsays MasterChef Junior FOX reality series. Next door in Opelika, Chucks Bar-B-Que serves its pit-cooked pork three ways -- chipped, chopped and chipped on the block  and if youre not hip to the East Alabama barbecue lingo, theyll happily explain it to you. Also in Opelika, Butcher Paper BBQ, a relative newcomer to the scene, serves some serious smoked meats (brisket, pork, ribs and chicken) and virtuous sides (collard greens, barbecue beans and smoked mac n cheese).

RELATED: Texas meets Alabama at chef David Bancrofts Bow & Arrow smokehouse

An order of ribs from Dreamland Bar-B-Que in Tuscaloosa, Ala.(Ben Flanagan/bflanagan@al.com)

3. Tuscaloosa/Northport

Title Town, as fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide lovingly call Tuscaloosa, is not only home to national champions, but the Druid City and its neighbor on the other side of the Black Warrior River, Northport, also boast two of Alabamas most iconic barbecue joints: Dreamland Bar-B-Que and Archibalds Bar-B-Q. Each has legions of loyal fans, who are fiercely divided over which one has the best ribs. It is a spirited debate, but my philosophy on that is: Why argue? Just enjoy both. The original Dreamland Bar-B-Q in Tuscaloosas Jerusalem Heights neighborhood has been smoking since 1958, when, according to Dreamland lore, God came to the late John Big Daddy Bishop in a dream and told him to open a restaurant. His hickory-fired ribs with white bread and that addictive sauce became legend, and although Bishop is long gone, his legacy and influence live on, with 10 additional Dreamland locations in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, including one in Northport. Meanwhile, Archibalds Bar-B-Q, carries on a tradition that began when the late George Archibald and his wife, Betty, opened a cinderblock rib shack behind their house on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Northport in 1962. It is, as we have said before, the Wrigley Field of rib joints  cozy, classic and chock-full of character. Like Dreamland, Archibalds has grown to include a second Tuscaloosa-area location, Archibald & Woodrows BBQ, on Greensboro Avenue. Elsewhere, youll find your choice of reliable chains, including Full Moon Bar-B-Que, Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Q and Moes Original BBQ  all of which have strong ties to Alabama. Also, dont sleep on Thomas Rib Shack, a hidden Tuscaloosa gem that has been serving ribs and soul food for more than 50 years.

RELATED: Preserving a legacy at this roadside Alabama BBQ joint

Michael Booker has worked the pits at Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Irondale for more than 35 years. The original Golden Rule opened in 1891 near the site of its current location.(Photo by Art Meripol, from the book "Alabama Barbecue: Delicious Road Trips")

2. Birmingham

Birmingham has some serious barbecue bona fides that we, although slightly prejudiced, will stack up alongside such other, more famous barbecue cities as Austin, Memphis and Kansas City. And certainly here in Alabama, nowhere will you find as much history and as many options from which to choose than in the Birmingham metro area -- from the brisket at Rodney Scotts Whole Hog BBQ and the ribs at Rib-It-Up to the chopped pork at Archies Bar-B-Q & Burgers and the smoked chicken at Miss Myras Pit Bar-B-Que. The original Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Irondale, which has been around since 1891, is the oldest barbecue restaurant in Alabama, and Carliles Barbecue, which opened in 1945, is still smoking on the Southside. Demetris BBQ, where you can order a barbecue pork omelet for breakfast, goes back to 1961. Two of the Souths favorite barbecue chains  Full Moon Bar-B-Que and Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Q  began as single, family-owned joints in Birmingham, and when Dreamland Bar-B-Que got ready to grow beyond its original Tuscaloosa location, the Magic City was its first choice for expansion. Ditto for Rodney Scotts Whole Hog BBQ, as the James Beard Award-winning pitmaster chose Birmingham for his first location outside of his native South Carolina. Elsewhere around Birmingham, SAWs BBQ, which started in suburban Homewood in 2009, has grown to include six locations throughout the metro area. So, no matter where you are in the Magic City, youre never far from a barbecue joint. And if youre up for a short drive, head on over to Bessemer for a pork sandwich at Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q, which has been around since 1957, or to Leeds for a slab of ribs at Rustys Bar-B-Q, voted Alabamas Best Mom n Pop restaurant in the state tourism departments Alabama Barbecue Battle.

RELATED: The story of Rodney and Nick, brothers in barbecuex

Chris Lilly, the head pitmaster and co-owner of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que in Decatur, dunks a smoked chicken in the restaurant's famous Alabama white sauce. Photo by Met McKinney.Meg McKinney

1. Decatur

We can make a solid argument that this industrial city on the Tennessee River in the northwest corner of the state is the Birthplace of Alabama Barbecue  the Buckle of Alabamas Barbecue Belt, if you will. The place, where, in 1925, railroad worker and weekend pitmaster Robert Lee Big Bob Gibson dug a pit in his back yard and started what is now known worldwide as Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. Don McLemore, Gibsons grandson, and Chris Lilly, McLemores son-in-law, have not only kept the fires burning but built on that tradition, opening a second location of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q on the south side of town in the 1990s. Overshadowed but not outdone by these two barbecue titans is yet another Decatur barbecue gem, Smokey Cs Bar-B-Que & Wings, which won AL.coms 2014 statewide quest for Alabamas Best BBQ Ribs. Elsewhere, Decatur is also home to Scruggs BBQ, best known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs and pulled-pork stuffed potatoes.

RELATED: Alabama barbecue legend selected for national BBQ Hall of Fame
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has taken legal action to distance herself from her father  at least in name.

Shiloh rang in her 18th birthday Monday by filing a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court to drop the Pitt from her full name. The teen, whose full name is currently Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, wants her name to be Shiloh Nouvel Jolie, according to the petition reviewed by The Times.

A representative for Jolie did not immediately respond to The Times request for comment. A representative for Pitt did not comment on the petition.

Shiloh was born on May 27, 2006 in Swakopmund, Namibia. She is the third-eldest of the former Hollywood power couples six children, and the eldest of their three biological children. They also share kids Maddox, Pax, Zahara and twins Knox and Vivienne.

The Kung Fu Panda 3 voice actor requested to change her name amid her parents contentious, drawn-out divorce.

In September 2016, Jolie filed to divorce her Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-star days after they allegedly had a physical altercation on a private plane flight home from Europe. Several of the actors children were also allegedly involved in the incident, according to an FBI report. Details about the 2016 confrontation emerged in a 2022 lawsuit Jolie filed against the federal law enforcement agency.

Complicating settlement of Jolie and Pitts years-long divorce is more legal tension over their Chateau Miraval winery and former family home. In February 2022, Pitt sued Jolie and her company, Nouvel, for allegedly selling her share of their winery, without his supposedly agreed-upon consent, to seize profits she had not earned and returns on an investment she did not make.

Jolie fired back with a cross-complaint in October 2022. Earlier this year, her legal team filed a motion to acquire Pitts communications stemming from an all encompassing nondisclosure agreement allegedly connected to the sale.

Jolie and Pitt have been legally unmarried  a.k.a. single  since 2019 but have yet to finalize details of their divorce.

Shiloh may be the first Jolie-Pitt child to take her name change to court, but some of her siblings have also publicly dropped their fathers last name in recent years. In a video shared by Essence in 2023, Zahara can be seen and heard introducing herself as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College. My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, she shouts in between poses.

Additionally, 15-year-old Vivienne dropped Pitt in her Playbill credit for the new musical The Outsiders, which her mother produced, People reported this week.

Times staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Grammy winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson will be one of four headliners for the 2025 Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, event organizers announced during this years Jam, which kicked off last Thursday.

Gulf Coast Jam is an annual music festival held in Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. The 2024 festival wrapped up Sunday, with the 2025 event set for May 29-June 1. The festival draws an estimated 25,000 people to the park over the four days.

The headliners for the 2024 event were Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll and Parker McCollum. Each artist was the headline act for one of the events four days.

Event organizers plan to announce the remaining headliners for next years event in stages, according to the Panama City News Herald. The outlet noted tickets for the 2024 event sold out last November.

Wilson, a Baskin, La., native, was named the County Music Associations Entertainer of the Year in 2023, becoming the first woman so honored since Taylor Swift in 2009. She has received six other CMA awards, a Grammy Award and six Academy of Country Music Awards.

She is also known for her role on the popular television series Yellowstone.

Ticket information for the 2025 Gulf Coast Jam can be found here.
A 28-year-old woman has been charged in the Saturday-night shooting death of her boyfriend.

Jamela Melton, 28, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of 32-year-old Jerry Bailey.

The charge is capital, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald, because Melton was inside a vehicle when police say she fatally shot Bailey.

Warrants against Melton were obtained Sunday. She is awaiting transfer to the Jefferson County Jail.

The citys North Precinct officers were dispatched just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday to a call of a person shot in the 3500 block of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North.

The citys North Precinct officers were dispatched just before 7:30 p.m. , Saturday, June 1, 2024, to a call of a person shot in the 3500 block of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North.(Carol Robinson)

Once on the scene, they found Bailey in a grassy field just off the roadway and adjacent to a trucking company. He was dead on the scene.

It appears Bailey was outside of the vehicle when Melton allegedly shot him from inside the car. Bailey was found unresponsive just feet from car.

Fitzgerald said Melton remained on the scene, and police believe she was the one who called 911.

Bailey is Birminghams 60th homicide of 2024. Of those, five have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been 83 homicides including the 60 in Birmingham.
A man charged in the slaying of his girlfriend, who had been missing two weeks before her body was found, was already out on bond for a domestic violence charge.

Robert Lee Young, 55, is charged with murder in the death of 30-year-old Quanisha Davis.

Authorities have not yet said how Davis how Davis died, but said she was killed between May 19 and May 30, according to charging documents against Young.

An autopsy is being conducted to determine a cause of death.

Dadeville police in January charged Young with third-degree domestic violence/menacing and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. The alleged crime happened at 5:15 a.m. on New Years Day.

Young was arrested Jan. 7, and released on bond the following day.

Tallapoosa County prosecutors are seeking to have Youngs bond revoked following the new murder charge against him, records show.

They claim he violated the conditions of his bond by having contact with Davis and by allegedly committing a new crime.

Davis was reported missing to the Alexander City Police Department on Friday, May 24.

Davis was reportedly last seen in Dadeville on May 17, according to the Tallapoosa County Sheriffs Office. Family had not heard from her since the day before that and were actively searching for her.

Authorities said her white 2006 Ford Explorer was found about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in a wooded area on North Loop Road in Dadeville.

Her body was found Thursday, May 30, shortly before 8 a.m. in a wooded area on Buck Street in Dadeville.

Young remains held in jail. A court date has not been announced.
Aging media mogul Rupert Murdoch got married for the fifth time  to a woman he reportedly met through wife No. 3.

Murdoch, 93, exchanged vows with retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, 67, during a ceremony at Moraga, his estate and vineyard in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Murdoch-controlled New York Post's Page Six reported Sunday.

Photos of the Saturday evening event showed the billonaire groom in a dark suit and sneakers while the bride wore a long, shoulder-baring white dress with a low-cut, square neckline and carried a bouquet of white flowers.

Murdoch and Zhukova began dating last year after being introduced by his third wife, Wendi Deng, who's friendly with her, according to the Daily Mail.

Murdoch divorced Deng in 2014 over suspicions she was cheating on him with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Vanity Fair reported the following year.

He divorced his fourth wife, former model Jerry Hall, in 2022 after reportedly breaking up with her via email, and he was briefly engaged last year to former dental hygienist-turned-conservative radio host Ann Lesley Smith.

His marriage to Zhukova  whose daughter, Dasha Zhukova Niarchos, was formerly married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich  isn't expected to affect a family trust that owns about 40% of Murdoch's Fox and News Corp companies, according to the Financial Times.

Murdoch and his family are worth an estimated $19.9 billion, according to Forbes.

Last year, Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp and handed the reins to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, but he still holds the title of chairman emeritus of both companies.
A Eufaula man is under arrest after authorities say he falsely accused a police officer of being involved in a traffic crash that killed a pedestrian.

John Robert Grubbs, 46, is charged with doxing, which became a crime in Alabama in 2023.

Under the law, a person commits the crime of doxing if he or she does the following: intentionally electronically publishes, posts, or provides personal identifying information of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or public servant, with the intent that others will use that information to harass, harm, or impede the duties of that law enforcement officer, firefighter, or public servant, and the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or public servant is actually harassed, harmed, or impeded from performing his or her governmental function.

The law doesnt just apply to first responders or government officials.

It also includes publish or posting personal identifying information of another person, with the intent that others will use that information to harass or harm that other individual, and the other individual is actually harassed or harmed.

Grubbs was arrested on the misdemeanor charge Saturday, Eufaula Police Chief Danny Christ announced Monday. Grubbs is currently out on bond.

A 47-year-pedestrian was fatally struck on May 18 near the 600 block of Highway 30.

Police at the time said the uninjured driver was taken to the hospital for drug/alcohol screening. The drivers identity was not released, which is standard procedure for Eufaula police unless formal charges are filed.

Christ said Grubbs made public posts, including a photo, accusing a Eufaula police officer as being the driver.

They were trying to say it was one of my officers and it was not, the chief said.

People dont know it (the doxing law) exists, Christ said. It applies to anybody.

If you dont start enforcing it, theyre not going to know its against the law, he said. So, were doing our part.
Alabama is marking one of three Confederate holidays today.

State offices are closed today to commemorate the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. June 3 is one of three in Alabama that honor Confederate leaders: Robert E. Lees birthday, which is commemorated in January on the same day as Martin Luther King Day; Confederate Memorial Day in April; and Daviss birthday in June.

State offices and some agencies are closed but federal services- including mail delivery  will continue.

The next state holiday is Juneteenth on June 19.

Heres whats open and whats closed:

Alabama state offices - closed

Alabama state courts - Most closed, check ahead

Car tag offices - Open in some counties, closed in others where Daviss birthday is observed.

U.S. Post Office - normal operations, mail will be delivered.

Banks - open

City and county offices - Most are open

Jefferson County Courthouse  Open

Municipal and county closings will vary widely across the state, so check ahead before you go.

Who was Jefferson Davis?

Davis was born on June 3, 1808, in Kentucky and later represented Mississippi in Congress before serving as U.S. Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce. Davis was the unanimous choice of the Confederate Convention for president, taking the oath of office in Montgomery, Alabama on Feb. 18, 1861 and serving until 1865.

Davis was captured at the close of the Civil War, accused of treason and imprisoned, though he was never tried. He was released two years later and spent his retirement years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Alabama is the last state to have a legal holiday set aside solely to commemorate the birth of Davis. Mississippi marks Daviss birthday but includes it in the Memorial Day celebration. In Texas, Daviss birthday is part of Confederate Heroes Day while other Southern states, including Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee, have a holiday for Jefferson on official schedules but do not give employees the day off.
The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday ended an investigation into alleged wrongdoing regarding a charitable trust managed by Regions Financial Group.

The court ruled 8-0, with Justice Greg Cook recusing himself, that a circuit courts November 2023 order to refer the case to a special master was vacated, as it exceeded (the lower courts) discretion.

The decision dealt with a suit filed in 2022 in Montgomery County Circuit Court alleging that, while Regions administered a charitable trust named for former Alabama Secretary of State Mabel Amos, it charged exorbitant fees and steered scholarship money to children of the trust board members.

A Regions spokesman said of the decision, Due to the pending nature of this litigation, we have no further comment at this time beyond our public court filings. We look forward to addressing and resolving this matter through the proper venue, which is the legal system.

The suit was filed by members of Amos family.

The lawsuit contends that the board trustees benefited personally using the funds in the Trust to educate their children at out-of-state expensive colleges and were not in financial need, while members of Amos immediate family were in financial need.

According to the lawsuit, Regions began charging outrageous fees when oil was discovered on Amos property, in contrast to reasonable fees when there were only natural gas wells there.

For example, the suit claims that Regions was paid about $7,000 for spending five hours a week administering the trust in 2010.

Within a year, that same five hours a week cost $92,736.

From 2002 to 2018, the suit claims, the trust paid more than $1 million in administration fees to Regions.

At the same time, the wells have produced between $70 million to $80 million worth of oil and gas, or roughly 100 barrels of oil a day, along with millions of cubic feet in natural gas.

The son and daughter of Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton reportedly received $120,000 from the trust to attend the University of Texas.

The suit sought to remove the funds trustee and board members, and restore misappropriated assets to the fund.

In March 2023, Attorney General Steve Marshall accused Albritton of improperly benefiting from the trust in a motion to the lawsuit.

The other two board members Marshall named in the motion were Rick Clifton and John Bell. Clifton is president of the Covington County Economic Development Commission. Bell, who has retired from Regions, was the fund board member who represented the bank.
When the onset of the pandemic began in 2020, state and local officials touted a beach vacation as a safer alternative with plenty of social distancing, sun and surf for a family looking to get outside and away from the house.

Alabamas annual tourism statistics, released earlier this month, continue to illustrate the popularity of the beaches four years after the pandemic. According to the 2023 figures, the percentage of statewide tourism spending, earnings, and visitors continues to increase for the Gulf Coast region.
A south Alabama man accused of sex acts with a young girl is in custody after a massive search that spanned several counties.

Colt Bryan Lecuyer, 30, is charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.

The investigation began Friday when Ozark-Dale County E911 received a call from a Level Plains resident who described witnessing sexual contact between Lecuyer and a girl who is under the age of 10. The alleged sexual acts were taking place in the back Lecuyers vehicle.

Lecuyer, a registered sex offender and federal supervised release inmate, fled the scene before law enforcement officers arrived.

Authorities said the suspect knew the young victim.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum said investigators began gathering information on the scene and a lookout bulleting was issued for Lecuyer.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, an Auburn police officer spotted the suspects vehicle abandoned in the parking lot of the Walmart on South College Street in Auburn. Dale County investigators traveled to Auburn. With assistance from Auburn police and Lee County sheriffs deputies, they processed Lecuyers vehicle.

Law enforcement officers searched for the suspect, but he was not found.

On Sunday, Bynum said, investigators learned that Lecuyer was on foot near the Lee and Macon County line in the Tuskegee National Forest.

The Macon County Sheriffs Office, along with ALEAs Aviation Unit, SBI Agents and tracking dogs from the Alabama Department of Corrections Kilby and Ventress correctional facilities, responded to the area.

The tracking dogs were able to track the suspect for more than four miles before taking him into custody in a wooded area off County Road 57 in Macon County.

Dale County deputies are traveling to Macon County to take custody of Lecuyer.

I would like to thank Sheriff Andre Brunson and the members of the Macon County Sheriffs Office, DOC K9 Teams and ALEA for their relentless effort in capturing Lecuyer, Bynum said. Also, the Auburn Police Department and Lee County Sheriffs Office for their assistance during this investigation.

Individuals like Lecuyer, who wish to prey on young children have no place in our society, the sheriff said. He is a convicted sex offender so this wasnt his first time victimizing a young child but I pray that its his last.

I applaud the efforts of those in law enforcement who made it their mission this weekend to put him back behind bars where he belongs, Bynum said.
A dispute over what remains of a $2 million Jefferson County estate, which included the disposition of some 19 pets, should remain in Jefferson County Probate Court, according to the Alabama Supreme Court.

The court, by a 5-2 vote, agreed that the case should not be moved to circuit court as requested by the Humane Society of the United States.

According to a majority of the justices once a probate court begins the final settlement process for an estate, a circuit court cannot acquire jurisdiction over that estate.

The Humane Society may be correct that there are outstanding issues to resolve before Braswells estate can be settled. But that does not prevent the final settlement process in probate court from going forward, the court wrote.

Nella Ruth Braswell died in 2014, leaving behind 6 cats, 13 dogs, and an estate valued at more than $2 million.

The holdings included 200 acres in north Jefferson County, a bar and grill, a 10-unit apartment building, a flea market, a gun store and a winery.

Braswell also left much of her real estate to the Humane Society of the United States and designated it as the residuary beneficiary of her estate.

However, in her will, Braswell provided for the continuing care of her animals until the last one died, with the remaining funds to be given to The Humane Society.

A couple were appointed personal representatives of the estate to administer it and oversee care of the animals.

At some point, the Humane Society became dissatisfied with the estates personal representative and had the estate proceeding removed from probate court to the Jefferson Circuit Court.

The representative, Marion McLeroy, objected, but the circuit court refused to relinquish the case.

At the Humane Societys suggestion, McLeroy placed Braswells animals in an animal hospital because many of them were in poor health and Braswells home needed significant repairs.

As Braswells animals died off, McLeroy and the Humane Society also discussed the possibility of terminating the animal trust and transferring its assets to the Humane Society.

In April 2023, the Humane Society petitioned the probate court to remove McLeroy for several different reasons, including, it said, allowing some of the estate holdings to fall into disrepair.

The Humane Society also commenced a separate civil action against McLeroy and her husband in the Jefferson Circuit Court, seeking to remove them as trustees of the Animal Trust and to recover damages for their alleged breaches of duties under the Animal Trust. At that point, McLeroy began the process of final settlement with probate court.

According to court documents, only one of the animals remains alive, and is being cared for by McLeroy and her husband in their home.
President Joe Bidens son Hunter arrived at court on Monday for jury selection in a federal gun case against him after the collapse of a deal with prosecutors that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election. First lady Jill Biden arrived shortly after, entering the courthouse in support of her son.

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

He has pleaded not guilty and has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

The trial comes just days after Donald Trump, Republicans presumptive 2024 presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the criminal courtroom has taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings.

But Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed. The lawyers squabbled over the agreement, could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

This trial isnt about Hunter Bidens foreign business affairs  which Republicans have seized on without evidence to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. But it will excavate some of Hunter Bidens darkest moments and put them on display.

The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, whos long been concerned about the well-being and sobriety of his only living son and who must now watch as those painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinized. Hes also protective: Hunter Biden was with his father all weekend before the case began, biking with his dad and attending church together.

President Biden, in a last-minute switch in plans, shifted from his Rehoboth Beach home back to his Wilmington compound on Sunday evening. Boarding a helicopter on Sunday was the only time the president was seen publicly without his son all weekend.

Hunter Biden arrived first at the Delaware courthouse on Monday. The first lady, who turned 73 on Monday, followed about 15 minutes later and walked briskly into court, flanked by U.S. Secret Service agents. Hunter Bidens sister Ashley Biden was also in court to support him.

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

Prosecutors are hoping to show Hunter Biden was in the throes of addiction when he bought the gun and therefore lied on the forms. They have said theyre planning to use as evidence his published memoir, and they may also introduce contents from a laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved. The contents made their way to Republicans in 2020 and were publicly leaked, revealing embarrassing and personal photos in which hes often nude and doing drugs and messages in which he asks dealers about scores.

The judge will ask a group of prospective jurors a series of questions to determine whether they can serve impartially on the jury, including whether they have donated to political campaigns or run for political office. She will ask whether their views about the 2024 presidential campaign prevent them from being impartial.

Shes also going to ask whether prospective jurors believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted because his father is the president. Also, shell ask about firearms purchasing and addiction issues, including: Do you believe someone who is addicted to drugs should not be charged with a crime?

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and his attorneys have suggested they may argue he didnt see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked no to the question on the form. Theyll also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, are also planning to call as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife and his brothers widow, Hallie, with whom he became romantically involved.

If he were to be convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum and its unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.
An alleged murder plot that ended in the 2021 killing of a Sylacauga man stemmed from the brutal assaults of two Jefferson County Jail inmates and was orchestrated from behind bars, authorities said.

Five people are charged with capital murder-murder for hire in the shooting death of 46-year-old Bradford Franklin Isbell, who authorities say was a key witness against the plots mastermind.

Montrell Towns, 30, Markkeis Antwain Towns, 31, Kiera Monthelia Turner, 28, Allana Amani Reid, 30, and Tahila Myicole Lomax, 31, have all been indicted in recent months.

Authorities say Montrell Towns contracted with Markkeis Towns to kill Isbell. The other suspects all played vital roles in the successful plot, said Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr.

Montrell Towns was an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail in 2019 when he was awaiting trial on charges of attempted murder of a Birmingham police officer and shooting into an occupied vehicle  a police cruiser.

In that incident, a Birmingham police task force officer was investigating a person or people believed to be involved in violent crimes in the city.

The officer was in an unmarked vehicle when he saw the men approach his vehicle. Authorities said he saw what was happening and began to drive off. Thats when shots peppered his vehicle.

The officer, shot in the arm, got on his radio and called for help. Authorities said the assailants jumped into a white SUV and fled.

After a brief chase, an undisclosed number of suspects bailed from the SUV and took off on foot. Birmingham police called in all five of its K-9 tracking teams to hunt for the suspects. Several high-capacity weapons were recovered.

Three people were arrested, including Montrell Towns, who was a rapper at the time. He was found hiding under a vehicle.

While still in the county jail in 2019 on those charges, two inmates were violently attacked.

One was a 40-year-old Birmingham man who, according to court records, was beaten so badly that he suffered permanent brain damage.

The second was a 38-year-old Oakman man who was pummeled with a jail food tray and also suffered critical injuries and permanent damage, investigators said.

Montrell Towns was charged with first-degree assault in both cases.

Bradford Franklin Isbell(Gun Violence Memorial)

Isbell, also a county inmate in 2019, was a key witness against Towns, according to authorities and court records.

It was then, Carr said, that Montrell Towns schemed to prevent Isbell from testifying against him.

Isbell had since been released from jail and was living in Sylacauga.

Montrell wanted Bradford to be quiet, the district attorney said. Isbell was killed before he could testify.

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 until this year.

Thats when the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office led its own investigation and presented the evidence to a grand jury, which indicted all five suspects.

Carr said his office received information that sparked the probe, and they were able to corroborate that information through several different channels. For investigative reasons, he said, he cant yet disclose additional information.

Investigators contend Montrell hired Markkeis Towns  the relationship between the two is not known  who allegedly carried out the shooting.

He orchestrated what happened with Turner, Reid and Lomax through jail phone calls and jail visits, Carr said.

We have evidence to believe Markkeis Towns was the shooter and that Kiera Turner, Allana Reid, and Tahila Lomax were deeply involved in making sure that happened, Carr said. Money exchanged hands.

In most cases that would be unimaginable, the district attorney said, but we believe it happened.

Markkeis Towns is already serving a prison sentence for a 2023 guilty plea in a manslaughter case.

Despite Isbells slaying, the assault charges against Montrell Towns proceeded.

They were dismissed in 2022, however, when prosecutors were unable to get another material witness to show up to testify.

The judge dismissed the cases without prejudice, which means they could be refiled at some point.

Montrell Towns is already serving a 20-year prison sentence for the conviction of shooting into an occupied vehicle involving the Birmingham police vehicle. The attempted murder for wounding the officer was dismissed.

He pleaded guilty in November 2017 to the felony drug possession and received a 13-month suspended sentence. He also pleaded guilty in 2015 to unlawful distribution of heroin - also a felony - and received a 24-month suspended sentence.

In 2013, Towns was arrested on three counts of attempted murder and discharging a gun into an occupied building or vehicle, however those charges were dismissed.

Four of the suspects remain in jail or prison. The fifth - Reid - is out of jail on bond.

Montrell Towns attorney declined to comment at this point.

Calvin Biggers, attorney for Lomax, said his client stands on the presumption of innocence. Prior to her arrest, Lomax was an attendance secretary of a Bessemer elementary school.

We havent seen any evidence that shes done anything other than be a friend of Mr. (Montrell) Towns,' Biggers said. Thank goodness we live in a country where there is a presumption of innocence.

Markkeis Towns attorney, Michael Hanle, also declined comment.

Efforts to reach attorneys for the other two suspects were not immediately successful.

Obviously hiring or contracting and paying someone to take the life of another is brazen and to do it from a penal facility, Carr said.

Its bold and there are going to be consequences for it.
The Senate will vote Wednesday on whether to approve the Right to Contraception Act, both as a way to safeguard womens access to birth control and to show voters where their senators stand on the issue, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday.

The New York Dem noted that June marks two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed women the constitutional right to an abortion. He said nothing short of legally codifying a persons fundamental right to birth control will stop the conservative-leaning Supreme Court from continuing to chip away at womens health care.

Now more than ever, and as we approach the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Courts dismantling of Roe v. Wade, contraception is a critical piece of protecting womens reproductive freedoms, standing as nothing short of a vital lifeline for millions of Americans across the country, Schumer said in a statement.

The American people have a right to know where their elected officials stand.

Schumer also cited a February Alabama Supreme Court ruling that granted frozen embryos the same legal status as children.

One of the most jarring examples of their extreme and radical agenda is the Alabama Supreme Court decision from earlier this year that jeopardizes IVF. Americans across the political spectrum were stunned at this cruel, callous, and outright chilling decision, Schumer said.

He vowed that he and fellow Senate Democrats would fight to protect access to contraception and other reproductive freedoms that are essential safeguards for millions of women to control their own lives, their futures and their bodies.

The legislation, introduced by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), is designed to protect a persons ability to access contraceptives and to engage in contraception, and to protect a health care providers ability to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information related to contraception. It covers everything from oral contraceptives to condoms.

While some Republicans have said there is no need for such a bill because the right to contraception and family planning are not being challenged, the bills supporters claim that the Supreme Courts failure to protect abortion rights and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are clear signs that the conservative-majority justices are coming for the rest of it.

Its a slow creep to a very bad situation in terms of rights, Schumer spokesman Angelo Roefaro told the Daily News.

That is underscored by the fact that many right-wing and extremist officials in politics and the judicial system have called for a Supreme Court reckoning on contraception, Schumer said. Moreover, he said, states are already restricting public funding for contraceptive products and services.

State legislation to protect contraception rights has been blocked or shot down in Virginia, Missouri, Arizona, Tennessee and Idaho, among others. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump implied earlier this month that contraception is on the policy table, although he walked his statements back later on.

I have been clear we will not stand for these attacks, and we will fight to preserve reproductive freedoms, Schumer said, adding that Democrats remain absolutely committed to doing everything we can to protect women, families, reproductive freedom.

The vote will be a litmus test and a source of information for voters heading into this falls election, of the measure, which passed 228-195 in the House of Representatives in 2022, when it was under Democratic control.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas sponsored separate legislation that would protect in vitro fertilization by making protection of IVF a condition to receive federal funding through Medicaid. States that ban IVF would be ineligible to receive Medicaid funding under the proposed bill.

We have a much better proposal and Republicans ought to support it, Schumer said when asked by reporters about Britts bill, according to USA Today.

With News Wire Services. AL.com contributed to this report.

2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Dothan teenager who is accused of throwing her newborn child in a trash compactor last August has pleaded not guilty to capital murder by reason of mental disease of defect.

Jakayla Ashanti Williams, now 19, was 18 when she gave birth to a son Aug. 13, 2023. Dothan police said Williams told her family she had dropped the baby off at Southeast Health Medical Center.

The family, however, was concerned and contacted the hospital, which advised the child was not there.

Williams family then contacted police.

According to investigators, Williams gave birth about 7 a.m. and, a few hours later, took the child to an apartment complex elsewhere in Dothan, where she reportedly placed the child in a trash compactor.

The child was wrapped in a blanket, according to the capital murder indictment handed down against Williams in February.

Once they learned the infants location, police recovered the load of trash in which he had been placed and found the body.

Dothan police chief Will Benny said during a press conference last August Williams had told investigators she threw the baby in the trash because she didnt want the child, adding that it was obvious Williams knew she could have taken the child to the hospital because thats the story she told her family.

In 27 years in law enforcement I never even heard of anything like this, Benny said. I never even heard of something as horrific as this. It shocks the mind, it shocks the soul. I dont really know what else to say.

Williams has remained held without bail in the Houston County Jail since her arrest last August, charged with capital murder. A jury trial is set to begin July 29, according to state court records.

Should she be found guilty, Williams would receive either life in prison without possibility of parole or the death penalty. If found not guilty by reason of mental defect or disease, the court would then set a hearing to determine if she should be committed to a mental health facility.
Hunter Biden's federal gun trial is beginning in a Delaware courthouse. Jury selection is set to get underway on Monday.

President Biden's son faces three felonies stemming from his purchase of a firearm back in 2018. He allegedly lied about his drug use during the purchase process.

Biden has admitted to using crack cocaine during this period but denies breaking the law while buying the gun.

His lawyers say the charges violate his Second Amendment rights and that "possessing an unloaded gun for 11 days was not a threat to public safety."

Prosecutors plan to use Hunter Biden's memoir as evidence against him. They also have information from a laptop that Biden abandoned at a Delaware repair shop that could be used against him.

The president's son has claimed he is being targeted by Republican's in Congress who pressured the Justice Department.

Among the questions the judge will reportedly ask prospective jurors is if they believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted because his father is the president.

The gun case is not Biden's only legal issue. Another trial for tax charges is scheduled to start in September in California. He was accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July but a judge questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, the Associated Press reported.

The lawyers could not come to a satisfactory resolution and the deal fell apart.

Hunter Biden's gun trial comes just days after Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City.
In an interview with Fox & Friends on Sunday, former President Donald Trump said he was OK with going to prison after he was convicted of 34 felony counts but warned it could be a breaking point for the public.

I dont know that the public would stand it. You know, I dont  Im not sure the public would stand for it, Trump said. I think it would be tough for the public to take. You know, at a certain point, theres a breaking point.

Trump told co-hosts Pete Hegseth, Will Cain, and Rachel Campos-Duffy that he would appeal the conviction, which he claims came as the result of a scam of a trial.

The Republican Party theyve stuck together in this. They see its a weaponization of the Justice Department of the FBI and thats all coming out of Washington, Trump said.

Trump was found guilty of trying to influence the 2016 election by falsifying payment to a porn actor to bury her story of an affair. On July 11, when he is set to be sentenced, Trump faces up to four years behind bars on each count of falsifying business records. Its possible that Trump will get only fines or probation.

Trump also falsely claimed he never repeated the chant of lock her up directed at his 2016 Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

I didnt say lock her up, but the people said lock her up, lock her up, Trump continued. Then, we won. And I say  and I said pretty openly, I said, all right, come on, just relax, lets go, weve got to make our country great.

In 2016, Trump was heard to say, Lock her up, during a rally, Forbes reported.

In the interview Sunday, Trump said I could have done it in regards to jailing Clinton, but added, I felt it would have been a terrible thing. But then this happened to me, the Forbes report continued.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled against 44 congregations in south Alabama and the Florida panhandle that filed a lawsuit against United Methodist Bishop David Graves and the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church because they were not allowed to disaffiliate from the denomination.

The appeal was filed Nov. 13, after Montgomery Circuit Judge Brooke E. Reid dismissed the plaintiffs request for a temporary restraining order, saying it was an internal church matter and the court did not have jurisdiction.

The state Supreme Court, in a ruling released May 31, agreed with Reid and said the churches must pursue the matter through the denominations own judicial system.

The churches argued that it was a matter of property issues and that a civil court could intervene.

The lawsuit was filed on Oct. 31 in Montgomery County Circuit Court by 42 churches and joined by two others.

The suit claimed Graves and his cabinet tried to run out the clock by not letting the churches leave the denomination and take their property with them as allowed by church law by Dec. 31.

The lawsuit claimed Graves delayed the disaffiliation process and wouldnt let the churches leave the denomination by the end of 2023.

In June 2023, the Alabama-West Florida Conference called for loyalty from leaders and tightened the requirements for disaffiliation.

Judge Reids ruling on Nov. 10 said, The Court is without jurisdiction to rule on such issues because the relief sought by Plaintiffs would require the Court to interpret a provision of the Book of Discipline intertwined with church doctrine.

The Supreme Court upheld that ruling.

After Judge Reids ruling, the Alabama-West Florida Conference said it was a correct interpretation and that civil courts had no authority on the matter.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs asked the Montgomery County Circuit Court to decide matters that would have required it to interpret the United Methodist Book of Discipline and church doctrine, the conference said.

Relying upon principles enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and long standing rulings of law by the United States Supreme Court and Supreme Court of Alabama, the Court held that it lacked jurisdiction to interpret church doctrine, and it dismissed the case.

Among the churches named in the lawsuit as seeking to leave were Aldersgate of Montgomery, Armstrong of Auburn, Black Creek, Blountstown, Spanish Fort, Shalimar, Loachapoka, Flomaton, Crawford, Cypress, Daleville, Elmore, Elba, Epworth, Demopolis, Cottage Hill in Cantonment, Gulfview in Panama City, First United Methodist Church of Greenville, First Church of Mexico Beach, First Church of Fort Walton, Gulfview and Theodore.

The most recent disaffiliation vote was held on Nov. 12, when eight churches including one of Mobiles largest, the 4,936-member Christ Church, disaffiliated.

In 2022, what had been the states largest United Methodist church, the 7,000-member Frazer Memorial in Montgomery, disaffiliated and joined a more theologically conservative denomination, the Free Methodist Church.

The churches that disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church had opposed same-sex marriage and ordination of LBBTQ clergy, which the United Methodist Church now supports after successful votes to update its policies on those issues at the most recent General Conference in Charlotte, N.C.
An investigation is underway after someone opened fire on a U.S. Postal Service truck in Birmingham midday Monday.

The shooting is believed to have happened in the Inglenook community in the 4200 block of 40th Court North.

Postal officials said the incident happened at 12:15 p.m.

Shots were fired at all sides of the vehicle, said USPS spokeswoman Debra Jean Fetterly. A large bullet hole could be seen in the front windshield.

The mail carrier returned to the post office on Elizabeth Avenue to meet with Birmingham police. Authorities said the carrier was going to the hospital to be checked out.

Fetterly said they were checking for glass fragments.

It was not immediately clear if the mail carrier was the target of the shooting.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
No one is above the law! trumpet the progressive Democrat fanboys in the wake of the Donald Trump sham conviction in New York for alleged crimes on paper. Joe Biden literally tweeted those exact words.

Nobody is above the law except thoroughly corrupt, senile, and decrepit Joe Biden, who took classified documents when he was a senator and vice president when he had absolutely no authority to do so. Biden either directed or allowed his despicable son Hunter to accept millions of dollars in bribes from corrupt foreign oligarchs and even our nations enemies.

Despite the real crimes Biden has committed, special prosecutor Robert Hur declined to file any charges, determining that our current president has the mental acuity of a Roomba and wouldnt be convicted by a fair and impartial jury.

Okay. But what about a jury of New Yorkers?

Oh, yeah...the only thing that mattered to them in that joke of a trial was the last name of the defendant: Trump. Lavrentiy Beria would have been proud of them all...show me the man, and Ill show you the crime, indeed. But what could we expect in a district that voted 94 percent for Biden in 2020?

Judge Juan Merchan committed enough reversible errors to virtually guarantee that the convictions will eventually be overturned by a more sane and reasonable court still willing to follow the Constitution, but when the defendants last name is Trump, dont count on it.

Calling the trial Merchan presided over a kangaroo court is an insult to kangaroos. Allowing the salacious testimony of Stephanie Clifford, AKA Stormy Daniels, provides a recent precedent for reversal: Harvey Weinsteins 2020 rape conviction. Cliffords testimony had nothing to do with the charges in Trumps case and served no purpose other than to publicly embarrass the defendant.

Merchans daughter raises millions of dollars for prominent Democrats and he even donated money to Joe Bidens campaign, but the judge refused to recuse himself. The two star witnesses for the prosecution admitted to extortion and larceny, but Trump is convicted of 34 counts of the same crime, a ledger entry he never made that the prosecution insisted was illegal.

Trump wasnt charged with a crime for paying off a porn star to buy her silence. He was charged with a crime for claiming that it was a legal expense (which it was) made as an illegal campaign contribution. The jury was offered three potential crimes (state election violation, federal election violation, or tax violation) and allowed to choose one of the three. If all twelve jurors agreed that at least one of the three potential crimes had been committed, it didnt have to be unanimous. How fair is that?

That apparently doesnt matter, either. The goal has been accomplished. From now until Election Day, Democrats can chant the mantra that Trump is a convicted felon, the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a crime.

It gave the AP the excuse to produce this excrement:

Even so, the verdict is likely to give President Joe Biden and fellow Democrats space to sharpen arguments that Trump is unfit for office, though the White House offered only a muted statement that it respected the rule of law. Conversely, the decision will provide fodder for the presumptive Republican nominee to advance his unsupported claims that he is victimized by a criminal justice system he insists is politically motivated against him.

It apparently took five alleged journalists from the AP to construct that absurd sentence. Correction: That garbage article took fifteen AP hacks in total to write. The five primary contributors needed help from ten others to write only seventeen hundred words. Are these people grossly overpaid by the word?

What are they blithering about, saying Trumps claims that hes being victimized by a politically corrupt criminal justice system are unsupported? Did any of these five intrepid reporters actually look at a transcript of the trial? It got so bad that even CNN was calling the entire trial a weak joke prior to the verdict.

Dont think the trial was politically motivated? Then why did Matthew Colangelo resign from his position as the third highest-ranking official in Bidens Justice Department to take a job working for Alvin Bragg? It isnt a coincidence that less than four months after Colangelo joined Braggs office, Trump was indicted on 34 counts of the same BS crime.

Yeah, no one is above the law. But the real question is, is Trump beneath it?

The facts indicate that the trial was grotesquely unfair. Practically every prosecutorial objection was sustained. Virtually every defense objection was overruled. Extremely qualified witnesses were not allowed to testify. Witnesses who should never have been allowed to testify were given free rein to smear and malign the defendant. Stormy Daniels was allowed to get on the stand and claim Trump had virtually raped her after repeatedly swearing under oath that they had never had sex and extorting a big chunk of money from Trump, who allegedly was trying to protect his wife from the sordid accusations, not cheat to win an election.

Speaking of cheating to win that same election, Hillary Clinton committed the crime of paying her lawyers (and claiming that the expenses were legal fees) to commission the infamous Steele dossier, which was clearly election interference and far worse than paying a porn star for her silence. Yet Hillary only had to pay a fine. Dont even bother trying to convince me that thats equal treatment under the law.

Michael Cohen was allowed to take the stand and admit hed stolen 30 thousand dollars from Trump, but Trump is the one currently being threatened with one year in prison (at least in rumors coming from The View.)

Sure, the conviction will almost certainly be overturned on appeal, but the ultimate goal has never been to put Trump in jail. The whole point of this sordid and shameful exercise was to tarnish Trump in the months prior to the election with a new campaign slogan: Trump is a convicted felon. The headlines from the AP, Reuters, CNN, ABC, and virtually every other major media outlet all describe Trump as a convicted felon (because technically, he is). It wont last, but it was never meant to last much longer than this November.

Only long enough to affect the upcoming election.

Alex Soros couldnt be more obvious, going on the record to say, Democrats should refer to Donald Trump as a convicted felon at every opportunity. His daddy helped fund Alvin Braggs job, so it makes sense that Bragg would do Soross bidding no matter how ridiculous he will look after losing the appeal. But their focus is on winning the election. Nothing else matters to them.

The very good news is, the strategy seems to be backfiring, big time. Trump raised more money in one day than Joe Biden raised in the entire month, and many NeverTrumps are saying the Democrats jumped the shark. Trumps approval rating improved by six points.

Trump-supporters are responding to the convicted felon charges with Im voting for the outlaw or Im voting for the candidate declared mentally competent to stand trial. Brutal, and true.

In 2020, Trump received more votes than any president in history, even surpassing the totals from his 2016 victory, and yet somehow, some way, Joe Biden managed to magically collect more votes than any candidate for president ever.

Was that election rigged? I honestly believe so. Was the Trump hush money trial rigged? Im certain of it, because I followed the trial.

I hope every time the Democrats call Trump a convicted felon, his poll numbers go up, the crowds at his campaign rallies get bigger, and more donations pour in to help pay for his victory in November. Lets make the margin of victory so large that even cheating wont make any difference.

John Leonard is a freelance writer. He blogs at southernprose.com. His nonfiction books and novels can be found at LeonardBooks.net.

Image via Pxfuel.
Donald Trump has been convicted by a jury in Manhattan. I was convicted. Im appealing! Most of us have a TV legal drama perspective. I rise to shine light on this process so that we can properly understand how a guilty verdict was reached in a case where Donald Trump did nothing illegal, immoral, or fattening.

A prosecution must satisfy conditions laid out in the Constitution, which is, should anyone forget, the highest law of the land. It specifies safeguards for the legal process. In the 5th Amendment, we find No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law That due process is further defined in the 6th Amendment.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. (Emphasis added)

The prosecuting attorney is an officer of the court and is duty-bound to guard these steps carefully. DA Alvin Bragg ran roughshod over them. The judge is the referee in the court and is obligated at all times to ensure that the defendants constitutional rights are fully safeguarded. Under the rule of lenity, when there is a dispute about the law, his only proper option is to rule in favor of the defendant. This is part of what due process of law (5th Amendment) means.

Should the judge fail in his duty, the trial court will no longer be a lawful trier of law. Such failures constitute reversible error, and thats what appellate courts consider. They assume, too, that the jury properly considered the facts presented to it. (See the 7th Amendment) Lets break this down.

The prosecution and the defense will bring in their witnesses and exhibits. If there are objections by one side that the other side is doing something improper, the judge must rule on the legal propriety of whats happening. Ultimately, everything that the judge lets through becomes the sole basis for the jurys verdict. (Spoiler alert!)

If the judge lets the prosecution run wild while denying the defense its proper rights, the appellate court will reverse the verdict becauase the jury wasnt given the facts required to make a proper decision. If the appellate court reverses the trial court, its not saying the jury did anything wrong. Its saying that the Judge did something (or lots of somethings) wrong. Now that you understand what an appeal is about, lets go through how DA Bragg and Judge Merchan screwed the pooch. Bigly.

I wont bore you with the process Bragg went through to contort the law in bringing charges. He had total control over the indictment, and there are three key things in it that are important.

First, Michael Cohen submitted every invoice (11 charges). Trump had no control over those. Trumps bookkeeper, not Trump, made every ledger entry (12 charges). Only the 11 checks involved Trump, and those simply involved his signature. So, 23 of the charges on which Trump was convicted didnt actually involve him.

Next, all 34 of those charges involved actions in 2017. We finally learned in the prosecutions closing arguments that Trump was somehow committing election interference by trying to illegally keep the public from knowing in 2016 about a sexual tryst that both parties had disavowed multiple times. That election was a year before any charged items came into existence. Without a time machine, those events could not possibly affect the election. The entire prosecution is a contradiction.

The biggest legal problem comes from the 6th Amendment. The indictment did not specify which crime the bookkeeping issues concealed. That prevented Trumps lawyers from presenting a defense. When they pushed to get that information, Judge Merchan denied them. He even went further in the jury instructions. The jurors were given a list of possibilities. If they thought he was guilty of any of them, they could find against Trump. There is a suggestion that New York law allows this, but if thats true, then the statute is unconstitutional. Even Claude.ai recognizes this.

If this interpretation is correct, it represents a serious departure from the fundamental principle that a jury must be unanimous not only in its ultimate verdict, but in its finding of each essential element of the crime.

Trump was entitled to a trial by an impartial jury. Since Manhattan is so solidly Democrat, a change of venue would be necessary. Judge Merchan said, No. So, during jury selection, Trumps attorneys tried to get rid of people with a bias against Trump. Merchan let them stay. Trump was not allowed to have an impartial Jury.

The 6th Amendment guarantees a compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor. Merchan went out of his way to prevent this. First, over defense objections, he allowed hours of testimony from Stormy Daniels, who knew nothing relevant to the charges. Her only purpose was to be inflammatory.

Merchan then denied Trumps ability to bring witnesses, particularly former FEC Chair Bradley Smith, who would have told how the FEC had reviewed this situation and found that it did not violate any law. Instead, Merchan insisted that he would tell the jury what the law was. Merchan effectively barred testimony from the one witness Trump did manage to call, Robert Costello, by instantly sustaining all objections to virtually any part of Costellos testimony. This functionally denied Trump the assistance of counsel, as well as a primary witness in his favor.

Steve Calabresi writes in the Volokh Conspiracy that the entire prosecution was based on criminalizing fully lawful speech protected by the 1st Amendment. Denying an affair, whether true or false, is protected by the 1st Amendment, and Donald Trump had the legal right to contribute any amount he chose to his campaign (Buckley v Valeo, 1976; Citizens United, 2010).

Merchans final major constitutional error was not recognizing that the state law invoked had been superseded by the Supreme Court in Trump v Anderson just two months before this trial. SCOTUS declared that presidential elections are federal elections and state courts have no jurisdiction over them. Thus, even if everything alleged by DA Bragg and pushed improperly by Judge Merchan were true, it would not matter. The Manhattan Court had no business sticking its nose where it did not belong.

Because the jury didnt get to know any of what weve discussed, jurors with TDS had no qualms about going with their feelings. They did their job in a courtroom where the DA and Judge had no respect for the law.

This travesty of justice will be slapped down. Due to severe constitutional errors (I use the word politely because the proper term is NSFW), it seems likely that removing the appeal to the federal court would be proper. Mark Levin has even suggested an emergency appeal to SCOTUS. Ill leave those strategy discussions to people smarter than I am. But it would be poetic justice if Trump takes the oath of office in an orange jump suit days before a federal court vacates the verdict.

Image by AI (hence the six-fingered hands on a kangaroo).

Ted Noel MD is a retired physician who podcasts and posts on social media as DoctorTed and @vidzette. He is a great-grandfather, pilot, golfer, and Papa fix who is conversant in many scientific, legal, and political disciplines. His greatest skill is critical thinking.
There has never seemed, to me, terribly much to celebrate about the anti-war protests in the late 1960s, though Ive found it fascinating over the course of my life to hear people suggest that protesting the Vietnam War was some momentous act of courage by the participants, or some such.

Ill admit to harboring a natural bias on the subject.

My father fought in that war, and he thankfully returned home and was able to raise our family. He was also entirely convinced by the experience and by his life as a citizen that Americas stance against communist aggression in Vietnam was entirely justified, even though the war wasnt prosecuted appropriately by the political class.

He instilled that understanding in me at an early age, and my years in college studying history, along with the ensuing decades of earnest study, have only further convinced me that my father is correct. And it wasnt for a lack of my trying to look for reasons that my father could have been wrong, I assure you.

Its disheartening to watch modern historical revisionists on both sides of the political aisle imagine that they now know far better about the global threat that communism posed in the 1960s than the onlookers who had witnessed Eastern Europe become enslaved by the Soviets in the aftermath of World War II, and after having continued witnessing its malignant spread throughout Asia.

And to be perfectly clear, no greater or deadlier threat to human freedom than communism has arguably ever existed. In the twentieth century alone, more than 100 million people were killed at the hands of their own communist governments, and while that fact may be inconvenient for those now suggesting that America should have done nothing to intervene in the rapid and murderous spread of the communist scourge in Asia, that fact only solidifies the belief that American military involvement in Vietnam was a matter of our national interest.

This is not to say, however, that the reasons for the protests against the war werent valid. Thousands of American soldiers were dying in defense of South Vietnam against the communist North, and the war seemed endless in the late 1960s. Many Americans undoubtedly believed Americas military defense of South Vietnam to be bad foreign policy. But lets be honest with ourselves -- it wasnt some sense of moral passion for a newsworthy conflict overseas that drove most protestors back then.

Mostly, college protests against Vietnam at that time were a means of self-preservation. We dont burn our draft cards down on Main Street, sang Merle Haggard about Muskogee, Oklahoma. That sounds like a fine place, but in many other places where the kids didnt still respect the college dean, draft cards were certainly burned. And for most of those kids, they were burning them because they just didnt want to go to Vietnam.

This, at least, is an understandable impulse for college students, their families, and their friends to oppose a foreign conflict, the outcome of which would determine Americas position in the world. My problem with the collective memory of some imaginary selflessness or heroism among Vietnam protestors is the suggestion that it was due to moral indignation about some conflict which few of them truly knew anything about.

John Ratzenberger, of Cheers fame, lamented many years ago about how the Democrat party had devolved from its earlier brand to that of the Woodstock hippies. He said:

I was at Woodstock. I built the stage. And when everything fell apart, and people were fighting for peanut butter sandwiches, it was the National Guard who came in and saved the same people who were protesting them. So when Hillary Clinton a few years ago wanted to build a Woodstock memorial, I said it should be a National Guardsman feeding a crying hippie.

There is no better story to capture the visage of this cohort in American society than this, then and now.

You might say that the Woodstock hippie was generally cut from a different cloth that the soldier fighting in Vietnam, and thats about as generous a statement as could ever be made about that distinction.

College was attainable by significantly fewer Americans at that time. So, if you went to college, you were likely either academically extraordinary or had access to the financial, social, or political means to be there.

My father, on the other hand, graduated high school in 1966. By May of 1968, he was flying a Cobra attack-helicopter four miles northwest of Duc Hoa and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, taking several hits from anti-aircraft fire while, as his commendation noted, he would not desist in pouring accurate fire into enemy bunkers. In December of that same year, he was shot down near Dalat, where he continued to deliver fire and was awarded the Air Medal for having maintained fire with his personal weapon in defense of a wounded crew member.

I might understandably be forgiven for not respecting any of those hippies stories about how LSD and free love were a path to world peace in the late 1960s.

My dad isnt writing articles nowadays, and hes not influential in social media, academia, or politics. But a lot of the guys who were in college at that time are now writing articles about how there was no reason for America to defend South Vietnam, and many have found their way into academia and politics while arguing the same position.

The 1960s hippies have been reimagined as heroes in the past half century, and for reasons that are likely to always elude me. But somehow, pro-Hamas protestors across America today have managed to make those crying hippies at Woodstock actually seem committed, if not heroic. These adult children are often affluent, and are nearly always ungrateful specimens who lack any knowledge whatsoever of the conflict in which theyve chosen as the focus of their current passion.

They have claimed to be victims of human rights abuses as a result of college officials refusing to provide vegan and gluten-free dishes for protestors who are illegally occupying public buildings, or perhaps most hilariously, committing to hunger strikes that are shorter than a typical daily fasting regimen that has become wildly popular these days among fitness enthusiasts.

The current theatrics of pro-Hamas protestors and their Marxist pied-pipers in academia is nothing more than performative therapy to assuage their manufactured, self-imposed Western guilt. Most Americans know this, which is one reason why we should assume that they will, quite understandably and for the foreseeable future, continue relating far more warmly to frat bros waving American flags than the keffiyeh-clad, pro-Hamas protestors now professing a desire of genocide against Jews while chanting Death to America!

Image: William Sullivan, by permission.
For me, the worst part about New Yorks Soviet show trial was how it tormented President Trumps supporters. I kept an eye on numerous messaging boards as the Democrat jury wrapped up deliberations, and so many people were struggling in real-time with the likelihood that Trump would be found guilty. In some instances, I recognized the names of commenters who had been soberly pointing out how rigged the trial was for weeks yet nonetheless expressed agony at the inevitable result. Grief can be a tricky thing. Everyone understood that pathetic Judge Merchan presided over an un-American and unconstitutional spectacle engineered to deliver a guilty verdict, yet accepting that the expected outcome had, in fact, come to pass still felt like a sharp jab to the ribs.

I think people were desperately hoping that some measure of justice would prevail despite the unavoidable realities that corrupt prosecutors (including one of Bidens highest-ranking at the Department of in-Justice) pursued Trump for imaginary crimes (transforming misdemeanor bookkeeping actions into felonies while ignoring New Yorks statute of limitations) in front of an unethical judge (who repeatedly prevented the defense from presenting exculpatory evidence while enthusiastically violating Trumps constitutional rights) and a jury filled to the brim with Trump-hating Democrats. Justice died a long time ago. Democrats and their Deep State cohorts bludgeoned it in a back alley. Judge Merchan was simply urinating on its unmarked grave.

This trial was always going to end with a banana-republic conviction. The whole sordid ordeal reminded me of the scene from My Cousin Vinny in which Joe Pesci tells a distraught defendant falsely accused of murder, Hey, Stan. Youre in Ala-****n-bama. You come from New York. You killed a good ol boy. There is no way this is not going to trial. Donald Trump may be from New York, but he embarrassed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, reduced the Democrats psychologically unstable voter base to tears, exposed the epidemic of RINO-ism in the Republican Party, and refused to bow down to the Deep State. They were always going to make him pay.

We live in a post-constitutional America whose government works for an international coalition of financial elites. Donald Trump seeks to restore the Bill of Rights and rebuild a strong middle class through America-first economic policies. There was no way the Democrat Deep State would peacefully accept Trumps victories. Ever since Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and the Gestapo FBI framed him as a Russian spy, it has been clear that prosecutors and judges would tear up the Constitution in their relentless efforts to imprison Trump and his supporters.

New Yorks role in all of this has been particularly execrable. Attorney General Letitia James and District Attorney Alvin Bragg ran for office on a promise to get Trump, an unconscionable betrayal of their official duties which deserved (but never received) widespread condemnation from government authorities and the press. While ignoring skyrocketing violent crime and refusing to prosecute dangerous repeat offenders, James and Bragg have spent millions of dollars targeting Joe Bidens chief political rival and the Republicans presumptive presidential nominee. Likewise, state legislators have rewritten statutes in order to make it easier for celebrity-seeking plaintiffs to sue President Trump in civil court over matters that New York law would have otherwise barred as untimely and which judges should have dismissed for insufficient evidence. AG James has bastardized civil fraud statutes in order to invent new offenses, seize hundreds of millions of dollars from the Trump family, and drive his business operations from the state. In an all-hands-on-deck approach to harassing Trump, New York courts, lawmakers, and prosecutors have done everything they can to punish the innocent and protect the guilty.

At every turn, when New York judges have had the chance to prevent these miscarriages of justice from disgracing their courtrooms, they have instead conspired with prosecutors and plaintiffs to advance fanciful interpretations of the law while depriving President Trump of his constitutional rights. They have repeatedly threatened to jail Trump for publicly defending himself against media calumnies. They have chained Trump to a defense table during the most important political campaign of his life and issued overly broad gag orders designed to silence his political speech. Instead of recommending that James, Bragg, and other lawfare assassins be disbarred and removed from office for having caused irreparable harm to the rule of law, these same partisan judges have condoned the sleazy efforts to confiscate President Trumps wealth and toss him in prison. Thats one hell of a way to treat a man who has spent a lifetime building Manhattans skyline, burnishing New Yorks reputation around the world, and paying civil servants salaries with a fortune in state and city taxes.

With so much injustice directed against one man, it is quite understandable that his supporters would feel dejected. To fight that poisonous inclination, look to the man himself! Not once during Judge Merchans Soviet show trial did President Trump appear less determined, confident, or in charge. Not once in all of the various lawfare proceedings arrayed against him has President Trump ever winced or expressed defeat. He remains a man of action, a leader who cannot be bullied to change course. We have a lot of work ahead of us, friends, and there will be many injustices that we are forced to endure. Do not waste your energies worrying about the Democrat Deep States tyrannical schemes to imprison Donald J. Trump. Look to the man. Watch how he behaves. Focus on the resolve in his eyes and the expression of purpose on his face. He is meant to be in this battle. He knows what he must do. Hes got this.

Did you notice that within twenty-four hours of his lawfare conviction, a huge number of people were posting messages online promising that they would be voting for the outlaw? Initial feelings of disbelief, sadness, and anger transformed into something much more valuable: eyes-wide-open commitment to fight like hell. After all, an immoral law is no law at all, and an obscenely corrupt criminal justice system renders no lasting judgment. The stigma of being a criminal is disappearing, as the Wild West days of Jesse James, Cole Younger, and Wyatt Earp return. If the Deep State has diminished the publics respect for authority, then it has inadvertently set in motion its own demise. Every visionary starts off as a rule-breaker. Every dissident begins as a criminal. Every liberator is first a revolutionary. There is no instruction manual for bucking the system.

Nobody will believe we can save America until we do, yet afterwards, everybody will conclude that our successes were inevitable. Such is the way history is written: what looks impossible is recorded as certain. When you get discouraged in the months and years ahead, I hope youll remember that no contest worth winning ever comes without pain. It is the pain that makes the taste of victory sweet.

To be sure, there are plenty of signs that the tide is turning. Trumps huge Bronx rally last month scared the snot out of Democrats and RINOs who have spent the last decade trying to paint Trumps policies as appealing only to middle class whites. Red MAGA hats on black teenagers and cries of, Trump Veinte Veinticuatro! terrify the permanent ruling class in D.C. that survives only by dividing Americans against each other. Divisive Joe Biden plays the race card as if its the only one left in the Democrats deck.

President Trump is willing to be persecuted if it opens up Americans eyes to the Deep States tyranny. Hes a builder, after all. His foxhole has plenty of room for everybody.

Image via Raw Pixel.
There is an indirect form of self-defense that is referred to as in your shoes. If you are being attacked and you fight back, that is merely self-defense. But if you see someone else being attacked, you can step into their shoes and perform self-defense on their behalf. This, of course, requires empathy. You have to care about others on par as to how you care about yourself. We learned this legal defense in my CCW training where we studied case law for years.



When you see someone suffering, you intuitively see what could be one of your loved ones in your immediate circle likewise suffering. I changed after becoming a father. I see horrible videos almost daily on social media of people being attacked, killed, raped, or slaughtered. People pushing others off platforms into oncoming subway cars, stabbings, maulings, etc. I feel these things viscerally, in my gut. Violence doesnt just happen to me. It happens whenever someone else is unjustly attacked. I see my wife or sons or my own mother in those videos just as I would see a stranger. This is empathy. I guess I am naturally empathetic. I can never stop thinking about these things. It is always how I feel. It is also why cases of violent crimes are legally construed as suits against the perpetrator versus the people. Because we are all attacked when a member of society is attacked.



After watching the Trump verdicts this last week, there were some folks who were obviously as upset as I was, but I also saw and heard others who were cheering like this was some kind of sporting event and they were jumping off coffee tables, high fiving and rejoicing. The endless memes shared on social media condemning the orange man and celebrating his conviction.



It made me think what I now already knew; that the Democrat party base, the loyalists lack empathy. Their entire party reeks of a lack of empathy, which is what clinical diagnosticians would refer to as either one of three probabilities: 1) Sociopathy 2) Psychopathology or 3) Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

The danger here is that they dont connect the dots, that this is really an attack on them. They dont see it because they have an empathy deficit. They dont see themselves in the shoes of a man who has been relentlessly attacked, slandered, harassed, and sued for absolutely no legal or sane reason and without justification. They also dont seem bothered much by the fact that those same creatures that used lawfare against their political opponents 1) Could also use it against them and 2) That it is destroying both jurisprudence as well as the entire judicial system.



Now we could also conclude that this celebratory body we call the Democrat party base is also just dumb (they are) rather than emotionally unstable or deranged, but it really is one and the same. There is not much distinction between being insolent and dumb or having a form of mind sickness. They work in concert together.



But what we can conclude is that the entire Democrat party relies on this army of emotionally damaged and unstable individuals as their reliable constituents. They are a party of psychopaths. A party who wants the destruction of this society. A party that wants to radically and fundamentally transform our nation into something resembling Haiti or the Congo. A society where might makes right, where life is brutish and short and where tempers that flare the most are rewarded. The Democrat party is a party of violence and force. It is fascistic and now has infected the entire election process itself and turned it into a stone mill for dictators. And one thing is for sure; dictators are definitely not empathetic. Not to anyone.

Image: D Jabi
Police in Ohio are worried about a potential retaliatory shooting after gunfire at a large birthday party left one person dead and 24 people wounded.

It happened just after midnight on Sunday in Akron. Several hundred people were attending an outdoor party when the shots starting ringing out.

The first moments of the terror were caught on a Ring doorbell camera and showed people running for their lives as shots are heard ringing out.

Akron police responded to several 911 calls about the shooting just after midnight. Soon after, victims started showing up at area hospitals.

Police said a 27-year-old man was killed and another 24 people were suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were listed in critical condition.

Some party guests apparently returned fire.

"Speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation," Mayor Shammas Malik pleaded to citizens.

Photos from the crime scene showed scores of evidence markers placed where bullet shells littered the road. Police said at least 35 shots were fired.

Multiple firearms were recovered at the scene, according to the Akron police. It was unclear if they were used in the shooting.

There have been no arrests. There is a $22,500 reward in the case.
Does it get any drearier than this? The press has gone all out to tout Mexico's "historic first" and "first woman president," as if electing a female has never happened before, or that it somehow will magically make things different. When they get ambitious, they tout that she is Jewish, too, another 'historic first.'

Oh, the checkboxes.

According to NPR, whose headline still on Google reads History is made as Mexico elects first female President (they have since toned it down):

MEXICO CITY  Claudia Sheinbaum, an environmental scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, was overwhelmingly elected Mexicos first female president on Sunday, a historic milestone in a country rife with gender-based violence and misogyny. With nearly 40% of the votes counted, Mexicos electoral agency estimates that Sheinbaum is on track to win the race with between 58% to over 60% of votes. Her nearest rival, Xochitl Galvez is projected to get between 26% and 28% of the vote, with the other opposition candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez, between 9%-10% of the vote. In her victory speech to supporters, Sheinbaum said both rivals had conceeded and had called to congratulate her on her victory. I will become the first woman president of Mexico", she told the crowd.

They had no trouble finding commentators who would gush:

Elena Poniatowska, 92, one of Mexico's most distinguished writers, has chronicled decades of womens history in the country. Ive always believed in women, Poniatowska told NPR, days before the election. I think it's not a dream. I think it's a battle that has been won. Despite the historic nature of Sheinbaums victory, many voters in Mexico see it less as a reflection of gender equality and more as a referendum on the last six years of Lopez Obrador, colloquially known by his initials as AMLO.

What they leave out is that she's no revolutionary. She represents the dreary socialist establishment in Mexico, the candidate of 'continuity' as this Nation profile noted.

Some weird stuff happened, too -- the crowds didn't bother to come out this time, which is a real "historic first" for Mexico, and the vote tallying was oddly slow, which has not been the pattern in the last several Mexican elections. Seems they are adopting the gringo ways. This was barely covered and yes, it says something. Mexicans didn't have much of a choice in this election, which is one reason why Sheinbaum won -- the other candidate, also female, was from an unholy coalition of left, right and center, with some noting that the addition of the centrist party, the detested PRI, which is famous for its corruption, turned a lot of voters off, so they went with the establishment.

It's past 11 p.m., we only have 19% counted in Mexico & no signs of the rapid count from the electoral institute



Regardless of the reasons, in most of Latam at this hour we would have known the results of an election.. pic.twitter.com/AZnpZIJ7cy  JP Spinetto (@JPSpinetto) June 3, 2024

Mexico Election:



 Despite what some outlets have presented, Mexicos electoral institute (INE) has yet to make public its battery of quick counts of todays Presidential election.



 Those may come in the next minutes & until then we have seen nothing official. https://t.co/VesS06217n  Jose Diaz Briseno (@diazbriseno) June 3, 2024

There was news coverage of large crowds of Mexicans voting in the U.S., which was another "historic first" -- with long lines as if to demonstrate to Americans just how many Mexicans are here in the U.S. illegally (which not all are, but likely a lot are) as a political force in the states.

As for Sheinbaum, she's a socialist, educated in places like Stanford where wokester values reign supreme. Her stated agenda is the green agenda which ought to finish off oil-rich Mexico, introducing the world of green karen coastal California elites to poor striving Mexico, which isn't going the work the way she thinks it's going to work. NPR notes that she was on the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. And despite those sparse crowds, her margin of victory was big.

She also doesn't know much about economics, as this tweet demonstrates:

In her victory speech, Claudia Sheinbaum promised:



 Austerity

 Fiscal discipline

 Respect for central bank autonomy

 New welfare programs

 Friendly relations w/US

 Support for AMLO's megaprojects



This all entails a tough balancing act inside her governing coalition. pic.twitter.com/jlQNAWooEK  Jose Diaz Briseno (@diazbriseno) June 3, 2024

Austerity and LBJ-style spending on welfare programs and big public projects, what could go wrong? Maybe she should ask California's Gov. Gavin Newsom of high-speed rail fame how that will work out.

Like all socialists, she will fail once the money runs out. Already the market is onto her:

check out some context to the Mexican election, since American media is only interested in saying the winner is a woman. Well, there's more to it than that: https://t.co/iFBF84o1uH  Germania Rodriguez Poleo (@iamGermania) June 3, 2024

This journalist, Will Freeman of the Council on Foreign Relations and Americas Quarterly, did some valuable man-on-the-street interviews of why the voters went for her.

Its election day in Mexico.



Preliminary results (just starting) show Claudia Sheinbaum (of AMLOs party) with a double digit lead.



I spent time in 4 very different Mexico City neighborhoods today m talking to voters about AMLOs legacy & what comes next.



Some impressions  pic.twitter.com/mbhh0S6zbH  Will Freeman (@WillGFreeman) June 3, 2024

The details about liking the handouts of the incumbent administration tells us a lot, as does the remark about how the other candidate, also female, fell in support when she brought in Mexico's PRI to her coalition.

This political scientist, Javier Corrales, who is reliable, explained the dynamics of incumbency power in Latin America, noting that it was strong:

The incumbent's advantage in LatAm remains strong. I was never persuaded that it had weakened, despite some elections recently. See thread.  Javier Corrales (@jcorrales2011) June 3, 2024

Love the detail about ex-presidents typically winning against an incumbent if they run again. Gee, where else are we seeing that?

That Sheinbaum has stated that she will be friendly with the United States may be a plus, but it could mean anything, she may be after our money or thinking about the Stanford University faculty lounge's values, not the values of ordinary Americans. That it's the Biden regime she's talking about, it's best to wait and see.

Here's a photo of one of her buddies as an antidote:

Mexico eligio a una progresista como la primera presidenta de su historia. Es un triunfo para el pueblo mexicano y para su democracia.



Felicitaciones a mi amiga Claudia Sheinbaum, juntos trabajaremos por ver a America Latina unida y progresando. pic.twitter.com/at3fS2umxD  Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 3, 2024

The man at the right is Gustavo Petro, the far-left guerrilla who remade himself into a greenie socialist and got elected president of Colombia, where he has commenced to wreck that country's economy and create an anti-Israel regime. He's also quite unpopular with the public now. The pair appear younger than they are now, so the picture was probably taken when both were mayors of their respective cities, Mexico City for Sheinbaum, and Bogota for Petro. It makes me wonder if there are any pictures of her hugging Hugo Chavez or Fidel Castro in her long ago.

And as for security, which is Mexico's number one issue, closely connected to its open border? Sheinbaum has said virtually nothing, and likely will ignore the problem as her predecessor of the same party, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has. AMLO said his policy for cartels was "hugs, not bullets," and the results speak for themselves. That's been a disaster for Mexico, and Sheinbaum is not going to solve it.

While AMLO has stanched much of the border surge as a gift to Joe Biden's re-election prospects this year, it was probably Sheinbaum's election prospects he was thinking of more, because ordinary Mexicans hate being a migrant superhighway -- and now that she's safe past the gate, the border surge will be turned on again, probably after November for Joe. With that comes mountains of money for cartels and more cartel power than ever for them. That is where Sheinbaum will fail hardest.

All in all, there's nothing to celebrate with this 'historic first,' it's the same-old, same-old for Mexico and that country is headed the wrong way with its migrant and organized crime problem, as well as its failure to bring prosperity to its poor.

Real historic firsts are being found in places like El Salvador, which has triumphed over its horrific crime problem, and Argentina, which elected a bona fide libertarian who has acted swiftly to smash the state. Those are the real revolutionaries, the real historic firsts. It's sad that Mexico gets none of this, at a time when it really needs to pay attention to its security and prosperity problems now. As Mexico blows out its budget on welfare payments and public works projects, these problems will only get worse.

Image: Twitter video screen shot
Update: AT contributor W.A. Eliot exposed the administration of Michigans Gretchen Whitmer transliterating sensitive information into Greek to avoid detection; for that essay, please see here.

The cover-up continues to unravel at an astonishing rate.

On May 22nd, Dr. David Morens appeared before a congressional subcommittee to testify on the coronavirus pandemic, and what was presented was nothing short of explosive; Morens was (hes now on administrative leave) a senior scientific advisor for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the direction of Anthony Fauci.

Greg Piper of Just the News reported on the hearing, noting perhaps the most shocking detail of allMorenss emails revealed a certain professional practice at Faucis NIAID, and that was the implementation of typos, a deliberate misspelling of certain names and words, as a measure to evade detection on FOIA requests. (FOIA stands for Freedom of Information Act, and anyone can file these requests with federal offices and agencies to gather information that would have previously been out of public view.) Heres what Piper wrote:

GOP staff released a report that showed Morens  now on administrative leave  bragging to Daszak that there is no worry about FOIAs because Fauci is too smart to let colleagues send him stuff that could cause trouble and Morens can send stuff to Tony on his private gmail, or hand it to him at work or at his house. Emails released by the subcommittee this week show Folkers internally referred to EcoHealth, which passed through NIAID grants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, as Ec~Health, and virologist Kristian Andersen, who said Fauci prompted him and other scientists to write the narrative-setting Proximal Origin paper against the lab-leak theory, as Anders$n.  The new emails suggest NIAID employees strategically use language to avoid key word searches by intentionally misspelling expected search terms, and that Folkers specifically did this routinely,.

For context, Daszak is Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, and Folkers is Greg Folkers, Faucis former chief of staff.

Huh, almost like they had something to hide, right? Piper anticipated an NIH defense:

NIH could respond that its employees are simply bad at spelling. A social media user pointed Just the News to 11 grants worth tens of millions of dollars in NIHs funding database that identify the recipient as Janessen, referring to vaccine maker Jannsen, responsible for the since-discontinued Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine.

The difference though should be obviousone of these can actually pass off as a legitimate typo by government bureaucrats, the other is using symbols in place of letters. No one would ever genuinely believe that top scientists at the NIAID actually thought somebody had a dollar sign in his name, or that EcoHealth was spelled with a tilde in place of the o sound.

They evaded FOIA emails with a "typo" using the $ sign. Then he was paid off.



But, according to the Peters (Daszak and Hotez), there is an unwarranted "attack" on $cientists. https://t.co/0G8Bk6zU8T  Steven Middendorp (@smiddendorp22) May 28, 2024

Oh, and there was this too:

NIAID's foia lady showed Morens how to make emails disappear after I am FOIAd but before the search starts, according to an email from Morens to Daszak, read aloud by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., at Tabaks hearing. Morens confirmed to Comer at that hearing that the foia lady who helped him was since-retired Margaret Moore, The Washington Examiner reported. Wenstrup told Fox News he was likely to bring in Moore, who also goes by Marge, for a transcribed interview. NIH removed Moores directory listing, but public health watchdog U.S. Right to Know preserved an archived version.

Dont they know that the internet never forgets?

Now, if using typos to evade FOIA requests were truly standard practice at the NIAID, is it the same at other government agencies too?

One of the ways the FBI works to flout public records laws is to accidentally introduce little typos and misspellings into peoples FOIA requests. This will cause a delay of many months, may not be caught by the requester at all, and looks like an innocent error. pic.twitter.com/L2V5NUDeus  Seth Harp (@sethharpesq) May 29, 2024

When you search for James Corney on the DOJ website, why do a bunch of documents populate regarding former FBI director James B. Comey? Documents specifically related to the propagandistic Steele Dossier? Is the agency trying to hide the most incriminating evidence behind a typo too?

How deep (state) does this typo ruse really go?

Image: DonkeyHotey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
ASRock, the Taiwanese company specializing in PC components, has launched new scale-up servers with the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture. The servers are part of its Computex 2024 lineup, which also includes new motherboards, GPUs, gaming monitors, and processors. The firm will showcase these products at the upcoming computer expo in Taipei, Taiwan. The event runs through June 4 to 7.

ASRock unveils its Computex 2024 lineup, including new servers

ASRocks Rack ORV3-NVIDIA GB200 NVL72, a liquid-cooled rack, is based on NVIDIAs new GB200 NVL72 scale-up system. It boats NVIDIA NVLink technology connecting 36 NVIDIA Grace CPUs and 72 NVIDIA Blackwell Tensor Core GPUs to create a massive GPU. The solution is suitable for faster real-time inferencing of large language models (LLMs).

Additionally, the company launched a direct-to-chip liquid-cooled GPU server, the 6U8X-GNR2/DLC NVIDIA HGX B200, with the NVIDIA HGX B200 8-GPU system. It will push the limits of the thermal design power (TDP) of NVIDIAs Blackwell GPUs. But if you dont have a liquid-cooling infrastructure, ASRock has the air-cooled 8U8X-GNR2 NVIDIA HGX B200. The latter also incorporates an NVIDIA HGX B200 8-GPU.

The Taiwanese firms next server product to debut at Computex 2024 is the 6U8X-EGS2 NVIDIA HGX B100 GPU server. It boasts the NVIDIA HGX B100 8-GPU system and can be a drop-in replacement for its HGX H100 infrastructures. In other words, it can facilitate transitions from one to other compatible ASRock serversnamely, the Rack 6U8X-EGS2 NVIDIA HGX H100 to the 6U8X-EGS2 NVIDIA HGX B100.

On top of these, ASRock introduced a new lineup of Taichi & Phantom Gaming Series motherboards called the robust Steel Legend, powered by Intel and AMD. The company plans to reposition the Taichi brand as its flagship offering. This shift will merge its existing OC Formula and AQUA product lines. ASRock has also readied solutions for gaming, content creation, workstations, and AI with Intel and AMD under the hood.

New GPUs for the AI era and flagship gaming monitors

ASRocks Computex 2024 booth also exhibits the ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX WS 24GB and ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT WS 20GB graphics cards aimed at multi-card parallel computing and artificial intelligence (AI) acceleration. They feature a VAPOR-CHAMBER heatsink, an efficient blower fan, and a 2-slot thickness. The company has equipped the GPUs with a single horizontal 12V-26 power connector.

In the gaming monitor category, ASRock debuted the PGO32UFS2B, a flagship offering with a 32-inch OLED panel. It has a unique dual-mode designa UHD 240Hz mode and an FHD 480Hz mode. depending on their needs. It also boasts a cooling design that reduces potential burn-in issues. The PG27FFX2A, meanwhile, is the worlds first 27-inch 520Hz refresh rate IPS gaming monitor. It features a built-in Wi-Fi antenna for signal enhancement. All of these products should be available to purchase in the coming weeks.
Samsungs Galaxy S25 Ultra may feature next-generation UFS storage at a two-times faster speed. A rumor passed along X says the 2025 Ultra flagship will boast UFS 4.1 with data transfer rates of 8GB per second. UFS 4.0, found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and many other devices, tops at 4GB per second. UFS 5.0 with even faster speed is expected in 2027, hopefully in time for the GalaxyS27 Ultra.

Galaxy S25 Ultra to feature UFS 4.1 with double the speed

Samsung started making UFS 4.0 storage chips in 2022, though the first Galaxy phone to feature the new solution came in early 2023. The Galaxy S23 series made the big jump from UFS 3.1, bringing much faster data transfer rates. All subsequent flagships, including foldables, got UFS 4.0 storage (except for the 128GB variantsSamsung still doesnt make UFS 4.0 chips with 128GB capacity).

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, which should arrive next month, will see no upgrade in this area. However, next year, Samsung may be planning to introduce UFS 4.1 to Galaxy devices, at least the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The other two models may still boast UFS 4.0. If the Korean firm persists with a 128GB variant for the base Galaxy S25, UFS 3.1 may be around too.

As revealed earlier this year, UFS 4.1 is UFS 4.0 with 4-lane CS. It combines two UFS controllers for faster sequential read speed. Theoretically, we are expecting the speed to double to 8GB per second. If the Galaxy S25 Ultra gets the improved storage chip, it could be well-prepared to deliver smooth on-device performance. There are already rumors that the phone will get a RAM boost to 16GB.

It is unclear if Samsung will completely leave the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ out of the UFS 4.1 bandwagon or if only the base variants will miss out on this upgrade. We might hear more about this from industry insiders in the coming months. Perhaps following the big event next month where the company will announce new foldables, watches, earbuds, and more exciting products.

UFS 5.0 may be a smaller upgrade

In theory, the jump from UFS 4.1 to UFS 5.0 should be bigger than UFS 4.0 to UFS 4.1. However, early estimates suggest that wont be the case. While the immediate minor upgrade will seemingly double the read speed, UFS 5.0 isnt expected to double that to 16GB per second. The speed will be higher than 10GB per second, but we dont have a final number. Of course, plenty could change over the next two or three years, so stay tuned.
UPDATE: Shortly after Samsung confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Watch FE, the Bluetooth SIG certified the upcoming smartwatch. The organization certified four variants of the watchthe Bluetooth version with the model number SM-R861 and the cellular version with model numbers SM-R866F, SM-R866U, and SM-R866N. The latter are the global, US, and Korean variants, respectively. The watch boasts Bluetooth v5.3.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Last week, we got confirmation that Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Watch FE soon. A regulatory certification revealed the marketing name alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra. We now have official validation that the first-gen Fan Edition (FE) watch is on the horizon. The Korean firm has published support pages for the device on its website, which confirms an imminent launch.

Samsung puts up official support pages for the Galaxy Watch FE

Samsung will significantly expand its smartwatch portfolio this year. Alongside the regular Galaxy Watch 7 model, the company is readying the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch FE. The Ultra will be its most premium offering, while the FE model will be an entry-level proposition for people who want something better than the Galaxy Fit 3. The Galaxy Watch 7 will slot in between.

After a few contradicting reports, the UAE governments regulatory body TDRA confirmed the names of the Ultra and FE watches. Samsung has now gone on to publish official support pages for the latter on its regional websites for Ireland, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. As usual, the pages currently only contain the devices model number SM-R861. But its an indication of an approaching launch date.

Rumors say the Galaxy Watch FE is a rebadged Galaxy Watch 4, Samsungs first watch to run Wear OS (the Galaxy Watch 3 was powered by Tizen OS). It isnt a bad thing. The 2021 watch is still very capable. Of course, the new model will ship with the latest version of Wear OS and One UI Watch out of the box. The company could also offer a newer processor and a few other minor upgrades.

As far as the launch date is concerned, rumors point to a July 10 unveiling of the new watches. Samsung will host the mid-year Galaxy Unpacked in Paris, France. The Korean firm is traveling to the City of Love (it previously held Unpacked in the US or South Korea) because France is hosting the Summer Olympics this year (begins July 26), and Samsung is one of the biggest global sponsors of the mega sporting event.

New foldables will accompany the FE watch

Despite being the first-ever fan edition watch, the Galaxy Watch FE may be the least exciting product Samsung will launch next month. The company has many other devices in the pipeline, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 being the two biggest headline-grabbers. The Galaxy Ring should also turn a few heads, while we are also respecting improvements with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is on the way, and a dummy unit of the device just showed us its design. Do note that this popped up in Korea, but considering it appeared in forums, were not sure how accurate it is.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 dummy unit details the phones boxy design

Based on everything weve heard of the phone, and parts of its design that surfaced, it could be quite accurate. The first thing youll notice, when you check out the images below, are the phones corners.

Youll notice that theyre very sharp. Theyre closer to the Galaxy S24 Ultra than the Galaxy Z Fold 5. A display camera hole is also visible on the cover display. Its centered at the top, as expected.

The phone is shown in closed and open formats, but we dont get to see its back side. The crease on the display is easily visible here, though keep in mind this is just a dummy unit. Samsung is expected to improve the crease situation, but only to a certain level.

Three Galaxy Z Fold 6 models were mentioned in rumors

There is a lot of confusion in regard to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at the moment. Why? Well, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim were all mentioned in rumors. Truth be said, one rumor suggested that the Ultra and Slim models are the same phone.

Based on the latest information, only the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will launch in July. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra aka Slim is expected to arrive in January, alongside the Galaxy S25 series. That phone will likely carry the Ultra name.

Samsung is tipped to host the second Unpacked event this year in Paris, France. During it, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will arrive, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6. The Galaxy Ring is also expected to launch, Samsungs very first smart ring.
Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy will be the first member of the GOP to use former President Donald Trump's 34 felony convictions in a campaign ad - as he challenges incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester.

"It's lawfare, the state-sponsored political persecution led by Joe Biden and the radical left," the ad begins. "They want to throw Trump in jail - trying to rob Americans of their choice in the election. And Jon Tester is standing right by their side."

Tester, a farmer and Montana native has represented Montana in the Senate for three terms. He is the only Democrat to hold statewide office in the Treasure State. Tester voted to impeach Trump during both of the former president's impeachment trials.

"Jon Tester supported Joe Biden's witch hunt," the ad concludes. "Every step of the way."

Trump was convicted, on Friday, of 34 counts of falsifying business records - after he illegally reimbursed lawyer Michael Cohen for hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

After Trump's conviction, his campaign was quick to capitalize on the former president's legal woes. The Trump campaign sent out a litany of fundraising texts and emails to supporters, urging them to "stand with" the former president, "following this injustice." Down-ballot candidates, however, were advised against making similar political pleas.

"Any Republican elected official, candidate or party committee siphoning money from President Trump's donors are no better than Judge Merchan's daughter," said Trump co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, according to Politico. "We're keeping a list, we'll be checking it twice and we aren't in the spirit of Christmas."

The National Republican Senatorial Committee received more than $1 million in small, online donations in first 48 hours following Trump's conviction, according to Politico.

It is unclear whether Sheehy received permission from the Trump campaign to use the former president's guilty verdict in an ad. Tester's spokespeople were quick to criticize the ad as a distraction from other issues with Sheehy's candidacy.

"[Sheehy] is trying to cover up the fact that he's an out-of-state multimillionaire who has been caught lying about every part of his life and is running for Senate to benefit himself, not Montana," Tester spokesperson, Monica Robinson, told Politico.

"Jon will continue running on his record of always fighting for what's best for Montana - including getting more than 20 bills signed into law by President Trump."
Badenoch cannot say what paperwork would define biological sex under Tory plan

Kemi Badenoch has said that changing your clothes doesnt change who you are as she set out the Tories pledge to change the Equality Act so that sex is defined only as someones biological sex.

But the women and equalities minister could not say what what kind of paperwork people would need to show to use single-sex spaces under the plans.

The Conservatives say the change will make it simpler for service providers for women and girls, such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims, to prevent biological males from taking part.

Labour said it would not amend the Equality Act if elected and that the Tories attempt to stoke a culture war was a distraction from issues voters care about, such as the cost-of-living crisis.

Ms Badenoch stressed that the Conservatives are seeking to clarify the Equality Act, not change it.

The Cabinet minister told Sky News on Monday: It is re-emphasising what should be the status quo.

We have seen quite a lot of changes in terms of terminology in the law. Sex and gender we used interchangeably, now we dont do that, so what were doing is making sure people understand what the law says. We have seen a lot of problems with people misinterpreting the law.

The Tories want to change the Act to apply to biological sex, and say those who are biologically male but identify as female should be barred from using single-sex spaces.

Ms Badenoch could not answer questions on whether someones original birth certificate  or one amended after a legally-recognised gender change  would define biological sex in such cases.

Pressed repeatedly, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: What you are describing is a hypothetical scenario, assuming that when people go into rape crisis centres theyre bringing in birth certificates, theyre bringing in gender recognition certificates.

What is happening at the moment is that people come to the centres and they are visibly of a different sex. You dont always need your birth certificate when youre going to the toilet and so on and so forth.

She continued: This is not a paperwork issue. This is a practical issue.

Rishi Sunaks party says the proposed change to the law will not remove the existing and continuing protections against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment provided by the Equality Act.

Speaking to LBC radio, Ms Badenoch said: Changing your clothes doesnt change who you are, we want people who are trans to be protected as well, people who want to change their clothes should not be able to exploit the scenarios we have prepared and the laws we have put in place to protect those people who are genuine transgender people, those who suffer gender dysphoria.

Just putting on a different set of clothes does not make you transgender.

(PA Graphics)

Labours John Healey said his party would not amend the Equality Act if it wins the election because there are already provisions to protect single-sex spaces.

The Liberal Democrats criticised the Tory policy as a cynical distraction from their failings on so many issues.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said she did not believe there was a demand or a need to unpick the Act.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey (Danny Lawson/PA)

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmers party is pitching itself as the party of national security as it seeks to switch attention to defence.

He has been attempting to shift perceptions of Labours defence stance following the partys time under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, a long-standing critic of Nato and Trident.

In a speech at the Fusilier Museum in Bury on Monday, the party leader said a new age of insecurity has begun, with the rumble of war in Europe as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine.

He said he was absolutely committed to peace but that for peace, you have to be prepared to fight and signalled that he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if needed.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defence, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Sir Keir has reaffirmed his commitment to a nuclear deterrent triple lock as well as his ambition to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the size of the economy.

Mr Sunak has made clear he wants to meet the 2.5% target by 2030 although Labour has so far declined to outline its timeline, only noting it would do so when economic conditions allow.

Sir Keir insisted his whole shadow cabinet is behind him on nuclear weapons when challenged over previous opposition from some of his front bench, including his deputy Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.

He criticised the Tories for questioning Labours commitment to national security, saying he did not believe it should be a party political issue.

With my changed Labour Party, national security will always come first, Sir Keir said.

The Labour leader is meeting forces veterans and a group of his partys candidates when he campaigns in the North West of England.

He will be hoping to avoid questions on Diane Abbott, after she announced that she will be standing for the party in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Diane Abbott addressing the Labour Party annual conference at the Brighton Centre (Victoria Jones/PA)

Ms Abbott wrote on X that she intends to run and to win as Labours candidate, as she dispelled rumours that she had been offered a peerage in return for stepping down.

The lack of clarity over whether the veteran left-winger would be allowed to stand for the party after she had the whip reinstated last week dominated the Labour campaign, despite their efforts to stay on message.

The Liberal Democrats are meanwhile seeking to prevent damage closer to home, as they call for new protections for rivers and coastlines to end environmental vandalism.

The party has announced an expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in its General Election manifesto.
Former defence secretary Ben Wallace has branded Labours nuclear deterrent triple lock pledge as triple c**k, as he called for a defence spending hike to 3% of GDP.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer on the General Election campaign trail reaffirmed his commitment to Britains nuclear deterrent.

The Labour leaders triple lock includes delivering four new ballistic submarines, maintaining the continuous-at-sea deterrent and providing all the necessary upgrades for the boats to continue their patrols.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the nuclear deterrent was the foundation of any plan to keep Britain safe (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But Tory ex-Cabinet minister Mr Wallace told The Suns Never Mind The Ballots programme: Triple c**k I think the whole thing is.

Its all made up.

He also accused Labour of being fundamentally dishonest, saying: Both Labour and Conservative governments over the last two, three, decades hollowed out defence.

I think theres a lot of dishonesty going on in Labours pitch. Half the shadow cabinet voted against Trident.

Sir Keir, speaking at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Monday, insisted he had the whole shadow cabinet behind him on nuclear weapons when challenged over previous opposition from some on his front bench.

His deputy Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy voted against renewing the Trident deterrent eight years ago under Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

Sir Keir reiterated his aim of spending 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the size of the economy, on defence when economic conditions allow.

Mr Wallace said: Labour keep using this funny little phrase when economic conditions allow. We dont say that about the health service. We should say when threat demands it.

With Rishi Sunak recently making clear he wants to meet the 2.5% target by 2030, Mr Wallace said the Prime Minister has seen the threat is rising.

But he suggested this did not go far enough as he called for an uplift to 3%.

Mr Wallace told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme: The threat is rising towards the end of the decade, I would suggest, as others have, that towards the end of the decade we should be spending 3% of GDP.

However, to get there you have to follow a progressive line, you cant just dollop billions of dollars or pounds to a department who wont be able to spend it.

Labour last week criticised the Government for allowing British Army numbers to fall below its target figure for the first time, as Ministry of Defence personnel statistics showed soldier numbers dropping below 73,000.

The Governments defence plans include reducing the size of the regular army from a commitment of 82,000 troops to 73,000 by 2025  down from 97,000 a decade ago.

Mr Wallace said he did not regret reducing the numbers, adding: We werent able to fund defence for the size of the army, and we have been like that since I served in the army in 1991.
Friends and fans of Rob Burrow have paid tribute to the unassuming lad with a superhero origin story following his death aged 41.

Well-wishers gathered outside Headingley Stadium in Yorkshire, the home of his team Leeds Rhinos, on Monday morning to pay their respects, laying flowers, scarves and other tributes.

Burrows death was confirmed by Leeds on Sunday, following a lengthy and high-profile battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

Rugby league coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a former team-mate of Burrow, recalled the first time the two met.

He told the PA news agency: I was working on a sports exhibition (at the Royal Armouries) and he come in with a school.

I explained what they should be doing and he didnt take a blind bit of notice  which was just to bat some balls back, and he smashed them all over the place and I spent all afternoon picking them up.

I thought this Rob Burrows a little so-and-so, and that was the character that Rob was.

Throughout his career he was the centre of the changing room, he was where the fun and a lot of the laughter came from.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan visits Headingley Stadium to pay tribute to former teammate Rob Burrow (Danny Lawson/PA)

Mr Jones-Buchanan said Burrow was an unassuming lad with a superhero origin story and that he brought a gift to the club.

He added: A gift that most people thought was a weakness because he was tiny, but he used that weakness to be a superhero, that was his strength.

He was world class, so quick, powerful, strong, elusive, brave, courageous on so many occasions on the rugby league field, and inspired so many people, they loved him.

Burrow spent his entire rugby league career with Leeds Rhinos and helped them win eight Super League titles.

Ian Harvey, from Guiseley in West Yorkshire, who was among the fans leaving flowers at Headingley on Monday, said he felt it was massively important to visit the stadium to pay tribute to the former player.

He said: I had to come down today. I used to work here in the back room staff so Id seen Rob come through the academy system.

You knew even back then he was going to make it. For the size of him, nowt fazed him.

I just thought it was massively important to come down today.

Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan told PA that Burrows spirit epitomised the city.

He said: Rob really epitomised Leeds, the spirit that he showed, the compassion, the kindness and his will to win.

That combination of the humanity he had, not just in Rob but in his family as well  theyre all just such genuine, lovely people.

Rob Burrow died nearly five years after his motor neurone disease diagnosis (Danny Lawson/PA)

Ive just brought some flowers and a message from myself and the leader and Lord Mayor to pass on our condolences and recognise the role Rob played, which was massive in the city.

Two years after his retirement in 2017, Burrow revealed his MND diagnosis and began fundraising and campaigning to raise awareness of the disease and to improve care and research.

He spearheaded a 6.8 million charity appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a purpose-built care centre for those with MND living in and around the city.

Since Burrows death was announced on Sunday evening, the appeal has received more than 1,000 donations.

Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby league and the MND community and was promoted to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will take part in their first televised leaders debate of the election campaign on Tuesday.

But what policies have the Conservatives and Labour proposed so far on the campaign trail ahead of the General Election on July 4?

 Conservatives:

 Mandatory national service for 18-year-olds. Teenagers would choose between taking a 12-month placement in the armed forces or volunteer work in their community one weekend a month for a year under the proposals.

We'll introduce a bold new model of National Service. To up-skill the next generation, make our nation secure & build a stronger national culture. Whether in the Armed Forces or volunteering in our NHS, every young person will do their duty to build a secure future for the UK. pic.twitter.com/qgLTv022RN  Conservatives (@Conservatives) May 26, 2024

 A 2.4 billion tax break for pensioners. The party has promised to increase the income tax personal allowance for pensioners, giving them a tax cut worth around 95 in 2025-26, rising to 275 in 2029-30.

 Increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the size of the economy, by 2030.

 Boost apprenticeships while axing rip off degrees which offer poor value to students.

 No increases to income tax, national insurance or VAT.

 Punish fly-tippers with points on their driving licences and kick anti-social tenants out of social housing after three strikes.

We cannot be soft on those who destroy our towns and communities. pic.twitter.com/V2X8PyZz9O  Conservatives (@Conservatives) May 31, 2024

 An expansion of levelling up funding with a pledge to give 30 towns 20 million.

 Plans to boost community care by expanding Pharmacy First, building 100 new GP surgeries and modernising 150 more, and building 50 new community diagnostic centres.

 To amend the Equality Act to define the protected characteristic of sex as biological sex. The party argues the change will make it simpler for service providers for women and girls, such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims, to prevent biological males from taking part.

 Labour:

 Focus on reducing treatment backlogs. The party has also pledged to send crack teams who are already running out-of-hours programmes into hospitals to help set up evening and weekend clinics in the rest of the health service.

Keir Starmer will bring the change our country needs. These are Keirs first steps towards delivering our missions https://t.co/6ji2aW5FVV pic.twitter.com/uAEE01udSy  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) May 19, 2024

 Revive plans to ban young people from ever being able to legally smoke.

 Put 13,000 more police and police community support officers (PCSOs) back into communities, costing up to 400 million.

 No increases to income tax, national insurance or VAT.

 Establish a new publicly owned company, Great British Energy, with the aim of investing in homegrown energy sources and providing cheaper prices to consumers.

 Reform employment support and welfare benefits in a bid to increase the employment rate from 75% to 80%.

 A decrease in net migration but no specific targets set. The party also believes reforming the apprenticeship levy to tackle the skills gap will help decrease migration numbers.

 The foreign aid budget would not be used to pay for asylum seekers hotel costs, although the party has cautioned this would not be immediate.

 Give coroners more powers to access information held by tech companies after a childs death. The party says this would allow them to make sure data is retained and not deleted by tech companies.

 Vote Labour on Thursday 4 July for a stronger, safer, more secure Britain. pic.twitter.com/rh1CD41www  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 3, 2024

 To increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. The party has so far declined to outline its timeline, only noting it would do so when economic conditions allow. There would also be a new strategic defence review within the first year of a Labour government.

 A triple lock for the UKs nuclear deterrent. This involves a commitment to delivering four new ballistic submarines, maintaining the continuous at sea deterrent and providing all the necessary upgrades for the boats to continue their patrols.
Keeley Wilson had two cardiac arrests and had to be given CPR to restart her heart while giving birth to her daughter. (Keeley Wilson/SWNS) (Keeley Wilson/SWNS)

A mum has shared how she experienced two cardiac arrests and had to be given CPR to restart her heart while she was giving birth.

Keeley Wilson, 36, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, remembers her ECG monitor flatlining and hearing the long beep while the surgeon started the cut to perform a C-Section.

Her next memory is seeing the face of the anaesthetist who was performing chest compressions, before her heart stopped once again.

Wilson came round a second time to hear her newborn, Sophia, crying and discovering she had suffered broken ribs during the attempt to re-start her heart.

Incredibly, despite tests, doctors were never able to find out exactly why she'd experienced two cardiac arrests while welcoming her daughter.

But the ordeal left her with PTSD, suffering anxiety and experiencing flashbacks and nightmares.

"I think it's fair to say I actually died twice," Wilson, who works as a travel consultant and owns a business decorating Christmas trees explains.

"My last memory was feeling so sick, then seeing the line go flat and hearing that long beep, and everyone hitting buttons.

"Then I remember the anaesthetist standing over me saying my name over and over.

"I saw her face in my sleep for about six months because I had nightmares about this."

Wilson pregnant in hospital. (Keeley Wilson/SWNS) (Keeley Wilson/SWNS)

Sophia, now three, was born weighing 7lb 12oz at 10.18am on May 18 2021 after an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Wilson had opted for an elective caesarean because she'd had an emergency C-Section when her first daughter, Mya, now 14, was in the breach position.

As the surgery began Wilson says she felt an overwhelming urge to be sick. Then she saw the ECG line flatten on the screen and heard the long beep, which signals a loss of heartbeat.

Wilson says she was unconscious for around two minutes then lost consciousness again and woke to hear her baby cry.

Though her heart had stopped again, she doesn't know how long for, but she believes doctors used a.defibrillator to restart her heart and gave her adrenaline.

All in all she thinks she was in theatre for just over two hours.

Following the experience she underwent an ECG and a chest X-ray and was told she had fractured ribs from being given chest compressions.

Though she was able to go home the following day, Wilson says she struggled with pain for months.

"I was in so much pain afterwards," she says.

"I could have coped with the C-Section but the broken ribs were agony.

"I had to sleep propped up for about two months because of the pain in my chest.

"I couldn't lift my baby and it even hurt to have her lay on my chest - that made me so sad.

"I just wanted to cuddle her and couldn't, which made me feel like a failure and I worried in case we didn't bond.

"The first time I could pick her up and hug her felt amazing.

"Thankfully we have a really strong bond: if anything I think this has made us even closer."

A few weeks after welcoming her daughter Wilson met with hospital staff, but no one could explain why her heart had stopped during birth.

Wilson pictured with her daughter Sophia. (Keeley Wilson/SWNS) (Keeley Wilson/SWNS)

Her GP also put her in contact with the patient advice and liaison service (PALS), but it still unclear what caused her unusual birth experience.

But Wilson says the experience has really taken a toll on her mental wellbeing.

"I had PTSD and was emotionally traumatised for about six months," she explains.

"I've never had any other mental health problems but this gave me anxiety and flashbacks."

Not knowing exactly what happened has also likely contributed to Wilson's emotions about the event.

"I still feel confused," she explains.

"I can accept that it's happened and that I've moved on but when I think about it I still feel the shock of it."

Wilson says she's keen to hear from other mothers who have had similar experiences.

"The midwives, my GP, and the anaesthetist all said they didn't know how that could just happen to me," she explains.

"Everyone just seemed so shocked.

"But not knowing how it happened meant that it's been much harder for me to put it behind me."

Help and support if you've experienced a traumatic birth:

Read more about giving birth

Additional reporting SWNS.
Kevin Sinfield said he was pretty heartbroken as he paid tribute to his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, calling him a superhuman superman.

The former Leeds Rhinos player and motor neurone disease fundraiser said the loss was pretty raw still as he attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds on Monday.

Fighting back tears as he spoke to the BBC, he said: I wish he could have seen the outpouring of love.

I think we all lose special people but its very, very rare you lose someone whos so special to so many different people.

As you can see, its pretty raw still.

Hell leave a massive hole and I know there will be a lot of people out there who are heartbroken this morning at the news from yesterday.

Whats really important is Rob Burrow continues to live forever. Im sure the MND community and everyone whos supported us previously will make sure that Robs name is at the forefront of everything we do going forward.

Sinfield said Burrow was a superhuman superman in a game of big, strong athletes.

Kevin Sinfield during a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds (Danny Lawson/PA)

He told the BBC: Then to come here today and see some of the fruits of Robs work, he was so proud of this and weve heard theyre going to try and build it in record time now, because thats what Rob did, he broke records.

He wanted people to have a better outlook on life, he wanted people to have hope, he wanted to find a cure for this disease.

Before his death, Burrow had spearheaded a 6.8 million appeal for Leeds Hospitals Charity, where he received care, for a centre for those with MND living in and around the city.

Since Burrows death was announced on Sunday evening, the appeal has received more than 1,000 donations.

Sinfield said: Im sure therell be a big photo of Rob in this building and Im sure therell be some little kids who walk through with parents and grandparents and relatives who ask whos that  and Im also very, very sure that the answer that theyll get is he was the legend behind this building and thats some legacy for him to leave.
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has said he is working flat out to ensure Rishi Sunak continues as Prime Minister.

As the General Election campaign enters its second full week, Mr Ross heaped praise on Mr Sunak, as well as drawing comparisons between his partys two major rivals.

The SNP and Labour, he claimed, are very similar in policy areas including gender recognition and the North Sea.

Im working flat out to make sure Rishi Sunak is returned as Prime Minister, because what we can see is the Labour plans  here in Scotland and across the UK  will be deeply damaging, he told the PA news agency during a campaign visit on Monday.

We know in many areas their policies are very similar to the nationalists, be that  Anas Sarwar whipping his MSPs to support the Gender Recognition Reform Act.

The Prime Minister met Douglas Ross in the Highlands in one of his first campaign visits (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

When the SNP have introduced tax rises, many of them have been supported by Labour here in Scotland.

Of course, on the future of the oil and gas industry, the two parties are very much alike  they want to turn off the taps, turn their back on the north-east of Scotland, and thats totally against what the Scottish Conservatives stand for.

Labour has said it is against new licensing for exploration in the North Sea but on a visit to Scotland last week leader Sir Keir Starmer said they would not turn the pipes off immediately.

The current SNP position is a presumption against granting new licences which do not meet environmental tests, although the final policy of the Scottish Government will be announced when its energy plan is published.

Asked about how he thinks the Prime Minister has done since the campaign began, Mr Ross highlighted his visit to the north of Scotland in the 24 hours after announcing the election would be held on July 4.

(PA Graphics)

The Scottish Tory leader was at a bus depot in Glasgow on Monday as he announced his party would back a 2 cap on bus fares in its manifesto.

The policy would improve the opportunities for people to use public transport, he said.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie described Mr Rosss comments as a shameless attempt to dodge the wrath of Scots.

The Tories can try to distract from their damp squib campaign launch but ultimately its the voters who will have the final word, she added.

This General Election is an opportunity for change from a broken status quo that Scots cannot afford to miss.

A Labour government will make work pay, cut bills, renew public services and revive our economy by creating 69,000 jobs in clean energy industries.

While Tommy Sheppard, the SNPs candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh said: The fact that Douglas Ross is campaigning to put Rishi Sunak back in Number 10 tells you he cares not one jot about Scotland.

Rishi Sunak and the Tories legacy will be austerity, Brexit and the cost of living crisis  which is exactly why voters need to vote SNP to get rid of this Tory government.

Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party offers no alternative for Scotland either.

Today, the Labour leader showed where his priorities lie today  in investing billions of pounds in nuclear weapons rather than helping struggling households through the cost-of-living crisis.
Members of a dog-fighting ring including a kingpin known as Dr Death have been jailed for a string of animal welfare crimes.

Dogs endured brutal training regimes and were starved to fighting weight before being put in bouts where they fought sometimes to the death, Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Monday.

The animals suffered serious injuries including broken legs and were kept in dirty conditions, some with no access to clean drinking water or proper bedding, and being left caged and alone for long periods.

Injured animals were treated by those in the fighting gang with makeshift medical kits rather than taken to qualified vets, in order to avoid detection.

A still from a video of a dogfight taken from Phillip Harris Alis phone (RSPCA/PA)

Judge Jamie Sawyer said the gang showed a shocking level of barbarism and callousness for the dogs involved in the case.

He said the fights, which took place in England, Ireland and France, were highly planned and without a care for the welfare of the animals in question.

The judge told the defendants: Dogs were treated as a commodity by each of you. They were playing pieces in your game.

Much of the key evidence in the case came from a phone belonging to Phillip Harris Ali, 67, of Manford Way, Chigwell, Essex, who was known as Dr Death.

This included photos and videos of dogs and gruesome match reports detailing how the animals were set upon each other, sent via the encrypted messaging app Signal.

Ali was sentenced to five years in total for 10 offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Many of the crimes were committed while he was still under licence conditions put in place after a 2007 conviction for attempted murder.

His right-hand man, Stephen Albert Brown, 57, of Burrow Road, Chigwell, Essex, was jailed for two years and six months after he was found guilty of five offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

A dog named Dotti was one of the animals made to take part in the brutal fights (RSPCA/PA)

As the fighting rings medicine man, he got illegal veterinary medication and equipment and was involved in training dogs and arranging fights.

Personal trainer Billy Leadley, 38, who had a dog fighting pit at his home in Bambers Green, Takeley, Essex, was jailed for a total of four years for 12 different offences.

The judge said reading a match report about one 58-minute fight at which Leadley was referee, in which one of the animals suffered two broken legs, was horrific.

His wife, hairdresser Amy Leadley, 39, who was not directly involved in the ring, was sentenced for various offences linked to keeping a premises for dog-fighting and not caring for the animals properly.

She was given an 18-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

All four defendants were banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

RSPCA chief inspector Ian Briggs said: Dog fighting is a barbaric and horrific blood sport which has been illegal in this country for almost 190 years; yet there is a secretive and clandestine underworld where it continues to happen today.

It has become a hobby, passion and source of entertainment for the people involved, but the reality is that the dogs involved suffer unimaginable pain, suffering, fear and distress.

This gang dedicated their lives to breeding, preparing and training what they believed were champion fighting dogs.

They enjoyed the build-up to a fight and the excitement of the bloody brawls, as well as trying to patch their injured and dying dogs back together after the event.

Sadly, some of the dogs in this case suffered severe injuries and were never found but a mobile phone recovered as part of the investigation included match reports that detailed awful and fatal injuries suffered by some of the dogs involved.
ADHD medication can improve memory and concentration and reduce hyperactivity. Composite: GuardianDesign / Getty

The NHS is not coping with ADHD. The numbers of people queueing up to be diagnosed surged during and after the Covid pandemic, and have become so large that waiting times stretch to years. NHS England knows it has a problem: in March it announced it is launching a taskforce to improve care. In February, six leading psychiatric experts from trusts around the country warned of a crisis.

Yet ADHD, is not a newly discovered condition, for all that it is now a TikTok sensation. Over the past 200 years, medics have noted children who are inattentive and over-excitable and pondered what could be done to help them.

Nor are the drugs new. Charles Bradley, director of a hospital in Rhode Island, stumbled across them in 1937 when trying to allay the headaches of patients whose cerebral fluid had been drained to give a clearer brain X-ray. The stimulant benzedrine was not much use for headaches, but he found it helped children to focus and improved their performance and behaviour in school.

The drugs are about managing symptoms and helping people to live in a society that is not set up for the neurodivergent

The stress on the NHS follows a new awareness of the condition. Around 3 to 4% of adults in the UK have ADHD, according to Nice (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in 2023, and 5% of children. A study in the US, where figures have always been higher, found an increase in prevalence from 6% to over 10% between 1997 and 2016.

The charity ADHD UK says there are thought to be 2.6 million with the condition (adults and children) in the UK but 80% do not have a diagnosis. Just over 200,000 are getting medication, a small fraction of those with the condition. The argument that this is a behavioural problem which has been over-medicalised, with children drugged up to calm down naughtiness or improve their school grades, is hard to sustain.

The medication is life-changing for many, myself included, said Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK. Taking it away, he says, is similar to taking a wheelchair away from a person that needs it. Take that wheelchair away and the person doesnt die. They cannot live in the same way; they cant work in the same way. And thats exactly the same for someone with ADHD having their medication removed.

Related: NHS faces avalanche of demand for autism and ADHD services, thinktank warns

Darren OConnor, 35, a computer software engineer who has an ADHD diagnosis, says the drugs turned his life around after he burned out working for a tech company. ADHD medication saved my career and got me back on track, he said. In his programming work, he needed to be focused for long periods. That kind of focus is really hard to get but the medication helps you block out distractions.

But OConnor is now in danger of losing the job for want of the drugs he needs. Last September, the government issued a national patient safety alert, warning of shortages, particularly of the long-lasting drugs. The problem was worldwide and serious. The supply disruption of these products is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. Other ADHD products remain available but cannot meet excessive increases in demand, it said. The supply should be back between October and December, it said. It wasnt. It still isnt.

***

There are five different types of medication that doctors can prescribe for ADHD. The most common for children is the stimulant methylphenidate, of which the best-known brand is Ritalin. It can be given as immediate release tablets two to three times a day, boosting a childs focus in school, or as a slower release dose in the morning, which lasts all day. Lisdexamfetamine is also a stimulant, taken daily; dexamfetamine is similar, taken two to four times a day.

Atomoxetine is not a stimulant but an SNRI (selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor): it boosts the levels of noradrenaline, a chemical which passes messages between cells in the brain. It has been linked to some serious side-effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage, so is given only if other drugs have not helped. The other non-stimulant drug given to children who have not been helped by methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine is guanfacine, a daily tablet that acts on part of the brain to improve attention.

The teacher said he was refusing to work, crying and scribbling things in his book like, I failed, I may as well die

The stimulant drugs boost the central nervous system to increase levels of the reward hormones dopamine and noradrenaline that convey messages between neurons in the brain. Quite how it happens is still unclear, but memory and attention are improved and hyperactivity reduces.

The drugs are not a cure. Nowhere near. They are about managing ADHD symptoms and helping people to live in a society which is not set up for people who are neurodivergent. Nice does not advocate medicating children or adults immediately. Its 2018 guidance acknowledges that, despite all the literature about the positive effects of medication, uncertainty still surrounds the quality of evidence and the balance of risks and benefits of long-term drug treatment for ADHD in children and young people.

The first step is education and information on how to cope. Key to this are environmental changes, which include lighting, quietness, good nutrition, exercise and routine. While younger children may be amenable, it can be hard for the parents of teenagers to persuade them to eat well and exercise. For those who do not want drugs, there are therapies that have been shown to work, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family therapy, but there can be long waiting lists on the NHS.

As with any drug, however, there are side-effects. There can be a slight rise in the resting heart rate and blood pressure levels. Other side-effects can include loss of appetite, increased aggression, headaches and stomach problems. Anecdotally some report feeling withdrawn and irritable when the medication wears off.

To be honest, most people experience very little beyond dry mouth and appetite suppression, says Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation, who has the condition. People who have a dual autistic and ADHD profile tend to report more side-effects. Only 13% of children with ADHD and 11% of adults are actually on these drugs, says Lloyd. The reality is most people choose not to use medication  which of course is easier for adults who have more choice over lifestyle and occupations that play to their cognitive strengths. Children do not have that choice.

Dr Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick, the Royal College of Psychiatrists ADHD champion, says that about half of the children diagnosed grow out of their symptoms. They dont meet the diagnostic threshold any more in adulthood and its probably because they learn strategies, he said. They are a bit less hyperactive, although the inattentiveness often persists. He says it is really important for people to be assessed and taught about the drugs and followed-up by trained clinicians because the side-effects, while rare, are real. There is a good reason why these are controlled drugs, he said. Psychotic symptoms are very rare but they do occur in one or two per 1,000 patients.

Some studies have suggested childrens growth can slow while on the drugs, but the research is inconsistent and children tend to catch up during growth spurts in adolescence. Medication breaks can be helpful, either at weekends or in schoolthe holidays. Dr Muller-Sedgwick says studies suggest the drugs can continue working for five, six or even 20 years. After this another drug or combination can be explored.

Michelle Hollands son Tom, now 13, has had both good and bad experiences on medication. He was diagnosed just before Covid. He was unhappy in reception and, after changing primary schools, teachers reported he was fidgeting in class. In year 3 he became deeply upset over his grandads death. The teacher told Holland: Hes just not himself and hes refusing to do work and crying and scribbling things on his book like I failed, I may as well die. His mother, who works in the NHS, suspected ADHD and the GP agreed. He was quickly referred to a specialist, assessed and started on medication.

But it didnt help. Tom fell behind and home schooling in lockdown was a disaster, so he was allowed back into class with just a few other pupils and a male teacher who was, said Holland, excellent. He really brought him out of himself, gave him things to do if he was disruptive  it seemed as though hed really learned about ADHD. He was superb.

Tom met or exceeded all expectations in year 5  and then, in a big noisy class the following year, went downhill again. He was put on a very high drug dose, but became aggressive, lost weight and wasnt sleeping. Somehow he got through his Sats, and a few days later the nurse specialist suggested taking him off all the drugs and starting again. He was a much happier child. The school said maybe he didnt need all those medications which were strong, because hes actually really calm now, said Holland.

Tom is now on a very low dose of one of the original methylphenidate drugs, which is working for him and not in short supply. Its really hard work, its a constant battle, sort of juggling things, but hes doing OK, says Michelle.

The exact remit of the NHS England ADHD taskforce has not yet been revealed, although it is to bring together expertise from sectors including the NHS, education and justice. Certainly something needs to happen, and soon, to shorten queues for diagnosis and treatment. You cant help thinking if this was a physical rather than a mental health issue, it would be considered a major scandal.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly already started using U.S. artillery to hit targets inside Russia after Washington approved an expanded use of them.

They fired dozens of precision-guided munitions at Russian artillery, troops and a bridge on Sunday, according to the Kyiv Post.

The attack came soon after the Biden administration gave approval for their use.

The weapons used were reportedly M42 missiles fired by the track-mounted M270 rocket launcher and the wheel-mounted HIMARS rocket launcher.

Several missiles may have hit an air defence installatio Belgorod, Russia, the Telegraph reported.

"The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S. weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them," a U.S. official told Politico, noting that the administration's stand on allowing long-range strikes inside Russia "has not changed."

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, have been clamoring for the United States to allow them to defend Kharkiv, which is 12 miles from the Russian border, from attacks launched inside Russia.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Senior Liberals are split over the idea of allowing Josh Frydenberg to contest the Melbourne seat of Kooyong. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

Josh Frydenberg has poured cold water on the idea he will recontest Kooyong for the Liberals this election, after major blowback over a proposal to oust the existing candidate.

On Monday senior Liberals were split on the proposal, which the shadow finance minister, Jane Hume, denounced as a crazy idea but the former home affairs minister, Karen Andrews, backed as necessary to attract an absolute asset back into parliament.

Frydenberg, the former treasurer and deputy Liberal leader, announced shortly after noon on Monday that he is not rushing back to politics and his position on contesting the next election remains unchanged.

In September Frydenberg had decided against contesting for Liberal preselection in Kooyong, citing a desire to spend precious time with this family.

The party preselected 31-year-old Amelia Hamer for the inner-east Melbourne seat, which Frydenberg lost to independent Monique Ryan in 2022.

In a post to social media website X, Frydenberg said he will continue to support the Liberal Party and our local candidate, Amelia Hamer.

Re the recent speculation about Kooyong: I am not rushing back to politics, my position on contesting the next election remains unchanged. I will continue to support the Liberal Party and our local candidate Amelia Hamer.  Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) June 3, 2024

The recent bout of speculation was triggered by a proposed electoral redistribution eliminating the neighbouring seat of Higgins. Some suggested preselections could be re-opened to allow Katie Allen, the former MP and candidate for Higgins, and Frydenberg to contest Chisholm and Kooyong.

Earlier, Andrews told ABC Radio that although she is well and truly on the record that we need to do more make sure we are preselecting women in winnable seats this was quite a different scenario because of changes to seat boundaries.

The draft redistribution had made significant changes to a number of Melbourne seats, including moving 30,000 voters from Higgins into Kooyong, which had substantially changed the pool of Liberal preselectors, she said.

Related: Liberal MPs split over possibility of Josh Frydenberg recontesting old seat of Kooyong

My understanding is that he is not ruling in or ruling out the option of coming back into federal politics, Andrews said. But Im firmly of [the] view he needs to return for the Liberal party and stand for preselection and election.

Andrews said the redistribution was a chance to ensure we have the best possible candidates, suggesting it would have been better if the Victorian Liberals had waited before conducting the preselection.

My view of Josh Frydenberg is he would be an absolute asset to the team we take forward to the next election.

Im saying that the Liberal party in Victoria should do all that it can to ensure that we attract Josh Frydenberg back into standing for parliament.

But Hume, a Liberal senator for Victoria, said the party had already preselected Amelia Harmer, and Amelia is a highly qualified woman.

Why would they open the preselections based on draft boundaries alone?

Draft boundaries change all the time, they have done in the past, it would be a crazy thing to do, Hume told Sky News.

Hume said supporters of Frydenberg may have got a little bit of a rush of blood to the head when they heard of the electoral distribution.

But, quite frankly, our focus as a party should be on keeping Higgins right now. We have some extraordinary female candidates, people like Katie Allen, people like Amelia Hamer.

On Sunday Charlotte Mortlock, the founder of the Hilmas Network advocacy group for Liberal women, said Frydenberg had ample opportunity months ago to run.

Amelia is the exact demographic we need to win back. She is a more competitive candidate, Mortlock told Guardian Australia.

One MP said it would be a terrible look to ask Hamer to step aside, noting perceptions of the party having internal issues with gender equality.

Andrews acknowledged these are the sorts of things hed [Frydenberg would] be considering.

She noted that the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, had already said some time ago that he would be welcoming of Josh Frydenberg coming back and I doubt that his position has changed.

Frydenberg, Hamer and Allen were contacted for comment, as was the Victorian Liberal party.
Biden and Netanyahu shake hands

Depending on which Israeli official you ask, Israel is either close to a total and complete win over Hamas in Gaza or in the middle of what will be a long, grinding year ahead. On April 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that we are one step away from victory after nearly eight long months of combat. Yet Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahus national security adviser, had an altogether different assessment of the situation this week: Were now in the fifth month of 2024, which means that this year we are expecting another seven months of fighting.

Whoever you believe, one thing is indisputable: Israel doesnt have a plan in Gaza. Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israels history, is winging it.

At first glance, this would seem like an odd statement to make. Israel, after all, has consistently stated that it has two objectives for this military campaign: defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

Yet those two objectives have proven to be irreconcilable. While Netanyahu argues that military pressure is crucial to getting the rest of the hostages released, the facts thus far have demonstrated otherwise. To Hamas, the hostages are bargaining chips meant to force Israel to end the war permanently and for good  something Netanyahu has ruled out.

Under its most extensive military pressure since the movement was founded more than thirty-five years ago, Hamas simply has no reason to hand over the hostages for anything short of an immediate, comprehensive and internationally-guaranteed ceasefire. Unless Netanyahu agrees to this, its hard to see a deal being struck.

As difficult as this issue is, the long-term challenge is even more daunting. To put it bluntly, Israels plans for how to manage Gaza after the war range between delusional to nonexistent.

Netanyahus first crack at a post-war proposal was a vision of what he would like to see rather than what is realistically possible. In that plan, Israel would maintain indefinite security control over Gaza while handing over the labourious work of civil affairs to Israeli-approved Palestinians with no links to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Yet this plan was basically laughed out of the room. No Palestinian will risk his or her life and reputation cooperating with an Israeli-authored scheme. Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, who will be counted on to finance reconstruction, wont participate in a plan that makes it easier for Israel to maintain a de-facto occupation over Gazas 2.4 million Palestinians.

The obvious question then arises: what next? Unfortunately for Israel, its choices are limited.

The first option could best be described as declare victory and go home. After destroying the last four Hamas battalions in the city of Rafah, Israeli troops could withdraw from Gaza entirely, ensure its border with Gaza was secure and continue the mowing the grass strategy it has executed for the previous decade and a half. When threats from Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza re-surface, Israel could take military action to neutralise them.

But in the grand scheme this is a conflict management strategy, not a long-term solution. None of the issues that have turned the Israeli-Palestinian dispute into one of the worlds longest will get addressed, let alone resolved. Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations would likely remain off the docket; Hamas would use an Israeli pullout to regenerate; and Israel would again find itself in a situation where military action is likely, if not imminent.

The second option is an Israeli military occupation of Gaza to keep Hamas as degraded as possible. Yet nobody but the most extreme members of Netanyahus ultranationalist cabinet would support this. On May 15, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ruled it out as long as he led the defense ministry. The Israeli military leadership wouldnt endorse it either, since an occupation would entail fighting a long-term insurgency as well as caring for the basic needs of more than two million people there. And the Biden administration wouldnt endorse it; even before Israeli troops began ground operations, President Biden was on record telling Israel that re-occupying Gaza would be a mistake.

The third option would be bringing the PA back into Gaza to administer the territory. This isnt a panacea. The PA is a notoriously corrupt institution and deeply unpopular in the eyes of the Palestinian public, which has long viewed it as a sub-contractor for Israel. PA President Mahmoud Abbas is as old as he is deplored, with only 14 per cent of Palestinians satisfied with him. There is also a legitimate question as to whether the PA has the capacity to administer Gaza given its sub-par record in the West Bank.

Even so, the last option is the best  or least bad  on the list. The PA at least possesses some experience in the basics of governing, and its really the only Palestinian alternative to Hamas today. Allowing the PA to control Gaza would give Israel the opportunity to disassociate itself from the enclave and is far more likely to bring Arab states onside in the process. Unfortunately, Netanyahu would rather see the PA wither than strengthen, which could increase US pressure on Israel to eventually resume negotiations on a Palestinian state.

Regardless of what Netanyahu decides to do, the United States needs to stay out of the Gaza maelstrom. While Washington is likely to have a role post-conflict, under no circumstances should the US military be deployed in Gaza to keep the peace or maintain order  either alone or as part of a multinational peacekeeping mission. Israel and the rest of the regions stakeholders need to take the lead here. The best the US can do is advise Israel not to make any more bad decisions.
The Japanese company is blaming 'an inappropriate manufacturing process' for issues with the Jazz Crosstar

Dear Alex,

Our Honda Jazz Crosstar, purchased new in July 2020, suffered a catastrophic systems failure, diagnosed as a brake simulator fault. A new part costs about 1,600 and will not be available until June. The car was six months out of warranty with 19,000 miles. Honda offered a goodwill gesture of 40 per cent of the parts cost, yet we understand that there are a significant number of similar cars with the same problem  indeed, we believe the part may have been recalled in Japan. What grounds do we have for a free-of-charge replacement?

 AW

Dear AW,

You supplied evidence of your assertion that this issue had been subject to a recall in Japan, in the form of a link to the recalls section of Hondas Japanese website, which does indeed list one such action for the Braking device (brake operating simulator).

This recall encompasses more than 525,000 Japanese-market cars, including Jazz, Vezel (badged HR-V in the UK), CR-V and e (all of which were also sold in the UK) built between 2018 and 2022.

The reasoning translates from the original Japanese as follows: Due to an inappropriate manufacturing process, assembly oil used during manufacturing may seep into the pressure sensor. Therefore, during use, the resistance part within the sensor may corrode, causing the output value to become abnormal, causing the warning light to illuminate, the failsafe to activate and the force required to operate the brake pedal to be increased.

I was baffled as to why Honda has seen fit to issue a recall on this part in Japan, but not here, especially as a look at various owners groups online reveals plenty of other UK Honda owners who have experienced this issue.

I was also surprised that Honda, which is clearly aware of this fault and its magnitude, was only willing to offer a fairly meagre contribution on a car so recently out of warranty.

So I asked Honda firstly to look into your individual case and also to explain why customers in Japan are having their cars recalled whereas UK owners are expected to pay.

You got in touch again to tell me that Honda had revised its offer following my intervention and that it was now willing to cover the cost to fix your car in its entirety, an outcome with which you were satisfied.

While pleased for you, I had still not received a response from Honda to my original question. So I asked again whether the recall would now be rolled out to the UK or whether other owners would be offered similar levels of goodwill.

Honda did not answer those questions directly, but instead sent the following statement: We sincerely apologise for the issues that AW has encountered, and will investigate this further. If any other Jazz customers are affected by the same issue, we would advise them to please contact Honda Customer Support on 0345 200 8000. We will then review with customers on a case-by-case basis.

I suggest Honda owners whose cars have been affected by this issue follow that advice.

I also suggest that owners who are concerned as to whether their cars might be at fault in the future do so too. Perhaps they can convince Honda to do what it arguably should have done in the first place  recall the affected cars in the UK and carry out the fix free of charge.

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Bruce Lehrmann has filed an appeal against the April judgement in the federal court that rejected his defamation claim against Network Ten and found he raped Brittany Higgins. Photograph: Don Arnold/Getty Images

Bruce Lehrmann claims that he was denied procedural fairness by the judge who rejected his defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

Lehrmanns notice of appeal against the April judgment, which found that on the balance of probabilities he raped Brittany Higgins on a ministers couch in Parliament House in 2019, was lodged at the federal court on Friday.

The four-page document, filed in the court and obtained by Guardian Australia, mentions no law firm  it was prepared by Bruce Emery Lehrmann, and names his Queensland residence as the address for service of legal documents.

Justice Michael Lee found the former Liberal staffer was not defamed by Wilkinson and Ten when The Project broadcast an interview with Higgins on Monday 15 February 2021 in which she alleged she was raped by a staffer.

Lehrmann listed four grounds for appeal:

Denial of procedural fairness by the trial judge.

The justification finding was contrary to the evidence and the application of the standard of proof required by trial judge.

Construction/misconstruction of the imputations by the trial judge.

Inadequate award of damages where aggravation was made out by the applicant.

Lehrmann claimed that Lees finding that aggravation was made out  in that Wilkinsons Logies speech had an impact on the administration of justice  meant that if he had won, the award of damages would have been wholly inadequate.

Related: Bruce Lehrmann defamation case: what happens next and who pays the legal bills?

In his judgment, Lee said if it had been necessary to assess damages in favour of Mr Lehrmann, the appropriate and rational relationship between the actual harm sustained and the damages awarded would lead to total damages of $20,000.

Lehrmann also claimed that Lee had not properly construed the imputation in The Projects broadcast of a violent rape of Higgins where the complainant was in tears and repeatedly refused consent, of which repeated refusal the perpetrator must have been aware.

This is contrary to the non-violent rape involving inadvertent recklessness as to consent which was ultimately found in the judgement made by the trial judge, Lehrmann said in the appeal document.

Lehrmann said Tens cornerstone evidence of a photograph of a bruise on Higgins leg was dismissed as untrue by Lee, as was other secondary evidence, therefore it was not open to the judge to find as he did, that he had raped Higgins.

Lehrmann has asked the federal court to set aside the judgment and for the respondents to pay his costs in this and in the original proceeding.

Lehrmann has been ordered to pay most of Tens legal costs from the failed defamation suit on an indemnity basis because he had brought the case on a knowingly false premise.

Legal experts have estimated the bill for Network Ten and Wilkinsons legal counsel alone would be $8m.

As Lehrmann is unemployed and without significant means to pay Tens costs the network could still be saddled with the bill.

Wilkinson is seeking more than $1.8m in indemnity costs from Ten after the former Project presenter hired her own legal counsel, Sue Chrysanthou SC, and won an earlier claim that the network indemnify at least some of the costs.

Lehrmann has always denied the allegation and he pleaded not guilty at the criminal trial of the matter, which was aborted due to juror misconduct.
Aregawy and his younger brother at Gendefru School - Gabriella Jozwiak

If he had finished his education, Aregawy Tekle Birham, 23, believes he never would have left Tigray. Sitting on a stone step outside his old primary school in the mountainside village of Gendefru, Northern Ethiopia, Aregawy regretfully recounts his decision to migrate.

I couldnt get a job here because I only studied to grade 4, he says, tugging dry stalks of grass from the ground and snapping them. This school didnt teach any further, and it was too expensive to travel to another. I thought I would find work in Saudi Arabia. But when I reached the border, they imprisoned me for three years.

The only unusual part of Aregawys story is that he came home. The rest is common to thousands of young Tigrayans who are streaming out of the country. One regional survey found 29,600 15 to 35 year olds had left since Tigrays war ended in November 2022. But this assessment only covered just over half of the regions districts. There are 750,000 Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia of which 450,000 entered illegally, the UN estimates. From Arab states some try to reach Europe.

Many Tigrayan youths have lost all hope of a future. During the catastrophic two-year military operation launched by the Ethiopian Federal Government against the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), invading forces pounded, burned and looted the region, decimating its infrastructure. Some 600,000 people died and 2.5 million were internally displaced.

The Federal Government imposed a de facto blockade over Tigray. It denied people access to banking services, fuel, telecommunication, electricity and limited humanitarian aid. In 2023, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and UN World Food Programme (WFP) suspended deliveries for five months after supplies were stolen. Officials later confirmed 1,400 people starved to death during this time.

The 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement has not met all its aims. The Amhara regional government occupies Tirgays Western Zone, as well as areas in the south. Eritrean forces, which allied with the Ethiopian government, control Tigrays northern border. A Tigrayan regional government officer, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of damaging relations with the federal government, told the Telegraph Tigray was effectively still cut-off as only one access corridor exists.

More foreign aid is needed to support 2.4 million school-age children - Gabriella Jozwiak

In addition to the war, the region is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network currently places Tigray in emergency and crisis categories for food insecurity. It is effectively on the brink of famine. The president of Tigrays Interim Regional Administration Getachew Reda has warned 91 per cent of the population is at risk of starvation. However, Ethiopias Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denies the emergency exists. There are no people dying due to hunger in Ethiopia, he said in Parliament in February.

The true extent of the situation is difficult to gauge. The anonymous official said the region cannot afford to conduct a full needs assessment. People are dying, he said. But we dont have a figure. In one drought-affected district his department had surveyed, rates of malnutrition among children aged under-five rose from 16 per cent in August 2023 to 29 per cent in March 2024. Globally nearly half of under-fives deaths are linked to malnutrition.

Despite this situation, Aregawy feels lucky. Aged 19, traffickers led him on foot with three friends for two months to the coast, then by boat to Yemen. The brokers held us for a short time until our family sold their cattle to pay, he explains. But at the Saudi border, Houthi forces detained them in a camp. They tortured us, Aregawy says quietly, too traumatised to describe the details. They harassed us and beat us day and night.

Such traffickers typically ask for 1m Birr (13,600) ransom per person. As time passes, the rate increases. The average daily wage for an unskilled casual labourer in Tigray is about 190 Birr (2.60). No one could pay for me, Aregawy admits.

Many migrants disappear. A chilling 2022 investigation by Human Rights Watch found evidence of mass killings along the Saudi-Libyan border from which Aregawy, miraculously, escaped. After three years, a friends relative in Israel agreed to pay. The experience has had a very bad impact on me, he says.

Tigrays regional head of youth affairs Haish Subagadis fears migration levels are so high no one will be left to rebuild Tigray. One of the challenges to retaining youths has been to return them to classrooms closed for three years by war and Covid-19.

Early adolescents are not going back to school, Subagadis explains. Data from the Tigray Education Bureau suggests 47 per cent of children at primary level have re-enrolled. The rate more than halves to just 20 per cent for high school students.

Many youths have not returned to schools closed for three years by war and Covid-19 - Gabriella Jozwiak

The regional government has launched a catch-up programme of accelerated learning for older students, cramming three years curriculum into one. But Subagadis says schools are ill equipped. We dont have enough materials  there are no books, libraries, labs, not even desks and chairs, he says. During the war invading troops turned schools into military bases or destroyed them. In Tigrays North Western zone, 97 per cent of schools sustained damage.

The Federal Government has not provided any financial support to repair the vandalism, according to Subagadis. The budget allocated is not more than the salary for civil servants, he says. That is why there is no construction, no investment, not even recovery or reconstruction activities.

But the greatest deterrent for pupils to attend school is hunger. Some 625 schools  a quarter of the total  currently risk closure because of food shortages.

Gendefru school principal Tesfay Gebre says hunger has led 27 children to drop out over the past two months. Before the war there were 540 enrolled, now there are about 360, he says. Most of them come to school without eating anything. They often say they feel sick and want to go home. In class, they fall asleep at their tables or lose concentration.

Many children arrive late, unable to summon the strength to walk. Some parents keep their children at home, or send them out to beg or forage for food. There have been cases of mumps in Gendefru, as poor nutrition weakens childrens immune systems.

One pupil, Birhan Abadi, is 15 but looks younger. Like her peers, her limbs are thin. She looks tired and her skin lacks lustre. Birhan is an eager student, but admits thoughts of food distract her lessons. I feel hungry and think, will I get food when I go home? she says.

Hungry children have dropped out of school - Gabriella Jozwiak

The situation at the school could turn around this month [June]. A school feeding programme funded by British charity Marys Meals International (MMI) will offer a daily, hot meal to each pupil. This will simultaneously tackle hunger, malnutrition and incentivise school attendance.

The charity has operated in Tigray since 2017. It reached 24,000 children in 36 schools before the war. But with current needs desperately high, has expanded to 114,000 pupils at 223 schools. MMI currently feeds more children than any other NGO or agency in Tigray.

The model has proved successful in other schools. Since feeding began in March at Ara Primary School in South Eastern Tigray, school attendance has risen from 380 registered children joining classes irregularly, to 453 at a 98 per cent attendance rate.

In the storage room containing giant sacks of FAMIX, the corn- and soy-based porridge dished out to the children, vice principal Gebregzebher Atsbeha suggests school enrolment could reach pre-war levels of 570. So many children have enrolled because of the feeding programme, he says. We are currently processing more requests.

The difference between Aras and Gendefrus pupils is visible. At home time at Gendefru the pupils stroll quietly back towards their village, some loosely holding hands. But at Ara, they chase each other energetically into the arid fields, leaping and shrieking playfully.

A school feeding programme funded by a British charity will offer a daily, hot meal to each pupil - Gabriella Jozwiak

Head of Tigray Education Bureau Dr. Kiros Guesh told the Telegraph school feeding had become priority number one. While repairing damaged schools and replacing lost resources and teachers is imperative, childrens wellbeing comes first. This includes preventing children dropping out to migrate. Saving the lives of these children is about more than educating them, he says. In the coming years, we may rebuild many schools. But I cannot recover a deceased child.

Guesh says much more foreign aid is needed to support 2.4 million school-age children. Ethiopias federal government does not provide any funding for school meals and the regional government plays no role in how it distributes foreign aid, he added.

MMI founder and CEO Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow told the Telegraph low availability of locally grown food and difficult transport logistics makes providing meals challenging. But the main barrier to reaching more children was the lack of attention paid by the world to the crisis in Tigray making it difficult to raise funds.

For Aregawy, the feeding comes too late. But he believes it will help his 11-year-old brother. The little boy sitting next to him has an uncanny likeness to the former migrant.

I will support my brother to continue his schooling with all my ability, Aregawy says. I advise young people who want to migrate to stay. I dont want them to see what I have seen. I tell them: lets change things here.

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The Government told the High Court last week that there would be no flights to Rwanda before the election - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

All the migrants in detention after being earmarked for deportation to Rwanda are set to be released on bail amid election uncertainty over the prospect of flights, according to lawyers and charities.

Dozens of asylum seekers have already successfully applied for bail on the basis that there is not the required realistic prospect of their imminent removal to Rwanda.

Labour has pledged to scrap the scheme on day one if it wins the election, and flights have been delayed until the end of July.

One legal firm told The Telegraph it had only a handful, out of 50 people, left in detention after all the asylum seekers who had applied to the court had been granted bail. It expected the remainder to be freed in court hearings this week.

Care4Calais, a charity that works with asylum seekers, said the 100-plus detainees it was supporting were being released and it expected that this would be extended to all of them soon.

The Home Office has refused to say how many migrants have been detained since the operation began at the end of April, but it is understood to have been thousands.

Government lawyers have been attempting to try to block the releases, with little success, because of fears of asylum seekers absconding.

The disclosure follows the Governments formal declaration to the High Court last week that there would be no flights to Rwanda before the election. On Monday, in a separate High Court challenge to the policy, the Government said the first flights would not be until July 24 at the earliest.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has pledged that no deportation flights will take off to Rwanda if his party wins the election, even if they had been scheduled for July 5. Labour plans to divert the money saved to set up a new border security command to coordinate efforts to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

Those detained were among 5,700 migrants whose applications for asylum had been denied after arriving in the UK illegally between January 2022 and June last year. They were previously notified of their removal to Rwanda.

They can only continue to be detained if there is a realistic prospect of removal from the UK within a reasonable timescale, and can apply to courts for bail.

Steve Smith, the chief executive of Care4Calais, said: As there is no imminent prospect of removal to Rwanda, there is no justification for retaining individuals in detention. Many are already being bailed. The signs are that this may soon extend to all.

The Rwanda policy is facing two legal challenges. One, by the FDA, the civil servants union, claims that Home Office staff could be in breach of international law if they implement Rishi Sunaks Safety of Rwanda Act.

The FDA has said civil servants could be in violation of the Civil Service code  and open to possible prosecution  if they followed a ministers demands to ignore an injunction from European Court of Human Rights banning a deportation.

Playing politics with lives of refugees

Asylum Aid is bringing legal action, claiming that the Safety of Rwanda Act unlawfully tells decision-makers not to consider the risk of Rwanda sending a person to a third country where they would be at risk of torture, death, or other human rights abuse.

Both cases have been fast-tracked to be heard before the election. On Monday, in the Asylum Aid case, Mr Justice Chamberlain was told by the Home Office that the first flight would be on July 24.

He said the legal challenges were all going to be subject to the outcome of the general election ... but we obviously cant make any predictions about that, but added: There is a public interest in the determination of these issues ... before the earliest date on which flights may be.

Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: Anyone whos been locked up in detention should be immediately released, and the Government must stop playing politics with the lives of refugees whove fled countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan.
On Sunday, Diane Abbott said she would run as a Labour candidate for her Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency following days of confusion - Guy Smallman/Getty Images

Diane Abbott appeared to accuse Sir Keir Starmer of more lies on Sunday night, escalating the row over the veteran Left-wing MPs plans to stand for Labour at the election.

Nick Eardley, a BBC reporter, shared a screenshot of a now-deleted post that appeared on Ms Abbotts profile on X, formerly Twitter, which read: More lies from Starmer.

The tweet accompanied an image of an article in The Guardian headlined: Starmer on Abbott: Ive actually got more respect for Diane than she probably realises.

In a post on X, Eardley wrote: Blimey... tweeted (and then deleted) from Diane Abbott account tonight. The row rumbles on.

Blimey tweeted (and then deleted) from Diane Abbott account tonight



The row rumbles on pic.twitter.com/dUhAhuI2P5  Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) June 2, 2024

Eardley was forced to reassure his followers about the posts veracity after some social media users claimed that it appeared fake and the result of a photoshop job.

He said it was good to see people scrutinising to check [the] tweet is real, but for those asking, I screengrabbed this from original tweet.

On Sunday, Ms Abbott, 70, said she would run as a Labour candidate for her constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington following days of confusion.

She also denied reports that she had been offered a peerage to stand down, writing on X I have never been offered a seat in the Lords, and would not accept one if offered. I am the adopted Labour candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. I intend to run and to win as Labours candidate.

Ms Abbott claimed earlier that Labour was preventing her from standing as its candidate, more than a year after being suspended after suggesting that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experienced prejudice but not racism.

She had the whip restored last week, but reports emerged that she could be barred from running for the party.

Sir Keir declined to say for days whether she would be defending her seat as he faced claims of a purge of Left-wing candidates.

On Friday, he finally said on Friday that Ms Abbott was free to go forward as a Labour candidate.

It is unknown whether the deleted tweet will now impact those plans.

The Telegraph has approached Ms Abbott, Labour and the BBC for comment.
Almost half of Guardian Essential poll respondents say tech companies including Meta, Google and TikTok have been mostly negative for young people, compared with 19% mostly positive. Photograph: Ian Allenden/Alamy

More than two-thirds of voters support raising the age limit for social media from 13 to 16, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.

The poll of 1,160 voters, released on Tuesday, finds an increasing appetite for government regulation of hate speech, social media and artificial intelligence.

Peter Dutton slipped back into negative territory, with 42% of respondents disapproving of the job hes doing as opposition leader and 41% approving. Anthony Albanese is steady with 47% disapproving of his job as prime minister and 43% approving.

The poll found more than two-thirds (69%) want the age limit on social media to be raised from 13 to 16 years, with 44% strongly supporting the idea and 24% somewhat supporting it. Just 14% oppose the idea, and 17% neither support nor oppose it.

Almost half (47%) of respondents said technology companies including Meta, Google and TikTok had been mostly negative for young people, compared with 19% mostly positive and 34% neutral.

Related: Should Australia ban children under 16 from social media  and how would it actually work?

The Albanese government is currently testing technology for age verification of pornography, which Dutton has said should be extended to social platforms including TikTok and Instagram.

Labor premiers are attracted to social media age limits, with South Australias Peter Malinauskas looking to legislate a limit of 14 and New South Wales Chris Minns supporting an age limit of 16.

Respondents were asked to select what age on a scale between 10 and 18 children should be able to do a range of activities.

On average, respondents thought children aged about 17-and-a-half should be able to buy and consume alcohol, vote in elections and access pornography. On average, 15.4 was the age at which children were thought ready to use social media; 14.3 was the age for children being held responsible for a crime.

Respondents were told the government is currently developing new laws to protect people from hate speech which would make it a criminal offence to vilify someone based on their sex, sexuality, gender, race or religion.

A total of 62% said they would support the proposal, either strongly (34%) or somewhat (28%). Just 17% opposed it, while about one in five (21%) were unsure.

The hate speech bill is expected to be introduced in August alongside laws banning doxing, the online exposure of a persons private information without their consent. It has already proved a major flashpoint between Labor and the Coalition, with Dutton labelling the laws a trap and wedge.

A majority of respondents said they wanted to see safeguards for artificial intelligence including that: businesses that introduce AI should have a legal duty to ensure that it is used safely (78% agreed); workers should be involved in designing how AI technology is introduced in their workplace (62%); and workers should be compensated when their work is used to train AI (60%).

But respondents were less fearful of AI, with the proportion saying it carries more risk than opportunity at 42%, down three points from January. The proportion who said it carried more opportunity than risk was steady at 21%. Those who said risk and opportunity are about the same was up three points to 37%.

Related: Jail time for those caught distributing deepfake porn under new Australian laws

After the UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, promised to introduce compulsory national service for 18-year-olds, respondents were told the plan could include unpaid volunteer work one weekend a month doing community service or a paid full-time military placement.

Half (51%) of respondents said they approved of mandatory national service in the form of unpaid volunteer work, compared with a quarter (25%) who opposed it. Full-time military service was a bit less popular, with 46% in favour and 26% opposed.

Almost half (49%) of respondents said Australia was heading in the wrong track, down a point from when the question was asked in April, compared with about a third (34%) saying it was heading in the right direction, up a point.
Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, speaks during an event at The Fusilier Museum in Bury

While faint hearts like me were abandoning Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party at the tail-end of the last decades, it fell to lifelong loyalists and political organisers to stick around and salvage what they could from the wreckage of Labours inevitable general election wipe-out in 2019.

One of those was John Spellar, a former senior minister and whip, who was one of a number of MPs who announced their retirement in the days following Rishi Sunaks announcement of a general election on July 4.

As a Northern Ireland minister, Spellar was my boss when I served as his parliamentary private secretary. His advice and influence at that crucial time, in the immediate aftermath of the invasion of Iraq by allied forces, played an important role in helping me hold on to the Labour nomination in my redrawn Glasgow seat, where attempts had been made to deselect me.

It was the steadfast obstinacy and organisational genius of the likes of Spellar that rescued Labour from the grip of the hard Left once before, in the 1980s. And it is to Spellars heirs  one in particular  to whom Keir Starmer owes whatever victory he is likely to enjoy come the evening of July 4.

Morgan McSweeney is seen by many, especially on Labours Left, as the eminence grise of the Starmer project, the Rasputin to Starmers Tzarina Alexandra, a malignant power hell-bent on sectarian warfare within the party.

He might be more accurately described as Labours saviour.

It was McSweeney, as one of Starmers most trusted and senior advisers, who was blamed by some for last weeks difficulties over Diane Abbott; McSweeney who was accused of forcing the leader into an ultimately unwinnable position of depriving the Hackney MP of the right to stand as a Labour candidate, a row that ultimately resulted in a rare, humiliating defeat for Starmer.

McSweeneys opponents in the party will have rubbed their hands with glee. They see him as the prime mover behind Starmers repeated attacks on the old Corbynite Left and the removal of a succession of sitting MPs and candidates who have been informed that they will not be allowed to stand at the election. Abbott only avoided being among such casualties thanks to the unexpected intervention by Starmers deputy, Angela Rayner, who enjoys a separate democratic mandate from that of Starmer, and is therefore, to a degree, independent of him.

Still, McSweeney retains much influence in the office of the Leader of the Opposition and is certain to wield even more influence if Starmer wins next month. McSweeney, although he has maintained a suitably low profile, is an unapologetic hammer of the Trots, a phrase that described doughty opponents of the likes of the Militant tendency (who were actual Trots) and their supporters and apologists in the broader party (who were mostly not).

He recognised early on in Corbyns leadership that Labours path back to power could only be achieved by convincing the electorate that the Left  and particularly the hard Left of which Corbyn was the figurehead  was no longer able to influence policy. That meant not only organising across the partys labyrinth of committees at national and local level to establish moderate majorities, but actually removing them from the party.

From the outside, this might look to some voters like unnecessary and vindictive targeting of political opponents who are nonetheless in the same party and therefore on the same side. But to most, such intrigues are of little interest. And to the moderate centrists in Labour, McSweeneys approach has held out a prospect that has eluded Labour leaders for more than a century: the permanent isolation and removal from the party of the Marxist, unilateralist, anti-patriotic Leftism that has so hampered Labours progress since it was founded.

Starmer himself, being relatively new to politics, is less of a tribalist in this regard, but his decision to delegate much of the fight to McSweeney demonstrates that he knows which allies to choose in order to complete the partys transformation from a Corbyn-era basket case to a government in waiting.

For many moderates, including those who abandoned the party in frustration at Corbyns leadership, McSweeneys approach holds out the prospect of a new era in party discipline. Under previous leaderships, the likes of Corbyn, Abbott, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and others, mainly members of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, could repeatedly ignore the Labour whip and walk through the Commons voting lobbies alongside the Conservatives without fear of recrimination.

Thanks largely to McSweeney, it looks like such days are over. No Labour MP after the general election will feel secure about retaining the right to stand as a Labour candidate if they have deliberately and publicly contradicted Starmers stated principle of country first, party second  a principle that many credit to McSweeney himself. And a Labour leader who has, in the space of five years, led the party back from its worst electoral defeat in a century to establish itself in government, will not be obstructed by the partys conference, National Executive Committee or Parliamentary Labour Party.

Make no mistake, Morgan McSweeney and those who went before him, like John Spellar, will have the last laugh. Aside from blips like the Abbott case, the old Labour Lefts days of freedom to say and do anything it liked, even at the expense of the partys electoral prospects, is about to come to a too long delayed and well-deserved end.
Kevin McCarthy said of Americans resistance to accepting election results: Weve gotta get beyond it. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Kevin McCarthy, the former Republican US House speaker, has said that Americans should accept the results of Novembers presidential race  as rising political tensions in the aftermath of Donald Trumps campaign finance violation conviction in New York are set to inflame election integrity issues.

The relatively moderate McCarthy, who was ousted as speaker last year in a Republican power struggle and has since resigned from Congress, said on Sunday that every American should accept the results of the election that is expected to pit the Democratic incumbent Joe Biden against the former Republican president Trump.

Related: Will Trump, a felon, be able to vote for himself in November?

McCarthys remarks on CNNs Inside Politics came after Marco Rubio, the senior Florida senator and potential Trump vice-presidential pick, refused to commit to standing by the outcome on Sunday.

Like Rubio, McCarthy is an ally of Trump, and he even visited the former president after his supporters carried out the January 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021. But he is now contradicting a Republican narrative that has become a test of loyalty to Trump: questioning the integrity of the US electoral system, at least when conservative candidates lose at the ballot box.

After the guilty verdict in the New York case against Trump came down on Thursday, the Maryland Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin said that if the former president wins the vote in November then he should be impeached before he was even sworn in given his conviction. But other Democrats have adopted a more conciliatory position.

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House minority leader, said on Sunday that he would certainly accept the results because in America the peaceful transfer of power is sacrosanct.

Jeffries cast the blame on the extreme right wing of the Republican party, saying that many Americans  Democrats, independents and traditional Republicans  have been troubled by the election denialism or the denial that weve seen coming from the other side of the aisle.

Trump has also said that he would accept Novembers vote  but only, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in May, if everythings honest.

On Sunday night, Trump posted on his social media site a call for the US supreme court to intervene in his conviction in New York state court ahead of his scheduled sentencing on 11 July. Legally an appeal can only be initiated after sentencing.

McCarthy, who is free of political obligation to Trump, had previously signed a legal petition soon after the 2020 election that urged the supreme court to review a Texas lawsuit challenging the election results in several swing states.

He also voted not to certify election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania during the vote certification process that came after police managed to halt the 2021 Capitol attack.

But in his interview with CNN, McCarthy said that resistance to election results was not just a question for politicians but for the whole American public.

Weve gotta get beyond it, McCarthy said.
The mom of a 6-week-old baby boy who was tragically killed by the family's husky is issuing a dire warning to other parents.

"It could be any dog at any time, completely unprovoked, no matter what the history is," cautioned Chloe Mansoor, the boy's mother, in an interview with WYMT.

As previously reported by HNGN, Ezra Mansoor had been in critical condition at East Tennessee Children's Hospital after the infant had been attacked by the family's husky. Ezra was asleep in his crib at the time of the attack.

Tragically, Ezra did not survive his wounds and was pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon.



During their time of grief, Mansoor and her family hope their story encourages others to be vigilant about having dogs around small children.



"Being his mom was the biggest honor and the best thing I've ever done," Chloe Mansoor said, accrording to the WYMT.

Despite being deeply devastated, Mark and Chloe find comfort in knowing that other children will receive the gift of life through his organ donation.

The family dog has been impounded and police are conducting an investigation due to the death.
Cromwell Refusing the Crown of England (1859), engraving after a painting by TH Maguire - Hulton Archive

The great want is money, which puts us to the wall in all our business. So wrote the politician John Thurloe to Henry Cromwell, fourth son of Oliver, in March 1658. By its closing years, the English Commonwealth, only 12 years removed from civil wars that had left around 200,000 dead, was drowning in debt. At one point the army in Ireland found itself nine months in arrears of pay, and the English three to four. When Oliver Cromwell died in September of that year, his oldest son Richard inherited the title of Lord Protector, and with it a state that Henry Reece describes as a teat with too many mouths jostling for its nourishment.

The situation was dire but, as Reece explains in The Last Fall, in the right hands it was eminently manageable. Englands national debt was far lower than that of France or the Netherlands, and a few swift policy-tweaks to curb spending and reform the military might have been enough to reassure the doubters. But that isnt what Richard Cromwell did. Instead, republican to the last, he held a parliament in the hope that it would vote more money. No such luck. By May of 1659, after only 264 days, Richard was out. Just a year later, after a period of political turmoil, Charles II was invited back from his exile on the Continent. The English monarchy had been restored.

The cover of The Fall, Reeces study of the final years of the interregnum, boasts that its the best narrative history to date, which places it in competition with Jonathan Healeys fantastic and remarkably accessible Blazing World, published in January. Were given a finely detailed examination of that period, but at the cost of much of the hand-holding that Healey offered.

Reece expects that readers will already be familiar with key events such as Prides Purge, Englands only coup detat, which took place in December 1648 when Colonel Thomas Pride prevented MPs who opposed the army from entering Parliament to vote, and even arrested 45 of them. This marked the end of the Long Parliament and the creation of the first, smaller, Rump Parliament, a radical subsection with fewer qualms when it came to things such as the execution of the king.

If the English civil wars were more regularly taught in schools, the way that Reece jumps into the midst of things would be no bother. As it stands, I wonder whether many readers wont flounder. That isnt to say that theres nothing interesting about the parade of republicans, secretaries and soldiers jostling for prominence; I just wouldnt want anyone to end up with egg on their face as a result of confusing the lawyer Bulstrode Whitelocke with his near-contemporary, the religious writer Whitelocke Bulstrode.

Oliver Cromwell and his son Richard, the two Lord Protectors of the interregnum - Alamy

The enduring story of the republics decline is that Richard Cromwells accession was met as a return to the hereditary rule from which the civil wars were fought to break away. Reece, however, suggests that Richards rise was a confused mess rather than a conspiracy, rushed through by an exhausted political class in order to stave off further violence. Richards embarrassingly short time as head of state earned him the nickname Tumbledown Dick, but this is a little unfair. Purely in terms of longevity, his 246-day reign places him head and shoulders above Jane Grey (nine) or the boy-king Edward V (77). Had Richard been a prime minister, he would have outscored Liz Truss (49); in fact, he wouldnt even be places among the five briefest tenures.

This all makes Reeces gently revisionist history a well-deserved corrective, arguing that Richard represented the greatest potential of the regimes of 1658 to 1670, and it was only the loss of the support of his fathers professionalised New Model Army that led to his downfall. The army, in particular, fascinates Reece. The best sections of The Fall concern the standoff between George Monck in Scotland, representing the interests of the exiled Rump Parliament, and John Lambert in England, who was a member of the army-backed Committee of Safety that led the country from October 27 to December 22 1659.

Lamberts failure to rally anyone to the Republican cause shows an England thoroughly disunited as a result of its experiment in revolution, in which nobody had a common notion of what the Good Old Cause was. The Government had been made impotent by their love of committees and their distrust of elected assemblies, and Moncks victory was met as a welcome liberation from the sheer stagnation of it all.

The Fall is a deeply studied book about a uniquely thorny period of English history, and makes a successful case for its enduring importance. That said, I dont know whether I was ever convinced by Reeces counterfactual suggestions that Richards government, or any of the periods short-lived administrations, had the potential to rise to the challenge. Most of all, I found myself in agreement with the Quaker Richard Hubberthorne, who wrote of his frustrations at years of paralysis: they talke and debate of things, but that is the most they doe.

The Fall is published by Yale University Press at 35. To order your copy for xx.xx, call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books
An aerial view of emergency services on the scene following an explosion at a townhouse in Whalan, in Sydney's west, on 2 June. Photograph: Fire and Rescue NSW

A mother has been left devastated after a woman was found dead in the rubble of a social housing townhouse in Sydneys west after it collapsed on Saturday following a massive explosion that was felt in neighbouring suburbs.

New South Wales police and fire and rescue services had been searching for Mhey Yumol Jasmin, who had been unaccounted for after the blast on Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, before her body was found early on Monday morning.

Related: Police find remains of backpacker who went missing in Blue Mountains 23 years ago

Det Supt Darren Newman from NSW police said Jasmins mother was devastated after her daughters body was located in the kitchen of the collapsed home at 3.20am.

We had to deliver a death message this morning, he said.

In a statement released through NSW police on Monday morning, Jasmins family thanked emergency services personnel for their tireless efforts over the past few days.

The family is so appreciative of their support, kindness and assistance, the statement said.

Wed also like to thank the public for their prayers and for respecting our privacy at this tragic time.

Emergency services will continue to pick through what remains of the property over the coming days as they investigate the cause of the blast, including whether gas played a role.

Newman said the gas supply, maintenance and inspection logs would be reviewed.

A spokesperson for gas provider Jemena said the company was cooperating fully with investigators.

There is significant damage to the area which means that the investigation into the cause may take some time, the spokesperson said.

The housing minister, Rose Jackson, has ordered an investigation from the department following reports that residents had raised concerns about smelling gas over the past year.

I am deeply concerned to hear of accounts from residents who reportedly raised the issue of the smell of gas within the last 12 months, she said.

I have instructed Homes NSW to urgently investigate this matter. The department are currently checking maintenance logs for any history of this.

She said what had happened was devastating and the safety of residents was the first priority.

Our immediate concern is ensuring everyone is receiving the care and support they need during this distressing time, she said.

Dozens of search and rescue technicians, including firefighters who responded to last years earthquake disaster in Turkey, were working at the scene. A police dog and acoustic devices were used to search for survivors.

Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the work had been particularly dangerous.

Anytime you have a building that undergoes a shock and a structural failure, particularly on a scale of what occurred on Saturday, it is inherently an extremely complex and dangerous situation, he said.

Crews earlier rescued a woman in her 60s and a woman in her 70s from the ruins, and later saved a small dog that was unharmed.

The women were among five people at the scene taken to hospital on Saturday afternoon  three to Mount Druitt hospital and two to the Hawkesbury district health service. All had been released by Sunday morning.

NSW Ambulance chief superintendent, Ian Johns, paid his respects to the victims family.

Someone has lost their life in this incident and we pay our respects to that family and to their friends and to this community, he said.

Mental health support will be provided for those affected at the Mount Druitt health centre.
Honorary President of the Reform UK party Nigel Farage reacts on the day of a conference titled "National Conservatism" in Brussels

One of my favourite scenes from one of my favourite films is when, in Wall Street, the ambitious and arrogant young stock trader, Bud Fox, finally gets to meet his hero Gordon Gekko, who is unforgettably played by Michael Douglas. Well, says Bud Fox, looking at his nervous, young self in a mirror while straightening his tie. Life all comes down to a few moments. And this is one of them.

Its a scene that perfectly encapsulates how, sometimes, our lives can suddenly be pushed in a different direction by just one chance encounter, one pivotal moment. And its a scene I suspect Nigel Farage can relate to. Not just because of his days as a broker in the City but because, as Britain hurtles toward the general election on July 4, Farages entire legacy now comes down to this one moment: his announcement that he will stand as a candidate in Clacton.

And, for the reasons Im about to outline, I think it was the right decision.

Well, let me start with the obvious. This campaign, so far, is as dull as dishwater. Its flat, bland, dry, boring, and completely lacking in energy. Everybodys bored. Anything Farage does, in other words, will immediately be magnified. Everybody is looking for anything remotely exciting to talk about. He knows this.

This election is the None of the Above election  a contest where neither of the big parties, neither Rishi Sunak nor Keir Starmer, are inspiring the masses. And nor, for that matter, are their ideas. Brexit might be done but the new, dreary, stifling, post-Brexit consensus  big state, big tax, big debt, big immigration, big on woke  is irritating millions.

Its not only Labour and the Tories looking utterly indistinguishable, but has left millions of ordinary people up and down the country feeling completely neglected, marginalised, and without representation. Just look at the low turnout at recent elections. Look too at vast numbers of voters who openly say the mainstream parties dont represent people like me. Are they all Farageists? Of course not. But is much of the country right now completely fed up with our entire political class? Absolutely.

Theres not just one open goal for Farage, in other words; there are several.

The palpable anti-Westminster mood. The genuine panic about how to afford life. The creeping sense of despair about mass immigration. The intense anger about our broken borders. The spiralling concern about lawlessness and crime. The rising fear about a dark new sectarianism. The visible erosion of British values and ways of life  particularly since October 7. And, on top of all that, the deep, unyielding sense of pessimism about where all this is heading  about where this country of ours is heading, about where this place we call home is heading.

That overwhelming, inescapable sense that while the present is already worse than the past the future will be even worse. The parents quietly asking themselves, do we really want to stay here? Do we really want our kids to have to spend the rest of their lives here? The young Zoomers from Gen-Z openly talking about the great retreat, leaving Britain for good and not looking back. The quiet but growing awareness that Britains best days are now firmly in the past and all that awaits us is managed decline, a country where its each to their own, where people hunker down and hope for the best and say to hell with the wider community.

All of it has left an enormous vacuum at the very heart of the system and one thats much larger than anything Farage faced in the 2010s. Back then, our debates were still, on the whole, about policy. Could Britain actually change its destiny by leaving the European Union? Could the Tories lower net migration? Could we build a Big Society? Could we create community cohesion? But today, for many people, as the inability or sheer unwillingness of our leaders to deliver these things, to even try and change our future, has become unavoidable, the mood has become much more existential.

Farage has realised this; many other politicians have not. He has grasped that many people want to have a very different kind of conversation about where we are heading as a society; they have not. He might be criticised by broadcast interviewers and BBC newsreaders as inflammatory and at times he certainly is; but already in the opening days of this campaign hes tapped into this much deeper sense of unease among the British people, this legitimate sense of unease, about what is now unfolding before them.

Can Britain  our shared history, collective memory, identity, values, and ways of life  actually survive in a form that we recognise, respect and want to pass down to our children and their children? How can a national community hold itself together while undergoing unprecedented demographic change, persistent economic decline, and a ruling elite that routinely downplays or derides, rather than defend, who we are?

And who out there, exactly, is willing to push back, seriously, against the growing assortment of radicals and extremists who very clearly loathe who we are, who have no interest in respecting our ways of life? Nigel Farage does not have the answers to these questions. But he is at least willing to talk openly about them. And that in itself gives him an enormous opening.

While Labour will put much of this on steroids, from removing deterrents for illegal migrants to embedding gender ideology and other woke policies into the fabric of our national life, the Tories have consistently shown themselves unable or unwilling to speak to these questions.

Even worse, theyve actively encouraged this national decline, presiding over the population explosion, mainstreaming radical liberal progressivism, and repeatedly failing to reform institutions that are actively promoting a culture of national repudiation  a culture in which we are implicitly encouraged to spend more time reflecting on what is wrong than what is right with who we are.

Which is why the Tories must, and they will, lose this election. And lose it heavily. Nigel Farage knows this. He knows the Tories must not be allowed to continue in their current form  a lifeless, pointless, shapeless, intellectually vacuous party that at each and every turn has put its own interests ahead of those of the country. They simply have to become something else.

But, at the same time, the only person who can force them to do this, at this moment in time, is Farage. Those who say the Tories can only ever be changed from the inside miss the fundamental lesson of the last decade, which is that the only thing the Tories have ever understood is pressure from outside. Put it this way, do you really think a party that sidelines the likes of David Frost is really going to change itself? Nobody inside the Tory party is seriously interested in changing the Tory party.

So what does this mean? Right now, it means destroying the current model of conservatism. It means not voting Tory. It means demonstrating, beyond doubt, that the model of conservatism which brought us mass immigration, broken borders, a London-centric economy, treating levelling-up as an afterthought, refusing to take on the Blairite consensus and prioritise the British people in everything from housing to the economy is completely broken.

It means not only maintaining the Reform partys double-digit support in the polls as a foundation for after the election but, as a result, Farage doing all that he can to support this. And that means leading from the front, by standing for parliament.

Farage announcing he is standing in Clacton, in Essex, which is probably the only seat he would be able to win in a matter of weeks, given its long history of supporting Ukip, is the only way he can inject a new sense of energy and enthusiasm into Reform. It is the only way he can ensure, beyond doubt, that this election not only becomes a referendum on immigration but also, for many people, a referendum on the Tory party, on the very nature of conservatism.

It means absolutely no deals between the Tories and Reform at this election or in the future, at least until the former have been humiliated electorally. It means donors piling money into Reform. It means activists, former MPs, councillors, and others defecting to Reform. If the Tories are going down anyway, which they are, then at least clear the runway for something else.

And it means Nigel Farage demonstrating proof of concept by establishing a voice in parliament where he can genuinely make the case for a much broader and more representative conservative movement. And, ultimately, all this means Farage finally realising that his entire life and legacy now come down to this one moment, to this one decision.
Nigel Farage

It suits Labour very well for this general election to be a somewhat boring affair. When your strategy is safety first, the upsetting of apple carts can be an unwelcome development.

But thats exactly what Nigel Farage has done by announcing hes stepping into the leadership of Reform UK, replacing Richard Tice. The Conservatives will be unnerved by this development  they are unlikely to welcome anything that improves Farages already stratospheric profile. But Farages insistence that Labour, as well as Tory, votes are in his crosshairs, should cause Keir Starmer to start to worry.

Much newsprint has died in vain these last five years as experts and commentators have sought to analyse what happened in 2019 in the Red Wall - former Labour constituencies, mostly in the North and Midlands, which succumbed to Boris Johnsons charms. Many of those voters have decided to return, at this election, to their traditional home, hence Labours seemingly impregnable lead.

Starmers offer to those voters is that Labour has changed since the dark days of Jeremy Corbyns leadership. But what if the voters havent?

What if those former Labour supporters who voted Conservative in order to Get Brexit Done and to oppose historically high levels of immigration still feel the same way? What if theyre unrepentant about their support for the Leave campaign in 2016 and still get angry at the thousands of illegal immigrants arriving on the Kent shore every day?

However much Labour has changed under Starmer, it still has precious little to say about Brexit, other than to hint that it will, in government, seek closer ties with the EU. And its outright opposition to Rishi Sunaks Rwanda scheme barely disguised the absence of any radical alternative to prevent illegal immigration.

Despised though Farage is by much of the Westminster establishment, voters looking for some excitement  or even some interest  in this election, might just start paying attention to him now that hes a party leader once again. And that could prove very bad news indeed for Labour, perhaps as much as it is for the Conservatives.
A model used by Tick Begg to teach his braces technique at the PR Begg Museum in Adelaide, South Australia. Photograph: Sia Duff/The Guardian

In medieval Europe, barber-surgeons might cut your hair, shave your face, do a bit of blood-letting and tend to a broken limb.

They might also pull a tooth out with a pelican  a crude beak-like shank  or lever it out with an iron tooth key. By the 17th century they might just knock it out with a steel punch elevator.

Its a winding, gruesome road from these early practitioners of dentistry to todays world of 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robots that can create dental implants.

Wayne Sampson, a dental historian and emeritus professor at the University of Adelaide, says the history of dental work goes back much further than the barber-surgeons.

Related: Shock of the old: 10 rotten and repugnant artefacts from dental history

If you look archaeologically youll find evidence of something dental  the Etruscans were using gold wire to fasten a tooth, usually an animal tooth, but it could have been human, he says.

Guardian Australia is meeting Sampson in the PR Begg Museum in central Adelaide, where he is surrounded by examples of tooth moulds and braces, and equipment including a pedal-operated drill. There are elegantly shaped wires, an ashtray and a box full of teeth wrapped in various metals.

After discarding its connection to barbers, dentistry stayed under medicine in many parts of the world before becoming its own speciality in the early 19th century. But it was still a fairly crude practice for the next 100 years.

Enter Dr Percy Raymond Begg, better known as Tick Begg, who modernised orthodontic techniques and transformed braces.

The industry has changed dramatically, Sampson says. And I think Dr Begg fits fairly neatly at the turning point. Because before him, orthodontics was very crude, with limited machinery to try to move teeth  mainly with crowbars, he jokes.

It was characterised by not particularly well-directed heavy forces, which largely just tipped the tooth over  and Dr Begg changed all of that.

Begg studied in Melbourne before training under the acclaimed US orthodontist Dr Edward Hartley Angle. He treated his first patient in Adelaide in 1926.

He was not the first orthodontist in Australia  [but he was] one of the first proper orthodontists trained or recognised in Australia, if not the world, Sampson says.

The SA History Hub describes Begg as faithfully following Angles methods until 1928, when he broke with established tradition and became the first orthodontist to extract selected teeth to correct dental crowding.

The Begg technique used new styles of brackets, stainless steel wire, light forces and three well-organised stages of treatment to correct teeth more gently, efficiently and cheaply.

What he quickly realised was that Angle was not right  about being a non-extractionist, never taking out any permanent teeth, Sampson says.

Begg tried to practise non-extraction for a few years and he very quickly realised it was not working. So then he came upon the revolutionary idea of extracting some teeth to make room.

He studied overcrowding, wear and tear, and movement. His findings and technique were picked up globally.

Adelaide became the orthodontic centre of the world, Sampson says. We had people coming here from all sorts of places. Big names. As students you think, wow, they visited here. Americans actually know where Adelaide is.

Theres not many people in any field, any walk of life that can actually change the way things were done on a global scale.

Sampson says the museum is a homage to Begg. He deserves the recognition.

Modern orthodontics and the patients who receive it at whatever end of the scale of technology, Begg has in some way influenced all of it. He revolutionised the way it was all done.

He truly was a pioneer orthodontist.

AI advances

Now practices are changing faster than Begg could ever have envisaged.

Khaled Ahmed, associate professor of restorative dentistry and general practice at the Royal Melbourne dental hospital, says digital dentistry has brought astounding advances.

We can  quickly get a very accurate scan of the patients mouth, digitally design the filling or dental crown they need, and 3D-print or mill that customised restoration and fit it through a very streamlined workflow that can be as short as an hour instead of days or weeks, he says.

Related: This will hurt: a history of dentistry  in pictures

Missing a tooth and need a dental implant and crown? Soon a robot will assist your dental surgeon in placing that implant accurately and efficiently.

The first of these, Yomi, has been approved in the US.

Ahmed says robotics will eventually expand to help with fillings and root canals. These robots will also be guided by artificial intelligence trained on massive patient datasets, he says.

AI will be able to generate bespoke treatment plans, help dentists detect tooth decay and gum disease, help patients book appointments and even give them advice. But there will still be challenges surrounding privacy, affordable access and upskilling, Ahmed says.

A promotional video for Yomi shows a dentist placing six implants in 90 seconds. Another shows its robotic arm guiding the surgeon, and the drill into the right position, where Yomi drills to a precise depth.

If that sounds only a touch less terrifying than facing a pelican, a tooth key or a punch elevator, rest assured that the dentists who use it say patients are more comfortable and satisfied and that it can alleviate anxiety.
Sir Keir Starmer's tax raid has been blamed by two schools for their closure at the end of summer term - IAN WEST/PA

Sir Keir Starmer has claimed that recent private school closures have nothing to do with Labours planned tax raid.

The party has pledged to impose VAT on private school fees as soon as possible if it wins the election on July 4, and to funnel the proceeds into the state sector.

Labour claims it will generate 1.7 billion to invest in a brilliant state education for all.

But the plan has sparked fears of a pupil exodus from private to state schools as families struggle to afford rising costs.

The proposals already appear to be taking a toll, with Downham Preparatory School in Norfolk blaming Labours policy for its decision to shut at the end of term.

The principal said that the prep school, which charges half the national average, would have been forced to pass on the levy onto ordinary parents like plumbers and electricians, most of whom could not afford fee rises.

Alton School in Hampshire will also close this summer, with parents laying the blame at Sir Keirs door.

The school said in a statement on its website that adverse political and economic factors had drained pupil numbers, leaving it unviable to run.

But the Labour leader denied that his tax raid was to blame instead suggesting the recent closures should be put into perspective  pointing to hundreds of private schools shutting over the last 14 years, while the Conservatives have been in power.

Sir Keir made the comments following a speech on Labours defence policy in Bury, Greater Manchester, where he denied Tory claims that Britain would be less safe under his leadership.

Asked whether he regretted the closure of another private school as a result of his plans to add VAT to fees, he told The Telegraph: Ive seen a number of reports of private schools closing. When you look at the details, its got nothing to do with Labour Party policy at all.

In fact, I think hundreds of private schools have closed over the last 14 years. And its about time that was put into the mix when these stories are reported.

It comes after Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said that many private schools have pleaded poverty and say people will be priced out by the proposals.

Mr Streeting said on BBCs Question Time: I say to the headteachers, youre going to have to cut your cloth accordingly like state schools have had to.
A typical English country stile with dog gate leading to meadow in the countryside

Kate Humble has broken ranks. Usually BBC presenters can be expected to take a woke stance on any subject, but speaking at the Hay Festival she has dared to come out against the right to roam. This is inflammatory stuff.

Since the mass trespass movement of the 1930s, the idea that the world at large should have unfettered access to the land, whoever owns it, has been a key tenet of socialist ideology. Given that the predicted Starmer government wont have much to spend because of the dire state of the public finances, this is just the sort of legislation he might be tempted to enact. But Humbles right. However attractive it might sound in principle, we dont need it and  as experience already shows in Scotland  it doesnt work.

Conditions are different from the legendary Kinder Scout mass trespass of 1932. Then, hundreds of young men and women, in picturesque rambling gear and shorts of every length and colour, according to its organiser Ben Rothman, stormed the Duke of Devonshires grousemoor at Kinder Scout, in Derbyshire. They came from the surrounding industrial centres like Manchester and Sheffield, incensed that so much inviting open space on their own doorstep should be owned by one man and used for an exclusive sport. There were clashes with the police and half a dozen arrests. Since 1951, however, Kinder Scout has been part of the Peak District National Park, and free to visit as, in tourist board jargon, a walkers paradise.

There are now 15 National Parks in the UK, with 3,300km of public rights of way in the most recent of them, the South Downs National Park, created in 2010. They are one of the glories of Britain. Admittedly, success can bring its problems, with too many people being attracted to some famous sites and footpaths becoming worn; as ever, in these crowded islands, the landscape must be managed so that it retains the beauty that people come to enjoy in the first place.

But for more adventurous spirits, who want to get further form the beaten track, there is the extraordinary network of footpaths, bridleways and byways, all giving unlimited access to walkers across England and Wales. The Ramblers Association fights tooth and nail for every inch of them, and rightly so: the poet Geoffrey Grison called them humanitys oldest inscriptions upon the landscape  the result of the protection given by common law to paths that are constantly in use.

True, the route taken by a shepherd or milkmaid going to and from the farm may not always be the most convenient for recreational use today and it might be sensible if some were rationalised, but I can understand the romance. Landowners tend to maintain footpaths and ensure themselves against accidents from falling boughs or wonky stiles, regardless of the general absence of financial return.

But the spirit of Kinder Scout lives on, and particularly in Scotland, where the evils of the landowning class are part of national mythology. You can walk on nearly all land north of the border. And although Scotland is sparsely populated, the result has been a nightmare for people many of the people wanting to protect the natural environment. Rare wetland birds, nesting on the fringes of a loch, are driven away by walkers who insist on tramping past them, often with dogs. Farmers find it hard enough to make a living without sheep being chased and cattle stampeded. One persons beauty spot is someone elses workplace.

Despite the fashion for rewilding, nothing in Britain is truly wild; it needs to be carefully tended if it is to retain the biodiversity and joy that people love. If we want to preserve special habitats and encourage wildlife to flourish, some places have to be out of bounds. Its all a question of balance between competing needs and interests: rampant ideology doesnt help.
Divers, drones, and helicopters were searching on Monday for a young man who was swept away by flash flooding in a river in northern Italy, a day after the bodies of his two female companions were found.

The three friends became trapped on a gravel bar in the middle of the Natisone River in the north eastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia when the river level suddenly began to rise.

Video footage showed them clutching each other as they desperately tried to withstand the force of the water. Minutes later they were swept away.

The bodies of Patrizia Cormos, 20, and her friend Bianca Doros, 23, were found on Sunday at locations between 700 metres and one kilometre downstream of where they disappeared.

Rescuers are searching for Cristian Molnar, 25, the boyfriend of Ms Doros.

The three friends had decided to take a walk along the banks of the Natisone River last Friday.

They ventured out onto a tiny gravel island but the level of the river suddenly began to rise as a result of torrential rain.

Patrizia Cormos, Cristian Molnar and Bianca Doros

The mayor of the local town suggested that they could have saved themselves had they waded back to the riverbank immediately rather than staying put and trying to withstand the floodwaters.

They had the chance to escape and save themselves, said Michele De Sabata, the mayor of the town of Premariacco.

He said he knew the river well  as a child, he would play there but whenever the normally clear water started to turn muddy, locals would immediately get out of the water, knowing that floodwater from the mountains was on its way.

The water had surrounded them, but it was still low. Maybe they decided not to move so as not to get their clothes and shoes wet. Unfortunately, the river was then flowing at tremendous speed. There was a fire service rescuer just seven metres away from them, but he was unable to do anything, Mr De Sabata told Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Rescuers saw the three young people swept away in front of their eyes. A rescue helicopter was on its way but arrived just a minute too late.

Sadly, the helicopter arrived a minute after the kids disappeared, the mayor said.

Video from the scene showed the trio hugging each other as flood waters swirled around them.

We threw them a rope, but they were literally swallowed up by the flood waters in front of our eyes. We watched them disappear, said Giorgio Basile, a fire service chief in the nearby city of Udine.
Symptoms of the illness are similar to those of the degenerative brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Photograph: Pixel-shot/Alamy

A leading federal scientist in Canada has alleged he was barred from investigating a mystery brain illness in the province of New Brunswick and said he fears more than 200 people affected by the condition are experiencing unexplained neurological decline.

The allegations, made in leaked emails to a colleague seen by the Guardian, have emerged two years after the eastern province closed its investigation into a possible cluster of cases.

Related: Mysterious neurological illness haunts Canadian Atlantic region

All I will say is that my scientific opinion is that there is something real going on in [New Brunswick] that absolutely cannot be explained by the bias or personal agenda of an individual neurologist, wrote Michael Coulthart, a prominent microbiologist. A few cases might be best explained by the latter, but there are just too many (now over 200).

New Brunswick health officials warned in 2021 that more than 40 residents were suffering from a possible unknown neurological syndrome, with symptoms similar to those of the degenerative brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Those symptoms were varied and dramatic: some patients started drooling and others felt as though bugs were crawling on their skin.

A year later, however, an independent oversight committee created by the province determined that the group of patients had most likely been misdiagnosed and were suffering from known illnesses such as cancer and dementia.

The committee and the New Brunswick government also cast doubt on the work of neurologist Alier Marrero, who was initially referred dozens of cases by baffled doctors in the region, and subsequently identified more cases. The doctor has since become a fierce advocate for patients he feels have been neglected by the province.

A final report from the committee, which concluded there was no cluster of people suffering from an unknown brain syndrome, signalled the end of the provinces investigation.

But leaked emails viewed by the Guardian tell a starkly different story and suggest senior research scientists in Canadas public health agency (PHAC) remain increasingly concerned over the cause  and the debilitating symptoms  of an seemingly unexplained illness that disproportionately affects younger people.

Related: Whats going on with me? Canadian victims of mystery illness suffer alone

In an October 2023 email exchange with another PHAC member, Coulthart, who served as the federal lead in the 2021 investigation into the New Brunswick illness, said he had been essentially cut off from any involvement in the issue, adding he believed the reason was political.

Coulthart, a veteran scientist who currently heads Canadas Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System, did not respond to a request for comment by the Guardian. But in the leaked email, he wrote that he believes an environmental exposure  or a combination of exposures  is triggering and/or accelerating a variety of neurodegenerative syndromes with people seemingly susceptible to different protein-misfolding ailments, including Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease.

Coulthart argues this phenomenon does not easily fit within shallow paradigms of diagnostic pathology and the complexity of the issue has given politicians a loophole to conclude nothing coherent is going on.

I believe the truth will assert itself in time, but for now all we can do  is continue to collect information on the cases that come to us as suspect prion disease, Coulthart wrote.

Copies of the email exchange were sent to the parliamentary health committee by a patient advocacy group in March, but it is unclear whether any action was taken. The committee did not respond to a request for comment.

New Brunswicks health department did not respond to specific questions about Coultharts emails.

Although Dr Alier Marrero has made statements regarding findings and observations with regards to a large number of patients, since May 2023, Public Health New Brunswick has received a total of only 29 complete notifications from Dr Marrero, a spokesperson for the provinces health department told the Guardian in an email.

These are being reviewed  to date, Public Health New Brunswick has not received any similar notifications from other physicians.

Coultharts email emerged more than a year after Marrero pleaded with the Canadian government to carry out environmental testing he believed would show the involvement of glyphosate.

Marrero, who initially worked closely with Coulthart, declined to comment on the October emails, instead directing questions to the provinces health authority.

In the years since the cases were first flagged to health officials, those suffering say various levels of government have ignored their plight.

Politicians dont want to acknowledge there is something serious going on, because then they need to address it, said one young woman, adding that ever since the province issued its final report, she has received no assistance or follow-up, despite experiencing worsening symptoms.

She now suffers from muscle tremors and poor coordination, and was told by doctors her visual and memory deterioration is reminiscent of a patient several decades older.

My condition is progressing and things have been much more challenging, she said. The woman, who asked not to be named, is unable to cook because her hands are too hard to control and she now relies nearly exclusively on frozen meals. As her memory deteriorates, she requires constant reminders from her smart speaker to take medications, to shower and to eat.

I miss being able to drive and to have a sense of independence, she says. I dont recognize myself on the inside.
Paul Dano in the 2023 film Dumb Money which chronicles the GameStop short squeeze of January 2021. GameStop shares soared on Monday after Keith Gill, the man who inspired 2021s short squeeze, appeared to show a $181.4m position in GameStop stock and options. (Landmark Media, LANDMARK MEDIA)

GameStop (GME)

Meme stock GameStop rallied as much as 75% at the market open before coming down to 34% on speculation that Keith Gill, the man who inspired 2021s short squeeze, could currently have a significant position in the video game retailer.

Gill, who goes by "Roaring Kitty" on X and YouTube and "DeepFValue" on Reddit, appeared to post a screenshot that shows a $181.4m (142.6m) position in GameStop stock and options.

The options would allow him to buy the stock at $20 per share.

Read more: FTSE 100 LIVE: Europe in the green as London stocks make biggest jump in a month

Recent renewed interest in meme stocks, coming as the main US indices struggle to make new highs, is a sign of excessive over exuberance and is more likely a negative portent given the rising headwinds in the markets, Robert Lea, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, said.

GameStop largely relies on brick-and-mortar stores and has been grappling with customers turning online for buying video games and collectibles.

Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, warned investors against chasing the rally.

"Is whoever controlling this account doing this in your best interest, or in their best interest? And, really, you should think that one through because to me it [is] pretty obvious whose interest it's in," Sosnick told Yahoo Finance on Monday.

"If you're chasing the stock up here, you're more likely than not the source of liquidity for whoever is controlling this account to sell into your enthusiasm."

Bitcoin price rose slightly on Monday adding 1.74% on the day to reach $68,858 at the time of writing. However, overall, it has remained tightly rangebound since it failed to top $70,000 again in late May.

Bitcoin saw little price movement even as El Salvador president Nayib Bukele  who had adopted the cryptocurrency as legal tender in 2021  was re-elected for a second term over the weekend.

Read more: Crypto live prices

The price has also been supported by Donald Trump fans, after the former US president added the option to accept bitcoin as campaign donations.

Despite declining gains, bitcoin investor Peter Brandt is predicting the cryptocurrency could reach $150,000 by September 2025.

Saudi Aramco (2222.SR)

Saudi Aramcos executives are expected to hold a series of events in the UK and US as they seek to drive up interest for a $12bn share sale.

Saudi Arabias state-owned oil giant axed an international roadshow for its $29.4bn initial public offering five years ago after overseas investors casted doubts at its valuation expectations, leaving the government reliant on local buyers.

Read more: Stocks that are trending today

However, its secondary listing plans were oversubscribed within hours of the deal opening on Sunday.

As a result, the Aramco is planning events to attract investors in London this week, at least one of which will be attended by chief executive Amin Nasser, according to Bloomberg News.

The Saudi government owns about 82% of Aramco, while the kingdoms wealth fund holds a further 16% stake.

Blackstone (BX) has announced plans to sweeten its offer for Hipgnosis as part of a restructured bid for the music rights owner designed to make completing the deal easier.

On Monday, the US private equity firm said it had revised its offer price after discussions with the Hipgnosis board.

It has risen by one US cent per share, valuing Hipgnosis at about $1.58bn (1.27bn), an almost 50% premium on the closing price of Hipgnosis shares before an offer was made.

Read more: Stocks to watch this week: WH Smith, B&M, BAT and Inditex

The two businesses had previously agreed to a deal that will see Hipgnosis taken off the public markets.

However, the process had been complicated by tensions between the London-listed fund and its founder Merck Mercuriadis, who runs advisory firm Hipgnosis Songs Management (HSM).

Watch: What went into meme star GameStop's $933m stock sale

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Russia's most recent incursion on Ukraine's northeastern border is a "calamity," resulting in "extreme Russian casualties," without strategic benefit, a war historian argued this week - while criticizing the Western media for its reporting on the conflict.

The "supposedly strategic benefit of the campaign for Russia was that it would limit Ukrainian attacks into Russia," American historian Phillips O'Brien wrote in a Sunday op-ed for the Kyiv Post. "If that was an intended benefit, this was probably the most disastrous own-goal, strategic calculation so far since the failure of the original invasion."

Russian troops advanced on Kharkiv on May 9 - in the largest encroachment on Ukrainian land since December 2022, with the Russians seizing 107 square miles, according to an AFP analysis. Between 5,000 and 10,000 Russian soldiers poured across the border, while Ukrainian forces were largely absent, the Guardian reported.

The northeastern province is home to Ukraine's second-largest city and has been the target of attempted Russian incursions since 2014.

"It certainly seemed very bleak for Ukraine if you were reading the press and what the analytical community were saying," O'Brien wrote. "And then all of a sudden, Russian advances ground to a halt-seeming to stop almost entirely in the Kharkiv area. So foundationally the Kharkiv offensive has basically become static for Russia-with hardly any gains after the first few days."

In the month since the initial incursion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has re-upped requests for aid from Ukraine's allies, in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Zelenskyy has maintained that the war is winnable for Ukraine but only if allies continue to provide strategic aid to the embattled Eastern European country.

O'Brien argues that Russia's plan was a strategic failure, that exposed their troops to increased risk, without sufficient gains to justify the plan. Simultaneously, O'Brien argues, Russia has inflamed the ire of the United States - which recently increased aid to Ukraine, after months of domestic political battles.

"What Russia has done with the Kharkiv offensive has opened up Russia to attack by the US system in a way that would have been inconceivable before," O'Brien wrote.

"Indeed, the offensive was so flagrantly planned to take advantage of US fears, and the Russians compounded that through their terror attacks on Kharkiv, that they caused a boomerang reaction, and the Biden Administration did its volte-face this week and okayed Ukrainian attacks into Russia with US weapons."

Ukrainian forces have reportedly already started using U.S. artillery to hit targets inside Russia after Washington approved an expanded use of them. They fired dozens of precision-guided munitions at Russian artillery, troops and a bridge on Sunday, according to the Kyiv Post.
Dom Phillips widow Alessandra Sampaio joins hands with members of the Matis and Marubo peoples around a kapok tree during a visit to Indigenous communities. Photograph: Joao Laet/The Guardian

Alessandra Sampaio fell to her knees and wept as she clambered on to the boats deck and came face to face with the remote riverside clearing where her husbands life was extinguished and hers turned upside down.

The sound of Sampaios lament mixed with birdsong and the voice of an Indigenous shaman echoed through the jungle where the British journalist, Dom Phillips, and his Brazilian comrade Bruno Pereira were shot dead in June 2022.

Dom and Bruno are here! Save them! Their spirits are lost here! We cant see them but they are here! the 85-year-old medicine man, Cesar Marubo, cried out, imploring his peoples God and creator, Kana Voa, to guide their souls towards paradise.

Take them by the hand and lift them up into heaven! Marubo pleaded, his eyes also filling with tears.

On the riverbank before them, framed by Amazonian money trees laden with bright red fruit, two wooden crosses marked the spot where Phillips and Pereira were ambushed and murdered, allegedly by a trio of illegal fishers who are in prison awaiting trial.

What I most want is to leave this pain behind, Sampaio had said the previous evening, as she prepared to make her first journey to the place where Phillipss final reporting mission came to a sudden end.

Sampaios visit, marking the two-year anniversary of a crime that shocked the world, was part of a deeply personal quest to come to terms with the loss of her husband, a longtime Guardian reporter who was writing a book about the Amazon when he was killed.

Im not angry. Ive never felt anger, I just miss him so much, said Sampaio, who wears the wedding ring recovered from her husbands body around her neck.

But the pilgrimage was also designed to announce the creation of the Dom Phillips Institute, which will honour the journalists legacy through educational initiatives raising awareness of the complexities and magnificence of the Amazon and its original inhabitants.

We dont want to be frozen in pain and frustration. We want to forge ahead, Sampaio said as she journeyed by boat along the Itaquai river towards the shrine activists have built at the scene of the crime. We must transform this pain into a positive movement  and give new meaning to everything that happened.

Sampaio said the institute would be guided by the qualities for which her husband was known: tenderness, a burning desire to listen, and respect for diversity and life.

I think that if Dom was here talking to me now hed say: Go Ale: move forwards, learn more, make contacts, help to echo this message about this incredible thing that is the Amazon and all of its beauties, Sampaio said before travelling to the memorial on the same vessel Indigenous searchers used in their dogged 10-day battle to find Phillips and Pereira after they disappeared while heading to the rivertown of Atalaia do Norte.

Members of those search teams accompanied Sampaio during last weeks visit to pay tributes of their own.

It was such a tragedy and we are here to celebrate them, said Binin Carlos Matis, an Indigenous activist who worked with Pereira trying to defend his ancestral home in the Javari valley Indigenous territory, a Portugal-sized sprawl of jungle that is home to the worlds largest concentration of isolated peoples.

Orlando Possuelo, an Indigenous expert who helped coordinate the search operation and continues to work in the region, hoped the memorial would also remind frontline activists of the dangers that their struggle to preserve the Amazon involved. We dont want the Javari valley to be filled with crosses, he said.

The headquarters of Possuelos Indigenous monitoring group, Evu, in Atalaia do Norte was the first stop on Sampaios two-day tour of the isolated rainforest region near Brazils tri-border with Colombia and Peru.

There, she heard distressing reports about the ongoing assault on the Javari valley territory where illegal fishers, poachers, miners and drug traffickers continue to operate despite government pledges to crack down. There are 300 points of invasion, Possuelo told Sampaio, pointing to a map peppered with coloured dots denoting the different threats.

Days earlier Evu activists had chased off a gang of five poachers who had invaded the protected Indigenous territory, confiscating tapir and peccary meat and hundreds of tracaja river turtles they were trying to smuggle out and sell. On the eve of Sampaios arrival, an Evu member was assaulted at a local bar  an attack members suspect was motivated by their work.

But Sampaio also heard heartening accounts of how Evu had ramped up its activities in the two years since her husband was killed while reporting on the groups fight to protect Indigenous lives. Evus membership has doubled to about 40 since Phillips and Pereira were murdered, with plans for a 116-strong force in the coming years patrolling each of the Javari valleys six main waterways.

The next day Sampaio visited the base of the Indigenous association Univaja, which served as the nerve centre of the 2022 search effort, to discuss her plans for the institute and ask local leaders how it could help their cause. They will not silence Doms voice, she told them.

Representatives of the Matis, Marubo and Mayoruna peoples took turns to voice their hopes and fears over the regions future.

Teacher Nilo Marubo spoke gloomily about how a lack of education and opportunities was driving an exodus of young people from Indigenous villages. When they arrive in the cities they end up getting mixed up in alcoholism, drugs and even [criminal] factions, he said.

Marina Mayuruna, a 27-year-old activist, denounced the violence affecting Indigenous women and girls. Some men will tell you this doesnt happen. But it does  and its the women who suffer, she told Sampaio.

Clovis Marubo, a 58-year-old leader, feared younger generations were becoming disconnected from traditional ways of life as western culture marched deeper into the region.

Theres been such a big change in the past 40 years. We are losing our culture. Our culture is becoming folklore, he said, ruing how many youngsters no longer knew how to hunt monkeys or peccary, use bows and arrows, or speak their native tongues.

Silvana Marubo lamented the unabating threats to Indigenous activists and their non-Indigenous allies. I worry who the next Doms and Brunos will be, she said, telling Sampaio: Your pain is our pain  your tears are our tears. Your struggle is our struggle.

Sampaio listened intently as her Indigenous hosts spoke, engrossed by their oration just as her journalist husband had been. At times tears rolled down her cheeks. At others she smiled and laughed, radiating hope and admiration as she heard their petitions.

Outside, Phillipss 53-year-old widow caught constant glimpses of the Amazonian treasures and peculiarities that had so captivated her partner. The boisterous yellow-rumped cacique birds feasting on mangoes in trees lining the rivertowns streets. Dolphins cavorting in the waters below. The phantasmagoric statues of snakes, jaguars and saints adorning Atalaia do Nortes squares.

One afternoon Sampaio took part in a Matis whipping ritual called mariwin, where men wearing ceramic masks and covered in fern leaves thrash participants with palm stalks to frighten off evil spirits. Sampaio winced as the lash struck her back but vowed to return to the Javari valley to ensure the Dom Phillips institutes first project benefited a place he had loved and where he was lost.

I dont want to be stuck with this [negative] image of the Javari. For me the Javari is a world waiting to be discovered, she said, staring out across the bronze-coloured waters where her spouse once roved. This is a special place for me.
Wes Streeting met with the Redbridge branch on Mend in his constituency of Ilford North - HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY/FOR THE TELEGRAPH

The security minister has urged Wes Streeting to apologise over a series of meetings with a Muslim organisation that was identified by Michael Gove as Islamist.

Mr Streeting attended events with the Redbridge branch of Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) in his constituency of Ilford North in 2016 and 2017.

The shadow health secretary said in social media posts at the time he was uplifted to have met with the group about tackling Islamophobia and community concerns about anti-Muslim hatred.

In March, Michael Gove, the Communities Secretary, used parliamentary privilege to describe Mend as giving rise to concern because of their Islamist orientation and views.

He announced that the organisation, which encourages British Muslims to participate in voluntary bodies and institutions, would be assessed against the Governments new definition of extremism.

Michael Gove said concerns were raised against Mind because of their 'Islamist orientation and views' - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP

Tom Tugendhat said: Mend are well-known for working with extremists, siding with those who would kill our troops, and seeking to divide communities across our country.

Labour should take this opportunity to side with mainstream Muslims and condemn their behaviour, and recommit to tackling anti-Semitism.

Instead of quietly deleting his comments from his website, Wes should urgently clarify his view and apologise to the Jewish community.

Mr Streeting defended his decision to participate in a further meeting with Mend in Parliament in 2017 despite four other MPs withdrawing on account of their opposition to the groups extremist views.

Speaking ahead of the event, which was held to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, he told Jewish News: I am committed to this event because of the huge surge in prejudice against Muslims, both verbal and physical, in recent months.

He added he was aware of serious concerns about comments alleged to have been by senior figures in Mend but added that some of the reported remarks in question were disputed.

Politicising extremism

Azad Ali, Mends former director of engagement, was suspended from the Civil Service on full pay in 2009 after comments appeared on his personal website that justified the killing of British troops in Iraq.

At a speech in 2018, Sir Mark Rowley, who is now Met Commissioner, accused Mend of seeking to undermine the states considerable efforts to tackle all hate crime.

Earlier this year, Labour told The Telegraph it had adopted a policy to not engage with Mend, which has warned that Labours stance on issues including the Israel-Hamas conflict risks alienating Muslim voters.

A source close to Mr Streeting rejected the suggestion he had deleted anything from his website. They said he changed website host in 2018, so no content before then could be found on his current site.

They added he had not had any engagement with Mend since 2017 and noted the group ran a fringe event at that years Conservative conference focused on the Tory Partys relationship with the Muslim community.

In response to Mr Gove naming his organisation as Islamist, Azhar Qayum, the chief executive of Mend, challenged the frontbencher to repeat his claims outside Parliament.

He accused the Tories of pursuing culture wars and politicising extremism for electoral gain to pander to a far-Right electorate.

Mend and Mr Streetings office were contacted for comment.
Ursula von der Leyen in Spain last week to take part in the People's party campaign for the European parliament elections. Photograph: Lavandeira Jr./EPA

She has inspected a drone factory in Latvia, laid flowers at a monument to the late Pope John Paul II in Poland and posed with a shaggy dog in Luxembourg. From Copenhagen to Split, Maastricht to Plovdiv, she has given speeches, shaken hands, signed T-shirts and posed for a lot of selfies. It has been a busy few weeks for Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking a second five-year term as head of the European Commission, one of the most powerful jobs in European politics.

With cheering activists and campaign merch  as team Von der Leyen refers to its royal purple branded mugs and hoodies  it looks like any other drive to get the vote out. There is even a video of the commission president striding purposefully along a lane near her countryside home to dramatic orchestral music. Campaigning is one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life, the German politician said at a recent debate with rival candidates.

But this is not a typical campaign. Von der Leyen is not running in the European elections on 6-9 June and almost nobody she meets can vote for her. In 2024 this is what it takes to become president of the commission, the EUs highly technocratic civil service with political leadership; to secure the keys to the Berlaymont in Brussels, Von der Leyen has to convince two electorates that are notoriously hard to please.

First she has to be appointed by a qualified majority of the EUs 27 heads of state and government, with a decision expected at a summit on 27-28 June. Then she has to win a simple majority of the European parliaments 720 newly elected members. With nationalists and the far right expected to make significant gains, her chances of success in her attempt for a second term are increasingly uncertain.

Related: What are the EU elections and why do they matter?

Von der Leyens campaign was really aimed at the European parliament, said Nicolai von Ondarza, the head of research at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin. The parliaments biggest groups, the centre right and the centre left, insist on selecting lead candidates to run as commission president, a procedure better known by its German name, the spitzenkandidaten process. Under the system, the group that wins the most votes  which has been Von der Leyens centre-right European Peoples party (EPP) for the last 25 years  would have its candidate elected commission president. Shes running her campaign for those in the European parliament who insist on the lead candidate procedure and it will make her uphill struggle to get a majority in the European parliament a tiny bit easier, Von Ondarza said.

He sees the spitzenkandidaten process as a charade because there is no direct link between voting in the European elections and the person who becomes commission president. In 2019 the concept suffered a mortal blow, he said, when EU leaders quickly tossed aside the EPP lead candidate, Manfred Weber, choosing an alternative president who had neither campaigned nor publicly expressed interest in the job: Von der Leyen.

In 2024 even Von der Leyens own Christian Democratic Union party was not promoting her campaign much, suggested Von Ondarza. She tries to travel once to most of the European countries, but theres no real European campaign, even in Germany, he said. She doesnt figure strongly in the election. If you go through the streets of Berlin, none of the election posters from the CDU will feature Von der Leyen.

The first woman to lead the commission, Von der Leyen remains the favourite to win a second term. Credited with steering the EU through a global pandemic and a grinding, brutal war on its borders while passing landmark climate legislation, even critics came to admire her. But in recent months her star has fallen. She was accused of overreach with her forthright support for Benjamin Netanyahus government in the immediate aftermath of Hamass attack last October, when she failed to urge Israel to respect international law in its reprisals.

Related: Giorgia Meloni has emerged as a kingmaker for the EU  but will she turn to centre right or far right? | Jon Henley

That furore intensified focus on her lone-wolf style of working, alleged cronyism and resistance to scrutiny. Of course she is in pole position [but that is] because there is no second, there is no other candidate, said one European source who takes a critical view. It is now that the criticism of what is less positive in her legacy starts to become more prominent.

VDL is maybe not as 100% sure [of a winner] as it seemed a couple of months ago  but she is still very clearly the frontrunner, said an EU diplomat, whose country is positive towards her.

Some EU leaders have swung behind Von der Leyen; others are keeping her guessing. Frances Emmanuel Macron is said to be interested in installing the veteran crisis manager Mario Draghi in the job. The former Italian prime minister has a stellar reputation across the continent, for steering his country through the aftermath of the pandemic and saving the euro during his stint at the European Central Bank. Von der Leyens detractors say Draghis economic expertise is needed more than ever as Europe struggles to compete with the US and China on green technology.

Some suspect Macron is floating Draghis name to shape Von der Leyens agenda and secure influential jobs for France in the next commission. Meanwhile, Von der Leyen sceptics float other candidates: Klaus Iohannis, Andrej Plenkovic and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the president of Romania and prime ministers of Croatia and Greece respectively. But none are seen as having any momentum. Von der Leyens biggest danger could be another surprise candidate. If you want to kill a candidate you announce [them] in advance, said a third source who sees this as a possibility.

Winning over EU leaders is the easy bit. In 2019 Von der Leyen won the MEP ballot by only nine votes, and in 2024 her task is even harder. Although her EPP group is expected to be the largest in the parliament with a possible 175 MEPs, she cannot count on her allies. Frances Les Republicains have already said they will not back Von der Leyen, accusing her of harming farmers and opening the borders.

She will have to build support from other groups, a precarious political balancing act, to gain the 361 votes required. The centre left and Greens have said they will refuse to support her if she works with the hard-right nationalists in Georgia Melonis European Conservatives and Reformists group. Von der Leyen has so far refused to rule out working with the ECR, intensifying pressure from her left.

She is not a shoo-in yet, said Sophia Russack, a researcher at the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies thinktank. When the day comes for the European parliament to vote for the next commission president  likely to be in either July or September  it will be a very dramatic moment, because it is far from certain she will get those votes.

Von Ondarza said: I think its going to be a quite close vote and something where there will be difficult negotiations with the party groups that might stretch throughout the whole summer.

Once the public votes are counted after this weeks European elections, Von der Leyens real campaign is only just beginning.
The next government is being urged to hold talks on nurses pay immediately after the election to avoid a worsening delay in a wage rise.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned of a six-month delay to this years NHS pay increase if negotiations are not held in the weeks after the election.

The pay award could be delayed until parliament sits again in September, reaching bank accounts only from November, according to the RCN.

Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCNs acting general secretary, made the call in her keynote speech at the colleges annual congress in Newport, south Wales, on Monday.

The RCN published its election manifesto with a number of recommendations, including a substantial pay rise for nursing staff.

It also wants an end to patients being treated in corridors, safety-critical staffing ratios, changes to immigration law to allow families to remain united and protections for staff raising concerns.

The NHS Pay Review Body had been expected to report to the Department of Health and Social Care by the end of May.

Being forced to treat patients in inappropriate spaces is unsafe, undignified and unacceptable. Our new report launched today shows the extent to which corridor care has become normalised and demands action to eradicate it across the UK. Read more. https://t.co/MEEn6xrtwE pic.twitter.com/EjbvteVCkf  The RCN (@theRCN) June 3, 2024

RCN members in the NHS in England are still formally in dispute over pay, terms and conditions since last year, when they mounted a campaign of industrial action.

They have not been balloted for strike action in the last 12 months.

Ms Ranger said: Ministers must negotiate through the summer to get a deal done quickly. NHS workers deserve a fair award and it is unfair to keep them guessing.

Whoever the prime minister and health secretary will be, can meet and negotiate.

Long delays and disappointing awards would fail to move the debate on from the last two years.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: I hope these awful examples highlighted by the RCN make the impact they should on politicians and policymakers.

As shocking as they are, treating patients in corridors, cupboards and carparks is the daily reality our members, and their colleagues, face every time they go to work.

This shameful situation is one of the most visible indicators of a system under huge pressure and not functioning as it should.

The problems are all fixable, and one thing which would make an immediate and significant difference, is increasing the number of permanent, staffed ward beds.

The next government must prioritise these things immediately. Only then will we see an end to this disgraceful, dehumanising and dangerous situation.

Deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said: Settling public sector pay awards for 2024/25 must be an urgent priority for the next government.

The NHS has been waiting for an announcement since April.

Staff, particularly those in lower pay bands, are feeling the pinch while trusts are unable to properly plan for the year ahead.
Nigel Farage enters election race as he announces he will stand in Clacton

Rishi Sunak faces a fresh electoral threat after Nigel Farage announced he will stand as a Reform UK candidate at the General Election.

Mr Farage announced he will contest Clacton, Essex, after it was also confirmed he will take over as leader of the party.

Speaking at a press conference in London to confirm his U-turn, Mr Farage said: Difficult though it is, I cant let down those millions of people, I simply cant do it, itd be wrong.

So I have decided Ive changed my mind, its allowed you know, its not always a sign of weakness, it could potentially be a sign of strength.

So I am going to stand in this election.

Mr Farage said he will launch his candidacy on Tuesday.

His bid to win Clacton will be his eighth attempt to secure a parliamentary seat, with the other seven ending in defeat.

On May 23, Mr Farage said he would focus on getting Donald Trump re-elected as US president rather than stand as a Reform UK candidate in the July 4 contest.

But speaking on Monday, Mr Farage said he would be back for the next five years as he sought to put pressure on the Prime Minister.

He said he wanted to lead a political revolt, adding: Yes, a revolt. A turning of our backs on the political status quo. It doesnt work. Nothing in this country works any more.

Mr Farage predicted the Tories will be in opposition after the General Election.

(PA Graphics)

He said: They are split down the middle on policy, and frankly, right now they dont stand for a damn thing.

So our aim in this election is to get many, many millions of votes. And Im talking far more votes than Ukip can got back in 2015.

He continued: When people start to realise in the red wall, with Reform second to Labour, when they start to realise that actually in those seats, its a Conservative vote thats a vote for Labour, its a Conservative vote that is a wasted vote, then I think we might just surprise everybody.

We are appealing to Conservative voters, we are appealing to Labour voters.

The Conservatives held Clacton in 2019 with a majority of 24,702 in an election in which the Brexit Party, led by Mr Farage, stood down candidates to help then Tory leader Boris Johnson.

Clacton was the scene of a Ukip by-election win in 2014, triggered by Douglas Carswells defection from the Tories.

Mr Carswell held the seat in 2015 before the Tories regained it in 2017.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: The Conservative Party has already become the mirror image of Nigel Farages Reform.

Rishi Sunaks constant pandering to Reform has horrified former lifelong Conservative voters in the centre ground.

Sunak must show some backbone and rule out Farage ever joining the Conservative Party in future, including if he gets elected to be an MP.
Nigel Farage may have stood  and failed  seven times to gain election as an MP, but he has nevertheless been one of the most influential British politicians of the post-war era.

Reform UKs highest-profile figure initially said he was not standing in Julys General Election and would instead focus on Donald Trumps second run at the White House in the US election in November, but in a U-turn on Monday he announced he would stand to be an MP for the eighth time.

Without his rambunctious enthusiasm and relentless campaigning over the course of more than two decades, few doubt the country would ever have had the referendum which resulted in the momentous vote to leave the EU.

Single-handedly, it seemed, he took a cause once seen as the preserve of the political fringes into the mainstream, changing the course of UK history in the process.

Nigel Farage arrives at Heathrow Airport, following his appearance on ITVs Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! (Jonathan Brady/PA)

With a pint in one hand and a cigarette in the other, his blokeish bonhomie connected with a section of the electorate who felt forgotten by more conventional politicians.

For others, however, he is a figure of hate, a saloon bar philosopher and little Englander whose views on immigration have seen him accused of being a borderline racist  or worse  a charge he has always fervently denied.

His re-emergence at the fore of Reform UKs electoral push is for many Tories their worst nightmare amid fears he will cost them vital votes  and seats.

Others, however, see him as a potential saviour who could yet return to lead the party he left in 1992 over John Majors signing of the Maastricht Treaty which established the modern EU.

Never shy of controversy, Mr Farage took delight in fuelling such speculation with his attendance at last years Conservative Party conference in Manchester where he was filmed partying with former home secretary Priti Patel.

His appearance in the Australian jungle on ITVs Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! for which he was reputedly paid a cool 1.5 million, further raised his profile, introducing him to a new generation of younger voters.

At times prickly and temperamental  he has fallen out with nearly every major figure he has ever worked with  he was accused by one former ally of turning Ukip into a personality cult.

Nigel Farage celebrates the referendum vote to leave the EU (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

His much-publicised friendship with Mr Trump  who broke with protocol to urge Theresa May to make him British ambassador to the US  has been a further red rag to the liberal establishment he so loathes.

From his days as a schoolboy at fee-paying Dulwich College, Nigel Farage has always enjoyed undermining authority and tweaking the noses of the establishment.

His professed admiration for Enoch Powell, whose infamous Rivers of Blood speech was blamed for inflaming racial tensions in the 1960s and 1970s, dismayed some members of staff.

But when one teacher objected to his appointment as a prefect, her concerns were dismissed by the deputy head who said the teenager was well-known for provoking people especially left-wing English teachers with no sense of humour.

The son of a stockbroker, on leaving school Mr Farage followed his father into the City, becoming a commodities trader.

He quickly felt at home in the boozy loadsamoney environment of the 1980s where he particularly enjoyed the long, alcohol-fuelled PFLs  proper f****** lunches.

Politics, however, was calling. Initially a Conservative, in the 1990s he broke away to become one of the founding members of the UK Independence Party (Ukip), then known as the Anti-Federalist League.

In 1994 he made the first of his repeated attempts to become an MP, finishing fourth in the Eastleigh by-election with fewer than 1,000 votes, narrowly beating Raving Monster Loony Party leader Screaming Lord Sutch into fifth place.

Nigel Farage poses for a photograph (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Undeterred, in 1999 he was elected to the European Parliament as MEP for South East England, a position which was to provide him with a platform  as well as crucial funding  to propagate his anti-EU agenda for the next two decades.

Elected Ukip leader in 2006, his talent for political invective made him a thorn in the side of the Brussels establishment, famously denouncing the new European Council president Herman van Rompuy as having the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk.

At home, comments about the UKs open door immigration policies, rail journeys across London where the passengers spoke only foreign languages or concerns about groups of Romanians moving in as neighbours proved more controversial, leading to accusations of racism which he always denied.

His political career was almost cut short on election day 2010 when the light aircraft he was travelling in became entangled in the Ukip banner it was towing, crashing into a field. Remarkably, he survived while suffering broken ribs and a punctured lung.

While Ukip failed to take any seats, the election nevertheless proved to be a turning point, with the party capitalising on the unpopularity of the austerity policies of the Tory-Lib Dem coalition to record a series of local council gains, culminating in the 2014 European elections where it topped the poll in the UK with the most seats and the biggest share of the popular vote.

Its successes were instrumental in forcing David Cameron, who had once dismissed Ukip as fruit cakes, loonies and closet racists, to bow to demands for an in-out referendum on Britains membership of the EU.

It represented a remarkable personal triumph for Mr Farage who, at times, had appeared to be almost a lone voice in calling for UK withdrawal.

In the 2016 referendum, however, Dominic Cummings, the mastermind of the official Vote Leave campaign, did his best to sideline him, believing he would deter the moderate swing voters it needed to win over.

Nigel Farage unveils Ukips breaking point poster in the EU referendum campaign (Philip Toscano/PA)

He nevertheless managed to stir controversy with Ukips breaking point poster, picturing a long queue of a immigrants, leading to fresh allegations he was trying to exploit anti-immigrant sentiment.

In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, an apparently exhausted Mr Farage announced he was quitting (for a third time) as Ukip leader declaring: I want my life back.

But as the party descended into infighting, amid claims of a sharp turn to the right, he dramatically announced he was returning to the political front line with the formation of the new Brexit Party (since renamed Reform UK).

The new grouping quickly picked up support, performing strongly in the 2019 European elections, but Mr Farages decision not to stand candidates in Tory-held seats in the subsequent general election helped ensure a landslide for Boris Johnson.

In 2021, he announced he was yet again stepping back from frontline politics, taking up a well-paid job as a presenter on GB News, while carefully leaving to door open for a return, taking the title of Reform UKs honorary president.
Air and noise pollution exposure could have an impact on children's mental health. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Children who grow up being exposed to high levels of air and noise pollution may be at higher risk of mental conditions such as psychotic experiences, depression and anxiety, a new study has suggested.

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that even being exposed to air and noise pollution while in utero can impact brain development.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 - which are small particles of solids or liquids that can pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream - was linked to higher rates of depression.

Exposure to noise pollution can also lead to increased anxiety due to higher levels of stress and sleep disruption, the authors said, adding that the "high noise [could] potentially lead to chronic physiological arousal and disruption to endocrinology".

"Noise pollution could also impact cognition, which could increase anxiety by impacting concentration during school years," they said. However, the researchers noted that noise pollution was associated only with anxiety rather than with psychotic experiences or depression.

However, they warned that exposure to PM2.5 in polluted air during pregnancy could be detrimental to a childs mental health "given the extensive brain development and epigenetic processes that occur in utero and during infancy".

The health effects of air pollution have long been documented. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"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."

The researchers, led by author Joanne Newbury, analysed data from 9,065 participants who were born in southwest England from 1991 to 1993, and took into account estimates of nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5 and noise pollution at the participants home addresses from pregnancy to 12 years of age.

They wanted to investigate "growing evidence" that exposure to air pollution could be "associated with the onset of psychiatric problems, including mood, affective, and psychotic disorders".

The study found that, at 13 years old, 13.6% of participants reported having experienced psychotic experiences. At age 18, 9.2% reported the same, while at age 24, 12.5% said they had had psychotic experiences.

"Our findings suggest an important role in early-life (including prenatal) exposure to air pollution in the development of youth mental health problems," the authors wrote.

"Air pollution comprises toxic gases and particulate matter (ie, organic and inorganic solid and liquid aerosols) of mostly anthropogenic origin. Understanding the potential effect of air pollution on mental health is increasingly crucial, given the human and societal cost of poor mental health, the global shift towards urban living, and the backdrop of emissions-induced climate change."

The latest study comes after researchers from the universities of Oxford and Beijing and Imperial College London found that long-term exposure to even relatively low levels or air pollution could lead to depression and anxiety.

The 2023 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, found that people living in areas of the UK with higher air pollution levels were more likely to suffer from the mental health issues.

They said at the time that the findings revealed a need for stricter regulations to control air pollution.

The World Health Organisation describes clean air as a basic human right, but highlighted that air pollution is a significant threat to people worldwide. Figures show that the combined impact of outdoor and household air pollution leads to seven million premature deaths every year.

The 2021 WHO Air Quality guidelines recommend that annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 do not exceed five micrograms per cubic metre and nitrogen dioxide levels do not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic metre. This represents a halving of the limit in 2005.

However, the UK government passed air quality guidelines last year that allowed for more than double the targets set by the WHO. Ministers approved legislation to allow a maximum annual mean concentration of 12 micrograms per cubic metre by 2028.

The UK's air quality guidelines allow for more air pollution than is recommended by the World Health Organisation. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"When the WHOs air quality guidelines were published, experts said it may be close to impossible to achieve in some urban areas of the UK, Europe and Asia". However, they added that there is "still a huge amount that can be done to improve air quality and improve emissions".

Professor Frank Kelly, from the MRC centre for Environment and Health at Imperial College London, said at the time: "Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to human health accounting for 7 million premature deaths every year. The new WHO guidelines, the first update since 2005, provide an update on the damage air pollution inflicts on all ages across the life course. Concerted action to meet the updated guidelines will save lives and reduce the burden of disease.

"Meeting these updated WHO air quality guidelines will be a challenge, especially in many UK cities, but by not doing so will mean our children and generations to follow will suffer from our inaction. Meeting these guidelines will require international cooperation; reducing emissions of pollutant pre-cursors and transboundary pollution that travels across continents.

"Importantly, many of the necessary actions will have additional benefits toward limiting climate change, resulting in a healthier planet and a healthier population."

Read more about mental health:
John Swinney has said dialogue and respect for free speech are important after the Edinburgh International Book Festival ended its 20-year sponsorship with Baillie Gifford.

However, the First Minister stressed the Scottish Government could not be expected to fund every cultural event amid a tight budget.

The festivals organisers said they had come under intolerable pressure from climate campaigners, who criticised Baillie Giffords investments in fossil fuels.

More than 50 authors and and event chairs taking part in last years festival signed an open letter demanding organisers find alternative sponsors if the investment management firm did not divest billions.

But last week another group of writers said the campaign against the festival was deeply retrograde and signed an open letter saying they are concerned about its future.

Mr Swinney was asked about the developments during an election campaign stop in Stirling.

He told the PA news agency a significant difficulty had been created for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and similar events.

He said: What I would encourage is dialogue between all the various interested parties.

I would encourage a respect for the process of engagement and respect for free speech, so that we find a way through all of these issues which enable people to make their arguments, but also enables us to have important events such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival effectively supported.

Asked if the Scottish Government could help with the book festivals funding, Mr Swinney said there are enormous pressures on the public finances.

He said: We have to recognise that the public purse cannot stretch to meet every requirement that is put in front of it.

The First Minister said he valued the cultural sector and the Government would do as much as it can to support events such as the book festival.

Last week, Jenny Niven, chief executive of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said the events future is at risk because of the lack of a principal sponsor.

She said: Undermining the long-term future of charitable organisations such as book festivals is not the right way to bring about change.

It diminishes the voices of those who feel strongly about these complex issues and it will be infinitely harder to build and sustain well-funded cultural institutions in the future than it is to put them out of business today.

Nick Thomas, a partner with Baillie Gifford, said previously that the firm is stepping back with the hope that the festival will thrive this year and into the future.

He said: We hold the activists squarely responsible for the inhibiting effect their action will have on funding for the arts in this country.

Baillie Gifford is a long-term investor with high ethical standards and a complete focus on doing what is right by our clients.

He added: Only 2% of our clients money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels.
A Royal Navy veteran who survived the sinking of a freighter off France during the Second World War has died at the age of 98 just a few days before the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Able Seaman Lewis Curl, a member of the Bognor Regis branch of the Royal Naval Association, died at St Richards Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, on May 22.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said that AB Curl was a D-Day veteran who served with the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1946.

She said that after he had been deployed as a cypher coder on HMS Belfast, he returned on leave to Portsmouth.

But a telegram awaited him and he was recalled to join HMS Dacres off Le Havre.

He travelled on a freighter carrying a load of army lorries, transport and fuel which was bombed and sunk off the French coast.

Describing his survival, the Royal Navy spokeswoman said: AB Curl jumped into an amphibious vehicle but that was quickly overloaded and started to sink.

As AB Curl swam away, a launch appeared and he was landed ashore.

After wading ashore and drying out, he proceeded along the coast in the dark, walking and obtaining lifts on an army vehicle, finally arriving at the naval base where he was taken by launch to HMS Dacres, who lay at anchor just off shore.

Able seamen do not get piped aboard ship, but 19-year-old Able Seaman Lewis Curl did.

An officer took him to one side and told him the ships company had bets on if he was going to make it. The odds were against him.

HMS Dacres then left for the Bay of Biscay for submarine boat surveillance and action and following its return to Portsmouth AB Curl was posted to Rosyth to join HMS Loch Glendhu and he returned to the Bay of Biscay.

For VE Day in 1945, AB Curl was in Glasgow before he returned to Portsmouth where he joined HMS Swiftsure bound for the Far East.

The Royal Navy spokeswoman said: He volunteered for night searching for the presence of Japanese personnel and became infected by a tropical disease while ashore.

The hospital he was in was then evacuated when the Japanese came too close.

AB Curl was left in the ward as he was too ill to move. The staff returned a week later to find he was the only remaining survivor out of the four left behind. After convalescing, he was repatriated back to the UK on HMS Barfleur.

AB Curl, who also served in HMS Mercury, was awarded the 1938/45 Medal, the Victory Medal, Atlantic Star and Bar, Burma Star, France and Germany Star, and Civil Medal.
Rishi Sunak has denied stoking a culture war with his pledge to overhaul equality laws, while the women and equalities minister could not say what kind of paperwork people would need to show to use single-sex spaces under the plans.

The Conservatives announced an election campaign proposal to amend the Equality Act to make clear sex means biological sex rather than gender.

They say the change will make it simpler for service providers for women and girls, such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims, to prevent biological males from taking part.

But opposition parties criticised Mr Sunaks party for waging phony culture wars.

Biological sex matters. Were protecting women and girls.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 3, 2024

Asked about the accusations, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: No. It builds on our track record of treating these issues sensitively and with compassion, as of course we should, but ensuring that our laws are right, our guidance is right to protect the safety and security of women and girls and the wellbeing of our children.

And I think thats paramount in all of our minds.

Pressed on why the Tories have not acted in the 14 years they have been in power, Mr Sunak blamed the SNPs gender recognition legislation.

We were also of course dealing with the SNPs aims to try and make gender recognition on a self-ID basis, which wasnt right, he said.

Rishi Sunak with parliamentary candidate for Wokingham Lucy Demery, left, and parliamentary candidate for Henley Caroline Newton, right, speaking to rowing club members during a visit to the Leander Club in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch stressed that the Conservatives are seeking to clarify the Equality Act, not change it.

The Cabinet minister told Sky News on Monday: We have seen quite a lot of changes in terms of terminology in the law. Sex and gender we used interchangeably, now we dont do that, so what were doing is making sure people understand what the law says. We have seen a lot of problems with people misinterpreting the law.

The Tories want to change the Act to apply to biological sex, and say those who are biologically male but identify as female should be barred from using single-sex spaces.

Ms Badenoch could not answer questions on whether someones original birth certificate  or one amended after a legally-recognised gender change  would define biological sex in such cases.

Pressed repeatedly, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: What you are describing is a hypothetical scenario, assuming that when people go into rape crisis centres theyre bringing in birth certificates, theyre bringing in gender recognition certificates.

What is happening at the moment is that people come to the centres and they are visibly of a different sex. You dont always need your birth certificate when youre going to the toilet and so on and so forth.

She continued: This is not a paperwork issue. This is a practical issue.

Women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch could not say what paperwork would define biological sex (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The governing party says the proposed change to the law will not remove the existing and continuing protections against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment provided by the Equality Act.

Speaking to LBC radio, Ms Badenoch said: We want people who are trans to be protected as well, people who want to change their clothes should not be able to exploit the scenarios we have prepared and the laws we have put in place to protect those people who are genuine transgender people, those who suffer gender dysphoria.

Just putting on a different set of clothes does not make you transgender.

Labour frontbencher John Healey said his party would not amend the Equality Act if it wins the election because there are already provisions to protect single-sex spaces.

The Liberal Democrats criticised the Tory policy as a cynical distraction from their failings on so many issues.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper said she did not believe there was a demand or a need to unpick the Act.

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper (Lucy North/PA)

I think the Government is failing on so many counts  time and again we have seen how it tries to wage these phony culture wars, she said.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is pitching Labour as the party of national security as it seeks to switch attention to defence.

He has been attempting to shift perceptions of Labours defence stance following the partys time under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, a long-standing critic of Nato and Trident.

In a speech at the Fusilier Museum in Bury on Monday, the party leader said a new age of insecurity has begun, with the rumble of war in Europe as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine.

Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey speaking at the Fusilier Museum in Bury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He said he was absolutely committed to peace but that for peace, you have to be prepared to fight and signalled that he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if needed.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defence, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Sir Keir has reaffirmed his commitment to a nuclear deterrent triple lock as well as his ambition to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the size of the economy.

Mr Sunak has made clear he wants to meet the 2.5% target by 2030 although Labour has so far declined to outline its timeline, only noting it would do so when economic conditions allow.

Sir Keir insisted his whole shadow cabinet is behind him on nuclear weapons when challenged over previous opposition from some of his front bench, including his deputy Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.

Elsewhere, Nigel Farages intention to make an emergency General Election announcement has fuelled speculation he will stand as a Reform UK candidate.

I will be making an Emergency General Election announcement at 4pm today.  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 3, 2024

The Lib Dems are meanwhile seeking to prevent damage closer to home, as they call for new protections for rivers and coastlines to end environmental vandalism.

The party has announced an expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in its General Election manifesto.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene refused on Monday to address physician Anthony Fauci as a doctor, during a tense House hearing on the former Chief Medical Advisor's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Mr. Fauci, because you're not doctor, you're Mr. Fauci in my few minutes," the Georgia Republican told the infectious disease expert, who holds a medical degree from Cornell, during his testimony before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The congresswoman has a history of spreading factually incorrect information about COVID-19 and healthcare, in general. In 2021, she was widely condemned for comparing mask mandates on the House floor to the yellow stars that Jewish people were forced to wear in Nazi Germany.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin cut off Greene's questioning to question whether she violated the House's standards of conduct by not acknowledging Fauci's medical credentials.

"Mr. Chairman, in terms of the rules of decorum, are we allowed to deny that a doctor is a doctor because we don't want him to be a doctor?" Raskin asked.

Greene shot back at Raskin, arguing "Yes, because in my time that man does not deserve to have a license. As a matter of fact, it should be revoked, and he belongs in prison." She also argued that Fauci should be tried for "crimes against humanity."

Committee Chair and fellow Republican, Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, reprimanded Greene, at the behest of Raskin, reminding her that she should "recognize the doctor as a doctor."

Following Greene's line of questioning, Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California apologized to Fauci, for the congresswoman's behavior.

"Quite frankly - this might be the most insane hearing I've ever attended, and I've only been in Congress for a year and a half," Garcia told Fauci. "I'm so sorry that you are subjected to those levels of attacks."
A woman who stabbed a care worker to death has been sentenced to an indefinite stay in a secure hospital.

Kellyanne McNaughton, 33, admitted killing Michele Rutherford, 54, at supported accommodation in Stirling last year.

McNaughton stabbed Ms Rutherford repeatedly during the attack at Craighall Court on March 7 and was arrested on the same day.

Mother-of-two Ms Rutherford was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but could not be saved.

McNaughton was originally charged with murder but prosecutors accepted a plea to the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

She pleaded guilty on January 8 but sentencing was delayed several times due to difficulty finding a secure hospital to accommodate her.

At the High Court in Glasgow, McNaughton was sentenced to a compulsion and restriction order at Priory Hospital Llanarth Court, Monmouthshire, Wales, which will be indefinite.

Dr Nicola Swinson, a consultant forensic psychiatrist who worked in Carstairs State Hospital for seven years, told the court that she first met McNaughton in the court cells after the killing happened.

She described McNaughton as having an intellectual disability and a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder with no previous history of violence.

Dr Swinson told the court: Ms McNaughton develops what she calls trances, where she is unaware of what is happening during the course of this episode, and only becomes aware at the end of it.

The court heard that McNaughton had been held in both HMP Polmont, where she did not leave her cell, and HMP Stirling.

Dr Swinson said: This has been an incredibly complicated and challenging process of trying to find a hospital bed for Ms McNaughton, we initially referred her to Rampton Hospital (a high-security psychiatric hospital in Woodbeck, Nottinghamshire), but they were of the view she did not meet their criteria.

Our preference was for Ms McNaughton to remain in Scotland due to proximity to family.

She told the court that the Priory Hospital Llanarth Court had assessed McNaughton, had seen a risk assessment and held discussions with staff, and that she believed McNaughton posed a risk to the public and a risk to herself.

The Priory Hospital Llanarth Court is a medium-secure unit but Dr Swinson told the court the threshold was much higher in England and Wales, and she was aware of several convicted killers who had been accommodated in such units.

Dr Swinson said reports would be issued to the Ministry of Justice.

Advocate depute Graeme Jessop told the court Ms Rutherfords family had written letters expressing concern.

Sentencing, Judge Armstrong said Ms Rutherford was a loving mother who had been attacked along with two other colleagues in the course of her work.

He said victim impact statements had been submitted from Ms Rutherfords husband and daughters, and brother.

Addressing McNaughton, the judge said: First, that you are detained in Priory Hospital Llanarth Court without limit of time and that you are given relevant medical treatment.

I hope its understood that the court can only act on expert advice.
Zara Aleenas family is tortured with the thought that her death was preventable, an inquest has heard.

Jordan McSweeney killed the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked home from a night out in Ilford, east London, early on June 26 2022.

McSweeney was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting Ms Aleenas murder and sexual assault.

In November 2023, he won a Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence.

Jordan McSweeney was jailed for life for Zara Aleenas murder (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Ms Aleenas aunt, Farah Naz, told the jury at East London Coroners Court in Walthamstow on Monday that the family is tortured by thoughts that her death was preventable and that our state system that we entrusted failed our Zara, failed us.

She added that her nieces murder highlighted the crumbling justice system that is meant to protect all of us, especially women and girls.

Ms Naz said: Since her death we have been campaigning so that our daughters, sisters, friends can be safe and protected as Zara never was. This is Zaras legacy.

In a pen portrait, Ms Naz became emotional as she told the jury of her nieces sparkling eyes and curly jet black hair and glorious laughter.

Ms Naz said Ms Aleena was a carer for her mother and grandmother, the rock of our family and it was the proudest moment for all of us when she was offered a job as a legal assistant at the Royal Courts of Justice.

She described her niece as a carefree spirit with the most caring heart and said she had worked to help resettle refugees in the UK.

Ms Naz said: 2022 was to be her year to live her wildest dreams. She wanted to buy her own home, find Mr Right and to have children. The future looked bright.

She added: One of the things she used to confidently say is I know Im a good person.

If she were able to speak here today she would say I didnt do anything wrong.

Zara Aleenas aunt, Farah Naz, said the future had looked bright for her niece (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Ms Naz said Ms Aleena wasnt just surviving, she was thriving, adding: Zara walked everywhere and one night she walked home from an evening out with a friend, she was sexually assaulted and murdered. She was 35 years old.

She believed that a woman should be allowed to walk home, and her dreams, her future was brutally taken.

McSweeney had been released from prison on licence on June 17 2022 and, after breaching the conditions of his licence, a decision was made to recall him to prison on June 24 2022.

On Monday, area coroner Nadia Persaud said the purpose of the inquest is to consider the circumstance by which Zara came by her death, which will include whether any actions or omissions of state bodies contributed to her death.

The jury was told that McSweeney was 29 at the time of the attack and had received his first custodial sentence at the age of 13, with much of his adult years spent in prison or in the community under licence.

Kim Thornden-Edwards, chief probation officer for England and Wales, said during her evidence the Probation Service accepts that McSweeney should have been considered as high risk from 2021.

Put to her by the coroner that it was considered McSweeneys risk should have been high from 2021, Ms Thornden-Edwards said: I dont have an issue with HMIPs assessment that at the time Jordan McSweeney was high risk.

What I would say is that the assessment of Jordan McSweeney has some complexities and nuances to it.

She added: The majority of his offending history is acquisitive, burglaries and thefts.

She said the threshold between medium and high risk is one of the most challenging.

Asked if he could have been placed in approved premises if he was considered as high risk, Ms Thornden-Edwards said: They take the most serious offenders that you have and their bed spaces are very much in demand, they will house our critical public protection cases, they will also house terrorist offenders, even if Jordan McSweeney had been assessed as high risk, I do not think he wouldve hit the bar comparatively in terms of the people we do house in approved premises.

She added that people cannot be given an electronic monitoring tag without an address, but said had McSweeney had accommodation it shouldve been a consideration.

Ms Persaud, reading a statement from a consultant forensic pathologist, said the cause of Ms Aleenas death was blunt force head injury and neck compression.

The inquest continues.
Two handguns and shell casings from a variety of weapons, including an assault-style weapon, were recovered as the investigation continued into a shooting early Sunday in Akron, Ohio, that left one person dead and 24 injured when a birthday party attended by more than 100 people spilled into a street where numerous fights broke out, according to police and witnesses.

In addition to the handguns, evidence suggests the incident involved a drive-by shooting that may have prompted partygoers to return fire, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said at a news conference Sunday night.

More than 35 shell casings from multiple weapons were recovered from a block-long crime scene, with some rounds being from an assault-style weapon, police said Sunday night.

"Based on the layout of the spent shell casings, it appears consistent with someone driving by shooting out of a car. We believe that some individuals at the party may have returned fire based on physical evidence at the scene," Harding said.

Harding, who was sworn in as a police chief last week, pleaded with community members to come forward with information about the shooting.

"We believe there were dozens of people at the party at the time of the shooting, potentially over 100 people who may have witnessed the incident," Harding said. "Every single person who may have seen something has an obligation to speak up in order to bring those responsible to justice. Even a small detail can help us crack this case and locate the suspect or suspects involved."

No arrests have been made and there are no suspects in the ongoing investigation, police said Monday.

A reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction has grown to $22,500 with contributions from Summit County Crime Stoppers, the U.S. Marshals Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The shooting occurred just after midnight in East Akron, followed by numerous 911 calls from witnesses reporting multiple victims were struck by bullets, according to a joint statement issued Sunday morning by Harding and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.

PHOTO: Police investigate a mass shooting that erupted on June 2, 2024, that left one man dead and 24 people injured at a large street party in Akron, Ohio. (ABC News/WEWS)

Harding said at Sunday night's news conference that police were called to a private home in the area around 10 p.m. Saturday after getting complaints of noise, including fireworks. He said officers sent to the scene found a large birthday party going on with more than 200 people "taking over the street."

Harding said officers dispersed the crowd. But after police left the scene, people returned and the party resumed, he said.

Just after midnight, officers responded to the neighborhood again after receiving reports of shots fired and local hospitals reported multiple people arriving at their respective emergency rooms with gunshot wounds.

One victim, a 27-year-old man, identified Monday by the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office as Lateris Cook, was killed in the mayhem that occurred near the intersection of Kelly and 8th avenues.

Two victims remained in critical condition, authorities said.

The injured victims' ages range from 19-43 years old, with most being in their 30s, police said.

PHOTO: Police investigate a mass shooting that erupted on June 2, 2024, that left one man dead and 24 people injured at a large street party in Akron, Ohio. (ABC News/WEWS)

"This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence," Malik and Harding said in their joint statement. "With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers. As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones."

No details were available on a motive.

"We will bring those responsible to justice, and we need the help of our community to do that," the mayor and police chief said. "For those who have information about this horrific shooting -- we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation. This can be done anonymously."

Witnesses told WEWS that multiple rounds of gunfire sent hundreds of people running for cover. One witness, who would only give her first name, Brittney, said the shooting broke out after the street party devolved into numerous street fights.

MORE: Officer, civilian killed, 4 others wounded in Arizona reservation shooting: Police

"There were people on the street fighting; women screaming at their men, like trying to pull them away," Brittney told WEWS. "But at this point, it got too much out of hand. There were probably 20 to 30 men fighting in the street. So I wasted no time getting through there and out of there."

PHOTO: Police investigate a mass shooting that erupted on June 2, 2024, that left one man dead and 24 people injured at a large street party in Akron, Ohio. (ABC News/WEWS)

Another witness told the station that the street party transformed from a fun event to a chaotic one in seconds.

"Everyone was wearing white T-shirts; there were women on top of vehicles dancing. It looked like a scene from a spring break movie. It looked like everyone was having a good time. On our way back, it was a completely different scene," the witness said.

MORE: Police officer dies after being 'ambushed' while responding to Minneapolis shooting call: Officials

At least seven patients with gunshot wounds were admitted to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, including one in critical condition, hospital officials said. Following the shooting and the influx of patients, the hospital put its emergency room on a "hard lockdown" from just after midnight until 3:30 a.m., hospital spokesperson Joe Milicia told ABC News.

"That's a common procedure when you have gunshot victims," Milicia said of the lockdown.

Summa Health in Akron said it treated 15 patients Sunday morning, 13 of whom had non-life-threatening injuries. One person taken to Summa Health remained in critical condition, hospital officials said.

2 handguns, 35 shell casings recovered in fatal overnight shooting in Akron, Ohio: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Each year high school students up the ante more and more for prom. As the school year winds down and summer begins, we're taking a look at some of the biggest viral moments on social media when it came to prom looks and entrances in 2024.

Many of course chose to enter their proms riding in style like this high school in Miami that had teens pulling up in fancy cars like Tesla Cybertrucks, Bentleys and BMWs.

This fly prom couple from a high school in Uganda took flight and descended to their prom in a helicopter.

This prom entrance was giving "Addams Family"/"Wednesday" vibes as the teen arrived in a hearse and came out of a casket for a very unique entrance.

Two different groups of students had a blast entering their proms walking out of the back of livestock trailers.

This prom beauty chose to have a slithering accessory to complement her look.

Ultimately, the goal of a great prom entrance was to always go out with a bang or in this case with a whole parade and fireworks.

Prom night flashback: See your fave celebrities in dresses, suits before they were famous

Many prom looks in 2024 were Disney-inspired

In addition, some of the biggest social media reactions from prom this year came from looks that were inspired by Disney princes and princesses.

Booker T. Washington Senior High School in Miami, Florida took the internet by storm with their Once Upon A Time prom theme.

Khadidra Muhammad, CEO and lead event producer of Priceless Event Planning, LLC, was enlisted to help develop the theme. Muhammad is no stranger to creative designs. She has been the director behind many children parties, weddings, special events and now prom. In addition, she has covered celebrity events for singer Mary J. Blige and an Arabian-themed birthday party for rapper Cardi B.

The Florida high school, the first historically black high school created in South Florida in 1926, has always exhibited a sense of community. This year's theme brought the students and community together as students dressed up as princesses, princes and villains for a prom night to remember.

Activities Director, Talia Williams, and Senior Class Sponsor, Tia Ellis, told USA TODAY how the prom theme came about before it went viral on TikTok.

Once Upon A Time' prom theme was an idea that came into fruition

While working with the Student Government Association (SGA) Williams proposed five prom themes to them in the summer. A process of elimination was conducted and a prom theme was chosen.

Talia Williams said one of her favorite prom looks was Cinderella during this year's prom.

The Disney theme came about because I just thought it was amazing if we could have princesses and have all of the kids dressed as princesses, Williams said. We kind of have a hard time usually getting our kids to get into our themes, so I have to get my SGA involved and say, what about if you guys can see yourselves walking around with the princess gowns on, what if we got cardboard cut outs of you guys as promotion pictures first. My president and vice president at the time really loved it.

Ellis and Williams said that prom is notoriously known for its provocative dresses and for their high school they wanted to change that narrative by offering a theme that would be enjoyable and appropriate.

We kind of wanted to go with something where our kids would stand out, but also still look beautiful, Williams said. Enjoy themselves, giving them the option to pick their own dresses."

She also had this amazing idea to hire princesses. Who sung, they danced, and they took pictures, Ellis said.

Two of the princesses that they highlighted were Princess Belle and Princess Tiana. Both characters brought their stories to life through their songs, performances and interactions with the high school students.

Seniors at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami dressed to impress at their "Once Upon a Time" storybook themed prom.

Two years ago, Ellis idea Dripping in Luxury was chosen to be the prom theme for that year. Even though that prom theme was great, not a lot of students participated. This time, with Williams Once Upon A Time theme the students brought the storybooks to prom.

One of the favorite prom outfits that Tia Ellis liked was Little Red Riding Hood.

This one was actually magical, and we did the big large storybook with the balloons and everything and it just pulled everything together, she said. The kids did an amazing job this year at bringing it to life.

The high school is in a low-income area, but Williams said they did their best to make sure everyone could be a part of it.

We wanted them to participate, so we kind of did our part to make sure we had lots of kids that could go, whether it was paying for them or any of those things, she said. "We just needed everyone to participate.

D'Yani Bivens was crowned prom queen during her senior prom at Booker T. Washington Senior High School.

D'Yani Bivens, a senior at the high school, dressed up like Princess Jasmine and won prom queen. Bivens loves the Disney character but wanted to wear something that was more authentic.

Princess Jasmine is one of my favorite princesses and I wanted to go different because she is an Arabic princess and I wanted to go more traditional, Bivens said. So I did the traditional Sari and the Choli.

D'Yani Bivens wore traditional clothing to show Princess Jasmine's authentic culture.

Bivens attended prom last year but said for this years theme all of the students participated.

Everybody had a lot more spirit, like school spirit in this prom, she said. Everybody dressed up, they were a Disney princess or they were a villain.

Although Ellis and Williams liked all of the outfits that were at the prom, they did have some favorites.

I had three personal favorites. Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and the traditional Jasmine, Williams said.

Ellis liked the princesses but liked other storybook characters as well.

Tinker Bell was also one of the prom favorites at Booker T. Washington Senior High School.

My favorite was Maleficent because her date was the crow. He had a very long croquet and it was so beautiful. All came together and I like Little Red Riding Hood," she said. "Just the details with the apples. I love them all and my last one would be Tinker Bell, because she even had the prosthetic ears that looked like Tinker Bell.

Maleficent was also a favorite prom look at Booker T. Washington Senior High School.

Another viral moment with same theme brings Cinderella to life

With the same theme, event planner Khadidra Muhammad turned heads in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as she brought the Cinderella story to life in a Lancaster neighborhood. The scenery had social media users stunned. On TikTok, the video has amassed thousands of views and comments.

In March Muhammad's client, Treva Harris, asked her if she could create a magical Cinderella theme for her daughter's prom.

'Once Upon A Time' theme was created by Khadidra Muhammad for Treva Harris' daughter's prom.

"My client is Treva and we actually did her son's prom send-off last year," Muhammad told USA TODAY.

Harris and Muhammad started working together with her son's prom. Harris told USA TODAY that the theme she had in mind was a BET red carpet. However, she had no idea how that would come to life.

"I had already had his suit done and the young lady already had a dress, so I knew that I wanted something more elegant and a little classy," Harris said. "I don't know how she came up with the idea of having the front of the house with balloons from top to bottom. I think that was the talk of the town with that balloon structure that she placed on the front of the building, but everything just turned out to be super fantastic and we got so much positive feedback from that event."

Based on the reactions from her son's prom, Harris decided to contact Muhammad again for her daughter's prom.

'Once Upon A Time' theme was created with purple since that is Harris' daughter's favorite color.

"Now [it's] her daughter's prom and she contacted me and was like, 'hey, thinking about doing a prom send-off again but she wants Cinderella and a castle to be incorporated somehow' that was pretty much all she gave me and I was just like okay."

Harris said the idea stemmed from her wedding in 2011. When she got married, her daughter was her fairy godmother that transformed her into Cinderella. Now, the roles would be reversed.

Azar Harris poses for pictures in front of her castle created by Muhammad.

Harris said the way that Muhammad set the stage for her daughter's prom, many people felt like they just opened a page of a storybook or traveled to Disneyland to see Cinderella in-person.

"So many people, I wanna say children, adults, everyone, no matter what age they were, in that moment, it just felt magical," Harris said. "You'll see in some of the comments, some people are like, 'I thought we were in Disneyland.' Like it just took you from one place to another for 30 seconds, but even then alone it is a great feeling. I'm so proud of that moment."

Azar Harris and her prom date, William Randolph, take pictures in front of the castle before their prom.

Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prom 2024: Extravagant entrances, looks that took over social media
Loki the dog went missing almost two years ago while he was being watched by a friend

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control/Facebook Samantha Powers and Loki reuniting

A woman from Fort Wayne, Indiana is celebrating the return of her support dog nearly two years after it went missing.

Samantha Powers received a call on Friday, May 24, from Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control that her dog Loki had been found after he got away while being watched by her friend, according to a post on the organization's Facebook page.

The emotional moment was also captured on a video of the pair hugging as they reunited after their long time apart.

I kind of lost hope after a while, Samantha told WPTA, before adding that whoever found Loki had taken good care of him but sadly didn't think to scan his microchip  something the animal center did to identify him.

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Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control/Facebook Samantha Powers and Loki

Related: The Osbourne Family Adopts a Dog That Was 'Severely Burned': He's 'the Most Beautiful Thing'

I think everybody and anybody that has any kind of animal  whether its indoors or outdoors, no matter what it is  microchip your puppies, your cats, your rats, your birds, her mom Barbara told the outlet.

The microchip was a lifesaver, Samantha said. Without that, I wouldnt have gotten my boy back.

I definitely encourage people to get it.

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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to Samantha, Loki is now getting used to being back at home, with Barbara adding she was so happy to see her baby have her dog back.

Animals arent just animals, theyre part of your family, she said.

Describing Samantha's reaction when she learned that Loki had been found, she said simply that She lost it, per WPTA.



Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control/Facebook Samantha Powers and Loki

Related: Glen Powells Dog Brisket Once Escaped on a Flight  and Cuddled with All Its Passengers (Exclusive)

Loki is back home with his mom after being apart for almost 2 years!!! , Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control shared on their May 30 Facebook post about Loki being reunited with Samantha, alongside two photos of the owner and pet hugging.

Loki got loose from the person who was caring for him as their own and was brought to our shelter to be scanned for a microchip, the caption continued. It is like music to our ears when we hear our microchip scanner beep..Loki had a chip!



Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control/Facebook Samantha Powers and Loki

They added that they were then able to contact Lokis owner.



This is why we advocate so frequently to please get your pets microchipped in the event they ever become lost, the organization said. We offer walk-in microchipping services for just $15 Mon-Fri from 11a - 6p. You do not need to be a resident of Fort Wayne.

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Read the original article on People.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) defended President Biden for saying last year that his son Hunter Biden did nothing wrong in connection to the federal investigation related to tax and gun offenses.

Jeffries backed up Biden on NBCs Meet the Press for his comments regarding the investigation into his son last year when asked if it was appropriate for the president to weigh in on the case at the time.

President Biden commented as a loving father, as I would hope any loving father would do. Hunter Biden, of course, is entitled, as was Donald Trump, to the presumption of innocence and to a trial by a jury of his peers, Jeffries said.

And this Justice Department is going to proceed in that fashion, present the facts and the law and then well all have to wait for a determination that is made by a jury as to Hunter Bidens guilt or innocence, he added.

Biden said last year that Hunter Biden has done nothing wrong in connection to a multiyear investigation into his son. His comments came before his son was indicted on tax and gun charges last year.

Bidens son is now headed to trial this week over the federal gun charges in Delaware. The prosecutors said that Hunter Biden purchased a gun illegally because he falsely said on a form that he was not a drug user.

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to the federal gun charges in October. His bid to delay the gun charges trial failed last month, and previous efforts to get the charges dismissed also failed.

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 pilot has died after a stunt at an acrobatics airshow in Portugal went wrong, leading him to collide with one of his teammates.

The man has been named by Spanish newspapers as Manuel Rey Cordeiro, a Galicia resident with decades of experience as an aerobatic stunt performer.

He was part of a team of Spanish and Portuguese pilots called the Yakstars  named after their Yakolev Yak-52s trainer planes, designed in the Soviet era that were produced in Romania up to 1998.

A video of the crash at the Beja AirShow on Sunday shows the pilot dropping his aircraft in preparation for a stunt that was supposed to see him soar up into formation with the other five team members.

However, his plane collided with another  causing it to crash to the ground and explode into flames.

Rey Cordeiro's plane collided with another  causing it to crash to the ground and explode into flames - A/NPZ/SM

The pilot of the other plane, a 37-year-old Portuguese airman, managed to make an emergency landing and was taken to hospital  but reportedly discharged soon after.

The Beja AirShow is Portugals biggest air festival and includes displays from some of the worlds most famous aircraft  such as Frances Mirage 2000 and US F-16s.

The rest of the show was cancelled by the Portuguese air force.

Patricia Fernandes, a spokesman for the air force, said there would be an investigation into the crash but added it would take some time until we can understand what happened.

According to Yakstarss website, they are the largest civilian aerobatic display team in southern Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Rey Cordeiro had been a pilot for more than 30 years - A/NPZ/SM

Mr Cordeiro, who was born in Vigo, northwestern Spain, in 1962, had been a pilot for more than 30 years, most recently working for the Spanish commercial airline Vueling.

He had competed and won prizes at both national and international levels, including being Spains ultralight aviation champion at the age of 30.

Spectators were also supposed to see performances by the UKs RAF Falcons parachute display team at the airshow.

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ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos clashed with former President Trumps attorney, Will Scharf, in a Sunday interview, over the former presidents unsubstantiated claims that President Biden played a role in bringing the hush money criminal case against Trump in New York.

In an interview on This Week, Scharf repeatedly echoed claims of the former president, arguing the hush money criminal trial  which ended in a guilty conviction against Trump on 34 felony counts  was exhibit A in terms of the politicization of the legal system.

Its absolutely unprecedented in American history. Its not the way that our campaigns are supposed to be run. We contest elections at the ballot box, not in the courts in this country, Scharf continued.

Stephanopoulos conceded Scharfs point about winning elections at the ballot box but made clear there was no evidence to suggest any involvement of the federal Department of Justice with the New York state criminal trial that just concluded.

That is true. But, of course, weve never had a former president or presidential candidate facing the kind of charges that the president faced because of his own activities. And, of course, the attorney general in Manhattan has nothing to do with the Department of Justice, Stephanopoulos said.

As Stephanopoulos tried to pivot back to his question about the sentencing process, Scharf pressed on, refusing to concede his point about the prosecution being politically motivated. Stephanopoulos eventually interrupted.

I vehemently disagree that the district attorney in New York was not politically motivated here, Scharf said, and I vehemently disagree that President Biden and his political allies arent up to their necks in this prosecution.

Stephanopoulos jumped in, saying, Theres no evidence here of that. Sir  Im not going to let you continue to say that. Theres just zero evidence of that.

Do you want to answer the question about the sentencing process or not? Stephanopoulos added, after some back-and-forth.

Scharf pointed to the prosecutor in the case, Matthew Colangelo, standing over [District Attorney] Alvin Braggs shoulder when he announced this verdict as evidence of political interference, noting he used to work at the Department of Justice, before the interview wrapped up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Children from China, Japan celebrate children's day together

Xinhua) 13:10, June 03, 2024

TOKYO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- At the Chinese Embassy in Japan, more than 200 children have gathered in celebration of the Children's Day, highlighting friendship and cultural exchanges.

Among the attendees were winners of the 10th "Ambassador Cup" Chinese recitation competition, students from the Chinese Embassy's Sunshine School, and those from the Yokohama Yamate Chinese School.

At the event on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao presented holiday gifts to representatives of the "Ambassador Cup" winners, encouraging them to continue studying Chinese and learning about Chinese culture.

The celebration featured various performances by the children, including a choir titled Enlightenment of Rhythm highlighting the beauty of classical Chinese poetry.

Following other performances including a group recitation, a Peking opera act and a traditional lion dance, the event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of "Tomorrow Will Be Better," expressing the children's hopes and dreams for a bright future.

Yurika Kondo, a third-grade student from Japan, said "I will continue to study Chinese diligently and hope to inspire more Japanese children around me to learn Chinese and experience its charm together."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Shakari Briggs is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at shakari.briggs@houstonchronicle.com.

Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, she worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. Shakari comes to the Houston newsroom with experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career.

Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
Two far-right Israeli ministers have threatened to resign and bring down the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he accepts a peace proposal laid out by US President Joe Biden.

Biden unveiled on Friday what he said was a three-phase Israeli proposal to end the conflict in Gaza that would pair a release of hostages with a full and complete ceasefire.

During a speech at the White House, Biden said Hamas had been degraded to a point where it could no longer carry out the type of attack seen on October 7 that launched the current war in Gaza.

Its time for this war to end, he said, a clear indication that  as far as he is concerned  Israels war goals have been met.

But the Israeli governments two most prominent far-right members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, made it explicitly clear they reject an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also signaled he is not ready either, casting doubt over Bidens proposal.

In a statement on social media, Smotrich said he had made it clear to Netanyahu that he would not be part of a government that will agree to the proposed outline and end the war without destroying Hamas and returning all the hostages.

Smotrich demanded the fighting to continue until the destruction of Hamas and the return of all the hostages, as well as the creation of a completely different security reality in Gaza and Lebanon.

National Security Minister Ben Gvir meanwhile described the deal as reckless and a victory for terrorism, as well as a security danger to Israel.

If the prime minister implements the reckless deal under the conditions published today, which mean the end of the war and the giving up on the elimination of Hamas, Otzma Yehudit will dissolve the government, he said, referring to the far-right party he leads and which helps prop up Netanyahus majority in parliament.

Biden had alluded to the tensions in the Israeli government in his speech, making a direct appeal to ordinary Israelis to voice their support.

I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some, some are even in the government coalition, he said.

Netanyahu under pressure

The proposal would first see hostages freed and Israel withdrawing from all populated areas of Gaza, and eventually culminate in a reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has been left in ruins from the fighting.

The plan has been widely welcomed, with the UN and other international powers urging Israel and Hamas to accept it.

Hamas said it viewed the plan positively and was ready to deal positively and constructively with any proposal based on a permanent ceasefire.

Less than an hour after Biden detailed the proposal, Netanyahu insisted Israel will not end the war in Gaza until it had achieved all of its goals, including the destruction of Hamas.

The extent to which Netanyahu agrees with the plan is unclear, as the statement also said that the exact outline of Israels proposal allows Israel to maintain these principles.

On Sunday, the Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant warned Israel will not accept any deal to end the war which would allow Hamas to rule over Gaza. During a visit to the Israeli militarys Southern Command headquarters on Sunday, Gallant said options for a governing alternative to Hamas are being considered.

We will not accept the rule of Hamas in Gaza at any stage in any process aimed at ending the war, Gallant said, according to a readout from his office.

However, Hamas has made it clear it will not accept any other group governing Gaza. On May 16, the groups political leader Ismail Haniyeh noted that, in regards to the day after the war, there had been calls to remove Hamas.

We say that Hamas is here to stay, Haniyeh responded.

On Sunday the White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the administration was currently waiting for an official response from Hamas on the Israeli ceasefire proposal.

Pressed on whether there would be a situation in which Hamas would agree to the proposal but Israel would not, speaking on ABCs This Week Kirby said that the Biden administration has every expectation that Israel would agree.

We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal, as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal, that Israel would say yes, Kirby added.

Netanyahu faces pressure from more than just within his own coalition. On Saturday protesters again took to the streets, demanding his resignation and early elections.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to back Netanyahu in accepting the proposal, and condemned the comments by Smotrich and Ben Gvir.

The threats of Ben Gvir and Smotrich are the neglect of national security, of the hostages and of the residents of the north and the south, he said.

This is the worst and most reckless government in the countrys history. For them, there will be a war here forever, zero responsibility, zero management, a complete failure.

Netanyahus government is facing growing international calls to end the war in Gaza as the conflict approaches its ninth month.

The war was triggered by Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, which left around 1,200 people dead and saw more than 200 people taken hostage. The Israeli campaign in Gaza since then has killed more than 36,000 people.

CNNs Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report.

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A birthday celebration was ended by a mass shooting that left one person dead and 25 injured, two of them critically, in Akron, Ohio, over the weekend, and police have offered a $22,500 reward as they try to piece together what happened.

A neighbor's doorbell camera and witness accounts have detailed the chaotic scene when shots rang out at an outdoor party that had been broken up by police earlier on Saturday night.

"Our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence," said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding in a joint statement on Sunday. "With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers."

Police tape is tied on a street sign where a memorial from a different incident that happened on 8th Ave looking towards Kelly Avenue at the site of a mass shooting in Akron on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

According to Harding, here's what unfolded:

Police broke up a large birthday celebration in Akron around 10 p.m. Saturday night. Harding said there were fireworks and "loud noises." Over 200 people attended the party and "had taken over the street."

The party got started again sometime after the police left.

After midnight, police began receiving reports of gunshots coming from the same location.

"The scene was littered with spent shell cases," said Harding at a news conference. "Mostly pistol caliber rounds."

According to Harding, the way the shell cases were laid out on the scene is "consistent with someone driving by shooting out of a car."

Police also believe people who attended the party may have shot back at the suspect, but officers don't know if the shooter or their vehicle was hit. Investigators do not know how many shooters there were, but believe a rifle was used. Police have also recovered two handguns.

More from the scene: 'That was crazy!' Witnesses share what they saw at mass shooting in Akron

Witness accounts, neighbor's doorbell camera describe chaotic scene

A doorbell camera caught footage of the shooting. Multiple gunshots and people screaming can be heard in the background as they run away from the scene, while cars are speeding away.

You dont expect to go from having fun to having to run for your life, Joyous Payne, who was at the party, told Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Payne, 21, said music was playing, people danced and sang, and nobody at the party was fighting.

"There was no drama," she said.

But, while everyone was "just having fun," then bullets suddenly began to fly and everyone was running away. Some even got trampled, Payne said.

Treasure Bell, 31, another partygoer who spoke with the Akron Beacon Journal, said he saw a man with a bullet hole in his face.

Joyous Payne, 21 and Treasure Bell, 31 who were at the party, talk about having a good time and dancing before running for their lives when the shooting started at a birthday party on Kelly Avenue in Akron on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

I cant believe all of that happened, said Payne. That was crazy!

Payne, who recently moved to the area where the party was held, said the people she went to the party with were not among those injured.

Who are the victims?

A 27-year-old man died in the shooting, reports the Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. According to a spokesman from Summa Health, he was dead when he reached the hospital.

At least two victims were in critical condition and a total of 25 people were injured, according to news release from the mayor's office released Sunday night.

At the news conference, Harding said the victims' ages range from 19 to 43, but most of them are in their 30s.

Reward worth thousands

The City of Akron announced anyone with information that leads to an arrest could receive up to a $22,500 reward.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP.

Those wishing to remain anonymous do the following:

Call Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.

Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.

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: Akron mass shooting: Witnesses speak, video released after 25 injured


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YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly approved the project ratification of Armenia to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The project on ratifying the agreement "On the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank" was presented at the NA session by Narek Hovakimyan, Deputy Minister of Economy Armenia.

Hovakimyan noted that since 2017, the issue of joining the AIIB has been discussed by the Armenian government.

In 2019, Armenian Ministry of Finance proposed that Armenia subscribe to the bank with 5 shares, but the proposal was principally rejected by the bank, noting that only the smallest candidates subscribed with 5 shares.

"We will join with 374 shares, the amount will be paid in 5 parts, 20 percent of the total amount every year. We think that the project is justified from the point of view of risks and diversification of credit funds", said Narek Hovakimyan.

Hovakimyan said that by becoming a member of the investment bank, a wide range of investments will open for us.

"One of the main goals at the moment is that we have the opportunity to become a member of the big investment program of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and attract a number of investments and low-interest credit funds in terms of infrastructure," he said.

According to the rationale of the project, joining the bank is important from the point of view of giving a new impetus to the Armenian-Chinese political dialogue. At the same time, it can create opportunities to attract Chinese-funded investments to modernize Armenia's transport infrastructure.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was established in 2015 in China.It is a multilateral development bank that aims to promote sustainable economic development, create prosperity and improve infrastructure by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors, promote regional development in Asia and Oceania in close cooperation with other international multilateral and bilateral development institutions.

The project on ratifying the agreement received a positive conclusion in the committee, it will be discussed at the next regular session of the National Assembly.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. In 2023, 839 displaced families from separate regions of Nagorno-Karabakh benefited from the housing provision program. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, during the joint session of the National Assembly's standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs presenting the annual report on the implementation of the Armenian 2023 state budget.

"Within the framework of the housing provision program, 1.6 billion drams for 839 beneficiary families have been allocated to the measure Providing state support for housing affordability for displaced families from separate regions of Nagorno-Karabakh, Mkrtchyan noted.
The line of persons desiring to vote in the Mexican election, stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Max Aleman wears a Mexican flag to show his suport as he waits in a line that stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The line of persons desiring to vote in the Mexican election, wrapped around the Mexican Consulate building, down Rogerdale Road and then multiple blocks around the corner and down Richmond Avenue Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A volunteer election official provides details on the Mexican election voting procedure as a line of voters stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Voters sing a Mexican patriotic folk song, "Mexico lindo y querido which means Beautiful and Beloved Mexico to pass time as they wait to vote in the Mexican elections in a line that stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The line of persons desiring to vote in the Mexican election, stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The line of persons desiring to vote in the Mexican election, stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Max Aleman wears a Mexican flag to show his support as he waits in a line that stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The line of persons desiring to vote in the Mexican election, wrapped around the Mexican Consulate building, down Rogerdale Road and then multiple blocks around the corner and down Richmond Avenue Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Voters take refuge under a large shade tree to pass time as they wait to vote in the Mexican elections in a line that stretches multiple blocks down Richmond Avenue from the Mexican Consulate building Sunday, May 2, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Mexican citizens living across Texas waited hours outside the Mexican consulate in Houston on Sunday to cast their ballot in Mexicos presidential election, the first in the countrys history to elect a woman.

Even near the polls closing time of 7 p.m., hundreds stood outside the consulate hoping to make their voices heard, and the sun shone hot like the emotions of the crowd. Many said theyd registered online months in advance and arrived hours in advance of polls closing, only to be denied entry into the consulate.

Houston resident Claudia Padilla said she and her family arrived at the consulate around 1:30 p.m. to vote and waited five hours. They moved from Mexico in 2004 and wanted to vote because they go back frequently, so what happens in Mexico affects them and their family still in the country. Padilla said they were motivated by issues including government corruption and the prevalence of drug cartels.

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But ultimately, Padilla and her family were unable to cast their ballots.

It really is unfair. Houston is really big, and a lot of Mexicans are here. If they only allow (some people) to vote in Houston, thats not reasonable at all, Padilla said.

About 240,000 Mexican citizens received voter identification from the Dallas and Houston Mexican consulates, the only two in Texas where people could vote in-person Sunday in Mexicos election, the Texas Tribune reported in February. This years election was the first in which Mexicans living abroad in the U.S. could vote in-person at Mexican consulates; previously, citizens were only allowed to vote by mail or electronically.

For the first time in Mexicos history, the two leading candidates for president were women: Claudia Sheinbaum, a scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, and Xochitl Galvez, a former senator and tech entrepreneur. Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the longshot third candidate, was a congressman courting the youth vote.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Houston didnt return a request for comment.

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Houston resident Sergio Garcia said he arrived at the consulate at 2:45 p.m. with his registration from months ago in hand but still wasnt let in to vote. Despite the polls closing time of 7 p.m., Houston police started driving around at 6 p.m. telling people to leave, and the consulate stopped letting people in at 6:30 p.m., he said.

As the confusion of hundreds turned to anger as many realized they wouldnt be allowed in to vote, the crowd began chanting Queremos votar, or We want to vote, outside the gates of the consulate. Some spray-painted the phrase on a large banner and began waving it.

Austin resident Daniel, who asked to be identified by his first name as he continues immigration proceedings, said he drove to Houston to vote. He arrived at the consulate around 5 p.m. and was confused by the lack of staff or signage guiding voters. He also didnt get the chance to cast his ballot.

It just seems like this is really fraudulent. They are restricting the voting of people. A lot of people came out today because they really wanted to vote ... If youre in line by the closing time, you should be able to vote, Daniel said.

Even those let inside the consulate and told they could vote, like Carlos Guillermo Borrego, said they werent able to cast a ballot when the computers automatically shut off at 7:30 p.m. Borrego said hed been waiting in line since 10:30 a.m.

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Houston resident Santiago Rosas, who arrived at the consulate at noon with his registration from January, still waited outside the consulate gates near 8 p.m. with naive hope that he might be able to vote.

Rosas said many in line seemed to want to vote for Sheinbaum based on the conversations hed had and the chants of the crowd, though he planned to cast a ballot for Galvez. He was concerned by a rise in disappearances and femicides, and whichever candidate won, he hoped Mexicos first woman president could usher in a new age for a country plagued with gender inequality.

As the sun began to set, the crowd of hundreds thinned to dozens as most gave up on getting the chance to vote. Rosas decided to ask a friend to come pick him up.

Regardless, Mexico makes history today, and I'm pretty proud of that, Rosas said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Geghard Scientific and Analytical Foundation has issued a statement addressing the recent initiative of the Azerbaijani embassy in Poland, the opening of a photo exhibition entitled The Christian Heritage of the Multicultural Identity of Azerbaijan. Geghard emphasizes that the Azerbaijani state apparatus continues to disseminate false scientific theses on various international platforms.

The event was attended by ambassador Nargiz Gurbanova, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Ravan Hasanov, Chairman of the Albanian-Udi Christian Community Robert Mobili, Chairman of the Christian Religious Community Azerbaijan Bible Society Rasim Khalilov, and others.

The aforementioned persons are intensively involved in the violent appropriation of the Armenian heritage of Artsakh. In particular, R. Mobili, as the leader of the Udi community, repeatedly directed the Udi community to Dadivank, Amaras, and Tsitsernakavank to perform rituals following the Artsakh 44-day war.

According to a number of international declarations and agreements (The Hague Protocols I and II of 1954, the Agreement on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of 2003, the Faro Convention of 2005, etc.), not only the destruction of monuments and vandalism of churches but also the erasing and changing of cultural identity are considered crimes.

In the opening speech of the event, ambassador Nargiz Gurbanova spoke about the traditions of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan, noting: "Historically, in our country, representatives of different religions and peoples lived side by side, peacefully and harmoniously."

What kind of peace and harmony is she talking about if, in the war of 2020, which was initiated by the ruling regime of Azerbaijan, civilian objects and civilians were mercilessly targeted, and the Azerbaijani dictatorship, with its multicultural traditions, kept 120,000 Armenians under blockade for about 10 months, exposing them to hunger, physical and psychological pressure?

The authorities of this tolerant country, with the connivance of the great powers, subjected the civilian population to forcible deportation after the blockade and continue to appropriate the Armenian cultural heritage of Artsakh, playing their peaceful and multicultural role, the statement reads.

"Geghard" Scientific and Analytical Foundation condemns the policy conducted by the Azerbaijani regime and urges international organizations and democratic countries to condemn Aliyev's dictatorial regime and prevent the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage.
YEREVAN, 3 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 3 June, USD exchange rate up by 0.14 drams to 387.52 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.32 drams to 419.99 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 4.34 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.13 drams to 492.69 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 6.84 drams to 29256.98 drams. Silver price down by 2.98 drams to 389.53 drams.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. The Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, Mher Grigoryan, stated that Armenia is ready to make all efforts to realize all directions of food security for the EAEU.

"Coordinated efforts and joint work of EAEU member states will allow us to achieve sustainable food security and ensure the well-being of our citizens. I would like to confirm the readiness of the Armenian side to make all the necessary efforts to realize the main directions of ensuring the food security of the EAEU," Tass quoted the Deputy Prime Minister as saying.

The Deputy Prime Minister also added that the issue of food security is one of the main priorities of Armenia's presidency in the EAEU.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by the President of the Armenian National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, who is in Ljubljana on an official visit, participated in the event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Slovenia.

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan and the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, Urska Klakocar Zupancic, made opening speeches at the event.

"The partners congratulated each other on this symbolic anniversary for both countries and emphasized the strong friendly relations established over three decades. Alen Simonyan noted in his speech that a high-level political dialogue and strong inter-parliamentary relations have been formed between Armenia and Slovenia,'' the press service of Armenia's Parliament said in a readout.

According to the source, the head of the Armenian Parliament highly appreciated the cooperation, especially in the economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres.

"Our relations have progressed in the field of parliamentary diplomacy in recent years, as evidenced by high-level contacts and visits.

I strongly believe that our relationship has great potential for development. As the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, I express my full readiness to further promote the relations between the two countries for the benefit of our peoples," said the Speaker of the National Assembly.

It is noted that Mateja Prevolsek,Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaryof the Republic ofSlovenia to Armenia and the Ambassador of Armenia to Slovenia Ashot Hovakimyan also made congratulatory speeches at the event.
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday warned the Maharashtra government that its failure to take steps for drought mitigation will lead to a clash between him and the government. In a letter written to chief minister minister Eknath Shinde, the NCP founder said that he cannot keep quiet when the people are suffering.

I have always taken a cooperative stand with the state government when it comes todealing with drought. However, it is becoming difficult for me to keep quiet looking at the plight of people in the current situation. I appeal to the state government to take firm steps for drought mitigation at the earliest. In case of failure to do so on the governments part, I will be forced to take a combative stand, the veteran politician said.

Several parts of Maharashtra are facing severe water crisis and drought like situation.According to a state government report, the average water stock in nearly 3,000 dams in Maharashtra is down to 21.40 per cent on Monday which is more than eight per cent less than the water stock available on the same date last year. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division is the worst affected with only 8.57 per cent average water stock left in reservoirs.

Highlighting the gravity of the drought situation and depleted water levels in dams, which has led to severe water scarcity in several regions across the state, Pawar said, At a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 24, I had taken a stand of cooperation with the government to fight the drought situation in the state. You (the chief minister) had also reviewed the drought situation in Marathwada but public representatives and ministers were missing at the review meeting. The state government has not made full-fledged efforts to address the drought situation. In the last ten days, the severity of the drought has escalated, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in dams, while several regions are grappling with acute water scarcity.

Expressing concern over the state governments failure to implement new relief measures for the drought-affected people, Pawar said he cannot continue to cooperate with the government if it does not undertake relief measures. The state government has not taken adequate measures to tackle the severe condition of horticulture affected by water scarcity. The schemes to alleviate the drought have not percolated to the grassroot level, he said.


New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is very optimistic regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha election results, suggesting they will starkly contrast with the exit polls. "We have to wait, just wait and see," Gandhi said when asked about her expectations for the results scheduled to be announced on Tuesday. "We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite to what the exit polls are showing," she added.

Sonia Gandhi made these remarks after attending an event at the DMK office, where she paid tribute to DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi on his 100th birth anniversary.

Most exit polls have predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a third consecutive term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to secure a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha. While some exit polls forecast the NDA winning more than 400 seats, most predict over 350 seats, well above the majority mark of 272 needed to form the government.

The Congress and other I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties have dismissed these exit polls as "fantasy," asserting that the opposition alliance will form the next government. "This is not called an exit poll but its name is 'Modi media poll'. This is Modi ji's poll, it is his fantasy poll," former Congress president Rahul Gandhi commented on Sunday. Congress leaders have claimed that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will win 295 seats and form the government.

Earlier, at the event marking Karunanidhi's 100th birth anniversary, Sonia Gandhi remarked, "It's my pleasure to be here with my colleagues from the DMK on the very auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi." She reflected on her interactions with Karunanidhi, saying, "I had the good fortune of meeting him on many occasions, listening to what he had to say and benefiting from his words of wisdom and advice. I feel fortunate to have met him," and extended her best wishes to those present.

As the nation awaits the final results, the political climate remains charged with anticipation and speculation.
Mumbai: Maharashtra independent MLA Ravi Rana, who supports the BJP, has made claims that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will return to NDAs fold within 15 days after Narendra Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister for the third term. Calling it a 'Modi era,' Rana said Thackeray is well aware of it.

"I can confidently say... 15 days after Modiji becomes Prime Minister again, Uddhav Thackeray will be seen in the Modi government and with Modiji. The coming era is of Modiji and Uddhav Thackeray knows this. It is Narendra Modiji who is taking the ideas of Balasaheb Thackeray forward," Rana said.

Uddhav Thackeray, who keeps making remarks about us will surely make a backdoor entry into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) within 15 days of Narendra Modi taking oath as a PM. The PM has said that the window is always open for Uddhav as he is the son of Balasaheb Thackeray, the MLA added.

Rana claimed that his earlier predictions of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar quitting the Shiv Sena and NCP respectively and joining hands with the BJP also proved accurate. I know, this time as well, I will be right," he said.

Rana's wife Navneet Rana, is the outgoing Amravati MP and the BJP candidate from the same constituency in the Lok Sabha polls.

Rana's claims have been rubbished by the Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut who said, "Uddhav Thackeray has been leading the Shiv Sena for 25 years and he will take a call. A person like Ravi Rana has no right to speak about Uddhav Thackeray."

In one of the recent interviews, Modi had said he will offer help to Uddhav Thackeray in case of any crisis. "I can never forget the love and affection of Balasaheb Thackeray towards me," said the PM when asked if he considers thr former Maharashtra chief minister as the rightful heir to Balasaheb Thackeray. PM Modi said he will always be grateful to Balasaheb Thackeray and can never speak against him and added hell be the first to help Uddhav if hes in trouble.

However, Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that he will never go back with the BJP. Even if the doors are open, do whatever you want. I will not come to you. And there will be no need to come back to you because you will not be there (in power)," he said
by Melani Manel Perera

Torrential rains that have been continuing unabated for days yesterday resulted in deaths and missing persons. Extensive destruction, schools closed. Rainfall of up to 150 mm is expected, with the Disaster Management Centre urging people in the valleys to move to higher ground. The anger of the inhabitants of Maikkulama in Chilaw: Floods two or three times a year. No one pays attention to our situation.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The effects of the monsoon rains that are lashing Sri Lanka these days are tragic. The country has issued a flood warning as the rainfall continues unabated. Since yesterday, 2 June, the high rainfall has caused 12 deaths and widespread destruction.

Several provinces have suffered severe damage; 5 of them have been informed that heavy rainfall of over 100 mm is likely. All schools have been closed for today, while schools in the districts of Rathnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Matara and Kalutara will not open tomorrow; in the Homagama area, Colombo district, the closure is extended until Wednesday, 5 June.

In the early hours of today, five people were still missing. Extraordinary showers of more than 100 mm are expected in some places in the western provinces, such as Sabaragamuwa, as well as in the central, southern and north-western provinces, according to the Met department.

The alert was issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), which emphasised the danger of severe flooding on the outskirts of the capital Colombo and in many other areas of the island due to heavy torrential rains.

The Department of Irrigation said that due to heavy rains since the early hours of yesterday, water levels in the Kelani River, on the outskirts of Colombo, and the Gin River, in southern Sri Lanka, have reached flood levels.

According to the Irrigation Department, severe flooding is possible in the next 48 hours in some low-lying areas of the Aththanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya valleys, located in Diwulapitiya, Mirigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-ela, Katana and Wattala. In addition, a landslide warning issued by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), issued for Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Colombo, Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Ratnapura districts, was further extended.

The DMC said it has advised families living in low-lying areas to move to higher areas. The Department of Meteorology, in its latest weather alert on Sunday, additionally stated that more than 150mm of rain is expected in the western and southern provinces and warned people to stay indoors. The DMC said law enforcement agencies were urged to be on the alert in case search and rescue operations were needed in flooded areas.

Meanwhile, residents of Maikkulama village in Chilaw, Puttalam district, which is prone to flooding for most of the year, accuse government officials and politicians. Nobody pays attention to us. We face floods two or three times a year.

All the villagers have gone to protest on the highway demanding solutions, one of them, Sulochani, tells AsiaNews. Even the village official does not come to see this tragic situation. We have no food. We have no drinking water. We have been under flooding for three weeks now, Parameshwarn echoes him.

Since the rains started, all the roads have been flooded. This would not have happened to us if the drainage systems had been properly designed and built,' Chandana Costa told AsiaNews. There are young children and sick people. I am a heart patient. But one cannot stay at home comfortably. Water has entered the house. The toilet overflowed. Various diseases will spread in the near future.

Parameshwaran also said that 300 to 500 families faced many problems due to the floods caused by the heavy rains. We cannot stop the rain. But we can stop the floods by providing solutions. The authorities should do that.

In the estate called Chilaw Malwatta live about 30 families who do odd jobs. During the rainy season, all the houses were flooded. A nearby lake overflows with Japanese hibiscus and locals claim that the lake floods during the rainy season - overwhelming their houses - due to a lack of cleanliness and drainage systems.
by Shafique Khokhar

The mob that attacked the victim on 25 May also set his home and business on fire. The rest of the family miraculously escaped. Doubts are being raised over the timing of his death, with some believing the government delayed the announcement to avoid international censure. Activists accuse the authorities of knowingly covering for the groups who use the law to kill indiscriminately.

Sargodha (AsiaNews)  Nazir Masih, a 72-year-old Christian man (pictured), died this morning in hospital from injuries sustained in an assault by an angry mob. Sparked by false accusations of blasphemy, his death is but another example of how the law is being used to attack innocent people and settle personal matters.

The original incident took place on 25 May in Mujahid Colony, a neighbourhood of Sargodha, capital of the district of the same name, Punjab province, when a group of people attacked and tortured the elderly man, setting fire to his home and business, and tried to beat up his son Sultan Gill and the latters family, who fled to escape the violence.

The circumstances and timing of his death are also proving controversial. The official announcement was made today, but some sources say that he died on the very day of the brutal attack, but was kept artificially alive with a ventilator on instructions of the government to avoid international blame.

In response to the incident, Pakistans Christian community is calling on the authorities to impose severe punishment on the 45 people identified among those responsible for Nazir Masihs lynching, the torching of his home, and the destruction of his business.

The elderly Christian's death "did not only occur at the hands of a violent mob" but is also linked to the "deafening silence of our entire nation, said writer and activist Anee Muskan, speaking to AsiaNews.

Each of us bears responsibility because we have allowed such atrocities to occur for years, added Anee, who also chairs Chosen Generation.

Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), said the state should ensure "the protection of minorities and take action against all those involved in such violations" to avoid "further dangers in the future".

For Walter, Islamic groups and extremists responsible for this kind of violence are well known to the government and the various agencies of the state, and what drives them to act.

Some recent reports reveal that many complaints of blasphemy against Christians have been registered by the same people and groups, but no action has been taken against them" by the authorities.

Reacting to Nazirs death, Fr Khalid Mukhtar urges Christians to remain united to get their rights because "we cannot bring about any positive change" divided.

The Pakistani priest explained that assailants even "stoned the ambulance that was transporting Nazir Masih to the hospital.

I give this government 10 days to drop the accusation of blasphemy against Nazir Masih and his family; otherwise, we will stand up united to this brutality, he warned.

What country is this, he added, where we cannot get justice even after losing our lives and possessions. We are very saddened; we only ask for peace and justice."

Ata-Ur-Rehman Saman, a human rights activist and coordinator of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Pakistan, also spoke to AsiaNews.

This morning, when news came of the death of Nazir Masih, a victim of mob violence on 25 May who died of his injuries, I was reminded of Jogindar Nath Mandal, the first Law minister and one of the leaders who created Pakistan. In October 1950, he resigned "after incidents of killings and forced conversion of Hindus" in East Pakistan.

"The circumstances are the same today. The administration and the state are not inclined to address the issue. This attitude is continuation of the behaviour of Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan, Saman warns.

Jongindar Nath Mandal was fortunate enough to have the option of leaving Pakistan to live rest of his life. We dont have the option of living, but to die for the rest of our lives.
by Joseph Masilamany

Malaysias prime minister spoke at the Turath Islami Festival held in the State of Selangor, which celebrated Islams intellectual heritage. According to Anwar, the development of Artificial Intelligence has been based so far on Western ideas and concepts, but in Malaysia, it must not stray from the Islamic moral system and values.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Islamic traditions and principles will have to be applied in the use of artificial intelligence in Malaysia. So far, the development of the technology has been based on Western ideas and concepts, this according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia needs to be applied with the values of Turath Islam and not be completely based on the Western model, Anwar said during the inauguration of an academic seminar (Riyadhu As-Salihin), held in conjunction with the Turath Islami Festival, in Shah Alam. Turath Islam refers to the intellectual legacy of Islams golden age.

The skills and development of AI progress in the country need to be filled with the treasures of knowledge and the legacy of Islam, to be used as a corpus (a collection of research materials) so that the development of the technology goes hand in hand with Islamic adab (manners) and akhlak (morality), he added.

I am very concerned that for Malaysia, in developing AI, the values embedded in the technology carry Western values and thinking. On account of this, I feel the Islamic intellectual tradition must be included so that the AI applied in Islamic countries does not stray from the Islamic moral system and values, Anwar explained.

The prime minister praised the State of Selangor for organising the Turath Islami Festival (the festival of Islamic heritage, 26 May-2 June) to revive the masterpieces of Islam while nurturing a culture of love of knowledge" in the country.

What is being done in Selangor is interesting, he said. The state strives to maintain a tradition of obtaining knowledge in the old ways, such as through pondok (Islamic boarding schools) and sheikhs (personal mentors and teachers).

Some of the leading figures in the Islamic world, like the former Grand Mufti of Egypt Prof Ali Jum'ah, were present at the festival. So was Selangor First Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

The Selangor State Government is committed to mainstreaming turath through the establishment of the Turath Academy, under the management of the State Mosque, the Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Amirudin said.

The state government has drafted a series of lectures with religious educators in mosques, a practice called talaqqi. The project will start in nine districts of the state.

We are aware that, in modernity and the limitations of time, especially when faced with political, economic, social crises, and the crisis of globalisation, many of us are nearly overwhelmed while searching for something to cling to, so some of us fall into extremism, fanaticism, racism, and bigotry, Amirudin explained.

The time has come for us to embrace turath as a pillar for the people, he added.
Claire Hao is a reporter on the Houston Chronicle business desk covering the Texas power grid, the clean energy transition and other electricity-related topics.

Claire previously spent a year on the climate and environment team of the San Francisco Chronicle. She has written for the news desks of Bloomberg Law and the Chicago Tribune as well as for the editorial board of the Washington Post. Claire graduated from the University of Michigan.
While China is systematically erasing the memory of the brutal repression of student protests on 4 June 1989, 14 prominent participants of that movement are still behind bars, rearrested for their struggle for democracy. Chinese Human Rights Defenders issued an appeal for their release. In Hong Kong there is concern for Jimmy Lai's health.

Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), a major international NGO supporting Chinese dissidents, issued an appeal last week to mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

For 35 years, all top Chinese leaders, from Li Peng to Xi Jinping, have been fixated on erasing memories of June 4 by persecuting those who peacefully seek accountability, reads the CHRD statement. Everyone who cares about justice should call on Beijing to immediately and unconditionally release these and all other prisoners of conscience in China.

The appeal includes a list of 27 people who, for various reasons, are still in prison in relation to the Tiananmen Square movement. [F]ar from being complete, [. . .] it is a window to the severity, scale, and persistence of reprisals by the Chinese government over the past 35 years, the statement reads.

In particular, 14 names belong to people who participated directly in the events of 35 years ago and are currently in prison after they were rearrested for promoting democracy in China.

Zhou Guoqiang () was imprisoned for organising a strike in support of student protests in Beijing in 1989, and served four years in a re-education camp. He was arrested again for online comments in October 2023. His current whereabouts and charges remain unknown.

Guangdong activist Guo Feixiong (), who took part in the 1989 movement as a student in Shanghai, has been serving a six-year sentence since 2015 for his human rights activism.

Another university student from that time, Chen Shuqing () from Hangzhou, has been serving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence since 2016 for pro-democracy activism.

Lu Gengsong (), a teacher fired in 1993 for supporting the pro-democracy movement, has been serving an 11-year sentence since 2016 for his pro-democracy work.

Beijing-based lawyer Xia Lin () has been serving an 11-year sentence since 2016 for his professional work as a lawyer; he participated in the 1989 movement as a student at the Southwest Institute of Political Science and Law in Chongqing.

Xinjiang activist Zhao Haitong () has been serving a 14-year sentence since 2014 for his activities as a human rights defender. He, too, had been imprisoned in the aftermath of the 1989 massacre.

Xu Na (), artist, poet, and a Falun Gong follower, took part in the hunger strike in Tiananmen Square. She was arrested in 2020 and sentenced to eight years in prison for "using an evil cult to disrupt law enforcement."

Sichuan activist Chen Yunfei () served a four-year sentence from 2015 to 2019, in part for organising a commemoration for the victims of 4 June. He had participated in the 1989 movement as a student at the China Agricultural University in Beijing.

Another member of the student movements at the time, Xu Guang (), was arrested in 2022 and is serving a four-year sentence on charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Huang Xiaomin (), who was arrested in Sichuan province in 2021, suffered th same fate, and was sentenced to four years, while Cao Peizhi () was arrested in 2022 and sentenced to 2.2 years in Henan province.

Zhang Zhongshun (), another student who participated in the 1989 protests, was reported to police in 2007 for talking to his students about the events of 4 June. He was jailed for three years and is now in jail for continuing to support activism and faces charges of subversion in Shandong province.

Wang Yifei () disappeared into police custody after he was detained in 2021. Before his arrest in 2018, he had been demanding justice for the victims of 1989 for several years.

Shi Tingfu (), already convicted of organiing a public vigil in Nanjing in 2017 and giving a speech in memory of the victims of Tiananmen, was rearrested in January 2024 and is awaiting trial on several charges, including spreading false information, and inciting terrorism and extremism in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

The other 13 names belong to people who were not directly involved in the events of 1989 in Beijing, but fought in mainland China and Hong Kong to keep alive the memory of what happened.

This second list includes Tong Hao (), a young doctor born in 1987, who was jailed for 1.5 years for publishing a post on 4 June 2020. He was arrested in August 2023 and has been in police custody in Jiangsu province ever since.

Some of the jailed are dissidents in Hong Kong, like Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho, and Chow Hang-tung; the latter, a lawyer, was recently issued a new arrest warrant in prison together with seven other people (including her mother) for commemorating the Tainanmen massacre online.

Businessman Jimmy Lai, 76, is the founder of Hong Kongs pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which was forced to close. He took ill today, the 87th day of his surreal trial. This has raised concerns about his health and conditions in prison.

As Chinese Human Rights Defenders note, three witnesses to events in Tianamen Square have died in prison in the past 35 years.

The most prominent is Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo (), who died in July 2017 from liver cancer in police custody while serving an 11-year sentence since 2009 for his role as a leader in the Charter 08 campaign. A university lecturer in 1989, he was jailed for 18 months for taking part in the 1989 movement.

Jiangsu writer Yang Tongyan () died a few months after Liu, in November 2017, from a brain tumor. He was serving a 12-year sentence imposed in 2006 for his political activism. He had already spent 10 years in prison for taking part in the 1989 movement.

Last but not least, we must remember labour activist Li Wangyang (), who died under suspicious circumstances on 6 June 2012 while in a hospital guarded by police in Shaoyang, Hunan province. Li, leader of the 1989 pro-democracy movement, was sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison. Chinese authorities claimed he committed suicide by hanging himself in his hospital room, a claim his family has disputed since Li was blind and deaf from torture and would not have been physically able to hang himself. Against the wishes of Li's family, Hunan authorities conducted their own autopsy and then cremated the body.
Today's news: Exit polls from the Indian elections give a two-thirds majority for the BJP; Surprise resignations among officials overseeing Indonesia's new capital project; Maldives bans entry to Israelis; South Korea's response to junk-filled balloons launched by the North.

PHILIPPINES - UKRAINE

The Philippines will take part in the upcoming Ukraine peace summit to be held in Switzerland on 15 and 16 June. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (Asia's leading defence forum) and then flew to Manila for a surprise visit to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During the security forum, both leaders severely criticised China.

INDONESIA

The head and deputy of the Nusantara Capital Authority, which oversees the billion project to build Indonesia's new capital, resigned in a surprise move. The president has appointed the Minister of Public Works and Housing and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture as acting head and deputy head, the government announced. The two new officials have been tasked with speeding up the construction of the new capital Nusantara, which is due to be inaugurated in mid-August, while no reasons for the resignations were given.

INDIA

The alliance led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to win a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, according to exit polls after the elections closed on Saturday. With between 353 and 401 seats, the new government will have the chance to make important changes to the Constitution, but analysts have pointed out that Indian polls have not always proved reliable in the past. Meanwhile, more than 50 people died in three days due to extreme temperatures.

MALDIVES - ISRAEL

The government of the Maldives - a Muslim-majority archipelago - has decided to ban the entry of Israelis, a spokesman for President Mohamed Muizzu announced yesterday, without giving details of when the new law will come into force. Muizzu also announced a national fund-raising campaign called Maldives in solidarity with Palestine. Nearly 11,000 Israelis had visited the Maldives last year, a figure equivalent to 0.6 per cent of total tourist arrivals.

KOREA

In response to Pyongyang's sending of balloons containing rubbish, Seoul has decided to suspend an agreement to de-escalate relations signed in 2018, at least until mutual trust is restored, the Presidential National Security Council announced. Yesterday, National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin said the government will take untenable measures against the North, including possibly resuming propaganda campaigns via loudspeakers along the border, with which Seoul launches critical messages against Kim Jong-un's regime and broadcasts K-pop songs.

RUSSIA

Russian analysts of the To be precise project have prepared a morality index of the federal regions, based on official statistical data on the birth rate in Russia, the use of contraceptives, and marriages, evaluated according to traditional or Western-oriented values, whereby the Caucasian and Asian regions are in the lead, while St. Petersburg, Smolensk, and the Altai in Siberia close the ranking as less traditional.

GEORGIA

The government in Tbilisi has announced that the port of Anaklja will be rebuilt for long-distance transport by the Chinese company China Communications Construction, which is blacklisted under US sanctions, but for which Premier Iraklij Kobakhidze himself has vouched, after the same project was denied without explanation to American companies in 2016.
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Flock Safety expands cameras to Houston after helping Memorial Village solve crimes. Submitted Flock Safety

As Houston public safety leaders continue to decry what they say are staffing shortages, the police department has come to rely on a license plate scanning technology more than any other city in the country, the acting chief said at a recent hearing.

Houston now leads the nation with more than 3,800 license plate reading cameras, acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite said at a hearing on the departments budget for 2025. And the technology is showing promise in helping investigators close cases.

Its been tremendously helpful, he said.

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The cameras track license plates on vehicles and notify law enforcement of any past links to crimes. While law enforcement experts in Houston and elsewhere have praised the technology for helping investigators solve crimes faster and more efficiently, it doesn't come without controversy, as some civil rights groups have voiced concern about how the technology stores data and intrudes on peoples' privacy.

Law enforcement experts across Harris County praised the promise of the Flock Safety cameras, saying they make a difference in solving crimes. The cameras have helped investigators solve some high-profile shootings across the Houston area in recent months, including the shooting of rapper BTB Savage.

The days of chasing criminals the old-fashioned way is over, were not on horses anymore, Lt. Mike Santos, a sheriffs deputy, said in an interview after the East Aldine Management District announced plans to spend $1 million on 60 of the cameras. If we can use technology to our benefit, then lets do that.

Not all technology is useful, and determining what works and doesnt will take trial and error, said Charles Blain, president of the Urban Reform Institute, a right-of-center organization dedicated to free market solutions for urban issues. He gave credit to Mayor John Whitmire for conceding that the city's ShotSpotter program, which involves gunshot detection technology, hadnt been effective, saying the focus with new technology should be small-scale trials and a willingness to deeply evaluate its effectiveness.

Were always looking for smarter, better, cost-effective ways of fighting crime, Whitmire said. What we really need are things we know will work.

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Blain added that the other chief concern as technology becomes a bigger part of law enforcement must be on civil rights and liberties.

How we are going to protect individual civil rights needs to be paramount, he said. Whether we get more cops or not, I think youre going to see a shift to a more technological model. And city and state leaders need to be on the forefront of how we put structures in place to protect people.

Facial recognition software, for instance, has come under controversy for misidentifying minorities in some widely publicized cases, Blain said.

And Savannah Kumar, attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, previously told the Houston Chronicle that the license plate reading cameras raise privacy concerns. Kumar urges people to be cautious with the implementation or expansion of plate reading systems and to consider how long the data is retained and where its shared by law enforcement.

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Filling in the gaps

Police department leaders for months have said they want 2,000 more sworn officers to improve response times and increase their investigative capacity. Satterwhite told members of the city's budget committee that the department was 300 officers shorter than it was 25 years ago  a drop from nearly 5,500 officers in 1998 to fewer than 5,200 last month.

The departments civilian staff has also been halved in the same time frame, from 1,900 in 1998 to 878 today.

More than 90% of the police departments proposed budget is set aside for staffing, with only around 9% for everything else, according to documents.

A representative for the company behind the Flock cameras confirmed Thursday that Texas was a top 3 market for the technology.

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Blain said he thinks Houstons public safety issues werent unique and that he thinks law enforcement agencies need to increasingly look to technology moving forward.
3 June 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Last week, Riga played host to the 3rd Strategic Dialogue meeting between Latvia and Azerbaijan, a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster economic cooperation between the two nations.

Led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Fariz Rzayev, and Under Secretary, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andzejs Vilumsons, the meeting underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen their economic ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.

Central to the discussions was the recognition of the strategic partnership founded on traditional friendship and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and Latvia. This acknowledgment laid the groundwork for exploring the possibilities of further strengthening this partnership, particularly in the realms of politics, economics, transport, and humanitarian initiatives.

Economic cooperation emerged as a focal point during the dialogue, reflecting the mutual desire to harness each other's strengths for shared prosperity. Both parties exchanged views on the current state of economic affairs and identified development prospects for cooperation.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the emphasis on the importance of continued high-level mutual visits. Such visits not only serve to reinforce diplomatic ties but also provide valuable opportunities for exploring new trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, the commitment to holding subsequent meetings of the Strategic Dialogue and the Intergovernmental Commission underscores the sustained effort to foster a conducive environment for economic collaboration.

Azerbaijan and Latvia boast complementary economies, presenting ample opportunities for synergistic partnerships. Azerbaijan, with its rich energy resources and strategic location, serves as a gateway to the Caspian region and beyond. Meanwhile, Latvia's strategic position as a logistics hub in the Baltic region offers access to European markets. By leveraging these strengths, both countries stand to benefit from enhanced trade relations and increased investment flows.

Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the importance of diversifying collaboration beyond traditional sectors. While energy cooperation has historically been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, there is a growing recognition of the need to explore new areas of cooperation, such as technology, innovation, and green initiatives. Such diversification not only enhances resilience but also paves the way for sustainable economic growth in line with global trends.

The 3rd Strategic Dialogue meeting between Azerbaijan and Latvia marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. By reaffirming their commitment to mutual cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration, Azerbaijan and Latvia are poised to unlock the full potential of their partnership, ushering in a new era of shared prosperity and development.

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3 June 2024 14:59 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

From May 31st to June 2nd, Azerbaijan actively participated in the 12th conference of Ministers of Tourism, focusing on the "Development of sustainable and resilient tourism industry" under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports, citing the State Tourism Agency.

Azerbaijan's delegation engaged in fruitful discussions during the event. Notably, a meeting of High Officials of OIC member countries convened alongside the conference. On June 2nd, the Ministerial Conference concluded with the chairmanship transition to Uzbekistan.

At the conference, Kanan Guluzade, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, highlighted Azerbaijan's growing tourism ties within the OIC framework. He underscored that 43% of visitors to Azerbaijan in the first four months of this year hailed from OIC member states. Guluzade emphasized Azerbaijan's rich tourism potential, accentuating the government's dedicated efforts to develop this sector. Moreover, he outlined significant strides taken to restore tourism potential, especially in areas liberated from occupation, including the preservation of Islamic heritage sites.

Guluzade also shed light on Azerbaijan's upcoming hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November, emphasizing its profound impact on tourism and its role in global climate change discourse.

During the conference, notable Islamic World Tourism Cities for the upcoming years were designated, including Senegal's Darak for 2025, Egypt's Cairo for 2026, and Pakistan's Lahore for 2027.

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3 June 2024 15:40 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

"Azerbaijan has made considerable progress in addressing unemployment and fostering job opportunities for its populace."

Azernews reports that Anar Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population said this.

He stated that approximately 545,000 individuals have secured employment in Azerbaijan over the last six years.

During a session of the Milli Majlis Committee on Labor and Social Policy, where revisions to the "Employment Law" were under deliberation, Aliyev emphasized the government's holistic strategy toward job creation.

Over 131,000 people have gained temporary employment through paid public works, while roughly 80,000 individuals have participated in the self-employment initiative.

Moreover, Azerbaijan has prioritized enhancing its workforce by providing professional training to 27,500 individuals.

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3 June 2024 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Gordon Birrell, bps Executive Vice President of Production and Operations, will embark on a three-day planned visit to Baku to attend the 29th Baku Energy Week and Forum, Azernews reports.

Birrells visit will commence tomorrow with the opening of Energy Week, where he will be accompanied by Gary Jones, BPs Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, along with other members of BPs regional leadership team.

"At bps stand, Gordon and Gary will present the remarkable journey of Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli. They will emphasize bps efforts to maximize ultimate reserves recovery through advanced technology. Additionally, they will provide updates on other bp-operated projects in the region, including the significant Shah Deniz gas field development project, which recently commenced production from the last of the five subsea flanks - the East North flank," bp stated.

Birrells itinerary also includes a series of external meetings, discussions on business priorities with bps regional leadership and scheduled interactions with the media.

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3 June 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Upon the invitation of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, Chairman of the Anti-corruption Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askhat Zhumagaliev and his accomanying delegation visited Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

According to the Press Service of the Prosecutor General's Office, during the visit, members of the delegation familiarized themselves with the administrative building of the Anti-Corruption General Directorate under the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan.

During a bilateral meeting held in the format of mutual discussions, Deputy Prosecutor General, Chief of the Directorate Nazim Rajabov provided detailed insights into Azerbaijan's efforts in combating corruption, showcasing notable achievements in the field. The meeting also facilitated an exchange of information regarding the activities of both institutions.

The delegation received detailed briefings on the facilities provided for staff and the operational activities of the prosecutor's office within the newly constructed administrative building, which boasts modern information and communication technologies. Additionally, they visited the museum dedicated to the 44-day Patriotic War within the premises.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Heydar Aliyev Center, where they were impressed by exhibitions illustrating the life and contributions of the distinguished statesman. They were also briefed extensively on the museum's exhibits.

Exploring the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve, the delegation encountered landmarks such as the Shirvanshahs' Palace Complex and Maiden Tower, alongside other UNESCO-listed historical and architectural treasures.

Moreover, during their visit to the Military Trophy Park, the delegation gained insights into military exhibits related to the Patriotic War, highlighting the significant role of our formidable army in liberating territories from occupation.

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Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com.

Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content.

Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University.
3 June 2024 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The representatives of the Air Forces of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan held a meeting based on the bilateral cooperation plan for the year 2024, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Defense.

During the meeting, guests were provided with a detailed briefing on the history and activities of the Air Forces, information was given about the role of the Air Forces in the 44-day Patriotic War, exchange of ideas regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles took place, and other mutually interesting issues were discussed.

In accordance with the plan, the Tajikistan delegation visited the military units and educational institutions of the Air Force. Azerbaijani guests were shown some of the unmanned aerial vehicles in the arsenal of the Azerbaijani Army, and detailed information was provided about the tactical and technical characteristics of the equipment.

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3 June 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Gala Ethno Festival has opened its doors to visitors of the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve, Azernews reports.

Organized by Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, the three-day festival featured interactive events, exhibitions, master classes and competitions for adults and children, reflecting the ancient traditions of the Azerbaijani people.

Participants engaged in tabletop games like archery, backgammon, chess, and checkers, while younger visitors enjoyed ethno and children's games as well as drawing contests.

The festival also featured an exhibition showcasing historical photos of Gala, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, cultural figures gathered under a 300-year-old pistachio tree at the "Potter's House," a museum complex within the Gala State Historical-Ethnographic Reserve.

Various meetings and workshops on topics such as "Turkish stamps", "Ceramic art" and "Absheron archaeology", and more added to the ethno-cultural experience of the festival, providing opportunities for hands-on learning in traditional crafts and ancient professions.

With its abundance of historical monuments, Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve offers unique insight into the past.

Founded in 2008, the Reserve treasures a rich collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. Traveling these historical sight will mesmerize you for sure.

People in love with historical journeys take great pleasure for visiting Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography (open-air), the Museum of Antiques and Castle Museum (partly open-air), operating under the Reserve.

The museum centers display more than 2,000 archaeological and architectural monuments, including ancient rock paintings, pottery, household items, jewelry, weapons, coins and much more.

The 18th-century tandoor and two underground passages (10th-15th centuries), old houses, portable tents made of animal skins, stone and straw houses with domes are of particular interest.

Ancient mounds, grave stones, dwellings, places of worship and other monuments also ultimately grab attention of curious visitors.

Gala settlement, where the Reserve operates, is especially famous for its magnificent rock carvings. Hunting scenes, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images are depicted on the ancient stones.

Scenes of sacrifice, separate images of deer, goats, oxen can also be found here. Ancient findings are presented in the open-air museum and a mosque next to Gesr tower.

Gala is considered one of the oldest shopping centers. Even in the 17th century, the European traveler Engelbert Kempfer wrote that salt, which is distinguished by its taste and whiteness, was mined in the village of Gala.

The eighteenth-century researcher, Johann Lerch, in his notes told about the journey to the village of Gala. In the 40s of the 19th century, the Russian traveler Berezin also mentioned in his notes the fortress in the village of Gala.

Today Gala State Reserve successfully preserves the spirit of Azerbaijan's historical past. Every year, the Reserve welcomes dozens of visitors who are ready to soak up an unforgettable atmosphere of this place.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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3 June 2024 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

The 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA) will convene in Baku, focusing on the theme "Green Horizons for the Turkic World: Role of Parliaments in Achieving a Green Agenda," Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiarov said at the briefing, Azernews reports.

The 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA) on the theme Green Horizons for the Turkic World: Role of Parliaments in Achieving a Green Agenda will be held in Baku on June 6, 2024, he said.

According to him, a parliamentary delegation headed by Chairman of Parliament Yerlan Koshanov will take part in the event from Kazakhstan.

Smadiarov noted that following the meeting, it is planned to adopt the Baku Declaration and a number of other documents and reports of the TURKPA.

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3 June 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Some forces seeking to undermine the deep unity between Turkiye and Azerbaijan have once again resorted to provocations, this time under the guise of "supporting" Gaza. Being associated with some terrorist organizations those groups do not stop spreading lies and slander about Azerbaijan. Over the past week, the fake news alleging the sale of oil and gas to Israel through Turkiye ended up with the attack on the headquarters of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in Istanbul.

The assailants shattered windows, attempted to force entry, and incited fear and panic. Their primary objective, masked under the banner of Gaza support, is undoubtedly to disrupt the fraternity between Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Posing as advocates for Palestine, they aim to tarnish Azerbaijan's reputation with such provocations, exploiting the Gaza conflict as a pretext. Upon examining the groups organizing these demonstrations, their affiliations become evident swiftly. Many openly endorse terrorist organizations operating against Turkiye in Iraq and Syria, revealing that Gaza is not their true target.

Economist Natig Jafarli, sharing his insights with Azernews, emphasized that the provocations in Turkiye directly aim to undermine the ties between Baku and Ankara.

"The assault on SOCAR's building in Turkiye is a blatant act of provocation, orchestrated by those seeking to damage Turkiye-Azerbaijan relations," he remarked.

The expert highlighted that disrupting the relationship between the two fraternal countries is no easy task.

"The strategic alliance between Turkiye and Azerbaijan is so robust that provocateurs' attempts cannot disrupt it," he added.

Jafarli called the troublemakers' demands absurd and unacceptable.

"The so-called 'demands' directed at SOCAR are baseless. Firstly, SOCAR does not directly sell oil to Turkiye. Secondly, oil is traded on the open market, accessible to any country," he pointed out.

Jafarli also addressed the economic relations between Israel and Azerbaijan.

"It's worth noting that if Azerbaijan ceased oil sales, Israel could easily procure oil from other sources. This claim is nonsensical."

The expert urged swift punishment for those behind the provocation.

"This despicable attack on Azerbaijan's oil company must be condemned and thoroughly investigated," he said.

It should be noted that those trying to damage Azerbaijan's relations and partnerships with its allies are not new to being involved in such provocations. Many of them try to present themselves as more humanitarian by taking advantage of the situation in the Middle East. Azerbaijan recognizes Palestine and has been a supporter of peaceful resolution and dialogue in its relations with Israel. Azerbaijan has embassies in both Israel and Palestine. Moreover, both countries have embassies in Baku. Azerbaijan has also offered mediation to the parties calling them to peace.

Azerbaijan supported the independence of Palestine in the UN vote. Baku advocates for ending the ongoing Gaza conflict and is ready to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of the region.

As Turkiye and Azerbaijan deepen their economic ties, there are ample opportunities for further collaboration and expansion. By leveraging their strengths and fostering innovation, both nations can unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and prosperity. Additionally, initiatives to enhance infrastructure, promote entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border partnerships will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Turkiye-Azerbaijan economic relations.

The economic relations between Turkiye and Azerbaijan exemplify a strong bond built on mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations for progress. With a solid foundation in place, both nations are poised to chart a path towards sustained economic growth and prosperity for their people.

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3 June 2024 14:32 (UTC+04:00)

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 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

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, and through you, to the government and the people of your country.

Taking this opportunity, I express confidence that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries will continue to strengthen and develop.

I wish you success in your efforts towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Kim Jong Un

Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea"

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3 June 2024 20:06 (UTC+04:00)

On June 3, the "Foreign Policy Program" for foreign diplomats, jointly organized by ADA University and the International Development Assistance Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan ("AIDA") operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, started its work. Azernews reports that the program, which serves as a diplomatic bridge between different continents, brought together 21 diplomats representing 14 countries from America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Among those countries, it is possible to mention Guyana, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Sierra Leone, as well as Belarus, Moldova, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries.

At the opening ceremony of the program, which took place today at ADA University, ADA University Vice-Rector for State, Foreign and Student Affairs Fariz Ismayilzade, his advisor Aygun Hajiyeva, and the head of AIDA Elmeddin Mehdiyev welcomed the participants.

Fariz Ismayilzade, who informed the diplomats about the geostrategic position of our country in the region, regional and global cooperation, emphasized that the arrival of the participants to our country coincided with a significant period - when our lands were liberated from occupation, and when Azerbaijan was preparing to host a prestigious event such as COP29.

In his opening speech, the head of AIDA, Elmaddin Mehdiyev, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and talked about the program's contribution to international cooperation, as well as Azerbaijan's success in the field of international aid as a new donor country.

Speaking about the importance of academic support for the development of bilateral relations, Aygun Hajiyeva touched on the history and activity of the "Foreign Policy Program" as well as the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, a think tank of ADA University. , they get detailed information about Azerbaijan's foreign policy, security strategy, and other important issues against the background of modern regional realities.

The professors and teachers of ADA University, the employees of the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, as well as the invited guests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, and other state institutions, will deliver speeches at foreign diplomats covering topics on international politics, effective diplomatic activity, development of professional skills and abilities, foreign policy of Azerbaijan, priorities and successes, energy diplomacy, Azerbaijan's contributions to the development of international transport corridors, as well as the history, nationality, tourism potential, and role of our country at the international level, digital innovation, and success in the field of public service.

Within the framework of the program, the participants are also expected to hold familiarization meetings in a number of state institutions, as well as visit historical and cultural places and visit the liberated Fuzuli region.

It should be noted that the 7th program of this year has been implemented since 2018. In the past years, 96 foreign diplomats from 63 countries participated in the program.

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3 June 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov participated in the 37th online meeting of ministers from both member and non-member countries of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan supported the decision adopted at the meeting regarding the extension of the current "Cooperation Declaration" from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The new decision aims to maintain the current level of crude oil production in OPEC Plus countries next year, extend the evaluation of production indicators by three independent sources until the end of November 2025, and determine a new base level for 2026 based on these results. In accordance with the new decision, Azerbaijan's daily crude oil production quota of 551 thousand barrels remains unchanged for next year.

The next meeting of ministers from member and non-member countries of OPEC is scheduled for December 1.

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3 June 2024 16:30 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

SOCAR Turkiye has commented on the accusations related to the sale of crude oil to Israel, Azernews reports.

According to the information, the company called such accusations baseless.

"In light of recent geopolitical changes in the region, SOCAR Turkey and its group of companies have been targeted by certain provocateurs both on social media and physically for some time. These provocative groups continue to post inflammatory messages on social media, making baseless accusations that we are selling oil to Israel, and have carried out attacks on the companys building, endangering the safety of our employees. The continuation of these provocative actions, which occurred at our headquarters in Istanbul on March 12, May 29 and 31, and June 2, as well as at our Bursagaz office in Bursa on May 24, poses a threat to the lives of our employees.

We carry out all our activities within the framework of international business agreements in accordance with the vision set by our Head Office - Azerbaijan State Oil Company SOCAR. In this context, the accusations regarding the sale of crude oil to Israel by SOCAR are not true and are deliberately aimed at confusing public opinion. The oil sales market in the world has its own characteristics and the crude oil produced is sold through trade or trading companies. Supply companies do not have the ability to control and intervene in which countries crude oil is transported to, for which purposes it is used. In this regard, SOCAR, like other oil companies, implements the products it supplies within the framework of sales relations with relevant trading companies. However, within the scope of our ongoing sales relations with trading companies operating in the market, it is impossible for us to control and interfere with which countries the crude oil supplied by trading companies from SOCAR is transported to and for what purpose it is used.

As SOCAR Turkiye, our investments and cooperation, strong bonds of brotherhood and friendship between Turkiye and Azerbaijan, strategic alliance and mutual interests of our peoples are being formed. During the sixteen years we have been operating in Turkiye, with an investment of approximately 18.3 billion USD, with five thousand six hundred direct and more than ten thousand direct employees in different cities, our group companies operating in the field of oil and natural gas and strategic mega projects such as STAR NEZ, TANAP, which we have implemented We are the largest foreign investor and the largest integrated industrial group. Our activity of expanding our existing investments in Turkiye with new investments continues. Our contribution to reducing the current deficit in energy is the main one, we are working hard for the social benefit, especially the regions where we operate, with the economic value and employment we create, as well as the many social responsibility projects we implement. In the earthquake disaster we experienced, from the first day, we took a place with the brotherly Turkish people in the direction of free fuel support and the delivery of basic needs to the region, and we continue to do so. We provide educational support to more than ten thousand students in eleven schools we have established in different cities of Turkiye. Realizing our social responsibility, we continue our activities in education, environment and social fields.

While we absolutely do not accept the baseless accusations made by a group of provocateurs, we ask that these statements and actions aimed at manipulating public opinion and damaging our hundred-year-old brotherhood should not be trusted. We will continue to work for the common interests and welfare of the Turkish and Azerbaijani people. As mentioned in our company slogan, we are always together. We are strong.

We present to the public", the company said in a statement.

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3 June 2024 19:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The National Security Council (NSC) of South Korea will consider a draft on the complete termination of the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, Azernews reports.

According to the draft, the agreement will be terminated until trust between Seoul and Pyongyang is restored.

It is noted that at today's meeting of the National Security Council, it was decided to include consideration of the bill in the agenda of tomorrow's meeting.

The Inter-Korean Agreement (September 19, 2018) provides for measures to reduce tension in the military sphere, including the establishment of buffer zones in border areas. In November 2023, South Korea announced a partial refusal to comply with the terms of this agreement. The reason for this decision was the launch of reconnaissance satellites by the DPRK.

On May 31, South Korea's Unification Ministry warned that it would take "unbearably" painful measures against North Korea if it continued to commit provocations. The authorities are considering the possibility of conducting a "psychological war" against the DPRK, which includes broadcasting loudspeakers along the border and sending leaflets critical of the North Korean regime.

On May 28, May 29 and June 2, the DPRK sent balloons with garbage and manure towards South Korea. 260 balloons have crossed the border all the time. The Deputy Minister of Defense of the DPRK, Kim Gang Il, stated that balloons with garbage were launched after propaganda materials from South Korea were found on the territory of the DPRK.

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3 June 2024 20:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said that the Chinese company Non-Ferrous Metals Ltd "discussed issues of cooperation in the copper industry with the Chairman of the Board of the company Xi Zengping. The parties signed an agreement on the construction of a sinter plant with a capacity of 300 thousand tons per year near the village of Aktogay in the Abai district, Azernews reports.

According to the agreement, a cluster will be created that will combine one of the world's largest copper mines and modern copper production. The $1.5 billion project will also open more than 1,000 jobs. It is reported that the plant will be put into operation by the end of 2028, and its raw material base will be the Bozshakol and Aktogay mining and processing plants, as well as the processing enterprise Vostoktsvetmet LLC.

The plant in Miseritme will become the largest enterprise in the country and will comply with international environmental standards. It will also meet Kazakhstan's demand for Finnish raw materials and copper cathode. Cathode copper is widely used in the electric power industry, mechanical engineering and industry. In addition, the company will produce refined gold, silver and dipping acid.

"China Non-Ferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering" and "Construction Company Ltd" ("NonFerrous China") is a Chinese company engaged in the extraction, selection and smelting of non-ferrous metals and operating in more than 20 countries around the world.

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Christine Mansfield with the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center pets one of the friend goats, named Beckham, as the herd works it way through three acres at the park on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Houston. This is the fifth time the facility as used Rent-A-Ruminant Texas to clear excess foliage and brush including the invasive Chinese privet. The goats are working through three acres and are scheduled to be at the park for a week. Visitors are encouraged to check out the goats at work working during park hours, they are more active before 11am, early afternoons and evenings. Access to the Houston Arboretum is free, although there is a $6 parking fee, which is waived for members and for everyone on Thursdays.

Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer
3 June 2024 22:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

On May 30-31 of this year, the delegation of Uzbekistan, headed by Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, made a working visit to the Republic of Korea, Azernews reports.

According to the information, the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea was held during the visit.

It is reported that key aspects of cooperation in the fields of energy, information and communication technologies, infrastructure and other areas were discussed.

Further steps to deepen bilateral cooperation were identified, as recorded in the Minutes of the meeting.

Meetings were also held with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, the heads of Eximbank and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as well as with the leadership of a number of leading Korean companies such as KIA Corporation, Samsung, Lotte Chemicals and others.

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3 June 2024 23:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Kazakhstan has excluded the Taliban movement from the list of terrorist organizations in order to develop economic cooperation with Afghanistan, Azernews reports.

"Kazakhstan has excluded them from the list of terrorists, taking into account the importance of developing trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and the long-term influence of the Taliban movement in the country," the President of Kazakhstan said.

According to him, one of the strategic tasks at the current stage is the active involvement of Afghanistan in relations in the region. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also called for support for the UN initiative to establish a regional center for sustainable development goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

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Beer, Goonies and Tidepool Events Next Weekend on Oregon Coast

Published 6/01/24 at 6:05 a.m.

By Andre' Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Oceanside, Oregon)  Tidepools and the Goonies: what else could you possibly hope for on one weekend at the beach? (Oceanside / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

This next weekend features them both, and in some new ways. Gearhart hosts the first ever GoonFest BrewFest on Saturday, while Oceanside sees the Tidepool Discovery Days on Saturday and Sunday, giving you deeper looks into these brightly-hued structures of Oregon coast beaches.

Saturday, June 8 and Sunday June 9 bring a host of wet and wild ways to enjoy Oceanside, as the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS staff and its volunteers create Tidepool Discovery Days at the little town at the edge of the Tillamook Coast. Those days feature stellar low tides, enabling you to discover some new things with the help of these much-lauded stewards of local beaches.

You wont want to miss the opportunity to explore and learn about the fascinating anemone clone wars, how a sea star eats, or how hermit crabs steal shell homes from other crabs, the group said. Take a closer look and you may find snails, limpets, colorful sea slugs known as nudibranchs. From seaweeds to sculpin fish, the pools provide another world of exciting and exotic creatures.

Oceanside and its tidepools are famed for being rich in colorful populations of funky critters. Low tides here also bring brilliant surprises.

In order to participate you have to register  that is required. Then they give out the actual time and exact location. Yes, it's like an Oregon coast secret you have to work a little to acquire.

Find the link to register for this events at: https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events.

WEBS and partners are hosting this event as part of the Explore Nature series of hikes, walks, paddles, and outdoor adventures. Led by a consortium of volunteer community and non-profit organizations, these meaningful nature-based experiences highlight the unique beauty of Tillamook County and the work being done to preserve and conserve the areas natural resources and natural resource-based economy. Learn more about Explore Nature at www.explorenaturetillamookcoast.com.

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Courtesy Clatsop County Historical Society



In Gearhart  a little ways up the north Oregon coast  you can revisit the Goonies in a unique, beer-oriented way. A mere several miles south of Goonie Town, er...um, Astoria, the McMenamins Inaugural GoonFest BrewFest takes place at The Lawn at Gearhart Hotel (1157 N. Marion Ave. Gearhart) on June 8. It starts at 1 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m.

It boasts a variety of Goonie-themed beers from various breweries in Oregon, including concoctions called the Hey You Guys-P-A and the Cyndi Lager.





Get ready to transport yourself back to the raddest decade ever at the very first GoonFest Brewfest, said McMenamins. Join other Goonies fans on the Gearhart Lawn at the Oregon Coast for a blast of '80s nostalgia, brews, and a ton of fun.

The company said to expect 19 Goonies-inspired beers and ciders from McMenamins and other Northwest Coast breweries. There's a Goonies-themed Passport Discovery Hunt for all the treasure hunters out there, lawn games, putting contest, and other, varied activities.

Price: Entry is free for all ages, but you'll need tickets and a valid ID to sample brews! $25 advance, $30 at the door (includes 10 tokens and a specialty Brewfest glass).



Parking onsite is free but it's on a first-come, first-served basis. More on purchasing tickets and the event

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Scientists Find Humpback Whale on N. Oregon Coast Died of Vessel Impact

Published 5/31/24 at 9:25 p.m.

By Andre' Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Nehalem, Oregon)  This week, researchers were able to thoroughly examine the body of a juvenile humpback whale that had washed up on the Nehalem Spit in Tillamook County, announcing today the whale had died of a ship strike. (Photo NOAA)

Last week, on May 26, the 34-foot humpback came ashore on the north Oregon coast, coaxing plenty of onlookers to what is normally a somewhat remote area. What was rather unusual about the whale was how some were able to capture video of it floating in the ocean near Rockaway Beach and then come ashore near Nehalem. See video Bloated, Dead Humpback Whale Filmed Offshore Before Washing Up on Oregon Coast's Nehalem Spit

Now, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries), the necropsy team was able to discern the cause of death, according to spokesman Michael Milstein.

The necropsy found significant hemorrhaging along the right front and sides of the whale, suggesting that it was struck by a vessel, Milstein said. The team found bleeding, bruising and swelling along the right side of the whales head and sides.



Photo OPRD

The injuries point to a blunt force impact, what you typically find with a vessel strike.

NOAA Fisheries' most recent stock assessment estimated the summer humpback population off Oregon, Washington, and California as at least about 5,000 animals and they continue to grow in numbers.

Crew from Seaside Aquarium were among those that responded earlier in May. They told Oregon Coast Beach Connection at the time the whale was not in a seriously advanced state of decay and likely hadn't been dead too long, although it was fairly bloated.



Photo: still from video by Mike Ceccacci

This could be seen in the video taken offshore. Seaside Aquarium manager Keith Chandler said the bloating was likely caused by warmer waters.

The necropsy teams largely consisted of Portland State University crew and its arm of the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. They oversee the north Oregon coast and south Washington coast in these incidents.

Meanwhile, Oregon State Parks is telling people to keep clear of the remains of the whale and be cautious on this beach.

Oregon State Parks is urging the public not to visit the remains of the whale, which are no longer intact, to avoid further disturbing threatened western snowy plovers that nest nearby, Milstein said. Anyone entering the area must respect restrictions in place and stay only on wet, hard-packed sand. Dogs and bicycles are prohibited.

Milstein said many agencies assisted in the incident.

NOAA Fisheries and PSU thank Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cascadia Research Collective, and Seaside Aquarium for assisting with the necropsy, he said.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Buffalo, N.Y.-based Kaleida Health and Dunkirk, N.Y.-based Brooks-TLC Hospital System will work together to build a hospital in Fredonia, N.Y., as part of Gov Kathy Hochul's safety net transformation program.

The hospital will replace Brooks-TLC Hospital, a 65-bed facility in Dunkirk, N.Y. The facility is a participant in the rural directed payment template program and the vital access provider assistance program, which aim to keep financially distressed hospitals sustainable.

The project will be supported by $74 million from New York State. Kaleida and Brooks will submit a revised certificate-of-need application to the department of health, which will expedite approval, according to a June 3 news release.

As a hospital receiving state financial support, recipients were required to develop restructuring plans that would lead them to sustainability. As part of its restructuring, Brooks merged with TLC Network, and the combined entity affiliated with Kaleida.

The plan is to integrate Brooks-TLC Hospital into Kaleida as the new hospital comes online. The new hospital is expected to open within three years of approval.

"Our objective from day one has been and remains our unwavering commitment to our community to provide access to healthcare in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way possible, while attracting and retaining additional talent in this region," Ken Morris, president and CEO of Brooks-TLC Hospital System, said. "We are proud to be able to keep care close to home."
In 2015, two nurses created a program to help medically complex children during emergencies. What they did not know at the time is the program would go on to improve care for those patients as well as save hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars.

Project Austin, which started at and operates out of Omaha-based Children's Nebraska, is a national program that provides emergency service personnel with the most recent medical information for medically complex children in need of emergency care. The latest evolution of the program is an app to allow easier access to update medications, diagnoses and equipment needed. Currently, it uses paper copies of that information.

The program was started by Tiffany Simon, MSN, RN, and Natalie McCawley, MSN, RN, in 2015. Since its launch, Project Austin has supported more than 2,000 children in eight states and partnered with 700 EMS departments. The program has reduced hospital admissions by 27% and reduced overall hospital stays by 50% for medically complex children, the nurses said.

Project Austin has also saved hospitals roughly $221 million.

"It's about getting that right information to the right people, which translates to that right care," Ms. McCawley told Becker's.

About 10% of EMS calls are pediatric patients, and medically complex pediatric patients can be high risk and cause anxiety for providers, Ms. McCawley said. Project Austin and its customizable plans have resulted in EMS personnel, emergency department providers and caregivers having greater confidence in getting patients the right care.

Project Austin is run by a department of eight people at Children's Nebraska and it is looking to expand to other regional pediatric hospitals.
Houston Methodist is using an FDA-cleared wearable to monitor tens of thousands of patients, which has led to improved patient outcomes and safety, Sarah Pletcher, MD, the system's executive medical director of strategic innovation, told Becker's.

The BioIntelliSense BioButton is being used across 2,653 non-ICU beds at Houston Methodist's eight hospitals. Given to patients upon admission, it is monitored by the hospital's centralized command center.

This device employs AI-driven analytics to detect changes in vital sign trends, allowing the monitoring team to coordinate care with bedside staff across various medical-surgical units and specialty areas, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, transplantation and maternal health.

With the BioButton, Houston Methodist has seen an increase in patient satisfaction.

"The BioButton enhances the patient experience through continuous monitoring," Dr. Pletcher said. "We have extended the intervals for bedside teams to gather vital signs. Previously, they checked routine vitals every four hours; now, we've increased this to every six and even every eight hours. This change allows patients more rest while ensuring their vitals are continuously monitored, even in the absence of staff. Patients have told us that they appreciate the additional rest this gives them."

The BioButton also supports Houston Methodist staff, according to Dr. Pletcher, allowing them to work at the top of their license.

"[Staff] now have more time to assist patients with personal needs, such as bathing or walking, which are crucial for recovery," she said. "This shift enables them to engage in more valuable patient care activities."

Additionally, the device provides staff with reassurance.

"Knowing that a device is continuously collecting data and a central team is monitoring patients gives them [staff] peace of mind," Dr. Pletcher said. "They can focus on the patient in front of them without worrying about others. Overall, the system reduces redundancy, enhances meaningful patient care, and provides additional support and reassurance to the staff."

Dr. Pletcher said Houston Methodist plans to expand the use of the BioButton to enhance patient triage with medical-grade monitoring in the emergency department.
Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has struck a deal with virtual nursing education company Kahuna.

The health system will combine its tiered skills acquisition model, or TSAM, with the startup's skills management software to develop a platform to provide virtual onboarding and orientation for nurse preceptees.

"We are sharing the expertise of our staff and the tools we've created with and for direct care nursing teams," said Denise Rismeyer, DNP, RN, director of continuing nursing education at Mayo Clinic, in a May 30 statement. "Mayo Clinic Nursing aims to share our learnings globally to enhance the professional growth of nurses and improve patient care."

Mayo Clinic has a financial stake in the technology.
A person crosses Main Street in the afternoon heat Saturday, May 25, 2024, near downtown in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Scattered thunderstorms kept residents of the Houston area on their toes last week and over the weekend.

The pattern this week focuses less on rain chances and more on incoming summertime heat with highs climbing through the 90s. Before temperatures climb, there's still one more day where storms may have you scrambling for your umbrella.

Few storms possible

Let's start first by saying most of Southeast Texas will stay free of rain chances Monday. Since that's out of the way, where are rain chances going to be highest to kick off a new work week?

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TRACK STORMS WHEREVER THEY DEVELOP: You can use our interactive maps to see where rain is falling.

A thunderstorm complex that developed in the Panhandle on Sunday is forecast to make an approach toward the region through Monday. Most high-resolution weather models project this complex to stay north of Houston, likely affecting the Piney Woods before moving into Louisiana. At least a few models suggest a storm or two tries to develop closer to the Houston area, though this is an isolated chance at best.

If you're reading this in Huntsville or Onalaska, your likelihood for rain is between 20 and maybe as high as 30%. Most of us will stay dry Monday, which will result in highs reaching into the lower 90s. As the pattern dries up this week, temperatures will get even steamier.

Drying out and heating up

High pressure builds into place this week and that will keep rain chances low and temperatures warm.

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One note about Tuesday and Wednesday's forecast first. A few weak disturbances aloft will pivot over the region during the day. This may result in a pop-up shower or storm if the atmosphere can overcome the influence of high pressure at the surface. The chance of rain these two days is less than 20%, so it's hardly worth spending too much time on in this forecast, but it is worth at least mentioning. With the prospect of a stray storm or two, high temperatures will be held to around normal for early June in the lower 90s.

Shown is the temperature outlook through mid-June, according to the Climate Prediction Center. Shades of orange indicate higher confidence that temperatures through mid-June will end up being above normal, while blue indicates where temperatures will likely be cooler than normal. This map does not suggest how far above or below normal temperatures could be. Climate Prediction Center / Pivotal Weather

A ridge of high pressure will dominate the forecast through the second half of the week. This means rain chances drop as close to 0% as possible during the summer and heat and humidity will rule. High temperatures Thursday into Friday will land between 93 and 96 degrees depending on where in Southeast Texas you're reading this from. Daytime heat index values will approach 104 to 107 degrees, which may result in heat alerts for some of us.

Nighttime low temperatures likely won't fare much more comfortable. Expect temperatures in the upper 70s overnight away from the coast, with lows near 80 degrees along the coast. Even at night, coastal heat index temperatures may not drop below 90 degrees.

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In the tropics

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. Early season outlooks call for a busier than normal season, which extends through Nov. 30. Over the next seven days, no tropical activity is expected across the Atlantic basin.

Shown is the chance of a tropical depression forming in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean through mid-June, according to the European model ensemble forecast. No development is forecast over the next seven days, however, this ensemble forecast suggests some development will be possible deeper into the Caribbean Sea. WeatherBELL

Beyond seven days, the European model forecast ensemble does suggest activity may start to percolate by the middle of the month in the Caribbean. It's a trend we'll closely monitor and of course provide updates on as the situation warrants.

RECORD WARM GULF WATERS: The Gulf of Mexico has never been this warm so early. What could that mean for hurricane season?

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Amazon has opened its first pharmacy in California, the Long Beach (Calif.) Press-Telegram reported.

The pharmacy will provide free, same-day medication deliveries in the greater Los Angeles area, according to the May 29 story. The facility is one of a dozen Amazon Pharmacy locations nationwide.

"Our mission with Pharmacy is to make it easier for people to get and stay healthy," John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, said prior to a May 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony covered by the newspaper. "It's that simple."

The pharmacy, located next to a same-day Amazon fulfillment center in Corona, Calif., stocks more than 1,000 medications, the Press-Telegram reported.

One of the benefits of [the] pharmacy, from a shipping and a delivery [standpoint], is it's light and small," Mr. Love said, according to the news outlet. "So there's a lot of medications that we can sort in a fairly small amount of space."
Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Fla., is revising its charity care policies due to funding shortfalls, a move the investor-owned hospital called a "difficult, yet responsible, fiscally prudent decision," according to a June 3 report by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Part of King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services, Manatee Memorial Hospital is a 300-bed facility staffed by over 800 physicians, residents, and allied health professionals.

In May, the hospital informed stakeholders it would no longer accept patients enrolled in Manatee County's healthcare plan or unfunded referrals from the We Care Manatee nonprofit for uninsured, low-income county residents, effective June 1, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported. Emergency room access will be maintained in compliance with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

"Our projected deficit from unfunded care, beyond charity care, amounts to several millions of dollars," Manatee Memorial wrote in a May letter to stakeholders, as reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "The significant cost of unreimbursed care is unsustainable. We continue to be a supportive community partner and will maintain open discussions with Manatee County regarding solutions, however, we need to make this difficult, yet responsible, fiscally prudent decision."

In April, Manatee Memorial Hospital CEO Tom McDougal indicated the hospital's funding for indigent care services was unsustainable. He noted that the hospital's costs for charity, indigent and uninsured care rose by 47% over two years, reaching $21.2 million in 2023, with an additional $2.9 million in uncollectable care. Last year, the hospital received $2.7 million in indigent funding from Manatee County.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I simply can't afford to keep doing this without being compensated for it," Mr. McDougal said at the April 16 public county commission meeting. "It takes away care from other patients."

McDougal made his remarks at a commission meeting focused on undocumented immigration, acknowledging that specific figures linking undocumented immigrants to the rise in charity care costs were not available. Six percent of patients in the hospital emergency room self-disclosed their status as undocumented immigrants, which Mr. McDougal believes is an undercount.

The latest changes follow Mr. McDougal's "very uncomfortable decision," as he put it, in February to stop oncology services and some surgeries for Manatee County health plan enrollees, as the hospital's costs under the program reached $9 million in 2023, compared to the $2.7 million reimbursement from the county.

Becker's has reached out to Manatee Memorial Hospital and will update this article as or if more information is made available.
Nonprofit hospital margins hit 4.3% in April, up 33% year over year, according to Kaufman Hall's "National Hospital Flash Report" released June 3.

Kaufman Hall examined data from 1,300 hospitals in Syntellis Performance Solutions' database and found that while hospital margins are improving overall, so is the gap between the highest and lowest performing hospitals. The best performing hospitals had a margin of 28.9%, compared to -16.1% for the worst performing hospitals.

"While financial performance looks solid on the surface, a closer examination of the data shows a greater divide between high- and low-performing hospitals," said Erik Swanson, senior vice president of data and analytics at Kaufman Hall. "Forty percent of hospitals in the United States are losing money. Organizations who have weathered the challenges of the last few years have adopted a wide range of proactive and growth-related strategies, including improving discharge transitions and building a larger outpatient footprint."

Operating margins were up 7% month over month and year to date operating margins were 21% higher than in 2023. Operating EBITDA margin year to date was up 14% over the same period last year, and flat with hospital performance in 2021.

Net operating revenue per calendar day jumped 9% year to date in April compared, and 5% over March 2024. Inpatient revenue climbed 12 percent year over year in April.

Hospital operating margin index also increased in April to 4.3% after three months of decline.

Of note, the data revealed:

1. Outpatient revenue increased 10% year over year in April.

2. Average length of stay dropped 4% year over year in April.

3. Emergency department visits increased to hit pre-pandemic levels.
Mitchell Myers, MSN, RN, will resign as CEO of Opp, Ala.-based Mizell Memorial Hospital, effective June 7.

The hospital's board of directors confirmed the resignation in a statement shared with Becker's. Lori Stanfield, MD, the hospital's community outreach coordinator, was selected as interim CEO.

"We would like to thank Mitchell for his service to Mizell and our community over the last seven years providing leadership to our organization in several roles during his time," the statement said. "We wish Mitchell all the best in his future endeavors."

According to the Andalusia Star-News, Mr. Myers accepted a role as regional director of hospital operations with River Region Psychiatry Associates.

"I have been blessed with an opportunity I could not pass up. I wish nothing but success to Mizell and will work closely with Dr. Lori during this transition to make it as seamless as possible, Mr. Myers said, according to the newspaper.

Dr. Stanfield shared the following statement with Becker's: "I am honored to be appointed Interim CEO of Mizell Memorial Hospital and by the confidence placed in me by the board of directors of Mizell. We have a great team at Mizell, and my goal will be to continue a pattern of growth and service to Opp and the surrounding communities."

Mizell is a private, nonprofit, acute-care facility, with more than 200 employees and an operating capacity of 59 beds, according to its website.








Skyler Reed has been appointed CEO of Medical City Women's Hospital Dallas and Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare's Medical City Healthcare in Dallas.

Prior to his new role, Mr. Reed served as COO of Medical City Dallas, according to a Medical City Health June 3 news release shared with Becker's.

He also served as COO and facility ethics and compliance officer of Medical City Arlington (Texas).
Sarah Frost was named chief of hospital operations for Providence, R.I.-based Lifespan and president of Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Ms. Frost begins her new role June 3, according to a health system news release shared with Becker's.

Her responsibilities include overseeing quality, safety and patient care coordination across Rhode Island, Hasbro Children's, The Miriam, Newport and Bradley hospitals, the release said.

She also oversees day-to-day operations at Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's Hospital, including high-quality and safe patient care, staff engagement, patient experience, process improvement and operating financial results, according to the release.

Before joining Lifespan, Ms. Frost helmed Banner-University Medical Center Tucson and Banner-University Medical Center Tucson South, both part of Phoenix-based Banner Health.
Washington (Pa.) Health System has joined with Pittsburgh-based UPMC to become UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.

The two parties shared plans to affiliate in June 2023 and signed a letter of intent to bring WHS under UPMC's wing. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry also reached an agreement with WHS and UPMC in late May to help move the affiliation along.

Under the new affiliation, UPMC will invest a minimum of $300 million over a decade to improve clinical services at UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, according to a June 1 news release from Washington Health System.

"We are elated that the affiliation is complete and look forward to starting a new chapter of collaboration with UPMC," Brook Ward, president of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, said in the release. "This affiliation protects the vitality of an essential community asset and solidifies a healthy future for Washington and Greene counties for generations to come.

WHS has collaborated with UPMC for more than a decade across services including oncology, pediatric specialties and heart and vascular care. UPMC will continue to invest in these collaborations and improve services like women's health, cardiology, inpatient and emergency care, outpatient services, diagnostics surgical services, and primary care.

A local board of directors will be maintained for UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene that includes 11 legacy WHS board members and five new UPMC members.

In-network access for WHS hospitals and doctors will not be affected by the affiliation for community members. Both UPMC Washington, UPMC Greene and their outpatient services will maintain existing contracts with national and regional insurers, the release said.








From a Massachussettes hospital settling allegations it knowingly billed for procedures that didn't follow Medicare rules to the conviction of a Texas physician in a $70 million scheme, here are 10 healthcare billing fraud cases Becker's has reported since May 10:

1. DuBois, Pa.-based Penn Highlands Healthcare agreed to pay the federal government $735,000 to resolve a whistleblower suit alleging Physician Self-Referral Law violations from claims submitted to Medicare and Medicaid.

2. A Fredericksburg, Texas physician was convicted for causing the submission of more than $70 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces and genetic tests ordered through a telemarketing scheme.

3. A physician was convicted by a Nevada federal jury for his role in a nearly $2 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme.

4. A Mississippi man who owned, operated, had financial interests in, or was affiliated with pharmacies, durable medical equipment companies and a laboratory pleaded guilty to his role in a $51 million Medicare fraud scheme.

5. A pair of pain physicians pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud three major payers by submitting claims for corticosteroid injections that were never administered.

6. A Massachusetts-based orthopedic surgeon was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted for his role in an upcoding scheme.

7. A New Orleans hospice owner was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a federal jury found him guilty for orchestrating a scheme that billed Medicare for $84 million in fraudulent claims.

8. Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Mass., will pay $24.3 million to settle claims that it knowingly billed Medicare for cardiac procedures that didn't follow Medicare rules.

9. A Michigan physician was convicted of one count of healthcare fraud and five counts of false statements relating to healthcare matters for her role in a $6.3 million Medicare fraud scheme.

10. A Kentucky physician was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a $14 million fraud and kickback scheme.
Cybersecurity companies shield healthcare organizations from losing data, experiencing loss of functionality, or exposing confidential patient information. In light of the rising frequency of cyberattacks, these companies ensure that healthcare organizations can continue making expert care provision their main priority.

Here are 115+ companies focused on cybersecurity for hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations. Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions, comments, or to recommend a company for this list.

Note: Cybersecurity companies do not and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it a ranking or rating. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.





Absolute (Vancouver, Canada). Absolute offers near real-time security breach remediation. The company's Absolute Persistence product, a self-healing endpoint security technology, provides IT personnel control over devices and data. Absolute's cloud-based visibility allows for remote IT asset management and security for healthcare providers, including support from its healthcare information security and privacy practitioners and ASIS-certified protection professionals.

Agari (San Mateo, Calif.). Agari allows companies to secure themselves and customers from advanced phishing attacks. Agari is a part of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Fortra's cybersecurity portfolio. Agari provides an integrated cloud email security platform that blends AI, threat intelligence, and automated remediation to defend from threats, especially those that were not picked up by traditional defenses.

AllClear ID (Austin, Texas). AllClear ID provides breach response and customer identity protection services. The company notifies customers in the event of identity theft and assigns a dedicated investigator to initiate any dispute processes, recover financial losses and restore credit reports to the pre-fraud state.

Anatomy IT (White Plains, N.Y.). Anatomy IT helps healthcare providers deliver exceptional patient care through technology and cybersecurity solutions. With 30-plus years of experience, the company understands healthcare organizations unique risks, opportunities, and challenges. Anatomy IT partners with over 1,950 clients serving 39,000 healthcare staff nationwide, including ASCs, physician groups, and hospitals.

Armis (San Francisco). Armis, an asset intelligence cybersecurity company, protects the entire attack surface and manages organizations' cyber risk exposure in real time. In a rapidly evolving, perimeter-less world, Armis ensures that organizations continuously see, protect and manage all critical assets, ranging from the ground to the cloud. Armis secures Fortune 100, 200 and 500 companies as well as national governments, state and local entities to help keep critical infrastructure, economies and society stay safe and secure 24/7.

Asimily (Sunnyvale, Calif.). Asimily provides Internet of Medical Device security solutions to protect hospital system's internet-connected devices and equipment throughout their lifecycles. Founded in 2017 by cybersecurity experts, The companys solutions are deployed at major hospital systems nationally and globally. The company is innovating through the recent launch of a built-in policy management module and a channel program.

Avertium (Knoxville, Tenn.). Avertium is an end-to-end cybersecurity solutions provider. The company uses application programming interfaces to help healthcare organizations coordinate patient care in unprecedented ways, making it faster and easier to store patient data.

Axway (Phoenix). The Axway Amplify Platform is a data and engagement platform that can provide real-time operational intelligence and API lifestyle management. In the healthcare space, the Axway Amplify can help eliminate silos, overcome interoperability challenges, accelerate meaningful use and promote patient engagement with health information.

Barracuda (Campbell, Calif.). Barracuda offers solutions to solve IT problems including content security, networking and application delivery and data storage, protection and disaster recovery. The Barracuda Web Application Firewall provides secure access to patient portals while the Barracuda NextGen Firewall F secures network devices against persistent threats, malware and zero-day exploits.

Battelle (Columbus, Ohio). Battelle is a nonprofit research and development organization that includes a team of experts devoted to medical device cybersecurity. The team members, led by a certified ethical hacker, hacks into medical devices to help manufacturers identify vulnerabilities in the software, mitigate cybersecurity risks and help design new products.

BeyondTrust (Phoenix). BeyondTrust delivers cybersecurity solutions designed to reduce risks and act against internal and external data breach threats. The company offers an integrated risk intelligence platform to identify critical risks and provide information for the company. In the healthcare space, BeyondTrust's PowerBroker privileged account management solution enforces best practices; its Retina vulnerability management solutions allows the healthcare IT security team to identify exposure, analyze the business impact and conduct remediation.

BIO-key (Wall Township, N.J.). BIO-key offers biometric software and hardware solutions to strengthen user authentication. The company's products include finger scanning devices for authentication in addition to passwords, PINs tokens and cards for customers to secure their devices.

Biscom (Chelmsford, Mass.). Biscom is a leading provider of secure document delivery solutions for healthcare. The companys secure file transfer, secure enterprise fax solutions, and cybersecurity consulting help some of the countrys largest healthcare providers keep documents secure, information sharing compliant, and employees collaborating.

BlueCat (Grapevine, Texas). BlueCat centralizes and automates domain name server services so organizations can leverage the DNS data for increased visibility, control and compliance. The company takes a software-centric approach to information security and promotes interoperability to manage complex network structures. In the healthcare arena, BlueCat allows organizations to centrally manage and track wired and wireless networks and devices.

CORL Technologies (Atlanta). Founded in 2012, CORL Technologies provides vendor security risk management solutions as part of the vendor risk management program. The program allows healthcare organizations to monitor vendor risk, ease compliance audits and improve executive-level communications and risk analytics reporting.

Castlestone LLC (Edwardsville, Ill.). Castlestone prevents many health insurance frauds which result from identity theft. Over 100 million Americans have had their health identity stolen in the last 2 years alone. Since no insurance claim system can determine whether a stolen or misused identity was used to file a claim, stolen identities are worth $250-$1,000 on the underground market. Castlestone addresses the conditions that allow this theft.

Centripetal (Herndon, Va.). Centripetal's core networking technologies are designed to simplify cyber intelligence collection and management to stop unwanted network traffic. The company's QuickThreat Gateway combines proprietary software and hardware to detect and enforce 5 million threat indicators. In 2017, Centripetal was named a Gartner "Cool Vendor" in security.

Critical Insight (Seattle). Critical Insight provides managed detection and response services, combining purpose-built technology with expert security analysts to perform full-cycle threat detection, investigation, response, and recovery. Forged in healthcare, Critical Insights technology platform, Security Operations Center, and information security consulting services help healthcare customers gain critical insight into their security posture.

Citrix (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.). Citrix provides a secure digital workspace to unify apps, data and services necessary for productive organizations while allowing IT personnel to manage complex cloud environments. The workspace as a service company developed a platform for enterprise file synchronization and sharing with users across all business segments. The Citrix Windows apps solution allows healthcare organizations to securely deliver apps to diverse mobile devices including tablets and smartphones. The company's Enterprise Mobility Management Technologies provides security for bring-your-own-device environments.

ClearDATA (Austin, Texas). ClearDATA is the only provider of cloud security and compliance software and services purpose-built for healthcare, enabled by the powerful CyberHealth Platform. The company's cloud security posture management solutions offer full visibility, protection, automation, remediation, and enforcement of security and compliance measures to protect PHI and other sensitive healthcare data in the public cloud.

Clearwater (Nashville, Tenn.). Clearwater helps organizations across the healthcare ecosystem move to a more secure, compliant, and resilient state so they can achieve their missions. Bolstered by its 2022 mergers with CynergisTek and TECH LOCK, the company provides a deep pool of experts across a broad range of cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance domains, purpose-built software that enables efficient identification and management of cybersecurity and compliance risks, and a tech-enabled security operations center with managed threat detection and response capabilities.

CloudWave (Marlborough, Mass.). CloudWave provides cloud, cybersecurity and managed services that deliver a multi-cloud approach to enable healthcare organizations with any EHR service to architect, integrate, manage and protect personalized solutions using private cloud, public cloud and cloud edge resources. It delivers EHR and enterprise cloud services for more than 300 hospital environments in six countries, hosting and managing more than 140 healthcare and enterprise applications. Over the last year, CloudWaves Cybersecurity Tactical Operations Center has handled 1650-plus cases, and each month monitors over 300,000 alerts.

Coalfire (Westminster, Colo.). Coalfire is the cybersecurity advisor that helps covered entities and business associates avert threats, close gaps and effectively manage risk. By providing independent and tailored advice, compliance assessments, technical testing and cyber engineering services, the company secures health data throughout the care continuum. Coalfire is one of the original HITRUST CSF assessor firms with the experience required to efficiently manage successful certifications.

Code42 (Minneapolis). Code42 specializes in data loss and insider threat protection. The company's cloud software rapidly detects data exposure, loss, leak, and theft and speeds incident response without lengthy deployments, complex policy management, or disrupting employee productivity. Founded in 2001, the company allows security professionals to protect corporate data and reduce data loss from insiders while fostering an open and collaborative culture for employees.

Comodo (Clifton, N.J.). Comodo has more than 100 million installations of its security product in healthcare as well as other industries. Comodo's technology authenticates, validates and secures networks and infrastructures around the world, designed to solve advanced malware threats, both known and unknown.

Coviant Software (San Antonio). Coviant Software provides secure managed file transfer solutions for healthcare companies, addressing the need to protect sensitive PHI and PII and maintain HIPAA compliance. The company's Diplomat MFT products automate vital file transfer processes, like PGP file encryption, scheduling, data capture for audit, task confirmation, and trouble alerts.

Cybereason (San Diego). Cybereason's platform can identify a single component of an attack and connect it to other information in the system to shut down the attacker's entire campaign. The platform is designed to quickly build the complex attack story and simplify the resolution process.

Cyderes (Kansas City, Mo.). Cyderes is a security services provider that defends and protects clients throughout the entire lifecycle. With more than 800 dedicated security professionals, the company works with clients from around the world to offer security, identify and access management, and risk management services.

DataMotion Health (Florham Park, N.J.). DataMotion Health enables providers to communicate more efficiently across the care continuum. DataMotion provides secure messaging and connectivity solutions to exchange protected health information for clinical use and to deliver improved care at reduced costs.

DB CyberTech (San Diego). DB Networks aims to protect databases from insider threats and cyberattacks. Founded in 2009, the company launched the first signatureless database cybersecurity product in 2013 and has received a patent for its approach to database protocol information extraction. Last year, the company launched its first artificial intelligence-based agentless database activity monitoring to protect against cyberattacks.

Diligent (New York City). Diligent is a software company that allows organizations to share information for board meetings. Their product offerings address governance, leadership, audit, risk, compliance and more. They touch several industries, including healthcare, nonprofit, technology, higher education and many others.

DNSFilter (Washington, D.C.). With 70% of attacks involving the domain name system layer, DNSFilter provides Protective DNS powered by machine learning. By securing the DNS layer, healthcare organizations can protect sensitive data from malicious domains that spread phishing, botnets, ransomware attacks and more.

DomainTools (Seattle). DomainTools examines network indicators and connects them with other active domains to develop risk assessments, identify attackers, assist in fraud investigations and map cybersecurity activity to attacker infrastructure. The company works with U.S. government agencies and contracts in addition to companies in the financial and healthcare space.

eSentire (Waterloo, Ontario). eSentire protects the critical data and applications of over 2,000 organizations across 35 industries from known and unknown cyber threats. The company provides exposure management, managed detection and response and incident response services designed to build an organization's cyber resilience and prevent business disruption. Founded in 2001, eSentire protects the world's most targeted organizations with 65 percent of its global base recognized as critical infrastructure, vital to economic health and stability.

ESET (San Diego). ESET was founded as an antivirus protection company and has expanded to include security solutions for customers in more than 200 countries. ESET's solution for healthcare companies protects against data breaches and can be deployed across multiple operating systems and endpoints.

Exabeam (San Mateo, Calif.). The Exabeam Security Intelligence Platform provides security intelligence and management solutions. Exabeam's platform can detect and respond to insider threats, track behavior analytics, protect against data loss, conduct breach investigations and report on data security compliance. The company earned SC Magazine's 2017 Best Emerging Technology award and was a finalist in the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in 2017 for security analytics and threat hunting categories.

ExterNetworks (Piscataway, N.J.). ExterNetworks is a pioneer in Managed Technology Services with over 17 years of experience in providing end-to-end solutions featuring design, deployment and 24/7/365 support to top IT companies. With more than 500 unrivaled top employees and 1000+ field technicians, the company aims to eliminate all your managed services worries by deploying the solution in a jiffy.

F5 (Seattle). F5 is a technology company specializing in app security, cloud management, fraud prevention, traffic optimization and more. The company often provides healthcare companies with the technology they need to prevent healthcare fraud. F5 acquired Shape Security in 2020.

FireMon (Overland Park, Kan.). FireMon's Security Management Platform seeks to improve security while reducing operational costs through analytics, simulation and automation. The company focuses on protecting cloud-bound enterprises with next-generation security intelligence.

Flexera (Itasca, Ill.). Flexera Software aims to help enterprises and application producers increase application usage and security. The company has more than 80,000 customers in a variety of industries. Flexera's FlexNet Producer Suite is designed for intelligent device manufacturers as an end-to-end solution for software licensing, entitlement management and device lifecycle management.

Forescout (San Jose, Calif.). Forescout's approach to security protects organizations against emerging threats with the Forescout CounterACT. The company's technology assesses, remediates and monitors devices continuously and works with disparate security tools to accelerate incidence response. More than 2,400 customers in 60 countries use Forescout technology for network security and compliance. Healthcare organizations use the technology to secure agentless medical devices and mobile computing against cyberattacks.

ForgeRock (San Francisco). ForgeRock is a digital identity management company that works with organizations to adopt the ForgeRock Identity Platform. The platform allows healthcare providers to create secure digital identities for patients and collects data from apps, wearables and digital health and wellness services. In May, the company joined Philips, Qualcomm Life and others in a collaborative effort to enhance data from medical devices under the name OpenMedReady.

Fortified Health Security (Franklin, Tenn.). As a managed security service provider since 2009, Fortified Health Security offers a broad range of advisory and security operations center services that help organizations throughout the healthcare ecosystem protect patient data and reduce risk. Working alongside their clients, Fortified builds customized programs for healthcare organizations that leverage their prior security investments and current processes while implementing new solutions that strengthen their security posture over time. In 2023, the company introduced a unified service delivery platform called Central Command to streamline healthcare cybersecurity management.

General Dynamics IT (Falls Church, Va.). General Dynamics IT's cybersecurity operations provide service support to select the best security systems, develop data protection policies and monitor their networks. The company provides cybersecurity for the Department of Defense, local and state governments and select commercial customers. The company provides its full security services in the General Dynamics Health Solutions package to secure hospitals' systems and protect information.

Gurucul (Segundo, Calif.). Companies around the globe use Gurucul technology to detect insider threats, cyber fraud, internet protocol theft and external attacks. The company's technology includes user behavior analytics and identity access intelligence that includes machine learning anomaly detection and predictive risk-scoring algorithms to prevent unnecessary access and breaches.

HID Global (Austin, Texas). HID Global provides identity security solutions to governments and hospitals as well as educational and financial institutions. The company provides information security solutions to hospitals, mobile device use, visitor management and HIPAA-compliant medical record security and also gives suppliers secure access to the appropriate data.

HITRUST Alliance (Frisco, Texas). HITRUST Alliance is a nonprofit organization leading advocacy efforts and educational support to safeguard healthcare information and manage risk. HITRUST was founded in 2007 to protect health information systems and exchanges, providing access to common risk and compliance management, de-identification frameworks and related assessment and assurance methodologies.

HYAS Infosec (Vancouver, Canada). HYAS features a threat intelligence and investigation platform and a protective DNS solution that helps organizations detect and stop cyber attacks instantly. The company offers healthcare organizations visibility, protection and security against all kinds of malware and attacks, allowing them to control their security posture and take an offensive approach against those who intend harm.

Huntress (Ellicott City, Md.). Huntress is a fully managed security platform that protects its clients' endpoints, identities and employees. The company delivers an array of affordable, purpose-driven solutions that offer small and mid-sized businesses security and peace-of-mind.

iatricSystems (Boxford, Mass.). iatricSystems helps healthcare organizations monitor and protect patient privacy with Haystack iS. Building on 15 years of insights the solution utilizes machine based learning to help you eliminate false positives, automate detection of inappropriate activity and alert your team when serious incidents occur. Additional solutions in our privacy and security portfolio enable hospitals to maintain regulatory compliance, manage workflow to perform due diligence with third-party relationships, and ensure secure remote access to your networks.

Impact Advisors (Naperville, Ill.). Impact Advisors is a healthcare management consulting firm committed to solving the industrys emerging and evolving challenges. They provide complete security coverage for their clients, including strategy, operations, organization, and business continuity services. By partnering with proven security solution providers to offer data, application, and network and system security, they deliver a single point of contact, accountability, and quality assurance. Their experts average 20 years of industry experience, many having worked as CISOs for healthcare organizations. Healthcare is their only business, and they possess a keen grasp of how to bridge financial, clinical, technical, physical, and administrative processes with the privacy and security requirements tied to federal regulations. Impact Advisors was recognized as Best in KLAS for Security & Privacy Consulting Services in 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Imprivata (Lexington, Mass.). Imprivata, the healthcare IT security company, provides healthcare organizations globally with a security and identity platform that delivers ubiquitous access, positive identity management, and multifactor authentication. Imprivata enables healthcare securely by establishing trust between people, technology, and information to address critical compliance and security challenges while improving productivity and the patient experience

Keyfactor (Independence, Ohio). Keyfactor brings digital trust to the hyper-connected world with identity-first security for every machine and human. By simplifying public key infastructure, automating certificate lifecycle management, and securing every device, workload, and thing, Keyfactor helps organizations move fast to establish and maintain digital trust at scale. The platform is designed to help healthcare organizations better improve reporting, reduce outages, and save time due to self-service certificate requests, allowing organizations to scale and accommodate growing needs while protecting data from cybersecurity threats.

Latitude Information Security (Exton, Pa.). Latitude is an information security consulting firm that provides individual security services such as risk assessments, security program development, penetration testing, application security assessments, and other necessary security services and activities to a nationwide client base. The company complements these individual services through security team staffing and augmentation as well as full program outsourcing. By evaluating risks and providing the necessary resources and support for improved security, Latitude simplifies the process for meeting and maintaining information security compliance standards with a detail-oriented approach and tailored path for each client.

McAfee (Santa Clara, Calif.). McAfee creates affordable solutions that make the world of healthcare a safer place. Theyve had a dedicated healthcare team for over a decade. The McAfee approach to providing orchestrated security has become the de facto standard for enterprise security, with solutions to protect the entire infrastructure ranging from endpoints, network, web, mobile and embedded devices and cloud. Healthcare IT counts on McAfee to help deliver proactive protection, complete security integration and automation.

MedCrypt (Encinitas, Calif.). Medcrypt is a proactive cybersecurity solutions provider for medical device manufacturers and offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support them in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare cybersecurity. The company collaborates with clients to develop tailored roadmaps, conduct thorough technical and regulatory assessments, and recommend appropriate tools, services, or remediation plans to ensure compliance with the US Food and Drug Administrations stringent quality and security standards, both pre-and post-market.

Insight Enterprises (Chandler, Ariz.). Insight Enterprises blends people and technology to support transformation. Their suite of solutions, along with deep technical expertise and supply chain abilities, assist healthcare organizations in achieving their goals. They are experts in cybersecurity, data and AI, intelligent edge, modern apps, modern infrastructure, the modern workplace and more.

Ivanti (South Jordan, Utah). Ivanti connects cybersecurity, endpoint management and enterprise service management technologies with intelligent automation products. Over 40,000 customers use Ivanti to find, manage, protect and service their IT assets. Invanti acquired Pulse Secure in 2020.

Meditology Services (Atlanta). Meditology Services provides consulting and management advisory to large hospitals and healthcare organizations across the country. Meditology's experts in IT risk management and healthcare IT consulting focus on assessing and developing security and compliance programs.

MedSec (Miami). MedSec is the leading vulnerability research and security solutions provider for healthcare manufacturers, vendors, and providers. Established in 2015, MedSec was the first cybersecurity organization formed exclusively to serve the healthcare industry. MedSec brings cutting edge security services, solutions, and products to healthcare manufacturers and providers. Its researchers have deep technical background in the military, technology, and telecommunications fields. Capabilities include Device Cybersecurity Risk Assessment; Penetration Assessment; and System Design Review.

MicroSolved (Columbus, Ohio). MicroSolved is a cyber security company that performs cybersecurity medical device testing, medical application assessments against HIPAA standards, organizational risk assessment and passive network mapping/segmentation.

Menlo Security (Palo Alto, Calif.). Menlo Security's Isolation Platform contains and eliminates malware while giving a completely native experience. The company's platform uses the isolation model to ensure malware doesn't reach the endpoint to access patient data at hospitals, allowing administrators to expand internet capabilities without risking data security issues.

Merlin Cyber (Tysons, Va.). Merlin is a leading provider of next-generation cybersecurity solutions that protect government and commercial organizations. Merlin offers a broad portfolio of solutions that secure the enterprise from end points to networks, from governance to risk management, from infrastructure to information. Combining solutions with deep industry expertise and experience, Merlin delivers the cybersecurity solutions that organizations need to protect their most critical business assets, while furthering their mission.

Microsoft (Redmond, Wash.). Microsoft invests more than $1 billion in security research and development each year and created the Microsoft Enterprise Cyber Security Group to develop solutions for Microsoft customers. The company opened its Cyber Defense Operations Center in 2015 and works with healthcare organizations' C-suites to support a culture of cybersecurity.

MicroStrategy (Washington, D.C.). MicroStrategy provides enterprise analytics and mobility software to clients worldwide. Healthcare organizations use MicroStrategy's enterprise solution to boost operational efficiency, expand businesses and improve the quality of care and patient experience. The company's healthcare solutions focus on supply chain management, revenue cycle optimization, hospital operations, population health management and claims analysis.

Mimecast (London, England). Mimecast makes business email and data safer for customers worldwide. Founded in 2003, the company's next-generation cloud-based security, archiving and continuity services protect email and deliver comprehensive email risk management. With Mimecast healthcare organizations can respond to industry risks by safeguarding protected health information, preventing advanced attacks like ransomware, archiving email and keeping employees connected during a mail server outage. Mimecast also met healthcare privacy regulations by completing a HIPAA security compliance assessment.

NCC Group (Manchester, United Kingdom). Formed in 1999, NCC Group provides expertise in cybersecurity and risk mitigation. The company has more than 35 offices and 15,000 clients worldwide, providing a variety of services including internet of things consultancy.

Netenrich (San Jose, Calif.). Netenrich takes a shift left approach to boost the effectiveness of healthcare organizations security and digital operations so they can avoid disruption and manage risk. The company's Adaptive MDR solution, powered by Resolution Intelligence Cloud technology, leverages AI and big data to deliver customized experiences and data-driven results. The solution evolves with changing needs to help hospitals achieve autonomic operations that act before critical issues occur. As a pure play Google partner specializing in Chronicle SecOps, Netenrich provides 24/7 proactive uninterrupted operations, peak performance, and peace of mind for those managing systems and data.

NetScout (Westford, Mass.). NetScout's Adaptive Service Intelligence optimizes a hospital's analytics platforms to identify signs of outages in the hospital's network before they occur to diagnose and repair the issues quickly. The technology could prevent issues with a surgical robot powering down in the middle of surgery or video screens going dark during a procedure.

Netwrix (Frisco, Texas). Netwrix serves more than 13,000 organizations across the world, supporting their data security needs. The company's offerings reduce risks as well as detect, respond to and recover from attacks.

Nexthink (Prilly, Switzerland). Nexthink's Nexthinker is designed to help organizations reduce health information breach incidents and improve security and compliance. In the healthcare space, Nexthink helps institutions secure protected health information, ensures HIPAA compliance, reduces risk for HITECH penalties and facilitates bring-your-own-device adoption for physicians and clinicians.

NTT Security (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). NTT Security offers security, risk and compliance services to help organizations meet immediate challenges in data security. The company's technology solutions team works alongside consulting services to give advice on the appropriate solutions for risk management.

Okta (San Francisco). Okta's IT products use identity information to grant access to applications on any device at any time while enforcing strong security protections. The platform connects companies to customers and partners securely. Okta works with CMS, New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System and Nashville, Tenn.-based Envision Healthcare, among other healthcare customers, to provide adaptive multifactor authentication and HIPAA-compliant cloud identity solutions.

OneSpan (Boston). With more than 10,000 customers in 100 countries, OneSpan provides security access to online information with two-factor authentication, transaction data signing, e-signature and identity management solutions. In the healthcare space, the company can secure protected health information in EHRs, protect electronic prescriptions and safeguard against unauthorized manipulation of mHealth apps.

OPSWAT (Tampa, Fla.). OPSWAT focuses on technologies to protect clients against cyberattacks. The company's solutions secure and manage IT infrastructure by scanning for known threats with anti-malware engines and sanitizing documents to prevent unknown threats.

Optimum Healthcare IT (Jacksonville Beach, Fla.). Optimum Healthcare IT is a healthcare IT staffing and consulting firm. The company provides healthcare providers, payers, software and life sciences organizations with support throughout the care continuum. Optimum acquired TrustPoint Solutions in 2021.

Ordr (Santa Clara, Calif.). Ordr is a leader in connected device security. The company enables security and IT teams to discover and secure every connected asset across their whole organization, from laptops and traditional IT equipment, to especially vulnerable Internet of Things, Internet of Medical Things, operational technology, and cyber-physical systems. Organizations worldwide trust Ordr to provide real-time asset inventory, address risk and compliance and accelerate IT initiatives.

Ostendio (McLean, Va.). Ostendio serves primarily healthcare clients, including WellDoc, the American College of Cardiology and Higi. The company's MyVCM Cybersecurity and Information Management platform uses behavioral analytics to drive employee and vendor engagement. Ostendio's solution manages all aspects of security and allows organizations to report their security profile to internal and external stakeholders.

Palo Alto Networks (Santa Clara, Calif.). Palo Alto Networks offers cybersecurity healthcare solutions for network security, cloud security and security operations. The company's approach blends separate and complex point solutions into integrated healthcare cybersecurity, ensuring that clinicians and hospitals can deliver uninterrupted care to patients anywhere.

Perforce Software (Minneapolis). Perforce provides enterprises with superior solutions that help drive digital transformation and innovation. They also offer dynamic development, intelligent testing, risk management and collaboration solutions. Perforce acquired Rogue Wave Software in 2019.

Pillar Technology Partners (Atlanta). Pillar Technology Partners specializes in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for hospitals, large physician groups, behavioral health, technology providers and payers. Solutions include vulnerability management, penetration testing, risk assessment and compliance readiness, among other services. Founded in 2005, the company offers game-changing security tools including identity and access management, managed security, advanced email security, IoT micro-segmentation, closed-platform AI and data analytics.

Pivot Point Consulting (Brentwood, Tenn.). Pivot Point Consulting enables healthcare organizations to realize maximum value from their technology and resources through managed services, data and analytics, EHR, ERP, advisory, virtual care and cybersecurity services. Its award-winning industry experts deliver consulting, managed services and talent solutions to providers, payers, life sciences and technology organizations. The firm is currently ranked No. 1 Best in KLAS: Managed IT Services and has been repeatedly recognized as a top performer by KLAS in multiple categories.

PKWare (Milwaukee). PKWare provides a solution for data discovery and protection, finding and securing data to minimize risk. The scalable software serves over 1,200 customers, many of them healthcare organizations.

Praetorian (Austin, Texas). Praetorian's solutions aim to identify and solve cybersecurity problems enterprisewide. The company's technical engineers and developers offer security expertise to minimize risk across digital assets. Praetorian offers corporate and product security solutions unified through its software platform. In the healthcare space, the company works with medical device manufacturers to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Prevalent (Phoenix). Prevalent focuses on risk management through a product suite focused on automated vendor risk assessment, continuous vendor threat monitoring and vertical vendor networks. Healthcare organizations can use Prevalent to better manage and monitor third- and fourth-party business associate risks.

Proficio (Carlsbad, Calif.). Proficio provides always-on cybersecurity protection and services to help customers detect and respond to or prevent security breaches. For healthcare industry clients, the company provides round-the-clock managed security services to protect confidential patient information and maintain HIPAA compliance.

Promisec (Boston). Promisec is an endpoint system, software asset management and compliance company that aims to help organizations avoid cyberthreats and attacks that lead to data breaches. The company's technology provides secure endpoints and clean audits to meet regulatory compliance standards.

Protegrity (Stamford, Conn.). Protegrity aims to develop solutions to protect data throughout its lifecycle without disrupting workflow. The company can provide security across big data clusters, cloud environments, databases and mainframes. The Protegrity data security platform can protect sensitive healthcare data through tokenization and encryption technologies.

Protenus (Baltimore). Protenus harnesses the power of AI to provide healthcare organizations with scalable risk-reduction solutions that drive the safest patient outcomes while protecting the reputation of the organizations. It is committed to reducing risk and fostering innovation for the companies it supports and in its own operations. The company has more than a dozen patents in 2024, and has been named a Best in KLAS top vendor for both privacy and diversion technologies for two consecutive years.

Risk Based Security (Richmond, Va.). Risk Based Security, a Flashpoint Company, focuses on risk identification and security management tools to protect a variety of clients, including drug companies and healthcare providers. Founded in 2011, the company offers a full set of analytics and dashboards designed to identify security risks by industry. The company provides several HIPAA- and HITECH-compliant solutions for protecting patient data.

RiskIQ (San Francisco). RiskIQ focuses on digital threat management, offering the RiskIQ Community Edition giving security analysts free access to the company's solutions within a collaborative online environment. RiskIQ provides a comprehensive digital threat management platform for healthcare providers to audit, discover, monitor, investigate and mitigate threats.

SailPoint (Austin, Texas). SailPoints identity governance platform provides healthcare organizations visibility into user access and transparency into who has access to what. Large healthcare providers now have more than a billion points of exposure to data breaches, mostly tied to the identity of individual employees and third parties. SailPoint provides a way of managing these points of exposure with the power of identity.

Saviynt (El Segundo, Calif.). Saviynt empowers enterprises to secure their digital transformation, safeguard critical assets and meet regulatory compliance. With a vision to provide a secure and compliant future for all enterprises, Saviynts cutting-edge solutions have been recognized as industry leaders.

Seclore (Santa Clara, Calif.). Seclore helps enterprises protect and control their digital assets wherever they go to prevent data theft and achieve HIPAA and other compliances. Pharmaceutical companies can use Seclore's offerings to secure and govern their intellectual property and other confidential digital assets. The company's electronic digital reference model provides patient protection from product dossiers, unauthorized access and issues related to file sharing.

SecureAuth (Irvine, Calif.). Founded in 2005, SecureAuth focuses on authentication to ensure all entities attempting to access data are known and verified. The company's technology offers flexible identity access control solutions to protect virtual private network, on-premises, cloud, mobile and homegrown applications. For healthcare organizations, SecureAuth protects electronic prescriptions and protected health information in a HIPAA-compliant way.

SecureMySocial (New York City). SecureMySocial technology scans social media use and warns organizations about activities that expose them to risk in real time. The platform prevents information breaches and data leaks on social media. In May, the company was named to 2018 Cyber Security 500 list.

Sedara (Buffalo, N.Y.). Sedara is a managed security service provider with clients across the U.S. The company manages network security for clients and ensures regulatory compliance, including HIPAA compliance, for organizations across the spectrum. The company provides continual data monitoring and alert systems to identify and defeat hack attempts. In 2017, Sedara partnered with The Bonadio Group, a New York-based independent cybersecurity and compliance services provider.

Semperis (Hoboken, N.J.). Semperis offers the most comprehensive identity resilience platform for before, during and after an attack that helps defend critical healthcare systems against ransomware attacks. Active Directory is used by a majority of healthcare organizations and Semperis provides AD-specific protection to safeguard healthcare organization's vulnerabilities.

SentinelOne (Palo Alto, Calif.). A group of international defense and intelligence experts founded SentinelOne to tackle cybersecurity issues with a new endpoint protection approach. The company's platform is certified as an antivirus preplacement. The SentinelOne Endpoint Protection Platform can monitor all endpoints accessing HIPAA-sensitive information and protect health information and can also predict advanced attacks and automate the threat response process.

Silverfort (Tel Aviv, Israel). Silverfort enables healthcare organizations to protect all systems and data by adding strong adaptive authentication across all systems, including PACS, EMR, and other healthcare systems. Using Silverfort organizations can seamlessly add MFA to systems without installing software on servers or user devices, and without complex integrations or configurations.

Skybox Security (San Francisco). Skybox is a privately held cybersecurity management company established in 2002. Skybox's security platform uses firewall and network device data to detect vulnerabilities, and its powerful attack vector analytics can reduce response times for greater network control. The company covers more than 2,000 enterprises globally, including Delta Dental, Neptune, N.J.-based Meridian Health System and eHealthInsurance in the healthcare sector.

SlashNext (Pleasanton, Calif.). SlashNext protects the worlds billions of internet users and the modern workforces from phishing and other malicious messages across all digital channels. The company's integrated cloud messaging security platform utilizes patented AI technology with 99.9 percent accuracy to detect threats in real-time to stop zero-hour threats in email, mobile and web messaging apps. Healthcare is one of the most heavily targeted industries when it comes to phishing attacks, and SlashNext protects healthcare organizations from data theft and financial fraud breaches.

Spirion (Tampa, Fla.). Spirion provides enterprise data management software to minimize risks, costs and reputation damage associated with cyberattacks. The company's platform is designed to identify, classify and monitor personal information, medical records, credit card numbers and other intellectual property.

Swimlane (Boulder, Colo.). Swimlane is a security and operations management platform with the capability to centralize security alerts and automate attack response. The company provides security automation and orchestration to unify, analyze and resolve alerts from the organization's existing security tools and provide analysts with threat intelligence. The company's solution can also gather security metrics and generate reports on cybersecurity efforts.

Swivel Secure (Leeds, England). Founded in 2001, Swivel Secure's AuthControl Sentry authentication platform allows organizations to tailor authentication requirements according to individualized security policies. Earlier this year, the company expanded their global partner program concentrating efforts on the United States.

Synopsys (Mountain View, Calif.). Synopsys is a software partner for companies around the world, focused on electronic design automation and semiconductor internet protocol. The company works with healthcare organizations to address cybersecurity risks for personal patient information and medical device hacking.

TFORM (Irving, Texas). TFORM is a data quality management software that addresses the presence of subpar and inaccurate data in IT operations. The company's platform enables healthcare organizations to pinpoint discrepancies within their IT data and equips them with the means to rectify these gaps.

Tanium (Kirkland, Wash.). Tanium's solution for hospitals and health systems provides complete visibility across managed and unmanaged endpoints to improve security hygiene. The tool allows users to ask a simple or complex question of any or all endpoints and receive a response directly from all endpoints within 15 seconds. Tanium can also collect data from third-party endpoint agents to bring multiple security and IT operations under one platform, which can help streamline operations and reduce costs.

ThreatMetrix (San Jose, Calif.). ThreatMetrix, a part of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, is designed to inspect digital transactions across applications, devices and locations in real time. The company also provides online fraud prevention and can pinpoint suspect behavior and fraud attempts before damage is done. The company also provides authentication for patients, payers and physicians logging into the system.

TraceSecurity (Baton Rouge, La.). TraceSecurity is a leading provider of cybersecurity and compliance solutions that help organizations of all sizes reduce the risk of cyber breaches and demonstrate compliance. With a combination of software and services, TraceSecurity can help organizations manage their information security program and supplement it with third-party validation.

Trend Micro (Irving, Texas). Trend Micro is a global cybersecurity company providing solutions for consumers, businesses and governments. The company's XGen solution was developed to help healthcare organizations improve security before, during and after attacks.

Trustwave (Chicago). Trustwave currently works with more than 3 million businesses to protect data and reduce security risks. The company provides a flexible portfolio of services to healthcare organizations designed to protect their specific infrastructure, networks and data while remaining HIPAA and HITECH compliant.

Tufin (Boston). Tufin's security policy orchestration solutions streamline security policy management across complex, heterogeneous organizations. The company's technology alliance program partners with industry leaders to integrate the Tufin Orchestration Suite with their existing solutions.

Untangle Arista Edge Threat Management (Sunnyvale, Calif.). The Untangle NG Firewall is designed as a single, modular platform that clients can run on their own hardware or as a virtual machine. Untangle helps the healthcare industry comply with HIPAA and HITECH through granular controls over who has access to the data. Untangle is a subsidiary of Santa Clara, Calif.-based Arista Networks as of 2022.

Varonis (New York City). Varonis' platform collects, stores and analyzes metadata in real time to protect data from cyberattacks. Organizations can monitor their unstructured data using the company's platform. Varonis specializes in protecting file and email systems storing spreadsheets, word processing documents, presentations and audio and video files that contain sensitive information. The company also offers a HIPAA compliance crash course.

Venafi (Salt Lake City). Venafi's platform pinpoints machine identity weaknesses and automatically makes updates to lower security risks. The company's platform is designed to help healthcare organizations better secure keys and certificates against privacy breaches by strengthening the cryptology.

Vera (Palo Alto, Calif.). Vera aims to protect data with strong encryption on any device without changing the existing workflow. The company's data-centric security solution is designed for collaboration while ensuring a high level of security, visibility and control. Vera includes HIPAA-compliant verticals for healthcare providers as well as pharmaceutical companies to secure intellectual property and trial data.

Virtru (Washington, D.C.). Virtru's products allow businesses and individuals to control access to emails, documents and data regardless of where the files are shared. In the healthcare space, the company's technology allows providers to share HIPAA-compliant emails and attachments, automatically identifying and encrypting personal health information. The company focuses on business privacy and data protection for more than 5,000 organizations worldwide. In May, the company closed a $37.5 million series B investment.

WinMagic (Mississauga, Ontario). WinMagic is a data security solutions company that secures data where it's stored and provides enterprise-grade data encryption and key management policies across an organization's operation systems. In the healthcare space, the company's platform encrypts patient data and takes steps to ensure there won't be a compliance breach.

Zix (Dallas). Zix protects business communications through email encryption. The company's solutions support around 15,000 businesses and 1,200 U.S. hospitals with email encryption, data loss prevention and bring-your-own-device security. In April, Zix acquired Seattle-based Erado, a provider of archiving, supervision, eDiscovery and analytics for the financial sector.
Cleveland-based University Hospitals has opened a new orthopedic injury clinic in Ashland, Ohio.

The clinic will provide same-day and walk-in services, treating ACL tears, joint injuries, fractures, sprains and strains, and tendon and ligament injuries, with the ability to perform X-rays, MRIs and other procedures, according to a May 29 press release.

The center aims to help patients avoid expensive trips to hospitals by providing lower-cost walk-in services and urgent care.
The exterior of one of Galgorm's new 'forest dens'

The inside of one of Galgorm's new 'forest dens'

Co Antrim luxury hotel Galgorm has announced a 3m investment in a new range of accommodation.

Its part of a further 30m investment announced in 2021 by the venue's owners to enhance its resort and spa facilities.

Owners Galgorm Collection had already invested 60m in the venue, based outside Ballymena, since 20210.

Now its unveiled new forest dens, which are dog-friendly, in the latest phase of the 30m investment plan. There will be nine in total, with work already finished on four.

And the company said an expansion of its Thermal Spa Village will follow next year.

The expansion will include forest walks, a wood-fired sauna, hot tubs and a rope bridge connecting the Thermal Spa Village on both sides of the river.

The exterior of one of Galgorm's new 'forest dens'

Galgorm managing director Colin Johnston said: Our commitment to maintaining Galgorms standing as a world-class, award-winning tourism destination has driven us to invest and innovate continually over the last number of years.

"This latest 3m investment is a testament to our dedication to offering premium and authentic experiences to our guests.

The introduction of the forest dens marks a unique addition to our accommodation portfolio, providing guests with an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the luxury and tranquillity that Galgorm is renowned for.

With further substantial investments on the horizon, guests can look forward to even more exciting developments, including the expansion of our Thermal Spa Village next summer.

The forest dens are located beyond the river Maine in the middle of Galgorm Wood and feature what Galgorm described as a beautifully bohemian backyard.

And they include a private sauna, wood-fired bath, outdoor shower, outdoor seating with heating, barbecue facilities and a fire pit.

Galgorms range of accommodation already includes 125 luxurious guestrooms, 41 cottage suites, 16 shepherds huts, six log cabins and four residences.

Each forest den can hold two guests and has an ensuite with shower. There is also access to the Thermal Spa Village during a stay.

The resort was named Best Destination Spa 2024 in the prestigious Conde Nast Johansens Awards, and won six awards at the 2023 World Luxury Awards, including Global Award Winner for Best Luxury Spa Resort.

Galgorm is part of the Galgorm Collection group of hotels and restaurants. The groups other assets include the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick, restaurant Parisien and pizzeria Fratteli.

The Galgorm Collection, which files its accounts as Tullymore House Ltd, saw revenues double from 22.7m in 2021 to 45.1m in 2022.

Pre-tax profits also rose during that period, from 3.2m to 7.75m. The Collection has been expanding in recent years though it's best-known as the owner of the Galgorma.

In 2019 it acquired the former Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick, which was relaunched after a 10m refurbishment as the Rabbit Hotel. The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn was added to the Collection in 2021 and was reopened after a revamp later that year.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024
Eamonn Holmes has questioned the need to get married amid his divorce from Ruth Langsford.

The Belfast broadcaster made the comments on his GB News breakfast show on Monday as the panel was discussing media mogul Rupert Murdochs latest marriage at the age of 93.

Last month, Mr Holmes and Ms Langsford announced they would be getting a divorce after 14 years of marriage.

During the GB News debate on Mr Murdoch, Mr Holmes was shut down by his co-presenter Isabel Webster when he asked: "Did he consummate the marriage?"

"Stop it," she said. "We don't need to do this."

The duo invited Christopher Biggins and Dawn Neesom into the studio to chat about the latest headlines, including Mr Murdochs marriage, when Mr Holmes asked: "Why would you need to get married?"

Mr Murdoch married 67-year-old Elena Zhukov  his fifth wife - at a lavish ceremony in his California vineyard during the weekend.

"The question is, Biggins, why at 93 would you bother?" Mr Holmes asked the television presenter.

Is he very lonely perhaps?" Mr Biggins replied. "Does he have no friends? Does he not have anybody in his life... you know?"

"Why would you need to get married?" Mr Holmes continued. "I mean you could live with somebody, couldn't you?"

"I know," the guest agreed before adding: "And his history is he's had to pay huge amounts of money."

"Did he consummate the marriage?" Mr Holmes questioned before he was quickly shut down by Isabel.

"Stop it," she argued. "We don't need to do this."

Mr Holmes hit back: "We do need to do this because it's an essential question."

"Hmm," Isabel disagreed as her co-presenter said: "It's interesting because you can see how you can be with someone but to marry them... it is interesting.

"I don't know if it is physically possible, I have no idea."

Ms Webster seemed to agree with Mr Holmes as she weighed in: "The thing is this is the question of where we all go, 'We shouldn't talk about it' but this is the question everyone is asking, isn't it?"

Eamonn Holmes thanks supporters as Ruth Langsford separation announced

The debate took place a week after Mr Holmes and Ms Langsford confirmed that they had filed for divorce, with the NI native directly mentioning the issue while hosting his breakfast show last week.

He told viewers: Just before we move on, wed 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.

The millionaires, who have shared a personal as well as professional relationship since they met in 1996, also run a number of businesses together, share a pet dog and a multi-million pound home.

They are reported to have a combined net worth of 5m, according to the Daily Mail.

The former couple, who married in 2010 after 13 years of dating, have one son, Jack, who was born in 2002.

Mr Holmes and Ms Langsford first began presenting ITV daytime programme This Morning together in 2006, before leaving the programme in 2021 and being replaced by Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond.

He also presented Channel 5 programmes with Ms Langsford including How The Other Half Lives, Do The Right Thing With Eamonn And Ruth and Eamonn And Ruths 7 Year Itch.
UK

Starmer says it is common sense to invest and build in Budget spending signal
Why Northern Ireland fans will hopefully be shouting You beauty rather than You Tube
Activism group Parents for Inclusive Education NI (PfIE NI) has further challenged the education minister on his comments regarding the implementation of religion in Northern Irish schools.

Last week, a report by the group revealed that only 13 of 11,500 visits to primary schools from outside organisations in dealing with religious matters were from outside the main Christian faiths  despite more children than ever registering as no faith or other.
Patricia Patsy Aust was a former teacher

Police and forensic officers at the scene of a sudden death of a woman aged in her 80s in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on June 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police and forensic officers at the scene of a sudden death of a woman aged in her 80s in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on June 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police and forensic officers at the scene of a sudden death of a woman aged in her 80s in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on June 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police and forensic officers at the scene of a sudden death of a woman aged in her 80s in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on June 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police and forensic officers at the scene of a sudden death of a woman aged in her 80s in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on June 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An 85-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of an elderly woman in Co Down.

Patricia Patsy Aust (81) was found dead in a house in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on Sunday.

Police said enquiries are at an early stage, but they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the matter.

According to neighbours, Ms Aust was a former school teacher.

Local politicians said it was shocking and sad news.

Watch: Police at the scene of sudden death in Bangor

Rev Mark Johnston, of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, told UTV that people are "struggling to get our heads around what's unfolding at the minute".

He said: "This is a community that's really tight-knit, it's a wonderful part of Bangor, and the family is much loved and cared for by all of us in this local community.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness from the Police Services Major Investigation Team said: Officers responded to a report of the death of a woman in a house, just off the Clandeboye Road, on the evening of Sunday June 2.

Sadly, the lady, whom we can now name as Patricia Aust, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Patricia, also known as Patsy, was 81 years old. My thoughts, and that of my team, are first and foremost with her loved ones at this distressing time.

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness continued: A murder investigation is underway and a man, aged 85, arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody at this time.

I am appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation to contact detectives on 101. If you noticed, or heard, anything untoward please get in touch.

DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said there was great sadness in the community.

I am greatly shocked and alarmed by the discovery of a body and subsequent murder investigation within what is a quiet residential area of Bangor, he said.

There is a deep sense of shock within the local community that a woman in her 80s has died.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones at this most difficult time. I would appeal to anyone that may have any information that will assist the PSNI in their investigations to come forward immediately.

Lord Weir, a former DUP MLA for North Down, said: It is shocking and sad news that the death of a lady in her 80s in Hawthorne Court in Bangor is being investigated as a potential murder.

"If anyone has any relevant information on the matter please contact the PSNI.

Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Northern Irelands chief constable has announced an independent review to look at allegations of the police surveillance of journalists.

It comes after an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) hearing in London sparked alarm.

The hearing was during an ongoing case examining allegations that investigative reporters Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney were subject to unlawful covert intelligence by the police.

Journalists Barry McCaffrey (left) and Trevor Birney (Victoria Jones/PA)

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he has appointed Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers and non-governmental organisations.

Mr Boutcher also said he wanted to comment on what he termed an inaccurate interpretation of documents in the IPT.

He said a defensive operation referred to a routine professional standards practice in terms of potential leaking of information to media.

He said the PSNIs Professional Standards Department Anti-Corruption Unit have methods including, carrying out periodic checks on phone calls made from police telephone extensions and police-issued mobile phones.

The numbers called are checked against the numbers held by PSNI for journalists. There is nothing covert about this procedure, he said.

The journalists numbers are either ones that are publicly available or are ones that the journalists have themselves supplied to PSNI as contact numbers.

If an unexplained call is discovered, PSD send an email to the user of the PSNI extension, asking for an explanation.

To further reassure people, this practice is absolutely not about identifying whistle-blowers, for which there are very clear legal protections for those who are motivated to make public interest disclosures. However, if a police officer or staff member is involved in serious criminality, we have a duty to the public to investigate this.

He also said a list of eight redacted names referred to are not the names of journalists being targeted through surveillance, and relate to a completely different matter.

The names are not those of journalists. For obvious reasons of privacy, and to protect police operations, those names have not been made public, he added.

He said documents have been made available in unredacted form to the IPT, which he said will consider them fully at its hearing in October.

Mr Boutcher said the McCullough Review is for further reassurance.

To add further reassurance, and in line with my statutory duties to report to the Policing Board, I have also appointed Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers and non-governmental organisations or any groups that have special status, he said.

His role will not extend to anything that is currently within the scope of the IPT proceedings.

It will be supported by a group of experts and stakeholders including former police ombudsman Baroness Nuala OLoan, Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland programme director at Amnesty International UK, Daniel Holder, director of committee on the Administration of Justice, Alyson Kilpatrick, chief commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, David Lavery, chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists.

Mr Boutcher said a public report will be provided on completion of the review.

The chief constables statement has been given a cautious welcome by Mr Corrigan as an important step towards full disclosure.

We will work alongside others to shape the terms of reference to ensure the review has full access to all documents and personnel and is not hindered in its role of laying bare the extent of potentially unlawful surveillance practices, he said.

Mr Holder added: CAJ welcomes the initiative of the Chief Constable to establish the McCullough Review to examine the broad concerns regarding PSNI surveillance practices.

This review allows the Policing Board and Investigatory Powers Tribunal to retain their own distinct responsibilities. In our independent capacity we will engage to seek for the review to address our concerns.
Former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew said there are no words after the tragic death of her nephew at the weekend.

Fiachra O Faolains body was recovered from a lake near Aughnacloy on Sunday.

His funeral will take place on Thursday.

He was the nephew of Sinn Fein politicians Michelle and Colm Gildernew.

Mrs Gildernew posted on X on Tuesday: There are no words. Ive heard that so many times and there arent, but there are actions. Every hug, every handshake, every message & phone call, we have been comforted and supported. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your care. #Fiachra In ar gcroithe go deo.

Police confirmed that Mr O Faolain entered the water in the lake shortly after 11pm on Saturday and got into difficulty.

A search team located his body on Sunday. They confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.

The 21-year-old from the Brantry area of Co Tyrone was one of six siblings and a twin to his sister, Dearbhla.

His funeral Mass will take place at noon on Thursday in St Josephs Church, Caledon. Interment will be afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

A funeral notice said he was the beloved son of Shane and Fiona (nee Gildernew) and brother of Roisin, Meabh, his twin Dearbhla, Daithi and Dualtach. He was also described as the dear grandson of Phelim and Geraldine Gildernew and Eileen and the late Patsy Fullen RIP.

Wake times will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 10pm with the family requesting that the house remain private on Monday evening and Thursday morning.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew both paid tribute to their family member.

Ms Gildernew thanked the large numbers of people from across Ireland who extended their condolences.

Our hearts are broken following the death of our wonderful nephew Fiachra. He was a funny, impulsive, kind and generous young man who will be missed so deeply by all of us, the Sinn Fein candidate for the Midlands North West in the Republics European election said.

My thoughts are with his parents and brothers and sisters who are experiencing the most unimaginable grief.

I want to thank all of those people, from across Ireland and around the world, who have been in touch to send their sympathies and prayers to us. Your support means so much to the entire family at this time.

I hope people will understand that I will not be on the election trail in the coming days as my family tries to cope with this awful tragedy. Farewell Fiachra a stor mo chroi.
Northern Irelands chief constable has announced an independent review to look at allegations of the police surveillance of journalists.

It comes after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in London recently heard that eight journalists working in Northern Ireland described as troublemakers have been under routine surveillance by the PSNI.

Investigative journalists who took a case against the PSNI to the IPT remain critical of the PSNI response and insist that only a full public inquiry will suffice.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has now released a lengthy statement regarding commentary on the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and announced the McCullough Review.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: Recently there has been extensive inaccurate reporting relating to documents disclosed in proceedings in an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).

Normally, I would make no comment regarding ongoing tribunal proceedings however, in this instance, the inaccurate interpretation of the documents has given rise to serious public concern about the use or abuse of police powers.

"The reporting is continuing, and it is unsustainable for me as Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to make no comment. I want to put the record straight and correct the inaccurate assessment of these documents.

The public concern arises from the misinterpretation of documents made available in redacted form at the Tribunal, at least one of which was subsequently published.

He also said a defensive operation referred to a routine professional standards practice in terms of potential leaking of information to media.

He added that the PSNIs Professional Standards Department Anti-Corruption Unit have methods including, carrying out periodic checks on phone calls made from police telephone extensions and police-issued mobile phones.

One document refers to what is described as a defensive operation conducted by the PSNI. Media outlets and commentators have interpreted this term to mean that the routine and covert surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland took place and in particular, the monitoring of their phones. This interpretation is wrong.

One of the tasks of PSNIs Professional Standards Department Anti-Corruption Unit (PSD) is to detect and deter any illicit or illegal communications by police officers and staff.

"Corruption in any form is a hugely serious matter. Leaking information to the media can endanger police operations and put lives at risk.

One method of identifying and deterring illegal contact with journalists is for PSD to carry out periodic checks on phone calls made from police telephone extensions and police-issued mobile phones.

"The numbers called are checked against the numbers held by PSNI for journalists. There is nothing covert about this procedure.

To further reassure people, this practice is absolutely not about identifying whistle-blowers, for which there are very clear legal protections for those who are motivated to make public interest disclosures.

"However, if a police officer or staff member is involved in serious criminality, we have a duty to the public to investigate this.

He also said a list of eight redacted names referred to are not the names of journalists being targeted through surveillance, and relate to a completely different matter.

The names are not those of journalists. For obvious reasons of privacy, and to protect police operations, those names have not been made public, he added.

He said documents have been made available in unredacted form to the IPT, which he said will consider them fully at its hearing in October.

Chief Constable Boutcher concluded: To add further reassurance, and in line with my statutory duties to report to the Board, I have also appointed Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers and Non-Governmental Organisations or any groups that have special status.

Mr McCullough KC will provide a public-facing report of his findings when the review is finished and during this work he will be available to the Northern Ireland Policing Board to report on the progress of the review.

In response to the "McCullough Review" announcement by the Chief Constable, journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney said the PSNI arrested them after they had taken a statement of complaint from the chief suspect in the Loughinisland massacre who was named in their film, No Stone Unturned.

"The PSNI should have followed the evidence that led to the doors of those who commissioned and carried out the attack. Instead, it decided to go after two journalists. After all this time, still no one has been arrested for the killings, they added.

"We complained to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) five years ago and the response from the police tells us little has changed within the PSNI.

"Even within the last week, the PSNI have missed yet another deadline imposed by the IPT to deliver submissions.

"The Chief Constables statement is the defence that his legal team could have put to the IPT hearing in February this year. If there is any media misinterpretation it has been caused by the PSNI and the Chief Constable himself.

"We take comfort from the integrity of people like Patrick Corrigan, Daniel Holder, Nuala OLoan, Alyson Kilpatrick and the others involved in the Chief Constables review and we do appreciate their involvement. Angus McCullough is a very experienced KC with significant expertise in the area of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

"Only a full public inquiry with the power to compel witnesses will enable us to find out the full, ugly truth of what the PSNI has been doing in the dark.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024
New Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Council Lilian Seenoi Barr and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray

Proud Maasai woman and Derry girl Lilian Barr has made history as the first black Mayor in Northern Ireland, while Belfast has its first openly gay first citizen.
Pelumi Adeleke, candidate for Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) Board Place 3, is shown at Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO office, 2506 Sutherland St., Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Kyle Scott Courtesy

Another election is underway in Harris County. Are you exhausted? Imagine the folks running the polls under Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. Shes managed six elections since November.

This time its runoffs for Harris County Appraisal District board positions. Early voting started Monday and runs through June 11, except on Sunday. Election Day is June 15. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m

These newly created nonpartisan positions are obscure, no doubt, but important when it comes to funding schools, parks, police, firefighters and so much else, because property taxes are based on the appraised values. So, square your shoulders and get on over to a polling location  but not before considering our picks and rationale. The expected uber-low turnout means you'll have an outsized impact in this election greater than probably any other this year.

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Last year, when voters approved a massive property tax cut, they also created three elected positions on the appraisal district boards in the 50 largest counties. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who led the way on this change, told us that the appointed three-person panels that review appeals "were not listening to taxpayers." He hoped that having the new elected boards approve panel members and the chief appraiser would improve responsiveness.

In Harris County, Kathy Blueford-Daniels won Place 1 outright in May. In the other two races, no candidate crossed the 50% threshold.

For the Place 2 runoff, voters have a choice between two qualified candidates, Kyle Scott and Melissa Noriega. Scott, a 46-year-old Republican and entrepreneurship professor at Sam Houston State University, lost a 2022 election for Harris County Treasurer and was among the Republicans who challenged vote counts in court. All but one of those cases were dropped or thrown out by the judge. He received our endorsement for his ideas on auditing tax abatements and regularly evaluating the chief appraiser. Noriega, 69, is a Democrat and former state representative, Houston City Council member and nonprofit leader whod make an excellent board member as well.

Our pick for Place 3 didnt make the runoff but another candidate who impressed us did. Pelumi Adeleke is a 39-year-old Harvard Business School graduate and leader at Amazon Web services. At a minimum, she wants greater transparency. How do appraisers decide how much a house or skyscraper is worth? I have training in accounting and taxes, and I didnt understand the process, she told us. A Democrat backed by the AFL-CIO, her idea is to use basic information on when a building was built and its square footage to calculate the appraised value, but not to incorporate the underlying land value. That kind of dramatic change could bring about more fairness in some cases, and unintended negative consequences in others. We doubt that a single board member could bring about such a change, but even raising the idea could help the appraisal district learn how to explain to property owners how the current system works.

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The other candidate for Place 3, Ericka McCrutcheon ran unsuccessfully twice for Houston City Council. The 62-year-old owner of a construction and remodeling company, and a church co-pastor, she is endorsed by several Republican lawmakers including Bettencourt and state Rep. Valoree Swanson. Her website states that she wants to ensure that taxation is clean, level, and uniform according to the law, but she did not attend either of two candidate screenings or speak to us by phone to share a specific approach with us. In contrast, Adelekes professional expertise is relevant and the big questions shes asking could improve appraisals over the long-run.
The UK Pleasure Boys have revealed that their Co Tyrone show, which was due to take place later this month, has been cancelled due to complications.

The erotic male dance group returned to Northern Ireland for a raunchy gig at The Bannville Hotel in Banbridge on May 11, with a second one lined up for The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.

However, the strippers and their managing director, John Woodward, announced on Sunday evening that plans have changed.

Omagh, June 22, is not going ahead, said Mr Woodward.

Weve been contacted by the promoter and hes been overwhelmed with complications for the show.

Unfortunately, we cant bring you the show that you would expect and we dont want people to be sad.

Obviously, youll be sad that were not going to be there, but itd be even worse if we gave you a show that we couldnt do anything on.

The group said that anyone who has purchased tickets for the Omagh show should contact their ticket providers and they will definitely be reimbursed.

They did, however, add that they have a new date set for the The Brass Neck pub in Derry, on Friday, August 2, with tickets starting from 22.

While its not clear yet what exact complications have arisen for the Omagh act, the Pleasure Boys were not permitted to get fully naked during their last performance in Co Down.

More than 700 people defied a picket by around two dozen members of Moneyslane Free Presbyterian Church at the Co Down venue for the return of the Magic Mike-style dance troupe.

The Pleasure Boys explained to this newspaper that this meant their show differed to the rest of their performances in Great Britain, as different council regulations in Northern Ireland do not allow full frontal nudity.

Pleasure Boys cause shock in The Devenish

The majority of attendees at the Banbridge exhibition were not aware of this beforehand.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that workers from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council were present at the event to ensure that no regulations were broken, with some of the Pleasure Boys claiming that they were told if any private parts were shown, the show would be pulled immediately.

The Pleasure Boys gained widespread attention across Northern Ireland when videos of their performance at The Devenish Hotel in Belfast back in February went viral.

Advertised by the bar as a Valentines Weekend Special, footage from the act quickly circulated on social media, which shows female patrons and nude male dancers mimicking sexual positions.

A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said that the council is aware that an event planned for 22 June in the Silver Birch Hotel is no longer going ahead. The Council has no further details.

The Belfast Telegraph has also contacted The Silverbirch Hotel for further comment.
The prime suspect in relation to the death of a man in Co Monaghan has fled across the border to Northern Ireland, gardai fear.

Gardai are expected to launch a homicide investigation into the death of 46-year-old Mykola Dernovi. The results of a post-mortem are awaited.

It is suspected that Mr Dernovi was the victim of a sustained and vicious assault on Saturday night in Clones.

Although no arrests have been made in relation to the incident, sources confirmed that a chief suspect has been identified.

However gardai now believe that the suspect, a man who is known to Mr Dernovi, may have left the jurisdiction and headed across the border to Northern Ireland.

Mr Dernovi was an Ukrainian who had been living in Ireland for some time, it is understood.

One line of enquiry is that he suffered a heart attack after an attack at a flat in the Diamond area of Clones, Co Monaghan.

Speaking on Sunday, Sinn Fein Councillor for Clones Pat Treanor said the news had shocked those in the area.

"Since the news was coming through last night, the people of the town are shocked to hear of this tragic incident," Cllr Treanor said.

"Some family is suffering a loss and there would be great empathy with the family," he added.

The discovery of the body in the Co Monaghan town was made shortly after 10pm on Saturday.

Gardai were alerted to the scene of the fatality by ambulance personnel who had responded to an emergency call.

The victim in this case suffered a very bad beating and the scene was fairly harrowing when emergency services arrived at the property, a source said.

Gardai are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Clones, Co Monaghan on the night of Saturday, June 1, a Garda spokesperson told the Irish Independent.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024
Clacton in Essex was won by the Conservatives in 2019 with 72% of the vote (Nick Ansell/PA)

Clacton is the only parliamentary constituency that has ever been won at a general election by a party associated with Nigel Farage  though a seat in the House of Commons has so far eluded the man himself.

In 2014, the Conservative MP for Clacton, Douglas Carswell, announced he was defecting to the UK Independence Party (Ukip) and triggered a by-election, which he won with 60% of the vote, becoming Ukips first elected member of Parliament.

He held the seat for Ukip at the 2015 general election with a much lower share of 44% of the vote, with the Conservatives close behind on 37%.

Douglas Carswell (Lauren Hurley/PA)

It was the only seat won by Ukip at that election, despite the party receiving nearly four million votes across the UK.

Mr Farage was the leader of Ukip at the time and stood as a candidate in 2015 in Thanet South, finishing in second place on 32% of the vote, behind the Tories on 38%.

It was the seventh and  until now  most recent attempt by Mr Farage to become an MP, all of which ended in failure.

In the years since 2015, Clacton has become a Conservative seat again, with Giles Watling winning it back from Ukip at the 2017 general election on 61% of the vote, before winning a bigger share of 72% in 2019.

Mr Carswell did not stand at the 2017 election  he had resigned from Ukip a few months beforehand and finished his term in Parliament as an independent.

By the time of the 2019 general election, Mr Farage had left Ukip and was leading the Brexit Party  subsequently renamed Reform UK.

His party chose not to stand candidates at the 2019 election in seats that had been won in 2017 by the Conservatives, including Clacton.

This means there is no data for how Reform might have fared in Clacton at the last general election, and therefore no data that could be used to measure how well the party would need to perform at this years General Election to win the constituency from the Tories  for example, what size of swing would be required and where the seat would rank on the partys list of targets.

(PA Graphics)

Reforms target list is therefore based on places where it did stand in 2019, with Labour-held seats dominating the top of the list, starting with Barnsley North, where the party needs a swing of 4.5 percentage points to win, followed by Hartlepool (6.0 points), Barnsley South (6.3 points) and Doncaster North (12.9 points).

Now Mr Farage has confirmed his intention to stand as a Reform candidate in Clacton, there is the opportunity for polling in that constituency to get an indication of the levels of support he may have.

Polls will give a sense of the mood among voters in the seat, but will only be a snapshot of current opinion, not a forecast or prediction of the result.

A poll carried out by Survation in January, which asked people in Clacton who they would vote for if Mr Farage were on the ballot, put the Reform leader on 37%, Mr Watling for the Conservatives on 27%, and Labour  no candidates name was specified  on 23%.
The Conservatives have announced plans for a new annual cap on visas to ensure immigration would fall each year over the next parliament.

More than 10,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the Channel and immigration has become a key campaign battleground.

The proposed plan would give Parliament a direct role in setting levels of migration, with MPs having a vote on the number.

Rishi Sunak on the Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover (Yui Mok/PA)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: We have taken bold action to cut the number of people coming to this country. The plan is working but migration levels are still too high, so we are going further.

Labours migrant amnesty will make the UK a global magnet for illegal immigrants and they have no plan to reduce net migration, while we have a clear plan to stop the boats and put a legal cap on numbers.

The Conservatives are the only party that is willing take the bold action needed to cut immigration figures.

The annual cap would be imposed on the number of visas that can be granted to those coming to the UK on work or family routes.

Temporary work routes, such as seasonal agricultural workers, would not fall within the cap.

Ministers would ask the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to recommend the level of the annual cap, and the government would then consider the advice and put forward a proposal to Parliament for a vote.

The Tories say they would inform the committee that their objective is to get migration down to sustainable levels, for levels to fall year-on-year over the next parliament, and that they must consider both the costs and benefits of migration.

The MAC would consult business, the NHS, local authorities and public services and provide a recommendation.

(PA Graphics)

Labours shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the proposed cap on work and family visas is a meaningless announcement from a Tory party which has trebled net migration since the last election despite promising to bring it down.

She said: All they are doing now is rehashing failed announcements from David Cameron and Theresa May, while doing nothing to tackle the skills shortages and their failures in the economy and immigration system which have pushed net migration up.

Why should anyone take seriously a promise the Tories have already repeatedly broken?

Labours plan to bring net migration down will link the immigration system with new mandatory training and workforce plans for British workers, and stop rogue employers hiring from abroad.
Veterans have spoken of their sad memories as they gathered at the headquarters where D-Day was planned, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

About 40 veterans met at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, which was the headquarters of Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower.

A giant map still adorns a wall in the Grade II-listed 19th-century manor house which is now home to the Defence School of Policing and Guarding.

George Chandler, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, served aboard the British motor torpedo boat MTB 710 as part of a flotilla which provided a guarding escort for the US Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches.

Normandy veteran George Chandler, 99, in the Map Room at Southwick House (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The 99-year-old said: Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute crap, its a load of old rubbish.

I was there, how can I forget it? Its a very sad memory because I watched young American Rangers not shot, slaughtered.

And they were young. I was 19 at the time, these kids were younger than me when I was there and I saw them shot.

George Chandler served aboard a motor torpedo boat (Blind Veterans UK/PA)

For about three months without a break, Mr Chandlers flotilla returned to Newhaven each night for refuelling and rearming and a few hours of sleep before returning across the Channel.

After the Normandy campaign, his boat was deployed to the Mediterranean where it suffered damage before being sunk in April 1945.

Marie Scott, now 97, served with the Womens Royal Naval Service (WRNS) at Fort Southwick as a switchboard operator using a machine connected to the landing forces in France.

D-Day veteran Marie Scott (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Her job was to pass messages from the troops on the beaches to the leaders of Operation Overlord, Gen Eisenhower and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who were stationed nearby in Southwick House.

Ms Scott  who was was awarded Frances highest order of merit, the Legion dHonneur, in recognition of her contribution to the liberation of the country  described how she could hear the reality of the battle taking place.

Marie Scott worked on the switchboard in the tunnels under Fort Southwick (Marie Scott/PA)

She said: I was a little bemused when I first heard it, then I thought to myself, Oh, you know, this is war.

You could hear everything, machine gun fire, cannon fire, bombs dropping, men shouting, the general chaos.

The majority of the veterans who attended the gathering at Southwick House were brought by the Royal British Legion, the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The wing bone from a giant pterosaur from the Jurassic period was found in a gravel pit in Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, in June 2022 (University of Portsmouth/PA)

Scientists have nicknamed a gigantic flying reptile from the Jurassic period Abfab after a fossilised bone was found in a gravel pit in Abingdon-on-Thames.

The wing bone, which would have belonged to one of the largest pterosaurs found from the Jurassic era, was discovered at the site in Oxfordshire after it was spotted by geologist Dr James Etienne in the quarry floor in June 2022.

Experts from the Universities of Portsmouth and Leicester have examined the bone, which was broken into three pieces but still well-preserved, and identified it as belonging to an adult ctenochasmatoid  a group of pterosaurs known for their long, slender wings, long jaws and fine bristle-like teeth.

The fossilised bone was spotted in the floor of a gravel pit in Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, in 2022 (University of Portsmouth/PA)

Professor David Martill, from the University of Portsmouth, said: When the bone was discovered, it was certainly notable for its size.

We carried out a numerical analysis and came up with a maximum wingspan of 3.75m (12ft). Although this would be small for a Cretaceous pterosaur, its absolutely huge for a Jurassic one.

This fossil is also particularly special because it is one of the first records of this type of pterosaur from the Jurassic period in the United Kingdom.

Pterosaurs from the Triassic and Jurassic periods typically had wingspans of between 1.5m and 2m (5ft-6ft 6in), making them smaller than their later relatives from the Cretaceous period, which had wingspans of up to 10m (33ft).

Prof Martill said the new discovery suggests that Jurassic pterosaurs could grow larger than previously thought.

He said: This specimen is now one of the largest known pterosaurs from the Jurassic period worldwide, surpassed only by a specimen in Switzerland with an estimated wingspan of up to 5m (16ft).

Professor David Martill said the new discovery suggests that Jurassic pterosaurs could grow larger than previously thought (University of Portsmouth/PA)

The bone was found by Dr Etienne when the Late Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation was temporarily exposed in the floor of the quarry, revealing a number of specimens, including bones from ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs and other ancient sea creatures including ammonites and bivalves, marine crocodiles and sharks.

Dr Dave Unwin, from the University of Leicester, said: Abfab, our nickname for the Abingdon pterosaur, shows that pterodactyloids, advanced pterosaurs that completely dominated the Cretaceous, achieved spectacularly large sizes almost immediately after they first appeared in the Middle Jurassic right about the time the dinosaurian ancestors of birds were taking to the air.

 The scientists report has been published in the journal Proceedings of the Geologists Association and the fossil is now housed in the Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, Dorset.
Labour would close the door on Putin by reducing Britains reliance on fossil fuel from overseas, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he accused the Tories of leaving the nation exposed by failing on energy security.

The party leader claimed Rishi Sunaks political collapse on net zero commitments risks leaving the UK over a barrel as he linked the green power transition to issues of national security.

On Tuesday, he will say the partys plan to set up GB Energy  a publicly owned clean energy company  will help to protect the UK from spikes in the price of fuel like those that followed Russias invasion of Ukraine.

With Great British Energy, my changed Labour Party will close the door on Putin, Sir Keir said.

Energy policy is now a matter of national security. It is a key component of our countrys resilience and capacity to weather future shocks.

We simply cannot afford to remain as vulnerable to price spikes as we have been in the past.

Keeping the lights on and heating our homes should not mean leaving our front door open to Russia.

Sir Keir will meet pensioners in the North West of England on Tuesday to discuss the cost of energy and talk about Labours plans for GB Energy.

The party says the firm will be headquartered in Scotland and funded through a windfall tax on big oil and gas firms, with an initial 8.3 billion capitalisation over the course of a parliament.

(PA Graphics)

This kind of tax is already in place, and was recently extended until 2029, but Labour would charge a higher rate.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave a speech last year delaying or scrapping some policies meant to cut carbon emissions, and vowed to max out the UKs oil and gas reserves by granting new North Sea drilling licences.

Labour said the Conservatives were gambling with family finances by opposing investment in homegrown clean energy.

Sir Keir is pitching Labour as the party of national security as he seeks to shift perceptions of its defence stance after the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, a long-standing critic of the Nato military alliance and the Trident nuclear weapons programme.

On Tuesday, he will say the UKs ability to weather global energy shocks like those after Russias invasion is a key component of national security.

Mr Sunak has dismissed the plans for GB Energy as just a logo, while Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said the proposals fail to meet the demands of the climate crisis.
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to put public service back into the beating heart of our politics, with the party outlining plans to improve NHS and dental care as well as education.

Scottish deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain said Lib Dems would also work to tackle the problem of sewage in Scotlands rivers and water.

She spoke out on the issues as she campaigned in Dunfermline, Fife, in the run-up to next months General Election.

Liberal Democrats are proposing to improve access to GPs by tackling the problem of staff burnout and better utilising those working in mental health and physiotherapy, along with pharmacists.

For dentistry, Lib Dems say they would prioritise workforce planning and speed up the registration process for qualified dentists from overseas seeking to work in the UK.

The Lib Dems say their plans would make it easier for people to see a dentist (Martin Rickett/PA)

Meanwhile, clean water legislation would be introduced to upgrade the UKs Victorian sewage network and to create legally-binding targets for reducing dumping of sewage waste into the water.

The party is also promising to tackle violence in Scotlands schools and to deliver more support in classes for those youngsters who need it.

Ms Chamberlain took to the campaign trail to highlight her partys positive message for change at this election.

She stated: In Fife and across the country, people are tired of both the SNP and the Conservatives. They are both out of ideas and out of road.

Liberal Democrats want a fair deal for everyone; we will put public service back into the beating heart of our politics.

That means getting everyone faster access to a GP and an NHS dentist, ending the sewage dumping in our rivers and lifting up Scottish education.
A Demonstrator holds sign during a protest calling for the release of the hostages from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Four more hostages kidnapped on October 7 were declared dead by the Israeli military  including three older men seen in a Hamas video begging to be released.

Mondays announcement heightens pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a US ceasefire proposal that could secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza and end the eight-month war.

About 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the remains of 43 others.

In the days since President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire proposal on Friday, Israel has seen some of its largest protests calling on the government to bring them home.

Although Mr Biden said the proposal was Israeli, the Israeli leadership has appeared to distance itself from the plan, vowing to keep conducting military operations against Hamas until the militant group is destroyed.

All four of the men declared dead Monday night were kidnapped and taken into Gaza still alive, according to the Hostages Forum, a grassroots group representing the families of the hostages.

It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect, the group said following the announcement.

Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals.

People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

The group called on the government to immediately approve the new ceasefire plan.

Hundreds of people, including relatives of the captives, gathered outside Israels Defence Ministry and military headquarters in central Tel Aviv on Monday, calling for a deal. Smaller protests took place across the country.

About 100 captives were released during a week-long exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November.

Three of the men declared dead Monday had female relatives who were released during the exchange.

Israels military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the four hostages were killed while they were together, during the armys operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

He said the four were killed months ago, but that recent operations allowed the military to gather enough intelligence to confirm the deaths.

Their bodies are still being held by Hamas, and the cause of death was not immediately known.

Demonstrators wave signs during a protest calling for the release of the hostages from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Hamas claimed in May that the fourth hostage pronounced deceased died after being wounded in an Israeli airstrike, but provided no evidence.

We are checking all of the options. There are a lot of questions, Rear Adm Hagari said.

Three of the hostages were all aged 80 or older. They appeared in a video in December released by Hamas under the title, Dont let us grow old here. In the video, the three men appear gaunt, wearing thin white T-shirts.

We are the generation who built the foundation for the state of Israel, one said, noting that all the men had chronic illnesses. We do not understand why we have been abandoned here.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israel has been expanding its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion of Rafah has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.
The ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israels longest-serving and deeply divisive leader.

The proposal offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the Islamic militant group, quieting the northern border with Lebanon and potentially advancing a historic agreement to normalise ties with Saudi Arabia.

But it would also likely shatter Mr Netanyahus governing coalition, potentially sending him into the opposition and making him more vulnerable to a conviction in his corruption trial.

President Joe Bidens ceasefire proposal (Evan Vucci/PA)

The full withdrawal of Israeli forces called for in the agreement could allow Hamas to claim victory and reconstitute itself.

Mr Netanyahus rejection of the deal, on the other hand, could deepen Israels international isolation, worsen ties with an American administration eager to wind down the war and expose him to accusations of having abandoned the hostages to save his own skin.

The Israeli prime minister acknowledged the proposal, which has been shared with Hamas through mediators, but then appeared to contradict Mr Bidens remarks.

He said Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas military and governing capabilities and that any talk of a permanent ceasefire before then was a nonstarter.

On Monday, he said the destruction of Hamas is part of the proposal and was quoted as telling a closed parliamentary hearing that Israel reserves the right to return to war if its objectives are not met.

People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

But it has never been clear what the destruction of Hamas entails or whether its even possible.

Mr Biden said Israel had degraded Hamas to the point where it could no longer carry out an October 7-style attack, and that by continuing the war, Israel risked getting bogged down in Gaza.

But Netanyahu appears to be seeking a much bigger victory.

Mr Netanyahus critics fear he will reject any ceasefire to appease his ultranationalist governing partners, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

They want to continue the war, fully reoccupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.

They have already vowed to leave the government if the proposal announced by Mr Biden comes to pass.

Mr Netanyahus political opponents have offered a safety net if he reaches a deal to release hostages but they are unlikely to help him stay in office long-term.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is the most nationalist and religious in Israels history (Amir Cohen/AP)

Everything that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand or threaten to do, you see Netanyahu is very attentive to that, said Tal Schneider, an Israeli political commentator. Netanyahus endgame is to survive.

Mr Netanyahus current government, formed in late 2022 after five consecutive elections, is the most nationalist and religious in Israels history.

Months before the war, it pushed policies that entrenched Israels occupation of the West Bank, deepened the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communitys reliance on state subsidies and set in motion an overhaul of the judicial system that tore the country apart.

The coalition initially had a slim majority of 64 seats in Israels 120-seat parliament, enough to govern but with a fragility that would keep Mr Netanyahus fate tied to the whims of any of the smaller parties that form the government.
Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. She can be reached at jen.rice@houstonchronicle.com.

A native Houstonian, Jen graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned a master's degree from University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now.
Israeli soldiers stand on top of tanks in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel, Monday, June 3, 2024. (Leo Correa/AP)

Palestinian officials, on behalf of the State of Palestine, have applied for permission to join South Africas case at the top UN court accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The request, published on Monday, says that Israels ongoing military operation is part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map.

The request to the International Court of Justice was signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi.

The Palestinian Authority said that Israels onslaught has obliterated parts of Gaza including hospitals and schools (Leo Correa/AP)

South Africa filed its case with the world court late last year, accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swathes of Gaza.

Israel denies it is committing genocide in its military operation to crush Hamas triggered by the deadly October 7 attacks in southern Israel.

The court has issued three preliminary orders in the case, calling on Israel to do all it can to prevent deaths in the enclave, ramp up humanitarian aid and, most recently, halt its offensive in Rafah.

It is unclear how long the courts judges will take to rule on the request. If granted, Palestinian officials will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.

In their request, the Palestinians said they are directly affected by the case.

South Africa has accused Israel of breaching the genocide convention (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The Israeli onslaught has obliterated and damaged, beyond recognition, Gazas hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops and infrastructure, as part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map, the request says.

The request adds that Israel is violating the courts orders and continuing with its genocidal acts including deliberately and systematically impeding humanitarian aid, resulting in an intentionally engineered situation of starvation and a creeping famine that is increasingly imminent.

The Palestinians have been to the court before.

In 2018, the Palestinian Authority filed a case asking its judges to order Washington to remove the relocated US embassy from Jerusalem.

The case followed the decision of the administration of then-US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital and to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

That case remains before the court, where cases can take years to resolve.

The International Court of Justice rules in cases between states. The United Nations General Assembly voted last month to give Palestine some new rights and privileges, but it reaffirmed that it remains a non-member observer state without full UN membership and the right to vote in the General Assembly or at any of its conferences.

The United States has made clear that it will block Palestinian membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel resolve key issues, including security, boundaries and the future of Jerusalem and lead to a two-state solution.
Mr Zelensky signs the guest book beside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Malacanang presidential palace (Pool Photo via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in the Philippines to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organised global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia and China of trying to undermine.

Mr Zelensky arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila on Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore.

He was given a red carpet welcome with military honours on Monday at the presidential palace before meeting Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a recording released by the administration, Mr Zelensky seemed to indicate that Mr Marcos accepted the invitation, though it was not clear if the Filipino leader agreed to personally attend the peace summit in Switzerland or to send a representative.

Im happy to hear today from you that youll participate in our peace steps, Mr Zelensky told Mr Marcos. Its a very strong signal.

Mr Zelenskys visit to Manila had not been previously announced (Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Marcos administration did not immediately comment on the matter.

Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said, will also open an embassy in Manila, a decision Mr Marcos welcomed as it would help facilitate more assistance to the war-ravaged nation.

We continue to do all that we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting, Mr Marcos said.

Mr Zelensky had planned but failed to meet with Marcos on the sidelines of the annual defence gathering in Singapore and decided to fly to Manila to personally invite Mr Marcos to attend the summit in Switzerland.

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the Singapore forum, which was attended by top defence and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing.

The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Mr Zelensky accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organised peace summit by pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the talks.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said, without elaborating.

Mr Zelensky hailed the support of Mr Marcos (AP)

Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.

China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the US and most of Europe and its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions.

American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are being used in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbour.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning signalled on Friday that that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Mr Zelensky urged top defence officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending.

Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us  to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin met with Mr Zelensky on the sidelines of the conference and renewed US commitments to Ukraine.

In an address to the forum on Saturday, Mr Austin said that Putins war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want.

Mr Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea, bluntly underlined the dangers of the regional flashpoint Friday at the defence forum.

He said that if a wilful act should result in a Filipino citizen dying in the high-seas hostilities, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war, and: That would certainly increase the level of response.
McCune was stopped by police on the Lisburn Road in Belfast in March when officers found a sawn-off shotgun, three pistols, an assault rifle and balaclavas in the vehicle.

He doesnt deny having the guns but claims he was a go-between for the community and UDA.

He is s now understood to be under threat from the owners of the guns - the UDA, the UVF and an organised crime gang known as the Russians.

The Russians, an Eastern European gang based in south Belfast, are known for being heavily armed and involved in the sale of drugs in the area.

The UDA and UVF fear that the guns found in McCunes possession were used in three murders.

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Northern Editor of Sunday World Richard Sullivan to discuss the case.
Notorious criminal who survived two UDA gun attacks sweating over jail term for dealing diazepam

Under-threat crook, hated after drug death of his girlfriend, would be safer in jail, say sources

Russell Cummins

Ciaran Barnes Mon 3 Jun 2024 at 08:50

A notorious criminal who survived two UDA gun attacks is sweating over a possible prison term for drug dealing.
Indonesian environmental advocates have criticized a law change giving religious organizations permission to manage mining concessions revoked from companies, saying the groups inexperience in responsible mining practices poses a risk to nature.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo, who is due to leave office in October, signed the decree last week as a gesture of appreciation for the contribution made by religious groups to Indonesias independence struggle, said Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.

The regulation follows an announcement by Jokowis administration in 2022 that it was canceling millions of hectares worth of mining and plantation permits because development of the concessions was moving too slowly.

Bahlil said religious organizations were granted permission to take over concessions on the grounds it would help improve community welfare.

But some environmental advocates have expressed concern that groups like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) lacked the requisite expertise. Others see the policy as yet another example of transactional politics.

Fahmy Radhi, an energy economist at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, said the governments decision was a blunder.

Religious organizations do not have the capacity for exploration and exploitation. I am sure they also do not have the funds for mining investment, Fahmy told BenarNews.

Trubus Rahadiansyah, a policy analyst from Gadjah Mada University, said the new regulation was nothing more than Jokowi thanking his religious backers.

NU, Indonesias largest Muslim organization with about 100 million followers, said the law change would encourage religious groups to be more involved in the public sphere.

This policy is a bold step and an important breakthrough to expand the use of natural resources controlled by the state for the direct benefit of the people, Yahya Cholil Staquf, NUs general chairman, said in a statement on Monday.

Members of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), gather to commemorate the organizations 85th anniversary in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, July 17, 2011. [Reuters]

NU Deputy Chairman Ahmad Suaedy said the policy was a breakthrough in Indonesia's democratization process.

Suaedy said religion in Indonesia  the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation  had been marginalized by liberal democracy.

The granting of natural resource concessions by the government to Islamic groups is part of post-secularism, where religion has space in the public and governmental spheres, he told BenarNews.

Suaedy acknowledged the criticism from activists and observers concerned about NUs inexperience in the mining industry, but said irregularities can be committed by anyone.

Indonesia has enormous mineral wealth spread across its more than 70,000 islands but lax enforcement of environmental standards in some areas has led to degradation of the natural landscape, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) said the government had demonstrated its commitment to involving as many people as possible in managing state assets.

Of course, the presidents initiative is not easy to implement due to the limited knowledge of religious organizations regarding the mining industry, but I believe that religious organizations can overcome the burdens, PGI chairman Gomar Gultom told BenarNews.

Muhammadiyah, the nations second largest Islamic organization with about 60 million members, said it would not rush to respond to the government's initiative.

The group's General Secretary Abdul Muti said it would weigh its capabilities in mining exploration to avoid problems for the organization, public and nation.

Pizaro Gozali Idrus and Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata in Jakarta contributed to this article.
The two officials resigned just months before the government plans to host Independence Day celebrations at the East Kalimantan site.

A screengrab of aerial video footage filmed in August 2022 shows Titik Nol Nusantara (ground zero Nusantara), the future capital city of Indonesia, in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan province.

Indonesias plan to build a new capital is in trouble after its two top officials resigned without explanation Monday, a development that may signal to investors the U.S. $32 billion project is facing serious problems, analysts said.

The relocation plan has been touted as Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodos legacy project before he leaves office in October. His government has accordingly planned to host high-profile Independence Day celebrations at the construction site in Borneo on Aug. 17.

But the plan to build the new capital Nusantara, which is expected to replace a crowded and sinking Jakarta, has been plagued by construction delays, land acquisition problems and struggles to attract private investment.

Now, investors could see the resignations as a sign that the Nusantara National Capital (IKN) project has severe challenges, said Mohammad Faisal, executive director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE).

In addition, financing is also an obstacle  whether or not there is funding for IKN, Faisal told BenarNews.

Some observers speculated that Jokowi had been dissatisfied with the performance of the Nusantara National Capital Authoritys head and deputy head, Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe, and that was why they resigned. Their implementation had been too slow for the president, the observers said.

But State Secretariat Minister Pratikno said at a press conference that performance was not the reason for their resignation, although he did not say why they quit.

The minister, who goes by one name, said only that the two bureaucrats had been given new assignments and that discussions on Bambangs resignation had been on for a while.

The conversation has been around for a long time, but the [resignation] letter is new, said Pratikno.

BenarNews contacted Bambang and Jokowis spokesperson, Ari Dwipayana, for more information, but did not immediately hear back.

According to the Reuters news agency, Jokowi is scheduled to visit Nusantara on Tuesday to inaugurate several projects, including schools, like he has been doing for the past several months.

In November, he broke ground on a new international airport in the new capital, which he said would be fully operational by the end of 2024. It is located about 15 km (nine miles) from the city center and covers more than 1,700 acres (688 hectares).

In 2019, Jokowi announced his plan to relocate the capital about 1,700 km (1,000 miles) from Jakarta, citing the citys problems with overcrowding, pollution, traffic congestion and sinking land. Expected to be completed by 2045, this city is planned to span 256,000 hectares (632,589 acres).

The government had said in late December that basic infrastructure construction for the new capital was nearly 63% complete, keeping it to the deadline of a year-end finish. This included facilities such as roads, dams, bridges and government buildings.

Indonesian State Secretariat Minister Pratikno (center) announces that Bambang Susantono, chairman of the New National Capital Authority, and his deputy have resigned, during a news conference at the presidential palace in Jakarta, June 3, 2024. [Via Djay/Indonesias Cabinet Secretariat]

But a planned move to Nusantara in August of thousands of civil servants was postponed to September because residences for them were not complete, local news site Tempo reported in February.

In April, The Jakarta Post newspaper reported that the government planned to move a handful of cabinet ministers, including Basuki, to Nusantara in July, in addition to around 1,000 officials who are involved in the Aug. 17 Independence Day events.

Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas said the occasion would require a big support system, since thousands will be staying in the nations new capital to attend the August celebrations, the newspaper reported.

Jokowis second and final term ends in October because the constitution doesnt allow him to seek a third five-year term. His successor, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, whom he tacitly supported, has promised to continue building the capital, but whether he will is anybodys guess.

The project has struggled to attract foreign investors who want to see progress in construction, the move by government personnel and actual action by Jokowis successor, analysts have said.

Meanwhile, Public Works and Housing Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono, whom Jokowi appointed as acting head of the Nusantara National Capital Authority, said the focus of his duties would be to resolve the land and investment issues at the new capitals site in East Kalimantan province.

He said that Jokowi had also appointed the deputy agrarian minister to the authority, in the hope that the organization may find it easier to deal with land issues at site of the new capital

The two of us will immediately decide on the status of the land in IKN, whether it is for sale, rent or PPP [public-private partnership], Basuki said, according to a cabinet secretariat statement.

We want to speed it up, so that investors no longer hesitate to make their investments.  because the land status will be clearer, their legal status as investors in IKN will also be clearer, Basuki said, according to a cabinet secretariat statement.

That alone, though, may not be enough, some analysts said, suggesting the capital project lacked cohesion.

An economist from Padjajaran University, Yayan Satyakti, said that is the reason for implementation problems.

If we look at the master plan that IKN [the new capital] currently has, it seems that the technocratic process is not very well planned, Yayan told BenarNews.

A public policy analyst at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta said that for a project of its size, it did not appear to be well thought out.

[I]ndeed the planning of IKN as a major national project is still not fully mature, Wahyudi Kumorotomo told BenarNews.

Nazarudin Latif in Jakarta contributed to this report.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their meeting at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, June 3, 2024.

UPDATED at 10:18 a.m. ET on 2024-06-03

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Manila on Monday where he thanked his Philippine counterpart for the nations clear position on Russias invasion of Ukraine and announced the opening of an embassy in the capital.

Zelenskyy arrived unannounced on Sunday night after appearing at Asias premier defense conference, the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore, at the weekend.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered the keynote speech at the event, using it to criticize Chinas assertive moves in the South China Sea and to call for responsible management of the U.S.-China rivalry.

Zelenskyy said he was very thankful for Manilas support of Ukraine after Russias invasion in February 2022.

Thank you so much for your big words and for your position about us, about this Russian invasion of our territories, he told Marcos, according to transcripts released by the presidential palace.

He also announced that Ukraine would open an embassy in Manila this year.

Marcos said he was honored that Zelenskyy had visited the Philippines, which was grappling with a territorial dispute of its own involving China in the South China Sea.

It is a great pleasure to meet with you to discuss some of the issues that are common to our two countries and hopefully to find ways for both of us together, Marcos said.

Marcos said the Philippines would continue to do all that we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting.

I think everybody fully understands that it is easier said than done and it will be a difficult road to find our way back to the situation that is morally acceptable not only to Ukraine, but to the rest of the world, he said.

A month after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Philippines joined 140 United Nations members in condemning the aggression and demanding Moscow withdraw all its troops from the neighboring country.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte also said he was willing to allow American forces to use Philippine bases and facilities if the crisis in Ukraine spilled over into the Asia region.

China has refused to condemn Moscows aggression against Ukraine and declared a no limits friendship shortly before the Russian invasion.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of trying to undermine a Swiss-organized global peace summit later this month on the Russian-Ukraine war.

He said Beijing was pressing other countries and their leaders, which the Ukrainian leader did not identify, against attending the event.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, Zelenskyy said. Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big, independent, powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of [Russian president Vladimir] Putin.

Beijngs foreign ministry denied the accusation.

There is no such thing as China pressuring other countries, spokesperson Mao Ning said in a news conference on Monday. Chinas position on the peace conference is fair and just. Our position does not target any party and certainly not this particular summit organized by Switzerland.

Switzerland said it had invited over 160 delegates from all over the world to attend the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine, scheduled for June 15-16 at the Burgenstock Resort.



This story was updated to include more quotes from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Mao Ning, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Hemarat family has been looking after the giant beasts as mahouts in southern Trang province for about 60 years.

Chains, including one seen here wrapped around a tree stump, are used to train elephants in southern Thailand, May 17, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

Mahouts, who must care for their elephants around the clock, can be paid up to 5,000 baht (U.S. $136) per month, May 16, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

A male elephant cools off as the temperature in southern Thailand reaches as high as 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit), May 16, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

A mahout cares for male elephant Plai Thong as it bathes in a river in Trang, May 16, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

Hem Hemarat, a mahout who has raised more than 100 elephants since getting one from Myanmar about 60 years ago, participates in a blessing ceremony in Trang, May 18, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

Elephants are treated to a fruit buffet following the blessing ceremony in Trang, Thailand, May 18, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

A mahout sits next to his elephant during an annual blessing ceremony in Trang, southern Thailand, May 18, 2024. [Watjanaphol Srichumpuang/BenarNews]

About six decades ago, 30-year-old Hem Hemarat walked into Myanmar and brought back an elephant three days later  launching the beginning of the first mahout (elephant caretaker) family in Trang, a province in southern Thailand.

Today, dozens of descendant elephants drive tourism in Trang and nearby provinces  while those taking care of them have seen their profits fall.

We have performed a rite to tame elephants and make them compliant to mahouts since 1973, but elephants can be very dangerous when in rut and can kill people. Even mahouts who have been working with elephants for decades have been killed by elephants that are in rut, Hem told BenarNews, referring to annual blessing ceremonies when elephants are in heat.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Thai National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, said at least 210 people had been killed by wild elephants in Thailand since 2015, the year the government began keeping statistics.

About 50 to 60 elephants live in several districts of Trang. Hemarat family members, who care for 15 elephants, are not sure what the future could bring.

A third-generation mahout from Hems family blamed the coronavirus pandemic for cutting into profits and pushing some out of the business.

Elephant raising used to earn tens of thousands of baht per month, which allowed us to support our family well. But during COVID-19, our family had no work, no logging job and no tourists due to the lockdown, said Pimporn Hemarat, Hems granddaughter.

The elephants we raised became thinner because the family could not find enough money to buy food, she said. The elephants eat 200 to 400 kg [440 to 880 lbs] of food per day.

Female elephants perform in shows and offer rides to attract tourists across southern tourist hotspots in Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket. Larger male elephants, who can be identified by their tusks, can be used for hauling logs in deep forests cut off from vehicle traffic.

Another third-generation Hemarat mahout and a relative of Pimporn, said the business was changing already.

Most elephant-raising families have stopped being mahouts and have turned to hiring people to be mahouts instead. They earn around 5,000 baht [U.S. $136] a month plus a share from attending events, and have to take care of elephants every day, Phutthichat Hemarat told BenarNews.
"Chinese Bridge" language proficiency contest held in Israel

Xinhua) 13:12, June 03, 2024

JERUSALEM, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for Israeli university students concluded on Sunday in the country's economic center Tel Aviv.

The competition, featuring Chinese speeches, Chinese knowledge quizzes, and talent shows, drew together students from three Israeli universities.

In addition to delivering speeches themed "One World, One Family," the contestants expressed their proficiency in the Chinese language and interest in Chinese culture by demonstrating their talents in ancient Chinese poetry recitation, guitar playing of Chinese pop songs, and Chinese style of stand-up comedy.

Tali Kogan, a student from Tel Aviv University, won the contest and will represent Israeli university students to compete in the annual international Chinese language contest to be held in China.

"I believe everyone knows that language is a bridge to connect the world, and I hope that we can communicate better with Chinese people and understand each other," said Kogan in her speech.

"Though my connection with the Chinese began as a child, I have never been to China. If I have the opportunity to visit China and experience the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Chinese people there, I believe I will once again feel the warmth of the world as one family," she said.

Alon Shoval from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem took second place, winning an audience ticket to the finals of the annual international Chinese language contest scheduled in China.

Addressing the competition before the contest, Liu Song, deputy chief and minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Israel, said the theme of the contest, "One World, One Family," fully reflects the reality that humans live in a global village and the vision to build a community with a shared future.

"Someone said the Chinese language is a key to the future and I think it is also a key to the bright future of the relations between China and Israel," said the senior Chinese diplomat, voicing his hope that young Israelis could continue to learn Chinese and serve to promote mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples.

The competition is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Israel, the Confucius Institute at Tel Aviv University, and the China-Israel Culture and Art Foundation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during a press conference regarding to recovery and assistance from last weeks storms Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Fonde Community Center in Houston. Whitmire and Jackson Lee competed in the mayoral race in last years election. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, attends a Memorial Day ceremony at Houston National Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is photographed while speaking to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who is visiting damaged Sinclair Elementary School, Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Timbergrove in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during a press conference regarding to recovery and assistance from last weeks storms Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Fonde Community Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, reaches back to hold her husband, Elwyn Lees, hand, as she speaks to her supporters during her election night watch party on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Houston. Jackson Lee is facing Amanda Edwards in the race for re-election for 18th congressional district seat. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Sunday night announced she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement.

Jackson Lee, a 74-year-old Houston Democrat, has battled breast cancer in the past. She didn't specify the stage of her pancreatic cancer in Sunday's statement.

As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect, Jackson Lee said in her statement.

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Jackson Lee said in her statement she is committed to being present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people, without naming specific legislation.

As a member of Congress, I've been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage, Jackson Lee said in her statement.

Jackson Lee previously announced she was cancer-free in 2012, a year after she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her breast cancer treatment, which included surgery and chemotherapy, motivated her to be an even more vigorous advocate for cancer research, she said in a statement at the time.

WHO IS SHEILA JACKSON LEE? What to know about the congresswoman from Houston

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Jackson Lee, 74, has been in Congress since 1995, tied with Democrat Lloyd Doggett of Austin as the longest serving House member from Texas. In March, she won her Democratic primary against former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. In November, she faces Republican Lana Centonze in the general election for the 18th Congressional District, which includes much of downtown and the Fifth Ward.

A native of Queens in New York, Jackson Lee was a judge before winning a seat on the Houston City Council in 1989. She lost the race against John Whitmire to become Houstons mayor in December.

Jackson Lee has missed a series of votes in Congress this spring. But in the past two weeks, she was back in the district touring storm damage and in contact with other elected officials to ensure aid is getting neighborhoods hit hard by storms that produced hurricane-like winds and damage.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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BENNINGTON  Well before Sen. Dick Sears, who died over the weekend at 81, became a legendary figure in the Vermont Senate, he was known for his work with the 204 Depot Street program for teens involved with the criminal justice system.

We started the program based on a program in New Jersey, Sears, who was brought on as executive director in September 1971, said in a 2022 Banner interview.

It basically used a theory called guided group intervention, using peer pressure to make changes, Sears said. You know, to make good choices, rather than bad choices.

Sears was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1943 and moved to Bennington in 1971. He worked in residential programs for youth for more than three decades before retiring in 2006.

Over the years, he also served as a member and chairman of the Bennington Select Board and was a member of the Vermont Senate since 1993.

GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAM

During the early 1970s, there were institutions known as reform schools for youth, Sears said in the 2022 interview, which marked the youth program's 50th anniversary. In Vermont, the reform school was in Vergennes and called the Weeks School.

Sears said there had been a lot of discussion at the time about the need for local residential housing for youth, but the Bennington community was the first to act.

A nonprofit group was formed and set up a group home on Depot Street, serving about dozen teen boys at a time.

LEGISLATIVE YEARS

Sears, who was adopted and was once in the Massachusetts foster care system, went on to graduate from the University of Vermont in 1966 and moved to the Bennington area in 1971.

In the Legislature since 1993, he became in time of the the Senate's most influential members and continued as a strong advocate for youth.

Along with fellow Bennington Sen. Brian Campion, Sears also led efforts in the Senate to address PFAS chemical contamination, after several hundred wells in the Bennington area were found in 2016 to have elevated levels of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) -- determined to have originated from the stacks of two former Bennington factories.

Sears served in the Legislature as chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee; and served on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Joint Fiscal Committee, the Joint Legislative Child Protection Oversight Committee; Vermont State Council on Interstate Adult Offender Supervision; the Coordinated Justice Reform Advisory Council; the Governor's Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse, the State Workforce Development Board and the Vermont Sentencing Commission.

For a number of years, Sears had struggled with health issues, including skin cancer.

He had said earlier this month he would seek another term, but would this time would run as a team with Rep. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington-4, who is also a former senator from the Bennington Senate district.

Campion has said he won't seek another Senate term.
BENNINGTON  The three-times delayed murder trial of accused killer Deven Moffitt was officially scheduled by a Bennington judge for a record-setting 14 days this coming January with a different judge.

Included in the schedule is a possible site visit by the jury to the scene of the homicide- a rural gravel pit along Somerset Road in Searsburg.

Moffitt, 33, was charged in June 2022 with murder in the second degree in the death of Jessica Hildenbrandt, 47, after a 33-month investigation revealed a violent and abusive relationship that started when Moffitt was a Vermont prisoner.

Along with the new starting dates of the long-awaited trial, Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady also announced that the scheduled judge in the case, Judge Jennifer Barrett, who will take over the criminal duties from Judge McDonald-Cady this coming September, has recused herself from the upcoming trial. It is unclear as to the reasons or possible past connections Judge Barrett might have to Moffitt. Judge Barrett was once the Family Court judge here in Bennington County. Family court records in Vermont are sealed. There were no records of Judge Barrett being involved with Moffitt in any past criminal cases after a record review by the Banner.

On a sunny day in mid-September 2019, a man walking through a gravel pit in Searsburg discovered what appeared to be a human jawbone on the ground. Vermont State Police soon arrived and, after searching the area in and around the gravel pit for several days after the 2019 discovery, found a shallow grave nearby on Somerset Road. The grave was covered with dirt, rocks, and tree branches. It was apparent to investigators that the grave had been disturbed by animals.

They found large amounts of human hair still attached to the scalp, fingernails, teeth, and jewelry. Additional bones were discovered nearby. DNA testing revealed a match to Hildenbrandt.

According to police affidavits, Hildenbrandt was in a tenuous and abusive relationship with Moffitt while he was serving time in Vermont for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and escaping custody. It started as a respectful relationship, but Moffitt became controlling and possessive at some point in the phone- and email-only relationship, threatening Hildenbrandt and accusing her of being with someone else.

Soon after his initial arrest, Moffitt demanded Hildenbrandt begin sneaking contraband drugs into the prison for him by sewing Suboxone strips into her court clothes and bringing them into the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. The affidavit names several other females that Moffitt also used as drug mules at the prison for illegal drugs.

Hildenbrandt, feeling threatened, eventually emailed the Windsor County States Attorneys Office to indicate that she was in fear for her life.

Please Help Me   she wrote at the end of the email to authorities. She quoted Moffit as saying, You know I am coming home, and I will kill you.

At one point, Moffitt allegedly intimidated Hildenbrandt into putting her house up as collateral so he could get out of jail. That was July 8, 2019, six days before police believe Hildenbrandt might have been killed. She is thought to have been slain sometime between July 14 and 15 of that year.

Authorities launched a long homicide investigation that ended in Moffits arrest after a joint operation made up of Bennington Police, FBI, Homeland Security, and Vermont State Police, and ended with Moffitt being chased and then tackled on Jefferson Avenue in Bennington.

According to several witnesses, Moffitt was carrying a black fanny pack right before his arrest and dumped the bag into a trash can as he ran from police. Vermont State Police located the bag inside a trash can. They found about 3,750 bags of suspected fentanyl, 20 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 22.5 grams of cocaine powder, 100 prescription pills, a loaded .22-caliber revolver, a loaded 9 mm pistol, a cellphone, and $16,474 in cash.

Moffitt was found guilty on three charges last month in a federal criminal trial. He was convicted in federal court in Burlington on three gun and drug charges. The jury found Moffitt guilty initially on two charges: possession of both fentanyl and cocaine and a second count of possession of a fully .22-caliber revolver and a loaded 9-mm pistol with the safety off to help further his drug trafficking business.

After delivering the two guilty verdicts, the jury was asked to consider a third felony charge: whether Moffitt was guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm when he was eventually arrested that day in Bennington. It took 5 minutes to convict on the third charge.

The six men and six women on the jury were never told that the gun and drug charges stemmed from Moffitt's arrest on Hildenbrandts murder charge. He faces sentencing on the federal offenses in November, two months before the start of his murder trial in Bennington.

Moffitt has a lengthy criminal record in Vermont, including felony and misdemeanor convictions for assaults, assaults on law enforcement officers, escaping custody, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, unlawful trespass, and aggravated assault, as well as felony drug convictions in Massachusetts. He is facing a possible life imprisonment with the presumptive minimum term of 20 years if convicted on the single murder 2 charge.

Moffitt is being held without bail at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans. He is scheduled to be transported to Bennington for the duration of his trial in January.
Michael Bedford has had a 50-year career in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in South and Southeast Asia with organizations like Oxfam, the Peace Corps, Right To Play, Volunteers in Asia and Third World Reports. He currently lives in North Adams.
The Bible tells us this about God, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3).

Part of the all things Peter highlights here is seen when the Apostle Paul tells all Christs followers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

How and why should we make sure we actually think of those things?

What Is the Message of Philippians?

Philippians is a short, four-chapter book, but its message is ever solid and relevant. Believers are invited to partake in joyful and humble service, giving to those with whom we interact. No matter the trials we face, we have stability in Christ.

At the outset, Paul and Timothy together greet the saints in Philippi (Philippians 1:1). Paul speaks of the partnership with the Philippians in the Gospel.

At this point, lets regard partnerships, for that is what Paul and Timothy are  partners in the Gospel. Partners participate or share with one another. Partners may be linked in various ventures, but for our purpose, we will look at biblical partnerships (co-writers, ministry heads, married couples, overseers, missionaries, church members, etc.). Since the Bible is written to all believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we are partners in the Gospel as well.

Partners must have:

A common motive and goal

An equal and beneficial understanding of their motives and goals

Mutual trust and affection

Thankfulness for each other

Trust in the Lord for what He has done, is doing, and will do

The Context of Philippians 4:8

Paul ends Philippians 3 by entreating the Philippian church to imitate him and those who walk according to their (Paul and the other disciples) examples, because believers citizenship is in heaven and not in or of the world. Most of Pauls epistle to the Philippian church includes exhortations to see their suffering as a recognition of steadfastness and to serve one another unselfishly.

Chapter 4 begins with Paul adding to his encouragement as he tells the church to stand firm in the Lord. But then Paul makes a statement in verse 2, I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Paul had just told the church to stand firm in the Lord. And immediately he sends gentle instructions for disciplinary action. While not appearing egregious in nature, there still seems to be an issue the church overseers needed to address with those two women.

An important note is Paul addressed the two women by name, therefore they may have been influential women within the congregation. To let them continue may have caused a greater concern, so Paul entreats an unnamed (yet trusted) companion to help them (4:3a)  they who have labored side by side with me in the Gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life (4:3b). The text infers their status as believers is solid because Paul says their names are in the book of life, and the implication is they are partners in the Gospel, too.

What Are We to Think Of?

Before Paul ends his letter with personal news and greetings from others, he gives the Philippian church a mandate for their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). People who partner together in kingdom work should heed his mandate.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me  practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

Lets unpack this incredible list of godly thoughts which should supply our hearts and minds with a backbone of holy living. As those whose names are also written in the book of life, we are to think about:

Whatever Is True

We know the Bible and what it says to us is true. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are true. Its no surprise the first part of our daily armor to put on is the belt of truth and the last armored vestment is the sword of the Spirit  the Word of truth (Ephesians 6:14, 17). Without knowing and standing secure in the truth, we are open to lies (John 8:44).

Whatever Is Honorable

Vines Expository Dictionary denotes honorable as, good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends. Our end is glorification (2 Corinthians 3:18); until then, we are in a God-ordered and led process of sanctification whereby we are becoming more and more like Christ. One of the marks of a true Christian is to be honorable (Romans 12:9-21). Another word we can use here is praiseworthy. The best praise a Christian can receive this side of heaven may be found in Galatians 1:24, And they glorified God because of me. As Christs ambassadors, we are His example to a watching world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Whatever Is Just

God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and He never does anything without all parts of His nature working in tandem, e.g., He is concurrently perfect in justice and love. For humanity, its hard to be loving when faced with an injustice. Being just, however, is about more than simply doing the right thing. Christians are to be counter-cultural in a cutthroat world (John 17:14-15). We are to be fair according to Gods standards  especially when its inconvenient  because our actions represent Gods concern for justice.

When we need wisdom, look to God, our perfect example of righteousness and justice (James 1:5; Psalm 89:14).

Whatever Is Pure

The world is overflowing with impurity  from within (thoughts and motives, i.e., the heart), to the exterior actions the Bible calls wickedness: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Purity stems from an eager willingness to obey the Lord as we love Him as He deserves (Psalm 96:4). The essence of purity will always be found in Gods Word and in His people.

Whatever Is Lovely

To be lovely is to be acceptable and pleasing. We dont worry about being accepted by the world (the values of unbelievers). Instead, because the Lord has drawn us to Him, our works done in thanksgiving should be acceptable to Him (Psalm 119:108; Matthew 5:16). We also seek to please our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:9, Hebrews 11:6). Such loveliness displays our faith.

Whatever Is Commendable

Luke 2:52 tells us, And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Because Jesus was fully God and fully man, its only right He would have been commendable (in favor with) God and man. Our chief end is to glorify God (Psalm 145) and this is what commends us before Him.

It is highly commendable (praiseworthy) to be able to say, And they glorified God because of me (Galatians 1:24). Thats the godly way  with humility and grace, giving all the glory to God.

What Contains Any Excellence

When the Lord God created the heavens and the earth, He deemed His creation good. Good according to God is excellence unmatched. We cannot achieve the sort of excellence our Lord God does, yet we can, as did the Apostle Paul, toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:29, 2 Peter 1:3). His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence. God knows excellence, and when we are in glory, we too will be in His excellence because He called us to it.

Anything Worthy of Praise

As Christians, all we do is to be for Christ (Colossians 3:23-24), and any praise we receive, we transfer to Him. Any rewards (crowns) bestowed upon us are joyfully cast to the Lord Christ.

One look at this list will show us the qualities of a righteous person, one committed to the Lord and one who keeps His Word. Where do we go to learn the hows of a godly life? The Bible. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), we are never lacking in godly thoughts. To think about these things means we have them locked in our heads and more importantly, in our hearts (Psalm 19:14), especially as we serve Christ as partners in the Gospel.

Photo credit: Getty Images/splendens

Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers mentor and is part of a critique group. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis.
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U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is photographed while speaking to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who is visiting damaged Sinclair Elementary School, Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Timbergrove in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Houston Democrat, announced late Sunday that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She has represented the 18th Congressional District since 1995. The district, which is overwhelmingly Democratic with three-quarters having voted for President Joe Biden in 2020, includes part of Central Houston and vast portions of northwest and northeast Harris County.

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After a failed Houston mayoral bid, Jackson Lee currently is campaigning for reelection after handily winning the Democratic nomination this March over former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards.

Heres what her diagnosis could mean for the future.

Does Sheila Jackson Lee plan to stay in Congress?

Jackson Lee made no indication that she plans to step down, but said in her statement that it is likely she will occasionally be absent from Congress as she received treatment. She said she will work with House leadership to be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.

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Jackson Lee has missed many votes this Congress, including every vote taken on the House floor since May 1. It is not unusual for members to miss votes, and several other Texans on both sides of the aisle also did not cast votes on legislation last month. But it is virtually unheard of for the typically active Jackson Lee to miss so many.

Her announcement comes as things typically slow in Congress during the summer months. The House is back in session this week but is expected to be out for three weeks in June and July before the annual August recess.

What happens if Jackson Lee steps down or leaves office?

Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to fill the vacancy through a special election under the House Vacancy Clause in the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution leaves the timing up to the states.

Texas law sets the same deadlines for special elections for vacancies in Congress as it does for vacancies in the state Legislature.

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If its not an emergency, a special election typically happens on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Otherwise, Abbott could call an emergency election, but it would have to be at least 36 days after he ordered it.

If Jackson Lee were to withdraw from her reelection campaign and did so at least 74 days before the election, or by about mid-August, the Democratic National Committee could then nominate a replacement candidate.

For that to happen, though, she would have had to have been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness after the regular filing deadline for the primary election in December. Jackson Lee has not said when she was given her cancer diagnosis.

What is Jackson Lee known for in Congress and in Houston?

Jackson Lee has served in several leadership roles and is currently the Democratic chief deputy whip for the chamber. She is known as a fierce advocate for women and people of color. She led the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in a decade in 2022 and worked with Sen. John Cornyn of Texas in 2021 to get Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday.

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One of the most senior and recognizable members of the Texas delegation, she has become a go-to member for House Democrats on a slew of social justice issues, from policing reform to reparations for the descendants of slaves.

Shes also worked on legislation addressing changes to safe gun storage and fair wages and funding research on triple-negative breast cancer, a rare form of breast cancer that is difficult to treat and that she recovered from in 2012.

Sheila is no shrinking violet, Cornyn told the Chronicle in 2022. She always speaks up and has a point to make.

She has also become a local and national figure with iconic House floor speeches and perennial media appearances.


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Former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference following the verdict in his hush-money trial at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. A New York jury found Trump guilty Thursday of all 34 charges of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her story of their alleged affair from being published during the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to be convicted of crimes. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The claim: Former President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps felony conviction in New York raised questions about what comes next. Trump can still run for president, but claims about his voting eligibility followed the May 30 verdict.

"Trump cant vote for himself in the November election," Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Sunny Isles Beach, wrote on X after the verdict. "He can thank Florida Republicans for that."

PolitiFact ruling: Mostly False. This is premature and against the odds. The Florida Department of State says a felony conviction in another state invalidates the right to vote in Florida only if "the conviction would make the person ineligible to vote in the state where the person was convicted." That means New Yorks laws would apply to Trump. In that state, people convicted of felonies lose the right to vote only while incarcerated.

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Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. Even if he receives prison time  which many legal experts said they think is unlikely  it would be stayed pending an appeal that is likely to extend beyond Election Day.

Pizzos statement contains an element of truth because it cannot be ruled out that Trump would be incarcerated on Election Day and therefore unable to vote for himself. But the statement ignores critical facts that would give a different impression: Trump has said he will appeal his conviction. This would stay his sentence until the appeal is complete  widely expected to be after Election Day.

Discussion

Many legal experts, including the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit group that supports voting rights, said Trumps ability to vote hinges on whether he is in prison on Election Day.

Trumps sentencing is scheduled for July 11. Many legal experts have expressed doubt that Trump will be sentenced to prison because the charge is a nonviolent, low-level felony and he has no previous convictions.

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"We are going to be appealing this scam," Trump said at a May 31 press conference at Trump Tower in New York.

It is widely expected that the appeal process will extend beyond Election Day.

When we contacted Pizzo for comment, he said Trump would not have the right to vote until all the terms of his sentence had been satisfied, citing Florida law. We found that Florida defers to other states laws when the conviction is in their jurisdiction. Pizzo also acknowledged that Trump can vote while appealing his conviction.

"Sen. Pizzo's statement holds true for someone convicted of a felony in Florida or in federal court  but Trump was convicted in state court in New York," Blair Bowie, director of the Restore Your Vote program at the Campaign Legal Center, told PolitiFact. "Trump will not lose his right to vote in this case unless he is in prison on Election Day."

States pass laws about whether people convicted of felonies lose their voting rights and if so, how they can regain them.

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Trump lives in Florida. People convicted in Florida of most felonies lose their voting rights until they serve their entire sentence, including prison time, probation and paying fines, according to the Florida Department of State. (Murder and sexual offense felonies make people ineligible to vote unless the State Clemency Board restores their rights.)

However, Trump was convicted in New York. And according to Floridas Department of State, "a felony conviction in another state makes a person ineligible to vote in Florida only if the conviction would make the person ineligible to vote in the state where the person was convicted."

New York law passed a 2021 law that restores voting rights for people convicted of felonies upon their release from prison. People convicted of felonies dont lose the right to vote unless they are in prison serving their sentences. And people whose prison sentences are stayed pending appeal do not lose their voting rights, Kathleen R. McGrath, a New York state Board of Elections spokesperson, told PolitiFact.

After Trump is sentenced, it is highly likely his lawyers will file a motion to the appeals court asking that the sentence be stayed during the appeal. In 99% of cases involving white-collar defendants, that motion is granted, said Evan Gotlob, a former local and federal prosecutor.

"Former President Trump would therefore need to be actually incarcerated during the time of the November election to lose his ability to vote," said Neil Volz, the deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, the group that advocated for Floridas 2018 constitutional amendment restoring felon voting rights.

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University of Florida political science professor Michael McDonald, an expert on disenfranchisement of people convicted of felonies, told PolitiFact, "Trump may, in fact, be removed from the voter rolls but it seems highly unlikely he will be removed by November."

In 2018, Floridians voted in favor of the amendment that restores the voting rights of people with felony convictions after those people complete the terms of their sentences. Previously, people with felony convictions had to seek to regain their voting rights through the state clemency board.
Niall Boylan, who is running for the European Parliament in the Dublin constituency, has called for a "fair immigration policy", adding that "the far-right label is just a way to silence people".

Mr Boylan hosted a popular talkshow on Classic Hits FM, and has left the radio station to run in Friday's European election.

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Immigration has become a central issue in both the local and European elections. Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Mr Boylan said "anyone who disagrees with the Government is called far-right, that's just a way of silencing people".

Mr Boylan is one of three MEP candidates running as part of Independent Ireland.

He is predicting a "dramatic change back to the centre. The European Parliament has been too left, too long".

When asked about anti-immigration activists who have been involved in the burning of buildings earmarked for asylum seekers, Mr Boylan said there should be a "distinction between that criminal element and people with genuine concerns".

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"There will always be agitators, who will be violent and involved in criminal activity, directly involved in burning buildings. I don't condone any violence, but what's happened is we have turned into a divisive society. That's not the people's fault, it's the Government's fault for allowing it to get to this point. They now realise it's wrong.

"This time 12 months ago, if you suggested what the Government are doing now, which is getting tough on immigration, you'd have been called the far-right.

"There are different levels of it. You have people right of centre who may just be conservative. I consider myself a conservative, some people might call me right of centre, but I'd be quite left on other things. Just because you put a label on somebody, that doesn't mean it's what they are. For example, I voted yes to marriage equality... does that make me a lefty? No. You can't lump everybody into the same bracket.

"Just because I have a view on a fair immigration policy, doesn't mean I'm the type of person who would go crazy at a protest or something like that, because I don't."

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Mr Boylan has accused politicians of being "too woke", and he feels this is something people are tired of.

"Call it wokeism, whatever it is, it does alienate people." On this subject, he cited the no votes in the family and care referendums as a defeat for Government.

Ask any government minister right now to define a woman and they'd be terrified, absolutely terrified.

"Ask any government minister right now to define a woman and they'd be terrified, absolutely terrified, they'd dither and wouldn't answer the question because it might upset somebody. It's quite simple, and if you can't define what a woman is, how can you represent them?

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"The idea of taking the word 'mother', 'woman', out of the Irish Constitution, shows you the massive disconnect they have, that they believed the people of Ireland wanted that.

"As soon as the results came out, I think Ivana Bacik from Labour was the first to come out and say 'we didn't agree with the wording'. She was walking around with a big campaign poster two days before saying vote yes. The same with Sinn Fein, 'we didn't agree with the wording', they told everyone to vote yes too!"

"I only finished up with the radio show five weeks ago, and there was always this connection between the people and the government, even though they disagreed with each other now and again. But over the last five years I've noticed, and I've spoken to 250,000 callers in 30 years, over the last five years, what the people are saying, and the politicians who I interview are saying, are two completely different things.

I think I offer common sense, people like that I'm not politically correct. Advertisement

"I think politicians have completely lost touch with what people want. Don't get me wrong, the people are not always right, they can say 'we don't want to pay tax' etc, but most of the time the people are right.

"If you're in power you should have a sense of what's wrong and what's right for the people. You earn more than them, and might not struggle as they do, but you should have an idea of how their lives are. They've stopped listening to people. That's the problem.

"I think I offer common sense, people like that I'm not politically correct. I'm not a bad person, but I'm not politically correct, and I will not say something just because it appeases people, I just tell people what I think."

A Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll at the weekend showed a seven-point slump for Sinn Fein to 22 per cent, equal with Fine Gael. Independent/other was the most popular selection ahead of Friday's election, on 23 per cent.

Mr Boylan said Sinn Fein are "basically part of the government because they haven't been a great opposition".

"They're saying things they've never said before [on immigration]. It's similar to the recent referendum. They were the ones in the family and care referendum saying they would re-run it if they didn't get the result they wanted, they suddenly backed out of that because they knew that the public didn't want that.

"Like the rest of the political parties, they're not listening to the people. I think the Government and Sinn Fein, who are basically part of the government because they haven't been a great opposition over the last five years, I think they realise now they have been disconnected from the people. It's too late, and the people have seen through them.

"From the reaction we've seen on the street, people who were formerly Sinn Fein voters or voters who wanted change, are saying 'we'll give you our vote, an independent our vote, because we're not giving it to Sinn Fein anymore'."

Independent Ireland's Richard O'Donoghue TD, EU candidate Niall Boylan and Michael Collins TD launching Mr Boylan's candidacy. Photo: Collins

Mr Boylan said farmers have been "thrown to the wolves", adding that he would not have voted for the Nature Restoration Law which was recently voted in by MEPs.

"The idea that you would put all these barriers in front of farmers, one of the biggest industries in this country. Farmers are getting older, their kids don't want to get into farming because the money isn't good enough now, and we've put more barriers and said 'the EU will come up with funding at some point, but we don't have it now'.

"You can't do that to agriculture, you can't do that to farmers. The idea that we would sign up to take cheap beef from Brazil or Argentina while we cull cows in Ireland just seems bonkers. It's all part of the green deal, appeasing these alarmists.

"I am an environmentalist and I do believe in being kind to the planet, but you can't go into panic mode and start destroying your own economy for the sake of it. Farmers have been the backbone of our economy for decades."

Mr Boylan said he has a "gut feeling this election will be quite historical", adding that he believes it will be worse for the government parties than opinion polls suggest.

"While the polls are showing independents are up, I think it will be higher. I think people have lost faith. I'm shocked that Barry Andrews, Regina Doherty, even Sinn Fein, are polling so high for the Europeans.

"I'm shocked that people would still vote Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Sinn Fein. The Green Party will be annihilated, I think, but I'm shocked people are still voting for the establishment parties after what they've done to the country in the last five years.

"Then again, there are people who religiously vote for the same parties. I do see a massive swing in this election and I think the Government are extremely worried. You can see that in the decisions they are making, particularly around immigration."

He concluded: "Generally speaking, because I've been on the show for so long, I think my opinions tally with average people, and I think I can represent them well.

"I've spoken to people from all walks of life with different problems. Their children leaving the country because they can't afford to stay, I recently spoke to a woman crying her eyes out because she has terminal cancer and can't get an appointment.

"These are real people. I felt I couldn't do enough for them by answering a phone call anymore. Now I think maybe I can do something to make their lives better. Maybe something I do in Europe will have an impact to make their lives a bit better."
A total of 23 people have been arrested in North Dublin as part of Operation Thor.

The investigation targets organised crime gangs and repeat offenders particularly in the areas of burglary and break-ins.

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The 20 men and three women have been charged with burglary, theft, unauthorised taking of a vehicle and possession of stolen property.

17 of those arrested are due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice and Swords District Court on Tuesday morning at 10:30am.

The remainder are due to appear before Dublin District Courts on Wednesday and Thursday.
Here are the biggest stories making headlines in Ireland on Monday.

The Irish Times reports that an expanded new system of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in Garda cars is flagging so many road traffic offences that gardai on duty are not able to respond to all of them.

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Cork University Hospital, which has the biggest deficit of adult inpatient and critical care beds, is poised for a decade of unprecedented expansion, according to the Irish Examiner.

The Irish Independent reveals that gardai want road users who record dashcam or bodycam footage of dangerous motoring behaviour to upload it to an online portal.

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The Government has received a stark warning that Ireland is not training enough doctors, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star have details on how protesters targeted Simon Harris while he was on the campaign trail in Co Mayo on Sunday.

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The Belfast Telegraph reveals that the North's Education Authority spent more than 35 million (41 million) on taxi fares for school children last year.

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The Echo reports that Cork business leaders are calling for more Garda resources in the city.

The death of former rugby league star Rob Burrow at 41, after a battle with motor neurone disease, features heavily on the front pages of the British newspapers.

The Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Star all lead on his death  the Star dubbing him the bravest man in Britain.

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EXPRESS: He inspired the nationRob Burrow dies at 41 after MND battle #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/uNkfgUChlq  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 2, 2024

Politics and the British election campaign dominates elsewhere, the Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph and The Times all leading with Rishi Sunaks vow to end abuses of gender laws to protect womens spaces.

TIMES: Tory vow to end abuse of gender laws by predators #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/fanJzlxUUj  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 2, 2024

The i focuses on the opposition, reporting that Labours expectations of closer economic ties without further legal ties or European Union oversight are unrealistic.

I: Labour plan for softer Brexit deal too ambitious, EU insiders warn #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/fkhUJGLfl5  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 2, 2024

The Independent returns to the outcome of the Jimmy Savile inquiry, saying the NHS has followed through with none of the actions recommended by the investigation.

INDEPENDENT: NHS fails to carry out ANY actions urged by Jimmy Savile inquiry #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Gxf7Y33S7G  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 2, 2024

Speaking of the health system, The Guardian reports on accusations that British care agencies are exploiting foreign workers.

THE GUARDIAN: Care agencies accused of exploiting foreign workers #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/72j3fKVOmJ  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 2, 2024

The Metro reports that Wembley pitch invaders at the Champions League final were answering the call of a Russian video blogger.

The Financial Times looks overseas with an update on the Russia-China gas pipeline deal. Negotiations are frustrated as Beijing continues to play hardball over prices.
The ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israels longest-serving and deeply divisive leader.

The proposal offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the Islamic militant group, quieting the northern border with Lebanon and potentially advancing a historic agreement to normalise ties with Saudi Arabia.

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But it would also likely shatter Mr Netanyahus governing coalition, potentially sending him into the opposition and making him more vulnerable to a conviction in his corruption trial.



President Joe Bidens ceasefire proposal (Evan Vucci/PA)

The full withdrawal of Israeli forces called for in the agreement could allow Hamas to claim victory and reconstitute itself.

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Mr Netanyahus rejection of the deal, on the other hand, could deepen Israels international isolation, worsen ties with an American administration eager to wind down the war and expose him to accusations of having abandoned the hostages to save his own skin.

The Israeli prime minister acknowledged the proposal, which has been shared with Hamas through mediators, but then appeared to contradict Mr Bidens remarks.

He said Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas military and governing capabilities and that any talk of a permanent ceasefire before then was a nonstarter.

On Monday, he said the destruction of Hamas is part of the proposal and was quoted as telling a closed parliamentary hearing that Israel reserves the right to return to war if its objectives are not met.

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People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

But it has never been clear what the destruction of Hamas entails or whether its even possible.

Mr Biden said Israel had degraded Hamas to the point where it could no longer carry out an October 7-style attack, and that by continuing the war, Israel risked getting bogged down in Gaza.

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But Netanyahu appears to be seeking a much bigger victory.

Mr Netanyahus critics fear he will reject any ceasefire to appease his ultranationalist governing partners, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

They want to continue the war, fully reoccupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.

They have already vowed to leave the government if the proposal announced by Mr Biden comes to pass.

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Mr Netanyahus political opponents have offered a safety net if he reaches a deal to release hostages but they are unlikely to help him stay in office long-term.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government is the most nationalist and religious in Israels history (Amir Cohen/AP)

Everything that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand or threaten to do, you see Netanyahu is very attentive to that, said Tal Schneider, an Israeli political commentator. Netanyahus endgame is to survive.

Mr Netanyahus current government, formed in late 2022 after five consecutive elections, is the most nationalist and religious in Israels history.

Months before the war, it pushed policies that entrenched Israels occupation of the West Bank, deepened the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communitys reliance on state subsidies and set in motion an overhaul of the judicial system that tore the country apart.

The coalition initially had a slim majority of 64 seats in Israels 120-seat parliament, enough to govern but with a fragility that would keep Mr Netanyahus fate tied to the whims of any of the smaller parties that form the government.
The Israeli military has said the body of a presumed hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants attacked on October 7.

Dolev Yehud, 35, was thought to be among scores of hostages held in Gaza until Monday, when the military announced the discovery of his body. They said he had been killed in the initial attack.

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On Friday, US President Joe Biden said that Israel has offered Hamas a three-phase ceasefire and hostage release deal, declaring it was time to end the fighting in Gaza and that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another large-scale attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations.



Supporters of the Pakistani religious group Jamaat-e-Islami take part in a rally against Israeli airstrikes and to show solidarity with Palestinian people living in Gaza, in Karachi, Pakistan (AP)

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The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israel also faces growing international criticism over the huge cost in civilian lives and the widespread destruction caused by its nearly eight-month war with Hamas.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in the besieged territory have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The country launched its war in Gaza after Hamas October 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250.

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Israel says around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.
Five AI-generated films made from OpenAI's text-to-video model Sora will be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival amid industry concerns about the technology.

Bloomberg reported last Friday that the film festival commissioned the ChatGPT-maker to produce short films with five notable filmmakers to see "how these filmmakers are extending their creativity with Sora."

The selected filmmakers include "Nanny" director Nikatyu Jusu, "Prisoners of the Ghostland" writer Reza Sixo Safai, Bonnie Discepolo, Ellie Foumbi, and Michaela Ternasky-Holland.

The report follows a few months after OpenAI was reported talking with Hollywood studio executives to bring its flagship AI model to film and show productions.

Also Read : OpenAI in Talks with Hollywood Over Possible AI Venture, Pitches Sora

More Filmmakers Lean into Generative AI

The Tribeca Film Festival is not the only cinema event that has started showcasing AI in its line-ups as more filmmakers lean into the perceived boons of generative AI.

The Cannes Film Festival was earlier reported to have screened several feature and short films that used generative AI in their production, including a biopic that added an AI-generated version of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The same event also sparked discussions on introducing generative AI into film productions with many prominent figures giving their takes on the subject.

The same trend can be seen in the recent release of Google's AI video generator Veo where the tech giant collaborated with Donald Glover's film studio to showcase its capabilities.

Several features of the technology noticeably try to attract filmmakers and directors with Google claiming that the AI can even understand and produce cinematic techniques like "timelapse" and "aerial shots of a landscape".

AI Presence in Hollywood Remains a Concern

Despite filmmakers and producers slowly leveraging generative AI into production, crews and staff remain concerned about the technology's presence in the industry amid emerging risks with its current applications.

Days before OpenAI announced its collaboration with Tribeca Film Festival, the AI startup was embroiled in a controversy with Scarlett Johansson for supposedly using her voice to power one of its new AI voice assistants.

Hollywood actors' guild SAG-AFTRA later came in support of Johansson, calling for "federal legislation that would protect" actors' likenesses from "unauthorized digital replication."

The SAG-AFTRA headed the historic actors' strike last year where one of the main points raised was in protecting actors and staff from the effects of generative AI.
A jury was seated on Monday in a federal gun case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter after prospective candidates were questioned on their thoughts about gun rights and drug addiction.

First lady Jill Biden watched from the front row of the courtroom in a show of support for her son. Opening statements will begin on Tuesday.

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A jury of 12 panellists and four alternates was selected in one day.



First lady Jill Biden arrives ahead of Hunter Bidens trial at a federal court in Wilmington, Delaware (AP)

Joe Biden said that as President he would not comment on the criminal trial  but as a father, he said he has boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

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The US leader said: I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in the US state of Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction.

He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

More than 65 prospective jurors were questioned and 29 had been dismissed by late afternoon. One who was sent home said she didnt know whether she could be impartial because of the opinion she had formed about Hunter Biden based on media reports.

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Its not a good one, she replied when an attorney asked her opinion.



First lady Jill Biden sat in the front row in the courtroom (Matt Slocum/AP)

Biden has pleaded not guilty and has argued he is being unfairly targeted by the US justice department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic Presidents son.

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Prospective jurors who answered yes on a questionnaire were quizzed individually by Judge Maryellen Noreika to determine whether they could be fair and impartial. Their names were not made public.

The questions tested their knowledge of the case, surveyed their thoughts about gun ownership and inquired whether they or anyone close to them have struggled with substance abuse or addiction. Other questions focused on the role politics may have played in the charges.

The trial comes just days after Donald Trump, Republicans presumptive 2024 presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City.

A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underlines how the criminal courtroom has taken centre stage during the 2024 campaign.

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Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden (AP)

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay 1.4 million dollars in taxes.

Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a years-long investigation into his business dealings.

But Judge Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by Mr Trump, questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanour offences to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed.



Mr Biden said he is proud of the man his son is today (AP)

The lawyers squabbled over the agreement, could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart.

US attorney general Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

This trial is not about Hunter Bidens foreign business affairs  which Republicans have seized on without evidence to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. But it will excavate some of Hunter Bidens darkest moments and put them on display.

The Presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, who has long been concerned about the wellbeing and sobriety of his only living son and who must now watch as those painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinised.

He is also protective: Hunter Biden was with his father all weekend before the case began, biking with his father and attending church together.

President Biden, in a last-minute switch in plans, shifted from his Rehoboth Beach home back to his Wilmington compound on Sunday evening. Boarding a helicopter on Sunday was the only time the US President was seen publicly without his son all weekend.

Hunter Biden arrived first at the Delaware courthouse on Monday. The first lady, who turned 73 on Monday, followed about 15 minutes later and walked briskly into court, flanked by US secret service agents. Hunter Bidens sister Ashley Biden was also in court to support him.



The US President was out biking with his son over the weekend (AP)

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anaemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

Prosecutors are hoping to show Hunter Biden was in the throes of addiction when he bought the gun and therefore lied on the forms. They have said they are planning to use as evidence his published memoir, and they may also introduce contents from a laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved.

The contents made their way to Republicans in 2020 and were publicly leaked, revealing embarrassing and personal photos in which Hunter Biden is often nude and doing drugs, and messages in which he asks dealers about scores.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack.

His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and his attorneys have suggested they may argue he did not see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked no to the question on the form. They will also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, are also planning to call as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife and his brothers widow, Hallie, with whom he became romantically involved.

If he were to be convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and its unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in the Philippines to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organised global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia and China of trying to undermine.

Mr Zelensky arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila on Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore.

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He was given a red carpet welcome with military honours on Monday at the presidential palace before meeting Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a recording released by the administration, Mr Zelensky seemed to indicate that Mr Marcos accepted the invitation, though it was not clear if the Filipino leader agreed to personally attend the peace summit in Switzerland or to send a representative.

Im happy to hear today from you that youll participate in our peace steps, Mr Zelensky told Mr Marcos. Its a very strong signal.



Mr Zelenskys visit to Manila had not been previously announced (Pool Photo via AP)

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Mr Marcos administration did not immediately comment on the matter.

Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said, will also open an embassy in Manila, a decision Mr Marcos welcomed as it would help facilitate more assistance to the war-ravaged nation.

We continue to do all that we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting, Mr Marcos said.

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Mr Zelensky had planned but failed to meet with Marcos on the sidelines of the annual defence gathering in Singapore and decided to fly to Manila to personally invite Mr Marcos to attend the summit in Switzerland.

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the Singapore forum, which was attended by top defence and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing.

The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Mr Zelensky accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organised peace summit by pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the talks.

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Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said, without elaborating.



Mr Zelensky hailed the support of Mr Marcos (AP)

Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.

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China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the US and most of Europe and its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions.

American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are being used in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbour.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning signalled on Friday that that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Mr Zelensky urged top defence officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending.

Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us  to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin met with Mr Zelensky on the sidelines of the conference and renewed US commitments to Ukraine.

In an address to the forum on Saturday, Mr Austin said that Putins war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want.

Mr Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea, bluntly underlined the dangers of the regional flashpoint Friday at the defence forum.

He said that if a wilful act should result in a Filipino citizen dying in the high-seas hostilities, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war, and: That would certainly increase the level of response.
Antoinette Lattouf landed a major win in her unlawful dismissal case against the ABC when the Fair Work Commission on Monday ruled that she was sacked by the national broadcaster.

Deputy Fair Work Commission president Gerard Boyce on Monday dismissed the ABCs attempts to have the case thrown out on the grounds she was not sacked because she was hired on a casual contract and paid in full for five days work.

Antoinette Lattouf was sacked by the ABC in December, the Fair Work Commission ruled on Monday. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

The ABCs objection was an obstacle for Lattouf and her wider case arguing that she was sacked for expressing political opinion, and that her racial background was also a factor. The Fair Work decision did not consider the reasons she was sacked.

Boyce ruled Lattouf was dismissed by ABC managers following a snap meeting on December 20, three days into her five-day contract filling in as ABC Radio Sydney Mornings presenter.
POETRY

Wrong Norma

Anne Carson

Jonathan Cape, $34.95

Anne Carsons new book affirms everything that is most exhilarating about her work. It is both rigorous and random, by turns deeply funny and unsparingly dark, a collection of 25 pieces of every kind  stories, poems, fragments, drawings, translations, works that evade categorisation. One is styled as a lecture, another was first published as a comic, and they vary in length from 18 pages to 16 lines.

Almost all of them have appeared elsewhere, most often in The New Yorker. In a note on the back of the book Carson tells us they are not linked. Thats why Ive called them wrong, which feels like characteristically artful misdirection. Not explicitly linked, perhaps, but connected to each other in the fascinating, labyrinthine, light-footed fashion of so much of her work.

Anne Carsons writing teems with energy and the unexpected.

This is writing that enacts discovery, that reflects on itself, on reading, thought, association, creation, failure, impossibility, silence. It teems with energy and the unexpected, embraces characters from mythology and classical literature, poets, writers and philosophers as well as figures who seem to have wandered in from the streets or out of a half-forgotten observation.
Joanna said the therapist who performed her Brazilian hair-removal treatment had failed to turn on the cooling jet, which is used to cool the surface of the skin to prevent burns. She visited a GP six days after the incident because she was still in excruciating pain and traumatised, and a burn was still visible. She said the clinic had refused to apologise to her despite numerous emails, and had downplayed the importance of the cooling jet in preventing burns. Joanna, who has had laser hair removal many times without incident, declined the clinics offer of returning for an assessment. I was traumatised, she said.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists is calling for better education and training in the sector to protect patients. The public doesnt know who is experienced and who has just bought a laser and started to trade, said the colleges president-elect, Dr Adrian Lim, a Sydney dermatologist. There are no regulations governing the booming laser hair-removal industry in Victoria and NSW. NSW and Victoria have the most relaxed regulations in Australia, he said, pointing out that only Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia regulate lasers for cosmetic purposes. He said mandatory training should be provided to ensure that those operating the powerful machines could identify different skin tones, and adjust the power of the laser accordingly.

Loading If the skin colour doesnt match the energy levels emitted by the machine, it can result in burns, Lim explained. Not turning on the cooling jet could also cause burns, he said. Lim has treated patients who have suffered first- and second-degree burns following laser hair removal by novice operators. These burns, he said, could evolve into skin pigmentation. This can sometimes can be quite disfiguring, especially for people with darker skin, he said. It can create dark spots or dark strips on the skin, which is pretty unsightly. A spokeswoman for Laser Clinics Group said the company was conducting an internal review with Laser Clinics Southland to understand what had happened and would update Joanna as soon as this was completed.

We unreservedly apologise to Joanna for her experience and acknowledge the distress this has caused, she said. We are seeking to process a full refund for the treatment. She said severe adverse events were extremely rare, and Laser Clinics Group was deeply committed to a high level of safety and quality in all clinics. Laser Clinics therapists are trained at the highest level, and they complete ongoing training to ensure we deliver the highest standard of safety and care for our clients. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency is conducting research with Monash University to determine how often injuries occur in laser clinics. This will include combing through media reports and recruiting volunteers who visit clinics.

Loading Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, the agencys health impact assessment assistant director, said this could provide states such as Victoria and NSW with the evidence they needed to regulate the industry. Theyve told us that in order for them to regulate, they have got to find out what the actual impact is, he said. The potential for harm is there ... a laser device can cause very serious burns. The Victorian and NSW governments said they had no plans to start regulating the laser hair-removal industry.
I got to the back of the shed. Thats when I heard Charlise scream, Mummy, no. Then bang there was a second gunshot, then I saw Kallista. He said he had walked up to the fence and thats when I saw Charlise on the ground. Stein began to cry and dabbed his eyes with tissues. A sketch of Justin Stein giving evidence at his trial in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday. Credit: Vincent de Gouw He said Kallista Mutten had a rifle in her hands.

I said, What the f--- have you done? She turned around, looked at me, started screaming, You did this  you made me do this. I said, Ive done nothing to you. She then screamed at me to get a tarp. She then lifted up the rifle like she was going to shoot. I put up both hands and said, OK, OK.  He said he found a blue tarp and after about 10 minutes went back outside to the area near the chicken pen but there was no Charlise, there was no Kallista, they were both gone. Stein said he threw the tarp back inside the shed and went into his bedroom in the main house, was shaking, broke down in tears for 10 to 15 minutes, smoked a joint and fell asleep in a chair.

Loading Under cross-examination, Stein said he did not think about calling triple zero and had assumed Charlise was dead. He was asked by Crown prosecutor Ken McKay, SC, why he did not lock the house if there was a psychotic woman running around with a firearm. I didnt think to lock the house, I just came in, he said. McKay suggested Stein didnt think about it because his claims of hearing the gunshots and seeing Charlise on the ground actually didnt happen.

It happened, Stein said. Loading Stein told the court he did not see Kallista Mutten until the next morning on January 13, when he claims she stole his car. He said he called the police and at the time I was going to give her up for what shed done  for killing Charlise. Asked by his barrister why he didnt give her up that day, Stein said, I honestly dont know.

Stein said he had left the Blue Mountains on the afternoon of January 13, stopping at Bunnings to buy supplies including sand for renovations at his caravan. He claimed Kallista Mutten called him while he was out, saying she wanted ice again and telling him, Charlise was with me, which he thought was her ice talking. He said he went to fix the tarp on the back of his ute later that night and found Charlises body in the barrel. I threw up, he said. Justin Stein drove his red ute across Sydney. Police say the barrel with Charlises body was in the tray. Credit: NSW Police Stein said he panicked and started driving to no particular place before he stopped by the Colo River, pulled the barrel off the ute, filled it with sand and pushed it off the side of the road. He said his mental health was deteriorating and the voices in his head were getting louder.

The court has heard schizophrenia medication was found in Charlises bloodstream. Asked whether he gave the girl his medication, Stein, who said he was diagnosed at 21, replied, never. Stein told the court he had a good relationship with Charlise, who was always wanting to hold his hand and be with him, and her mother became jealous at times. Kallista Mutten denies killing her daughter, breaking down in tears when the allegations were put to her last week. She said Charlise was not with Stein when he picked her up from the caravan park on January 12. She said she was told by Stein that he had left her sick daughter with a female auctioneer at his familys property on the morning of January 12, and he later suggested his former criminal associates may have kidnapped Charlise.

Loading On Monday, Stein claimed Kallista Mutten made up both stories to explain her daughters disappearance. McKay said: I suggest to you, in the circumstances youve described, you would not be agreeing to give a story ... that made you, in effect, the last person to see Charlise Mutten alive. Do you agree or disagree? I can understand what youre saying, but I didnt think about it at the time, I just went along with it, Stein replied. Charlise, who lived with her grandparents in Tweed Heads, had been visiting Stein and her mother during the school holidays.
Australia will get its first glimpse of the fifth Mrs Rupert Murdoch on July 25 when Elena Zhukova joins her new husband at the Australian Museum in Sydney for a gala celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of The Australian newspaper.

Newlyweds Rupert Murdoch, 93, and Elena Zhukova, 67, will be in Sydney next month.

Its shaping up to be a swanky party  one which the Russian-born Zhukova, 67, has been looking forward to for some time, although hundreds of Murdochs nervous Australian staff probably do not share her excitement, given sweeping cost-cutting that is under way and job losses in coming weeks.

Through her heavy Russian accent, Zhukova had discussed the trip to Australia during polite dinner conversation among some of Murdochs most senior editors last year when she met staff from Murdochs homeland.

A group of senior Australian News Corp executives had travelled to Los Angeles for a strategy meeting with their boss shortly before he stepped down as chairman and handed over the reins of his vast global media empire to his elder son, Lachlan Murdoch.
When civil war broke out in July 1936, Angeles Florez Peon was playing the protagonist Maricuela in Jacinto Sanchezs play Arriba los Pobres del Mundo (Up with the Poor of the World) and her characters name stuck. She enlisted in the militia, recalling that men and women were treated equally.

Her story began when her eldest brother, Antonio, was among the 24 martyrs of Carbayin murdered in Asturias by government troops during the general strike of October 1934. They killed them with bayonets, she said. When they found my brothers body, his jaw was missing. The atrocity inspired her to join the Socialist Youth.

Angeles Florez Peon, who has died aged 105, was thought to be the last militia woman of the Spanish Civil War; known as Maricuela, she spent four years in prison and 55 years in exile, becoming a symbol of the Spanish women who fought against fascism.

We moved between shootings and bombs and slept with our clothes on so we could run when necessary. I remember that one of the things I enjoyed most when I came home on leave was sleeping in a bed with sheets, she said. While she did not bear arms, she was never afraid of General Francos bullets.

To her regret, women were withdrawn from the front and she was instead deployed to a field hospital as a nurse. After the fall of Asturias in October 1937 she was arrested at home during dinner: They took my sister and me we were not even 20. They put us on the truck and they took an accordion that had belonged to my brother Antonio and they played it.

Angeles Florez Peon, memory keeper of Spanish Civil War, dies at 105.

During a 15-minute court hearing Angeles Florez Peon was accused of killing two soldiers. They were lies. What was true is that I belonged to the Unified Socialist Youth and that I went to the front as a volunteer, she said. Jailed for 15 years, later reduced to nine, she was guarded by nuns at Saturraran womens prison.

From her cell she could hear fellow prisoners being taken out to be shot. What truly keeps me alive and active is that desire to remember all those women who were tortured, murdered without trial and erased from history, she later said. In 1939 her boyfriend, Quintin Serrano, was shot and killed.
Thousands of people are about to move into new apartments in Macaulay, but they wont have any green space to enjoy because the state government has spent years sitting on plans that would create new parkland.

Residents, developers and councillors are exasperated that plans to establish much-needed green space and safer pedestrian and bike paths near the Moonee Ponds Creek in the once-industrial Macaulay precinct in Kensington, which is part of the Arden-Macaulay urban renewal area, have not budged from government desks for five years.

Resident Adrian Jackson at Moonee Ponds Creek, with the Macaulay apartment construction behind him. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Critics say the governments inaction is in stark contrast to its enthusiasm for approving apartment blocks in the area to help meet its ambitious housing goals. Last September, then-premier Daniel Andrews stood atop a new development in Macaulay to announce Labors much-anticipated housing statement to turbocharge residential development.

The Macaulay precinct was home to only 3100 people in 2016, but activity is now booming, and it is projected to have half of Arden-Macaulays predicted 2051 population of 20,000.
Mexico City: Claudia Sheinbaum won a landslide victory to become Mexicos first female president, inheriting the project of her mentor and outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador whose popularity among the poor helped drive her triumph.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, won the presidency with between 58.3 per cent and 60.7 per cent of the vote, according to a rapid sample count by Mexicos electoral authority. That is set to be the highest vote tally percentage in Mexicos democratic history.

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in front of supporters after the first results came through. Credit: Getty

The ruling coalition was also on track for a possible two-thirds super majority in both houses of Congress which would allow the coalition to pass constitutional reforms without opposition support, according to the range of results given by the electoral authority.

Opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez took between 26 per cent and 28.6 per cent of the vote, preliminary results showed, and Sheinbaum said Galvez had called her to concede.
Binance former CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao will retain 90% of his shares in the crypto firm even as he heads to prison for four months.

Zhao has already begun serving his sentence on May 31, at a low-security federal prison in Lompoc, California, after pleading guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws.

Despite going to prison and stepping down as CEO, CNBC News reported that Zhao's massive wealth, including his $33 billion fortune and Binance shares, will remain undisturbed.

The estimated value is already after the Binance ex-CEO paid a $50 million fine per the prosecution's demands.

As of writing, Binance's net worth is estimated to be $87.77 billion with further growth expected as the crypto market finally recovers from the previous "Crypto Winter."

Zhao indicated earlier plans to continue with "passive investing" in blockchain, biotech, and AI businesses after serving his time.

Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.



Binance is no longer a baby. It is  CZ  BNB (@cz_binance) November 21, 2023

Federal Crackdown on Crypto Fallout Comes to a Close

With Zhao already in prison, federal crackdowns on the crypto market's legal mess from 2021 finally nears its conclusion.

Aside from Zhao, former FTX CEO and founder Sam Bankman-Fried has started serving his 25-year jail sentence, with three years of supervised release.

The collapse of FTX and subsequent investigations have led to the arrest of both Zhao and Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty of seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.

Unlike Zhang, however, the government seized most of Bankman-Fried's investments and assets as it tried to return the stolen money from affected customers.

With the Securities and Exchange Commission handling all legal crypto market trades, experts believe similar incidents would be rarer under federal supervision.

Related Article : FTX to Return Stolen Money to At Least 98% of Affected Customers

Binance Moves Away from the Changpeng Zhao Brand

While Zhao may still have his financial hold on Binance, the company is doing everything to move away from its former CEO.

In a blog post, Binance announced that it has started replacing Zhao's board position with two new shareholders as a "strategic step" to comply with market regulations.

Its France branch has also dropped Zhao's brand across company models as it undergoes "significant changes."
Kanye West surprised many when he donned a White Lives Matter statement shirt during his Paris Fashion Week show. (Photo: David Shankbone/Flickr/ CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0))

It is no longer necessary for Kanye West to be concerned about the ongoing legal struggle with his former design assistant, a new report claimed. It was disclosed in the court documents that Kanye reached a settlement with Taliah Leslie about the complaint that she had filed against him.

According to RadarOnline, the documents read, Counsel represent the parties have reached a settlement agreement. Although it was said they had reached a settlement last year, Kanye and Taliah returned to court with the latest documents showing they entered into an agreement on or about March 25, 2024.

"As part of the settlement agreement, the parties agreed that Plaintiff Leslie would file a second amended complaint to add Shelby Grotowski as an additional plaintiff and add putative class action allegations for purposes of settlement," Taliahs legal team informed the court.

The dismissal hearing for Kanye and his former employee is slated to take place on August 13 next year. The rapper will be able to put an end to at least one court dispute once the judge has concluded his proceedings.

According to Kanyes ex-design associate, he did not give her any money for the things that belonged to her after she joined Yeezy. Taliah claimed she was swindled of benefits, overtime pay, travel and mobile bills repayments along with others.

She accused Kanye of misclassifying Yeezy employees as independent contractors, reportedly denying them salaries and benefits, and failing to comply with the California Labor Code.

Taliah also asserted that Kanye did not compensate her for work that she performed off the clock on project sites, nor did she reimburse her for work-related travel that was required between locations such as Cody, Wyoming and Paris, France, as well as for the use of her telephone and internet, as well as for expenses that were associated with the mandatory travel.

The former employee of Kanye claimed he did not compensate her for all the overtime she worked for. Taliah also claimed that the ex-husband of Kim Kardashian did not provide employees with off-duty meal breaks, according to The Grio (via Yahoo).

Meanwhile, Kanye reportedly removed his former legal eagle London Meservy from all of his cases. It was on May 16 that Meservy received the documents of dismissal via email; yet, he was fired from his position as the controversial superstar's attorney a few days later.

This month, the 24-time Grammy winner submitted a notice of substitution of attorney, alerting the court that he was removing Meservy from at least three cases in which the latter was acting as Kanyes spokesperson.

Just a few days before to the announcement, the Gold Digger rapper had suffered the loss of his longstanding Chief of Staff at Yeezy, Milo Yiannopoulos, who was a political commentator on the far right.

Following the revelation that he did not agree with Kanyes plan to enter the adult film industry with "Yeezy Porn," the self-proclaimed "world's most fabulous supervillain" submitted his notice of resignation.

Despite the fact that Kanye has resolved this lawsuit, he is still engaged in a legal battle with another former employee that is worth one million dollars. The former employee claimed that the celebrity forced him to sleep outside of his unfinished Malibu mansion in "makeshift conditions" while he was working as security.
Netflix's "Arcane" has finally unveiled the show's first poster, with a confirmed release date, for its much-awaited second season.

The poster mirrors the first season's promotional image, hinting at the dark and tragic events that may unfold in the upcoming season.

The teaser materials both show the main characters and sisters Vi and Jinx locked in an embrace. The new poster depicted an anxious Vi as Jinx caressed her head, opposite to the first poster where Vi hugs a scared Jinx (then known as Powder).

Many fans are quick to notice the striking similarities as people speculate how the growing turmoil between the two will explode.

'Arcane' Season 2: What to Expect

Despite being loosely based on Riot Games' existing lore on the League of Legends, little is known about the events that will unfold in "Arcane" Season 2.

An earlier teaser trailer already confirmed the appearance of the Zaun's artificial werewolf Warwick, seemingly confirming one of the popular fan theories online.

In addition to Warwick, earlier statements from "Arcane" showrunners have confirmed the appearance of Orianna and Janna in the next season.

The original Runeterra lore materials depict Orianna as the "Lady of Clockwork" with her body made from clockwork machines powered by hextech, the magical technology that fuses gears with elemental and spirit forces.

Janna, on the other hand, is a wind spirit that previously protected an old sea-faring city that later became the foundation for Zaun.

According to her Champion Legend, Janna's followers still roam the excavated canals of Zaun as they pray for her to save them.

With the events of Season 1's ending, fans can also expect a full-on conflict with tech giant Piltover against the undercity Zaun to be seen as new alliances and betrayals ignite.

Netflix Rolls Out More Animated Shows in 2024

Following the success of "Arcane," Netflix has been rolling out more animated original shows to capture the hype.

Another Netflix animated original, "Blue Eye Samurai," received universal acclaim as critics gave the show a 100% on its release. A second season for the Japanese-inspired drama has already been greenlit.

So far, the streaming giant has already announced the arrival of a new anime-inspired "Tomb Raider" series, a "Terminator" spin-off animated series, and two more "Castlevania" titles.
Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) today announced that the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) will present positive results from the Phase 3 HD21 trial evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with chemotherapy as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 60th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (LBA7000) and at the 29th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting (S225). The four-year analysis presented by the GHSG showed superior progression-free survival (PFS) and improved tolerability for patients compared to a current standard of care regimen used in Europe in this setting.

The HD21 study is a Phase 3, randomized, multi-country, prospective, open-label study, sponsored by the GHSG and supported by Takeda, designed to evaluate ADCETRIS in combination with etoposide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dacarbazine and dexamethasone (BrECADD) in comparison to a standard of care treatment  escalated doses of bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone (eBEACOPP)  in patients with newly diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma. At a preplanned three-year analysis, the study met its co-primary endpoints, with the ADCETRIS combination regimen demonstrating significantly improved safety as assessed by treatment-related morbidity (TRMB) and non-inferior PFS.

The study found that the addition of ADCETRIS to this chemotherapy regimen improved the risk-to-benefit profile of the combination treatment, maintaining efficacy with significantly fewer acute and long-lasting treatment-related toxicities than the comparator arm.

We initiated the HD21 trial with the hope of improving outcomes currently being achieved by a standard of care, as many patients with newly diagnosed disease often experience a high treatment burden, said Peter Borchmann, MD, PhD, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, and trial chairman of the HD21 study. The presented analysis, in which the ADCETRIS regimen demonstrates superior progression-free survival, as well as a tolerable safety profile, reveals the meaningful potential this ADCETRIS + ECADD regimen has to offer these patients.

The ASCO presentation provides details of a four-year PFS analysis of the HD21 study conducted by GHSG. After 48 months, BrECADD showed superior efficacy to BEACOPP (94.3% PFS for BrECADD and 90.9% PFS for eBEACOPP; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.66 [95% CI:88.7-93.1]; p<0.035). As previously reported in the three-year analysis, treatment with BrECADD was also associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of TRMB compared with BEACOPP (n=738; 42% vs 59%; p<0.001), as well as clinically meaningful reductions in adverse events (AEs). The safety profile of ADCETRIS in patients receiving BrECADD remained consistent with other approved ADCETRIS combination regimens, and no new safety signals were identified.

In our ongoing effort to improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma, weve partnered with the GHSG on the HD21 study to deepen our understanding of how ADCETRIS could further benefit patients in need of new options, said Awny Farajallah, chief medical officer, global oncology at Takeda. We are excited about the impact these results could have on patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma, potentially bringing them an additional ADCETRIS-based combination regimen that may significantly reduce side effects without compromising on efficacy.

Takeda will be responsible for submission of potential regulatory filings based on the HD21 study outside of the U.S. and Canada. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Pfizer has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world.

About the HD21 Trial

The HD21 study is a Phase 3, multi-country, prospective, open-label, randomized, multicenter trial sponsored by the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) with a PET-response adapted designed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, safety and tolerability of BrECADD, a novel, rationally designed, CD30-intensified frontline regimen for patients with advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Enrolled patients with newly diagnosed, Stage IIb with large mediastinal mass and/or extranodal lesions, Stage III or IV Hodgkin lymphoma were randomized to receive two cycles of either escalated BEACOPP or BrECADD, respectively, followed by interim PET staging. A decision is then made if patients received a further two or four cycles of escalated BEACOPP or BrECADD.

The HD21 trial aims to evaluate a modified treatment regimen to minimize side effects, while maintaining similar responses to treatment. The study has co-primary endpoints: safety is assessed by treatment-related morbidity (TRMB) (superiority), a novel endpoint focused on clinically relevant, acute toxicities of primary chemotherapy, and efficacy is assessed by PFS (non-inferiority). Secondary endpoints are tumor response (complete response [CR] rate), overall survival (OS), infertility rate at one year, second malignancies, frequency of adverse events, therapy adherence and quality of life.

About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system affecting a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell, present in lymph nodes. Reed-Sternberg cells usually have a special protein on their surface called CD30, which is a key marker of HL. CD30 is present in approximately 95 percent of all cases of Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, over 83,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and approximately 23,000 people died from this cancer.

About ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin)

ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Pfizers proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for seven indications:

Adult patients with previously untreated Stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (2018)

Pediatric patients 2 years and older with previously untreated high risk cHL in combination with doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone and cyclophosphamide (2022)

Adult patients with cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation (2015)

Adult patients with cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates (2011)

Adult patients with previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (2018)

Adult patients with sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. (2011)

Adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) after prior systemic therapy (2017)

Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression in 2017, adults with pcALCL or CD30-expressing MF who have had prior systemic therapy in 2018, for previously untreated Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in 2019, and for previously untreated adult patients with sALCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), whose tumors express CD30, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone in 2019.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012, and the specific obligations of the conditional marketing authorization were fulfilled in May 2022. The approved indications in the European Union are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CD30-positive Stage III & IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (AVD), (2) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (4) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, (5) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated sALCL in combination with CHP and (6) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in more than 70 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See Important Safety Information below.

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials, including a Phase 3 study in first-line Hodgkin lymphoma (ECHELON-1) and another Phase 3 study in first-line CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (ECHELON-2), as well as trials in many additional types of CD30-positive malignancies.

Pfizer and Takeda fund joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) Important Safety Information (European Union)

Please refer to Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before prescribing.

Contraindications

ADCETRIS is contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to brentuximab vedotin and its excipients. In addition, combined use of ADCETRIS with bleomycin causes pulmonary toxicity.

Special Warnings and Precautions

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): John Cunningham virus (JCV) reactivation resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can occur in patients treated with ADCETRIS. PML has been reported in patients who received ADCETRIS after receiving multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. PML is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results from reactivation of latent JCV and is often fatal.

Closely monitor patients for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms, which may be suggestive of PML. Suggested evaluation of PML includes neurology consultation, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction or a brain biopsy with evidence of JCV. A negative JCV PCR does not exclude PML. Additional follow-up and evaluation may be warranted if no alternative diagnosis can be established. Hold dosing for any suspected case of PML and permanently discontinue ADCETRIS if a diagnosis of PML is confirmed.

Be alert to PML symptoms that the patient may not notice (e.g., cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric symptoms).

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Closely monitor patients for new or worsening abdominal pain, which may be suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Patient evaluation may include physical examination, laboratory evaluation for serum amylase and serum lipase, and abdominal imaging, such as ultrasound and other appropriate diagnostic measures. Hold ADCETRIS for any suspected case of acute pancreatitis. ADCETRIS should be discontinued if a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is confirmed.

Pulmonary Toxicity: Cases of pulmonary toxicity, some with fatal outcomes, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), have been reported in patients receiving ADCETRIS. Although a causal association with ADCETRIS has not been established, the risk of pulmonary toxicity cannot be ruled out. Promptly evaluate and treat new or worsening pulmonary symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnea) appropriately. Consider holding dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Serious infections such as pneumonia, staphylococcal bacteremia, sepsis/septic shock (including fatal outcomes), and herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus (CMV) (reactivation) and opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and oral candidiasis have been reported in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Patients should be carefully monitored during treatment for the emergence of possible serious and opportunistic infections.

Infusion-related reactions (IRR): Immediate and delayed IRR, as well as anaphylaxis, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Carefully monitor patients during and after an infusion. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue administration of ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. The infusion may be restarted at a slower rate after symptom resolution. Patients who have experienced a prior IRR should be premedicated for subsequent infusions. IRRs are more frequent and more severe in patients with antibodies to ADCETRIS.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): TLS has been reported with ADCETRIS. Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden are at risk of TLS. Monitor these patients closely and manage according to best medical practice.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS treatment may cause PN, both sensory and motor. ADCETRIS-induced PN is typically an effect of cumulative exposure to ADCETRIS and is reversible in most cases. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay and a dose reduction or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hematological toxicities: Grade 3 or Grade 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged (equal to or greater than one week) Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to administration of each dose.

Febrile neutropenia: Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Complete blood counts should be monitored prior to administration of each dose of treatment. Closely monitor patients for fever and manage according to best medical practice if febrile neutropenia develops.

When ADCETRIS is administered in combination with AVD or CHP, primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended for all patients beginning with the first dose.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Cases of SCARs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported for SJS and TEN. If SJS, TEN or DRESS occur, ADCETRIS should be discontinued and appropriate medical therapy should be administered.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Complications: GI complications, some with fatal outcomes, including intestinal obstruction, ileus, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, erosion, ulcer, perforation and haemorrhage, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Promptly evaluate and treat patients if new or worsening GI symptoms occur.

Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Serious cases of hepatotoxicity, including fatal outcomes, have also occurred. Pre-existing liver disease, comorbidities, and concomitant medications may also increase the risk. Test liver function prior to treatment initiation and routinely monitor during treatment. Patients experiencing hepatotoxicity may require a delay, dose modification, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia has been reported during trials in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) with or without a history of diabetes mellitus. Closely monitor serum glucose for patients who experience an event of hyperglycemia. Administer anti-diabetic treatment as appropriate.

Infusion site extravasation: Extravasation during intravenous infusion has occurred. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is recommended to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: There is limited experience in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Available data indicate that MMAE clearance might be affected by severe renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and by low serum albumin concentrations.

CD30+ CTCL: The size of the treatment effect in CD30 + CTCL subtypes other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is not clear due to lack of high level evidence. In two single arm phase II studies of ADCETRIS, disease activity has been shown in the subtypes Sezary syndrome (SS), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and mixed CTCL histology. These data suggest that efficacy and safety can be extrapolated to other CTCL CD30+ subtypes. Carefully consider the benefit-risk per patient and use with caution in other CD30+ CTCL patient types.

Sodium content in excipients: This medicinal product contains 13.2 mg sodium per vial, equivalent to 0.7% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Traceability: In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

INTERACTIONS

Patients who are receiving a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, concomitantly with ADCETRIS may have an increased risk of neutropenia. If neutropenia develops, refer to dosing recommendations for neutropenia (see SmPC section 4.2). Co-administration of ADCETRIS with a CYP3A4 inducer did not alter the plasma exposure of ADCETRIS, but it appeared to reduce plasma concentrations of MMAE metabolites that could be assayed. ADCETRIS is not expected to alter the exposure to drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

PREGNANCY: Advise women of childbearing potential to use two methods of effective contraception during treatment with ADCETRIS and until 6 months after treatment. There are no data from the use of ADCETRIS in pregnant women, although studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. Do not use ADCETRIS during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.

LACTATION (breast-feeding): There are no data as to whether ADCETRIS or its metabolites are excreted in human milk, therefore a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from this therapy, taking into account a potential risk of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

FERTILITY:

In non-clinical studies, brentuximab vedotin treatment has resulted in testicular toxicity, and may alter male fertility. MMAE has been shown to have anagenic properties. Therefore, men being treated with this medicine are advised to have sperm samples frozen and stored before treatment. Men being treated with this medicine are advised not to father a child during treatment and for up to 6 months following the last dose.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines: ADCETRIS may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS

Monotherapy: The most frequent adverse reactions (10%) were infections, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, neutropenia, rash, cough, vomiting, arthralgia, peripheral motor neuropathy, infusion-related reactions, pruritus, constipation, dyspnea, weight decreased, myalgia and abdominal pain. Serious adverse drug reactions occurred in 12% of patients. The frequency of unique serious adverse drug reactions was 1%. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 24% of patients.

Combination Therapy: In the studies of ADCETRIS as combination therapy in 662 patients with previously untreated advanced HL (C25003) and 223 patients with previously untreated CD30+ PTCL, the most common adverse reactions ( 10%) were: infections, neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, alopecia, anemia, weight decreased, stomatitis, febrile neutropenia, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, bone pain, rash, cough, dyspnea, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, peripheral motor neuropathy, upper respiratory tract infection, and dizziness. In patients receiving ADCETRIS combination therapy, serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurring in  3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (15%), pyrexia (5%), and neutropenia (3%). Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 10% of patients.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) for injection U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML, and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

CONTRAINDICATION

Contraindicated with concomitant bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.

Hematologic toxicities: Fatal and serious cases of febrile neutropenia have been reported with ADCETRIS. Prolonged (1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS.

Administer G-CSF primary prophylaxis beginning with Cycle 1 for adult patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated Stage III/IV cHL or previously untreated PTCL, and pediatric patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated high risk cHL.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Monitor more frequently for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for infections.

Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden may be at increased risk. Monitor closely and take appropriate measures.

Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.

Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Hepatotoxicity: Fatal and serious cases have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

PML: Fatal cases of JC virus infection resulting in PML have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.

Pulmonary toxicity: Fatal and serious events of noninfectious pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious dermatologic reactions: Fatal and serious cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Fatal and serious cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported. Other fatal and serious GI complications include perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus. Lymphoma with pre-existing GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.

Hyperglycemia: Serious cases, such as new-onset hyperglycemia, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis (including fatal outcomes) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Hyperglycemia occurred more frequently in patients with high body mass index or diabetes. Monitor serum glucose and if hyperglycemia develops, administer anti-hyperglycemic medications as clinically indicated.

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of this potential risk, and to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of ADCETRIS.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (20% in any study) are peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, constipation, vomiting, alopecia, decreased weight, abdominal pain, anemia, stomatitis, lymphopenia, mucositis, thrombocytopenia, and febrile neutropenia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Closely monitor adverse reactions.

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended during ADCETRIS treatment.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, for ADCETRIS here.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

Important Notice

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Takeda Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takedas future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as targets, plans, believes, hopes, continues, expects, aims, intends, ensures, will, may, should, would, could anticipates, estimates, projects or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takedas global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takedas operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takedas most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takedas other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takedas website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takedas future results.

Medical information

This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.

Pfizer Disclosure Notice:

The information contained in this release is as of June 1, 2024. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin), including its potential benefits, its potential in newly diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and potential regulatory filings, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of ADCETRIS; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when drug applications may be filed in particular jurisdictions for ADCETRIS with eCADD or as a single agent for any potential indication; whether and when any applications that may be pending or filed for ADCETRIS, may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether ADCETRIS with eCADD or as a single agent will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of ADCETRIS; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizers business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240601381068/en/
The U.S. Google Store announced its adjusted trade-in values for Pixel 6 and 7 Pro for customers who will buy the Pixel 8 Pro, as part of the summer sale.

The new trade-in values marked Google's biggest price cut on its flagship this cycle for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Read Also : Google Launches Fitbit Ace LTE Smartwatch for Kids, Parents

Google Store Offers Big Price Cut for Trade-Ins

Google Store is currently holding its summer sale which featured a couple of discounts on some of its flagship products. According to the official online store, Google is giving up to $500 credit for eligible Pixel devices for every Pixel 8 Pro purchase.

For instance, trading in a good condition Pixel 7 Pro will provide a discount of $500 while the Pixel 6 Pro trade-in is priced at $400. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 still offer a good discount of $330 and $250, respectively.

However, the boosted trade-in values are only applicable to Pixel 8 Pro purchases. Other variants such as the Pixel 8 and Fold do not offer the same value.

Google Store Expands Summer Discount Across Devices

A separate deal provides a 50% discount on Pixel 8a if the customer decides to buy an 8, 8 Pro, or Fold. Meanwhile, the Pixel Fold is down to $1,299 due to a $500 discount.

The Pixel 8 is currently available for only $549 after a discount of $150. Previously, Google offered an all-time low discount of $200 off the device. The Pixel Tablet is only down by $80 for its 128GB variant and is now offered for only $319.

As for the wearables, the first-gem Pixel Watch provides $100 off. The Pixel Watch 2 Wi-Fi comes with $60 off while the LTE version is down by $80.

The Google Store summer sale will conclude on June 22.
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Postal Code
(Photo : Unsplash/Humberto Chavez)

Turkish migrants are entering the US in large numbers through the southern border, aided by smugglers using social media to promote easy entry through California, according to reports.

The Busiest Sector of Illegal Entry

The US Customs and Border Protection website data indicates that there were only slightly over 1,400 Turkish migrant encounters along the southern border in 2021. This number jumped to 15,445 the following year and reached 15,542 in 2023. As of this year, border agents have encountered 7,486 migrants from Turkey who entered the US.

In 2023, 9,154 Turkish migrants, accounting for 41% of the total 15,542, entered the US through the San Diego sector, making it the busiest sector for illegal entry that year.

Social Media Smugglers Luring Immigrants of Easy Entry

According to The New York Post, translated Telegram channels shed light on how smugglers facilitate migrants' entry into the US from Mexico. The smugglers offer routes via social media, starting from Cancun to Tijuana, Mexico, which include flights and onward travel into the US, reportedly urging migrants not to delay their dreams in advertisements for these routes. The posts also contain photos and videos as evidence of successful smuggling operations, and one reads: "Our passenger passed in Cancunda without any problem. If anyone wants to go, contact me." One video displayed migrants arriving in Cancun, enjoying hotel stays, and displaying stamped passports. Additionally, the videos allegedly depict migrants being escorted by smugglers along a route from Tijuana to the border.

READ ALSO: As Biden Speeds Up Asylum Process, Bigger Crackdowns Are Being Proposed for Migrants Entering US Border

The Case Rate of Special Interest Migrants

Sources within the Border Patrol confirmed to The Post that Turkish migrants are classified as special interest migrants.

Special Interest Aliens (SIAs) are illegal aliens from countries that raise potential national security concerns. During processing, the Department of Homeland Security is supposed to require additional vetting. However, this process has proven challenging because many countries do not share databases or records with the US.

US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens recently posted that more than 52,000 unique interest aliens had been apprehended by border patrol agents since the start of FY24 in October, noting that nearly 88% of these apprehensions occurred in the San Diego sector.

US Border's Lack of Security and Background Checking

A Turkish migrant, who revealed to Fox News that he paid approximately $10,000 to a cartel after selling all his possessions to travel to the United States, said that Americans should be concerned about the lack of security at the southern border, expressing worry about the real intentions of every individual crossing the border.

The migrant informed Fox News that his journey to the US spanned 24 days, passing through Qatar, Dubai, Egypt, South Africa, and Brazil before reaching Central America on his way to the US.

San Diego County has emerged as the busiest sector in the nation for illegal crossings, with 37,370 individuals entered in April, as per the US Customs and Border Patrol report, and 120 Chinese migrants entered California just on Thursday.

Illegal immigration has also become a key concern for the upcoming 2024 presidential election this fall.

RELATED ARTICLE: NY Home Depot Deploys Guards, Dogs to Watch for Thieves, Deter Aggressive Migrants Targeting Shoppers

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Unsplash/P. L. )

For almost four decades, Huawei has grown into one of the largest and most contentious tech companies globally. Initially focusing on networking equipment like base stations, routers, modems, and switches for global phone and internet services, it has since broadened its offerings to include wearable devices and smartphones, making it asignificant rival to Apple's iPhone, particularly in China.

Huawei boasts approximately 207,000 employees and a presence in over 170 countries and regions. In 2023, it achieved nearly $100 billion in revenue and over $12 billion in profit.

While Ren Zhengfei, the CEO and founder of Huawei, rose from humble origins to amass a net worth of $1 billion by 2022, the company faced significant controversy when the US accused it of stealing trade secrets.

The Huawei's Humble Origin

Zhengfei stated that Huawei's registered capital was around 21,000 yuan, which equates to just under $3,000 as of May 2024. He clarified that he did not receive any financial support from the Chinese government and instead gathered funds from external investors. Despite lacking experience establishing a company, the CEO reflected on their diligence and hard work to make their first money during those early years by reselling telephone switch equipment produced by a Hong Kong manufacturer.

As Huawei's business flourished, the Hong Kong company ceased supplying routers to Huawei, prompting the startup to begin developing its telecommunication products. Focusing on rural areas in China, where larger competitors were less dominant, Huawei sold telecom equipment capable of enduring harsh weather conditions, where it achieved sales of nearly $220 million by 1995, as reported by the BBC.

Huawei's Tireless Work Culture

During Huawei's formative years, employees recounted working tirelessly without leaving the building for nearly a month, as described by Lyu Ke, a member of Huawei's supervisory board in the company's docu-series. He mentioned that if they felt fatigued, they would take breaks for rest, shower, and return to work, as the initial period in overseas markets proved challenging when selling their equipment to customers.

According to reports, former employees disclosed that finishing projects at Huawei often results in hefty bonuses, sometimes surpassing base salaries, described as obscene amounts by one employee speaking to the LA Times in 2019. Huawei also allows employees to purchase company shares if they achieve performance targets. This compensation structure appears to counterbalance the company's demanding wolf culture, where some employees are expected to handle the workload of three individuals. Performance evaluations reportedly rank Chinese staff as A, B, C, or D, fostering employee competition. Those achieving an A rating receive double the bonuses compared to those receiving a B rating. On the other hand, employees receiving a C rating for two consecutive years face termination, a fate experienced by 10% of the staff.

READ ALSO: Tesla's Series Of Layoffs Left A Tenured Worker in Disbelief, Like Being Trapped in A Nightmare

Series of Lawsuits Huawei Faced

In 2003, hardware giant Cisco filed a lawsuit against Huawei, alleging the theft of network router technology. Huawei later settled the lawsuit.

In 2010, Motorola filed a suit against Huawei, accusing the company of conspiring with several Motorola employees to steal trade secrets, which Motorola agreed to drop in 2011.

In 2017, a jury determined that Huawei had misappropriated trade secrets from T-Mobile in incidents occurring between 2012 and 2013.

The US and other nations have voiced apprehensions that Huawei's equipment might be utilized for espionage by China. In 2012, the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee published a report advising American companies to steer clear of Huawei products due to cybersecurity worries. In 2018, AT&T terminated a deal with Huawei to distribute its smartphones across the United States. Tensions between the company and the United States escalated between 2017 and 2018, leading to restrictions by the Donald Trump administration preventing federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, from using Huawei's telecom equipment.

In 2019, the US escalated its actions against Huawei, as former President Trump signed an executive order initiating steps to prevent the company from selling its equipment in the country. This blacklisting has been expanded over time, coinciding with heightened diplomatic tensions between China and the US.

Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada and later placed under house arrest due to an extradition request by the US Department of Justice. She faced charges of bank and wire fraud in Iran by selling technologies through the company Skycom. Wanzhou awaited extradition to the US for three years. She was released from house arrest and returned to China as part of an agreement with the US Justice Department in 2021.

By early 2024, Apple had lost its dominance in smartphone sales in China, a critical market, to local competitors such as Huawei, with iPhone sales experiencing a decline. Huawei's Mate 60 Pro, priced at $960 and launched in 2023, garnered significant attention from consumers and analysts and emerged as a compelling alternative, especially following an iPhone ban imposed on Chinese government officials.

RELATED ARTICLE: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile are Down, Affecting Thousands of Users in a Widespread Outage Feared as Cyberattack

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Indonesian Cement Association unveils low carbon roadmap at Cemtech Asia 2024

ICR Newsroom By 03 June 2024

Cemtech Asia 2024 commenced today at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event, running from 2-5 June, welcomes over 325 cement professionals from 29 countries for an industry-leading conference and a 53-stand exhibition.

Speakers shared views on how the cement industry can be decarbonised. Whether it is through the adoption of innovative technologies or the improvement of internal processes, the conference highlighted the latest developments in decarbonisation.



This event is outstanding and useful because there will be a lot of discussions, sharing of thoughts, sharing of information, actions, best practices, and more initiatives, where member country delegates work together to map out strategies in advancing the implementation of decarbonisation for the cement industry in Asia, said Lilik Unggul Raharjo, Asosiasi Semen Indonesia (Indonesian Cement Association).

Mr Raharjo announced the organisations decarbonisation roadmap, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Industry. The plan takes a two-scope approach to reducing GHG emissions. Scope one (decarbonisation of internal processes) includes increasing the use of alternative fuels and biomass substitution rates, reducing the clinker factor by advocating for a performance-based cement standard with a lower clinker factor, and reducing fuel usage by optimising pyroprocessing systems. Scope two of the plan consists of reducing the need for electrical energy. This will be achieved through digitalisation/automation, solar panel installation and other renewable energy systems such as waste heat recovery systems.

Not only is this roadmap expected to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage per tonne of cement but also the cost per tonne of cement. This represents an exciting opportunity for cement producers and solutions providers to benefit from the reduction of carbon emissions.

As a follow-up to the implementation and to strengthen the legality of the national cement industry decarbonisation roadmap, we have plans to elevate the roadmap into a Ministerial Regulation which could become the foundation for Indonesia's cement producers to develop their respective decarbonisation roadmaps, said Putu Nadi Astuti, director of cement, ceramics and non metallic minerals processing industry at Indonesia's Ministry of Industry.

The Indonesian Cement Associations roadmap is expected to be ratified by November 2024, with help from the Indonesian government.

Over the next two days, delegates will hear from a range of cement industry experts on topics such as alternative fuel usage, process optimisation, carbon capture and many more. In addition, the 53-stand exhibition will offer delegates the chance to explore the latest innovations in cement production technologies with equipment manufacturers from across the world.

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(Photo : Unsplash/Brett Jordan )

According to former employees interviewed by Business Insider, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is known for his distinct email style, resembling Japanese haikus. Huang's emails are typically brief, limited to no more than six lines, which he encourages employees to do the same.

A "TL;DR" Approach: "Too Long; Didn't Read."

A former NVIDIA employee compared Jensen Huang's email writing style to a succinct TL;DR approach, shorthand for "too long; didn't read." According to the ex-employee, there was an early emphasis on condensing messages into a concise format, with the entire company operating in this manner, not just Huang.

According to a former company executive, this approach aimed to encourage clarity and focus. Sending lengthy emails to Huang was discouraged, with NVIDIA's email format typically featuring double-spaced, one-sentence-per-line messages restricted to no more than five or six lines.

READ ALSO: NVIDIA CEO Huang's Cutthroat Leadership May Seem Controversial, But Experts Think It Works

The idea was to convey one's message and send it succinctly. If further discussion for additional information were needed, then another conversation would take place rather than through another email. The former executive emphasized the importance of pinpointing key points to grab people's attention. This effective communication method swiftly summarizes complex subjects but might require some practice.

NVIDIA CEO's Quick Pulse Check Approach

According to individuals interviewed by BI, NVIDIANs are required to email Huang and their managers the top five priorities they are tackling each week to facilitate focus. Another individual says this assists Huang in obtaining a quick pulse check of the company's activities, prompting him to suggest cross-departmental or regional collaboration among employees to address challenges effectively.

Resembling Amazon's Meeting Culture

The anticipation for a meticulously crafted email resembles Jeff Bezos' practice of distributing six-page memos to Amazon staff at the start of meetings. Bezos has indicated that these memos are read silently and serve as an aid to formulate concepts and ideas better.

Bezos discussed Amazon's unconventional management approach at the Bush Center's Forum on Leadership in 2018, saying it was one of Amazon's most intelligent decisions ever.

Bezos introduced a novel meeting format at Amazon, replacing PowerPoint presentations with a six-page memo that each participant must read silently for approximately the first 30 minutes of the meeting. He believes this memo establishes the context for a productive discussion, during which attendees are encouraged to take notes and participate once the reading period concludes. Bezos asserts that this approach ensures everyone has read the memo, preventing executives from relying on superficial knowledge in meetings due to busy schedules.

Before transitioning to memo-based meetings, Bezos observed that Amazon adhered to a traditional approach where junior executives invested significant effort in crafting PowerPoint presentations. However, senior executives often interrupted these presentations, skipping ahead to ask about further slides and disrupting the flow. While PowerPoint slides can convey complex information, Bezos favors memos because they feature clear and structured sentences, paragraphs, and topics.

RELATED ARTICLE: Amazon Ditching Boring Meeting Structure, Replaces Powerpoint Presentation into a Six-Page Narrative Memo

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
We are utterly amazed why those that own or manage STVRs so adamantly oppose Geno Shipleys resolution. Those for this resolution have never opposed the owners personally as portrayed or implied. The opposition is what the businesses bring into the neighborhood due to the nature of the business. The constant change of renters, sometimes several different ones a week; the influx of traffic; fights, even shootings; strangers walking their dogs (Parvo the issue) for potty breaks on properties that do not belong to the property owners but the neighbors yard instead; and late night arrivals with renters going to the wrong house because someone else made the reservation for them, shining flashlights around someones front porch and garage door looking the for the key yet the owners are asleep inside their home, etc. Why should someone that has been on their land since 1958 or those that have been in their homes 15, 20 or 30 plus years have their property rights stripped?

Everyone that has spoken at the Commission meetings gives their names and addresses as required. It is obvious that only a couple of owners even live in the unincorporated area of Hamilton County. This resolution only pertains to the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. If they do not live here, it does not affect them unless it is for the financial reason of them operating a business in these residential areas. And if that is the case and they are already operating, why should they care? They will be grandfathered in. It was stated so others could follow behind them and do the same. If others follow imagine what happens to neighborhoods, they will be overrun with rentals unless this resolution passes. Even the analysis of this statement does not make sense, as why would they want competition that would cut into their bottom dollar, and it is obvious that dollar is what they want more than anything. If you do not believe it just look at the rates charged. They want it so much that not only do they not live within the unincorporated areas, but the majority live in either protected municipalities or HOAs; others have been from Georgia and even Arkansas. Yet they have been given the green flag to steal our quality of life by implanting these commercial businesses into our neighborhoods that have absolutely no governing body to fight for us except the entire body of the County Commission.

We have a wonderful Sheriffs Department in Hamilton County, yet he cannot enforce the Commissions rules unless they are in Tennessee Code Annotated. The rules and regulations set by the Commission, the sheriff himself cannot enforce. The officers respond, but there is little they can do except ask the people to adhere. Once the officer leaves, they can go right back to what they were doing before. Most of these owners do not live next to or close to them (with a couple of exceptions), but they feel we should have to.

The owners and managers are the same ones that have spoken repeatedly but have never been talked down to by respectable commissioners by being the same faces with the same words as has been done by one commissioner several times to those in support of this resolution. Yet they are the same faces with the same words. Every angle imaginable has been used to make residential property owners that own the surrounding homes look to be the aggressor, yet nothing is further from the truth. Represented at these meeting are homeowners from the unincorporated areas of East Brainerd where the shooting took place last year at a rental, as well as residents from the unincorporated areas of Harrison, Birchwood, Hixson, Soddy Daisy, Sale Creek, etc.

Never in our lifetime of working for county government could we have imagined such rude behavior from a sworn public officer during a meeting. We have remained polite and professional, as hard as it has been, even through all the wrong data and information. As the saying goes, if they tell a story long enough, before long they believe it themselves.

We have heard the opposition to this resolution talk so much we know their names before they say them. We also know their stories such as: the operation of a rental provides them with a retirement income; a single mom raising two kids now 22 and 26 years old; a chance for newcomers to see what Chattanooga has to offer. If the latter is true, then why should the unincorporated areas matter as it is at least a 30-minute drive to Chattanooga from most of the unincorporated areas? Yes, they make a great income, for example at one property on the water they are charging $579 per night, an optional docking slip for $50 per night as well as canoe and kayak rentals for $50 plus a $150 non-refundable pet fee. A 5-day vacation for two adults and two children - the cost is $3,487 non-refundable and refundable is $3,855 and that does not include the boat slip or canoe/kayak or pet fee if applicable. Then there is the property manager that now oversees 30 or more rentals whose personal home is in a protected HOA. None of this information is false, it is on the videos of every County Commission committee meeting on this topic. The majority do not personally live in a neighborhood which allows a STVR. They live in restricted subdivisions, in the city of Chattanooga, in Georgia or even other states. We are not against the rentals, there is a place for them, but that place is not in a residential area where your family can be put at risk.

What has been forgotten and is rarely brought up is that those of us that live here have rights too. It has become obvious from the opposition at repeated meetings these individuals have no regard for the surrounding property owners and their rights. They do not care that someone has land that was purchased by their late family during challenging times in the 1950s and then passed on to the next generation that now call it home. Land where they built a home by working hard themselves on that land while they also worked jobs beginning when they were teenagers to retirement age just to live a peaceful retirement life. After being able to retire, we are now being told we do not have the right for a peaceful life in our unincorporated area of Hamilton County, that the owners of rentals have more rights than those that reside in their own home.

It is not only the owners telling us this, look at a few on this County Commission. The majority of our County Commission live in incorporated areas that are municipalities that are governed by the laws of their municipality, yet they vote for what they think should be in the unincorporated areas. Those commissioners that are protected should take heed and listen to the commissioners that have the unincorporated areas in their district and what that majority feels would be best for their constituents.

All in all, it comes down to one very important fact. Property owners that live in Hamilton County vote in Hamilton County and in their districts, those are the ones paying the commissioners' salaries. If this cannot be taken into consideration, please explain why the citizens of the unincorporated areas (Apison, East Brainerd, Birchwood, Georgetown, Harrison, Hixson, Signal Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Valley, Soddy Daisy, Bakewell and Sale Creek) of Hamilton County do not matter. Why is it that those that do not even physically live in these areas let alone our county or state, matter more than your own citizens?

Cindy and Frank Triplett

* * *

Responding to Cindy and Frank Triplett as someone deeply invested in real estate: they're totally correct. I understand the libertarian, "it's my house, I can do with it what I want," but our houses aren't all islands. Allowing short term rentals in residential property to any extent whatsoever is a clear, open violation of the social contract we signed on that deed when we bought the property. No, that house bought for "Airbnb" is not a hotel/motel property and absolutely should not be allowed to be used as one.

If investors want to be in the motel business, they should go get into the motel business and keep it out of our neighborhoods. The difficulty is the enforcement mechanism. I propose if tenants are changed out more than once every 90 days, it's a zoning violation and/or a nuisance property. The property ought to be condemned and a full condemnation hearing held so the sleazy fake-landlord speculator is hauled in to explain why he didn't approach his neighbors about a zoning change for his wannabe crap-tel.

Cindy and Frank and I and thousands of others specifically bought houses *not* next to hotels and it's the county's job to ensure hotels aren't moved in next door without our consent in a public hearing, by whatever means necessary.

This issue has been going on for years and it's time we bury it for good by banning all short-term residential rentals.

Chris Wicker

* * *

I wholeheartedly agree with the other two writers, as do the 1,544 individuals who have signed the petition to keep short-term vacation rentals out of residential and agricultural zones.

It is perplexing that STVRs, which are required to obtain a business license and contribute to the hotel and motel tax, are permitted in these zones. If a Hilton, or even a boutique hotel like The Dwell or Moxy, were to request to establish a hotel in a residential zone, the zoning board and commissioners would undoubtedly refuse.

Why, then, are STVRs, which are a form of transient lodging, treated differently? Despite their obligation to pay hotel and motel taxes and their recognition as businesses by the county, they are still allowed in residential and agricultural areas.

This discrepancy undermines the integrity of our zoning regulations and disrupts the character and tranquility of our residential and agricultural communities. I urge the commissioners to vote to keep our residential and agricultural zones for our families and communities and free from commercial business.

Colleen Kirk

* * *

It is said that a mans home is his castle. When I google the definition of home I got the following: Home is a place blessed, where you and your family can be secure, have all you need, and share your sadness and happiness. When we bought our home 38 years ago in the outskirts of unincorporated Hamilton County, we never dreamed that someday we would be fighting to keep our quiet rural home and neighborhood free from commercialism. Now today we are standing by to see if our peaceful quality of life will be destroyed. Our fate lies in the hands of the 11 county commissioners. We have no other governing body to protect us like other residents in Hamilton County that live within the governance of municipalities.

We who live in unincorporated Hamilton County are asking the commissioners to restrict any further development of STVRs in our areas. The properties that have already received a permit to operate a STVR will be grandfathered and be allowed to continue to operate. What Resolution 624-5 will do for those of us living in our homes/neighborhoods located in unincorporated Hamilton County is stop any further infusion of STVR businesses in our neighborhoods.

I am not against STVR. I agree that they have a place in the tourist industry if located in the right zoning. However, A-1, R-1 and R-2 in unincorporated Hamilton County is not an appropriate location for these investment ventures.

By description short-term vacation rentals are "Furnished self-contained apartments or houses that are rented for short periods of time. They are usually seen as an alternative to hotels." Who wants their home located next to a hotel? When I asked one commissioner who is a proponent of STVRs, if he would want one next door to his home, his response was a firm No. However, he recently indicated he was going to vote against Resolution 624-5. Why? Why would he want me to live next to something he is not willing to live next to?

My neighbors and I have worked hard for our homes. We have a right to feel safe, secure and happy within the confines of our homes and neighborhoods. We dont want to live next door to a hotel. If we wanted this type of life we would have stayed in the city! But wait, the city has rules protecting their residents. STVR are not allowed in residential neighborhoods. Why should unincorporated Hamilton County residents not have the same protection? I sincerely hope when it comes time to vote on Wednesday, June 5, the commissioners will listen to the people who live here, actually live in the home they are trying to protect and vote for Resolution 624-5.

Cathy Faulkner

* * *

I agree with the above comments regarding STVRs in the unincorporated areas of our county. We currently have them in our neighborhood, and I have no desire to have more become established here. It does not support the type of neighborhood I desire, nor the type I bought into 28 years ago. None of the homes here have ample parking areas for the number of vehicles that typically come with the renters, which is only one of the issues with these rentals.

We are not new to having STVRs within an area we own. We have a cabin in a small community that sits in a small sliver of land between the GSMNP boundaries. We have never rented our cabin, nor do we desire to do so. We used to know our neighbors there, but no longer. Now with all the rentals, the complexion of our community has drastically changed. I do not wish the same to happen around my home, my place to feel safe and enjoy my surroundings.

Those that support STVRs in the county, and have spoken at commission meetings, say they arent getting rich with their rentals. If they are not making a profit, why continue? The bottom line is they are in the hotel business, and conducting that business within our county neighborhoods with no respect for the continuity of a neighborhood and rural communities.

I sincerely hope our commissioners will vote in favor of Resolution 624-5 tomorrow.

Lynn Ownsby

* * *

I agree that STVRs should only be in commercial areas. One of the many problems is parties. One of the STVRs was rented for a late night party that started at 10 p.m. and ended around 4 a.m. There were over 20 cars and two limos parked at this house.

After hearing a loud argument, I called HCSO. The deputy who responded said they were all drunk and he asked them to be respectful of the neighbors and keep the noise down. He came back to my house and said all he could do was ask them to be quiet.

The other problem is that they all left after several hours of drinking and endangering everyone on the roads. The next morning, I had beer bottles and other trash thrown in my yard, something my neighbors would never do.

Please vote to put them in commercial areas only.

Steve Roark
Elite Fashions Unlimited, established in 1977 as the region's first minority-owned modeling school, announces an exclusive meet and greet reunion. The event is scheduled for June 15, from 4-7 p.m., at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center. Admission is $45, and benefits Modeling Association of America International programs.

The reunion aims to unite local models, entertainers, fashion designers, former models and students and photographers. Special guest is Autumn Kempt of Chicago. Ms. Kempt is the granddaughter of Linda Harris, former Elite Fashion model. Other guests include Mony Smith of Rossville; Glenda Jones of East Ridge; and Robin Byrd of Chattanooga - representing the diverse talent fostered by Elite Fashions Unlimited over the years.

Highlights of the event include a meet and greet with Wiley Morton, co-founder of Elite Fashions and president emeritus of MAAI. Other features include networking opportunities, insights into upcoming fashion trends and events, and discussions on establishing an annual international fashion week in Chattanooga to showcase the city's fashion prowess on a global scale.



"We are thrilled to host this reunion event with Wiley Morton, bringing together the talented community of models, entertainers, designers and industry professionals in Chattanooga," said Kista Foster, co-founder of Elite Fashions Unlimited.



Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Photographers interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by June 10. For more information or tickets, email wileymorton44@gmail.com or call 652-4611.






My granddaughter Mary Jane loves Sunday School at Church of the Good Shepherd.

Actually its called Godly Play, which is something she corrects me on when I take her.

In my day we called it Sunday School, and it was terrifying. Granted I was a terribly shy, scaredy cat and was afraid of everyone and everything in the world.

When I was a newborn and staying with my grandparents in Athens, Tn., my grandmother told my grandfather to take me to Sunday School. Technically I know I wasnt a newborn, but I felt as helpless and clingy as one. I bet I was about 7 or 8, old enough to have all manner of friends and certainly be able to walk into a Sunday school class.

I dont remember the details because I blocked them out, but I remember being put out in the hallway as punishment so Im guessing I acted out. Big time.

As a hard rule, I tried to distract my parents on Sunday mornings by being extra pious or studious so one of them might say, Honey, Ferris is reading the encyclopedia so lets not interrupt her with Sunday school.

But they made me go. Im sure it was important and loving, but Sunday school was something I dreaded.

Not so with Mary Jane. The very first time she went, there were several children lined outside the hall of the classroom while they readied themselves for Godly Play. My granddaughter didnt know them, but she bounded right up and stood with the row of children, all older than her. Her hands clasped behind her back like, she waited expectantly as Kathleen Crevasse spoke gently to everyone in her calming, grounding way, explaining how to ready themselves to hear Gods word.

Later, the children joined the parents for communion, and Mary Jane slipped into my pew, delicately eating Cheez-Its. I was nervous about letting her walk up to take communion with me, even though wed practiced what she should do. I was taught there was no communion until confirmation, so I taught my granddaughter how to cross her arms over her chest for a blessing. Mary Jane and I went over and over this posture and her little fists were clenched tight as she bowed her head, ready to receive her blessing.

But at the communion rail at the front of the whole church, she stretched her arms out long, cupping her hands to receive as much as she could. Mary Jane immediately dipped the holy wafer in the cup like shed been taking communion for 40 years.

I broke out in a cold sweat, looking up at The Rev. Robert Childers and The Rev. Janice Robbins to see how much trouble I was in for my irreverent grandparenting.

There were zero reproving looks. Instead, Janice beamed at Mary Jane, who was standing at the rail on her tiptoes. In addition to sharing the spiritual body and blood of Jesus, Janice put her hand on my granddaughters head and gave the most important, heartfelt, holy blessing I have ever heard. It brought tears to my eyes and to the womans eyes on the other side of Mary Jane. I wish I could recite it word for word, but the gist of it was that Mary Jane is welcome at Gods table, and that every hair on her head and every cell in her being is from God, and she is His and He will watch over her every day of her life for all her days.

And whether or not she totally understands Holy Communion, she knows she is welcome at Gods Table. And isnt that the point?

* * *



Ferris Robinson is the author of three childrens books, The Queen Who Banished Bugs, The Queen Who Accidentally Banished Birds, and Call Me Arthropod in her pollinator series If Bugs Are Banished. Making Arrangements is her first novel. Dogs and Love - Stories of Fidelity is a collection of true tales about mans best friend. Her website is ferrisrobinson.com and you can download a free pollinator poster there. She is the editor of The Lookout Mountain Mirror and The Signal Mountain Mirror.
Theres much talk these days about equality and equity. In the minds of some, the two words are interchangeable. However, most people would agree they are different terms. Opinions vary, but heres my take: Equality is the effort to offer equal access and opportunity. Equity, on the other hand, typically focuses more on equality of outcomes or results.

Theres the story of the college professor who announced a major exam well in advance. He administered the test two weeks later. Each student had the same opportunity to study. Some did so, diligently. Others barely studied their notes or cracked the textbook, if at all. They apparently felt they had more important things to do.

Predictably, when results from the exam were tabulated, the students who had studied and prepared for it scored well. Those who failed to prepare did poorly; some failed. That, the professor pointed out, was an example of equality. They all had equal opportunity  only some took advantage of it.

But he didnt leave it at that. He then announced, in the name of fairness, he was going to add all the exam scores together, divide that total by the number of students, and then assign everyone the average score. That, he said, demonstrated equity.

Not fair! complained the students who had worked hard and knew they deserved their As. Why should they be penalized because of those who chose not to study and prepare themselves for the exam?

Perhaps the best example of the difference between equality and equity is found in Jesus Christ. In fact, we might correctly call Him an equal opportunity Savior and Redeemer.

One of the best-known verses in the entire Bible is John 3:16, in which Jesus declares, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This is an open opportunity, available to all who will believe  that is, place their faith and trust in Christ.

Elsewhere the apostle Peter stated, The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Doesnt this sound like equality?

However, the Bible does not teach equity  at least as its currently being perceived  regarding a saving, eternal relationship with Christ. For instance, we read in Matthew 7:21 that Jesus declared, Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Another passage asserts, If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved (Romans 10:9-10,16). A response on our part is required. The gift of salvation and eternal life God offers must be received.

The Scriptures also teach equality as it relates to ethnic and cultural differences. In Gods point of view, all are equally valued and accepted.

Years ago, I was meeting with Rhon, a young African-American man, in a discipling relationship. One afternoon he looked at me and asked, Bob, if Jesus were to stand in front of me, would he see me as a black man? I responded with two verses that applied directly to his question.

In 1 Samuel 16:7, as the prophet Samuel was seeking to identify the successor to King Saul of Israel, God told him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. I assured Rhon that what Jesus would see foremost was a man whose heart was being drawn to Him.

The other passage related to differences of culture, ethnicity, and status. As the apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26, There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. He doesnt make the external distinctions that we typically make.

The truth that Jesus is an equal opportunity Savior and Redeemer is communicated in many other passages. One in particular tells of the apostle Peter coming to the realization that Jesus was the Messiah not just for the Jews but for all people. In Acts 10:34 we read, Opening his mouth, Peter said: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.

This is the truly Good News that, He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15). Male or female, black or white, rich or poor, corporate executive or janitor, all are equal in the sight of God.

* * *

Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
In the early 2010s, a major lottery fraud case known as the Hot Lotto scandal took place. It was shut down in 2015 after the mastermind of the scheme was caught. It became the biggest lottery scam in the history of the United States.

The ringleader of the Hot Lotto scandal was Eddie Tipton, who was the information security director at the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Eddie was also a gamer geek and highly skilled with computers. He manipulated the random number generator (RNG) that was used to draw winning numbers for the Hot Lotto game.

He did so by planting a two-line software code in his employers computer system, allowing him and his accomplices to predict the winning numbers on specific dates. His code drastically increased his odds of winning the lottery from five million to one to 200 to one.

Over the course of the operation, he managed to tamper with at least five winning drawings, amassing more than $24 million in the states of Colorado, Kansas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Iowa. The largest jackpot was a $16.5 million prize in 2010. It was never cashed in.

In 2010, Eddie tried to anonymously claim the $16.5 million Hot Lotto jackpot in Iowa. It was the third largest Hot Lotto prize in history.

The claim was suspicious because it occurred less than two hours before the deadline. Ticket purchasers have a year to cash in on their winnings. The unusual claim was subjected to intense public scrutiny, and an in-depth investigation ensued.

It took investigators about three years to unravel the scheme fully. In 2015, Eddie was arrested and charged with two counts of felony fraud. His brother, Tommy Tipton, and his best friend, Robert Rhodes, were also charged with felonies related to the lottery rigging.

Rhodes, who was from Sugar Land, Texas, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and ordered to pay $409,000 in restitution. Tommy was sentenced to 75 days in jail, while Eddie received a prison sentence of up to 25 years. They both agreed to pay $2.2 million in restitution.

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Its nearly impossible to have a conversation about the conflict between Israel and Palestine without the mention of holy places. The Temple Mount is the most important and contestedbut its not the only one. On this episode of Promised Land, a special series from The Bulletin, host Mike Cosper considers the sites that carry great religious importance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He speaks with Yehuda Glick, who worked for the Ministry of Immigration when Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005 and is known for his strong stances on settlements and his actions on the Temple Mount. Listeners will hear from Ari Abramowitzone of the founders of Arugot Farm, a frontier settlement, organic farm, and retreat center in the West Bankabout his work, desire for peace, and thoughts on the October 7 Hamas attacks. Cosper also talks with a land developer who purchased a property on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple Mount and decided it would be the perfect location for the Red Heifer ceremony. Not sure what that ceremony is? Dont worry. This episode covers that too. Tune in for an episode that dives deep into place, people, and purpose.

Promised Land is a limited series exploring the moral, spiritual, and political challenges presented by the Israel-Hamas war. Host Mike Cosper (The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill) takes listeners with him to locations across the US, Israel, and Palestine, bringing you into the homes, lives, and stories of people for whom this conflict is their everyday experience. Listen to More in This Bonus Series: Making Sense of the Israel-Hamas War Antisemitism and the Jewish Identity Hamas and the Laws of War Terrorism and the Road to War Its Complicated The Zionist Story Rocks in Hard Places: From the Foundation Stone to Living Stones Empire of Refugees: Victims, Villains, and Settler Colonialism The Bulletin is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Mike Cosper Field Recording by Michael Winters Additional Production by Matt Stevens and Clarissa Moll Music by Dan Phelps Additional Music by David LaChance, Jr. Theme Song On Jordans Stormy Banks performed by Sandra McCracken
The Christian doctor and researcher sees a moral imperative in destroying a curable fatal illness. Other countries are on track to erase it, but not the United States.

Stefani Reynolds-Pool / Getty Images

Francis Collins, the former longtime head of the National Institutes of Health and founder of BioLogos, has seen deaths in his work as a physician and researcher. But some of those have been personal: He watched his brother-in-law die a slow and painful death from complications of hepatitis C, an often fatal disease that attacks the liver. Rick Boterf died two years before the cure for hepatitis C became available in 2014.

In the decade since the cure has become available, most Americans diagnosed with hepatitis C have not received the cure. Collins is now spearheading a push from the Biden administration to eliminate the disease by funding more treatment to populations that may not currently have any access. The measure is awaiting a budget score that will forecast its future in Congress.

Its difficult to appreciate how serious and dangerous this viral illness is, because most infected people will live without any symptoms for a decade or more, Collins told CT. Those suffering from the disease tend to be drug users and those who are incarcerated. Infections have increased in the last decade with the explosion of the drug crisis.

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Reaching those with hepatitis C fits with our responsibility to help vulnerable and marginalized people that Jesus called the least of these, Collins added. Curing hepatitis C is almost a moral imperativethe opportunity in our hands to prevent 15,000 deaths every year.

More than 2.4 million Americans have hepatitis C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but there havent been the funds and systems to make the oral pill cure widely available. Only 34 percent of Americans diagnosed from 2013 to 2022 were cured.

Fifteen countries, including Egypt and Australia, are on track to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 through screening and treatment programs. The United States is not one of those 15.

Collins, in his work as head of the Human Genome Project, was one of the scientists who discovered the gene for cystic fibrosis. That discovery led to a breakthrough treatment for a disease that was previously a death sentence. Now, the scientist and Christian wants to eliminate another deathly illness.

Hepatitis C infections spread through blood, usually by people injecting illicit drugs. As drug use has risen with the opioid crisis, so have infections. Roughly 70,000 Americans contract hepatitis C every year, especially in non-white communities. Scientists noted a surprising dip in infections in 2022, but that was among white Americans.

The disease can lead to cirrhosis as well as liver cancer and can require a liver transplant, which is expensive or impossible to obtain.

Louise R., whose last name is withheld to protect sensitive health information, was diagnosed while incarcerated in the 1990s. She said the war on drugs and the influx of women into incarceration had consequences for Black and brown women especially. She said she received poor medical treatment while incarcerated.

I knew the seriousness of it, but I didnt have a way out, she said.

After her release, Louise was trying to hold down a job and raise young children.

I wasnt looking for anything to be in my way, she said. [For] women who have been incarcerated, thats one of the things that hinders us from being fully in our lives when we come homethe challenges we have medically that were not addressed during our incarceration.

When the hepatitis C cure finally became available, the drug was expensive, so she worried whether her insurance would cover it. But she received approval to do the treatment.

Without insurance or a trusted doctor who educated and advised her on the process, I dont know what I would have done, she said. I couldnt believe it, when I was tested and didnt have the disease anymore.

Eliminating hepatitis C in the US heavily depends on treating those who are incarcerated. But studies have found that uneven health care in prisons, limited funding, and limited follow-up after prisoners release has made this a difficult goal to achieve.

Collins has some congressional Republicans and Democrats onboard with the elimination plan, but its still up in the air. The big question is how the Congressional Budget Office will score the cost of such a program. Collins says it can only save money on long-term health costs, since it prevents expenses like a liver transplant or hospital stays.

The White House budget requested $11 billion for the program over five years, a steep price tag. One study, supported in part by federal agencies, estimated that over the next ten years the initiative would save $18 billion in direct health care costs, with $13 billion of those savings accruing to the federal government.

The program would reduce the cost of the treatment drugs by paying drug companies a set amount like a subscription rather than per dose, a program that Louisiana piloted at the state level. That was a model that Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican and liver doctor, supported.

Right now, people who have support systems in place and jobs with health insurance tend to be the ones who can obtain treatment. But thats not the story for many with the disease.

Jen S., whose last name is also withheld, found out she had hepatitis C in 2004. She was pregnant and in drug recovery at the time.

It was a huge worry, having a small child and a blood-borne infection that you dont know how to treat, she said. I didnt have any counseling around it.

Raising her son while she had the virus, she would be afraid of treating his wounds if he fell, on the chance that she might have a cut that would infect him. The virus is highly infectious with even invisible amounts of blood.

That time with our children is really precious. I wish I had known more and been treated earlier, she said.

Jen finally received the cure in 2019. Being cleared of the virus made her realize how much it was affecting her in ways she didnt realize.

I gained control of my health in other ways once I was treated, she said. A healthy choice makes it easier to make other healthy choices.

But she noted that she had a lot of assets in her life to help support her on the treatment process: a job, a house, family, and a friend who did the treatment at the same time as her. Many who are in drug recovery dont have that. Im really grateful I was able to get it, she said.

Jen said that churches could help get more people into testing and treatment if they were already doing work in the community, like through mobile clinics or needle exchanges. Those kinds of outreaches would be key for populations with the virus that may not go to doctors regularly.

Reaching patients on the margins who have hepatitis C has been a problem with state-level programs. Some faith-based health ministries, like Los Angeles Christian Health Centers, advertise that they provide care for hepatitis C.

Collins also knows the project will be difficult.

Once in a generation, we get a chance to eliminate a disease, Collins said. That time is now, but were not making it happen.
Home News Christian man dies from injuries sustained in mob attack over Quran-burning allegation

An elderly Pakistani Christian man has died about a week after a mob incited by a Muslim cleric burned down his shoemaking factory over allegations he desecrated a copy of the Quran.

Lazar (Nazir) Masih, who was in his early 70s, died Monday morning in a military hospital in Rawalpindi, Punjab province, according to Christian persecution watchdog organizations.

Masihs body was transported to Mujahid Colony and his funeral was held on Monday and attended by many, reports the United Kingdom-based Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement.

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Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a nonprofit that monitors human rights abuses in several countries, notes that Masih was placed on a ventilator Sunday and died in the early hours of Monday amid multiple organ failures. During a burial in his hometown of Sargodha, police assured protection for Masihs family.

Today every single Pakistani should be weighed by grief, not only for the atrocities in a foreign land but right here. Yet again, hate has brought us to the place where we must ask questions, Church of Pakistan President Bishop Asad Marshall wrote in an X post.

The question is not Where will this stop? because beyond the devastation of homes and lives, beyond the brutal killing of a hard working man, beyond the devastation of a community and the grief of a family, we have already come too far! The question is when will those who make change and those who pursue justice, seek truth and cry for a more just and fair world, when will those lives rise up for the sake of Pakistans own.

Civil rights advocates say that Masihs death is another example of the dangers related to Pakistans blasphemy laws, which they say can embolden radical Muslim mobs to take the justice system into their own hands.

"I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Nazir Masih, who was brutally attacked and killed over false blasphemy charges, CLAAS-UK Director Nasir Saeed said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

This barbaric act highlights the severe consequences of the misuse of blasphemy laws in our country and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in Pakistan's blasphemy laws. As a human rights activist, I am profoundly distressed by this senseless loss of life and the violence that preceded it."

CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said Masihs life was cruelly taken by extremists who have been emboldened by Pakistans controversial blasphemy laws and the culture of impunity that surrounds those who take these laws into their own hands.

We condemn this egregious act of violence and emphasize that Mr. Masih would likely still be alive had the police intervened sooner and more effectively, Thomas said in a statement. We call on the authorities in Sargodha to uphold the rule of law, and to ensure that all those responsible for his death are brought to justice. We also continue to call on Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws, which are wholly incompatible with the countrys national and international commitments to freedom of religion or belief.

On May 25, Muslims in Sargodha accused Masih of burning pages of the Quran, which incited a mob of hundreds to attack Masihs home and shoe factory. Under Pakistans penal code, burning pages of the Quran is punishable by life in prison.

Social media footage circulated depicting chaos as teenagers destroyed furniture.

The mob beat Masih with steel rods and threw bricks and stones at him before police intervened, CSW reports.

Police efforts to rescue Masih were met with resistance, and the mob tried to snatch him from police custody, which led to even more injuries after he was placed in the ambulance, according to CLAAS-UK.

He was hospitalized in critical condition at the Combined Military Hospital with multiple head injuries.

Masih's brother told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that his brother was burning wastepaper in the street outside his home. While his brother was inside, someone threw a copy of the Quran into the fire, which led a neighbor to accuse him of blasphemy and enraged local Muslim clerics. Pakistans Dawn newspaper, citing Minority Rights March, reported that the attack took place on the instigation of a local cleric.

Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country, is ranked as the seventh worst country when it comes to Christian persecution on the Open Doors 2024 World Watch List. Open Doors reports that roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations in Pakistan target Christians, who only make up 1.8% of the population.

Masihs death follows the killing of Shahid Masih on May 8 in the Bhikkhi area of Sheikhupura District of Punjab province. The poor Catholic worker was beaten by his Muslim employer after being accused of stealing goats. Masihs widow has faced pressure to drop her quest to hold his killers accountable.

My husband kept pleading his innocence, but they dragged him to their outhouse where they tied him up and continued to torture him, his widow, Sonia Shahid, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. They broke his teeth and fingers and then poured a bottle of acid into his mouth. When I tried to stop them, they beat me as well as our children who had followed me there.
Home News Christians in India facing surge in attacks ahead of elections Physical assaults, attacks on prayer meetings and threats of cremation

A prominent civil society group has sounded the alarm over a surge in attacks and discrimination against Christians across India, raising concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights and protections for religious minorities ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The United Christian Forum (UCF), a Delhi-based organization focused on Christian issues, detailed 161 incidents of violence, harassment and ostracization targeting the Christian community in the first 75 days of the year.

"January witnessed 70 incidents of violence against Christians, followed by 62 incidents in 29 days of February and 29 incidents in 15 days of March," the UCF stated, citing reports received through their national helpline.

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The incidents span a wide range of offenses, including physical assaults, attacks on churches and prayer meetings, harassment of those practicing their faith, denial of access to community resources and false allegations  particularly those related to forced conversions.

Chhattisgarh tops the list of offenders

According to the UCF, the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh has emerged as the most problematic region for Christians, with 47 reported incidents of violence and discrimination. The press release painted a grim picture, with Christians being denied access to village water sources, the bodies of deceased Christians being threatened with cremation against their religious beliefs, and families being physically assaulted, threatened, and driven from their homes.

"In this state, sadly, even dead Christians are not spared, as many were denied burial as per Christian rituals. Local villagers have been threatening to cremate the bodies as a final act of 'Ghar Wapsi' (reconversion)," the UCF stated.

Though the Assam government proposed a ban on magical healing in the Assam state, and no such bill has been proposed or passed in Chhattisgarh, a pastor of Assemblies of God last week was arrested from the pulpit and sent to jail for praying for the sick people who had come, said Arun Pannalal, chairman of Chhattisgarh Christian Forum to Christian Today. The sad part was that a congregation of 300 just sat silently watching while their pastor was arrested, he added.

State-sponsored harassment in Uttar Pradesh

The group also highlighted the role of state authorities in perpetuating the harassment of Christians, particularly in the electorally significant state of Uttar Pradesh, which has witnessed 36 incidents so far this year.

"There is clear evidence of state-sponsored harassment of Christians in this state, as the police file false allegations of conversion against pastors even for praying in birthday parties and other social gatherings," the release noted.

The UCF helpline has recorded over 30 cases of pastors being arrested or detained under Uttar Pradesh's so-called Freedom of Religion Act, which critics say is being misused to target minority communities.

Nationwide concern

While Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh top the list, the UCF press release documented incidents of violence and discrimination against Christians in 19 states across India, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

"In all, there are 122 Christians who have either been detained or arrested on false allegations of conversions in just 75 days of 2024," the UCF stated.

Speaking to Christian Today, A.C. Michael, national coordinator for United Christian Forum, expressed great need for the Christian leadership to raise their voices against the attacks, It is high time, said Michael, We, the Christian leadership of the country, must stick out our necks and speak for the voiceless.

Calling for action and fair elections

Expressing grave concern over the escalating attacks, the UCF has urged the nation's leadership to take strict action against the perpetrators of these crimes and ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.

"As UCF, we request our leadership to put an end to this violence by taking strict action against perpetrators of all such crimes, and we hope and pray for a peaceful and fair election," the group stated in its press release.

Till the time we are unable to defend ourselves against these false allegations of forced conversions, we will never be able to live in peace, concluded Michael.

This article was originally published by Christian Today India.
Chinese FM spokesperson's remarks on Philippine president's speech concerning South China Sea Issue at Shangri-La Dialogue

Xinhua) 13:53, June 03, 2024

BEIJING, June. 3 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Marcos's remarks concerning the South China Sea Issue disregard history and facts, and are designed to amplify the Philippines' wrongful position on the issues and deliberately distort and hype up the maritime situation, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on a keynote speech by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue, in which he explained the so-called legal basis for the Philippines' territory and maritime zones, claiming that both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea affirm its legal right, and that its policy in the South China Sea is built upon these two touchstones.

The spokesperson introduced China's position.

First, China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. China is the first to have discovered, named, and explored and utilized Nanhai Zhudao and relevant waters, and the first to have exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them continuously, peacefully and effectively. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are based on solid historical and legal grounds. China's normal patrol, law enforcement and productive activities in waters under its own jurisdiction are consistent with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and such activities are beyond reproach.

Second, the territory of the Philippines does not include China's Nanhai Zhudao. The Philippine territory is defined by a series of international treaties, including the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, the 1900 Treaty between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain for Cession of Outlying Islands of the Philippines, and the 1930 Convention between His Majesty in Respect of the United Kingdom and the President of the United States regarding the Boundary between the State of North Borneo and the Philippine Archipelago. China's Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao are beyond the limits of the Philippine territory established by the above-mentioned treaties. The Philippines occupied by force some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao and adopted domestic legislation such as the Archipelagic Baselines Law to assert illegal territorial claims on China's Huangyan Dao and some islands and reefs of Nansha Qundao. Those moves seriously violate China's sovereignty and sovereign rights and international law, including the UN Charter. China firmly opposes the moves.

Third, the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. Without the Chinese government's prior consent, the Philippines unilaterally initiated an international arbitration, which violated international law, including UNCLOS, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration handled the case ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling. The rendered award is illegal, null and void. China neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration, neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by the award in any way. What the Philippines has been doing to glorify this illegal, invalid arbitral award does not help resolve its maritime disputes with China, still less justify its illegal claims in any way.

Fourth, the responsibility for the recent escalation concerning the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines lies fully with the Philippine side. The Philippines breached its commitments and the common understandings with China, violated the DOC and repeatedly acted in bad faith. The Philippines frequently infringed on China's rights and made provocations at sea, brought in forces outside the region to form blocs and flex muscles in the South China Sea, and spread disinformation to vilify China and mislead the international perception on this matter. In particular, driven by selfish geopolitical calculations, the US has played an extremely ignoble role by supporting and assisting the Philippines in infringing on China's sovereignty, and by exploiting the South China Sea issue to drive a wedge between China and other regional countries. Who exactly does the Philippine foreign policy serve now? Whose bidding is the Philippines doing with all these maritime actions? The answer is pretty clear to anyone with sound judgement. Trying desperately to justify the unjustifiable will not help the Philippines build trust with the international community. Countries in the region need to stay vigilant and always make sure that they themselves are the ones sitting in the driver's seat when it comes to the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

Fifth, with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There has been no issue at all regarding the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea that countries enjoy in accordance with law. China stands ready to continue working with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, to manage maritime differences, deepen maritime cooperation, fully and effectively implement the DOC, actively advance the COC consultation, keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable, and ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Sixth, China will continue to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and rights. Meanwhile, we remain committed to properly handling maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. We urge the Philippines to honor its commitments, adhere to the limits of its territory established by the international treaties, fully and effectively implement the DOC, stop maritime infringement activities and provocations at once, and return to the right track of handling maritime disputes and differences properly through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Home News Christians on edge as India prepares to announce election results

INDIA  More than a billion people, including 26 million Christians in the worlds most populous country, will be glued to their televisions on Tuesday to watch the results of the national elections. While exit polls suggest that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to secure a third consecutive term, Christians are hoping and praying for respite, having experienced the worst attacks over the past three years under the Hindu nationalist government.

Several exit polls have projected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will retain power for the third time, securing more than 350 of the total 543 seats. These polls came as a surprise to many, given the grim mood among BJP members and a surge in confidence within the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), led by the Left-of-Centre Congress Party, during the seven-phase elections held from April 19 to June 1.

The opposition fears manipulation in the counting of votes.

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On Sunday, Congress Party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi used video-conferencing to discuss the national elections with party candidates, as reported by the Indian media outlet, The Wire. Despite exit polls favoring the BJP, they remained optimistic about defeating the ruling government. Gandhi dismissed the exit polls as fantasy and a Modi-Media poll, while other opposition leaders criticized them as fake and manipulated.

Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party in northern Uttar Pradesh state, was quoted as saying that the exit polls showing the BJP winning more than 300 seats were intended to create a scope for manipulation.

Civil society groups have expressed concerns over the independence of the Election Commission of India.

In December 2023, the BJP government passed legislation on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and the two other election commissioners by a committee composed of the prime minister, the leader of the opposition and a third member  a federal minister chosen by the prime minister, as reported by the Indian legal news outlet LiveLaw at the time.

This was contrary to a March 2023 decree by the Supreme Court of Indias constitutional bench. The decree held that the committee must include the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lower House or the leader of the largest opposition party as well as the chief justice of India.

Further, while the BJPs top leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, openly referred to religion to ask for votes in their speeches in violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Election Commission of Indias model code of conduct, the Election Commission of India did not take any action despite numerous complaints filed, according to the Indian fact-checking website Alt News.

Furthermore, the election has not been seen as fair, given the alleged means the BJP used to get donations.

In January 2018, the BJP government introduced electoral bonds, government-issued, anonymized financial instruments that allow donors to fund political parties. These bonds are available exclusively through the State Bank of India. They sparked controversy over transparency and potential money laundering concerns, as they maintain donor anonymity.

Months before the 2024 national election, the Supreme Court of India ordered the State Bank of India to release data on electoral bonds. This data revealed that from April 2019 to February 2024, 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased, with the BJP receiving nearly 48% of the total redeemed bonds. This amounted to 60.6 billion rupees, or roughly $757 million, as reported by Indias Frontline magazine.

Furthermore, over the past decade, the BJP has significantly deepened societal divisions, increasingly setting the majority Hindu community against the minority Christian and Muslim populations.

According to the New Delhi-based United Christian Forum, 2021 witnessed at least 486 incidents of violence against Christians, making it the most violent year for this community in the history of India. This disturbing pattern continued into 2022, with nearly 600 attacks recorded. By 2023, the frequency of these incidents had escalated even further, significantly exceeding 600.

What exacerbates the situation is Indias rapid shift toward authoritarianism. In its 2021 annual report on global political rights and liberties, the U.S.-based nonprofit Freedom House downgraded India from a free democracy to a partially free democracy, as reported by the BBC. In the Democracy Report 2024 released by the Sweden-based V-Dem Institute, which tracks democratic freedoms worldwide, India was downgraded  from the status of an electoral autocracy in 2018  to one of the worst autocratizers, as reported by The Hindu newspaper.

If the BJP emerges victorious, it could worsen the already increasing attacks on minority Christians and Muslims, and likely be perceived as an endorsement of Modis authoritarian style of governance.
Home News How support from a church, pro-life group convinced a single mom not to abort her baby

Nearly seven years ago, Maddie Martinez was working a full-time job that she really loved and sought to move up in the company. These aspirations, she said, led her to strongly consider having an abortion after she became pregnant.

However, an encounter with a Love Box from the pro-life organization Embrace Grace convinced her to choose a different path.

Now in her early 30s, Martinez works as the group coordinator for the Hurst, Texas-based pro-life ministry Embrace Grace which creates Love Boxes for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Inside each box is a personal invitation to a support group, stories shared by other mothers, a letter to give the young woman hope, a journal, a baby onesie that says Best Gift ever and A Bump in Life book featuring testimonies to offer hope to single moms, the website states.

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Embrace Grace distributes Love Boxes to pregnancy centers located near churches that partner with the pro-life organization that offer support groups for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Embrace Graces 2021 Impact Report revealed the existence of 663 support groups across 48 states and seven countries.

The organization is one of several pro-life groups that have gained renewed national attention following the United States Supreme Courts June 24 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. In Dobbs, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution did not contain a right to abortion, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Following the Dobbs decision, several states have banned or added regulations on abortion. Pro-life activists like Live Action founder Lila Rose continue to stress the importance of providing for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, no matter where they live.

While the legality of abortion in the U.S. has changed in certain states, the mission of Embrace Grace remains the same: to inspire and equip the church to love on single and pregnant young women and their families.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Martinez extolled the work of Embrace Grace that gave her the strength to ditch her plan to have an abortion and refocus her life.

Maybe I could do this

I was 24 when I got pregnant, Martinez recalled. I had graduated college, had a really great job and was pretty self-sufficient, but I wanted to keep moving up in that company that I was with. And so, thats why I really wanted to have the abortion.

Martinez told CP that she wasnt married at the time and knew that if I was going to be a mom, that I was going to do it alone, adding, I knew that nobody else was going to parent with me.

Having made up her mind that she was going to have an abortion, Martinez needed somebody to take me to my appointment and pick me up from the appointment and it couldnt be Uber because it had to be the same person signing off that they were going to take care of me.

Martinez sought help from her sister, who is three years younger and already had experience with Embrace Grace. She really tried to talk me out of it, but I was pretty adamant, Martinez said, referring to the abortion that had already been scheduled.

Seeing that Martinez was determined to abort her baby, her sister sought help from Embrace Graces group leader Amy Ford, who co-founded the organization. Ford advised Martinezs sister to speak words of life over her.

You encourage her, and you tell her she could be a good mom, Ford advised.

When Martinezs sister explained that she already did that and thats not working, Ford agreed to meet and present her with a box like those going to pregnancy centers to help moms make a life-affirming decision for their [babies].

Since Martinez lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex where Embrace Grace is located, Ford was able to meet and present her with a gift bag and offer her support.

The Love Box Martinez received, which was called the Love Bag at the time, contained all the items included in a typical package delivered to a pregnancy resource center except the addition of a onesie.

She let me open it as if it was a gift and read the handwritten letter that was in there. She read it out loud to me, and just told me that I was a really great aunt, and I could be a  really amazing mom, too, and I just needed to trust that God had a plan for me, Martinez said. I abandoned the appointment. I never went.

While nobody put pressure on Martinez to have an abortion, the few people in her life she talked to about the pregnancy said they would support her no matter what decision she made. Her sister was the exception, however, pleading for her babys life: Dont have an abortion.

Martinez responded to her sisters persistence by giving her an ultimatum: Either youre going to help me or youre not. Her sister ultimately assured her that shed be supportive regardless of her ultimate decision. But she continued to call things out in me and really helped me see that this wasnt about an abortion, this was about me stepping into a greater calling, she added.

Along with her sisters insistence that she change her mind about abortion, Martinez said the book she received as part of the Love Box, titled A Bump in Life, also inspired her to cancel the abortion clinic appointment. The evening before she was scheduled to have the first abortion clinic appointment, Martinez stayed up all night reading the book because she couldnt sleep. The book contained stories of mothers who chose life after facing unplanned pregnancies.

Maybe it wasnt the healthiest thing to do, but I really was comparing my situation with the ones in the stories, and I just kept thinking, Wow, if she could do that, then I could do that, she said. Some of them were homeless; some of them conceived out of rape; some of them were pastors kids and there was a lot of pressure on them. For me ... that wasnt the case.

Martinez realized that, unlike the women in the book, I did have a job, I did have a home, I did have a family who  I knew would be supportive. When it got time for me to head over to the abortion clinic, I couldnt do it and I didnt want to do it. She attributed her hesitancy about having the abortion to the book, which helped plant seeds of  hope in me that I could be a good mom, that I could do this.

That book was in the bag that was gifted to me from my sister and so, I just picked it up and read it. I think I could have read any other book, but I just happened to pick up that one and I really started to think maybe I could have a baby, maybe I could be a good mom; maybe I could do this. And then my alarm went off for me to get ready for the day and that was the day I was going to have the abortion. And I think in some ways, that book stuck with me throughout the day.

Martinez told CP she was grateful to have her sister beside her at this point in her life. She knew that once I said I cant do it, she wasnt going to let me change my mind again.

What the church is supposed to look like

After deciding to continue her pregnancy, Martinez developed a relationship with Embrace Grace. She credits the ministry with helping her to deepen her faith.

Before really understanding who God was, I  just went to church on Sunday and I knew that I  felt like I was breaking all of the rules that had been set for me, like the Ten Commandments and the things that are said in the Bible that youre not supposed to do, and I was doing them all, Martinez shared.

And then I would go to church on Sunday and ask for forgiveness and then start all over again. And so, it was just this  vicious cycle but I didnt have a relationship with the Lord. I knew how to go to church, I knew how to pray, but that was it.

Hannah Morris, donor relations manager for Embrace Grace, described her organizations 12-week program for single mothers facing unplanned pregnancies as a source of emotional support, spiritual support [and] practical support.

Embrace Grace enabled Martinez to discover that God already had this plan and that by  getting pregnant  He wasnt disappointed in me, and He wasnt angry with me. From there, Martinez started to see God in a different way and trust Him in a lot of areas.

I surrendered my life to God for the last time and Im not exaggerating, she declared. Ive probably done it several hundred times and tried and tried and tried and it was like this rock bottom point for me that I was pregnant, and I knew that my baby wasnt conceived in a way that I could be proud of, but I could still be someone He could be proud of.

As part of the Embrace Grace program, support group members throw a baby shower for the expectant mother, which Martinez fondly remembered as overwhelming. Martinez had begun attending a nearby church that partnered with Embrace Grace but did not officially join the faith community.

Leading up to the baby shower, two women at the church adopted Martinez and her then-unborn baby for a baby shower and bought numerous baby items and wrapped the gifts in celebration of her and her unborn child.

At Martinezs baby shower, members of the support group stacked the presents really, really high on this table to the point where you couldnt see the other side of the room because the stack of gifts was so high.

While she didnt know these women, Martinez discovered that they were so excited to meet me and they just said, I want to know everything about you. They also shared their enthusiasm for her and her new life: We could not wait to buy gifts for you and your baby.

Martinezs father, who helped her take the numerous gifts to her apartment, asked, You mean to tell me that people that you dont know from a church that you dont regularly go to bought you all these gifts? When she answered in the affirmative, her father replied, Thats what the church is supposed to look like. Thats what its supposed to be, he added as tears filled his eyes.

I could not agree with him more that thats what it was supposed to look like. Its just helping and loving people where theyre at, without the expectation of what you think they should be doing or who you think they should be.

To this day, Martinez stays in contact with the church ladies who threw her a baby shower. They put their names and numbers in a card for me, and I remember for birthdays after that, I would send them pictures and just tell them how thankful I was for them.

Being a mom isnt the end of the world

Martinezs pregnancy marked the beginning of her relationship with Embrace Grace. Deciding that she had to help other moms see that abortion isnt a solution even though it feels like one, Martinez began volunteering there all the time.

I would take days off work to volunteer and build those Love Boxes and write those letters and talk to anybody who was there, anybody who would listen," she told CP. I would tell them about what I experienced, how I abandoned my abortion appointment and how my life really changed after I got to understand who God was and the relationship He wanted with me through Embrace Grace and how pro-lifers arent angry people and they didnt only care about my baby.

I just knew that if I could help just one mom understand that being a mom isnt the end of the world, then I did something right and I did something to help somebody the way that I was helped, Martinez proclaimed.

For her part, Martinez discovered this soon after giving birth to her son, Mateo, on Aug. 1, 2016.

Once I had my baby, everything shifted, she explained. Perspectives shifted and I really just became a lot more thankful and grateful for my parents and for their support in so many aspects and really being able to see what Embrace Grace was doing for moms.

Martinez eventually transitioned from volunteering at Embrace Grace on the side to working for the ministry full time after employees there asked if she had a job and encouraged her to send them her resume. After a couple of interviews, they hired me and Ive been there for five years now and hopefully for a lot more because this is my dream job. I love it.

In addition to transitioning to full-time work at Embrace Grace, Martinez started Embrace Life, a ministry for single parents, at her church. She attended a church with an Embrace Grace group during her pregnancy and later learned there was another campus of the same church much closer to her home: I knew that I wanted to start an Embrace Grace group at some point. I think I just wanted to get single motherhood under my belt first.

Martinez described the other members of the Embrace Life group at her church as like family, adding, My son loves them all.

As Morris highlighted, Embrace Life is a yearlong program that focuses on practical needs in addition to helping participants discover their identity in Christ.

They talk about budgeting, they talk about parenting, they talk about dating while youre a single mom, she said. We also have a group for dads called Embrace Legacy.

With Mateo recently celebrating his sixth birthday, Martinez has come to fully embrace motherhood.

My son is 6 years old and hes my only one, she said. Its just me and him.  Hes literally the love of my life. He really is. I thought he would ruin my life and hes done so much to just enrich it, to just make it this beautiful life.

I always say that the Love Box saved my baby. And in a lot of ways, my son saved me, Martinez added. He really helped me to step into being brave.

The proud mother described her son as this combination of silly and goofy and sweet and tender. She expressed gratitude that hes not afraid to stand up for people, stressing that he is absolutely fearless and amazing.

Martinez declared that she cant imagine doing life without God, whom she credited for helping develop positive character traits in her son: He stood in the gaps for me and my son in so many ways every single day. I dont think that I could have taught him that on my own. I definitely needed God in those areas to show him his full potential really.

Front row seats to miracles

In her role as group coordinator for Embrace Grace, Martinez has sat in several front row seats to miracles. She has worked there full-time for five years after spending a year volunteering.

Working at Embrace Grace, I get to see so many miracles that are happening all over the nation and in different parts of the world. She identified some of her favorite moments on the job as phone calls from group leaders discussing how this girls in a really hard situation and I dont know what to do, I dont know how to help her. Martinez said she stresses to concerned group leaders that we can do only one piece of the puzzle, and we get to trust God to do the rest.

Martinez expressed gratitude for all the times when they call back and they say, Youre not going to believe that God has come through for this mom.

Embrace Grace group leaders regularly pray that God will come through for women facing unplanned pregnancies, she added. My favorite part is when leaders are sharing stories about how moms come in and theyre shy and reserved and theyre not trusting and when they leave, theyre on fire for God and they cant wait to get more.

Although Embrace Grace primarily distributes Love Boxes in bulk to pro-life pregnancy centers, sometimes the organization receives calls from people around the country who are saying, I know somebody whos pregnant and she has an abortion appointment. Embrace Grace's founder heard a similar plea from Martinezs sister in January 2016.

In those cases, Martinez said Embrace Grace staff members always offer to talk to that mom.

If shes open to talking with us, wed love to talk with her and then we can always try and send her a Love Box. We try to overnight a Love Box to her so that she can get one if theres not one available at the pregnancy center near her. Or [if] she doesnt want to go to the pregnancy center, well overnight a Love Box to her.

While Embrace Grace is located in the Dallas area, Martinez said the organization works to reach more churches across the U.S. and around the world by going to conferences and using social media. We have a team thats dedicated to reaching out to anybody and everybody whos reaching out to us about starting a group. And they talk with them. They answer their questions, they help their pastors capture the vision of Embrace Grace as well.

God is amazing, and He just keeps opening these doors and these opportunities for people to continue to share about us, she declared. We have many denominations who host Embrace Grace groups.

Martinez encouraged prospective partner churches to preview Embrace Grace, see what its about and see if its a fit for their church. Those hoping to start an Embrace Group at their church can find more information on the organizations website.

Speaking about the impact the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision had on Embrace Grace, Martinez said she has personally seen more [support] groups come about. I think people now understand that these moms need help.

Were starting to see an uptick in groups. Were starting to see an uptick in people trying to gather more resources to share with moms. The big thing for moms who are abortion-minded or who just dont want to be pregnant, they dont know what resources are out there. And so, people are trying to gather resources to give to these moms to say, Hey, heres everybody you can reach out to to help you, and one of those is Embrace Grace.

Morris also expressed gratitude for the across the board uptick in donations Embrace Grace had received since the Dobbs decision, specifically pointing to an increase in churches stepping up to start groups as well as monetary gifts. Its been amazing, she said. The amount of Love Boxes that were sending out has increased. More girls are going to pregnancy centers and more love boxes are being handed out.

Martinez concluded the interview with CP by crediting Embrace Grace with helping to show pro-life people in a new light. The organization, she reiterated, makes them more real, more human and shows moms that pro-life people arent angry.

Her favorite part of Embrace Grace is that they like to take care of moms by ensuring that the babys going to be taken care of. They really care about mom, and they really want her to be the best, healthiest version of herself so she can be the best, healthiest version for her baby.

Relational and transformational

Highlighting the work the organization does and the relationships it cultivates with pregnancy centers and churches, Morris said Embrace Grace works with over 500 pregnancy centers in the U.S., and said support groups have increased to more than 800 following the Dobbs decision.

We provide Love Boxes to a pregnancy center if theres a group within 30 miles of that pregnancy center. We dont want to give Love Boxes out to a girl if theres not a group for her to go to. And so, as new groups start, we connect with pregnancy centers surrounding that area where that group is.

Morris added, We have someone on staff who builds relationships with those pregnancy centers, makes sure that they have Love Boxes to give out and have a full understanding of what we do and what the Love Box does.

Embrace Graces headquarters has a volunteer station where volunteers work to assemble the Love Boxes, which the group sends to pregnancy centers based on the need for them.

Churches also have the option to purchase Love Boxes. A church can do an outreach where they purchase Love Boxes and then they assemble the Love Boxes as a group. And then they take the Love Boxes to their local pregnancy center so that also is kind of a bridge from the church to pregnancy centers to get them connected and a relationship going on, she added.

The work culture at Embrace Grace is relational and transformational as opposed to transactional, Morris said. Thats how we treat our group leaders and our pastors that have groups.

Our focus and mission really is to teach and train the church to walk alongside these moms, she said. So, our hope is that they are in a deep relationship with these moms to get them really plugged in and connected to their church, to the local church.

Although it has now been several years since Martinez went through the Embrace Grace program, she still benefits from the generosity of the organizations donors. Earlier this year, an anonymous donor gifted a car to the pro-life ministry, which Embrace Grace then traded in for two less expensive cars.

The organization gave the two cars away to single mothers, one of whom was Martinez. At the time of the car donation earlier this year, Martinez had a car that was consistently breaking down while the other single mom who received a vehicle did not have a car at all.

We had a donor who reached out and she said, Hey, I have a car and I really feel like were supposed to give it to a single mom. And so, some of us on staff really prayed about who the car was supposed to [go to].

Morris expressed hope that sharing the story about the car donation would compel other people and encourage them that if they have the means to do something like that, thats another way that they can meet the needs of a single mom.
Home News Evangelists beaten unconscious, left in 'pool of blood'

NAIROBI, Kenya  Two evangelists are still receiving hospital treatment two weeks after hardline Muslims in eastern Uganda beat them unconscious for proclaiming Christ, sources said.

Samuel Mukiibi, 27, and Ephraim Duula, 25, in the last six years have led several Muslims to Christ. They were attacked on May 16 near Naigombwa swamp near Bukwanga village, Iganga Sub-County in Iganga District, in eastern Uganda.

After an evangelistic outreach in the Nambale area on May 13-16, they left at about 4 p.m. local time after open-air preaching and were approaching the swamp when three Muslims blocked the road, said Mukiibi.

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They stopped us and asked us to renounce Jesus Christ, whom we were preaching at Naigombwa trading center for four days, Mukiibi told Morning Star News. At the same time, they wanted to forcefully circumcise us as per Islamic teaching for us to live. We totally refused, and they started beating us badly with sharp objects and left us unconscious in a coma in a pool of blood.

The assailants took their Bibles and Gospel tracts, he said.

I managed to identify one of the attackers named Murshidi, who was calling the other attackers by Islamic names, Mukiibi said. My colleague, Duula, suffered serious bleeding coming out of his ears, bruised face and a deep cut in his left hand, while myself I had a twisted neck, swollen face and neck.

They regained consciousness in a hospital in Iganga, where they learned that motorcycle riders led by a man identified only as Dauson rescued them.

Dauson said he knew their pastor.

We found the two evangelists bleeding seriously, picked up Mukiibis phone and rung the pastor who came to the hospital immediately, Dauson said.

Iganga District is a heavily Muslim area of Uganda. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

This article was originally published by Morning Star News.
Home News Fatherlessness an 'epidemic' Satan uses to undermine God's plan, Church must step up: filmmaker

Eric Swithin, founder of The Alliance for Ending the Fatherless Epidemic, believes that most of the issues permeating society can be traced back to fatherlessness, an epidemic he says the devil is using to undermine Gods plan for the world He created.

God designed us to be a bottom-to-the-top program. We are designed to be family units that create more worshipers. As we have healthy families, we spread that health throughout the nation and throughout the world, Swithin told The Christian Post.

So let's look at the enemy strategy. If we believe that God's original plan is to create more worshipers and spread people who love Him throughout the planet  if I was Satan, I would go tear apart the house, I would take that out. And I would breed brokenness in that home that then breeds brokenness in those children, and so forth.

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The enemy is also giving people a dramatically skewed perception of who God is, he added. If you don't have a loving, tender, caring, nurturing, present Father, how could you possibly know a perfect, tender, nurturing, forgiving, redeeming, loving Father God?

Motivated by the belief that the Church needs to be on the frontlines combatting the fatherlessness epidemic, Swithin created The Alliance for Ending the Fatherless Epidemic, a network of Christ-centered ministries across the U.S. who are committed to ending the fatherless epidemic through mentorship by sharing resources, ideas, best practices and wisdom. He also serves as the executive director of Outdoor Adventures, a camp ministry for fatherless youth.

A father of two biological children and seven unofficially adopted sons, Swithin believes mentorship is key to ending the issue of fatherlessness. He shared sobering statistics surrounding the fatherless epidemic: An estimated 90% of those in prison come from fatherless homes; fatherless young men are 279% more likely to carry a gun illegally and deal drugs; girls from a fatherless home are 900% more likely to be vulnerable to sexual abuse, and boys from a fatherless home are 14 times more likely to become a rapist.

We can talk about poverty, education, mental illness, substance abuse, and on and on, he said. These are all traced back to a fatherlessness issue.

About three years ago, Swithin felt God calling him to make a documentary confronting the issue of fatherlessness. The movie, The Fatherless Epidemic, can be watched for free on YouTube and challenges the Church to step up and address the issue in tangible ways.

We still, as Christians, have the ability to breed healthy families and to raise our children to love God. But what about all those that don't? Well, that's where the Church gets to fill the gap, he said. He referenced James 1:27, which challenges Christians to look after the fatherless and widowed.

It's not a suggestion, he emphasized. Its the Church's job to notice the single mom and to notice the fatherless amongst them in their pews. And once we get good at taking care of single moms in our church and fatherless kids within our church, then we go to step two, which is to go across the railroad tracks and start taking care of kids in broken places and dark spaces. And if we get good at that, we could also go overseas and do that too.

For Swithin, his passion for ending the fatherlessness epidemic comes from a personal place. The product of a broken home, he had a strained relationship with his father as a young man, leaving him with an internal "gaping wound."

"Because of that, I sought validation in all the wrong places," he said. "You name it, I did it. I should literally be dead or in prison. After redemption through Christ, my deepest wounds, my deepest pains, the things from my past that hurt the most that God has healed me from, now are my greatest sources of compassion. I see myself in those kids that we're going after.

Swithins personal story is interwoven in the documentary: As an adult, he reconciled with his father, who was able to watch the film before he passed away last month after a brief battle with cancer.

He said the proudest thing in his life was his kids and the accomplishment of being in that film, Swithin said.

Since The Fatherless Epidemic premiered on March 31, Swithin said hes seen fathers and children reunited, hurts forgiven and old wounds healed after watching the film.

We had fathers repent and ask their kids for forgiveness for not being the dad that he could have been or should have been, he said. We've had tons of churches step up and say, You're right. We need to do something about this. We haven't even really noticed the single moms in our pews on Sunday mornings and on Wednesdays.

And through The Fatherless Epidemic  and through his organization  Swithin hopes the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of believers and challenges them to do their part in ending the crisis of fatherlessness across the U.S.

Were hoping that theyre going to engage in this mission, that the Church would no longer be a sleeping army, but it would be a Church that's mobilized and ready to fill in the gap for those kids that need a positive, loving role model to point them towards a perfect Heavenly Father.
Home News India: Hindu fundamentalists demand ban of Christian symbols in schools

Christian leaders in India are decrying a threat made by a Hindu fundamentalist group that wants to ban Christian symbols in schools, including crosses, statues and religious dress.

"Christian missionaries are converting schools and educational institutes into religious institutes," said Satya Ranjan Borah, president of the Hindu nationalist group Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (Family Safety Council). "We will not allow it."

The comments were made publicly on Feb. 7 at a news conference in Assam state, located in northeast India.

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One week later, Borah followed up the threat with a letter addressed to prominent Christian leaders in the area, claiming that the dress of Catholic fathers and sisters, the installation of idols of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, the sign of the cross, and churches inside the campuses of educational institutions are exclusionary religious practices.

"You are hereby requested within the next 10 days to remove all kind of exclusive religious items from the campus of the school for maintaining the secular values of the country," the letter said.

"This threat does not bode well for practice of our faith here," said Rev. Chowaram Daimary, general secretary of the ecumenical Assam Christian Forum (ACF), a group comprised of Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical churches in Assam.

At an emergency meeting on Feb. 14, the ACF responded to Borah's warnings.

"We are disturbed by the threats to educational institutions and the demands for the removal of Christian symbols by some fringe elements. Some of them demand that Hindu worship be performed in our schools. We reject these demands and quest the state authorities to take action against these elements who are a threat to our civilized society."

After the meeting, the ACF urged the BJP government of Assam "to take action against these elements who are a threat to civilized society and are against the rights given to us by the Constitution of India."

"We are not going to be intimidated by such tactics," said Catholic Archbishop John Moolachira, president of the ACF. "We have decided to continue the way our people dress, as it is our fundamental right."

Though there have been no physical attacks on Christian institutions in Assam due to the tensions, threatening posters have been hung on the walls of some Baptist and Catholic schools and other churches throughout Assam.

"They have pasted the threat letter even on one of our most remote churches," said Rev. Bernard Marak, vice president of the ACF and leader of the Assam Baptist Convention. "There is a hidden agenda behind these threats, to threaten the Christian community to live under the dictations of Hindu fundamentalists. They want to drive fear in the Christian community and remind us that we can live only under their terms. This is a very dangerous situation, but the government is remaining silent."

Contrary to the Hindu fundamentalists' repeated allegations of conversion tactics against Christians in the region, government data shows that Christians account for only 2.7% of Assam's 35 million population. Christian institutions were established in Assam state 200 years ago, and today, a majority of the nearly 500 schools and other institutions in the state are run by the Catholic Church.
Home News Korean Methodists debate cutting ties with UMC after votes allowing same-sex marriage, gay clergy

As the United Methodist Church recently made decisions at its general conference regarding the ordination of homosexual pastors, among other issues, it has stirred repercussions in Korea, where there are divergent reactions among among Korean-American Methodist pastors.

On the one hand, some pastors within the Korean Methodist Church argue that the church should sever ties with the UMC. Voices advocating for this stance have been growing within the Korean Christian Holiness Movement (KCHM), including the Methodist Holiness Movement Conference (MHMC), the Movement to Rebuild the Methodist Church (MRMC) and the Wesleyan Holiness Movement Headquarters (WHMH).

In a statement issued after the UMC General Conference, they expressed, "Homosexuality cannot be accepted until the Lord returns. This is not an emotional issue but a matter of unchangeable truth. Homosexuality is clearly a sin." They further stated, "This is an issue concerning the sanctity of life that the church must teach correctly, without compromise. Therefore, the Korean Methodist Church cannot continue to associate with the United Methodist Church, which supports homosexuality."

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Demanding that the Korean Methodist Church clearly express its opposition to homosexuality through administrative procedures, they warned, "Otherwise, both internally and externally, the Korean Methodist Church will inevitably be treated similarly to the United Methodist Church."

Recently, the MHMC held an Emergency Seminar and Meeting in Response to the UMC Crisis at Incheon Sungui Methodist Church, where Pastor Nak-in Kim (retired from Lord's Church in Southern California) lectured, highlighting the pro-homosexual trends within the UMC.

On the other hand, pastors from the Korean-American UMC Conference expressed concerns about recent decisions at the UMC General Conference while suggesting different circumstances in the U.S. and Korea be considered. Currently, there are approximately 220 Korean churches within the UMC, with around 800 Korean pastors and about 30,000 Korean congregants.

One Korean-American pastor from the UMC Conference mentioned that most Korean pastors within the UMC either received their ordination from the UMC after studying in Korea or were ordained in Korea before coming to the UMC. He explained, "In other words, pastors trained according to Korean church tradition are serving within the UMC."

He emphasized the need to consider the situation in the U.S., likening it to the passage of anti-discrimination laws in 2015, which made it a legal requirement not to inquire about one's sexual orientation.

He argued that "the recent decision at the UMC General Conference regarding homosexuality is not about promoting or instigating homosexuality but rather removing discriminatory language aimed at prohibiting the ordination of homosexuals."

"While it's true that deleting this clause removes questions about sexual orientation, it doesn't necessarily lead to an increase in homosexual pastors or have a significant impact on Korean churches."

He added that "even in this situation, Korean churches can surely uphold the traditional faith we have maintained and protect the Church, as laws have been passed to support this within the UMC."

At the recent General Conference, the UMC allowed individual churches to refuse the appointment of homosexual pastors and to autonomously decide on the hosting of same-sex marriages or related ceremonies.

Expressing his main concern, he said, "What we are most worried about is still the possibility of turmoil and division within Korean-American Methodist churches, which could threaten and divide the church. The exploitation of this UMC General Conference decision for malicious purposes cannot be overlooked."

UMC held its General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 23 to May 3. During this period, decisions related to sexuality were made, including supporting the equal rights, freedoms and protections of all people regardless of sexual orientation (amendment to social principles), removing the mandatory penalty of unpaid leave for over one year for clergy convicted of performing same-sex marriages or ceremonies, and removing the prohibition on the ordination of homosexual pastors.

This General Conference was overshadowed by many churches within the denomination leaving over the past four years due to perceived pro-homosexual tendencies within the UMC. It is reported that the number of churches that have withdrawn so far amounts to over 7,600, about a quarter of UMC churches in the U.S.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily Korea and translated into English and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
Home News Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee asks for prayers as she battles pancreatic cancer

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, an Adventist, asked her constituents for their prayerful support Sunday night as she announced she is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and plans to lean on her doctors and faith to beat it.

"My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service. As a member of Congress, I've been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all, especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage," Jackson Lee, 74, said in a statement.

"My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year."

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The lawmaker, who has been in office since 1995, was born to Jamaican parents in New York City. She has been a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist and attends an Adventist church in Houston.

It is unclear Monday what stage Jackson Lee's cancer is in. Data from a recent study published by Frontiers in Medicine shows that pancreatic cancer "has a poor prognosis and remains one of the most deadly types of cancer."

In 2020, for example, there were 496,773 pancreatic cancer cases, and 466,003 of those diagnoses ended in death, making it the seventh most common cause of cancer death.

"Only 5% of PC cases are diagnosed early, and thus most patients are in the locally advanced or metastatic stage. More than 90% of people with PC die from the disease due to its characteristics, which include its rapid spread and difficulty in treatment," researchers said.

In her statement Sunday, Jackson Lee insisted that "God will strengthen me."

"I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me," she said.

Despite her diagnosis, Jackson Lee assured constituents in Texas' 18th congressional district that even when she has to be "occasionally absent from Congress" to receive treatment, her office will ensure that it will continue to serve them.

"Serving as your representative in Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day. As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect," Jackson Lee said.

"I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people. By God's grace, I will be back at full strength soon," she added. "Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America."
Home News Single mothers, fatherless son helping other families facing abandonment through global ministry

South African-born ministry leader Thembi Myeni will never forget the intense grief and heartbreak she felt the day the father of her son denied paternity and left her to raise her small son, Solami Myeni, and his brother as a single mother.

Myeni, 59, told The Christian Post in an interview that there was no easy way to prepare for a life of single motherhood and no easy remedy to the abandonment her son felt. While raising her son in South Africa, Thembi Myeni said she saw him harboring unforgiveness and showing sadness from the pain of not having his father in his life.

For many years, she felt rejected and unresolved guilt. When her son was 9 in 1999, he attended a boarding school in South Africa, where he read the Bible with a teacher who taught Scripture to children during free periods.

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In the summer of 1999, when Solami Myeni was home on vacation from school, Thembi Myeni remembers accidentally walking in on her son reading Scripture from the Bible one day. At that moment, she said she began to ponder God in her heart.

In the years to come, Solami and Thembi Myeni began to study the Bible together, and nine years later, in 2008, they both gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Through the transforming power of the Lord, both their hearts began a healing process, and they began to live holy and redeemed lives.

Over a decade later, as believers in the faith, the mother-son duo said God ignited a fiery desire and compassion in their hearts for others. Their eyes opened to see a dire need for other single mothers and fatherless children to learn about the life-altering power of Jesus Christ.

Thembi Myeni joined with another single mother, Jeanette Munsami, and with the help of her son, they founded a ministry in 2019 called Single Moms Raising Sons. The ministry seeks to pass on the healing touch of the Gospel to others suffering through single motherhood and fatherlessness.

"Me and the other woman who co-founded our ministry both have our own experiences with what it feels like to be a single mother. Being a single mother is a unique experience for every mother involved. Being a single mother, for me, involved juggling between work and family and not being able to even answer questions that your kids are asking," Thembi Myeni said.

"When Solami went to boarding school at 9 years old, and I found him reading a Bible, I didn't know what it was all about. But, fast forward to when he was nearly 20 years old, that's when my intimacy with the Lord actually grew. Ever since that time when I found him reading a Bible, it seems to me that Solami never felt fatherless again because he had a connection with God as his Father," she continued.

"I think stemming from there, Salami knows exactly how it feels to have God as his Father. That's why he is better positioned to lead these young men in our ministry to a Father who will never leave nor forsake us. I think both of us have experiences of the Person of Jesus filling a void in us."

Five years after the global ministry's inception, hundreds of single mothers and sons without fathers have been exposed to Bible studies in South Africa and parts of the United States, Canada, Zimbabwe and Ukraine through the nonprofit faith-based organization's on-the-ground and virtual efforts.

The Bible studies  which have been translated into the various languages it currently supports  are unique to the struggles faced in single motherhood and fatherless sonship.

'Identity in Christ'

Single Moms Raising Sons offers six camps catering to the needs of male children and teenagers ages 6 to 12 who are growing up without a father, one camp for ages 13 to 18 and another for men ages 19 to 24.

"Our camps all start with biblical teachings surrounding the topic of identity. When we teach on identity, we teach these kids specifically about identity in Christ," said 34-year-old Solami Myeni, who has worked primarily with males in the ministry setting on the ground in Durban, South Africa.

"Every single thing stems from there. ... When we teach them about love and respect, all of these things then go from: 'I respect those who respect me,' to 'I am respectful because I am,' and 'I love because I am.' And we teach them that everything draws from their Maker in Christ."

Another theme that the ministry's Bible studies teach men is forgiveness.

"Forgiveness is a tough one. I can say that in the first class we ever taught on that topic, there were a lot of tears in the mentors and in the boys. It is a topic that we actually get excited about, but we know it's never an easy one," he said.

"We understand that some of the boys say very early, 'I can't forgive.' In those cases, we have to take more time outside of the camps. We take them offline, and we check on them at home, and we keep working with them."

The Bible-centered programs for fatherless men ages 19 to 24 offer three camps.

The first camp is called "Who am I?" The second camp is "Who does God say I am?" The third camp is called "Who do I choose to be?"

"The 'Who am I?' is very important because a lot of these boys think that because their mothers have suffered through immense pain, they are then useless and nothing like their fathers, and this has been entrenched in their minds," Solami Myeni said.

"We work through those emotions all the way through to 'Who does God say I am?' and 'Who do I choose to be?' These sessions help them rediscover themselves and understand who their Maker says they are."

For men ages 25 and over, the ministry offers a structure called Memoranda Fire in which roughly 20 men spend time together bonding, discussing and working through different issues in a therapeutic fashion.

"One of the reasons our ministry targets men is because we identified some of the major issues in society when it comes to males growing up without fathers. Those issues are high rates of suicide, the high rate of violent rape offenders, high risk of runaways. These are usually the majority of kids that are raised by single mothers who are fatherless," Solami Myeni said.

God's promises for single mothers

According to the ministry website, Bible studies that cater to single mothers cover various life challenges by guiding women to look at their issues through a biblical lens.

Topics covered include "self-worth, shame and regret, forgiveness, doubt and discouragement, trauma recovery, grief, fear of the future and 'does God even see me?'"

The study takes the mothers on a "journey" to learn from and draw wisdom for "your own life." Through the study, mothers learn to "denounce and reject the shame and lies that keep you from embracing your true identity in Jesus Christ" and "conquer the bitterness, regret and past disappointments" that hold them back. The study also helps the mothers "discover the incredible promises and calling" God has for their lives.

"Close the door to fear and doubt to walk in complete confidence in your future," the website reads. "We know that being a single mother is hard, but studying these single mothers in the Bible stories to be a reminder to you that God has not forgotten about you. And as he saw these women through, He will see you through as well."

The ministry helps single mothers be better equipped to raise their fatherless sons and helps the fatherless sons understand his identity and role in his home and as a child of God.

"One of the things we try to do through the mothers' Bible studies is we try to have the mothers understand herself in Christ, and what Christ says about her. Because a lot of times, she gets ostracized by society and by the Church. We want her to understand what God said and not what maybe somebody else who may be carrying their own pain says. And we want the fatherless boys to understand himself and his true identity in Christ," Solami Myeni said.

"Encountering Christ doesn't mean there won't be challenges. But, even for me, when I first encountered Christ as a fatherless son, through the pain I experienced from not having a father, there was always a peace that surpasses all understanding that I had from knowing Christ," he continued.

"Even in the darkest of times, I often explained to other people that as a fatherless son, it sometimes felt like I was breathing perfectly fine underwater because I had Christ. But, there's also an undeniable frustration that comes at times, that says: 'But my God walks on water, why do I have to breathe underwater?' But then, the peace of Christ always comes in to remind me that regardless of where I am, even if it feels like I can't breathe through the ups and downs of life, He is with me, and He'll never leave me or forsake me."

A voice for the voiceless

Since discovering Christ and journeying through Bible studies as he has aided in spearheading the ministry, Solami Myeni has kept himself from holding onto resentment towards his father for abandonment.

"Being in Christ is very peaceful. I think my journey with Christ and just having Him, even in this situation, made it just so smooth, and I literally have zero resentment towards my father. I have nothing like that," Solami Myeni said.

"Now, it's just a matter of how I use my past experiences to help other men and boys and how I need to teach others and share with them how to let go, especially in situations where a lot of the guys have had bad experiences with their fathers involving extreme rejection."

Thembi Myeni said she writes Bible studies for women and interacts mostly with women on the ground more than with the boys when running the ministry alongside her co-founder Munsami and her son.

"For me, the most rewarding part of running my ministry is to see the women finding stories that they identify themselves within the Bible and seeing them beginning to know who God is and how God sees them," she said. "My hope for my ministry is to continue to see the lasting transformation in people's lives and for them to want to build more communities where they invite other women and men to be part of the Bible studies."

"A lot of times, these stories in the Bible about single mothers and their plight are studies that are rarely preached from the pulpit. I just love seeing how the women groups have grown to numbers in the hundreds simply because these women are able to see their stories covered," she continued.

"It gives a voice to women that often feel voiceless and it feels to them like God knows their stories and knows them each personally. That's why these stories are in the Bible. These stories begin to transform their lives because of their willingness to go through the program and they begin to experience true forgiveness, even after abandonment and rejection."
Home Opinion Reframing the Artificial Intelligence conversation

A recent letter signed by more than 200 musical artists calls AI developers, technology companies, platforms and digital music services to cease the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists. Though the letter acknowledges that when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity, it argues that irresponsible uses pose enormous threats to our ability to protect our privacy, our identities, our music and our livelihoods. AI, in other words, will upset the status quo.

The letter is representative of the sorts of objections we consistently face when we consider the negative consequences of AI. It addresses issues of economics, identity, privacy, and the erosion of values (e.g., human creativity expressed through music). In addition to mirroring the concerns many of us have about AI in other domains and fields, the letter illustrates a flaw in the way we think about AI. In particular, identifying responsible and irresponsible uses of AI is unhelpful because it masks an underlying set of trade-offs we are making even when our use of AI is responsible.

AI will change the world. As it does so, it will have varied effects on all of us. AI will define some new normal to which all of us will need to adjust. When we define certain uses of AI as irresponsible, we will tend to neglect responsible uses of AI that have negative consequences for various members of the population. Rather than considering responsible and irresponsible uses of AI, we need to decide what we are unwilling to give up regardless of the benefits AI promises to provide for some or most of us. AIs benefits are enticing, but every change involves loss. We need to seriously consider that loss.

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While we often think of technology as a means of progress, without some stable understanding of what it means to be human, we cant be sure whether we are moving forward or backward  only that we are moving. Progress cant just mean that we have invented some new device that has a specific set of benefits. It also has to mean that we arrange our individual and collective lives to privilege ideas like human creativity (or certain expressions of it), however difficult they may be to define, because we recognize them as valuable to our humanity. So, why might we decide that we care about human creativity?

First, we may conclude that humans are not simply consumers. Our relationships are not only transactional but storied. To some degree, we develop a relationship with those who produce the music, art, and literature we enjoy. Music, art, and literature are expressions of those who create them. As such, we encounter another human through the work they produce. We enter an interesting sort of dialogue that familiarizes us with other people who have taken the time to record their thoughts through lyrics, prose, pictures, and other media. While it is possible to enjoy a song, painting, or book without that connection, we can also point to a number of instances in which knowing something about the artist or author or the life setting which gave rise to the art produced enhances our appreciation of it. The final product is important, but the human effort and story behind the product often tie us to that product in a more intimate way (as any parent who has hung their childs drawing on the refrigerator will intuitively understand).

Second, we may come to certain convictions about what sort of effort we value and why. As someone who did a lot of art in high school and has done a lot of writing since, I tend to believe that the effort involved in such creative realms is valuable in and of itself. Could AI produce art and literature of a similar quality to humans? If it cant now, I assume it will be able to at some point in the future. The product, however, isnt the point. Instead, the point (or perhaps the thesis) is that effort  the energies we invest, sacrifices we make, and difficulties we suffer  forms us into a particular sort of people that a life without that effort cant. The product that AI cant replicate is not the art, literature, or lyric, but the human character forged through success and failure as we engage in our various creative endeavors.

Finally, we may find that chasing our desires and interests through digital technologies has not created a situation in which we are the best version of ourselves. Can we really say that journalism in the digital age is the journalism we want? Can we really say social media has encouraged us to be the sort of people weve always wanted to be? Do we think we can get from our current state to a more desirable state by outsourcing more of ourselves to technology? Do we need to reorient our desires and interests so that the technological tail is no longer wagging the human dog? These sorts of questions point us back to something far more crucial than the responsible and irresponsible use of technology. They prompt us to question whether our goals and aims have led us to the wrong place. If so, they also prompt us to consider where we want to be and how we intend to get there.

AI governance is, at best, a half-measure because it assumes that AI is inevitable. AI (and any other technology) has to be up for grabs because technology should not determine who we are as human beings. We need to consider what we are unwilling to surrender to AI and why. Human creativity and the efforts associated with its creation are not trivial. It isnt at all clear that replacing human creativity with AI creativity would be beneficial. To assert that AI will be a net gain for society, we must do more than identify its benefits. We must also account for the losses that may reduce human flourishing.

AI may well serve humanity, but we will never be sure of that until we consider deeply what it means to be human.
Carl Lentz launches new podcast about recovering from cheating scandal

Axed Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz has ended speculation about a possible return to the pulpit by announcing the launch of a new podcast.

Lentz was fired in November 2020 after admitting to adultery and has spent the last few years working on his marriage and spending time with his family.

After avoiding the limelight for some time, last year he revealed that he had joined the team at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a "strategist".

Last week he and wife Laura teased a "new chapter" was coming in their life, sparking speculation that Lentz might have been planning to return to frontline ministry.

That is not the case, however, as he has now confirmed on his Instagram that they are launching a new podcast instead.

The "Lights On" podcasts releases on 4 June and will delve into his journey towards recovery in the hopes that it will help other people heal from their "bad choices".

In a video posted to Instagram about the new podcast, Lentz said, "No I'm not back. That guy is gone."

"My choices, and the road toward recovery taught me how helpful it is to have people share vulnerably the impact of their bad choices, the pain they caused, and the pain they suffered that led them to make those choices, and what they've discovered can be helpful and healing," he said.

Lentz said he hoped "that in sharing those things from my story and asking others to share theirs, it will be helpful, hopeful and healing."

He added, "I'm thankful for where we are today,. To be confident of the future, content in the present and healed enough to speak to the past is miraculous. If we can make it, anybody can ... thank you for all the love and support!"
International community urged to act after death of Christian in Pakistan

A church leader in Pakistan is pleading with world leaders to take action after a Christian man died of his injuries 10 days after being attacked by a mob over alleged blasphemy.

Nazir Gill Masih, who was in his seventies, was attacked on 25 May in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha, by a mob accusing him of blasphemy.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) said the allegations against Masih were "dubious" and that religious minorities in Pakistan were "under increasing threat from flagrant misuse of the country's notorious blasphemy laws".

A Catholic bishop told ACN that unless the law is changed to make false blasphemy accusations an offence, Christians and other minorities will never feel safe in Pakistan.

Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan, said that many Christians are illiterate and would therefore be unlikely to intentionally commit blasphemy.

He urged the authorities must take action to stop false accusations and violent mobs from terrorising victims, their families and neighbours.

"It is very important that legislation is introduced whereby those found to have wrongly accused people of blasphemy are given sentences including jail terms," he said.

Blasphemy in Pakistan carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death sentence, but Christian and other human rights groups have warned that the laws are frequently abused.

Death sentences for blasphemy have traditionally been overturned by the courts but the appeals process often lasts years, in which time the accused is forced to remain behind bars. Even after being released, they risk being attacked and even killed by extremists.

Bishop Shukardin said that the failure of the authorities to deal adequately with blasphemy-related violence against Christians in the Punjab's Jaranwala district last year had emboldened the weaponisation of blasphemy laws against innocent minorities.

"Until the government is serous and makes laws to protect the minorities, especially the Christians who are the major minority in Punjab, the situation regarding misuse of blasphemy legislation will only get worse," he said.

"We are not asking for anything that is against the country of Pakistan. We are simply asking for the protection of our lives and the lives of our families."

He said that foreign pressure was the only way to force Pakistan to act to end the "alarming" increase in persecution against Christians and other minorities in Pakistan.

"Generally, when you see how many incidents have taken place, you begin to realise that these incidents are increasing day by day," he said.

Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, which provides free legal assistance to Pakistani Christians facing false blasphemy accusations, said he was "deeply saddened" by Masih's death.

"This barbaric act highlights the severe consequences of the misuse of blasphemy laws in our country and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in Pakistan's blasphemy laws," he said.

"As a human rights activist, I am profoundly distressed by this senseless loss of life and the violence that preceded it.

"The Pakistani government must take immediate and decisive action to prevent such tragedies in the future."

He added, "The death of Nazir Masih is a tragedy that should never have occurred. It is now the responsibility of the Pakistani government, with the support of the international community, to ensure that his death is not in vain."
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Breast Cancer Now logo

The Fundraising Regulator has criticised two charities and their subcontracted agencies after investigating complaints about correspondence with potentially vulnerable members of the public.

Its investigation into SOS Childrens Villages UK and agency Zen Fundraising Ltd found both breached its code of practice when a fundraiser continued to speak to an autistic member of the public, despite the person indicating that they did not want to engage.

Fundraisers were also recorded laughing at an offensive remark made by a passer-by, which breached the codes requirement of politeness.

The regulator also found that Breast Cancer Now and its contracted fundraising agency APPCO UK had breached its code, with the latter taking donations from a vulnerable individual they had good reason to believe lacked capacity.

Charity updating its fundraising training

Both SOS Childrens Villages and Zen Fundraising accepted the findings of the investigation, which ruled that neither acted in a discriminatory manner.

A spokesperson for the charity told Civil Society it takes adherence to the regulators code very seriously and that it has implemented recommendations from it such as updating its training to ensure fundraisers can better identify and take the needs of vulnerable individuals into account.

We have stringent contracts in place to ensure agencies contracted to undertake fundraising on our behalf abide by the Code of Fundraising Practice, and we undertake thorough training of all fundraisers and monitoring of performance, including spot checks and shadowing visits.

Breast Cancer Now reviews practices

The regulator found Breast Cancer Now breached its code by failing to ensure its subcontractor complied with it.

Both the charity and APPCO UK accepted the findings of the investigation.

A spokesperson from Breast Cancer Now told Civil Society: The safety and wellbeing of everyone engaged by our fundraisers is our top priority, and we take any complaints made extremely seriously.

We accept the recommendations in the Fundraising Regulators report regarding this complaint and have conducted a thorough review of our face-to-face fundraising practices to ensure all agency fundraisers working on our behalf fully adhere to our high standards and follow the code of conduct at all times.

APPCO UK has also worked with GOSH Charity this year, which recently reported itself to regulators over pressure-selling allegations.

Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: Charities and fundraising agencies should take careful note of our findings in these investigations.

Fundraisers must be trained to recognise when they might be interacting with a potentially vulnerable individual, and behave accordingly.

The Fundraising Regulator said it is also separately investigating SOS Childrens Villages and the National Deaf Childrens Society following allegations around fundraising practices in a WalesOnline report last year.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that a fundraiser from Zen Fundraising did not pressure a member of the public into donating and that this investigation was separate to allegations reported last year by WalesOnline.

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The chief executive of a charitable think tank has taken leave from his role after being selected as a Labour Party candidate in the upcoming general election.

Torsten Bell, who has led the Resolution Foundation since 2015, is taking leave to campaign in the Swansea West seat in Wales after being selected as Welsh Labours candidate last week.

A spokesperson for the charity, which aims to improve outcomes for people on low and modest incomes, confirmed that its deputy CEO Mike Brewer would lead the charity in his stead.

Green leader takes leave from charity role

Bell joins other charity leaders who have temporarily stepped down from their roles to focus on parliamentary campaigning including Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay.

Ramsay has led environmental charity the MCS Foundation since 2019 and will be taking unpaid leave to campaign in Waveney Valley, a new seat which sits across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The charitys director of external affairs David Cowdrey will be acting CEO until the election on 5 July, a spokesperson confirmed.

They said: The MCS Foundation remains apolitical and abides by all Charity Commission regulations.

The MCS Foundation encourages all political parties to commit to decarbonising homes, heat and energy and works with everyone across the political spectrum to drive positive change and further the mission of achieving a carbon-free future for all UK homes.

Meanwhile, Oasis Community Housing confirmed its CEO David Smith will take annual leave after being recently selected as Labours candidate in a newly-created North Northumberland seat.

Medical Aid for Palestinians chief executive Melanie Ward and International Rescue Committee UK executive director Laura Kyrke-Smith are also on leave while they campaign as Labour candidates.

Today, the Commission also published guidance for parliamentary candidates on how to engage with charities during the election period.

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NPC logo

The next government should vary gift aid by region so donations can help boost deprived areas, a think tank has argued.

It says a variable gift aid policy, or alternative tax incentive, would enable charities working in deprived areas to be given a greater tax break than those in more advantaged areas.

NPCs manifesto states incentives to get charities working in the right areas are a key part of delivering the next governments agenda.

Partners for Change makes eight recommendations for improving the relationship between government and the charity sector, and nine suggestions in specific policy areas where charities can be useful partners.

After the election, civil society should be a key partner in delivering the new governments plans to revitalise the country, it reads.

But at the moment, civil societys resources and expertise are being underutilised by the state.

Suggested policies

NPC says encouraging donors and philanthropists to give in the poorest areas of the country could help the new government deliver successful social change by boosting charitable activity where it is needed most.

It suggests that measures such as gift aid reform, tax incentives, and matched giving could be part of a national philanthropy and social investment strategy to maximise and effectively target giving.

The think tank is also calling for a national philanthropy and social investment strategy with charities and funders to maximise the amount of philanthropic giving in the UK.

It recommends reforming gift aid so that it is automatically collected, which it estimates would raise 564m in donations each year.

NPC is also calling for government departments to publish a strategy for how they will work with the voluntary sector.

A responsible director from each department would report progress to a council chaired by the prime minister.

It recommends that ministerial responsibility for civil society should be moved from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to a more central department like the Cabinet Office, where the brief previously sat.

Give civil society a strong voice in Whitehall

Leah Davis, NPCs head of policy and external affairs said: At the moment, giving and charity work arent happening where theyre most needed.

We can fix that with incentives on things like gift aid and matched giving, and bringing together existing funds to support health and jobs.

For a new government to deliver successfully, we will need a new partnership between charities and government.

This needs to include formal, permanent structures to give civil society a strong voice in Whitehall, local government, and the NHS.

Charities need to stay focused on maximising their impact, supported by high-quality data from government.

Wed also challenge larger national ones to consider what parts of their organisations they could move to boost local jobs and growth.

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In 2017, police in Laredo, Texas, issued an arrest warrant for Priscilla Villarreal Trevino, a citizen journalist who runs a bilingual Facebook page with more than two hundred thousand followersnearly as many people as live in the city.

Villarreal is known locally as La Gordiloca, which roughly translates to the chubby crazy lady, though it has a more affectionate connotation in Spanish. ( Everything sounds better in Spanish, she told me.) Shes known for spitfire Spanglish livestreams and videos of local crime and corruption. In a 2019 profile, the New York Times described her as the swearing muckraker upending border journalism.

Villarreals aggressive style and criticism of police had made her unpopular with local authorities. Things came to a head in 2017, when she asked a police source to confirm tips shed received about the victims of a fatal car crash and the name of a border patrol officer whod committed suicide. That December, police charged her under a state law that makes it a felony to solicit nonpublic official information with intent to obtain a benefit, which they argued Villarreal was doing by promoting the information on her Facebook page.

The law was created to undercut corruption and insider dealing on government contracts, not to target journalists, and no one has ever been convicted of it, according to Reason, a libertarian magazine that has reported extensively on this case. Using it in this way seems to be a pretty clear First Amendment violation. Asking public officials for not-yet-public information is a basic and fundamental part of reporting, and criminalizing it would essentially criminalize basic journalism.

Villarreal alleges that when she was arrested, police created a circus. She felt dragged through the mud, made fun of, humiliated, she told me.

Villarreal found a lawyer and petitioned for the charges against her to be thrown out. After a Texas district court judge granted this, the state didnt appeal and let the charges drop. She then sued the officers, the city, and the county for violating her First and Fourth Amendment rights.

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Villarreals attorney JT Morris, of the libertarian-leaning free speech organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said that they sued to ensure that every citizen journalist and everyday Americans alike have the right to ask government officials questions without having to fear arrest for itand to have recourse if their constitutional rights are trampled.

The case has been wending its way through the courts for years. A district court judge dismissed Villarreals case and argued that the officers were protected by qualified immunitya legal concept that protects police and other government officials from lawsuits unless its proven they violated clearly established constitutional or statutory rights.

Villarreal appealed, and a panel on the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in her favor. But when her case came before the full circuit court, the nations most hard-right and aggressively activist, it ruled in a closely divided opinion that she cant sue. By a 96 split, the majority determined that there was no obvious Unconstitutionality to what happened to her.

But a number of judges didnt agreeincluding some of the courts most conservative members. Priscilla Villarreal was put in jail for asking a police officer a question, Judge James Ho, who was appointed to the court by President Trump, wrote in a dissenting opinion. If that is not an obvious violation of the Constitution, its hard to imagine what would be.

Villarreals lawyers have appealed the ruling to the US Supreme Court. Her case has drawn support from numerous news organizations and groups from across the ideological spectrum. Amicus briefs have been filed by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and twenty-one news organizations including the New York Times, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, NBC News, ProPublica, Slate, and the Sinclair Broadcast Group, as well as libertarian and conservative groups like the CATO Institute, Manhattan Institute, and the Charles Kochbacked Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

The Supreme Court, in case you missed it, is leaning pretty hard to the right itself these days. And its justices have generally taken a pretty sweeping view of qualified immunity in the past.

But the Fifth Circuit Court has at times gone too far even for those justices. In recent months, SCOTUS has paused Fifth Circuit rulings that would have prevented the Biden administration from removing razor wire installed at the border by Texas officials, blocked federal gun restrictions, and limited the administrations ability to communicate with social media companies.

The Villarreal case wont come up anytime soon. The Supreme Courts dance card is full for this year, so if they decide to pick it up at all, it wont be until 2025.

But lets hope this is another case where the Supreme Court decides to rein in the lower courtand to protect journalists and the First Amendment.

I hope that they understand that what was done to me was not right, and some people need to be held accountable for their actions, Villarreal said. Because, you know, it will only get worse.



Other notable stories:

Donald Trumps conviction in the New York hush money case continued to dominate headlines through the weekend. On Friday, Trump reacted to the verdict at Trump Tower in Manhattan; MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News aired his remarks liveas did NBC, cutting into scheduled programmingbut all except Fox cut away around twenty minutes in, as the event devolved into a rambling and misleading speech, in the Times words. In other news about the verdict and the press, the Times Jacob Bernstein profiled Barry Levine, a longtime former journalist at the National Enquirer who describes the publications fealty to Trumpas (further) exposed during his trialas a tragedy. And Politicos Adam Wren visited an Indiana museum dedicated to Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist who ran for president from jail in 1920 and is currently having a media moment.

Overnight, dramatic news broke out of the Washington Post: Sally Buzbee, the executive editor since 2021, is abruptly stepping down; Matt Murray, a former editor of the Wall Street Journal, will succeed her through the presidential election, at which point Robert Winnett, an editor at the British newspaper the Telegraph, will assume responsibility for the Posts core newsroom and Murray will move to oversee a so-called third newsroom that will produce news for people who feel traditional news is not for them but still want to be kept informed. (Got all that?) Both Murray and Winnett have previously worked with Will Lewis, who took over this year as the Posts publisher and CEO. NPRs David Folkenflik has an informative X thread on the changes and the reaction inside the Post.

In April, Semafors Max Tani reported on a sharp funding crunch and internal tensions at The Intercept. Tani now reports that since his last story, those tensions have stretched the organization to the breaking point: its board has yet to reach an agreement with a high-level donor who has reportedly offered to support the organization, while unionized staffers have written to the board demanding changes including the firing of the CEO and chief strategy officer. Per Tani, bosses have accused staffers of singling out women executives; staffers dismissed that charge as insulting. Tani also reports that Ryan Grim and Jeremy Scahill, two high-profile Intercept journalists, seem poised to leave.

The Intercepts P. Nick Curran and Akela Lacy make the case that coverage of campus protests in solidarity with Gaza focused disproportionately on elite coastal schools; they argue that national news organizations have largely ignored demonstrations organized by working- and middle-class students at universities in the Rust Belt and Appalachia. The focus on elite, coastal universities has overshadowed the breadth of the brutal police crackdowns and impunity for attacks on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, they write, with violence against students in Rust Belt states going largely unrecognized.

Andafter the Broadway star Jonathan Groff was nominated for a Tony for his performance in Merrily We Roll Along, a Sondheim musical that charts its characters lives in reverse chronological orderThe New Yorkers Michael Schulman interviewed Groff about his own life, also in reverse. That person who brings you here does diminish, Groff said at the end of the interview, about his arrival in New York. The whole reason that Im here now is because of that person, but that person no longer exists.

ICYMI: Trial by pundit

Cameron Joseph is a freelance political reporter with recent work in The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, and Politico Magazine. A recipient of the 2023 National Press Foundation Dirksen Award for distinguished reporting of Congress and the 2020 National Press Club award for excellence in political journalism, he previously worked for VICE News, Talking Points Memo, the New York Daily News, The Hill and National Journal.
A Connecticut Appeals Court has affirmed that an insurer is not obligated to provide actual notice of a home insurance nonrenewal; proof that the insurer sent the notice by registered or certified mail is sufficient.

The homeowners claimed they never saw the certified letter about their policys nonrenewal that National General Insurance Co. mailed to them in 2020, weeks before their house was destroyed in an accidental fire. They also claim they were never informed by the insurer or their agent of the results of a house inspection that formed the basis of the nonrenewal.

The homeowners did not learn they had no coverage until they called their agent on July 15, the day of the fire, and were told that their policy had not been renewed on June 27 because of an unresolved inspection issue.

The appeals court upheld a trial courts granting summary judgments for the insurer and the insurance agency. The courts agreed that both the law and the insurance policy plainly provide that an insurer may send such a notice by registered or certified mail or may deliver the notice. Neither the law nor the policy requires actual notice or confirmation that the insured received the letter  the appeals court said that would render meaningless the language affording the insurer the option to send the notice and specifying the manner in which it could be sent.

The ruling also affirmed that in the absence of a special relationship, an agencys duty to an insured ends after the policy is procured and an agent has no obligation to notify an insured about a nonrenewal or cancellation.

U.S. Post Office records indicate that the delivery of the certified notice was attempted on April 23, however no recipient was available and the insurer received a return notice of that status on May 15. Thus, the insureds argued, as of May 15, the insurer was aware that the notice of nonrenewal letter was never received by the insureds. The homeowners argued that since they never got it, their insurer and their insurance agency failed to provide adequate notice of the June 27 nonrenewal and thus their coverage should have still been in effect on the day their home burned down.

In granting summary judgement, the trial court held that there is no statutory right to actual notice of a policy nonrenewal. Giving the words and phrases of the nonrenewal statute their plain and ordinary meaning leaves no room for ambiguity or disputeit is the sending of, inter alia, the certified mail that satisfies the statute. No proof of receipt is required, the court stated.

The trial court also noted that Connecticut courts have repeatedly found that there is no actual notice requirement. The court said it found the reasoning by the states Court of Appeals in a 2004 case persuasive, that any rule that provides that the risk of delivery of certified mail should be placed solely on the sender would set a dangerous precedent.

The appeals court found that the trial court correctly interpreted the insurance contract and statute, consistent with overwhelming precedent, concluding that there is no actual notice requirement. The appeals court agreed that requiring an insurer to ensure actual receipt of the certified mail would transform the sending option into a delivery option. This clearly violates the rules of statutory construction, the appeals court concluded.

The homeowners noted that the evidence does not indicate where the postal worker left the notice. They said they have experienced a great deal of confusion for deliveries because they access their home through a right of way driveway located on another road, their home is set back from the road behind another property, and there is no house number on their mailbox, which was not located by their house or driveway.

As for the agencys obligations to notify them, the courts also agreed that the case offered no reason to depart from the general rules that an agents duty to insureds ends when the policy is purchased and that an agent has no duty to inform insureds of a nonrenewal or cancellation.

The homeowners further alleged that the insurance agency was negligent in not informing them of the results of the house inspection, which took place shortly after they purchased the policy. They maintained that the inspection was part of the application process and that the reason for the nonrenewal has everything to do with the results of that inspection.

The inspection report showed the house lacked some siding on an exterior wall, a condition the insurer considered a hazard that needed to be remedied. The insurer sent a copy of the report to the insurance agency and twice advised the agency that the policy would not be renewed if the siding issue was not fixed. The agency, however, never sent the report to the insureds and did not discuss it or the potential nonrenewal of their policy with them, although the agency asserts it left several messages.

The insureds further contended that the agency owed them a duty of care, even after the policy went into effect, because a special or fiduciary relationship existed between the parties. But the appeals court found that the insureds failed to properly raise the issue and failed to supply evidence of a relationship whereby the agency owed them an ongoing duty of care.
A Delaware judge has allowed more than 70,000 lawsuits over discontinued heartburn drug Zantac to go forward, ruling that expert witnesses can testify in court that the drug may cause cancer.

The ruling on Friday by Judge Vivian Medinilla of the Delaware Superior Court in Wilmington is a setback for former Zantac makers GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, which had argued that the expert witnesses opinions lacked scientific support.

This moves us one step closer to justice for our clients, Brent Wisner, one of the plaintiffs lead lawyers, said in a statement on Saturday.

Related: GSK Faces Whistleblower Suit From Lab That Found Zantac Risk

GSK and Sanofi said in separate statements that they disagreed with the decision and would appeal. They said there was no reliable evidence showing Zantac caused cancer. Spokespersons for Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In 2019, some manufacturers and pharmacies halted Zantac sales after a chemical called NDMA, which is known to cause cancer, was detected in some pills. Some tests showed that Zantacs active ingredient, ranitidine, could degrade into NDMA over time or when exposed to heat.

Lawsuits began piling up from people who said they developed cancer after taking Zantac. Plaintiffs said the companies knew, or should have known, that ranitidine posed a cancer risk and that they failed to warn consumers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers to pull the drug off the market in 2020. The drugmakers have maintained that there is no evidence Zantac exposed users to harmful levels of NDMA.

Medinilla is presiding over the majority of nearly 80,000 cases still pending in the United States over Zantac, which was once the worlds top-selling drug.

In addition to the cases in Delaware, the drugmakers are facing about 4,000 claims in California state court and about 2,000 in various other state courts around the country.

Last month a jury in Chicago rejected an Illinois womans claim that Zantac caused her colon cancer, handing GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim a victory in the first case to go to trial.

The drugmakers notched a significant win in 2022, when another judge dismissed about 50,000 lawsuits making similar claims that had been consolidated in federal court in Florida.

That judge concluded that the opinions of the plaintiffs expert witnesses that Zantac can cause cancer were not supported by sound science. Plaintiffs are appealing that ruling.

Zantac became the worlds best selling medicine in 1988 and one of the first-ever drugs to top $1 billion in annual sales. Originally marketed by a forerunner of GSK, it was later sold successively to Pfizer, Boehringer and finally to Sanofi.

(Reporting By Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, David Bario and Diane Craft)
WASHINGTON  A Florida-based produce distributor has recalled whole cucumbers sold in 14 states  including Ohio  between May 17 and May 21 over fears they may be contaminated with salmonella.

The cucumbers, shipped by Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray, Florida, were shipped in bulk cartons directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers and food service distributors in 14 states in the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard.

The states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The recall covers cucumbers that are dark green, about 1.5 to 2.0 inches thick and 5 to 9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the Salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said.

Fresh Start Produce Sales already has notified customers who received the recalled product directly from the company and requested that they remove it from commerce.

The company said it doubts the cucumbers are still in the marketplace, but anyone with the recalled product should not consume it. The cucumbers should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions can contact the company at 1-888-364-2993, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. EDT.

We have also asked our direct customers to notify their customers of this recall, the company said. It is working with the FDA, keeping the federal agency informed of its recall process to ensure that consumers are properly alerted.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Officials say human remains were found in the backyard of an East Cleveland home Monday morning.

Cuyahoga County sheriffs deputies searched a home in the 14200 block of Potomac Avenue on Saturday in connection with a missing persons investigation involving a woman from Warrensville Heights, county spokesperson Jennifer Ciaccia said.

The investigation led to a second search warrant in the 14000 block of Strathmore Avenue in East Cleveland, where the human remains were located in the backyard.

Sheriffs deputies requested the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations Crime Scene Unit to process the scene on Strathmore Avenue at about 2 a.m., a spokesperson said. Officials at the county medical examiners office also responded.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to Warrensville Heights police for more information.

East Cleveland police and fire officials, Cleveland Heights police and the Metroparks police canine unit assisted with the investigation.
UN 
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on June 3, 2024.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average began June's trading with a decline after weak U.S. manufacturing data raised concerns about the strength of the economy. Banks, industrials and other shares dependent on economic growth led the pullback.

The 30-stock Dow slipped 115.29 points, or 0.30% to close at 38,571.03. The S&P 500 inched higher by 0.11% to finish the session at 5,283.40, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.56% to 16,828.67.

Cyclical stocks whose fortunes are closely tied to economic growth slid, with the energy, industrials and materials sectors closing in the red. Earlier, the U.S. manufacturing sector showed signs of slowing, with the ISM manufacturing index measuring 48.7 in May, sending Treasury yields and the dollar lower. A reading below 50 is an indication of a contraction.

On Monday, Nvidia rose nearly 5% after announcing a new suite of artificial intelligence chips, a sign it is prepared to fight to stay ahead in the highly competitive space. The chipmaker said it will upgrade its AI chip architecture on an annual basis.

Wall Street is coming off a strong May, with all three major averages notching their sixth positive month in seven. The Nasdaq rose 6.9% in May, its best month since November 2023.

However, the rally seemed to lose steam near the end of the month. The three averages all closed May more than 1% below their record highs, even with the Dow adding more than 500 points on Friday. The Nasdaq fell 1.1% last week as chip stocks stumbled.

"With technicals still stretched, [a] little fear baked in, and sentiment looking optimistic, we're sticking with our call for volatility to pick up over the summer," Wolfe Research chief investment strategist Chris Senyek wrote Monday.

The first week of June is brimming with further economic updates. Investors await private payroll data on Wednesday from ADP followed by the May jobs report on Friday. Investors appear to want some economic slowing that would give the Federal Reserve the greenlight to cut interest rates, but not too much of a slowdown that would raise fears of a recession.

A technical issue at the New York Stock Exchange affected price quotes for several stocks earlier Monday, but trading returned to normal around midday.
Investors may not have sufficiently accounted for the impact of stretched consumer finances on the discretionary sector. Just as importantly, investors need to determine which consumers are most affected. We'll review the dichotomy going on in the consumer discretionary sector and give a bearish trade on an outperforming stock once thought to be immune from some of the pressures. Presumably, those attending the Monaco Grand Prix a week ago, or Roland Garros (aka the French Open) still have positive net savings rates. If they reduce spending it is simply because they choose to do so, whereas consumers at the lower end of the socio-economic ladder may not have the luxury of choice. To some extent, the haves and have-nots divide explains the difference between the consumer discretionary stocks that have outperformed versus underperformed this year. For example, Ralph Lauren is a luxury brand  albeit an accessible one relative to supreme or aspirational luxury brands such as Hermes, Versace, Prada or Zegna. Ralph Lauren has comfortably outperformed PVH Corp which is the world's largest dress shirt and neckwear company, but whose brands, which include Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, and IZOD may be a notch or two down on the fashion brand pyramid/hierarchy. RL PVH YTD mountain Ralph Lauren vs. PVH, YTD There are other examples. Royal Caribbean , up 14% year-to-date appeals to a more affluent consumer than Carnival Corp , down 18.7%. RCL CCL YTD mountain Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival, YTD As a final example consider Toll Brothers , the luxury homebuilder has gained more than 18.3% year-to-date while D.R. Horton which focuses on more value-oriented, younger and first-time home buyers has fallen 2.75%. TOL DHI YTD mountain Toll Brothers vs. D.R. Horton, YTD However, two industry groups within the consumer discretionary sector have not followed this pattern to the same degree. Those are auto manufacturers and restaurants. Among the auto manufacturers that are included in the consumer discretionary index, Tesla which does skew towards the luxury end, is the worst performing, down more than 28% year-to-date, while GM is up 25%. This relative performance can be explained by several factors, but I will highlight three. First, Tesla profits have been falling recently, while GM's have been rising. Second, the rapid growth in Tesla revenues and profits were a function of a secular shift towards EVs that saw EV sales growth materially exceed ICE sales growth. That trend has slowed. Third, Tesla was trading at a substantially higher multiple than GM was. In other words it was priced for high-growth, whereas GM was trading at a single-digit multiple, a difference so pronounced when we create a comparative chart we need to plot GM's estimated P/E on a secondary axis: As an investor it's easy to explain why one company outperformed another with the benefit of hindsight. Far more difficult of course is to attempt to identify potential opportunities ahead of time, which brings me to restaurants. The trade: Chipotle The best-performing restaurant in the consumer discretionary sector so far this year is Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) up a market-crushing 36.8%. While three of the other sector constituents are lower on the year, Darden (DRI) -8.5%, McDonald's (MCD) -12.7% and Starbucks (SBUX) -16.4%. CMG DRI YTD mountain Chipotle vs. Darden, YTD Much like the Tesla/GM comparison you'll observe that Chipotle trades at a much higher multiple than Darden, and Chipotle has enjoyed far faster sales and profit growth than Darden has over the past five years. Chipotle has benefited from a wealthier consumer  their average customer makes more than $80k per year and has a college degree  and a customer preference for Mexican-styled cuisine. Even so, this demographic is not ultra-luxury, and may eventually feel some economic pressure. So the question I'm asking myself, and you may want to as well, is can that enormous outperformance continue thus justifying its sky-high multiple? It is not my habit to short-stocks, but I am tempted occasionally. One way an self-directed investor could bet that the stock will not regain its recent high is to sell an upside call spread. For example one could sell the June $3200/$3210 call spread for about $3.35 ($335 in total as each contract has a 100 multiplier). DISCLOSURES: (None) THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
This photograph taken on April 26, 2024 shows the headquarters of the French multinational information technology company ATOS in Bezons, near Paris. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Shares of the struggling French IT firm Atos tumbled on Monday as the company weighs between two rescue deals both set to lead to "massive dilution" of existing shareholders.

Atos was down 14.39% at 1:46 p.m. London time after paring back some losses.

The two restructuring deals on the table are led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky and key Atos shareholder David Layani. The company will make its choice by Wednesday.

"The implementation of the proposals will result in all cases in a massive dilution of the existing shareholders of Atos SE," Atos said in a statement on Monday.

The company said it was working with financial creditors to secure maximum support for one of the deals by June 5, aiming to reach final agreement on restructuring in July.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ordered several China-linked investors to dispose of shares in rare earths miner Northern Minerals on national interest grounds, a spokesperson said on Monday.

Northern Minerals is developing the Browns Range heavy rare earths project in Western Australia, at a time when the sector has become increasingly strategic for its uses in green energy and defence.

A disposal order issued by Chalmers on Sunday said Yuxiao Fund had 60 days to dispose of 80 million shares it bought in September.

Yuxiao Fund is the Singapore-registered private investment vehicle of Chinese national Wu Yuxiao, Reuters has previously reported. The fund had sought Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to raise its ownership to 19.9% in 2022, from 9.81% of Northern Minerals, but was declined last year.

Northern Minerals Chairman Adam Handley in a statement to Reuters said that it had referred certain share buying activity to the FIRB to investigate last October.

"Northern Minerals made the referral to FIRB because of our duty to act in the best interests of all shareholders, ensure the integrity of the company's share register and uphold our high standards of good governance," he said, adding that it would have no impact on its development of the Browns Range mine.

In aggregate, the number of shares that must be divested amounts to around 10.4% of Northern Minerals' issued share capital, it noted, which, added to Yuxiao Fund's holdings, would come close to 20%, the point at which a party would have to declare its intentions under Australian takeover law.

Northern Minerals has said the fund was controlled by Wu Tao, the chairman of mainland China-based Jinan Yuxiao Group. Other foreign shareholders ordered to dispose of shares within 60 days include Ximei Liu, Xi Wang, and Black Stone Resources, the notice said.

"The Treasurer has issued orders that Yuxiao Fund Pte Ltd and four associates reduce their shareholdings in Northern Minerals," a spokesperson for Chalmers said in a statement on Monday.

"The decision, based on advice from the Foreign Investment Review Board, is designed to protect our national interest and ensure compliance with our foreign investment framework."

Browns Range is set to supply Iluka Resources' Eneabba rare earths refinery under construction in Western Australia, which already has a A$1 billion($665.10 million) funding pledge from the Australian government and is waiting on a decision for more.

Australia has said it is looking for friendly nations to build out its critical minerals industry as the West diversifies away from dominant producer China.

Last week Northern Minerals Chairman Nick Curtis exited the company's board. Curtis declined to comment. Shares in Northern Minerals were little changed at A$0.035. The company's annual general meeting is on June 6.

Canberra screens foreign investment in key sectors for national security, including critical minerals, and has blocked some Chinese deals which has irked Beijing.

Australia is preparing for a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang later this month. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on a visit in March that he hoped Australia would ensure its market environment did not discriminate against Chinese business.

Chalmers' spokesperson said Australia's foreign investment framework did not discriminate against any nation.
Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images

How much to save for retirement

"The 15% is just a goalpost," with the understanding that everyone's situation is different, said Mike Shamrell, vice president of thought leadership for Fidelity's Workplace Investing. The right retirement savings rate depends on your age, expected retirement date, cash flow, projected Social Security income, pensions and retirement plans, among other factors. However, "if you can't reach that 15%, at least try to contribute [enough] to get your full company match," Shamrell said.

If you can't reach that 15%, at least try to contribute [enough] to get your full company match. Mike Shamrell Vice president of thought leadership for Fidelity's workplace investing

The most common match formula for Fidelity plans is based on a 5% contribution rate with a 100% match on the first 3% of employee deferrals and a 50% match on the next 2%. In other words, if 5% is $100, the company would match $80, Shamrell said. "We have target savings rates of 10% to 30% depending on the household," said certified financial planner Andrew Herzog, an associate wealth advisor at The Watchman Group in Plano, Texas. For example, a 20-year-old barely making ends meet may struggle to save 10%, whereas a 50-year-old couple may need to stretch their savings rate to 20% to reach their target retirement dates, he said.

401(k) savings rates are increasing

Over the years, both the individual savings rate and company contributions have continued to climb, said Shamrell with Fidelity. Many companies automatically sign eligible employees up for the 401(k) plan, leaving them to opt out if they don't want to participate. While the default contribution rate for such auto-enrolled 401(k) plans was 4.1% last quarter, nearly 40% of auto-enrolled plans started employee deferrals at 5% or higher, according to Fidelity. Automatic 401(k) contribution increases have also boosted savings rates, according to Shamrell. More than 33% of plan participants increased 401(k) contributions at the end of 2023  and about three-quarters of those increases were automatic adjustments, he said.

watch now
A Chinese flag in Pudong's Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China, on Sept. 18, 2023.

China has alleged that the British Secret Intelligence Service MI6 turned two staff members of unnamed Chinese central state organs into spies for the British government, its State Security Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry said the case against the two spies, a married couple, is under further investigation.

China and Britain have for months traded accusations over perceived spying that threatens their respective national securities.

In January, China revealed an espionage case in which it said MI6 used a foreigner in China to collect secrets and information.

Britain in April charged two people with providing prejudicial information to China and last month charged three people with assisting Hong Kong's foreign intelligence service in Britain.
E-Trade is having internal discussions about whether to ban Keith Gill  the meme stock trader who just disclosed a big position in GameStop  from the trading platform over concerns regarding potential market manipulation, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

The brokerage, owned by Morgan Stanley , hasn't reached a decision yet, the Journal said, citing people familiar with deliberations inside the firm.

GameStop shares shot up early Monday after Gill, who goes by "DeepF------Value" on Reddit, posted a screenshot of what could be his portfolio holding a significant amount of GameStop common shares and call options. The meme stock leader holds 5 million shares of GameStop and a position of 120,000 call options with a strike price of $20 that expire on June 21, purchased for about $5.68 each, the screenshot showed.

E-Trade declined comment to CNBC, noting "we don't publicly discuss the individual activity of our clients."

Morgan Stanley's global financial-crimes unit and external counsel began debating if it should cancel Gill's account as the firm monitored his account activity, the Journal said.

The brokerage found that in May Gill had bought call options before he posted on social media platform X, the Journal said, adding that some of those contracts expired that week, meaning he likely made a profit.

The meme stock mania in 2021 led to a series of congressional hearings, including testimony by Gill, around brokers' practices and gamifying retail stock trading. Gill also faced several class action lawsuits, including one alleging that he pretended to be a novice trader despite being a licensed professional.

Gill worked as a marketing and financial education employee at MassMutual in 2019 and 2020.

 Click here to read the WSJ story.
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Ford Motor is turning an abandoned train station used for decades as an infamous symbol of Detroit's downfall and blight into a new technology campus for the automaker and mixed-use property for the city. Michael Wayland / CNBC

DETROIT  Ford's latest project out of the Motor City is the restoration and reopening of an abandoned train station, for decades a symbol of Detroit's downfall and now the automaker's new technology campus. The $950 million project encompasses the 18-story former train station called Michigan Central Station  once the state's marquee transit building  an adjacent 270,000-square-foot building and other, supporting facilities. The 30-acre "Michigan Central" campus and station was initially announced in 2018 and slated to open by 2022. However, the coronavirus pandemic and the extensive work needed to renovate the station delayed its reopening. Ford is celebrating the restoration of the century-old train station on Thursday. Following the event Thursday, the ground floor of the train station building will be open to the public through June 16, before the first commercial occupants begin moving in this fall. The new campus comes at a precarious time for Ford investors as the company continues to restructure its business. It also comes as many companies attempt to downsize office space and fill their current buildings with employees who grew accustomed to working from home during the pandemic.

A photo of Michigan Central's main concourse prior to its renovation sits in the newly restored room toward the back of the building. Michael Wayland / CNBC

Specifically in Detroit, a stark juxtaposition has emerged: In April, Ford's crosstown rival General Motors announced it would be downsizing from its towering Renaissance Center headquarters along the city's riverfront to two floors in a nearby building that's under construction. Yet Ford Chair Bill Ford said he believes the investment made in the historic train station is a crucial part of the automaker's future, including in aspects of talent acquisition and retention. "We're in a war for talent, our industry and our company," Ford, who spearheaded the project, told CNBC. "And you need to give talent two things: You need to give them, first, really interesting problems to solve, and then you have to give them a great place to work. With Michigan Central, we checked both those boxes." Bill Ford decided to purchase the dilapidated building after years of trips to Silicon Valley for his Fontinalis venture capital firm and during his tenure as a member of the eBay board of directors. He's long been outspoken about the need for the traditional automotive industry to compete with newer tech companies in both product and talent acquisition.

Ford Motor released this image of Chair Bill Ford, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, when the automaker announced it would be purchasing Michigan Central Station in June 2018. Ford

Ford said attracting top talent to Detroit is "getting better" but noted that "it's a tall order" to convince workers from California or the East Coast to relocate to Detroit and work for Ford. "If you can show them a place like Michigan Central, not just in its beauty, which alone is incredible, but then talk about the kind of things that will be going on there, then it becomes, I think, a really valuable resource for the company going forward," he said.

Train station campus

The Michigan Central campus is located southwest of Detroit's main business district in a trendy neighborhood known as Corktown. It's about 10 miles down the road from Ford's world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. The Michigan Central campus in total spans 1.2 million square feet of commercial space, including retail, restaurants and hospitality. It was awarded $300 million in state, local and historic rehabilitation tax incentives, according to officials.

The restored grand waiting room inside Ford's Michigan Central Station in Detroit. Michael Wayland / CNBC

Ford officials went to great lengths to restore the station to its original glory after decades of vandalism and decay. The project involved 3D-scanning the rooms, matching materials and referencing historical photos to recreate parts of the building. This was especially true for the first floor of the train station, where a grand room features massive windows, an arcade and a large concourse full of marble and terrazzo flooring, Mankato stone and other unique materials. Architects and designers opted to leave some graffiti on walls to represent the station's dormant years after closing in 1988. As one measure of Ford's determination, officials traced the facility's original limestone to a quarry in Indiana only to find out it had since closed. Michigan Central worked with the owners to reopen the quarry.

Some graffiti from when Michigan Central sat dormant for more than 30 years was purposely preserved to represent that part of the station's history. Michael Wayland / CNBC

"It has been painstakingly and lovingly restored to, wherever possible, to its original condition," said Josh Sirefman, Michigan Central CEO, during a tour of the project. "Before we start activating it with lots of things, it's probably in its most pristine condition." Amid national commercial real estate challenges, about two-thirds of the tower has scheduled tenants or planned use cases, officials said. That includes an unnamed restaurant and hotel, pending rezoning approval. The adjacent building, known as the Detroit Public Schools Book Depository, already houses more than 600 employees from nearly 100 startup companies. "It really is the beginning of the ecosystem that I want to create," Bill Ford said. "There's going to be a lot of experimentation taking place down there."

Michael Wayland / CNBC

Ford plans to house at least 2,500 employees in the building, primarily members of the company's electric vehicle and connected services teams. Roughly 1,000 of those employees are expected to move into the station's tower by the end of this year, Ford said. Other building occupants could include local universities, other businesses and a restaurant. However, officials declined to release a full list of expected tenants. Google , a founding partner of the project, runs its "Code Next" program, which teaches students how to code, from the Book Depository building. Ford said he expects future automaker employees to be able to collaborate with other occupants of the station's tower as well as the startups occupying the Book Depository building.

A photo of Michigan Central's arcade prior to its renovation sits in the newly restored room toward the east end of the building. Michael Wayland / CNBC

Resurrecting the train station and surrounding campus is the latest project Bill Ford, a great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, has undertaken in the Motor City. He was instrumental in moving the Ford family-owned Detroit Lions from suburban Pontiac to a new stadium, appropriately named Ford Field, in downtown Detroit in 2002. He also was part of the team that brought the Super Bowl to the city in 2006. And he redeveloped the company's River Rouge Assembly plant into a "green" production facility amid calls to close it. It's now a tourist destination for the production of the Ford F-150 full-size pickup. Ford, who served as CEO of the automaker from 2001 to 2006, described Michigan Central as a continuation of such projects. He called the effort a "legacy project" for himself as well as for those who have been able to work on it. "I'm very proud of both of those [prior projects], but I think this is going to kind of put an exclamation point on it because this will be a wonderful place to work but it will also be a wonderful place for the public to come," Ford said.
With tailwinds from tariffs and data center demand on the horizon, First Solar still has substantial room to run, even after rallying about 80% over the past two months, according to Goldman Sachs. Goldman raised its stock price target for First Solar by nearly $31 to $302 per share, implying 11% upside from Friday's close of $271.76. First Solar is up 44% over the past month, outperforming the Invesco Solar ETF and the S & P 500, which have respectively gained 12.9% and 2.3% during the same period. "We remain bullish on the outlook for FSLR and believe several tailwinds could support higher [average selling prices] or potential capacity expansion," analysts led by Brian Lee told clients in a Monday note. First Solar is poised to benefit as foreign competitors face higher tariffs. The U.S. in May ended a tariff for bifacial solar panels, which play a key role in the utility-scale market, for manufacturers in China and other countries. Goldman said this could allow First Solar to raise prices due to fewer cheap imports. Separately, the Biden administration also announced in May that the U.S. would increase tariffs on imported solar modules from China to 50% from 25%. First Solar is also party to a trade case that could result in four Southeast Asian nations imposing tariffs on solar module manufacturers. FSLR TAN 3M line FSLR vs. Tan First Solar is also poised to benefit from rising electricity demand as tech companies seek renewable energy to power data centers and artificial intelligence. Goldman has estimated that power demand from data centers will more than double, reaching 8% of total U.S. consumption by 2030. Amazon recently announced plans in April to invest $11 billion in a data center in Indiana, which will include generative AI technologies. Microsoft and Brookfield Asset Management signed an agreement in May to add 10.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity between 2026 and 2030. "While FSLR is not explicitly mentioned as a supplier for these announcements, we believe the company is uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend as the largest domestic panel manufacturer," Lee and his team told their clients. First Solar hasn't announced any firm plans to build its manufacturing capacity on rising demand, but the company indicated on its first-quarter earnings call that it was warming to the idea. Goldman sees First Solar's earnings per share increasing by about 20% in 2027 if the company adds a new plant.
Company logo of pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline is seen at their Stevenage facility, Britain October 26, 2020.

LONDON  Shares of British pharmaceuticals giant GSK plunged 9% Monday, after a U.S. court ruled that scientific evidence could be presented as a stack of lawsuits relating to the discontinued heartburn drug Zantac move forward.

The Delaware State Court late on Friday ruled that plaintiffs' expert witnesses could testify in the roughly 75,000 cases alleging the once-popular drug ranitidine  sold under the brand name Zantac in the U.S.  may cause cancer.

"This case has always been about getting the science in front of a jury," Brent Wisner, lawyer at the firm Wisner Baum which is representing many of the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

The dispute has been rumbling for years and involves numerous pharmaceutical firms. Zantac was sold by GSK as a prescription drug in the 1980s before transitioning to an over-the-counter medicine, and following its patent expiry in the 1990s has been sold by companies including France's Sanofi , U.S. firm Pfizer and Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim.

The drug was withdrawn from European and U.S. markets in 2019 and 2020 after regulators conducted a safety review which raised concerns it contained a probable carcinogen called NDMA.

The companies involved deny there is a scientific consensus that the drug can be linked to any later development of cancers.

In a statement Friday, GSK said it disagreed with the latest Delaware ruling and would immediately seek an appeal.
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, on the opening day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 3, 2024.

A full jury was selected and sworn in Monday in the federal criminal gun trial of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden.

The panel of 12 jurors, plus four alternates, was sworn in at 4:20 p.m. ET, more than seven hours after the trial proceedings began in U.S. District Court in Delaware.

As the trial began, the president delivered a statement expressing love and support for his sole surviving son.

"I am the President, but I am also a Dad," the elder Biden said in a statement.

Hunter Biden, 54, faces three counts connected to his purchase and possession of a Colt Cobra revolver while he was addicted to drugs in 2018. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

The trial began just four days after a New York jury found Republican former President Donald Trump, now the party's presumptive nominee, guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Both Trump and Hunter Biden claim that they have been unfairly targeted by the Department of Justice for political reasons.

President Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden "love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today."

The first lady showed up to court Monday to support her stepson, who is the first-ever child of a sitting president to stand trial on criminal charges.
An employee of the Kharkiv prosecutor's office collects fragments of an aerial bomb for further analysis on April 30, 2024 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Monday warned the U.S. against the potential "fatal consequences" of allowing Kyiv to deploy U.S.-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia.

"I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For some unknown reason, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive," Ryabkov said, according to Google-translated comments carried by Russian state news agency Tass.

He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had repeatedly addressed the topic, giving "a very significant warning, and it must be taken seriously, with the utmost seriousness."

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the White House had approved a Ukrainian request to deploy U.S.-supplied weapons against targets in Russian territory, on the border near Ukrainian city Kharkiv. This use was authorized for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv.

Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, is just 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away from Russia and has faced brutal and intensifying daily offensives, including numerous airstrikes.

"The hallmark of our engagement, our support for Ukraine over these more than two years has been to adapt and adjust as necessary to meet what's actually going on on the battlefield, to make sure Ukraine has what it needs, when it needs it, to do that deliberately and effectively. And that's exactly what we're doing in response to what we've now seen in and around the Kharkiv region," Blinken said during a press conference.

"Over the past few weeks, Ukraine came to us and asked for authorization to use weapons that we're providing to defend against this aggression, including against Russian forces that are amassing on the Russian side of the border and then attacking into Ukraine. And that went right to the [U.S.] president. And, as you've heard, he's approved the use of our weapons for that purpose."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the U.S. concession during a press conference in Sweden last week.

"I think, anyway, this is some step forward to that goal which we discussed before: to make [a] possibility to defend our people who live in the villages through the border line, and that's it. For today, that's it," he said.

The softening of Washington's stance led Germany to also authorize Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian grounds with the long-range weapons that Europe's leading economy is supplying, the Associated Press reported. Germany also only specifically allows this use for the purpose of defending Kharkiv.

The U.S. and European allies have supplied Kyiv with military support and arsenal to defend itself throughout Moscow's full-fledged invasion, while also avoiding outright endorsements of deploying their weapons into Russian territory  which could instigate Moscow's retaliation and escalate the conflict.

Western nations have likewise shirked from the formal deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, barring the isolated comments of French President Emmanuel Macron  and recent signals from Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski  that countries should not rule out this possibility.

Russia is also widely believed to be using Iran-made Shahed drones in its hostilities against Ukraine. Tehran says it did not provide weapons for this purpose.

The change in stance on deploying Western weapons into Russian territories has given rise to questions over whether the F-16 fighter jets expected imminently in Ukraine will also be permitted to strike on Russian soil.

"I'm not sure that for today we have [the] possibility to use these jets on the territory of Russia, we will see. We began to speak to speak about it, and I think that using any weapon, Western kind of weapon, on the territory of Russia, it's ... it's a question of time, I think so," Zelenskyy said last week, arguing that Russian troops can otherwise continue capitalizing on carrying out offensives from borderline positions. "This way, they attack, and we can't."
Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum of ''Sigamos Haciendo Historia'' coalition waves to supporters during the 2024 closing campaign event at Zocalo on May 29, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Mexico's left-leaning climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum has secured enough votes to become the Latin American country's first-ever female president.

The country's electoral institute published a rapid count estimate late Sunday night saying that Sheinbaum had won the presidential election. The estimate has a margin of error of +/-1.5%, the institute said.

A protege of her long-time ally and mentor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum is now poised to succeed AMLO when his six-year term as president comes to an end on Oct. 1.

In a speech after the preliminary results, Sheinbaum said the government will have "republican austerity, financial and fiscal discipline and autonomy," according to a CNBC translation, adding that the country "will never have an authoritarian or oppressive government."

"We will maintain the required division between the economic power and the political power. We will always defend and we will work for the ultimate interest of the people of Mexico and of the nation," she said.

Sheinbaum also sketched out a loose vision of Mexico's ties with neighboring U.S. under her stewardship. "With the United States, there will be a relationship of friendship, mutual respect and equality, as has been the case until now. And we will always defend Mexicans who find themselves on the other side of the frontier," she said.

The U.S. dollar was little changed against the Mexican peso around 1 a.m. local time.

Current President Lopez Obrador congratulated Sheinbaum on becoming the country's first female premier in 200 years in a video address translated by CNBC: "The name of Mexico was brought once more to heights. It is a pride to be Mexican."

Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor who was dubbed the "ice lady" by her political rivals, has pledged to largely continue with AMLO's policies and has received the backing of his ruling Morena party.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks at a media briefing at the company's campus in Redmond, Washington, on May 20, 2024.

Microsoft will lay off some employees who work on mixed reality, a spokesperson told CNBC on Monday. Although the cuts will affect the department that contributes to the HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset, Microsoft plans to continue selling the device.

The reduction comes a year after the software maker said it would make changes to its hardware lineup as part of a round of layoffs that hit 10,000 employees, including some in mixed reality. In the following months, Microsoft discontinued several keyboard models, causing frustration for some dedicated customers.

"Earlier today we announced a restructuring of the Microsoft's Mixed Reality organization," the spokesperson said in an email. "We remain fully committed to the Department of Defense's IVAS program and will continue to deliver cutting edge technology to support our soldiers. In addition, we will continue to invest in W365 to reach the broader Mixed Reality hardware ecosystem. We will continue to sell HoloLens 2 while supporting existing HoloLens 2 customers and partners."

Altogether, the company is letting go of over 1,000 people, including in mixed reality, a person familiar with the matter said.

Microsoft has not found great success with the HoloLens since its introduction in 2015. But the U.S. Defense Department gave a contract to the company for a modified HoloLens named the Integrated Visual Augmentation System. Soldiers who used the devices, however, reported dealing with nausea and other conditions, Bloomberg reported. Tests suggested that an updated model looked promising.

Since then, Microsoft and its highly valued technology peers have poured billions into commercializing artificial intelligence. Microsoft has raced to deploy Nvidia graphics processing units so people can use a Copilot chatbot and Microsoft-backed OpenAI's popular ChatGPT. Premium AI features in Microsoft 365 productivity applications can write memos, draft presentations and summarize meetings.

In December, Microsoft further reduced investment in augmented reality and virtual reality, which blocks out the surrounding world, when it deprecated Windows Mixed Reality, which included tools for running applications in head-mounted displays.

The spokesperson said Microsoft will keep selling the HoloLens 2 headset that was released in 2019 but did not indicate that a new model would be coming. Insider reported in 2022 that the company had canceled a third version.

Apple brought out its own augmented reality headset, the Vision Pro, in January.

Microsoft continues to support a feature called Mesh that lets people in headsets participate in three-dimensional Teams video calls with colleagues. At the Microsoft Ignite conference in Seattle in November, CEO Satya Nadella said the company was "reimagining the way employees come together and connect using any device, whether it's their PC, HoloLens, or Meta Quest."

WATCH: The headset wars: How Apple Vision Pro stacks up against competition
Moderna and Merck released more positive three-year data Monday on their experimental vaccine, given to patients with the most deadly form of skin cancer in combination with the therapy Keytruda.

The vaccine together with Merck's Keytruda improved survival and showed long-lasting efficacy in a midstage study in patients with a deadly form of skin cancer. Moderna and Merck are presenting the data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.

The shot is a key part of Moderna's pipeline that has helped shore up investor sentiment for the biotech company following a rocky last year, when demand plummeted for its Covid vaccine, for now its only commercially available product.

The data includes the initial results the two companies announced in December.

Among new data, nearly 75% of patients who took the combination were alive without any signs or symptoms of their cancer returning at the 2-year mark. That compares with 55.6% of patients who got Keytruda alone.

That benefit was observed across different subgroups of patients, regardless of whether they had tumors with a large number of mutations or whether they had enough of a protein  called PD-L1  that helps keep the body's immune responses in check.

The data reflects the potential for the shot to help treat a "broad range" of melanoma patients, Dr. Kyle Holen, Moderna's head of development, therapeutics and oncology, said in a release.

The overall survival rate of patients who took the vaccine in combination with Keytruda was 96% after 2 years. That compares with 90.2% among those who took Keytruda alone.

"As we look at the three-year updates, what's really exciting to me seeing the durability of that data," Marjorie Green, Merck's head of global clinical development of oncology, said in an interview.

As the companies previously announced, patients with severe forms of the cancer, known as melanoma, who received the combination were 49% less likely to die or have their cancer return than those who took Keytruda alone after roughly three years. The combination also slashed the risk of melanoma spreading to other parts of the body, or death, by 62%.

The most common side effects associated with the vaccine were fatigue, injection site pain and chills, according to the data. The majority of those side effects were mild. Patients who received the combination had slightly higher immune-related side effects.

The vaccine, which uses the same mRNA technology as Moderna's Covid vaccine, is custom-built based on an analysis of a patient's tumors after surgical removal. The shot is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack specific mutations in cancer cells.

Moderna is excited about working to reduce the time between the initial analysis of a tumor and when a patient gets injected with the shot, CEO Stephane Bancel said in an interview with CNBC.

Meanwhile, Merck's Keytruda, which is approved to treat melanoma and other cancers, belongs to a class of widely used immunotherapies designed to disable a certain protein that helps cancer evade the immune system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February gave breakthrough therapy designation to the cancer vaccine for the treatment of melanoma. That designation aims to speed up the development and review of treatments for serious and life-threatening diseases.

But Moderna and Merck also plan to file for accelerated approval with the FDA, Bancel noted. The process allows for expedited approvals of drugs for serious conditions that fill an unmet medical need.

Melanoma is responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. The rate of melanoma has increased rapidly over the past few decades, according to the organization.

About 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in the U.S. this year and nearly 8,000 people are expected to die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

The two drugmakers are studying the combination as a treatment for late-stage melanoma in a phase-three trial, which began in July. Bancel said the progress of that trial is "ahead of our plans" so far.

Merck is also conducting another phase three trial of the vaccine in patients with a type of lung cancer.

This year, Merck and Moderna started a two-part mid- to late-stage trial on the vaccine and Keytruda in patients at an advanced stage of a common skin cancer. The companies are also conducting a phase two trial in certain patients with a type of kidney cancer, and another study on people with a type of bladder cancer.
Spirit Airlines baggage tags are seen near a check-in counter at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on April 10, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Spirit Airlines CFO Scott Haralson is leaving the airline to join car rental company Hertz Global Holdings as its finance chief, the companies said on Monday.

Shares of both Spirit and Hertz were up over 2% in premarket trading.

The transition at Spirit comes at a time when the carrier has been losing money despite booming travel demand, raising questions about its ability to manage debt that is due to mature in 2025 and 2026.

The ultra-low-cost carrier, last month, forecast a loss for the second quarter as its earnings continue to reel from the grounding of a number of its aircraft, as well as bloated industry capacity in key markets.

Meanwhile, Hertz is reported to be exploring options to raise financing as it struggles with the EV rental business.

Haralson, who has held key financial roles at Dish Network and Frontier Airlines, will join Hertz the end of June and will succeed Alexandra Brooks.

Spirit named Brian McMenamy as its interim CFO effective June 14, while it searches for a permanent replacement.

Hertz added its chief operating officer Justin Keppy would resign from the company, effective June 3.
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: GameStop  The meme stock jumped 21% in volatile trading amid speculation that Keith Gill, the man who inspired 2021s epic short squeeze, could have a huge position in the video game retailer. Gill, who goes by DeepF------Value on Reddit, reappeared Sunday night, posting a screenshot of what could be his portfolio holding five million shares of GameStop common shares worth more than $100 million. He also owned a position of 120,000 GameStop call options. AMC , another meme stock, popped 11.1%. Both names were also among those affected by a technical issue on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday morning. Waste Management , Stericycle  Waste Management is buying Stericycle for $7.2 billion , the companies announced on Monday. Stericycle shares jumped nearly 14.6%, while Waste Management slid 4.5%. Spotify  The music streaming company climbed 5.7% following its announcement of premium subscription price increases in the U.S. in July. It marks the Swedish company's second hike in a year. GSK  The pharmaceutical giant fell more than 8.7% after the Delaware State Court ruled that scientific evidence can be presented in the roughly 75,000 cases alleging the discontinued heartburn drug Zantac may contain a carcinogen. Paramount Global  The media company advanced 7.5% after CNBC's David Faber reported the firm and Skydance have agreed to terms of a merger, A deal could be announced in the coming days, and it is awaiting sign-off from Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, he reported. Lattice Semiconductor , Coherent  Lattice shares dove 15.5% after CEO Jim Anderson left to take the helm at Coherent, whose stock price jumped 22.9%. Esam Elashmawi, Lattice's marketing and strategy chief, was named interim CEO while the search for a permanent leader takes place. Becton, Dickinson and Company  The medical technology stock advanced 3% after announcing it will acquire Edwards Lifesciences ' critical care products in a $4.2 billion cash deal . Edwards Lifesciences shares ticked up 0.5%. MarineMax  The boat and yacht services stock surged 27% following a Bloomberg News report that OneWater Marine is in purchase talks with the company. OneWater Marine would pay $40 per share, according to the report, which cited people familiar with the matter. India and Mexico stocks  Equities connected to India and Mexico moved following elections in each country. The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) rose 3.4% and touched a 52-week high as exit polls suggest Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his alliance were poised for a third straight term in power. The iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW) tumbled nearly 10.7% after Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman ever to be elected president. Cava  Shares shed about 4.9% after being downgraded at JPMorgan to neutral from overweight. The bank said the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain's stock has gotten expensive. Shares have more than doubled in 2024. Nvidia , AMD  AMD is down around 2% after it announced new artificial intelligence chips . Fellow chipmaker Nvidia, which is up 4.9%, also unveiled a new generation of AI chips on Sunday that will succeed its previous "Blackwell" product, which was released in March. Bank of America kept its price target for Nvidia after naming it a top pick in a note on Monday, implying about 36% upside for the stock. Structure Therapeutics  The biotech company's shares soared 54.2% after positive results from a midstage clinical trial showed its experimental anti-obesity drug helped patients lose about 6% of their starting weight after 12 weeks of treatment. Autodesk  The software company rallied 4.6% after saying it would not restate financial results following an investigation into its accounting practices. Krispy Kreme  Shares of the company rose 1.6% after it was upgraded to overweight at JPMorgan. The firm thinks increased accessibility will allow the company to more fully participate in the global indulgence market. McDonald's and Krispy Kreme previously announced in March that they are expanding their partnership to all of the burger chain's U.S. locations by the end of 2026. Masimo  The health technology stock popped 3% on the back of Piper Sandler's upgrade to overweight from neutral. Piper Sandler said investors have a better chance than not for making money on the stock with where it currently trades. MongoDB  The developer data platform shed 0.6% despite a Guggenheim upgrade to neutral from sell. Guggenheim's call comes after the company offered weak guidance for the current quarter and full year to investors last week. First Solar  Shares increased 0.4% following Goldman Sachs' reiteration of the solar solutions company as a buy. Goldman said there are multiple reasons to stay optimistic on share performance, even after a recent runup.  CNBC's Sean Colon, Yun Li, Pia Singh, Michelle Fox and Christina Cheddar-Berk contributed reporting.
A sector of the stock market beloved by income investors could ride the wave of rising energy consumption over the long run, according to Wells Fargo. Artificial intelligence, manufacturing and electrification will drive demand for electricity in the U.S. in the approaching years, according to a team of the firm's analysts led by Neil Kalton. After 15 years of relatively flat power demand, Wells Fargo sees a compound annual growth rate of 2.6% through 2030 and 80% growth by 2050. "We project U.S. electricity demand will grow from 4,000 [terawatt hours] in '23 to 7,300 TWh by 2050," Kalton's team wrote in a May 30 report. "With decarbonization goals in mind, we continue to project wind & solar will account for ~65% of power supply by 2050." The development bodes well for a group of utilities  and Wells Fargo called out some of its overweight-rated plays on the power trend for the long run. Duke Energy is among the firm's top ideas under "vertically integrated electric utilities in high growth areas." In particular, Duke has its " Carolinas Resource Plan ," a framework proposed last August that aims to supply cleaner energy to North and South Carolina, calling for more than $90 billion in infrastructure investments. "By 2038, the Carolinas Resource Plan projects a load growth of 35 GWh (more than DE, ME & NH combined) as compared to 2024 primarily driven by manufacturing/industrial and population growth (1.5% & 1.4% CAGR, respectively)," Wells analysts wrote. The plan aims to balance on-demand resources, such as advanced nuclear and natural gas with a growing number of complementary renewables. Back in January, Duke updated its resource plan to include the potential for wind generation off the coast of North Carolina, subject to regulatory approvals. Shares are up 6.6% in 2024, and the stock has a dividend yield of 4%. Renewable energy play NextEra also caught Wells' attention, as analysts said it's "well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand" for core products, including wind, solar and battery storage. The stock is up 27% in 2024, and it yields 2.7%. Wells called out the 10-year site plan NextEra subsidiary Florida Power & Light submitted to the state's public service commission. In particular, the plan calls for 21,000 megawatts of solar capacity installations and 4,000 megawatts of battery storage, as well as retiring coal, Wells analysts said. "The combined solar and nuclear fuel mix delivered to customers is projected to grow from 27% in '23 to ~56% in '33," the analysts added. Finally, Constellation Energy made the grade. Though the company pays a modest dividend yield of 0.7%, its share price has surged 78% in 2024. Earlier this year , Constellation Energy announced a plan to hike its dividend by 25%, and kicked off its next $1 billion in share repurchases. Last year, Constellation reached an agreement with Microsoft to power one of the company's data centers in Virginia, using the utility's hourly carbon-free energy matching platform. The stock's price "[reflects] a level of optimism," Wells Fargo analysts said, but "we think there is a case for further outperformance." Other overweight-rated names in Wells Fargo's list include NRG Energy and Entergy .
Bharatiya Janata Party supporters wearing a hat with Narendra Modi's face during a nomination filing rally by in Kolkata, India on May 10, 2024.

India started counting votes for its 2024 general election on Tuesday, with Narendra Modi projected to win a rare third consecutive term as prime minister as per exit polls.

Exit polls released on Saturday showed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was set to win an overwhelming majority, with the NDTV poll of polls pegging the coalition's seats at 365 in the lower house of the parliament. Exit poll projections may not always be accurate.

The party or coalition that wins at least 272 seats out of 543 forms the government.

Markets reacted euphorically to exit polls predicting an emphatic victory for the BJP, with key stock benchmarks, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex, gaining more than 3% and hitting record highs on Monday.

Earlier Monday, the Nifty 50 closed the day at 23,263.90 after reaching a record high of 23,338.70, while the Sensex closed at 76,468.78 after hitting 76,738.89.

However, as vote counting continued on Tuesday, shares of both indexes plunged by about 7% in the early afternoon, as early projections suggested a closer-than-expected contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A bloc. Year-to-date, both benchmarks were lower by more than 1% at mid-day, wiping out gains from earlier this year, according to Factset data.

This was the world's largest democratic exercise with almost a billion registered voters. Voting, which started on April 19, was spread over seven phases and more than six weeks.
A panel will open with the following options:

Share with the space: By default, others in the space will be able to add comments to the document but cant edit it. Click Commenter to change this to either Viewer or Editor. Viewer means others in the space can only view it, while Editor allows them to make changes to it if its a Workspace document (Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides) or a Microsoft 365 document (Excel, PowerPoint, or Word).

Setting access permissions for a shared file. Howard Wen / IDG

Allow anyone with the link to view: If you create a link to this message with this document attached after you post it to the space, then anyone who accesses this message with this link can view this document.

(To create a direct web link to a message thats posted in the chat window: Move your mouse pointer over the message. On the menu that opens, click the three-dot icon and then select Copy link.)

Dont give access: Nobody will be able to open this document in this space. Theyll only see it as an attachment in your message posted to the space.

Once youve made your choice from the options above, click Send message. Your message with the document attached will be posted to the space.

The document is posted in the main chat window. Howard Wen / IDG

Others in the space can click the documents thumbnail in your message to open it in a new page. If its a Workspace document, itll be opened with the appropriate web app (Google Docs, Sheets or Slides) in a new browser tab.

Note: There are two other ways to post a document to a space:

Inside the message composing bar, click the up arrow icon (Upload file). But this only lets you upload a document thats on your PCs local storage.

If you know the filename of the document in your Google Drive, type @ inside the message composing bar, followed by the first few letters of its filename. A menu will pop open that should list the document that you want  just click its filename and itll be attached to your message.

7. Add meetings and tasks to your space

In addition to chats and shared documents, Google Spaces can directly interact with two other Workspace apps for collaboration: Google Meet and Google Tasks.

Add meetings

You and others in your space can add a link to a Google Meet video meeting in a message post. Inside the message composing bar, click the video camera icon. This will generate a link to a new meeting. After you post your message, any person in your space can click the thumbnail representing the meeting to join it (or start it if nobody is currently in the meeting).

Adding a meeting to a space. Howard Wen / IDG

Add tasks

Spaces also works with Google Tasks, the task manager in Google Workspace. You can assign a task to someone whos in your space.

Right below the name of your space, click the Tasks tab. On the page that opens in the main area, click Add space task. This will open a blank form below for a new task.

Creating a task for the space. Howard Wen / IDG

Enter a name for this new task, and a description for it right below that. Then click Add date/time, which will open a mini calendar to let you select a deadline for this task. Click Assign to open a panel that will list all the members of this space; pick the person or persons who you want to assign this task to. Finally, click the Add button, and the task will appear in the tasks list in your space.

The new task appears in the tasks list. Howard Wen / IDG

This new task will also be posted as a message in your spaces chat window, with the names of the assignee(s) tagged in the message. And when a task is assigned to you in Spaces, it also appears in your My Tasks list in Google Tasks.

The new task also appears in the spaces chat window. Howard Wen / IDG

When the task is completed, go to the spaces Tasks page again and click the circle to the left of the task name. This will mark it as complete. Or, if youre the assignee, you can mark the task done in Google Tasks, and it will be marked as complete in the space as well.

Marking a task complete. Howard Wen / IDG

Note: You can also turn a message into a task. Move your mouse pointer over the message; on the toolbar that opens, click the three-dot icon. Then on the small menu that opens, click Create space task.

You can install apps in a space to add more features to it. Most of these are by third-party developers, but a few are Googles. Examples include chatbots that you can program to give automated responses to questions posted by people in your space, quick polls for space members to respond to, and a scheduler that helps you find the best times for space members to meet. There are also apps that integrate with other enterprise services such as Salesforce and Workday.

To browse through the apps that you can install to a space, open the space in the main window and click the + icon thats to the left of the message composition bar. On the panel that opens, click View more apps for Chat.

Browsing for apps to add to a space. Howard Wen / IDG

On the panel that appears, click an app to find out more about it, and click Add to Space to install it. (Your IT department may limit which apps you can install.)

9. Create or join more spaces

To create more spaces, just click the New chat button at the top of the left panel and click Create a space.

To look for spaces created by others in your organization that you can join, select New chat > Browse spaces. On the Browse spaces screen that appears, you can search for a space by name, or use the dropdown to the right of the search bar to filter by Spaces I have joined, Spaces I havent joined, and All spaces. Click Preview to get a peek at the space or click Join to join the space immediately.

Looking for more spaces to join. Howard Wen / IDG

All the spaces youve created or joined appear in the Spaces list in the left panel. Click any space name to open it in the main window, or, to open the space in a small pop-up window, move your mouse pointer over it and click the rectangle-in-rectangle icon (Open in a pop-up).

10. Manage your spaces

By default, when a new message or task is posted in a space, youll hear a notification sound and the space name will be bolded and moved to the top of the Spaces list in the left panel. You can change those defaults by moving your mouse pointer over the name of a space and clicking the three-dot icon to open a small menu:

Use a spaces three-dot menu to control its notifications and other settings. Howard Wen / IDG

Mark as unread/Mark as read: Click this to bold or unbold the space name in your spaces list.

Pin: When you click this, the space will be moved to the top of your list of spaces and remain there.

Mute/Unmute: Mute moves the space to the bottom of the spaces list and stops notifications except when youre @ mentioned. Unmute returns the space to normal status.

Notifications: Clicking this opens a small panel where you can choose to be notified for all new messages and replies to threads you follow, to be notified only for replies to threads you follow or when youre @ mentioned, or to turn off all notifications. You can also mute/unmute the conversation from this panel.

The three-dot menu also has options to Leave the space and to Block & Report it.

You have even more options for managing a space when its open in the main window. Click the name of the space to open a menu that lets you manage its members; change the name, description, and other details about the space; and manage notifications as described above.

In the main window for a space, click its name to see a menu with a wealth of options for managing it. Howard Wen / IDG

On this menu, you can also select Apps and integrations to manage the apps installed to the space; Turn off history to delete messages after 24 hours; and, if you created the space, Delete to delete the space and all its contents entirely.

Now that you know how to create, join, work in, and manage Spaces, let the team collaboration begin!
The FOFA Gallery is an exhibition and research space that reflects the creative diversity, activities and interests of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Located in the heart of Quartier Concordia in downtown Montreal, the gallerypresents exhibitions and art projects that represent the range of art media and artistic concerns explored by Fine Arts faculty, staff, students and alumni.

The Annual Undergraduate Students Exhibition and the Graduating Students Exhibition (open to Fine Arts graduates at any level in their completing year) are two opportunities for students to show their work at the FOFA Gallery. Students are also welcome to submit group and solo exhibition proposals for the Main Gallery, the Projection Room and the Gallery Vitrines, located in the corridor adjacent to the Gallery.
Brogan Stewart

is the recipient of the Concordia International Scholars Award. The goal of this special award is to shape the next generation of innovative leaders that will change the worldwide research landscape by mobilizing abroad, participating in professional and cross-cultural training, and building local and international networks. It was funded through the Quebec Mobility Bursary. You can find out more about the Quebec Mobility Bursary here.

I left for Japan at the beginning of May, 2022. I started my trip at the Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, which is a Kyoto University campus located in Inuyama. I was able to collect behavioural data for my research project on a captive group of Japanese macaques housed at this institute. There were 20 macaques from this group that I included in my study. I collected around 93 hours of usable data.

For the second part of my trip, I was on the island of Awajishima in Japan. I collected behavioural data for my research project on a semi-wild group of Japanese macaques. They live in the forest but are also free to come to the monkey center as they please. There were 22 macaques from this group in my study, and I collected about 128 hours of usable data.

Since coming back to Canada, the only thing that I have on my mind is how I can return to Japan! This experience has taught me so much, and I do not think there is any replacement for hands-on learning like this trip.
Overseas consumers embrace China-made unmanned agricultural vehicles

People's Daily Online) 16:07, June 03, 2024

Participants look at the M200 unmanned agricultural vehicle at the World Agricultural Expo. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Overseas dealers at the 2024 World Agricultural Expo have been full of praise for China-made unmanned agricultural vehicles.

The M200 unmanned agricultural vehicle features obstacle avoidance capability, lower cost, higher efficiency, intelligent operation and long-term endurance. It has been sold to 15 provinces in China, and exported to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Australia, South Korea, Japan and other countries.

(Intern Xing Yawen contributed to this story.)

The M200 unmanned agricultural vehicle sprays pesticides at orchards. (Peoples Daily Online/Wu Chao)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Singapore is experiencing a notable disparity in happiness levels between its younger and older populations, referred to as the happiness divide.

Happiness Divide in Singapore

Singapore's younger generation is grappling with significant mental health challenges. Data from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in 2022 revealed that 12% of young people exhibited symptoms of depression, while 13% showed signs of anxiety. Overall, 16.2% reported symptoms of at least one of these conditions. The National Population Health Survey in 2022 further highlighted that 25.3% of adults aged 18 to 29 had poor mental health.

The escalating mental health issues among the youth have prompted responses from leaders. In February, Lawrence Wong emphasized the necessity for more research and a shift in societal perceptions of success during a parliamentary session aimed at enhancing mental health initiatives.

The Impact of Digital Life

Several factors contribute to the unhappiness of young Singaporeans.

Social media is a significant culprit, often distorting reality and setting unattainable standards for personal success. The constant exposure to idealized versions of others' lives fosters feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Unlike older generations who formed bonds through physical interactions, today's youth predominantly interact through group chats and social media, leading to feelings of isolation. This digital age phenomenon further widens the happiness divide.

Educational and Economic Pressures

Additionally, the relentless pursuit of academic success within Singapore's education system contributes to psychological and emotional strain. Despite high academic achievements, many young people face an uncertain future marked by increasing living costs and the daunting reality that surpassing their parents' success might be unachievable. These pressures exacerbate the happiness divide between the youth and the elderly.

Navigating Social Isolation

The sense of being "connected yet alone" is pervasive among Singapore's youth. The digital age offers numerous virtual connections, but these are often superficial, failing to provide the depth and meaning required for fulfilling relationships. This paradox exacerbates feelings of loneliness and existential discontent.
We would like to put this rumor on ice once and for all

Walt Disney sure loved to smoke. So much so that he dropped dead of lung cancer on December 15, 1966. He was quickly cremated, and his ashes were interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

However, a great many people believe that Disneys body was frozen  or just his head was frozen  so that one day he could come back and contribute more Mickey Mouse cartoons and amusement parks to the world. While theres no truth to any of that, its been a persistent urban legend for nearly 60 years.

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Just a month and a half before he died, Disney discovered that he had lung cancer. His lung was removed immediately, yet the public didnt learn of the seriousness of his condition, with many reports saying he was expected to make a full recovery. During this period of time cryonics was also, per the BBC, a hot topic. In 1964, the book The Prospect of Immortality was released, which popularized the idea of cryogenics and turned its author, Robert Ettinger, into an overnight celebrity.

Whether or not Disney had heard about cryonics before he died is a matter of debate, but even if he did, theres no proof that he did anything about it. According to Snopes, The exact origins of the rumor (of Disney being frozen) are unknown, but at least one Disney publicist has suggested that the story was started by a group of Disney Studio animators who had a bizarre sense of humor.

PBS, however, cited a different source, reporting, In early 1967, a few weeks after Disneys death, a reporter for a tabloid newspaper called The National Spotlite claimed he had snuck into St. Josephs Hospital in Burbank, directly across the street from the Disney studios and where (Disney) was treated during his final illness. As the story went, the reporter disguised himself as an orderly, broke into a storage room, and saw the deceased Disney suspended in a cryogenic metal cylinder!

In fairness  not to The National Spotlite, which was the kind of supermarket tabloid that made a business out of peddling bogus stories, but to us  cryonics looked pretty promising back in the 1960s. In fact, the first man to be cryogenically frozen was a guy named James Bedford, who was frozen less than a month after Disneys death.

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Either way, in 1969, the French magazine Ici Paris repeated the rumor about Disney, as did another American tabloid, The National Tattler. By that time, the rumor had evolved to the point where Disney was supposedly going to return in 1975 and that his frozen remains were stored under the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World. Eventually, some versions of the rumor claimed that only Disneys head had been put on ice.

Adding fuel to the fire, in September 1970, Robert Nelson, the founder of the Cryonic Society of California, explained, Weve had hundreds of requests since the first internment. For the most part, relatives wait too long to make arrangements. This is what happened in the case of Walt Disney. He requested cryonic interment, but didnt make the arrangements and relatives didnt know how to proceed.

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But as the BBC has noted, its unclear if Nelson was being truthful or just promoting his business. Regardless, just a month after Nelsons claim, The Father of Cryonics himself, Robert Ettinger, made mention of the rumor, saying, Let us assume the truth of the reports, widely circulated in newspapers and on television, that Disney made a death-bed request for cryonic suspension, but instead of freezing him his dearly beloved cremated him.

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From there, a pair of salacious Disney biographies further peddled the rumor. First there was Disneys World in 1985, which suggested Disney learned of cryonics from Disney-songwriter-turned-personal-nurse-to-Walt, Hazel George. Although the book didnt outright say Disney had been frozen, it said he was looking into it and suggested it was a possibility. Next, there was Walt Disney: Hollywoods Dark Prince in 1993, which reported that Disney talked to his brother Roy about being frozen. (It offered no evidence, however.)

These days, the rumor is probably most perpetuated by a Family Guy joke from 2005. When Stewie meets his future self, he asks if they ever unfroze Disney. Future Stewie says yes, before the scene cuts to a laboratory where a scientist unfreezes Disney. Disney wakes up and asks, Are the Jews gone yet? When the scientist says No, Disney says, Put me back in.

Its all the more funny today since Disney currently owns Family Guy.
What Cisco Talos researches found was that the most frequently imitated brand worldwide by cybercriminals was by far Microsoft, followed by DocuSign and Amazon in second and third place. PayPal, Adobe, and Instagram also rank in the top 10, along with Nortonlifelock, Chase, Geek Squad, and Home Depot, according to Cisco Talos.

The illegal use of brand names is relatively easy, according to the researchers. For example, attackers insert the trademarks directly into the HTML source code of the email. To make detection more difficult, cybercriminals also encode this email using base64. Another method is to retrieve the logo from a remote server when requested by the email program. In this scenario, the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the resource is embedded in the HTML source code of the email. Alternatively, the attackers provide a logo  base64 encoded  as an attachment, which is displayed by email clients when referenced in the HTML source to persuade potential victims to reveal their login details and other sensitive information.

The attackers perfidious goal: By making the email about the brand name appear to come from a trustworthy company, recipients are less likely to doubt the messages authenticity. For example, the fraudsters pose as technical support employees of a company that is supposedly acting on behalf of the company whose brand is being exploited. The email requests the victims login credentials, for example, and thus gains access to the relevant accounts.
A US Senate committee chair is urging the administration of President Joe Biden to hold UnitedHealth Group (UHG) accountable for negligent cybersecurity practices in a ransomware attack against subsidiary Change Healthcare that disrupted medical payment and claims processing across the US.

In an open letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden described the breach as completely preventable and the direct result of corporate negligence.

During Congressional testimony last month, UHG chief executive Andrew Witty said that cybercriminals first hacked into Change Healthcares network after logging into a remote access server unprotected by multifactor authentication. The cybercriminals expanded their reach into the compromised network and stole tens of millions of confidential files before deploying the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware.
The Erie Basin Impound Lot  the citys Rikers for scooters  in February, 2024. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

It took delivery worker Eduardo Rodriguez two months, two 90-minute trips (each way) from his home in the Bronx to the city impound lot in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and what he estimates was $8,000 in lost wages and various fines and fees to spring his 1500cc Gusite from city custody after it was seized on Fordham Road.

This is causing me a lot of pain and suffering, he tells me. He had been using an e-bike for deliveries, but when it was stolen, he upgraded to a more powerful moped that gave him more speed and distance to better satisfy the increasing demands of the delivery apps. He says he was unaware that since the new one was technically a Class A moped, he was now required to have a motorcycle license in addition to registration. Why no education? Were trying to do things the right way, he says. They could give us a chance. There could be a warning system.

Rodriguez and his moped were caught up in the citys aggressive two-year-old crackdown on illegal motorized bikes. The enforcement mandate didnt come out of nowhere: New Yorks pandemic-era streets have often felt a little Mad Max. The streets (and sidewalks) were suddenly swarming with an array of new self-propelled vehicles  from boosted boards and electric scooters to Limes and Revels to motorbikes, both gas-powered and electric  weaving through traffic and sometimes used to commit crimes. When youre on an unregistered scooter that goes 50 mph, a sidewalk smash and grab becomes easier to get away with. Worse yet, there were even used in drive-by shootings, like the one in the Bronx in April of this year, in which four people were shot, one fatally, by scooter-riding gunmen. Not to mention those roving bands of ATVs and groups of kids doing wheelies on motorbikes.

In the face of this bedlam, Mayor Adams thought clamping down on scooters was a winning political issue. According to a City Hall spokesperson, They have taken more than 39,000 illegal bikes off city streets since the city announced stepped-up enforcement efforts in 2022. And we will continue to remove even more illegal bikes this summer.

But visiting the Erie Basin Impound Lot, the mile-long pier that serves as the citys main motor-vehicle jail, you see whos actually paying the price for these new policies. In late April, it was full of approximately 23,000 motorbikes. (The numbers havent changed much since.) On the day I visited, nearly everyone waiting outside the lot, hoping to be reunited with their two-wheeled inmate, was an immigrant  from Ecuador, Turkey, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, Barbados, and Sierra Leone  who has come to rely on the motorized bikes to make a living in a class-divided city that is increasingly composed of people who make deliveries and people who have things delivered to them.

Erie Basin is an institution of nearly impenetrable bureaucratic frustration, with short hours, long waits, rigid protocols, and a steady stream of dashed hopes. Naturally, its effects are visited disproportionately on those like Rodriguez who have few other options.

They arrive armed with newly minted registrations and drivers licenses, violation letters, proof of insurance, and vehicle ID numbers. Theyve called the phone numbers and followed precinct instructions and come here to discover that the fate of their motorbike is determined not by the efforts or expense they dedicated to navigate a byzantine, big city bureaucracy but by the sheer number of bikes. Even owners who show up with all the correct paperwork and payments often have to come back a week or more later because it takes seven to ten days for the NYPD to even locate a specific bike from their massive trove.

Fewer than half of the bikes will ever be successfully reclaimed. The rest are destroyed. Every second Thursday of the month a batch of the condemned are loaded onto flatbeds and driven out to some undisclosed Long Island location and demolished.

On the first day of summer 2022, Mayor Eric Adams declared war on illegal motorbikes. He held a press conference at none other than Erie Basin, where he vowed to rid city streets of the two-wheeled scourge. Today, as we stand in the shadow of the Freedom Tower  visible across the harbor  we are freeing ourselves from these destructive pieces of machinery thats on our streets. Then the mayor, never one to pass up on an opportunity for theatrics, waved a checkered flag, and a bulldozer proceeded to roll back and forth over a row of nearly a hundred seized bikes, crunching them down to shards of plastic and cheap foreign metal, which Adams said would be recycled. They will be crushed today  so that they can never terrorize our city again.

They were really a nuisance to New Yorkers, says Kaz Daughtry, NYPDs deputy commissioner of operations, motorbikes and scooters zipping in and out of traffic. I mean, guys that were 50 to 100 deep with these ATVs, dirt bikes, and scooters. It was almost kind of like that mob mentality where they were running New York City, doing whatever they wanted to do.

To step up enforcement, the NYPD deployed its Community Response Team and now uses whatever tools it can to combat mobility mayhem: drones, air support, monitoring social media. The cops have the numbers to back up how busy theyve been. Between June 20, 2022, and May 28, 2024, the NYPD says its seized 39,118 motorbikes, ATVs, dirt bikes, mopeds, and scooters. And it seems the campaign is just hitting its stride. So far this year, the NYPD has already seized 12,613.

But while the initiative once promised to rid the streets of illegal ATVs and bands of lawless teens doing wheelies down busy streets, the recent seizure numbers tell a different story. Of the vehicles seized this year, there were two dirt bikes and 46 ATVs; there were 9,548 scooters/mopeds.

Which means a clampdown originally designed to curb pandemic-era street havoc is now mostly just harassing immigrants just trying to get around town and make a living.

Mohammad, who is from Guinea, had owned his motorbike for just five minutes when it was seized at a blockade at a pedestrian bridge near 170th Street where, he says, the cops lie in wait. Thats all they do, he says. As soon as you come off the bridge, theyre stationed right there. A lot of bikes get taken there. Mohammad says the Grand Concourse store where he bought it had given him a temporary registration the police said was invalid. He made three trips to the 44th Precinct to attempt to retrieve the bike, which was then inexplicably sent to Queens where he also went to retrieve the bike, which was finally sent here to Erie Basin, an hourlong Uber ride from his home in the Bronx. It took 25 days to get it back.

Samet and Adam, who moved from Turkey eight months ago, were asleep in their Sunnyside, Queens, apartment when their unregistered motorbikes were towed. It took them two months and close to a thousand dollars in fines and fees and registration costs to get them back.

Edwin, who is Colombian and works selling Air Jordans on the sidewalk on Roosevelt Avenue, was stopped in the bike lane of the Queensboro Bridge while giving his wife a ride to work. It also took him 25 days to get the motorbike back, but hes not bitter about the experience. He says, My wife can take the train to work.

Brooklyn native Jeffrey Cunningham wasnt sure he even needed to have his bike registered. When I purchased the bike two years ago, they werent clear about what kind of documentation Id need. They said the cops were going to harass you either way, so I didnt bother. But that doesnt mean he wasnt conscientious and (mostly) law-abiding. Im not going around robbing people or hitting cars or driving with no insurance.

Cunningham says he was making $1,400 a week making deliveries for the apps when he was stopped at a red light in Manhattan. He estimates it took about three grand and repeated trips to Erie Basin to get it back. Theres a whole bunch of money I had to spend to go through this. So much goddamn money I could have just gone and bought another bike.

And then, of course theres Rodriguez, the delivery worker from the Bronx who says he was unaware of the registration requirements when his bike was seized on Fordham Road in February. It landed him in jail where he says he was among eight men held in the Bronxs 52nd Precinct, all immigrants making food deliveries. No rapists, no murderers, no thieves, he says. All scooters. Rodriguez thinks his arrest was part of a retaliatory crackdown after a group of immigrants allegedly attacked police officers in Times Square on January 27. Commissioner Daughtry disputes this. Thats 100 percent not true, he says.

In fact, Daughtry says his Community Response Team is instructed to take a softer approach to delivery workers. We want to show some empathy to the food-service workers, he says, adding that officers often ask to see the apps delivery workers are using as proof. But if youre riding in a roving band of 50, 60 guys trying to do a DMX video down Fifth Avenue, those guys get no empathy from this department.

Mohammad says he understands the need for the crackdown. During the pandemic there was a time when there was a lot of robberies on scooters, at least in the Bronx. But it just went overboard on the crackdown. Theyre mostly cracking down on people doing deliveries.

William Medina, a delivery worker who is part of Los Deliveristas Unidos, an organization of delivery workers featured in a 2021 New York Magazine cover story, says delivery workers not only have to contend with the persistent threat of robberies, they also have to contend with the police.

We suffer robberies every single day, he says, but the police keep chasing delivery workers. Any model will get a ticket, and theyll take the motorcycle to the precinct. I know a driver who got a ticket for not wearing goggles. He says he knows someone who got a summons because he had a key chain dangling from his bike. A fucking key chain!

On top of all that, Medina says, delivery workers are subject to the whims of the delivery apps, whose ever-optimizing algorithms forced many delivery workers to ditch their battery-boosted bicycles for the motorbikes they now need to deliver longer distances in order to satisfy the app. We now have to travel five or six miles from the restaurant, Medina says. And if you dont fulfill the order, youre gonna get a strike in the application. If you have a bad rating in the app, youre not going to get access to the schedule. Rodriguez, who delivers in the Bronx, says he routinely gets requests to go to White Plains and Scarsdale, destinations that are only revealed after he accepts the delivery. Reneging on a delivery offer  even one to Westchester  hurts a workers rating and can impact the deliveries hes offered in the future.

DoorDash spokesman Eli Scheinholtz says that Dashers, as theyre called, can control their own delivery radius. If a Dasher doesnt want to travel any further than two miles, its very much within their bounds to set it to that. Scheinholtz does concede that theres an acceptance rate metric in the DoorDash app but says that it doesnt punish Dashers who pass up longer deliveries and also points out that workers can set their app settings to avoid traveling over bridges. Still, DoorDash (which was the only app that returned requests for comment) maintains a complex New Yorkspecific rewards program that incentivizes Dashers to accept and deliver to wherever theyre requested when theyre requested.

Last December, changes to the app and the awards program were implemented in response to the citys first-ever enforcement of a minimum wage for app-based delivery workers. (It just increased again to $19.56 an hour.) With every victory comes a reset in policy from the delivery apps, which Medina says are programmed to squeeze every bit of value from delivery workers hourly wage.

Now they have to do faster, or they have to do more, because they have to pay for their time. You have to travel far distances, like from Jamaica to Brooklyn. New York City is huge. You have to risk your life in the street to complete one delivery in 30 minutes six or seven miles. If you complete it in 45 minutes, youre going to get a strike. They deactivate your account in retaliation. DoorDash, they dont care. They care about their customers, but they dont care about the workers.

DoorDash offers discounts on select electric mopeds but not the faster motorbike models now favored by their New York Dashers. In fact, it seems to exist in another universe from the real considerations of New York delivery workers. Certainly it (as well as Postmates and Uber Eats and every other app) seems oblivious to the consumption process of the motorbikes that pass through Erie Basin  a cycle of disposability that begins with the assembly of imported parts into working vehicles, which are sold, seized, returned, or, more likely, destroyed, only to be replaced so the cycle can begin again.

Among the dominant brands of motorbikes right now is Fly E, a company based in Flushing, Queens, founded in 2018 that imports its bike parts from China, assembles them here, and has more than 30 dealerships in the city. As its website says, Our niche market is predominantly food-delivery workers who need to get around the city without any delays. Their mopeds sell for between $1,200 for the Fly-7 up to $4,500 for the faster, sturdier FTC Max. Multiple financing options are available.

Its approaching noon, closing time at Erie Basin, and the few people here are beginning to drift off defeated. But not everyone here is sympathetic to the owners of these illegal bikes held captive at Erie Basin. Its lawless, says Kevin Hurley, who was born in Barbados and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Half of them dont have insurance, he says. Theyre running stop signs, they are on the sidewalk. People get hurt. The police are doing a good job to be honest with you.

Hurleys not here to retrieve a motorbike. He is a man with a van, which makes him the guy to call when your bike gets seized in his Flatbush neighborhood. He charges 50 bucks to come down here and cart out a retrieved motorbike, which is reasonable compared to local tow trucks. Its just a side hustle for Hurley but gets a lot of calls. Its crazy, he says of the citys crackdown. Its a business. They take your bike. They charge you. They leave you here too long. So who does the money go to? The city. The city wants that money. Thats all.
New York lawmakers could walk out of Albany on Thursday and say theyve done something that their constituents will be able to see with their 
For a glimpse of how a Labour government will function in practice, the events of the past few days have been instructive.

Sir Keir Starmer's manoeuvring to ensure Diane Abbott would not be able to stand for the party in the seat she has held for almost four decades was, in an instant, made to look devious by the direct intervention of Angela Rayner.

In an interview for ITV, she declared: 'I don't see any reason why Diane Abbott can't stand as a Labour MP going forward. I am saying that as Deputy Leader of the Labour party.'

Starmer immediately rowed in behind her - even though, since Abbott had been the Labour MP closest to Jeremy Corbyn, her de-selection was intrinsic to his campaign to show this was a 'changed Labour party'.

It was not just that Rayner reminded us she is elected Deputy Leader, not chosen by Starmer: her power base is the trade union movement - and its representatives on the party's National Executive Committee shared her view that the defenestration of Abbott must be thwarted.

Angela Rayner reminded us she is elected Deputy Leader, not chosen by Sir Keir Starmer: her power base is the trade union movement. Pictured: Rayner looks on at Starmer during the Labour Party conference in Brighton in September 2021

The point is that Rayner and those allies (the most significant donors to party funds) will be profoundly influential on Labour's policies in government. She and they are determined that what Rayner calls 'Labour's new deal for working people' is a real shift in power away from business owners and back to the unions - a reversal of the reforms under Margaret Thatcher which had galvanised enterprise and wealth creation.

This will not just involve revoking laws which had made it more difficult to organise strikes at short notice, but abolishing zero-hours contracts which Labour regards as 'exploitative' and giving new employees the same rights in terms of protection from dismissal as the longest-serving.

Exactly what form these will take is not clear: what is clear is that Rayner is determined to ensure they are not watered down.

Other than the fact that she has her own power base (which enabled her to humiliate Starmer when he attempted to clip her wings after Labour's loss in the May 2021 Hartlepool by-election), Rayner is loved within the Labour movement in a way Starmer never will be. She also has charisma, in sharp contrast to Sir Keir, the painstaking lawyer.

Although Rayner is described as a 2020s version of John Prescott in the Blair governments, this is only superficially true. Then, the leader (Blair) had all the charisma, and the trade unionist Prescott would never openly challenge him.

So Blair never reversed a single one of the Thatcher trade union reforms - and followed Peter Mandelson's dictum of being 'intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich'. When Starmer was asked by the Times last week if he shared this attitude, he replied: 'I'm not just relaxed, I'm relaxed as well as being doggedly determined... We should nourish and encourage that. Not just individuals but businesses.' The paper's front-page headline was: 'Starmer: I'll create wealth'.

There are just two problems with this. First, how would Labour's plans to increase the regulatory burden on business further the creation of new enterprises and therefore wealth creation? Second, what are Labour's plans to tax the wealth Starmer is now sworn to 'create'?

Sir Keir Starmer's manoeuvring to ensure Diane Abbott would not be able to stand for the party in the seat she has held for almost four decades was, in an instant, made to look devious by the direct intervention of Angela Rayner. Pictured: Diane Abbott addresses her supporters and the media on the steps of Hackney Town Hall on Wednesday, May 29

The party has pledged not to increase the rates of income tax, national insurance, VAT and corporation tax. Lovely. But it also promises a whole load of additional expenditure, such as 'two million more NHS appointments', a 'Green prosperity plan' costing an extra 5 billion a year, and '6,500 more teachers'.

This last one, the party says will be funded by slapping VAT on private school fees - one Corbyn policy Starmer is standing by.

Labour's claim that the funds for all those additional teachers will be met in this way rests on the extraordinary notion that an extra 20 per cent charge will lead to no significant 'migration' of pupils from the private to the public sector.

And is it actually credible that Starmer/Rayner will hold the line on public sector pay demands, in the way Sunak and Jeremy Hunt have done?

My forecast: Labour will raise the money by introducing some sort of new 'wealth tax'. This measure may well be highly popular. But the idea that such a government will 'create wealth' or even the conditions best suited to 'growing the economy'? It's a fairy tale  and unlikely to be one with a happy ending.

Political din should be banned too

Which noise would you find more disturbing: the jingles of an ice cream van or the amplified booming of Steve Bray, the 'Stop Brexit' attention-seeker who still plagues the environs of Westminster?

I ask this, in partial defence of John Barton, proprietor of Harrison's Ices, now being pursued by East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), after a resident of the Lincolnshire town of Louth complained about the noise of the jingle emanating from his ice cream van.

ELDC told Mr Barton that it was investigating a complaint from a resident, and that 'this is part of our statutory duty under the environmental protection act'.

Mr Barton is not happy: 'These people won't ever come out to the ice cream van, they will hate seeing children happy, hate the sound of something joyful and happy.'

Actually, the ice cream van business is more favoured than retailers in general. If you look at any local authority's regulations for street traders you will see the following standard paragraph: 'a licence holder shall not use a megaphone or amplification equipment or a loud voice to shout out the prices of goods etc, in order to attract customers.'

No noise restrictions apply to political demonstrators, a fact exploited for many years by Steve Bray, who uses amplifiers to reach an estimated 90 decibels - a level which in the workplace would require hearing protection for employees, under health and safety regulations. Pictured: Steve Bray outside the Houses of Parliament in February this year

Yet nothing of the sort applies to political demonstrators, a fact exploited for many years by Steve Bray, who uses amplifiers to reach an estimated 90 decibels - a level which in the workplace would require hearing protection for employees, under health and safety regulations.

Thus it was that no member of the police in the vicinity of Downing Street did anything to stop Bray disrupting the Prime Minister's statement when Mr Sunak stood in the pouring rain two weeks ago to announce that he was calling a General Election.

Bray turned his amplifiers up to the max, playing Labour's theme song of the 1997 General Election, Things Can Only Get Better. Afterwards, he gloated on X: 'We had a good run but amplifiers got soaked and blown. They lasted for the moment that mattered.'

In and around Westminster, the din from Bray (and indeed the continuous pro-Palestinian demonstrations) is no joy for the local tourism-related businesses and their customers.

I've said it before and I'll repeat it (quietly): why should the noise regulations for commercial messages not apply to those hawking political ones?
How suddenly the EU dropped off our radar. We were members for half a century. Forty-eight per cent of us wanted to stay in the wretched thing. Yet you need to scour the inside pages of most newspapers for mention of this weeks European elections.

More than 370million people are entitled to vote between June 6 and 9, an electorate second in size only to Indias. As the EU has continued to centralise power, the European Parliament has become less like an international assembly and more like the legislature of a superstate.

That superstate is taking shape right next door to us and, although we are each others largest trading partners, our relations have often been marred since Brexit by the tendency in Brussels to see us as a rebel province.

In short, you might think we would be interested. So why so little coverage?

Is it that we have become more insular as a result of Brexit? Au contraire, as we old Brussels hands say.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of National Rally, Frances former National Front, has been gaining major ground in recent years

The ANCs slide in South Africa has been decently chewed over by our commentators. So has Narendra Modis pitch for a third term in India. And Donald Trumps legal battles are front-page news, despite the imminence of our own election.

No, what we are seeing is a reminder that this country was never especially community-minded in its outlook. In 1950, as Labours then foreign secretary, Ernest Bevin, put it: Britain is not part of Europe, she is simply not a Luxembourg.

As long as we were members, we did our best to pay attention. Turnout at our European elections may have been in the low thirties, but at least we had a vague idea of who Jacques Delors and Jean-Claude Juncker were.

The moment we left, though, our gaze snapped back to the Commonwealth and the other English-speaking democracies  places which, for many of us, are not just familiar, but familial, in the sense that we have relatives there.

The weird thing is how little interest the irreconcilable euro-zealots now show in what is happening across the Channel. If only they stopped yelling about British fascism for a moment, they might notice something striking  the EU is about to swing further to the Right, including the authoritarian Right, than ever.

Opinion polls suggest that the various Right-wing groupings in Strasbourg  Christian democrats, conservatives and hard-Right populists  will get more than half as many seats again as the combined socialists, greens and communists. In Britain, by contrast, cumulative support for the parties of the Left is higher than for those of the Right (Tories plus Reform) in 573 out of 650 constituencies.

This striking divergence has not made the slightest dent in the consciousness of those who proclaim that Europe is an important part of their identities.

Once again, we see that Europhilia in Britain has become a lost cause to which people cling because of how they like to think of themselves rather than because they expect to effect any political change.

Being a Remainer doesnt mean that you have a clear plan to rejoin, or even that you especially want to. It means, rather, that you have an image of yourself as broad-minded, anti-racist and entitled look down on Eurosceptic thickoes.

As the EU has continued to centralise power, the European Parliament has become less like an international assembly and more like the legislature of a superstate

Hard-core Remainers are going to be very peeved about what is actually happening in their beautiful Europe, says Yanis Varoufakis, the Leftist Greek politician.

No they wont. They will simply fail to notice it.

Even as Marine Le Pen  now the leader of National Rally, Frances former National Front  struts her stuff in Brussels, they will carry on telling one another what a small-minded and xenophobic place Britain has become since Brexit.

The difference between Britain and the Continent is most pronounced when we look at the attitudes of young voters.

Here it is pretty much taken for granted that people under 30 will be on the Left  not least by the Tories themselves, whose election campaign is disproportionately aimed at pensioners. But all over Western Europe, younger voters are switching to anti-immigration parties.

If you run the same test again  cumulative support for the parties on the Left versus those on the Right  you see that young people overwhelmingly lean Right, including in Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Belgium and Finland. In most of these countries, the populist Right party is ahead of its traditional conservative rival.

Why is this happening on the Continent? And why isnt it happening in Britain?

Both answers are obvious.

First, there is war in Ukraine, which tends to push voters Right. Then there is massive illegal immigration  at higher levels in most EU states than in Britain, though you wouldnt think it from our headlines. Concerns over energy security and price rises are also helpful to Right-wingers.

All these things have accelerated the long-term decline of parties of the traditional Left, whose ties to industrialised labour and trade unions already made them look anachronistic in a gig economy.

So why isnt it happening here?

The short answer is that, as in 1997, the Tories are now so disliked that their association with an otherwise popular policy is enough to turn people against it.

For me, the most shocking poll since the campaign began is a YouGov survey which asks people: From everything you have heard about Conservative plans to help pensioners, do you think they go too far, not far enough, or they are about right?

Now bear in mind that the Tories have geared almost their entire campaign at pensioners. Not content with locking down young people during the pandemic in 2020, nor with preserving the triple lock despite the artificial bounce-back of wages in 2021, they plan to introduce a tax-free allowance for pensioners while forcing young people into national service.

So how does all this go down with the target market? Four per cent of over-65s think Tory proposals go too far, and 54 per cent that they dont go far enough. For the electorate as a whole, those figures are 12 and 36 per cent.

How did the Conservatives get to the point where whatever they say seems to irritate people?

Again, the answer is obvious enough. After 14 years, voters have all manner of accumulated grudges, some more justified than others.

Most of their grievances have to do with the effects of a lockdown which Labour (and, indeed, the electorate as a whole) wanted to be even longer and harsher than it was.

There is a reason that no PM since the Duke of Wellington in 1830 has taken his party to a fifth consecutive election victory. But the sad truth is that, with the temporary exception of immigration, which is likely to drop next year regardless of who wins because of changes that have already passed through Parliament, almost nothing will improve.

The Government will still spend vastly more than the country can afford. The NHS will continue to gobble up more cash for fewer consultations and medical procedures. Government departments will remain more interested in diversity and equality than in doing their notional jobs.

The factors that are driving the EU Rightwards  price rises, excessive eco-regulation, problems with assimilation, the threat of Russia  will still apply here. And we will realise that Labour, unlike the current Government, is not even theoretically interested in taking on the woke establishment.

Indeed, it is very likely that Starmer will scrap the Rwanda scheme just as numerous EU states adopt versions of it.

In other words, Britain will swing Left just as the EU adopts many of the policies that Brexit was expected to deliver.

Funny old world.
Another moribund day was drifting by, our political class talking to itself.

Sir Keir Starmer, in that ridiculous sticky-up fringe, gave a stupendously wooden speech on defence.

He's as interesting as a hard-tack biscuit. Rishi Sunak visited the riverside in Henley-on-Thames, wearing his artificial smile.

A pleasure cruiser of Lib Dem ancients went phutting past, shouting 'coo-ee!' as Lib Dems do. They were making some point about water purity and Sir Ed Davey was represented by Daisy Cooper. She is, if we can put it like this regarding a sewage protest, his number two.

On Radio 4 posh snoot clawed at posh snoot as Mishal Husain took on Kemi Badenoch on sex-definition laws. Ms Husain's eyebrows arched.

Ms Badenoch bared that gap in her teeth and spoke the form of high Siamese with which technocrats communicate to one another.

Nigel Farage announces that he is the new leader of Reform - and the party's candidate for Clacton - in Glaziers Hall in London

A nation yawned. TV news ratings chiefs stabbed themselves in the groin with their letter openers. Our cuckoo clock stayed inside its coop, having failed to wake itself.

Then: wham! At 4pm Nigel Farage's froggy smile bounced into the ballroom of the Glaziers Hall in London and the election caught light. After saying for days that he would not stand in a constituency, Mr Farage had changed his mind. 'It's allowed, you know.'

He was going to be Reform's candidate in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, and he was replacing hairdresser-manque Richard Tice as party leader.

The two had sorted it out between themselves, rather as V. Putin and Dmitry Medvedev used to divvy up the top jobs at the Kremlin. Mr Tice would now be the party's chairman. You never saw a leader look happier to be ousted. Mr Tice practically skipped off the stage.

'This election needs gingering up,' cried the 'baccy-tarred Farage larynx once he had been escorted to the podium by heavies.

'People have zoned out. None-of-the-above is top by a country mile.'

Sir Keir Starmer dedicated his day of campaigning to outlining Labour's defence pledges in Manchester

Mr Sunak was a 'liar' and Sir Keir was 'a man who was a lawyer'. A low blow. Mr Farage added that lawyer Starmer was the sort who 'fought very hard to get benefits' for migrants.

And migration was the biggest policy in this election, though you would not know it from 'the career political class'.

It was at 2pm on Sunday - a time that sounds suspiciously like third-pint-of-bitter o'clock - that he decided to quit his GB News job and his US political ambitions.

The change of heart came, he said, after talking to people in the streets. There was one particular conversation in Skegness, Lincs, that stuck in his mind.

A chap had been politely unimpressed when Mr Farage offered his reasons for not fighting a seat. 'I realised I was just not feeling good about this,' explained Mr Farage. 'Better to fight than let people down.'

Rishi Sunak's visit to a rowing club in Henley is interrupted by a Lib Dem pleasure cruiser sailing by

Above him a vast chandelier blazed. Although we were at Glaziers Hall, all the windows were curtained. A difference between this event and one Reform held in Dover last week was that eight, dark-suited gents lined a wall. They looked to me like the money.

The audience was mostly reporters but that Pimlico Plumbers tycoon with the Rod Stewart hairdo and poppy-outty eyes was there. A living caution against plastic surgery.

Mr Farage, a mere 60, was full of pep, bronzed like an old slapper in Magaluf and cheerfully scorning journalists who wondered if he and Mr Tice were still friends. 'Yawn,' he told a Guardian scribe. 'Sorry, I almost nodded off there. Do apologise.'

Another was told off for 'a very silly question' and a third, who asked why he was doing this event in London and not Clacton, was told: 'This is where you all are, happy in your bubble.'

Some of us had in fact slogged over 100 miles to get there. It was worth it. It may or may not prove to be the 'political revolt' he claimed, but Mr Farage has at least given our patronising, monochrome ink-monitors a boot up the bahookie.
A trichologist has revealed why there's no such thing as a 'quick fix' for getting longer hair - and why those fancy hair oils won't help.

The wisdom was shared on TikTok by the iconic haircare brand Philip Kingsley, which offers treatments for scalp health and hair loss and has clinics in both London and New York City.

In the clip, Glenn Lyons, clinical director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, explained why you can't grow out your hair in the blink of an eye.

In the beginning of the video, Lyons admitted that there's no way to increase how much your hair grows.

Lyons revealed the average growth rate is around 1.5 centimeters a month, which is proven by people who color their hair and 'within a month they've got regrowth.'

In a new clip, Glenn Lyons, who is the clinical director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, explained why there's 'no quick fix' for hair growth

In the beginning of the video, Lyons bluntly admitted that there's just no way to increase how much your hair grows

Healthy hair starts with what you eat According to Healthline, ensuring you are getting essential vitamins and minerals will contribute to healthy hair The outlet suggested that omega-3 and DHA may help hair growth You can get these vitamins by eating foods packed with omega-3's, like fish, nuts and seeds, or even supplements Advertisement

While it can be tempting to try hair growth oils, especially since many people swear by them, the trichologist said it's best to be wary.

'Natural oils could help the condition [but] I believe actually the most important thing on hair and skin is moisture levels,' Lyons said - however, he warned that this won't speed up the growth of your hair, but rather help to maintain a natural rate of growth.

He explained that there are certain things that can aid in hair growth, including maintaining a healthy scalp and making sure your hair has as little breakage as possible.

To prevent breakage, Lyons suggested using the proper brushes, not over-drying, and not getting too much sun on the hair.

Surprisingly, using certain types of hand-held scalp massagers can also damage your hair, something that Lyons spoke about in a February video.

He explained that massaging your head can cause breakage if done too vigorously.

Using your fingers is the best option for scalp massage, Lyons said, and it should be done for five to seven minutes, as you guide your finger tips in slow, circular movements.

If you feel like scalp massagers are the best way to cleanse your scalp of dandruff or oils, there are certain ones to look out for.

While it can be tempting to try hair growth oils, especially since many people swear by them, the trichologist said it's best to be wary

'The average growth rate is around one to one point five centimeters a month,' Lyons explained

The expert suggested opting for a scalp massager that has spread-out spikes, rather than lots of small ones that are close together and moving it slowly around your head.

When the plastic prongs are particularly harsh, the scalp can become irritated and even bleed.

However, overall, Lyons admitted that the benefits of scalp massages are quite minimal.

With the right vitamins and a healthy scalp, your hair will look better than ever - just don't get conned by expensive oils that don't work.
READ MORE: Budgeting pro reveals simple changes she made to retire at 42

She and he husband went from making $80,000 a year to being millionaires

A woman who was able to quit her job and enjoy a 'mini retirement' at the age of 38 has revealed the financial tips and tricks that enabled her to go three years without working.

Sabina Horrocks, 41, was able to bask in a three-year break from work following the birth of her daughter in 2021.

By then, she and her husband had amassed a net worth of around $2 million, with both bringing in six-figure incomes in addition to managing a rental business.

'We didn't do anything extraordinary - I'd say the way we became millionaires is quite boring,' Sabina told Business Insider.

'That's the thing I think most people don't understand. Becoming wealthy isn't hustles... It's discipline and consistency over time,' she asserted.

Sabina Horrocks, 41, was able to take three years off from work in a mini retirement of sorts after scrimping and saving in her twenties

On her blog, The Moneyaires, Sabina explained that her and her husband's combined income in 2007 was $80,000.

By 2020, however, they 'managed to make it to millionaire status,' she wrote.

'Who better to learn from than someone who has walked the walk?' she asked BI.

Sabrina grew up in a lower middle class family in the Chicago suburbs. While she never went hungry, she told BI that her parents lived a very modest lifestyle.

She managed to snag a scholarship for her first two years at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she double majored in political science and history.

She went on to get her MBA from Chicago's DePaul University. The program is estimated to cost just under $35,000, which is a fraction of the price of MBA programs at the neighboring Kellogg business school at Northwestern University.

Sabrina met her husband when they were both younger, and they tied the knot with a low-cost wedding once they'd both secured corporate jobs.

From there, they figured out how to optimize their financial future, taking it day by day.

'I had never thought about our future financial goals. Nobody's ever really talked about in my house, aside from affording certain things,' she said.

She explained that while growing up, her family was 'always trying to save, and my parents would go to four grocery stores on the weekends to save $3 on bread and eggs.'

As an adult, it wasn't too hard of a leap to fall into financially savvy habits with her husband.

When the pair were ready to buy a property of their own, they went with a modest one-bed, one-bath condo for $137,000.

After tying the knot with her husband in a low-cost wedding, the two worked hard to maintain financially responsible habits

By the late aughts, when they were ready to upgrade and they resisted glossy condominiums in downtown Chicago, instead going with a house in the suburbs for half the cost.

'My husband and I have always worked together as a team, and we've treated finances in our marriage like a business. We've always had transparency, goals, and shared effort,' Sabina explained to BI.

'We treat income as household income, not mine or yours. I personally don't understand how marriages can survive with no transparency and a "my" mentality.'

While climbing the corporate ladder, they continued managing rental properties, even successfully navigating the 2008 burst of the housing bubble.

In the aftermath of the housing crash - as their rental properties plunged $60,000 - Sabina conceded the pair may have gone overboard on budgeting, even selling one of their cars, while also scaling back simple pleasures like nights out with friends.

When housing prices were low, they briefly bought up more rental properties - but Sabina's husband hated the chore of managing them, and they eventually sold their holdings and put the money in retirement.

In total, their combined net worth is now pushing $2 million.

It's spread between about $1.16 million in retirement accounts, $460,000 in an after-tax brokerage account, $250,000 in home equity, $30,000 in an HSA, $25,000 in a 529, and $25,000 in savings.

When she left her job in 2021 to spend time with her daughter, she'd been making $120,000.

One day while facing eight hours of meetings, she realized she'd much prefer to spend time with her baby.

Her husband was making enough to support them all if she took time off - and he encouraged her to do so.

Sabina found herself finally able to enjoy some of the fruits of all their hard work, even recently taking a transatlantic cruise with her daughter and mom.

'We're at a point now where we're able to do things like that, and I think it was because, in our 20s, we made some big sacrifices,' she said.
Constance Hall used a fake Facebook profile to lurk in 'toxic' men's groups and catch out a woman's 'dishonest' ex-husband.

The mother-of-six, from Perth, admitted she made the burner account disguised as a man called Adam to gain access to the male groups and their secret conversations.

She claims to have done it for 'research' but soon became deeply invested after a disgruntled man asked for advice on 'how to get back at his ex' for breaking up with him.

'The responses were typical and gross,' she said before offering a glimpse into their fetid discussion.

'Definitely p**s in her underwear draw,' one man said.

Constance Hall used a fake Facebook profile to lurk in 'toxic' men's groups and catch out someone's 'dishonest' ex-husband

The first man responded: 'P**s? I'll sh*t in her undie drawer then send her away for the weekend with the kids and then change the locks. Possession of the family home is very influential in family court proceedings.'

Constance couldn't help but trawl through the little information the man had on his page to find a relative, then went through their posts and pictures to find the man's ex partner.

'I had to find her and warn her,' she said.

'I sent her a DM with all the screenshots, all from the burner account and signed it, "A woman who's done with men's sh*t".'

She spent the next week obsessing over whether the other woman had seen the messages; she even sent her a friend request to try to get the message request through.

But when she didn't hear back she 'moved on' and stopped logging in as Adam.

That was until last week when she decided it was as good a tool as any for some idle procrastination.

Much to her surprise there was a message in her inbox from the woman who had responded eight months ago, giving Constance the validation she needed.

'All it said was, "I can't tell you how much this has helped me. I am tired of men's sh*t too. He's made made my life hell, all while playing innocent in the courts. Thank you",' she wrote on a Facebook post.

Her post went viral with more than 53,000 people reacting to the dramatic tale.

Some slammed her for 'infiltrating' a 'safe space' for men, while others congratulated her for helping women.

'Even if it was a safe space. All the safe men were not affected. Con hasn't published anything about that. It was a look for toxic behavior. And she found it. All the lovely guys were not harmed in this investigation,' one woman said.

'Thankyou for being Adam,' said another.

Others called out the 'toxic' men in the group.

'If men held each other accountable for their behaviour the world would be a much safer and happier place,' one woman said.

'Exactly why the family court needs serious reform. The poor women who have to attempt to co-parent with these evil men!'

Others said their exes 'played the same tricks'.

'I had the locks changed to my house. His license had the address on it. He called a locksmith out to have a new key done, claiming that he had locked himself out of the house and lost his keys (I found out at a later date),' a woman recalled.

'He gained entry to my home when I was sleeping some time after 11 one week night. I used a CPAP machine due to sleep apnoea and woke up at approx 4am to not being able to breathe. My CPAP machine was turned off at the wall.'

Other women admitted they are also in the groups 'to look out for other women'.

If you or someone you know has safety concerns related to domestic violence call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Read more: Aussie family expose what life is like with cost of living pressures

Aussies weighed in on the 'dire state' of the country and its future

Australians of all ages are venting their concerns about the future of the nation, complaining the country 'isn't what it used to be' and is 'lacking direction at every turn'.

With the cost of living and housing crisis only getting worse, some have argued Australia has become a 'boring' place to live with locals focused primarily on 'surviving' rather than entertaining or setting goals.

Many agreed they have 'nothing to look forward to' and cities like Sydney and Melbourne feel 'dull' compared to their once-vibrant culture.

A 50-year-old man took to Reddit to say the country looks and feels 'directionless, boring and divided' - and he wasn't alone.

'Is it just me or is Australia just totally "blah" at the moment?' he asked.

With the cost of living and housing crisis only getting worse, some have argued Australia has become a 'boring' place to live with locals focused primarily on 'surviving' rather than entertaining or setting goals

'Nothing much to look forward to it and be proud of anymore. Is this because I'm getting older and have passed my youth, or is it something more? Do younger Aussies feel the same, or hopeful and excited about the where we're headed?'

Skyrocketing house prices and rent have caused many to reach deeper into their pockets, forcing them to go out less - while students or those with university debt are wondering if they'll ever be able to afford a home.

Meanwhile, those in their twenties and thirties have grown to be pessimistic about the future, fewer couples are having children because they can't afford to, and many are simply waiting for family inheritance.

While some saw the criticism as 'overboard', the majority agreed that Australia is a 'shadow of the country is used to be'.

'People in my generation have no future except what basically amounts to indentured servitude. I can't afford a house, I can't afford kids, I can barely afford a new car,' a woman in her twenties wrote.

'Most of my money goes to rent-seeking landlords and putting food on the table for myself. Going out to do anything costs an arm and a leg, and everyone is out to nickle-and-dime you.'

A 39-year-old in Sydney said most are just working to pay off home loans.

Crowd pictured lining up for a rental home inspection in Bondi as the housing crisis continues

'We [Australia] stopped manufacturing, we stopped innovating, we are increasing our immigrant intake with little consideration for Australians or the immigrants to Australia,' he wrote.

'Immigrants keep working to make ends meet in this super expensive country. Aussies keep working to pay off their Sydney or Melbourne properties or to make sure they have enough investment properties.

'I agree no one enjoys things anymore. Little scope left apart from a small percentage of population.'

Another from Brisbane added: 'It's getting hard for people to afford things. There's an entire generation here that unless they have parents with money, will likely never own a home. It's s***.'

One 34-year-old man said he decided not to have children years ago because he would be 'ashamed to bring anyone else into the sad future coming'.

'The generational divide is worse than ever,' he added.

The original poster wrote that he was amazed by the responses and glad to know he wasn't the only one feeling this way.

'I think the scope and magnitude of the response here suggests that what I'm feeling isn't just a product my age and demographic [Gen X],' he said.

'I take solace in that, but mourn that our "lucky country" seems to be wallowing in this insular cultural, political and economic malaise and it's such a struggle for younger people. I'll try and change my perspective to "glass half full", but it's hard when you've grown up in a golden age that's turning into tin.'

One 34-year-old man said he decided not to have children years ago because he would be 'ashamed to bring anyone else into the sad future coming'

However, others argued some countries are far worse off compared to Australia.

'It's not just Australia. In so many countries, governments are fighting 24/7 to be the next government,' one argued.

'This prevents a strong direction, as each new government changes the direction and can't be too ambitious or they will be criticised, or much of anything really happening.'

Another believed Australia was 'a few years' behind Canada and the UK in terms of 'moving back to a feudal style society'.
Meghan Markle has said she is 'deeply humbled' by her new Nigerian name as she thanked a Yoruba King for welcoming her and Prince Harry 'home' in a personal letter.

The Duke, 39, and Duchess of Sussex, 42, embarked on a three-day quasi-royal tour of the country last month following an invitation from the Nigerian military.

During the trip, the couple - who were learning more about the Duchess' Nigerian heritage - met the Yoruba King, Oluwo of Iwo.

The ruler on bestowed the Duchess - who recently discovered she was 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test - the Yoruba name Adetokunbo, which translates as 'the crown or royalty from a foreign land'.

At the end of May, Meghan wrote to the leader to thank him for his hospitality and for honouring her with a Nigerian name.

Pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the State Governor House in Lagos during their three-day visit to Nigeria

The Yoruba King - who was the only Yoruba monarch to be invited to a reception with the Duke and Duchess - has now shared Meghan's letter with his 174,000 Instagram followers.

The letter reads: 'Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria.

'I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo.

'I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity.

'Our visit to Nigeria was important to many reasons, not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children.

'We look forward to coming back home one day soon.'

During the visit, Meghan thanked Nigerians for welcoming her to 'my country' and told a women in leadership summit that she hopes she can 'do justice' to being a 'role model'.

When asked how she felt after discovering she was 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test, Meghan said the first thing she did was 'call my mom, because I wanted to know if she had any awareness of it.'

Pictured: Meghan Markle seen meeting Yoruba King, Oluwo of Iwo (right), during her quasi-royal tour of Nigeria

Meghan Markle wrote this letter to the Yoruba King who honoured her with a traditional Nigerian name during her trip

Meghan went on: 'Being African-American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically.

'And it was exciting for both of us to discover more and understand what that really means. Never in a million years would I have understood it as much as I do now.

'It's been really eye-opening and humbling to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know this is just the beginning of that discovery.'

Defining Nigerian women as 'brave, resilient, courageous, powerful, beautiful', Meghan said: 'It is the most flattering thing to be in that company, to be in your company.'

The visit was primarily to promote the Invictus Games and comes after Harry met the Nigerian team and General Musa at last year's competition in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand for God Save The King in Abuja, Nigeria during an event with Nigeria Unconquered

Prince Harry presents a medal after a charity polo game at the Ikoyi Polo Club in Lagos during the trip

The Nigerian military has touted the Invictus Games as one which could help the recovery of thousands of its personnel who have been fighting the homegrown Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009 when they launched an insurgency.

During the trip the Sussexes announced a partnership between the Archewell Foundation and the Geanco Foundation, a charity in Nigeria which leads surgical missions, promotes maternal health and provides scholarships to young female victims of terrorism.

Royal expert Michael Cole told MailOnline last month that although the couple were on 'a private visit by two royal personages', they 'exploited their royal status to the very limit and in every way, trying to give the impression that it was the real thing'.

He said that although the Sussexes' trip 'wasn't a state visit, an official visit or a royal tour', it seemed like a 'tour proposed by Buckingham Palace and sanctioned by the British government'.

He added that the couple 'succeeded to such an extent that they will return to California well satisfied with their three days in Nigeria'.

Mr Cole continued: 'That is the magic of monarchy. Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960 and became a republic three years later.

'But such is historical connection with the Crown, and affection for the Royal Family, that Africa's most populous country opened its ample arms to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, some people even addressing Meghan as 'Princess' - which clearly pleased her.'
Sarah Ferguson has revealed how she used to hide her 'huge personality' from the public, after her father told her she was a 'bore' - but that she found support from the late Queen.

The Duchess of York, 64, made the comments during a recent interview with Hello magazine, after she was asked about whether her recent experience with cancer had changed her outlook on life.

She revealed that it had made her start being herself more. Speaking about her personality, she said she had previously 'tried to keep it under the cushion', revealing that her father, Major Ronald Ferguson, called her 'a bore', and told her she was 'too much', or even to 'shut up, no one wants to hear from you'.

However, the mother-of-two said, after being diagnosed with cancer, the experience gave her 'a swift kick in the butt', prompting her to ask herself: 'Are you going to start living now, at 64, or are you going to keep on not quite living? You don't have to be what everyone wants you to be: just be yourself'.

And not everyone wanted her to change her personality: the late Queen Elizabeth II, before her death, told Sarah that 'being yourself is enough'.

The Duchess of York , 64, made the comments during a recent interview with Hello magazine, after she was asked about whether her recent experience with cancer had changed her outlook on life

Now, according to the former wife of Prince Andrew, she has made the decision to be herself. She explained that she is 'just not excusing [herself] any more'.

Her battle with cancer began last Summer, when she was diagnosed with the disease during a routine mammogram.

Sarah underwent a single mastectomy, but six months later, she was found to have malignant melanoma.

She currently has regular check-ups, and while she told Hello that 'her doctors that she shouldn't use the phrase "cancer-free",' her health outlook currently appears positive.

Just months after being treated for breast cancer, this January, Sarah was diagnosed with skin cancer.

The Duchess had a mole removed from her body which tests found to be a malignant melanoma - which is the most serious type of skin cancer.

However, at the time, she was described as being in 'good spirits' after the 'distressing' news, which was broken to her just days after Christmas.

While she keeps a tight check on her health, taking precautions like mole mapping, and visiting the doctors if she has any concerns, Sarah told the magazine she believes her health is 'better than ever' (before knocking on wood).

However, the mother-of-two said, after being diagnosed with cancer, the experience gave her 'a swift kick in the butt', prompting her to ask herself: 'Are you going to start living now'

Now, according to the former wife of Prince Andrew, she has made the decision to be herself. She explained that she is 'just not excusing [herself] any more'

Just months after being treated for breast cancer, this January, Sarah was diagnosed with skin cancer. The Duchess had a mole removed from her body which tests found to be a malignant melanoma - which is the most serious type of skin cancer

While she keeps a tight check on her health, taking precautions like mole mapping, and visiting the doctors if she has any concerns, Sarah told the magazine she believes her health is 'better than ever' (before knocking on wood)

Sarah Ferguson (pictured, left) revealed that her father Major Ronald Ferguson (pictured, right) told her to keep her gregarious personality under wraps, calling her a 'bore' (pictured at the El Dorado Polo Club in Palm Springs in 1988)

According to Sarah (pictured, left), the late Queen Elizabeth II (pictured, right) told her that being herself was 'enough' (pictured in England in 1990)

Sarah Ferguson (pictured at the Cannes Gala 30th edition in Cap d'Antibes last month) has revealed that her father once called her a 'bore', prompting her to keep her gregarious personality somewhat under wropas

Describing how difficult it was dealing with the condition, Sarah said it was the help of her loved ones that helped her get through that time.

Among them, she listed her daughters Princess Beatrice, 35, (as well as Beatrice's stepson Wolfie, eight, and daughter Sienna, two) and Princess Eugenie, 34, and her two sons - three-year-old August and Ernest, who turned one last week.

She said: 'I have the most exceptional family and I have an extraordinarily great team and I have an enormous ability to turn to joy.'

Since the diagnosis, her new 'mission' is to encourage people to be vigilant regarding their health.

Following her cancer diagnosis, according to Sarah (pictured at the Cannes Gala 30th edition in Cap d'Antibes last month), she started being herself, and worrying less about what people thought of her outgoing personality

During the interview, Sarah also spoke about the upcoming release of the paperback version of A Woman of Intrigue - her second work of historical fiction for Mills & Boon.

She reiterated previous comments she has made about the pride she feels in embarking on a new career, as a novelist, in her 60s.

While doing a media tour for her the hardback version of the novel (which had a different title: A Most Intriguing Lady) in April 2023, Sarah said she was pleased that her writing career had taken off, giving her another 'claim to fame' aside marrying into the royal family.

In an interview with OK! magazine, the royal said her new career ensured that marrying into the Firm was no longer her 'only claim to fame'.

She said: 'I feel very proud to have embarked on a new career in my sixties.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, her two corgis Sandy and Muick (pictured) moved to Royal Lodge, where Sarah (pictured) lives with former husband Prince Andrew

'Not many people get that opportunity. Now having married into the royal family isnt my only claim to fame, I'm an author who has made the Sunday Times Bestsellers List. It feels like this is my time. It is very liberating.'

Sarah also answered the question many royal fans are keen to hear about.

After Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, her corgis Sandy and Muick were adopted by the Duchess, coming to live with her at Royal Lodge in Windsor (the home she shares with former husband Prince Andrew).

Speaking previously, the 64-year-old has described how the dogs displayed obvious signs of grieving, after losing their human companion, the Queen.

But they are going much better now, she said. Describing herself as 'dog mad', Sarah said the two corgis are 'exceptional', and that Sandy follows her around everywhere. They are 'national treasures', she concluded.

The full interview and photos can be seen in Hello! magazine.
A skincare specialist has issued a warning about the dangers of popular beauty treatments trending on social media and claims they are simply not worth the fuss - for your skin or your wallet.

Antonia Macdonald, 32, from Edinburgh, is a qualified medical aesthetics practitioner with nearly a decade of experience.

In a reel that has amassed over 4.5 million views on her Instagram account, @antonialouiseskin, the expert cautions against three hot trends.

Antonia argues that these treatments are not only ineffective but potentially harmful, while claiming they are more about marketing than genuine skincare benefits.

She said: 'If it sounds too good to be true and costs more than your monthly mortgage, it is most likely not worth it.

A skincare specialist has issued a warning about the dangers of popular beauty treatments trending on social media

Antonia Macdonald, 32, from Edinburgh , is a qualified medical aesthetics practitioner with nearly a decade of experience

She added: 'Unfortunately, we live in a day where the aesthetic industry has become toxic. There are a lot of medical spas out for a quick buck over taking care of what patients actually need.'

'Do I get hate from professionals in the field selling such treatments? Yes of course but I sleep much better at night knowing I don't recommend anything unless I'd get the treatment personally and carry out the treatment on a family member.'

Here, Antonia reveals the three skincare trends she advises against and why.

Hydrafacials

The first popular trend Macdonald critiques is hydrafacials, which involves saturating the skin's surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximise its glow.

But the treatment is described as 'over-stripping' and 'over-exfoliating' the skin, according to the expert.

She said: 'There's a common misconception that you need to get a 'deep clean' once a month when this couldn't be further from the truth. Your skin actually turns over and naturally exfoliates itself.

She added: 'With minimal and correct skincare at home, most patients can achieve healthy skin with ingredients to help target the pore-cleaning process. It's another treatment preying on women's insecurities.'

The first popular trend Macdonald critiques is Hydrafacials, which involves saturating the skin's surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximise its glow

Microneedling

The second treatment Macdonald advises against is microneedling, which has taken social media by storm over recent years.

The procedure involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilised needles, with the resulting small wounds said to encourage your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heals the skin and helps you look younger.

Although there is some scientific evidence suggesting that microneedling can boost collagen and help with acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, the skincare specialist remains sceptical.

Macdonald noted: 'Many patients are left underwhelmed and out of pocket.

'The trauma caused by microneedling can lead to broken capillaries, infection dermatitis, and worsening of inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation.'

The second treatment Macdonald advises against is microneedling, which has taken social media by storm over recent years

Face Yoga

Face yoga, touted by some as a non-invasive way to achieve a facelift, is the third beauty treatment on Macdonald's no-no list.

She argues that face yoga exercises facial muscles when the goal should be to relax them in order to minimise wrinkles.

She explained: 'Face yoga has exploded in the aesthetic industry over the last few years, again mainly due to 'gurus' on social media claiming to give you a facelift with their hands and diminish wrinkles.

'But scientifically, it does not make sense. This is why we inject the muscles with neuromodulators [such as Botox],' the skin specialist said, who alternatively recommends simple facial massages at no extra cost.

Face yoga, touted by some as a non-invasive way to achieve a facelift, is the third beauty treatment on Macdonald's no-no list

Other treatments to avoid, according to Antonia

Other treatments Macdonald advises against include PDO thread lifts, non-surgical rhinoplasty, and cool sculpting 'fat freezing.'

Social media users have been left stunned by Antonia's advice - while some strongly disagree.

One person wrote: 'Nah, microneedling has literally removed lines from under my eyes!' while another insisted: 'Must disagree on microneedling. It works wonders if you commit to it.'

A third said: 'Face Yoga has absolutely helped to lift and tone my face.'

However, a number of people agreed with Macdonald's advice, with one writing: 'Amen ! Hydrafacial is lazy skincare, also over-priced and not eco friendly with plastic consumables.'

Another user wrote: 'Yes I had the same experience with hydrafacial. My good skin got bad. I had red bumps and irritation for days, never again.'

'Absolutely found the hydra-facial useless,' commented one disappointed user.
A woman who dated the barbaric 'crossbow cannibal' for a decade before he was convicted of murdering three women has relived her ordeal in their abusive relationship.

Kathy Hancock, 37, from the Isle of Wight, who was once a prison officer at Full Sutton Prison, near York, recounted her ten years of torture and abuse at the hands of Stephen Griffiths in true crime series Serial Killer Wives on Channel 5.

Criminology student Griffiths, from Bradford, murdered three women between 2009 and 2010. He earnt his grisly nickname because he killed his victims by shooting them with a crossbow, before chopping them up, cooking their flesh and eating it.

His victims were 43-year-old Susan Rushworth, who disappeared in June, 2009, followed by 31-year-old Shelley Armitage in April, 2010, and 36-year-old Suzanne Blamires in May of the same year.

Parts of Suzanne's body were found in the River Aire in Shipley, and other remains found at the same site were later found to be Shelley. To this day, Susan's body has never been recovered.

Kathy Hancock, 37, from the Isle of Wight, revealed she dated a serial killer who drugged her, abducted her dogs and locked her up

Speaking in the series, Griffiths' former girlfriend Kathy recounted the horror of living with the monstrous killer, recalling how he once drugged her and laughed as she lost consciousness.

She said: 'I got two thirds the way through a cup of tea and felt strange, he looked at me and said ''do you feel ok?'' and I said ''not really, I feel really weird''. My eyesight was fuzzy and he was looking down at me laughing.

'He was enjoying it, there is this look he gets with a grin, no compassion, enjoying the nastiness of it. I asked why and he said to punish me because my dog growled at him. '

Kathy was increasingly controlled and coerced by Griffiths, to the point where he even abducted her dogs in the middle of the night. All these years on, she still doesn't know their fate.

She said: 'I burst into tears, it tore my heart out, the turmoil of the loneliness, they meant the world to me. Then he told me it was a punishment for the dog growling at him.

'I have never known to this day what he did, whether he did or didn't kill them. But after that it broke me.'

Kathy recalled how Griffiths coerced her into moving in with him - and how his abusive behaviour only escalated once she was trapped in the same home as him.

Recounting the horrendous abuse Kathy said: 'He broke my nose, he knocked me out, he stabbed me in the leg, people knew about him but not how far he could go.'

Kathy, who used to work as a prison officer at Full Sutton Prison, near York, recounted her ten years of torture and abuse at the hands of Crossbow cannibal Stephen Griffiths (right) in true crime series Serial Killer Wives on Channel 5

Griffiths went on to plead guilty to all three murders at Leeds Crown Court. Judge Mr Justice Openshaw told him he would never be released from prison for his 'wicked and monstrous' crimes'

He dragged his lifeless victim inside his flat and returned to hold his weapon triumphantly at the CCTV camera and raise a finger to it

Just two months after meeting Griffiths, Kathy fell pregnant. However, she was relieved when she found out she had miscarried the baby.

She said: 'I had no contact with people at all, it had to be under his terms. One night he locked me in and didn't come back for hours. It was the same night Rebecca Hall's body was found.'

Rebecca Hall, 19, was battered to death in Bradford in April 2001. Her body was dumped in an alley yards from Griffiths's flat, although he has never been formally linked to her death.

In 2001, Kathy decided she wanted to leave Griffiths and she moved into her own flat but after a week he eventually found out where she was living through the electoral roll.

She said: 'That's when I thought, I am not getting away from this man, I thought I am better off not annoying him and trying to be his friend and I did that against everyone's advice. But to me, better the devil you know.'

In 2006, he started experimenting with hard drugs which made his behaviour even worse. Kathy tried again to distance herself from him but he began bombarding her with threatening voicemails.

She reported him to the police and he was given a harassment order. However, Kathy revealed Griffiths wasn't put off by this and, if anything, his behaviour only became more sinister.

The last message Griffiths left on Kathy's mobile phone had no words, just chilling manic laughter.

Griffiths cruelly held his victim Suzanne in his Bradford flat for two days before she made a desperate bid for freedom. He shot her with a crossbow and dismembered her before dumping her in the river.

Suzanne Blamires, 36, from Allerton, was murdered by Griffiths in 2010

Shelley Armitage, 31, who went missing from Bradford's red light district in 26 April 2010

Susan Rushworth, 43, who went missing on 22 June 2001

Police finally captured the monstrous killer thanks to CCTV footage of him shooting Blamires in the head inside his block of flats. On the video, Blamires can be seen running out of Griffithss flat chased by the killer and knocked down. Griffiths brings a crossbow from his flat and fires a bolt into her head.

He dragged his lifeless victim inside his flat and returned to hold his weapon triumphantly at the CCTV camera and raise a finger to it. Later he toasts his success by raising a bottle to the camera.

Over the next 24 hours, Griffiths was recorded going in and out of the building carrying bags. He was taking body parts to dump them in the River Aire in nearby Shipley.

By the time the remains were found, Griffiths was in custody. Caretaker Peter Gee had raised the alarm and armed police raided Griffiths's flat.

At the time of his arrest in 2010, Griffiths told detectives he cooked flesh from the first two women and ate the third one 'raw', landing him the nickname 'crossbow cannibal'.

He told police, 'I've killed loads', and claimed eating his victims flesh was 'part of the magic'.

For many years Griffiths studied the disturbed minds of the most infamous serial killers, terrorists and war criminals

At the police station Griffiths said: I or part of me was responsible for the murder of Susan Rushworth, Shelley Armitage and Suzanne Blamires.

He added: I am misanthropic. I dont have much time for the human race.

Griffiths had a long history of psychiatric treatment dating back to the age of 17 when he was locked up for slashing a shop security guards throat.

Between 1987 and 2009 he was treated by psychiatrists at three different hospitals. He was a patient at Waddiloves Hospital in Bradford in 1987 and Rampton Special Hospital for two months in 1991.

In 2007 and 2008 he was an outpatient at Newton Lodge Hospital in Wakefield and was given anti-depressants.

Crucially, psychiatrists concluded he was not suffering from mental illness. Although he was identified as a highly dangerous man he was freed to live in the community.

Griffiths went on to plead guilty to all three murders at Leeds Crown Court. Judge Mr Justice Openshaw told him he would never be released from prison for his 'wicked and monstrous crimes'.

Through tears Kathy spoke to Griffiths victims: 'I want to say I'm sorry because I know there was so much more that could of been done.'

She revealed that she paid her respects to the three victims in her own special way, having gone paragliding and scattering three white roses into the ocean in their memory.

For many years Griffiths studied the disturbed minds of the most infamous serial killers, terrorists and war criminals.

His idol was Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who killed 13 women, most of them prostitutes.

His flat contained hundreds of books on Sutcliffe, the Moors murderers and Jack the Ripper, and he was doing research on Victorian murders.

And at some point Griffiths crossed the line from student to practitioner. Perhaps the PhD student regarded killing as a form of work experience in his warped mind.

Watch Serial Killer Wives, a six-part true crime series, Tuesdays at 9pm on 5Star and My5.
A British woman and her best friend who travelled to Turkey to undergo plastic surgery have documented their 'exceptionally positive' plastic surgery journey to Turkey after getting a three surgery package deal.

Sharon Simon 53, from Astley and her good friend, Paul Darwell, 68, from Hale flew from Manchester to Istanbul for neck, lower face, and upper eyelid surgery.

The pair posted videos before, during, and after their journey on TikTok to help others considering going abroad for plastic surgery.

'I've known Paul for over two decades. We met at work, and the connection was further solidified because my closest friend is married to Paul's brother,' Sharon said.

'The decision to consider cosmetic surgery in Istanbul was quite practical. After undergoing eyelid surgery in the UK, which was quite expensive, Paul and I started looking for more affordable options.

Sharon Simon 53, (left) from Astley and her good friend, Paul Darwell, (right) 68, from Hale flew from Manchester to Istanbul for neck, lower face, and upper eyelid surgery

The friends, pictured, post op. The two posted videos before, during, and after their journey on TikTok to help others considering going abroad for plastic surgery

'He was interested in a procedure for his neck, but the quotes we received were exorbitant.

'I turned to TikTok for research and came across testimonials, particularly from a woman named Nina, who praised her surgeon and the clinic. This led us to request a quote and eventually choose Istanbul for our procedures.'

Initially, the pair's focus was solely on upper eyelid surgery, but Sharon knew she might want to undertake more procedures later on.

Paul was mainly interested in a neck lift, but after seeing various combinations of neck, face, and eyelid surgeries on social media, they both considered a broader range of procedures.

Sharon explained their research process was thorough. Paul first consulted with Sharon's surgeon in the UK and explored another clinic that offered a significantly lower price.

However, the prospect of undergoing such lengthy procedures under local anaesthesia was unappealing, especially given some negative reviews.

The two eventually decided on MCAN Health in Istanbul, encouraged by the clinic's positive reviews and after Sharon had a reassuring conversation with another woman who had gone to the clinic about her experience.

'Paul and I went in for the same procedures and paid 5,000 each. It was a package deal,' recalled Sharon.

Paul, pictured, was looking to have surgery on his neck before realising the high cost to have the procedure in the UK

Both Sharon and Paul (pictured) became interested in a package deal after seeing various combinations of neck, face, and eyelid surgeries on social media

Paul during his surgery process. Both paid 5,000 each to have several procedures done on their faces

'While it was scary going abroad for surgery, honestly, we were more worried about each other than ourselves. Being in Turkey, away from home, the thought of one of us running into serious trouble during recovery, with no friends or family nearby, was quite daunting.'

Sharon continued: 'The medical team and facilities in Istanbul were top-notch. Despite having different surgeons and being in different hospitals, we both had an exceptionally positive experience.'

Sharon was eager to document her surgical journey on TikTok, providing updates before the procedure, on the day itself, and remarkably, just three hours after the operation.

Her motivation was two-fold: to keep friends and family informed and to track the recovery process.

As Sharon delved deeper into TikTok, she became captivated by the sense of community and the narratives of other users undergoing similar experiences.

Sharon, pictured post op, said: 'The medical team and facilities in Istanbul were top-notch. Despite having different surgeons and being in different hospitals, we both had an exceptionally positive experience'

Sharon, 53, showed her followers the before, during and after of her operations. Pictured after her procedure

Sharon after her operation, said having her friend beside her 'made the whole process so much easier, knowing we were in it together, experiencing the same things'

Reflecting on her journey, Sharon (pictured after her surgery) said she wouldn't change anything except for their choice to stay in a different hotel for added comfort during recovery

Witnessing the interactions and inquiries on these journeys, it seemed instinctive for her to share her story in real time.

'I was blown away by the reaction and the overwhelmingly positive vibes from almost everyone who followed my journey,' noted Sharon.

'The encouragement and genuinely kind words were heartwarming. Not to mention the hundreds of questions that kept me engaged during those first six days post-op when I was cooped up in my room all day.'

The most challenging part of the recovery? Having to wear a head girdle and trying to find a comfortable way to sleep.

Surprisingly, everything else was relatively 'smooth sailing'. 'Paul's feeling fantastic; getting rid of his 'turkey neck' has been a huge boost for him, and my results are looking up, too, even though my recovery's been a bit slower than his.'

'We're only four weeks post-op, so it's still early days,' said Sharon. 'Going through this with Paul was invaluable. I can't stress enough how much having a surgery buddy helps. It made the whole process so much easier, knowing we were in it together, experiencing the same things.'

Reflecting on her journey, Sharon recalled she wouldn't change anything except for their choice to stay in a different hotel for added comfort during recovery, a luxury Sharon acknowledges not everyone can afford.

Looking ahead, Paul is considering pectoral implants due to a previous botched surgery done in the UK, and Sharon is contemplating an update to a prior breast augmentation she had done years ago.

Sharon said the results on her friend Paul, pictured left, are outstanding, especially on his 'turkey neck' which has given him a real 'boost'

Sharon after coming back from her surgery. Looking to the future, she said she is contemplating an update to a prior breast augmentation she had done years ago

Sharon, left, wanted to emphasise to her followers the importance of researching procedures and finding the right surgeon

Future procedures will likely be conducted abroad, with plans to continue sharing updates with their TikTok followers.

'So many of my followers who are considering plastic surgery abroad ask for my advice on potential red flags to watch out for and how to go about choosing the right surgeon.

'I always emphasise the importance of seeking recommendations and directly communicating with those who have experienced the procedure firsthand. Make sure you communicate everything up front with your coordinator and then double-check everything.

'I had to change my surgeon three days before leaving the UK as it hadn't been communicated to my surgeon that I was on HRT tablets.

'His ruling was not to operate on any woman who had not stopped their HRT at least six weeks prior.

'I spent those three days researching the new surgeon proposed by MCAN and was happy to go ahead rather than postpone.'

While Sharon's experience was good, one piece of advice she offered was to bring food from home. 'Bring snacks for the hospital as our food was not great.'

'I say bring your creature comforts - an iPad for Netflix/Amazon, a book, a laptop, anything to help the time pass.'
A former Great British Bake Off winner has claimed that 'authentic' croissants should be straight and not curved.

David Atherton, from Blackpool, who won the hit Channel 4 show in 2019, has partnered with New York Bakery Co to educate consumers about the origins of their favourite foods.

Turning his attention to French croissants, David explained how a key ingredient determines what shape the pastry is.

He said: 'The best croissants aren't actually crescent-shaped, they're straight.

'This is because, by [French] law, if they've got margarine in them instead of just butter, they have to be crescent-shaped.

Pictured: Great British Bake Off contestant David Atherton with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith following his win in 2019

'But if they're all butter, they're allowed to be straight.'

What's more, the food writer also highlighted how traditional Cornish pasties have crimping around the edges.

As well as being decorative, this crust allowed the miners to grip them without contaminating their lunch.

David said: 'The crimping down the side of a Cornish pasty was so miners could hold onto it and eat their lunch without getting it dirty with their grubby hands.'

On top of this, David - who hosts the Sticky Bun podcast with former GBBO contestant Michael Chakraverty - also highlighted the strict laws around Neapolitan Margherita pizzas.

The expert continued: 'It's actually protected under EU law so it has to use Italian flour, Italian tomatoes, genuine Italian mozzarella and it has to be kneaded by hand.

'And the crust has to be one to two centimetres high.'

David also said that a New York bagel should be boiled before baking to ensure it has a golden shade and chewy texture.

According to David Atherton, an authentic French croissant is straight if it is made using only butter

David said: 'If they've got margarine in them instead of just butter, they have to be crescent-shaped.'

How to tell if food is 'authentic' Cornish Pasty - crimping down the side All-butter croissant - straight shape Neapolitan Margherita - 2cm tall crust Bagel - golden shade and chewy Ketchup - ruby red colour and vinegar listed on ingredients Source: David Atherton for New York Bakery Co Advertisement

Finally, David flagged that an 'authentic' tomato ketchup should have a 'ruby red' colour and have vinegar listed in its key ingredients.

The New York Bagel Co survey found that 59 per cent of the British public agree that food tastes better in its traditional form.

Meanwhile, 35 per cent revealed that they researched the origins of their food to ensure they were eating the real thing.

New York Bakery Co's Alastair Unite said: 'As a brand synonymous with the best bagel shops and delis in New York, we're on a mission to champion authenticity.

'That's why we've teamed up with David Atherton as the nation's chief authenticity expert.

'Our bagel know-how, combined with his baking expertise, means together we can show people what to look for when buying bagels as well as other favourite foods such as pizza, pasties and pies.

'Bagels are an absolute breakfast favourite, but not all bagels are created equal.

'Among the factors to consider are history and heritage  bagels are synonymous with New York.

'Then there are iconic flavours and the baking method (think boiled and baked) to provide top-tier texture  as David said, that golden crust, generous taste and chew.

'Our message is clear: if it isn't a New York bagel, it isn't a bagel. There is no substitute.'
A mother has revealed her Egyptian husband held her prisoner in his country for a week - and that he still has their two sons, who she hasn't seen since 2022, and claims he wants 500,000 to return the two boys to her.

Mandy Kelly, 37, from County Monaghan, met Ramy Gamal when she was 27 and living in Dubai.

She had moved to the country four years earlier, looking for career opportunities, after the 2008 crash meant there were few jobs available locally.

According to Ms Kelly, she loved the 'challenge' of her teaching job in Dubai, and also enjoyed the lifestyle, which she described to the Irish Independent as 'amazing'.

After meeting Gamal, an Egyptian banker who was also working in Dubai on a night out, Ms Kelly initially found him 'charming...polite, clever'.

Mandy Kelly, 37, from County Monaghan (pictured) has spent more than two years fighting to get her sons back from her estranged husband, who took them to Egypt

However, she now says his kind exterior was an 'act'.

The two started a relationship, with Ms Kelly even travelling to Egypt to meet Gamal's family.

And while his family was Muslim and hers Catholic, she says religion was never an issue for them, and he did not expect her to convert.

After dating for four years, and having both visited each other's home country and met each other's family, the couple decided to tie the knot.

According to Ms Kelly, her plan had always been to return to Ireland - something she says she had made very clear throughout the relationship with Gamal.

After getting married in Ireland in July 2017, the couple rented a house on the outskirts of Dublin.

They both found jobs, with Ms Kelly working as an education administrator and Gamal as a customer care agent.

It was after their first son, Zayn, was born in May 2019 that 'cracks started to appear' in the marriage.

FAMILY: Mandy Kelly is pictured with her two sons Zayn and Kareem, before the three were separated by her estranged husband

Ms Kelly told the outlet that she felt isolated, and that her husband had started to 'devalue and disregard' her. However, at the time, she didn't pay too much heed, assuming that all marriages had their issues.

In addition, she was extremely busy with work and childcare, as she hadn't been back working in Ireland long enough to use all the maternity benefits, and so had to return to her job when her baby was just six weeks old.

In a bid to ease the financial pressure on the family, Ms Kelly did a post-graduate diploma in executive management, hoping to improve her employment opportunities.

At the time, she says, her husband was in and out of work, and she felt under pressure to keep everything together.

Describing herself as the 'breadwinner', Ms Kelly said she was paying for their rent and childcare, and that in retrospect, she believes Gamal resented her for it.

As a result, she became increasingly isolated, never socialising, and having work as her only outlet.

In November 2020, they had their second child, another son they named Kareem.

Being able to take paid maternity leave relieved some of the financial strain on the couple, and things appeared to be looking up. She even bought a family home in Dundalk, Co Lout, and was feeling lucky to have two healthy children.

However, Gamal's resentment then became worse, with his expectations of life in Ireland not living up to the reality, in Ms Kelly's opinion.

She said her husband constantly complained that she was not at his 'beck and call', and that he could't believe how hard people in Ireland worked.

On top of that, he appeared resentful of her career success, despite expecting her to earn money and look after their children.

Looking back now, she says, she knows her colleagues knew that 'something wasnt quite right'. Ms Kelly was very down, and her confidence was gone.

The following July, Gamal decided the family should travel to Egypt so that the boys could meet his mother and brothers - a trip Ms Kelly was supportive of, as her mother-in-law had not yet met the babies.

Due to delays in arranging the children's passports, and because of Covid, it was not until the next year, in February 2022, that they were able to travel to Egypt.

Ms Kelly had no reason to suspect anything was awry: ahead of the holiday, her husband had renewed his visa, and spoke of his plans to become an Irish citizen. He also visited the school their son Zayn was due to start at later that year.

However, once the family arrived in Egypt, some things seemed slightly strange.

Instead of staying at a hotel, Gamal insisted on renting an apartment, which Ms Kelly describes as part of his plan to isolate her.

He also wouldn't give her an Egyptian SIM card, which would have made it easier to contact people, further isolating his wife, who was spending a lot of time alone.

It was not until the day before they were supposed to return to Ireland that Gamal revealed he would not be returning - and that he did not want the boys to go back to Ireland either.

Horrified at what she was hearing, Ms Kelly suggested they take a walk, and calm down, which they did. But upon their return to the apartment, Gamal drove away with the boys.

When he returned later, he allegedly locked Ms Kelly in the apartment for a week.

He then started making demands, telling her that if she wanted to see her children, she would have to sell the family home in Ireland.

Over the course of the week, Gamal would return to the apartment, where Ms Kelly would try to convince him to let her and the children return to Ireland.

She said: 'I was a prisoner and he had the kids. I kept praying...I managed to contact the Irish consular service in Cairo and the Department of Foreign Affairs, not a single person did anything for me.

'I knew I was not going to be helped. I knew I was on my own. I knew I was in danger and that I had to get out of Egypt if I stood any chance of getting my boys back.'

Ms Kelly managed to make her way to the airport, where she called her husband asking him to bring the boys, who she would take home.

But she waited for hours, and he never arrived, leaving her to fly home alone, where she would continue to fight to get the children back.

Describing herself as distraught and in shock, she landed in Ireland on March 17, 2022.

Despite feeling so desperate, Ms Kelly's mother reassured her that as she was safe, she would able to do everything she could to get the boys back home.

Since then, she has continued the fight to be reunited with Zayn and Kareem, even obtaining a High Court order calling for their immediate return, in December 2022.

Unfortunately, as the court has no authority over Egyptian courts, it was unsuccessful.

Additionally, Egypt is not signed up to the 1980 Hague Convention. This initiative, which uses diplomatic pressure to ensure the prompt return of the child, aims to protect children from international abduction by a parent.

But according to the mother-of-two, she does not even know how her children are faring, as her husband has not communicated with her.

In another attempt to save the boys, Ms Kelly went to Dundalk garda station, where she reported that her children had been kidnapped. A file of the case has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

And, Ms Kelly has been in touch with the Irish Government over the past two years, pleading with them to help with her case.

According to Mandy (pictured with her two sons), Gamal has requested 500,000 to return the two boys to her

She was able to hand a letter outlining the situation to Taoiseach Simon Harris during a recent event in Monaghan.

Mr Harris wrote a response, in which he vowed to help M Kelly bring her children back.

His letter said: 'I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the hardship you and your family have been forced to endure over the last two years. I want to assure you that the Government, through the Department of Foreign affairs and the Department of Justice, remains committed to assisting you to the greatest extent possible.'

Mr Harris added that he wants to help reunite her with Zayn and Kareem as soon as possible.

According to Ms Kelly, she has spent some 35,000 in legal fees trying to get her sons back, and claims he wants 500,000 to return the two boys to her.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked typically chic as she attended a financing conference for small and medium-sized enterprises on Monday.

The Dutch royal, 53, who has a background in economics and serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), visited Driebergen in Utrecht for the SME financing conference Mind the Gap.

Maxima wore a tasteful long-sleeved, pleated dress, which she debuted in October of last year while visiting Kenya as part of a wider tour of Africa to promote inclusive finance.

The round-neck, red and white number fell just above the knee and had an uneven stripy design which worked particularly well with the monarch's eye-catching red and PVC stilettos.

Fresh-faced and with her blonde hair brushed back into a chignon, Maxima looked elegant and businesslike, while her red, spherical earrings added a touch of glamour.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (pictured) looked typically chic in a red and white long-sleeved, pleated dress, which she paired with stilettos in red and PVC

The smiling royal, 53, added a touch of glamour with a pair of red spherical earrings and gold bracelets

The mother-of-three completed her look with a red leather handbag and a selection of gold bracelets.

The smiling queen took to the podium to deliver a speech at the conference, which was this year specifically focused on inclusive finance - one of the causes she feels most strongly about.

Today's visit comes after Maxima attended the fifth anniversary of a specialist coding school in Amsterdam last Wednesday.

On that occasion, she looked elegant in a blush outfit and elaborate fascinator, beaming as she interacted with students and staff at Codam Coding College.

As a member of the Dutch Committee for Entrepreneurship, Maxima has spoken about the power of technology,

Wearing a blush, chiffon outfit, which she debuted in May 2022, she looked typically stylish - even with the addition of a few raindrops as she braved a springtime shower.

With a pussy bow and blouson sleeves, Maxima's top was tucked into a matching knee-length skirt which had an asymmetric hemline.

She completed her outfit with an elaborate, floral-inspired fascinator in the same shade, which worked perfectly with her up-do, and a pair of suede court shoes and matching clutch bag.

Maxima, who has a background in economics, took to the podium to address the SME financing conference Mind the Gap, which was this year focused on inclusive financing

Fresh-faced and with her blond hair brushed back into a chignon, Maxima looked elegant and businesslike

The Dutch queen smiled for photographers as she entered the conference

Radiant as ever, she kept her make-up simple for the fifth anniversary celebrations at Codam.

She let her outfit speak for itself by keeping her jewellery minimal, sporting just a few gold bracelets on her wrist.

Maxima smiled as she interacted with students and staff at the specialist school, which was established to make a career in software programming a reality for students of all backgrounds, ages and genders.

She engaged with students as they were working and appeared focused as they showed her their projects, which included demonstrations of a remote-controlled car and a virtual reality headset.

With no fees or teachers, the school, headed by Corinne Vigneux, the French General Director of GPS company TomTom, is genuinely open to all.
Ole & Steen is giving away 250,000 free Danish pastries throughout the month - starting from today - to celebrate the summer solstice.

Customers across the UK can now enjoy a complimentary slice of the bakery chain's Cinnamon Social simply by downloading the app.

The Scandinavian festivity, also called Midsommar, falls on the longest day of the year - on June 23 and June 24.

On these dates, thousands gather to dance around maypoles, don wreaths, play games, and gather around bonfires until dawn.

This year, Ole & Steen is bringing a taste of the celebrations here.

Customers across the UK can enjoy a complimentary slice of the Danish bakery chain's Cinnamon Social, usually priced at 4.25, by downloading the Ole & Steen app this month

The bakery is encouraging its British customers to embrace 'hygge' - the Danish term for relaxing and enjoying the good things in life - by indulging in a slice of its signature treat this month.

Built on the traditional recipe of the Swedish cinnamon roll, the Cinnamon Social has become the brand's bestselling product.

The beloved delicacy features layered pastry dough, soft flavourful fillings, and is topped with a touch of icing.

For those looking for a plant-based alternative, there is a vegan option available too.

Best shared with good company as a 12 or 6 slice bake, Ole & Steen encourages customers to enjoy the treat with friends and family, enhancing the experience of togetherness and relaxation that defines hygge.

To receive a free slice of Cinnamon Social, which normally costs 4.25, new customers need to download the Ole & Steen app and register.

Once this is done, they will receive 450 points to redeem a free Cinnamon Social pastry, with no purchase necessary.

Existing app users won't be left out, as they too will have the opportunity to receive a free slice.

Ole & Steen recently introduced a new summer menu featuring quality and premium produce, including new toasties, traditional open rye sandwiches, premium drinks, and breakfast buns

A spokesperson for Ole & Steen said: 'We're excited to be able to share the cheer and festivities of Midsommar with our guests by offering a slice of the traditional flavours of Denmark across all of our UK stores.'

The points are valid for twelve months and can be used on a number of other rewards.

Full terms are available on the bakery's website.

Additionally, Ole & Steen recently introduced a new summer menu featuring quality and premium produce, including new toasties, traditional open rye sandwiches, premium drinks, and breakfast buns.

This menu, along with the upcoming Midsommar cake range launching in late June, promises to delight pastry lovers with a variety of floral and fruity summer classics.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was every inch the doting mother and she and her son Oscar enjoyed a visit to a science museum today.

The royal, 46, grinned as she huddled by her eight-year-old while the pair inaugurated the World of Water exhibit at the Swedish Museum of Natural History on Monday.

Her youngest child appeared delighted as he took in the display, playfully posing by a poster with an eagle.

Oscar also seemed entranced by an installation representing planet Earth. Elsewhere, he and his mother looked at a selection of plants.

Victoria was on theme in a blue, green and yellow floral print dress which cinched at the waist.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was every inch the doting mother and she and her son Oscar enjoyed a visit to a science museum

She pulled her chestnut tresses back into a styled ponytail and opted for a dewy, summery make-up look.

The Princess accessorised her ensemble with a maroon handbag and strappy leather sandals.

Meanwhile, her son looked adorable in a white button-down shirt and cargo trousers.

It comes as, last week the mother-of-two shared a loving moment with her daughter, Estelle, as the young royal joined her parents for an official engagement.

The family stepped out to visit a new installation at The Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Djurgarden, named after the 12-year-old the future Queen of Sweden, to see the unveiling of a new installation, 'The Inner Flow of Life' by the Italian artist Giuseppe Penone.

Twelve-year-old Estelle looked the spitting image of her graceful mother, 46, as the two co-ordinated in summery white gowns, alongside Crown Prince Daniel.

The pair were pictured sat side by side looking ethereal in elegant button down dresses and loosely tied back ponytails.

To go with their look-alike frocks, the two also matched in nude espadrilles.

The royal, 46, grinned as she huddled by her eight-year-old as the pair inaugurated the World of Water exhibit at the Swedish Museum of Natural History on Monday

She pulled her chestnut tresses back into a styled ponytail and opted for a dewy, summery make-up look

Her youngest child appeared delighted as he took in the display, playfully posing by a poster with an eagle

Oscar also appeared entranced by an installation representing planet Earth. Elsewhere, he and his mother looked at a selection of plants

The Crown Princess accessorised her ensemble with a maroon handbag and strappy leather sandals

Victoria's dress was pulled in at the waist with a chic white belt and her longer dress was finished with a patterned hem.

Meanwhile, her daughter Estelle looked the picture of summer in a slightly shorter dress patterned with flower and leaf stems.

The Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Royal Djurgarden in Stockholm, was built by the royal couple in 2019 as part of a country initiative to promote cultural activity and make contemporary art more readily available.

The sculpture park is extended annually and some of the works already installed include 'Hoop-La' by Alice Aycock, 'Life Rings' by Elmgreen & Dragset, and 'Wind Sculpture in Bronze I' by Yinka Shonibare.
The path to diagnosis started when he developed a small wound

It's a potentially fatal inherited autoimmune disease; nobody else has it globally

Paddy Baldock knew his little boy Freddie was special - but he had no idea he was about to be the only person in the world diagnosed with a vanishingly rare genetic disease.

Little Freddie's challenging and often frightening path to being diagnosed started shortly after he was born in a Sydney hospital.

He'd had a dramatic welcome to the world eight weeks early and was doing well until his umbilical cord fell off, leaving him with a wound on his stomach.

Paddy, 34, told FEMAIL that doctors thought the wound had become infected but Freddie was not responding to medication, leaving medical staff baffled.

After rigorous testing, it was eventually found that Freddie had a very specific genetic inflammatory disease - and he's the only one ever recorded to have it.

Paddy Baldock knew his little boy Freddie was special - but he had no idea he was about to be the only person in the world diagnosed with a very rare genetic disease

Little Freddie's challenging and often frightening path to being diagnosed started shortly after he was born in a Sydney hospital, eight weeks early

Paddy and his partner Katrine were thrilled when they found out they were having their first child and the pregnancy was going well until the 31-week mark.

Katrine went to bed one night feeling unwell and nauseous. Her symptoms were mild, so the parents decided to have a good night's sleep before heading to the doctor in the morning.

'I woke up at about 2am to her having violent seizures next to me in be so I called the ambulance right away,' Paddy recalled of the frantic night.

'She was dropping in and out of consciousness and when she did come to she was not with it, she was screaming uncontrollably. She had two or three seizures before the ambulance got there.'

Katrine had suffered from eclampsia, a rare but serious complication of preeclampsia in which a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and protein in her urine.

Paddy and Katrine almost lost Freddie (left) several times

Paddy and Katrine were thrilled when they found out they were having their first child and the pregnancy was going well until the 31-week mark

Katrine was rushed to emergency and gave birth to Freddie weighing a kilo and a half on February 14, 2021

Fewer than three per cent of people with preeclampsia go on to have eclampsia and it is often picked up during routine checks, but Katrine showed no previous signs.

'We'd been to the obstetrician only a few days before for a routine check-up and a scan and everything was looking normal. Her blood pressure was totally fine,' Paddy said.

She was rushed to emergency and gave birth to Freddie, who weighed 1.5kg, on Valentine's Day 2021.

Freddie was taken to the intensive care unit while Katrine spent two days recovering and getting her blood pressure back to a healthy level.

Mum and bub were doing well until a wound started to form on Freddie's abdomen when his umbilical cord fell away two weeks after his birth.

'It looked to be getting infected so the doctors in were hitting him with IV antibiotics but it wouldn't go away. They used stronger and stronger antibiotics and nothing was working,' Paddy said.

The 'infection' was tracking into Freddie's wider abdomen so doctor's wheeled him into surgery to clean the wound and see if they could get to the root of the problem.

What is preeclampsia? Eclampsia is a rare but serious complication of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy in which a person who's pregnant has high blood pressure and protein in their urine. Eclampsia is when a person with preeclampsia develops seizures (convulsions) during pregnancy. Seizures are episodes of shaking, confusion and disorientation caused by abnormal brain activity. Eclampsia typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It's rare and affects less than 3 per cent of people with preeclampsia. Eclampsia can cause complications during pregnancy and requires emergency medical care. Source: Cleveland Clinic Advertisement

For two weeks, Freddie was doing well until a wound started to form on his abdomen when his umbilical cord fell away which doctors suspected had become infected

'The doctors were all happy. He'd had a full laparotomy, which is basically a cut at the level of the belly button from side to side so his full abdomen,' Paddy said.

'We were shocked by the scale of the wound but we were hopeful and trusting.'

After the surgery, Freddie was transferred to Children's Intensive Care Unit at Sydney Children's Hospital where he took a turn for the worse.

'He was on life support and coming back from the heavy sedation. I'm pretty sure we almost lost him that night because his blood pressure was so low,' Paddy recalled.

'At one point there were about 12 people from the ICU team trying to manage his blood pressure, which thinking back that was probably his first close call.'

Freddie's tiny body kept succumbing to whatever was causing him to be so sick and doctors battled to save his life each day as his parents watched on in agony.

After the surgery, Freddie was transferred to Children's Intensive Care Unit at Sydney Children's Hospital where he took a turn for the worst

It was all hands on deck with specialists across an range of fields coming to Freddie's aid and they eventually determined it was clear the issue wasn't an infection but inflammation

'He was in quite a lot of pain so he was heavily sedated on pain killers. We got to a point where doctors couldn't understand how we can't be turning a corner, we were just going deeper and deeper,' Paddy said.

It was all hands on deck with numerous specialists across a range of medical fields coming to Freddie's aid to work out what was going on and they eventually determined it was clear the issue wasn't an infection, but inflammation.

The discovery lead to Freddie being diagnosed with an OTULIN deficiency, a potentially fatal inherited autoimmune disease that is so rare only five cases have been recorded worldwide.

Even rarer was the gene change that caused Freddie's OTULIN deficiency, which has never been recorded in medical history.

Interestingly, Katrine's early onset preeclampsia and Freddie's genetic deficiency were completely unrelated.

'It's like standing in a desert and getting struck by lightning twice,' Paddy explained.

The extreme rarity of Freddie's condition meant medical staff had to take a 'trial and error' approach to his treatment

Freddie had another surgery to clean up his wound in June 2022 and after a long recovery, Paddy is proud to report the family hasn't had one overnight hospital stay for about 18 months

What is an OTULIN deficiency? Freddie's rare condition explained OTULIN deficiency occurs as a result of a mutation in the gene OTULIN. Freddie's particular mutation has never been recorded before. The deficiency results in an abnormal mechanism of inflammation. The deficiency of OTULIN in humans causes an auto-inflammatory process and the syndrome related is called OTULIN-related auto-inflammatory syndrome. The symptoms include swelling, arthritis, fever, skin rash, joint pain, and inflammation of the subcutaneous fat (panniculitis). The treatment is done by transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells that reduce the hyperinflammatory response of the immune cells. Source: iCliniq Advertisement

The extreme rarity of Freddie's condition meant medical staff, including his surgeon Dr Carolyn Russell and immunologist Dr Paul Gray, who Paddy credits for saving his son's life, had to take a 'trial and error' approach to his treatment.

Thankfully, Freddie began to stabilise but his progression over the next year and a half was like taking two steps forward then one step back.

His condition took unexpected turns and he had traumatic side effects from the wound on his belly.

Freddie was in and out of surgeries, put into an induced coma, suffered a hole in his bowel and had to have a stoma bag but neither Paddy, Katrine or doctors lost hope that he could eventually have a normal life.

'He'd have go to into surgery and have general anaesthetic every two or three days, he's probably had 60 general anaesthetics in his life and he'd wake up smiling from every one,' Paddy said.

'He'd wake up from an induced coma after two weeks smiling.'

The parents were delighted when they could finally take their baby home, albeit coping with feeding tubes, oxygen tanks and stoma bags. But only a few weeks later he would be back in hospital.

Freddie had another major surgery to clean up his stomach wound in June of 2022 and after another long recovery, Paddy is proud to report the family hasn't had one overnight hospital stay for about 18 months.

Paddy and Katrine have to give Freddie two-weekly steroid injections to manage his inflammation and be hypervigilant in protecting him from contracting viruses and infections

'The doctors knew a lot about him at that stage and how to treat this condition,' the dad said, adding Dr Russell said saving Freddie has been her greatest career achievements.

Paddy and Katrine have to give Freddie two-weekly steroid injections to manage his inflammation and be hypervigilant in protecting him from contracting viruses and infections.

'(The steroids) have been an absolute game changer for him. It basically switches off his body's inflammation that he can't switch off himself,' Paddy explained.

'His his body will continue to generate inflammation if he gets a wound or even a puncture. He's had reactions to simple injections as well as obviously the major wound on his tummy but it suppresses his condition.'

Freddie has regular check-ins with doctors to make sure everything is okay but, for the most part, Paddy and Katrine are able to live a relatively normal life with their 'little fighter'.

'He's a very warm soul and he genuinely is just happy to be here, I think he's seen the edge three or four times,' Paddy said.

'He's a wonderful example for us of perspective and how to enjoy the moment and take pleasure in the little things.'

You can donate to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation to fund its clinical care and life-saving research here.
Read more: A look at how iconic Healthy Harold has changed over the years

But a photo of a Life Education ute instead of an RV left hundreds upset

Any Australian growing up will remember Healthy Harold visiting their school

Australians have been left 'heartbroken' over new changes made to a beloved school education program.

Those who grew up in Australia between the 80s and mid-2000s will remember the excitement of giraffe puppet Healthy Harold arriving at their school in the iconic Life Education vans.

For more than four decades, the friendly giraffe travelled around the country talking to children from the back of his decked-out caravan about drugs, alcohol and healthy eating.

But a photo shared on Reddit of a new Life Education ute, rather than the famous RV, sparked instant concern among nostalgic Aussies.

'Australia's cost of living crisis has hit poor Healthy Harold. Had to downsize his rig,' the poster wrote.

Anyone who grew up in Australia will remember the excitement of giraffe puppet Healthy Harold arriving at their school in the Life Education van (pictured)

A photo of a Life Education ute was taken by a car driving by (pictured). These vehicles are used in addition to the iconic vans for new pop-up sessions at schools

Many jumped to conclusions and believed this signalled the end of the famous caravan sessions.

'Going to be much harder to squeeze 20 kids into the back of that rather than the bus. I've no doubt that psychotic giraffe will try though,' one joked.

'Mate, it's just a puppet stand in the corner of the classroom these days. No longer do you get to go in the dark truck parked on the oval,' another said.

'Give it a few years and it'll be a webinar,' a third added.

Healthy Harold (pictured) teaches kids about issues such as drugs, alcohol and healthy eating

Nostalgic Aussies shared their fond memories when Harold came to visit their school

However, many reported still seeing the vans at schools, just not as often as they once did.

'They definitely still have the van, or they did as recently as the start of this year, I saw it on the side of the road whilst driving somewhere, can't remember where.'

'My son had the big trailer at his school all week when Harold came through,' another said.

'I actually saw the van itself yesterday! It's currently at a school on Old Cleveland Road in Brisbane, might have been Carindale/Chandler I'm not sure which. But it brought back some vintage memories,' one claimed.

The CEO at Life Ed, Australia Russell D'Costa, said the vans are still in operation today in addition to new pop-up learning, live virtual sessions and pre-recorded sessions.

'Just as the curriculum has changed over the years, so has Healthy Harold and the approach of the Life Ed team to meet the needs of students, teachers and communities across the country. This includes the way we deliver our program,' Mr D'Costa said.

'Our iconic mobile learning centres (vans) are still in operation in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the ACT, and the Northern Territory.

'We also deliver education across the country in pop-up (inflatable) classrooms, existing classrooms and via our (live) virtual and (pre-recorded) online lessons.

'Our collaborative approach flexes to fit around the needs of different schools, which allows us to cater to class sizes ranging from several students in remote communities to several hundred.'

Many took to the thread to share their favourite Harold memories.

'It's not a stranger danger lesson unless you're lured into a van by a smoking giraffe offering free stickers,' one wrote.

'Healthy Harold used to visit my kids' school on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and was sprung quite a few times nicking behind his big van for a cigarette when the kids went back into class.'

'I still feel ripped off to this day when we were in the truck going to space but I was next to the door and there was a gap I could see the schoolyard through and we hadn't actually gone anywhere,' one more added.
As Avian influenza jumps to a human from a cow for the third time in the America, the latest in a string of such cases in recent weeks, public health experts have told MailOnline that Britain should be preparing for an outbreak.

Their warning comes as the Biden administration revealed it was brokering a deal that would allow doses of a bird flu vaccine to be prioritised for the US.

A panel of UK Government appointed experts said the situation in America, where the virus has made its way into cattle, was 'unprecedented' and had boosted the chances of human-to-human transmission to up to 35 per cent, compared to just five per cent previously.

They still assessed the current overall current risk as 'very low' to Britain, but warned tainted raw dairy products from the US, which are currently approved for import, could in theory contain the virus and bring it to the UK.

They estimated there is an up to one in 20 chance of a Brit being infected via such products in the next six months.

Experts have warned tainted raw dairy products from the US, which are currently approved for import, could in theory contain the virus and bring it to the UK

Pictured is the Texas farm worker who was infected with H5N1 in March. The infection began in the right eye, before spreading to the left

The UK bird flu outbreak  caused by the H5N1 strain  saw up to 1million birds struck down by the virus, with experts fearing it is on the brink of spreading among people

They also warned Britain will need to ramp up surveillance efforts in September when birds from the US, potentially carrying the virus, cross the Atlantic as part of their annual migrations.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say there is a one in five chance of British cattle being infected by bird flu via such a route in the next six months.

If this occurs, health officials calculated that there was about between 40-to-50 per cent chance of a person subsequently being infected by bird flu.

Independent experts told MailOnline the real danger the threat of new pandemic sparked by bird flu 'cannot be excluded'.

Some even warned other countries may want to look into similar bird flu vaccine arrangements as those going on in the US.

Bird flu outbreak: Everything you need to know What is it? Avian flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can be transmitted to humans through close contact with a dead or alive infected bird. This includes touching infected birds, their droppings or bedding. People can also catch bird flu if they kill or prepare infected poultry for eating. Wild birds are carriers, especially through migration. As they cluster together to breed, the virus spreads rapidly and is then carried to other parts of the globe. New strains tend to appear first in Asia, from where more than 60 species of shore birds, waders and waterfowl head off to Alaska to breed and mix with migratory birds from the US. Others go west and infect European species. Which strains are currently spreading? H5N1 and H3N8. So far the virus H5N1 has been detected in some 80 million birds and poultry globally since September 2021 - double the previous record the year before. Not only is the virus spreading at speed, it is also killing at an unprecedented level, leading some experts to say this is the deadliest variant so far. Millions of chickens and turkeys in the UK have been culled or put into lockdown. But earlier this year, on March 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) was also informed that a Chinese woman had become the first person to ever die from the H3N8 strain. The 56-year-old woman from the southern province of Guangdong was the third person known to have been infected with the H3N8 subtype of avian influenza, according to the WHO. Although rare in people, H3N8 is common in birds, but it causes little to no sign of disease. It has also infected other mammals. Can bird flu infect people? Yes, but only 873 human cases of bird flu have been reported to the World Health Organization since 2003. The risk to people has been deemed 'low'. But people are strongly urged not to touch sick or dead birds because the virus is lethal, killing 56 per cent of people it does manage to infect. Advertisement

A Government assessment of bird flu risk, published by UKHSA and seen by this website, noted raw and treated cow colostrum, a term for milk produced shortly after birth, as a major concern.

'The imports of colostrum are used for both animal feed and for human consumption,' it states.

Cow colostrum is often added to calves' feed by farmers in the UK for their first few weeks of life, and it known that supplies of this are sourced from the US.

Pasteurisation, the process by which products like milk are heated to kill pathogens, also may not be enough to kill bird flu, UKHSA experts warned, due to the high fat and protein content of the liquid shielding the virus.

Bovine colostrum is used in some powdered protein supplements intended for human consumption available in the UK.

The UKHSA added: 'It is also unknown if the process of freeze-drying to produce powdered milk sufficiently inactivates virus.'

The risk posed by imports of raw dairy products from the US are being actively 'considered' by UK import and food safety officials, it added.

Another known risk is the habit of some passengers from the US bringing dairy products, like unpasteurised milk products, into the UK against regulations.

It also said UK scientists were currently working on testing how effective different pasteurisation techniques were at killing bird flu.

UKHSA's assessment come just days after a study suggested that bird flu could indeed survive standard pasteurisation processes and potentially cause infection.

The other potential route of bird flu incursion into the is birds infected with this new strain of avian influenza making their way across the Atlantic.

Numerous species of bird make this journey to the UK from September onwards and the experts said monitoring for new strains of bird flu, like the one circulating in the US, would be important.

UKHSA experts recommended that vets keep a close eye on the condition of cattle on UK dairy farms for any unexplained signs of sickness with milk from the animals to be sent for sampling.

They have also been advised to report any unusual deaths or symptoms in other animals, both domestic and wild, at dairy fairs as well as encourage the use of PPE among workers.

Health officials have been advised to warn the public about the dangers of consuming raw dairy products and 'consider the rapid investigation and testing of farm or dairy workers with respiratory or compatible symptoms'.

Professor Paul Hunter, a renowned infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia said the current situation in the US was a concern.

'Presumably the virus has evolved to better spear in cattle and so in mammals,' he said.

'Humans are mammals and so an infection caught from cattle should be better able to spread in humans.

'The concern is that should the virus evolve further to be better able to spread in humans then we would be at risk of another pandemic. There is no evidence of that at present, but such a future shift cannot be excluded.'

He added that while he agreed with the UKHSA assessment of a 'very low risk' he added: 'That does not mean we shouldnt be preparing ourselves.'

'Fortunately, with influenza we are able already to fairly rapidly modify existing vaccines for new variants, so more quickly than we managed for Covid,' he said.

'If the virus does start spreading in humans, we will have to ramp up vaccine production.'

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, also said the UK shouldn't be complacent.

'We really need to keep an eye on bird flu in the UK. There's no indication of person-to-person transmission at present but that doesn't mean that we should be complacent,' he said.

He added that the US move on bird flu vaccines was a 'very sensible precaution'.

Professor Francois Balloux, an infectious disease expert at University College London, said the current situation with bird flu in the US repeatedly jumping to humans was 'far from ideal'.

UKHSA experts have recommended that vets keep a close eye on the condition of cattle on UK dairy farms for any unexplained signs of sickness with milk from the animals to be sent for sampling

The above map shows states where bird flu infections have been confirmed in dairy cows

'This is a serious concern that I believe needs to be addressed with far more urgency by American authorities,' he said.

'It makes sense for the US to plan a potential bird flu vaccine supply pipeline, and other countries may wish to look into this too.

'Though, personally, I would welcome US authorities taking the necessary measures to quash this outbreak now.'

The latest human US case, in a dairy farm worker in Michigan, saw the patient suffer from cold like symptoms such as a cough as well as watery discharge from their eyes.

While the two previous cases also reported watery eyes the cough is first time this symptom has been reported in relation to the current outbreak.

None of the patient's colleagues or household contacts have reported symptoms of an infection.

US officials, like their UK counterparts, have insisted the risk to the public is still 'low' and that there is no sign that the virus has spread from one person to another.

The latest case follows two other infections recorded among dairy farm workers  one in Texas and a second reported in Michigan last week.

There are no links between the cases, with each suspected to have been infected via a separate case of the virus spilling over to humans.

Many health experts are concerned over the virus's success at jumping between multiple species, with each iteration giving it the opportunity to mutate.

Experts argue that the more mutations the virus acquires, the higher the risk of it evolving to effectively spread between people. This is particularly concerning as, historically, H5N1 strains have killed about 50 percent of the humans they infect.

UK scientists tasked with developing 'scenarios of early human transmission' of bird flu have warned that 5 per cent of infected people could die if the virus took off in humans (shown under scenario three). Under another scenario, the scientists assumed 1 per cent of those infected would be hospitalised and 0.25 per cent would die  similar to how deadly Covid was in autumn 2021 (scenario one). The other saw a death rate of 2.5 per cent (scenario two)

In response to ongoing cases and concerns, the Biden administration is now looking to bankroll Moderna's, of Covid vaccine fame, development of a vaccine against the disease.

In a similar operation that sped up the production of Covid vaccines, the US government is looking to fund a late-stage trial of the mRNA shot, specifically targeting the H5N1 strain that is currently circulating in the US.

The cost of the deal hasn't been revealed but it is speculated to run into millions, but in return, the US will get priority for doses.
READ MORE: You should get a colonoscopy if you have two common symptoms

Two wonder drugs could help fight an explosion of colon cancers in young people - and both are already approved in the US.

Both treatments are immunotherapies, which use patients' own disease-fighting white blood cells to target cancerous tumors.

Trials found pembrolizumab, sold under the brand name Keytruda, 'melts away' tumors, potentially sparing patients from needing surgery and chemotherapy.

It was so effective, tests found six in 10 patients had no trace of disease left months later. The drug is already used to treat lung and cervical cancer in America.

Meanwhile, a second, brand-new drug made by GSK was effective in 100 percent of cases of a rare form of colorectal cancer.

The above graph shows the rise of colorectal cancer in young Americans from 1999 through 2020

The findings were presented this weekend at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago this weekend.

They come as colorectal cancer rates are expected to double from 2010 to the end of the decade.

Doctors are still trying to work out what's behind the rapid rise.

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Processed foods, chemical contamination and the overuse of antibiotics have all been touted as possible factors.

For the Keytruda study, researchers from University College London in England recruited 32 patients from five UK hospitals with stage two or three with a genetic subtype of colon cancer, with a high number of mutations.

The patients had stage 3 cancer, meaning thee cancer was threatening to spread outside the colon, which currently kills one in three within five years.

They were given three doses of Keytruda over nine weeks prior to surgery.

The drug is delivered via a 30-minute injection into the back of the hand and stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

After finishing the immunotherapy drug, patients underwent surgery to remove the area of their bowel where their tumors had been.

Results showed 59 percent of patients had no trace of cancer left when tested, typically between five and 19 months later - suggesting they didn't even require surgery.

The remaining 41 percent were able to have their tumors removed, and all are now disease-free.

Doctors said this is a dramatic improvement compared to the current standard treatment, which involves surgery to remove the tumor followed by three to six months of chemotherapy.

Dr Kai-Keen Shiu, from trial leader from UCL Cancer Institute, said: 'Immunotherapy can make tumors disappear before surgery.

'If you melt the cancer away before surgery you normally triple survival chances.

The drug is currently FDA approved for lung and cervical cancers, and it is available on the UK's NHS for cervical, lung, melanoma, and triple-negative breast cancers.

The main limitation of the study was its small sample size. The team also noted that more research is needed with longer follow-up times on remission.

Additionally, immunotherapy has been shown to cost upward of $100,000 without insurance, though it is often covered by private insurance and Medicare.

Keytruda has previously shown benefits in other cancers like non-small cell lung cancer. In one trial, Keytruda after chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease progression by 42 percent compared to chemotherapy alone.

Additionally, findings presented at ASCO from Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City found that immunotherapy drug Jemperli, or dostarlimab, showed 'unprecedented results' by eviscerating all 42 patients' colorectal cancers.

All patients had locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) rectal cancer, a form of colorectal cancer that accounts for five to 10 percent of cases.

Of the 42 patients, 24 have been followed up with after about 24 months, and none of the participants had disease recurrence. None of the patients needed chemotherapy or surgery.

Hesham Abdullah, a senior vice president at drug manufacturer GSK, said: 'The data showing no evidence of disease in 42 patients is remarkable.'

'These results bring us one step closer to understanding the potential of dostarlimab in this curative-intent setting for patients with dMMR locally advanced rectal cancer.'

Jemperli is currently FDA approved for endometrial cancer.
A bride-to-be has told of her agony after an 'impulse' buy boob job in Turkey saw her nipple turn black and drop off.

Madison Goodwin, from Southend-on-Sea in Essex, paid 4,000 in April for the surgery in an effort to make her 'big, saggy' breasts perkier.

The 19-year-old opted for a cut-price clinic in Istanbul  where thousands of Britons flock to for cheap surgery every year  as she didn't 'want to be spending silly amounts of money'.

But just days after her operation the model discovered her nipple was bright purple and claims she overheard a doctor say 'it was done wrong but I corrected it'.

After being reassured it would heal quickly, Ms Goodwin returned to the UK and kept in touch with her surgeon sending them pictures.

Madison Goodwin, from Southend-on-Sea in Essex, paid 4,000 in April for the surgery in an effort to make her 'big, saggy' breasts perkier. The 19-year-old opted for a cut-price clinic in Istanbul  where thousands of Britons flock to for cheap surgery every year  as she didn't 'want to be spending silly amounts of money'

But just days later the model discovered her nipple was bright purple and claimed she overheard a doctor say 'it was done wrong but I corrected it'. After being reassured it would heal quickly, Ms Goodwin returned to the UK

She was left horrified, however, after removing the bandages 12 days post-surgery to find her skin had turned black and her nipple 'hanging on by a thread'. She is now waiting for the necrotic tissue to heal or drop off before she can get skin graft in the UK

She was left horrified, however, after removing the bandages 12 days post-surgery to find her skin had turned black and her nipple 'hanging on by a thread'.

She is now waiting for the necrotic tissue to heal or drop off before she can get skin graft in the UK.

Recalling her ordeal, Ms Goodwin said: 'I had a baby in January, unfortunately she was a stillbirth.

'My boobs felt very saggy and my nipples were really big, they never went back to normal.

'I just wanted them quite perky and a bit rounder and bigger.

'At the time I was looking around for surgeons in London but it was 9,000 and I'm saving for a house.

'I didn't want to be spending silly amounts of money so I just thought about Turkey because someone I knew had gone to that specific surgeon and they were really happy with their results.'

She added: 'I felt fully trusting and was like "I'll just go out there" and it was half the price, it was 4,000.

'I'm not going to lie, I didn't really do much research. It was on quite an impulse.

'I was excited. My mum booked the flights and we really thought we were going to go out there and, although I knew I'd be healing, we really thought it would be like a mini getaway.'

After discovering her nipple was 'starting to peel off', she rushed to Southend University Hospital in May and was referred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford the following day

Typically, breast implant surgery costs around 6,000 in the UK. But in Turkey this can be as little as 3,200.

This does not usually include the cost of consultations or follow-up care.

The NHS warns Britons to understand how the procedure works and the risks involved before going abroad for treatment.

It advises people to consider if there will be any language barriers, whether they know enough about who is performing the treatment and the facilities available and how to make a complaint if things go wrong.

After discovering her nipple was 'starting to peel off', she rushed to Southend University Hospital in May and was referred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford the following day.

Ms Goodwin said: 'I went to hospital and explained the situation. The doctor took the bandages off really carefully, you could see it was still hanging on by a thread but it didn't come off fully.

'At that point my nipple had become necrotic and was black in certain places.

'They sent me to another hospital, when they took the bandages off the nipple came off, it was just a big bit of skin.

'I'm assuming where my nipple had come off it opened my stitches below my breast so then I had an open wound of stitches.

'It genuinely looked like a shark bite, I felt horrible. They kept talking that I'd have to get a skin graft or a nipple tattoo.'

She has now been referred by her GP to a wound specialist and claims she has been told her nipple 'won't heal unless the necrotic tissue either falls off or gets surgically removed'.

Ms Goodwin, who is due to get married in December, said: 'I'm just waiting to see when it heals, there's only a bit of black necrotic tissue left.

'Flying back to Turkey for [more] surgery was out of the question, even the hospital said don't go back to them.

'It's not necessarily that they did it wrong, the hospital said it's possibly just your body rejecting it in general [the nipple reconstruction].

She has now been referred by her GP to a wound specialist and claims she has been told her nipple 'won't heal unless the necrotic tissue either falls off or gets surgically removed'

Ms Goodwin, who is due to get married in December, said: ' I'm just waiting to see when it heals, there's only a bit of black necrotic tissue left. Flying back to Turkey for [more] surgery was out of the question, even the hospital said don't go back to them.' Pictured, messages between Ms Goodwin and her surgeon

Now Ms Goodwin is urging anyone considering surgery abroad to opt instead for the UK to ensure any issues can be seen to immediately. Pictured, messages between Ms Goodwin and her surgeon

'Their point is that the surgeon in Turkey knew it was going bad and still sent me back, so if they're comfortable doing that then I shouldn't trust them.'

Now Ms Goodwin is urging anyone considering surgery abroad to opt instead for the UK to ensure any issues can be seen to immediately.

She said: 'I think if you're ever going to get any kind of lift that should be done in England, because if I'd left it longer and listened to the surgeon I don't even know what would have happened.

'They told me at the hospital I could have died if I'd left it longer, it was really, really bad.

'Any girl who wants anything to do with their nipples done, just get it in England because it's so risky.

'At least if something goes wrong, they're so on the ball to help you.

'They've said it could take six months to heal. My wedding dress is off the shoulder so I'm hoping it will heal beforehand.'

She added: 'Now I feel disgusted looking at my boobs.

'[As a model], my job is based off what my body looks like. I'm flying out to Thailand in a week and my bandages are on show.

'I can't even get a nice picture in a bikini. I know that's not the be-all and end all but that's my job  I need to look good in clothes.'

British surgeons have raised the alarm about the rising NHS multi-million bill of fixing botched cosmetic ops performed overseas, with costing the NHS an estimated 100,000 alone

The Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) said 'too many' overseas clinics are putting people at risk of harm by promoting their services irresponsibly. Liposuction that offers to remove up to 15 litres of fat, BBL's, eye colour changing laser treatments and hymenoplasties are all offered in clinics across Turkey

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons analysed 324 cases of Brits needing medical treatment or corrective surgery after having gone under the knife overseas since 2018

Surgeons have grown increasingly concerned about the number of Brits heading to medical tourism hubs like Turkey in recent years.

UK Government data has recorded over 25 deaths of Brits following medical procedures in the country.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) found 324 Brits have needed medical treatment or corrective surgery after having gone under the knife overseas since 2018.

This has surged 94 per cent in three years, the organisation claimed, as increasing numbers of Brits seek to look more like their celebrity idols.

Turkey was the largest source of botched ops, the BAAPS figures suggested.

Almost 80 per cent of Brits who needed corrective ops in the last year were treated originally in surgical tourism hubs like Istanbul and Ankara.

Procedures to treat botched cosmetic ops cost the NHS millions of pounds each year.

BAAPS estimates the average cost to the health service of treating a Brit botched overseas is about 15,000, putting the total bill since 2018 at about 4.8million.

This bill represents the cost of resources like medication and dressings, as well as the time surgeons and other NHS staff must spend on such cases.

While the 15,000 figure is an average, surgeons have previously told this website more serious cases can cost upwards of 100,000 to the taxpayer.

Some cases include patients suffering infections from improperly cleaned wounds or of surgical tools or objects being left in body after an operation.
Since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last autumn, my life has taken surprising turns. But I didn't expect it to lead to me - and my Mum - meeting the Queen in the Morning Room at Clarence House. I was invited because of my campaigning in this newspaper to raise awareness of the deadly bone disease, in particular to help people to receive an early diagnosis by making Fracture Liaison Services available throughout the country. At the reception, I was presented with a certificate of appreciation in the presence of Her Majesty. I felt a surge of pride standing by her and when she expressed 'huge thanks' for the work this paper has done. 'It really has put osteoporosis on the map,' she said. 'Can I just plead with you to keep going it makes an enormous difference to a lot of people who would otherwise go undiagnosed.' By that point, I was buzzing.
Im a fit and healthy 72-year-old woman but have had a cough for over a year. Its worse at night. Yet lung tests found nothing wrong. Whats causing it?

Jo Bruce, via email.

Dr Martin Scurr replies: What a frustrating problem, no doubt affecting the quality of your sleep.

A chronic cough  defined as one that lasts for more than eight weeks  is common in those over 60, particularly in women. This might be because hormones such as oestrogen (still produced even after the menopause) increase the sensitivity of cells in the airways.

A chronic cough  defined as one that lasts for more than eight weeks  is common in those over 60, particularly in women

There are a number of possibilities for what the underlying cause might be, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD (primarily caused by smoking) and upper airways cough syndrome (due to excess mucus from the nasal cavities causing irritation in the throat and upper airways).

As your lung function tests were normal, it seems unlikely that asthma is the reason. COPD is unlikely as you dont smoke.

Upper airways cough syndrome, meanwhile, is almost always due to an allergy, for example, to house dust. Mucus flows into the throat and you feel a constant need to clear it.

As with asthma, steroids may be the solution  not in the form of an inhaler, but as nose drops (for example, betamethasone) applied daily for four weeks.

Another possible cause is acid reflux, where stomach acid leaks back up into the gullet due to a fault with the one-way valve where the two meet.

It causes heartburn and hoarseness but is also one of the most common causes of chronic cough  especially at night when you lie down and its easier for the acid to leak back up. The fact that your cough is worse at night suggests this is to blame.

The next step would be a trial of a proton pump inhibitor drug (e.g. omeprazole), which reduces stomach acid, to see if that clears it up. While you can buy this over the counter, you will likely need a higher dose thats prescription only. Id recommend consulting your GP about acid reflux as a possible trigger  theres every chance treating it could banish your troublesome cough for good.

I have an enormous aneurysm (19cm). My surgeon wont operate because of the risks  is there anything else I can do? Im 84.

Roger Baskeyfield, Wirral.

Dr Martin Scurr replies: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that affects roughly one in 70 men over the age of 65.

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, running from the chest to the pelvis. But if there is weakness in the wall, it can develop a bulge  i.e. an aneurysm  that could result in fatal bleeding if it bursts.

Risk factors for aneurysms include smoking, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol. Yet one of the biggest factors is simply ageing and being male, for reasons that arent clear.

Men in the UK are offered screening when they turn 65  this involves a simple ten-minute check using ultrasound.

At 19cm, your aneurysm is, as you say, enormous (an aneurysm of 4cm is considered small; over six is very large). Nevertheless, you have reached the age of 84 without symptoms and its likely its been expanding for years.

Surgery is the ideal treatment but I suspect that your doctors have decided that, at your age, the dangers of an operation outweigh the risks of a rupture.

There are other key steps to take  for example, many of the drugs used to reduce heart disease risk can be of help.

Its vital to treat high blood pressure to avoid spikes that might put strain on the weak blood vessel walls.

Statins are also often given as they can reduce the inflammation in the blood vessel wall, while antiplatelet drugs  such as aspirin  may stop the aneurysm getting bigger. But one of the most important things anyone can do is quit smoking.

Finally, some research recommends regular exercise as this may slow expansion, possibly by dampening inflammation.

In my view...

Fears about this new breed of surgeons

Before Sir Anthony Eden became prime minister he had to undergo 'rescue' surgery in the US to remove his gallbladder after years of pain and jaundice from gallstones

A quick but telling history lesson: before Sir Anthony Eden became prime minister in 1955, he had surgery to remove his gallbladder after years of pain and jaundice from gallstones.

It was a disaster, and he had to go to the US for rescue surgery, but he still needed several procedures over the next 15 years.

This underlines the danger of complications from botched gallbladder surgery  yet we now learn this potentially hazardous operation has been carried out by surgical care practitioner (SCPs) on at least 170 patients at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust since 2015.

SCPs are not doctors but the surgical equivalent of physician associates, about whom there has been much recent concern.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England has expressed its alarm at the practice and rightly so  even though, in some cases, SCPs are supervised by a consultant surgeon, or a doctor training to become a surgeon, this is still a major safety risk.

My great concern is it wont be long before we see cataract surgery and other potentially hazardous procedures being carried out by staff who are not medically qualified.
Ozempic users have been complaining of weird changes to their sense of taste while taking the weight-loss drug  particularly when it comes to sweet treats.

And now scientists in Europe believe they have found out what is causing so-called 'Ozempic tongue'.

A study showed that some people who take semaglutide  the active drug in Ozempic  experience a change to a gene on the tongue involved in taste.

They also found that participants experienced sweet tastes 'more intensely' than those who had not used the drug.

The above show two patients on Ozempic who said their craving for sweet treats was lowered while they were taking the drug

It could explain why Ozempic forums are filling up with comments complaining over being unable to consume favorite treats, from chocolate to wine to donuts.

Dr Mojca Jensterle Sever, an endocrinologist in Slovenia who led the research, said: 'People with obesity often perceive tastes less "intensely" and they have an inherently elevated desire for sweet and energy-dense food.'

'[But] the present study demonstrated that semaglutide improved taste sensitivity in women with obesity.

'It means that the detection threshold for different concentrations of four basic tastes [including sweetness] were improved.'

Semaglutide may have caused the shift because if mimics the fullness hormone GLP-1, which studies show is also linked to taste perception.

Studies in mice, for example, show that those who don't have the GLP-1 hormone suddenly have a greatly reduced desire for sweet foods.

Ozempic has taken the US by storm, for its promise to help people lose weight with little more than a weekly injection

Patients have also described reduced cravings for other foods while on the drug, including fast foods and alcoholic beverages such as wine

It is also possible that not eating sweet treats for a long period while on Ozempic may make someone more sensitive to sweet treats when they return to consuming them.

The study was presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday.

It is yet to be peer reviewed

In the paper, scientists recruited 30 obese women and administered half of them with Ozempic for four months.

During the trial, their taste sensitivity was measured by placing strips containing all four basic tastes  sweet, salty, sour or bitter  on the tongue.

Scientists placed strips with differing taste intensity of each on the tongue, with participants asked to reveal when they detected a flavor.

Participants also had some tongue cells removed for genetic testing during the study and underwent MRIs before and after tasting something sweet following a standard meal.

Dr Sever added: 'Clinicians will likely correlate the findings with reports from their patients on changes in desire for certain foods, which go beyond broad changes in appetite and satiety that help them lose weight.'

Scientists decided to study semaglutide's effect on taste after noting mice that didn't have GLP-1 were much less sensitive to sweet treats.
A top scientist who advises the Canadian Government said he was blocked from studying a freak outbreak of a mysterious and deadly brain illness in young adults and teenagers.

More than 200 New Brunswick residents have bizarrely developed a dementia-like disorder that causes vivid hallucinations, an inability to talk and write, memory lapses and even physical paralysis.

While the disease has baffled doctors, local health officials put the outbreak down to misdiagnosis, concluding that most patients in fact suffered common illnesses like dementia and cancer.

Now, damning evidence has come to light that suggests health chiefs may have purposefully blocked investigations into other potential causes  namely, exposure to toxic pesticides.

In leaked emails sent between Dr Michael Coulthart, a microbiologist, and members of Canada's public health agency (PHAC), Dr Coulthart said he was 'essentially cut off' from being involved in the research.

A top Canadian scientist said he was blocked from studying a mystery brain illness outbreak affecting more than young people

In the correspondence, seen by The Guardian, Government scientistDr Coulthart wrote that he believed he was cast aside due to 'politics', namely his desire to investigate links to environmental exposures.

The curious problem emerged in 2021, when New Brunswick health officials said that over 40 people in the area were suffering with an unknown neurological syndrome, which had symptoms close to the degenerative brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a type of prion disease, which occurs when prions, a type of protein, trigger normal proteins in the brain to fold abnormally, which can cause illness and brain damage.

Dr Coulthart is currently the head of Canada's Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System.

In leaked emails sent between microbiologist Dr Michael Coulthart (pictured) and members of Canada's public health agency (PHAC), Dr Coulthart said he was 'essentially cut off' from being involved in the research

Symptoms of patients' symptoms were diverse but severe - some residents were salivating uncontrollably while others believed they had insects creeping up their skin.

Experts said the cases date back to 2015 and are among people aged 18 to 84, dozens of whom were healthy before being struck down by the mystery illness.

They noted they were seeing 'more and more younger patients.'

And patients are still suffering. One young woman told the Guardian that 'politicians don't want to acknowledge there is something serious going on, because then they need to address it.'

She is forced to deal with muscle tremors and worsening coordination, and was told by a doctor that her failing memory is similar to patients decades older.

The woman can no longer cook because of her shaking hands, and she now has to eat only frozen meals. She has to also be reminded via a smart speaker to take medication, eat and shower.

Gabrielle Cormier had to pause her love of figure skating and leave university at age 20 when she fell ill in 2019, becoming so debilitated that she now needs a wheelchair.

Ms Cormier, now 24, experienced memory loss, vision problems, and the inability to stand for long periods, resulting in her having to walk with a cane or use a wheelchair after becoming sick.

DREAM SNATCHED FROM HER: Cormier says she had a passion for figure skating since she was eight years old, adding 'it was my life'. But the mysterious dementia-like neurological illness rendered her unable to walk independently and she had to give up skating as well as her time at university

The investigating committee, along with the New Brunswick government, also questioned neurologist Alier Marrero's work.

Dr Marrero, along with Dr Coulthart, was first to identify the cluster in 2019, and he was originally leading New Brunswick's investigation.

Dr Coulthart said in an email to a colleague, seen by the Guardian: 'All I will say is that my scientific opinion is that there is something real going on in [New Brunswick] that absolutely cannot be explained by the bias or personal agenda of an individual neurologist.

'A few cases might be best explained by the latter, but there are just too many (now over 200).'

The emails indicate that senior research scientists in PHAC are still preoccupied with the cause and symptoms of the illness, that seems to be impacting mainly younger people.

An email chain from October 2023, between Dr Coulthart and a member of PHAC, Dr Coulthart wrote that an 'environmental exposure  or a combination of exposures  is triggering and/or accelerating a variety of neurodegenerative syndromes.'

Dr Coulthart added that because the illness is so complex, politicians have used this as a 'loophole' to say that 'nothing coherent' is going on.

'I believe the truth will assert itself in time, but for now all we can do is continue to collect information on the cases that come to us as suspect prion disease,' Dr Coulthart said.

He had previously supported the theory that a neurotoxin called BMAA produced by blue-green algae, might have been responsible.

In March 2023, Dr Marrero begged the Canadian government to do environmental testing, which he thought would demonstrate that the herbicide glyphosate has a part to play.

Glyphosate is regularly used by forestry companies in New Brunswick to restrict the plant growth.
READ MORE: US sent money to Chinese lab despite suspicion of bioweapons

Dr Anthony Fauci conceded that Covid measures such as school and business closures may have been too harsh- in a rare admission of mistakes officials made when it came to responding to the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021.

The former White House doctor also admitted some recommendations he endorsed were not backed in science, including the six-foot social distancing guideline.

In heated testimony in front of a Congressional committee, Dr Fauci, 83, said while officials issue advice based on the current public health situation, it is 'very very clear' that going forward, they will need to consider 'the potential collateral negative effects' of things like mask and vaccine mandates and ask 'how we can do better next time.'

Other memorable moments of Dr Fauci's testimony included him evoking an action movie as he described conspiracy theories that claim he parachuted into CIA headquarters to discuss how to make Covid more transmissible and tearing up when describing the death threats he and his family have faced.

Dr Anthony Fauci , former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), testified Monday in front of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic

Dr Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), testified Monday in front of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic for the second time, and while he continued to downplay any role the NIAID played in a potential lab leak and gain of function experiments, he did concede that some preventative measures may have gone too far and led to harmful outcomes.

Dr Fauci said he believed the harsh lockdown measures put in place in the early days of the pandemic when the virus was killing nearly 5,000 people per day were justified, but added that how long they should have been kept in place is 'debatable.'

The former top public health official who has continuously come under fire for his role during the Covid-19 pandemic, admitted there were substantial negative psychological and educational effects on young children due to the prolonged school closures.

However, Dr Fauci explained, officials were responding to real-time information and looking back, things should have been done differently.

He said: 'I think things we did in the beginning were in the context of a horrible situation of 4,000 to 5,000 deaths per day, but that doesn't mean that you don't go back and look and say "Did everything we do at that point and the duration for which we did it, was that appropriate and do we need to re examine?"

Students' learning loss and social setbacks have been well documented, with one NIH study calling the impact of mask use on literacy and learning 'very negative.'

And the impacts from social distancing caused 'depression, generalized anxiety, acute stress, and intrusive thoughts,' another NIH study found.

When subcommittee's staff director Mitch Benzine asked Dr Fauci if, in preparing for the next pandemic, it is important to consider the unintended consequences of such harsh public health measures, the former top public health official answered: 'Absolutely.'

Dr Fauci also agreed that once there is a better understanding of who the most vulnerable and affected people are in a pandemic, officials should more 'narrowly craft public health measures to specifically favor those demographics.'

However, he did caution that with novel outbreaks, it is often a 'moving target and you only hear about other vulnerables as you get further into the outbreak.'

This hearing is the first time Dr Fauci testified publicly since retiring in 2022. Earlier this year, he appeared in front of the subcommittee for a closed-door interview that spanned 14 hours over two days.

Last week, House Republicans released the transcripts of those interviews, which revealed he made up the six foot social distancing rule and other measures to 'protect' Americans from Covid.

Speaking to counsel on behalf of the House subcommittee in January, Fauci told Republicans the six foot social distancing rule 'sort of just appeared' and that he did not recall how it came about.

'You know, I don't recall. It sort of just appeared,' he said according to committee transcripts when pressed on how the rule came about.

He added he 'was not aware of studies' that supported the social distancing, conceding that such studies 'would be very difficult' to do.

In Monday's testimony, Dr Fauci clarified, saying he meant the six-foot social distancing rule, which was recommended by the CDC, had no clinical trial-backed science to support that maintaining six feet of distance from people stopped the transmission of Covid-19.

However, he added, he did not want to push back against the CDC's official guidelines because it would be frowned upon to criticize another federal government health organization.
The landscape of US abortion law has been revealed in a DailyMail.com interactive map.

More than 17 states  mostly in the South  have enacted abortion bans that prohibit virtually all procedures, as the law only permits it before the six week mark  when most women aren't aware they are pregnant.

At the other end of the scale, nine states  Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico Oregon and Vermont  place no legal restrictions on abortions.

Meanwhile, 18 states allow abortion up to 26 weeks, or just shy of six months. However, most doctors will not perform them after 21 weeks unless there is a serious medical reason.

At around 24 weeks, some healthy fetuses can survive outside of the womb.

The above map shows states by their abortion restrictions. It reveals a divide along party lines and regions, with the South being most likely to restrict abortions

Your browser does not support iframes.

The surge in legislation came after the overturn of Roe v Wade  the landmark 1973 legal case that protected the right of women in every state to have an abortion until 2022.

Despite the shift, data suggests abortions in the US are rising  and last year hit their highest level since 2014.

A total of one million abortions were estimated to have been carried out in 2023, an 11 percent increase since 2020. However this figure is still lower than the all-time high set in 1990, of 1.6million in a year.

Experts say the recent increase has been fueled by the introduction of rules that allowed for abortion-inducing pills to be sent to patients via post, without the need for an appointment with a physician.

The move came about in December 2021 in response to the pandemic, which stopped Americans from being able to access in-person healthcare.

The medications are only available on prescription and must be taken in the first ten weeks of pregnancy.

In an early-stage medication abortion, patients take two drugs; mifepristone, and then a second drug called misoprostol about 24 to 48 hours later.

More than nine in ten abortions carried out in the US take place before week 13, with less than one percent happening after week 21. A typical pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks.

Doctors say abortions are only rarely performed after the 21 week mark, and normally only take place after this point due to fetal anomalies or if the mother's life is in danger.

Critics say that abortion bans below six weeks are too early for women to find out they are pregnant and take action (Picture of abortion-rights protect in Washington in March)

Data suggests abortions are rising in the US, with a million carried out in 2023 - the latest year available - the most since 2014

Abortion restrictions by state were revealed by the Guttmacher Institute, a New York City-based think-tank which campaigns for greater abortion access.

Researchers compiled information on abortion limits by state via news reports and legislation within each state's house and senate.

The map shows a major division in abortion along party lines  with Democrat states mostly protecting abortion up to 24 weeks and Republican states mostly seeking to ban it altogether.

Southern states, where those making legislation tend to be more religious, are much more likely to virtually ban abortion compared to other areas.

One of the most restrictive states was Alabama, where abortions are virtually impossible  banned from the moment an egg is fertilized.

Many other Republican states  including Arkansas, Mississippi and North Dakota  also follow this rule.

Others included Florida, South Carolina and Georgia, which have put in place a six-week abortion ban.

This is based on claims that a fetal heartbeat can be detected from six weeks, although doctors say a developing embryo doesn't actually have a heart at this point.

It is unclear at what point exactly a heart starts to beat.

On the other hand, laws are much less restrictive in states like Oregon  where legislators have placed no restriction on 'abortion based on gestational age'  instead leaving it to doctors to make a judgement call.

Three US states  Arizona, Nebraska and North Carolina  also set the abortion limit at 12 to 15 weeks  which they argue gives women enough time after finding out they are pregnant to take action.

Utah is currently the only state with an abortion ban from 18 weeks of pregnancy, which was settled on by lawmakers.

And Kansas and Ohio have set earlier limits of 22 weeks, which they say is when a fetus is viable outside the womb.

Some US states often compare their laws to Europe, pointing to countries like the UK and the Netherlands which allow abortions up to 24 weeks on the basis that this is when a fetus becomes viable outside the womb.

But these nations are outliers in the continent, with most  including France and Germany  setting an abortion limit at 12 to 15 weeks.

This does come with multiple medical exceptions, however, including for fetal malformations, harm to mother's health and psychological or economic distress.
A drug being denied to thousands of women with incurable breast cancer could boost survival time by more than a third, new research suggests.

The latest trial results found Enhertu slashed the chances of terminal breast cancer growing or spreading by 38 per cent compared to standard chemotherapy.

Charities and campaigners said the new findings add to the sense of 'betrayal and disbelief' that they cannot get it on the NHS in England when it is available in Scotland.

It follows a decision by NICE in March to deny the 'wonder drug' on cost grounds using new criteria which does not class all terminal cancers as 'severe'.

Women with HER2-low or ultralow breast cancer lived without their cancer growing for an average of 13.2 months, compared to just 8.1 months among those who had chemotherapy.

Sophie Blake, 51, from Brighton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2020 before being told it had spread elsewhere, including to her lungs and liver in May 2022.

Sophie, pictured with her daughter Maya, 17, a student at music college, said: 'I want to watch my daughter go to university, get married and have children, Enhertu could make that difference to women.'

Survival rates after 12 months were 87 per cent compared to 81.1 per cent respectively, according to the study of almost 900 women.

The trial, presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, revealed the equivalent of six in 10 patients responded to treatment from Enhertu - twice as many as chemotherapy.

The findings build on previous studies that found the treatment improved overall survival rates by more than six months.

Patients said they were being forced to spend their final months or years fighting for access to a drug available in 13 other European countries, as well as the US and Canada.

Sophie Blake, 51, from Brighton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2020 before being told it had spread elsewhere, including to her lungs and liver in May 2022.

Although the former television presenter's cancer is currently under control, this would be a last line of treatment when needed.

She said: 'This is yet more evidence of the precious extra time this treatment could give us.

'When we're so limited with what options are available, it's particularly devastating.

'We know women in Scotland whose lives it's changed, it's not that it just gives you an extension, it's also the quality of life.

'To us, these wonder drugs are everything  I want to watch my daughter go to university, get married and have children, Enhertu could make that difference to women.

'We're mums, we're sisters, we're daughters, we're workers, we contribute to society yet we're being old our lives aren't considered cost effective.

'The most frustrating thing is that we know it's there  they just won't give it to us.

'When we should be enjoying the time left with our friends and family, it feels like we're having to spend it fighting for our right to life.'

Patients said they were being forced to spend their final months or years fighting for access to a drug available in 13 other European countries, as well as the US and Canada.

Known as trastuzumab deruxtecan, it is the first licensed targeted treatment for patients with a type of cancer, known as HER2-low, which cannot be removed surgically or that has spread.

While Enhertu has been licensed for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in England, access for those with lower levels of the protein has been denied, despite results showing it is similarly effective.

Around 1,000 women each year in England could benefit from the drug, which patients described as 'the last roll of the dice'.

Dr Giuseppe Curiglian, a professor of medical oncology at the University of Milan and author of the latest findings, said the drug 'could become the new standard of care' for the disease.

He said: 'Participants that received trastuzumab deruxtecan lived longer without their disease progressing or causing death,' he said, adding that the trial showed for the first time the benefits in patients with HER2-ultralow and those who had never had chemotherapy.'

A petition by Breast Cancer Now has more than 260,000 signatures calling for it to be made available to these women.

Dr Simon Vincent, director of research at Breast Cancer Now, said it was 'utterly unacceptable' that thousands of women were 'being denied access'.

He said: 'This promising study suggests even more people could potentially benefit from Enhertu.

'Yet, despite this mounting clinical data emerging around the clear benefit Enhertu could bring patients, thousands of people with HER2-low secondary breast cancer are being denied access to Enhertu on the NHS in England, and this is utterly unacceptable.'

'These people are desperately counting on NICE, NHS England, Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca to find a solution in their current talks and to urgently make this treatment available for them.'

A spokesman for NICE said it was 'extremely disappointed' not to be able to recommend Enhertu for advanced HER2-low breast cancer on cost grounds, adding that it had 'paused' guidance.

Health officials said discussions with Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca were continuing but said at a meeting last month, the drug's makers had increased the price proposal for the drug.

He said: 'As we made clear during our oral evidence session to the recent Health Select Committee, a price making it a cost-effective use of NHS resources being offered by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca could resolve this issue almost immediately.

'That is the fastest and only guaranteed way of ensuring women get access to this treatment without further delay.'
When Thaynara Braz Alves, 28, went in for a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation earlier this year, her three children thought they'd only have to wait a few weeks before she was fit enough to play with them.

Heartbreakingly, they would never see their mother again.

The young woman, from Brazil, died less than 24 hours after her surgery from a catastrophic cardiac arrest.

The Brazilian clinic she was operated on had passed a routine inspection from authorities just two weeks prior.

But, it turns out, Ms Alves' surgeon had multiple previous lawsuits taken against him for mutilation and improper surgical technique. The police are now opening an investigation into Ms Alves' case.

Thaynara Braz Alves was on her first trip back to Brazil in three years to get the procedure. She is survived by her three children aged 12, seven and two.

Ms Alves, who is originally from Brazil but lived in Belgium, was one of a growing number of people who are travelling across international borders for cosmetic procedures.

Brazil performs the second most plastic surgeries in the world, just behind the United States. The industry has increased 10 percent each year since 2010, CNBC reported.

But procedures in the South American country cost less than half what they do in America. This s one reason why roughly 6.9 percent of all cosmetic surgeries in Brazil in 2022 were performed on foreigners.

In April, a Los Angeles mom named Tan'Quasha Williams, 30, died after a botched 'mommy makeover' in Mexico.

It is unclear why Ms Alves decided to return to Brazil for the first time in three years for her procedure.

She elected to have her surgeries done at the HD Bellagio clinic in the Pampulha region of Brazil, in a town called Belo Horizonte on May 28.

Her surgeries, which included a breast lift, implants, and a tummy tuck, seemed routine, her doctors reported. Still, as a precaution, Ms Alves stayed overnight in the clinic for observation.

Early in the morning on May 29, Ms Alves complained that she wasn't feeling well - her body ached and her heart started beating irregularly. It became evident that she was going into cardiac arrest.

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The staffers at the clinic called medics who successfully resuscitated her. But less than an hour later, she had a second arrest, and died, O Tempo Cidades reported.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping - cutting off blood flow to the heart and other crucial regions of the body, like the brain. This accounts for the death of between 300,000 and 450,000 Americans each year.

Most commonly, this happens when someone develops an irregular heart beat, called arrhythmia, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Half of the time, people who end up in cardiac arrest had no idea they had an arrhythmia, the NIH says.

Cardiac arrest is not a common side affect of plastic surgery, but it is possible. When performed correctly, tummy tucks and breast operations are a very safe procedure - but tummy tucks are the riskier of the two.

Approximately four percent of patients who choose to have a tummy tuck have major complications, according to research from the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

That's significantly more than the 1.4 percent average for all other cosmetic procedures.

Common complications include hematomas, blood clots, infections and lung related problems.

Tummy tuck procedures are thought to be especially risky because they involve removing large amounts of fatty tissue from the stomach. Fat contains a large number of blood vessels, meaning interfering with it risks major blood loss.

Other procedures that leave fat intact carry less risk.

The riskiness of these surgeries may be compounded if someone decides to get more than one surgery at once. If you elect to add a second procedure on top of an abdominoplasty (the medical term for tummy tuck), your risk of developing complications more than doubles - to ten percent.

There were almost 162,000 tummy tucks in the US in 2022, and since they've became more common over the years, it's become safer to get them, Dr Michael Stein, a plastic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York , told US News and reports.

But not every doctor performs these procedures with the same rigor.

HD Bellagio been subject to a government inspection two weeks ago. They reported that 'no irregularities were found' in the clinic.

However, there have been at least eight prior legal cases filed against Ms Alvezs' surgeon, The Antagonist, a Brazilian political news site, reported.

This includes charges against using the wrong surgical materials, mutilation and 'necrosis events'.

The clinic publicly stated that they are cooperating with the investigation, but shared that they believe the procedures took place 'without complications, following all medical protocols'.

In the same statement, they expressed condolences to the Alves family. 'We want to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends, who will continue to be welcomed by our team'.

Ms Alves was laid to rest on May 30. She was remembered by her eldest surviving daughter, 12, in an Instagram tribute.

It read: 'I cant wrap my head around the fact that my mom, such a beautiful and strong woman, is gone. It feels like a nightmare.'

'Mom, if I had known that was our last hug, I would never have let you go.'
To an economist, children used to be an income-producing asset, but now they have turned into an expensive luxury item. No wonder they call it the dismal science.

Babies, or the lack of them, are becoming something of an obsession in economic circles.

In the past, children in many families were expected to contribute financially from an early age. Now, middle class kids are on the parental payroll for decades.

Women in Britain and most of the developed world are having fewer of them.

Pope Francis said last month that declining birth rates show Europe is 'losing its hope in tomorrow'.

Declining birth rates: Babies, or the lack of them, are becoming something of an obsession in economic circles

He is not the only one to be concerned.

The Economist magazine  whose editor Zanny Minton Beddoes is a mother of four  recently devoted a leader column to the subject. And commentator Martin Wolf turned his formidable mind to the 'baby bust' in the Financial Times last week. Why the concern? On the current trajectory in the UK, the total fertility rate  the typical number of children per woman  could drop below one by the end of the 2030s.

This implies the population would then halve over a generation if nothing changes, according to economists at HSBC.

Not that long ago, people fretted that the world was overpopulated. Even the Chinese government, which for years imposed a cruel one-child limit, is trying to incentivise women to have more babies, to little avail.

In the UK, fewer babies coupled with increased longevity means a shrinking working age population and an ugly fiscal picture, with bigger tax bills to fund healthcare and pensions. Governments will be under pressure to borrow more, which is a tax on the future.

The prospect of Britain becoming a giant old people's home is not imminent.

But the median age in the UK is over forty, making us a middle-aged nation, if not yet an elderly one.

The young do not have a monopoly on innovation and creativity, but might an ageing population mean we are less growth oriented and more risk averse?

If the baby bust continues, we are likely to see more conflict between parents and non-parents, already a big theme on social media.

Expect more office warfare about holidays, flexible working and the like as the childless and the childfree by choice become more numerous and assertive.

It's easy to identify likely causes for the baby bust, including the high cost of housing and exorbitant childcare. But solutions are harder to find.

Attempts by governments to incentivise women into motherhood with subsidised childcare or cash payments are expensive and don't seem to work.

In South Korea, the government has spent 212bn since 2006, but the baby bust persists.

Immigration is one obvious answer, but that is politically difficult.

There may be hope from an unlikely direction: Artificial Intelligence.

I'm not suggesting bot-babies to replace bouncing bundles of joy.

However, AI could conceivably  pun intended  take the edge off labour shortages by carrying out tasks currently done by humans.

Technology could also help older people carry on working for longer, which is part of the answer.

Better, more affordable childcare would certainly help. But whatever women's reasons for wanting children  or not  boosting the national economy is unlikely to be high up the list.
Boeing will take years to recover from the latest safety crisis, its largest customer has warned.

Tim Clark, who is president of luxury airline Emirates, has said the aircraft manufacturer will struggle to get back on track following the mid-air blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight.

Speaking at a conference in Dubai last night, Clark said: 'This will be a five-year hiatus starting from now. I don't think they will recapture their production line.'

Emirates is Boeing's largest customer in terms of jumbo jets.

The comments come after Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary warned air fares could jump this summer following ongoing turmoil at Boeing.

Long haul: Tim Clark, who is president of Emirates, has said Boeing will struggle to get back on track

Its safety record was thrust back into the spotlight in January after a piece of the plane tore off during an Alaska Airlines flight.

Investigators said bolts were missing after repair work.

The US giant revealed it had burned through 1billion a month in the first quarter of this year after it slowed production and forked out 347m in compensation.

Shares have fallen by nearly a third since the Alaska Airlines incident.
Looking ahead: Daniel Kretinsky

The would-be owner of Royal Mail Daniel Kretinsky has refused to rule out further price hikes for first class stamps.

The billionaire  nicknamed the 'Czech Sphinx'  has suggested costs could continue to spiral in coming years.

'I can't make unconditional commitments. If your circulation is 50 per cent of what it was you either need to go home, or you need to increase the unit price and hope that people will pay for it,' he told The Sunday Times.

He added: 'Because if not, you are making losses. You can be lossmaking for a year or two, but you can't be in a loss for 20 years. It's simple maths.'

It comes as Royal Mail has periodically increased the cost of stamps to counter weaker demand and spiralling losses.

The price of a first-class stamp has risen from 67p in 2018 to 1.35 today.

Last week Royal Mail's parent company, International Distribution Services, accepted a 3.6billion offer from Kretinsky after he made a series of commitments, including promises on jobs and the UK-wide six-day service.

By law, the 508-year-old company must deliver letters six days a week, at the same price. It must also deliver parcels on five days. But results show Royal Mail is losing around 1m a day in an effort to meet these targets.

However, ministers have expressed their concerns about the tycoon. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said regulators should look 'very carefully' at pledges made by Kretinsky, such as the promise to not split up its parent company. The billionaire has acknowledged 'the intuitive concern' about a foreign entity swooping on Royal Mail.

'Any foreign moment is something that is irritating.' But Kretinsky said he is 'convinced that we will help the company.' IDS shareholders will vote on the deal at its annual meeting in September.
Franchise Brands expects annual earnings to be towards the top end of forecasts, but has delayed the release of its accounts due to auditing issues.

The Macclesfield-based group anticipates reporting adjusted earnings of between 29.3million and 30.1million for the last year.

Following the result, the company will seek approval at its upcoming annual general meeting to pay investors a 1.2 pence per share final dividend, thereby increasing its full-year payout by 10 per cent to 2.2p per share.

Acquired: Bought for 200million, Pirtek specialises in on-site hydraulic hose replacement and associated services across eight European countries

However, the firm's AGM has been adjourned from late June to 18 July because of challenges with its auditor, BDO, regarding the acquisition of Pirtek Europe.

Bought for 200million, Pirtek specialises in on-site hydraulic hose replacement and associated services across eight European countries.

Franchise Brands said that following the takeover and consequent increase in market capitalisation, it became an 'Other Entity of Public Interest' - a business of significant public interest to stakeholders.

Subsequently, the company has evaluated its accounting policies 'to ensure they comply with the accounting standards and are consistent across the enlarged group,' causing a delay in the publication of its 2023 results.

Bosses said they were confident this 'will not re-occur in future years'.

Listed on the AIM market, Franchise Brands controls over 625 franchisees across the UK, Europe and North America.

Its B2B division comprises Metro Road, Metro Plumb, commercial kitchen services business Filta, and water pump installation provider Willow Pumps.

Meanwhile, the company's B2C arm includes dog home boarding service Barking Mad, domestic cleaning services business OvenClean, and car paintwork repair specialist Chipsaway.

In the group's third-quarter results, it reported that the B2B segment was trading at record levels despite slower demand over the summer season.

Stephen Hemsley, executive chairman of Franchise Brands, said the firm saw 'significant potential' for growth from 'broadening the range of services offered, increasing the geographical penetration and cross-selling to the larger customer base'.

He added: 'This scale, and our continued investment in IT infrastructure, will accelerate our operational gearing in future years and be a further driver of adjusted EBITDA.'

Franchise Brands shares were 1.7 per cent up at 192.8p on early Monday afternoon and have risen by around a fifth so far this year.
Hundreds of British Ford employees plan to go on strike later this month in a dispute over pay.

Workers have 'overwhelmingly' rejected the motoring giant's offer of a performance-related pay award, according to the Unite union.

Unite said that staff will commence working to rule and an overtime ban on 14 June, adding that the strikes will 'severely impact' all of Ford's UK operations.

Turned down: Ford workers have 'overwhelmingly' rejected the motoring giant's offer of a performance-related pay award, according to the Unite union

The employees taking industrial action work at the firm's Henry Ford Academy in Daventry and factories in Dagenham and Halewood.

Walkouts are also planned at Ford's research and development facility in Dunton and its innovation hub in Stratford, East London.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said Ford has 'decided to try and attack our members' pay out of sheer corporate greed'.

She added: 'Performance-related payments give no guarantee of an actual pay rise and leave these workers in danger of facing cuts to their wages.

'They are absolutely right to take industrial action, and they have the full support of Unite in doing so.'

Unite further claimed Ford had worsened the dispute by not engaging in 'meaningful negotiations,' including with the ACAS conciliation service, despite the staff gaining union recognition last year.

Alongside this, Alison Spencer-Scragg, one of its national officers, accused the US carmaker of 'completely disregarding' the collective agreement it struck with the employees in 2023.

She said: 'It is completely unacceptable that Ford is trying to impose a corporate performance model that undervalues this key management group's contribution to the company's success.'

Ford said: 'We regret that it has resulted in this outcome considering the fair and balanced offer made and the competitiveness of our LL6 pay and benefits package.

'We will continue to engage with Unite and our employees and endeavour to resolve the matter.'

Ford reached a major agreement with the United Auto Workers union last November following a six-week strike that brought activity to a standstill at factories in Chicago, Louisville and Wayne, Michigan.

The walkout was the first national stoppage affecting Ford in the US since 1979 and the first to simultaneously impact all of Detroit's 'Big Three' automotive firms - Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors.

Under the deal, Ford staff will receive a record 25 per cent salary increase over four-and-a-half-years and the right to strike over any plant closures during that period.
Housing benefit is now merged into Universal Credit for working age people, but it is still available to people over state pension age and those living in certain kinds of accommodation.

It is intended to support renters who are on a low income, and does not cover homeowners - though depending on their circumstances, they may qualify for a loan to help with mortgage interest payments.

We run down the housing benefit rules and how to apply, and some valuable sources of help if you are struggling to afford a roof over your head.

Housing benefit: It is intended to support renters who are on a low income, and does not cover homeowners

Are you eligible for housing benefit

If you are aged under 66 and making a new application for help with housing costs, you will normally have to claim UC instead - read our guide to Universal Credit here.

The exceptions to this are if youre living in supported or sheltered accommodation, or a refuge for survivors of domestic abuse, or temporary housing arranged by your local council.

You can also make a new housing benefit claim if you are aged over 66.

However, if you have a partner they must also be over state pension age, or you must already have been claiming pension credit as a couple before 15 May 2019, or you must be living in the kind of accommodation cited above.

There is a list of circumstances that can bar a housing benefit claim, including having savings over 16,000 - unless you receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit - or living in the home of a close relative.

If you are in doubt, the Government suggests you use one of the free and anonymous benefits calculators listed here, or check with a local benefits adviser.

If you are a homeowner and want to apply for a loan to pay mortgage interest, the Government-backed website MoneyHelper has information about the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme here.

If you live in Scotland, you can find out about housing benefit here, and if you are in Northern Ireland go here.

How much is housing benefit worth and what does it cover?

There is a host of factors that determines how much you receive, and whether you get part or all of your rent covered if you qualify.

As there is no set amount, the free benefit calculators linked to here might help narrow it down for you.

There are separate rules for private renters and those who live in council or social housing.

But in both cases, the amount is affected by your household income - including benefits, pensions and savings - if it is over 6,000.

The bedroom tax reduces how much you can get if you're living in council or social housing.

Household size and how many bedrooms you are eligible for are also included in the calculation for private renters.

In the private sector, where you live and what rent is typically charged in your area will play a major role in what you will get.

This is Money's pensions columnist, Steve Webb, explained how this works to a reader who faced a huge rent hike that outstripped her housing benefit.

'As a private renter, your housing benefit is not based on your actual rent. Instead it is based on something called your local housing allowance,' he said.

The LHA is usually set to match or exceed the rent level of the cheapest 30 per cent of rented properties in your area, he went on. You can find out the LHA in your area here.

Although this level has been squeezed or frozen at various times in recent years, from April this year it was re-set to once again cover the bottom 30 per cent of rent levels in each local area.

Webb said: 'The political justification given for imposing the 30 per cent threshold is that people on benefit should not be able to choose the nicest properties in an area and get their rent covered in full by the taxpayer.

'Instead, the taxpayer will only pay up to the rent on a relatively modest property, regardless of your actual rent.'

He added: 'Where people are really struggling and perhaps have some particular or exceptional need, they can apply to their local authority for what are called "discretionary housing payments".'

The Government has more here on discretionary housing payments, who can claim them and how to apply.

Housing benefit may be limited by the benefit cap, which is applied to people between 16 and state pension age.

How to apply for housing benefit

There are two ways to apply. The first is through your local council - you can use this postcode checker, which takes you direct to the housing benefit section of your council's website.

The second is via an application for pension credit, which top ups up the income of older people to a minimum of 218.15 for single people and 332.95 for couples.

If you already claim pension credit, contact the Pension Service to find out more. Read our guide to claiming pension credit here.

You can claim in advance, for example if youre moving, although you probably won't get any money before you move, and you might also be able to backdate a claim.

Age UK recently carried out a 'mystery shopper' exercise to find out how helpful local councils are when people either cannot or do not want to claim housing benefit online.

The charity warns there is a postcode lottery if you do not use computers and ring up for help. You might therefore have to be persistent, or contact one of the organisations linked to below - which include Age UK itself - to assist you.

The Government says you will have to provide information and evidence to support your claim, and has a list of what you will need to know or might be asked for during the housing benefit application process.

Any change of circumstances has to be reported, and there is a rundown of common examples here.

If youre a council tenant, housing benefit will be paid direct into your rent account and if you're a private or housing association tenant it will usually go into your bank or building society account.

Can you challenge a decision

The Government explains the basics of appealing a housing benefit decision here.

You can challenge a local council to review a decision or appeal against it at a tribunal.

Regarding help and advice with appeals, Citizens Advice has information here, and Shelter here.

You might also want to consult a solicitor. The Law Society has a tool to find a solicitor here, which lets you search via legal issue - 'social welfare, health and benefits' is one of the options - and where you live.

Where can you get help with a claim?

Gov.uk has a general guide on what you need to know about housing benefit.

The following organisations have more information, and some have staff who will assist with claims, or will help if you run into problems or want to appeal a decision.

Age UK

Citizens Advice

Turn2us

Shelter

Emergency help: Shelter has a helpline on 0808 800 4444 which is open weekdays between 8am and 6pm if you are are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are worried about losing your home in the next two months, or are at risk of harm or abuse.

The number and link above is for England, but there are details of Shelter in Wales here and Scotland here.
A Texas man who has been on death row for over two decades for killing his two-year-old daughter is battling with the courts to overturn his conviction - claiming a debunked medical hypothesis and his undiagnosed autism put him behind bars.

Robert Roberson III, 57, was sentenced to death for the killing of his daughter, Nikki Curtis at his home in Palestine, East Texas, in 2003.

Roberson had taken her to hospital on January 31, 2002, and told staff there she had fallen from her bed after a period of being unwell.

Nikki had serious head injuries, bruises on her chin, cheek and jaw, and a subdural hematoma, with one nurse later recalling how she was 'limp and blue'.

Suspicious hospital staff called police after taking note of Roberson's seeming lack of emotion, and because of the nature of her injuries.

Two decades on, a change in scientific opinion has brought about appeals from his legal team and caused a head detective who testified in the case to change his own mind on the guilty verdict.

Robert Roberson III was sentenced to death for the February 2002 death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis

Prosecutors - and the jury - at the time determined she had died not from a fall but from being shaken to death by her father. Roberson was told he'd be executed.

But in the years since, doctors have stepped away from assigning shaken baby syndrome (SBS) as a cause of death.

The scientist who proposed it himself even admitted that it was being used to 'put innocent people in prison', warning in 2012 'we have gone badly off the rails'.

The demeanor that made Roberson seem remorseless to police has also been thrust into a new light after his lawyers revealed he was diagnosed with autism while in prison.

Hospital staff at the time had been suspicious of his seemingly flat affect and interpreted his response to his daughter's state as lacking emotion.

They had also viewed his inability to explain her condition as a sign that he must have been lying to them.

Roberson was given custody of Nikki by her maternal grandparents after her mother, who has remained unnamed was denied custody in the hospital after her birth.

In the week prior her death, Nikki had been sick and appeared at a local emergency room where she was prescribed Phenergan and sent home.

After her condition didn't improve, doctors again prescribed her more Phenergan and codeine, an opioid now restricted from children under the age of 18.

Phenergan now comes with a warning against being prescribed to children of Nikki's age.

The following night she had gone to sleep beside her father, who woke up to find her unconscious.

Brian Wharton, a retired detective formerly with the police department in Palestine, was involved in the case in 2002.

Wharton was called to Palestine hospital after receiving reports of a mortally ill child being brought into the facility.

Hours after Nikki died, Wharton arrested Roberson even before an autopsy had been performed.

Roberson, seen here with his daughter Nikki, was prosecuted on what is now a widely discredited understanding of Shaken Baby Syndrome

The former detective said he spoke to a pediatrician and medical examiner and decided to follow their lead in what he described as seeming 'inexplicable'.

Roberson was a parolee at the time of his daughter's death with previous convictions for burglary and theft and parole violations.

During Roberson's trial, Wharton would go on to testify against him - but his view of the guilty verdict has changed over the years.

In an op-ed published by the Dallas Morning News just last week, Wharton wrote that the state must halt his case before they make 'a tragic, irreversible mistake'.

Wharton said: 'I have thought that something went very wrong in Roberson's case and feared that justice was not served.

'If there is no movement to correct this injustice, I fear myself and others will carry our guilt eternally.

'I have come to believe that Nikki died of accidental and natural causes. I am convinced that she was not murdered. Roberson is innocent.

'There was no crime. I believe this because the 'science' that was used to obtain Roberson's arrest and conviction has changed drastically since his arrest.'

Roberson said that he found no sign of violence in the home where Nikki had collapsed and didn't look like she had been beaten.

THE EVIDENCE AGAINST HIM

Multiple women testified that they'd seen Roberson shake and 'spank' Nikki when she cried.

Among them were his girlfriend at the time, her daughter, and her niece. All of them claimed they had seen Roberson lash out at his daughter.

Teddie Cox, his then girlfriend, testified that Roberson had a bad temper and would frequently shake and spank Nikki when she wouldn't stop crying.

Cox's niece Courtney Berryhill also told the trial that when she spent the night at the home she witnessed Roberson shake Nikki by the arms to stop her crying.

While Cox's daughter Rachel testified that she had witnessed him spank and shake Nikki, and also recalled a time he threatened to kill his daughter.

Prosecutors initially said Roberson sexually assaulted Nikki, based on statements from a nurse, but dropped that element late in the trial when evidence could not conclusively support it.

Doctors testified at his trial that Nikki's injuries were consistent with SBS and jurors found him guilty of capital murder

Prosecutors initially said Roberson sexually assaulted Nikki, based on statements from a hospital nurse, but dropped that element of the capital murder charge late in the trial

At the time of his conviction in 2003, the consensus amongst the medical community was that Nikki must have been violently shaken and possibly struck

Nurse Kelly Gurganus told the trial that when Cox and Roberson appeared in the hospital, Nikki was already 'limp and blue'.

She told the court that in her then five years of working as a nurse she had never seen anyone that shade of blue.

Gurganus took the child to a trauma room and called for a doctor, while also observing bruising on Nikki's body.

When questioned by her, Roberson said the injuries were a result of falling off the bed.

It was Gurganus who instructed the director of nurses to call the police after not believing Roberson and when she spoke with him again testified that he appeared 'nervous and anxious'.

Pediatrician John Ross examined Nikki on the day she died and told the trial that her brain had shifted from the right side to the left.

Ross said that in his opinion Nikki's injuries were not accidental but had been intentionally inflicted.

Dr. Thomas Konjoyan treated Nikki the day she died, and testified that it would be 'basically impossible' for the injuries to have come from falling out of bed.

UNDIAGNOSED AUTISM

It wasn't until after he was imprisoned that Roberson was diagnosed with having autism spectrum disorder.

His lawyers say that it was his autism that made him seem remorseless to police and hospital staff.

Roberson had also been a special education student when he dropped out with an 8th grade education.

The Innocence Project, who are backing Roberson, said that his autism was used against him.

'SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME' DUBBED 'JUNK SCIENCE'

Doctors who testified at his trial all said her injuries were consistent with SBS and jurors ultimately found him guilty of capital murder.

At the time of his conviction in 2003, the consensus among the medical community was that Nikki must have been violently shaken and possibly struck.

Medical opinion on SBS has now shifted dramatically in the last two decades, with evidence-based science widely disavowing it.

Dr. Norman Guthkelch, who initially proposed SBS, said in 2012: 'I am frankly quite disturbed that what I intended as a friendly suggestion for avoiding injury to children has become an excuse for imprisoning innocent people. We went badly off the rails.'

Roberson was a parolee at the time of his daughter's death with previous convictions for burglary and theft and parole violations

In April of this year, Roberson's attorney Gretchen Sween filed a motion asking for a hearing before any execution date is set for Roberson

Attorneys fighting for Roberson's release argue that new scientific evidence suggest it is impossible to shake a toddler to death without causing neck injuries.

Nikki did not have serious neck injuries when she died in 2002, with attorneys also arguing that she had known breathing issues and head injuries.

In 2021, they also said that Nikki had undiagnosed pneumonia at the time of her passing, and had suffered from a violent illness days before her death.

A Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed a 2016 execution and sent his case back to trial court to consider the 'junk science' claims.

His appeals attorneys had argued that he did not have a fair trial due to his mental health expert not being allowed to testify to the brain injury claims.

The second look at his execution was in part due to a new Texas statute that allowed trials to be revisited if flawed by false or misleading scientific evidence.

Texas became the first state in the country to pass the specific legal avenue into law, dubbed the 'junk science writ'.

When the law was passed state lawmakers noted infant trauma as being one of the examples of science that the bill was intended to target.

In January of last year, prosecutors said that evidence to convict Roberson was still 'convincing', arguing that SBS science had not changed as much as claimed.

The year before, a local judge in Anderson County recommended that the Court of Criminal Appeals deny Roberson's request to overturn his conviction.

They said there was insufficient evidence to do so, with the high criminal court in the state also agreeing.

In a last ditch attempt, attorneys last year filed a Supreme Court appeal that asked the court to review the case to deny a retrial despite the changing evidence.

Attorneys fighting for his release argue that new scientific evidence suggest that is is impossible to shake a toddler to death without causing neck injuries

The petition asked the court to weigh whether a death sentence based on science presented to the jury as fact should be allowed when in the years since opinion has changed.

The state lobbied the supreme court justices to persuade them not to take the case, citing testimony from Cox.

The Supreme Court ultimately denied the request with his last chance of being absolved now lying with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

In April of this year, Roberson's attorney Gretchen Sween filed a motion asking for a hearing before any execution date is set for Roberson.

The filing said that Roberson 'respectfully requests' his counsel to be part of a hearing before a court where both sides have an opportunity to be heard.

It added that Roberson was praying for 'any further relief that justice warrants'. No execution date has been set for Roberson.

Speaking with The Guardian last year from inside the Allen B Polunsky Unit, Roberson said that Nikki had been sick from the day he got custody of her.

After taking his daughter to the hospital following her alleged fall, he told the outlet that hospital staff immediately suspected him of hurting Nikki.

He said that due to a troubled childhood, he had trained himself not to cry, adding: 'I got my behind whooped by my father who would say, "Shut up or dry it up or well give you some more".'

'I would never think about shaking her. And that's the God's honest truth. I don't know what happened to her.

'I hope and pray that God gives them the knowledge for the people to make a righteous decision. I know I didnt do it. Im not guilty. So Im at peace with the Lord.'

No date has yet been set for his execution.

Since 1993 there have been 31 exonerations in the US following convictions for SBS, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

Roberson is currently housed inside the Allan B Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, seen here

In September of last year, an appeals court in New Jersey ruled that the theory behind SBS was 'junk science' and 'scientifically unreliable'.

The court had been ruling in the case of Darryl Nieves who was arrested and charged after his son D.J. had a seizure in February of 2017.

Nieves had called 911 for his 11-month-old son, who was born 15 weeks premature, and suffered from several medical conditions having spent 7 months in hospital.

Despite all of this, a child abuse pediatrician at the hospital diagnosed him as having abusive head trauma, or SBS.

Nieves was charged with aggravated assault and child endangerment before being released four days later but was not allowed to contact his son.

In January 2022, a trial judge sided with his defense and ruled that prosecutors couldn't produce testimony on SBS in his case.

The appeals court ultimately sided with the judge who declared SBS to be 'junk science'.

Judge Greta Gooden Brown wrote that prosecutors must show a theory is accepted within the medical and scientific community.

While in Ohio last year, Alan Butts was released after 19 years behind bars having been granted a new trial.

Butts, like Roberson, was accused of SBS in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old son Jadyn in 2002.

New evidence showed that Jadyn had pneumonia at the time of his death and was on medication no longer prescribed to children because it can cause sudden death.

The state attempted to appeal that new trial but was shot down by the Ohio Court of Appeals before his case was dismissed earlier this year.
A Victorian doctor has been slammed after sharing his shocking take on what caused a northern NSW father to kill himself and his son.

James Harrison, 38, a NSW Health business analyst and his toddler son, Rowan, were found dead inside a unit in East Lismore on the NSW far north coast late last month.

Police allege that Harrison killed his son using a system rigged up to pump gas into his unit when he was supposed to be dropping the little boy off to his mother, Dr Sophie Roome, who had prime custody of the child.

Dr Julian Fidge, a GP from Wangaratta, took to social media to ask: 'What sort of treatment of this father caused him to commit these awful acts?

'As a GP, I hear many stories of terrible decisions by the Family Court that seem designed to antagonise the father. I often wonder if the judges are dangerously goading fathers.'

Dr Julian Fidge, a GP from Wangaratta in Victoria, (pictured) caused a debate online by suggesting the Family Court pushed a Harrison to murder his son

Victoria Fielding was the first of many to call our Dr Fidge's comments online

James Harrison (pictured) murdered his son Rowan, two, and killed himself while his mother, Dr Sophie Roome, was working on May 19

Communication lecturer Dr Victoria Fielding was first to respond to Dr Fidge online where she called out his take on the situation.

'This is a disgraceful statement by someone who is meant to be on the frontline of protecting the community,' she wrote.

Ms Fielding accused Dr Fidge of abetting the problem by blaming family courts instead of a 'murderous man'.

'There's a concerted effort amongst people like this GP to blame the court for a child's horrendous murder because they want to make the murdererous man the victim,' she wrote.

'If the court was at fault, it's because they didn't see violence against the mother as an obvious risk to the safety of the child.'

Others who replied to Ms Fielding similarly criticised Dr Fidge for being 'part of the problem.'

'What a completely blind, deaf and ignorant thing to say,' one woman fumed.

'I don't want to hear 'oh the poor man' insanity, if the man is violent in any way it is a clear red flag to keep children away from them. This mindset is horrendous.'

'He murdered his own son, nothing makes this acceptable,' another person added.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Fidge for comment.

Harrison and his two-year-old son were found dead inside the East Lismore unit, in NSW's Northern Rivers region, on May 19

Mother speaks out about her little boy's tragic death

Dr Roome recently broke her silence about the death of her beloved son.

'Our family is facing incomprehensible grief. Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way.

'Rowan's life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most. There are no possible excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused.'

She expected Rowan to be returned by her about 4pm on Sunday after the ICU physician dropped him off with her ex for an access visit that morning.

She called police who visited Harrison's Lismore unit at about 5.30pm and left when no-one answered the door, however, upon returning four hours later at the insistence of the boy's grandmother, officers broke in and found the pair dead.

Lismore doctor Dr Sophie Roome with her son Rowan (pictured together)

'Rowan was a beautiful, joyful, and adored little boy. He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences,' Dr Roome continued.

'He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family. He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world.

'We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever. We thank all those who have provided support, and we acknowledge the suffering of James' family, which is also immense.'

Dr Roome said Rowan's life was ended by an 'evil and cowardly act of violence'

Apprehended violence order extended just months before dad killed son

Daily Mail Australia understands Dr Roome had primary custody of Rowan but that Harrison frequently visited his son.

She and Harrison separated last year not long after moving to the Northern Rivers region.

Dr Roome sought an apprehended violence order after her former partner showed concerning controlling behaviour following their separation, friends said.

While there were no violent incidents, the AVO was extended by the court just two months ago to protect Dr Roome from his concerning behaviour and attempts to dictate how she lived her life.

The AVO also banned Harrison from assaulting or threatening Dr Roome, stalking her or destroying her property.

For confidential support 24/7, contact:

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Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

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In 2014, Dr Ruja Ignatova was taking great strides to becoming a household name.

The flamboyant prophet of a promised technological revolution, millions globally trusted the Bulgarian-born entrepreneur with their life savings, showing unwavering faith in her vision for a new online currency. And then, in 2017, she disappeared without explanation.

Ten years on, there is still scarce detail on what happened to Dr Ruja. Authorities in the US charged her with fraud in absentia, believing her to have run off with 3.3bn worth of investments from supporters of her OneCoin cryptocurrency in some 175 countries. She remains the most wanted woman in the world.

Now, a groundbreaking investigation from the BBC has moved one step closer to solving the mystery of Dr Ruja's disappearance. Following the breadcrumbs back to her shady ties in Bulgaria, Panorama asks the question: did she run away with the money, or was she killed by the very people that were supposed to protect her?

For seven years, the disappearance of the so-called 'CryptoQueen' has puzzled investigators, lost in a maze of dead ends as leads have vanished or washed up dead. But casting the mystery in a new light, investigators bravely examine Dr Ruja's alleged ties to suspected mafia connections - and new theories about why she left.

Bulgarian-born German entrepreneur Ruja Ignatova poses during a London photoshoot in February 2016, eight months before her disapperance

OneCoin was founded in 2014, on the back of the Bitcoin revolution, and promised fortunes

When Ruja Ignatova disappeared in October 2017 - failing to turn up to a meeting with promoters in Lisbon - her critics were already beginning to pick away at the integrity of her elaborate scam.

Early investors had bought into Dr Ruja's presentation as a glamorous Oxford-graduate who had allegedly spent six years with McKinsey before making the leap into the fledgling world of cryptocurrency.

She was confident, well-dressed and assured her supporters her project, OneCoin, was about to take off. If the figures were to be believed, it was. Within months, millions of people worldwide had bought into the vision, purchasing packages of a new currency online that they believed would one day change the world.

In these years, Ruja never stayed out of the limelight. She was often pictured at photoshoots dressed elegantly, wearing her trademark red lipstick. As her audience grew, she made appearances at huge rallies, including one at Wembley Stadium. OneCoin even had a song referencing 'Ruja's revolution'. She was the celebrated face of a truly global movement.

Six years after the Global Financial Crisis, there was a sense of change in the air. Distrust in conventional banks and currency had created a new space for trust in cryptocurrencies, a 'revolutionary' new approach to money that sold itself on taking the power away from individuals and big companies.

Approached in the right way, it was safe, secure and invulnerable to manipulation from malicious actors. Those who got in fast had much to gain.

In this space, the story of Bitcoin's astronomical rise - and the overnight fortunes it had created for early backers - was hard to miss. Very quickly, a new audience emerged of potential investors eager not to miss the boat a second time - and willing to take out huge loans to gamble on the viability of a relatively new technology.

OneCoin promised to be everything that Bitcoin was becoming. Anyone could buy 'packages' of the currency with real money and watch the value rise and rise. But there were key differences in the small print that would inevitably deter investors.

When Dr Ruja missed her meeting in October 2017, she was expected to finally address whether investors would be able to turn their virtual currency into euros. Concerns were mounting that investors buying 'packages' of the currency online could not exchange it for cash they could spend in shops. The value of their assets was rising - but there was no way of using it.

Crucially, investors were also slowly becoming aware that OneCoin lacked the safeguards needed to protect its value from manipulation. Bitcoin was backed up by a blockchain - essentially a ledger keeping a record of transactions and value changes that everybody has access to. The value could be secured and verified without having to relinquish control to a few greedy individuals.

Revelations that OneCoin was not, in fact, backed up by the blockchain were the first red flag - brought to light in a BBC investigative podcast series by Jamie Bartlett.

For years, Bartlett has sought to understand exactly what happened in those crucial months leading up to Ruja's disappearance. His podcast with BBC Radio 5 Live, 'The Missing Cryptoqueen', has brought the story into focus since 2019, attracting thousands of listeners.

Now, he appears in a BBC Panorama story investigating new avenues as journalists and investigators continue their hunt for the world's most wanted woman. In a shocking twist to be explored on BBC One tonight at 8pm, 'The Missing Cryptoqueen: Dead or Alive?' explores whether Ruja cleverly calculated her escape with 3.3bn worth of investors' money - or if she fell victim to a brutal mafia stab in the back.

Some believe Dr Ruja fled with the money, others that she may have been killed

Dr Ignatova was last seen publicly in 2017 after arriving in Athens from Bulgaria

Konstantin Ignatov (L) took over from his sister after her disappearance but was soon arrested

Entire lives were destroyed in the wake of revelations not all was as it seemed with OneCoin. It took a long time for investors to realise what had happened, allowing the damage to multiply as people continued buying packages and refusing to heed the warnings.

Supporters had learned through careful messaging that OneCoin's critics were 'haters', that they were Bitcoin backers only annoyed that they had boarded the wrong train.

Everybody else did not see the vision. Believers only needed to be patient.

And so when Ruja went missing in 2017, few wanted to entertain the possibility that there was no train at all.

70,000 people in the UK alone are believed to have put their own money into buying packages, according to the BBC. Between them, as much as 100mn has disappeared.

In the 2019 podcast, Jamie Bartlett spoke to experts who discussed the scam in the same breath as cultic movements.

It was not easy for people to decouple from the promise of revolution having already sunk so much into it. But for many families, their money would never be seen again. There was no revolution - or, if there was, it was not going to be through OneCoin.

By 2016, sources were beginning to raise suspicions that OneCoin was not backed up by a blockchain - as Ruja claimed it was.

The value, in essence, was 'just a number that someone in an office in Bulgaria had made up and could delete just as easily', Jamie Bartlett assessed on the podcast at the time.

When Ruja disappeared a year later, then, it made sense that she ran off with the money. She boarded a plane in Bulgaria with a bodyguard and flew to Athens. The bodyguard returned and she did not.

Soon after, she was charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money-laundering in the US.

In the judgment of the US justice department, OneCoin was 'an old-school pyramid scheme on a new-school platform'.

But incredibly, that was not the end of OneCoin. People continued to work the company from offices in Bulgaria. Properties belonging to Dr Ruja found new use.

So who were these people?

In the wake of her departure, Konstantin Ignatov - her brother - stepped in to fill the void, according to prosecutors. Police swept in to arrest Ruja's cofounder Sebastian Greenwood in 2018, and nabbed Konstantin the following March.

Konstantin - deemed the 'de facto leader' of OneCoin - pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering as part of a deal unsealed in New York in late 2019 and spent 34 months behind bars.

But still the lights stayed on. From 2019, Bartlett began to investigate rumours that Ruja's disappearance was part of a much larger, more elusive narrative of mafia dealings in Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, they were warned away from probing too deeply, with bystanders afraid to be heard talking to the broadcaster for fear of reprisal.

The BBC began working with a local journalists to piece together what really happened, what incentives Ruja would have to disappear, and who was pulling the strings in her absence.

More recently, local media has made tentative links between Ruja and Christoforos Amanatidis, a man in her native Bulgaria alleged to be the head of the country's organised crime network.

In 2022, documents seized from the house of an assassinated former police chief in Sofia revealed extraordinary claims that Ruja Ignatova was killed in November 2018 on behalf of Amanatidis.

Early investors had bought into Dr Ruja's presentation as a glamorous Oxford-graduate who had allegedly spent six years with McKinsey before founding OneCoin

Ignatova allegedly scammed investors around the world to collect $4 billion for her OneCoin cryptocurrency, which was a pyramid scheme

The Missing Cryptoqueen: Dead or Alive? moves the story along five years, taking a step back to examine the case through a new lens.

Quizzing insiders and probing secret documents on her connections to the Bulgarian mafia, Panorama examines the evidence Ruja simply disappeared alongside claims from alleged mafia members she was killed near Greece, dismembered and thrown into the sea for 'knowing too much'.

With this, the dream of a currency revolution promised ten years ago is all but shattered by leads joining up to a web of spies, alleged crooked officials and serious criminals believed to have used this business as the facade of a much larger scheme.

What happened to Dr Ruja Ignatova may never be fully known or understood. But the mystery surrounding her sudden rise to fame, in stark contrast to her overnight withdrawal from the world, remains a curious artefact of the modern world - with a warning for all about the dangers of what happens in the shadows.
A former spy who is wanted by the FBI for being linked to fellow fugitive 'cryptoqueen' Ruja Ignatova is now at large.

Frank Schneider disappeared ahead of his extradition to the US while under house arrest in France, with a warrant issued in May 2023, according to the BBC.

It is alleged that Schneider played a significant role in a $4bn (3.2bn) cryptocurrency scam, which could land him in prison for 40 years for fraud and money laundering.

The former spy, who used to head Luxembourg's intelligence agency is thought to have helped Ignatova by liaising with legal professionals and PR advisers who helped maintain the fraudulent cryptocurrency operation OneCoin.

Although authorities have failed to locate Schneider, he told the BBC that 'Running away doesn't deal with anything' back in December 2022, and that they he didn't trust the US would give him a fair trial.

Frank Schneider disappeared ahead of his extradition to the US while under house arrest in France, with a warrant issued in May 2023

Who is Frank Schneider?

Luxembourg national Schneider worked for the self-styled 'cryptoqueen' Bulgarian woman Ruja Ignatova, 44, infamous for her alleged role in the OneCoin crypto scam.

He was the operational director of the intelligence agency of Luxembourg and in 2015 set up a private investigation firm called Sandstone.

He is thought to have helped Ignatova by gathering the lawyers and PR advisors who worked to maintain the crypto scam.

Prosecution in the US alleged that Schneider gave Ignatova confidential police information but he has denied this.

In December 2022, the ex-spy told the BBC: 'Running away doesn't deal with anything. This battle is not finished yet'.

Fellow fugitive Ruja Ignatova, now 44, is wanted by the FBI for a fraudulent cryptocurrency operation OneCoin that she is alleged to have headed

Where is he now?

Schneider was first arrested in April 2021 by police in France, near the border with Luxembourg.

Following this, he was imprisoned for seven months and then put on release under house arrest.

In December 2022 the former spy denied that he ever considered running away despite the fact that he lost an appeal against his US extradition in October 2022.

The extradition was signed off to by the French premier in February 2023, as confirmed by Nancy's Court of Appeal.

Schneider told the BBC's The Missing Cryptoqueen podcast he doubted he would be subject to a fair trial in the US.

'I fear that I have not got access to a legal system in which I can defend myself properly'.

'The system is very much based on so-called plea bargaining. Now, for me, that already is a problem, because I profoundly believe that I'm not guilty.

'A trial in the US is a phenomenally expensive thing for a defendant. It will cost millions - between five and eight million is the estimate in my case. Those are amounts that I don't have.

'So I'm a bit stuck as to what would happen in the United States, if I get there'.

But now the fugitive is nowhere to be found, and the BBC reported that French authorities cannot locate him, despite being fitted with an ankle tag and telling the broadcaster he had no intentions to run away.

The Missing Cryptoqueen: Dead or Alive? will show on BBC One's Panorama at 8pm.
Bulgarian 'cryptoqueen' Ruja Ignatova, who is amongst the FBI's top ten most wanted for her fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme is still at large.

In 2022, Ruja Ignatova, now 44, was put on the list after feds said the self-professed 'crypto queen' scammed investors out of more than $4billion, with a Ponzi scheme though her now-defunct company, OneCoin.

Vanishing into thin air in 2017, the Bulgarian-born fraudster remains a fugitive, with officials offering $100,000 for information on her whereabouts.

She was added to the list in June 2022, after she allegedly defrauded investors with her $4 billion cryptocurrency pyramid scheme, and a 11 million penthouse believed to belong to her was up for sale in January 2023.

But where is the Bulgarian mastermind now?

Ruja Ignatova, now 44, is a Bulgarian woman who feds said the self-professed 'crypto queen' scammed investors out of more than $4billion

What is she thought to have done?

Ignatova allegedly used her OneCoin cryptocurrency to defraud billions from investors across the globe between 2014 and 2018.

Investigators believe Ignatova was tipped off in 2017 after a U.S. District Court in New York issued a warrant for her arrest, leading the alleged scammer to travel to Greece and disappear.

Dubbed the 'Cryptoqueen,' Ignatova, a lawyer, co-founded OneCoin in 2014 as the 'Bitcoin killer,' luring investors to purchase packages her cryptocurrency.

Investigators said that a key part of her business model was to push investors into selling additional packages of OneCoin to friends and family, which was essentially a pyramid scheme to pay out those at the top.

'Ignatova targeted individuals who may not have fully understood the ins and outs of cryptocurrencies but were moved by Ignatovas impressive resume and the marketing strategies used by OneCoin,' the FBI said in a statement.

The Bulgarian-born Ignatova is only the 11th woman to have been placed on the FBI's most wanted list in its 74-year history - and remains the only woman on its top 10.

She is also wanted in Germany through an Interpol Red Notice, which warns that she may have surgically changed her appearance in order to avoid capture.

Investigators said she was living in luxury before traveling to Sofia, Bulgaria, after a warrant was issued for her arrest on October 12, 2017.

She was then reported traveling from Sofia to Athens, Greece, on October 25, and has not been seen since.

In 2022, authorities believed she could be traveling with a fake German passport to the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Russia, Germany and other parts of Eastern Europe.

The Bulgarian-born Ignatova is only the 11th woman to have been placed on the FBI's most wanted list in its 74-year history - and remains the only woman on its top 10

Where is she now?

But in January 2023, it emerged lawyers representing her made a formal claim to a four-bedroom property in Kensington, listing the OneCoin founder as the flat's 'beneficial owner' on Companies House.

The revelation comes after a joint probe by Jamie Bartlett and the BBC in 2021 established the missing 'Cryptoqueen' was connected to a property in the exclusive Abbots House apartment block.

The same flat was reportedly on the market for 11 million via Knight Frank, which describes the home as an 'impressive four bedroom penthouse', in one of the most 'interesting developments' of the fugitive's story, Mr Bartlett said.

'The world's most wanted woman is now officially listed as the ultimate beneficial owner of a London penthouse,' he told iNews.

Ruja Ignatova allegedly scammed investors around the world to collect $4 billion for her OneCoin cryptocurrency, which was a pyramid scheme

'It suggests she is still alive, and there are documents out there somewhere which contain vital clues as to her recent whereabouts.'

It is believed Ignatova stayed at the flat briefly in 2016 but that it has remained largely empty since then, with the i newspaper claiming it was occasionally visited by Ignatova's brother Konstantin and Sebastian Greenwood, OneCoin's co-founder. Both have pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges in the US.

Her whereabouts are still unknown but it is thought she is still alive.

The Missing Cryptoqueen: Dead or Alive? will show on BBC One's Panorama at 8pm.
Gripping and full of suspense, it reads like a script for a Hollywood movie or Netflix drama series.

But in fact it is the official police report on one of the most infamous crime cases ever and was written by a senior detective nearly half a century ago.

In episode two of the Mail's landmark podcast series The Trial Of Lord Lucan, an actor quotes from the 15,000-word Scotland Yard document which gives a definitive account of the Lord Lucan mystery.

It will be 50 years this November 7 since the 39-year-old British aristocrat vanished without trace within hours of the murder of his nanny Sandra Rivett, 29, and the near fatal assault on his wife Veronica, who blamed her Eton-educated husband for both attacks.

Police have long believed that Lucan killed mother-of-two Mrs Rivett in the basement kitchen of his family's Belgravia home in Central London, after mistaking her for his estranged wife.

The Trial of Lord Lucan: Follow The Mail's brand new podcast wherever you get your podcasts

It has been almost 50 years since British aristocrat Lord Lucan, 39, vanished without a trace

The Earl disappeared after his children's nanny Sandra Rivett was murdered in the family home

The blood-soaked basement with Sandra's body inside a mail sack beside a cast-off shoe

Today's episode lays bare how the peer's powerful circle of friends put up an immediate wall of silence to protect him and reveals in astonishing detail how the Crown's case against him was put together.

The Report includes references to a key prosecution witness who is believed to have been infatuated with Lucan and who police suspect did not tell the police the 'whole truth' about their encounter hours after the Sandra Rivett murder, and describes how the fugitive's other friends in the 'International Socialite Set' were reluctant to assist detectives.

It also details evidence of how the debt-ridden earl had spent weeks planning to murder his wife Veronica and dump her body at sea, and a plot by his friends to smear Mrs Rivett's reputation at any subsequent trial and attribute her murder to a lover.

The document, written at times in colourful language acceptable in the 1970s and reveals police spent months delving into Mrs Rivett's background, amid fears she would be accused of being a 'lesbian, a prostitute or at the very least a woman of loose morals'.

Lord Lucan's wife Veronica Mary Duncan suffered a near-fatal assault on the same night

Lady Lucan with Frances and George, two of the three children she had with her husband

Nanny Sandra was bludgeoned to death

The Plumbers Arms, where Lady Lucan ran to after finding Sandra dead in her house

Susan Maxwell-Scott with her husband William. She was the last person to see Lord Lucan alive

Lucan's friends also tried to smear Lady Lucan, by depicting her as insane but police concluded that although 'highly strung' she was a truthful witness.

Detective Chief Superintendent Roy Ranson's report also reveals the peer's extensive efforts to construct an alibi before the murder and his earlier plans to use listening devices to spy on his wife at their family home, as well as a detailed breakdown of his dire finances and huge loans from relatives and his social circle.

After giving a comprehensive account of the murder of Mrs Rivett and the attempted murder of his wife Veronica, Ranson explains why he is certain Lucan was the 'author' of the crimes.

In the first episode of the Mail's landmark podcast series, co-presenters Caroline Cheetham and Stephen Wright visit the original crime scene in Belgravia and discuss the importance of the police document obtained by the Mail.

So will you clear Lucan... or not? Listen to the podcast and decide for yourself.

Listen to The Trial of Lord Lucan here, as well as everywhere you usually get your podcasts.
Stormy Daniels is encouraging Melania Trump to leave her husband now that the former president is a 'convicted felon', it has emerged.

Donald Trump, 77, was found guilty of 34 felony counts over falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. He has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to appeal his 'scam' conviction.

But now Daniels, who alleged she had an affair with the billionaire just a year after he married Melania, has claimed his wife 'needs to leave him' because 'it's been proven he is abusive abusive' and he 'is now a criminal'.

The adult film star's remarks come as Trump, in an interview on Fox & Friends, revealed on Sunday that his trial has been 'very hard' on Melania.

Melania, throughout her husband's seven-week trial, remained absent from Trump's side, which Daniels suspects she did in attempt to protect her son from the 'dangerous environment' at the courthouse.

Daniels on Sunday offered advice to the former First Lady, who kept a stoic appearance throughout her husband's presidency despite constant speculation about her marriage.

Stormy Daniels is encouraging Melania Trump to leave her husband now that the former president is a 'convicted felon'

Melania throughout her husband's seven-week trial, remained absent from Trump's side

Donald Trump , 77, was found guilty of 34 felony counts over falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence Daniels ahead of the 2016 election

She told The Mirror: 'I don't know what their agreement may or may not be, but Melania needs to leave him. Not because of what he did with me or other women but because he is a convicted felon.

'It's been proven he is abusive; he was found liable for sexual assault and tax fraud and is now a criminal. He's neither Teflon Don nor Teflon Con anymore.'

She went on to speculate as to why Melania, 54, along with Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka, were not seen in court.

Daniels believes both women, even if they had wanted to support Trump, likely chose to prioritize the 'safety and privacy' of their children over attending the trial.

She added, as a mother herself, if the situation had been reversed, she would gone to great lengths to protect her child 'even if I wanted to support my spouse or my family member'.

Daniels speculates as to why Melania didn't attend the trial. Pictured: Donald Trump and his wife Melania onstage on the first night of Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016

Trump, in an interview on Fox & Friends, revealed on Sunday that his trial has been 'very hard' on Melania

Donald Trump and Melania Trump participate in an event on the South Lawn of the White House on July 04, 2020 in Washington

A New York jury on Thursday found Trump guilty of 34 felony charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment Daniels, who had alleged the two had sex.

No former president or presumptive party nominee has ever faced a felony conviction or the prospect of prison time.

Trump said on Sunday that he would accept home confinement or jail time after his historic conviction, but that it would be tough for the public to accept.

'I'm not sure the public would stand for it,' the Republican presidential candidate told Fox News. 'I think it'd be tough for the public to take. You know, at a certain point, there's a breaking point.'

Trump did not elaborate on what he thought might happen if that point is reached.

But, as he has throughout the trial, the former president maintained his innocence, saying he 'did absolutely nothing wrong.'

He was asked how his wife, former first lady Melania, has taken the news.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after addressing members of the media following the verdict in his hush-money trial at Trump Tower

Crowds gathered in front of Trump Tower prior to a press conference by former U.S. President Donald Trump on May 31, 2024

Anti-Trump protesters hold placards outside Trump Tower, the day after a guilty verdict in Donald Trump's criminal trial

'She's fine. But I think it's very hard for her. I mean, she's fine. But, you know, she has to read all this c**p,' he said.

He is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, four days before Republicans gather to formally choose their presidential nominee to face Democratic President Joe Biden in November's election.

Asked what Trump supporters should do if he were jailed, Republican National Committee Co-Chair Lara Trump told CNN: 'Well, they're gonna do what they've done from the beginning, which is remain calm and protest at the ballot box on November 5th. There's nothing to do other than make your voices heard loud and clear and speak out against this.'

Trump has used his conviction to step up his fundraising efforts but has not otherwise sought to mobilize his supporters.

Some Trump supporters have hung US flags upside down in the wake of the verdict. The inverted flag has been a symbol of distress or protest in America for over 200 years.

The RNC and the Trump campaign raised $70million in the 48 hours after the verdict, Lara Trump said. Asked how much would be used to pay legal fees versus running the campaign, she declined to say.

Donald Trump addresses the press after the verdict of his hush-money trial at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024

Crowds gather outside Trump Tower prior to a press conference by former U.S. President Donald Trump

New York jury found Trump guilty Thursday of all 34 charges of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her story of their alleged affair from being published during the 2016 presidential election

At least one Democratic lawmaker expressed concern on Sunday about the potential for Trump's supporters to respond violently to his conviction.

'His base listens to him. They don't listen to Lara Trump. And this is another dangerous appeal to violence,' Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff told CNN.

But US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, said any response must be lawful.

'We are the rule of law party - chaos is not a conservative value. We have to fight back and we will with everything in our arsenal. But we do that within the confines of the rule of law,' Johnson told Fox News Sunday.

Trump has vowed to appeal his conviction, but the matter is unlikely to be resolved before the November presidential election, when he will seek to take back the White House from Biden.

Trump attorney Will Scharf told ABC News' This Week that he does not expect Trump to 'end up being subject to any sentence whatsoever' and planned to ultimately take the case to the Supreme Court.

Trump still faces three other criminal cases, including two over alleged efforts to overturn his 2020 loss, although they are not likely to come to trial or conclude before the election. He denies wrongdoing in all the cases and has called the charges a Democratic conspiracy to prevent him from competing.

Donald Trump (pictured at Trump Tower on Friday) spoke to reporters at his namesake tower in Manhattan on Friday, vowing to appeal the 'scam' guilty verdict in his hush money trial and launched attacks at Joe Biden for the 'rigged' case

Donald Trump, pictured in a courtroom sketch, reacts as the verdict is read in his criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, at Manhattan state court in New York City on May 30, 2024

Donald Trump, far left, watches watches as jury foreperson #1 delivers guilty verdicts with judge Juan Merchan listening on the bench in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday

Biden, meanwhile, has sought to defend the nation's justice system, saying it is 'reckless' and 'dangerous' to call the verdict 'rigged.' The US Justice Department denies any political interference.

'There's one candidate standing up for the rule of law, standing up for our democratic institutions, defending our Constitution, defending our democracy and that's Joe Biden,' Biden campaign spokesman Michael Tyler told Fox News.

After weeks of primarily speaking from an aging courthouse in Manhattan, Trump returned to campaign mode Friday in the atrium of his Trump Tower, the brass and rose marble lobby where he descended his golden escalator to announce his 2016 campaign nine years ago next month.

Trump initially started attacking Biden on immigration and tax policies before pivoting to his case, growling that he was threatened with jail time if he violated a gag order.

Speaking to reporters, he argued the verdict in his criminal trial was illegitimate and driven by politics and sought to downplay the facts underlying the case.

'It's not hush money. It's a nondisclosure agreement. Totally legal, totally common,' he said.

In a message aimed to galvanize his supporters, he cast himself as a martyr, suggesting that if it could happen to him, 'They can do this to anyone.'

'I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and save our Constitution. I don't mind,' he said. 'So we will continue the fight.'

He also launched into attacks on the judge in his criminal trial and continued to undermine New York's criminal justice system.

He branded Judge Juan M Merchan as a 'tyrant', claiming he 'wouldn't allow us to have witnesses, you wouldn't allow us to talk, you wouldn't allow us to do anything.'

'We're going to be appealing this scam,' Trump added. 'We're going to be appealing it on many different things.'

Trump's supporters gathered outside Trump Tower before the former president and Republican presidential candidate held a press conference after being found guilty over hush-money charges

A supporter of Donald Trump waits outside Manhattan Criminal Court for his motorcade to pass after the guilty verdict announced against the former president on Thursday, May 30, 2024

Supporters of President Joe Biden demonstrate outside Trump Tower on Friday, May 31, 2024

He went on to blame Biden for the trial, claiming the Democrat's administration had been working 'in conjunction with' the Department of Justice.

'This is all done by Biden and his people,' he said, adding: 'I am under a gag order from a man who can't put two sentences together, given by a court.

'This is done by Washington, and nobody has ever seen anything quite like it.

'And I am not allowed to talk about it... but you are allowed to talk about it and I hope you do.'

He reiterated that the trial had been 'rigged', criticized how his defense's request for a venue change was refused and alleged that 'witnesses on our side were literally crucified'.

'It they can do this to me they can do this to anyone,' Trump said at the start of his address. 'These are bad, sick people.'

Although he had appeared tense and deeply angry, his words pointed and clipped, when he emerged from the courtroom immediately after the verdict Thursday, Trump appeared more relaxed during Friday's address.

He defaulted into his standard rally mode, complete with acted-out stories and did not take any questions from reporters.

He said that he was 'honored' to face trial and said he would continued to fight, despite having been found guilty on all 34 counts against him.

'We're going to fight,' Trump vowed. 'I'm wired in such a way that a lot of people would have gone away a long time ago.'

He picked apart intricate parts of the case and trial proceedings as unfair, alleging that the $130,000 payment to his former aid Michael Cohen to silence Daniels was a just a 'legal expense' and 'standard stuff'.

'Hush money, hush money,' he said. 'It's not hush money, it's a non-disclosure agreement. Totally legal, totally common. Everyone has it.'

Attorney Alina Habba (L) looks on as former U.S. President Donald Trump walks to speak to the media after being found guilty following his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City

Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City

Trump said he wanted to testify - a right that he opted not to exercise - and raised the specter of being charged with perjury for a verbal misstep.

He said: 'The theory is you never testify because as soon as you testify - anybody, if it were George Washington - don't testify because they'll get you on something that you said slightly wrong.'

Testing the limits of the gag order that prohibits him from publicly critiquing witnesses including Cohen, Trump called his former fixer, the star prosecution witness in the case, 'a sleazebag'.

He claimed the prosecution wanted to know if he was 'a bad boy here, bad boy there' and argued that Daniels' 'salacious' testimony of their alleged sexual encounter had 'nothing to do with the case'.

He also circled back to some of the same authoritarian themes he has repeatedly focused on in speeches and rallies, painting the US under Biden as a 'corrupt' and 'fascist' nation.

He argued that under Biden there were 'record levels of terrorism pouring into our country', alleging the so-called terrorists have come into the US with tents, propane tanks, and cell phones.

'They've never seen anything like it,' he said. 'It looks like they're building an army.'

Trump alleged that the 'great veterans' living in America are 'living on the streets like dogs' while illegal migrants are 'living in luxury hotels and cities all over our country run by Democrats'.

He added: 'Our kids can't have a little league game anymore because we have tents and migrants living on the fields.'

Glass doors to Trump Tower reflect a flag showing support for former President Donald Trump across the street on Friday, May 31, 2024

Trump supporters outside Trump Tower wave a banner supporting his 2024 White House bid

A supporter of former President Donald Trump waves an inverted American flag during a demonstration outside Trump Tower on Friday, May 31, 2024

He also repeatedly touted an exclusive DailyMail.com poll in his first major speech since his guilty verdict. The poll showed him receiving a six-point boost among voters in the hours after being convicted in his historic hush money trial.

In remarks lasting over 30 minutes Trump said: 'This is bigger than Trump, and bigger than me, and bigger than my presidency.

'And the people understand it because I just see a poll came out - The Daily Mail. The first one came out, done last night right after the verdict, where I'm up six points.

'Six points from what we already were. We were leading fairly substantially. We're up six points in the Daily Mail poll.'

His son Eric Trump and daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, joined him, but his wife, Melania Trump, who has been publicly silent since the verdict, was not seen.

Outside, on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, supporters gathered across the street flew a giant red 'TRUMP OR DEATH' sign that flapped in front of a high-end boutique.

A small group of protesters held up signs that said 'Guilty' and 'Justice matters.'
This was her second incident during a multi-day 'scavenger hunt' event

Reynolds opened fire on another streamer who was not wearing protective gear

The social media influencer who drew backlash after forcing a woman to jump into a lake in a cruel stunt has now been accused of assault in a separate incident.

The accusations came after 25-year-old Natalie Reynolds shot fellow streamer Benny Mack with a paintball gun during a livestream event.

Reynolds and Mack, who both produce content for the online platform Kick, were taking part in a multi-day scavenger hunt in Austin, Texas on Friday.

The event was organized by another streamer who promised a $30,000 prize to those who filmed themselves completing a series of challenges.

The controversial Internet personality could be seen confronting another group of streamers and firing a paintball, which hit Mack's left arm.

Social media influencer Natalie Reynolds, 25, has drummed up controversy yet again after firing a paintball gun at another livestreamer

Reynolds was accused of 'assault' by streamer Benny Mack, who attempted to wrestle the gun from her and pin her to the ground

New Zealand-born Mack immediately accused Reynolds of assault. 'And I don't have glasses on. That's against the Kick TOS [terms of service],' he said.

The man then attempted to wrestle the gun from her, pushing her to the ground in the process.

'Don't come at me with a firearm, b****! And yes, I disarmed you,' Mack shouted.

'Dude, you're f***ing psycho,' Reynolds said as she got to her feet.

Reynolds later uploaded a clip of the incident to X, formerly Twitter, with the caption 'crazy guy attacks me after getting shot with paintball gun'.

The post has since been deleted.

The incident comes after Reynolds faced a firestorm of controversy for a stunt that saw her directing another woman to jump into a lake, despite the woman claiming that she was unable to swim.

While partaking in the scavenger hunt on May 29, the 25-year-old mimed pushing the woman into the water before telling her, 'You should just jump in right now.'

The influencer previously sparked fury after directing a woman to dive into an Austin, Texas lake as part of a social media stunt

After jumping in, the woman called to shore, saying she couldn't swim. Reynolds and her friends fled the scene

The woman then dove in while Reynolds mocked her, turning to her camera crew and laughing. 'Did you see her a**?'

'I can't swim, I can only float,' the woman called from the water.

'Stop, seriously, you're actually freaking me out,' Reynolds said. 'I'm going to f***ing kill myself. She says she's drowning.'

She and her friends fled, filming themselves all the while from the backseat of a car. They returned only to record the moment a fire truck arrived at the scene.

The Austin Police Department responded to the incident, but a police report was not filed, according to a spokesperson. No charges were laid as of Friday.

Reynolds later claimed that the woman was 'on drugs' and was not actually drowning.

However, this display of callousness drew the rage of netizens on social media platform Reddit, where a clip of the livestream was reuploaded.

'Why wouldn't they stay and help her? That's absolutely horrible. There is a special place in hell for people like this,' one user wrote.

'These people are focused on getting content and nothing else,' another user remarked.

'That woman isnt a human being to them. She is a prop,' yet another asserted. 'Suddenly though, this prop starts pleading for help and its like for the first time these d***heads are realizing they put an actual person's life in jeopardy.'

'These people are focused on getting content and nothing else,' one Reddit user commented following the lake incident

Reynolds was slammed for yet another stunt back in December, where she painted on a pair of leggings before heading to the gym

The lake stunt was not the first time Reynolds ignited fury, as she was lambasted by netizens for painting on her gym clothes back in December.

The streamer donned blue body paint over a pair of nude swimsuit bottoms and strode into a local gym.

She was quickly ordered to leave by a man who asserted that her that choice of attire - or lack thereof - was 'not fine'.

Reynolds later issued an apology on social media.

'I've made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgment and I don't expect to be forgiven,' she wrote. 'I am simply here to apologize.'
An Aussie was left stunned after his pre-approval for a home loan was rejected because he had less than $2 owing on an old credit card.

Sam, who stopped using his Citibank card in 2023, accidently left $1.50 owing on it.

The minute sum became larger as two cents were added onto it every month due to interest and other fees.

The small amount prompted his pre-approval to be rejected, meaning that he missed his opportunity to buy the property he wanted.

NAB, which acquired Citibank in 2022, apologised to Sam and admitted the credit card account should have been closed.

An Aussie was left stunned after his pre-approval for a home loan was rejected because he had less than $2 owing on an old credit card (stock image)

NAB executive Alan Machet told Daily Mail Australia the error was an 'oversight'.

'It's clear we weren't at our best here and we apologise,' he said.

'At the point at which the customer had essentially paid off the balance of the credit card, we should have closed the account.

'The fact that didn't happen was an oversight and has caused unnecessary distress for the customer and, again, we are sorry this happened.'

Mr Machet confirmed the bank is in the process of restoring Sam's credit file and they will ensure he is provided with further support if required.

Sam said he was satisfied with the result after the bank promptly resolved the issue.

The Financial Rights Legal Centre (FRLC), who provide legal advice on a range of financial matters, had assisted Sam during his dilemma.

FRLC senior policy and communications officer Julia Davis said he was not aware he owed the bank anything and slammed the banking system in Australia.

NAB claimed bank statements were sent out to Sam informing him that he owed money on the credit card.

NAB , which acquired Citibank in June 2022, apologised to Sam and admitted the credit card account should have been closed (stock image)

'First of all, Sam really should have got notice when missed payments were being reported on his credit report,' she told 7News.

'Under our current rules, banks have no obligation to contact a customer when they are having missed payments reported on their credit file, even when they might have an otherwise perfect record.'

A default listing is issued to a customer if the debt on their credit card reaches $150 or more and it has not been paid within 60 days.

Customers will have their repayment history on their credit report for two years.

They are urged to pay off any interest or fees such as monthly or annual account keeping fees, before they cancel their credit cards.

The federal government ordered an independent review into the credit reporting framework used in the banking system in Australia in February.

The review will explore the effectiveness of the credit reporting provisions under the Privacy Act (1986) and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (2009).
A prominent California sheriff has declared his allegiance to Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco made the proud proclamation in a video posted to social media Saturday, joking that he was 'changing teams' in the process.

The comments from the top cop in the city set between LA and Palm Springs came days after the ex-president was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, in what some contend was a hit job from the current administration.

In turn, Bianco, a well-known conservative, conceded he liked some things state leaders doing, before casting disapproval on decisions involving crime and housing.

The potential California governor said he was 'tired' of such problems - before offering a tongue-in-cheek admission that consisted of him saying he thought putting a 77-year-old felon in the White House could be a good idea.

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Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco made the proud proclamation in a video posted to social media Saturday, joking that he was 'changing teams' in the process

He declared his allegiance to the ex-president ahead of the 2024 election, despite his recent conviction.

'I think I am going to change teams,' Bianco said.

'I think they're on to something, but I don't think they're doing enough,' he added of state leaders.

'Trump 2024, baby, let's save this country and make America great again.'

The statement came after the officer explained what he framed as a 'love affair' between state leaders and criminals.

This, he said, is based on a 'belief that criminals are not responsible for their own actions' after he crime rate in Riverside County reached 39.04 per 1,000 residents last year - one of the highest in the country.

'They're a victim of society,' Bianco continued, before citing a supposed belief sported by state leaders that 'criminals are not responsible for their own actions.

'It's society's fault,' he went on, speaking sarcastically. 'It's businesses' fault. It's cops' fault. It might be my fault.'

He went on to note how some state leaders have criticized their respective judicial systems and law enforcement for being 'systemically racist' - a claim that has seen some repeat offenders released to combat supposed 'bias.'

They 'let them out,' the sheriff continued, lamenting how leaders in California and Washington give criminals 'housing... money... ' and even 'drugs and alcohol now.'

Bianco said he was 'tired' of such treatment, conceding that his colleagues in the Golden State have 'been wrong' to implement such guidance.

Bianco, a well-known conservative who governs the city between LA and Palm Springs, said he liked some things state leaders doing, but expressed disapproval on certain decisions. Just before, he explained what he framed as a 'love affair' between state leaders and criminals

This, he said, is based on a 'belief that criminals are not responsible for their own actions' after he crime rate in Riverside County reached 39.04 per 1,000 residents last year - one of the highest in the country

The grizzled vet went on to claim that he has done all in his power over the past three decades to 'keep our community safe by arresting criminals and putting them in jail,' but leaders at the state level have stood in his way.

He lamented how these leaders and the once great state California have become somewhat pro-criminal in recent years, due to laws that have allowed violent offenders, by and large, to exploit the legal justice system.

'For the last five years I've been very critical about our governor for slashing our budgets from corrections, for letting prisoners out early, for closing our prisons,' he said, four years after taking a knee in solidarity with Riverside protestors following the murder of George Floyd.

'I've been critical of our state legislature for passing laws to make it harder to put people in prison. I've been critical for their changing laws that let prisoners out early. And I've been critical of our attorney general for seemingly not caring about crime.

'I think it's time we put a felon in the White House,' the officer went on to assert.

The Attorney General of California, Robert Andres Bonta, has held the post since 2021.

Seven years before, California passed one of the states biggest criminal justice reform measures in Proposition 47, to 'ensure that prison spending is focused on violent and serious offenses,' and 'to maximize alternatives for non-serious, nonviolent crime' aside from stark sentencing.

'For the last five years I've been very critical about our governor for slashing our budgets from corrections, for letting prisoners out early, for closing our prisons,' he said, four years after taking a knee in solidarity with Riverside protestors following the murder of George Floyd.

'I've been critical of our state legislature for passing laws to make it harder to put people in prison. I've been critical for their changing laws that let prisoners out early. And I've been critical of our attorney general for seemingly not caring about crime.'

Democrats, during the span, touted the guidance as both progressive and effective, but after about a decade in, are having second thoughts.

That's due to a growing sense in the state that property crimes have spiraled out of control, leading more and more state leaders to call for some sort of overhaul of the 2014 ballot measure.

Its a major shift from a decade ago when Californians approved the initiative in hopes of seeing numbers for drug possession and property crimes dissipate, by classifying them as misdemeanors rather than felonies to misdemeanors.

The reversal from previous tough-on-crime laws has largely failed, state data shows - with shoplifting numbers not lessening since 2014, but arrests for it doing so.

Police and retailers have also become less aggressive at engaging and apprehending shoplifters, with organized retail theft rings, flash mobs, and other similar phenomenon surfacing in the years since the pandemic.

Moreover, it remains increasingly difficult for prosecutors to aggregate charges and charge repeat shoplifters with felonies.

Gov Gavin Newsom, who supported Proposition 47 from its birth, is still adamant about the measures supposed benefits.

Inmates exercise outside in the yard at San Quentin State Prison July 26, 2023 in San Rafael. Bianco on Thursday criticized laws like Proposition 47 meant to alleviate overcrowded prisons, by recategorizing some violent crimes into misdemeanors

The criminal justice reforms were spurred by a U.S. Supreme Court order to thin out the states overcrowded prisons

'I think it's time we put a felon in the White House,' the officer with more than 30 years' experience went on to assert

But with 2024 already underway, theres at least one proposed measure that, if put before voters in November, would roll back portions of the law, with the mayors of two large liberal cities, San Francisco and San Jose, already throwing their weight behind the initiative.

Meanwhile, there are at least a dozen proposals in the state Legislature to tweak or overturn the law - as officials in cities like LA and Riverside remain more hesitant to back such a ballot.

These proposals, however, would also have to be approved by voters - just as Prop 47 did when it was passed by California voters on November 5, 2014.

The law has since made some non-violent property crimes, where the value does not exceed $950, into misdemeanors.

It also made some simple drug possession offenses into misdemeanors.
She leapt into action when the bear began chasing her German shepherd

Minnesota woman Bailey Jacobson came face-to-face with a mama and her cubs

A Minnesota woman leapt into action when a black bear began to chase her dog, and fearing for his life, ran after them.

Bailey Jacobson was leaving her Maple Grove house with the family dog, Zeus, on Tuesday night, when they came face-to-face with a group of unexpected visitors.

A home security camera captured the hair-raising moment Zeus began trotting in the direction of a mama bear, who was digging through a garbage can with three cubs at her side.

The cubs fled as the German shepherd drew near, with Jacobson trailing behind obliviously. Once she saw the mama bear, however, she let out a blood-curdling scream.

The bear followed Zeus as he bounded down the driveway. After a momentary pause, Jacobson hurried after them and the trio disappeared from sight.

A Minnesota woman leapt into action when a black bear began chasing her beloved German shepherd Zeus

Bailey Jacobson ran after the bear as it chased Zeus down the driveway of her Maple Grove home

'For me, it was just that natural instinct of thinking I couldn't live with myself if something happened,' Jacobson told KARE 11.

'As a worried pet owner, you think, okay, what do you do? Do you have a fight-or-flight instinct?'

She said her knee-jerk reaction was to try to protect Zeus 'as much as possible.'

Jacobson came around 50 feet away from the bear when reality hit. She abruptly turned and high-tailed it home without her dog.

The Minnesota woman waited from her screened-in porch as minutes ticked by. However, she was able to breathe a sigh of relief when Zeus appeared from the woods, apparently unharmed.

It is not uncommon for Maple Grove's some 70,000 residents to brush shoulders with wildlife.

The mama bear could be seen digging through a garbage can with three cubs at her side moments before the tense encounter

Jacobson came roughly 50 feet away from the bear when she realized she was in danger and hurried home without Zeus. Luckily, her beloved pet returned minutes later

So frequent are bear encounters that the Minnesota Department of Natural Wildlife has deemed the state 'bear country.'

While black bears are naturally cautious and flighty, conflicts may arise when the creatures interact with domestic pets or damage personal property.

The agency urges Minnesotans to limit the availability of 'bear attractants' - things that smell like food - including birdseed, dog food, trash and grill grease.

'Taking the initiative to secure or remove attractants will help prevent bears from becoming a nuisance,' the department's website reads.

On the occasion that a bear encounter occurs, people are encouraged to back away slowly, not run, only raise voice if bear approaches.

'Wait and see if the bear leaves on its own,' the agency instructs.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Wildlife urges residents to remove 'bear attractants' like trash and birdseed from their property and back away upon encountering the creatures

'If the bear does not leave on its own, but approaches (e.g., comes up on the deck, or puts its paws on windows or doors), its time to try to scare it away: boldly shout, bang pots, slam door or throw something.'

Jacobson conceded that charging after the bear likely wasn't the safest way to proceed - but vowed to do it again if it meant protecting her beloved dog.

'I think any pet owner would agree, you would do anything for your dog, and if that means chasing a bear down and making as much noise as possible, I think you would do it,' she said.
Brisbane is now the second-most expensive capital city in Australia behind Sydney for home values, data from CoreLogic shows.

It is the first time since 1997 that Brisbane has had the second-highest median dwelling value in the country after overtaking Canberra in May.

That follows sustained growth earlier in 2024 when the Queensland capital overtook median Melbourne house prices in January, for the first time since June 2008.

Brisbane's median house value is currently $937,479 which is $190 more than Melbourne.

The value of units in Brisbane is also higher at $615,429 compared to $614,299 in Victoria's capital.

Brisbane now sits only behind Sydney for median house value as the government pledges more funding to its housing plan in the budget

The value of Brisbane dwellings has increased at more than five times the pace of Melbourne values since the pandemic began with 59.8 per cent compared to 11.2 per cent respectively.

Brisbane has also significantly outpaced growth in the ACT where values are up 31.8 per cent since March 2020.

Tim Lawless from CoreLogic said extremely low levels of available supply across strong markets explains the difference in growth rates.

'The number of properties available for sale in Perth and Adelaide remain more than 40 per cent below the five-year average for this time of the year while Brisbane listings are 34 per cent below average,' he said.

'Fresh listings are being absorbed rapidly by market demand, keeping stock levels low and upwards pressure on prices.'

Brisbane's median house value is currently $937,479 which is $190 more than Melbourne

The state government is attempting to combat supply issues by locking in a further $2.8billion in the 2024-2025 budget towards the Home for Queenslanders plan, which seeks to build one million homes by 2046.

Premier Steven Miles on Monday announced the construction of up to 600 modular homes as part of the plan.

Mr Miles said the modular homes will be built in partnership with the private sector and be underway by the end of 2024.

The modular homes are expected to be rolled out predominantly to remote and regional locations such as Bundaberg, Innisfail, Mackay, and Warwick, along with others, he said.

'I know that to build the homes Queensland needs, we need to do things differently, which is why QBuild and businesses across the state will be enlisted to rollout more modular homes,' he said.

But despite renewed and record investment in housing, Queenslanders remain at the 'brutal edge' of Australia's housing constraints, the Queensland Council for Social Services (QCOSS) said.

A report by QCOSS tabled on Monday shows rents in the Queensland are rising faster than anywhere else in Australia.

The report estimates about 150,000 households in the state are still unable to access affordable housing with vulnerable families stuck in crisis motel rooms.

It also found that only 10 per cent of private rentals are affordable for low-income households.

While QCOSS acknowledges the housing plan will generate significant downward pressure on supply in the coming years, renters continue to feel the brunt.

'The Breaking Ground report confirms that, despite a nation-leading housing plan announced by the Miles Government in February, renters across Queensland have been overlooked and many are on the brink of homelessness,' CEO Aimee McVeigh said.

'To make a real difference for renters, both the Queensland Government and state opposition need to commit to putting a cap on the cost of renting and end unfair evictions.'
A former ABC Pacific presenter has been remembered as an 'artist, orator, song woman and storyteller'.

Seini Fale'aka Taumoepeau passed away 'very suddenly' aged 48 last week, according to her family.

The Tongan-Australian, who also performed under the stage name SistaNative, hosted Pacific Mornings on ABC Radio Australia.

A social media post by ABC Pacific said Ms Taumoepeau 'paved the way for this team of Pacific people to be represented in ABC media programs'.

'Seini will remembered and celebrated as a dedicated artist, orator, song woman and storyteller who spent over 30 years advocating for Pasifika communities and their representation in the Australian media landscape,' the post read.

Seini Fale'aka Taumoepeau (pictured) passed away 'very suddenly' aged 48 last week, according to her family

'Seini's first appearance on ABC Radio Australia was as a 13-year-old on programs produced by her mother, going on to become the inaugural host of Pacific Mornings in 2018.

'Colleagues recall her last sign off, "I hope that ABC Radio Australia will consider replacing me with 2-5-10 more people of Pacific heritage and understanding and in doing so evolve the Australian lens of the Pacific with the great and valuable resource that is our region, inclusive of its people".'

Ms Taumoepeau was born in Australia but spent her early childhood living with her grandparents in Tonga.

She returned to Australia when she was eight years old.

After completing her university degree, she taught at schools in the Northern Territory and later co-founded the Pacific Wave Festival, which helped showcase the best artists from the Pacific region.

Ms Taumoepeau later landed a role as presenter for ABC's Pacific Beat where she helped amplify voices from the region for an Australian audience.

She was remembered as an 'absolute cornerstone of the Pacific diaspora in Australia'.

Ms Taumoepeau has been remembered as an 'artist, orator, song woman and storyteller'

Mourners flocked to Instagram to share their grief with one saying Ms Taumoepeau's death had left them 'brokenhearted'.

'You gave do much of your time and energy to the Pasifika arts and culture community,' they wrote.

'This we will never forget.'

A prayer vigil will be held at Croydon Park Uniting Church in Sydney's west on Monday at 6pm and Ms Taumoepeau's funeral will be the following day at Newington College Chapel in the city's inner-west at 6.30pm.

A GoFundMe page has so far raised almost $12,000 for her memorial.
Rishi Sunak has been appearing at election rallies without Cabinet Ministers because he's more focused than Labour on talking to 'real people', sources close to him have insisted.

The Prime Minister has often cut a lonely figure on the campaign trail amid a noticeable absence of Tory 'big beasts' by his side.

Both Labour and the Conservatives officially launched their rival campaign battle buses on Saturday.

But while Sir Keir Starmer was accompanied by deputy leader Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, none of Mr Sunak's Cabinet were with him as he unveiled the Tory battle bus in Redcar.

The only Cabinet members Mr Sunak has joined up with on the campaign trail since calling the election nearly two weeks ago have been David TC Davies in Wales, Chris Heaton-Harris in Northern Ireland and Mel Stride in Devon.

None of Mr Sunak's Cabinet were with him as he unveiled the Tory battle bus in Redcar

Rishi Sunak speaks to journalists alone at Redcar racecourse as he launches the party's campaign bus on June 1

Sir Keir Starmer was accompanied by deputy leader Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor

Cabinet big beasts such as Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, business secretary Kemi Badenoch and defence secretary Grant Shapps have been noticeably absent.

Lord Cameron, the foreign secretary, has been on holiday in Italy, while levelling-up secretary Michael Gove has disappeared into the background, having announced he is stepping down.

No 10 sources said it was not a 'conscious' decision and that Mr Sunak would be joined by more Cabinet Ministers later in the campaign.

One said: 'It's just happened that way. People will be joining him later on.

'We have done a lot more speaking on the ground to voters, to real people, whereas Labour has been talking at events to its own councillors and staff.

'That's what it's about. They're not set piece events.

'It's that he wants to get out talking to people, putting across a personal message.'

Rishi Sunak and David TC Davies arrive at a brewery in South Wales on May 23

The Prime Minister stands with Chris Heaton-Harris in Belfast on May 24

Mel Stride and Rishi Sunak laugh together at a pub in Exeter on May 29

The Prime Minister is more focused than Labour on talking to 'real people', sources close to him have insisted

Rishi Sunak looks at cakes at Burrs Country Park in Bury on May 31

The Prime Minister feeds a lamb as he visits a farm in Macclesfield on May 31

But Mr Sunak sparked anger among some of his Cabinet and MPs by calling a surprise early election, rather than waiting until Autumn.

It has led to speculation that some in his party are less willing to team up with him.

Sir Charles Walker, the retiring Tory MP for Broxbourne, said: 'Maybe this is just the campaign they want to fight: maybe they want it to be the young Rishi with lots of fight in him against the later-middle-aged man. I don't know, but that might be what they actually want to do.'
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This video is no longer available

The brother of a mother who was killed alongside her daughter has blamed WA Police and the government for failing to stop Mark Bombara's murderous rampage - after they were warned about him on three separate occasions.

Dennis Harvey expressed his anger over the double murder of his sister, Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter, 18-year-old Gretl, during an interview with the ABC.

Bombara killed both women at their Floreat home on May 24 while 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.

After the attack, it was revealed that Bombara's daughter Ariel and her mother had warned the WA police that he was dangerous and possessed several guns.

'I spoke with police on three separate occasions to raise the alarm about my father,' she said in a statement.

'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.'

'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.'

Dennis Harvey, the brother and uncle of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc who were murdered

Ms Petelczyc, 53, and her daughter, 18, were murdered by Mark Bombara in their Floreat home in Perth on May 24

Tragically, Bombara kept his guns and used the Glock to murder the Petelczycs.

On Sunday, WA Premier Roger Cook announced new gun laws that would automatically remove weapons from anyone accused of domestic violence.

But Mr Harvey, a gun owner himself, could not understand why police did not use their existing powers to remove Bombera's weapons.

He said the WA Firearms Act already allowed police to seize any gun or ammunition if an officer believes that leaving it could lead to harm.

Mr Harvey said these laws should have been applied to Bombara as soon as his family expressed safety concerns.

'The government seems to have gone into damage control and want to make some noise, but they've totally let me down and totally let my family down  particularly when they had a system in place to remove the firearms,' he said.

'I'm not going crook at the police, not at the ground level, the ground pounders, the teams in the office,' he said.

'There seems to be a systemic failure at the top end. The premier and the police minister in particular have a lot to answer for.'

Bombara's daughter, Ariel, (pictured) said that police ignored her family's warnings about her father in the lead-up to the double-murder-suicide

Mark Bombara, 66, should have never been allowed to keep his 13 registered guns after his family told police they were concerned about his worsening behaviour, Mr Harvey said

Mr Harvey also revealed that he never got a response from police officers after calling in a welfare check for his family on the night of the shooting.

He tried to call the house but got no response, so instead, he rang the police, who told him that they would get back to him if his family had been hurt.

Police never called back, even after he rang them a second time the following morning.

He only learned about the incident when his surviving niece Liesl answered the phone and confirmed what had happened.
The best man at Brittany Higgins' lavish French-themed wedding used his speech to crack jokes about David Sharaz's first marriage and Lisa Wilkinson's Logies disaster.

Ms Higgins married her long-term boyfriend in front of about 80 guests at The Valley Estate on Saturday afternoon - a sprawling luxury venue on the Gold Coast - with the wedding rumoured to have cost more than $100,000.

Following an intimate chapel ceremony, guests enjoyed a European-inspired dinner, Mr Sharaz's sister performed a musical number, Edith Piaf's 1945 song 'La vie en rose' was played, and Ms Higgins shared a dance with her father.

Cheers erupted when the speeches began, with words from parents, the groom, and the maid of honour Emma Webster, who affectionately dubbed Mr Sharaz 'bridezilla'.

Daily Mail Australia understands there was laughter when the best man and MC, Alan Horner, jokingly said that Wilkinson - who wasn't invited - passed on her apologies for not attending, but that he was concerned that the TV star still might make a speech.

However, it is further understood the room fell silent when he offered a poorly-timed quip about how he wasn't invited to the groom's first wedding to Alexandra Craig in 2018.

Pictured: The bridal table while Brittany Higgins' father delivered his speech (right, with his partner Kellie Jago)

The wedding party is pictured, including best man Alan Horner (back row, centre, with a moustache). Maid of honour Emma Webster is second from the left. David Sharaz's sister is standing directly behind him

Mr Sharaz married political advisor Alexandra Craig at Canberra's Yarralumla Brickworks in 2018, but the couple filed for divorce a few years later.

Ms Craig didn't comment on her ex-husband's nuptials on Saturday, instead posting a photo of her excursion to a frozen yogurt franchise called Yogurberry.

The groom's hands shook uncontrollably while delivering his vows during the ceremony on Saturday, but he was much more composed during his speech after dinner.

He said Ms Higgins was the love of his life and that she looked beautiful in her designer gown.

However, his address ended with a bizarre confession about how he put the speech together the night before while watching a movie, and never finished writing it.

Following an intimate chapel ceremony featuring a string quartet playing Vivaldi and Taylor Swift's 'Love Story', the newlyweds made their way into the reception hall, hand-in-hand, to present themselves as husband and wife for the very first time.

Despite reports claiming helicopter noise delayed the ceremony by 45 minutes, it is understood everything ran on time and there were no lengthy delays.

Lisa Wilkinson is pictured delivering her Logies speech in 2022, which caused Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial to be delayed

Brittany Higgins shared a dance with her father, Matthew Higgins, at the reception on Saturday

Guests were given two choices for entrees: stracciatella with prosciutto and melon, dehydrated olives and a balsamic reduction; or split prawns with seaweed butter and foraged sea herbs.

Main meals comprised of chicken breast with potato galette, confit tomato and shallot salsa; or beef sirloin with potato puree, mushrooms and black garlic jus - all served with roasted potatoes and a rocket salad.

Dessert was a selection of popcorn snickers bars with salted peanuts and caramel popcorn, along with lemon myrtle meringue tart with whipped creme fraiche.

Guests said the venue was extravagant, but the event itself wasn't over the top or cheesy - the couple chose against splashing out several thousand dollars extra for a champagne stack or an oyster bar offered by the venue.

The general feeling was that the wedding was like a new start for the happy couple following a tumultuous few years, after they were thrust into the spotlight when Ms Higgins went public with her rape allegations.

Ms Higgins said her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House when they were both junior political staffers in 2019.

He had denied it, but in April a Federal Court judge found, on a balance of probabilities, that Ms Higgins was raped.

Pictured: The menu at Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz's wedding on the Gold Coast

Pictured: Guests making their way into the chapel on Saturday afternoon, before the ceremony

Pictured: Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz getting married on Saturday

On Friday, one day before Ms Higgins tied the knot with Mr Sharaz, Lehrmann filed an appeal to overturn the judgement.

However, there was no mention of the assault or subsequent defamation cases brought on by Ms Higgins' former boss, Senator Linda Reynolds, throughout the day on Saturday.

In December last year, Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz bought a chateau in southern France with the $2.4million she was awarded from the Commonwealth as compensation for the way her rape allegations were handled.

It is believed they permanently relocated to get away from their celebrity status in Australia.

Ms Higgins' wedding date was revealed in the WA Supreme Court last week amid Senator Reynolds' defamation case against her over social media posts which she claims damaged her reputation.

Outside court last week, Ms Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett said he made an application to get a copy of documentation relating to a trust account in Ms Higgins' name.

The application will try to determine who the trustee is and who to sue in the event Ms Higgins says she cannot pay damages, if she loses the case.

Last month, Mr Sharaz bowed out of Ms Reynolds' defamation action against him because he could not afford it.

He has been ordered to pay Ms Reynolds' legal fees. If he declares bankruptcy, he may not be able to return to France.

After the judgement in April, Ms Higgins released a statement on Instagram saying she felt vindicated: 'I was raped. No judgment was ever going to change this truth.'

She added: 'I lived with the shame, humiliation, and fear of what telling my story would mean for my life and career, like so many other victim-survivors.'
Plane passengers will be told to wear seatbelts for the entire duration of their flight after severe turbulence killed a British man last month.

Dozens of airlines are toughening up their safety instructions in the wake of one man's death on the Singapore Airlines flight which experienced extreme turbulence while flying close to Myanmar airspace.

Safety teams are now urging passengers to wear their seatbelts at all times during the flight even when the seatbelt sign is off. Seatbelt signs are also being turned on faster, even in mild turbulence.

Passengers are also being told to make crew aware immediately if their phone gets stuck in their seat, The Times reported.

Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, a retired musical director from outside Bristol was killed and more than 100 passengers were admitted to hospital as a result of the incident.

The interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 is pictured after an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Food and drink is scattered across the plane in the aftermath of the extreme turbulence

Masks hanging from the ceiling of the SQ321 flight pictured after an emergency landing in Bangkok

Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, (pictured) a retired musical director from outside Bristol was killed during the incident

The Boeing 777 plane left the UK's Heathrow airport on Monday, May 17 and was travelling to Singapore, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.

But after around 11 hours of flying time, the aircraft sharply dropped from an altitude of around 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within just five minutes as it finished traversing the Andaman Sea and neared Thailand.

Terrified passengers have described how they had little warning to put their seatbelts on before the aircraft suddenly dropped.

Those not wearing seatbelts were 'launched into the ceiling,' one said, their heads slamming into the overhead luggage containers.

The plane - registered 9V-SWM - was diverted to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok where it made an emergency landing at 15.45pm local time, the airline announced on its Facebook page.

It had been scheduled to land at the Singapore Changi Airport at 6.10pm local time.

Ambulances were pictured on the tarmac in Bangkok next to the plane, with emergency service workers seen carrying at least one person away in a stretcher.

As a result of the incident, around 21 airlines have signed up to the International Air Transport Association's 'turbulence aware' programme that gives advance warnings to cockpits.

Flight tracking websites showed flight SQ321 diverting from its planned route to Singapore and instead landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok

Emergency workers are seen on the tarmac of the airport in Thailand today

In a statement on Facebook, Singapore Airlines confirmed the emergency landing and that one passenger had died in the incident.

'Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route,' the statement from the airline said. 'The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time.

'We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board,' it said.

'Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

'Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft,' the statement added. 'We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed.'

Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old student on board the Singapore Airlines flight, told Reuters news agency that the plane started shaking before suddenly plummeting.

The flashing lights of emergency service vehicles are seen at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok

A passenger died and 30 others were injured on a flight from London to Singapore this afternoon forcing an emergency landing in Thailand. Pictured: The plane and ambulances are seen on the tarmac at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok

A person is seen being carried away from the aircraft on a stretcher in Bangkok

'Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking so I started bracing for what was happening, and very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling,' he said.

'Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it, they hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it.'

Singapore's Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said his country's government would assist the passengers and their families.

'I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore,' he wrote on Facebook.

Speaking to the BBC, aviation expert John Strickland said that injuries from flight turbulence are 'relatively rare' considering how many flights operate each day.

However, severe turbulence can be dramatic and lead to severe injuries or sadly in this case a fatality,' he added. 'It is not for nothing that airlines recommend keeping seat belts loosely fastened throughout a flight be it long or short.'

Turbulence-related airline accidents are the most common type, according to a 2021 study by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Defense bosses found themselves in hot water with Navy Seals vets after marking the start of June with a Facebook post celebrating the beginning of Pride Month.

The post on the official page of Naval Special Warfare Command was also posted to the US Navy Seals and SWCC page, according to Libs of TikTok.

It spelled out the watchwords of 'dignity, service, respect, equality, pride', in rainbow-colored letters emblazoned with the command's badge of an eagle gripping a rifle and a trident.

Attempts to restrict those who could comment failed to stem a wave of hostile reaction who accused the elite unit of going 'woke' and betraying its former members.

'This woke s*** is like a cancer and needs to be handled and dealt with as a threat to national security,' wrote one. 'Gone way too far.'

The post on the US Special Warfare Command page sparked a furious response from many

The message was also posted by the Navy Seals, according to Libs of TikTok

Others were infuriated by the timing, pointing out that the post was uploaded immediately after one recognizing the 80th anniversary on June 6 of the D-Day landings in which 2,500 Americans died.

'This is a slap in the face of every special warfare operator that has put their lives on the line for our nation,' wrote one.

'I know plenty of current and former SEALs who are disgusted with this. Please repent of this debaucherous behavior and stick to what you're good at!' added another

'So glad I got out before this bulls*** took over,' wrote a third.

The controversial post came on the day the Department of Defense made an embarrassing gaffe with a Facebook post that appeared to confuse Pride Month with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Month.

'June is PTSD Awareness Month and the DoD is committed to supporting service members and veterans affected by PTSD,' it wrote.

'If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You are not alone.'

But the post was illustrated with a 'Progress Pride Flag' and attached to a picture captioned 'Celebrate Pride Month 2024'.

The Pentagon deemed June to be PTSD Awareness Month in June 2014, a year before it recognized June as Pride Month.

The post was later deleted and replaced with a PTSD Awareness Month graphic.

Hundreds made their feelings clear on the Command's Facebook page

It came on the day the Defense Department appeared to mix up Pride and PTSD Month

Some at least were amused by the mix-up

Angry or mocking reactions outnumbered those who viewed it positively by seven to one on the Naval Special Warfare Command Facebook page, but some were delighted to see it there.

'Fantastic!!' wrote one. 'Thanks for recognizing our strength is in our differences!'

'How does diversity send the wrong message when so many special operators have different nationalities and sexual preferences?' demanded another.

The Libs of TikTok site which shared it to its three million followers on Saturday, was scathing.

'The Navy Seals have gone woke,' it wrote. 'Our elite special forces. This is terrifying.'
The real target of the Hackney shooting has said he wished he had been shot in the head instead of the little girl who is still desperately fighting for her life in hospital.

Beytullah Gunduz, 37, who has links to the Turkish criminal world, attended a restaurant in Dalston, east London on May 29.

He left and returned 15 minutes later - only to find three of his friends with gunshot wounds and an innocent girl laying on the floor having been shot in the head.

Police say the child - who moved to the UK from India with her parents just two years ago - is in a serious condition.

A motorbike hitman had opened fire on the restaurant, where diners dived under their tables in fear before he fled down the road.

Officers were called at around 9.20pm on May 29 to reports of a shooting near Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street.

The attack led to concerns that a gang war between Tottenham Turks and their rivals, the Hackney Turks, will reignite.

Gunduz was previously the victim of a hit when he was shot in the neck by a Tottenham Turks assassin and has himself been cleared of organising another hit.

The real target of Hackney shooting has said he wished he had been shot in the head instead of the little girl who is still desperately fighting for her life in hospital. Pictured is a cordon in place along Kingsland High Street as Evin restaurant (pictured) is taped off

Where the shooting occurred in Dalston as a motorcyclist fired shots towards the diners

CCTV captures moment the hitman on a stolen motorbike targets three men in Dalston

The Times reported Gunduz as telling a friend he is distraught the small child was hurt and dragged into the chaos.

He is reported as saying 'that little girl is an innocent person'. 'If these people knew I was there why didn't they wait until I left and walked around the corner?'

'We can be criminals but this girl wasn't, she didn't do anything wrong. It is killing me inside. The waiting to know if she is going to live is too much - I am heartbroken.'

He went on to say he hasn't slept in four days and has been praying for her.

The newspaper reported him as saying: 'I wish I was still sitting there and the bullet had gone in my head.'

He believes the horrifying incident is linked to the previous attempt on his life in 2020, when a gun jamming allowed him to escape. No one has been charged.

One of his friends who was present was discharged from hospital the day after the shooting.

Another called Mustafa Kiziltan, 37, who was jailed in 2019 for his involvement in an acid attack, was discharged on Friday.

The third, 42, is expected to remain in hospital for two weeks, according to The Times.

Five years before the attempted hit, Gunduz was cleared of murder after being accused of hiring an assassin a leading member of the Tottenham Turks.

Forensic officers pictured outside Evin restaurant, where a horror drive-by shooting took place

Mustafa Kiziltan was sentenced to 36 months prison for his part in the unprovoked chemical assault of a Good Samaritan outside a gay bar in Dalston. He was a third victim in the shooting

But the gunman and the getaway driver were convicted of murder.

According to The Times, the little girl's grandmother has been told she is on a ventilator after doctors were unable to remove the bullet on the first attempt.

Describing the shooting at the time, one resident said: 'I don't know who [they were] targeting - but for a child to be hit? It's just horrendous.'

The man, who did not want to be named, added: 'I doubt anyone will give you their names - not when this could be gang violence.'

A diner who was at the Evin restaurant at the time of the alleged shooting told the Hackney Gazette how everyone dived under the tables during the 'chaos' and he used his coat to stop the bleeding on someone's leg.

'There was a big group having dinner in the rear,' he said. 'I couldn't get my usual table so got one close to the front window.

'The big group paid up and left and shortly afterwards that's when the loud bangs - which were obviously gunshots - happened.'

Emergency services on the scene in Dalston, east London, after the shooting

A look at Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street the next morning, covered in police tape

After everyone scrambled on to the floor, the man saw that someone was injured and he used his coat to stop the bleeding on a leg wound.

He continued: 'I'd say it was around 10 to 15 minutes when the emergency services arrived. Police first, then NHS staff. They were very efficient.'

A second resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It's so awful. I live just down the road so it's really shocking to hear.

'I only found out when I walked up here this morning to get my hair cut. To hurt a kid? I mean it's messed up.

'It's the way the world is going these days and I worry if things will continue to get worse.'

Dave Evans told how he had walked passed the Evin Bistro just minutes before the violence erupted.

Mr Evans, 62, said: 'I was out last night walking my dog. I must have walked passed Evin five minutes before the shooting.

'I was down the road when I heard the noise. There were six shots. I knew they were gun shots immediately.'
A woman was left seething after being charged more than $6 for a can of Coke at a popular beachside restaurant.

Francesca was left stunned by the cost after visiting the takeaway kiosk at Promenade Bondi Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with a friend on May 26.

She shared a photo of her receipt to Facebook showing she had been charged $6.60 for a 250ml can of Coke Zero and $9.35 for a 300ml bottle of Tropi Cool juice.

The total bill came to $16.19 with Francesca pointing out it also included a 24-cent handling fee.

A Promenade Bondi Beach spokesman quickly clarified the matter, saying Francesca had been charged the wrong price and was provided with a refund.

The woman who uploaded a picture of her receipt (pictured) to a local Facebook page paid $6.60 for a 250ml can of Coke Zero

'Jesus wept! What on earth is going on? This is unbelievable... take away kiosk and not even a proper full-size can of Coke!' Francesa said.

Francesca said she was unable to find a menu that listed the price of the drinks.

'I just expected it to cost the same as what it normally would if you got drinks from somewhere like that  no more than $10-ish,' she told Yahoo.

Francesca said she immediately asked staff if they had made a mistake.

The disgruntled customer and her friend asked for a refund, which was provided by the venue.

'I honestly couldn't believe that price, especially as you didn't even get a proper full-size can of Coke!' Francesca said.

Hundreds of of social media users said they were not surprised by the expensive cost.

'Welcome to the Eastern Suburbs, you'll pay $6 plus for a terrible coffee,' one wrote.

'Daylight robbery,' another added.

Others defended the price and said Francesca should have thought about how much the drinks would cost before she bought them.

'BYO (Bring Your Own) water next time if you can't afford it,' one wrote.

'Check the menu before, and you won't complain later,' another chimed in.

The customer bought the two beverages at the kiosk, an outdoor takeaway section at the Promenade Bondi Beach (pictured), in Sydney's eastern suburbs

A Promenade Bondi Beach spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the customer was charged the wrong amount for the beverage.

'One of our guests purchased two drinks from the Promenade Bondi Beach kiosk including a 250ml can of Coke Zero and, due to a mistake by a staff member, an incorrect pricing level was accidentally applied to the Coke Zero,' he said.

'When the mistake was identified, the guest was refunded the full amount for both drinks and received an apology for the mistake by the general manager of the venue.'

A 250ml can of Coke Zero sold at the kiosk costs customers $4.

The business also does not apply service charges to customers who are purchasing items at the kiosk.

Francesca said that while she understood the prices for food and drink at the venue were expensive, she was still stunned.

'I do get that it is in a place where they have to pay high rents etc, and it's on the beach, but I've lived in Bondi for four years and get drinks from places like that all the time,' she said.

She claimed she was not told about the handling fee and said she didn't understand why she needed to pay the extra charge if she was ordering takeaway.

Daily Mail Australia understands she was not ultimately charged the handling fee, and the fee is only applied to diners who order food and drinks inside the venue.

The correct price was charged for the bottle of juice.

The kiosk, which is open from 6.30am to 3pm, serves customers hot and cold drinks, as well as other popular lunchtime snacks including fish and chips.

According to the Promenade Bondi Beach website, non-alcoholic drinks at the dining bar and the beach bar costs diners between $8 to $15.
Civil servants were reportedly asked to remove their shoes and wiggle their toes during a Welcome to Country.

Employees at Queensland's Department of Justice and Attorney-General office in Brisbane recently attended an awards ceremony which began with a Welcome to Country.

They were asked to remove their shoes, wiggle their toes and close their eyes in order to feel more in tune with the earth, reported the Courier Mail.

It reportedly raised eyebrows, with some staff questioning whether it would become a regular thing.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General confirmed that a Welcome to Country was conducted at the event.

Employees at Queensland 's Department of Justice and Attorney-General's office in Brisbane (pictured below) recently attended an awards ceremony which began with an acknowledgement of country (file image above)

Staff were told to feel more n tune with the earth they should remove their shoes, wiggles their toes and close their eyes

The spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'A Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country is conducted at appropriate government-organised events, including awards ceremonies and conferences'.

'They can take many forms and often differ, according to the nature of the event and the presenter. For example, a Welcome to Country can encompass singing, dancing or smoking ceremonies.'

It comes at a time of increased scrutiny of Welcome to Country performances in the corporate environment.

Last week, an Aussie applying for a customer service role at an insurance company was left shocked after the hiring manager opened the interview with a Welcome to Country.

The applicant shared the 'weird' experience on Reddit, saying the hiring manager at the Brisbane-based company 'took it upon himself' to perform a Welcome to Country at the start of a 'very small' group interview with less than five candidates.

'I wanted to get others' opinions on this as I thought it was peak Australian corporate culture,' the candidate wrote.

'At the time I didn't give it a second thought but in retrospect it's pretty weird and unnecessary.

'I understand companies doing these for big/important meetings with higher-ups, but at a job interview it just felt pointless.'

A Welcome to Country can only be delivered by traditional owners or custodians of the land on which the event takes place.

It is usually performed by a local Aboriginal elder to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on traditional lands.

If a traditional owner is not available to do a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement of Country can be delivered instead.

A Welcome to Country can only be delivered by traditional owners or custodians of the land on which the event takes place

It is usually performed by a local Aboriginal elder to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on traditional lands
Real estate expert Tom Panos has spoken out about a worrying trend he has observed while holding auctions across Australia.

'When I go to an auction and I see a person that's under 30, unless I see a mum and dad near them, I'm thinking to myself "they have no chance",' he told 2GB's Ben Fordham.

'And it is very sad to see that some of the people buying real estate now under 30 are people that are on OnlyFans.

'It has reached the stage where, if you are an 18-year-old, getting a deposit on a unit will take 20 years  for a house, it is 40 years.'

Mr Panos added that the average age of Aussies taking out a home loan is now 32, up from 23 in 2009.

Real estate auctioneer and guru, Tom Panos (pictured), said young Aussies have 'no chance' at buying a property unless they're bankrolled by their parents or 'on OnlyFans'

Mr Panos said if he sees anyone under the age of 30 not flanked by their parents he immediately loses belief in them getting the winning bid (stock image)

'Back in my era, I remember the dream was you get to 60-65, and you'd have your house paid off. That was the dream for the average Australian,' Mr Panos said.

'These days, the dream is, "I'll have to get to that age to actually put a deposit down", so you can see why people are so disheartened and giving up.'

Parents assisting their children with deposits were also affecting their own retirement savings, Mr Panos said.

'I'm looking at people who are, let's say, 60-65. If they're going to live until 80-90, handing out lump sum deposits of $100,000 to $200,000 changes the trajectory of retirement for most individuals.'

Mr Panos said rising house prices were forcing essential workers out of Australia's big cities.

He added that the average age of Aussies securing a home loan was now 32, up from 23-years-old back in 2009 (stock image)

'I know teachers and nurses who cannot rent or buy a home,' he said.

'There is no turning back when a society says that we can't help a teacher more or a nurse, there is no turning back for society.

'It's against the fabric of Australian society.'

He said the major driver of surging house prices was rising immigration.

'Immigration is very good, immigration helps a country progress, it's good for security,' Mr Panos said.

'However, I think [Australia should be] pressing the pause button and saying, "Hey, if we've only got 1,000 houses, why are we letting 1,500 people in".

'So I think the simple solution is a pause or a reduction till we sought out that housing issue, or we make progress towards it.'

Over the five years, 1.38million migrants on a net basis are still expected to move to Australia, according to treasury documents.
A Kentucky widow has detailed how she was forced to file for bankruptcy to save her home following her husband's death.

Carol Haynes, 80, offered the story to a local news station in Kentucky - as foreclosure rates across the country continue to creep up after the pandemic.

The financial pit created by the crisis, she said, affected her and her husband of 25 years - after the killer virus claimed his life in 2022.

His death triggered a freeze on his bank accounts, seeing their automatic mortgage payments on their two-bedroom home in Florence halted.

This occurred unbeknownst to her - and led to the bank to file for foreclosure, she told Local 12 WKRC-TV. Haynes then received a letter stating the home would be auctioned off on May 23, leading her to file for bankruptcy.

Carol Haynes, 80, offered the story to a local news station in Kentucky - as foreclosure rates across the country continue to creep up after the pandemic

She received a letter stating the home would be auctioned off on May 23, leading her to file for bankruptcy

This put a stop to sale despite the fact she had relatively healthy finances, she said - as she hopes that evidence of a loan modification he daughter made enabling them to make payments plays out in bankruptcy court.

'I want to be around his things,' she said of the home in Northern Kentucky, once shared with longtime love Ed Haynes.

'I can feel him here. I think if I left here, I wouldn't live long,' she added.

Now able to pay the mortgage, she recalled the outset of the crisis - when not only was she reeling from the loss of Ed, but recovering from a bout with Covid herself.

A freeze on his bank accounts ensued, and the automatic mortgage payments to the bank stopped, she said.

'Did you just think this stuff was getting taken care of?' a Local 12 reporter asked, referencing how this all happened with her being unaware.

Stepdaughter Tiffany Tormey, the one who was able to negotiate a successful loan modification, was the one to reply.

'I did, I did!' said Tormey, 42, adding, 'I thought [my mom] was okay and just didn't want to bother me.

'It was just a little bit of a miscommunication.'

It started with the death of her husband of 25 years - after the killer virus claimed his life in 2022.

That miscommunication caused her late husband's bank to begin proceedings to the put the house up for foreclosure - a process that usually results in a lender repossessing the property before attempting to sell it to recover losses

However, upon hearing the news months later, Tormey was able to successfully negotiate a loan modification that would 'bring the loan current [and] put the arrearages on the end,' she told Local 12.

'And we would just make the payments.'

But the bank was already in the process of the selling the loan, both said - leaving them in a lurch when it came to rectifying the situation.

Meanwhile, Tiffany helped her stepmom make the payments, as the bank unloaded the agreement to a new owner.

The new mortgage holder, however, never received the amended agreement, leading him once again filed for foreclosure.

Tormey proceeded to send proof of the modification to the mortgage holder, to no avail.

Unable to circumvent the bureaucratic red tape big banks are famous for, her mother received a letter stating her home would be auctioned off on May 23.

Stepdaughter Tiffany Tormey (left) was able to negotiate a successful loan modification, but the bureaucratic red tape big banks are famous for left them without a leg to stand on

Her plan would have '[made] the loan current [and] put the arrearages on the end,' she told Local 12. 'And we would just make the payments'

But the bank was already in the process of the selling the loan, her elderly stepmom said - leaving them in a lurch when it came to rectifying the situation

That spurred her savvy, senior stepmom to file for bankruptcy - despite having the money to make the payments.

A day earlier, the man who would have carried out the sale, Boone County Master Commissioner Larry Dillon, said the only thing that could save the pair was a court order from a local judge.

'If I have an order from the circuit judge directing me to sell a property,' Dillon said in a video interview a day before the widow stopped the sale in its tracks. 'I have to sell it.'

'Obviously, you don't want to see a little old lady kicked out of her house... but I cannot unilaterally take the step of canceling a sale.

'If I do, I'm in violation of a court order,' said Dillon.

He added that Carol could file for bankruptcy - advice she seemingly took.

She now hopes that evidence of the loan modification will sort everything out in bankruptcy court - even if the stage is usually meant for people who can no longer pay their debts.

Providing a fresh start by liquidating assets to pay their debts or by creating a repayment plan, the practice, for now, has saved Haynes.

That spurred her savvy, senior stepmom to file for bankruptcy - despite having the money to make the payments, she explained

The loss of her husband, however, still looms large 'It was a wonderful marriage,' Haynes told the station from her home in Florence. 'A happy one. Ill see him again.'

A day earlier, the man who would have carried out the sale, Boone County Master Commissioner Larry Dillon, said the only thing that could save the pair was a court order from a local judge

Another foreclosed home, this one in Pleasant Hill California. Foreclosures are currently affecting thousands of homeowners across the country

A miscommunication caused her late husband's bank to begin proceedings to the put the house up for foreclosure - a process that usually results in a lender repossessing the property before attempting to sell it to recover losses. Pictured, another foreclosed home in Miami

The loss of her husband, however, still looms large.

'It was a wonderful marriage,' Haynes told the station from her home in Florence. 'A happy one. Ill see him again.'

She added, 'I lost him quick - but I guess it was better than him suffering for a long time.'

Foreclosures - which can take the form of default notices, auctions or repossessions by the bank who signed off on the loan - are currently affecting thousands of Americans.

ATTOM's latest February 2024 Foreclosure Activity report showed a total of 32938 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings - up up 8 percent from a year ago.

Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM, said at the time: 'The annual uptick in U.S. foreclosure activity hints at shifting dynamics within the housing market.

'These trends could signify evolving financial landscapes for homeowners, prompting adjustments in market strategies and lending practices.

'We continue to closely monitor these trends to comprehend their complete effect on foreclosure activity.'
The sister of killer 'Doomsday Mom' Lori Vallow has thanked prosecutors after a death sentence was passed on the man who she murdered her children with in Idaho.

Summer Shiflet publicly defended her sister and struggled to believe Vallow had killed her own children in pursuit of 'money, power and sex' when she was arrested in February 2020.

But she broke her silence to admit her sister has lost touch with reality over the murders of Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, 7, Tylee Ryan, 16, and Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her accomplice Chad Daybell.

Daybell, 55, expressed no emotion on Thursday as he was sentenced to death for his role in the murder of the children, but Shiflet told delegates at CrimeCon 2024 that justice had been done.

'I had no expectations but when I heard those words, it was everything I needed to hear,' she said.

Summer Shiflet blames Chad Daybell for turning her sister Lori Vallow into a deluded killer

Daybell, 55, expressed no emotion on Saturday as he was sentenced to death but Lori Vallow's sister Summer Shiflet thanked prosecutors for their work

Lori Vallow murdered two of her three children and the ex-wife of her new husband but told her sister that they are all doing well

Prosecutors, who called 67 witnesses throughout the trial, said the couple justified the three killings by creating a detailed and apocalyptic belief system, part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance.

The children disappeared from their home in September 2019, shortly before the couple flew off to Hawaii for their wedding.

The bodies of JJ and Tylee were found the following June in shallow graves in Daybell's Fremont County, Idaho property.

JJ had been asphyxiated with a plastic bag but Tylee's remains had been dismembered and so badly burned that investigators were unable to determine a precise cause of death.

Shiflet said on Saturday that Vallow, 50, has convinced herself that her dead children are doing well.

'One thing for me, personally, in coming to understand why this happened, which is a huge question, is: how does your sister and this mother get to this point from a one-year period from meeting Chad Daybell to having your kids murdered,' Shiflet told a panel.

'How does that happen? How do you get to that point?

'So, for me, it's been helpful to understand her diagnosis and to understand that her reality is as real to her as our reality is to us.

'And she 100% thinks she is sane. She does not think there is anything wrong with her.'

Joshua Vallow, 7, left, and Tylee Ryan, 17. They were last seen on Sept. 23, 2019 in Rexburg, Idaho, before their remains were discovered on Daybell's property nine months later

Vallow told the court told that her murdered children were still 'happy' and 'busy'

Daybell and his ex-wife Tammy Daybell before she was murdered in October 2019

In this aerial photo, investigators search for human remains at Chad Daybell's residence in Salem, Idaho, on June 9, 2020 - they found the remains of Vallow's two youngest children, JJ and Tylee

Prosecutors successfully argued that the doomsday mother became obsessed with ideas of an impending apocalypse, and the only way to save her children's souls so they could be among 144,000 people who would survive was to kill them.

Jurors heard how the couple saw her children and Daybell's wife as 'obstacles' to the romantic life they envisioned for themselves in Hawaii.

Prosecutors said Vallow and Daybell believed - or chose to believe - that those who stood in their way were 'dark' possessed individuals who they referred to as 'zombies.'

She was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole last year by Judge Steven Boyce who listed her mental health issues as 'delusional disorder' mixed with 'hyper-religiosity' and a 'continuous and unspecified personality disorder' with narcissistic features.

She told the court that her deceased children were 'happy' and 'busy'.

'I have had many communications with Jesus Christ, savior of this world, and our heavenly parents,' she added.

'I have had many angelic visitors have come and communicated with me and even manifested themselves to me because of these communications.

'I know for a fact that my children are happy and busy in the spirit world. Because of my communications with my friend, Tammy Daybell, I know that she is also very happy and extremely busy.'

The pair were convicted of three counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, insurance fraud and grand theft.

Daybell, 55, was stone faced as the sentence was handed Saturday as the Idaho jury unanimously agreed that no mitigating factors would make a death sentence for him unjust.

'It's not an overstatement to say that I lost everything, but more importantly we all lost Tylee and JJ,' said Colby Ryan, Tylee and JJ's brother, Lori's only living child.

'I stand here today motherless, fatherless, sisterless and brotherless.'

Tylee Ryan's aunt, Annie Cushing, said, 'She was intelligent, clever, funny, sarcastic and had the voice of an angel.'

JJ Vallow's grandmother Kay Woodcock noted he would have turned 12-years-old earlier in the week if he were still alive.

'Would he have been the next Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Tim Burton, Elon Musk? We will never know,' Woodcock said.

A string of mysterious deaths emerged involving family members on both sides

As public interest in the case grew, the couple fled Idaho for Hawaii, marrying on the beach in a romantic ceremony that they gleefully documented in photos

Vallow was served poolside in Kauai on January 25, 2020, with demands to produce her children to police after they had been missing from Rexburg, Idaho since September 2019

Tammy Daybell's younger sister Samantha Gwilliam said, 'My sister was ripped from our lives, because of her murder, we lost a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and daughter. She is irreplaceable.'

Vallow has been extradited to Arizona, where she faces two charges of conspiring to murder both her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, and Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of her niece.

Daybell faces death by firing squad.

Shiflet said her sister would rather be in prison than address her mental health disorders in hospital.

'She doesn't think she's done anything wrong,' she added.
Devastated friends and family of a psychiatrist who suddenly diedaged just 47 have revealed his last act was donating organs to those in need.

Dr Sukumar Rajendran died last week surrounded by his family and loved ones after desperate attempts to save him from a stroke, sparked by dural arteriovenous fistula, failed.

The leading medic was remembered as an 'intelligent, thoughtful, reliable, and compassionate man' who was held in the 'highest regard' among colleagues.

He worked at the Mind Oasis clinic in Strathfield in Sydney's west where he specialised in treating adult ADHD, mood disorder and anxiety.

It followed years of working at Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in consultation liaison and drug and alcohol service roles

The celebrated psychiatrist was also known as a dedicated family man after marrying wife Katy Baker six years ago, and having two sons Ari, four, and Jai, two.

A celebrated psychiatrist and beloved family man, Dr Sukumar Rajendran (right), has suddenly died from a stroke, leaving behind his wife Katy Baker (left) and two young sons

His friend and colleague of over 15 years, Charles Chan, revealed in a GoFundMe for the family that Dr Rajendran donated his organs after his death.

'In his final moments, he continued to show his selflessness by donating his organs, giving the gift of life to several individuals in need,' Dr Chan wrote.

The pair had worked together at the same clinic for the past four years and he paid tribute to the medic in the appeal fund post.

'I can tell you firsthand how committed he was to staying up-to-date with the best practices in our field,' Dr Chan wrote.

Known by his nickname Suke, Dr Chan added Dr Rajendran was more than an amazing psychiatrist' but a 'wonderful friend, dedicated professional, and a true pillar of our community'.

The fundraising page has already received more than $13,000 in just a day as other friends of Dr Rajendran posted tributes to the late doctor.

Having helped a number of Aussies with a myriad of mental health issues, Dr Rajendran continued to help others by donating his organs postmortem

One of his friends from medical school, Kevin Chua, said one of his 'favourite people in the world is no more' in a heartfelt post to social media.

Dr Chua said his late friend 'always made people laugh and was comfortable being laughed at' and helped introduce him to his now wife.

'We both cried when he told us he was marrying Kate Baker, we cried again when he said he was going to be a father and cried again when he said he was going to be a father a second time,' he wrote in a post to Facebook.

'And now we cry because we will not be able to laugh with him over his silly jokes or be able to hear his pearls of wisdom.

'Im so glad we got a chance to see him at the very end. Suks, you are sorely missed.'

A memorial service for Dr Rajendran will be held on Thursday.
A missing teenage girl who left a note on her pillow saying 'this is goodbye for a long time' has been found after a four-day search.

Geneva Hodge, 17, vanished from her home in Bellville, Texas, early Wednesday morning after an older man convinced her to run away with him.

Her mother, Frances Schrader, discovered the note hours later and feared she had been kidnapped by human traffickers after Geneva was spotted with the man.

Finally on Sunday morning, she received a call from a stranger who had found Geneva and got Shrader's number from a flyer.

She drove 63 miles to Spring, Texas, and picked up her daughter, whom she said was in good health.

After a frantic four-day search, Geneva Hodge has been reunited with her distraught family

'She's doing good. She slept for a while today,' she told DailyMail.com.

'We just did a prayer at our home about 50 people showed up with roses.

'I'm so relieved I haven't smiled since Wednesday. Everyone said I'm glowing today.

'We are so thankful for everyone who shared our story and the prayers.'

Schrader said she was still piecing together what happened to her daughter during the four days she was missing.

The teen left a note on her pillow telling her mother 'this will be the last time youll hear from me for a very long time', then left her Bellville, Texas, home sometime on Wednesday morning.

She told DailyMail.com the discovery of the scribbled letter left her 'completely heartbroken'.

'It felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest,' she said.

Her mother, Frances Schrader, discovered the note that morning and has not heard from Geneva since, and feared she has been kidnapped

Schrader shared the note with DailyMail.com and said it sounded nothing like her daughter, who was excited for her senior year of school.

'Dear mom, I love you a lot and I know me leaving is going to kill you. I'm alright! It was nobody's decision but my own,' it read.

'I'm going to do online schooling and finish everything. I'm with some people that I trust very much.

'I'm always gonna be your little girl. I've grown up and became this amazing young lady. Just remember mom, I love you so much!!

'This is goodbye for a long time! I'm sorry. Bye mom, I love you! Love, Geneva.'

Schrader discovered the note that morning and has not heard from her since, and fears she has been kidnapped

Schrader said her daughter was a 'good kid' who had never done anything like this before.

Schrader said Geneva factory reset her phone, took the SIM card out, put it in a different phone case and hid it in a drawer with other old phones.

Geneva had bought a new phone case from Five Below during a recent girls shopping trip with her brother's fiancee.

She left without any clothes, medicine, her asthma puffer, or even a toothbrush, and her debit card hadn't been used since she disappeared.

Schrader said she was so sick with worry that she barely ate or slept since Geneva disappeared.

Geneva left without any clothes, medicine, her asthma puffer, or even a toothbrush

Geneva (center) with her stepfather Kelly, mother Frances, and two brothers

Schrader had made an emotional appeal in a Facebook post for her daughter to come home.

'Im so worried about her. I love my girl. Everyone is worried about you Geneva. Please call momma. I will come and get you,' she wrote.

'I miss you and I love you very much. Youre my baby girl and I want you to come home.'

In an update to Facebook, the Bellville Police Department confirmed Geneva had returned home.

Reunited with family,' the update said.
The family of a trainee nurse who was found dead after a townhouse exploded and injured multiple people have broken their silence.

The massive blast occurred on the second level of the property on Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, in Sydney's west, about 1pm on Saturday.

Jasmin Mhey, 30, was identified on Sunday evening as the missing woman before search teams found her body on Monday morning.

Her family released a statement following the heartbreaking discovery.

'We would like to thank all of the emergency services personnel for their tireless efforts over the past few days,' it read.

The family of a trainee nurse who was found dead after a townhouse exploded and injured multiple people have broken their silence

The massive blast occurred on the second level of the property on Waikanda Crescent in Whalan, in Sydney's west, about 1pm on Saturday

'We especially want to thank all the police officers, NSW Fire and Rescue personnel and NSW Ambulance paramedics.

'The family is so appreciative of their support, kindness and assistance.

'We'd also like to thank the public for their prayers and for respecting our privacy at this tragic time.'

The explosion was heard streets away and shattered the glass of neighbouring buildings. Five other people were treated at the scene by paramedics.

Ms Mhey's distraught mother, Mercy, who had kept a vigil across the street with a close eye on the search effort, told neighbours she had reported the smell of gas in the building and in the street in recent months.

Neighbours described the moment she returned to the house.

'She (the mother) was on her hands and knees screaming for her daughter,' a neighbour said.

'She wouldn't leave, she sat here in the rain and cold all night saying she wasn't going until her daughter was out'.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said heavy machinery and a large crane were used to help remove the rubble and locate Ms Mhey.

'It was as a result of being able to lift those large portions of the slab and gain further entry into the previously restricted rooms within the apartment, that we were able to finally locate the missing person,' Commissioner Fewtrell said.

Blacktown Police Area Command Superintendent Darren Newman told media on Monday Ms Mhey's body was found in what was believed to be the kitchen area of the unit.

He added officers broke the heartbreaking news to Ms Mhey's mother soon after emergency services made the tragic discovery.

'As you can imagine, mum is devastated,' Supt Newman said.

'We will continue to provide the family with support through our family liaison network, and just making sure that she is looked after as best as we possibly can.'

Early indications suggest the explosion may be the result of a gas leak, however the actual cause is yet to be officially determined.

Emergency services (pictured) braved the heavy rain and cold and worked overnight in a bid to find Ms Mhey who was trapped underneath the debris
Former Treasurer and Deputy Liberal Leader Josh Frydenberg will not attempt a political comeback at the next federal election, despite speculation he would seek to re-open nominations for his former Victorian seat of Kooyong.

Since the Victorian draft electoral redistribution was released last week, commentators and politicians have gone into overdrive speculating whether the former deputy leader would push for the Liberal pre-selection in Kooyong to be re-opened.

The redistribution abolished the seat of Higgins and dramatically re-shaped the boundaries in Kooyong - the seat Frydenberg lost to Teal independent Monique Ryan at the last election.

The Liberal Party has selected Oxford graduate Amelia Hamer, 31, to contest Kooyong, and twisting her arm to step aside would be a shocking look for a party lacking female representation.

Mr Frydenberg wants to continue with his burgeoning business career - he is a senior executive at Goldman Sachs - and he also understands that a comeback would be extremely difficult to orchestrate, given pre-selections in Victoria have already been conducted.

Walking away from politics: former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) won't attempt a comeback in Kooyong

Amelia Hamer (pictured) has been preselected as the Liberal candidate for Kooyong

At 12.28pm on Monday, the former Treasurer tweeted: 'Re the recent speculation about Kooyong: I am not rushing back to politics, my position on contesting the next election remains unchanged. I will continue to support the Liberal Party and our local candidate Amelia Hamer.'

Some senior Liberals wanted the distraction to end so the focus could return to the problems the Labor government is having, especially in the immigration portfolio.

Rumours of a potential comeback gained pace over the weekend when former cabinet minister Karen Andrews suggested that a Frydenberg comeback should be accommodated, but senior Victorian Liberals, including Senator Jane Hume, poured cold water on the ide before Mr Frydenberg's confirmation.

Ms Andrews has been a vocal critic of Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison since the 2022 election defeat and is retiring at the next election.

'It was just another parting shot', one Liberal MP told Daily Mail Australia.

A member of Mr Dutton's shadow cabinet told Daily Mail Australia: 'A Josh comeback would be a circus and only cause speculation about who leads the party if Peter doesn't win. It is the last thing we need when we have a real chance of making Labor a one term government.'

Boundary changes could make it harder for Teal independent Monique Ryan (pictured) to hold off the Liberal Party

While a Frydenberg return would have certainly added depth to the opposition line up, as a candidate he wouldn't join the frontbench until after the election.

He would also have been unlikely to hold as senior positions and portfolios as he did during Scott Morrison's leadership.

The current shadow treasurer is Angus Taylor, the current deputy Liberal leader is Sussan Ley. Neither is willing to voluntarily step aside for Mr Frydenberg.

If the Liberals lose the election on the back of a poor electoral performance that would make it hard for Mr Frydenberg to win back his seat, even if in doing so he would be a genuine shot at the opposition leadership in the wake of defeat.

These are all factors the former Treasurer weighed up before deciding he is happy leaving his political career in his past, for now at least.
Donald Trump is pleading for the Supreme Court to intervene in his hush money trial has he awaits sentencing on 34 counts of falsifying documents on July 11.

It came as Trump was welcomed back to Mar-a-Lago by a huge throng of supporters cheering for him and holding signs, in a video posted by Senior Advisor Dan Scavino.

Many of the supporters lined the streets with flags supporting Trump or slamming President Biden. Others followed in the footsteps of Marjorie Taylor Greene, holding the American flag upside down as a sign of protest.

The sentencing in Manhattan is slated for just four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee starts, with his party set to nominate him for president a third consecutive time.

Trump, posting to Truth Social Sunday night, called his opponents 'fascists' asked the court - 33 percent of which was appointed by him - to assist.

Donald Trump is pleading for the Supreme Court to intervene in his hush money trial has he awaits sentencing on 34 counts of falsifying documents on July 11

He wrote: 'The 'Sentencing' for not having done anything wrong will be, conveniently for the Fascists, 4 days before the Republican National Convention.'

'A Radical Left Soros backed D.A., who ran on a platform of 'I will get Trump,' reporting to an 'Acting' Local Judge, appointed by the Democrats, who is HIGHLY CONFLICTED, will make a decision which will determine the future of our Nation? The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE!'

Trump's lawyers have said they expect to take the case to the Supreme Court.

On Sunday, Trump, who tried to disqualify Merchan from the case, repeated allegations of bias by the judge and the district attorney who prosecuted the case.

Trump plans to appeal after his July 11 sentencing date, his lawyers say.

His lawyers have said they expect to take the case to the Supreme Court.

Trump appointed three of the six current justices named by Republican presidents: Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.

The former president also had kind words for former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday for his words on the case that were published exclusively by the Daily Mail.

The sentencing in Manhattan is slated for just four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee starts, with his party set to nominate him for president a third consecutive time. Pictured: Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg

The former president also had kind words for former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday for his words on the case that were published exclusively by the Daily Mail

'This was a machine-gun mob-style hit job on Trump. It was nakedly political - and will make his victory more likely, not less,' Johnson wrote in part.

Trump wrote: 'Thank you to Boris Johnson!'

He continued to complain about the guilty verdict on Truth social Sunday evening.

'Nobody even knew what the crime was until the Judge gave his Unconstitutional Instructions. A total Hoax! A case like this has NEVER been brought before. A Country in peril. Election Interference!!!'

The Trump campaign has raised a staggering $200 million since the former president was found guilty of 34 felonies last Thursday, his son Eric Trump said Sunday.

Eric, who is married to The Republican National Committee (RNC) Co-Chair Lara Trump, said she told him the figure was comprised of over $70 million in small donor fundraising in the three days since his father was found guilty of 34 felonies related to falsifying business records.

'This might be a little inside information, but as I was leaving my house about 37 seconds ago, I asked my wife, what are we up to now?' Eric Trump told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo.

'And [Lara] said, just in terms of small dollar, we're well over $70 million. This is $21 donations, $43 donations, right, small dollar donations.'

If an appeal in New York state courts proves unsuccessful, he could appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump's attorneys would have to persuade at least four of the court's nine justices to hear his case

The former president's son continued: 'If you add the large dollar donations to it, you're over $200 million.'

On Friday, Eric Trump posted on his social media that the campaign had received $52.8 million in donations in the 24 hours since the hush money trial verdict was delivered.

A little over a day later that has ballooned to over $200 million, largely from the help of a single major donation.

Israeli-American Miriam Adelson, the wife of the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, has reportedly pledged $100 million to the Trump campaign in the days since his criminal conviction, according to The Forward, a Jewish outlet.

She and her late husband gave over $200 million to Republican causes in 2020 - and appears poised to dole out the dough again for 2024.

Her fortune is estimated to be nearly $30 billion in total.

She is the latest of a number of billionaires that have pledged to help the former president regain his grasp on power.

Last week, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman similarly decided to make public his support of Trump.

The private equity behemoth said his decision to back the ex-president was in part motivated by the anti-semitism seen on college campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

'The dramatic rise of antisemitism has led me to focus on the consequences of upcoming elections with greater urgency,' he told Axios in a statement.

'I share the concern of most Americans that our economic, immigration and foreign policies are taking the country in the wrong direction.'

'In addition, I will be supporting Republican Senate candidates and other Republicans up and down the ticket,' his statement continued.

Schwarzman said his bid to back Trump in 2023 is a 'vote for change.'

The RNC and Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Alex Jones broke down in tears on his show this week while claiming federal authorities were preparing to shut down his studio.

The 50-year-old conspiracy theorist sobbed openly on Infowars Saturday, making the unfounded accusation in the process.

The fringe conservative further claimed he had to sleep in the show's Dallas studio the night before to prevent it from being padlocked, hours before the web version of his network, in an article, claimed the same.

Both described the four-hour-long broadcast as one made in emergency, 'to break down how the Deep State effort to shut down' Jones's website, which has long faced flak for false stories.

On Saturday, Jones became visibly upset as he said he was battling back unspecified accusations - supposedly detailed in a trove of 'secret federal files'. Jones is most notorious for saying the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre was staged, a claim that is decidedly false.

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The 50-year-old conspiracy theorist sobbed openly on Infowars Saturday, making the unfounded accusation in the process

'I love this crew,' Jones says about 15 minutes into the final hour of the X broadcast, before burying his face in his hand.

'I'm so pissed off,' he said, starting to sob.

Referencing previous points in the broadcast where he exaggerated his depression with crocodile tears, he concedes, 'I'm trying to cry as a fake thing, but I am so sick of these people,' with his eyes welling up with tears.

'All we're trying to do is save America, and they're f**king us over, over and over again.

'And it's just so sick - it's sick, it's sick,' he adds, visibly emotional.

'I want to leave - because it's going to be over, folks.'

The Texan goes on to insist that 'I'll come back bigger than ever,' before adding, 'But my baby, I'm watching them rape it.'

After the stark display of emotion, Jones is seen quickly returning to his animated self - calling members of the unspecified federal agencies supposedly stalking him 'p**sies' and 'a**holes.'

As of writing, it remains unclear which federal body the controversial commentator had been referring to - or if it was just the government in general.

Jones became visibly upset as he said he was battling back unspecified accusations - supposedly detailed in a trove of 'secret federal files'

Breaking: Feds Attempting To Shut Down Infowars Tonight!

https://t.co/MOm7W2I1Hu  Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) June 1, 2024

At another point, he rants that '[he's] been under attack... [and] gaslit.'

'I've had secret federal files on me that committing crimes referred to the Justice Department.

At one point, his is even heard shouting: 'You want f***ing war, you f***ing got it!'

The declaration from the de facto Don Quixote was followed by another - where he suggested, 'This may be my final performance.'

Almost two years ago, Jones was ordered to pay $1.5billion damages to Sandy Hook victims' families, after he which he offered to pay the families of Sandy Hook victims $55 million over 10 years.

Jones has faced criticism in the past for playing an amped-up version of himself not only on the air but in public - a persona that has gotten him in hot water in the past,

However, as many have pointed out, it has also gotten him views - and a multimillion dollar media empire - in the process, one that continues to draw eyes months after the talking head was reinstated on Elon Musk's X.

Meanwhile, Jones has yet to fork over any of the more than billion-dollar sum to any of the victims of the mass shooting, which occurred on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut.

There, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed 26 people, including 20 kids aged between six and seven years old, and six adult staff members.

Meanwhile, Jones has yet to fork over any of the more than billion-dollar sum to any of the victims of the mass shooting, which occurred on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-five of the 26 victims are pictured

Lawyers for the right-wing conspiracy theorist have previously claimed he is a 'performance artist' - one whom is merely 'playing a character' on his Infowars show.

The program, started in 1999, has since burgeoned into a full-fledged network, despite shilling a steady stream of disputable stories and claims.

'He's playing a character,' his attorney, Randall Wilhite, said at a pretrial hearing where Jones's ex Kelly Jones attempted - successfully to get custody of their three children. 'He is a performance artist.'

Kelly obtained custody of the kids after citing her husband's 'unstable' character and possibly illegal remarks.

On Sunday, a more stable Jones offered an update to his alleged face-off with federal agents - in which he advised viewers to refrain from getting physical with the federal government.

He also told Newsweek that he spotted 'guards looking at me weird' at the entrance of the Infowars building in Downtown Dallas, and believed his company was going to be shut down.

On Sunday, a more stable Jones offered an update to his alleged face-off with federal agents - in which he advised viewers to refrain from getting physical with the government. admitted that even he wasn't sure if the supposed operation was actually happening

Despite the emotion exhibited in the Saturday segment, Jones admitted in an ensuing post to X that even he wasn't sure if this was actually happening.

'There's a 50 percent chance this is happening right now,' Jones wrote on the site formerly known has Twitter, which famously scrubbed him for unfounded, harmful remarks.

'They want us shut down because in bankruptcy and what was happening we have a path with the judge to continue on for years, and the judge has signaled that.

'Different groups involved in the bankruptcy that will be exposed soon have literally made a move to shut this place down and end my show.'

As of Monday morning, Infowars appears to still be up and running. No other reports of federal agents near the studio's premises have been received.
Releasing the audio recording of Joe Biden's bumbling interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur would make phony versions more believable, the Justice Department has claimed.

The White House is fighting a rearguard action to keep the tape secret after the president was described as an 'elderly man with a poor memory' by Hur during his investigation into the mishandling of classified documents.

A transcript revealed that the president forgot the year his son Beau died, when Trump was elected, and said 'I don't recall', 'I don't remember' and 'I have no goddamn idea' more than 100 times while cracking jokes and making car noises.

The DoJ has admitted that there is more than enough existing audio of the two men to create an AI version of the interview but has argued releasing the genuine article would make it more likely.

'If the audio recording is released, it is easy to foresee that it could be improperly altered, and that the altered file could be passed off as an authentic recording and widely distributed,' Associate Deputy Attorney General Bradley Weinsheimer wrote in a court filing on Friday.

Republicans have seized on a line in Special Counsel Robert Hur's report about the president's mishandling of classified documents which states that Biden appeared to be an 'elderly man with a poor memory'

Hur stopped short of filing charges, believing a jury would not convict the president: 'At trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,' he explained.

'The passage of time and advancements in audio, artificial intelligence, and 'deep fake' technologies only amplify concerns about malicious manipulation of audio files.'

Hur was appointed to investigate 'possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents' in January last year after classified documents from Biden's vice-presidency were found at the Penn Biden think tank in DC and in the garage of Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware.

'We identified evidence that the President willfully retained classified materials after the end of his vice presidency, when he was a private citizen,' Hur concluded.

But he stopped short of filing charges, believing a jury would not convict the president.

'At trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,' he explained.

'I knew that for my position to be credible. I could not simply announce that there would be no charges, I needed to explain why. I needed to show my work.'

The House Oversight and Judiciary committees have voted to hold Attorney General Mercik Garland in contempt for his refusal to abide by subpoenas for the audio of Biden's five-hour interview with Hur.

Biden was outraged at Hur's testimony and the release of the transcript, subsequently compounding his embarrassment with the disprovable claim that Hur had brought up the subject of Beau's death when in fact it was the president himself.

The president has claimed executive privilege in his attempt to keep the tape under wraps and the DoJ warned about the dangers of AI manipulation in a response to a legal challenge to that.

The Republican-led House Oversight and Judiciary committees voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for his refusal to abide by subpoenas for the audio

This image, contained in the report from special counsel Robert Hur, shows a damaged box where classified documents were found in the garage of President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Del., during a search by the FBI on Dec. 21, 2022

Notebooks under a printer were also seized in Biden's first-floor home office in Wilmington

Some were shocked at the casual way the secret documents were left in broken boxes

Weinsheimer claimed that its release would 'make it far more likely that malicious actors could pass off a deepfake as the authentic recording'.

Republicans have speculated that the published transcript may have been edited to cover up even more gaffes and have pledged to maintain the pressure for the audio version.

'President Biden is apparently afraid for the citizens of this country and everyone to hear those tapes,' House Speaker Mike Johnson said last month.

'They obviously confirm what the special counsel has found, and would likely cause, I suppose, in his estimation, such alarm with the American people that the president is using all of his power to suppress their release.'
Left-wing head of Mexico City's government Claudia Sheinbaum appears set to become North America's first woman president after being declared winner by Mexico's ruling party.

Pollster Parametria forecast Sheinbaum winning a landslide 56 percent of the vote, according to their exit polls, with opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez at 30 percent. Four other exit polls also said Sheinbaum was set to win.

Provisional results will trickle in over coming hours. Galvez has not conceded and told her supporters to be patient for the official results.

A victory for Sheinbaum would represent a major step for Mexico, a country known for its macho culture. The winner is set to begin a six-year term on Oct. 1.

'I never imagined that one day I would vote for a woman,' 87-year-old Edelmira Montiel, a Sheinbaum supporter in Mexico's smallest state Tlaxcala, said earlier on Sunday.

Mexico 's ruling party declared Claudia Sheinbaum the winner of the presidential election by a 'large margin' after polls closed on Sunday, putting her on course to be the country's first woman president

'Before we couldn't even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed and I get to live it,' Montiel added.

Sheinbaum's ruling MORENA party has also declared its candidate the winner of the Mexico City mayorship race, one of the country's most important races, though the opposition has disputed that and claims its own nominee won the contest.

Sunday's vote was marred by the killing of two people at polling stations in Puebla state, adding to multiple attacks that have made Mexico's largest-ever elections also the most violent in its modern history.

Some 38 candidates were killed, with the violence stoking concerns about the threat of warring drug cartels to democracy.

Security fears dominated the concerns of many voters at the polls and Sheinbaum will be tasked with confronting organized crime.

More people have been killed during the mandate of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador than during any other administration in Mexicos modern history, although the homicide rate has come down over his term.

Pre-election polls indicated that MORENA and its allies will likely fall short of securing a two-thirds majority in Congress.

That would make it more difficult for Sheinbaum to push constitutional reforms past opposition parties.

Pollster Parametria forecast Sheinbaum winning a landslide 56 percent of the vote, according to their exit polls, with opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez (pictured) at 30 percent. Four other exit polls also said Sheinbaum was set to win

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

Among the new president's challenges will be tense negotiations with the United States over the huge flows of U.S.-bound migrants crossing Mexico and security cooperation over drug trafficking at a time when the U.S. fentanyl epidemic rages.

Mexican officials expect these negotiations to be more difficult if the U.S. presidency is won by Donald Trump in November.

Trump has vowed to impose 100 percent tariffs on Chinese cars made in Mexico and said he would mobilize special forces to fight the cartels.

At home, the next president will be tasked with addressing electricity and water shortages and luring manufacturers to relocate as part of the nearshoring trend, in which companies move supply chains closer to their main markets.

The election winner also will have to wrestle with what to do with Pemex, the state oil giant that has seen production decline for two decades and is drowning in debt.

Sheinbaum has promised to expand welfare programs, though Mexico has a large deficit this year and sluggish GDP growth of just 1.5% expected by the central bank next year.

Lopez Obrador has loomed over the campaign, seeking to turn the vote into a referendum on his political agenda.

Sheinbaum has rejected opposition claims that she would be a 'puppet' of Lopez Obrador, though she has pledged to continue many of his policies including those that have helped Mexico's poorest.

Political analyst Viri Rios said she thought it was pure sexism for people to believe Sheinbaum was going to be a puppet.

'It's unbelievable that people cannot believe she's going to be making her own decisions, and I think that's got a lot to do with the fact that she's female,' she said.
More foreign agricultural, food products enter Chinese market

People's Daily Online) 10:56, June 03, 2024

Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

More and more types of agricultural and food products from foreign countries have been permitted to enter the Chinese market, providing Chinese consumers with more diverse choices.

Pork from the Netherlands, dried prunes and fresh blueberries from Serbia, and fresh cherries from Hungary have been allowed to be exported to China on the condition that they meet the country's quarantine and health requirements, according to a recent announcement by the General Administration of Customs (GAC).

China's expansion of imports of agricultural and food products has created more opportunities for foreign suppliers to enter the Chinese market.

"Serbia is one of Europe's largest blueberry producers. The blueberry harvest season in the country starts in June, at least two weeks earlier than other European countries," said Jelena Grubor Stefanovic, Director of the Representative Office of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China.

Serbian blueberries have been exported to over 20 countries, including the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Poland, and the U.K., Stefanovic noted, adding that entering the Chinese market presents a new opportunity for the Serbian blueberry industry.

"The blueberry harvest season in Serbia is about to begin, and we are currently in trade negotiations with two Serbian fruit export companies, aiming to complete the first procurement order of fresh blueberries by the end of June," said Xue Yingjie, general manager of the Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub Group. The group's first procurement order is worth nearly 15 million yuan ($2.07 million), and its yearly purchase value is expected to reach 250 million yuan.

Visitors shop during the eighth China-Russia Expo in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on May 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Xue added that Serbian blueberries are of high quality, and will provide more choices for Chinese consumers after they enter the Chinese market.

Today, Chinese consumers can buy an array of foreign food on e-commerce platforms, including Australian steaks, Brazilian beef ribs, Spanish ham, Danish pork cracklins, Ecuadorian shrimps, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels. The list is getting longer.

On May 11, 2023, the GAC approved the import of qualified French pork. Last year, France's pork exports to China amounted to 260 million euros. China is the largest pork export market for France, according to French statistics.

Since the beginning of this year, the GAC has issued announcements allowing the import of pork and edible pork by-products from Russia, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Various countries are racing to export agricultural and food products to China, attracted by the potential and appeal of the nation's vast market.

For example, France is China's largest agricultural product import market and the second-largest agricultural product trading partner in the European Union, according to the GAC.

By mid-2023, over 200 types of French agricultural and food products were allowed to be exported to China. Nearly 7,000 French agricultural and food products companies have registered in the country.

Photo shows a container terminal of the Shanghai International Port Group in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, on May 23, 2024. (Photo/Wei Dongsheng)

As Chinese residents continue to improve their consumption patterns, China maintains a growing demand for imports of quality products, presenting significant opportunities and growth prospects for enterprises from various countries.

In recent years, China has continued to expand its agricultural and food product market access and improve the inspection and quarantine process, GAC deputy head Wang Lingjun said during a recent press conference.

Wang added that China approved imports of 146 agricultural and food products from 51 countries and regions in 2023, allowing consumers to enjoy more delicacies from around the world.

A China that opens still wider to the outside world and maintains steady growth provides more market, investment, and cooperation opportunities to the world, Wang said.

According to the official, China will broaden the import of high-quality products to turn its enormous market into a market for the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Jury selection for Hunter Biden's federal gun case begins Monday in Delaware.

The president's son arrived at the courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday morning hand-in-hand with wife Melissa Cohen Biden. First Lady Jill Biden also showed up to support her step son during the first day of the trial.

The court appearance comes just days after Donald Trump was found guilty in New York of 34 felonies related to falsification of business records to cover up hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.

President Joe Biden's 54-year-old son stands charged with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase where he is accused of lying on a form about his addiction in order to obtain a gun.

He faces 25 years in federal prison if he is found guilty of all three charges  though first-time offenders don't usually receive the maximum sentence.

Hunter Biden's deal with prosecutors fell through last summer. The agreement, which Republicans called a 'sweetheart deal', would have allowed Hunter to avoid trial for the firearms charges if he abided by parole conditions over 24 months.

Now, just five months before his father attempts to win reelection, the younger Biden will head to court as jury selection begins on Monday.

President Biden has vowed not to pardon his son.

Through the trial, according to court papers filed in May, it's expected the jury will hear from Hunter's former lovers  including ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan and his brother Beau's widow Hallie Biden - whom Hunter had a romantic relationship with.

Hunter Biden arrives Monday morning at court in Wilmington, Delaware hand-in-hand with wife Melissa Cohen as jury selection kicks off in the federal firearms case

Hallie, meanwhile, is set to tie the knot to Ohio financial broker John Hopkins Anning, 53, five years after ending her controversial fling with her dead husband's brother.

Hunter spent the weekend with his father in Rehoboth, Delaware at the president's beach house.

The president's son admitted in his own memoir Beautiful Things that he was in the throes of a crack cocaine addiction in 2018  the same time he said on a federal firearms form that he was not addicted to or a user of any illicit substances.

He stands accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

Hunter has pleaded not guilty  and argues he is being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic president's son.

Kick-off of the latest bombshell trial comes just days after Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to avoid damaging his 2016 presidential campaign.

While the two criminal cases are unrelated, their proximity underscores how the criminal courtroom has taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

Both cases were meant to be resolved through a deal with prosecutors last summer following the yearslong investigation into his business dealings. But the plea deal spectacularly fell apart in court in July, opening Hunter up to new charges.

First Lady Jill Biden arrives at court in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday to support step son Hunter Biden during jury selection in the case alleging three felony charges against him

Hunter Biden trails wife Melissa as the two arrive at the federal court house in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday

Hunter Biden, 54, spent the weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with his father, President Joe Biden, 81. The two are pictured leaving St. Edmond Catholic Church after services on Saturday, June 1, 2024

Hunter allegedly lied on a federal firearm application (above) required for the purchase of a gun in Delaware. A photo of the form shows he answered 'no' when asked if he was an 'unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance'

The Colt Cobra gun Hunter Biden allegedly bought illegally while addicted to drugs has been pictured for the first time in a scathing court filing from prosecutors

Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed.

Lawyers in the case squabbled over the agreement, could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart.

Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

The trial heading to jury selection on Monday isn't about the president's son's foreign business affairs  but it will excavate some of Hunter's darkest moments and put them on display.

The president's allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden , who's long been concerned about the well-being and sobriety of his only living son and who must now watch as Hunter's painful past is publicly scrutinized.

Hunter was with his father all weekend before the case begins Monday. They were seen biking and attending church together.

Hunter spent the entire weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with his father biking and attending church

The president's allies are worried about the toll Hunter's trial may take on the elder Biden

Jury selection in Hunter Biden's case comes just days after Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024

President Biden moved from his Rehoboth Beach house back to his home in Wilmington on Sunday evening. Boarding a helicopter on Sunday was the only time the president was seen publicly without his son all weekend.

Biden is attending a campaign reception in Connecticut on Monday evening.

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

Prosecutors are hoping to show Hunter Biden was in the throes of addiction when he bought the gun and therefore lied on the forms. They have said they're planning to use as evidence his published memoir, and they may also introduce contents from a laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved.

The contents of the hard drive were turned over to Republicans in 2020 and publicly leaked, revealing embarrassing and personal photos in which the president's son is often nude and doing drugs. Messages from the lap top reveal him asking dealers about scores.

Hunter Biden arrives for a court appearance on Friday, May 24, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware

Hunter Biden arrives for a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill in Washington on February 28, 2024

The judge will ask a group of prospective jurors a series of questions to determine whether they can serve impartially on the jury, including whether they have donated to political campaigns or run for political office. She will ask whether their views about the 2024 presidential campaign prevent them from being impartial.

She's also going to ask whether prospective jurors believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted because his father is the president. Also, she'll ask about firearms purchasing and addiction issues, including: 'Do you believe someone who is addicted to drugs should not be charged with a crime?'

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and his attorneys have suggested they may argue he didn't see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked 'no' to the question on the form. They'll also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, are also planning to call as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife and his brother's widow, Hallie, with whom he became romantically involved.
The man accused of murdering missing mum Samantha Murphy has hired a top criminal defence lawyer.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, was charged with the murder of Ms Murphy, 51, in early March.

The mum-of-three, from Ballarat in rural Victoria, has not be seen since she vanished on an early morning run on Sunday, February 4.

Police allege that Stephenson killed her that morning. Her remains are yet to be found.

Now he has hired Paul Galbally from Melbourne-based law firm Galbally O'Bryan, reported The Australian.

Patrick Orren Stephenson (pictured), 22, was charged with the murder of Ms Murphy, 51, in early March

The mum-of-three, from Ballarat in rural Victoria, has not be seen since she vanished on an early morning run on Sunday, February 4

Mr Galbally represented the late Catholic Cardinal George Pell, who had his conviction for historic child abuse charges overturned by the High Court.

He has previously said he is not uncomfortable acting for individuals accused of the most serious crimes.

'You either have a disposition or a personality that can deal with this work or you don't,' he said in a 2009 interview.

The Galbally OBryan website states Mr Galbally has 'run some of the countrys largest and most complex criminal cases'.

'His experience includes representing clients before public inquiries, royal commissions and in defence of Australian Securities and Investments Commission prosecutions,' the website adds.

'Paul is recognised throughout the legal profession for his judgment, sound strategic advice and discretion and is featured in Doyles Guide as one of Australias pre-eminent criminal defence lawyers.'

Patrick Orren Stephenson has hired Paul Galbally (pictured, left) from Melbourne-based law firm Galbally O'Bryan to represent him

Patrick Orren Stephenson (pictured)

Daily Mail Australia approached Mr Galbally for comment.

Last week, detectives made the first major breakthrough in the hunt for Ms Murphy since they arrested her alleged killer almost three months ago.

On Wednesday, police launched a new search in the hunt for her remains, with the focus on a dam at a property south of Buninyong, approximately 14km from her home.

Aerial footage from the scene showed officers locating the mud-splattered mobile phone in a wallet at the water's edge, prompting jubilant celebrations among detectives standing nearby.

Video captured by the ABC showed police hugging, backslapping and shaking hands in the wake of the discovery.

The phone was later confirmed to belong to Ms Murphy.

The location is close to where her phone last made contact with a nearby tower in the Buninyong region before going silent.

The dam is about 15km from Ballarat East, where Ms Murphy was last seen when she left home for a run on February 4.

Police allege that Ms Murphy's killer likely dumped the phone in the dam before heading into the Durham reserve to dispose of her body.
EXCLUSIVE

An eastern Sydney dog trainer has been slapped with a string of charges after allegedly stalking then brutally attacking a man.

Courtnie Alexandria Donlan, 29, advertises herself online as a Bondi-based dog trainer, catering to the wealthy elite around the city's ritzy eastern suburbs.

Her passion for dogs - and helping their owners - also extended to running her own pet supplies business, Kylah Raw, which specialises in 'delivering real nutrition' through 'custom raw meals, dehydrated treats and supplements'.

Pet owners who have used her services describe her as an 'amazing' and 'professional' trainer, sharing five-star testimonials about how she managed to help tame their naughty pooches.

But the so-called dog whisperer is now locked up behind bars after allegedly committing a series of shocking offences at a public housing block in Malabar last year.

Courtnie Donlan (pictured) has been charged after allegedly stabbing a man in Sydney's east

The 29-year-old is a dog trainer to the wealthy in Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs

Police will allege Donlan stalked or intimidated Aaron Holten, 38, at an apartment on Bilga Crescent between 10am and 12pm on June 11, 2023, before stabbing him in the arm.

Donlan was allegedly spotted at that time brandishing a knife while walking through the apartment complex's public lawn car park.

Emergency services were called to the scene and Mr Holten was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital in a stable condition.

Footage taken at the scene at the time showed a shoeless Donlan smiling as she spoke to officers as they escorted her out of the apartment complex and into a police van.

The relationship between Donlan and Mr Holten remains unclear, but Daily Mail Australia understands she was living in a unit within the complex at the time.

Donlan also ran a business selling catered meals for dogs from 2018 to 2019

Donlan is pictured alongside police at the time of her arrest in June 2023

After her arrest, Donlan was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, reckless wounding, wielding a knife in a public place, using an offensive weapon, and stalking/ intimidating with the intention of causing fear or physical harm.

She was granted bail and remained out in society until May 13 this year, when she was taken into custody after allegedly breaching her conditions by failing to report to police and complying with drug/alcohol restrictions.

Photos posted on social media, where Donlan has thousands of followers, show her posing alongside pets at dog shows and attending meet-ups with eastern suburbs dog owners.

'Courtnie was really great to work with,' one review on her dog trainer profile begins.

'She explained everything professionally and confidently. She had great advice for everything we asked her including food recommendations, nuisance barking, and dogs and toddlers.

'Would definitely recommend her. Thanks so much Courtnie!'

Donlan is next due to face Sydney Downing Local Centre Court on June 13.
The first woman editor of the Washington Post in its 150-year history has stepped down after recording a $77 million loss last year.

Sally Buzbee is set to leave the DC broadsheet less than six months after new CEO William Lewis said he was 100 percent committed to her remaining in the job.

Buzbee, 58, was appointed in May 2021 and appeared at Lewiss side less than two weeks ago as he announced the papers move into service and social media journalism.

Her exit, just five months ahead of the presidential election, has shocked media observers along with the announcement that former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Matt Murray will be the new executive editor.

Sally is an incredible leader and a supremely talented media executive who will be sorely missed, Lewis said. I wish her all the best going forward.

Sally Buzbee was the first female editor of the Washington Post in its 150-year history

In an email to staff, Lewis said he aims to launch a new division of the newsroom this year.

The new operation will be separate from the existing newsroom, focusing on service and social media journalism, while making use of AI, Lewis said in his message.

The aim, he added, is to give the millions of Americans  who feel traditional news is not for them but still want to be kept informed  compelling, exciting and accurate news where they are and in the style that they want.

Murray will run the new division after the election, according to Lewis, while core coverage areas such as politics, business and features will be overseen by Robert Winnett, a veteran of Telegraph Media Group.

Buzbee, previously the executive editor of the Associated Press, oversaw hundreds of newsroom redundancies, fights with the newsrooms union and steep drops in revenue and subscriptions during her three years in charge.

She has left the role after the news organization recorded a $77 million last year

She axed the Posts weekly magazine along with its Outlook section featuring commentary and analysis, while launching new departments focused on climate and well-being'.

Lewis joined the Post in January from the Wall Street Journal where Murray was his top editor.

The British-born boss has previously brought other former journal colleagues to the Post including chief growth officer Karl Wells and chief strategy officer Suzi Watford.
A man is believed to have shot his aunty dead in front of his mother before turning the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide.

Martin Fowler, 46, was found dead inside a home on Jambaroo Street at Albany Creek, north of Brisbane, at 5.30pm on Sunday.

His aunt, aged 77, was also found dead in the property.

Brisbane Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams revealed on Monday that police had attended the home on several occasions in the days leading up to the tragedy.

He said Fowler shot his aunt 'several times' with a handgun registered in his name.

It is understood the family have lived in the home for more than 20 years.

'There had been an altercation, was our initial information,' Supt Williams said.

Martin Fowler (pictured), 46, was found dead inside a home on Jambaroo Street at Albany Creek, north of Brisbane, at 5.30pm on Sunday

'So far the investigation has revealed that the male person was the son of the unharmed female in the house.

'At this stage of the investigation, it appears that the male person, who had a registered firearms licence, has used a handgun that was registered to him to discharge a number of shots which has killed the 77-year-old female.

'He then used the firearm on himself and was deceased at the scene.'

Fowler's 88-year-old mother was treated at the scene for emotional distress and is now assisting police with their investigation.

'This is a tragic incident and we are assisting the family to the best of our ability,' Supt Williams said.

'Police had attended the scene a number of times and had dealings with both parties in the preceding week.'

A man and a woman have been found dead at a house in a suspected murder-suicide

Supt Williams would not be drawn on whether Fowler's handgun should have been forfeited after police were called to the home earlier in the week.

Earlier, Queensland Police assured the public there was no ongoing threat to the community.

The house appeared to have been boarded up and covered with what appeared to be aluminum foil.

One neighbour said there was 'always someone at the front' and that he often heard verbal altercations.

'One is always yelling at one another,' he said.

'There is always junk everywhere. The air conditioner is always running and there was foil on the windows.'

Investigators are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
It is the high society murder trial that never happened  until now.

Picture this: Lord Lucan in the dock of the Old Bailey, as the Mail's podcast team behind our acclaimed series The Trial bring you every dramatic twist and turn from the oak-panelled press bench.

And then consider how you  the reader  could directly decide the extraordinary fate of Lord Lucan, as a member of the jury of his peers tasked with finding him innocent or guilty.

Imagine no more, because in a world-first, the Mail is bringing the Lord Lucan trial explosively to life  using the actual, but previously unseen 60-page Scotland Yard document  obtained exclusively  which details the police case against the Earl.

It is 50 years this November since the murder that scandalised Britain  and shocked the world. Lord Lucan went on the run after nanny Sandra Rivett was bludgeoned to death with a lead pipe and his estranged wife Veronica suffered serious head wounds in their Belgravia house.

Now for the first time, the Mail can reveal the exclusive details of the prosecution case against the Earl, prepared by police in anticipation of him being apprehended and brought to justice. And to give the case the gravitas it deserves, we have persuaded two of Britain's foremost criminal barristers to write and perform their own stunning courtroom oratory based on the police document.

The Trial of Lord Lucan: Follow The Mail's brand new podcast wherever you get your podcasts

Barristers Edward Henry KC (left) and Max Hardy (right) will help Mail readers to find Lord Lucan either innocent or guilty

It has been almost 50 years since British aristocrat Lord Lucan (pictured), 39, vanished without a trace

He disappeared after Nanny Sandra Rivett (pictured) was bludgeoned to death in the family home

Lord Lucan's wife Veronica Mary Duncan (pictured here with him) suffered a near-fatal assault on the same night

Between them, these barristers now present for us the sensational cases for the prosecution and defence of the 7th Earl of Lucan.

The Mail's trailblazing podcast series The Trial has already won plaudits for bringing listeners in-depth audio coverage of a live trial. Our coverage of the Lucy Letby trial and other seminal court cases have been downloaded more than 26 million times and won several industry awards.

The Trial Of Lord Lucan is a ground-breaking production which, in addition to featuring two of Britain's most celebrated lawyers, provides never-before heard testimonies from original witnesses who spoke exclusively to The Mail's Associate Editor Stephen Wright and broadcaster Caroline Cheetham.

Despite half a century of intrigue, tens of thousands of articles, and numerous books and documentaries about the Lord Lucan mystery, Wright is the only journalist in the world to obtain the actual Scotland Yard dossier on which prosecutors would have based their Old Bailey case, had Lucan been caught.

At our invitation, barrister Max Hardy, a distinguished legal figure who has led some of the Crown Prosecution Service's most high-profile criminal trials, read through the police dossier from 1975 and, for the Mail's podcast, wrote an utterly gripping 'opening speech' to potential jurors. His unmissable courtroom oratory features in the third episode of the series.

Taking the role of defending Lord Lucan is barrister Edward Henry KC. He is an eminent star of the Bar, already known to millions for his razor-sharp interrogation last month of former Post Office boss Paula Vennells at the Horizon inquiry into the postmasters scandal (he is representing a group of them). In mesmerising style, he will argue for Lucan's innocence,

Jamie East, the Mail's head of podcasts, said: 'The Trial brand has been a massive success story for the Mail. We are always looking for ways of doing new, innovative things in the audio space. When Stephen Wright came in with the actual document outlining the police case against Lucan, we knew it would make a gripping new courtroom series.

'The millions of people who listen to The Trial will love it. With the help of two incredible barristers, we have recorded episodes in our state-of-the-art studios and on location around Britain.

'It is a compelling true crime story, but it is not over-dramatised. We have been at pains to make it as authentic as possible, and as close as we could get to what would have been the genuine trial of Lord Lucan.

Sandra Rivett (pictured) was brutally murdered in Lord Lucan's home in London on November 7, 1974

The blood-soaked basement with Sandra's body inside a mail sack beside a cast-off shoe

The Plumbers Arms, where Lady Lucan ran to after finding Sandra dead in her house

Lady Lucan with Frances and George, two of the three children she had with her husband

Susan Maxwell-Scott with her husband William. She was the last person to see Lord Lucan alive

The Daily Mail's front page in November 1974 about Lord Lucan's disappearance and the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett

'We have gone out and spoken to detectives who were involved in the actual Lucan investigation, so there are a lot of really interesting voices.

'And the listeners are the jurors. At the end of the series, they alone will weigh up the evidence they have heard  and pronounce Lord Lucan guilty or not guilty.'

The Lucan story is one of the most enduring criminal cases in British legal history. There has been no confirmed sighting of Lucan since a few hours after the Rivett murder on November 7, 1974. On the fateful night, it is alleged that he planned to kill his wife Veronica  she had gained custody of their three young children after a bitter High-Court battle  by lying in wait for her in the basement of the family home at 46 Lower Belgrave St.

He struck out with lead piping before stuffing the body into a U.S. Mail bag. But the woman he killed was the couple's 29-year-old nanny, Sandra Rivett, who was due to have been on a day off. She had swapped days at the last minute. Lady Lucan was also attacked but managed to escape, running screaming for help to a nearby pub, covered in blood.

Lord Lucan, then 39, drove to a friend's house in a sleepy Sussex village where he claimed that Veronica had been attacked by a stranger and he needed to lie low because she had previously accused him of hiring a hitman and would blame him.

Three days later, his borrowed car was found abandoned  with a section of lead piping in the boot  at the cross-Channel port of Newhaven. He has not been seen since.

Go to dailymail.co.uk/lucan to listen to the podcast series and find out how YOU can be on the jury.
An Australian dad allegedly caught with meth in Bali has had his most severe charge dropped after authorities agreed that the drugs were purely for personal use.

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 bought in Bali, along with a bong and a lighter.

Mr Smith, 49, was charged with drug possession before Indonesian authorities upgraded it to drug trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Troy Smith, 49, is no longer facing life behind bars after allegedly being caught with meth in Bali

The package that was delivered to Troy Smith in Bali, which allegedly contained drugs

On Monday, Bali Prosecutor Office Spokesperson Putu Agus Eka Sabana Putra said Mr Smith's trafficking offence had been dropped to a less serious drug use charge.

This means that Smith is no longer facing the maximum life penalty.

Instead, if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of approximately $739,340, or if found to be a drug addict by the court, he could face a stint in a rehab facility.

Mr Smith's lawyer, Sienny Karmana, told The Advertiser his charges were reduced after Bali's National Narcotic Agency concluded he was using drugs for himself.

'The drugs assessment team found him as a drug user,' Ms Karmana said.

'He has been addicted to drugs for years.'

The narcotics agency, which determines whether people arrested on drug charges in Indonesia are users, addicts or dealers, also concluded that Mr Smith was not part of any narcotic syndicate.

Ms Karmana said her client needed rehab more than he needed jail.

'We, as lawyers, only hope that the judge could sentence him to rehabilitation as he has suffered addiction.

'What he needs now is rehabilitation, not jail.'

Police allegedly found 3.14g of methamphetamine concealed in a Colgate toothpaste tube that had been sent to Smith from Cairns, in a package that was labelled as containing private paperwork, photos and lubricant.

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 Smith did not know what it contained.

Following his arrest, Mr Smith 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, last week, Smith was transferred to the Anargya Sober House Bali rehabilitation facility where he will remain while facing his charges.

Mr Smith is expected to face trial in the coming weeks.

John McLeod, who worked to help free Schapelle Corby from jail has been hired by Mr Smith's family to assist them with his case.

Just over a month ago, Mr Smith was enjoying a globetrotting life as a newlywed, having tied the knot with his wife, Tracy Ijusa, after they met on Tinder.

He proposed in Bali in October, and the pair married at the end of December in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where Ms Ijusa is from.

Photos from the day show the pair loved up at the Lenana Mount Hotel, while other photos show them visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve wildlife conservation park.

The couple then returned to Bali, with snaps showing the pair enjoying time on the Indonesian island since February.
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Nigel Farage has performed a major U-turn and announced he will be standing as an MP in Clacton and will take over the leadership of Reform UK from Richard Tice at an 'emergency' briefing in London.

The new Reform UK leader said he 'changed his mind' after speaking to voters, having previously said he wouldn't stand on July 4.

Rishi Sunak today pledged to rewrite equality laws to define sex as biological if the Conservatives win next month's General Election. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer pitched Labour as the 'party of national security' when he visited veterans in the north west.

Follow MailOnline's live coverage below and join in the conversation in our comments section
Four British tourists were attacked by a serial rapist while on holiday at a stunning resort in Costa Rica, a court has heard.

Cristopher Andres Picado Ramirez, 28, went on trial in April for the alleged sexual assault of four unnamed British victims, an Argentine woman and two Costa Rican minors between 2019 and 2022.

Surfing instructor Ramirez is believed to have forced himself upon his victims at various locations in the resort region of Santa Teresa on Costa Rica's west coast.

He was arrested in April 2022 after the four British tourists filed complaints with Costa Rican police, after which several other victims spoke up about their ordeals.

But judges granted him bail despite the nature of his crimes, incurring heavy criticism from campaigners in Costa Rica and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cristopher Andres Picado Ramirez, 28, went on trial in April for the alleged sexual assault of four unnamed British victims, an Argentine woman and two Costa Rican minors between 2019 and 2022

FILE PHOTO: Sunset on the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Ramirez is said to have abused some of his victims in the bathroom of a bar in Santa Teresa, while others were attacked at parties held on farmland near the famous beach.

The accused is a native of San Ramon, but is said to have moved to Santa Teresa to work as a surfing instructor several years ago according to Costa Rican outlet Diario Extra.

A picture of Ramirez being detained by a police officer showed how the surfer's arms were covered in distinct tattoos - markers later used by his victims to identify him to authorities.

The British women who accused the Costa Rican of the attacks submitted their evidence at the Costa Rican consulate in London as the trial got underway in April.

But the court hearings were stalled last month when Ramirez in a strange turn of events requested that one of his alleged victims provide a character witness in his favour.

FILE PHOTO: Tourists on the main strip of Santa Teresa on south coast of the Nicoya Peninsula; Playa Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Ramirez is said to have abused some of his victims in the bathroom of a bar in Santa Teresa, while others were attacked at parties held on farmland near the famous beach

The woman in question, now 18, was reportedly described as Ramirez's girlfriend, despite her being just 13 when she crossed paths with the accused at age 24, according to a report by The Sun.

Walter Brenes, lawyer for three of the victims, said he was 'completely baffled' by the move.

'In a hypothetical defence of myself, I would not offer a victim as evidence, knowing that the victim is still a victim,' he told reporters.

The trial continues.
The government of the Maldives will ban Israeli citizens from its nation, as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

The president's office said the Cabinet had decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.

It said President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs and to launch a fundraising campaign.

Israel's foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said in response that the foreign ministry recommends Israelis avoid any travel to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports.

He also recommended those currently there consider leaving.

Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited Maldives last year, 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals.

The president's office said the Cabinet had decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country

Large posters began appearing on the white sandy beaches of the south Asian nation

Public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation has risen over the war in Gaza

The government considered an enforced ban on Israelis as early as November 2023, local media reported.

Maldives MP Mohamed Nasheed Abdullah, who first proposed the bill, said he introduced it in response to 'indiscriminate Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.'

Protests formed across the island in the days and weeks after the October 7 attack, largely responding to Israel's military campaign against the Gaza Strip.

Furious Maldivians were seen marching through Male, the capital city, just weeks after Israel began its retaliatory campaign against the enclave following Hamas' brutal attack.

Large posters began appearing on the white sandy beaches of the south Asian nation.

One read: 'Ban Israeli passports. Maldives will thrive without your blood money. Free Palestine.'

It also reportedly showed a QR code that linked to a site that hosted pictures and videos of injured Palestinian children.

The war in the Middle East has raged on for nearly eight months, with both sides showing little sign of wanting to stop.

Furious Maldivians were seen marching through Male, the capital city, just weeks after Israel began its retaliatory campaign against the enclave following Hamas' brutal attack

The government considered an enforced ban on Israelis as early as November 2023, local media reported

The Israeli military said this morning that it had found the body of an Israeli paramedic who until now was believed to have been held hostage in Gaza but was killed in the October 7 attack.

The body of Dolev Yehud, 35, was located in Nir Oz kibbutz, which came under attack during the bloody raid on southern Israeli communities by Hamas militants on October 7.

'During the brutal October 7th terror attacks, Dolev left his house in an attempt to save lives,' the military said in a statement.

'Dolev was murdered by the Hamas terror organisation on the 7th of October, and his body was located in Kibbutz Nir Oz,' the military said, without specifying when exactly his remains were found.

Until now Yehud was believed to be held hostage by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. His sister Arbel Yehud is held captive.

The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,190 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

Militants also abducted some 250 people, Israelis and foreigners, 120 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 37 who the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed 36,439 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
Kellie Ann Carmichael's family have broken their silence after the backpacker's remains were found in the Blue Mountains 23 years after she vanished.

Ms Carmichael was 24 when she checked out of a hostel in Katoomba, west of Sydney, on April 29, 2001.

She told staff she would collect her belongings after going for a walk but was never seen again.

In a dramatic update decades on, bones discovered by NSW Police in Katoomba last week have been confirmed to belong to her.

Kellie Ann Carmichael, 24, checked out of a hostel in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains on April 29, 2001

She told staff she would collect her belongings after going for a walk but was never seen again

Ms Carmichael's parents, who live in Geelong, have always believed their daughter may have been murdered.

They were were told of the find by officers from the Unsolved Homicide Team.

Her mother, Margaret Carmichael, said their daughter would never have committed suicide.

'We know that, and everyone who knew her knows that,' she told the Geelong Advertiser.

'She wasn't well at the time but she loved life and was a beautiful girl.'

Her father, John, said the grim developments had taken their toll on the couple, who are now hoping to take her remains back home.

Her cousin, Andrew Carmichael, said the news came as a complete shock and that he had never-ending questions about what happened.

Peter Vandenberg, 51, said her group of friends were absolutely stunned by the news, saying they wanted answers because her mysterious death never left them.

Another school friend said she hopes the family get some answers.

A post-mortem examination will now try to determine how Ms Carmichael died.

The discovery only happened by chance after an officer abseiling down a cliff face as part of an unrelated search spotted the bones among bushland in late April.

Police returned to the same spot in May, when they found more remains.

Bones discovered by NSW Police in Katoomba last week have been confirmed as those of Ms Carmichael's (pictured bottom right)

Ms Carmichael's parents (pictured), who live in Geelong in Victoria, have always believed their daughter may have been murdered

Ms Carmichael's parents reported her missing after not hearing from her for six days.

Her case gripped the nation and resulted in many theories about her disappearance, including whether she had been a victim of a serial killer.

But a police investigation came to the conclusion she had committed suicide because she suffered from schizophrenia.

In 2011, the NSW government issued a $200,00 reward for information about her disappearance.

'I feel like we've been robbed of having our daughter, grandchildren,' Mrs Carmichael told reporters at the time.

'We've never had the chance to have our daughter... our family has never been the same.'

Ms Carmichael was the youngest of three siblings and would have been 47.

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Embattled Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has changed claims drones were used to monitor detainees released from detention after a High Court ruling.

After saying in a media interview drones were used to keep watch over released detainees, Mr Giles admitted the technology was not adopted for the purpose.

'I relied on information provided by my department at the time, which has since been clarified,' he said in a statement on Monday.

Embattled Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has changed claims drones were used to monitor detainees released from detention after a High Court ruling

'As part of the work monitoring and supporting community safety, Operation AEGIS draws on information from a range of sources using different technologies including aerial open-source and other imagery through their work with state and territory law enforcement bodies.'

More than 150 immigration detainees were released following a High Court ruling in November that found indefinite detention was unlawful.

Those released from detention had been subjected to electronic monitoring and strict curfews.

Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan said the minister was not being forthcoming with information following the drone revelation.

'I do not think Andrew Giles is fully fronting up and answering the questions he needs to answer,' he told ABC TV on Monday.

'We need to know that because ... over the weekend, he was telling the Australian people that what he had said (on the use of drones) was true, that it was accurate.'

The revelation comes as the under-pressure minister said a revised ministerial direction for a controversial directive, which allowed for foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes to keep their visas, would come into effect within days.

An update to the contentious direction 99 will be in place by the end of the week, after an outcry over the appeals tribunal using it to reinstate visas of foreign nationals found guilty of serious crimes.

The direction, which prioritised a person's ties to Australia, was put in place following concerns from New Zealand that people were being deported across the Tasman who had no connection with the country.

Mr Giles said the new direction would place a greater emphasis on community safety.

'It is clear that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal's decision to reinstate these visas did not meet community expectations, and ministerial direction 99 has not been working as the government intended,' he said.

'The government is on track to overhaul this regime and put in place a new direction before the end of the week.'

The minister said 30 visas had been cancelled in the past week for foreign nationals with serious criminal histories due to the national interest.

'Community safety is our number one priority and we will always act in the interest of Australians,' Mr Giles said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament the government would continue to prioritise safety.

'We continue to refuse and cancel visas on character grounds. We continue to deport people who have no right to be here,' he said.
At least 138 pilot whales were killed in the latest grindadrap in the Faroe Islands - a gruesome Viking tradition which sees the animals rounded up and hacked to death.

The sea turned red with the animals' blood as they were slashed and stabbed after being held in an inescapable part of the harbour at Hvannasund, a village on the west coast of Vioy, the northernmost island in the archipelago.

The 'grindadrap', or 'grind' for short, is a 1,000-year-old Faroese tradition which sees hunters encircle pilot whales and dolphins with their fishing boats and drive them into a shallow bay.

The terrified animals are beached, and fishermen then brutally slaughter them with knives on the shore, with locals then eating their meat and blubber.

Every summer, shocking images of the bloody hunt show the macabre ritual, which is strongly condemned by outraged animal rights defenders who consider the practice barbaric.

The water turned red with the animals' blood as they were slashed and stabbed after being held in an inescapable part of the harbour at Hvannasund, a village on the west coast of Vioy

Pilot whales are laid out on the ground after being slaughtered during the Grindadrap

This year, witnesses from marine wildlife charity the Captain Paul Watson Foundation said the drive was particularly shocking for the length of time the animals suffered.

On Saturday at around 11.30am local time, a Faroese fisheries patrol vessel spotted a pod that was initially estimated at 50 to 100 long-finned pilot whales off of Vioy.

At 12.45 the decision was taken to drive them in and over the coming hours the pod was slowly forced towards land.

Witnesses said the number of boats involved was smaller than usual, likely due to an ongoing strike in the Faroes that has led to major fuel shortages.

At just after 3pm it was confirmed that the animals would be driven in for the kill at 4pm, however this time came and went with the animals still being held within a fjord by boats.

Next an announcement was made that the killing would be delayed to allow the rowing competition in Klaksvik to finish in order that more people would be present on the beach to see the animals die.

Two-and-a-half hours later the boats finally drove in the dolphins, who had now been in a stressful situation for over five and a half hours.

Upsetting video footage shows the animals bobbing their heads above the red water to see what was happening.

A spokesman for the foundation said: 'Our livestream footage shows animals struggling on shore for over 25 minutes whilst the killing of other pod members took place, after which the remaining live animals were held in place for a further 90 minutes by vessels whilst they struggled on the rocky shore and showed increasing signs of stress.

'Eventually the decision was made to drive the remaining animals back out to sea.

Upsetting video footage shows the animals bobbing their heads above the red water to see what was happening

'These efforts appeared to be less enthusiastic than when driving them in, with one individual throwing stones at the pod whilst a single boat manoeuvred around them.

'The designated killing area was different from that usually used in Hvannasund - possibly due to the falling tide.

'This meant that the animals were being driven ashore on large rocks whilst the other part of the killing area was a concrete wall, making it difficult to insert the hook into the blow hole to then pull them in to be paralysed and killed.'

Initial counts indicate at least 40 long-finned pilot whales were killed in the first batch - with the charity saying there is no humane way to perform such a task.

Later, it appears many of the remaining animals live stranded and were killed, with the death toll standing at 138 by Sunday evening.

Rob Read, Chief Operating Officer of the Paul Watson Foundation UK, said: 'The Faroese use the tight knit bonds of kinship between pilot whales against them and so whilst it is a relief that some animals were saved today, today's event will take a massive toll on this family group.

'It would be no surprise if more animals die as a direct result of today's grindadrap, either from injuries sustained from boats and rocks, or from the sheer stress of today's events.'

Pilot whales with visible slashes are seen on the shoreline as members of their pod continue to be taunted in the background

Long-finned pilot whales are actually dolphins and are renowned for their close knit family groups headed up by a senior matriarch.

Breeding and mating usually takes place between April and September and a single calf is born every three to six years.

Older and non reproductive females help care for the calves in the pod.

Female long finned pilot whales can live up to 60 years, whilst males can live up to 45 years.

Like all cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises - long-finned pilot whales play a vital role in ocean ecosystems, helping to keep the oceans alive and thriving.

Volunteers have been lobbying to end the grind - which kills hundreds of whales every year.

The Faroese state that this is part of their tradition and that the hunt provides free food for their community.

But campaign groups label the hunt, which takes place every year, 'barbarous' and say it is no longer just about feeding the islanders, with excess meat and blubber sold off.

Fishermen usually surround the animals before they are beached and cut up, often turning the sea red with their blood, with aerial shots showing the blood-stained water during the 2023 grind.

By July last year, 648 pilot whales had died in the slaughter, which has been widely condemned by charities and animal lovers.

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing archipelago forming part of the Kingdom of Denmark in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland.
Britons have been warned to expect wet, windy and cooler weather on the way after a sunny weekend saw many bask in the warm temperatures.

The mercury hit 24C in parts of southern England on Sunday, with beaches and parks across the UK filled with sunbathers and families enjoying the start of summer.

But the warm season is on hold until the end of the month amid approaching weather fronts which will see a return to the wind and rain seen in May.

Rain is set to sweep across large parts of the country from tomorrow, with temperatures falling well below those seen last weekend.

It comes after the Met Office warned government to expect a thoroughly soggy summer, with wet conditions set to be 50 percent more likely than average.

Punters enjoy a sunny afternoon on the River Cam in Cambridge on Sunday

Racegoers arriving at the Derby Festival at Epsom racecourse in Surrey sheltered under jackets and coats from the rain on Friday

After a glorious weekend, rainy conditions are set to return to the British Isles from Tuesday

Today the UK will be largely dry and cloudy, but with some sunny spells developing. Rain will be seen overnight in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

But by Tuesday the wet weather is back with outbreaks of rain across much of the country, with strong winds and cool temperatures expected in the north.

Many will see a return of the brolly as barbeques are put back into storage as conditions return to those seen last week, which saw racegoers at Epsom sheltering under jackets and coats.

Later this week, Met Office forecasters predict a mix of sun and showers, with the best of the weather in the south of England.

Britons are warned to expect 'brisk' winds and cool nights to come, in a trend that will dominate much of June.

Long-range forecasts into next week show the UK can expect blustery winds and rain with a risk of thunderstorms.

Sunbathers on the beach enjoying a day of scorching hot sunshine at the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset on Sunday

Thousands flocked to the south coast on Sunday as temperatures soared into the mid-20s

In London, many families enjoyed a picnic or sunbathing at Wimbledon Common

The shirts were off in the capital as temperatures rose to 24C by the early afternoon on Sunday

Punters took full advantage of the dry, clear conditions on Sunday in Cambridgeshire

Beaches around the UK were full as the half-term holiday got underway at the weekend

But the dry, warm weather conditions are not here to stay with rain, wind and cooler conditions arriving from tomorrow

Rainfall will be higher than normal, with cool temperatures lifting slightly to around average for this time of year by the end of the week.

The bleak forecast for June threatens to interrupt a number of summer events, including Wimbledon and Glastonbury.

If predictions are correct, it could be the dampest summer since 1912 - when rain fell on 55 days across the summer season.

Low pressure systems have been blamed by forecasters as the reason for the wet summer, set to last from June to August.

The news will come as a fresh blow to many after April was the sixth wettest since records began in 1836.

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.

In a sign of things to come, racegoers shared shawls and umbrellas on Friday at Epsom racecourse

Heavy rain on the northeast coast of England led to flash flooding and deep surface water in some areas last week

Drivers will have many more days of tough conditions to face this summer if forecasts are correct

The Met Office long-range forecast said: 'Showers most often across north-western areas but all areas likely to see some, generally becoming lighter in the south with increasing brighter spells.

'Temperatures rather cool for most. Into the new week the outlook becomes uncertain though most likely an increased potential for periods of rain breaking into showers, sometimes heavy and thundery to spread from the west with fresh or strong winds at times.

'Rainfall likely slightly above average for most, though driest conditions most likely in the northeast. Temperatures mainly around normal, feeling cool in the northwest with best chance of warmer temperatures in the southeast.'
Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by being elected as the first woman president of Mexico, following a historic landslide win on Sunday.

In a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence, the win represents a major step for Mexico.

Set to begin a six-year term on October 1, the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist has a very different personality from her mentor and current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Born in Mexico City in 1962 to two scientist parents, Sheinbaum is also a proud mother, stepmother, and grandmother, and is married to a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico.

The new President, who is of the ruling MORENA Party, won around 58-60 percent of the votes, according to preliminary official results from the National Electoral Institute.

Here, MailOnline delves into everything you need to know about Mexico's first woman President Claudia Sheinbaum, including her long list of accolades and achievements.

Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by being elected as the first woman President of Mexico, following a historic landslide win on Sunday

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

As well as being the newly elected President of Mexico, Sheinbaum has an impressive history as a scientist and academic.

She studied physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) where she earned her undergraduate degree, before going on to complete a master's degree and Ph.D.

The science and politics fanatic credits her family for her passion - her father is a chemical engineer, her mother is a cell biologist, and her brother is a physicist.

In 1995, she received her Ph.D in energy engineering from UNAM and went on to establish her career as a climate scientist, including participating in the United Nations Intergovernmental Pane that was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for their report.

In the same year she recieved her Ph.D, Sheinbaum also earned the prize of best UNAM young researcher in engineering and technological innovation.

As an expert in her field, she has authored more than 100 articles, as well as two books which focus on the environment, energy, and sustainable development.

In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Sheinbaum said, 'I believe in science.'

As an expert in her field, she has authored more than 100 articles, as well as two books which focus on the environment, energy, and sustainable development

Set to begin a six-year term on October 1, the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist has a very different personality from her mentor and current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

How long has Claudia Sheinbaum been involved in politics?

Sheinbaum's political career began in 2000 when served as Secretary of the Environment under Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador when he was Head of Government.

She served as Delegational Chief of Mexico City's largest borough, the Tlaplan borough, between 2015 and 2017.

She was then elected Head of Government in Mexico City in 2018, making her their first female mayor - a position she served in until 2023.

Her mayoral campaign had an emphasis on curbing crime and enforcing zoning laws - she also made key decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic, with her city of some 9 million people taking a different approach from what Lopez Obrador espoused at the national level.

While the federal government was downplaying the importance of coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing regimen.

Sheinbaum set limits on businesses' hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading, even though Lopez Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy.

And she publicly wore protective masks and urged social distancing while the President was still lunging into crowds.

As well as being the first woman President and breaking the political glass ceiling, Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

As well as being the newly elected President of Mexico, Sheinbaum has an impressive history as a scientist and academic

In 1995, she received her Ph.D in energy engineering from UNAM and went on establish her career as a climate scientist, including participating in a United Nations panel that was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize (Pictured in 2020 talking to the press about the spread of coronavirus)

A supporter of Sheinbaum takes a selfie with a campaign poster during her closing campaign rally

Is Claudia Sheinbaum married and does she have children?

Claudia Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962 to parents Annie Pardo Cemo and Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, who are both scientists - her brother Julio is also a physicist.

The new President is married to Jesus Maria Tarriba Unger, a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico, who she began dating in 2016 - the pair met while they were both studying physics at university.

She announced their marriage in November 2023 on social media, writing that the couple are 'very happy' after an inimate ceremony with family.

Sheinbaum was previously married to Carlos Imaz, who became a prominent figure in the Party of the Democratic Revolution, during his time at Stanford University.

They got married in 1987 and seperated in 2016 - they have a daughter called Mariana who was born in 1988.

Sheinbaum became a stepmother to Imaz's son from a previous marriage, Rodrigo, whom she went on to raise.

Back in April, she shared a heartwarming photo of her shoulder tattoo of three butterflies, which she said represents herself and her two children.

The new President is married to Jesus Maria Tarriba Unger, a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico, who she began dating in 2016

She announced their marriage in November 2023 on social media, writing that the couple are 'very happy' after an inimate ceremony with family

Claudia Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962 to parents Annie Pardo Cemo and Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, who are both scientists

Sheinbaum became a stepmother to Imaz's son from a previous marriage, Rodrigo, whom she went on to raise (pictured together in 2022)

She also has one grandchild called Pablo, who she fondly shared a snap with on social media recently

Back in April, she shared a heartwarming photo of her shoulder tattoo of three butterflies, which she said represents herself and her two children

She also has one grandchild called Pablo, who she fondly shared a snap with on social media recently.

Sharing an image of the two playing together, she penned: 'It's always a great happiness to be able to spend time with my family. It's beautiful to see Pablo, my grandosn growing up. I wish everyone a family day.'

What has Claudia Sheinbaum promised for Mexico?

Now she has secured her victory, the next challenge for Sheinbaum will be taking over from her longtime mentor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue all of Lopez Obradors populist policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice.

Mexico's persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1.

On the campaign trail, she said little more than that she would expand the quasi-military National Guard created by Lopez Obrador and continue his strategy of targeting social ills that make so many young Mexicans easy targets for cartel recruitment.

'Let it be clear, it doesnt mean an iron fist, wars or authoritarianism,' Sheinbaum said of her approach to tackling criminal gangs, during her final campaign event.

'We will promote a strategy of addressing the causes and continue moving toward zero impunity.'

The scientist has also promised to expand welfare programs, though Mexico has a large deficit this year and sluggish GDP growth of just 1.5% expected by the central bank next year.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue all of Lopez Obrador's populist policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice

Mexico's persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has been a mentor to Sheinbaum

Sheinbaum has praised Lopez Obrador profusely and said little that the President hasn't said himself.

She blamed neoliberal economic policies for condemning millions to poverty, promised a strong welfare state and praised Mexico's large state-owned oil company, Pemex, while also promising to emphasize clean energy.

'For me, being from the left has to do with that, with guaranteeing the minimum rights to all residents,' Sheinbaum told the AP last year.

In contrast to Lopez Obrador, who seemed to relish his highly public battles with other branches of the government and also the news media, Sheinbaum is expected by many observers to be less combative or at least more selective in picking her fights.

'It appears she's going to go in a different direction,' said Ivonne Acuna Murillo, a political scientist at Iberoamerican University. 'I dont know how much.'
Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico's first woman president by a landslide Sunday, making history in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence.

Crowds of flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music in Mexico City's main square celebrating the ruling party candidate's victory.

'I want to thank millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day,' Sheinbaum said in a victory speech to the cheering crowd.

'I won't fail you,' the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor vowed.

She thanked her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, who conceded defeat.

Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 58-60 percent of votes, according to preliminary official results from the National Electoral Institute.

That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of Galvez, and some 50 percentage points ahead of the only man running, long-shot centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez.

Claudia Sheinbaum (pictured) was elected Mexico 's first woman president by a landslide Sunday

After casting her ballot, Sheinbaum revealed she had not voted for herself but for a 93-year-old veteran leftist, Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her struggle

Claudia Sheinbaum displays her ballot before voting at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City

Voters had flocked to polling stations across the Latin American nation, despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by ultra-violent drug cartels.

Thousands of troops were deployed to protect voters, following a particularly bloody electoral process that has seen more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.

Mexican women going to the polls had cheered the prospect of a woman breaking the highest political glass ceiling in a country where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day.

'A female president will be a transformation for this country, and we hope that she does more for women,' said Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner in Mexico City.

'Many women are subjugated by their partners. They're not allowed to leave home to work,' she said.

Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 58-60 percent of votes, according to preliminary official results

Crowds of flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music in Mexico City's main square celebrating the ruling party candidate's victory

Mexico's Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum kisses her husband Jesus Maria Tarriba (pictured, right)

Voters had flocked to polling stations across the Latin American nation, despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by ultra-violent drug cartels

Daniela Perez, 30, said that having a woman president would be 'something historic,' even though neither of the two main candidates was 'totally feminist' in her view.

'We'll have to see their positions on improving women's rights, resolving the issue of femicides - which have gone crazy - supporting women more,' added the logistics company manager.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people.

Sheinbaum owes much of her popularity to outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fellow leftist and mentor who has an approval rating of more than 60 percent but is only allowed to serve one term.

Lopez Obrador congratulated his ally with 'all my affection and respect.'

As well as being the first woman to lead Mexico, 'she is also the president with possibly the most votes obtained in the history of our country,' he said.

After casting her ballot, Sheinbaum revealed she had not voted for herself but for a 93-year-old veteran leftist, Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her struggle.

In a nation where politics, crime and corruption are closely entangled, drug cartels went to extreme lengths to ensure that their preferred candidates win.

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the outgoing president's controversial 'hugs not bullets' strategy of tackling crime at its roots

Mexico's presidential candidate for Morena party Claudia Sheinbaum celebrates following the results of the general election in Mexico City

Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, authorities said

Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, authorities said, joining at least 25 other political hopefuls killed this election season, according to official figures.

In the central Mexican state of Puebla, two people died after unknown persons attacked polling stations to steal papers, a local government security source told AFP.

Voting was suspended in two municipalities in the southern state of Chiapas because of violence.

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the outgoing president's controversial 'hugs not bullets' strategy of tackling crime at its roots.

Galvez vowed a tougher approach to cartel-related violence, declaring 'hugs for criminals are over.'

More than 450,000 people have been murdered and tens of thousands have gone missing since the government deployed the army to fight drug trafficking in 2006.

The next president will also have to manage delicate relations with the neighboring United States, in particular the vexed issues of cross-border drug smuggling and migration.

As well as choosing a new president, Mexicans voted for members of Congress, several state governors and myriad local officials - a total of more than 20,000 positions.
Diane Abbott accused Keir Starmer of telling 'more lies' as she refused to let a simmering row between the Labour leader and the party Left die down.

In a since-deleted tweet Ms Abbott the close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, hit out at his successor over a media interview in which he spoke of his respect for her.

Ms Abbott and the party leadership have been engaged in a furious row since last week over attempts to block the 70-year-old from standing in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, the seat she has held since 1987.

It was part of a wider battle between Sir Keir's allies and the remaining remnants of the Left that has led to claims that they are being 'purged' ahead of the July 4 election.

Last night Ms Abbott hit out at reports that she had been offered a seat in the House of Lords if she pulled out of the election in her safe Labour seat.

Writing on social media, Ms Abbott said reports left-wing MPs had been offered peerages to stand down were 'factually incorrect' and insisted 'I would not accept one'.

Later she reacted to an interview Sir Keir did with the Observer, in which he praised her as a trailblazing first black woman MP and said: 'In terms of the battles shes been through and the terrible insults she has had to rise above, Ive actually got more respect for Diane than she probably realises.'

She posted a picture of the story headline with the comment: 'More lies from Starmer.'

In a since-deleted tweet Ms Abbott the close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, hit out at his successor over a media interview in which he spoke of his respect for her.

Later she reacted to an interview Sir Keir did with the Observer, in which he praised her as a trailblazing first black woman MP and said: 'In terms of the battles shes been through and the terrible insults she has had to rise above, Ive actually got more respect for Diane than she probably realises.'

She posted a picture of the story headline with the comment: 'More lies from Starmer.'

But after days of indecision and growing tension, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday she was 'free' to run as a candidate.

Now, the veteran Left-wing MP has said she intends 'to run and to win' as the Labour candidate for Hackney North & Stoke Newington.

She said: 'I have never been offered a seat in the Lords, and would not accept one if offered.

'I am the adopted Labour candidate for Hackney North & Stoke Newington. I intend to run and to win as Labour's candidate.'

Ms Abbott, who was a shadow cabinet minister under former leader Jeremy Corbyn, has represented the Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat since 1987.

She was suspended from Labour last year after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism, sparking a 13-month investigation which saw her sit as an Independent MP.

Ms Abbott apologised for her remarks and withdrew them shortly after they were published.

Baroness Chakrabarti, an ally of Abbott, told the BBC today that she had urged her friend to 'take some time' to consider whether she wanted to stand for Labour at the General Election.

Speaking to Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said the party's treatment of her 'dear friend' had been 'appalling', after some papers had been briefed that she had been barred from running.

Earlier this week, Ms Abbott threatened to quit and join ally Jeremy Corbyn in running against Labour amid claims she was being prevented from running in a 'disturbing' purge of his former allies.

In front of around 200 supporters at a rally outside Hackney Town Hall on Wednesday, Ms Abbott vowed to stay on as an MP 'by any means possible' and accused the Labour party of wanting to 'exclude' her from Parliament.

She accused Sir Keir Starmer of trying to cull left-wing candidates.

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.

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.'

Sir Kier was this week defied by some of his key shadow cabinet members including his deputy Ms Rayner who said was no good reason Ms Abbott couldn't run.

And Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting admitted that he was 'not particularly comfortable' with the way Ms Abbott has been treated.
Donald Trump will be a 'loser president' and bring about an end to America's status as a global leader should he decide to end aid to Ukraine if he is elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky has declared.

The Ukrainian President took aim at Trump in a scathing interview last week in which he insisted his country 'would not put up with' any deals made between a Trump administration and Vladimir Putin that would see Kyiv sacrifice parts of the Donbas in return for peace.

And he said that any decision to cut off weapons and support to Ukraine would have dire consequences - not only for Trump personally, but also America's standing in the world and the influence it wields.

'Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion [Russian] army,' Zelensky told the Guardian in an interview in Kyiv last week.

'Does (Trump) want to become a loser president? Do you understand what can happen... the institutions of the United States will become very weak - the US will not be the leader of the world anymore.'

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on June 2, 2024

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump Tower, Friday, May 31, 2024, in New York

Soldiers of the assault brigade defend the frontline, which passes through the Ukrainian border city of Vovchansk, in Chuhuiv Raion, Kharkiv Oblast

May 20, 2024, Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine: Ukrainian servicemen of 65th Separate Mechanized brigade operate a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher to fire towards Russian positions near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region

Zelensky, speaking a day before a Manhattan jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records in his 'hush money' trial, warned the former US president that any deal presented by Putin would be a ruse to further the Kremlin's agenda.

'A ceasefire is a trap,' he said, adding that Putin would humiliate Trump by violating the terms of any deal to 'go further' in Ukraine and pursue his own goals.

He said that failure to continue providing Ukraine with aid and military support would degrade America's reputation as a powerful world leader.

'This is not about him [Trump], as a person but about the institutions of the United States. They will become very weak. The US will not be the leader of the world any more... in terms of international influence it will be equal to zero,' the Ukrainian president declared.

He also warned a Trump decision to end US support of Kyiv could embolden other countries and groups with nefarious intentions to risk waging wars of their own.

And finally, he confirmed that he remains in close contact with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom he said he was 'using as an instrument' to hold informal talks with the US, and apologised for doing so.

'I think (Johnson) tried, and I think he spoke to (Trump). I think so, yes, as far as I know.'

Ukraine's leader concluded by inviting Trump to Kyiv, hoping that witnessing the effects of war firsthand would trigger a change of heart.

Trump has previously said he could end the war in Ukraine 'in 24 hours', but never specified how he planned to do so.

He has also routinely expressed concern over the Biden administration's continued financial and military support of Kyiv's war effort, which has proven to be a major point of contention for many Republican lawmakers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during a speech after the presidential election in Moscow, Russia

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Middle East in the State Dining room at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 31, 2024

A soldier holds a rifle to the backdrop of a Soviet-era memorial as the assault brigade defend the frontline in the Ukrainian border city of Vovchansk, in Chuhuiv Raion, Kharkiv Oblast

A Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar at his fighting position, in the direction of Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, on May 23, 2024

Ukrainian soldier Oleksii of the 57th Motorized Brigade, covers his ear as a howitzer fires at a Russian position, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an artillery position outside Kupiansk, Ukraine, April 21, 2024

Zelensky confirmed that he remains in close contact with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom he said he was 'using as an instrument' to hold informal talks with the US, and apologised for doing so

Zelensky has not reserved his criticism only for Trump, however.

US president Joe Biden was also targeted in a rare rebuke over the weekend when his Ukrainian counterpart said that the White House's decision to allow Ukraine to attack Russia with American weapons simply doesn't go far enough.

The US last week gave Ukraine permission to use American missiles to fire at Russian positions in Kharkiv, where Moscow's forces have in recent weeks launched renewed offensives.

But this is the only area they are allowed to fire into, and only with specific weaponry.

Speaking at Asia's top security summit in Singapore, Zelensky thanked Biden for allowing Ukraine to strike limited Russian territory with US arms but went on to say the imposed restrictions need to be dropped.

He said that Russia maintains the upper hand in light of the restrictions as Moscow's troops can continue to deploy artillery and long-range weapons to batter civilian infrastructure with no fear of retaliation.

'Is that sufficient? No. Why? Because I have given you the example of airfields from which Russia is permanently firing, in calm, knowing that Ukraine will not fire back because it has no corresponding systems and no permissions.'

'They have these weapons there and they do not remove them because they know that Ukraine cannot target them with Western weaponry even if they fire against us,' he said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) has criticised US president Joe Biden in a rare rebuke

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gets off his plane as he arrives to attend Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore

While Zelensky thanked Joe Biden (pictured) for allowing Ukraine to strike limited Russian territory with US arms, he said restrictions need to be dropped

Back in Ukraine, residents of towns and cities in and around Kharkiv told of the terror wrought by Russian forces amid renewed offensives in the border region.

They explained how the latest attacks different considerably from the early days following the initial invasion when Russian forces did not seek to devastate civilian centres as they passed through on the way to Kyiv, according to some residents.

Oleksii, who was forced to evacuate his hometown of Vovchansk, said: 'In 2022 we were not hurt, they passed through the city without a fight. But this time it was different. It started very quickly and suddenly houses and schools were burning, all the roads were smashed to pieces, the hospital was destroyed, and my house was shattered; I have no windows or roof and my garage was burned down.

'We had to run. We thought we would get to the hospital and then plan what to do next, but when we got there, we saw a lot of dead bodies and we heard that the bridge had been blown up. We walked all night, but finally we got out.'

Another resident said: 'We didn't expect this. (After the initial invasion) we were back to living a normal life, planting vegetable gardens, but (in May 2024) the battles began, and houses and forests were on fire.

'We helped to rescue people from the burning houses. I wanted to stay. I didn't think it would come to this.

Speaking to US non-profit Project Hope, a health and humanitarian aid group that is providing medical equipment to residents caught in the crossfire in Ukraine, a man named Pavlo told how Russian troops targeted him and his wife with a drone strike as they fled Vovchansk through a forest.

'Shelling continued all day and night. My house was completely destroyed and, during one of the attacks, my arm was injured. My wife and I had to walk through the forest to a place where we could be picked up and evacuated by the State Emergency Service.

'While we were leaving, they tried to hit us with a kamikaze drone, but fortunately it fell nearby, and we kept moving. When we evacuated, we couldn't take anything with us. We literally have nothing.'

A drone view shows damaged property, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, in this screen grab from handout video released on June 2, 2024

A drone view shows damaged property, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, in this screen grab from handout video released on June 2, 2024

Meanwhile, authorities imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country on Sunday after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure and claimed it made gains in the eastern Donetsk province.

The shutdowns were in place in all but three regions of Ukraine following Saturday's drone and missile attack on energy targets that injured at least 19 people.

Ukraine's state-owned power grid operator Ukrenergo said the shutdowns affected both industrial and household consumers.

Sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine's power grid in recent weeks have forced the government to institute nationwide rolling blackouts.

Without adequate air defences to counter assaults and allow for repairs, the shortages could still worsen as need spikes in late summer and the bitter-cold winter.

Among the most significant recent strikes were an April barrage that damaged Kyiv's largest thermal power plant and a massive attack on May 8 that targeted power generation and transmission facilities in several regions.

A view of damaged residential area after Russian attack with S-300 missiles hit Kharkiv, Ukraine on May 31, 2024

Damaged car lies amid rubble after Russian missile attack on May 31, 2024 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Medics bandage the head of a wounded man after Russian shelling on May 31, 2024 in Kharkiv

Following Saturday's barrage, Ukraine's air force said Sunday that air defences had shot down all 25 drones launched overnight.

Russia claimed Sunday that it had taken control of the village of Umanske in the partially Russian-occupied Donetsk region.

Russia's coordinated new offensive has centred on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, but seems to include testing Ukrainian defences in Donetsk farther south, while also launching incursions in the northern Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

In Russia, six people were injured in shelling in the city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday.

He also said that a local official, the deputy head of the Korochansky district, had been killed by 'detonation of ammunition.' He gave no details.

In the neighbouring Kursk region, three people were injured Sunday when an explosive device was dropped from a drone, according to acting regional head Alexey Smirnov.
Kemi Badenoch today ruled out serving in the Tories if Nigel Farage joins insisting the Brexit champion wants to 'trash' the party.

The Cabinet minister hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates by suggesting he will 'take over' the Conservatives after a heavy election defeat on July 4.

In a round of interviews, Ms Badenoch was asked if she would carry on with Mr Farage as a colleague.

'No, no, Nigel Farage has stood against many Conservatives, including some of my colleagues, what he wants to do is destroy the Conservative Party,' she said.

Ms Badenoch insisted the Tories were an 'institution' and needed to keep going from 'strength to strength'.

Nigel Farage has said he is planning a Tory 'takeover' after the general election

Kemi Badenoch hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates with the suggestion he will exploit a heavy election defeat on July 4

Rishi Sunak has ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis

Mr Farage has opted against making another bid to become an MP on July 4, but joined Reform leader Richard Tice on the campaign trail in Skegness, Lincolnshire over the weekend.

Asked whether he wanted to facilitate a merger with the Tories after the election, he replied that it was 'more like a takeover, dear boy'.

There are widespread fears among Conservative MPs that Reform will hand Labour a bigger victory by splitting the right-wing vote.

Mr Farage has suggested he wants to engineer a realignment of the Right so Reform can team up with Tory hardliners.

Recently-ousted West Midlands mayor Andy Street warned yesterday that the Conservatives can only win from the 'middle ground', saying the idea that Mr Farage should be a leading figure was 'nonsense'.

Mr Street told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday programme that the fact he came close to keeping his job in traditional Labour territory despite grim national polls demonstrated that the Tories needed to keep to the 'centre ground'.

'Whether we win or lose the general election the point is simple, that you have to have that broad church. You have to be centred in the middle ground,' he said.

'The lesson of history the winners have come from the centre ground.'

Mr Street - who decided against standing to become an MP - said that the top echelons of government was dominated by centrists, but added: 'Who knows what the composition might be and the temptation might be in the future.'

He dismissed 'nonsense' rumours that Mr Farage will be among the leaders after the election.

'That is not a moderate inclusive Conservative Party with a broad appeal. That's why it's appropriate that we think about this well before we know the oucome of any general election,' he said.

The clashes came as a poll showed Labour extending its lead to 20 points - the biggest advantage since Liz Truss was PM.

The Opinium research found Sir Keir's party was on 45 per cent while the Tories had dropped to 25 per cent. A week earlier, before the first stages of campaigning, the firm detected a 14-point gap.

Earlier this week, Mr Farage declared he had 'no interest' in striking a pre-election deal with the Tories.

He dismissed comments he previously made where he said they 'might have a conversation' as 'deeply sarcastic'.

'There is no deal with the Conservatives whatsoever,' Mr Farage told a press conference.

The Prime Minister has also ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis.

Farage - who is not currently standing to become an MP - joined Reform leader Richard Tice on the campaign trail in Skegness, Lincolnshire on Saturday

Reform UK is currently polling between 12 and 15 per cent but Farage has said that Tice's party must reach 18 per cent if they are going to win seats in Parliament.

The right-wing party is offering tax cuts, the abolition of business rates for small businesses, and tax relief for private healthcare users in the draft of its July 2024 election manifesto.

Reform UK are also pledging to launch more public inquiries into Covid-19 and the rollout of the vaccine.
An elderly Christian man in Pakistan who was beaten and stoned by a 400-strong mob after being accused of burning pages of the Koran has reportedly died of his injuries.

Nazir Masih and his son were met with a furious mob at their home in the city of Sargodha, Punjab province, on May 25 after they allegedly desecrated the holy book.

Accusations of blasphemy against Masih, who was aged 74, are believed to have been false, and his family have denied the claims.

The factory owner and his son were still set on, with attackers punching, kicking and hurling stones at them, before setting the family's home and Masih's factory on fire.

Twelve members of Masih's family managed to escape, while his son was beaten and the pensioner was left with severe injuries before police arrived and managed to pull him away from the mob.

Crowds mass near what is reported to be the home of Nazir Masih in the city of Sargodha, Punjab province, on May 25

Horrifying footage appears to show Masih being surrounded by swelling crowds as a gaping wound on his head is bleeding and he appears barely conscious

He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, and nine days on reports have now emerged that he has succumbed to his injuries.

Horrifying footage shows Masih covered in dust and with a bleeding open head wound as people desperately try to help him.

Separate video of the incident shows crowds massing in a residential street of the city, believed to be where Masih lived, with smoke rising in the background as fires are lit.

The police have registered cases against some 450 people under an anti-terrorism law, UCA News reports, with 25 arrested in the attack on Masih.

Property agent Muhammad Jahangir reportedly made a complaint to the police saying Masih desecrated the Koran and 'spread religious hatred by hurting feelings of Muslims and risked peace in the area.'

Blasphemy is illegal in Pakistan and punishable by death, but accused have, in many instances, been lynched before their cases can even go to trial.

Human rights activists have argued that police are not doing enough to stop accusers taking matters into their own hands.

Picture is believed to show Christian factory owner Nazir Masih, who is reported to have lost his life after the brutal attack

Pictures shared on X appear to show Masih receiving treatment after the attack on May 25

According to Father Khalid Rashid Asi, diocesan director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Christians 'are just implicated in such incidents to settle personal scores and for personal grudges.'

'The mob has no right to lynch any person; there is the police and the legal system to provide justice to everyone.'

Christians have taken to the streets to protest against the latest violence, while many are said to have left their area for their safety.

Reports emerged last week that Masih had died from his injuries, but these were later refuted by a family member.

The attack comes just nine months after riots were sparked in Jaranwala, a city in Punjab, following rumours that another man and his son had 'disrespected' the Koran by putting photographs of themselves in it.
Mother-of-two says her conviction has stopped her getting job with charities

Stefania Morosi helped block traffic on a sit down protest on the M25

A yoga-teaching climate activist who brought rush hour traffic to a standstill wants hard-up Brits to pay her court fine after clocking up 14 arrests.

Stefania Morosi, who is part of Just Stop Oil, Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion, has launched a fundraiser to pay her 928 fine, moaning that her arrest had left her short on work.

The Mother-of-two was one of nine protesters who delayed over 48,000 vehicles, including police and ambulance services, in a demonstration on the M25.

She was ordered to do 280 hours of unpaid, which she says she completes every Monday, on top of community work and has four suspended jail terms.

Morosi, 46, of Ealing, west London has raised 485 so far through her GoFundMe page.

Eco activist Stefania Morosi has pleaded online for help paying her 928 court fine, saying her conviction has cost her job opportunities

Pictured: Protestors obstruct a road in central London. Morosi was one of several members of Insulate Britain who blocked traffic in sit down protests

The eco-zealot was last in court in April for taking part in the sit-down protest at Junction 31 slip road of the orbital motorway at Purfleet, Essex, in 2021. The yoga teacher was handed a suspended sentence for causing a public nuisance.

Pleading for funds, the activist said she had been turned away from jobs with 'big charities' because of her criminal record.

She wrote: 'I'm a mother of two boys, a yoga teacher and a woman who is deeply concerned about the impacts of the climate emergency on people's lives right now and the even worse impacts to come.

'Some impacts are unavoidable at this point but every percentage of a degree of warming counts and will cause pain and destruction for a higher number of people: every human counts, our children count.

'This is why I did not remain just concerned, I decided to act.

'I took to the streets with the Extinction Rebellion, I was part of Insulate Britain demanding that the UK government insulate British homes starting from the poorest, a no brainer demand if we are serious about tackling rising emissions of CO2.

The mother-of-two was arrested 14 times on protests, including on the M25 (pictured)

'I joined in with Just Stop Oil supporting the other no-brainer demand that we stop licensing new gas and oil fields.'

Morosi added: 'My actions got me arrested 14th times for peacefully protesting against our government inaction.

'I had many trials, in magistrate and in crown court, many days of lost income, many fines, 280 hours of community payback which means unpaid work every Monday, lost job opportunities with big charities who could not go past my criminal record.

'I currently have four suspended sentences for a total of months I would spend in prison if I dared to go out on the streets again, cause these days, no type of protest is safe.'

She claimed: 'They have changed the rules for the police to arrest us more easily with the UK now being considered by the UN human rights watch as a place where human rights are eroded quickly.'
A 70-year-old bus driver has been charged over a fatal crash which killed an 18-year-old woman.

Police will allege the bus was travelling along Edward Street, in Brisbane, when it mounted the footpath and hit Tia Cameron, before colliding with a nearby building on Friday, March 8.

Queensland Police on Monday said an Underwood man had been charged with one count of careless driving causing death after extensive investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit.

It is understood that Ms Cameron had just finished getting her eyelashes done at a nearby beauty salon and was on her way to have cocktails with her aunt.

She tragically died at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency responders.

Tia Cameron (pictured) had just finished getting her eyelashes done at a nearby beauty salon and was on her way to have cocktails with her aunt when tragedy struck

A 70-year-old man has been charged over a fatal crash which killed an 18-year-old in March

Four passengers and the driver were taken to hospital after sustaining minor injuries.

The bus driver has not been named and is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 26.

At the time of the incident, District Duty Officer Senior-Sergeant Steve Watterson described the scene as 'horrendous'.

Ms Cameron's family also mourned the loss of the vivacious teenager that they said been 'stolen from us'.

Her mother, Jade Te Awhitu, said the loss was shattering.

'She was only 18 and had her whole life ahead of her,' she said.

'She was beautiful, outgoing and unique, really unique. She loved the beach, the Gold Coast, fashion and looking after her partner's little puppies and dogs. She was really close with all of her family.'

Ms Cameron was reportedly facing the wall of a building at Anzac Square when she was hit from behind and pinned against the wall of the structure.

The incident caused chaos near the scene at the intersection of Edward and Adelaide streets, not far from Brisbane's Central railway station, with pedestrians running from the crash site and peak hour traffic diverted.

Witnesses described hearing the bus hit a light pole before crashing onto the footpath and seeing 'bricks flying', according to the Courier Mail.

The bus had just turned into Edward St from Ann St during Friday afternoon peak hour when it appears the driver lost control and veered toward the footpath

Ms Cameron attended Ferny Grove State High but left school at 16 to work in the beauty industry.

She got an admin job at the prestigious Brisbane Club in the city.

Ms Te Awhitu said although her daughter loved that job, her interest was in pursuing beauty and cosmetics.

Tia had been dating her childhood sweetheart Hayden since she was 14.

'He's not very good but he's holding in there - we're all supporting each other,' she added said.

'I think we're just all in shock.'
A British Indian bathroom salesman whose boss repeatedly mispronounced his name has been awarded more than 9,000 after a tribunal judge ruled his dignity had been 'violated.'

Viveak Taneja, an area sales manager based in London for Phoenix Whirlpools, was left 'angry and upset' when his boss Dana Davies repeatedly incorrectly addressed him as 'Vikesh', an employment tribunal heard.

The tribunal ruled that calling an an ethnic minority colleague by the wrong name could be race harassment. According to the employment judge, 'mis-naming' someone at work can count as 'unwanted conduct' that may 'violate' their dignity.

It was therefore decided that failing to listen to someone who corrects you about how to pronounce their name properly may breach equality laws.

The hearing was told that Mr Davies suffered from dyslexia which 'affected his ability to remember or pronounce names' - although he didn't tell Mr Taneja this.

Viveak Taneja (pictured), an area sales manager based in London for Phoenix Whirlpools, was left 'angry and upset' when his boss Dana Davies repeatedly incorrectly addressed him as 'Vikesh', an employment tribunal heard

Nevertheless, the panel concluded that Mr Davies 'besmirched' Mr Taneja when he repeatedly misnamed him four times, despite being corrected.

Following the misnaming, an argument erupted as Mr Taneja declared that if Mr Davies wasn't going to 'make the effort to pronounce his name correctly' he'd make no effort with him.

Mr Taneja was then sacked but has now been awarded 9,329.

The Watford tribunal heard Mr Taneja started working at the bathroom fittings company, whose main office is in Leeds, in June 2021 and became one of their 'best salesmen'.

In March 2022, Mr Davies became sales director and arranged to spend two days shadowing each member of the team to 'assess their capability'.

On March 21, Mr Taneja was late picking Mr Davies up from King's Cross Station resulting in the pair enduring a 'toxic' journey.

It was heard Mr Davies questioned Mr Taneja about his work and sales targets and referred to him as 'Vikesh' on two separate occasions.

Each time, he was corrected and told it was actually 'Viveak', but Mr Davies did not apologise for the errors.

When the pair stopped to work in a coffee shop, Mr Taneja said he had to leave early for the school run.

Phoenix Whirlpools head office in Leeds. Mr Taneja worked for the bathroom fitting company as a London based area sales manager (Google Maps)

To which Mr Davies said: 'we're going to have a problem if you say you are going to do something and you don't do it'.

The panel heard he also used the name 'Vikesh' twice more to refer to Mr Taneja.

'After the third time, Mr Taneja became angry and upset and started to pack his belongings to leave,' the hearing was told.

'He told Mr Davies that he hadn't listened when he had corrected him previously and that if he didn't make the effort to pronounce his name correctly, then he would make no effort with Mr Davies.

'As he walked away from Mr Davies, Mr Taneja referred to him as both an 'idiot' and a 'racist'.'

The panel heard there was a further altercation as Mr Davies blocked Mr Taneja's route to his car and told him he was 'finished' and 'terminated' if he drove off, which he did anyway.

Both of them reported the incident to bosses, but Mr Taneja was dismissed that day as Mr Davies' account was preferred. He appealed this, but the original decision was upheld.

Mr Taneja took complaints of unfair dismissal and both race discrimination and harassment to the tribunal.

As he had not been working at the company for two years, Employment Judge Sally Cowen dismissed the unfair dismissal claim, but upheld race harassment after the 'significant issue'.

She said: 'We accepted that Mr Taneja has a genuine emotion and sensitivity about his name, as it holds a significant meaning in Hindi.'

'We therefore accepted that this behaviour did occur and that it did amount to less favourable treatment.

'Mr Davies acted in a manner which was arrogant and lacked respect towards Mr Taneja to acknowledge his name, or take any time or effort to correct himself or to recognise his inappropriate behaviour.'

The judge said the name calling wasn't discrimination, but was instead race harassment, adding: 'We considered that the action of misnaming Mr Taneja was an unwanted conduct and that it had the effect of violating his dignity and creating an atmosphere which was intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive.

'We considered that it was related to his race as the name which Mr Davies used is one which has direct connotation with race.

'Mr Davies' evidence that he was surprised that Mr Taneja called him a racist indicates that he did not understand that his action had been offensive and therefore he lacked the intention to offend.

'He did not take the time and effort to ensure that he was not offensive to Mr Taneja.'

Considering the compensation amount, she continued: 'We take into account the fact that Mr Taneja felt strongly about the use of his name and that it has specific meaning within his culture which leads him to be particularly proud of it.

'It was clear to the tribunal that he felt besmirched by Mr Davies use of the wrong name.

'It was also clear to us, that even during the tribunal hearing, some two years after the events, he still felt affected by seeing Mr Davies and that he benefited from the support of his family at the tribunal.'

As a result, he was awarded 8,000 plus interest, taking the total compensation figure to 9,329.
A jailbird mother nicknamed 'Sweet Pea' has been ordered to wear two electronic tags at the same time after she beat up her disabled boyfriend during a row.

Amy Gibney, 38, pulled John Cotgreave's hair, wrapped her arms around his head and then tried to drag him around as he sat in his wheelchair.

Staff at a hostel where Mr Cotgreave was living intervened but had to hold Gibney back as she continued to lunge at her partner. Police later spoke to the victim but he declined to give a statement.

Inquiries revealed the mother-of-one, of Tuebrook, Liverpool, had 19 previous offences on her record for violence, public order matters and an offence of being drunk and disorderly - committed only a month before the assault on Mr Cotgreave.

Gibney, who refers to herself as 'Sweet Pea' on Facebook, regularly posts updates on social media about her trips to and from prison and her attempts to tackle her alcohol problem.

Amy Gibney, 38, (pictured) pulled her boyfriend's hair, wrapped her arms around his head and tried to drag him around as he sat in his wheelchair

John Cotgreave (pictured) sat in his wheelchair as he was attacked by Gibney

Gibney has been ordered to wear two electronic tags at the same time but says they are hurting her

Gibney also showed off electronic tags she was ordered to wear on previous occasions and made vows to cut them off as they were hurting her leg.

One post which showed her tag said: 'I don't no why I moan about 7 curfew. As am ready for my bed at that time anyway. If anyone phoned me now after 8 at night am like ''Omg have people got no respect?'''

A third read: 'Men say what you go to jail for? 1st time assault on a police officer 2nd time took a bus full of people hostage for 45 mins. It's not clever it's not brave an it's certainly not funny what I've done. Believe me the list goes on of the stupid s*** I done.'

At Sefton magistrates court, Gibney, who admitted assault, was sentenced to a 24-month community order which involves her wearing one tag on her leg as part of a 8pm to 7am curfew and sporting a so-called 'sobriety tag' on the other leg for 120 days to check she is abstaining from alcohol. Electronic monitoring was introduced in 1999 but it is rare an offender has had to wear two at the same time.

Miss Clare Oliver, prosecuting, said: 'In relation to the assault by beating of John Cotgreave, which took place on August 18 of last year, police received a call from staff at YMCA on Leeds Street in Liverpool.

'The caller said that the defendant attended the address and was refusing to leave. She was screaming and shouting and there was a physical altercation with former partner Mr Cotgreave. He refused to provide a witness statement or cooperate with a police prosecution.

'However, CCTV was obtained and there is a one minute clip of footage. Miss Gibney can be seen attacking him in his wheelchair. He was grabbed around by his hair. She wrapped her arms around his head and attempted to drag him.

At Sefton magistrates court, Gibney, who admitted assault, was sentenced to a 24-month community order

'Staff have pulled Miss Gibney away but she continued to try and lunge at Mr Cotgreave.'

The CCTV footage was shown to the court. After Gibney attacked her ex-partner, a man in another wheelchair can be seen trying to get between them as a staff member at the YMCA pulls her away.

Gibney tries to get free of the staff member by taking off her coat, and continues to lunge at Mr Cotgreave.

Gibney initially pleaded not guilty to the assault but later changed her plea. She faced up to 16 weeks in custody under sentencing guidelines.

Defence lawyer Miss Nama Zarroug said: 'She has daily alcohol testing which she feels is going very well. It is acting a significant deterrent for use of alcohol, She is not afraid of custody as she has been in custody. She knows she can cope with custody but it would hinder the progress she has been making. The opportunity that is being presented here is something that is not going to happen again.'

Gibney was also ordered to participate with 30 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service and told to pay 364 in costs and victim surcharge.

Sentencing District Judge James Hatton told her: 'You cannot behave in this way and you can reflect on that when you have time to think about it. You seem to have made some progress and I would rather support you through it.

'If you do not comply with the requirements of this community order there will be significant consequences. If you are brought back before the court you could go to custody.'

There are three types of electronic tag, curfew tags, location tags and alcohol tags. A curfew tag checks if offenders are where they are meant to be during their curfew hours, whilst a location tag records data about their movements at all times.

The alcohol tag measures the level of alcohol in sweat every 30 minutes. If an offender wearing one drinks alcohol, it will be recorded by the tag.
A frustrated Walmart customer has revealed the latest item to be locked up on the shopfloor during the shoplifting crackdown - and it only costs $1.50.

Victoria Damor, 22, from Las Vegas, made a TikTok detailing her shocking experience at the big box retailer last month.

Her video, which she posted under her handle @toridamore, has already been seen by almost 90,000 people, who have flocked to the comments to share their outrage.

Talking to the camera, the shopper exclaimed: 'This is the future of Walmart. I can't even walk into Walmart and pick up a nail file worth $1.50 because it's locked up.

'And of course, because it's all locked up, there's an employee waiting there to assist everybody that needs it to be unlocked.'

Victoria Damor, 22, from Las Vegas, made a TikTok detailing her shocking experience at the big box retailer last month

Talking to the camera, the shopper exclaimed: 'This is the future of Walmart . I can't even walk into Walmart and pick up a nail file worth $1.50 because it's locked up'

She panned her camera around to show her followers the glass boxes that all of the cosmetics were kept in - some had prices as low as $1,57, $4.12, and $1.68.

If customers want to purchase anything behind the glass separator, they have to alert a member of staff who will retrieve it for them.

Victoria continued: 'And he's being rude to the customers that need assistance because it's locked up - like it's an inconvenience to him.

'Walmart, you can lock your s*** up, but it's not the customer's fault that you don't stop people from stealing from you.

'The whole time I was in the cosmetics area the employee was following me around.

'Every time I would stop to look at something, he would say, do you need me to get that for you?

'Like, sir, I don't want it anymore. Like, I don't wanna inconvenience you. Sorry, I need to shop.'

Hundreds of angered customers rushed to the comments, dubbing the security precautions a 'nightmare'.

Pictured: One of the Walmart stores in Las Vegas, where Victoria is from

Hundreds of angered customers rushed to the comments, dubbing the security precautions a 'nightmare'

The extreme measures big box retailers are taking come as shoplifting continues to be a major crisis in the US (Pictured: A pharmacy and convenience store in New York City)

One user questioned: 'I moved abroad five years ago and I am SHOCKED whenever I visit the US now. What is going on???'

Another added: 'Mine literally had someone on the register and a security guard. Like I don't even feel comfortable to browse anymore.'

Meanwhile a third agreed: 'This is the reason my husband and I almost always do pickup. When we go in, we never get what we need because of everything locked up.'

A fourth chimed in with: 'Half of the time you have to wait forever to find an employee to unlock the door. One time I waited 20 minutes for 1 item that took 2 seconds to get.'

And nail files and cosmetics are not the first items to be protected against shoplifters.

Victoria's video comes as stores have been increasingly keeping items behind lock and key due to an increase in thefts.

In January 2024, Walmart and Target began locking up underwear and socks in some locations.

Shoppers at the stores, in the Bay Area of California, reacted with surprise at the move by two of America's biggest chains.

Just last month, another woman shopping at Walmart expressed her frustration and embarrassment about having to carry around locked items

The makeup wipes a shopper put in her cart at Walmart are encased in metal wire to prevent thefts

'It comes to the point of how ghetto does it look that they have to lock up the socks or whatever it is that they have under the key,' shopper Olga Leon told NBC Bay Area.

One customer wanting to buy boxer shorts waited ten minutes for a staff member to come and unlock the case containing them.

Meanwhile, a Walmart store in the Hilltop area is also locking up underwear. Staff there say they are hit by shoplifters every day.

Just last month, another woman shopping at Walmart expressed her frustration and embarrassment about having to carry around locked items.

Esme, going by username @kultruz on TikTok, said she understands if big retailers want to lock up makeup itself, which can be quite pricey - but says makeup wipes are a step too far.

The brand she was purchasing retails for just over $6 at Walmart.

'I feel embarrassed carrying this around,' she said, showing off the product wrapped in a metal wire.

This controversial system means that aometimes shoppers are being forced to wait as long as 40 minutes to buy basic essentials like baby formula and body wash.

Walmart is just one of the major retailers that has imposed new methods for countering soaring rates of theft, including locking up basic essentials

At a Walmart in New Jersey, a manager was forced to apologize after a 15-minute delay to buy baby formula

Reporters from Inside Edition visited five Targets, five Walmarts, and five CVS stores in New York and New Jersey and timed how long it took for employees to retrieve different products from glass casings.

During the experiment, a manager was forced to apologize after a 15-minute delay to buy baby formula.

The extreme measures big box retailers are taking come as shoplifting continues to be a major crisis in the US.

And it's worse in America's two largest cities, as thefts increased 64 percent in New York City and 61 percent in Los Angeles over the last four years.

The Council on Criminal Justice said that, while shoplifts have gone down slightly in New York through the first half of 2023, the rate remains high with over 90,000 incidents through November 5 2023 according to the city's crime stats.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, remains a mess, with a shocking 109 percent increase in retail theft through the first six months of last year, the highest rise in the country.

The National Retail Federation reported that both internal and external theft makes up an average of 65% losses for retailers and retail crime is impacting the industry at 'unprecedented levels'.

In 2022, US retailers lost $112.1 billion, up from the losses of $93.9 billion in 2021, according to the NRF data.

Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon, told The Street: 'We do think that in some jurisdictions here in the U.S., there needs to be action taken to help protect people from crime, including theft.'
A Barclays branch in Bolton has had its windows smashed and red paint thrown over and inside the building with police on the scene.

Palestine Action have claimed responsibility for the attack, along with another in Bradford, demanding Barclays 'divests from Israels biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems'.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating after cordoning off the bank - on the corner of Market Street and Hotel Street - this morning, but have made no arrests yet.

It comes within weeks of both Manchester and Brighton having branches vandalised by pro-Palestine activists.

Pictures showed how the Bolton shop front was left with shattered windows after the incident in the early hours today. They also showed how vandals had carpeted the outside walls and interior of the branch with paint - which was smeared across TV screens and marketing material.

A Barclays branch in Bolton has had its windows smashed and red paint thrown over and inside the building

Greater Manchester Police are investigating after cordoning off the bank this morning, saying: no arrests have been made but enquiries are ongoing

Palestine Action have claimed responsibility for the attack, along with another in Bradford

The Palestine Action X account posted: 'Palestine Action target the Bradford and Bolton branch of Barclays, demanding the bank divests from Israels biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems'

The Palestine Action X account shared pictures of the bank after it had been vandalised, alongside one from Bradford.

It commented: 'Palestine Action target the Bradford and Bolton branch of Barclays, demanding the bank divests from Israels biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems'.

This incident follows two others over the weekend in Manchester city centre, claimed by the same protest group alongside the vandalism of a BNY Mellon branch, where four people were arrested.

A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police said: 'At 2.54am this morning, we were called following reports of criminal damage and red graffiti over a building on Market Street in Bolton.

'No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.'

Members of Palestine Action have been targeting Barclays branches across the country over its alleged links to the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.

But Barclays has denied that it is financing and investing in businesses that supply weapons to the Israeli army to fight the war in Gaza.

Instead, the bank said it trades in shares of a wide range of listed companies in response to its clients' instructions - and is not itself a direct investor.

A statement on Barclays website states: 'We have been asked why we invest in nine defence companies supplying Israel, but this mistakes what we do.

Members of Palestine Action have been targeting Barclays branches across the country over its alleged links to the Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, but Barclays has denied that it is financing and investing in businesses that supply weapons to the Israeli army

The bank said it trades in shares of a wide range of listed companies in response to its clients' instructions - and is not itself a direct investor in Elbit Systems

Pictured: police on the scene of Bolton's Barclays branch which was vandalised overnight

Pictures showed how the extensive shop front was left with shattered windows after the incident in the early hours

'We trade in shares of listed companies in response to client instruction or demand and that may result in us holding shares.

'We are not making investments for Barclays and Barclays is not a 'shareholder' or 'investor' in that sense in relation to these companies.

'For the reasons mentioned, it is not true that we have made a decision to invest in Elbit.

'We may hold shares in relation to client driven transactions, which is why we appear on the share register, but we are not investors.'
A man has been charged with the murder of his 61-year-old mother after she was found dead in her home in Perth's southeast.

Police were called to a home in the Perth suburb of Byford about 7.05pm on Sunday following reports a woman had been seriously injured.

The 61-year-old was found dead by emergency services who arrived at the scene.

Her son, 33, has since been charged with murder.

Police will allege in court the man fled the scene in a silver Peugot station sedan and was not seen by police until 9.15pm, 200km north of the crime scene in the rural town of Moora.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in dramatic fashion over the death of his 61-year-old mother in the outer Perth suburb of Byford

The man was stopped by police road spikes hundreds of kilometres from the crime scene

A WA Police spokeswoman said the man failed to stop after emergency lights and sirens were activated.

The man was stopped in the town of Bindi Bindi - 40km east of Moora - when police deployed a tyre deflation device along the Great Northern Highway.

Tasers were deployed after he allegedly began acting aggressively and challenging police.

He was taken into custody and will appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Nigel Farage teased an 'emergency General Election announcement' today amid rampant speculation he will fight to become an MP after all.

In a move that could increase panic in Tory ranks, the Brexit champion posted on social media saying he would be dropping some news at 4pm.

Mr Farage has previously ruled out standing as a candidate for Reform, but supporters have been clamouring for him to change his mind.

There are still four days left to register to run, with speculation that Clacton in Essex or East Thanet in Kent could attract his eye.

There could be complaints from other parties if Mr Farage was allowed to represent Reform in any of the TV debates without being a candidate.

Reform already has a candidate in Clacton, but one has yet to be selected in East Thanet. Mr Farage is believed to have a home in Kent and previously contested South Thanet in 2015, coming second.

Mr Farage could find his previous views on Essex come back to haunt him, after he told the Times earlier this year: 'Do I want to spend every Friday for the next five years in Clacton?'

Reform leader Richard Tice poured fuel on the flames this morning by refusing to rule out Mr Farage having a change of heart.

On the campaign trail on Oxfordshire this afternoon Rishi Sunak said is afternoon that 'a vote for anyone who is not a Conservative candidate is just a vote to put Keir Starmer in No 10'.

'So if you're someone who cares about tackling migration, both the boats and legal migration, if you're someone who wants a more proportionate, pragmatic approach to net zero that saves people money, and if you're someone who wants lower taxes, it's only the Conservatives that are going to offer those things,' he told broadcasters.

Nigel Farage teased an 'emergency general election announcement' today as the campaign intensifies

The Brexit champion posted on social media saying he would be dropping some news at 4pm

Reform said the press conference would be attended by leader Richard Tice as well

The intervention came as Kemi Badenoch ruled out serving in the Tories if Mr Farage joins after the election.

The Cabinet minister hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates by suggesting he will 'take over' the Conservatives after a heavy election defeat on July 4.

Mr Farage kept Westminster guessing for months before announcing shortly after the election was called that he would not be a candidate.

He blamed Mr Sunak's decision to go early for his stepping aside, admitting he did not have time to build a campaign in a seat.

Clacton was previously held by Douglas Carswell for UKIP.

In January a Survation poll in the constituency suggested that Mr Farage could defeat Tory incumbent Giles Watling.

There are widespread fears among Conservative MPs that Reform will hand Labour a bigger victory by splitting the right-wing vote on July 4.

Mr Farage joined Reform leader Richard Tice on the campaign trail in Skegness, Lincolnshire over the weekend.

Asked whether he wanted to facilitate a merger with the Tories after the election, he replied that it was 'more like a takeover, dear boy'.

Mr Farage has suggested he wants to engineer a realignment of the Right so Reform can team up with Tory hardliners.

In a round of interviews, this morning Ms Badenoch was asked if she would carry on with Mr Farage as a colleague.

'No, no, Nigel Farage has stood against many Conservatives, including some of my colleagues, what he wants to do is destroy the Conservative Party,' she told LBC.

Ms Badenoch insisted the Tories were an 'institution' and needed to keep going from 'strength to strength'.

Recently-ousted West Midlands mayor Andy Street warned yesterday that the Conservatives can only win from the 'middle ground', saying the idea that Mr Farage should be a leading figure was 'nonsense'.

Mr Street told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday programme that the fact he came close to keeping his job in traditional Labour territory despite grim national polls demonstrated that the Tories needed to keep to the 'centre ground'.

'Whether we win or lose the general election the point is simple, that you have to have that broad church. You have to be centred in the middle ground,' he said.

'The lesson of history the winners have come from the centre ground.'

Mr Street - who decided against standing to become an MP - said that the top echelons of government was dominated by centrists, but added: 'Who knows what the composition might be and the temptation might be in the future.'

He dismissed 'nonsense' rumours that Mr Farage will be among the leaders after the election.

'That is not a moderate inclusive Conservative Party with a broad appeal. That's why it's appropriate that we think about this well before we know the oucome of any general election,' he said.

The clashes came as a poll showed Labour extending its lead to 20 points - the biggest advantage since Liz Truss was PM.

The Opinium research found Sir Keir's party was on 45 per cent while the Tories had dropped to 25 per cent. A week earlier, before the first stages of campaigning, the firm detected a 14-point gap.

Earlier this week, Mr Farage declared he had 'no interest' in striking a pre-election deal with the Tories.

He dismissed comments he previously made where he said they 'might have a conversation' as 'deeply sarcastic'.

'There is no deal with the Conservatives whatsoever,' Mr Farage told a press conference.

The Prime Minister has also ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis.

Kemi Badenoch hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates with the suggestion he will exploit a heavy election defeat on July 4

Rishi Sunak has ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis

Recently-ousted West Midlands mayor Andy Street warned yesterday that the Conservatives can only win from the 'middle ground'

Reform UK is currently polling between 12 and 15 per cent but Farage has said that Tice's party must reach 18 per cent if they are going to win seats in Parliament.

The right-wing party is offering tax cuts, the abolition of business rates for small businesses, and tax relief for private healthcare users in the draft of its July 2024 election manifesto.

Reform UK are also pledging to launch more public inquiries into Covid-19 and the rollout of the vaccine.
Donald Trump openly thanked Boris Johnson in a post on TruthSocial after the former British Prime Minister wrote an article for The Daily Mail in support of the now-convicted ex-president.

Johnson wrote that Trump had been the victim of a 'machine-gun mob-style hit job' and called those responsible for the prosecution 'liberal elites.'

On Thursday, the Republican presidential candidate was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to stop porn star Stormy Daniels from going public about the pair's alleged tryst.

Trump is the first US president to ever be convicted of a crime coming six months before the rematch between him and incumbent Joe Biden. He faces sentencing on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention begins.

In his first press conference in the aftermath of the guilty verdict, Trump repeatedly referenced a DailyMail.com poll showing his popularity bounce after the jury's controversial decision.

Over the weekend, Trump launched his own TikTok page, a social media site he threatened to shut down over fears regarding Chinese espionage, amassing 3.6 million followers and 50 million views in just 48 hours.

Boris Johnson pictured with Trump at the UN General Assembly in 2019 when both were in power

Johnson then called the trial 'nakedly political' and 'completely artificial and said Trump was caught by the Democrats over a 'technicality'

Late Sunday, Trump wrote on his social media platform: 'Thank you to Boris Johnson!' He followed that up by posting three quotes from the article.

'This was a machine-gun mob-style hit job on Trump. It was nakedly political  and will make his victory more likely, not less,' read the first.

Johnson then called the trial 'nakedly political' and 'completely artificial and said Trump was caught by the Democrats over a 'technicality,' views that the real estate mogul endorsed.

'Except that everyone with any common sense can see what I consider their real motives, how they were combing the rule book for stuff to use against Trump,' Johnson wrote.

Elsewhere in the piece, Johnson said that the American public knew the case 'by and large, a load of stunted-up old nonsense.'

'The vast mass of American voters could see what I believe was really happening: that the liberal elites were just appalled at Trumps continuing popularity and his ability to connect with voters  and they were using anything they could find to derail his campaign,' Johnson went on.

'If you look dispassionately at his time in office, both on the domestic and international front, it was far more successful than his Left-wing critics allow. They should not be using legal tricks like this to prevent him from receiving the judgment that really matters  the verdict of the people.'

Johnson added that the conviction will make a Trump-victory in November 'more likely, not less.'

Trump also posted a picture of the two former leaders sitting together. Earlier, Trump said that he will appeal his conviction.

Both current Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer stood on the fence regarding Trump's conviction when asked about it on the campaign trail.

'What I would say is the US has always been a key partner and ally of the United Kingdom. Ive always had a good relationship with my opposite number, any British prime minister should prioritize that. Of course I respect the justice system of the United States,' Sunak said.

'We will work with whoever is elected president  but it is an unprecedented situation, there is no doubt about that,' Starmer said.

Trump and Johnson have a storied history together with the former president once calling the former London mayor 'Britain Trump.'

In recent months, it's been reported that Johnson has attempted to lobby Trump in order to convince him to support Ukraine aid amid the Russian invasion.

Back in 2022, Trump called Johnson a 'friend' but said he 'went liberal all of a sudden, he went to the other side.'

Meanwhile, in an appearance on Fox & Friends over the weekend, Trump revealed how his wife and youngest child are coping with his conviction.

'It's tougher, I think it's probably in many ways it's tougher on my family than it is on me,' Trump said.

'I have a wonderful wife who has to listen to this stuff all the time,' he said. 'I think it's very hard for her, you know she has to read all this c**p.'

Trump said his 18-year-old son Barron, who recently graduated from the Oxbridge Academy, has focusing on his future.

'He's amazing. He's tall, good looking, he's a very good student. He's applied to colleges and gets into everywhere he goes, you know? He's very sought after from the standpoint, he's a very smart guy,' the ex-president said.

'He's a very tall guy and he's a great kid. He's cool. He's pretty cool, I'll tell you.'
The kingpin of the gang targeted in a drive-by restaurant shooting which left a nine-year-old girl fighting for her life was linked to a hit in Spain just weeks earlier, it has emerged.

Three men with ties to the drugs gang 'Bombacilar' - also known as the Hackney Bombers - were injured in the shooting in Dalston, north east London, on May 29.

A young girl was caught in the hail of bullets, with one said to have lodged in her head, as she was out for dinner with her family at the Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street.

It has now emerged that the founder of the Hackney Bombers, Abdullah Baybasin, was out at a Barcelona restaurant last month with German-Turk gangster Tekin Kartal, 30, who was shot dead shortly after leaving, The Sun reports.

Members of Baybasin's gang - who once controlled 90 per cent of the UK's heroin trade - denied they were involved on social media.

But a leading gangster in Baybasin's old mob was the intended target of the Dalston shooting, sparking fears it could have been a revenge hit.

Abdullah Baybasin, the founder of the gang which was targeted in Dalston, was linked to a hit in Spain recently

A young girl was caught in the hail of bullets, with one said to have lodged in her head, as she was out for dinner with her family at the Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street on May 29

Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a hitman on a stolen motorbike targets three men outside a Turkish restaurant

A source told the newspaper: 'It's too early to say if the attack was directly linked to the Barcelona hit, but Kartal was an underworld figure with interests across Europe.

'There is always a fallout, with people looking to exploit weakness in rival organisations. There's no doubt police will be looking into the wider context.'

Baybasin, who uses a wheelchair after being shot by a rival, was released from prison in Turkey in 2017. He was initially arrested in the UK in 2006 but acquitted four years later.

Two months after returning to Turkey, he was arrested again, this time with his son over drug smuggling. He was released seven years ago.

Baybasin had taken over as the mob boss when his brother, Huseyin Baybasin - once known as Europe's Pablo Escobar - was jailed for life in the Netherlands on drug smuggling charges himself.

The target in Dalston escaped unharmed but a stray bullet left a nine-year-old girl in a critical condition.

The girl was shot just after 9pm. The shooter on a Ducati Monster motorbike pulled up and began firing at three men sitting outside, believed to be his targets.

The men of Turkish origin, aged 37, 42 and 44, were injured and the Birmingham-based girl, who was visiting family in London with her parents, was caught in the crossfire.

The real target of the shooting has said he wished he had been shot in the head instead of the little girl who is still desperately fighting for her life in hospital.

Beytullah Gunduz, 37, who has links to the Turkish criminal world, attended the restaurant on May 29.

He left and returned 15 minutes later - only to find three of his friends with gunshot wounds and an innocent girl laying on the floor having been shot in the head.

Forensic officers pictured outside Evin restaurant, where a horror drive-by shooting took place

CCTV captures moment the hitman on a stolen motorbike targets three men in Dalston

The attack led to concerns that a gang war between Tottenham Turks and their rivals, the Hackney Turks, will reignite.

Gunduz was previously the victim of a hit when he was shot in the neck by a Tottenham Turks assassin and has himself been cleared of organising another hit.

The Times reported Gunduz as telling a friend he is distraught the small child was hurt and dragged into the chaos.

He is reported as saying 'that little girl is an innocent person'. 'If these people knew I was there why didn't they wait until I left and walked around the corner?'

'We can be criminals but this girl wasn't, she didn't do anything wrong. It is killing me inside. The waiting to know if she is going to live is too much - I am heartbroken.'

He went on to say he hasn't slept in four days and has been praying for her.

Mustafa Kiziltan was sentenced to 36 months prison for his part in the unprovoked chemical assault of a Good Samaritan outside a gay bar in Dalston. He was a third victim in the shooting

The newspaper reported him as saying: 'I wish I was still sitting there and the bullet had gone in my head.'

He believes the horrifying incident is linked to the previous attempt on his life in 2020, when a gun jamming allowed him to escape. No one has been charged.

One of his friends who was present was discharged from hospital the day after the shooting.

Another called Mustafa Kiziltan, 37, who was jailed in 2019 for his involvement in an acid attack, was discharged on Friday.

The third, 42, is expected to remain in hospital for two weeks, according to The Times.

Five years before the attempted hit, Gunduz was cleared of murder after being accused of hiring an assassin a leading member of the Tottenham Turks.

But the gunman and the getaway driver were convicted of murder.

According to The Times, the little girl's grandmother has been told she is on a ventilator after doctors were unable to remove the bullet on the first attempt.

Emergency services on the scene in Dalston, east London, after the shooting

A look at Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street the next morning, covered in police tape

Describing the shooting at the time, one resident said: 'I don't know who [they were] targeting - but for a child to be hit? It's just horrendous.'

The man, who did not want to be named, added: 'I doubt anyone will give you their names - not when this could be gang violence.'

A diner who was at the Evin restaurant at the time of the alleged shooting told the Hackney Gazette how everyone dived under the tables during the 'chaos' and he used his coat to stop the bleeding on someone's leg.

'There was a big group having dinner in the rear,' he said. 'I couldn't get my usual table so got one close to the front window.

'The big group paid up and left and shortly afterwards that's when the loud bangs - which were obviously gunshots - happened.'

After everyone scrambled on to the floor, the man saw that someone was injured and he used his coat to stop the bleeding on a leg wound.

He continued: 'I'd say it was around 10 to 15 minutes when the emergency services arrived. Police first, then NHS staff. They were very efficient.'

A second resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It's so awful. I live just down the road so it's really shocking to hear.

'I only found out when I walked up here this morning to get my hair cut. To hurt a kid? I mean it's messed up.

'It's the way the world is going these days and I worry if things will continue to get worse.'

Dave Evans told how he had walked passed the Evin Bistro just minutes before the violence erupted.

Mr Evans, 62, said: 'I was out last night walking my dog. I must have walked passed Evin five minutes before the shooting.

'I was down the road when I heard the noise. There were six shots. I knew they were gun shots immediately.'
Keir Starmer said he was prepared to use Britain's nuclear weapons as he today outlined his party's 'total commitment' to the Trident deterrent.

The Labour leader gave a hardline speech on national security today as he tried to armour plate his party's traditional Achilles heel.

He unveiled a 'nuclear deterrent triple lock' involving maintaining the continuous at-sea deterrent, building four missile submarines in Barrow-in-Furness and delivering upgrades needed for the submarines to patrol the waters.

However he faced questions over the commitment of members of his top team to nuclear weapons. His deputy, Angela Rayner, and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy both voted against renewing Trident eight years ago.

But speaking at the Fusiliers' Museum in Manchester Sir Keir said: 'I lead this party. I've changed this party.

'If we're privileged to come in to serve, I will be the prime minister of the United Kingdom. And I've made my commitment to this absolutely clear. And I've got my whole shadow cabinet behind me.'

Asked about whether he was prepared to push the nuclear button, he added: 'Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defence, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it.'

However, the Tories pointed out to his refusal to say when a Labour government would commit to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

The Labour leader gave a hardline speech on national security today as he tried to armour plate his party's traditional Achilles heel.

He unveiled a 'nuclear deterrent triple lock' involving maintaining the continuous at-sea deterrent, building four missile submarines in Barrow-in-Furness and delivering upgrades needed for the submarines to patrol the waters.

However he faced questions over the commitment of members of his top team to nuclear weapons. His deputy, Angela Rayner, and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy both voted against renewing Trident eight years ago.

Rishi Sunak has committed to doing so by 2030, but Sir Keir today said Labour would do it 'as soon as possible'.

Tory defence secretary Grant Shapps said: 'This was another empty speech from Keir Starmer. By refusing to commit to 2.5 per cent defence spending by 2030 he has been unable to show the clear and bold leadership this country needs in uncertain times.

'Starmer's choice for Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has described the UK's nuclear deterrent as ''senseless''. This rubbishes the claim that Labour have changed. It's clear Starmer lacks the courage and conviction to stand up for Britain's security.'

Sir Keir said he was 'absolutely committed to peace' but that 'for peace, you have to be prepared to fight.'

The Labour leader said he believed that both Labour and the Tories were committed to peace and to protecting the nation.

He has been attempting to shift perceptions of Labour's defence stance following the party's time under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, a long-standing critic of Nato and Trident.

He was joined today by shadow defence secretary John Healey and 10 of the 14 forces veterans who are standing as Labour candidates at the election on July 4.

The Vanguard-class submarines are due to be replaced by the bigger Dreadnought-class submarines in the 2030s.

Between 31 billion and 41 billion has been set aside for the wider programme of replacing the Vanguard-class submarines, according to figures from the House of Commons Library.

Sir Keir said Britain would be 'fit to fight' under a Labour government.

The Labour leader said: 'We have the smallest army since the time of Napoleon, at a time when other countries are firmly on a war footing. And so even as we work tirelessly for peace, we have to be fit to fight.

'So let me be unequivocal: this Labour Party is totally committed to the security of our nation, to our armed forces and, importantly, to our nuclear deterrent.'

Sir Keir added: 'The nuclear deterrent is the foundation of any plan to keep Britain safe, it is essential. That is why Labour has announced a new triple lock commitment to our nuclear deterrent. We'll maintain Britain's continuous at-sea deterrent - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - deliver all the needed upgrades, and we will build four new nuclear submarines.'

Sir Keir highlighted the importance of industrial capacity to security in Ukraine, adding: 'With Labour Britain will be fit to fight.

'Within the first year of a Labour government we will carry out a new strategic defence review, we are absolutely committed to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence as soon as possible because we know our security isn't just vital to our safety today, it's absolutely central to our success for the future. National security and economic security must go hand-in-hand.'
The Netherlands intends allow the Ukrainian air force to use its 24 F-16 fighter jets to carry out strikes in Russia, shortly after President Biden gave Ukraine the green light to hit some of Putin's targets with US weapons.

This was confirmed by Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren who, in an interview with Politico this weekend, said there was not a 'Belgian-style restriction', referring to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo's warning that Kyiv will not fly the F-16 jets that come from Belgium into Russian airspace.

Also, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said this decision does not require permission from the US, even though it produces F-16s.

The use of the planes is also not limited to the border region near Kharkiv, as is the case for US weapons.

Ollengren was among the senior officials who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, an independent think tank, which is attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren confirmed Netherlands will allow the Ukrainian air force to use its 24 F-16 fighter jets to carry out strikes in Russia, as reported by Politico.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference after the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, on Sunday. Zelenskyy urged a group of top defense officials at Asia's premier security conference on Sunday to attend an upcoming peace summit, saying Ukraine was ready to hear "various proposals and thoughts" on ending the war with Russia

'We are applying the same principle that we have applied to every other delivery of capabilities, which is once we hand it over to Ukraine, it's theirs to use,' said Ollongren.

'We only ask them to comply to international law and the right to self-defense as stated in the U.N. Charter, which means they use it to target the military goals they need to target in their self-defense,' Ollongren added.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force.

This comes a few days after US President Joe Biden gave Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets near the Kharkiv region.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously suggested that the US was contemplating this decision, given the changing dynamics on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force

Until now, the US had prohibited Ukraine from using US weapons, like ATACMS missiles, to target Russian territory.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also suggested that the 'time has come to consider whether it will be right to lift some of the restrictions.'

'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 defense,' Stoltenberg said at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Blinken chose his words carefully during a meeting with with Moldova's president and was keen to make clear the US neither encouraged nor enabled strikes on Russian territory.

He said Ukraine 'has to make its own decisions about the best way to effectively defend itself. We're going to make sure that it has the equipment it needs to do that.'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested the United States is contemplating allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to directly strike Russian territory

More than two years into the deadliest war in Europe since World War Two, Western allies are debating how to stop Russian military advances while Putin is increasingly evoking the risk of a global war. Pictured, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on a trip to Portugal last week

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, seen here with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has also indicated it might be time for a change in policy

Ukrainian soldiers hold a national flag over the coffin of Ukrainian serviceman Ruslan Troianchuk, callsigned "Friend", who was killed in the Donetsk region

Ukrainian soldiers carry the coffin of Ukrainian serviceman who was killed in the Donetsk region

Military investigators work on the site of the damaged building housing the Paradise restaurant following a strike in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, earlier this month

Western allies are debating how to stop Russian military advances while Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly evoking the risk of a global war

'Another hallmark of our support for Ukraine over these, now, more than two years has been to adapt as conditions have changed and the battlefield has changed, as what Russia does has changed in terms of how it's pursuing its aggression and escalation,' Blinken said.

Officials within the Biden administration have said that a shift in policy is being considered but that a decision has not yet been made.

Russia's foreign ministry had warned in September 2022 that should the US become involved it would 'cross a red line' and be considered a 'direct party to the conflict' in the eyes of the Kremlin if it started supplying longer-range missiles to Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of the threat of a global conflict if Kyiv's Western allies allow it to use weapons they have supplied to strike inside Russia, something Ukraine's government is urging its partners to permit.

The US, which is Kyiv's most important supplier of weaponry, passed a $61 billion aid package in April following months of delay that exacerbated shortages of artillery shells.
A swimmer was left seriously injured after a shark bit him in the torso, arm, and hand just 100ft from a lifeguard station in Southern California.

The 46-year-old man was swimming in the ocean at Del Mar City Beach alongside roughly a dozen other people on Sunday morning before he was struck by the predator.

Chief Lifeguard and Community Services Director Jonathan Edelbrock said the lifeguards were setting up on the beach for the day when they were alerted to the incident.

No one had spotted the shark when the attack happened, Edelbrock added.

The victim, who regularly trains at the beach, suffered significant but not life-threatening injuries following the bite to his torso, arm, and hand.

A 46-year-old men was attacked by a shark on Sunday morning at Del Mar City Beach. He had his torso, arm, and hand bitten by the predator

Del Mar City Beach is popular with swimmers and surfers and is located in Del Mar, San Diego County, Southern California

Edelbrock said the man 'was conscious and oriented, relaying some information to the treating staff members' after the incident.

He was dashed to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla where he underwent treatment, city officials said, adding that lifeguards saw a swimmer helping another swimmer and quickly rushed over, not immediately realizing it had been a shark attack.

The city also deployed a drone and a boat to look for the shark following the attack with no success.

'The water visibility was really poor,' Edelbrock said.

'You just cant see anything thats moving through the water column at all. The exact moment of the incident was really the only interaction with, or sighting of, the shark.'

Authorities said a stretch of the beach will remain closed for surfers and swimmers until Tuesday morning.

Images of the beach taken after the incident show a red sign, warning: 'Closure. Shark incident, do not enter'.

Torrey Pines State Beach south of Del Mar remained open, according to its website and the nearest San Diego city beach, Blacks Beach, remote but popular with surfers, is more than 5 miles from the attack and remained open, a city lifeguard official said.

It wasn't immediately clear what kind of shark was involved in Sunday's attack.

The incident comes after another swimmer had part of her thigh bitten off by a shark in November 2022 while swimming in the same waters at Del Mar Beach.

Lyn Jutronich was swimming with a partner before taking a short rest in the water when she felt something bump into her leg.

'I felt a huge, like a really hard hit right, I don't know how else to say this, like right between my legs and it pushed me,' Jutronich told ABC 10 in San Diego at the time.

Lyn Jutronich had a chunk of her thigh bitten off by a shark in November 2022 while swimming in the waters at Del Mar Beach

A person at the beach caught the moment that Jutronich was seen getting help from lifeguards after being bitten

'I looked down and I saw the shark bite my thigh,' said Jutronich.

'Fortunately, it released. It shook maybe one time, that's where I have the tears from, and then released,' she told NBC 7.

Jutronich said everything happened so quickly that some of the events remained unclear.

After alerting her swimming partner of the attack in a panicked frenzy, they headed back to shore where she was rushed to hospital after the shark had bit off a chunk of her thigh.

Lifeguards at Del Mar Beach later confirmed that Jutronich had been bit by a juvenile great white shark.

'For having being bit by a shark, I'm doing pretty well,' she later told KSWB.

'My friend sent me an article that said I should buy a Powerball ticket because apparently, the chances of winning the power ball are less than being attacked by a shark so I've got that going for me.'

The Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File said there were two unprovoked shark attacks in California last year - one being fatal.

With 20 unprovoked attacks recorded since 1926, San Diego County, which includes Del Mar, led California counties for shark related incidents, the file's data shows.

But Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida, has had the highest concentration of unprovoked attacks globally with 351 since 1837, according to the file, released in May.

Florida as a whole has had 928 since records began, followed by Hawaii with 195 and California with 138.

Florida University's International Shark Attack File tracks attacks around the world

The number of attacks trailed by far the figure in Florida, 16, which represented 44 per cent of biting incidents in the country last year, according to Florida University's International Shark Attack File

In 2023, there were 16 attacks - more than anywhere else on the planet.

On the country-wide level, the US tops the list with 1,640 attacks, followed by Australia with 706.

There was a slight increase in the number of attacks last year, but they remain extremely rare and fatal or life-threatening attacks are even less common.

There were 69 unprovoked bites in 2023 globally, according to the report, compared to the previous five-year average of 63 attacks - meaning you are more likely to win the lottery than get bitten by a shark.

Of those, ten were fatal, up from five the year before: four people died in Australia, two in the US and one each in the Bahamas, Egypt, Mexico and New Caledonia.

Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History's shark research program said: 'This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year.'

In total, the US had 36 unprovoked attacks, accounting for half of incidents worldwide.
The widow of a 'brilliant' medical professor who died following botched treatment today called for better training for doctors after a coroner ruled the procedure should never have been performed.

Prof Amit Patel, hailed as one of the brightest doctors of his generation and a pioneer of stem cell transplantation, suffered massive internal bleeding following a procedure for a rare condition that he was a national expert on.

Last week a coroner said the 43-year-old father-of-two's death was caused by 'failures in his care' and his death was 'avoidable'.

Now his widow Dr Shivani Tanna, herself a GP, has said his tragic loss must be the 'impetus for huge change in the NHS'.

Prof Patel, who worked at the NHS's Christie Hospital cancer hospital in Manchester, specialising in cancer, was an expert in the very condition that killed him.

Dr Shivani Tanna has called for better training of doctors after her husband died following botched treatment

Father-of-two Professor Amit Patel died age 43 in an incident which a coroner put down to 'failures in his care'

Prof Patel was one of the brightest doctors of his generation and a pioneer of stem cell transplantation

After his admission to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester in August 2021, doctors  including Prof Patel himself  made a 'working diagnosis' of Still's disease, an inflammatory illness which was causing a potentially deadly immune reaction called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

But tragically the following month he suffered catastrophic internal bleeding during a 'low risk' biopsy intended to confirm the diagnosis.

During his hospital stay, Prof Patel developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)  a serious and rare blood clotting disorder which can cause uncontrollable bleeding.

However medics had not passed this information to an advisory panel which backed performing the endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy (EBUS) procedure to examine his lungs.

Tragically he never recovered from the loss of blood and died on October 28.

Last week coroner Zak Golombek said the hospital's failure to provide all the relevant information meant the panel's recommendations were made using an 'incomplete clinical picture.'

He said had they been given the full picture, the test would not have gone ahead and Prof Patel would not have died.

Speaking after the hearing, Prof Patel's widow said that even as a medical professional herself, the only reason she knew so much about HLH was because of his expertise.

'People say it's rare, I don't think it is that rare,' she said.

'But I guarantee had Amit not been him, his evolving picture of HLH would never have been picked up, that diagnosis would not have been made and he would have died within the first two weeks of admission.

'I think we should just be doing better in terms of education, training, medical school, specialist training in hospitals.

'We need to know more about things like HLH, which we should do because it was a big factor in why people died during Covid.'

After his admission to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester in August 2021, doctors - including Prof Patel himself - made a 'working diagnosis' of Still's disease. But tragically the following month he suffered catastrophic internal bleeding during a 'low risk' biopsy intended to confirm the diagnosis

Dr Tanna said: 'It's been a really difficult couple of years, and the focus is on my daughters, Amit's daughters. Throughout his hospital stay, all he could think about was them. I have to make peace with what's happened. The girls will carry on in his legacy and so will I, in many ways'

The coroner said Prof Patel's 'avoidable' death was a result not of 'systemic failures, but the failures of individuals'.

Mr Golombek  sitting at Manchester Coroners' Court  also criticised the hospital's consent procedure, saying Prof Patel was treated as a colleague by doctors rather than a patient.

Praising Prof Patel's work, the coroner told gathered friends and family: 'He was clearly a brilliant man whose legacy will go beyond his academic and professional achievements.

'I hope in time that the memories you have all shared together will shine brightly beyond this period of time that has been subject to my investigations.'

After battling to expose the truth, Dr Tanna is now fighting for openness and patient safety to be placed at the heart of the NHS.

'I'm not giving up,' Dr Tanna (seen with her family) added, 'I'm working within the NHS, I will continue to do what I need to do to stand my ground, speak up. I feel for all the whistleblowers who try their best to make change'

'I know what happened because I was there every day with Amit during his hospital admission,' she said.

'The coroner found failures to provide basic medical attention to a person in a dependent position. That is enough for me. From the outset, I just wanted the truth to be found. I owe that to Amit.

'It's been a really difficult couple of years, and the focus is on my daughters, Amit's daughters. Throughout his hospital stay, all he could think about was them. I have to make peace with what's happened. The girls will carry on in his legacy and so will I, in many ways.

'I'm not giving up - I'm working within the NHS, I will continue to do what I need to do to stand my ground, speak up.

'I feel for all the whistleblowers who try their best to make change. I would like Amit's case to be the impetus for huge change in the NHS. He's always going to be remembered throughout. We will find peace knowing that his death was avoidable.

'I know he should have been here today. But we can't go back, we have to go forwards.'

Jane Eddleston, joint group chief medical officer for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Wythenshawe Hospital, offered the family its 'condolences and deepest sympathies'.

She added: 'The trust has undertaken a detailed investigation thoroughly examining the care Professor Patel received when he was with us and has since shared this investigation with Professor Patel's family and the coroner.

'We are committed to providing the best care possible for our patients and we must apply the lessons learned from this to our constant work to improve our patients' safety, quality of care, and experience.'
Islamism 'is a murderous ideology that has nothing in common with our democracy,' Germany's vice-chancellor has declared following the death of a police officer two days after he was stabbed in a frenzied attack at an anti-Islam rally.

The policeman, identified as Rouven L. by German media, was 'stabbed several times in the area of the head' while trying to intervene as the knifeman went on a rampage, local police said in a statement.

The 29-year-old officer - along with five others, including a well-known German Islam critic - was wounded when a knifeman launched the rampage in the city of Mannheim on Friday, with the attack captured on a harrowing live stream.

There has been an outpouring of grief for the officer, with vice-chancellor and economics minister Robert Habeck saying that his death was 'shocking and bitter' and that he died 'because he wanted to save lives and protect people'.

The Green party politician added that Germany 'must fight Islamism with all the severity of our constitutional state and act consistently,' while Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Islamist extremists 'have us as their toughest opponents.'

The policeman was previously identified as Rouven L. by German media and was being kept alive by a heart-lung machine

Vice-chancellor and economics minister Robert Habeck said the police officer's death was 'shocking and bitter'

Following Friday's horrifying attack, the injured policeman underwent emergency surgery following the attack and was put in an artificial coma but died of his injuries on Sunday.

He was being kept alive by a heart-lung machine, and reportedly donated his organs and had his parents as well as his partner by his side when he died.

Chancellor Scholz said he was 'deeply saddened' by the death of the officer.

'His commitment to the safety of all of us deserves the highest recognition,' Scholz said on X, formerly Twitter.

His colleagues were heard screaming 'throw the knife away!' However, with the knifeman not responding, the officers opened fire from near point blank range.

The attacker has been identified as Sulaiman Ataee, 25, who immigrated to Germany from Afghanistan in 2014 when he was just 15.

Ataee - who lived with his German wife and their two children, aged almost 1 and 3, - is still alive despite being shot at the scene.

The attacker has been identified as Sulaiman Ataee (pictured), 25, who immigrated to Germany from Afghanistan in 2014 when he was just 15

German police officers pay respect to their colleague who died after being stabbed

Flowers and candles are left in Mannheim city centre as tributes to the victims of the attack

Chaos broke out at the anti-Islam rally on Friday when a man dressed in a dark hooded jacket and tracksuit tackled began violently swinging a large blade

Finance Minister Christian Lindner told the German newspaper, BILD that the death of the police officer 'moves me deeply and makes me angry about what is happening in our country'.

'We must defend ourselves against Islamist terrorism with determination, and we will also strengthen the security authorities financially,' Lindner said.

Michael Stuerzenberger, an anti-Islam campaigner who was stabbed at the rally organised by Pax Europa, described the attack as an 'absolute nightmare'.

After hearing about Rouven's death, Mr Stuerzenberger said: 'I had hoped he would make it. This is dreadful, horrible. I can't find any words for this.'

'I want to say the greatest condolences to the family, to the loved ones he leaves behind. I give all of them my sympathies. It is terrible.'

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Stuerzenberger told BILD: 'It was like an apocalypse. He was stabbing me, even when I was lying on the floor and was trying to fight him off with my feet. It really was a nightmare.'

He added: 'Every attack is an attack against all of us, against our free democratic state and those who ensure our security. Who attacks a police officer launches an attack against all of us.'

Anti-Muslim campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger (pictured) has been speaking from his hospital bed after he was stabbed by a knifeman at an anti-Islam rally in Germany

Residents in Mannheim city centre were seen visibly upset while laying flowers and lighting candles at the seen of yesterday's stabbing incident

People come to lay flowers and other tributes to the victims of the attack

The block of flats where the 25-year-old attacker lived in Heppenheim

Describing the attack, he said: 'We were about to start the event when he suddenly came storming at us like a hurricane and stabbed one after the other. It was insane. I guess even the police were surprised.'

He explained: 'He stabbed my thigh which someone immediately isolated. One stab wound above the knee, it could have been worse. Another on the side of the chest, my upper arm is injured and three stab wounds to the head. My upper lip was cut and I have a deep cut to my jaw.'

The 59-year-old yesterday posted a picture of himself on his Telegram channel from his hospital bed, showing a long, bandaged cut on his upper lip and cheek.

In a separate interview with Deutschland-Kurier, he said: 'I'm alright given the circumstances. I'm happy for all involved that yesterday went somewhat mild. There could have been deaths. It was really bad what the Afghan did with his knife.

'I've seen parts of the videos and the stab in the neck, twice, of the police officer. Hope his life is not in danger anymore. It was a clear attempted murder. Seven or eight stab wounds for me, one near lung, a bit closer and that would have been it.'

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Friday called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the attack.

'If the investigations reveal an Islamist motive, this would be a further confirmation of the great danger posed by Islamist acts of violence,' she said in a statement.

Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with the country's domestic intelligence chief warning that the risk of such assaults is 'real and higher than it has been for a long time'.

The country had also seen a spate of attacks on politicians at work or on the campaign trail ahead of EU elections on June 9.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said last week that he was worried by the growing trend and said Germans 'must never get used to violence in the battle of political opinions'.

Police officers arrived at the scene of the attack - which took place in the city's market square - almost immediately.

Neighbours of the attacker told MailOnline of their shock at what had happened.

The aftermath of the stabbing is seen in the German city of Mannheim

During the attack bystanders attempted to drag the knifeman away. One of his victims is seen with wounds to his thigh

The savage blade is clearly seen in this grab from the YouTube live stream as the attack goes to stab the officer in the neck

Leo, 21, who also brought flowers to express his sympathy for the victims, added: 'To see something like that happen in a place where we spend a lot of time ourselves and to know that could have also been a friend, my girlfriend or myself standing there, that obviously really shocked me'

'He used to be normal,' said 31-year-old Abdul, who lives in the same building.

'I have seen him sometimes with his wife and his children, but I don't know that much about him,' Abdul added.

'He was inconspicuous, we greeted each other usually,' one neighbour told Bild.

'But recently, about a year ago, I noticed that he had changed. He was helpful before, then suddenly he turned cold. He suddenly became more reserved - and also more aggressive.'

'He has changed,' another confirmed to Focus, adding that Ataee appeared 'slightly more aggressive', which they said caused friction in the building.

In a building with 14 residential flats, it's easy to keep to oneself, which Ataee mostly did, according to a man living in the area.

The 35-year-old, whose parents live in the same high-rise as the knifeman, told MailOnline: 'None of the residents who I know or my parents know have seen the police even raid the flat on Friday night - let alone the attacker.'

One neighbour told Focus about Ataee's wife: 'She was cold, not as friendly as him.' Another added that while both were quiet and appeared friendly, they never really spoke to anyone at all.

'I just feel sorry for his wife and kids. They have to suffer now because of what that man did,' a woman, who lives on the same floor as the killer, said.
A Colorado man's silver chain has miraculously saved his live by blocking a bullet which struck his neck after an argument ended in gunfire.

Commerce City Police Department said the 'knockoff' necklace was only 10 millimeters wide, but it managed to deflect the .22 caliber bullet on Tuesday.

Police said the chain 'is likely the only reason' the unidentified victim is still alive after the near-fatal altercation in Commerce City, around nine miles north of Denver.

Evidence photographs show a small portion of the jewelry stained red with blood and a mangled bullet embedded in the chain links.

Police said a suspect has been arrested for attempted murder but they did not release their name.

A Colorado man's silver neck chain has miraculously saved his live by blocking a bullet which struck his neck after an argument ended in gunfire.

'We'd say he really dodged a bullet-- but in reality, he LODGED a bullet,' police said of the victim.

'This silver chain-- approximately ten millimeters in width-- is likely the only reason the victim of a shooting we responded to yesterday is still alive.

'The .22 caliber bullet was fired during an argument and would have ended up in the victim's neck had it not instead become lodged in the chain he was wearing.

'As a result he suffered only a puncture wound.

'The suspect was arrested at the scene and is facing attempted homicide charges.

'Side note-- we don't know what kind of metal this is, but it's likely not pure silver.

'We looked it up... and silver is soft. So maybe think twice before you knock a knockoff. Just incredible.'

Commerce City Police Department said the 'knockoff' necklace was only 10 millimeters wide, but it managed to lodge the .22 caliber bullet

It comes just over a month after a Long Island man was saved in a shooting after a bullet struck him in his wallet.

Suffolk County Police said the man was shot at an apartment complex in Coram on the morning of April 17 and he avoided injury as a result.

'An unknown person fired multiple shots into a vehicle located at the intersection of Homestead Drive and Grant Court inside the Homestead Village Apartment Complex,' the department said.

'A bullet became lodged in the wallet of a man who was inside the vehicle. The man was not injured.'

Suffolk County PD told DailyMail.com the wallet was in the man's pocket though it's unclear which one.
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A former forklift driver appeared in court today charged with the murder of a schoolgirl in an area close to where her naked body was found in a water-filled ditch.

Steve Wright, 66, spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth when he appeared via video link in a six minute hearing before Suffolk magistrates court in Ipswich.

Magistrates were told that he was charged the murder of Victoria Hall, 17, on September 19, 1999, in the village of Stowupland, near Stowmarket, Suffolk.

The court heard he was also accused of kidnapping the teenager on the same date from Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The charge states that he 'unlawfully or by force or fraud took or carried away Victoria Hall against her will'.

A sketch of Steve Wright, who appeared in court after being charged with murder of a schoolgirl in September 1999

Wright also faced a third charge of the attempted kidnap in Felixstowe on September 18, 1999, of Emily Doherty who was aged 22 at the time.

The charge states that he 'unlawfully or by force or fraud attempted to take or carry away' Ms Doherty in the seaside town.

He was not asked to enter any pleas and was remanded in custody to appear before Judge Martyn Levett at Ipswich Crown Court this afternoon.

Wright appeared again via video link before Ipswich Crown Court this afternoon in a hearing lasting just over an hour.

He appeared on screens wearing the same grey T shirt that he did for his earlier magistrates' court appearance, as he sat behind a table in the same room at Long Lartin prison.

Robert Tolhurst, defending Wright, told Ipswich Crown Court that his client had 'some mobility issues'.

The images of Wright sitting at a table showed two crutches leaning against a chair positioned behind him.

Wright was remanded in custody by Judge Martyn Levett to appear before a crown court via video link for a plea hearing on September 2.

The judge also ordered prosecution evidence and any application to change the trial venue to be made before August 19, and for the defence to submit details of its case by August 27.

Judge Levett also set a provisional date for a four week trial to start on January 13 next year.

The judge also extended the custody time limit for Wright to remain in custody in connection with the case until February 4 next year. Wright was asked if he had any objection, and replied: 'No, I don't'

Miss Hall left home in Trimley St Mary near Felixstowe, on the evening of Saturday September 18, 1999, to go for a night out with her 17-year-old best friend Gemma Algar.

The two teenagers went to the Bandbox nightclub in Felixstowe and remained there until around 1am when they went to buy chips at the nearby Bodrum Grill takeaway in before beginning to walk back to Trimley St Mary.

Miss Hall was last seen alive when she parted from her friend at around 2.20am near to the junction of High Road and Faulkeners Way when she was just yards away from her home.

Her naked body was found five days later by a dog walker, dumped in a water-filled ditch around 25 miles away near a field entrance in Creeting St Peter which borders Stowupland.

Wright looked grey haired and was wearing glasses when he appeared on video link this morning, sitting alone at a wooden table with nobody else visible in the room

The clerk asked if he could hear the proceedings, and he answered, 'Yes', before confirming that he was not making a recording of the hearing.

When asked his name and date of birth, he replied in a clear voice, saying: 'Steve Gerald James Wright, 24/4/58'.

He could be seen with his arms resting on the table and fiddling with his hands as the charges were read out, and the court was told that that the matters could only be tried at crown court.

Stuart Cowen, a senior Crown prosecutor, said: 'I understand this is a matter which is going to be heard at Crown Court this afternoon, so in these circumstances, I would simply ask for the defendant to be remanded in custody.'

Sarah Brady, defending Wright, did not apply for bail, telling the court via video-link: 'There are no applications, thank you.'

Victoria Hall (pictured), 17, was last seen alive on the evening of September 18 1999 after going out with her friend

Wright could be seen touching his chin with one hand as presiding magistrate Dawn Girling told him: 'You are hereby committed to Crown Court to appear at Ipswich Crown Court at 2pm.'

The police inquiry into the murder of Miss Hall was reopened by a new team of cold case detectives on the 20th anniversary of her death in 2019 in an investigation called Operation Avon.

Suffolk Police said at the time that they had received new 'information from witnesses' which they described at the time as 'significant'.

Wright was arrested on suspicion of Victoria's murder two years later in July, 2021.

He was bailed under investigation while being held in prison until the Crown Prosecution Service authorised him to be charged on May 22 with the murder and kidnap of Miss Hall and one count of attempted kidnap.

Suffolk Police said the attempted kidnap charge related to a 22-year-old woman who reported that a man had approached and followed her, between 3am and 4am on Saturday September 18, 1999, in High Road East, Felixstowe.
Viewers have slammed the BBC after a D-Day special of Antique Roadshow appeared to confuse Weymouth with Poole and put Amsterdam 50 miles out of place.

During the hour long episode a series of maps were shown to the audience which showed the ports in the south of England where thousands of Allied troops embarked for Operation Overlord - the codename for the military operation which culminated in the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany.

Weymouth in Dorset played a vital role as more than 100,000 men were staged there ahead of the invasion of Normandy.

But, inexplicably, the BBC confused the Georgian harbour town with Poole and placed it 30 miles to the east on its maps.

The Beeb also bizarrely relocated Amsterdam 50 miles south to where Rotterdam is on another map.

Weymouth in Dorset played a vital role as more than 100,000 men were staged there ahead of the invasion of Normandy. But, inexplicably, the BBC confused the Georgian harbour town with Poole and placed it 30 miles to the east on its maps

The Beeb also bizarrely relocated Amsterdam 50 miles south to where Rotterdam is on another map

Fiona Bruce hosted the special edition of Antique Roadshow which commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It included special guests including Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson - Henry Montgomery

Viewers to last night's show were left stunned and confused by the very basic errors.

One posted on social media: 'Excuse me, Fiona Bruce, but where exactly is Weymouth?

'I was stunned that something so basic could be got so wrong; on such an important episode of one of their flagship programmes.

'Some poor researcher is probably getting the hairdryer treatment right now; how embarrassing.'

Another view said: 'Although Poole and Weymouth are in the same county they are miles apart.

'Weymouth was a major embarkation point for the Americans who went to Omaha Beach and it should not have been overlooked like this.

'It's a good job that those who planned D-Day didn't make such basic errors on their mapping.'

The correct location of Weymouth in relation to Poole

A map of The Netherlands showing the correct locations Amsterdam and Rotterdam

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'A graphic recreation of a wartime map incorrectly positioned the town of Weymouth. This has been corrected for future broadcasts.'

The special edition of Antique Roadshow commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day which included special guests including Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson - Henry Montgomery.

Field Marshal Montgomery was Ground Forces Commander in Chief during Operation Overlord. His grandson met with militaria specialist Mark Smith to talk about his grandfather.

In a letter sent out to troops the night before D-Day on June 6, Monty wrote: 'Good luck to each one of you, and good hunting on the mainland of Europe.'

Explaining the importance of the letter, his grandson Henry said: 'Grandfather really understood that all the careful planning, particularly in the run -up to Normandy and the D-Day invasion, he knew that however good the plans were, it was the men on the ground who had to do the work.'

He added: 'Grandfather always almost bullet points. Very pithy. Very to the point. Limited use of words, which was very much his style of speaking and writing.'
The heartbroken family of Levi Wright has announced their decision to remove him from life support after he almost drowned.

Three-year-old Levi, the son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, drove his toy tractor into a river on May 21 at his family's home in Beaver County, Utah, and vanished under the water.

Despite miraculously waking up after being pronounced brain dead, Levi's mom Kallie wrote on Facebook on Sunday that the family had decided to let the boy go as his condition did not improve.

Kallie wrote: 'After several sleepless nights, lots of research, multiple conversations with the world's best neurologists & millions of prayers we are here in the face of our biggest fear.

'Levi showed us just enough to buy us time for all of this. We prayed those things were him defying odds & proving to us that he wanted to stay here but we see now he wanted to give us time to find peace with letting him go.

The heartbroken family of little rodeo star Levi Wright has announced their decision to remove him from life support after he almost drowned

'I told you my baby was thoughtful & considerate, I truly believe he did that for us. During this time he brought out humanity across the nation, he dropped so many to their knees & reminded them what truly matters in this world. It kind of gives that T-rex strength a whole new meaning, doesn't it?

'Here soon I'll climb into bed with my baby and hold him as he falls asleep for the last time on this earth. I find comfort in knowing he will be restored to the perfect little boy he was & have the ability to do all the things he loves!

'I know there are Angels up there waiting to hold him until I can again! We will miss him every second of every day down here but feel without unwavering doubt this is the best thing we can do for him! We love you baby beans and I can't wait till the day you can "work the ground" with me again!'

Kallie dove in the river to save her son before racing him to the hospital where doctors restored his heartbeat, but he remained unconscious for days as doctors declared him brain dead.

Despite miraculously waking up after being pronounced brain dead, Levi's mom Kallie wrote on Facebook on Sunday that the family had decided to let the boy go.

When Levi drove into the river, the person who called 911 frantically told the dispatcher that they couldn't see him under the fast-moving currents.

Kallie realized he had sneaked off and ran to the river, and jumped into the currents to save him, with her friend saying she 'was the one who found him, she got him out'.

A huge response of rescue teams from the Beaver County Sheriff's Office, the Utah Highway Patrol, the Beaver County Search and Rescue team, and Beaver firefighters were quickly on the scene.

The crews administered life-saving efforts before an ambulance raced him to Beaver County hospital, and he was later airlifted to Salt Lake City via helicopter.

Levi had begun to show signs of progress and tests were scheduled for the weekend to assess his brain function.

Levi snuck away from his family in the toy tractor (pictured), and his mother dove into the river to save him after he disappeared under the currents

Rodeo group Bronco Riding Nation shared this photo asking its fans to pray for Levi, and promised to donate the proceeds of some of its sales

'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 wrote.

'He got a little wild so we had to settle him down again but my heart!'

Kallie later on Friday clarified Levi wasn't 'fully coherent' or talking yet.

'He opened his eyes for a period of time, wiggled with purpose and less like just a reflex as before,' she wrote.

'We still have a very long and tremendous road ahead of us, full of unknowns. Spencer and I felt like he knew we were there and could hear us.

But in an update on Thursday, Kallie took to Facebook to share that Levi was back under sedation after he 'did not handle' being weaned off it and was being kept 'comfortable' as the family awaited the next stage of treatment.

'They are keeping Levi comfortable, they attempted to wean sedation and he did not handle it. It was heartbreaking to watch & he is now heavily sedated until the next step,' the mother explained.

The family previously said they were taking the recovery 'one step at a time', with Levi undergoing a number of MRI's and scans since the tragic accident.

Levi Wright (in father's arms), 3, the son of rodeo star Spencer Wright (right), was raced to hospital after driving his toy tractor into a fast-moving river stream

Spencer Wright, ranked 35th in the rodeo world rankings, and his family said the outpouring of support they have received 'means the world' to them

Spencer Wright's family is among the most prominent in the history of rodeo, and his father, Bill Wright, was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Spencer is ranked 35th in the world, and his siblings are also renowned athletes in the sport.

Kallie also updated her followers on Spencer, writing on Thursday: 'I know a lot of you are worried about Spencer & I.

'I can say this in full confidence, I could not do this without him... I already knew we made a hell of a team but this is showing how strong we really are together. If we didn't have each other then you could worry, but we have who we really need by our sides!
Russian state TV guests openly discussed destroying Poland in just '10 minutes' with '30 to 40' nuclear weapons, ahead of European Parliament elections this weekend.

Russian military expert Konstantin Sivkov told a discussion panel on Russia 1, a state-backed broadcaster, that in just '10 to 15 minutes, both the state of Poland and the Polish people disappear.'

The retired Russian naval officer told the broadcaster, which was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for its deep ties to the Kremlin: 'Let's look at Poland. This is the most realistic candidate which could become a small theatre of nuclear war.

'Are there 20 big cities there? I don't think so. If we allocate two nuclear missiles to each city, that's only 30-40 missiles.

'This is just a salvo from one Iskander division. In 10 to 15 mnutes, both the state of Poland and the Polish people disappear. The Polish language will also disappear.

'Europeans must understand this. I urge Europeans to think about what they are doing.'

A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile being launched from an air field during military drills in Russia

Russian military expert Konstantin Sivkov (pictured) told a discussion panel on Russia 1 that in just '10 to 15 minutes, both the state of Poland and the Polish people disappear'

Poland, a NATO member since 1999, is set to spent nearly 600million on cybersecurity measures, after its state news agency PAP was by what authorities say was likely a Russian cyberattack.

With European parliament elections to be held in Poland on Sunday, authorities are on high alert for attempts by Moscow to interfere in the vote, fears that intensified on Friday when a false article about military mobilisation appeared on PAP.

Warsaw has repeatedly accused Moscow of attempting to destabilise Poland because of its role in supplying military aid to its neighbour Ukraine, allegations Russia has dismissed.

'We want to allocate over 3 billion zlotys for a 'Cyber Shield',' digitalisation minister Krzysztof Gawkowski told a news conference.

The retired Russian naval officer told the broadcaster, which was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for its deep ties to the Kremlin: 'Let's look at Poland. This is the most realistic candidate which could become a small theatre of nuclear war'

'If we allocate two nuclear missiles to each city, that's only 30-40 missiles', he said

Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) listens to archpriest and chairman of the Board at the Circle of Kindness Foundation Alexander Tkachenko during their meeting at the Kremlin

Polish soldiers seen before a high-intensity training session using M1A2 Abrams tanks at Nowa Deba training ground, on May 6, 2023

Army servicemen stand near an anti-aircraft battery Patriot

'Today, Poland is on the frontline of the cyber fight against Russia. Poland has the most attacks.'

Gawkowski said that on Sunday and Monday Poland had blocked several cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.

'The Russian Federation has one goal - to destabilise the situation and ensure that the forces supporting the breakup of the EU can benefit,' he said.

Russia's embassy in Warsaw on Friday said it had no knowledge of the attack on PAP. It has dismissed accusations that Russia is trying to destabilise Poland.

Poland has also linked Russia to incidents of sabotage and arson on its soil and says Russian secret services are actively trying to gather information on weapons deliveries to Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

It has announced the re-establishment of a commission to investigate Russian influence.
Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson has explained why the British war hero rallied letters to troops and the reason behind his 'completely illegal' beret.

In an emotional Antiques Roadshow D-Day special - where experts refused to value their guests' 'priceless' mementos - Henry Montgomery met with militaria specialist Mark Smith to discuss his grandfather's role as leader of the Allied ground forces during the D-Day invasion in 1944.

General Bernard Law Montgomery - popularly known as 'Monty' - had become an inspirational figure since his victory at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942.

In a letter sent out to troops the night before D-Day on June 6, Monty wrote: 'Good luck to each one of you, and good hunting on the mainland of Europe.'

Explaining the importance of the letter, his grandson Henry said: 'Grandfather really understood that all the careful planning, particularly in the run -up to Normandy and the D-Day invasion, he knew that however good the plans were, it was the men on the ground who had to do the work.'

He added: 'Grandfather always almost bullet points. Very pithy. Very to the point. Limited use of words, which was very much his style of speaking and writing.'

Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson Henry Montgomery (pictured) on Antiques Roadshow

General Bernard Law Montgomery - popularly known as 'Monty' - had become an inspirational figure since his victory at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942

Grandfather Monty meeting his grandson, six-month-old Henry Montgomery

Monty's beret, which his grandson said he was always wearing

A statue of Monty at the D-Day Story Museum

Discussing Monty's beret, which famously carried two badges, specialist Mr Smith said: 'I'm standing next to Monty's beret. The Field Marshal's badge on this side, and here, the badge of the Royal Tank Regiment.

'Completely illegal, two badges on one beret.'

Henry said: 'Our understanding is that when grandfather took command of the Eighth Army in North Africa, he wanted to be recognised by the soldiers.

'But he started with an Australian bush hat, and apparently he was being driven by a driver who was in the tank regiment, and he was complaining about the bush hat because it kept on blowing off in the wind.

'Sergeant Jim Fraser gave him his beret, I think, and said, ''Sir, you ought to be wearing this.'''

Mr Smith said: 'And he then sewed, in those days, the general's badge onto it, but left the Tank Corps badge on, as that link.'

He added: 'Monty himself said at one point, this beret is worth three divisions. When the men see it in the distance, they say ''There's Monty!'' And then they will fight for anybody.'

Viewers of Antiques Roadshow have taken to social media to comment on the likeness between Monty and his grandson Henry.

'Catching up with Antiques Roadshow...Monty's grandson is like another double!' one viewer wrote on X.

In another emotional Antiques Roadshow clip, a daughter spoke of her father Reginald Steele's experience as a Staff Sergeant in the Gilder Pilot Regiment.

She showed a letter her father wrote to his wife and son the day before he took off on June 6, 1944.

'I can't imagine how it must have been for him, the pilots, they're so exposed. But it meant a lot to my father to be part of a very important operation,' she said.

Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery almost gave away the date of the D-Day landings in a speech that was meant to rally the troops

British war hero Field Marshal Montgomery hung portraits of Nazi generals - including a signed photo of his nemesis Erwin Rommel - on the walls of his caravan in order to get to know his enemy

The Allied commander (pictured here in 1946), affectionately known as Monty, went on to defeat 'Desert Fox' Rommel's Afrikakorps in a battle widely hailed as one of the turning points in the Second World War in October 1942

Two of the three caravans, pictured, were captured by the Allies - the first, from Annibale Bergonzoli in February 1941 in Libya, and the second from another Italian general in May 1943 - while the third was custom built in Manchester

Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, Churchill, and Monty in Normandy in 1944

Interior view of General Montgomery's Office Caravan in the Land Warfare Exhibition at IWM Duxford

Monty kept a small statue of St George and the Dragon on his desk (pictured)

D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Monty inadvertently included the date of the secret mission in a rousing speech he had written

'On the day before he took off, he wrote a letter to my mother and brother, which I have here.

'He says, ''Remember, when you do get this, be as proud as I feel myself being chosen to help launch this drive to free the world of all its terror and hardship''.

'And then he says, ''Everything will be OK, my love, as nothing can go wrong''.

'He didn't really talk much about the war, but I feel incredibly proud and I feel very emotional.'

Explaining her father's role in the war, the daughter said: 'He flew a Horsa glider, taking off in the early hours of June 6. He was in the third wave of gliders which landed at landing zone N, at about 0320 hours.

'After the gliders landed, the men were expected to help defend the bridges, until reinforcements arrived.'

Eighty years ago in Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history took place, which saw an allied force of more than 150,000 British, Canadian and American troops land in a combined naval, air and ground assault on Nazi-occupied France.

In another emotional clip from Antiques Roadshow, a soldier who stepped onto the beach and straight into battle aged 18 detailed his memories 80 years on.

Ken Cooke, 98, said: 'We set off for [Gold] Beach. I can't describe the noise. You can't describe the noise. It was that horrendous.

'I stepped off into six inches of water. There were explosions going off and what have you, but all I was bothered about was my wet socks.'

He added: 'There were bodies rolling about in the water. But we didn't have time to look round or anything. The sergeants and the officers [said] ''right lads, get off the beach as soon as you can. If anybody gets hit, don't stop.''

'And that's what we did. We got away off the beach as quick as possible.

US Troops wading through water after reaching Normandy and landing Omaha beach on D Day

The famous D-Day landings, codenamed Operation Overlord, took place on June 6, 1944

Reacting to the emotional episode, viewers took to social media to share how they were left in tears

'It was the following day that it all struck home what was happening. And as you were having breakfast, you'd look round and you'd say, ''where's blondie? Where's Harry?'' And somebody would say, ''well remember that tank that got blown up on the beach? They were standing next to it''.

'That's when it sank in here, that these bullets coming towards you were real.'

Reacting to the emotional episode of Antiques Roadshow, viewers took to social media to share how they were left in tears by the programme.

'I cried my eyes out watching last night's Antiques Roadshow special from the D-Day beaches,' one viewer said on X.

'Just watched Antiques Roadshow commemorating D-Day and I now appear to have a bit of dust in my eyes,' another wrote.

A third said: 'Not one normally for the Antiques Roadshow, but the D-Day special that was on tonight was incredible. Truly moving.'

Another added: 'Superb programme, very moving and humbling...'
A teenage Venezuelan migrant has been arrested for allegedly shooting two young NYPD cops after they tried to pull him over while he was riding a scooter.

Police approached Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, 19, as he drove the unregistered motorbike the wrong way down a one-way highway in Queens overnight.

He allegedly responded by opening fire on the officers using an unlicensed gun before fleeing on foot at around 1.40am, NYPD said. One officer was struck in the leg while the other sustained a shot to their bulletproof vest.

Former President Donald Trump seized on the incident to blast 'out of control Biden Migrant Crime' which he said is 'ravaging America' in a furious post on Truth Social.

Although Castro-Mata has not previously been arrested in New York City, police believe he is part of a group which has been using mopeds and scooters to commit violent robberies around the Big Apple.

Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, 19, was pulled over for allegedly driving an illegal scooter the wrong way down a one-way highway in Queens overnight

An illegal Venezuelan migrant has been arrested for allegedly shooting two NYPD cops while on a scooter after they tried pulling him over, officials have said. (Pictured: Castro-Mata being taken away from the scene of the shooting in a stretcher)

'We're looking at him for several other robbery patterns in the Queens area where he does have other co-defendants,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said during a briefing Monday morning.

In one incident around 7.25pm Tuesday, along with another male accomplice he is accused of attacking a woman and stealing her credit card in Long Island City. The card was later used at a Queens smoke shop, according to NYPD records.

Around three hours later, the duo allegedly punched a 38-year-old woman in the face in Woodhaven before fleeing with her wallet. They attempted to use her debit card in Burger King but it was declined, according to the New York Post.

Castro-Mata entered the US illegally in July last year via Eagle Pass, Texas, Kenny said. He has been staying at a migrant shelter in Ditmars Boulevard, close to the area where the shooting happened.

The teenager was also shot in the ankle during the altercation with officers at 89th Street and 23rd Avenue in Elmhurst, and he underwent surgery on Monday morning at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.

NYPD said officers chased him for 'several blocks' after he discarded the scooter and it was at this point that he shot at them. The unlicensed gun he allegedly used was recovered at the scene.

Police approached Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, 19, as he drove the illegal vehicle the wrong way down a one-way highway in East Elmurst in Queens overnight. (Pictured: Castro-Mata being taken away from the scene of the shooting in a stretcher)

Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, 19, allegedly shot the officers using an illegal handgun (pictured) in East Elmhurst just before 2am on Monday

Photographs show Castro-Mata looking shell-shocked as medics took him into an ambulance on a stretcher with his arms handcuffed behind his back.

Another image shows three officers carrying him away by his arms and legs as he grimaces. The discarded scooter can also been seen amid carnage at the scene.

The NYPD officers involved in the shootout - Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso, both 26 - were filmed leaving Elmhurst General Hospital in the daylight several hours later.

Onlookers gave them a standing ovation as Abreu was pushed out in a wheelchair before hopping into a police van, while Yarusso walked out and shook hands with colleagues.

New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned the shooting as 'a senseless act of violence, a total disregard for life' and praised the officers for acting with 'professionalism and focus'.

The NYPD officers involved in the shootout were filmed leaving Elmhurst Hospital in the daylight several hours later. One was wheeled out (pictured) as colleagues gave them a standing ovation

Pictured: the discarded scooter at the crime scene after the shootout between Castro-Mata and two NYPD officers

Another image shows three officers carrying Castro-Mata away from the crime scene in East Elmhurts, Queens, by his arms and legs as he grimaces

Kenny said there has been an explosion in New York City robberies by criminals riding motorbikes and motorized scooters since 2023.

'Between January 1 and June 1 2022, there were zero robbery patterns involving motorized scooters or motorcycles,' the NYPD Chief of Detectives said.

'The same time period 2023, 20 robbery patterns.

'This year so far, over 80 robbery patterns citywide. That's over 80 patterns alone encompassing hundreds and hundreds of incidents.'

Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blame President Joe Biden and DA Alvin Bragg for the incident.

Former President Donald Trump seized on the incident to blast 'out of control Biden Migrant Crime ' which he said is 'ravaging America' in a furious post on Truth Social

'Biden Migrant Crime is out of control and is ravaging America!' Trump wrote.

'Last night, two brave NYPD officers doing their job were shot by a Monster Illegal Immigrant who came here illegally from Venezuela last year and was living in a tax-payer funded migrant shelter.

'Crooked Joe Biden has trafficked in the worst people from around the world, many with heinous criminal records, and unleashed them into our communities.

'Soros-funded DA Alvin Bragg should focus on keeping the streets of New York safe, but has instead wasted time and money engaging in a ridiculous political witch-hunt against yours truly.

'We must focus on finishing the wall, securing our border, and keeping our streets safe. MAGA 2024!'

Although Castro-Mata has not previously been arrested in New York City , police believe he is part of a group which has been using scooters to commit violent robberies

A recent bombshell report indicated that 350,000 migrants who entered the U.S. illegally have had their immigration court cases dismissed, allowing them to go free without a verdict on the merits of their entry.

A top Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) adviser, Kerry Doyle, circulated a memo in 2022 instructing prosecutors to dismiss cases for migrants who are not found to be national security threats, the New York Post first reported.

As a result, that year nearly 103,000 migrants had their cases dismissed - allowing them to walk free into the U.S. without an immigration court judge's verdict on the merits of their asylum claim.

Later in 2023, that number of dismissed cases skyrocketed to 149,000.

So far in fiscal year 2024, 114,00 cases have been terminated without a verdict, according to the report.

Under Biden's leadership, a whopping 77 percent of migrants who claim asylum have been allowed to stay in the U.S., according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) , a non-profit that scours immigration court filings.
Legendary comedian, and avid car collector Jay Leno has slammed soft-on-crime Los Angeles after General Hospital star Johnny Wactor was shot dead last week by a band of catalytic converter thieves.

Wactor, 37, was leaving a side job at a rooftop bar on May 25 with a co-worker around 3:25am in downtown LA when he was confronted by three men, who were attempting to steal his catalytic converter from his car.

The thugs fatally shot the soap star before fleeing in a separate vehicle. The masked suspects remain at large and have yet to be identified or described.

Leno told TMZ the light penalty for stealing catalytic converters - a misdemeanor charge and fine of up to $1,000 - was 'outrageous,' and called it a 'slap on the wrist,' if they are caught, and the reason why the thieves are so bold.

Jay Leno told TMZ the light penalty perpetrators get stealing converters - a misdemeanor charge and fine of up to $1,000 fine, 'outrageous'

Johnny Wactor, 37, a veteran of the TV soap General Hospital, was leaving a side job at a rooftop bar on May 25 with a co-worker when he confronted three men, who he initially thought were towing his car, and was shot dead

Catalytic converters are a valuable commodity to thieves because they contain precious metals including, rhodium, palladium and platinum.

For a standard catalytic converter thieves can make between $25 to $300, and up to $1,400 from hybrid vehicles, experts say, as per Carfax.

The soap star's car was a Toyota Prius, one of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft, NBC News reported.

In California, stealing convertors is considered a misdemeanor if the value of the converter, or any stolen property for that matter, is less than $950  which is why certain cars are targeted.

A van that was seized by police that is filled with catalyic converter

A stock image of a close-up of a catalytic converter in a car exhaust system

It is illegal to drive without a catalytic converter, and though it may increase performance slightly, it can cause engine issues and is generally not advisable, as per AutoZone.

Leno also explained that car owners who remove their own converter, may be hit with a massive fine.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, California is the state that leads the highest number of catalytic converter thefts. Texas comes in second.

In the last year, there were nearly 15,000 catalyic converters stolen in the state, as per NBC.

Ford F-150, Ford Explore, Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Tacoma, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Traverse and Chevrolet Cruze, are the most targeted vehicles for converter theft, as per Carfax.
The grass fire that began over the weekend in northern California has torched 14,000 acres and forced residents in its path of destruction to flee, as the state and surrounding areas prepare for an intense heat wave this week.

The Corral Fire, which began Saturday afternoon and raged overnight, was 30 percent contained by Sunday afternoon - though it is unclear if that figure shifted or improved going into Monday.

Officials say that gusty winds, hot, dry temperatures, and parched grass created conditions that allowed the devastating fire to spread quickly and easily.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and an investigation is pending.

This comes as Arizona, California, and Las Vegas are bracing temperatures reaching up to 112F in the coming weeks - with figures expected to break records this summer.

The Corral Fire broke out Saturday afternoon in Northern California

It has since enveloped some 14,000 acres of land, made easier to burn by the dry grass, high winds, and elevated temperatures

San Joaquin County officials delivered evacuation orders to 'Areas west of the California Aqueduct, South of Corral Hollow Creek, West to Alameda County and South to Stanislaus County.'

On Saturday night, San Joaquin officials advised Tracy residents who live closest to the fire to evacuate, and instructed others to be 'ready to leave.'

At least two firefighters have been injured attempting to contain the blaze, according to the Santa Clara California Fire Unit. Both were hospitalized with minor to moderate burns.

Mayor Kevin J Lincoln, of Stockton, a neighboring city, said on Saturday: 'Praying for our Tracy neighbors and first responders.'

There is ample concern that the fire will continue spreading, according to the National Weather Service out of Sacramento.

Extreme heat during the upcoming week may exacerbate already friendly conditions for the fire.

'An Excessive Heat Watch across the Valley and adjacent foothills for Tuesday into Thursday continues with afternoon highs of 95-107F forecasted,' said the service.

States in the West, including California, Arizona, and parts of Nevada will experience an intense heatwave this week.

Beginning Tuesday, the California Valley region could see temperatures climb up to 108F.

The burning temps will then move to Las Vegas, and stretch all the way down to Lake Havasu, in Arizona.

On Thursday and Friday, temperatures in desert areas, like Vegas, Phoenix, and Palm Springs are expected to hit 112F.

Should Vegas hit 110F on Thursday, it will mark the earliest day in June that the city has ever been so toasty.

If Phoenix surpasses 111F on Thursday, it will break a daily record established eight years ago.

A home burns during the Corral Fire at Bernard and Stearman roads, west of Tracy, California, Saturday, June 1, 2024

The National Weather Service out of Sacramento remains concerned that perpetually high temperatures this week will present the fire with ideal conditions to continue spreading

At least two firefighters have been injured attempting to contain the blaze, according to the Santa Clara California Fire Unit

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recently suspended all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris - like leaves and branches - in San Joaquin and the surrounding counties.

The suspension, claimed the department, was implemented precisely because of the increased danger of wildfires that exists because of the region's hot and dry conditions.

Since the beginning of 2024, Firefighters in California have already responded to some 1,200 wildfires - and summer begins the height of wildfire season.

Santa Clara Fire Unit Chief Baraka Carter said: 'As the summer heat intensifies, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Units commitment and unwavering eorts remain steadfast in safeguarding Californias communities from wildfires.

'By staying vigilant and following fire safety and prevention guidelines, we can work together to mitigate the risk and protect our communities.'

The fire reportedly began on Saturday at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site 300 on the border of San Joaquin and Alameda counties.

Site 300 is home to facilities that support the development of explosive materials, as well as hydrodynamic testing.

Those running the site assess the operational ability of non-nuclear weapon components, and test new conventional explosives to potentially add to the nuclear stockpile.

David Adeh of Modesto stays behind to douse spot fires in his brother's neighborhood west of Tracy, California

Dozens of abandoned cars burned in a scrapyard during Corral Fire in San Joaquin County

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reported two fire-related power outages Saturday evening.

The first occurred because Cal Fire requested that energy be cut to several lines to ensure the safety of their firefighters. That outage hit roughly 1,600 people.

The second, which impacted about 2,350 customers, was caused by damage to PG&E equipment.

By late Saturday evening, power was restored to all but about 200 customers. No other power outages have been reported.
A group of sovereign citizens have stormed multiple councils demanding they cease and desist their operations and declaring them demilitarised zones.

The group, known as Nmdaka Dalai Australis, believes the Australian government is illegitimate and should 'stand down', and has been sharing videos recently of members serving 'DMZ documentation' to council officials.

Nmdaka Dalai Australis translates to 'Our Southern Lands', according to the group's website which claims to represent Indigenous people who 'hold the highest authority over all our lands'.

Member Rocco Varty appears in a number of the videos shared on Sunday, which showed him at Sydney's Inner West Council, Burwood Council, Canterbury Bankstown Council and Strathfield Council.

The video caption explains Mr Varty is serving 'First Nations Docs' and a 'National Notice' written by fellow sovereign citizen Glen Short who goes by 'Patriot 101'.

Rocco Varty appears in a number of the videos shared on Sunday including this one at Canterbury Bankstown Council where he declared it a 'demilitarised zone'

The group also previously on March 24 confronted Gympie Regional Council CEO Robert Jennings in Queensland, who accepted the documents and thanked the group for approaching him.

The group also claims to have given the DMZ documents to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Police, Federal and State Governments, and the NT attorney-general.

One of Mr Varty's video at Canterbury-Bankstown Council shows him hand over a raft of documents to a surprised staff member.

'I've got documents here,' he tells the employee manning the desk.

'Proclamation made this the 4th day of February 2024  for establishment of the demilitarised zone, the DMZ.

'The custodial law court, senior law elders and council in circle together with the first law chief and the provost marshal  it's basically that you guys are operating and aiding and abetting a military force.

'Whereas the First Nations  the tribe of the Nmdaka Dalai, they are declaring that you cease and desist in your operations of pushing a foreign military force and crimes against humanity.'

The council workers tells him he will pass on the documents.

Commenters on the video were not convinced, however.

'The guy behind the counter did well not to burst out laughing,' one said.

'Wow so well executed. Those papers will certainly be taken seriously,' another wrote.

The group claims to have served similar documents on the federal government

A press release from Nmdaka Dalai Australis explains what they are pursuing with the demilitiarised zone.

'There will no longer be any enforcing, detaining, incarceration, arrest, imprisonment, or prosecution via use of weapons on our lands,' the media release said.

'Peace shall reign.

'All agents of corporations (such as courts, police, councils, judiciary, persons, military, corrections et al) shall not arm themselves with guns, handcuffs, tasers, 'sprays' or like weapons (list not exhaustive) unless authorised by Nmdaka Dalai Tribal Council.

'Anyone continuing to enforce this system will be prosecuted under international law.'
Three grinning thugs have walked free from court after they carried out an attack on an innocent bystander in a late night drunken brawl which left them with multiple bleeds on the brain.

Bradley Harris, 21, knocked the victim to the floor when he attempted to intervene in a late night drunken brawl.

Charlie Sparkes, 20, then kicked the man's motionless body on the ground while Sidney Noyes, 21, fought with others.

The victim was hospitalised for two days with a frontal brain haemorrhage and a broken nose.

The trio were seen smirking together after they each received a suspended prison sentence for the savage attack in Bournemouth, Dorset.

The trio were seen grinning together after they each received a suspended prison sentence for the savage attack in Bournemouth, Dorset. Pictured (left to right): Sidney Noyes, Charlie Sparkes and Bradley Harris leaving Bournemouth Crown Court today

A judge accused Harris (centre) of 'sticking two fingers up' at his victim after he offered to pay him just 5 a week in compensation

Bournemouth Crown Court heard the yobs became involved in a fight with another group of males outside Revolution Bar in Bournemouth (pictured) on August 31, 2022

A judge accused Harris of 'sticking two fingers up' at his victim after he offered to pay him just 5 a week in compensation.

Instead bricklayer Harris was ordered to pay him 3,600 as was Sparkes while Noyes was told to pay 1,000 compensation.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard the yobs became involved in a fight with another group of males outside Revolution Bar in Bournemouth on August 31, 2022.

A security guard broke up the fight but Sparkes and Harris then chased after the other group.

It was at this point that the victim stepped in to break it only for Harris to hit him.

In a victim impact statement, the man said he suffered three bleeds on the brain and lost his sense of smell, which he has still not recovered from almost two years later.

The trio's case was dealt with at Bournemouth Crown Court (pictured)

Robert Griffiths, defending Harris, said he became involved after Sparkes called him asking for help, saying he had been 'jumped'.

He said Harris 'mistakenly' hit the victim believing he was one of the men involved in the fight, not an innocent bystander.

Mr Griffiths said Harris works as a bricklayer for a property developer, earning 300 a week.

He offered to pay 5 a week in compensation but Judge Robert Pawson said the low sum showed no remorse and was 'absolutely staggering'.

Judge Pawson said: 'It is two fingers to this court and two fingers to the victim.

'If it was not so serious it would be almost like playground behaviour.'

He added that the incident was fuelled by alcohol and testosterone, committed by men who lack self-esteem.

The judge said that the incident was fuelled by alcohol and testosterone, committed by men who lack self-esteem

Harris, also of Poole, was sentenced to 23 months suspended for two years for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, given a seven-month curfew and told to pay 3,600 in compensation.

Sparkes, of Poole, was sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for two years for affray and battery.

He was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, have an electronic curfew for seven months and pay 3,500 in compensation.

Noyes, of Poole, was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years for affray, as well as 100 hours of unpaid work, a three-month curfew and ordered to pay 1,000 compensation.
Travelers have to entrust airlines to handle their luggage, but many of America's top companies have managed to lose people's personal items on their journeys.

According to data released in February by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest Airlines came in at number one while American Airlines ranked second among companies that lose the most amount of luggage.

Mishandled bags include those that were lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen. The data also showed the number of wheelchairs and scooters that were mishandled by some of the most well-known airlines.

In 2023 alone, out of more than 470million bags enplaned, 2,697,057 were mishandled by airlines, according to the data.

Out of 817,176 wheelchairs and scooters enplaned, 11,289 were mishandled, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation report.

In 2023 alone, out of more than 470million bags enplaned, 2,697,057 were mishandled by airlines. (pictured: An employee loading luggage onto a plane at Zurich Kloten Airport)

Southwest Airlines took the number one spot with 587,339 bags mishandled out of more than 129million that were loaded on in 2023

Southwest Airlines took the number one spot with 587,339 bags mishandled out of more than 129million that were loaded on in 2023.

In second came American Airlines with 582,499 bags mishandled out of more than 71million.

United Airlines ranked in third place for the highest amount of mishandled bags, with 412,601 pieces of luggage affected out of more than 55million that were boarded onto an aircraft.

In fourth place came Delta Airlines as 394,386 bags were mishandled out of more than 80million enplaned.

Regional airline SkyWest came in fifth place with a reported 139,299 bags mishandled out of over 26million that made it onto planes.

Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest airline in North America, came in sixth place with 131,551 mishandled bags out of more than 22million enplaned last year.

About 82 percent of bags per 100 enplaned were mishandled on American Airlines planes

JetBlue came in seventh place with 79,957 mishandled pieces of luggage out of more than 15million enplaned.

One of the well-known budget-friendly airlines, Spirit, ranked in eighth place with 68,006 mishandled bags reported out of nearly 13million enplaned.

PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, came in eighth place with 63,756 mishandled bags out of a total of more than 10million.

The airline operates a fleet of Bombardier regional jet aircrafts with a team of more than 4,600 team members who operate 500 daily flights to 100 destinations for American Airlines, according to its website.

Envoy Airlines, the largest regional carrier for American Airlines, came in 10th place with 58,680 mishandled bags out of a total of more than 8million enplaned.

'Airports are some of the busiest and most complex pieces of infrastructure with thousands if not tens of thousands of people flowing through them daily,' a spokesperson for MyBaggage.com told FOX Weather.

United Airlines ranked in third place for the highest amount of mishandled bags, with 412,601 pieces of luggage affected out of more than 55million that were boarded onto an aircraft

In fourth place came Delta Airlines as 394,386 bags were mishandled out of more than 80million enplaned. (Pictured: Delta passengers waiting for baggage at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey)

Southwest Airlines not only came in first for having the most mishandled baggage in 2023, but also for mishandling scooters and wheelchairs.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation data, Southwest mishandled 3,460 mobility devices, while American Airlines mishandled 2,015 from January- December 2023.

In 2022, about 26million pieces of luggage globally were lost, delayed or damaged- reaching an all time high in 10 years.

Nearly eight bags in every 1,000 went missing between airport bag drops and the carousel at arrivals.

The number of bags that were delayed, lost or damaged jumped to 7.6 pieces of luggage per 1,000 passengers in 2022, according to research by baggage handling experts Sita.

This was the highest rate since 2012 when the figure was 26.3million  nearly nine pieces per 1,000 passengers. In 2019, before Covid, it was nearly six pieces per 1,000 passengers.

Ryanair was the worst offender for lost or damaged luggage, according to figures covering 2018-2022 held by the Civil Aviation Authority. British Airways was second, followed by easyJet, Wizz Air and Norwegian.

Airlines must track every piece during its journey with a barcode, but millions of items continue to disappear. Many airports and airlines made staff cuts in the pandemic and have struggled to recruit quickly enough to cope with post-Covid travel surge.

Airlines have 21 days to find and return missing luggage, at which point travelers are entitled to claim compensation.

Recently, Kansai International Airport in Japan, was crowned the airport that hasn't lost a single piece of luggage in 30 years.

The airport has a specific system in place to ensure that every piece of baggage reaches its owner undamaged, with employees working in teams of two or three to limit the number of hands the suitcases go through and taking extra care to make sure the items aren't damaged.
Footage has emerged of what is thought to be the first major use of Western-made weapons systems by Ukraine's armed forces to destroy targets on Russian soil, prompting a top Kremlin official to warn of 'fatal consequences'.

It is believed the Ukrainian military struck a S-300 or S-400 air defence system using US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and completely destroyed it in a devastating attack yesterday.

A stunning clip taken by a Russian soldier and shared to the Telegram messaging service showed a huge blaze raging in a field of Belgorod, a Russian region that borders Ukraine across the border from Kharkiv.

The effects of the new weapons appear to have already devastated Russia, with Ukraine's military claimed on Monday that Vladimir Putin's forces suffered 1,270 causalities in the last 24 hours alone.

This assessment was backed by the UK's MoD, which said that Russia has lost around 1,200 troops a day in May, adding that it has likely lost more than half a million since the start of the invasion.

The MoD, quoting ancient Greek philosopher Socrates in a post to X, wrote: 'When you want success as badly as you want the air, then you will get it. There is no other secret of success.'

The site of a Russian air defence system in Belgorod is pictured on fire following what is thought to have been a HIMARS strike

Footage shows the first known use of US-supplied HIMARS missiles by Ukraine hitting a key military target inside Russia

An air defence system is pictured lying in ruins in a Belgorod field

A pilot practices with a drone on a training ground in Kyiv region on February 29, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

A Ukrainian military stands with people next to F-16 fighter jets during an inspection visit of Ukraine's President to Belgium in an agreement to help Kyiv battle Russia's invasion, at the Melsbroek military airport in Steenokkerzeel, north-east of Brussels on May 28, 2024

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference after the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, Sunday, June 2, 2024

The Russian weapons platform is typically used by Moscow to down any aerial threats from Kyiv but also used as an offensive weapon to deliver punishing missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

The attack comes days after US President Joe Biden for the first time gave Kyiv limited permission to deploy American-made weapons on targets inside Russia in a bid to stem Vladimir Putin's debilitating strikes on Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv.

Until now, US weapons were only cleared for use in Ukrainian territory annexed by Russian forces, representing a significant shift in the White House's policy toward the conflict.

'The enemy has begun using Western-made weapon systems to attack 'old' Russian territory,' said Russian military blogger Evgeniy Poddubny - who is one of a handful of journalists routinely touring frontline Russian positions - reported.

Following news of the attack, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the ongoing use of Western weapons to hit targets in Russia would be met with 'fatal consequences'.

'I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive,' state news agency RIA quoted Ryabkov as saying.

The deputy minister also referred to comments last week by President Vladimir Putin, who said NATO countries were playing with fire and risking a deeper global conflict - one of a series of warnings from Moscow about the risk of a serious escalation.

'I urge these figures (in the US)... to spend some of their time, which they apparently spend on some kind of video games, judging by the lightness of their approach, on studying what was said in detail by Putin,' Ryabkov said.

Putin had delivered 'a very significant warning and it must be taken with the utmost seriousness', he added.

Putin said the West would be directly involved in any use of its weapons by Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, because such attacks would require its satellite, intelligence and military help.

But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week that NATO had the right to help Ukraine uphold its own right to self-defence, and this did not make NATO a party to the conflict.

The Netherlands has since declared it intends to allow the Ukrainian air force to use its F-16 fighter jets to carry out strikes in Russia.

The move was confirmed by Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren who, in an interview with Politico this weekend, said there was not a 'Belgian-style restriction', referring to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo's warning that Kyiv will not fly the F-16 jets that come from Belgium into Russian airspace.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Middle East in the State Dining room at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 31, 2024

Ukrainian kamikaze drones destroy Russian military convoy in Kursk region, Russia

One truck is seen exploding after being struck by a Ukrainian drone

A military truck explodes as it is struck by a kamikaze drone

Aerial drone footage shows how the military column dispersed after the first hits, but the Ukrainian drone operators chased the scattered vehicles

A military convoy was broken up in the strike in Kursk

This attack, also conducted on Russian soil, was by Ukrainian-made strike drones rather than Western weapons

'We are applying the same principle that we have applied to every other delivery of capabilities, which is once we hand it over to Ukraine, it's theirs to use,' said Ollongren.

'We only ask them to comply to international law and the right to self-defense as stated in the U.N. Charter, which means they use it to target the military goals they need to target in their self-defence,' Ollongren added.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter jet originally developed for the United States Air Force, but is in use with militaries around the world.

Meanwhile, a slew of other videos were released depicted the punishing losses dealt by Kyiv's armed forces on Russian assets on both sides of the border.

In Russia's Kursk region, a military convoy was repeatedly struck by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone ambush and suffered significant losses.

Aerial drone footage shows how the military column dispersed after the first hits, but the Ukrainian drone operators chased the scattered vehicles and picked them off one by one in a menacing display of the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles and first-person-view (FPV) drones.

The attacked column included conscripts - Putin's youngest soldiers, some aged 18 and 19 - according to Russian sources - though the exact scale of the losses is not confirmed.

This attack, also conducted on Russian soil, was by Ukrainian-made strike drones rather than Western weapons.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident the turret of a Russian T-80BV - one of Russia's top tanks - was seen blasted dozens of feet in the air amid a fireball explosion caused by another Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike.

The drone's payload ignited the ammunition held within the disabled tank, triggering a gargantuan blast that completely engulfed the armour and send the turret and chunks of metal flying sky high.

The turret of a Russian T-80BV - one of Russia's top battle tanks - was seen blasted dozens of feet in the air amid a fireball explosion

The drone's payload ignited the ammunition held within the disabled tank

A gargantuan blast that completely engulfed the armour and send the turret and chunks of metal flying sky high

Consumer drones have been adapted to drop grenades and small bombs on enemy infantry and armoured vehicles, to devastating effect

Ukrainian drone operator demonstrates piloting of a long-range UAV

The cannon fodder strategy of the Russian army was also highlighted by a contract soldier fighting in Vovchansk, who revealed in a video message shared to Telegram that in his company of 100, only 12 of his comrades remained alive and not wounded.

In a scathing indictment of the Kremlin's military strategy, he spoke on his fear of facing death or maiming with the 'forward, forward, forward' strategy of his commanders who 'sit in Moscow' and 'don't ****ing care' about the losses of men.

The soldiers were 'complete meat', he said.

'We arrived in Vovchansk, and the first night somehow turned out more or less normal,' he said.

'We occupied one street, and then this heat began... '[We were] under machine guns, especially drones that [strike] such a large number of personnel.

'And a command over the radio keeps shouting ''forward, forward, forward, forward!'' You can't go back.

'Of 100 people, only 12 of our company remained. It turns out they simply chop us up, and that's it... And those who sit in Moscow, they don't ****ing care.'

Ukraine's general staff of the armed forces today claimed that Russia suffered 1,270 casualties in just the past 24 hours amid bitter fighting.

This figure would stand among the highest one-day casualty tolls of the war so far, but is impossible to verify independently.
The pandemic patriarch Dr. Anthony Fauci got emotional when detailing death threats against him and his children, while also insisting taxpayer dollars were not used for risky gain-of-function research in China and he never used personal email for 'official business.'

His bombshell admission came before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic that has been seeking for over a year now to determine the origins of the pandemic that killed over a million Americans and millions more globally.

The fast-paced hearing slowed down briefly when Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., asked Fauci about the personal toll his role on the White House Coronavirus Taskforce cost him.

'Myself, my three daughters, they have had credible death threats, leading to the arrests of different individuals,' he said. 'Credible death threats meaning someone who clearly was on their way to killing.'

'It's very troublesome to me,' he continued. 'It is even more troublesome because they involve my wife.'

Fauci said such threats have require his family to have 'Protective Services essentially all the time.'

Later, the hearing roared back to life as firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , R-Ga., told Fauci to his face that she believes he is lying and 'belongs in prison.'

'We should be recommending you to be prosecuted ... for crimes against humanity,' the Georgia Republican said.

She also claimed that his 'repulsive, evil science,' led to school children having to endure class with masks, causing detrimental impacts on the kids.

Freshman Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., slammed Greene for her 'ridiculous' attacks on Fauci.

He said this has been the most unruly conference in his 1.5 years in Congress.

Greene's outburst earned her the scorn of Democrats and briefly the committee chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, who raised his voice to demand she quiet down.

Shortly after the chairman wrangled the lawmakers back to speaking in level tones, a woman in the audience wearing a white dress began yelling at Dr. Fauci.

She was told by Capitol Police that if she did not leave she would be arrested.

The woman gathered her bag, a coffee and made for the door.

As she was leaving, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., ripped the woman, telling her to get her Starbucks and go.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, holds up an image of Dr. Anthony Fauci featured in a DailyMail.com article during her spat with the doctor

Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Fauci's prepared remarks, delivered to the committee, also show he denies funding gan-of-function research.

'The viruses studied under the NIAID-funded EHA sub-award to [Wuhan Institute of Virology] had never been shown to infect humans, much less to cause high transmissibility or significant morbidity and mortality in humans,' his prepared testimony stated.

It appeared he did not deliver them as they were submitted to the committee.

'Their study, therefore, could not and did not constitute GoF research,' it continued.

During verbal testimony, he again denied that NIAID funded the gain-of-function research in Wuhan, saying the definition of the term has caused much confusion.

Additionally, Fauci sought to distance himself from his now-disgraced former top aide, Dr. David Morens, who conspired to cover-up emails from federal transparency laws.

Morens testified before the body previously that he helped coronavirus researcher Dr. Peter Daszak, who had a direct financial interest in coronavirus research in Wuhan, edit press releases for the researcher's organization EcoHealth.

'I knew nothing of Dr. Morens's actions regarding EcoHealth,' Fauci said.

He also said that Morens 'definitely' had a conflict of interest with his work with Daszak. Fauci added Morens's actions were 'inappropriate' and violated federal law.

The former NIAID director also denied using personal his personal email for 'official business,' before adding the caveat, 'to the best of my knowledge.'

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is sworn-in before testifying

Fauci's former top aide, Dr. David Morens, speaks during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill on May 22

Chairman Wenstrup opened the hearing with a salvo calling into question Fauci's conduct during COVID.

'Americans were aggressively bullied, shamed, and silenced for merely questioning or debating issues such as social distancing, masks, vaccines, or the origins of COVID,' he said.

'You took the position that you presented 'the science' and your words came across as final and as infallible in matters pertaining to the pandemic.'

'You were the highest paid person in the government. This makes you more accountable to the people, not less.'

'To be successful, our federal public health institutions must be accountable to the people again.'

Previously, DailyMail.com revealed that Fauci testified before the body that he was not sure where the six-foot social distancing rules came from, telling committee lawyers that rule 'sort of just appeared.'

'You know, I don't recall. It sort of just appeared,' he said according to committee transcripts when pressed on how the rule came about.

He added he 'was not aware of studies' that supported the social distancing, conceding that such studies 'would be very difficult' to do.

During Monday's hearing Fauci confirmed that the six-foot guidance came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - and that despite their guidance not being based on established science, it was implemented.

'My saying there was no science behind it, means there was no clinical trial that proved that,' he clarified at the hearing.

Fauci also told the committee's counsel in January that he didn't remember reading anything to support that masking kids would prevent COVID.

'Do you recall reviewing any studies or data supporting masking for children?' he was asked at the time.

'I don't recall,' Dr. Anthony Fauci told the committee when pressed on where the six foot social distancing rule came from 'It sort of just appeared,' according to his January testimony

When pressed on the forced masking of kids in private testimony in January, Fauci could not recall if he read anything to support the fact it would prevent illness

Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before Congress on the COVID pandemic on June 3

'I might have,' he responded before adding 'but I don't recall specifically that I did.'

On Monday, however, Fauci did admit that there have been studies documented the 'negative' impacts that mask wearing in schools had on kids.

'There was no study that did masks on kids before,' he also testified.

'You couldn't do the study,' Fauci said. 'You had to respond to an epidemic that was killing 4,000 - 5,000 Americans per day.'

Further, Fauci confirmed during Monday's hearing that the lab leak theory - the idea that COVID began at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) - is a real 'possibility.'

'I keep an open mind as to what the origin is,' he said.

His admission that COVID may have began at the WIV comes four years after he backed the publication of a paper which threw cold water on the lab leak theory called the 'Proximal Origin' paper.

Though he confirmed during his testimony that he did not edit or contribute to the paper, though he did review it around the time of its publication.

Fauci said he did not remember what the exact discussion was regarding the six-foot social distancing rule while testifying Monday

The former NIAID director said the lab leak theory could be true

Recently the committee has discovered that Fauci's former top aide, Dr. David Morens, routinely conducted work on his personal email account and deleted files to avoid government transparency laws under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

His disregard for FOIA requests was so blatant that be bragged in emails to colleagues that he learned how to make official correspondence 'disappear' and that he would delete things he didn't 'want to see in the New York Times.

Emails from Morens uncovered by the committee further revealed that he boasted about having a 'secret back channel' to Fauci where he could clandestinely communicate with the former NIAID director.

That revelation shocked the committee's chairman Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, so thoroughly that he demanded Fauci turnover his personal email and phone records to the investigative body.

Fauci said on Monday that no such back channel existed.

Also shocking, is Fauci's admission to the committee in January that he 'never' looks at the grants that he signed off on, some of which total to millions of taxpayer dollars.

'You know, technically, I sign off on each council, but I don't see the grants and what they are. I never look at what grants are there,' he told the committee's counsel.

Further, he said he was 'not certain' that foreign labs that receive U.S. grant money, such as the WIV - which was studying coronaviruses using U.S. taxpayer dollars at the time the pandemic began - operate at the same standards of American labs.

The former NIAID director said it would be 'impossible' for him to review every grant before signing it as there are thousands that need attention.

Instead, he testified Monday, that he had senior NIAID officials do the lion's share of review before those requests for money hit his desk.
Mexico's new president Claudia Sheinbaum has said she thinks her relationship 'will be good' with whoever wins the 2024 US election, whether it's Donald Trump or Joe Biden.

That's despite former President Trump saying last year for the second time that immigrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country.'

Sheinbaum, who is Jewish, will become the first female president of Mexico after the National Electoral Institute's president said she had between 58.3 percent and 60.7 percent of the vote, the Associated Press reported.

Sheinbaum will succeed her mentor, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce cartel violence in Mexico.

Sheinbaum, the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City, made her comments about Trump last month on Bloomberg TV.

Presidential candidate of the ruling Morena party Claudia Sheinbaum, gestures while addressing her supporters after winning the presidential election, at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico on June 3, 2024

Sheinbaum told Bloomberg TV that like outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, she will maintain a 'good relationship' with former President Donald Trump if he were to be sent back to the White House come next January

'Yes, I think it will be good, whether President Biden or President Trump wins,' Sheinbaum said in Spanish.

'We have very strong economic integration with the United States. We are now the principal trading partner, and that requires us to have a good relationship.'

Second only to Canada, Mexico is a huge trading partner with the US, buying $324.3 billion worth of American exported goods in 2022, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement entered into force on July 1, 2020 and was ushered in by Trump, Obrador and Justin Trudeau in 2018.

'President Lopez Obrador in the end had a good relationship with Trump and I don't see why we wouldn't be able to have it as well,' Sheinbaum told the BBC recently.

At this speech in Waterloo, Iowa, Trump said immigrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country' and denied comparisons to Adolf Hitler

At the same time, the then-frontrunner added that 'discriminatory discourse' about Mexicans abroad isn't something she would tolerate.

'Now, I think that obviously we are always going to defend Mexicans abroad. We are not in favor of any discriminatory discourse, but there is going to be a good relationship.'

Sheinbaum's election to a six year term comes as immigration is looking to be a top issue in the American presidential election, with Trump routinely attacking Biden's border policies.

Biden is responding by preparing to enact an immigration-related executive order this week, despite previously saying he needed Congressional approval to stem the flow of record-breaking illegal crossings into the US.

Encounters at the US-Mexico border have come down substantially from December's record highs, but they still remain elevated from before Biden took office in 2021, according to Customs and Border Patrol.
A Brazilian influencer was nearly murdered by her father after she was beaten with a machete.

Bruna Tsuchiya suffered cuts and bruises to her back, arms and legs after Reinaldo Tsuchiya, 54, ran her down at the family hotel following an argument over a car repair debt and child support payments for her two younger siblings last Wednesday, according to the Para Civil Police.

The 33-year-old woman, who is a dentist and has over 106,000 followers on Instagram, told investigators that Reinaldo pulled a machete from his office and chased her before she locked herself in one of the hotel rooms

Bruna called her mother to seek help before her father broke down the door and barged inside the room, where he attacked her with rocks.

She managed to flee the room and ran towards the garage, where she fell and was then pulled by the hair and beaten with the machete.

Bruna Tsuchiya revealed on social media that her father, Reinaldo Tsuchiya assaulted her with a machete at the hotel he co-owns with her mother, whom he is separated from, last Wednesday in Para, Brazil

Bruna Tsuchiya pictured with her father Reinaldo Tsuchiya in September 2015. Reinaldo is now facing an attempted feminicide charge after he attacked her with a machete

Bruna Tsuchiya suffered cuts and bruises after her father, Reinaldo Tsuchiya, beat her with a machete at their family-run hotel last Wednesday

Cops arrived on the scene and arrested Reinaldo.

Bruna was rushed to a local urgent care center, where she received stitches on her hands.

'I experienced a nightmare, the feeling that my life would suddenly end there,' Bruna said on an Instagram Story post.

'I was sure it would be my last day, a father who kills his own child,' she added.

'How would a father have the courage to do something like that? Is there a justification?'

Brazilian dentist and influencer Bruna Tsuchiya revealed the injuries she suffered on Instagram

Bruna Tsuchiya revealed on Instagram that she "experienced a nightmare, the feeling that my life would suddenly end there" when her father attacked her with a machete

Bruna Tsuchiya need medical assistance to treat cuts and bruises to her back, arms and legs. She also received stitches on her hands

Reinaldo Tsuchiya was arrested at the hotel he owns with his estranged wife after he beat their 32-year-old daughter with a machete. He told police that he and his daughter had argued after she refused to pay $180 for parts to repair her vehicle and that she grabbed a machete before he took a gun away from her. He is facing a feminicide charge

Reinaldo, who is facing a femicide charge, told the police that his daughter went to visit him to recover profits from the hotel that were owed to her mother, who co-owns the property with him.

He alleged that that they argued after she refused to pay $180 to cover the parts that were needed to repair her vehicle.

He claimed that Bruna grabbed the machete from him and that he responded by taking a gun from her before she flew into a rage.

Police records obtained by Brazilian news outlet G1 showed that Bruna's mother obtained an order of protection in November 2023 after accusing Reinaldo of domestic violence.

Although Reinaldo was placed in pre-trial detention, Bruna was granted a restraining order that prohibits him from approaching her during a custody hearing Friday.

He is not allowed to be within 328 feet of her and can't be in the same place as her. He is also barred from contacting her via telephone and electronic messages.
Hunter Biden looked teary-eyed as he was hugged by First Lady Jill Biden and his half-sister Ashley Biden during a mid-morning break in jury selection.

In turn the two women kissed Hunter on the cheek and embraced him after he stepped out of the well of the court and into the public seating area.

Jill and Ashley spent the morning sitting on the front row of the public benches directly behind Hunter at the defense table.

Ashley listened intently and occasionally leaned forward, taking notes with a red pencil and notebook.

The First Lady, dressed all in purple, showed little reaction or emotion.

That included when a former colleague of hers was called as a potential juror and appeared to look over several times in her direction.

Jill Biden walks into the courthouse with grandson-in-law Peter Neal (right) and longtime aide Anthony Bernal (left)

In the cavernous wood-paneled courtroom Hunter Biden sat with his lawyer Abbe Lowell to his right.

The president's son occasionally donned a pair of peach-colored reading glasses to look at documents.

He whispered frequently to Lowell who at one point put his hand on the back of Hunter's neck and hugged him.

Potential jurors were brought in one by one and stood in a corner of the courtroom next to a microphone about 20ft from Hunter Biden.

As Judge Maryellen Noreika asked them questions few of them looked across the room in the defendant's direction.

The women in the Biden family were out in full force on Monday to support Hunter Biden on the first day of his gun trial.

Jill Biden, sister Ashley Biden and wife Melissa Cohen all were seen walking into the courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware. Melissa was at her husband's side, holding his hand.

Monday also marks Jill Biden's 73rd birthday. She walked into the courthouse with Peter Neal, Naomi's husband and her grandson-in-law, at her side.

Inside the courtroom, Hunter Biden greeted his mother with a bit of a joke as they waited for the trial to being.

'Happy Birthday,' he said. 'I got you to a special event.'

The duo laughed.

President Joe Biden and Jill Biden changed their schedule to be in Wilmington for the morning of Hunter's trial, where he faces charge on three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase.

They left their Rehoboth beach house on Sunday night when they were originally scheduled to leave Monday. They spent the night in their Wilmington home. Hunter is believed to be staying there with them.

The Biden family is tight, having bonded through multiple tragedies - the death of Hunter's mom Neilia in a car crash when he and Beau were young children, Beau's death in 2015 from cancer and Hunter's years-long struggle with addiction.

The president put out a statement on Monday morning in support of his son.

'I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,' he said.

'A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.'

The president kept his son close this weekend. The two were bicycle ride and at church on Saturday afternoon in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

The first lady has spoken of her belief in Hunter's innocence.

'I think what they are doing to Hunter is cruel,' Jill Biden told MSNBC in November. 'I'm really proud of how Hunter has rebuilt his life after addiction. I love my son.'

Jill Biden considers her stepson a son. Hunter was seven when she married Joe in 1977. She has often spoke about how she rejected Joe's proposal multiple times because she wanted to be sure the marriage would be stable for Beau and Hunter.

'I had to make absolutely sure that this marriage was going to work because [the brothers] had lost their mother and they had lost their sister. I knew that it had to work because they had lost so much. They had to feel secure that this marriage would work,' she has said.

Hunter Biden walks into the courthouse with wife Melissa Cohen

Ashley Biden arrives at the courthouse

Hunter faces charges that he lied about his drug use on a form he filled out to purchase a handgun in 2018. In his memoir he writes about how Beau's death retrigged his addiction.

At the time of the gun purchase, he was separated from his first wife Kathleen and dating Hallie Biden, Beau's widow.

He has said the two bonded through their grief.

Hallie was the one who found the gun and threw it in the trash can of a grocery store.

Both she and Kathleen are expected to testify.

Hunter has pleaded not guilty and has argued he's being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. He originally had a plea deal that promised some immunity and no prison time but it collapsed last year in face of Republican criticism that the president's son was getting a sweetheart deal.

If he were to be convicted, he could face fines up to $750,000 and up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum and it's unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

Monday starts with jury selection, a process that is expected to last around three days.

Hunter and Kathleen have three daughters from their marriage - Naomi, Finnegan and Maisy. None of the three girls were seen at the courthouse.

Hunter married Melissa Cohen in May 2019 after knowing her only for six days. They have a son, four-year-old Beau.

Hunter faces a second trial September on charges he failed to pay taxes from a time when he was using drugs and alcohol heavily and spending lavishly. He has since paid his back taxes.
Vaughan Gething has dodged fresh questions over his acceptance of 200,000 in controversial donations to his recent Welsh Labour leadership campaign.

The First Minister, who is facing a no-confidence vote in the Senedd over the row, refused to answer queries from a BBC reporter at a Welsh language festival.

Mr Gething has faced weeks of scrutiny over the six-figure sum donated to his campaign from a man convicted of environmental crimes.

He took the money from the Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by millionaire businessman David Neal, as he campaigned to replace Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader.

The BBC has now reported that Resources Management Limited, another of Mr Neal's firms, was subject to a criminal investigation by Natural Resources Wales at the time Mr Gething accepted the cash.

Footage of a BBC reporter approaching Vaughan Gething at Urdd Eisteddfod in Maldwyn, Powys, on Friday showed the Welsh First Minister refusing to answer questions

Mr Gething last week teamed up with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the general election campaign trail

Footage of a BBC reporter approaching Mr Gething at Urdd Eisteddfod in Maldwyn, Powys, on Friday showed the First Minister refusing to answer questions.

Mr Gething said: 'I've answered lots of questions about donations and I'm here at the Urdd to meet businesses here, and I've got lots of people to see and I'll be more than happy to answer more questions in the Senedd no doubt.'

The BBC reported that Mr Gething later told them today: 'Why on earth would I have known about an investigation at that time?

'I've complied with all the rules throughout the process and the BBC have said today there's no evidence at all that I have broken any rules in the contest.'

Asked when he first knew about the criminal investigation, Mr Gething said he 'found out when it was reported'.

Resources Management Limited said it would 'continue to fully cooperate with any pending investigations by Natural Resources Wales'.

A spokeswoman for National Resources Wales said: 'There are issues identified at Withyhedge Landfill, which are under investigation and as such, we are unable to go into further detail at this time.

'If breaches to permit conditions are considered to have taken place, then they may be subject to criminal sanctions.

'The resulting evidence from these enquiries will be reviewed to decide upon the appropriate enforcement response.'

Mr Gething last week teamed up with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the general election campaign trail.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: 'Vaughan Gething's donations just don't pass the smell test.

'So desperate was he to be First Minister, he accepted this dirty money despite the misery these firms have caused.

'And so desperate is Keir Starmer to be prime minister, he is prepared to stand with Vaughan Gething on this issue.

'It's time to restore integrity to the office of First Minister.'

Mr Gething, who has been the Welsh Labour leader since March, faces a no-confidence vote in the Senedd on Wednesday after being beset by scandal.

As well as the donations row, the First Minister has faced allegations he may have deleted messages that could be of interest to the Covid Inquiry.

The Welsh Government today said the timing of the no-confidence vote would force Mr Gething to miss the national D-Day commemoration in Portsmouth.

All opposition Senedd members - including Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds - are expected to support the Conservative motion.

Labour holds 30 of the 60 seats in the Senedd, so for the vote of no confidence to succeed at least one Labour MS would need either to vote in favour of the motion or abstain.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips programme that his party would support the no-confidence motion.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: 'We have no confidence in the First Minister. More importantly than that, the Welsh public don't have confidence in him.

'But it's Labour who will decide  Labour members of the Senedd in that vote of no confidence, but crucially also Keir Starmer, who has shown through his parachuting of candidates last minute to Wales that he very much wants to act as the puppet master within all of the Labour Party.'
Donald Trump's lawyer insists nothing will stop the ex-president from running for a second term in the White House, even if he has to campaign from a prison cell.

Trump was found guilty on Thursday on all 34 counts of falsifying business records for covering up the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in an effort to influence the 2016 election.

His sentencing is scheduled for July 11. The ex-president is not expected by legal experts to face jail time, but each sentence carries a maximum of four years in prison.

In an interview with the BBC, Trump's lawyer Alina Habba said Trump will run for president even if he fails on his appeal or ends up in a jail cell.

'He is running for president. Nothing will change that,' Habba said.

Donald Trump walking away after addressing the media on Friday following his convictions. Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records for covering up the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election

When pressed over him running even if he is locked up, she pointed to polling and a surge in donations since he became a convicted felon.

'Again, I recommend you find the latest polls in this country from the people that live in this country,' she said. 'The people that need him in this country. Because frankly, its more important than anything anybody else thinks. Our people are speaking loudly.'

Trump's campaign claims it raised more than $50 million in donations after the former president was convicted.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba in an interview with the BBC. She said 'nothing' will change Trump running for president, even prison

If [Donald Trump] does end up in jail, would he run for president from a jail cell? asks #BBCLauraK



He is running for president, nothing will change there says one of Donald Trumps lawyers Alina Habbahttps://t.co/TKtwgH52Wj pic.twitter.com/hKW0famyhe  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 2, 2024

The latest polls show an extremely tight race between Trump and President Biden. The Real Clear Politics average has Trump up by less than one point.

Trump was asked about the possibility of being sentenced to house arrest or even jail time during a very friendly interview with Fox & Friends over the weekend.

'I'm okay with it,' Trump responded.

'I saw one of my lawyers the other day on television saying, oh, no, you don't want to do that to the pres -- I said, dont, you know, beg for anything. It's just the way it is,' he went on.

Trump also attacked the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan who will determine his sentencing.

Alina Habba standing behind Trump as he leaves the courthouse after 12 jurors found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records

Supporters of Donald Trump gather in West Palm Beach, FL on June 2 after his conviction

Typically, prison is not recommended for the type of the charges Trump was convicted of.

Legal experts note he is considered a non-violent offender with white collar criminal convictions. Trump at 77-years-old also has no prior convictions.

They expect the ex-president is more likely to face probation or hefty fines.

Once the sentencing takes place, Trump's legal team is expected to appeal.
Swing state Democrats running for election this year are in a tough spot after the highly divisive conviction of former President Donald Trump.

Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno's campaign is running a new five-figure ad buy attacking vulnerable Democrat Sherrod Brown for 'refusing to condemn' the Biden Justice Department's prosecution of Trump.

The ad exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com is the first to be cut as Republicans plot to put shaky Democrats in critical swing states on the spot about Trump's historic criminal conviction.

It opens and closes with Brown saying: 'Joe Biden's politics now are not much different from mine.'

'It doesn't matter the issue, Sherrod Brown stands with Biden even as he turns the judicial system into a weapon to interfere in the presidential election,' it says. 'Sherrod Brown stands by refusing to condemn Biden's politically motivated witch hunt because Sherrod Brown stands with Joe Biden.'

Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno's campaign is running a new five-figure ad buy attacking Moreno for 'refusing to condemn' the Biden Justice Department's prosecution of Trump

Brown is facing a tough reelection campaign in increasingly red Ohio. The populist-minded Democrat bucks his party on some issues, but had a tepid response to a jury finding Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

'I'm not a lawyer or a judge, but I've said from the beginning that no one is above the law. Ultimately, this is up to the legal system to sort out and for the American people to decide in November,' the senator said.

Moreno, who has the backing of Donald Trump, is running behind Brown 42.3 to 37.3 percent, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. Brown won his last two races by six points.

Republicans have raked in political support in light of the Trump conviction - RNC co-chair Lara Trump said Sunday the RNC collected over $70 million in the first 48 hours after he verdict was read.

Other vulnerable Democrats have either carefully crafted statements about respecting the judicial outcome or stayed silent.

A spokesperson for Montana Democrat Jon Tester said he 'respects the judicial process and believes everyone should be treated fairly before the courts, and voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box in November.'

Tester is facing off against Republican Tim Sheehy.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-N.M., said in a statement: 'Every American, even a former president, is subject to the rule of law and must be held accountable for criminal actions. A jury has made its decision, and I respect our legal system and the outcome of this fair and impartial process.'

Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey and Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin have not weighed in on the matter.

Moreno, who has the backing of Donald Trump, is running behind Brown 42.3 to 37.3 percent, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. Brown won his last two races by six points

Republicans are aggressively trying to take back control of the Senate in November. A prediction by FiveThirtyEight says they are 'slightly favored' to do so.

The jury of seven men and five women made their decision as the former President faced 34 counts of falsifying business records on Thursday. His sentencing date is set for July 11.

It comes after five weeks of dramatic evidence and 22 witnesses being quizzed on the stand.

The case is the first time a former U.S. President has faced a criminal trial.

The Trump team has vowed to appeal the conviction. He will now face the Appellate Division in Manhattan, and possibly the Court of Appeals, and will remain free on bail while he appeals.

The charges Trump faced each carried a maximum potential sentence of up to four years in prison.

Jurors had the option of convicting Trump of all counts, acquitting him of all counts, or delivering a mixed verdict in which he was found guilty of some charges and not others.

Falsifying business records would typically be a lower-level misdemeanor, but his charges have been raised to felony level because of a second crime: attempting to influence the 2016 election.

The judge could consider the unprecedented nature of the case and choose not to put a former president and current candidate behind bars.
Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann will be charged with another murder this week, per several reports.

Heuermann, 60, is expected to appear in court in Riverhead on Thursday for his arraignment, according to Newsday.

It comes after investigators connected to the Gilgo Beach cases began searching a wooded area in Manorville, New York, in April.

Last month, detectives also went back to search the alleged serial killer's Long Island home.

Heuermann has previously been charged with murdering four female sex workers.

Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann will be charged with another murder this week

He was arrested in July and initially charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Lynn Costello 27. In February, he was also charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.

The women were found wrapped in burlap and buried along the remote stretch of Ocean Parkway on Long Island's South Shore over a decade ago.

Heuermann, an architect, has pleaded not guilty to all counts and currently remains in jail awaiting trial.

In April, officials searched a Manorville area where the partial remains of Gilgo Beach victims Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack were found more than 20 years ago.

Then last month, state and county police officials descended on Heuermanns dilapidated, single-family home in Massapequa Park on Long Island.

The first victim, 24-year-old Melissa Barthelemy, was discovered by Suffolk County Police on December 11, 2010. The body of Megan Waterman, 22, from Maine, was found two days later

Heuermann is also charged with killing Amber Costello (left) and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (right)

Officers removed boxes and bags of evidence from the house as forensic and crime lab units spent much of the day on site. Officials from the Suffolk County medical examiners office also visited.

The Gilgo women's remains were discovered during the search for 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert, an escort from New Jersey who had vanished in May 2010 after making a frantic 911 call.

Her remains were found along the same stretch of coast in December 2011 - and it was her body that led police to the discovery of the 'Gilgo Four'.

No one has ever been charged in Gilbert's death and police said it may have been accidental - but her family believe she was murdered.

The women were among 11 found on the desolate stretch of coastline close to Heuermann's Long Island Home between 2010 and 2011.

In April, officials searched a Manorville area where the partial remains of Gilgo Beach victims Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack were found more than 20 years ago.

The women known as the 'Gilgo Four' were discovered close to Heuermann's Long Island home. However, other bodies - including those of sex workers - have been found in the area

All of the victims worked as escorts who advertised themselves on Craigslist.

Heuermann was linked to the killings by DNA on the burlap used to transport the bodied which was compared to samples taken from a pizza crust and napkin that were discarded outside his Manhattan architectural firm, police said.

The samples boasted a 99.96 percent match, according to law enforcement.

Prior to testing the DNA, cops said they were alerted to Heuermann as a potential suspect after a witness linked Heuermann's Chevrolet Avalanche to Costello's murder.

hen last month, state and county police officials descended on Heuermanns dilapidated, single-family home in Massapequa Park on Long Island

The car was then tied to Heuermann's cellphone records, which allegedly linked him to locations related to the murders.

The indictment stated that Heuermann had used different burner phones to contact each of his victims.

Cops also accused Heuermann of using Barthelemy's phone to make taunting phone calls to her family from the comfort of his office.

Her sister Melissa told how she was bombarded with threatening phone calls from the killer who boasted of the killing and was keeping tabs on her movements.

The larger truck with the red front engine is where they were loading possessions of the family to clear out the rooms to do more searching and the white box truck is actual evidence truck that goes back to the crime lab for testing



Last July, police spent nearly two weeks scouring the home, located in a suburban town about 40 miles east of Manhattan.

The search of what Tierney has described as a 'very cluttered environment' 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.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten clashed with Allison Langdon in a heated interview following accusations he isn't doing enough to crack down on welfare fraudsters.

Mr Shorten, the minister responsible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, told A Current Affair's Langdon on Monday night that he is doing everything he can to hold crooks accountable.

His interview was preceded by an emotional story about an NDIS provider, Denise Clissold, who is accused of taking funds from the multi-billion dollar disability assistance scheme for herself.

Introducing the story to Mr Shorten, Langdon said: 'Concerns were raised about this woman with the NDIS Commission months ago. She hasn't been banned. Now, clearly she should lose her job - and some might say the same about you.'

Mr Shorten replied: 'I don't know where you get to that conclusion, the second part, Ally, but I guess it's your job to say that,

'It's my job to make sure that these crooks and scallywags are not part of the NDIS. The reality is, that interview you showed makes my blood boil.

'These people are being investigated. I'd love to tell you that I can click my fingers and ban all the bad people tonight. That would be the best outcome. But we've got to go through due process.'

A Current Affair host Ally Langdon (pictured) quizzed NDIS minister Bill Shorten over alleged fraud in the scheme

Langdon was unsatisfied with Mr Shorten's answer and argued an investigation 'could take months'.

'Aren't we protecting the wrong person here?,' she said.

'She's not banned. She's not even suspended, Minister.'

Mr Shorten answered: 'Yes, you said that before, and I got that.

'I'm saying to you that I've gone to our investigators and said, 'It seems like a pretty open and shut case' and they've said, 'Minister, we've got to go through the processes'.

'But the fact of the matter is, what we saw with this person, I don't think is an isolated example. When I became the minister two years ago, I was shocked by the fact that there was very little attention paid to fraud detection, catching crooks, getting rid of them.

'In the last two years, we've doubled the number of investigators. We've put in  there were no systems to catch people. There was no way to check if claims were being inflated, duplicated or indeed ghosted.

'The tools that we had upon me becoming minister were not adequate to police the scheme, so we're putting through changes in parliament as we talk to improve the detection and prevention of fraud.'

But Langdon further pressed: 'So do you think the NDIS is in good shape right now?'

Mr Shorten defended the service system, saying 'it's changing lives and doing a great job'.

'I think that the truth is that a majority of service providers are probably doing the right thing, but there's a minority who seem to view it as their god-given right to fleece disabled people, investors, taxpayers, and they're not - they're in it for themselves,' he said.

Langdon fired back: 'But if you can't even put a stop to a provider like the one we just explained in this story, I would suggest then that the system is failing.'

Mr Shorten responded with claims he has drastically increased funding for investigations into NDIS fraud and took a shot at Langdon for her pointed questions.

'The other thing I have to say, Ally, and this might go against a little bit of your gotcha sort of style of journalism - this argument that these cases mean that the scheme is wrecked, the scheme is not wrecked,' he said.

'Unfortunately, this great Australian tradition amongst an element of the community who think they've got a god-given right to rip off taxpayer money and rip off disabled people, but that is not the whole story.

'I'm grateful for you exposing these matters. I actually mean that. Because it just draws attention to the crooks. But what we also need to do is-'

Langdon interrupted: 'But then we can't even stop the crooks in their tracks. That's the fundamental problem with it.'

Mr Shorten, growing frustrated, told her: 'That's not right, Ally.

'Merely because an investigation hasn't convicted people tonight on your show doesn't mean that we throw away due process.

'One thing I won't do is let a crook off, Ally, just to get a quick sound bite here tonight.'

Langdon attempted to interrupt him again, but Mr Shorten quickly told her: 'No no, hang on. You had your go.

'You wanted me to get rid of the crooks. I get up every morning and do it. Every morning we chase this down.

'But what we've got to do is get the budget. We've got that now. Get the people. We're hiring them. We've got to get the proper technology to investigate the claims. And I've got to get the laws in place.

'I'm glad you're interested in this issue. But you know, you had a little dig at me before, that you've been chasing me for months to come on the show - you interviewed me 100 times on the Today show when you were there, you never raised the NDIS once.

'This, for me, is not just a nightly TV story. This, for me, is a 24-hour passion.'

Langdon shot back: 'Hang on. You want to take it down this path?

'We're talking to each other now. And let's think about the people at home who want answers about the NDIS. What we're hearing from people writing in: it's not fast enough. We get emails about the NDIS every single day.

'People are coming to us as a last resort, because they don't feel the system listens to them.'

Mr Shorten responded: 'But you know what? You actually make a fair point. And I did say earlier, I'm grateful for you exposing this stuff.'

Mr Shorten (pictured) defended his action against 'crooks' scamming the NDIS and criticised Langdon for repeatedly interrupting him

Langdon then steered the interview towards reports Mr Shorten's speech writer has been paid $620,000 over two years, which she described as 'a bad look'.

Mr Shorten claimed he's 'not responsible for negotiating her (the speech writer's) contract' and described the revelation in Parliament on Monday as 'some sort of cheap Liberal tactic'.

'But the NDIS, which is what you got me on here for  I just want to say to your viewers: I hate the crooks. I helped set up the scheme. These people have no place in it,' Mr Shorten said.
She is better known for stepping out on the bustling streets of Paris.

But Lily Collins swapped the French capital for the remote Highlands as she enjoyed a break from filming.

The Emily in Paris actress shared images on Instagram on Saturday as she explored beauty spots across the north of Scotland.

Captioning her post 'Slipped away to Scotland,' the 35-year-old revealed she had explored Edinburgh with her director husband Charlie McDowell on the way to the Highlands.

She then shared images from their visit to the Torridon Hotel in Achnasheen, a remote village in Ross-shire.

Lily Collins, 35, shared photos of her trip to the north of Scotland on Instagram

The Emily In Paris actress visited the Highlands with her husband Charlie McDowell

The couple visited Edinburgh on their way to Achnasheen in Ross-shire

Lily, daughter of Genesis frontman Phil, recently finished filming the fourth series of Emily In Paris

It came just weeks after the filming for series four of the popular Netflix series Emily In Paris was completed.

Taking to social media on Saturday to celebrate, the actress said: 'That's a wrap on season four.

'It's definitely been the most colourful, adventurous, and insanely fun one yet.

'I'm beyond grateful to my entire crew and cast for their tireless dedication and unparalleled passion. You're all truly the best. I cannot wait to share what we've created together.'

It has been rumoured that Ms Collins will be attending the Dior show at Drummond Castle in Perthshire on Monday June 3.

Ms Collins, daughter of Genesis legend Phil, is best known for playing marketing executive Emily Cooper in the hit Netflix show, which follows her as she navigates life in Paris after landing her dream job.
This is the first picture of tragic British schoolgirl Anna Beaumont who died on a family holiday to Florida.

Anna Beaumont, 13, was found unresponsive in a pool at the Discovery Cove resort last Tuesday. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died the next day.

It can be revealed Anna had competed in a childrens Ironman contest in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the age of just seven  as her father Peter Beaumont, now 54, participated in the main event.

And four years ago, caring Anna was inspired to ride the equivalent of the full adult Ironman bicycle course to raise money for the childrens hospital that treated her and her brother Jake.

Anna joined the Copenhagen Ironkids event six years ago, which involves a run of up to one mile, held at the same time as the adult event.

The first picture of Anna Beaumont, 13, who was found unresponsive in a pool while on holiday in Florida

Anna Beaumont, 13, was found unresponsive at a theme park in Orlando

Then, in May 2020 and aged just nine, she set herself the challenge of riding the 112-mile Ironman bike course on a static bike at the family home in the Welsh capital Cardiff over 20 days - and finished four days early.

Announcing her fundraiser, which took place during the first pandemic lockdown, Anna said she was supporting Noahs Ark, the Cardiff Childrens Hospital.

She said: I was inspired by seeing my Dad complete Ironman Copenhagen and want to support Noahs Ark at a time when the focus is on Covid-19 but many children still need help for other reasons.

She told supporters she was going to celebrate her early finish with a huge chocolate cake to celebrate.

A post in support of her challenge by the organisers of Ironman read: Following competing in Copenhagen Ironkids in 2017 Anna, age of 7 was inspired to take up triathlon.

During Covid-19 lockdown she set a goal to ride the full Ironman bike course length on her indoor trainer in 20 days and use her accomplishment to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Anna was found unresponsive at the Discovery Cove resort in Florida (pictured) last Tuesday, and died the next day in hospital

Noahs Ark is the childrens hospital in Cardiff UK, which both Anna and her brother Jake have needed a number of times over the last 6/7 years.

Like many charities at the moment they have lost charity funding as people focus on Covid-19 and Anna wanted to ensure they still received support.

Anna finished her challenge in 16 days, with 13.5 hrs in the saddle , and completed the task on the final day with a 30 km road ride. So far she has raised nearly 800 for Noahs Ark childrens charity.

Anna embodies and is inspired by the IRONMAN spirit - "anything is possible" - if you focus and never give up.

Anna raised 900 after receiving sponsorship from 62 supporters  nine times her original target of 100.

Staff at her school Radyr Comprehensive in Cardiff paid tribute to the teenager, with headteacher Andrew Williams calling Anna 'a cherished member of our school family'.

He said: 'Anna was a cherished member of our school family, and her absence will be profoundly felt by pupils, staff and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit, kindness and presence touched so many lives.'
Another Starbucks store has closed its doors abruptly after the area it serves has seen a shocking increase in crime.

A branch of the coffee chain in Winnipeg, Canada, put up a sign on May 31 revealing that it has permanently closed.

It came after a separate note was initially placed on the door, explaining that the store had temporarily shut with no warning as of May 5.

The abrupt closure is to 'protect the customer experience' following a concerning number of violent crimes taking place in the River-Osborne area where the store is located, with a strangling incident being the last straw.

It comes as the latest of dozens of stores that Starbucks has closed in recent years amid fears for customer and staff safety in crime-ridden areas, including San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

A branch of the coffee chain in Winnipeg, Canada, put up a sign on May 31 revealing that it has permanently closed

According to data from Winnipeg Police, the River-Osborne area saw a 44.6% increase in overall crime from 2022 to 2023.

Citing an incident that occured one day before the store's closure, Winnipeg Police Service Cost, Dani McKinnon told CBC that a customer was waiting in line outside of the Liquor Mart, next to the Starbucks, around 7 p.m. on May 1 when they were randomly attacked.

Staff quickly intervened in the assault and the victim was okay, the police officer confirmed.

A 39-year-old man was tasered by officers outside of the Liquor Mart next door and later charged with assault by choking, suffocating or strangling, she said.

Just a few days after the crime took place, customers who were hoping to get coffee at the store between River Avenue and Osborne Street were instead met with the sign that explained the branch was temporarily closed.

It read: 'We would like to thank you for being part of our store community; you are the heart of who we are at Starbucks.

'We are very thankful to have played a role in your daily routine and that you have shared these moments of your life with us.'

But, after no news of a reopening date, it was last week revealed that the branch is actually closing permanently.

According to Winnipeg Free Press, baristas were trained to tell customers: 'Its just so we can protect the (employee) and customer experience'.

But, after no news of a reopening date, it was last week revealed that the branch is actually closing permanently

The closure follows a number of concerning violent crimes taking place in the River-Osborne area where the store is located, with a strangling incident being the last straw

Winnipeg Police Service Cost, Dani McKinnon told CBC that a customer was waiting in line outside of the Liquor Mart, next to the Starbucks, around 7 p.m. on May 1 when they were randomly attacked

The company's communications manager Leanna Rizzi told the outlet that the decision to close temporarily came after 'careful consideration'.

A note that appeared on the front door of the store last week read: 'As of May 31, your Starbucks Osborne location at 481 River Ave. has permanently closed.

'We would like to thank you for being part of our store community. You are the heart of who we are at Starbucks. It has been a great pleasure to connect with you every day.

'We are very thankful to have played a role in your daily routine and that you have shared these moments of your life with us.'

Just one month before the assault, police say a woman was stabbed at a bus stop near the River and Osborne intersection, as well as another serious assault incident, reports CTV News Winnipeg.

The outlet added that in February, another man was stabbed at the Osborne Transit Station, and in November 2023 there was a triple stabbing at the Shoppers Drug Mart.

Zohreh Gervais, the executive director of the Osborne Village BIZ, a non-profit business member organization in the community, said that 'the level of violent incidents' that are going on are 'truly system failures'.

In October 2023, it was announced that seven stores in San Francisco's downtown area were closing

Those who were previously working at the Osborne Village Starbucks have reportedly been offered the opportunity to transfer to another nearby location.

And this isn't the first Starbucks store that's been forced to close due to rampant crime.

In October 2023, it was announced that seven stores in San Francisco's downtown area were closing as the city continued to deal with crime, drug use, and a homelessness epidemic.

And back in July 2022, the coffee giant closed more than a dozen stores due to reports of rife drug use and disturbances by brazen members of the public at the popular cafes.

The reported disruptions include drug use by paying customers and, more often than not, members of the public - who often take advantage of the company's open bathroom policy, which allows nonpaying patrons to use their facilities.

As a result, the lavatories had in large part devolved into dens of debauchery, regularly used by vagrants and homeless to do drugs and engage in other illicit behavior.

Reports of assaults were also commonplace in the cities set to see closures, which include the company's hometown of Seattle, as well as five other municipalities.

Those stores were in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, and Washington, DC.
A South Korean tycoon has been ordered to pay a pay $1billion to his estranged wife after he cheated on her - the largest divorce settlement the nation has ever seen.

Appeal judges in Seoul more than doubled the amount of money Chey Tae-won, chair of the SK Group conglomerate, owes to Roh So-young, the daughter of a former president.

The pair, both 63, met as students at the University of Chicago and married in 1988, and had a son and two daughters together.

They began divorce proceedings in 2017, two years after Chey revealed he had a child out of wedlock with another woman. He now faces losing control of one of the biggest businesses in the country.

The court ruled that the business leader's marriage into the family of the late president Roh Tae-woo, who led South Korea from 1988 to 1993, benefited him and his company, the second largest in South Korea after Samsung.

Appeal judges in Seoul more than doubled the amount of money Chey Tae-won, chair of the SK Group conglomerate, (pictured) owes to his estranged wife

Chey's divorce from Roh So-young (pictured), the daughter of a former president, has resulted in the largest settlement in South Korean history

As a result, Chey needed to pay more than was initially ruled by a lower court.

The ruling read: 'It was reasonable to rule that, as his wife, Roh played a role in increasing the value of SK Group and Chey's business activity.

'[He] is not showing any signs of remorse for his foul behaviour in the course of the trial  nor respect for monogamy.'

Chey has to pay Roh 1,38 trillion won, as part of the division of property, and a total of 2 billion won in alimony, totally $1billion.

The news has gripped South Korea, with one paper claiming that the interest payments alone are likely to amount to over 109,000 a day.

In order to pay for the initial settlement, he will have to cash in stocks worth at least 1.09billion, diluting his holding of SK Group from 18% to 3%.

Chey said following the ruling: 'I remain unchanged in my belief that the judiciary's judgment must be respected, but I can't help but express regret over this ruling which denies the history of growth by SK.'

His lawyers said they are taking the case to the country's supreme court, which could take up to three years, which would pile on the interest to the amount he owes her if his final bid fails.

SK Group is the second largest industrial conglomerate, or chaebol, in South Korea.

It has its tentacles in many industries, including oil, semiconductors, chemicals, IT and phone networks.
The top three were in Washington D.C., New York and North Carolina

Students planning on attending university may think about avoiding the East Coast, as that's where eight of the 10 most dangerous American campuses are.

And four of them are in New York state alone, according to a new study.

The Parrish Law Firm, a Virginia-based personal injury firm, looked at data from the US Department of Education on the number of hate crimes, criminal offenses and violations of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that occurred at each college campus from 2018 to 2022.

Gallaudet University, a private university in Washington D.C., was the most violent campus on a per capita basis during that four-year period.

Gallaudet University, pictured, was ranked the most dangerous campus in the US from 2018 to 2022 based on federally compiled data

The college, which had 914 undergraduate students in the fall 2022 semester, had 282 VAWA offenses, which included offenses such as domestic violence and stalking.

There were also 30 hate crimes, which entail vandalism of property, robbery, and sex offenses.

Dominic Lacy, the chief operating officer for Gallaudet University, said the Parrish Law Firm study was inaccurate and cited its own crime data.

Dominic Lacy, pictured, disagreed with the Parrish Law Firm study on its portrayal of campus crime data

'Gallaudet and Clerc Center are fortunate to be in the heart of a city as vibrant as Washington, D.C.,' Lacy said in a statement shared with FOX 5 DC.

'As in any urban setting, there are always certain realities that we manage every day to maintain a safe campus community. The story published was misleading and irresponsible and does not provide an accurate picture of our crime statistics.

Though, in its own report, Gallaudet took note of 730 on-campus criminal violations or referrals from 2020 to 2022. The most common violations were liquor-related, likely referring to underage drinking.

Hobart and William Smith College was the second most dangerous college in America, and the first New York showing on the list.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges recorded 22 rapes during the 2022 school year, more than the 1st and 3rd most dangerous schools combined

St. John's University in Queens, New York, had a wide variety of crimes committed on its property from 2018 to 2022, including aggravated assault, theft, and arson

The private university in Geneva, which is roughly a five-hour car ride from New York City, had many VAWA offenses and 'disciplinary actions.'

It also recorded 22 rapes in 2022 alone, according to data from Campus Safety and Security, which is more put together than Gallaudet and the third most dangerous Chowan University in North Carolina.

Keene State College in New Hampshire was the fourth most dangerous college in the US. Wofford College in South Carolina was fifth.

The other New York colleges that made the list included Union College, St. John's University and St. Bonaventure University. They were the sixth, seventh and eighth most dangerous, respectively.

Rounding out the very bottom of the list was Colorado College in Colorado Springs and Iowa's Central College.

Keene State College in New Hampshire, pictured, was the fourth most dangerous college in the US. Wofford College in South Carolina was the fifth most dangerous

Union College campus on January 18, 2021 in Schenectady, New York. It was ranked the sixth most dangerous university in the US

St. John's, in particular, had a wide variety of crimes committed on its property from 2018 to 2022, including aggravated assault, theft, and arson.

Attorney Jim Parrish, the founder of the Parrish Law Firm, said the levels of violence seen across college campuses was 'shocking' and that action needs to be taken to keep students safe.

'All academic institutions should be taking effective security measures to protect students, such as installing CCTV cameras across campus and employing campus security services,' Parrish said in a statement.

He added: 'No student should have to feel unsafe during their studies.'

Notably, since this study only had access to the most recent data as of 2022, it wasn't able to determine if there were notable crime spikes during the campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza.
The DoJ sued the South Korean giant over illegal use of child labor in Alabama

The federal government has sued Hyundai after a 13-year old girl was found working on an assembly line.

The Department of Labor on Thursday sued the South Korean auto giant, an auto parts plant and a labor recruiter over illegal use of child labor in Alabama.

The complaint follows an investigation by the departments Wage and Hour Division that found a 13-year-old worked between 50 and 60 hours a week operating machines on an assembly line that formed sheet metal into auto body parts.

The filing also seeks an order requiring the companies to relinquish any profits related to the use of child labor.

The defendants include Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC, SMART Alabama LLC and Best Practice Service, LLC.

The Department of Labor on Thursday sued the South Korean auto giant, an auto parts plant and a labor recruiter over illegal use of child labor in Alabama .

Hyundai said in a statement that it cooperated fully with the Labor Department and that it is unfair to be held accountable for the practices of its suppliers.

'We are reviewing the new lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend the company,' the statement said.

Reuters reported in 2022 that children, some as young as 12, worked for Hyundai subsidiary SMART and in other parts suppliers for the company in the Southern state.

SMART Alabama in Luverne, an automotive parts manufacturer that has supplied parts for Hyundai since 2003, reportedly fired multiple underage workers as publicity around the missing girl's case heated up.

A former employee alleged that as many as 50 underage workers were employed across various shifts when he was working at the plant.

The accusations date back to a February, 2022, Amber Alert regarding Eidy Aracely Tzi Coc, who had briefly disappeared from her family's home in the town of Enterprise alongside 21-year-old Alvaro Cucul.

Robots weld a vehicle frame on the production line at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Door frames are seen in the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama facility in Montgomery

Coc and her two brothers, aged 12 and 15, all worked at the plant earlier this year and weren't going to school, according to people familiar with the situation. Pedro Tzi, Eidy's father, confirmed that his children had worked there in an interview.

Tzi contacted Enterprise police on February 3 after she didn't come home and police issued an amber alert.

They also launched a manhunt for Cucul, another Guatemalan migrant and SMART worker around that time with whom Tzi believed she might be. Using cell phone geolocation data, police located Cucul and the girl in a parking lot in Athens, Georgia the same day she was reported missing.

The girl told officers that Cucul was a friend and that they had traveled the nearly 300-mile journey to look for more work. Cucul was arrested and later deported.

Robots weld door frames on the production line at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

A former employee alleged that as many as 50 underage workers were employed across various shifts when he was working at the SMART plant in Luverne

After the disappearance generated local news coverage, SMART allegedly dismissed a number of underage workers, according to two former employees and other locals familiar with the plant. The sources said the police attention raised fears that authorities could soon crack down on other underage workers.

SMART Alabama LLC, listed by Hyundai in corporate filings as a majority-owned unit, supplies parts for some of the most popular cars and SUVs built by the automaker in Montgomery, its flagship U.S. assembly plant.

At the time, SMART, in a statement, said it follows federal, state and local laws and 'denies any allegation that it knowingly employed anyone who is ineligible for employment.'

The company said it relies on temporary work agencies to fill jobs and expects 'these agencies to follow the law in recruiting, hiring, and placing workers on its premises.'

The accusations of child labor date back to an Amber Alert for Eidy Aracely Tzi Coc who disappeared with a 21-year-old plant employee

Many of the minors at the plant were hired through recruitment agencies, according to current and former SMART workers and local labor recruiters.

Although staffing firms help fill industrial jobs nationwide, they have often been criticized by labor advocates because they enable large employers to outsource responsibility for checking the eligibility of employees to work.

Alabama and federal laws limit minors under age 18 from working in metal stamping and pressing operations such as SMART, where proximity to dangerous machinery can put them at risk. Alabama law also requires children 17 and under to be enrolled in school.
Zara Aleena's family is 'tortured' with the thought that her 'death was preventable', an inquest has heard, almost two years after she was sexually assaulted and murdered in a random attack by Jordan McSweeney.

McSweeney, 31, killed the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked home from a night out in Ilford, east London, early on June 26 2022.

McSweeney was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting Ms Aleena's murder and sexual assault.

In November 2023, he won a Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence to 33 years.

Ms Aleena's aunt, Farah Naz, told the jury at East London Coroner's Court in Walthamstow on Monday that the family is 'tortured with the thought Zara's death was preventable'.

Zara Aleena, 35, was sexually assaulted and murdered while walking home from a night out in June 2022

Zara's aunt told the jury at East London Coroner's Court in Walthamstow on Monday that the family is 'tortured with the thought Zara's death was preventable'

She added that her niece's murder highlighted 'the crumbling justice system (which is) meant to protect us'.

Ms Naz said: 'Since her death we have been campaigning so that our daughters, sisters, friends can be safe and protected as Zara never was. This is Zara's legacy.'

In a pen portrait, Ms Naz became emotional as she told the jury of her niece's 'sparkling eyes and curly jet black hair' and 'glorious laughter'.

Ms Naz said Ms Aleena was a carer for her mother and grandmother, 'the rock of our family' and it was the 'proudest moment for all of us' when she was offered a job as a legal assistant at the Royal Courts of Justice.

She described her niece as 'a carefree spirit with the most caring heart' and said she had worked to help resettle refugees in the UK.

Ms Naz said: '2022 was to be her year to live her wildest dreams. She wanted to buy her own home, find Mr Right and to have children. The future looked bright.'

She added: 'One of the things she used to confidently say is 'I know I'm a good person'.

'If she were able to speak here today she would say 'I didn't do anything wrong'.'

Ms Naz said Ms Aleena 'wasn't just surviving, she was thriving', adding: 'Zara walked everywhere and one night she walked home from an evening out with a friend, she was sexually assaulted and murdered. She was 35 years old.

'She believed that a woman should be allowed to walk home, and her dreams, her future was brutally taken.'

Zara's aunt Farah Naz told the inquest on Monday that her niece was 'thriving' and looking forward to the year ahead

Killer Jordan McSweeney, 31, had been recalled to prison two days before he killed Zara

McSweeney had been released from prison on licence on June 17 2022 and, after breaching the conditions of his licence, a decision was made to recall him to prison on June 24 2022 - two days before he committed murder.

On Monday, area coroner Nadia Persaud said the purpose of the inquest is to 'consider the circumstance by which Zara came by her death, which will include whether any actions or omissions of state bodies contributed to her death'.

The jury was told that McSweeney was 29 at the time of the attack and had received his first custodial sentence at the age of 13, with much of his adult years spent in prison or in the community under licence.

Kim Thornden-Edwards, chief probation officer for England and Wales, said during her evidence the Probation Service accepts that McSweeney should have been considered as high risk from 2021.

Put to her by the coroner that it was considered McSweeney's risk should have been high from 2021, Ms Thornden-Edwards said: 'I don't have an issue with HMIP's assessment that at the time Jordan McSweeney was high risk.

'What I would say is that the assessment of Jordan McSweeney has some complexities and nuances to it.'

She added: 'The majority of his offending history is acquisitive, burglaries and thefts.'

She said the threshold between medium and high risk is 'one of the most challenging'.

Asked if he could have been placed in approved premises if he was considered as high risk, Ms Thornden-Edwards said: 'They take the most serious offenders that you have and their bed spaces are very much in demand, they will house our critical public protection cases, they will also house terrorist offenders, even if Jordan McSweeney had been assessed as high risk, I do not think he would've hit the bar comparatively in terms of the people we do house in approved premises.'

She added that people cannot be given an electronic monitoring tag without an address, but said had McSweeney had accommodation it 'should've been a consideration'.

Ms Persaud, reading a statement from a consultant forensic pathologist, said the cause of Ms Aleena's death was blunt force head injury and neck compression.

The inquest continues.
A grieving mother says she 'felt sick' after receiving a letter booking her son in for an appointment at Great Ormond Street Hospital - 14 months to the day after he had died there.

Imogen Holliday was emailed inviting three-year-old Raffy in for an outpatient visit at the world renowned hospital in London.

The toddler had lost his fight for life at the specialist children's hospital on March 29 last year following six months as an inpatient battling a rare virus and other health issues.

But last Wednesday the appointment letter dropped into Ms Holliday's inbox in what she says was a cruel reminder of the tragic death.

The 36-year-old said: 'The 29th is always a hard date. Every single month is hard and it was 14 months on the 29th since we lost Raffy, so I was struggling anyway.

Raffy was just a toddler when he died after battling three types of cancer, which led to other health issues

Raffy's mother Imogen Holliday, 36, said she 'felt sick' when she saw the letter for an appointment in 2022 (Pictured with husband James, right)

'I just feel sick. I don't understand how they don't have a system that updates everybody when a child dies.

'Seeing "outpatient appointment" on the letter, it makes you think just how careless, how insensitive, how inappropriate, how thoughtless, how uncompassionate can you be?

'It's really hard to put into words because just when you think that it's not going to get any worse and I can try and ease into this new way of life, something happens again.'

The date given for the appointment was September 20, 2022  when Raffy was in the midst of his health battle.

To be sent the letter has traumatised Ms Holliday, who now suffers from PTSD triggered by medical matters.

She told KentOnline: 'I'd say I'm shocked but part of me isn't because I have very low expectations of that place,' she said.

'I'd deleted the app so I had to find all my old passwords and everything  it took ages to log in.

'I knew what I expected it to be, and this wasn't it at all.

'It's so hard to put into words but Raffy's death has had an impact on everything and this reminder has triggered a lot of negative feelings.

Raffy was just eleven months old when he was diagnosed with MPAL - mixed phenotype acute leukaemia - in May 2020

He was ultimately treated for three different types of cancer and developed human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6)

Raffy tragically died of encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain - when he was just a toddler

'The hospital have told me they'll escalate it, but who knows what that means?'

It is not the first time the hospital has found itself criticised over its conduct towards the Holliday family.

In February last year, the hospital was forced to apologise after Ms Holliday overheard workers making grim reaper jokes just metres from where she sat with Raffy in a bone marrow transplant ward.

And a medical negligence claim is currently underway linked to concerns over Raffy's treatment while alive.

The youngster was just eleven months old when he was diagnosed with MPAL - mixed phenotype acute leukaemia - in May 2020.

He underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and experimental immunotherapy to fight three different types of cancer.

Although the treatment was a success, a bone marrow transplant in September 2020 led to other health issues, including Raffy being immunocompromised and contracting human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6).

It would later lead to the encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain - that would cause his death.

A spokesman for Great Ormond Street said: 'We are very sorry this has happened and have spoken to Raffy's family to apologise. There is no excuse, and we can only imagine the distress it has caused.

'The letter, which was dated for an appointment in 2022, was accidentally added to our MyGOSH app due to a fault in a system upgrade. We use the app to try to make it easier to communicate with our families, but we have let them down in this case.

'We are investigating what has happened and will make all necessary changes as soon as possible to ensure this does not happen again.

'Our thoughts remain with Raffy's family during this time.'
Consumers have been warned not to eat certain ground cinnamon and ginger products after they were found to contain lead.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball issued an urgent advisory against the Badia Spices condiments on Monday.

Analysis by New York State Food Laboratory found the products contained unsafe levels of lead - more than 1-part per million. No illnesses have been reported.

Officials have warned consumers across the country to check their cupboards for the spices and to discard them immediately if found.

Exposure to lead can cause serious health issues, including damage to the central nervous system, and developmental defects in children.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball issued an urgent advisory against the Badia Spices condiments on Monday

Pregnant women and people with kidney defects are also particularly at risk.

The ginger and cinnamon products are sold all over the US.

Contaminated batches include Badia Ground Ginger, sold in 1.5-ounce clear plastic bottles with black plastic caps with UPC Code #033844002237 and Lot # 307922.

Badia Ground Cinnamon, sold in 2-ounce clear plastic bottles with black plastic caps with UPC Code #033844000158 and Lot #s 305481 and 309528, is also subject to the same warning.

Consumers worried about an injury or illness associated with these products should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
A man who eagerly purchased his Cybertruck after watching the much-anticipated launch of the Tesla vehicle is now attempting to return the truck.

Blaine Raddon was in Bali with his wife when he preordered the long-awaited Cybertruck, he told Business Insider.

Raddon finally received his truck just several weeks ago, but unfortunately, the truck is no longer a fit for his lifestyle or his parking space.

Just a few weeks after receiving his new truck, he posted on X that he wants to return the truck, but Tesla won't buy it back from him or let him resell it.

'Tesla has refused my request to sell my recently purchased Cybertruck. They do not want to buy, and have told me I cant sell. It does not fit into the complex I live.'

Blaine Raddon excitedly placed a pre-order for a Tesla Cybetruck months and months ago, but by the time it was delivered a few weeks ago, it no longer fit into his life

Just a few weeks after receiving his new truck, he posted on X that he wants to return the truck, but Tesla won't buy it back from him or let him resell it. 'Tesla has refused my request to sell my recently purchased Cybertruck. They do not want to buy, and have told me I cant sell. It does not fit into the complex I live'

'I found that out the day I bought it back. What can I do? Not trying to make a profit @Tesla @elonmusk,' wrote Raddon on X, according to BI.

In the paperwork customers sign when they purchase Cybertrucks, Tesla wrote in a specific portion for the new model that says that buyers cannot resell the vehicle for one year.

If the contract is ignored, reads the vehicle order agreement, the company can sue for up to $50,000 in damages, 'or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater.'

Tesla may also deny the customer the chance to buy their vehicles in the future.

Raddon explained to the outlet that since ordering his Cybertruck, the circumstances of his life have shifted somewhat radically and in a way that prevents the truck from fitting into his life.

He and his wife have separated, and he moved into an apartment complex.

His new truck doesn't nicely fit into its parking place in the development's garage.

Raddon has owned multiple Teslas before, and said he didn't think very hard about whether the truck would fit into his parking space.

But, when it arrived, he discovered the vehicle was 'so much bigger' than he expected.

He said he had to make a four-point turn in order to get into his parking spot.

He added that it is also difficult for him to climb in and out of the truck with the amount of space he is allotted on either side.

In the paperwork customers sign when they purchase Cybertrucks, Elon Musk's Tesla wrote in a specific portion for the new model that says that buyers cannot resell the vehicle for one year

The long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck was finally delivered in the last few months to many customers who had ordered way ahead of time

Raddon said he contacted the manager of the Tesla dealership in Salt Lake City last month, but did not make much progress.

In the email, he did not cite the new details of his living situation, but did reference a prior conversation he'd had with the manager.

He said he told the manager that his truck was much larger than he expected, and asked for any of a handful of solutions to his problem.

Raddon said he would be happy if the transaction of the purchase were reversed, if he could trade in the truck for a new Tesla sedan - a smaller model - if he sold it back to Tesla, or if Tesla permitted him to sell the vehicle without making a profit.

The manager told Raddon that he would be bound by the one-year sales restriction, but Tesla is able to make an exception to the rule, if an unexpected situation arises for a buyer that would force the party to sell.

However, only Tesla is able to grant permission to an owner, and only after reviewing an accepting a written request from the owner.

Should the company allow for the sale, the owner would receive back the amount they paid during the original purchase, minus 25 cents per every mile drive in the car, and the cost of any reasonable wear and tear and repairs the car may need.

Raddon's Cybertruck peaks around the corner from his parking spot in a new apartment complex, where he says the vehicle does not fit into his life

Raddon (left) explained that since purchasing his Cybertruck, he and his wife separated, he moved out of state and into an apartment complex with size restrictions on the cars that will fit into his new garage

In a longer email back to the dealership, Raddon explained his circumstance more clearly.

He said that when he ordered the Cybertruck, he was living in a single-family home. He has since moved out of state into his apartment complex.

He underscored the point that he is not trying to make a profit, and was fully aware that he would suffer some sort of financial loss relative to the sticker price he paid should the company repurchase the vehicle.

'I am trying to remedy an unfortunate circumstance that the Cybertruck is not manageable in my living situation,' wrote in the email.

'Making me keep a truck that does not fit my circumstances appears to be unfair and not at all the spirit of the no sale language in the contract.'
A bloody war for control of the UK's lucrative heroin trade is believed to be behind a drive by shooting that left a nine-year old girl still desperately fighting for her life in hospital.

The shots that were fired by a helmeted attacker on a stolen motorbike towards a restaurant on Kingsland High Street, Hackney, last week are reportedly part of a long running feud between two rival gangs known as the Tottenham Turks and the Hackney Bombacilar, which means bombers in Turkish.

According to reports, the three men who suffered gunshot wounds had links to the Bombacilar clan. One is understood have been recently released from jail and was wearing an electronic tag on his leg as part of the terms of his probation.

The intended target, Beytullah Gunduz, 37, left the restaurant moments before the attack but was previously the victim of a hit when he was shot in the neck by a Tottenham Turks assassin and has himself been cleared of organising another hit.

The Bombacilar mob has acquired a fearsome reputation within London's Turkish community and is run by the Baybasin brothers, who are simply referred to as 'the family.'

The head of the vicious mob was previously Huseyin Baybasin, 67, who has been called the 'Pablo Escobar of Europe' and nicknamed 'the Emperor' after taking control of much of the heroin being exported from the poppy fields of Afghanistan in the 1970s.

Abdullah Baybasin (pictured) is the current leader of the Hackney Bombacilar gang. He took over from his brother

The head of the vicious mob Bombacilar was previously his brother, Huseyin Baybasin (pictured), 67, who has been called the 'Pablo Escobar of Europe'. Anothe brother, Mehmet, 59 is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court in 2011

One of the Tottenham Turks former leaders was Hayri Goztas (pictured) who was the 'godfather' of one of Britain's biggest drug smuggling operations

Another Tottenham Turks leader, Kemal Eren who is nicknamed Parmaksiz, which means 'No Fingers' in Turkish fled the UK in 2012 after the killing of another Bombacilar mobster. And another leader, Izzet Eren (pictured), was arrested in Moldova two years ago after absconding from prison in Turkey

Police forensic officers in Dalston, north east London, near to the scene of a shooting at Kingsland High Street, Hackney, on May 30

He is currently serving a life sentence in the Netherlands after convictions for drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder in 2001.

Following his conviction, the family business was taken over by his younger brother, Abdullah Baybasin, 64 who is confined to a wheelchair after being shot in the spine by a rival.

According to reports, he working as an informant for UK Customs and M15, providing information about senior Turkish politicians involved in the drug trade. In return for this, he was allowed to move to Britain in the mid 1990s along with other high-ranking associates and was eventually granted political asylum.

But embarrassingly for the British officials, their prized informant based himself within the north London Turkish community and waged a reign of terror, recruiting young thugs known as 'The Bombacilar' [bombers] to extort businesses and gain control of the drugs trade.

At one point, Abdullah and his brothers, who originate from southeast Turkey, were said to be controlling 90 per cent of the UK's heroin market.

He ran his operation from a shop in Hackney but lived in a lavish detached home he jointly bought with them in the affluent Canons Drive Estate of Edgware, north London, which they still own.

Over the years, it has led to deadly clashes with their main rivals the Tottenham Turks which has reportedly resulted in more than 20 murders and a series of kidnappings and other brutal acts of violence.

One of the Tottenham Turks former leaders was Hayri Goztas, who behind the facade of a hardworking cafe owner in Green Lanes, north London was the 'godfather' of one of Britain's biggest drug smuggling operations. He was known as 'Aga' or Turkish for leader.

Tottenham Turks members shot and killed Ali Armagan (pictured) in 2012, a high ranking Bombacilar's member as he sat in his in his custom-built Audi A8 limousine outside Turnpike Lane underground station

Turkish drug baron Huseyin Baybasin (right) is currently serving a life sentence in the Netherlands after convictions for drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder in 2001

CCTV captures moment the hitman on a stolen motorbike targets three men in Dalston

Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a hitman on a stolen motorbike targets three men outside a Turkish restaurant

A young girl was caught in the hail of bullets, with one said to have lodged in her head, as she was out for dinner with her family at the Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street on May 29

Forensic officers pictured outside Evin restaurant, where a horror drive-by shooting took place

Emergency services on the scene in Dalston, east London, after the shooting

A look at Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street the next morning, covered in police tape

In 2012 he was convicted to 16 years imprisonment for importing up to 1 million worth of heroin per week following a National Crime Squad undercover operation. Despite a judge ordering that he be deported after his sentence, Turkish community sources claim that he has now been released and remains in the UK.

Another leader, Kemal Eren who is nicknamed Parmaksiz, which means 'No Fingers' in Turkish fled the UK in 2012 after the killing of another Bombacilar mobster.

Meanwhile, another Tottenham Turks senior leader, Izzet Eren, was arrested in Moldova two years ago after absconding from prison in Turkey. Eren was jailed for 21 years in 2015 for firearms offences in London - but had been transferred to a prison in Turkey in 2019.

The cycle of violence saw senior figures from both mobs being targeted. Tottenham Turks members shot and killed Ali Armagan in 2012, a high ranking Bombacilar's member as he sat in his in his custom-built Audi A8 limousine outside Turnpike Lane underground station.

Just weeks prior, Zafer Eren, 34, who had links with the Tottenham Turks gang, was shot dead in Southgate, north London.

Oktay Erbasli, 23, a prominent member of the Tottenham Turks was shot dead as he waited at traffic lights in his Range Rover when a hitman on a motorbike linked to the Bombacilar gang pulled up alongside him and opened fire.

On one occasion, armed thugs clashed with each other in broad daylight along Green Lanes in Haringey, resulting in the death of one gang member and dozens injured.

The brutal killing of a Turkish radio DJ last year is also believed to be behind the feud. Mehmet Koray Alpergin and his girlfriend Gozde Dalbudak were kidnapped in central London last October.

Mr Alpergin, 43, was beaten, throttled, burned and stabbed before his body was dumped in an Essex woodland.

Two men were found guilty of his killing last December with the court told that 'international organised crime' was at the heart of the case.

The brutal killing of a Turkish radio DJ called Koray Alpergin (pictured) last year is also believed to be behind the gang feud

Despite the 'Mr Bigs' of both gangs being pursued by police, their extensive criminal operations remain intact with little sign that British justice has made any inroads into their activities.

Bombacilar's top man Abdullah was jailed for 22 years in 2006 after admitting blackmail and perverting the course of justice and a further 10 years, to run consecutively, after being found guilty of drugs smuggling.

His trial at the time heard that he was head of a 10 billion operation criminal organisation involved in extortion rackets, human trafficking, prostitution, loan sharking, money laundering and drug trafficking.

But he was cleared following a retrial at Woolwich Crown Court after a judge ruled the lack of prosecution evidence meant that a conviction would be unsafe. He has recently been photographed in Spain.

Another brother, Mehmet, 59 is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court in 2011 for trying to import a 40-tonne shipment of cocaine into the UK with a Merseyside gang.
A North Carolina couple found in the woods with gunshot wounds died in an apparent murder-suicide amid an intense divorce, according to police.

An Ashanti Alert was issued for Cynthia, 60, and Greg Gobble, 59, on Thursday after Davie County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a welfare check at their Mocksville home.

Court documents obtained by WFMY revealed Cynthia had filed for a court ordered legal separation from Greg in March claiming he had a violent temper.

After a two day search, the Gobbles were found in the woods in Iredell County off Sheffield Road with gunshot wounds on Friday.

'Evidence indicates that Greg Gobble shot Cynthia Gobble and then shot himself,' the sheriff's office said.

The bodies of Cynthia (right), 60, and Greg Gobble (left), 59, were found in the woods in Iredell County off Sheffield Road in an apparent murder-suicide

Cynthia's family requested the welfare check Wednesday night after they had not been able to contact her since late in the afternoon.

Officers found evidence that indicated she may not have left on her own and she was without her diabetes medication.

They obtained a search warrant for the Mocksville home on Thursday, which led to the Ashanti Alert being issued.

On Friday, the Gobbles bodies were discovered just over the county line and the weapon was found at the scene along with Greg's white Ford truck.

Court documents show the couple got married in 2012 and claimed Greg moved into Cynthia's deceased ex-husband's home and refused to work or pay bills.

An Ashanti Alert was issued for Cynthia and Greg on Thursday after Davie County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a welfare check at their Mocksville home

Cynthia had filed for separation at the end of March and accused Greg of being abusive

Cynthia had filed for separation at the end of March and accused Greg of being abusive.

She alleged Greg cyberstalked her by putting a tracking device on her car around March 31 and said had he attempted to isolate her from her family.

Cynthia said her husband had a violent temper and would frequently become volatile causing her emotional distress and leaving her feeling like she had no way out of the marriage.

The court ruled in Cynthia's favor and determined she was entitled to immediate and exclusive ownership of the home they shared.
Burger King has gotten cheesier with its three new menu items inspired by the largest city in Pennsylvania.

The fast-food chain introduced three new items last month, including a permanent menu addition for all its restaurants on May 16.

All three cheesy items were inspired by Philadelphia and were tested by workers in select US Burger King locations.

The three new items that are now available at Burger King are the Philly Royal Crispy Wrap, the Philly Melt, and the Mozzarella Fries according to SheFinds.

The Philly Royal Crispy Wrap and the Philly Melt are currently available for a limited time, and the Mozzarella Fries are a permanent addition that replaced Burger King's Mozzarella Sticks.

Burger King introduced three new menu items at some of its stores in the US on May 16 that were inspired by Philadelphia, PA

The three new items that are now available at Burger King are the Philly Royal Crispy Wrap, the Philly Melt, and the Mozzarella Fries

Burger King's Philadelphia-inspired menu items were released on the same day as their all-new Birthday Pie Slice, which is available for a limited time at select US restaurants.

Philadelphia-inspired menu items were released on the same day as their all new Birthday Pie Slice, which is available for a limited time at select US restaurants.

At least two of the items were available for customers to purchase at select US restaurants last year.

The Philly Royal Crispy Wrap was introduced in select stores in 2023 for a test run, which was successful based on its social media reviews that year.

The Mozzarella Fries also made its debut last year after employees tested the menu item at select Burger King locations in Ohio.

Although the Philly Melt is a new addition to the Burger King menu, the sandwich has been sold multiple times over the last two years.

The items have received positive reviews on social media and the ingredients could be a reason as to why.

Philly Royal Crispy Wrap

The Philly Royal Crispy Wrap was introduced in select stores in 2023 for a test run, which was successful based on its social media reviews that year

The Philly Royal Crispy Wrap joins the list of flavors available at Burger King, including Classic, Fiery, Honey Mustard, and Fiery Buffalo Crispy Wrap.

The item is a wrap with crispy chicken, grilled peppers and onions, swiss cheese, and special royal sauce wrapped in a tortilla.

The wrap has gotten mixed reviews from Reddit users in a post that someone created on May 25.

There were no negative reviews, and one person compared the wrap to a Philly cheesesteak - one of Philadelphia's famous food items.

'This has one ingredient you would find on a Philly cheesesteak (the onions), so I guess the name makes perfect sense,' one person wrote.

'Peppers will never come standard but are usually available as an optional add-on. Asking for swiss cheese may get you kicked out of the store.'

Philly Melt

The Philly Melt features two slices of Swiss cheese, peppers, onions, and sauce with two Whopper Jr patties with toasted bread

The Philly Melt will only be available at select Burger King stores nationwide.

Unlike the wrap, the sandwich features two slices of Swiss cheese, peppers, onions, and sauce with two Whopper Jr patties with toasted bread.

The sandwich has received mixed reviews from Burger King customers who are X users, but the tweets have mainly come from consumers who dissed the locations where they bought the sandwiches.

Reddit users also reacted negatively toward the sandwich, and one person requested that the Philly Melt be available in Canadian locations.

'I did end up ordering the Philly Melt. And I didn't like it too much,' a Reddit user wrote in a post that was created on the social media platform over two weeks ago.

X users who praised the sandwich tweeted that it was 'good as f***' and 'got addicted to Burger King's Philly Melts.'

Mozzarella Fries

The Mozzarella Fries is a permanent item menu item available at all Burger King locations in the US. It replaced the restaurant chain's mozzarella sticks

The Mozzarella Fries are here to stay on Burger King menus in the US.

The permanent menu addition are similar to the restaurant chain's mozzarella sticks and the item was made up of similar seasoned breading.

They can be available in quantities of four, eight, or 12 and like the mozzarella sticks, the menu item comes with marinara sauce.

The Mozzarella Fries received mixed reviews from X users and one person tweeted that the menu item was 'literally mozzarella sticks.'

Other social media users questioned the products similarities also and one Reddit user managed to explain the difference between the menu items in a Reddit post.

'They taste different than the ones before-skinnier and tastier. Also the cheese is fresh and stretchy.'
Nigel Farage dramatically declared he will stand to be a Reform MP and hammer the Tories tonight as a shock poll showed Labour is on track for a 194-seat majority at the general election.

The Brexit champion announced he was doing a U-turn after previously declining to run, and that he was taking over the leadership of the party, at a press conference in Westminster.

Dropping the bombshell that he will run for Parliament in the Essex seat of Clacton, Mr Farage said the country was sick of 'sectarian politics' driven by mass immigration.

Watched by an audience including singer Holly Valance and her property developer husband Nick Candy, Mr Farage said he was back 'for the next five years' - making clear he wants to supplant the Tories as the Opposition and potentially be in power in 2029.

Mr Farage said 'not on your nelly' would he do an electoral deal with the Conservatives, predicting that Reform would win more votes on July 4.

It is a huge headache for Mr Sunak as he desperately struggled to claw back ground on Labour. Even before the shattering news from Mr Farage a YouGov poll - conducted using a technique known as MRP - was showing that Labour is on track for a bigger majority than Tony Blair, with the Conservatives reduced to just 140 seats.

Nigel Farage has today announced he will stand as a candidate for the anti-immigration Reform UK party

Nifel Farage gestures to the crowd during a press conference in London today

Nigel Farage holds an interview with GB News following a press conference today

Nigel Farage will take over as the Reform party leader from Richard Tice

Nigel Farage making a speech to members of the press after announcing he is to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming General Election

The new leader of Reform UK and prospective parliamentary candidate for Clacton Nigel Farage (pictured)

Members of the press taking photographs of the new Honorary President of the Reform UK party

Nigel Farage answers questions from members of the press during a press conference today

Nigel Farage (pictured) previously ruled out running at the General Election

A separate MRP survey by More in Common had the Labour majority at over 100, with the think-tank warning the situation is 'existential' for the Tories now Mr Farage had fully returned. Although neither found Reform would secure a seat, the biggest fear of Tory strategists is that the party will split the right-wing vote and hand Sir Keir and even larger victory.

A Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll this evening put the Tories on 20 per cent backing, only six points ahead of Reform and a massive 26 points behind Keir Starmer's party.

Mr Farage acknowledged that it would be 'very difficult' to win from scratch in a constituency.

But he said since the snap election was called he had been talking to people on the streets and observed that 'there is a rejection of the political class going on in this country in a way that has not been seen in modern times'.

'I rationally thought this was too difficult. I've changed my mind because I can't let down millions of people,' he said.

'Nothing in this country works... we will only recover our position with boldness,' he said. 'I've done it before, I'll do it again: I will surprise everybody.'

On the Tories he said: They are on the verge of total collapse and frankly it couldn't happen to nicer people.'

On another tumultuous day of election campaigning:

Mr Farage has confirmed he will be taking part in a seven-way TV debate with Angela Rayner and Penny Mordaunt on Friday;

A massive poll has projected that Labour is on track for a majority of more than 100, with think-tank More in Commons warning that Mr Farage's return poses an 'existential threat';

Rishi Sunak vowed to change the law to allow bans on trans women using women-only spaces;

Keir Starmer has insisted he would push the nuclear button in the last resort as he again tried to show Labour has cut ties with the Corbyn era.

Mr Farage looked delighted as he announced he would be standing for an MP this July 4

Nigel Farage teased an 'emergency general election announcement' today as the campaign intensifies

Singer Holly Valance was among those in the audience at the Reform UK press conference today

British businessman Nick Candy attends a speech delivered by Honorary President of the Britain's right-wing populist party Reform UK

Ms Valance and her property developer husband Nick Candy came to see the announcement

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The Brexit champion posted on social media saying he would be dropping some news at 4pm

Explaining his change of heart, Mr Farage said: 'The other thing that really shook me in a way last week were the number of people coming up to me in the street saying 'Nigel, why aren't you standing?''

Mr Farage quickly found his previous views on Essex came back to haunt him, after he told the Times earlier this year: 'Do I want to spend every Friday for the next five years in Clacton?'

But the former MEP shrugged the comments off when they were point out to him this evening. 'You're absolutely right, it is a huge commitment,' he said.

Nigel Farage's punchiest quotes On changing his mind: 'I simply couldn't help feeling that somehow they felt I was letting them down. 'I've changed my mind. It's allowed you know, it's not always a sign of weakness. It could potentially be a sign of strength. 'So I am going to stand in this election. I'll be launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in the Essex seaside town of Clacton... 'Richard (Tice) is more than happy for me to put my head and shoulders firmly over the parapet and take the flack so I'm coming back as leader of Reform UK, but not just for this election campaign. I'm coming back for the next five years.' On immigration: 'We're worried and we're fearful of many of the impacts that we've seen. We find what happened after those local elections just a few weeks ago, of candidates winning in Leeds, in Burnley, in Bradford and elsewhere, standing shouting 'Allahu Akbar', standing shouting 'we are coming to get you'. 'The birth of sectarian politics in our country caused by massively irresponsible immigration policies. And it was the Labour Party that opened the door and who would have believed that a Conservative Party would have accelerated it.' On the Tories: 'They are split down the middle on policy, and frankly, right now they don't stand for a damn thing. 'So our aim in this election is to get many, many millions of votes. And I'm talking far more votes than Ukip can got back in 2015.' He continued: 'When people start to realise in the red wall, with Reform second to Labour, when they start to realise that actually in those seats, it's a Conservative vote that's a vote for Labour, it's a Conservative vote that is a wasted vote, then I think we might just surprise everybody.' On the election campaign so far: 'We put out the operations notice for today under the title 'emergency election announcement'. 'We did that because we think this election needs a bit of gingering up. Thus far, it is the dullest, most boring election campaign we have ever seen in our lives. 'And it's funny because the more the two big party leaders try to be different, the more they actually sound the same.' Advertisement

Frenzied speculation about Mr Farage's intentions was sparked this morning when he posted on social media about an 'emergency general election announcement'.

There were immediately rumours that Clacton or East Thanet had attracted his eye.

Reform has already selected a candidate in Clacton, but they will stand aside.

Mr Farage suggested that 'massively irresponsible immigration policies' have caused 'the birth of sectarian politics in our country'.

The new Reform UK leader said: 'We're worried and we're fearful of many of the impacts that we've seen. We find what happened after those local elections just a few weeks ago, of candidates winning in Leeds, in Burnley, in Bradford and elsewhere, standing shouting 'Allahu Akbar', standing shouting 'we are coming to get you'.

'The birth of sectarian politics in our country caused by massively irresponsible immigration policies. And it was the Labour Party that opened the door and who would have believed that a Conservative Party would have accelerated it.'

Mr Farage said he 'genuinely believes we can get more votes in this election than the Conservative Party'.

'They are on the verge of total collapse,' he said.

Asked whether he has boosted Sir Keir Starmer's chances by running for parliament, the new Reform leader said: 'No, is the answer.'

He added that in a week's time, 'I think you'll see we're going to start drawing from Labour equally as much as the Conservatives.

'The Conservative Party have lost this election without my intervention.'

Mr Farage said 'this political party to become the voice of opposition in the next parliament' which he claimed the Conservatives are 'incapable' of being.

He said he wanted to lead a 'political revolt'.

'Yes, a revolt. A turning of our backs on the political status quo. It doesn't work. Nothing in this country works any more,' he said.

On the Tories he said: 'They are split down the middle on policy, and frankly, right now they don't stand for a damn thing.

'So our aim in this election is to get many, many millions of votes. And I'm talking far more votes than Ukip can got back in 2015.'

He continued: 'When people start to realise in the red wall, with Reform second to Labour, when they start to realise that actually in those seats, it's a Conservative vote that's a vote for Labour, it's a Conservative vote that is a wasted vote, then I think we might just surprise everybody.'

He added: 'We are appealing to Conservative voters, we are appealing to Labour voters.'

A Tory spokesman said: 'Nigel Farage risks handing Keir Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU, impose the Retirement Tax on pensioners and hike taxes on hardworking Brits up and down the UK.

'Farage knows that Reform won't win any seats, but he doesn't seem to care that a vote for Reform only helps Labour. He's doing exactly what Keir Starmer wants him to do.

'Just yesterday, EU insiders openly voiced their expectation that Starmer would seek a softer Brexit deal, opening the door to rejoining the EU all together. That would mean uncontrolled immigration and betraying the will of the British people.'

Is Farage really willing to risk undoing his life's work by handing Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU?

The new YouGov poll for Sky News found Labour is in course for the biggest election victory in history, beating Tony Blair's 1997 landslide.

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The polls suggest that a slew of big Tory hitters would lose their seats. They include touted future leadership candidate Penny Mordaunt and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg are also under threat

The potential Tory tally of 140 would be far fewer than the previous lowest number of Conservative seats in recent history - 165 in 1997.

A Labour majority of 194 would be the highest since Stanley Baldwin's 208 in 1924.

The MRP - multi-level regression and post-stratification - technique maps demographic characteristics of voters on to seats, to give the best possible picture of how local contests will go.

It suggested that Sir Keir Starmer's party is on course to win 422 seats, with the Tories down to just 140.

Luke Tryl, executive director of More In Common, said Mr Farage would 'have a very good chance in Clacton'.

A Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll this evening put the Tories on 20 per cent backing, only six points ahead of Reform and a massive 26 points behind Keir Starmer's party

'It's one of those seats that has really moved away from the Labour Party in recent years,' he told LBC's The News Agents podcast.

He added: 'If you look at that combination of cynicism, that particular seat, Nigel Farage's profile, I think he could have a very good chance in somewhere like Clacton.'

The intervention came after Kemi Badenoch ruled out serving in the Tories if Mr Farage joined after the election.

The Cabinet minister hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates by suggesting he will 'take over' the Conservatives after a heavy election defeat on July 4.

Mr Farage kept Westminster guessing for months before announcing shortly after the election was called that he would not be a candidate.

He blamed Mr Sunak's decision to go early for his stepping aside, admitting he did not have time to build a campaign in a seat.

Clacton was previously held by Douglas Carswell for UKIP.

Nigel Farage arrives at the press conference for the Reform UK party at the Glaziers Hall in London

Nigel Farage meets members of the press as he enters the Glaziers Hall today

Britain will hold its General Election on July 4 this year. Pictured: Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage answers questions from a member of the press as he arrives at Glaziers Hall today

Nigel Farage speaking to a member of the press as he arrives for a press conference for the Reform UK party

In January a Survation poll in the constituency suggested that Mr Farage could defeat Tory incumbent Giles Watling.

There are widespread fears among Conservative MPs that Reform will hand Labour a bigger victory by splitting the right-wing vote on July 4.

Mr Farage joined Reform leader Richard Tice on the campaign trail in Skegness, Lincolnshire over the weekend.

Asked whether he wanted to facilitate a merger with the Tories after the election, he replied that it was 'more like a takeover, dear boy'.

Mr Farage has suggested he wants to engineer a realignment of the Right so Reform can team up with Tory hardliners.

In a round of interviews, this morning Ms Badenoch was asked if she would carry on with Mr Farage as a colleague.

'No, no, Nigel Farage has stood against many Conservatives, including some of my colleagues, what he wants to do is destroy the Conservative Party,' she told LBC.

Ms Badenoch insisted the Tories were an 'institution' and needed to keep going from 'strength to strength'.

Recently-ousted West Midlands mayor Andy Street warned yesterday that the Conservatives can only win from the 'middle ground', saying the idea that Mr Farage should be a leading figure was 'nonsense'.

Mr Street told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday programme that the fact he came close to keeping his job in traditional Labour territory despite grim national polls demonstrated that the Tories needed to keep to the 'centre ground'.

'Whether we win or lose the general election the point is simple, that you have to have that broad church. You have to be centred in the middle ground,' he said.

'The lesson of history the winners have come from the centre ground.'

Mr Street - who decided against standing to become an MP - said that the top echelons of government was dominated by centrists, but added: 'Who knows what the composition might be and the temptation might be in the future.'

He dismissed 'nonsense' rumours that Mr Farage will be among the leaders after the election.

'That is not a moderate inclusive Conservative Party with a broad appeal. That's why it's appropriate that we think about this well before we know the oucome of any general election,' he said.

The clashes came as a poll showed Labour extending its lead to 20 points - the biggest advantage since Liz Truss was PM.

The Opinium research found Sir Keir's party was on 45 per cent while the Tories had dropped to 25 per cent. A week earlier, before the first stages of campaigning, the firm detected a 14-point gap.

Earlier this week, Mr Farage declared he had 'no interest' in striking a pre-election deal with the Tories.

He dismissed comments he previously made where he said they 'might have a conversation' as 'deeply sarcastic'.

'There is no deal with the Conservatives whatsoever,' Mr Farage told a press conference.

The Prime Minister has also ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis.

Reform said the press conference would be attended by leader Richard Tice as well

Kemi Badenoch hit out after Mr Farage alarmed moderates with the suggestion he will exploit a heavy election defeat on July 4

Rishi Sunak has ruled out a deal with Reform, despite the insurgent party putting huge pressure on the Tories over issues such as the Channel migrant crisis

Recently-ousted West Midlands mayor Andy Street warned yesterday that the Conservatives can only win from the 'middle ground'

Reform UK is currently polling between 12 and 15 per cent but Farage has said that Tice's party must reach 18 per cent if they are going to win seats in Parliament.

The right-wing party is offering tax cuts, the abolition of business rates for small businesses, and tax relief for private healthcare users in the draft of its July 2024 election manifesto.

Reform UK are also pledging to launch more public inquiries into Covid-19 and the rollout of the vaccine.
Dozens of trade vehicles drove slowly around Westminster today in protest against tool theft which they claim is harming their businesses.

The protest, organised by Trades United, is demanding stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability for people who sell stolen tools.

The demonstration involved tradesmen sounding their horns and driving slowly around London's Parliament Square in a bid to raise awareness about the theft of tools.

Photos show workers using megaphones to shout from inside their vehicles, which were decorated with slogans such as 'tool theft is on the rise' and 'where is the law?'

) A tradesperson taking part in the demonstration uses a megaphone to express his frustration

Around 100 trade vehicles slow drive around Westminster to protest against tool theft

One person dressed up as a human-sized spanner for the protest

One man can be seen wearing a T-shirt with 'Stop stealing my s***' written on it

Stickers are placed on the vehicles for the protest, as Trades United demands better legal protection for tradespeople

One man can be seen wearing a T-shirt with 'stop stealing my s***' written on it - while another came dressed as a giant spanner for the event.

Some tradesmen posed for photos from within their vehicles, clenching their fists or giving a thumbs up in a show of support.

Police tried to control the traffic as they attended the demonstration earlier today.

MailOnline has contacted the Met Police for comment.

Reacting to the protest on social media platform X, one person wrote: 'There's a tradesmen's protest currently taking place in Westminster, with cars and vans endlessly sounding their horns to protest the theft of trade tools.'

Police attempt to control the traffic as Trades United demands better legal protection for tradespeople

A sticker reading 'Where is the law?' is placed on a vehicle for the demonstration

Stickers are placed on the vehicles for the protest in Westminster today

A tradesperson taking part in the demonstration offers a 'thumbs-up' as he drives around Parliament Square

A tradesperson taking part in the demonstration uses a megaphone from within his vehicle

Around 100 trade vehicles slow drive around Westminster to protest against the plague of tool theft

The protest, organised by Trades United, is demanding stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability for people who sell stolen tools

Stickers are placed on the vehicles for the protest in Westminster earlier today

Vans drive around Westminster in London today to protest against tool theft

A man uses a megaphone from inside his vehicle during the protest today

Around 100 trade vehicles slow drive around Westminster to protest against the plague of tool theft that harms their businesses
An illegally flown drone came within 50ft of smashing into the windscreen of a British Airways plane flying at nearly 360mph, a report has revealed.

The close call at a height of 10,500ft over the Kent countryside is believed to be the highest ever altitude recorded for a near miss between a BA plane and a drone.

The incident which happened just before 2.50pm on February 26 this year involved a Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner carrying up to 214 passengers.

The plane had taken off ten minutes earlier for a flight to Chennai, India, according to flight tracking website flightradar24.

A report by the UK Airprox Board which assesses near misses rated it as a Category A incident where there was a serious risk of collision.

An illegally drone flew within 50ft of the windscreen of a British Airways Boeing 787 carrying 214 passengers (file photo)

The report said that the planes first officer looked up to see an object approaching dead-ahead.

It added: They were confused as it was not an aircraft or a bird, and they were startled.

The object was closing rapidly, and then clearly apparent as a medium sized quadcopter with four downward facing blue lights.

It approached almost head-on, slightly to the right-hand side. It was hard to estimate the distance but, given the clear definition of lights and shape detail, it was discussed to be potentially within 50ft of the FOs windscreen. ATC (air traffic control) was informed.

The pilots who were flying at the same height as the drone rated the chance of a collision as high in their report.

The air traffic controller in Swanwick, Hampshire, who was handling the flight said the BA pilot had reported a drone with blue lights straight down the middle.

The controller said that pilots of aircraft on the same flightpath were notified so they could keep an eye out for the drone.

The incident is the latest in a series of near misses involving drones and BA planes, as well as other airliners, in UK airspace. MailOnline told exclusively in March how another BA flight flying from Heathrow to Athens at 250mph had a drone miss its wingtip by just 5ft at a height of 9,600ft seven miles south of Sevenoaks, Kent, on January 3 this year

Drones are normally legally restricted to flying at a maximum height of just 400ft, meaning that the device in the near miss was flying at more than 26 times the permitted altitude.

Software embedded in most modern drones stops them being flown at great heights, but it can be overridden by patches bought online.

Operators can also fit extra batteries to enable their devices to soar into the sky.

Most modern drones have inbuilt software to prevent them from being flown at great heights, but this can be overridden using patches or with extra batteries (file photo)

The operator of the drone could have faced a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted of endangering an aircraft, but it is believed they were never found.

It is thought that they may have flown deliberately into a flightpath for airliners departing Heathrow in order to try and get dramatic video of planes flying past.

Pilots and aviation experts have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by a drone hitting an aircraft windscreen or being sucked into a jet engine in recent years.

The UK Airprox Board report concluded: In the Boards opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone.

The Board considered that the pilots overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where providence had played a major part in the incident and/or a definite risk of collision had existed.

A British Airways spokesperson said: We take these incidents seriously and our pilots report them so that the authorities can investigate and take appropriate action.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday praised Hamas's horrific October 7 attack against Israel and predicted the 'destruction' of their common enemy.

Khamenei, 85, was speaking at an event to mark 35 years since the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic which replaced a US-backed monarchy.

He said the October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas 'was a decisive blow to the Zionist regime' and put Israel 'on the path that will only end in its destruction'.

Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran, the main Shiite Muslim power, has emerged as the bitter enemy of Israel, as well as its Western allies - the US and Britain.

Iran is under international sanctions over its contested nuclear programme, which it insists is for civilian purposes.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during the 35th anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, at Khomeini's shrine in southern Tehran on Monday

While Israel and Iran have long fought a shadow war of killings and sabotage, Iran's armed allies across the Middle East have formed a so-called 'Axis of Resistance' alliance.

As the Gaza war has raged, Iran and Israel came to the brink of war in mid-April when Tehran launched a barrage of rockets and missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted.

Iran has said it had no advance knowledged of Hamas's October 7 attack but has praised it since.

Khamenei said the attack 'happened at the right time' and 'destroyed a major international conspiracy for the Middle East,' a possible reference to US-led moves to broker diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab powers.

The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,190 people, mostly civilians.

Vlada Patapov (left) is seen fleeing the site of the Nova festival massacre on October 7, where Hamas gunmen opened fire on revellers, killing hundreds

Security forces gather in front of an Israeli police station in Sderot after it was damaged during battles to dislodge Hamas militants who were stationed inside, October 8, 2023

Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,190 people, mostly civilians. 250 Israelis were also taken hostage, 120 of whom still remain in Gaza

Pictured: Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas's attacks on Israel. Israel's bombardments have killed at least 36,439 people

Militants also took about 250 hostages, 120 of whom remain in Gaza.

Israel's retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive have killed at least 36,439 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said on Sunday.

Khamenei, who spoke to thousands gathered in the Khomeini mausoleum near Tehran, also said that 'the Zionist regime is gradually melting before the eyes of the people of the world'.

'Sooner or later, America will have to withdraw its support,' he added.

This comes as Irans hard-line former leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday registered as a possible candidate for the presidential election, seeking to regain the countrys top political position after a helicopter crash killed President Ebrahim Raissi.

The populist former leader's registration puts pressure on Khamenei. In office, Mr Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was barred by the authorities.

The firebrand, Holocaust-questioning politician's return comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme, its arming of Russia in its war on Ukraine, and its wide-reaching crackdowns on dissent.
A livestreamed interview caught the horrifying moment an influencer-politician and his wife were gunned down outside a circus where children were queuing around them to get in.

Ecuadorian MP Cristhian Nieto, 34, and his partner Nicole Burgos were murdered in cold blood in the savage attack, which took place as families were enjoying an evening out.

A third person was also killed and a journalist injured in the surprise attack in the port city of Manta last night.

Nieto was a parliamentarian who had a huge following on social media, and was nicknamed Rescate, Spanish for Rescue, because of his work saving vulnerable people including drug addicts and helping to reinsert them back into society.

The murdered politician was interviewed moments before the attack happened as he ushered children towards their seats inside the circus, and said of the event: 'This has been a total success. Packed out for three days running.'

Ecuadorian MP Cristhian Nieto is seen speaking to the camera in the moments before he was killed in a gun attack

Nieto was seen ushering children into the circus as huge crowds were gathered outside

Ecuadorian MP Cristhian Nieto, 34, and his partner Nicole Burgos were murdered in cold blood in the savage attack

The influencer manager, who had 381,000 followers on Instagram, organised the circus the attack occurred outside with his wife Nicole. She was also a digital creator known online as Soy Pipo with 455,000 followers on Facebook alone.

The journalist reporting on the event could be overheard shouting 'Ay, Ay, Ay' as he tried to flee for safety after seeing a man in front of him duck at the sound of gunfire.

He continued to transmit footage live despite being injured as he walked around a car park by the circus entrance saying: 'I need help, an ambulance please. I've been shot in the arm.'

Local reports said the gunmen had already been inside the circus when the shooting started.

A fellow influencer said as news of the crime emerged: 'Cristhian Nieto and his wife organised a circus for locals in Manta and without worrying that there were entire families queuing to get in, they murdered them with no pity.'

It was not immediately clear whether the gunmen had deliberately targeted the well-known couple and what had motivated the attack.

As well as helping drug addicts, the murdered politician was also credited with aiding orphans, single mothers and abandoned animals.

Ecuador's National Assembly, the equivalent of the House of Commons, said in a statement overnight: 'We deeply regret the murder of Parliamentarian Cristhian Nieto and his wife Nicole Burgos in the city of Manta.

'We would like to send a message of solidarity to their families and friends.

View outside a circus in La Poza in Manta, Ecuador, on June 3, 2024, where Ecuadorean assembly member and social media influencer Cristhian Nieto and his wife were shot dead

'We feel deep grief over what's happened and hope they can find consolation following this irreparable loss.'

The December 2020 murder of Jorge Luis Zambrano Gonzalez, leader of the violent gang called Los Choneros, led to a violent power struggle in Ecuador which came to a head in February 2021 when several sub-groups including Los Tiguerones joined to attack the original gang in three jails.

The prison massacres, among the bloodiest ever in Latin America, resulted in 79 inmates dying and dozens of others suffering serious injuries.

People were seen running for their lives on the live stream, with a journalist in the background heard yelling

Members of Los Tiguerones were linked to the kidnap of British businessman Colin Armstrong in December.

The 78-year-old former honorary consul for Guayaquil was released on December 20 after several days in custody and nine suspects subsequently arrested.

In January the gang was also blamed for an armed attack on a TV station.

The Ecuadorian prosecutor who was investigating the TV attack was shot dead later the same month.

Cesar Suarez was gunned down in a professional hit as he drove through the port city of Guayaquil this afternoon.

Last month Ecuador's president Daniel Noboa declared a new state of emergency for five of the country's 24 provinces as he continued a fightback against violent gangs which make their money from criminal activities including drug trafficking, extortion and kidnappings and have promised revenge.
California Democrat Maxine Waters raised eyebrows on Sunday with claims about supporters of former President Donald Trump after he was found guilty by a New York jury in his 'hush money' trial.

Waters appeared on MSNBC with host Jonathan Capehart warning that the former president and supporters pose a dangerous threat to the country.

'I'm worried that he's so divisive and that he's talking about retribution, and they're talking about revenge and I think that that's dangerous. He's even mentioned civil war at one point, talked about there would be bloodshed,' Waters said.

She said she would raise her concerns with federal law enforcement, in order to be prepared for the violence unleashed by Trump and his supporters if he did not win the election in November.

'I am going to spend some time with the criminal justice system, with the justice system, asking them, tell us what's going on with the domestic terrorists,' she said. 'Are they preparing a civil war against us? Should we be concerned about our safety?'

Representative and chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) warns that 'domestic terrorists' supporting former President Donald Trump may start a civil war if he loses in November

Waters said Trump was a criminal accusing him of someone 'who disrespects the Constitution and democracy,' arguing that he and the 'domestic terrorists' that supported him already tried to take over the government on January 6.

'This is not good for this country. But he does not care about democracy, he does not care about the Constitution of the United States,' she said. 'He's in love with Putin and Russia and Kim Jong-un and North Korea.'

Waters' comments echoed earlier concerns she shared in May about Trump supporters security training for a civil war if the election did not go in his favor.

Supporters of former US President Donald Trump hold flags as they show their support

A few dozen supporters of former U.S. president Donald Trump are gathering with signs, flags, custom-painted trucks, and amplified music across the street from Trump Tower in New York

'I wanna know about all of those right-wing organizations that he's connected with who are training up in the hills somewhere, and targeting, what communities they are going to attack,' she said on MSNBC.

Waters has long been a proponent of charging Trump in court, predicting that porn star Stormy Daniels was the path to get there.

On Thursday, Waters celebrated the verdict on social media.

'Hallelujah!!! My predictions came true!' she wrote. 'I predicted three years ago at a speech with the Human Rights Campaign that Stormy Daniels would be the one to get Trump, my faith in the criminal justice system has been strengthened!'
More than one million United Methodists have quit the church overnight over new rules about homosexuality.

During a North Carolina conference in early May, the United Methodist Church - a global denomination of Protestantism based in the US - changed some regulations to allow gay pastors and same-sex marriage.

The Ivory Coast division - which has an estimated 1.2 million followers - responded by accusing the international leaders of 'deviating from the Holy Scriptures' and 'sacrificing its honor and integrity to honor the LGBTQ community'.

Bishop Benjamin Boni, who is president of the division, said it voted to separate from the umbrella church during a May 28 gathering in the Jubilee Temple of Cocody, Abidjan, on the southern coast of the West African country.

He said in a statement that the decision to separate after more than 20 years was made 'for reasons of conscience'.

Bishop Benjamin Boni (pictured), who is president of the division, said the separation was formalized during an 'extraordinary session' May 28 in Abidjan on the southern coast of the West African country

The move marks a huge blow to the United Methodists Church, as the Ivory Coast division known as EMUCI is the largest overseas jurisdiction, accounting for around 12 percent of the worldwide membership.

EMUCI joined the United Methodist Church in 2002. The umbrella church was the result of a merge between the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church in 1968.

Questions surrounding homosexuality have been a point of contention for the church for many years, with it previously upholding bans on same-sex marriage and the inclusion of homosexual pastors.

The first openly gay Bishop in the United Methodist Church Karen Oliveto spoke about the divisions last year.

'There's a whole segment of the church that's leaving because they don't want to be an inclusive church,' she told CBS News Colorado.

The United Methodist Church, a worldwide denomination of Protestantism which is headquartered in the US, made the rulings at a conference in North Carolina early May. (Pictured: three bishops of the UMC)

Pictured: United Methodist Church of Ivory Coast. Jubilee Temple of Cocody where the historic separation was formalized on May 28

The first openly gay Bishop in the United Methodist Church Karen Oliveto (pictured) spoke about the divisions last year

'They're building a church based on who they're leaving out. And you have to wonder: If you're building a church on how you are leaving out, are you letting Jesus in?'

Oliveto remains in office in Mountain Sky, which covers Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, despite her election being declared invalid after she came out in 2017.

She most recently spoke out against the UMC Book of Discipline description of homosexuality being 'incompatible with Christian teaching' - which has now been removed - in April 2024, according to the Christian Post.
Most Ukrainians who fled to Britain to escape Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion want to stay in the UK even if the war ends, according to fresh survey results.

Around seven in 10 (68 per cent) said they wanted to remain living in the UK even if they feel it might be safe to return to their home country in the future.

And more than half (60 per cent) of those who want to remain living in the UK said it was because there are more job opportunities in Britain.

After Russia launched its barbaric assault on Ukraine in early 2022, the Government unveiled a series of schemes to allow Ukrainians to seek refuge in Britain.

Around 230,000 Ukrainians have since been granted UK visas - or had their existing permission to stay in the UK extended - with regular surveys by the Office for National Statistics tracking their experience of living in Britain.

Ukrainian troops are pictured travelling along a road near the frontline in the country's Donetsk region

Ukrainians in the UK under one of the existing visa schemes may be able to apply for a further 18 months' permission to stay in Britain under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

The survey also found, since first arriving in the UK, almost half (47 per cent) had not visited Ukraine

The latest survey, of 7,594 adults between 15 to 22 April, found - when asked to think about a future in which they feel it is safe to return to Ukraine - 68 per cent said they intend to live in the UK most of the time.

The most reported reasons for Ukrainians wanting to stay in the UK included 'there are more work opportunities for work here' (60 per cent); 'I have a job here' (52 per cent); and 'I have a family here' (44 per cent).

By contrast, 15 per cent said they would return to Ukraine, 1 per cent would move somewhere else and 16 per cent said they did not know.

Ukrainian arrivals given permission to be in the UK under one of the existing visa schemes may be able to apply for a further 18 months' permission to stay in Britain under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, which is due to open next year.

Most survey respondents (85 per cent) were aware of the UPE scheme, but 15 per cent were not aware.

Of those who were aware, when asked what they had been intending to do when their visa expired before the UPE scheme was announced, a third (33 per cent) reported they had intended to 'apply for a work visa'.

The next most reported intention was to 'apply for asylum' (14 per cent). Around three in 10 adults (28 per cent) were unsure of their intentions.

Of those who were unaware, over a fifth (22 per cent) reported they had intended to 'apply for a work visa', and a further group of around a fifth said they had intended to 'apply for a family visa' (21 per cent). A third were unsure of their intentions (33 per cent).

Nearly nine in 10 (88 per cent) said they would apply for the UPE scheme, while around 11 per cent said they did not know if they would.

The survey also found, since first arriving in the UK, almost half (47 per cent) had not visited Ukraine.

Of these, 8 per cent expected to visit in the next 12 months, with a quarter (25 per cent) not knowing if they would visit in the next year.

Among the 53 per cent who had visited Ukraine since arriving in the UK, most reported their reasons were to visit friends or family (75 per cent), receive medical or dental treatment (64 per cent) or to visit their home or property (34 per cent).

Most Ukrainian adults were very or fairly satisfied with their current accommodation in the UK (88 per cent).

Over a third (36 per cent) of all adults, including those already in employment, were actively looking for work.

Around 7 in 10 (69 per cent) are currently working. Of these, one in five (20 per cent) were working in the hospitality sector.
A Dutch tourist has been arrested for defacing the Domus excavations that survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius near Naples.

The unnamed 27-year old man was held after staff discovered graffiti on a frescoed wall in an ancient Roman villa in Herculaneum on Monday.

Italian police said in a statement that the graffiti, which had been made with a black permanent marker, matches the man's signature.

'Any damage hurts our heritage, our beauty and our identity and that is why it must be punished with the utmost firmness,' said Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.

According to The Independent, the unnamed tourist faces charges of damage and defacement of artistic works.

A sign made with a black marker on the wall of a domus of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, in Ercolano, Naples, Italy

Herculaneum is a small city near Pompeii. Following the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, it was buried under ash, which helped its ruins stay well preserved.

This is not the first time a historical site has been damaged in Italy. In 2023, two German men were detained by police after they allegedly used black spray to write 'DKS 1860' on the 460-year-old columns of Florence's iconic Vasari corridor.

The corridor connects the city's treasured Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace and was originally built for the powerful Medici family.

The disrespectful act is understood to be a reference to Germany's Division Three side 1860 Munich.

Also that year, two tourists etched their names into the wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum.
Embattled New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez has switched his party affiliation to run for Senate as an Independent as he faces a trial on federal bribery charges.

The senator filed one day ahead of the deadline to run as an Independent. Running for reelection allows him to continue to spend campaign dollars on legal expenses.

Menendez has denied any wrongdoing in the corruption trial and pleaded not guilty.

Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for the seat on the Democratic side, has warned that a third party run from Menendez could put the seat in typically deep-blue New Jersey in jeopardy.

Menendez announced in March he would not run for re-election as a Democrat.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., arrives at a federal court in New York on Thursday morning

'I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,' he said in a video statement at the time. 'I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election.'

If convicted, senators will have to decide whether to expel him if he does not resign.

Menendez and his wife Nadine are both charged in a bribery scheme featuring gold bars, hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and a luxury Mercedes-Benz.

Last week in court prosecutors laid to bare Menendez and wife Nadine's 'desperate' financial situation, seemingly to link their need for cash to the gifts and gold bars allegedly bestowed upon them by the businessmen co-defendants in the case.

Menendez's defense attorneys have claimed the 13 gold bars and the $480,000 in cash stored in clothing, footwear and a safe discovered by the FBI during a raid on the couple's home were there because of the senator's trauma from the squandering of his family's fortune before he was born in 1954.

They argue his fear of going without stems from his parent's belongings getting seized in Castro's Cuba more than half a century ago.

Nadine's Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home was in danger of being foreclosed after she missed almost $20,000 in mortgage payments in 2019, before she and the senator wed.

Nadine and Bob Menendez together at a dinner honoring French President Emmanuel Macron

During the raid, authorities found $480,000 in cash spread around the home

Tons of cash was also found stowed away in bags

But prosecuting attorneys say her cash conundrum was solved by Egyptian American businessman Wael 'Will' Hana, who forked over the dough to save the home.

It's the same abode the New Jersey Democrat later moved into after he married Nadine in 2020 and that was raided by the FBI as part of their investigation.

They say Hana's favor was repaid by Menendez in the form of help securing a lucrative contract for Hana's halal meat business with the Egyptian government.

According to the Justice Department indictment, the Menendez's each face a maximum of 45 years in prison if they are convicted on all charges.

After helping Nadine, Hana and the senator's wife had a falling out.

'Can you believe Will said he does not need me to make appointments with you to go see you at your office and dinner with you,' Nadine texted Menendez. 'The man has gone crazy after everything I have done for him!!!!!'

She also told attorney Howard Dorian, who had represented Hana, that she was 'quite disappointed' with the halal mogul.

'Wael asked me for a very important dinner and meetings in Washington for next week Monday which I agreed to among other things and he still has not delivered on any of his promises,' Nadine texted Dorian.

In turn, Dorian texted an associate 'It's really important that we make sure Nadine stays happy because she's not. She's going to cancel the meetings that Wael has set up with Senator Menendez for Monday.'

Some cash was found stored in a boot

'It is extremely important that we keep Nadine happy,' Dorian texted one of the businessmen involved in the scheme.

And Nadine's role in the alleged bribery scheme far surpassed just connecting Hana and her husband, say prosecutors.

She also allegedly lobbied her lawmaker husband, at Hana's request, to expressly forward the goals of Egypt.

At the time, Menendez held the powerful role of chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Beijing has accused Britain of recruiting a married Chinese couple as spies by grooming the husband with 'special care' while he was studying in the UK.

China's Ministry of State Security has claimed that two Chinese government employees were successfully recruited by Britain's foreign intelligence agency, MI6.

The man, identified only by his surname Wang, then convinced his wife, Zhou, to also become a spy, the ministry said, citing a 'thorough investigation' into the alleged espionage case.

Officials in Beijing claim the case remains under investigation and have not yet revealed if the couple will be charged.

China and Britain have for months traded accusations over perceived spying they said was a threat to national security.

China has accused Britain of recruiting a married Chinese couple as spies by grooming the husband with 'special care' while he was studying in the UK. Pictured is Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 30, 2024

China's main intelligence service, in a message on social media on Monday, said it had uncovered a major espionage case involving Wang and Zhou, who were allegedly recruited to MI6.

The ministry of state security said Wang had gone to Britain as a student in 2015 and was later joined by his wife.

Beijing alleges that British operatives befriended him on campus and took 'special care' of him, including by inviting him to dinners and on tours to better 'understand his interests and weaknesses'.

It said Wang had 'a strong desire for money' and was drawn into a part-time consulting opportunity with high remuneration before MI6 personnel approached him to work to serve the British government with promises of even bigger monetary rewards, as well as security.

It said Wang was given hotel rooms, trips around the country and financial incentives.

'Wang was initially hesitant but could not resist [the operatives'] repeated persuasion, enticement and even coercion, and eventually agreed,' the ministry wrote on WeChat, the BBC reported.

'Under Wang's strong instigation, Zhou agreed to collect intelligence... and he and his wife became British spies.'

After espionage training, MI6 commanded Wang to return to China to collect important information related to the Chinese government, the ministry alleged.

Its statement said MI6 also persuaded Wang to recruit his wife, who worked at a 'core government unit', for double the money. His wife, whose surname was Zhou, eventually agreed, it said.

It said the couple worked for the Chinese government in a 'central state agency' and handled government secrets, which they passed to MI6. No information was given about what specific information the couple may have provided.

The ministry also did not say which governmental agency the pair worked for, but claimed they both had 'core confidential roles' .

A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (pictured on June 1, 2024) said it was Britain's 'longstanding policy not to comment on the work of our intelligence agencies'

Beijing says the case is still under investigation and gave no word on the location of the couple.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was Britain's 'longstanding policy not to comment on the work of our intelligence agencies'.

It comes as Britain and China have for months accused each other of espionage.

In January, Beijing said that MI6, Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, had used a foreigner in China to collect secrets and information.

British prosecutors in April charged two people with providing prejudicial information to China.

Last month, UK authorities said two men would go on trial on suspicion of collecting sensitive information for Hong Kong's government.

A third suspect, 37-year-old Briton Matthew Trickett, was also charged in the case, but was found dead in a park under what police said were unexplained circumstances.

China and the UK have clashed over Beijing's clampdown on free speech and open elections in Hong Kong, a former British territory that was guaranteed its own economic and political freedoms for 50 years after its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.
Young farmers have a 'problem' with the way they treat women, with sexual assault 'commonplace' it has been claimed.

Abi Kay, a female editor at the respected Farmer's Weekly magazine, has accused young farmers of treating women like 'toys'.

She said incidents of sexual assault appear to be 'commonplace' at the events held by the rural youth organisation Young Farmers in which there are 'no rules'.

The agricultural journalist said men in the farming industry don't seem to be held 'accountable' in the same way as other men as many girls reported being 'grabbed and groped' at the parties.

Writing in the latest edition of Farmers Weekly, Ms Kay said she had asked young women on the social media platform, TikTok, 'what happens at Young Farmers?'.

In response, she was told 'Sex, drugs, alcohol'.

'This is certainly not the image the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) would want to portray,' she said.

Abi Kay, a female editor at the respected Farmer's Weekly magazine, has accused young farmers of treating women like 'toys'

She said incidents of sexual assault appear to be 'commonplace' at the events held by the rural youth organisation Young Farmers in which there are 'no rules' (Stock Image)

The deputy editor said she loves farming and had spent her life advocating for it which she is extremely 'proud' to do.

'But as a staunch friend, I have a duty to be honest with you,' she continued.

'Even when - perhaps especially when - it is uncomfortable.

'So I will say it straight: young farmers, you have a problem.

'And the problem is the way some of you are treating the women in your community.'

Young Farmers has more than 23,000 members. It promises to support young people in agriculture and the countryside and also help them 'enjoy a dynamic social life' with regular social events organised for young people.

Ms Kay said her attention was first drawn to this issue when she was noticed T-shirts at a Young Farmer event held in Blackpool, Lancashire, earlier this month.

T-shirts included 'I can run faster horny than you can scared', 'For the sporting birds I can tighten the choke', and 'BBF - Back British Farming or Bring Back Fingering, I'm an advocate for both'.

The journalist said she also saw photographs of girls at the event with 'slut' written on their arms and 'free head' written on their foreheads.

She continued: 'What I found was that girls attending such events have learned to expect that they will be grabbed and groped.

'It has become part and parcel of the culture.

'The kind of incidents that were described to me as commonplace are, in fact, classed as sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Ms Kay said she was told by two girls that at these events 'there are no rules'.

'It is still astonishing that many farming women expect the men in their communities to display a lower standard of behaviour than other men,' she continued.

Ms Kay previously worked at Farmers Guardian as Head of News, and in the NFU's government and parliamentary affairs team.

Ms Kay said her attention was first drawn to this issue when she was noticed T-shirts at a Young Farmer event held in Blackpool, Lancashire, earlier this month (Stock Image)

She began her career in Parliament, where she worked for six years, and has won a number of accolades for agricultural journalism.

The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs said in a statement: 'NFYFC is deeply saddened to learn that cases of sexual harassment or assault which have occurred at events/activities held by the YFC at a national, county or club level have not been reported.

'Behaviour of this nature is unacceptable in YFC and all reported cases are always treated extremely seriously by NFYFC.

'The safety and safeguarding of our members is paramount and NFYFC is committed to ensuring every member is safe while taking part in those activities.

'NFYFC has robust safeguarding policies, training and procedures in place.

'YFC members who have been affected by an incident at a YFC event should report it to their club or county designated safeguarding officer, or to the NFYFC safeguarding team.'
Passengers were left shocked after armed police stormed a bus in Southampton and arrested two children, in scenes resembling a 'Hollywood movie'.

A Bluestar bus was boarded at around 6.30pm on Sunday on Bernard Street in the city centre.

Two children, aged 12 and 13, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife in a public place, Hampshire Police said.

Officers were called after reports of a person with a large knife in International Way.

One eyewitness told the Southern Daily Echo that the incident was like a Hollywood movie (Google Street View of Bernard Street)

A Bluestar bus was boarded at around 6.30pm on Sunday on Bernard Street in the city centre (stock photo)

The person was also reportedly part of a larger group which boarded the bus.

Dog units and armed police were seen stopping the bus before storming it to arrest two suspects.

One eyewitness told the Southern Daily Echo that the incident was like a Hollywood movie.

David Bally, 62, told the paper: 'It's one thing to see a police dog unit, it's another thing to see armed police with automatic weapons pull over a bus in broad daylight, it's usually something you see in films.

'I saw two dog units and a police officer in an unmarked car waiting just behind the bus before two marked police vans came down the road, positioned themselves in front of the bus, before everyone got out and made their way either onto or just outside the bus.

'There was someone sat on the top deck who seemed to get taken downstairs before being handcuffed, it was quite alarming.'

But Mr Bally added that the police weren't pointing their weapons at anyone.

Hampshire Police said the 12-year-old was released from custody under investigation and the 13-year-old remained in custody.

Two children, aged 12 and 13, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife in a public place, Hampshire Police said (stock photo)

A spokeswoman for the force said: 'We were called around 6.30pm to a report of a person having been seen with a large knife in International Way, Southampton.

'The person was part of a larger group, who boarded a bus into the city centre.

'Officers stopped them in Bernard Street and arrested two people, they also recovered a knife.

'A 12-year-old and 13-year-old boy, both from Southampton, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place.

'The 12-year-old has been released from police custody but remains under investigation, while the 13-year-old remains in custody at this time.'

MailOnline contacted Bluestar for comment.
A Philadelphia mother's two children were taken off life support Sunday after they tragically drowned in a pool over Memorial Day weekend.

As Brittney McWhite prepares to say goodbye to her 11-year-old London Marie and her 14-year-old Wadale this week, she recounted the horrific series of events that led to their untimely deaths.

'They weren't in there for more than like three or four minutes,' McWhite told FOX 29 Philadelphia. 'They called their names...and when they jumped in, they were at the bottom of the pool.

The family was at a holiday party in Gloucester, a New Jersey suburb outside of Philadelphia, where London Marie and Wadale decided to play a game of Marco Polo.

McWhite, who has four other kids, said London Marie and Wadale could swim, which was why she left them unattended while she helped prepare food inside.

Wadale, pictured second from the left, and London Marie, were both taken off life support Sunday after drowning in a pool over Memorial Day weekend

Brittney McWhite, who has four other children, said she knows her kids 'are at peace, it's just very devastating'

When she came outside, she didn't see her two kids when she looked around for them.

That's when she discovered that the siblings were in trouble.

Although they were quickly pulled out from the bottom of the pool, the damage was just too great.

As summer kicks off, she issued a stern warning to fellow parents who may take their kids to cool off at a pool, saying that drownings like these could happen after being in the water for just 'a minute.'

'Always have a set of eyes. Prevent your kids from playing games. Make sure the pool is safe,' she said.

'If it doesn't look right, don't do it. Because once you lose your child, it is hard. It's really hard to stomach.'

For the past week, the children were placed on breathing support machines to keep them alive. By Sunday, it became clear to McWhite and the kids' father that nothing was going to change

McWhite issued a stern warning for other parents thinking of taking their kids to a pool during to cool off during the summer: 'Always have a set of eyes...If it doesn't look right, don't do it. Because once you lose your child, it is hard'

For the past week, the children were placed on breathing support machines to keep them alive. By Sunday, it became clear to McWhite and the kids' father that nothing was going to change.

'Keeping my child hooked onto a machine for the rest of their life is not ideally what any parent should want for their children, so today me and dad decided to end life support,' McWhite said.

London Marie would have turned 12 years old next week, while Wadale would have graduated from eighth grade.

McWhite said the two were total opposites who nonetheless couldn't live without one another.

'I know they're at peace, it's just very devastating,' said McWhite. 'Not to lose one child but two. I think that's more challenging because you can't stomach that, but you have to keep going.'

To prevent drownings, the CDC recommends a number of things, including enclosing pools with fences, supervising nearby children and learning CPR in case the worst does happen.
This is the moment a fraudster who fled to Dubai over a 500,000 fake car registration scam and flaunted his flash lifestyle on social media is finally arrested after five years on the run.

Zahid Khan, 38, escaped the UK during his trial in 2018 after he was caught running a number of lucrative frauds.

The Ferrari-driving conman, from Moseley, Birmingham, continued to taunt the police on social media, posting pictures of himself living a life of luxury, driving Ferraris and meeting celebrities.

While on the run in Dubai, Khan also had a Siberian Tiger cub, hung out with famous rapper Buster Rhymes, and smashed a 30,000 Rolex.

Khan was found guilty of property crimes, fraud, and people smuggling in his absence and was jailed for ten years at Birmingham Crown Court.

Now police have released footage of the moment he was finally arrested at Manchester Airport last December.

This is the moment a fraudster who fled to Dubai over a 500,000 fake car registration scam and flaunted his flash lifestyle on social media is finally arrested after five years on the run

Khan, from Birmingham, has been pictured with a host of celebrities in the UAE like here where he is posing with YouTube sensation Lana Rose

The Ferrari belonging to Zahid Khan parked outside Birmingham Crown Court

Bodycam footage shows Khan, wearing designer clothes, calmly talking to officers as they tell him he will be taken to Birmingham.

Khan says, expressing surprise: 'Are you taking me to Birmingham please?'

As he is told to hold his hands out to be handcuffed, Khan tells officers: 'Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm happy to be respectful guys.'

At Stafford Court today Khan was jailed for four weeks, which he will serve consecutively with his ten year sentence.

Judge Samantha Crabb said: 'You having evaded justice remained out of reach for a period of five years.

'Substantial efforts had to be made to bring you to justice. You made a deliberate decision to evade justice.

'It is an aggravating feature that the court was powerless to stop your attempt to manipulate the proceedings.'

Khan originally ran a successful supercar garage in Birmingham doing valeting, tyre-fitting, mechanical work, and selling cars.

After falling victim to a series of crimes himself, he turned to a criminal lifestyle.

In 2014, Khan was targeted by his friend for extortion and blindfolded and held for seven hours.

In 2016, he also faced an arson attack on the business that caused 100,000 of damage.

Zahid Khan, 38, escaped the UK during his trial in 2018 after he was caught running a number of lucrative frauds

Khan poses with Floyd Mayweather while on the run from police over the 500,000 scam

During his time on the run, Khan posted this picture of himself in another car on Instagram

Khan originally ran a successful supercar garage in Birmingham doing valeting, tyre-fitting, mechanical work, and selling cars

After falling victim to a series of crimes himself, he turned to a criminal lifestyle

The following year police charged him with 14 offences relating to the running of a 500,000 number plate scam.

He fraudulently obtained DVLA paperwork that enabled Khan's gang to transfer ownership of five high-value number plates without the owners' knowledge.

Khan represented himself during his trial at Birmingham Crown Court and on the day of his closing speech fled for Dubai.

Ben Issacs, prosecuting, said Khan was 'extremely manipulative' during his time on the run.

He said: 'He was very active for the five-and-a-half years he was away.'

He said he had been posting material on social media during his trial including text messages and an attack on a prosecution witness.

Mr Issacs said: 'It was a determined attempt to derail the proceedings.

Bodycam footage shows Khan, wearing designer clothes, calmly talking to officers as they tell him he will be taken to Birmingham

At Stafford Court today Khan was jailed for four weeks, which he will serve consecutively with his ten year sentence

'He sent a video addressing the jury wearing sunglasses and appears to be living a comfortable life of luxury, effectively rubbing the court's noses in it and the administration of justice.

'This is about as serious as it gets when it comes to contempt.'

He was finally arrested by Turkish authorities on November 27 last year and was deported on December 22.

Detective Sergeant Rob Piper, of West Midlands Police investigated the original fraud.

He said: 'Khan portrayed the image of a legitimate businessman and a multi-millionaire, but in reality he is a career criminal and a con artist.

'While a fugitive, he would regularly use social media to taunt police and protest his innocence, but we worked tirelessly to ensure he was brought back to the UK to face the consequences of his crimes.'
Cabinet minister Grant Shapps tonight hung up on a Sky News journalist live on air after being told he is on course to lose his seat at the general election.

The Defence Secretary seemed to hurriedly end a call after awkwardly discovering it was being broadcast on live TV.

It came just as a new YouGov mega-poll revealed Mr Shapps is set to be among a swathe of top Tories to be ousted from the House of Commons on 4 July.

Mr Shapps is defending a near-11,000 vote majority in his Welwyn Hatfield constituency.

But a new MRP study, carried out by YouGov for Sky News, showed the Conservatives are on course to be reduced to just 140 seats after the general election.

Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates and presenter Sophy Ridge were discussing the poll results this evening when a call from Mr Shapps interrupted their broadcast.

Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates and presenter Sophy Ridge were discussing the results of a new YouGov poll when a call from Grant Shapps interrupted their broadcast

The Defence Secretary seemed to hurriedly end the call after awkwardly discovering it was being broadcast on live TV

Your browser does not support iframes.

As he answered his phone, Coates said: 'Hello Grant Shapps, you're live on Sky News.

'I'm in the studio with Sophy Ridge - have you just seen that you're about to lose your seat according to the Sky News/YouGov projection?'

When no answer came, Coates added: 'He just put the phone down on me. There we go.'

As well as Mr Shapps, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt and former minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg are among other prominent Tory figures projected to lose their seats under the YouGov MRP study.

The data, collected from more than 58,000 people, will make grim reading for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as it shows Labour has extended its lead over the Conservatives since March.

Sir Keir Starmer's party looks set to win as many as 422 seats, with the Tories reduced to just 140, according to the pollster's analysis.

The would put Labour on course for a Commons majority of 194  the largest margin for any party since 1924.

MRP models the outcome of the election in every constituency across Britain by identifying the views of different types of voters and then the type of voters in each seat.

The Liberal Democrats would win 48 seats, according to the forecast, with the SNP on 17 and the Green Party gaining another MP.

A separate MRP analysis, published by More in Common and the News Agents podcast earlier today, had suggested that Labour was on course for its biggest majority in 23 years.

That analysis is based on voting intention data collected between April 9 and May 29 from 15,089 adults in Great Britain.
D-Day veterans have spoken of their 'sad memories' as they gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings at the headquarters where the largest amphibious invasion in military history was planned.

Around 40 veterans met at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, which was the headquarters of Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower.

It was here that Operation Overlord was planned to precision, which involved British, American, and other Allied land, air and sea forces crossing the English Channel to launch a massive offensive on the Nazi occupation in Normandy.

A giant map still adorns a wall in the Grade II-listed 19th-century manor house, which is now home to the Defence School of Policing and Guarding.

George Chandler, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, served aboard the British motor torpedo boat MTB 710 as part of a flotilla which provided a guarding escort for the US Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches.

George Chandler, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, who served as part of a flotilla which provided a guarding escort for the US Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches, was among the D-Day veterans gathering at Southwick House

The veterans assembled at the historic house, which served as the headquarters for Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D Eisenhower

The veterans recalled their 'sad memories' of events that began on June 6 1944, also known as D-Day, which this year marks its 80th anniversary

It was inside Southwick House, near Portsmouth, that plans were finalised to launch the D-Day invasion of Normandy by Allied forces

A US landing barge packed with helmeted soldiers makes its way to the shore in Normandy on June 6, 1944

Dozens of ships line the coast off Omaha Beach in Normandy during the D-Day landings

D-Day signaled the beginning of a changing of the tide on the continent, which eventually ended with Allied victory

He said that seeing the events of D-Day unfold in real life was nothing like how it has been portrayed in books and films.

The 99-year-old said: 'Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute c***, it's a load of old rubbish.

'I was there, how can I forget it? It's a very sad memory, because I watched young American Rangers not shot, slaughtered.

'And they were young. I was 19 at the time, these kids were younger than me when I was there and I saw them shot.'

For about three months without a break, Mr Chandler's flotilla returned to Newhaven each night for refuelling and rearming and a few hours of sleep before returning across the Channel.

After the Normandy campaign, his boat was deployed to the Mediterranean where it suffered damage before being sunk in April 1945.

Marie Scott, now 97, served with the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) at Fort Southwick as a 'switchboard operator' using a machine connected to the landing forces in France.

Her job was to pass messages from the troops on the beaches to the leaders of Operation Overlord, Gen Eisenhower and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who were stationed nearby in Southwick House.

Ms Scott - who was was awarded France's highest order of merit, the Legion d'Honneur, in recognition of her contribution to the liberation of the country - described how she could hear the reality of the battle taking place.

She said: 'I was a little bemused when I first heard it, then I thought to myself, 'Oh, you know, this is war'.

'You could hear everything, machine gun fire, cannon fire, bombs dropping, men shouting, the general chaos.'

The majority of the veterans who attended the gathering at Southwick House were brought by the Royal British Legion, the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

The forces were roughly divided across five beaches: Gold and Sword were attacked by British troops, Juno by Canadian, and Omaha and Utah by the US

Veteran Donald Turrell, 98, served as a rifleman in the Scottish Cameronians, landing on Sword Beach before being injured in the Battle of Etteville

A giant map used for Operation Overlord still adorns a wall in the Grade II-listed 19th-century manor house

George Chandler gestures to the location on the original planning map where he served during the events of D-Day

The D-Day operation involved boats and aircraft of all shapes and sizes, for a variety of purposes, whether it was to sweep the area ahead for mines, or deliver the respective armies to France.

In total the invasion involved 153,110 troops, supported by 10,440 aircraft and 6,330 ships, with paratroopers landing behind enemy lines in advance of the main assault.

The forces were roughly divided across five beaches: Gold and Sword were attacked by British troops, Juno by Canadian, and Omaha and Utah by the US.

After less than a week, all five beaches had been secured, with more troops, vehicles and equipment being delivered to the Allies.

The operation took place on June 6 1944, but unsurprisingly it was in planning for months.

A key element of the preparation was a series of deceptions to convince the German military command that the attack would instead be near Calais, the closest point of France to the UK.

In fact, June 5 was the original date selected for D-Day, but bad weather forced a delay by one day, with troops departing the English coast in the night of June 5.

Forces arrived on the morning of June 6, by which time paratroopers had already landed behind enemy lines to begin the attack.

As for why the operation is called D-Day, there is still all these years later an element of mystery about what the D actually stands for.

Many suspected it was for designated, decision, dooms(day), or even death.

However, the reality is less grand, as D-Day is just the term used by the military to refer a date which an event is due to take place.

It can be used to refer to operation day before an exact date has been set.

The first use of this kind of reference can be traced back to the First World War, with H referring to a certain hour too.

Many historians describe D-Day as the 'beginning of the end' of the Second World War.

With victory declared in Europe 11 months later, on May 7, 1945, this represented the start of the Allied forces pushing back from what was the furthest Nazi occupation during the war.

The move meant that Germany was at war on three fronts: in France, Italy, and Russia.

This task eventually proved too much for Hitler's army, with Allied victory on the continent secured on May 8 1945.
A British-Israeli hostage who was abducted by Hamas alongside his mother has been murdered in captivity, it has emerged.

Nadav Popplewell, 51, originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was confirmed dead on Monday, following new intelligence received by Israel, according to The Times of Israel. His body remains in Gaza.

Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the UK government, last month released undated footage of Popplewell showing him visibly bruised and injured in his right eye, talking to the camera to give his name and age.

Just hours later they issued a second video in which they claimed he had died of wounds suffered during an Israeli missile strike on Gaza a month before.

An Israeli community has now confirmed Popplewell's death, issuing a statement saying: 'Kibbutz Nirim announces with deep sorrow the death of abductee Nadav Popplewell in the captivity of Hamas in Gaza.'

British-Israeli hostage Nadav Popplewell, 51, (pictured) was murdered in Hamas captivity

Popplewell was taken captive alongside his mother Channah Peri, 79, from their home in Nirim during Hamas' October 7 attack.

His older brother Roi Popplewell, 54, was shot and killed by terrorists behind his home on the kibbutz that same day.

Peri was released in November during the temporary ceasefire deal.

Popplewell appeared in the Hamas propaganda video in May. He was visibly bruised and injured in his right eye, talking to camera to give his name and age.

The chilling, 11-second clip ended with a question mark on the screen while ominous music played in the background.

Then, three hours later, Hamas issued a new video which claimed that Popplewell had been injured in an IDF airstrike in April before succumbing to his injuries.

The horrifying video showed cartoon blood slowly dripping down the screen over Popplewell's face while a caption stating: 'military pressure = failure and death'.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas' October 7 attack, in which terrorists stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and abducted about 250.

Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.
The daughter of a D-Day hero welled up as she read a letter written before her father set off for war in a touching Antiques Roadshow D-Day special.

The woman spoke of her father Reginald Steele's experience as a Staff Sergeant in the Gilder Pilot Regiment.

During the episode - where experts refused to value their guests' 'priceless' mementos - she showed a letter her father wrote to his wife and son the day before he took off on June 6, 1944.

'I can't imagine how it must have been for him, the pilots, they're so exposed. But it meant a lot to my father to be part of a very important operation,' she said.

'On the day before he took off, he wrote a letter to my mother and brother, which I have here.

'He says, ''Remember, when you do get this, be as proud as I feel myself being chosen to help launch this drive to free the world of all its terror and hardship''.

'And then he says, ''Everything will be OK, my love, as nothing can go wrong''.

'He didn't really talk much about the war, but I feel incredibly proud and I feel very emotional.'

A woman spoke of her father Reginald Steele's experience as a Staff Sergeant in the Gilder Pilot Regiment

She showed a letter her father wrote to his wife and son the day before he took off on June 6, 1944

The letter was shown on a touching Antiques Roadshow D-Day special - where experts refused to value their guests' 'priceless' mementos

Explaining her father's role in the war, the daughter said: 'He flew a Horsa glider, taking off in the early hours of June 6. He was in the third wave of gliders which landed at landing zone N, at about 0320 hours.

'After the gliders landed, the men were expected to help defend the bridges, until reinforcements arrived.'

In another clip, Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson explained why the British war hero rallied letters to troops and the reason behind his 'completely illegal' beret.

Henry Montgomery met with militaria specialist Mark Smith to discuss his grandfather's role as leader of the Allied ground forces during the D-Day invasion in 1944.

General Bernard Law Montgomery - popularly known as 'Monty' - had become an inspirational figure since his victory at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942.

In a letter sent out to troops the night before D-Day on June 6, Monty wrote: 'Good luck to each one of you, and good hunting on the mainland of Europe.'

Explaining the importance of the letter, his grandson Henry said: 'Grandfather really understood that all the careful planning, particularly in the run -up to Normandy and the D-Day invasion, he knew that however good the plans were, it was the men on the ground who had to do the work.'

He added: 'Grandfather always almost bullet points. Very pithy. Very to the point. Limited use of words, which was very much his style of speaking and writing.'

Field Marshal Montgomery's grandson Henry Montgomery (pictured) on Antiques Roadshow

General Bernard Law Montgomery - popularly known as 'Monty' - had become an inspirational figure since his victory at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942

Grandfather Monty meeting his grandson, six-month-old Henry Montgomery

Monty's beret, which his grandson said he was always wearing

A statue of Monty at the D-Day Story Museum

Discussing Monty's beret, which famously carried two badges, specialist Mr Smith said: 'I'm standing next to Monty's beret. The Field Marshal's badge on this side, and here, the badge of the Royal Tank Regiment.

'Completely illegal, two badges on one beret.'

Henry said: 'Our understanding is that when grandfather took command of the Eighth Army in North Africa, he wanted to be recognised by the soldiers.

'But he started with an Australian bush hat, and apparently he was being driven by a driver who was in the tank regiment, and he was complaining about the bush hat because it kept on blowing off in the wind.

'Sergeant Jim Fraser gave him his beret, I think, and said, ''Sir, you ought to be wearing this.'''

Mr Smith said: 'And he then sewed, in those days, the general's badge onto it, but left the Tank Corps badge on, as that link.'

He added: 'Monty himself said at one point, this beret is worth three divisions. When the men see it in the distance, they say ''There's Monty!'' And then they will fight for anybody.'

Viewers of Antiques Roadshow have taken to social media to comment on the likeness between Monty and his grandson Henry.

'Catching up with Antiques Roadshow...Monty's grandson is like another double!' one viewer wrote on X.

Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery almost gave away the date of the D-Day landings in a speech that was meant to rally the troops

British war hero Field Marshal Montgomery hung portraits of Nazi generals - including a signed photo of his nemesis Erwin Rommel - on the walls of his caravan in order to get to know his enemy

The Allied commander (pictured here in 1946), affectionately known as Monty, went on to defeat 'Desert Fox' Rommel's Afrikakorps in a battle widely hailed as one of the turning points in the Second World War in October 1942

Two of the three caravans, pictured, were captured by the Allies - the first, from Annibale Bergonzoli in February 1941 in Libya, and the second from another Italian general in May 1943 - while the third was custom built in Manchester

Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, Churchill, and Monty in Normandy in 1944

Interior view of General Montgomery's Office Caravan in the Land Warfare Exhibition at IWM Duxford

Monty kept a small statue of St George and the Dragon on his desk (pictured)

D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Monty inadvertently included the date of the secret mission in a rousing speech he had written

Eighty years ago in Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history took place, which saw an allied force of more than 150,000 British, Canadian and American troops land in a combined naval, air and ground assault on Nazi-occupied France.

In another emotional clip from Antiques Roadshow, a soldier who stepped onto the beach and straight into battle aged 18 detailed his memories 80 years on.

Ken Cooke, 98, said: 'We set off for [Gold] Beach. I can't describe the noise. You can't describe the noise. It was that horrendous.

'I stepped off into six inches of water. There were explosions going off and what have you, but all I was bothered about was my wet socks.'

He added: 'There were bodies rolling about in the water. But we didn't have time to look round or anything. The sergeants and the officers [said] ''right lads, get off the beach as soon as you can. If anybody gets hit, don't stop.''

'And that's what we did. We got away off the beach as quick as possible.

US Troops wading through water after reaching Normandy and landing Omaha beach on D Day

The famous D-Day landings, codenamed Operation Overlord, took place on June 6, 1944

Reacting to the emotional episode, viewers took to social media to share how they were left in tears

'It was the following day that it all struck home what was happening. And as you were having breakfast, you'd look round and you'd say, ''where's blondie? Where's Harry?'' And somebody would say, ''well remember that tank that got blown up on the beach? They were standing next to it''.

'That's when it sank in here, that these bullets coming towards you were real.'

Reacting to the emotional episode of Antiques Roadshow, viewers took to social media to share how they were left in tears by the programme.

'I cried my eyes out watching last night's Antiques Roadshow special from the D-Day beaches,' one viewer said on X.

'Just watched Antiques Roadshow commemorating D-Day and I now appear to have a bit of dust in my eyes,' another wrote.

A third said: 'Not one normally for the Antiques Roadshow, but the D-Day special that was on tonight was incredible. Truly moving.'

Another added: 'Superb programme, very moving and humbling...'
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has issued a warning following a volcanic eruption.

The USGS issued the warning early this morning after the Kilauea volcano erupted within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after midnight according to CBS News.

The alert indicated that the current volcano alert level and aviation color code are marked warning and red, which means that ash is expected to be on the ground and in the atmosphere.

Glow is visible in webcam imagery, indicating that lava is currently erupting from fissures, the update read.

The USGS could not clarify how long the eruption will last but that its observatory is continuing to monitor the volcano and update the alert if necessary.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has issued a warning after the Kilauea volcano erupted this morning

The alert indicated that the current volcano alert level and aviation color code are marked warning and red, which means that ash is expected to be on the ground and in the atmosphere

The Kilauea volcano was formed underwater around 280,000 years ago, and it is the youngest and most active volcano in Hawaii according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Hawaiian residents have believed this volcano to be the home of the volcanic deity Pelehonuamea, which is a name for the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire.

Kilauea volcano has erupted more than 60 times since its creation in the 1800s, and the effects of its eruptions are the same.

The eruptions release high levels of volcanic gas, which is primarily made up of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Sulfur dioxide could also create volcanic smog (vog) - a haze made up of gas and an aerosol of particles and droplets created when gasses emitted from a volcano interact with sunlight, atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and dust.

Vog can be a health hazard for residents and guests with a history of respiratory issues according to the USGS.

Sulfur dioxide can also cause skin irritation, tissue and mucous membrane irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, and respiratory distress.

Individuals can also suffer from flu-like symptoms, lack of energy, and be at high risk of accidents when driving in traffic.

Kilauea volcano has erupted more than 60 times since its creation in the 1800s. The 2018 disruption destroyed more than 700 homes

The USGS cannot confirm when they expect the volcanic activity to end. This is the first eruption to hit that Hawaiian region since 1974

The Kilauea volcanos recent eruption before this was in September 2023, and it lasted for about a week, according to the USGS.

The eruption caused damage to Mayana Kia Road and various closures and delays near one of Hawaiis summits.

However, the Kilauea volcanos eruption in 2018 destroyed 700 homes and triggered thousands of earthquakes, one being a magnitude of 6.9 according to Fox Weather.

A Kilauea volcano eruption has not occurred in the current Hawaiian region since December 1974 that lasted for six hours.
Dramatic photos show the extent of Ford's $950million transformation of a century-old Detroit train station set to be automaker's new tech campus.

The Michigan Central train station has set empty and derelict for decades, becoming a symbol of Detroit's decline.

But the building has been given a new lease of life following a massive six-year, multimillion-dollar renovation and is now home to Ford Motor Co. and the centerpiece of a sprawling 30-acre mobility innovation district.

The building's first tenant, Google's Code Next Detroit computer science education program, is expected to move in by late June.

Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Sandy Baruah said: 'It is perhaps the most powerful story in Michigan of the power of historic renovation.'

The Michigan Central train station has sat empty and derelict for decades, becoming a symbol of Detroit's decline

But the building has been given a new lease of life following a massive six-year, multimillion-dollar renovation

'To turn something that was blight into something that is hugely attractive and is an anchor as opposed to a deficit is huge.'

The restoration effort was part of Ford's more than $900 million project to create a place where new transportation and mobility ideas are nurtured and developed.

It is expected to bring with it thousands of tech-related jobs. Restaurants, new hotels and other service-industry businesses already are moving into and near Corktown.

The century-old 500,000-square-foot building and its surrounding grounds took more than 3,100 workers 1.7 million hours of labor to renovate.

The numbers offer a glimpse of the scale of the project.

Workers restored 29,000 Gustavino tiles in its Grand Hall and laid 8.6 million miles of new grout across the 21,000-square-foot ceiling.

They restored and replicated 8 million bricks, 23,000 square feet of marble flooring and 90,000 square feet of decorative plaster.

Bill Ford, the automakers executive chair and great-grandson of its legendary founder, Henry Ford said: 'It was always my hope that this project would be a catalyst for moving the city and our industry together into the future.

'Its always the future. Were just getting started, now. Took a long time for us to get here and a lot of hard work and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to this point.'

The restoration effort was part of Ford's more than $900 million project to create a place where new transportation and mobility ideas are nurtured and developed

Workers restored 29,000 Gustavino tiles in its Grand Hall and laid 8.6 million miles of new grout across the 21,000-square-foot ceiling

The train station's history reflects the city's fortunes during its heyday as the world's car capital and later misfortunes as thousands of auto workers and other residents fled Detroit for life in the suburbs.

Michigan Central Railroad started purchasing land around 1908 in Corktown, the city's oldest neighborhood, for the new train station, according to HistoricDetroit.org.

The depot opened in late 1913. But as traveling by train gave way to commuter air travel and as more Americans chose to use the nation's interstates, the numbers of people coming through Michigan Central steadily dropped.

The last train pulled out in 1988 and for years after the building fell into disrepair, neglect and abandonment.

It became a destination for the curious and urban adventurers seeking out such places.

The depot opened in late 1913. But as traveling by train gave way to commuter air travel and as more Americans chose to use the nation's interstates, the numbers of people coming through Michigan Central steadily dropped

The last train pulled out in 1988 and for years after the building fell into disrepair, neglect and abandonment

Other buildings in Detroit, particularly factories, suffered the same or similar fate, but due to Michigan Central's size it became a symbol of the city's decline.

Redevelopment by its former owner never materialized.

Then in 2018, Ford announced it was buying the 18-story building and adjacent structures as part of its plans for a more than 1 million square foot campus focusing on autonomous vehicles.

'There's a lot of innovation going on here,' said Jim Farley, Ford chief executive.

'Very much the future of the company is going to be housed here and on the campus. It represents our future revenues.'

It became a destination for the curious and urban adventurers seeking out such places

The abandoned train station was the national symbol of Detroits decline and bankruptcy

It was on the cover of Time magazine under the headline `bankruptcy.

In December, state officials announced three proposed housing development efforts intended to meet housing needs around Michigan Central and the innovation district.

The significance of Michigan Central's rebirth is not lost on Mayor Mike Duggan, whose administration has guided Detroit back to respectability since the city's 2014 exit from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

'Ive been waiting 40 years for this day and so have all long-time to Detroiters, so its going to be very special,' Duggan said last week. 'Itll be a very emotional day.'

'The abandoned train station was the national symbol of Detroits decline and bankruptcy,' he explained.

'It was on the cover of Time magazine under the headline `bankruptcy. So the fact that not only has the city come back, but that the train station has come back in such a spectacular way and the place where were going to be designing the automobiles of the future. Its now about the future, not about the past.'
The FBI recovered Brian Laundrie's disturbing notes and drawings from his family home - as the family of his murdered fiancee Gabby Petito sent a searing message to his 'mastermind' mom.

Files obtained by the New York Post showed Laundrie had written about wanting to kill and self-immolate himself months before he began dating Petito.

'About a year ago I went in to a type of mania where I was smashing holes in the wall with my head, kicking throug (sic) paintings, tearing whatever I was working on, pouring gasoline on myself to burn alive but getting the lighter wet, parking out in murderland listening to Mac [unclear, but may be 'DeMarco'] with a gun to my head, wrestling alligators,' Laundrie wrote in his diary on October 26, 2018.

'I wanted to die and the weird thing is nothing's changed, but the [timer's] running down.'

'Under the mattress I'm on is a loaded 357 magnum revolver. A pull of the trigger and all my problems will be over,' he wrote.

Disturbing notes and drawings were recovered during a raid of Brian Laundrie's family home after the body of his murdered fiancee Gabby Petito was found

Brian had murdered Gabby in Wyoming on a cross-country 'van life' road trip in 2021

Two years later, Laundrie and Petito embarked on their fateful cross-country road trip where it would later be revealed that he strangled his fiancee to death.

In an undated diary entry Laundrie described a nightmare he had which appeared to be about Petito leaving him.

'The ocean pours out of her blue eyes and the fire is out. With one word the pain is gone. "Brian?,"' Laundrie wrote.

'Oh how sweet she is to say we should get together, but you know when you walk out that door shell be gone forever again. Your (sic) back in the car, haunted by the eyes youll never look into again.'

'The pain burns fresh because you know its just tonight. You wake up and your (sic) both free,' Laundrie wrote.

Other items the FBI collected include hundreds of bullets, several magazines, and a bill of sale and handbooks for Ruger .380 and Glock 49 mm pistols and a compound bow fitted with a rifle scope.

Reading material found included copies of 'The Watchtower,' an illustrated religious magazine published by New-York based Jehovahs Witnesses, and Chuck Palahniuks novel, 'Choke,' about a scam artist who pretends to choke on food to earn sympathy checks from others.

Months before the couple started dating, Laundrie had written about wanting to kill and self-immolate himself

Gabby's family ripped into Brian Laundrie's mother by using the words she wrote in a letter to her son to raise money for domestic violence victim

Gabby's family ripped into Brian Laundrie's mother by using the words she wrote in a letter to her son to raise money for domestic violence victims.

Brian had murdered Gabby in Wyoming on a cross-country 'van life' road trip in 2021. He later went missing and after a manhunt, was found dead in Florida.

An undated letter from his mother Roberta had 'burn after reading' written on the envelope and said that she would 'dispose of a body' if needed because she loved him so much.

Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, and stepmother, Tara Petito wore matching shirts with 'burn after reading' emblazoned in the front to CrimeCon2024 in Nashville over the weekend, Fox News reported.

Schmidt accused Laundrie's mother Roberta of being 'the mastermind' who 'shattered her family' during a talk at the event.

'As for you, Roberta, and I call you out individually because you are evidently the mastermind that shattered your family and mine with your evil ways, I see no empathy in your eyes,' she said.

'No remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions.'

The 'burn after reading' shirts are being sold on the Gabby Petito Foundation website where proceeds go to organizations that support locating missing persons and to provide aid to organizations that assist victims of domestic violence.

Schmidt shocked the packed auditorium saying, 'I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you.'

'I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness, and I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life.'

Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt (left), and stepmother, Tara Petito (right) wore matching shirts with 'burn after reading' emblazoned in the front to CrimeCon2024 in Nashville

Schmidt never had the chance to face her daughter's killer who strangled her during a cross-country trip in 2021 and then killed himself, leaving a note confessing.

The Petitos sued the parents of Laundrie and accused them of knowing that their son had murdered Gabby, and helping him with the coverup of her death.

The Petito family was seeking damages of at least $100,000 and hoped to hold Christopher and Roberta Laundrie accountable for their actions and choices.

Petito's remains were found at Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest in September 2021 and her death was ruled a homicide by manual strangulation.

On October 20 2021, Brian Laundrie's remains were found and he was later concluded to have shot himself.

The FBI was subsequently able to find that he had written in a notebook that he was responsible for the death of Ms. Petito.
President Joe Biden offered his congratulations to Mexico's new leftist president Claudia Sheinbaum, as he anticipates a new chapter in U.S.-Mexico relations where the border crisis is certain to cause frictions.

'I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico,' Biden said following her victory in the race to succeed the loquacious President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who sometimes subjected the 81-year old U.S. president to long digressions during their joint meetings.

'I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries. I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples,' the president said.

Biden congratulated the scientist and the Mexican people 'for conducting a nationwide successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at the local, state, and federal levels.'

The change in power comes months before the November elections, after illegal immigration has caused Biden constant headaches during his term.

'I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries,' President Joe Biden said in a statement Monday. He is expected to sign a sweeping new immigration order Tuesday

Biden is set to sign a new executive order Tuesday that will ban migrants who cross the border illegally from requesting asylum, the Wall Street Journal reported. The move address some of the criticisms of his critics who say Biden hasn't done nearly enough at an out of control border, but could also concern supporters who banked on his pledges to set up a more humane immigration system.

The move was debated internally, and the courts blocked Donald Trump from a similar move.

Sheinbaum made history by being elected as the first woman president of Mexico, following a historic landslide win on Sunday.

In a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence, the win represents a major step for Mexico.

Biden visited Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City. Illegal immigration has been a problem throughout his term

Set to begin a six-year term on October 1, the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist has a very different personality from her mentor and current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Born in Mexico City in 1962 to two scientist parents, Sheinbaum is also a proud mother, stepmother, and grandmother, and is married to a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico.

The new President, who is of the ruling MORENA Party, won around 58-60 percent of the votes, according to preliminary official results from the National Electoral Institute.

Here, MailOnline delves into everything you need to know about Mexico's first woman President Claudia Sheinbaum, including her long list of accolades and achievements.

Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by being elected as the first woman President of Mexico, following a historic landslide win on Sunday

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

As well as being the newly elected President of Mexico, Sheinbaum has an impressive history as a scientist and academic.

She studied physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) where she earned her undergraduate degree, before going on to complete a master's degree and Ph.D.

The science and politics fanatic credits her family for her passion - her father is a chemical engineer, her mother is a cell biologist, and her brother is a physicist.

In 1995, she received her Ph.D in energy engineering from UNAM and went on to establish her career as a climate scientist, including participating in the United Nations Intergovernmental Pane that was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for their report.

In the same year she recieved her Ph.D, Sheinbaum also earned the prize of best UNAM young researcher in engineering and technological innovation.

As an expert in her field, she has authored more than 100 articles, as well as two books which focus on the environment, energy, and sustainable development.

In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Sheinbaum said, 'I believe in science.'

As an expert in her field, she has authored more than 100 articles, as well as two books which focus on the environment, energy, and sustainable development

Set to begin a six-year term on October 1, the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist has a very different personality from her mentor and current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

How long has Claudia Sheinbaum been involved in politics?

Sheinbaum's political career began in 2000 when served as Secretary of the Environment under Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador when he was Head of Government.

She served as Delegational Chief of Mexico City's largest borough, the Tlaplan borough, between 2015 and 2017.

She was then elected Head of Government in Mexico City in 2018, making her their first female mayor - a position she served in until 2023.

Her mayoral campaign had an emphasis on curbing crime and enforcing zoning laws - she also made key decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic, with her city of some 9 million people taking a different approach from what Lopez Obrador espoused at the national level.

While the federal government was downplaying the importance of coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing regimen.

Sheinbaum set limits on businesses' hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading, even though Lopez Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy.

And she publicly wore protective masks and urged social distancing while the President was still lunging into crowds.

As well as being the first woman President and breaking the political glass ceiling, Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

As well as being the newly elected President of Mexico, Sheinbaum has an impressive history as a scientist and academic

In 1995, she received her Ph.D in energy engineering from UNAM and went on establish her career as a climate scientist, including participating in a United Nations panel that was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize (Pictured in 2020 talking to the press about the spread of coronavirus)

A supporter of Sheinbaum takes a selfie with a campaign poster during her closing campaign rally

Is Claudia Sheinbaum married and does she have children?

Claudia Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962 to parents Annie Pardo Cemo and Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, who are both scientists - her brother Julio is also a physicist.

The new President is married to Jesus Maria Tarriba Unger, a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico, who she began dating in 2016 - the pair met while they were both studying physics at university.

She announced their marriage in November 2023 on social media, writing that the couple are 'very happy' after an inimate ceremony with family.

Sheinbaum was previously married to Carlos Imaz, who became a prominent figure in the Party of the Democratic Revolution, during his time at Stanford University.

They got married in 1987 and seperated in 2016 - they have a daughter called Mariana who was born in 1988.

Sheinbaum became a stepmother to Imaz's son from a previous marriage, Rodrigo, whom she went on to raise.

Back in April, she shared a heartwarming photo of her shoulder tattoo of three butterflies, which she said represents herself and her two children.

The new President is married to Jesus Maria Tarriba Unger, a financial risk analyst for the Bank of Mexico, who she began dating in 2016

She announced their marriage in November 2023 on social media, writing that the couple are 'very happy' after an inimate ceremony with family

Claudia Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962 to parents Annie Pardo Cemo and Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, who are both scientists

Sheinbaum became a stepmother to Imaz's son from a previous marriage, Rodrigo, whom she went on to raise (pictured together in 2022)

She also has one grandchild called Pablo, who she fondly shared a snap with on social media recently

Back in April, she shared a heartwarming photo of her shoulder tattoo of three butterflies, which she said represents herself and her two children

She also has one grandchild called Pablo, who she fondly shared a snap with on social media recently.

Sharing an image of the two playing together, she penned: 'It's always a great happiness to be able to spend time with my family. It's beautiful to see Pablo, my grandosn growing up. I wish everyone a family day.'

What has Claudia Sheinbaum promised for Mexico?

Now she has secured her victory, the next challenge for Sheinbaum will be taking over from her longtime mentor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue all of Lopez Obradors populist policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice.

Mexico's persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1.

On the campaign trail, she said little more than that she would expand the quasi-military National Guard created by Lopez Obrador and continue his strategy of targeting social ills that make so many young Mexicans easy targets for cartel recruitment.

'Let it be clear, it doesnt mean an iron fist, wars or authoritarianism,' Sheinbaum said of her approach to tackling criminal gangs, during her final campaign event.

'We will promote a strategy of addressing the causes and continue moving toward zero impunity.'

The scientist has also promised to expand welfare programs, though Mexico has a large deficit this year and sluggish GDP growth of just 1.5% expected by the central bank next year.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue all of Lopez Obrador's populist policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice

Mexico's persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has been a mentor to Sheinbaum

Sheinbaum has praised Lopez Obrador profusely and said little that the President hasn't said himself.

She blamed neoliberal economic policies for condemning millions to poverty, promised a strong welfare state and praised Mexico's large state-owned oil company, Pemex, while also promising to emphasize clean energy.

'For me, being from the left has to do with that, with guaranteeing the minimum rights to all residents,' Sheinbaum told the AP last year.

In contrast to Lopez Obrador, who seemed to relish his highly public battles with other branches of the government and also the news media, Sheinbaum is expected by many observers to be less combative or at least more selective in picking her fights.

'It appears she's going to go in a different direction,' said Ivonne Acuna Murillo, a political scientist at Iberoamerican University. 'I dont know how much.'
Donald Trump gave an update on his son Barron's future plans after his youngest son graduated from high school last month.

The ex-president did not reveal where his son would be headed to college in the fall, but he suggested it could be 'different' after the protests on campuses across the country.

Trump's comments came in an interview with Fox & Friends over the weekend. It was his first sit down after being conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

'What about Barron? People are starting to focus on Barron recently,' said co-anchor Will Cain in the expansive interview.

'He's amazing actually in a certain way. You know, he's tall, good looking guy. Hes a very good student,' Trump responded.

'He's applied to colleges and gets into everywhere he goes,' Trump went on. 'You know, he's very sought after from the standpoint he's a very smart guy. He's a very tall guy. But hes -- and hes a -- he's a great kid.'

Barron Trump attending his graduation ceremony in West Palm Beach, FL on May 17

The ex-president was in attendance with wife and former First Lady Melania Trump to watch their 18-year-old son graduate from Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach on May 17.

The couple was all smiles as they sat in the bleachers and applauded as Barron walked across the stage.

Now that he is done with high school, speculation has been rampant about where Barron might be attending college.

The former president described his son in his interview with Fox & Friends as 'pretty cool' but he raised questions over whether Barron would be on a campus come fall after the protests that have been taking place at schools nationwide.

'You know, it's very interesting though, colleges, you know, six months ago you looked at a college and you sort of want a certain college, and then you see all of these colleges are rioting,' Trump said.

'And maybe you want to go to a different kind of college because there's plenty of colleges that we also like that are different, and they don't riot,' he added.

Barron Trump with his father former President Donald Trump

Former First Lady Melania Trump seated next to her husband Donald Trump smiles as Barron Trump graduates from high school on May 17

Trump describes his youngest son a 'tall, good looking guy; and a 'very good student' in an interview with Fox & Friends

Trump, 77, has suggested in the past that he was weighing going to the University of Pennsylvania which is where Trump graduated. He was also rumored to be considering New York University before his father was convicted by a New York jury.

Little is known about Barron's time in high school. There was a rare sighting of him in a school Instagram post in April where he was standing at the back of a photo taken of the Monte Carlo-themed prom with his fellow Class of 24 students.

He has not been seen on the campaign trail with his father, unlike some of his older adult siblings. Melania has been known to be very protective of her son since they were in the White House.

But last week, it was reported that Trump brought the 18-year-old with him to a meeting that included Elon Musk and billionaire Nelson Peltz as Trump mounts his bid for a second term in the White House.

The Wall Street Journal reported Barron was in attendance at Peltz's Palm Beach estate in March.

Barron had also been announced as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, but Melania's office later announced he had to decline to participate 'due to prior commitments.'

Barron's years at his elite private school in West Palm Beach were shrouded in secrecy with the former First Lady determined to keep her son out of the private eye

Barron with is father and mother Donald and Melania Trump after Trump was sworn in as president in 2017

Melania and Barron Trump were among the family members who were at Trump Tower for the ex-president's press conference on Friday following his conviction. But they did not attend the press conference in the lobby.

Neither were in attendance as Trump appeared in the Manhattan criminal court for trial.
The White House announced Monday that President Joe Biden would not attend a 'peace summit' scheduled in Switzerland with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but would send Vice President Kamala Harris instead.

The news is a blow to Zelensky who has publicly been pressuring Biden to attend the summit, planned for June 15-16 at the luxury Burgenstock hotel after the G-7 summit meetings for world leaders in Italy.

Biden has other plans, as he is scheduled to leave the G-7 summit and return to Los Angeles for an A-list fundraiser with former President Barack Obama, actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Kimmel will moderate a conversation between Biden and Obama during the fundraiser where tickets go as much as $500,000 for the Biden victory fund.

Last week, Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin would celebrate if Biden did not attend the peace summit.

'Putin will only applaud his absence, personally applaud it - and standing, at that,' he said on Tuesday.

President Joe Biden will not attend a peace summit in Switzerland with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

He also recorded a video in a Ukrainian war zone publicly urging Biden to attend.

'I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the Global Peace Summit,' he said, specifically mentioning Biden.

But the White House defended Biden's decision to skip the summit, as White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reminded Zelensky that the president remained a fervent supporter of Ukraine.

'Ukraine has no stronger champion than President Biden and the United States has actively participated in every single one of the previous Ukraine peace summits,' Kirby said to reporters on Monday.

He added that Biden's National Security advisor Jake Sullivan would also attend the meeting with Harris, calling it a significant message of support.

Joe Biden is attending a high-dollar fundraiser in Los Angeles instead of a peace summit in Switzerland with Ukrainian President Zelensky

Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the peace summit in Switzerland with Zelensky

'We're sending the vice president of the United States and the National Security Adviser to this particular peace summit ... that that alone is a high level, very serious representation by the United States,' he said.

Harris frequently trumpets her contributions to foreign policy on the campaign trail, telling donors that world leaders frequently speak to her about the need for she and Biden to win reelection.

'I cannot tell you how many times one of those leaders has pulled me aside and talked about how much the world relies on us and on Joe Bidens leadership,' she said Wednesday.
A man has today been charged with the manslaughter of a young mother who was found dead on a railway line hours after being reported missing.

Relatives raised the alarm after Kiena Dawes, 23, left her nine-month-old daughter, Marnie, with a close friend and vanished on July 22 last year.

She was classified as a high-risk missing person over previous claims she had been an assault victim, with searches conducted around her home town of Fleetwood, Lancashire by worried family and friends as well as police.

Tragically, however, despite officers being passed the registration plate of her white BMW, the mother-of-one was found five hours later on a railway line near Garstang after having been hit by a train.

Before her death she allegedly sent a message to a friend reading: 'I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster.'

Ryan Wellings, 30, of Bispham, Blackpool, has been charged with the manslaughter of Kiena Dawes, 23, of Fleetwood, Lancashire

Wellings was released on conditional bail to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on July 10

Her grieving family later slammed Lancashire Police, the force whose response to mortgage advisor Nicola Bulley's disappearance from a nearby village last year sparked a chorus of criticism.

Today the force said that following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it had charged Ryan Wellings, 30, with her manslaughter, as well as controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Wellings, formerly from Fleetwood but now of Bispham, Blackpool, was released on conditional bail to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on July 10.

Following Ms Dawes' death, her brother Kynan, 29, paid tribute to her as a 'bubbly' and 'amazing young girl' who had just wanted a 'happy life'.

Criticising Lancashire Police, he added: 'They let down Kiena in life  and failed her in her last moments.'

The force referred themselves to the police watchdog, which launched a probe into whether it had acted sufficiently swiftly in response to reports of violence against Ms Dawes.

Last month the Independent Office for Police Conduct announced that one officer would face gross misconduct proceedings, with two others accused of misconduct.

At the time, Lancashire Police said it could not issue further updates until the criminal investigation into Ms Dawes' death had concluded.

Ms Bulley, 45, drowned in the River Wyre while walking her dog in St Michael's-on-Wyre, Lancashire on January 27 last year.

Her body was found three weeks later on February 19 after a huge search effort which sparked global headlines and a string of conspiracy theories.

Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, later ruled the mother-of-two's death was accidental and that she did not have 'any desire' to take her own life.

Lancashire Police faced a storm of criticism after revealing Ms Bulley had been experiencing 'significant issues with alcohol' brought on by her struggle with the menopause.

Three police officers from the same force that handled the search for Nicola Bulley (pictured) are to face disciplinary action over the case of Ms Dawes

A report later revealed that her family had asked for the reference to menopause to be made public after officers advised them it was a necessary step to clamp down on misinformed speculation.

However, it concluded that the shock revelation was 'avoidable and unnecessary'.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can contact The Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123 for help and support.
A Metropolitan Police trainer took her own life after the actions of her employer made her mental health worse, an inquest has found.

Nicola Forster, 45, a safety training officer at Hendon Police College in north London, was found dead at her home in September 2022.

She developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her work during the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 and had been suffering with anxiety and depression, Central Bedfordshire Coroner's Court previously heard.

The coroner concluded that Ms Forster's mental health was 'exacerbated' by the actions of her employer.

The police trainer's mental health declined from autumn 2021, when she found herself under increasing pressure at work and had lost access to counselling, the inquest heard.

Nicola Forster, 45, a safety training officer at Hendon Police College in North London developed mental health issues after working on the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017

Concluding an inquest into her death, coroner Emma Whitting said line management decisions had contributed to 'a further significant deterioration' in Ms Forster's mental health.

The coroner also found Ms Forster could have been referred to occupational health (OH) for support and counselling at an earlier stage.

Ms Forster had said to colleagues that her line manager, Inspector Hayley Webb, was 'out to get her' and that she failed to act on requests for an occupational health referral, the inquest previously heard.

Ms Forster had also said to colleagues in text messages that Ms Webb was a bully who was 'gunning' for her.

Giving her findings, Ms Whitting said: 'It is clear to the court that the Metropolitan Police service (MPS) were aware of Nikki's mental health history and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the MPS knew or could have discovered that her PTSD was work-related.

'Following Nikki's decline in her mental health, there were opportunities for Nikki to have been referred to OH at an earlier stage for support and counselling.

'Line management decisions regarding Nikki reflected a focus on managing upwards and were supported by the senior leadership team; these were at the expense of Nikki's personal and occupational welfare which contributed to a further significant deterioration in her mental health and, ultimately, to her death.'

An occupational health referral was discussed with Ms Webb, her line manager, in November 2021 but was not progressed until May 2022, when she was also issued with informal management action.

A coroner concluded that Ms Forster's mental health was 'exacerbated' by the actions of her employer. She was found dead in her home in 2022 by her partner

Ms Forster's mental health had declined further following a negative performance review, which Insp Webb brought up during the meeting, Bedfordshire coroner's court was told

During an absence review on July 20 2022, Ms Forster told a welfare officer that receiving a 'not performing' grade on her recent performance review had 'tipped her over the edge', the court heard.

Ms Forster, who was born in Stockton-on-Tees, had been signed off from work approximately three months before her death, and had medication prescribed by her GP.

Ms Webb told the senior leadership team on September 6 2022 that Ms Forster's PTSD was not work-related and 'should not attract favourable discretion', and her pay should not be extended as a result, the inquest heard.

The night before her death, Ms Forster told her partner Dr Amy Popple that she was struggling to sleep, the inquest previously heard.

Dr Popple wrote in a statement that she had become very emotional about how she was perceived by her team when she was told they 'had no faith in her'.

Forster had confided in her 'close friend' and colleague Liz Hockley that she had asked Insp Webb for an occupational health referral in February 2022 but she had not completed one.

In an emotional email to Hockley, Forster said she felt like a 'target' because Insp Webb 'saw a weakness at that time' and that she had 'not been supported by the organisation when I needed help'.

'I massively feel that this is discrimination I could understand if I hadn't asked for support - but I did,' she wrote.

'Hayley Webb forced my staff into talking about me I've had almost 23 years in this job and never have I been treated like this by a line manager.'

Ms Forster spoke with Dr Popple the night before she was found dead in which she said she had taken a sleeping pill as she was struggling to sleep, but it had not worked.

She was found dead at her home on September 28, 2022, when Popple went to her house in the morning after growing concerned when she could not get in contact with her.

The front and back doors were locked and keys were in the doors from the inside.

She was found dead in her house in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, by her partner on September 28 2022.

Clare Davies, Chief People and Resources Officer, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Sergeant Nicola Forster. We are truly saddened by the loss of a colleague, and in such tragic circumstances.

'It is a matter of deep regret that Nicola took her life and didn't feel well enough supported through the range of support the Met had been providing in the months leading up to Nicola's death.

'It is vitally important that all our officers and staff feel properly supported at work. Ensuring the organisation does this well is all-the-more essential given the significant demands that come with working in policing.

'Over recent months we have been investing heavily to improve officer and staff wellbeing. This includes better trauma support, increasing the amount of psychological screening, launching an enhanced wellbeing programme and increasing our team of counsellors.

'Alongside, we are introducing new leadership development programmes at all levels to ensure we are proactively supporting our line managers in building and maintaining the skills they need, as well as increasing the level of local specialist HR support in place for managers who are often dealing with complex people issues.

'We will now carefully work through the Coroner's findings to learn any lessons as an organisation.'
A maid of honor and a ring bearer killed and at least 30 people were injured after the roof collapsed at a country house in northern Colombia province of Cesar.

More than 80 guests gathered to celebrate the wedding of Ebed Calderon and Camilo Andrade when the ceiling caved on Saturday night around 8:30 pm at Casa Hotel Riasco in municipality of Valledupar.

Authorities said the roof collapsed have been caused by blockage in the drain pipes that didn't allow the heavy rain to flow that fell in the municipality of Valledupar on Saturday night.

'The drain pipes were apparently covered in dry leaves and debris. When it rained, the water had nowhere to go and the concrete structure collapsed,' said Petra Romero, director of Cesar's Risk Management Office.'

The victims were identified as Naileth Guerra, 22, and Sharay Maldonado, 13.

The injured guests were rushed to three area clinics and one hospital.

Naileth Guerra, the maid of honor, was killed after the roof of a country house collapsed during a wedding celebration Casa Hotel Riasco inn Cesar, Colombia on Saturday night. Authorities said the tragedy may have been caused by heavy rain in the municipality of Valledupar

Sharay Maldonado, the ring bearer, was seeking refuge under a table when the roof collapsed over her

A wedding guest attempts to help a person crawling under the rubble after the roof collapsed at a wedding venue in Colombia on Saturday night. Two people were killed

First responders carry out one of the 30 guests who were injured by the roof collapse

At least three people are in critical condition, including Guerra's mother, local media outlets reported.

Footage on social media showed an adult attempting to help a young girl who was trapped under the debris.

One of the wedding guests told El Tiempo newspaper that Guerra and Maldonado were sought protection under tables after a lightning strike briefly knocked out the electricity.

'In the midst of the downpour, it felt like a thunder explosion. That's when the lights went out. It returned immediately,' the witness said.

'A few minutes later, one of the structures there collapsed. People ran away. Naileth and the girl tried to take refuge under the tables, but they were crushed.'

Deivis Hernandez told Noticias RCN that he heard a loud noise just moments before the roof gave way.

'We heard a noise like when the branch of a giant tree breaks. That was more or less the sound,' he said. 'We were all alarmed and suddenly, in a matter of seconds, everything began to collapse. We were left in the dark, we began to look for the exit.'

Ebed Calderon and Camilo Andrade wedding celebration was marred by tragedy Saturday night after the maid of honor and ring girl were killed after the roof of the country house they rented caved in during a rain storm

Authorities are investigating the collapse of a country house's roof at Casa Hotel Riasco that left two people dead and at least 30 injured

Ebed Calderon shared a photo of her surrounded by her bridesmaids, including Naileth Guerra, the maid of honor, who was killed

Authorities in the northern Colombia province of Cesar believe the country house's roof caved in because the drain pipes were blocked with leaves and garbage

Just hours before the wedding, Calderon shared a video on social media surrounded by her five bridesmaids.

Calderon lamented Guerra's death in a heartbreaking post on her Instagram account Sunday.

'My beautiful friend, my queen, my cutie, the one with the noblest heart, I can't believe all this. My God, I begged you so much,' she wrote.

'My soul hurts. We had so many dreams. It hurts me a lot,' she added. 'I just ask God to bring immense comfort to all of us who love you with our hearts. 'My God, I don't understand, Father, why, my God, help us.'
As Hunter Biden's historic gun case kicked off in Wilmington, Delaware Monday, all eyes will be on the Trump-appointed judge handling the case: Judge Maryellen Noreika.

Politico reported Sunday that just last month, Noreika doubled the recommended sentence of a defendant who pleaded guilty to a similar gun crime.

On May 2, Noreika found that defendant Zhi Dong should go to prison for a year - not the six months suggested by prosecutors.

Dong was accused of lying on government forms about his address when he bought guns in Delaware.

He purchased 19 pistols and 10 lower receivers in Delaware using a Newark, Delaware address and a Delaware driver's license at several federal firearms licensees in the state.

The Trump-appointed Judge Maryellen Noreika (left) is in charge of Hunter Biden's (right) firearms case in Delaware. She recently doubled the sentence of another defendant who lied on firearms forms saying he was a resident of Delaware when he actually lived in Maryland

One of the gun shop owners contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 'because of concerns about the quantity and price of the firearms as well as Defendant's perceived eagerness to retrieve the firearms,' court documents read.

Soon after purchasing the firearms, Dong traveled to California in a rental car with another individual and left the guns at a California gun store and then flew back to the east coast.

Once questioned by authorities, Dong admitted that he wasn't a resident of Delaware. He also admitted that he transported firearms to California.

Law enforcement was able to recover 28 of the 29 guns.

Dong was indicted on two counts of false statements during the purchase of a firearm and pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors argued that six months of jail time was sufficient because while Dong's conduct was 'serious and is indicative of trafficking firearms' he also no previous criminal record.

'His only run in with law enforcement appears to be traffic-related and was dismissed,' court papers said.

Security stands outside the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, where Hunter Biden's gun case kicked off Monday. The first son will be in front of a judge appointed by Trump but approved by Delaware's two Democratic senators

They also noted that Dong was legally allowed to own guns and pointed out that he pleaded guilty of the charges.

Prosecutors also observed that the individual accompanying Dong to California 'was the brains of this operation.'

'Because of the nature and circumstances of this offense, as well as Defendant's personal history and characteristics, the government submits that a sentence of 6 months - which represents a downward variance from the sentencing guidelines range - is sufficient but not greater than necessary to accomplish the goals of sentencing,' prosecutors said.

Noreika disagreed and decided to sentence him to one year in jail.

Peter Tilem, a Manhattan defense lawyer who has handled multiple gun cases suggested to Politico that Hunter's defense attorneys should be wary of Noreika - who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, but got the backing of Delaware's two Democratic senators.

'When you see a judge who is willing to basically double the sentencing recommendation of the prosecution, then that's a little bit concerning, obviously for any defense attorney,' Tilem told the website.

Hunter could have a better outcome because he's only accused of buying one gun, while federal sentencing guidelines recommend a harsher punishment for crimes involving three or more firearms.

Additionally his gun was never used in a crime.

Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden who Hunter was dating at the time, threw the gun in a trashcan in front of a Wilmington grocery store in 2018.
China's tunnel boring machines equipped with "smart brains"

People's Daily Online) 13:50, June 03, 2024

China's tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are now gaining "smart brains" through intelligent systems empowered by technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the country's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

A recent milestone in the industry was the launch of Linghang," a super-large diameter slurry shield tunneling machine, in Chongming district, east China's Shanghai by the China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), a subsidiary of China Railway Hi-Tech Industry Co., Ltd. (CRHIC).

Thanks to an intelligent tunnel construction system, the machine boasts a "super brain" capable of independent thinking, intelligent analysis, and autonomous decision-making.

Photo shows a super-large diameter slurry shield tunneling machine named Linghang.Developed by the China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), a subsidiary of China Railway Hi-Tech Industry Co., Ltd. (CRHIC), the machine is equipped with advanced intelligent systems, including a smart excavation and intelligent assembly, and can enable autonomous or assisted tunneling. (Photo/Dong Chaowen)

"Linghang" can enable autonomous or assisted tunneling, marking a new high for China's intelligent shield tunnel construction capacity.

Its technologies concerning smart excavation, intelligent assembly, advanced geological forecasting, tail sealing safety warning, and online condition monitoring are leading domestic innovations.

"'Linghang' will lead China's intelligent shield tunnel construction capacity to new heights," said Jia Lianhui, chief engineer of CREG.

With over 20,000 components in a single TBM, intelligentization and automation have become inevitable trends to ensure the stability and geological adaptability of the machines.

The latest shield construction products manufactured in China are all equipped with intelligent systems.

On May 16, two shield tunneling machines named "Yongzhou" and Dinghai," respectively, were officially started, working in two construction sites across the sea to build the Jintang undersea tunnel linking the Jintang islet of Zhoushan city, east China's Zhejiang Province, and the coastal area of Zhejiang's Ningbo city.

During tunneling operations, the digital TBM systems and intelligent devices of the machines enable real-time data collection, analysis and early warnings to accurately guide excavation while adapting to different geological conditions.

The two mega TBMs used in the Jintang undersea tunnel project, part of a railway connecting Ningbo and Zhoushan, need to cross under oil pipelines, seawalls, wharfs, shipping lanes, as well as other risky areas, and navigate 28 soil transitions, finally meeting 78 meters undersea with a centerline deviation within 2 centimeters  a feat made possible by intelligent guidance systems.

A TBM equipped with multiple intelligent devices is like "a mobile smart construction factory" working deep underground, said Hu Hao, commander of the Ningbo-Zhoushan railway project of China Railway 14th Bureau Group Corporation Ltd.

CREG has also developed the world's first green TBM that automatically optimizes excavation parameters to match subsurface conditions, maximizing efficiency while minimizing energy consumption. The machine rolled off the production line in May 2023, and was exported to serve the construction of tunnels along a high-speed railway in Italy's Sicily Island.

The intelligentization drive extends from equipment design and manufacturing to construction and maintenance across the entire tunneling industry chain in China.

According to Jia, CREG began research on the intelligentization of shield tunneling machines nine years ago.

In March 2015, the group's project, "Basic research on whole-process information-based intelligent control and supporting software for safe and efficient tunneling process of TBMs, was recognized as a key national basic research development program.

The engineering team of CREG has achieved fruitful innovation results and technological applications, including the TBM-SMART system for intelligent tunneling control, which has been deployed on over 30 TBMs, and the TOMD system  the industry's first 24/7 "intelligent doctorwhich monitors key TBM components.

The group will witness a significant improvement in the intelligentization levels of TBM-related manufacturing and construction processes as tunnel builders and TBM manufacturers intensify cooperation with scientific research institutions, according to an executive of the China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Israel's military has confirmed the deaths of four more hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack on a music festival.

Nadav Popplewell, 51, Yoram Metzger, 80, Amiram Cooper, 84, and Chaim Peri, 79, all died several months ago while being held by Hamas in the Khan Younis area, The Times of Israel reported.

Israel's military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the four men died together when the Israel Defense Forces were operating in Khan Younis earlier this year, though he didn't offer a definitive cause of death.

'We are checking all of the options,' Hagari said. 'There are a lot of questions.'

Hamas claimed in May that Popplewell died as a result of an airstrike but has yet to provide evidence, PBS reported. Months earlier, the terrorist organization Al-Qassam Brigades claimed that Peri, Cooper and Metzger were among seven hostages killed in an Israeli airstrike, NBC reported.

Amiram Cooper, left, and Chaim Peri, right, were part of the same kibbutz just a mile outside of Gaza

Yoram Metzger, 80, and Nadav Popplewell, 51, were among the hundreds of Israelis who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7

Amiram Cooper has a son named Rotem who lives in San Diego, as as the attacks in Israel were unfolding, Rotem found out that his father and mother Nurit, 79, were abducted by Hamas.

Amiram and Nurit had called Nir Oz, a kibbutz about a mile outside Gaza, their home for seven decades, being among the first to settle there, ABC San Diego reported last October.

Rotem added that his parents told him they locked themselves in a bomb shelter at their home.

'They told me they basically closed themselves in that room, but there is no way to lock the door,' he said.

Not long after, he couldn't get a hold of his parents, so he flew to Israel as soon as he could, arriving three days later.

Amiram Cooper (second from the right) and Nurit Cooper (red shirt) are pictured with their family

Amiram is pictured with his grandson

Amiram and Nurit are pictured together. The couple was kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz, a kibbutz just outside of Gaza

Rotem found bullet holes in the door leading to his parents' bomb shelter but no blood stains, which gave him hope that they were still alive.

Amiram and Nurit were held in the same room underground along with five other residents from the kibbutz, Rotem told The Times of Israel.

Nurit was released on October 23 and is still recuperating at home with her family.

Metzger, Cooper, and Peri, all near or past 80 years old, were featured in a Hamas propaganda video in December where they are heard pleading with Israel: 'Don't let us grow old here.'

Peri, a resident of Nir Oz along with Cooper and his wife Nurit, explained in the video that he was being held with other elderly hostages with chronic illnesses, and that all of them were living in very harsh conditions.

Amiram and Nurit pictured with their son, Rotem, who is seated next to his father

Popplewell, a British-Israeli, is seen in a Hamas terror video. Hamas confirmed that he was dead mere hours after releasing the 11-second clip

'You have to release us from here. It does not matter the cost. We don't want to be casualties as a direct result of the IDF military airstrikes. Release us with no conditions. Don't let us grow old here,' Peri said in Hebrew.

Popplewell, the fourth victim of Hamas, was a British-Israeli citizen who also was featured in a Hamas propaganda video aired in early May.

Just three hours after releasing the chilling 11-second clip of Popplewell, who was badly bruised but alive, Hamas confirmed that he was dead.

Of some 130 Israeli hostages remaining in the Gaza strip, about 85 are believed to still be alive, PBS reported.

This new information comes as Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected President Joe Biden's ceasefire deal, vowing to continue the war that has killed over 30,000 Palestinians.
Two hero lifeguards have recalled the horrifying moment a swimmer was attacked by a shark off the California coast before they rushed to save him.

The swimmer, a 46-year-old man identified as Caleb, was seriously injured in the attack at Del Mar City Beach in Del Mar, around 20 miles north of San Diego.

A bloodthirsty shark bit his torso, left arm and hand in the frenzied attack just before 8am on Sunday, just as beach lifeguards were setting up for the day around 100 yards away.

'We didn't know the extent of the injuries but there was definitely a lot of blood in the water,' lifeguard Kevin Barrett told ABC7.

A swimmer was seriously injured in a shark attack on the Southern California coast Sunday, prompting temporary beach closures, authorities said

Along with his colleague Cameron Whiting, Barrett sprang into action to rescue the swimmer.

'We heard some screaming. You could tell it was serious from the tone of the screams,' Barrett recalled.

'You have to realize that you're swimming into an active shark attack and it's scary,' he added.

'But there's not really an alternative, and he's one of our own and we've got to bring him in.'

Whiting said the swimmer punched the shark in the face in retaliation.

Two hero lifeguards have recalled the horrifying moment a swimmer was attacked by a shark off the California coast over the weekend before they rushed to save him

The swimmer, a 46-year-old man identified as Caleb, was seriously injured in the attack at Del Mar City Beach in Del Mar, around 20 miles north of San Diego

'When he punched it, he caught the shark on the tooth, so he had a pretty big gash in his hand, that was bleeding profusely as well,' Whiting told ABC7.

'We started pulling him in,' Barrett added. 'A surfer came over and gave us his board, and so we put him on the board and I jumped on top of him and started paddling in.'

'There as actually an ER doctor who happened to be walking by on the beach as well,' Whiting said.

'He helped out too. I think all the stars were aligning to help Caleb through this.'

Caleb was described by officials as an ocean swimmer who regularly trains at the beach. He was treated in hospital for significant but not life-threatening injuries.

Chief Lifeguard and Community Services Director Jonathan Edelbrock said Caleb had been swimming with roughly a dozen other people when he was attacked.

Caleb was described by officials as an ocean swimmer who regularly trains at the Del Mar beach (pictured)

No one had spotted the shark when the attack happened, Edelbrock said.

The city also deployed a drone and a boat to look for the shark afterwards with no success.

'The water visibility was really poor,' he said. 'You just cant see anything thats moving through the water column at all.

'The exact moment of the incident was really the only interaction with, or sighting of, the shark.'

Authorities said the beach will remain closed for surfers and swimmers until Tuesday morning.

It's not known what kind of shark was involved, but Caleb's wetsuit has been taken to a laboratory for testing to find out.
He's accused of soliciting child sex abuse materials and having sex with dogs

A Pennsylvania police officer has been accused of using Snapchat to lure children and solicit child abuse materials.

Tamaqua Police Department officer Christopher Cordes, 29, was charged on Friday with 18 counts of child abuse, as prosecutors accuse him of sharing inappropriate images of children on social media.

A search warrant for Cordes' Snapchat account reportedly turned up conversations where the cop described his sexual attraction to children.

Cordes also allegedly admitted participating in sexual acts with dogs in one Snapchat conversation, as reported by WNEP. He faces three misdemeanor counts of sexual intercourse with animals.

The cop used the username 'haytherecowboy' on Snapchat, where he said he wanted to impregnate a 13-year-old, according to prosecutors.

Tamaqua Police Department officer Christopher Cordes, 29, was charged with 18 counts of child abuse. He also faces three misdemeanor counts of sexual intercourse with animals

An investigation was launched after the Delaware County internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from Snap Inc. about a user posting a naked image of a child.

A witness told investigators that in 2021 Cordes allegedly said he wanted to have kids so he could abuse them.

Cordes said he could get away with it because he was a police officer, according to the witness.

The witness said Cordes gave her a sexually transmitted disease and sent her $150 for treatment, according to an affidavit.

Tamaqua Police Chief Michael Hobbs said in a statement: 'We are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate activity while Officer Cordes was on duty'

Tamaqua Police Chief Michael Hobbs said in a statement: 'We are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate activity while Officer Cordes was on duty.

'At this time, Officer Cordes has been suspended indefinitely without pay for conduct unbecoming a police officer.'

Cordes, who joined the police department in 2021, is being held on $250,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12.

Tamaqua resident Karyl Paisley told WNEP she was 'appalled' by the accusations against Cordes.

'If he did it, then he deserves to be charged.'
President Joe Biden's impending executive order cracking down on illegal immigration is expected to set limitations on how many migrants can cross the southern border every day.

The long-awaited executive action could be announced as early as Tuesday.

Reports based on interviews with those familiar with plans for the new policies claim that the border will be shut down once crossings reach 4,000 per day over the course of a week.

This would represent the single most restrictive border policy implemented by Biden since he took office in January 2021  and comes after three-and-a-half years of pressure from Republicans for the White House to take action to address surging illegal immigration.

Biden has repeatedly said he needs help from Congress to stem the record-breaking flow of illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border. But it seems his tune has changed amid plans to take unilateral action to address the crisis with just five months until the presidential election.

President Joe Biden plans to announce as early as Tuesday an executive order that would limit the number of migrants able to cross the southern border every day if it reaches 4,000 per day

Despite the block at the border on crossings, the U.S. will continue to allow asylum applicants to make appointments at border ports of entry using a mobile app known as CBP One.

Biden's Department of Homeland Security currently accepts about 1,400 migrants every day through that program.

Republicans claim that the executive action is a 'stunt' and insist Biden is finally taking action because he was forced to face the reality of how important the border and illegal immigration is to voters heading to the polls in November.

'Don't be deceived by Biden's latest move on the border, which is nothing more than a political stunt,' Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) posted to X. 'He's trying to appear tough on immigration because he's losing ground in the polls.'

He added: 'Remember, he's already let in over 10 million illegal aliens, and his new executive order will likely lead to at least 1.5 million more illegal crossings in the next year.'

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also wrote on X: 'This is an election-year stunt that won't distract voters from Joe Biden's disastrous, failed immigration policies.'

Biden's order would echo policies former President Donald Trump started using in 2018 to block illegal immigration at the southern border  a policy that was challenged several times by Democrats in federal courts.

But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says it's 'too little, too late' to address the issue now  claiming that Biden and his DHS Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, have taken 64 other actions that have further opened the southern border and exacerbated the illegal immigration crisis.

It comes after years of pressure from Republicans demanding action to quell the southern border crisis and only five months ahead of November's election. Pictured: Migrants wait between Mexico and El Paso, Texas to claim asylum in the U.S.

Previously, Biden's White House asked Congress to pass new laws to expand the presidential authority over the border. The Democratic administration claims that Congress needs to act to allow action to address the issue.

A bipartisan border deal failed to take off earlier this year and the Senate voted again in May gainst the border measure, with both Democrats and Republicans teaming up against it.

The plan now is for Biden to enact parts of the Senate deal unilaterally, including denying entrance to migrants after certain thresholds are hit.

The sources said that, specifically, the White House is weighing a policy that would cap the number of migrant encounters at 4,000 per day over a week - 28,000 in total.

What would happen when that threshold is hit is unclear.

A similar policy was at the heart of the failed Senate deal, but Republicans slammed the measure for not doing enough to crack down on illegal immigration.

The White House expects to use authority from Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to go forward with Biden's executive order.

A group of about 100 migrants is removed by the National Guard back to Mexico near El Paso, Texas on May 30. Under Joe Biden, nearly 8 million migrants have come into the U.S. in just three-and-a-half years

Biden is apparently thinking of using section 212(f) to restrict migration, which does not require congressional approval

That law provides presidents leeway in blocking entry of certain immigrants if it would be 'detrimental' to national interests.

Former President Trump repeatedly leaned on that section of the law to shut-out certain immigrants crossing illegally and seeking asylum at the southern border.

Presidents using section 212(f) to restrict migration does not require congressional approval.

But Biden has repeatedly said he wants new laws from Congress to fix the border.

Pushing for the passage of the twice-defeated Senate bill, Biden said in January 'It would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed.'

'And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law,' his January statement continued.

But it appears that the White House has since decided that they can go it alone, as Republicans have charged, and will enact reform this week, though the timing of the reported executive action is opaque.

The administration has reportedly looking to use this power for months - and now sources say that this week an executive order could come down the pipeline.

The White House 'continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system,' spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez recently.

'While congressional Republicans chose to stand in the way of additional border enforcement, President Biden will not stop fighting to deliver the resources that border and immigration personnel need to secure our border,' he added.

But when asked about Biden's election year border policy reversal on Sunday, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson slammed the administration's mulled move, saying it's 'too little too late.'

'He's trying to desperately show the American people that he wants to address the issue that he himself created,' Johnson said.

'We documented 64 specific actions that President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas at DHS took over  the course of three and a half years, beginning on the first day that President Biden [took office], to open the border.'

'They did it intentionally, it's had catastrophic effects upon our country that we'll be living with for decades to come.'

Speaker Mike Johnson claims that Biden has 'engineered' the migrant crisis and says it's 'too little, too late' to take action

Johnson has spent his few months in power lobbying the White House to take an executive action on the border.

And now that they are, he claimed that it's only coming because it's an election year.

'He wants to issue some sort of executive order, I guess to show that, oh he really does care about the issue,' Johnson said. 'The only reason he's doing that is because the polls say that it's the biggest issue in America.'

'And the first question that comes up in almost every public forum, is what about that open border and why in the world would President Biden allow it? He did more than allow it, he engineered it and everybody knows that.'
Forest Service officers are left to pick up most of the mess that college students made during Memorial Day Weekend.

Around 3,000 students from the UC Davis and the University of Oregon were accused of leaving trash and debris behind at Lake Shasta in California following Memorial Day Weekend parties, CBS Sacramento reported.

Some of the trash students left behind after the rowdy celebrations included plastic cups, drink cans, and ping pong balls.

Prior to the parties, the Forest Service gave the students bags and requested that they clean up after themselves.

The universities are now actively investigating the events, and students at UC Davis may face disciplinary measures from the school.

Around 3,000 students from UC Davis and the University of Oregon left a mess for Forest Service officers following the events of Memorial Day Weekend parties at Lake Shasta

A US Forest Service officer Debrah Carlisi spoke with KGW8 and CBS Sacramento about the matter and revealed to the Oregon news station that the mess wasn't surprising.

'They all rent individual houseboats, and they gather at Slaughterhouse Island,' she said regarding to partying students.

'They came and we really didnt have any problems, except for the trash that they left behind.'

Deborah Carlisi, a Shasta-Trinity National Forest officer, told CBS Sacramento that it took Forest Service members six hours and 17 trash bags to clean up most of the mess.

'Some students used them. Some students didn't,' said Carlisi.

'The worst part is the trash down at the bottom of the lake that we won't be able to pick that up until late next month or early July.'

Carlisi told both news stations that the students' choices could impact the fish and wildlife that live in Lake Shasta, including deer.

'What was left behind in the lake could be damaging to our fish and wildlife, which is a big problem. If a deer goes down to the water and eats a plastic wrapper, that would make them sick,' Carlisi told CBS Sacramento.

A US Forest Service officer Debrah Carlisi spoke with more than one news outlet and was not surprised about the parties that occured at Lake Shasta

Some of the trash students left behind after the rowdy celebrations included plastic cups, drink cans, and pool floats

UC Davis and the University of Oregon have released statements about the matter and the actions of its students.

'The university was disappointed to learn of this conduct, and is exploring ways of working with students to help restore the site or otherwise address the situation,' said US Davis.

'Students are expected to comply with all laws, and failure to do so may result in discipline under the university.'

UCS Davis added that the events at Lake Shasta were 'not sanctioned or sponsored by the university.'

'The garbage left behind does not represent the values of our institution we are sorry for the impact to the island and extra work for the Forest Service,' a spokesperson for the University of Oregon wrote in an email to Daily Mail.

'We are investigating this event and working with the US Forest Service and our students to remediate the damage and hopefully prevent similar actions in the future.'

The school added that the parties were not 'university sanctioned or sponsored' events and that many University of Oregon attendees are 'members of university-recognized fraternities and sororities.

'The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils at the University of Oregon were disheartened to learn of the conditions left at Shasta Lake following Memorial Day weekend,' said the University of Oregon.

'As organizations who strive to center service and community engagement, the students recognize that they missed the mark and must do better.'

UC Davis and the University of Oregon said in their statements that these parties were not school sponsored events

Carlisi is now hoping that students and other Shasta Lake visitors will begin taking better care of the area and protecting its lands.

'The Shasta-Trinity Forest is a beautiful forest and it's up to us to keep it that way,' Carlisi told CBS Sacramento.

'Just care for your land. That's something all of us should be doing,' Carlisi said.

Daily Mail has reached out to UC Davis for comment.
A rapist who carried out a 'sadistic' attack on a vulnerable homeless woman cried in the dock as he was jailed for 15 years.

Liam Stimpson, 24, was celebrating his birthday in Cardiff town centre when he came across his victim.

A judge said the man - who had been drinking vodka - took the homeless woman's 'last ounce of dignity' after he forced her to strip naked before carrying out his horrific sexual attack, which he also filmed.

He also savagely beat her by tripping her up, punching her face and kicking her head.

CCTV footage on December 27 last year showed Stimpson and the 40-year-old woman walking to Baker's Row in the city centre before returning to St Mary's Street and separating from each other.

Liam Stimpson, 24, (pictured) cried in the dock as he was sentenced. He has also been bullied in prison

CCTV footage on December 27 last year showed Stimpson and the 40-year-old woman walking to Baker's Row in the city centre

But Stimpson continued to follow the victim before attacking her in an underpass, WalesOnline reported.

She suffered extensive facial injuries and her eye was swollen shut.

In the footage, the victim can be seen with her hands lifted to her attacker, saying: 'Don't beat me up baby, don't beat me please. I've got kids.'

Despite the homeless woman pleading with Stimpson to stop, he carried on his barbaric assault, telling her he was the 'boss' and she would do what he told her to do.

He made her remove her coat despite the cold and wet conditions, then 'sadistically' raped her while filming the incident.

After the attack, the victim managed to escape but Stimpson caught up with her, tripped her up and continued to rain heavy punches and kicks to her face and head.

The police were called after the victim sought refuge in a nearby pub, telling early morning cleaning staff, 'I've been raped'.

Within half an hour of being called, officers arrested Stimpson in Caroline Street and he has been in custody ever since.

Stimpson (pictured) continued to follow the victim before attacking her in an underpass

Videos of the incident were discovered by police on the defendant's mobile phone

The victim was taken to hospital where she stayed for several days to be treated for a broken nose, head injuries and wrist injuries.

Videos of the incident were discovered by police on the defendant's mobile phone.

Although he refused to provide the PIN, officers guessed it was his date of birth.

Many members of the jurors were in tears as they watched the horrific footage.

Stimpson denied the charges and claimed the woman suggested filming as part of a role play after he paid her for oral sex.

But jurors found him guilty of the shocking attack.

Sentencing the thug at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: 'You recorded this incident for your own sexual gratification, as some kind of trophy to view at your leisure or to show to others.

'It shows a woman who is naked, battered, bloodied and frightened for her life.

'Your behaviour was callous, bordering at times on the sadistic. There was menace to your voice.

'This was not consent. This was domination by you to her.

'You have not shown one scintilla or remorse or sympathy for your victim.

'You forced the victim to relive events of that night and the effect on her in the witness box is palpable.

'You degraded and humiliated her and forced her to crawl like a dog while you filmed it.

'You completely humiliated her and took away the last ounce of dignity from her.'

In a victim's personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Nicola Powell, she said: 'I would like to say this has destroyed my life. I cannot sleep at night, I can picture everything and I keep seeing his face.

'This has changed my whole opinion towards men. I want this male to end up in prison for what he has done to me.

Stimpson, of Uphill Road, Llanrumney, was found guilty of two counts of rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and causing grievous bodily harm with intent

Stimpson denied the charges and claimed the woman suggested filming as part of a role play after he paid her for oral sex

'I worry about him doing this to another female. I am in fear of this male being released from prison and attacking me again, both sexually and physically.

'It affected me greatly. I am unable to socialise with others at present, I want to be alone to block out what's happened to me.'

Stimpson, of Uphill Road, Llanrumney, was found guilty of two counts of rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and the court heard he had a number of previous convictions including theft, attempted theft, attempted robbery and possession of a controlled drug.

Stimpson cried in the dock while he was sentenced, refusing to leave and having to be carried out by staff.

He was jailed for 15 years, of which he will serve two-thirds in custody.

Stimpson was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely.

In mitigation, Ruth Smith defending said her client had been diagnosed with disabilities of a neurodiverse nature.

A psychiatric report confirmed a longstanding ADHD diagnosis and he was more recently diagnosed with autism.

Ms Smith also said her client found custody very difficult and that he was being bullied and picked on in Parc Prison, Bridgend.

Also, the court heard his girlfriend is pregnant with his child.

Detective Katherine Barry, from South Wales Police, said the footage of the attack was the most shocking she had seen in her 21-year career.

She said: 'Stranger attacks such as these are extremely unusual in Cardiff but in Liam Stimpson we had a dangerous individual.

'The level of violence he used, and degradation of the victim was horrendous. He is an absolute danger to women.

'We would like to thank the witnesses who came forward as a result of the press appeal for information and those who bravely gave evidence.

'We would also like to pay tribute to the victim's support officer who has been an invaluable support to the victim and the investigation.'

Rhianydd Jones, senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This case highlights the extreme violence and disregard for human dignity exhibited by the defendant.

'We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration and to the victim for her bravery in coming forward, which has resulted in these convictions.'
A Georgia appeals court has set an October date for hearing the sensational appeal of a ruling that let Fulton County DA stay on the Donald Trump case, essentially guaranteeing Trump won't be tried there before the election.

The news, which comes days after a Manhattan jury convicted Trump on 34 counts in his Stormy Daniels trial, is just the latest break for Trump in his three other trials.

Three judges who will decide the matter have set a tentative date of Oct. 4 for Oral arguments.

Even if they decide to reaffirm Judge Scott McAfee's decision to allow Willis to continue to prosecute the case, it might not come until several months after the election.

Based on a state constitutional time limit, they would need to rule before mid-March 2025, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, or about four months after the election.

The hearing comes after Trump and co-defendants sued following McAfee's decision, which allowed Willis to stay on the case she oversaw despite having an acknowledged affair with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

A Georgia appeals court has tentatively set oral arguments for Oct. 4 as it weighs a decision allowing her to stay on the case involving Donald Trump and codefendants

McAfee gave the options of Wade walking away or assigning the case to another prosecutorial team. Wade left the case, even while defending his conduct and telling ABC last month that 'Workplace romances are as American as apple pie.'

Lawyers for Trump and codefendants argued that the romance presented an actual conflict of interest, while McAfee said it included the appearance of one.

In their push for an appeal, the defense lawyers argued Judge McAfee's March 15 order 'substantially' impacts their due process rights, and say it could contain 'structural errors' that could require a retrial in the case that is already a sprawling affair following the indictment of Trump and 18 codefendants.

Trump's January 6 case in Washington, D.C, where he is accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, had been set for a March 4 trial date. But that got thrown off when the Supreme Court decided to hear Trump's claim of presidential immunity.

Wade defended his office romance as 'American as applie pie'

The DA made a dramatic appearance during a March court hearing

The calendar gives Trump a reprieve in Georgia, as he prepares to fight the guilty verdict against him in the Stormy Daniels case

In his Florida classified documents case, Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon post ruled that his trial was postponed indefinitely while attorneys battle over classification issues.

Cannon wrote that scheduling a date for the case would 'be imprudent and inconsistent with the Courts duty to fully and fairly consider the various pending pre-trial motions before the Court, critical CIPA issues, and additional pretrial and trial preparations necessary to present this case to a jury.'

Trump's lawyers have said they will appeal his guilty verdict in the Stormy Daniels case, but that is the only case currently likely to see action this election season. Judge Juan Merchan set a sentencing date for July three days before the Republican National Convention.
Soaring numbers of Scots patients are opting to pay for private operations as NHS waiting times hit record highs.

Around 46,000 poorly patients were forced to dip into their own savings or claim insurance last year for routine surgery, as frustration grows over the state of the countrys health service under the Nationalist government.

It comes as SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was accused of peddling misinformation and lies by insisting Labour and the Tories will introduce more creeping privatisation of the NHS.

And it follows bombshell figures from Public Health Scotland which show a record 840,000 people stuck on waiting lists in Scotland  with 16,000 of them added in the past three months.

Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane said things should never have reached a stage where Scots felt the need to give up on the NHS in favour of private healthcare

The number waiting more than a year for surgery has also jumped by a quarter in the past 12 months to 37,000, as the crisis-hit health service struggles to recruit staff.

People with the most common surgical needs, such as hip replacements, are having to live in chronic pain for years before they can see an NHS consultant and get treatment.

The number of admissions to private hospitals in Scotland rocketed by 11 per cent last year on the 41,000 recorded in 2022.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: It should never have reached a stage where so many desperate Scots patients  especially during a global cost-of-living crisis  have been left with no option than to shell out thousands for treatment.

The new figures, compiled by Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), show the largest amount of operations were cataract surgery (8,125) and hip replacements (2,870).

Other surgeries provided included knee replacements, diagnostic procedures, colonoscopies, hernia repairs and removal of skin lesions.

Dr Ian Gargan, PHINs chief executive, said: With NHS waiting lists at record levels, a growing number of people are choosing to use the private sector rather than risk prolonged waits and potentially seeing their health deteriorate.

It comes as the Royal College of Nursing declared a national emergency due to the number of patients having to be treated in corridors.

Statistics released by the union revealed that more than one in three (37 per cent) nurses in the UK delivered treatment in inappropriate settings, such as corridors, on their last shift.

The table shows the most common procedures in Scotland from last year

Meanwhile, Mr Flynn faced criticism yesterday after he claimed the Labour Party is joining the Tories in this Westminster push for NHS privatisation.

He said comments from Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who stated he wanted the NHS to form partnerships with the private sector to bring down waiting lists, proved the party were not hiding their intentions.

Writing in the Daily Record, Mr Flynn said: The Labour Party isnt hiding it anymore either  massive privatisation of the NHS is now their plan.

He pledged to introduce a new law to keep the NHS safely in public hands, claiming it will bind the hands of the UK Government.

But Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar rebuffed the claims, saying: It tells you more about their floundering disastrous campaign that they are now reaching for misinformation and lies when trust in politics is so low already.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said it was disingenuous of Mr Flynn to pan Westminster legislation when health is devolved.

He added: Constituents in the Highlands and Islands write to me on an almost weekly basis, saying they are forced to go private... because theyve been on a waiting list far too long.

In his column, Mr Flynn said Labours Wes Streeting has been hinting at his privatisation plans for the best part of two years.

Mr Sarwar responded: Wes Streeting said he would die in a ditch before allowing the NHS to be privatised.
A primary school has slammed a P&C fundraiser held on its campus after a father wore blackface and a dreadlocked wig before winning the prize for best dressed.

The man wore the offensive outfit to a '90s themed bingo night organised by the P&C committee at North Woodvale Primary School in Perth's north.

The guest was seen wearing brown face paint, a dreadlocked wig and a green, gold and black body suit in now-deleted photos from the event on May 25.

Guests were invited to come as their favourite '90s character, with the man dressing as a member of the Jamaican bobsleigh team from the comedy Cool Runnings.

The school's P&C bingo committee has been forced to apologise after the matter was brought to the attention of North Woodvale's principal.

A father who attended a school fundraiser wearing blackface and a dreadlocked wig won the best dressed prize, forcing the school to apologise (the dad is pictured in his costume)

The man wore the offensive outfit to a '90's themed bingo night organised by the P&C committee at North Woodvale Primary School in Perth's north (pictured)

In a statement, the committee said it had been 'naive' to the complex history of blackface when it heralded the father as best dressed on the night.

'North Woodvale Primary School P&C bingo committee would like to own and acknowledge our mistake and our own personal naivety in not understanding the complex history of a certain costume, which we awarded best dressed male costume on the night of May 25th at our bingo fundraiser,' it said.

'We sincerely apologise to the wider school and the Woodvale community for the hurt it clearly caused. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming committee within our school and will learn from our mistakes.'

Education Department Director General Lisa Rodgers told the West Australian the incident was 'disappointing and unacceptable'.

Guests were invited to come as their favourite '90s character, with the man dressing up as a member of the Jamaican bobsleigh team from Cool Runnings (pictured)

She saaid the bingo night had been held off-site and without any staff present and did not reflect the school's culture and values.

'As soon as this matter was brought to the attention of the school principal, he immediately contacted the president of the P&C association to raise his concerns and express his disappointment,' Ms Rodgers said.

Blackface routines were common through much of the 20th century but a white person taking the stage with their skin darkened, particularly for comedic purposes, is now considered offensive in most contexts.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted North Woodvale Primary School for comment.
QUESTION Have several newly discovered animals been named after The Muppets?

Scientists discover new species all the time and they have a penchant for naming them after famous characters.

A species of fossil trilobite discovered in China in 2007 was called Geragnostus waldorfstatleri after Statler and Waldorf, the cantankerous duo that heckle the other Muppets from the box seats. Another trilobite of the genus was named after Han Solo.

There is a Tasmanian tube-dwelling spider named Ariadna gonzo after The Great Gonzo, the Muppets' long-nosed, passionate, yet hopeless, stuntman.

The extant glass frog Hyalinobatrachium dianae is popularly known as the Kermit Frog because of its resemblance to the Muppet

Kermit the Frog has been honoured with an entire genus. Kermitops is an extinct genus of amphibian whose fossil was discovered in Texas in 1984.

As yet only one species is known, Kermitops gratus, but if further relatives are discovered they will bear the name. Another species of frog was named Hensonbatrachus kermiti in 2015.

The extant glass frog Hyalinobatrachium dianae is popularly known as the Kermit Frog because of its resemblance to the Muppet.

Simon Forrest, Cirencester, Glos.

QUESTION Given ideal conditions, how long could a soap bubble remain intact?

Soap bubble experiments were popular at the turn of the 19th-20th century. They were used to demonstrate the properties of liquid, gas and fats, as well as to study the phenomenon of diffusion.

Tomorrow's questions

Q: Which computer was the first handheld one? Sarah Morgan, Andover, Hants. Q: Which country boasts the most railway stations? D. B. Linton, Camberley, Surrey. Q: What was the first film based on a musical? Nicola May, Chester-Le-Street, Durham. Advertisement

There was something of a competition to create the most long-lasting bubble.

The expert in the field was the Scottish scientist James Dewar (1842-1923), best known for his invention of the vacuum flask.

In 1916 Dewar managed to create a twelve-and-a-half-inch wide bubble that lasted for 108 days. To achieve the feat the bubble was contained within a sealed container with purified air.

There is a photograph of Dewar admiring his bubble, taken by Olive Edis.

Bubbles burst when the membrane becomes too thin, as the water in the membrane flows to the bottom due to gravity, or it simply evaporates. Horizontal films can be maintained for much longer, and Dewar kept a soap film disk with a diameter of seven and a half inches for more than three years.

According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the longest-lasting bubble is one year and 100 days, achieved by Aymeric Roux and colleagues at the University of Lille, France, as verified in 2021. This was no conventional soap bubble. It was formed using a high concentration of glycerol and contained plastic particles to cling to the bubble film to support its integrity.

A. E. Rowley, Rugby, Warks.

QUESTION What is the story of the Elizabeth Canning kidnap case, a criminal mystery that happened in the 18th century?

The Elizabeth Canning case remains a historical enigma, reflecting deep societal divides and prejudices of the time. Pictured, an illustration of Elizabeth Canning

Elizabeth Canning, an 18-year-old maid, disappeared on January 1, 1753, and reappeared almost a month later, on January 29, in a distressed and emaciated state. She claimed she had been abducted near Moorfields in London and held captive in a house in Enfield, where she was imprisoned in a loft by Susanna 'Mother' Wells and accomplices.

Canning alleged that one of the accomplices was a gipsy woman called Mary Squires who gave her only crusts of bread and some water to survive. Her account sparked public outrage and led to the arrest of Wells and Squires.

The pair were put on trial and, despite conflicting testimonies and evidence, Squires was convicted of kidnap and theft and sentenced to death by hanging, while Wells was sentenced to branding on the thumb and six months' imprisonment.

The case soon unravelled. The trial judge Sir Crisp Gascoyne found Canning's story fanciful. He'd been disgusted by Canning's supporters' rowdy behaviour, taunting the accused and intimidating witnesses. He then led a private investigation that revealed inconsistencies, including alibis for Squires, who was purportedly far from London during the alleged kidnapping.

Public opinion became sharply divided, with 'Canningites' supporting Elizabeth and 'Egyptians' (named after Squires' supposed gipsy ethnicity) doubting her account. One notable Canningite was the magistrate Henry Fielding, famed for his 1749 comic novel The History Of Tom Jones, A Foundling.

Under mounting pressure, the case was retried, and Squires was acquitted, while Canning was prosecuted for perjury. In May 1754, Canning was found guilty and sentenced to transportation to America for seven years. She never returned.

The Elizabeth Canning case remains a historical enigma, reflecting deep societal divides and prejudices of the time. It highlights issues of class, gender, and the judicial system's vulnerabilities.

Ashley Farquar, Holmfirth, West Yorks.
Scotlands police officers are quitting in their droves amid heavy workloads and stress as the force faces a perfect storm of recruitment and retention, exit interviews have found.

Those leaving Police Scotland told the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) about a lack of support from bosses and welfare issues.

According to the federations exit survey, those leaving said there was a complete lack of any strategic leadership and a do-more-with-less attitude among managers.

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Threadgold warns that cutbacks are creating a perfect storm in terms of officer recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction within Police Scotland

The shocking findings included claims crime was written off because it is too difficult, of misogyny within the ranks, and how officers felt career criminals were left laughing at them.

David Threadgold, chairman of the SPF, warned of a perfect storm emerging within the force.

He said: Constant disruption to days off and annual leave, incessant demand against a backdrop of falling numbers, lack of appropriate training, and a feeling that the welfare of police officers across Scotland is merely words on a piece of paper rather than action, are real issues and creating a perfect storm in terms of officer recruitment, retention and job satisfaction within policing in Scotland.

Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: There appears to be a gulf between Police Scotlands frequent public statements about staff welfare and the reality as expressed by former officers.

As part of the exit survey, published by 1919 Magazine today, one female inspector spoke of sexism and misogyny.

A former sergeant criticised the extremely poor service they were offering the public, saying: Policing is on its knees and nothing seems to be getting done.

Between October and April 546 officers left, with 253 responding to their survey.

A collection of quotes from exit interviews

One detective said: Crime is written off because it is too difficult; an OCG [organised crime group] could not do a better job at protecting criminals.

Another officer said career criminals are laughing at us, while others blamed ridiculous and horrendous staff and resource levels.

The Scottish Government said: While the recruitment and deployment of officers are matters for the Chief Constable, the record budget settlement has enabled her to restart recruitment and retain police numbers of around 16,500 or 16,600, reducing unnecessary demand on frontline officers and staff.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Spiers said: The Chief Constable has prioritised the health and wellbeing of our officers and staff, whose feedback was integral in agreeing a 17million investment in enhanced welfare provisions.

These include a new 24/7 employee assistance programme, direct access to occupational health services and a greater focus on mental health.
Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Rep. Vince Fong to replace Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday in a boost for House Republicans' razor-thin majority.

Fong, 45, beat out local sheriff Mike Boudreaux in a run-off race on May 22. His swearing-in brings the House breakdown to 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, allowing for just two GOP defections on party-line legislation.

Fong will now serve in Congress for the next seven months and have the incumbent advantage in the November election.

The Bakersfield Assemblyman is a former top aide of McCarthy, who retired in December after being ousted from the speakership, a role he worked his entire career to achieve and held for nine months.

McCarthy was present on the floor for Fong's swearing-in and was applauded by most Republicans - except his Freedom Caucus detractors as Fong thanked him.

Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Rep. Vince Fong to replace Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday in a boost for House Republicans' razor-thin majority

'I want to thank my wife, Amanda, for her love and support. I want to thank my parents, my mother-in-law, my sister and all of our family for always being by my side, and a special acknowledgement to my niece Evie, who is celebrating her ninth birthday with us today. I also want to especially thank my mentor and friend, Speaker Kevin McCarthy.'

Fong, 44, served as McCarthy's district director for more than a decade.

McCarthy had taken the seat in 2007 after the retirement of his former boss, Rep. Bill Thomas, then chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Fong worked for Thomas alongside McCarthy for a time.

The full force of McCarthy's campaign dollars, fundraisers, consultants and affiliated PACs made the race against Boudreaux not particularly close.

Fong also won former President Donald Trump's endorsement, with McCarthy's help, in a district where 47 percent of registered voters are Republicans and 27 percent are Democrats.

Fong will face off against Boudreaux again in the November race for the full term.

Fong, 45, beat out local sheriff Mike Boudreaux in a run-off race on May 22. His swearing-in brings the House breakdown to 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, allowing for just two GOP defections on party-line legislation

Fong pictured with his wife Amanda

Fong laid out his priorities in his first speech on the House floor:

'We need to address the border crisis, stop the rising costs of everyday essentials that are squeezing family budgets, and work to keep our community safe. We must strengthen our crumbling infrastructure, find long term solutions to water and energy resources, especially out west, and create more career and educational opportunities. We must support our military installations.'

He acknowledged the divisiveness of this Congress while calling for collaboration.

'I certainly anticipate passionate discourse that is expected of us. There are certainly no shortage of challenges facing our nation, my state of California and my district, but this is also the moment where we together can make the most positive impact.'
Rishi Sunak suffered the darkest hour of his election campaign yesterday afternoon.

During a dramatic 60 minutes, the Prime Minister suffered a double blow as Nigel Farage entered the fray and a new poll predicted a Tory wipeout.

At 4pm, Mr Farage stunned Westminster by announcing he would return as leader of the Reform Party and stand for Parliament in the Essex seaside town of Clacton. The veteran Brexiteer declared he would lead a 'political revolt'  and predicted his party could overtake the Tories.

An hour later, the largest poll of the election predicted Labour was on course for its biggest win in history, with the Tories reduced to just 140 seats.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk are among the senior ministers predicted to lose their seats.

Nigel Farage pictured accepting the leadership of Reform UK. He rocked Westminster when he announced he would stand as MP for Clacton

The Prime Minister is also preparing for his first televised debate with Sir Keir Starmer tonight. Rishi Sunak pictured outside Number 10, announcing the General Election

Sir Keir Starmer on the campaign trail. The Labour party is on course for its biggest win in history, with the Tories reduced to just 140 seats according to polls

Mr Sunak will launch a fightback today, with plans for an annual cap on immigration to cut the number of arrivals 'year on year'.

The Prime Minister is also preparing for his first televised debate with Sir Keir Starmer tonight, in which he is expected to paint the Labour leader as an unprincipled politician willing to 'say anything' to seize power while hiding his true agenda.

Senior Tory sources last night insisted that opinion polls are painting an overly gloomy picture of their prospects.

One said: 'The situation on the ground is significantly better than the polls would have you believe.'

But Mr Farage's decision to fully commit to the election campaign dismayed many Tory candidates. One described it as 'a disaster', adding: 'To have any hope of holding on I need to squeeze my Reform opponent right down and that is just not going to happen if Farage is on the TV every day making their voters think they can win.'

Another former Cabinet minister paraphrased Churchill's comments after losing the post-war election in 1945: 'If this is a blessing, it is very heavily disguised.'

A senior Tory last night warned that the former Ukip leader 'risks handing Keir Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU, impose the Retirement Tax on pensioners and hike taxes on hardworking Brits up and down the UK'.

But Mr Farage predicted Reform could now win 'many, many more votes' than the four million recorded by Ukip at the 2015 election and said he expected to attract disenchanted supporters from both parties.

A YouGov poll has suggested that Labour could win a total of 422 seats

Mr Farage has replaced Richard Tice (pictured) as leader of reform in a major U-turn

Mr Farage had ruled out making an eighth bid for Parliament when the election was called last month, saying the short timescale did not give him enough time to prepare.

But, in a major U-turn yesterday, he announced he was replacing Richard Tice as Reform leader and running as a candidate in Clacton, which experts believe is the party's most winnable seat.

Defending his decision he said: 'I've changed my mind, it's allowed.'

Mr Farage said there had been a 'massive betrayal' of Brexit, and that people were urging him to stand. 'I can't turn my back on the people's army,' he added.

However, the latest mega-poll last night predicted Reform would win no seats at all.

His return to front-line politics came as:

Labour was accused of letting down women and girls after it rejected Tory plans to protect single sex spaces;

Home Secretary James Cleverly warned that Labour would turn the UK into a 'global magnet for migration';

Diane Abbott accused Sir Keir of telling 'more lies' about her;

Penny Mordaunt was asked to deputise for Mr Sunak in a seven-way TV debate on Friday where Angela Rayner will represent Labour;

Former Neighbours star Holly Valance attended Mr Farage's press conference and said she was willing to campaign for him on the doorstep.

Mr Farage yesterday vowed to turn the contest into an 'immigration election' and highlighted the sharp rise in legal and illegal migration in recent years.

Today's plan proposed by the Tories to ask MPs to vote on an annual cap on visa numbers is designed to address public concern over the issue.

For the first time, the Government's immigration advisers will be asked to consider the impact of greater migration on issues like the housing crisis and access to health and education when making recommendations.

Writing in the Mail today, Mr Cleverly warns that backing Reform is equivalent to 'a vote for Labour', adding: 'If Reform gifts Sir Keir Starmer the keys to No 10, people smugglers and those looking to game our generous system the world over will prick up their ears.'

According tot he poll big names including Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) are likely to lose their seats

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt could lose her seat according to the YouGov/Sky poll in the upcoming vote

Meanwhile, the biggest poll of the campaign to date suggested Sir Keir is on course to eclipse Tony Blair's 1997 landslide win.

The YouGov survey for Sky News predicted Sir Keir could claim a 194-seat majority, with Labour winning 422 seats to the Tories' 140.

The result would reduce Mr Sunak's party to its lowest number of MPs since 1906.

The sophisticated poll which analyses results down to constituency level, predicts that the Liberal Democrats will quadruple their seats, the SNP will collapse and Reform will win no seats  though it was conducted before Mr Farage announced he was standing.

It has the Tories losing 232 seats, Labour gaining 222, the Lib Dems gaining 40 and the SNP losing 31.

This would give Labour a majority of 194 seats  an increase on Sir Tony's majority of 179.

The poll  which redraws the political map  predicts several Cabinet ministers are on course to lose their seats to Labour or the Lib Dems.

They include Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, veterans minister Johnny Mercer and Attorney General Victoria Prentis.

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chief Whip Simon Hart and minister for common sense Esther McVey could also lose their seats.

Other big names including Jacob Rees-Mogg are likely to lose.

Labour is set to make gains across all areas of England, holding more seats than the Conservatives in London, the North East and the North West.

They are also expected to make huge gains in Scotland, leaving the SNP with just 17 seats.

Labour's predicted 194-seat majority would be the highest since Stanley Baldwon a majority of 208 in 1924.

The first of three YouGov MRP polls of the election campaign collected data from more than 58,000 people.

I'm launching a revolt, he said. A deal with Rishi? Not on your nelly!

Nigel Farage said he wanted to lead a 'political revolt' as he announced he was standing as an MP for Reform UK in a dramatic U-turn yesterday.

Revealing he will run in the Essex seat of Clacton, he also said he will take over as Reform leader from Richard Tice.

But Mr Farage was warned that, by running for election, he risks handing Sir Keir Starmer a 'blank cheque' to reverse Brexit.

Mr Farage was warned that, by running for election, he risks handing Sir Keir Starmer a 'blank cheque'

It also creates a headache for Rishi Sunak as Mr Farage's popularity threatens to split the Right-leaning vote deeper, allowing Labour to seize dozens of seats without a fight.

Previous polls already predicted the insurgent party could cost the Tories as many as 50 seats.

Last night, a Tory party spokesman said: 'Nigel Farage risks handing Keir Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU, impose the Retirement Tax on pensioners and hike taxes on hardworking Brits.

'Farage knows that Reform won't win any seats, but he doesn't seem to care that a vote for Reform only helps Labour. He's doing exactly what Keir Starmer wants him to do.

Just yesterday, European Union insiders voiced their expectation that Starmer would seek a softer Brexit deal, opening the door to rejoining the EU.

'That would mean uncontrolled immigration and betraying the will of the British people. Only a vote for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can deliver a clear plan and a secure future.'

But Mr Farage defended his decision to stand, saying the Tories were on course to lose the election anyway.

'Not on your nelly,' he replied when asked if he was open to a pact with Mr Sunak to stand down candidates in some constituencies, having struck such a deal with Boris Johnson in 2019 to help hand the Tories an 80-seat majority and deliver Brexit.

He insisted Reform could win more votes than the Tories, but refused to say how many seats he thought his party would secure.

He said his 'real plan' was to overtake the Tories as the party of opposition in the next Parliament, conceding Sir Keir will win.

Revealing that he intends to lead Reform until at least the end of the next Parliament, he added: 'We'll be the biggest party at the 2029 general election.'

He said he wanted to lead a 'political revolt', adding: 'Yes, a revolt. A turning of our backs on the political status quo. Nothing in this country works any more.'

The former MEP and Ukip leader has repeatedly ruled out running as an MP, but said he changed his mind on Sunday after campaigning with Mr Tice the day before. 'What really shook me was the number of people on the streets saying, 'Nigel, why aren't you standing?'

'I began to feel an enormous sense of guilt . . . I can't let down those millions of people. So, I've changed my mind.'
A woman in Los Angeles experiencing homelessness broke into her old, vacant home of 12 years after being kicked out.

Now, Maria Merritt's a squatter here to stay - and spoke to The LA Times Monday to share her not-so-unique situation, as more and more older Californians continue to fall into homelessness.

A recent study released last year by UC San Francisco's Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) found 48 percent of all unhoused single adults in the state are 50 or older and 41 percent became homeless for the first time after age 50.

Merritt almost fit that criteria - shy just a few years. She was kicked out of her longtime home in 2007, right at the outset of the Great Recession.

She retook the two-bedroom after falling on hard times in 2020, and has remained there since.

A woman in Los Angeles experiencing homelessness broke into her old, vacant home of 12 years after being kicked out. Now, Maria Merritt's a squatter - and spoke to The LA Times Monday about her story

The 57-year-odl was kicked out of her longtime home in 2007, right at the outset of the Great Recession. She retook the two-bedroom after falling on hard times in 2020, and has remained there since

'The home always said, 'I'm waiting for you,' Merritt told a Times reporter from the 1072 square foot home on Poplar Boulevard, where she once resided from 1995 until 2007, with her four children.

Referencing a rampant drug habit that surfaced in the wake of her eviction, she recalled coming across the home as a homeless woman in the spring of 2020.

'The home said, 'Come back. Get well. Come back. Get well,'' she said, now clean and stable.

Supported by a walker, she now lives in the fully renovated home alone, previously with her dog.

Her four children, now grown, initially frowned at her living situation - after she joined a group of Golden State residents who argued there shouldn't be vacant, publicly owned homes.

They emerged during the pandemic, and seized several homes as a result.

They call themselves 'Reclaimers' - arguing that their law-breaking was justified by the scandal of public property left vacant during a crisis like the pandemic.

At the time, political leaders ordered residents to stay at home - as tens of thousands of people slept on the streets of LA.

Under pressure from activists, the state arranged for the city's Housing Authority to allow the Reclaimers to live temporarily in publicly owned homes that had been renovated, Merritt's included.

The ex-meth addict is part of a group of Californians who call themselves 'Reclaimers' - and argue that their law-breaking was justified by the scandal of public property left vacant during a crisis like the pandemic

She told the Times how she and 11 others signed rental agreements that would last for up to two years as a result, after already occupying the home illegally for several months.

There, she lived there with her family until falling on hard times after her then partner and their daughter were involved in a head-on collision, causing her to miss days at work.

In a deep depression, she began using crystal meth - causing her her to miss rent payment.

Son, her sporadic payments of $750-a-month fully stopped, and in the spring of 2007, Caltrans - The California Transportation agency that owns the property - filed an eviction lawsuit against her.

The Times reported that she owed nearly $37,000, after which Merritt negotiated a settlement that would allow her to stay if she repaid $15,000 over the course of several months.

However, soon after she made that agreement, she lost her job, and within two weeks, Merritt was forced to leave her home of more than a decade - after Caltrans staffers threatened to send deputies to physically remove her.

This caused a continuing crisis - starting with 40-something taking to her city's famously seedy streets.

There, she was sexually assaulted, and forced to rummage through trash for stale food, she admitted during the onsite interview Monday.

She is seen holding a photo of her old dog and her deceased partner at the home last year. Her first few years in the long vacant home was tough, she told the local newspaper

Her daily life would go on to consist of drugs, violence, and vagrancy for more than ten years . until the pandemic and accompanying Reclaimers movement allowed her a chance to take her old life back.

One Saturday morning that spring, Merritt upgraded from a nearby encampment to the cottage on Poplar Boulevard.

Activists broke the windows and allowed the middle aged woman in, handing her a set of keys and new locks for the doors.

'Thirteen years,' Merritt recalled of the reunion. 'Then en un abrir y cerrar de ojos,' she said in Spanish. 'In a quick second, I'm here.'

But things did not immediately get better for Merritt, whose children at this point were scattered elsewhere.

Her home, despite still having some of the trinkets she left behind in her haste to leave, was plagued with graffiti, and the prevailing smell of mold and mildew,

She was also suffering withdrawal, in the dark, cold halls of home with no electricity nor running water.

Her non-operation toilet soon became overrun with waster, and cops constantly banged on windows threatening to arrest her - as squatters have no legal right to occupy a property without authorization from its owner in LA.

The state of California say she and other Reclaimers - who number in the dozens - have no right to remain, referring to them In recently filed court papers as 'criminal trespassers'

A month into her stay, Merritt invited a 58-year-old Army veteran she'd been seeing at the time after meeting on the streets, to live with her.

Naming him as Darrel Eckhart, she told the Times how He figured out how to turn on the water and electricity, and even helped her secure furniture.

But after another three months, he was killed when a drunk driver slammed into his car parked near the encampment the pair had been previously staying.

The loss, Merritt told the Times, was devastating, and she found herself harking back to better times in the house, playing with her youngest, Kiana.

'With my eyes open, I would strive to look for the presence of my daughter and go back to those moments, she said.

'And it worked. It uplifted my heart. It uplifted my soul.'

Soon, she was even able to reunite with some of her children, she recalled - revealing how they learned she was living on Poplar Boulevard again through news reports.

She described them initially being angry with her for breaking the law, and embarrassing them publicly.

'They were like, "Mom, how dare you? You always taught us you work for what you have,"' she told the Times.

Laws, however , do not allow officers to storm in and remove them, with a court order needed to do so. These typically take time - especially with the number of squatters currently seen across California

But Merritt insisted to the Times that her ties to the home are too great for her to leave willingly, after kicking the methamphetamine habit that alienated much of her family. Pictured, an encampment similar to the one where she lived

'"We left the house when you knew that we werent able to pay rent. You left to honor yourself, your values. And you went back? Leave,"' Merritt further recalled.

Over time, though, they warmed up to the idea, she said - citing how ne of her daughters left a self-stick note on the family home's front door congratulating her for taking the step to beat homelessness.

Then, in 2021, Caltran Under pressure from activists, arranged for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles to allow the Reclaimers to live in publicly owned homes that had been renovated.

Merritt and the 11 others signed rental agreements that would last for up to two years - which have since expired, meaning Merritt, again, is facing eviction.

Caltrans claims she and other Reclaimers - who number in the dozens - have no right to remain, referring to them In recently filed court papers as 'criminal trespassers'.

Laws, however , do not allow officers to storm in and remove them, with a court order needed to do so. These typically take time - especially with the number of squatters currently seen across California.

But Merritt insisted to the Times that her ties to the home are too great for her to leave willingly, after kicking the methamphetamine habit that alienated much of her family.

'I want to leave that house to my grandkids,' Merritt still said Monday, not giving up hope as another eviction appears all but certain. 'I want them knowing that Grandma didnt quit on them.'

A California court will decide the rest.
Donald Trump has 141 million reasons not to be too glum about the 34 counts where a Manhattan Jury found him guilty.

His campaign announced a stunning $141 million fundraising haul for May, a month where Trump was in court most days of the week complaining about everything from the temperature in the courtroom to what he called a 'rigged' trial.

The total includes $53 million raised online in the 24 hours after the former president was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the hush money trial.

That was a period where the Trump campaing sent out repeated fundraising blitzes, and supporters repeatedly clicked 'donate' as word of the conviction on all counts of falsifying business records.

The total includes funds raised by the Republican National Committee, co-headed by Trump's daughter-in-law Lara, who accompanied him at trial and sent out regular fundraising appeals online.

It comes from an extraordinary 2 million donations and with a quarter of them coming form first-time donors.

The overall impact on the public is yet to be seen, although Trump fared well in early snap polls including one by DailyMail.com immediately after the verdict.

Former President Donald Trump hauled in $141 million in May while his criminal trial was underway in New York

Trump complained repeatedly about being stuck in a courtroom when he should have been campaigning, but still hauled in millions while commuting home to Trump Tower. He gave regular statements attacking the case that got picked up by cable networks.

Trump Campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles cheered the news and echoed their client's attacks on the court.

'We are moved by the outpouring of support for President Donald J. Trump. The American people saw right through Crooked Joe Bidens rigged trial, and sent Biden and Democrats a powerful message  the REAL verdict will come on November 5th,' they said in a statement.

'President Trump raised $141 million this month because Americans remember the roaring economy, secure border, and peace through strength at home and abroad under Donald J. Trump, and we will return to prosperity and success when he is re-elected in November,' they added.

Trump complained about being stuck in a courtroom when he should have been campaigning, but still hauled in millions

The May period included testimony by porn star Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen in Trump's criminal trial

The May fundraising haul came from a period where former fixer Michael Cohen and porn star Stormy Daniels testified against him.

Daniels even revealed salacious details about a 2006 affair that Trump denies, providing material for what Trump's lawyers say is grounds for appeal.

The jury verdict came in May 30th.

President Biden made ample use of the time Trump was tied down in court to travel the country to raise money.

He had $192 million in the bank, having hauled in $51 million in April, trailing Trump that month.

The Biden camp has yet to announce its own fundraising haul.
Rishi Sunak will today unveil plans for a tough new 'immigration cap' in a bid to slash arrivals to 'sustainable levels'.

The Prime Minister will pledge 'bold action' to curb legal migration, which has spiralled to record levels since the pandemic.

The centrepiece of the new proposals is a limit on the number of visas issued each year, which could leave some firms with no choice but to try to train up British workers to fill vacancies.

The annual cap will be voted on by MPs and reduced 'year on year' throughout the next parliament.

The Prime Minister will pledge 'bold action' to curb legal migration, which has spiralled to record levels since the pandemic

Net migration jumped to a staggering 764,000 in 2022, equivalent to a city the size of Leeds (stock photo)

Mr Sunak said last night the plan would build on existing measures which are already expected to slash migrant numbers by around 300,000 this year. He added: 'We have taken bold action to cut the number of young people coming to this country. The plan is working, but migration levels are still too high, so we are going further.'

Mr Sunak accused Labour of plotting a 'migrant amnesty' which he said would make the UK 'a global magnet for illegal immigrants'. He added: 'They have no plan to reduce net migration, while we have a clear plan to stop the boats and put a legal cap on numbers.'

The new cap would apply to those coming to the UK for work and family reasons and those studying for graduate degrees, which comprised around 540,000 people last year.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) would be asked to recommend a new, lower figure each year, with ministers then submitting a final proposal to Parliament. Crucially, the committee will be asked to assess not just the potential economic benefit of allowing in extra workers, but also the potential cost in terms of increased demand for housing and additional strain on public services such as health and education.

Net migration jumped to a staggering 764,000 in 2022, equivalent to a city the size of Leeds. It fell back to 685,000 last year but still remains far above the 230,000 level seen at the 2019 election, which the Conservatives pledged to reduce.

Government sources were last night unwilling to say whether numbers would be reduced to the 'tens of thousands' (stock image of Croydon Home Office, which houses the headquarters of the Border and Immigration Agency)

Mr Sunak accused Labour of plotting a 'migrant amnesty' which he said would make the UK 'a global magnet for illegal immigrants'

Writing in the Mail today, Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured) said the new cap should give voters 'confidence that numbers will be controlled'

Tough new measures were introduced at the start of this year, including ending the right of social care workers to bring dependants and raising the minimum salary threshold for work visas. The measures are expected to cut arrivals by 300,000.

Brian Bell, chairman of the MAC, said last month the curbs left the Government with a 'fighting chance' of cutting net migration to pre-pandemic levels. The new cap on arrivals would drive down numbers further.

Government sources were last night unwilling to say whether numbers would be reduced to the 'tens of thousands', saying only that net migration would be cut to 'sustainable levels'.

But writing in the Mail today, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the new cap should give voters 'confidence that numbers will be controlled'. Mr Cleverly acknowledged immigration levels had been 'too high'  and said it was time for the system to take account of the costs involved, rather than just focusing on the potential boost to GDP.

'People care about it because they see its impact on their daily lives,' he added. 'Their kids can't get into the school they want. They can't get the house their family needs. They can't get an appointment at the local GP. It's a real issue and one that needs to be addressed in a fair and reasonable way.'
Tenants complained of gas leaks in months before the blast

Residents of a townhouse destroyed in an explosion complained of two gas leaks just months before a trainee nurse was killed in the blast.

The explosion erupted on the second level of a housing commission property on Waikanda Crescent at Whalan, in Sydney's west, about 1pm on Saturday.

The body of Mhey Yumol Jasmin, 30, was recovered in the kitchen about 2.20pm on Monday, after machinery was called in to lift heavy debris.

It has been revealed that tenants complained to the Department of Housing about the smell of gas twice in the last 12 months, most recently in April.

The department claims that on both occasions contractors were sent out to the home immediately and fixed broken gas meters.

The body of nurse Mhey Yumol Jasmin, 30, was recovered in the kitchen at about 2.20pm on Monday, after machinery was called in to lift heavy debris

The explosion erupted on the second level of a housing commission property on Waikanda Crescent at Whalan, in Sydney 's west, about 1pm on Saturday

In November, a resident reported smelling gas with the provider attending the property and fixing a broken meter.

Five months later, a tenant again reported smelling gas and a maintenance company responded to an 'urgent work order'.

Contractors discovered the gas meter union had split and the part was replaced.

NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the previous gas leaks were being investigated urgently with the department checking maintenance logs.

'I am deeply concerned to hear of accounts from residents who reportedly raised the issue of the smell of gas within the last 12 months,' she said.

Homes NSW is currently compiling a list of the work requests made for the social housing building over the last five years.

Rescue efforts were hampered due to a leak following the explosion with investigators to probe whether any leak played a role in the blast.

Tenants complained to the Department of Housing about the smell of gas twice in the last 12 months, most recently in April (pictured, first responders at the scene)

The massive explosion was heard streets away and shattered the glass of neighbouring buildings. Five other people were rushed to hospital.

Another 12 people from surrounding houses were evacuated, with houses and apartment buildings damaged.

Police Superintendent Trent King said the majority of tenants involved in the explosion had been under state care.

Ms Mhey had been at the property to visit her mother, Mercy, who had left momentarily. She returned to find her building completely destroyed.

The young nurse was discovered in the kitchen after cranes were used to remove heavy concrete slabs.

Rescuers were then lifted into the home in a metal cage and used drills and cameras to look for voids and air pockets in the rubble.

Ms Mhey's body was discovered underneath the rubble by search teams.

Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said her mother was 'devastated'.

'Obviously we had to deliver a death message,' he said, adding that the scene had been 'confronting' and 'difficult' for first responders.

Homes NSW is currently compiling a list of the work requests made for the social housing building (pictured) over the last five years

Ms Mhey's mother kept a close eye on search efforts from across the street before breaking down when she returned to the house.

'She (the mother) was on her hands and knees screaming for her daughter,' a neighbour said.

'She wouldn't leave, she sat here in the rain and cold all night saying she wasn't going until her daughter was out'.

Emergency services braved the heavy rain and cold and worked overnight on Saturday, in a bid to find the woman trapped underneath the debris.

The house had 'major damage' with a neighbouring home also impacted.

Whalan resident Kathleen Morris said the sound of the explosion was massive.

'I heard a big bang and the whole house shook, everybody came out of their house, wondering what had happened,' she said.
Labour's defence policy was mired in confusion last night after Angela Rayner claimed she had not changed her mind on opposing the UK's nuclear deterrent.

The party's deputy leader said she did not regret voting with half the Shadow Cabinet to scrap Trident in 2016  just hours after Sir Keir Starmer said his team was united on the issue.

The Labour leader yesterday pledged a 'triple lock' on the UK's nuclear weapons system, promising the construction of four new submarines.

But last night Ms Rayner, who said in 2020 that she wanted to see a 'world without nuclear weapons', threatened to spark an internal party row by saying she has not 'changed her mind' on the matter.

She told the BBC: 'The vote that we had some years ago mentioned nothing about multilateral disarmament and what I feel is really important for the long term is that globally we should be looking at disarmament of nuclear weapons but that has to be done in combination with other countries.'

Last night she clarified that she is 'absolutely committed to nuclear defence' and supported Labour's triple lock.

Labour's defence policy was mired in confusion last night after Angela Rayner claimed she had not changed her mind on opposing the UK's nuclear deterrent

Senior Tories criticised Labour's announcement as 'fundamentally dishonest' and suggested it was a ploy to look tough on defence.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'The Labour Party is a risk to Britain's defences. Angela Rayner's comments casting doubt on the future of our nuclear deterrent show that the claims made today by Keir Starmer about the 'changed' Labour Party are a con.'

Earlier, when Sir Keir was asked if his team were fully behind the policy, he said: 'I lead this party, I have changed this party... this is an issue I feel very strongly about.'

Former defence secretary Ben Wallace said 'honesty' was missing from Labour's campaign messages on defence spending as Sir Keir vowed to make sure national security 'comes first' if he is elected.

The party leader  who served in the Shadow Cabinet of his anti-war and anti-Trident predecessor Jeremy Corbyn but voted to renew the nuclear programme  wouldn't say if defence spending would increase within the first year of a Labour government.

Senior Tories criticised Labour's announcement as 'fundamentally dishonest' and suggested it was a ploy to look tough on defence

Mr Wallace, who has called for a cross-party commitment to 3 per cent defence spending, told The Sun newspaper: 'Both Labour and Conservative governments over the last two or three decades have hollowed out defence. There's a lot of dishonesty going on in Labour's pitch.'

Sir Keir has still not matched the Tories' promise to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. Labour will only do so if it fits within their tight 'fiscal rules'.

During a speech in Bury yesterday, Sir Keir said he would be willing to push the nuclear button if needed. Flanked by ten of Labour's 14 military veteran candidates, he promised to build four nuclear submarines in nearby Barrow-in-Furness.

Several of the veterans told the Mail that they were very 'confident' in Sir Keir's emphasis on defence, and that they would not have stood for the party under Mr Corbyn's leadership.
We get it. Migration has been too high. That's why we have taken bold action to get levels down.

People care about it because they see its impact in their daily lives. Their kids can't get into the school they want. They can't get the house their family needs. They can't get an appointment at the local GP.

It's a real issue and one that needs to be addressed in a fair and reasonable way. The Conservatives are the only party which truly believes that we need to bring it down. And we will.

Migration fell by 10 per cent last year and because of the bold action we have already taken  in the face of staunch opposition from Labour and the Lib Dems  we have cut the number of people who were eligible to come to the UK last year by 300,000.

We have to stick to the plan and continue to make the tough choices to see proper progress on this important issue. Pictured, Home Secretary James Cleverly

Migration fell by 10 per cent last year and because of the bold action we have already taken. (Pictured, an inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel on March 06, 2024)

Our range of bold solutions, such as closing student dependent loopholes and ending abuse of the health and care visa, have meant we have a 'fighting chance' to get numbers down. Not my words, the words of Professor Brian Bell, the Government's chief migration adviser.

However, we have to stick to the plan and continue to make the tough choices to see proper progress on this important issue.

That is why we will introduce an annual legal cap on the number of visas that are granted on key routes and give Parliament an annual vote on this level so voters can have confidence that numbers will be controlled. We will commission an independent expert committee to recommend the annual level to government, taking into account both the costs and benefits of migration and the needs of British businesses and the NHS. At the same time, we will ensure employers are not abusing the system and using migrant workers to undercut British wages.

Reform talks tough on this issue, but its plans are unworkable. And a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour. New Reform UK leader Nigel Farage

As clear as night follows day, migration would go up under Labour. The party would scrap the Rwanda plan. Pictured, Labour leader Keir Starmer

Reform talks tough on this issue, but its plans are unworkable. And a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour. If Reform gifts Sir Keir Starmer the keys to No 10, people smugglers and those looking to game our generous system will prick up their ears the world over. Labour has no plan and would make this country a global magnet for migration. Do you really believe a Labour Party led by a man who once described all immigration laws as 'racist' and campaigned for free movement and a second Brexit referendum can make the tough choices necessary to bring this down?

As clear as night follows day, migration would go up under Labour. The party would scrap the Rwanda plan and hundreds of thousands more people would come to this country whichever way they can.

Britain is an incredibly hospitable place. Don't let Labour tell you otherwise. But migration, both legal and illegal, is clearly too high. There is a clear choice on offer at this election. A Conservative PM who will cap immigration and bring down the numbers, or a Labour government that has no plan for immigration and will have an illegal immigration amnesty.

And a vote for anyone but the Conservatives is a vote for Starmer, open borders and higher immigration.
When they arrived here in 2010, freshly imported from across the Pond, televised leaders debates seemed fresh and slick and exciting. Well, exciting to political anoraks, whose evenings are otherwise spent debating the merits of the single transferrable vote.

Last nights Scottish debate confirmed that the shine has come off these televised tussles. Maybe its because the outcome of the election seems like a foregone conclusion, but all of the personalities gathered in the STV studio felt pretty incidental to the eventual outcome.

The Scottish leaders gathered just hours after Nigel Farages dramatic return to frontline politics and amid talk that his entry into the electoral fray could see the Tories come third.

Anas Sarwar, John Swinney, Colin Mackay, Douglas Ross and Alex Cole-Hamilton preparing for the STV Scottish Leaders' Debate

Host Colin Mackay moderated between John Swinney, Douglas Ross, Anas Sarwar and Alex Cole-Hamilton. No one from the Scottish Greens was invited to participate.

If only Holyrood worked that way.

Standing in front of a backdrop that resembled a recycled Nineties gameshow set, Mackay quipped: All of the parties here have changed their leader in the last five years. Some of them more than once.

Tory leader Douglas Ross went first with a direct-to-camera statement, saying: The SNP are down, but we need to get them out.

He spoke in a sombre cadence that made him sound like he was trying to sell you a pre-paid funeral plan.

The country was crying out for change according to Anas Sarwar, who appeared to be on a dare to see how many times he could use the word change in the space of 90 minutes.

Everyone knew the Westminster system was broken, Swinney said, though his declaration that Scotland deserves better was brave coming from the leader of the SNP.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, God love him, was just happy to be there. Were having a great election, he chirped. Look at the smile on my face!

The evening was, for the most part, the Sarwar and Swinney Show, with the two digging each other up over taxing energy giants. Cole-Hamilton bafflingly told Mackay climate change was about the geology baked into the North Sea bed.

Swinney pressed Sarwar on what spending cuts Labour would make to balance the books, but his opponent denied there would be any. Perhaps theyre going to plant a new magic money tree.

All eyes are on the body language in these affairs. Sarwar went in for the pinched-finger point, jabbing as though swishing an invisible paint brush across a canvas.

Swinney did horizontal hand chops like he was fighting off an army of peripheral ninjas. Cole-Hamilton opted for the prayerful arched hands favoured by Tony Blair and concerned vicars delivering sermons.

The cross-examination section saw the flourishing of a political bromance between Sarwar and Cole-Hamilton, who pulled their punches with each other and swapped opportunities to bash their mutual foes.

Oh the fond glances they exchanged as they thoughtfully agreed that the SNP and the Tories were absolute rotters.

Ross got his revenge by filleting the Lib Dems fishing policy and revealing Cole-Hamilton to be not entirely up on the details of his partys plans.

He also struck a note of contrition by admitting he was wrong to support Liz Trusss cataclysmic mini budget, saying he assumed Downing Street had done the necessary work behind the scenes.

However, the Conservative referee earned a yellow card by crowbarring in a quip about VAR.

Independence is the solution to austerity, Brexit and the cost of living crisis, Swinney declared, attacking the folly of decision-making at Westminster.

He took incoming fire from Ross over ferries, education and Michael Matheson, while Cole-Hamilton cornered him on Nicola Sturgeons decision to delete her Covid-era messages.

Swinney maintained that, while he destroyed communications too, he abided by the Scottish Governments information retention policy.

Sarwar opened his interrogation with the statement John, you lead a party mired in sleaze and scandal, then invited the SNP chief to agree that everyone should vote Labour, a proposition that Swinney wasnt exactly eager to endorse.

The winner of the debate? Given the absence of Patrick Harvie or Lorna Slater, Id say the viewers.
The Confederation of British Industry has warned against Labour's plan to increase the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas firms.

The interest group, which represents 190,000 businesses, claims such a move could hurt investor confidence in Britain.

It said in a 'business manifesto' that the next government must commit in its first post-election Budget to 'no further sector-specific taxes - windfall or otherwise'.

Mohammad Jamei, the CBI's director of economic policy, said it wanted to revitalise 'brand Britain' as an investment destination.

'We believe that this would do the opposite of that,' he said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at the launch of Scottish Labour's General Election campaign at City Facilities in Glasgow.

The government imposed levy has already killed off investment and jobs - according to the industry (stock photo)

The government imposed a 35 per cent levy on UK oil and gas producer profits in 2022 after a jump in energy prices, which means they face an overall tax bill of 75 per cent - a policy that the industry is already killing off investment and jobs.

Labour wants to increase that to 78 per cent.

Mr Jamei said: 'Any sector-specific taxes will have an impact on investor sentiment which is already in a place where it's quite challenging.'

Windfall taxes can have a broader impact on investor sentiment regarding Britain, not only for the sector involved, he said.

'For example in financial services, they believe 'If it impacts this sector over here what's to stop the government then bringing in other sector-specific taxes for us'.

The CBI is also calling on the next government to monitor corporation tax compared with other countries to ensure the rate is internationally competitive

'That's the real concern that we have, that's the real risk.'

The CBI is also calling on the next government to monitor corporation tax compared with other countries to ensure the rate - and tax breaks offered to offset it - is internationally competitive.

Last year it was increased from 19 per cent to 25 per cent though the government has also brought in measures to reduce the tax bill for companies making certain investments.

'We are consistently being told that the chopping and changing of the tax system can have a big impact on investment decisions made,' Mr Jamei said.

'There are multinationals where they are vying for international capital from their headquarters based outside of the UK.

'Tax might not be the thing that determines where businesses invest but it can make or break a case if it's not predictable in the UK.'
On what would have been her 88th birthday in January, Charles Spencer paid a loving tribute to his mother.

The historian, 60, remembered Frances Shand Kydd with 'love and gratitude' as he took to social media to post a selection of newspaper cuttings - including one announcing the birth of his sister Princess Diana.

But the life of Frances, who died 20 years ago today, was a particularly tragic and complicated one  not least the relationship with her daughter.

She had a troubled marriage with Diana's father - the future eighth Earl Spencer - which ended in divorce after she fell for wallpaper tycoon Peter Shand Kydd.

Her four children were left in the care of their father after a fierce custody battle when Diana was seven.

The bitter split led to a complex relationship with her youngest daughter. As her brother previously recalled: 'Diana used to wait on the doorstep for her, but she never came.'

His mother was not, he said, 'cut out for maternity'.

When Frances said in an interview months before her daughter's death that it was 'absolutely wonderful' she had been stripped of her HRH title after her divorce from the then Prince Charles, Diana never spoke to her again.

Frances spent the last of her days living alone in Seil - one of Scotland's Slate Islands - where she remained after her second husband left her for a younger woman.

Princess Diana and Frances Shand Kydd, pictured in 1989, had a complicated relationship

Frances (right) wed at just 18-years-old to to 30-year-old 'Johnnie' (left) in 1954 - with her daughter, Princess Diana, going on to eerily mirror this in her own marriage

Frances was born into the regal world of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on January 20, 1936.

Socialising in royal circles from a young age - her father, Maurice Roche, was friends with King George VI and her mother, Lady Ruth Remoy, was a lady in waiting to the Queen Mother.

In 1954, when she was just 18, she married 30-year-old Edward 'Johnnie' Spencer.

The couple had their first two daughters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, in 1955 and 1957 respectively.

Their desperate wish for a son was granted in 1960, but little baby John died just hours after being born.

By the time Diana arrived the following year, Frances's marriage had become strained after her several pregnancies had failed to produce a male heir to Althorp.

The birth of Charles in 1964 failed to cure Frances's relationship ills and in 1967 she fell for married wallpaper tycoon Peter Shand Kydd.

In 1969, her divorce was finalised and Frances went on to marry her lover. Having earned the nickname 'the bolter', a blazing custody battle commenced with John.

In the early days of the separation, Diana and her brother lived with their mother, whilst Sarah and Jane attended boarding school.

They eventually all went back to live with their father after Frances's custody attempts proved unsuccessful and she moved to Scotland with her new husband.

Earl Spencer walks behind his mother's coffin at her funeral at St Columba's Cathedral in Oban, Scotland

Prince William (second left) and Prince Harry (centre) attending their grandmother's funeral, June 10, 2004

Frances (left) had a troubled marriage with Edward John Spencer (right), who she married in 1936

The couple had two daughters within a few years, pictured here holding Sarah after her christening in Westminster Abbey in 1955

However, the marriage between Frances and Johnnie (pictured) continued to break down and ended in flames in 1967 after she fell for the married Peter Shand Kydd

Princess Diana did not speak to her mother after she did an interview with Hello! magazine before she tragically died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997

Earl Spencer previously opened up about the impact his mother's absence had on his and Diana's childhood - including how his sister would wait for her return.

He recalled: 'While she was packing her stuff to leave, she promised Diana shed come back to see her. Diana used to wait on the doorstep for her, but she never came.'

He added: 'Our father was a quiet, constant source of love, but our mother wasn't cut out for maternity... she couldn't do it. She was in love with someone else, infatuated really.'

Earl Spencer still felt able to unveil a portrait of his mother to mark what would have been her 85th birthday in 2021.

Princess Diana (left) and Frances (right) attending the wedding of Charles Spencer, Frances's youngest child

Frances with her youngest daughter Princess Diana at Wimbledon in 1993

Frances pictured with Princess Diana, Harry and William in 1989

Princess Diana married Prince Charles in 1981 but Frances avoided the limelight that her youngest daughter brought and quietly ran a gift shop in Seil.

In 1988, her second husband left her for a younger woman after almost 20 years.

Frances found solace in religion. She converted to Catholicism at the age of 58 and devoted her life to the Church.

It was after Diana and Prince Charles divorced in 1996 that Frances returned to the spotlight with an interview with Hello! magazine.

Frances pictured on holiday with Princess Diana (left), Prince Harry and Prince William on Necker Island in 1990

Frances (left) pictured on a beach on Necker Island in 1990 with her daughters Princess Diana, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale

She said in May the following year that it was 'absolutely wonderful' that Diana, now no longer a member of the Royal Family, had lost her HRH title.

The interview raised 30,000 which went towards building a prayer house on Iona, but this charitable act was not enough to repair the damage caused to the relationship with her daughter.

In a surprising twist through the grief, she went on to form a close friendship with the priest who kept vigil over Diana's body after she was killed in a car crash in Paris.

Doctors at Paris's Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital had fought to save the Princess's life but were unable to.

Father Yves-Marie Clochard-Bossuet was the duty chaplain on the night Diana passed away.

He watched over her body for ten hours before Prince Charles and Diana's two sisters arrived.

He went on to write to Frances after his cousin had told him about her strong Catholic faith.

He previously told the Mail: 'And so I wrote to her a very formal letter giving all the details [of the day of Diana's death]. I wanted to tell her mother the nurses who had taken care of her had done things very well.

'There was nothing to complain about [even if] it was a hospital room and not in Buckingham Palace. And I told her that I had prayed and had stayed until the arrival of Prince Charles.'

Although he was not expecting a response, Frances replied a few days later.

'She thanked me, because I was the first to give information directly to her,' he said.

Frances (centre) pictured at Princess Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey with her daughters Jane (left) and Sarah (right)

Frances came to Paris to meet him and the pair developed a bond.

She would return to the French capital twice a year to meet him and take him out to dinner.

Fr Clochard-Bossuet added: 'Frances Shand Kydd] told me she often went for a walk at night in London [in the days after Diana's death] to where there were flowers for her. She also spoke to me a lot about [William and Harry]. She adored them.'

Frances continued to live a quiet life after Diana's death and developed Parkinson's Disease and brain cancer.

She passed away aged 68 on June 3, 2004 at her home in Scotland. Her funeral on June 10 was attended by her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry.
Yet another tornado touched down in Texas Sunday, this time in the small town of Sanderson, where a Border Patrol agent was among the injured as he was thrown 200 feet as winds ripped through his home.

US Border Patrol agent Edgar Barraza, 38, remains in ICU Monday with broken bones, internal bleeding and facial fractures, department sources exclusively told DailyMail.com.

The rookie agent had just finished his day shift Sunday and went back to the mobile home he shared with two other agents who work in the remote border region where housing is scarce.

As the storm moved into Sanderson, home to just under 800 residents, multiple buildings were obliterated, including Barraza's home.

He and four other Border Patrol agents are now without a roof over their head, sources confirmed.

A tornado obliterated the home of US Border Patrol agent Edgar Barraza that he shared with two colleagues, Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland said. The agent was thrown 200 feet by strong winds

The twister was spotted around 7:30 p.m. by Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland and caught many residents off guard.

'We were watching the storm that was supposed to go north of us, and then it started changing course,' Cleveland told DailyMail.com.

'We started seeing a funnel cloud clearly, so I posted it immediately and told people to take cover.'

In a desert town that rarely sees rain, many residents seemed to have trouble believing that a tornado was actually happening.

In video shared by the sheriff, howling winds and rain batter a cop car as a deputy can be seen driving through town and pleading with stragglers to take shelter.

'Take cover, take cover, hey, take cover,' the deputy shouts before blaring his sirens.

A tornado was not expected in Sanderson, the local sheriff said

The storm changed directions and was spotted closing in on the small community of under 800 residents around 7:30 p.m. Sunday

About ten homes in the remote community were damages, some destroyed

Five Border Patrol agents stationed in the town are homeless after the storm

About ten homes were damaged and a dozen people injured.

One woman was airlifted to El Paso, and a second Border Patrol agent had glass blown into his eyes.

As night fell, neighboring counties sent help to begin the clean up effort.

'People started bringing in water from as far as Reeves County, so a tremendous response to our little community,' the sheriff added.

The Border Patrol is sending agents to help as well.

The Border Patrol station in Sanderson was untouched by the storm and will likely end of housing the agents who were left homeless.
Four migrants died over the weekend after their bodies could not recover from the brutally hot conditions they encountered after illegally entering the US near El Paso, Texas.

US Border Patrol confirmed the deaths through a press release Monday, adding that the deaths were among various heat-related rescues agents were part of over the weekend.

'Over a six-hour period, agents in Santa Teresa, NM responded to 6 migrant heat related injuries,' El Paso Border Patrol Chief Anthony Good said on Friday.

'Temperatures in our region are now reaching triple digits. No arriesgue su vida!' (Spanish for 'Don't risk your life.')

Agents located three of the four migrants who passed while they were still alive on Friday.

'A total of three were transported with life threatening injuries,' revealed the Sunland Park Fire Department who assisted Border Patrol with the rescue.

Multiple migrants were rescued in Santa, Teresa New Mexico, just outside El Paso Friday

Four migrants died after being taken to the hospital

Over a 6-hr period, Agents in Santa Teresa , NM responded to 6 migrant heat related injuries. Temperatures in our region are now reaching triple digits. No arriesgue su vida!#HeatAwareness #SafetyAwareness pic.twitter.com/VZE0yIArQp  Anthony Scott Good (@USBPChiefEPT) June 1, 2024

They later died at the hospital.

'The desert environment is extremely unforgiving, especially during the summer months,' the agency added.

'We urge anyone considering crossing illegally to understand the severe risks involved.'

Heat-related deaths are happening in an area just outside of El Paso, where Mexico, Texas and New Mexico.

The remote desert area, technically in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, is a hot bed for human smuggling where desperate migrants put themselves in the hands of ruthless smugglers.

Once the migrants sneak into the US illegally, they're told to run for anyway from a few hundreds yard to a few miles to a pick-up location.

The El Paso region has seen triple-digit heat in recent days

Illegal immigrants rescued from a stash house in New Mexico in recent days by US Border Patrol agents

A mobile home in New Mexico that was being used as a stash house

If they don't die of heat, break a leg running through the desert, get lost or found by Border Patrol, the migrants who make it to the meet up location will be picked up by a smuggler.

The smuggler then takes the illegal immigrant to a stash house-- where they will be warehouse in cramped, dirty quarters homes or apartments until they can be transported to another location deeper into the US.

In the past, smugglers would not send migrants through the desert during the hottest parts of the day, in an effort to keep them safe.

But in the last year, heartless cartels have been using the unforgiving temperatures as a cover, hoping federal agents won't want to brave the heat to track down migrants, sources tell DailyMail.com.

However, Border Patrol agents do brave triple-digit temperatures to track down smugglers and migrants, but sometimes, the migrants are dead by the time help arrives.

In response to the death, the agency has deployed specialized rescue teams equipped drones and heat-sensing devices to find people in the desert.

Since October, the agency has conducted 656 migrant rescues in the El Paso area.
It was supposed to be one of the biggest space flights of the decade and help usher a new era of space tourism.

But the 'dearMoon' mission  which was set to transport nine civilians around the moon on SpaceX's Starship  has been cancelled after too many delays.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa  who conceived and financed the mission  said he made the 'difficult decision' as it is still 'uncertain as to when Starship can launch'.

Mr Maezawa reportedly paid SpaceX $80 million (60 million) for the trip back in 2018, but it's unclear how much he will get refunded.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk hopes Starship will eventually land humans on the moon and Mars later this decade, although it's still stuck in the testing phase.

The Japanese tycoon conceived and financed the 'dearMoon' mission, reportedly paying Elon Musk's firm $80 million

'It is what it is': Taking to X, Mr Maezawa said he'd assumed dearMoon would launch by the end of last year

What was dearMoon? The dearMoon project was a lunar tourism mission conceived and financed by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. Aboard SpaceX's Starship rocket, the civilian crew would have orbited the moon for about seven days (without landing on it) before returning to Earth. The passengers would have been Maezawa, eight other civilians who are all artists or creatives, and one or two crew members. The trip was expected to happen in 2023 before being ''delayed indefinitely' in November of that year and finally cancelled in June 2024. Advertisement

Mr Maezawa took to X (Twitter) to share the news that the project had been ditched, having already been 'delayed indefinitely' back in November.

'I signed the contract in 2018 based on the assumption that dearMoon would launch by the end of 2023,' said the billionaire, an entrepreneur and art collector.

'Its a developmental project so it is what it is, but it is still uncertain as to when Starship can launch.

'I cant plan my future in this situation, and I feel terrible making the crew members wait longer, hence the difficult decision to cancel at this point in time.

'I apologize to those who were excited for this project to happen.'

In response to Mr Maezawa, one X user called the decision 'nonsense', adding that 'you can't expect it to happen fast'.

Someone else replied: 'You are actually cancelling because you expected the most ambitious human spacecraft in history to fly on time?'

The dearMoon website has also published a statement, calling the project 'unfeasible'.

'Without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable decision to cancel the project,' it said.

Mr Maezawa - who financed the mission - said he made the 'difficult decision' as it is still 'uncertain as to when Starship can launch'

SpaceX's Starship rocket is depicted here during its trip around the moon. When Starship is eventually ready, Elon Musk hopes it will transport people to the moon and Mars

In late 2022, Maezawa revealed the eight artists that were to join him on the flight, including a K-pop star and a London-based fossil fuel critic

MailOnline has contacted SpaceX about what amount Mr Maezawa will get refunded.

The civilian mission was due to orbit the moon aboard SpaceX's Starship rocket for about seven days (without landing on it) before returning to Earth.

Mr Maezawa was aiming the moon trip for 2023, a target seen by most space observers as overly optimistic given the slow progress of SpaceX's Spaceship mega-rocket project.

Starship only reached orbit for the first time in March, although it did not achieve a successful splashdown in the ocean as planned (fortunately no-one was aboard).

Mr Maezawa said he received applications from more than 1 million people from around the world to join him on the 'space tourism' trip.

Just eight lucky entrants were picked through a 'strict screening and selection process', including a K-pop star, a US Grammy nominated music producer and a London-based photographer and fossil fuel critic.

Pictured, Rhiannon Adam, one of the eight main crew members who Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa planned to take on a trip around the moon

Yusaku Maezawa, who made his money through the fashion industry, launched plans for the lunar voyage in 2018, buying all the seats on the spaceship. He's pictured here with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk

The dearMoon project even had specially-created spacesuits to be worn by the crew, designed in-house by SpaceX

Rhiannon Adam, originally from Ireland, would've become the first openly queer woman to go to space.

When asked about justifying a trip on a rocket launch booster that burns at two million times the rate of an average car, she said the 'positives outweigh the negatives'.

Also on board would have been Korea's Choi Seung-hyun, who started out as an underground rapper before joining Big Bang, one of the world's top boy bands, in 2006.

The dearMoon project even revealed the specially-created spacesuits to be worn by the crew, designed in-house by SpaceX.

Mr Maezawa  who made a trip to the International Space Station in 2021  made his fortune in retail fashion, launching Japan's largest online fashion mall, Zozotown.

In 2019, he resigned as CEO of the e-commerce company Zozo Inc to devote his time to space travel.

Forbes magazine estimates his wealth at $1.9 billion.
A weather phenomenon is heading into Texas and California on Tuesday, putting millions of Americans in the path of a scorching heat wave.

A heat dome, which is a phenomenon caused by hot air being trapped in one region by a high pressure air system, killed dozens of people in Mexico last month and is now expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to the southwestern US.

California could see temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the average for at least a week, while parts of Texas near the border could see up to 114 degrees.

The national weather service has warned that the rest of the nation, from the Midwest to Northeast, is also expected to see increased temperatures due to the southwestern heat dome.

A heat dome, which is a phenomenon caused by hot air being trapped in one region by a high pressure air system, killed dozens of people in Mexico last month and is now expected to bring record-breaking temperatures to the southwestern US

In this latest heat dome, Texans are expected to deal with temperatures as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some models have predicted that the heat domes will only last through June 8 -but others have suggested that this will hang over the country for the rest of the month, Axios reported.

A heat dome happens when hot air from the ocean gets trapped under a high pressure air system. This presses the hot air down to the surface, trapping it.

This prevents cooler air from moving around, pushing out clouds and rain, which increases the chance of wildfire.

It's somewhat like putting a lid on a hot pot and then watching it boil more quickly.

This is what is projected to cause temperatures in California's Central Valley to reach as high as 110 degrees, which is 20 degrees higher than normal for June, the New York Times reported.

The NWS said there is a 40 to 60 percent chance of excessive heat through the tenth.

This region of the country produces 25 percent of America's food, mainly fruits, nuts and grains, according to the Department of the Interior.

For the roughly 146,400 farmworkers that staff these sweltering fields, this heatwave could spell danger.

A previous investigation by Inside Climate News found that the death of 83 farmworkers from 2018 to 2022 to could be attributed to extreme heat and poor air conditions- causing heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular diseases.

'Extreme heat is an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change, and Californias, seniors and children are particularly vulnerable,' California's Environmental Protection Agency shared in a X.

This might also interrupt the production of 'high-value' crops like almonds, tomatoes, walnuts, stone fruit and wine grapes.

In Texas, the heat dome is expected to center over the southern and western parts of the state, near the border with Mexico.

Many regions around San Antonio are projected to be at 'extreme risk' for heat-related impacts, a NWS categorization that warns people to stay hydrated and near air conditioning when possible.

Estimates put the heat index between 110 and 114 degrees in the state in coming days - up to 10 degrees hotter than what is typically seen in June.

The state broke its previous record high heat of 108 degrees from 1998 - reaching 115 degrees on Memorial Day.

These temperatures have caused violent thunderstorms across the state.

Texas officials have issued a 'heat advisory' for Lasara, Cameron Park, Brownsville and other towns close to the Mexico border.

The heat wave began in Mexico this month, killing over two dozen people and sparking intense power failures.

Higher than normal temperatures are no just uncomfortable - but they can be deadly.

At least 11,000 Americans were killed because of heatwaves in 2023.

Deaths of this kind happen because too much heat can cause your body to overload - unable to balance its internal temperatures - which puts stress on your heart and kidneys, according to the World Health Organization.

This can cause heart attacks, stroke and kidney dysfunction. Extreme heat therefore kills an estimated as 1,220 Americans each year - though the total could be higher, since it's difficult to report - according to the Centers for Disease Control.

If you're young and healthy - it's unlikely that you'll die from heat exposure.

Also, elderly people, infants and immunocompromised people can lower their risk of heat-related conditions by hydrating, staying indoors and using fans or air conditioning.

Looking out over the rest of the country, experts predict we're headed for another season of record breakers, Kristy Dahl, a principal climate scientist for the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists told The Guardian.

'We can expect another dangerous hot summer season, with daily records already being broken in parts of Texas and Florida,' said Dahl.

Temperatures in New York city at this time last year sat around mid-60s, while the city is seeing high 70s this week.

While Miami, Florida saw 84 degrees on June 4, 2023, but the city is predicted to experience 86 degrees on June 4.
The largest stegosaurus skeleton ever found that stretches a staggering 27ft long is set to sell for up to $6million after a fossil hunter stumbled across it during a birthday stroll in a town called Dinosaur.

Jason Cooper discovered part of the bone formation sticking out of a rock wall located on his Dinosaur, Colorado property on his 45th birthday in May 2022.

He began excavating the site and cleaning the bones with the help of some friends.

'We looked around. My friend found some vertebrae. I said, 'Oh my gosh, this is turning out to be a really great birthday!'' he told BBC News.

The fossil hunters recorded as much data as they could about where the fossils were found and relocated them back to Cooper's dino-shop where they began working on assembling the skeleton - which he named Apex.

Fossil hunter Jason Cooper unearthed the impressive 27ft long stegosaurus skeleton while walking around his property in Colorado on his 45th birthday

The excavation of the giant fossil took over a year, and the 7p per cent complete skeleton is set to sell for up to $6million at a Sotheby's auction in Manhattan in July this year

According to Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's global head of science and popular culture, the skeleton is 'one of the best fossils of its kind ever unearthed'. Visitors to Sotheby's New York galleries will be able to see Apex as part of a free exhibition of some of the items on sale during Geek Week

Former digs on Cooper's property have yielded a number of Jurassic period dinosaurs - several of which the fossil hunter has donated to institutions including the Brigham Young University Museum of Paleontology in Provo, Utah, and the Forest Museum of Science in Miami.

But Cooper knew instantly that Apex was an impressive find, with the dinosaur remains standing at an incredible 11.5ft tall, spanning around 27ft long, nd 6ft wide, at just 70 per cent completion.

The dinosaur enthusiast described the Apex stegosaurus as a unique and specifically important specimen as skeletons - even partial ones - of the plate-backed, spike-tailed herbivore are rare.

However, the lucky fossil enthusiast was even more stunned when he learnt that Sotheby's believes the find, which had been buried underground for 150milion years, could fetch up to $6million at auction.

Cooper's stegosaurus is still only 'virtually complete' but the bones have been well preserved, with the impressive 247 pieces mounted on a steel armature, Sotheby's said in a press statement.

Apex is about to become the first stegosaurus to go under the hammer at auction.

According to Cassandra Hatton, the auction house's global head of science and popular culture, the skeleton is 'one of the best fossils of its kind ever unearthed'.

She also said: 'Nobody ever found 100% of a dinosaur.

'A stegosaurus as good as this is hard to find, I think it's going to be incredibly important.

'Even impressions of the skin have been preserved.'

Apex is set to be auctioned off for around $4million to $6million on July 17 during Sotheby's annual 'Geek Week' sale in Manhattan, with the company describing the piece was one of the 'most valuable dinosaur fossils ever offered'.

The highest bidder will receive a copy of the dinosaur's scan data, plus a full license to use any 3D data however they choose.

This, according to Sotheby's, 'will allow primary information about the dinosaur to remain with the specimen and promote collaboration in future research and education.'

The giant fossil was discovered in Dinosaur, Colorado, in May 2022. Pictured: Closeup of city welcome sign

Pictured: Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, where Apex was discovered two years ago

The skeleton was found to to have signs of arthritis - suggesting to experts it had lived to an old age. The fossil also showed no signs of combat or predation-related injuries, causing Sotheby's to deem the skeleton as preserved in an excellent condition

Bidding is expected to be brisk with dinosaur fossils having become a desirable addition to the properties of tech moguls and Hollywood stars.

This is sad news to paleontologists who claim that allowing the fossils to end up in private hands interrupts scientific research and keeps them hidden from the public.

Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology at the University of Edinburgh, told CNN that Apex belongs in a museum.

The Morrison Formation The Morrison Formation is a rock unit from the Late Jurassic Period - around 163.5million to 145million years ago. The Morrison Formation is famous for its fossils, which have been collected for more than a century, beginning with a find near the town of Morrison, in 1877. The area extends throughout the Western US and is centered in Wyoming and Colorado. It also has outcrops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho. Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and others, have all been located within the area. The Morrison Formation is composed of mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and limestone and is light gray, greenish gray, or red. Many of the dinosaur fossils are found as jumbled accumulations consisting of dozens of partially disarticulated skeletons. Advertisement

'It is a great shame when a fossil like this, which could educate and rouse the curiosity of so many people, just disappears into the mansion of an oligarch,' he told the news outlet.

It was reported in 2019 that celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, and Nicolas Cage were among the famous people who have purchased prehistoric remains.

Nicolas Cage reportedly purchased a tyrannosaurus skull for more than $236,000 in 2007 after a bidding war with Leonardo DiCaprio, though he returned it after it came to light that it had been stolen.

Cooper's stegosaurus was discovered in the Morrison Formation in Colorado - a vast stretch of sedimentary rock dating back to the Jurassic period.

The area is known for being a rich source of dinosaur fossils, according to the National Park Service.

The Morrison Formation is centered in Wyoming and Colorado, with outcrops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho.

Apex took over a year to fully excavate and was found to have signs of arthritis - suggesting to experts it had lived to an old age, but also showed no signs of combat or predation-related injuries.

Visitors to Sotheby's New York galleries will be able to see Apex as part of a free exhibition of some of the items on sale during Geek Week, before they are handed over to their buyers.

Sotheby's 'legacy of pioneering Natural History auctions' includes the 2022 sale of a Gorgosaurus skeleton, which sold for just over a huge $6million.

It also sold the first standalone T-Rex skull with 'Maximus' in December of the same year.

The world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, Stan, set a new world record in 2020 when it sold for $3.18 million at Christie's.

Stan, a T-Rex, was discovered in South Dakota in in 1987 and was sold for $3.18 million at Christie's in 2020

Stan was discovered in South Dakota in 1987 and was named after the amateur paleontologist who came across the remains, Stan Sacrison.

The remains were initially thought to be of a triceratops, but a further analysis in 1992 showed its true identity as a T-Rex.

The skeleton includes 188 bones, making it 70 percent complete, however, its skull is the most complete and preserved found to date.

The skeleton vanished from the public eye when an anonymous bidder paid the record-breaking amount.

At the time, paleontologists feared the fossil was lost to science, but in March the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism revealed plans for Stan to be the latest attraction at a new museum of natural history, expected to open in 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

In the UK fossil hunters are generally allowed to keep small finds including shells and corals but must report larger, and more historically significant finds.

In the US, however, there are no such restrictions, meaning anyone who digs up a dinosaur on their own property had full ownership of it and can do with it as they please.
READ MORE: Google suffers leak exposing how algorithm decides what YOU see

Google has sufferer another leak that revealed how the tech giant 'accidently' collected speech data of children, according to a new report.

The new documents surfaced online Monday, claiming to show thousands of internal incident reports by employees from 2013 to 2018 that detailed how Google mismanaged sensitive and private data.

The voice collection included speech of around 1,000 children that was captured through YouTube Kids.

The documents also cited a number of other embarrassing problems - unblurring sensitive YouTube videos and exposing people's addresses stored in Waze.

The report comes just days after Google suffered the 'mother of all leaks' after 2,500 documents exposed how its algorithm decides what users see.

An issue with Android's keyboard meant that when children opened the YouTube Kids App, Google inadvertently logged their audio as part of the launch

Data of the incidents were shared by 404 Media, which claimed to have obtained the leaked documents through an anonymous source who didn't provide their real name or identity.

DailyMail.com has not been able to independently verify the documents, but 404 reported that it confirmed the data was legitimate and said Google confirmed some of the contents.

However, Google has refuted the leaked documents and said they were quickly resolved and are no longer relevant because the reports are from six years ago.

'At Google employees can quickly flag potential product issues for review by the relevant teams,' a Google spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

'The reports obtained by 404 are from over six years ago and ... every one was reviewed and resolved at that time,' the spokesperson continued.

'In some cases, these employee flags turned out not to be issues at all or were issues that employees found in third party services.'

The leaked documents reportedly showed that Google's speech service logged roughly 1,000 children's audio data for about an hour.

The Google Assistant feature that was supposed to stop the YouTube Kids app and other features from collecting their voices was not correctly applied, 404 Media reported.

The Kids YouTube is a child-friendly version of the app that only allows young users to view age-appropriate content including shows and music.

It uses voice recognition technology to allow users to give spoken demands to search for content, but an issue reportedly arose when children opened the YouTube Kids App using their voice, Google inadvertently logged their audio.

Google claimed to have fixed the issue immediately after it was reported, noting it occurred due to filters not being applied correctly.

The tech giant also said it has since added a privacy notice on its Google Assistant website warning parents that if the 'include voice and audio activity' is turned on when they use the device, 'a recording of their interaction, plus a few seconds before, may be stored with their account.'

Google's Waze carpool feature reportedly leaked the addresses and trip information of users - although the exact number of people affected was not immediately clear.

Waze's carpool feature was also named in the leaked documents which claimed the app leaked the addresses and trip information of users - although the exact number of people affected was not immediately clear.

Waze carpool, which let users connect with drivers taking other passengers to similar destinations, launched in 2016, but was shut down in 2022 because more people were working from home.

In another incident, the report claimed videos uploaded to YouTube that were listed as private appeared publicly and the app's blurring feature was disabled, creating uncensored versions of pictures.

Meanwhile, Google's Street View allegedly transcribed and stored the license plate numbers that appeared in photos.

The report explained that the company's algorithm that detects text in Street View mistakenly noted license plate numbers in 2016.

Street View transcribes text using a neural network to identify house numbers and street names.

'Unfortunately, the contents of license plates are also text and, apparently, have been transcribed in many cases,' the employee wrote in the leaked report, according to 404.

'As a result, our database of objects detected from Street View now inadvertently contains a database of geolocated license plate numbers and license plate number fragments.'

The employee explained that it was an accident, adding that 'the system that transcribes these pieces of text should have avoided imagery identified by our license plate detectors but, for reasons as-yet unknown, was not.'

The report also cited more than one million emails stored on a now Google-owned app were previously leaked.

Socratic.org, which is an educational app for high school and college students, suffered the mishap, which included geolocation and IPs in the data.

However, the leak happened prior to Google purchasing the company.

'This exposure has been addressed as part of the closing conditions for this acquisition. However, the data was exposed for > 1yr and could already have been harvested,' the report read.

Google has previously come under fire for violating people's privacy including a lawsuit filed in New Mexico in 2018 for violating the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and state consumer protection laws.

The lawsuit claimed Google allowed game developer Tiny Lab Productions to obtain and gather information on children and as part of the multi-million-dollar settlement, it was required to crack down on developers mislabeling apps marketed toward children to make a profit from targeted advertising.

Google said it takes the incident reports filed by employees seriously and investigates the flag based on the severity and priority attached to it.

The company claimed that many of the incidents 404 reported didn't exist - although it did not specify which incidents - adding that the other vulnerabilities were found on third-party sites including a vendor used for employee travel.
The Venus de Milo was discovered on the island by a farmer in 1820

Angela Epstein travels to Milos, an island with a population of 5,000

The armless figurine, with its bare torso and inscrutable gaze, looks familiar as it looms into view over a mud-flaked dirt track.

Closer inspection reveals that, yes, it is indeed Venus de Milo, poster girl for ancient Hellenic sculpture and star of a zillion pub quiz picture rounds.

But what is she doing here, alone, on a windy hillside on the Greek island of Milos? Instead of in the Louvre in France?

George, our guide from 'We Bike Milos', quickly points out in booming baritone that what were actually looking at is a replica.

This body double marks the spot on Melos (now Milos) where, one April afternoon in 1820, a farmer discovered the original marble masterpiece, crafted sometime between 150 and 125 BC, which initially he erected outside his home.

Catch of the day: Angela Epstein and her husband explore the island of Milos, Greece

Do the locals want Venus brought back to the island, wonders my husband Martin? 'Listen,' shrugs George with an easy smile 'this isnt the Elgin Marbles'. (The subject of controversy between Britain and Greece.)

Our exchange with the affable George is a snapshot of the Milian psyche. And could explain why an increasing number of people are visiting Milos.

Then again, its azure seas, pristine beaches, historical architecture, geological wonders and picturesque, white-washed fishing villages (with doors and window frames in striking bright colours) where seafood is caught daily, might also have something to do with it.

Angela reveals that Plaka Village, the old hilltop capital, has a '360-degree view of the sea and neighbouring islands'

Sarakiniko, with its white rock formations, is the most 'startling' beach on the island, says Angela, who adds that it is 'moonscape-like'

There are no direct flights to Milos from the UK - though it has a domestic airport with flights from Athens - so getting here requires effort. But that is well rewarded.

Our own journey starts with a flight to neighbouring Santorini and then a two-hour ferry to Milos.

A car is important if you want to get around, as although the island only measures 12 miles from east to west and eight from north to south, you definitely wont be able to rely on finding a taxi.

The boat docks at the port town of Adamantas, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean as well as the commercial hub of the island.

Angela takes a boat to Kleftiko, an expansive chain of rocky coves and sea caves that can only be reached by boat

The town is home to around 1,200 locals - so 'hub' stretches the point a little. (There are only 5,000 people on the entire island).

From there its a 15-minute drive to the Noma, an adult-only boutique hotel which, with its high ceilings, earthy tones, and wooden and clay furniture, appears to meld into the landscape.

Milos is hilly, which is why an e-bike is such an easy, efficient way to see the island.

The roads are unruffled by traffic and nowhere is far - it takes no more than 40 minutes to drive anywhere. And there is much to see.

A room at adults-only Noma hotel, Angela's base for the trip, which 'appears to meld into the landscape'

Fresh seafood is caught daily on the island, reveals Angela

Our favourite spots include Plaka, the old hilltop capital, where we wander down narrow, stone-paved alleys draped in bougainvillea and lined with whitewashed houses.

Here, we find the church of Panagia Korfiatissa, built in 1820 with materials brought from the abandoned churches of the old town.

Given the altitude of Plaka - around 254 metres - the highlight is the 360-degree view of the sea and neighbouring islands.

TRAVEL FACTS British Airways (ba.com), easyJet (easyjet.com) and Jet2 (jet2.com) fly to Santorini. The ferry from Santorini to Milos costs from around 75 one way (ferryhopper.com). Doubles at Noma cost from 164 B&B (nomamilos.gr). Advertisement

Another place of interest, not least since it seems so anomalous, lies in the village of Tripiti where we encounter catacombs (ancient underground Christian cemeteries used in Roman times). They were discovered in 1844 and are estimated to have been built towards the end of the 1st century AD.

Milos benefits from a prevailing north wind - what our bike-tour guide George calls the 'air conditioning of the Aegean', which cools us in the soaring heat as we cycle onwards.

The island has more than 70 beaches. The most startling is the white rock moonscape-like Sarakiniko.

Here we scramble like early astronauts over volcanic rock formations, which undulate down to the shallow, refreshing aquamarine waters.

However, one the most distinctive sites on Milos is Kleftiko, an expansive chain of rocky coves and sea caves, which can only be reached by boat.

We join a tour, anchoring so we can plunge into the bracingly cool, clear sea to duck and dive through great arch-shaped rock formations.

Like so much of this island, Kleftiko is a place of wonder - and for us it is a true Greek discovery.

Unlike the real Venus de Milo, we have every intention of returning.
Her dad was on Grey's Anatomy for many years. Now he is in Bad Boys with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

Mom was a fashion and beauty model before starring on teen movies like Scream 2, Urban Legend and Jawbreaker.

This teen is only 14-years-old, but looked older than that in her strapless dress on the red carpet last week.

She was with her dad and younger sister.

Who is she?

Her dad was on Grey's Anatomy for many years. Now he is in Bad Boys with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Mom was a model before starring on teen movies like Scream 2, Urban Legend and Jawbreaker. Who is she?

She is Billie Dane, 14.

Her father is Eric Dane and her mother is Rebecca Gayheart.

Dane was every inch a proud father while bringing his daughters along to the premiere of his latest film Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Thursday.

His oldest daughter, Billie, 14, looked like mom Rebecca Gayheart's mini me.

She wore her blonde locks in defined curls and let her face framing pieces fall out.

She accessorized with a dainty gold necklace and various silver rings while she carried a black purse.

Her younger sister, Georgia, 13, chose a black top and skirt.

The 51-year-old Euphoria actor  who likes to spend quality time with his daughter when not on set  stars in the film alongside veteran actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

He seemed thrilled when he put his arms around his teenage daughters.

The Grey's Anatomy star is set to play the role of the villain as a rogue banker in the film when it hits theatres on June 5.

She is Billie Dane. Seen with her dad Eric Dane and sister at the premiere of his latest film Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Thursday

The actor, 51, rocked a black button up and black dress pants paired with dark loafers and a blue tee while posing up a storm

Also walking the carpet at the Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiere were actors Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Angela Simmons.

In the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise, Smith plays Detective Mike opposite of Lawrence who acts as Marcus Miles.

Eric shares his two teenage daughter with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart who he married back in 2004.

Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018 yet the split was never finalized. She has kept his last name on her Instagram account.

His oldest daughter, Billie, 14, looked like mom Rebecca Gayheart's mini me

Her younger sister, Georgia, 13, chose a black top and skirt

Eric shares his two teenage daughter with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart who he married back in 2004; Seen in 2017 in Brentwood

Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018 yet the split was never finalized. She has kept his last name on her Instagram account; Rebecca, Eric, Billie and Georgia seen in 2016 in Brentwood

However, Eric and Rebecca have fans holding out hope for the pair to get back together after being spotted together on multiple occasions.

The exes were seen holding hands during a trip to Cabo with their children in January, almost five years after filing for divorce following 14 years of marriage.

They first raised eyebrows over the summer when they fueled reconciliation rumors by posting snaps from their family trip to France.
Karl Stefanovic has called a company-wide meeting to discuss cultural issues at Channel Nine, reports claim.

Last month, Nine boss Mike Sneesby sent an email to all employees urging staff with complaints of 'inappropriate behaviour' at the network to come forward, following the sudden exit of Nine's director of news and current affairs Darren Wick.

According to the The Australian, Stefanovic, 49, on Friday assembled network staff including fellow Today stars Sarah Abo, Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell to discuss the 'toxic culture'.

The 'solemn' meeting was reportedly convened by Nine's director of morning television, Steven Burling, and attended by staff across the country both in person and online.

Stefanovic told colleagues 'men need to do better' at Nine during a powerful address as he praised the network's female employees, describing them as the 'heart and soul' of the media company, the report claims.

Today's Karl Stefanovic, 49, (pictured) called a company-wide meeting on Friday to discuss cultural issues at Channel Nine, reports claim

Stefanovic also reportedly invited Sneesby to the meeting, who gave a speech about how he understood why some female employees 'felt they could not speak up'.

Prior to the meeting, Burling also reportedly sent out a letter to news staff saying the get-together was a chance to 'reset and reinforce positive ways'.

Sneesby wrote in his email to staff on May 22 that 'it is important for everyone at Nine to know that we don't tolerate inappropriate behaviour in the workplace and want to know if there is inappropriate behaviour occurring, so that it can be addressed promptly.

Sneesby then assured employees that making a complaint about such conduct would not be damaging to their careers.

'If you feel that you have been victimised because you have made a complaint about an issue, you should raise that with the senior leaders of our business or with People and Culture,' he wrote.

Last month, Nine boss Mike Sneesby (pictured) sent an email to all employees urging staff with complaints of 'inappropriate behaviour' at the network to come forward, following the sudden exit of Nine's director of news and current affairs Darren Wick

'Our guidelines on conduct in the workplace and how we manage complaints about workplace issues are on our intranet.

'I encourage you to raise any concerns you may have about behaviour in the workplace, to ensure Nine is a safe and supportive place for all of us to work in.

'We have all been involved in developing our purpose and values which need to guide the way we turn up each day.'

A Nine spokesman said the network would not be commenting on the timing of Sneesby's email, the reasons for Wick's departure, or the nature of any allegations about inappropriate behaviour.

Wick (pictured) announced his resignation in a statement on March 15, ending weeks of speculation about his future during which Nine insisted he was just taking an extended summer break

Sneesby's email referred to recent media attention on Nine's 'internal processes and policies regarding complaints about conduct in the workplace' following Wick's exit but did not mention him by name.

Wick announced his resignation in a statement on March 15, ending weeks of speculation about his future during which Nine insisted he was just taking an extended summer break.

Nine has since appointed respected journalist Fiona Dear as its director of news and current affairs.
Robert Irwin has joined forces with his fellow Aussie icon Bluey to be the face of a special campaign for Tourism and Events Queensland.

The conservationist, 20, is fronting a $9.2million international tourism campaign designed to bring more visitors into the state.

In a newly-dropped promotional video for the campaign, Irwin asks viewers: 'Ever wish you could live in Bluey's world? Well, that's all of Queensland!'

Irwin is then seen launching a red balloon into the air to begin a round of 'keepy uppy', the fun Bluey game where characters try to keep a balloon off the ground.

The footage then cuts to the balloon floating across some iconic QLD sights, including the Great Barrier Reef, the outback and the Gold Coast beach.

Robert Irwin (pictured) has joined forces with iconic ABC Kids character Bluey to be the face of a special campaign for Tourism and Events Queensland

'You'll love all of Queensland,' Irwin adds, as the screen cuts to the campaign slogan which says: 'Come and play in Bluey's world, QLD.'

The campaign aims to bring over one million tourists into the state, and will be aired internationally in many countries, including the US, Japan, United Kingdom and New Zealand, reports The Brisbane Times.

The marketing campaign is a collaboration between Tourism and Events Queensland and BBC Studios in the UK.

The conservationist, 20, is fronting the $9.2million international tourism campaign designed to bring more visitors into the state

In a newly dropped promotional video for the campaign, Irwin asks viewers: 'Ever wish you could live in Bluey's world? Well, that's all of Queensland'

It comes after tickets to the highly anticipated Bluey's World exhibit in Brisbane went on sale last month.

Fans can now purchase a general admission ticket to the immersive experience ahead of its grand opening on November 7 - Prices start from $49.90.

The world-first Bluey attraction will provide fans of the hit Aussie kids show with a tour through life-size recreations of the show's houses and allow them to meet some of the show's beloved characters.

Located in the upmarket suburb of Hamilton, it will run until April 27, 2025 and is expected to inject millions of dollars into the economy.

The campaign aims to bring over one million tourists into the state, and will be aired internationally in many countries, including the US, Japan, United Kingdom and New Zealand

The 'immersive' experience will last for almost two hours.

It is initially slated to just be a pop-up attraction which remains up until Easter 2025, but depending on how popular it is a more permanent attraction may be built.

'Embark on a brand-new immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their beloved home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises... maybe even a Longdog or two,' a statement from the organiser said.
This journalist has been a mainstay on ABC's breakfast TV since 2010.

Beginning his broadcasting career in the 1990s, he has been a political, business, economic and financial reporter for the ABC.

The 55-year-old also worked as a US correspondent in Washington.

Over the years, he's shared the screen with some of the country's most notable presenters, including Lisa Millar, Tony Armstrong and Virginia Trioli.

So can you guess who this star is?

This journalist has been a mainstay on ABC's breakfast TV since 2010. Do you know who it is?

That's right, it's ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland!

On Sunday the media personality shared a nostalgic throwback photo on Instagram.

The image, showing a young Michael with a blonde fringe hairstyle, had followers doing a double-take.

He captioned the post, 'Everyone tap in. Let's see you as a kid.'

The throwback post trend has been sweeping social media for the past week, taking over from a similar trend earlier in the year encouraging people to post photos of themselves at 21.

The photo is of ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland, 55, (pictured)

Last year, Michael said he wants to be the next 'king' of Australian TV.

He said he is out to beat the 21 years David 'Kochie' Koch spent as host of Seven's Sunrise.

'I want to smash Kochie's record,' he joked about the retired Seven star in an interview with TV Tonight.

Michael has already spent 15 on the couch at News Breakfast, and he believes he is good for another eight, which will beat Koch's record.

Over the years, he's shared the screen with some of the country's most notable presenters, including Lisa Millar (left), Tony Armstrong and Virginia Trioli

'I'm feeling probably the fittest I felt in a few years,' said Michael, who co-hosts News Breakfast with Lisa Millar.

'You have peaks and troughs doing crazy hours,' he added.

'But I love the show. I've always told people It's the best job in broadcast TV...I'm so lucky to be in this position. I'm loving it. Watch out Kochie I'm coming for your record.'
Sophia Bush celebrated her first pride month since coming out as queer, as she shared a heartfelt message to her Instagram on Sunday.

The actress, 41, posted a quote on her Stories that read, 'You are perfect. No matter how long it might take, you'll find your people. And they will help you find more and more of yourself. Its worth it. You're worth it.'

The One Tree Hill star wrote the line underneath another reposted quote, from account We the Urban, which said, 'Pride is important because someone tonight still believes theyre better off dead than being themselves.'

She also shared a barefaced selfie in a bathrobe adding the LGBTQ pride flag emoji and a heart sign.

Bush publicly came out in April, and announced she was in love with athlete Ashlyn Harris, 38, and that her former partners have always known she was into women.

Sophia Bush, 41, celebrated her first pride month since coming out as queer, as she shared a heartfelt message to her Instagram on Sunday

Pride Month began on Saturday and celebrates the LGBTQ community in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City.

Bush's message comes a week after she firmly shut down rumors that she is engaged to her girlfriend.

She had posted a romantic snap with Ashlyn from Paris in which she slipped one arm under her ladylove's jacket.

Because her left hand was hidden from view, some social media users began speculating that she was concealing a ring.

However Sophia put paid to the conjecture with a follow-up picture, holding up her left hand to assure the public her fourth finger was bare.

'I hear the internet is being wild? Yall,' she wrote with crying laughing and coffin emojis. 'I have no "news" for you. But wouldn't you put your hands all up in her jacket if you could?? (To be clear you can't because boundaries, but I'll continue to do it for you because Im just generous like that.)'

When she posted the original loved-up Paris snapshot with Ashlyn, Sophia gushed: 'I just wanna squeeeeeeeeeze her.'

She added: 'I get that it's new for y'all to see me so happy and so embodied. It's new for me too. How lucky am I,' closing the message with a teary-eyed emoji.

She posted a quote that read, 'You are perfect. No matter how long it might take, you'll find your people. And they will help you find more and more of yourself. Its worth it. You're worth it'

Bush came out in April, and announced she was in love with athlete Ashlyn Harris, 38, and that her former partners have always known she was into women; The duo pictured in April

Her message comes a week after she firmly shut down rumors that she is engaged to her girlfriend, writing 'I have no "news" for you'

Rumors started after the actress had posted a romantic snap with Ashlyn from Paris in which she slipped one arm under her ladylove's jacket

Sophia and Ashlyn made their red carpet debut in April at the star-studded White House Correspondents Dinner hosted by Colin Jost

Ashlyn fired up her own Insta Stories and posted a selfie in which Sophia planted a kiss on her cheek as they toasted with white wine.

Sophia and Ashlyn made their red carpet debut in April, at the star-studded White House Correspondents Dinner hosted by Colin Jost.

Shortly beforehand, Sophia had announced their relationship by penning an essay in Glamour magazine in which she also came out as 'queer.'

She wrote that she and Ashlyn first became acquainted in 2019 but did not become a couple until October 2023 - after their respective marriages fell apart.

Sophia filed for divorce from her husband of 13 months Grant Hughes in August 2023, while Ashlyn filed for divorce from her wife Ali Krieger that September.

In her coming out essay, Sophia - who was previously married to her One Tree Hill co-star Chad Michael Murray - revealed that multiple men she was involved with in the past were aware that she was also attracted to women.

She took aim at social media users 'who said I'd left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women - my partners have known what I'm into for as long as I have (so that's not it, y'all, sorry!).'

When romance rumors started swirling about her and Ashlyn, Sophia was accused of being a 'home-wrecker,' inasmuch as Ashlyn shares two children with her ex-wife.

Sophia revealed that she and Ashlyn became a couple in October 2023, two months after she filed for divorce from Grant Hughes, whom she is pictured with in 2022

Ashlyn shares two children with her former wife Ali Krieger (left), whom she filed for divorce from in September 2023; They are pictured that May

Sophia firmly denied that she broke up Ashlyn's marriage, writing that she found herself on the business end of 'blatant lies and violent threats' over the conjecture.

'People looking in from the outside weren't privy to just how much time it took, how many painful conversations were had,' she insisted.

'A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people's processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings,' added the Chicago P.D. actress.

Along with Ashlyn and her husbands, Sophia has also previously dated her co-stars Jon Foster, James Lafferty, Austin Nichols and Jesse Lee Soffer.
Ellie Gonsalves has revealed the intense backlash she copped after sharing a list of '118 reasons not to have children'.

The model and TV host's list included reasons such as post partum hair loss, the 'baby may poo inside you', your vagina will be different, your house will never be tidy, childbirth can cause rectal prolapse and you miss out on things you love doing.

In an interview with Pedestrian, the 34-year-old revealed the trolling took a nasty turn when her husband Ross Scutts received messages telling him it 'wasn't too late to divorce his wife'.

'It was like they thought I was the only one driving that decision and being like, "Oh, well, I'm not gonna have kids" and he's just like along for the ride like no, we made this decision together,' Ellie explained.

The model added that her opinions on remaining child-free should not impact other people's beliefs, but said she's 'happy' to be a 'poster child' for those who might be considering not having kids or who have already made their decision.

Ellie Gonsalves has doubled down on the intense backlash she copped after sharing her list of 118 reasons not to have children

'I think if somebody's own opinion on their life choices affects you to the point where you have to negatively comment about something, then I'm not the problem. That's something they have to solve on their own. That's them. That's a them problem,' she continued.

'Sharing my life choices should not make people feel upset to the point where they feel that they've got to do that.'

Ellie, who is married to film producer Ross, said she was inspired to start her own list of reasons to be child-free after seeing TikTok user Girl With The List go viral on the video platform with her own collection of reasons.

The Australian model and influencer, who went viral for posting her list last year, addressed the hateful comments she received online. Pictured with husband Ross Scutts

'While some of those things on my list are satirical, many are serious and factual. Societal pressure when it comes to this topic are truly questionable and I believe unfair towards those with differing opinions,' she said of the list.

'Very rarely do we see a voice in support of this, because let's face it, the public backlash can be too much,' the influencer added.

Ellie married her long-term partner Scutts in two luxury ceremonies back in March.

The official nuptials took place at the floating beach club La Luna on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in an intimate toi et moi wedding.

They followed it up with a second luxury gathering where they invited their bridal party and other guests.

The couple, who have been together for 15 years, have been vocal about not wanting to have children.

Ellie married her long-term partner, entrepreneur Ross Scutts, in two luxury ceremonies back in March. The couple have been together for 15 years
Lindy Klim meant business as she attended the launch of her new The Fig Femme range in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Australian-Indonesian model, 47, exuded effortless style in an oversized black blazer paired with casual jeans.

The chic ensemble was completed with a black top, classic black heels and a quilted black crossbody bag.

Her minimal makeup highlighted her natural beauty, while her hair was pulled back to accentuate her sharp features.

Lindy was photographed posing alongside Married At First Sight NZ star Samuel Levi.

Lindy Klim looked ready for business as she attended the launch of her new The Fig Femme range in Melbourne on Saturday

The Australian-Indonesian model, 47, exuded effortless style in an oversized black blazer paired with casual jeans

Also in attendance was MAFS bride Natalie Parham, who made a statement in a vibrant pink and blue dress with white sneakers.

Lindy became Australia's hottest vaginal wellness expert overnight following the launch of her vagina mask brand Fig Femme in July 2020.

Products from the range include a 'Refresh Daily Wash' for your intimate parts, the 'Revive Hydrating Mist' for eliminating odour-causing bacteria.

It also featured the 'Restore Mask', which is a luxurious sheet mask for the vulva.

In 2021, Lindy celebrated a business milestone after her vaginal pampering brand Fig Femme was snapped up by Kourtney Kardashian's POOSH, becoming the first Australian label to be featured on the site.

The reality TV veteran also endorsed Lindy's Fig Femme line on her POOSH website , and it immediately flew off shelves.

Lindy was photographed posing alongside Married At First Sight NZ star Samuel Levi

There were a little bit of naysayers early on,' Lindy told The Herald Sun.

'Ever since then we've just been selling out of stock, we can't keep up,' she added.

Kourtney gave Lindy's brand a plug by including Fig Femme products in an article about vaginal health and 'natural ways to balance the vagina's pH'.

Kourtney spruiked the article on her personal Instagram page, after which Lindy excitedly re-shared the post to her own Stories.

'Fig Femme featured in Poosh,' she wrote, adding a photo of the article and three Fig Femme products that had been touted as examples of vaginal health products.

Currently residing in Bali, Lindy shares custody of her three children with her ex-husband, former Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, who lives in Australia.

The Balinese princess was married to the Olympian for nearly a decade before they split acrimoniously eight years ago.

Also in attendance was MAFS bride Natalie Parham, who made a statement in a vibrant pink and blue dress with white sneakers

Lindy married British property developer Adam Ellis in August 2018, a year after they welcomed their daughter Goldie.

She recently put the finishing touches on her stunning Bali home, Casa Tellulah.

The property, which she shares with her husband Adam Ellis, is a masterpiece of minimalist interior design.

It features a spacious master bedroom and balcony, a gorgeous dining area that extends to a beautiful outdoor pool and sunbeds, and a Spanish-inspired outdoor area boasting a sunlit pool surrounded by cacti and palm trees.
Paris Hilton took to Instagram to show off her latest glittering look as the self-proclaimed 'it girl' left little to the imagination on Sunday.

The 43-year-old socialite  who recently shared sweet snaps from her Hawaiian family getaway  put on a leggy display in a risque shimmering gold mini-dress.

Her sultry ensemble turned up the heart with various strategically placed cutouts along her sides and body.

She looked stunning as the dress clung to her petite frame, accessorizing with a simple silvering, bedazzled gloves and dainty star shaped earrings.

'It Girl blueprint,' the multihyphenate penned about herself as she shared the post with her 26.4million followers.

Paris Hilton took to Instagram to show off her latest glittering look as the self proclaimed 'it girl' made heads turn on Sunday

The 43-year-old socialite put on a leggy display in a risque shimmering gold mini-dress

Hilton channeled her inner Marylin Monroe with the elegant almost nude appearing ensemble that showed off her frame.

She wore her long blonde locks in a half up-half down high ponytail and let a front piece frame her face.

Her radiant full-glam makeup made the Simple Life star's skin glow. She sported luminous highlighter, contour and added bold lashes that made her blue eyes pop.

The businesswoman's light eyeliner, plump pout and nude eyeshadow stole the show as she posed up a storm.

Fans went wild in the comments showing their support for the starlet as one wrote, 'When you know you are the queen of pop!!!!!'

Another joined in, writing, 'Nothing can stop you with that hair honey!'

This jaw-dropping look comes just as the mum-of-two prepares to drop her sophomore album.

Paris will release her second album Infinite Icon on September 6 - her first in over two decades.

The socialite released her first album Paris in 2006 and it spawned Turn It Up, Nothing In This World, and cult hit Stars Are Blind.

She then released a series of non-album singles, including 2015's High Off My Love, 2018's I Need You, 2023's Hot One and, in April she released Fame Won't Love You in collaboration with Sia.

Paris told Rolling Stone in 2023 that the experience of creating her song Hot One made her want to make another album.

Her sultry ensemble turned up the heart with various strategically placed cutouts along her sides and body

She looked stunning as the dress clung to her petite frame, accessorizing with a simple silvering, bedazzled gloves and dainty star shaped earrings

'It Girl blueprint,' the multihyphenate penned about herself as she shared the post with her 26.4million followers

Hilton channeled her inner Marylin Monroe with the elegant almost nude appearing ensemble that showed off her frame

Her radiant full-glam makeup made the Simple Life star's skin glow. She sported luminous highlighter, contour and added bold lashes that made her blue eyes pop

Paris will release her second album Infinite Icon on September 6 - her first in over two decades

She said: 'I was instantly inspired and knew we had to make this record. We went into Sunset Sound Studio and ended up recording 3 songs in just one day! It was magic!'

Hilton shares her children Phoenix, one, and London, 6 months with her husband of three years, Carter Reum.

The blonde beauty married the best selling author on November 11, 2021 after just two years of dating.

We last saw the starlet on Saturday as she kicked off Pride Month by sharing several photos from her Night Of 1000 Parises event on her Instagram account.
Fans were delighted after it was announced Outnumbered will return with a special one-off episode this Christmas 10 years after the series ended.

However, the BBC drama will see a major shake up as the family will reportedly not be returning to their iconic terraced house.

The house in Wandsworth, South West London, was the main setting for the show as the Brockman's caused chaos within its four walls.

However The Sun has revealed that the BBC film crew has been nowhere to be seen at the property so it seems the house won't feature.

A TV insider told the publication: 'Locals are pretty gutted by the realisation as they always liked the association of the rather middle-class family being in their neighbourhood

Outnumbered Christmas special will reportedly feature a MAJOR shake up as filming begins on BBC drama 10 years after the series ended

However, the BBC drama will see a major shake up as the family will reportedly not be returning to their iconic terraced house

'It didn't harm house prices either  the house in question is estimated to be worth around 1.7million.

'So although Mr and Mrs Brockman might have been sad at the kids leaving home, downsizing would have seen them laughing all the way to the bank.'

So where will the family have downsized to?

The shows scheduled return comes eight years since the family last appeared on screen, when they returned for a Christmas special in 2016, two years after the show came to an end.

The child stars of the show previously sent fans into a frenzy as they reunited nine years after the hit show ended in October, sparking rumours of a reunion.

And in May it was confirmed that the Brockman's are back for a Christmas special with viewers set to discover what has happened to the family in the past decade.

During this time, it has been revealed that one of the Brockman kids has welcomed a child of their own in a brief synopsis for the upcoming episode.

It will follow the chaos in the downsized home of Pete and Sue Brockman, as they grapple with parenting kids who are now adults, with their own lives to lead.

The house in Wandsworth, South West London, was the main setting for the show as the Brockman's caused chaos within its four walls

A TV insider told the publication: 'Locals are pretty gutted by the realisation as they always liked the association of the rather middle-class family being in their neighbourhood'

The stars of the original series are returning for the special including Hugh Dennis as dad Pete, Claire Skinner as mum Sue, Tyger Drew-Honey as eldest son Jake, Daniel Roche as the middle child Ben, and Ramona Marquez as the daughter, Karen (pictured in 2016)

The stars of the original series are returning for the special including Hugh Dennis as dad Pete, Claire Skinner as mum Sue, Tyger Drew-Honey as eldest son Jake, Daniel Roche as the middle child Ben, and Ramona Marquez as the daughter, Karen.

Ramona also excitedly announced the news on her Instagram page, sharing a recent picture with her on-screen brothers Tyger and Daniel.

She wrote: 'WE ARE SO BACK !!!! OUTNUMBERED CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024. SEE YOU SOON.'

In a moment of adversity, Sue and Pete gather all their offspring (including one grandchild) to try and celebrate a traditional family Christmas. But fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in their way.

Hugh Dennis says: 'I can't wait for the Brockmans to be back together again. Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children, but I'm sure family life will prove to be just as chaotic as ever.'

Claire Skinner says: 'I'm really looking forward to being reunited with my TV family. Working on this wonderful BBC comedy doesn't feel like work and is one of the greatest joys for us all.'

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: 'Outnumbered is one of the crown jewels of British sitcoms. We're so grateful to Guy, Andy, Hattrick, and the cast for dusting it off and putting it back on display.'
Matthew Newton has denied his marriage to Catherine Schneiderman is over following reports he has moved out of the Texas ranch the couple were sharing and returned to New York where their first met in 2012.

Woman's Day claimed the couple parted ways after 'a rough couple of years'.

'Matty has had some huge obstacles thrown at him over the last 24 months and the stress simply took its toll on their relationship,' a source told the publication.

'Cat and Matthew had looked for a fresh start in Texas a few years back, but sadly it didn't help.'

The publication also claimed his mother Patti, 79, is 'concerned' about Matt and is considering flying to the States to help him settle in New York.

Matthew Newton has denied his marriage to Catherine Schneiderman is over after reports he has moved out of the Texas ranch the couple were sharing and returned to New York where their first met in 2012

They allege Matthew reached out to his mother when his marriage broke down, and Patti 'dropped everything' to help him from afar.

When contacted for comment, Matthew denied he and Catherine had split.

Catherine, who is the daughter of former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, still appears to be living in Texas and has sparked up a friendship with a local man called Troy Evans.

Evans even has had her name tattooed on his arm.

Catherine, who is the daughter of former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, still appears to be living in Texas and has sparked up a friendship with a local man called Troy Evans

The man also has Catherine's name tattooed on his arm inside a love heart

Instagram photos uploaded by Catherine in March show the brunette posing arm-in-arm with a heavily tattooed Troy as they attended a Texas rodeo.

She also shared a photo of the pair posing together on a farm while wearing cowboy hats in December 2023, captioned with the words: 'Giddy Up'.

The brunette also appears to have undergone a dramatic transformation in recent months, debuting a noticeably slimmer frame.

Instagram photos uploaded by Catherine (centre) in March show the brunette posing arm-in-arm with Troy Evan (left) as they attended a Texas rodeo with a female friend (right)

Catherine appears to have undergone a dramatic transformation in recent months after debuting a noticeably slimmer frame. (Pictured left with Matthew in 2021, and right on March 15, 2024)

Catherine ignited speculation there was trouble in paradise after she recently shared a selfie to Instagram in which she was not wearing her wedding ring.

The photo captured Catherine holding up her phone with her left hand, and her diamond wedding ring was nowhere to be seen.

Catherine captioned the gallery of snaps with some cryptic words: 'Just like life to come teach me a lesson.'

Matthew and Catherine married in 2017 and were previously said to be living a quiet life together in a mansion in Texas, USA.

Catherine ignited speculation there was trouble in paradise after she recently shared a selfie to Instagram without her wedding ring (left). She is pictured wearing it in 2016 (right)



It comes after reports surfaced claiming Patti had issued a desperate plea to Matthew back in November.

Woman's Day claimed Patti was committed to having her son return to Melbourne for a reunion after years away from home and a series of scandals.

Matthew hasn't been home to Australia in years and didn't return for his father's funeral in 2021.

He has been enjoying a quiet and anonymous life in America following a series of scandals.

This includes domestic violence allegations from two former girlfriends: Australian actresses Brooke Satchwell, 43, and Rachael Taylor, 39.

In 2007, he pleaded guilty to assaulting Satchwell. A judge would later overturn the conviction because Matthew suffered from a 'severe depressive disorder.'

Three years later, Matthew was given a two-year apprehended domestic violence order after Taylor reported he had assaulted her at a hotel in Rome.

He was also 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.

Following the charges, Matthew checked into the Betty Ford Center in California for 90 days of alcohol and drug treatment.
Rapper Rick Ross welcomed thousands of fans to his Car & Bike Show in Fayetteville, Georgia on Saturday, though many took to social media to put him on blast.

The 48-year-old rapper took to Instagram to promote the show, giving DJ Craig Street a shout-out for, 'pulling up.'

Ross also took to Instagram later in the day, sharing video footage from his concert, thanking the 12,000 fans for coming out.

However, many fans took to both of those posts to complain to the rapper about the ridiculously long wait times for shuttles and to check in.

@dionnetheloctitian began, 'Man 5000 of us was stuck at shuttles and missed the whole show! It was a vibe once we got there but our energy was gone bc the check in process killed a lot of us off!'

Rapper Rick Ross welcomed thousands of fans to his Car & Bike Show in Fayetteville, Georgia on Saturday, though many took to social media to put him on blast.

However, many fans took to both of those posts to complain to the rapper about the ridiculously long wait times for shuttles and to check in.

She added, 'To have to wait over 3 hrs was KRAZY! Man your planning committee dropped the ball with us and I really felt sorry for the ones who flew in and still couldnt get in!'

'This one hurt a lot of us BOSS! You still the biggest but I really felt like a Poohput begging to get in a club or something! Feelings was too hurt frfr,' she concluded.

@1_mr.vsop added, 'Crazy thing is. That aint even all the people who were still waiting at the shuttle location.'

@lovinmrsb said, 'Horrible check in and shuttle btw. To say Im livid is an understatement. Do better next year. I wont try to attend ever again, but do better. The safety of your patrons was not #1 and it showed.'

@iamredd77 said, 'I really enjoyed the experience out there. Only one thing didnt like the transportation back waited to be shuttle back to our car over 3 1/2 hours transportation was not caring.'

@kevinamoore_respectit said, 'The fact that I waited in line for almost 3 hrs just to get on my husband property was insane! A lady fainted in the parking lot ems had to arrive. The WHOLE experience was NOT what I expected but overall I met a really cool girl and her cousin and I made the BEST of my trip BETTER needs to be orchestrated next time husband but I still love you even tho I didnt get to see your performance.'

@dionnetheloctitian began, 'Man 5000 of us was stuck at shuttles and missed the whole show! It was a vibe once we got there but our energy was gone bc the check in process killed a lot of us off!'

@melberrios added, 'Yall need to refund me my money for running out of wristbands and shutting down the shuttles after waiting in line for 3+ hours idk what kind of operation yall were running here but about 800 ppl got scammed just at orange parking lot.'

@ladi_boss08 said, '8 tickets and we can't even get in bc of y'all lack of poor planning been riding for 2 hours up down the SAME Street. Whoever you hired to direct traffic just keep sending us in circles! I'm very upset we have parking passes and still can't park! Just a complete waste!

@ltz_detailz said, 'Yall need to refund our damn money back,' then, 'yall need to send more buses to green lot !'

@melberrios added, 'Yall need to refund me my money for running out of wristbands and shutting down the shuttles after waiting in line for 3+ hours idk what kind of operation yall were running here but about 800 ppl got scammed just at orange parking lot.'

@tricey_p stated, 'He had kids running the shuttles at the orange location, there were almost 800 people that did not get in and lost their money. Grown men pushing women and children, it was a complete circus.'

@ladi_boss08 said, '8 tickets and we can't even get in bc of y'all lack of poor planning been riding for 2 hours up down the SAME Street. Whoever you hired to direct traffic just keep sending us in circles! I'm very upset we have parking passes and still can't park! Just a complete waste!

@ltz_detailz said, 'Yall need to refund our damn money back,' then, 'yall need to send more buses to green lot !'
Pretoria, South Africa (PANA) - President Cyril Ramaphosa is urging all political parties to put aside their differences and work together for the common good, warning that there can be no place for threats of violence or instability as South African parties gear up to discuss coalitions
Rebel Wilson's fiancee's father won't speak to her because of their same-sex relationship.

The Bridesmaids actress, 44, revealed she was dating Ramona Agruma in a June 2022 Instagram post, with the pair getting engaged months later.

While the Australian star feels 'lucky' that her family were accepting of their union, the clothing designer hasn't had such a comfortable ride.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs' program, Rebel said: 'I'm lucky in my case, even though I come from a very conservative background, it went very, very well... My grandparents, who are in their 90s, just so chilled and cool with it.'

'Ramona's family, not as much. Her mum has luckily come around now, her father still doesn't talk to her, but were hoping that will change,' she revealed.

Rebel Wilson's, 44, (right) fiancee Ramona Agruma's (left) father won't speak to her because of their same-sex relationship

The 44-year-old actress had been in the process of using a surrogate to have a child when she first met Ramona, and was thankful her partner was quickly accepting of her family plans.

'I'd already been planning to use a surrogate to have a child and I'd done several rounds of IVF and I had one embryo transfer, which sadly didn't work.'

'Almost right at meeting Ramona, I was planning on the second embryo transfer and I was like, "Babe I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm going to have a child kind of around November",' she said.

'Ramona just looked at me and said, "Well, I love you and if you have a child, I'm going to love your child exactly the same way."'

Rebel Wilson said she feels 'lucky' that her family were accepting of their union, the clothing designer hasn't had such a comfortable ride

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs' programme, Rebel said: 'Im lucky in my case, even though I come from a very conservative background, it went very, very well ... Ramonas family, not as much. Her mum has luckily come around now, her father still doesnt talk to her, but were hoping that will change,' she revealed

Before undergoing fertility treatment, Rebel lost weight following advice from a specialist, but she admitted not everyone was supportive and she was warned she could 'ruin' her career.

'Obviously, my team thought I've created this amazing pigeonhole for myself playing the fat funny girl, and I was earning millions of dollars per movie, so why would you want to change,' Rebel explained.

'So, I made the choice thinking, "well, it could ruin my career". But I made that choice anyway to try to have a family and not develop any serious diseases,' she added.

The SAG Award nominee and her fiancee Ramona Agruma welcomed their 18-month-old daughter Royce Lillian Elizabeth Wilson via surrogate in 2022.
Princess and Junior Andre have revealed they would both be keen to take part in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

The pair's parents Katie Price and Peter Andre famously met on the ITV reality show back in 2004 and married a year later.

And now it seems their offspring Princess, 16, and Junior, 18, are also eyeing up a stint in the jungle.

Speaking in their first joint interview with OK Magazine, Junior revealed: 'We'd love to do I'm A Celebrity It's where our parents met, so it's why we're here in the first place.'

Princess added: 'We'd have to do it together, but that would be fun. I'd be terrified, but it would be so iconic.'

Princess and Junior have revealed they want to take part in I'm A Celebrity just like their parents Katie Price and Peter Andre did back in 2004

The pair's parents Katie Price and Peter Andre famously met on the ITV reality show back in 2004 and fell in love in front of the nation before marrying a year later

And if they were to take part in the show it seems Junior would perhaps look out for his little sister as he confessed he is very protective of her.

'I'm her big brother so, yeah, I am protective. Not overly protective, but I do look out for her,' he explained.

Peter and Katie fell in love in front of the nation's eyes on the show, back when Katie was known as Jordan.

Back in 2021 Peter reflected on how their romance began, and gushed over the kids he shares with Katie being the 'only jungle babies ever!'

'I was on it in 2004, there are so many memories when I hear the music.

Speaking about his eldest children, he gushed: 'They are the only jungle babies ever my kids!'

When asked who made the best friendships while in the Australian jungle camp, Peter reminisced: 'I mean I fell in love... it was an interesting time!' as he looked back on his romance with Katie.

After falling in love during their 2004 I'm A Celeb stint, the pair tied the knot in a lavish princess-themed wedding at the grand Highclere Castle, which would later find fame as the setting for period drama Downton Abbey.

Speaking in their first joint interview with OK Magazine, Junior revealed: 'We'd love to do I'm A Celebrity It's where our parents met, so it's why we're here in the first place'

Back in 2021 Peter reflected on how their romance began, and gushed over the kids he shares with Katie being the 'only jungle babies ever!'

Peter went on to marry doctor Emily MacDonagh , 34, with whom he now shares three children, daughter Amelia, eight, son Theordore, five, and Arabella, two months

The couple welcomed the newest addition to their family on April 12 and only decided on a name for their baby daughter, less than two weeks before the 42 day legal deadline for registering a name

Their romance did not last though, and after welcoming the two children, the couple divorced in 2009 after more than four years of marriage.

The glamour model is also mother to son Harvey, 20, from her relationship with Dwight Yorke and Jett, nine, and daughter Bunny, eight, with estranged husband Kieran Hayler.

Peter went on to marry doctor Emily MacDonagh, 34, with whom he now shares three children, daughter Amelia, eight, son Theordore, five, and Arabella, two months.

The couple welcomed the newest addition to their family on April 12 and only decided on a name for their baby daughter, less than two weeks before the 42 day legal deadline for registering a name.

A month after welcoming their third child together, Emily revealed the name on Instagram, telling fans: 'Its taken a while but after lots of deliberation weve finally decided. Arabella Rose Andrea.'

The name is a sweet nod to Peter's mother, Thea Andrea, 88, who has been battling ill health in recent months.
ITV bosses have revealed they believe Love Island is a form of education for young people as they confessed they are hoping to amp up the sex for this year's series.

This summer's Love Island begins on Monday and is set to feature the most sex ever as randy Islanders will have unlimited access to the famous Hideaway.

MailOnline revealed last week that the private room will have an open door for the first time, meaning contestants can use the intimate setting any time they wish without the need to be voted in, which has historically been the case.

And now show boss Mike Spencer has explained he hopes contestants will feel more comfortable to enjoy an off the cuff steamy romp which will help replicate what real dating is like and provide an education for viewers.

He told The Sun: 'Love Island should demonstrate what a relationship is like and what dating is like. We've got an audience of young people so I think it is an education.

ITV bosses believe Love Island provides 'education' for young people as they encourage more sex than ever ahead of the upcoming series

Boss Mike Spencer has explained he hopes contestants will feel more comfortable to enjoy an off the cuff steamy romp which will help replicate what real dating is like and provide an education for viewers

'It's seriously important for people to watch the show and know people aren't perfect  none of us are.'

In 2016 Miss GB Zara Holland lost her title after she and bombshell Alex Bowen enjoyed a now-infamous night of passion in the hideaway.

Zara was left beyond bereft when it was revealed she was to be stripped of her Miss Great Britain title due to misconduct.

Zara then left the villa and faced the storm at home as she later said of the romp: 'It's horrible. You know, I was in the moment, I was in the Hideaway. I'd had a few glasses of Champagne, I'm not blaming it on that...'

Meanwhile in the same series carpenter Terry Walsh and bombshell Emma-Jane Woodhams were the subject of one of the most shocking moments in Love Island history when they had full-frontal sex above a duvet, entirely uncovered and in a communal bedroom while their co-stars - and the nation - watched on.

In 2017 Amber Davies romped on a lilo in the pool with Kem Cetinay.

Speaking about whether the pair had sealed the deal while in the villa she said: 'It was true that we had sex in the house more than any couple. Why not?

'If you fancy someone and you've got that sexual chemistry, it's a natural thing.'

Molly-Mae Hague has also admitted her and her now fiance Tommy Fury also had sex while in the villa in a YouTube Q&A.

He told The Sun: 'Love Island should demonstrate what a relationship is like and what dating is like. We've got an audience of young people so I think it is an education'

In 2016 Miss GB Zara Holland lost her title after she and bombshell Alex Bowen enjoyed a now-infamous night of passion in the hideaway

Zara then left the villa and faced the storm at home as she later said of the romp: 'It's horrible. You know, I was in the moment, I was in the Hideaway. I'd had a few glasses of Champagne, I'm not blaming it on that...'

Meanwhile in the same series carpenter Terry Walsh and bombshell Emma-Jane Woodhams were the subject of one of the most shocking moments in Love Island history when they had full-frontal sex above a duvet

And insiders are hoping opening up the Hideaway this year will encourage this year's cast to have more sex, given they'll have further 'private time' away from fellow stars, and even Islanders who are not officially coupled up can use it.

A TV insider told MailOnline: 'The Hideaway being open to all is a seismic move in Love Island world.

'Contestants are desperate for the opportunity to have some private time with their love interest, but their chances have always been dependent on whether the room is available to use.

'But this open door policy will change all that and it's bound to be very busy.

'There's every chance this series could see the most sex ever and show bosses are certainly hoping that's the case to boost ratings.'

The compound is the sexiest room in the entire villa and has been filled with raunchy items to get contestants in the mood for love-making.

It features a double bed with the words 'Naughty Vibes' inscribed above the headboard as well as a private hot tub and swing.

In previous years, there have also been drawers containing sex toys, whips, handcuffs and blindfolds, plus chocolate body paint and seductive massage oils.

In 2017 Amber Davies romped on a lilo in the pool with Kem Cetinay. Speaking about whether the pair had sealed the deal while in the villa she said: 'It was true that we had sex in the house more than any couple. Why not?'

Molly-Mae Hague has also admitted her and her now fiance Tommy Fury also had sex while in the villa in a YouTube Q&A

But producers have scrapped the kinky accessories in the hope Islanders will spend more time focussed on just the two of them, without any distractions.

Speaking about the new Hideaway rules, Mike told MailOnline: '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.

'We want this series to be fun and young... single, fun people come abroad and find love it's worked before and hopefully it will work again.'
Disney is gearing up for awards season by serving as host for a For Your Consideration Fest for some of the cast and crew of the series Star Wars: Ahsoka.

The event, which was held at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, featured a couple of the leading ladies for the Disney + series, Rosario Dawson and co-star Natasha Liu Bordizzo.

The series, which is a spin-off from The Mandalorian (2019-present), takes place in the same timeframe as that series and its other interconnected spin-offs following the events of one of the original three films, Return of the Jedi (1983).

For the promotional event, Dawson was the picture of style and elegance in a black pleated skirt that fell down around her ankles and a matching turtleneck top, which hugged her amazingly fit figure.

The actress would also keep the black theme going by wearing a pair of heeled boots, while accessorizing with double-hoop earrings.

Rosario Dawson, 45, and co-star Natasha Liu Bordizzo, 29, showed off their chemistry and fashion sense when they posed together at the Star Wars: Ahsoka FYC Event the DGA Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday

Rounding out her overall look, the New York City native had her raven locks styled in a pixie-cut over her ears with blunt bangs.

After posing solo the Sin City star joined Bordizzo and the pair proceeded to snuggle up together for a round pf photos on the red carpet.

At one point, the Sydney, New South Wales, Australia native leaned on Dawson's right shoulder while posing at a side angle, giving viewers a look at her off-white ensemble with openings on the sides of both hips.

The dress also had a long slit on the left that allowed for her to flaunt her legs at a moments native, which she aptly took advantage of during the red carpet portion of the promotional event.

She also got a lift by wearing a pair of white open-toe heels, all while styling her long dark tresses up into a bun, with the exception of her bangs and hair she left dangling around the frame of her face.

Initially, Dawson was cast as Ahsoka Tano to appear in the second season of The Mandalorian, which served as a set-up for the new series.

Written as a continuation of the animated series Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka follows former Jedi apprentice of Anakin Skywalker and her allies as they fight the remnants of the Galactic Empire during the time of the fledgling New Republic.

Along with Dawson and Bordizzo, the cast also features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, David Tennant, Eman Esfandi, Evan Whitten, Genevieve O'Reilly, Hayden Christensen, Ariana Greenblatt, Lars Mikkelsen and Anthony Daniels.

Christensen was also on hand for the FYC event along with show creator-executive producer Dave Filoni, who also plays the role of Chopper, Hera's astromech droid, plus film designer and artist Doug Chiang and film and television composer Kevin Kiner.

While Dawson covered up in her elegant black ensemble Bordizzo showed some skin in her off-white number

The actress wore a pleated skirt with a long-sleeve turtleneck top and matching heeled boots

Dawson plays Ahsoka Tano, the Togruta former Jedi apprentice of Anakin Skywalker

Bordizzo teasers admirers with her off-white dress that had an opening on her left hip

Hayden Christensen, who reprises his role as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader, was also onhnad for the promotional event

The first season of Star Wars: Ahsoka premiered on on Disney+ in August 2023, and ran through until early October

Written as a continuation of the animated series Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka follows former Jedi apprentice of Anakin Skywalker and her allies as they fight the remnants of the Galactic Empire during the time of the fledgling New Republic; the cast and crew pictured included Doug Chiang, Christensen, Dave Filoni, Dawson, Bordizzo and Kevin Kiner

The event also featured a Ahsoka panel with Anthony Breznican, Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Doug Chiang, Vice President & Executive Creative Director, Lucasfilm, and Kevin Kiner

The stars of the series shared some experiences from season one of Ahsoka

This past January, Lucasfilm confirmed Filoni was developing a second season for Star Wars: Ahsoka, but a premiere date has not yet been released

The first season, consisting of eight episodes, first premiered on Disney+ in August 2023 and ran through until early October, receiving generally positive reviews and a number of accolades along the way.

Coming in ahead of its premiere as one of the most anticipated new series of August 2023, Disney and Lucasfilm announced that the first episode of Ahsoka had 14 million views in the five days following its release, making it the most watched title on Disney+ during the week of its launch.

Many critics singled out Dawson's performance as one of the highlights of the series, while others heaped praise on the editing, music score, sound editing, makeup, visual effects, along with performances by other cast members such as Lars Mikkelsen.

In addition to Filoni, Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson returned from The Mandalorian as executive producers and were joined by Carrie Beck.

This past January, Lucasfilm confirmed that Filoni was in fact developing a second season, but a premiere date has not yet been released.
Zachary Quinto has been banned from a Toronto restaurant which has claimed he 'yelled at staff' and also made a host cry in an Instagram post shared by the business on Sunday.

The Hollywood actor, 47 - who is known for starring as Spock in the Star Trek franchise - was also labeled as an 'entitled child' by the restaurant called, Manita, following the alleged incident.

A statement uploaded to the eatery's Instagram stories read: 'Zachary Quinto - an amazing Spock, but a terrible customer.'

'Yelled at our staff like an entitled child after he didn't reply to two texts to inform him his table was ready and refused to believe the empty tables in the dining room weren't available for him despite being politely informed they were spoken for.'

'Made our host cry and the rest of our brunch diners uncomfortable. Mr. Quinto, take your bad vibes somewhere else, we have many lovely celebrities join us at Manita but you are NOT one of them,' the business concluded.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Quinto's representatives for comment.

Zachary Quinto, 47, has been banned from a Toronto restaurant which claimed he 'yelled at staff' and also made a host cry in an Instagram post shared by the business on Sunday; seen in May in NYC

A statement uploaded to the eatery's Instagram stories read: 'Zachary Quinto - an amazing Spock, but a terrible customer'

Manita is known as a 'neighborhood cafe, grocery and bar,' according to the restaurant's official website.

The 'Mediterranean-ish bistro' offers customers breakfast, lunch and dinner - with items on the menu including Avocado Toast and Mushroom Croque Madame.

The alleged incident comes as Zachary appears to be spending time in Canada to celebrate his 47th birthday which also took place on Sunday, June 2.

Quinto also took to his Instagram stories to share both photos and videos that captured special moments from the big day.

One image was taken as he visited an amusement park called, Canada's Wonderland, which is located in Ontario.

He shared a snap of the crowded entrance and typed out towards the bottom: 'thank you for such an incredible birthday adventure @canadaswonderland.'

The American Horror Story actor included a short reel that filmed him as he had a blast on a drop tower ride.

Zachary was also able to indulge in a sugary treat that was topped with a lit candle as he relaxed inside a restaurant during the birthday festivities.

The Hollywood actor - who is known for starring as Spock in the Star Trek franchise - was also labeled as an 'entitled child' by the restaurant called, Manita, following the alleged incident

Quinto also took to his Instagram stories to share both photos and videos that captured special moments from the big day

One image was taken as he visited an amusement park called, Canada's Wonderland, which is located in Ontario

The American Horror Story actor included a short reel that filmed him as he had a blast on a drop tower ride

Along with ringing in his 47th birthday, Zachary is also preparing for the release of his latest project titled, Brilliant Minds.

The NBC medical drama was officially greenlit last year in October - and is set to premiere on the network later this year in Fall 2024.

Quinto has been cast as the role of neurologist, Dr. Oliver Wolf - and is based on real-life, late brain surgeon and author, Oliver Wolf Sacks.

The series was initially titled as Wolf before being altered to Brilliant Minds, and also stars Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Teddy Sears, and Donna Murphy.

The premise is: 'A neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the human mind, while also grappling with their own relationships and mental health,' per an official IMDB synopsis.

Zachary was able to indulge in a sugary treat that was topped with a lit candle as he relaxed inside a restaurant during the birthday festivities

Along with ringing in his 47th birthday, Zachary is also preparing for the release of his latest project titled, Brilliant Minds; seen in December 2023 in NYC

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show is set to air on Mondays at 10:00p.m. following The Voice - although an exact release date has yet to be announced.

While Quinto is known for taking on the role of Spock in the Star Trek franchise with other stars such as Chris Pine, he is also no stranger to the world of television.

The actor previously appeared in the superhero NBC drama titled, Heroes, from 2006 through 2010.

Zachary also starred in NOS4A2 (2019-2020) as well as American Horror Story: Murder House followed by Asylum.
Sydney's most talked-about socialites flocked to celebrate the 40th birthday of coveted fashion designer Michael Lo Sordo over the weekend.

Pip Edwards, Kristin Fisher, Bernadette Fahey, Sarah Lucas and Caroline Tran were among the notable guests at the lavish event held at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi Beach.

However, nude artist Dina Broadhurst, who often wears Lo Sordo's designs, appeared absent from the function, fuelling the rumours she's had a falling out with eyebrow queen Fisher.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, P.E Nation co-founder Pip shared numerous photos from the party, posing with Lo Sordo and other partygoers.

'HB MLS - we love you, adore you and celebrate you!' she captioned her post, revealing she wore vintage staples from his collection to the lunch.

Pip Edwards and Kristin Fisher were among the notable guests at designer Michael Lo Sordo's 40th birthday party on the weekend

Edwards was well dressed for winter in a black leather trench coat, paired with a black sequined top and lace bralette.

Meanwhile, Pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey wore a tan strapless minidress that ruched at the sides, while layering with a black blazer.

'Happy 40th my boo,' the blonde captioned her post.

Last month, it was reported Fisher and Broadhurst had a falling out.

Fisher, who owns a popular eyebrow bar in Double Bay, used to be thick as thieves with fellow headline magnet Broadhurst - known as the 'nude artist' because her artworks often feature her naked body front and centre.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, P.E Nation co-founder Pip shared numerous photos from the party, posing with Lo Sordo and other partygoers

Pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey wore a tan strapless minidress that ruched at the sides

But they have reportedly iced each other out - and rumour has it the reason for their rift stems from Broadhurst, 45, and Fisher, 39, 'both hooking up with the same guy'.

'It hasn't ended well,' a source told The Sunday Telegraph of their falling-out.

'They were both single so were going out together a lot at one stage. But they haven't spoken in months,' the insider added.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Broadhurst and Fisher in May for comment.

It comes after Broadhurst appeared to confirm her romance with multimillionaire kitchen appliances heir John 'Herman' Winning last month.

Nude artist Dina Broadhurst (not pictured) was notably absent from the function, fuelling the rumours that she had a falling out with eyebrow queen Fisher

Lo Sordo was treated to a simplistic birthday cake while celebrating at Bondi Icebergs

She was reported to have started dating the CEO and fourth-generation heir of Winning Appliances about two months ago, after knowing him for some time.

She seemingly confirmed her romance with Winning in April when they attended a rave in Pioneertown, California, together.

Broadhurst took to Instagram to share a gallery of snaps from their trip stateside with a group of friends.

Winning, whose family is believed to be worth $700million, tellingly featured in a photo that showed him from behind as he gazed out at the desert.

Edwards was well dressed for winter in a black leather trench coat, paired with a black sequined top and lace bralette. Pictured with Sarah Lucas (centre) and Caroline Tran (right)

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Winning is the man at the centre of Fisher and Broadhurst's alleged falling-out.

Meanwhile, Fisher was forced to quash rumours last month that she was the 'other woman' behind MCoBeauty founder Shelley Sullivan's marriage breakdown with her husband Anthony.

MCoBeauty founder Shelley and her accountant husband of seven years parted ways three weeks ago after an explosive argument.

The row prompted Anthony to leave the country and head to the US, while his wife moved into the five-star InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay.

Reports have wrongly insinuated that Fisher was involved in the split, which she says is 'unequivocally false'.

'This is absolutely not true,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I am so sick of being the clickbait in all of these stories and having to defend myself over something that I've got nothing, and I mean NOTHING, to do with.

'The truth is I've only been with one person of late,' she added.

Fisher, who has had her fair share of headlines over the years, said there was no bad blood between herself and Shelley, a long-time friend.

'This rumour is not true - along with every other story that my name gets dragged into,' Fisher said.

'Tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in this country - the rumours just keep getting more outrageous every day.'
Abbie Cornish was pictured filming scenes as Anna Nicole Smith at the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California on Sunday, for the motion picture Trust Me, I'm a Doctor.

The Lochinvar, Australia native, 41, was pictured with costar Kal Penn, 47, during the festive proceedings in Southern California, recreating a past outing Smith had at a June 12, 2005 Pride Parade.

Cornish donned a silver faux alligator skin dress with open sides in replicating the look Smith - who died in 2007 at the age of 39 following an accidental drug overdose - wore as she was a featured guest during the 2005 proceedings.

The actual garment the late Smith wore was sold in June of 2010 by Julien's Auctions for $437.50.

Trust Me, I'm a Doctor is based on Dr. Sandeep Kapoor's 2017 memoir Trust Me, I'm A Doctor: My Life Before, During and After Anna Nicole Smith, Deadline reported last month, with Penn playing the role of Dr. Kapoor.

Abbie Cornish, 41, was pictured filming scenes as the late Anna Nicole Smith at the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California on Sunday, for the motion picture Trust Me, I'm a Doctor

The Lochinvar, Australia native, 41, was pictured with costar Kal Penn, 47, during the festive proceedings in Southern California

Cornish, who's been seen in movies such as Bright Star, Limitless and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, also matched the accessories the late Smith wore to the celebration.

They included a multicolored bead necklaces with bead bracelets and a rainbow flag she was waving.

Cornish wore her blonde locks down and wore strappy silver heels as she was pictured alongside Penn as cameras rolled on the movie. She was pictured last month filming in Toronto.

Penn was clad in a sky blue T-shirt that read the film's title, with brown pants and black shoes. He was pictured walking arm-in-arm with Cornish, as well as on the back of a vehicle with a card showing the logo of the nonprofit Project Angel Food.

Kapoor, in his 2017 memoir opened up about how Smith had invited him to accompany her to the parade, and his experience joining her in the limelight.

'The Gay Pride was an invitation from her, she knew I was openly gay and that I had been involved with Project Angel Food, delivering food to AIDS patients, so I was very happy to support her at the pride,' he said. 'At the last minute she said, "Come on, come on the float with me."'

Kapoor said in his memoir that he 'was flattered by the invitation' and that 'Anna Nicole was a gay icon at the time.'

He added, 'Part of me was honored and liked the fact she was in the spotlight, I can't say I wasn't star-struck ... on the back of that convertible with a big-celebrity, surrounded by paparazzi and tens of thousands of cheering, screaming, partying fans, I was on top of the world.'

The late Smith was flanked by Dr. Sandeep Kapoor (L) - whose memoir the movie is based on - at a June 12, 2005 Pride event in West Hollywood, California

Penn was outfitted in a style similar to Kapoor's 19 years ago, as a shirt bared the movie's title, Trust Me, I'm a Doctor

Penn and Cornish pictured on the back of a vehicle with a title card showing the logo of the nonprofit Project Angel Food

Cornish and Penn posed with a pal at the annual festivities in Los Angeles

Cornish also matched the accessories the late Smith wore to the celebration, including multicolor beads and a rainbow flag

Penn and Cornish walked hand-in-hand to fanfare as cameras rolled on the biopic

According to the city of West Hollywood, 'For decades, the city ... has been home to one of the largest yearly Pride celebrations in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of revelers to the City where nearly half of residents identify as LGBTQ.'

Cornish in a statement to Deadline last month said that 'playing Anna Nicole Smith is such a dream' and that she felt 'honored to have been chosen by our amazing producers and talented writer/director, Thane Economou.'

She added, 'And I am so excited to work with our incredible cast and crew. I am blessed to stand alongside the charismatic and gifted Kal Penn and tell the tale of this moment in history.'

Cornish said she was 'truly grateful' for the opportunity to portray Smith.

'There are so many layers and chapters to Anna's life story that I look forward to embodying on screen with all of my heart and soul,' said the actress.

The film follows as the doctor's 'life is turned upside down when he is implicated in the death of his former patient,' the outlet reported, as he 'forced into the spotlight through the court of public opinion.'

In an Instagram post pointing to the article, Cornish said she was 'beyond excited to announce' her role in the feature film.

Penn told Deadline in a statement that the film will illuminate the interesting story of Dr. Kapoor, who he plays in the movie.

Cornish wore her blonde locks down and wore strappy silver heels as she was pictured alongside Penn as cameras rolled on the movie

Penn said of the the movie: 'It's a wild story brought to life in an especially tremendous script'

Smith, who died in February of 2007 in Florida, was seen supporting the LGBTQ community in 2005

Kapoor said in his memoir that 'Anna Nicole was a gay icon at the time' of the 2005 parade

Anna Nicole had been seen attending a Pride event in LA in 2002

The motion picture is based on Dr. Sandeep Kapoor's 2017 memoir Trust Me, I'm A Doctor.: My Life Before, During and After Anna Nicole Smith. Kapoor pictured in 2007 in LA

'We all know the tragic story of the iconic Anna Nicole Smith,' Penn said, 'but very few of us - myself included - knew much about her young doctor: flamboyant, old school, blurring the lines between patient and acquaintance, and ultimately arrested and charged following her death.

'It's a wild story brought to life in an especially tremendous script.'

Hamilton, best known for her iconic character Sarah Connor from The Terminator films, portrays Kapoor's lawyer Ellyn Garafalo in the movie.

The cast is rounded out by David Julian Hirsh, Eric Woolfe, Charlotte Ubben, Dhirendra and Al Sapienza.

Sapienza, best known for playing short-lived enforcer Mikey Palmice on The Sopranos, posted a pic to Instagram from a table read for the film last month.

He wrote: '1st Table Read for my new project with Kal Penn, Abbie Cornish and Linda Hamilton. Thank you Stephanie Gorin. I friggin love show biz!!!! lol.'
Kim Kardashian proudly posed with daughters North West and Chicago in new Instagram snaps uploaded on Sunday as she continues to shrug off the recent Lion King drama.

The SKIMS founder, 43 - who flaunted her sculpted figure during a wardrobe fitting - could be seen posing at her lavish, $60 million Hidden Hills mansion with North, 10, and Chicago, six.

She was also joined by mother, Kris Jenner, for the carousel of photos - which were simply captioned as 'my girls.'

The post comes shortly after her eldest daughter, North, was caught up in a 'nepo baby' controversy following her performance as Young Simba in The Lion King.

In one image, Kim donned a short-sleeved, white dress that clung to her frame and fell down towards the ground.

Kim Kardashian, 43, proudly posed with daughters North West, 10, and Chicago, six, as she continues to shrug off recent Lion King drama in new Instagram snaps uploaded on Sunday

The American Horror Story: Delicate star also opted for a chunky, silver-chained necklace as well as matching earrings to accessorize the look.

Her dark locks were pulled back and styled into a sleek up do, preventing any loose strands from falling onto her face.

North and Chicago sat on either side of the TV personality as they posed on a comfy couch placed on a spacious, outdoor patio.

A larger sofa could be seen farther in the distance while flames offered an orange glow in a fireplace.

North - who will celebrate her 11th birthday later this month on June 15 - matched her mother in a stylish, all-white outfit while Chicago opted for a denim look.

In another picture, Kris Jenner stepped in and flashed a cheerful smile with her daughter and grandchildren while sporting a dark brown ensemble as well as laced boots.

The Kardashians star additionally wore a brown button up as well as a silver necklace and rhinestone earrings for a finishing touch.

Lastly, Kim paused for a snap with her youngest daughter as she prepared to give the six-year-old a gentle kiss.

In another picture, Kris Jenner stepped in and flashed a cheerful smile with her daughter and grandchildren while sporting a dark brown ensemble as well as laced boots

Lastly, Kim paused for a snap with her youngest daughter as she prepared to give the six-year-old a gentle kiss

The media personality shares North, Chicago, as well as sons Saint, eight, and Psalm, five, with ex-husband Kanye West.

Kim's Instagram carousel comes shortly after North received criticism by trolls for her performance as Young Simba during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert late last month in May.

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.

After belting out lyrics at the crowded venue, North 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.'

Kim's Instagram carousel comes shortly after North received criticism by trolls for her performance as Young Simba during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert late last month in May (seen above)

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

Another penned, 'Nepotism and the synonym next to it is KARDASHIANS,' followed by laughing face emojis

North - who donned her own costume - 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

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!'

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.'

Last month in May, 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 - who donned her own costume - 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 also in attendance at the concert to support his daughter, as well as Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker.

Kim has since brushed off the criticism by sharing an assortment of behind-the-scenes moments from the big night on social media.

Others later came to North's defense - with some pointing out her young age, with one typing, 'North West's Lion King performance was so cute - she's a child, like y'all need to calm down.'

However, others came to North's defense - with some pointing out her young age, with one typing, 'North West's Lion King performance was so cute - she's a child, like y'all need to calm down

Weaver added, 'You're a true professional, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey towards GREATNESS!!'

'Y'all don't like Kim, so y'all take it out on North? Why are people posting videos of her Lion King performance talking about how much better it would be it was actually a talented kid??? That's a baby! Why are y'all being weird?' another questioned.

One also penned, 'The world is really so cruel sometimes. North performed for some Hollywood Lion King play, and they are ripping that little girl apart online. She is a child...'

Jason Weaver - who played the role of Young Simba in 1994 - also showed support for North on Instagram while also uploading a photo of the pair.

'What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making. 'I'm so PROUD you, North!! You're doing a such PHENOMENAL job in this show!'

The star added, 'You're a true professional, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey towards GREATNESS!!'

It was later revealed how North landed the coveted role of Young Simba, with a source telling DailyMail.com that Kim's connection to producers had helped.

'The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl and The Kardashians are both produced by the same production company, Fulwell 73 Productions.'

'Gabe Turner, who is a partner in Fulwell, is also the creative showrunner for The Lion King,' the insider said. 'This was a shoe in for North and she was told that if she can carry a note the gig is hers.'

It was later revealed how North landed the coveted role of Young Simba, with a source telling DailyMail.com that Kim's connection to producers had helped

Kim has since brushed off The Lion King drama, and earlier this week, shared a series of snaps of North dressed as Simba

'They were hoping to draw publicity for this, which they did. 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 continued, 'This is 100 per cent the result of her family's relationship with Disney and with Fulwell.'

Kim has since brushed off The Lion King drama, and earlier this week, shared a series of snaps of North dressed as Simba.

She donned an oversized, yellow hoodie as well as matching sweatpants and slippers. For a final touch, North wore a large, fuzzy yellow hat and cross-body bag that was placed over her left shoulder.
Bindi Irwin stunned her followers on Monday when she flaunted one of her rarely-seen tattoos.

The wildlife warrior, 25, showed off the etching on her left hand wedding finger in a sweet tribute post to her husband Chandler Powell.

The design appears to be a blooming vine that wraps around the entire finger to symbolise her marriage.

'I fall in love with you more every day,' she captioned her photo.

Bindi first unveiled the design in 2022 and explained what it meant.

Bindi Irwin stunned her followers on Monday when she flaunted one of her rarely-seen tattoos

'My beautiful wedding ring in bloom. Validation every day of the three most important things in my life: family, purpose and unconditional love,' she previously said.

The former actress also has the words 'graceful warrior' on her inner forearm in honour of her nine-month-old daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.

Bindi revealed the script was inspired by her late father Steve Irwin's handwriting.

Bindi also flaunted the tattoo n the red carpet at the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas in May

Bindi first unveiled the design in 2022 and explained what it meant. 'My beautiful wedding ring in bloom. Validation every day of the three most important things in my life: family, purpose and unconditional love,' she previously said

Steve died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland.

There is also an alligator next to the 'graceful warrior' text, which is a reference to Daisy the alligator who lives at Australia Zoo.

'The words I spoke to our daughter as I held her for the first time in my arms were, "My graceful warrior,"' Bindi told her Instagram followers.

'That's how her name was born. This is my dad's handwriting to keep him with me, always. Our dear alligator Daisy is next to these words to represent our conservation work as Wildlife Warriors.'

Bindi and Chandler welcomed Grace, their first child, in March 2021.

They announced their daughter's birth on March 26, just a day after she was born on their first wedding anniversary.
Renee Zellweger looked disheveled as she continued filming scenes for Bridget Jones 4 in London on Saturday.

The American actress, 55, was dressed in trademark penguin pyjamas, as seen in the very first Bridget Jones movie, and grey jogging bottoms, teamed with a rugged faux-fur cardigan.

Renee went back to her old roots by slipping into the iconic red pyjamas that she wore almost 23 years ago in the 2001 hit movie.

She paid tribute to her on-screen husband Mark Darcy as she wore a silver necklace with a 'D' pendant.

Mark (played by Colin Firth in the films) is killed off in the third Helen Fielding novel, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. It is not known if the film's plot will also include his death but Colin has not been announced as a castmember.

Renee Zellweger looks disheveled as she filmed school run scene for Bridget Jones 4 in penguin pyjamas and a necklace with 'late' husband Mark Darcy's initials

Renee went back to her old roots by slipping into the iconic red pyjamas that she wore almost 23 years ago in the 2001 hit movie

Renee paid tribute to her 'late' husband Mark Darcy as she wore a silver necklace with a 'D' pendant - Mark is killed off in the third Helen Fielding novel

At one point, Renee was seen with her on-screen children, who star as daughter Mabel and son Billy.

The young actors wore school uniforms as Renee held their hands and walked them to school.

Renee stepped out in white high-rise socks and brown Birkenstock sandals with a black handbag.

The movie is based on the novel of the same name as Bridget battles motherhood alone following the tragic death of Mark, who was played in the previous films by Colin , 63.

She will also embark on a love affair with a much younger man named Rockstar, played by One Day star Leo Woodall, 27.

Actress Leila Farzad was also on set during filming and cut a chic figure in a cream beige suit.

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.

The American actress was dressed in trademark penguin pyjamas, as seen in the very first Bridget Jones movie, and grey jogging bottoms, teamed with a rugged faux-fur cardigan

The young actors wore school uniforms as Renee held their hands and walked them to school

She stepped out in white high-rise socks and brown Birkenstock sandals with a black handbag

She has been filming for the past few weeks in London

Actress Leila Farzad was also on set during filming and cut a chic figure in a cream beige suit

The movie is based on the novel of the same name as Bridget battles motherhood alone following the tragic death of Mark, who was played in the previous films by Colin Firth, 63

She will also embark on a love affair with a much younger man named Rockstar, played by One Day star Leo Woodall, 27

Renee's on-screen love interest PE teacher Mr Walker (Chiwetel Ejiofor, 46) was seen filming with Leila

Renee and Leo were spotted filming together on May 18 in hilarious scenes as Bridget got stuck up a tree in Hampstead Heath.

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.

Colin Firth (left) Mark Darcy in the previous films before his character's death with Hugh Grant (right) returning as Daniel Cleaver after being presumed dead in the last film before being found very much alive

One Day star Leo Woodall plays Bridget's toy boy lover in the movie

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.
The BBC was praised on Sunday evening after dedicating the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

An estimated 12,000 Allied troops lost their lives during Operation Overlord, a planned landing operation on the beaches of Nazi occupied Normandy at the height of World War II.

The invasion on June 6, 1944 is recognised as one of the war's most defining - and harrowing - conflicts, and veteran survivors paids testimony to its casualties during Sunday evening's show.

Host Fiona Bruce and her team of experts travelled between Portsmouth, where the Grade II listed Southwick House was used as a command post during the battle, and Normandy for an instalment that left many viewers in tears.

In what appeared to be a recurring theme across social media, fans praised the BBC for paying homage to the forthcoming anniversary, while admitting the episode was marred by a series of geographical errors.

The BBC was praised on Sunday evening after dedicating the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion

Taking to X, they wrote: 'In awe listening to the stories behind D-Day on the Antiques Roadshow special. What a debt of gratitude we owe those who gave so much;

'A fitting vehicle for Dday80 - excellent programme;

'Extraordinary Antiques Roadshow tonight; what wouldve happened if Hitler had won?;

'I'm watching this compelling, deeply moving episode of Antiques Roadshow, honouring the bravery of those who landed on the Normandy beaches, and planning and support for DDay;

'Astonishingly touching and beautifully produced;

'Well done BBC for the extremely moving tales from D-Day on The Antiques Roadshow;

'Christ that D-Day Antiques Roadshow episode was outstanding. Youd have a heart of stone not to shed a tear. Braver than brave!;

'Tonights Antiques Roadshow on BBC One was stunning. A DDay80 special, that was an enlightening lesson about all that was given by those troops, for our todays. We will remember them. Always.'

Host Fiona Bruce and her team of experts travelled between Portsmouth, where the Grade II listed Southwick House was used as a command post during the battle, and Normandy for an instalment that left many viewers in tears

In what appeared to be a recurring theme across social media, fans praised the BBC for paying homage to the forthcoming anniversary

D-Day veterans remembered their arrival in Normandy during Sunday evening's episode

Special praise was afforded bilingual Bruce, who revealed an impressive command of the French language while talking to guests in Normandy.

'Fiona Bruce has gone even further up in my estimation as she also speaks excellent French,' one viewer posted.

'Just watching Antiques Roadshow D-Day. Fiona Bruce just interviewed a French resistance fighter in clean and lovely French with seemingly no effort,' wrote another.

'Fiona speaking French, I'm impressed,' added a third.

Preserved letters from the time were revealed as the BBC paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings

Special praise was afforded bilingual Bruce, who revealed an impressive command of the French language while talking to guests in Normandy

.
If it feels like Love Island has only just ended, that's because it has.

But while the South African pool water is still warm, the Spanish island of Majorca has welcomed another crop of perma-tanned singletons for the long-running show's eleventh series - because we can never have too much of a good thing, can we?

And an early look at Monday evening's opening episode - the first in another exhaustive eight-week run of pies, fire-pits and petty strops - suggests they're in for more than they've bargained for.

Indeed, the new islanders don't even have time to lace up their grafting boots before they're confronted with a double twist, courtesy of show host Maya Jama.

'Welcome to Love Island,' she tells them. 'Its lovely to meet you guys but I think we should have a little game to get things going.'

Monday evening can only mean one thing - the return of Love Island, and host Maya Jama is back to deliver a double twist

Indeed, the new islanders don't have time to lace their grafting boots before they're confronted with a double twist

After splitting into boys' and girls' groups, the perplexed islanders are given an unenviable challenge by the host, who arrives in typical style by wearing a revealing white lace minidress.

'Youve already started getting to know each other so you guys have had enough time for first impressions, right?

'First impressions count. Boys and girls, I now want you to rate each other in order of who you think has come across the most like boyfriend and girlfriend material, right down to who has given the least relationship vibes.'

The girls then gather and organise the boys from most to least on who they think is boyfriend material.

Soon, it is the boys turn to place the girls from most to least on who they think is girlfriend material. And their decision immediately sparks controversy, with Maya revealing a second twist.

'Well, that was very interesting,' she crows. 'I bet youre wondering how were going to couple you up. Well, youve done it yourselves!'

The new twist - a first for Love Island - means each girl will couple up with whoever is placed in the same position as them on the most-to-least scale.

And it doesn't end there for the gang, with Maya returning later that night to deliver more unexpected news as they gather round the fire-pit.

After splitting into boys' and girls' groups, the perplexed islanders (pictured) are given an unenviable challenge by the host

The new twist - a first for Love Island - means each girl will couple up with whoever is placed in the same position as them on the most-to-least scale

And it doesn't end there for the gang, with Maya returning later that night to deliver more unexpected news as they gather round the fire-pit

'Its good to see youre all settled in but as you know, youre on Love Island,' she tells them. 'You must always expect the unexpected'

It comes after the show's executive producer told MailOnline the lineup will be coupled up in a brand-new way this series, which could leave them vulnerable

'Its good to see youre all settled in but as you know, youre on Love Island,' she tells them. 'You must always expect the unexpected.'

But what does it all mean?

It comes after the show's executive producer told MailOnline the lineup will be coupled up in a brand-new way this series, which could leave them vulnerable.

Mike Spencer said: '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.'

On keeping both the viewers and contestants on their toes this season, Mike added: I think the audience want that and they want to be entertained all series and it's good to keep things fresh and remind them they're here to find love.'

Love Island airs on ITV2 from 9:00pm.
Liberty Poole shared a steamy public display of affection with a new boyfriend as she took to Instagram on Sunday.

The Love Island star, 24, celebrated her new romance by posting a clip as the kissed while holidaying in Dubai.

In the black and white clip, the pair cant keep their hands off each other as they cuddled on a balcony overlooking Dubai Creek.

Her mystery man is believed to be DJ Joshua Raybould, according to The Sun, but Liberty has not confirmed who it is.

The clip of Liberty's new man has very similar tattooed hands to him and they both have long curly black locks.

Liberty Poole shared a steamy PDA-filled clip to Instagram Stories as she went public with her new man on Sunday

The Love Island All Stars beauty, 24, celebrated her new romance by posting a clip of her enjoying a smooch and a cuddle in Dubai

Sharing the clip to her 1.4million followers, she penned: 'Best trip with you [love heart].'

MailOnline has contacted Liberty's representatives for a comment.

Her new confirmed romance with her mystery man comes weeks after she was spotted looking cosy with fellow islander Adam Maxted at Molly Smith's Boohoo launch.

According to The Sun, they were seen looking close at the party before leaving the venue together and heading to Adam's pad in the city.

While they both appeared in the All Stars series, Adam and Liberty didn't cross paths in the villa, as she left before he arrived as a bombshell.

An insider said: 'Liberty and Adam got on like a house on fire. They were flirting all night and really enjoying each other's company.

'They left Molly's Boohoo launch together and headed back to Adam's new place together.'

Liberty left the show when she was dumped alongside her partner Mitch Taylor, after they failed to find romance together on the show.

Adam entered and immediately made eyes at Arabella Chi, but despite originally hitting it off they split weeks after leaving the show.

In the black and white clip, the pair cant keep their hands off each other as they held one another in each others arms on a balcony overlooking Dubai Creek

Her mystery man is believed to be Jashua Raybould, according to the Sun, but Liberty has not confirmed who it is

The clip of Liberty's new man has very similar tattooed hands to him and they both have long curly black locks

Her new confirmed romance with her mystery man comes weeks after she was spotted looking cosy with fellow islander Adam Maxted at Molly Smith's Boohoo launch

They didn't manage to see each other on the outside and decided they would be better off as friends.

A source close to Adam said: 'They genuinely tried to make it work but every time they arranged to meet up, work got in the way. They're going to stay friends.'

Arabella was in attendance at the bash, however there appears to be no bad blood behind them as they happily chatted and partied together.

After celebrating Love Island winner Molly's success with their pals at the event, Liberty and Adam were seen leaving the venue together.

The following morning, Liberty was spotted the moment she arrived back at her hotel, while seemingly regaling the tale to her pal on the phone.

Adam was later seen walking towards the hotel wearing a black and neon green tracksuit, while refuelling by drinking a can of Monster energy drink.

It is unclear if he was dropping by to see Liberty, however she was seen leaving the hotel on her own after changing into a black gym ensemble and trainers.

It came following the news that Arabella has also apparently moved on from her brief fling with Adam, as she was seen with Sheffield United midfielder Vinicius Souza.

When Liberty arrived in the villa she discovered that she would be spending time with her ex Jake Cornish, who also entered in the original line-up.

However, Jake left the show just days in and she later found romance with Mitch, however the two failed to click and they eventually called it quits.

She later said: 'At first we had this instant connection and it was really nice as we both fancied each other, but in the end we just couldn't agree on certain things so we had to part ways.

'Being with Mitch was like being with sunshine, rain and wind all in one. There is no bad blood between us though.'

But when Adam entered the All Stars villa he immediately made eyes at Arabella, but despite originally hitting it off they split weeks after leaving the show
Rebel Wilson and her fiancee Ramona Agruma celebrated their Pride with a romantic dinner in West Hollywood on Sunday.

The actress, who says it's 'total nonsense' to think 'only gay actors should play gay roles,' exuded elegance in a white and black polka dot belted maxi dress with long sleeves, a pleated skirt and a loose tie.

The Pitch Perfect star, 44, wore black pumps and added a pop of color with a small red leather shoulder bag.

Her long, blonde hair was parted on the side and styled in loose curls.

The JoJo Rabbit actress' makeup looked natural with a soft red lip.

Rebel Wilson and her fiancee Ramona Agruma celebrated their Pride with a romantic dinner in West Hollywood Sunday

Agruma looked sleek in a black belted jumpsuit with a slight V-neck and loose fitting cap sleeves.

The clothing designer wore tan pumps with a black toe and carried a small black leather shoulder bag.

She wore natural looking makeup with a soft pink lip and her blonde hair was parted on the side and styled straight.

The couple made their relationship official in June 2022, and welcomed their daughter Royce, 18 months, via surrogate in November of that year.

They became engaged in February of 2023.

Sadly, Agruma, like many in the LGBTQ+ community, has been estranged from her parents.

In an interview on BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs' program, Wilson said while she received acceptance from her family when she came out, her fiancee wasn't so fortunate.

'Her mum has luckily come around now, her father still doesn't talk to her, but were hoping that will change,' The Almond and the Seahorse actress said.

The actress, 44, exuded elegance in a white and black polka dot belted maxi dress with long sleeves, a pleated skirt and a loose tie. She wore black pumps and added a pop of color with a small red leather shoulder bag

Agruma looked sleek in a black belted jumpsuit with a slight V-neck and loose fitting cap sleeves. The clothing designer wore tan pumps with a black toe and carried a small black leather shoulder bag

In that same interview, Wilson said she and Agruma were pushed into going public with their relationship after a reporter at the Sydney Morning Herald in her native Australia gave her a deadline to provide a comment on the then blossoming romance.

'I wasnt hiding my relationship with Ramona but it was something we were slowly telling people in our lives,' she explained.

Although not everyone in the respective families knew about the relationship, the pair went public because, 'I wasn't going to let some journalists do it,' the MTV Movie Award winner declared.

'I put it on Instagram, a nice picture of one of our first dates and I just thought all this time I thought I was looking for a Disney prince but maybe what I really needed was a Disney princess.'

The paper has since apologized.

The Rebel Rising author also spoke about never wanting to settle down after getting a front row seat to her parents' volatile marriage. Her mother, Sue Bownds 'never actually divorced (her dad) but she kicked him out of the house when I was 16 and so she should have,' she said.

'I was very proud of her for doing that, it must have taken every piece of strength that she had after years of being like emotionally abused.'

She said her mom always encouraged her 'to go out into the world and just chase your dreams,'

Wilson also said she reconciled with her dad, Warwick, before he passed away from a heart attack at age 62 in 2013. 'The anger just turned to pity because I saw a man that had nobody really in his life,' she said.

The couple have been official since June of 2022. In a BBC interview, Wilson said she was forced to go public with the romance sooner than planned after an Australian reporter got wind of it and wanted a comment for a story

The Pitch Perfect star has revealed her family has accepted the relationship, but that Agruma's parents had difficulty with it. 'Her mum has luckily come around now, her father still doesn't talk to her, but were hoping that will change'

'He was very proud of me becoming an actress I feel really proud that he did get to see that I was a success and I think he was very sorry for a lot of his actions even though he never expressed that.'

The Hustle star said her issues with weight and binge eating could also be traced back to her childhood, and her father's cruel behavior.

'My father would say stuff like "you know your mum doesn't love you, she loves the dogs" and would plant these things in my head,' she revealed.

'When I became about 11 or so I realized he's not telling the truth about that As a little girl the way of coping would be, which I learned from my mother, was to eat sweets. That numbed any kind of feelings of pain or emotions running.'
Molly-Mae Hague enjoyed some pamper time on Tuesday, as she went to get her nails done in Hale, Manchester.

The former Love Island star, 25, cut a relaxed figure as she grabbed an iced coffee on the way to the nail bar.

Opting for a comfy understated outfit, she donned a black zip-up hoodie and a pair of matching jogging bottoms.

The mother-of-one added a pair of chunky trainers, while sweeping her blonde hair up in a slick bun.

Molly-Mae looked deep in thought on the way to her manicure appointment, going makeup-free and looking fresh-faced.

Molly-Mae Hague enjoyed some pamper time on Tuesday, as she went to get her nails done in Hale, Manchester

The former Love Island star, 25, cut a relaxed figure as she grabbed an iced coffee on the way to the nail bar

Opting for a comfy understated outfit, she donned a black zip-up hoodie and a pair of matching jogging bottoms

Her outing comes after the influencer quashed mounting speculation that she has split from her fiance Tommy Fury.

Celebrating her birthday last month, Molly-Mae pointedly took to her Instagram to share a loved-up photo with the boxer, 25.

The snap saw the couple kissing on the sofa, while their daughter Bambi, 16 months, was snuggled up between them.

Captioning the shot, Molly-Mae wrote: 'The most chilled birthday ever at home with the people I love.'

While Tommy marked her big day by sharing a throwback snap of them taken moments after he proposed last year.

He notably captioned it: 'Happy 25th birthday to my world, my rock, my everything. Me and you forever'.

But in an interview with Closer magazine last week, Tommy revealed that the pair are in no hurry to tie the knot and have not planned their nuptials.

He said: 'We're not putting pressure on it. We're enjoying being engaged and enjoying that period of our life, so we're in no rush.'

The mother-of-one added a pair of chunky trainers, while sweeping her blonde hair up in a slick bun

Molly-Mae looked deep in thought on the way to her manicure appointment, going makeup-free and looking fresh-faced

Her outing comes after the influencer quashed mounting speculation that she has split from her fiance Tommy Fury (pictured together)

Celebrating her birthday last month, Molly-Mae pointedly took to her Instagram to share a loved-up photo kissing the boxer, 25, with their daughter Bambi, 16 months

He continued: 'I don't know. You can't plan things like that. It just happens, doesn't it?'

It comes after many fans began to suspect that the couple - who met on Love Island in 2019 - had called it a day.

The rumours had intensified last month, after Molly-Mae failed to mark Tommy's own 25th birthday on social media.

Tommy, who has Traveller heritage, is also apparently acting in ways which confuse his middle-class girlfriend.

Molly-Mae - who was raised in Hertfordshire and is the daughter of two police officers - reportedly dislikes Tommy's habit of going away with friends and complains that she 'doesn't know where he is going'.

He also enjoys drinking alcohol, which Molly-Mae avoids, and it was claimed that they had been spending a considerable amount of time away from each other.

A friend told the Mail's Alison Boshoff: 'They are spending time apart quite a bit. They are leading quite separate lives.'

While Molly-Mae admitted in January that she and Tommy had not been intimate since the birth of baby daughter Bambi, a year before.

While Tommy marked her big day by sharing a throwback snap of them taken moments after he proposed last year, captioned: 'Happy 25th birthday to my world, my rock, my everything. Me and you forever'

But in an interview with Closer magazine last week, Tommy revealed that the pair are in no hurry to tie the knot and have not planned their nuptials

It comes after many fans began to suspect that the couple - who met on Love Island in 2019 - had called it a day (pictured on the show together)

The couple also sparked relationship concerns last year when she was seen without her engagement ring on multiple times.

Their 'rocky patch' came after Tommy's wild nights out in Dubai with Chris Brown left Molly-Mae 'mortified' by his partying behaviour.

However, in February she seemingly suggested that Tommy's secret hand injury is what 'caused so many problems' within their family.

She told her fans: 'He didn't share it with anyone and even with training through the Jake Paul stuff, I wrote a caption on Instagram saying like: "We went through some really hard times as a family" and I feel like the injury was just always causing us so many problems and was always there, but we never spoke about it.'

While Molly-Mae continued to make a string of perplexing appearances minus her massive engagement ring, which first went missing in December after Tommy had been pictured partying with women during the Dubai trip.
Lea Michele showcased her bourgeoning baby bump in an Instagram slideshow captioned 'Blue Jean baby' on Sunday.

The expecting 37-year-old and her husband of five years - AYR president Zandy Reich - first announced they was pregnant with their second child - a daughter - on March 27.

Michele (last name Sarfati) and the 41-year-old Philly native - who are already parents to three-year-old son Ever Leo - originally began dating in July 2017 after meeting through her BFF Stephanie Levinson.

Lea - who boasts 13.5M social media followers - also Instastoried a couple scenic snaps on Sunday captioned: 'Nothing like an East coast summer.'

Technically, it's still spring as the summer season doesn't begin until June 20.

Lea Michele showcased her bourgeoning baby bump in an Instagram slideshow captioned 'Blue Jean baby' on Sunday

The Funny Girl thespian's last industry event was the Met Gala in Manhattan on May 6 where she donned a silky blue Rodarte gown with a voluminous tulle cape selected by styling duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Michele - who gets 436K monthly listeners on Spotify - hasn't put her three-octave soprano pipes to good use since her October 30th debut concert at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

Lea hasn't released new music since dropping her fourth studio album, Forever, back in 2021.

The Emmy nominee has come a long way since apologizing for being 'hurtful, privileged, and difficult' following a flurry of resurfaced allegations from former Glee co-stars like Samantha Ware in 2020.

'I really understand the importance and value now of being a leader,' Michele said of her 'intense time of reflection' at the time.

'It means not only going and doing a good job when the camera's rolling, but also when it's not. And that wasn't always the most important thing for me.'

Lea continued: 'I have an edge to me. I work really hard. I leave no room for mistakes. That level of perfectionism, or that pressure of perfectionism, left me with a lot of blind spots.'

The expecting 37-year-old and her husband of five years - AYR president Zandy Reich (L) - first announced they was pregnant with their second child - a daughter - on March 27

Michele (last name Sarfati) and the 41-year-old Philly native - who are already parents to three-year-old son Ever Leo - originally began dating in July 2017 after meeting through her BFF Stephanie Levinson (pictured February 28)

Lea - who boasts 13.5M social media followers - also Instastoried a couple scenic snaps on Sunday captioned: 'Nothing like an East coast summer'
Emily Ratajkowski donned a leggy look to run errands in Manhattan on Monday not far from her West Village apartment.

The Inamorata co-founder - turning 33 this Friday - bared a single shoulder in the slouchy red mini-dress featuring long sleeves and metallic circle cut-outs on the neck line.

Emily completed her spring attire with white sneakers, dark sunglasses, and a yellow purse.

Ratajkowski also clutched a Ziploc-style bag containing what appeared to be a white garment with sequin embellishment.

The DNA Model wore her brunette fringed locks middle-parted for her sunny outing.

Emily Ratajkowski donned a leggy look to run errands in Manhattan on Monday not far from her West Village apartment

Emily appeared to be mostly make-up free aside from a light brown shade of lip liner and glossy lipstick on her plump pout.

Missing from Ratajkowski's side were her four-year-old dog Colombo and three-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear.

It's been two years since the London-born SoCal native ended her four-year marriage to Sly's father Sebastian Bear-McClard, who has since faced a slew of sexual misconduct and grooming allegations from actresses.

Emily famously wed the 37-year-old Independent Spirit Award-nominated producer at a New York City courthouse in February 2018 - just two months after she ended her three-year, live-in relationship with music producer Jeff Magid.

Ratajkowski has since enjoyed 'situationships' with French comedian Stephane Bak, Grammy winner Harry Styles, DJ Orazio Rispo, comedian Eric Andre, SNL alum Pete Davidson, artist Jack Greer, and Oscar winner Brad Pitt.

The History of the World: Part II actress will next portray Felix's (Will Sharpe) ex-girlfriend Polly in Lena Dunham and husband Luis Felber's 10-episode comedy series Too Much for Netflix.

'We're going for the girlies who pulled a geographic after a breakup. We've been shooting for three weeks and it's been an amazing experience,' the 38-year-old Golden Globe winner told Variety in February.

'I mean, Megan Stalter is a joy and a pleasure and Will Sharpe is a total genius and we have an amazing cast lined up that we'll announce soon. I'm sure you've experienced the fact that English and American people speak the same language, and yet there's so many absolutely strange gaps in how we identify. And then also, I just love a woman in crisis getting what she deserves in the good way.

The Inamorata co-founder - turning 33 this Friday - bared a single shoulder in the slouchy red mini-dress featuring long sleeves and metallic circle cut-outs on the neck line

Emily completed her spring attire with white sneakers, dark sunglasses, and a yellow purse

Ratajkowski also clutched a Ziploc-style bag containing what appeared to be a white garment with sequin embellishment

The DNA Model wore her brunette fringed locks middle-parted for her sunny outing

Emily appeared to be mostly make-up free aside from a light brown shade of lip liner and glossy lipstick on her plump pout

Missing from Ratajkowski's side were her four-year-old dog Colombo and three-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear (pictured May 18) from her four-year marriage to Sebastian Bear-McClard, which ended in 2022

The History of the World: Part II actress will next portray Felix's (Will Sharpe) ex-girlfriend Polly in Lena Dunham (pictured March 26) and husband Luis Felber's 10-episode comedy series Too Much for Netflix

The 38-year-old Golden Globe winner told Variety in February: 'I just love a woman in crisis getting what she deserves in the good way. And so that's what we're going for with that show. Also, speaking of this time in the world, trying to make something that's loving and joyful and still hopefully sharp and incisive and all the naughty scenes that people are used to from me, but with a kind of underlying, underpinned message of love and hope'

Lena (R) famously modeled for Emily's eight-year-old bikini brand Inamorata back in 2018

Ratajkowski unveiled her outrageous eight-piece collection - the 'City-kini' - last Friday, which comes in two orange-and-red patterns and ranges in price between $75-$95

'And so that's what we're going for with that show. Also, speaking of this time in the world, trying to make something that's loving and joyful and still hopefully sharp and incisive and all the naughty scenes that people are used to from me, but with a kind of underlying, underpinned message of love and hope.'

Richard E. Grant, Stephen Fry, Janicza Bravo, Andrew Rannells, Rhea Perlman, Rita Wilson, and Adele Exarchopoulos will also appear in Too Much.

Lena famously modeled for Emily's eight-year-old bikini brand Inamorata back in 2018.

Ratajkowski unveiled her outrageous eight-piece collection - the 'City-kini' - last Friday, which comes in two orange-and-red patterns and ranges in price between $75-$95.

The Good American brand ambassador first found fame as a topless model in Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams' 2013 music video for Blurred Lines.
Katie Price has revealed she's contacted the police over a terrifying acid attack on her pink Range Rover.

The reality star previously revealed she'd been advised to leave her Mucky Mansion after vandals threw acid on her vehicle, and she has since increased security while appearing at her live shows.

Now it's been revealed that police have received a report of a vehicle that was damaged overnight on May 25.

Katie had shared snaps and videos of damage to her car the following day, and in a statement to The Sun, police urged any witnesses to come forward.

The statement said: 'Officers engaged with the informant to identify any viable lines of enquiry.

Katie Price has revealed she's contacted the police over a terrifying acid attack on her pink Range Rover

The reality star previously revealed she'd been advised to leave her Mucky Mansion after vandals threw acid on her vehicle

'No reasonable lines of enquiry have been identified at this stage, but anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 1053 of 26/05.'

A spokesperson for Sussex Police told MailOnline: 'Police received a report of a vehicle having been damaged outside a property in Dial Post, Horsham, overnight on Saturday, 25 May.

'Officers engaged with the informant to identify any viable lines of enquiry.

'No reasonable lines of enquiry have been identified at this stage, but anyone with information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 1053 of 26/05.'

Katie previously revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' last month, leaving her no choice but to leave her Mucky Mansion.

She explained 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 has moved into a new house in Sussex after she was forced to leave her Mucky Mansion amid her financial woes.

It was revealed last month that Katie 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.

Now it's been revealed that police have received a report of a vehicle that was damaged overnight on May 25

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.

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 previously confirmed that she's finally moving out after she was served an eviction notice to leave the property.

She said she was looking forward to leaving the house after taking to Instagram to share a video of her car covered in splatters of a substance which had 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.'

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.

Katie has moved into a new house in Sussex after she was forced to leave her Mucky Mansion (pictured) amid her financial woes

'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.

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.'
When Calls The Heart star Mamie Laverock's family have said her body has been 'shattered' following her fall from a five story hospital walkway.

In an update posted to Mamie's GoFundMe, her family wrote: 'Focusing now on Mamie's surgery today. Her body has been shattered. She has undergone two 11 hour surgeries with two doctors working on her, a three hour surgery and another surgery today.

'We have nothing but gratitude for the doctors and nurses who have been exemplary in her care since May 26.'

They said Mamie is '"doing well" comparatively to when she arrived.'

'Doing well because she has survived these extensive surgeries,' they continued. 'She is enduring tremendous pain and continues to not give up. We can only hold onto the miracles of each day and continue to thank everyone for their prayers and marvel at the miracles of her story . Our daughter loves her life and loves her family and is fighting hard everyday.'

When Calls The Heart star Mamie Laverock's family have said her body has been 'shattered' following her fall from a five story balcony walkway last week

Laverock plays Rosaleen Sullivan on the Hallmark show When Calls the Heart

Laverlock 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.

She was then taken to a hospital in Vancouver.

However, on May 26, Mamie was 'escorted out of a secure unit of the hospital and taken up to a balcony walkway from which she fell five stories,' her family said on the GoFundMe.

'She sustained life threatening injuries, has undergone multiple extensive surgeries, and is currently on life support,' they added.

In an update which appears to have now been taken down, the family said on their GoFundMe last week that Mamie was doing much better.

'Mamie is out of her big surgeries and the doctors [say] she is doing well,' it read on the page.

'Its impossible for us to be happier. Thank you all for your support,' said the family.

Speaking with the LA Times on Thursday, Mamie's mother Nicole Rockmann said her daughter had just 'opened her eyes'.

In an update posted to Mamie's GoFundMe, her family wrote: 'Focusing now on Mamie's surgery today. Her body has been shattered. She has undergone two 11 hour surgeries with two doctors working on her, a three hour surgery and another surgery today'

'Lets just hope this is the turnaround and shes going to get through this now. I couldnt be happier that people reached out and cared. The story will be told.'

Her mother said the fall was not 'intended' and was not a suicide attempt.

Her mother said Mamie is 'alive and is showing signs of improvement', however her recovery remains unclear.

She noted her daughter was in 'tremendous pain' - but was 'aware' and able to squeeze her hand.

Mamie needed sedation to remain still as she healed from her surgeries, her mother added.

Mamie received well-wishes from her When Calls The Heart co-stars after the fall, and the Hallmark Channel, which airs the show, also released a statement; Laverock with Erin Krakow on When Calls the Heart in 2014

Nicole also said the family is looking to take legal action against St. Paul's Hospital, the hospital she was at during the fall. She categorized the possible legal action as a 'negligence-type case.'

'We have a case. All we care about is that Mamie can make a recovery and that shes alive and that shes fighting and that shes strong. Its unbelievable that shes with us,' her mother added.

Nicole also shared that her daughter was still on life support but was now off the ventilator.

She also said her daughter was no longer being cared for at St. Paul's and had been moved to a trauma receiving center.

A spokesperson for Providence Health Care, the organization that runs St. Paul's Hospital, told the LA Times they were unable to speak to any specifics because of patient privacy but confirmed 'an incident happened' at the hospital.

'In cases related to patient safety, an internal critical incident review is conducted to determine exactly what happened and to make recommendations for improved patient safety,' Ann Gibbon, a spokesperson for Providence Health Care, told the outlet.

'Our hearts go out to the patient, family, and all affected by this event, and we offer our best wishes for a full recovery,' Gibbon added.

Mamie received well-wishes from her When Calls The Heart co-stars after the fall, and the Hallmark Channel, which airs the show, also released a statement.

'We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Mamie Laverock,' the company posted to their Instagram.

'As a beloved member of our When Calls the Heart community, we wish her and her family peace, comfort, and many prayers during this difficult time and have made a donation to her GoFundMe page here.'
Emma and Matt Willis put on an amorous display as they attended the grand naming ceremony for the Cunard's Queen Anne ship on Monday.

Ahead of its maiden voyage, stars headed to Liverpool Pier Head for the ship's introductory 'lap of honour' voyage around the British Isles.

Emma, 48, cut a glamorous figure in a busty white backless dress with an eye-catching feathered hem as she posed for snaps with her husband Matt, 41, at the event.

The couple are set to join forces as the hosts of Love Is Blind UK, which is set to be released on Netflix in August.

Emma, who hosted the ceremony alongside her spouse Matt, said: 'Now, ships usually have a godparent to fulfil the role of blessing and naming the ship.

Emma and Matt Willis put on an amorous display as they attended the grand naming ceremony for the Cunard's Queen Anne ship

Ahead of its maiden voyage, stars headed to Liverpool Pier Head for the ship's introductory 'lap of honour' voyage around the British Isles

'Being a godparent is an incredibly important and time-honoured tradition in maritime culture, but, today, the role of godparent takes an unprecedented turn, as Cunard bestows that honour to the city of Liverpool.'

The city of Liverpool was announced as the godparent of the ship as a recognition of the cruise line's long-lasting bond with its 'spiritual home'.

Mel C opted for a stylish red cargo-inspired look as she helped kickstart the ship's first journey across the seas.

Speaking at the launch, she said: 'I've always been really proud to represent Liverpool around the world, obviously as a Spice Girl and as a solo artist, but being here today is really special because we're celebrating the city and the heritage we have here in Liverpool, so it's really lovely for me.

'I've got so much family here and generations of family that were so tied to the docks working here, so I feel very proud to be here.' The city of Liverpool was announced as the godparent of the ship as a recognition of the cruise line's long-lasting bond with its 'spiritual home'.

Andrea Bocelli closed the ceremony, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The crowd were also treated to performances from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and DJ Lauren Lo Sung.

Cunard's first transatlantic crossing departed from Liverpool in July 1840 and the city was home to the company's headquarters for 128 years.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: 'Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard and we are therefore delighted, and feel it very fitting, that the city of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne.

Emma cut a glamorous figure in a busty white backless dress with an eye-catching feathered hem as she posed for snaps with her husband Matt at the event.

Mel C opted for a stylish red cargo-inspired look as she helped kickstart the ship's first journey across the seas

Andrea Bocelli closed the ceremony, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Cunard's first transatlantic crossing departed from Liverpool in July 1840 and the city was home to the company's headquarters for 128 years

'It's testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building.

'We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony.

'All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.'

Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, said: 'The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world.

'We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.'

The 113,000-tonne ship, which houses 3,000 guests and has 14 decks, set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton on May 3 and is stopping off in Liverpool during her maiden sailing around the British Isles.
The BBC has reportedly ordered a second spin-off of Death In Paradise.

The hit series - which follows a detective inspector solving murders in the Caribbean - recently finished airing its 13th series and the spin-off Beyond Paradise has been on air since February 2023.

Now, insiders have claimed that a real-life version titled Policing Paradise is coming soon that will focus on the work of actual investigators in the tropical location.

A TV source told The Mirror: 'It'll look at what the real life police get up to as opposed to the fictional ones in Death in Paradise - and there's quite a difference.'

The insider also teased that viewers will also find that in real life, crimes do not get solved as frequently or as easily as they might do on the fictional programme.

The BBC has reportedly ordered a second spin-off of Death In Paradise, shortly after the 13th series concluded

The first spin-off, which follows DI Humphrey Goodman as he takes up a new life in Devon, has aired since February 2023

The source said: 'Viewers who are used to the crime being solved every week might find that reality is not quite so neat.'

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment.

In April, it was confirmed that the show will have its first-ever female lead, who will take the reins on Return To Paradise.

It will be set in sun-soaked Australia and follow DI Mackenzie Clarke, played by Anna Samson, as she attempts solves a whole host of mysterious murders.

Following time spent working for London's Metropolitan Police she is accused of tampering with evidence which forces her to return to her hated home down under.

British born Australian actress Anna has previously starred in Home And Away and HBO's Leftovers.

She will now follow in the footsteps of the show's former detectives Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon and the recently departed Ralf Little.

Death In Paradise has been on air for more than a decade (pictured Richard Lintern)

The series recently saw the departure of DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) pictured alongside Naomi Thomas (Shanto' Jackson)

Death In Paradise's brand new spin-off series will feature the franchise's first ever lead female detective the BBC have confirmed - Anna Samson pictured as DI Mackenzie Clarke in Return to Paradise

Return to Paradise will be set in sun-soaked Australia and follow the DI Mackenzie Clarke as she attempts solves a whole host of mysterious murders (Actress Anna Salmon pictured)

According to the broadcaster the six-part series will have a 'distinct Australian flair' while still paying homage to original series and will debut on BBC1 and iPlayer later this year.

This marks the franchise's second spin-off after Kris Marshall's DI Humphrey Goodman left sun-soaked Saint Marie for a new life in Devon in Beyond Paradise .

The new series' offical synopsis reads: 'Return to Paradise follows DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian ex-pat who's made a name for herself in London's Metropolitan Police for cracking uncrackable murder cases'.

'When she is accused of tampering with evidence, Mackenzie returns to Australia, back to the last place she ever wanted to be  her hometown of Dolphin Cove.

'Having fled the town six years ago, infamously leaving her ex- fiancee Glenn (Tai Hara) at the altar, Mackenzie is not welcome there'.
James Corden questioned airport staff on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight.

Corden, 45, was flanked by fellow passengers after landing in Lisbon, where he was seen questioning a British Airways employee during a turbulent trip to the UK from Faro in southeastern Portugal.

But those on the flight claim he was speaking for all of them after the plane was forced to make an emergency stop in the Portuguese city due to a technical fault.

It's understood that the plane struggled to gain altitude as soon as it left the Algarve and circled for 45 minutes, never reaching altitude before announcing an emergency landing.

Vanessa, who was on the same flight with her mother and husband, told Metro of the mid-flight ordeal: It was something along the lines of, Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when youre told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brace position and when we land if youre able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane.

James Corden questioned airport staff on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight

Corden was flanked by fellow passengers after landing at London Heathrow , where he was seen questioning an airline employee after a turbulent trip back to the UK from Faro

Basically, what had happened was the flaps on the airplane wing which are supposed to go down when you are in the air wont go down, which meant that they wouldnt be able to raise them on landing.'

Passengers were eventually told they would no longer have to assume the brace position, but spent three hours on the tarmac in Lisbon before the plane was finally taken out of service.

And Vanessa claims Corden - who once fell out with a New York restauranteur over his alleged treatment of waiting staff - kept passengers entertained by posing for selfies as they made their way back to the UK.

He walked up and down the aisles talking to people, and let everybody take a selfie with him, she said.

I made a joke and went, Oh if were all going to die. You could tell us how does the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special end? and he went Do you really want to know? and I went Yeah. He went, I cant tell you.

'Then he said, but do you want to know what happened on the fishing trip? and I was like Yes! I do! and he was like, I cant tell you that either."'

Vanessa confirmed the presenter questioned a staff member after passengers vacated the plane in Lisbon, but only because they were shepherded into the wrong queue.

So then BA finally let us off the plane,' she recalled. 'Were in the terminal and there was not a member of BA staff to be found. And they put us in immigration queues. And there was just no one there telling us what was going on.

But those on the flight claim he was speaking for all of them after the plane was forced to make an emergency stop in Lisbon due to a technical fault

It's understood that the plane struggled to gain altitude as soon as it left the Algarve and circled for 45 minutes, never reaching altitude before announcing an emergency landing

The people hes speaking to in that picture are the flight staff on our plane. I watched him fist bump the pilot as he got off the plane, he said, Thank you very much."'

According to Vanessa the presenter was vexed because passengers had been directed towards the wrong queue, among them families with young children.

She said: 'James was a club flyer and he stood there, and was like What about all these people whove got all these kids with them? like saying thats not acceptable. Its not right.

Passengers were eventually given a flight to London at 9:30 the following morning and Corden was 'stood in the same queue as everybody else, doing the same things as everybody else did.

Corden has previously fallen foul of various public figures, among them Spice Girl Mel B - who branded him 'the biggest d***head' she's met.

Naming her least favourite celebrities on a 2022 episode of The Big Narstie Show, she said: 'So, there's a few. James Corden, Geri Halliwell, Jessie J and me!'

In 2022 Corden was branded a 'tiny cretin of a man' and banned by the furious owner of iconic New York Balthazar restaurant  who claimed was the 'most abusive customer ever'

Corden in New York City (left) and Balthazar's owner Keith McNally (right)

Corden and his wife Julia Carey are accused of sending back an egg yolk omelet because it had a 'little bit of egg white' in it while dining at the plush restaurant

Ricky Gervais has also been critical of Corden after the presenter used one of his 2018 stand-up jokes during a late Late Show monologue.

Gervais tweeted a clip from Corden's show in which the host jokes about Twitter users getting angry about a poster in a town square about guitar lessons.

But Corden's joke is directly repeating Gervais' gag from his 2018 Netflix stand-up comedy gig Ricky Gervais: Humanity.

Gervais, retweeting a clip of Corden repeating his joke, said in a since deleted tweet: 'The bit about the town square advert for guitar lessons is brilliant.'

The comedian said he deleted the original tweet because he 'felt sorry for Corden'.

In 2022 Corden was branded a 'tiny cretin of a man' and banned by the furious owner of iconic New York Balthazar restaurant  who claimed was the 'most abusive customer ever.'

Fiery restaurateur Keith McNally banned the former Late Late Show host from his restaurants because of his treatment of staff.

Corden admitted that he was 'ungracious' to a Balthazar waiter when he made a snide remark he'd cook the egg yolk omelet himself - which got him banned from the establishment

Corden says he believes the media has simply over-egged the story (Corden and Julia Carey seen having lunch at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair on June 27, 2018 in London, England)

Corden later made a public apology - but denied the restaurant's version of events, insisting he did not 'yell like crazy' and claiming for the first time that the reason he was so upset is that his wife was given food she has 'seriously allergic' to.

The presenter, appearing on his Late Late Show, conceded that he'd been 'ungracious' to the waitstaff at Balthazar, but tried again to explain himself.

McNally announced on Instagram that Corden was banned from the restaurant as punishment for rude and childish behavior on two occasions.

On the first occasion, Corden was upset that a hair had been found in his food and demanded free drinks to make up for it, according to McNally.

The second occasion involved his wife Julia ordering an egg-yolk omelet and receiving a plate with egg white on it. The final straw was when the remade omelet was sent out with a side of home fries instead of salad.

'James Corden began yelling like crazy to the server,' McNally said, quoting the general manager's service report.

But Corden insisted he didn't scream or make any 'derogatory remarks'. His only offense was making the 'unnecessary' and 'snide' comment that he'd 'make the omelet himself' if the kitchen staff were unable to.

My wife explained that she has a serious food allergy.

'The meals came, my wife was given the food that she was allergic to. She hadn't taken a bite of it or anything, no worries, we sent it back. All was good.

'As her meal came wrong to the table the third time, in the heat of the moment I made a sarcastic rude comment about cooking it myself. It is a comment I deeply regret.

'I worked shifts at restaurants for years, I have such respect for anyone who does that job.

'The restaurant manager and the server were lovely, they brought out four glasses of champagne and we were like "that's not necessary, we don't need it, we had a great time".

'But here's the truth of it - because I didn't shout or scream , I didn't get up out of my seat, I didn't call anyone names or use derogatory language, I have been walking around thinking that I've not done anything wrong.

'But I have, I made a rude comment.'
Barry Keoghan was pictured wearing a hooded jacket from The Hazel Project, which is a child fostering organisation, after he grew up in a total of 13 foster homes.

The Irish actor, 31, was spotted out in the hoodie and cap in London on Monday after recently opening up about his own experience as a child.

The Hazel Project is an organisation which is dedicated to the service of fostering children in Kent, southeastern England.

The BAFTA-winning grew up in foster homes with his brother Eric in Ireland because his drug-addict mother Debbie struggled to look after them.

Barry recently discussed his tough childhood at a special screen acting course event with foster care children from Diverse Care at Actors Studio in the UK.

Barry Keoghan was pictured wearing a hooded jacket from The Hazel Project, which is a child fostering organisation, after he grew up in a total of 13 foster homes

The Irish actor, 31, was spotted out in the hoodie and cap in London on Monday after recently opening up about his own experience

Barry spoke about how he was treated well by his foster families but admitted it was a difficult experience due to continually being moved around.

The Saltburn star revealed he craved security of a permanent home, telling the BBC: 'It was me and my brother together and we went through some homes and the families were lovely.

'The hardest part for me was having to move on to a different family because as a youngster you're just trying to grab onto security.'

Barry's mother was hospitalised several times due to drug-related conditions and died following a heroin overdose when he was 12.

Barry added: 'It's when you get older, you get a bit of perspective into 'That was that, and that was for that reason and this person couldn't look after me because they were sick or they had a problem' and your understanding, your acceptance towards it is just a lot clearer. Whereas before, when you're younger, you're angry at it.'

Barry and Eric were finally taken in by their mother's sister, Lorraine, who recently insisted that the Hollywood star has worked for all of his success.

Lorraine told MailOnline: 'People don't tend to leave this part of Dublin and end up in Hollywood, so Barry is someone special for sure.'

She added: 'He hasn't had anything handed to him on a plate, whatever he's got now is through sheer hard work and determination.

Barry (centre) as a teenager growing up in Dublin where he found his love for acting

Barry (left) as a teenager with friends during a drama production in his native Dublin

'I was at the Rotunda Hospital the day he was born. I waited outside on the maternity ward. 'His mother Debbie was my sister. We were a big family, there were 10 children altogether and Debbie was the quietest.

'But she fell in with a bad crowd and had problems with addiction. It meant she couldn't look after Barry and his brother Eric properly.

'There is only 13 months or so age gap between the boys and their father was only around for their first few years before he left. Where he went to, I don't know but he passed away some years ago.

'My sister Debbie died from pneumonia brought on by her addiction when Barry was about 11. Her death hit the boys hard and I think Barry still carries that scar with him today.'
Jackie 'O' Henderson was seen smoking while strolling through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs on Monday.

And while discussing the photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, the radio queen, 49, admitted her walking habit that gives men she dates the ick - but it has nothing to do with cigarettes.

'I naturally walk really slow. Boyfriends hate me for it, because I'm so slow.'

The mother-of-one, who has in the past been open about her use of dating apps, said men will often screen out prospective partners online based on the speed of their stride.

'You know on dating sites, they often have your deal-breakers, and some deal-breakers for men are slow walkers.'

On Tuesday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured), 49, admitted her one habit that gives men she dates the ick

'It's brutal out there, Kyle,' she told co-host Kyle Sandilands.

Jackie's latest love life setback comes one week after she made a heartbreaking confession live on-air.

Last Tuesday, Henderson and her radio co-host Kyle Sandilands talked about how he used to practice kissing with his hand when he was a teenager.

'I used to kiss my hand when I was romancing myself as a young man,' said Kyle, 52.

'I naturally walk really slow. Boyfriends hate me for it, because I'm so slow,' said Jackie. Pictured with 'toyboy tradie' Jack Tyerman (far left)

'Sometimes I still do,' Jackie replied before laughing awkwardly.

Kyle sounded shocked at Jackie's admission, asking, 'Sometimes you still kiss your hand? When?'

'I've done it before, just when you want to have some company,' she explained.

Kyle then asked if Jackie put 'little eyes' on her hand to give it more personality when she kisses her own hand.

Jackie has not been that lonely of late as she and her 'toy boy tradie' Jack Tyerman appear to be going strong.

The pair were spotted out on another date in Sydney over the weekend, going to dinner at popular French dining destination Restaurant Hubert.

'It's brutal out there, Kyle,' she told co-host Kyle Sandilands (pictured)

The genetically blessed pair strolled to the eatery together with chivalrous Jack opening the door for the radio star.

Jackie addressed the pair's relationship on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show when her co-host Kyle Sandilands questioned her about another recent date.

'We went together to the restaurant and I didn't want to drive and told him to drive [my car],' she explained, adding that Jack lives close by.

'He is cute but no there is nothing going on... We went out with his sister and her husband. We were just catching up.'

The mother-of-one, who has in the past been open about her use of dating apps, said men will often screen out prospective partners online based on the speed of their stride. Pictured last month

She also spoke about the relationship in August last year.

While Jackie admitted she was 'dating' at the time, she said she and Jack were 'just friends'.

'No, Jack is not my boyfriend. We're not in a relationship. He is not my boy toy,' Jackie told her radio co-host Kyle.

'Jack is a good friend of mine. I know him through a friend of ours. We didn't meet on a dating app or anything like that.'

The media personality went on to say she was ultimately 'to blame' for the romance rumours after she told Daily Mail Australia she was dating someone during a Logies interview.

'In my mind, I'm dating and I've been on a few dates, so I said 'maybe' [I'm dating], but I probably should have said, 'Maybe, we'll see what happens',' she confessed.

Not long after that, Jackie and Jack were seen enjoying what appeared to be a romantic moonlit date on the balcony of her Clovelly mansion.
Kevin Costner got candid about the first time he tried cocaine.

The 69-year-old Oscar winner  who was recently dragged by his Field of Dreams costar Gabby Hoffman  revealed he was offered the drug while working on film sets during his early days in Hollywood.

The star explained that he had taken on the job of stage manager at Raleigh Studios, assisting in commercial projects as he pursued his big break as an actor, per his Armchair Expert podcast appearance on Monday.

After helping a group of electricians on a production, Costner explained that they wanted to express their gratitude in an unexpected way.

'At one point, they take me back into the grip room and say, "Here," and they put out a little line of coke,' he told host Dax Shepard. 'And they say, "Thank you for all the s*** youre doing for us."'

Kevin Costner got candid about the first time he tried cocaine; (pictured in May)

The 69-year-old Oscar winner revealed he was offered the drug while working on film sets during his early days in Hollywood; (pictured in 1987)

Costner admitted he tried the drug but was more concerned about saving money to purchase his first home.

'So, I do that and nothing, and I do it a second time and I do it a third time,' he recalled. 'And finally I said to them,"Hey, look, how much is that?" And he says, "Thats about $20 right there," and I said, "Can I say something to you?" And he says, "Yeah, f***, of course, man, what?"

'And I said, "Look, Im trying to buy my first house," and I said, "If you think what Im doings cool, I could use $20. I could take a twenty. And I was out of the club immediately.'

He added: 'I saw myself excluded because I didnt want to do this. It was kind of lucky for me that I didnt like coke. There was nothing there for me.'

Within a few years, Costner became a star with roles in The Untouchables, Bull Durham, and Field of Dreams.

In 1990, he directed and starred in Dances With Wolves, which won Best Picture and Best Director at the 1991 Academy Awards.

The drug anecdote comes after Costner set the record straight on the behind-the-scenes drama of Yellowstone.

The actor, who plays John Dutton III in the Taylor Sheridan series, claims he honored his contract despite ongoing rumors.

After helping a group of electricians on a production, Costner explained that they wanted to express their gratitude in an unexpected way; (pictured 1989)

'At one point, they take me back into the grip room and say, "Here," and they put out a little line of coke,' he said. 'And they say, "Thank you for all the s*** youre doing for us"'

Allegedly, a feud between Costner and Sheridan caused the hold up. Paramount claimed Costner refused to shoot more episodes, instead promoting his new film franchise, Horizon, while Costner asserts Paramount sought contract amendments due to Sheridan's delayed scriptwriting.

'There was no script,' Costner told Deadline. 'And then things imploded. Youve been reading one version [of the show's drama] for a year and a half.'

He added: 'I have taken a beating from those f****** guys and I know a lot of times where its coming from. I just elected not to get into that. But if you know me well enough, I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong.'

Costner, who revealed he has not filmed the remaining episodes of Season 5, also defended Sheridan, claiming, 'I did not initiate any of those things. They did. They were doing a tap dance and this poor guy was also having to write so much. And I dont know why they didnt stick up for me.'

After the first half of the fifth season of Yellowstone aired late last year, the show went on hiatus for the holidays.

Their return to filming, originally slated for the beginning of the year, was postponed to sometime this summer, with no announced premiere date.

Since Yellowstone went on hiatus, Costner has borne the brunt of the blame.

'I didnt have to answer the slings and arrows over the last year and a half, because Ive just been busy working.

Kevin Costner is ready to set the record straight on the behind-the-scenes drama of Yellowstone; (pictured in April)

The actor, who plays John Dutton III in the Taylor Sheridan series, claims he honored his contract despite ongoing rumors and discusses the delay of the show's finale, as Season 5 ended prematurely

'Theyve been pretty slick about keeping their hands off; nobody was ever on the record.'

However, rumors claimed he only wanted to work for one week to film the rest of the episodes. Costner contends that Paramount deceived him.

'I havent felt good about it the last year, what with the way theyve talked about it,' he told Deadline. 'It wasnt truthful.'

Costner also hinted at Sheridan being stretched thin at Paramount, suggesting it as the reason for running out of scripts for the latter half of Yellowstone season 5.

Apart from his involvement in the popular Western, Sheridan oversees a multitude of projects including Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Special Ops: Lioness, and Lawman: Bass Reeves, alongside Yellowstone spin-offs like 1883 and 1923.

Reportedly, Paramount also intends to launch a new Yellowstone sequel/spin-off starring Matthew McConaughey.

'Theres a lot of product they were putting out,' Costner said. '[Yellowstone] didnt have the scripts. And they wrote these other three shows. They dont ever talk about that.'

When asked if things could be worked out if he sat down 'man-to-man' with Sheridan, Costner argued: 'Dont talk to me about man-to-man.'

When asked if things could be worked out if he sat down 'man-to-man' with Sheridan, Costner argued: 'Dont talk to me about man-to-man,'; (Costner and Taylor Sheridan in 2018)

Despite the drama, Costner hasn't closed the door on returning to Yellowstone; still from Yellowstone

'I was straight up with him and he said what we would do and I believed him and we didnt get there,' he said.

Despite the drama, Costner hasn't closed the door on returning to Yellowstone.

'Im very open to coming back. If theyve got so many other things going on, maybe this circles back and its a really cool two seasons,' he said.

'Or end it, if the writings there and Im happy with it. Im open to that. But I took a beating over these guys not speaking up for me and allowing crazy stories to come out.'
Heidi Klum shared a rare photo with all four of her children.

She has 20-year-old model daughter Leni with ex Flavio Briatore whom she romance in 2003. Leni was also with her boyfriend.

And then the cover girl has three kids with ex Seal: Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14. Heidi and Seal were wed from 2005 until 2014.

They were at a table celebrating the America's Got Talent star's 51st birthday picnic where she was surrounded by festive pink balloons including two that read '51.'

The world-famous supermodel was joined by her husband Tom Kaulitz, 34, and his brother.

Klum married Kaulitz in February 2019 after one year of dating.

Heidi Klum shared a rare photo with all four of her children. She has 20-year-old model daughter Leni with ex Flavio Briatore. Leni was with her boyfriend. And then the cover girl has three kids with ex Seal: Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14

Here Heidi is seen far left next to her husband Tom as Leni is in the foreground

The cover girl has three kids with ex Seal: Lou, 14, left, and Henry, 18,and Johan, 17, right

Posting a sweet picture of her loved ones gathered around the table for her alfresco birthday lunch, Heidi wrote: 'All I could wish for.'

She also uploaded a joyful snapshot of herself and Tom, the guitarist for the German band Tokio Hotel, sharing a romantic kiss while toasting each other.

Heidi was also treated to social media tributes from her celebrity friends, including Paris Hilton, who posted an Insta Stories snap of the two of them dancing.

Sofia Vergara, who is Heidi's fellow judge on America's Got Talent and also a close gal pal, effusively expressed her affection for the birthday girl on Instagram.

'Feliz cumpleanos to the most fun and beautifull girl in the world!!!!' wrote the Modern Family bombshell, alongside a picture of herself kissing Heidi's shoulder on America's Got Talent. 'Luv so much @heidiklum.'

Heidi has taken a good-humored approach to aging, joking recently: 'The good thing is that my eyesight is getting worse and I can't see everything so clearly anymore.'

More sincerely, she explained the way she copes with getting older: 'I just accept it  there's nothing you can do about it anyway. Why overthink it? It is what it is.'

She also uploaded a joyful snapshot of herself and Tom, the guitarist for the German band Tokio Hotel, sharing a romantic kiss while toasting each other

Heidi's age has drawn particular scrutiny because her husband, who like her hails from Germany, is a quarter-century younger than she is.

'I'm 50 and no longer 20. I'm not a young girl who hasn't experienced anything yet or has no idea about life,' she acknowledged to Glamour UK last year.

'Time won't stand still for me and Tom will never catch up with me. I'll always be 16 years older, and I'm aware of that,' Heidi continued.

'I know that I will look older than him sooner. Maybe it will be a problem for me in ten years' time, maybe he won't like it then,' she reflected.

'In 20 years, I'll be 70. I usually plan for the future  but with my husband, I live in the here and now,' the Teutonic blonde shared.
Farmer Wants A Wife star Anna Wilson has responded to fans demanding she star in a spin-off series.

The midwife, 28, from Queensland, starred in the 2024 series of the Channel 7 dating show but ultimately failed to win the heart of Farmer Dustin.

She was left broken-hearted in the finale when Dustin chose to pursue a relationship with Sophie Trethowan in what he said was a very difficult decision.

However, fans were quick to call for Anna's return to reality TV as they urged Channel 7 to sign her up for another dating show to give her a second chance of love.

Anna has now responded to the calls for a spin-off show and admitted she was overwhelmed by the messages, but said she has no plans to return to reality TV.

Farmer Wants A Wife star Anna Wilson has responded to fans demanding she star in a spin-off series after she became a fan favourite on the 2024 series of the dating show

'I actually can't believe the response I have had,' she told Yahoo! Lifestyle. 'Everyone has sent me thousands of kind and beautiful messages and I'm feeling quite overwhelmed about it all.'

Anna insisted she only ever went on the show to try and find a husband and said she has no plans to pursue a career in the public eye.

'I didn't get the husband, so I think I'm just going to slip back into my ordinary little life,' she added.

Anna won over the hearts of Aussie viewers on FWAW and they took to Reddit after the finale to pitch a spin-off show where she looks for a partner.

They wrote: 'Let's get a spin-off where Country Town Wants a Midwife, they bring her around to [agriculture] shows in small towns where they bring out their top crop of eligible bachelors, the CWA do their pitch, hospital staff show her a good time, and even real estate agents show her what her new home could look like';

Anna has now responded to the calls for a spin-off show and admitted she was overwhelmed by the messages, but said she has no plans to return to reality TV

'We could extend the spin-off to a few fan favourites with useful professions or just make it the Anna show - since she's all they need. Channel 7 - are you here and reading this?';

'I'm all for this idea! Both farmers really messed up'; 'I think a new format, new producers, and make it more of a community thing rather than a harem competition.'

Farmer Dustin formed connections with both Anna and Sophie on the show, but ultimately picked Sophie in the finale as he declared he was falling in love with her.

Dustin, a cattle and crop farmer from Condobolin, NSW, was reportedly left feeling distressed by choosing between Anna and Sophie, both 28.

Anna (left) was left broken-hearted in the series finale when Dustin chose to pursue a relationship with Sophie Trethowan (right) in what he said was a very difficult decision

Speaking to New Idea, an insider claimed that 'Dustin truly did care for both Anna and Sophie, but in the end he had to go with his heart.'

Dustin and Sophie walked into the sunset together at the end of the series and fans got a glimpse into their romance during the reunion show last week.

The couple revealed they had hit a hurdle in their relationship over the 'rustic cabin' they have moved in to on his farm.

'It's definitely a boy's house. It needs so much done to it. I don't know if it would pass a health and safety inspection at the moment,' she said.

During the reunion, it was revealed that Dustin and Sophie had hit a hurdle in their relationship over the 'rustic cabin' they have moved in to on his farm

'I moved out of my family home to another little house on the farm. It's liveable,' Dustin argued.

He confessed that the move 'put the brakes on' their relationship as Sophie wasn't happy with the accommodations and did not want to move to the farm.

While there was some tension between the couple, they did reveal they are still together.

'Fortunately, I haven't scared her away yet,' Dustin said, but Sophie admitted the cabin 'might scare her off' if he doesn't fix it and bring in a plumber.
Walgreens is the latest retailer to fire shots in a growing price war in America - cutting the cost of 1,300 items.

Prices have been immediately lowered on everything from snacks to toiletries and even Squishmallows.

Rivals Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Aldi have all reduced prices recently too.

At Walgreens, a jar of One A Day gummy vitamins is now $11.99, down from $13.49, and a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips from its Nice! brand now $1.99, from $2.79.

A 16-inch Squishmallow plush is down from $24.99 to $20.

Walgreens is lowering the prices on 1,300 items

Both branded and own-label products have been cut in stores and online.

'Walgreens understands our customers are under financial strain and struggle to purchase everyday essentials.' said Tracey Brown, Walgreens chief customer officer.

Amazon Fresh, the grovery arm of the online giant, said on May 24 it is cutting prices of 4,000 items by up to 30 percent.

The reductions rotate each week across drinks, dairy, frozen food, meat and seafood.

Target said on May 20, it s cutting the prices of 5,000 items. across dozens of national brands as well as its own brands. One pizza brand will go down 20 cents and bagels down 40 cents.

Meanwhile, Aldi said in April it would pass along $100 million in savings through Labor Day by further dropping its everyday low prices on more than 250 items.

Walmart was the first to lower prices with its 'rollback' program earlier this year. It trimmed the prices on 7,000 items, which is credited with helping it boost sales.

Meanwhile, Walmart customers wanting to claim a share of a $45 million class-action must act now - the deadline to claim is Wednesday.

Anyone who has bought certain bags of citrus fruit or packs of meat. between October 2018 and January this year is in line for up to $500 to make up for overpaying.

You don't need a receipt but not having one limits the total you can claim. Click here to see how to claim.
Japan Airlines on Monday said it has entered into a codeshare arrangement with IndiGo, which would help the Japanese carrier expand services to 14 destinations of the domestic carrier's network.

At present, Japan Airlines operates its services to Delhi and Bengaluru from Tokyo. It offers daily flight services to the national capital from Haneda Airport, while its thrice-a-week services to Bengaluru are operated from Narita Airport.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and IndiGo have agreed on codeshare partnership which will benefit the customers by providing more travel options between Japan and India, a statement said.

The codeshare partnership will allow Japan Airlines to strengthen its connectivity into India initially, while enabling more travel options for IndiGo customers on JAL's extensive domestic and international network in later phases, the statement said.

The partnership will enable codeshare on India routes that connect to JAL-operated flights from/to Delhi and Bengaluru, as per the statement.

Through this partnership, Japan Airlines said it will be able to establish an extensive network pan-India, including major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kochi, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Pune, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Goa, which connects to JAL-operated flights.

Later, the two carriers will seek to further expand the cooperation with IndiGo codesharing on JAL-operated flights, it added.

IndiGo is expanding its portfolio of codeshare partnerships with this agreement with Japan Airlines. This phase of the partnership expands the choices available to Japan Airlines customers for journeys to/from Japan, using IndiGo's extensive network in India, said Abhijit DasGupta, Senior Vice President for network planning and revenue management at IndiGo.

The partnership will provide seamless connectivity to support trade, commerce, and tourism between the two countries, he said.

Over time, we intend to expand the scope of geographic and reciprocal coverage of this relationship to further grow travel opportunities for customers of both airlines, DasGupta added.

With the extensive network, travellers to and from India and Japan will be able to book their flight on one ticket. In recent years, India has achieved remarkable economic growth, and the air travel demand between Japan and India is increasing more than ever before, said Ross Leggett, Managing Executive Officer, Senior Vice President Route Marketing at Japan Airlines.
The 2024 general election campaign has been marked by intense mudslinging, media misrepresentations and sharp ideological battles

With the conclusion of the 7th phase of the voting on Saturday, the long drawn-out Great Election Festival has come to an end. The results of the polls would be announced on Tuesday and the winner would be asked by the President to form the new Government. If a party fails to cross the halfway mark on its own, we will see a coalition government consisting of parties with different ideologies but united in their hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The electioneering of 2024 was nothing other than calling names and distortion statements made by Prime Minister Modi. The misrepresentation of facts by the media has fueled anger among various communities. When the bugle for the electoral battle was sounded by the Election Commission of India, there was no agenda in the BJP's game plan to amend the Constitution. But its rivals were unanimous in their aggressive campaign that if the BJP wins this time, there would not be any more elections in the country and the Constitution would be thrown to the dustbin.

Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister in waiting, went one step further and declared that the BJP would cancel once and forever the reservation meant for scheduled caste/scheduled tribe and the OBC. Though this was refuted by the BJP camp, the notion in Kerala and Tamil Nadu was that Modi was against reservation of any kind. Meanwhile, leaders of Congress, CPI(M) and like-minded parties blamed Narendra Modi and the Sangh Parivar for the scorching summer as well as the draught that has struck South India. Then came the heavy downpour and upper-level cyclonic circulation in Kerala. The Congress and CPI(M) found Modi as the scapegoat for this too. The contents of the interview given by the Prime Minister to a TV channel too were distorted by the Opposition leaders who accused the former of claiming himself as God.

But what he told in the interview was that he saw the 140 crore Indians as his Gods and he was worshipping them. These are unpardonable sins. Election speeches were a learning process for ordinary mortals. The national and State level leaders of various political outfits enlighten the voters about the failures committed by the parties that ruled the country in different times while the party that was born to rule India would shock the electorate with what they have done to make India what it is now. Though the eminent historian R C Majumdar has edited an XI volume series "The History and Culture of Indian People" which was published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at the instance of Kulapati Dr K M Munshi, the same has been declared as an "untouchable product" by the Leftist historians of the country. The Leftists and the GOP have a lot to hide and we will come back to that on another occasion.

The 2024 General Election was an event that the voters would prefer to forget at the earliest. The electioneering should never be a name-calling exercise and the media should know its role as an observer. The guiding principle of journalism, as coined by C P Scott, late editor of The Guardian, was "facts are sacred but opinions are free".

But in present-day journalism, this law has degenerated and it has become facts and opinions are free. If one is to go by the news and opinions of most newspapers, the INDI Alliance has already won the election and it is a matter of time before the new government is sworn in. The opinion polls and surveys have become a butt of jokes.

Now that the last vote has been cast, the only option is to wait till 4 June 2024 to know which way the wind has blown. Newspapers and News Channels should not take sides in this contest of democracy. No doubt, the claim "my kurta is whiter than his" extends to politics. But it should not lead to an exercise of abusing and belittling the rivals. The speeches delivered by some of the leading lights of the main political parties were deplorable and despicable. The portrayal of Mukhtar Ansari, a dreaded criminal and mafia don, as Shaheed by Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of AIMIM was a shocking incident. We address Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad as shaheeds but this is the first time a mafia don has been accorded the status of Shaheed.

Some of the leaders who constitute the INDI Alliance applaud a person convicted to life imprisonment in the fodder scam as the most honest politician in the country even though the latter is out on bail claiming serious medical ailments. The Porsche car mishap that claimed two lives in Pune is further proof that the BJP cannot escape from the allegations of favouritism. The Hindutva brigade is the alliance partner of the government in Maharashtra in which the NCP has a major stake. Only people with knowledge, wisdom and a clean image should win the election and assume power at the Centre. Convicts and mafia dons should not have any place in this electoral battle. Above all, it is for the Election Commission to elevate the quality of the electoral game to that of a royal event. There is no space for anti-social and anti-national elements in this jamboree where people are the masters. Let the electorate have the last word.

(The writer is a special correspondent with the Pioneer, views are personal)
We have caused considerable damage to all our terrestrial as well as all aquatic ecosystems but some initiatives have shown promising results

Humans think about our planet only on two occasions: during celebrations of select days or when catastrophes happen. When everything is normal, we take our planet for granted. We exploit it to the core, and we forget that the resources on this planet are not only for us but for generations to come. At every stage in the history of Homo sapiens, we have caused considerable harm to the environment. But the quantum of destruction humans caused during the last two centuries has caused irreparable loss to the planet. This is mainly due to the advances in modern science and technology. We forgot the value of the Indian philosophy of living sustainably with nature, propagated by our forefathers for our greed. Today, we have fallen to the level that we don't even care about the future of our own children. We amass wealth and physical resources for our children, but what is the use if they don't have a clean and safe area to live? Can we restore the vigour of our planet?

Restoring the lost vigour of our planet is essential for ensuring our environment's long-term health and sustainability. While the challenges are substantial, numerous examples and strategies demonstrate that significant progress can be made with concerted effort, innovative solutions, and global cooperation. We have caused considerable damage to all our terrestrial as well as all aquatic ecosystems. To bring it back to normal is a challenging task. Initiatives such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef rehabilitation have shown promising results. For instance, reforestation projects in regions like the Amazon, Africa, and Southeast Asia are helping to restore vital forest ecosystems, sequester carbon, and provide habitats for diverse species. Wetland restoration efforts in places like the Mississippi River Delta and the Danube Delta are improving water quality, reducing flood risks, and supporting rich biodiversity. One successful example of land restoration is the Loess Plateau in China. Over several decades, intensive soil erosion had turned this once-fertile region into a barren landscape. The Loess Plateau has been transformed through large-scale interventions, including terracing, reforestation, and sustainable agricultural practices, resulting in increased agricultural productivity, reduced erosion, and improved local livelihoods. After nearly four decades of pollution and neglect, the Khushal Sar Lake in Srinagar has been restored to its former glory, providing a habitat for thousands of migratory birds. Thanks to a community effort supported by the local administration, the lake has been brought back to life. These examples showcase the potential of comprehensive land restoration strategies in reversing degradation and fostering sustainable development.

Every year on June 5th, we Celebrate Environmental Day. This year's World Environment Day campaign focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

This year, we have realised the impact of climate change in India through scorching heat wave conditions and unprecedented rains and snowfalls. But when we feel the situation has become normal, we forget our environmental concerns and start harming it. The government must take stringent measures to safeguard the remaining tracts of agricultural lands, wetlands, forests, grasslands, coral reefs etc. No developmental activities should be allowed in these areas. We should carry out tourism-related activities within the region's carrying capacity. The government of Tamil Nadu's recent e-pass system to control tourist influx to Nilgiris is a commendable policy decision. We should implement a similar system in other ecologically sensitive regions of the country, especially those surrounding the Himalayas.

(The is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru; views are personal)
WhatsApp has banned 71 lakh Indian users in April this year for violating platform rules and policies. The company assures continued action against accounts breaching its terms to maintain a safe user environment.

WhatsApp ban was in line to curb misuse and maintain integrity of the platform. WhatsApp uses machine learning and data analytics to proactively identify and ban suspicious accounts.

Every month WhatsApp bans lakhs of Indian users who are reported for being scammers or violating the platform's privacy policies. In its latest India Monthly Report, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform revealed that it banned around 71 lakh Indian accounts between April 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, to curb misuse and maintain platform integrity. The company has further assured that it will continue implementing more bans if users continue to violate its rules.

WhatsApp banned a total of 7,182,000 accounts between April 1 and April 30. Amongst these, 1,302,000 accounts were proactively banned before any reports from users. This proactive stance is part of WhatsApp's broader strategy to prevent abuse before it occurs. The company uses advanced machine learning and data analytics to identify suspicious behaviour patterns indicative of abuse. Notably, in April 2024, WhatsApp received 10,554 user reports on various topics, including account support, ban appeals, product support, and safety concerns.

However, only six accounts were actioned based on these reports, reflecting the stringent criteria for account action.

The bans on Indian accounts align with WhatsApp's efforts to comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate the publication of compliance reports detailing the actions taken in response to user grievances and law violations.

The latest June 2024 report highlights WhatsApp's rigorous steps against harmful behaviour, leveraging user complaints and its in-house sophisticated detection mechanisms.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand, K. Ravi Kumar today informed that since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, illegal material and cash worth Rs. 139 crore, 3 lakh, 9,542 has been seized in Jharkhand.

Kumar said that the counting of votes for 14 parliamentary constituencies of Jharkhand will be done at 14 centres. All preparations for the counting have been completed. Counting will begin at 8 am on Tuesday. First of all, the postal ballots will be counted. After that, the votes of EVMs will be counted.

He said that as per the rules of the Election Commission of India, no communication device will be allowed inside the counting centre. If the agents who have gone inside the counting centre leave the counting centre campus even once, they will not be able to go inside again. He said that the weather forecast states that the temperature in Palamu and Chatra is likely to remain around 44 degrees during the counting of votes. At the same time, rain is forecast in Kolhan after noon. He was addressing the media at Nirvachan Sadan, Dhurwa on Monday.

He informed that the maximum number of counting of votes will be done in 27 rounds in Chatra and Koderma. The minimum number of counting rounds will be 16 in Khunti. Similarly, the counting of votes will be done in 26 rounds in Godda, 25 in Hazaribagh and Dhanbad, 24 in Dumka and Singhbhum, 23 in Rajmahal, 22 in Palamu, 21 in Jamshedpur, 20 in Ranchi and Lohardaga and 19 in Giridih. 465 tables have been made for counting of postal ballots. Counting of EVM votes will be done on 1492 tables. He informed that the counting of votes for Gandey assembly bye-election would be done in 24 rounds.
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The counting of votes for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, conducted on June 1, will begin at 8 am on Tuesday at 117 counting centres, set up in 48 buildings at 27 locations across the state. To oversee the counting process, 64 counting observers, drawn from all-India services and civil services cadre of various states, have been appointed.



The states Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Monday announced that a team of 64 counting observers has been appointed to oversee the counting process and these experienced officials are tasked with ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.



Detailing the arrangements, Sibin C highlighted that while most counting centers are situated at district headquarters, seven are located outside, including Ajnala, Baba Bakala, Abohar, Malout, Dhuri, Chhokra Rahon-Nawanshahr, and Khooni Majra (Kharar). Counting will not take place at the district headquarters in Sangrur and Nawanshahr.



The security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the strong rooms at these counting centers has been given utmost priority. These strong rooms are secured with a double-lock system and are under continuous CCTV surveillance, said the CEO.



Representatives of political parties and authorized personnel can monitor the security via LED screens placed outside each strong room, displaying live footage of the surroundings. A visitor register is maintained to record all visits, and an official conducts daily inspections to ensure compliance with protocols.



A comprehensive three-tier security system has been implemented around the counting centers. Access is strictly restricted to accredited individuals, and CCTV cameras provide extensive monitoring. Quick response teams are in place to manage any incidents promptly, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, said the CEO.



Notably, Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 62.80 percent during the polling on Saturday, a decline of 3.16 percent compared to the 65.96 percent turnout in 2019. Bathinda witnessed the highest turnout at 69.36 percent, while Amritsar recorded the lowest at 56.06 percent.



The focus would be on prominent faces such as BJP's Preneet Kaur, SAD's Harsimrat Kaur Badal, former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring who are contesting the polls. The stakes were also high for other heavyweights like the BJP's Ravneet Singh Bittu and Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Another contest that will be watched closely is the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat where radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA), is in the fray as an Independent candidate.



Bathinda witnessed the highest turnout at 69.36 percent while Amritsar recorded the lowest at 56.06, as per the Election Commission data.



Among the prominent faces, BJP nominee and four-time MP Preneet Kaur is seeking re-election from the Patiala parliamentary constituency. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a three-time MP, and the BJP's Parampal Kaur Sidhu, a former IAS officer, are trying their luck from Bathinda. Congress' Channi and BJP nominee Sushil Rinku were in the fray from the Jalandhar reserved constituency. Punjab Congress chief Warring contested against Bittu from Ludhiana. Randhawa was in the fray from Gurdaspur. Former diplomat and BJP nominee Taranjit Singh Sandhu contested from Amritsar against sitting MP and Congress candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla.



Among its 13 candidates, AAP had fielded five cabinet ministers -- Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal (Amritsar), Laljit Singh Bhullar (Khadoor Sahib), Gurmeet Singh Khuddian (Bathinda), Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer (Sangrur) and Balbir Singh (Patiala). Congress candidate Sukhpal Khaira contested from Sangrur while AAP's Karamjit Singh Anmol and the BJP's Hans Raj Hans were in the fray from the Faridkot seat.

SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann contested from Sangrur and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of Beant Singh, one of the two assassins of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, fought from the Faridkot reserved constituency.




Haryana Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad on Monday said that the State Government is preparing Rs 10,000 crore Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development which will be implemented in the State in a phased manner. In the first phase, the project will be implemented in NCR districts of the State and later, it will be replicated in the entire State.



Prasad said this in the Governing Committee meeting of Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development held under his Chairmanship. He said the World Bank would fund this ten-year comprehensive project. However, assistance from NABARD and HUDCO would also be taken to implement the project effectively.



While underlining the significance of Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development, Prasad emphasised the need for collective efforts by all stakeholders to eliminate the problem of air pollution. He maintained that the State has significantly strengthened its institutions for air quality measurement and monitoring. Four state sample-testing laboratories have been established in the State. Apart from this, 29 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQM) stations and 39 Manual Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (MAAQM) stations are operational in different districts. The State will build on its current infrastructure by expanding the AQ monitoring network, setting-up a command control centre, and increasing resource capacity and citizen engagement, he added.



It was informed in the meeting that the project has three focus areas aimed at addressing air pollution comprehensively. The initial phase involves substantial enhancements to Haryana's air quality monitoring infrastructure. This encompasses the establishment of a cutting-edge laboratory and the modernization of four existing ones. Additionally, a dedicated program management unit will be established to oversee project implementation.
The voting process in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 has ended. Counting of votes will take place today. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) claimed that the party will win10 seats out of total 14 seats in the State. The party also raises serious questions on the role and impartiality of Election Commission of India (ECI).



Addressing a press meet on Monday JMM General Secretary cum Spokesperson, Supriyo Bhattacharya said that tomorrow is the test of the Election Commission in the sense that how it maintains its impartiality and credibility because only this will prove that democracy is still strong in the Country and is an example for the whole world. He has alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner has insulted the decency of the statement in the press conference held before the counting of votes. He alleged that the Election Commission had closed its ears and eyes during the entire election campaign.



Bhattacharya said that while announcing the dates of the Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Election Commissioner had said many good things. He also made a request, but later democracy was strangled. The Election Commission locked the complaints received against the ruling party in its drawer. The thinking and action plan of a particular class and political party was implemented. However, it is a blessing that even in the scorching heat, 65-66 percent people exercised their franchise. The voting figures are also doubtful because the actual figures were released quite late. Counting is tomorrow and the final figures of the 7th phase of voting have not yet come out. Trust and credibility are of great importance in democracy. Justice is considered complete only when it is not only in words but we also see it being implemented on the ground, he added.



JMM General Secretary said that counting is tomorrow. This noble work should be conducted without any hindrance or in support of any particular party. This time many sectors were connected through postal ballot. Arrangements were made for voting through postal ballot for media persons, elderly, disabled and people of service sector. We want that the matching and counting of postal ballot votes should be done in a transparent manner. There is no need to save it for later. There should be no power cut during counting. Generator should be arranged from the beginning of counting. In case of power cut, EVMs will have to be restarted, which will leave a possibility of tampering. After every election, EVMs are programmed afresh, so the possibility of tampering cannot be ruled out, he added.



Bhattacharya said that the Supreme Court has ensured that if any candidate has any doubts about the counting, he can get it resolved by paying a fee. We request the Election Commission to ensure that all candidates are satisfied with the results before declaring the final result. If there is any doubt, then match it with the VVPAT. The Election Commission is responsible for this. He said that tomorrow is a test day for the Election Commission. We have given the Election Commission the highest priority and respect and have followed its rules, regulations and guidelines to the letter. Now it is the responsibility of the Commission to prove that democracy is strong in India and also set an example for the world, he added.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who returned to Tihar jail on Sunday, accepted the resignation of its former Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Friday. Anand has joined the BSP after resigning from the AAP on April 10 and has contested in the Lok Sabha 2024 election from the New Delhi seat.

The AAP Chief, in his only official communication during the period when he was out on interim bail, has recommended the acceptance of resignation of Anand, who is up against his own party colleague and AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, after a gap of a month and 20 days.

With this recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who has forwarded the resignation for consideration by the President of India Draupadi Murmu as required by law, Saxena said.

The critical departments of SC/ST Welfare, Social Welfare, Cooperative and Gurudwara Elections have become headless and paralyzed, since in his recommendations to the LG, Kejriwal has not allocated these departments to any other Minister, as law provides.

With no recommendation about re-allocation being made, all these departments will automatically vest into the Chief Minister, who is in jail, thereby making any decision or work in these departments impossible, Saxena stated.

Anand in his resignation to the Chief Minister had outlined inaction and corruption in these departments, as also diversion of SC/ST funds for other purposes and schemes, apart from ministers being in jail, as reason.

Interestingly, while Kejriwal was out on bail for 21 days, he did not deem it fit to send the file pertaining to Mayoral Elections in MCD to the LG. The Mayor this time is to be from the SC category.

He also did not deem it fit to raise the issue of inter-state cooperation / coordination with the LG, in the matter of water crisis in Delhi, Saxena claimed.
A massive fire broke out at the office of a private company on the fourth floor of Bhamashah Tower in MP Nagar, Bhopal. The fire that broke out at around 11 pm on Saturday was completely controlled at 1.30 am after hectic efforts of two and a half hours by fire tenders and fire tender vehicles.

The fire was so fierce that flames started rising within a short time and spread rapidly in the building. On receiving the information, 10 fire tender vehicles from nearby fire stations including Govindpura, Fatehgarh, Mata Mandir reached the spot.

Initial information has revealed that the fire was caused by a short circuit. The building where the fire broke out has a Milan Restaurant on the ground floor. It was closed when the fire broke out.

On receiving the information about the fire, the restaurant's director Pradeep Soni reached the spot. During this, some women were seen crying.

The fire on the fourth floor of Bhamashah Tower Milan Restaurant was brought under control at 1.30 am. The fire flames were brought under control at 1 am. Fire personnel have reached the fourth floor and are extinguishing the burning furniture there.

Director of Milan Restaurant Pradeep Soni said that the fire broke out between 10.30 and 11 pm. The floor of the building where the fire broke out has an office of a company. The fire spread so much due to the presence of furniture there. There was no restaurant equipment on the fourth floor.

As soon as the information about the fire was received, the owner of the restaurant reached the spot. During this, some women were seen in tears and praying.

Traffic diverted at Board Office intersection

Vehicles passing through Board Office intersection were diverted.

On receiving information about the fire, fire tender vehicles from nearby fire stations including Mata Mandir, Govindpura, Fatehgarh reached the spot and were engaged in pacifying the fire.

The power supply of the area has been cut off to extinguish the fire. On the other hand, fire engines and tankers are trying to control the fire. There is a state of panic in the area due to the fire. A large number of people reached the spot. Due to this, the police also have to control the crowd.

The four-floor building has a restaurant on the bottom and first floor, while a company's office is on the top floor. This is where the fire broke out. The reason for the fire is not known. On the other hand, there is no information about anyone being trapped in the building.

A fire broke out on the fourth floor of Bhamashah Tower in MP Nagar. Flames were visible from a distance. Due to which hundreds of people gathered there.

Milan Restaurant is in MP Nagar, Bhopal. There is an office of a company on the fourth floor, and a fire broke out in it. The fire is said to have started due to a short circuit.
A spectacular Passing Out Parade (POP) of third batch of Agniveers was held at 3 EME Centre on 03 Jun 24. As many as 816 Agniveers marched smartly on the drill ground of the Centre in Bairagarh to enter into the folds of the Corps of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army. The parade was reviewed by Brigadier Anil Das, Commandant, 3 EME Centre. The momentous event was also witnessed by proud family members of the passing out course.

The POP marks the culmination of 10 weeks of Basic Military Training followed by another 21 weeks of Advance Military Training and beginning of their new voyage in the Indian Army as disciplined soldier craftsmen.

The Commandant congratulated the trainees on parade for their impeccable turn out, good military bearing and smart drill. He highlighted that new challenges are emerging from the global security scenario and technological transformation.

Hence the need to continuously acquire knowledge, skills and capability to achieve the desired objectives. He impressed upon the Agniveers to hone their skills, be technologically aware and develop a strong foundation of knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to perform in their respective fields. He also complimented them for their hard work and outstanding performance. He exhorted the young soldiers to take pride in their uniform and country and wished them good luck for their next role in the field Army.

The Agniveers completed physically grueling and mentally demanding training and will now join their respective EME units. Agniveers performing exceptionally well in the training were awarded with medals in various categories to include top three in Overall Order of Merit, Best in Academics and Excellence in Drill. Over 1000 proud parents and relatives of the Agniveers were also awarded with Gaurav Padak in recognition of their efforts and sacrifice for the Nation.

3 EME Centre symbolises the Armys motto Service Before Self. Since its raising in 1962, it has been closely linked to Bhopals fabric, and both have grown multifold, complementing each other. The Centre has trained over 75,000 recruits including the Agniveers and turned them into Soldier - Craftsmen who have proved their mettle in all fields, be it military operations, aid to civil authorities, disaster relief or sports. People of Bhopal are witness to the fact that whenever the situation has demanded, 3 EME Centre has come to the forefront in assistance. When tragedy struck on the night of December 2, 1984 at Union Carbide, rescue teams from 3 EME Centre were amongst the first responders to evacuate residents around the factory. The Centre continues to stand strong with the people of Bhopal in line with their expectations.

A sizeable strengh of ex-servicemen from EME has settled down in and around Bhopal after retirement, making it their home.

Through them, the Centre has further blended into the vibe of the city. Since the launch of the Agnipath Scheme, the Centre has already carried out training of three batches of Agniveers while the fourth batch of Agniveers will be reporting to the Centre shortly.
Police have successfully solved the daring robbery that took place at MB Jewellers near Airport Bazar in the Sonari police station area. The crime, which occurred on June 24th, was executed amid tight security just a day before the elections, creating a significant stir in the community.

Under the directive of SSP Kishore Kaushal, an SIT (Special Investigation Team) led by City SP Mukesh Lunayat was formed to crack the case. The diligent efforts of the SIT bore fruit, leading to the arrest of four criminals from Palamu district.

The arrested individuals, identified as Rishiraj alias Mitthu Soni, Govinda Paswan, Rahul Sharma, and Abhishek Gupta, are all residents of the Chainpur police station area in Palamu. The police have recovered crucial evidence from the suspects, including the motorcycle used in the robbery and INR 50,000 in cash.

Additionally, the SIT recovered the melted looted jewelry, which had been concealed in Baksha Gali, Tirul Road, Ranchi. Further investigation led to the discovery of a carbine and two pistols hidden in Tharpakhna, Ranchi.

The police have revealed that two more individuals are involved in the robbery, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

According to the police, the criminals chose MB Jewellers for the robbery due to its strategic location on the main road, facilitating a quick escape route via Marine Drive. After committing the robbery, they reportedly fled to Ranchi, where they melted the stolen jewelry and stored their weapons before dispersing.

A significant breakthrough came when the police recovered a bag in Ranchi containing the weapons and melted jewelry. The criminals also admitted to another major robbery in Garhwa district, further highlighting their extensive criminal activities.

As investigations continue, the police are confident of soon apprehending the remaining suspects, bringing full closure to this high-profile case.
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Haryana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anurag Agrawal on Sunday said that police verification will be conducted for counting agents nominated by any political parties or contesting candidates for the counting of votes scheduled for June 4 for the 2024 general elections to the Lok Sabha.

Agarwal, issuing these instructions during a video conference with Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers regarding the counting arrangements, clarified that the Lok Sabha elections in the State were conducted in a fair and transparent manner. He mentioned that it is a record that this time there was no need for re-polling anywhere in the State. This is the first instance since 2004 that there was no requirement for re-polling at any polling booth. This has been possible due to the diligent duty performed by the election staff and the positive cooperation of the voters, Agarwal added.

He expressed hope that on the day of counting, all citizens, duty-bound employees, and security personnel will continue to cooperate in the same manner, ensuring the success of the Election Commission's goal of conducting free and transparent elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer also appealed to the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, to provide information to the public about each phase of the vote counting on June 4. Although the Election Commission has separately launched an election result helpline app, through which any citizen can get information about election results from across the country.

Agarwal further said that due to extreme heat, Lok Sabha election results can be easily viewed from home on Election Commission's website  www.result.eic.in, or the Voter Helpline App. The Meteorological Department has also advised not to go outside considering the heat.

According to the Election Commission of India, the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will start at 8 am on June 4. During this time, only authorized persons, officers, or employees will be allowed at and around the counting centers. The results can be known from home by visiting the Election Commission of India's website  www.result.eic.in, or the Voter Helpline App. Now there is no longer need for the general public and representatives or workers of political parties to crowd around the counting area, as results can be known from home.

According to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, a media center has been set up at the counting centers at the district headquarters for the media to get the latest information on the results. Only authorized persons will be allowed to enter the counting centers. Section 144 has been imposed around the counting centers, Agarwal added.
As the results of the parliamentary elections on 13 seats will be doled out on Tuesday, the winners in Punjab will takes it all  not just the seats in the Lok Sabha but the prestige and honour that was involved in the multi-cornered high-staked ballot battle.

The warm political winds blowing across the State will bring more than just victory for the candidates in fray and also for the parties they represent. It will rather determine the fate and stature of political parties standing tall behind their candidates, other than the top leaders who were steering the bandwagons of their respective outfits.

Already witnessing a political storm, not even the political pundits can swear whether the winds of change will sweep the well-entrenched candidates off their feet, and bring in the new ones in these constituencies. Or else, the tempest will subside into a lull without uprooting the trees.

Earlier, Punjabs political battleground has always witnessed a more or less direct contest between the two major arch rivals  Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine and the Congress. But, with the BJP and SAD going solo and the emergence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state politics with the two-election-old party forming the government in the state in 2022, the contest has become out-of-the-ordinary.

Unlike in previous elections, there were no political alliances between parties in Punjab this time around. Each party was fighting independently, vying for supremacy in a political arena defined by its unique challenges and regional complexities. The contest primarily revolved around the Congress-AAP rivalry, with the BJPs entry and SADs attempts to harp on panthic agenda adding an intriguing twist to the narrative.

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped into the fray on all fronts for the first time in Punjab since 1996, the battle lines were redrawn, and the traditional vote banks were recalibrated. The urban constituencies held the key to BJPs prospects, where its performance is expected to influence the electoral outcomes for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the principal opposition Congress. A significant chunk of votes in these areas could tilt the scales in favour of one party over the other.

While the BJP stood solo, its rivals find common ground under the INDIA bloc, uniting against a common adversary. However, this solidarity bellied underlying tensions, as the Congress and AAP, contesting elections together in other states including neighbouring Haryana and Delhi, found themselves locked in a fierce face-off in Punjab due to local dynamics and leadership equations.

The BJPs equation was disrupted by the farmers movement. While the Hindu and urban electorate lean towards the BJP, the farmers dissent has skewed the political calculus. With 65 percent of Punjab's population residing in rural areas and a significant Sikh majority, the farmers agitation has left a mark, particularly in the Malwa and Majha regions, diminishing the BJP's appeal among the majority Sikh votes.

For the Shiromani Akali Dal, the electoral battlefield presented formidable challenges. The party's performance hinged on its ability to regain support from those who had previously shifted allegiance to AAP, disillusioned with the incumbent government. The outcome of this contest will reflect not only the shifting political dynamics but also the electorate's evolving sentiments.

SADs fortunes are also expected to suffer as the three seats have pro-Khalistan supporters entering the fray, with two witnessing tight contests. Simranjit Singh Mann, the incumbent MP from Sangrur, seems to be losing voter favour, while Sarabjit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis one of the assassins, was locked in a close battle from Faridkot.

The third seat, Khadoor Sahib, is contested by NSA detainee Amritpal Singh, currently lodged in Assams Dibrugarh jail, is engaged in a fierce fight from the panthic seat.

In the backdrop of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress emerged victorious in eight out of 13 seats, the current electoral landscape painted a different picture. With the AAP now at the helm under Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns leadership, the BJPs resurgence added a new dimension to Punjabs political landscape, setting the stage for a keenly contested electoral battle.

Amidst the prestige battle of prominent political families in Punjab, this Lok Sabha election takes on special significance. The familial politics of all major political dynasties in Punjab are at stake this time around.

For the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, under whose leadership the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) swept the State over two years back, it is a prestige battle besides his popularity test. In addition, the results would appreciate or reject the AAP Governments policies and programmes in the State after its two-year in power.

BJP, which is contesting the elections independently in the state for the first time since 1996, is looking to make inroads in the unexplored territories besides increasing the vote share while preparing the ground for 2027 state assembly polls.

But, it is the others, on some of the seats, which is expected to upset the equations of the four main players in some of the key segments.

AAP: Litmus Test of Governance and Challenge of Leadership

The elections serve as a crucial litmus test for AAP, which ascended to power in Punjab with a resounding majority under the banner of badlav. With Bhagwant Mann completing two and a half years in office, the party's governance was under intense scrutiny. Mann claimed achievements such as zero electricity bills for residents, providing government jobs, improving healthcare through mohalla clinics, and cracking down on corruption.

However, opposition parties continuously targeted the AAP Government on issues of law and order and political vendetta, portraying Mann as a puppet of Delhi's central leadership. One of the significant unfulfilled promises of Rs 1000 to 18-plus women may go against it.

Besides, the elections also brought to light AAP's leadership challenges in Punjab. The need to import leaders from Congress to contest in constituencies like Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib indicated a shortage of strong candidates. Additionally, the decision to field Ministers in five constituencies besides legislators underscored this crisis.

CONGRESS: Betting on Big Names, Testing New Leadership

Congress is facing a critical juncture in Punjab, with prominent figures such as Capt Amarinder Singh, Sunil Jakhar, Preneet Kaur, Ravneet Bittu, Manpreet Badal, no longer with the party. Navjot Sidhu also stayed away. The party went to polls under the leadership of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, with the high command showing significant trust in his leadership so far. However, if the party's performance in the elections falls short of expectations, Warring will face increased challenges within the Punjab Congress.

Congresss move to field its prominent leaders such as Warring, Charanjit Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Sukhpal Khaira, and Vijay Inder Singla sent a strong message to both the party cadre and the general public that the Congress is serious about the elections.

Despite this, the party appeared to be trailing in constituencies like Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Bathinda, and Ferozepur due to its candidates profiles. Internal factionalism among leaders also posed significant challenges, particularly in key constituencies like Ludhiana.

BJPs plank of Ram Temple Amid Farmer Discontent

Contesting all 13 Lok Sabha seats on its own in Punjab for the first time, BJP placed its hopes primarily on the Ram Temple issue, coupled with Modi factor to garner support in urban areas. Party strategists believed that this served as a significant advantage, particularly among the state's approximately 38 percent Hindu population.

Besides, BJP leadership projected that Prime Minister Modi did more for Sikhs than any previous government or leader, highlighting achievements such as opening the Kartarpur Corridor, removing 312 out of 314 Sikhs from blacklist, making langar tax-free, developing Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage city, and organizing historic programs, including issuing commemorative stamps and coins for Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 350th birth anniversary. Moreover, Modi announced the celebration of 'Veer Bal Diwas' on December 26 to honor the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons.

Until 2019, the BJP, in alliance with SAD, contested only three seats  Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur, but this time, BJP is fielding candidates in all 13 constituencies.

However, BJP faced several challenges in Punjab. Despite being a party with a robust organization and cadre, it lacked substantial presence in most constituencies. Out of the 13 seats, BJP had to import leaders from other parties for nearly 10 of them, turning into a Congress-yukt BJP. The lingering resentment from the farmers' movement also proved to be a significant obstacle, particularly in rural areas.

SAD: A Long Battle Ahead to Reclaim Lost Ground

Punjabs lone regional party, SAD, contested its first election in the state since the demise of former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal. With Sukhbir Badal at the helm, efforts are underway to reunite the party's old leaders, in an apparent attempt to revive the party.

Sukhbir and company harped on panthic agenda, revoking the issues of Operation Bluestar and anti-Sikh riots to win over the Sikh voters. Sukhbir even embarked on a Punjab Bachao Yatra ahead of polls to reenergize the party cadre. However, the party faced tough challenges in all seats, including the family bastion of Bathinda from where Sukhbirs wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, is seeking reelection for the fourth time.

The party failed to bolster its presence in the seats like Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Patiala, and Khadoor Sahib.
A 65-year-old retired employee of Bhopal Municipal Corporation was beaten to death while his son escaped with injuries and grandson saved his life by running over 2 km.

The deceased identified as Parvat Singh had gone to his farm in village Moochkheda in Shyampur area of Sehore with his son and grandson.

When the youths consuming drugs were asked to leave, they started beating him. They kept beating the old man with sticks till he fainted. His son also suffered serious injuries. While the 12-year-old grandson ran 2 kilometers to save his life.

The incident happened on Sunday evening. The old man died on Monday morning. The injured son is admitted at the hospital. Sehore police have registered a case and started investigating the matter.

One of the family member Deepak Singh Malviya said Parvat Singh (65) retired from Bhopal Municipal Corporation four years ago. He lives with his family in Karond area of Bhopal. On Sunday afternoon, he went to his farm in Sehore's Moochkheda village with his son Rakesh (41) and grandson Ayush (12). They worked all day. In the evening, he saw 4-5 youths consuming drugs in the field. When he asked them to leave, they started arguing.

Seeing the quarrel, his son Rakesh and grandson Ayush, who were working far away, came near. They asked the youths to leave the field.

On this, the youths left the place arguing. But, after some time, they returned again armed with sticks and rods. As soon as they arrived, they started beating Parvat Singh and Rakesh. Parvat Singh fell unconscious on the ground.

Relative Deepak Singh Malviya reached Shyampur's Moochkheda village with some friends and relatives from Bhopal and brought the father and son to Hamidia Hospital.

After beating his father and grandfather, the attackers ran towards his grandson Ayush. But, Ayush ran. He kept running continuously for about 2 kms. Meanwhile, Ayush informed his relative Deepak Singh Malviya about the incident from his father Rakesh's phone. On receiving the news, Deepak Singh Malviya reached Shyampur's Moochkheda village with some friends and relatives from Bhopal.

Here he reached the farm with Ayush. From there he saw Parvat Singh and Rakesh lying on the ground. They were immediately brought to Bhopal and taken to Hamidia Hospital. Parvat Singh died during treatment here at 9 am on Monday. While Rakesh has got 7 stitches on his head.

Son Rakesh, who was present with Parvat at the time of the incident, said that we have four acres of land in Moochkheda. In which the construction work of the house is to be done. For this, gravel had to be brought on Sunday night. For this reason, my father took me and my son along. At night, 4-5 drunken youths were seen sitting in a corner of the field. When father tried to explain, they started misbehaving. When I intervened, the accused left the spot. After this, in a short while, they attacked with sticks.

They hit his father on the head and temple with sticks. When I tried to save him, they also hit me on the head with sticks. We kept screaming for help, help could not come due to the deserted place. The bleeding father had become unconscious. Even after this, they kept hitting him with sticks.
Hearing a plea by the Delhi government highlighting water woes in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Monday called for an emergency meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board to be held to deal with the issue on June 5. The vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan posted the plea of the Delhi government seeking additional water from neighbouring Haryana for a hearing on June 6 and sought minutes of the meeting and suggestions on the steps taken. Initially, the bench sought to know why there couldnt be a meeting of all stakeholders to address the issue. Why cant there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders? a vacation bench of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan asked at the outset.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Haryana government, said the issue was already being considered by the UYRB where all stakeholder states including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi are parties.This is the question which is being considered. Himachal Pradesh is called upon by the board to provide the details as to what is the extra water or additional water if at all they have, he said.

The UYRB was set up in 1995 with one of its main functions being to regulate the allocation of available flows The bench observed that as an emergency measure, the meeting of the board may be convened tomorrow to address the issue.

It noted that the advocates appearing for the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have agreed that a meeting of the UYRB be held.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the national capital to mitigate its water crisis. amongst the beneficiary states and also monitor and review the progress of all projects up to and including Okhla barrage in Delhi. The states include Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

In the course of hearing, all the parties agreed that there should be a non-adversarial approach to the problem of scarcity of water faced by the citizens of Delhi, the bench said.

It said the lawyers have agreed that there shall be an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5 to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that the problem of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi shall be properly addressed. The bench said the matter be posted for hearing on June 6 along with the minutes of the meeting of the board and the suggested steps to be taken by the stakeholders to solve the problem.

Mehta said as per the figures placed before the board, if 100 litres of water comes to Delhi, the residents get only 48.65 litres.Total water loss is 51.35 per cent, he said, adding that though the residents dont misutilise water, there are leakages, tanker mafia and theft by some industrial units.

Mehta said the Delhi government will have to tighten up the strings.You will make that point but not release water in June, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Delhi government, said.

Singhvi said the Delhi government was making plans for preventing wastage of water.What solicitor is saying is also correct that there should be no wastage of water, the bench observed.

When the bench said the boards meeting can be convened on Tuesday, Mehta responded tomorrow it may be difficult.

Tomorrow, there will be too much of heat, the bench observed. The counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for tomorrow.

As far as Himachal Pradesh is concerned, whatever unutilised water we have, we are ready to provide, the counsel appearing for Himachal Pradesh told the bench.

During the hearing, Singhvi said, I come from Rajasthan. The highest I have seen in Rajasthan is 50 (degrees Celsius). I never heard of 52 (degrees Celsius) in Delhi. I have been in Delhi for a long time.
Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that mediation is a process in which everyone is a winner because in mediation the dispute is not settled by any order, two parties reach an agreement through systematic discussion. Mediation is an accessible, easy and effective way of affordable, quick and accountable justice for all.

He said that society and government will have to work together to resolve the situations that generate disputes. There is a need to think about removing the distortions of society. The role of the enlightened class is important in building a better society. They will have to come forward and work. Patel was addressing the anniversary celebrations of E-Mediation Writings organisation today.

Governor Patel said that disputes arise from small things. Major disputes arise over the way of speaking and looking. Peace of mind is necessary to prevent disputes from escalating. It is important that there should be such an environment in the society in which all stakeholders show a positive attitude and initiative towards mediation. He urged the youth to come forward to elucidate the benefits of judicial importance of mediation award in the language that resonates with the common people. The capable people should co-operate through mediation in providing the benefits of cheap, accessible and fast justice process to the poor and the deprived.

The Governor has said that for the wide acceptance of resolution of disputes through mediation, it is necessary to increase the scope of acceptance of well-educated and trained mediators and mediation results.

There should be continuous arrangements at all levels from introductory courses to mid-career-professional refresher courses. Initiatives should be taken with firm intentions, everyone's support and efforts to benefit the wider population through mediation by upgrading the basic facilities in mediation centres. He has expected the E-Mediation Writings organisation to focus specially on tribal dominated areas.

Help in reaching the dispute resolution system to the economically, socially deprived community through e-publications, innovations and online mediation related to mediation.

Supreme Court Judge Justice JK Maheshwari highlighted the role of mediator in family disputes. Citing examples of Indian knowledge tradition, he said that the initiative of mediation to end disputes has been present in Indian culture since ancient times. To resolve disputes through mediation, it is necessary to revive the society. Quoting examples from Ramcharit Manas, Mahabharata, he underlined the role of mediator in resolving disputes. He said that half of the pending family dispute cases can be resolved by mediation initiative with a neutral attitude.

Chairman Armed Forces Tribunal Justice Rajendra Menon said that mediation is the need of the hour. A new era of dispute resolution will begin through mediation. There will be a change in the concept of mediation in judicial training. He said that a course on mediation is also being prepared as a compulsory subject in law education. He said that training has been arranged for Armed Forces officers in relation to mediation. The trained officers have experienced that their thinking has changed a lot due to mediation training. The topics of dispute have reduced.

Patel inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and released the calendar of the organisation. The Governor was welcomed by presenting a plant and a memento.

Vice President Mediators India Western Region Neena Khare said in her welcome address that "In the fourth e-mediation writings and anniversary celebration of Women Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries MP, a seminar was organised on the topic of Empowering-India-with-a-mediation-mindset.
The stage is set for counting of votes on Tuesday for 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand. Preparations for counting of votes are in full swing in all parliamentary constituencies. Counting of votes will start from 8 am on June 4 in all 14 parliamentary constituencies. The result will be out on all seats by 4 pm.

After the voting, all the EVMs have already been sealed in the strong room after scrutiny. A three-tier security arrangement has been made at all the counting centers.

According to Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar, counting of votes will start from 8 am on June 4. The results of every round will be announced at regular intervals. He said that it is likely that the counting of votes will be completed by 4 pm.

The results can also be seen online. Let us tell you that a total of 244 political warriors were in the fray on all 14 parliamentary seats of Jharkhand. These include 212 male and 31 female candidates. For the first time, a transgender was also in the election fray.

Who among them will be crowned the winner, who will lose and whose deposit will be forfeited, will be clear by 4 pm on June 4. This time the number of candidates was more than the last two elections. In the last two Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019, the number of candidates was only 240 and 229 respectively.

But on Tuesday fate of 244 candidates 212 men, 31 women and 1 transgender in the fray in the 14 Lok Sabha seats will be decided. Altogether eight sitting MPs and 12 MLAs, are contesting the parliamentary polls.

He said that counting of votes will begin from 8 am. "The postal ballot will be counted first and then counting of EVM votes will start. We expect the counting process to be complete by 4 pm," Kumar said.

He said that the first round is likely to be completed by 9 am. "We hope to declare the trend of the first round by 9.15 am," he said.

Kumar said that adequate security arrangements have been ensured at all counting centres in the state. "A three-layer security arrangement has been chalked out for free and fair counting. In the first layer, there will be deployment of central armed police forces," he said.

Giving details about the counting of votes for the Ranchi Lok Sabha seat, Ranchi deputy commissioner (DC) Rahul Kumar Sinha said that the counting process would be held at Ranchi's Pandra area.

"Mobile phones inside the counting hall have been banned completely. Neither officials nor agents of political parties would be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the counting centre," he said.

He said that six assembly constituencies fall under Ranchi Lok Sabha seat. "Six counting halls have been created for six assembly constituencies and one hall for postal ballot counting. The number of counting tables in a hall range from 17 to 29 based on the number of polling stations in each assembly segment," he said.

Most of the exit poll has predicted a sweeping victory for the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the general election, surpassing its numbers in 2019. Some exit polls said the NDA was likely to touch the 400 figure, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's key campaign aims. Almost all exit polls predicted major gains for the BJP in the south as well as West Bengal and Odisha.

Keeping aside the exit poll predictions, INDIA bloc partners claimed that they would win at least 10 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP-led NDA claimed they will win all 14 seats in the state.

Overall 66.19 per cent turnout was recorded in the four phases of elections in Jharkhand from May 13 to June 1.
As the nation prepares for counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, attention is focused on over 30 of the 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh where the victory margins are expected to be narrow, ranging between 1 per cent and 10 per cent.

With the decrease in polling percentage in the 2024 elections, the margin of victory in many constituencies will be crucial. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, many candidates won by margins of 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh votes, but this is likely to be rare this time, with expected victory margins between 25,000 and 50,000 votes, said senior journalist Manoj Bhadra.

Bhadras point is underscored by the 2019 elections in which 32 seats had victory margins of less than 10 per cent. In the Machhlishahr Lok Sabha constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate BP Saroj had won by just 181 votes.

Out of these 32 seats, the BJP won 23 seats, while its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) had won one. Other tight races included Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, where BJP candidates won by 4,729 and 6,526 votes, respectively.

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which were in alliance in 2019 elections, won two and four seats, respectively.

Data from the Election Commission of Indias 2019 polls show that nine constituencies had razor-thin victory margins of 2 per cent or less. These included Machhlishahr, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Kannauj, Chandauli, Sultanpur, Ballia, Budaun and Saharanpur. The BJP won eight of these, while the BSP claimed two.

Additionally, six more seats had winning margins between 2 per cent and 5 per cent, all won by the BJP. These close contests were in Baghpat, Firozabad, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kaushambi and Bhadohi.

Kannauj was particularly notable for its narrow margin in both 2014 and 2019 general elections, switching from SP to BJP between these polls. In 2019, Subroto Pathak of the BJP defeated Dimple Yadav of the SP by a margin of just 12,353 votes.

Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey narrowly won the Chandauli seat by 13,959 votes against SPs Sanjay Singh Chauhan and is now aiming for a third consecutive term. Similarly, the Sultanpur seat was fiercely contested, with BJPs Maneka Gandhi winning by 14,526 votes. Maneka is again in the fray from this constituency.

In Budaun, traditionally an SP stronghold, the BJP won by 18,454 votes, defeating SPs Dharmendra Yadav. This year, SPs Aditya Yadav is striving to reclaim the seat and Dharmendra Yadav is contesting from Azamgarh.

In 2019, the BJP won the Firozabad seat by defeating SPs Akshay Yadav by a margin of 28,783 votes. This time, the equation is different. Last time, Shivpal Singh Yadav was a spoiler as he contested as an independent. This year, Shivpal is back with the SP, aiming to secure a win for his nephew, said political analyst Rajendra Kumar.

Kaushambi and Basti also saw tight races in both election years, with the BJP emerging victorious against the SP in 2014 and 2019. In Basti, the BJP faced the SP in 2014 and the BSP in 2019.

The BSP won Shravasti and Saharanpur Lok Sabha seats by slim margins of 5,320 and 22,417 votes, respectively.

Additionally, 16 seats in UP were won by margins between 5 per cent and 10 per cent. The BJP secured nine of these seats, including Banda, Amethi, Faizabad, Etawah, Mohanlalganj, Kairana, Sitapur, Barabanki and Misrikh.

Smriti Irani defeated Congress candidate Rahul Gandhi in Amethi by 55,120 votes, and the BJPs win in Faizabad, despite its Hindutva significance, was by only 65,477 votes. Apna Dal (S) won Robertsganj with a 54,336 vote margin.

The BSP and SP also had significant wins in this margin category in Amroha, Bijnor, Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar (BSP), and Moradabad and Mainpuri (SP).

The BJP may benefit from its alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal as in 2019 RLD was with the SP-BSP alliance.

BJPs alliances with Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party and NISHAD Party is likely to benefit the ruling party. But, will it increase the winning margin, only time will tell, Kumar said.

Tight contests expected in

over 30 LS seats in UP

PNS | Lucknow

As the nation prepares for counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, attention is focused on over 30 of the 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh where the victory margins are expected to be narrow, ranging between 1 per cent and 10 per cent.

With the decrease in polling percentage in the 2024 elections, the margin of victory in many constituencies will be crucial. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, many candidates won by margins of 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh votes, but this is likely to be rare this time, with expected victory margins between 25,000 and 50,000 votes, said senior journalist Manoj Bhadra.

Bhadras point is underscored by the 2019 elections in which 32 seats had victory margins of less than 10 per cent. In the Machhlishahr Lok Sabha constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate BP Saroj had won by just 181 votes.

Out of these 32 seats, the BJP won 23 seats, while its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) had won one. Other tight races included Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, where BJP candidates won by 4,729 and 6,526 votes, respectively.

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which were in alliance in 2019 elections, won two and four seats, respectively.

Data from the Election Commission of Indias 2019 polls show that nine constituencies had razor-thin victory margins of 2 per cent or less. These included Machhlishahr, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Kannauj, Chandauli, Sultanpur, Ballia, Budaun and Saharanpur. The BJP won eight of these, while the BSP claimed two.

Additionally, six more seats had winning margins between 2 per cent and 5 per cent, all won by the BJP. These close contests were in Baghpat, Firozabad, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kaushambi and Bhadohi.

Kannauj was particularly notable for its narrow margin in both 2014 and 2019 general elections, switching from SP to BJP between these polls. In 2019, Subroto Pathak of the BJP defeated Dimple Yadav of the SP by a margin of just 12,353 votes.

Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey narrowly won the Chandauli seat by 13,959 votes against SPs Sanjay Singh Chauhan and is now aiming for a third consecutive term. Similarly, the Sultanpur seat was fiercely contested, with BJPs Maneka Gandhi winning by 14,526 votes. Maneka is again in the fray from this constituency.

In Budaun, traditionally an SP stronghold, the BJP won by 18,454 votes, defeating SPs Dharmendra Yadav. This year, SPs Aditya Yadav is striving to reclaim the seat and Dharmendra Yadav is contesting from Azamgarh.

In 2019, the BJP won the Firozabad seat by defeating SPs Akshay Yadav by a margin of 28,783 votes. This time, the equation is different. Last time, Shivpal Singh Yadav was a spoiler as he contested as an independent. This year, Shivpal is back with the SP, aiming to secure a win for his nephew, said political analyst Rajendra Kumar.

Kaushambi and Basti also saw tight races in both election years, with the BJP emerging victorious against the SP in 2014 and 2019. In Basti, the BJP faced the SP in 2014 and the BSP in 2019.

The BSP won Shravasti and Saharanpur Lok Sabha seats by slim margins of 5,320 and 22,417 votes, respectively.

Additionally, 16 seats in UP were won by margins between 5 per cent and 10 per cent. The BJP secured nine of these seats, including Banda, Amethi, Faizabad, Etawah, Mohanlalganj, Kairana, Sitapur, Barabanki and Misrikh.

Smriti Irani defeated Congress candidate Rahul Gandhi in Amethi by 55,120 votes, and the BJPs win in Faizabad, despite its Hindutva significance, was by only 65,477 votes. Apna Dal (S) won Robertsganj with a 54,336 vote margin.

The BSP and SP also had significant wins in this margin category in Amroha, Bijnor, Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar (BSP), and Moradabad and Mainpuri (SP).

The BJP may benefit from its alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal as in 2019 RLD was with the SP-BSP alliance.

BJPs alliances with Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party and NISHAD Party is likely to benefit the ruling party. But, will it increase the winning margin, only time will tell, Kumar said.
In a suspected case of rape and murder, a woman was found strangled to death in Sadarpur area under Sadat police station of Ghazipur district.

She was found naked in her room on Monday morning.

On the basis of preliminary investigation, the police have detained a youth from the maternal home of the deceased and are interrogating him. The incident is said to be related to a love affair.

Reports said that Vimla Devi (40) of Sadarpur in Sadat police station area was married to Sunil Kumar. Her husband is presently working in Kurukshetra in Haryana. She lived there with her husband and children and had come to her in-laws house a few days ago with her young children.

On Monday morning, Vimlas body was found naked in a room of the house. There was a mark on her neck. The in-laws suspected that the woman was raped before being murdered. They informed the police about the incident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceaseds maternal home is in village Sahedi under Nandganj police station. A person from Nandganj had come to the deceaseds house and he was seen by the villagers. The police have detained him and are interrogating him.

The police are looking at the incident as a love affair. The body has been sent for post-mortem.

In another shocking incident, two teenage girls died after being hit by a freight train in suspicious circumstances late Sunday night near the railway line in Paniara village under Sarayalkhansi police station of Mau district.

Police reached the spot after receiving information and sent the bodies for post-mortem.

The family members have filed a complaint against a youth, accusing him of murder. On the basis of the complaint, the police are investigating the matter.

According to information, Roshni (13), daughter of Shravan Kumar of Kolbaj Bahadur locality under Kotwali area of Azamgarh district, had come to her maternal uncle, Lalmanis house in Nakhatpur village under Mardah police station of Ghazipur district last Friday.

On Sunday night, she went to attend the call of nature with her cousin, Babli. When she did not return till late night, the family members launched a search. When both were not found even after a long time, the family members informed the police about their disappearance. During the police investigation, information was received about the death of two teenagers after being hit by a train on the railway line in Paniara village. On getting the information, the family members reached the spot and identified both the bodies as of Babli and Roshni.

The family members have filed a complaint to the Sarayalkhasi police, accusing a youth of the same village of murder.

However, police station in-charge Praveen Kumar Singh said that prima facie it appeared that both the teenagers died after being hit by a train.

The case is being investigated.
Chief Minister and Gorakshpeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath spent time with young children in the Gorakhnath temple complex on Monday morning before departing for Lucknow. Both the chief minister and the children enjoyed each others company immensely.

Chief Minister Yogi conversed warmly with the children for quite a while, offered them chocolates and showered blessings. Yogi also performed the annaprashan ceremony for one child by feeding him kheer.

Chief Minister Yogi has been continuously staying at the Gorakhnath temple since May 31. On Monday afternoon, he departed for Lucknow. Before this, his morning routine was as usual. First, he offered prayers and worshipped Guru Gorakhnath then sought blessings by visiting the statue of Mahant Avaidyanath. While touring the temple complex, the chief minister visited the gaushala and fed bread and jaggery to the cows.

While touring the temple complex, he noticed children who had come with their families. The chief minister engaged warmly with the children, patted each child on the head, enquired about their studies and blessed them. He also gave chocolates to the children as usual.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also performed the annaprashan ceremony for Raghav, also known as Samrat, the five-and-a-half-month-old son of Maniharsh and Kanchan, a couple who are teachers at Kendriya Vidyalaya and residents of Bichhia Jungle Tulsiram. He fed the child kheer (pudding), showered blessings, and also gifted him chocolates and toys.
West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday wondered whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in the ideals of unity and harmony promulgated by Swami Vivekananda.

Chowdhury's comment came two days after Modi completed a 45-hour meditation on the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.

Addressing a press meet at his Berhampore constituency, the Congress leader said that Swami Vivekananda underscored the spirit of unity, harmony and love.

"Swamiji had advised us to help each other and do not fight; assimilate and do not destroy. I don't know whether Modi at all believes in these ideals," he said.

Asked about the prospect of the Congress and CPI(M) alliance in the state in the elections, Chowdhury asserted that the grouping would definitely perform well.

He claimed that the alliance has been able to change the poll narrative from a dual fight between the TMC and the BJP, to a triangular contest also involving the Left-Congress.

The senior Congress leader claimed that his party will win from all three seats in Murshidabad district and has bright prospects in several other constituencies such as Malda Dakshin, Raiganj, Birbhum and Purulia.

"If you ask me about (Congress ally) Left Front, they are expecting to fare well in Dumdum and Kolkata Dakshin as well," he added.

To a question about the number of seats Congress was anticipating for the INDIA bloc nationally, he said, "Our national leadership already pegged the number at 295 or above. What else I can add?"

Asked about the alleged attack on Left Front polling agents in Kolkata, he said the TMC has become desperate and frustrated after realising that the election results will not be up to their expectations this time.

There will be more attacks, assaults and intimidation by TMC on the opposition after the results out of sheer frustration," he said.

He said the Congress would be approaching the Election Commission in Delhi about post-poll violence, but did not specify if it would be related to West Bengal.

Chowdhury said the allegations of molestation against a CISF jawan in Kolkata could either be a real incident or a game plan by the TMC after the polls to target the central forces due to the role they played against false voting attempts by the state's ruling party.

Asked about the allegations of attack on TMC workers by ISF in Bhangar, he said, "It shows the failure of the administration to contain post-poll violence..

On the share market buoyancy after exit poll results, the senior Congress leader said share price movement is purely based on speculation which is not related to elections.

"Some people do it purposely for higher economic gains. Maybe they have links with some camps," he said.

Chowdhury accused the state government of privatizing the state milk cooperatives exposing their anti-people, pro-corporate image and allowing the private dairy firms to make as much profit as they want.
Pakistan prime minister's China visit to focus on strengthening friendship, boosting economic ties

14:27, June 03, 2024 By Zamir Ahmed Awan ( People's Daily Online

At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will pay an official visit to China from June 4 to 8, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday.

Sharif will visit China to bolster the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the neighboring countries. The visit will have three segments. Besides Beijing, the prime minister will visit the cities of Xian and Shenzhen. Xian is an ancient city in China and was once the beginning point of the ancient Silk Road. Shenzhen is one of the most rapidly developed cities in the world. During the last four decades, it has transformed from a poor fishing village to a hub of science, technology, innovation and commercialization.

The prime minister will meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang. He will also hold meetings with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zhao Leji and heads of key government departments.

An important aspect of the PMs visit will be meetings with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies dealing in oil and gas, energy, ICT, and emerging technologies. He will address the China-Pakistan Business Forum in Shenzhen with leading businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries. He will also visit economic and agricultural zones in China. His meetings with corporate sector leaders aim to boost China-Pakistan economic ties and attract Chinese investment in Pakistan.

Sharif chaired a meeting on Friday to review the preparations for his upcoming visit to China, wherein he directed the formulation of comprehensive plans to hold result-oriented business-to-business meetings between the two countries. He instructed the relevant authorities to devise strategies for attracting Chinese industries to Pakistan, pledging government support for industrialists and investors.

A delegation of industrialists, investors, and businesspeople will accompany the prime minister to Shenzhen. The delegation will hold meetings with Chinese businesses to promote business-to-business exchanges between the two countries. The prime minister has also directed Pakistans ambassador to China to support the Pakistani business delegation during its visit.

Sharifs visit is a manifestation of the iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship characterized by frequent high-level exchanges and dialogue. High-level visits are routine and provide an opportunity for close liaison, exchanging ideas, and discussing pressing matters in the region and globally.

The two sides will discuss ways to strengthen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. They aim to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), boost trade and investment, and enhance cooperation in security, energy, space, science, technology, and education. Additionally, they will promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, thus shaping the future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship.

As CPEC enters its second phase, there will likely be discussions on expanding cooperation and broadening its scope. It is hoped that more projects will be added and the pace of ongoing projects will be accelerated. CPEC is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistans support for the Chinese stance on Taiwan, reiterating its commitment to the one-China principle. As an iron-brother and a strategic partner of China, Pakistan has always extended its principled support to the Chinese position on Taiwan and will continue to do so, the prime minister wrote on X.

The people of Pakistan have high expectations for the prime ministers China visit. They believe this visit will not only strengthen the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan but will open new avenues of collaboration and opportunities for the youth of Pakistan.

Zamir Ahmed Awan is a non-resident fellow at the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a sinologist at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. Email: awanzamir@yahoo.com.

The opinions expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of People's Daily Online.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
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Pittsburgh scored a remarkable 3rd destination finish in a recently available data learn from the most readily useful and worst metropolises for singles in the us.

Philadelphia, conversely, was available in at an unimpressive 83rd (regarding 90 urban centers examined)

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Pittsburgh and Philly Polar Opposites as ideal and Worst Cities for Singles



A current information research on

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Erie PA a (100)

Wilkes Barre-Scranton PA a (85) Pittsburgh PA a (76) Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York PA a (69) Johnstown-Altoona PA a (68) Philadelphia PA a (54) Youngstown OH a (9) Buffalo NY a (1)

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51% of women in Pennsylvania are single

49per cent of men in Pennsylvania tend to be solitary Population in Pennsylvania by Age

13per cent aged from 20-29 years of age

13per cent elderly from 30-39 yrs . old

12% elderly from 40-49 years old

14percent elderly from 50-59 yrs old

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79.2percent of families in Pennsylvania have actually access to the internet



Resource(s):





Census.gov



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By SA Commercial Prop News

Standard and Poors (S&P) credit rating agency has kept its assessment of the South Africas sovereign credit rating unchanged but with an outlook on negative.



Ratings agency Standard and Poors (S&P) has kept its assessment of the South Africas sovereign credit rating unchanged but with an outlook on negative.

S&P released their results on Friday evening, keeping SAs long- and short-term foreign and local currency bond ratings at BBB-/A-3 and BBB+/A-2 respectively.

It had been feared the agency would cut South Africa to so-called "junk status", making it more expensive to borrow.

The foreign currency bond rating remains one notch above sub-investment grade whereas the domestic currency bond rating remains three notches above subinvestment grade.



The Treasury said in a statement that government had noted and welcomed S&Ps decision.



The benefit of this decision is that SA is given more time to demonstrate further concrete implementation of reforms that are underway aimed at achieving higher levels of inclusive growth and place public finances on a sustainable path, it said.



It said that the rating outcome demonstrated that South Africans could unite, especially during difficult times, to achieve a common mission.



S&P maintained the negative outlook on the rating, citing concern about economic growth and warned it could lower the rating by year-end or next year if policy measures did not turn the economy around.

A downgrade to BB+, or junk would have put SA on a par with Russia, Indonesia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, among others.

Ratings agency Fitch, which also rates the countrys debt at one notch higher than junk, is expected to announce its verdict on June 8, although it may advance this date.

A cut to "junk" status would have made borrowing more expensive for South Africa, making it harder to plug a budget deficit estimated at 3.2% of GDP for the 2016-17 financial year.



Last month Moody's made the unexpected decision to upgrade South Africa's rating to a position two notches above "junk".



However, the agency also maintained a negative outlook, meaning that a cut could come when it next reviewed the situation.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said S&P and Fitch met the Treasury two weeks ago, with S&P also visiting businesses and other stakeholders.

Trading on the countrys markets had been volatile ahead of the announcement.

Last month, the International Monetary Fund cut its 2016 forecast for South Africa to 0.6%, from 0.7%. The economy expanded by 1.3% in 2015.

Rand Strengthened

The Rand strengthened substantially against the dollar in late trade on Friday after ratings agency Standard and Poors affirmed SAs credit rating at BBB- with the outlook remaining negative.



At 5.51pm the rand was trading at R15.1392 to the dollar from R15.5739 at the previous close. It was at R17.1305 against the euro from R17.3675 previously and at R21.9643 against the pound from R22.4708 previously.


Delhi court extends BRS leader K Kavithas judicial custody till July 3 in excise policy case A Delhi court on Monday extended till July 3 the judicial custody of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader, K Kavitha, in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. On May 29, the court had issued production warrants for Kavitha and co-accused Chanpreet Singh in the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering probe in the case.



After Kavitha was produced before the Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court on Monday, the judge extended her custody for a month.



Meanwhile, the judge granted bail to three co-accused persons  Prince, Damodar and Arvind Singh  who were not arrested but were named in the charge sheet.



Last time, the judge had taken cognisance of the sixth supplementary charge sheet filed by the ED, stating that there was sufficient material to proceed against the accused.



The probe agency had filed the sixth supplementary charge sheet on May 10, detailing further evidence and allegations against the accused in the case.



Official sources had said that the prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 45 and 44 (1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and runs into over 220 pages.



A total of 18 people have been arrested in the case so far, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Delhi CM Manish Sisodia, several AAP leaders, Kavitha, and others.




A Walsall man, 37, was conned out of sending money to Her Majesty the Queen of Nigeria, Meghan Markle. The distraught man received the email on Sunday and naively replied to the message by sending funds to an unknown bank account traced to Montecito, California, USA.

This was the email the duped man received:

REQUEST FOR URGENT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP

BY APPOINTMENT FROM THE ROYAL OFFICE OF HER HIGHNESS QUEEN MEGHAN MARKLE OF NIGERIA

FIRST, I MUST SOLICIT YOUR STRICTEST CONFIDENCE IN THIS TRANSACTION. THIS IS BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE AS BEING UTTERLY CONFIDENTIAL AND TOP SECRET. I AM SURE AND HAVE CONFIDENCE OF YOUR ABILITY AND RELIABILITY TO PROSECUTE A TRANSACTION OF THIS GREAT MAGNITUDE INVOLVING A PENDING TRANSACTION REQUIRING MAXIIMUM CONFIDENCE.

I AM THE HONORARY RIGHTFUL AND HIGHLY RESPECTED NUBIAN QUEEN OF NIGERIA WHO IS INTERESTED IN IMPORATION OF GOODS INTO OUR COUNTRY WITH FUNDS WHICH ARE PRESENTLY TRAPPED IN NIGERIA. IN ORDER TO COMMENCE THIS BUSINESS I SOLICIT YOUR ASSISTANCE TO ENABLE US TRANSFER INTO YOUR ACCOUNT THE SAID TRAPPED FUNDS.

THE SOURCE OF THIS FUND IS AS FOLLOWS; DURING THE LAST MILITARY REGIME HERE IN NIGERIA, THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SET UP COMPANIES AND AWARDED THEMSELVES CONTRACTS WHICH WERE GROSSLY OVER-INVOICED IN VARIOUS MINISTRIES. THE PRESENT CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT SET UP A CONTRACT REVIEW PANEL AND WE HAVE IDENTIFIED A LOT OF INFLATED CONTRACT FUNDS WHICH ARE PRESENTLY FLOATING IN THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA READY FOR PAYMENT.

HOWEVER, BY VIRTUE OF ONES POSITION AS MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY OF NIGERIA, WE CANNOT ACQUIRE THIS MONEY IN OUR NAMES. I HAVE THEREFORE, BEEN DELEGATED AS A MATTER OF TRUST BY MY COLLEAGUES OF THE ROYAL FAMILY TO LOOK FOR AN OVERSEAS PARTNER INTO WHOSE ACCOUNT WE WOULD TRANSFER THE SUM OF US$61,320,000.00(SIXTY ONE MILLION, THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THOUSAND U.S DOLLARS). HENCE WE ARE WRITING YOU THIS LETTER. WE HAVE AGREED TO SHARE THE MONEY THUS; 1. 20% FOR THE ACCOUNT OWNER 2. 70% FOR US (THE ROYAL FAMILY) 3. 10% TO BE USED IN SETTLING TAXATION AND ALL LOCAL AND FOREIGN EXPENSES. IT IS FROM THE 70% THAT WE WISH TO COMMENCE THE IMPORTATION BUSINESS. TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE SEND $1,200 (ONE THOUSAND TWOO HUNDRED DOLLARS) TO THIS BANK NUMBER IMMEDIATELY 00 1 XXX-XXX-XXXX (BANK NUMBER REDACTED )

PLEASE,NOTE THAT THIS TRANSACTION IS 100% SAFE AND WE HOPE TO COMMENCE THE TRANSFER LATEST SEVEN (7) BANKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE RECEIPT OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATIOM BY TEL/FAX; 234-1-7740449, YOUR COMPANYS SIGNED, AND STAMPED LETTERHEAD PAPER THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL ENABLE US WRITE LETTERS OF CLAIM AND JOB DESCRIPTION RESPECTIVELY. THIS WAY WE WILL USE YOUR NAME TO APPLY FOR PAYMENT AND RE-AWARD THE CONTRACT IN YOUR COMPANYS NAME.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING THIS BUSINESS WITH YOU AND SOLICIT YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY IN THIS TRANSATION. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF THIS LETTER USING THE ABOVE TEL/FAX NUMBERS. I WILL SEND YOU DETAILED INFORMATION OF THIS PENDING PROJECT WHEN I HAVE HEARD FROM YOU.

YOURS FAITHFULLY,

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF NIGERIA MEGHAN MARKLE

NOTE; PLEASE QUOTE THIS REFERENCE NUMBER (MM/S/06/24) IN ALL YOUR RESPONSES.
The shameful media have all but consigned the plight of Ukraine to a mere footnote in their publications. Why is this existential crisis being relegated to mere centimetres of attention, when the entire existence of Europe is now gravely at risk? It is not only the intransigence of the media to bring forth the seriousness of this crisis, but Western governments are caught in the headlights and seem genuinely apathetic to what happens next. Instead of bringing this Ukraine war to the fore, Western nations have dilly-dallied and passed the buck to something that will ensure the destruction of not only Europe but Western democracy.

4th Largest Natural Resources in World

The resources of Ukraine once gained by Russia will make it almost invincible, and yet there is little or no movement by either the USA, the EU, or the UK in this matter. Putin has now developed his national strategy to a war economy where nearly every resource is being spent on weaponry. The percent of GDP being spent on the Russian military is 8%, while the UK is 1.5%. In this respect, Britain would last two weeks in a conflict with Russia  maybe less. Successive governments, but mostly the so-called Conservatives, have caused the UK military defence force to become a mere empty shell, with only very basic levels of maintenance. This is a disgrace, and the Tories deserve to lose the election on this factor alone.

Ukraine has vast deposits of critical minerals that are needed for everything from high-tech consumer goods like cell phones and hard drives, and necessary components in green technologies like wind turbines and other renewable energy applications. It is also the bread basket of the globe, where most of the wheat is farmed. Ukraine is also a potential critical mineral superpower, ranking fourth globally in terms of total assessed value of natural resources. Ukraine is home to 117 of the 120 most used minerals, with 97 identified minerals of high value across at least 8,700 surveyed deposits.

The media of the so-called free world is the penultimate leader in apathy, and obviously the existential crisis looming over Western civilisation does not hold as much weight as Britains Got Talent, or Im a Celebrity awful fucking banal reality shows or the like. The people who supposedly run these newspapers or news stations should be ashamed of themselves instead of patting themselves on the back constantly.

Woke destabilisation and demoralisation

The Daily Squib has been urging a proper military conscription since 2015. Western governments have been caught up in useless woke issues that serve only to demoralise the population and subvert and fracture the entire social fabric of nations. Wokism is an import from the Wests enemies as a form of ideological subversion or active measures [meaning] psychological warfare What it basically means is to change the perception of reality of every Westerner to such an extent that, despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interests of defending themselves, their families, their community, and their country.

The conduit for this attack on the West is of course social media and the internet. The Wests enemies have successfully utilised the Wests own creations against them with spectacular effect. Through subversive propaganda, and millions of agents spreading disinformation through the Wests free channels of social media, Western populations have been successfully subverted along with their governments.

Billionaires

There is a valid reason why many billionaires are now retreating to their tracts of land in New Zealand, Hawaii, Peru and Bolivia. Larry Ellison, the co-founder of tech company Oracle, purchased almost all of the Hawaiian island Lanai. The billionaire Frank VanderSloot purchased a 2,000 acre ranch just south of Zuckerbergs. Bill Gates has purchased land so extensive it could make up the country of Britain over 30 times. They know that there is no answer. Western apathy and intransigence is all too apparent, and the writing is on the wall already. The rest of the population who are not billionaires by now will now be consigned to the dustbin of history, collateral damage, as governments who were supposedly there to ensure their survival have lost the plot. Does Joe Biden know or care what is going on? No, is the simple answer, and it is his wonderful friend Obama whose reign started this entire debacle. Without Obamas reign, the world would not be in such a fucking mess as it is today. He was more concerned with his homosexual crusade across America and the globe than Putin annexing the Crimea, and the EUs expansionist push into Ukraine, which set the entire war off in the first place.

There is no answer, and it is too late. Even Klaus Schwab of the WEF knows that, and thats why he retired and sneaked out through the back door recently. His disgraceful tenure has brought the globe to the brink of war, and he knows what he has done. It is a certainty that this was his job in the first place, along with the wholesale subversion and demoralisation of the Western population and fracturing of every society within the so-called free world.

Ukraine will soon be gone, and then the Balkan states, and then Europe.
Yesterday, a reporter at a White House conference asked Biden whether he himself should be investigated like Donald Trump has been? The reporter also added the names of Bill and Hillary Clinton to the mix. The investigate questions did not go down well, however.

No way. Ive done nothing wrong, those deals with Burisma are ancient history, plus the China deals are off the books. The money I received is gone. Nothing to see here, folks. As for those long hot showers with my young daughter Ashley, thats something no one should know about. Its my personal business. Were Democrats, were socialists, and we look after our own. Trump is a criminal through and through. Look what he tried to do to our country when he was president, he tried to fix things, he increased its economy, made it stable, lowered gas prices, and he was on the way to fixing the deep state Democrat bias, but we stopped that. He was making peace in the Middle East and with North Korea, as well as the Russians. We dont want peace in the world dammit. Under my tenure look at the Middle East and Ukraine. Were this close to nukes. We dont want people showing us up! Thats why we took the bastard son of a bitch down. I also heard he dont like ice cream. Thats a sin in my book.

What about Bill and Hillary Clinton? the reporter added.

Bill and Hillary Clinton are protected, like other Democrats. We dont criminalise or investigate our own. It would be counteractive. Sure thing, Bill was balls deep on Pedo Island and Epstein collected a lot of dirt on him, so what? Epstein went to jail for that, and the CCTV cameras were taken off-line while he was taken out. It had to be done, folks, we cant have the arbiters of all morality and society like Bill and Hillary being disgraced. Think about it, it would be bad for the country and our socialist principles of Marxist ideology. Democrats are the holders of all moral justice, truth and decency. Everyone knows that.

The reporter asked one last question before being dismissed, What will happen to Trump in prison?

Thats something I cannot say here. Like, what happened to Epstein? Heh, heh, heh! Im gonna get some ice cream.
Amongst great adversity, Nigel Farage has announced he will take over from Richard Tice as Reform Party leader and run for parliament in Clacton at the July 4th General Election.

Leader for Next 5 Years

Millions of let down people across Britain will now feel a lot let less down, and hold an ember of hope that things can change in this beleaguered country struck by electoral malaise and apathy with the current two awful choices Labour and Conservative.

The Conservative Party has already lost the majority of voters who will never vote for them in the coming General Election and maybe never vote for them again in any circumstances.

Maybe the voters who were thinking of staying at home will think again when they at least have Farage to vote for amongst a very poor selection of political parties.

In all certainty, the Nigel Farage announcement today puts a spanner into the works and some real passionate energy into the rather insipid election campaigning going on currently.

The unelected Sunak will stay unelected and the morose Labour leader Comrade Starmer will scrape a mediocre win with a tiny majority. Thats the election, and under the current First-past-the-post electoral system, Farage will somehow wing his way through despite all odds.

Now that Farage is back this will seriously impact the Tory vote and the Brexiteers hanging on the sidelines will be now queuing to vote for Reform and Nigel Farage. Things will increase in voracity as the days and hours move along towards the culminating point of the General Election. As the voting booths open at the polling stations, voters will have at least something to vote for. The torrid lameness of the Conservative Party and Labour will no doubt see many of their voters desert them to the environs of Reform.

Britain is to be forever changed.
Key Points:

Russia has issued a grave warning to the United States, threatening fatal consequences if it allows Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russian territory.

The Kremlin asserts that Ukraines use of these weapons would constitute direct Western involvement in the conflict and could trigger a larger, more dangerous global conflict.

Russia has warned of potential asymmetric responses to attacks on its early-warning radar systems.

Russia Warns US of Fatal Consequences

Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated further with a stark warning from Moscow regarding the use of US-supplied weapons by Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov issued a grave statement on Monday, asserting that the United States could face fatal consequences if it continues to allow Ukraine to use these weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

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Ryabkovs warning comes on the heels of President Joe Bidens decision last week to approve the use of US-provided weapons for Ukrainian counter-fire operations within Russian territory, specifically targeting sites involved in attacks on the Kharkiv region. This decision and similar permissions given by some European governments have sparked concern within the Kremlin.

US Weapons Use Raises Stakes

The Kremlin maintains that Ukraines use of Western weapons to strike targets within Russia would constitute a direct involvement of the West in the conflict. This echoes earlier warnings by President Vladimir Putin, who cautioned that NATOs involvement in the conflict could lead to a larger, more dangerous global conflict.

I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive, Ryabkov said, as Russian state news agency RIA reported.

Ryabkov emphasized the importance of taking Putins recent warnings seriously, urging US officials to spend some of their time, which they apparently spend on some kind of video games, judging by the lightness of their approach, on studying what was said in detail by Putin.

Ukraine Seeks More Flexibility

Kyiv has been urging Western allies to grant them greater flexibility in using provided weapons, citing limitations as a significant hindrance in their defense efforts against Russias ongoing offensive in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Washington for permitting the use of US-supplied HIMARS rocket systems in the Kharkiv region but emphasized that further support is crucial.

However, Russia has issued a firm response, threatening to retaliate against any attempts to attack Russian early-warning radar systems. A Kyiv intelligence source revealed last week that a Ukrainian drone had targeted a long-range radar deep inside Russia, a key component of the nations early-warning system for nuclear attacks.

NATO Reaffirms Support

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated NATOs commitment to supporting Ukraines right to self-defense, emphasizing that this support does not make the alliance a party to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry issued a statement through the TASS news agency, expressing concern over discussions regarding the deployment of Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine. The ministry characterized these discussions as an escalatory step, vowing that Russia would take all necessary measures to counter such threats.

Nuclear Brinkmanship and Global Concerns

The escalating rhetoric and threats of fatal consequences raise significant concerns about the potential for further escalation and unintended consequences. The warnings from Moscow raise the specter of a broader conflict with the West, potentially even involving nuclear weapons, a scenario that has been a source of global anxiety.


The Supreme Court The Supreme Court on Monday castigated YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) legislator Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who was caught on camera smashing an EVM inside a polling booth in Andhra Pradesh and barred him from entering the counting station. After perusal of the video footage of the incident, a bench presided over by Justice Aravind Kumar observed that allegations of smashing an EVM to the ground amounts to sheer mockery of the system, adding that if the order granting interim protection if not stayed, the same would be a mockery of the entire justice system.



In its order, the Bench, also comprising Justice Sandeep Kumar, took note of the undertaking given by senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing Ramakrishna Reddy, that the YSRCP Macherla MLA would not enter the counting station and its vicinity on Tuesday.



Further, the apex court asked the Andhra Pradesh High Court to decide the pleas for anticipatory bail on merits without being influenced by its earlier observations granting interim protection.



In an interim order passed on May 23, the Andhra Pradesh High Court barred police from taking any action against him till June 5 in the case relating to the destruction of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) during polling.



Against this, a plea was filed by a polling agent of Telugu Desam Party before the Supreme Court alleging that by using his influence, Ramakrishna Reddy made the VRO to lodge a report as if unknown persons damaged the EVMs in the polling booth.



Ramakrishna Reddy, who is seeking re-election from Macherla as a YSRCP candidate for a fifth consecutive term, has been booked by the police under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984 after a video of him smashing the EVM went viral.



The incident occurred at a polling booth in Macherla on May 13 during the simultaneous polling for the Assembly and Lok Sabha in Andhra Pradesh.



In the video that went viral on May 21, he could be seen walking into a polling booth and smashing an EVM to the ground. Taking a serious note of the incident, the Election Commission had ordered his arrest.



Further, three new cases were lodged against him for allegedly perpetrating violence on polling day.




A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court has said a bail condition the prosecution were trying to impose on a leading dissident republican was 'too wide' and could not be drafted in such a way that it could apply.

Thomas Ashe Mellon (48) of Rathmore Road in Derry is charged with breaching anti-terrorism legislation by crossing the border without permission in November.

At today's sitting a prosecution barrister asked for further conditions to be imposed on the defendant.

She asked that he be prevented from being in contact with anyone charged with or convicted of a terrorist offence and also not to associate with four named individuals.

At the same time Mellon was applying for permission to travel to Portlaoise Prison and meet with prisoners and then meet with a TD.

The prosecution said that the bail conditions were meant to mitigate the risk to the public and if Mellon associated with the named individuals the risk of the public increased.

She said that it was not accepted that the breach of the regulations was 'a technical breach'.

It was argued that the bail conditions were 'necessary and proportionate'.

Mellon's defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott opposed the ban on people convicted of terrorist offences on the grounds it was not proportionate.

He said that such a prohibition would apply even to members of the government.

The solicitor said that if someone lived in Creggan it would be difficult not to have contact with someone who had a terrorist conviction and added that it was 'a very difficult condition for anyone.'

He also argued that of the four names on the list, one of them was intending to attend the meeting at Portlaoise Prison on June 11.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that one of the individuals had been convicted of membership in 2018 but it was not unknown for people to evolve from being members of a terrorist organisation into electoral politics.

He said we did not have 'far to go to find examples of that.'

The judge allowed Mellon to attend the meeting at Portlaoise Prison on June 11 but refused to impose the condition of no contact with anyone convicted of a terrorist offence.

He did impose the condition Mellon has no contact with three named individuals.

Mellon will appear again on June 24.
Ulster University Derry hosted the Future North West Conference last week, a dynamic conference in collaboration between the Centre for Cross Border Studies and the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, centred on shaping a transformative future for Ireland and Northern Ireland through strategic and cohesive planning.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS), an independent charitable organisation based in Armagh, aims to empower citizens and building capacity across various sectors. The Centre promotes practical cooperation across the border on this island, contributing to the peace and reconciliation process.

It also fosters cooperation between the island of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, and beyond to enhance mutual understanding, prosperity, and wellbeing. Additionally, CCBS provides practical information and advice for those navigating crossing the border to live, work, study, or retire  services in high demand post-Brexit

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) is a strategic alliance of the four publicly funded tertiary education providers in the North West City Region: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ulster University (UU), North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board. This deep partnership provides a comprehensive range of educational services including advanced skills training, innovative enterprise support, and internationally recognised research.

Hosting the Future North West Conference at Ulster University in Derry has been a privilege," said Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University.

"We are delighted that the conference secured the interest of ministers from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, along with our friends from the North West Tertiary Education Cluster. Together, we are shaping the future of tertiary education on this island and prioritising the advancement of tertiary education in the North West. The collaborative spirit and shared vision evident here today has been very pleasing to witness.

The conference featured speeches by key figures in higher education from both jurisdictions, Mr Conor Murphy MLA, Economy Minister, and Mr Patrick O Donovan TD, Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Speaking at the conference, Minister O Donovan said "I am delighted to be here in Ulster University, this morning to speak at todays conference. The North-West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) has evolved as a brand and a meaningful partnership focusing on supporting the development of this Region. It has been to the forefront in promoting and highlighting education, advanced skills training, cutting-edge innovation, enterprise services and internationally recognised high-quality research in this region".

Hosted by former RTE Northern Editor Tommie Gorman, the event began with a thought-provoking discussion on integrated education and border issues. It then transitioned to a focus on driving economic development in the North West. The keynote address, delivered by Mr. Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec and former senior economist at both the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Central Bank of Ireland, set the tone for the day.

Engaging panel discussions brought together leading enterprise representatives and development agencies from both sides of the border. They explored the vast opportunities that strategic collaboration can unlock for the North West. The conference concluded with an inspiring session where leaders from the four NWTEC partners shared their vision and priorities for the future of tertiary education in the region.

Dr Orla Flynn President of the Atlantic Technological University stated The conference was very stimulating, providing strong support for the North West Tertiary Education Cluster. Throughout the day we got many examples of tangible evidence of deep collaboration across the education partners, local government, and the private sector.

"The conference offered a real vision for a connected future in which the North West can be a beacon for transformative collaboration.

Donegal Education and Training Board Chief Executive, Anne McHugh, noted the importance of this collaborative work: One of our priorities is to play a leading role in forming local and regional partnerships that will improve educational, social and economic outcomes for Donegal.

"This collaboration with ATU, the North West Regional College and Ulster University, through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, in terms of upskilling and reskilling, is strategically important for the future uplift of this cross border region.

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College welcomed the NWTEC conference today at Ulster University. It provided an excellent platform to showcase the innovation and skills work taking place across the four institutions to help build this city region.
Derrys history-making first citizen Lilian Seenoi-Barr has vowed to be a mayor for all.

The SDLP representative became the first black mayor of a council in Northern Ireland on Monday night when she accepted the Derry City and Strabane District mayoral chain from her predecessor Patricia Logue.

The 42-year-old, originally from Kenya, described herself as a Maasai woman and a Derry girl.

Addressing the council chamber, Ms Seenoi-Barr thanked those who travelled from Kenya for an historic moment for Derry, adding their presence signifies the unity and shared pride between our communities.

Many of you know that I am deeply proud of my Maasai heritage, rich with culture and tradition.

Growing up as one of 14 siblings in a Maasai village, I was nurtured in a home filled with love, unity, hard work and commitment to justice and freedom  values I carry forward into my service, she said.

But my story, becoming both a Maasai woman and a Derry girl, began back in 2010 when I came to this city in search of safety and for a better life.

If you had told me then that I would be seated here today as the mayor of the norths second city, I dont think I, or anybody in my family would have believed you.

Since I arrived Derry has embraced me, it has granted me a family, a community and now the honour of serving as your first citizen.

Cllr Seenoi-Barr previously made history last year when she became the first black person to be elected to public office in Northern Ireland.

Since her selection was announced, she said she has been subjected to racist abuse and death threats.

But she said that while the threats have been hurtful, she has also had enormous support across the island from community organisations and politicians who have stood in solidarity.

Cllr Seenoi-Barr also said: Of course there are some in recent weeks who have seen this history making moment as a threat and it is no secret that it has provoked anti immigrant sentiments.

That has been a reminder of the issues we face as a community, but I know that those sentiments find no home in Derry and they were not reflected by most people in our city and district.

Instead, since I was appointed, I have witnessed the warmth and kindness of the Derry that I know and love with all my heart.

The Ireland that I know and the Derry where I have built my home is a welcoming and generous place where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive.

My appointment is a sign of celebration of difference, of a changing Northern Ireland, one where the binaries of the past are breaking down.

We are no longer just green and orange, and we have a chance to make new choices and build a new united community.

I will not be deterred from working as hard as I can for my entire community.

I will be a mayor for everyone, one who will be accessible and one who will lead with hope.

The significance of this moment is not lost on me.

This role presents an opportunity of a lifetime and I will approach it with the utmost seriousness and dedication.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Darren Guy was nominated as deputy mayor.
Stormonts new health minister said he has been left stunned by briefings he has received on the budget situation facing health services in Northern Ireland.

Mike Nesbitt repeated to MLAs his determination that he would not implement cuts which would lead to catastrophic impacts on health services in the region.

Setting out the implications of trying to make savings within his department, Mr Nesbitt said this would involve making decisions that will not be without significant controversy.

Last week the Stormont Assembly backed a budget in a vote that saw then Health Minister Robin Swann and his Ulster Unionist colleagues oppose the spending plan.

Mr Nesbitt has since replaced his party colleague.

The chairs of Northern Irelands health trusts have also since warned that the projected budget cuts in health risk causing avoidable and serious harm to people in need of care.

Making his introductory statement as minister at Stormont on Monday, Mr Nesbitt highlighted health inequality as one of the critical challenges he faces.

He said: I do not want a two-tier health service where timely access to treatments is the preserve of those who can afford to go private.

I do not want to live in a society where those who live in deprived areas have such pronounced lower life expectancy, have greater health struggles and worse outcomes.

That, of course, is a challenge for all parts of government. I want to work with my ministerial colleagues and the resources I have to develop how we could do more to address health inequalties at a community level and will bring back more detailed plans in due course.

He then turned to the budget passed by the Assembly and the impact he said it would have on health services.

Mr Nesbitt said: The main parties of this Assembly have all argued with some success that the UK Government should review our block grant and fund us based on need rather than population.

It is a mater of regret that when it comes to the health departments budget, need is not mentioned and the argument becomes but sure, youre getting over half the total funds.

We need to remember that health and social care is about the service to the public, not about the party designation of the health minister.

I knew coming into this role that the financial outlook was dire, but Ive been stunned by the budget briefings I have received.

The new minister said he did not believe that MLAs fully understood the consequences of the budget for health.

The stark reality is that if I implemented the current budget the consequence will be that many patients will suffer harm, he said.

He added: I have added a very unwelcome phrase to my lexicon in the last few days.

Joining the assessment of cuts with low, medium and high impacts come cuts whose impact will be catastrophic.

Again those are not my words, or the words of my party, that is how our health trusts have themselves categorised them.

In my first few days, I have met with senior trust and department officials and heard at first hand the rigorous ongoing work to deliver hundreds of millions pounds worth of savings which would have a low or medium impact.

Of course, we will continue to strive to do more but those savings are of an unprecedented level.

They will be challenging to deliver and will have some impact on patients and service users.

I must warn MLAs that some will not be without significant controversy.

Mr Nesbitt said MLAs needed to recognise the reality of the budget they had passed.

He said: Those decisions would require reductions in acute beds, home care hours and care home beds  all having significant and sustained consequences for elective care, hospital discharges, patient flow, emergency department overcrowding and ambulance handover times.

In short, catastrophic cuts will simply make the situation worse.

Pressures on services and staff, already at severe levels, will be significantly intensified.

It also means, that as we currently stand, there is no feasible route to affording pay awards.

I recognise that I must play my part alongside all Executive colleagues to help deliver a hugely challenging budget  but for this to work, they and the members of this house also need to be willing to look at the very real challenges facing health and social care and therefore the most vulnerable in our society also.

Let me be clear  cuts with catastrophic impacts  not on my watch.
Education Minister Paul Givan has said he is hopeful that planned strike action will not take place on Tuesday amid ongoing talks with unions.

Action by education support workers planned for Monday was largely suspended to facilitate further talks on pay and grading.

Thousands of non-teaching support staff had been due to strike on Monday and Tuesday.

The Nipsa and GMB unions agreed to suspend action on both days to allow for further discussions on resolving the pay and grading dispute.

A third union, Unite, said it would suspend action on Monday, pending the outcome of negotiations on the same day.

The non-teaching staff, including bus drivers, classroom assistants, and cleaning and canteen staff, took part in three days of action in May.

Nipsa deputy general secretary Patrick Mulholland said a short window of opportunity was in place to find a resolution to the dispute.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, Mr Givan said he engaged with the unions last week, that progress was made over the weekend, and they met again on Monday morning.

He also told MLAs during questions for his department that he engaged directly with Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald, adding that they identified a way forward that I believe can lead to a successful resolution.

Mr Givan welcomed that the strike action did not go ahead on Monday, adding there was concern around the impact it would have had on schools, particularly with a GCSE maths exam to be sat.

There was a concern that we wouldnt be able to have those exams go forward for everybody and I think everyone in this house would agree that for those young people who have worked so hard not to have the opportunity to sit those exams would have been something that was unacceptable, he said.

Mr Givan said his meeting with the unions on Monday morning was very positive.

Schools are being contacted by the Education Authority to advise them that strike action shouldnt be taking place tomorrow (Tuesday), but the unions are still going through officially their processes, but we are operating now on the assumption that schools will be able to open as normal tomorrow, he said.

We will continue to work on the finer details of this, because support staff who are in our classrooms, who are in our catering teams, who are driving the buses, are incredibly important, and I deeply value the work that they do.

It is vitally important that this pay and grading review is resolved and we engage with Treasury, but we also look to our own resources within the Assembly to find a way forward, and I will continue to work constructively with the unions until we get a permanent solution.
Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said she has not ruled out an appeal against a High Court ruling on a challenge to sexual offence anonymity laws.

The Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims Act came into force in Northern Ireland last year.

It excludes the public from Crown Court rape cases and also provides anonymity for suspects in sexual offence cases up to the point of charge.

Those not subsequently charged will have anonymity for their lifetime and for 25 years after their death.

Media organisations launched a legal challenge against sections 12 to 16 of the Act, in concern at the impact on the reporting of sexual offence allegations.

An example given was that the legislation would have prevented media from being able to report the allegations against the disgraced entertainer Jimmy Savile.

Last week, Mr Justice Humphreys said it was beyond Stormonts legislative competence to introduce the Act which has the chilling effect on public interest journalism.

Stormont Opposition leader Matthew OToole put an urgent oral question to Ms Long in the Assembly on Monday about what actions she plans to take following the ruling.

Responding, Ms Long said it was a complex judgment and she wants to take time to study the detail with her departments legal team.

The judgment found in favour of the applicants in respect of the challenge that the provision was incompatible with article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is the right to freedom of expression, and declared it unlawful, she told MLAs.

This was on the basis that the provision criminalised publication of a suspects details without recognising any public interest defence and failed to provide for a process by which media organisations may apply to the court during a suspects lifetime to have the prohibition on publication modified or revoked on public interest grounds.

The other grounds of challenge, which related to the retrospective effect of the provision and an alleged lack of procedural fairness, were not upheld.

I will now wish to study the detail of the judgment in conjunction with my departments legal team before making any decisions on a way forward.

She was pressed further by Mr OToole, who said it was terrible law, and any attempt to appeal against the judgment would be doubling down on bad law and be a waste of public money.

Ms Long responded: As I have already said, this is a complex and detailed legal judgment, and it does not just have implications for this particular piece of legislation, but potentially also for this House.

Appeal is therefore always an option.

However, I will want to carefully consider all my available options and in conjunction with the departments legal team before arriving at a decision to the best way forward.

The judgment goes beyond the reach of solely my department  it has a wider bearing on future functions of the Assembly.

All involved will want to carefully consider whether there is the potential for unintended consequences.
Northern Irelands chief constable has announced an independent review to look at allegations of the police surveillance of journalists.

It comes after an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) hearing in London sparked alarm.

The hearing was during an ongoing case examining allegations that investigative reporters Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney were subject to unlawful covert intelligence by the police.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he has appointed Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers and non-governmental organisations.

Mr Boutcher also said he wanted to comment on what he termed an inaccurate interpretation of documents in the IPT.

He said a defensive operation referred to a routine professional standards practice in terms of potential leaking of information to media.

He said the PSNIs Professional Standards Department Anti-Corruption Unit have methods including, carrying out periodic checks on phone calls made from police telephone extensions and police-issued mobile phones.

The numbers called are checked against the numbers held by PSNI for journalists. There is nothing covert about this procedure, he said.

The journalists numbers are either ones that are publicly available or are ones that the journalists have themselves supplied to PSNI as contact numbers.

If an unexplained call is discovered, PSD send an email to the user of the PSNI extension, asking for an explanation.

To further reassure people, this practice is absolutely not about identifying whistle-blowers, for which there are very clear legal protections for those who are motivated to make public interest disclosures. However, if a police officer or staff member is involved in serious criminality, we have a duty to the public to investigate this.

He also said a list of eight redacted names referred to are not the names of journalists being targeted through surveillance, and relate to a completely different matter.

The names are not those of journalists. For obvious reasons of privacy, and to protect police operations, those names have not been made public, he added.

He said documents have been made available in unredacted form to the IPT, which he said will consider them fully at its hearing in October.

Mr Boutcher said the McCullough Review is for further reassurance.

To add further reassurance, and in line with my statutory duties to report to the Policing Board, I have also appointed Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of any PSNI use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers and non-governmental organisations or any groups that have special status, he said.

His role will not extend to anything that is currently within the scope of the IPT proceedings.

It will be supported by a group of experts and stakeholders including former police ombudsman Baroness Nuala OLoan, Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland programme director at Amnesty International UK, Daniel Holder, director of committee on the Administration of Justice, Alyson Kilpatrick, chief commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, David Lavery, chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists.

Mr Boutcher said a public report will be provided on completion of the review.

The chief constables statement has been given a cautious welcome by Mr Corrigan as an important step towards full disclosure.

We will work alongside others to shape the terms of reference to ensure the review has full access to all documents and personnel and is not hindered in its role of laying bare the extent of potentially unlawful surveillance practices, he said.

Mr Holder added: CAJ welcomes the initiative of the Chief Constable to establish the McCullough Review to examine the broad concerns regarding PSNI surveillance practices.

This review allows the Policing Board and Investigatory Powers Tribunal to retain their own distinct responsibilities. In our independent capacity we will engage to seek for the review to address our concerns.
The Government has welcomed the suspension of planned industrial action by school support workers.

Thousands of non-teaching support staff had been due to strike on Monday and Tuesday in a dispute with employers over pay and grading.

The Nipsa and GMB unions had agreed to suspend action on both days to allow further discussions.

A third union, Unite, said it would suspend action on Monday, pending the outcome of negotiations on the same day.

The non-teaching staff, including bus drivers, classroom assistants and cleaning and canteen staff, took part in three days of action in May.

Nipsa deputy general secretary Patrick Mulholland said a short window of opportunity was in place to find a resolution.

On Monday evening, it was indicated that Unite had also suspended strike action for Tuesday.

Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed the move after further positive and constructive engagement on Monday.

He said he will continue to work constructively with unions and my Executive colleagues to find a permanent resolution to the ongoing pay and grading dispute.

I do not underestimate the important role played by support workers both in the classroom and in the various roles they play in areas such as transport and catering to ensure that pupils who depend on them receive the vital support they deserve.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly earlier, Mr Givan said he engaged with the unions last week, progress was made over the weekend and they met again on Monday morning.

He also told MLAs during questions for his department that he engaged directly with Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald, adding that they identified a way forward that I believe can lead to a successful resolution.

Mr Givan welcomed the suspension of the strike on Monday, adding there was concern around the impact it would have had on schools, particularly with a GCSE maths exam due to be held.

There was a concern that we wouldnt be able to have those exams go forward for everybody, and I think everyone in this house would agree that for those young people who have worked so hard not to have the opportunity to sit those exams would have been something that was unacceptable, he said.

Mr Givan said his meeting with the unions on Monday morning was very positive.

Schools are being contacted by the Education Authority to advise them that strike action shouldnt be taking place tomorrow, but the unions are still going through officially their processes, but we are operating now on the assumption that schools will be able to open as normal tomorrow, he said.

We will continue to work on the finer details of this, because support staff who are in our classrooms, who are in our catering teams, who are driving the buses, are incredibly important, and I deeply value the work that they do.

It is vitally important that this pay and grading review is resolved and we engage with Treasury, but we also look to our own resources within the Assembly to find a way forward, and I will continue to work constructively with the unions until we get a permanent solution.
Dr. Nikos Zervas joined CAST company in 2010, having previously served as VP of Marketing and Engineering and as COO. Prior to working at CAST, Nikos co-founded Alma Technologies and served as its Chairman and CEO for nine years. Under his leadership Alma Technologies bootstrapped to become a reputable IP provider, developing cutting-edge image and video compression cores and solutions. His research has been published in over 40 technical journal and conference papers, and he has been honored by the IEEE Computer Society with a Low-Power Design Contest award. Nikos served on the board of the Hellenic Semiconductor Industry Association from 2009 until 2013, where he was responsible for strategic planning.

Tell us about your company?

CAST provides IP cores that save time and money for electronic system developers across a wide range of industry segments and application areas.

Our current product line includes processors, compression, interfaces, peripherals, and security, and features industry-leading cores for automotive, industrial, defense, data centers, and other application areas. We focus on providing a better IP experience with every core, meaning high-quality products that are easy to use, backed by market-leading technical support, and available with simple, cost-effective licensing, including royalty-free terms.

CAST was established in 1993 and has helped to pioneer and shape todays booming IP industry. The company is private and always internally held. This strategic avoidance of external investors or debt of any kind has given us the freedom to grow organically and focus on solving real customer problems rather than being driven primarily by the financial expectations of venture capitalists or the demands of shareholders.

CAST is a global company, with headquarters in New Jersey; staff in San Diego, Austin, and other US locations; offices in the Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, and Poland; and partners throughout Asia. Weve sold thousands of products to hundreds of customers, with a repeat sales rate of over 50%. These customers range from established tier-1 firms to emerging start-ups, and together they are shipping millions of product units using IP from CAST.

We employ a novel and highly successful approach to developing IP products: our own engineering team develops many CAST IP cores, and we also work with tightly coupled partners who have outstanding technical experience in particular areas. We enforce the same stringent quality standards on every core that CAST offers and we provide front-line support for them all, so customers can get the most advanced IP technology available but work with a provably reliable and trustworthy provider. And for our development partners, it gives their engineering talent access to otherwise unapproachable markets and the advantages of what we believe is the industrys most experienced IP sales and marketing team.

What problems are you solving?

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Nitheesha Kandula A 23-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad has been missing in the US state of California since May 28 and police have sought public help to locate her. Nitheesha Kandula, a student of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), was last seen in Los Angeles on May 28.



She was reported missing to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Southwest Division on May 30, according to a social media post by John Guttierez, Chief of Police, CSUSB.



California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in LAPD is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Nitheesha Kandula to contact us at: (909) 537-5165, posted the police chief.



The missing person alert describes her as 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 160 pounds and has black hair and black eyes. She may have been driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla.



If any agency or person has information on the whereabouts of the missing person, please contact the LAPD Southwest Division at 213-485-2582 or the CSUSB Police Department at 909-537-7777, it added.



This is the latest in a series of such incidents in the US. Last month, a student from Telangana, pursuing a Master's degree from Concordia University in Wisconsin City, was reported missing.



The Indian Consulate in Chicago had announced that Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi had been incommunicado since May 2.



There is no confirmation if the student from Warangal district was traced.



In April, a student from Hyderabad who had been missing since March 7 was found dead in the US city of Cleveland.



Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who was pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology at Cleveland University, Ohio, had not been in touch with the family since March 7 and his family here had received a ransom call.




AI chips for all: DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim's vision to democratize AI technology

The applications of AI are becoming increasingly widespread in our daily lives. With the continuous iteration of generative AI and large language models, various innovative applications are emerging. These include, such as smart home appliances, autonomous vehicles, and robots to VR/AR applications.

These edge devices are equipped with AI processors that compute on the device directly, further accelerating the launch of innovative Edge AI applications. However, these devices also face several challenges, including excessive GPU power consumption and high costs limiting the widespread adoption of Edge AI products.

DEEPX won three CES Innovation Awards in 2024

Photo: DEEPX

DEEPX, an AI chip startup from Korea, won three CES Innovation Awards 2024 in January for its unique AI chip ultra-gap source technology. The awards were in the categories of Computer Hardware, Embedded Technology, and Robotics, and Computer Hardware & components.

Their NPU processor boasts low power consumption and cost-effectiveness and addresses the issue of insufficient accuracy found in existing NPUs on the market. This technology was recognized by lots of semiconductor companies during CES 2024 and is scheduled for mass market release in late 2024.

DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim

Photo: DEEPX

Learn from ARM to build DEEPX into a leading On-device AI company

"The main battlegrounds in the AI era will move to the 'edge'. Just as ARM dominated the CPU market with smartphones, the semiconductor company that dominates the edge will dominate the AI market," DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim said.

Kim, a former senior researcher in Apple's Application Processor (AP) design, returned to South Korea to establish DEEPX after gaining extensive experience in semiconductor design at renowned companies like Broadcom, Cisco, and IBM T.J Watson. His goal is to build DEEPX into a leading AI company in the era of on-device AI, reminiscent of how ARM revolutionized the CPU market with its low-power technology.

On-device AI, which processes information within a mobile device without connecting to a server or cloud, is a burgeoning field. ARM broke Intel's dominance in the CPU market with its efficient, low-power processors, which are now prevalent in smartphones and expanding into PCs and servers. Kim aspires for DEEPX to have a similar impact on the AI semiconductor industry.

Kim identified a weakness in Korea's semiconductor ecosystem, particularly in system semiconductors. Drawing inspiration from Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, who returned to Taiwan to establish a leading foundry after learning from the American semiconductor giant TI, Kim saw an opportunity to address these gaps in the South Korean market.

Chang predicted a demand-driven semiconductor market, leading to the creation of TSMC, which produces semiconductors on consignment. Similarly, Kim believes that the opening of the AI semiconductor market offers a chance for innovation and growth.

Democratizing AI Technology

Kim opposes the monopolization of AI semiconductor technology through strategic investments (SIs) that often lead to mergers, acquisitions, or alliances, resulting in technology being controlled by a single entity. His experience at Apple motivated him to advocate for more democratic and accessible AI semiconductor technology. He believes that AI semiconductors should be universally available and not restricted to proprietary use, emphasizing the importance of technology that everyone can utilize.

To pursue this vision, Kim established DEEPX in Pangyo, South Korea's hub for fabless companies. He aims to create an AI semiconductor company with a unique value, promoting innovation over exclusivity.

DEEPX is positioned not as a competitor to global semiconductor giants but as a complementary force, enhancing the global semiconductor landscape by providing accessible and advanced AI technology.

DEEPX aims to be the world leader in on-device AI

Photo: DEEPX

Analyzing the Difference Between NPUs and GPUs: DEEPX's Unique Solution

The necessity for developing specialized AI semiconductors, such as NPUs, stems from the limitations of GPUs, which have traditionally been used for AI computations. GPUs, originally designed to process graphic data, excel at handling large amounts of data simultaneously, making them suitable for AI learning tasks.

However, their high power consumption and operational costs present significant drawbacks. This makes them less ideal for "edge AI," which involves running AI applications directly on devices like controllers, robots, and self-driving cars - collectively referred to as the "edge."

NPUs (Neural Processing Units) are modeled after the human brain, offering the benefits of lower power consumption and reduced production costs. However, existing NPUs have struggled with accuracy and support for the latest AI algorithms. DEEPX stands out among fabless companies by addressing the core challenges of AI semiconductors in one comprehensive solution.

Unlike typical NPU vendors that release a single chip, DEEPX recognizes that different electronic devices require varying levels of semiconductor capabilities. For instance, AI for closed-circuit television (CCTV) primarily needs to analyze video, whereas AI for robots involves far more complex computations.

To address this, DEEPX has developed from low-end to high-end performance four chips at once: one that can connect a single electronic device for AI computations, and another that can link three or four devices for broader AI tasks. This universality across devices is a key reason DEEPX received the Innovation Award at CES 2024.

DEEPX's commitment to high performance at lower power and cost also earned them the Innovation Award. The company's latest AI algorithm, Yolo7, runs on their semiconductor DX-V1, produced using Samsung's 28nm process.

This algorithm was previously incompatible with conventional NPUs. In addition, the DX-M1 chip boasts a design area one-third the size of other NPUs, and its manufacturing cost is similarly reduced by one-third. Combining low unit costs with high performance in a low-power NPU, DEEPX's products are poised to lead the AI semiconductor market.

NPUs are categorized into data center-based NPUs, which handle large-scale inference, and edge-type NPUs, designed for use in electronic devices such as robots, smart cameras, smart factories, consumer electronics, etc. DEEPX targets both data center and edge NPU markets. DEEPX's NPUs overcome the common shortcomings of existing NPUs by providing high accuracy and efficiency.

DEEPX's innovation lies in creating NPUs that are not only small and cost-effective but also achieve accuracy comparable to, or even better than, GPUs. This success is attributed to DEEPX's pioneering work in two core technologies: IQ8 (an INT8 model compression technology), and Smart Memory Access(minimizes D-RAM usage). DEEPX leads the market for low-power AI solutions, achieving the world's highest power-to-performance ratio through proprietary advancements in hardware and software optimization.

Advancing Towards Mass Production

DEEPX has successfully demonstrated its original technology with sample units and is in the final stages of preparing its mass-production chip. Scheduled for market release in late 2024, the widespread adoption of products featuring DEEPX's chips could establish the company as a technology leader in the on-device AI market by 2025.

The essence of on-device AI lies in low power consumption and the seamless integration of hardware and software. Since AI must operate on small devices, minimizing power consumption is crucial while maximizing AI performance within limited computing power.

Kim, drawing from his experience at Apple, emphasizes the importance of designing hardware and software with equal priority from the outset. Unlike Apple, which develops its own devices and services, DEEPX engaged with approximately 700 customers during product development to understand their needs and find the optimal development point. This customer-centric approach has been pivotal in refining DEEPX's products.

Four companies from Israel and the U.S., including DEEPX, are vying for dominance in the emerging on-device AI market. As the market begins to flourish beyond the server market, this competition is crucial for setting future momentum.

Kim is confident in DEEPX's strategy. He notes that while some competitors prioritize rapid product releases, DEEPX focuses on price and optimization first. Given the rapid evolution of AI application services, Kim believes it is more important to align with market trends and offer high-performance features at a competitive cost rather than rushing products to market.

DEEPX's innovative approach to developing versatile, efficient, and cost-effective NPUs positions the company as a formidable contender in the on-device AI market. By prioritizing customer needs and maintaining a balanced focus on hardware and software optimization, DEEPX is set to lead the industry with cutting-edge AI semiconductor solutions.

DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim

Photo: DEEPX

DEEPX Company's Philosophy: Valuing Technology Over Short-term Results

DEEPX is not focused on making AI semiconductors for autonomous cars or smartphones. Instead, DEEPX aims to advance the integration of AI into everyday life. The company's products are designed to bring AI to areas such as CCTV and robots, pushing these technologies beyond outdated algorithms. DEEPX's mission is to pioneer advancements that should have already been made in the AI semiconductor industry.

At the entrance of DEEPX, there is a note to employees that emphasizes the value of technology over monetary gains. It quotes Carl Sagan's "pale blue dot," reflecting the idea that life should be lived with value rather than chasing money and power. The message encourages the 70 employees to love their work and find it meaningful, aligning with the company's ethos of creating technology for the greater good.

DEEPX believes in 'technology that everyone shares.' From a management perspective, AI is seen as one of humanity's final inventions, marking the endpoint of human evolution. The goal is not to monopolize technology or chase profits but to lead the way in making AI accessible and beneficial for all. DEEPX's AI semiconductors are the cornerstone of this vision, enabling widespread adoption of AI.

Future Plan: Global Expansion and Innovation

DEEPX's visionary CEO, Kim, has outlined a strategic plan for the future:

- Global Market Entry: Starting from the second half of this year, DEEPX plans to aggressively enter the global market with its first-generation product, consisting of four AI chips. This move is set to usher in the era of "AI Everywhere."

- Technological Innovation: DEEPX aims to develop new technologies that enable super-scale AI services with power consumption of less than 5W. This innovation will make advanced AI technologies more accessible and practical for widespread use.

- Leadership in AI: DEEPX is committed to becoming a leading comprehensive AI chip company globally. By focusing on power and cost efficiency, the company seeks to provide core technologies that transition giant AI advancements from the realm of science to everyday applications.

DEEPX's mission is to integrate AI into everyday life, advancing technology in meaningful ways. By valuing innovation over profit and aiming for global leadership, DEEPX is set to play a pivotal role in the future of AI. The company's commitment to shared technology and global expansion highlights its dedication to making AI accessible and beneficial for humanity.

Join DEEPX's Early Engagement Customer Program (EECP), and don't miss out on their innovative products designed to enhance your AI capabilities. Discover how over 100 global companies, including Hyundai Kia Motors Robotics Lab, POSCO DX, Supermicro, and Dell, leverage their hardware and software to power their next-generation AI products.

For more information, you can follow DEEPX on social media or visit their official website.
SK Hynix races ahead in HBM with next-gen innovation

SK Hynix is swiftly advancing in the High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) arena, aiming to develop next-generation HBM that incorporates computing, communication, and other advanced functions. This strategic move is designed to leverage differentiated technologies, further extending its lead over competitors.

According to industry insiders cited by South Korean media outlet ET News, SK Hynix plans to enhance HBM with new capabilities, including computation, caching, and network memory. To support this development, SK Hynix has already invested in securing essential Intellectual Property (IP).

By 2025, SK Hynix targets the rollout of its sixth-generation HBM (HBM4), featuring integrated system semiconductors such as memory controllers. From the seventh generation (HBM4E) onwards, SK Hynix plans to embed computing, caching, and network memory functions.

Traditionally, memory controllers managing HBM functions are installed separately. SK Hynix intends to place the memory controller at the bottom layer of the HBM stack using a base die, which will enhance power efficiency and signal transmission speed by integrating the controller within the HBM.

Furthermore, SK Hynix is exploring the optimization of HBM by adding computing, caching, and networking capabilities, potentially embedding some GPU or CPU functions within HBM.

Sources indicate that the inclusion of caching and network memory aims to boost AI semiconductor computational speed. These enhancements are expected to be customized based on specific customer requirements.

Currently, AI chips typically position the GPU at the center, surrounded by HBM, with system semiconductors such as memory controllers added separately. This configuration can lead to signal transmission delays and higher power consumption due to inter-chip gaps.

Integrating various system semiconductor functions within HBM is anticipated to lower latency, reduce power consumption, and enhance overall spatial efficiency, resulting in more compact and efficient designs. With Samsung Electronics and Micron entering the HBM market, SK Hynix aims to sustain its market leadership through a differentiation strategy.

SK Hynix has reportedly secured several system semiconductor IPs for HBM. The manufacturing of the base die will be outsourced to wafer foundries like TSMC. SK Hynix also plans to leverage relevant IP from IC design clients and wafer foundry partners to bolster its offerings.
Indian delegation harnesses Taiwanese expertise for semiconductor ecosystem development

The Government of Gujarat, India, has dispatched a delegation to Taiwan for the India-Taiwan Semiconductor Summit, while also seizing the opportunity to glean knowledge from Taiwanese partners at Hsinchu Science Park.

Backed by the substantial US$50 billion incentives from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), significant semiconductor ventures by PSMC, Tata, and Micron are primed for launch, aligning with India's ambition to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), hailed these projects as pivotal catalysts for India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM) during the summit on May 30.

Leading the delegation is Mona Khandhar, the Principal Secretary to the Government of Gujarat and the Department of Science & Technology. With over 25 years of experience in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Khandhar has played a crucial role in shaping policies to propel Gujarat's technology sector forward, particularly in IT, semiconductors, electronics, and biotechnology.

In an interview with DIGITIMES Asia, Khandhar expressed her intent to deepen India-Taiwan semiconductor cooperation and leverage insights from Taiwan's ecosystem to drive Gujarat's development.

Packed schedule

Khandhar says she and her team visited Hsinchu Science Park, ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute), and various Taiwanese companies during their trip. The delegation also engaged with several government officials, ministers, and academics.

Khandhar states that their eco-system building strategy focuses on three main areas: fiscal support, industrial infrastructure development, and human resource development which they shared with Taiwanese government officials and supply chain firms during the summit.

Progress and partnerships in semiconductor development

Khandhar also gave an update on the progress of the PSMC and Tata joint venture on the 300mm (12-inch) wafer fab in Dholera set to produce chips with 28nm processing technology by the end of 2026. She says they are currently having weekly coordination meetings with the companies with the setup of the social infrastructure of the fab underway.

The technical parameters for power, water purity, and effluent are being provided by the PSMC while the facility setup and schedules are being worked out by Tata. Khandhar's team is also facilitating support of many verticals from chemicals, metal, metallurgy, and gas from the local Indian companies for the semiconductor projects.

She also mentioned while many approvals of further investment proposals are at a standstill during election time, more projects can be expected to be announced in September during the upcoming Semicon India.

Learning from Hsinchu's infrastructure model

One key aspect of the visit to Hsinchu Science Park was to learn how the park operators ensure reliable power and water quality for semiconductor production. She noted how Hsinchu Science Park recycles 90% of the water was of particular interest to them.

When asked how they planned to ensure electrical and water redundancy for their projects, Khandhar singled out their policy that each supply chain firm in Gujarat would be provided with a captive green energy power plant. She says Tata Power would be setting up green grids to help supply the chip-making projects of Tata.

In terms of water supply, she says they have ensured at least 90 MLD million liters per day could be supplied to the semiconductor city in Dholera through a dedicated channel. The team also visited the advanced fabs of their partners Micron and PSMC in Taiwan, gaining insights into their automation and operational efficiencies.

They also met with Foxconn, Wistron, Acer, and Innolux to gain a comprehensive understanding of their expansion plans and perspectives on India and Gujarat. Khandhar said, "It's very important that from the very beginning, we have the input from the right companies, so that if there is any course correction required or any such thing that we can do from the very beginning."

"This is a new sector we are entering into; we will be able to bridge those gaps with the learnings of Hsinchu's experience from this trip," she says. The visit also fostered discussions on potential collaborations, including training Indian engineers in Taiwan and undertaking joint research initiatives.

Noting the similarities between Hsinchu and the upcoming hub projects in Dholera, she mentioned they are going to establish a center for the training of silicon talents, like the efforts of the two universities in Hsinchu. She expects the training center dubbed "the Centre of Excellence" would provide approximately 1,000 semiconductor-specific talents to these semiconductor projects in the first year once it is established.

The requirement for talent in the second year onwards will climb to about 5,000. Then 10,000 in the third year when they expect the fabs to be completed. She expects the range of around 5,000 to 6,000 talents to be cultivated per year once the center is fully operational. In addition, a network of incubators of companies would be provided for their ecosystem partners like their Taiwanese counterparts.

Regional support and new policies

In addition to the ISM constructional incentives, Khandhar says the state government additionally provides operational expenditure and capital assistance for the semiconductor companies. Up to 75 percent of the land procurement cost could be covered by the Gujarat government.

For human resources, the regional government could cover up to RUB 60,000 for the first salary of the semiconductor talents companies employ. Looking ahead, Khandhar says new policies regarding deep tech, space tech, and component manufacturing could be expected from the regional government.
Weekly news roundup: Russia to begin production of 350nm chips using self-developed EUV lithography machines in 2024

These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories in the week of May 27  May 31.

Russia to produce 350nm chips with its self-developed EUV lithography machines in 2024, says Chinese media

According to China-based Ijiwei, Vasily Shpak, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, said the country had assembled and manufactured its first domestic lithography machine, which has been tested as part of the Zelenograd technology production line. Shpak said Russia will soon begin producing chips with a 350nm process with its first domestic lithography machine. It aims to build lithography machines that support the 130nm process in 2026.

China unveils semiconductor standards, potentially creating distinct ecosystem

Data from the National Public Service Platform for Standards Information of China revealed the country's two semiconductor standards, including the "format for LSI-Package-Board interoperable design" and "remote operation and maintenance of IC packaging equipment-status monitoring. These standards are expected to take effect in August and November, respectively. The situation signals China's intention to build a semiconductor ecosystem that may diverge from the established global framework.

China can break through US EUV ban with mature-node innovation, but how?

The market positions of HiSilicon and SMIC have been enhanced as Huawei claims to have successfully achieved domestic substitution by using its self-developed 7nm and 5nm chips in its smartphones. However, Chinese experts said the future of the country's semiconductor sector lies in mature nodes rather than advanced nodes. The theory still needs to be tested. Canalys' data showed that the delivery of HiSilicon processors grew to 7 million and 8 million APs in 4Q23 and 1Q24, respectively, since the introduction of Huawei's 7-nanometer chip in 2023.

Vietnam poised to become Marvell's third-largest IC design center globally with new Da Nang Office

US-based Marvell opened its third location in Vietnam. The new office in Da Nang came after those in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Marvell plans to expand operations in Ho Chi Minh City with dedicated IC design offices. Le Quang Dam, General Manager of Marvell's Vietnam subsidiary, said Vietnam would soon become the company's third-largest global IC design center after the United States and India.

Nvidia jumps to FOPLP for AI server chips amid CoWoS capacity strain

Nvidia is said to plan to use the Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP) technology for its GB200 AI server chips ahead of schedule as the production capacity of TSMC's Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) packaging is tight. Industry sources said FOPLP would become a prime alternative to CoWoS for packaging AI chips due to TSMC's CoWoS capacity constraints and the surging demand for AI chips.

TechInsights: Semiconductor production capacity in China to grow by 40% in next five years

According to TechInsights' information on China's semiconductor fab capacity, the country is projected to see 40% in semiconductor production capacity by 2029, reaching 875msi. TechInsights said fabs in China have purchased equipment rapidly in the past three years. Spending on wafer fabrication equipment in China grew from US$11 billion in 2018 to close to US$30 billion in 2023. The explosive purchase of equipment is translating into rapid capacity growth.

Marvell, AMD, and Arm reveal their talent strategies in India

Talent is one of the reasons why India is attractive to global semiconductor companies. According to Nasscom, the Indian tech sector has a demand-supply gap of 21.1%, lower than the US, UK, and China. Navin Bishnoi, India Country Manager at Marvell, said the company had shifted from hiring college graduates directly to a strong internship program lasting six to 11 months. The program allows Marvell and interns to evaluate if they will be a good fit.
Indian startup FermionIC aims to win the market with integrated offerings

With a growing interest in the semiconductor sector, India is seeing a rise in startups that offer niche design solutions. One of them that has stood out lately is Bangalore-based FermionIC.

In a recent conversation with Digitimes Asia, Gautam Kumar Singh, CEO of the company said the company's USP is they provide a comprehensive beamformer plus front-end module IC solution for radar, and satellite communication applications.

"Unlike other RF companies, we provide an integrated solution for the entire signal chain, which means customers don't need to worry about interfacing with parts from different companies," Singh said. "Our higher PSAT beamformer chips do not require a pre-power amplifier, which simplifies system design and reduces component count, leading to significant cost and space savings.

"This is a unique feature that most of our competitors do not offer," Singh added. "Our approach allows for a much simpler system design overall, enhancing the efficiency and reducing the complexity for our clients."

Growth and expansion plans

The company has a team of about 35 people at the moment and plans to expand this in the next two to five years.

"Our engineering team comes from a product background, and we plan to grow to about 60 to 70 engineers in the next year," Singh said. "We are looking to expand our system engineering team to focus on modular-micro-systems and application engineering."

The company expects large radar companies will use its parts, and he anticipates the adoption of Fermionic parts in full-volume production soon. Singh also aims to expand Fermionic's portfolio and explore the use of its core technologies for automotive applications.

"You may see some prototypes coming which will be suitable even for the automotive and V-band contactless gigabit transceiver market in say, like, at least in a proto stage in the next two years as such," Singh added. "That's the target we'll be keeping here."

Customers from the integration business

In terms of the market, their customers are businesses, as the semiconductor sector operates on a B2B (business-to-business) model. Their customers are mostly system integrators. For example, their ICs will be core components for the radars built by AMPLs, BELs, or other large global companies such as Northrop Grumman or Teledyne.

"Our core technology is for the X-band, which covers applications in SATCOM, electronic warfare, military radar, and weather sensing," Singh said. "Our parts are already listed on the GoI e-Marketplace GeMs portal, and our customers from the Government organization reach us through this marketplace, which can be slow."

"We are also looking into expanding our market rapidly, as previous generations of radar solutions were based on the C-band, but we are investing in the X-band as the future," Singh added.

Demand from abroad and domestic

Fermionic's strategic sector needs, particularly in defense and electronic warfare, are primarily driven by demand from India. Nonetheless, the company is vigorously pursuing to expand its international presence by forming strategic partnerships and marketing its parts in various other regions.

"For me, strategic sector demands, such as satcom, defense, and airborne systems, will certainly come from India," Gautam said. "At the same time, we are trying to expand our global footprint through strategic partnerships, aiming to distribute our parts in other geographies as well. We are continuously working towards this."

However, in terms of the most immediate demand over the next two years, it is expected to come domestically. Looking five years ahead, a significant international presence within their country is anticipated. Once a footprint is established and solutions are delivered, this will facilitate the expansion into other systems, which will lead to further growth.

Open to customers

There's a significant geographical aspect to RF technology, given its intrinsic properties. For example, the frequency band that reaches up to 12 gigahertz is quite wide. A country may use only a limited range within this. Most chip manufacturers aim to cover a wide dynamic range to accommodate these variations.

To reach customers worldwide, the company has also listed on the Indian government's portal GeM, although, the response time from this can be slow for multiple reasons.

"One issue is the categorization of products on the platform is not very clear," Singh said. "It would be beneficial to have better product categorization. For instance, if someone knows that a Fermionic product is listed, finding it is easy. However, for someone unfamiliar with it, locating it can be challenging."

Orders through GeM are fulfilled through various tender mechanisms. Despite the challenges, Singh remains hopeful that the market will expand, and demand will grow at a much more rapid pace.

"Previously, most radar solutions were based on the C-band and S-band, which ranged from two to four gigahertz," Singh said. "Even India's flagship programs primarily utilized the C-band. But now the market is recognizing the X-band as the future."
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Camp Harry E. Daniels: An immersive nature center for youth and adult learners

Camp Daniels features over 260 acres of rustic and tranquil camp and retreat setting, situated several yards from Lake Marion; a 150,00 sq. ft leadership center that includes a multipurpose meeting space, research laboratory, art studio, food demonstration lab, classrooms, computer room and offices; and an on-site pond for aquatic activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Camp Harry E. Daniels officially opened on June 8, 1949. The historic campsite was developed as a permanent site for South Carolinas Black 4-H youth. Located in Elloree, South Carolina, the camp bears the name of Harry E. Daniels, who served more than 25 years as state supervisor of Negro Agricultural Extension Work for then-South Carolina State College.

From its inception, Camp Daniels provided resource-limited and underserved youth of South Carolina unforgettable educational and recreational experiences designed to empower and inspire them as influential change-makers in their communities.
The 140 New Montgomery tower, the former Pacific Telephone and Telegraph building that was erected in 1925, backdrops the rooftop park at Salesforce Transit Center. John King/The Chronicle

The nearly century-old Art Deco tower that once housed Yelps headquarters has attracted three new tenants, showing that theres still demand for high-end downtown San Francisco offices in the age of remote work.

A total of 55,913 square feet in new leases have been signed at 140 New Montgomery St. by artificial intelligence data firm Super{set}, scheduling software company Calendly and executive hiring firm Heidrick & Struggles. Bloomberg, the buildings biggest tenant, also renewed its lease.

The 300,000-square-foot tower is now 18% vacant, compared with the citys 36.6% office vacancy rate at the end of March, according to real estate brokerage CBRE. Once the headquarters of Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, 140 New Montgomery was built in 1925.

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San Francisco is resilient, and were excited to welcome forward-thinking tenants that are poised to position the City for growth, Stacey Spurr, West Coast regional director at building owner Pembroke, said in a statement.

She said companies continue to recognize the importance of workplaces where teams can come together to collaborate and be inspired by well-designed spaces that elevate creative thinking.

Real estate experts have cited a flight to quality, where well located, modern offices with good views and amenities like outdoor space are outperforming the rest of the market.

The top third is still very competitive. Landlords are holding out for high rents, Matt MacInnis, chief operating officer of tech company Rippling, previously told the Chronicle. You have to fight for it. Rippling recently leased space at 430 California St.

At 140 New Montgomery, there is a private courtyard, showers, bike storage and the restaurant Mourad on the ground floor.

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Bill Cumbelich, a CBRE broker who represented Pembroke in the deals at the building, said 140 New Montgomery has outperformed in the San Francisco office market over the past four years. It will take time for the San Francisco office market to rebalance its supply and demand.

The tower has completed 15 leases across 18 floors totaling 197,395 square feet since 2021.

Being in the heart of downtown San Francisco is evidence not just of our growth but also of our deep love for this city. As our employees shake off the doldrums of the pandemic and we double down on our commitment to building successful startups centered on data and AI, 140 New Montgomery provides a superb environment for deep collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement, Tom Chavez, founding general partner at Super{set}, said in a statement.

Though San Franciscos office vacancy rate remains high, a boom in AI has fueled some major deals. Those include OpenAI and Anthropics leases last year and Scale AIs approximately 170,000-square-foot lease at 650 Townsend St., the biggest deal of 2024.
Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors.

He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.

He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography.
TWENTY-nine years ago this month, rock and blues icon Rory Gallagher passed away at the tragically young age of 47.

In the intervening years, this trail-blazing Cork musicians star has only shone brighter in the music galaxy, and his influence continues to shape music, and particularly the work of guitarists around the world.

Rorys remarkable legacy is remembered in a documentary, Rory Gallagher: Calling Card, on RTE1 on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3, at 6.30pm.

The programme features rare, never-before-seen archive and interviews with Rorys closest friends and family, as they remember the great man, whose hits included Tattood Lady, Bullfrog Blues, and Bad Penny.

We also hear from musical legends in awe of Rory, such as Johnny Marr, Brian May and Bob Geldof, in a definitive portrait of one of the greatest musicians ever to emerge from Ireland.

Rory Gallagher was the original Irish guitar hero, who was born in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, in 1948. His family moved to Cork in 1956, and Rory attended North Monastery School.

His artistry with a battered 61 Stratocaster became the stuff of legend.

Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters admired him, the Rolling Stones tried to hire him  and his fans worshipped him.

Clad in faded denim and a checked shirt, he sold 30 million records and became a charismatic icon of Irish music, inspiring musicians such as Brian May of Queen, The Edge of U2, Slash from Guns N Roses, and Johnny Marr of The Smiths.

But away from the stage, Rory was an intensely private man. His closest confidante was his brother Donal, who accompanied Rory on his rise from their childhood Everly Brothers stage performances and the showband scene across the North and South of the Irish border, through to the deafening heart of the 1970s rock scene in London  and far beyond.

From playing bomb-shattered Belfast at the height of the Troubles, to touring across America with everyone from Blind Faith to KISS, Donal was at Rorys side to witness his greatest triumphs and, after all too brief a span of years, his decline into illness and a tragically early death following acute liver problems.

Now, Donal, along with insights from Rorys friends and admirers, takes us on a musical journey through the life and career of this shy guitar hero to better understand what made him so great.
THE CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy has said ahead of this week's local elections that securing more Garda resources for Cork city must be a priority for candidates in order to alleviate safety concerns.

Speaking to The Echo about the key priorities for Cork and the region ahead of the local elections on Friday, Mr Healy highlighted the importance of urban evolution in Cork which he said includes making Cork a safe and welcoming city.

Mr Healy said there needs to be a focus on securing more Garda resources for Cork and ensuring safety on our streets.

There has been quite a bit of conversation in Cork both in the media and just generally people having a view that they don't feel safe in Cork and that its maybe not as friendly or as welcoming a place to visit, he said.

I think some of that is accurate and I think some of it has been exaggerated but what we are very clear on is that we don't have a sufficient level of Garda resources in Cork and that needs to be dealt with.

The population has grown in Cork very significantly over the last number of years and we haven't seen a similar level of investment from a Garda resourcing point of view.

Some of that can be attributed to a falloff in terms of the numbers of guards going into Templemore for training but as that number now continues to increase, and thankfully it is now increasing and needs to continue to increase, we're not seeing anywhere near the level of allocation of those qualified Gardai being sent towards Cork and that has to change.

Otherwise, we will see a situation in Cork where we will have significant issues in the future with regard to safety and security and so on so we need to get ahead of that. Having a Garda presence and a significant level of resourcing is a very, very important part of that.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that while it does not comment on third-party statements, the allocation of Garda resources takes a number of factors into consideration, including but not limited to, population, crime trends, operational strategies and the policing needs of individual areas which are kept under constant review.

An Garda Siochana does not comment on the specific details of numbers/members attached to specific areas which can vary on a month to month basis due to many variables including individual Garda members personal circumstances, family-friendly transfer policies, promotions and retirements, the spokesperson said.

Garda recruitment is ongoing and accelerating. It is intended to run Garda recruitment campaigns on an annual basis to ensure a steady stream of Garda trainees entering the Garda College.

The Garda Commissioner is on public record as stating that not only does An Garda Siochana need to grow to 15,000 sworn officers, but further to meet population growth and increased demands for service.

Expanding further on urban evolution in Cork, Mr Healy highlighted the importance of maximising Corks ability to grow as a multicultural city.

We do have a great reputation in Cork as being a friendly and welcoming place for people who come here and Cork has changed a lot and I think a lot of people will notice that we have a far more diverse community in Cork and I think that the last census was very interesting with 49.5% of people living in the city centre who were not born in Ireland, he said.

That's a very significant change to what Cork would have been like 10 or 15 years ago and I think it's fair to say that change in the population base or where the population has come from has happened quite harmoniously. We haven't had any issues of significance in terms of integration of people into our communities.

I think we need to ensure that continues. That's not the case everywhere and we need to ensure that Cork has programmes in place, we need to have the appropriate infrastructure, we need the right environment that enables that shared living and shared experience of our city.
Described as a municipal district of vibrant and diverse historical towns and villages, several beaches and woodland areas, with a relaxed, tight-knit feel of the countryside and a hub of commercial activity, high quality restaurants and one of the original and best farmers market in Midleton, East Cork has been hailed by local election candidates as a gem that is often forgotten about in Ireland.

Midleton native Rory Cocking, who is running for Fine Gael in this weekends local elections, said flooding risk remains a concern for local residents and businesses of East Cork communities of Midleton, Castlemartyr and Mogeely.

While community spirit is most evident in times of adversity, none more so than last October after Storm Babet, local communities in East Cork remain rightly concerned that flooding will re-occur before the full implementation of proposed flood relief schemes. These schemes need to progress to the planning stage of development as soon as possible, he said.

Practical measures

Mr Cocking highlighted the importance of putting practical, interim measures with little or no ecological effect such as the installation of earth embankments, removal of riverbed obstructions and routine river flow monitoring in place as soon as possible.

Residents of Moogely were recently assured that the Office of Public Works (OPW) had agreed to fund a nature-based flood protection survey and groundwork in association with Professor Mary Bourke of Trinity College Dublin and that John Slattery of Cork County Councils Flood and Coastal Department would start work immediately on a suite of interim measures, including a comprehensive hydrology survey of Mogeely.

Residents Tom Treacy, Eileen Kelly McCarthy and John Kennedy pictured with Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage during his recent visit to East Cork assessing lthe flooding caused by Storm Babet last October. Picture: Howard Crowdy.

The residents received the assurance during a recent visit to East Cork by the minister of state with responsibility for the OPW, Kieran ODonnell, and his department representatives.

Secretary of Gleann Fia Residents Association Vivienne Jeffers, who previously told The Echo of the dangerous situation residents of the estate have been facing whereby they are threatened with flooding with every drop of rain that falls, welcomed the ministers visit alongside OPW representatives but said time is of the essence for action.

Time is of the essence for all the community in Mogeely. While the funding injection from OPW was very welcomed, there is a great need for the proper land surveys to be completed so effective and long-lasting plans can be put in place before the winter, Ms Jeffers said.

Key Challenge

Social Democrats councillor for East Cork Liam Quaide echoed Mr Cockings comments, saying flood management is one of the key challenges for East Cork over the coming years.

Social Democrat councillor Liam Quaide said flood management will be a key challenge for East cork over the coming years.

I believe we need to be on a sustained emergency footing with this, similar to the governments response to the pandemic, he said.

The council and OPW are attempting to play catch-up on many years of delay and are now tied into extended time-lines for the delivery of Flood Relief Schemes.

Mr Quaide said pursuing a more coordinated and comprehensive flood management plan for East Cork will be his priority.

The problem is of such a scale and complexity that we need a whole-of-government approach incorporating both natural flood defences and hard engineering solutions, he said.

There is no town or village in East Cork that is safe from flood risk. A repeat of October 18, which could happen at any time, would cause a level of devastation that it would be very difficult to recover from. We have international examples of excellent practice in countries such as Holland and the UK to draw from, and this is how we need to proceed, with urgency.

Mr Quaide and Mr Cocking both said that vacancy and dereliction is one of the biggest challenges facing communities throughout East Cork that must be addressed, as well as a lack of affordable housing and lack of appropriate infrastructure and amenities.

Independent local election candidate for East Cork Eileen Kelly McCarthy said the turnaround of council houses in East Cork is not efficient and said dereliction is everywhere in East Cork.

I have advocated for many years and attempted to follow the process of raising complaints with the relevant authorities, she said.

Cork County Council does not have a derelict sites register  this was confirmed to me by the local authority. Even over the course of Storm Kathleen we had seen debris fall from many derelict buildings. As homeowners, if we do not pay out local property tax we are refused tax clearance. Why is the dereliction tax not being imposed?

Dereliction

Born and bred in Youghal, Fine Gael local election candidate Alison Curtin identified high levels of dereliction and vacancy as one of the main issues in Youghal at the moment.

Fine Gael candidate Alison Curtin identified high levels of dereliction and vacancy as one of the main issues in Youghal.

Ms Curtin said she spoke at Fine Gaels Ard Fheis in Galway back in April about the possibility of avoiding further childcare service closures and reducing the number of derelict and vacant properties by purchasing derelict and vacant properties for lease to a childcare provider.

Speaking about the business community of Youghal, Ms Curtin said business owners deserve adequate financial support to support them in keeping their business afloat.

The local businesses in Youghal are martyrs in my opinion, as they have borne the brunt of the lack of footfall but continue to drive on and facilitate the Youghal people, she said.

Ideally, the business owners in Youghal deserve financial support to help with overheads and to keep them trading. We dont want to see any more businesses closing down.

Fine Gael candidate Mr Cocking said the rising cost of doing business has also proved problematic for local businesses both looking to establish and to continue trading. While supports like the Increased Cost of Business grant may offer some respite in the short-term, there have been some calls for further assistance, he said.

Business supports

Independent candidate Eileen Kelly McCarthy also highlighted the importance of increased support for local businesses and improved parking/accessibility.

Businesses are struggling. Our towns and villages are being impacted by a range of issues. We have businesses, who previously would have thrived with tourism, being impacted as a result of lack of hotel accommodation, she said.

Continuous increases that businesses have no option but to pass onto the consumer. In Midleton town, the addition of new bike routes and walkways have been welcomed but there has been no thought into how the town can increase parking availability.

Our businesses across East Cork are struggling to keep their doors open. We are lucky many were able to reopen after the devastating floods but some have not been able to open their doors again.

Owner of Sage restaurant in Midleton town, Kevin Aherne, highlighted the importance of being able to see a finish line for the flood relief plan and dropping the VAT rate back down to 9% from 13.5%  two main asks from businesses in Midleton which he said are needed in order to keep their doors open.

Physically being able to see a plan in place and a finish line for when its [the flood relief scheme] actually going to be completed.

As a business owner, thats exactly what you want to see. You want to see a map of how its going to pan out and when exactly its going to be completed so you can plan for then, he said.

Speaking about the need for the 9% VAT rate to be reinstated, Mr Aherne said: Obviously, being a food business, the VAT rate is a big one and that there is a clear, evident plan in place that as a business owner you can do your math clearly and know whats going to happen future-wise when it comes to the VAT rate, so, rescinding the VAT rate back down to 9% again would be great.

Obviously, no one is looking for a hand out or a hand up, but a clear structure in place that you can build your business around so you can do your math correctly.

Healthcare

Identifying other key areas of high priority in East Cork, Independent candidate Eileen Kelly McCarthy said there is an urgent need for investment in mental health supports in East Cork, improved access to GP services and cancer supports, and dedicated womens health care facilities.

Independent candidate Eileen Kelly McCarthy said that school places and choice, better school transport, and enhanced facilities for children with additional needs also need to be prioritised.

She said that school places and choice, better school transport, and enhanced facilities for children with additional needs also need to be prioritised.

In East Cork children attend the school they are lucky enough to get a place in. Simple immediate processes can be put in place immediately to forecast numbers that have not happened, she said.

We have children with additional needs unable to secure places in secondary schools. These children are provided with a home tutor in some instances, but fundamentally we have children with additional needs who are not attending school. The state is only legally obliged to provide for an education  this does not mean they actually have to find a place for any child in a school.

We have families, many with no access to private transport, who can not access public transport to get their children to school  they cannot get a bus ticket.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Joshua trees such as this 25-foot tall specimen approximately 150-200 years old are threatened with removal because of the Aratina solar project, pictured in Boron, California on May 30, 2024. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

A new solar power project that will break ground in the Mojave Desert, near two Kern County towns in California, will require thousands of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) to be removed. The project is also expected to destroy a habitat for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), Californias state reptile and a threatened species.

A desert tortoise, which can live 80 years, near Chiriaco Summit, California on April 25, 2024. David McNew / Getty Images

The Aratina Solar Center project, developed by Avantus, is slated to span 2,300 acres in Boron, California and has already been revised once due to local complaints. According to the project website, the solar power site was redesigned to be better disguised from local residents.

But locals are still concerned about how this project can affect Boron and another nearby town, Desert Lake, in addition to the environmental impacts.

A study on the project highlighted that the areas soil contains fungal pathogens that can cause valley fever, and now, residents are concerned about how construction could spread these pathogens and other particulate matter by stirring up dust into the air.

How are kids going to be able to play outside? Melanie Richardson, a local resident and nurse who has children that attend nearby schools, told the Los Angeles Times. So many people from our community were begging them not to approve this project, and they passed it regardless.

The clean energy project, which is expected to power 180,000 homes  with that power estimated to be for wealthy residents along the coast, the Los Angeles Times reported  could also have lasting impacts on the desert ecosystem.

Landscape clearing is expected to begin today, June 3, according to an anonymous source that shared information with the Los Angeles Times. There are 4,722 Joshua trees on the planned project site that could be removed.

According to the project website, Avantus said the new solar project will offset about 860,000 metric tons of carbon emissions every year, the annual equivalent to planting 14 million trees. Kern County officials also told the Los Angeles Times that Avantus provided $1.4 million in funding for Joshua tree protections in areas outside of their development site.

Although petitions to protect Joshua trees under the Endangered Species Act in recent years have failed, the plants do have some protections under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, which took effect in July 2023. As the Los Angeles Times reported, the solar project was approved before the act took effect.

The desert tortoises, which are the California state reptile, have declined in population in the state by about 50% over the past 20 years, are considered threatened both by the state and under the federal Endangered Species Act. The species is listed as critically endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List. The project is also expected to impact Mojave ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus mohavensis), a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act.

However, Kern County officials unanimously approved the new Aratina Solar Center, citing modifications, such as halting construction in the presence of desert tortoises and constructing temporary tortoise-proof fencing around the construction site, that would make any environmental impacts less than significant, according to the countys Final Environmental Impact Report, which also addressed public comments concerned about the project.
Chinese commerce minister urges dialogue to resolve China-EU trade frictions

Xinhua) 08:09, June 03, 2024

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has asserted that China is open to dialogues to properly resolve trade frictions with the European Union (EU), and will take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese-funded enterprises in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday local time.

His remarks came in response to the EU's recent intensive probes into Chinese products including electric vehicles, railway locomotives, as well as equipment used for photovoltaics, wind power generation, security inspections, and healthcare.

Such investigations were conducted under false pretexts such as Chinese overcapacity and unfair competition, and involved discriminatory use of trade remedies, international procurement instruments, and foreign subsidy regulations, Wang said. These moves are increasing the risk of having escalated China-EU trade frictions, he added.

Leaders of France, Germany, and the EU have repeatedly vowed to avoid a trade war, expressing support for a rules-based multilateral trade system and an equitable environment for competition.

The legitimate concerns of China and EU should be addressed to prevent further escalations of trade frictions, Wang said, emphasizing that China will take all necessary measures to protect its companies' rights and interests if the EU fails to act on its words and continues its oppression.

During the meeting, the commerce minister also called for heightened efforts to facilitate investment and trade between China and Spain.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Chinese companies involved in finance, manufacturing, green energy, and transportation in Spain, along with members of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters after the National Electoral Institute announced she held an irreversible lead in the election in Mexico City, early on Monday. Eduardo Verdugo/Associated Press

Claudia Sheinbaum, elected Mexicos first female president on Sunday, is a climate scientist and lifelong leftist with strong Bay Area connections. The 61-year-old politician saw a boost in the polls due to the popularity of her mentor and predecessor, current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

But Sheinbaum, who holds a doctorate in energy engineering, has already demonstrated her leadership skills as the former mayor of Mexico City, where she guided 9 million residents through the COVID-19 pandemic with a science-first approach that mitigated the diseases impact. When she takes office on Oct. 1, her top priority will be addressing the countrys rising violence.

For the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first female president of Mexico, Sheinbaum said during her victory speech. And as I have said on other occasions, I do not arrive alone. We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the president-elects victory on Monday, stating, This historic achievement sends a powerful and inspiring message to women and girls in Mexico and throughout the world.

Here are five things to know about Sheinbaum:

Academic background

Sheinbaum studied at UC Berkeley, earning a masters degree in energy engineering and conducting her doctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. As mayor of Mexico City, she participated in a United Nations panel of climate scientists awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. She has maintained, I believe in science.

Historic leadership

Sheinbaum will be the first Jewish person to lead Mexico, winning approximately 60% of the vote in a predominantly Catholic and patriarchal society. Born in Mexico City in 1962 after her grandparents fled Bulgaria during the Holocaust, she emphasized inclusivity in her victory speech, stating, Our duty is and will always be to look after every single Mexican without distinction.

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Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum casts her ballot for president during general elections in Mexico City on Sunday. Matias Delacroix/Associated Press

Climate science expertise

Sheinbaum started her political career in 2000 as Mexico Citys environment secretary. She was part of the International Panel on Climate Change and contributed to winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She made history multiple times, becoming the first woman to head both the Tlalpan district and Mexico Citys government.

Political approach

Sheinbaums political journey began when Lopez Obrador, then Mexico Citys mayor, appointed her as environment minister in 2000. Known for a less combative approach compared with her mentor, she is anticipated to engage more selectively. She supports clean energy, advocates for a strong welfare state and has praised current president Lopez Obrador while maintaining her nuanced leadership style.

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Family background
John Mearns finishes a new redwood railing at the Rocky Point Restaurant on Highway 1 in 1998. The restaurant closed in 2021, and the Coastal Commission has struck a deal with the parcels owner to allow public access. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 1998 A couple looks out toward Big Sur from Rocky Point Restaurant south of Carmel on Highway 1. Nic Coury/Special to the Chronicle

Members of the public will soon be able to access acres of the iconic Big Sur coastline after state officials struck a deal with a billionaire landowner.

The California Coastal Commission reached an agreement with Monaco-born billionaire Patrice Pastor last month to guarantee permanent public access to a 2.5-acre parcel he owns along Highway 1 on the Big Sur coastline, the Mercury News first reported Friday.

The parcel was previously home to Rocky Point Restaurant, which closed in late 2021 after 75 years in business. Pastors real estate group, Esperanza Carmel LLC, bought the establishment for $8 million and announced plans to open it under a new name. The restaurant was known for its epic views of the Big Sur coast and hearty seafood-focused fare.

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In a cease-and-desist order approved earlier this month, the commission ordered the real estate company to remove unpermitted construction that had been placed on Monterey County property including a locked gate, signs restricting public access and security cameras, according to public documents available on the commissions website.

The commission also ordered the company to remove signs and security guards that deter or interfere with the publics ability to access and use, according to the documents. The previous owners erected no trespassing signs on the property when the restaurant closed during the pandemic, the Mercury News reported, even though the road runs over county land.

The company could face fines if they fail to comply with the commissions orders, the documents show.

Under the agreement, the company will allow members of the public access to a viewing area on the bluffs next to a public parking area that had previously been closed to visitors. The company has 90 days to submit a plan to restore public access to the commissions executive director for review and written approval, the documents show.

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The Coastal Commission is expected to review and finalize the agreement at its June 14 meeting.

Pastor, 51, and his real estate development firm made waves in the coastal town of 3,000 after he announced plans to build a residential and retail project on a construction site that was abandoned in 2019, SFGATE reported. Pastor is one of the heirs to a European real estate empire started by his great-grandfather.

Representatives for Esperanza Carmel LLC could not be reached for comment Sunday.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, speaks during a press conference at City Hall to announce SB925, new legislation that allows the city to combat illegal fencing, on Monday, June 3. Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to the Chronicle

State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, unveiled a bill Monday that would allow police to crack down on the sale of stolen goods, a problem threatening the safety of city streets and the livelihoods of law-abiding vendors, Wiener and supporters of the legislation said.

SB925 would allow San Francisco to create a list of commonly stolen items and require vendors to obtain a permit in order to sell items on the list. Violators would be cited for the first two offenses and could face a misdemeanor and up to six months in jail for the third offense.

The Board of Supervisors would create the list of items based on data on stolen items and San Francisco Police Department and Public Works enforcement operations, city officials said.

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Fencing of stolen goods on our streets is a major issue in parts of San Francisco, particularly in the Mission, Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods, the senator said as he stood on the front steps of City Hall, joined by Mayor London Breed and several street vendors. The legislation, he said, would provide San Francisco with an additional tool to address this problem.

The legislation would also make it easier for police to combat fencing  a common term for the sale of stolen goods  on the spot, Police Chief Bill Scott told the Chronicle. Police could cite vendors who sell items on the list without a permit  with no need to prove the items were stolen.

This will give us more leverage to address (fencing) then and there, upfront, head-on, Scott said.

SB946 decriminalized street vending in 2018. Administrative enforcement replaced law enforcement of violations related to street vending. With SB925, the rules would restore polices ability to curb fencing, Wiener said.

Wiener, Breed and supporters stressed that street vending is part of the citys fabric. It is fencing that is the problem, they said.

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Fencing is not street vending, said William Ortiz Cartagena, founder and treasurer of Clecha, a nonprofit that supports small businesses. Today we are making it a point to say we are the community, and we dont get down with fencing.

Issues related to fencing and unsafe street conditions led San Francisco to issue a ban on street vending along Mission Street in the Mission neighborhood in late November. The moratorium was later extended, with city leaders citing improved street conditions, through Aug. 22. The city plans to soon roll out a pilot program to allow a limited number of permitted vendors to return to a stretch of Mission Street, officials said.

Our neighborhood residents, permitted street vendors, transit riders and small businesses deserve safe sidewalks along our commercial corridors, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who represents the Mission neighborhood and proposed the initial ban. This state bill provides San Francisco an essential tool in tackling the rampant sale of stolen goods and bringing order and renewed vibrancy to our neighborhoods.

Ronens office said she plans to introduce a resolution Tuesday that would signal the Board of Supervisors support for the bill.

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There are three new models, each with unique form factors and specifications.

ASUS announced a trio of new releases in its ProArt line of laptops at this weeks Computex expo in Taipei. These devices are generally thinner, lighter and more portable than previous generations, though thats where the similarities end. Lets get into it.

The ProArt 16 is a thinner and lighter version of the ProArt Studiobook, which we absolutely loved. The refreshed design is based on the chassis found with the ROG G16, but with some crucial differences. Theres a 4K 60Hz screen and a virtual dialpad instead of the physical knob found on the Studiobook. It features a nano black coating that is said to be fingerprint-resistant.

ASUS

As for specs, it comes with AMD's all-new Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor that can deliver 50 TOPS of NPU performance. For added power, it also offers an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, for a combined 321 TOPS score. That makes it "the first AI PC of its kind built for advanced AI workflows across creativity, gaming, productivity and more," NVIDIA claims.

There's a 16-inch 4K OLED display and it can be souped up with up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of solid-state storage. It's also a Copilot+ PC, so it has the button to call up Microsofts digital assistant and plenty of other AI bells and whistles like the companys StoryCube file management software.

ASUS

The ProArt PX13 is a different beast entirely. This laptop is a 2-in-1 hybrid thats based on the same chassis as the ROG Flow X13. It also comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and up to an Nvidia GeForce 4060 GPU. Theres a 2.8K OLED touch display that supports HDR content. This hybrid has also been slimmed down, coming in at just three pounds.

ASUS

Finally, theres the ProArt PZ13, which is an ultraportable convertible tablet with a detachable keyboard, just like the Microsoft Surface Pro line. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon Plus processor with a dedicated AI engine and a Copilot key to take advantage of all of the latest and greatest advancements in artificial intelligence.

The PZ13 is also resistant to dust and water, thanks to a rubber splash cover with an IP52 rating. It even comes with a full-size SD card reader, which is a rarity with convertibles, and a 5MP front camera with IR support and a 13MP rear-facing camera. Just like all of these ProArt laptops, this one is light at 1.8 pounds.

The ASUS ProArt P16 (H7606) is now on pre-order at the ASUS Store or Best Buy, starting at $1,900. The ProArt PX13 (HN7306) is also available for pre-order at the ASUS or Best Buy websites, while the Qualcomm-powered ASUS ProArt PZ13 will arrive in Q3 of 2024.

Steve Dent contributed to this report.

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Katsu curry at Dela Curo Curry in Oakland. The restaurant closed its Oakland location in May. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Dela Curo Curry inside Swans Market in Oakland. The restaurant closed to relocate to Berkeley. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

The following is a list of notable restaurants and bars that closed in May. Click here for a list of restaurants that closed in April.

Dela Curo Curry, a popular stall for northwest Japanese-style curry, has left Oaklands Swans Market, it announced on Instagram. The counter-service spot served its thick, dark curry on plates that included rice, shredded cabbage and a choice of vegetables, shrimp, fried chicken or tonkatsu. The East Bay wont go long without chef-owner Chikara Onos recipe, however, as the business said it will continue to serve its curry at Berkeley Bowl West.

Uptown Oakland izakaya Good Luck Gato closed for good on May 11. In a statement to Eater SF, co-owner Matthew Meyer cited low foot traffic, high costs and a tough business outlook. The bar opened in September 2023 inside the former Hopscotch space, melding Mexican and Japanese influences with cocktails using nori-infused tequila and okonomiyaki baked potatoes topped with carnitas.

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Good Luck Gatos adjacent sibling bar Ninth Life, which drew inspiration from 1980s and 90s pop culture, also closed. The dark space, illuminated with black lights and video game projections, specialized in creative cocktails from Low Bar owner Daniel Paez, who served as a project partner. It opened in November 2023, just months after Good Luck Gato.

San Francisco's Iza Ramen on Fillmore Street is now closed. Jen Fedrizzi/Special to the Chronicle

Lower Haight noodle shop Iza Ramen closed with an art show and party after nine years of offering brothy bowls of noodles, tsukemen dipping noodles and pints of Japanese brews. In a message taped to the restaurants door and circulated on Reddit, management thanked neighbors and regulars for their support, though the reason behind the closing was not disclosed. Iza Ramen once also operated another location on Folsom Street.

Palo Alto Sichuan and Hunan restaurant Jing Jing Gourmet closed. Restaurant manager Betty Tsai told the Mercury News the 38-year-old restaurant was too expensive to operate and that fewer people commute to the area for work. The restaurants signature dishes included tea-smoked duck and kung pao chicken.

Popular Japanese-style soft serve chain Uji Time announced it is closing its Berkeley location with a post on Instagram. The chain is best known for its taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped pastry thats filled with soft serve in flavors like matcha, black sesame and ube. There are also stuffed mochi, milk tea and slushies on the menu. Uji Time will still operate locations in San Francisco, Concord and Lafayette. Per Uji Times website, a Danville location is in the works.

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Eater SF reported Oaklands Lakeshore Cafe closed on May 27. In a goodbye post on Instagram, the business owners expressed their gratitude to patrons for 22 years of support and asked patrons to show the same support to the incoming tenants, who have not been identified. The reason behind the closing was not provided in the message.

4Bells Public House closed on May 26, East Bay Nosh writes. Owner Jennifer Seidman opened the business in 2022 at the former site of popular burger and beer spot Docs Refresher.

Customers line up outside Che Fico Alimentari in San Francisco for takeaway meals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemics restrictions. Parent restaurant Che Fico is taking over the space. Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

Che Fico closed its more casual downstairs spinoff. Co-owner David Nayfeld told the Chronicle that Che Fico Alimentari was unsustainable due to the business goal of providing higher wages and employee benefits as costs continue to climb. As part of the closing, the main restaurant will expand into the lower level. The restaurant opened in 2019 with gelato, pizza and Italian pantry items.

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The Slanted Door officially shut down its flagship location at the San Francisco Ferry Building after 15 years. In a statement provided to the Chronicle, chef-owner Charles Phan said construction costs to remodel the long-dormant space were too high to make an opening feasible. The location closed temporarily in 2020, at the height of COVID-19 restrictions. Since then, rumors of a permanent closing were constant. We loved being there, but Im also excited for future projects, Phan wrote.

Bartender Brian Perrin mixes up cocktails behind the bar at the Presidio Social Club in 2012. The scenic restaurant is now closed. Sarah Rice/Special to The Chronicle

A scenic restaurant and bar in the Presidio served dinner for the last time on Mothers Day. Presidio Social Club owner Ray Tang told the Chronicle that operating the popular restaurant was no longer tenable due to high costs across the board. The restaurant opened in 2006, and Tang estimates it served over 2 million customers.
Sony revealed earlier this year that it was working on a way to make the PlayStation VR2 headset compatible with PCs . That's becoming a reality on August 7 when the company releases a PC adapter , which is expected to cost $60.

A recently spotted filing indicated that Sony was building an adapter to make the PS VR2 work with PCs. At the time, there were no details about how connectivity would work (the PS VR2 natively uses a single USB-C cable) but Sony has cleared that up. The adapter will connect to a DisplayPort 1.4-compatible port though you'll need to supply your own DisplayPort cable. The adapter also has a USB connection and HDMI output in case you want to capture your gameplay or share what you're seeing with others in the room.

You'll need a PC that's up to scratch too. The system will need to have at least 8GB of memory and an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor with Zen 2 or later architecture. As for your CPU, Sony recommends at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT, though you should get away with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT at minimum. Your PC will also need to support at least Bluetooth 4.0 or later.

If your system checks all those boxes, then you'll be able to play the likes of Half-Life: Alyx on a PS VR2. The adapter will give users access to thousands of Steam VR games through the headset, orders of magnitude more than are available for the PS VR2 through a PlayStation 5.

Sony notes that some PS VR2 features aren't available when playing on PC, such as headset feedback, eye tracking, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback (except for a more generic rumble). Disappointingly, there won't be HDR support. However, you will be able to enjoy 4K visuals, a 110-degree field of view, finger touch detection, and see-through view are all supported, along with foveated rendering (sans eye tracking) and 3D audio if a game supports it.

We do think the PS VR2 is a great headset for VR gaming and gave it a score of 84 in our review, though we had some reservations, largely due to its price. The headset typically costs $550, but it's $100 off until June 12 as part of Sony's Days of Play sale . A bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain will run you an extra $50 .

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
Former WWE professional wrestler Brandi Rhodes admitted she was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis after being medically dismissed for nearly three years.

The 40-year-old sat with 'Today,' expressing the "internal pain" she experienced after becoming pregnant with her daughter Liberty. After communicating this to her doctor, she was told this was simply something some women experience that will eventually go away.

"It felt like something inside, whether it was an ovary or my uterus, just felt really irritated and aggravated," Rhodes told 'Today'.

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When the pain failed to subside, her doctor suggested pelvic floor therapy. Despite the medical professional's best suggestion, over the next three years the former professional wrestler only received minimal relief.

"One day I'd wake up in the morning and I felt normal and fine and [could see] my abs...and then another day I would wake up and I would look three months pregnant," Rhodes, 40, explained, revealing the battle she faced with irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, and severe bleeding.

"Then I found myself back at the doctor again," Rhodes recollected. "That doctor really waved it off. She didn't really show concern. She really didn't have a lot of questions."

During this time, Rhodes was in the process of building NakedMind, her yoga and pilates studio, and claims she felt "defeated" under the pressure of continuing her responsibilities while simply feeling unwell internally.

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"That will make you not really want to go out there and conquer the world and help people with their fitness because you're feeling bad yourself." When fellow wrestler Maryse Mizanin shared in February that she has 11 precancerous tumors in her ovaries, it prompted her to dive back into her healing journey.

Following an appointment for an ultrasound, the doctor said it "felt like endometriosis" just after a basic pelvic exam. After being sent to a nutritionist and a GI doctor who suggested a colonoscopy due to possible IBS, finding her solution through a standard pelvic exam left her feeling both angry and relieved, per the news outlet.

"It's been three years. What took so long?" she stated.

Rhodes is currently on her journey to healing after undergoing surgery to remove the endometrial tissue, which revealed she was at a stage 4 for the condition. "I'm so mad. I'm so worked up because I knew something was wrong. And the way that I felt so dismissed in so many different ways...This is so wrong."

Rhodes told her story via a heartfelt post on instagram, reminding female readers to advocate for themselves and their bodies.

"It is far too common in the medical world to be dismissed when it comes to Women's health issues," she wrote. "Don't be dismissed."
Rupert Murdoch got married for the fifth time at age 93.

The media mogul tied the knot with retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, 67, on Saturday in his Bel Air vineyard estate in Los Angeles, according to the New York Times.

His bride was previously married to billionaire energy investor Alexander Zhukova, who she reportedly met when they were both students in the Soviet Union. They share a daughter named Dasha, an entrepreneur and socialite.

Interestingly, Dasha and Murdoch's third wife, Wendi Deng, are friends. This connection became instrumental in Murdoch and Zhukova's meeting.

After meeting through Dasha and Wendi and the business magnate's previous engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a retired dental hygienist and conservative radio host, was called off, the pair reportedly started dating over the summer after. They were spotted vacationing together on a holiday cruise in the Mediterranean.

Rupert Murdoch (92) just got engaged again, for the 6th time.



This time to Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist. pic.twitter.com/Bv5nc4qD7K  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 7, 2024

Their engagement was shortly announced in March. At the time, reports said they would walk down the aisle in a summer wedding.

True enough, the two tied the knot in early summer. In their wedding photos obtained by the outlet, Zhukova wore an off-shoulder white dress with a square neckline reportedly designed by London-based designer Emilia Wickstead and white pumps. Meanwhile, her groom wore a dark suit paired with a light brown necktie and black sneakers.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has married Elena Zhukova in California.



His fifth wedding ceremony took place on June 1. pic.twitter.com/tB7shazEfx  The Project (@theprojecttv) June 3, 2024

Murdoch first walked down the aisle in 1956 with his first wife, Patricia Booker, a part-time department store model and former flight attendant from Adelaide. They welcomed their first child after two years of marriage but divorced after 11 years as a married couple (1967).

In the same year the Fox News founder divorced Booker, he married Anna Maria Torv, a former Sydney Daily Mirror journalist. They were married for 32 years before they divorced in 1999. They share a daughter, Elizabeth, and two sons, Lachlan and James -- all got involved in their father's business.

Murdoch married for the third time two weeks after his divorce from Torv was finalized. He secretly got married to Deng, a Chinese-born American entrepreneur. The pair shared 14 years of marriage and two daughters -- Grace and Chloe.

Three years later, Rupert married again for the fourth time to Jerry Hall in 2016. They spent six years together as a married couple before getting divorced in 2022.
MrBeast finally dethroned T-Series as the most-subscribed YouTube channel.

YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, took to social media to announce on Saturday that he finally bested T-Series in terms of YouTube follower count. In his post, he said that he had 1,608 more followers than the Bollywood music label at the time.

As of press time, MrBeast already has over 269 million subscribers on his channel while T-Series has over 266 million subscribers on the video-sharing platform.

After 6 years we have finally avenged Pewdiepie  pic.twitter.com/V1znbyqw27  MrBeast (@MrBeast) June 2, 2024

With a huge YouTube following, there's no doubt that Donaldson is raking in hundreds of millions of dollars from his channel with videos that are regularly getting over 100 million views each.

In 2022, Forbes included MrBeast in its 30 under 30 list. The outlet also estimated that the online content creator was worth some $500 million. He only had 112 million YouTube subscribers back then.

In his interview with Time last February, the popular YouTuber said he was earning about $600 million to $700 million yearly.

"Each video does a couple million in ad revenue [and] a couple million in brand deals. I've reinvested everything to the point of-you could claim-stupidity, just believing that we would succeed. And it's worked out," he told the magazine.

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He also has a personal chef and a trainer now to protect him from "caving under his workload." And while he lives in a modest $318,000 home, he slowly bought a neighborhood for himself, his family and his employees in May 2023, according to the New York Post.

However, he claims that he is not rich, saying, "I mean, not right now. I'm not naive; maybe one day. But right now, whatever we make, we reinvest."

He said that he spends lavishly on every video he creates and sometimes shoots as much as 12,000 hours just for a 15-minute clip.

In August 2020, he reportedly spent at least $3 million on his staff's salaries, production costs and other expenses, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

"I don't have access to any of my bank accounts. I have a CFO and everything but [Susan Parisher, his mom] is the one who has access to the master bank account," he added, saying his mom keeps an eye on things for him.

In terms of other assets, the popular YouTuber reportedly owns some of the most expensive vehicles in all of Greensville, North Carolina, according to Way.

MrBeast's car collection reportedly includes a Lamborghini Gallardo, a BMW 3 Series, a Tesla Model 3, a Nissan Armada and a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder that is reportedly worth over $213,000.

But aside from collecting cars, he is known for giving cars away. In 2020, he gave his 40,000,000th YouTube subscriber 40 cars, including luxury vehicles like Porsche, Chrysler and Tesla, among many others.

The next year, he gave away a Lamborghini to the last person to take their hand off the car. The other participants who lost were also given consolation prizes.

Aside from holding expensive giveaways, MrBeast reportedly donates to charities such as the Veterans Army Wounded Warrior Program, Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, a local animal shelter in Los Angeles and various homeless shelters, among many others.

Outside YouTube, Donaldson has Feastables -- a line of snacks he launched in 2022.

He told Time that his snack line will make $500 million in annual revenue this year.

Per Celebrity Net Worth, he also has other business ventures, including a multiplayer endurance game called "Finger on the App," the virtual delivery restaurant MrBeast Burger and a clothing line.
12 Planes & 22 Aviators Thru 11 Countries and Over Siberia from Moscow as Guests of Russian VP Alexander Rutskoi

Audiobook Available in Google Play, Click Here.

A new book, Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later, chronicles in detail a flight of 12 small planes circumnavigating through Russia months after the final collapse of the Soviet Union. Organized from March 1991 to July 1992, as the Soviet empire crumbled, it was a miracle the 1st Annual Around the World Air Rally ever took place.

Written using seven major pilot journals, five ancillary journals, interviews and 25 hours of videotape the author shot documenting the event, Round the World & Across Russia also captures 30 years of historical context from the tumultuous decades that followed. Pilots from a variety of background, flying single and twin engine aircraft, started at Santa Monica Airport on July 4, 1992 and became the first private group to circumnavigate while crossing all of Russia.

This second book about the World Flight Across Russia, first one published in 1998, was created because of how much more unique it has become in light of recent, and not so recent, events in Russia. That summer of 1992 marked a watershed moment in world history, one that was characterized by hope for better relations between old adversaries and new friends.

The Russian people had been devastated for decades and the collapse of the Soviet system allowed them to believe a better future was possible. During the organization no one was sure who could make final decisions for permission to cross Russia, the routing or how we might obtain aircraft fuel during the perilous journey throughout Siberia.

The narrative is also told from the perspective of someone along for the ride. Michael B. Butler was a last minute addition, hired by a third party, to document the World Flight in video and still pictures. However, author Butler's education in Russian culture continued for 30 years and this gives the book a keen historical perspective and depth.

A grand adventure at a key moment in history, Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later combines many different elements in a complex story when geopolitical structures were falling and getting built anew. Destined to remain locked in a unique spot of aviation and general history, and all the plans for World Flights Across Russia after July 1992 were deemed unsafe and canceled. Looking back from 2024, it physically and metaphorically happened in a place in time hard to recognize only three decades later.

1) Written using seven major pilot journals, five ancillary journals, interviews, 25 hours of videotape and what the author remembered.

2) Pilots from California, Texas, Hawaii and Illinois in the United States and Italy, UK, Holland, Germany, and Japan participated.

3) They rented a Soviet built IL-76T, one of the biggest aircraft in the world, to haul 10,000 galls of BP Avgas to be hand-pumped from Moscow thru Siberia.

4) First private group of general aviation aircraft to circumnavigate across Russia & land at historic Tushino grass airfield in Northwest Moscow.

5) Across Siberia lack of navigation aids and recalcitrant Russian air traffic controllers nearly caused aviation disasters.

6) First private aircraft to land at Anadyr Air Force Base and ICBM nuclear launching site on Russia's Pacific Coast near Alaska.

View Book Trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGCSkKi9n5s





Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Later: 12 Planes & 22 Aviators Thru 11 Countries When the Soviet Union Fell & Russia Returned, Paperback ISBN: 979-8868045271, For more info go to www.MichaelButlerBooks.com and purchase copies at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Media Contact: For interviews or to request review copies contact Eric Blair Enterprises at 562-384-6697 or MichaelButlerBooks@pm.me.

About the Author: Michael B. Butler, author of Round the World & Across Russia and co-author of Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds of Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, is also a prof photographer who has worked extensively in book and corporate PR, the latter primarily premier river cruise company AmaWaterways and escorted tour company, Brendan Vacations, His assignments included documenting 50th Anniversaries of Pearl Harbor and D-Day, the World Flight Over Russia, a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with 750 Christians, 2013, and multiple PR junkets to Ireland and Tahiti.

Excerpts from Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later

 In January 1992 the World Flight organizers were staying on a boat-hotel, on the Moscow River, for two weeks of key meetings. A time of confusing bureaucratic overflow greeted the worried organizers, twice a day all types of Russian committees turned up for meetings in the deep winter of a chilly, snow blanketed Moscow. Subjects discussed ranged from routing, airspace restrictions, permits, cultural events, fuel hauling and media coverage, which were accompanied by a blurred line of authority with little idea of who, if anyone, could make any final decisions.

 As the World Flight aircraft broke away from the Canadian coastline, and progress over the vital North Atlantic, the scenery was amazing and spectacular. The winds for the singles and the slow twins were as forecast; a 20-knot headwind at 10,000 feet gave Mace's twin Baron 58 a 160-knot groundspeed. Winds are also forecast to shift 180 degrees near the tip of Greenland, which means decision time will be at Cape Farewell, Prins Christian Sund. Norm passed the word down the line that Narsarsuaq was clear, which opened the way for others to divert if necessary. This was indeed welcome news for all concerned.

"With our advance into Russian airspace, the cloud coverage dissipates to reveal lush forests and farmlands with very few towns in between. It is clear for sightseeing, but my previous experience tells me to look straight ahead for any and all uncalled traffic. Flight Services revealed that radar coverage in Russia is consistently poor, and this flight will be primarily in a non-radar environment with the transponder off as Russian equipment cannot acquire our transponder signal. Well inside of Russian airspace, right of the airways, Russian controllers instruct us to turn five degrees to the leftwith strong radar the Russians can give course corrections for as little as two degrees. We are in the correct spot as international airspace is above 9,000 feet, but this doesn't prevent us from actively searching for any stray Russian aircraft lurking about in this unpredictable realm. We are assigned to the R-11 airway, this will take us into Moscow by the SVIR-NDB (non-directional beacon), followed by VITESBSK-NDB."

 MIR in Russian means Peace, but MIR also designates the Space Station program where cosmonauts and astronauts set endurance records every day from February 1986 to March 2001. By July 1992 the MIR station had been up for six years and joint missions, with many nations, were ongoing and planned for the foreseeable future. Our group was getting a certified cosmonaut hosted tour of the MIR training facility. Participants viewed a massive room, from a glass balcony, containing two working mock-ups of the station. Vladimir Lyakhov, through Olga, educated us and answered any questions from a group that was well-informed and inquisitive.

 "As we near the Angara River, for the final 60 miles to Irkutsk, Brad nudges me and with a broad smile points down and off our left wing. Who is it but Doc and Janice about 10 feet above the river, they are enjoying the scenery up close in his nice Experimental Bonanza. 'Rally Bravo 3 to Rally Charlie 2. Whatcha doin' down there Doc?' Brad asks. 'Trollin' for fish,' Wisner came back in his Texas drawl. He had to ask!! A total fight time of five hours and 16 minutes brought the Spirit of Houston contingent into Eastern Siberia at 3:00 pm local time, or Central Siberia depending on the source. 120 miles north of the Mongolian border and we roll on up to find Russians, our support team, fuel, pumps and ground transportation, the best organized stop in Russia yet."

"Bob Reiss, our resident intelligence expert offered his for both. The maps used on the trip were prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Defense with data obtained from satellites. Our flight map depicted grids of highways under the direct routing but nothing else; roads were leading to and from nowhere, crossing apparent wilderness and uninhabited areas. In Reiss' expert view, hidden in the center, was a top-secret facility known to U.S. intelligence but not shown on the chart, concealing from the Russians the extent of U.S. knowledge. His thesis was supported by bold letters on the map: 'CAUTION: ANY AIRCRAFT DEVIATING FROM FLIGHT ROUTE MAY BE FIRED UPON WITHOUT WARNING.'
Sunday, June 2, 2024

For those who have read my memoir, The Boy from Boadua, or heard me give a talk about it, my name could very well be Mr. Optimism. In the book, and in public discussions about its message, I place a lot of emphasis on positivity. I strongly believe that having a healthy dose of optimism is vitally important in life because without it, we cannot effectively summon the energy we need to face the myriad challenges that this world constantly throws at us.

Some people are perhaps wondering why, in light of my stated preference for buoyancy, so many of my current writings sound so gloomy. It would be a legitimate question. I am keenly aware that I am doing something that goes against my principles. But I do it anyway because the alternative would be worse. Given all that is going on around us in the world today, it would be a mistake for me to act as if everything is cheerful.

Disinformation is one of the biggest threats to democratic societies today. Our adversaries, in particular Russia and China, are pulling out all the stops to convince us and the rest of the world that we are racist oppressors, and that our system of government does not work and is not worth believing in. They are succeeding. According to a recent poll by The Economist/YouGov, only 54 percent of U.S. adults ages 18-29 agree with the statement, Democracy is the greatest form of government.

Of course that low percentage cannot be blamed entirely on malevolent external actors. Political dysfunction in Washington is partly responsible. Even then, it is not inconceivable that some of our national leaders have themselves succumbed to the disinformation campaigns, judging by the increasing numbers of Putin apologists in Washington.

I had the rare privilege of being one of the relatively few people on the planet who had firsthand knowledge of life on both sides of the Iron Curtain. During my student days in the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, I traveled extensively throughout Eastern and Western Europe. I got a really good sense of how ordinary people on either side of the curtain felt about their societies and their political systems.

From the thousands of conversations I had with Soviets from all walks of life, I could tell that the vast majority of them didnt believe in the socialism project. They lived their lives quietly because there was no outlet for their opinions. I was not at all surprised when they hurriedly emigrated in droves as soon as President Mikhail Gorbachev opened the borders. Their leaders had spent all those decades trying to get them to see America as a loathsome nation. Yet, it turned out to be the preferred destination for most of the people who were able to leave.

Capitalism has many rough edges, and skin contact with any of them can be quite painful. For that reason, it is easy to be seduced by the romantic picture of socialism that has been propagated throughout modern history. I have lived in America for thirty-two years now so I have had ample opportunity to swallow some of capitalisms bitter pills. Because of the exposure that I have had to both systems, I am reasonably well equipped to make an informed judgment about which of them works better in practice. I have certain personal preferences that perhaps influence my verdict, but the direction of travel of those tens of thousands of Soviets who voted with their feet provides a sense of what most people who have actually experienced socialism feel about it.

As a proud American who firmly believes in democratic principles, I have a duty to do what I can to help push back on the tsunami of false narratives and conspiracy theories that our adversaries are actively employing to divide our country. Hence the sharp tone of some of my recent writings. We should have the humility to plead guilty, if warranted, to some of the things they accuse us of. But what we shouldnt do is to allow them to falsely portray themselves as angels to the rest of the world, while painting us as evil.

The history of my native Ghana has taught me that there is great risk in letting such pernicious narratives take hold within a society. Just a few years after British colonial rule ended in Ghana in 1957, the countrys first president, Kwame Nkrumah, tilted the nation onto a socialist path. Before returning to Ghana to lead the struggle for independence, Nkrumah had lived and studied in both America (during the Jim Crow days) and the U.K. Unsurprisingly, he experienced quite a bit of racism in the West that must have left a bitter taste in his mouth. It isnt difficult to see why he was easily seduced by the utopian portrait of socialism. His problem was that he never had an opportunity to taste socialism in practice, as I did.

That veering of the country off course in those early days did permanent damage. It was a young nation that needed to chart a suitable path for its development. Western-style democracy was not necessarily the best option, as some leading local politicians argued at the time, because of high illiteracy and absence of required institutions. In essence, the seduction of socialism was a giant distraction that prevented the country from going through that necessary exercise to find an appropriate governance system.

The geopolitical jostling that did so much damage to Africa and numerous countries on other continents in the second half of the twentieth century is rearing its ugly head again today. Some African countries, especially in the western part of the continent, are once again falling prey. Their leaders have subscribed to the worldviews of Putin and Xi Jinping, and are already using the playbooks of these authoritarians to govern.

I am certainly not an expert on geopolitics. But I have enough lived experiences that I believe I can use to offer some useful perspectives on these issues that confront us in America today. I had ample opportunity to see the general hopelessness in the eyes of the people who were trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Based on those observations, I became convinced that socialism is a system that strips away a lot of personal dignity. It is not a system that I wish to live under.

Many young Americans are becoming disillusioned with democracy and buying into the notion that our nation is an irredeemably racist oppressor that should no longer be respected. They should know that there are no angels anywhere on this planet. They should also be thankful that they live in a nation that allows individuals the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.
The San Francisco public health department found two cases of H5N1 avian flu at a live poultry market and DNA traces in wastewater, but there are no signs of public exposure or illness. Michael Short/Special to the Chronicle

Two chickens at a live bird market in San Francisco tested positive for H5N1 avian flu last month, authorities announced Monday.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health reported that state health officials discovered the infected, asymptomatic birds during a routine monitoring program conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The testing comes amid the current national bird flu outbreak.

The most important thing to note is there is no threat to public health at this time, said Dr. George Han, the Director of Communicable Disease Prevention & Control at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. There have been no human cases.

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Health officials said they closely monitored the market employees who had contact with the chickens. Over 10 days, none of the employees reported symptoms. No public exposure occurred, and the market located in the citys Bayview neighborhood has since reopened safely.

Essentially, when there is an emerging virus we work in the background to do our due diligence so that if there is a potential threat to human health we are on top of it, Han said.

In response to the bird market detection, WastewaterSCAN, a national initiative monitoring infectious diseases through municipal wastewater, began testing San Franciscos wastewater for the H5 marker. Initial tests detected fragments of H5 genetic material, making San Francisco the only municipality in California with a positive avian flu detection.

However, follow-up tests later in May showed no H5 fragments.

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The agency said it is investigating the origins of these genetic traces, with consideration of the citys unique combined sewer system, which treats both wastewater and stormwater.

Its a unique thing, Han said. We take in everything that goes into the storm drains, including any animal waste from birds or any other animal.

An increase in flu viruses detected at wastewater treatment plants in California in recent weeks has sparked concern that the H5N1 bird flu may be spreading more rapidly than anticipated, potentially putting the states 1.7 million dairy cows at risk for infection.

Health officials have observed multiple spikes in influenza A viruses, which include the H5N1 avian flu strain that has killed millions of birds worldwide and infected dozens of dairy cow herds across nine U.S. states.

We are definitely taking this seriously. This is the first time we are seeing avian flu in cows. We hadnt seen that previously, Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Associated Press. The fact that it is in cattle now definitely raises our concern level.

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The Bay Area, in particular, is a hot spot for flu activity, according to data from approximately 700 sites published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly all monitored facilities in the region show moderate to high increases in influenza A viruses.

However, Han said San Francisco hospitals have not observed an increase in individuals with undiagnosed upper respiratory illnesses.

Our levels, as far as we can tell, have not increased significantly in recent weeks, he said.

Though avian flu poses minimal risk to humans, its spread among livestock could disrupt food supplies and potentially lead to a pandemic if it mutates to allow human-to-human transmission. No cases of infected herds have been reported in California. Justin Sullivan/TNS

Though the avian flu poses minimal risk to humans, its spread among livestock could disrupt food supplies and potentially lead to a pandemic if it mutates to enable human-to-human transmission.

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As of now, no cases of infected herds have been reported in California, the leading milk-producing state in the U.S., with around 1,300 dairy farms.

The current strain of avian flu emerged among birds in 2022 and was first detected in dairy cows in the United States in late March, marking the first known instance of bird flu viruses in cows.

Its not a new strain of the virus, Cohen said. So this is known to us. Weve been studying it. And, frankly, weve been preparing for avian flu for 20 years.

Since then, it has spread to 49 herds of dairy cattle across nine states: Texas, Michigan, Kansas, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Ohio, according to the Department of Agriculture.

There have been only four reported cases of avian flu infection in people in the United States. One case occurred in Colorado in 2022 and involved an individual who worked closely with infected poultry. The other three cases were more recent  one in Texas in March and two in Michigan last month  and involved people employed at dairy farms.

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More concerning, the current strain of bird flu has developed numerous mutations, according to a new study, that may increase its ability to spread between species and reduce its susceptibility to antiviral drugs.

This is a new development, Cohen said. Cows, mammals being a reservoir gives this virus a new opportunity to change. Thats what were watching for really closely.

Han said there is no cause for concern in San Francisco for now.

The reason were talking about this is to be transparent about the work that we in public health do daily, he said. There are experts who are working on this and looking at this to ensure that if anything changes in these new developments, well be right there, ready to spring into action.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about the risk of avian influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Agriculture and local health authorities.

Can people get sick from H5N1?

Yes; although rare, people can get infected with H5N1 through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

What are the symptoms of H5N1 in humans?

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, in severe cases, respiratory difficulties and pneumonia. So far, the cases involving humans have been very mild, Han said.

How does H5N1 spread?

H5N1 spreads primarily through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. It does not usually spread from person to person.

How can I protect myself from H5N1?

Avoid direct contact with wild birds and poultry that appear ill. Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

People should continue everyday common sense practices, like drinking pasteurized milk, preparing their meat properly, not going near wild animals, Han said.

Is there a vaccine available for H5N1?

Vaccines are primarily used for high-risk groups such as poultry workers and are not generally available to the public.

Should I avoid public parks with bird populations?

No, but avoid touching birds in the wild and their droppings, and wash hands thoroughly if you come into contact with surfaces that may be contaminated.

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

Do not touch it. Report it to local animal health authorities who can safely remove and test the bird for avian influenza.

Can I still eat chicken or duck?

You can still eat poultry safely. Ensure it is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165F (74C), which kills the virus.

Is it safe to keep pet birds?

Yes, but practice good hygiene, regularly clean cages, and monitor the health of your birds closely.

Do I need to wash my hands after filling a bird feeder?
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA  The Beef Checkoffs Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative hosted its Best Butcher Contest on May 10 at the Penn State Meat Lab during the 2024 Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors Conference. The title of best butcher was given to Mark Madden, owner of The Meat Shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Allen Baysore, from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, won the second place and Joe Avilla, from Windfall Market, in Onset Massachusetts, placed third.

The Best Butcher contest featured six professional meat cutters from across the region who showcased their skills in the art of meat cutting. Other butchers who participated included Scott Carey of Slate Belt Butchery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ron Godshall from Godshalls Quality Meats in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, and Ben Buchanan from Unified Meats Inc. in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

The butchers had 30 minutes in a head-to-head competition to turn a beef top round sub-primal, donated by Cargill, into merchandisable cuts and cut a bone-in pork loin, donated by Clemens Food Group, into precise retail cuts that accurately represent current yield percentages. Additionally, they had to give a two minute consumer sales pitch and correctly identify 15 fresh beef and pork retail cuts. Contestants were judged on accuracy of cuts and yields, knife skills, visual appearance and consumer sales pitch. The largest share of the contestants scores were derived from the cutting portion of the contest.

Madden has 15 years of in-field experience under his belt. He got his start in the industry working in restaurants, specifically sushi bars. While working among sushi chefs, he learned how to utilize all parts of the fish and wanted to apply those same skills to whole beef, pork and lamb. For more information, visit www.nebpi.org/.
A Perthshire farmer will undertake a 5,000-mile expedition from the Highlands to the vast expanse of the Sahara to raise funds for farming charity RSABI.

Hugh Chamberlain, farm manager at Atholl Estates, will embark on the trip as a tribute to his late father-in-law, Tony Rawlings, who dreamt of exploring the world in his cherished 1993 Land Rover Defender 300tdi.

Tony, who passed away due to cancer, found solace during his illness by planning and modifying the Land Rover for this very journey.

Although he is no longer here to witness this expedition, his legacy lives on through Hughs determination to fulfil his dream.

Accompanied by friend Dave Hill, who Hugh met at agricultural college, they will navigate the arduous route in September relying solely on maps and intuition.

Hugh said the expedition had an aim to raise funds for RSABI and Eden Valley Hospice, charities close to both families' hearts.

He said: "RSABI provides support to individuals and families in Scottish agriculture, while Eden Valley Hospice offers compassionate care to those facing life-limiting illnesses.

In honour of Tony's legacy, we are embarking on this expedition to prove that even amidst loss, dreams can endure, and compassion can ignite change.

It is our hope that through this challenge, we will provide a beacon of hope and support to those in Scottish agriculture and the hospice community.

"We gratefully welcome any donations which will enable our two chosen charities to continue delivering the all-important support and services they provide.

Pauline Macmillan, RSABIs head of fundraising, added: Were very grateful to Hugh and the team for choosing to fundraise for RSABI through this fantastic adventure.

"We would also like to thank everyone who has stepped up to sponsor the challenge and those who have already donated.

"The money raised for RSABI will go towards providing vital emotional, practical and financial support to those who need it in Scottish agriculture.
Farmers are being encouraged to pay tribute to those that farmed the fields during WWII to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

As part of the event commemorating the Normandy landings, farms across the country will light beacons on the evening of Thursday (6 June).

The beacons are designed to represent farmers personal tributes to those that still had to farm the fields during the second world war.

The NFU is encouraging farmers to participate in the 80th anniversary, calling it is a 'poignant initiative' to honour both fallen soldiers and farmers.

The union's president Tom Bradshaw said: Lets stand together in remembrance as we prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

D-Day symbolises not just a military victory but also the collective strength of a nation. If you can, join the many people across the country in lighting a beacon in gratitude for their service.

If you can, join the many people across the country in lighting a beacon in gratitude for their service.

Farmers who would like to register their involvement can contact Pageantmaster Bruno Peek via email at brunopeek@mac.com.
Scotland's farmers will showcase their diversified businesses after winning a bid to host the World Agritourism Conference in 2026.

The announcement was made in Bolzano, Italy at a gathering of world leaders in agritourism, who represent the recently formed Global Agritourism Network.

The international conference will showcase the diversity and growth of Scotland's agritourism sector on a world stage and it's expected that up to 1,000 delegates will attend.

A range of Scottish cultural activities will be offered throughout the programme along with the opportunity to taste the best of Scotland's farm produce.

Pre and post conference tours, ranging from one to 10 days in length, have been developed which will welcome delegates on to farms and crofts across Scotland.

One hundred free scholarship places will be made available for visitors from developing countries to attend the conference with Scottish farmers opening their homes to host scholars post conference.

Lisa Chase, chair of the Global Agritourism Network, said Scotland had demonstrated many features to deliver an extremely strong bid.

This included a key focus on showcasing food and drink from agritourism farms, both on farm and throughout conference menus.

She said: "The review team felt delegates would be interested in learning about the diversity of quality agritourism businesses on offer, Scotland's connected agritourism network, the 2030 national strategy and growth ambition and monitor farms programme.

"The offer of agritourism businesses to showcase Scottish hospitality and to open their doors throughout all of Scotland during the pre and post tour as well as the offer to support one hundred scholars made the bid very compelling."

Vicki Miller, director of marketing VisitScotland, said the announcement marked an important milestone in Scotlands reputation as an agritourism destination.

"Weve been working closely with businesses to help develop and market those unique and authentic experiences we know visitors are seeking and that many of our countrys farms and crofts are perfectly placed to offer.

"This conference will now help showcase that work to delegates across the world, creating opportunities to share learnings while allowing attendees to enjoy Scotlands famous hospitality, delicious farm produce and unmissable agritourism offering."

The main conference will take place at the P&J Live, in Aberdeen, from 23-25 June, with a pre-conference programme in the Edinburgh area to include a visit to the Royal Highland Show.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined plans for fly-tippers to receive up to six points on their driving licences if the Conservatives were to win the election.

Repeat waste criminals presently face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine, but the new plans by the Tories could also see fly-tippers face driving penalties.

Currently, fly-tippers face fines of up to 1,000, while courts can order unlimited fines and up to five years in prison for large scale offences.

The latest figures show that only 110 people received a fine of 1,000 in 2022-23, while more than 50% of the fines were between 200 to 500.

Announcing the plan, Mr Sunak said the Tories had "a clear plan to ensure safety, security and prosperity in your local community", adding that he would take "bold action" on fly-tipping.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in their neighbourhood and a sense of pride in the place they call home," he said.

But the Liberal Democrats' local government spokesperson Helen Morgan accused the Tories of "effectively legalising littering" during their time in power.

She said the fines were "so low that people are being let off scot-free up and down the country".

"The Conservatives have had years to get tough on fly-tippers and litterers but have failed at every turn," Ms Morgan said.

"The Liberal Democrats are calling for real action against fly-tippers by increasing fines and using the profits to crack down on this anti-social crime."

In 2022/23, councils dealt with 1.08 million fly-tipping incidents and issued 69,000 fixed penalty notices, along with other enforcement actions.

However, the figures do not cover incidents on private land, with rural campaigners saying these were 'blighting' rural areas.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said that incidents on private land were going unrecorded on a mass scale.

The group's president Victoria Vyvyan said: "This is not a victimless crime - in some cases they have paid up to 100,000 to clear up other peoples mess or risk facing prosecution themselves.

Its not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous  even including asbestos and chemicals  endangering farmers, wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment.

While courts can sentence offenders to prison or unlimited fines, prosecutions are rare and criminals clearly do not fear the system."
Elections put people in hospital.

Elections put people's health at risk

A new study in Taiwan suggests that the demand for healthcare services rose by 19 per cent amongst first-time voters during major political campaigns.

There was a considerable increase in chest pain, gastro-intestinal conditions and physical injuries.

Researchers argue that the illnesses came about as a result of the stress of choosing who to vote for and anxiety from being surrounded by political advertisements during the campaign.

The experts say the condition should be named 'election syndrome' or 'election stress disorder'.

They wrote in the journal Health Economics: "Our results suggest that campaigns during national elections increased health care use and expenditure by 17 per cent to 19 per cent.

"Elevated health care use occurred only during the campaign period and did not persist after the election."
A miracle pill that improves memory by 10 per cent will go on sale in Britain next month.

A pill that improves memory is about to go on sale in the UK

GBL-Memory is made up of two plant extracts that can "significantly" improve recall in older people when combined and taken for a month.

Scientists think that the supplement could slow the progress of cognitive decline in an increasingly ageing population.

Dr. Richard Stratton, a GP and Assistant Medical Director of the Powys Health Board in Wales, said: "Showing improvement in animal and human memory is very encouraging.

"The interesting thing about this study is it's a botanical formulation. Safety issues are very unlikely and it offers people with memory issues something they can do to help the condition."

The pill is already available in Germany under the name Memocentrix and patients have reported positive impacts on their memory.
On June 6, a new customs act (Customs Act 2023) will come into effect in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance fiscal discipline, accountability in import revenue collection, and trade facilitation even as the government issued a gazette regarding this on May 30, signed by chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem.

This new law will replace the existing Customs Act of 1969.

A new Customs Act 2023 will come into effect from June 6 this year aiming to enhance fiscal discipline, accountability in import revenue collection and trade facilitation. The new law will replace an existing Customs Act, 1969. The government issued a gazette in this regard recently, signed by Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, chairman of National Board of Revenue.

Several existing provisions have been revised and incorporated into the new law to hold customs agents, exporters, and importers more accountable, underlined media reports citing concerned NBR officials.

The Customs Bill of 2023 was introduced in parliament by law minister Anisul Huq on October 25 last year. Following its introduction, the bill was referred to a parliamentary standing committee for detailed scrutiny, with the committee tasked to report within seven days.

The bill was eventually passed by a voice vote.

Framed in Bangla, the new law includes up-to-date provisions on revenue collection to foster growth in import and export trade, facilitate business activities, and promote the development of new industrial sectors.

The previous law, written in English, incorporated international best practices related to customs as part of a broader reform and modernisation programme undertaken by the government and the NBR.

This reform aimed to promote international standards of customs management in international trade and import-export activities.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
The World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are deepening their cooperation through an enhanced framework to help countries scale up action to confront the threat of climate change.

The collaboration will provide critical support for countries climate strategiesthrough an integrated, country-led approach to policy reforms and climate investments. Within their respective mandates, the World Bank Group and the IMF will leverage their analytics, technical assistance, financing, and policy expertise to enhance country-driven reform programmes.

The WBG and the IMF are strengthening cooperation to address climate change. They'll aid countries in developing climate strategies, focusing on policy reforms and investments. Leveraging their expertise, they'll assist in identifying challenges and reforms, with a country-led approach. Collaboration with other partners aims to implement reforms.

Countries, the World Bank Group, and the IMF will work together closely to identify each countrys climate challengesand the priority policy reforms needed to address them. This process will be informed by the World Bank Groups Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), the IMFs climate-related analytics, and countries own climate ambitions.

The World Bank Group and the IMF will work with other multilateral development banks and development partners to help countries implement the reforms through technical assistance and financing. Upon request, the World Bank Group and the IMF will help establish country-led platforms designed to mobilise additional climate finance, including from the private sector.

The enhanced framework will build on lessons learned since the release of the institutions joint statement on enhancing IMF-World Bank collaboration in September 2023, the two entities said in a joint press release.

This enhanced cooperation between the two institutions will foster country-driven partnerships, galvanise policy changes, and scale up investments to meet countries climate needs. The joint effort will also optimise the increased resources the institutions are dedicating to climate action and crowd-in additional resources from development partners and private sector.

The World Bank Group is ramping up its climate action with new measures including devoting 45 per cent of annual financing to climate change adaptation and mitigation by 2025, working to bring renewable power to 250 million people in Africa by 2030, and expanding its crisis toolkit to support people on the front lines of the climate crisis. The institution has also optimised its balance sheet and is raising funds for a robust IDA21 replenishment and a new Livable Planet Fund.

The IMF is helping countries build resilience to climate change with support from its Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST), which is funded by generous contributions from 23 countries. Since it became operational in October 2022, 18 countries have already benefitted from the RST. The enhanced WBG-IMF collaboration framework is expected to further raise the impact of the SDRs channelled through the RST.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Naga Chaitanya, one of the most charismatic actors in the industry recently shared the reason for his long hair and beard look. The actor is being spotted in a rugged look preparing for his new film Thandel.



Talking about his new look, the actor revealed that he began this transformation during his six-month break as he was at home sitting jobless. This period allowed him to experiment with his appearance, unveiling that it was before the film that he decided to keep this new look.

Naga Chaitanya is currently shooting for his new film Thandel, based on the lives of the fishing community. The romance action drama will see the actor portray the role of a fisherman following the story of how unknowingly he drifts into Pakistani waters and later struggles to free himself from their territory.




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.

3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential

Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten.

Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report!
TAIPEI , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MSI, a leading global server provider, will introduce its latest server platforms based on the 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors at Computex 2024, booth M0806 in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 4-7. These new platforms, designed for growing cloud-native environments, deliver a combination of performance and efficiency for data centers.

"Leveraging the advantages of 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors, MSI's latest server platforms feature scalability and flexibility with new adoption of CXL technology and DC-MHS architecture, helping data centers achieve the most scalable cloud applications while delivering leading performance," said Danny Hsu, General Manager of Enterprise Platform Solutions.

New CXL Memory Expansion Server Redefines High-Performance Computing

Collaborating with leading CXL (Compute Express Link) technology players like AMD, Samsung, and Micron, MSI and its partners are advancing CXL solutions for extensive AI training and HPC applications.

The new S2301 CXL memory expansion server is tailored for data-intensive workloads and in-memory databases. Powered by dual-socket 4th Gen AMD EPYC CPUs and ready for select next-generation AMD EPYC CPUs, this 2U server features CXL 2.0 standards, 24 DDR5 DIMM slots and two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. The system includes eight E3.S 2T drive bays for CXL memory and eight E3.S 1T bays for NVMe storage, enabling memory expansion up to 8TB.

Diverse GPU Platforms Designed for AI and Cloud Markets

The 4U 4-GPU G4101 is a high-performance, GPU-accelerated rack-mounted workstation. It supports a single AMD EPYC 9004 Series processor with liquid cooling, twelve DDR5 RDIMM slots, four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for triple-slot GPUs, and twelve 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe/SATA drive bays. It features airflow spacing and liquid closed-loop cooling for optimal thermal management and sustained performance.

The CX271-S4056 is a 2U all-flash platform that supports two double-wide slots for GPU cards. This system features a single-socket AMD EPYC 9004 Series processor, two OCP NIC 3.0 mezzanine slots, and up to 24 2.5-inch PCIe 5.0 U.2 NVMe drive bays to accelerate processing speeds and deliver superior performance across applications, such as AI inferencing.

Multi-Node Server Platforms for High-Density Cloud and Data Center Environments

MSI offers two multi-node server platforms, the CD360-S4051-X2 and CD260-S4051-X4, designed for high-density cloud and data center environments.

The CD360-S4051-X2 is a 3U 2-node server platform designed for next-generation high TDP server processors. Each node includes one AMD EPYC processor, twelve DDR5 RDIMM slots, two optional double-wide PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for GPU cards, one OCP NIC 3.0 mezzanine slot, two NVMe M.2 ports, and three 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe drive bays.

The CD260-S4051-X4 is a 2U 4-node server platform. Each node supports one AMD EPYC processor, twelve DDR5 RDIMM slots, two NVMe M.2 slots, one OCP NIC 3.0 mezzanine slot, and three 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe.

With a front I/O design based on OCP DC-MHS M-DNO architecture and support for the DC-SCM2 Server Management Module with Aspeed AST2600 BMC, MSI's new systems enable enhanced server serviceability and management flexibility.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2424248/MSI_New_Server_Platforms_Achieve_the_Most_Scalable_Cloud_Applications_while_Delivering_Leading_Perfo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/msi-unveils-new-ai-and-computing-platforms-with-4th-gen-amd-epyc-processors-at-computex-2024-302157672.html
A rainbow flag and a pride decal welcome visitors to the Taub Family Outpost in Sonoma. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

When I hear about corporations like Target tiptoeing around their support for Pride Month, its disheartening. Im not one to shout my identity from the rooftops, but I believe in the importance of corporate inclusivity.

In 2024, celebrating Pride shouldnt be seen as controversial; it should be a given, just like any other holiday.

Some may argue that taking a stand for inclusivity will alienate certain customers. But lets be real  those truly bothered by a rainbow display probably have deeper issues. Its time to prioritize inclusivity over catering to outdated prejudices.

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As we move forward, corporations must recognize their responsibility in fostering an inclusive environment. This isnt about forcing a lifestyle on others; its about acknowledging the existence and worth of every individual, regardless of who they love or how they identify.

So, to those still grappling with Pride Month displays, I ask: Why does a rainbow send you over the edge? In 2024, lets strive for a society where we can live and let live, without fear or judgment.

Dawn Mooney, Oakland

Ban forced outings

Regarding California lawmakers unveil bill to ban school policies forcing teachers to out trans students (Politics, SFChronicle.com, May 22): In my pediatric clinic, I see how healthy communication between children and caregivers is foundational to mental health. This foundation is particularly important for LGBTQ youth, who are at higher risk for anxiety, depression and suicidality.

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Dictating the time and place that a child chooses to share their gender identity or sexual orientation with their caregivers undermines a critical part of adolescent development, in addition to infringing on the rights of queer and trans youth.

Recently, school districts across the state have passed policies that require teachers to notify parents if their children ask to change their name or pronouns. If enacted, AB1955, which has passed in the state Assembly, would protect children from these forced outings.

Queer and trans children deserve safe spaces in school, just as they do in their doctors office, to explore their gender identity, expression and sexual orientation before deciding to share with others.

Dr. Vivien Bazarko, San Francisco

Preservation has costs

Regarding San Francisco is destroying the very thing that makes the city special (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, May 29): Not every old building is equal, and in a city full of old buildings, the merits of preservation must be balanced against the needs and aspirations of current and future residents.

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The value of preserving the McRoskey building in San Francisco must be considered against the proposal for its replacement: four stories of arts-focused space and 102 units of below-market housing located in a transit-rich area. With a $100 million private donation, little to no taxpayer subsidy will be required.

The McRoskey building, while handsome, would have been viewed as pedestrian in its day. According to the Planning Departments property information map, the three historic surveys before its designation in the Market Street Masonry Landmark District found that it was unremarkable.

I love my 19th century home. I cringe when I see developers gut Victorians. However, we do not live in a museum, and fighting to preserve absolutely everything old has human consequences  in this case, lost life-changing opportunities for hundreds of artists.

Brian Cronin, San Francisco

Harness the sun

Regarding California is about to side with PG&E  again  this time to kill community solar projects (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, May 28): As a physicist, I see that we are awash in energy  mostly from the sun  which is largely wasted.

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For states such as California and Nevada that receive so much annual sunshine, there is simply no excuse not to develop solar energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, which pollute our environment and accelerate climate change.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

The problem is that this free energy dents into the profits of the utilities even when they get their cut.

When profit comes before humanity, we all lose. I encourage Californias leaders to overhaul (not just tweak) the solar energy program to incentivize the development of solar energy for communities. Where there is a will, there will always be a way forward.
Relief Therapeutics Holding SA / Key word(s): Personnel

Relief Therapeutics Announces Executive Changes



03-Jun-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Relief Therapeutics Announces Executive Changes

GENEVA (June 3, 2024) - RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (SIX: RLF , OTCQB: RLFTF , RLFTY ) (Relief Therapeutics, or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering innovative treatment options for select specialty, unmet and rare diseases, today announced that interim Chief Executive Officer Michelle Lock has completed her transitional mandate with the Company. Her contract was not renewed upon its expiration on May 31, 2024. Ms. Lock will also not stand for re-election as a member of the Company's Board of Directors at the upcoming annual general meeting. Additionally, Andrew Einhorn and Melinda Keegan have transitioned out as chief financial officer and chief human resources officer, respectively. Jeremy Meinen will continue with the Company in a senior role. Moving forward, the Company's Board of Directors is fully committed to maximizing the value of Relief Therapeutics' portfolio of therapeutic products. It will undertake a comprehensive review of all options to ensure the Company's senior management team is appropriately sized with the necessary capabilities to deliver meaningful positive results. For the time being, the Board of Directors will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the Company and day-to-day activities will continue uninterrupted.



ABOUT RELIEF THERAPEUTICS

Relief Therapeutics is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing treatment paradigms and delivering improvements in efficacy, safety, and convenience to benefit the lives of patients living with select specialty and rare diseases. Relief Therapeutics' portfolio offers a balanced mix of marketed, revenue-generating products, our proprietary, globally patented TEHCLO and Physiomimic platform technologies and a targeted clinical development pipeline consisting of risk-mitigated assets focused in three core therapeutic areas: rare skin diseases, rare metabolic disorders, and rare respiratory diseases. In addition, Relief Therapeutics is commercializing several legacy products via licensing and distribution partners. Headquartered in Geneva, Relief Therapeutics is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol RLF and quoted in the U.S. on OTCQB under the symbols RLFTF and RLFTY. For more information, please visit our website www.relieftherapeutics.com .



CONTACT :

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA

Jeremy Meinen

contact@relieftherapeutics.com



DISCLAIMER

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, including its ability to achieve its corporate, development and commercial goals, and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Relief Therapeutics to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors, including those described in Relief Therapeutics' filings with the SIX Swiss Exchange and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), could adversely affect Relief Therapeutics. Copies of Relief Therapeutics' filings with the SEC are available on the SEC EDGAR database at www.sec.gov . Relief Therapeutics does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date.

Additional features:





File: Ad hoc

End of Inside Information
CHMP opinion paves the way for Marketing Authorisation approval by the European Commission, currently anticipated in early August 2024.

When approved, AKANTIOR will be the first licensed medicinal product for the treatment of acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare, severe eye infection that often results in blindness and eye loss.

Phase III ODAK study demonstrated 87% of patients receiving AKANTIOR were cured within a median time of 4 months.

AKANTIOR will be Avanzanite's second commercialized orphan medicine, expanding the company's pan-European footprint to 26 countries.

Avanzanite Bioscience B.V. ("Avanzanite" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company, solely focused on medicines for rare diseases, announced today that the European Medicines Agency's ("EMA") Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use ("CHMP") issued a positive opinion recommending Marketing Authorisation of AKANTIOR (polihexanide) for the treatment of acanthamoeba keratitis ("AK") in adults and children from 12 years of age.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240602312116/en/

Adam Plich, Founder CEO, Avanzanite Bioscience B.V. (Photo: Business Wire)

Today's announcement follows Avanzanite's licensing and supply agreement with SIFI, a leading Italian ophthalmic healthcare company, that was announced in January 2023, granting Avanzanite the exclusive rights to commercialize AKANTIOR in 26 countries in the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

Avanzanite's Founder and CEO, Adam Plich, stated, "Avanzanite is a purpose-driven company whose sole mission is to ensure novel medicines reach patients suffering from rare diseases in every market across Europe and beyond. As such, the CHMP positive opinion takes us one step further in our unwavering pursuit of this important goal. No one facing such a monstrous disease should be left behind." Mr. Plich added, "Through this strategic partnership, Avanzanite is unlocking access to a potential new treatment for those affected by AK in 26 European countries previously unavailable to SIFI."

This CHMP opinion represents the culmination of more than 15 years of research by SIFI based on a comprehensive data package demonstrating AKANTIOR's quality, safety, and efficacy. In March 2024, results of the Orphan Drug for Acanthamoeba Keratitis (ODAK) pivotal 135-patient Phase III study were reported and published in Ophthalmology. The trial showed that 86,7% of patients receiving AKANTIOR were cured with a median time to cure of 4,1 months. Furthermore, 66,7% of patients treated with AKANTIOR achieved full vision restoration and only 7,5% required a cornea transplant.

Following the CHMP's recommendation to approve AKANTIOR for the treatment of AK, the European Commission (EC) will make its final Marketing Authorisation approval decision within approximately 2 months (currently expected in early August 2024). Meanwhile, AKANTIOR remains available through a pre-authorisation distribution program which, to date, has facilitated treatment access to more than 180 patients across 12 European countries.

Following the successful commercialization of Sibnayal,AKANTIOR will be the second rare disease medicine commercialized by Avanzanite, expanding the company's footprint across 26 European countries. In February 2023, Avanzanite announced its exclusive distribution agreement with Paris-based specialty pharmaceutical company Advicenne for Sibnayal, approved in the European Union for the treatment of children and adults with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), a rare genetic or acquired kidney disease. Avanzanite's dedicated team supplies Sibnayal across 8 countries.

ABOUT AVANZANITE BIOSCIENCE: Founded in 2022, Avanzanite is a privately-funded, commercial-stage, specialty pharmaceutical company solely focused on medicines for rare diseases. At Avanzanite we believe all patients should benefit from novel orphan or niche medicines regardless of where they live. Our vision is that no one is left behind when facing a debilitating rare disease. We also believe the people who have dedicated their careers to the research development of novel orphan or niche medicines deserve to witness their tremendous efforts impacting patients' lives the work of these heroes should not lie in vain. We make this happen by acquiring, licensing, or distributing approved or late-stage medicines for rare diseases and commercializing them even where nobody else will. Headquartered in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Avanzanite has commercial infrastructure and technical operations across Europe. Please visit www.avanzanite.com for additional information.

ABOUT ACANTHAMOEBA KERATITIS (AK): AK is a rare, severe, and progressive parasitic corneal infection caused by Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba. Urgent medical intervention is required as the disease often leads to blindness and eye loss. AK often requires single or multiple corneal transplant procedures with comparably low graft survival rates. Patients report unbearable pain and extreme light sensitivity and can rarely work or lead normal lives until symptoms resolve, leaving patients with trauma for life. While still very rare, the incidence of AK has grown rapidly in recent years. AK primarily affects contact lens wearers, accounting for 50% of blindness among them.

ABOUT AKANTIOR: AKANTIOR (polihexanide) is an anti-amoebic polymer that has been granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by both the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") and Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for AK. It acts on both the trophozoites and cysts of the protozoan Acanthamoeba. It is formulated at a unique high 0.8 mg/ml dose strength which makes it possible to administer through a validated and standardized, day-only protocol as monotherapy eye drops in single-dose containers. Polihexanide is also being developed by SIFI for the treatment of fungal keratitis for which indication it also has FDA ODD.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240602312116/en/

Contacts:

Adam Plich, Founder CEO

Avanzanite Bioscience B.V.

+31 20 301 21 13

media@avanzanite.com
BEIJING, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HyperStrong, a leader in energy storage system (ESS) integration and service provision, will showcase its 2024 energy storage products and solutions at booth number C3.171 in the ees Europe exhibition at The smarter E Europe taking place in Munich during June 19-21, 2024. HyperStrong's cutting-edge technologies and expertise provide professional solutions to help clients transition to a more sustainable and stable electricity system.

HyperStrong will showcase the full-stack energy storage technologies designed for all application scenarios:

The HyperBlock III liquid-cooling energy storage system is an innovative 5MWh model with an integrated liquid-cooling energy storage system, utilizing 314Ah large-capacity battery cells. The battery packs and string PCS are integrated into a single unit, making the system more efficient, more economical, and more intelligent for utility-scale energy storage support, such as frequency modulation, renewable energy distribution and storage, and for industrial scenarios such as high energy consumption industrial parks.

is an innovative 5MWh model with an integrated liquid-cooling energy storage system, utilizing 314Ah large-capacity battery cells. The battery packs and string PCS are integrated into a single unit, making the system more efficient, more economical, and more intelligent for utility-scale energy storage support, such as frequency modulation, renewable energy distribution and storage, and for industrial scenarios such as high energy consumption industrial parks. The long-lasting and reliable HyperCube II liquid-cooling outdoor cabinet is intrinsically safe with a reliable power supply thanks to semi-solid state battery application and intelligent HyperCloud Web/APP real-time monitoring. It can be used for commercial & industrial application, charging stations, oil fields, among others.

is intrinsically safe with a reliable power supply thanks to semi-solid state battery application and intelligent HyperCloud Web/APP real-time monitoring. It can be used for commercial & industrial application, charging stations, oil fields, among others. The all-in-one HyperCube Pro charging and storage system supports the six application scenarios of peak shaving and valley filling, demand control, station capacity expansion, virtual power plant, reactive power regulation, and backup power supply.

supports the six application scenarios of peak shaving and valley filling, demand control, station capacity expansion, virtual power plant, reactive power regulation, and backup power supply. Other products include the HyperCube Mini energy storage systems designed for safety emergency use and communication base stations, as well as residential energy storage system.

Leveraging advanced AI technologies to revolutionize the ESS, HyperStrong's full-stack solution is able to increase the discharge capacity of the ESS, ensuring that it can meet higher demand peaks more effectively, playing a crucial role in proactive safety management, identifying potential issues before they become problems and ensuring the system operates within safe parameters.

HyperStrong has made significant advances in international markets with multiple energy storage projects being delivered in Europe, the United States, and has local teams and service capabilities in multiple markets. The Company's utility-scale solutions facilitate clean energy adoption, boost renewable resource utilization, and minimize power fluctuations and grid impact. For commercial and industrial customers, HyperStrong's full-portfolio products optimize off-peak power usage to lower electricity costs, balance peak and valley loads, and reduce peak load capacity demand. This load shifting can delay the need for power distribution expansions, improving supply reliability. Equipped with intelligent operation and maintenance, comprehensive services can be delivered for installers and owners. The modular design, standardized components, and streamlined structure enable easy installation, allowing for expandable battery storage systems to balance energy loads effectively.

HyperStrong's Wind and Solar Energy Storage Project in Fuyang, Anhui Province has been shortlisted in the smarter E AWARD Outstanding Project category for 2024

In the Outstanding Projects category, HyperStrong impressed judges with exceptional solutions and products integrated into a renewable energy project. The project features HyperStrong's advanced 1500V high-voltage liquid-cooling ESS, which reduces footprint, enhances charging and discharging efficiency, and extends the battery cycle life of the storage system. It combines a 550MW wind farm, 650MW PV power station, and ESS to mitigate power grid volatility and improve power supply reliability. With a capacity to store up to 600MWh of electricity, the ESS can meet the annual electricity demands of over 90,000 households. The project adopts a new energy base development model that integrates wind power, PV, energy storage, efficiently utilizing these resources while managing coal mining subsidence areas. HyperStrong provides a core battery storage system for the project, ensuring reliable network connectivity with high-performance products and quality services. At the ess Forum on 19th June at The smarter E Europe, HyperStrong will present its innovative products and projects, offering insights on how it is driving the transition to clean energy systems.

For more information, please visit https://www.hyperstrong.com/.

About HyperStrong

Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. ("HyperStrong") is a leading energy storage system integrator and service provider. With over 12 years of R&D and experience garnered through more than 300 projects and over 15GWh of deployment, HyperStrong offers a full portfolio of energy storage products as well as one-stop solutions for the full spectrum of utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications. Having built four smart manufacturing bases, three R&D centers, two testing labs and a global marketing center, HyperStrong empowers clients worldwide to achieve their energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. According to a report unveiled by S&P Global, HyperStrong is ranked one of the top 5 energy storage system integrators worldwide in terms of project scale as of July 2023. In April 2024, HyperStrong ranked in the BloombergNEF Energy Storage Tier 1 list for Q2 2024.

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Orosur Mining Inc - Colombia update

Acquisition of MMA progressing

Final negotiations will extend into June

Company well advanced in preparations to reassume control of Project

Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or the "Company") (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI), announces an update on the status of the Company's flagship Anza Project ("Project") in Colombia.

The Project is the subject of an Exploration Agreement with Venture Option ("Exploration Agreement") with Colombian company Minera Monte Aguila SAS ("MMA"). MMA is itself a 50/50 joint venture between Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico") and is the Colombian vehicle by which these two companies jointly exercise their rights and obligations under the Exploration Agreement in respect of the Project. MMA is the current operator of the Project.

As announced on March 25th, 2024, Orosur entered into a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with MMA and affiliates of Newmont and Agnico, that provided for the acquisition of MMA, resulting in Orosur acquiring, directly or indirectly, a 100% legal and beneficial ownership of the Project ("Acquisition"). The proposed consideration for the Acquisition is a 1.5% net smelter royalty and deferred cash payments which are all wholly contingent on future production.

Discussions are progressing and negotiations and the finalisation of definitive documentation will extend into June. The Acquisition is subject to approval by the TSXV and compliance with certain Canadian securities laws, including Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), given that one of the parties is Newmont which is a 14% shareholder in Orosur (and therefore a related party under the rules for both the TSXV, AIM and MI 61-101).

Logistics and Planning

While final negotiations continue, the Company's technical and commercial teams have, over the last month, been undertaking the necessary planning and community consultation to allow it to reassume operatorship of the Project as quickly as possible after completion of the Acquisition.

For further information, visit www.orosur.ca, follow on X @orosurm or please contact:

Orosur Mining Inc

Louis Castro, Chairman

Brad George, CEO

info@orosur.ca

Tel: +1 (778) 373-0100

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP - Nomad & Broker

Jeff Keating / Caroline Rowe / Kasia Brzozowska

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3 470 0470

Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd - Joint Broker

Andy Thacker/James Pope

Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 0050

Flagstaff Communications

Tim Thompson

Mark Edwards

Fergus Mellon

orosur@flagstaffcomms.com

Tel: +44 (0)207 129 1474

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

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.

About the Anza Project

Anza is a gold exploration project, comprising three exploration licences, four exploration licence applications, and a small exploitation permit, totalling in aggregate 207.5km2 in the prolific Mid-Cauca belt of Colombia.

Orosur's interest in the Anza Project is currently held via its subsidiary, Minera Anza S.A.

The project is located 50km west of Medellin and is easily accessible by all-weather roads and boasts excellent infrastructure including water, power, communications and large exploration camp.

The Anza Project is subject to an Exploration Agreement with Venture Option dated September 7th, 2018, as announced on September 10th, 2018, between Orosur's 100% subsidiary Minera Anza S.A ("Minera Anza") and Minera Monte Aguila SAS ("Monte Aguila"), a 50/50 joint venture between Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico").

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the exploration plans in Colombia and the funding of those plans, finalisation and execution of definitive agreements relating to the Acquisition; completion of the acquisition to re-assume 100% of the Anza Project, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. The Company's continuance as a going concern is also dependent upon its ability to obtain adequate financing, to reach profitable levels of operations and to reach a satisfactory implementation of the Creditor's Agreement in Uruguay. These material uncertainties may cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and accordingly the appropriateness of the use of accounting principles applicable to a going concern. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, successful negotiation and execution of definitive documents relating to the Acquisition, approval of the TSXV, reliance on exemptions from shareholder approval of the Acquisition, and those other risks and uncertainties described in Section "Risks Factors" of the Company's MD&A for the year ended May 31, 2023. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Orosur Mining Inc

View the original press release on accesswire.com
New hire Tobias Weidner to join the Industrial and Business Services team and current Managing Director Jake Strauss to lead a new European Healthcare team; together they will accelerate the growth and momentum of the firm's existing European business.

LONDON and BERLIN, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor, announced today the addition of two Managing Directors to its European business: Tobias Weidner and Jake Strauss. They will strengthen the firm's European business by adding experienced leadership to Industrial and Business Services and the newly formed Healthcare team, working alongside the existing Technology & Telecoms, Financial Services and Capital Solutions teams.

Tobias Weidner joins Warburg Pincus from Bain Capital where he most recently worked in Germany as a Partner in the global private equity team, leading Industrial Technology, Transportation and Aerospace and Defense. Having been an active and highly respected investment advisor in Industrials over the last decade, he brings deep sector expertise and an extensive industry network. At Warburg Pincus, he will work with the Industrial and Business Services team, led by David Reis, a Managing Director in Europe, with a particular focus on the DACH region but with a wider European remit.

Since inception, Warburg Pincus has invested over $20 billion in 126 Industrial and Business Services companies, including Duravant, Pregis, Sundyne and TransDigm. Tobias will leverage the firm's existing strong global franchise and will focus his advice on investment opportunities within the Industrial Automation and Technology, Aerospace and Defense industries.

Jake Strauss will lead Warburg Pincus' newly formed European Healthcare investing team which will operate as part of Warburg Pincus' global healthcare effort, led by TJ Carella, Managing Director, and Head of Healthcare. Jake is a Managing Director with 14 years of experience at the firm as an active investment advisor across the Healthcare and Energy sectors. He has advised on investments including Aetion, Ensemble Health Partners, Helix and the START Center for Cancer Research and has been involved with the firm's historical investments in Accriva Diagnostics, Bausch & Lomb, and ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services.

Warburg Pincus has invested over $18 billion in more than 186 innovative healthcare and life sciences companies around the world, including Bausch + Lomb, Ensemble Healthcare Partners, Global Healthcare Exchange, Modernizing Medicine, and Sotera Health. The firm has also notably been active in the European healthcare market including recent investments in Polyplus, Simtra BioPharma Solutions, Norstella and the START Center for Cancer Research. Warburg Pincus believes that strong macro-economic and demographic drivers and the rapid deployment of new technology are transforming the healthcare sector, creating significant investment opportunities in businesses that drive improved patient outcomes and reduce costs to the healthcare system.

"We are delighted that Tobias and Jake will be joining our European Warburg Pincus team. They bring deep sector expertise and broad experience that will add greatly to our existing capabilities," said Andrew Sibbald and Rene Obermann, Managing Directors, and Co-Heads of Europe. "Warburg Pincus was one of the first global private equity firms to launch in Europe and we have a long history of partnering successfully with growth businesses in the region. Tobias and Jake join a business with real momentum as we seek to cement our position as the long-term partner of choice for companies looking to grow, transform, and scale their businesses in each of our four coverage sectors."

"I am excited to be joining the Warburg Pincus team," said Tobias Weidner. "Now is a pivotal moment in the Industrials sector as businesses rapidly need to adapt to a technology driven future and I believe that Warburg Pincus is a well-placed investor who can offer a partnership to founders and management teams that is built on long term impactful support which provides the guidance and capital they need.'

"Warburg Pincus' healthcare business is a best-in-class platform, and we have been a very active investor in the sector globally," said Jake Strauss. TJ Carella added, "We are excited for Jake to lead our European healthcare efforts as we build upon our recent successes in Europe and leverage our global franchise to continue to identify compelling investment opportunities across the sector."

Warburg Pincus is one of the leading global growth investors in Europe and one of the first to invest in Europe in 1983. In Europe, the firm has invested more than $15 billion in over 126 companies across 23 European countries. It has one of the largest pools of available growth equity capital in Europe and partners with industry-leading management teams seeking to build, transform and scale businesses that have the potential to create long-term sustainable value.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global growth investor. The firm has more than $81 billion in assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 250 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Since its founding in 1966, Warburg Pincus has invested more than $116 billion in over 1,000 companies globally across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact

Jenna Ward | Head of Communications, Europe

T: +44 7570 844 338

E: Jenna.Ward@warburgpincus.com

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Norrland Gold Corporation ("Norrland" or "the Company", (TSXV:NORR)(Frankfurt Exchange:8VC) is pleased to announce that the ground magnetic survey previously undertaken defined a magnetic anomaly, overlapping with a major geochemical anomaly, at Vittantrasket, which may indicate the existence of pyrrhotite and thereby potential orogenic gold mineralization.

The environmental permitting has finally moved forward and this anomaly will now be the subject of shallow exploratory drilling to investigate the geology below recent glacial moraine cover.

The Vittantrasket tenement is covered by one of the most substantial soil geochemical gold anomalies in Sweden; a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction (figure 1). Similar gold-soil geochemical anomalies are located at known deposits, such as at the famous mined-out Boliden gold mine, which suggests Vittantrasket may be comparable.

A significant north-south trending magnetic high anomaly is partly overlapping the area covered by anomalous gold-in moraine samples, taken during the widely spaced regional surveys of the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU). Moraine is un-sorted boulder debris, left behind by the glaciation of northern Europe approximately 10,000 years ago. Since that time, the moraine has been in-situ and subjected to natural geochemical processes. The moraine cover is substantial in the gold-prospective region in northern Sweden; thus, potential exists for previously un-discovered deposits.

A shallow sub-surface scout drilling program will be undertaken by conventional track-mounted drilling equipment. The first exploratory drill holes will be placed along a logging road drilling bedrock to interpret the geology, and if successful, an additional five holes will follow.

Anders West, CEO, commented:

"The geophysical anomaly coupled with the geochemical anomalies upon which Norrland based the acquisition of Vittantrasket is a major step forward and reinforces our belief that the potential remains for a significant new gold discovery to be found under moraine cover. These largely unexplored terranes are what Norrland is focusing on. The upcoming drilling program presents the opportunity to understand the geological structures below surface which could set the pace for further exploration work and further drilling".

NORRLAND GOLD CORP.

Anders West, CEO

Qualified Person: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release, pertaining to the Vittantrasket, has been reviewed and approved by Douglas J. Kirwin, who served as the qualified person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

Please visit us at www.norrlandgold.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. 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 realities may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

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.

SOURCE: Norrland Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Current COO and CFO Stephen Joseph appointed Chief Executive Officer Tim Bleakley to become Chairman upon transition in January 2025

LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Outdoor, the digital out of home (DOOH) advertising company, today (3 June) announced that Stephen Joseph, Ocean's COO and CFO, has been appointed the Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2025. Stephen will succeed Tim Bleakley who will become Chairman of Ocean's Board of Directors upon the transition as part of a long-planned CEO succession process.

Stephen joined Ocean in 2009 and has helped guide the Company's development into the dynamic DOOH leader that it is today.

Tim, incoming Chairman, said: "It has been a privilege to lead the Ocean team over the last 14 years, and I am incredibly proud of the tremendous progress that Stephen, the team and I have achieved together, including becoming a world recognised brand with best-in-class technology and premium locations in key markets.

"As we enter the next stage of our journey, now is the right time for a transition of leadership. Stephen is a proven leader with deep expertise in the outdoor advertising business, and he is the right person to lead Ocean in the company's next phase of growth. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and the Board to ensure a seamless transition and execute on our ambitious plans."

Stephen added: "I am honoured to assume the Group CEO role of Ocean, a company that has been synonymous with innovation and challenging the status quo, creating iconic and award-winning moments and campaigns in iconic locations through the art of outdoor.

"Under Tim's leadership, Ocean has grown and pushed boundaries across the media landscape. As we move into an exciting new chapter for Ocean, we will continue to evolve by drawing on the same ethos, creativity and culture that's driven our success for so many years. I want to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to work together in our new roles starting next year."

Melissa Bethell, current Board Chair of Ocean, added: "On behalf of Atairos, Ocean's majority owner, and the full Ocean Board, I would like to thank Tim for his leadership and many contributions to Ocean over his tenure. Tim oversaw Ocean's transformation from a start-up of nine people into a creative force and DOOH leader across seven European countries, including most recently expanding into Germany, one of Europe's largest media markets."

Melissa concluded: "Tim has worked closely with the full Board to develop a thoughtful and robust succession plan, for which we are immensely grateful. Under Stephen's leadership and with Tim's continuing guidance as Board Chairman, we are confident that Ocean's best days lie ahead."

About Ocean Outdoor

A partner company of Atairos, an independent strategic investment company, Ocean Outdoor is the leading operator of digital out of home (DOOH) advertising across the UK, Northern and Continental Europe. The Group's network of 4,000+ screens covers seven countries and 353 cities, with its technological capabilities delivering the most impactful and measurable DOOH brand and advertising experiences.

Ocean's portfolio comprises of some of the most iconic locations including the Piccadilly Lights and the BFI IMAX and the company also works closely with high-profile landlords, including Landsec, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the BFI, Nuveen and the Canary Wharf Group, as well as major city councils on the development of its network.

To date the Group's growth has been driven by tender wins and the rollout of new locations, as well as acquisitions that complement the existing portfolio. Since 2018, Ocean has completed seven acquisitions which has enabled it to expand its UK footprint into the Netherlands and the Nordics. Ocean Outdoor Germany was launched this year.

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UK merchants using DNA Payments' POS have started to accept direct payments from 14 e-wallets and banking apps, enabled by Alipay+.

Over 50,000 UK merchants will allow global tourists to conveniently pay with their preferred home e-wallets and access special promotions.

UK-based fintech DNA Payments has grown its portfolio of POS alternative payment methods by launching Alipay+, a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation technology solutions operated by Ant International.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528928233/en/

Image source and credit courtesy of DNA Payments

Alipay+ will allow over 50,000 UK merchants using DNA Payments' POS terminals to accept direct payments from global tourists, mostly from Asia, quickly and conveniently, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel and more. At launch, users of 14 Alipay+ partner e-wallets will be able to make mobile payments with their enabled home e-wallets at hospitality merchants including Boisdale restaurant group, Lochside House Hotel Spa Lodges, and Durrants Hotel during the initial pilot scheme, ahead of completion in June.

Consumers can make payments by simply scanning a QR code displayed on a DNA Payments' POS terminal to complete their transaction using their mobile payment apps. This supports a seamless buying experience for international visitors to the UK and enables merchants to better engage with their customers using DNA Payments' POS solutions.

Among the 14 e-wallets and banking apps partnering with Alipay+ at launch are Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch 'n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad (Malaysia), Hipay (Mongolia), GCash (The Philippines), OCBC Digital and Changi Pay (Singapore), TrueMoney (Thailand), Tinaba (Italy) and Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss Pay (South Korea).

Introduced by Ant International, Alipay+ provides worldwide coverage, enabling 88 million merchants to connect with over 25 e-wallets and banking apps globally, offering a smooth and secure payment experience with access to promotions, benefits and services from merchants around the world.

JP Lips, CEO at DNA Payments, said: "The UK is a popular destination with Asian visitors for leisure, study, or work, who prefer to pay in ways they are familiar with. Retailers, F&B companies, and hospitality businesses can materially increase their sales by accepting international e-wallets like Alipay, MPay and TrueMoney. Our role as DNA Payments is to make this as easy as possible for businesses of all sizes with no extra terminal, tracking all payment methods through one portal, seamless funding, and settlement. And we facilitate the registration of Alipay+ automatically for our clients, enabling simple unified payments."

Arif Babayev and Nurlan Zhagiparov, Co-Founders of DNA Payments, added: "Being an innovator in the UK's digital economy for secure mobile payments is a key driver to our success in the payments space. Working with partners like Alipay+ moves us forward as leaders by example to serve our merchants, partners and their consumers within sectors such as tourism, F&B, hotels hospitality and retail for non-cash, quick, simple and unified payments."

Pietro Candela, General Manager of Europe at Alipay+, commented: "We're delighted to partner with DNA Payments to enable businesses of all sizes to access the Alipay+ suite of cross-border payment and tech solutions, enabling them to easily receive direct payments from international visitors to the UK, particularly in sectors including hospitality, travel and tourism."

About DNA Payments

DNA Payments brings "Simple Unified Payments" to businesses that care deeply about their customers' experience.

Its enhanced modern end-to-end payments platform utilises an in-house gateway, a proprietary acquiring platform, and a network of integrations to deliver simple and reliable acceptance.

Businesses receive the ultimate choice and conversion with an easy-to-use, interconnected portal that gives absolute control of their payment stack, with solutions for Ecommerce checkouts, POS, and Pay by Link, as well as a range of card acceptance and alternative popular payment methods such as Alipay. Every payment is connected via a Common Token, enabling effortless tracking of customer journeys.

With headquarters in London and several hubs across the UK, DNA Payments is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide payment services under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. dnapayments.com

About Alipay+

Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solutions that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payment and a broad choice of deals using their preferred payment methods while travelling abroad. Small and medium-sized businesses may use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528928233/en/

Contacts:

DNA Payments

John Morrison

john.morrison@dnapaymentsgroup.com

Alipay+

Joshua Way

Joshua.Way@AntGroup.com
Programme delivered in partnership with the Texas Medical Centre

Programme will support Aurase Wound Gel for future entry into US market, advancing SolasCure's mission to transform chronic wound care for millions of patients worldwide

SOLASCURE Ltd (SolasCure), a biotechnology company developing a novel treatment to transform chronic wound care, today announced it has been selected for Innovate UK's Global Incubator Programme in Houston, US. The programme, which is focused on commercialising innovative solutions for unmet healthcare needs, is delivered in partnership with the Texas Medical Centre (TMC), the largest medical complex globally. The programme will support the future entry of Aurase Wound Gel, SolasCure's first investigational product for the treatment of millions of patients with chronic wounds worldwide, into the US market.

SolasCure is one of 16 healthcare companies selected for the Global Incubator Programme in Houston. The Company's participation in the programme builds on the recent European Innovation Council's Accelerator Grant and Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Grant wins to further advance the development of Aurase Wound Gel.

The 6-month Global Incubator Programme is fully funded by Innovate UK and includes two intensive market visits to Houston, a dynamic health research hub with over 1,760 life science companies, healthcare facilities and research institutions. These visits will focus on customer discovery, mentorship, and investor networking, including engagement with hospital administrators, procurement, and reimbursement professionals, to support the future entry of Aurase Wound Gel for the US market.

"It is a real boost to our journey at SolasCure to be selected for this Global Incubator Programme, continuing the momentum from our recent EIC Accelerator and the BMC grant wins. This represents another key piece of industry validation and recognition by TMC/TMC-Innovation, global leaders in medical innovation, that SolasCure has the potential to address a huge unmet need," commented Lee Harle, Chief Executive Officer of SolasCure.TMC is the largest medical complex in the world and gaining access to this expertise and network will be invaluable in strengthening our plans for SolasCure and Aurase Wound Gel in the US."

For more information about SolasCure, please visit: https://solascure.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603567614/en/

Contacts:

Sarah Jeffery

Zyme Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 7771 730919

Email: sarah.jeffery@zymecommunications.com
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Candida (the "Company" or "ZC ") an Israeli FemTech medical device start-up is pleased to announce that it is in the process of applying to the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada to list its shares at a proposed valuation of 40 million Canadian dollars.

About Zero Candida:

ZC is a private FemTech technology company incorporated under the corporate laws of the State of Israel. ZC is developing an AI smart tampon-like device based on AI on a therapeutic light source with a selected wave-length and intensity that can treat the Candida fungus with successfully of 99.999% an POC. Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis ("VVC") affects about 75% of women globally, each year 138 million women are affected world-wide and 492 million over their lifetime. Recurrent VVC (4 or more episodes per year) is increasingly documented to become drug resistant to existing treatments and constitutes up to 10% of the cases of VVC. Existing treatments are unable to overcome the high rate of recurrence, since the root cause of the condition is poorly understood and addressed.

ZC has signed pre-clinical agreements with hospitals in Israel and Europe and the company has successfully completed a safety trial for the use of a pre-clinical device in large animals (sheep) ZC continues the development of the final product for human use in preparation for a clinical trial that took place in June 2025.

Zero Candida's device will bring the field of gynecology into the 21st century with hybrid medicine and technology-based diagnostics. At the same time as developing the treatment procedure, Zero Candida is working on creating a technology to enable the hybrid medicine services to be provided by gynecologists to populations that until now received no treatment at all, including, among others, in the developing countries.

Summary of Transaction

Pursuant to the business combination agreement (the "Agreement") between a Canadian reporting issuer (the "Reporting Issuer") and the Company, the transaction is expected to be contemplated by a three-cornered amalgamation, where the Reporting Issuer's wholly owned Israeli subsidiary incorporated solely for the purpose of the transaction, is expected to amalgamate with ZC. Each holder (each a " ZC Shareholder") of ZC Share, other than a ZC Shareholder who exercised Dissent Rights (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law) is expected to receive 8.6277 eight and six thousand two hundred seventy seven ten-thousandths) shares in the capital of the Reporting Issuer (each a "Resulting Issuer Share") in exchange for each ZC Share held by such ZC Shareholder, resulting in the Company issuing up to an aggregate of 12,223,232 Resulting Issuer's Shares (which will represent approximately 85.94% of the issued and outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares, without taking into consideration any ZC share purchase warrants to be exercised immediately prior to completion of the Transaction, stock options or a concurrent financing). Additionally, the holders of stock options of ZC will be entitled to receive Resulting Issuer Shares, instead of ZC Shares, on the exercise of their options.

Eli Ben Haroosh, Founder & CEO: "Zero-Candida's technology is a game changer that will change the treatment of women and FemTech industry in the world. Zero Candida's technology, first of its kind using a controlled "Blue Light", destroys the fungus at record speed and without side effects. The treatment is carried out by a tampon-like medical device which, according to medical experts, provides an optimal solution for removing the fungus altogether, preventing the recurrence of the disease. Another significant advantage of the Zero Candida device is treatment without side effects, in a world where many of us try to improve our health without the use of chemicals. We foresee an amazing future for Zero Candida in the medical devices' world. Zero Candida has a potential to become a technological leader and using its ground-breaking technology to expand boundaries of non-chemical candida treatment".

Dr. Asher Holtzer, Director: "the invention of Zero Candida can potentially become a game changer in the world, the company brings amazing news to FemTech women's care and can become a leader in women's health all over the world. According to studies in the world, 3 out of 4 women, approximately 75%, suffer during their lifetime from Candida disease, a fungal infection that attacks large parts of the female reproductive system, which causes significant damage to the quality of life and, in severe cases, even disability. Until now, the common treatments for candida included antifungal drugs that alleviated the symptoms but failed to solve the problem at its root".

Contact:

Eli Ben Haroosh, CEO & Founder

E: info@zero-candida.com

Website : www.Zero-Candida.com

Facebook: @Zero-candida

Neither the TSXV 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 press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required by law. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Zero Candida. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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A rendering depicts the intersection of Lower Great Highway and Judah Street  with the N-Judah turnaround shown  with a theoretical Great Highway Park between Lower Great Highway and Ocean Beach. CMG Landscape Architecture

San Franciscos Board of Supervisors recently approved the permanent closure of a significant portion of the Great Highway to car traffic. The move was necessitated by the erosion of our coast due to the climate crisis  making the area unsafe to continue serving as a roadway.

Decommissioning a street in an era of budget woes could easily become an exercise in utilitarianism; close the area to cars and let nature run its course.

Thankfully, that wont be the case here.

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The portion in question  which spans between Sloat and Skyline boulevards, along the west side of the San Francisco Zoo and Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant  is set to be transformed into a park that will include a multiuse promenade for people to enjoy and additional public restrooms.

Renderings for this transformation recently drew excitement from the local community and the city at large. They should inspire us to think of other spaces in San Francisco that we can reimagine for more productive uses.

As luck would have it, we dont have to look far.

In April 2020, the entirety of Upper Great Highway was closed to car traffic and opened to people 24 hours a day. This space  affectionately known as Great Highway Park  was recognized by the New York Times as one of 52 Places for a Changed World and a must-go destination, pointing the way for post-pandemic urbanism.

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The tremendous and global enthusiasm for Great Highway Park was particularly noteworthy because the parks potential was never fully realized; it remained a lifeless roadway, often covered in sand.

Imagine what the space could become with some love and effort.

Renderings from CMG Landscape Architecture can do just that.

A rendering depicts a neighborhood connection with a street in a potential Great Highway Park alongside Lower Great Highway in San Franciscos Outer Sunset neighborhood. CMG Landscape Architecture

A new full-time park will allow for the installation of permanent infrastructure and amenities to improve the space: seating, tables, shading, childrens play equipment, restrooms and accessible ramps to the beach  to mention a few. It would also immediately increase access and accessibility to the coast and the beach, and allow city and state agencies to proactively restore dunes, protecting homes and businesses from sea level rise.

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The renderings  and the vision for the park  were informed by years of research and planning, and conversations with community members about the benefits that a full-time Great Highway Park could provide for residents of the Sunset and the rest of the city, and future generations and visitors to San Francisco.

These depictions are just one vision for Great Highway Park. A vast array of possibilities for the space exist. However, most were eliminated in August 2021, when city officials prohibited people from using Upper Great Highway as a park and allowed cars on the space from Monday at 6 a.m. through Friday at noon.

The park is still open to people from Friday at noon through Monday at 6 a.m. plus select holidays. But the potential for the public space remains capped so long as it continues to serve primarily as a roadway for private cars.

So, lets uncap it.

We know that Great Highway Park is wildly popular with the public. In November 2022, San Francisco voters rejected Proposition I  which would have mandated car traffic on Upper Great Highway 24 hours a day  65% to 35%. Prop I was also soundly rejected 57% to 43% by Outer Sunset voters, the people who live closest to Upper Great Highway and will benefit the most from a full-time Great Highway Park.

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In April, California Coastal Commission staff published a report detailing how, even in its limited form, Great Highway Park has increased equitable access to the coast and the beach  including for people with disabilities and families with strollers  while sufficiently redistributing car traffic to Lower Great Highway and Sunset Boulevard, a six-lane roadway that can handle an uptick in car traffic. Whats more, the report refutes claims by Great Highway Park opponents that closing the Upper Great Highway to cars negatively affects beach dunes, roadway safety, parking, access for low-income residents and local businesses, and response times for emergency vehicles.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

During a meeting on May 9, Coastal Commission Chair Caryl Hart praised the Great Highway Park for its ability to bring people together in a joyful way in a beautiful space along the coast, Vice Chair Linda Escalante called it a fabulous project and Commissioner Justin Cummings said it is a benefit to not only the community but our climate.

With so many clear-cut reasons to create a new oceanfront park  and a vision in hand for what that park could become  the question we should be asking is, What are we waiting for?
ST. LOUIS, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today announced planned executive leadership changes at its Weetabix and Refrigerated Retail businesses. These transitions and internal promotions are part of the company's ongoing business succession planning.



Weetabix

Sally Abbott, Managing Director, will transition to a strategic advisor role effective Oct. 1, 2024, through her planned retirement on March 31, 2025. Colm O'Dwyer, currently Commercial Director for Weetabix, will succeed Abbott as Managing Director, effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Abbott joined Weetabix in 2008 as Marketing Director, prior to Post's ownership which began in 2017. She stewarded Weetabix's brands for nine years, leading the organization through a variety of external economic challenges. Under her leadership, Weetabix acquired Lacka Foods in 2022 (UFit) and Deeside Cereals in 2023.

O'Dwyer joined Weetabix in 2016 from Coca-Cola Enterprises in the U.K., eventually becoming General Manager of the Weetabix On-The-Go business. In 2018, O'Dwyer became Commercial Director, and he added responsibility for Weetabix's international business in 2022. O'Dwyer transformed Weetabix's pricing and promotion strategy, evolved the company's approach to customer relationships and reinvigorated Weetabix's international strategy.

"Sally has been an exceptional leader, helping to successfully integrate Weetabix into Post and building on the success of this iconic company," said Post's President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert V. Vitale. "We wish Sally the best as she approaches her next chapter and congratulate Colm on his new role. Colm's experience across innovation, brand management, revenue growth and customer relationships makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Weetabix."

Abbott and O'Dwyer will continue working closely together through March of next year to ensure a smooth business transition. Weetabix is currently evaluating candidates to backfill the Commercial Director role vacated by O'Dwyer's promotion.

Refrigerated Retail

Mark Delahanty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Post Refrigerated Retail, will transition to a strategic advisor role on Dec. 1, 2024, through his planned retirement date of May 31, 2025. Mike McCoy, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Post Refrigerated Retail, will succeed Delahanty as President and CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Delahanty joined Post Holdings in 2016 with the acquisition of MOM Brands, where he served as Senior Vice President, General Manager from 2013 to 2018. He then served as Chief Operating Officer of the newly formed Post Consumer Brands from 2018 to 2019, where he was instrumental in the integration of the two companies. During his tenure with Refrigerated Retail, Delahanty has focused on building internal capabilities and leading the organization through the pandemic.

McCoy brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role at the helm of Refrigerated Retail, having served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2019. McCoy started his career as a leader in the advisory practices of EY and Deloitte, working with publicly traded and privately held companies across a variety of industries. During this time, he first started working with Post as a client, before transitioning into Post as Vice President of Internal Audit in 2014. McCoy played a critical role in the successful onboarding of Post's acquired companies. Following Post's acquisition of Bob Evans Farms in 2018, McCoy joined Bob Evans Farms as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing Finance, Information Technology, Legal and Human Resources.

"Mark's leadership has significantly contributed to Post's success through the years, first integrating our cereal businesses and then leading our Refrigerated Retail business," Vitale said. "We wish Mark well in his upcoming retirement and are excited to transition leadership of the business to Mike. Mike has grown his career through a variety of critical business areas within Post and will bring valuable leadership experience and enthusiasm to Refrigerated Retail."

Delahanty and McCoy will continue working closely together through May 2025 to ensure an orderly transition of the business. Adam Gonsiorowski, with Bob Evans Farms since 2014 and in his current role as Vice President of Finance since 2019, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer on Oct. 1, 2024, reporting to McCoy.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal and pet food categories and also markets Peter Pan peanut butter. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. Post participates in the private brand food category through its ownership interest in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:

Media Relations

Tara Gray

tara.gray@postholdings.com

(314) 644-7648

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/385172fc-f18e-4ead-a276-31b4dab0501c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f66536b-712c-4146-8d73-5b575fbead94

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c33ea78-0c50-4b95-a2f0-7ee45d455eef

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Successful first-in-human study shows YCT-529 is safe

2024 BIO International Convention-YourChoice Therapeutics, Inc., pioneering hormone-free family planning products, has completed its first-in-human clinical study for YCT-529, designed to be the first hormone-free birth control pill for men. YourChoice Therapeutics CEO Akash Bakshi will present the results of the phase 1a study at the 2024 BIO International Convention on June 4 at 10:45 PDT.

"We're one step closer to delivering the world's first male birth control pill," said YourChoice Therapeutics chief science officer Nadja Mannowetz. "While the road to FDA approval for any new drug candidate is long, we're very pleased with the speed, efficiency, and enthusiasm for YCT-529's first-in-human study. The findings are powerful validation that YCT-529 is safe and well tolerated in men and lays a favorable foundation for further studies."

Innovation in birth control has been stagnant since the female birth control pill ("the Pill") debuted 65 years ago. Since then, all new birth control options, except for the copper IUD, have relied on dosing women with hormones to prevent pregnancy. Importantly, there have been no new options for men, reinforcing the view that pregnancy prevention is "a woman's job." A birth control pill for men that's hormone-free is a transformative innovation for a very deserving healthcare segment. In YCT-529's phase 1a study, researchers studied doses up to 180 mgs, finding that all were safe and well tolerated. The next study will investigate multiple ascending doses (MAD) in a larger participant pool. YCT-529's preclinical studies showed it was 99% effective and 100% reversible with no side effects.

"The Pill turns 65 next year, marking more than a half-century of hormonal birth control with no new options for men to reduce the hormonal burden on their partners," said Stewart McCallum, MD FACS, chief medical Officer for YourChoice Therapeutics, Inc. "This lack of modernization would be unacceptable in any area of healthcare and motivates us to advance YCT-529, which is on track to be the first hormone-free male birth control pill. The success of our phase 1a study is an important milestone on the path to delivering innovation in birth control that will benefit men and women alike."

YCT-529 is a retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR-alpha) inhibitor, which prevents sperm production by blocking access to vitamin A in the testes. Researchers discovered this mechanism of action in the 1930s after discovering that depriving mice, rats, and monkeys of vitamin A caused infertility. Since that time, decades of published studies have validated the pathway.

"Women's narrowing reproductive rights offer potent fuel to the fire driving male contraceptive candidates," said YCT-529 Developer Gunda Georg, regents professor at the University of Minnesota's College of Pharmacy and founding director of the Institutes for Therapeutics Discovery and Development. "Numerous published studies and surveys show that the world wants and needs more male contraceptive options. We also can't deny that women are tired of bearing the burden of hormones. I'm very pleased by the speed and efficiency of YCT-529's first-in-human study and feel confident that future studies will demonstrate similar success. Society is ready for a male contraceptive, and we applaud the organizations that recognize this and support our efforts to deliver the first hormone-free male birth control pill."

Quotient Sciences, based in the UK, conducted the phase 1a study, which began in December 2024.

About YCT-529

Researchers have understood for decades that vitamin A is essential for male fertility. YCT-529 is a retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR-a) inhibitor that prevents production of sperm cells in the testes as well as their release by blocking RAR-alpha (one of three nuclear receptors that bind retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A). Preclinical studies have shown that YCT-529 is 99% effective at preventing mouse pregnancies and 100% reversible. YourChoice Therapeutics developed YCT-529 in collaboration with Dr. Gunda Georg, a globally recognized medicinal chemist and awardee of one of the largest NIH-funded Contraceptive Centers. The Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) has been committed to funding the early research and YCT-529's phase one clinical trial in men. More information about the trial can be found at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06094283.

About YourChoice Therapeutics

YourChoice Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing the first hormone-free birth control pill for men. Based in San Francisco, the company is advancing the only male pill in human studies. Preclinical studies showed YCT-529 performed as effectively or better than the female birth control pill. Future programs will apply the company's patented therapeutic platform to develop hormone-free family planning products for women. Established in 2018, the company received a $15M Series A investment in 2022. For more information, visit www.yourchoicetx.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603886060/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Shanti Skiffington

shanti@samvegepr.com

617.921.0808
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2024) - GoGold Resources Inc. (TSX: GGD) (OTCQX: GLGDF), a company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico., is pleased to announce that it will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event of the North, ("THE Event") taking place June 4-6, 2024 in Quebec City at the Centre des congres de Quebec.

Brad Langille, President & CEO, will be presenting at 11:30AM ET on June 4th. Management from GoGold Resources Inc. will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference.

Investors are invited to contact Jennifer Choi at jchoi@irinc.ca to inquire about registering to attend.

About GoGold Resources Inc.

GoGold Resources is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com.

Steven Low

Corporate Development

416-855-0435

steve@gogoldresources.com

THE Event is invitation only - Interested investors & issuers please go here: https://www.themininginvestmentevent.com/register or contact Jennifer Choi, jchoi@irinc.ca

The latest Agenda, Brochure, participating companies, speakers & panelists may be found here: https://themininginvestmentevent.com.

About THE Mining Investment Event of the North - Canada's Only Tier I Global Mining Investment Conference is held annually in Quebec City, Canada. THE Event is independently sponsored and designed to facilitate privately arranged meetings between mining companies, international investors, and various mining government authorities and provides a platform to hear from some of most influential thought leaders in the sector. THE Event is committed to promoting diversity, equality issues and sustainability in the mining industry via education and innovation through its unique Student Sponsorship and SHE-Co Initiatives.

SOURCE: VID Media
Potential best-in-class ATR inhibitor tuvusertib being explored in Phase II combination clinical studies; recently licensed PARP1 inhibitor M9466 to be evaluated in Phase Ib combination dose-finding studies

Potential first-in-class anti-CEACAM5 ADC with an exatecan payload, M9140, which entered Phase Ib in colorectal cancer this year, to be explored in other CEACAM5-expressing tumors beginning in 2025

First-in-class anti-GD2 ADC M3554, leveraging company's novel exatecan-based technology, set to enter first-in-human study in adults in 2024 and in pediatric patients in 2025

Not intended for Canada-, UK-, or US-based media

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today shared updates on the company's oncology pipeline and focused approach to the research and development of potential new medicines designed to improve the futures of people with cancer. This year, the company plans to open multiple new Phase Ib and II clinical studies for tuvusertib and M9466, key assets from its broad portfolio of DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors; has advanced its lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), M9140, to Phase Ib based on positive signs of clinical benefit, and plans to expand to additional tumors; and progress M3554, its next ADC based on the company's proprietary exatecan-payload platform, into clinical development. These and other updates were shared at the company's Oncology R&D Update Call.

"The advancements in our strong early-stage clinical pipeline of ADCs created with our in-house platform and DDR inhibitors are grounded in encouraging data, particularly for M9140 and tuvusertib. The addition of M9466 to our pipeline further supports our focus on synergistic approaches in oncology, with the potential for combination with tuvusertib as well as with multiple other modalities," said Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business sector of Merck. "With our preclinical research programs in ADCs, DDR inhibitors, next-generation immuno-oncology compounds and oncogenic signaling assets, we are well-positioned to continue to fuel our clinical development efforts as we work to improve the futures of people touched by cancer."

Realizing the Full Potential of DNA Damage Response Inhibition

The company's leading pipeline of DDR inhibitors is being investigated across core hypotheses including synthetic lethality, activation of immune response, and synergy with cytotoxic drugs, to identify relevant combinations and understand which cancers are most likely to respond to different treatment regimens. Four investigational DDR inhibitor medicines in clinical trials include:

Tuvusertib (M1774), a potentially best-in-class small-molecule oral inhibitor of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase;

M9466, a next-generation potent and selective PARP1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) inhibitor, recently licensed from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Hengrui);

Lartesertib (M4076), an ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase inhibitor; and

Peposertib, a DNA-PK inhibitor.

Recently presented data lay the foundation for combination Phase II studies with tuvusertib. Data from DDRiver 301 Part B presented today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting show the ability to combine tuvusertib at a predicted efficacious dose with the PARP inhibitor niraparib, as well as encouraging activity in PARP-pretreated ovarian cancer. These findings complement data for the first-in-class tuvusertib and lartesertib combination first presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 in April. The company is exploring tuvusertib across three Phase II studies:

Ongoing Phase Ib/II DDRiver NSCLC 322 study (NCT05882734) in combination with cemiplimab in ICI-resistant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with biomarker stratification;

Recently opened Phase II DDRiver EOC 302 study (NCT06433219) of tuvusertib plus lartesertib or niraparib in biomarker-selected PARP-resistant ovarian cancer; and

Recently opened Phase II JAVELIN DDRiver Bladder study (NCT06424717), in combination with BAVENCIO (avelumab) in ICI-resistant advanced urothelial cancer.

For M9466 (also known as HRS-1167), data presented during the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting from Hengrui's first-in-human clinical trial show a favorable safety profile and promising efficacy in PARP-naive, PARP-sensitive tumors, supporting Merck's plans to further develop this investigational medicine in various combinations. The recently opened DDRiver 501 study (NCT06421935) will evaluate M9466 in combination with tuvusertib in solid tumors with relevant mutations and/or prior PARP inhibitor exposure, with a focus on castration-resistant prostate and ovarian cancers. The clinical development program will build on the company's expertise in genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers and aims to expand the list of indications beyond the tumors shown to be sensitive to first-generation PARP inhibitors.

Driving Innovation in Antibody-Drug Conjugates

The company has developed a proprietary technology platform for the creation of exatecan-based ADCs, with M9140 the first of these to enter clinical development. M9140 utilizes an antibody specific for CEACAM5, which is highly expressed in several tumor types, and an exatecan payload joined by a -glucuronide linker that is specifically cleaved in tumors, releasing the cytotoxic agent into the cells. In preclinical research, M9140 has shown high bystander activity, as exatecan released in the target tumor cells can kill these cells and also permeate the cell membrane to induce cell death in neighboring cells. First-in-human data from the PROCEADE-CRC-01 clinical trial presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting show encouraging clinical activity and a manageable and predictable safety profile for M9140 in this population. Following the completion of the ongoing dose-optimization part, the company plans to assess combinations in colorectal cancer with standard-of-care agents with alternative scheduling options. A basket trial planned to launch in early 2025 will further explore M9140 monotherapy in tumors with high CEACAM5 expression, with the potential for further exploration in various combinations.

M3554 is the next ADC based on the company's platform, linking an exatecan payload with an anti-GD2 antibody. This potentially first-in-class ADC will enter its first-in-human study later in 2024. M3554 will be evaluated in patients with solid tumors with high GD2 prevalence, such as neuroblastoma, where GD2 has been validated as a target as a naked antibody, as well as soft tissue sarcoma, glioblastoma, and osteosarcoma.

ADCs are one of several modalities being explored in preclinical research. By maximizing the exatecan platform, delivering next-generation cytotoxins and targeted payloads, expanding into novel antigens, and discovering immune agonist ADCs, the company anticipates expansion in the organic clinical ADC portfolio over the next several years.

Guided Approach to External Innovation

Recent agreements continue to support the company's oncology strategy, guided by focus areas across research, development, and commercialization. These collaborations align with the company's goal of driving over 50% of launches in the coming years with external innovation. In addition to the agreement with Hengrui for M9466, the company has executed agreements with Caris Life Sciences to support target discovery that may accelerate discovery and development of first-in-class ADCs; with Inspirna, for ompenaclid, a first-in-class compound being investigated in colorectal cancer, complementing the company's expertise in this tumor type; and with Abbisko Therapeutics Co. Ltd., for pimicotinib, for which the Phase III study in tenosynovial giant cell tumor recently completed enrollment.

Advancing the Future of Cancer Care

At Merck, we strive every day to improve the futures of people living with cancer. Our research explores the full potential of promising mechanisms in cancer research, focused on synergistic approaches designed to hit cancer at its core. We are determined to maximize the impact of our standard-of-care treatments and to continue pioneering novel medicines. Our vision is to create a world where more cancer patients will become cancer survivors. Learn more at https://www.merckgrouponcology.com/en/home.html.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck generated sales of 21 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240531201218/en/

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NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management consulting and strategy advisory firm, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Ness Digital Engineering (Ness), a global full-lifecycle digital services transformation company, in its acquisition of Intricity. Intricity, a New York-based company, is a specialized technology service companies in business intelligence, data strategy and warehousing, and information management with a core focus in the financial services marketplace.

This acquisition strengthens Ness' data offerings, which their global Fortune 1000 clients have been leveraging, to establish new revenue streams and improve operating efficiencies. Intricity's strategic partnerships with industry leaders Snowflake and Databricks, and its robust data and advisory capabilities, bolster Ness' already formidable presence in the data engineering space.

"Ness has always had a strong capability in data engineering, and the acquisition of Intricity brings the data strategy and advisory capability. Furthermore, Ness will build on Intricity's strategic alliances with Snowflake and Databricks," said Ranjit Tinaikar, CEO, Ness Digital Engineering. "We are excited to welcome Intricity's talented team to Ness, combining our strengths to deliver even greater value to our clients."

Anand Kalra, Principal at Zinnov, remarked, "Data modernization and monetization, particularly in the Databricks and Snowflake ecosystems, are witnessing increased demand and heightened M&A activity. Ness' timely and highly strategic acquisition is something we are excited to have supported. We believe that the trend of companies acquiring specialized firms focused on data management and modernization will persist, leading to sustained, robust M&A activity in this space for the foreseeable future."

About Zinnov

Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a global management and strategy consulting firm in New York, Santa Clara, Houston, Seattle, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, and Paris. Over the past 22 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises to develop actionable insights to help them accelerate their technology journeys to create value - across dimensions of revenue, transformation, and optimization. With core expertise in Digital Engineering Talent, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by:

Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Intelligent Automation, Cloud, IOT, etc.;

Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes;

Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory;

Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering talent footprint through center setups and accelerators - in an as-a-service model, as well as optimizing their global portfolios, to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity;

Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation.

With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India.

For more information, visit http://zinnov.com.

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By Mary Riddle

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / TriplePundit

Originally published by TriplePundit

The growing popularity of avocados in the United States has created an economic boom across all parts of the fruit's value chain. In fact, imports of Mexican avocados added over $6 billion in gross domestic product to the U.S. economy in 2022 alone, according to a recent report. The avocado industry in Mexico also supports approximately 78,000 direct and permanent jobs and more than 300,000 indirect and seasonal jobs.

While farm workers play a crucial role in the avocado's journey from orchard to table, thousands of buyers, packers, marketers and logistics professionals are just as critical to the industry's growing success.

The farm-to-table journey

For Ricardo Vega, avocados are a piece of home. He comes from a family of avocado growers in Michoacan, Mexico, the center of global avocado production. His father started one of the first commercial avocado orchards in Michoacan in the 1960s, complete with a packing house and distribution center.

?

Vega followed in his father's footsteps and built a thriving distribution center in the heart of the world's largest avocado growing region. "I am fortunate," Vega said. "The vast majority of avocado growers don't get to see where their product goes after the packing house. For me, it is amazing to see the products we grow go from the orchard all the way to the stores and to the consumers."

The journey starts in Michoacan's orchards. "We have a team of buyers who visit orchards to select the fruit with the best quality," Vega explained. After the buyers make their picks - all while the avocados are still on trees - a picking crew harvests each batch and transfers them to the packing house.

"We work hard to avoid waste from the moment of harvest," Vega continued. "You cannot export fruit that touches the ground, because there is the risk of dents and contamination. We process 500 tons of avocados per week. If even 5 percent of that fruit touched the ground, we could be wasting [approximately] $30,000 of avocados."

Once the avocados arrive at the packing house, they are cleaned, disinfected and inspected by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials. The avocados are then graded by size and quality before being stored in a cold, climate-controlled space. There, they await transport and distribution. "Everything is selected and packed by hand," Vega said. "It's an artisanal process."

Growing healthy avocados for a healthy planet

Improving operational sustainability is critical for all parts of the avocado industry's supply chain. Vega's company has implemented several sustainable practices, such as using recycled packaging and disinfecting produce with UV lights to reduce water use. His packing house is also zero-emissions and utilizes solar arrays and energy-efficient equipment, Vega said. "We know we have to keep working on issues such as forest management, water and climate change so we can keep growing avocados sustainably in the long run," Vega shared.

Food loss and waste accounts for approximately 6 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions globally, which is why finding innovative solutions is key for any company in the food sector. "Each company has its own strategies to avoid waste," Vega explained. "However, we have implemented a very strict process of controls from the orchard to the transportation to avoid loss." While there is some food loss in the packing house, his team utilizes the waste to make compost for the orchards and avocado oil for the beauty industry, he said.

Community impact

Vega counts the continued development of the avocado industry and the growth of both his company and community as his most important measures of success. "Twenty-five years ago, the price for 1 kilo of avocados was 15 cents. Now, it is $1.50 to $2. This has grown our community life in a way that can't be quantified," he said.

The economic boom has allowed Vega to invest in his employees and the broader community. That includes providing benefits for employees who stay with the company over the long-term. When employees have been with the company for more than eight years, they are eligible to participate in a program that covers the costs of home improvements. The company also provides scholarships to elementary and middle-school students, as well as supports a home for senior citizens.

"Since Michoacan has been able to export avocados to the world, it has drastically changed the quality of life in Michoacan and in avocado-growing communities," Vega said. He noted that 25 years ago, Michoacan was one of the top three Mexican states sending migrants to the U.S., but job opportunities and an increasing quality of life has allowed residents to stay.

"People have opportunities now in the avocado industry. They don't migrate for work in other places. It is noticeable in our community, and in our quality of life, even if it is not measurable."

While Vega followed his father into the avocado sector, he is now passing his love for the business to his son. "I have been in this line of work since it started, and now my son is a part of the family business as the third generation of avocado growers and packers in our family," Vega reflected. "For us, in this industry, every day is different, but that's what makes it fun."

This article series is sponsored by the Avocado Institute of Mexico and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

(Image: JackF/Adobe Stock)

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from TriplePundit on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: TriplePundit

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/triplepundit

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: TriplePundit

View the original press release on accesswire.com
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

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REDDING, Calif., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Meticulous Research-a leading global market research company, published a research report titled, 'Online Language Learning Market by Learning Mode (Self-learning Apps & Applications, Tutoring), Age Group, Language (English, Mandarin, Spanish), End User (Individual Learners, Educational Institutions), and Geography-Global Forecast to 2031,' the online language learning market is projected to reach $44.9 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

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The growth of the online language learning market is driven by globalization and the growing need for cross-border communication, the growing e-learning market, and the penetration of artificial intelligence in e-learning. However, data security and privacy concerns restrain the growth of this market.

Furthermore, the increasing expenditure on the education sector, rising penetration of the internet and smartphone user base, and increasing preference for multilingual employees by multinational companies are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. However, high implementation costs are major challenges impacting market growth. Additionally, the flexible pricing structure and introduction of wearable technologies are prominent trends in the online language learning market.

The online language learning market is segmented based on learning mode (self-learning apps and applications and tutoring), age group (13 years, 13-17 years, 18-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, and >40 years), language (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and other languages), end user (individual learners, educational institutes, government institutes, and corporate learners), and geography. The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyses the regional and country-level markets.

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Based on learning mode, in 2024, the self-learning apps and applications segment is expected to account for the larger share of 66.2% of the online language learning market. The segment's large market share can be attributed to the increasing adoption of self-learning apps and information & communication technology (ICT) in educational institutions, the increasing accessibility to higher education opportunities, a rising demand for immersive and practical language practice, the growing digitalization of educational content, an expanding user base of mobile phones, the easy availability of language learning apps, online courses, and virtual tutors, and a growing demand for personalized and flexible language education experiences. Also, the self-learning apps and applications segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on age group, in 2024, the 13-17 years segment is expected to account for the largest share of 28.4% of the online language learning market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing importance of language learning for higher education, the significance of language learning in self-development, and preparation for competitive examinations and education abroad.

However, the <13 years segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the growing significance of learning a language at a young age, easy accessibility and better user interface for online language learning platforms, and the growing trend of gamification in language learning.

Based on language, in 2024, the English segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.6% of the online language learning market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing priority for English in business & professional areas, rising investments in start-ups & small companies teaching English, the growing number of English language learners worldwide, and the increasing emphasis on learning English in schools and educational institutions.

However, the Spanish segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the high popularity of the Spanish language in many countries and it being the 3rd most widely used language on the internet. All such factors, along with the increasing need for convenient and adaptive language learning solutions and a growing number of Spanish speakers and learners, represent an increased demand for online language learning solutions.

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Based on end user, in 2024, the individual learners segment is expected to account for the largest share of 48.8% of the online language learning market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the widespread adoption of smart devices, increasing access to the internet, online language learning providers' increasing live content transmission on the internet to enhance brand engagement and reach students, the proliferation of social media platforms, and the presence of numerous well-established language learning sites. Moreover, this segment is also expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on geography, in 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 46.5% of the online language learning market, followed by Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The Asia-Pacific online language learning market is estimated to be worth USD 6.0 billion in 2024. The market growth in Asia-Pacific is driven by government initiatives to strengthen national education networks, the growing government focus on the education sector, rapidly developing economies, and increasing disposable incomes leading to increased internet penetration, which are propelling the demand for online language learning in the region. Moreover, this region is also projected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The key players profiled in the online language learning market include Babbel GmbH (Germany), Duolingo, Inc. (U.S.), ELSA Corp. (U.S.), Enux Education Limited (China), Mango Languages (U.S.), Rosetta Stone LLC (U.S.), Open Education LLC (U.S.), New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (China), Berlitz Corporation (U.S.), McGraw Hill LLC (U.S.), Cambly Inc. (U.S.), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (U.S.), Cambridge University Press & Assessment (U.K.), Busuu Limited (U.K), inlingua International Ltd. (Switzerland), Transparent Language, Inc. (U.S.), The British Council (U.K), ATI STUDIOS A.P.P.S. S.R.L (Mondly) (Romania), and Memrise Limited (U.K.).

Browse In-depth Report Now- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/online-language-learning-market-5025

Scope of the report :

Online Language Learning Market Assessment -by Learning Mode

Self-learning Apps And Applications

Tutoring One-on-One Learning Group Learning



Online Language Learning Market Assessment -by Age Group

<13 Years

13-17 Years

18-20 Years

21-30 Years

31-40 Years

>40 Years

Online Language Learning Market Assessment -by Language

English

Spanish

French

Mandarin

German

Japanese

Italian

Arabic

Korean

Other Languages

Online Language Learning Market Assessment -by End User

Individual Learners

Educational Institutes K-12 Higher Education

Government Institutes

Corporate Learners

Online Language Learning Market Assessment -by Geography

Asia-Pacific China Japan India South Korea Indonesia Australia & New Zealand Taiwan Hong Kong Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Rest of Asia-Pacific

Europe Germany France Italy U.K. Spain Russia Poland Netherlands Sweden Austria Belgium Switzerland Finland Norway Turkey Ireland Luxembourg Rest of Europe

North America U.S. Canada

Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America Mexico Brazil Chile Argentina Colombia Peru Rest of Latin America



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Related Reports:

Language Learning Market by Age Group (<18 years, 18-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, >40 years), Language (English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese), End User (B2C, B2B), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2030

Language Learning Apps Market by Offering, Learning Mode (One-on-one, Group), Age Group, Language, End User (Individual Learners, Educational Institutes, Government Bodies, Corporate Learners), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2030

English Language Learning Market by Methodology (Blended Learning, Offline Learning, Online Learning), Learning Mode, Age Group, End User (Individual Learners, Educational Institutes, Government Bodies, Corporate Learners), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

Online Language Tutoring Market by Learning Mode (One-on-one, Group), Age Group (<18 Years, 18-20 Years), Language, End User (Individual Learners, Educational Institutes, Government Bodies, Corporate Learners), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2030

Related Blogs:

Top 10 Companies in Online Language Learning Market

Globalization and the Growing Need for Cross-border Communication Driving Online Language Learning Market Growth

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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Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 03

For immediate release

3 June 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 174,990 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 832.32 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 43,415,799; 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 181,575,504.

The figure of 181,575,504 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
DENVER, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Varana Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Sagi Dagan as Senior Advisor to the Chai 10X Fund, an Israeli resilience fund forged in the wake of the October 7th attacks. With a vision to invigorate the Israeli tech ecosystem, the Chai 10X Fund sets out three core objectives, each in perfect alignment with Sagi's unparalleled expertise:

Invest in the Israeli Ecosystem: The Chai 10X Fund is committed to deploying capital to exceptionally promising Israeli companies. As the former Chief Strategist and Acting Chairman of Investment Committees for the Israeli Innovation Authority, Sagi brings extensive experience in investing in Israeli VC backed companies. Dagan has overseen billions in direct investments across hundreds of startups in Israel.

Provide strategic help to our portfolio companies: Chai is committed to providing both capital and substantial value to portfolio companies. Sagi's background in corporate development at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, where he led renewable energy and deep-tech R&D initiatives, aligns perfectly with this philosophy. His deep understanding of the Israeli startup landscape and strategic experience will add to our already robust efforts in this area. We anticipate the magnitude of our successes to be amplified further.

Collaboration with Government Officials: The fund aims to work hand in hand with government officials to devise innovative economic solutions that propel Israel's tech sector forward. Sagi Dagan, leveraging his expertise as the former Director and Economic Advisor at the National Economic Council at the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel, brings invaluable experience in designing national initiatives and spearheading strategic endeavors in the hi-tech and venture capital realms.

Ezra Gardner, Varana Capital Co-Founder and CIO, expressed his confidence in Sagi Dagan, stating, "Today will go down as a pivotal moment in the execution of Chai's mission to be soldiers for the Israeli economy. We believe that Sagi's unmatched experience in building the IIA is something all Israeli focused funds would be honored to have and I am proud that he has chosen Varana's Chai 10x Fund. With his guidance and expertise, we are poised to not just meet but exceed our goals. Today, Israel represents the most attractive investment environment we have ever seen globally."

Sagi Dagan adds, "I am delighted to join Varana Capital's Chai 10X Fund, where our combined expertise will create powerful synergies to advance Israeli startups and the broader ecosystem. My passion for nurturing innovation and enhancing economic resilience aligns perfectly with the Fund's mission. Together, we will leverage our strengths to provide essential support, build transformative partnerships, and develop pioneering strategies that will drive Israeli technology and entrepreneurship to unprecedented success."

About Varana Capital: Founded in 2012 by Philip Broenniman and Ezra Gardner, Denver-based Varana Capital, LLC, focuses on investing in and actively engaging with public and private companies worldwide. The firm partners with visionary leaders to foster global impact. For more information, please visit Varana Capital's website or connect with us on LinkedIn .

Media Contact: Email: kmj@varanacapital.com

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Supervisor Dean Preston was legally entitled to block conservative journalist Susan Dyer Reynolds from his Twitter account, the 9th Circuit ruled Monday. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston was legally entitled to block conservative journalist Susan Dyer Reynolds from his Twitter account, where she had repeatedly criticized him, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

Recent Supreme Court decisions on public officials use of social media platforms support Prestons argument that he was speaking for himself, not the city, when he blocked Reynolds publication, the Marina Times, from access to his online account in 2020, said the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The court did not say whether Reynolds might have been able to show that her rights were violated. But with no clearly established law demonstrating that Preston was acting illegally as a public official, her suit against him must be permanently dismissed, the three-judge panel said. The judges, Lucy Koh, Holly Thomas and Roopali Desai, were all appointed by President Joe Biden.

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Preston was first elected in 2019 as supervisor for District 5, which includes portions of the citys Panhandle, Haight-Ashbury, Western Addition and Tenderloin neighborhoods. A self-described democratic socialist, he is seeking another term in November and faces opposition from centrist candidates who include entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood and Autumn Looijen, a leader in the February 2022 recall of three left-leaning school board members.

In a December 2022 lawsuit, Reynolds accused Preston of violating her First Amendment rights by blocking the Marina Times from the Twitter account he maintained to communicate with constituents. Her lawyers said Preston was acting out of anger at Reynolds criticism of his policies, including his advocacy of cuts in funding to police and prisons.

Preston said he acted not because of personal criticism, but because the Marina Times tweeted a threat of physical harm to my family.

He was referring to Reynolds June 2020 Twitter postings that asked him, Do you have a child? and added, Hope he doesnt let them out at night by themselves after he gets rid of the entire SFPD and abolishes prisons. She punctuated the latter tweet with the hashtag #PrestonsPurge, which Preston said was a threat to his family.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick III refused to dismiss Reynolds suit. But the appeals court said the Supreme Court changed the legal standards with its ruling in March.

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In a unanimous decision, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said public officials, while bound by the First Amendment when acting on behalf of the government, are also private citizens with their own constitutional rights, including free speech.

They are speaking for the government, she said, only when they are making official announcements authorized by law, or when they have indicated they were speaking as an official and have been recognized to have that authority.

Reynolds lawyers argued that Prestons conduct should be judged by the legal standards in effect when she sued him. In any event, they said, the supervisor was using his online platform to bring attention to his legislative initiatives; advocate for his preferred public policies; criticize citizens, policies, elected officials, and dissenting views; engage in online and in-person organizing in connection with his political agenda.

The city attorneys office, representing Preston, countered that the supervisor had made it clear on the Twitter account, which he suspended last year, that the views expressed were his own. And the appeals court said the legal standard cited in Reynolds suit had been revoked by the Supreme Courts ruling.

Preston welcomed Mondays ruling. Reynolds attempted to incite violence against my family, he said in a statement, and Im grateful that the appellate court followed the law and directed the dismissal of this frivolous case.

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Regulatory News:

emeis (Paris:ORP) announces that it has signed a sale and lease back agreement on a real estate portfolio of three nursing homes in Ireland with Healthcare Activos for a purchase price of c. 56 million. The divested portfolio includes three recently built nursing homes with a total capacity of 332 beds, in the areas of Portmarnock, Portlaoise and Kilkenny.These three facilities will be operated by emeis Ireland.

Laurent Guillot, Chief Executive Officer of emeis, commented: "Shortly after signing a real-estate disposal agreement in the Netherlands, we are actively implementing our asset ownership strategy. These new operations enable us to be on track with our planned trajectory of 500 million euros of real estate disposals per year up to 2026 and are also aimed at reducing the Group's holding rate of operated assets to 20 to 25% in the medium term, thereby strengthening the Group's financial structure. We are seeing a return to real estate transactions on the part of certain investors, which gives us confidence in our target of 1.5 billion euros of disposals by 2026. The signing of long-term leases is evidence of this confidence and of our determination to expand in key markets such as Ireland."

Jorge Guarner, Chairman of Healthcare Activos, commented: "We are very honored to continue our long-term partnership with emeis across Europe with its renewed ownership and strong business acumen in such a critical and sensitive sector for society as Care and Dependency. This transaction highlights Healthcare Activos' key investment fundamentals, partnering with emeis to develop future-proofed critical infrastructure in carefully selected catchment areas with guaranteed healthcare needs in the long-term. It also marks our entry into the Irish market, whose long-term fundamentals are very solid, and where we intend to gradually expand our presence over the coming years."

About emeis

With nearly 78,000 experts and professionals in healthcare, care, and supporting the most vulnerable among us, emeis operates in around twenty countries with five core activities: psychiatric clinics, medical care and rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home care services, and assisted-living facilities.

Every year, emeis welcomes around 283,000 residents, patients, and other beneficiaries. emeis is committed and taking action to rise to a major challenge facing our society, i.e, the increase in the number of people placed in a vulnerable position as a result of accidents, old age, or cases of mental illness.

ORPEA S.A., the Group's parent company, is 50.2% owned by Caisse des Depots, CNP Assurances, MAIF, and MACSF Epargne Retraite. It is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (ISIN: FR001400NLM4) and is a member of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices.

Website: www.emeis.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603014972/en/

Contacts:

Press

Isabelle HERRIER NAUFLE

Medias e-reputation Director

+33 7 70 29 53 74

isabelle.herrier@emeis.com

IMAGE 7



Charlotte LE BARBIER //

Laurence HEILBRONN

+33 6 78 37 27 60 //

+336 89 87 61 37

clebarbier@image7.fr //

lheilbronn@image7.fr

Investor Relations

Benoit LESIEUR

Investor Relations Director

benoit.lesieur@emeis.com

Toll-free number for shareholders (from France Only)

0 805 480 480

NEWCAP

Dusan ORESANSKY

+33 1 44 71 94 94

EMEIS@newcap.eu
Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben?



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At ASMS 2024, SCIEX, a global leader in life science analytical technologies, launches the SCIEX 7500+ system, the newest mass spectrometer in the SCIEX quantitative portfolio, building upon a legacy of reliable, sensitive quantitation. While sensitivity is critical to solve the most impactful analytical challenges, scientists are under pressure to meet deadlines faster and to quantify from increasingly various and complex sample types. The SCIEX 7500+ system delivers both sensitivity and resilience when scientists need it most.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603002122/en/

The SCIEX 7500+ system (Photo: Business Wire)

The SCIEX 7500+ system offers increased resilience across a large suite of sample types and workflows, and improved user-serviceability.

Mass Guard technology is a new proprietary technology that includes the ability to actively filters out potentially contaminating ions. It reduces the risk and frequency of instrument contamination, helping to maintain the highest sensitivity for up to 2X as long compared to existing SCIEX technology, particularly when running complex matrices. DJet+ assembly is fully removable, allowing front-end serviceability so customers can maximize the uptime of their systems. At 800 MRM per second, the SCIEX 7500+ system is the fastest SCIEX Triple Quad to date. This increases the scope for large quantitation panels that need to incorporate new compounds of interest, improving the overall productivity of the lab. Supported by new functionality in SCIEX OS that allows users to track instrument performance and automate decision making, reducing the potential for failed batches and repeat measurements. Compatibility with dry roughing pumps can reduce electricity consumption by 24% relative to oil-sealed pumps.

"Over the years, we have worked with experts in the field and innovated various breakthrough quantitative solutions. We have seen demand increase for testing on more and more sample types at high sensitivity. The SCIEX 7500+ system meets these needs by ensuring the highest performance can be maintained for longer and across these increasingly complex matrices," said Joe Fox, President at SCIEX.

Learn more about the SCIEX 7500+ system by visiting www.sciex.com/7500plus.

About SCIEX

SCIEX empowers our customers to solve the most impactful analytical challenges in quantitation and characterization. With groundbreaking innovation and outstanding reliability and support, SCIEX has been at the forefront of the field for over 50 years.

Since the launch of the first-ever commercially successful triple quadrupole in 1981, we continue to develop technologies and solutions that influence life-changing research and outcomes. That's why thousands of life science experts around the world choose SCIEX to get the answers they can trust.

Advances in human wellness depend on the power of precise science.?

For more information, visit sciex.com.

Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.?

SCIEX is proud to be part of Danaher.

Danaher's science and technology leadership puts SCIEX solutions at the forefront of the industry, so they can reach more people. Being part of Danaher means we can offer unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise and solutions to our customers. Together with Danaher's other businesses across Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Life Sciences, we unlock the transformative potential of cutting-edge science and technology to improve billions of lives every day.

The SCIEX clinical diagnostic portfolio is For In Vitro Diagnostic Use. Rx Only. Product(s) not available in all countries. For information on availability, please contact your local sales representative or refer to www.sciex.com/diagnostics. All other products are For Research Use Only. Not for use in Diagnostic Procedures.

Trademarks and/or registered trademarks mentioned herein, including associated logos, are the property of AB Sciex Pte. Ltd. or their respective owners in the United States and/or certain other countries (see www.sciex.com/trademarks).

2024 DH Tech. Dev. Pte. Ltd. MKT- 31792.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603002122/en/

Contacts:

Lulu VanZandt

Senior Manager, Brand, Public Relations and Social Media

lulu.vanzandt@sciex.com

M: +1 (508) 782-9484
Today, invoX Pharma Limited ("invoX"), a research-driven global biopharmaceutical company with an advancing pipeline of innovative products, has presented updated findings from its ongoing phase 1 study of FS222, an investigational CD137/PD-L1 bispecific antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumours. These data demonstrated encouraging anti-tumour activity in multiple tumour types with a manageable safety profile. These preliminary findings were presented today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Chicago as an oral presentation during the Development Therapeutics Immunology Session.

FS222 is a novel tetravalent bispecific antibody, using invoX's proprietary Fcab platform technology, that drives PD-L1 dependent CD137 agonism. The data presented today are from 100 subjects in the ongoing first-in-human (FIH) dose-escalation phase 1 clinical trial of FS222 (NCT04740424) in patients with advanced solid tumours. The study is designed to evaluate safety and identify the maximum tolerated dose, with secondary objectives related to anti-tumour activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.

As a monotherapy dosed once every 4 weeks, FS222 increased T cell proliferation and intratumoural CD8+ T cell infiltration across a wide range of doses. The rate of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was generally dose dependent. Overall, TRAEs were consistent with the intended dual mechanism of action of CD137 agonism and PD-L1-blockade and were generally manageable and reversible. Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 36/100 subjects, with the most common including increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.

In the study, FS222 demonstrated encouraging anti-tumour activity in multiple tumour types. Responses (as defined by RECIST1.1 criteria) were observed in cutaneous melanoma (n=9), ovarian cancer (n=2), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n=2), and one each for mucosal melanoma, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), mesothelioma and MSS colorectal cancer. The rate of disease control (defined as the rate of complete responses, partial responses and stable disease combined) was 45.0% for all patients in the study.

In 19 patients with metastatic/advanced cutaneous melanoma previously treated with a PD-1 antibody the overall response rate (defined as the rate of complete responses and partial responses combined) was 47.4% and the disease control rate was 68.4%.

Elena Garralda, MD, MSc, Director of Early Drug Development at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, said: "While there have been great advances in immuno-oncology research, existing treatments continue to face challenges with response rates and duration of response, especially in treatment-resistant cancer. The opportunity to target multiple complementary immune mechanisms with a single agent is very exciting and has significant potential to address an unmet need for patients. These results for FS222 are really encouraging and should be studied further, as they show a promising anti-tumour effect with a manageable safety profile."

Ben Toogood, Chief Executive Officer at invoX, said: "We are encouraged by these results and are impressed by the preliminary anti-tumour activity observed with FS222, especially in melanoma patients previously treated with a PD-1 antibody. There is an urgent need for innovative immuno-oncology treatments for patients with treatment-resistant cancers. We see significant potential for FS222 in this area and will continue to investigate FS222 further, with the aim of providing benefit to patients in the future."

Ben added: "These data also provide important validation of our antibody platform. We are excited about the potential to utilise our proprietary CD137-agonist domain from our Fcab platform in additional bispecific antibodies targeting multiple tumour types and patient populations."

Enrollment in this phase 1 study of FS222 is ongoing and the study is exploring additional FS222 dose optimization.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603068133/en/

Contacts:

Joseph Delahunty, Communications Lead

joseph.delahunty@invoxpharma.com
Global Business Leaders Convene in Exclusive Sanctuary for Critical Discussions

ACH Group and S&P Global are pleased to invite global business leaders to a two-day workshop on critical social and business issues, hosted by S&P Global at its New York headquarters on June 4th and 5th.

Now in its 45th year, Bruce Piasecki's AHC Group, Corporate Affiliate Program has brought global business leaders and change agents together in a private trusted sanctuary of expertly facilitated discussion on the most critical social and business issues. Explore this opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with 40-50 global leaders.

Please find registration link and workshop agenda in details:

https://events.spglobal.com/event/d6be7cd2-4f02-4d8e-ba78-c30f19c73c8f/summary?RefId=Sales%2FRM

About ACH Group:

AHC Group, a leading management-consulting firm with over 30 years of experience, is emerging as a key player in the corporate responsibility consulting landscape. Founded in 1981, AHC Group offers specialized expertise in critical areas like corporate governance, energy strategy, product development, and environmental sustainability.

AHC Group distinguishes itself by its unique approach, which integrates these diverse domains to address critical issues like sustainability, enterprise risk management, and fostering innovation. Their extensive experience conducting workshops allows them to connect companies with top candidates for advisory councils, ensuring effective guidance on these crucial matters.

"The Group possesses the proven expertise and experience to empower companies in tackling corporate responsibility challenges," emphasizes Bruce Piasecki Founder of ACH Group. "We are a valuable partner in establishing and optimizing Sustainability Advisory Councils (SACs) as part of a comprehensive corporate responsibility strategy."

The firm's demonstrated strength lies in analyzing the social impact on businesses and leading the way in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and climate adaptation strategies. This positions AHC Group as a trusted advisor for companies seeking to navigate the increasingly complex realm of corporate responsibility.

About Bruce Piasecki:

New York Times bestselling author Bruce W. Piasecki (born 1955) explores a critical intersection in his latest book, Wealth and Climate Competitiveness: The New Narrative on Business and Society. A former corporation founder and environmental advocate, Piasecki brings his expertise to this thought-provoking work.

Wealth and Climate Competitiveness argues that outdated mindsets have hampered progress on climate action. Piasecki identifies five key prejudices that have persisted from the 20th century, hindering effective solutions. The book proposes a new narrative, demonstrating how both private and corporate wealth can be leveraged to achieve climate competitiveness. For mo

Through insightful analysis, Piasecki explores the crucial link between economic prosperity and environmental responsibility. Readers gain valuable perspectives on navigating this complex landscape and fostering a sustainable future.

Contact Dr. Bruce Piasecki, Bruce@Ahcgroup.com, or Chris Carr at ccarr@c2-e2.com, with any questions

SOURCE: ACH Group

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the official opening of the Harajuku store, Jo Malone London hosted a launch party. Inviting friends of the brand and names of note including actor and model Shohei Miura, DJ twins Aya and Amiaya, Harajuku fashion icon Baby Mary and actors Tao Okamoto and Nobuaki Kaneko for an evening of olfactive discovery and exploration. Hosted by Jo Dancey, Senior Vice President, Global General Manager, Wandjina, Global Creative Director and James Aquilina, Executive Officer and President, Jo Malone London Japan, shared both the concept of the store design and strategic importance of the Japanese consumer before exploring the immersive touchpoints.

Jo Malone London is delighted to officially launch its new Japanese flagship store in Tokyo's trendsetting Harajuku district in the same year that it celebrates its 15-year anniversary in Japan. Joining over 50 stores in Japan, the latest opening from the British fragrance and lifestyle house is its largest store in the world to date -where visitors can expect a one-of-kind experience.

Inspired by a very British sensibility, the world of Jo Malone London is cherished around the globe, in locations far and wide. The brand's focus on quality ingredients, beautiful craftsmanship, attention to detail, unique storytelling and meticulous service has always been highly regarded in Japan, whose culture is built upon the same values. The new Harajuku store draws on this synergy, as well as Japan's reputation for forward-thinking design, encouraging a playful approach to discovering fragrance.

Throughout the 2,540sq ft space, there's an emphasis on hands-on exploration - whether through a cabinet of curiosities, or statement unique displays, such as an opulent-yet-imperfect chandelier and a bespoke interactive shell phone. In a nod to Japan's youthful celebration of unique, individual style, there are also personalisation services that feature a global preview of the brand's new suite of personalisation options, including select pieces exclusively designed for the Harajuku space with a limited-edition tote bag, postcard designed by artist Amyisla McCombie and two exclusive colognes inspired by Japanese ingredients with a Nashi Blossom 100ml Cologne and Cherry Blossom 100m Cologne, complete in a specially designed story box featuring kawaii illustrations.

A series of installations, interactive moments and scented experiences including a Cologne Intense Room and scented clouds, designed to take visitors on a personalised journey to discover scent for themselves, loved ones or their homes. From a castle display designed by friend of the brand, Academy Award and BAFTA winning artist Shona Heath. This includes a menu of five special services focusing on Cologne Intense, Scent Layering, home, gifting, and the men's edit. Engaging customers' senses through a series of original and novel approaches, in spaces created specifically for each complimentary service, Stylists help individuals discover the expertise behind Jo Malone London fragrances while sharing scented stories that speak to their specific tastes and needs.

For images, please click here:

Follow Jo Malone London on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest @JoMaloneLondon JMLHarajuku JoMaloneLonodn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jo-malone-london-hosts-grand-opening-event-for-new-flagship-store-in-tokyo-302162289.html
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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Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (the "Company") today announces that it will hold its first annual meeting of stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") on December 5, 2024 as the successor registrant of Ferguson plc, subject to the consummation of the Merger (as defined below), and announces the appointment of Rekha Agrawal and Richard ("Rick") Beckwitt to the Company's board as non-employee directors ("NEDs").

"We are delighted to welcome Rekha and Rick to the Board," said Geoff Drabble, Board Chair of Ferguson Enterprises Inc. "They bring significant operational and leadership experience, creating value for large publicly listed companies operating in the U.S. Their industry knowledge and experience will serve the Company and its shareholders exceptionally well in the future."

Appointment of Directors

Ms. Agrawal has extensive operational industry experience and has served as Operating Partner at Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners Inc. since February 2021. Prior to this, she served as Vice President and General Manager of Fire Suppression Products at Johnson Controls International plc. between 2017 and 2021, and as Vice President and General Manager of the Water and Mechanical Segment at Tyco Fire Protection Products from 2015 to 2017. Ms. Agrawal has served on the board of directors of Chicago Parking Meters since April 2021, of SpecialtyCare since January 2022, and of Crowley Wind Services Holdings since March 2024.

Mr. Beckwitt is a highly talented and seasoned executive with decades of experience leading, operating, and managing the two largest homebuilding companies in the United States. Mr. Beckwitt retired as the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN) in September 2023, positions he held since November 2020. He joined Lennar in March 2006 as an Executive Vice President, became President in April 2011 and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in April 2018. He also served on the Lennar board of directors from April 2018 until September 2023. Mr. Beckwitt served on the board of directors of D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE: DHI) from 1993 to November 2003. From 1993 to March 2000, he held various executive officer positions at D.R. Horton, including President of the company. From March 2000 to April 2003, Mr. Beckwitt was the owner and principal of EVP Capital, L.P., the General Partner of D.R. Horton's Encore Venture Partners, a venture capital company. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Beckwitt worked in the Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Finance Departments at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Beckwitt has served on the board of directors of Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE: EXP) since September 2014 and served on the board of directors of Five Point Holdings, LLC from May 2016 to June 2020.

Ms. Agrawal and Mr. Beckwitt will be compensated in accordance with Ferguson plc's compensation program applicable to non-employee directors, which the Company intends to adopt in connection with the Merger. In connection with their appointments, Ms. Agrawal and Mr. Beckwitt will enter into a NED appointment letter and standard indemnification agreement with the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Ms. Agrawal or Mr. Beckwitt and any other person pursuant to which either director was elected as a director. In the ordinary course of its business, Ferguson plc sells products and solutions to Lennar Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Each of the appointments is for a term expiring at the Annual Meeting.

Deadline for Stockholder Proposals Under Rule 14a-8

Because the Annual Meeting will be the Company's first annual meeting of stockholders, the Company is providing the following deadlines for the submission of stockholder proposals.

As the successor registrant of Ferguson plc, the Company is adopting Ferguson plc's deadline of June 19, 2024 for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials for the Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (the "Rule") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). For a stockholder proposal to be considered, it must be received by the Company's Corporate Secretary at the Company's principal executive offices at 751 Lakefront Commons, Newport News, Virginia 23606, no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on that date and comply with all other procedures and requirements set forth in the Rule.

Deadline for Other Stockholder Proposals or Nominations

In accordance with the advance notice requirements contained in the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws"), which will become effective immediately prior to the Effective Time subject to the consummation of the Merger, stockholders who intend to submit a proposal outside of the Rule, including nominating candidates for election as directors, at the Annual Meeting must provide notice of such proposal in writing to the Company's Corporate Secretary at the address noted above no earlier than July 31, 2024, and no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 30, 2024. Any such stockholder notice also must comply with the timing, disclosure, procedural and other requirements set forth in the Bylaws.

Ferguson Enterprises Inc.

The Company is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, that was formed on February 5, 2024. As previously reported, the Company entered into a merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Ferguson (Jersey) 2 Limited ("Merger Sub") and Ferguson plc, which was approved by Ferguson plc shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held on May 30, 2024. On the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, the merger of Merger Sub with and into Ferguson plc, with Ferguson plc surviving the Merger as a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and Merger Sub ceasing to exist (the "Merger"), is expected to be consummated at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 1, 2024 (the "Effective Time"). We expect the Company's common stock to be traded under the symbol "FERG" on the NYSE and LSE following the completion of the Merger.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this announcement is forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the process and timetable for the Merger and future corporate actions of the Company and its Board. Forward-looking statements cover all matters which are not historical facts and speak only as of the date on which they are made. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intend," "will," "plan," "would," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "may" or other variations or comparable terminology. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the Merger may be delayed, cancelled, suspended or terminated; the conditions to the completion of the transaction may not be satisfied; weakness in the economy, market trends, uncertainty and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, and other factors beyond our control, including disruption in the financial markets and any macroeconomic or other consequences of political unrest, disputes or war; failure to rapidly identify or effectively respond to direct and/or end customers' wants, expectations or trends, including costs and potential problems associated with new or upgraded information technology systems or our ability to timely deploy new omni-channel capabilities; unsuccessful execution of our operational strategies; changes in, interpretations of, or compliance with tax laws in the US, the UK, Switzerland or Canada; adverse impacts caused by a public health crisis; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 the Company filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024, and in other filings we make with the SEC in the future. Forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. Other than in accordance with our legal or regulatory obligations, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603035449/en/

Contacts:

Inquiries:

Christine Dwyer

Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations

+1 757 469 5813

Christine.dwyer@ferguson.com
Nuns board a 49 Van Ness-Mission bus in San Francisco. Muni workers have rejected a three-year labor agreement with the city, opening the door for a summer strike. Their agreement expires June 30. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle

Transit workers in San Francisco have rejected a tentative labor agreement with the city, opening the door for a summer strike.

According to documents reviewed by the Chronicle, 990 members of the Transport Workers Union local chapter 250A  which represents more than 2,000 light-rail and bus operators, fare inspectors and vehicle service workers, among other transit system employees  voted last week on the next three-year contract, with 377 approving and 613 in opposition.

A message dated May 29 on Transport Workers Union letterhead said that the 2024-2027 contract was not ratified. The unions current contract expires June 30.

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It was not immediately clear why the majority of voting members turned the proposed agreement down.

The move, which could paralyze San Franciscos sprawling bus and rail system, coincides with another devastating blow: Bay Area lawmakers said Friday they will scrap plans for a tax measure to save Muni, BART and other regional transit agencies from financial collapse. Muni serves more than 400,000 riders on an average weekday, about the same number of commuters thwarted by a BART strike in 2013.

Union President Anthony Ballester and Vice President Pete Wilson declined to comment, as did Jeffrey Tumlin, director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. A representative for San Francisco Mayor London Breed was not immediately available to comment.

Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify the workers represented by Transport Workers Union local chapter 250A.
Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services and global business process outsourcing, today announced a new self-service and full-service payroll tax solution.

Vensure has entered into an agreement with Asure Software ("Asure") to create PrismHR TAX, which will provide complete tax software services for its PrismHR clients. Vensure will also be using the TAX platform internally. The platform will reduce financial risk for companies while keeping current on the latest federal, state and local tax requirements. The Asure payroll tax offering complements Vensure's PrismHR technology portfolio, which already includes both PEO and HCM platforms, and expands capacity with a new tax module to serve Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Administrative Service Organization (ASO) and Human Capital Management (HCM) customers.

"The integration of the PrismHR TAX platform with PrismHR technology creates an opportunity second to none," said Alex Campos, Chief Executive Officer of Vensure Employer Solutions. "I am excited we are continuing to enhance and innovate in our PrismHR platforms. This addition elevates our leadership position as we offer a more robust, fully integrated HR technology portfolio to businesses across North America."

"Asure provides software and services that help companies grow," said Pat Goepel, Chairman and CEO for Asure. "Through this connection, Vensure Employer Solutions and PrismHR customers will benefit from world-class technology upgrades to strengthen regulatory compliance while streamlining processes, saving clients time and simplifying their payroll tax filings."

Asure is a publicly traded company with the financial strength and stability to partner with industry-leading companies like Vensure. That foundation backs the software solutions fueling this collaboration, ensuring Vensure and PrismHR customers benefit from a lasting and sound approach to payroll tax management and compliance.

About Vensure Employer Solutions

Vensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing (BPO). The company and its service providers collectively serve over 141,000 businesses and process over $158B in annual payroll. As a "One Employer Solution" headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure helps thousands of businesses streamline and grow their operations with custom strategies that benefit both employers and employees. Find out more by visiting vensure.com.

About PrismHR

A Vensure Employer Solutions company, located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, PrismHR's mission is to fuel the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the U.S. Our HR software, including PEO and HCM platforms, combined with our ecosystem of HR service providers, enables SMBs to manage payroll, benefits and HR while leveling the playing field with large enterprises. Today, PrismHR software delivers world-class HR services to more than 80,000 organizations and over 2 million worksite employees, processing more than $80 billion in payroll each year. For more information, visit prismhr.com.

About Asure

Asure Software (ASUR) provides cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions that assist organizations of all sizes in streamlining their HCM processes. Asure's suite of HCM solutions includes HR, payroll, time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll tax management, and talent management. The company's approach to HR compliance services incorporates AI technology to enhance scalability and efficiency while prioritizing client interactions. For more information, please visit?asuresoftware.com.



Media Contact:

Sonya Trezevant

Chief Marketing Officer

sonya.trezevant@vensure.com

SOURCE: Vensure Employer Solutions

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2024) - SuperBuzz Inc. (TSXV: SPZ) ("SuperBuzz" or the "Company"), is clarifying disclosure included in its press release dated February 21, 2024 (the "February Press Release").

The February Press Release noted that an aggregate of C$1,200,000 of debt was being settled through the issuance of 40,000,000 units (each a "Unit") consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Debt Settlement Transaction (as defined herein) at an exercise price of $0.05 per Common Share. The Company would like to clarify that an aggregate of C$1,199,298.66 of debt is being settled. 36,929,955 Units will be issued to arm's length creditors to settle C$1,107,898.66 of debt, at a price of C$0.03 per Unit, and 3,046,667 Common Shares will be issued to non-arm's length creditors to settle C$91,400.00 of debt (the "Debt Settlement Transaction").

The Debt Settlement Transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transaction ("MI 61-101") because C$91,400.00 of debt being settled is with Insiders of the Company. The Company is relying on exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the Debt Settlement Transaction does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

About SuperBuzz Inc.

SuperBuzz is revolutionizing how people interact with technology. Its AI platform leverages GPT-3 to automate many processes, including push notifications and content creation. The platform simplifies the user experience, allowing for advanced digital interaction that cuts back on manual tasks. Moreover, SuperBuzz's AI platform intelligently responds to small and medium-sized businesses' unique needs, making it an incredibly reliable and powerful tool for various applications.

Additional information in respect of the Company's business is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

For Additional Information, Contact:

Liran Brenner Chief Executive Officer

Email: liran@superbuzz.io

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to: the Company's business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing of, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company's future growth prospects; the development of the Company's business and future activities following the date hereof; expectations relating to market size and anticipated growth in the jurisdictions within which the Company may from time to time operate or contemplate future operations; expectations with respect to economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors related to the Company or the industry generally; the competitive landscape within which the Company operates and the Company's market share or reach; the performance of the Company's business and the operations and activities of the Company; the Company's ability to obtain, maintain, and renew or extend, applicable authorizations, including the timing and impact of the receipt thereof; the Company's continued work on its product offerings, including the use of OpenAI's GPT-3 model; the Company's Debt Settlement, including the pricing of its Units, Common Shares, and Warrants, the anticipated closing date and anticipated use of proceeds, and obtaining of all necessary approvals required to close the Debt Settlement.

Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events; there will continue to be a demand, and market opportunity, for the Company's product offerings; current and future economic conditions will neither affect the business and operations of the Company nor the Company's ability to capitalize on anticipated business opportunities; current and future members of management will abide by the Company's business objectives and strategies from time to time established by the Company; the Company will retain and supplement its board of directors and management, or otherwise engage consultants and advisors having knowledge of the industries (or segments thereof) within which the Company may from time to time participate; the Company will have sufficient working capital and the ability to obtain the financing required in order to develop and continue its business and operations; the Company will continue to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled consultants and/or employees, as the case may be; taxes and all other applicable matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business and any other jurisdiction in which the Company may conduct business in the future; the Company will be able to generate cash flow from operations, including, where applicable, distribution and sale of its products; the Company will be able to execute on its business strategy as anticipated; the Company will be able to meet the requirements necessary to obtain and/or maintain authorizations required to conduct the business; the Company's continuing ability to meet the requirements necessary to remain listed on the TSX Venture Exchange; general economic, financial, market, regulatory, and political conditions will not negatively affect the Company or its business; the Company will be able to successfully compete in the industry; prices offered by competitors will not decline materially; the Company will be able to effectively manage anticipated and unanticipated costs; the Company will be able to conduct its operations in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the Company's ability to continue to work on its product offerings, including the use of OpenAI's GPT-3 model; the Company's ability to close the Debt Settlement and allocate the anticipated proceeds from the Debt Settlement as stated, and obtain of all necessary approvals required to close the Debt Settlement.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the risks associated with the industry in general; the inability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals; the Company's inability to attract and retain qualified members of management to grow the Company's business and its operations; the Company's inability to effectively manage unanticipated costs and expenses, including costs and expenses; the risks associated with the Company's in meeting its business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing of, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the inability of the Company to identify and secure future growth prospects; the Company's inability to develop its business and future activities following the date hereof; the Company's inability to meet or exceed expectations relating to market size and anticipated growth in the jurisdictions within which the Company may from time to time operate or contemplate future operations; the Company's inability to meet or exceed expectations with respect to economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors related to the Company or the industry generally; the risks associated with the market for the Company's current and proposed product offering, as well as the Company's inability to capture market share; the risks associated with the distribution methods expected to be used by the Company to deliver its product offering; the Company's inability to obtain, maintain, and renew or extend, applicable authorizations, including the timing and impact of the receipt thereof; the Company's inability to continue to work on its product offering, including the use of OpenAI's GPT-3 model; the Company's inability to close the Debt Settlement and allocate the anticipated proceeds from the Debt Settlement as stated, and obtain of all necessary approvals required to close the Debt Settlement.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211617

SOURCE: SuperBuzz Inc.
Carnival Cruise Line to boost its capacity by absorbing P&O Cruises Australia in 2025, further optimizing the company's brand portfolio creating operational efficiencies

MIAMI and SYDNEY, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that in March 2025, the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, the most popular cruise line in the world.

This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the company's flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation's global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises. In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

"Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line," said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line - our highest-returning brand - will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company's overall growth between 2019 - 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line, which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period."

In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation's global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.

"P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region," said Weinstein. "However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market."

Building on Shared Legacy in the Region

As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line - which has served the South Pacific since 2013 - will have four ships in the market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.

"We look forward to building on the history and heritage of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the two P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of our popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival's loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region."

"Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia - a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific," said Weinstein. "We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival."

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This announcement does not impact P&O Cruises (UK), which is a separate Carnival Corporation & plc brand based in England and dedicated to the UK market.]

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines - AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com , www.aida.de , www.carnival.com , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.hollandamerica.com , www.pocruises.com.au , www.pocruises.com , www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com .

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/carnival-corporation-to-strategically-align-portfolio-and-absorb-po-cruises-australia-into-carnival-cruise-line-302162462.html
Frore Systems, a San Jose, CA-based thermal technology company for electronic and consumer devices, raised $80M in Series C funding.

The round, which brought the total amount to $196M, was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company, with participation from Prosperity7 Ventures, together with all existing investors, Mayfield Fund, Clear Ventures, Addition, Qualcomm Ventures, MVP Ventures, Stepstone Group, Alumni Ventures, and others.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Led by CEO and Founder Seshu Madhavapeddy, Frore Systems is the developer of thermal technology for electronic and consumer devices. Its active cooling solutions, the AirJet Mini, AirJet Mini Slim and the new AirJet PAKs, are integrated into devices to remove heat, resulting in major performance gains and enabling thinner, lighter, silent, vibration free and dustproof devices.

Its solid-state active cooling chip, AirJet, is used across a range of AI platforms:

Edge AI Gateways at the networks edge to enable faster decision making without relying solely on the cloud.

at the networks edge to enable faster decision making without relying solely on the cloud. On-Device Edge AI , including Copilot+ PCs, enabling AI workloads to be run entirely on-device to maximize privacy, real-time responsiveness, and energy savings.

, including Copilot+ PCs, enabling AI workloads to be run entirely on-device to maximize privacy, real-time responsiveness, and energy savings. Data Center AI factories enabling higher compute densities for reduced infrastructure, energy and

environmental costs.

Frore Systems has offices and manufacturing facility in Taiwan.

FinSMEs

03/06/2024
Punto Health, a London, UK-based digital health company focused on managing Alzheimers and other dementias, raised 550K in Pre-Seed funding.

Backers included Heartfelt Capital, Abac Nest and Bolsa Social Fund along with angels, including a scout from the American fund Sequoia, Bruce Walker (scout from the British fund Ada Ventures), Gail Armstrong (through the British fund Lavender Ventures) and Branislav Trajkovski.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Led by Anna Munoz Farre and Jack Eckersley, Punto Health is developing an AI-powered comprehensive platform to improve care for dementia patients and their families. The platform offers personalised content, including clinically validated resources, advice and answers tailored to each users needs. It proposes care plans and recommendations on healthy habits, cognitive and physical exercises, and nutrition, as well as specific resources and support for family members and carers at each stage of the disease. In addition, it has an interactive chatbot that acts as a validated personal assistant, providing a trusted companion.

FinSMEs

03/06/2024
Unibloom World, a London, UK-based climate tech startup providing a cloud-based, data-driven platform, raised 650K in Pre-Sed funding.

Backers included Zinc VC, Regenerate Ventures, Alma Invest, Syndicate Room, Keiretsu Forum, Regent Capital Ventures, Ventures Together, SFC Capital, and 25 industry angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its climate data, business & software engineering team, and its business reach.

Co-founded in March 2023 by Swedish Anna Sandgren and Vineet Ahuja, Unibloom offers a cloud-based, data-driven platform that automates, simulates, scenario plans and integrates climate projects with business forecasts and nancial targets. By empowering cross-functional teams, Unibloom aims to accelerate companies condence in data-driven decision making to meet their 2030 sustainability targets effectively across the whole organisation.

FinSMEs

03/06/2024
In a viral video, a man had claimed that Raveenas driver hit his mother, and when questioned, she started assaulting her read more

The Mumbai Police, in the course of its investigation into the road rage incident involving actor Raveena Tandon, has found that her car did not collide with anyone, an official said on Sunday.

In a viral video, a man had claimed that Raveenas driver hit his mother, and when questioned, she started assaulting her. He had claimed the incident happened when he was walking with his mother, sister, and niece near the actors house.

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According to the Khar police official, CCTV footage from the vicinity of the Khar-based building, where the incident occurred, showed that women were in close proximity to the actors car but were not struck by it.

Heres the statement that was shared by the actress on X:

The video shows a group of locals accusing Raveena and her driver of assaulting three women.

The incident took place on Carter Road in Bandra Saturday night, police said. While no FIR has been registered, a station diary entry has been made at the Khar police station, the official added.

There was no word yet from Raveena on the incident.

Her driver allegedly hit three persons with the vehicle, following which the crowd became angry and it led to an altercation, an official had said.

After Raveena got out of her vehicle to speak to the crowd, she was allegedly pushed and hit, he said. In the viral video, Raveena is heard saying Please dont hit me.

In the video, the man claimed that the actress was inebriated and she started assaulting the woman after stepping out of the car.

After the incident, a group of people confronted Raveena and her driver inside the premises of a building on Carter Road.

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The incident took place after the driver reversed his car, the official said. The viral video shows a woman complaining that Raveena and her driver assaulted her and caused bleeding in her nose.

In view of the altercation, both parties visited the Khar police station and submitted written statements asserting no grievances against each other, the official said.
The actress added, Im very sensitive to vibes, and this place gives me positive ones. Our homes in Kerala and Mumbai have been surrounded by trees and we used to feed birds and squirrels. read more

Adah Sharma, known for her roles in The Kerala Story and Bastar, grabbed headlines last year after reports of her buying a flat in Mumbais Mont Blanc Apartments where late actor Sushant Singh Rajput once used to live. And while speaking to Bombay Times recently, she spilled the beans on moving into the apartment and her professional journey too.

Sharma said, I moved into the flat four months ago, but I was busy promoting my projects, including Bastar and the OTT release of The Kerala Story. After that, I spent some time at the elephant sanctuary in Mathura. Its only recently that I got some time off and have finally settled in.

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The actress added, Im very sensitive to vibes, and this place gives me positive ones. Our homes in Kerala and Mumbai have been surrounded by trees and we used to feed birds and squirrels. So, I wanted a home with a view and ample space to feed birds.

On her career

I always follow my intuition, not other peoples opinions. Many people had tried to scare me away from starting my career with a horror movie (1920), but I did it and scared them instead (smiles). They dissuaded me from being a part of The Kerala Story, too, and the kind of numbers the film made is for all to see.

On the professional front, Adah Sharma was last seen in Bastar , which was directed by Sudipto Sen and also featured Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta and Raima Sen in prominent roles. It was produced by Vipul Shah.
The Indian Army carried out Operation Blue Star to flush out Sikh militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple in June 1984. Hundreds of Sikh militants and civilians as well as 87 soldiers were killed and parts of the Golden Temple, one of the holiest sites in the Sikh faith, were significantly damaged read more

Indian Rapid Action Force personnel patrol ahead of Operation Blue Star anniversary outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the operation. File image/AFP

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the beginning of Operation Blue Star.

The Indian Army carried out the operation to flush out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in June 1984.

According to BBC, hundreds of civilians died in the operation as well as 87 soldiers.

Parts of the Golden Temple, the holiest sites in the Sikh faith, were also significantly damaged.

But what led to it? What happened? How did it change Indias politics?

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Lets take a closer look:

What led to it?

According to Business Standard, the concept of Khalistan emerged after Partition.

The newly-drawn Punjab border resulted in cities and temples that were vital parts of the Sikh heritage to fall in Pakistan.

Other issues like sharing of river water also resulted for calls for autonomy and even separate Sikh state.

Pakistan is believed to have provided separatists with arms and ammunition.

In 1966, Punjab was then broken up into Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.

In the 1970s, the Khalistan movement gained steam both in India and abroad.

By the early 1980s, Punjab was dealing with a full-blown insurgency crisis.

The militants were determined to carve out a separate state of Khalistan for themselves.

Within the movement, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a major figure.

According to Indian Express, Bhindranwale was previously a leader of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal.

Bhindranwale labelled himself as the authentic voice of the Sikhs.

The Congress had initially attempted to get Bhindranwale on side to try to combat the Shiromani Akali Dals (SAD) growing influence.

However, his fiery rhetoric and appeal among the youth had turned him into a huge problem for the authorities.

In 1982, Bhindranwale joined the civil disobedience movement organised by the Akali Dal.

He then shifted to inside the Golden Temple complex to avoid being nabbed by the police.

In 1983, AS Atwal, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), was shot dead after visiting the Golden Temple to pray.

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The assailant after firing the shots from a carbine, entered the Golden Temple, the _Indian Express r_eported.

Ugly as the Atwal murder was, however, it was only a beginning This became a regular feature; bodies, mutilated, hacked to pieces, stuffed into gunny bags, kept appearing mysteriously in the gutters and sewers around the Temple, KPS Gill wrote as per Business Standard.

The Indira Gandhi government had had enough  and this is when it all kicked off.

Members of various radical Sikh organisations shout pro-Khalistan slogans and brandish swords at a demonstration marking the 35th anniversary of the Operation Blue Star at Golden Temple in Amritsar. PTI

In May 1984, the Indira government gave the go-ahead to the Indian Army to flush out the militants.

As per Indian Express, this was done despite objections from several people including cabinet minister Pranab Mukherjee.

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By 29 May, troops from the 9th Infantry Division in Meerut and paramilitary commandos had reached Amritsar.

However, Bhindranwale and his followers, had not remained idle.

They had spent months smuggling a huge cache of arms and ammunition into the Golden Temple.

They also had strategically placed guns to defend their positions.

Bhindranwales supporters were also trained by Major General Shahbeg Singh.

Singh had been dismissed by the Indian Army over corruption charges, as per Business Standard.

What happened?

By 1 June, the Indian Army had surrounded the Golden Temple complex.

CRPF personnel who had positioned themselves atop private buildings near the Golden Temple exchange fire with militants.

Eleven civilians were killed.

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According to Indian Express, the CRPF had fired to assess the training and strength of the militants inside.

On 3 June, a 36-hour-curfew was imposed in Punjab.

All means of communication were shuttered. Public transportation was suspended, the power lines cut and the media blacked out.

On 5 June, the army attempted to storm the temple.

The idea was to take out the defensive positions taken up by Bhindranwales followers.

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The army managed to take the outer defences, but their rush into the Golden Temple came at a terrible cost.

As per Indian Express, journalist Shekhar Gupta described it thus, The troops made a mad rush for the staircase at each end of the Parikrama. But Shabeg had not earned his reputation of a wily, doughty commander in the army for nothing. He had anticipated just this and the sprinting troops ran headlong into automatic fire from men who sprang out of the manholes, strategically situated at the foot of each staircase.

The commanders then decided to call in tank support.

According to Giani Puran Singh, a temple priest, tanks began entering the around 10 pm.

For the next 12 hours, the armys Vijayanta tanks shelled the Golden Temples Akal Takht.

The Akal Takht, the Sikhs believe, is one of the five seats of power.

It was also where Bhindranwale had taken up a defensive position.

By the morning 6 June, the militants defences had been obliterated.

Around 11 am, 25 militants rushed out at the army troops and were gunned out.

****The generals guessed that the mad dash was an indication that Bhindranwale was either dead or wounded or had, confirming their worst fears, escaped, Gupta wrote.

But Bhindranwale was dead.

The firebrand leader was reportedly in a heap of about 40 corpses.

The rest of the militants surrendered or were killed by 10 June.

The Indian Army pegged the toll as 554 Sikh militants and civilians and 87 soldiers.

The operation was officially over but it didnt end there.

How did it change Indias politics?

The biggest fallout of the operation came on 31 October, 1984.

Then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards in revenge for the operation.

This, in turn, led to the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and other parts of north India.

We must remember Indiraji. We must remember why her assassination happened. We must remember who could be the people behind this. When Indiras assassination happened, there were riots in the country. We know that the hearts of the Indian people were full of anger and that for a few days people felt India was shaking. When a big tree falls, the earth shakes, Rajiv said in a speech that came after the worst riots had finished.

The aftermath of the operation saw then prime minister Indira Gandhi assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. AFP

The Times of India noted that the operation and its aftermath resulted in the Sikhs feeling a deep sense of mistrust and alienation for the Indian government.

The Indian National Congress, which was seen as responsible for the military operation, faced significant backlash from Sikhs, which impacted the partys political fortunes in Punjab and other regions with a significant Sikh population, the piece noted.

According to Byjus, Air India Flight 182 is said to have been bombed in 1985 as an act of vengeance.

In 1986, the then Chief of Army Staff General AS Vaidya was assassinated by Sikh militants.

The operation caused many Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army to mutiny.

Many other Sikhs also resigned from the government.

The problem of Khalistani terrorism became worse and only ended in the 1990s.

Indian Express quoted Gill as writing in The Punjab Story: In hindsight, Operation Bluestar was possibly the single most significant act of political overreaction and military incompetence that gave a lease of life to a movement that could easily have been ended in the mid-1980s.

In 1985, Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, a leader of the Akali Dal, the countrys oldest regional party, was assassinated within a month of his signing a peace accord with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The dark decade of violence and instability in Punjab followed.

The operation remains a provocative and divisive subject in Punjab politics till this day.

According to Indian Express, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been displaying a picture of the damaged Akal Takht at every poll rally to try to stoke anger against the Congress.

Meanwhile, the AAP and BJP have also been bringing up the violence the Sikhs had to face after Indiras assassination.

With inputs from agencies
On 2 June, Hyderabad ceased to be the capital of Andhra Pradesh as per the stipulations laid down by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014. As of now, the state has no capital. The results of the upcoming Assembly elections on 4 June will decide if it will be Amaravati as decided by former CM Chandrababu Naidu or if the state will go with Jagan Mohan Reddys three-city plan read more

For Andhra Pradesh, 2 June (Sunday) was a significant day in history. Its the day, the state lost Hyderabad as its capital. As of 2 June, Hyderabad is now only the capital of Telangana, which was carved out of Andhra in 2014.

How did this happen? What happens now that Andhra has lost its capital? Which will be Andhras new capital? Heres what we know.

Hyderabad no longer Andhras capital?

On 2 June, Hyderabad, one of Indias bustling metros, ceased to be Andhras capital and will now exclusively serve as the capital of Telangana. The change is stipulated by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014.

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As per Section 5(1) of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, Hyderabad was designated as the common capital for both states for a period not exceeding 10 years from 2 June, 2014. And Section 5(2) stipulates that after this period, Hyderabad would become the sole capital of Telangana, and a new capital would be established for Andhra Pradesh.

The AP Reorganisation Act of 2014 was the result of the prolonged struggle for a separate state. It was owing to this legislation that Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, becoming the 29th and the youngest state in Union of India.

What will be Andhras new capital?

As of now, Andhra has no capital. Earlier, then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had decided to build a new capital in Amaravati. In the interim, he shifted his administration to Vijayawada and parts of Guntur.

In fact, the Naidu-led government had proposed setting up a world-class capital in Amaravati and even begun acquiring land for the same. An Indian Express report states that around 33,000 acres of land was pooled from villages in Guntur and NTR (formerly Krishna) districts for the capital-building exercise and in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had even laid the foundation stone.

Former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu performs rituals after entering into his new office chamber in the Governments Transitional Headquarters at Velagapudi in the Amaravati capital region. File image/PTI

However, after YSR Congress Jagan Mohan Reddy stormed to power in 2019, he dismissed the idea of Amaravati as the capital and instead, floated a three-capital proposal: the executive capital at Visakhapatnam, the legislative capital at Amaravati, and the judicial capital at Kurnool.

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For many, Jagan Mohan Reddys plan for three capitals was a nod to the complicated history of the region and all its different identities. In fact, Professor H Lajipathi Rai, chairman of the Joint Action Committee for Decentralised Administration had been quoted as telling The Print earlier: Were a new state, and the chief minister wants to develop us, instead of focusing on one capital in one region. He is determined on three capitals, because it will help directly develop backward regions of Andhra Pradesh. Why locate all eggs in one basket with one capital?

However, these plans ran into difficulties, with the matter even reaching the Andhra High Court. The court had then ordered the state government to develop Amaravati as the capital as envisaged under the previous TDP government.

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However, the matter has gained traction again with the state going to the polls with the results awaited on 4 June. During his campaign for the state, Reddy had said that if he remained in power, he would name Visakhapatnam as the executive capital and also hold his swearing-in ceremony there.

What happens now?

Until now, Andhra utilised Hyderabad for its administrative functions, including a portion of the Secretariat complex and the Lake View government guest house, which served as the camp office for the Andhra Pradesh chief minister.

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However, now with Hyderabad ceasing to be its capital, Telangana will take over control of these buildings. According to a report in The Hindu, Offices of Film Development Corporation, Civil Supplies Corporation, Dairy Development Cooperative Federation, Vaidya Vidhana Parishad and other offices fall under Schedule IX and X institutions and it is for the state government to take a call on whether they will allow them to be in the possession of the neighbouring state or explore ways to take them over.

The entrance of HITECH city in Hyderabad. The Andhra government had written to its Telangana counterpart in January, seeking permission to retain three buildings: the Hermitage Complex, CB-CID headquarters and Lake View Guest House. File image/PTI

Notably, the Andhra government had written to its Telangana counterpart in January, seeking permission to retain three buildings: the Hermitage Complex, CB-CID headquarters and Lake View Guest House and even offered to pay rent until it secured permanent accommodation. However, owing to the Model Code of Conduct imposed in the state for the elections, discussions on the same couldnt be held.

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In fact, the Telangana government is expected to get possession of over 55 buildings from the Andhra Pradesh government located in prime places in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Theres also the matter of further distribution of other government assets. As per the ninth schedule of Act, there are 89 government corporations and companies like AP Seeds Corporation and AP Womens Finance Corporation, which have to be bifurcated. Under the tenth schedule, there are 107 training institutions and centres like Telugu University and Hindi Academy which also need to be bifurcated.

With inputs from agencies
A rendering of the proposed 24-story tower that Aralon Properties wants to build at the southeast edge of Telegraph Hill at 955 Sansome St. This view is looking east on Vallejo Street. Handel Architects

Imagine a tower set smack against the steep climb of Telegraph Hill  one that would shoot upward, 30 feet beyond the natural summit of that storied peak.

Preposterous? Not at all. Its a development proposal for the now quiet corner of Sansome and Vallejo streets filed this year with San Franciscos Planning Commission.

Welcome to the troublesome mosaic of state density bonuses, where developers who include affordable units in their proposed projects basically can waive the height limit. The goal is worthy  to clear the way for new housing  but the overlap of rules and regulations could undermine the juxtaposition of city and nature that makes this city memorable.

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That specter can reach comical extremes, as with the 50-story apartment tower proposed out west near the zoo that came and went like the waves that surge across nearby Ocean Beach. The more insidious threat is whats playing out in locations like Sansome Street, where three proposals on three blocks would transform a unique historic district and mar the publics view of a hill that defines many peoples mental image of San Franciscos allure.

A parking lot at 955 Sansome St. (right, green) is one of the sites of three proposals for towers in San Francisco from eight to 24 stories high  all using state housing bonuses to exceed the citys current height limits. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The most startling of the trio would be at 855 Sansome, where Aralon Properties seeks to replace a two-story parking garage with a 24-story tower. One block to the north, the building owners filed an initial application to hollow out a two-story 1906 landmark at 1088 Sansome and insert 19 stories of housing. And back at the corner of Broadway and Sansome, the owners would remove a two-story concrete structure to make way for an eight-story condominium building.

Drop these into the blocks around Salesforce Transit Center, and they wouldnt be noticed. But this is on a stretch marked by low but ruggedly memorable buildings, most of them from before World War II. The blocks north of Broadway form the west edge of the Northeast Waterfront Historic District, and where the district ends Telegraph Hill begins its precipitous rise to 285 feet  topped by Coit Tower, the streamlined 210-foot icon that looks more like a firehose than a work of architecture.

Youve seen the view in countless movies and television shows supposedly set in San Francisco. Deservedly so.

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None of which matters under a procession of recent state initiatives to make it easier to build more housing  particularly in cities like San Francisco, where growth foes in recent decades have made a dubious art of using the public process to try and derail proposals good and bad.

A rendering of Allrise Capitals proposed eight-story residential building at the southwest corner of Broadway and Green Street in San Francisco. It is a modest example of the extra height and bulk that California grants to buildings  known as the density bonus  that include affordable housing. BDE Architecture

A common thread in several state laws passed since 2018 is that if developers add lower-priced units to their housing plans, they can expand a proposed project beyond what otherwise would be allowed.

Cities also must waive such controls as the height and bulk of a tower. The lone cap on how tall new buildings can be, at least theoretically, is the reality that the extra space allotted by bonuses can only go so far.

That bonus is a given, by the way, even in cities like San Francisco, where the inclusion of affordable housing already is required.

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The push is worthy, given the need for more housing, at all price levels, in metropolitan regions like the Bay Area. But the overlapping initiatives can let developers and their consultants propose anything they want if the site allows.

People walk down Montgomery Street on Telegraph Hill near the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco on Friday. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Such as at 955 Sansome, a case study in how the new system can be manipulated.

The height limit for the block is 84 feet. The garage covers half the block, and the allowable square footage for the building is 114,000 square feet. Aralon Properties filed a proposal last summer to receive a state-mandated density bonus tied to setting aside 15% of the units for lower-income residents; doing this allows 50% more space and waives height limits.

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Then another bill passed in Sacramento granting a 50% bonus to projects that include so-called workforce housing, set at a higher level than low-income housing. Since that 50% is applied on top of the other 50%, voila! The proposal now includes roughly 228,000 square feet of space contained in a tower designed by Handel Architects that, when you include the elevator penthouse, scrapes the sky at 283 feet.

All at the southeast corner of where Telegraph Hill begins to soar. And since the corner of Sansome and Vallejo streets is about 30 feet above sea level, the shoebox-shaped newcomer would climb higher than its natural neighbor.

A rendering of the proposed 24-story tower that Aralon Properties wants to build at the southeast edge of Telegraph Hill at 955 Sansome St. This view is looking north on Sansome. Handel Architects

Its challenging. The states rules tend to be blunt, said Rich Hillis, the citys planning director. He summarized the message behind the new bonuses as if someone comes in with a project that meets the rules, it should be allowed.

Aaron Peskin, the longtime supervisor who represents Telegraph Hill and now is running for mayor, isnt nearly so discreet about the impact of density bonus laws on local planning, calling it an exercise in Play-Doh.

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To Peskin, 955 Sansome embodies the potential harm of overscaled developments. Not just on their settings, but the long-term push to make it easier to build housing.

Nobody is going to believe this until the first one (supersized tower) goes up  and then the backlash will start, Peskin predicted, in terms of statewide laws being watered down as legislators hear complaints from residents. And if the first one here is 955 Sansome, well be the laughingstock of the world.

A corner building at 1088 Sansome St. (center, bottom) is one of the sites of three proposals for towers from eight to 24 stories high  all using state housing bonuses to exceed current height limits, in San Francisco. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Hyperbole aside, the world has bigger things to worry about right now than views of Telegraph Hill. You can also make the case that if the ever-protective denizens of Telegraph Hill hadnt fought the 10-story proposal for the site filed back in 2021, the developers wouldnt now seemingly be determined to jam in every possible square foot.

Still, Peskins point is valid.

Towers can enliven a city both from afar and up close, bring a sense of excitement on the ground and in the air. By raising height limits for the blocks south of Market Street in recent decades, weve signaled that 21st century urbanism can enhance where we live.

The tradeoff is that growth was steered to places like Rincon Hill and Mission Bay so other areas, such as the northeast waterfront, retain the feel of the older city. That balance between old and new helps keep a place resilient from one era to the next.

Carving loopholes into the planning code can throw off the balance. The sense of transition from one neighborhood to the next would be lost in the smear of verticality  developers shoehorning tall buildings wherever theres a parcel of land with a large footprint.

This may not happen on Sansome Street: The proposed eight-story building at Broadway, though taller for that corner, would segue toward the Financial District to the south. As for the 19-story proposal at Sansome and Green streets, planners suspect that the bare-bones application filed in January mostly serves to have a tower application on the books.

But 955 Sansome is big and detailed, in a terrific location for the residents inside the shaft; even Peskin concedes that something is likely to happen.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at a rally last week that Rahul Gandhi would head to Bangkok after the Lok Sabha election results are announced. PM Modi made a similar claim last week. Now, a boarding pass with the Congress leaders name has gone viral. But its morphed read more

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a rally for the Lok Sabha elections in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh on 26 May. PTI

The great Indian election is over. Now results are a day away. If exit polls are to be believed, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance is returning to power for the third time with a majority. It is not good news for the Congress, which is part of the Opposition bloc INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). The INDI Alliance is predicted to get less than 200 seats, according to most exit polls.

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If Congress fails to make an impact, questions will once again be raised about the partys future and its leadership. Amid all this, rumours started gathering steam that Rahul Gandhi will leave the country on 5 June, a day after Lok Sabha election results are announced.

We take a look at how the buzz all started and the truth behind it.

A viral boarding pass

An image of a boarding pass started doing the rounds on social media over the weekend. The Vistara boarding pass has Rahul Gandhis name on it. It showed the Congress leader travelling on 5 June to Thailand in business class.

The caption on the picture shared by X user M S Manral ( Modi ka pariwar ) said, Rahul Gandhis flight  ticket for June 5 - 2024 Business class Vistara Airlines .

Rahul Gandhi's flight  ticket for June 5 - 2024 Business class Vistara Airlines  pic.twitter.com/sdGGnkc6nG  M S Manral ( Modi ka pariwar ) (@MSManral2) June 1, 2024

Another user shared the photo on X and commented, Rahul Gandhi running away to Bangkok on June 5.

The results will be announced on 4 June and exit poll predictions are not very promising for the Congress party.

Its fake

There are no prizes for guessing that the boarding pass is doctored.

Fact-checking website BOOM pointed to several discrepancies on the boarding pass. There are two different flight numbers mentioned on the pass: UK121 and UK115.

Another website NewsChecker ran a reverse image search of the photo. It led them to a similar image posted on LiveFromALounge.com, an online portal about aviation and travel trends.

The Vistara boarding pass that has been morphed. Image courtesy: livefromalounge.com

The image was part of a column published on 7 August 2019 by Ajay Awtaney, the founder and editor of LiveFromALounge. Awtaney wrote about Vistaras first international flight from Delhi to Singapore five years ago. Having flown the first flight of Vistara domestically back in 2015, it was a done deal that I was going to fly them internationally as well on the first flight. Finally, the airline announced international operations in July 2019, and the first international flight was operated between Delhi and Singapore yesterday [6 August 2019], on which I flew, he wrote.

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After a comparison of the two images, both fact-checking websites concluded that it was Awtaneys boarding pass which was morphed. He told BOOM, Yes, this was Vistaras first international flight, and I was on board. It appears that whoever edited the photo forgot to change the flight number in one of the two places where it was listed on the boarding pass.

Amit Shah and PM Modis claims

Last week, Union home minister Amit Shah claimed that after the announcement of the Lok Sabha results on 4 June, Gandhi would blame EVMs for his partys loss and then would book tickets to Bangkok for a holiday.

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At a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Deoria, Shah said, On 4 June, the counting of votes will start at 7 am. The picture will become clear by 1 pm At 3 pm, Rahul Gandhi will hold a press conference blaming EVMs for their loss

His tickets for 6 June are booked and he will leave for Bangkok, Thailand for a holiday, he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed at a recent rally that Rahul Gandhi would leave for a holiday to Thailand after the election results. File photo/PTI

A few weeks before, Narendra Modi also hit out at Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying they would leave the country for a vacation after the results. Whether the shehzada is from Lucknow (Yadva) or Delhi (Gandhi), he will leave abroad for summer vacation khatakhat khatakhat, the PM said, as he hinted at a win for the NDA at a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Pratapgarh.

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Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh also claimed last week that Gandhi would likely go on vacation abroad after the results. 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, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Gandhis travels have often grabbed headlines with the BJP leaders targeting him over them time and again.

_With inputs from agencies



_
Mexico has elected its first-ever woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum. But it is not going to be an easy ride. From tackling the crime rate to economic headwinds, she faces an array of daunting challenges ahead read more

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters at the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, after the National Electoral Institute announced she held an irreversible lead in the election on 3 June. AP

It is history in the making in Mexico. Claudia Sheinbaum is all set to become the first-ever woman president of the country. It is every reason to celebrate but the job at hand is full of big challenges.

From managing migration and delicate relations with the United States to tackling pervasive criminal violence and mitigating climate change, Sheinbaums leadership will be put to the test on several fronts. Other priorities include lowering a poverty rate that exceeds 30 per cent and addressing the increasing effects of climate change in a country facing drought and water shortages.

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The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City will succeed her mentor, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She will take over on 1 October.

Heres what awaits her.

Taking on criminal cartels

Mexico is notorious for crime. It was evident during the election season, which was marred with violence  several candidates were killed.

The ominous spread of organised crime and flourishing cartels is the most daunting problem Sheinbaum will need to confront, Michael Shifter, an expert at the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington told AFP.

Roughly 80 people are murdered every day in Mexico, including around 10 women and girls, despite outgoing Obradors hugs not bullets policy of tackling crime at its roots. More than 100,000 people are missing and desperate relatives organise their own searches for remains.

If Sheibaum is unable to halt the dramatic deterioration in Mexicos security situation, advancing her economic and social policy agenda will be extremely difficult, Shifter said.

The environmentalist-turned-politician has committed to eradicating impunity and, similar to Obrador, addressing the root causes of violence by bringing in measures such as expanding youth programmes. She has also vowed to reinforce the National Guard and intelligence agencies and enhance coordination with police and prosecutors.

Fiscal deficit, poor infra

Sheinbaum inherits a fiscal deficit of almost six per cent of the gross domestic product, the largest in a quarter of a century, despite Obradors austerity pledges.

The most important challenge for the next administration will be to correct the high fiscal deficit, said Victor Ceja, chief economist of financial services firm Valmex.

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To fund direct aid programmes for 25 million young, elderly, and disabled Mexicans and implement necessary reforms, the president-elect must find ways to increase state revenue.

Theres a lot she needs to spend money on, and theres no money, said Pamela Starr, a professor at the University of Southern California. The infrastructure is creaking. Electricity is a problem.

Sheinbaum has touted the benefits of nearshoring, the trend of companies moving production from Asia to be closer to the US market.

She has highlighted the advantages of nearshoring, where companies relocate production from Asia to be nearer to the US market.

However, Carlos Ramirez, an expert at the risk consultancy Integralia, cautioned that this would not be a lifesaver for Mexico and that better security and infrastructure were needed.

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With her background in environmental science, Sheinbaum has also pledged to boost investment in clean energy.

Addressing migration

Despite a growing economy and political stability, criminal violence causes thousands of Mexicans to seek asylum in the United States.

In 2023, nearly a third of the almost 2.5 million migrants intercepted at the southern US border were Mexican.

Sheinbaum said she would ensure there would be a relationship of friendship, mutual respect and equality with its northern neighbour.

Stephanie Brewer, of the Washington Office on Latin America rights group, criticised the containment, detention and border militarisation measures that Obrador ordered at the request of the United States.

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Mexicos relationship with the US has been testy and has suffered under the leadership of Obrador who has been in power since 2018.

Sheinbaum faces the urgent task of breaking this cycle and prioritising the protection of migrants, Brewer said.

The White House presidential

Mexicos relationship with the United States is complex at the best of times, with Washington pressing its ally to do more to curb cross-border flows of drugs and migrants.

Ties could become even more challenging if Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to experts.

If President Joe Biden loses the November election, the relationship will be more punctuated by conflict, Starr said.

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According to Shifter, If he returns to the White House, Trump is expected to double down on his hardline stance on immigration, trade, and drugs, very sensitive issues crucial to the bilateral relationship.

With inputs from AFP
In a first in Pakistans 77-year military history, Dr Helen Mary Roberts, a woman belonging to the Christian community has been promoted to the rank of a one-star officer in the Pakistan army. Her promotion comes at a time when attacks on minorities, especially Christians, in the Muslim-majority country have come under the spotlight read more

In a historic move, Pakistans Army promoted Dr Helen Mary Roberts, a woman hailing from the Christian community to the the prestigious rank of brigadier in the Muslim-majority country.

Roberts who has been serving in the militarys Pakistan Army Medical Corps, for the past two decades achieved the rank along with other Pakistan Army officers, who were chosen by the Selection Board and rose as brigadiers and full colonels, The News reported on Sunday_._

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The move to appoint Roberts as Pakistan Armys rank one-star officer comes at a time when attacks on minorities, especially Christians in the country recently came under spotlight.

Earlier, agitated members of the Christian community took to the streets in protest after a Muslim mob attacked a Christian factory owner, vandalised his house, and torched properties in Punjabs Sargodha district for alleged blasphemy.

Amid these tensions, Roberts rise to an elite position in the Army has been seen as a beacon of hope for the Christian community.

But who is Dr Helen Mary Roberts? Lets take a look at her journey.

1. A senior pathologist in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Brig. Dr Helen Mary Roberts has been serving in the Army for 26 years.

2. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media and public relations wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, was quoted as saying in the Associated Press of Pakistan that the brigadier was another living example of merit and national representation in the Army.

3. The ISPR statement further said Dr. Roberts considers it an honour to serve her country and nation while emphasising that decisions within the Pakistan Army are made without regard to religious, linguistic, or gender discrimination.

4. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Roberts saying the whole nation was proud of her and thousands of hardworking women like her from minority communities who are serving the country with distinction.

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I myself and the nation congratulate Brig Helen Mary Roberts on getting the honour of the first female from minority to be promoted as Brigadier in the Pakistan Army, said the prime minister in a post on X.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2021, there are 96.47 per cent Muslims in the country, followed by 2.14 per cent Hindus, 1.27 per cent Christians, 0.09 per cent Ahmadi Muslims and 0.02 per cent others.

5. The Prime Minister also praised Brigadier Roberts in his statement saying that she had proven that Pakistani women could excel in any field and were second to none.

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6. Before Brigadier Roberts promotion, Major-General Nigar Johar broke gender barriers in the male-dominated Pakistani Army by becoming the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in 2020. The officer was also appointed as the first female surgeon general of the Army.

With input from agencies
Hunter Biden is scheduled to stand trial for felony gun charges in a historic case that could affect US president Joe Bidens reelection campaign. This marks the first time in American history that a sitting presidents child is going on trial. Hunter Biden is accused of illegally purchasing and possessing a gun while using or being addicted to drugs read more

Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, departs the O'Neill House Office Building in Washington, US, 28 February, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Hunter Biden, the son of United States President Joe Biden, is set to stand trial on felony gun charges , marking a historic moment as no child of a sitting US president has ever faced such legal proceedings. The trial could have significant implications for Bidens re-election campaign.

Heres an in-depth look at the case, including the charges, key players, and potential outcomes:

What are the charges brought against Hunter Biden?

Hunter Biden, 54, faces three felony charges related to the purchase and possession of a firearm while he was allegedly addicted to drugs.

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The indictment, brought by the Justice Department under special counsel David Weiss, accuses Biden of lying on a federal gun purchase form by denying his drug use. He possessed the gun for 11 days in October 2018 before his girlfriend disposed of it due to concerns over his mental state. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The charges include:

Lying on the Gun Purchase Form : When purchasing a firearm, buyers must fill out a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form and affirm they are legally permitted to buy the weapon. Hunter Biden allegedly lied on this form by denying his drug use.

Illegal Possession of a Gun: Federal law prohibits individuals who use illegal drugs from possessing firearms. Biden had the gun for a brief period in October 2018.

Nabeel Kibria, a defence attorney, told CNN, Guns present a danger if they get in the wrong hands, and thats the impetus behind these laws. The evidence seems pretty stacked against Hunter  but who determines who is an addict?

How far along is the trial?

The trial is taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, and is expected to last one to two weeks. Approximately 250 Delaware residents have been summoned for jury duty, with a final panel of 12 jurors and four alternates to be selected.

Hunter Biden, US President Joe Bidens son, right, walks with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, to board Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 31 May, 2024. AP

During the selection process, potential jurors will be questioned about their ability to remain impartial given the high-profile nature of the case and their views on addiction and firearms.

Who are the key witnesses and is there any evidence?

Prosecutors plan to call about a dozen witnesses, including three of Hunter Bidens former romantic partners: his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, Hallie Biden (the widow of his late brother Beau Biden), and Lunden Roberts, the mother of one of his children. Their testimonies are expected to shed light on Bidens drug use during the period when he purchased the gun.

Hunter Bidens own words from his memoir and personal texts will also be used as evidence. In his memoir, Biden admitted to his struggles with addiction, stating he was almost always on drugs during that time.

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Also Read: How Hunter Biden is threatening to sue Fox News for revenge porn

His texts reveal a deep self-awareness of his condition, such as a message to Hallie Biden saying, Im a liar and a thief and a blamer and a user and Im delusional and an addict unlike beyond and above all other addicts that you know and Ive ruined every relationship Ive ever cherished.

Additionally, evidence from Hunter Bidens infamous laptop, which contains messages and images that have been at the center of political controversy, will be presented. These materials include texts and emails that prosecutors argue support the claim that he was using illegal drugs when he bought the gun.

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Who are the prosecutors and the defence?

The case was initiated by David Weiss, a former Trump-appointed US attorney in Delaware, who was elevated to special counsel status by US Attorney General Merrick Garland. This followed the collapse of a proposed plea deal that would have resolved the gun charges and a separate tax investigation with a misdemeanor-only plea.

US President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden go for a bike ride in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, US, 1 June, 2024. Reuters

Hunter Bidens legal team argues that Weiss only sought the indictment due to pressure from Republican lawmakers, reported CNN. However, Weiss has dismissed these claims as fiction designed for a Hollywood script. The defence also planned to call an expert witness to testify about addiction but was blocked by the judge due to procedural issues.

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What are the potential outcomes for Hunter Biden?

If convicted on all three counts, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. However, first-time offenders typically receive much lighter sentences. The final decision on his punishment will rest with US District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who has been presiding over the case with a no-nonsense approach.

The White House has ruled out the possibility of a pardon for Hunter Biden, although this stance could change after the November election. The trials outcome could significantly impact Biden, who has expressed deep concern for his sons well-being.

Also Read | Trouble keeps finding him: The many legal and personal problems of Hunter Biden

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Douglas Brinkley, a CNN presidential historian, remarked, This trial is an albatross around President Bidens neck and weighs very heavily on his psyche. For any parent to watch their child go through addiction, and now face possible jail time, its harrowing.

Will the trial affect Joe Bidens re-election bid?

This trial is unprecedented in US history. While other presidential family members have faced legal troubles, none have been subjected to a criminal trial while their parent was in office.

The trials proximity to the 2024 election adds a layer of political complexity. Bidens allies fear the trial could become a major distraction, especially as he campaigns under challenging poll numbers and prepares for upcoming presidential debates.

Hunter Biden arrives for a court appearance, 24 May, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. AP

In addition to the gun charges, Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. This second trial, originally scheduled for June, was postponed but will coincide with the final stretch of the presidential campaign, further intensifying the political stakes.

The case not only holds personal significance for the Biden family but also carries potential repercussions for Joe Bidens 2024 political re-election campaign.

With inputs from agencies
Indias most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, sends the highest number of MPs to the lower house: 80. The northern state, which was a bastion of Congress for decades, is key for any political party coveting the post of prime minister read more

After a long election cycle, India is ready to welcome its new government. The 2024 Lok Sabha poll results will be out on Tuesday (4 June) as vote counting reveals the winners and losers.

Uttar Pradesh (UP) will be a keenly watched state as results pour in. The northern state has given the highest number of prime ministers to India. The incumbent premier Narendra Modi was also elected from UPs Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in 2014 and 2019.

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Lets take a closer look.

UPs importance in LS polls

Uttar Pradesh is Indias most populous state, comprising 17 per cent of the countrys population, according to the 2011 census. It also sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha  the highest of any state.

The Members of Parliament from UP make up 20 per cent of the lower house of Parliament. At 48, Maharashtra has the second-highest number of MPs.

India has had 15 Prime Ministers since Independence in August 1947. Of these, nine PMs were elected to the Lok Sabha from Uttar Pradesh.

Political pundits have long believed that the road to Delhi goes via Uttar Pradesh. Its commonly said that the way to Delhi is through UP and a party that does well in the state generally goes on to rule India, Sharat Pradhan, a senior journalist in Lucknow, told BBC.

However, the Congress under PV Narasimha Rao broke this pattern in 1991 when the party won just five of 84 Lok Sabha seats from UP. It still went on to form the government at the Centre.

Congress link to UP

The state is significant for the Nehru-Gandhi family. Motilal Nehru, father of Indias first PM Jawaharlal Nehru, was born in Agra. He practiced law in the city before moving to Allahabad (now Prayagraj), as per an Indian Express report.

His son Jawaharlals birthplace is Allahabad. The daughter of Indias first PM, Indira Gandhi, was also born here.

Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira were born in UPs Allahabad. AFP File Photo

Nehru was elected thrice from UPs Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency in 1951, 1957 and 1962. After his death, his sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit represented the seat twice in 1964 and 1967.

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Lal Bahadur Shastri, who became Indias second prime minister, was elected from the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat.

Rae Bareli, considered a Congress bastion, sent Indira Gandhi to the Lok Sabha. She served as Indias PM from 1966 to 1977. She returned to the top post in 1980, winning from Rae Bareli and Andhra Pradeshs Medak. Gandhi gave up the UP seat and retained Medak.

Barring Narasimha Rao, who represented Andhra Pradeshs Nandyal as PM, and Manmohan Singh  a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan and Assam, all Congress leaders were elected from UP during their tenure as Indias premier, noted Indian Express.

While the Congress has been associated with UP for decades, the state has not always sided with the party.

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In 1977, Indira Gandhis party, Congress (R), failed to secure a single seat in UP, with her and her son, Rajiv, losing their constituencies of Rae Bareli and Amethi respectively, as per Indian Express.

Rajiv Gandhi, who went on to become Indias PM after his mothers assassination, had recorded a landslide victory from the Amethi constituency in 1984.

The Congress was a major force in Uttar Pradesh for over three decades before local parties started gaining ground in the 1990s. After the Modi wave, the Grand Old Party was reduced to just one seat in UP  Rae Bareli won by Sonia Gandhi  in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

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This time, the Congress contested the general elections in UP in alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP).

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha elections: Is BJPs 400 paar possible? Yes, one party has done it before

UP is a key state for BJP

Uttar Pradesh will play a key role in making Modi a three-time prime minister if the BJP returns to power.

The saffron party won over 50 seats in UP during the 1991, 1996 and 1998 general elections. The late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first BJP leader to be sworn in as the PM, had won from Lucknow in the 1996 polls.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee won from Lucknow in the in the 1996 general elections. AFP File Photo

As per The Hindu, the BJPs electoral gains increased with its performance in UP. However, the partys tally in the state dropped to a record low of 29 seats in the 1999 elections. By 2004, the saffron party lost steam in UP amid the rise of regional parties like SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

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The BJP again emerged as a dominant force in the state after Modi became Indias PM for the first time in 2014.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha election results 2024: What is the row over postal ballots? Can they impact poll outcome?

Realising the importance of the state, Modi, who hails from the western state of Gujarat, chose UPs Varanasi for his Lok Sabha debut in 2014. He won by a record margin of over three lakh votes against the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal.

Modi was re-elected from the temple town in 2019, defeating SPs Shalini Yadav by 479,505 votes.

The BJP won 71 seats in UP in 2014 and 62 in the 2019 polls. The saffron party is aiming for more than 70 seats from the state this time.

The other PMs from UP include Janata Partys Charan Singh, Vishwanath Pratap Singh of the Janata Dal and Chandra Shekhar of the Janata Dal (Samajwadi).

With the BJPs goal of 400 paar this time, it remains to be seen how the saffron party fares in UP, which as per BBC, is considered the biggest prize in the Indian election.

With inputs from agencies
One day to go and India will have elected its 18th Lok Sabha. The ruling BJP touted a lofty goal of 400 paar (securing 400 out of the 543 seats) this time. But is this just a fantasy or a realistic possibility? The answer lies in Indias history read more

India conducted a high-stakes general election in seven phases between April and June. Now, all eyes are on the results of the Lok Sabha elections as the counting of votes takes place on Tuesday (4 June).

While the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) set a lofty aim of 400 paar (winning 400 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats) this time, the Opposition INDIA bloc made efforts to halt Prime Minister Narendra Modis coronation for a third time.

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If three exit polls are to be believed, the BJP could very well meet its target of ab ki baar 400 paar. Although the Opposition has vehemently rejected the figures, Indias history shows it is possible to win over 400 parliamentary seats.

And one party has done it before  the Congress.

But how? Lets understand.

1984 Lok Sabha elections

On 31 October 1984, PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh security guards reportedly to avenge the desecration of the Golden Temple during Operation Blue Star in June of that year.

The incident triggered a horrific communal violence that resulted in the killing of 3,350 Sikhs across the country, including 2,800 in Delhi itself, as per Indian Express.

Her assassination evoked a nationwide wave of sympathy that benefitted Rajiv Gandhis Congress, which won 414 out of the 541 Lok Sabha seats.

Activists of the Congress party lay garlands before the portrait of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the 20th anniversary of her assassination in the northern Indian city of Allahabad on 31 October 2004. Reuters File Photo

At 48.12 per cent, the Congress became the only party to log the highest-ever vote share on its own. With this, the Grand Old Party beat its record of 47.78 per cent of votes gained in 1957 during the second Lok Sabha elections after Independence, reported Indian Express.

Since 1984, no party has gone beyond the 40 per cent mark. The BJP led by PM Modi came close to it in 2019 when it clinched a 37.7 per cent vote share. In the 2014 polls, the saffron party, which unseated the Congress to come to power, had secured only 31 per cent of the total valid votes polled.

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How Congress pulled off 400 paar

After Indira Gandhis death, the 1984 general elections were held in two parts. While most parts of the country voted in December of that year, militancy-hit Punjab and Assam went to polling in September and December 1985 respectively, as per an Indian Express report.

The general elections were due to be held in January 1985. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) was forced to hold the polls a few weeks earlier following the assassination.

Rajiv Gandhi rode the sympathy wave in the 1984 Lok Sabha polls. Reuters (Representational Image)

Polling took place in 17 states and all nine Union Territories (UTs) on the same day.

A total of 23 states and UTs had more than one Lok Sabha constituency at the time. The Congress won all seats in nine states and UTs, including 40 in Madhya Pradesh, 25 in

Rajasthan, 10 in Haryana, seven in Delhi and four in Himachal Pradesh, the newspaper noted.

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The voter turnout was 63.6 per cent and paper ballots were used to cast votes.

In Uttar Pradesh (which included Uttarakhand at the time), the Grand Old Party bagged 83 of the 85 Lok Sabha seats. Rajiv Gandhi won 83.67 per cent of the votes from his Amethi constituency  the highest margin for the Congress, defeating his sister-in-law Maneka Gandhi.

As per Indian Express, the Congress was victorious in 48 of 54 seats in Bihar (that comprised of Jharkhand), 43 of 48 seats in Maharashtra, 24 of 26 seats in Gujarat, 24 of 28 seats in Karnataka, 20 of 21 seats in Odisha, 25 of 39 in Tamil Nadu and 13 of 20 seats in Kerala.

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The Grand Old Partys candidates won three of the six parliamentary seats in Jammu and Kashmir (including Ladakh).

Despite the sympathy wave, the Congress got just six of 42 seats in Andhra Pradesh and 16 of 42 seats in West Bengal. It won six of 13 constituencies in Punjab and four of 14 seats in Assam.

The party drew a blank in Sikkim, Tripura and Dadra & Nagar Haveli in the 1984 polls.

Notably, the Congress was favoured by over 50 per cent of the voters in 293 of the 414 seats it won. Its vote share ranged between 40-50 per cent in 101 seats and 20-40 per cent in another 20 seats, reported Indian Express.

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ALSO READ: Exit poll takeaways: Modi 3.0 in the making, BJP to make waves in Bengal, enter Tamil Nadu

How other parties fared

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) emerged as the second-largest party in the 1984 elections, with 30 seats in the Lok Sabha. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) won 22 seats, followed by the Janata Partys 10 seats, the Communist Party of Indias (CPI) six, and Charan Singhs Lok Dals three.

The BJP managed to secure only two seats.

2024 Lok Sabha polls

India voted in multiple phases to elect the 18th Lok Sabha in the worlds largest democratic exercise.

In just a day, we will know whether the BJP fulfilled its goal of 400 paar, which the partys leaders have touted, or if the Opposition was successful in upstaging the saffron party.

No matter the results, 4 June will be a decisive day for the country.

With inputs from agencies
On 2 June, South Africas ruling ANC announced that it would enter negotiations with other parties to form a new government after losing its three-decade-old absolute majority in a landmark election. With 99.91 per cent of the votes from Wednesdays election counted, ANC secured only 40.2 per cent, a significant decline from the 57.5 per cent it achieved in 2019 read more

Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement, on 2 June, 2024 of the results in South Africa's general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. AP

South Africas recent election has resulted in a significant shift, with the African National Congress (ANC), which freed the country from apartheid in 1994, losing its 30-year majority.

Despite this, the ANC remains the largest party. However, with no party securing a majority, South Africas political leaders are now engaged in coalition negotiations to form a government. This is a new experience for the country, given the ANCs long-standing dominance.

There are four major political parties and at least eight with substantial shares of the vote following last weeks election, making the situation quite complex.

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Here is a guide to some key figures and potential developments as South Africa navigates this unprecedented scenario.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, African National Congress political party

Once a protege of Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa, 71, has now overseen the worst election result in the ANCs history. He is under pressure within his own party as well as with voters, but he managed to laugh when an official made a slip Sunday and referred to him as the extinguished president rather than distinguished. Im not yet extinguished, Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosas challenge is to guide his party to a coalition he sees as best amid different factions within the ANC. The obvious choice is the main opposition Democratic Alliance. Between them, they would have enough seats in Parliament to govern. But the DA has been fiercely critical of the ANCs policies for years and the marriage wouldnt be an easy one, even if both have said they are open to discussions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa adresses African National Congress supporters at the Siyanqoba rally at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, 25 May, 2024. AP

Another option for the ANC is to join with one or both of the two other main opposition parties, the uMkhonto weSizwe party, or MK party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters. That could be damaging for South Africas image with foreign investors given MK and the EFF have both pledged to nationalize South Africas important gold and platinum mines and the central bank.

Ramaphosas presidency is in the balance given a coalition agreement also has to translate into reelecting him for a second term. South Africans vote for parties in elections to decide how many seats they get in Parliament. Lawmakers then elect the president and the ANC now doesnt have enough lawmakers on its own to reelect Ramaphosa.

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John Steenhuisen, Democratic Alliance political party

Steenhuisen, 48, is the main opposition leader as head of the centrist DA and the only white leader among the four main parties. He said his party was also initiating talks with various parties, except MK and the EFF. The DA has drawn a line there and said it will never work with those two over ideological differences.

Getting Steenhuisens DA and Ramaphosas ANC together is widely viewed as the most stable coalition option by analysts. Some have suggested that other smaller parties could be brought in to create a wider coalition and dilute the ANC-DA mix.

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Former South African President Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto we Sizwe political party

Zuma was the leader of the ANC and president of South Africa until he was replaced by Ramaphosa in both positions. Theyve become fierce rivals. Zuma, who is 82, was the wildcard of this election after only announcing his political comeback in December. His newly formed MK Party had a huge impact by winning 14% of the vote and taking some of the ANCs support to become the third biggest party in its first election.

Zumas party has demanded Ramaphosa step down as a condition for a coalition, a mark of the personal animosity. The ANC rejected the condition. While it would seem theres little for them to work with to come together, MK does now have a significant vote share and seats in Parliament.

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Zuma, who has served a prison sentence for contempt of court, is due to go on trial next year on charges of corruption. He was barred from running for a seat in Parliament in this election because of his criminal record.

Julius Malema, Economic Freedom Fighters political party

Malemas EFF party lost support in the election to drop to the fourth biggest party behind MK. Malema is the youngest of the major leaders at age 43 and also has old ties to the ANC as its former youth leader before he was expelled for misconduct.

Renowned as a firebrand, his party follows a Marxist ideology but theres some common ground between it and the ANC and the EFF was raised as a logical coalition partner for the ANC before MK overtook it and reduced its significance. Because of their differences, the inclusion of the EFF and MK in any coalition may result in the DA pulling out.

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With inputs from AP
While Rahul Gandhi of Congress pitched caste census and wealth redistribution as a solution for Indias inequality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thrashed it and said the argument around Indias supposed inequality is flawed read more

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress campaigned on vastly different electoral platforms during the Lok Sabha elections.

While the Congress pitched its socioeconomic programme combining caste census and wealth distribution as a solution to Indias inequality, the BJP sharply criticised the approach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead said that the upward social mobility is a gradual process and the argument that the rich are only getting richer and the poor are only getting poorer is flawed.

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During the campaign, the Congress also scored a self-goal when Sam Pitroda, who later quit as the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, mentioned inheritance tax. Even though the Congress party said it was not part of its agenda and even Pitroda did not mention it clearly as such, the damage was done and Modi and the BJP at large used it to further drive the criticism of the Congress partys electoral agenda.

Rahul Gandhis 3-pronged solution for Indias economy

During his election campaign, Rahul pitched a three-pronged socioeconomic plan for solving Indias inequality.

The plan comprised a caste-census, an institutional and financial survey, and wealth redistribution. Even as he mentioned these elements, he barely elaborated on the outline of the specific elements.

With the caste-census, Rahul sought to address the lack of representation of the backward castes and other marginalised groups in the spheres of employment and public representation. The caste-census would also serve as a basis for another signature move of Rahul: the removal of 50 per cent cap on reservation imposed by the Supreme Court.

With the institutional and financial survey, Rahul would assess how much wealth of India is with whom in India. This would serve as the basis for the proposed wealth redistribution, which was the most contentious issue that was slammed by Modi himself.

For several months, Rahul has been reiterating his jitni abaadi, utna haq (your rights as per as your population) slogan. The caste-census and wealth redistribution are seen as part of this agenda where a Congress government would ensure that your representation in jobs and politics and your personal or family wealth should be in line with your share in the population and you should not have excess or below your desired proportion.

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First, we will conduct a caste censusto know the exact population and status of backward castes, SCs, STs, minorities and other castes. After that, the financial and institutional survey will begin. Subsequently, we will take up the historic assignment to distribute the wealth of India, jobs and other welfare schemes to these sections based on their population, said Rahul on April 6, as per The Times of India.

Modi & BJP thrash Rahuls economic survey

Modi and top BJP leaders soon picked up the issue and thrashed it. At a rally in Rajasthans Banswara, Modi termed the Congress agenda as serious and worrisome. He linked it to a statement of Manmohan Singh, the former PM from the Congress party, from 2006 that minorities, particularly Muslims, should have a first right on Indias resources.

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Previously, when they were in government, they said the first right on the countrys resources is of Muslims. What does this mean? Whom will they distribute the wealth after seizing it: to those who have more children, to infiltrators! They will give away your hard-earned money to infiltrators. Is this acceptable to you? This is what the Congress manifesto says. They will check the gold that our mothers and sisters have and then distribute it to those whom Manmohan Singhs government said have the first right on the countrys resources, said Modi in Hindi.

As for the proposed wealth redistribution, Modi said, They have said that, if the Congress forms the government, there will be a survey of every persons property. It will be investigated how much gold is with our sisters, how much silver is with our tribal brothers, and where government employees work and how much money they have.

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Addressing the rally, Modi further said, They have said the gold of our sisters will be uniformly redistributed? Is this acceptable? Does the government have the right to seek your property? Does the government have the right to seize your hard-earned money? In the lives of our sisters, gold is not just for show-off. It is attached to their self-respect. Their mangalsutra is not about the value of gold but its about their dreams for life. You are talking about snatching that away in your manifesto: you will take gold and redistribute among everyone.

Separately, in an interview with CNN-News 18, senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the proposed wealth redistribution would bring great economic devastation and slowdown in the country.

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Referring to the effect of Congress partys proposed policies, Singh asked that if people do not have an incentive to work hard to achieve something, then why they would work or invest all.

Unless people dont have the incentive to work or invest to achieve something they want, why would they work at all? This thinking [wealth redistribution] will bring great devastation and economic crisis, said Singh in Hindi.

Modi on question of Indias economic growth

While Congress has frequently alleged that the Modi government has favoured the rich and has often flagged inequality, Modi said during the elections that the discourse around it was flawed.

In an interview with India Today, Modi was asked about a report by economist Thomas Piketty in which it was said that inequality in India was rising and that those at the top were getting richer and the poor at the bottom were getting poorer.

Modi rejected the argument and said that the journey out of poverty is a gradual process and it takes time for a population to climb out of poverty.

Notably, Piketty has been linked to the Congress party as he is known to have shaped some of Rahuls signature economy proposals, such as the minimum incomes promise in the 2019 elections.

So, everyone should be poor. That is one solution. There will be no difference then. This is how it was earlier. Now you say everyone should be rich. So, will it happen slowly or will everyone become rich overnight? Some will become rich and pull up others. There is a process. Today, 10 people move forward, tomorrow 100 will, and the day after that 500 more will move ahead, said Modi in the interview in response to the question.
A Delhi-Mumbai Akasa Air flight carrying 193 passengers, including and infant and six crew members, was diverted to Ahmedabad after it received a security threat on board read more

A Delhi-Mumbai Akasa Air flight carrying 193 passengers, including and infant and six crew members, was diverted to Ahmedabad after it received a security threat on board.

Akasa Air flight QP 1719, flying from Delhi to Mumbai on June 03, 2024, and carrying 186 passengers, 1 infant and six crew members on board, received a security alert on board. As per prescribed safety and security procedures, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad, Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement.

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The statement further added the the captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:13 hours.

All passengers have been deplaned. Akasa Air is following and supporting all safety and security protocols on ground, the statement read.

A Mumbai-bound Vistara flight, carrying 306 people onboard from Paris, made an emergency landing at 10.19 am on Sunday (June 2) after it received a bomb threat. Following the incident a full emergency was declared at the city airport.

In yet another such incident, an IndiGo flight from Varanasi to Delhi received a bomb threat on Saturday (June 1) and all passengers safely disembarked from the aircraft after landing at the Delhi airport. In a statement, the airline said flight 6E 2232, operating from Varanasi to Delhi, had received a bomb threat.

Earlier on 28 May, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Varanasi had received a bomb threat early morning. However, it had turned out to be a hoax. This comes after a thorough search was conducted of the flight at the Delhi airport.

A tissue paper, with the word bomb written on it, was found in the lavatory of Indigo flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi at Delhi airport, prompting security agencies to conduct an inspection but it turned out to be a hoax, a senior CISF official had said.

With inputs from agencies
Nishant Agarwal, employed in the technical research section of the companys missile centre in Nagpur, was arrested in a joint operation by the military intelligence and Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2018 read more

The Nagpur district court on Monday handed life imprisonment to former BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd engineer Nishant Agarwal under the Official Secrets Act for spying for Pakistans intelligence agency ISI.

Agarwal will also have to undergo rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 14 years and was also fined Rs 3,000.

Additional sessions court judge MV Deshpande stated in the order that Agarwal was convicted under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for an offence punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

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The court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment and RI for 14 years under the Official Secrets Act and fined him Rs 3,000, said Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani.

Agarwal, employed in the technical research section of the companys missile centre in Nagpur, was arrested in a joint operation by the military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2018.

The former BrahMos Aerospace engineer was booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent OSA.

He had worked at the Brahmos facility for four years and was accused of leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia) of Russia.

Agarwal was granted bail by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last April.
The boy, son of influential real estate developer Vishal Agarwal, told Pune Police that he was heavily drunk while driving when the accident took place on May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area read more

The 17-year-old boy, who rammed over a bike with his unregistered Porsche Taycan, killing two 24-year-old software engineers, confessed before the Pune Police that he was drunk while driving and therefore, he cannot remember what had happened on May 19 when the crash took place.

A report by India Today quoted sources as saying that the juvenile, who is now in an observation home, told the cops that he was heavily drunk while driving when the accident took place in Kalyani Nagar area of Pune.

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Cant recollect

The teen informed the Pune Crime Branch team that he was unable to recollect all the incidents completely from the day of the accident.

The boy, son of influential real estate developer Vishal Agarwal, was earlier granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board (JBB) within 15 hours of the accident on conditions widely criticised and termed lenient. He was asked to write a 300-word essay, do 15 days of work with traffic police and get psychiatric treatment and counselling for his drinking habit.

The decision by the JJB provoked public outrage, with many, including the Pune Police calling for the juvenile to be tried as an adult for the heinous crime.

The JJB later modified its order and sent him to an observation home.

Teen splurged Rs 48,000 on alcohol

Footages recovered by the police showed the boy was drunk before the accident occurred and had allegedly spent Rs 48,000 at one of the two pub he went to celebrate Class 12 results.

Also Read: 17-year-old Pune Porsche driver splurged Rs 48,000 in 90 minutes on alcohol at one pub before mowing two

Teens blood sample swapped

After being detained by the cops, the teen was taken to Punes Sassoon General Hospital for a medical check-up. There, the doctors threw his blood sample in a bin and had swapped with his mothers sample before sending it to the forensic lab for alcohol test. This was allegedly done at the direction of the minor accuseds father.

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The father of the boy allegedly gave Rs 3 lakh bribe to the doctors for this. He also made around 14 WhatsApp and Facetime calls to Dr Ajay Taware, head of the Forensic Medicine department of the Sassoon General Hospital.

Also Read: 14 WhatsApp calls, Facetime: How Pune teens father convinced Ajay Taware to swap sons blood sample

Pune teens absconding mother arrested

On Sunday (June 2), the boys mother, Shivani Agarwal, was arrested by the police. She had fled Pune when the case started getting bigger and two doctors  Dr Shrihari Halnor and Dr Ajay Taware  were arrested.

She was taken into custody a few days after it was found that the teenagers blood sample for an alcohol test at the Sassoon hospital had been substituted with a womans.

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Mrs Agarwal was arrested for tampering with evidence and being present at the hospital when blood tests were obtained.

Also Read: Pune Porsche crash: Why the 17-year-old accuseds mother has been arrested

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said Mrs Agarwal feigned ignorance on why the doctors at Sassoon Hospital asked her to give her blood as a sample instead of her sons.

We have recorded the statement of the woman (49). She told us that the doctors of the hospital had told her to give her blood as sample instead of her sons. She feigned ignorance on why the doctors told her so," a report by Times of India quoted Amitesh Kumar as saying.

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Pune court on Sunday remanded Shivani Agarwal and Vishal Agarwal to police custody until June 5 in connection with a case involving the destruction of evidence.

Apart from the boys parents, the police have also arrested his grandfather.

Police intensify investigation in Pune Porsche crash case

The Pune Police has formed over 12 teams, each consisting of 100 personnel, to investigate multiple aspects of the extensive inquiry into the Porsche car crash incident.
This trial has galvanised and united the Republican Party. Trumps incensed supporters are rallying behind their leader, who styles himself as a saviour of the country and constitution read more

Guiltyguilty guilty! The verdict was speedy, unanimous, and historic. The 12-member jury took just over 9 hours to conclude that former president Donald Trump was guilty on all 34 counts in the so-called Hush money criminal trial at the New York Manhattan Court.

The speed with which the jury had made the determination took most observers, including the accused, by surprise. For that matter, the entire hearing over the preceding weeks was handled with promptitude by the presiding judge, Justice Juan Merchan. The judge would announce the sentence on July 11, just four days before the beginning of the Republican National Convention, which is expected to formally anoint Trump as the presidential nominee.

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Trump has the ignominy of becoming the first former American president in the countrys 250-year history to be adjudged a criminal by a court of law. It is not that all former presidents were epitomes of virtue or did not have a brush with the law.

Delving into recent history, President Richard Nixon would have certainly been convicted in the Watergate scandal if he had not resigned in August 1974 and managed to secure a controversial full, free, and absolute pardon for all offences against the US from his successor, President Gerald Ford.

President Bill Clinton went through an impeachment process in the US Senate in 1999 on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, abuse of power, etc. in connection with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal, but was acquitted as the required two-thirds majority to hold him guilty could not be mustered.

Trump has been pushing legal boundaries for a long time. According to Democrats and his detractors, the law has finally caught up with him. The Republicans, on the other hand, are livid and blame it on the Biden administrations machinations. It is ironic that the former President has been adjudged guilty for a relatively minor offence, while three other criminal cases, far more serious, are pending in American courts but unlikely to come up for hearing before the November 5 elections.

Not unexpectedly, Trump lashed out at the verdict, calling it rigged and a disgrace. He described the judge as conflicted. He would have gone much further but for a gag order preventing him from commenting on the jury or family members of the judge whom he had targeted earlier. He depicts himself as a victim of a witch hunt and maintains his complete innocence.

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Under the American legal system, a jury drawn from common citizens is responsible for deciding on facts. An accused can be held guilty only if the jury unanimously decides it to be so. The judge then goes ahead with sentencing. In the instant case, the judge has considerable leeway, ranging from the imposition of fines to placing him on probation or home confinement, ordering imprisonment for up to four years on each count, prescribing community service, or issuing a suspended sentence.

Most legal experts opine that, given his age and stature, Trump will not be incarcerated. Typically, in past cases, only financial penalties have been imposed. That he is a Secret Service protectee, requiring round-the-clock security, would also weigh heavily with the judge. As such, besides being fined, he may face token imprisonment (say for a few hours) due to his petulant behaviour in and outside the courtroom during the trial.

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The sentence will be held in abeyance until the appeal process is concluded. Trump is certainly going to appeal to the First Judicial Department of New Yorks Appellate Division in the first instance, which is likely to take him past the November 5 mark. He can next approach New Yorks Court of Appeals and possibly even the federal Supreme Court.

The real question is whether the conviction would have any legal or political fallout for Trump. Curiously, on balance, it may end up working to his advantage. American laws do not prevent a convicted felon from casting his ballot, campaigning in elections, or holding a public office. On the face of it, he can become the American president even if hes behind bars. There is no constitutional provision debarring him from the presidents office. Political and legal pundits in the US argue that the framers of the Constitution had not foreseen such an eventuality.

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Even if the need for such a law was felt in recent times, its enactment would have required an amendment to the Constitution, which is quite difficult. The US Constitution, adopted in 1789, has been amended only 27 times to date. An amendment needs to be approved by a 2/3rd majority in both houses and ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures, which is a tall order in the prevailing contentious political environment in the country. In comparison, the Indian constitution adopted in 1950 has already been amended 106 times.

Politically, the conviction seems to be less of a liability and more of a bonanza. It may or may not turn off a small number of undecided voters, but it has certainly galvanised and united the Republican Party. His incensed supporters are rallying behind their leader, who styles himself as a saviour of the country and constitution. In their book, he can do no wrong. They responded by loosening their purse strings and contributing an unprecedented 53 million dollars to Trumps war chest within 24 hours of the verdict.

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The American principle that no one is above law was affirmed observed President Biden. However, that may not reflect the mainstream opinion in the country, which is divided right in the middle. There is a real danger of violence if Trump is imprisoned or if Biden wins the election. Trump and his supporters have convinced themselves that the only fair outcome is his victory; otherwise, the election would be deemed stolen.

It would be inconceivable in most law-abiding nations for a colourful personality like Trump, accused of moral turpitude, tax evasion, illegal possession of classified documents, and incitement of violence, among other misdemeanours, to assume or aspire to re-occupy the highest office in the land. The US seems to be an exception.

Such a state of affairs is hardly a testimonial to a robust or resilient democracy. Lip service apart, not many countries would want to emulate such an example. And then there is a flawed democracy where 950 million citizens elect or eject a government every five years through a free and fair process that is respected by the victorious and the vanquished alike. It is high time for some nations to stop preaching and start introspecting.

The author is a foreign affairs specialist and an ex-envoy to Canada and South Korea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Considering that the US, supported by other Western countries, was widely accused of attempting to influence the 2024 elections in Bangladesh, it is quite clear that PM Hasina was pointing towards the US. Image: REUTERS

Recently, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina made a revealing statement about international interests that want to carve out a Christian country from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. She said that a white man who met her before the Bangladesh elections in January this year had assured her of facing no problems during the elections if she allowed them to build an airbase on Bangladeshs territory. Sheikh Hasina also compared it to East Timor and said that they will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal.

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Considering that the US, supported by other Western countries, was widely accused of attempting to influence the 2024 elections in Bangladesh, it is quite clear that PM Hasina was pointing towards the US. Many Western countries, led by the US, demanded fair and free elections, suggesting that Bangladeshs democratic processes were not robust enough. Australia, Canada, Norway, the UK, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the US issued a joint statement in which they expressed concern over spurts of violence before the elections.

The US Treasury Department went so far as to impose sanctions on Bangladeshs elite paramilitary force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), as well as seven of its current and former officers, due to alleged human rights violations. Furthermore, the US imposed visa restrictions on Bangladeshi leaders and officials whom they deemed as persons undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

But that is not the only reason that PM Hasinas revelation is being given due importance in not just Bangladesh and Myanmar, the two countries that she has mentioned, but also in India, a country that she alluded to. India has had its own set of problems recently on its northeastern borders. The Manipur conflict that started as ethnic violence between two communities is taking on a shape that would fit into Sheikh Hasinas narrative.

The conflict exacerbated by the civil war-like situation in Myanmar has over the last year seen the idea of Zalengam, or the land of freedom in the Thadou-Kuki dialect, slowly creep into the narrative of some anti-India groups. The exact territorial claim, though not refined, has ambitions to include in India parts of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and the Karbi Anglong District of Assam; in Myanmar, parts of Sagaing Division and Chin State; and in Bangladesh, the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Today, Zalengam is being perceived as an ideologically based territory that would be inhabited by the predominantly Christian Kuki-Chin-Zo clans that have trans-border ethnic relations across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

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The umbrella term of Kuki- Chin, similarly to the term Nagas, encompasses many closely allied clans. Though John Ware Edgar, colonial administrator and political officer with the Lushai Expedition in 1872 who became Commissioner of Chittagong in 1885, noted that though the Kukis were similar but constantly at war with each other. John Shakespear, an intelligence officer for the Lushai Expeditionary Force in 1888 and later Deputy Commissioner, Assam, noted that the term Kuki was loosely applied to most of the inhabitants beyond the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Though a demand for Kukiland goes back to 1960, wherein the Kuki National Assembly had asked the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru to create a Kuki state, it was in the 1980s when the insurgent group Kuki National Organisation took up the cause. It envisioned carving its territory from parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam, making other communities like the Meiteis and the Nagas uneasy. However, today, Kukiland is seen as part of the more ambitious idea of Zalengam, which will bring together the Kuki Chin communities across borders through a common territory.

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In Bangladesh, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) is a banned ethno-nationalist militant group based in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with an armed wing called the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA). Bangladesh authorities claim that they receive support from rebel groups in Myanmar. The group also wants a Kuki-Chin state in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Since 2022, Bangladesh authorities have ramped up their action against the militant group, resulting in many Kukis seeking shelter in Mizoram, India. This was also a consequence of the increase in the frequency of attacks by the KNF on civilians. The Bangladeshi government has recently suspended peace talks with the KNF.

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In Myanmar, where the same clans are called Chins, they have been at the centre of the conflict against the ruling Junta. The Chin National Army (CNA), which operates from the Chin State and Sagaing Divisions of Myanmar, captured key military outposts and towns on the border with India. Khampat town on the Kale-Tamu road, an important trade route, and Khampat police station in the Sagaing region were the first to fall. The Indian border town of Rikhawdar in Falam township was also seized, it is the first town in Chin state that is fully under the control of the Chin National Force (CNF). In an ominous declaration of rebel victory, the Chin National Army flag flew high over the border crossing. Additionally, PDF Zoland, a smaller group but with an ambitious name, took over the junta hilltop base on Kennedy Peak in the Tedim township. Zo, or Zou, is the northern Kuki-Chin-Mizo language spoken amongst tribes in Myanmar and India.

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The situation is reminiscent of the now partially exhausted Naga insurgency that dreamt, once upon a time, of Greater Nagalim for Christ. The Naga umbrella identity was founded upon bringing together over 16 main tribal groups with their own distinct names and languages, with a sense of unity that was forged with the advent of the British administration and Christianity. The idea of Nagalim, similar to the idea of Zalengam, pursued the idea of bringing tribes under an umbrella identity across the northeastern region and in Myanmar.

Besides countering the dream of a Land of Freedom, the US involvement in the internal affairs of Indias neighbours, whether it is Myanmar or Bangladesh, will have a spillover effect. India is not new to the geopolitical games played by the US from time to time. The US-CIA involvement in the Naga insurgency is well recorded. A paper published by the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research claimed that a former secret service agent revealed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had supported and financed the Naga underground movement until the 1950s. The USA continued to be the patron and supplier of arms and ammunition to the insurgent groups of northeast India from Bangkok in the 1970s.

Therefore, when Sheikh Hasina makes a statement, it rings alarm bells. And when Awami Leagues finance and planning affairs sub-committee member Squadron Leader (retd) Sadrul Ahmed Khan makes remarks to a global news agency like Sputnik India on the manipulations of Kuki-Chin rebels, it reinforces suspicions. Khan has said, The Kuki-Chin rebels in Myanmar are majority Christian; they appear relatively prone to manipulations by foreign actors." He also pointed out that Americas tacit backing of Kuki-Chin rebels has security implications for not only Bangladesh and Myanmar but also India, which also has a large population of the ethnic group in the northeastern states, such as Manipur.

The alleged Christian state is a jigsaw puzzle where the pieces fit together to form the entire picture when a clear assessment is attempted based upon transnational ethnic ties. These age-old ties are further manoeuvred to benefit militant groups and Western interests, leaving innocent civilians from within these communities to bear the backlash. India must act stealthily to identify anti-national groups pushing ideas of freedom and international agencies that support them. Conversely, India must identify the leaders and groups from the Kuki-Chin communities that can counter such separatist claims; they must be brought to the forefront. It is only through building bridges, filling trust deficits, and outmanoeuvring vested interests that India can safeguard its interests.

Rami Niranjan Desai is an anthropologist and a scholar of the northeast region of India. She is a columnist and author and presently Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
NVIDIAs ACE generative services will let businesses, game developers and enthusiasts create digital-humans with almost human, life life features. This includes modulation voices realistically, digital models that have human-like skin and hair, etc read more

NVIDIA has unveiled a rather groundbreaking development today. Its NVIDIA ACE (Advanced Computing for Digital Human Experiences) generative AI microservices are now widely available to businesses that work with digital humans.

These cutting-edge tools signify a pivotal leap forward in the realm of digital humans. NVIDIAs ACE has the potential to revolutionise various industries, starting from customer service and gaming to healthcare.

The NVIDIA ACE suite has a comprehensive array of digital human generative AI technologies. Each of these tools are designed to tackle specific challenges in creating, animating, and managing lifelike digital avatars.

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Among these tools are NVIDIA Riva ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition), TTS (Text-to-Speech), and NMT (Neural Machine Translation), which collectively enable seamless interaction through speech.

Additionally, the NVIDIA Nemotron LLM (Large Language Model) empowers digital humans to understand and generate contextually relevant responses, while NVIDIA Audio2Face allows the creation of realistic facial animations synchronized with audio inputs. You also get NVIDIA Omniverse RTX, providing real-time, path-traced rendering capabilities to render lifelike skin and hair.

Sample of a digital human, created using NVIDIAs ACE AI services. Image Credit: NVIDIA

Beyond its current offerings, NVIDIA has also teased some upcoming developments to the programme, such as NVIDIA Audio2Gesture, which will generate body gestures based on audio cues, and the NVIDIA Nemotron-3 4.5B, a small language model tailored for low-latency, on-device RTX AI PC inference.

These upcoming innovations are poised to further enhance the capabilities of digital human experiences, pushing the boundaries of AI-driven interaction.

Jensen Huang, the visionary CEO of NVIDIA, expressed unwavering optimism about the transformative impact of digital humans across various sectors. He highlighted the pivotal role of breakthroughs in multi-modal large language models and neural graphics, delivered through the ACE suite, in reshaping the landscape of human-computer interaction.

Huangs vision extends beyond mere technological advancements; he envisions a future where human-computer interaction feels as natural and intuitive as human-to-human interaction, revolutionizing industries and enriching lives.

To make it easier for developers to access to ACE technologies, NVIDIA plans to deploy ACE PC NIM (NVIDIA Inference Manager) microservices across its extensive ecosystem of RTX AI PCs and laptops. This will help NVIDIA to empower developers and businesses alike to leverage the potential of digital human technology, wich in turn will enhance user experiences across a load of applications and situations.

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To streamline the deployment process, NVIDIA has introduced the NVIDIA AI Inference Manager software development kit, which simplifies the configuration of PCs with the necessary AI models, engines, and dependencies. This toolkit ensures seamless orchestration of AI inference across PCs and the cloud, facilitating the integration of ACE technologies into existing workflows and applications.

The adoption of ACE technologies is gaining momentum across industries, with leading companies such as Aww Inc., Dell Technologies, Perfect World Games, and ServiceNow embracing these tools to drive innovation and transform business operations. From enhancing customer experiences to revolutionizing gaming and healthcare, ACE is poised to reshape the way we interact with digital entities, blurring the lines between virtual and reality.

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In parallel, NVIDIA has been fostering the growth of digital human startups, nurturing innovation and creativity within the burgeoning ecosystem. At Computex 2024, these startups showcased their groundbreaking solutions, highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI in creating lifelike avatars and immersive experiences.

Note: Intel flew the author to Taipei, Taiwan to cover Computex 2024, and Intel Tech Tour, Taiwan
Israels military has been conducting what it claims is a limited operation in Rafah since the beginning of May in order to drive out Hamas militants and destroy infrastructure utilized by the militant Palestinian Islamist organization that controls Gaza read more

In the city of Khan Younis, thousands of people are currently taking refuge in buildings that have been damaged or destroyed, according to UNRWA, which is still managing to provide basic services in spite of "increasing challenges" Image Courtesy Reuters

Over a million people have been forced to leave the Gazan city of Rafah, according to a report released on Monday by the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA).

Approximately one million Palestinians who were displaced by Israeli attacks on other areas of the enclave sought refuge in the small city on the southern border of the Gaza Strip, according to humanitarian organizations.

Israels military has been conducting what it claims is a limited operation in Rafah since the beginning of May in order to drive out Hamas militants and destroy infrastructure utilized by the militant Palestinian Islamist organization that controls Gaza.

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The Israeli military has instructed residents to relocate to a 20 km (12 mile) extended humanitarian zone.

Moving up and down the Gaza Strip in recent months, many Palestinians have lamented that they are constantly at risk of Israeli bombardment.

In the city of Khan Younis, thousands of people are currently taking refuge in buildings that have been damaged or destroyed, according to UNRWA, which is still managing to provide basic services in spite of increasing challenges.
The DAs veteran white leader John Steenhuisen had repeated his pledge to work with the ANC, if only to head off what he has declared would be the Doomsday Coalition between the ruling party, Zumas MK and the EFF read more

South African President and President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa (L) leaves after the official announcement of the South African general election results in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) National Results Center at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. AFP

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South African party leaders to work together in the public interest Sunday, after his ANC lost its 30-year-old governing majority in a bruising general election.

But, in a sign of possible turmoil to come, graft-tainted former president Jacob Zuma boycotted the results ceremony and his party refused to recognise the outcome.

The final tally gave Ramaphosas ruling African National Congress 159 places in the 400-seat National Assembly, its lowest score in a general election.

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The centre-right opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) was on 87, Zumas uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) on 58 and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of leftist firebrand Julius Malema on 39, followed by several minority outfits.

The vote share of late liberation leader Nelson Mandelas party slumped to just over 40 percent from the 57 percent it won in 2019.

The new parliament is to meet within two weeks and its first task will be to elect a president to form a new government.

But, with no outright winner for the first time since the advent of South Africas post-apartheid democracy, the ANC will need outside support to secure Ramaphosas re-election.

Doomsday Coalition

In an address after the official results ceremony, Ramaphosa was coy about his thinking regarding a deal, but stressed the need for all parties to respect the results and work together.

Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not, Ramaphosa said, in an apparent nod to the expected legal challenge from Zumas MK and the implicit threat of unrest.

As the leaders of political parties  we must respect their wishes.

The DAs veteran white leader John Steenhuisen had repeated his pledge to work with the ANC, if only to head off what he has declared would be the Doomsday Coalition between the ruling party, Zumas MK and the EFF.

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He described pledges in the MK and EFF manifestos to nationalise privately owned land and undermine judicial independence as an all-out assault on the constitution of our country.

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula told AFP the party was having exploratory discussions at the moment, we talk to everybody. He said the ANC hoped to achieve a deal as fast as we can.

Provocation?

In an ominous sign of disunity ahead, Zumas supporters in the often restive eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal paraded round the countryside in noisy celebratory convoys but boycotted the provincial results announcement in Durban and the national event in Johannesburg.

Asked why Zuma stayed away, MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela said that to attend would be tantamount to endorsing an illegal declaration.

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On Saturday, Zuma had warned that to announce results he was not satisfied with would be tantamount to a provocation.

The United States did not appear concerned over the results, with State Department spokesman Matthew Miller posting on social media to congratulate South Africans on serving as a standard bearer of democracy throughout Africa and the world.

Zumas MK, formed barely eight months ago as a vehicle for the charismatic but controversial 82-year-old to re-enter politics, came first in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial assembly election but without an outright majority.

His supporters have said they will not join a coalition unless there is an agreement to pardon Zuma for a conviction that saw him banned as a parliamentary candidate, and to rewrite the constitution to permit him to stand.

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Zuma, forced out of office as president and ANC leader in 2018 under a cloud of corruption allegations, was jailed for contempt of court in 2021, which triggered riots that left more than 350 people dead.

Calls for calm

Police Minister Bheki Cele said the security forces were ready to ensure continued peaceful conditions after the elections.

Speaking alongside him, Defence Minister Thandi Modise said the government had not engaged directly with the MK party but had called for calm during the campaign.

We will not tolerate for anyone to tarnish South Africa, Modise said.

The ANC retains the respect of many South Africans for its leading role in overthrowing white-minority rule.

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Its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty.

But over three decades of almost unchallenged rule its leadership has been implicated in a series of corruption scandals, while the continents most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs.
Dr Anthony Fauci, a top infectious disease expert in the United States, will be grilled regarding the origin of Covid-19 by the Oversight Committee of the House of Representatives read more

Anthony Fauci is the former Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). (Photo: AP)

Dr Anthony Fauci, the former Chief Medical Advisor to the White House, will on Monday testify in the US Congress on the issue of the origin of Covid-19.

Fauci will be grilled by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic of the Oversight Committee of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the US Congress.

Fauci is among the top infectious disease expert in the United States. He served as the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) during 1984-2022. As the NIAID Director, he became a leading figure in issuing public guidance and shaping popular opinion through the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics, however, have long sought to grill Fauci on his role in the gain of function (GOF) research conducted in China with American grants and assistance thats suspected of having set off the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The GOF research refers to the kind of research that gives a pathogen bacteria or virus characteristics that it does not naturally has. Usually, such characteristics include increased transmissibility or severity.

The Mondays testimony will be Faucis first since he retired from his public roles in 2022. Previously, he gave two seven-hour-long closed-door interviews to the Select Subcommittee.

Fauci accused of lying about GOF research

Fauci has been accused of lying about his role in funding GOF research in China.

The NIAID gave multiple grants to a non-profit EcoHealth Alliance that further distributed it to Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the Wuhan University Center for Animal Experiment (WUCAE) in China for GOF research, as per the US government documents and communication accessed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by The Intercept.

Before these documents released publicly, Fauci had told the US Congress NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The NIH refers to the US governments National Institutes of Health which includes many health institutes including NIAID. The Intercepts findings showed that Faucis claim was not correct.

It has also been reported that, in the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fauci met with Ralph Baric, an American scientist who is longtime collaborator with WIV on GOF research. US Right to Know in a report said that while Fauci could have met Baric just over his expertise in coronaviruses, there is evidence that he has not been forthcoming about his concerns regarding WIVs activities with regard to Covid-origin.

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Together the emails suggest Fauci has not disclosed the depth of his concerns about the Wuhan lab and its connection to the research enterprise he steered for decades, said the report, adding that Fauci dispatched aides to learn about grants to WIV soon after the pandemic was reported.

Fauci was alerted in late January [2020] that the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, betrayed signs of engineering. A small group of virologists circulated a paper coauthored by Baric and Shi describing a SARSr-CoV experiment that employed engineering. Fauci immediately dispatched an aide to interrogate whether his institute, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, had any connection to the study, said the report.

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What do we know of Covid-origin?

After more than four years of the first emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, there is no conclusive evidence of how the virus first emerged. While the belief that it jumped naturally from an animal bats, most likely to humans was the mainstream belief initially, the lack of any conclusive evidence for the same even after four years has challenged it.

On the other hand, an increasing body of scientists, journalists, and other experts have built a circumstantial case for a lab-origin of Covid-19. As per them, the evidence suggests that the virus could have leaked from a lab in Wuhan the WIV in an accident. Now, it is known that scientists at the WIV were indulging in GOF research on coronaviruses for several years and one of these viruses has been found to be close ancestors of SARS-CoV-2.

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WIVs Shi Zhengli, popularly known as the batwoman for her work on bat coronaviruses, carried out research on coronaviruses for years with US collaborators and grants. With EcoHealth Alliances Peter Daszak, she collected 630 types of coronaviruses between 2010 and 2015 and also collaborated with Baric, a specialist of GOF whom Fauci also met.

In 2015, Baric and Shi published a paper in which they detailed how they fused a bat coronavirus and a human coronavirus. The resultant virus could infect mice as well as humans, as per the paper. It meant that they gave new infectious properties to viruses that were not originally there.

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The fact that the Chinese scientists were researching coronaviruses and carrying out GOF research, including the closest-known ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 called RaTG13 for years, has led to an increasing body of experts to say that its likely that the virus could have escaped from the lab. The WIV is next to the location in Wuhan where the first publicly-known outbreak was reported.
Mileis posture could not stand in starker contrast to most of Latin America  where Bolivia and Colombia have severed ties with Israel and at least five regional countries, most recently Brazil, have pulled ambassadors from Tel Aviv read more

Argentina's President Javier Milei speaks during a ceremony to commemorate Holocaust and Heroism Day, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. AP File

At the base of the sacred Western Wall in Jerusalems Old City, President Javier Milei of Argentina appeared to be in a spiritual trance.

With head and hands pressed against the ancient stone, he prayed with Orthodox rabbi who introduced him to Judaism three years ago. Although born and raised Roman Catholic, Milei has increasingly shown public interest in Judaism and even expressed intentions to convert.

Stepping back from the wall, Milei broke down. He hugged Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish close, sobbing onto his shoulder.

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In that moment, I felt proud that we have such determined leader, with such deep spiritual values, Wahnish told The Associated Press in a recent interview, recalling their state trip to Israel in February.

For many Argentines, that pride was fraught with peril.

Breaking decades of policy precedent, Milei has gone further in his support of right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government than perhaps any other world leader as Israel faces growing isolation over its bombardment and invasion of Gaza that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.

His posture could not stand in starker contrast to most of Latin America  where Bolivia and Colombia have severed ties with Israel and at least five regional countries, most recently Brazil, have pulled ambassadors from Tel Aviv.

Among great nations that should be pillars of the free world, I see indifference in some and fear in others about standing on the side of truth, Milei told Jewish community leaders at an event last month commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. It was a veiled swipe at Western powers  including the United States  for criticizing Israeli military conduct.

The crowd leapt to its feet in applause.

The presidents supporters insist his newfound Jewish fervor has no bearing on his foreign policy. But Mileis infatuation with Judaism and outspoken support for Israel has generated fears and exposed fissures within Argentinas Jewish community, among the biggest in the world, and roiled relations with its neighbors.

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Argentine Jews remain deeply scarred by a pair of lethal bombings targeting Israels embassy in 1992 and the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association, a community center known by its Spanish acronym AMIA, in 1994. Authorities allege Iran plotted the attacks and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group carried them out. No one has been held responsible. Argentinas investigation has been mired in controversy.

Milei has a messianic mind, and this is quite dangerous, said Diana Malamud, whose husband was among the 85 people killed in the AMIA attack. His policies can not only stoke conflicts at the international level  but also generate anti-Semitism within our country.

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Mileis curiosity about Judaism began as a kind of penitence in 2021, when he faced accusations of harboring pro-Nazi sympathies and wanted to prove in speech that he bore no animus toward Jews. He connected with Sephardic leader Rabbi Wahnish to have a chat that was supposed to last 10 minutes and ended two hours later, Wahnish said.

As Milei evolved from TV pundit to anarcho-capitalist president, Wahnish guided him through the study of Torah. Seeking common ground between his vision of radical libertarianism and the prophecy of the Old Testament, Mileis casual interest morphed into a regular religious practice.

Wahnish, recently appointed Argentinas ambassador to Israel, declined to comment on Mileis conversion.

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In Judaism and Moses, Milei sees a cultural and spiritual revolution toward freedom, Wahnish said. Since childhood, he added, Milei felt Moses was his idol, his hero.

Milei, who owns four clones of his dead dog Conan, has never been the most conventional occupant of Argentinas highest office. Still, his foray into Judaism has come as a particular surprise.

On the campaign trail, Milei quoted the Torah, made multiple Brooklyn pilgrimages to the tomb of influential Hasidic leader Menachem Mendel Schneerson and sounded the shofar, the rams-horn trumpet blasted during the Jewish High Holy Days, to close his electoral campaign.

Ahead of Mileis victory, nearly 4,000 Argentine Jewish intellectuals signed a petition voicing concern over Mileis political use of Judaism.

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Its perverse  to use the shofar, which is played during religious ceremonies, to announce himself, said Pablo Gorodneff, secretary-general of the progressive Argentine Jewish Appeal group. It makes me very frustrated, very sad.

As fighting raged in Gaza, Milei flew to Israel for his first foreign visit and praised Netanyahu without reservation. Following in the footsteps of former U.S. President Donald Trump, he pledged to move Argentinas Embassy from a beachfront bastion near Tel Aviv to the contested capital of Jerusalem  aggravating an emotional issue at the heart of the conflict. Netanyahu called Milei a great friend. Hamas called him a partner of the Zionist occupier.

Last month, Mileis government upended Argentinas traditional recognition of Palestinian statehood, joining the U.S. and Israel to vote against Palestinian membership at the U.N.

His foreign policy shift has thrilled Jewish community leaders, but also left them on edge.

If Mileis supposed defense of Israel is an attack on Palestinian rights, it puts the Jewish community in Argentina at risk, said Hector Shalom, director of Argentinas Anne Frank Center. The decades of impunity for past attacks show our vulnerability.

The 1994 bombing, Argentinas most notorious cold case, still spreads unease. After Hamas Oct. 7 attack, the mood in the Jewish community went from worried to alarmed.

Jewish high schools requested that students stop wearing their uniforms, so as not to identify as Jewish. Authorities jacked up security at synagogues. Two bomb scares emptied out the AMIA building.

Security levels have always been high but now there is a much greater sensitivity, said Amos Linetzky, head of AMIA.

Government officials have also grown anxious, lashing out at Iran and warning that the Israel-Hamas war has stoked the embers of Islamic militancy and blown them all the way to Latin America.

Upon news of the first Iranian assault on Israeli territory April 14, local media reported Mileis pro-Israel stance had made him a target. He cut his state visit to Denmark short and flew home to convene a crisis committee alongside the Israeli ambassador.

Mileis hardline security minister, Patricia Bullrich, singled out left-wing neighbors Bolivia and Chile as Islamist hotbeds, ordering reinforcements to Argentinas northern border.

We are on high alert, Bullrich said, alleging that Bolivia  which last year struck a defense agreement with Iran  teems with Iranian Revolutionary Guard operatives. Politically correct messages like calling for peace are not Argentinas position.

Without providing evidence, Bullrich also claimed that Chile  home to the largest Palestinian population outside the Arab world  hosts Hezbollah.

The accusations, decried as baseless by Bolivia and Chile, prompted both governments to pull their ambassadors from Buenos Aires.

On Saturday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member group describing itself as the collective voice of the Muslim world, issued a furious denunciation of what it described as Mileis anti-Islamic rhetoric.

For years, U.S. and Argentine intelligence services have subjected the Triple Frontier, where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet, to intense surveillance, scouring the large population of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants for Islamist sympathies.

One of the things I dont think gets enough attention is how long Hezbollah has had a presence in our hemisphere, Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee this spring.

Washington claims Hezbollah funds its activities through drug traffickers in the area. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned dozens of individuals in South America over alleged ties to Hezbollah, most recently last fall. Authorities have reported thwarting attacks, with Israels Mossad spy agency helping Brazil arrest alleged Hezbollah recruits last November.

Hezbollah denies running operations in the region.

What would Hezbollah want with Latin America? the groups spokesperson, Rana Sahili, asked the AP. She accused Milei of playing loose with facts to score points in a political game.

Experts say the true threat lies somewhere in the middle.

Some say Hezbollahs presence in Latin America is a complete fabrication, while others say the group uses the region as a base and were doomed, said Fernando Brancoli at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Neither is correct.
Although Sunak is now lagging the opposition Labour Party by almost 20 points in surveys and it has pledged to rescind the plan, Sunak recently stated that the deportation planes will not depart before the election on July 4. However, he has guaranteed that if he wins, they would begin soon after read more

One of Sunak's signature policies is to transfer asylum seekers who arrived in Britain to the country in East Africa Image Courtesy Reuters

According to court records released on Monday, the British government stated that it plans to start deporting asylum seekers on July 23. However, the contentious plan is contingent on Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservative parties winning the next election.

One of Sunaks signature policies is to transfer asylum seekers who arrived in Britain to the country in East Africa; however, due to parliamentary and legal impediments, this policy has never taken off.

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Although Sunak is now lagging the opposition Labour Party by almost 20 points in surveys and it has pledged to rescind the plan, Sunak recently stated that the deportation planes will not depart before the election on July 4. However, he has guaranteed that if he wins, they would begin soon after.

The governments attorneys stated in documents filed with the London High Court in support of a charity challenging the program that the goal was to effect removals with a flight to Rwanda on 23 July 2024 (and not before).
The ministry noted that the two Chinese officials were staff members of unnamed Chinese central state organs and mentioned that the case against the two spies is under investigation read more

China has accused Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) of turning two Chinese government employees into spies for the British government. Source: AFP

China has accused the British Secret Intelligence Service MI6 of turning two of its state officials into spies for the British government. Beijing made this accusation in a statement which was released by the countrys State Security Ministry on Monday.

The ministry noted that the two Chinese officials were staff members of unnamed Chinese central state organs and mentioned that the case against the two spies is under investigation. The two officials were a married couple who were allegedly recruited by the British intelligence agency, the Global Times reported.

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While the authorities did not identify the officials, in their statement posted on WeChat, they mentioned that the case involved MI6 recruiting an employee surnamed Wang and his spouse surnamed Zhou.

The backstory

According to the Global Times, Wang applied to participate in a China-UK exchange program to study in the United Kingdom back in 2016. Upon his arrival, the MI6 arranged for personnel to provide him with special attention, including dining invitations and sightseeing tours, to understand his personality weaknesses and hobbies.

The intelligence personnel befriended him and eventually offered him a part-time consulting opportunity with high compensation. Tempted by financial incentives, Wang agreed to engage in paid consulting.

Despite being suspicious of the British motives, Wang continued to provide part-time consulting with high compensation. Tempted by financial incentives, Wang agreed to engage in paid consulting.

As per the Chinese authorities, MI6 provided professional spy training for Wang and instructed him to return to China to gather important intelligence.

What about Zhou?

After coming back to China, MI6 repeatedly urged Wang to recruit his wife to the British intelligence body and promised him a double compensation. Wang eventually succumbed to the persistent persuasion, inducement, and even threats from the British side and the couple started gathering intelligence for the British officials.

In the statement, the Chinese national security agencies maintained that they have legally detained the duo and interrogation is currently underway. This is not the first time the Chinese authorities accused MI6 of recruiting Chinese officials as spies.

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Back in January, the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) accused MI6 of using foreign personnel from a third country for espionage targeting China.

With inputs from agencies.
June 2, 2024: The war in Ukraine gave the United States an opportunity to use its older, near their expiration date, ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) rockets rather than spending a lot of money safely disposing of them. Ukrainian weapons experts knew the risks of firing these older rockets was low for the users and Ukraine needed all the long range firepower they could get. In late 2023 Ukraine received dozens of the ATACMS missiles and in early 2024 received some of the updated ATACMS missiles with longer range. By 2024 the replacement for ATACMS called Deepstrike was ready to enter service. The war in Ukraine led to a few Deepstrike missiles being sent to Ukraine to see how the new missile would perform in combat. Deepstrike is a thinner rocket so that two can be fit into a MLRS container that currently holds one ATACMS. Deepstrike has a longer 500 kilometer range and a more capable guidance system.

Meanwhile the Americans were already upgrading their ATACMS rockets before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In mid-2018 the U.S. Army increased its spending on SLEP (service-life-extension program) work on its older MGM140 ATACMS artillery rockets. Nearly 4,000 ATACMS had been built since the missile entered service in the late 1980s. In the late 1990s a longer range, GPS guided version was introduced but by then most of the current ATACMS missiles were built and production slowed to very little by 2007. The SLEP program refurbished and upgraded the older, shorter range, 165 kilometer unguided ATACMS so they have features of the latest models. The SLEP will produce a like-new guided missile with a ten year shelf life and a 250-300 kilometer range, depending on the weight of the warhead.

Older ATACMS underwent SLEP at the rate of 300-500 a year until all of the ATACMS stockpile was refurbished. That meant several thousand SLEPed ATACMS that could accept new warheads with new features like ground penetration to destroy underground facilities and more capable guidance systems.

The ATACMS is a 610mm ballistic missile that fits in the same size container that normally holds six 227mm MLRS rockets on a HIMARS truck. The latest upgrades have been to the guidance system. In 2017 ATACMS was given the ability to hit moving targets, specifically ships at sea. ATACMS has sufficient range for that and the U.S. pioneered the development of terminal guidance systems for ballistic missiles in the 1970s the Pershing mobile missile. Since then the U.S. has developed similar guidance systems so that high-speed missiles can hit moving targets. So it was not a difficult feat to develop a terminal guidance system for ATACMS that searches for a certain size ship and heads for it while moving at more than a thousand meters a second, which is faster than a very speedy bullet. The ATACMS guidance system has also received a proximity detonation capability so that it can be programmed to explode in the air above a target. All the current ATACMS needs is the GPS coordinates of the moving target on land or sea. Since max flight time at max range is only a few minutes it is easy to predict where the moving target will be based on aerial, satellite, or sonar detection. It takes less than a minute to update the guidance system and launch. If nothing else this will give potential naval foes something more to worry about and be a popular export item as well.

Most current ATACMS are armed with a 227 kg (500 pound) high explosive warhead. The U.S. used over 700 ATACMS, most of them in Iraq and Afghanistan combat operations and their performance was excellent, especially the guided ones. Nearly 4,000 ATACMS have been built since the mid-1980s and about 70 percent are still available for another upgrade. In addition to those used in combat about three percent were fired for training or testing. ATACMS currently use GPS guidance to hit targets up to 300 kilometers away.

When the U.S. Army first introduced ATACMS in the late 1980s it designed cluster bomb warheads that distributed lots of smaller bomblets because the first ATACMS were unguided. While these worked, there was always a problem with some of the bomblets not self-destructing and later going off when civilians, or American troops, came along. As a result cluster bomb warheads were not popular. Then, when a version with GPS guidance and a single 227 kg high explosive warhead was introduced, it proved very popular. ATACMS currently cost about $1.3 million dollars each. A 227 kg JDAM dumb bomb with a GPS guidance kit attached costs about $40,000, although you can at least double that to cover the expense of operating the jet fighter or bomber that delivered it. This makes ATACMS sort of like the popular 227 kg JDAM smart bomb used by the air force but not requiring an aircraft to deliver it. ATACMS can be used in any weather conditions at any time and on short notice. It also travels a lot faster than any aircraft. Despite the growing use of inexpensive UAVS to deliver smaller JDAMS or even smaller 49 kg Hellfire missiles or 120 kg (280 pound) SDB (small diameter bombs) the ATACMS is always available to get something on the target right away.

Another advantage of ATACMS is the ability to quickly move it and its launcher by air to anywhere in the world. This is because of HIMARS. Only costing about $3 million each, these smaller, truck mounted MLRS (HIMARS) rocket launcher systems carry only one, six rocket (or one ATACMS) container. The 12 ton HIMARS truck can fit into a C-130 transport, unlike the 22 ton tracked MLRS that carried twelve missiles in two pods. HIMARS was much cheaper to operate. The first HIMARS entered service in 2005, about a year after GPS guided rockets did. HIMARS proved more effective and popular than expected. HIMARS can carry one ATACMS but most of the time carries more and sometimes does. Now it can also carry two of the thinner Deepstrike missiles that are replacing ATACMS.
Beijings foreign ministry said Monday that Chinas position is open and transparent, and there is absolutely no instance of us putting pressure on other countries. read more

China on Monday denied accusations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that it was trying to prevent other countries from attending a planned peace summit on the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky said at a security forum in Singapore on Sunday that Beijing was working hard today to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit due to be hosted by Switzerland later this month.

Kyiv hopes the summit will help it win broad international backing for its vision of the terms needed to end Russias invasion.

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China criticised the conference last week, saying it would be difficult for it to attend if Russia did not participate.

Beijings foreign ministry said Monday that Chinas position is open and transparent, and there is absolutely no instance of us putting pressure on other countries.

On peace talks, Chinas position is fair and just. It does not target any third country, and of course is not aimed at Switzerlands hosting of this summit for peace, spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

Zelensky said Sunday that more than 100 countries and organisations had signed up to the conference so far.

China insists it is a neutral party in the conflict and is striving to bring an end to hostilities through dialogue.

But Beijing has been criticised by Western nations for cultivating strong ties with Moscow and giving Russian President Vladimir Putin diplomatic and political cover to wage a war of aggression.
Last week, former US President Donald Trump was held guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the hush money case read more

Former US President Donald Trump is counting on the Supreme Court to overturn his guilty verdict in the hush money case.

The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE, said Trump on his social media platform Truth Social.

Last week, Trump was held guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the hush money case. He became the first President of the United States, sitting or former, to be convicted.

Following the guilty verdict, Trump has called the trial as rigged and has slammed the judge. He has put the case as part of a grand conspiracy to prevent him from getting elected as the president in the US president election later this year. He has slammed the judge as being deeply conflicted and has vowed to appeal the verdict.

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During his term, Trump appointed three conservative judges to the Supreme Court. As the top court of the US now has three judges deemed friendly to Trump and an overall 6:3 conservative majority on the bench, Trump looks forward to them for relief in the hush money verdict.

Moreover, the Supreme Court is currently handling another case related to Trump. After a special counsel investigation was launched against him for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election result, Trump filed a case to be exempt from prosecution. He argued that he as president has complete immunity from prosecution under the American law. The case is currently pending before the court.

Even as Trump may expect relief from judges deemed friendly to him, an expert said that it was unlikely that the Supreme Court will intervene in his favour. Speaking on Inside With Jen Psaki, former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal highlighted that the court had ruled against him 8:1 in 2022 when in a case related to January 6 committee that investigated the attack on the US Capitol.

Katyal further said that it is rare for the Supreme Court to intervene in state convictions.

You know, Trump has been  I think its important to point out  a dead loser in the Supreme Court every time that it comes up, he continued. I mean, 8 to 1 on executive privilege, with only Justice Thomas siding with him, and the 2020 election, rebuked lots of timesMaybe theyll find some federal issue here and maybe there will be an appeal that will get there. But I think its tough, said Katyal.

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Besides denouncing the trial and calling upon the Supreme Court to act in his favour, Trump has also indicated that there could be political violence from his supporters. In an interview with Fox News last week, Trump said a prison term could be a breaking point for his supporters.

Speaking about a potential prison term, Trump said, Im ok with it, not sure the public would stand for itI think it would be tough for the public to take. You know at a certain point theres a breaking point.

Trumps sentencing is scheduled for July 11. While he faces four years per charge, experts have said that it is unlikely he will be imprisoned. His advanced age (77), his being a first-time offender, and the non-violent nature of the crime could let him escape a prison term and get away with a fine or a probation.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Monday said that Hamas views US offer for a hostage deal positively and that they were awaiting the Israeli response to the proposal read more

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during a press conference after a meeting with his Greek counterpart in Athens on 20 May, 2024. AFP File

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Monday said that Hamas views US offer for a hostage deal positively and that they were awaiting the Israeli response to the proposal.

According to a Times of Israel report, Shoukry is in Spain for talks on the Gaza border and on Madrids recognition of a Palestinian state.

Shoukry also said that Egypt rejects any Israeli presence at the Rafah Border Crossing.

It is difficult for the Rafah crossing to continue operating without a Palestinian administration, Times of Israel quoted him as saying.

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On Friday, US President Joe Biden laid out a proposal for a deal that he said was the latest Israeli offer.

He detailed a three-phase deal proposed by Israel to Hamas militants that he says would lead to the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and could end the grinding, nearly 8-month-old Mideast war.

Biden said the first phase of the proposed deal would would last for six weeks and would include a full and complete cease-fire, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all densely populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

American hostages would be released at this stage, and remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families. Humanitarian assistance would surge during the first phase, with 600 trucks being allowed into Gaza each day.

The second phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

The over four-page Israeli proposal was transmitted to Hamas on Thursday.

With inputs from agencies
The review involved on-site evaluation of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and sample assessments of Pakistani air carriers Fly Jinnah and Airblue Ltd read more

The European Union (EU) has yet again refused to lift the ban on Pakistani air carriers including Pakistani International Airlines (PIA). According to the Pakistani news outlet ARY News, the regional body conducted a meeting in this regard.

During the meeting, the EU did not find any grounds for amending the current list of air carriers banned from operating within the Union. The decision came after a comprehensive review by the EU Air Safety Committee.

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The review involved on-site evaluation of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and sample assessments of Pakistani air carriers Fly Jinnah and Airblue Ltd, ARY News reported.

The onsight assessment team identified shortcomings

As per the reports by the Pakistani news outlet, the on-site assessment was conducted between November 27 and 30, 2023. The main motive for conducting a review was to identify the PCAAs role and responsibility in safety oversight.

During the on-site assessment, the team identified several shortcomings, including insufficient scrutiny in closing findings based on proposed corrective actions rather than actual evidence, and deviations from established procedures.

The committee also found that the PIA was experiencing severe understaffing. The number of staff was set below the Flight Standards Directorate.

Meanwhile, Fly Jinnah, one of the air carriers which was also facing the wrath of the EU was assessed as well. The committee pointed out the need for improvement in record keeping and management of findings.

Following the assessment, the PCAA presented a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) on May 6, 2024, and elaborated on the steps taken to address the identified issues. However, the ban on Pakistani aircraft carriers is still not lifted.

Regular technical meetings in Brussels and progress reports from the PCAA will be part of this ongoing oversight, the recent EU report said. The EU eventually decided not to lift the ban and urged the member states to continue verifying compliance through ramp inspections.

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The commission went on to warn the Pakistani airlines that any revelation of imminent safety risks could eventually lead to further actions.
The three people, who are under 30 years old and come from Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ukraine, are to face charges of intentional violence, according to a request made by public prosecutors read more

Prosecutors said leaving coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was an act of psychological violence Image Courtesy AP

After discovering five empty coffins near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday, covered with French flags and bearing the words French soldiers from Ukraine scrawled on them, French police detained three people on Monday.

The three people, who are under 30 years old and come from Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ukraine, are to face charges of intentional violence, according to a request made by public prosecutors.

Prosecutors said leaving coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was an act of psychological violence.

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According to diplomatic sources who spoke with news agency Reuters last week, France may soon dispatch military trainers to Ukraine in spite of condemnation from Russia and worries from some partners.

The three men had been in communication with a man who was accused of spray-painting red hands on the Paris Shoah Memorial, a Holocaust memorial, in mid-May, according to security papers cited by the French daily Le Monde.

French authorities launched an inquiry in November to determine whether two Moldovans who confessed to painting Stars of David on the walls of Parisian homes did so at the request of a foreign party.

In response to news claims that the Moldovans were being led by someone in Russia, the prosecutors office stated that a foreign person had spoken with the two over the phone in Russian.
Netanyahus office emphasized on Saturday that Israel would continue the battle it began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists attacked southern Israel, calling for the elimination of Hamass military and political capacities, until all of its goals are achieved read more

According to Biden, Israel's three-stage offer would begin with a six-week phase that would see Israeli forces withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza and an initial hostage-prisoner exchange Image Courtesy AFP

Heavy violence erupted for the third day since US President Joe Bidens White House statement on Monday, casting doubt on a proposal for a Gaza truce and hostage release arrangement.

On Friday, Biden unveiled what he called an Israeli three-phase plan that would free all captives, put an end to the horrific conflict, and allow the destroyed Palestinian region to be rebuilt without Hamas holding power.

But, Netanyahus office emphasized on Saturday that Israel would continue the battle it began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists attacked southern Israel, calling for the elimination of Hamass military and political capacities, until all of its goals are achieved.

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The degree of coordination between Bidens speech and Netanyahus staff on key issues, such as the duration of any truce and the timing of detainee release, has been called into question by Israeli media.

Afterwards, the three mediatorsthe US, Qatar, and Egyptexpressed their desire for finalization of the agreement embodying the principles outlined by President Joe Biden, on both Hamas and Israel.

According to John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, we have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal that Israel would say yes on Sunday.

In a phone conversation with war cabinet member Benny Gantz and defense minister Yoav Gallant, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Israel on the proposal, according to the State Department.

However, as the Gaza conflict, which is about to enter its ninth month and has destroyed the 2.4 million-person Palestinian coastal region, continues, the bombardments and fighting show no signs of stopping.

The Israeli military declared on Monday that it had hit over 50 targets in the Gaza Strip on the previous day.

At least 19 individuals were reportedly slain in nighttime attacks, according to Gaza hospitals on Monday.

Based on Israeli official data, an AFP tally shows that 1,190 people, largely civilians, were killed in Hamass October 7 attack, which set off the Gaza conflict.

Around 250 hostages were also taken by combatants; 120 of them are still in Gaza, including 37 that the army claims are dead.

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At least 36,439 individuals have died in Gaza as a result of Israels retaliatory bombings and military assault, the majority of whom were civilians, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-run enclave on Sunday.

UN agencies report that most civilians have once again been forced to flee their homes as a result of the intense fighting, which has been concentrated in Gazas far-southern Rafah sector near the Egyptian border.

News agency AFP qouted witnesses as saying that artillery fire and airstrikes were heard in Gaza City and Rafah, primarily in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood.

Troops are continuing intelligence-based targeted operations in the Rafah area, the army said.

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Over the past day, the troops conducted scans and located terror infrastructure and large quantities of weapons.

Gazas European hospital said 10 people were killed and several wounded in an Israeli air strike on a house near the main southern city of Khan Yunis.

And six people were reported killed in a strike on a family home in the central Bureij refugee camp, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital.

Netanyahu  a hawkish veteran leading a fragile coalition government often described as the most right-wing in Israels history  is under intense domestic pressure from two sides.

Relatives and supporters of hostages have staged mass protests demanding that he strike a truce deal  but the premiers far-right coalition allies are threatening to bring down the government if he does.

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According to Biden, Israels three-stage offer would begin with a six-week phase that would see Israeli forces withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza and an initial hostage-prisoner exchange.

Both sides would then negotiate for a lasting ceasefire, with the truce to continue as long as talks are ongoing, Biden said, adding it was time for this war to end.

Netanyahu took issue with Bidens presentation, insisting that according to the exact outline proposed by Israel the transition from one stage to the next was conditional and crafted to allow it to maintain its war aims.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leaders of extreme-right parties, warned they would leave the government if it endorsed the truce proposal.

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But opposition leader Yair Lapid, a centrist former premier, said the government cannot ignore Bidens important speech and vowed to back Netanyahu if his far-right coalition partners quit.

Gallant, who has criticised Netanyahu over the lack of a post-war plan for Gaza, said Sunday that Israel was assessing a governing alternative to Hamas to rule the territory after the war ends.

UN and other aid agencies have warned for months of the looming risk of famine in the besieged territory.

At a hospital in Deir al-Balah, 33-year-old Amira al-Taweel told AFP that her frail son, suffering from malnutrition, needs treatment and milk, but theres none available in Gaza.

Israels seizure last month of the Rafah crossing has further slowed sporadic aid deliveries for Gazas people and effectively closed its main exit point on the Egyptian border.

Cairo refuses to coordinate with Israel humanitarian deliveries through Rafah, but has agreed to send some aid via Israels Kerem Shalom crossing.
This would be Hezbollahs first drone attack with a squadron since the beginning of their gunfire clashes with Israel, which have occurred concurrently with Israels conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip read more

"Hezbollah's Force Build-up Unit" member Ali Hussein Sabra was killed on Monday, according to a statement from the Israeli military Image Courtesy Reuters

Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah announced on Monday that it has sent a squadron of drones in the direction of the Israeli militarys Galilee formation headquarters.

This would be Hezbollahs first drone attack with a squadron since the beginning of their gunfire clashes with Israel, which have occurred concurrently with Israels conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to the report, but on Monday, three sirens sounded in northern Israel to alert people to possible assaults from Lebanon.

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Hezbollahs Force Build-up Unit member Ali Hussein Sabra was killed on Monday, according to a statement from the Israeli military.

It added that its forces had hit Hezbollah infrastructure in the southern Lebanon region of Qotrani, including multiple military facilities.

Hezbollah said that Israel had killed one of its members in the southern village of Zrariyeh, prompting the squadron strike.

The organization allied with Iran also reported that it had launched drones toward Liman in northern Israel on Sunday.

Recent days have seen a spike in hostilities along Lebanons southern border, with both the Israeli military and Hezbollah bombing areas outside the border zone where the gunfire has been focused and intensified.

According to residents and security officials who spoke to Reuters, two civilian men from the town of Houla, where they had stayed throughout the conflict to tend their cattle, were killed by Israeli strikes on Sunday. On Monday, their hometown had their funeral.

Residents of Beirut said that on Monday, Israeli airplanes passed low over the city.
Shoshani went on to re-share a post made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he encouraged people to witness the tranquillity Lakshadweep has to offer read more

A day after the Maldives government announced that it will ban Israeli passport holders from visiting the island nation, the Jewish nation went on to urge people to visit Lakshadweep Islands instead. On Monday, Consul General of Israel to Midwest India Kobbi Shoshani lauded the controversial decision.

He noted that the ban would encourage Israelis to visit the beaches of Lakshadweep. Thanks to the Maldives Governments decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep, Shoshani wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

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Shoshani went on to re-share a post made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he encouraged people to witness the tranquillity Lakshadweep has to offer.

In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweeps tranquillity is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians, PM Modi wrote in a post he shared on January 4.

Thanks to the Maldives Government's decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep. https://t.co/1K2NtG922M  Kobbi Shoshani  (@KobbiShoshani) June 3, 2024

Earlier this year, Maldives and India were involved in a diplomatic row after some ministers from the Muizzu administration mocked the Indian Prime Minister. Amid the chaos, #BoycottMaldives took social media by storm affecting the island nations tourism.

Israel embassy shares beautiful pictures of Indian beaches

Amid the chaos, the Israeli embassy in India took to X to share beautiful images of beaches in India

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with the utmost hospitality, the embassy wrote on X.

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. 



Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our pic.twitter.com/kGNEDS6fsp  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) June 3, 2024

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Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our diplomats, the embassy furthered.

What happened between Israel and Maldives?

Maldives announced that it will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The presidential office of the Indian Ocean island nation confirmed the news in a press release on Sunday.

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is all set to impose the ban after he had a discussion with his cabinet. The island nation is known for its luxurious resorts and endless white sand beaches. In an effort to implement the ban, the countrys law will be amended and a separate cabinet subcommittee will be established to oversee the efforts.

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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the Presidents Office this afternoon, the statement from the Maldivian presidential office reads.

Following the news of the ban, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately recommended its citizens to avoid travelling to Maldives and for Israeli nationals staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for to help.
The United States has never advocated unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state as it would be counterproductive to the peace process, said Jack Lew, the US envoy to Israel read more

Jack Lew, the US Ambassador to Israel, has said that the realisation of the two-state solution will be a defeat for Hamas.

Lew, however, added that a Palestinian state under the framework of the two-state solution has to come out of direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians and the unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state is not the way forward.

Lew further said that Hamas only pretends to support a two-state solution at times and it actually believes in the destruction of Israel.

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In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Lew said, I dont think Hamas wants two states. The only time they indicate they want two states is when theyre trying to put a little bit of a patina of legitimacy around their real strategy, which is the elimination of the State of Israel.

The two-state solution refers to a way to resolve the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that there is a Jewish State of Israel and an Arab State of Israel next to each-other in the region under conflict. It would include mutual recognition and an assurance of security.

A deal with Saudis will isolate Iran, says Lew

The trilateral deal that the Joe Biden administration of the United States is working on involving Israel and Saudi Arabia will isolate Iran in the region and bolster peace and security in the Middle East, said Lew.

As the US envoy to Israel, Lew took over just weeks after the October 7 attack of Hamas on Israel. He has been part of the negotiations for the trilateral US-Israel-Saudi deals, which will broadly include a US-Saudi defence pact, a pathway towards Palestinian statehood, and normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been keen to normalise ties with the Saudis for years, he and his governments have become quite vocal in their opposition to the creation of the Palestinian state. They have termed it as a reward of terrorism for Hamas.

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In the interview with The Post, Lew said that the exact opposite was true. He said that a Palestinian state as part of a larger deal with the Saudis would put Iran in a regional alliance against Iran.

I think its a defeat for Hamas to talk about a two-state solution, which is why I think even out of the pain of October 7, there is a way to have this conversation, but it takes leadership, said Lew to the newspaper.

Lew further said that the deal would be a strategic move that would be transformative in terms of isolating Iran, with its proxies on one side and Israel with the moderate Arab world and the Western world on the other side. Referring to collective defence mounted against the Iranian attack on Israel iN April, he further said that there have been signs that such a grouping is possible.

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In April, when Iran launched hundreds of missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France were joined by Saudi Arabia and Jordan in taking down these projectiles to help Israel foil the unprecedented barrage.

Lew said it was an example of how a regional alliance against Iran would also operate in the future.

Unilateral recognition of Palestine will not work

Lew has said that the unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state will not work.

Lew said that while the United States is committed to Palestinian statehood, it has to be within the framework of the two-state solution and has to come out of direct talks with Israel.

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We have never advocated supporting the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. We made that clear in the UN, said Lew to The Post, adding that the unilateral recognition would be counterproductive to a peace process.

Lew further said, Actions by other countries to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state outside of the context of an agreement with Israel will not work, and the recent announcements of several countries do not help advance the process of a negotiated outcomeIf you really wanted to defeat Hamas and if you really want to defeat Iran, normalization with Saudi Arabia is a way to accomplish both of those goals.

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Last month, Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognised Palestine. Of the 193 United Nations (UN) members, 145 recognise the State of Palestine.

Jack Lew on hostage negotiations & post-war Gaza

Lew said that the United States is applying whatever leverage we have to push Hamas into accepting the deal on the table.

Last week, US President Joe Biden announced a truce proposal endorsed by Israel that would end the war in the Gaza Strip in three phases. It will include the return of hostages, the end of the war, the return of displaced Palestinian to their homes, and the beginning of Gazas reconstruction.

Whatever leverage we have, we have to make it workTheres leverage being created by the United States and others putting pressure on Qatar and Egypt to put pressure on Hamas. Theres leverage being created by military operations. So its not a static point in time. We have to just keep pressing on every part of the system, said Lew to The Post.

While Lew reiterated the American position that Hamas cannot be allowed to control Gaza anymore, he also said that Israel should also not control it. He added that Arab countries are only likely to fund Gazas reconstruction if there is a credible plan for sustainable order in Gaza. He further said that any future administration in Gaza will need to involve Palestinians and cannot be Hamas.
Exit polls can be either correct or wrong but foreign media is charmed by the Indian poll forecast and cannot avoid it read more

(File) Polling officials arrive to submit electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other polling materials at a collection centre in Varanasi on June 1, 2024, at the end of the seventh and final phase of voting in Lok Sabha elections 2024. AFP

Indias Lok Sabha elections are no longer Indian affairs alone. They now generate global interests with the worlds leading media brands keeping a keen eye on them. Whether their analyses match the pulse of the country is completely open to interpretation, but they do devote ample airtime and space on print apart from the digital space.

The News18 Mega Exit Poll gave the BJP-led NDA between 355 and 370 seats while giving the INDI alliance between 125 and 140 seats and the Congress 62 to 72 seats. BJP itself was estimated to get 305 to 315 seats. The Dainik Bhaskar poll predicted that the NDA would get between 281 and 350 seats, and the INDI alliance will get between 145 and 201 seats. Others are said to get 33 to 49 seats as per the poll. The Jan Ki Baat exit poll gave NDA between 362 and 392 seats and the INDI alliance between 141 and 161 seats and others between 10 and 20 seats.The India News-D Dyanmics poll predicted that the NDA would expand its tally to 371 seats and the INDI Alliance would net 125 seats with others settled with 47 seats. The Republic Bharat-Matrize poll said the NDA would get between 353 and 368 seats and the INDI alliance would get around 118 to 133 seats. It estimated that rest of the parties would get 50 seats.

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The official election results will be released on 4 June.

Heres how a few of the leading global media houses commented on the exit polls that happened on Saturday after the last and seventh phase of voting was over. There are 543 seats in the Lok Sabha and the halfway mark is 272.

The New York Times

Often extremely critical of the Modi dispensation in India, The New York Times did accept that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is powerhouse in the Indian political arena. It said:
June 2, 2024: The tools and techniques of warfare have been changing at a rapid rate since the late 1990s. It has become easier to find and kill or injure soldiers out in the open. Those casualties are avoided by putting soldiers in vehicles equipped with RWS (Remote Weapon Stations). This is the ubiquitous remote control weapon, usually a machine-gun, seen on trucks like the Humvee and MRAP as well as and tanks. The pioneer of this technology was the Norwegian firm Kongsberg, which has sold over 25,000 of its Protec Remote Weapon Stations so far. Most have been purchased by the U.S. Army, at a cost of several billion dollars. Widespread and successful initial use on Stryker, M-1 and hummer vehicles has led the U.S. Army to adopt the Kongsberg system as standard. The initial order, in 2007, was for 6,500. But the success of the system increased demand. The remote control gun turret has now become a standard system on American combat vehicles.

Kongsberg has several models of the Protec, to support small, medium, and large sized weapons. Soon there were a lot of competitors, if only because Kongsberg couldnt keep up with the demand. Many of the new competitors are trying to grab niche markets. The more obvious ones are those demanding RWS that can handle larger weapons, like 25mm or 30mm autocannon. But the most interesting development is the portable RWS. It can be mounted on a hummer, but quickly removed, and carried by two men, and set up anywhere using a tripod. The operator can stay behind cover, while the light machine-gun, exposed to hostile fire, unflinchingly takes on the enemy. There are lots of combat situations that could make use of this lightweight RWS.

The Protec RWS is the key component of the U.S. Army CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station). This idea of a remote control turret has been around since World War II, but years of tinkering, and better technology, eventually made the remote control gun turret work effectively, dependably, and affordably. This has made the RWS practical for widespread combat use. While some troops miss the greater feeling of situational awareness, especially being able to hear and smell the surroundings you got as an old-school turret gunner, most military personnel have adapted and accepted the new system. What it lacks in the smelling and hearing department, it makes up in terms of night vision and zoom. And its a lot safer.

CROWS is a real lifesaver, not to mention anxiety reducer, for troops who drive through hostile territory a lot, and man the turret gun. Youre a target up there, and too often, enemy fire gets you. That no longer happens when using CROWS. The gunner is inside the vehicle, checking out the surroundings with night vision, zoom and telephoto capabilities. CROWS also has a laser rangefinder built in, as well as a stabilizer mechanism to allow more accurate fire while the vehicle is moving. The CROWS system including RWS, weapon and installation cost about $300,000 each, and can mount a variety of weapons like the 12.7mm machine-gun, MK19 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, M240B 7.62mm machine-gun and M249 5.56mm machine-gun).

CROWS comes in several different configurations, based on weapon mounted and armor installed; light, at 74 kg, standard, at 136 kg pounds and CROWS II, at 172 kg. The heaviest version is usually used in MRAP armored trucks and has a better user interface, a thermal imager and sniper detection system. By the end of 2006, there were about a thousand CROWS in service. There are now over 20,000. Many of the enemy fighters have seen Western or Japanese films featuring killer robots, and often think thats what they are facing. The fear factor is real, and it helps.

The accuracy of the fire, and uncanny speed with which the CROWS gun moves so quickly and deliberately, is due to something few officers expected. The soldiers operating these systems grew up playing video games. They developed skills in operating computer system video games very similar to the CROWS controls. This was important because viewing the world around the vehicle via a vidcam is not as enlightening, although a lot safer, than having your head and chest exposed to the elements and enemy firepower. Experienced video gamers were skilled at whipping that screen view around and picking up any signs of danger.

Since many troops have years of experience with video games, they take to CROWS quickly, and very effectively. This has further frightened hostile gunmen, who are quick to attribute magical qualities to American equipment. However, many CROWS users have mixed feelings about the system, because they know that you have more awareness of your surroundings if you are actually standing with your head and shoulders outside the vehicle, manning a machine-gun. For this reason, RWS manufacturers are investigating adding more sensors for things like sound, smell, and wind direction. But the biggest improvements have been more reliability, ease-of-use, more sensors, and lower costs.

Roadside bombs were minimized by the use of MRAP (Mine Resistant Armor Protected) trucks that included shock absorbing seats for the troops inside and firing ports behind bulletproof blocks of glass that

enabled the troops to fire back. Adding a RWS with a sniper detection system made it lethal for anyone to fire on MRAPs or any other vehicle equipped with a RWS.

Most of these sniper detection systems incorporate acoustic and heat sensors as well as video cameras that are used in real time and a RWS turret that is linked to the sensors and uses special software to quickly locate the source of the rifle, machine-gun, mortar, or rocket fire the video camera and 7.62mm or 12.7mm RWS weapon at the location of the shooter, enabling the human operator to immediately open fire before the enemy, especially a sniper, can get away. The software also captures video and other data for every instance that the system is alerted by what seems to be an attack. All such events, whether they led to return fire or not, can be studied and analyzed. The acoustic detection system is sometimes used separately.

Acoustic gunfire detectors have been in the field for over two decades and have gotten better each year. By 2010 over 60,000 sniper detectors had been shipped to American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they were increasingly useful and generated a continuous flow of user suggestions for improvements. These were addressed and that resulted in new and improved models appearing regularly to the present. Another form of automated security came in 2022 when the U.S.

Air Force began using a security robot, one that moves about on four legs, to patrol its air bases and other sensitive sites. The new security system was called Vision Sixty. This was a 43 kg Q-UGVs (Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles) that is battery operated and drains their battery after traveling about twelve kilometers before returning to a charging station to get its batteries replenished. The charging location can be remembered, even if moved and Vision Sixty can be programmed to return whenever the charge is low and there is only enough power left to get back to a charging station. Vision Sixty can move at speeds of over two meters a second and cover a hundred meters in about 40 seconds. They can wade through water, move through weeds or a tunnel and if they fall over, they can get themselves back up. Climbing up or down steps is no problem and can explore caves or unlit mineshafts. Their primary sensor is a day/night vidcam which transmits live video at 4G LTE speeds.

Operators use either a cell-type device to control one nearby or a remote operator can handle several of them via that same link. If Vision Sixty is working with a person, they can be given a follow me command and Vision Sixty will remember their handler and automatically follow that handler.

Air Force security personnel using Vision Sixty quickly came to call them dogs and use them as such during perimeter patrols. Like dogs, if intruders are spotted the handler can assign Vision Sixty to pursue one of them while the air force handler pursues another and calls for backup. The air force is using Vision Sixty droids at several air bases at home and abroad while the United States is also using them on the southern border.

At least 25 customers in the United States and overseas have ordered about 500 Vision Sixty systems so far. Vision Sixty units cost from $100,000 to $250,00 each depending on options and capabilities required. Vision Sixty can handle extreme heat and cold and move through mud and snow a real dog can handle. Vision Sixty cant swim but is waterproof and is easy to repair if damaged.

An unexpected development of the current war in Ukraine is the extensive use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), or drones. In Ukraine, Ukrainian UAV tactics are a major cause of Russian casualties. The UAVs not only attack targets but also find targets, even ones that are carefully hidden in wooded areas, underground or with camouflage nets. Russia believes that these UAVs have a weakness which can be exploited; the UAV operators must be within several kilometers of where these large quad-copter types are, using FPV (First Person View) headsets to guide the UAVs in the search for targets, so that another UAV can attack the target, or more frequently, drop an explosive on the target. After an attack the UAVs return to an area near their operators where the UAVs can receive fully charged batteries and more explosives to be dropped. The Ukrainian

UAVs operate in pairs, with a smaller UAV finding a target and a larger UAV dropping the explosive device which has an effect similar to that of an 82mm or 120mm mortar shell depending on how much weight the UAV can carry.

Since the Ukrainian UAVs operate on batteries, they are very quiet and usually operate at night, using night-vision video cameras to seek out targets. The Russians also use heat sensing night vision video cameras around positions they want to defend to detect the incoming Ukrainian UAVs, and then try to track the electronic signals coming from the Ukrainian operators to the UAVs so the UAV operators can be located and attacked by Russian UAVs or with artillery/mortar fire. This retaliation technique was not as successful as the Russians hoped. Meanwhile armed UAVs cause more casualties in Ukraine than mortar, artillery, or missile attacks. The main reason for this is the accuracy of UAV attacks and that is because of the FPV UAV operators locating targets that are promptly attacked before they can move to another location. This is why Russia is seeking to develop ways to find and kill the UAV operators.

Ukrainian UAV operators know they are targets for Russian attacks and move around a lot because to stay in one location too long means increased vulnerability to being found and attacked. This is similar to sniper tactics, where the sniper team consisting of a shooter and a spotter find several locations to shoot from and then slither away from one position to another to avoid detection and attack.

Snipers are still used but they operate from ground level or from inside a multistory building. The UAVs can pop up to an altitude of several hundred meters to spot a target then dive down to ground level to avoid detection and attack. UAVs have advantages over snipers that make them more flexible and lethal.
The head of the ruling MORENA party Mario Delgado told supporters in Mexico City that Sheinbaum had won by a very large margin read more

Mexico's presidential candidate for the ruling Morena party Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters as she arrives for her campaign closing rally, at the Zocalo square in Mexico City on May 29, 2024. AFP

Mexican presidential frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum is all set to create history after she is predicted to be the winner of the countrys presidential elections. Several media outlets and the nations ruling party declared Sheinbaum the winner which will make her the first woman to assume the office of the president in Mexico.

After the polling closed on Sunday, Television outlet NMAS and newspaper El Financiero both said that their polls showed that Sheinbaum is winning the intense presidential race. However, neither of the news outlets released the figures.

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Meanwhile, the head of the ruling MORENA party Mario Delgado told supporters in Mexico City that Sheinbaum had won by a very large margin, Reuters reported.

An election marred with violence

This year, Mexico conducted its largest-ever elections, however, the presidential polls turned out to be the most violent in the countrys modern history. Throughout the election cycle, at least 38 candidates were killed and deadly instances of violence engulfed the whole country.

On Sunday, two people lost their lives at a polling station in Puebla state. It is pertinent to note that Sheinbaum has convincingly led in opinion polls over her main rival Xochitl Galvez. However, the biggest challenge after assuming the office will be confronting organised violent crimes in the country.

Interestingly, a victory for Sheinbaum would represent a major step for Mexico, a country which is known for its Macho culture. On her way to the polling station on Sunday morning, Sheinbaum told journalists it was a historic day and that she felt at ease and content.

Everyone must get out to vote, Sheinbaum, a physicist and former Mexico City mayor, said on local TV. During their campaigning, both candidates promised to expand welfare programs. However, Mexico has a large deficit this year and witnessed a sluggish economic GDP growth of just 1.5 per cent. The winner of this years poll will start their six-year term on October 1.

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Mexico keeping a close eye on US elections

The new president will face a tense negotiation with its mighty neighbours, i.e. the United States, over the huge flow of U.S.-bound migrants crossing Mexico.

Several Mexican officials believe that negotiation between the two countries over this matter will be difficult if the US presidency is won by Donald Trump in November. Hence, the Latin American nation will keep a close eye on who will assume the Oval Office this year.

With inputs from agencies.
After China launched its new Fujian aircraft carrier last month, countries like India, Japan and South Korea are bolstering their naval capabilities to counter growing Chinese influence in the region, according to a report, citing analysts read more

A Chinese flag flutters in the wind near Chinas third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, as it prepares to set out from Shanghai. AP

After China launched its new Fujian aircraft carrier last month, countries like India, Japan and South Korea are bolstering their naval capabilities to counter growing Chinese influence in the region, according to a South China Morning Post report, citing analysts.

The new Fujian aircraft carrier, a next-generation 80,000-tonne aircraft carrier larger than those operated by India or Japan, is equipped with electromagnetic catapults that can deploy fighters more frequently.

China currently operates two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

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China aims to have six aircraft carriers by the end of 2035  making it the worlds second-largest blue-water navy after the US, which currently has an 11-strong carrier fleet.

Former Indian naval officer C Uday Bhaskar told South China Morning Post that Chinas assertiveness was putting pressure on Asian nations to build out their naval capabilities.

China is seen as a source of anxiety by some Asian nations, including India. There is concern about Chinas revisionist agenda and this can rapidly morph into a threat, South China Morning Post quoted Bhaskar as saying.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced last month that India would soon begin constructing its third aircraft carrier. Analysts believe this addition is crucial for the Indian Navy to compete with Chinas capabilities.

Bhaskar, a director at the Society for Policy Studies in New Delhi and an honorary fellow of Indias National Maritime Foundation, noted that Japan and South Korea are exploring methods to engage with Beijing to foster practical and peaceful coexistence.

These nations see their navies as insurance for the long term, if they decide to go down that path [engage in a war], Bhaskar added.

In April, Japan unveiled upgrades to its first aircraft carrier, the Kaga, which originally entered service in 2017 as a helicopter carrier. The Kaga has now been upgraded to carry Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters.

The Kaga will undergo a second round of hull modifications in 2026-27 to further support its role as a carrier for fixed-wing warplanes.

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Kagas sister ship, the Izumo, commissioned in 2015, will also be modified, with the process expected to be completed in 2027. Both ships were initially commissioned as helicopter carriers with the potential to be upgraded for fixed-wing fighters if necessary.

After the upgrades, each ship will be able to carry 12 fighters and 16 helicopters.

South Korea announced plans to build its first aircraft carrier to operate F-35B jets with short take-off and vertical landing capabilities in its 2021-2025 national plan.

However, these plans have been delayed, and the aircraft carrier project was not included in the 2024-2028 midterm defense blueprint. It was mentioned as a future project, contingent on ongoing research results expected early next year.

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Alexander Hynd, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, said there were ongoing debates in some Asian countries about the extent of their investment in aircraft carrier programmes.

Despite advances in anti-ship and anti-aircraft defence systems, aircraft carriers are still one of the biggest contemporary symbols of military power, and the ability to project that power, South China Morning Post quoted Hynd as saying.

The US has historically provided naval power in the US-South Korea alliance, expecting South Korea to focus on land-based military capabilities, Hynd said.

Walter Ladwig, a senior international-relations lecturer at Kings College London, said the symbolic value of aircraft carriers could bolster a countrys regional and global influence.

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If countries were feeling seriously threatened, there would be a massive expansion of submarine acquisition programmes across Asia. This pursuit of aircraft carriers appears driven more by a desire for prestige and the trappings of great power status rather than purely military utility, Ladwig told South China Morning Post.

The US is the leading naval power in the world. Chinas attempts to emulate the US reflects a desire to be seen as quasi-peers on the global stage, enhancing their international standing, Ladwig added.

With inputs from agencies
South Africas ruling party African National Congress (ANC) has lost the majority for the first time since apartheid ended in the country in 1999 read more

The African National Congress (ANC) has lost the majority for the first time in South Africa since 1994 (Photo: Reuters)

South Africas ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), is facing an unprecedented situation.

For the first time since 1994 when South Africa entered the post-apartheid era, the ANC has lost parliamentary majority in elections.

While the ANC can still form the government, it can only do so if it finds allies to form a coalition government. While the ANC and other parties have said that they are exploring their options and are open to coalitions, no announcements of alliances have so far been made.

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As per the South Africas constitution, the National Assembly (NA) has to convene within two weeks. The first job of the new NA will be to elect a new president for the country. Here are three situations that the ANC and South Africa may find itself in the upcoming days.

What do we know of South Africas election results?

In the 400-member NA, the ANC has won just 159 seats, according to the AFP news agency.

While the ANCs tally is much below the majority mark of 201, it has still emerged as the single-largest party.

The ANC is followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) party with 87 seats, the MK party with 58 seats, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party with 39 seats, as per the agency.

While the DA is a centre-right party that favours free-marker, the EEF and MK are leftist parties that support the nationalisation of mines and banks and call for the redistribution of land in the country.

The MK is the party of Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa who formerly belonged to the ANC. He is plagued by corruption allegations against him. He has rejected the election results.

Is South Africa going to have a coalition government?

Of the three ways that the South African polity can now move, a coalition government in which ANC is supported by one of the other parties looks most likely. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has told AFP that the party was having exploratory discussions at the moment about a coalition government.

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We talk to everybody, said Mbalula to the agency.

Mbalula further said the party was hoping to achieve a deal as fast as we can.

DA leader John Steenhuisen has said that he is open to being part of a coalition with the ANC. The news agency reported him as saying that he was willing to be part of even a Doomsday Coalition government between the ANC, MK, and the EFF.

As mentioned earlier, these parties are vastly different in ideology. Steenhuisen has been quoted as saying that the MK and EFFs electoral promises of judicial interference and nationalisation was all-out assault on the constitution of our country.

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Reuters on Monday quoted ANCs Mbalula as saying that the party would work with anyone who wants to work with us but not with a cap in the hand.

The ANC has formed a working committee of 27 party officials that would meet on Tuesday to prepare a presentation about the partys options, as per the agency. This presentation would be presented to the National Executive Committee of the party that would met on Wednesday.

The agency reported that analysts have said that a deal between the ANC and the DA looked the likeliest outcome of coalition negotiations.

Unity government or ANCs minority rule?

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While an ANC-DA alliance looks the likeliest, there are also two other possibilities.

If a coalition cannot be worked out, or if the ANC is not willing to enter into a coalition for some reason, then it can also attempt at running a minority government. In such a government, the ANC will form the government without majority and would rely on other parties on legislative agenda. This may lead to concessions as other parties would only vote in favour of ANC in the parliament if their demands and concerns are accommodated by the ANC.

The third scenario could be of a national unity government where all parties would come together to form the government. Reuters, however, noted that such an outcome was seen as potentially unstable and prone to gridlock.
The Swiss aid package was intended to help Ukraine with the reconstruction and repair of the country battered with Russian attacks read more

The Swiss aid package was meant for Ukraine's reconstruction and repair as large swathes of the country have been battered in Russian attacks in over two years of war. (Photo: Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

The Swiss parliament has rejected a $5.88 billion aid package for Ukraine.

The development comes at a time when Switzerland is gearing to host a peace summit for the Ukraine conflict in June. While Ukraine and much of Europe are participating in the summit, Russia and its principal partner China will be absent.

Switzerland is known for its long-held neutrality. It has not fought a war in centuries even though the country has a tainted history from the World War II era when it made millions from arms sales to Nazi Germany and closed doors to Jews fleeing the systemic killing by the Nazis. In the wake of such neutrality, the assistance to Ukraine as it fights a war with Russia was notable.

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Swiss package was meant for reconstruction in Ukraine

Unlike other countries like the UK and US that have sent arms and ammunition to Ukraine, the Swiss package was not going to arm the Ukrainians.

The Swiss aid package was intended to help Ukraine with the reconstruction and repair of the country battered with Russian attacks during more than two years of war, according to Reuters.

Throughout the war, Russia has systemically targeted non-combatant and civilian targets. Critical infrastructure such as power stations and the railways have also been hit. Large swathes of neighbourhoods have been ravaged across the country from artillery and aerial bombardment and some cities, such as Mariupol, are unrecognisable from their pre-war selves.

The agency said that the package had been drafted at a time when Switzerland was under pressure from Western allies to do more to help Ukraine. In the wake of such pressure, the package was conceived as an extraordinary contribution towards the nations security and peace in Europe because of the Russian war on Ukraine.

In the upper house of the Swiss parliament, lawmakers rejected the package in a 28:15 vote. The agency reported that the defeat of the plan was expected for weeks as right-wing lawmakers had opposed it.
The Ukrainian leader maintained that he does not have a strategy yet for what to do if Trump returned to the White House read more

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Donald Trump would risk being a loser president if he wins the November polls and imposes a bad peace deal. He insisted that if Trump comes back to power and sets up a peace deal which is not favourable to Ukraine, he could potentially end the US role as a global player.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Ukrainian leader maintained that he does not have a strategy yet for what to do if Trump returned to the White House. He also mentioned that the former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had approached Trump on his behalf.

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Zelenskyy acknowledged that the re-election of Trump could impose a crushing military defeat on Ukraine. He could cut off support, weapons and money, and even make deals with Kyivs partners so they stop deliveries of vital arms.

Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion [Russian] army, he told the British news outlet. Does he want to become a loser president? Do you understand what can happen? he added.

Trumps take on Russia-Ukraine war

If the erstwhile American commander-in-chief beats US President Joe Biden, he is widely expected to cut off the enormous US military support, the Biden administration provided to Ukraine throughout the war. Last year, Trump boasted about his foreign policies and said that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in just 24 hours.

While reacting to Trumps past proclamations, Zelenskyy predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would invariably violate the deal even if Trump brokers it. He went on to refer to a future ceasefire as a trap.

This is not about him [Trump], as a person but about the institutions of the United States. They will become very weak. The US will not be the leader of the world any more, the Ukrainian leader averred. Yes, it will be powerful, first of all, in the domestic economy because it has a powerful economy without a doubt. But in terms of international influence it will be equal to zero, he added.

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Sorry for using Johnson as an instrument: Zelenskyy

When asked if the former British premier spoke to Trump, the Ukrainian leader gave an affirmative response. I think he tried, and I think he spoke to him. I think so, yes, as far as I know, Zelenskyy remarked. I am sorry that I am using Boris as an instrument," he added.

The initiative from Johnson came when Kyiv was trying to lobby pro-Trump Republicans in Congress and tried to persuade them to drop their opposition to Ukraine aid. The $61bn military aid package passed in April only after a six-month delay.

It is interesting to note that the proclamation by the Ukrainian leader came a day before the former US President was found guilty of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, faces imprisonment of up to 25 years and a fine of $750,000 if he is convicted read more

The trial of Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, in the case of illegal possession of a gun started on Monday.

Hunter, who has long made headlines for wrong reasons, is accused of illegally possessing a gun at a time when he was a drug addict. Under the American laws, drug addicts cannot buy and possess guns.

If convicted, Hunter faces imprisonment of up to 25 years and a fine of $750,000, according to The New York Times.

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In addition to this case, Hunter also faces a case of tax fraud. The trial in that case is expected to start in September. Moreover, Hunter has also faced accusation over the years of misusing his fathers name for personal benefits. The Republicans and critics of his father have often taken up the accusations against Hunter to put his father in the dock.

Whats the gun case against Hunter Biden?

Hunter is accused of three charges in the gun-possession case: lying to a licensed gun dealer, lying on federal gun application form for applicants screening, and illegally possessing a gun.

Last year, Hunter was indicted on these three counts. He is the first child of an American president to face criminal indictment.

While Hunter could receive as many as 25 years in jail if he is convicted, The Times noted that first-time offenders in such cases who have not used guns in violent crimes rarely get serious prison time.

The long line of Hunter Bidens troubles

The gun-possession case is not the only one that troubles Hunter. In September, another trial for tax fraud will start.

In the tax case, a federal grand jury charged Hunter in December 2023 with tax evasion, failure to file and pay tax, and filing a false or fraudulent tax return, according to The Times.

It was the second indictment of Hunter after the gun possession case. He pleaded not-guilty to the case.

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Besides the legal troubles, Hunter has long made negative headlines for his alcoholism, drug abuse, and personal life involving an affair with his sister-in-law and a child with a woman he met at a strip club.

Hunter has also been accused of using his fathers name for business benefits. He has also been thrown under the scanner over his association with companies accused of corruption and having shady business dealings.

Hunter is accused of charging or at least seeking money to lobby on behalf of China- and Libya-related affairs when his father was the Vice President in Barak Obamas administration. He has also been accused of offering to connect people with concerned American officials in the top echelons to get whatever they wanted to be done.
June 3, 2024: Israel and Hamas recently agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, where fighting had been going on since the initial Hamas offensive in October 2023. Hamas uses surprise, deception, and frequent use of Palestinian civilians as human shields. This is what Hamas is currently doing as Israeli troops attack the Rafah border crossing. This is the only crossing between Egypt and the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip. Until Hamas decided to start another war in October 2023, over two million Palestinians lived in the Gaza Strip and their two main supply routes were Rafah and the Erez crossing with Israel. Hamas failed to penetrate either of these crossings. The Erez crossing is not a practical option for Hamas because it is guarded by the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). The Rafah crossing is guarded by Egyptian forces, who will not allow Palestinian civilians but will allow supply trucks to enter Gaza from Egypt. Israel wants Hamas to hand over the remaining Israeli hostages and other foreign hostages they hold. Some of these hostages are dead and Israel wants their bodies. At the same time Israel wants to kill all the remaining Hamas members in Gaza. Most of these Hamas members have hidden their weapons and present themselves as Palestinian civilians. Israel has biometric (fingerprints and photos) data on many Hamas members and that makes it difficult for Hamas members to try leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Hamas members have to cross an Israeli checkpoint and then an Egyptian checkpoint. Hamas could only use these crossings in peacetime so now they are trapped in Sinai and hunted by the IDF.

The United States considers Hamas a terrorist organization and so do many other countries that have encountered Hamas. That is still the case but in October 2023 Hamas found a new way to cause mischief. Hamas launched a surprise offensive from Gaza against Israel. The IDF easily defeated the Hamas attack but Hamas continued attacking with help from the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon and parts southwestern Syria. Hamas described its attacks on Israel as an effort to create a Palestinian state. The problem is that Hamas considers a Palestinian state one that occupies all the territory Israel is composed of. Since Israel is the wealthiest and most militarily powerful state in the region, Hamas efforts to eliminate Israel are fantasy. Currently Hamas has gained a lot of media recognition and even some support for their Palestinian state plan.

Despite that, Hamas leaders, who live and work in Persian Gulf sanctuaries, are trying to make the most of the current Hamas Palestinian state fantasy, which has gained a lot of media coverage and public support. Among the Palestinians, who live in the West Bank and, until late 2023, Gaza, Hamas is considered a menace that is more interested in power than providing any benefits to the millions of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. Currently Hamas gunmen are using Palestinians in Gaza as human shields as they continue to fight Israeli troops sent in to restore order and establish safe routes for foreign aid to get to over two million Palestinians who need it. Hamas not only disrupts aid deliveries but seizes much of the aid that does get through, diverting the aid to Hamas controlled locations so that Hamas can sell the aid on the open market to obtain money to pay for Hamas operations. This is how Hamas operates and a major reason for the unpopularity of Hamas among Palestinians

These Hamas operations put the growing number of Moslem states that have established diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in an awkward position. Hamas, for all its faults, knows how to manipulate the media temporarily to portray Hamas as the good guys. Arab states in the regions, especially Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, have to put up with Hamas activities until Hamas runs out of support. This doesnt take long but until the media and diplomatic support fades there is not much that can be done.

One of the temporarily disrupted efforts is the growing tendency for Israels Arab neighbors to establish valuable economic, diplomatic, and military ties with Israel, and gain an ally against common enemies like Shia Iran and Islamic terrorism like Hamas. Israel is also the only nation in the region with nukes and reliable ballistic missiles, which are also used to put Israeli spy satellites into orbit. It is also the worst of times because Iran has personnel operating on Israeli borders and an increasingly effective Cyber War effort against Israel.

There is growing dissatisfaction in the West and the Middle East with the Palestinian leadership failures and rampant corruption. The current Hamas activities are the latest example. Many Palestinians support Hamas because they are convinced that Israel has no right to exist and pretending to negotiate a peace deal is useful for obtaining foreign aid and not much else. Arabs in general are now telling the Palestinians to take whatever peace deal they can because cash and other aid from Arab nations will continue to disappear unless the Palestinians solve their own problems with corruption and fixation on destroying Israel. Many Palestinians are willing to change but their corrupt leaders are not and use their war on Israel as an excuse to violently suppress any Palestinian opposition to the current suicidal strategy. This played a role in Hamas from launching a major attack out of Gaza into southern Israel in October 2023. Over a thousand Israelis and hundreds of foreigners died or were taken as hostages. Hamas planned to overthrow and replace the current corrupt West Bank Palestinian government. That effort failed because the Israeli military was able to counterattack and put Hamas on the defensive and Palestinians saw no gain in replacing their current corrupt leaders with the even more corrupt and much more violent Hamas.

The current Hamas crisis stems from the 900,000 Palestinian refugees who fled Gaza to escape the Hamas inspired violence. The refugees fled to the Egyptian border and the Egyptians will not let them in for the same reason Israel wants to control aid going to these refugees and search the refugees to find and capture or kill Hamas members.
At Computex 2024, AMD previewed its latest EPYC 9005 Turin CPU family. These chips, featuring up to 192 Zen 5 cores, are set to be released in the latter half of 2024.

AMDs Zen 5 architecture for EPYC 9005

The EPYC 9005 chips mark the debut of AMDs Zen 5 architecture for data center chips. AMD claims they are significantly faster than Intels current-gen Xeon chips, boasting up to 5.4 times better performance in key AI workloads.

There are two variants of Turin: one with standard Zen 5 cores and another with a density-optimized variant called Zen 5c.

Specifications and Benchmark Performance

The new chips will offer up to 192 cores and 384 threads, manufactured on the 3nm process node. They will be paired with a 6nm I/O Die (IOD) in a single socket configuration, comprising 13 chiplets.

The highest core count models will utilize AMDs Zen 5c architecture, similar to Intels e-cores. Lisa Su, AMDs CEO, presented several benchmarks against Intels Xeon chips, indicating significant advantages for Turin.

These include a 5.4X advantage in AI models, a 2.5X advantage in translation models, and a 3.9X advantage in summarization work. Additionally, Turin demonstrated a 3.1X advantage in the NAMD scientific workload and delivered 4X more tokens per second in a live demo.

Comparison with Previous Models

The EPYC Turin chips succeed AMDs EPYC Bergamo series, offering higher core density.

While Bergamo tops out at 128 cores, Turin pushes the limit to 192 cores. The density-optimized Zen 5c core reduces the area needed for each core while maintaining full features, appealing particularly to hyperscalers.

Competition and Compatibility

Turin will compete with Intels Sierra Forest chips (144-core) and Amperes AmpereOne processors (192-core).

It will utilize the SP5 socket, ensuring compatibility with existing motherboards used for EPYC Genoa and Bergamo, enabling a straightforward upgrade process and faster time to market for newer servers.

Availability

More details on the 5th Gen AMD EPYC processor Turin chips are expected closer to the market launch, which is targeted for the second half of 2024.
PFAS chemicals are toxic. They persistently contaminate water and soil and accumulate in humans and animals through food and consumer products. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) therefore published a proposal in February 2023 that would ban the production, use and distribution (including the import) of PFAS in the European economic area. The semiconductor industry views the threat of a PFAS ban as a critical issue because the chemicals are used as membranes and housings in filters, as well as in processes such as etching and cleaning. According to numerous manufacturers, there is no viable alternative to the long-lasting per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, and banning them would make production of most semiconductor products impossible. However, researchers at Fraunhofer IAP in Potsdam have now successfully developed a PFAS-free membrane for a supplier to the semiconductor industry. This membrane is based on conventional, specifically stabilized polymers, which could replace PFAS membranes. The polymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane offers high chemical and mechanical stability. It also has an extremely small pore diameter of around seven nanometers. This is necessary to separate particulate impurities from production and to filter and recycle the fluids required for the process, such as acids and solvents. The membrane can be customized to meet specific needs, which makes it easy to integrate the new process into existing systems to manufacture the next generation of chips.

Impurities and contaminants must be avoided

Chip manufacturing involves numerous process steps such as cutting, cleaning and planarization to apply the structures to the wafer. All of these operations produce particulate contaminants that must be separated out in each process, otherwise they would interfere with the creation of nanometer-sized structures, says Dr. Murat Tutus, engineer at Fraunhofer IAP and head of the Membranes and functional films department. Murat Tutus and his team have succeeded in creating a chemically and mechanically highly stable membrane made of conventional polymer, which can filter out particles with a pore size of just seven nanometers. For comparison: In medical engineering, filters with a pore size of 220 nanometers are used for sterile filtration. We were able to use another component patented by us to chemically modify the polymer and stabilize it also for harsh environments, says the researcher.

The researchers were also tasked with achieving a pore size distribution that deviated only negligibly from seven nanometers. In addition, the membrane should be highly permeable. The degree of permeability is defined by the number of pores on the surface. The smaller the pores, the lower the permeability. To increase permeability, we therefore had to increase the number of pores in a second step while keeping the pore size constant, explains Tutus.

Membrane production with REACH-compliant solvents

Since the membranes pore size and permeability can be customized to specific needs, it will be easy to adapt it to diverse applications in other industries. As an added benefit, membrane customization means that existing systems can continue to be used and no staff training is required. Dr. Tutus and his team see a great deal of potential for their developments in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, which also use aggressive solvents. The membrane production itself uses REACH-compliant solvents (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and low temperatures throughout, making it an overall sustainable process. The membrane is fabricated using a NIPS (non-solvent induced phase separation) process, which also allows researchers to customize the morphology, or pressure stability, of the membrane.
Innovative mobility, smart infrastructure, bright prospects: The researchers at Fraunhofer IVI make a real impact across industries and sectors with solutions for automotive applications, smart transportation systems, and civil security. New institute director, Professor Sanaz Mostaghim, joined the institute on June 1, adding fresh, forward-looking expertise to the economically successful institutes portfolio. A well-known expert on artificial intelligence, Mostaghim has held the Chair of Computational Intelligence at the Faculty of Computer Science at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) since 2014. Particular areas of focus in her research include multi-objective optimization, decision-making and evolutionary algorithms along with collective intelligence and swarm robotics. Before joining the Institute for Intelligent Cooperating Systems at OVGU, Mostaghim served in other roles, including as an academic council member at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In 2014, the German Research Foundation (DFG) recognized Mostaghim  whose research projects have taken her to Swinburne University of Technology, in Melbourne, and to Yale University, among other places  with the DFG Heisenberg Professorship for Intelligent Adaptive Systems.

Professor Holger Hanselka, president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, was very pleased with the announcement: Im delighted that we have been able to bring in Professor Mostaghim, a prominent researcher, to lead Fraunhofer IVI. Artificial intelligence is a huge topic of the future for our society and economy. I firmly believe that with her expertise, Professor Mostaghim will be instrumental in advancing the institutes outstanding development and visionary research work.



For her part, Mostaghim noted: Transportation and infrastructure lie at the heart of the revolutionary new topics we are facing in the era of AI, digital transformation, and climate change. The research topics pursued by Fraunhofer IVI in developing key technologies in these domains play a leading role in achieving sustainable innovation for our society and economy. Fraunhofer IVI has a highly stable and successful profile, and I look forward to the chance to contribute my recent research on computational intelligence to the institutes work. This includes AI-based optimization and decision-making, adaptive and cooperative intelligent systems, swarm intelligence, human-centered AI, and intelligent planning and process optimization.



In her role as institute director, Mostaghim is initially working together with executive director Professor Matthias Klingner during a transitional phase.



About Fraunhofer IVI



For over 20 years now, the researchers at Fraunhofer IVI have worked at the Dresden, Ingolstadt, and Berlin locations, where they develop technologies and concepts for the areas of mobility, energy, and safety and security  from pre-competitive research to practical applications. Their transportation research ranges from vehicle and drive technology to smart transportation systems, planning, logistics, and digital business processes. Projects in the field of autonomous systems are growing more important, as is safety and security  from the functional reliability of vehicle technologies to civil hazard prevention. Professor Klingner has been in charge of Fraunhofer IVI since 2005. Under his leadership, the institute underwent an extensive economic overhaul and has now become highly successful.


Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
May 31 U.S. Central Command Update

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | May 31, 2024

USCENTCOM

May 31, 2024

Release Number 20240531 - 01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- At approximately 1:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 31, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. The UAS crashed into the Red Sea with no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Separately, between 2:53 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one UAS over the Gulf of Aden and three UAS over the Red Sea that were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

At approximately 9:31 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.



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Situation in southern Gaza 'horrific and apocalpytic': WFP

31 May 2024 - Aid corridors in southern Gaza must be fully opened to allow the entry of food, fuel and other desperately needed relief items, a senior official with the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.

Matthew Hollingsworth, WFP Country Director in Palestine, warned that with limited access to the south "we will no doubt see what we saw happen in the north in the first months of the war".

Mr. Hollingsworth recently spent 10 days in Gaza. Speaking from Jerusalem, he told journalists in New York that people in the enclave "really are at their wits' end".

A horrific 'exodus'

He said the "exodus" from Rafah over the past 20 days "has been an awesome and horrific experience for many, many people." Most have been displaced several times over and had thought they would be staying in a safe area for the remainder of the war.

They have fled to areas where clean water, medical supplies and support are insufficient, food supply is limited, and telecommunications have stopped.

"Public health concerns are beyond crisis levels" and "the sounds, the smells, the everyday life, are horrific and apocalyptic", he said

"People sleep to the sounds of bombing, they sleep to the sounds of drones, they sleep to the sounds of war as now tanks roll into parts of central Rafah, which is only kilometres away. And they wake to the same sounds."

Immense needs

Meanwhile, humanitarians have seen ever-decreasing amounts of assistance coming in, and WFP bakeries in Rafah have closed due to lack of fuel and supplies.

He said that from 7 to 20 May, "not a single WFP truck crossed from the southern corridors from Egypt into Rafah".

The UN agency has been unable to access its main warehouse in the south because it was in an evacuation zone, and the 2,700 tonnes of food inside were either looted or destroyed in the fighting.

"We are living and working precariously in the south," he said, adding that some aid partners are able to provide hot meals in Rafah.

"We serve around 27,000 people right now, but that's not enough in Rafah itself, and we're trying desperately hard to gear up to support people in the central areas, in Al Mawasi in particular, where almost a million people have fled to in this great exodus."

WFP and partners are able to provide roughly 400,000 hot meals a day to people in the Middle Area of Gaza, but again supplies are limited.

Situation in the north

Mr. Hollingsworth also addressed the situation in north Gaza, which he said has improved following the opening of two crossings. UN agencies had previously warned of looming famine in the region.

"We're actually seeing the results of what can happen when there is a will to enable sufficient levels of aid," he said.

Roughly 12,000 tonnes of inter-agency aid, mostly food, have entered since 1 May, "and the north looks very different because of it."

The WFP official stressed the need for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages, noting that previous calls have gone unheard.

"We are tired. People are tired. We desperately need to start helping people go beyond this day-to-day existence and scraping for an existence," he said. "And to do that, there has to be a ceasefire."

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Background Press Call on President Biden's Remarks on the Middle East

May 31, 2024

Via Teleconference

2:35 P.M. EDT

MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone. And thanks so much for joining today's call. Apologies we're a few minutes late. As you saw from the invite, this call is on background, attributable to a senior administration official. And it is embargoed until the conclusion of the call.

For your awareness, not for your reporting, on the call today we have [senior administration official]. [Senior administration official] will have a few words at the top, and then we'll take your questions.

With that, I'll turn it over to you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks. So I'll just  a little bit at the top and then we'll do Q&A. So, thanks for joining.

So today, as you know, President Biden delivered an update on his efforts to secure a deal that would lead to the release of all the hostages, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a further surge of humanitarian assistance into and distributed throughout Gaza, and ultimately  ultimately, and potentially, the end of the crisis.

The President's message was clear. There is now a roadmap in place to do all of this after months of diplomacy that he has led together with his negotiators and Israel, Qatar, and Egypt.

He made clear that Israel's security is paramount and that this deal is the best path to both end the crisis in Gaza and to ensure Israel's security today and over the long term, with the hostages coming home.

The President described the comprehensive proposal now on the table in some detail. This proposal has been accepted by Israel and was transmitted to Hamas yesterday. And as he said, "This is...a decisive moment. Israel has made their [offer]. Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. [And] this deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it."

Israel can make this offer without further risk to their own security because Israel has so degraded Hamas's forces over the last eight months, as the President explained. At this point, of course, Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7. Its military capacity has been significantly eroded. And its leaders are dead or in deep hiding.

For the Palestinian people and the people of Gaza, this is an opportunity to end the suffering of the past eight months. Again, as the President said, too many innocent people have been killed in this war. And the deal now on the table offers a roadmap to end the suffering for the hostage families waiting for their loved ones to return and for the people of Gaza caught in this terrible war that Hamas started.

The President also called on Israeli leaders to stand behind this deal no matter what pressure comes. And we know there are debates about these issues in Israel, of course. He made clear that this is a far better path than alternatives, and it's the only path that is available to both bring the hostages home and to ensure Israel's lasting and long-term security.

The President reemphasized that Israel will always have what it needs to defend itself and always retains the right to defend itself from threats, and, of course, to bring justice to those responsible for October 7th, which we have talked about in the past.

With this deal in place, what can follow would include agreements on the northern border to allow people to return to their homes in safety; beginning to rebuild Gaza together with the international community and the Arab partners, Palestinians, and Israelis in a manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm or threaten Israel; pursue an Israel more integrated regionally, including through a deal with Saudi Arabia, and the security integration the President discussed  the successful defense of Israel against an attack from Iran just last month through regional integration and coordination; and create the conditions for a future of freedom and self-determination for the Palestinian people.

The President ended with a clear call to action. "For months," he said, "people all over the world have called for a ceasefire. It's time to raise your voices and to demand that Hamas come to the table, agree to this deal, and end this war that they began."

He concluded, "Everyone who wants peace now must raise their voices and let the leaders know they should take this deal, work to make it real, [work to] make it lasting, forge a better future out of this tragic terror attack" of October 7th and the subsequent conflict.

So I think the President laid it out today very clearly. And you  obviously you've seen or you have his remarks, and I'm happy to address any questions.

MODERATOR: Thanks. Our first question will go to the line of Steve Holland. You should be able to unmute yourself

Steve, I think you might be muted.

Q Is that better?

MODERATOR: Steve, I think we just hear static.

Steve, we'll come back to you. We'll go to Alex Ward. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. Thanks so much for doing this. Two questions. One is: By saying that, you know, Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7, is the President saying that, effectively, Israel has won this war and there's really no need for a continued military campaign against Hamas?

And then, sort of two related: Of course, the administration's stance has been to not see a major military ground operation in Rafah similar to others seen in Gaza City and Khan Younis, but we do have, as of right now, six Israeli brigades in Rafah, the same that the Israelis have had in Khan Younis. So is part of the reason  one, is this  it feels like this fits the definition of a major ground operation. But two, is part of this messaging to say to the Israelis, hey, it's  you know, it's time to not go forward with the way you're conducting in Rafah? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks. First, there are not six Israeli brigades in Rafah, so I'm not sure where that information is from. We have a very good picture of exactly what's happening in Rafah. I think one reason that we've spoken so clearly about is because we actually know exactly where Israeli forces are, what they're doing, what the objectives are. And so far, I think we have a pretty clear understanding and sight picture of precisely what they're doing and what they aim to do.

We've also been watching this closely. And if that changes, and if some of the plans go back to where they were a couple months ago, that might be a different story. But right now, I think we have a very clear understanding of what they're doing. And sometimes there might be, you know, a story of an Israeli unit in central Gaza. We kind of know what the unit is doing. We have a good understanding of that communication with the Israelis.

But again, this is something that's an ongoing process. It's been an ongoing process for the last 10 weeks or so and, I think, ultimately, a fairly productive one. But it's an ongoing issue.

And on your second question: No, I think the President was actually laying out that there is a new proposal on the table. It is a very forward-leaning offer. And I think the reason the Israelis are able to make this offer is because of some of the success they've had in degrading Hamas's military capacity. I don't think this offer would have been possible three months ago.

This has been a difficult, painstaking negotiation. And at the heart of it, of course, is the core demand to see hostages coming home. And with hostages coming home, there is now really a roadmap to the end of the crisis. It is a detailed four-and-a-half-page agreement. It has been negotiated, again, in painstaking detail. And what's on the table now is, really, kind of an end game to the process.

And so we thought it is important, I think, to come out and lay this out because often these deals get characterized by those who might not want to see the deal.

So I think the President laid out particularly what is in the first phase of the deal, what would unfold, and what is on offer. And, again, I think we give credit to the Israelis for putting this offer down. And the President made very clear that the onus here is on Hamas. I would say that this  what is on the table now is extremely close, in almost every respect, to the deal that Hamas has said they would take not too long ago.

So, this is going to continue. The President made clear there are details to work out. This is not going to be done tomorrow. But, kind of, the roadmap is very much now on the table, in place. And I think with some coordinated efforts in the region, we're going to do everything we possibly can to get this done.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to the line of Aamer Madhani. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hey, thank you. The President alluded to hurdles to get from phase one to phase two in this plan. I was just hoping you could draw a little bit of a picture of concerns, biggest hurdles that you see between phase one and phase two. And then secondly, there wasn't mention, I don't think, of a two-state solution. Where does that come in, if at all, in this process?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, from phase one to phase two  and the elements of phase one, again, were laid out  it is comprehensive. It is the release of a category of hostages  I think many on this call are familiar with; we've talked about this before  but also with not only the further surge of humanitarian assistance and distribution across the strip, but also the beginning of rehabilitation of essential services, clearing of rubble, and relief to the people of Gaza, including temporary shelters, temporary housing, everything else. It was all mapped out in the deal. And that all happens immediately in the first six weeks.

The second phase of the deal is for the release of all remaining  remaining hostages. And some of those hostages are Israeli soldiers, male Israeli soldiers. The women come out in the first phase. And that will require a subsequent negotiation during the first six weeks for the ratio of a potential prisoner exchange and some other things.

So everybody agrees that has to be worked out. We're not going to work that out now, but it'll be worked out over the first six weeks. And so long as those talks are ongoing, the benefits to the deal for everybody in the first phase would continue and the mediators would try to make sure that that, in fact, happens.

So it would be our hope and expectation that the deal would move into phase two and everything that comes from phase two and then into phase three. But we're also realistic, and the President said, "I'm going to level with you"  there's still pieces here to work out. But that's basically what still has to be discussed once you're in a ceasefire and in the first phase. And I think we're quite confident that we could get that work done.

I think the President spoke quite depth  in some depth about the importance of this deal and the ensuing calm for the aspirations of the Palestinian people and where that can lead. And so, again, we're realistic about that process as well. We have to have a Gaza that  with Hamas no longer in power, with Hamas no longer able to threaten Israel. We have to work to reform the PA and the West Bank, which is ongoing, and ultimately having an interim administration in Gaza that can help with stabilization and a pathway forward there. So that is all kind of in train.

And when the President talks about the importance of the day after in his speech, that kind of  all the elements of that are part of the day after. But this speech was focused on this deal that is now very much before us, not with every single detail of the day-after planning. But the day-after planning, I think we've been making some progress on that.

Obviously, we have done extensive work within the United States and all of our experts in the interagency and with our partners around the world and in the region. And that process is now very much joined with the Israeli side. And I think over the last few weeks, it's fair to say there's been more progress than there has been to date.

And it remains a concern of ours, as you've heard expressed from Jake and others, that without a military strategy that's connected to a political and diplomatic strategy, the military gains often can be fleeting, as we've seen in the past. So that day-after process is critically important.

MODERATOR: Next up we'll go to the line of Karen DeYoung. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi, thank you. I just wanted to ask for a clarification of two things. What the President described as Israeli withdrawal from populated areas, that would also include, in phase one, withdrawal from Rafah, yes?

And secondly, the President talked about phase two, assuming Hamas lived up to its commitments, there would be a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel has said in the past, and certainly Prime Minister Netanyahu has said very recently, that Israel would maintain security responsibility for Gaza. And they've already put in place a buffer zone around it. Both of those things would disappear, assuming Hamas lived up to its commitments. Is that correct?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, Karen, we're describing what's in the deal. So the first phase of the deal is a withdrawal from densely populated areas, from wherever Israeli forces might be  in densely populated areas in Gaza, in the first phase. And the second phase is a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza subject to conditions being met for the second phase, which, again, would have to be worked out.

And the President also, of course, emphasized that Israel always retains the right, as does any sovereign country, to act against threats against its security. And obviously, that would continue.

But the deal that has been negotiated I think is very clear in its terms, again, subject to  and I think the President was very clear in that passage of the speech  subject to Hamas living up to its terms of the deal and some of the conditions being met. But that is what's laid out in phase two, and that's why this is really such a, I think, a far-reaching and important proposal.

I think it's fair to say that if you're into phase two and phase three, Israel will have some guarantees about its own security in that Gaza can no longer be a platform for terrorism against and threats against Israel, which is very much a focus of ours.

MODERATOR: Next up we'll go to the line of Barak Ravid. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Yes. Thank you. There is something that was sort of  not in the President's speech, and you are not referring to it either: Hamas said yesterday publicly, in an official statement, that it will not even enter negotiations on this new proposal until Israel stops its war in Gaza, which is like a whole new hurdle, in addition to what we had until now. And the President didn't talk about it; you're not talking about it. How are you going to know that they're willing to even go back to the table?

And second question: You spoke yesterday, I think twice or three times, with the Prime Minister of Qatar, who is the leading negotiator right now. What did you hear from him about how much pressure Qatar is willing to put on Hamas to accept this deal?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think, first, I'm not going to  you know, Hamas  their public statements versus what they say privately. I would just say a few things.

This deal does stop the war, and it's nearly identical to Hamas's own proposals of only a few weeks ago. So if that's what Hamas wants, they can take the deal. Alternatively, if its leaders choose to live deep underground, holding innocent hostages, including women, as the war goes on and the people of Gaza suffer, that would be their choice. And I think the onus very much is on those leaders.

And all countries with an interest in seeing the war come to a conclusion and seeing the ceasefire begin  that's why the President was very clear  should call on Hamas here to basically live up to its own words, release the hostages and stop the war. That's what the deal does.

And so, conversations with the Qatari Prime Minister and others, I think it's fair to say there's a recognition from everybody that's been working on this that what is now in front of everybody is basically the terms by which Hamas was prepared to move forward.

So, you know, there are some small gaps. But again, this is a detailed four-and-a-half-page arrangement. This is not something like Hamas said something and then Israel presents something completely different. This is now at the stage where Hamas has said they'd be prepared to do deal X, and what is now on the table is basically that with some very minor adjustments.

So they just got this last night. Obviously, they'll look at it. And this whole  as the President was very clear, this is not going to be concluded tomorrow. But he felt very strongly, and also in consultation with other leaders in the region, that it was time to kind of lay out very clearly what is offered in this proposal, and particularly in those first six weeks, kind of laying out in detail the relief that comes to the people of Gaza, the relief that comes to suffering hostage families, and what is available.

So I'm not going to respond to public statements made by some Hamas officials here and there. They know what's in the deal. They know it's nearly identical to what they put on the table. And we're obviously in deep consultations with the Qataris, Egyptians, and others to try to move this forward.

MODERATOR: Next up we'll go to Patsy. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thank you. A couple of questions. What are Israelis agreeing to in terms of this deal, in the context of the survival of Hamas leadership? Are they willing to accept a deal where Sinwar and others remain alive? Is there an agreement between the idea of what dismantling Hamas  what it means to Israelis versus what it means to Hamas?

And then also, separately, if you would indulge me, when do you expect to receive Israel's review of the IDF strike on Rafah that killed 45 civilians over the weekend? Do you expect them to reveal their collateral effects radius assessment of the strike? And more broadly, has the U.S. ever been provided with IDF procedures for collateral damage analysis? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, on the leaders and Israel's inherent right to defend itself and also pursue justice for October 7th, I think the President spoke to that, and we've spoken to that in the past.

On the strike and the horrific aftermath of this weekend, you've seen what the Israelis have put out. The Israelis have presented to us in even more detail exactly what happened and the steps they took before that strike, including the selection of a very small munition and with precision and with a lot of intelligence work that went into it to ensure a very low risk of civilian casualties. And unfortunately, something happened after the first strike against two Hamas terrorists, and Hamas even put out statements about the loss of its two leaders responsible for West Bank operations.

There was a secondary explosion, and I think the Israelis are looking into what exactly that was. They do not believe it was from their munition. And they're looking into this in some detail. They have shared with us everything that they know so far. And I think we have said we want that work to continue through an independent investigation and see the results. So that's where that all stands.

MODERATOR: We've got time for about two more questions. Next up we'll go to Michael Gordon. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thank you. Much of what you say about phase one  although there's some additional detail that's familiar to us, the six-week duration  phase two and phase three are still a little (inaudible). Is Israel agreeing to discuss phase two, or did they have concrete proposals to what phase two would be? And can you explain in a little fuller detail what phase two is supposed to be and what Israel has agreed to do then, and what phase three is?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, so phase two is the final exchange of all remaining live hostages, and that includes the male soldiers. So there has to be another negotiation about that. It includes a cessation of hostilities, permanently, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. So those are kind of the basic elements with, again, conditions that will be discussed during the first six weeks.

And then phase three  and each phase is about 42 days to get the  for the exchange of hostages, for example, in phase two. And then phase three is an exchange of remaining remains and also outlines a pretty extensive three- to five-year reconstruction program for Gaza that's fully backed by us, by the international community, and others. So by the time you get to phase three, I think you're very much in the rehabilitation of Gaza and stabilization.

And there are other, kind of, elements that go into this, but those are the basic  you know, the basic contours, all of which are laid out in the proposal.

MODERATOR: Next up we'll go to David Sanger.

Q Thanks. And thank you, [senior administration official], for doing this. The Israeli  the Prime Minister's office turned out a statement tonight, I think after the President spoke, saying that they were united in the desire to bring home the hostages and so forth, but then said the exact outline that Israel has offered, including the conditional progression from stage to stage, enables Israel to maintain the principle that Hamas's military is destroyed and its governing capacities in Gaza end. Is that an accurate understanding? Because I didn't hear that in the President's speech.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think the President said Israel's interests can be protected throughout this negotiation, but it's also an agreement that clearly lays out the terms and expectations of all sides. And the U.S. as a guarantor, together with Egypt and Qatar, we would do our best to ensure that the Israelis live up to their commitments as they've agreed to do, and, of course, Qatar and Egypt making sure Hamas lives up to their commitments.

I have no doubt that the deal will be characterized by Israel and be characterized by Hamas. But we know what's in the deal. We know what the expectations are. We're also very confident, again, as I think the President laid out very forcefully: This deal, at this stage in the conflict, is the path for long-term security for Israel and the path to bring the hostages home.

And I think the arrangements and some of the day-after planning, you know, helps ensure that  that Hamas's military capacity to regenerate in a way that can threaten Israel would be very much foreclosed under this arrangement and, I think the President said in his speech, ensuring that Hamas cannot rearm.

So this is all part of what has been discussed. This will require an awful lot of work over the coming months, years, should we be fortunate enough to close this deal. But that very much is our commitment. And I have to say the Egyptians and Qataris are very much on the same page with the paramount, immediate interest to get into a ceasefire and to begin this important rehabilitation work and to bring the hostages home.

MODERATOR: Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have left. I know there are lots of questions remaining. Please send them over to the NSC press team. We're happy to follow up with you.

Thanks, everyone, for joining. Again, this call was on background, attributable to a senior administration official. The embargo is now lifted. Thanks so much.

3:00 P.M. EDT

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June 1, 2024

Release

Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Historic Japan-ROK Agreement

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued the following statement today after Japan and the Republic of Korea announced new agreements to strengthen their bilateral defense relationship, including measures to support operational safety and lines of communication:

"I welcome this important announcement by Japan and the Republic of Korea, and I applaud the historic leadership by Minister Kihara and Minister Shin. Stronger bilateral cooperation between each of our countries helps advance trilateral cooperation among all of our countries. I look forward to meeting with Minister Kihara and Minister Shin in Singapore to further our momentum in support of the new era of trilateral partnership inaugurated at the Camp David Summit in August 2023."

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3793634/

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June 1, 2024

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Takes Questions in Singapore at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue, the Asian Defense Summit

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Dr. Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive, IISS

DR. GIEGERICH: Secretary Austin, thank you very much for those remarks. I think you made a very interesting point about the evolution from a hub-and-spokes model to the convergence of overlapping initiatives that you explained in your remarks, the common purpose that you see around shared interest and values. You gave us important examples of progress that has been made around exercises around military-to-military contacts, defense and industrial resilience, you mentioned posture changes, and you spoke at the end there about fresh and growing partnerships for that common purpose. So, all those are points to pick up on.

We will now have a few questions. We'll take a few individual questions and we might start grouping a few of them together. The list is getting longer by the second. The first person I'd like to --



SEC. AUSTIN: It's a good time to stop them.

DR. GIEGERICH: We've got a bit of time. So, the first one I'd like to ask is Trisha Ray from India and from the Young Leaders Program. Trisha, your microphone is live.

Q: Thank you. Tricia Ray from the Atlantic Council. Secretary Austin, my question for you is - is there enough momentum in the U.S.'s Indo-Pacific strategy and the network of complementary and overlapping institutions, as you mentioned, to ensure continuity irrespective of the results of the U.S. election?

SEC. AUSTIN: I think there is significant momentum. I think A good example is the relationship that we enjoy with India right now is as good as or better than our relationship has ever been. It's really strong. You know, several years ago, we set out with a notion to - gain approval for India to build jet engines for fighter aircraft in India. I served on a board of a company that makes jet engines for fighter aircraft and I know how difficult this was going to be. And we were hopeful but very skeptical that we could get this across the finish line. We did it. That's happening.

As I said in my speech, we're co-producing armored vehicles with India.

So, the anchors of our progress are sunk pretty deep throughout the region and they're based on common vision and common values. And so, I believe that the momentum that we see is going to not only continue, but that flywheel is going to pick up speed because this benefits us all.

But to answer your question, yes, I do think that this will be lasting.

You didn't ask me about who I thought would win the election, but I'll be willing to share that with you.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much, secretary. The next question is from South Korea, Chung Min Lee.



Q: Mr. Secretary. Thank you for your wonderful speech. The U.S. has always said that the ROK is a lynchpin of Asian policy and security in the region. And yet, unlike AUKUS, the U.S. has been quite lukewarm to South Korea's desire to have nuclear-powered submarines. So, my question to you, sir, is if the South Korean government officially asks Washington for its support in building nuclear-powered submarines for the ROK Navy would you support such an initiative? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, I would tell you that NIC Deputy Prime Minister Marles is sitting right in front of you there, but the initiative that we've taken on with Australia and the UK is one that will provide stability and security -- assist in providing stability and security for the region for decades to come.

This is a generational investment. This is no small endeavor. It is very, very difficult to go through each piece of this. And so, we've just started down this path with Australia. Highly doubtful that we could take on another initiative of this type any time in the near future.

But I would also point out, and you mentioned this earlier, what a strong ally the ROK is for us. And the fact that - that we have depended on each other and will continue to depend on each other for the foreseeable future. And we're seeing so many positive things in the region. The relationship, the improving relationship between Japan, the ROK, and the U.S. I mean, this trilateral relationship is where it, in my view, has never been in recent past.

So, taking on that kind of endeavor on top of what we're working through right now, I think would be very, very difficult for us.



DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. I'll turn to, from Vietnam, Bich Tran, please.

Q: Thank you, chair. Secretary, you mentioned the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. So, the program has delivered radio frequency data to regional maritime agencies. So, this sounds very similar to what the U.S. is already doing with SeaVision, the online platforms. So, my question is that how does IPMDA differentiate itself from existing initiative and how will you be involved to remain responsive to maritime challenges? Thank you.



SEC. AUSTIN: I think I missed the question here. So, could you just repeat the question?

Q: Yes. So, I would like to know your thoughts on how the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness is different from existing initiative. Because what it has been doing is very similar to the SeaVision platform. And how you will be involved? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: There are some similarities in current capabilities. But the idea here is that we work together to increase capabilities going forward. And we use that mechanism to do that. And this is not focused just on one particular element of technology. This is focused eventually on the full range of the possibilities that we can bring together. And the more the merrier, quite frankly. The more that we can share this with other countries in the region, the better it is for all of us.

So, we're off to a great start and I think we have a lot of opportunities to continue to build on this going forward. And we're going to do just that.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. And we have from the U.S. and CNN, Ivan Watson. Ivan, your microphone is live.

Q: Yeah. Thank you. Secretary Austin, last night the Philippine president was asked about your ongoing sparring going on in the South China Sea between Philippines and China, and about the potential scenario of a Filipino citizen or service member being killed. He said that would cross the rubicon, it would be interpreted as an act of war, and he anticipated that treaty allies would hold that to the same standard.

How would you interpret that type of scenario? Would the U.S. government interpret a death at sea as an act of war? And would that invoke a mutual defense treaty?

SEC. AUSTIN: Let me begin by saying that our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad. No questions, no exceptions. Ironclad. I won't speculate on any hypothetical situation. What I would say, though, is that what we are doing and what we continue to try to do is to make sure that that doesn't happen. And by increasing dialogue between major powers and making sure that countries are working together to promote freedom of the seas and freedom of the skies, that will narrow the possibility that this happens. There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognize that. But our goal is to make sure that we don't allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily. And again, I will not speculate on any one thing or another. I will continue to emphasize that our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. And we have a question from China, Senior Colonel inaudible, please.

Q: Thank you, host. Mister Secretary of Defense, as we know, the United States has the largest alliance system in the world, including NATO, and is pushing for further integration of its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. My question is, is the United States planning to build a NATO-like alliance system in the Asia-Pacific region? The east border expansion of NATO has led to the Ukraine crisis. What implications do you think the strengthening of the U.S. alliance system in the Asia-Pacific will have on this region's security and stability? Thank you.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. Secretary?

SEC. AUSTIN: I respectfully disagree with your point that the expansion of NATO caused the Ukraine crisis. The Ukraine crisis was -- Ukraine crisis obviously was caused because Mister Putin made a decision to unlawfully invade his neighbor who had an inferior military at that point in time. He assumed that he could very quickly roll over his neighbor and annex the country. That was two plus years ago. He has not achieved any of his strategic objectives to this point. But this was brought on because of a decision made by Mister Putin.

As to whether or not we're trying to create a NATO in the Indo-Pacific, I would tell you that what we're doing is what I said earlier in the speech. Countries - of like-minded countries with similar values and a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific are working together to achieve that vision. And we've strengthened relationships with our allies and partners. And we see other countries strengthening their relationships with each other in the region. This is goodness, but it's because they have a common vision and common values. And we will continue to do those kind of things going forward.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you. And from Malaysia and the young leaders group, Benedict Versena.

Q: Thank you, Secretary Austin, for engaging and enlightening remarks. My question is on the point of convergence, which you brought up toward the end of your speech. In a convergence is a very subjective principle indeed, so what is your view on the principle of convergence in a multipolar world with the rise of middle powers, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, which seems in contestation with the idea of convergence under a unipolar world in the past three decades? Thank you.

DR. GIEGERICH: How strong is that force of convergence while we see middle powers rising and becoming more assertive?

SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks. I think that this convergence is indeed, it's very strong. And it's driven not by singular treaty, it's driven by a desire for countries, like-minded countries, to work together to ensure that we maintain the vision of an open and free Indo-Pacific and maintain a rules-based international order. And I think because of that, we'll see the momentum increase in a very positive manner.

But yes, I do think there is -- this is a strong movement. And I think, again, it will occur over time. But in the last three years alone, all of the things that I described earlier have occurred in three years. I would say that's momentum. And there will be other countries that want to do other things. And that's clearly understood.

And as I said, there will be pundits and propagandists who have a different view. And that's fine. We welcome that. But the fact of the matter is countries in this region really want to protect their fishing rights, their exclusive economic zones, and they really want to prosper. And we want that for them as well. Their neighbors want that for them. So I think there's strength here. Things won't necessarily occur overnight in a lot of cases. But again, in the last three years, we've seen some remarkable things.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you. From France, Celine Payon, please?

Q: Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Secretary Austin, thank you very much for your opening remarks. You rightfully underlined the importance of the strategic partnership. You referred to new and future arrangements with Indo-Pacific partners and also European partners. So my question is, what are your expectations vis-a-vis European partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific theater? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, I don't want to embarrass them by having them raise their hand, but I would tell you that there are a number of defense ministers from Europe in the room with us today. And they're not in the room because I invited them. They're in the room because they have an interest in this region. And, you know, as I engage with my counterparts in Europe, I see an increasing interest to, you know, in the region and to make sure that things continue to move in the right direction, even though there is a pretty significant challenge in Europe right now. But I just have to tell you that I see that interest as increasing going forward, not decreasing.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. We'll take a question from New Zealand, Susanna Jessop, please?

Q: Secretary Austin, thank you very much for your remarks. I wonder if you could detail if it's -- the U.S. is undertaking to de-escalate tensions in your dialogue and engagement with China. Are there any areas giving you hope that regional tensions are not eventually going to spill over into kinetic conflict? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: You're asking if I would detail my conversation with Minister Dong? Is that what you asked?

DR. GIEGERICH: If you don't mind?

SEC. AUSTIN: The short answer is no. But the reason for that is I certainly -- we both want to make sure that we maintain an open dialogue here. The key piece here, the key issue is that we're talking. And as long as we're talking, we're able to identify those issues that are troublesome and that we want to make sure that we emplace guardrails to ensure that, you know, there are no misperceptions and no miscalculations, and, you know, incidents can spiral out of control in a reason.

But you can only do that kind of thing if you are talking. And you'll recall -- you've heard me say every year at this dialogue, you heard me talk about the importance of making sure that that communicate -- those communications channels are open. And I told Minister Dong that if he calls me on an urgent matter, I will answer the phone. And I certainly hope that he'll do the same. And it's that communication, I think, that will help to keep things in the right place. And help us move things towards greater stability and security in the region.

But I know that you didn't expect for me to detail my conversation with him anyway, but we did talk about a number of substantive issues that are important to both of us. And again, we will continue to work. We both want to make sure that the channels stay open, and hopefully they will. We'll continue to work on these issues, you know, between me and him, but also with our staffs and subordinates as well.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you very much. And we have a question from the U.K. and the ISS, Viraj Solanki, please. Viraj?

Q: Thank you, Bastian. And thank you, Secretary Austin. Mr. Secretary, how do you see prospects for the Quad grouping of the U.S., Australia, Japan and India? There's not been a leadership level summit this year due to scheduling issues. And do you think the group needs to develop a more overt security-focused agenda to stay relevant? And how does it compare and contrast to the new quadrilateral grouping established, the so called Squad of U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines? Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: So the question is, as far as the Quad is concerned, should we have more of a security focus? I think there is a security focus. And of course, I engage with my counterparts in each of those countries routinely. But there's an important point here. The United States military is a big hammer. And each of these countries have big hammers in their militaries. But that hammer is not the only solution to every problem or it's not the only solution to most problems. We want to make sure that everything that we're doing and we're taking a whole of government approach that we're using all the instruments of national power in every case to address issues, but also grow together in terms of the ability to share capabilities and develop capabilities together.

So I think this whole of government issue is very, very important. And quite frankly, we're hopeful that we see that in more places around the region as well.

DR. GIEGERICH: Thank you.

SEC. AUSTIN: That's like 100 questions now.

DR. GIEGERICH: We take one last one, if you don't mind. We're still in the double-digits, so we're OK.

SEC. AUSTIN: OK then.

DR. GIEGERICH: We'll take one more from Indonesia, Dewi Fortuna Anwar, please?

Q: Thank you. Thank you, Bastian. Secretary, I really enjoyed your speech. But I noticed that you very carefully avoided mentioning China when you talk about in the Strait of Taiwan or about the South China Sea issues. And there's no mention about the U.S.-China strategic competition. So it is really a sign of, you know, following from the earlier question from New Zealand, of de-escalating of tension between Washington and China, which, of course, would be very welcome to this part of the world, which is always very worried about the intensification of tension.

But on the other hand, if Washington and Beijing are talking closely to each other again while at the same time, coercive policies in the South China Sea continues, how will this, you know, how will you manage this? Because we are also worried if you guys get too cozy, we also get trampled.

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, it's clear that -- and I've said this a number of times, that what we're looking for and what we have, quite frankly, in our relationship with China is a relationship based upon competition. And we're not looking for a contentious relationship. But I wrote -- and to the point that you're making, we really have to be clear about our expectations and the issues that we see that are very, very troubling. And if we have an open dialogue, we can address those issues in those channels.

And as you would imagine, Minister Dong and I had the ability to address some of those issues yesterday. I look forward to doing that going forward. We continue to work with countries in the region like the Philippines and others, so many others, to address their concerns and to ensure that their rights are protected, and they have access to their economic zones and that sort of thing. So this is a piece of work that's going to continue on. But we want a relationship that's based upon competition and not a contentious relationship.

You've also heard me say a number of times that, you know, war or a fight with China is neither imminent, in my view, or unavoidable. So leaders of great power nations need to continue to work together to ensure that we're doing things to reduce the opportunities for miscalculation and misunderstandings. And every conversation is not going to be a happy conversation. But it is important that we continue to talk to each other. And it is important that we continue to support our allies and partners on their interests as well.

And with that, I will stop.

DR. GIEGERICH: Secretary Austin, thank you so much. What a marvelous way to kick off today's deliberations. So just to reassure you, there were 20 more who were seeking the floor. So apologies to those who we weren't able to get to, but there are obviously more opportunities.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3793590/

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June 1, 2024

Speech

'The New Convergence in the Indo-Pacific': Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue (As Delivered)

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

SINGAPORE

Good morning, everyone.

It is great to be back in Singapore. And I'm glad to see everyone for my third Shangri-La Dialogue as Secretary of Defense. So this is starting to be a habit. And Bastian and John told me that if I came back again this year, I'd get a free set of steak knives.

[Laughter]

So let me again thank IISS and our hosts for bringing us together here. This is my fourth visit to Singapore as Secretary of Defense, and I've spoken at a IISS event every time. And there really is nothing like the Shangri-La Dialogue.

I'm glad that we've got a distinguished bipartisan delegation here this year from the United States Congress.

And let me thank Singapore for being such an outstanding host year after year. I'm especially grateful to Senior Minister Teo, and to my good friend, Minister Ng. Let me congratulate Prime Minister Wong on his new role.

And you know, it's great to see so many friends and valued colleagues in Singapore, such as Deputy Prime Minister Marles and President-elect Prabowo. We've also got some great partners who are here for their first time as Ministers of Defense, including Minister Kihara, Minister Shin, Minister Collins, Minister TeodoroSecretary Teodoro, and more.

And let me also note that yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet in person for the first time with Minister Dong of the People's Republic of China. We had a frank discussion. And that's important. When we all gathered here last year, I said that the right time for defense leaders to talk is anytimeand every time. So there is no substitute for direct military-to-military talks between senior leaders. And there's no substitute for open lines of communication to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculations. As I've always said, dialogue is not a reward. It's a necessity. And so I look forward to more talks with the PRC.

Now, I know that you've seen a lot of me in this region. This is my tenth visit to the Indo-Pacific as Secretary of Defense. And I've attended every ADMM-Plus gathering on my watch. And that's because the United States is a Pacific nation. And it's because this regionmore than any otheris shaping the course of this century.

The United States is deeply committed to the Indo-Pacific. We are all in. And we're not going anywhere.

As President Biden has said, "For decades, America's enduring commitment to the region has been a springboard that's enabled transformative growth, ensured the open flow of commerce, and lifted millions of people out of poverty." And in today's world, the President noted, "That relationship goes both ways. The United States remains vital to the future of the regionand the region is more vital than ever to the United States of America."

You know, I made my first trip to Singapore as Secretary of Defense back in July of 2021, in the first months of the Biden Administration. Singapore and the region were still in the midst of the COVID pandemic, and the whole audience was wearing masks. And leaders in this region were focused on how to source more vaccines, and to climb out of the pandemic, and open back up.

But the region's recovery since then has been nothing short of inspiring. And that's a reminder of how much we can achieve together, and how our deep ties can let us come together during tough times. It's a reminder of how the investments that we make today can pay dividends laterand often in new and unexpected forms of cooperation. So I'd like to summon that spirit again today.

We all understand the threats and challenges of today's global security landscape. They range from the mounting damage of climate change to the specter of pandemic disease; from nuclear dangers to terrorism and turmoil in the Middle East; and from Russia's reckless war on Ukraine to actions in this region that erode the status quo and threaten peace and stability.

So we've gathered at a hinge in history. But over the past few years, in this region, we've risen to meet this momenttogether.

You know, in my first speech in Singapore as Secretary of Defense, I said that "our countries share the shores of the Pacific. But we also share an understanding of the power of partnership."

We understand that power because we've lived it. The United States and this region are more secure and more prosperous when we work together. And over the past three years, we've seen just what that looks like. Likeminded countries across this region have deepened our tiesand delivered real-world results for the people of the Indo-Pacific.

In fact, our achievements together over the past three years reveal something even more fundamental about this region's future. Today, we are witnessing a new convergence around nearly all aspects of security in the Indo-Pacific.

And this new convergence is producing a stronger, more resilient, and more capable network of partnerships. And that is defining a new era of security in the Indo-Pacific.

You know, in the past, our experts would talk about a "hub-and-spokes" model for Indo-Pacific security. Today we're seeing something quite different. This new convergence is not a single alliance or coalition, but instead something unique to the Indo-Pacifica set of overlapping and complementary initiatives and institutions, propelled by a shared vision and a shared sense of mutual obligation.

This new convergence is about coming together, and not splitting apart. It isn't about imposing one country's will; it's about summoning our sense of common purpose. It isn't about bullying or coercion; it's about the free choices of sovereign states. And it's about nations of goodwill uniting around the interests that we share and the values that we cherish.

Now, at the heart of this shared vision is a set of common principles. Countries across the Indo-Pacific, including the United States, are converging around these enduring beliefs: respect for sovereignty and international law. The free flow of commerce and ideas. Freedom of the seas and skies. And openness, transparency, and accountability. Equal dignity for every person. And the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogueand not coercion or conflict. And certainly not through so-called punishment.

These principles are widely shared. They are vital. And we have all seen the consequences when states choose to violate them.

In February of 2022, Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine shocked the worldand this region. And since then, Putin's war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want. It's a glimpse of a world where tyrants trample sovereign borders, a world where peaceful states live in fear of their neighbors, and a world where chaos and conquest replace rules and rights.

But Russia's lawless invasion also reminds us that free countries can rally together to help the victims of aggression. You know, we've all been inspired by the courage of Ukraine's troops and the resilience of Ukraine's people. Governments and people around the world have rushed to help Ukraine defend itselfincluding countries across the Indo-Pacific. And the United States will continue to stand strong for a free and secure Ukraineand for an open world of rules, rights, and responsibilities.

As Prime Minister Kishida said at the White House just a few weeks ago, "We must resolutely defend and further solidify a free and open international order based on the rule of law."

And those principles remain vital right here in the Indo-Pacific. You know, President Marcos spoke eloquently last night about the rule of law in the South China Sea. And he's right. Every country, large or small, has the right to enjoy its own maritime resources and to freely sail and operate wherever international law allows. The harassment that the Philippines has faced is dangerouspure and simple. And we all share an interest in ensuring that the South China Sea remains open and free.

Peace and stability across this region are crucial for the whole world. Our friends in NATO, the European Union, and the G-7 know it, and so do we. So from day one, the Biden Administration has emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is at the heart of U.S. strategy.

Of course, we're not operating in a vacuum. Putin's imperial aggression against Ukraine has echoed around the world. So has the crisis in the Middle East after the vile October 7th Hamas terrorist assault on Israel, and the heartbreaking loss of Palestinian civilian life in Gaza since then.

But despite these historic clashes in Europe and the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific has remained our priority theater of operations. Because just as what happens in Europe and the Middle East matters to this region, the actions that we take together here will continue shaping the 21st century for the entire world. And safeguarding the security and prosperity of this region remains the core organizing principle of U.S. national-security policy.

So let me be clear. The United States can be secure only if Asia is secure. That's why the United States has long maintained our presence in this region. And that's why we continue to make the investments necessary to meet our commitments to our allies and partners.

Of course, this starts at home. The U.S. military remains the most capable fighting force on Earth. With the support of Congress, this Administration has delivered major funding every year to keep it that way. We have consistently linked our investments to our strategy. And I'm proud that, over the past three years, the United States has devoted historic amounts of resources toward maintaining peace, stability, and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past three years, we have worked together with our friends to make this region more stable, more secure, and more prosperous. So today, I want to talk not just about the principles that we share but also about the results that we've delivered.

The Department's National Defense Strategy calls U.S. alliances and partnerships our "greatest global strategic advantage." And today, that's truer than ever. So together with our friends in the region, we're breaking down national barriers and better integrating our defense industries.

With Japan, we're developing a Glide Phase Interceptor to counter hypersonic threats.

With India, we've made historic progress on co-producing fighter-jet engines and armored vehicles.

Across Southeast Asia, we're using new technology and training to uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. And that includes working closely with our allies in the Philippines to field maritime defensive capabilities and expanding maritime domain awareness across the region.

And this spring, President Biden secured unprecedented funding for Foreign Military Financing in the Indo-Pacific. We're moving quickly to get those funds to our partners. The recently passed National-Security Supplemental also included major investments in our submarine industrial base to help strengthen our AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.

We're also working together to fortify the shared capacity of the defense industrial bases of our allies and partners. That's why so many countriesincluding the United Statesare endorsing a Statement of Principles today to strengthen the resilience of the region's defense industrial bases.

And so we are operating together with our allies and partners like never before. And that part of the new convergence means more interoperability, more advanced capabilities, and more security.

With Japan and the Republic of Korea, we have created a multi-year trilateral exercise plan. Its highlight is a new, named exercise that will allow our countries to train together in unprecedented ways.

With the Philippines, Australia, France, and more than a dozen observer countries, we just concluded the biggest Balikitan exercise yet.

We're also making huge strides in two other major multinational exercises, Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia and Cobra Gold in Thailand. Both now have higher participation levels than before the pandemic. And they're both getting larger and more complex.

We have also secured a series of historic agreements with our allies and partners to transform our force posture throughout the Indo-Pacific.

With Japan, we're forward-stationing the most advanced formation in the United States Marine Corps. With the Philippines, we're expanding U.S. rotational access to four new sites in the Philippines through our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. With Papua New Guinea, we finalized a historic Defense Cooperation Agreement just last year. And with Australia, we're moving out on major posture initiatives in every domain.

And so these agreements are historic. And they're just the starting point.

We are on the verge of even more powerful changes to our posture and presence in the Indo-Pacific. These changes rest on new and future arrangements among our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, as well as with our European partners.

And you can see this growing trend in the new reciprocal-access arrangement between Japan and Australia. And it's creating unprecedented opportunities.

As these efforts mature, they will mean more seamless combined operations throughout the region. And the new convergence of overlapping and mutually reinforcing security institutions will amplify these activities.

With Tokyo and Seoul, we're sharing early-warning data on North Korean missilesin real time. We're advancing our partnership with Australia and Japan on an integrated air- and missile-defense architecture.

With the Quad, we're helping our partners sharpen their operational picture of their exclusive economic zones through the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. We're also investing with ASEAN in training and educational opportunities for the future defense leaders of Southeast Asia.

So together, this new convergence has helped us make historic progress in the past three years.

And we've strengthened stability on the Korean Peninsula. We've supported the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. And we've stood up for the rule of law in the South China Sea.

Now, sustaining this progress will take teamwork. It will take resolve. And it will take leadership.

I mean the kind of leadership that we saw at Camp David last year, when President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Yoon began a new era of trilateral partnership among the United States, Japan, and the ROK. The kind of leadership that we saw from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia when they resolved longstanding maritime boundary disputes. And the kind of leadership that we've seen from President Marcos, who spoke so powerfully last night about how the Philippines is standing up for its sovereign rights under international law.

And so that's why my belief in the power of partnership has never wavered. In fact, my belief has only grownafter 41 years in uniform and more than three and a half years as Secretary of Defense.

Ladies and gentlemen, the progress that we've made together is built to lastnot just for the next year, but for the next decade and beyond.

And America will continue to play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific, together with our friends across the region that we share. And the United States, across the United States government, and across our political landscape, you'll find a strong and bipartisan commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

Now, critics and propagandists will still oppose the principles that drive the new convergence. They will continue to reject the rule of law. And they will try to impose their will through coercion and aggression.

But the Indo-Pacific's new convergence points to a better future for all of our countries.

That means a future of fresh and growing partnerships. A future where longstanding friendships grow into even deeper forms of cooperation. A future where every country can defend itself. And a future where likeminded countries are more connected than ever.

Now that's the future that all of our people deserve. And together, we're making it real.

Together, we're investing in the capabilities that promote lasting security and stability. And together, we're ensuring that the Indo-Pacific will remain open and free.

And so I am more determined than ever to build on these historic results of the past three years.

I am more proud than ever of what we have achieved together.

And I am more optimistic than ever about what lies ahead.

Thank you very much.

[Applause]

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3793580/

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Shangri-La Dialogue: Speech by High Representative Josep Borrell on security in the Asia-Pacific region

European External Action Service (EEAS)

01.06.2024

Singapore

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you. Thank you for your invitation and thank you for your attention. In the interest of time, I will go directly to the subject. There are many things that happen around the world and some of them in our immediate neighbourhood, but I will resist the temptation of talking about them and focus on the title of this panel.

And I want to make two points about the European Union approach to security and the cooperative answer to the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. First, I stress how important is the security in the Indo-Pacific for Europe. Second, why and how the European Union in the current geopolitical context is a valuable and credible piece of the regional security architecture through cooperation, tailored partnerships based on common trust.

First, why is the Indo-Pacific important for us in the current geopolitical context? We have to look at each other in a more comprehensive way [than] simply through economic lenses, because the strategic and economic interests are more than ever intertwined. Economy and strategy are the two sides of the same coin. And now the Indo-Pacific is the beating heart of the world.

We are 15% of the world trade. The Indo-Pacific accounts for 45% of the world trade. Altogether, combined, we are about two-thirds of the world trade. The security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are increasingly interlinked. Your security is an important part of our security. China's so-called no-limit partnership with Russia, although everything has limits, and the military support of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to Russia's invasion of Ukraine shows the direct impact on European security with the prolongation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Forty percent of our trade passes through the South China Sea. That's why avoiding tension in the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait is of the utmost importance for us. And here, today, I've been listening to different approaches and different evaluations of this tension in the South China Sea, but certainly they are.

All this happens in an international context in which we are confronted by the return in both Europe and Asia to a challenging interstate rivalry, which is taking place through different modalities, from war, interstate war, high-intensity conventional war, as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, where one country is trying to crush its neighbour in a blatant violation of international law. I do agree that it is not the only place where international law is being violated. It's not the only one.

And that's why we need to be consistent with our principles and prevent the practice of double standards. Yes, in Gaza, we have a clear situation where we have to avoid double standards. And if we applaud when the International Criminal Court acts against Putin, we should be able to do the same thing when the same court acts against other actors in the Middle East.

Second, there is the just economic rivalry with a weaponization of trade, including a strain on global shipping and supply chains, which are vital for both Europe and Asia.

And third, just interstate political rivalry, which leads to political realignment and certainly hedging strategies.

The second issue is, in face of all this, how we are adjusting our strategy and our offer to the region. What the European Union [is] offering to the region in order to build a cooperative approach to security.

We are a geopolitical actor with no hidden agenda, with a strong commitment to security based on international law and the United Nations Charter and we have a significant experience on conflict and crisis management. That's why I think we can offer a unique contribution to the security in the Indo-Pacific and we presented a strategy on that issue in 2021. And after the invasion of Ukraine came, we are gradually accepting the idea that we have to take charge of our own security. In 2022, we published a Strategic Compass, which is our first EU strategy on security and defence.

We know we have a lot to do, a lot to achieve. But certainly, the era of strategic naivete is over. And that's why we are multiplying our partnerships with the region and more precisely, security and defence partnerships that are currently being negotiated with two key partners, as well as the important Memorandum of Understanding signed last week with Australia on critical raw materials.

Yes, it has been [said] this morning, your security is also our security. That's fully true. And in regard to all this, I would like to convey three messages from Europe.

We are a credible and committed partner in security and defence. Last year, I said and I want to repeat this year that we are a smart security enabler. This means that the European Union has a know-how, an added value in non-traditional security domains and we are willing to build close cooperation on these areas: in cyber, in disinformation and foreign interference, in the maritime domain - where we have launched several Navy operations, ASPIDES in the Red Sea to protect the merchant vessels, ATALANTA, in the North Western Indian Ocean - and we contribute to maritime security awareness. We also develop cooperation in economic security, on non-proliferation and disarmament, on counter-terrorism and in space.

And second, Europe is a principled entity. We believe in some basic principles and we try to be consistent with them. We are far from being perfect. And certainly, important questions are being put about what's happening in Ukraine, in Gaza and in the South China Sea.

The important thing is not to say that people have to abide to international law and to fulfil the humanitarian law when they are at war. The question is what happens if they don't? What's happening when they don't? And in some cases, it is clear that they are not doing. This is the real question that the international community has to be able to answer.

We will look at the better way of doing that: building cooperation and avoiding confrontation. Our Member States rarely oppose major resolutions at the United Nations Security Council. And those who have a veto power do not use it.

And third, last one, Europe has to learn from Asia. You know how much this region is innovating and creating value. I am always interested by the views of the ASEAN and in particular of the Singaporean friends. When they talk about Asia, it is because they have the capacity of carrying an Asian vision of the world, the coming world, while remaining closer to the West, to us, to the Europeans. So let's work together and learn from each other. Thank you.

[Question] Thank you so much. This question is for High Representative Borrell. In a trip to Brussels last week, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that China is engaged in a sustained, comprehensive effort backed up by its own leadership designed to give Russia every support behind the scenes that will allow them to reconstitute elements of their military force.

He also said that the Chinese were surreptitiously abetting the most destabilizing war in Europe since the Second World War. As you know, the European Union has listed four Chinese companies in a package of sanctions in February. But since then, by all accounts, Chinese dual use and other support for Russia's military has only increased.

Is the EU prepared to respond to these developments with more sanctions, perhaps during the NATO summit next month in Washington? Is the EU response slowed by the threat by China of economic retaliation? And can China and the EU maintain a normal relationship under these circumstances? Thank you.

[HR/VP] Well, I had yesterday the opportunity to discuss about it with the Chinese Defence Minister. And look: China cannot be put at the same level as North Korea or Iran when it comes to supply arms to Russia. China has committed not to supply arms and we don't have evidence that this has happened. And they continue insisting that they don't supply arms, and we don't have the evidence that this has happened.

But there is not a clear border between arms and non-arms, because there are things which can be dual use. And certainly, the economic reported relationship between Russia and China has increased a lot. In the last two years, the amount of exports from China to Russia has increased more than in the last 10 years and we are vigilant in order to see if this is not a way of circumventing sanctions. Because the European sanctions cannot be applied to third countries, like the American sanctions. So it is not an issue of applying our restrictive measures to China, because we cannot - not to China or to any other country in the world. But looking at the circumvention - and yes, some Chinese firms have been limited in their capacity to trade with our European firms, because they were suspicious that this could be a way of circumventing sanctions and we remain vigilant for that.

But the problem is not only China. When you do the autopsy of a Russian tank destroyed, you see inside such a big number of components that are being produced in the West, in the US, or in Europe, or the UK, the question is: Who and how these things, these components, which [are] not an arm in itself, but [are] being used to produce arms, [reach] Russia? By which way?

And you have a look at the increase on the exports from Europe to some countries in the Balkans, or some countries in Central Asia, you see that this export has been multiplied in some cases by 5,000.

Well, this strange appetite for importing more from Europe, from countries that are not directly related to the war, is quite strange. And one can imagine that this big import has been redirected to Russia. We have to be vigilant, whatever happens. And in the case of some Chinese companies, we have taken restrictive measures and we will continue looking at that. And we continue asking China to use their influence in Russia - and certainly they have a lot of influence - in order to push for Russia to stop its aggression to Ukraine.

This is about a direct question. Other issues have been discussed here. One of the most important, apart from the war against Ukraine, which for us is an existential threat - certainly for Ukraine more than for anyone else, but also for us, Europeans, and we invite all of you to attend the Peace Summit in Geneva on the 15th, a couple of weeks from now.

But there is the other big conflict in our neighbourhood, which is the Israeli-Palestine and the current attack of Israel against Gaza.

And on that, I think that it is important to say that international law has to be fulfilled and humanitarian law has to be fulfilled, especially at war. And it is very much important that we believe in an international rules-based order that is going to be applied to anyone, not only to the people that we don't like. And I think that one of the ways of showing that we are really attached to international law is to put all pressure on Israel to fulfil the ruling of the International Court of Justice, and to give all the support to the International Criminal Court, and to be acting in an order that we avoid the double standards' accusation.

And to reject the accusation of antisemitism that the Netanyahu government is launching against some of the Member States of the European Union, who have decided to recognize the state of Palestine, or against the International Criminal Court - the prosecutor - or against the ruling of the International Court of Justice. These accusations of antisemitism has to be fully rejected, and international pressure has to be put in order to stop the military operations in Gaza - ceasefire, release of hostages - and start a political process that could bring peace to the region by building the two-state solution. It is not just a matter of humanitarian support. It is, but apart from that, it is the commitment of the international community to build a sustainable peace based on giving to the two people - Israel already has it - and to the Palestinians the statehood that [it] requires in order to live together, side by side, in peace and security.

Watch video here: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-257700

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China will not allow 'inviting wolves into the house,' says Chinese lieutenant general in response to Marcos Jr. Shangri-La speech

Global Times

By Li Aixin and Guo Yuandan in Singapore Published: Jun 01, 2024 09:08 AM Updated: Jun 01, 2024 09:08 PM

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the presence of the US was "crucial to regional peace," as his country faces what it perceived as growing Chinese pressure in waters off its coastline. In response, the Chinese delegation said that the Philippines' assertion of upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea rings hollow, while displaying enthusiasm for participating in bloc confrontations holds true.

Speaking at the opening of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an annual major security forum, Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries had a vision for "peace, stability, and prosperity" in the South China Sea, but that this was being undermined by other actors, without naming China.

"I have a question for the Philippines - What is the relationship between ASEAN Centrality and US leadership in the Asia-Pacific region? Which is more important, ASEAN or the Squad?" Lieutenant General He Lei asked during a following press conference Friday. He is a member of the PLA delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue.

He further asked: The Philippines is a member of ASEAN, and President Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of upholding ASEAN Centrality in his speech, why then has the Philippines departed from ASEAN and formed the so-called Squad with the US, Japan, and Australia, strengthening the US-Philippine military alliance?

While the Philippines claims to uphold ASEAN Centrality, it is actually strengthening the US-Philippine military alliance; while it claims to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, it is actually enthusiastically engaging in bloc confrontation, He said.

He noted that during the six-year tenure of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the situation in the South China Sea remained relatively stable, with no major disputes occurring. However, since Marcos Jr. came to power in June 2022, disputes have frequently arisen, from Ren'ai Jiao to the Huangyan Dao.

The responsibility for the growing trend of disputes lies with the Philippines, which has been constantly stirring up troubles, and the US orchestrating behind the scenes. He noted.

China has always believed that all countries, regardless of their size, wealth, or strength, are on equal footing. China has not bullied and will never bully smaller countries. But China has its bottom line, and it will not allow certain countries to take advantage of their smaller size to play the role of victim and act wildly, He stressed.

He believes that resolving disputes in the South China Sea and maintaining peace depend on the countries in the region and ASEAN, rather than external countries. The evidence indicates that a significant portion of the unrest in the South China Sea has been instigated by external countries with the aim of sowing discord. These external actors are the architects and agitators of the unrest in the region.

"We staunchly oppose external interference in resolving South China Sea issues. However, if certain country insists that regional countries lack the capacity to address these problems and insists on inviting external interference, China will not allow 'inviting wolves into the house.' We will never allow those with ulterior motives, seeking profit or turmoil in the South China Sea, to meddle in regional affairs," He noted.

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China's restraint on South China Sea infringements and provocations has a limit: Chinese Defense Minister

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 02, 2024 11:45 AM

On the South China Sea issue, China has exercised enough restraint in the face of infringements and provocations, but there is a limit, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Sunday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Dong's remarks came amid rising tensions in the South China Sea dating back to August 2023, when the Philippines started to trespass into waters off Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea, including Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) and Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island) under the instigation of the US.

Those provocations were dealt with by the China Coast Guard (CCG) through legitimate, professional and restraint restrictive measures.

Dong said that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, thanks to the joint efforts by countries within the region.

However, a certain country, emboldened by external forces, has broken bilateral agreements and its own promises, and even ignored the overall interests of all countries in the region by allowing external forces to deploy mid-range missile system in the region, Dong said, noting that this act will endanger the security and stability in the region, and will eventually backfire.

"We hope a certain country could see where its true interests lie, return to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and work with other countries in the region to make the South China a Sea a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation," Dong said.

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Eilat's port closed since Yemeni Army operations in Red Sea: Jerusalem Post

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Jerusalem Post broadsheet newspaper has announced that Eilat's port ( the only Israeli port on the Red Sea, located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba) has been closed since November due to the Yemeni Army's operations in the Red Sea, creating financial stress for the city.

As the Jerusalem Post reported, the Yemeni Army has attacked Israel at least 53 times since the beginning of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, according to the US Congressional Research Service.

The Ansarullah movement targets not only the Israeli territory, but also commercial and naval vessels near Bab el-Mandeb Strait as they try to access the Red Sea and the Israeli port of Eilat, the report added, and the city of Eilat and its port on the northern tip of the Red Sea are protected by anti-missile systems, but Eilat's economy is bleeding, and its port operations have dropped to zero.

As Gideon Golber, the CEO of the Port of Eilat, described the situation to the Media Line, "The Houthis are trying to suffocate Eilat and its economy. The remaining Israeli ports are absorbing shipments delivered through the Red Sea, but Eilat has unused logistics equipment and personnel. If the conflict in the north, between Israel and Hezbollah, further escalates, impacting the ports in the Mediterranean Sea, this could become a national threat."

Gideon observed that, in addition, "Many ships moving between Israel and Asia need to reroute around Africa to avoid the Houthi attacks off Yemen's coast. This adds time and costs to the shipments, which also increases the risk of attacks from other places, like the coast of South Africa or the Strait of Gibraltar."

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Hamas 'positively' views Gaza ceasefire proposal laid out by Biden

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas has said that it "positively" views a proposal laid out by US President Joe Biden to end the war in Gaza, stressing that it welcomes any such initiative that also leads to the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

Hamas made the reaction in a statement on Friday night hours after Biden said during a news conference at the White House that Israel had put forward a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and added that "it's time for this war to end".

The movement said that it is ready to respond "positively and in a constructive manner" to any proposal that calls for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reconstruction of Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians and a "genuine" prisoner swap deal if Israel "clearly announces commitment to such deal".

Hamas, which received the proposal via Qatar, also said that the change in US stance and the widespread calls in the region and beyond for the cessation of the war is the result of the resistance and steadfastness of the Palestinian people.

Biden said on his X account that the new proposal involves three phases, the first of which would include a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and a surge in humanitarian aid.

The first phase, as Biden said, would also include the release of some captives held in Gaza and some remains of captives.

The second phase includes a permanent end to hostilities, exchange for the release of the remaining living captives, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to Biden's post on X, formerly Twitter.

The third phase, he said, would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, and the final return of the remains of captives to their families.

The Biden administration has been facing mounting criticism at home and abroad over the Gaza war amid its all-out support for the Israeli regime in its brutal attacks that have claimed the lives of more than 36,200 Palestinians since early October.

The criticism has grown further in the past several weeks as Israel has continued with its air raids and ground invasion in Gaza's southern city of Rafah in defiance of international calls not to proceed.

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Israeli army withdraws from Jabalia refugee camp after weeks of operation

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:08, June 01, 2024

GAZA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army has withdrawn from the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation there, Palestine TV reported on Friday.

The civil defense agency in Gaza said that rescuers found a large number of bodies in the area from which the Israeli army has withdrawn, and the search and rescue work is still ongoing.

The Israeli troops of the 98th Division completed their mission in eastern Jabalia and began preparation for continued operations in the Gaza Strip, after "rescuing seven bodies of hostages, eliminating hundreds of terrorists, and destroying a 10-km subterranean tunnel network," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Friday.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,224, according to a statement released by health authorities in the Palestinian enclave on Thursday.

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Gaza carnage: Palestinian Red Crescent says 33 of its medical staff killed by Israel

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 6:47 PM

At least 33 Red Crescent employees have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its relentless aggression against the Strip nearly eight months ago.

In a post on its X account on Saturday, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Mohammed Jihad Abed, an employee in the Disaster Risk Management Department, was killed when occupation forces bombed his home the night before in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"This brings the total number of PRCS members killed since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza to 33, including 19 who were killed while performing their humanitarian duties," it wrote.

The Palestinian Red Crescent emphasized that the Israeli regime "intentionally targeted healthcare workers."

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said two of its employees were killed while on duty after Israeli forces "deliberately bombed" their ambulance in Tal al-Sultan area, west of Rafah.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023 after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

The Israeli regime's brutal attacks on 160 healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip led to the closure of 55 health centers and 33 hospitals.

At least 36,379 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed and 82,407 people wounded in the war that Israel began on October 7, 2023 following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

Vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins as the regime has been enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal territory, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory into a trickle.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which in its latest rulings has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war.





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Lebanon calls for Israel's withdrawal from its occupied south

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 5:48 PM

Lebanon has once again called for the withdrawal of Israel from its occupied southern regions amid efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Palestine's Gaza where Israel's aggression has left nearly 36,400 people dead.

Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said in a Saturday statement that the country welcomes US President Joe Biden's new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza but reiterated that any attempt to restore tranquility to Lebanon's borders with the Israeli-occupied Palestine must include the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Resolution, adopted in August 2006, sought to end a 33-day war between Israel and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. It called for the withdrawal of Israel from Shebaa Farms and Kfarchouba Heights in southern Lebanon while calling on the regime to stop violating Lebanon's air, land and sea borders

That comes as Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire since the start of Israel's aggression on Gaza in early October.

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have killed hundreds of civilians and Hezbollah fighters while Hezbollah attacks have mostly targeted Israel's military and espionage bases in north of the occupied Palestinians lands.

Biden announced on Friday that he had submitted a ceasefire proposal to both Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas while expressing hope that the two sides would agree to a deal.

Washington has been Israel's main supporter in the Gaza war as it has supplied various types of weapons to the regime while at the same time preventing international efforts aimed at forcing an end to the onslaught on the Palestinian territory.





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Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah vows resolute support for Yemen after US-British aggression

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 4:02 PM

Iraq's anti-terror group Kata'ib Hezbollah has assured Yemeni people and fellow Ansarullah resistance movement that it will continue to give its unwavering support for the Arab nation in the struggle against the US-British maritime coalition.

In a statement, the group highlighted the failure of colonial powers in preventing Yemeni strikes from continuing military operations against Israeli-owned merchant vessels or commercial ships affiliated to the Tel Aviv regime in support of Palestine.

"The latest US-British aggression against the Yemeni nation came in light of the arrogant powers' disappointment at breaking the maritime blockade of Israel [in the Red Sea and the Arab Sea].

"We reiterate that enemies will receive many blows from us. We will not hesitate to give unwavering support to our Yemeni brethren in the battle between the truth and falsehood," Kata'ib Hezbollah pointed out.

The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces announced on Friday that the country's naval units had launched a missile attack on a United States aircraft carrier in the Red Sea in response to deadly US and British strikes on Yemen.

Brigadier General Yahya Sarea said in a statement that the attack was "in response to last night's multiple airstrikes launched by the US-British coalition" against positions in the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hudaydah, the capital Sana'a, and the southwestern province of Ta'izz.

He added that Yemeni forces "will not hesitate to respond directly and immediately to every new aggression on Yemeni territory by targeting all sources of threat and all hostile American and British targets in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea."

Yemeni's Arabic-language al-Masirah television channel earlier reported that at least 16 people were killed in US and UK assaults on Hudaydah province. At least 42 people were injured as well.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have staged numerous pro-Palestinian strikes since October 7, when the Israeli regime began the Gaza war.

American and British warships have been carrying out attacks against the Arab Peninsula nation as means of trying to halt strikes that it has been conducting against Israeli vessels or those heading towards the ports lying in the occupied Palestinian territories.

At least 36,379 Palestinians have been killed and 82,407 others wounded in the brutal Israeli military onslaught that was launched following Al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory operation staged by Gaza's resistance groups.

The US has been the main supporter of Israel, providing it with munitions and political support in its brutal war on Gaza. Washington has also used its veto power to protect Israel against UN resolutions

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Any truce offer must involve 'complete withdrawal' of Israeli forces from Gaza: Islamic Jihad

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 2:14 PM

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement has expressed doubts about the ceasefire offer announced by US President Joe Biden, saying the "cessation of aggression" must involve "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from the besieged Gaza Strip.

The resistance group made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, a day after Biden said Israel has offered a "roadmap" to end its nearly eight-month genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.

"We are skeptical about what the US president said. These statements are as if the US government has changed its position; While the White House's full support of the Zionist regime and covering up its crimes and participating in Tel Aviv 's aggression against our nation by providing arms and all means of destruction is still clear," it said.

The Islamic Jihad further emphasized it will evaluate any proposal that guarantees the cessation of genocide against the Palestinian nation and meets the interests of Palestinians as well as the demands of the resistance forces.

In a speech from the White House on Friday, Biden announced that Israel has offered a roadmap to end the war in Gaza which includes a full and complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly, the wounded, in exchange for (the) release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

He also called on the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas to accept the ceasefire offer.

Meanwhile, in a televised speech, Abu Hamza, a spokesman for the al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, warned the occupying enemy that "the only way to return the Israeli prisoners is to withdraw from Gaza, stop the aggression and accept the terms of the resistance for the exchange of prisoners."

Hamza went on to say that "the criminal Israeli regime" has committed genocide against a defenseless nation, stressing that the Israeli prisoners will not return to the settlements unless the regime stops the war.

"We tell the enemy that negotiation is the only solution to return its prisoners from the Gaza Strip," he said.

"We reassure the enemy that we are still in excellent condition. The forthcoming terror of attrition will force the enemy to leave Gaza in disgrace," he added.

Israel launched the war against Gaza last October in response to Al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory operation staged by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

The aggression has killed at least 36,379 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 82,407 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.

Egypt and Qatar have been mediating negotiations aimed at conclusion of a ceasefire agreement following one in November, during which Hamas released 105 of the captives that had seized during Al-Aqsa Storm.

In early May, Hamas agreed to another truce proposal enabling cessation of the Israeli aggression and release of the rest of the captives.

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Israeli Hermes 900 drone downed by Hezbollah missile over south Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 1:49 PM

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have intercepted and shot down an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle as it was flying in the skies over southern Lebanon close to the border with the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories.

Lebanon's al-Manar television channel, citing a brief Hezbollah statement, reported that the group targeted and downed an Israeli Hermes 900 drone with appropriate weapons over Lebanese territory on Saturday afternoon.

The statement noted that the operation was carried out following careful monitoring of the Zionist enemy's moves.

The Israeli military later confirmed in a statement that one of its drones had been shot down over southern Lebanon.

It says the Hermes 900 drone was hit by a surface-to-air missile while operating in the area.

The Hermes 900 is a medium-sized drone, which reportedly has the endurance to fly for over 36 hours and up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) and can carry a maximum payload of 350 kilograms.

It marks the fourth Israeli drone to be shot down by Hezbollah over southern Lebanon. In all, two Hermes 450 drones and two Hermes 900 models have been downed in recent months.

Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle on a road in Majdel Selm village of the Marjeyoun district in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli tank also shelled the border town of Kfarkila, as Israeli interceptor missiles exploded over Mays al-Jabal.

Hezbollah meanwhile announced that it responded to the Majdal Selm attack by launching suicide drones at Israeli forces north of the Yiftah barracks, causing "certain casualties."

The Lebanese resistance movement also said it had attacked the Israeli al-Baghdadi outpost with missiles.

The Israeli regime launched its devastating hostilities in the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the territory's Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed at least 36,379 people, most of them women and children. Another 82,407 individuals have also been wounded.

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May 31: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 12:38 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 36,400 Palestinians so far, including more than 16,000 children, 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 Friday, May 31, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on May 31:

Sniped two Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Sheikh Zayed roundabout in the northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on May 31:

Targeted the "Kissufim" axis with an Aqsa-107 type rocket barrage.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles in the vicinity of Salah Al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, with a barrage of regular 60-caliber mortar shells.

Shelled a gathering of Israeli soldiers and a convoy of their military vehicles with mortar shells in the advance axes east of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip.

Targeted a group of Israeli forces positioned in the center of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip with a barrage of regular 60-caliber mortar shells.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces storming the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, as they passed through the Balata camp, with machine guns.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on May 31:

Engaged in fierce clashes with an Israeli military force near Imam Ali Mosque in the middle of Ajrama Street.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles west of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in the vicinity of Salah Al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah, with a barrage of 60-caliber regular mortar shells.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on May 31:

Targeted positions of Israeli military vehicles in the vicinity of the Al-Abd Jabr area, west of Salah Al-Din Gate in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza, with a barrage of 80-caliber mortar shells.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on May 31:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces west of the Zorob roundabout in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip with mortar shells.

Al-Asifah Forces' operations on May 31:

Targeted the position of Israeli soldiers on the supply line of the "Netzarim" axis, south of Gaza City using mortar shells.

Hezbollah's operations on May 31:

Eastern sector:

Ramot Naftali settlement was targeted with a salvo of rockets.

Al-Baghdadi's site was targeted with Burkan rockets.

Iron Dome batteries and Israeli soldiers in Marbat al-Za'oura site were targeted with drones.

The Ma'yan Baruch site was targeted with missiles.

The Ramtha site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted with missiles.

Western sector:

The 91st Division of the Israeli military in the Baranit site was targeted with Burkan rockets.

Israeli military building in the Shomera settlement was targeted with appropriate weapons.

Settlements of Gaatoun, Ein Yaakov, and Yehiam were targeted with Katyusha rockets.

Yemeni military's operations on May 31:

Targeted the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier using several cruise and ballistic missiles in the Red Sea.

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Israel plans new invasion after Biden outlines truce roadmap

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 10:58 AM

Israeli forces pound Rafah in southern Gaza with tanks and artillery just after US President Joe Biden says the regime is offering a new roadmap towards a full ceasefire.

Extremist prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Saturday after Biden's announcement that Israel will still pursue the war until it has reached all its aims.

"Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed," he said, citing the "destruction" of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, the release of all Israeli captives and "ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel".

A permanent ceasefire without those conditions being met was "a non-starter", he said.

Netanyahu's defiant tone came even as the US president outlined what he called Israel's three-stage offer for a possible end to the invasion.

The roadmap, Biden said, would begin with a six-week phase that would see Israeli forces withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza.

It would also see the release of a number of captives, including women, the elderly, the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, he added.

Israel and the Palestinians would then negotiate during those six weeks for a lasting ceasefire -- but the truce would continue while the talks remained underway, Biden said.

Reports said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had called his counterparts from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey on Friday to press the deal.

UN chief Antonio Guterres "strongly hopes" the latest development "will lead to an agreement by the parties for lasting peace", his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Germany, the EU and Saudi Arabia also welcomed the plan, while Hamas said it "views positively" the plan laid out by Biden.

But Netanyahu dismissed Biden's presentation of what was on the table, insisting that the transition from one stage to the next in the plan was "conditional" and crafted to allow Israel to maintain its war aims.

"The prime minister authorized the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving (the return of captives), while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved," Netanyahu's office said.

Early last month, Israel sent tanks and troops into Rafah, ignoring concerns over the safety of displaced Palestinian civilians sheltering in the city on the Egyptian border.

On Saturday, residents reported tank fire in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in west Rafah, while witnesses in the east and center of Rafah described intense artillery shelling.

"From the early hours of the night until this morning, the aerial and artillery bombardment has not stopped for a single moment," AFP quoted a resident from Rafah telling the news agency.

"There are a number of occupation snipers in high-rise buildings overseeing all areas of Tal al-Sultan... making the situation very dangerous," the resident added.

The news agency also reported shelling and gunfire from Israeli troops in Gaza City, in the north of the Palestinian territory.

Before the Rafah invasion began, the United Nations said up to 1.4 million people were sheltering in the city.

Since then, one million have fled the area, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has said.

The Israeli invasion of the Rafah crossing has further slowed sporadic deliveries of aid for Gaza's 2.4 million people and effectively shuttered the territory's main exit point.

The World Food Program says daily life has become "apocalyptic" in parts of southern Gaza since Israel began its assault on Rafah.

Beit Hanun, next in line for Israeli invasion

In northern Gaza, witnesses said Saturday that after carrying out a three-week invasion of the town of Jabalia and its neighboring refugee camp, Israeli troops had ordered residents of nearby Beit Hanun to leave ahead of an imminent onslaught.

The Israeli military said troops "completed their mission in eastern Jabalia and began preparation for continued operations in the Gaza Strip".

Jabalia shopkeeper Belal al-Kahlot said there was nothing left of his store after the Israeli operation. "Everything is ashes."

Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip since early October has killed at least 36,379 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's health ministry.

The Israeli military announced the deaths of two soldiers in Gaza, taking to 294 the number of Israeli troops killed since the start of ground invasion in late October. Palestinian sources say the Israel regime maintains a systematic secrecy over its losses and that the real death toll is much higher.

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Hamas condemns US, UK attacks as violation of Yemen's sovereignty

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 12:10 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned recent deadly airstrikes carried out by the US and the UK on Yemen.

In a statement on Friday Hamas censured the airstrikes as a blatant violation of Yemen's sovereignty after American and British warplanes and US warships targeted the western Yemeni provinces of Sana'a, al-Hudaydah, and Ta'izz, killing at least 16 civilians and wounding more than 40 others.

The airstrikes also hit the capital, Sana'a, and the southwestern city of Taiz.

Hamas also said the attacks are a continuation of Western policy of suppressing the people who support Palestine.

Following the attacks, Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement vowed a "painful response" to the atrocities.

"The Americans and Britons must have understood how powerful Yemeni strikes will be. Our ballistic missiles can target desired targets in the sea and in the occupied Palestinian territories," said Ali al-Qahoum, a member of the Political Bureau of Ansarullah resistance movement.

Shortly afterwards, the Yemeni Armed Forces said they had targeted US aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to the deadly American attacks.

"The operation was carried out with a number of winged and ballistic missiles," the forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said, noting that "the hit was accurate and direct."

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US defense chief seeks to reassure Asia-Pacific partners

Lloyd Austin told a major security forum in Singapore the region remains a US priority.

By RFA Staff 2024.06.01 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has reconfirmed Washington's strong commitment to the Indo-Pacific, as well as to working with allies and partners in the face of growing rivalry with China.

Austin spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue annual security forum on Saturday, just a day after meeting with his Chinese counterpart to open lines of communication between the two world powers.

This was the secretary's third time to speak at the forum and likely his last as a U.S. presidential election in November may bring changes in defense diplomacy.

The Indo-Pacific "has remained our priority theater of operations," Austin said, seeking to brush off concerns that other security challenges in Ukraine and Gaza may have shifted U.S. attention.

He stressed that Washington is "deeply committed" to the region, adding "We are all in. And we're not going anywhere."

He went on to list a number of cooperation projects between the U.S and countries including Australia, Japan, India and the Philippines.

Austin said that the U.S. "can be secure only if Asia is secure."

"The defense secretary's speech shows that the dynamics of U.S. strategic partnerships may have changed because Washington has to balance different world regions, but not so much," said Alexander Vuving, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii.

Other factors that may have contributed to the slight shift, in Vuving's opinion, are U.S. domestic politics and the "responses of regional states and non-state actors to the weakening of the current international order."

The Pentagon chief, meanwhile, emphasized what he called the "power of partnerships" amid a "new convergence" in the region.

"This new convergence is about coming together, not splitting apart. It isn't about imposing one country's will," Austin said in an apparent dig at China, "It isn't about bullying or coercion. It's about the free choices of sovereign states."

Beijing has been accused by some of its neighbors of acting aggressively in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

In his keynote speech on Friday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned "assertive actions that aim to propagate excessive, baseless claims through force, intimidation and deception," believed to be committed by Beijing.

The Philippines has accused Chinese coast guard vessels of harassing and preventing Filipino fishermen and law enforcement agencies from operating in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

While not mentioning China, Austin said that "the harassment that the Philippines has faced is dangerous" and the peaceful resolution of disputes should be achieved through dialogue and not coercion or conflict.

"And certainly not through so-called punishment."

Just 10 days ago, the Chinese military held large-scale "punishment" drills around Taiwan after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as the new president of the democratic island.

Strengthening partnerships

The U.S. House of Representatives last month passed a $8-billion defense package to help Taipei counter Beijing, which considers Taiwan a Chinese province that should be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

China reacted angrily, saying this sends the wrong signal to "Taiwan independence separatist forces" and the "military collusion" between the U.S. and Taiwan would only push up tensions and the risk of conflict and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait.

China has long said Washington is trying to build a NATO-like alliance in the Asia-Pacific, an accusation that was brought up and denied on Saturday by the U.S. defense secretary.

Replying to a question by Chinese Senior Col. Yanzhong Cao about the U.S.' "alliance system" in the region, Austin said that "like-minded countries with similar values and a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific are working together to achieve that vision."

"And we will continue to do those kinds of things going forward," he said.

The defense secretary, however, called for better communication with China, saying that "dialogue is not a reward, it is a necessity," and that "there's no substitute for open lines of communication to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculations."

Austin and the Chinese minister of national defense, Adm. Dong Jun, held a one-hour meeting on Friday to discuss U.S.-China defense relations and other security issues. It was the first in-person meeting between the twos, marking a resumption of communication after then-defense minister Li Shangfu declined a meeting with Austin last year

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian told reporters afterwards that it showed the bilateral military relations were stabilizing.

"The resumption of exchanges does not mean that differences and conflicts between the two countries have been resolved," warned a Taiwanese analyst.

"China is still conducting military exercises around Taiwan and the U.S. continues joint exercises with the Philippines and other allies," said Shen Ming-Shih from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei.

He added that while both sides keep pursuing their own objectives, the best they can do is to "have more dialogue and exercise restraint."

Edited by 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 June 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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Orban Tells Supporters Fidesz Needs Victory In European Elections

By RFE/RL June 01, 2024

Tens of thousands of Hungarians marched in Budapest on June 1 in support of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces a challenge from a political newcomer ahead of next week's European Parliament elections.

The demonstration, dubbed by organizers as a "peace march," drew Orban supporters from all over Hungary and neighboring countries.

Orban hopes his Fidesz party, which is not affiliated with any grouping in the European Parliament, will benefit in the June 9 election from a rise in far-right support across Europe.

Fidesz is leading in Hungarian polls, but victory is not assured in light of a challenge by the new Respect and Freedom party, formed by former Fidesz insider Peter Magyar, who has amassed thousands of supporters and is posing the most serious challenge in Orban's 14 years in power.

Orban said victory in the elections "is needed" and predicted that Fidesz would receive "reinforcements" from every European country and be able to form a pro-peace European coalition in Brussels.

He also commented on the U.S. presidential election, saying that Americans in November will have "a chance to elect a pro-peace president," referring to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

"Together with [the Americans], we will be able to form a pan-Western trans-Atlantic peace coalition," Orban said. "At the beginning of this year, we were a minority. At the end of this year, we may represent a majority throughout the Western world."

Orban has long been at odds with fellow EU members over several issues, including his refusal to send weapons to Ukraine. He addressed the flag-waving crowd, saying that Europe "must be prevented from rushing into war, into its own destruction."

Orban, who has repeatedly said Ukraine cannot win, said the war "has no solution on the battlefield" and reiterated his call for negotiations to end the full-scale invasion Russia launched in 2022.

Orban also sent greetings to ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine's Transcarpathia region who he said were desperately waiting for the war to end.

"We wish you strength," he said. "We are with you. You are in our thoughts. And we assure you: The day is not far when your fortunes will turn for the better."

He also sent greetings to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who survived an assassination attempt on May 15.

Referring to Fico as Slovakia's pro-peace prime minister, he said he was shot because he had supported peace.

He wished Fico a speedy recovery and said once Fico returns to his duties, "Hungary with Slovakia will continue to fight for peace together."

With reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-orban-march- ukraine-eu-parliament/32975208.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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UKMTO Reports Attack on Vessel in Red Sea Proceeding 55 Miles Off Yemen's Al Hudaydah

Sputnik News

20240601

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday it had received information about an explosion at a significant distance from a vessel proceeding 48 nautical miles (55 miles) off the Yemeni city of Al Hudaydah.

"UKMTO has received a report of an incident 48NM southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The Master witnessed an explosion a significant distance from the vessel. The vessel and all crew reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call," the authority said on X.

It advised ships to pass through the area with caution and report any suspicious activity.

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.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

June 1, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about the proposal to achieve an enduring peace in Gaza. The Secretary emphasized the importance of realizing a full and complete ceasefire, securing the release of all hostages, and surging humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. He reiterated that the proposal is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Egypt's critical role in working to broker an agreement and for facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need throughout the conflict. He called for Hamas to accept the deal without delay, underscoring the benefits the deal would provide to the Palestinian people.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

June 1, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the proposal on the table for a durable peace in Gaza, which would achieve a full and complete ceasefire, secure the release of all hostages, and surge humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. They discussed the proposal's benefits for the people of Gaza, including through the return of civilians to North Gaza and the beginning of a major reconstruction plan.

The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for the UAE's humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need throughout the conflict. The Secretary reiterated that the proposal is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians and that Hamas should accept the deal without delay.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister affirmed our shared commitment to building a more secure and prosperous region and deepening the strategic partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

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Mediators urge Israel, Hamas to finalize peace deal

By VOA News June 01, 2024

The mediators of the war in Gaza on Saturday called on Israel and Hamas to finalize the deal outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden.

In a joint statement, Qatar, the United States and Egypt said that "as mediators in the ongoing discussions to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees," they "call on both Hamas and Israel to finalize the agreement embodying the principles outlined" by Biden on Friday.

Biden said the peace deal would involve an initial six-week cease-fire with a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages, while "a permanent end to hostilities" is negotiated through mediators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his position Saturday, saying that Israel's conditions for ending the war had not changed: "the destruction of Hamas' military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."

Two right-wing members of his Cabinet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened Saturday to bring down Netanyahu's government if he were to agree to Biden's proposal.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to take the deal and offered to support the prime minister if Ben Gvir and Smotrich bolted.

"I remind Netanyahu that he has our safety net for a hostage deal," Lapid said on the X platform, the former Twitter.

The families of the hostages pressed Israel and Hamas to agree to the deal and rallied again on Saturday in Tel Aviv for the return of the hostages.

For its part, Hamas said Friday it was ready to engage "positively and in a constructive manner." But senior official Mahmoud Mardawi said in a Qatari television interview that the group had not yet received the details of the proposal.

"No agreement can be reached before the demand for the withdrawal of the occupation army and a cease-fire is met," he said.

Hamas' terms call for an end to the war and Israel's full troop withdrawal from Gaza.

US peace proposal

Biden's three-phase cease-fire deal would begin with a six-week temporary pause in fighting, which he said would lead to a more permanent cessation of hostilities with Hamas.

The first phase would include a "full and complete cease-fire," Biden said in remarks at the White House on Friday. That would mean the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all heavily populated areas of Gaza, the release of some hostages, including women, the elderly, the wounded and American citizens, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Additionally, Israel would allow more humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the return of Palestinian citizens to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north.

After the initial six-week pause in phase one, phase two would see Israeli forces withdrawing completely from Gaza, in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including male Israeli soldiers.

"I'll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two," Biden cautioned.

The president said that as long as negotiations continue, the cease-fire would hold, even if talks dragged out past the initial six weeks. He said mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar would continue until all parties are in agreement.

In the third and final phase, a "major reconstruction plan for Gaza would commence, and any final remains of hostages who've been killed will be returned to their families."

Many details about the implementation of the agreement remain unclear. Biden envisioned the deal leading to a potential "historic" normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but it is not clear how and when this will be achieved.

There is also lack of clarity as to who will govern Gaza, said Gerald Feierstein, director of the Middle East Institute's Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program.

Fighting rages

In southern Gaza, residents reported tank fire on Saturday in west Rafah and shelling in the east and central parts of the city. In northern Gaza, residents of Beit Hanun were told to evacuate. Beit Hanun is a 15-minute drive from Jabalia where Israeli troops have been carrying out a three-week ground operation, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Cairo will host a meeting with Israeli and U.S. officials on Sunday to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing, according to Egypt's Al Qahera TV. Israel seized the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings in early May. Both are along the Gaza-Egypt border. Kerem has been reopened, Israel says, but the U.N. says little to no humanitarian aid has gotten through. The two crossings are important ports of entry to food, fuel, medicine and other supplies.

Since Hamas launched a terror attack October 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages, Israel has embarked on an offensive to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. In recent weeks, Israel says its forces have killed 30,000 people, the majority of them combatants. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says 36,284 people have been killed, most of them women and children, but does not estimate how many of the dead were combatants.

VOA United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Netanyahu says the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed

By VOA News June 01, 2024

The war in Gaza will not end until Hamas is defeated, Israel said Saturday, contradicting terms for a cease-fire endorsed Friday by President Joe Biden and cautiously welcomed by Hamas.

Biden said Friday a peace deal would involve an initial six-week cease-fire with a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages, while "a permanent end to hostilities" is negotiated through mediators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Saturday dismissed any idea that Israel would agree to a permanent cease-fire before "the destruction of Hamas' military and governing capabilities," saying such a proposal is "a non-starter."

Two Israeli ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Saturday they would bring down Netanyahu's government if he were to agree with Biden's proposal.

Hamas said Friday it was ready to engage "positively and in a constructive manner." But senior official Mahmoud Mardawi said in a Qatari television interview the group had not yet received the details of the proposal.

"No agreement can be reached before the demand for the withdrawal of the occupation army and a cease-fire is met," he said.

Hamas's terms call for an end to the war and Israel's full troop withdrawal from Gaza.

Israel has said it will only suspend the war temporarily in exchange for hostages and then resume its campaign to eliminate Hamas.

President Biden also said the U.S. proposal "creates a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power." He did not detail how that might be achieved, and the Iranian-backed Islamist group has given no indication it would step aside or disarm voluntarily.

The families of the hostages pressed Israel and Hamas to agree to the deal, as did the three peace talks mediators, U.S., Egypt and Qatar, saying it "offers a road map for a permanent cease-fire and ending the crisis."

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed hope Saturday that all parties will deal positively with the principles of Biden's Gaza cease-fire proposal.

Al Thani made the remarks during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Qatar's state news agency said.

U.S. peace proposal

Biden's three-phase cease-fire deal would begin with a six-week temporary pause in fighting, which he said would lead to a more permanent cessation of hostilities with Hamas.

The first phase would include a "full and complete cease-fire," Biden said in remarks at the White House on Friday. That would mean the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all heavily populated areas of Gaza, the release of some hostages, including women, the elderly, the wounded and American citizens, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Additionally, Israel would allow more humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the return of Palestinian citizens to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north.

After the initial six-week pause in phase one, phase two would see Israeli forces withdrawing completely from Gaza, in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including male Israeli soldiers.

"I'll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two," Biden cautioned.

The president said that as long as negotiations continue, the cease-fire would hold, even if talks dragged out past the initial six weeks, He said mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar would continue until all parties are in agreement. And as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, Biden said, the Israelis have agreed to turn the temporary pause into a cessation of hostilities "permanently."

In the third and final phase, a "major reconstruction plan for Gaza would commence, and any final remains of hostages who've been killed will be returned to their families."

While Biden described the plan as a "comprehensive new proposal" by Israel, except for the maintenance of a cease-fire while talks are ongoing, the plan does not appear to be fundamentally different from a past proposal that Hamas accepted, and Israel rejected.

Many details about the implementation of the agreement remain unclear. Biden envisioned the deal leading to a potential "historic" normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but it is not clear how and when this will be achieved.

There is also lack of clarity as to who will govern Gaza, said Gerald Feierstein, director of the Middle East Institute's Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program.

"If there is a firm principle that Hamas itself will not be the governing authority in Gaza after Israeli withdrawal, if they're not going to provide security, then who is? What exactly is the nature of a follow-on Palestinian authority?" he said to VOA.

Since Hamas launched a terror attack October 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages, Israel has embarked on an offensive to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. In recent weeks, Israel says its forces have killed 30,000 people, the majority of them combatants. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza says 36,284 people have been killed, most of them women and children, but does not estimate how many of the dead were combatants.

United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Kyrgyzstan cracks down on immigration after mob violence in Bishkek

By VOA News June 01, 2024

Following last month's mob violence against South Asian students and workers in capital Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's government is cracking down on illegal immigration and considering changes to its immigration rules. Experts say the recent measures have divided Kyrgyz officials, and they could end up hurting the Kyrgyz economy.

On May 18, about 700 Kyrgyz youths gathered in front of several Bishkek hostels mostly housing South Asian medical students, and they protested increasing immigration and demanded expulsion of foreign workers allegedly violating immigration rules.

The protesters then broke into the hostels and assaulted residents and destroyed property. According to police reports, 41 students were injured, mainly Pakistanis.

The police are still investigating the causes of the violence, but some officials were quick to deliver their opinion of the unrest.

Among them was Kamchibek Tashiev, the head of the State Committee for National Security, or GKNB, which is a successor of the Kyrgyz branch of the now defunct Soviet KGB). In a May 18 video appearance, he said the protesters' demands were "to some extent correct."

"We have statistics on crimes committed by illegal migrants. In general, these are illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan," Tashiev said, noting that Kyrgyz authorities deported about 2500 people for violating migration rules in the past several months.

Tashiev, also deputy chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, is the most influential Kyrgyz leader after President Sadyr Japarov, and his call to stiffen immigration rules has been taken seriously.

The Interior Ministry, which is answerable to Tashiev, proposed changes on May 24 to the immigration law to double the fines for overstaying a visa or unauthorized employment by immigrants, and raising the fine for employing foreigners who violated the rules.

On May 30, the police conducted raids in Bishkek and other towns, resulting in the detention of 64 foreigners police said violated immigration rules.

Kyrgyz media had reported in April that the Labor Ministry had suspended issuing worker visas for Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and Indians.

Crackdown spurs divisions in government

The immigration crackdown is causing consternation. Rakhim, a Pakistani medical student in a Kyrgyz university, said most of the Indian and Pakistani students targeted by the mobs hold legal residence under student visas, adding "We respect Kyrgyz traditions and laws." He also complained about discrimination, saying the recent government measures have mainly been directed at South Asian country nationals.

Kyrgyz media reported that more than 4,000 foreign students, mostly Pakistanis, have departed Kyrgyzstan since May 18.

Asel Myrzakulova, a senior research fellow at University of Central Asia, suggested in a May 23 opinion article in The Diplomat that authorities could be exaggerating illegal immigration.

"Official figures from the Ministry of Internal Affairs suggest a low incidence of illegal migration; for instance, in the first quarter of 2024, approximately 60 individuals were identified [as violators], with 264 criminal cases initiated at the start of the year," she wrote.

The proposed legislative changes and the crackdown on illegal migration are raising concerns within the Kyrgyz government, too.

According to the National Statistics Committee, 71,000 foreign students are studying for degrees in Kyrgyzstan, including about 24,000 from India and Pakistan, mainly studying medicine

Late last year, facing growing demand from Kyrgyzstan's construction, mining and garments industries, the Labor Ministry increased the quota for foreign workers from 16,600 to 25,000 places.

Labor Minister Gulnara Baatyrova spoke about negative impacts from the departure of migrants in a May 18 interview with Kyrgyz media.

"We're dealing with serious shortages of workers, and if they [foreign workers] leave, then this will negatively affect all small enterprises and businesses that are paying taxes to the state. Industries will come to a halt, and this will hurt the economy," she said.

Baatyrova also defended the government's existing policy on foreign workers.

"Private business owners say foreigners show up for work regularly and on time, and in some cases work beyond the established schedule. Most of our citizens have gone to work in Russia and other neighboring countries and received permanent residence there. Our offers to return and work in Kyrgyzstan always remain unanswered," she said, noting that 6,500 job vacancies advertised by her ministry are unfilled.

Political considerations

A Bishkek-based journalist who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity said the Kyrgyz leadership has been alarmed by the May 18 unrest.

"The crowds [made up of unruly youths] could easily turn their anger at the government and occupy government buildings," he said. The journalist added that the recent immigration crackdown is an effort by Kyrgyz officials to appease such crowds.

Emil Joroev, a professor at American University of Central Asia located in Bishkek, said in a May 20 media interview:

"We haven't seen such protests in Kyrgyzstan on sensitive political themes in a long while because the government has been suppressing such opportunities [to protest]."

In his May 18 video appearance, Tashiev claimed there were outside agents among the May 18 protesters.

"Among them were those who, relying on telephone and WhatsApp, were raising various provocative issues against the state ... There were also people who had weapons. We have detained them and will prosecute," he said.

Attempting reconciliation

President Japarov sought to reconcile divisions within his government.

In a May 20 statement on his official website, he described "the demands of our patriotic youth to stop the illegal migration of foreign citizens and to take strict measures against those who allow such activities" as "certainly correct," but he also sided with the officials who encouraged foreign migration.

"We all know that they [migrants from South Asia] pay taxes. Those educational establishments that provide foreign students with educational services and small businesses in our country earn millions of dollars. This revenue works for the good of our economy," he said.

In a May 30 post on Facebook, Japarov wrote that Kyrgyzstan was in dire need of workers.

"Sewing workshops, construction companies and other enterprises which were actively working during the past two years, are forced to suspend their activities because of the shortage of workers. We are also receiving numerous requests from the service sector, and company directors are requesting to increase the quotas for foreign workers."

Japarov urged Kyrgyz citizens to apply for local jobs, but some observers doubt his call will have any impact.

In her May 18 media interview, Baatyrova spoke about why Kyrgyz companies are reluctant to hire local workers.

"Our citizens do not come to work on time, disappear for two to three days after receiving their salary, and ask for time off for celebrations and birthdays," she said.

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Maryland Army National Guard and multinational partners strengthen bonds in Senegal

By Maj. Richard Dickson June 2, 2024

DODJI, Senegal -- As the dust settles over the training areas in Dodji, Senegal, A Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment of the Maryland Army National Guard stands out for its essential role in exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24).

A Co.'s activities were a cornerstone of AL24 in Senegal, with Soldiers conducting live-fire exercises, squad tactical exercises and a combined field training exercise, alongside partners from the Armed Forces of Senegal (SAF) [Forces armees du Senegal] and the Royal Netherlands Army (RLNA) [Koninklijke Landmacht].

"Our role in African Lion is to not only train together and share best practices, but also to strengthen ties with our African and international partners," said Capt. Tim Dziwulski, A Company commander. "It's about more than readiness; it's about building lasting relationships and mutual understanding."

The exercises coordinated by the 1-175 included rigorous combat training scenarios that tested the mettle and coordination of the participating forces. These scenarios varied from live-fire drills to complex maneuver tactics, designed to enhance interoperability among the partner nations.

"We have been training for the past two years on squad- and platoon-level tactics, including close-quarter combat and counter-IED [improvised explosive devices] drills," said Dziwulski. "All of that training was conducted in preparation to work with our Senegalese and RLNA partners in this joint exercise."

A standout feature of their involvement this year was the combined training with Senegalese and Dutch partners. This integration brought diverse military traditions and practices into the fold, enriching the training environment.

"This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with our partners in the Senegalese armed forces and the U.S. Army," said Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Vanaltena, squad leader, Reconnaissance Platoon, 45th Infantry Battalion, RLNA. "This will help continue to share our different experiences and hone our skills together."

In addition to AL24, the Senegalese work on a continual basis with the U.S. Army 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB), which rotates advisor teams throughout the year to Senegal as part of a long-standing partnership. Exercises such as AL24 reinforce these partnerships.

"Working together is important for interoperability between the units to continue to be able to work together in the future," said Lt. Saliou Toure, platoon commander, 3rd Infantry Battalion, SAF. "This exercise is a very good opportunity to build [partnership] between each other and know where we can help one another."

About African Lion

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Army Africa Command's premier and largest annual, combined, joint exercise African Lion. This year's exercise will take place April 19 through May 31 and is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia with more than 8,100 participants from over 27 nations and contingents from NATO.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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Utah National Guard's State Partnership Program brings healthcare to underserved Moroccan people

By Capt. Benjamin McKnight III June 2, 2024

AKKA, Morocco -- The State Headquarters Medical Readiness Detachment (MRD), Utah National Guard (UTNG), based in Bluffdale, Utah and Morocco's Royal Armed Forces (FAR) worked together to provide medical services to residents in Akka, Morocco, and the surrounding area, during African Lion 2024 (AL24).

These services fall under the umbrella of humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) operations, in which the U.S. military conducts activities in one of four categories to promote the security interests of the U.S. and the participating nation while improving the operational readiness of participating service members.

"The HCA is an event that we've put on for the last 20 years," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Evans, officer-in-charge of the MRD. "We go to remote areas with limited access to medical care and, in conjunction with our Moroccan counterparts, build a hospital out of nothing. The hospital is quite advanced given the conditions."

HCA events occur throughout the year, but this iteration coincided with the largest military exercise in Africa.

AL24 is U.S. Africa Command's premier joint exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, featuring over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the exercise series and the Utah National Guard's state partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco. The National Guard began its State Partnership Program in 1993 and has grown to include 92 partnerships with 106 nations.

Utah's initial partnership was with the Republic of Belarus; however, that agreement came to an end in 2003. Beginning the same year, Utah transitioned to its current relationship with Morocco, bringing forth the first of many HCA programs.

With the help of FAR medical soldiers and Moroccan civilian medical professionals, Utah's MRD provides services such as cardiology, dental surgery, lab work, X-ray services and more to hundreds of Moroccan people. Translators are assigned one or two service providers to help relay the needs of the patients and suggestions from the Moroccan specialist to the Soldiers handling their care.

"Everyone comes out a winner in this," Evans said. "For the Moroccan people with limited healthcare, they have all of their medical concerns addressed in a timely manner. And for the military - both from Morocco and the U.S. - this is a chance to actually exercise what we do when conducting combat missions or humanitarian support elsewhere in the world."

Keeping the field hospital running also comes with its fair share of challenges.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Robert Stevens, the senior enlisted advisor to Evans, said that Akka's climatewhere temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on some daysforced them to adjust their pharmaceutical operations. Morocco primarily runs the pharmacy operations with resupply support from the UTNG. To gain some much needed relief from the heat, the facility offers a daycare area where U.S. and Moroccan soldiers entertain children while cooling down.

"We had to relocate the pharmacy because of temperature control," Stevens said. "We didn't have the full capability to provide that for some of the medicine because if they go above or below a certain temperature, the meds are no good. They send the supply request to us and our staff, [then] we send a group out to go pick up the pharmacy supplies and bring them back here."

Although the current HCA operations are temporary, there is a lasting impact on the MRD soldiers and the FAR. The MRD has provided over 70,000 services to the Moroccan people as of May 28, which puts them well on track to their goal of 91,000 medical treatments completed, according to Stevens.

Evans also noted that years of operating the field hospital helped the FAR establish expeditionary medical forces in Jordan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For a soldier like U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Nelson, the MRD's clinical manager of the HCA exercise and a paramedic back in the U.S., the benefits of working on this mission are twofold.

"I've had the opportunity to learn from the emergency doctors here with the Moroccan military and other doctors how to treat patients in an austere environment," Nelson said. "That knowledge is critical and crucial to my ability to be a better medic and treat more patients in the U.S."

Utah splits its yearly obligation to the HCA mission between its Army and Air National Guard, meaning the latter will take charge during African Lion 2025.

Improving partnerships and operational effectiveness through multinational collaboration is one of the primary tenets of the exercise and the Utah National Guard remains committed to doing its part to meet that objective.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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June 2, 2024

Release

United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Ministerial Meeting (TMM) Joint Press Statement

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Japan Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik convened a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on June 2, 2024, in Singapore. They discussed shared regional security concerns, reviewed the implementation of trilateral security cooperation lines of effort presented at the historic Camp David Summit on August 18, 2023, and discussed new initiatives to strengthen and institutionalize trilateral security cooperation to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond. The leaders underscored the importance of maintaining this momentum and decided to hold the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting (TMM), the Trilateral Chiefs of Defense (Tri-CHOD) meeting, and the Defense Trilateral Talks (DTT) - with the intent to rotate hosting beginning this year.

The Secretary and the two Ministers affirmed their enduring commitment to strengthen trilateral security cooperation to deter nuclear and missile threats posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and to achieve the complete denuclearization of the DPRK in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They condemned the DPRK's recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles, the launches of what the DPRK purports to be a military reconnaissance satellite using ballistic missile technology, illicit ship-to-ship transfers, and arms shipments with Russia as clear violations of multiple UNSCRs. The United States reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to the defense of Japan and the ROK, emphasizing its commitment is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including conventional and nuclear.

The three leaders urged the international community to advance its stated goal of ensuring the DPRK fully complies with its obligations under relevant UNSCRs, and affirmed they will redouble their efforts in support of effective UNSCR implementation following Russia's veto blocking the renewal of the UN Panel of Experts' mandate to monitor implementation of sanctions on the DPRK. The three sides also expressed concern about the DPRK's most recent attempt to launch a military satellite and urged the DPRK to cease all further destabilizing activities immediately. They reaffirmed that a DPRK nuclear test, if conducted, would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community. They also reiterated that the path to dialogue remains open toward peaceful and diplomatic resolution with the DPRK.

The Secretary and the Ministers stressed the importance of the rules-based international order and reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine against Russia's unprovoked and brutal war of aggression, and recognized that Russia's actions are a serious violation of the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty that undermine the fabric of the international order.

The three leaders exchanged views on implementing the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, Japan's new plan for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," and the ROK Strategy for a Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.

As emphasized at the Camp David Summit, the Secretary and the Ministers reaffirmed that they strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, and they recalled their respective positions regarding the dangerous and aggressive behavior by the People's Republic of China (PRC) supporting unlawful maritime claims that they have recently witnessed in the South China Sea. They shared concerns about actions that are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They stressed the importance of fully respecting international law including the freedom of navigation and overflight.

Additionally, they recognized that there is no change in their basic positions on Taiwan and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

The Secretary and the Ministers recognized progress made since the August 2023 Camp David Summit, including the activation of a data sharing mechanism to exchange real-time missile warning data to detect and assess ballistic missiles launched by the DPRK. They pledged to enhance cooperation by further optimizing the data-sharing mechanism by the end of this year to ensure the ability to deter and counter provocations effectively.

The Secretary and the Ministers decided to execute the first iteration of the new, multi-domain trilateral exercise, FREEDOM EDGE, this summer. They reaffirmed that trilateral exercises will be executed in a systematic manner in accordance with the multi-year trilateral exercise plan, which was established last year following the August 2023 Camp David Summit.

The leaders also decided to conduct a trilateral tabletop exercise (TTX) to discuss how to effectively deter and respond, based on various threats on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Secretary and the Ministers recognized the importance of continuing to advance trilateral cooperation following the August 2023 Camp David Summit and pledged to develop a trilateral security cooperation framework within the year to institutionalize trilateral security cooperation, including senior-level policy consultations, information sharing, trilateral exercises, and defense exchange cooperation.

Japan and the ROK highlighted the importance of their bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation to protect and advance their shared security goals. The Secretary and the two Ministers committed to continue to strengthen trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3793913/

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June 2, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Southeast Asian Defense Ministers

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Southeast Asia defense leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste in Singapore today to discuss opportunities to advance regional peace and stability.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States' enduring commitment to working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and support for ASEAN centrality, highlighting progress made after the United States and ASEAN elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. He also expressed support for the vital role of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in facilitating multilateral cooperation on the region's security challenges.

Secretary Austin underscored the significant progress made by the United States and ASEAN on regional capacity-building efforts, including by convening the first cohort of the Emerging Defense Leaders Program in May 2024; developing workshops on Women, Peace, and Security issues in support of ASEAN's Regional Plan of Action; and developing a Maritime Security Roadmap through the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Maritime Security in March 2024. Secretary Austin also highlighted ongoing U.S. support for maritime security across Southeast Asia, including through the U.S. Maritime Security Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative.

Secretary Austin reiterated concerns about coercive activity by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. He underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, and he called on the PRC to abide by the final and legally binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award. He also expressed deep concern about the escalating violence in Myanmar and thanked regional counterparts for the April 2024 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on Myanmar. He reiterated U.S. support for full implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.

The officials concluded the meeting by pledging to continue their cooperation in support of regional security ahead of the ADMM-Plus in November 2024.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3793911/

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Chile joins nations rallying behind genocide case against Israel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Chile is the latest to join a group of nations rallying behind South Africa that filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice last year.

According to IRNA, citing the Russian news agency Tass, President of Chile, Gabriel Borich announced on Saturday that his country will join the genocide case against Israel.

Boric said in a speech to lawmakers that he was appalled by the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, especially against women and children. He accused the Israeli army of using "indiscriminate and disproportional" force against innocent Palestinian civilians.

"These acts demand a firm and permanent response of the international community," the president said.

South Africa brought its case against Israel in January, accusing the regime of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza where more than 36,000 people, mostly women and children have been killed since launched it war on October 7, 2023.

Since January, at least 9 countries have either formally approached the International Court of Justice or declared their intention to do so.

Chile is third South American country after Nicaragua and Colombia to approach the ICJ in April.

Libya has also formally applied to intervene in the case. Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia have rallied behind South Africa's petition as well.

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We're looking for complete ceasefire agreement: Hamas official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A senior leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas calls the general framework mentioned in a joint statement by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States on the Gaza ceasefire positive but says Palestinians are looking for a complete agreement.

According to IRNA, citing the Palestinian Samaa news agency, Osama Hamdan on Saturday night referred to US President Joe Biden's speech, saying it contained positive ideas, but he added that Hamas wants the matter to crystallize within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that will fulfill wishes of Palestinians.

He rejected the idea of the presence of Israeli forces in Gaza in any potential deal, saying "in no way can it be accepted that the occupying forces stay in Gaza or manage the Rafah crossing".

Hamdan clarified that the Palestinian Interior Ministry managed the Rafah crossing before the war and will continue to do so after the war ends.

He said that Qatar and Egypt's efforts are aimed at establishing a ceasefire but said "this cannot be achieved by just hoping."

Hamdan emphasized that Palestinians are looking for a complete halt to the war, the withdrawal of the occupying forces from Gaza, flow of aid and the reconstruction of the besieged territory.

The statement came after Biden claimed on Friday evening that the Zionist regime has presented a new 3-stage proposal for establishing a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners and asked the parties not to miss this opportunity. A proposal, that according to the US president, also includes the reconstruction of Gaza.

According to this alleged plan, a 6-week ceasefire will be established first, during which, Hamas and the Zionist regime will negotiate to find a way to end the war. However, if the negotiations last more than 6 weeks, the temporary ceasefire will be extended until a final agreement is reached.

Biden claimed that the first of this 3-stage plan has been handed over to Hamas, which includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Zionist regime's soldiers from populated areas in Gaza, the release of some captives, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and increase in humanitarian aid.

On Saturday night, Zionist media outlets also quoted informed sources as saying that the regime has agreed to negotiate, with the first phase of agreement will include the release of female captives, the elderly, the wounded, and female soldiers held in Gaza.

According to IRNA, citing the Palestinian media, the second phase will see the complete stoppage of war and the release of Zionist men, soldiers and other injured people from Gaza.

But Israeli sources, as cited by media, said the Zionist regime reserves the right to resume the war if Hamas violates the terms of the agreement.

More than seven months have passed since the Zionist regime invaded the Gaza Strip but has failed to achieve its intended goals rather it has been isolated internationally due to genocide and massacre of innocent Palestinians.

The Zionist regime has also failed to reach a consensus on a number of ceasefire proposals put forth by Egypt, Qatar and Hamas over the last several months. The regime had been accused of trying to buy time to destroy the Gaza Strip completely and annihilate its population.

Recently, the Zionist occupation forces also attacked the over-crowded border city of Rafah despite an international outcry and in defiance of a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

Score of more deaths in Rafah has pushed the number of martyrs in Gaza since October 7 to over 36,400 and more than 82,000 others have been injured.

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US warship hit again as sources report new incident in Red Sea

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni army has confirmed yet another attack on the US aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower amid reports from UK maritime agencies of a new missile incident in the Red Sea.

According to IRNA, Brigadier Yahya Saree, spokesman of the Yemeni army, announced in a statement on Saturday night that Eisenhower was targeted in the northern Red Sea with drones and missiles for the second time in the last 24 hours.

He said that the Yemeni armed forces have carried out 6 operations and targeted the "MAINA" ship and the "ALORAIQ" ship in the Indian Ocean and the "ABLIANI" ship in the Red Sea.

Saree emphasized once again that the attack on the American ship was carried out with great precision.

The statement followed some news sources said the British maritime security company and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had reported yet another missile incident in the Red sea on Saturday night.

According to IRNA citing Reuters, Ambri announced that it received information indicating a missile activity about 47 nautical miles west of Yemen's Hudaydah port.

UKMTO also said it had received a report of an incident near the same location but gave no further details of the incident.

The Yemeni armed forces, which have pledged to continue attacking Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea and in the Indian Ocean, have also not commented on the incident that comes just two days after the US and the UK struck several locations across Yemen, including Hudaydah, killing 16 people and injuring 42 others.

Yemen's Supreme Political Council, during a meeting on Saturday, pledged to respond to the deadly attacks by the US and the UK against Yemeni soil.

Washington and London began airstrikes on Yemen in mid-January under the pretext of protecting international shipping but Yemenis say their attacks are aimed at safeguarding the Zionist regime's maritime interests.

The Yemeni army has, time and again, announced that all ships except those heading for Israeli ports are safe to sail through the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni Human Rights Center condemned the aggression of the United States and Britain against the Arab country, calling it the outcome of Yemen's support for Gaza and Palestine.

According to Yemen's Al-Masira network, the Yemeni rights group called on Arab and Islamic countries to condemn the crimes being committed against the people of Yemen and Palestine and take real and responsible measures regarding these crimes.

On Thursday, American and British warplanes bombed the Yemeni capital Sana'a, its international airport and several adjoining cities.

But such attacks have not deterred the Yemeni army to target Zionist ships or ships bound for the occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait during the past weeks in support of the resistance of the Palestinian nation in the Gaza Strip. They have also occasionally targeted American and British vessels in the strategic waterways in retaliation for the two countries' unprovoked aggression.

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Hezbollah carries out rocket barrage against Israeli settlement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has launched dozens of rockets at the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona in northern occupied Palestine.

Media reports said on Sunday that the northern regions of occupied Palestine, especially the Galilee area, saw intense missile attacks from Hezbollah across the border from southern Lebanon.

The Israeli Channel 12 television network claimed that the Iron Dome system had intercepted 14 of the rockets fired towards Kiryat Shmona.

Yiftah Ron-Tal, a reserve major general and former commander of the Israeli army's ground forces, acknowledged that Israel feels a sense of humiliation when facing Hezbollah's capabilities in the ongoing battle in northern occupied Palestine.

Ron-Tal said that a real war is currently underway in the north of the occupied territories.

Israeli media have admitted that Hezbollah is only using a fraction of its military capabilities, but its operations have been highly successful and precise in hitting their targets.

The resistance group and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire in an almost daily basis since the occupying regime invaded the Gaza Strip in early October.

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Hamas reacts to US proposal for ceasefire in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, Sami Abu Zuhri, has reacted to the US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners.

In an interview with Al Arabiya Television on Sunday, Abu Zuhri emphasized a significant difference between the statements made by the US and the actions taken by the Israeli government.

He pointed out that while Hamas agrees with the recent speech by US President Joe Biden, the Israeli government is dismissing it.

Regarding President Biden's comments about ending the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the reconstruction of the area, Abu Zuhri highlighted that these points align with Hamas's essential positions.

Addressing the obstacles presented by the Israeli government against any proposal for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, he emphasized that Israeli officials respond to all proposals by further escalating tensions.

He stressed that Hamas's consistent demands for ending the war are the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction of the area.

He further noted that an agreement that does not meet the terms set by the Palestinian resistance is not feasible.

Earlier, Biden said on his X account that the new proposal involves three phases, the first of which would include a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes, and a surge in humanitarian aid.

The first phase, as Biden said, would also include the release of some captives held in Gaza and some remains of captives.

The second phase includes a permanent end to hostilities, exchange for the release of the remaining living captives, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to Biden's post on X, formerly Twitter.

The third phase, he said, would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, and the final return of the remains of captives to their families.

The Biden administration has been facing mounting criticism at home and abroad over the Gaza war amid its all-out support for the Israeli regime in its brutal attacks that have claimed the lives of more than 36,200 Palestinians since early October.

The criticism has grown further in the past several weeks as Israel has continued with its air raids and ground invasion in Gaza's southern city of Rafah in defiance of international calls not to proceed.

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Hezbollah launched 325 anti-Israeli strikes in May: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has significantly increased the scope of its operations against the Israeli military positions and settlements over the past month, according to a report by the Alma Research Center, a think tank affiliated with the Israeli regime.

The report said that the Lebanese resistance movement carried out 325 attacks against Israeli army positions and settlements in northern occupied Palestine and Syria's occupied Golan Heights in May, with an average of 10 attacks per day.

This is a significant rise compared to April, when Hezbollah conducted 238 attacks, with an average of 7.8 attacks per day.

The Alma Research Center noted that Hezbollah has relied more heavily on anti-armor missiles and drones in its May attacks compared to April. This has resulted in more precise and damaging strikes against the Israeli military positions and settlements.

The Israeli newspaper Ynetnews also reported that Hezbollah strikes on Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine are on the rise, and the group is using heavier and more advanced missiles.

Hezbollah is only employing a fraction of its military capabilities, but its operations have been highly successful and precise in hitting their targets, Israeli media have acknowledged.

The resistance group and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire in an almost daily basis since the occupying regime invaded the Gaza Strip in early October.

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Iran Foreign Ministry summons Chinese ambassador

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu, over China's backing of baseless claims in paragraph 26 of the concluding statement from the joint meeting with the UAE.

After the Chinese government reiterated its support for baseless claims in paragraph 26 of the final statement of the joint meeting between China and the United Arab Emirates, the Chinese ambassador in Tehran was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, and Iran's protest was submitted to him.

During the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, Mohammad AliBek, an aide to the foreign minister and the director general of the ministry's Persian Gulf Department, emphasized the special and privileged relations between Iran and China, noting that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries is one of the renowned and fundamental principles in international relations.

AliBek also stressed that the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf belong to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Iran rejects any claim from any side in that regard.

Considering the strategic cooperation between Iran and China, he said that the Chinese government is expected to correct its position on this issue.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador assured that he would convey Iran's government protests to the authorities of his respective country as soon as possible.

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'Hamas needs to review Biden's Gaza ceasefire plan in full'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Senior Member of Palestine's Hamas resistance movement Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzouk has said that the Gaza ceasefire proposal, which was laid out by US President Joe Biden, is principles that Hamas views as positive but needs to review them completely.

"What Biden announced are principles that Hamas perceives as positive, but we need to review them in full", Abu Marzouk, the head of Hamas's International Relations Office, said on Sunday in an interview with Beirut-based Al Mayadeen Network.

He made the comments two days after Biden said during a White House press conference that Israel had put forward a new proposal for the Gaza ceasefire and added, "It's time for this war to end."

Biden also said that the proposal, which he said involves three phases and calls for the release of Israeli captives, had been transmitted to Hamas via Qatar. But Abu Marzouk told Al Mayadeen that Hamas had not received any document regarding the proposal referenced by Biden in his Friday speech.

The Hamas official also said that the movement will not accept any amendments to an old document concerning the ceasefire and the withdrawal from Gaza, stressing that "the Resistance will stand by its people and accept the plan" if it includes an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza.

Regarding the previous mediation efforts, which failed to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, Abu Marzouk explained that they failed partly because of disagreement over "the lasting of the ceasefire" and the number of civilian Israeli captives who would be released.

If the proposal outlined by Biden addresses the points of disagreement, Hamas will agree to the deal, he said.

Biden has said on his X account that the new plan involves three phases, the first of which would include a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and a surge in humanitarian aid. The first phase would also include the release of some captives held in Gaza and some remains of captives.

The second phase includes a permanent end to hostilities, exchange for the release of the remaining living captives, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to Biden's post on X social media platform, formerly Twitter.

The third phase, he said, would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, and the final return of the remains of captives to their families.

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Hezbollah launches attack on Israeli Iron Dome: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, Hezbollah, has announced that it has launched an attack against the Zionist regime's Iron Dome in a bid to show its solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The Lebanese Islamic resistance targeted the positions of the Zionist regime's army and settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan area with drones, Al Mayadeen TV network has reported.

The resistance attack against a base in the occupied Golan Heights comes in a bid to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

During the attack, the Israeli defense system and some positions have been targeted.

Some Israeli radars were deactivated and left a number of the army forces dead or wounded.

The Zionist media admitted that the regime's deterrence against the Lebanese Islamic resistance on the northern front of occupied Palestine has been eliminated.

According to al-Ahad television network, Hezbollah has shot down four Israeli Hermes 900 and Hermes 450.

In a supportive move, Hezbollah has targeted the regime's military positions in the north of the occupied territories in the past few months following the Zionist regime's horrific crimes in the Gaza Strip.

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Iraqi resistance's drones attack occupied Eilat port

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic resistance of Iraq has announced a statement declaring it attacked a vital air base at Eilat port (Umm al-Rashrash) with several drones.

Iraq's resistance group launched the attacks in line with supporting the Gazans, responding to the massacre against the Palestinian civilians and countering the occupying Zionist regime, according to the statement on Sunday.

During the past few days, Iraq's Islamic resistance fighters have targeted Israel's important base in Eilat with drones through several operations.

The Iraqi resistance group had already warned against continuation of the Israeli regime's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of war in Gaza in October 2023, over 36,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave.

Many world leaders, celebrities, prominent figures and university students have called for immediate truce in Gaza.

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Israel prolonging ceasefire negotiations to continue genocidal war: Haniyeh

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 09:55

The head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has said that the Israeli regime was deliberately prolonging ceasefire negotiations to keep up its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.

Tehran -ISNA- "The occupation is using negotiations to continue its aggression against our people," Ismail Haniyeh said on Friday, addressing an event in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

He, however, added that "the resistance factions do not accept to be part of these maneuvers."

The Israeli military onslaught has killed at least 36,224 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Egypt and Qatar have been mediating negotiations aimed at conclusion of a ceasefire agreement following one in November, during which Hamas released 105 of the captives that had seized during Al-Aqsa Storm.

In early May, Hamas agreed to another truce proposal enabling cessation of the Israeli aggression and release of the rest of the captives. The Israeli regime, however, rejected the proposal.

Haniyeh added that "the [occupying] entity failed to achieve its goals, thanks to the legendary steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people."

The Hamas leader was referring to Tel Aviv's failure to eliminate Gaza's resistance, enable forcible release of the rest of its captives, and cause mass exodus of Gaza's entire population to neighboring Egypt.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Haniyeh noted that "Al-Aqsa Storm raised the Palestinian cause to an unprecedented level and opened the door to recognition of the Palestinian state."

He was referring to the European trio of Spain, Ireland, and Norway's recent recognition of Palestine in a blow to the Tel Aviv regime.

End Item

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Hamas views 'positively' ceasefire proposal laid out by Biden

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 09:55

Hamas confirms its readiness to "deal positively and in a constructive manner" with any proposal that is based on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Tehran -ISNA- Hamas "views positively" the contents of US President Joe Biden's speech earlier on Friday regarding "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners," the Palestinian Resistance group said in a statement.

Biden unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal he called a "roadmap to an enduring ceasefire."

The movement confirmed its "readiness to deal positively and in a constructive manner with any proposal that is based on the permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal [of Israeli forces] from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction [of Gaza], and the return of the displaced to their places, along with the fulfillment of a genuine prisoner swap deal if the occupation clearly announces commitment to such deal."

In statement asserted that the US stance and the growing regional and international conviction of the need to end the war on Gaza are the outcomes of what it described as the "legendary" resilience of the Palestinian people and their Resistance during nearly eight months of continuous war on the Gaza Strip.

The announcement came shortly after Biden laid out the new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The US President claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it."

"As someone who's had a lifelong commitment to Israel, as the only American president who has ever gone to Israel at a time of war, as someone who just sent the US forces to directly defend Israel when it was attacked by Iran, I ask you to take a step back, think what will happen if this moment is lost," he stressed. "We can't lose this moment."

"It's time for this war to end and for the day after to begin," emphasized Biden, who is under the pressure of an election year amid the ongoing Israeli aggression.

The three phases announced by the US President are as follows:

In phase one: A six-week complete ceasefire would be implemented. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, and Israeli captives, including the elderly and women, would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Palestinian civilians, including those in northern Gaza, would be returned, and 600 trucks daily would deliver humanitarian aid.

In phase two: Negotiations between Hamas and "Israel" would commence to establish terms for a permanent end to hostilities. Biden emphasized that the ceasefire would persist during these talks.

In phase three: A comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza would be initiated. Qatar has conveyed the proposal to Hamas, according to Biden. The US President also urged those in "Israel" advocating for prolonged war to reconsider their stance.

End Item

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Nasrallah: Israel as "the cancerous entity" must be eliminated

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 09:55

Al-Aqsa Storm Operation has had a pivotal and far-reaching impact on the region, as vowing to eliminate Israel as "the cancerous entity" from the area, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said.

Tehran -ISNA- Sayyed Nasrallah emphasized on Friday that "the Resistance front has become larger, broader, more comprehensive, and stronger than ever before."

"We are on a front whose future is bright and victorious," he said during the memorial ceremony for the late scholar Sheikh Ali Kourani, adding that "it is only a matter of time" before this front achieves victory.

He highlighted that the Israeli front is "experiencing a dire situation, the likes of which it has not faced in 79 years," as per Israeli officials.

Sayyed Nasrallah affirmed that Al-Aqsa Storm Operation"concerns the future of Lebanon, its resources, and its sovereignty."

The Lebanese Resistance leader stressed that the operation must be viewed "as a battle of existence and destiny-shaping, and we must all be involved in it," emphasizing that victory in this battle "will have positive effects on the region at all levels."

He affirmed that South Lebanon is at the heart of this battle, explaining that this front "is pressing, strong, and impactful" on the Israeli occupation and it "is part of the battle that shall shape the destiny of Palestine, Lebanon, and the region, beyond the narrow calculations preoccupying some Lebanese."

Hezbollah's chief called on the Lebanese people to pay attention to the assessments of Israeli generals, officials, and settlers about the effectiveness of the Lebanon front.

Sayyed Nasrallah indicated that Israeli leaders "came to the north to boast about pushing the Resistance kilometers away, only for the response to come with an operation just a few meters from the [Ramya] site," adding, "Had the Resistance fighters planned to enter the site, they would have."

Lebanon's backing of Palestine transcends sects

Sayyed Nasrallah addressed the circulating claims about "the Lebanese not supporting the [Lebanese] Resistance operations," asserting that any such support for the Lebanese front in its backing of Palestine transcends all sects and is not confined to any one group.

"Let everyone know their worth and speak on behalf of those they represent when claiming that the majority of the Lebanese people oppose the support front," he stressed.

He questioned those who claim that the Lebanese people refuse to support Gaza, asking, "What opinion poll proves these allegations?"

The resistance leader explained that despite the burdens and aggression suffered by Lebanon from the Israeli occupation entity since 1948, the society remained supportive, loyal, and sincere, attributing the Resistance's victories against "Israel" in May 2000 and July 2006 to this steadfastness.

Sayyed Nasrallah emphasized that the outcomes of the battle in South Lebanon "are far greater than any internal political wins," just as the liberation in 2000 and the victory in 2006 were.

He also denied claims that the southern Lebanese front is preventing the election of a president for the country, asserting that the battles in the South and Gaza are not linked to the presidential elections.

What has disrupted the election of a president in Lebanon are internal disagreements and external vetoes, Hezbollah Secretary-General explained.

"From the beginning, we said that we do not want to leverage what is happening in the South for internal affairs, but some [sides] are living in delusion," he indicated.

In a related context, Sayyed Nasrallah explained that the leaks about offers and temptations regarding drilling in exchange for halting the southern Lebanese front reveal the complicity of the United States in causing suffering for the Lebanese people.

He noted that the US is complicit in the electricity crisis in Lebanon and obstructing the issue of oil fields in Lebanese waters.

'Netanyahu leading Israeli entity to the abyss'

Regarding Israel's failure in Gaza, Sayyed Nasrallah explained that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading the entity on a downhill course, through his insistence on the war he has waged.

Further highlighting the dire situation the Israeli entity is mired in, Hezbollah's chief reiterated the words of the head of the Israeli Central Bank who talked about a "catastrophe that would befall the entity," depicting an upcoming state of crises and disasters as highlighted by army commanders and senior Israeli officials.

In a related context, Sayyed Nasrallah pointed out that "the stances of the countries whereby they condemned the aggression and ongoing massacres and recognized the State of Palestine are among the blessings of Al-Aqsa Storm Operation."

"Sheikh Kourani firmly believed that the demise of Israel was inevitable and a matter of time, not contingent upon the appearance of the Imam. He believed it would occur before his appearance," Sayyed Nasrallah further stated, stressing the importance of continuous effort, day and night, to eliminate this "cancerous entity" from the region.

"We firmly believe that this entity has no future in our region," he said. Sayyed Nasrallah also noted that Sheikh Kourani closely followed the resistance movements and the events surrounding the Al-Aqsa Storm with great interest.

Yemen

During his speech, Sayyed Nasrallah expressed his condolences to the Yemeni people following the latest American aggression on Yemen, which killed 16 and injured 41.

He pointed out that the Yemeni stance has been clear from the beginning that "no American aggression will affect Yemeni support and backing for Palestine and the Gaza Strip."

About Sheikh Kourani

Touching on the journey of Sheikh Kourani, the Lebanese leader noted that the late cleric put great efforts into religious propagation from Iraq to Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and many African and Arab nations, in addition to his participation in numerous conferences.

He added that Sheikh Kourani authored more than 60 books on theology, among other topics, deeming the Sheikh's achievements significant, including his introduction of modern technologies to the seminary and academic research. Sayyed Nasrallah emphasized that the most important achievement in this context is his encyclopedic work.

The Hezbollah chief pointed out that Sheikh Kourani "did not consider himself confined to a specific file or geographical boundaries" and was among the founders of the Islamic movement work starting in Iraq in the 1960s and one of the founders of the beginnings of clandestine Resistance work in the late 1970s.

Sheikh Kourani continued his resistance work for over 40 years, leading to the launch of the Islamic Resistance, Sayyed Nasrallah mentioned, adding that the cleric's faith in and support for the Resistance were absolute through statements and sacrifices, including his son, martyr Sheikh Yasser.

Elsewhere, the Resistance leader emphasized that Sheikh Ali Kourani was completely committed to the Palestinian cause "from the river to the sea," strongly believed in the Resistance's victory and the Israeli entity's downfall, and was eager to witness that day.

End Item

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Chile to join South Africa ICJ case against 'Israel'

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 09:59

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announces that his country will be joining South Africa in its ICJ case against the Israeli occupation over its war crimes in Gaza.

Tehran-ISNA- Chile will be joining the lawsuit filed by South Africa against the Israeli occupation for its commission of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), President Gabriel Boric said Saturday.

The initial lawsuit was filed by South Africa on December 29, 2023, accusing the Israeli occupation of committing genocide against the people of Gaza.

On January 26, the ICJ issued provisional measures demanding that "Israel" take urgent steps to prevent further acts of genocide and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into the blockaded strip. However, the ICJ stopped short of ordering an immediate ceasefire.

"Israel" has repeatedly denied the allegations, maintaining that its onslaught in Gaza is aimed at eliminating Hamas fighters, even though it has killed over 36,379 Palestinians and injured 82,407 others.

In early March, South Africa returned to the ICJ, seeking additional provisional measures to address the widespread starvation plaguing Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

President Boric, in a statement to the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, confirmed Chile's support for South Africa's case.

"I have decided that Chile will support the case presented by South Africa against Israel in the international court. I have instructed the foreign ministry to prepare a report with our arguments," Boric stated.

This comes after Mexico also demanded to intervene in the case against "Israel", as well. Mexico invoked Article 63 of the ICJ statute and submitted a declaration of intervention in the case concerning the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.

In its declaration, Mexico stated that it "seeks to intervene, in order to provide its view on the potential construction of the content of the provisions of the Convention relevant to this case."

It remains uncertain whether the ICJ will accept Mexico's application for intervention.

Libya recently filed a similar declaration of intervention in South Africa's case against "Israel". Ireland in March has vowed to file such a declaration as well.

South Africa requested on May 10 that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Rafah as part of measures to prevent genocide in Gaza in its ongoing lawsuit against "Israel".

The published ICJ filings revealed that South Africa asked the court to order "Israel's" complete withdrawal from Rafah, the "last refuge" for Gazans, as well as the allowance of unrestricted access to UN officials, organizations, journalists, investigators, and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

South Africa reiterated that "Israel" was killing Palestinian civilians while starving them by blocking humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. "Those who have survived so far are facing imminent death now, and an order from the Court is needed to ensure their survival," South Africa said in its filing.

End Item

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Yemen announces fresh operations against US carrier

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 09:57

Yemen's Armed Forces conduct six fresh operations, including against an American aircraft carrier, in retaliation for the United States' deadly aggression against the country and the Israeli regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Tehran-ISNA- The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced the operations in a video statement on Saturday.

He specified the American carrier in question as USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, saying the vessel was hit in the Red Sea "with number of ballistic missiles and drones." On Friday too, the Armed Forces had announced targeting the same vessel "with a number of winged and ballistic missiles."

Another operation, Saree added, struck "an American destroyer" in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones.

The retaliation came after American and British warplanes and US warships targeted the western Yemeni provinces of Sana'a, al-Hudaydah, and Ta'izz, killing at least 16 people and wounding more than 40 others.

The spokesman proceeded with announcing four other strikes against commercial ships that had violated a ban imposed by Sana'a on Israeli vessels or those that are bound for the ports of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Yemeni forces have been enforcing the ban since last October, when the Israeli regime brought Gaza under the war that has so far killed at least 36,379 Gazans, most of them women and children.

Saree identified one of the ships that was struck in the pro-Palestinian operations as Maina, saying the vessel "was targeted with two military operations in the Arabian Sea and the Red sea."

Two other vessels, Aloraiq and Abliani, were hit respectively in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, he noted.

All the six operations hit their targets "accurately and directly," the spokesman stated.

He, meanwhile, vowed that the Armed Forces would keep up their pro-Palestinian strikes as long as the Israeli regime sustained the war and a siege that the regime has been simultaneously enforcing against Gaza.

Ends Item

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Vital Israeli target in Eilat struck by Iraqi resistance's kamikaze drones

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 6:03 AM

Fighters from Iraqi anti-terror resistance groups have struck a strategic target in the southernmost part of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories with kamikaze drones in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's onslaught against Gaza.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, claimed responsibility for the attack on the "vital" site in the Port of Eilat in a statement published on its Telegram channel on Sunday morning.

It said the drone strike was carried out in continuation of the struggle against the occupying Israeli regime, in support of Palestinians in Gaza, and in retaliation for the massacres that the usurping Zionist entity is perpetrating against women, children and elderly people in the besieged territory.

The group noted that it will continue to target and destroy important installations across the occupied lands.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has been staging many such attacks on Israeli targets since the occupying regime launched a genocidal war on Gaza in early October.

Israel waged the atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the apartheid regime on October 7.

At least 36,379 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 82,407 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well.



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UNRWA chief recounts trail of destruction left by Israel in Rafah

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 2:18 AM

The head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency recounts the sheer extent of destruction that has been caused by the Israeli regime in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, which is suffering the brunt of a genocidal Israeli war against the coastal sliver.

Philippe Lazzarini made the comments in a post on X, former Twitter, on Saturday, nearly a month after the regime launched a ground assault against the city amid international outcry.

The city was hosting around 1.5 million displaced Gazans prior to the operation.

Lazzarini, however, noted how the assault had forced "more than one million people - most displaced several times - to flee once again, in search of safety that they never find."

He also regretted that "all of our 36 UNRWA shelters in Rafah are empty now," adding, "This is where people seek shelter & should be protected at all times under the UN flag."

The UN body, Lazzarini added, "had to stop health and other critical services in Rafah" amid the incessant Israeli aggression.

At least 36,379 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in the war that the regime launched in early October last year in response to a retaliatory operation staged by Gaza's resistance groups.

The UN official went on to warn that "the humanitarian space" continued to further shrink throughout the coastal sliver in the face of the Israeli brutality.

"UNRWA was allowed to pick up just under 450 [aid] trucks in the past 3 weeks in support of the humanitarian operation," he said, adding, however, "This is nothing in the face of the needs: At least 600 trucks/day of commercial, fuel & humanitarian supplies."

Lazzarini, meanwhile, posted "most horrific" pictures of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, which has endured a 20-day-long extensive Israeli operation.

He likewise bemoaned the level of destruction that had been caused by the Israeli operation to the camp.

"Thousands of displaced people have no choice but to live amid the rubble & in destroyed UNRWA facilities," he said, warning, "Destruction will bring more destruction, more grief, more anger & more loss..."





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Official: Israeli forces destroyed 50,000 housing units in northern Gaza

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 9:24 PM

A Palestinian official in the Gaza Strip says the Israeli occupation forces have destroyed a total of 50,000 housing units during their nearly-eight-month war of aggression in the northern part of the territory.

The figure was given by the chairman of the Emergency Committee for Northern Gaza Municipalities, during a press conference on Sunday.

"Some 50,000 housing units have been destroyed, and sewage networks and roads have been bulldozed in most municipalities of northern Gaza," the official, whose name was not given by Palestinian media outlets, said.

The official noted that "35 water wells, schools, and UNRWA facilities have been destroyed, and an imminent famine is threatening northern Gaza."

The official also declared "Jabalia [refugee camp] and Beit Hanoun [both in northern Gaza] as disaster areas due to the indescribable destruction" caused by Israel's genocidal war.

The Palestinian official's warning came a day after the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said in a post on X social media platform that as a result of the Israeli aggression, "Gaza has been reduced to rubble and Palestinian families have to survive in inhumane conditions with scarce water, food and supplies."

UNRWA's Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has also described the destruction caused by Israeli forces in Jabalia refugee camp as "horrific," adding that "thousands of displaced people have no choice but to live amid the rubble and in destroyed UNRWA facilities."

It was about a month ago that a UN official said the destruction caused by Israel's war on the Gaza Strip is unseen since the Second World War, estimating that the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory could take 80 years and cost up to $40 billion.

Abdallah al-Dardari, UN assistant secretary-general and director of the UN Development Program's regional office for the Arab states, added that the Israeli aggression has completely or partially destroyed 72 percent of all residential buildings in Gaza.

According to Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, the regime's genocide has so far claimed the lives of 36,439 civilians, mostly women and children, while leaving 82,627 others injured.

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Maldives to ban Israelis over genocide of Palestinians in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 6:36 PM

The Muslim nation of Maldives has decided to ban Israelis from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago in protest at the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

President Mohamed Muizzu's office announced on Sunday that the Cabinet had agreed to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.

Also, a special envoy is to be appointed to assess the Palestinian needs and to launch a fundraising campaign to aid the people there.

The months-long Israeli genocidal war on the Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip has stirred public anger in the country famous for its calm luxury resorts.

The Israeli killing machine, following a special retaliatory operation by Palestinian resistance groups, launched an ongoing genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Since then, the Western-backed Zionist regime has continued to wreak death and destruction against Palestinians with impunity in the occupied Palestinian land despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.

Several governments have even taken legal action at international courts in an effort to stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

In this regard, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Tel Aviv to stop its genocidal actions and allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged Gaza Strip.

Also, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for an arrest warrant for Israeli "war criminal" prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Qatar, Saudi Arabia condemn Israel over effort to brand UNRWA 'terrorist group'

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 6:29 PM

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have condemned the Israeli parliament for its effort to brand the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, as a "terrorist group," as condemnations continue to mount over the move.

In a statement on Sunday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the Israeli parliament's attempts to classify UNWRA as a terrorist organization is "an extension of the systematic campaign aimed at dismantling the agency at a time when the need for its humanitarian services is dire due to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip."

The ministry further reiterated its full support for the UN refugee agency, calling on the international community "to stand firmly in the face of Israeli plans aimed at liquidating the agency" and depriving millions of Palestinians of its necessary services.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry also denounced the move, saying UNRWA employees "are doing their duty to alleviate the severity of the humanitarian catastrophe that the Palestinian people are going through."

"The kingdom stresses that Israel, as an occupying state, must abide by international law and international humanitarian law and stop obstructing the work of international organizations," it said.

Separately on Sunday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli authorities' effort to undermine the mandate and role of UNRWA, saying such actions are serious violations of the UN Charter.

It also stressed that the mandate granted to UNRWA by the UN "is a top priority in terms of policy, humanitarian and relief perspectives and as a key element for stability in the region."

The OIC went on to say that it remains committed to UNRWA's mandate as "a sign of global commitment" towards the rights of Palestine refugees, calling on the international community to strengthen support for the aid agency and ensure its ability to continue providing basic services to Palestinians, particularly in light of the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

On Wednesday, the Israeli parliament advanced a bill to revoke the immunity and privileges afforded to UNRWA and to designate the aid agency as a "terrorist group".

The EU's foreign policy chief voiced "deep concern" over the ongoing effort, stressing that the member states of the EU bloc firmly supported the UN organization.

UNRWA was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to provide relief to Palestinian refugees. Due to decades-long atrocities against Palestinians by the Israeli regime, UNRWA's mandate has been continuously renewed every three years since then.

At present, around 5.9 million people are eligible for UNRWA's services, and the agency operates in Gaza, West Bank, East al-Quds, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

UNRWA has long faced misinformation and disinformation, including about its staff and operations.

The long-running push by Israel to shut UNRWA down has intensified since it launched a genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, which has so far killed more than 36,439 Palestinians and injured over 82,627 others.

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Iraqi Islamic Resistance conducts drone strikes on Haifa oil refinery, port

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 4:51 PM

In response to the Israeli regime's unrelenting onslaught against the Gaza Strip, particularly the southern border city of Rafah, fighters from Iraqi anti-terror resistance groups have conducted two separate operations against strategic installations in the 1948 occupied territories.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq stated in an online announcement that its members had conducted a drone strike against the oil refinery in the port city of Haifa.

It emphasized that the attack struck the designated targets precisely.

The Iraqi umbrella group of anti-terror groups went on to announce that it had also launched a separate operation against "vital" sites at the Port of Haifa by using drones.

Earlier on Sunday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said in a statement published on its Telegram channel that it had carried out a drone strike on an Israeli target at the Port of Eilat in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The coalition has been launching several attacks on Israeli targets ever since the occupying regime started a genocidal war on Gaza in early October.

Israel waged the atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7.

At least 36,439 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 82,627 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well.

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Israeli airstrike kills two civilians in southern Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 2:36 PM

An Israeli military strike has killed two people in an area in southern Lebanon, as fighting intensified between the Tel Aviv regime and the Hezbollah resistance movement.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that two civilians lost their lives when an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle targeted their home in the village of Houla on Sunday.

An unnamed local official told the AFP news agency that those killed were "two brothers, shepherds whose house was destroyed."

The development comes a day after four people, including a paramedic and a woman, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in south Lebanon.

The operations room of the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee stated that "an Israeli drone strike targeted an ambulance... One rescuer was martyred and another wounded" in the border town of Naqoura.

The operations room later said an Israeli strike on the town of Adloun, deep in south Lebanon near Sidon, had killed a woman and wounded four other people.

Additionally, Hezbollah announced in separate statements that two of its fighters had been killed, without specifying where.

The Israeli military has bombarded several villages in southern and eastern Lebanon over the weekend, wounding 16 children in one airstrike.

The Islamic Health Committee said the Saturday strike on the southern village of Siddikine wounded children between the ages of four and 14.

The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7, when it launched a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed at least 36,439 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions.

At least 451 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, including more than 80 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts.

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120 bodies recovered in Jabalia refugee camp after Israeli forces withdrew

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 2:22 PM

Palestinian rescue teams have recovered 50 more bodies from the rubble in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, bringing the total number of bodies recovered following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area to more than 120.

Palestine's official Wafa news agency reported that rescue and civil defense teams have recovered the bodies of 50 Palestinians on Sunday, as search operations continue for dozens of people who are missing among the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israel's relentless bombardment.

This comes as rescue teams have already recovered over 70 bodies, including 20 children, in the area.

Medical sources at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza city of Jablaia also told Anadolu news agency that emergency crews and civil defense teams have recovered more than 120 Palestinian bodies from the destroyed roads and under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Jabalia, as the cleaning of debris are still underway two days after Israeli forces left the camp.

On Friday, the Israeli regime announced withdrawing from the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza following a 20-day offensive against the area that involved about 200 airstrikes.

According to Palestinian authorities, the offensive has destroyed 70 percent of Jabalia, which is Gaza's largest refugee camp and home to more than 100,000 Palestinians.

Various news outlets, meanwhile, cited the Palestinians returning to the camp following the Israeli withdrawal as describing the area as "unrecognizable" due to the sheer extent of the destruction that had been caused by the Israeli aggression.

The head of the UN's Palestine refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has also posted "most horrific" pictures of the Jabalia refugee camp, bemoaning the level of destruction that had been caused by the Israeli operation to the camp.

Israel unleashed its war on Gaza on October 7 laste year after the Palestinian resistance group Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 36,439 Palestinians and injured over 82,627 others.

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Hezbollah targets Iron Dome battery at Israeli outpost in occupied Golan Heights

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 11:04 AM

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has conducted a drone strike against an Israeli military outpost in the occupied Golan Heights in support of Palestinians amid the Tel Aviv regime's unrelenting ground and aerial offensives against the Gaza Strip.

Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news channel, citing a Hezbollah statement, reported that the group launched a squadron of kamikaze drones towards a gathering of Israeli troops stationed at the Yarden barracks on Sunday, and targeted an Iron Dome battery with the explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles.

The statement added that the radar systems at the barracks were destroyed and put out of service as a result of the attack. A number of Israeli troops were also killed and wounded.

Later in the day, the Lebanese resistance fighters attacked the Israeli al-Marj site with a barrage of artillery shells, precisely striking the designated targets.

Israel launched its brutal war on Gaza on October 7 last year after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the usurping regime in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Israeli military has also been conducting attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah on a nearly daily basis in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah has pledged to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

At least 36,379 Palestinians have since been killed in the besieged enclave, the vast majority being women and children, and another 82,407 individuals injured, according to local health authorities.

Nearly eight months into the Israeli genocide, vast swathes of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

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June 1: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 10:36 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 36,400 Palestinians so far, including more than 16,000 children, 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 Saturday, June 1, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on June 1:

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles in the "Netzarim" axis with mortar shells.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells in the Tal Zorob area in the Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Detonated an anti-personnel Ra'adiya explosive device on an engineering unit near the George Junction east of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on June 1:

Targeted an Israeli military troop carrier and a D9 bulldozer with two Shuath explosive devices in Tal Zorob, west of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Sniped an Israeli soldier in the axis of advancement around the Nassar roundabout in the northern Gaza Strip.

Launched a barrage of mortar shells at Israeli forces invading the vicinity of Zoroub roundabout, west of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming the vicinity of Balata camp in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming the town of Kfar Dan in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on June 1:

Bombed the supply line of the Israeli forces on the "Netzarim" axis with a barrage of Qasim-10 rockets.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on June 1:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers their military vehicles in the vicinity of Tal Zorob, west of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Sniped an Israeli soldier and targeted another group of Israeli soldiers with mortar shells in the Tal al-Hawa axis, southwest of Gaza City.

Targeted a group of Israeli soldiers and vehicles penetrating south of Yabna camp on the Palestinian-Egyptian border in Rafah with a barrage of 60-caliber standard mortar shells.

Blew up an Israeli military vehicle with a high-impact barrel explosive device on the axis of advance in the vicinity of Um Raed east of Rafah.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on June 1:

Detonated an anti-armor device on an Israeli military D9 bulldozer in the vicinity of Al-Sinbad Hall, southwest of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Targeted a group of Israeli forces positioned on the "Netzarim" axis south of Gaza City with a rocket barrage

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on June 1:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles around the "Kerem Shalom" crossing with 120mm mortar shells

Hezbollah's operations on June 1:

Eastern sector:

Al-Baghdadi military site was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

Israeli soldiers in the newly established site north of Yiftah Barracks were targeted with drones.

The headquarters of the 769th Brigade in Kiryat Shmona were targeted with Burkan missiles.

Surveillance equipment of the regime forces at the Al-Marj site was targeted.

A Hermes 900 drone was shot down.

Western sector:

A military building in the Shomera settlement was targeted with missiles.

A military building in the Netua settlement was targeted with missiles.

The Khirbet Ma'ar site was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

The Hanita settlement was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

The 411th Artillery Battalion in Jaatoun was targeted with a barrage of missiles.

Yemeni military's operations on June 1:

Targeted the American aircraft carrier "Eisenhower" north of the Red Sea with several missiles and drones, in a second such attack within 24 hours.

Targeted an American destroyer in the Red Sea, hitting it directly with several drones.

Targeted ships belonging to companies that violated the decision to ban entry to the ports of occupied Palestine, including the ship MAINA, which was targeted in two operations in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

Targeted the ship named ALORAIQ in the Indian Ocean.

Targeted the ship named ABLIANI in the Red Sea.

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Chile joins South Africa's genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 10:03 AM

Chile has joined a coalition of countries backing South Africa in its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, addressing lawmakers on Saturday announced its country's support for a genocide case against Israel, expressing his deep concern over the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Gaza, especially against women and children.

"Chile will become a party to and support the case that South Africa presented against Israel before the International Court of Justice in The Hague," Boric said.

Speaking to the National Congress, he strongly criticized the Israeli military for employing "indiscriminate and disproportional" force.

"These acts demand a firm and permanent response of the international community," the president said.

Boric had previously said the war in Gaza has "no justification" and is "unacceptable."

Early in January, Chile along with Mexico submitted a case to International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

The Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said his nation was "interested in supporting the investigation into any possible war crime" wherever they might occur.

Chile has recognized Palestine as a state since 2011.

South Africa lodged a complaint against Israel in the ICJ last year on December 29, nearly three months after the occupying regime launched its brutal aggression against Gaza.

The complaint asked judges in the court to declare that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and order the regime to stop its attacks on people.

The ICJ found it plausible that Israel's acts could amount to genocide and issued an initial ruling ordering Israel to refrain from acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention.

The World Court issued another verdict in March ordering the regime to ensure that basic food supplies can reach people in Gaza.

Last month, South Africa submitted another request to the ICJ for three urgent orders, known as "provisional measures," as it probes into Israel's violations of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

The top UN court ordered Israel last month to halt military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah- where displaced Palestinians were seeking safety from Israel's military offensive and establish humanitarian corridors and allow the world body to investigate genocide.

Despite the ICJ ruling, Israel pledged to continue with the invasion of Rafah.

The orders of the International Court of Justice are legally binding, yet lack significant enforcement mechanisms.

Several countries, including Egypt, Libya, Turkey and Colombia, have formally requested to join the case against Israel.

The Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7 has killed at least 36,379 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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China warns of 'limits' to its restraint on US provocation in South China Sea

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 8:42 AM

China's defense minister has warned the US over the deployment of ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing that there are "limits" to Beijing's restraint in dealing with such acts of provocation in the South China Sea.

Dong Jun raised the alarm at an international security forum in Singapore on Sunday in a clear reference to the United States and the Philippines, which have been boosting their military ties to contain what they claim to be China's growing military might and influence in the strategic body of water.

"China has maintained sufficient restraint in the face of rights infringements and provocation, but there are limits to this," Dong told the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is attended by defense officials from around the world.

The two longstanding treaty allies, the United States and the Philippines have been working to consolidate their alliance and partnership in the Asia-Pacific region, which has enraged Beijing.

The US Army said in April that it had deployed a Mid-Range Capability missile system capable of firing the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile in the northern Philippines for annual joint exercises.

Dong said the deployment of "medium-range ballistic missiles" was "severely damaging regional security and stability."

Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea but tensions have worsened under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, with Manila pivoting to Washington, which supports the country in its maritime dispute with China.

China rebuked the Philippines in a statement in February for its unfriendly maneuvers in the South China Sea, saying Manila "stirs up trouble" by holding joint air patrols with "extraterritorial countries."

China's Southern Theater Command underlined that it had coordinated with its frontline naval and air forces to closely monitor the Philippines' joint military maneuvers.

China's claim of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea overlaps with the maritime claims of the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei, in addition to, Chinese Taipei, also known as Taiwan.

Also, China has constructed several artificial islands over the past few years in the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean. The move has drawn harsh criticism from the Philippines and the United States.

The South China Sea is believed to sit atop vast reserves of oil and gas.

Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan's independence

Addressing the three-day annual forum, Dong also warned that the Chinese military is ready to "forcefully" stop Taiwan independence.

Dong reiterated Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of China and expressed commitment to peaceful reunification.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army has always been an indestructible and powerful force in defense of the unification of the motherland, and it will act resolutely and forcefully at all times to curb the independence of Taiwan and to ensure that it never succeeds in its attempts," China's defense minister said.

"Whoever dares to split Taiwan from China will be crushed to pieces and suffer his own destruction."

Dong also blamed separatist forces for eroding the "One China" principle, which states Beijing's view that it has sovereignty over Taiwan.

In a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday, Dong emphasized Beijing's demand that the United States should not support Taiwan independence by providing military aid to Taipei in any shape.

However, Austin told the forum on Saturday that Washington would maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific region by forging military alliances with regional countries.

Beijing had cut its military-to-military communications with the United States in 2022 in response to then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Beijing considers Chinese Taipei as one of mainland China's provinces with no right to establish diplomatic relations with other states. China's globally-accepted "one China" principle, which the United States has accepted, keeps Taiwan out of most international bodies.

China never supplied arms to parties in Ukraine war

Elsewhere, Dong told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Beijing has not supplied weapons either to Russia or to Ukraine and strictly controls exports of dual-purpose goods since the war began in the former Soviet republic.

"We have never supplied weapons to either party in the conflict. We have established strict control over exports of dual-purpose and never did anything that could fire up the situation," the defense minister said.

China is always holding a reliable position on the Ukrainian issue and supports peace talks, Dong added.



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Initial Projections Give Ruling Party Big Lead In Serbian Capital

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 02, 2024

BELGRADE - The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) appears headed for victory in a repeat election in the capital, Belgrade, and elsewhere after an earlier round did not produce a clear winner and led to opposition protests over what many critics saw as illegal election interference by the SNS.

The opposition also complained of irregularities in Serbia's June 2 vote, leaving the political environment tense in the Balkan nation of 7.1 million people.

Based on 51 percent of processed samples in Belgrade, polling firm CeSID projected that the SNS, backed by President Aleksandar Vucic, was leading at 53 percent, with the closest competitor -- center-right Kreni-Promeni (Move-Change) led by Savo Manojlovic -- second at 17.2 percent.

"This is...an incredible victory," Vucic said, adding in a news conference that his party would have a majority in the 110-seat Belgrade City Assembly and also in the northern city of Novi Sad.

However, Manojlovic said his coalition would not recognize the results. "These were most irregular elections ever," he told supporters late on June 2.

Turnout was lower than in the December 2023 elections, as some opposition parties decided not to participate, alleging that conditions for democratic and fair elections had not been met.

Opposition coalitions Serbia Against Violence and NADA (Hope) accused the coalition led by the SNS of electoral theft in the December 17 vote, and numerous irregularities were identified by both international and domestic observer missions.

Serbian authorities have repeatedly denied that there were any serious electoral irregularities.

Observers and opposition parties in the June 2 election again reported what they said were irregularities during the day.

The nongovernmental CRTA observer organization said it had filed seven criminal complaints over alleged irregularities at polling stations, claiming its members had recorded incidents of the organized transporting of voters to the polls and money being exchanged for votes.

Opposition representatives also reported that so-called "call centers" run by the SNS were attempting to influence voting in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

The opposition says the call centers are being used by the SNS to bribe voters and that they contain alternative voting lists, reflecting allegations made during the earlier round of balloting.

Ana Brnabic, a former SNS prime minister and current parliament speaker, denied that any improper activities were being carried out at the call centers.

"We have a call center. We have members who, on Election Day, invite other members and sympathizers, family members, neighbors, and friends to ask them to go to the polls and vote," she wrote on social media.

"What's the problem? Apparently in that instead of sitting in their call centers and working, they're sitting in ours wondering why parties have call centers," she added.

Police in the northwestern Serbian city of Novi Sad claimed that some officers had been attacked, although law enforcement officials added that "there have been no serious incidents."

Following voting in December, no party was able to form a majority in the Belgrade City Assembly in an election that was highly criticized by international observers who cited "irregularities" in the local and national votes.

Those concerns echoed opposition accusations that President Aleksandar Vucic's ruling SNS party and its allies had improperly bused in voters and otherwise compromised the election, particularly in Belgrade.

Despite the alleged infractions and a strong showing in the nationwide vote by Vucic's party, SNS opponents including the Serbia Against Violence coalition formed after twin mass shootings last year garnered enough support in the capital to fuel large street protests and mobilize anti-Vucic sentiment.

An amendment to Serbia's local-election laws allowed for the voting in Belgrade to coincide with previously scheduled elections in Novi Sad, Nis, and other cities and municipalities.

But some opposition groups said they would still boycott the voting because problems including with the voter registry, undue influence by local power brokers, intimidation, and other problematic aspects had not been fixed.

A working group comprising ruling and opposition representatives was formed in late April to address some of the 25 recommendations from the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to improve the vote process. ODIHR observers are in Serbia for the June 2 voting.

Representatives of the SNS and coalition partners denied accusations of election fraud and promised they would implement all 25 recommendations from the ODIHR.

In Belgrade, voters elected representatives to four-year terms in the 110-member City Assembly who in turn vote on a mayor.

"I'm not particularly involved in politics, but I'm aware that we should go to the elections and vote for the one whose ideology suits us most," Nina, a voter in the capital, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service on election day.

She said she didn't expect "anything special" from the vote.

Another Belgrade voter, said politicians are "full of promises" that they forget just as soon as they're elected. "You know, in my lifetime, that's happened four times, so people should come to their senses."

The unified, pro-European opposition campaigned fiercely in Belgrade ahead of the voting in December on the message that taking the capital could be the first step toward ousting Vucic and his allies, who have governed since 2012.

Vucic has embraced Russian and Chinese trade and diplomatic ties and resisted EU calls for Belgrade to join sanctions on Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-elections- belgrade-local/32975824.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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Israel Accepts 'Not Good' Gaza Ceasefire Deal - Netanyahu Advisor

Sputnik News

20240602

Svetlana Ekimenko

On Friday, the White House called the deal proposed by Israel to Hamas "a road map to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages" that would enable a flood of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. Previous ceasefire deals have collapsed.

Israel has accepted the framework new deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah's chief foreign policy advisor said on Sunday.

The plan, revealed on Friday by US President Joe Biden, was "a deal we agreed to  it's not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them," Ophir Falk was cited by The Sunday Times as confirming.

He added that, "There are a lot of details to be worked out," and Israel's conditions regarding "the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organization" remain unchanged.

Falk doubled down on the Israeli prime minister's stance that "there will not be a permanent ceasefire until all our objectives are met."

Gaza ceasefire mediators the US, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement that called on both Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement "embodying the principles outlined by President Biden."

Hamas on Friday said it provisionally welcomed the proposal of US President Joe Biden on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

"The Hamas Islamic Resistance movement welcomes idea of the speech of US President Joe Biden ... in his call for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupying forces from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction [of the Gaza Strip] and the exchange of prisoners," the movement said.

"Biden's speech included positive ideas, but we want this to materialize within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands," senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera.

Biden, whose administration has been playing both sides - shipping weapons to its ally Tel Aviv while seemingly engaged in a flurry of mediatory activity - revealed a new comprehensive proposal to wind down the Gaza war.

Israel has offered a "roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages," the US president stated in his Friday press conference.

The proposal, transmitted by Qatar to Hamas, embodies three phases. The first phase would last for six weeks and include a temporary ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages by both sides.

A permanent ceasefire to end to all hostilities would be negotiated during the second phase, which could include the release of all remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza if Israel's security guarantees are satisfied. A major reconstruction plan for Gaza would begin during phase three.

What is seen as a sticking point for realization of the deal is that it implies continued Hamas involvement in the arrangements alongside the mediators. However, at no point has Israel agreed to back down from its goal of eliminating Hamas.

Suffice it to recall the previous ceasefire proposals over the past months, none of which have come to fruition. A February truce mediated to halt fighting by the Islamic holy month of Ramadan that began on March 10 did not materialize.

As for Hamas, it has been insisting that only a permanent ceasefire would ensure the release of all the hostages.

Netanyahu is under pressure from his own coalition government, where both far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party have indicated that they will resign if the proposed plan to end hostilities without destroying Hamas and returning all the hostages is agreed to. The two have the power to dismantle the governing coalition. At the same time, Benny Gantz's centrist National Unity party wants the deal to be considered.

While the bargaining continues, an estimated 36,439 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip and 82,627 wounded since October 7, according to the Palestinian enclave's Health Ministry. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that practically no health services remain in Rafah after the al-Helal al-Emirati hospital closed.

 Sputnik

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Hezbollah Targets Israeli Iron Dome Battery With UAVs Day After Downing IDF Drone

Sputnik News

20240602

Ilya Tsukanov

The Lebanese militia and political movement has downed three multi-million dollar IDF drones since February amid raging border tensions in the face of Israel's war in Gaza. Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, warned this week that the militia has a "doctrinal, ethical and religious responsibility" to fight Israel to the end.

Air raid sirens sounded over northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Sunday morning as Hezbollah drones flew across the border undetected and proceeded on to their target - an IDF Iron Dome battery.

Israeli media said at least three drones were involved, with one of them shot down over Metula, a small settlement running right up against the border with Lebanon. Two more apparently evaded air defenses made their way to Katzrin, the unofficial capital of the Israeli-occupied portion of the Golan Heights.

The explosive-laden UAVs reportedly crashed down in open areas outside the settlement, one of them sparking a blaze. The Israeli military deployed forces to the area to search for debris. No injuries were reported.

The Israeli Air Force announced overnight strikes Saturday and early Sunday morning against suspected Hezbollah compounds in Beqaa, Bint Jbeil, Qana, and Baraachit "in response" to the group's shootdown of a $6 million Israeli Hermes 900 heavy drone near Deir Kifa, southern Lebanon.

Along with the drone shootdown, Hezbollah fired a pair of 500 kg Burkan rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, with Israeli media reporting that one of the rockets landed a direct hit on the Gibor Military Base near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel.

Clashes between Hezbollah and the IDF broke out last fall in the aftermath of the dramatic escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict last October, when a surprise Hamas raid into southern Israel from Gaza sparked a massive Israeli bombing campaign and ground offensive into the besieged 365 square km strip of land.

The fighting between Hezbollah and the IDF forced Israel to keep a substantial portion of its military in the north, and has caused hundreds of casualties on both sides. Nearly 200,000 Lebanese and Israeli civilians have been displaced from border areas by the fighting, with at least 89 Lebanese, 10 Israeli, and 15 Syrian civilians killed to date.

Hezbollah's military capabilities far exceed those of Hamas, with US and Israeli think tanks estimating that the group has at least 150,000 rockets and anti-tank missiles and up to 2,000 drones. Hezbollah's strength is also derived in part from its complement of battle-hardened fighters with many years of experience in asymmetric warfare against an array of foes, from the Israeli Army to Daesh*, al-Qaeda*, and other terrorists in Syria, where they were deployed in the early 2010s to assist the besieged government of President Bashar Assad.

* Terrorist groups outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik

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Houthis Attack US Aircraft Carrier, Destroyer in Red Sea - Military Spokesman

Sputnik News

20240602

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as Houthis, attacked a US aircraft carrier, destroyer and a number of ships in the Red Sea, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.

The Houthi navy, missile units and drones have conducted six operations, the spokesman said.

"The US aircraft carrier Dwight Eisenhower was attacked in the northern Red Sea with several missiles and drones," Saree said, adding that a US destroyer was also attacked in the Red Sea.

The movement's forces struck ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean that "belong to companies that violated the decision to ban passage to [Israeli] ports," the spokesman added.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that it had shot down one Houthi uncrewed aerial system and two anti-ship ballistic missiles in the southern Red Sea that had been fired in the direction of USS Gravely destroyer and were destroyed in "self-defense."

Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. Amid the Houthi attacks, some companies suspended shipments through the Red Sea. 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.

 Sputnik

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US expects Israel to agree to truce plan if Hamas accepts it

By VOA News June 02, 2024

If Hamas agrees to the Israeli proposed truce on Gaza, the United States expects that Israel will accept the plan, said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Sunday.

"This was an Israeli proposal. We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal  as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal  then Israel would say yes," Kirby said in an interview on ABC News' "This Week" program.

Peace mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. have called on both sides to agree to a cease-fire and hostage release deal outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden Friday.

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Sunday that Israel would not accept Hamas continuing to rule Gaza at any stage during the peace process and that it was examining alternatives to the Islamist group.

"While we conduct our important military actions, the defense establishment is simultaneously assessing a governing alternative to Hamas," Gallant said in a statement.

"We will isolate areas [in Gaza], remove Hamas operatives from these areas and introduce forces that will enable an alternative government to form  an alternative that threatens Hamas," Gallant said.

Gallant did not elaborate on possible alternatives.

Israel's war Cabinet, of which Gallant is a member, was expected to meet later in the day, Israeli media reported, after President Biden presented a framework deal for winding down the war in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that "Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."

Domestic divisions

Netanyahu faces a fractured right-wing coalition government and intense domestic pressure from opposing sides in his country on Israel's plan for Gaza and Hamas.

Two right-wing members of his Cabinet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, threatened Saturday to bring down Netanyahu's government if he agreed to Biden's proposal.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to take the deal and offered to support the prime minister if Ben Gvir and Smotrich bolted.

"I remind Netanyahu that he has our safety net for a hostage deal," Lapid said on the X platform, the former Twitter.

The families of the hostages pressed Israel and Hamas to agree to the deal. Tens of thousands of protesters rallied again on Saturday in Tel Aviv for the return of the hostages.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Sunday he had told Netanyahu, "... I will give him and the government my full support for a deal which will see the release of the hostages."

"It is our inherent obligation to bring them home within the framework of a deal that preserves the security interests of the State of Israel," Herzog said in an address at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, meanwhile, said it "views positively" what Biden on Friday described as the Israeli plan.

However, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said Saturday in a Qatari television interview, "No agreement can be reached before the demand for the withdrawal of the occupation army and a cease-fire is met," calling for an end to the war and Israel's full troop withdrawal from Gaza.

'Time for the war to end'

President Biden said Friday the peace deal would involve an initial six-week cease-fire with a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages, while "a permanent end to hostilities" is negotiated through mediators.

"It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin," he said.

Netanyahu has insisted that according to the "exact outline proposed by Israel," the transition from one phase to the next was "conditional" and drafted to allow it to maintain its war aims.

Fierce fighting

Across Gaza, the military said Sunday it struck "30 terror targets, including military infrastructure, weapons storage facilities and armed terrorist cells that posed a threat to IDF [army] ground troops."

In Gaza's southern border city of Rafah, fierce fighting continues despite concerns for displaced civilians sheltering in the city.

Before the Rafah offensive began on May 7, the United Nations said up to 1.4 million people were sheltering there. Since then, one million have fled the area, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Israeli Apache attack helicopters targeted areas of central Rafah Sunday; a jet fired a missile at a house in the western Tel al-Sultan district and artillery shelling targeted the southern Brazil neighborhood, witnesses said.

Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli helicopters fired at targets in Gaza City's Zeitun and Sabra areas, and an airstrike hit a house in the city's east, AFP reporters said.

Three people were killed, including a woman and a child, when an airstrike hit a family apartment in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood, a hospital medic said.

Artillery shelling also targeted areas of Deir al-Balah and the Bureij and Nuseirat camps, witnesses said.

The Israeli seizure of the Rafah crossing has further slowed sporadic aid deliveries for Gaza's 2.4 million people and effectively shuttered the territory's main exit point.

Cairo hosted a meeting with Israeli and U.S. officials on Sunday to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing, according to Egypt's Al Qahera TV. Israel seized the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings in early May. Both are along the Gaza-Egypt border. Kerem has been reopened, Israel says, but the U.N. says little to no humanitarian aid has gotten through. The two crossings are important ports of entry to food, fuel, medicine and other supplies.

Israel's defense ministry body overseeing civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, COGAT, also said that 764 Egyptian trucks had crossed into Gaza over the past week through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Hamas launched a terror attack October 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive have killed at least 36,379 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The health ministry does not estimate how many of the dead were combatants.

Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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National Guard ready for potential record-breaking wildfire, hurricane season

By Air Force Master Sgt. Amber Monio, National Guard Bureau May 31, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. -- With 2024 projected as one of the hottest years on record, climate scientists have noted a heightened risk of hurricanes and wildfires, but National Guard officials said the Guard is more prepared than ever to respond to these challenges.

"Our saying in Florida is that you're either in hurricane season or you're preparing for hurricane season," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Blake Heidelberg, director of military support with the Florida National Guard, during a media roundtable discussion on the topic May 28, 2024.

With abnormally high ocean temperatures, especially in the Atlantic, scientists anticipate an active hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center predicts between 17 and 25 storms, with at least eight likely to develop into hurricanes. In Florida, where hurricanes are an annual threat, preparedness is paramount.

"We dedicate an annual drill to hurricane response and domestic operations training," Heidelberg said, underscoring the Florida Guard's continual readiness.

Heidelberg added the Florida Guard's structured approach to hurricane preparedness includes coordination with state and county authorities and the integration of national support through the yearly All-Hazards Conference, a comprehensive event designed to address a wide range of emergency management and disaster preparedness topics.

The conference discussion includes preparing for wildfires, which have increased in severity and frequency in California. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts that trend to continue with rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions in the state.

The California National Guard stands ready to respond, said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert F. Paoletti, director of the joint staff with the California National Guard, praising his state's proactive measures.

"I'm very proud of the fact that California has made significant investments towards prevention rather than just reaction to wildfires," he said.

In 2019, the California Guard launched Task Force Rattlesnake, a collaborative initiative with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection where California Guard members help clear forest debris and mitigate wildfire risks alongside CALFIRE personnel.

"California has significantly invested in wildfire prevention, putting over 300 National Guardsmen on emergency state active duty as part of Task Force Rattlesnake," said Paoletti.

TF Rattlesnake, operating under CALFIRE's direction, augments the agency with 14 hand crews during fire season. Their efforts include creating defensible spaces, removing fuel sources, and conducting prescribed burns to manage vegetation and lower the likelihood of catastrophic fires.

"California's significant investment with CALFIRE will hopefully limit how much play time that we have to spend fighting fires, because they're so much more ready to react than they were five years ago," said Paoletti.

Paoletti also praised recent advancements in CALFIRE's air fleet and said the California Guard stands ready to augment them when needed.

That includes the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, which operates C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, capable of dropping thousands of gallons of fire retardant.

Additionally, the California Army National Guard assists with helicopters capable of dropping water or fire retardant. California Army Guard ground crews also man checkpoints and assist in evacuation areas while responding to wildfires.

Guard leaders also touched on the potential role of artificial intelligence in disaster response, which includes using it in analysis for flood predictions and tracking hurricane patterns, said Heidelberg.

Paoletti added that the California Guard also uses AI in similar ways in its FireGuard program to enhance early fire detection. FireGuard uses military satellites and incorporates civilian resources from the National Interagency Fire Center, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Forest Service to detect wildfires, notify authorities, and create unclassified products to disseminate to firefighting networks nationwide.

In 2023, 14,000 wildfires were detected using a combination of aerial surveillance, ground-based monitoring stations, and advanced satellite imagery technology, said Paoletti.

"Our FireGuard program uses real-time geospatial data to identify fire starts and notify authorities promptly," he said, adding that the California Guard must be ready for more than just wildfires.

"We responded in the last few years to floods and California's first hurricane," said Paoletti. "I know Florida is much more experienced with those than we are, but we stand ready to uphold the National Guard motto of, 'Always Ready, Always There,' to respond to the needs of Californians when they need it most."

U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, chief of the current operations division at the National Guard Bureau, said the Guard is actively engaged and ready to respond across the U.S.

"As of 2024, we've executed about 2.5 million personnel days, with a significant portion dedicated to domestic operations like wildfire missions and severe weather responses," he said.

Doane said the unique nature of the Guard allows for a locally led, locally driven response, supported by the entire nation, adding that the Guard's training for the combat mission is what makes it effective in responding during disasters and emergencies at home.

"You know, in my years of doing this, that's the special sauce that I think really brings the National Guard to the fore in these responses," he said. "And the thing that our citizens really come to rely upon on their toughest days."

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Chinese spacecraft successfully lands on far side of Moon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft successfully makes a soft landing on the far side of the Moon and will soon begin collecting unique lunar samples, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced late Saturday.

Chang'e-6 is China's fourth successful lunar landing and the second on the far side of the Moon. It is also the third lunar landing in 2024 after Japan's in February.

According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, this is the first time that rock and soil samples would be available from a part of the Moon that is less studied. The Chang'e-6 mission will last for 53 days.

The dark or hidden side of the moon is always invisible from the surface of the earth and cannot be seen. The samples returned to Earth are expected to provide more information about how the Moon formed.

China plans to send a manned spacecraft to the moon by 2030 and establish a lunar base.

4399



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Minister Blair announces deployment of Royal Canadian Navy ships to the Indo-Pacific Region

National Defence

News release

June 2, 2024 - Singapore - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced the deployment of Royal Canadian Navy vessels in support of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

In the coming days, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver will depart from Esquimalt for Hawaii to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 before proceeding to Operation HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific. HMCS Vancouver will be joined on RIMPAC 24 by HMCS Max Bernays, Motor Vessel Asterix and a shore-based contingent of approximately 300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

Canadian participation in RIMPAC focuses on honing CAF military expertise in the Indo-Pacific region, while fostering multinational relationships and trust between partners and allies. In this year's iteration of RIMPAC, there will be 29 nations participating, with approximately 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel. Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Kristjan Monaghan has been appointed to command the maritime component of the upcoming RIMPAC 2024, showcasing Canada's significant contribution and commitment to international maritime cooperation and defence.

RIMPAC is the largest joint and combined maritime exercise in the world, allowing partners and allied navies to practice working and fighting together. This biennial exercise provides invaluable training and development opportunities for the RCN.

Once RIMPAC 24 is concluded, HMCS Vancouver will continue sailing west, across the Pacific Ocean to conduct Operation (Op) HORIZON, Canada's forward-presence mission in the Indo-Pacific region. HMCS Vancouver is the second Canadian frigate deployed to the region in 2024, with HMCS Montreal currently deployed to the region, and HMCS Ottawa expected to follow in the fall.

This is the second year that the Royal Canadian Navy is deploying three warships to the region each year, building defence partnerships with regional allies and partners, and promoting peace, resilience, and security in the region. The boost to Canada's naval presence in the region was announced in Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, released in November 2022.

Since early May, the CAF has also deployed a CP-140 Aurora, long-range patrol aircraft to Japan under Operation NEON, Canada's contribution toward the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions imposed against North Korea. HMCS Vancouver will also participate in Op NEON in the coming months, monitoring the implementation of UNSC sanctions against North Korea in collaboration with allies and partners.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Minister Blair emphasized that Canada is committed to maintaining a reliable naval presence in the region in support of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Through Canada's renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, Canada is investing an additional $9.9 billion over 20 years to sustain naval vessels, which includes extending the life of the Halifax-class frigates that we routinely deploy to the Indo-Pacific.

Quotes

"As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region is vital to Canada's future. It is the world's fastest growing region and home to several of our top trading partners. This Canadian naval deployment demonstrates that Canada is a partner for peace, stability and prosperity in the region - and that we are committed to promoting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

"RIMPAC is the largest exercise of its kind in the world bar none. It represents the pinnacle of joint military training and I have no doubt that Canadian Armed Forces members will perform admirably. In a time of rising tensions all over the world, security ties are more important than ever, we must ensure that we can provide a united response to any challenge we may face." Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

"I can think of no better way to begin a six-months long deployment to the Indo-Pacific than participating in RIMPAC. Not only will this allow us to take part in the world's largest international maritime exercise, but it will set the tone for the rest of our sail in this vital area of the world. Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of the sailors, soldiers, and aviators on Vancouver, I have no doubt that we will be successful throughout our deployment." Commander Tyson Bergmann, Commanding Officer of HMCS Vancouver

Quick facts

Released in November 2022, Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy is a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific - and it invests significantly in increasing Canada's military presence in the region in support of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Additional CAF participation in RIMPAC 2024 includes two shore-based Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora Air Detachments and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter Detachment aboard HMCS Vancouver, an RCN Dive Team, a Canadian Forces Health Service Group Medical Emergency Response Team, a Mobile Surgical Resuscitation Team, and support staff to fill various roles.

This is the 29th iteration of RIMPAC, and Canada is one of only three nations to have participated in each one since 1971.

Operation HORIZON is Canada's ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and help uphold an international system based on the rule of law by maintaining a persistent and meaningful presence in the region.

Operation HORIZON is Canada's ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and help uphold an international system based on the rule of law by maintaining a persistent and meaningful presence in the region.

Operation HORIZON is Canada's ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and help uphold an international system based on the rule of law by maintaining a persistent and meaningful presence in the region.

The CP-140 Aurora is a long-range patrol aircraft fitted with an advanced sensor suite and it has a range of 7,400km, making it very well suited to aerial patrols in support of UN sanctions.

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Minister Blair concludes productive trip to Singapore to strengthen Canada's defence relations with Indo-Pacific allies and partners

National Defence

News release

June 2, 2024 - Singapore - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a visit to Singapore where he led Canada's delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue from May 31 to June 2. Minister Blair was joined by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, and senior National Defence officials.

During his visit, Minister Blair announced the deployment of three Royal Canadian Navy vessels to Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), where Canadian sailors will operate alongside Indo-Pacific allies and partners. This year, the maritime component of the exercise will be led by a Canadian commodore - demonstrating Canada's commitment to leadership as we engage with Indo-Pacific partners. Following RIMPAC, HMCS Vancouver will continue on to a deployment in the Indo-Pacific through Operation HORIZON, Canada's revamped Indo-Pacific military mission. Thanks to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is now deploying three frigates per year to the region for the second year in a row.

The Minister also announced that Canada has joined the Multilateral Initiative for Defence Industrial Base Resilience in the Indo-Pacific, launched at the Shangri-La Dialogue by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This important initiative will ensure that Canada and its partners in the Indo-Pacific can develop a resilient defence industrial base ready with the necessary technological footings to face potential challenges in the region.

Minister Blair made these announcements in his remarks to the Shangri-La Dialogue's sixth plenary session.

Over the course of the Dialogue, the Minister also highlighted Canada's recently released defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF). The new policy boosts Canada's investments in our military so that it has the tools and training required to operate in Canada and around the world a including in the Indo-Pacific. Backed by $8.1 billion over five years and $73 billion over twenty years in additional defence spending, ONSAF strengthens Canada's ability to implement the defence initiatives in its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

During his visit to Singapore, Minister Blair met with:

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles. Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles discussed their recently released defence policies and strategies, and how Canada and Australia share a similar outlook on the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. They also discussed the high level of defence collaboration between Canada and Australia in the region, including through the Five Eyes community, and how Canada and Australia can continue to advance this partnership by coordinating their military operations and regional exercises, defence materiel cooperation, and collaboration on advanced capabilities development.

China's Minister of National Defence, Dong Jun. Minister Blair stated Canada's belief that open lines of communication between our countries, and particularly between our defence establishments, are essential. This meeting was an important step in that regard. During the meeting, Minister Blair reiterated the importance of responsible state behaviour in accordance with international law. Minister Blair expressed Canada's concern regarding PRC's foreign interference. Minister Blair further highlighted Canada's concern about recent Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, as well as China's ongoing and growing economic and financial support to Russia. Minister Blair reiterated that communication between both countries is vital - and welcomed future opportunities for continued dialogue.

Japan's Minister of Defense, Kihara Minoru. The Ministers discussed their countries' strong bilateral defence partnership, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and their intent to maintain momentum on strategic defence dialogue and bilateral defence cooperation. Minister Blair highlighted how the investments in Canada's new defence policy, ONSAF, will support its contributions to the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Blair also thanked his Japanese counterpart for hosting Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft monitoring the implementation of sanctions against North Korea under Operation NEON.

Republic of Korea Defence Minister Shin Won-sik. The Ministers discussed their growing bilateral defence partnership and Minister Blair highlighted how the investments in Canada's new defence policy, ONSAF, will support Canada's contributions to the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Blair noted Canada's historic and ongoing contributions to Korean security, and reaffirmed Canada's commitment through ongoing sanctions monitoring activities under Operation NEON, and contributions to the United Nations Command (UNC), including through the leadership of the current Canadian Deputy Commander of the UNC in the Republic of Korea.

Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Khaled Nordin. Minister Blair reiterated Canada's commitment to their countries' dynamic defence relationship and highlighted how Canada's new defence policy, ONSAF, bolsters Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy commitments. Both Ministers discussed existing and future areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including through ASEAN.

New Zealand's Minister of Defence, Judith Collins. The Ministers discussed the importance of security cooperation between Canada and New Zealand as Five Eyes partners with shared values and extensive defence ties. Minister Blair reiterated how the commitments in Canada's new defence policy, ONSAF, support Canada's readiness to deliver on its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Ministers explored future opportunities for defence collaboration in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippines' Secretary of Defense, Gilberto Teodoro. Minister Blair recognized that 2024 marks 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic ties, and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to growing bilateral defence relations. The Minister and Secretary discussed the defence cooperation activities outlined in the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 and the implementation of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Singapore's Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen. Minister Blair thanked his counterpart for once again hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Ministers discussed the implementation of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, as well as the progress made on the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed by the two countries, which enables increased opportunities for interaction and partnership between the two countries' armed forces.

During his trip to Singapore, Minister Blair engaged with young leaders from diplomatic, military, academic and civil society backgrounds at the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Southeast Asia Young Leaders Programme roundtable.

Minister Blair also attended the Cohen Group's policy breakfast, hosted by General Mike Scaparrotti, former North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander. During the breakfast, defence leaders discussed the current security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and how allies and partners can work toward common goals.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is a cornerstone event of Canada's defence diplomacy in the region. The event brings together delegates from more than 50 countries to discuss regional security challenges and engage in important bilateral discussions with Indo-Pacific counterparts. As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region is vital in shaping Canada's future and prosperity.

This was Minister Blair's first official trip to the Indo-Pacific region as Minister of National Defence. The Canadian Minister of National Defence has attended the Shangri-La Dialogue every year since 2017.

Quotes

"Canada is a Pacific nation, and the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region are vital to Canada's future. Through Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are significantly boosting our military presence in the Indo-Pacific a including by deploying three frigates per year to the region for the second year in a row. Together with our partners and allies, Canada is standing up for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific." - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy is a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will continue to work with allies and partners in the region to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Through the strategy, Canada has increased its engagement, cooperation, and collaboration in the region to promote global peace and stability. As it continues to implement the Strategy, Canada's focus includes persistent deployment in the region, increased participation in exercises and activities, tailored training, and cyber defence cooperation with regional partners.

Canada military operations in the region include Operations (Op) NEON and HORIZON. We also participate in international exercises, such as Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and collaborate with partners through Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program.

Op HORIZON is the Canadian Armed Force's mission to implement the defence elements of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy by increasing Canada's military presence in the region, allowing for more engagement, cooperation, and collaboration.

In April 2024, HMCS MontrAal set sail for the Indo-Pacific region under Op Horizon. It is the first of three Halifax class frigates that are annually deploying to the region under Op HORIZON in support of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, to uphold the rules-based international order and promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

This week, HMCS Vancouver will depart for Hawaii to take part in RIMPAC 2024 before proceeding to Op HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific region. HMCS Vancouver will also participate in Op NEON in the coming months.

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US security vision, as mirrored in Austin's speech, is flawed: Chinese lieutenant general

Global Times

By Li Aixin and Guo Yuandan in Singapore Published: Jun 01, 2024 10:16 PM

The US security vision is a flawed strategic perception, Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, told the Global Times on Saturday, commenting on US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's speech on Saturday morning at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The title of Austin's speech, "The New Convergence in the Indo-Pacific," complements his 2023 address titled "United States' Leadership in The Indo-Pacific," forming a comprehensive exposition of the US security perspective, He Lei said.

He Lei said that Austin's 2023 speech argued that security in the "Indo-Pacific" region can only be achieved through US leadership. How can such leadership be attained? The core of his 2024 speech is that the US aims to achieve leadership in the "Indo-Pacific" region through initiatives such as AUKUS, Quad, military alliances, while also subtly hinting at the creation of an "Indo-Pacific version of NATO." Austin claimed that only through these efforts can true security be realized in the region.

Yet this security vision represents a flawed strategic understanding and misguided perception of security. Instead of fostering security and stability, the US approach to security in the Asia-Pacific region engenders turmoil, conflict, and even war, He Lei stressed.

He Lei's view has been echoed by a number of regional observers who believe creating blocs during times of peace is antithetical to the pursuit of regional stability, as such blocs need a reason for existence and they need conflict to remain relevant.

"I oppose the mentality expressed by Austin in his speech and vehemently reject the US security outlook," He Lei told the Global Times.

Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun will deliver a keynote speech on Sunday morning, expounding on China's global security concept. "It will sharply contrast with the US security perspective. Let's expect our defense minister's speech tomorrow." He Lei noted.

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China-US relations at critical stage of preventing deterioration and promoting stability: Vice FM

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Jun 01, 2024 04:03 PM Updated: Jun 01, 2024 08:03 PM

China-US relations are at a critical stage of preventing deterioration and promoting stability and the US' approach of seeking dialogue while harming China's interests is unworkable. There is no future in zero-sum games under the guise of competition, and China will not accept suppression or deprivation of its legitimate development rights, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said while holding consultations with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Washington on Thursday local time.

Ma is paying a visit to the US from Thursday to Sunday at the latter's invitation. According to a release from the Chinese side on Friday, during Ma's consultations with Campbell, both sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern. The talks were described as constructive.

Chinese analysts said on Saturday that Ma's visit to the US, on one hand, is to maintain communication between the two countries and make the most important bilateral ties of the world more predictable, while on the other hand, it also sends a clear message from China to the US on critical topics like the Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis, to make sure the US understands the consequence of crossing China's red lines.

Ma said the bilateral relations are at a critical stage of preventing further deterioration and promoting stability. Implementing the important consensus reached at the meeting between the two heads of state in San Francisco last November, further stabilizing and developing China-US relations, is in the interests of both countries and is a common expectation of the international community.

The US should meet China halfway and implement President Biden's commitments. China is committed to stabilizing and developing China-US relations while firmly safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, said Ma.

The US' approach of seeking dialogue and cooperation while harming China's interests is unworkable. There is no future in zero-sum games under the guise of competition, and China will not accept suppression or deprivation of its legitimate development rights, Ma said.

"In the first half of 2024, we see that the US suppression and hostile measures against China in all fronts still exist and are even increasing despite some communication channels being rebuilt. From China's perspective, we hope to manage the differences by communication and stabilize the tension. However, unfortunately, the US is not thinking in this way, as Washington believes that as long as the communication exists, the US can be more assertive and aggressive to take actions against China's core interests and development," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

During the meeting, Ma also emphasized that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations, and that it is the most important and sensitive question. "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Taiwan Straits are incompatible. If the US truly wants peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, it should adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and fulfill its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence."

Ma noted that the so-called "small yard, high fence" strategy by the US has become an "iron curtain." China urges the US to stop politicizing economic, trade, and technological issues, stop hyping the so-called "overcapacity" topic, cancel the tariffs on Chinese products, and lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese enterprises.

Ma also expounded China's position on the South China Sea issue, saying that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is in the common interests of regional countries and all parties. The US should stop encouraging and supporting provocations, stop creating confrontations in the Asia-Pacific region, and stop deploying ground-based intermediate-range missiles. The US should take concrete actions to maintain regional peace and development momentum.

Decision-makers in Washington should understand that if it keeps provoking and offending China in a number of key fields, it could lead to retaliation and new tensions, and this will not be good for the US, as before the presidential election at the end of this year, Washington is seeking a stable internal and external environment and the Biden administration doesn't want to see more uncertainty, as it is already dealing with huge headaches in Ukraine and Gaza, said Chinese experts.

"China has its own consistent and clear position on the Ukraine crisis. By making groundless accusations against China on the pretext of the Ukraine crisis, the US will not only fail to solve any problem, but will also make trouble that is not supposed to be a part of bilateral relations at all. This unwise move will undoubtedly further complicate China-US relations rather than stabilizing the status quo," according to Diao Daming, an associate professor from Renmin University of China.

"If the US believes that it could provoke China on Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, and dealing with the crises in Ukraine and Gaza at the same time, it will surely have more headaches," said a Beijing-based expert on international relations who asked for anonymity.

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China-US relations are at a critical stage of preventing deterioration and promoting stability: Ma Zhaoxu

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 01, 2024 02:05 AM

China-US relations are at a critical stage of preventing deterioration and promoting stability and the US' approach of seeking dialogue while harming China's interests is unworkable. There is no future in zero-sum games under the guise of competition, and China will not accept suppression or deprivation of its legitimate development rights, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said while holding consultations with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Washington on Thursday local time.

Ma is paying a visit to the US from Thursday to June 2 at the latter's invitation.

According to a release from the Chinese side on Friday, during Ma's consultations with Campbell, both sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern. The talks were described as constructive.

Ma said that the bilateral relations are at a critical stage of preventing further deterioration and promoting stability. Implementing the important consensus reached at the meeting between the two heads of state in San Francisco last November, further stabilizing and developing China-US relations, is in the interests of both countries and is a common expectation of the international community.

The US should meet China halfway and implement President Biden's commitments. China is committed to stabilizing and developing China-US relations while firmly safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, said Ma.

The US' approach of seeking dialogue and cooperation while harming China's interests is unworkable. There is no future in zero-sum games under the guise of competition, and China will not accept suppression or deprivation of its legitimate development rights, Ma said.

During the meeting, Ma also emphasized that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations, and that it is the most important and sensitive question. "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Taiwan Straits are incompatible. If the US truly wants peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, it should adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and fulfill its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence."

Ma noted that the so-called "small yard, high fence" strategy by the US has become an "iron curtain." China urges the US to stop politicizing economic, trade, and technological issues, stop hyping the so-called "overcapacity" topic, cancel the tariffs on Chinese products, and lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese enterprises.

Ma also expounded China's position on the South China Sea issue, saying that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is in the common interests of regional countries and all parties. The US should stop encouraging and supporting infringing provocations, stop creating confrontations in the Asia-Pacific region, and stop deploying ground-based intermediate-range missiles. The US should take concrete actions to maintain regional peace and development momentum.

According to the release from the Chinese side, during the consultations, both sides agreed to continue implementing the important consensus reached at the San Francisco meeting between the two heads of state, stabilize and develop China-US relations, maintain high-level exchanges and communication at all levels, utilize diplomatic consultation mechanisms, recognize the progress made in the first meeting of the China-US intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI), continue to strengthen dialogue in the AI field, and promote personnel exchanges and cultural interactions.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues concerning Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula.

Ma emphasized that China firmly opposes the US spreading false information and making accusations against China on the Ukraine issue. China will firmly safeguard its interests, and demands that the US stop smearing and pressuring China, stop imposing unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, and play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis.

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US seeks to establish Asian NATO to build hegemony, says China defense official

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 11:14 AM

A Chinese defense official has warned the United States against its years-long efforts to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to establish global hegemony.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s Jing Jianfeng said Saturday the US Indo-Pacific strategy is to build "an Asia-Pacific version of NATO."

Jing, who is deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, described US efforts as the "greatest challenge to regional peace and stability."

He said to establish US global hegemony, the Americans would make every effort "to create division, provoke confrontation and undermine stability."

Jing pointed out that Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy, devised to serve America's "selfish" interests, is now outdated and fails to take into account the stability and aspirations of regional countries.

"It only serves the selfish geopolitical interests of the US and runs counter to the trend of history and the shared aspirations of regional countries for peace, development and win-win cooperation," Jing said.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, who was speaking at the annual three-day Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday, hailed the new era of security.

He said Washington would maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific region by forging military alliances with regional countries.

There has been a "new convergence around nearly all aspects of security" in the Asia-Pacific, where there was a shared understanding

The Pentagon chief met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, on Friday in a bid to cool new friction building between the two countries.

Dong emphasized that the Chinese side firmly condemned the serious violations by the Americans breaching their international commitments, sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

The Chinese defense minister also emphasized Beijing's demand that the United States should not support "Taiwan independence" by providing military aid to Taipei in any shape.

The meeting was the first substantive face-to-face talks between the two countries' defense ministers in 18 months.

Beijing had cut its military-to-military communications with the United States in 2022 in response to then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

The tensions between the two countries were further stoked by issues including an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down over US airspace, a meeting between Taiwan's then-president Tsai Ing-wen and Pelosi's successor Kevin McCarthy, and American military aid for Chinese Taipei.

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China's approach to global security elaborated at Shangri-La Dialogue

Global Times

Defense minister reiterates firm stances on Taiwan question, South China Sea issue

By Li Aixin and Guo Yuandan in Singapore and Liu Xuanzun in Beijing Published: Jun 02, 2024 06:42 PM Updated: Jun 02, 2024 11:21 PM

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Sunday introduced China's approach to global security on the closing day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, as he offered Chinese thoughts on resolving global security issues with a global perspective, while reiterating China's firm stances on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue.

In his speech at a plenary session at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Dong said that China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, echoes the trend of history and responds to the longing of people around the world for a better life.

The Chinese military stands ready to work with other counterparts to deepen security cooperation and make more contributions to safeguard lasting peace and common prosperity in the Asia-Pacific as well as the world, said the Chinese Defense Minister.

"People in the Asia Pacific are committed to harmony and peace, are independent and self-reliant, and always support each other through thick and thin. We will not allow hegemonism and power politics to undermine the interests of Asia Pacific countries. We will not allow anyone to bring geopolitical conflicts or wars whether hot or cold, into our region. We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region," he said.

The Chinese side is willing to work with all parties to protect the legitimate security interests of all countries, build a more just and reasonable international order, give full play to regional security architecture, advance open and pragmatic defense cooperation, set an example of maritime security cooperation, strengthen security governance in emerging areas, create a new situation of regional security cooperation, and continue to make the Asia Pacific an anchor for global development and stability, Dong said.

Zhang Chi, an associate professor at the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), told the Global Times on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday that Dong's speech was pitched at an overarching global perspective, ranging from history to reality, from Asia to the world, and explained how China as always stands ready to pursue common security and common prosperity with all other countries, offered Chinese thinking and elaborated on Chinese efforts to tackle the current regional security issues.

Compared with the speech delivered by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Saturday, Dong's speech stood at regional and global heights focusing on the entirety of humanity, Zhang said, noting that Austin focused mainly on the US and its allies and partners in the region, revolved only around its own egoistic and selfish interests, and ignored the centrality of ASEAN in regional cooperation.

The core of Austin's speech is that the US aims to achieve leadership in the "Indo-Pacific" region through initiatives such as AUKUS, the Quad and other military alliances, while also subtly hinting at the creation of an "Indo-Pacific version of NATO," which is a flawed strategic understanding and misguided perception of security that experts said engenders turmoil, conflict and even war, instead of fostering security and stability.

Given the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the Asia Pacific is one of the few regions in the world that still enjoys stability today. It is clear which global security approach, China's or the US', fits more the core interests and legitimate security concerns of the most countries, observers said.

China values peace and harmony, pursues common security, upholds equality and mutual respect, and emphasizes openness and inclusiveness, but it also firmly safeguards its core interests, Dong said in his speech.

On the South China Sea issue, Dong said that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. He urged a certain country to see where its true interests lie, and return to the right track of dialogue and consultation.

China has exercised enough restraint in the face of infringements and provocations, but there is a limit, Dong warned, without naming the Philippines, which has frequently trespassed into waters off Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea since August 2023 under the instigation of the US. It has seen its provocations dealt with by the China Coast Guard (CCG) through legitimate, professional and restrained restrictive measures.

On the Taiwan question, Dong stressed that safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the sacred mission of the Chinese military. "We will take timely and resolute actions to stop 'Taiwan independence,' and make sure their attempts never succeed," he said.

Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday that China's approach to global security also covers the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits.

China remains committed to peaceful reunification, but under the instigation of external interfering forces, the Taiwan authorities are now unilaterally changing the status quo on the one-China principle, which is the biggest threat to peace and security in the Taiwan Straits, bringing risks of conflict and war, He Lei said, urging the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces to learn from Dong's elaboration on China's approach to global security, see itself as a part of a community with a shared future, and reunify with the motherland as soon as possible.

The same applies for the South China Sea disputes, as countries should resolve disputes through peaceful talks and negotiations and safeguard the security in the region through joint efforts, said He Lei.

Changes needed

When answering a question and introducing China's stance on the Taiwan question, Dong was interrupted by the moderator, but he insisted on finishing his elaboration.

The experts noted that the Shangri-La Dialogue this year had a fierce "crossfire" of stances, starting by the arrangement that the keynote speech was delivered by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Friday.

Participants said that the forum was staged to suppress and smear China, particularly this year.

Cao Yanzhong, a research fellow at the Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, told the Global Times that the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the organizer of the Shangri-La Dialogue, is a research institute serving British and US strategies, and all of its operation is backed by the US.

According to the IISS' website, the sponsors of the Shangri-La Dialogue include some of the US' top arms dealers, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman.

Warwick Powell, adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology, told the Global Times at the forum that the Shangri-La Dialogue is a creature of history, as it emerged in a time when the countries of the Global South were voiceless, and questions of security, even in the Asia region and the Asia-Pacific more broadly, bore the marks of centuries of colonialism. Security in Asia was a question for colonial powers to come and talk about how they would maintain security in a region far from their own homes and how they would teach the locals about security.

"However, the world has changed, and I hope the Shangri-La Dialogue will respond to these changes and evolve accordingly," said Powell.

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China warns US about redlines on core interests as vice FM visits Washington at critical juncture

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Jun 02, 2024 11:37 PM

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu's visit to the US from Thursday to Sunday aimed at sending a clear message to the US about China's redlines on its core interests while also maintaining communication between senior officials in the two countries, said Chinese experts. They also noted that if the US refuses to stop its provocations and hostile measures toward China, the tensions between the two major powers will be difficult to stabilize while Washington is still mired in problems in the Ukraine and Gaza.

China-US relations are at a critical stage of preventing deterioration and promoting stability and the US' approach of seeking dialogue while harming China's interests is unworkable. There is no future in zero-sum games under the guise of competition, and China will not accept suppression or deprivation of its legitimate development rights, Ma said while holding consultations with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Washington on Thursday local time.

During Ma's consultations with Campbell, both sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern. The talks were described as constructive, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during his visit to the US, Ma also met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer.

Ma and Finer had a "candid, in-depth and constructive" talk on China-US relations and the international and regional issues with which both sides are concerned. Ma also met Sullivan separately to discuss "important issues in bilateral relations," said the release of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday, Ma also met US strategists and scholars at the headquarters of the Aspen Institute in Washington DC, where they had in-depth exchanges on China-US relations and international and regional issues.

Chinese analysts said that Ma's visit to the US, on one hand, is to maintain communication between the two countries and try to make the most important bilateral ties of the world more predictable, while on the other hand, it also sends a clear message from China to the US on critical topics like the Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis, to make sure the US understands the consequence of crossing China's redlines.

"In the first half of 2024, we see that the US' suppression and hostile measures against China in all fronts still exist and are even increasing despite some communication channels being rebuilt. From China's perspective, we hope to manage the differences by communication and stabilize the tension. However, unfortunately, the US is not thinking in this way, as Washington believes that as long as the communication exists, the US can be more assertive and aggressive to take actions against China's core interests and development," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

According to China Central Television, Ma told press on Friday that the Taiwan question is the first redline that must not be crossed and the most "important, sensitive and explosive issue" in China-US relations. The so-called Taiwan independence and the cross-Taiwan Straits peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water. If the US really wants cross-Straits peace and stability, it should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and honor its promise of not supporting "Taiwan independence."

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues concerning Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula during the meeting between Ma and Campbell.

Ma emphasized that China firmly opposes the US spreading false information and making accusations against China on the Ukraine issue. China will firmly safeguard its interests, and demands that the US stop smearing and pressuring China, stop imposing unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, and play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis.

"China has its own consistent and clear position on the Ukraine crisis. By making groundless accusations against China on the pretext of the Ukraine crisis, the US will not only fail to solve any problem, but also make trouble that is not supposed to be a part of bilateral relations at all. This unwise move will undoubtedly further complicate China-US relations rather than stabilizing the status quo," Diao Daming, an associate professor from Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday.

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China-built C919 completes 1st cross-boundary commercial charter flight

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 02, 2024 08:45 PM

The first cross-boundary commercial charter flight served by the China-built large aircraft C919 landed in Shanghai on Saturday, a huge step in the C919's commercialization.

The China Eastern Airlines plane departed from the Hong Kong International Airport and landed at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Saturday morning, carrying more than 100 young professionals from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) who will have internships in Shanghai.

The plane made the return trip on the same day, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday.

A launch ceremony for the charter flight was held in Hong Kong, and the aircraft received a ceremonial water salute upon its arrival in Shanghai.

The C919 aircraft, along with another home-developed passenger jet ARJ 21, visited Hong Kong for a static display in December. The planes were widely welcomed by Hong Kong residents and overseas visitors, according to media reports.

Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for the HKSAR, hailed the charter flight and the C919's visit to Hong Kong last December, noting that they helped deepen Hong Kong youth's understanding of the development of national aviation and enhanced their sense of identity and national pride.

A sixth C919 jet formally joined China Eastern Airlines' fleet on May 28, as the country's domestically developed large passenger aircraft celebrated the first anniversary of commercial operations.

The C919 aircraft is being used on flights between Shanghai and Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, and Shanghai and Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

China Eastern Airlines' C919 fleet will expand to 10 aircraft by the end of this year.

The C919 is a large passenger plane designed, manufactured and certified by the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China in strict accordance with international airworthiness standards, carrying 158 to 192 passengers, with a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, capable of serving medium-range routes.

There are more than 1,000 global orders for the C919.

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Chinese defense minister denounces 'outside forces' at security forum

Dong Jun warns that there are limits to Beijing's restraint in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

By RFA Staff 2024.06.02 -- Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun launched an acerbic attack on what he called the "hegemonic powers" behind tension in the Asia-Pacific, a clear swipe at the United States and its allies.

In an address to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Adm. Dong said that people in the Asia-Pacific are "independent and self-reliant," and were "against any attempt to turn our countries into vassal states or draw us into bloc confrontations."

"Our people have firmly rejected infiltration, sabotage and coercion by outside forces," the minister said, adding that regional countries "despise those who attempt to bolster themselves by taking orders from hegemonic powers."

Dong also said China had exercised great restraint in the face of what he called "infringements and provocations" but warned "there is a limit to our restraint."

Beijing has repeatedly accused Washington of assisting Taipei and Manila to stand up to its assertive actions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

The Pentagon last month deployed an intermediate range missile system in the Philippines during the annual Balikatan military drills, which Beijing condemned as bringing "huge risks of war into the region."

The U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed an $8-billion package to help Taiwan boost its defense capabilities against China.

Dong said that "some external interfering forces keep hollowing out the One China principle with the salami slicing strategy."

"They have cooked up Taiwan-related legislations and continued to sell arms to Taiwan and have illegal official contacts with it."

The minister, who took office five months ago after his predecessor was removed over suspected corruption, went on a lengthy tirade against Taiwanese leaders who he called "Taiwan independence separatists."

China considers the democratic island one of its provinces and Dong said that China "will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds."

He accused Taiwan's leaders of "betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors," and said they would be "nailed to the pillar of shame in history."

"The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests," the minister said. "Anyone who supports Taiwan independence will only end in self-destruction."

Defense analyst Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, or ASPI, said that Dong "made clear a willingness for China to use force to prevent independence and respond to any external forces involved in supporting Taiwan."

"It was a fairly predictable speech and very much the 'party line' with little in the way of new comments. In effect this was a propaganda speech and not an accurate statement of Chinese policy," Davis said.

'Wolf warriors'

But Dong's tone did seem more combative than that of his predecessor, Li Shangfu, he added.

"On the South China Sea, he issued a warning that China won't rule out the use of force specifically in relation to the Philippines and the support of the United States," the Canberra-based analyst said, "That suggests to me that China does intend to escalate the crisis, and has singled out the Philippines as their focus with the goal being to coerce Manila to capitulate to Chinese interests."

Unlike Li and his predecessors, Dong is not a member of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese communist party - the highest national defense organization.

"That may be the reason behind Dong's tough statements to show his clout and get a promotion," said an Asian analyst who didn't want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue.

A Chinese academic praised Dong's speech and said his attendance at the conference helped bring "China's real voice" to the world.

"The Shangri-La Dialogue as a major security forum bears a great relevance to China," said Gao Zhikai, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization and chair professor at China's Soochow University. "It is important that China's voice, which is increasingly in sharp contrast to that of the U.S., be heard."

Several other Chinese delegates also promoted Beijing's views at the forum, in a forthright manner known as "wolf warrior" diplomacy.

The term, adopted from the title of a Chinese movie, describes an assertive, even aggressive, approach to international relations.

Maj. Gen. Xu Hui, president of the International College of Defense Studies at China's National Defense University, confronted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the latter's keynote speech on Friday, saying that Manila was risking ruining the "long-earned, long-lasting peace" within ASEAN by responding to Chinese vessels' activities in the disputed South China Sea.

On Saturday, another Chinese delegate, Senior Col. Cao Yanzhong, a researcher at China's Institute of War Studies, questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about the U.S. alliance system in the region which Beijing compares to "an Asian version of NATO."

During a session on 'Maritime Law Enforcement and Confidence Building' on Saturday, another Chinese delegate, Senior Col. Ge Hanwen, associate professor at the College of International Studies at China's National University of Defense Technology, blamed the Philippines for "dramatically" raising tensions in the region and Japan for using water cannons first in a confrontation at sea.

Austin and Dong met for about an hour at the conference on Friday for talks aimed at improving their communications, a U.S. official said.

New regional order

A Western observer at the forum, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Radio Free Asia that the Chinese delegates are "on a mission to spread Beijing's messages and their statements are pre-scripted and pre-approved by the [communist] party."

Beijing-based Gao denied that.

"It is only normal that people from all walks of life, including military officers, talk about the topics of their interest," Gao said.

"China attends a lot of international forums because we believe in having our voice heard by as many people as possible."

Dong acknowledged that different countries had different security interests and goals but he implied that China had a leadership role, said the ASPI's Davis.

"He kept pushing the implication that China speaks for the region in terms of shaping the future of Asia-Pacific security order," Davis said.

"China is clearly setting the basis for trying to assert its dominance over ASEAN, and if it can get [the] Philippines to submit to Chinese power through military coercion, then Beijing will expect other ASEAN states to also accept China's interests," said the Australian analyst.

"By default, China would then dominate the region."

Over the past decade, the Chinese military has become more powerful, with its rapid growth bringing a new confidence, especially in relation with the United States.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a recent report that China is the world's largest shipbuilder with a capacity some 230 times larger than the U.S.

"One of China's large shipyards, such as Jiangnan Shipyard, has more capacity than all U.S. shipyards combined," the center said in its report.

"China is way ahead of the U.S. in many aspects and the Chinese economy is soon to be larger, too," Gao, who served as a translator for Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping during the 1980s, told RFA.

"The Americans are worried about a rising China, that Beijing will impose its ideological and political system on the U.S.," he said, while adding that in his opinion, that fear was unfounded.

"No one can really decouple from China and the best Washington can do is to deal with China on an equal footing."

Lyle Goldstein from the U.S. think tank Defense Priorities said that Beijing was "not reckless or aggressive," and despite the threats, it had not used force since the 1980s.

Despite a downward spiral in U.S.-China relations, Goldstein suggested that the two countries and their militaries, "should meet halfway and resolve disputes through diplomatic compromise."

Edited by 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 June 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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US Pacific Deployments Force Other Nations to Choose Sides a Chinese General

Sputnik News

20240602

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun had earlier held talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The US is ramping up its military presence in the Pacific region in a bid to bind Beijing's neighbours to the war-wagon, a senior Chinese general has said.

"The true motive is to converge various small circles into a big circle that is an Asia-Pacific version of NATO, to maintain American hegemony," Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, told a security summit in Singapore.

"The US strengthens its military presence to force other countries to choose sides and advances the eastward expansion of NATO," Jing said, adding that such maneuvers create chaos and "bind regional countries with the American war chariot."

He also called the US "the greatest challenge to regional peace and stability."

Jing said Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy aims to "bring division, provoke confrontation and undermine stability."

Jing's speech came in response to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's statement that war with China was neither imminent nor inevitable. Jing accused the US of seeking a NATO-like alliance in Asia.

The US has recently sought to deepen cooperation with all possible allies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to support its own interests and contain China. Together with Australia and the United Kingdom, the United States formed the AUKUS political-military alliance a under which it is expanding its nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

A Sputnik

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China warns on Taiwan, South China Sea at Shangri-La forum

By William Yang June 02, 2024

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun Sunday issued a stern warning on Taiwan and the South China Sea at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

During his 40-minute-long keynote speech, Dong accused Taiwan's government under the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which favors highlighting Taiwan's sovereignty, of "pursuing separation [from China] in an incremental way" while external forces continue to sell arms to Taiwan and maintain "illegal" official contacts with Taiwan.

"What they are doing is to embolden Taiwan independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan," he told a room full of delegates from dozens of countries, warning that these moves will push Taiwan into "a dangerous situation."

He reiterated that China's handling of the Taiwan issue is entirely its internal affair and that Beijing remains committed to achieving unification with Taiwan through peaceful means.

"Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction," Dong warned, adding that the People's Liberation Army remains committed to taking actions to curb attempts to pursue Taiwan independence.

Dong's comments came a week after China launched a two-day, large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan, which Beijing said was a move to "punish" Taiwan President Lai Ching-te for the messages he conveyed through his inauguration speech on May 20, during which he emphasized that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other.

During his Saturday keynote speech to the forum, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin only briefly mentioned the Taiwan issue, reiterating that Washington is committed to upholding the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

In a remark viewed as an indirect reference to China's large-scale war games around Taiwan, Austin highlighted the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than coercion or "punishment."

"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war of aggression is a glimpse of a world where tyrants trample sovereign borders, a world where peaceful states live in fear of their neighbors, and a world where chaos and conquest replace rules and rights," he said.

Some analysts said Dong's warning over Taiwan reflects Beijing's concerns about the trajectory of Taiwan's development under the leadership of Lai Ching-te, who Beijing has repeatedly characterized as a separatist.

"In Beijing's view, Lai is more provocative, and I think Dong's warning shows that his administration will have a hard time ahead," Zhou Bo, senior fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in China, told VOA on the sidelines of the meeting.

In his view, he said, Beijing will prioritize forceful responses to any development in Taiwan that they view as "provocative."

"Each response from China might create a new status quo that neither Washington nor Taiwan wants to see," Zhou said, adding that it is in Taiwan's interest not to be so provocative.

Reiterating China's interest in the South China Sea

In addition to the Taiwan issue, Dong reiterated China's commitment to uphold what it sees as its South China Sea interests. While claiming that the sea has "seen overall stability," Dong, without naming the Philippines directly, said a certain country has broken bilateral agreements and its promises due to support from external forces.

That country "has made premeditated provocations and created false scenarios to mislead the public," he said.

Additionally, he accused the Philippines of allowing a certain country to deploy a mid-range missile system to the region, indirectly aiming the criticism at the United States, which placed a mid-range capability missile system on northern Luzon in April as part of joint military exercises. He argued that Manila's move would endanger the security and stability of the region.

"China has exercised great restraints in the face of such infringements and provocations," Dong told the foreign delegates, warning that there is a limit to Beijing's restraint and hoping the country, naming the Philippines, could return to the right track of dialogue and work with other countries to make the South China Sea more peaceful.

In contrast to Dong's solemn message to the Philippines and the United States on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Lloyd Austin highlighted the importance of ensuring the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea that is permitted under international law.

"The harassment that the Philippines has faced is dangerous, pure and simple," he said during his keynote speech on Saturday. "We all share an interest in ensuring that the South China Sea remains open and free."

Some analysts say Dong's emphasis on Taiwan and the South China Sea reflects his desire to reiterate China's position on these issues that Beijing views as its core interests.

"His tough stance is aiming at what Beijing views as Taiwan independence forces and the possible interference by external forces," Lin Ying-yu, a military expert at Tamkang University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

Throughout the course of the three-day conference, the Chinese military held three press conferences, a stark contrast to the lack of interaction with the media from the United States or other Western countries.

Lin said these efforts reflect Beijing's desire to increase the Chinese military's engagement with the outside world, which is one of the goals that China has set for its military since 2010.

The Chinese military is "showing some relatively soft side during the press conferences while adopting a tough tone during his speech," he told VOA, adding that such strategies show Beijing's desire to amplify its positions and ideas in front of an international audience.

Despite their differences on issues concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea, Zhou from Tsinghua University said he thinks the United States and China still want to prioritize the importance of maintaining an open line of communication through the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"The relationship between Beijing and Washington can never be a smooth one, and since the communication in Singapore is between the two militaries, they are more cautious and they want to stress the importance of open communication," he told VOA.

In his view, he said, the primary goal of the 75-minute meeting between Dong and Austin on the sidelines of the conference on May 31, was to prevent the bilateral relationship between Beijing and Washington from "sliding into confrontation."

"We have different views about the nature of this relationship but the consensus is not to let our competition slide into a confrontation," Zhou said.

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.:              ...
Ceremony Held to Open WPK Central Cadres Training School Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Makes Commemorative Address and Inspects First Lecture

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, June 2 (KCNA) -- The Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea, with the best appearance as a prestigious revolutionary university training the backbone of the WPK that will reliably carry forward the sacred ideal and spirit of its founding to perfectly guarantee the rosy future of the cause of Juche, has been opened on the occasion of its 78th birthday.

A ceremony of opening the school took place with splendor on June 1.

Its venue was full of boundless pride and honor of the students, who will get to learn the genuine truth of Party building and activities in the great era of Kim Jong Un at the world-class politico-ideological school associated with the deep trust of the Party Central Committee and the great expectations of the country and the people and all the Party members, and of the noble mission and emotion of educators who have stood on the sacred platform for the future of the Party.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, attended the ceremony.

When he arrived at the school, cheers of "Hurrah!" rocked the campus.

The teaching staff and students of the school expressed their heartfelt gratitude, looking up to the respected General Secretary who built the highest institution of education to ensure the lifeline of the great Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Party and its ever-victorious leadership forever and came to the opening ceremony again after the grand inauguration ceremony to repeatedly show high glory and trust to them.

Waving back to the enthusiastically cheering participants, the General Secretary warmly congratulated all the teaching staff and students of the school who are honored to have its significant opening ceremony at the new buildings on the historic founding anniversary amid the blessings of the whole Party.

Present at the opening ceremony were Director Ri Yong Sik, Secretary of the Primary Party Committee Paek Hyong Chol, and other officials of the school and its teaching staff and students.

Also on hand were Politburo members of the WPK Central Committee who are to attend the training course under the Party's policy on in-service retraining.

The national anthem of the DPRK was played.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, made a speech.

"Comrades,

"I am very glad to attend this opening ceremony of a new school year, which is being held today on the founding anniversary of the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea.

"The pride and joy of the teachers who are to give first lecture at the grand institution of the revolution, which millions of our Party members look up to with respect, and of the students who are to receive the first lecture, unforgettable throughout their lives, would also be incomparable.

"Today is a truly worthwhile and exciting day.

"Seeing you comrades standing in fine array in the new campus, I can hardly repress my emotions as I picture in my mind the day when our great expectations and sincere efforts will bear sound fruits.

"The main pillars of our Party, who can claim a large share in its building and activities, and the prominent figures of our Party, who can hold important posts in the political, economic, cultural and defence fields, will be produced here. To think of this, I feel pride in having done the most valuable work for the Party, the country and the people.

"In the past years there have been many memorable grand festivals and remarkable events, but today's experience of looking to the future of the Workers' Party of Korea in this place would not be forgotten all my life, I think.

"History will record this opening ceremony, together with the inauguration ceremony in May last, as a strategic step, which would make its significance clearer and more vivid after ten or 20 years, and as a meaningful ceremony, which promised a brighter future for our Party and country.

"Comrades,

"The new era of building the Workers' Party of Korea, the golden age of strengthening the Party, is opening at this point today.

"Extending once again the warmest and most earnest congratulations to the opening ceremony of the glorious political school, I would like to make an appeal to you comrades who are renewing your pledge as you would play the main role in Party building in the new era.

"Our effort to usher in a new era of Party building has already passed the stage of planning, theory formulation and designing; it has entered a radical stage of practice and become an immediate task of socialist construction.

"The demand for talented Party officials who can become pillars in building a powerful, civilized and advanced state by correctly understanding and applying the ideas and lines of the Party Central Committee is quite pressing.

"Talented party cadres capable of leading the development of all fields of politics, military, the economy and culture and of all regions constitute the most valuable and decisive resources for a ruling party, and their role grows more important the more the revolution and construction advance.

"In view of the fact that the characteristic feature of this school is in training Party cadres who will build up a people's state that can exalt its brilliance all over the world, the school's mission is more honourable, and you will feel your shoulders heavier with the sense of responsibility.

"What I expect from the teachers and officials of the Central Cadres Training School is that they train all the students to be competent cadres who can lead the whole Party and competent officials who can lead all fields of the state and society vigorously along the track of progressive and civilized development.

"You should dedicate all your qualifications as educators, your Party conscience and your revolutionary enthusiasm to training political activists who can lead all our people who have risen up for the comprehensive development of socialism, Party officials whom the people follow of their own accord.

"Honourable students of the supreme political institution of the Republic,

"You are the reserve backbone cadres of our Party, who will be responsible for Party work in one sector, one field or one region in the future. As such, you should put your heart and soul into achieving excellent academic results so that you can acquire political knowledge and practical ability as soon as possible.

"Your studying objectives should not remain at any given level, nor should your burning enthusiasm for studying wear off.

"The whole of this campus should always be boiling hot with your zeal for reading and learning.

"Attending this ceremony are more than 170 new students, including those to be included in the two-year special course of Party building for the ninth postgraduate term and in the two-year course of Party building for the 33rd term.

"Since its establishment this school has seen dozens of such opening ceremonies, but the fact that you are the first to enrol in the renovated school is a source of honour for you, which you can record in your autobiography with pride.

"You should add lustre to this pride and honour with your burning enthusiasm for learning and excellent academic achievements.

"Comrades,

"To spend every moment of his life amid a struggle, always thinking of grim days rather than happy ones-this is the attitude of a true member of the Workers' Party of Korea and a source of honour for a revolutionary.

"I believe that you will make good on your admirable pledges of today and become strong pillars of the country true to the expectations of the Party and the people.

"The talented revolutionaries of the new era, with their soul, flesh and blood dyed red in this sacred place, will become the main force of our Party, dynamically pushing the wheel of gigantic social transformation.

"Hoping that this significant ceremony will mark a brilliant page in the history of our Party building in the new era, and reaffirming that I will do my best to make this school a source of pride for our Party and people, I will finish my speech here.

"Finally, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, I will confer the flag of the Workers' Party of Korea on the Central Cadres Training School, with my firm belief that this school will stand in the vanguard of the sacred cause of guaranteeing and realizing the glorious inheritance of our Party."

He personally handed over the sacred flag of the WPK to the director of the school amid the enthusiastic cheers of the participants looking up to the great teacher, genius of ideology and theory and great master of revolutionary party building, who indicated the bright path for the dignified political school of the WPK to fulfill its important responsibility and role and leads it to brilliant success and steady leap.

All the teaching staff and students of the school, who solemnly received the red flag of the WPK associated with the great expectations of the Party and the revolution, the country and its people, were filled with high enthusiasm to repay with loyalty the trust of the great Party Central Committee by dedicating themselves to the honourable educational work and studies for the bright future of the WPK.

All the students made an oath, led by Director Ri Yong Sik, in front of the glorious flag of the WPK.

They pledged to become personifiers of the spirit of the red flag, who are firmly armed with the revolutionary idea of the great Comrade Kim Jong Un , well versed in the original five-point Party-building theory and practical Party work and share the destiny with the red flag to the last, and standard-bearers of the Juche revolution reliably guaranteeing the glory and future of the Party, and thus remain faithful to the cause of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and the leadership of the Party Central Committee forever.

The opening ceremony ended with the playing of the song "Internationale".

All the participants broke into warm cheers again, looking up to the General Secretary with excitement.

The General Secretary warmly acknowledged all the teaching staff and students, who entered the new campus with the noble mission they have assumed before the Party, revolution, country and its people and with the determination and will to redouble their efforts, hoping that they would achieve remarkable successes in education and studies.

He met Politburo members of the C.C., WPK who are to attend the retraining course.

Noting that the matchless guiding power of the WPK leading the revolution to the realization of the most just and far-reaching ideal is attributable to the ability and quality of the Party cadre camp, he said it is a very significant process in strengthening the whole Party that all the officials, especially the members of the leadership body of the Party Central Committee, steadily train and develop politically and ideologically and constantly improve their work method and style through regular retraining at the Party school, a furnace for training the Party spirit and the revolutionary spirit.

Members of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee should set an example and model in establishing the revolutionary habit of studying and strict traditions in the whole school, he said, adding that when the whole Party is turned into a party which is studying hard as well as struggling and working, the WPK will be able to steadily and powerfully demonstrate its might as the most dignified socialist ruling party, politically mature, organizationally strong, ideologically pure, strict in discipline and sound in work style, both in name and reality.

He visited the first lecture of students on retraining courses.

He carefully listened to the whole course of the lecture and said that the revolutionary idea of Juche, born and consolidated in the first days of the Korean revolution unprecedentedly arduous and grim in history to fully demonstrate its immortal vitality, is a great revolutionary theory and an eternal and universal great revolutionary programme as it perfectly solved the limitations of the preceding theories and the unsettled tasks.

He said that the Central Cadres Training School should perfect and correctly implement the educational programme so as to fully ensure the theoretical education and practical education with the main emphasis put on hardening the Party spirit as required by its mission and duty and the times. He also added that the school should make all the educational processes and everyday life a good lecture helping the students steadily get ideological and moral pabulum necessary for Party work and revolutionary work and possess communist traits.

Noting with high appreciation that Doctor of Socio-politics and Associated Professor Ju Il Ung, a teacher of the department of the basics on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, is very good at lecturing and has an ability befitting the spokesman for our Party's ideology and theory, he stressed that the school should launch an intensive drive for steadily improving the qualifications of all the teachers and researchers so as to bring about a great revolution in education for making all students have perfect personality as genuine revolutionaries, ardent patriots and true human beings.

He went round different parts of the school, including an administration building, a library, and a dining hall.

He stressed the need for the school to raise the quality and cognitive effect of education while steadily improving its teaching contents and positively applying new forms and methods of teaching which introduced modern science and technology, as it has advanced educational system under high-level educational conditions and environment.

He said that as the period of updating information is being shortened day by day, it is necessary to establish a rapid and regular system of acquiring, sharing and disseminating the latest sci-tech data and actively apply them in order to make the students acquire a wider and deeper knowledge in their school days.

He learned in detail about the supply service of the school and stressed the need to provide its teachers, researchers and students with all the sufficient conditions so that they can devote themselves to the teaching and studying, and took benevolent measures.

He expressed belief that all the teaching staff and students of the school would firmly arm themselves with the Party's red-flag idea, always mindful of the trust and expectation of the Party, and prepare themselves to be competent educators and prominent political activists capable of skillfully applying the revolutionary theories and guiding methods specified in the Party-building programme in the new era to education and the Party work.

The Central Cadres Training School of the WPK, which has been positioned at the outpost of a new educational revolution by the high intention of the great Comrade Kim Jong Un , will more creditably discharge its duty as the glorious political school for training the backbone and successors to the Party and demonstrate in every way the inexhaustible might peculiar to it in the struggle for strengthening of the whole Party and the victorious advance of the revolutionary cause of Juche. -0-

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INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SHIVALIK DEPARTS SINGAPORE

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Will participate in JIMEX 24 and RIMPAC 24

Posted On: 01 JUN 2024 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

INS Shivalik, mission deployed to the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, departed Singapore on 30 May 24 for onward passage to Yokosuka, Japan.

During the ship's OTR at Singapore, various activities were undertaken which included Call on with Base Commander, Changi Naval Base, Wreath Laying at Kranji War Memorial, Call on with High Commissioner of India to Singapore, IFC visit, Visit of around 80 school children onboard, Visit of Indian and Australian High Commissioner onboard and cross-deck visits to USS Mobile (LCS) reflecting maritime relations and shared values between the navies which is primarily under the ambit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

INS Shivalik, upon departure from Singapore, is scheduled to participate in JIMEX 24 and RIMPAC 24. This deployment is aimed at enhancing the degree of interoperability with the JMSDF, US Navy and other partner navies participating in RIMPAC 24.

***

VM/SPS



(Release ID: 2022438)

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India's mammoth election draws to an end

By Anjana Pasricha June 01, 2024

Millions of Indians voted Saturday in the last phase of India's mammoth election that will decide whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi secures a third consecutive term in office.

Voters were casting ballots for 57 parliamentary constituencies in the seventh phase of the polls that stretched over six weeks in the searing summer heat.

Among the seats for which votes were cast on Saturday was Modi's constituency, Varanasi, a holy Hindu city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The Hindu nationalist leader has won the seat in the last two elections with huge margins.

All eyes are now on Tuesday, when votes will be counted for all 543 elected seats in the lower house of Parliament. As India uses electronic voting machines, results are expected the same day.

The elections will test the popularity of 73-year-old Modi, whose image as a strong leader and champion of Hindu nationalism has been boosted by a host of welfare measures for tens of millions of poor people during his decade in power.

The Bharatiya Janata Party campaign was dominated by the Indian leader, who crisscrossed the country to hold over 200 rallies.

Before elections got underway, the BJP was expected to cruise to an easy victory. The party had set a target of winning a supermajority by winning 400 seats.

Most observers say it could fall short of that ambitious goal even though it is expected to win a majority.

"It's a litmus test for Mr. Modi. When elections started it appeared to be a one-horse race. He appeared very invincible, very formidable and raised the bar very high," political analyst Rasheed Kidwai told VOA.

But he said an opposition alliance of more than two dozen parties that is challenging Modi has put up a spirited fight.

"The final numbers will depend on whether the BJP can hold ground in populous northern states where the party has secured huge success in the past," he said.

On Friday, the Indian leader started two days of meditation at the southernmost tip of India at a memorial for Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda -- images released by his party showed him clad in saffron robes with eyes closed and prayer beads in hand.

Both Modi and the opposition alliance have exuded confidence about winning.

The opposition's hopes of making gains rest on tapping into growing resentment over high unemployment that faces the country's huge youth population and rising prices.

Congress Party leader, Rahul Gandhi, who was the face of the opposition, focused his campaign on the need to create jobs and growing wealth inequality in the country and said the government's policies have favored the rich at the expense of the poor. The party has promised cash transfers to poor women and a guarantee of apprenticeships for college graduates. It has also raised concerns about democratic backsliding under Modi.

The Congress Party has been marginalized over the last decade amid the BJP's rise into a formidable political force under Modi - it only holds 52 seats in Parliament.

Political observers said the party and its allies could regain some momentum.

"Much will depend on how the Congress Party and its allies perform in swing states like Maharashtra in the west, Bihar in the east and Karnataka in the south," according to Kidwai.

Still the opposition faces a daunting task. To make significant gains it would also have to fare well in populous northern states, where the BJP is well entrenched and where its Hindu nationalist agenda resonates the most. The BJP, for its part, hopes to expand its influence in some southern states where it has virtually no presence.

The election campaign has been called one of India's most divisive. At rallies, Modi charged that the Congress Party was pro-Muslim and planned to hand benefits reserved for lower caste Hindus to Muslims if it is voted into power - analysts said the polarizing rhetoric was a bid to shore up support among his Hindu base after voting got off to a lackluster start last month.

In a letter addressed to voters in Punjab on Thursday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused Modi of indulging in the "most vicious form of hate speeches that are purely divisive in nature" during the campaign and accused him of lowering the dignity of the prime minister's office.

Punjab was among the seven states and one federal territory that voted Saturday.

Only India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, secured a third straight term in office. The winning party is expected to form the next government by mid-June before the term of the present Parliament ends.

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King of Bahrain: Manama trying to restore diplomatic ties with Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 31, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The king of Bahrain said that his country is working to restore diplomatic relations with Tehran.

According to Bahrain's official news agency, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, in a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in Beijing, said that as a country that wants peace, forgiveness and human coexistence, "we need dialogue and peaceful diplomacy".

"We believe in the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs," he added.

The Bahraini king said that his country is working to restore diplomatic relations with Iran as a neighbor and "we welcome China's support in this regard to strengthen peace and return stability to the region".

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Eight more hopefuls register to run for Iran presidency

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Eight more presidential hopefuls have registered to run for the Iranian presidency on the third day of a five-day registration period ahead of a snap vote at the end of June.

Mohsen Eslami, the spokesman of the Election Headquarters of the Ministry of Interior, told reporters on Saturday that a total of 23 people visited the election headquarters today, eight of whom officially registered their candidacy.

Seyyed Ahmad Rasoulinejad, a former member of Parliament, Masoud Pezeshkian, an MP representing the city of Tabriz, Vahid Haghanian, an aide to the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution and a former IRGC commander, and Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani were among the candidates officially entering the race to become Iran's next president.

Iran will hold presidential elections on June 28 following the death of the late president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

Candidates briefly declare their campaign slogans and programs at the election headquarters while registering to run for the high office.

All presidential candidates ultimately must be approved by the Guardian Council, a 12-memebr panel of clerics and jurists who ensure the health of Iranian elections.

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'Iran's Operation True Promise eliminated hollow Zionist deterrence'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has emphasized that the Islamic Republic's initiative to punish the Zionist aggressor with Operation True Promise, turned the clumsy decision of the Zionist regime into another decline for them.

Addressing the International Conference of "Gaza; Oppressed and Resilient" in Tehran on Saturday morning, the top diplomat said everyone saw that the make-believe and hollow deterrence of the Zionist regime was eliminated as a result of the operation.

In response to the Israeli regime's deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, the Islamic Republic conducted a massive drone and missile strike, which proved that the regime's propagated deterrence power is incapable in the face of Iran's military might.

As to the issue of Palestine, he argued that Gaza has turned into the oppressed and powerful nation, as well as a strategic issue of the region and the world.

Certain world powers had attempted to give the illegitimate existence of the Zionist regime an artificial identity and erase a historical nation called Palestine amidst hollow political agreements, but the Islamic resistance succeeded in nullifying all these conspiracies, he noted.

The Operation Al-Aqsa Storm is a turning point in the history of Palestine, Bagheri Kani said, adding that the Zionist regime faced two choices of surrendering or resisting in the face of the Palestinian resistance; so, it decided to confront the resistance; thus, its situation is deteriorating day by day.

The Zionist regime is experiencing a very dire situation in terms of international condemnation and legal prosecution as a result of its brutal acts in Gaza, he added.

Therefore, the Zionist regime and its advocates must be aware that they have no choice other than dialogue, because the resistance is more powerful than ever and the Zionists must understand the resistance's message, he said.

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Europe pursuing double-standards, Iran reserves right to reply: FM spox

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned the action of the European Union in imposing new sanctions against some Iranian officials and institutions.

Kanaani stated that the European Union, which has been passive and ineffective in dealing with the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and Palestine for the past months and has been criticized by European public opinion and people all over the world, once again instead of focusing on "the war crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza" and the punishment and sanctions of this criminal regime have placed some leading and effective Iranian officials and institutions in the fight against terrorism and ensuring stable security in the region in its list of sanctions.

"It is regrettable that the European Union, by resorting to repeated, absurd and baseless excuses and accusations, ignoring the realities on the ground in West Asia, and continuing its failed and ineffective approach, once again resorted to the outdated and ineffective tool of sanctions against Iran," he added.

He pointed out that the European Union has preferred the satisfaction of "the Zionist regime and the United States" over the interests of the European Union and nations.

Kanaani emphasized the continuity of the principled policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in ensuring regional and international peace and security, and strongly criticized the dual behavior of the European Union

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has its right to respond to this destructive approach of the European Union," he added.

The European Union announced on Friday in a statement that a total of 6 individuals and three institutions were sanctioned on the pretext of "their role in the transfer of drones to Russia and the transfer of drones or missiles to armed groups and institutions that promote peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region, or because of participation in Iran's drone program.

According to this statement, the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy and Behrad Kavan Electronics Company have been added to the EU sanctions list.

The statement of the European Union states that in addition, the Council of Europe decided to sanction Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC-QF) and the head of the Iranian Aerospace Industries Organization.

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Iran summons Swedish diplomat over official's 'baseless, malicious' remarks

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 9:32 PM

Iran has summoned Sweden's acting charge d'affaires in Tehran to communicate the country's protest over "baseless and malicious" remarks that were made earlier by a Swedish official concerning the Islamic Republic.

The Swedish diplomat was summoned by the Foreign Ministry's assistant director-general for Western Europe on Saturday, and was notified of Tehran's protest at the remarks that had been made "based on wrong information," the ministry said in a statement.

"Propagation of [such] baseless claims points to some parties' intention to afflict damage on the countries' time-honored relations," the Iranian official told the diplomat.

"Accordingly, the Swedish authorities are expected to be vigilant about suspicious developments more than before," the former added.

For his part, the Swedish official said he would immediately notify relevant authorities about Tehran's protest.

The developments came a day after some Western news agencies said Daniel Stenling, head of counter-espionage for the Swedish intelligence, had alleged that Iran was "recruiting members of Swedish gangs to target the Israeli regime's interests" in the European country.

Last year, the Foreign Ministry had similarly summoned Sweden's chargA d'affaires in Tehran in protest at desecration of the Holy Qur'an in the European country, a development that had taken place amid the approval of Swedish authorities and in the name of "freedom of speech."

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Iran says reserves right to respond to new European sanctions

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 9:02 AM

Iran has strongly condemned new EU sanctions against some of the country's officials and entities, stressing that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond.

The EU on Friday levied fresh sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities, accusing them of transferring drones and missiles to Russia and undermining peace and security West Asia.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani on Saturday shot back, slamming the European Union's double standards in dealing with Israel's months-long crimes in the Gaza Strip.

"The European Union, which has been passive and ineffective in dealing with the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and Palestine for the past months and has been criticized by Europe's public opinion as well as people all over the world, once again instead of focusing on the war crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and punishing and banning this criminal regime, has put on its list of sanctions some leading and influential Iranian officials and institutions in the fight against terrorism and ensuring lasting security in the region," he said.

"It is regrettable that the European Union, by resorting to repeated, absurd and baseless excuses and accusations, ignoring the realities on the ground in West Asia, and continuing its failed and ineffective approach, once again resorted to the outdated and ineffective tool of sanctions against sovereign Iran and preferred the Zionist regime's and the United States' satisfaction to the interests of the European Union and nations."

Kan'ani underscored Iran's principled policies, especially in ensuring regional and international peace and security, and strongly criticized the EU double standards.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to respond to this destructive approach by the European Union," he added.

The bans targeted six Iranian individuals and three entities, among whom were Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Major General Gholam-Ali Rashid, the commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said Friday.

The sanctions prohibit any EU citizen or company doing business with the listed individuals and organizations.

Iran has vehemently denied having supplied drones or missiles, reiterating on numerous occasions that drones supplied to Russia were delivered to Moscow long before the Ukraine war started in February 2022.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense.



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Bahrain 'working' to restore relations with Iran, says King Hamad

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 8:38 AM

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah says his Persian Gulf country is working to restore diplomatic relations with neighboring Iran after a hiatus of more than eight years.

The 74-year-old monarch made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where he is on a state visit.

King Hamad stated that Bahrain, as a country that wants peace, forgiveness and human coexistence, needs dialogue and peaceful diplomacy.

"We believe in the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs," he said. "We are working to restore diplomatic relations with Iran as a neighbor."

Hamad said his country welcomes China's support for efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in West Asia, as well as attempts alongside other relevant parties to promptly deal with the repercussions of the situation in Palestine.

Back in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement in the Chinese capital of Beijing to restore their diplomatic relations and re-open embassies and missions.

Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic relations with Iran on January 4, 2016, after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government, stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran.

Last week, the first deputy speaker of Bahrain's Council of Representatives said his country intends to take measures soon to revive diplomatic relations with Iran.

"Resumption of political and commercial relations between the two countries is of great importance, because Iran is a neighboring country and Bahrain supports stable ties with all regional states," Abdulnabi Salman said.

He said the desire to resume relations between Manama and Tehran has been met with a positive response from the Bahraini government and the Council of Representatives, and the legislature has even put out a positive statement in this regard.

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 23, Bahrain's King Hamad said Manama looked forward to improving its relations with Iran.

He added that there was no reason to postpone the restoration of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Iran, according to the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Last week, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani visited Tehran to offer condolences on the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, who lost his life alongside seven others in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran on May 19.







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Operation True Promise a source of national pride: IRGC chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran had prepared for all possible scenarios as it launched a massive missile and drone strike against Israel in April, describing the Operation True Promise as a source of national pride.

"This country, in the Operation True Promise openly and without any secrecy, and with the knowledge that a political power beyond the Zionist regime was facing it, carried out a missile operation," Major General Hossein Salami said on Sunday in an address to university Basij officials in Tehran.

"The magnitude of this operation is a source of pride," he declared.

General Salami pointed out that many countries, including the United Kingdom, had sought to dissuade Iran from carrying out the strike, which was meant to punish the Israeli regime for a deadly attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria.

"Everyone was worried, but we were calm and prepared for all possible enemy scenarios and to overcome them. This is a sign of our power," he said.

The IRGC commander noted that the Iranian people took to the streets to express jubilation upon hearing the news of the missile launch against the Israeli regime.

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Bagheri: Iran striving to restore stability, peace to region

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 2 June 2024 / 10:31

Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says Tehran is making great efforts to restore stability and peace to the West Asia region.

Tehran-ISNA- Bagheri Kani made the remarks while addressing reporters on the sidelines of the International Summit on Gaza -- dubbed "The Oppressed but Resistant" -- in Tehran on Saturday.

He said Iran has played a serious role in reinforcing resistance of the people of Palestine in the face of the Israeli regime's acts of aggression.

Since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza some eight months ago, the Islamic Republic's diplomatic efforts have been focused on finding ways to end the regime's crimes and genocide in the Strip, he added.

The interim foreign minister noted that he will probably travel to Lebanon and Syria within the next few days to hold talks with the two countries' authorities as well as officials of the resistance front on countering the Israeli regime.

Bagheri Kani emphasized that in phone talks with foreign ministers of Muslim countries, he has proposed an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He said consultations are underway to arrange the meeting in a Muslim country's capital like Jeddah, which hosts the OIC main headquarters, in the near future.

Israel launched the war against Gaza in October 2023 in response to Al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory operation staged by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

The Israeli military onslaught has killed at least 36,379 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 82,407 people.

Egypt and Qatar have been mediating negotiations aimed at conclusion of a ceasefire agreement following one in November, during which the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas released 105 of the captives that had seized during Al-Aqsa Storm.

In early May, Hamas agreed to another truce proposal enabling cessation of the Israeli aggression and release of other captives.

End Item

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Russia envoy warns any IAEA's anti-Iran resolution can deteriorate situation

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 5:24 PM

A senior Russian diplomat says any resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Iran can seriously deteriorate the situation.

In a post on his X account on Sunday, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to Vienna-based international organizations, warned against the repercussions of a resolution against Iran ahead of the regular meeting of the IAEA's Board of Governors.

"The June session of the IAEA Board of Governors will start tomorrow. It doesn't promise to be quiet," Ulyanov wrote.

He expressed hope that no resolution against Iran will be approved during the session.

"Such a resolution by definition can't bring positive results but can seriously deteriorate the situation," the Russian envoy emphasized.

Board discussions are expected to include, among other issues: verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) and Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Safeguards Agreement with the country.

Three diplomats said on Wednesday that the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal -- Britain, France and Germany -- have circulated a draft resolution against Iran ahead of the UN nuclear watchdog's board meeting and appear determined to push it.

However, reports suggest that the US and its European partners, known as the E3, were divided over the issue, with Washington fearing any resolution could risk further escalation in the region.

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami said last month that the Islamic Republic will continue to cooperate with the IAEA to resolve disputed issues surrounding its nuclear program. He added that Iran had sorted out almost half of the issues raised by the agency about its nuclear sites.

In November 2022, the US and its European allies ratified a draft resolution which criticized Iran for what it called a lack of cooperation with the agency. Russia and China voted against the motion.

Iran rejected the resolution as politically-motivated, as the country has more facilities under the IAEA supervision and has also allowed more inspections of its nuclear activities by the UN nuclear watchdog than other countries.

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Iran an invincible power, any military option against it off the table: IRGC chief

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 4:14 PM

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran is now an invincible power, and that an any possible military option against the country is null and off the table.

"Today, the hypothesis about the possibility of war against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the (military) options on the table have been disproved," Major General Hossein Salami said in a meeting with the representatives of Basij (voluntary forces) in the Iranian universities on Sunday.

He said the proof of the impossibility of war is that Iran is proceeding with economic developments regardless of the political and military issues, and enthusiasm for investment in the country has grown to the highest level.

He added that Iran has turned into an invincible power in the world which is determined to achieve its goals.

The IRGC chief commander said the enemies have resorted to various policies and strategies to make Iran surrender and compromise, however, the Islamic Republic's independence has disrupted the global balance of power.

After Iran achieved a final victory in the eight-year imposed war in 1980-88, the enemies hatched various plots in different forms and models, he noted.

Salami emphasized that enemies' sanctions, cultural invasion, seditions and psychological media warfare against Iran continued but the country has managed to proceed down the path of progress.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Salami said Iran carried out its "honorable" retaliatory operation against Israel -- dubbed Operation True Promise -- in April knowing that it was countering "a political power beyond just the Israeli regime."

Many countries, including Britain, sought to dissuade Iran from carrying out the missile attack against Israel as they were all concerned about the regime, he added.

"However, we were prepared for all the enemy's possible scenarios and [ways] to overcome them. This is a sign of our power," the IRGC chief commander pointed out.

By conducting the military operation, he said, Iran managed to bring the war into the enemy's territory and overcome it.

On April 1, the Israeli regime carried out terrorist airstrikes on the consular section of Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed two IRGC generals, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as well as five of their accompanying officers.

In retaliation, the IRGC targeted the occupied territories on April 13 with a barrage of drones and missiles. The retaliatory strikes inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Salami further said the American students are now echoing the Iranian nation's slogans emanating from Iran's rich culture and special position.

"Today our enemies, namely the Americans, the Zionists and parts of Europe are in isolation. They have been morally and politically degraded and their deeds go counter to their words," the commander emphasized.

However, Iran is recognized in the world as a respectful and independent country with a rich culture, Salami concluded.

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Iran's Ex-President Ahmadinejad Joins Hard-Line Field To Replace Raisi

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 02, 2024

Iranian ex-President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has joined a growing list of overwhelmingly hard-line candidates in a presidential election later this month to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi, who died along with Iran's foreign minister in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijani border in mid-May.

Ahmadinejad announced his intention to run on June 1, and state media reported on June 2 that the 67-year-old and longtime enemy of reformists had registered.

His announcement follows similar pledges by a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who is under U.S. sanctions, Vahid Haghanian, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, and the longtime former speaker of Iran's parliament, Ali Larijani.

Ahmadinejad, Larijani, and other potentially competitive contenders were barred from running against Raisi in the 2021 presidential election by vetting institutions that routinely ban moderates and other challengers from Iran's tightly controlled elections.

Candidate registration for the June 28 election closes on June 3. The Guardians Council will announce the final list of candidates on June 11 after it has completed its vetting procedures.

Before his death, the former prosecutor Raisi was widely seen as a potential successor to 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate political and religious power under Iran's clerically dominated system.

Ahmadinejad served two terms between 2005 and 2013, and his second term was dogged by fierce protests over his disputed reelection in 2009 and a brutal crackdown. He appeared increasingly willing to challenge Khamenei publicly as his presidential tenure mounted.

Haghanian was designated for sanctions by the United States in 2019 for his role in Khamenei's "inner circle responsible for advancing the regime's domestic and foreign oppression."

The U.S. Treasury Department said in a news release announcing the sanctions that Haghanian had been "referred to as the supreme leader's right hand."

Zakani was approved to run in the last presidential election but withdrew after some of his rivals nicknamed him the "cover candidate" of Raisi.

Former lawmaker Zohreh Elahian, who has been designated by the European Union for sanctions, on June 1 became the first woman to successfully apply to run.

Former chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili on May 30 became the first political heavyweight to register his candidacy.

Other candidates have also applied.

Iran's presidential and other elections are plagued by low turnout that has worsened in recent years, spurred by disqualifications and crackdowns on dissent.

Rights groups have complained of an intensified clampdown on public expressions of discontent since Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several others died in the helicopter crash in a mountainous region of northwestern Iran while returning from an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Raisi had been accused of serving as a prosecutor for an "execution committee" that sent thousands of political prisoners and regime opponents to their deaths in the late 1980s.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-president-election- ahmadijenad-candidates/32975762.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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Thai police crack down on Russian investors on holiday island of Phuket

67 Russians were accused of breaching business laws

2024.05.31 -- Police on the Thai holiday island of Phuket have charged more than 100 people, including 67 Russians, suspected of breaking business laws in a crackdown on the multi-million dollar property sector that has seen a surge in prices since Russians flocked in after their government's invasion of Ukraine.

The tourism ministry said 767,210 Russians arrived in Thailand in the first four months of the year, a 12.43% increase over last year when 1.61 million Russians visited.

Many of those Russians head to Phuket for its beaches and nightlife and police say nearly 60,000 Russians are living on the island on Thailand's Indian Ocean coast. Some parts of Phuket feel like a Black Sea resort with Russians soaking up the sun on the beach while nearby signboards in Cyrillic advertise Russian restaurants, bars and other businesses including real estate agencies and tour companies.

But that's a problem for some Thais, angry with what they see as Russians taking jobs and opportunities without proper work visas and business permits.

Police said that in response to complaints the government called for a crackdown, and they launched their raids last month on nearly 100 companies and property realtors. Police said they had then compiled a list of 135 people, 67 of them Russian, and 100 companies suspected of breaking the law.

"Phuket residents complained to the prime minister about a land and residential grab by foreigners causing hardship, so we ordered the operation," Police Lt. Gen. Jirapob Puridej, chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, told a press conference at the bureau's Bangkok headquarters on Friday.

None of the suspects had been detained but they had been summoned to appear in Bangkok to hear charges of breaking business laws, police said.

Police declined to identify most of the suspects, citing privacy protection. Radio Free Asia was not able to track down any of them for comment.

Col. Krit Woratat, a senior officer at the Economic Crime Suppression Division, who organized the raids, told RFA that the investigation had revealed a Thai accountant in league with a Russian to set up joint ventures without legal requirements, and getting work permits through those bogus companies. Jobs in services sectors are almost exclusively reserved for Thais.

Thailand's Foreign Business Act 1999 sets out jail of up to three years and a fine of 2 million baht (US$54,500) for those convicted of violations.

Property and business laws are restrictive in Thailand and any foreigner hoping to start a business or find a job usually has to go through a tortuous application process.

Foreigners can buy flats but can not own land. They can set up a joint venture with a Thai partner but are not allowed to hold more than a 49% stake.

In 2023, more than 1,600 Russian-linked companies were registered in Phuket compared with an average of 30 in each of the previous seven years, police said.

Scaring off investment?

According to the Real Estate Information Center, land prices in Phuket have risen up to 40% this year, much higher than the national average, and house and condominium sales to the tune of 31.5 billion baht (US$859 million) are expected.

Police seized deeds for land and condominiums worth 1.2 billion baht (US$33 million) in their raids, along with 318 million baht (US$8.7 million) in cash deposits and 108 work permits, which were being checked. Bank accounts suspected of being used to defraud Thai customers with investment scams were frozen, police said.

One disgruntled Phuket native, who asked that he be identified as Chai, welcomed the police action.

"It's as if they own the country," Chai said of Phuket's Russian visitors.

"They've bought up so much land, pushed up property prices, and some unruly Russians cause social disorder," said Chai, who owns a small retail business. "The government has to purge all illegal activities."

But some Thais are worried that the raids could scare off foreign investment.

Maetapong Upatising, president of the Phuket Real Estate Association, said Russians were the top investors in Phuket's real estate this year, followed by Chinese and French, and the authorities should not ruin the "investment sentiment".

"Amid competition, land prices rise and so do shady businessmen," Maetapong told RFA. "Actually, our association has called for a government investigation into fraud but it should not put off foreign investment."

Maetapong said some rich Russians had been investing at the top end of the market, buying luxury villas that range in price from around 25 million baht ($730,000) and up. The well-off can secure long-term resident visas that let them stay for years through an "elite visas" scheme, he said.

Before COVID-19, Thailand welcomed a record 40 million tourists, with Chinese accounting for more than a quarter. The sector has been recovering - there were more than 28 million visitors last year - but not as quickly as many would hope with Chinese tourists yet to flock back.

Since November, Thailand has included Russians tourists in a visa exemption scheme in a bid to boost arrivals. The scheme has been extended to July.

Edited by 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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Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan

June 1, 2024

12:30

During the telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin wished Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan a happy 49th birthday.

The discussion also focused on certain topical issues on the bilateral agenda.

Earlier, Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan.

The message reads, in part:

"Russian-Armenian relations are founded on long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual respect. We aspire for these relations to continue to flourish for the benefit of both nations."

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Medvedev warns West of 'final stage' in war, repeats nuclear option

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 01 June 2024 7:23 AM

Senior security official Dmitry Medvedev says Russia is not bluffing when it speaks of the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

Medvedev, who is currently the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, also warned Moscow's conflict with the West could escalate into all-out war.

His warning came after the US and Germany became the latest allies to let Ukraine's military use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

"Russia regards all long-range weapons used by Ukraine as already being directly controlled by servicemen from NATO countries. This is no military assistance, this is participation in a war against us," Medvedev said.

"And such actions could well become a casus belli (an act that provokes a war)."

He said giving Kiev permission by the Western countries to use provided long-range weapons and ammunition to strike targets inside Russia will escalate the Ukraine war to its final stage.

"Nobody today can rule out the conflict's transition to its final stage," Medvedev said.

He said it would be a "fatal mistake" on the part of the West to think that Russia is not ready to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

He also spoke of the potential to strike unnamed hostile countries with strategic nuclear weapons. "This is, alas, neither intimidation nor bluffing," said Medvedev.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said several of the US-led NATO countries had "entered a new round of escalating tension and they are doing this deliberately."

Peskov pointed out that the West wanted Kiev forces to continue fighting Russia. "They are in every possible way provoking Ukraine to continue this senseless war."

London and Paris had already signaled that they were open to easing restrictions on Ukraine striking targets inside Russia.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said American-supplied weapons could be used against sites on Russian territory, as well.

Reports said Biden granted Kiev permission to use long-range US missiles to strike inside Russian territory, but only near the border region of Kharkiv, where Russia is making territorial gains.

Following the decision, Germany also gave Ukraine the green light to use German-supplied weapons against Russian targets.

Germany's' government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Berlin had been "jointly convinced" that Kiev had the right to defend itself against Russia.

It came as NATO foreign ministers gathered in the Czech capital of Prague to prepare more arms and ammo for Kiev and decide whether to remove restrictions stopping Kiev from using the weapons, notably long-range missiles, to strike targets on Russian soil.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been pleading its Western backers - the US in particular - for greater NATO engagement in the war while asking permission to use the longer-range weaponry supplied by Washington and its allies to strike targets inside Russia.

Till this week, the Western alliance had been hesitating to allow Kiev to use the Western supplied weapons and munitions on targets inside Russian territory out of fear of reprisal by Moscow.

They feared that such an escalations could drag NATO member states closer to direct conflict with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his forces have launched a major operation against the Kharkiv region, which sits across the border from Belgorod, to create a buffer zone to protect Russian frontier villages from Ukraine's fatal attacks.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022 to stop what it views as NATO's eastward expansion and gradual encroachment on the Russian motherland.

On Saturday, Russian missile and drone attack damaged energy facilities in five regions across Ukraine, said the country's national grid operator, Urkenergo.

The air defenses shot down 35 of 53 Russian missiles and 46 of 47 Russian drones, the Ukrainian air force commander said.

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South Africa's ANC loses its 30-year majority in landmark election

By Kate Bartlett June 01, 2024

South Africa's liberation party, the governing African National Congress, has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time after a historic election blow.

With all ballots now counted, results showed that after thirty years of dominance, the ANC of Nelson Mandela had been punished at the polls, gaining around 40% of the vote, a sharp drop from 57% in 2019.

While the official declaration of results is expected Sunday evening, this means South Africa is set to enter a new era of coalition politics, said Professor David Everatt, from Johannesburg's Wits School of Governance.

"It will be a good thing because although the ANC under Mandela and Mbeki started well, it ended under a terrible trough of corruption, state capture," he said.

Analysts say it was that corruption, as well as high unemployment and general failure to do more to improve the lives of poor Black South Africans, that saw President Cyril Ramaphosa's party humiliated in this election.

But the question is, with whom will the ANC partner? That decision will have a huge effect on Africa's most developed economy and the country's political future.

Business will be rooting for a coalition with the Democratic Alliance, for years the official opposition, which came in second with more than 21% of the vote.

A surprise third -- nudging out Julius Malema's populist Economic Freedom Fighters -- was the uMkhonto weSizwe party, or MK, led by former President Jacob Zuma.

Despite doing better than expected with about 14% of the vote, mainly thanks to the former president's popularity with fellow ethnic Zulus, Zuma on Saturday night said MK was rejecting the results.

The elections, held Wednesday, have been widely declared free and fair, but MK made unsubstantiated claims of rigging. MK says it could seek a recount or a revote.

Zuma warned the Electoral Commission against "provoking" people by declaring the official result on Sunday as planned.

Zuma's comeback has been the story of this election, and his new party's success ate into the ANC's share of the vote. He is bitter at his former party the ANC for forcing him to resign in his second term as president in 2018 over corruption scandals.

Though he's still leading the party, Zuma cannot sit in parliament with MK because of a contempt of court conviction.

His brief jailing in 2021 caused the worst riots in South Africa's post-apartheid history, with more than 350 people killed.

Next year, Zuma is to face trial over an alleged corrupt arms deal.

Political analyst Sandile Swana said Zuma may be hoping for a deal regarding an amnesty around his legal woes.

"Zuma does not need to be in office, but he does need his puppets to be in office, and run those puppets, but he also does not want to run his puppets from jail," Swana said. "Because the arms deal case, which is in progress, which needs to be stopped from Zuma's perspective, can cause a situation where he has to serve 15 years in jail a so he will want that resolved."

Once official election results are declared, the ANC has two weeks to engage in coalition talks before forming a government.

There is speculation Ramaphosa may be forced by his party to resign after the ANC's poor showing.

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South Africa general elections: ANC loses 30-year parliamentary majority

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 6:26 AM

South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) party has lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election, prompting it to seek coalition partners to form a new government.

The once-ruling ANC party had lost its 30-year parliamentary dominance after more than 99 percent of votes were counted on Saturday, indicating that its vote share in Wednesday's general elections had dropped to 40 percent.

It is well short of the majority it had held since the abolishment of the Apartheid system in 1994 under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had won 21.63 percent of the votes, while uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president and ANC leader Jacob Zuma, had managed to grab 14.71 percent.

Opposition parties have hailed the results as a big breakthrough for a country struggling with deep poverty and inequality.

"The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC's majority and we have done that," said main opposition leader John Steenhuisen.

However, the ANC remains the biggest party in parliament. The final results are still to be formally declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) National Results Center.

It is already clear that the ANC cannot pass the 50 percent threshold to form a government on its own. The final results are scheduled to be announced on Sunday.

Therefore, the ANC must share power with a rival in order to keep it, but the party's chairman said they have not made a decision on the matter yet.

"We can talk to everybody and anybody," Gwede Mantashe, who is currently the mines and energy minister, told reporters in comments broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa could likely remain in his position as the ANC is still the biggest party in parliament.

However, he will have lesser influence and could be called to resign by the opposition parties and his critics from the deeply divided ANC party. Ramaphosa has no replacement for the time being.

Zuma, in theory, could be a possible successor to Ramaphosa.

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Cross-strait peace will be affected if China suspends ECFA: Ex-MAC head

ROC Central News Agency

06/01/2024 07:23 PM

Brussels, May 31 (CNA) A former Taiwan government official once in charge of cross-strait policy said on Friday that China should consider the consequences before it suspends the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) as doing so would impact peace across the Taiwan Strait.

In a forum held by the Centre For European Policy Studies in Brussels, Chiu Tai-san (), who was the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) during the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen () administration, said the ECFA should work to ease tensions between Taiwan and China and bring benefits to people on both sides of the strait.

Chiu said any move by China to suspend the free trade agreement, which was signed in 2010 when Ma Ying-jeou () of the Kuomintang (KMT) was in charge, would result in deteriorating relations between Taiwan and China.

"China should consider its actions carefully, because if it suspends the ECFA, economic cooperation and the peaceful development of bilateral ties will be impacted," Chiu said.

After a move to suspend tariff concessions on 12 Taiwanese products at the end of last year, China's Ministry of Finance announced Friday it would suspend the concessions on an additional 134 Taiwanese products, effective June 15.

The 134 items include base oils for lubricants, racing bicycles, and textile products.

China's decision to suspend the tariff concessions came shortly after Lai Ching-te () of the DPP was sworn in as Taiwan's president on May 20.

Before Friday's announcement, China launched two-day large-scale military drills around Taiwan on May 23.

Political observers said the military exercises and the further ECFA tariff concession suspensions were to demonstrate China's displeasure over Lai's inauguration speech.

In his speech, Lai cited the constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) and said "the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other."

Chiu noted that Taiwan and China had been conducting exchanges since 1991, but that he felt the progress made had now been canceled out by Beijing's actions.

He said in the past three decades, Taiwan, like other countries, anticipated it would be able to trade with China but that such hopes evaporated as Chinese President Xi Jinping () expanded military aggression.

"If Taiwan and China suspend economic exchanges, only social exchanges would remain," Chiu said.

Also at the forum, Alicia Garcia-Herrero, a researcher at Bruegel, an economic think tank in Brussels, said some claimed the ECFA's tariff concessions covered more than 400 Taiwanese products and the suspension could be a "killer" to Taiwan's economy, but that she thought otherwise.

The scholar said she thinks the agreement has become "less important" now as Taiwan's economic structure has changed.

"But if you look at the flow of trade ... Taiwan exports more to the United States than to the (Chinese) mainland," the scholar said, adding that it was the same for South Korea and Japan.

She said such a trend came partly after the artificial intelligence development revolution.

In addition, she said, high-tech product export controls imposed by the U.S. on China were "less relevant" to Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

At a time when the global supply chain is changing, the scholar said, Taiwan has placed more emphasis on the U.S. market than the China market.

The European market is also expected to see more opportunities to attract Taiwanese investment, she said.

In response, Chiu said that Tsai's government, which came into power in 2016, had boosted efforts to reduce its economic dependence on China.

Chiu said exports to China accounted for less than 30 percent of Taiwan's total now, down from a peak of 45 percent, while only 70,000 to 80,000 Taiwanese investors were still in China, down from a peak of 111,000 to 120,000.

(By Tien Hsi-ju and Frances Huang)

Enditem/kb

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Beijing to continue pressure on Taiwan until mid-June: Scholars

ROC Central News Agency

06/01/2024 08:09 PM

Taipei, June 1 (CNA) Beijing's latest wave of economic pressure on Taiwan, following last week's military exercises shortly after President Lai Ching-te () took office, was "expected," scholars told CNA, noting that this approach would likely continue until mid-June, to balance its stance on Taiwan.

On Friday, China announced a plan to suspend the preferential tariff rates for a total of 134 Taiwanese imports that had been part of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), effective from June 15.

The move was mainly prompted by Taipei's refusal to acknowledge the "1992 consensus" and perceived efforts to promote Taiwanese independence, which had "severely undermined the foundation for cross-Taiwan Strait negotiations and the ECFA's implementation," according to China's Taiwan Affairs Office.

China previously took aim at preferential tariffs under the ECFA at the start of 2024, when it terminated favorable import duties on 12 Taiwanese products, arguing it was the result of Taiwan's restrictions on the imports of Chinese goods.

Friday's announcement immediately drew protest from Taiwan, with the country's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) calling Beijing's plan a "unilateral" decision made without consulting Taiwan.

China's 'expected' pressure on Taiwan

When asked about the issue, Taiwanese scholars specializing in cross-strait relations said that Beijing's latest economic measures, along with the military exercises around Taiwan and its outlying islands from May 23-24, were part of a series of "expected" actions in response to Lai's inaugural speech on May 20.

These measures taken by Beijing "are completely within the expectations" of analysts and Taiwan's high-level government officials, said Chang Wu-ueh (), an associate professor at Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of China Studies.

He described it as "inevitable" for Beijing to escalate pressure on Taiwan after Lai's inauguration to express dissatisfaction with what it deemed a "provocative" act by Taipei's new leader.

Kuo Yu-jen (), deputy head of Taipei-based think tank the Institute for National Policy Research, observed that while Beijing had no expectations for Lai's inaugural speech, it would not have anticipated him making such a clear distinction between the two sides on his first day in office.

He was referring to Lai's comment that "the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other" in his address.

Kuo pointed out that while former President Tsai Ing-wen (), also of the Democratic Progressive Party, had made similar statements during her time in office, she did so mainly in National Day addresses.

The meaning of such a statement varies depending on the timing and occasion, he said, adding that Beijing might have taken it in "the most offensive" light.

Lai also mentioned in his speech that "We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty... Persons possessing the nationality of the Republic of China shall be citizens of the Republic of China."

This novel statement, Kuo said, might also be interpreted by Beijing as yet another "two-states" theory, reminiscent of one first proposed by former late President Lee Teng-hui () in 1999 to characterize ROC and People's Republic China as two different jurisdictions.

Beijing could ease pressure after mid-June

Nevertheless, both scholars contended that Beijing's pressure would start to ease after mid-June, when the 2024 edition of the Straits Forum is held in the Chinese province of Xiamen, to balance its tough stance on Taiwan.

Before the forum, Beijing might continue employing tactics familiar to Taiwan, such as poaching the country's diplomatic allies or announcing arrests and investigations into alleged Taiwanese spies, the scholars said.

Yet, Chang asserted that such pressure would not persist for long and that Beijing's approach toward Taiwan would soften after the June 15 forum in Xiamen.

He also argued that China would not proceed to suspend all tax concessions for Taiwanese goods under the ECFA or terminate the bilateral agreement entirely, as it is in Beijing's interest to continue promoting economic integration with Taiwan.

In practice, Kuo predicted that Beijing would unveil new measures to enhance people-to-people exchanges, including implementing policies in favor of Taiwanese conducting business in China and easing restrictions for Chinese students and tourists to study in or visit Taiwan.

Currently, individuals from Taiwan and China can visit each other's country, but group travel remains restricted by both governments.

At the same time, the Chinese government has since 2020 banned Chinese students from pursuing degree studies in Taiwan, permitting only exchange programs, summer camps, and other short-term educational activities.

Taiwan lukewarm to China's two-pronged strategy

Despite MAC's protest against the tax cut suspension on Friday, the Lai administration's reactions to Beijing's carrot-and-stick strategy will likely remain lukewarm, Kuo said.

Cross-strait relations are not Lai's main focus, Kuo noted, adding that the new president did not seem eager to make a breakthrough as long as the status quo could be maintained.

Chang, meanwhile, noted that Taipei had not made any policy adjustments after Beijing complained about its ban on Chinese imports, even after China moved to suspend tax cuts for Taiwanese goods for the first time.

He said that Taiwan would likely continue this stance, to avoid appearing to be "giving in" to Beijing's pressure.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/kb

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Taiwan Air Force to upgrade C-130s starting 2025: Source

ROC Central News Agency

06/02/2024 03:56 PM

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) Taiwan's Air Force is planning to spend billions of Taiwan dollars to upgrade its existing C-130 military transport aircraft fleet starting next year to enhance its collision avoidance and sea rescue capabilities among other systems, a source familiar with the matter told CNA Sunday.

The planned overhaul of the Air Force's existing 20 C-130s is scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2030. The main focus will be on upgrading the warplanes so they have integrated cockpits and improved sea rescue capabilities, according to the unnamed source.

In addition, C-130 simulators will be purchased and aging systems will be upgraded to ensure each plane has an updated GPS and improved position report capabilities and collision avoidance systems, the source added.

The estimated budget for the five-year project is still being finalized but it could surpass NT$10 billion (US$30.7 million), it said.

Taiwan's Air Force first bought 20 C-130Hs and another C-130HE, a modified electronic warfare aircraft, from the United States in the early 1980s. The first batch of 12 C-130Hs entered into service in Taiwan in 1986.

The force lost one of its 20 C-130H, serial number 1310, in a 1997 crash at Taipei Songshan Airport.

The Air Force C-130 fleet currently has a total of 20 such models that serve as the main transporter aircraft for the nation's armed forces.

C-130Hs have four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops with 4,591 prop shaft horsepower designed to take off and land on short runways. This means they can land on the 1,150-meter airstrip at Taiping Island, a Taiwan-controlled island known internationally as Itu Aba, in the disputed South China Sea.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb

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Taiwan launches newest 600-ton coast guard vessel Yong Kang

ROC Central News Agency

06/02/2024 02:41 PM

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) The latest domestically designed and built 600-ton class Coast Guard Administration (CGA) vessel, Yong Kang (), was formally launched by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim () in Kaohsiung on Sunday as part of Taiwan's efforts to beef up its coastal patrol capabilities amid rising tensions with China.

During a ceremony held in the southern Taiwan city, Hsiao said the government has pledged to spend US$1.31 billion in building 141 ships of six different types for the CGA between 2018 and 2027.

The Yong Kang is the eighth 600-ton CGA vessel, also known as an Anping-class missile corvette, being launched as part of the project, according to Hsiao.

Yong Kang's launch once again highlighted the determination of Taiwan's government to patrol the seas around the country and to safeguard its people and fishing rights, the vice president said.

The vessel will be responsible for patrolling waters off southern Taiwan during peacetime and serve as a force of defense during wartime, Hsiao added.

The 10-year domestic shipbuilding project has not only boosted the CGA's patrol capabilities but also created thousands of jobs for the local shipbuilding industry while increasing the sector's international competitiveness, she said.

The project includes building four 4,000-ton class patrol vessels, six 1,000-ton class patrol vessels, 12 600-ton class patrol vessels, 17 100-ton class patrol boats, 52 35-ton class patrol boats, and 50 littoral utility boats.

The Kaohsiung ceremony also saw the christening of the CGA's ninth Anping-class missile corvette, the Chang Bin (), which once built and delivered, will be deployed to carry out patrol missions off eastern Taiwan, the CGA said.

The launch of the Yong Kang came after the CGA has been busy expelling Chinese counterparts and warships out of waters surrounding Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, off the coast of southeastern China's Fujian Province, following a fatal collision that escalated cross-strait tension in the region.

Chinese official vessels previously seldom traveled into the prohibited waters around Kinmen, which were restricted to non-Taiwanese vessels by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense beginning in 1992.

Beijing, however, has continued to send vessels into the area as a protest following the fatal incident on Feb. 14 off the coast of Kinmen which killed two Chinese nationals when their boat capsized while under pursuit by Taiwan's Coast Guard.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/cs

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Army to hold live-fire drills on 3 beaches throughout June

ROC Central News Agency

06/02/2024 07:19 PM

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) Three of Taiwan's field army commands will each hold anti-landing drills on a beach in their jurisdiction this month, including a public beach, according to the Fisheries Agency.

The agency, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, published the gunfire notifications as it does whenever drills involving live ammunition are to be conducted on Taiwan's beaches.

In three notifications published on May 23 and 27, the agency announced that three field army commands would conduct live-fire drills on beaches in New Taipei, Taichung and Tainan, alerting residents and visitors to be aware of a military presence.

The notifications indicated that the first drill would be held on June 5 by the Army's Tainan-based 8th Field Army Command on a public beach in the southern city's Xishu Coastal Recreation Area in the South District.

On June 18, the Army's 6th Field Army Command, whose jurisdiction covers the northern part of the nation, will be training on Zhongfu Beach in New Taipei's Linkou District.

Taichung's 10th Field Army Command, meanwhile, will conduct a live-fire drill on June 26 on the city's Caocuo Beach.

In previous interviews with CNA, the Ministry of National Defense said the increased frequency of Taiwan's military drills is in response to China's growing intimidation.

Taiwan's military has aimed to strengthen its defense protocols through weapons practices, wargames, and live-fire drills conducted on the nation's "red beaches."

Currently, the military categorizes several beaches in Taiwan into three color codes: red, yellow and blue.

Red beaches could see large-scale landing operations and are the most vulnerable to People's Liberation Army invasion.

Yellow zones indicate beaches that could be subjected to unconventional landing operations, while blue beaches are locations that would be difficult to invade.

Practical experience

The military explained that anti-landing drills involving shooting practice on beaches are aimed to familiarize soldiers with a potential battlefield environment.

Firing rounds on beaches differ from target practice in controlled environments, the military said, as environmental factors such as wind and sand can affect visibility and the functionality of weapons, therefore providing more realistic conditions for soldiers.

The military has recently cranked up the number of anti-landing drills on red beaches nationwide, such as Tainan's Xishu Coastal Recreation Area.

However, because they are accessible to the public, the Army had only conducted basic drills such as physical training and hardware construction on Taiwan's public beaches before the first live-fire exercise in Taoyuan's Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area was held at the end of last year.

The three red beaches selected for the anti-landing drills in June were also evaluated by American analyst Ian M. Easton in his book "The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan's Defense and American Strategy in Asia" for their tactical relevance.

According to Easton, Xishu could be a target due to its closeness to important locations like Tainan Airport and Tainan Air Base and infrastructure like the Coastal Highway.

Easton also mentioned Zhongfu Beach for its proximity to Taoyuan Airport and Linkou Power Plant.

Caocuo Beach, on the other hand, is also important because it neighbors Taichung International Airport, which also serves as an air base.

(By Matt Yu and James Lo)

Enditem/kb

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Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China is engaging in self-destruction: Chinese Defense Minister

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 02, 2024 10:52 AM Updated: Jun 03, 2024 12:01 AM

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Sunday reiterated China's firm stance on the Taiwan question during a speech delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue, warning that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will be engaging in an act of self-destruction.

Dong stressed that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and that the one-China principle has long become a universally recognized international relations norm.

"But what we are seeing now is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan are pursuing "Taiwan independence" in an incremental way, as they are bent on desinicization in Taiwan and severing social, historical and cultural links across the Taiwan Straits. Those fanatical separatist statements have revealed their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors, and will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history," Dong said.

At the same time, some external interfering forces keep hollowing out the one-China principle with a "salami-slicing" approach, as they have created Taiwan-related bills and continued to sell arms to the island of Taiwan, engaging in illegal official contacts with the island, Dong said, noting that in fact, what they are doing is to embolden "Taiwan independence" separatists in attempt to contain China with the Taiwan question.

These malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation, Dong said.

Dong reiterated that China's handling of the Taiwan question in accordance with the law is entirely a matter of China's internal affairs, which brooks no foreign interference.

While China remains committed to a peaceful reunification, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and external forces, as the danger of national secession always exists, Dong said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will remain a strong and overwhelming force in safeguarding national unity, as it will take timely, resolute and powerful actions to curb "Taiwan independence" and make sure such a plot never succeeds, the defense minister said.

Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China is engaging in self-destruction and bound to be smashed to pieces, Dong said.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 2, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/06/02

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Jun. 1-2

PLA activities

2 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels, and 4 CCG vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern 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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Q&A: Former US official says China's bullying boosts global support for Taiwan

By Yihua Lee June 02, 2024

The White House sent an unofficial delegation to attend the inauguration of Taiwan's new president on May 20. Richard Armitage, former deputy secretary of state, was among the delegates. VOA spoke with Armitage about his trip to Taiwan, U.S. support for the self-governing island, China's aggression in the region and its ties with Russia.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: During your visit to Taiwan, you met with the new president, Lai Ching-te, and other new government officials. What message did you bring to Taiwan? And what did you discuss there?

Richard Armitage, former U.S. deputy secretary of state: The obvious message we brought to Taiwan was a bipartisan support for Taiwan's democracy. I had met Dr. Lai before. I had the opportunity to have dinner with him, discuss the situation in the region, and the pressures put forward by the mainland, and obviously also had lunch with [former President Tsai Ing-wen] where we could tell her how happy we were after her eight fantastic years of the presidency. And now she's going to be free.

VOA: Three days after President Lai took office, China conducted the military drills encircling Taiwan and called them "a punishment for separatist acts." How to interpret the military drills and China's message?

Armitage: That type of exercise, punishment exercise, was expected. The inauguration speech of Lai was fantastic. And, in my view, Chinese probably understood one of the many things Dr. Lai said was China must quit intimidating Taiwan. And also, on the other hand, Lai said, we are open for dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and dignity, thereby putting Taiwan on the high road. And I think China was not expecting it, didn't know quite how to respond. So, they did, as they usually do, by a heavy-handed bullying activity.

VOA: Given China's growing military might and its proximity to Taiwan, what kind of position does it put the U.S. in in terms of defending Taiwan?

Armitage: Taiwan's geographic position in the world is the definition of tyranny by proximity, and Taiwan has to live with this. But while China is busy bullying Taiwan, if you look around the world, more and more people are speaking up for Taiwan, even in the WHA [World Health Assembly]. Many people spoke up for Taiwan, I believe, more than ever before. China has not understood that the more China bullies Taiwan, the more international support comes to Taiwan.

VOA: Do you think Taiwan should upgrade its military assets? Or what kind of military assets do you think Taiwan should have to deter China's aggression?

Armitage: First of all, Taiwan has to concentrate on what we've seen is effective in Ukraine - drones, things of that nature, sort of unconventional, asymmetrical warfare. Air defense, Patriot missiles, things of that nature. And hopefully, the monies that the U.S. Congress voted for Taiwan defense will be used wisely and well. But ultimately, Taiwan has to come up with a way to come up to 100% manning level for their soldiers. The report submitted to the LY [Legislative Yuan] by Taiwan this week shows Taiwan is at about 80% of their needs. So, I think, this means more and more women should come into the force. More and more Taiwan citizens have to be able to respect those who choose to serve for the defense of Taiwan.

VOA: Russia's President Vladimir Putin recently visited China after he began a fifth term. How concerned are you about the deepening ties between Russia and China?

Armitage: I'm concerned. Because when I look at Russia and China, I also see North Korea and Iran. And facing those four in Asia is a new situation we haven't had before. So, am I concerned? Yes. Am I overly concerned? No. My understanding is, Putin was not entirely pleased with what happened on his trip to Beijing. He didn't get everything he wanted.

VOA: Do you hope that China can do more to actually help solve the conflict in the region?

Armitage: You're talking about Ukraine? I certainly would like to see China live up to what should be her responsibility for an area of conflict that worries the whole world. But I don't see China in a hurry to do it. China always says that "We always respect territorial integrity and sovereignty," and here, Russia has violated the sovereignty of Ukraine, and China - silent.

VOA: The Philippines now is facing a more increasingly assertive China in its behavior and actions in the region. What do you make of China's behaviors in the region?

Armitage: China, first of all, has always said, "No one's going to have joint patrols to assist Philippines." They were wrong. China has not clearly understood that in our mutual defense treaty between the United States and the Philippines, Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas reef, these are areas that fall under our responsibilities.

China has to be very careful. Look what's happened in the last year: People who were not very interested historically, in security terms, in the Taiwan Strait have all of a sudden become very interested. Canadians, French, Germans, British and always the United States, we're all patrolling around the area. It's been brought about by China. It wasn't brought about by the Philippines, wasn't brought about by Taiwan. It wasn't brought about by Japan. It's because of the behavior of China.

VOA: Among all the areas of conflict, which area do you think poses the biggest threat to the U.S. leadership in the world?

Armitage: Probably the Russia attack on Ukraine, because we [the U.S.] are so invested in Ukraine. ... But I think any foreign policy specialist in the U.S. would not try to rank things in order of importance. Our attention, our interests are global. And therefore, to put one situation above another is to invite problems in those areas that are not number one.

If you remember in 1950, our secretary of state famously said that Korea was outside the defense perimeter of the United States. And what happened? Several months later, North Korea invaded. So, I would say it's bad business to try to put anything in an order.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.

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"We are sincere about and open to discussion for a new constitution"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

02.06.2024

Delivering the closing speech of the AK Party's 31st Consultation and Assessment Meeting, President ErdoAYan said: "We are sincere about and open to discussion for a new constitution. And we do not approve of this issue being turned into a political arm wrestling. Let us all together sit, talk, join forces and free TArkiye of the shame of the post-coup constitution with the broadest consensus."

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan made a speech at the closing of the party's 31st Consultation and Assessment Meeting in Ankara.

Underscoring that the massacre ongoing for nearly eight months in Gaza has been on top of their agenda at the meeting, President ErdoAYan noted: "The massacre in Palestine has been continuing uninterruptedly for 76 years. The Palestinian children have been killed by a spoilt state for 76 years. The barbarity witnessed in Gaza since October 7 has made the atrocity suffered by the Palestinian people every day for 76 years be seen by the rest of the world."

Pointing out that they as TArkiye object to this massacre on every platform, President ErdoAYan added: "We have and will continue to stand tall with the Palestinian people with all our means. No pressure, threat or impudence could change this."

Drawing attention to Hamas' positive stance towards US President Biden's recent ceasefire proposal, President ErdoAYan noted: "Netanyahu's response to that has been to shed more blood, conduct massacre, and to intensify his policy of occupation and genocide. All must say 'stop' to this barbarian, this outlaw, this bloodthirsty called Netanyahu, who is dragging our region and the entire world together with its own country into a big disaster."

Pointing to the uninterrupted aid TArkiye has been sending to Gaza, President ErdoAYan said: "We are in close contact with Hamas and the Palestinian government. We strongly support the efforts aimed at recognizing the independent Palestinian state. The number of the countries that have recognized Palestine, including Spain, Ireland and Norway has increased 147. Further increase of this number would be the most appropriate response to Israel's policy of occupation and oppression."

Stating that a new and civilian constitution will be a locomotive for the future of TArkiye, President ErdoAYan said: "We are sincere about and open to discussion for a new constitution. And we do not approve of this issue being turned into a political arm wrestling. Let us all together sit, talk, join forces and free TArkiye of the shame of the post-coup constitution with the broadest consensus."

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Zelenskiy Meets With U.S. Lawmakers Ahead Of Speech At Shangri-La Dialogue

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 01, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with a delegation of U.S. lawmakers in Singapore on June 1 to discuss further military assistance to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy, who traveled to Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue conference, met with the bipartisan group, who are members of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee.

"We talked about the frontline situation and military assistance, particularly additional systems and missiles to strengthen our air defense," Zelenskiy said on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "We paid special attention to increasing sanctions against Russia."

The press service of the president's office said that the parties discussed "key areas of further military assistance to Ukraine, in particular, in strengthening air defense with additional systems and missiles."

The delegation of U.S. lawmakers was led by the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Mike McCall (Republican-Texas). Representative Gregory Meeks (Democrat-New York), the ranking Democrat on the committee, and two other members also met with Zelenskiy.

"The parties noted the importance of allowing Ukraine to use American weapons to strike military targets on the territory of Russia in the areas bordering the Kharkiv region," the president's office said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 31 that President Joe Biden had given Ukraine the go-ahead to use U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending the eastern city of Kharkiv.

Speaking in Prague on May 31 at an informal meeting of NATO-member foreign ministers, Blinken said Ukraine had asked Washington for authorization to use U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia as it tries to defeat Russian troops that began a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskiy is scheduled to speak on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a conference sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He also plans to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for further discussions on support for his embattled country.

After arriving at the conference venue in a motorcade amid heavy security, Zelenskiy said in a statement on X that he had come to gather support from the Asia-Pacific region for a peace summit planned for June 15-16 in Switzerland.

He said he planned to hold several meetings, including with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, and Singaporean investors.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-singapore- shangri-la-dialogue/32975094.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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MANZINI - The much-anticipated salary review exercise for civil servants will kick off this month.

This was revealed by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service Sipho Tsabedze on Friday. The PS revealed these developments when responding to questions which were posed by this publication regarding an assertion by some public service workers, who said being a civil servant had degenerated to a worthless status, because of the poor wages they were paid. The PS acknowledged the concerns and said this was not an easy matter, especially during such trying times. He said the world economy, including that of the Kingdom of Eswatini, was not doing well.

However, government had been trying based on its financial muscle over the years. Government cannot promise its workers a salary adjustment, which it cannot afford to pay, due to cash flow challenges, the PS said.He emphasised that what government had been putting on the table as an offer for civil servants salary adjustments over the years was based on its financial muscle - what it could afford to pay. Thereafter, the PS said this month (June 2024), the salary review exercise, which civil servants, through their unions, had been demanding over the years, would start.

This month (June 2024) the consultant will kick-start the exercise, and surely it will partially address the concerns of the public sector workers regarding their low salaries, which are not enough to enable them to cope with the ever-soaring cost of living, the PS said. When this publication asked more about the commencement of the salary review exercise, the PS said he could not divulge much, because such information was yet to be revealed to the relevant stakeholders during the Joint Negotiation Forum (JNF).

Dispute

He said this should have been communicated to the stakeholders by now, but the challenge was that efforts of having a JNF were not fruitful, because of the dispute which everyone knows about. The Public Sector Unions of Swaziland Secretariat welcomed the developments. The secretariat, which was speaking through the voice of Mayibongwe Masangane, who is the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), said this was good news to them as civil servants, because it means the recommendations could be implemented next year. He said according to the terms of reference, the consultant should not take more than 12 months.

It is worth noting that in the last JNF, which was held on Wednesday, May 9, 2024, the government team walked out of the meeting, because of the presence of Mbongwa Dlamini, who is the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT). According to government, the SNAT president was not supposed to be part of the JNF, because he was fired from work by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), but the Public Sector Unions of Swazilands argument was that the court ruled that the leader of the teachers union should go back to work.

This matter is still pending before the court, following governments appeal of the judgment. Strikingly, civil servants salaries were last reviewed during the 2016/17 financial year and procedurally, they should be reviewed after five years, which means that the salary review exercise was supposed to be conducted in the 2021/22 financial year. However, due to cash flow challenges and delays in hiring the consultant, the exercise was also delayed. Civil servants, through their unions, have been demanding that government should conduct the exercise.
Russian Forces Launch Rockets at Ukrainian Military-Linked Energy Facilities - MoD

Sputnik News

20240601

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces over the past 24 hours have launched a group rocket strike against Ukrainian energy facilities working for the military-industrial complex in response to Kiev's attempts to damage Russian energy and transportation facilities, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"In response to attempts by the Kiev regime to damage Russian energy and transportation facilities, the Russian armed forces launched a group strike with long-range airborne and sea-based precision weapons against Ukrainian energy facilities that support the operation of enterprises of the military-industrial complex," the ministry said.

Russian forces also hit an expert center responsible for developing flight missions for Ukrainian drones, the ministry added.

"Tactical aviation, drones, missile forces and Russian artillery units struck the location of a group of technical specialists who were developing flight missions for attack drones, and also hit concentrations of enemy manpower and military equipment in 116 locations," the ministry noted.

Meanwhile, Russia's Battlegroup Yug eliminated over 660 Ukrainian soldiers near the villages of Krivaya Luka, Zaliznyanske, Orekhovo-Vasilevka, Kalinina, Andreyevka and Seversk of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the ministry said.

"The enemy lost more than 660 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), eight vehicles, two 152-millimeter D-20 howitzers, a 152-millimeter Msta-B howitzer, a US-made 105-mm M119 howitzer, a UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer, and a Nota electronic warfare station," the ministry added.

At the same time, Russia's Battlegroup Zapad grouping of troops repelled a Ukrainian attack, eliminating up to 450 servicepeople and a tank, the ministry said.

"The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 450 soldiers, a tank, two IFVs, nine vehicles, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, and a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit," the ministry stated.

Besides that, Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr grouping of troops repelled six attacks by Ukraine, eliminating up to 330 soldiers and two IFVs, including a US-made Bradley, the ministry said.

"Enemy losses totaled up to 330 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, including a US-made Bradley IFV, and eight vehicles," the ministry added.

During the counter-battery fire, Ukraine lost a US-made M777 howitzer, three Msta-B howitzers and two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery cannons, as well as a D-20 howitzer, three D-30 howitzers, and two US-made M119 howitzers, the ministry noted.

Russia's Battlegroup Sever grouping of troops repelled five attacks by Ukrainian assault groups, eliminating up to 240 servicepeople, the ministry said.

"Ukrainian forces lost up to 240 servicepeople, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, six vehicles, an Osa anti-aircraft missile system and a Nota electronic warfare station," the ministry added.

During the counter-battery fire, Ukraine lost a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, a D-20 howitzer and an Akatsiya self-propelled artillery cannon, as well as a D-30 howitzer, the ministry noted.

Russia's Battlegroup Vostok grouping of troops eliminated up to 120 Ukrainian servicepeople, the ministry said.

"The units of the Vostok Battlegroup took more favorable lines and hit the manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade and 128th territorial defense brigade in the areas of the villages of Urozhaynoye and Makarovka in the DPR. Ukraine's armed forces lost over 120 servicepeople, an armored combat vehicle, four vehicles, and a 122 mm D-30 howitzer," the ministry added.

A Sputnik

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The President of Ukraine Met with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for the First Time

President of Ukraine

1 June 2024 - 19:43

On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, JosA Ramos-Horta, for the first time in the history of these bilateral relations.

The Ukrainian Head of State thanked the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and the important UN resolutions condemning Russia's aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the participation of Southeast Asian countries in the Global Peace Summit and thanked JosA Manuel Ramos-Horta for confirming his participation in the event.

"It is very important for us to begin the process of establishing just peace. Russia does not want to stop the war. Therefore, together with the entire world, we must take steps to bring peace closer," the President of Ukraine said.

He noted that one of the key issues of the Summit would be the provision of the Peace Formula on food security.

The Ukrainian leader expressed his readiness to develop bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste, especially in the field of agricultural products supply, and invited the President of Timor-Leste to visit Ukraine.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Further Assistance to Ukraine with the Delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee

President of Ukraine

1 June 2024 - 19:10

In Singapore, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee led by its Chairman, Republican Party member Michael McCaul.

The meeting was also attended by the Democratic Co-Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks, and members of the Committee Young Kim and Joe Wilson (Republican Party), and Joe Courtney (Democratic Party).

The Head of State thanked the congressmen for advocating for the decision of the Congress, which was crucial for the resilience of the defenders of Ukraine in the confrontation with the Russian occupiers.

"We want to thank the United States, the Congress, both parties, for the important decisions that have been made. This is really a very important support package. It will help strengthen our army on the battlefield," he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the participants of the meeting about the situation on the frontline. They discussed key areas of further military assistance to Ukraine, including strengthening its air defense with additional systems and missiles.

The parties also emphasized the importance of allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against military targets in Russia in the border areas of the Kharkiv region.

The President also discussed with the congressmen the further increase of sanctions pressure on Russia. He emphasized the role of the Congress in shaping the legal framework for the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets for the urgent needs of Ukraine.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the President-Elect of Indonesia in Singapore

President of Ukraine

1 June 2024 - 17:27

On the sidelines of the annual Asian Security Summit, Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prabowo Subianto, the President-Elect of Indonesia, and congratulated him once again on his victory in the March elections.

"We look forward to Indonesia's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The leaders discussed the progress of the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, presented by Volodymyr Zelenskyy right during his online address to the participants of the G20 Summit in Indonesia in 2022.

The Ukrainian Head of State expressed hope for Indonesia's participation in the Global Peace Summit at the highest level.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed areas of bilateral cooperation. In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that despite Russia's attempts to obstruct civilian navigation in the Black Sea, Ukraine is ready to increase the supply of agricultural products to Indonesia.

The President emphasized that our country is interested in developing relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aspires to obtain the status of a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association.

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Zelenskyy attends security meeting, seeks support for Ukraine peace summit

By VOA News June 01, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attending the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference Saturday in Singapore, where he will try to raise support from Asia-Pacific countries for the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland later this month.

That summit will focus on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and the restoration of Ukraine's 1991 borders.

"Global security is impossible when the world's largest country disregards recognized borders, international law, and the U.N. Charter," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on social media platform X, referring to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are set to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "to discuss the current battlefield situation in Ukraine and to underscore the U.S. commitment to ensuring Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression," according to a U.S. official.

Zelenskyy also is to participate in a discussion forum Sunday on global peace and regional stability, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which organizes the event.

This is Zelenskyy's second trip to Asia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has not attended the Shangri-La Dialogue since the invasion.

Use of Western weapons

The Singapore visit was announced shortly after a U.S. decision to partially lift restrictions on Ukraine using U.S.-provided weapons to strike inside Russia, which Zelenskyy hailed as a "step forward."

Germany also agreed Friday to allow Ukraine to fire German-delivered weapons at targets within Russia.

Support is growing among NATO allies for allowing Ukraine to use Western-donated weapons to strike inside Russian territory a but Italy opposes the move.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned against "rash" moves.

"It is a very delicate moment, we must not make false steps" and must avoid "rash steps and declarations," he told a meeting in Rapallo, Italy, according to the AGI and ANSA news agencies.

Tajani added that Italy would send another package of aid to Ukraine within "weeks," but he repeated that "we will not send even one Italian soldier to fight in Ukraine because we are not at war with Russia," AGI reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of "serious consequences" if Western countries gave such approval to Ukraine.

Russian attacks

Meanwhile, Russia targeted Ukraine's power grid overnight with 100 missiles and drones, injuring at least 19 people across the country, local officials said.

The Ukrainian military reported it had downed 35 out of the 53 missiles launched at targets across the country overnight on June 1, as well as 46 out of 47 attack drones.

Twelve people, including eight children, were hospitalized after a strike close to two houses where they were sheltering in the Kharkiv region, said Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

This was the sixth attack on Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, in 2A months. DTEK said two of its power plants have been seriously damaged.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said in a statement on social media that the energy infrastructure in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kirovohrad and Ivano-Frankivsk regions also had been targeted.

The attacks have caused Kyiv to institute nationwide rolling blackouts and prompted Zelenskyy's appeal to allies for additional air defense systems to protect Ukraine from a spate of Russian assaults.

"Our partners know exactly what is needed for this. Additional Patriot and other modern air defense systems for Ukraine. Accelerating and expanding the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine. Providing our warriors with all the necessary capabilities," he said in a post Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, and added, "Civilians, infrastructure and energy facilities. This is what Russia is constantly at war with."

Ukrainian offensive

In the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, five civilians died amid Ukrainian shelling and three more were injured, according to the area's Moscow-installed leader, Denis Pushilin.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down two Ukrainian drones Saturday morning over Russia's Belgorod region. No casualties were reported.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Russian forces down 62 Ukrainian drones, 14 HIMARS rockets

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 02 June 2024 5:15 AM

Russian air defense forces have downed 62 Ukrainian drones, 14 HIMARS rockets and three Hammer bombs, according to a report by the Russian Defense Ministry.

"Air defense systems downed 62 unmanned aerial vehicles, 14 US-supplied HIMARS multiple launch rockets and three French-made guided Hammer aerial bombs over the past day," the report released on Saturday said.

Russian forces dealt a heavy retaliatory blow to Ukraine's power facilities as the Kiev forces had planned to strike Russian energy infrastructure, the report reads.

"Also, Western weapon depots [in Ukraine] were hit," it added.

The ministry also said that Russia's Battlegroup South took up better forward-edge positions, causing Ukrainian forces to sustain roughly 660 casualties.

Ukrainian forces lost two IFVs, eight vehicles, two 152mm D-20 howitzers, a 152 mm Msta-B towed howitzer, a US-supplied 105mm M119 gun, a British-made 105 mm L-119 howitzer and a Nota electronic warfare system, the ministry reported.

Russia's Battlegroup North repelled five counterattacks by Ukrainian forces in the past day, according to the ministry.

Also, it added, the Russian units struck the manpower and equipment of eight Ukrainian brigades as they pushed deeper into the enemy's defense lines.

In the past day approximately 240 Ukrainian forces were wounded in the counterattacks, the report said.

Russia's Battlegroup North also destroyed a Ukrainian tank, an infantry combat vehicle, six cars, an Osa air defense system, and a Nota electronic warfare system, according to the ministry report.

Russian troops fired counterbattery arms, hitting a US-supplied HIMARS vehicle, a 152mm D-20 howitzer, a 152mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery mount and a 122mm D-30 howitzer, the ministry specified.

Russia's Battlegroup East units seized vantage points in the past day, inflicting over 120 casualties on the Ukrainian forces. Also, Ukrainian forces lost an armored combat vehicle, four cars and a 122mm D-30 howitzer, it said.

The ministry also reported that combat units of Russia's armed forces Battlegroup West had inflicted an estimated 450 casualties on the Ukrainian forces that had been stationed in the area captured by Russian troops over the past day.

"Ukrainian forces lost roughly 450 troops, a tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, nine cars, two 152 mm D-20 howitzers and a 122 mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mount," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, in total, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 607 Ukrainian warplanes, 274 helicopters, 24,964 unmanned aerial vehicles, 525 surface-to-air missile systems, 16,219 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,326 multiple rocket launchers, 9,998 field artillery guns and mortars and 22,182 special military motor vehicles since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022.

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At Security Summit, Ukraine's President Says 100 Countries To Attend Swiss Peace Effort

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 02, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with foreign leaders in Singapore on the final day of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security summit on June 2, where he sought to rally international support ahead of a Swiss peace conference later this month despite what he said were Chinese efforts to undermine it.

Zelenskiy said more than 100 countries and international organizations had committed to attending the mid-June peace gathering in Switzerland.

Russia hasn't been at the event in Singapore since it launched its two-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskiy and Ukraine's defense minister, Rustem Umerov, met in Singapore for more than an hour with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following this week's U.S. easing of restrictions on the use of its weapons by Kyiv to publicly permit Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia.

A Pentagon official said Austin "reaffirmed the U.S. commitment" to "strong support" for Ukraine and both sides vowed to "further strengthen [their] strategic defense partnership."

Earlier, Zelenskiy met with a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives on the sidelines of the conference and said both sides "noted the importance of allowing Ukraine to use American weapons to strike military targets on the territory of Russia in the areas bordering the Kharkiv region."

Zelenskiy said that "The issue of further strengthening of sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation was also raised."

The Ukrainian president also met with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who at the same summit last year proposed an Indonesian plan for ending the war in Ukraine.

After meeting with Jose Ramos-Horta, the president of Timor-Leste, Zelenskiy said Ramos-Horta would also attend the peace summit planned for June 15-16 in Switzerland.

"It is very important for us to begin the process of establishing a just peace," Zelenskiy said. "Russia does not want to end the war. Therefore, we must work together with the entire world to bring peace closer."

Zelenskiy said recently amid reports that the European Union was trying to organize peace talks with Russian participation in Saudi Arabia for later this year that he had "no faith" in Russian President Vladimir Putin and around 200 rounds of talks dating back to Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014 had gone nowhere.

China, which has said it wants peace in Ukraine but has tightened relations with Moscow since the invasion began, has said it will not participate in the Swiss talks.

Zelenskiy told journalists that he regretted he couldn't meet the Chinese delegation in Singapore and that Beijing wouldn't be represented in Switzerland.

He added that "China, unfortunately...is working hard today for countries not to come to the peace summit." He also said Chinese support for Russia would prolong the war.

U.S. Pentagon chief Austin met with his Chinese counterpart, Defense Minister Dong Jun, in Singapore in their first face-to-face meeting since those contacts broke down in 2022 with tensions ratcheted up over bilateral issues, Taiwan, and Beijing's refusal to condemn and punish Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Also on June 2, Ukraine's military said its air defenses had intercepted 24 of 25 Russian attack drones overnight as the country sought to rebound from one of the biggest overnight attacks in weeks on Ukraine's power infrastructure a day earlier.

That attack killed at least eight people in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, police said, where a Russian offensive began last month.

As a result of those and other damaging attacks, state energy provider Ukrenerho said it was reintroducing blackouts for households and industrial users "in all regions of Ukraine" in the early morning and evening hours on June 2.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 31 that President Joe Biden had given Ukraine the go-ahead to use U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv as it tries to defeat Russian troops that began a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-austin- singapore-switzerland-russia/32975719.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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Saudi Arabia Will Not Attend 'Peace Conference' on Ukraine as Russia is Not Invited

Sputnik News

20240602

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Saudi Arabia will not attend the Swiss-hosted peace conference on Ukraine in June because Russia will not be represented, German news agency DPA reported on Sunday, citing Saudi diplomatic sources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Saudi Arabia, scheduled for past Saturday, may now take place after the "peace conference" in Switzerland, the report read. Riyadh has not yet officially announced its decision not to attend the conference.

Switzerland will host the summit on Ukraine not far off from the city of Lucerne from June 15-16. In April, the spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Bern, Vladimir Khokhlov, told Sputnik that Russia was not invitied to the summit, adding that Moscow had no plans to participate in the event even if invited.

China and Brazil have also refused to take part in the conference. Even Washington, despite being its main proponent, cannot say who will represent the US. President Joe Biden is due to attend a Hollywood fundraising gala for his re-election campaign instead.

Since the start of the special military operation in 2022, Moscow has said many times that it was ready to negotiate with Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian delegations held several rounds of peace talks in the early days of the conflict, but the negotiation failed, with Kiev legislating a ban on further peace talks. Western countries have been calling on Russia to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, by at the same time the West keeps ignoring Kiev's continuous refusal of dialogue.

A Sputnik

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Russian Forces Take Control of Umanskoye Village in DPR - MoD

Sputnik News

20240602

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Units of Battlegroup Tsentr have taken control of the village of Umanskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"As a result of successful actions of units of the Center grouping of troops, the village of Umanskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic was liberated," the ministry said.

Units of Battlegroup Sever advanced deep into the enemy's defenses, repelling seven Ukrainian counterattacks and eliminating up to 190 servicepeople over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"[Units of Battlegroup Sever of troops] repulsed seven counterattacks by units of the 42nd Mechanized, 71st Jaeger and 82nd Airborne Assault Brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the areas of [the villages of] Glubokoye, Liptsy and Volchansk in the Kharkov region," the ministry said.

Kiev lost up to 190 servicepeople, two armored personnel carriers, including a US-made Stryker armored personnel carrier, three vehicles and a Buk missile system, the ministry stated.

Meanwhile, a Bohdana wheeled self-propelled howitzer, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery mount and a D-20 howitzer were hit in the course of the counter-battery fire, the ministry added.

Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has defeated four Ukrainian brigades and repelled three counterattacks over the past 24 hours, resulting in the loss of 465 soldiers on Ukraine's side, the ministry said.

"Battlegroup Zapad took more advantageous positions and defeated formations of the 14th, 116th mechanized, 77th airmobile brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces and the 40th regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine near the settlements of Sinkovka in the Kharkov Region, Stelmakhovka in the Lugansk People's Republic and Grigorovka in the the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said.

In addition, Zapad repelled three counterattacks by assault groups of the 63rd mechanized brigade of Ukrainian troops near the village of Dibrova in the Lugansk People's Republic, according to the statement.

"The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 465 servicepeople, a tank, three armored combat vehicles and five pickup trucks in a day. In addition, a 155-mm UK-made AS90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery mount, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer and a Grad MLRS combat vehicle were hit in counter-battery fighting," the statement read.

Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr grouping of troops repelled five attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces, eliminating more than 360 servicepeople over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

In this direction only, Kiev lost over 360 servicepeople, two vehicles and a US-made M777 howitzer, as well as a Msta-B howitzer, three D-30 howitzers and two Rapira anti-tank guns, the ministry noted.

A Sputnik

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Six Civilians Injured After Shelling of Town in Russia's Belgorod Region

Sputnik News

20240602

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Six civilians have been injured as a result of Ukrainian shelling of the town of Shebekino in Russia's Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Saturday.

"As a result of shelling in the town of Shebekino, six civilians were injured, five of them in two buses received shrapnel wounds to their upper and lower limbs. The sixth victim, who was on the street at the time of attack, suffered a shrapnel wound to his left forearm," Gladkov said on Telegram, adding that all the injured were taken to a hospital.

In addition, the deputy head of the Korochansky District of the region, Igor Nechiporenko, died as a result of detonation of ammunition, the governor said.

Russia's Belgorod Region, bordering Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions, has been targeted repeatedly by the Ukrainian military, including in drone attacks.

A Sputnik

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MBABANE - The police have confiscated three cellphones and a laptop belonging to former warder Wandile Gina.

The cellphones and laptop are said to contain vital information, which includes Ginas communication with others, who are still wanted in connection with cases relating to the unrest that occurred two years ago in the country. During the unrest, government and members of the public had their properties extensively damaged and/or burnt, and lives were lost while others were injured. The gadgets are said to also contain text and WhatsApp messages between Gina and some leaders of political formations, who are now people of interest to the police.

Confiscated

Also among the items which the police found in Ginas possession and subsequently confiscated, were two pictures of him (Gina), with the President of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mlungisi Makhanya. The police further confiscated a computer hard drive, which the investigators said they reasonably believed contained information which might assist them as they deepen their investigations into the cases of the unrest. The hard drive was found in Ginas possession when he was arrested. The order allowing the police to keep the gadgets for further investigations was granted after the prosecution had moved an application in terms of Section 23(1) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2018.

The section provides that a police officer may, for the purpose of preventing the commission of an offence under this Act or preventing interference in the investigation of an offence under this Act, apply ex parte (without the knowledge of the other party) to a judge of the High Court for a detention order. In the application to confiscate the gadgets, the investigator of the matter, Detective Inspector Friday Mabuza, narrated how Gina led them to different places in the country to retrieve the gadgets.

He informed the court that on May 25, 2024, Gina was found in possession of three cellphones at Ngwane Park. The investigator submitted that he reasonably believed Gina used the cellphones as communication tools to commit acts of terrorism. Mabuza brought it to the courts attention that the cellphones would be used as exhibits during Ginas trial. He then led the police to Nkwalini area, where he pointed at a compact CPU, external hard drive and two photographs where he was with Mlungisi Makhanya and Bheka Makhanya. I seized all the items after due caution as an exhibit in the case,submitted the investigator.

Machine

The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that acts as its control center. The CPU, also referred to as the central or main processor, is a complex set of electronic circuitry that runs the machines operating system and apps. Detective Mabuza said he then seized all the items as exhibits in the presence of Gina and independent witnesses, after making all the necessary cautions in terms of the judges rules. He highlighted to the court that Gina had been charged for contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, among others offences. He then applied for the detention of the items in terms of Section 23(1) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008.



He averred that this was for the purpose of prevention of commission of an offence under the said Act and such exhibits would be used in court in the trial of the respondents.

The order allowing the police to continue keeping the items was granted by Judge Mumcy Dlamini, after an application was moved by Principal Crown Counsel Macebo Nxumalo.

Meanwhile, the prosecution had applied to the chief justice (CJ) to have Gina summarily indicted at the High Court. The accused made his maiden court apperance last Friday, where he was remanded in custody. In the composite summary of evidence that was presented in court, it is alleged that Gina, with the assistance of Sibusiso Nxumalo, Percy Machocco and others, kidnapped Correctional Services officer Mike Mthethwa, who was on guard at Sidwashini Correctional Services. The incident happened on October 19, 2022.

Killed

It is alleged that Mthethwa was taken to Ngwenya, where he was killed and his body dumped. According to the summary of evidence, the accused person, acting together with others, stole a service rifle that was in Mthethwas possession, whose body was found by the police on October 20, 2022. The police are said to have retrieved cartridge cases at the scene.

A group of people who called themselves underground solidarity forces emerged. The attacks were targeted mainly at the armed forces, judicial officers, prosecutors, traditional authorities, regiments and the public, reads the charge sheet in part. Gina has been charged for contravening Section 5 (1) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act 2008, read with Section 2 (2) (a) and (e) of the Act, as amended. The application to indict Gina was moved by the Crown in terms of Section 88bis of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938.
Bosnia Supplies Ukraine With Weapons Through Third Countries - Republika Srpska President

Sputnik News

20240602

BELGRADE (Sputnik) - The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina produce and supply weapons to Kiev, reselling them through several countries, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik told Sputnik on Sunday.

"We can see what is being supplied, where and keep track of it. The biggest customers lately have been NATO countries, as well as countries in the Arab world. That's how we found out that Spain was reselling. But they never do it first-hand - from Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, to Switzerland, and from there to Ukraine. No, they arrange three or four resales," Dodik said.

In March, Stasa Kosarac, Bosnia and Herzegovina's minister of foreign trade and economic relations, asked the country's authorities to inspect the defense companies Pretis and BNT Novi Travnik. At the time, photos of Ukrainian soldiers with Bosnian-made ammunition for 82 and 120 mm mortars appeared on the Internet.

The request for inspection was ignored.

Earlier, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Defense Minister Zukan Helez mentioned in the media that the country had started the production of kamikaze drones for delivery to Ukraine, without giving any details. When Security Minister Nenad Nesic was asked to explain which enterprises were in question, he did not answer.

Republika Srpska prevents direct arms supplies from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Ukraine, Milorad Dodik added.

"These factories in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are controlled by NATO. Recently, the government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, their owner, has agreed to include American funds among the owners. This suggests that they want to develop and strengthen this point. We cannot do much here, just gather information and prevent direct supplies to Ukraine, which is what we are doing," Dodik said.

The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russian strikes.

A Sputnik

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President Met with Prime Minister of Singapore

President of Ukraine

2 June 2024 - 14:09

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong.

The Head of State highly appreciated Singapore's consistent and resolute support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, its assistance in overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the full-scale Russian invasion, and the sanctions imposed.

The parties discussed preparations for the first inaugural Global Peace Summit. Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about Ukraine's vision of the Summit's outcomes and invited the Prime Minister of Singapore to personally participate in it.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of maximum unity and participation in the Summit of all states seeking a lasting, just peace based on the principles of the UN and international law.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lawrence Wong paid special attention to the expansion of Ukrainian-Singaporean cooperation in the economic sphere. In particular, they discussed the prospects for expanding trade and increasing agricultural exports.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the Peace Summit and the Development of Bilateral Relations with the President of Singapore

President of Ukraine

2 June 2024 - 12:52

During his visit to Singapore, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the clear position of Singapore on condemning Russian aggression, supporting sanctions pressure on Russia and for the humanitarian assistance provided.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed about the preparations for the first inaugural Global Peace Summit and emphasized the importance of representation of all continents, participation of all countries that respect international law and seek to restore just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

The leaders also discussed prospects for deepening Ukraine-Singapore relations.

The President of Ukraine thanked Singapore for its assistance in developing human potential and the capabilities of the public service sector in our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's interest in bringing cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to a new level.

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President Met with Heads of Leading Investment Companies of Singapore

President of Ukraine

2 June 2024 - 11:27

On the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with top executives of leading Singaporean investment companies.

The event was attended by the heads of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, investment fund Temasek Holdings, Wilmar International, Singapore Business Federation, investment company Blackstone Singapore, telecommunications operator SingTel, Universal Success Enterprises, and construction company Meinhardt Group.

The President emphasized that even in the difficult conditions of the war, the Ukrainian economy finds ways to develop and grow, adapting to new circumstances.

The Head of State thanked the Singaporean businessmen who continue to work in Ukraine in a difficult time for our country and maintain employment.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his belief that the further development of Ukraine-Singapore trade cooperation has great potential, especially in the fields of technology and innovation.

The President also reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to creating additional attractive incentives for investors.

The Head of State invited Singaporean investors to take part in a joint conference with the EU on the restoration, reform and modernization of the Ukrainian economy to be held in Berlin. A program to mobilize international financial support, implement long-term projects and create attractive conditions for investing in Ukraine's economy will be presented there.

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Speech by Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Plenary Session "Re-Imagining Solutions for Global Peace and Regional Stability" Held in Singapore

President of Ukraine

2 June 2024 - 10:20

Mr. Giegerich,

Dear Ministers of Defense,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear journalists,

I'm pleased to address you here today at IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

For many years in such Summits, including here, in Singapore, people discussed the importance of diplomacy.

It's often said that brutal force should not dominate the world. Similarly, attempts by various power centers to impose something on other nations against their will in politics, economy, or security should not dominate either. Diplomacy should be those caring and strong hands that prevent international disputes from turning into fights, restraining the most aggressive parties. This is how diplomacy often worked in the past. But frankly, the last few decades have not been a time for diplomacy. We have all felt this, and each region, sometimes even countries, has its own experience of how diplomacy has degraded leaving only disappointment behind.

In the 1990s, Ukraine suffered one of the greatest deceptions in modern history when the security assurances from nuclear powers - in exchange for the nuclear arsenal located in Ukraine, did not translate into real security. It was exactly 28 years ago these days, when Ukraine handed over its last nuclear warheads to Russia, in line with a multilateral international agreement. And it is Russia that has tried to erase Ukraine from the political map of the world. In the 2000s, Ukraine faced the first obvious violations by Russia on our territory and sovereignty, revealing that there was no element of the world's security architecture capable of restraining Russia and forcing it to stick to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. So, Putin believes he is allowed to do anything. By the mid-2010s, Russia brought a war to our land - a war that we in Ukraine never, never, never wanted, did not provoke, and which expanded into the most treacherous invasion Europe has experienced since World War II.

All of this was a series of diplomatic failures and constant attempts to keep the world divided into spheres of influence - which disrupts nations' lives and corrupts global powers. As a result - war. When unity was needed, the world was divided. When bold decisions were required, many were content with the status quo. And when preventive action was necessary to avoid the worst, the aggressor was somehow given time to prepare - we remember how Moscow tempted the world with the talks, all of which resulted in hollow words or unacceptable ultimatums. Thus, we found ourselves in a war that now affects everyone in the world and spreads a globally dangerous cult of violence instead of trust in international law, trust that diplomacy should strengthen.

But Ukraine will not complain. I am here to state: we have found a way to restore diplomacy. This is the goal I spoke about at the Shangri-La Dialogue, now we can make it real.

Dear friends!

Not so long ago it seemed that the world would always be fragmented. But we saw that most nations truly desire and are capable of cooperation, at least as far as collective security is concerned. A clear example are the coalitions from military to humanitarian, formal and informal, which help us withstand the war and prevent Russia from expanding it. These coalitions, supporting Ukraine, unite countries from all continents - with different characters and worldviews. What brought them together? Naturally, diplomacy. Diplomacy does work - when it truly aims to protect life.

Together with partners, we are defending life and rules-based world order. We are working to obtain air defense systems, and co-produce weaponry and drones. We train our soldiers together. We counter cyber threats together. We restore energy infrastructure damaged by Russian terror together. Just now, on Sunday night, Ukraine faced another round of Russian strikes - during one day, imagine, nearly a hundred missiles and drones. This has happened hundreds of times throughout the war, and no country could handle this alone, and I thank everyone in the world who helps us with air defense systems, saving the lives of our people, and the best Patriot systems. The United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and other partners who help us, thank you so much. Together we are also bringing back Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia from the occupied territories of our country. We know for sure about 20,000 Ukrainian children who were kidnapped and taken to Russia - we know their names. And Russia itself claimed that it took several hundred thousand of our children from the occupied territory of Ukraine - only the worst criminals do such things. We must bring all of our children back to Ukraine, to relatives, to parents. I thank Qatar for the help and other partner countries. Also, together with our partners, we are bringing back our captured soldiers.

There are already dozens such joint initiatives, and they work not only for Ukraine. Countries from Libya and Sudan to Bangladesh, consume food produced in Ukraine. All of them benefited directly when we lifted the Russian blockade of our ports and resumed our food exports. Initially, this was achieved through international mediation - together with TArkiye and the UN. Later, when Russia left the Grain Initiative, we resumed our contribution to global food security thanks to our soldiers who defeated Russia at sea. Already, 50 million tons of cargo have been exported through our new maritime corridor. But this was also made possible by diplomacy that supports Ukraine's resilience in battles. Once again, diplomacy does work.

Now, we are creating a new security architecture for Ukraine based on bilateral security agreements with our partners. There are already 15 such agreements, and more will come. These agreements are comprehensive, covering everything from defense cooperation to political and economic interaction. Diplomacy restores the world's habit of keeping with the terms of agreements in real life.

Besides, we've proven that now diplomacy resolves issues that Europe has been unable to solve for decades. Specifically, we have secured real steps towards Ukraine's integration with the EU - and Ukraine will definitely become an EU member, a part of one of the biggest global markets and security space.

And the key point - peace.

Our experience of restoring effective diplomacy has led us to the format of the Global Peace Summit. We are convinced that our world wants to be united and be capable of acting in complete harmony. We've realized that nations equally reject the idea of someone secretly making decisions and imposing them - what is needed is open and inclusive dialogue. We have confirmed that the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international conventions are entirely relevant. All this has become the basis of our Peace Formula and has grown into the Global Peace Summit - so every leader and country can show their commitment to peace. The global majority can ensure with their involvement - that what is agreed upon, is truly implemented, and so that Russia, who started this cruel war, cannot push us off the path to ending the war.

More than one hundred countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Summit. For today. At the first Summit, we will address three points of the Peace Formula - nuclear security, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and, of course, the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Time is running out, and the children are growing up in a Putinland where they are taught to hate their homeland and are lied to, being told they have no families - while their loved ones wait for them at home in Ukraine. After the Peace Summit, when the global majority agrees on the common understandings and steps, the relevant parties will pass this to Russia, aiming for an outcome similar to The Grain Initiative. If these basic things are implemented, other points of the Peace Formula will work as well.

Yes, we are disappointed that some world leaders have not yet confirmed their participation in the Peace Summit. Unfortunately, there are also attempts to disrupt the Summit. We do not want to believe that this is a desire for monopolistic power in the world - to deny the global community the opportunity to decide on war and peace and to leave this power in the hands of one or two. We respect the UN Charter, respect every nation, and treat everyone equally - only on this principle can the world be safeguarded from war.

Ukraine proposes peace through diplomacy - an inclusive and fair format, Global Peace Summit. And I invite your region, your leaders, and countries to join. So that your peoples are involved in these global affairs and, by uniting against one war, we create for the world a real experience - the experience of overcoming any war, and of diplomacy that does work.

Thank you for the invitation! Thank you for your attention!

 NNN!





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President of Ukraine Met with U.S. Secretary of Defense in Singapore

President of Ukraine

2 June 2024 - 08:41

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

The Head of State emphasized the unwavering strong defense and political support of Ukraine by the United States.

"We are very grateful to President Joseph Biden and his administration for their continued assistance in the fight for our freedom and independence," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He also emphasized the critical importance of the military aid package passed by Congress.

The two sides discussed Ukraine's defense needs, which are being addressed by U.S. assistance, including training and equipping new brigades.

The President thanked the U.S. Secretary of Defense for his active work to bolster Ukraine's air defense system. "This is the most important track now to protect the lives of Ukrainians, our cities, communities and civilian infrastructure. It is crucial," he said.

The interlocutors also focused on the F-16 coalition, in particular the joint efforts needed to speed up the delivery of the fighter jets.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the adoption of an important decision by the U.S. Presidential Administration to allow limited strikes with American weapons on the territory of Russia to effectively counter Russia's attempts to expand the combat zone.

The President of Ukraine and the U.S. Secretary of Defense noted the progress in the preparation of a bilateral security agreement.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also told Lloyd Austin about the efforts made by Russia to disrupt the first Global Peace Summit. The Head of State emphasized that the participation of all key partners of Ukraine would make such attempts by Russia pointless.





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Ukraine resorts to emergency power cuts after Russian attacks on energy grid

By VOA News June 02, 2024

Emergency power shutdowns were implemented across Ukraine Sunday, a day after Russia pummeled the country's energy infrastructure with 100 drones and missiles and claimed it made territorial gains in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

At least 19 people were injured in Saturday's massive attacks. Without adequate air defenses to counter incessant Russian assaults and to allow for repairs on Ukraine's energy system in recent weeks, Kyiv has had to enforce nationwide rolling blackouts to compensate for energy shortages during the hot days of summer and the bitter-cold winter.

Russia claimed Sunday that it had taken control of the village of Umanske in the partially Russian-occupied Donetsk region while also making incursions in Ukraine's northern Sumy and Chernihiv areas.

In Russia, at least six people were injured from Ukrainian shelling in the city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday. Gladkov also said that a local official, the deputy head of the Korochansky district, had been killed by "detonation of ammunition."

In the neighboring Kursk region, three people were injured Sunday when an explosive device was dropped from a drone, according to acting regional head Alexey Smirnov.

China spurns Ukraine peace summit

China said Friday it would be "'hard to meet" calls for discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, citing problems with arrangements that seem to indicate Beijing's strongly pro-Moscow stance.

"There is still a clear gap between the arrangements for the meeting and the demands of the Chinese side, as well as the general expectations of the international community," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, without providing further details.

Mao said China has "informed parties concerned about our considerations and concerns and would keep in touch with all parties concerned." China claims neutrality in the conflict but has strongly backed Russia and recently hosted President Vladimir Putin on a state visit.

In an interview with China's official Xinhua News Agency released Wednesday, Putin hailed his ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, saying, "President Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, open and at the same time business-like style of communication."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China Sunday of helping Russia to disrupt a Swiss-organized peace conference taking place later this month on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at Asia's premier security conference, Zelenskyy said that China is pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the talks, set for June 15-16, but he did not specify which ones.

"Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit," he said at a news conference at the Shangri-La defense forum. "Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin."

Despite its proclaimed neutrality, China's trade with Russia has grown, allowing Moscow to weather Western economic sanctions.

Ukrainian, U.S. and other intelligence agencies also say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.

Switzerland was hoping China would attend the peace summit in mid-June, but the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson indicated Friday that that was unlikely.

China has been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited. Russia also has called Zelenskyy's peace plan outlining the Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territories a non-starter.

Zelenskyy was to visit Manila late Sunday, Rappler news site reported, quoting diplomatic sources.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Philippine president's office or the Philippine foreign ministry.

Zelenskyy would be coming from Singapore, where he made a surprise appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue. This is his second visit to Asia since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

NATO-Russia

Separately, NATO's decision to strengthen Europe's northern and eastern flank is aimed at securing its borders from Russian expansionism, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sunday, adding that it should be clear to Moscow that the alliance will be ready to defend itself if necessary.

Speaking at the Eastern German Economic Forum that Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte also attended, Scholz said Germany has played a leading role in NATO's presence in the Baltics on Russia's border, stretching back nearly a decade.

"And because the threat from Russia will continue, we and other allies decided last year to deploy additional units to the Baltic states and to station an entire brigade there permanently in future," Scholz said, according to a speech manuscript.

"But this turnaround in security policy is necessary to show Russia: We are prepared to defend every square inch of NATO territory against attacks."

Putin warned NATO members recently against allowing Ukraine to use Western made weapons on Russian territory, after several Western allies lifted restrictions imposed on the use of arms they supplied to Kyiv.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday dismissed Russian threats, saying the alliance had heard them many times before and self-defense was not escalation.

Some material came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Zelenskyy, at Shangri-La meeting, urges countries to join peace summit

By William Yang June 02, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday urged countries to participate in the June 15-16 peace summit in Switzerland.

Zelenskyy, in his keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasized diplomacy's role in maintaining Ukrainian efforts in the war with Russia, now in its third year.

"Not so long ago, it seemed that the world would always be fragmented, but we saw that most nations truly desire and are capable of cooperation, at least as far as collective security is concerned," he told hundreds of foreign government officials and delegates at the regional security dialogue.

He stressed how support from countries around the world has helped Ukraine to maintain its defense capabilities amid aggressive attacks launched by Russia while rescuing some Ukrainian children who had been taken to Russia.

"Diplomacy does more when it truly aims to protect life, [and] together with partners, we are defending life and rules-based world order," he said, adding that Ukraine's experience has helped to restore "effective diplomacy," which has led to the peace summit in Switzerland.

"We are moving into the Global Peace Summit so every leader and every country can show their commitment to peace," he said, stressing that the global majority can ensure that "what is agreed upon is truly implemented" with their involvement in the summit.

While reiterating the importance for countries around the world to remain "united" and act in "complete harmony," Zelenskyy also expressed his disappointment in some countries' absence from the peace summit.

"We are disappointed that some world leaders have not yet confirmed their participation in the peace summit, [and] unfortunately, there are also attempts to disrupt the summit," he said, adding that these attempts would deny the world the opportunity to "decide on war and peace."

Zelenskyy's remarks came as Ukraine continues to experience heavy Russian bombardment. Ukrainian officials told local media outlets that an overnight Russian attack involving 100 missiles and drones targeted the country's power grid and injured at least 19 people across the country.

It also follows China's decision to skip the peace summit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters May 31 the summit has not met the conditions proposed by China, which is that both Russia and Ukraine should take part in the meeting.

"There is an apparent gap between the meeting's arrangement and what China stands for as well as the universal expectation in the international community," she said, adding that China has shared its concerns with relevant parties while vowing to keep promoting peace talks in its own way.

Several European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed concerns in recent months about China's support for Russia's war efforts and urged Beijing to use its influence to facilitate a peace process.

Western countries have also repeatedly warned about China's ongoing support for Russian war efforts against Ukraine. In May, the British defense minister said that intelligence showed evidence of Chinese lethal aid to Russia.

During his keynote address Sunday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun reiterated that China has not provided weapons to either party in the Ukraine war and strictly controls the export of dual-use items.

"We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue," he said.

However, when asked to elaborate on China's plan for the peace process in Ukraine during the Q&A session of his keynote speech, Dong skipped the question and used his time to repeat China's objection to Taiwan's efforts to seek independence.

Zelenskyy told a press conference that while the United States has confirmed its "high-level" participation in the peace summit and has been encouraging countries to attend, China has been asking countries "not to attend the summit."

"These are two different approaches," he said.

When asked what he hopes to achieve by coming to Singapore, Zelenskyy said he wants to secure more support from Asian countries and hopes to let Asian countries understand what is happening in Ukraine.

"We want Asia to be involved in the peace summit and if we see Asian leaders attend the peace summit, we will know that my trip has succeeded," he said, adding that he has not had any interaction with the Chinese delegation.

While he said he does not expect Ukraine to receive defensive support from China, Zelenskyy said he hopes China will support Ukraine's efforts to ensure nuclear and food security in the world.

"It'll be great if China supports and helps to solve these two issues," he told journalists.

Some analysts say Dong's reluctance to elaborate on Beijing's plan for peace processes in the war shows it does not consider part of its core interests.

"They don't think it's a good topic for them, so they are just not going to talk about it," Ray Powell, a fellow at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, told VOA on the sidelines of the Shangri-La meeting.

Powell said that while part of Zelenskyy's goal may be trying to rally more countries to join the peace summit, he may have difficulty convincing some Indo-Pacific countries to become more involved in the Ukraine War.

"Some Indo-Pacific countries' immediate concerns don't go that far out so I think Zelenskyy may just be thinking about keeping certain countries that have been supportive of Ukraine's cause at the United Nations close and try to make his case to those governments," Powell said.

Zelenskyy said that by joining the event, countries can involve their people in global affairs and unite the world against one war.

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New York, NY, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beginning in June, Patina Restaurant Group will be partnering with 21 Seeds Tequila to celebrate Pride Month at their various locations throughout Orlando, New York City, Buffalo and Boston. Patina Restaurant Group is excited to feature the diverse and vibrant range of 21 Seeds Tequila, known for being infused with the juice of real fruit, in a variety of specialty cocktails.

Celebrating Pride Month is a way to show both our guests and team members they are seen and celebrated for who they are, said John Kolaski, president of Patina Restaurant Group. Our partnership with 21 Seeds Tequila allows us to offer unique, flavorful cocktails while giving back to vital local organizations. At Patina Restaurant Group, we believe in the power of community and are committed to fostering individuality and belonging."

Participating restaurants will offer a selection of unique and delicious cocktails crafted with 21 Seeds Tequila. Guests can look forward to colorful drinks, including:

Mr. Margarita: 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with lime wedge, cucumber slices and a salted rim.

21 Seeds Valencia Orange Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with lime wedge, cucumber slices and a salted rim. Spicy Ms. Margarita: 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with lime wedge, cucumber slices and a salted rim.

21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, served over ice with lime wedge, cucumber slices and a salted rim. Proud Paloma: 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Infused Tequila, pink grapefruit juice, club soda, served over ice with grapefruit slice and basil sprig.

21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Infused Tequila, pink grapefruit juice, club soda, served over ice with grapefruit slice and basil sprig. Seed & Sassy: 21 Seeds Infused Tequila, club soda, served over ice and topped with fresh fruit.

Patina Restaurant Group is proud to have 11 of its restaurants joining the celebration, including: Maria & Enzo's, Enzo's Hideaway, The Edison, and Morimoto Asia in Orlando; Stella 34 Trattoria, Lincoln Ristorante, and STATE Grill & Bar in New York City; Patina 250 in Buffalo, N.Y.; and Banners Kitchen & Tap, Momosan Boston, and Hub Hall in Boston.

In support of the LGBTQIA+ community, Patina Restaurant Group will collaborate with local LGBTQIA+ charities in each of its markets. A donation will be made to these regional organizations, highlighting the group's commitment to giving back and supporting vital community work:

New York: Translatinx Network Organization

Boston: GLAD Legal Advocates and Defenders

Orlando: The Center Orlando

Buffalo: Pride Center of WNY

Celebrate Pride Month with Patina Restaurant Group, enjoy fantastic cocktails, and support the LGBTQIA+ community with every sip. Learn more about Patina Restaurant Group and its portfolio of restaurants at PatinaGroup.com or by following @patinarestaurantgroup on Instagram.

# # #

About Patina Restaurant Group

Patina Restaurant Group is a bicoastal collection of 27+ boutique restaurants in the premium segment of the hospitality industry. The group is best known for its unique and impeccable market-driven menus, modern design and decor, exemplary service culture, and outstanding beverage programs across all locationsoffering numerous distinctive, one-of-a-kind dining destinations.

On the East Coast, its restaurant concepts include fan favorites such as Morimoto Asia, Maria & Enzos, Pizza Ponte, Enzos Hideaway, and The Edison at Disney Springs along with the Italy pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, which encompasses Via Napoli, Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto, and Gelateria Toscana. Additionally, Patina operates Space 220 Restaurant within the World Discovery neighborhood of EPCOT.

On the West Coast, its portfolio includes Downtown Disney District staples in Anaheim such as Naples Ristorante e Bar. Patina is also comprised of celebrated venues at cultural institutions throughout Los Angeles such as Nick & Stefs Steakhouse near The Broad Museum on Bunker Hill, Leatherbys Cafe Rouge at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Rays & Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Patina Catering, a world-class catering division.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zafin, the leading provider of SaaS core modernization and transformation solutions for banks, today announced the appointment of Michael Nitsopoulos as Chief Product Officer. Michael brings over 23 years of experience driving product innovation and solutions across multinational organizations, including financial services, telecommunications, retail, public sector and insurance.



As the Chief Product Officer, Michael will oversee Zafin's product strategy, leveraging his deep expertise to enhance and expand Zafin's suite of solutions. Michael joins Zafin from PNC, where he served as Senior Vice President and Engineering Director of Retail Banking Technology. At PNC, he led the architecture, strategy and innovation team of over 1,000 technologists, driving significant advancements and spearheading a strategic technology transformation program. His leadership resulted in filing 20 patents, reiterating his commitment to innovation and excellence.

"Michael's visionary leadership and extensive background in developing innovative products and user experiences will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the ever-evolving landscape of banking," said Charbel Safadi, CEO of Zafin. "His proven track record of accelerating growth for multinational organizations aligns perfectly with our strategic goals to better serve our customers and support our growth initiatives, solidifying Zafin's position as a leader in banking technology."

Before his role at PNC, Michael held key positions at IBM, where he established the API and Microservices practice, managed a $25 million P&L and led a team of over 25 professionals, presenting and blogging on the value of APIs as an offensive weapon against disintermediation for financial institutions. At TD Bank, he created and executed an omnichannel strategy, overseeing a $15 million budget and delivering over $30 million in annual benefits.

"The evolving demands of the banking industry require modern, scalable solutions that can adapt to changing needs," said Michael Nitsopoulos. "The banking industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Banks are seeking solutions that keep them ahead, and Zafin is uniquely positioned to lead this change. I am pleased to join the Zafin team and look forward to leading the product strategy efforts, focusing on providing innovative solutions that address the complex challenges faced by our customers."

For more information about Zafin's solutions, visit Zafin platform

About Zafin:

Founded in 2002, Zafin is a leading provider of SaaS core modernization and transformation solutions offering an integrated platform and capabilities that simplify operations and enable increased revenue, profitability, and enhanced customer experiences for top banks worldwide. Our platform enables business users to work collaboratively to design and manage pricing, products, and packages, while technologists streamline core banking systems.

With Zafin, banks accelerate time to market for new products and offers while lowering the cost of change and achieving tangible business and risk outcomes. The Zafin platform increases business agility while enabling personalized pricing and dynamic responses to evolving customer and market needs.



Zafin is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with offices and customers around the globe, including ING, CIBC, HSBC, Wells Fargo, PNC, and ANZ. For more information go to www.zafin.com .



Connect with Zafin on Twitter at @zafin, on LinkedIn on YouTube at Zafin YouTube or read the Zafin blog .



"Zafin" is a trademark of Zafin. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.



Media Contact:

Juliet Mafua

juliet.mafua@zafin.com

Uproar PR for Zafin

Matt Greenfield

mgreenfield@uproarpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7aed225-fc4e-4e0a-a306-b4b84d7b2f4a
SAN DIEGO, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novotech, the global full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, today announced the launch of a dedicated early phase unit focussed on leveraging the unique advantage of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) for early phase clinical development.

This Early Phase Strategic Delivery Unit (EP SDU) is the first in a series of new Strategic Delivery Units (SDUs) to be launched by Novotech over the course of 2024, each one being a dedicated delivery unit with specialist teams and tailored processes, for different types of complex clinical trials.

Novotech has long been a partner of choice for biotechs wanting to conduct early phase trials in ANZ and benefit from the clinical and scientific excellence, attractive financial rebates, and rapid start-up with streamlined regulatory processes.

Novotech CEO Dr John Moller said: Our Early Phase Strategic Delivery Unit ensures that, as our global operations continue to grow, our commitment to excellence in Phase I delivery across ANZ remains a core and integral part of Novotech's service offering. This continues to serve as a platform for our biotech clients to expedite their early phase work before expanding into later phase global development with Novotech.

Lynda Bluck, Director of Early Phase Project Management, who brings over 20 years of clinical trial experience said: The EP SDU consists of a multidisciplinary team of experts in early phase clinical trials who provide support, expertise, guidance, and oversight to all our early phase projects, ensuring consistent high quality operational delivery.

ANZ is an attractive destination for early phase biotechs as it offers rapid, cost-effective, and high-quality clinical development solutions, said Bluck.

Novotech has more than 30 years of experience in conducting early phase clinical trials in ANZ with a reputation for consistently delivering high quality data that is accepted by international regulatory agencies.

Our team offers proven optimized processes for rapid and efficient execution of Phase I clinical trials and are committed to helping our sponsors navigate both the preclinical and clinical stages of drug development.

Bluck said central to the EP SDUs offering is integrated engagement with Novotech's world-class Drug Development Consulting (DDC) team.

The DDC is a full-service global product development and strategic regulatory group that supports sponsors through every phase of clinical development. The expert team is particularly integral in providing guidance and support prior to entering Phase I and ensuring our sponsors are HREC (IRB equivalent) ready, said Scott Schliebner, Novotechs Vice President of Drug Development Consulting.

Novotech's DDC team provides comprehensive "lab to launch" program development services, including regulatory strategy and operations, CMC and product/analytical consulting, clinical oversight, toxicology and other nonclinical consulting, quality/GMP consulting, and electronic submissions. We have a proven track record of successful FDA meetings and approvals.

The teams have the expertise to support projects over their entire lifecycle, all the way from preclinical development through to approval and post-marketing.

About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com

Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase.

Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com
San Diego, CA, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new tool developed by General Atomics (GA) is enabling scientists to optimize the quality of targets used in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) experiments. The system, known as 4Pi, has already led to improved experimental results and higher ICF yields. Starting with the historic breakthrough of fusion ignition in December 2022  described by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm as one of the most impressive scientific feats of the 21st century  each of the five experiments that have achieved ignition at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have utilized a target characterized and selected by the 4Pi system.

Haibo Huang, Deputy Director of GAs Center of Excellence in Advanced Diagnostics and 4Pi Project Lead, said, General Atomics is proud to launch a new era of integrated characterization to the field of ICF research. The 4Pi system allows multiple instruments with complementary capabilities to examine the same target from different perspectives and gain much deeper insights. With increasingly intricate and complex targets needed to create record-breaking ignition yields, this integrated approach is indispensable.

GAs 4Pi system combines up to eight instruments within one common coordinate system, including robotics, automation, batch evaluation, and machine learning technologies, to avoid measurement errors that can occur when a target is manually transferred from one instrument to another and identify the best targets from each production batch.

In ICF, high-powered lasers are used to rapidly compress a target filled with hydrogen fuel, causing the atoms to fuse together and release a significant amount of energy. A target achieves ignition when the amount of energy released in the reaction is greater than what was delivered to the target.

The quality of targets is a key element to achieving ignition, and fabricating them is a highly challenging process, as each one is approximately 2mm in diameter  the size of a BB  and fabricated at sub-micron tolerances. The slightest defects and non-uniformities affect the behavior of the fuel when the target is compressed and features smaller than 1/100th the diameter of a human hair could prevent ignition from occurring.

Two instruments on the 4Pi system specifically assisted in the recent ignition breakthroughs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)s NIF. These include the Digital Holographic Microscope, which identifies defects on the surface of targets, and the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscope, which maps variations in the thickness of a targets wall.

Mike Farrell, Vice President of Inertial Fusion Technologies at GA, said, The GA Energy Group is dedicated to pioneering technologies, like 4Pi, to provide solutions for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)s toughest challenges. We intentionally designed the 4Pi system to be modular so it will evolve with program needs, such as new types of targets and the availability of new classes of sensors.

As the NNSAs primary commercial partner for ICF targets and target support services since 1991, GA provides more than 12,000 components annually for experiments conducted by NIF, the Z Pulsed Power Facility at Sandia National Laboratory, and the Omega Laser Facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

LLNLs NIF is the most precise and reproducible laser system in the world, focusing 192 beams on each target during ICF experiments. GA and LLNL have a long-standing partnership under the NNSAs ICF and High Yield research program to help facilitate a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent without underground testing.

In December 2022, NIF achieved the first controlled fusion ignition in history.

Since then, weve repeated ignition four times, said NIF Director Gordon Brunton. In early February, we achieved 5.2 MJ of fusion output from 2.2 MJ of laser energy delivered on target, our highest yield yet.

A close collaboration between GA and LLNL, including Kurt Boehm (GA), Dan Casey (LLNL), Haibo Huang (GA), Pasha Lapa (GA), Shahin Pajoom (GA), Art Pak (LLNL), Mark Ratledge (GA), Neal Rice (GA), Kevin Sequoia (GA), Michael Staderman (LLNL), and Masashi Yamaguchi (GA), has significantly contributed to the continued growth in research and development for inertial fusion target fabrication.

About General Atomics: Since the dawn of the atomic age, General Atomics innovations have advanced the state of the art across the full spectrum of science and technology  from nuclear energy and defense to medicine and high-performance computing. Behind a talented global team of scientists, engineers, and professionals, GAs unique experience and capabilities continue to deliver safe, sustainable, economical, and innovative solutions to meet growing global demands.

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SALT LAKE CITY, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After more than a decade of leadership, Savage announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Kirk Aubry will be retiring from the company on December 31, 2024. Chief Operating Officer Jeff Roberts is being promoted to the additional role of president, effective immediately. Roberts will assume the role of chief executive officer on January 1, 2025.

Kirks leadership has made a significant impact on Savage, and were extremely grateful for his vision and dedication to the company, said Savage Chairman of the Board Don Stebbins. We believe Jeffs passion for the business and commitment to Savages culture make him the ideal choice to continue that success into the future.

As a privately held, family-owned business, Todd Savage, vice-chairman of the board, shared his views on behalf of the Savage family. The impact Kirk has had on Savage is undeniable. During his time as CEO, we entered new markets, saw tremendous growth and developed a sustainable, long-term strategy. The Savage family is thankful for all hes done to ensure the companys continued success. Were pleased to see Jeff take on this new role. Hes a proven leader and has demonstrated his commitment to the Vision and Legacy of our company.

While leading Savage, Aubry and the Savage team brought new businesses into the company in the agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental sectors. During his tenure, safety, operational and financial performance surpassed even historically strong levels.

Its been an incredible journey, and Im grateful for the dedication and hard work of every Savage Team Member who helped build this thriving company, said Aubry. This is a remarkable organization, and Im excited to watch its continued success and growth under Jeffs leadership.

This transition is part of the Boards succession plan thats been in process for several years. Roberts joined the company as chief financial officer in 2016 and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2022. He was selected unanimously by the Savage Board of Directors to succeed Aubry as chief executive officer.

Im honored that the board selected me to lead this innovative and dynamic company, said Roberts. Savage has a rich history and strong foundation, and Im thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon the great work Kirk and our team have done over the past decade.

The company remains committed to its strategic direction and is positioned to continue to grow and thrive during this transition and beyond.

About Savage

Established in 1946, Savage is a privately held, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions, with more than 4,000 Team Members across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. We strive to always Do the Right Thing, Find a Better Way and Make a Difference. Our Customers and Partners count on us to safely and sustainably move and manage what is essential to their businesses so they can Feed the World, Power Our Lives and Sustain the Planet.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anfield Energy, Inc. (TSX.V: AEC; OTCQB: ANLDF; FRANKFURT: 0AD) (Anfield or the Company) announces that it has filed its annual financial statements, accompanying management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications (collectively, the Annual Filings) for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. Following completion of the filings, the British Columbia Securities Commission has revoked the previously issued cease trade order (the CTO). Anfield expects its shares to be reinstated for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange at the open of markets on or about June 5, 2024.

The Annual Filings had not been filed due to an unanticipated change in auditor practices which led to a requirement to reverse an asset impairment charge related to the Shootaring Canyon mill, put in place in 2017 as a consequence of an audit analysis and determination that the mill would not be restarted due to a low uranium price at that time. This impairment is now reversed and the book value of the Shootaring Canyon mill increased by approximately $22 million.

The impairment reversal required a comprehensive business valuation appraisal, undertaken by a third-party firm specializing in valuations, which informed the auditors as to both the validity and amount of the reversal of the Shootaring Canyon mill impairment.

Market Awareness Engagements

The Company also confirms the following ongoing engagements:

Capital 10X: 12673428 Canada Inc., doing business as Capital 10X, is a research and analysis firm owned by Duane Hope, based in Toronto, Ontario and active in the metals and mining industry. Capital 10X increases awareness of the Company through social media platforms, and produces management interviews and written, visual and video content. The engagement commenced on January 1, 2023, and is currently on a month-to-month basis during which time Capital 10X is entitled to receive a monthly cash fee of $6,000.

12673428 Canada Inc., doing business as Capital 10X, is a research and analysis firm owned by Duane Hope, based in Toronto, Ontario and active in the metals and mining industry. Capital 10X increases awareness of the Company through social media platforms, and produces management interviews and written, visual and video content. The engagement commenced on January 1, 2023, and is currently on a month-to-month basis during which time Capital 10X is entitled to receive a monthly cash fee of $6,000. CanaCom Group: 2686362 Ontario Corporation, doing business as CanaCom Group, is a full-service media agency based in Toronto, Ontario and co-owned by Matt Lewis, Steve Hyland and Jordan Lutz. CanaCom Group produces articles and video content for the Company, as well as increasing awareness through online hosting of content. The engagement of CanaCom Group is for a twelve-month term which commenced on December 14, 2023, for which CanaCom Group has received a one-time cash payment of $110,000 at the time of commencement.

The Company is at arms-length from Capital 10X and CanaCom Group. Compensation to Capital 10X and CanaCom Group does not include any securities of the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, CanaCom Group is a shareholder of the Company, but otherwise neither Capital 10X, nor CanaCom Group, have any interest in the Company.

Private Placement Updates

The Company also notes the following corrections in the number of broker warrants issued in connection with previous private placements:

On March 7, 2022, the Company completed a private placement of units at a price of $0.085 per unit. In connection with completion of the placement, the Company issued a total of 4,370,823 broker warrants to certain arms-length finders, representing a decrease of 272,727 warrants from the amount previously noted by the Company in its news releases of February 25, 2022 and March 7, 2022.

On December 22, 2023, the Company completed a private placement of units at a price of $0.065 per unit. In connection with completion of the placement, the Company issued a total of 1,966,170 broker warrants to certain arms-length finders, representing an increase of 46,200 warrants from the amount previously noted by the Company in its news release of December 22, 2023.

The above corrections to the issued broker warrants remain subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange, and were not approved at the time of the underlying placements.

About Anfield

Anfield is a uranium and vanadium development and near-term production company that is committed to becoming a top-tier energy-related fuels supplier by creating value through sustainable, efficient growth in its assets. Anfield is a publicly traded corporation listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (AEC-V), the OTCQB Marketplace (ANLDF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (0AD).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

ANFIELD ENERGY INC.

Corey Dias, Chief Executive Officer

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.

Contact:

Anfield Energy, Inc.

Clive Mostert

Corporate Communications

780-920-5044

contact@anfieldenergy.com

www.anfieldenergy.com



Safe Harbor Statement

THIS NEWS RELEASE CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. STATEMENTS IN THIS NEWS RELEASE THAT ARE NOT PURELY HISTORICAL ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INCLUDE ANY STATEMENTS REGARDING BELIEFS, PLANS, EXPECTATIONS OR INTENTIONS REGARDING THE FUTURE.

EXCEPT FOR THE HISTORICAL INFORMATION PRESENTED HEREIN, MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH STATEMENTS. STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS, INCLUDING STATEMENTS THAT ARE PRECEDED BY, FOLLOWED BY, OR THAT INCLUDE SUCH WORDS AS ESTIMATE, ANTICIPATE, BELIEVE, PLAN OR EXPECT OR SIMILAR STATEMENTS ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE COMPANY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MINERAL EXPLORATION AND FUNDING AS WELL AS THE RISKS SHOWN IN THE COMPANYS MOST RECENT ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY REPORTS AND FROM TIME-TO-TIME IN OTHER PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY. OTHER RISKS INCLUDE RISKS ASSOCIATED FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND THE COMPANYS ABILITY AND LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR ITS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE COMPANYS EXPLORATION EFFORTS WILL SUCCEED OR THE COMPANY WILL ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, AND THE COMPANY ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, OR TO UPDATE THE REASONS WHY ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT THE BELIEFS, PLANS, EXPECTATIONS AND INTENTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE ARE REASONABLE, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THOSE BELIEFS, PLANS, EXPECTATIONS OR INTENTIONS WILL PROVE TO BE ACCURATE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER ALL OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN AND SHOULD ALSO REFER TO THE RISK FACTORS DISCLOSED IN THE COMPANYS PERIODIC REPORTS FILED FROM TIME-TO-TIME.

THIS NEWS RELEASE HAS BEEN PREPARED BY MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY WHO TAKES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS.
Laurel, Maryland, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the sixth consecutive year, Tower Federal Credit Union has been named a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work (GPTW). Rick Stafford, Towers President and CEO, credits Towers exceptional team of employees and the credit unions service-driven, people-oriented

culture as the reason for the recognition.

Our Great Place to Work recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from our employees, said Rick Stafford, Towers President & CEO. It shows us how we measure up as a workplace against companies of all sizes, across all industries. We take the results of these surveys seriously, and, while no company big or small can claim perfection, we listen, make adjustments when we can, and always strive to make Tower the place our employees choose to be.

Tower earned the GPTW credential based on extensive ratings provided by employees who participated in anonymous voluntary surveys about the credit unions initiatives, leadership, and overall direction. Employees cited a welcoming work atmosphere, generous benefits package, the ability to take time off when needed, flexible schedules, and community give-back amongst the top reasons why Tower is a great place to work.

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures, Stafford said. The company provides the benchmarks, framework and expertise to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding work cultures. I am thankful to those on our team who took the time to participate in the voluntary survey, and I am honored to lead such an outstanding group of people.

Consistently, employees gave Tower high marks for the credit unions philanthropic work environment and commitment to giving back to the local community, most notably through the TowerCares Foundation, which helps active military, Veterans, and children in need.

Helping our military heroes and children in need in our community has always been an important part of Towers culture, said Stafford. Our employees are ardent supporters of TowerCares and its mission to help those who sacrifice every day to protect our freedoms.

Tower offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including $0 out-of-pocket premium cost for Employee Only PPO and exceptionally low premiums for all other PPO coverage levels. The credit union will host an in-person Job Fair at their Laurel, Md. headquarters on July 2, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. To view current employment opportunities, visit Careers at towerfcu.org.

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CEDARVILLE, OHIO, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cedarville University senior engineering students received a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the U.S. Air Force accommodations group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in advanced biomechanics technology. This project was part of their senior capstone project, which was completed prior to their graduation in May.

Josiah Zurick, project leader (Middlefield, Ohio), Thaddeus Krueger (Beavercreek, Ohio) and Kimiye Wenger (Lititz, Pennsylvania) submitted a proposal to Wright Patterson Air Force Base to create customizable helmets for Air Force pilots.

Current helmets add instrumentation to the forward portion of the helmet adding weight and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the helmet forward, which can cause neck fatigue and create risk of injuries if an airman ejects from the plane. The senior engineering students goal was to customize the helmet to bring the helmet CG more closely in line with the pilots head CG. When we were given this two-year project, we knew it could become a game-changing helmet for our Air Force pilots, said Krueger, who has been accepted into the Air Force flight training program and could benefit from new helmet technology. I was really invested in this project because anything that we can do to keep our pilots safe is worthwhile.

The capstone team focused on using a CT scan segmentation analysis to identify the center of gravity of the human head taken from an existing cadaver database. Zurich, Krueger, and Wenger have completed their assignment and have now given the project to a new group of engineering students, who will continue the work in August. The new team will use head and face 3D scans to further improve and customize the helmet designs.

As expected, the current team met various technical complications in their research and modeling. These initial setbacks provided a great learning opportunity for the team.

Countless moments of frustration have ultimately improved our communication and organizational skills, said Zurick, but we have a passion to see this project become a reality.

A new team of engineering students is taking the project from this point over the next academic year as the Air Force continues to improve the fit and function of the next generation helmets. Dr. Tim Norman, capstone advisor and distinguished professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering co-advises the project with Jennifer Whitestone, Chief Scientist, Solutions Through Innovative Technologies, Inc. (STI-TEC) Fairborn OH.

The three students have impressed the biomechanic community at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base with their initial work, said Norman. They have conducted cutting edge analyses that could lead to improvement of helmet designs, impacting the future of the health and safety of U.S. Air Force pilots.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.

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Washington, DC, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) 2024 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin produced at the Mints West Point facility will be released on June 6 at noon EDT, with orders limited to 10 coins per household for the first 24-hour sales period.

The American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin is the collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin. Produced since 1986, this coin was updated in 2021 with a refreshed obverse (heads) and a completely redesigned reverse (tails) to mark the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program.

Like its bullion counterpart, the obverse of the American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin features sculptor Adolph A. Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. Using technological advancements, the coin has been redesigned to encompass some of Weinmans original details, which renders a closer reflection of his original vision, including the addition of his traditional artist mark. Inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2024.

The reverse was created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso. The design depicts an eagle as it approaches a landing, carrying an oak branch, as if to add it to a nest. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, and ONE DOLLAR.

To provide an added level of security, the redesigned American Eagle Silver Coin also includes a reed pattern variation. The Mint benchmarked its efforts against anti-counterfeiting programs implemented by major mints around the world.

The 2024 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin (W) is priced at $76. To set up a Remind Me alert, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2024-one-ounce-silver-uncirculated-coin-24EG.html/ (product code 24EG).

The American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin is also available for purchase through the Mints Subscription Program. Structured like a magazine subscription, this program affords customers the convenience of signing up to receive automatic shipments of products in a series. The shipments continue until the enrollment is cancelled. For details, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/shop/subscriptions/.

The American Eagle One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin is included in the Numismatic Bulk Purchase Program and the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program (ABPP). Products listed in the ABPP will be eligible for early release, carry an AB suffix in the product code, and carry a premium. Early released products are not eligible for discounts.

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/ to shop additional United States Mint products.

About the United States Mint

Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nations sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of June 6, 2024, at noon EDT.

Please use the Mints catalog site at catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on products and services or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins/ for more information about the American Eagle Coin Program.

Watch our flagship video honoring the American Eagle Coin Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs6_FTgIX8Y.

Visit https://www.usmint.gov/about for information about the United States Mint.

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup to subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, public statements, and our monthly educational newsletter, Lessons That Make Cents .

. Visit and subscribe to the United States Mints YouTube channel to view videos about the United States Mint.

Sign up for RSS Feeds from the United States Mint and follow us on Facebook, X , and Instagram .

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United States Mint  Connecting America through Coins

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Washington, DC, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) will accept orders for the 2024 American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin beginning June 6 at noon EDT. Production is limited to 13,000 coins, and orders are limited to three coins per household for the first 24-hour sales period.

Struck in 22-karat gold, the American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins.

For the first time in 35 years, the reverse (tails) design was updated in 2021. The new reverse design features a stunning portrayal of a majestic eagle created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, 50 DOLLARS, and 1 OZ. FINE GOLD.

The obverse (heads) design, also enhanced in 2021, features Augustus Saint-Gaudens full-length figure of Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Using technical advancements, the United States Mint returned to its historical assets to render a current design that is a closer reflection of Saint-Gaudens original vision and detail. Inscriptions are LIBERTY and 2024.

In addition to redesigning the reverse and enhancing the design details on the obverse of the American Eagle Coins in 2021, the Mint introduced anti-counterfeiting features that include a reeded edge variation on the one-ounce coin.

To complement these designs, each coin is encapsulated and placed in a black clam shell, which is then placed in an outer presentation box with the words United States Mint and Mint seal on the outer lid. The box is then encased in an outer sleeve that incorporates a beautiful gold foil image of Liberty. The accompanying certificate of authenticity also includes artwork of the obverse design.

The American Eagle Gold Uncirculated Coin is priced according to the range in which it appears on the Mints Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum and Palladium Products table. Current pricing information is available here.

To sign up for a REMIND ME alert, please visit American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin (product code 24EH). This product is included in the Numismatic Bulk Purchase Program, as well as the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program.

View additional United States Mint American Eagle products at: https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins.

About the United States Mint

Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nations sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept nor honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of June 6, 2024, at noon EDT.

Please use https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov to view the United States Mints full collection of products.

Visit https://www.usmint.gov/about for information about the Mint.

Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup to subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, and public statements, and monthly educational newsletter, Lessons That Make Cents .

. Visit and subscribe to the United States Mints YouTube channel to view videos about the Mint.

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U.S. Virgin Islands, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station celebrated the relaunch of its Aquaponics and Small Ruminant Livestock Facilities with ribbon cutting ceremonies held last week on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. These facilities, damaged by the 2017 category five Hurricanes Irma and Maria, halted research activities in these areas at the University.

Aquaponics Facility

Having this facility back in operation means that full research work will resume at the Agricultural Experiment Station in aquaponics, an area that truly puts UVI on the global map, said Dr. Usman Adamu, UVI dean and director of the School of Agriculture, adding that these facilities fulfill the Universitys mission as a land-grant institution that discharges its duties to conduct research, teaching and extension. Through extension, land-grant institutions direct their resources to address public needs. Our commitment to rebuilding this facility expresses our continued commitment to agriculture and agricultural research as a land-grant institution," said Dr. Adamu.

The farmers in the Virgin Islands are facing a variety of challenges that affect agriculture and food production in the territory, from natural disasters such as droughts and hurricanes to labor shortages and the high cost of animal feed, he said. The Universitys work and expertise in aquaponics with this new facility and a team of experts will benefit local and regional communities.

The University used just over $600,000 to repair the facility, with most of the funding coming from Disaster Recovery Funds. Mence Construction was the contractor that performed the renovations.

Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery Adrienne Williams-Octalien joined the ribbon cutting to celebrate the win. There is so much that goes into every single thing that we do, and it really requires us to celebrate the wins because if you dont celebrate the wins, it becomes tedious and hard, Williams-Octalien said. The mission and the vision of disaster recovery is to rebuild a resilient Virgin Islands. That is what this project represents to meresiliency. Food, conservation, sustainability, these are all the commitments and necessary steps to being prepared so that when the disaster strikes, we have a plan.

Dr. Henry Awika, interim assistant director and research assistant professor of Horticulture and Aquaculture with the School of Agriculture, guided participants on a tour of the facility. He said he expects work to complete the facility will take about three to four months as all the funds are currently in place. The renovated aquaponics facility will most likely produce tilapia with nutrient rich waste from the fish being used for farming. There are six aquaponics stations, and the tanks can accommodate 600 fish at a time.

Small Ruminant Livestock Facility

Sue Lakos, UVI Animal Science research analyst, welcomed attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Small Ruminant Livestock Facility (SRLF). The new facility has three steel frame structures: a barn office, a hay barn, a scale house, and sheep pens and pastures. The (SRLF) has two breeds of sheep, the St. Croix White Hair Sheep, which was developed on the island to meet the needs of the St. Croix farmers and the Dorper Cross Breed Sheep.

In March 2022, Mence Construction started work on the facility, which cost just over $650,000 with most of the funds being disaster recovery funds. Having this facility means that research work will resume at the Agricultural Experiment Sation in animal science with small ruminant livestock meaning sheep and goats, said Dr. Adamu, who noted a growing interest in the farming community on St. Croix.

Research at the Universitys School of Agriculture covers animal sciences, community development, agricultural economies, soil sciences, the profitability of raising sheep and identifying the best breeds to thrive in the territory.

We are so excited to have this new facility. Farmers in our community face so many different challenges, said Dr. Adamu. We are hoping that with this new facility and a team of scientists and experts, the University is ready the help accomplish our land-grant mission in animal science to positively impact farmers in the territory and the region.

Dr. Adamu invited prospective students interested in agriculture and the animal sciences to enroll at UVI to take advantage of 16 programs to earn an associate degree, bachelor of science degree or a certificate. For more information visit https://soa.uvi.edu.

For more information and media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.

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FREEHOLD, NJ, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE:UMH) (TASE:UMH), today announced that the Company will attend the Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual Innovative Housing showcase for the 4th year in a row. The event kicks off with a Showcase Opening Ceremony at 9am on Friday, June 7, 2024, on the National Mall in Washington, DC.



Samuel A. Landy, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented At this years Innovative Housing Showcase, UMH will be showcasing two HUD code duplex models in partnership with Cavco Industries, Inc. and Skyline Champion Corporation. We plan to market one duplex model built by Cavco Industries as the UMH Tiny. This factory-built single section unit is a 16 by 70 unit and, when divided by the fire wall, creates two, one-bedroom, 500-square-foot dwellings. The second unit, in partnership with Skyline Champion Homes, is a factory-built 28 by 70 multi section unit and, when divided by the fire wall, creates two, two-bedroom, one-bath, 900-square-foot units. One unit will have solar shingles, which we hope will eventually lead to factory-built homes having both solar shingles and battery packs installed at the factory. This use of renewable energy would result in manufactured homes becoming more energy independent and also enable residents to charge an EV or plug-in-hybrid vehicle.

UMH believes duplex manufactured homes for rent in communities will provide quality housing at even lower monthly rents than currently exist. These duplexes provide a unique opportunity for those looking to live together while maintaining separate living spaces, such as residents who wish to live with aging parents or other family members. Additionally, these homes help provide housing in urban areas where increased density is needed. With UMH 's expertise in manufactured home communities, residents can enjoy a modern living arrangement that caters to their needs.

UMH Properties, Inc., which was organized in 1968, is a public equity REIT that owns and operates 136 manufactured home communities containing approximately 25,800 developed homesites. These communities are located in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. UMH also has an ownership interest in and operates two communities in Florida, containing 363 sites, through its joint venture with Nuveen Real Estate.

Contact: Nelli Madden

732-577-4062
Minister Feetham Hosts Connect Hub Workshop for students and parents at Gibraltar Finance Centre

The Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry, hosted a successful workshop at the Finance Centre recently. The Connect Hub event was aimed at bridging the recruitment gap in the finance and gaming sectors, and to engage with young people and their parents in meaningful discussions about career opportunities in these sectors.

Minister Feetham opened the workshop by highlighting a pressing issue: the lack of young Gibraltarians working within the finance and gaming sectors.

The workshop brought together representatives from Gaming, Insurance, Digital, and Finance sectors to provide an overview of their roles and answer questions from both youngsters and their parents. The attendees included a diverse group of young people studying subjects ranging from accounting and business to sciences, religion, and maths. Many of them were still exploring their career paths, with aspirations varying from medical fields to computer science.

Stewart Harrison, Founding Trustee of the Digital Skills Academy, who also chaired the event, emphasised the importance of addressing the disconnect between education and industry. He noted that the workshop aimed to align the aspirations of young people with the opportunities available in Gibraltars thriving sectors.

The industry representatives spoke about how they began their careers, often in fields unrelated to their degrees, and stressed that degrees are not always necessary as many companies provide in-house training and skills development. They also highlighted the various roles available within their sectors.

Parents were actively involved in the discussions, expressing their opinions on career expectations for their children. They praised the workshop as a well organised and valuable initiative that provided students with essential information and multiple career options. Many parents noted that succeeding in life does not necessarily require a university degree and appreciated the insights into alternative career paths.

The Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, the Hon Nigel Feetham KC MP, said: "The Connect Hub workshop was another step towards connecting our youth with industry and providing young people with the guidance and opportunities they need to build successful careers in Gibraltars key sectors. These sectors are crucial to our economy, contributing significantly to our GDP and offering numerous career opportunities. It is essential that we make these sectors viable and attractive to our youth."
Versailles, Ky, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On July 18-19, 2024, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its 14th annual Diversity Impact Conference. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare workforce, particularly for those working in underserved and rural communities. The conference is a virtual event conducted via Zoom. This years conference theme is Representation Matters: Breaking Down Contributing Factors of Health Inequities.

As we continue to finalize the plans for the 2024 Diversity Impact Conference, we are thrilled to announce our two keynote speakers for this years event, said FNU Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. Dr. Lucinda Canty and Dr. Lisa Meeks are recognized experts on healthcare disparities and their underlying causes. This promises to be an incredibly informative and inspiring conference, and we are proud to be able to make it available to an increasingly broader audience.

Dr. Lucinda Canty, Ph.D., CNM, FACNM, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, and Director of the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She earned a bachelors degree in nursing from Columbia University, a masters degree from Yale University, specializing in nurse-midwifery, and a PhD from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Canty has provided reproductive health care for over 29 years. Her research interests include the prevention of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, reducing racial and ethnic health disparities in reproductive health, promoting diversity in nursing, and eliminating racism in nursing and midwifery.

Dr. Lisa Meeks, Ph.D, MA, is a distinguished scholar and leader whose unwavering commitment to inclusivity and excellence has significantly influenced the landscape of health professions education and accessibility. She is the founder and executive director of the DocsWithDisabilities Initiative and holds appointments as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Learning Health Sciences and Family Medicine at the University of Michigan. In addition to developing impactful programs, Dr. Meeks plays a pivotal role in advancing equity through her collaborations with health professions associations.

The full conference schedule and speaker biographies can be found at frontier.edu/diversity-impact .

Students attending any institution can register for the conference for free. All others can register until the day before the event. For more information about the 2024 Diversity Impact Conference and to register, please visit frontier.edu/diversity-impact .

"We are delighted to offer this conference at no cost to students, said FNU Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tanya Belcheff, DNP, CNM. We firmly believe that all students deserve the chance to participate and gain insights from impactful conferences like this one. We view investing in students as an investment in the future. This initiative supports the upcoming generation of leaders and visionaries who will ensure that healthcare is accessible to everyone."

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About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education that integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We transform healthcare by preparing innovative, ethical, compassionate, and entrepreneurial leaders to work with all people with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse-Practitioner distance education programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the students home community serving as the classroom. Degrees and options offered include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Post-Graduate Certificates. Frontier has been named a Great College to Work For by the Great Colleges to Work For program for each of the past three years (2021-2023). To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu .

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New wholly owned exploration license secured covering the Wongarbon Project, which is interpreted to host one of the last remaining untested and large intrusive complexes of the Macquarie Arc: Regionally significant magmatic complex situated on the interpreted under cover extension of the northern Molong Belt coincident with an intrusive level cross arc structure supporting a series of large and untested porphyry targets. Clear analogues of the nearby complexes and existing Tier 1 deposits in the Arc and aeromagnetic signatures of other globally significant porphyry deposits. Previously identified as a large-scale new intrusive complex target by Newcrest but not drill tested at the time due the Cadia Far East and Ridgeway discoveries. Recent interpretations support immediate high priority targets for drilling. The Wongarbon project has never been drilled.

Alkane and Magmatic Resources' are currently undertaking drilling at a total of seven porphyry targets along a common transverse structure that is interpreted to extend into the Wongarbon Project and be a key control to the 14.7Moz gold equivalent inventory at the Boda and Kaiser porphyry deposits.

In May 2024, Kincora secured AngloGold Ashanti as a partner for the Northern Junee-Narromine Belt (NJNB) Project, including the Nyngan and Nevertire licenses, via an up to A$50m for 80% Earn-in and Joint Venture agreement. The NJNB Project host's new district scale and largely untested intrusive complex potential similar to the Wongarbon Project.

MELBOURNE, June 3, 2024 - Kincora Copper Ltd. (ASX: KCC) (TSXV: KCC) (Kincora or the Company) is pleased have been granted the Wongarbon Project located on the interpreted northern, under cover extension of the Macquarie Arc, in central New South Wales ("NSW"), Australia.

The remaining untested intrusive complexes of the Macquarie Arc porphyry geology are a globally significant exploration opportunity. This is increasingly evidenced by AngloGold Ashanti, FMG and S2 Resources' having secured over 10,000km2 of exploration ground in the last 12 months via four Earn-in and Joint Venture agreements supporting potentially over A$200m in exploration expenditure. Also in the Arc over this period Cadia and Northparkes, Australia's largest and second largest porphyry mines, have been the focus of change of control acquisitions.

John Holliday, Technical Committee chair, and Peter Leaman, VP of Exploration, commented:

"The next Cadia-scale deposit in the Macquarie Arc will likely be found in the covered and under explored parts of this proven Tier 1 terrane and jurisdiction.

This is virgin territory and a major opportunity with huge upside, which is being increasingly recognised as evidenced by recent significant deals and increasing investment by industry heavyweights.

Regional magnetics has proven very effective in mapping the volcanic belts and the major deposits have identifiable intrusive complex signatures. This is evidenced in the southern and more mature sections of the Arc that already hosts over 160Moz gold equivalent endowment.

Kincora's Wongarbon, Nyngan and Nevertire projects are real stand out examples of these in the right locations and with the right features, hosting three of the very few remaining untested large volcano-intrusive complexes of the Arc.

It is absolutely mystifying why to date so little exploration has been carried out over the covered northern parts of the Arc and why Wongarbon has never been drilled. It is a prime candidate for major discovery."

About the Wongarbon Project

Pegged as open ground, Kincora has been granted a new wholly owned exploration license (EL9652) covering 173km2 and named the Wongarbon Project.

The Wongarbon Magnetic Complex is hosted within EL9652 and interpreted to be a composite volcanic and intrusive complex such as Cadia, Cowal, Northparkes and Boda-Kaiser that host a cluster of deposits. Wongarbon is located on the northern, under cover extension of the Molong (Ordovician) Volcanic Belt (see Figure 1).

The project hosts analogous aeromagnetic signatures to other Macquarie Arc porphyry complexes and of other globally significant porphyry deposits. Importantly, Wongarbon is situated on a linear parallel structure of the Molong belt (less than 10 km from outcropping volcanics) with coincident oblique cross arc structural corridor (the "Dubbo" transverse corridor) - see Figures 2 and 3. The "Dubbo" transverse corridor hosts Alkane Resource's (ALK.ASX) Northern Molong Porphyry Project ("NMPP") and Magmatic Resource's (MAG.ASX) Wellington North Project.

The Wongarbon Magnetic Complex was previously identified as a large-scale new intrusive complex target by Newcrest but not drill tested at the time due the Cadia Far East and Ridgeway discoveries. Newcrest undertook ground magnetics with a number of targets identified at a 300-400m depth.

Similar to Kincora being the first mover pegging Nyngan and Nevertire in the Northern Junee-Narromine Belt (NJNB), which in May 2024 attracted AngloGold Ashanti as a Earn-In and Joint Venture partner for up to A$50 million in expenditure (see the May 28th release "AngloGold Ashanti to earn-in to the NJNB Project"), subsequent groups have since pegged the wider northern Molong Belt around the Wongarbon Project.

Wongarbon is located as close as 10km and 15km along strike from Alkane and Magmatics'

Figure 1 (see PDF): The Wongarbon Magnetic Complex is interpreted to be a composite volcanic and intrusive complex with analogous aeromagnetic signatures to other Macquarie Arc porphyry complexes (eg Cadia, Cowal, Northparkes, Boda-Kaiser, Marsden etc)

The Macquarie Arc is a proven Tier 1 terrane and Australia's foremost copper porphyry belt hosting a number of world-class mines in the southern, more exploration mature, of the Arc hosting over 160Moz gold equivalent endowment on-gong exploration and drilling. In 1Q'2024, Alkane commenced a drilling program testing four regional targets at the NMPP along the interpreted structure trend and transverse structure that hosts the Boda and Kaiser deposits (current resource inventory 14.7Moz gold equivalent).

In May 2024, Magmatic raised further funds and commenced drilling to advance three targets at the Wellington North Project within the southern portion of the Dubbo transverse corridor.

Figure 2 (see PDF): Clear analogues of the nearby complexes and existing Tier 1 deposits in the Arc and aeromagnetic signatures of other globally significant porphyry deposits

Situated on a linear parallel structure of the Molong belt with coincident oblique cross arc structural corridor which is the current focus of Alkane and Magmatic Resources' drilling and interpreted to be a key control to the 14.7Moz AuEq resource inventory at the Boda-Kaiser discoveries

It is well documented that the composite volcanic and intrusive complexes elsewhere in the Macquarie Arc have large alteration and geochemical halos that are identifiable from regional geophysical surveys (features interpreted to be present at the Wongarbon project). Furthermore, the mineralised deposits generally occur in clusters situated on intrusive level cross-arc structures, such as those currently being tested by Alkane and Magmatic, hosting the Boda-Kaiser deposits, and, interpreted to extend into the Wongarbon Project.

For example, Cadia hosts a 5.7km mineralised footprint including 5 porphyry and 2 skarn deposits (with wider alteration and geochemical halos), with the mineralisation occurring within and around the intrusions in a NW-SE structural zone which is evident in regional magnetics.

The immediate region around the Wongarbon Project has been recognized as a new geoscience frontier by the Geological Survey NSW, a Group 1 Mineral Allocation Area, for copper-gold.

The Wongarbon Project has never been drilled and hosts compelling drill ready targets. Recent inversion modeling of magnetic data supports the prior target depth estimates of Newcrest's, highlighted interpreted important cross arc and intrusive level transverse structures, and, confirmed high priority targets for drilling in both the northern and southern sections of the Project.

Figure 3 (see PDF): The remaining untested intrusive complexes of the Macquarie Arc porphyry geology are a globally significant exploration opportunity

Alkane's exploration to date has identified six discrete magnetic/intrusive complexes in its NMPP - Kaiser, Boda, Boda South, Comobella, Driell Creek and Finns Crossing - all within a 15km NW-SE strike and the "Dubbo" transverse corridor (as close as <10km from the Wongarbon Magnetic Complex)

Further details on the Wongarbon Project, including a detailed project level presentation, are available at: https://kincoracopper.com/wongarbon-project/ (Projects/Wongarbon)

Further details on Kincora's wholly owned, district scale project portfolio and drill ready copper-gold porphyry projects are available on the Company's website: https://kincoracopper.com

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Kincora Copper Ltd. (ARBN 645 457 763)

Disclaimer and Previously Reported Information

The scientific and technical information this announcement is extracted from reports lodged as market announcements referred to above, quarterly reports, project summaries and are available on the Company's website www.kincoracopper.com .The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this announcement was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was reviewed, verified and compiled by Kincora's staff under the supervision of Peter Leaman (M.Sc. Mineral Exploration, FAusIMM), Senior Vice-President of Exploration of Kincora, and John Holliday (BSc Hons, BEc, member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists), Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Kincora's Technical Committee, who are Qualified Persons for the purpose of NI 43-101.

JORC Competent Person Statement

Information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves are those that have been previously reported (with the original release referred to in this announcement), in the case of Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves the material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates have not materially changed, and have been reviewed and approved by Paul Cromie, who is a Competent Person under the definition established by JORC and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. John Holliday and Peter Leaman consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The review and verification process for the information disclosed herein for the Trundle, Fairholme, Nyngan, Nevertire and Condobolin projects have included the receipt of all material exploration data, results and sampling procedures of previous operators and review of such information by Kincora's geological staff using standard verification procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Kincora contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Kincora believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Kincora cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Kincora currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. Kincora does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Kincora Copper Ltd.
St. John's, June 3, 2024 - Today, Triple Point Resources Ltd. (Triple Point) announced the results of laboratory analysis completed by RESPEC Company LLC on historical core samples from its Fischells Salt Dome project. The results are very promising, showcasing the project's superior qualities for energy storage. As the Fischells Salt Dome project progresses, these findings underscore the significant energy storage capacity for hydrogen and CAES, marking a major step forward for the project."These results mark a significant milestone in our project development and provide important information about cavern characteristics to advance our commercial model," said Julie Lemieux, CEO of Triple Point. "Our confidence in this project has been reinforced and we remain committed to advancing the project and contributing to the growth of sustainable energy infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Situated strategically on the east coast of North America, the Fischells Salt Dome is poised to transform intermittent renewables into dependable, safe, and cost-effective low carbon renewable energy on a utility and industrial scale. Key findings confirm that the Fischells Salt Dome is highly suitable for energy storage, accelerating project engineering and planning phases:

Superior Stiffness and Tensile Strength: The stiffness and tensile strength results surpass typical salt formations, with an average tensile strength of 2.70 MPa, significantly higher than the average tensile strength of 1.41 MPa for Gulf Coast salts.





Excellent Permeability and Porosity: All tested salt samples showed very low permeability and porosity, which are ideal for effective hydrogen storage.





Creep Behavior: Steady-state creep test results from samples taken across the dome returned variable results. However, all creep rate results are suitable for cavern development and crucial for evaluating the long-term stability and closure of the proposed storage caverns.





Mineralogical Insights: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses show the samples to be predominately composed of halite with minor amount of anhydrite and trace amounts of calcite and sylvite. Insoluble range between 4.3-10.5 per cent, this information will guide the planning for insoluble sump management and washing requirements during cavern development.





Dynamic-Elastic Constants: The dynamic Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were calculated from ultrasonic measurements, with average values of 35.06 GPa and 0.28, respectively, indicating robust structural characteristics. This data is crucial for ensuring the stability and integrity of the planned salt caverns, supporting their long-term viability for energy storage.

"Drawing upon RESPEC's extensive expertise in testing salt cores from hundreds of core wells worldwide, the Fischells Salt Dome historical core demonstrated very low permeability alongside suitable mechanical characteristics," said Samuel Voegeli, Energy Services Lead for RESPEC. "This indicates the geotechnical feasibility of the dome for hydrogen and compressed air storage."

Building on these promising results, Triple Point is embarking on an extensive geotechnical testing program to further evaluate the capacity of the Fischells Salt Dome. This program includes drilling a geotechnical core hole to thoroughly assess the salt characteristics using the latest technology.

This additional testing is critical to ensure the optimal design and placement of caverns, ultimately maximizing the capacity and safety of the storage facility. As the project advances, Triple Point remains committed to transparent communication and ongoing engagement with local communities to determine the best approach for further development.

Qualified Person

Marty Henning, P.Geo, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical contents of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Triple Point Resources Ltd.

The Company owns the Fischells Salt Dome mineral rights, Newfoundland & Labrador's only known salt dome, and a total of 226 sq. km of mineral licenses prospective for salt on the west coast of Newfoundland. The Company is focused on building shareholder value and will evaluate the timing and method of creating liquidity for Triple Point shareholders.

For information with respect to Triple Point Resources Ltd., please contact:

Julie Lemieux

Chief Executive Officer

jlemieux@triplepoint.ca

709-214-5721

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shauna MacDonald

Brookline Public Relations, Inc.

403-538-5645

smacdonald@brooklinepr.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information or statements ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities legislation and rules. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will be", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Such statements include that the Company's sale dome assets are suitable for and can be commercially utilized for hydrogen storage, that demand for such storage will in the future exist at commercially viable levels, that expected capacity can be achieved, and that the Company will be successful in developing such project with the support of all stakeholders. 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.


/Not for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States/

TORONTO, June 3, 2024 - IberAmerican Lithium Corp. (CBOE CA: IBER) (OTCQB: IBRLF) (FSE: W2C.F) ("IberAmerican" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to conduct a brokered financing for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of C$7,000,000 (the "Offering").

The Offering will be marketed, on a "best efforts" private placement basis, by Cormark Securities Inc. as sole agent (the "Agent"). The Offering is being conducted in connection with the proposed business combination between IberAmerican and Strategic Minerals Europe Corp. ("Strategic Minerals"), as previously announced and described in news releases dated March 20, 2024, April 26, 2024 and May 27, 2024, that is expected to be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the laws of Ontario, whereby IberAmerican Resources Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of IberAmerican, "Subco") and Strategic Minerals will amalgamate, and the resulting amalgamated entity will survive as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IberAmerican (the "Proposed Transaction").

Pursuant to the Offering, subscription receipts of SubCo (each, a "Subscription Receipt") will be offered for sale at a price of C$0.18 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price"). Upon the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions customary for this type of transaction (the "Escrow Release Conditions"), each Subscription Receipt will, pursuant to its terms and pursuant to the Proposed Transaction, result in the holder thereof being issued, without payment of additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder thereof, one unit consisting of one common share in the capital of Subco (a "Subco Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Subco Warrant"). Each Subco Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire, subject to adjustment, one Subco Share at an exercise price of C$0.27 per share for a period of 3 years from the date on which the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied.

In connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction, each Subco Share shall be exchanged for one common share in the capital of IberAmerican (each, an "IberAmerican Share") and each Subco Warrant shall be exchanged for one warrant of IberAmerican, exercisable for one IberAmerican Share (each, an "IberAmerican Warrant"), which exchanges will be made subject to and in compliance with applicable securities laws.

The Offering is anticipated to close on or about June 25, 2024 (the "Closing Date").

The gross proceeds of the Offering (less 50% of the Agency Fee (as defined below) and all of the Agent's expenses incurred up to the Closing Date) (such net amount, the "Subscription Proceeds") will be held in escrow by an escrow agent (the "Subscription Receipt Agent") acceptable to IberAmerican, Subco and the Agent. If (i) the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on July 30, 2024 (the "Escrow Release Deadline"), (ii) the Proposed Transaction is terminated at any earlier time, or (iii) Subco or IberAmerican advises the Agent that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, the Subscription Receipt Agent shall return to the holders of the Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate Offering Price of the Subscription Receipts held by each such holder and their pro rata portion of interest and other income earned thereon and the Subscription Receipts shall be cancelled.

In connection with the Offering, the Agent will receive cash commission equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (the "Agency Fee") (reduced to 3.5% in connection with Subscription Receipts purchased by certain investors on a president's list).

The Agent shall also receive warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") equal to 7.0% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Offering (reduced to 3.5% in connection with Subscription Receipts purchased by certain investors on a president's list). Each Compensation Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for one IberAmerican Share at the Offering Price for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to initiate production activities at the Penouta Project in accordance with the Section B permit and for general working capital purposes. The Subscription Receipts sold under the Offering will be subject to an indefinite hold period under applicable securities laws. The IberAmerican Shares and the IberAmerican Warrants issued on conversion of the Subco Subscription Receipts in connection with the Proposed Transaction will not be subject to a hold period in the Canadian qualifying jurisdictions.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the 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 IberAmerican Lithium Corp.

IberAmerican Lithium is a hard-rock lithium exploration company focused on advancing its 100% owned Alberta II & Carlota Properties located in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain. IberAmerican Lithium's properties are located in a favorable lithium district with world class infrastructure and a supportive and proactive mining jurisdiction.

Additional information on IberAmerican Lithium is available at www.iberamericanlithium.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Strategic Minerals Europe Corp.

Strategic Minerals' wholly owned subsidiary, Strategic Minerals Spain, S.L. ("SMS"), produces, identifies, explores, and develops mineral resource properties critical to the green economy, predominantly in Spain. SMS holds permits and a production license for the Penouta Project. SMS is the largest producer of cassiterite concentrate and tantalite in the European Union and has been recognized within the EU as an exemplary company of good practices in the circular economy. The Company is well-positioned as a major producer of sustainable and conflict-free tin, tantalum, and niobium. Strategic Minerals is a "reporting issuer" under applicable securities legislation in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

Additional information on Strategic Minerals can be found by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, including, without limitation, the Proposed Transaction as proposed to be effected pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Proposed Transaction, the closing of the Offering, the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing thereof and the anticipated timing of closing of the Proposed Transaction. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of IberAmerican to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's Filing Statement dated August 31, 2023, which is available for view on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These risks include but are not limited to, the risks associated with the mining and exploration industry, such as operational risks in development or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of projections relating to production, and any delays or changes in plans with respect to the exploitation of the site. Forward-looking statements contained herein, are made as of the date of this press release, and IberAmerican disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE IberAmerican Lithium Corp.
Antonelli test was not a shootout

Mercedes has hit back at claims that teenage F1 hopeful Kimi Antonelli is involved in a "shootout" process as the team considers Lewis Hamilton's 2025 successor.

Kimi Antonelli, Austria test 2024

 Mercedes

Toto Wolff protege Antonelli, 17, recently went head-to-head in a 2022 car with Mick Schumacher and George Russell - and reportedly secured the 'ok' of the Mercedes board as he successfully demonstrated his pace.

A Mercedes spokesperson admits the test took place, but said the subsequent speculation was unverified and did not reflect what happened .

It's important to understand that each driver completed different programs on different days and in different track and weather conditions, the spokesperson continued.

The good news for Antonelli, however, is that he and Schumacher will be back at the wheel of the 2022 Mercedes for a follow-up test in Barcelona this week.

Both Mick and Kimi have done an excellent job delivering their respective programs, to the complete satisfaction of the team, and we are looking forward to three busy days of running next week too, the Mercedes spokesperson added.

It is clear that Antonelli is now the favourite to succeed Hamilton next year, having also secured the backing of the team's engineers and technical boss James Allison.

I have had the great pleasure of listening to the engineers describe the interaction with him, Allison said. "Just a young, enthusiastic driver, very, very fast, metronomic in his pace.

He has not been in an F1 car until recently, but made it look like he'd been in one for ages within a lap or two. He looks like a very promising young driver.

(GMM)
Marko hopes new Red Bull problem not too deep

The depth of Red Bull's current "problem" with its 2024 car may only become clear long after this weekend's Canadian GP.

Max Verstappen, Monaco GP 2024

 Red Bull

That is the worry of team consultant Dr Helmut Marko, as he pondered Red Bull's slide from race winning contention recently in Monaco.

Marko revealed in Monaco that a problem with 'correlation' between the way the car handles bumps and kerbs in the simulator compared to the actual reality has been discovered.

Once the handling problem became clear, Red Bull realised it could not be solved.

If we change the (ride) height, we lose a lot of downforce, Marko told Sport1. "That's why we are limited in this area. We mainly focused on aerodynamic efficiency when designing our car.

However, we believe that we will still have the advantage on conventional tracks like Barcelona. If not, then we really do have a problem.

Although much faster than Monaco, Montreal is another bumpy track at which drivers need to heavily use the kerbs, so Marko admits that it could be another difficult race for Red Bull.

We understand the problems, he told motorsport-magazin.com, but we do not understand why they exist. Obviously this happened to us in Singapore 2023 as well.

Marko says engineers have been working hard since Monaco.

I think we will go to Canada with a different basic setting, he revealed, so that it is not as stiff as in Monaco. That practically cost us the entire first day of practice.

But another problem, Marko says, is Sergio Perez's Monaco crash - which he says has taken up to 3 million euros out of Red Bull's development budget.

Of course there will be another upgrade, he said, but that is now all under the condition that we have three million less. But the package is already in the making because we have to do something extra due to the stronger Ferrari and McLaren.

However, Marko says Red Bull has one reliable ace up its sleeve.

On circuits where we will not be very competitive, we can always count on the Verstappen factor, said the 81-year-old. Max is currently in top form and he can make the difference.

(GMM)
Newey poised to decide next move in F1?

Adrian Newey is poised to make a decision about his next career move.

Adrian Newey, Christian Horner, United States GP 2022

 Red Bull

Germany's Sport1 believes it could even be as early as this week, in the wake of reports that Ferrari may actually have pulled out of the running to secure the departing Red Bull technical guru.

Italian sources suggest Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur may have become spooked that Newey's arrival - perhaps only as an advisor - could have led existing technical figures to consider leaving.

Indeed, Corriere della Sera newspaper reports that Ferrari's technical director Enrico Cardile is already linked with a potential move to Aston Martin.

A new potential frontrunner to secure Newey could be Mercedes - with Auto Bild in Germany reporting that Toto Wolff and his fellow co-owners might even be offering the 65-year-old Briton shares in the team.

However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher thinks Newey - who he knows well - is not a big fan of the political setup at Mercedes.

Newey is not a politician, he said. He just wants to work in peace. Once there is no harmony in a team, he no longer has any desire to be there.

However, if Newey really does go to Mercedes, that could inspire Max Verstappen to follow suit.

The (Newey) breakup and the current power struggle would definitely make me think about moving if I were him, Schumacher said.

I think the idea of starting up a team like Mercedes probably attracts him. He wants to show he is world champion not only because he has the best car, but because he is the best driver.

F1-insider.com even thinks Verstappen and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had a tense weekend in Monaco in terms of their personal relationship.

Everything is very good when you're winning, said Schumacher. "But what happens next? Christian Horner still has a lot of pressure on him. It's a dangerous situation.

Red Bull is really at high risk of slipping into mediocrity at the moment.

(GMM)
Schumacher tells Sainz to reject Williams contract

Ralf Schumacher is urging Carlos Sainz against signing up with his former Formula 1 team.

Carlos Sainz, Monaco GP 2024

 Ferrari

Over the weekend, it was reported that Ferrari refugee Sainz is now close to signing for Williams - perhaps just for one guaranteed year so that he might be available for Red Bull or Mercedes a season later.

Schumacher won all six of his grands prix for Williams, but he hopes the news isn't true.

I strongly advise him against it, the 48-year-old German told formel1.de.

I would go for a team that is 100 percent for me, Schumacher added. "And currently that team (Williams) is at a dead end.

So far they've really disappointed me. I think that in the long term, he would have the better chance at Audi because of his father's connections to the company.

It is believed Mercedes told Sainz, 29, that he will not be offered a 2025 contract. But Schumacher says it's clear the Spaniard was only ever a second or third choice as they could have already asked him to sign a contract .

Meanwhile, Sergio Perez definitely looks set to remain at Red Bull at least in 2025.

We can't forget that as long as Max Verstappen is there, the budget is relatively tight at Red Bull - and Perez brings in money, Schumacher said.

(GMM)
Junior Achievement Guam alumna Angel Abby Payumo has been selected to join Generation Unlimiteds Global Young Peoples Action Team, composed of young leaders around the world.

Also selected from the Asia Pacific region is Stevia Petri, a Prestasi Junior Indonesia alumni.

Payumo is a shining example of the success and growth opportunities provided by JA Guam, according to a press release from JA Guam.

The selection to join the action team not only underscores the extended opportunities available to JA alums beyond their initial programs, but also highlights the lifelong benefits of participation in JA initiatives.

I was struck by how GenU presented themselves. They have assembled a cohort with such diverse backgrounds, Payumo said in a statement. This reinforces their dedication to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard loud and clear, recognizing that we hold the key to shaping the future of our society.

GenU, a global initiative with UNICEF among its founding partners, is committed to equipping 1.8 billion young people with skills, connecting them to employment opportunities, and empowering them to advocate for their rights.

The Global YPAT, a diverse group of young leaders from around the world, plays a crucial role in ensuring youth representation at all levels of GenUs operations. YPAT members, including Payumo, contribute their unique insights to GenUs planning, operationalization, programs, and partnerships.

When I first thought of this opportunity, I immediately thought of the students and peers in Guam. I want to ensure that the opportunities Ive been provided inspire the youth, Payumo said. As I embark on this journey with GenU, I hope to provide my JA peers and mentees more opportunities and prove to them that there are more opportunities out there.

JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani, a member of GenUs Global Leadership Council, underscores the significant role of the Global Young Peoples Action Team in integrating fresh perspectives into GenUs governance structures.

This collaboration, with Guams Payumo as a key member, is pivotal in advancing the organizations mission through advocacy, programs, and resource mobilization.

JA has had a profound impact on me, shaping my professionalism, honing my observation skills, and enhancing my communication abilities. It has instilled in me the courage to take on challenges. My experience in the JA Company Program was rigorous, but I persevered because I was focused on gaining experience and skills, Payumo said.

Payumo encourages current JA students to always learn from their experiences, be they good or bad.

I believe that facing challenges head-on is crucial for personal growth. Thanks to JA, I have developed the skills and mindset necessary to apply for the YPAT program, Payumo said, reflecting on the invaluable preparation she received from JA for her new role.

She added, I feel incredibly privileged to have Stevia from Prestasi Junior Indonesia alongside me on this journey. Our shared background as JA Alumna strengthens our connection, making her more than just a colleague; shes my trusted partner in this endeavor. JAs Alumni Community is not just a network; its a family that provides support and fosters lifelong connections, offering us even more opportunities to grow and succeed together.
Former Gov. Carl T.C. Gutierrez is the general manager and CEO of Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam permit czar, and chairman of the Governors Economic Strategy Council. Send comments or questions to GVB at communityrelations@visitguam.org.




Haiti - FLASH : Sunrise Airways resumes its domestic flights from the Guy Malary terminal





The Haitian company Sunrise Airways informs the public of the resumption of its domestic operations from the Guy Malary terminal.



Sunrise Airways recalls that despite the unrest which damaged its planes in February and the interruption of operations at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the company did everything possible to give Haitians a vital connection from March 25 between cities across the country and internationally.



"The security conditions and restrictions of partner operators have required enormous logistical efforts from us in order to be able to offer our passengers domestic flights to and from Cap-Haitien on the one hand, then today from the capital. Although a private company, we have always been aware that we provide a real public service to connect communities," explains Philippe Bayard, Chairman and CEO of Sunrise Airways.



The company's international flights to and from Miami, Panama, Sint Maarten and to Guadeloupe are maintained at the Toussaint Louverture international terminal.



For more real-time information on destinations, flights and schedules, visit : www.sunriseairways.net



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42348-haiti-flash-sunrise-airways-flight-resumption-schedule-according-to-destinations.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















(CNBC) When Adam Moelis co-founded a fintech startup named Yotta in 2019, he wanted to give Americans a new way to save money to help them cushion the ups and downs of life. Instead, his company has inadvertently been a source of deep pain for thousands of customers who relied on Yotta accounts to receive paychecks, pay bills and save for emergencies.

To read this article:
Things are going great for Palantir at the moment. CEO Alex Karp announced in a letter to shareholders at the beginning of May that the company had made the largest quarterly profit in its twenty-year history. Palantir's platforms are to become the "market-leading infrastructure" that enables "the effective use of artificial intelligence and large language models in all institutions". This includes not only the US military, which has just awarded a new multi-million dollar contract to Palantir, but also "companies in the United States and abroad, state and local government agencies, research institutes and educational institutions".

Anzeige

Palantir's software can change the world for better or worse. So a documentary film that focuses on the world of Palantir and its CEO Alex Karp from different perspectives is just right. Alex Karp sees things differently when faced with the film crew on the sidelines of an event: "They're making a movie about me, even though I don't want it. It's madness!"

The contradictory phenomenon of Alex Karp

An outsider, different, crazy, unscrupulous, arrogant, shy, intellectual, entertaining, seductive  there are many other words with which the protagonist of the film, Alexander C. Karp, is described by (former) companions, colleagues, clients, experts, and critics. A man full of contradictions, a "leftist", but also a "bellicist", i.e., someone who does not avoid war and military conflicts. He "takes the bull by the horns" and says about his company Palantir that they are working on "eliminating contradictions". A company that advertises with the slogan: "The world is breaking  come fix it" and prints it on T-shirts for employees.

A company that would be unthinkable without Karp. Because basically, everyone who wants to do something with Palantir also wishes to talk to Karp. Without him as CEO, there is a risk of losses on the stock exchange. The employees "think he's God", says one who was part of the company for years and hired new employees. Palantir's "god" describes his own professional task with the words "I manage difficult people with high IQs"; "many people think I'm completely crazy", but when crazy people fulfill their tasks, the people love them. Under these conditions, a movie about Palantir without Karp seems unthinkable.

What makes a good documentary film about a company and its CEO?

Anzeige

Klaus Stern's film aims to convey a comprehensive picture of the history of the company and the personal career of its CEO, providing insights behind the scenes and from different perspectives. At the end, viewers should not only feel that they have been well entertained, but also that they know the CEO as a person and his company a little better. "Watching You" shows Karp's development  from a student of social sciences and philosophy in Germany with slight teething problems with his dissertation to the CEO of Palantir, as a guest at important political meetings and into the supervisory boards of German companies. Karp not only walks among the powerful, but has become one himself. It is clear that he and Palantir have a special relationship with Germany.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmmung wird hier ein externes Video (Kaltura Inc.) geladen. Videos immer laden Video jetzt laden (Source: Real Fiction Filmverleih)

Palantir's history and mission, from its beginnings in the USA to its expansion into Europe and the war in Ukraine  the film shows key moments in the company's history in the context of political developments to the present day. Director Stern ("Weltmarktfuhrer  Die Geschichte des Tan Siekmann") skillfully interweaves the events with statements from the interviews, which provide background and classification. Public appearances by the CEO and excerpts from Palantir's advertising and product videos complete the scene.

A question of perspective

As the main actor did not want to take part in the film, the other characters are all the more important  and these and their perspectives are quite something. "You've checked out all the people I know"  says Karp slightly reproachfully to the director when he makes another attempt to speak to him in Davos.

Protesters in front of Karp's house in the USA have their say, as do some of his companions. Interviewees include his doctoral mother in Germany, former colleagues, politicians, experts, journalists, representatives of the authorities and police officers.

The film does not take the viewer to Palantir's headquarters in the USA, but to the workplaces of Palantir employees in the police force in Germany. Using the example of the police in Hesse, the film shows how the way was paved politically for the use of Palantir and what advantages and disadvantages this brings in practice for Palantir and the security authorities. The police consider the Palantir software to be very helpful. The Hessian authorities claim to have already prevented a terrorist attack with the help of Palantir.

Police cooperation with Palantirl has not only led to a committee of inquiry in Hesse, but has also been brought before the Federal Constitutional Court. Gerhart Baum, FDP politician and Federal Minister of the Interior from 1978 to 1982, remembers the introduction of dragnet searches and the expansion of police computerization. Baum considers Palantir to be "a seduction that our constitutional state must resist".

In the eye of the beholder

The film not only comes closer than expected to Karp, who is inaccessible to his critics, but is also apparently inconvenient. Another high-profile political event, different time, different place, similar setting and Karp half-laughing as he tells another interviewer standing next to the film crew: "They're making a messed-up movie about me." Palantir and his CEO would rather be the directors of their story and use it to influence political decisions.

You can't choose your critics  be they observers, readers, or viewers. Whether the observations provided by the current film are "messed up" or whether Karp and Palantir could provide society with acceptable solutions to today's problems is for everyone to decide for themselves. "Watching You  the world of Palantir and Alex Karp" opens in German cinemas on June 6.

Karp writes book on the need to unite the state and the software industry In February 2025, a book by Karp and one of his Palantir collaborators is to be published with the title "The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West". It is intended to "lift the veil on Palantir and its broader political project from within and issue a passionate call to the West to become aware of our new reality". A unification of the state and the software industry is needed so that "the United States and its allies remain as dominant in this century as they were in the last". The geopolitical order is breaking down. And with Palantir, Karp wants to provide the fix for this repair  theoretical justification included.

(vbr)




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
The Finnish government has unveiled a draft proposal that would allow municipalities to define in their building code whether short-term rental activities are allowed in residential buildings and neighbourhoods designated for housing.

MUNICIPALITIES in Finland may be allowed to determine whether or not to permit short-term rentals such as those marketed on Airbnb, reports STT.

The sole exception from the possible prohibition would be owner-occupied residential dwellings.

Kirsi Martinkauppi, a senior ministerial adviser at the Ministry of the Environment, stated to STT on Sunday that municipalities could effectively allow short-term rentals or prohibit them entirely or partly. The leeway is intended to account for differences between the municipal housing and accommodation markets.

The Rovaniemi city centre has a lot of Airbnb flats, as does Helsinki. Then we have a lot of municipalities where Airbnb isnt especially widespread, she explained.

She pointed out that the question can be approached from a number of rivalling viewpoints. Some argue that short-term rentals should be regulated as little as possible on grounds of property protection, others that short-term rentals compete unfairly against hotels because they need not comply with regulation on accommodation services.

Such activity has also caused various kinds of disturbance to nearby residents.

For example, Ive got a phone call where someone was annoyed that even the bed sheets had disappeared from the laundry room, illustrated Martinkauppi.

The draft proposal would also seek to do away with the ambiguity associated with short-term rentals by defining stays exceeding four weeks as housing.

The Finnish Landlord Association has criticised the draft proposal as needlessly restrictive.

Were most dissatisfied with the fact that the current proposal wouldnt do anything to distinguish between widespread, professional-like hotel operations from an individual making an investment property available as a short-term rental for a part of the year, Tarik Ahsanullah, the director of legal affairs at the association, said to STT on Sunday.

The City of Rovaniemi has Finlands highest number of short-term rentals relative to its housing stock, which consisted of roughly 39,000 dwellings in 2023. The city highlighted in a statement that its accommodation providers received a total of 250,000 bookings through platforms in 2022, the second highest total in Finland after Helsinki.

The 65,000-resident city has criticised the proposal for legalising the current kinds of primarily illegal accommodation operations with no concern for its effects on different sectors of society: short-term rental activities push up prices, limiting housing options for students and seasonal workers, and undermine the vitality of the city centre by making service demand highly seasonal.

Whereas short-term rental activities focus on the winter season, local services require year-round demand, it said.

The situation is already reflected in the occupancy rate of blocks of flats, the rate being lower in Rovaniemi than other growth centres and university cities.

The public comment period for the draft proposal will end on Thursday, 6 June. The government has outlined that the proposal should enter into effect at the beginning of 2026.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
No voter to be left behind was the Election Commission of India (ECI) motto for the 2024 elections. The ECI set for itself an ambitious voter turnout target of 75%.

Multi-faceted stakeholder participation - campaigns and events, messaging, advertising, use of social media and many more powerful tools characterised the 2024 elections. At the close of the first three phases, voter turnout suggested a poll-end tally of 66% - marginally lower than 2019 and 2023 and way lower than the targeted 75%.

Low turnout numbers triggered a measure of panic among the ECI and political parties. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) voiced concern and advocated additional measures.

Reasons and explanations point to weather conditions, scorching daytime temperatures at 40 degrees and above; pre-occupation with examinations and vacation; a larger participating population; urban apathy and disinterested youth.

ECIs initiatives

Voter participation is always an indicator of peoples trust in the electoral process. Though premature to generalise, the 2024 election, raises some pertinent questions  are other factors at play? How adequate and timely was the rollout of the ECIs initiatives under its Systematic Voters Election Education Programme (SVEEP)? How appropriate was the strategy? Was the focus and the outreach right? How effective was the messaging?

India's electoral system is globally acclaimed as one of the most robust and efficient. With a population of 1.4 billion, managing elections is a challenge. The voter population has surged from 17 crores in 1951 to approximately 94.5 crores today. Likewise, booth-presence grew from 44.87% in 1951-52 to 67.5% in 2019.

The ECIs organisational framework is a robust network spread across India with designated chief electoral officers based in states and districts. A separate SVEEP unit addresses state-level promotion, tailoring ECI directives to accommodate local conditions.

Sweeping SVEEP

The SVEEP mechanism was introduced in 2009 and operates both, on general as well as targeted interventions. Since 2021, several new measures have been initiated under this programme:

In 2022, The Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 was amended allowing voter- registrations four times a year. Even a 17-year-old prospective voter, could register to get included in the electoral rolls when she turns 18. Turnout Implementation Plan (2023), addressed Voter apathy with emphasis on Registration, Awareness, Facilitation and Feedback. In November 2023, The ECI signed a MoU with the education ministry to bring electoral literacy into classrooms. Likewise, through The University Grants Commission (UGC), universities, colleges and literacy clubs were included in the literacy mission. The ministry of youth affairs, and the information and broadcasting ministry, participated in the nationwide campaign- Mera Pehla Vote Desh ke Liye. In 2023, the ECI teamed up with the Indian Banks Association (IBA) to leverage the banks extensive network of branches for voter outreach.

So, what explains the gap in expected turnout? Detailed data-based analysis can be expected only after the election dust has settled. But one can perhaps, based on experience, and understanding venture some generalised observations. I am here, dwelling on some factors that could be relevant - women, youth, messaging and participation of stakeholders.

Participation of Women

The participation of women has increased from 78 million in 1951 to 294 million in 2019; around 76% of the eligible female population participated in the 2019 election. The ECIs messaging at the ground level focused on registration and casting the vote.

It would be interesting here, to look at a parallel statistic on the Indian Woman - her achievements in terms of education and literacy. Educated literate women today, are at 62.3%; they think differently. The visual of village women in Maharashtra returning freebies they received and staking a claim for employment instead left a lasting impression.

Voting strategies, however, continue to focus on freebies and benefits by contesting parties on one hand, and registrations and booth participation by The ECI, on the other.

Could the ECI have used the potential of self-esteem to counter the unhealthy practice of luring voters by giving them freebies and ensuring better footfall?

I have noted with wonder the marginalised womens group's response to information on voter participation. They are in awe at the realisation that their resources go into running the country.

Youth - the category with the most potential

The ECI is anguished about youth participation. The impression gaining ground is that the countrys youngest voters are simply not interested in the democratic process. Fewer than 40 % of 18- and 19-year-olds, registered to vote.

What explains this apathy?

What is true of the woman-voter is true of the young adult. What stood out in ECIs promotion initiative was the absence of any attempt to emphasise the connect between the voter and the countrys governance. An explanation of that single element might have helped create a sense of belonging and consequent pride in and ownership of the vote among the youth.

Messaging should have ranged from adult rights to voter registration; poll participation to the elected representative; elected representatives to Parliament and lawmaking; Parliament to the executive and governance; and voters resources to development initiatives. This is a journey that begins and ends with the voter and thrusts upon the citizen, the responsibility to ensure both support and oversight, and to seek accountability for delivery through the voting process every five years from their elected representatives. And this message needs to go out clearly, especially to the youth.

Messaging

One saw a flood of messages from multiple sources and the use of a mix of messaging tools. Paid advertising, celebrity and influencer messages, social media campaigns, reels, memes and songs; for visual impact, there were standees, banners and hoardings at post offices, railways, petrol pumps, Meta alerts, inflight voter guides and short videos at cinema theatres. Poll participation videos were also aired on television, music and food delivery apps

All of this speaks for extensive reach but, havent we seen all of this before? And really, can volumes and generalised messages create cause-identification?

For a campaign to become a peoples movement, it must spark interest and resonate deeply across segments and lead to participation. The message content therefore assumes singular importance.

Stakeholder Participation

The ECI signed MoUs with several stakeholders, each with a unique reach and strategy. Making banks a part of the promotion strategy was a clever move.

With its extensive reach across the country and significant resources in terms of people and (CSR) funds, banks branches offer a huge potential for participation. And yet, the MoU was signed only last year.

Also, the focus it appears, is on reaching the banks customers through its messaging potential. If bank employees could participate in volunteering activities, and get involved in direct interaction at local levels, surely a much higher impact could be expected. The issue with the Unions is not insurmountable!

There are 600 plus non-profits, which work in the space of Democracy, Constitution and Citizenship.

The next phase

In conclusion, if change is to happen, collective action and shared beliefs must precede. Common good is a destination that needs to be directed. Thus, while significant strides have been made, the journey towards an empowered and participative democracy is ongoing. The ECI has a solid base in terms of stakeholder participation and the 2024 elections could well serve as a trigger for the next phase.

With the right strategies and messaging that evoke the right emotions, the ECI must foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and empowerment among voters. Its machinery must take on the challenge of working towards a truly participative democracy while also ensuring that no voter is left behind! That done, the ECI has only more success to look forward to!

Bharati Dasgupta, Co-Founder, Aagam; author of Comic-Me, the Superhero Indian Citizen. The views expressed are personal
Why was it important to tell your story? Author and co-founder of The Walking BookFairs bookstore, Akshaya Bahibala (Courtesy the subject)

My story is that of a nobody on the street addicted to bhang, ganja and alcohol, with no opportunities, working as a waiter to make ends meet. I have seen people dying on the street, killing themselves in despair. I recently visited a little restaurant where I worked as a waiter almost 23 years back and was surprised to see that the same men who worked with me then, have now become old men but continue to work as waiters, still getting paid badly, still getting treated badly. They seem to have accepted this life, and they seem to have no hope in democracy which promised a better life for all. I have somehow managed to come out of it, but I felt that I must write this book because I believe in the power of stories. Many can turn their lives around and do whatever they want. Its just a matter of finding a little hope and faith and courage.

176pp, Rs299; Speaking Tiger

As a bookseller, what kind of impact do you hope your book will have on readers?

Many booksellers who work in bookstores in this country dont read because they cant afford to read or are not expected to read. I met a young guy at one of the airport bookstores recently who confided in me that he doesnt read and is expected only to bill the books and merchandise being sold. This is the harsh reality of the Indian book industry where people are hired on a very low salary. Before starting my own independent bookstore, I used to work at one of the leading bookstores in India. I dont see any books written by waiters, bookstore workers or any other working-class people in India. My book is for everybody, people find it funny, people find it insightful, people find hope in it.

Your journey from being dependent on ganja to leaving it behind and becoming a successful bookseller has been a unique one. What have been the high and low points of your life since you took a step back from intoxication?

What is life when there is no high and low? I love this ride of life and I believe I have had one of the most colourful and wonderful journeys so far. I am not sure if I am a successful bookseller but I am happy that I dont work as a waiter or as a worker in a bookstore. Books taught me that there is just one life. Give it your all and let no one stop you from what you want to be.

While accompanying the raids in Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, etc. with excise officials, you encountered tribals whose livelihoods depended on illegal ganja plantations. What is your interpretation of the whole process  the growing, raiding, and growing again, and the violence that ensues between the villagers and the police. Do you think the government will ever be able to find a logical solution to this whilst reinstating the tribals?

My book is just the beginning of a larger debate which needs to happen in our society. The elected representatives of Koraput, Raygada, Gajapati etc and the excise minister should have a debate in the state assembly to discuss these matters. Surely, we can find a logical solution. More importantly, we need to find ways to provide better livelihood options to villagers engaged in ganja farming.

The book is a travel narrative of bhang and other narcotics enveloping the state of Orissa. Do you plan to travel to other states in India (and internationally) and do a similar deep dive?

I am happy that I am probably the first to write a book like this but certainly not the first to take a journey down the paths of bhang or ganja. I would be really happy to write more if my readers want to know more. Maybe Bhang Journeys II will happen if my publisher believes in me and gives me more advance money for travel and writing, why not?

Do you think India should legalize the controlled production of cannabis  owing to its potential usage for medicinal derivatives and the hemp market (seed/oil)?

Who am I to say if India should legalize it or not? I dont believe in kings or supreme leaders. India is a democratic country, and I am a citizen of this democratic country and I have the right to express my feelings and views. Now if this book can spark a debate for us all to have a conversation and then come to any conclusion, I will be very happy to be part of it. My duty as a citizen and writer is to express my views. Come to think to think, alcohol is legal and we are increasing the supply for it for the sake of higher revenue generation then whats wrong with bhang or ganja?

Arunima Mazumdar is an independent writer. She is @sermoninstone on Twitter and @sermonsinstone on Instagram.
Indian eyewear retailer Lenskart has raised $200 million from Singapore state investment firm Temasek and Fidelity Management and Research Company, according to Avendus Capital, the financial advisor of the deal. Lenskart operates across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East through its website and more than 2,500 stores.

While Avendus did not mention additional financial details in its statement on Monday, news website TechCrunch said that the deal valued SoftBank-backed Lenskart at $5 billion.

Lenskart and Fidelity did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the financial terms of the transaction, while Temasek confirmed the news but declined to comment further.

The eyewear retailer - which also counts Abu Dhabi Investment Authority as one of its investors - operates across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East through its website and more than 2,500 stores.

Including the current deal, Lenskart has secured nearly $1 billion in capital over the past 18 months, Avendus said.
Mother Dairy announced 2 per litre hike in milk prices in Delhi-NCR. The price increase is applicable for all variants of milk from Monday (June 3) in Delhi-NCR as well as other markets, the company said. This comes after Amul announced an increase in rates ahead of Lok Sabha election results on June 4. Mother Dairy increased the prices of milk. The price increase is applicable for all variants of milk from Monday (June 3) in Delhi-NCR.

Amul hikes milk price by 2 per litre across all variants

Mother Dairy said it is increasing its liquid milk prices by 2 per litre across all operating markets from June 03, 2024 onwards to compensate the producers for increased production costs which have been rising for over one year.

What are the new prices for Mother Dairy milk?

In Delhi-NCR, Mother Dairy full cream milk will be available now at 68 per litre. Toned and double-toned milk will be priced at 56 and 50 per litre, respectively and Buffalo and cow milk prices have been increased to 72 and 58 per litre respectively.

Token milk will be sold at 54 per litre, the company said adding, Despite paying higher prices towards milk procurement in the last few months, the consumer prices were kept intact. Moreover, the heat stress across the country has been unprecedented and it is likely to further impact milk production.

Mother Dairy to get plot for ice cream parlour, office at airport: Yeida

"The surge in farm prices is only being partially passed on to the consumers, with an effective revision of 3-4 per cent, thereby securing the interests of both the milk producers and the consumers," it said.

Amul price hike

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under Amul brand, increased milk prices by about 2 per litre from Monday. It said, This price hike is being done due to an increase in the overall cost of operation and production of milk. Our member unions have also increased farmer's price approximately by 6-8 per cent over the last one year.

Verka milk prices up by 2 per litre

It added, The price revision shall help in sustaining remunerative milk prices to our milk producers and to encourage them for higher milk production.
Bengaluru city is set to see a disruption in water supply on June 6 and June 7, as announced by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which is the civic agency responsible for water supply in the tech hub. Local residents gather to fill cans of water from a municipal tap in Bengaluru. (AFP)

This interruption stems from maintenance work related to the Cauvery Stage V project, a report said, prompting the board to suspend operations at all pumping stations on June 6. Residents in affected areas have been notified of this impending water shortage to allow for adequate preparations.

ALSO READ | Traffic advisory: Nine key roads to avoid in Bengaluru on Lok Sabha poll counting day

Initially slated for June 4 and June 5, the shutdown of the Cauvery River supply units has been rescheduled by engineers. As per the latest announcement, water supply from Cauvery Stages 1, 2, and 3 will cease for 12 hours, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, the report stated.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru showers break 113-year old record, Sunday was wettest day in June in last century

Additionally, the water supply units of the fourth stage, including 1st and 2nd phases, will be offline for four hours, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for two consecutive days. This disruption will impact all areas serviced by the BWSSB, the publication added.

Residents residing in the affected zones have been urged by the BWSSB to use water sparingly during the scheduled maintenance period. Furthermore, they are advised to store sufficient water to tide over the two-day water cut.

ALSO READ | Heavy rainfall triggers electricity disruptions across several areas in Bengaluru

Residents have also been requested to cooperate during this time as officials will be carrying out these periodical maintenance and repair works while ensuring minimal inconvenience to the public.
At least 13 people, including four children, were killed and 15 others injured when their tractor-trolley overturned in Piplodi, Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district, on Sunday night. The victims were part of a wedding ceremony who were travelling from Motipura village in Rajasthan to Kulampur in Rajgarh. 13 dead, 15 injured as tractor-trolley carrying Rajasthan marriage party overturns in Rajgarh. (For Representation)

Rajgarh collector Harsh Dikshit said 13 of the injured were admitted to the district hospital, while two with severe head and chest injuries were sent to Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal for advanced care. "The toll is unlikely to increase as the two severely injured persons are out of danger," he told news agency PTI.

Senior officials, including the collector and the superintendent of police, rushed to the accident site that occurred about 30 km from Rajgarh district headquarters.

ALSO READ- Seven drown after boat capsizes in MPs Seep river; CM announces ex-gratia

Piplodi tractor-trolley accident: What happened?

The wedding procession included 40 to 50 people, and the tractor-trolley lost control and overturned near Piplodi village.

The wedding procession with 40 to 50 people was coming from Motipura in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan to Kumalpur in Rajgarh in a tractor-trolley. The tractor-trolley lost control and overturned near Piplodi village, Dikshit added.

An injured man reported that the driver was drunk and the trolley was overloaded. After the tractor-trolley overturned, people were trapped under it. They were pulled out with the help of JCB machines late into the night.

President Murmu, CM Mohan Yadav express condolences

President Droupadi Murmu extended her deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

ALSO READ- Inter-faith couple's plea for police protection dismissed in Madhya Pradesh. Court says

"The news of the death of many people in a road accident in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," President Murmu said in an X post.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav said the state government is in contact with the Rajasthan government, and Rajasthan police have arrived at the spot.

ALSO READ- Man axes eight of family members to death, later dies by suicide in MP: Police

"The news of the untimely death of 13 people from the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan due to the overturning of a tractor-trolley on Piplodi Road in Rajgarh district is extremely sad. Leader Narayan Singh Panwar along with the Collector and SP Rajgarh are present on the spot. We are in touch with the Rajasthan government and Rajasthan police have also reached the spot. The treatment of the injured is going on in the District Hospital, Rajgarh and some seriously injured patients have been referred to Bhopal...My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," CM Yadav said in an X post.
The patients at the civil hospital have to face difficulties as the help desk at the emergency ward is mostly unmanned, they alleged. The desk caters to over 100 patients every day and a visually impaired Group D employee is assigned to it. Denying allegations, SMO Dr Mandeep Kaur Sandhu said an employee is at the desk at all times. (Manish/HT)

Senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Mandeep Kaur Sandhu refuted all allegations and said that there is an employee present at the desk at all times.

Many patients alleged they could not find anyone to help them with directions.

Kari Ram, a 45-year-old labourer, who had come for an anti-rabies vaccine, alleged that he could not find anyone to approach.

I went to the main counter. They made me a card and asked me to go to emergency. I have been here for around one hour but cant find out where to go, he said.

Pankaj, who was waiting with his ailing wife outside the ward, said She has been diagnosed with cancer and we have to go to PGI (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research), Chandigarh. We need a referral from here first, he said. He added that he faces difficulties in finding out where to go.

Authorities say that Sohan Singh, the employee at the desk, is helped by nursing students to cater to the patient load. The main task at the desk is to direct patients on where to go.

Many patients who come to the hospital are from the underprivileged sections of society and often need guidance. With no one to guide them about which doctor to go to, they keep waiting outside the ward. They are sometimes even in the wrong department, said a hospital employee, requesting anonymity.

Dr Sandhu added that Sohan has been employed at the desk for a long time.
After boycotting the Lok Sabha elections in protest over the establishment of biogas plants, the five villages of Jagraon and Samrala have announced a district-level struggle coordination committee against polluting gas factories. They have announced that they will hold a protest on June 11 at the deputy commissioners office in Ludhiana. Members of the committee hand over a memorandum to ADC Amit Sareen in Ludhiana on Monday. (HT)

Continuous protests are already on in several villages, including Bhundari, Akhara, Ghungrali Rajputan and Mushkabad.

The decision was taken at a meeting on Monday at Punjabi Bhawan, where residents of multiple villages, including Bhundari, Akhara, Taprian, Khirnian and Mushkabad, were present.

Coordination struggle committee coordinator Sukhdev Singh Bhundari said that thousands of villagers and public organisations would join the protest. He emphasised the adverse effects of the gas factories, citing threats to public health and property due to pollution and the spread of diseases. The operational factory at Ghungrali Rajputan near Khanna has caused significant unrest and yet, no action has been taken to shut it down or cancel licenses for other under-construction factories, he alleged.

During a meeting with additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Major (retd) Amit Sareen, it was assured that the ADC would visit the Ghungrali Rajput factory to address the concerns. The coordination committee submitted a memorandum highlighting the detrimental impact of these factories on the local populace. The committee criticised the governments inaction despite strong public opposition and noted that many villagers had boycotted the elections in protest.

Bhundari appealed to all like minded organisations, intellectuals and social activists in Punjab to support their cause and join the protest on June 11.

Villages including Akhara in Jagraon and Taprian in Samrala had recorded zero votes on June 1. Bhundhari village in Dakha and Mushqabad and Khirnian villages of Samrala had negligible turnouts as well.
The Delhi high court on Monday sought the Enforcement Directorates (ED) response on Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillais plea seeking interim bail for eight weeks on medical grounds in connection with the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The Delhi high court. (HT Photo)

A vacation bench of justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma has scheduled the matter for hearing on June 10.

Pillai, who was arrested by the ED in March last year, filed the petition after the Supreme Court asked him to approach the high court for interim bail.

In his plea, filed through advocates Nitesh Rana and Deepak Nagar, Pillai said that he has been suffering from a lower back ache radiating down to the limbs for the last eight years, which has aggravated during his incarceration.

He further said that the pain has been recurring despite multiple courses of medications, which has led to him taking pain killers for a long period, leading to multiple side effects.

In the petition before the HC, Pillai said that the doctors at the Pratheeksha Ayurvedic Clinic in Kerala have opined that he needs to be admitted for a 21-day Panchakarma Therapy, with a further bed rest of 21 days.

It added that even the doctors at Max Hospital have suggested him to undertake epidural procedure, saying that his current medical line of treatment has not been effective.

Despite the multiple courses of medications prescribed, the pain has been recurring and has led to the applicant having pain killers for a long period which causes multiple side effects on patients. The doctor at Max Hospital has set out that the current medical line of the treatment has not been effective for the applicant and since the applicant has been on prolonged courses of pain killers, has recommended for an epidural procedure to be undertaken, the plea read.

Referring to the health concerns, Pillai sought interim bail saying that he faces the risk of permanent damage to his back due to improper treatment.

Pillai was named as an accused by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its chargesheet filed in November 2022. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam in March last year.

The ED, which built its case from the CBI, has accused Pillai of being a member of the South Group consisting of a group of leaders from southern India that allegedly sent kickbacks worth 100 crore to AAP leaders.

According to ED, Pillai is a frontman of South-based liquor manufacturing group Indospirits. He was given a 32.5% share of the company.
Repolling was held in two booths in Barasat and Mathuraour Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal on Monday even as allegations of post-poll violence poured in from various pockets in the state. ecurity personnel keep vigil as voters arrive at a polling booth during repolling in West Bengals North 24 Parganas on Monday. (PTI)

At least 400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would stay back in the state till June 19 to prevent post-poll clashes, a senior Election Commission of India (ECI) official said. Earlier CAPF personnel were scheduled to leave the state by June 6.

Repolling was held in one booth each at Deganga in Barasat and at Kakdwip in Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituencies. Voting was held peacefully. The decision was taken taking into account reports of returning officers, the district election officers, and observers concerned when polling was held in the two seats on June 1, said an official.

Tension was palpable at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas where the administration imposed prohibitory orders on Sunday, following clashes on Saturday when the last phase of the Lok Sabha election was held on June 1. Protests had erupted in the riverine island on Sunday after police arrested five persons in connection with violence on Saturday. The villagers blocked roads.

Allegations of post-poll violence also poured in from a few other areas such as Kultali, where a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker was allegedly beaten up by BJP workers. In New Town, allegations of TMCs factional feud surfaced which left one person injured. Reports of violence also came in from Chinsurah in Hooghly and Majerhat in Bhangar.

Police are going from door-to-door and targeting BJP supporters, particularly women. They are being beaten up and threatened, Falguni Patra, president of the BJPs state mahila morcha unit, told media.

Police, however, refuted the charges saying that a large contingent of police was deployed to maintain law and order in the area. A sub-inspector of police was injured when villagers attacked police on June 1.

BJP leader Gangadhar Koyal in a recent sting video has already revealed the truth as to how BJP orchestrated the Sandeshkhali unrest. They are continuing with that to trigger violence. This is their tactic. Let the result be published on June 4 and everything will be crystal clear that people are not with the BJP, said TMC leader Kunal Ghosh.
In a bizarre incident, a thief who broke into a locked house of a doctor in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow dozed off in the comfort of an air conditioner after completing his crime. The next morning, he woke up surrounded by the police team. The police have arrested the thief and charged him under IPC section 379 A for the theft.(ETV Bharat)

The incident took place in the locked house of a doctor named Sunil Pandey, situated in Sector-20 of Indira Nagar, under the jurisdiction of the Ghazipur police station, The Times of India reported.

Also Read: Thief who struck at 3 houses in Mohali lands in police net

Pandey works at Balrampur Hospital and is currently stationed in Varanasi, leaving the house unoccupied.

The thief sneaked into the locked house, rummaged through the premises, collected the valuables and then switched on the AC to take a break. However, the man dozed off due to extreme intoxication. Meanwhile, the neighbours became suspicious of finding Pandey's door ajar in the morning. They peeped in to see the house ransacked, with items strewn around, the report added.

Also Read: Thief pauses pub robbery to help himself to a drink and food. Watch viral video

The neighbours immediately alerted the police, and the cops found the thief, identified as Kapil, sleeping with the stolen valuables. The police have arrested the thief and charged him under IPC section 379 A for the theft.

The police said the intruder broke into the cupboards and took everything, including cash. He even attempted to steal the washbasin, gas cylinder, and water pump before attempting to remove the house battery, but he dozed off.

Also Read: Thief drills a hole in the wall of jewellery store in Delhi, steals silver items

"The cupboards were broken into. Everything, including cash, was taken. The thief even attempted to steal the washbasin, gas cylinder, and water pump," TOI cited Ghazipur Station House Officer (SHO) Vikas Rai.
Mumbai, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya on Monday filed a police complaint alleging 60 out of 62 hoardings installed on the land owned by state-run housing agency MHADA in Mumbai were illegal, and sought action against officials concerned and advertising firms. The complaint, filed at the Kherwadi police station in the metropolis, comes days after 17 people were killed when a giant hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump in suburban Ghatkopar's Chheda Nagar locality during gusty winds and unseasonal rains on May 13. An official at the Kherwadi police station in Bandra confirmed receiving a written complaint from the former Lok Sabha MP about "unauthorized" billboards on the land owned by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority , and said they were conducting a probe. Somaiya demanded action against officials of MHADA, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 17 advertising companies which have put up these hoardings, alleging violation of norms by them, said the official. In his complaint, the BJP leader sought to know how these "illegal" hoardings were allowed to be installed on the MHADA land. Only two hoardings, out of 62 erected on the MHADA land in Mumbai, had No Objection Certificate from authorities, he claimed. Who is collecting the licence fees for these illegal hoardings? Somaiya asked. MHADA officials involved in the installation of such hoardings should face action. An FIR should be registered against relevant BMC, MHADA officials and hoarding companies, according to the complaint. The Mumbai civic body charges a licence fee for installation of advertising hoardings in the financial capital. Advertising companies who have put up "unauthorized" billboards on the MHADA land should be blacklisted by the BMC's licensing department, the BJP leader demanded. An official from the BMC's licencing department said, "We have received a letter from the MHADA. We will send a letter to the MHADA and ask them to remove such hoardings."

HT Image
A rich, drunk teenager running his Porsche over two people in the dead of night would be a cliche in fiction. In real life, the events of May 19th in Pune that resulted in the deaths of two young techies---Ashwini Koshta and Aneesh Awadhiyareveal a much darker tale of entitlement and institutional subversion . The Porsche car found without a number plate in Pune on May 21. (PTI Photo)

But where does the origin of this impunity lie? In Tolstoys famous dictum, perhaps: All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

The teenager is the only heir to his familys fortunes, made first in the scrap metal business when the family migrated to Pune from Batala in Punjab in the 1960s, and then, more substantially, when they diversified into Punes burgeoning real estate and hospitality business in the 1980s. According to their business associates, the familys business empire is estimated to be around 1,000 crores spanning hotels in Pune and Mahabaleshwar, land holdings and real estate. But this fortune was built on the back of an ugly family spat between the teenagers grandfather on the one side and his three brothers on the other. Initially they all lived as one strong joint family but over the years divergent business interests, differences over sharing of assets and resources deepened the fault lines, says Pune businessman Aniket Changedia who has known the family for several years. But unlike other business families which split, the fight over shared resources got so bitter that the teenagers grandfather allegedly commissioned an underworld hit on Shiv Sena leader Ajay Bhosale in 2009 who was close to one of the brothers and who refused to mediate on the grandfathers behalf. The immediate family members of the juvenile got into certain questionable land deals which was impacting the credibility of the whole group and it was the final nail, says Changedia. Such was the bitterness that the two factions are no longer on talking terms.

The family formally split the business with the bulk of the five-star hotels in their portfolio going to the three brothers while the teenagers grandfather and father got the commercial and residential real estate business that amounted then to 600 crore. In March 2012, the teens grandfather reconstituted the privately-held company into a into a public limited company. Its official website claims, The group has developed 350 acres of land and has provided homes to more than 15000 families in addition to building a prominent hotel-cum-resort and club in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The official Facebook pages shows the teenagers father being feted by former Maharashtra Governor Bhagatsingh Koshyari.

ALSO READ- Pune Porsche accident: Police make big revelation in court on blood sample row

Cases against family

The decision maker in the teenagers family however remains the patriarch grandfather. It was he who instructed the driver on their staff to let the teenager drive the Porsche despite having had alcohol and it was he again who tried to later coerce the driver into saying that he (the driver) was behind the wheel when the accident happened, and not the teenager. Pune police reveal that investigators are looking into four cases against the grandfather. One, in which he stands accused of hiring a Chhota Rajan hang member to kill Shiv Sena leader Ajay Bhosale and three others which pertain to cheating and criminal intimidation. We have now expanded the ambit of the probe into the grandfathers conduct post the accident to include his past cases, said Pratap Mankar, senior police inspector, Pune Crime Branch. Though, they remain separate cases and have to be dealt with separately, it is clear the police want to expedite investigation into the businessmans old cases.

Once the news of the crash became public knowledge, people who have known the family began speaking up. Sonali Tanpure, the wife of NCP (SP) lawmaker Prajakt Tanpure took to social media to talk about how the teenager and his friend once bullied her son who was their classmate to the extent that she had to pull him out of that school.

ALSO READ- Pune Porsche accident: Teen's friends bring new twist in case amid sample row

The subversions

On the day of the accident, the teenager took his friends out to celebrate his class XII results. Despite being underage, they were served alcohol at two establishments, at Cosie where they ordered several rounds of vodka, whisky and beer and then again at a nightclub called Blak where they had more drinks. In Maharashtra, the legal age of drinking is 25, among the highest in the country along with Delhi and Punjab.The two establishments have since been sealed by the excise department and their owners arrested.

When the driver saw the teenager inebriated and insisting on getting behind the wheel, even though he had no licence as he was a minor, he called up the father who then consulted with the grandfather and ordered him (the driver) to let the teenager drive regardless.

Here on, a tragedy seemed inevitable. After the accident, the teenagers father called the NCP (Ajit Pawar) lawmaker from Wadgaon Sheri, Sunil Tingre. Call records accessed by the police show the father called Tingre more than thirty times between 2.30am and 3am. When Tingre did not respond, the father went to his house and later accompanied him to Yerawada police station where the teenager was kept by the police. There, a burger and coke were ordered for the boy; the two officers on duty, inspector Rahul Jagdale and assistant inspector Vishwanath Todkari failed to inform their seniors about the gravity of the accident and applied relatively weak sections of the IPC against the juvenile -- Section 304A which applies to causing death by negligence. The minors blood sample to check alcohol level in his blood was taken at 11 am, several hours after the accident, potentially allowing time for alcohol levels to be diluted. The two have since been suspended.

While the Yerwada police was doing the initial investigation, the grandfather attempted to coerce the driver into making a false confession that it was he who was driving at the time of the accident. When he refused to comply, he was held and threatened with darker consequences. The grandfather has since been arrested on charges of abduction.

ALSO READ- Pune Porsche crash: Didnt make a single call to top cop', says Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Preliminary investigation revealed that the car in question, a top-end Porsche Taycan, bought in March this year, was allowed to ply on Pune roads for two months without being registered. A temporary registration only allows for the vehicle to be taken from the dealers showroom to the owners home. However, in this case, the father of teenager had not paid the requisite road tax. The Pune RTO has since cancelled the cars provisional registration and barred its reregistration for the next 12 months ensuring it does not hit the road in the next one year.

But the most grievous institutional subversion happened at Punes largest public hospital, Sassoon General, where the teenager was taken by the police for medical examination and extraction of blood to verify alcohol levels in his blood. There, the Casualty Medical Officer Dr Shrihari Halnor took the boys blood sample but swapped it with the blood sample of the teenagers mother allegedly and which came negative, leading to initial police declaration that the teenager was not driving under influence. Dr Halnor, it later emerged had been offered 2.5 lakh by the head of the hospitals forensic department, Dr Ajay Taware. Halnor, Taware and a third Sassoon staffer who was offered a bribe of 50,qs az000 for his collusion, have since been arrested and suspended from service.

ALSO READ- Pune Porsche accident: Teen driver admits to police he was drunk; mother says 'doctors asked me to'

By why would Dr Ajay Taware offer this bribe to his colleague and be a party to this illegality? Taware who was the hospitals medical superintendent had been asked by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research to step down in April 2022 for alleged malpractices in kidney transplant procedures. However, lawmaker Sunil Tingre, whose first job after he passed out from engineering college was with the teenagers father, knew Dr Taware and interceded on his behalf. On December 26, 2023, Tingre wrote to his party colleague and minister for medical education, Hasan Mushrif to reinstate Dr Taware. Dr Ajay Taware, known to me, is a professor and head of forensic medicine department. He has handled the post of medical superintendent and performed commendable duties during the COVID 19 pandemic. Therefore I request that appropriate action be taken at your level to appoint him as the medical superintendent of Sassoon General Hospital, he wrote in his letter. Mushrif forwarded this to Sassoon CMO Dr Kale with instructions to reinstate Dr Taware.

The question for the police to probe now is whether MLA Tingre, an old acquaintance of the teenagers father, and also of Dr Taware brought the two of them together to facilitate the inducements offered to Dr Halnor to swap the teenagers blood sample.
MUMBAI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked Maharashtras chief electoral officer (CEO) to decide on a complaint against Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray for holding a Press conference on May 20 that attacked the commission for the slow pace of voting at many polling stations in the state capital. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, at a public meeting at Kalachowki in Mumbai on May 18 (HT FILE PHOTO/Bhushan Koyande)

Ashish Shelar, president of the Mumbai unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had sought action against Thackeray for holding the press conference before voting ended on May 20. ECI initially sought a transcript of Thackerays press conference from the states CEO S Chockalingam, who last week submitted a translated version of Uddhav Thackerays statements during the interaction.

We have received the letter from the ECI on May 30 asking us to take necessary action. We will look into the complaint and report submitted by the authorities and take a call after due process, said Kiran Kulkarni, additional chief electoral officer, Maharashtra.

Thackerays May 20 briefing in which he attacked election officials came against the backdrop of complaints of long queues and slow pace of voting at many polling booths in the city. Thackeray accused ECI of bias and improper conduct and claimed that voter document checks were being disproportionately conducted in certain localities to slow down the polling process.

It seems a dirty game is being played. Is the ECI serving BJP? It seems to be deliberate attempt to slow down the voting, Thackeray alleged during the Press conference on May 20.

Voting is delayed in areas where we will get more votes. This is to discourage people from voting. If voters find such officials or polling staff who are involved in delaying voting on purpose, send their names to the local Shiv Sena branches. But dont leave the polling centre till you cast your vote. They cannot refuse your voting right once you are in queue before 6 pm. said Thackeray.
A 27-year-old female student pursuing a LLB course from a private institute in Sonipat in Haryana allegedly died by suicide at her residence in south Mumbai early on Monday, police said. was rushed to a hospital where she was declared dead. (Representative Image)

Police said the deceased, daughter of a bureaucrat couple, was allegedly experiencing anxiety over her academic performance and she left a suicide note in which she stated that no one should be blamed for her death.

We have found a suicide note in which she has stated nobody should be blamed for her death. It seems from prima facie investigations she was studying in Sonipat, Haryana and was in anxiety over performance in academics, said a police officer on condition of anonymity.

The woman had recently arrived at her home from Haryana and the incident occurred at around 4am. She was rushed to G T Hospital where she was declared dead, said the officer.

Her profile on social media handles suggested that she pursued job in marketing in the past and joined LLB after taking a mid-career break.

An accidental death report (ADR) is reported in the matter and police are recording further statements and investigating the matter. The postmortem was done at G T Hospital and the last rites will be carried out soon as the family is waiting for her sisters to come from another city.

If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.

Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669;

Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918,

Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000,

ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290
The counting of votes of the Lok Sabha polls for the four parliamentary seats of Prayagraj region including Allahabad, Phulpur, Pratapgarh and Kaushambi will begin at 8am at respective counting centres in the three districts amidst tight three-tier security arrangements on Tuesday. Tight security and barricading in place on the way leading to the counting site inside Mundera Mandi premises in Prayagraj on Monday (HT Photo)

The counting of votes will take place assembly-wise and after that the results of respective parliamentary constituencies will be announced after adding the results of the assembly constituencies included in each of the Lok Sabha constituencies, informed district election officers.

A total of 65 aspirants are in the poll fray from these four parliamentary constituencies including 14 from Allahabad, 15 from Phulpur, 10 from Kaushambi and 26 from Pratapgarh. The counting of votes of Phulpur and Allahabad seats will take place at Mundera Mandi in Prayagraj, while that of Kaushambi will take place at Osa Navin Mandi, and that of Pratapgarh at Mahuli Mandi in the two respective districts.

Prayagraj police commissioner, Ramit Sharma, said that the security of the counting venue has been divided into external and internal security circles and the duty of policemen has been fixed in three shifts.

All officers and men engaged in the first shift will be on duty from 5am. The counting area has been divided into three zones. Paramilitary, PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), and local police will be on duty. Counting personnel, media persons, police and district administration officers will only be allowed to enter after showing the pass they have been issued. Mobile phones, satellite phones, calculators and other electronic gadgets, inflammable substances like matchsticks, lighters, beedis, cigarettes, and any kind of weapons would remain strictly prohibited in the counting venue. After the declaration of the counting results, the winning candidate and the first runner-up candidate will be escorted by the police from the counting venue to their residences.

Moreover, traffic restrictions have been imposed near the Mundera Mandi area, due to which, the UP Roadways buses will be forced to take the bypass route even as traffic police will be implementing diversion from 5am and the vehicles coming from Kanpur will also be diverted from Kahtula turn.

In Kaushambi, 57 micro observers, 57 supervisors and other employees have been deputed for counting votes. Counting of votes of two assembly seats including Babaganj and Kunda that are part of the Kaushambi parliamentary seat but fall under Pratapgarh district will take place in Pratapgarh itself, officials shared.

In Pratapgarh, the votes will be counted by breaking the seals of 3804 EVMs one by one, assembly wise. Apart from this, the votes of 4,196 postal ballots received till Monday afternoon will also be counted.

Officials said that the lock of the strong room will be opened at 6:30 am on Tuesday and the EVMs will be brought to the counting halls.
The Andhra Pradesh State Teacher Eligibility Test (AP TET 2024) results, which have been on hold for nearly three months now, are expected to be released soon on the official website aptet.apcfss.in. Once released, candidates will be able to check their scores by visiting the website by entering their ID number and date of birth as login credentials. AP TET Results 2024: Scores awaited on aptet.apcfss.in.

It may be mentioned here that the AP TET results were scheduled to be released on March 14, which was postponed owing to the implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC) in Andhra Pradesh in line with the Lok Sabha Polls 2024. An ECI letter dated March 30, 2024, informed that the declaration of AP TET results and the conduct of the AP TRT (Teachers Recruitment Test) or AP DCS exams was deferred till the operation of the Model Code of Conduct in the state.

Also read: OJEE Odisha Result 2024 out, direct link to check on ojee.nic.in

A message on the official website also reads, Candidates may note that the TET Results will be Announced after clarification from Election Commission.

Notably, the AP TET exams were held from February 27 to March 9, 2024, by the School Education Department, Andhra Pradesh. Following this, questions, answers, and provisional answer keys were released ahead of the final answer key.

While an official date of results has not yet been released by the department, it is now expected that the AP TET results will be out soon, particularly with the general elections in 2024 concluding on June 4.

Also read: SSB Odisha TGT 2024: These candidates must download admit card again

Meanwhile, candidates must note that the cut-off pass percentage for AP TET has been set category-wise. These are as follows:

Open category (OC): 60 percent or above marks.

For BC: 50 percent or above.

For SC, ST, differently-abled (PH), and ex-servicemen candidates: 40 percent.

Also read: CUSAT CAT Result 2024 declared at admissions.cusat.ac.in, check ranklist here

Candidates will be able to check the AP TET Results 2024 when released by following the steps mentioned below:

Visit the examination website, aptet.apcfss.in.

On the home page, find and open the AP TET results link.

Enter your login credentials.

Check and download the AP TET result.

For more information, candidates are advised to visit the official website.
KTET Admit Card 2024: Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan will release the admit cards or hall tickets for the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET April 2024) on June 10, 2024. Earlier, the hall tickets were scheduled to be released today, June 3. Candidates who have applied for the April 2024 session of the KTET examination can download their admit cards from ktet.kerala.gov.in, when released. KTET Admit Card 2024: Hall tickets to be released on June 10, 2024. (ktet.kerala.gov.in screenshot)

Candidates can download the KTET admit cards using the application number, application ID and selecting the category. The detailed steps are mentioned below.

The application deadline for the April examination was April 26 which was later extended to May 2.

The examination will be held from June 22 to 23.

How to download KTET 2024 admit card

Step 1- Go to the website: On your internet browser, open the examination website, kter.kerala.gov.in.

Step 2- Open the admit card download link: Find and open the KTET April 2024 admit card or hall ticket download link.

Step 3- Provide your login details: On the login page, enter your application ID, application number on the spaces provided for it. Select your category from the dropdown menu.

Step 4- Login and download the admit card: After entering your details, submit it. The admit card will be displayed. Check and download it.

Exam dates, exam centre details, paper timings and exam centre details will be mentioned on the admit card. Candidates should read all the details and follow the exam day instructions.

They should also check and ensure that there is no error in their personal details. In the case of any error, they can contact the helpline number at 0471-2546800 or 2546832.

KTET or Kerala TET is a state-level eligibility test held to assess the quality of teacher candidates for Lower Primary, Upper Primary and High School classes in Kerala.

For further details about the examination, candidates can visit the official website of the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan for KTET- ktet.kerala.gov.in.
Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Committee has declared OJEE Result 2024 on June 3, 2024. Candidates who have appeared for Odisha Joint Entrance Examination can check the rank cards through the official website of OJEE at ojee.nic.in. OJEE Result 2024 declared at ojee.nic.in, heres how to check rankcards

OJEE examination was conducted on May 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2024. The exam was conducted at 57 centres in 30 cities of Odisha and 3 centres in 3 cities outside Odisha (Kolkata, Ranchi and Patna). A total of 65742 candidates registered for the exam, out of which 56047 candidates appeared. 56000 candidates have been allotted ranks this year.

All the candidates who have appeared for the OJEE entrance examination can check their rank cards by following the steps given below.

OJEE Result 2024: How to check

Visit the official website of OJEE at ojee.nic.in.

Click on OJEE Result 2024 link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details.

Click on submit and your result will be displayed.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

As per the official notice released, the OJEE Web-Based Counselling Process for the above-mentioned courses in different State Govt. and Pvt. Colleges/ Institutes/ Universities is going to start tentatively from 2nd/3rd week of June, 2024. The documents required for counselling process are- JEE Main/ OJEE 2024 rank card, 10+2 marksheet/certificate, school/ college leaving certificate, nativity/ residence certificate, caste certificate, income certificate and EWS certificate. For more related details candidates can check the official website of OJEE.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt returned from Italy after attending the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. But all eyes were on their new luxury car which entered their building in Mumbai. Ranbir and Alia were not visible from inside the car as it entered their apartment building Vastu on Monday afternoon. (Also read: Raha kisses dad Ranbir Kapoor on his cheeks, then gives a big smile as they return to Mumbai with Alia Bhatt. Watch) Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have added a swanky new car to their collection.

Ranbir and Alia's new car

The new car of the Bollywood couple, which was spotted by the paparazzo stationed outside their residence is the Lexus LM, is tailored to set new standards of luxury mobility, according to the official website of the company. Among its features, it boasts a sleek exterior of multi-spoke wheels, a remodeled interior suite, advanced shock absorbers and dynamic radar cruise control. The car is priced at 2.5 crore.

More details

Earlier in April, Ranbir had purchased a Benteley, when he was seen driving it with Alia Bhatt seated next to him. They had paid a visit to newlyweds Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh's home.

As per a 2023 report on Siasat.com, Ranbir also owns a Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography ( 3.27 crore), an Audi A8 L ( 1.71 crore), a Mercedes-AMG G 63 ( 2.28 crore), an Audi R8 ( 2.72 crore). Meanwhile, Alia's car collection includes a Land Rover  Range Rover Vogue ( 2.8 crore), an Audi A6 ( 70 lakh), a BMW 7-Series ( 1.8 crore), an Audi Q5 ( 79 lakh), and an Audi Q7 ( 94 lakh).

Ranbir and Alia tied the knot on April 14, 2022, and became parents to their daughter, Raha, on November 6, 2022. They will be reuniting on screen for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War.
Kangana Ranaut extended support to Raveena Tandon a day after she was attacked on a Mumbai street. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, Kangana called the incident "absolutely alarming". She condemned the "road rage outbursts", adding that "those people must be reprimanded". (Also Read | Raveena Tandon attacked in Mumbai by mob, video surfaces online) Kangana Ranaut shared a support message for Raveena Tandon on Instagram.

Kangana's message after the incident involving Raveena

Kangana Ranaut wrote, "What happened to Raveena Tandon ji is absolutely alarming; had there been 5-6 more people in the opposite group, she would have been lynched; we condemn such road rage outbursts; those people must be reprimanded. They must not get away with such violent and poisonous behaviour."

Kangana called the incident "absolutely alarming".

What Mumbai Police said about it

News agency PTI, citing a Mumbai Police official, reported that, in the course of its investigation, cops found that Raveena's car did not collide with anyone. In a video on a social media platform, a man had claimed that Raveenas driver hit his mother. He added that when questioned, Raveena started assaulting her. He also claimed the incident happened when he was walking with his mother, sister, and niece near the actors house.

According to the cop, CCTV footage from the vicinity of the building where the incident occurred showed that women were in close proximity to the actor's car but were not hit. The video showed a group accusing Raveena and her driver of assaulting three women.

What happened with Raveena in Bandra

The incident took place on Carter Road in Bandra Saturday night, police said. While no FIR has been registered, a station diary entry has been made at the Khar police station, the official added.

After Raveena got out of her vehicle to speak to the crowd, she was allegedly pushed and hit, he said. In the video, the man claimed that the actor was inebriated, and she started assaulting the woman after stepping out of the car.

After the incident, a group of people confronted Raveena and her driver inside the premises of a building on Carter Road. The incident took place after the driver reversed his car, the official said. The viral video shows a woman complaining that Raveena and her driver assaulted her and caused bleeding in her nose.

In view of the altercation, both parties visited the Khar police station and submitted written statements asserting no grievances against each other, the official said.

with PTI inputs
Actor couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor returned to Mumbai with their daughter Raha Kapoor after attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's second pre-wedding bash in Europe. Actor Salman Khan also returned to the city. Several of their pictures and videos surfaced on social media platforms. (Also Read | First pic of Alia Bhatt with Raha emerges from Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding cruise party) Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt spotted with daughter Raha Kapoor at the Kalina Airport.

Raha kisses her father Ranbir

In a video, shared by a paparazzo on Instagram, Ranbir Kapoor was seen carrying Raha in his arms as he exited the Kalina Airport. Alia walked beside him. What caught fans' eyes was Raha Kapoor giving kisses to her father--the toddler gave pecks on Ranbir's cheeks. She was then seen giving a big smile.

Alia smiles and waves at the paparazzi

Before entering his car, Ranbir flashed the peace sign and waved to the paparazzi. Alia also smiled and waved at the photographers stationed outside the airport. For the travel, Ranbir wore a green sweatshirt, white shorts, a cap and shoes. Alia opted for an olive green top under a cape and matching pants. She tied her hair into a bun and also wore white sneakers. Raha was seen in a white dress.

Fans react to Raha kissing her dad

Reacting to the video, a fan said, "Self-sufficient parents, nice to see them roaming without a troupe of nannies!" Another person wrote, "Omg, how cute the way Raha gives a kiss to her papa's cheek, aww." "This family is really cute. Look at Raha's smile after kissing Ranbir. How sweet," read a comment. Alia looks happy, and so does Raha. Like mother, like daughter," said an Instagram user.

Salman returns to India from Europe

Salman also arrived in India from Europe after attending the celebrations. He was seen exiting the Kalina airport dressed in a white shirt, half jacket, denims and shoes. He didn't interact with the paparazzi but quickly entered his car and left the venue.

About the Ambani bash

The celebrations took place onboard a luxury cruise in Italy and south of France. A total of 800 guests on the cruise got together to celebrate Anant Ambani's upcoming wedding.

Between May 28 and June 1, the celebrities were treated to a series of parties and events aboard the luxury cruise liner during a picturesque journey from Italy to the south of France, spanning 4,380 kilometre. On May 29, the celebration kicked off with a welcome lunch, followed by a 'Starry Night'- themed evening gala. The festivities ended on June 1 in Portofino, Italy.
Sunny Deol and Meenakshi Seshadri shared great chemistry in films such as Dacait, Ghayal, Damini, and Ghatak. Meenakshi, who has not acted in films since the late 1990s, recently reminisced about her experience working with Sunny. In an interview with Zoom TV, she talked about her kissing scene with the actor from Dacait and referred to him as a gentleman. (Also read: Sunny Deol says his family began flourishing after welcoming his daughter-in-law) Meenakshi Seshadri worked with Sunny Deol in Dacait.

Meenakshi Seshadri praises Sunny Deol

Meenakshi, revealed that she shared the screen space with Sunny for the first time in Dacait and said, We had a romantic song in which we're both on a boat before the song starts and he kisses me. It was an actual kiss. It was a little nerve-wracking for me because I am very conservative. She further added, He was such a gentleman. He was so relaxed and so easy to work with that it went through so smoothly. And I think that's the reason why all other movies that I did with him, we had this very good equation and understanding.

About Meenakshi Seshadri

Meenakshi made her Hindi film debut with Painter Babu (1983). However, she shot to fame with Subhash Ghai's romantic action-drama Hero opposite Jackie Shroff. She also worked in films such as Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Meri Jung (1985), Swati (1986), Dilwaala (1986), Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987), Parivaar (1987), Shahenshah (1988), Mahaadev (1989), Awaargi (1990), Jurm (1990), Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990) and Duet (1994). Meenakshi was last seen in Ghayal: Once Again, written and directed by Sunny Deol in a flashback appearance as Varsha, her character from Rajkumar Santoshi's 1990 action-drama.

Sunny Deol's upcoming projects

Sunny was last seen in Anil Sharma's Gadar 2. He will next be seen in Aamir Khan Productions' Lahore 1947, featuring his son Karan Deol and Preity Zinta in important roles. The actor has reunited with his Damini, Ghayal, and Ghatak director Rajkumar for an epic drama based on the India-Pakistan partition.
Actor Brad Pitt is reportedly hurting after his daughter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt filed legal documents to remove his last name. One after another, all the kids Pitt was co-parenting with ex-wife Angelina Jolie have been dropping his last name, and now a source close to the actor says that he is aware and upset with the situation. Shiloh, who recently turned 18, is the first of Brad and Angelina Jolie's children to make the official change. Brad Pitt upset as daughter Shiloh drops his last name, part of a trend among Pitt-Jolie kids.

Brad Pitt upset with kids dropping his last name

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are caught up in a bitter legal battle concerning a 1,300-acre vineyard in France, with allegations that Pitt has been physically assaulting Jolie in front of their children. Shiloh chose to drop Pitt from her name soon after her 15-year-old sister Vivienne also appeared to have done so.

Also read: Floridians take a stand: Main Street Bridge Painted in Pride Colours against Florida's Transportation Department orders

Hes aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name. Hes never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter," a source told People, describing how the Babylon actor feels after his kids decided to drop his name.

Brad Pitt misses his kids amid name change

On May 27, media outlets reported that Shiloh, who recently turned 18 and is one of Jolie and Pitt's three biological children, officially filed to drop his name a week before becoming an adult. The other two children are 15-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. The insider stresses that its not easy for Brad to see all this, and the distance from his children 'pains him' a lot. "The reminders that hes lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. Its very sad.

Also read: Top scientist Faucis Covid-19 bombshells: from 'lab leak theory' to 'US needs to prepare for next

Hes still happy with Ines but

Brad Pitt, 60, is reportedly dating jewellery designer Ines De Ramon, who is half his age. The couple was first linked in 2022. De Ramon, who was previously married to Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley, has been dating Pitt for several months, with some reports suggesting they have moved in together. Despite his happiness with Ines, this entire situation has been very difficult for the family. The source emphasised that Pitt still loves all of his kids tremendously.

Brad Pitts daughter Shiloh files for name change

According to reports, Shiloh will now go by the name Shiloh Jolie instead of Shiloh Jolie Pitt. The former couple, now involved in a 'war of roses,' have six children together, including Maddox, 22, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, Pax, 20, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 15.

The recent name changes might have shaken Pitt, with multiple reports suggesting that almost everyone has stopped using his name, at least unofficially, and introduced themselves as Jolie. Zahara was reportedly the first to drop his last name from hers; the issue came to light last year when she was introduced to her universitys sorority as Zahara Marley Jolie.
Sean Ono Lennon, John Lennon's son, gave his "long-awaited review" of Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, on X (formerly Twitter), which was released in 2023. John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon (L), calls Prince Harry (R) idiot in savage memoir review (Photo by Amy Sussman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

Sean summarised the autobiography in two words, Spare me.

Sean Ono Lennon stands firm amid backlash

Sean did not back down when Harry's supporters lashed out at him, even bringing up the infamous "todger" incident from Harry's biography, in which the Duke described using his late mother's favourite lip balm to treat frostbite on his private parts. Some defended Harry, emphasising his difficult upbringing, in particular Princess Diana's terrible death when he was a kid.

Sean has scathingly dubbed Prince Harry an "idiot" who "deserves to be mocked" in a savage social media rant. Sean acknowledged meeting Harry after it was suggested that they had similarities, but insisted, Actually I am aware [that we have things in common]. We met once. That was before I realised he was an idiot.

Sean Ono Lennon's mixed feelings about Prince Harry's struggles

The Oscar-winning celebrity defended his initial remark, stressing that it was a pun. "It was a pun. But he deserves to be mocked after that todger episode. He'll be fine."

However, as some social media users rallied behind the Duke, pointing out how his book immediately became a best-seller after its release, Sean switched his attention to Harry's past problems. He said, "That is very sad. I don't hold any of that against him. It's the stupidity that bothers me."

He added, "Just because I made a joke does not mean I don't empathize with him. I do actually. Also why I'm very disappointed with his outlook. I was hoping he'd be smarter.

To another fan, Sean said, do empathise with him generally. But the way he whines and wangs on about things is really too much." "I'm just having a little fun. I think he's earned some mockery. (I'm sure I have as well.)"

Harry's memoir was named the best-selling book in the United Kingdom the previous year, surprising everyone. Harry was ruthless in everything he did, from accusing Prince William of attacking him to confessing to losing his virginity to an older woman in a field.
Jennifer Aniston's got a glow and a go! The FRIENDS star looked fresh as she stepped out in a sultry red floral number to attend a major event. The Hollywood A-lister stole the spotlight while hitting the red carpet at the Emmy FYC event at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The 55-year-old actress recently sparked curiosity after a visit to a renowned cosmetic clinic. Now, sporting a radiant appearance, Aniston has also ditched the diamond ring that fueled engagement rumours. Jennifer Aniston desires to work with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Jennifer Aniston flaunts fresh look at Emmy FYC event

Jennifer Aniston, the iconic celebrity known for her youthful appearance, stole the spotlight at the gathering for her popular Apple TV+ series where she plays the role of news reporter Alex Levy in the show. Aniston appeared effortlessly stylish in a noodle-strapped burgundy dress adorned with floral prints and pointed heels that matched her chic and fresh appearance. Her sleek, voluminous bob hairstyle and natural makeup completed the polished look, confidently pulling off the magnificent aura she carries with her.

This appearance follows recent sightings of Aniston and fellow actress Sandra Bullock leaving a plastic surgery clinic in Connecticut, sparking speculation.

Also read: Jennifer Lopez hits flea market looking gloomy with her daughter after 'devastating' tour cancellation

Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock spotted at famous plastic surgery clinic

Accompanied by Sandra Bullock and Amanda Anka, the ex-FRIENDS star visited the clinic of renowned surgeon Dr. Neil A. Gordon, a leading doctor in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery according to the Daily Mail. The clinic, named Retreat At Split Rock, is located in Greenwich, Connecticut, and offers a variety of specialised procedures and enhancements. Since the sighting, Aniston's ageless appearance has sparked new concerns. However, there is no official confirmation regarding whether any of them underwent surgery.

Also read: Is Rose Okay? Blinks concerned about BLACKPINK member's health after new video surfaces

Jennifer Aniston ditches diamond

The beloved sitcom star previously sparked engagement rumours when she was seen wearing a huge diamond ring on her finger. In February, she walked the red carpet at the SAG Awards, where her giant diamond ring didnt go unnoticed. Jennifer Aniston has previously been married to both Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, but neither marriage had a happy ending. In her recent appearance, she replaced the ring with a red one. It's unclear whether she is currently dating anyone.

In a past interview with Allure, she spoke about her prospects of getting married again, saying, "Id love a relationship. There are moments I want to just crawl up in a ball and say, I need support. It would be wonderful to come home and fall into somebodys arms and say, That was a tough day."
Actor Jung Ryeo-won makes her long-awaited comeback in the drama genre with The Midnight Romance at Hagwon. She plays Seo Hye Jin, a sought-after instructor at a hagwon(private academy). Known for her devotion and astuteness when it comes to training her students, the arrival of her former star student Lee Jun Ho (Squid Games Wi Ha Joon) creates ripples in her ordinary life. (Also read: HT Exclusive | South Korean star Wi Ha-joon: 'I would love to star in a Bollywood movie') Jung Ryeo Won on The Midnight Romance at Hagwon. (Studio Dragon)

Following the phenomenal success of Queen Of Tears, Studio Dragon once again gives us the classicnoona romance (older woman and younger man), set against the backdrop of Koreas educational system, a formula which previously worked with their 2022 hit Crash Course In Romance.

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times from Seoul, Jung Ryeo Won confesses it was the opportunity to work with director Ahn Pan-seok, who had directed the 2018 mega hit Something in The Rain.

On shooting The Midnight Romance at Hagwon

I chose this project because of the opportunity to work with director Ahn Pan-seok. After making the decision and reading the script, I was drawn to Seo Hye-jin's arc, she wasn't one-dimensional. She is an ordinary person, neither good nor bad, but someone who could grow through love, which I found rather appealing.

Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo-won in The Midnight Romance at Hagwon. (Studio Dragon)

With over two decades in the industry, Jung Ryeo Won shot to fame with her performance in 2005 Hyun Bin and Kim Sun-starrer My Name Is Kim Sam Soon. With titles such as Bubblegum, Witchs Court, and Wok of Love to her credit, she is delighted that Korean content is finally getting its due.

The working environment has evolved. Due to the overseas demand and the popularity of our shows, actors, producers, directors, and writers feel a greater sense of responsibility and pride. However, we believe in staying true and diligent in what we've always done. It's only now that such efforts are being widely recognized, and we're grateful for that acknowledgement coming our way.

On a new approach to roles

Last seen in the 2018 crime comedy Gate and the web series May It Please The Court, Jung Ryeo Won says she no longer has a self-serving approach to her craft. When I was younger, I used to focus more on the roles I wanted to play, but now I find myself wanting to do roles that the public wants to see. I used to think, 'I hope others like what I like,' but now my thinking has changed to 'I hope I like what others like. I want to play parts that bring warmth and cheer to the viewer.

Having grown up in Brisbane, Australia, Jung Ryeo Won had openly spoken about facing discrimination. Fluent in English and a graduate in International Business, she says the cross-culturalism shaped her as an artist.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have experienced a diverse range of cultures and lifestyles, which enriched my childhood. While it's hard to compare being more creative or more excellent, I'm certain that my upbringing has greatly contributed to my growth as an actor and has fostered my ability to imagine and think creatively.

Familiar with Indian content, she says the cultural similarities between India and Korea, have made her want to visit India soon. Several Indian films have been hugely popular in Korea. I feel there are quite a few cultural similarities between India and Korea. I haven't had the chance to experience Indian culture up close, but India is a country I want to visit. If given the opportunity, I would come visit.

The Midnight Romance at Hagwon is currently streaming on Viki.
Fans were delighted when Asim Riaz decided to return to television with the 14th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi. The model and rapper was last seen on Salman Khans Bigg Boss 13, where he emerged as the first runner-up while Sidharth Shukla lifted the trophy. Well, fans were eagerly waiting to witness the handsome hunks first stunt when the Rohit Shetty-hosted show goes on air. Host Rohit Shetty is currently shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 in Romania with contestants Asim Riaz and Shalin Bhanot

However, the latest buzz suggests that Asim has been ousted from the stunt reality show. As we wait for confirmation about the same, here are some fan theories that have gone viral on social media:

Verbal abuse

A social media user claims that Asim verbally abused his competitor Shalin Bhanot after losing a stunt. Things got out of hand and the rapper was ultimately asked to leave

Shalin eliminated Asim

In season 11, Sourabh Raaj Jain was eliminated after Arjun Bijlani got a special power. Well, some fans believe that Shalin was given a similar power this season using which he eliminated Asim and saved his Bigg Boss 16 buddy Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia

Lost a task, fought with the host

Another popular opinion on social media is that Asim apparently lost a stunt and entered a verbal duel with filmmaker host Rohit. Water went over the head and post the argument Asim was ousted from the show

Physical spat

A fan of Abhishek Kumars claims that Asim poked Shalin, after which the latter supposedly slapped him. We all know how much Abhishek hates poking. Remember what happened with Samarth Jurel in Bigg Boss 17? Well, the fan believes that the makers feel the same way about poking, which is why they eliminated Asim

Bigg Boss Showdown

We saved the best for last! According to several social media posts, Shalin apparently got into an argument with Asim on set. Things got worse when Abhishek, who shares a close relationship with Shalin, intervened in this spat. Rumours suggest that makers finally asked Asim to leave Romania, where the show is being shot

Well, these are all the theories that are circulating on social media. There is one more, which suggests that if Asim has really been eliminated then he will return as a wildcard entry. Lets wait and watch how true any of these theories turn out to be.
SHILLONG: Twenty-seven nurses, who turned up at Meghalayas Overseas Nursing Job Fair last year, have been offered opportunities to work in various hospitals and care homes in Japan after receiving language training under the state governments Skill Meghalaya initiative. Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma interacted with the nurses at an event

It is great to see nurses from the state move out and serve people overseas. We are sending them with blessings and hope to hear positive stories about them. I also urge others to come forward and take the opportunity not only to earn a livelihood overseas but also, to enhance their knowledge and career, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said, according to a state government statement. He was speaking at an event where he met with the teachers and students involved with the initiative.

Under the Skills Meghalaya scheme, the Meghalaya government foots expenses up to Rs. 50,000 for each candidate through the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS). This initiative aims to cover 300 nurses in the coming years.

Laikyrmen Khardewsaw from Ri Bhoi districts Khlieh Umtrew village described her journey from her village to Japan as a difficult one with many challenges. Yet through it all, God was with me, my family, loved ones and my friends were with me who keep motivating me from time to time and who have made this journey a beautiful one.

The Skills Meghalaya initiative, under which the nurses received language training, aims to equip the youth with additional skills. The program, organised by MSSDS and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, collaborates with potential firms to provide language training and job placement opportunities.

A total of 27 nurses registered with NAVIS for language training and cultural immersion in Bengaluru and have received employment offers.

Five nurses have already received their visas, and two left for Japan on May 27. Another 14 nurses have been placed in various institutes in Singapore through a different agency. They will join in about 3 months.

The Japanese language training was conducted by 10 teachers at NAVIS.

Over a thousand nurses had registered for the nursing job fair held in August 2023. Four firms, including NAVIS, were identified and MoUs signed in December 2023 to facilitate language training and job placements in countries such as Japan, the UK, Singapore, and the UAE.
All major exit polls have predicted a big win for the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 elections. Whether or not these predictions turn out to be true will be known today. Having said this here are three data points which will be worth watching out for in todays results. Polling officials carry electronic voting machines at a distribution centre (AP)

Will 2024 end up as the most bipolar election since 1984?

The best way to answer this question is to look at the median value for Effective Number of Participants (ENOP) for every general election in India.

ENOP is the reciprocal of sum of squares of vote share of every candidate in a constituency and a lower value indicates a less fragmented electoral contest. For example, if there are four candidates in a constituency and they get 26%, 25%, 25% and 24% votes ENOP value will be 3.99. If these votes share numbers change to 50%, 45%, 3% and 2% ENOP will fall to 2.2. Median ENOP was the highest in 2009 elections in India and it has fallen in the 2014 and 2019 elections. The 2019 median ENOP value of 2.38 was the same as 1989 value. Will 2024 see a continuation of the trend of falling median ENOPs?

To be sure, contradictory forces will be at play when it comes to overall median ENOP in the 2024 elections. For example, the BJP increasing its vote share in southern states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu could increase the ENOP in these states. On the other hand, factors such as the alliance between TDP and the BJP in Andhra Pradesh and Congress and Aam Admi Party (AAP) in Delhi will work to bring it down.

A further fall in ENOP in 2024 will entail a growing squeeze on the viability of a third camp in Indian politics and further polarisation in just two camps irrespective of their respective strengths.

See Chart 1: Median ENOP in all Lok Sabha elections

Will the BJP finally break ground in Tamil Nadu and Kerala?

Some exit polls have predicted that the BJP will win seats on both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If these predictions turn out to be true, it will mean the beginning of a new phase in the BJPs growing footprint. While the BJP has won parliamentary constituencies (PCs) in Tamil Nadu in the past, this was in alliance with one of the two main Dravidian parties. In Kerala, the BJP has never won anything more than an MLA election 2016 despite having a 10% plus state-wise vote share in the recent past.

The BJPs ability to win seats in these two states is not just a question of optics for the party. It will have far reaching implications for the nature of political contest in these two states which have so far been bipolar affairs involving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress led alliances in Kerala.

See Chart 2: BJP vote share in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

What will happen to parties which have tried to fight the BJP without challenging it ideologically?

Parties such as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh and the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) come under this category. While they do not ally with the BJP in elections in their states, they have almost always extended support to the BJPs legislative agenda in the parliament. Exit polls suggest that the BJP is expected to make large gains at the cost of these parties in the elections. If this happens, it will mean a squeeze on ideologically agnostic regional politics in the country. In many ways, this is to be expected when there is a national political hegemon.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over changing his looks, claiming that the latter listens to his advice as he shaves off or grows a beard. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma(Hindustan Times)

Rahul Gandhi a 'desh-drohi', burden on his mother': Assam CM Himanta Sarma

In an interview with News Nation channel, the Assam chief minister said when he commented on Rahul Gandhi's long beard, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022, and compared his look with that of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, the Congress leader shaved off soon after that. Taking another dig at his former party colleague, Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Rahul Gandhi looked like an Amul boy when he clean-shaved.

Coincidentally, as soon as I said that Rahul Gandhi looked like Saddam Hussein, he shaved off his beard. And after shaving off his beard, when I said that he looked like the Amul Boy, he grew a light beard Rahul Gandhi do listen to my advice," the Assam chief minister claimed in the interview.

He also took a jibe at the Congress leader, saying Rahul Gandhi thinks that wearing a t-shirt is a big thing. "It's unfortunate for the country to have an opposition which is led by an individual who emphasises wearing a t-shirt," Sarma said.

The BJP leader further slammed the Wayanad MP by claiming that the Constitution book that the latter has often been seen displaying at his public rallies was not the Indian Constitution. Sarma said the Indian Constitution has a blue cover and it needed to be verified whether Rahul Gandhi was carrying a Chinese Constitution.

If the Lal Kitab shown by Rahul Gandhi in his rallies is actually the Constitution of India, then why is the Congress against the UCC? Baba Saheb's Constitution says to implement the UCC, but the Congress manifesto says that they will bring Sharia law. So I doubt whether that book is our Constitution or not, he said.

Constitution under attack, PM Modi will push India to pre-Independence era: Rahul

Sarma also highlighted that the Narendra Modi-led NDA would undertake several tasks, such as building Krishna Janmbhoomi temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple in place of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi; implementing the Uniform Civic Code (UCC) in the country; and making India the third-largest economy in the world if the BJP-led NDA wins 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

"Why is Modi ji asking for 400 seats from the people of the country? The answers are - the work of Kashi and Mathura has to be completed legally, the country's economy has to be brought to the third place in the world, and UCC has to be implemented," the Assam chief minister said.

Assam CM Himanta Sarma's Amul babies jibe at Gandhi siblings

The mammoth process to elect 543 MPs for the 18th Lok Sabha concluded on Saturday. Various pollsters predict a wide range of seats for the ruling NDA, with estimates ranging from 353 to 383 seats for the BJP-led alliance and 152 to 182 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc.

The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be announced on Tuesday after the vote counting.
In late February 2022, a few days after Russia attacked Ukraine, the Finnish Civil Defence headquarters in the capital city of Helsinki got a visit from an elderly retired gentleman who asked whether the bomb shelters closest to where he lived in Merihaka, a coastal residential area in central Helsinki, were being maintained and in good condition. Its for my wife that I ask, the septuagenarian pensioner told the officials. In case anything happens, I want her to be safe when I am out there fighting the enemy, he said earnestly.

Inside one of the bunkers in Helsinki (Sanjoy Narayan)
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday, June 3, reacted sharply after Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that Union home minister Amit Shah had called up 150 district magistrates across the country after voting for the Lok Sabha elections was completed, saying it's not right that to spread a rumour and doubt everyone. Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar addresses a press conference, in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI)

"...Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone," Rajiv Kumar said at a press briefing, a day before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Rajiv Kumar further accepted the demands flagged by multi-party delegations ahead of the counting of the votes.

"All issues raised by multi-party delegations have been addressed. They demanded that there should be CCTV camera monitoring of the movements of the control units. That will be done," the CEC Kumar said.

A delegation of leaders from the opposition's INDIA bloc met the full bench of the Election Commission on Sunday and urged it to ensure that all the guidelines are followed on June 4.

Earlier, the Election Commission of India had sought factual information and details from Jairam Ramesh for his public statement through a post on his social media handle alleging that calls have been made by Amit Shah to 150 DMs just days before the scheduled counting of votes (June 4).

The poll body had sought a response from Jairam Ramesh by June 2 evening for further necessary action.

In a letter to Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh, the Election Commission mentioned that "the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every RO, and such public statements by a senior, responsible, and experienced leader tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserve to be addressed in the larger public interest."

"Although, no DM has reported any undue influence, EC had sought details and information from Jairam Ramesh of 150 DMs whom Amit Shah has influenced , as alleged by Mr Ramesh and which he believes to be true, and had thus made these allegations," the letter added.

Earlier on Saturday, Jairam Ramesh had alleged that "outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors". He called it "BJP desperation" and said officials should not get under the pressure by such intimidation

"So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch," Jairam Ramesh said.

If the exit poll results are to be believed, the BJP is returning to power on June 4, while Narendra Modi will become the only prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three successive terms in Lok Sabha polls. The exit polls predicted 'Modi 3.0' with PM Modi having led the BJP's poll effort through rallies and roadshows in various parts of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Centre to convene an urgent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) on June 5 to address the pressing issue of severe water crisis in Delhi amid the unrelenting summer heat and soaring demands. People collect drinking water from a Delhi Jal Board tanker on a hot summer day at a slum in Geeta Colony area of East Delhi on Sunday. (PTI Photo)

The court added that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the national capital should take proactive steps to ensure water is not wasted in Delhi and that leakages are detected.

There shall be an emergent meeting of Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5, 2024, to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that problems of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi should be properly addressed. Post this matter on Thursday (June 6) along with the minutes of the meeting and the suggested steps, ordered a vacation bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan.

The court was hearing a petition moved by the Delhi government last week for a directive to Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh through the Wazirabad Barrage. The petition highlighted Delhis arrangement with Himachal Pradesh, which has agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi. However, since Himachal Pradesh does not share a physical boundary with Delhi, this water must be released through the Wazirabad Barrage, located in Haryana.

Representing the AAP government, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi began by saying that the plea is not adversarial and that the endeavour of the government is to mitigate the water crisis through a one-time measure of using additional water that the Himachal Pradesh has agreed to share with the Capital.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Haryana government, however, pointed out that the same issue was pending before the UYRB, which has asked the Himachal Pradesh to give details of the additional water that the state was willing to supply to Delhi.

Responding to this, the bench said that a high-level meeting must be called as soon as possible to consider the Delhi governments plea as well as all other measures necessary to ameliorate the water crisis.

Why cant there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders? Let there be a high-level meeting today or tomorrow. As an emergency measure, convene a meeting as soon as possible, the bench told the SG, who accepted the courts suggestion but emphasised that the meeting ought to happen before the UYRB, which happens to be the statutory body to deal with such issues.

Set up in 1995, UYRB is an interstate body established to regulate the allocation and management of the water resources of the Upper Yamuna Basin. The Board was constituted based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 12, 1994, signed by Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.

While the bench highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts, Mehta flagged concerns regarding substantial water losses significantly exacerbating the crisis. As per the figures placed before the Board, of every 100 litres of water that Delhi gets, only 48.65 litres reach the people in the Capital. 52.35% of it is lost due to leakage, tanker mafia and theft by industrial units. The government will have to tighten it, Mehta said.

Agreeing with the SG, the court opined that addressing these internal inefficiencies is as crucial as securing additional water supplies from neighboring states. What he (Mehta) is saying is also right. There should not be any wastage of water. We will look into this also at a subsequent stage, said the bench.

It then proceeded to record a joint statement of the parties that a meeting of UYRB will be convened on June 5 for determining the immediate steps needed to alleviate the water scarcity in Delhi and that the outcome of the meeting shall be places before it within 24 hours.

The Delhi governments petition, filed on May 31, highlighted the acute heatwave and red alert conditions in Delhi, with temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 52.3 degrees Celsius (in one station). The petition stated: This unprecedented surge in temperature has led to an extraordinary and excessive demand for water, which is not being met by supply from neighbouring states, precipitating a full-fledged water and sanitation crisis.

The plea explained that due to increased demand, the water levels at the Wazirabad barrage have critically reduced, putting the health and well-being of Delhis 25 million residents at grave risk.

The Government of NCT of Delhi has taken all administrative measures to ensure optimisation, rationing and targeted supply of water in the national capital; yet, the shortage of water remains acute and it is clear, by all indicators, that the NCT of Delhi is in dire need of additional water, it maintained.

Pointing out that the excess water that Himachal Pradesh has agreed to share with Delhi can come through the Wazirabad barrage, located in Haryana, the plea rued that Haryanas cooperation is not forthcoming.

Be that as it may, by way of the instant petition, the Petitioner-Government does not intend to shift the blame on the State of Haryana or any other state, and only prays for an immediate resolution of the ongoing water crisis in the national capital through the release of the surplus water  including but not limited to surplus water being provided by the State of Himachal Pradesh in the Wazirabad barrage, by the State of Haryana, stated the plea.

The petition clarified that the Delhi government does not intend to set a precedent that would require any state government in the future to provide the nations capital with an increased volume of water by pleading for the release of excess water.

The petitioner seeks this surplus release of water by the State of Haryana as a one-time solution to redress the present emergency and resolve the ongoing water crisis in the NCT of Delhi, said the Arvind Kejriwal government in the top court.

Citing a 1996 Supreme Court order (Delhi Water Supply & Sewage Disposal Undertaking Vs State of Haryana), which directed Haryana to ensure water supply through the Yamuna River during a similar crisis, the Delhi government argued that the present situation is much more severe and urgent. The plea urged the Court to intervene in the public interest to prevent a severe health crisis.

The petition emphasised that access to water is a fundamental human right and essential for sustaining life. Access to water forms an essential component of the guarantee of dignity and quality of life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The current water crisis violates this right, leaving the residents of the NCT of Delhi without adequate clean drinking water, the Delhi government stated.

The Delhi government, in its petition, also informed the Court that it has cracked down on water wastage and illegal connections by imposing fines and deploying teams to enforce compliance. Despite these efforts, the crisis persists, necessitating the Supreme Courts intervention, it added.

The AAP government emphasised that this request is a stop-gap measure to address the current crisis until the monsoon arrives and the situation normalises, underscoring the critical need for cooperation between states to ensure the fundamental rights of citizens are upheld, particularly during times of crisis.
New Delhi, The Enforcement Directorate has alleged in its supplementary charge sheet filed against BRS leader K Kavitha before a court here that more than 1,100 crore was laundered in the alleged Delhi excise scam. Delhi excise case: Over  1,100 crore laundered, alleges ED in supplementary charge sheet

According to the ED, out of 1,100 crore, Kavitha was involved in proceeds of crime worth 292.8 crore.

The allegations were made in a supplementary prosecution complaint, EDs equivalent to a charge sheet, filed before Special Judge Kaveri Beweja, who on Monday extended Kavithas judicial custody till July 3.

The judge extended the custody after Kavitha was produced before the court in pursuance of its earlier order issuing a production warrant against her.

The court had issued the warrants after taking cognisance of a charge sheet against the BRS leader in the case on May 29.

The court also granted bail to three co-accused persons Prince, Damodar and Arvind Singh. The three accused were charge sheeted without being arrested during investigation by the ED.

As per the investigation so far, the total proceeds of crime identified is 1,100 crore, out of which PoC of 292.8 crore is being dealt with in this Prosecution Complaint. Through activities of the accused persons i.e. Kavitha, Champreet Singh, Prince Kumar, Damodar Sharma and Arvind Singh, huge proceeds of crime have been generated, the charge sheet alleged.

The charge sheet claimed that Kavitha was involved in PoC of 292.8 crore, out of which kickbacks of 100 crore were given to A leaders.

Kavitha conspired with the members of the South Group and the A leaders through accused Vijay Nair to pay kickbacks to the tune of 100 crore and receive undue benefits, the documents claimed.

Kavitha, by paying kickback to the government functionaries through their middleman, has participated in the generation of PoC of 100 crore, the charge sheet claimed, adding that she then participated in the transfer of this PoC to the government functionaries.

The ED further claimed that Kavitha, by way of conspiracy and formation of IndoSpirits, a company accused in the case, has participated in the generation, acquisition and use of the PoC of 192.8 crore, which was derived as a result of the conspiracy of kickbacks and payment of kickbacks.

By showing IndoSpirits as a genuine business entity and acquiring the PoC of 192.8 crore, she is involved in projecting this PoC as genuine profit from a legitimate business, the ED alleged.

By way of participating in the conspiracy of formation of IndoSpirits to recoup advance bribes of 100 crore paid, Kavitha is knowingly involved in the generation and transfer of PoC of 100 crore and the generation, acquisition, and possession of PoC 192.8 crore in the guise of profits generated by IndoSpirits during November 2021 to August 2022, the ED alleged.

Kavitha also received the PoC of 5.5 crore from IndoSpirits in the name of her associate and co-accused in the case, Abhishek Boinpally, the federal agency said.

The report further accused Kavitha of destroying the digital evidence to conceal her role and involvement in the case.

Kavitha has deleted evidence and contents of her mobile phone. She presented nine phones for examination, which were formatted and had no data. She was evasive and couldn't give any explanation for those formatted phones, the ED alleged.

It further alleged that Kavitha was also involved in acts of influencing the witnesses.

The 46-year-old BRS leader is in judicial custody in the two cases lodged by the ED and the CBI in the alleged scam.

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 from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15. The CBI arrested her from Tihar jail.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
New Delhi, The Supreme Court said Monday an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board be held on June 5 so that the problem of water scarcity in Delhi is properly addressed. Delhi govt plea for surplus water: SC says emergent meeting of UYRB be held on June 5

The apex court was hearing a Delhi government plea seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the national capital to mitigate its ongoing water crisis.

A vacation bench of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan noted that the advocates appearing for the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have agreed that a meeting of the UYRB be held to address the issue of scarcity of water in the national capital.

"In the course of hearing, all the parties agreed that there should be a non-adversarial approach to the problem of scarcity of water faced by the citizens of Delhi," the bench said.

It said the lawyers have "agreed that there shall be an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5 to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that the problem of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi shall be properly addressed".

The bench said the matter be posted for hearing on June 6 along with the minutes of the meeting of the board and the suggested steps to be taken by the stakeholders to solve the problem.

The plea filed by Delhi's Water Minister Atishi has made the Centre, the BJP-governed Haryana and the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh parties to the petition, saying that access to water is essential for survival and is one of the basic human rights.

The petition has sought a direction to the Haryana government for immediate and continuous release of water at the Wazirabad barrage, including but not limited to the full surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Supreme Court said on Monday an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) be held on June 5 so that the problem of water scarcity in Delhi is properly addressed. The Supreme Court was hearing a Delhi government plea seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to Delhi to mitigate its ongoing water crisis. Residents fill water from a tanker amid water crisis, at the Vivekanand Camp in Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, Friday, May 31, 2024.(PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)

The court will hear Delhi's plea for additional water from Haryana on June 6 and has requested the minutes of the meeting and suggestions on the steps taken.

ALSO READ- Delhis water augmentation plans fail to take off

As India's capital faces a severe water shortage, many residents are waiting in long queues for water tankers. On May 31, the Delhi government approached the Supreme Court to request additional water from Haryana immediately.

ALSO READ- Delhi water crisis deepens, 2,000 fine for these activities | 8 points

The Delhi government said it filed the petition due to the acute water shortage caused by severe heat conditions in North India, especially in Delhi. The plea requested Haryana to "immediately and continuously release water at the Wazirabad barrage."

ALSO READ- Arvind Kejriwal's appeal to BJP over acute water crisis in Delhi

Delhi water minister Atishi said the heatwave has increased water demand while the water level in the Yamuna has decreased. She said the water level at the Wazirabad pond was 674.5 ft last year, but only 671 ft of water has been released despite multiple requests. This has affected all water treatment plants due to low water levels in the Wazirabad barrage. Atishi said that they have requested more water from the Haryana and UP governments.

ALSO READ- Delhi: Residents scramble with vessels after tanker amid water crisis| Video

In response to the crisis, the Delhi government announced on May 30 that a central control room would be set up to monitor the water supply across the city. The control room will be led by an IAS officer. Atishi also announced a helpline number, '1916', for residents to request water tankers.
New Delhi, A court here on Monday dismissed the bail plea of an on-duty doctor of a private hospital where a fire on May 25 killed seven newborns and injured five, saying no logical reason was given why despite being an ayurvedic doctor, the accused was working in the most critical ward of the facility. Delhi hospital fire: Court rejects bail plea of on-duty doctor

The court also denounced as "highly insensitive" the statement of the doctor that the infants were not victims of the blaze as they died due to suffocation and not burns.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand was hearing the bail plea of Dr Akash, who was on duty when the fire broke out at the hospital. He and the owner of the hospital, Dr Naveen Khichi, were sent to judicial custody for 14 days on May 30.

Rejecting the argument that Dr Akash was working at the hospital as a trainee, the court said the investigation has revealed that he provided treatment and gave prescriptions to the infants.

"Despite knowing that he was entitled to practise only in Haryana as a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery doctor as per the certificate of the Medical Council of Haryana, accused Dr Akash willingly started working in the most-sensitive zone of the hospital, i.e, Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit ," the court said.

"No logical reason has been given as to why despite being a BAMS doctor, Dr Akash was keen to learn practices of allopathic medicine and that too by working in the critical ward of the hospital," it added.

The court trashed the argument of the doctor's counsel that he should be lauded for his efforts to save children.

"The police investigation reveals that he had run away from the hospital when the fire began and rather than calling the police or the fire services, he called the owner of the hospital and in the entire process, almost half an hour was wasted which could have saved the lives of newborn babies," it said.

The court said the statement of the accused's lawyer that the infants were not victims of the fire as they died due to suffocation and not burn injuries was "highly insensitive" and did not have any merit.

"It is without any doubt that the alleged offences are serious in nature and the investigation is at initial stages, and there are several aspects of the investigation, such as the supervisory role of the accused, collection of the prescriptions signed by him, his role in delaying the call to the police/fire services etc., which are yet to be investigated upon in detail," it added.

The court said the possibility of the doctor fleeing the process of law and influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.

It said according to judicial precedents, the accused has to approach a higher court of a sessions judge for bail.

"The application for bail of the accused is accordingly dismissed," the court said.

A massive fire broke out on the night of May 25 at the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar that was allegedly being run illegally with an "expired" licence and without any clearance from the fire department.

A case has been registered at the Vivek Vihar police station under Indian Penal Code sections 336 , 304A , 304 and 308 .

The two doctors were arrested on May 26 and remanded in three-day police custody the next day.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
My fellow Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari on Thursday. (ANI)

The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.

My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.

It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shaktithe trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a sadhana (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an electionthey all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world.

Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.

I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.

Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.

Friends,

Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.

From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the Shakti Peeth (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.

Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluencethe ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharats nationhood and the sense of unity.

The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.

Friends,

Swami Vivekananda once said, Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.

For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, Idam-na-mama (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.

Bharats welfare benefits our planets journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharats independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharats successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.

Today, Bharats governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharats Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.

Today, Bharats progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.

Friends,

The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.

We must see Bharats development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharats internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharats strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In todays global scenario, Bharats strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.

The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047.

We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.

We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a Viksit Bharat. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of zero defect-zero effect.

Friends,

We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our countrys journey towards excellence.

We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.

As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.

My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand.

Just as we utilized the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a Viksit Bharat in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.

Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947.

Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Lets dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.

- These thoughts were penned by PM Modi on 1st June between 4:15 PM and 7 PM during his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi.
The Election Commission on Monday rejected Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's request to get a week time to detail his allegation against Union home minister Amit Shah.



Ramesh had alleged that Shah called up 150 district magistrates across the country after voting for the Lok Sabha elections had ended. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged Amit Shah called up 150 district magistrates for voting for Lok Sabha elections ended.(ANI file )

So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch, Ramesh had said.

The poll panel has directed the Congress leader to file a response by 7 pm on Monday.



Earlier in the day, chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar reacted sharply to Ramesh's allegation, saying it was not right to spread rumours and doubt everyone.



Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone, the CEC said at a briefing ahead of the counting of votes.



On Sunday, the poll panel had sought detailed information from Jairam Ramesh over his allegations against Shah, adding that no district magistrate has reported experiencing any undue influence.

The process of counting of votes is a sacred duty cast upon every RO (Returning Officer) and such public statements by a senior, responsible and experienced leader tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in larger public interest, the EC had said.



Voting for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies was held in seven phase from April 19 to June 1.



(With input from Aditi Agrawal)
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday rejected Congress leader Jairam Rameshs request seeking a weeks extension to back up his allegation that Union home minister Amit Shah called up 150 district magistrates and collectors ahead of the June 4 counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections. Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday asked if it was really possible to influence all DMs (HT Photo/Vipin Kumar)

Your allegation that attempts have been made to influence the District Magistrates of around 150 Parliamentary Constituencies, who are also the ROs/DEOs (Returning Officers/District Election Officers), has serious connotation and direct bearing on the sanctity of the counting process, scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned in Commissions letter dated 02..06.2024, no DM has reported any such undue influence as alleged by you. Therefore, the Commission hereby outrightly rejects your request for time extension, ECIs senior principal secretary Narendra N Butolia said in his letter to the senior Congress leader.

Butolias letter was a response to Jairam Rameshs request made a few hours earlier. In his communication, the Congress leader said his party colleagues elaborated on their concerns during a hearing with the ECI on Sunday. [W]e pointed out that our concern is vis-a-vis vigilance and that we cannot put serving officers in jeopardy by putting a target on their backs, Ramesh said in his letter that sought a weeks extension.

Ramesh underscored that his comments, first made in a post on X on Saturday. were not accusations against ECI but instead a request to safeguard against such malpractices given the ruling regimes well documented and high-handed behaviour of misusing and even intimidating official machinery.

During a press conference earlier in the day - the first after March 16 when the Lok Sabha elections were announced - chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said it was not right to spread rumours and doubt everyone. Can someone influence them all? (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Can anyone influence 500-600 people? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it. They should tell the details before counting the votes. It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone, Rajiv Kumar said.
NEW DELHI: Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday dismissed the Oppositions, particularly Congresss, repeated concerns, expressed through social media, about the polling officials not following the stated electoral process as rumour mongering. Kumar reiterated that the entire electoral process, including the counting process, are robust and codified in the Election Commission of India (ECI)s manuals, which are publicly available. He said that the entire process happens under the oversight of 7-8 million people and thus is a foolproof system. Election Commission of India (MINT FILE PHOTO)

Counting and the entire election process have a very robust system. We dont think such a robust system is possible in any other place where everything that is to happen tomorrow has been decided to the minute. The process for counting is also codified. There are 10.5 lakh booths. Each hall has 14 tables. Behind each table, there are polling personnel on one side and the candidates polling [counting] agents on the other side. There are more than 8,000 parliamentary candidates. If we assume there are three polling agents per booth, there are about 30-35 lakh polling agents in the country. That means that there are about 30-35 lakh Form 17Cs in their hands. There are micro-observers and observers there. This entire process is happening between 70-80 lakh people. There is no way systemic mistakes can be made in the process. It works with clockwork efficiency.  The system is foolproof but there can be human errors which can happen anywhere. But we want to firmly say that the entire counting process is absolutely robust, he said.

Without naming any politicians, Kumar addressed concerns that have been raised over the last few weeks.

Referring to Kapil Sibals press conference on May 26, where he gave the checklist on counting, Kumar said, The process that was highlighted came from our manuals only. We want the polling agents to verify the entire process because the more they participate, the more their trust in the democratic process will grow, Kumar said.

Referring to Congress leader Ajay Makens tweet about counting agents being forbidden from sitting at the AROs table, Kumar dismissed it as a rumour. We had to get it countered. Any rumour takes a life of its own, he said. We clarified that counting agents are allowed at every AROs table, he said.

Kumar also alluded to Jairam Rameshs tweet about Amit Shahs influence on district magistrates and collectors, who act as returning officers during the elections. Then a rumour was spawned that ROs had been influenced in large numbers. How can that happen in the country? The people who have been working in this intense heat for the last three months, how can someone influence 500-900 people across the country? If someone can do that, tell us. We will punish that person. Tell us before the counting so that we can punish the DM who did it. You cant spread rumours and cast doubt upon everybody.

Kumar also addressed the issues raised by the INDIA bloc in an in-person meeting on June 2. We accepted all of them, he said. He explained that all the demands are standard practice outlined in their manuals. This robust process has been going on for 70 years under the eyes of lakhs and lakhs of persons drawn from different places. We have directed all ROs and AROS via video conferencing  that [everything must be done according to the manuals], he said. We have trained all CEOs (chief electoral officers), ROs, political parties; we have even trained people at district level, he said.

An hour after the conference, the ECI also sent a letter to Ramesh, rejecting his request for a weeks extension to file evidence of his tweet, and directed him to submit a response by 7pm on Monday.

Kumar, reiterating ECs response to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges letter to INDIA bloc, also said that thus far the EC has not received a single complaint from any candidate, polling agent, or those in the polling stations.
2024 Lok Sabha Election Results: Welcome to our live blog covering the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections! The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to fall short of a majority in Lok Sabha if the current trends hold, while the opposition INDIA bloc is putting up a tougher fight against the Modi juggernaut....Read More

Around 642 million people voted in India's general elections held over seven phases in a gruelling six-week period. Most exit polls predicted a straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with quite few of them projecting a two-thirds majority for the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Congress party and its allies dismissed the exit polls as orchestrated and a work of "fantasy", asserting that the opposition INDIA bloc will form the next government at the Centre. The exit polls sparked a record surge in Indian stocks, with the NSE Nifty 50 Index registering its biggest gain in over three years and the rupee becoming the second-best performing currency in Asia on Monday.

How Lok Sabha election campaign panned out

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJPs biggest vote magnet, outdid every other leader in terms of the sheer number of rallies and roadshows. With a total of 206 public outreach programmes since the announcement of the poll schedule, Modi surpassed his nearly-145 public engagements during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by a big margin. The top BJP leader started his election campaign with focus on his governments development work and schemes but turned to divisive speech after the first phase of voting, a move seen by many as a bid to energise his core Hindu voter base in absence of a single big-ticket campaign issue. In his rallies, Prime Minister Modi claimed that the Congress party, if voted to power, would snatch away the mangalsutra of women and give it to those who have more children, a veiled reference to Muslims. He also repeatedly claimed that the grand old party was conspiring to take away your property and distribute it among selected people.

Lok Sabha election 2024 results: How and where to watch vote counting live

AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who notched up a total of 108 public outreach programmes, took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and countered his attacks during her whirlwind campaign. Senior Congress leader and former party president Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, made the Nyay guarantee a major theme of his campaign. The Congress and its allies tried to set a narrative around the alleged threat to democracy and reservation claiming that the BJP would change the Constitution of India if voted to power once again. Rahul Gandhi in his rallies promised that poor women would receive 8,500 in their bank accounts every month khata-khata khata-khat, a Hindi onomatopoeia that indicates swiftness of the action. In response, Modi said at a rally the opposition coalition would disintegrate after the polls khata-khat. Soon khata-khat became the sound of election as Congress allies, particularly Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, came up with their own versions like fata-fat, sata-sat, safachat.

3 key factors to look at in todays Lok Sabha results

Election results 2024 counting of votes

Counting of votes in India is a decentralised process, with each parliamentary constituency having one or more counting centres. The counting of postal ballot papers begins first, with only those ballots received by the Returning Officer before the hour fixed for the commencement of counting being taken up. Electronic Voting Machines are taken up next for the counting of votes. Each EVM corresponds to a specific polling booth, and votes are counted booth-wise. The results from each round are displayed publicly and communicated to the candidates and their representatives. As mandated by the Supreme Court of India, the slips from VVPATs from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency are matched with the EVM results to ensure accuracy. After all rounds of counting are completed, the results from each EVM are compiled to determine the total votes received by each candidate. In case the margin of victory is less than the number of postal ballot papers rejected, all such rejected postal ballot papers shall be mandatorily re-verified before declaration of the result.

Follow Election 2024 Results LIVE in Hindi

Announcement of election 2024 results

 Results are announced for each Lok Sabha seat as soon as counting is finished, using a first-past-the-post system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.

 Result trends typically emerge by the afternoon of counting day and are broadcast on television channels.

 The official count on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website is often delayed. Once the ECI announces results for all 543 seats, the president invites the leader of the party or coalition with 272 or more seats to form the government.

 In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 303 seats, crossing the halfway mark of 272 on its own while its allies secured 50 more seats. The opposition Congress party won in 52 Lok Sabha seats, with its allies taking another 91.

Join us as we track the 2024 Lok Sabha election results from all 543 constituencies, providing insights into the emerging trends, and significant wins and losses. Stay tuned for comprehensive and engaging coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results!
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Nihama area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday morning. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Nihama area of the south Kashmir district after receiving specific input about the presence of militants there, a police official told news agency PTI. A video shared by news agency ANI captured the visuals of smoke emanating from the trapped house. (ANI)

The bodies of two terrorists were recovered so far.

The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired on a search party of the forces, who then fired back, he said.

The exchange of fire is going on and there are no reports of casualties on either side so far, the official added.

In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police said the security forces are on the job.

"Encounter has started at Nihama area of District Pulwama. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone Police said.

A video shared by news agency ANI captured the visuals of smoke emanating from the trapped house. Inside the house, it is believed that a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and his associate are trapped. However, the police are yet to confirm the reports.

Earlier, a large cache of arms, ammunition and war-like stores was recovered in a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police in Kupwara.

Chinar Corps said the recovery was made in Operation Kot Nala.

"Based on specific input, a Joint Search Operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the dense forest area of Awra, Kupwara, today. During the search, a terrorist hideout was busted, and a large cache of arms, ammunition, equipment and other war-like stores have been recovered," Chinar Corps posted on X.

On May 6, the Indian Army eliminated three terrorists in "Operation Redwani Payeen" in Kulgam.

In a post on X, Chinar Corps said, A joint operation that commenced on the intervening night of May 6-7 in the general area of Redwani Payeen, Kulgam, has been concluded after a relentless vigil of approximately 40 hours. 4 terrorists have been eliminated along with the recovery of war-like stores, inflicting yet another hit on the terror ecosystem.
At least seven former high court judges on Monday wrote an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, expressing concern over the way the Lok Sabha elections were conducted.



The letter has been signed by former Madras high court judges GM Akbar Ali, Aruna Jagadeesan, D Hariparanthanam, PR Shivakumar, CT Selvam, S Vimla and former Patna high court judge Anjana Prakash, who said they have no affiliation to any political party.



Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE coverage The counting of votes will take place on June 4 across the country.

The judges in their letter claimed that there are genuine apprehensions in the minds of the vast majority of the people, echoed civil and human rights organizations and activists.



There was genuine concern about the way the General Election - 2024 is being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and that if the present ruling dispensation loses peoples mandate the transition of power may not be smooth and there could be a constitutional crisis, the letter claimed.



The former judges quoted a statement by the Constitutional Conduct Group of former civil servants last week that expressed concerns over the fairness of the elections.

It pains us to say that no Election Commission in the past has been as reluctant as the present one to discharge its duties, despite violations being repeatedly brought to its attention by responsible organisations and respected members of society, the former civil servants' body had claimed.



Quoting the recent controversy involving the Election Commission pertaining to the number of votes cast in each polling booth, the former judges also pointed to alleged minimal action taken against hate speech against minorities and opposition parties by leaders of the ruling party.



ALSO READ: CEC Rajiv Kumar slams those questioning voter turnout data: Fake narrative



In the event of a hung parliament, onerous responsibilities will be placed upon the shoulders of the President of India. We are sure that she will follow the established democratic precedent of first inviting the pre-poll alliance that garnered the largest number of seats. Also, that she would endeavour to preempt the possibilities of horse-trading, the former judges wrote in the open letter.



The ex-judges urged the apex court to defend and protect the Constitution and democracy, should be ready to take proactive action to prevent any potential catastrophe or to address any monstrous situations that may arise during counting and declaration of results of candidates who have contested in Lok Sabha 2024 elections, requiring immediate intervention.



The ex-judges urged the Supreme Court to ensure the presence of top five justices even during the vacation to be able to respond to what they call an event of any constitutional crisis.

We hope that our apprehensions are wrong and the elections would end smoothly with counting of votes and declaration of results done in a fair and honest manner and formation of parliament as well as transition of power taking place as per the mandate of the people without a hiccup, the ex-judges wrote.
Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory of Todays India is a new book by scholar Christophe Jaffrelot, but one that has an old backstory. It is the definitive account of Narendra Modis tenure as chief minister of the state of Gujarat. And it helps place into context the changes weve seen in national politics, economic policy, and society over the past 10 years under Prime Minister Modi. It is a book that the author started researching 20 years ago and is finally out in the world. Grand Tamasha: How Modis term as Gujarat CM shaped his tenure at Centre

Jaffrelot, the Avantha Chair and Professor of Indian Politics and Sociology at the Kings India Institute, joined host Milan Vaishnav to expound on the book on last weeks episode of Grand Tamasha  a weekly podcast on Indian politics and policy co-produced by HT and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Jaffrelot relates some of the political trends we see in national politics today to homegrown strategies Modi implemented in Gujarat more than two decades ago. The politics of Modi [in Gujarat] was divisive, not only in terms of religion, but also in terms of social groups. Some groups were deliberately supportedthe middle class, the urban middle class, the upper caste urban middle class plus what [Modi] calls the neo-middle class, or the emerging middle class, he said. These favoured groups include OBCs who came from the village, joined the suburbs, and started new jobs there. They will definitely shift from Congress to the BJP when they migrate from the village to the city, the author said.

Groups that were left out of Modis coalition were clearly Muslims, minorities at large, but also Dalits, Adivasis, and the dissenters. What we see very soon, very quickly is a repression of NGOs and of the mediaand intellectuals at large, including those who are working in state universities because most of the universities are capturedand the vice-chancellors are fellow travellers.

However, not all of Modis principles of governance as Gujarat chief minister apply equally to his tenure as prime minister. Jaffrelot sketched out a handful of important differences.

Before 2013, the analyst argued, Modi did not project himself as an OBC person. He started to do it when he knew that he would have to conquer the Hindi belt, where he would have to speak to the Biharis and speak to the voters of Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, he started to relate to this identity, and to narrate the chaiwala legend, he explained.

Second, as prime minister, Modi was in a position to implement a kind of social welfare policy that was very personalised, so he could give gas cylinders with his photograph on them to the poor.

Third, Jaffrelot pointed to the role of Sanskritisation: The way he appears now is the high priest of Hinduism is another big differencehe did not play that role as chief minister. Now he can appear in Ayodhya where he inaugurates the Ram templeand Sanskritisation remains a very important factor for bringing Dalits on the BJP side through the RSS itself.

Last but not the least, according to Jaffrelot, is the focus on non-dominant jatis (castes). When you look at the Dalit candidates the BJP nominates, they do not give tickets to dominant Dalit jatisJatavs (in Uttar Pradesh) or Mahars (in Maharashtra), he argued. They promote non-dominant Dalit jatis who have not benefited from reservation as much as the dominant Dalit jatis and who resent the fact that these dominant jatis have cornered reservations.
Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday accepted the resignations of three Independent MLAs, who along with six rebel Congress legislators, voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls held in February. The three Independent MLAs with speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on March 22. (ANI)

The three MLAs  Hoshiyar Singh, Ashish Sharma, and KL Thakur  resigned from the assembly on March 22 but the speaker did not accept their resignations after the Congress filed an application, saying that they took the decision under duress and not voluntarily.

The MLAs moved the high court on April 12, seeking directions to the speaker to accept their resignations. On May 8, the court delivered a split verdict on their plea and referred the matter to a three-judge bench, which is yet to take it up. Their resignations have been accepted and these three MLAs cease to be members of the 14th Vidhan Sabha with immediate effect, Pathania said.

ALSO READ| Himachal: Congress exudes confidence despite surveys predicting a clean sweep for BJP

On February 27, six former Congress MLAs  Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar  and the three Independents voted in favour of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha polls, leading to a tie and his eventual victory by a dramatic lottery.

Pathania disqualified the Congress MLAs on February 29 for defying the party whip during the vote on a finance bill. Their disqualification brought the effective strength of the assembly down to 62 and the majority mark to 32  below the Congresss effective strength of 34. The BJP has 25 MLAs in the state. The disqualification of the Independent MLAs, who joined the BJP along with the Congress rebels on March 26, has brought down the effective strength of the assembly to 59.

The BJP fielded the six Congress rebels for the assembly bypolls that were held on June 1 along with the elections to the states four Lok Sabha seats. If the BJP wins all six seats, its strength will rise to 31.

Bypolls to the seats held by the three Independent MLAs are yet to be announced. If the BJP wins these three seats, its numbers will reach 34, the same as the Congress, in the 68-member assembly.

The three had approached the speaker and the Vidhan Sabha secretary, which reflected their voluntariness. We held a brief inquiry into the petition filed by (Congress leader) Jagat Singh Negi (seeking their disqualification). The net result is that they cease to be a member. Either I accept the resignation or disqualify them. This is a less harsh order, Pathania said while briefing the media.

The disqualified Independent MLAs welcomed the speakers decision. It would have been better had the speaker accepted the resignations earlier and paved the way for simultaneous elections (with the Lok Sabha polls) in these three assembly seats also, KL Thakur said.

Naresh Chauhan, state Congress vice president and principal media advisor to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the speaker has performed his constitutional duty. The three Independents could never explain what compelled them to resign, he said.

Former chief minister and leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur asked why the speaker did not accept the resignations earlier. The entire issue was needlessly delayed, preventing the three Independent MLAs from participating in the general elections and assembly by-elections. It is highly unfortunate to intentionally prolong a decision in this manner, he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, confident of winning the Lok Sabha elections 2024  the third time in a row, is planning a political event likely scheduled for the weekend, reported The Indian Express. All exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win a clear majority in the general elections.. (ANI)

All exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win a clear majority in the general elections and most of the Lok Sabha seats. Follow Live Updates on Lok Sabha polls 2024

How BJP is planning to celebrate

The BJP's political event is likely to take place at either Bharat Mandapam or Kartavya Path on the same day as the official swearing-in, the report said.

The event, themed as an exhibit of India's cultural heritage, may feature a sound and light show and is expected to be attended by 8,000-10,000 people, including representatives from foreign governments.

A senior government official told IE that the event could happen on June 9. However, the event has not yet been finalised.

Meanwhile, the Presidents Secretariat issued a tender on May 28 for supplying decorative indoor and ornamental plants for the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and other ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan". The tender, estimated at 21.97 lakh, will be opened on June 3, giving the contractor five days to complete the order, The Indian Express reported. It added that preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan began last week.

What exit polls 2024 predicted

While India Today-Axis My India has forecast 361-401 seats for the BJP-NDA and 131-166 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the ABP-C Voter predicted 353-383 seats for the ruling alliance and 152-182 seats for the INDIA bloc.

Today's Chanakya gave a much higher tally for the BJP and its alliance than the 2019 polls. It predicted 335 seats for the BJP and 400 for the NDA, with a margin of 15 seats either way. It gave 107 seats to the opposition alliance with a possibility of its tally going up or down by 11 seats.

The BJP had given the slogan of '400 paar' for its alliance in the Lok Sabha polls.

If the exit polls hold true, Modi will equal the record of the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in leading his party to victory at the polls for a third straight term.

The Times Now-ETG Research's exit poll gave 358 and 152 seats to the NDA and the INDIA bloc respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu led the Bharatiya Janata Party to its second successive victory in the assembly elections by winning 46 out of 60 seats. A day after the BJP stormed back to the power in the largest state in the northeast bordering China, Khandu spoke to HT about the developmental work that has taken place, Congress becoming completely irrelevant in the state, his priority in developing the border villages and future plans of his government. Edited excerpts from an interview: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu.

Winning 46 out of 60 assembly seats is a remarkable achievement. Who do you credit this win to?

First and foremost, the credit for this historic win goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, development was not a focus in Arunachal Pradesh. In the last 10 years, under Modis leadership, the state has seen massive development work with the support of the Centre. People have seen this and have reposed their faith in the BJP.

During the 2019 assembly elections, we won 41 seats. The latest win shows there was pro-incumbency for the party. It is a sign that people are welcoming the decisions taken by the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh. The party workers worked hard. They have been able to connect with the beneficiaries regarding flagship programmes of Modi, making sure that benefits of all the schemes were delivered.

Modi has made several visits to the northeast in the past 10 years. Has it helped the BJP in the state?

Yes, tremendously. We have only two Lok Sabha seats, but the Prime Minister visited Arunachal Pradesh seven or eight times. All Union ministers have also visited the northeastern states since 2014, which was never seen earlier. There have been more than 600 visits from Union ministers in the last 10 years. This reflects that the BJP government at the Centre understands the problems of the people of the northeast. Arunachal Pradesh has really benefitted from Modis Act East policy.

When you started campaigning, what were the issues in your mind? Are Chinas activities a concern for the people of Arunachal Pradesh?

A lot of people who talk about land grab by China in Arunachal Pradesh do not understand the subject and try to build a negative narrative around it. People of Arunachal Pradesh know what happens on the ground. China hasnt and wont be able to take even an inch of land from us. Under the BJP rule, we have carried out so much development work in the border areas. For instance, we now have roads to the border, infrastructure for the army and paramilitary forces. Subsequently, over 450 border villages are being developed under the Vibrant Village Programme of the Centre.

In fact, we have politically gained from the China-Tibet narrative because practically, things have been delivered on the ground. People have noticed this and thats why they have voted for the BJP. As you can see, Congress has got only one seat this time. They have become completely irrelevant. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won 59 out of 60 seats.

Since you spoke about the Congress getting only one seat, why do you think that has happened? After all, you were once part of it.

The Congress has been rejected by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. For a very long time, Congress ruled the entire northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, but didnt work for its welfare. Those who sat in Delhi treated Arunachal Pradesh as a money minting state. So, when I entered politics in 2011, I was shocked to see this system where money had to be paid in Delhi for getting any projects approved. Congress has no ideology; it only believes in power at any cost and then grabs the money.

Whereas, when I joined the BJP, I saw that the party has a nation first agenda. The BJP doesnt work for itself. It understands the issues people are facing and then works towards resolving them.

What developmental work have been carried out under the BJP rule in Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in the northeast and has a challenging topography. The biggest problem was connectivity. We didnt have roads, mobile connectivity or an airport. All these facilities have been built now. A lot of road projects have been completed in last 8-9 years, including the 1,700 km Trans-Arunachal highway. We will soon have a frontier highway (2,500 km). To connect villages, we have started the chief ministers comprehensive road network programme with the help of the Centre. We also have had an operational airport now for the past two years. Besides, eight advanced landing grounds were built for the army and civilian use.

What is being done to earn more revenue and create jobs in the state?

Since we dont get external funding from the World Bank, we need investments to increase job opportunities. There is much potential in Arunachal Pradesh in tourism, agriculture and allied sectors. We also have a huge capacity for hydroelectric power projects. Work has already started on several projects. We have signed an agreement with central public sector units for power projects with capacity of 12,700 MW, which will boost the states revenue. For tourism, we are in talks with the hotel industry to create facilities.

Have discussions taken place to decide the new cabinet after winning the election on Sunday?

The BJP is a different, disciplined party. There is a structure in it. The decision to decide the next chief minister is taken by the party leadership after proper discussions. It may happen after the Lok Sabha election results are out.

As chief minister, did you face any administrative issues in your day-to-day work in the last two tenures that need resolving?

An issue that I have also conveyed to the Prime Minister is having our own cadre of all- India officers. Arunachal Pradesh relies on IAS and IPS officers of the Union territory cadre, who usually come for two years. For many development projects or decisions to be finished, there must be longer tenure for the bureaucrats. We surely will have a solution to this problem soon.
NEW DELHI: India is yet to take a call on the level of its participation in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine to be hosted by Switzerland this month despite growing calls from Europe for representation by the senior leadership, people familiar with the matter said. A Swiss flag is pictured in front of the Burgenstock Resort where the Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place June 15 and 16, in Lucerne, Switzerland. (REUTERS FILE)

While India is expected to be among the countries attending the conference at Burgenstock Hotel above Lake Lucerne during June 15-16, New Delhi will not be represented by top leaders, including the prime minister or external affairs minister, the people said on condition of anonymity.

Indias participation in the peace summit is expected to be at the same level as four earlier meetings of senior security officials and political advisors held in Copenhagen, Jeddah, Malta and Davos since 2022, the people said. The country was represented at most of these meetings by the secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry or the deputy national security adviser.

While National Security Adviser Ajit Doval attended the meeting hosted in Jeddah last August by Saudi Arabia, he is unlikely to go to Switzerland, the people said.

Switzerland sent its foreign secretary Alexandre Fasel to New Delhi last month as part of efforts to secure Indias participation in the peace summit. Fasel told the media that India and other members of the Brics grouping, such as China and South Africa, could act as go-betweens between Russia and the West.

Russia has not been invited to the summit and Indias main concern is that it should not be seen as part of an initiative where a group of mainly Western countries create a framework for future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine without any Russian involvement, the people said.

India has refrained from publicly criticising Russias invasion of Ukraine, though it has called on both sides to end hostilities and return to dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview last month, said India will join all important summits that promote an agenda of global peace and security and resonate the voice of the Global South at such gatherings.

Ukraine and its partners had hoped that India would at least send the foreign secretary to the peace summit but the people cited above ruled out the possibility of this happening. Some of Indias key partners in Europe, such as France, believe India has a pivotal role to play in conveying an appropriate message to Russia and in convincing members of the Global South and middle-ground countries about the need to end the war, one of the people cited above said.

The Ukraine war has far-reaching consequences for the overall weakening of the rules-based international order, even beyond Europe, the person said. China is closely watching how Russia handles the war. If Russia succeeds, it can influence how China handles its policy for Taiwan and even beyond, the person added.

Last week, China announced it wouldnt participate in the peace summit in Switzerland because Russia hadnt been invited. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a visit to Singapore over the weekend to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue to accuse China of helping Russia disrupt the Swiss-organised peace summit. Russia, using Chinese influence in the region...does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said.

According to the Swiss foreign ministry, more than 70 states, out of 160 delegations invited, have confirmed their participation in the peace summit, most of them at the level of head of state or government. Swiss foreign ministry spokesperson Elisa Raggi said half of these 70 countries are from Europe and the others from the rest of the world.
The Israeli Embassy in India on Monday, a day after the Maldives banned Israeli passport holders from travelling to the country, highlighted several Indian beaches for Israelis to visit instead. This comes following the Maldives' decision on Sunday to ban the entry of individuals with Israeli passports. (File)

In a post on X, the embassy posted, Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality.  Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our diplomats .

Among the recommendations were the beaches of Lakshwadeep, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar islands and Kerala.

The Israeli consul general in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani also responded to a January post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which PM Modi praised the natural beauty of Lakshadweep.

Shoshani said, Thanks to the Maldives Government's decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep.

This comes following the Maldives' decision on Sunday to ban the entry of individuals with Israeli passports. Maldives Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsaan announced this decision during a news conference at the President's Office.

Maldives President's Office said in a press release, "President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports."

It added, The Cabinet decision includes amending necessary laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives and establishing a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee these efforts.

On Sunday, Israel's foreign ministry advised Israeli citizens against travelling to the Maldives since the Maldivian government banned visitors with Israeli passports. This advice also applies to Israelis who have dual citizenship. For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist, it said in a statement.

Additionally, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will appoint a special envoy to assess what Palestinians need. He also plans to start a fundraising campaign to help the people of Palestine, working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Quoting data from the Maldives government, Reuters reported that 528 people from Israel visited the Maldives in the first four months of this year, which is less than the 4,644 who visited during the same period in 2023.

The Maldives government's decision comes during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, with terrorists entering Israel, attacking civilian communities, and taking hostages. In response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was involved in proceeds of crime worth nearly 300 crore out of 1,100 crore laundered in the Delhi excise policy scam, the Enforcement Directorate alleged on Monday.



In its supplementary chargesheet filed before Special judge Kaveri Baweja in a Delhi court, which extended Kavitha's judicial custody till July 3. The court granted bail to three co-accused named Prince, Damodar and Arvind Singh, who were chargesheeted without being arrested during probe by the agency, PTI reported.



ALSO READ: ED opposes Kavithas bail plea in high court, says she will influence witnesses BRS MLC K Kavitha was arrested on March 15 by the ED from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad.(ANI file)

What ED chargesheet alleged?

According to the ED chargesheet, the total money laundered was 1,100 crore, out of which proceeds of crime worth 292.8 crore is being dealt in the prosecution complaint.



As per the agency, through the alleged activities of Kavitha, Chanpreet Singh, Prince Kumar, Damodar Sharma and Arvind Singh, huge proceeds of crime were generated.



Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is alleged to have been involved in proceeds of crime worth 292.80 crore, out of which 100 crore was paid as kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party leaders.

The ED accused Kavitha of conspiring with the members of the purported South Group and the AAP leaders through another accused Vijay Nair who was acting on behalf of the top AAP leadership to pay 100 crore kickbacks and receive undue benefits.



ALSO READ: Delhi court issues production warrant for K Kavitha in EDs sixth chargesheet



According to the ED, Kavitha allegedly participated in the generation, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime worth 192.80 crore through conspiracy and an accused company named IndoSpirits.



The agency further alleged that Kavitha showed the company as a genuine business entity and acquired the proceeds of crime worth 192.80 crore.

By way of participating in the conspiracy of formation of IndoSpirits to recoup advance bribes of 100 crore paid, Kavitha is knowingly involved in the generation and transfer of PoC of 100 crore and the generation, acquisition, and possession of PoC 192.8 crore in the guise of profits generated by IndoSpirits during November 2021 to August 2022, the ED alleged in its chargesheet.



The central agency, which arrested Kavitha from her Hyderabad residence on March 15, alleged that the BRS MLC received 5.5 crore from IndoSpirits in the name of her aide Abhishek Boinpally.

Kavitha destroyed digital evidence: ED

According to ED, K Kavitha allegedly deleted evidence and contents of her mobile phone.



"She presented nine phones for examination, which were formatted and had no data. She was evasive and couldn't give any explanation for those formatted phones, the ED alleged.

It further alleged that Kavitha was also involved in acts of influencing the witnesses.



(With PTI inputs)
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal returned to Tihar jail on Sunday evening after the 21 days interim bail he was granted by the Supreme Court to campaign in the general elections ended. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal reaches Tihar Jail on Sunday. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

He surrendered before prison authorities at around 5.30pm, after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, offering prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place and addressing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers at the party office, where he said the exit polls that predicted a comfortable sweep for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the elections were absolutely fake.

Hours later, Kejriwal was produced before a local court, which remanded him in judicial custody till June 5 upon an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which arrested him as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in the formulation of the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy.

Kejriwal left the official chief ministers residence at Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines at 2.45pm for Rajghat with his wife Sunita Kejriwal, his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, party leader Gopal Rai and others.

He then visited the Connaught Place Hanuman Mandir, before arriving at the AAPs Rouse Avenue headquarters at 3.40pm to meet and address party leaders from Punjab and Delhi.

I am going back to jail not because I was involved in corruption, but because I spoke out against dictatorship, he said during his address.

These 21 days were unforgettable. I did not waste even a minute. I campaigned to save the country, Kejriwal said.

He then turned his attention to exit polls released on Saturday that said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would return to power for a third consecutive term, as most suggested the BJP would cross the 330-seat mark in the 543-seat Lok Sabha.

I believe they (the BJP) are not going to form the government on June 4. The exit polls are part of their mind games to discourage you. Do not get discouraged. The way we uprooted the British, we need to remove them (from power), Kejriwal said.

The real issue is why they had to fake an exit poll three days before counting. There are several theories regarding this; one of them is that they are trying to manipulate the machines (EVMs), he said.

The Delhi chief minister is among a clutch of Opposition leaders who have cast aspersions on the authenticity of the exit polls, insisting that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will secure a majority on June 4, when votes are counted.

But I want to tell every INDIA alliance party that they should instruct their counting agents to be totally alert. Even if their candidate is losing they should stay there (at the counting centre) till the end, Kejriwal said, issuing a set of instructions for workers in the AAP and other INDIA constituents for counting day.

Another narrative is that they inflated the numbers because their friends have invested heavily in the share market, he said.

The other theory is that if the exit polls predicted fewer seats (for the BJP), it might have triggered a rebellion against the two (PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah) in the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and BJP on June 1 itself, he said.

His return to incarceration is also likely to reignite clashes with the BJP. Kejriwal and the AAP have insisted the chief minister will continue in his position behind bars, even as the opposition party in Delhi has said the decision will hobble the Capitals governance.

Their (the BJPs) only goal is that I should resign... They know they cant defeat us and that is why this conspiracy has been hatched to put me in jail and force me to resign so that the government falls. I will not get trapped in this conspiracy. I will not resign. If they have jailed democracy, then democracy will run from the jail, he told HT during an interview last month.

A local court on Sunday sent him to judicial custody.

Appearing for the ED, special public prosecutor (SPP) Zoheb Hossain, submitted that a supplementary charge sheet against him has been filed and is pending consideration.

Advocates Rishikesh Kumar and Vivek Jain, appearing for Kejriwal, opposed the application saying his arrest in the case has been challenged before the Supreme Court and that an order in the petition has been reserved.

The court, taking note of the fact that the order on Kejriwals interim bail application filed before the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi is to be pronounced on June 5, extended his judicial custody for three days.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and several party workers protested outside Rajghat against Kejriwal visiting Mahatma Gandhis memorial before going to jail.

It is shocking to see Kejriwal, a man arrested for liquor scam, shamelessly visiting the pious memorial of Gandhi who worked for prohibition all his life Kejriwal tried to play the victim card, but the people of Delhi now well know that Gandhian ideology has no place in Kejriwals life, Sachdeva said.

Kejriwal was out on bail for 20 days but did nothing to solve the water and power crises being faced by Delhi, he added.
Delhi minister Atishi on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harassing chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is back in Tihar jail after his interim bail ended.



Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the BJP in a fake case. Yesterday, Arvind Kejriwal surrendered and went to Tihar Jail. But the BJP-ruled central government has not found peace. The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to harass Arvind Kejriwal. He has been kept in a cell where even a cooler has not been provided, the minister said at a briefing.



At a time when the temperature in Delhi is reaching 48 degrees C, 50 degrees C, coolers are provided to notorious criminals in Tihar Jail but Delhi's popular CM Arvind Kejriwal has not been given a cooler in this scorching heat. I want to ask this to the BJP. I want to ask their LG sahab how low will you stoop? she added.



ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal surrenders at Tihar Jail, calls exit polls fake Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal surrendered in Tihar Jail on Sunday.(ANI)

A senior Tihar jail official responded to Atishi's allegations, saying,

"Coolers are given to those inmates, who are unwell and the court orders the authorities to do so."

Atishi also alleged that during his medical examination on Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party convenor's weight was measured on three machines that showed different readings.

His weight was found to be 61 kg and the Tihar officials used another machine that showed his weight to be 64 kg. The Tihar officials not satisfied with it used a third machine that showed his weight to be 66.5 kg, PTI quoted Atishi as saying.

"His weight was 70 kg when he was arrested by the ED on March 21 and it went down to 63 kg when he was weighed at home before surrendering on Monday. This shows a drop of 7 kg which is a serious matter yet the ED opposed his bail for medical tests," the minister further claimed.

Tihar Jail administration's response

The Tihar jail officer said that on May 10 when Kejriwal was released from jail his weight was 64 kg that was measured using the same machine that was used on Sunday.

"Kejriwal's BP was measured 120/76 and sugar level remained at 120 on Monday. He is given the insulin twice a day and is under a regular watch of two doctors in the prisons," the officer said.

The chief minister talked to his wife Sunita Kejriwal through phone on Monday evening, the officer told PTI.
A Nagpur court on Monday handed life imprisonment to ex-Brahmos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal on charges of spying for Pakistan's ISI. Nishant Agarwal was arrested in 2018 on charges of leaking information about Brahmos missile to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. Agrawal was a senior system engineer with Brahmos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and Russias Military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia) that worked on Indias supersonic cruise missile, which could be launched from launched from land, air, sea and under water. Nishant Agarwal

Agarwal will also have to undergo rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 14 years and was also fined 3,000.

Additional sessions court judge MV Deshpande stated in the order that Agarwal was convicted under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for an offence punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

"The court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment and RI for 14 years under the Official Secrets Act and fined him 3,000," said Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani.

Agarwal was granted bail by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last April.

The case in 2018 created a ripple as it was the first spy scandal that hit Brahmos Aerospace. Agarwal was in touch with suspected Pakistani intelligence operatives through two Facebook accounts -- Neha Sharma and Pooja Ranjan. These accounts, based out of Islamabad, were believed to be run by Pakistans intelligence operatives.

Nishant Agarwal was a winner of the Young Scientists award by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and hence his involvement in such an activity shocked his colleagues. He was known as a bright engineer, studied at the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.

Cops who investigated the case said Nishant made himself an easy target by his casual approach on the internet, though he was engaged in highly sensitive work.
All eyes will be on the Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday, featuring many high-profile electoral battles. The voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha (Surat and Indore seat went unopposed) took place over seven phases from April 19 to June 1. Representative Image: Lok Sabha election results on June 4.(AFP)

The election phases were: April 19 (Phase 1), April 26 (Phase 2), May 7 (Phase 3), May 13 (Phase 4), May 20 (Phase 5), May 25 (Phase 6), and June 1 (Phase 7). The results will be declared on June 4.

Vote counting will begin on at 8 am, for the Lok Sabha election, the state legislative assemblies of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and bye-elections to assembly constituencies, as per the Election Commission.

Follow- Lok Sabha elections live updates

Where to check Lok Sabha election results on ECI website?

The official Election Commission of India (ECI) website will display counting trends and results. These will be available at https://results.eci.gov.in/ and on the Voter Helpline App for both iOS and Android devices.

Read in detail- Lok Sabha election 2024: How to check poll results on ECI website on June 4?

Join Hindustan Times on Lok Sabha election results day

For comprehensive coverage, Hindustan Times will provide minute-by-minute updates, breaking stories, latest trends, detailed analysis, infographics, and liveblogs, focusing on key seats across all states.

One can also track hindustantimes.com/elections, a dedicated page set up to deliver real-time updates for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

How to watch Lok Sabha results online?

For those preferring online platforms, Lok Sabha poll results will be live-streamed on various news channels YouTube channels and social media platforms. Detailed analysis of the poll results can be followed on the Hindustan Times website.

Major news channels will air live trends starting early morning.

Watch Lok Sabha elections in movie theatre

MovieMax will screen the 2024 Lok Sabha election results live at its theatres in Maharashtra, including Mumbai. Bookings are available online on Paytm for the six-hour-long show, "Election Results 2024," starting at 9 am.
All eyes are on the counting of votes of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 that will take place on Tuesday, June 4. Several exit polls have projected Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to retain power for the third time with more than 350 seats.



The exit polls 2024 have predicted a much better performance from the 73-year-old Modi-led ruling coalition this time than the 2019 tally. The Bharatiya Janata Party is predicted to improve its performance in southern India, continue dominance in the Hindi heartland states including Uttar Pradesh, and even surpass Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress in her bastion West Bengal. The pollsters have predicted that the BJP is set to upset Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal in his bastion Odisha with a strong performance.



No other political party except the Indian National Congress has won more than 400 seats in India's electoral politics.



However, if you believe that the exit poll projections will exactly translate into results on Tuesday, you are mistaken. The exit polls are just predictions and not 100 per cent correct.



ALSO READ: CVoter, Axis My India, Today's Chanakya how accurate were exit polls in 2019, 2014



There have been instances when the exit polls have gone horribly wrong, the classic example being 2004 when the pollsters had predicted an NDA victory due to India Shining campaign. Contrary to the exit polls, the BJP saw its tally reduced from 182 to 138 while the Congress with 145 seats went on to stitch an alliance with non-BJP parties and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came into existence.



A recent example of the exit polls being proved wrong was in 2021 when the Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee had stunned pollsters by winning 215 out of 294 seats. The BJP had bagged 77 seats. A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.

In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the exit polls had correctly read the mood of the nation in favour of Narendra Modi. The BJP had won 282 in 2014 while it improved five years later with 303 seats.

What did opposition say on exit polls?

The opposition INDIA bloc has dismissed the exit polls, calling it orchestrated by the BJP.

"We have to wait, just wait and see. We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite to what the exit polls are showing," Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi told PTI on Monday.



ALSO READ: Exit poll results: Opposition cites gaffes to cast doubts over accuracy



West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said,"We had seen how the exit polls were conducted in 2016, 2019 and 2021. None of the predictions had turned out to be true. These exit polls were manufactured at home by some people two months back for the media consumption. They have no value."



Whether the exit poll predictions are true or an upset is on the cards, it will be known at 8 am on Tuesday when the counting of votes begins.
Lok Sabha elections 2024 highlights: Welcome to our live blog! The lengthy process to elect MPs for the 18th Lok Sabha concluded on Saturday. Spanning seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the seventh phase of polling covered 57 constituencies, including the high-profile Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha....Read More

Despite their varied predictions, exit polls have hinted at a comfortable majority for the BJP-led NDA coalition.

Various pollsters predict a wide range of seats for the ruling NDA, with estimates ranging from 353 to 383 seats for the BJP-led alliance and 152 to 182 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc. Some polls even project over 400 seats for the NDA. If these predictions hold true, Modi would match Jawaharlal Nehru's record of leading his party to victory for a third consecutive term. Exit poll results also suggest a significant breakthrough for the BJP in southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be announced on Tuesday after the vote counting.

Who will win Lok Sabha elections 2024? Exit polls prediction:

 India Today-Axis My India Exit Poll:

NDA: Predicted to win 361-401 seats.

INDIA Bloc: Expected to win 131-166 seats.

Others: 8-20 seats.

 Republic PMarq Exit Poll:

NDA: Predicted to win 359 seats.

INDIA Bloc: Expected to win 154 seats.

Others: 30 seats.

 Republic Matrize Exit Poll:

NDA: Predicted to win 353-368 seats.

INDIA Bloc: Expected to win 118-113 seats.

Others: 43-48 seats.

 NewsX Dynamics Exit Poll:

NDA: Predicted to win 371 seats.

INDIA Bloc: Expected to win 125 seats.

Others: 47 seats.

However, the Congress party has dismissed the exit polls, calling them orchestrated by Modi.
NEW DELHI: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that the party was hopeful that the INDIA blocs results would be completely opposite of what the exit polls predicted. New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi during a ceremony to pay tribute to former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi on his birth anniversary, at Anna-Kalaignar Arivalayam, in New Delhi on June 3 (PTI)

Gandhis reaction to the exit polls that predicted an emphatic win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes a day before counting votes for the Lok Sabha election starts.

We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite of what the exit poll is saying, the veteran Congress leader said, in response to a question on how hopeful she was about the INDIA bloc forming the government at the Centre.

We have to wait, just wait and see, she said on the sidelines of an event to pay tribute to former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi on his birth anniversary, a PTI report said.

Ten exit polls have predicted a comfortable win for the BJP and some even forecast a two-thirds majority for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 543-member House. The exit polls predicted that the BJPs tally will cross its 2019 mark and could even touch 350 with its main opponent, the Congress, likely to be restricted below 75.

Gandhis comment is in line with the stand adopted by the Congress and the Oppositions INDIA bloc, which has rejected the exit polls on Sunday and announced that the alliance would win 295 seats. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has described the exit polls as a Modi media poll.

It is his fantasy poll, Rahul said on Sunday in a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Yashwant Deshmukh, founder of CVOTER, rebutted the criticism by Rahul Gandhi, recalling the occasions when its exit polls predicted victories for the non-BJP parties. They can say that they are fantasy polls of PM Modi but when our exit polls were showing that Congress is winning in Karnataka or Telangana or other INDI alliance partners in West Bengal, Delhi, Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, whenever we were saying that they are leading and they are winning, were we fantasy polls of Rahul Gandhi or Arvind Kejriwal or Mamata Banerjee or Stalin?...

Various pollsters predict a wide range of seats for the ruling NDA, with estimates ranging from 353 to 383 seats for the BJP-led alliance and 152 to 182 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc. Some polls even project over 400 seats for the NDA. If these predictions hold true, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would match Jawaharlal Nehrus record of leading his party to victory for a third consecutive term. Exit poll results also suggest a significant breakthrough for the BJP in southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

To be sure, exit polls are not always accurate and have often got the verdict wrong in earlier elections, especially in states with diverse populations, castes and communities. But they are useful in identifying trends. The results will be announced on June 4.

On Saturday, Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh claimed that the exit polls were psychological games. The man whose exit is certain on June 4th has had these exit polls orchestrated. The INDIA Janbandhan will definitely get a minimum of 295 seats, which is a clear and decisive majority. The outgoing Prime Minister can remain smug for three days in the meanwhile. These are all psychological games he is masterminding but the ACTUAL results will be very different, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a series of meetings with top government officials to review preparedness and actions being taken to mitigate the severity of extreme weather conditions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting to review the post-cyclone situation, in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

The meetings were held days after severe cyclone Remal pummeled West Bengal, leaving scores dead, and amid an ongoing heatwave that has led to nearly 200 deaths across the country within the last week.

The PM in a post on X said, Chaired meetings to review the situation in the wake of heatwaves and post cyclone flood situations in different parts of the nation. Took stock of the efforts underway to assist those affected by these adversarial conditions.

In the meeting to review the cyclone aftermath, a statement from his office said, Modi was briefed about its impact in the affected states. The loss of human lives and damage to houses and properties due to landslides and floods in Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura was also discussed, the statement said.

Given the scale of impact, NDRF teams have been deployed as per the requirement of the states. As part of rescue and relief operations, teams have been deployed to carry out evacuation, airlifting and road clearance operations. For seamless relief and rescue operations, the ministry of home affairs is in regular touch with the state governments, the PM was informed.

Incessant rain and landslides have disrupted life in several parts of the northeast, affecting air and rail services and flooding arterial roads and highways. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has cancelled express, passenger, and goods trains bound for south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram following the inundation of railway tracks throughout the region.

PM Modi said the Union government will continue to extend full support to the states affected by the cyclone, according to the statement.

Cyclone Remal commenced landfall at night on May 26 over coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh with peak winds of 110-120kmph gusting to 135kmph. Storm surge of about 1 metre above astronomical tide had inundated low lying areas of coastal West Bengal and 3-4m height above astronomical tide inundated low-lying areas of coastal Bangladesh around the time of landfall.

The PM also instructed MHA to monitor the situation and review the matter regularly to extend necessary assistance for restoration, his office said.

On Saturday, the PM announced ex gratia for those who lost their lives. In a post on X, he said, An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased due to the natural disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each.

In Mizoram, where the floods have inflicted heavy casualties, the state government has sought financial aid to recover from the devastation caused by heavy rains and landslides in the state.

Sundays meetings, which come days ahead of the results for the Lok Sabha polls that concluded on Saturday, also took stock of the intense heatwave. Officials present at the meetings were the principal secretary to PM, PK Mishra; cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba; home secretary Ajay Bhalla; along with secretary, ministry of earth sciences, DG NDRF and member secretary, NDMA, among others.

In the meeting to review the heatwave conditions, Modi instructed officials that proper drills for preventing and handling incidents of fire must be undertaken on a regular basis, according to another statement.

There has been alarm, with temperatures soaring to nearly 50C in some parts of the country.

The PM was briefed that the IMD forecasts indicate that the heat wave is likely to continue in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, although the monsoon is likely to be normal and above normal in most parts of the country and below normal in parts of Peninsular India.

The Prime Minister has instructed that proper drills for preventing and handling incidents of fire must be done on a regular basis. Fire audit and electrical safety audit of hospitals and other public places must be undertaken regularly. He also said that regular drills for the maintenance of fire-line in forests and productive utilization of the biomass must be planned, the PMO statement said.

According to IMD, there were two intense spells of humid heat in April  between April 5 and 7 over east and southeast Peninsular India; and April 15 and 30 over Odisha and West Bengal that expanded to Bihar, Jharkhand and South Peninsular India.

There were two more intense heat spells in May  between May 1 and 7 over Odisha, Gangetic WB and parts of Peninsular India.

The second spell according to IMD was between May 16 and 26 with 9-12 heatwave to severe heatwave days over Rajasthan with temperatures nearing 50C; 5 to 7 heat wave days over Delhi NCR; south Haryana; Southwest UP and Punjab region with maximum temperatures reaching 44-48C. Normally 4 to 8 days of heat wave are expected during summer months of March, April and May.

Officials present for the meeting are learnt to have briefed the PM about the efficacy of the van agni portal which helps in the timely identification of forest fires and its management.

A day after exit polls predicted a massive win for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with Modi set to retain power for a third straight term, the PM held another meeting to review the 100-day agenda of the government in after the Lok Sabha results are announced on June 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath jointly participated in 15 public meetings, five road shows, the PMs nomination in Varanasi and paid a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple too -- all during the long-drawn 2024 Lok Sabha poll campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath during an election campaign (HT File)

From Meerut to Mirzapur, the Modi-Yogi duo attended 21 events together and in all these meetings the chemistry between the two leaders was most evident.

In various joint meetings, the PM expressed great pride in having a companion like Adityanath, especially applauding the remarkable improvements in the states law and order situation during each rally, according to a government press note.

Slogans like Modi hai toh mumkin hai (everything is possible with Modi) and Yogi hai to yaqeen hai (Yogi inspires trust) were coined by the masses to highlight the chemistry between the two leaders as Adityanath campaigned in all constituencies, holding multiple public meetings in several of them to bolster partys preparedness.

Adityanath also held public meetings in 12 states and two Union Territories, appealing for votes for the BJP.

Adityanath appeared alongside Modi at public meetings, including those in Meerut (March 31), Saharanpur (April 6), Pilibhit (April 9), Amroha (April 19), Aligarh (April 22), Agra (April 25), Etawah (May 5), Lalganj (May 16), Barabanki (May 17), a womens empowerment dialogue in Varanasi (May 21), Basti (May 22), Ghazipur (May 25) and Mirzapur/Robertsganj (May 26), as per the press note.

Modi also held five major road shows with Adityanath, including those in Ghaziabad (April 6), Bareilly (April 26), Kanpur (May 4), Ayodhya (May 5), and Varanasi (May 13).

Adityanath was also seen with Modi during the latters visit to the Kaal Bhairav Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Dham for worship (May 13) and during Modis nomination in Varanasi (May 14).

Several videos from these events also went viral on social media. One of them was from a public meeting in Pilibhit where Modi took Adityanaths hand and encouraged him to proceed ahead. Another widely shared video featured Modi receiving a trishul at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
As part of poll-related enforcement in Andhra Pradesh, the Election Commission oversaw the registration of 11,249 seizure FIRs, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Monday. As part of poll-related enforcement in Andhra Pradesh, the Election Commission oversaw the registration of 11,249 seizure FIRs, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Monday.(PTI)

Seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other freebies amounted to 483 crore from January 1 to June 2, he said, addressing a press conference at the Secretariat.

According to a dataset shared by the CEO, two persons died in election-related violence, 912 were injured and more than 1 crore properties were connected to this violence.

Also, more than one lakh persons were bound over across the state.

However, the most prominent cases of poll violations were the smashing of an EVM by an MLA from the ruling YSRCP, kidnapping of TDP poll agents, damaging of EVMs in Macherla constituency and others.

ALSO READ| Exit polls 2024: BJP-TDP-Jana Sena to win big in Andhra Pradesh assembly polls; setback for YSRCP, predict exit polls

Macherla YSRCP MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy on May 13 barged into polling station number 202 in the constituency and smashed an EVM on the floor. The entire act was caught on a web camera installed by the Election Commission, leading to his identification with footage and documentary evidence, resulting in him absconding for a few days.

However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted him interim protection from arrest till June 6, considering various reasons, including his status of being an Assembly election candidate.

Further, three TDP polling agents kidnapped in Chittoor district on the polling day were eventually traced and secured by the poll panel.

TDP agents were kidnapped from Bokaramanda village in Chittoor district's Sadum mandal, which falls under the Punganuru Assembly constituency.

"TDP district incharge Jagan Mohan Raju complained that TDP agents belonging to polling stations 188, 189 and 199 were kidnapped by YSRCP leaders while going to the polling stations," Meena said in a press release on May 13.

Consequently, the CEO noted that Chittoor district election officials and the police department responded quickly, rescuing the kidnapped agents from Pileru and later enabled them to attend to their duties.

Further, EVMs were damaged at seven polling stations in Macherla constituency alone on the polling day.

The southern state witnessed poll-related violence at several places in the districts of Palnadu, Tirupati and Anantapur.

Moreover, police had seized 50 petrol bombs, stones, sickles and two sacks of broken liquor bottles at Pinnelli village in Palnadu district a few weeks ago.

Subsequently, the Election Commission resolved to allocate 20 companies of Central Armed Police Forces to the state to deal with any exigency on June 4, election results day.

Further, Meena highlighted that CrPC Section 144 will be imposed for as long as required while DGP Harish Kumar Gupta noted that 'dry days' could last for three days from June 4.

Andhra Pradesh went to polls on May 13 for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats.
A young doctor working in erstwhile Maoist-affected area of Malkangiri district was abducted on Saturday night fuelling speculations that the rebels may be behind it. A young doctor working in erstwhile Maoist-affected area of Malkangiri district was abducted on Saturday night fuelling speculations that the rebels may be behind it.

Amlan Bhoi, 29, working in Kalimela community health centre of Malkangiri since January this year, was found missing from his government quarters on Saturday night. Police seized a poster put up by CPI (Maoist) on the wall of Bhois quarters on the premises of Kalimela CHC demanding transfer of all the old staff of Kalimela CHC and posting of specialists in the hospital. His mobile phone and motorcycle were found at his residence.

Chief district medical officer of Malkangiri, Prafulla Kumar Nanda said after finishing his duty in the CHC, Bhoi returned to his quarters at around 10 pm on Saturday. However, he was found missing from his residence since Sunday morning.

ALSO READ| Naveen Patnaik trying to impose Tamil CM on Odisha, alleges Amit Shah

He said the body of a woman named Lachi Khurami (37) of Konta village in neighbouring Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, was received at Kalimela CHC on Friday. When Bhoi asked the people accompanying the deceased to conduct postmortem of the body, they objected and had an altercation with him. Bhoi later formed the police and the postmortem was conducted soon after.

Sub-divisional police officer of Malkangiri, Sachin Patel said the police are still investigating if Maoists are involved in the incident. He was abducted either late in the night or early Sunday morning. We are are scanning the footage of CCTV cameras installed in the area," he said.

A native of Kandhamal district, Bhoi was appointed as a doctor in Kalimela CHC in January this year.

Once known for large incidences of Maoist attacks, Malkangiri saw no incidences of Maoist-related violence during Lok Sabha and Assembly election in April this year. In the erstwhile Maoist bastion of Swabhiman Anchala of Malkangiri, people voted in polling booths near their villages instead of BSF camps.
Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday hit back at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his remark at the exit polls.



Rahul Gandhi should start a gym. Shashi Tharoor should start an English training institute. The Congress party has many people who are very good with language and speak very eloquently and I think these elections will point them towards a new occupation, Chandrasekhar, the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, told ANI.



The people of India want their political leaders who serve them, who can improve their lives, and certainly, this group of people whether that is Rahul Gandhi or anybody else cannot fit the bill, the BJP leader who is pitted against Tharoor from the Kerala capital, added.



ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election results tomorrow: Exit polls predict big win for NDA but...



Chandrasekhar made the remark after Tharoor called the exit poll projections predicting a massive victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections, as laughable. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting from Thiruvananthapuram.

We are seeing it with skepticism and disbelief because we have also been campaigning throughout the country. We also have a sense of what the pulse of the people is and we don't believe it is reflected accurately in these polls, Tharoor was quoted by ANI as saying.



ALSO READ: Election 2024: 3 times exit polls were nowhere close to actual results



"Our Congress president, after meeting all the INDIA bloc members, has said that he is convinced that we are getting about 295 for the alliance. I stick to that number," the three-time Congress MP said.



The Congress and several opposition parties have dismissed the exit poll results, expressing confidence that the INDIA bloc will emerge victorious on Tuesday.



"We have to wait, just wait and see. We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite to what the exit polls are showing," former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said.



Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had also trashed the exit polls, saying,"It is not exit poll, it is Modi media poll. It is Modi jis poll. It is his fantasy poll.
RAIPUR: A controversy erupted in Chhattisgarh on Monday after the state police arrested a 25-year-old woman who advocates for the rights of tribal, provoking howls of protests from the human rights groups that accused the police of framing her in fake cases to silence her. New Delhi: Suneeta Pottam (left) and her friend during their Delhi visit in January 2018 to approach the Supreme Court to seek transfer of her case (Raj K Raj/HT FILE PHOTO)

Bastar range inspector general of police (IGP) Sunderaj P said Suneeta Pottam was wanted in 12 cases linked to Maoist activities and was arrested from Raipur.

Suneeta Pottam (25) was held by a team of Bijapur police from Raipur, where she was living under an assumed name and identity. She is a resident of Korcholi village under the Gangaloor police station area in Bijapur and is a key operative of the Maoists urban network and frontal organisation. At least 12 warrants are pending against Potam in three different police stations in Bijapur for offences related to murder, attempt to murder, loot, provocative speeches and causing damage to government property, Sunderaj said.

From HT Archives: Meet the Bastar girls taking on security forces over extra-judicial encounters

Bijapur superintendent of police Jitendra Yadav said seven of the 12 cases against Suneeta Pottam were registered at Gangaloor police station. Four cases are registered at Mirtur police station and one at Bijapur police station.

She was produced before a local court and remanded in judicial custody, police said.

The Chhattisgarh unit of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) rebutted the police claim, insisting that Pottam was a tribal activist and a human rights defender and an active member of PUCL Chhattisgarh and of national womens organization WSS (Women against Sexual Violence and State Repression) since 2015.

The statement said Suneeta Pottam was staying with colleagues of a womens collective to prepare for an examination when the police turned up. In the most shocking way, the other two colleagues were pushed inside the room and bolted from outside before the Deputy Superintendent of Police took Pottam in an unregistered vehicle without number plates threatening the landlady not to open the door. In less than half an hour, the DSP returned to flash the warrant against Pottam, refusing to give a copy to her colleagues and PUCL member Shreya Khemani who reached the place after hearing the news, the statement alleged.

Mary Lawlor, a United Nations Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, said Suneeta Pottams arrest was seemingly as a result of her peaceful advocacy for the protection of tribal rights and against systemic violations. She should be released immediately @IndiaUNGeneva, she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

PUCL also said she was arrested in violation of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the DK Basu case, adding that no memo of arrest was prepared or attested by family, friends and neighbours.

In 2016, Pottam petitioned the Chhattisgarh high court over the alleged extra-judicial killings of six persons in Kadenar, Palnar, Korcholi and Andri villages of Bijapur district, it said.

At the local level she has been leading ongoing protests against the widening of roads piercing through several villages, cutting hundreds of fruit-bearing trees without holding any gram sabha in complete violation of the PESA Act, the PUCL statement said.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition filed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) challenging the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) relaxation of norms relating to the attestation of postal ballots in the state. The petition had sought to overturn the Andhra Pradesh high courts June 1 order. (HT file photo)

A vacation bench, comprising justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta, upheld the Andhra Pradesh high courts decision to not interfere with the ECIs directive, granting the state liberty to challenge the norms through an election petition post-results declaration, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

In the facts and circumstances of this case, we do not find any merit in the petition, the bench observed while dismissing the YSRCPs petition.

Also Read: Ensure postal ballots counted first, guidelines followed: INDIA bloc to EC

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the YSRCP, had argued that the ECIs circular issued on May 30 altered the rules concerning postal ballots exclusively in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the circular, Form 13A (the form used to request a postal ballot) could be accepted with only the signature of the attesting officer, even without the officers name and designation.

Singhvi contended that this change could lead to potential misuse, as any signature without proper identification could be forged.

He emphasised that postal ballots should be counted strictly per the Conduct of Election Rules, disregarding the ECIs May 30 circular, which he argued could not supersede established rules.

Singhvi also criticised the Andhra Pradesh high courts refusal to intervene, which was based on the availability of an alternative remedy via an election petition. He maintained that judicial interference in election matters should be permissible when aiding the election process, stressing that proper attestation requires both the stamp and seal of the officer.

But the bench remained unmoved, pointing out that the partys challenge to the norms would boil down to rejection of votes cast through postal ballots, which can be challenged by way of an election petition.

The petition had sought to overturn the Andhra Pradesh high courts June 1 order, which dismissed YSRCPs writ petition but allowed the party to raise its concerns through an election petition.

The YSRCP requested that the vote counting scheduled for June 4, 2024, be conducted according to the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and the ECIs 2023 instructions.

The dispute centers around approximately 500,000 postal ballots cast in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, postal ballots must be signed by the elector and attested by an authorized officer; otherwise, they are to be rejected. The only exception, as per ECIs July 2023 instructions, is if the authorized officer fails to affix their seal but includes their name and designation.

The ECIs May 30, 2024, circular issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh stipulated that Form 13A would be accepted even if it only contained the attesting officers signature.
North Lakhimpur , The police have called a top-level forensic expert from Gujarat and are forming a special investigation team to probe into the murder of a contractor whose half-burnt body with the head missing was recovered in Assam's Lakhimpur district, a senior officer said on Monday. SIT, forensic expert from Gujarat to help probe contractor's murder: Assam DGP

Local police, along with CID officials and forensic experts from Guwahati are investigating all aspects of the case, including the possible involvement of an engineer who was arrested on bribery charges following a complaint made by the victim, Director General of Police GP Singh said.

The body of Sunil Gogoi, a government contractor and local BJP leader, was found with the head missing and in a half-burnt condition in an open field near his residence in Dhakuakhana on Saturday evening.

Though the head was missing, the family members of Gogoi identified the body with the help of a t-shirt which was found lying near the torso.

Such crimes have not happened in Assam before. It is a sensitive and important case. I had spoken to the chief minister about it yesterday and we have taken it very seriously, the DGP told reporters after visiting the crime site.

He said the Lakhimpur superintendent of police has been instructed to form an SIT, drawing experts from various departments, to take forward the investigation.

The state government has a top-level forensic advisor and he will be arriving from Gujarat on Tuesday. An IGP-level officer of CID and a forensic team from Guwahati are already here since Sunday, he added.

The DGP said the local people suspect the involvement of a Public Health Engineering department engineer, who was arrested recently by the vigilance wing over a complaint of bribery brought by the victim.

The engineer who is in jail in Guwahati now is being questioned and we are looking if there is any connection with him, he said.

If there is any other local angle involved, we are also looking for those, Singh said, refusing to reveal if any arrests have been made in the case so far.

Investigation is going on now. It may take two-three days to examine the technical evidence. We will crack the case soon, the DGP added.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has carried out searches at multiple locations across Karnataka looking for Bhavani Revanna, mother of Hassan lawmaker and suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday. Suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna was arrested by SIT in the alleged obscene video case at the Bengaluru airport on Friday. (ANI)

The search operation was launched after Bhavani, who was issued a notice to appear for questioning in a woman kidnap case linked to the sexual abuse charges against her son, was not present at her residence at Holenarasipura in Hassan district on Saturday evening, officials said.

The SIT  probing the alleged sexual abuse charges against Prajwal, the grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda  carried out searches in Mysuru, Hassan, Bengaluru, Mandya and Ramanagara, including visits to Bhavanis relatives houses to track her, but she remained elusive. The SIT has constituted various teams to look for Bhavani, the officials said.

Meanwhile, states home minister G Parameshwara said Bhavani is hiding somewhere and will be arrested soon.

They (SIT) are searching for her (Bhavani) to arrest her. Its not known where she is. She will be arrested once she is found. It is a due process of law and nothing else, he told reporters.

The SIT had issued a notice to Bhavani asking her to be present at her home on Saturday for questioning in the kidnap case linked to allegations of sexual abuse against her son. When an SIT team reached Bhavanis house, Chennambika Nilaya, she was not present.

On Saturday evening, two women lawyers visited Bhavanis house and met with SIT officials, though the purpose and details of the meeting remain undisclosed.

Bhavani communicated through her legal representatives that she was unwell but intended to cooperate with the investigation soon, a senior official said.

Bhavanis husband and Holenarasipura JD(S) legislator HD Revanna is currently out on bail in the same case. A special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru denied the anticipatory bail application of Bhavani on Friday after the SIT opposed the plea.

The Revanna family has come under scrutiny following the emergence of a huge cache of explicit videos of several women being sexually assaulted allegedly by Prajwal on April 21.

Prajwal, who is seeking re-election from the Hassan Lok Sabha seat as an NDA candidate, had fled to Germany a day after the polling was held on April 26. Upon his return on Friday, Prajwal was arrested by the SIT at Bengaluru airport and remanded in police custody until June 6 by a special court in the city.

Prajwal also met with his advocate, Arun Kumar, for about an hour at the SIT office on Saturday evening.

According to an official from the SIT, Prajwal Revanna did not adequately respond to the SIT officials questions and repeatedly asked for clarification.

He said: I dont know the woman who complained against me. I am not aware of how many people work in our house, as there are workers in the farmhouse, town, and in our Bengaluru residence. I dont know who is currently working at home.

He also questioned the SIT officials about the identity of the complainant, saying, I dont know who she is. I have never seen her. I am staying in Bangalore, Hassan, and Delhi. I dont know who she is or what she has complained about.

He continued, I dont know what these allegations are. Why would I be involved in such actions? I dont know who they are. This incident supposedly happened four years ago. Why didnt they complain back then? What were they doing all this time without filing a complaint? I didnt talk to anyone. I dont know who they are.

Prajwal suggested, Driver Karthik is behind all this. Bring him in and interrogate him. Then you will get the correct answers. How much was he paid to bring this case forward? Youll get all the answers then.

Regarding his mobile phone, Prajwal said, I only had the mobile that I use, and now you have seized it. Apart from that, I dont have any other mobile. The SIT mentioned another mobile number related to this case. I dont know where that phone is; it might have been lost. I did not use that mobile. My mobile is with my PA. They mentioned losing something and said a complaint could have been filed about it last year.

Meanwhile, the SIT has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain access to tech giant Apples servers to obtain information regarding the case against the Hassan MP, officials said.

Besides the victims statement, accessing the companys servers is the only way to strengthen this case, an official said, adding if the tech firm grants permission, it could provide crucial information in the case, including duration of videos, their location and timestamps.

However, Apples strict customer privacy policy may pose a challenge to the investigation. The official explained that Apple stores a wide range of data in iCloud, and accessing this data could verify the allegations against the MP.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in Sikkim secured landslide victories in the assembly elections held on April 19, according to results declared on Sunday. People gather outside a counting centre in Gangtok on Sunday. (PTI)

In Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP won 46 out of the total 60 seats, with chief minister Pema Khandu, who has been in power since 2016, expected to continue for another term. The National Peoples Party (NPP) came second with five seats, followed by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with three, Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA) with two, Congress with one and three seats secured by independents.

Chief minister Khandu thanked voters for their support and attributed the victory to the development work done by the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state.

This is a historic win for the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2014, we bagged 41 seats and this time we secured 46. I thank the people of the state for this win. The development work done in the state in the past 10 years under PM Modis government at Centre played a big role in the win, Khandu told journalists in Itanagar.

Hours after the poll results, Khandu, as is procedural, met Governor Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd) at Raj Bhavan on Sunday evening and tendered his resignation along with the council of ministers. The Governor accepted the resignations and requested Khandu and the cabinet continue in office until the new government is sworn in.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Arunachal Pradesh for giving an unequivocal mandate to politics of development.

BJPs win was almost certain as the party had bagged 10 seats unopposed. The ruling party was the only one that fielded candidates in all 60 seats. The Congress, which was the biggest party till the BJP took that position nearly a decade back, had put up candidates in only 19 seats.

In Arunachal Pradesh voters prefer to favour the party in power and the results were a continuation of that trend. We named 34 candidates for this election, but only 19 remained in the fray. Others withdrew from the contest due to the influence of money-power, said former CM and state Congress president, Nabam Tuki.

As of now no date has been fixed for the swearing in ceremony on the next chief minister and his cabinet, but it is expected to take place after June 6, after results for the Lok Sabha polls are available, said BJP state spokesperson Techi Necha said.

The EC had preponed counting of votes for the assembly elections to Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim by two days as the tenure of the two assemblies are set to expire on June 2. Counting of votes for the two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh and one seat in Sikkim will take place on June 4 along with rest of the country.

Arunachal Pradesh witnessed 82.95% voter turnout on April 19, while Sikkim recorded 79.77%.

In Sikkim, the SKM won 31 out of the 32 seats that went to polls, while the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) managed to secure only one seat. Former chief minister Pawan Chamling, who held the post for a record 25 years from 1994 to 2019, lost both the seats he contested.

SDFs Tenzing Norbu Lamtha emerged as the partys sole winner. He won from Shyari in east Sikkim. Lamtha was an SKM leader but switched sides after Kunga Nima Lepcha, a minister, was fielded from Shyari by the ruling party.

Chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, who won both seats he contested, said, SKMs landslide victory is a testimony of the peoples support for the governments policies. We worked sincerely for the betterment of women, students and youths.

He also said the SKM will remain a close partner of the BJP and work in coordination with the Centre. I will take oath after the Lok Sabha election results are declared on June 4, he added.

The BJP, which shares a friendly relationship with SKM, failed to secure any seats in Sikkim, as did the newly-formed Citizen Action Party (CAP).
Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumars visit to national Capital Delhi a day before the announcement of the Lok Sabha results stoked speculation about the timing and the purpose of the visit. Although both the JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Pary (BJP) described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a courtesy call, political circles were abuzz with speculation that Kumars visit could have an implication for the polity in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (ANI Photo)

What fuelled the conspiracy that Kumar could be eyeing a position outside the state and a new leadership would lead the state to polls in 2025 was the JDUs demand for early polls.

There is no truth in these conjectures about the CMs visit...he has met the PM and is likely to meet Union home minister Amit Shah. There are other alliance related issues that may have come up at the meeting, but there is no question of a change in the states leadership, said a JDU functionary aware of the details.

The leader said the CM was in the Capital for a routine medical checkup and is expected back in the state.

The explanation notwithstanding, there is speculation that the BJP may get to occupy the CMs seat in the state if the results favour the party. There is a buzz in the state that in the event of the BJP winning all 17 seats that it is contesting, and the JDU not doing well, then a change in leadership may be in the offing, said BJP leader in Bihar. The leader, however, asserted that it was speculation and not discussed formally or informally within the party unit.

There is also speculation that the BJP will appoint an Other Backward Class (OBC) face as the CM and let its ally, the JDU, pick an upper caste for the deputy CMs post to consolidate its position among the OBCs, the Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and the upper caste ahead of the assembly polls.
The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Andhra Pradesh's Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, accused of damaging an EVM at a polling station on May 13, cannot enter the vote counting station on June 4. The court questioned why interim bail was granted to Reddy, criticising the decision as highly mistaken. (File)

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA Reddy promised Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta that he would stay away from the counting station.

The YSRCP MLA was reportedly seen on a video damaging an EVM at a polling center in the Macharla constituency of Palnadu district. The Supreme Court, after watching the video, criticised the temporary protection given to Reddy, calling it a mockery of the justice system.

The court questioned why interim bail was granted to Reddy, criticising the decision as highly mistaken.

The Supreme Court was reviewing a plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court's decision to grant interim relief to Reddy in the case.

It instructed the High Court to decide on the pending petition listed for June 6 solely based on its own merits, without being influenced by previous remarks.

A video emerged on May 21 showing the MLA entering polling station No. 202 at Palwaigate village with his followers, smashing the EVM on the floor, and damaging the VVPAT machine. The video quickly went viral on social media.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) took serious notice of the incident and asked state chief electoral officer M K Meena for an explanation. It also requested a report from the DGP about the actions taken against the MLA. The EC instructed the DGP to take criminal action against the MLA and others involved in similar incidents of damaging EVMs elsewhere.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court granted anticipatory bail to Reddy in the case.

On May 13, EVMs were damaged at seven polling stations in the Macherla constituency.

There was also election-related violence in several districts of the southern state, including Palnadu, Tirupati, and Anantapur.
Three people have been arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl who is now six months pregnant, Dakshina Kannada district police said. The three accused allegedly made a video clip of the act and sexually assaulted the girl multiple times by threatening to make the video public on social media. (File photo)

Police identified the accused as Muhammad Iqbal (26), Farooq (19), and a 17-and-half-year-old. They were taken into custody on Saturday.

Among the three accused, two were produced before the Belthangady JMFC court and the minor was presented before the Mangaluru Juvenile Justice Board, police said.

According to the police, the three accused and the 17-year-old girl are residents of the same village.

The two accused had come in contact with the survivor through the minor boy about 10 months ago.

They allegedly took the girl to a room and allegedly raped her in November 2023, police said.

Police further said that the three accused allegedly made a video clip of the act and sexually assaulted the girl multiple times by threatening to make the video public on social media.

She was sexually assaulted repeatedly for more than six months.

Police said that the matter came to light on Friday when the girl complained of a stomach ache and her parents took her Belthangady Taluk government hospital, where doctors confirmed she was six months pregnant.

The parents filed a complaint with the police, who registered a case of rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) against the three accused.

Belthangady police inspector Subbaraya Math said: We have registered an FIR following the complaint of the minor. We charged all the accused under Pocso, IPC Section 376 (rape), 506 (threatening with life), and 354A (sexual harassment), and arrested the accused.

The Belthangady JMFC court remanded the two adult accused to judicial custody for 14 days and sent the survivor for a medical checkup and treatment, Subbaraya Math added.
Roughly 642 million votes cast at over 1.05 million polling booths over the past six weeks for the next Lok Sabha will be counted beginning 8am on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on the worlds largest democratic exercise that saw record-busting numbers of people braving searing temperatures to cast their franchise. Polling officials prepare for the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha polls, at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is tipped to win a historic third consecutive term, becoming only the second leader after Indias first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, to achieve the feat. Every national exit poll has predicted that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will either match or better its 2019 tally of 303 and make significant inroads in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

In contrast, exit polls forecast that the Oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will face reverses across the country and pick up only minuscule gains in the heartland, finishing a distant second to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The Opposition has dismissed the exit polls, conducted by independent media and research firms, as part of the BJPs narrative.

We have created a world record of 642 million proud Indian voters. This is a historic moment, chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Monday. The Indian elections are indeed a miracle. Having no parallel in the world.

The number is higher than the numbers polled in 2019 but indicated that the final turnout  there were 968 million registered voters in India this time  settled around 66.3%, roughly 1.4 percentage points lower than the figure five years ago.

This is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries and 2.5 times the voters of 27 countries in the European Union (EU). We thank each and every one who took part in this festival of democracy, Kumar said.

But the festival wasnt without its controversies, which included a litany of complaints by Opposition parties that election speeches by Modi and other senior BJP leaders fanned communalism, delayed release of turnout data for the initial phases; there were also complaints about problems faced by minority voters in a few regions, and a tussle between the poll body and activists in the Supreme Court. Opposition parties and some activists said that ECIs response to allegations of hate speech by BJP leaders was tardy and inadequate, and the delay in turnout numbers vitiated public trust in the polling process.

Conducting the election in seven phases required about 15 million polling and security personnel, 135 special trains, 400,000 vehicles, 68,763 monitoring teams, and 1,692 air sorties, according to EC figures.

Kumar said 312 million voters, or roughly 49%, were women. Voters chose action over apathy, belief over cynicism and in some cases, the ballot over the bullet, he said, the final reference likely pointing to the historic high turnouts in restive Jammu & Kashmir.

The assembly election results of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will also be announced on Tuesday. The outcomes in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were already declared on Sunday.

The worlds largest elections began on April 19 and spanned seven phases, the final rounds conducted as large swathes of the country reeled under an oppressive heatwave that pushed the temperature to sweltering levels. Delhi recorded its worst heat in 80 years and a station in outer Delhi, Mungeshpur, even breached the 52 degrees C mark, the highest ever in India, before the weather department disputed the results and said they were about 3 degrees higher due to a faulty thermometer.

The six-week polls were a mind-boggling affair in a country where the voting population was larger than the combined populations of the US and the UK, Brazil, Russia, Japan, and France. The polls took place in seven phases  on April 19, 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1  a testament to the daunting logistical and security challenges in overseeing an electorate stretching from the Himalayas in the north to deserts in the west, insurgent-infested tropical jungles in the centre and the coastal plains in the south. Fifteen million ECI personnel and 68,763 monitoring teams used 1.692 air sorties, 135 special trains and nearly 400,000 vehicles to ferry polling, security personnel and electronic voting machines to inhospitable heights and desolate constituencies.

Though 8,360 candidates from 744 political parties and independents were in the fray, the elections were largely a bipolar contest between the NDA and INDIA. The NDA contested 540 seats with BJP fighting 441 seats, and the INDIA bloc fielding candidates (more than one in Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal, where the partners also contested against each other) in 543 seats and the Congress fighting 328 seats, its lowest ever. The NDA did not contest three seats in Kashmir.

The BJP appeared certain of a thumping victory. Exit polls have suggested that Modi remains a pan-India factor that boosted the BJPs performance across state and regional divides and lifted the party to sweep states it hitherto had little presence in  such as Telangana or Odisha. A majority of the polls predicted that a potential third term for Modi could be with a bigger mandate than his first or second terms.

BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the INDIA bloc and Congress should be ready to gracefully accept their inevitable defeat rather than demeaning the dignity of democracy.

In contrast, the Oppositions plan of forcing one-on-one contests may have backfired, the exit polls suggested; other than a smattering of small gains in northern India, the Opposition was seen as losing seats everywhere.

We are very hopeful that our results are completely opposite to what the exit polls are showing, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said.

ECI issued a 10-step guide to reassure candidates and voters ahead of the counting, stressing on its protocols, including randomisation of electronic voting machines, unique numbers for EVMs used at polling stations, sealing of EVMs and signing on paper seals, sealing of strong rooms on the night of poll day, three-layer security, 24x7 CCTV coverage and counting micro-observer at each table.

Entire counting process is absolutely robust. We dont think anywhere there is a robust system like it. Every part is decided. The whole process is codified. Micro observers are in place. There cannot be any mistake in this process, Kumar said.

Observers are present during the worlds largest counting exercise. Before the elections, EVMs were randomised. All candidates and agents were present to observe that who were present at the booth, he added.
Armed smugglers from Bangladesh snatched the weapons and radio set of a BSF jawan in Tripura before attempting to abduct him and take him to Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon, officials aware of the matter said. Armed smugglers from Bangladesh snatched the weapons and radio set of a BSF jawan in Tripura before attempting to abduct him and take him to Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon, officials aware of the matter said. (Representational picture)

On Sunday evening, the Border Security Force(BSF) held a commandant level flag meeting with their counterparts, Border Guards Bangladesh(BGB) during which the weapons and radio set were returned.

A BSF official aware of the matter said, BSF Constable Bhole was performing outpost duty at Indo-Bangladesh Border fence gate No. 196 in area of border outpost Kalamchera of 150 Bn BSF and was tasked with operating the fence gate. At about 1.30 pm, a large group of Bangladeshi miscreants crossed over international border illegally and gathered near the fencing gate with the intention to smuggle sugar. Further they started hurling abusive language and instigated the BSF Constable on duty with provocative language and vulgar gestures.

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Constable Bhole to disperse the miscreants and to prevent smuggling entered ahead of fence through the gate.

The BSF in a statement said that the smugglers from Bangladesh assaulted constable Bhole and attempted to drag him towards Bangladesh side.

During their attempt to abduct him, they also snatched his personal weapon along with radio set.

ALSO READ| Indian mother-son duo handed over to BSF after a year in Pakistani jail

Constable Bhole managed to escape however he was assaulted with bamboo sticks and iron rod due to which he sustained grievous injuries, a BSF spokesperson said adding that a commandant level flag meeting was held with the counterpart and a strong protest was lodged by the BSF.

During the flag meeting snatched weapon and radio set were handed back to BSF by BGB,the spokesperson said.
Tamil Nadu witnessed a triangular contest this general elections with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the third front into the Dravidian arena. The fight which was majorly between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK since 1967, BJP this time has made its mark through heavy campaigning led by its state and national leaders. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at Muthumalai Murugan Temple, at Ethapur of Salem district, on Monday. (PTI)

Another party in the fray is the Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) led by Tamil nationalist S Seeman that emerged as the third largest party in the 2021 assembly elections behind DMK and AIADMK with a close to 7% vote share.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 LIVE

Major exit polls have predicted a big win for the DMK-led alliance, and a higher number of seats for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) than the AIADMK. Except BJP, the Dravidian majors have rejected the exit polls, with the AIADMK exhuding confidence of winning more seats than the BJP.

Axis My India predicted 20-22 parliamentary seats to DMK, 6-8 to Congress, 0-2 to AIADMK, and 1-3 for the NDA. C-Voter predicted 37-39 seats for INDIA bloc, up to 2 seats for the NDA and none for the AIADMK.

For the ruling DMK, one of the key constituents of the INDIA bloc in the state, this is a test of their three years in governance. DMK president and chief minister MK Stalin had swept 38 out of the 39 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and has kept the same rainbow alliance intact where Congress is their principal ally.

ALSO READ| Tamil Nadu: Agents linked to political parties keep a close watch on EVMs before counting day

For the principal opposition AIADMK, this is the first major election after Edappadi Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS, emerged as the party general secretary in 2022 ousting O Panneerselvam (OPS). AIADMK has vastly fielded middle-level functionaries as candidates with no seniors and stalwarts.

For the BJP, this election is about proving that they have made inroads into Tamil Nadu. The party is hoping to raise its vote share to double digits. They aim to emerge second and push former ally AIADMK to the third position in as many Lok Sabha seats as possible.

Political analyst Maalan Narayanan said, If BJP either gets more vote share or seats than the AIADMK, it is going to be very difficult for EPS and the future of AIADMK.

EPS may be forced to go into some compromises with the various factions. But, if the BJP comes third, then EPS will strengthen his position and alliance and attempt to bring back allies who have joined the BJP, he added.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK and BJP contested together. The AIADMK cut ties with the BJP last September blaming the latters state president K Annamalai for talking ill about their late supremo J Jayalalithaa.

A day ahead of counting, leader of opposition (LoP) EPS on Monday visited a temple in his native Salem while chief minister Stalin paid tributes to his father and five time chief minister M Karunanidhi on his 101st birth anniversary.

More than 38,000 personnel will be involved in the counting process for the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies. As many as 62.3 million voters exercised their franchise with 950 candidates in fray when the southern state went to polls in a single phase on April 19.

The BJP contested in 23 seats this time. Their allies such as the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on 10, Tamil Maanila Congress on three, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam on two and OPS in one as an independent. The DMK contested in 22, Congress on nine, VCK on two, CPI and CPI(M) on two each and MDMK contested on one seat.
Maharashtra leader Ravi Rana made an explosive claim ahead of the election result that Uddhav Thackeray will be back with the NDA within 15 days after the results. Amravati MLA Ravi Rana, husband of BJP Lok Sabha candidate Navneet Rana, said he is confident about what he claimed. As soon as Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again, Uddav Thackeray will be seen with Modi, he said. The claim made a huge buzz in Maharashtra politics as exit polls indicated good result for the Uddhav Sena -- in the first election after Shiv Sena was split. Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena may become the second largest party in Maharashtra after BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Lok Sabha election 2024: Full coverage

Uddhav Sena leader Anand Dubey said this is like Mungeri Lal ke haseen sapne (daydreaming). "Results are yet to come. No one knows who is winning, who is losing. The way Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena emerged as a major player in Maharashtra, these people are panicked. Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana have been speaking against our party since the beginning. They hate our party. We don't take their statements seriously. They do not have the stature to comment on Uddav ji and Modi ji. You are a lamp and our party is like the Sun. Keep your honour with you," Dubey said.

In Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray has become the Oppositions trump card

Uddhav Thackeray's Sena is part of the INDIA bloc along with the Congress and the NCP of Sharad Pawar faction. Uddhav allied with the Congress leaving ideological differences aside in 2019 to form the government in Maharashtra.

"I can confidently say that 15 days after Modi ji becomes the prime minister again, Uddhav Thackeray will be seen in the Modi government and with Modi ji, because the coming era is of Modi ji and Uddhav Thackeray knows it," Ravi Rana said.

According to the exit poll predictions, Uddhav's Sena can become the second-largest party with 9-14 seats. Some exit polls have predicted a close fight between the NDA and the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra. Uddhav's support in that case will be crucial for a decisive win.
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2024: The world, sometimes, can be a murky place for innocent children. With terror, sexual abuse and different forms of violence lurking in the corners looking for their prey, it can be a challenging place for children sometimes. Often children fall prey to these evils of society and live with a lifetime of trauma and horror. Every year, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed to raise awareness about the innocent children who went through terrorising experiences in their lives and what we can do to uphold the rights of children and the victims of aggression. Every year, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4.(Shutterstock)

ALSO READ: Childhood maltreatment continues to impact mental, physical health in adulthood: Study

As we gear up to observe this important day, here are a few things we should keep in mind.

Date:

Every year, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4. This year, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression falls on a Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Childhood trauma: Things we did when we grew up fearing our own parents

History:

On August 19, 1982, the UN General Assembly's special session focused on the plight that Palestinian and Lebanese children faced due to Israeli aggression during the Lebanon war. The assembly further pledged to protect the rights of the children in Lebanon. The UN General Assembly announced that every year, on June 4, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression will be observed. Soon after, the United Nations expanded their scope to work for the rights of children all over the world.

Significance:

"Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. They are not safe sleeping in their homes or playing outside, learning in school or seeking medical care at hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence, to attacks on education and health facilities, and the denial of the humanitarian assistance that they desperately need, children are being caught in the crosshairs of warring parties at a staggering scale," wrote the United Nations on their official website.
World Environment Day 2024: The earth is our home  the only home we know. From the day we are born till the day we die, this earth nurtures us and makes us the person we become. Nature is nourishing, loving and embracing. It provides us with all the resources we need for living and for our wellbeing. For both physical and mental wellness, nature is perfect to provide us with the best of everything. However, mankind has been ruthless to nature. Human beings have depleted natural resources, cut down forests and led to pollution and global warming. It's high time that we turn to nature and start preserving it. Every year, World Environment Day is observed to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we should be aware of. Every year, World Environment Day is observed to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity.(Akil Mazumder)

ALSO READ: World Environment Day 2023: Sustainable travel tips and destinations for eco-conscious travellers

Why is World Environment Day celebrated on June 5?

In 1972, on June 5, the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden. Honoring the day, in 1973, the world celebrated its first World Environment Day. Since then, every year, the special day is observed on the same day.

Theme of World Environment Day in 2024:

Every year, World Environment Day is celebrated with a specific theme targeting the immediate problems  from climate change to global warming to deforestation. This year, the theme of World Environment Day is - Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. "According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 per cent of the planets land is degraded, directly affecting half of the worlds population. The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 per cent since 2000  without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050," wrote the United Nations on their official website.
Suhana Khan was among the many Bollywood celebrities who attended the four-day affair hosted by the Ambani family to mark Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities. The actor attended with her family - Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Aryan Khan, and AbRam. The celebrations included a European luxury cruise and a grand gala in Portofino, Italy. On Instagram, Suhana posted pictures from her time in the Italian Riviera coastline town. It included snippets of the actor, dressed in a black floral midi, exploring Portofino with her BFFs Shanaya Kapoor and Ananya Panday. If you loved her look, we found the price of her ensemble. See details inside. Suhana Khan wore a black floral dress to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations in Italy. (Instagram)

What is the price of Suhana Khan's dress for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities in Italy?

Suhana Khan shared her pictures with the caption, "PORTOFIINOOO [sun emojio]." The post features clicks of Suhana posing near the cobbled square harbour while enjoying the balmy Italian summer. She also posted a photo with Shanaya Kapoor, who wore a black printed maxi dress for the occasion. Meanwhile, Suhana's floral dress is from Dolce & Gabbana. It is a part of their Spring Summer 2024 collection and is called the Floral Printed Halterneck Dress. Adding the ensemble to your closet will cost you 1,90,779 (USD 2,295).

The price of the dress Suhana Khan wore to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities. (farfetch.com)

Suhana's black silk dress boasts bold details and a mesmerising floral print in blue and green hues. It features criss-cross halter neck straps, a plunging square neckline highlighting her decolletage, a bodycon silhouette hugging her svelte frame, and a back slit for ease of access. She accessorised the ensemble with minimal additions, including silver flower-shaped earrings and black slip-on sandals.

Meanwhile, for the glam picks, Suhana chose feathered brows, mascara on the lashes, rouge on the cheekbones, beaming highlighter on the contours, minimal gold eye shadow, and glossy pink lip shade. Lastly, she left her caramel-brown tresses loose in a centre parting, styled with soft waves.
New Delhi, June 3 (PTI) The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on June 3 directed to initiate insolvency proceedings against debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, admitting the plea filed by private lender ICICI Bank. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on June 3 directed to initiate insolvency proceedings against debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, admitting the plea filed by private lender ICICI Bank (Picture for representational purposes only)(Pixabay)

Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), which is the flagship firm of Jaypee Group, is mainly into construction, cement and hospitality businesses. JAL has sold many cement plants in the last few years to reduce its debt.

Also Read: NCLAT directs YEIDA, Suraksha group to settle issues over Jaypee Infratech fast

A two-member bench at NCLT, Allahabad, comprising Members Praveen Gupta and Ashish Verma pronounced the order on Monday afternoon, said lawyers connected with the matter.

The tribunal has also appointed an interim resolution professional (IRP) and directed the initiation of a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against JAL, they said.

The Allahabad bench of the tribunal has also dismissed the merger of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd with Jaypee Infrastructure Development Ltd.

Also Read: Competition commission slaps 14 crore fine on Jaiprakash Associates

A detailed order is yet to be uploaded to the NCLT website.

In September 2018, leading private sector lender ICICI Bank filed an insolvency petition against JAL under section 7 of IBC. Besides, the country's biggest lender SBI had approached NCLT against JAL, claiming a total default of 6,893.15 crore as of September 15, 2022.

JAL was part of the Reserve Bank of India's list of 26 big loan defaulters to commercial banks for initiating bankruptcy proceedings in August 2017.

Several Jaypee Group companies namely Jaypee Cement Corporation are facing insolvency proceedings before NCLT. Its other firm Jaypee Infratech is also in the middle of insolvency proceedings, in which last week the appellate tribunal NCLAT upheld the bid of Mumbai-based Suraksha group.

Last month, the JAL had informed that the company had on April 30, defaulted on repayments of a principal amount of 1,751 crore and interest of 2,865 crore.

"Total borrowing (including interest) of the company is 29,805 crore, repayable by 2037, against which only 4,616 crore is overdue as of April 30, 2024," JAL had said.

The loans pertained to various banks, and the nature of the obligation is fund-based working capital, non-fund-based working capital, term loans and FCCBs (foreign currency convertible bonds).

Out of the total borrowing of 29,805 crore, the JAL had said that 18,955 crore would be transferred to the proposed Special Purpose Vehicle.

For this, a Scheme of Arrangement duly approved by all the stakeholders is pending for sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal. The entire loan in any case is under restructuring, the company said.

"As a responsible borrower, the company has been taking tangible steps to reduce the borrowings. After the proposed divestment of the cement business and the restructuring are taken into consideration, the borrowing will get almost to nil," JAL had said last month.
In Nepal's Chitwan district, a jeep carrying six Indian touristsmostly elderly citizensoverturned on Sunday, injuring six of them, according to officials. The incident happened at Khaireni, close to Darai Lake. The tourists were going on a jungle safari at Chitwan National Park, according to Kedarnath Panta, the chairwoman of the Khaireni municipality's ward number 12. The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Bharatpur and Ratnanagar.

Chitwan National Park, 250 km south of Kathmandu, is famous for one-horned Rhinos and Bengal Tigers, reported PTI.

All those who sustained injuries hail from the Bendali Thana area in Mumbai and most of them are above 60 years of age, police said to PTI. They are identified as Ramchandra Yadav, Sudesh Shanker Khadia, Pankaj Gupteshwor, Vaishali Gupteshwor, Sushmita Sudesh Khadia and Vijaya More. (Also Read: Two injured in fight between Maldivians and Indians near Male)

The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Bharatpur and Ratnanagar, police said, adding that they have taken the jeep driver, a Nepalese, into their custody.

Earlier, tragically, three Indian students died in a horrific car crash in Alpharetta, Georgia. Critical injuries were sustained by two more people. (Also Read: Indian student, brutally stabbed at US gym, succumbs to injuries)

Anvi Sharma, Sriya Avasarala, and Aryan Joshi were identified as the three victims; they were all 18-years-old. Alpharetta Police stated that speed was probably the main contributing factor in the collision. To ascertain the precise reason for the collision, they are carrying out a comprehensive investigation. The car overturned and landed upside down amid a line of trees after the driver lost control of the vehicle. (Also Read: Indian national from Kerala killed, 2 others injured in anti-tank missile attack in Israel: Report)

In the accident, Sriya Avasarala and Aryan Joshi died on the spot. Anvi Sharma, who was seated in the back of the car, was taken to North Fulton Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Marc Randolph, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, took to X to share a handwritten note he received from his father before taking up his first job. The note highlights seven rules for success that his father wanted him to follow to excel in his career. Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph shared the handwritten note that he received from his father years back when he was about to start his professional career. (X/@mbrandolph)

When I was twenty-one years old, fresh out of college and about to start my first job, my father gave me a handwritten list of instructions, wrote Randolph on X.

Randolphs dad suggested that he should do at least 10% more than you are asked.

The next thing he recommended is to never, ever, to anybody, present as fact, opinions on things you dont know. Take great care and discipline.

Be courteous and considerate always up and down, is the third thing that Randolphs father shared.

Also Read| An Indian success story in science and technology

The fourth thing on the handwritten note was to not knock and complain and stick to constructive, serious criticism.

Dont be afraid to make decisions when you have the facts on which to make them, is the fifth advice on the list.

The last three things that Randolphs father suggested were quantify where possible, be open-minded but sceptical, and be prompt.

Take a look at the handwritten note shared by Randolph here:

The post, since being shared on June 1, has received over 61,800 views and the numbers are still increasing. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Check out how people reacted to these points here:

This is a great list. I love do at least 10% more than you are asked, wrote an individual.

Another added, Excellent list.

There should be a rule, when applying to the parenthood license, to come up with a list to be handed over to your kids. Great dad! expressed a third.

A fourth posted, Seems like your dads list is the cheat sheet to adulthood we all.

Solid list! Love the idea of passing down a handwritten note. Might have to do something similar as the kids go off to college, shared a fifth.

A sixth joined, This is great.
Sakshi Dhoni on Monday shared captivating snippets from her Europe trip with husband MS Dhoni and daughter Ziva as they attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations last week. MS Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni toured the Italian city of Palermo.(Instagram/ sakshisingh_r)

Sakshi Dhoni shared photos of the couple in the Italian city of Palermo. Apart from that she also shared a candid father-daughter moment of the former India captain with Ziva at a restaurant as well as a photo of a sunset and the sea.

Take a look at Sakshi Dhoni's Instagram post:

A leaked photo from the Ambani cruise featured Dhoni with a young boy and another guest.

Dhoni got a new hairstyle before the Europe trip. The visited celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim's studio on Mumbai's Bandra for the style change.

The enigmatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked into our salon and what a wonderful surprise it was, wrote Aalim Hakim, sharing a photo on Instagram.

All about the Ambani pre-wedding

Billionaire Mukesh and Nita Ambani hosted a lavish pre-wedding celebration for their son Anant Ambani and his fiancee Radhika Merchant in Europe last week, on a luxury cruise ship. The biggest Bollywood stars were among the guests at the four-day gala in Italy and France.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant will get married on July 12 in Mumbai.

(Also Read: Ambanis back in Mumbai after Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant pre-wedding cruise in Europe)

IPL heartbreak

MS Dhoni, 42, had a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) this year as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) failed to qualify for the knockout stage, conceding a 27-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Speculation was rife that Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, could have played his last IPL season.

After the IPL heartbreak, Dhoni went to his hometown Ranchi to cool off and spend time with his family. In a viral video, he was seen riding a motorcycle on the streets of the city.
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies "fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive" ceasefire and hostage release deal for the Gaza war outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden and call on Hamas to accept it, a statement said on Monday. Dust and black smoke rises moments after an Israeli air strike targeted a residential building in the city of Bureij, in the central Gaza Strip on June 3, 2024(AFP)

The deal "would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured," the statement said.

The G7, of which Italy holds the rotating presidency for 2024, reaffirmed support "for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two state solution."

ALSO READ| US prez Biden presents new Israel ceasefire plan, calls on Hamas to accept it

Biden laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli ceasefire proposal last week, winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas.

An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel had accepted the framework deal for winding down the Gaza war, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

"We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so," the G7 statement said.
A 29-year-old police officer died on Sunday after being repeatedly stabbed during an attack at an anti-Islam rally in Germany. German police officers commemorate a colleague in Mannheim Germany, after learning that a police officer, who was stabbed two days ago there has died on Sunday(AP)

A knife-wielding man attacked and wounded several people Friday on the market square in the city of Mannheim in southwest Germany.

Five people taking part in a rally organised by Pax Europa, a campaign group against radical Islam, were wounded in the attack.

The policeman was "stabbed several times in the area of the head" while trying to intervene, local police said in a statement.

ALSO READ| Video: Man stabs multiple on live stream at 'anti-Islam' event in Germany

Immediately following the attack, he underwent "emergency surgery and was put in an artificial coma", but "died of his injuries" on Sunday, police said.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of the police officer following the "terrible attack".

"His commitment to the safety of all of us deserves the highest recognition," Scholz said on X, formerly Twitter.

If an Islamist motive behind the attack were to be confirmed, "that shows how strongly we must continue to fight Islamist terror", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement.

"Our security authorities have the Islamist scene firmly in their sights," Faeser added.

"We must defend ourselves against Islamist terrorism with determination, and we will also strengthen the security authorities financially," Finance Minister Christian Lindner told German daily Bild.

Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with the country's domestic intelligence chief warning that the risk of such assaults is "real and higher than it has been for a long time".

The country had also seen a spate of attacks on politicians at work or on the campaign trail ahead of EU elections on June 9.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said last week that he was worried by the growing trend and said Germans "must never get used to violence in the battle of political opinions".
A royal commentator has said Kate Middletons popularity is both a blessing and a curse. Reports have claimed the Princess of Wales "will appear" at Trooping the Colour if she feels well enough. Why Kate Middletons popularity is both a blessing and a curse

Kates treatment began this year after she was diagnosed with cancer. Under normal circumstances, she would have taken the salute on June 8 in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards. Royal correspondent Kinsey Schofield told GB News, "Last week, we discussed Tom Sykes report from The Daily Beast that she could be out until 2025.

Her popularity is both a blessing and a curse

"Then the reports that we could see her as early as autumn. Then earlier this week, it was reported that she would not attend Trooping of the Colour rehearsals next week, Schofield continued. "But now some good news. Now The Mirror is reporting that Catherine is considering a trooping balcony appearance. Depending on the way she is feeling that weekend.

Schofield added, "Look, I think everyone just wants her to feel better and be better. And in this scenario, her popularity is both a blessing and a curse. We all miss the grace and kindness she brings to the monarchy, but we really have to leave her alone until she's ready to return herself, but I do. I'm with you. I'm praying for her recovery and I miss seeing her. She's gorgeous and she always was. Just a burst of joy."

A royal source previously said that Kate is "in a very different position" to King Charles amid her cancer battle. Charles is battling cancer too, but he returned to royal duties last month. He already undertook various royal engagements in May.

"As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales. There is no need for her to be seen while shes recovering, the source said.
A royal commentator has said that King Charles may sever ties with Prince Andrew as the Duke of York is refusing to vacate his royal residence in Royal Lodge. The two reportedly "didnt get on" when they were young but they have now "bonded through grief. King Charles could sever ties with Prince Andrew (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs, photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

The king has been trying to remove his younger brother from the property and demanding that he move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage. This is where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had previously lived.

King Charles could threaten to sever ties with Prince Andrew

Royal correspondent Kinsey Schofield told GB News, "King Charles could threaten to sever ties with Prince Andrew if the non-working royal refuses to leave Royal Lodge to relocate to Frogmore Cottage. The Times are citing an unnamed friend of the King. That friend claims that the King said he is willing to pay for his brother to live comfortably out of his private funds from the Duchy of Lancaster.

Andrew has the lease on Royal Lodge, but the purse strings are reportedly controlled by Charles.

"However, that level of funding needs to be appropriate. There's another quote in this piece that reads unfortunately if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time frame, then the King may be forced to reassess the whole package of support that he provides, and the Duke would be required to fund the lion's share of his security, accommodation and lifestyle costs all on his own, which, given the sums involved, is highly unlikely to be possible in the long term for Prince Andrew, who is unemployed, Schofield continued.

Schofield added, They stressed that there are limits of patience and tolerance when it comes to King Charles, and after multiple eviction conversations, a friend of the King has warned as things stand life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the Duke.

"We know that there's embarrassment on the part of the king about Andrew's controversies, including his ill-advised friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. But what do we know of their personal relationship? Do the two men get on Charles and Andrew? host Mark Dolan said.

Schofield replied, I mean, they didn't when they were younger men, but I think both of them softened in their old age, especially towards the end of their parent's lives. I think that they've bonded through grief. But the King's ultimate objective is his legacy and how people interpret him as a leader. And I think he understands that Prince Andrew is a liability."
LONDON  British opposition leader Keir Starmer pledged Monday to keep the U.K.s nuclear weapons, seeking to dispel criticisms that his center-left Labour Party is soft on defense. Labour leader Keir Starmer says he'll keep the UK's nuclear weapons in 'age of insecurity'

Starmer is the current favorite to win Britains July 4 election and become prime minister. His campaign is centered on his claim to have transformed the party since he replaced Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime opponent of nuclear weapons and critic of NATO, as Labour leader in 2020.

Starmer, 61, told voters they can trust Labour to safeguard the countrys economy, borders and security  trying to overturn a perception that Labour is weaker on security and more profligate with taxpayers money, than Prime Minister Rishi Suank's center-right Conservatives.

My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute, Starmer said Monday during a campaign appearance at a military museum in Bury, northwest England.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defense, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s, and both Labour and Conservative governments have consistently supported atomic weapons. Since the 1990s, Britains nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.

Starmer said a Labour government would build the four new nuclear submarines that the Conservatives have already committed to. He criticized the Conservatives for defense spending cuts that had given the U.K. the smallest army since the time of Napoleon, the French leader who fought Britain 200 years ago.

He said the world had entered a new age of insecurity and national security is the most important issue of our times.

The schism between pro- and anti-nuclear forces was long a fault-line in the Labour Party. It was Prime Minister Clement Attlees Labour government that developed atomic weapons in the years following World War II, making Britain the worlds third nuclear-armed state after the United States and the Soviet Union.

Starmer said his entire top team shared his commitment to the nuclear arsenal, even though several members, including deputy leader Angela Rayner and foreign affairs spokesman David Lammy, voted against renewing Trident in 2016.

He also pledged that a Labour government would increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product, though he has not set a deadline. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says his Conservatives will meet the target by 2030.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said Starmer had delivered another empty speech.

By refusing to commit to 2.5% defense spending by 2030 he has been unable to show the clear and bold leadership this country needs in uncertain times, Shapps said.

The Conservatives, who have been in office for 14 years, are trying to overcome a widespread sense that voters want change. On July 4 voters across the U.K. will elect lawmakers to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can command a Commons majority  either alone or in coalition  will become prime minister.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Lucy Papachristou Russian soldiers' wives demand defence minister return their men from the front

LONDON, -  group of Russian women staged a small but rare protest outside the Defence Ministry in Moscow on Monday to demand the return of mobilised soldiers from the front in Ukraine.

For months, different groups of Russian women have organised sporadic demonstrations to exert pressure on authorities to return their husbands, sons and brothers who were mobilised after a decree by President Vladimir Putin in September 2022.

One of the woman at Monday's protest, who gave her name as Paulina, told Reuters that the group of 18 women had gathered to appeal personally to Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist by training whom Putin appointed to the job last month.

Paulina, who said she was 20 years old and had a husband fighting in Ukraine, said the women want Belousov to impose strict limits on how long soldiers can serve before they must rotate out of active duty.

The women's protests are sensitive for the authorities, given that the Kremlin presents what it calls the "special military operation" in Ukraine as having the overwhelming support of the Russian people.

In February, dozens of reporters, including a Reuters video journalist, were briefly detained while covering a demonstration by a group called Way Home.

Paulina said Monday's action was not affiliated with Way Home, which Russia on Friday designated a "foreign agent", a term which carries negative Soviet-era connotations of spying.

She said none of the 18 women were arrested.

Pictures and videos Paulina published on the Telegram app showed women holding signs with slogans including "Please bring Papa home". Several had brought along their school-aged children and toddlers in pushchairs.

No ministry officials came out of the building to speak with the women, Paulina said.

The protest showcases the anger and despair that has gripped some soldiers' families as the war in Ukraine grinds on into its third year, with no end in sight.

Putin mobilised 300,000 reservists in September 2022 in an unpopular move that he has said there is no need to repeat because hundreds of thousands more have signed up voluntarily as contract soldiers.

Putin has vowed that Russian troops - who are currently advancing on some frontlines - will not stop until they meet the goals of the "special military operation".

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
South Korea plans to suspend a military agreement signed with North Korea in 2018 aimed at easing tensions, the presidential office said on Monday, after Seoul warned of a strong response to balloons launched by Pyongyang carrying trash to the South. Unidentified objects believed to be North Korean trash from balloons that crossed the inter-Korea border, on a street in Seoul. (AFP)

North Korea has launched hundreds balloons carried by wind across the border that dropped trash throughout South Korea, which called it a provocation and rejected Pyongyang's claim it was done to inconvenience its neighbour.

The National Security Council said it would raise the plan to suspend the entirety of the military agreement for approval by the cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

Suspending the agreement will pave the way for the South to conduct training near the military border and take "sufficient and immediate measures" in response to North Korea's provocation, the Council said in a statement.

It did not elaborate what those measures may be.

The pact, which was the most substantive deal to come out months of historic summit meetings between the two Koreas in 2018, had been all but scrapped when Pyongyang declared last year it was no longer bound by it.

Since then, the North deployed troops and weapons at guard posts near the military border.

By continuing to comply with the pact, "there have been considerable problems in our military's readiness posture," the Council said.

South Korea has previously said it would take "unendurable" measures against North Korea for sending the trash balloons over the border, which could include blaring propaganda from loudspeakers positioned at the border directed at the North.

North Korea has said the balloons were in retaliation for a propaganda campaign by North Korean defectors and activists in the South, who regularly send inflatables containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets with food, medicine, money and USB sticks loaded with K-pop music videos and dramas across the border.

North Korea has reacted angrily to the campaign because it is worried about the potential impact of the materials on the psychology of the people who read or listen to them and on the state's control of the public, experts said.
Two New York City police officers and a 19-year-old man were shot and wounded early Monday during a confrontation and were hospitalized, officials said. Mayor Eric Adams said one of the officers was saved by his bullet-resistant vest. Law enforcement gathers on Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, Thursday, May 30, 2024. Three people, including the suspected gunman, are dead after a mass shooting Thursday at a Minneapolis apartment complex, police said. Two police officers were also injured and hospitalized after the shooting in the south Minneapolis neighborhood of Whittier. (Ben Hovland/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)(AP)

The officers pursued the man while he was driving a motorized scooter the wrong way on a street in Queens around 1:40 a.m., Police Commissioner Edward Caban said at a news conference.

Also read: Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf launches presidential bid

Gunman wounds two NYC officers in pursuit shooting

The officers tried to pull him over, but he got off the scooter and ran away. The officers chased him on foot for several blocks, Caban said.He fired multiple rounds at officers, who returned fire, Caban said. One officer was shot in the front of his vest, and the other officer was shot in the leg. Officials confirm.

Also read: Dozens more former youth inmates sue over alleged sexual abuse at Illinois detention centers

The man was shot in the ankle and was taken to a hospital. Charges against him were pending. Both officers were treated at a hospital and released.

A gun was recovered from the scene.

Adams held up a vest and pointed to it at the news conference. This is a bullet hole, he said. Because of this vest, a young officer is going home.

The man had no prior arrests in the city but is a suspect in several robbery patterns in Queens, police said, adding that the motorized scooter was not registered. It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer.

Robberies in which people on motorized scooters snatch cellphones and other items are on the rise in the city, police said.

Also read: Russian soldiers' wives demand defence minister return their men from the front
AT THE TIME it seemed they had outdone themselves. In the past two legislative sessions Texas Republicans outlawed abortion, allowed gun-owners to carry their weapons without permits, gave state judges the power to deport immigrants, banned diversity offices in public universities and nixed all sorts of progressive city laws. In a note to funders last summer, the Republican state party chair declared that the flurry of policies amounted to probably the most sweeping conservative change ever passed in our Texas state legislature.

It may come as a surprise, then, that the speaker of the Texas House, the man responsible for getting those bills through the lower chamber, is at risk of losing his job for not being conservative enough. On May 28th Dade Phelan (pictured) will face his first challenger in a decade in a run-off primary election that threatens to end his political career. If he loses it will be the first time that Texass speaker has been dethroned since a scandal took down the governor, lieutenant-governor and speaker in 1972. His challenger, David Covey, an oil-and-gas consultant and political newbie, has been endorsed not only by many of Texass top dogs but by Americas most famous Republican, Donald Trump. The primary has become the most expensive state-representative race (with spending of some $7.5m) in American history, according to AdImpact, a data firm.

The speaker is the most notable of several incumbents that either Greg Abbott, the Lone Star States governor, or Ken Paxton, its attorney-general, is bent on unseating on Tuesday. In December the two set out on parallel warpaths. Mr Abbott vowed to unleash his wrath on Republicans who tanked last sessions school-voucher bill, his biggest policy priority, and Mr Paxton decided to go after those who voted, unsuccessfully, to impeach him for bribery last spring. To bolster their efforts Jeff Yass, the richest man in Pennsylvania, gave Mr Abbott $6m, the biggest campaign donation in Texan history, and a trio of West Texas oil tycoons donated at least $2.5m to candidates challenging the impeachers.

In the primary in March, eight of the targeted incumbents lost re-electionone was replaced by a lawyer on Mr Paxtons defence teamand eight, including Mr Phelan, who came in second of three, were forced into run-offs. That was exceptional: in the last cycle just one of the 84 Republican representatives who were challenged lost. The thrashing was a huge win for Texass top brass, who had never waded into state races like this before. March 5th was the best political day of Abbotts governorship, including the days he was elected, says a veteran Republican operative.

In practice, the effect of this revenge tour is to purge the statehouse of its more moderate, old-guard RepublicansRINOs, or Republicans in name only, as their foes call them. Although Mr Phelan abstained (as speakers often do) from voting on vouchers, he did bless the impeachment inquiry. More controversially, he promises to continue to work with House Democrats and appoint them to chair committees. I run the House based on the very simple philosophy that the majority will prevail and the minority will be heard, he says, standing outside a rural polling place dressed in a camouflage T-shirt. These folks want a dictatorship in the Texas House, but as long as Im speaker there will not be a dictatorship in the Texas House. Mr Phelan reckons his philosophy is also good strategy: despite being in the majority, Republicans need Democratic votes to pass big bills.

This extraordinary primary season shows that, for Republicans in Texas, proving conservative credentials is getting harder every day. Researchers at the Texas Politics Project of the University of Texas at Austin note that incumbents in the Republican-dominated state face an increasingly tricky trade-off between representing their constituents and responding to the demands of primary voters, a more hardline subset who decide their fate.

At a bustling fish fry in his hometown of Beaumont a week before the election Mr Phelan vociferously denied that he was a moderate. Just look at my record, he told locals wearing bejewelled Trump 2024 pins. In the final days of his campaign his defenders are avoiding ideological debates and are instead going back to basics. When asked why he came to stump for the speaker, Rick Perry, Texass former governor and energy secretary under Mr Trump, said he was there to pose one simple question to voters: Do you want to trade your speaker, who is arguably one of the most influential people in Austin, for a first-termer who doesnt know where the bathrooms are in the capitol?

Across town at a duelling campaign event Mr Covey, the prospective first-termer, had a very different question for voters. Looking out onto a dozen rows of people sitting in neatly arranged hotel chairs he asked, referring to his best-known backer: Can you trust President Donald Trump?

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
* Ukraine's Zelenskiy thanks Marcos for Philippine participation in peace summit

Ukraine, Philippine leaders meet in Manila for bilateral talks

*

Ukraine to open embassy in Manila this year

By Mikhail Flores and Neil Jerome Morales

MANILA, - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked his Philippine counterpart on Monday for Manila's participation in a high-level peace summit later this month, describing it as a "very strong signal" towards achieving peace in the war-torn nation.

In their first-in person meeting in Manila, Zelenskiy also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for his country's "clear position" on Russia's "occupation of our territories," while the Philippine leader assured him of his continued support.

"I'm happy to hear today from you that you participate our basic steps to the peace," Zelenskiy told Marcos during their bilateral meeting, speaking in English. He thanked Marcos for Manila's participation in the peace summit, saying "it's a very strong signal."

It was not immediately clear if Marcos would attend the summit or if he would send an envoy.

"Thank you so much your big word, and clear position... about this Russian occupation of our territories," he said, adding that Ukraine will open an embassy in Manila this year.

Wearing a black shirt and olive fatigues, Zelenskiy arrived at the presidential palace on Monday after an unscheduled appearance at Asia's biggest security conference in Singapore during the weekend to drum up support for the two-day peace summit in Switzerland.

Marcos delivered the keynote address at the security forum, criticising what he described as illegal, coercive and aggressive actions by "other actors" in the South China Sea - a censure of China, although he didn't name the country.

Marcos told Zelenskiy he was "honoured" the Ukrainian leader was visiting Manila.

"It's a great pleasure to meet, to discuss, issues that are common for both countries, and hopefully, we find ways for both of us together," Marcos said.

Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", has not been invited to the June 15-16 summit to be hosted by the Swiss government. Russia has dismissed the talks as meaningless without its participation.

While in Singapore, Zelenskiy told a news conference that he was not able to meet the Chinese delegation at the conference and was disappointed that Beijing, a Moscow ally, would not attend the summit.

Zelenskiy has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to attend, although Washington has yet to confirm who it will send.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Mikhail Flores and Neil Jerome Morales Ukraine's Zelenskiy thanks Marcos for Philippine participation in peace summit

MANILA -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked his Philippine counterpart on Monday for Manila's participation in a high-level peace summit later this month, describing it as a "very strong signal" towards achieving peace in the war-torn nation.

In their first-in person meeting in Manila, Zelenskiy also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for his country's "clear position" on Russia's "occupation of our territories," while the Philippine leader assured him of his continued support.

"I'm happy to hear today from you that you participate our basic steps to the peace," Zelenskiy told Marcos during their bilateral meeting, speaking in English. He thanked Marcos for Manila's participation in the peace summit, saying "it's a very strong signal."

It was not immediately clear if Marcos would attend the summit or if he would send an envoy.

"Thank you so much your big word, and clear position... about this Russian occupation of our territories," he said, adding that Ukraine will open an embassy in Manila this year.

Wearing a black shirt and olive fatigues, Zelenskiy arrived at the presidential palace on Monday after an unscheduled appearance at Asia's biggest security conference in Singapore during the weekend to drum up support for the two-day peace summit in Switzerland.

Marcos delivered the keynote address at the security forum, criticising what he described as illegal, coercive and aggressive actions by "other actors" in the South China Sea - a censure of China, although he didn't name the country.

Marcos told Zelenskiy he was "honoured" the Ukrainian leader was visiting Manila.

"It's a great pleasure to meet, to discuss, issues that are common for both countries, and hopefully, we find ways for both of us together," Marcos said.

Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", has not been invited to the June 15-16 summit to be hosted by the Swiss government. Russia has dismissed the talks as meaningless without its participation.

While in Singapore, Zelenskiy told a news conference that he was not able to meet the Chinese delegation at the conference and was disappointed that Beijing, a Moscow ally, would not attend the summit.

Zelenskiy has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to attend, although Washington has yet to confirm who it will send.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A group of United Nations experts called on Monday for all countries to recognise a Palestinian state to ensure peace in the Middle East. The conflict has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. (AFP)

The call came less than a week after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state, prompting anger from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after nearly eight months of war in Gaza.

The experts, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, said recognition of a Palestinian state was an important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggle towards freedom and independence.

"This is a pre-condition for lasting peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East  beginning with the immediate declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza and no further military incursions into Rafah," they said.

"A two-state solution remains the only internationally agreed path to peace and security for both Palestine and Israel and a way out of generational cycles of violence and resentment."

Israel's Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

With their recognition of a Palestinian state, Spain, Ireland and Norway 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 states to follow suit. Denmark's parliament later rejected a proposal to recognise a Palestinian state.

Israel has repeatedly condemned moves to recognise a Palestinian state, saying they bolster Hamas, the militant Islamist group that led the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel which sparked the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

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.
Cops are looking for a man who choked a six-year-old girl during a robbery where he stole her and her sisters gold necklaces in Brooklyn. The necklaces were birthday gifts they received from their mother. Brooklyn man chokes 6-year-old girl while robbing her and her sister (DCPI)

Police have released images of the suspect, saying he approached a girl, 14, and her little sister at their apartment building near Eastern Parkway and Ralph Avenue in Crown Heights on Wednesday, May 29.

The incident

The 14-year-old girl told Eyewitness News that she was walking her six-year-old sister home from school when the man appeared behind them and asked them to hand over their necklaces. "The man grabbed me by the neck and then - my sister looked and she started getting scared. I didn't have time...I couldn't react. I only looked at my sister and she was screaming," said the older girl.

Police said that the man then went on to choke the younger girl with one hand and pulled off her necklace with the other. He also snatched the older girls jewellery and then fled the scene.

Both the girls were rushed to the Maimonides Medical Center. They were listed in stable condition.

The girls said the suspect followed them home from school, right behind them. He followed them through their buildings front door and cornered them in a tight lobby.

At the time, the childrens mother was working. She said she is relieved the man did not abduct the girls. "I'm very worried, because I got to call my daughter every time she goes out of school to make sure her safety is good," she said.

Police believe that the suspect is between 25 and 40 years of age. He is reportedly about 5 feet 8 inches tall, and had dark hair tied into a ponytail. At the time of the incident, the suspect wore a white shirt and carried a Target shopping bag. According to police, he later wore a grey sweatshirt over his t-shirt after pulling it out of his bag.

Anyone with information on the incident has been urged to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted on X @NYPDTips.
California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, whose both parents died from COVID-19, appreciated Dr. Anthony Fauci's efforts in implementing policies that saved lives during the pandemic. Thanking the former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, Garcia took a different path to address him than Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. US Representative Robert Garcia, Democrat of California, speaks during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing with Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)(AFP)

MTG struck Fauci hard with several allegations, questioning his alleged involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic origin story and calling for his imprisonment. Contrarily, Garcia proclaimed him an American hero.

Congressman Robert Garcia hails Dr Anthony Fauci as an American hero and fires back at right-wing members

During the Monday House subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill, Garcia counterstruck lawmakers who attacked medical professionals. It marked the first time Dr. Anthony Fauci testified publicly since retiring in December 2022.

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CNN reported that the California lawmaker's mother was a healthcare worker. Moreover, she and Garcia's stepfather succumbed to the same ailment, dying from COVID-19. As a result, the Democrat said, I lost both of my parents during the pandemic, so I take this very personally.

Also, citing the far-right politician's June 2021 statement on Steve Bannon's podcast War Room, Garcia hit back at Greene for criticising COVID-19 mandates around masking up. Furthermore, the Congressman didn't take her words about putting Fauci in prison lightly.

Standing by Fauci's side, Garcia said, Your quote-unquote so-called science that the gentlewoman is referring to has saved millions of lives in this country and around the world. Further stating his opinion, he called Fauci an American hero for doing more to save lives than all 435 members of this body on both sides of the aisle.

Also read | US teacher suspended over mock slave auction,' using racial slur in class

The Congressman also later took to his X/Twitter feed, making more remarks about sticking by Fauci: Im in our Oversight Committee with Dr. Fauci testifying. As someone that lost two parents to the COVID pandemic, I will not allow these right-wing extremists to lie and spread dangerous conspiracy theories. We will fight back.

In 2021, Greene claimed she didn't believe in evolution and expressed her scepticism of that type of so-called science, asserting her belief in the lab leak" theory. During her appearance on Steve Bannon's (ex-aide to former President Donald Trump) podcast, she added, I believe in God, and these viruses were not making people sick until they created them they weaponise these viruses to be able to attach to our cells and make us sick. Leaning into several other conspiracy theories, Greene stood by her claims that the coronavirus was a bioweapon.
Several Donald Trump supporters threatened rioting and mass lynchings after the former presidents guilty verdict. Many Republican public figures blasted the trial result as rigged," "corrupt," "ridiculous," and "bulls***." Trump supporters call for riots and mass lynchings after guilty verdict (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)(AP)

What comments did Trump supporters make?

On right-wing social networks, Trumps supporters made even more extreme remarks. "Take no prisoners," one user said on a Trump-related message board, while another said, referring to lynching, Just give them the rope. "The time for talking has long gone. Let them swing outside the courthouse, the remark added.

Some of the posts contained coded language, for instance, one of them called for "short drops"  referring to hanging execution of individuals overseeing Trump's trial.

Another user added in response phrases like "short walks and long drops" along with the helicopter emoji, possibly referring to "death flights. This is a term reportedly employed by right-wing leaders in Chile and Argentina to execute their opponents. "Someone in New York with nothing to lose needs to take care of Merchan," one post read, referring to trial judge Juan Merchan. "Time to start capping some lefties, another post said. The posts were reportedly reviewed by Reuters.

MAGA supporters believe that Trumps conviction is irrational and points at corruption in the country's political and legal systems. "One million men (armed) need to go to Washington and hang everyone. That's the only solution," one person said. One thread called on Trump supporters to "LEGALLY destroy the professional lives" of trial judge Merchan, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, and Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg.

"That's a lot of unnecessary words to say 'try and hang'," one person said. "All the ghillie suits in America, and you want to exploit our flawed and corrupt justice system. "F*** off," another said, referring to the style of camouflage gear that military snipers wear. Some other comments included "my AR-15 is legal", "rope", and "they have addresses. you know."
After the declination of a plea of halt in the firearms case against Hunter Biden, the trial opened with a selection of jurors for the case on Monday. The news of the trial arrives close after the conviction of former US President Donald Trump as he was found guilty of 34 felonies charged against him. According to AP, the jury selection was attended by Hunter Biden and his stepmother and First Lady, Jill Biden. She was spotted sitting in the first row during the selection of prospective jurors in her stepsons case. Hunter Biden arrives for the jury selection in the firearms case against him(AP)

Also Read: Hunter Biden arrives in court as jury selection in criminal trial begins

Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today

Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies in Delaware which has roots in a purchase of arms in year 2018. As AP reported, I am the President, but I am also a Dad, Joe Biden said, adding Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunter, who spent the past weekend with his parents, was accused of lying to a federal gun dealer by signing an application stating he was not a drug user and illegal possession of the gun for 11 days.

Prospective jurors' selection for the case

As the process of juror selection commenced, those who answered yes on a questionnaire were quizzed and questioned to test if they would be impartial and fair during the trial. The questions asked from prospective jurors ranged from testing their knowledge about the case to the opinions they held regarding gun ownership. According to AP, one woman was jointly dismissed by the attorneys as she showcased strong anti-gun opinions. I would like stronger laws in this country about certain types of weapons, she said. The ones with high repeat, you know, that kill children in schools. said the woman, adding further I would ban them altogether, to be honest.
The criminal trial of Hunter Biden kicked off on Monday in federal court in Delaware as President Joe Biden's son faces gun charges in a historic case that begins four days after Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted. WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - JUNE 03: Melissa Cohen Biden looks to her husband Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, as they arrive to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 03, 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden is standing trial for felony gun charges. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

Hunter Biden, 54, arrived at the courthouse for the first trial of the child of a sitting president, in which he will face three felony charges stemming from his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty. It is one of two criminal cases he faces, with federal tax charges brought separately in California.

First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen Biden and his half-sister Ashley Biden were in attendance at the trial in Wilmington, before U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

"Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today," Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that a lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction.

Trump was convicted by a jury in state court in New York on Thursday of 34 felony counts of falsifying documents to cover up hush money paid to a porn star to avoid a sex scandal shortly before the 2016 U.S. election that put him in the White House. Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

Hunter Biden's trial gives Republicans a chance to shift attention away from Trump's legal troubles. Trump is due to be sentenced on July 11. He has pleaded not guilty in three other pending criminal cases.

In the case brought by U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee, last September Hunter Biden was charged with lying about his use of illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver and with illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days in October 2018. Weiss, who has investigated Hunter Biden since at least 2019, also brought the tax charges.

If convicted on all charges in the Delaware case, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, though defendants generally receive shorter sentences, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Hunter Biden spent the weekend with his father in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with the pair biking and attending church together on Saturday. The president, who had been expected to depart Rehoboth Beach on Monday, traveled on Sunday evening to his home in Wilmington.

POTENTIAL JURORS

Noreika began screening potential jurors for their ability to commit to serving the length of the trial, which is expected to run through the end of next week.

"Do you think you can put aside your views on gun ownership," she asked a potential juror, who responded that she could be impartial.

Other potential jurors were asked about addiction, convictions and run-ins with law enforcement.

All 12 jurors must agree he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to convict.

The case is expected to center on Hunter Biden's years-long crack cocaine use and addiction, which he has discussed publicly and which was a prominent part of his 2021 autobiography, "Beautiful Things." He told Noreika at a hearing last year that he has been sober since the middle of 2019.

Prosecutors will seek to prove that Hunter Biden knew he was lying when he ticked the box for "no" next to a question on a federal gun purchase form asking if he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Prosecution lawyers revealed in court filings that they may use details gleaned from Hunter Biden's phone and iCloud account, including photos of him smoking crack and messages with drug dealers. They said they may call as a witness his former wife Kathleen Buhle, who accused Hunter Biden in their 2017 divorce proceedings of squandering money on drugs, alcohol and prostitutes.

Hunter Biden's lawyers have indicated they may try to show he had completed a drug rehabilitation program before purchasing the gun and may have considered his answer on the gun purchase form to be truthful.

A plea agreement that would have resolved the gun and tax charges without prison time collapsed last year after Noreika questioned the extent of the immunity it extended to Biden. Hunter Biden's lawyers blamed Republican pressure for the failure of the plea agreement.

Noreika entered multiple orders over the weekend that were requested by prosecutors and that appeared to undercut Biden's legal strategy.

The judge said Biden's legal team could not introduce expert testimony that people suffering from substance abuse disorder might not consider themselves an addict.

That testimony could have helped Biden show that he did not know he was lying on the background check form. The government is required to prove that Biden knowingly lied.

Congressional Republicans spent years in vain trying to find evidence of a corrupt link between Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings, including work for Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and his father's political power.
An Indian student has mysteriously gone missing in California, with police seeking the publics help to locate her. Police confirmed that 23-year-old Nitheesha Kandula, a California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) student, went missing on May 28. Indian student Nitheesha Kandula, 23, goes missing in Los Angeles (California State University, San Bernardino Police Department)

Kandula, a Hyderabad student who was studying in the US, was reported missing on May 30 after being last seen in Los Angeles, John Guttierez, Chief of Police, CSUSB, said on social media. #MissingPersonAlert: California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in #LAPD, is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of @CSUSBNews Nitheesha Kandula, to contact us at: (909) 537-5165, he posted on X.

Kandula has been described as 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 160 pounds (72.5 kgs) and has black hair and black eyes, according to police. She may have been driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California licence plate.

Police have urged people with information on Kandulas whereabouts to come forward, saying, "Anyone with information is urged to contact the CSUSB Police Department at (909) 538-7777, or the LAPD's Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582." The circumstances around Kandulas disappearance is unclear.

Other similar incidents

Just last month, Indian student Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 26, went missing in Chicago. In April, 25-year-old Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who hailed from Hyderabad, was found dead in Cleveland after going missing in March.

Meanwhile, in December 2023, the FBI intensified efforts to locate 29-year-old Mayushi Bhagat, an Indian student who went missing in the US after leaving her New Jersey apartment on April 29, 2019. She was reported missing on May 1 of the same year. The FBI is now offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to Bhagats whereabouts.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the location or recovery of the missing person, Mayushi Bhagat, and the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible, the FBIs website reads.
Ivanka Trump made her first public appearance Sunday since her father, Donald Trump, was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records before a Manhattan jury last week. The 42-year-old, who served as an Advisor to the President during the Trump administration, was spotted wearing form-fitting gym clothes outside a Four Seasons hotel in Miami. Ivanka Trump makes first public appearance since her father's historic conviction(Reuters photo)

Ivanka Trump steps out in style after father's historic conviction

Ivanka stepped out in style following her father's historic conviction, rocking an all-black gym attire paired with white sneakers and matching socks. She also wore a stylish pair of pink sunglasses and kept her hair in a sleek ponytail.

In the photos obtained by New York Post, the former first daughter can be seen chatting with Marianne Fonseca, Brazillian model and CEO of Gente. The outlet adds that the duo briefly engaged in a conversation before heading out together.

Although Ivanka has kept a low profile since Trump's guilty verdict, she took to social media to share a childhood photo of herself sitting on her father's lap. I love you dad, Ivanka wrote on the picture shared on her Instagram story just hours after the hush money trial verdict.

The presumptive GOP nominee is the first US President in history to be convicted of a criminal offence. The 77-year-old addressed his guilty verdict in a Fox News interview on Sunday, where he revealed that he is okay with either jail time or house arrest when asked about his potential punishments.

I saw one of my lawyers the other day on television saying, Oh no, you dont want to do that to the president. I said: You dont beg for anything, he added.

However, Trump noted that the trial had been tougher on his family, especially his wife, Melania. Shes fine, but I think its very hard for her. I mean, shes fine. But its  you know, she [Melania] has to read all this crap, Trump said.
Prince William and Kate Middleton paid tribute to England's Rugby League player Rob Burrow on social media. The 41-year-old British sportsman died on Sunday following his diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease in 2019. The Prince and Princess of Wales honoured Burrow, saying he had a huge heart in an emotional X, formerly Twitter post. Prince William and Kate Middleton paid emotional tribute to British rugby player Rob Burrow following his death on Sunday(via REUTERS)

Prince and Princess of Wales pay tribute to Rob Burrow

In the heartfelt note shared via their Kensington Royal account, the Prince and Princess of Wales said, A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.

The royal couple also sent their regards to Burrow's wife, Lindsey, whom he married in 2016, and their three children. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W, their statement added.

ALSO READ: Kate Middleton and Prince William issue rare joint statement over incredible sadness

Burrow, who retired in 2017, was diagnosed with MND after gradual changes in his speech. According to NHS, a publicly funded national healthcare system in the UK, MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones.

The former Leeds Rhinos star's wife took on the responsibility as his caretaker. Lindsey previously told The Sun, We don't want stairlifts, hoists and things, for me it can become quite clinical, adding, You just want to do what you can, while you can, for as long as you can.

He's my husband, I want to care for him. You say those vows, in sickness and in health, thats what you want to do. He'll often say: 'Thank you for looking after me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you doing these things.' I know how grateful he is, she added.
A masked person held a disturbing sign reading Kill Hostages Now while trying to disrupt the Israel Day Parade on Sunday, June 1. The protester was seen wearing a black mask and black shirt, as well as a Palestinian flag as a cape. He was among anti-Israel demonstrators facing off with pro-Israeli New Yorkers. People march on Fifth avenue as they participate in the annual Israel Day Parade on June 2, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski / AFP)

This year, several family members of Hamas hostages participated in the Israel Day Parade in New York. At one point on the parade route, a pro-Israel demonstrator came face-to-face with a man who had covered his face with a traditional Palestinian scarf, known as a keffiyeh. Dont step up to me, the man is heard saying

Before any violence could erupt, the NYPD stepped in and separated the two groups amid the tension on Fifth Avenue between 79th and 80th streets. There was heightened police security as the annual Israeli pride parade took place this year. In recent days, there have been increasing antisemitic incidents. Many of them led to clashes with NYPD cops in riot gear.

Calls made for Hamas to release hostages

The protests followed the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year, prompting an Israeli counter offensive in the Gaza Strip. While hundreds of Israelis were slaughtered and many were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, thousands of Palestinians died in the attacks that followed, and many were left homeless.

Calls were made during this years parade for Hamas to release the hostages. Many hostages have already been found dead, including Shani Louk, the infamous photo of whose battered and half-naked body went viral after the attack.

In May, Israels army recovered the bodies of three more hostages killed during the October 7 attack, who were identified as Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux. According to the army, they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection, following which their bodies were taken to Gaza.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traded their life as senior working royals in the UK for sunny California, leaving behind royal duties but not the spotlight. As they dive headfirst into new ventures, the intense media gaze has returned, coinciding with a difficult year for the British royals. While some experts suggest Meghan has gracefully transitioned from her royal role, others indicate that Harry remains tethered to the past, grappling with few complexities and concerns which might affect Archie and Lilibet. (L-R) Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, US actress Meghan Markle and her fiancee Britain's Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. (AFP)

Meghan Markle has moved on from Royal feud

The Sussexes gave up their roles as royals and their royal titles when they chose to leave the palace grounds. Yet, they kept their titles. However, what seemed like a family issue that would be sorted out soon turned into enmity after the couple made bombshell remarks about the royals in a Netflix documentary and an Oprah Winfrey interview unleashing the royals' worst nightmare. The royal feud has worsened over the years, but royal author Tom Quinn believes Meghan is now over the drama.

Also read: Jennifer Lopez hits flea market looking gloomy with her daughter after 'devastating' tour cancellation

Speaking to Mirror, royal author and expert Tom Quinn said, Meghan appears to have moved on to some extent but then she was only part of the Royal Family for a relatively short time and she has far more to focus on in the States than her husband has.

Meghan focuses on her life in America

The former Suits star has fully embraced her new life in Montecito, California, finding happiness with her husband and two children. Despite living outside the royal sphere, the couple keeps conducting 'unofficial' royal tours under the title of Sussexes, a distinction they are content to maintain. Quinn says, She's the main driver for their commercial enterprises in the States, where, having taken the dog for a walk each morning, Harry has a little to do beyond brooding over the past.

Also read: Vanderpump Rules cancellation threat: Shay claims producer warned cast amid season 11 filming

Prince Harry is concerned about Archie and Lilibet

Although Meghan might have regained a feeling of normalcy, Harry's experience is quite the opposite. Having grown up in a life of royalty, moving away from that lifestyle to live without any royal status is tough. The biggest challenge for him is worrying about what his children will face in the future. The Duke tried to repair relationships with his British relatives by travelling to see his father, hoping for a second chance at making up, which didn't work out.

Quinn has previously mentioned to The Mirror that Harry is heartbroken over his separation from William and is determined to provide his children with a better life. "We know that Harry's deepest upset concerns not just his lack of relationship with George, Charlotte and Louis, but also his own children's lack of a relationship with their cousins," Quinn said.

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle long for their children to have regular get-togethers and build strong bonds with their cousins, their current situation has made things problematic. Despite the challenges, Harry holds onto the hope that the cousins will at least manage to be friends when they grow up.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed to retaliate against Donald Trump's conviction in the historic hush money trial. The former president was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records before a Manhattan jury on Thursday. While Johnson said that the House Republicans will use everything in our arsenal, he clarified that they will remain within the rule of law. US House Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed to 'fight back' after Donald Trump's guilty verdict in hush money trial(Getty Images via AFP)

Mike Johnson vows to fight back after Trump's guilty verdict

During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, the 52-year-old told host Shannon Bream, We are the rule of law party. Chaos is not a conservative value. We have to fight back, and we will with everything in our arsenal. But we will do that within the confines of the rule of law.

Johnson continued, We believe in our institutions, adding, We are conservatives, and we are trying to conserve the greatest country in the history of the world. And its institutions are an important part of that. Our system of justice is an important part of that.

Conservatives were left furious after the presumptive GOP nominee was convicted last week. Judge Juan Merchan set Trumps sentencing for 10 a.m. ET on July 11, where he could be sentenced to probation or up to 4 years in state prison on each count, with a maximum of 20 years.

Johnson previously urged the Supreme Court to step in during a Fox News interview a day after Trump's conviction. This is totally unprecedented, and its dangerous to our system. We have all discussed this before, and you all talk about it all the time, he said.

The House Speaker further claimed that the Democrats want to try to bankrupt Donald Trump. They want to diminish his credibility and go after his character. This will be overturned, guys. There is no question about it. Its just going to take some time to do it, Johnson added.
Prosecutors have asked a judge to dismiss one of two murder counts brought against a former Ohio sheriffs deputy who will soon face a retrial in the killing of a 23-year-old Black man. Ohio prosecutors seek to dismiss 1 of 2 murder counts filed against ex-deputy who killed Black man

Jason Meade faces one murder count for purposefully causing Casey Goodson Jr.'s death and one for causing his death during a felonious assault. But in a motion Friday, special prosecutors Tim Merkle and Gary Shroyer asked the judge to toss the former court. The motion did not state why they made the request and Merkle said Monday that prosecutors would have no further comment on the motion.

Goodson was fatally shot multiple times in December 2020 as he tried to enter his grandmother's Columbus home. His death  one of several involving Black people killed by white Ohio law enforcement officers over the last decade  sparked national outrage and cries for police reform. Meade maintains that he shot Goodson because he brandished a gun.

Meades first trial ended in a mistrial in February when a jury couldnt agree on a verdict, ending tumultuous proceedings that saw four jurors dismissed. His retrial is scheduled to start Oct. 31.

It wasn't known Monday when a decision would be made on the dismissal request.

Meade was charged with murder and reckless homicide in Goodson's killing. Meade has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said the prosecutions decision to seek another trial was due to political pressure from local elected officials.

Meade shot Goodson six times, including five times in the back, in the doorway of his grandmothers home. Meade testified that Goodson waved a gun at him as the two drove past each other so he pursued Goodson because he said he feared for his life and the lives of others. He said he eventually shot Goodson because the young man turned toward him with a gun.

Goodsons family and prosecutors have said he was holding a sandwich bag in one hand and his keys in the other when he was fatally shot. They do not dispute that Goodson may have been carrying a gun and note that he had a license to carry a firearm.

Goodsons weapon, a handgun with an extended magazine, was found on his grandmothers kitchen floor with the safety mechanism engaged.

Meade was not wearing a body camera so there is no footage of the shooting, and prosecutors repeatedly asserted during the first trial that Meade is the only person who testified Goodson was holding a gun.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a measure to ensure President Joe Biden will appear on the state ballot in November. Ohio's Republican governor signs measure ensuring Biden appears on the fall ballot

DeWine, a Republican, signed the measure  which relaxes a state candidate filing deadline  Sunday along with a related bill that imposes a ban on foreign nationals contributing to state ballot campaigns. Both will take effect Aug. 31.

The Republican-dominated Legislature had approved the two measures last week during a rare special session. The contribution ban had been demanded by the Senate, which approved the measures Friday, a day after the House passed them.

The contribution ban also broadened the definition of foreign nationals to include lawful permanent residents of the U.S., also known as green card holders. The provision was added to the House bill, with proponents saying it would close a glaring loophole in the bill, but several lawmakers questioned whether it eventually would lead to the courts striking down the entire measure as unconstitutional.

The special session was ostensibly called by DeWine to address that Ohios deadline for making the November ballot falls on Aug. 7, about two weeks before the Democratic president is set to be formally nominated at the partys Aug. 19-22 convention in Chicago.

But when the Senate  and then DeWines proclamation calling lawmakers back to Columbus  tied the issue to the foreign nationals prohibition, the Democratic National Committee moved to neutralize the need for any vote in Ohio. In tandem with the Biden campaign, it announced this week that it would solve Bidens problem with Ohios ballot deadline itself by holding a virtual roll call vote to nominate him. A committee vote on that work-around is set for Tuesday.

The Democratic National Committee has said the planned virtual roll call will still move forward.

On Thursday, Democrats in the Ohio House had accused the Republican supermajorities in both chambers of exploiting the Biden conundrum to pass an unrelated bill that undermines direct democracy in Ohio, where voters sided against GOP leaders prevailing positions by wide margins on three separate ballot measures last year. That included protecting abortion access in the state constitution, turning back a proposal to make it harder to pass such constitutional amendments in the future, and legalizing recreational marijuana.

Political committees involved in the former two efforts took money from entities that had received donations over the past decade from Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, though any direct path from him to the Ohio campaigns is untraceable under campaign finance laws left unaddressed in the House legislation. Wyss lives in Wyoming.

The contribution ban measure has the potential to affect ballot issue campaigns making their way toward Ohios Nov. 5 ballot. Those include measures proposing changes to Ohios redistricting law changes, raising the minimum wage to $15, granting qualified immunity for police, and protecting certain voting rights.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The UFC abruptly cancelled the press conference for Connor McGregor's upcoming bout with Michael Chandler. On Monday, the event, set to take place in Dublin, Ireland, was postponed until further notice. The Irish and American fighters are due for a match in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 29. However, fans are now concerned about the likelihood of the match. Cast member Conor McGregor attends a UK special screening of 'Road House' in London, Britain March 14, 2024. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska(REUTERS)

UFC cancels McGregor vs Chandler press conference

In an official statement shared on social media, UFC said, Dear UFC fans, the #UFC303 press conference scheduled for Monday June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland, at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice. We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were planning to attend. When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately. Thank you, it added.

As neither of the fighters has addressed the postponement nor UFC President Dana White, the exact reason remains unknown. Chandler recently shared a video of one of his training sessions on social media, along with the message, Throw yourself fully into purpose. Even if you fall short, what you gained along the way is immeasurable. Walk on.

Fans fear McGregor vs Chandler bout will be called off

Shortly after the news went viral, fans flocked to social media to express their concerns about the upcoming match. Writer Nick Lombardi wrote, This statement is unlike anything Ive ever seen from the UFC before. I speculate a significant change is happening to the card, specifically the McGregor v Chandler fight. Its the only fight that would warrant this type of reaction.

However, many put the blame on McGregor, calling him out as unprofessional for partying just weeks ahead of the match. One UFC fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Did Conor pull out due to issues relating cocaine and alcohol? Another said, Conors probably too busy partying that day. One more wrote, Moment of silence for those of you who've bought a ticket for it as well.
A teacher in Massachusetts was put on paid administrative leave after conducting a mock slave auction and using the N-word in a fifth-grade classroom. As the teacher remains unnamed thus far, the first incident of the kind allegedly happened in January during a history lesson. However, the local school superintendent only learned of the happenings in late April from parents. Two incidents against a Margaret A. Neary School teacher were reported. The unnamed personnel allegedly conducted a "mock slave auction" during a classroom lesson and used the "N-word" while reading aloud from a book.

Earlier this week, Gregory Martineau, superintendent of the public schools of Northborough and Southborough, penned a letter explaining what happened in the recurring incidents at Margaret A. Neary Elementary School in Southborough, 30 miles west of Boston.

Although the superintendent didn't name the US teacher in the letter, he detailed that the first January incident occurred during a lesson on the economy of the Southern colonies. The involved teacher is said to have facilitated an impromptu mock slave auction. Following this, another occurrence of a similar nature befell in April, when the same teacher used a racial slur while reading from a book in the class. The school district eventually realised that the book didn't list the word.

Also read | US earthquake: Jolts of 3.5 magnitude rock South Pasadena; California wakes up to tremors

Local superintendent condemns the US teacher's actions of conducting a mock slave auction

Disparaging the acts of the responsible teacher, Martineau wrote, Dehumanizing words such as slurs should not be spoken by employees or students Using such words can harm students and negatively impact an open discussion on a particular topic."

Further condemning the unacceptable actions, he remarked how the incident went against all that the district stood for. Calling out the unsound methods of teaching, the superintendent asserted that such ways trivialised the victims' experience and said, Simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate, and these teaching methods are not to be used.

Actions taken against the responsible teacher

After Martineau came forward with the revelation that he found out about these happenings from parents on April 24, the district opened a formal investigation. The unnamed teacher was eventually put on paid leave. Additionally, Kathleen Valenti, the school's principal, was also similarly suspended for 10 days in May.

Although all personnel matters will remain confidential, Martineau claimed that the district is proceeding with the required procedures with the teacher who is still on leave.

Also read | Mike Johnson vows to fight back after Trump's historic guilty verdict in hush money trial

What happened during the culpable teacher's lessons?

The superintendent said that during the first incident that transpired in January, the official involved was teaching students about the triangle trade, discussing slave auctions. Proceeding further with the lesson, the teacher conducted a mock slave auction, asking two children sitting in front of the room, who were of color, to stand, and the educator and class discussed physical attributes (i.e., teeth and strength)."

Contrarily, in April, the same person read out aloud an unprescribed book, enunciating the N-word. While the book was anyway not part of the fifth-grade curriculum, the racial slur didn't appear on its pages either.

Notably, the teacher later inappropriately called out the student who reported the use of the racial slur in the classroom. Promising improvement in the district's cultural competenency," Martineau recognised that there were missteps in this process that further complicated the situation.
A royal expert has said Meghan Markle will be called Princess Henry if she loses the title Duchess of Sussex. According to Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty Magazine, it is not likely that King Charles will take away Prince Harry and Meghans royal titles, even though the couple stepped down from their duties back in 2020. What would Meghan Markle be called if stripped of Duchess of Sussex title? (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)(AP)

I dont think anything will happen to the titles because, if they lose their titles, Harry is still a prince of the blood and Meghan instead of being the Duchess of Sussex, [would] be Princess Henry, Seward said, according to The Mirror.

That really would [confuse the Americans], she added. I think [its] probably best just to leave it because it looks unkind, it looks unnecessary.

Why would Meghan Markle be called Princess Henry?

Prince Harry was born Prince Henry Charles Albert David. Therefore, if Meghan loses her royal title, she would technically be known as Princess Henry. As per royal tradition, princesses take an official title with their husbands names.

Even in the case of Kate Middelton, she was technically called Princess William when she tied the knot with Prince William back in 2011. However, she is referred to as the Princess of Wales or the Duchess of Cambridge.

Steward pointed out that despite everything, it is likely that Harry and Meghan will forever be called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Queen gave them the titles, let them keep them  theyre going to be H and M anyway, she said. I think the best thing is to leave them, ignore them, and let them get on with it  which is really what the Palace and the Royal Family are doing.

After stepping down from their royal duties, Harry and Meghan started living in California with their two children. Recently, royal author Tom Quinn said King Charles and William have had lengthy discussions about stripping Harry and Meghan of their royal titles. However, he added that it is unlikely such a move will be made.

They are terrified this would backfire and make the situation worse, Quinn told The Mirror last month. The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals something else to complain about.
The world is headed for 2.7 degree C warming and the road to keep it to 1.5 degree C is extremely steep, UN Climate head Simon Stiell warned in his opening remark at the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany on Monday. United Nations Climate chief Simon Stiell (AP File Photo)

Without UN-convened international cooperation, we would be headed for up to 5 degrees of global heating, which most of humanity likely couldnt survive. We are now headed for around 2.7 degrees. This is still ruinously high, and theres a long and steep road ahead to get to our shared goal of 1.5 this century, but we should be energised that we are approaching a halfway point, Stiell said.

The Bonn meeting from June 3 to 13 is known as halfway to the annual climate summit, also known as the 29th Conference of Parties, or COP29. It is expected to set the agenda for climate negotiations this year and will open discussions on a new finance goal to replace the existing goal of $100 billion per year. The new finance goal is meant to channel greater funds toward urgently needed climate action in developing countries.

Stiell said, Its clear that the second half of humanitys climate journey will be even harder, and climate action will need to move at a faster pace. So, we cannot afford rest-stops or detours in this half-way point in humanitys climate journey. And we absolutely cannot afford to stumble in the next ten days, or for global climate progress to stall this year and beyond. This requires trust and respect for each other. Full adherence to the code of conduct is essential, with no exceptions. Respectful disagreements are part of this process, but they must not be its defining feature or its outcome.

Finance goal important for developing countries

HT has reported earlier that NCQG discussions are contentious because of opposing views of developed and developing countries on the matter.

HT reported on May 6 that in an Ad Hoc Work Programme (AHWP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Cartagena in Colombia from April 23 to 26, the US is reported to have said the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is voluntary for those that choose to pay, referring to Article 9.3 of the 2015 Paris climate pact that deals with climate finance. Developing countries opposed this and pointed out that the Paris Agreement stipulates that wealthy nations shall provide financial resources to assist developing countries to both mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate crisis.

First, we must make serious progress on finance -- the great enabler of climate action. Here in Bonn, I urge you to move from zero-draft to real options for a new collective quantified goal on climate finance. We cannot afford to reach Baku with too much work still to do. So, please, make every hour here count. We need more climate finance while we negotiate a future goal. Progress on one, enables the other, Stiell said on Monday.

New grant and highly forms of concessional finance to developing countries must be coupled with global financial reforms that deliver debt relief and affordable finance, and finding new and innovative sources of finance, outside our process, he added.

On Nationally Determined Contributions or country strategies, Stiell called for a new round of plans that are 1.5 degree C compatible.

This new round of national climate plans  NDCs 3.0  will be among the most important policy documents produced so far this century. NDCs are not just about averting disaster through reducing emissions. Done well, they can serve as powerful blueprints, to propel each of your economies and societies forward, and drive more resilience, more opportunity, better human health and higher living standards, he added.

For Bonn to be successful, first and foremost, significant progress on the new climate finance goal is necessary. The deliberations at this mid-year mark must make strides towards an ambitious draft negotiating text as we move towards COP 29. All elements proposed in the text must take into account the demands of developing countries that have been vocalised clearly over the last two years, rooted in equity. With just about five months left for the expected outcome, time is of the essence, said Sehr Raheja, programme officer, climate change at Centre for Science and Environment.

Additionally, countries are gearing up for a renewal of their national climate commitments in February next year. Discussions this year, including those at Bonn need to feed into these. So, the outcomes of the Global Stocktake must inform the NDC development process through the first annual GST dialogue that is going to commence in Bonn next week, she added.
China's Chang'e-6 lunar lander touched down on the far side of the moon on Sunday.

It laned in a huge crater named the South Pole-Aitken Basin, said the China National Space Administration.

It's set to collect soil and rock samples, using a drill and a mechanical arm to gather up to 2 kilograms of moon dust and rocks.

The samples could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the near side of the moon.

After gathering the samples, the probe will return to lunar orbit and dock with a re-entry capsule to return to Earth, according to the China National Space Administration.

The mission is the sixth in the Chang'e moon exploration program, according to the Associated Press.

China's moon program is part of a growing rivalry with the U.S.

China has ambitious plans to put astronauts on the moon by 2030, CNN reported. The United States is the only country to land a man on the moon to date.

Beijing also hopes to build a research base at the moon's south pole.

The U.S. is planning to land astronauts on the moon again in 2026.

Private-sector rockets to launch spacecraft have faced numerous delays.

Just Saturday, the launch of Boeing's first astronaut flight was called off in the last moments before launch because of computer problems.
South Africa's African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the historic 1994 election that ended the country's racist apartheid system, according to official results released Sunday.

The ANC won just 159 of 400 seats in South African's National Assembly, the Independent Electoral Commission said, Reuters reported.

The vote left the party in control of fewer than 40% of seats, and will usher in a new era of coalition government as South Africa struggles with deep poverty and inequality that helped lead to the ANC's defeat.

The party was formerly led by the late President Nelson Mandela, who became the country's first Black leader after he was released from prison in 1990 following 27 years behind bars for opposing minority white rule.

South African law requires the National Assembly to meet within 14 days to elect a president. The ANC will have to find one or more partners to remain in government and give President Cyril Ramaphosa a second and final term, the Associated Press said.

"We can talk to anybody and everybody," ANC Chairman Gwede Mantashe said Saturday after it became clear the party would lose control.

Opposition politicians celebrated the results, with John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance party, saying: "The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC's majority and we have done that."

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, also said the ANC's "entitlement of being the sole dominant party" was over.

More than 50 political parties participated in the election, with many winning tiny shares, AP said.

The three main opposition parties won the lion's share of the vote, led by the Democratic Alliance with about 21%.

It was followed by the the new MK Party of former ANC leader and ex-President Jacob Zuma and the Economic Freedom Fighters, which won about about 14% and 9%, respectively.

Although they won a total of about 44% of the vote, it's highly unlikely the opposition parties will all work together, AP said.
A restaurant in Canada put actor Zachary Quinto on blast on social media Saturday after he allegedly yelled "like an entitled child" and made a host cry.

Manita, a restaurant in Toronto that describes itself on Instagram as a "mediterranean-ish bistro," took to Instagram Stories to call Quinto, 47, "an amazing Spock, but a terrible customer."

"Yelled at our staff like an entitled child after he didn't reply to two texts to inform him his table was ready and refused to believe the empty tables in the dining room weren't available for him despite being politely informed they were spoken for," the restaurant wrote.

"Made our host cry and the rest of our brunch diners uncomfortable," the restaurant continued.

"Mr. Quinto, take your bad vibes somewhere else, we have many lovely celebrities join us at Manita but you are NOT one of them," the restaurant concluded.

The "Heroes" star was in Toronto over the weekend celebrating his 47th birthday, according to posts on his own Instagram account.

"Thank you for such an incredible birthday adventure @canadaswonderland" Quinto captioned a snap at the Canada's Wonderland theme park. A video clip showed the "American Horror Story" alum descending from the Drop Tower, a free-fall ride that lifts guests to the top of a 230-foot tower and drops them multiple times.

Quinto, who portrayed Spock in the "Star Trek" films directed by J.J. Abrams, has previously been open about having a problematic drinking habit in his 30s after rising to fame. In a March 2020 appearance on the "Life Is Short" podcast with Justin Long, Quinto described going sober as the best decision for him, and celebrated four years of sobriety that year.

--with reporting by TMX
Another death has been tied to alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, making his victim count jump to five, as the former architect is expected to be charged with the additional murder this week.

Sources say Heuermann, 60, will be indicted on the new murder charge Thursday.

"There were a number of necessary investigative steps that were taken, we've pointed out just some of them. Thursday, you will see the fruits of that investigation," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney told WCBS-TV.

It's unclear who the fifth victim may be.

The anticipated announcement comes two weeks after investigators were spotted at the Massapequa, New York, home Heuermann shared with his now-estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, and their adult children Victoria, 27, and Christopher, 34, up until his arrest last summer.

Investigators were also seen combing through a wooded area in Manorville in connection with the case, last month.

In July 2023, the father of two was accused in the serial slayings of three female sex workers  Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello  whose remains were found in the Gilgo Beach area in 2009 and 2010. He was charged with three counts each of first- and second-degree murder, according to authorities.

In January, he was charged with the murder of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who disappeared in 2007.

Heuermann pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to court documents, the victims appeared to be strangled and their bodies were wrapped in burlap, CBS News reported.

In addition to the likely fifth victim, Heuermann  also known as the Long Island serial killer  may be tied to another five more slayings in the area.

Patrica Maressa, 64, who lived next door to the Heuermann household for more than 20 years, previously described the alleged murderer as a "tall, big, big guy. Always well dressed," she said, according to NBC News.
The death sentence handed down against Chad Daybell for three grisly Idaho murders has raised the specter that he could face a firing squad under a law enacted last year.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill in March 2023 that allows prison officials to have marksmen carry out executions if lethal injection drugs aren't available.

The move came as pharmaceutical companies have increasingly refused to permit their products to be used to kill people instead of save them, the Associated Press reported a the time.

in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine has postponed a series of scheduled executions, citing an inabiity to obtain lethal injection drugs.

Idaho became the fifth in the nation to authorize death by firing squads, joining Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina, where the state Supreme Court is now considering a legal challenge filed by four death row inmates.

Why was Chad Daybell sentenced to death?

Last Thursday, Daybell was found guilty of conspiracy, first-degree murder and related crimes in the killings of first wife Tammy Daybell and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow, the two youngest childen of his second wife, Lori Vallow Daybell.

The self-published author of doomsday fiction showed no emotion as Judge Steven Boyce announced the jury's unanimous decision Saturday to sentence him to death.

Lori Vallow Daybell -- nicknamed the "Doomsday Mom" over her belief that her kids were zombies possessed by evil spirits -- was sentenced last year to life in prison for the slayings.

She still faces trial in Arizona in the fatal shooting of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, who was JJ's father.

What is the likelihood Chad Daybell will face a firing squad?

Idaho has executed three killers since 1994 and had eight inmates on its death row before Chad Daybell was sentenced to capital punishment.

In February, serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech was supposed to receive a lethal injection for the fatal 1981 beating of a fellow inmate.

But he cheated death when the execution team repeatedly failed to find a vein in the 73-year-old's arms, legs, hands or feet that could be used to administer the deadly drugs.

Although Idaho's firing squad law went into effect oh July 1, 2023, prison officials hadn't yet adopted protocols for the use of a firing squad or created a death chamber where shootings can take place, AP reported at the time.

Officials are working to retrofit Idaho's existing death chamber to accommodate a firing squad but there's no timeline for the project's completion, a spokesperson for the state Department of Correction told HNGN on Monday.

Regardless of when that happens, Chad Daybell is unlikely to be executed any time soon.

Inmates sentenced to capital punishment in the U.S. typically spend more than a decade on death row and more than half have been there in excess of 18 years, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, D.C.

How does a firing squad work?

An inmate who's executed by a firing squad is typically bound to a chair with leather straps around the waist and head and then covered by a black hood, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

The chair is surrounded by sandbags to absorb the inmate's blood and a doctor uses stethoscope to locate the inmate's heart and mark it with a circular, white cloth target.

Five marksmen are armed with .30 caliber rifles, each loaded with a single round, one of which is a blank.

They open fire through slots in canvas covering an enclosure 20 feet away and the inmate typically dies from blood loss due to rupturing of the heart or a large blood vessel, or tearing of the lungs.

If all shooters miss the mark, the inmate slowly bleeds to death.

Who was the most recent inmate executed by firing squad?

The most recent inmate to face a firing squad in the U.S. was Ronnie Lee Gardner, 49, who was executed in Draper, Utah, shortly after midnight on June 18, 2010.

Gardner was sentenced to death for the fatal shooting of lawyer Michael Burdell during an failed attempt to escape from a Salt Lake City courthouse in 1985.

Gardner, who chose to be executed by firing squad, was the first U.S. inmate to die that way since 1996 and only the fourth since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.

All of those executions took place in Utah, which has since banned firing squads except for inmates sentenced before May 2004 or if lethal injection drugs aren't available.
A lawyer who formerly represented ex-President Donald Trump refuted his repeated claim that President Joe Biden was behind his historic "hush money" conviction  calling it "one of the most ridiculous things I've heard."

"This is not a federal prosecution. Joe Biden, or anyone from his Justice Department, have absolutely zero to do with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office," Joe Tacopina said during an appearance Sunday on MSNBC's "PoliticsNation With Al Sharpton."

Tacopina, who withdrew from the hush money case in January, said Biden and Justice Department officials had "no jurisdiction," "no contacts" and "no control, certainly" over Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

"So, to say that Joe Biden brought this case is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard," the high-profile Manhattan defense lawyer said. "We know that's not the case, and even Trump's lawyers know that's not the case."

On Thursday, a jury found Trump guilty as charged on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election to keep her from publicly claiming they had an affair in 2006.

The next day, Trump  who denies Daniels' allegation and has vowed to appeal  alleged during a news conference at his Trump Tower building in Manhattan that the prosecution was "in total conjunction with the White House and the DOJ, just so you know."

"This was all done by Biden and his people  maybe his people, more importantly. I don't know if Biden knows too much about it because I don't know if he knows too much about anything," he said.

Biden responded by saying that Trump, who didn't testify at his trial, had "every opportunity" to defend himself and called his attacks on the justice system "reckless" and "dangerous."

"It's irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don't like the verdict," Biden said in remarks at the White House.

Trump, the first former U.S. president indicted on criminal charges, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison at his scheduled July 11 sentencing.

The hearing is set to take place just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is expected to be nominated to challenge Biden in November.
As protesters continue to demand justice outside John-Paul Miller's Myrtle Beach, South Carolina church more than a month after the death of his estranged wife, the pastor took to TikTok to respond to more claims swirling around Mica Miller's passing.

But before addressing the seriousness of Mica's alleged suicide with true crime vlogger JustinOnTikT0k Friday night, Miller spoke candidly about his tattoos, addressing people's live questions.

"Somebody asked about my tattoos, and so these are my favorite scriptures, but I only got one at a time because I didn't think I was going to ever get more than one tattoo," Miller, 44, informed viewers, before opening up about processing the loss of his wife of nearly seven years.

"I haven't even started grieving, not even one minute," he said. "Every time I go to, something else happens... I'm planning on, once this is all over, taking some time and doing what I need to do to grieve."

Mica was found dead in Lumber River State Park in Orrum, North Carolina, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound April 30, according to authorities.

Miller said there was "no need" for an autopsy and he ordered for her remains to be cremated shortly after because "that's what she wanted."

"We talked a lot about what would happen if one of us passed, and that's something Mica wanted, and something I want as well, because we don't believe that the body matters as believers," he said, before telling viewers he is "still wearing my wedding ring," despite the status of their marriage prior to her death.

The couple's relationship had been deteriorating amidst rumors of Miller's alleged narcissism, prompting Mica to file for divorce earlier this year, loved ones said. Miller was believed to be romantically involved with another woman at the time.

"You can love somebody and be separated, and you can love them just the same and be divorced. Sometimes things don't stop your love for the person," he said.

Miller also seemingly claimed he was a victim of abuse via the public since news of her death broke.

"All the abuse that people are throwing at me, I just pray that none of y'all have to go through anything like this, because it's difficult," he said, while standing beside the medical examiner's determination Mica killed herself. Miller alluded to releasing more information on her death later this week.

"I do want justice for Mica, and I'm going to help bring that," he pledged.

"Just everything that shows why she passed away, who's responsible for it, and that I did every single thing a human being could do to try to keep her alive and keep her safe and keep her healthy," he claimed. "I was the only one who went to 48 people in three months and told them she needs her lithium and she does not need to be anywhere near a weapon."

Said Miller, "I showed them proof that she was suicidal  and nobody believed me."

Family and friends of Mica previously pushed back on claims of suidide, insisting there were no signs she intended to kill herself, and in the midst of her crumbling marriage, she was surrounded by a solid support system.

Last month, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office requested the FBI to assist in the continuing investigation, amid beliefs Mica's death was "all staged," her father, Michael Francis, told NewsNation. "I believe that the whole thing was premeditated."
Justin Timberlake halted his Forget Tomorrow World Tour performance in Austin, Texas, on Saturday when he saw a fan who appeared to need assistance.

Timberlake, 43, was singing his 2002 hit "Cry Me A River" when he stopped the show and called for the house lights at the University of Texas, Austin's Moody Center to be turned up.

"Can we get the house lights up just a bit?" Timberlake can be heard asking in a video shared by TikTok user @storyof4crazykidz.

"House lights up! House lights up, thank you! Sorry everybody one second, one second, we need some assistance right here about five rows back," the *NSYNC star said.

"Are we OK?," Timberlake asked, before seemingly receiving an affirmative answer. "No, no problem!" told the fan, who thanked him for checking.

"OK, we're OK," Timberlake said, as the crowd broke into cheers and applause. It's unclear what happened, but the Grammy winner joked about a possible concussion.

"We need a very serious Longhorn concussion protocol, please," he said before resuming the show.

Timberlake in March released his first new album in six years, "Everything I Thought It Was," and kicked off his tour at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, on April 29.

--with reporting by TMX
Israel's military on Monday announced the deaths of four more hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas during its Oct. 7 surprise attack that sparked the latest Mideast war.

They were identified as Chaim Peri, 80, Yoram Metzger, 80, Amiram Cooper, 84, and Nadav Popplewell, 51.

New, unspecified intelligence led to confirmation of their deaths, which Israel believes occurred "a number of months ago" in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in televised remarks, Reuters reported.

Israeli forces were operating in the city at the time and the army is investigating whether they were accidentally killed by friendly fire, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

"We are thoroughly examining the circumstances of their deaths and checking all possibilities. We will present soon the findings, first to their families and then to the public," Hagari said. "We will present them with transparency, as we have done until now."

All four men were shown alive in hostage videos released by Hamas, which said Popplewell had died of wounds from an Israeli airstrike when it released a video of him last month.

Their deaths brought the number of slain hostages to 43, according to Haaretz.

More than 250 people were kidnapped by Hamas and about 120 remain Gaza, including dead bodies.

Peri was inside his house in Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas gunmen overran the compound and he reportedly surrendered to save his wife, who was hiding behind a sofa, according to Reuters.

Cooper and Metzger, also from Nir Oz, were kidnapped with their wives, Nurit Cooper and Tamar Metzger, who were freed during a cease-fire in November.

Popplewell and his mother, Channa Peri, were kidnapped from her home during an attack that killed his brother, Roi, according to Haaretz.

Channa Peri was also released during the November truce.
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announces the upcoming opening of Mercure Sofia, the first hotel under the midscale brand in Bulgaria. Expected to open in the autumn of 2024, the new hotel will be located in Manastirski Livadi one of the most sought-after areas of the capital. The hotel boasts convenient access to various landmarks and attractions in the city, offering guests the opportunity to discover Bulgarian culture.

Mercure Sofia will offer 111 modern and comfortable rooms of different categories, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the city skyline. The hotel will blend modern interior design and an eye-catching facade, incorporating design elements inspired by Bulgaria's cultural traditions. Other amenities will include two restaurants serving local and international delicacies, suitable for hosting banquets, a wellness and fitness centre, as well as meeting and event spaces.

Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has taken pride in offering high-quality standards with a true take on the locality. Through its "Discover Local" programme, Mercure welcomes guests - whether it be in Rio, Paris, Bangkok, or any other destination globally - and instantly immerses them in a locally inspired atmosphere. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 950 hotels in over 65 countries.

Mercure Sofia will be operated by Festa Hotels under a franchise agreement with Accor.

Mercure Sofia will be part of Manastirski Livadi, a rapidly developing neighbourhood that combines a dynamic urban environment with a relaxed residential atmosphere. The area provides quick access to the city centre through Bulgaria Boulevard and sits at the foot of the pristine Vitosha mountain with access to its national park, ski slopes, hiking and climbing routes, and other tourist attractions. The hotel's proximity to the Sofia International Airport will make it a perfect getaway for both business and leisure travellers.

Mercure is a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Hotel website
Stonebridge Companies, LLC ("Stonebridge"), a Denver-based innovative, privately-owned hotel management company boasting a diverse range of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay properties, announced today the appointment of Rob Smith as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Smith will join the company in July to oversee the operations of Stonebridge. He will lead the development and execution of the organization's long-term strategies and report to Stonebridge's Board of Directors. Mr. Smith will succeed Navin Dimond, who founded Stonebridge in 1991, and will, upon Mr. Smith's appointment, be elevated to the role of Chairman.

Mr. Smith, a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, brings a wealth of experience to Stonebridge. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, he has held key positions with several hospitality organizations. Most recently, he served as Division President for Aimbridge Hospitality. During his 12-year tenure at Aimbridge, he was instrumental in the growth of the full-service, luxury, and resort portfolio. Prior to that, he spent almost two decades in the Caribbean, where he held positions at several large resort properties and served the island of Aruba as President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and Aruba Convention Bureau. His leadership journey also includes successful stints as General Manager of several large resorts in the United States and the Caribbean. Mr. Smith also currently serves on the AHLA Board of Directors, Marriott Rooms Advisory Board, and the Westin Brand Advisory Board.
A first of its kind, PROUD Experiences brings together leaders from the travel & lifestyle sectors to develop business strategies, expand LGBTQ+ understanding and connect with like-minded peers.

Launched in London in 2018 and established in New York, PROUD Experiences became an open space for debate, discussion and joint action. Agents, brands, designers, experiences, press and speakers joined us throughout the years in a show of a different kind - a show connecting travel & lifestyles professionals looking to embrace and elevate the LGBTQ+ community.

Now in Los Angeles - PROUD continues to curate authentic, hyper-personalised travel & lifestyle experiences for the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring everyone has the right to #belongeverywhere.

This event is organized by RX
Story Summary

Hilton's hotel room designs vary depending on the type of property.

The company often creates models of the spaces on site to test them out well before guests arrive.

Nearly all the furniture Hilton uses in its hotel rooms is custom-built.

As I walked down the halls of the upcoming Printing House Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, hotel, I stepped around cardboard boxes and cables. But as I entered a guest room on the 11th floor in late April as part of a hard hat tour, the dusty concrete floors gave way to clean, wide planks of hardwood.

The space featured a bed with a backlit headboard, a desk and matching chair in a walnut finish, and brass midcentury accents. While the rest of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton property  expected to open in August  was still a construction site, this room looked nearly finished.

Thats part of Hiltons hotel room design process. The company often creates models of the spaces on site to test them out well before guests arrive. You don't want to fix a mistake or something that you may have overlooked 300 times, Larry Traxler, senior vice president of global Design at Hilton, told USA TODAY. It's better to do it once in that model room stage, which is why they're so important.

But thats just one of many steps that go into getting a hotel room ready for check-in.

How are Hilton hotel rooms designed?

That depends on the type of property. Hiltons megacategory brands  such as the budget-friendly Spark or the extended-stay LivSmart Studios  are designed using brand prototypes.

We'll build model rooms, we'll prototype (furniture, fixtures and equipment), said Traxler. Well build 15 versions of a chair, a lounge chair, or the bed headboard, and work through all the details and select the best one.

For many other hotels  ranging from DoubleTree to luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts  Traxler said everything is bespoke.

Read the full article at USA TODAY
PARIS - Following the conclusion of the Groups 2024 Annual General Meeting, Accor  a world-leading hospitality group - is pleased to unveil its purpose statement: Pioneering the Art of Responsible Hospitality, Connecting Cultures, with Heartfelt Care .

Recognizing the importance of Purpose, Accor built this framework following an extensive company-wide consultation process leveraging Purpose taskforce and Ethics Committee workshops as well as ExCo members, Heartists and external stakeholders interviews, gathering more than 50,000 quotes from nearly 10,000 people.

Accor has long committed itself to sustainability and taking a community-centric approach, with care for people and planet running throughout our strategy. Purpose has long been at the core of everything the Group does, shaping Accor as it has grown into a diverse global collective of responsible hospitality leaders, embracing ethical practices, and imagining new ways to foster meaningful connections. Today, the Group is taking the next natural step by establishing a formal framework which sets out and holds us accountable to these values.

At Accor, we are explorers by nature, we are masters of hospitality, we are responsible actors who connect cultures, and above all we are Heartists. The purpose statement we have unveiled today is a culmination of years of Purpose-led hospitality and is the next natural step for us as we seek to pioneer the responsible travel of tomorrow. This framework will provide further inspiration to drive purposeful actions and performances in the best meaningful way. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Accor

The purpose statement is structured around four key strategic pillars and across each of them, Accor is making a series of commitments which are built upon concrete actions and assessed through KPIs.

The art of hospitality  expresses Accors commitment to creating a culture of excellence through empowering our Heartists to challenge the status quo and find new ways to offer authentic guest experiences.

 expresses Accors commitment to creating a culture of excellence through empowering our Heartists to challenge the status quo and find new ways to offer authentic guest experiences. Responsible hospitality  reflects the Groups commitment to making every stay a positive contribution to society and the environment and reflects Accors long- standing desire to set the industry standard for responsible hospitality.

 reflects the Groups commitment to making every stay a positive contribution to society and the environment and reflects Accors long- standing desire to set the industry standard for responsible hospitality. Connecting cultures  represents Accors commitment to turn everyday into an intercultural journey while preserving and nourishing local identities.

 represents Accors commitment to turn everyday into an intercultural journey while preserving and nourishing local identities. Heartfelt care  encapsulates Accors commitment to fostering empathy and wellbeing in the workplace and embedding a fair chance, social elevator culture across the Group.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

Line Crieloue

Group external communications - Executive Director - Corporate

+33 1 45 38 18 11

Accor
Canopy by Hilton Seychelles - Guest Room



Recent acquisitions of Graduate Hotels and NoMad brands and appointment of new global lifestyle president affirm Hilton's focus on lifestyle category expansion

With nearly 350 existing lifestyle hotels and another 350 expected to join the portfolio by 2028, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is set to double its presence in the fast-growing lifestyle category in the next four years. The recent addition of Graduate Hotels and NoMad to Hiltons portfolio, coupled with increasing guest and owner demand, has positioned the company to further accelerate lifestyle category growth.

After adding more than 50 new lifestyle hotels and approving another 100 in 2023, Hilton anticipates opening more than 100 new hotels this year across its lifestyle brands, each designed to meet the increased enthusiasm from guests for distinct and localized travel experiences. This year will also mark the debut of Hiltons 400th property in the category.

The accelerated growth will be supported by the addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands. NoMads flagship London hotel and more than 30 existing Graduate locations will be available on Hiltons booking channels later this summer, in addition to new Graduate hotels that will open this year in Princeton, N.J. and Auburn, Ala.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hiltons entry into the lifestyle segment, we look ahead to even more rapid growth with a powerhouse line-up of brands that will meet the needs of developers and guests alike in some of the worlds most desirable locations, said Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton. The recent addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands to our lifestyle and luxury lifestyle portfolio will accelerate our growth as we look for more opportunities to deliver the exceptional experiences guests want in the worlds top hotel destinations.

NoMad to Drive Luxury Lifestyle Category Growth

Earlier this year, Hilton announced plans to expand the NoMad luxury lifestyle brand from its existing London flagship location to high-end markets around the world. NoMad, a meticulously designed brand defined by exceptional food and beverage, captivating interior design and exemplary service, will bring Hilton travelers a new sophisticated option for luxury stays in some of the worlds greatest locations.

Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO, Sydell Group, continues to lead the NoMad brand with responsibility for design, branding and hotel management while Hilton is leading future development. Over the last decade, Zobler and his team have created seven dynamic lifestyle brands, with award-winning hotel concepts including NoMad, The Line, Freehand and The Ned. Sydell will be responsible for design, branding and management of the NoMad brand while Hilton will lead all development.

Hilton Introduces New Global Lifestyle President

Hilton also has appointed Kevin Osterhaus as president, global lifestyle brands to steward the growth, design and development of the Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Tempo by Hilton brands.

Osterhaus joins Hilton from Graduate Hotels, where, as president, he oversaw all aspects of global operations and marketing for the companys portfolio, which includes more than 30 properties across the United States and the United Kingdom. Kevin developed his expertise in creating memorable guest experiences through his extensive background in the hospitality industry marked by leadership roles at Ennismore International, The Hoxton Hotels, SIXTY Hotels, and Standard International. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Bunkhouse Group's growth.

We are excited to welcome Kevin and benefit from his extensive experience in the increasingly important lifestyle category, said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton. Kevin will oversee the seamless integration of the Graduate brand into our lifestyle portfolio to ensure we maintain and accelerate what has made Graduate a fan-favorite with guests, as well as lead the strategic vision for all of Hiltons lifestyle brands.

"Hilton's lifestyle brands are aspirational, design-led, and experiential with authentic points of view reflected in every aspect of the stay, said Kevin Osterhaus, president, global lifestyle brands, Hilton. I look forward to building on the categorys success and continuing Hiltons commitment to pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a lifestyle brand."

Hiltons growing portfolio of lifestyle brands now includes:

Canopy by Hilton

Blending sophisticated design with crafted touchpoints that celebrate the best of the neighborhood, Canopy by Hilton offers an inviting and locally inspired boutique hotel experience. This year, the brand opened its first resort property with Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, positioning the brands expansion into high-value leisure destinations with additional resorts planned in Okinawa, Japan; Bozeman, Montana; and more. Canopy by Hilton  which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024  signed six new hotels in the first quarter, including two new countries in Greece and Malta, and will debut in Japan this year.

Curio Collection by Hilton

Curio Collection by Hilton provides immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences in the world's most sought-after destinations. Expanding from 34 countries in 2022 to 40 countries by mid-2024, the brands growth highlights its appeal in diverse markets, offering guests bespoke and elevated adventures in key urban and resort destinations. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the brand plans to open nearly 30 new properties this year. Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton marks the brand's debut in Croatia and its 40th country milestone. Additional first-in-country entries in 2024 include Grand Hotel Vilnius in Lithuania and Kwetu Nairobi in Kenya; the soon-to-open Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic; and nine first quarter signings in new markets such as Romania, Thailand, and Mykonos poise the brand for continued growth.

Graduate by Hilton

In a strategic move to enhance market reach and diversify its offerings, Hilton has welcomed Graduate Hotels into its lifestyle category. This addition brings a unique blend of collegiate charm and nostalgia, targeting key customer segments that seek localized travel experiences. The brand currently has a portfolio of more than 35 properties open or in the pipeline, with Graduate Princeton and Graduate Auburn scheduled to open in 2024. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally.

Motto by Hilton

Featuring flexible spaces and dynamic design inspired by the location, Motto by Hilton connects guests and locals to the center of it all. The brand continues expanding its footprint, most recently debuting in South America with Motto by Hilton Cusco. With robust expansion plans, Motto by Hilton is set to be in 10 countries by 2026, further cementing its position as a global player in the lifestyle hotel segment. As the first hotel of its kind in Asia, Motto by Hilton Hong Kong Soho will debut in late 2024 and the brand will also expand into Bentonville, Arkansas, later this year.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Each Tapestry Collection by Hilton property boasts a unique and vibrant personality crafted through elevated design and locally inspired food and beverage, offering guests authentic experiences in diverse destinations. After celebrating its 100th opening in 2023, the brand is now on track to reach its 150th opening this year. With a strong pipeline of more than 100 properties, showcasing significant expansion in the independent hotel segment and market penetration, especially through conversions, Tapestry is expanding in high barrier-to-entry markets in Europe where small boutique properties are looking for an engine to help them grow. A number of first-in-country milestones are slated for the brand, with openings planned in Thailand, Paraguay and Turkiye. Later this year, the first Hilton in Bermuda will open with Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

Tempo by Hilton

With a stylish, contemporary experience tailored to the needs of active, ambitious travelers, Tempo by Hilton features purposefully designed guest rooms, wellness-focused amenities, and balanced food & beverage options to empower guests to maintain their routines and thrive. Tempo by Hilton is rapidly expanding its footprint with recent and upcoming openings in Times Square, Nashville, Louisville and Raleigh, and expects to have approximately 30 hotels open by 2026.
Image Credit Keen-Summit Capital Partners

Keen-Summit Capital Partners LLC in conjunction with Berkadia Hotels & Hospitality are present a unique opportunity to acquire the senior secured mortgage and note encumbering the closed hotel formerly known as The Cassa Hotel. The two mortgage holders have initiated the foreclosure, and the sale of the subject note is anticipated to close in conjunction with the foreclosure, thereby providing the buyer with a clear path to fee title. The call for offers is June 21.

Located at 70 West 45th Street, this condominium encompasses a 165-room luxury hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, said Harold Bordwin, Principal at Keen-Summit Capital Partners. This property presents an exceptional investment opportunity in one of the most sought-after lodging markets in the world. The combination of an irreplaceable location, significant physical value-add potential, and a clear path to ownership makes this a truly unique investment prospect.

He added that he was especially pleased to partner with Berkadia, a firm renowned for its extensive experience and expertise in the hospitality sector. The Cassa Hotel property is currently undergoing a foreclosure process anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

Denny Meikleham, Managing Director, Investment Sales, Berkadia Hotels & Hospitality: With our extensive experience in the marketplace, we recognize the unparalleled potential of this property. The former Cassa Hotel offers a rare opportunity for investors to secure a prime Midtown Manhattan asset.

Dan Hawkins, Managing Director, Investment Sales, Berkadia Hotels & Hospitality: Built in 2010, the property features exclusive amenities, including a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, a business center, and versatile meeting spaces, enhancing its appeal to both leisure and business travelers.

Investment Highlights:

Rare Opportunity : Acquire a note with a clear path to ownership of a luxury, four-star hotel at a fraction of replacement cost and comparable sales.

: Acquire a note with a clear path to ownership of a luxury, four-star hotel at a fraction of replacement cost and comparable sales. Unencumbered Asset : Benefit from the unencumbered Midtown Manhattan hotel.

: Benefit from the unencumbered Midtown Manhattan hotel. Prime Location : Irreplaceable New York City location with prominent high-rise hotel frontage along 45th Street.

: Irreplaceable New York City location with prominent high-rise hotel frontage along 45th Street. Physical Value-Add: Potential for physical value-add upside.

Potential for physical value-add upside. Demand Generators: Positioned to capitalize on a robust local construction pipeline spurring new demand generators and amenities.

The property offers prime frontage along 45th Street, physical value-add upside, branding optionality, and a fee-simple/non-union tenure  a rarity for its renowned NYC location. This offering yields a unique and highly compelling investment opportunity in the current economic landscape.

Berkadia and Keen-Summits marketing campaign for this asset is not indicative of a traditional note sale, in which a buyer needs to initiate and complete a foreclosure.
Six Pitfalls for Full-Service Hotel Development Part 1- By Dan Voellm

Part 1: Two pitfalls for full-service hotel development

Hotel development is a complex undertaking. It requires little of the skills to operate and monetize the asset. Owners and architects are often ill-equipped to measure up the requirements for running a successful hotel a few years down the road. While certain industry trends exist, fundamentals still need to be observed. Words of caution for those attached to specific brands or roles a hotel is meant to fulfill  in todays world of hyper-efficiencies it is becoming more difficult to provide everything for everyone. Or specifically: provide a comprehensive range of service to all types of travelers. The real estate required to accommodate these service encounters has simply become too expensive to build. Thus, the question: is the classic full-service hotel concept in peril? The following article discusses the major challenges that negatively impact the financial returns for new-built, full-service hotel in many markets in Asia Pacific and presumably, the world. In this first part of the article,we discuss the cost of land and impact of seasonality. The second and third part of the article discuss the other four pitfalls. The fourth part of the article will outline strategies and band aids to address the six pitfalls.

1. Land cost:

Eye-watering to some, land values in Asia are rarely cheap. If they are, some flags should be raised. As many real estate markets remain opaque and exhibit varying degrees of inefficiencies, investors continue to see much of the value in the underlying land. Following decades of growth, many see continuous i.e. annual appreciation as a given. Sellers rarely leave money on the table for a buyer/developer to realize attractive returns. Bar any major corrections, the only answer is long-term hold. As a result, conglomerates and families have amassed significant land banks they can develop over time. After all, real estate ownership is not taxed in a major way. As a result, land is not realized efficiently while being commodified at the same time. Typical valuation reports assign the majority of the (income) value to the underlying land rather than the real property or building on top of it. Another layer to this conundrum is ground leases, common in various jurisdictions across the region. Income generating assets with a finite life will suffer from diminishing terminal values. As a result, investors require even more sophisticated underwriting. Meanwhile, significant down payments versus annuities further work against favorable returns under the time value of money principle. While the investment rationale the principle purports remains elusive in most markets, investors often favor lump sum upfront payments as a means to de-risk their development. As a market standard, such structures favor larger players with a strong balance sheet. While the (North American) rule of thumb for hotel development used to be that 20% of the development cost should be the cost of the land, there are markets in Asia Pacific where this share increases up to 90%. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy for how real estate markets evolve  or end in bubbles burst. We dont argue that prime pieces of land have no value. However, the nuances of location, permitted uses(and the requirements to change the use) and how they contribute to value appears to be less scrutinized.

2. Seasonality:

While market analysts and operators may lament or praise high occupancy levels, these are often convoluted by supply swings  to be discussed below. More fundamental to a hotel market is the underlying seasonality of demand. This is easier understood from traditional resort markets such as Phuket, Bali, and Maldives. While the former two managed to exceed the 70% in several years, Maldives lingers in the mid-60 percent range. While blessed by sun, beaches, geography, and infrastructure inclement weather is a major deterrent as are schedules of various (school and public) holidays. While weather patterns have become more erratic, they are unlikely to upset peak seasons in the medium term and holidays are here to stay. The only major factor would be for China to abandon its national holiday pattern of Chinese New Year and Golden Week and let workers schedule their holidays independently. Though it may stimulate consumption in a positive way, it appears we are far away from that happening. In a traditional city market with strong (corporate) weekday demand but limited weekend leisure travel, occupancy levels tend to peak in the low 70s. Suburban and getaway destinations usually see high weekend occupancy rates,but midweeks are a bust. Some properties have managed to capture MICE demand to drive midweek occupancy. However, just building the right facilities may not suffice to attract events. Having the right room product, amenities, positioning,and brand also play a role. In some cases, there may be a lack of awareness entirely or transportation limits the restrictions limit what organizers can deliver. Some destination marketing agencies, such as the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) or the City of Sapporo, work hard to establish and attract a series of events to reduce seasonality in the market. Notably, some demand generators are less prone to seasonality than others. Diversification in demand generators should be on anyones agenda when looking to reduce seasonality. Thus, a traditional hotel/resort investor can rarely defy seasonality trends single-handedly to drive returns- unless they opt for differentiated business models.

In the second part we will discuss the role of markets and labor. The third part of the article discuss the remaining two pitfalls. The fourth part of the article will outline strategies and some band aids to address the six pitfalls.

Dan Voellm, MRICS is CEO & Founder of AP Hospitality Advisors based in Hong Kong covering all of Asia Pacific as well as a member of Cayuga Hospitality Consultants, a global consulting organization. With more than 15 years of consulting experience, Dan Voellm has provided advice in 24 territories across Asia Pacific. Prior to rebranding the firm to AP Hospitality Advisors in 2021, Dan Voellm was Managing Partner of HVS Asia Pacific responsible for five offices in Greater China and Thailand following his time as Vice President at HVS global headquarters in New York conducting a wide range of appraisals, market studies and underwriting due diligence services in 22 states as well as Canada. Dan Voellm brings a strong understanding of the hospitality industry to Asia Pacific with experience in hotel and food and beverage operations in Germany, Switzerland, England and the United States. His experience is complemented by an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree from Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 60F. WSW winds shifting to NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 60F. WSW winds shifting to NE at 10 to 20 mph.
Proposed TikTok Sale Law sparks First Amendment concerns

Why a new law demanding TikToks sale raises serious First Amendment issues and what this could mean for digital free speech.

Op-ed by Anupam Chander and Gautam Hans from Tech Dirt

TikTok, the short-video company with Chinese roots, did the most American thing possible on May 7, 2024: It sued the U.S. government, in the person of Attorney General Merrick Garland, in federal court. The suit claims the federal law that took effect on April 24, 2024, banning TikTok unless it sells itself violates the U.S. Constitution.

The law names TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., specifically. It also applies to other applications and websites reaching more than a million monthly users that allow people to share information and that have ownership of 20% or more from China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. If the president determines that such applications or websites present a significant threat to the national security, then those apps and websites, too, must either be sold or banned from the U.S.

TikToks suit says that the law violates the First Amendment by failing to provide evidence of the national security threat posed by the app and for failing to seek a less restrictive remedy. Despite legislators claims to the contrary, the law forcing the divestiture of TikTok  the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act  implicates First Amendment interests. In our view, it does so in ways that ripple beyond this specific case.

As a company incorporated in the United States that provides an online publishing platform, TikTok has a right protected by the First Amendment to select what messages  in this case, user videos  it chooses to publish.

A ban appears to us, scholars who study law and technology, to be a massive prior restraint, which is generally barred by U.S. courts. Prior restraint is action by the government to prevent speech, typically some form of publication, before it occurs.The First Amendment limits what the government can do to censor speech.

Speech in the crosshairs

The laws backers say that it is not a ban  all TikTok has to do is sell itself. These supporters describe the bill as a divestiture, a purely economic regulation that they say should insulate it from First Amendment challenge. After the sale, users could happily keep on using TikTok, not caring who owns the company. But the law seems to us an attempt to control speech by mandating a change in ownership.

Changing the speech content on the app is the express goal of some of the laws backers. The principal author of the bill, former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, who stepped down from office in April to join a venture capital firm partly backed by Microsoft, explained to The New York Times that he was principally concerned about the potential for the Chinese Communist Party to spread propaganda on the app. The Times and The Wall Street Journal have reported that Congress passed this bill in part because of unsubstantiated accusations that TikTok was unfairly promoting one side in the Israel-Hamas war.

Imagine if the government told Jeff Bezos that he had to sell The Washington Post because it was worried that he might push a particular agenda using his control of the newspaper. Or to use a digital analogy, what if the government told Elon Musk that he had to sell X, formerly Twitter, because it didnt like his content moderation of legal speech? Those scenarios clearly have a connection to First Amendment protections.

Ownership matters

Transferring TikToks ownership from one company to another matters greatly for the purposes of First Amendment analysis.

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan observed during oral arguments in a case unrelated to TikToks ownership that ownership can make a difference in an app. She noted that the sale of Twitter to Elon Musk changed the character of the app. Kagan said, Twitter users one day woke up and found themselves to be X users and the content rules had changed and their feeds changed, and all of a sudden they were getting a different online newspaper, so to speak, in a metaphorical sense every morning.

Indeed, The Washington Post found a rightward tilt after Twitter changed hands.

By forcing the sale of TikTok to an entity without ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Congress intent with the law is to change the nature of the platform. That kind of government action implicates the core concerns that the First Amendment was designed to protect against: government interference in the speech of private parties.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-sponsor of the House bill on TikTok, pointed to another instance where the U.S. government ordered a Chinese company to sell a U.S. app. In 2019, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ordered the new Chinese owners of Grindr to sell the dating app, which the Chinese owners did the following year. In that case, the foreign owners could not assert First Amendment rights in the United States, given that they were outside the U.S., and thus no court considered this issue.TikTok is claiming First Amendment protection against the law forcing its sale or ban.

National security claims

The government hasnt disclosed to the public the national security concerns cited in the TikTok law. While such concerns, if accurate, might warrant some kind of intervention, some Americans are likely to decline to take claims of national security urgency on good faith. To address skepticism of secret government power, particularly when it involves speech rights, the government arguably needs to present its claims.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn, both of whom supported the TikTok law and have seen the governments secret evidence, called for the declassification of that information. We believe thats a vital step for the public to properly consider the governments claim that a ban is warranted in this instance. In any case, the courts will ultimately weigh the secret evidence in determining whether the governments national security concerns justified this intrusion upon speech.

What seems likely to happen, absent judicial invalidation or legislative repeal of the law, is a world in which TikTok cannot effectively operate in the United States in a years time, with mobile app stores unable to push out updates to the software and Oracle Corp. unable to continue hosting the app and its U.S. user data on its servers. TikTok could go dark on Jan. 19, 2025, in the United States.

Anupam Chander, Professor of Law and Technology, Georgetown University and Gautam Hans, Associate Clinical Professor of Law, Cornell University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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GCash, the countrys leading finance app, has teamed up with, IKON Manning Solutions, its first talent-sourcing agency partner, to provide overseas Filipino workers with essential digital financial services to help them support their families back home.

(L-R) GCash International general manager Paul Albano, IKON Executive Solution president, Bernice Berneguer

With this, GCash and IKON aim to address the needs of the global Filipino community, providing them with a secure and convenient way to manage their finances while enjoying the apps various services, including sending money to the Philippines, paying bills, purchasing mobile load and more.

As part of the partnership, GCash will also educate departing OFWs on the importance of digital proficiency and how they can achieve their financial goals and support their family back home through the app. Additionally, GCash and IKON will conduct a financial literacy program to extend their support to 2.33 million OFWs.

Moreover, OFWs set to leave the country can also have access to exclusive services offered by IKON via the GCash app.

We recognize the hard work and sacrifices of OFWs and their big contribution to our economy. Through our partnership, Filipinos can find more career opportunities at IKON via the GJobs feature of the app. They can also access GLoans and experience more convenient transactions with the recruitment agency as one of its partner merchant billers, said GCash International General Manager Paul Albano.

He also shared that the partnership will allow users to access a wide digital library of relevant and informative content from IKON via Pinoy Channel, from tips on adjusting to life while working abroad to financial management tips and helpful tailor-fit hacks for OFWs.

GCash is currently available in 16 countries where Filipinos can download and sign up for the GCash app, with their local SIMs, namely the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia. Soon, the service will be expanding to Kuwait, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and eventually more countries in the future.

Together with its partners, GCash continues to respond to the needs of global Filipinos in these cashless digital economies, providing them with a safe, secure, and efficient fintech solution.

The GCash app is available for free on Google Play and the App Store. For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
I once spent a hugely enjoyable hour interviewing Willie Nelson. Now, from Brian Fairbankss Willie, Waylon, and the Boys: How Nashville Outsiders Changed Country Music Forever (Hachette), I also discover how the maverick musician got the nickname Shotgun Willie. After Nelsons daughter Lana was allegedly beaten up by her husband Steve, Nelson slapped his son-in-law senseless and threatened to drown him Steve then pleaded, Dont hit me, Willie, I got anxiety. The tragi-comic feud escalated, however, when Steve returned with a rifle and fired at Nelson, who got out a shotgun and blasted back at Steves departing truck. One shot blew out a tyre, Fairbanks records. Luckily, no one was injured, and the police declined to press charges. Interrogated about the incident, Nelson deadpanned: He mustve run over the bullet.

Bruce Springsteens Born in the USA is 40 years old this month and this triumphant album is explored in Steven Hydens There Was Nothing You Could Do: Bruce Springsteens Born in the USA and the End of the Heartland (Hachette). I particularly enjoyed the story of Brian De Palmas music video for the albums hit track Dancing in the Dark (the one where the Boss dances with a young Courteney Cox) and how it replaced the original, which was evidently so daft that Springsteen walked off the set during filming and never came back.

Music PR guru Alan Edwardss memoir (reviewed in full below) is part of a busy month in terms of music books, including Ann Powerss in-depth study Travelling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell (HarperCollins). As well as the Mitchell tome, I would recommend Nige Tassells Searching for Dexys Midnight Runners: The Last Gang in Town (Nine Eight), in which the author tracks down all the members of the 1980s chart-toppers who played for Kevin Rowlands band. Rowland wanted Van Morrison to be their producer and the Irishman was persuaded to see them rehearse at Birminghams Cedar Club. As tenor saxophonist Geoff Blythe recalls: He stood at the door for literally about two seconds, turned around and walked back out. The door shut and that was that. It was the funniest thing. It was like a cowboy movie. I guess he just hated us.

Finally, away from music, there is much to chew over in Matthew Lockwoods compelling and humane This Land of Promise: A History of Refugees and Exiles (William Collins), which analyses some misconceptions about Britains history of immigration. We have a laudable past as a haven country  which Lockwood details in an account going back to 1695  and the author reminds readers of that, as well as the uncertainty ahead in a world that is estimated to produce more than a billion climate refugees by 2050.

Novels by Kevin Barry and Catherine Newman and non-fiction from Alan Edwards, Kit Holden, Kate Bradbury and Professor Tim Coulson are reviewed in full below.

Kevin Barrys brilliantly twisty novel brings the past to life with such intensity ( Kevin Barry )

The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry 

Kevin Barrys That Old Country Music was one of my favourite books of 2020 so I opened The Heart in Winter, his first historical fiction, with a good measure of anticipation. I was not disappointed. Its stunning.

The novel starts in Butte, Montana, in 1891, a mining town of whores and chest infections, where Tom Rourke, a dope fiend poet and balladeer, is scraping by, helping miners write love letters to prospective brides.

When Tom flees the town with Polly Gillespie, the recent bride of the weird and devout mine captain Long Anthony Harrington, all hell breaks loose. Harrington hires three rancid Cornish guns for vengeance and they begin a brutal pursuit of the maggot Tom and his renegade lover.

As well as being a highly original novel about the American dream, The Heart in Winter is also Limerick-born Barrys moving meditation on the immigrant experience for the Irish in America, especially those early settlers who were vomited out of their homelands. Many take refuge in sentimentality and what Barry calls the deathhauntedness of the Irish.

The novel sparkles with imaginative lyrical descriptions  including of warped sexual desires, the rank smells of the Wild West, the weather, the assorted strangers (one is mottled and pecked-looking  and is pinned together with numerous superb set-pieces. One of the sharpest is the one between the hard-bitten Butte sheriff and the deluded Harrington. For good measure, Barry even brings a mordant horse into the mix of Tom and Pollys desperate attempt to reach San Francisco.

Barry keeps a tight rein on the tension, especially as the Cornish assassins close in on Tom and Polly. These desperadoes are genuinely horrifying. Barry writes of their leader, Jago Marrak, that His noggin was a tower of screeching bats, as of some haunted West Country moor, a phrase typical of the unusual phrasing Barry seems to have at his fingertips. The grim account of Polly being held hostage by Jagos sidekick, a deranged toothlackin idiot who fattens her up like a veal calf for his bizarre sexual kicks  is memorably disturbing.

The Heart in Winter is a haunting misfit love story and a tale of venal, black-hearted men. The ending is sure-footed and sorrowful and fittingly realistic for a brilliantly twisty novel that brings the past to life with such intensity. This is one of 2024s best, for sure.

The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry is published by Canongate on 6 June, 16.99

Alan Edwards spills the beans on music PR in his hugely entertaining memoir ( Dave Hogan )

I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll by Alan Edwards 

Alan Edwards owns up to some of the PR tricks used to manipulate journalists, admitting in I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll that he would flatter music writers who had just interviewed Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, for example, by telling them theirs was the cleverest or funniest The Rolling Stones had done that day. The key was to make them feel as if they had a moment of authentic connection, as that would mean a better article, he writes. Darn! Is that why they say such nice things?

However, as his hugely entertaining memoir makes clear, it was often just as simple to ply the alcohol-sodden hacks of the Seventies with as much strong free booze and tasty food as possible to guarantee honeyed praise.

Edwards, founder of the Outside Organisation, makes clear what a precarious business music PR was in the old days. If you werent having to bribe the US mob, or play Russian roulette with a Hells Angel in Amsterdam, you were at the whim of skittish personalities such as Jagger, who hired and fired with ease. Even Elton John, who comes across as a generous enough soul, sacked Edwards after five years working together because he blamed him for a review in The Independent slating one of his gigs. John was apparently furious that Edwards had not taken more time choosing the reviewer, seemingly unaware of how an arts desk operates.

In among rollicking tales of the Sex Pistols, The Stranglers and Debbie Harry (who seems like a thoroughly good egg), Edwards deals with his own life, from his scallywag childhood behaviour to his panic attacks as an adult. He certainly has valid and eye-opening things to say about the racism of the press. One editor told him that they didnt want to feature a particular artist because Black people didnt print properly on the paper they used.

Edwards brings out the wild, bizarre side of his working life and the book is littered with oddballs, from the egomaniac Robert Maxwell to the eccentric Prince. Visiting celebrities would be asked to wear latex gloves to meet Prince backstage and he once conducted a conversation with Edwards entirely through his bodyguard. There is a lot about the dull Beckhams in the book, but the sections on David Bowie are far more interesting and enlightening. You have to admire a man who turns up for a glitzy event in his slippers. Others, including the brittle Bryan Ferry and the grammar detective Simon Le Bon, remain just cameos.

You suspect that the book pulls some of its punches (Im sure the most outrageous or damaging tales had to stay in the vault) and the assessment of the can you separate the artist from their art debate following the harrowing allegations surrounding his client Michael Jackson is dispensed with in superficial style. The strength of the book (to me anyway) are the quirky stories and reminiscences, few funnier than the one about Keith Moon and an office desk.

For all the glamour and the proximity to genuine stardom, Edwards, to his credit, remains proudest of playing football with Bob Marley (a skilful player) and earning his approval. Nothing has ever got close to getting a thumbs-up from Bob Marley for playing a good pass to him, he states.

I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll by Alan Edwards is published by Simon & Schuster on 6 June, 25

Kit Holdens wacky book about German football is timed for the European Championships ( Josie Le Blond )

Played in Germany: A Footballing Journey Through a Nations Soul by Kit Holden 

Premier League football has become, in part, such a soulless, money-obsessed thing, that German football, according to Kit Holden in Played in Germany: A Footballing Journey Through a Nations Soul, is still a place where a football fan is not just a consumer, they are part of a community.

The publication is timed for the European Championships (which are being held in 10 host German cities, including Berlin) and the eight chapters look at the different regional clubs of Germany. I liked the wackiness of the book, including the section about FC Kolns goat mascot (which, hopefully, is not related to his note that Cologne is now ranked the most sexually liberal city in the world) and the story about former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, who admitted he celebrated wildly in 2011 after leading them to their first Bundesliga title. Klopp later confessed that he got so drunk that he and club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke woke up in the bus depot and had to hitchhike back home, Holden records.

There are lots of positive things about football in Germany, but the author does not shy away from the negatives, including the far-right tendencies that remain entrenched in some clubs, especially those with East German origins. Holden goes on to say that Germany is a country that still tolerates comedians blacking up and using the N-word on primetime German television. The author also explores the shameful part that some clubs played during the Nazi years. Eintracht Frankfurt expelled Jewish members and its wartime chair Rudolf Gramlich served in the SS and possibly committed war crimes. Eintracht removed his honorary presidency in 2020.

Finally, the books illustrations are good, especially the one of a less-than-happy Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane dressed in lederhosen and drinking beer at Oktoberfest. Kane scored a lot of goals in his first season abroad but won nothing, so at least he brought a flavour of Tottenham with him to Germany.

Played in Germany: A Footballing Journey Through a Nations Soul by Kit Holden is published by Duckworth on 6 June 2024, 12.99

The terrifying reality of climate change is a theme of Kate Bradburys potent book ( Gardeners World Paul Debois )

One Garden Against the World: In Search of Hope in a Changing Climate by Kate Bradbury 

Gardening journalist Kate Bradbury recounts a story in her new book One Garden Against the World: In Search of Hope in a Changing Climate about a conversation with an Englishman after her inspiring trip to Australia. He told her Aboriginal civilisation wasnt to be taken seriously as they hadnt built any tall buildings. For tall buildings, read ego, she surmised, adding: If only the ego wasnt the dominant force of civilisation today, what would we know? I doubt we would be hurtling towards 3C of average global warming by the end of the century. Amen to that.

The terrifying reality of climate change and the way humans have become disconnected from the natural world are themes of a potent book that urges people to have a deeper relationship with the world around us. The book is full of sweet reminders to take pleasure in simple things. The sound of rain filling the water butt is joyous, Bradbury writes. There is a handy Where to Start list at the end, which has made me want to try growing oregano.

Theres a lot in the book about saving hedgehogs (seeing one in your own garden is, I agree, a delight) in an account of how she turned her own garden into a welcome refuge for animals. She is also honest about her own feelings (there is a lot about someone called Drone Bastard) and her activism, including her memories of fighting against Margaret Thatchers hateful and homophobic Section 28 legislation.

The prose and the ideas are slightly wild and rambling, like an interesting garden I suppose, but I enjoyed the book and empathised with her bemusement and distress at the way people are so blinkered and blase about climate change. The book is a positive one, but her central question remains: What will be left? if we carry on being such a self-destructive race.

One Garden Against the World: In Search of Hope in a Changing Climate by Kate Bradbury is published by Bloomsbury on 6 June, 18.99

Catherine Newmans Sandwich deftly captures how you can be both enraptured and overwhelmed by parenthood ( Transworld, Penguin Random House )

Sandwich by Catherine Newman 

Catherine Newmans Sandwich, about a family holiday to a beach rental in Cape Cod, is set over seven days (with brief prologue and after chapters) and centres around mother Rocky, her husband Nick, their children, their partners and two grandparents, who all travel to a holiday rental that has been a feature of their lives for two decades.

Lets toast Newman for a wonderful novel that opens in witty style with a plumbing disaster and a gruesome simile. Nick is bent over the toilet with the plunger again, working it like hes churning some kind of debased butter! says Rocky.

The characters  especially queer daughter Willa  draw you in to the drama and, in Rocky, Newman offers a raucous and biting depiction of a woman in her early fifties. If menopause were an actual substance, it would be spraying from my eyeballs, she says. Its also wry and humorous about marriage and sexism, with a sobering joke for men who chomp down boner pills. I just saw an ad for men who want to last longer. Who wants a guy to last longer? Finish up is my feeling. My library books not going to read itself, Rocky muses.

Sandwich is shrewd and funny, heart-warming and sorrowful (often in the same paragraph) and Newman deftly captures how you can be simultaneously enraptured and overwhelmed by parenthood. Sandwich is a great summer read.

Sandwich by Catherine Newman is published by Doubleday on 6 June, 16.99

Tim Coulsons highly readable book covers a lot of sciences achievements including the horrifying truth of whats in Botox ( Penguin Random House )

The Universal History of Us: A 13.8 Billion Year Tale from the Big Bang to You Tim Coulson 

Tim Coulson, the Oxford professor of zoology, says he wants his book The Universal History of Us: A 13.8 Billion Year Tale from the Big Bang to You to convince you of sciences remarkable achievements, which might be a big ask for the one in six Britons who believe the moon landings were faked (according to a 2019 survey Coulson cites).

Coulsons book is highly readable and a neat mixture of erudition and entertainment (admittedly, there were times when it lost a non-science reader like me) and amid the science he veers off on droll detours about his own life. He admits to being a bit of a weirdo in his school years (which given the evidence, that he admits to dressing in golfing trousers and wearing a trench coat and a green trilby, is likely true) but his enthusiasm for learning is palpable and he conveys his genuine enthusiasm for scientific landmarks (the Higgs boson contraption) as much as for geological ones (the mountain range of Australias Bungle Bungles).

Coulson covers a lot over 464 pages  the seismic stuff such as the big bang theory, human genetics, the galaxy, how we know the universe is flat (what is above and below it, I mused, probably in deep ignorance), DNA and quantum mechanics, along with startling facts about the horrifying truth of whats in Botox and how a genius such as Isaac Newton was still a small man who was paranoid and held grudges.

In the final sections, in which Coulson looks at consciousness, he includes a few thoughts about religion and why there is no scientific evidence for the deities that humans have created. I dont understand that if our existence does have a purpose beyond genetic replication, why did it take nearly 13.77 billion years for us to arise? What were deities up to for all this time? he asks.

Perhaps, rather like Manchester Uniteds Casemiro, God moves in mysterious and very slow ways.

The Universal History of Us: A 13.8 Billion Year Tale from the Big Bang to You by Professor Tim Coulson is published by Michael Joseph on 13 June, 30
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Miriam Margolyes has revealed she makes a significant amount of money on the personalised video service Cameo.

The Harry Potter actor, 83, said she charges 100 to send a video message to one of her fans and has been inundated with requests.

Speaking at Hay Festival, where she revealed the identity of the one Graham Norton Show guest she didnt enjoy meeting, Margolyes admitted shes even been tasked with proposing on a fans behalf via video recording for cash.

There is a website called Cameo and people pay you to say happy birthday to people they love, she explained.

Sometimes, Im asked to cheer up someone with terminal cancer. This is not easy. Sometimes Im asked to propose to somebody on behalf of the person whos paying me.

Margoyles continued: I enjoy it. I do as many as I can. And I charge 100 and Ive made an enormous amount of money.

Im not ashamed of that. I think thats perfectly fair.

Miriam Margoyles has revealed she makes an enormous amount of money on Cameo ( TikTok )

The actor, who claims she is a socialist, added: Dont think I dont like money  I love money. I love it and I want as much of it as I can get.

When asked if she needed to continue her lucrative Cameo career, Margolyes said: Of course. I want it all.

It comes after Margoyles recently told Harry Potter fans to grow up and get over the film series.

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The actor, who played Professor Pomona Sprout, said she worries about adult fans of the 25-year-old franchise because they should be over that by now.

"It was 25 years ago, and I think its for children," Margolyes told New Zealands 1News.

I do cameos [personalised video messages] and people say they are doing a Harry Potter-themed wedding, and I think, Oh gosh what is their first night of fun going to be? I cant even think about it. Harry Potter is wonderful, Im very grateful to it. Its over. Thats what I think.

The Call the Midwife actor later told ABC News Australia that once teens are through puberty, its time to forget about it and go on to other things.

If your balls have dropped, then its time to forget about it. You know, go on to other things, she said.

I just think that its for children. And then its time to move on.

She insisted that she was proud of being in what she called a great series and a wonderful set of films but fans need to let go and grow up.
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The idea that gay actors should be the only ones able to play gay roles is a continual source of debate.

But Hollywood star Rebel Wilson, famed for her roles in The Hustle and hit franchise Pitch Perfect, rejects this idea completely.

Wilson, who got engaged to a woman over a year ago, argued the idea that only straight actors can play straight roles and gay actors can play gay roles is total nonsense.

The 44-year-old Australian actress told Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs that performers should be able to play any role they want. This came after she was asked if women can get away with different jokes compared to their male counterparts.

Wilson said: Yeah, I dont think theres a different standard, its more this thing about  if you are something then now, youre allowed to joke about it. So, say, if you are overweight, you can say jokes. But if youre not (you cant) thats kind of whats currently happening. So, its not really gendered.

The Bridesmaids actor added: I always think, in comedy, your job is to always flirt with that line of whats acceptable. Sometimes you do step over it but, at the end of the day, you are trying to entertain people.

Rebel Wilson with fiancee, Ramona Agrumer ( Getty Images for AFI )

From Freddie Mercury to Lydia Tar, there have been many queer roles played by non-LGBT performers in recent years.

Wilsons views have been echoed by other actors, including Stanley Tucci and Kristen Stewart, who described the debate as a grey area. However, in 2018, Glees Darren Criss vowed to avoid LGBT+ roles altogether.

Criss said he came to his decision as he doesnt want to be another straight boy taking a gay mans role.

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Paul Mescal, who recently depicted a gay love interest in Andrew Haigh drama All of Us Strangers, argued that straight actors should be allowed to play queer roles but on one condition. The Irish star told The Sunday Times that it depends whos in charge of telling the story.

Mescal explained: The issue is that there have been so many queer performances in cinema that have been offensive, but thats because the filmmakers and actors have been careless.
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Swedish supertroupers Abba have received one of their countrys most prestigious awards, after being feted with an honour of chivalry that was last handed out by their monarch almost 50 years ago.

The iconic pop group were recognised by King Carl XVI Gustaf for their cultural impact, which saw them propel Swedish music to the global stage after their Eurovision triumph in 1974, on Friday 31 May.

The band, comprising Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Bjorn Ulvaeus, made a rare public appearance together in Stockholm, where they were knighted with the Royal Order of Vasa for outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music.

It is an honour that had not been bestowed on a Swedish citizen for half a century, until the practice was restored in 2022. Abbas four members were among 13 figures who were celebrated on Friday, in a first since the process reopened two years ago.

Candidates were nominated by both the general public and the Swedish government, with the ultimate honorees selected by the king himself, who handed out the knighthoods to Abba alongside Queen Silvia.

Abbas rare public appearance comes after their Abbatars made an appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo last month, which marked 50 years since their historic win with Waterloo.

Abba attend a ceremony where their four members were knighted by King Carl XVI Gustaf ( AP )

Their victory set off a string of hits for the band that includes The Winner Takes It All, Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen, and Mamma Mia.

Despite not performing live since 1982, Abba remain one of the worlds most successful pop acts, selling more than 400 million albums and singles. In 2022, they became the focus of a purpose-built arena in London where the Abba Voyage concerts use digital avatars of the musicians.

At a London Q&A on 30 March celebrating the two-year anniversary of Abba Voyage, which took seven years and $175m (138m) to develop, Andersson and Ulvaeus said it was very hard to emotionally grasp the impact of their music around the world.

Abba attend the first Abba Voyage concert in 2022 ( AP )

Its very, very hard to grasp emotionally that we wrote these little songs and it gave rise to this, and the millions of people we have touched, Andersson said.

We know its true, but its very hard to understand. Maybe impossible.

Ulvaeus added: Ive seen the show so many times and I think we look good up there. But I have no idea what it really is that makes people have it in them to want to listen to music that was done 50 years ago, 40 years ago, 30 years ago.
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Paul Weller has branded Sir Keir Starmer a slightly softer version of the Tory party, as he says he fails to see much difference between the Labour leader and prime minister Rishi Sunak.

The British rocker, 66, reflected on the forthcoming general election on 4 July, which was called by Sunak in May, as he expressed his doubts over Starmers values.

Hes just a slightly softer version of the Tory party, isnt he? the musician told The Big Issue.

Hed be well served to remember who built the Labour party, trade unions and communists. So, I dont see much difference between him and Sunak and all that mob. The fact that hes a Sir puts me off a little bit in the first place.

Weller, who recently released his 17th solo album 66, also shared his concern over the issue of homelessness in London, which he explores in his new music video, I Woke Up.

With the matter of homelessness, its: How do you fix this? You cant just keep moving people off and to another area, he said.

Its sweeping it under the carpet. Why dont we try and fix it? Im not saying its an easy thing to fix.

open image in gallery Paul Wellers new music video tackles the issue of homelessness in London ( Getty Images )

He added: Some of the homeless people round my way, some I chat to, its a mixture of things - some people have definitely got mental problems and they should be helped and looked after, some people have drug problems and could go through a programme.

But then you need a support system so that once they go through that programme they cant go back on the streets. They need work to help stop that. But thats in an ideal world. Because of all the cuts, thats not going to happen. Its f***ed.

The black and white music video for the song follows a day in the life of a homeless man in London. It ends with a call to help St Mungos, a charity that helps to provide rough sleepers with a safe bed for the night.

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It was partly filmed where the old homeless settlement known as cardboard city stood, near Waterloo Station between the late 1970s and 1990s.

Weller, who rose to fame in the late Seventies with his band The Jam, later enjoying success with The Style Council in the Eighties before embarking on a solo career, is known for his forthright views on politics and social issues.

open image in gallery Paul Weller branded Starmer a softer version of the Tory party ( Getty )

In a recent conversation with The Guardian, he hit out at the ongoing attacks by Israel on Gaza, and appeared to condemn the government over arms exports to Israeli forces.

Am I against genocides and ethnic cleansing? Yes I am, funnily enough, he said.

He continued: I cant understand why more people arent up in arms about whats going on. We should be ashamed of ourselves, I think.

One minute youre supplying bullets and bombs and guns, and then youre sending over food. How does that work?

Israel has vehemently denies allegations that it is carrying out a genocide and insists that it has the right to defend itself from Hamas, following the terrorist attacks on 7 October.

Elsewhere in his interview, Weller lashed out at the corruptness and cronyism, and the lies and deceit he sees in most UK politicians.

Theyre supposed to be your betters, your leaders, he said. But theyve been selling off the periphery of the NHS for years and let it fall into disrepair, and its going to get eaten away and eaten away until its off their hands, and its all privatised.

And thats one of our crown jewels, the NHS. Its supposed to be ours, we all pay for it. Its a total piss-take... People are getting to that point where they think, Youve just got to do it for yourself. Whether thats a revolution or not, I dont know.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Diary entries from Nicole Brown Simpsons secret journal, detailing the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband OJ Simpson, have been revealed in a new Lifetime documentary The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson.

The two-night special, which premieres on June 1, marks the 30th anniversary of Simpsons murder at age 35. It features exclusive interviews with her three sisters and closest friends who shed new light on her life and tragic death, filmmakers said.

On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson was stabbed to death alongside her friend Ron Goldman outside her Brentwood, California home. OJ was charged with the murders but acquitted by a jury at what became known as the trial of the century. OJ Simpson died from prostate cancer in April at the age of 76.

In the new documentary, Denise, Dominique and Tanya Brown open up about the relationship between Nicole and OJ.

Denise shares how she missed signs of abuse because they seemed very loving toward each other.

Nicoles private diary told a different story about their relationship, one filled with verbal, emotional and physical abuse.

open image in gallery Nicole Brown Simpson and OJ Simpson. Diary entries featured in a new Lifetime documentary highlight the abuse Nicole says OJ inflicted. ( A&E Networks/Getty Images )

The first handwritten diary entry, shown in episode one, detailed a fight they had in the first year of their relationship, shortly after the death of OJs one-year-old daughter Aaren, whom he shared with his first wife Marguerite Simpson.

Early in 1st year 1977 in San Franciso after his baby died I found an earring in my apt bed on Bedford, she wrote. I accused OJ of sleeping with someone named Teri. He threw fit, chased me, grabbed me threw me into walls. Threw all my clothes out of window onto street [from] 3rd floor. Bruised me, calmed him down.

Later in the episode, Judie Manto, a longtime family friend of the Browns, recalled visiting the Simpsons at their Laguna beach house. She described the energy at the house as light and energetic, but then [OJ] would just come and it would be like a black cloud all of a sudden.

open image in gallery Nicole Brown Simpson kept a private diary detailing the abuse she suffered ( Screenshot courtesy of Lifetime )

Beach house  Hit me, threw me up against the walls. Threw my camera, it broke the paneling  moldings off the doors to master bdrm and garage door, Nicole wrote in a second diary entry.

Finally, the episode recounted the time OJ got angry over a gay man kissing his and Nicoles son, Justin. The family was, at the time, gathered at a restaurant in Hawaii for Christmas in 1988.

There was a gay couple that was sitting at the table and they just thought Justin was beautiful, Denise explained. One of the guys, he kissed Justin on the forehead. And it was so sweet and so nice, and as soon as we walked out all hell broke loose.

open image in gallery This image released by Lifetime shows promotional art for The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson," premiering June 1 on Lifetime. ( AP )

open image in gallery OJ Simpson famously tried on the gloves during the trial over the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson that became known as the trial of the century ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a clip shown from the 1996 video deposition of OJs close friend, Marcus Allen, he told lawyers: After Nicole had let the man hold the baby, she took the baby back, OJ supposedly had said, Why did you have that gay guy hold my baby, or something like that and she says, Why are you concerned about him being gay? Your father is gay. And OJ got very upset with her.

OJ had a fraught relationship with his father, Jimmy Simpson, who had come out as gay later in life and died from AIDS in 1986 at age 66.

Nicole described the incident in her diary, writing: Hawaii gay man kissed Justin. OJ threw me up against walls in our hotel and on the floor. Put bruises on my arms and back. The window scared me  thought hed throw me out.

Denise said the next day, Nicole wore a long-sleeved shirt despite the warm weather. I knew he was pissed off, but I didnt know anything else that happened behind closed doors, she said. I read in her diary afterwards that he had her up against the wall, over the balcony, doing the usual  hurting her.

For the last three decades, the Brown sisters have been anti-domestic violence advocates, educating the public on signs of abuse as well as advising and supporting victims.

Speaking on Good Morning America ahead of the documentarys release, Denise said that she hopes it will show people who Nicole was before her murder became the trial of the century.

The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson two-night event premieres on June 1 at 8p/7c on Lifetime.
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If youre a young, talented actor thriving in Londons West End, what could convince you to move back home to Cardiff? Sion Daniel Young starred as Albert Narracott in the National Theatres production of War Horse, and Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time  then he returned to Wales. A first language Welsh speaker, born in Cardiff, Young believed in the appeal of stories from his homeland. Sticking by his roots, he played Gethin in BBC3s 2019 drama The Left Behind  a rare TV role that allowed him to keep his accent. Now hes set to star in BBC Ones first ever primetime bilingual English/Welsh drama: Lost Boys & Fairies.

I just cant believe its taken until 2024 until weve gotten to that point, Young, 34, says over Zoom from his South Wales home as he rushes to grab a navy fleece to keep warm. Welsh is a minority language, especially compared to English, he says. People are getting more interested in the minorities in a way that they havent been in the past. Watching subtitles. All of a sudden that frees you up as a creative. Theres an appetite to see different peoples lives on screen.

Lost Boys & Fairies breaks ground in more ways than one. Drawn from the Welsh playwright and screenwriter Daf James own experience of adopting three children with his husband, the show marks BBC Ones first primetime gay adoption drama. Youngs character Gabriel and his partner Andy, played by Irish actor Fra Fee (Cabaret, Hawkeye), have their trauma rifled through by their social worker Jackie who is tasked with deciding whether theyre stable enough to have a child.

open image in gallery Sion Daniel Young and Fra Fee in Lost Boys & Fairies ( BBC )

Daf calls adopting parenting plus, says Young, who researched his Lost Boys part by talking endlessly to the shows writer about his own experiences of the adoption system. Youre not really starting from a blank slate. Youre having to manage very young children coming from different situations  a lot of them traumatic  alongside being a parent, he explains.

Young isnt a parent. Hes also not gay. But despite the likes of Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies saying straight actors should not play gay roles, the actor sees the desire to start a family with somebody you care for as universal. Its just love between two people who are so desperate to root for each other and for everything to be OK, he says. If I wasnt the person Daf James wanted, then I wouldnt be playing the part. Its really straightforward for me.

Andy and Gabriel love one another with enviable generosity. When Gabriel buckles under the pressure of the adoption process and drinks to oblivion, Andy sits on the bathroom floor to rub his back while hes sick into the toilet, without judgement. After Andy threatens to leave Gabriel if he doesnt put effort into the adoption process, the latter takes the leap  despite his fears. They push one another over every unexpected hurdle with mutual exasperation, a side-eyed smile, and sex.

Above all else, James wanted irresistible chemistry between his lead actors  the kind of spark that casting director Lauren Evans knew Young and Fee had, despite the pair only meeting for the first time the night before their first script read through. We felt it straight away, says Young of their connection. My favourite scenes were anything Gabe and Andy based. And I have such a lush relationship with Fra now because of this journey weve gone through.

open image in gallery Young and Fee as Gabriel and Andy in Lost Boys & Fairies ( Simon Ridgway/BBC/Duck Soup Films )

In March 2023, there were 83,840 children in care or on the adoption pathway, according to the latest government figures. Yet, in 2022, just 2,950 children were adopted. When Gabriel and Andy arrive at an adoption activity day  a mixer where potential parents try and establish a connection with a child  theyre handed a brochure of potentials. Youngs character quickly narrows their options down by dismissing all disabled children. Theres no way wed ever take her on, he says of a small brunette girl with a visual impairment.

Theres some people that will find that a bit uncomfortable, how dismissive Gabe can be, Young, who trained as an actor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, acknowledges. He is being fairly cutthroat. But Gabe is scared. Hes being really honest about what he genuinely feels hes capable of I think its brave for Daf to put that in.

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Youngs character has his own demons to contend with: internalised homophobia, the trauma of losing his mother as a child, recovery from intense drug use and alcoholism, a strained relationship with his father, and a string of dark sexual encounters. Despite the show comprising just three taut episodes, its plot is packed. Gabe is really flawed, Young says. We dont shy away from that. Thats the journey. Where he starts is hopefully a very different place to where he ends up.

A coming of middle-age story, Lost Boys hopes to show how easily even the most progressive people can become sticks in the mud. In one scene, Celyn, a non-binary character who works with Gabriel at the club Neverland, schools him on the semantics behind the Welsh term for gay after Gabriel claims the language is homophobic. During the discussion, he repeatedly gets their pronouns wrong. You cant just be stagnant and say Ive learnt all I want to learn, this is me, says Young. Its that acceptance that things will continue to shift. You make a choice whether you batten down the hatches and go, No, Im good, or if youre brave enough to be open and embrace new experiences and the way young people want to live their lives.

open image in gallery Young as Gabriel at the Neverland club in Lost Boys & Fairies ( Simon Ridgway/BBC/Duck Soup Films )

Another of Gabriels biggest learning curves comes when he eventually agrees to meet his adopted son Jakes birth mother Becky (Gwyneth Keyworth) who lost her son as the result of domestic violence. Look at you, she says to him through tears during a 13-minute long scene. Look at your kind face.

We shot that scene all day. Just that one scene. In full, says Young of his most emotional time on set. You dont get scenes of that length on telly. People get scared of it. They think its too theatrical. They think the conversation should be short and sharp. Daf isnt afraid to let characters talk. Days like that are really special but also really tough. You have to try and practise to let stuff like that go. But it does linger with you.

Many of Youngs previous parts have had the propensity to linger. In 2021, he was cast in Channel 4s Deceit as the man accused of murdering Rachel Nickell in 1992. Colin Staggs life was destroyed after a honey trap investigation concluded he had stabbed Nickell in front of her three-year-old son on Wimbledon Common, South London, in 1992, despite a severe lack of evidence. Stagg was later acquitted, with Scotland Yard issuing an apology over the conviction.

I never really concentrated on whether he was likeable, says Young of taking on the role. I just saw a man who had gone through something unimaginable and horrific. Pre-social media, if your face was on the papers, you were the most famous person in the country. Imagine going through something like that, he adds. [Stagg] is a remarkably strong individual with the strength to carry on when other people would have tried to find a way out.

open image in gallery Young as accused killer Colin Stagg in Deceit ( Channel 4 )

With the release of Lost Boys & Fairies, Youngs career has reached a satisfying full circle. The 34-year-olds first job, nearly 15 years ago, was as the star of another of James projects: Sherman Cymru: Llwyth (Tribe)  the first play about gay characters written by a queer person on a Welsh-language stage. When James contacted Young about Lost Boys over a decade later, he leaped at the opportunity because they are genuinely the best scripts Ive ever read.

Young wants the biggest takeaway from his latest project to be empathy. Every character is affected by whats come before, he says. People can be very quick to judge without knowing someones history. Hopefully, this show will make people go, Maybe I should open up a bit more. Stay open. Welcome change. Engage with change. Get to know how you feel about something, rather than dismissing progress out of hand instantly. Looking past the camera and cupping his chin in thought, Young says, Gabes biggest issue is that he rejects it all. Equally, he pushes his past down and down and down. At some point, of course, its going to come to the surface and blow up.

Lost Boys & Fairies is coming to BBC One and iPlayer on 3 June at 9pm
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The CEO of Netflix has credited Baby Reindeers record-breaking success to algorithms rather than the shows hard-hitting storyline, acting or script.

The show - which follows a struggling comic as he is relentlessly harassed and stalked by a woman for more than four years - instantly captivated viewers from Britain and beyond and is now on track to become one of Netflixs most popular series of all time.

Viewers and critics have praised the shows unique storyline which is based on the true life events of Richard Gadd and acted out by the 35-year-old himself.

However, when asked about its success, Netflixs CEO Ted Sarandos said the series owed its popularity to the streaming services algorithm as opposed to its creative features.

When you see something like Baby Reindeer - there was a time when something like Baby Reindeer would not even be seen in the United States, he told the New York Times.

open image in gallery The show follows a struggling comic as he is relentlessly harassed and stalked by a woman for more than four years ( Ed Miller/Netflix )

And if it did, itd be on PBS once. Its very, very big in the UK, and in that way that Netflix does, it gets picked up in the algorithm and starts getting more and more presented.

When something gets that big in one country, its likely theres a lot of audience for it outside of that country. And its been an enormous hit around the world.

He added that thanks to Netflix algorithm, writers are learning they dont have to adapt to an American setting and so more authentic stories are being written from almost anywhere in the world.

The 59-year-old did emphasise the importance of authenticity in how material translates to an international audience - which is something Baby Reindeer prides itself on as being based on true events.

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What its pushing is: You dont have to adapt your storytelling to America to work, he said. If your movie, if your film works, if your TV series works in the home country, its got to be very authentic.

And I think what international audiences pick up on is that authenticity. When you try to engineer something to travel, it really appeals to no one. I cant think of anything that weve done that has been engineered to travel that actually did travel.

open image in gallery The real Martha was swiftly identified by fans as Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey ( Piers Morgan/X )

While the show has been described as a true story by Gadd and Netflix, pressure has been growing on Netflix to prove claims made about the stalker, called Martha, in the show.

The real Martha was swiftly identified by fans as Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey, who said she wanted to set the record straight about details related to the show, while being interviewed by Piers Morgan.

She has since threatened to sue the streaming service for allegedly defaming her after the show suggests Martha is a convicted stalker.

The shows creator Richard Gadd has defended the show as being the emotional truth and has denounced internet sleuths who went in search for Ms Harvey.

During her interview with Piers Morgan, which has amassed over 10 million views, Ms Harvey denied that she had any criminal convictions and said the Netflix shows suggestion that she did was defamatory.

Piers Morgan also alluded to the lack of evidence when justifying his controversial interview with Ms Harvey.
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Police in Japan are hunting for vandals who spraypainted a Tokyo shrine for the countrys war dead.

In a crime that has shocked the country police are now searching for suspects accused of spray-painting the word toilet on the shrine.

Reports suggest it could be a protest against the ongoing release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The red graffiti, spray-painted on a stone pillar at the entrance of Yasukuni Shrine, was discovered early Saturday morning.

In a video posted on Chinese social media, a man who identified himself as Iron Head criticized the discharge of wastewater from the damaged nuclear power plant into the ocean. Then in another video taken at night, he is seen apparently urinating on the pillar and then using a can of spray paint to write the word toilet in English.

Tokyo police are investigating two suspects, the person who appeared in the video and another who shot the video, according to Japanese media, including NHK public television and Kyodo News agency.

Police believe the incident occurred late Friday after the shrine closed and that the perpetrator is believed to have already left Japan, they said.

Police declined to confirm the reports.

open image in gallery This aerial view shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

The discharge of wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant has been opposed by fishing groups and by neighboring countries, especially China, which imposed a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood immediately after the release began last August. The ban has particularly affected Japanese scallop growers and exporters to China.

In March Japanese experts held talks with their Chinese counterparts to try to assuage Beijings concerns over the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked power plant.

Yasukuni Shrine honors about 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including convicted war criminals. Victims of Japanese aggression during the first half of the 20th century, especially China and the Koreas, see the shrine as a symbol of Japanese militarism.

The countries criticize visits by Japanese lawmakers to the shrine as signs of their lack of remorse over Japans wartime actions.

The spray-painted graffiti was covered with a tarp over the weekend but appeared to have been cleaned by Monday.
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Narendra Modi was formally elected on Friday as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, setting the stage for his third term as prime minister of India.

While Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell well short of the majority mark of 272 seats, winning only 240 seats in its own right, the NDA coalition together won 293 seats, some 61 ahead of the opposition INDIA alliance led by the Congress party.

Mr Modi, 73, will be sworn in as prime minister on Sunday to begin a rare third term, making him only the second person, after Indias independence hero and first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to win three consecutive elections.

Though Mr Modis Hindu nationalist BJP has governed India as part of the NDA coalition over the past decade, this is the first time under his leadership that the party has relied on support from its smaller allies to form a government.

Mr Modi tried to play down the significance of this development, which analysts say could have significant implications for his ability to pass major policies in the years to come.

This alliance of ours reflects Indias spirit in its true sense, Mr Modi said after the BJP and coalition members backed him as their prime-ministerial candidate. We were neither defeated nor are we defeated ... It was an NDA government in the past, still is and will be.

The presidential palace, or Rashtrapati Bhavan, is expected to host up to 8,000 people for his oath-taking ceremony at 6pm on Sunday. They will include prominent figures from different walks of life, including foreign heads of state, lawyers, doctors, artists, cultural performers and social media influencers.

Official invitations have been extended to Nepals prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bhutans King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, vice-president of Seychelles Ahmed Afif, and the prime minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth.

A notable invitation has also been extended to Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, who has reportedly accepted, meaning he is set to visit India for the first time since assuming office in November last year. It comes amid strained relations between the two nations  Mr Muizzu won his election with an India out campaign, and has aligned his government more closely with China instead.

Bangladeshs prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankas president Ranil Wickremesinghe have also confirmed their attendance at the ceremony on Sunday.

Other special guests will include labourers involved in the Central Vista redevelopment project and rat-hole miners who assisted in rescuing 41 trapped construction workers from a tunnel in Uttarakhand last year.

Before Mr Modi was formally elected as the NDA leader, local media reported that the two key regional allies with the power to make or break his coalition government  the Telugu Desam Party in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh and Janata Dal (United) in the eastern state of Bihar  were still eyeing cabinet posts in important ministries.

The state of those talks remains unclear, and Mr Modi wont reveal his cabinet until after his inauguration. But the leaders of the two parties reiterated their support for the alliance on Friday as they endorsed Mr Modi for his third term.

I will be with PM Modi at all times, said Mr Kumar, whose Janata Dal (United) secured 12 seats in the election.

It is a very good thing that all of us have come together, and we will all work together with you [Mr Modi]. You will be swearing in as the prime minister on Sunday, but I wanted you to do it today itself. Whenever you take the oath, we will be with you... We will all work together under your leadership, Mr Kumar said.

Mr Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party secured 16 seats in Andhra Pradesh, also extended his support for Mr Modi. He has a vision and a zeal, his execution is very perfect, said Mr Naidu. He is executing all his policies with a true spirit... Today, India is having the right leader  that is Narendra Modi.
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As voting concludes in India amid a heatwave, people in the southern city of Bengaluru are focused on a singular issue: the paucity of water.

The city, known as Indias Silicon Valley due to its IT industry, has been grappling with a water crisis so severe that some days there isnt enough to take a shower or even flush a toilet.

However, the crisis has received scant attention during the ongoing election campaigns.

The Karnataka state government, run by the opposition Congress party, has downplayed the severity of the problem and instead accused prime minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its chief opponent, of hyping the crisis to create unrest ahead of the elections.

The six-weeks long seven voting phases came to an end on 1 June (Saturday) and the result will be announced on Tuesday.

For years, politicians have made promises to fix Bengalurus water supply problems by expanding the municipal pipelines. But residents complain that all they have received is apathy.

In the initial days of the ongoing crisis, they recall, some local legislators sent water tankers but only after decking them with their posters.

Tankers are the citys lifeline. Men, women, and even children lining up to fill their buckets and pots from a water tanker is a familiar sight in Bengaluru.

For many residents, however, even tankers are a luxury.

I have used half of my weeks earnings to pay for water, Naranamma, 65, who runs a small shop next to her house in Ambedkar Nagar colony on the outskirts of the city, tells The Independent.

Next to her house is an empty patch of land dug up for a borewell which brings up water from the ground aquifers. But theres hardly any water left in the ground to pump out.

Metropolitan Bengalurus 15 million people utilise about two billion litres of water every day, the bulk of which is piped from the nearby Cauvery River and some from borewells.

Below-average rainfall this year has reduced the supply from the river and left the citys borewells dry.

Longtime residents of the city say that while water shortage is not uncommon in Bengaluru, they have never seen a crisis like this.

A municipal pipeline in Ambedkar Nagar that brings water from the Cauvery has not supplied a drop in almost two weeks, the residents say. They are now forced to pay exorbitantly high rates for water from the tankers, if they cant afford it at all.

We have to use whatever we get or buy water from tankers, said Ramaswamy, 63, who works in a nearby ice cream factory.

He and his wife, both in their sixties, said filling up buckets and carrying them back is a difficult task but they dont have an option.

open image in gallery Ramaswamy, his wife and neighbours use a plastic drum to collect water ( Stuti Mishra/The Independent )

Politicians come and promise us that the water supply will be restored, but after elections, they all disappear, said Mamta, 58, a longtime resident, identified only by one name.

Some time ago, municipal workers placed a white tank in one of Ambedkar Nagars lanes to collect piped water when its released once or twice a week. The tank barely stores a few buckets of water but 20-30 families have to depend on it.

Sometimes, they release water at 2am at night. Who is going to fill up buckets at that time? asked Gauri, who is forced to purchase water from the tankers even though her house has a metered municipal water connection.

To curb price gouging, the government announced that it was taking control of all tankers. But residents complain that private vehicles are still running and they refuse to supply them water if they dont pay higher prices.

And even for these tankers, getting water has been a challenge in recent weeks. They are driving further out of the city to find water sources.

In the Whitefield colony of Bengaluru, people living in high-rises allege they paid the price for raising their voices.

After my complaint about irregular supply, my society did not receive any water for a few days, said a resident who did not want to be named.

The deputy chief minister of Karnataka, of which Bengaluru is the capital, said the state has not experienced such a drought in the past three to four decades.

Though there was drought earlier, we had never declared such a large number of taluks (sub-districts) as drought-affected, DK Shivakumar said.

Although the crisis has affected almost everyone in the city, it has also divided Bengalurus population. On one side are people in semi-urban and poor neighbourhoods who have to pay exorbitant prices to fill buckets from tankers. On the other are posh localities where community leaders deal with tanker drivers and ask residents to ration their use.

open image in gallery A resident shows a device for reducing the flow of water from a tap. Such devices have been installed in many apartments to regulate water supply amid the shortage ( Stuti Mishra/The Independent )

But all residents say the way they use water has changed forever. In most societies, residents are being penalised for using excess water or washing their cars more than once a week.

We are living under a strict protocol, no one is allowed to waste water, and there is no water to waste, said Piyush Sharma, an engineer living in ITI colony.

We fill buckets and use that to wash ourselves, we have to fill up the tanks to use the toilet flush, added Mr Sharma, 44, who moved to Bengaluru 20 years ago to follow his dream to become an engineer.

But Mr Sharma says his family is thinking about moving out.

We will probably leave for at least a few weeks until this crisis gets over. You cant raise young children in an atmosphere like this, the father of two said.

open image in gallery A private water tanker near Whitefield. Residents say they are now paying as much as 3,000 rupees (300) for a tanker, five to six times the usual rate ( The Independent/Stuti Mishra )

In the past few decades, Bengaluru expanded rapidly and new colonies sprung up even before municipal water and sewage connections could be laid out.

This means that even though groundwater levels have depleted, digging for borewells continues in many areas despite government prohibition. Real estate developers dig through a site, use the water they can get and then move on to another site.

This is the root of the water crisis, according to Sandeep Anirudha, an activist and founder of Citizen Matters, an organisation working to raise awareness about environmental and ecological issues.

There is widespread corruption and mismanagement that has brought the city to this chaos, said Mr Anirudha.

The city once had over 2,000 lakes that served as a natural recharger for groundwater. But most of the lakes disappeared because of unplanned construction. The ones that remain are not in good condition.

Experts say this did not happen overnight. Large parts of the citys ecology have been altered for roads and government projects to meet the demands of the growing population.

Most of the lakes have been encroached by the Bengaluru Development Authority only, says Shashank Palur, senior hydrologist at WELL Labs, who has been working on assessing the citys groundwater levels.

Mr Palur says the lakes and wells served as a source for filling up the citys aquifers, but large-scale construction and concretisation have led to groundwater depletion.

The government insists bringing water from Cauvery to more areas will solve this problem. But thats not the solution, says Mr Anirudha.

The city needs its own water sources, its groundwater and lakes need to be restored, instead of bringing water from a nearby river which is more expensive.

Bengaluru, he added, is facing an ecological crisis and not an engineering crisis.

In the meantime, residents are finding their own solutions. Some have found ways to harvest rainwater in their homes while others hope things will change after the elections.

I built this house in the 1980s, we never had regular water but we managed to get by, said Naramma. All I want from the new government is water and a hospital, we can manage with everything else.
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A decade in power and seeking a third consecutive term as prime minister, Narendra Modi has said he has big plans for India and no one needs be spooked by them.

Coming from a leader who was once persona non-grata in the US and the UK for his suspected role in sectarian violence, the assurance betrays a climate of fear and uncertainty that Mr Modis leadership has engendered for sections of the Indian society.

Opposition parties claim that India is sliding towards dictatorship as a result of Mr Modis authoritarian tendencies and the sectarian politics of his ruling Hindu nationalist BJP.

Follow our live coverage on 2024 India general elections.

Another term for the BJP government would prove disastrous for India and its global reputation as the worlds largest democracy, Dr Shubranshu Mishra, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Exeter told The Independent.

Mr Modi took power in 2014, and retained it in 2019, riding a cresting tide of revanchist Hindu nationalism. He is, for the most part, leaning on the same appeal to win a third term, which no prime minister has managed since the first one, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1962.

Mr Modi, 73, has long portrayed himself as an outsider who came from a humble family background, unlike most of his predecessors and current rivals from political dynasties and sociocultural elite.

He was born into a family of grocers in Vadnagar town in the western state of Gujarat and claimed to have spent his teenage years manning a tea stall with his brother near a bus station.

At the age of 17, he left his wife Jashodaben to live an ascetic life. He does not have any children and the only glimpse of his closely guarded private life were his occasional meetings with his mother, Heeraben Modi, until her passing in 2022.

open image in gallery Narendra Modi is blessed by his mother Heeraben Modi in 2014 ( Getty Images )

At an early age, Mr Modi was attracted to the ideology of Hindu nationalism and attended classes run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the mothership of a network of Hindu right-wing groups, including the BJP. Its where he is said to have honed his oratory as a pracharak, or propagandist.

He moved laterally from the Sangh to the BJP in 1987 just as the party was gaining broader support within the Hindu majority with its militant advocacy for the destruction of the medieval Babri mosque, which it claimed was built on the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram.

The mosque was eventually torn down by a Hindu mob in 1992 and Mr Modi, now prime minister, inaugurated a grand Ram Temple on its site earlier this year.

The construction of the temple and especially the highly publicised and choreographed inauguration was seen by his critics as an attempt by Mr Modi to cement his appeal among his Hindu nationalist supporters.

open image in gallery Narendra Modi attends a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh gathering in Adalaj, Gujarat, in 2009 ( AFP via Getty Images )

After several years as a middlerung functionary in the BJPs national setup, Mr Modi was sent to his home state of Gujarat, to steady the partys government in the state. Against expectations, he led the BJP to victory in the December 2002 elections.

The victory, however, came on the back of a sectarian pogrom in which Mr Modis administration was accused of being complicit in. The pogrom, marked by massacres and gang rapes, left an estimated 2,000 Muslims dead.

Mr Modi has rejected the allegations and an investigation ordered by the Supreme Court found no evidence to support prosecuting him.

Still, the allegations made him a pariah in the West for years. He was denied entry to the US and the UK over concerns about human rights violations for years until it became clear he was going to be the prime minister.

At home, Mr Modi was now firmly installed as the face of Hindu nationalism in Gujarat, and beyond, and won back-to-back state elections in 2007 and 2012. He introduced a series of highly publicised infrastructure and industrial policies which he sold to the rest of the country as the Gujarat model of development.

The rhetorical melding of Hindu nationalism and material development would prove potent as Mr Modi set his sights on New Delhi.

open image in gallery Supporters of the opposition Congress burn old 500 rupee notes and a poster bearing the image of prime minister Narendra Modi during a protest against demonetisation ( AFP via Getty Images )

Ahead of the 2014 national elections, the BJP installed Mr Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. BJP won the election handily, consigning the Congress, grappling with multiple corruption scandals, to its worst defeat ever.

After taking office, Mr Modi cast himself as the leader who would finally make India a developed country, announcing a slew of programmes to build and modernise roads, railways, power plants, airports, seaports, public transportation, and nearly 40 million concrete homes for the poor.

He also faced flak for decisions such as the overnight demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee currency notes to supposedly crack down on black money and terrorism funding, and the handling of the border crisis with China.

At the same time, he was blamed for rising sectarian violence, especially against Muslims, and for the widening crackdown on dissent, free press and political opposition.

None of this could stop his triumphant march back to power in 2019.

In his second term, Mr Modi went about bringing the BJPs pet projects to fruition. His government enacted a citizenship law that is considered discriminatory towards Muslims, revoked the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmirs autonomy, and constructed the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

open image in gallery A view of the Ram Mandir on the day of its consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024 ( Getty Images )

Mr Modi has rejected criticism of his policies and priorities claiming that his government works for the welfare of all citizens without discriminating.

His government, however, had to withdraw a slate of laws seeking to restructure Indias agriculture sector after thousands of farmers launched a year-long protest in the capital.

Still, Mr Modi enjoys a 75 per cent approval rating, according to Morning Consult, the highest among 25 world leaders tracked by the US data intelligence company.

This will be the last opportunity for the people to save democracy in India. If Narendra Modi wins another election, there will be a dictatorship in the country, Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the opposition party Congress, said in February. The BJP will rule India like (Vladimir) Putin in Russia.

If rights are ignored, then dictatorship will be imminent.

He was commenting after several prominent opposition leaders were put under investigation, raided and jailed by federal agencies controlled by Mr Modis government.

Prof Mishra echoed the concerns. The upcoming Indian elections will place serious challenges on the countrys democratic and secular values, he said. The ruling partys authoritarian hold on various institutions, including the election commission and Hindu majoritarianism that targets minority groups, are major concerns.

The outcome of the elections will determine whether India can preserve its democratic and secular values or continue its democratic decline under the Hindu nationalist prime minister Modi.

Mr Modi, who has not given a press conference in his 10 years in power, sought to dispel such concerns ahead of the elections when he told the news agency ANI that his big plans were for the overall development of the country.

My decisions are not to scare anyone or to diminish anyone, he said when asked about his remark that his decade in power was just a trailer.
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Mohammad Saad was excited to return home to Bihar in eastern India and see his family. He had bought a train ticket and was packed to leave in the morning, but he never made it.

On that night of 31 July 2023, a mob of around 200 Hindus stormed the Anjuman Mosque in Gurugram, where Saad served as the deputy imam, and killed him in his sleep. The mob also burnt down the mosque.

Sectarian violence had erupted in the neighbouring Nuh region, and quickly spilled over into Gurugram, a shiny satellite township of Indias capital Delhi that hosts the offices of multinational corporations such as Google, Meta and Deloitte.

Follow our live coverage on 2024 Indian election results here.

The violence in Gurugram was a reminder that the increasing persecution of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, was not confined to the hinterland.

It also reinforced accusations by critics that Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government had mainstreamed sectarian violence  an act for which Saad, 22, who would sing about religious harmony in social media videos, paid the price.

I had spoken to Saad just half an hour before he was killed. He was excited to leave for home in the morning despite my concerns about the escalating violence in Nuh, Shadab Anwar, the slain clerics brother, tells The Independent.

He had multiple knife wounds on his chest and neck, suggesting a frenzied and prolonged assault. That night, everything changed for our family. I lost a brother, and my father and mother lost a son, to Muslim hate in this country.

While Anwar is still awaiting justice for the killing of his brother, Indian authorities have moved promptly to bulldoze hundreds of homes and shops in Nuh in an act of collective  and extrajudicial  punishment against the local Muslims they accuse of inciting the violence, which left six people dead.

Now, nearly nine months later, as Anwars family prepare to vote in the national elections, they are compelled to mull what a third consecutive term for Modi could mean for them and for the 200 million Muslims who call the country home.

The six-weeks long seven voting phases came to an end on 1 June (Saturday) and the result will be announced on Tuesday.

Supporters of Narendra Modi at a campaign rally held by the prime minister ( Getty )

Modis decade in power has seen a surge in hate speech against religious minorities, attacks on their places of learning and worship, and mob lynchings.

In recent years, Indian authorities have introduced bulldozer justice to punish Muslims for real and imagined offences. The demolition drive in Nuh was so blatantly discriminatory  283 Muslim and 71 Hindu properties were targeted  that Haryanas High Court asked the state government if it was carrying out an exercise of ethnic cleansing against Muslims.

All the while, Hindu hardline groups, such as the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which are aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and boast thousands of members, have been operating with impunity.

( AP )

We have been vilified to the extent that Hindus have started refusing jobs to Muslims and they avoid mingling with us. I invited 10 Hindu families to a function at my home, but only three people turned up, says Altaf Khan, a resident of Delhi.

Khan says he is worried for his children as the situation for Muslims in the country is growing grimmer by the day. Khans worry isnt misplaced, as evidence of what Muslim scholar Qari Nasaruddin calls injustice and Muslim hate is not hard to find.

Nasaruddin points, by way of example, to the rubble of what once was a mosque, a Muslim graveyard and an Islamic school in the heart of the national capital. Nasaruddin is the imam of a mosque in Mehrauli that took in the displaced children.

The sprawling complex was demolished on 30 January by the Delhi Development Authority, run by Modis federal government, which claimed it was an illegal encroachment.

It didnt matter that the Akhoondji Mosque was a site of historical significance built nearly 600 years ago in the same part of the city that boasts the iconic Qutub Minar.

The symbolism of the mosque being demolished barely days after Modi had presided over the inauguration of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya  erected on the ruins of the medieval Babri Mosque, which was torn down by a Hindu mob in 1992  wasnt lost on the citys Muslims.

In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, governed by a Hindu monk called Adityanath, the High Court effectively banned Islamic schools in the countrys largest state by declaring a law in 2004 that ruled them unconstitutional. The order, which would have displaced around 2.7 million students, has since been put on hold by the Supreme Court.

Islamic schools, called madrasas, mainly serve poor or orphaned children.

Muzammil Ahmed, who teaches such children in Delhi, says the Indian authorities are going after Islamic schools supposedly in an effort to curb radicalisation, but that it is just another conspiracy to malign Muslims.

Most of the children who come to us are orphans or have a single parent, and those with both parents are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing education, shelter and food, we are only lightening the burden on the government, he tells The Independent.

Rubble from the Akhoondji Mosque strewn with books from the associated Islamic school ( Shweta Sharma/The Independent )

Munir, a data scientist in Haryana who is afraid to give his full name, says Muslims now feel there is a clear bias in government policies.

The normalisation of hatred has been very disturbing, and the governments reaction to it all is even more alarming to us minorities, he says. We have seen that no action is taken when there is violence against the minorities, but if people from the Muslim community raise their voice, they find a bulldozer standing outside their house.

India Hate Lab, a research group in the US, documented 668 incidents of hate speech against Muslims in 2023, of which 413 took place in the last six months of the year, coinciding with key state elections.

In the decade since Modi took power, what has exponentially increased is runaway hate speech spouting venom against Muslims, including calls for genocide by politicians and Hindu religious leaders, says social activist Harsh Mander.

India is witnessing an alarming rise in hate speech and targeted violence against individuals, which we call mob lynching  a word that was not even used earlier because it wasnt a common grind.

This could not happen except for an environment of encouragement and enablement, and indeed by validation, because these are the acts of open indictments for violence.

A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh march in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Sangh is the mothership of Hindu nationalist organisations in India including the ruling BJP ( AFP via Getty )

In the run-up to the national elections, the Modi government activated the Citizenship Amendment Act, which was passed by parliament in December 2019 but put on the back burner after it sparked nationwide protests. The law openly discriminates against Muslims.

In a related move, the BJP government in the northern state of Uttarakhand enacted a uniform civil code, a law that has been criticised for overwriting the personal laws of religious minorities with seemingly Hindu laws. The BJP has long promised to roll out a similar code nationally, in line with the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a paramilitary volunteer organisation that campaigns for India to be made a Hindu nation. The RSS is the mothership of a network of Hindu nationalist groups, including the BJP.

In fact, the BJP was established in 1980 as the political arm of the RSS. It has come to dominate Indian politics under Modis leadership, making him the longest-serving prime minister to have come from a party other than Congress, the main opposition party.

In recent years, Hindu groups, along with their ideological fellow travellers in the media, have also targeted Muslims with conspiracy theories such as love jihad, land jihad, halal jihad, and population jihad, which claim that the minority community is deviously luring away Hindu women, taking over land, and increasing its numbers.

These are basically a series of quite fantastical conspiracy theories. These are absurd, and they call to memory the kind of conspiracy theories that were created against the Jews before the Holocaust, Mander says.

It is bad enough that they simply circulate on social media, but these are also the terms that have been used by chief ministers and ministers of the ruling party. Then it becomes concerning.

The love jihad conspiracy in particular has led to people being killed, and to a dozen states ruled by the BJP effectively criminalising religious conversion and interfaith relationships.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has pointed out that such laws enable and embolden existing government harassment, vigilante violence, and discrimination against religious minorities, as well as crackdowns on civil society organizations.

Parvez Qureshi, whose brother Faheem Qureshi was killed in sectarian violence in Uttarakhands Haldwani in February. India has a long and grim history of violence against minorities ( AFP via Getty )

In this context, Mander says, a third term for Modi is particularly terrifying.

In 2014, he adds, there was still hope, as the BJP leader promised to fight corruption, create 240 million jobs and build a stronger economy.

It is a frightening time for Indias Muslims. The status of Muslims has been altered, and there is no hope of reversing the damage done to the social fabric with him getting a third term. The hate has been normalised, the activist argues.

Apoorvanand, a professor and political commentator, says Hindus, who number over a billion, have been misled into thinking that it is going to be their rule.

It is the RSS that is going to rule and dictate all aspects of the lives of Hindus, he says. The Hindus need to realise that they are handing themselves over to an organisation that follows the idea of homogeneity and wants to homogenise Hindu religion.

The professor says it is already a disastrous situation for Muslims and that it will be catastrophic if the BJP continues to tighten its grip on power. Muslims in India are being marginalised and cornered systematically under what is the ideology of the BJP, he says.

At a rare press conference in the US last year, Modi declared that democracy runs in our veins when he was asked about his governments alleged discrimination against minorities.

We live in a democracy, he said, standing alongside his host, US president Joe Biden. Our government has taken the basic principles of democracy ... we have always proved that democracy can deliver. And when I say deliver, this is regardless of caste, creed, religion or gender.

There is absolutely no space for discrimination, he added. And when you talk of democracy, if there are no human values and there is no humanity  [if] there are no human rights  then its not a democracy.

The Independent reached out to BJP spokespeople for comment but did not receive a response.
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The first person she called after reclaiming the record as the fastest woman to scale Mount Everest was her 12-year-old daughter.

Phunjo Lama, 32, the Nepali mountaineer who climbed the worlds highest peak in less than 15 hours last week, returned to the base camp exhausted but excited, and called her daughter to share the news.

Yo girl, you did it, her daughter told her on the phone.

The young girl also made a promise to her: one day she will break her mothers climbing record.

She is also a climber, she loves mountains, Lama says about her daughter.

Lama came to worldwide attention in 2018 when she became the fastest woman to scale the Himalayan peak in 39 hours and six minutes. Her record was broken in 2021 by Ada Tsang Yin-hung, 45, from Hong Kong who climbed the peak in 25 hours and 50 minutes.

This year, Lama reclaimed the record. This win is important to her because she says her goal is to tell more women that anything is possible.

I feel proud, she tells The Independent from Kathmandu, Nepal.

She emphasises that women can accomplish any challenging task. But women, you know, we are human too. We can do it, we can climb mountains. Some men think otherwise but as a guide Im always trying to tell them and assure them that everything is possible.

After her accomplishment, Lama says she has received many congratulatory messages from people in the mountaineering community for which she feels happy and blessed. But she is keen to play it down too.

I feel very normal, you know.

Her achievement is by no means normal, though.

For most mountaineers, even elite ones, it takes days to climb to the summit from the Everest base camp. She did it in 14 hours and 31 minutes.

Growing up, motherless, in a remote village called Chhokangparo in the Tsum Valley of Nepals Manaslu region, Lama would often accompany her grandfather to nearby mountains, climbing as high as 5,000 metres. Everest stands at 8,850 metres.

open image in gallery Nepali mountaineer Phunjo Lama set the record for the fastest woman to scale the worlds highest peak in less than 15 hours ( Phunjo Lama )

She was two when she lost her mother. Her trips to the mountains with her grandfather and a yak is an enduring memory from her childhood.

Mountain is my home, she says.

Yeah, the mountain is my home, she repeats herself after a brief pause.

Lama has trained in the Swiss Alps and Nepals Himalayas. She is the first female helicopter longline rescuer in Nepal and has been awarded the Tenzing-Hillary Award by her country.

But Lama is nonchalant about her accomplishments and fame. She is aware of the risks of mountaineering, so theres a small ritual she follows every time she leaves home for a mountaineering expedition.

She is a single parent to her 12-year-old daughter. Before every climb, Lama sits her down and tells her that she might not come back from the mountains alive.

I always encouraged her to be confident and independent, she tells me. I told her that if something happened to me on the mountain, she shouldnt be sad because I was doing something I loved. She understands this and is ready for whatever comes, whether I come back or not.

Shes like my friend, you know. We share everything and she supports me.

open image in gallery Phunjo Lama ( Phunjo Lama )

Last year was the deadliest for Everest climbers, with at least 18 dying on the mountain. This season, at least five people have died and three are missing and presumed dead.

Nepals government has faced criticism for issuing too many permits to climbers, leading to overcrowding on the mountain.

Lama believes climbers attempting to summit Everest need to have some experience. As guides, we are very happy about the number of people coming to our mountains. However, climbers need proper experience and training, and they must choose the right company and leader, she says.

Climbers need to have extensive experience and come with respect for the mountain. Otherwise, nature will kill any time.

In the face of the climate crisis melting the Himalayan glaciers and overcrowding choking routes up the worlds highest peak, Nepal is reportedly reviewing the need to shift the base camp elsewhere.

Lama says the amount of snow has decreased significantly compared to her childhood. I feel very sad about this.

The government needs to be aware of how we can protect the mountains, she says.

If we dont take action now, in four or five years, we will face big problems.
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused China of helping Russia to disrupt an upcoming peace conference on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at Asias premier security conference in Singapore, Mr Zelensky alleged Russia had been using Chinese diplomats in the wider Asian region to influence and dissuade countries from attending the peace summit, due to be held in Burgenstock Resort, central Switzerland, on 15 and 16 June.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, said Mr Zelensky at a news conference at the Shangri-La defence forum. Regrettably this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin.

He added that such actions were not only support to Russia  that is support of war.

Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine had proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland, he said.

He added that Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace and that the greater the participation in the summit, the more likely it will be that Russia will have to listen, he said.

In what is only Mr Zelenskys second trip to Asia since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the comments on China marked a more aggressive approach from the Ukrainian leader towards Beijing. He has previously sought to persuade China to pressure Moscow to end its war.

Since a phone call between Mr Zelensky and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, one year ago, the Ukrainian administration has sought meetings with Chinese officials at all levels. But on Sunday, Mr Zelensky said this had not been granted.

open image in gallery Admiral Dong Jun, Chinas minister of defence, at the same conference as Mr Zelensky, denied that Beijing supported Russias war effort ( EPA )

Ukraine and Switzerland had been hoping that China might attend the summit later this month but, on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning signalled that that was unlikely. China had been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited.

There is still a clear gap between the arrangements for the meeting and the demands of the Chinese side, as well as the general expectations of the international community," Ms Mao said at the time. This makes it difficult for China to participate in the meeting."

It was another blow for the summit after it was reported last month that US President Joe Biden would likely be skipping the event to attend a campaign stop in California ahead of the presidential election in November.

China has staked out what it says is a neutral position on the war in Ukraine, but its trade with Russia has grown over the past two-and-a-half years, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions.

American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies also say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbour.

Grant Shapps, the UK defence secretary, has additionally claimed there is evidence that China is supplying lethal aid to Russia, in comments that appeared to be a reference to weaponry.

Earlier on Sunday, the Chinese defence minister, Dong Jun, told attendees of the Shangri-La Dialogue his country had been promoting peace talks with a responsible attitude.

He added: We have never provided weapons to either party of the conflict. We have put stricter control on the export of dual-use items and have never done anything to fan the flames. We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue.

However, Mr Zelensky claimed that Chinas support for Russia would ensure that the war will last longer, which he said was bad for the whole world.

[China] cannot say that [they] accept sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and at the same time be on the side of the country that violates the principles of the United Nations charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, he said. He added that the two nations had not met at the summit in Singapore over the weekend.
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Over 200 people, including dozens of workers on election duty, have died in the last few days in India as the country continued to reel from the cascading impacts of heatwaves.

At least 50 deaths have been reported in just the last 72 hours with the total tally for heatstroke-related deaths now standing at 211.

Out of these 50, at least 33 were workers stationed on election duty who died on Saturday when India was conducting the seventh and last phase of its mammoth six week long elections.

Most of these people were working as home guards, sanitation workers, and other poll staff.

Election duty is compulsory in India for public sector employees. Theyre assigned by the election commission before polling begins.

A voter also died at a polling booth in the Sikandarpur area of Ballia city during the polling.

The election commission of India has been criticised for not taking the heatwave warnings in consideration while planning the national elections with close to a billion eligible voters.

Voters have been coming out in searing heat without any preparations made to protect them. In earlier phases, voters have complained of discomfort and local media reported several people fainting in heat.

Indias heatwave has been brutal this year, with temperatures close to 50 degrees Celsius in Delhi, prompting a water and electricity crisis. Dozens of heatwave related deaths have been reported in recent days from different states.

The eastern state of Odisha was the hardest hit and reported 45 deaths in a single day.

Heatwave days across India have increased by 125 per cent in May, a record jump compared to normal, impacting a billion people, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

A hospital staff member pours water on the face of a patient suffering from heat stroke at a government hospital during a severe heatwave in Varanasi ( AFP via Getty Images )

This could be the worst summer in the last 120 years, at least for north India, Vimal Mishra, professor of Earth Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar, told news agency PTI.

Never have temperatures gone so high  more than 45-47 degrees Celsius  for such a vast region, which is also densely populated. This is a record in itself.

The IMD has said the conditions could improve over the next 2-3 days.

Scientific studies in Indias heatwave in 2022, 2023 and 2024 have evaluated that human-caused climate crisis was responsible for extreme temperatures in India, causing longer and more extreme heatwaves.

This summer has also brought record-breaking temperatures to the rest of Asia and the last 12 months have been the hottest on record for the entire planet.

India is one of the most vulnerable places on Earth for deadly heatwaves. Half of the countrys population works outdoors. The impact of extreme heat in Indian cities is also intensified by lack of green spaces and large scale concretisation.

The burning heat prompted Delhi high court to warn the government that the city could turn into a barren desert if deforestation continues unchecked.

The court has directed the Delhi government to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the committee overseeing forest protection, now renamed the Special Empowered Committee.

Meanwhile, as north and central India grappled with heat, neighbouring Pakistan is also suffering from extreme temperatures, while parts of north India and Bangladesh are grappling with flooding caused by cyclone Remal. Majority of Sri Lanka is also under flood and landslide alerts due to torrential rains.
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In 2020, successful family vloggers Myka and James Stauffer made a startling announcement that would end her influencer career.

They were rehoming their autistic son, Huxley, nearly three years after adopting him from China.

The boy had been front and center of many of their parenting and lifestyle videos before suddenly vanishing from their posts.

Many among their one million followers on Instagram and YouTube started asking why, which led to a jarring confession that prompted swift and widespread backlash.

Now, four years later, they are the subject of a new three-part docuseries premiering at Tribeca Film Festival. An Update on Our Family, which takes its name from the title the Stauffers used on their infamous YouTube video in which they revealed Huxleys fate, is directed by Rachel Mason and focuses on the YouTuber family from Ohio as it seeks to expose the hidden-in-plain-sight, unregulated family vlogging industry.

In a trailer for the forthcoming documentary, fellow vloggers detail the events leading up to Huxleys disappearance from the Stauffers YouTube channel, while experts emphasize just how much money parents can make from posting content about their children online.

open image in gallery Myka and James Stauffer sparked widespread backlash when they re-homed their autistic adopted son Huxley in 2020 ( YouTube )

Back in May 2020, Myka and James Stauffer revealed on YouTube that they had re-homed their four-year-old son nearly three years after they adopted him from China.

According to the couple, who also have four biological children, they had seen numerous medical professionals regarding Huxleys severe needs and decided he had a lot more special needs that we werent aware of.

International adoption, sometimes theres unknowns and things that are not transparent on file, James said in the video. And once Huxley came home there was a lot more special needs that we werent aware of and that we were not told.

For us its been really hard hearing from the medical professionals, a lot of their feedback, and things that have been upsetting. Weve never wanted to be in this position. And weve been trying to get his needs met and help him out as much as possible... We truly love him.

YouTuber Myka Stauffer reveals she has 'rehomed' adopted son with Autism

Myka explained in the video that they believed their son needed more medical assistance but maintained that there wasnt an ounce of our body that doesnt love Huxley with all of our being.

Do I feel like a failure as a mom? Like, 500 percent, she said, before revealing that Huxley had found a new forever family with the help of the adoption agency.

They found somebody that they felt would be ultimately the best fit and he is thriving, he is very happy, he is doing very well and his new mommy has medical professional training and it is a very good fit, Myka said.

At the time, the Stauffers shared the update to their nearly one million subscribers  more than 700,000 on Mykas YouTube channel and over 300,000 on the familys vlog channel, The Stauffer Life. They first announced their decision to adopt on social media in July 2016, when they shared a YouTube video titled: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! BABY #4.

The Stauffers posted nearly 30 videos throughout their adoption journey, culminating in a YouTube video titled: Huxleys EMOTIONAL Adoption VIDEO!! GOTCHA DAY China Adoption. The video, which was posted in October 2017, had been viewed more than five million times prior to Myka permanently deleting her channel.

According to NBC News, the Stauffers used a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for Huxleys adoption from China. The couple reportedly earned a total of $800, while they said the adoption cost them $42,000.

In another video uploaded in September 2019, titled: Emotional China Adoption Update Two Years Home, the parenting blogger said Huxley had been in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy since his autism diagnosis and was doing so well.

The YouTuber explicitly revealed the extent of Huxleys needs in an article she wrote for Parade that year, saying that he was diagnosed with a stroke in utero, has level three autism, and sensory processing disorder.

Mykas final photo of Huxley was posted to her Instagram  where she had more than 168,000 followers  in March 2020, two months before they revealed he had been placed in a new home.

Last month was the hardest month I have ever had as a mama. And Im still working through all of it. But instead of leading with my heart, Im following yours! she captioned the post.

Unsurprisingly, the revelation sparked backlash across all corners of the internet. Several users claimed the Stauffers had used Huxleys adoption for clicks, likes, and praise, while others called on brands to end sponsorship deals with the family.

open image in gallery Mommy blogger Myka Stauffer apologizes after rehoming her autistic son Huxley three years after he was adopted from China ( Instagram / Myka Stauffer )

open image in gallery Stauffer alleged Huxley had a lot more special needs that we werent aware of ( Instagram / Myka Stauffer )

open image in gallery Stauffer claimed any money made from posts about Huxley went towards his care ( Instagram / Myka Stauffer )

open image in gallery The apology is the last post on Stauffers Instagram page, which has been dormant since 2020 ( Instagram / Myka Stauffer )

Myka Stauffer really just gave her kid away because adoption wasnt a dreamy aesthetic journey like she thought itd be, another person said. These IG moms are another level of gross. That poor sweet little boy.

An investigation was later launched by Ohio authorities in June 2020 into the well-being of both Huxley and the couples four biological children. The Delaware County Sheriffs Office said it received several enquiries regarding the welfare of the then four year old. In a statement to The Independent at the time, a spokesperson for the department said: Our primary concern is for the well-being of this child, as well as the other children in the household. Our investigation is ongoing, and will include contact with all children to ensure their safety.

All adoption cases are confidential, and must go through a thorough process, with specific requirements and safeguards. In private adoptions there are the same legal requirements that must be adhered to. These include home studies as well as background checks on the adopting parent(s). In this case we are confident that the appropriate process is occurring.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Huxley was not missing and that both parties are being represented by attorneys to ensure full compliance with the court process.

According to attorneys for the Stauffers, the process of finding a new home for Huxley did not include any considerations for placement in the foster system, but rather to hand-select a family who is equipped to handle Huxleys needs.

One month later, the Delaware County Sheriffs Office announced that it would not be filing charges against the Stauffers.

In a lengthy Instagram post shared in June 2020, Myka addressed the widespread backlash and apologized for all of the hurt they caused their fans and followers.

This decision has caused so many people heartbreak and Im sorry for letting down so many women that looked up to me as a mother, she began the Instagram statement. Im sorry for the confusion, and pain I have caused, and I am sorry for not being able to tell more of my story from the beginning.

I could have never anticipated the incidents which occurred on a private level to ever have happened, and I was trying my best to navigate the hardest thing I have ever been through, Myka continued, acknowledging that she was not selective or fully equipped or prepared when she started the adoption process and that she needed more training.

I cant say I wish this never happened because Im still so glad Huxley is here and getting all of the help he needs, she said. I also know that even though he is happier in his new home and doing better that he still experienced trauma and Im sorry, no adoptee deserves any more trauma.

I wanted to help so bad I was willing to bring home any child that needed me, she continued. For this I was naive, foolish, and arrogant.

In the statement, Myka also expressed her admiration and respect for every adoptee, adoption parent, and special needs parent before addressing a couple complete rumors about her familys decision to find Huxley a new home.

She clarified that they didnt share content about their adoption journey to gain wealth and denied claims the family was under any type of investigation by authorities.

While we did receive a small portion of money from videos featuring Huxley and his journey, every penny and much more went back into his care, she wrote, adding that getting Huxley the care he needed was very expensive.

Myka concluded her statement, which had comments disabled: We love Huxley and know that this was the right decision for him and his future. Praying that Huxley only has the best future in the entire world.

Since the controversy, the Stauffers have kept a low profile on social media. Myka deleted her YouTube channel and her last post on Instagram remains her 2020 apology statement. Her husband James continues to post on YouTube under the channel Stauffer Garage, where he shares videos of himself car flipping, cleaning, and detailing to his 1.3 million subscribers.

Meanwhile, Huxleys newly adoptive mother  who works as an accessible education teacher  changed his name to the Chinese name Yue Lin after his adoption in 2020. Shes continued to share photos of him on Instagram, where hes seen surrounded by his adoptive and foster siblings.

An Update On Our Family debuts at the New York City film festival on June 6 at AMC Theatre 19th Street East 6 in Manhattan.
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Rupert Murdoch has married 67-year-old Elena Zhukov  his fifth wife  at the age of 93.

His engagement to retired molecular biologist Zhukova was confirmed in March, and the wedding has now taken place at Moraga, Murdochs California estate and vineyard.

In a ceremony attended by close friends and family  nine months after handing over the chairmanship of his media empire to his son, Lachlan  Murodch, who met Zhukova at a family gathering in 2023, wore a dark suit and patterned yellow tie.

Meanwhile, the bride wore a white dress and held a small bouquet of Lily of the Valley flowers.

The wedding is Murdochs fifth marriage. His previous marriage was to supermodel  and Mick Jaggers ex-wife  Jerry Hall from 2016 to 2022.

His first marriage, to flight attendant Patricia Booker, occurred in 1956, with the couple divorcing after 11 years of marriage in 1967. They share one child, daughter Prudence.

Within the same year of divorcing Booker, Murdoch married his second wife, Scottish journalist Anna Maria Torv, with whom he has three children: Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James.

They divorced in 1999 after 32 years of marriage and, months later, Murdoch married Wendi Deng, with whom he shares two daughters, Grace and Chloe. The pair divorced in 2013.

open image in gallery The pair were married over the weekend ( News Corp /PA Wire )

After he and supermodel Hall divorced in the summer of 2022, Murdoch had a short-lived engagement with retired dental hygienist Ann Lesley Smith in the spring of 2023  but it ended after just two weeks.

It is believed Murdochs third wife, Deng, introduced him to Zhukova.

Zhukova is a distinguished molecular biologist who primarily studies diabetes, having taken her research to institutions all over the world, including the University of California, Los Angeles.

Towards the end of the Soviet Union, she came to the US from Moscow alongside her ex-husband, Alexander Zhukov, who eventually became a billionaire energy investor. Their daughter, philanthropist Dasha Zhukova, was married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich until 2017.

open image in gallery Elena Zhukova (centre),with her daughters Katya Zhukova (left) and Darya Zhukova (right) ( Billy Farrell Agency/Shutterstock )

In September 2023, Murdoch announced he was retiring as the chief of Fox Corp and News Corp.

However, Rupert said he planned on maintaining a role as chairman emeritus as his son Lachlan transitioned into the role he left behind.

For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change, he wrote in a letter to employees at the time. But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole Chairman of both companies.

Murdochs latest marriage will be unlikely to have any significant impact on his business affairs since Fox Corp and News Corp are controlled by a family trust, in which all of the shares belong to him and his four eldest children: Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James.

The location of his fifth wedding, his vineyard Moraga, was originally the home of Victor Fleming, director of the 1939 films Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Fleming created a horse ranch on the property that was used throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and used it as a retreat and a secluded venue to host his friends.

The property was purchased by American businessman Tom and his wife Ruth Jones in 1959, who decided to plant grapevines. It was fitted with a state-of-the-art winery in 2005, and was sold by Jones to Murdoch in 2013.

Murdochs last wedding  to Jerry Hall  was a starry London affair at the Fleet Street church St Brides, a week before Murdochs 85th birthday.

Hall wore an ice-blue chiffon Vivienne Westwood dress; Murdoch pronounced himself the happiest man in the world; and David Bailey shot the official photographs. In attendance were Bianca Jagger, Sir Michael Cane, Jacob Rothschild and the Lloyd-Webbers, who visited the historic St Jamess Place townhouse, Spencer House, for private celebrations.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci has a memoir coming out in June, a look back at his long career as an infectious disease expert and the many outbreaks he contended with, from HIV/AIDS to the COVID-19 pandemic that made him famous.

Viking announced Thursday that Fauci's On Call: A Doctors Journey in Public Service will be published in June 18.

I hope that this memoir will serve as a personalized document for the reader to understand better the daunting challenges that we have faced in public health over the past 40 years," Fauci said in a statement released Thursday by Viking. "I would also like to inspire younger individuals in particular to consider careers in public health and public service.

Fauci, 83, was director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health for nearly 40 years, and was President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor until his retirement, in 2022. Fauci served under seven presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan, but he is best known for his time during Donald Trump's administration, when he and the White House often clashed over how to respond to the coronavirus.

Millions regarded Fauci, with his raspy voice and plainspoken style, as the government's trusted point man during the heights of the pandemic. But he would become increasingly estranged from Trump, who favored a faster return to normal life and advocated unproven treatments. Republicans and anti-vaxxers have since criticized him relentlessly on a wide range of issues and have written books attacking him, including Sen. Rand Paul's Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up and Robert F. Kennedy Jr's The Real Anthony Fauci.

Fauci had been involved in controversy before. In the 1980s, the activist group ACT UP condemned Fauci for what it called his indifferent response to the spread of AIDS. But he would win over many of his critics, meeting with ACT UP members and agreeing to such requests as letting people with HIV serve on research committees and accelerating the process of finding treatments.

During President George W. Bush's administration, Fauci helped develop PEPFAR, the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In 2008, Bush awarded Fauci the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his efforts to advance the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Financial terms for Fauci's memoir were not disclosed. He was represented by Washington attorney Robert Barnett, whose clients have included Bush, and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
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Protestors have clashed outside the historic Phoenix cinema in London after the building was graffitied following its decision to show a documentary about the Nova music festival attack.

The film, Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre, controversially featured footage from survivors and Hamas attackers and is being shown as part of the Seret International Israeli Film Festival.

The festival has been subject to several boycott calls because of Israels ongoing war on Palestine, but it has gone ahead in the UK where it has been cited as an important chance to showcase Israeli culture.

Following news of the film at the cinema, it was attacked by pro-Palestine vandals yesterday morning (23 May) before the documentary was even aired.

They wrote Say no to art washing in block capitals outside of what is Londons longest continually running cinema.

The term art washing refers to the use of art to legitimise otherwise damaging actions by a group or an individual.

This prompted calls for a protest in the evening, which was attended by those pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine protestors.

The cinema took part in the Israeli Film Festival ( Alamy )

Hundreds of people attended the protest, with largely pro-Israeli protestors waving flags outside the historic cinema, seemingly protecting it from further damage.

Alongside a video of the protest shared to Twitter (X), a protestor wrote: Came to support @Phoenixcinema against antisemites. Turns out a few other people had the same thought.

Came to support @Phoenixcinema against antisemites. Turns out a few other people had the same thought pic.twitter.com/JFUkJu6kHg  Alex Deane (@ajcdeane) May 23, 2024

The prevalence of pro-Israeli protestors, who appeared to be in the majority, was met with much praise on social media.

Didnt get in to see the documentary, but it felt so good to be amongst a bit of normality, singing and peaceful gathering, wrote one protestor on Twitter (X).

A second Twitter user wrote: Great to see the beautiful people of London standing up for what is true and right in this world.

Incredible sights, Israel thanks our friends in England! wrote a third while a fourth added: I am sorry that this is necessary, but it is heartening to see.

However, there was some controversy surrounding at least one protestor, who was caught on camera appearing to threaten to slit the throat of another. It is not immediately clear which side he was on.

But despite the uproar surrounding the screening of the film, the Phoenix cinema has said the screening will still go ahead as planned.

The group that runs the venue, The Phoenix Cinema Trust, said: The private hire of the cinema by Seret was agreed by the Phoenix board of trustees at a recent meeting. Since hearing disagreement with this decision from some, the board discussed the hire again and considered the views it has heard.

Our conclusion is that for all private hires, including this one, the Phoenix should not aim to censor or veto the content of screenings, provided they are legal and, in this instance, unless we are advised by the police that it would unsafe to proceed.

My local cinema. Now.



SAY NO TO ART WASHING



For committing the crime of showing a documentary about Jews being murdered at a music festival.



The modern Nazis are also protesting @Phoenixcinema tonight at 7. Ill be there to greet them. pic.twitter.com/VwdmRarntG  Josh Howie (@joshxhowie) May 23, 2024

While the cinema stood by its decision to screen the film, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh also resigned as its patrons, describing the decision to take part in the festival as simply unacceptable.

Loach told The Guardian: My resignation as a patron of the Phoenix shows what I think of their decision. It is simply unacceptable.

Ken Loach has resigned as a patron of the cinema over the film screening, dubbing it simply unacceptable ( PA Wire )

The Metropolitan Police told The Independent: Police were called at 10:11hrs on Thursday, 23 May to reports of criminal damage at the Phoenix Cinema in High Road N2.

An investigation has been launched. There have been no arrests.

While enquiries are ongoing, at this time the incident is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

Police had already been made aware of protests expected at the venue regarding a film screening on Thursday night.

Officers will be there to make sure those attending can protest safely whilst at the same time minimising serious disruption to the community.

The Independent has reached out to representatives of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh as well as the Metropolitan Police and the Phoenix cinema for further comment.
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A 4,000-year-old timber circle on a Norfolk beach dubbed the Seahenge was built after a period of extreme climate degradation at the close of the third millennium BC, a new study has found.

The mysterious ancient structure was first revealed in 1998 by the shifting sands of Holme-next-the-sea beach on the north Norfolk coast.

It consists of an upturned tree stump surrounded by 55 closely fitted oak posts and was originally built on the salt marsh away from the sea.

Researchers estimate it to have been built using timbers dating from 2049 BC.

The strange structure was positioned such that dunes and mud flats protected it from the sea.

A layer of peat which slowly covered the timbers also protected them from decay over thousands of years. There is a second, adjacent ring centred on two oak logs laid flat, which is also dated to the same year.

Holme I timber enclosure with central inverted oak stump ( Mark Brennand )

Previous research hypothesised that the structures may have been erected to mark the death of an individual.

Other theories suggested they were used for special sky burials in which the dead would be placed inside to be pecked and carried away by carrion-eating birds.

Now, a new paper concludes that the Seahenge and the adjacent circle may have been constructed during a bitterly cold climatic period as a ritual to extend the summer and return to warmer weather.

Pakistan Hits Record 52.2C Amid Heat Wave

Dating of Seahenge timbers showed they were felled in spring, and it was considered most probable that these timbers were aligned with sunrise on the summer solstice, archaeologist David Nance from the University of Aberdeen said.

We know that the period in which they were constructed 4,000 years ago was a prolonged period of decreased atmospheric temperatures and severe winters and late springs placing these early coastal societies under stress, he said.

The Seahenges alignment matches with sunrise on the summer solstice, suggesting it mimicked the pen described in folklore for an unfledged cuckoo to keep singing and extend the summer.

Archaeologists suspect that the strange monuments structure imitates the winter dwellings of the cuckoo remembered in folklore  a hollow tree or the bowers of the Otherworld represented by the upturned oak stump at its center.

Summer solstice was the date when according to folklore the cuckoo, symbolising fertility, traditionally stopped singing, returned to the Otherworld and the summer went with it, Dr Nance explained.

The ritual is remembered in the myth of the pent cuckoo where an unfledged cuckoo was placed into a thorn bush and the bird was walled-in to extend the summer but it always flew away, he said.

The other structure, according to Dr Nance, points to legends of sacred kings who were sacrificed if misfortune fell on the community.

Evidence suggests that they were ritually sacrificed every eight years at Samhain (now Halloween) coincident with the eight-year cycle of Venus, he said.

Both monuments are best explained as having different functions and associated rituals, but with a common intent: to end the severely cold weather, Dr Nance said.
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A male contraceptive gel has taken a step closer to be readily available after tests showed it worked quicker than other male birth control methods.

The gel, that contains 8 milligrams (mg) of segesterone acetate and 74 mg of testosterone, suppresses sperm production faster than other experimental hormone-based contraceptive methods, the new study found.

The men in the study applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade, and did sperm count tests every four weeks.

The threshold deemed effective for contraception was one million or fewer sperm per millilitre of semen.

According to the findings, presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Societys annual meeting in Boston, 86% of men in the study reached this sperm count by week 15.

Among those men, sperm production was suppressed at an average time of less than eight weeks of treatment.

While there are many forms of female contraception in clinical use, birth control options for men are currently very limited.

Researchers say that prior studies of male hormonal contraceptives given by injections showed an average time between nine and 15 weeks for sperm output to become suppressed.

New male birth control gel takes effect sooner than similar contraceptives (David Davies/PA) ( PA Archive )

Senior researcher Diana Blithe, chief of the contraceptive development program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, USA, said: A more rapid time to suppression may increase the attractiveness and acceptability of this drug to potential users.

She added: The development of a safe, highly effective and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need.

While studies have shown that some hormonal agents may be effective for male contraception, the slow onset of spermatogenic suppression is a limitation.

The study included 222 men who completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the contraceptive gel.

The gel contained 8 milligrams (mg) of segesterone acetate and 74 mg of testosterone.

The sperm suppression stage of the study is complete, and researchers will now look at the contraceptives effectiveness, safety, acceptability and reversibility of contraception after treatment stops.

Last year it was announced that a group of British men would be the first in the world to test a new hormone-free male contraceptive pill.

Scientists hope that if the tests are successful, the daily pill could broaden shared responsibility for contraception between the sexes.
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The main opposition party in Slovenia on Monday filed a motion demanding a referendum on the government decision to recognize a Palestinian state, which could delay the formal recognition vote in parliament.

Slovenia's government last week endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state and sent the proposal to parliament for a final approval. This was due on Tuesday but parliament could now postpone it up to 30 days.

Slovenias move came just days after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state, which was condemned by Israel.

The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party demanded a so-called consultative referendum on the recognition bid, arguing that the citizens should have a say on such an important issue that could have serious consequences for Slovenia.

The SDS party leader Janez Jansa said the move by the liberal government gives support to the terrorist organization Hamas.

The ruling coalition of Prime Minister Robert Golob holds a comfortable majority in Slovenia's 90-member assembly. Lawmakers must approve the recognition of the Palestinian state for the decision to take effect.

Parliament is expected to reject the SDS motion for the holding of the consultative referendum.

Jansa's SDS is biggest opposition party in Slovenia. The party's referendum motion comes just days before the European parliamentary elections which will be held in Slovenia on June 9.

Slovenia first began the recognition process in early May, but said it would wait until the situation in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza improved. Golob said he was speeding up the process in reaction to Israels latest attacks on Rafah, which have caused more than 1 million Palestinians to flee.

More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state  more than two-thirds of the United Nations.

Israel launched the assault 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 since killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians.
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A teeange boy has died after he was seriously injured in a disturbance in Glasgow - with police charging a 13-year-old boy in connection with the death.

Kory McCrimmon, 16, was found by emergency services after the incident in Greenfield Park on Friday night.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, but died on Sunday afternoon.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, said Police Scotland.

He is due to appear before Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

Pictures of the scene of the incident show the area taped off with officers standing guard.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: A 16-year-old male youth who was seriously injured during a disturbance in the Cranhill area of Glasgow has died in hospital.

He has been named as Kory McCrimmon from Glasgow.

Emergency services were called to Greenfield Park in Eskbank Street around 8.15pm on Friday, 31 May, 2024, and the victim was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he died on the afternoon of Sunday, 2 June.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection and is due to appear before Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 3 June, 2024.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
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Charles Spencer has said a schoolmaster who allegedly abused and was violent towards him lives near his estate in Northamptonshire.

Earl Spencer also told the audience at the Hay Festival on Sunday that he knows where a female member of staff at his former boarding school, who he claimed sexually assaulted him, lives.

The 60-year-old, who is the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, was speaking about his recently released memoir A Very Private School, in which he opened up about the alleged physical and sexual abuse he endured at Maidwell Hall school in Northamptonshire in the 1970s.

Charles Spencer has said a schoolmaster who allegedly abused and was violent towards him lives near his estate Althorp House in Northamptonshire ( Getty Images )

MailOnline reported Earl Spencer, who has been married three times and has seven children, said: You have to keep an eye on children. I've got children of all ages but they all got very bored by their father cross-questioning them in the car on whether any teachers made them feel uncomfortable.

Reflecting on his experience at the elite independent school, which caters to children aged 4-13, he continued: There are two [staff members] that are still alive  I had to give them false names [in the book] because the lawyers were worried about it.

I wasn't  there's nothing in that book that I cannot corroborate with various witnesses.

One of them was a very abusive master who hated me and was very violent with me.

The 60-year-old opened up about the alleged physical and sexual abuse he endured at Maidwell Hall school in Northamptonshire in the 1970s in his recently released memoir A Very Private School ( William Collins )

The earl alleged the schoolmaster lives close to his and the late Princess of Wales childhood home Althorp House, a 13,000-acre estate he inherited in 1992 and now lives in with his wife Countess Karen Spencer, and their 11-year-old daughter Charlotte Diana. He added: I don't want to see him.

Speaking of the female member of staff, he said: Im sure justice may well catch up with her quite soon.

The historians memoir details how a predatory assistant matron, whom he called a voracious paedophile, allegedly groomed him when he was just 11 years old as well as other young boys and abused them in their beds.

He described the experience as incredibly traumatising and said it led him to hire a prostitute while on holiday in Spain at the age of 12 to finish the grooming.

Earl Spencer is the younger brother of the late Princess Diana ( Charles Spencer/Instagram )

He also claimed the terrifying and sadistic headteacher of the prep school John Porch, who is now dead, brutally beat the children, appearing to gain sexual pleasure from the violence he inflicted.

Earl Spencer, godson to the late Queen, said: I didn't want it to sound like an upper-class whinge and the message of my book isn't, Poor me, I went to a very expensive school that wasn't very nice. It's that children are very vulnerable.

During his research for the book, the former television journalist found that the effects on the emotional development of the brain of children are the same for those at boarding schools as they are for children in care.

Earl Spencer, who joined the school when he was eight, said he was inflicted with beatings to the point of drawing blood and shared that he witnessed punishments, including cutting buttocks [of young children] several times with a cane and carrying on.

Charles Spencer with his wife Countess Karen Spencer ( AFP via Getty Images )

Other former students he interviewed revealed that they had been raped multiple times at the school, while some had lost their siblings to self-neglect. One terminally ill man stipulated a refusal to see his parents in his living will, as he could not forgive them for his experience.

Maidwell Hall School previously told The Independent in a statement: It is sobering to read about the experiences Charles Spencer, and some of his fellow alumni, had at the school, and we are sorry that was their experience.

It is difficult to read about practices which were, sadly, sometimes believed to be normal and acceptable at that time. Within education today, almost every facet of school life has evolved significantly since the 1970s. At the heart of the changes is the safeguarding of children, and promotion of their welfare.

We have been dismayed to read about the allegations of the abuse Charles Spencer suffered by an assistant matron in the 1970s.

Although we have not directly received any claims from ex-pupils, considering what has been reported, the school has followed the statutory process and made a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer). We would encourage anyone with similar experiences to come forward and contact either Maidwell Hall, the LADO or the police.

The Independent has approached Maidwell Hall School for comment.
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Childcare manifesto promises could influence swing voters ahead of the general election, according to new research.

A study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found swing voters are 1.3 times more likely to prioritise lowering the cost of childcare and boosting its availability than the average voter.

Swing voters who are parents are 2.3 times more likely to do so, according to the think tank.

Researchers found that childcare is among the top three priorities of just over one in 10 swing voters for the election on 4 July.

Rachel Statham, associate director at IPPR, said: When the UK government announced the largest-ever expansion of free childcare last spring, they might have expected to reap the benefits at the next general election.

But a botched rollout and a lack of resources has left parents and providers without the security they need.

She said parents and grandparents want improved funding for nurseries to stop closures and ensure staff are trained over and above further expansion of free childcare hours.

Ms Statham added: Whichever party offers a credible plan for childcare may well stand to win over a crucial constituency of swing voters come July.

The Independent recently revealed that thousands of nurseries have shut their doors amid staffing shortages, sparking fears that the governments promise to expand free childcare was doomed to failure.

The first part of the chancellors 4bn extension of free childcare  an attempt to win over voters in the lead-up to the election in July  came into force last month.

Under the new policy, eligible working parents of two-year-olds have been told they can claim 15 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks per year from April onwards. From September 2025, working parents with children under five can claim 30 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks per year.

When the UK government announced the largest-ever expansion of free childcare last spring, they might have expected to reap the benefits at the next general election. But a botched rollout and a lack of resources has left parents and providers without the security they need Rachel Statham, IPPR

The new research found more than half of voters would support a political party that boosts childcare for disadvantaged families.

Researchers polled more than 4,000 adults and more than 2,000 parents and grandparents in England.

Approached by The Independent, none of the three main parties would explitly set out their childcare policies.

Bridget Phillipson, Labours shadow education secretary, said: Across the country, voters can see that our childcare system is creaking at the seams and ripe for the change only Labour can bring.

Thats why Labour will deliver the lasting reform of childcare and early years that families are crying out for. The respected former chief inspector of Ofsted, Sir David Bell, is working with Labour to help develop our plans to make childcare more accessible, more available and of a higher quality, giving parents choices in the workplace and children the best start in life.

Munira Wilson, Lib Dem education spokesperson, accused the Tories of forging childcare deserts through their years of neglect, saying her party wants quality childcare provision for all.

She said: Free hours are no good if parents cant find a good nursery or childminder for their child  and thanks to Conservative ministers underfunding, millions of parents now face the almost impossible task of finding childcare.

There are fewer providers, less choice for parents and no guarantee they will find a place for their child at all.

The Conservative Party did not provide a comment.

The new research found just under half of parents with young children say they have a nursery which is easily accessible and around a quarter of the public deem childcare to be affordable.

Around seven in 10 parents with part-time jobs said childcare was the cause of their choice not to go full-time.
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Beijing has accused Britains MI6 of recruiting Chinese state employees as spies as the two countries traded allegations of espionage.

Chinas Ministry of State Security said in a statement on Monday that it had cracked a major espionage case uncovering two moles planted by the British side within our ranks.

It identified the suspected moles as a man surnamed Wang and his wife Zhou who both worked in sensitive departments of a Chinese state agency.

Last month, Britain charged three people for spying for Hong Kongs intelligence service. Similar charges were made in April against two people accused of spying for China, one of them a former researcher for a prominent Conservative Party lawmaker.

The Chinese ministry claimed that MI6 started cultivating Mr Wang while he was studying in the UK in 2015 under a Sino-British exchange programme.

According to the statement, MI6 agents exploited Mr Wangs financial vulnerabilities to eventually persuade him and his wife to work for the British government as spies. He was invited to dinners and tours arranged by MI6 while he was in the UK, the ministry said, to understand his character weaknesses and personal interests.

The British side started with open research projects and gradually moved into core internal matters of our central state agencies, paying him a fee significantly higher than normal consulting rates. Though Wang was somewhat wary of this, he continued to provide so-called consulting services to the British side under the lure of large sums of money.

Mr Wang allegedly accepted the offer and underwent espionage training from MI6. He then returned to China as instructed to gather intelligence, the ministry said.

The British spy agency subsequently pressured Mr Wang to convince his wife, who worked in a core state agency, to participate in the espionage offering to double the money, the ministry alleged. Under Wangs strong instigation, Zhou agreed to collect intelligence, it said, and he and his wife became British spies.

The case is under further investigation, the ministry said.

The Independent has contacted Britains Foreign Office for comment.
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A British man is among four more hostages abducted by Hamas who have died while held captive in Gaza, Israels military has announced.

Hamas claimed in May that 51-year-old Nadav Popplewell had died after being wounded in an Israeli airstrike a month previously  prompting the UK Foreign Office to say it was urgently seeking more information.

The British-Israeli national has now been confirmed by the Israeli military to be among four men to have recently died while being held captive by Hamas, after being abducted during the Palestinian militants cross-border attack on 7 October, in which Popplewells brother Roi was killed.

Nadavs brother Roi Popplewell was buried at kibbutz Yagur near Haifa, on 27 October ( AP Photo/Ariel Schalit )

The others were named as Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger and Amiram Cooper, each of whom were previously filmed alive in hostage videos posted by Hamas.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday that new intelligence had led to confirmation of the four mens deaths, which they said took place in the southern city of Khan Younis.

We estimate the four of them were killed together in the area of Khan Younis a number of months ago while being held by Hamas terrorists, at the time IDF forces were operating in Khan Younis, Mr Hagari said in remarks that were broadcast.

We are thoroughly examining the circumstances of their deaths and checking all possibilities. We will present soon the findings, first to their families, and then to the public, he said. We will present them with transparency, as we have done until now.

And with Benjamin Netanyahus government facing pressure to accept a new truce and hostages deal outlined by US president Joe Biden, Mr Hagari insisted on Monday that his countrys forces would be able to ensure Israels security in any Gaza deal ultimately decided on.

Cameron challenges BBC for failing to call Hamas terrorists

Foreign secretary David Cameron said on Monday night that he was greatly saddened to hear of Mr Popplewells death, adding: My thoughts are with his loved ones at this terrible time for them.

With a new deal on the table, we reiterate our demand for Hamas to send all hostages home.

Yorkshire-born Mr Popplewell was captured with his 79-year-old mother, Channah Peri, from her home in Kibbutz Nirim on 7 October, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. She was released during a temporary ceasefire in November.

On 11 May, Hamas published undated footage of Mr Popplewell with a black eye, confirming his name to the camera. But the militant group released a second video hours later in which they said he died of wounds sustained in a missile strike.

Israel has previously denied accusations by Hamas that hostages were killed by Israeli fire during the war in which Hamas-run health authorities say more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Of the more than 250 people abducted on the 7 October attack  which left 1,200 dead and triggered the war  around 120 hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Many have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.

Mr Peri, another of the four men named on Monday, was at his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attack. He tried to repel the gunmen while hiding his wife behind a sofa, his son later told Reuters. He eventually gave himself up to save his wife, who remained hidden.

Mr Cooper and Mr Metzger, also from Nir Oz, were captured along with their wives, both of whom were returned to Israel during the brief November truce.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Women who start menopause early are twice as likely to get breast cancer, according to a new study.

Research by the University of Utah Health also discovered that women who begin menopause before the age of 40 face four times the risk of contracting ovarian cancer.

The study found that early menopause can be an indicator of an increased risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer for relatives.

Corrine Welt, one of the reports authors, said: Women who have infertility from low egg numbers or experience early menopause should make sure they are regularly screened for breast cancer, especially if they have family members with cancer.

Doctors who practice general medicine, gynaecology and fertility treatment should be aware that early menopause increases risk for a number of diseases, and they should now be aware that breast cancer may be one of these diseases to watch for.

Researchers looked at the medical records of 613 women with primary ovarian insufficiency and 165 women who started menopause early between 1995 and 2021.

The data come from two healthcare systems in Utah, which support 85 per cent of the population.

Women who have infertility from low egg numbers or experience early menopause should make sure they are regularly screened for breast cancer, especially if they have family members with cancer. Corrine Welt

Researchers used Utah Population Database genealogy information to track down relatives, as well as obtaining data from the Utah Cancer Registry.

An estimated 13 million women are going through the menopause in the UK, with a substantial proportion experiencing debilitating symptoms including heart palpitations, hot flushes, headaches, vaginal pain, anxiety and depression.

One in seven women in Britain will develop breast cancer at one point in their life, with one woman diagnosed every 10 minutes.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the UK and the disease claims around 11,500 womens lives every year.

Breast Cancer Now calls for women to examine their breasts for cancer at least every six weeks as getting an early diagnosis can stop women dying from the illness. The charity says those who need help can speak to expert nurses by calling its free helpline on 0808 800 6000.
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British opposition leader Keir Starmer pledged Monday to keep the U.K.s nuclear weapons, seeking to dispel criticisms that his center-left Labour Party is soft on defense.

Starmer is the current favorite to win Britains July 4 election and become prime minister. His campaign is centered on his claim to have transformed the party since he replaced Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime opponent of nuclear weapons and critic of NATO, as Labour leader in 2020.

Starmer, 61, told voters they can trust Labour to safeguard the countrys economy, borders and security  trying to overturn a perception that Labour is weaker on security and more profligate with taxpayers money, than Prime Minister Rishi Suank's center-right Conservatives.

My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute, Starmer said Monday during a campaign appearance at a military museum in Bury, northwest England.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defense, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s, and both Labour and Conservative governments have consistently supported atomic weapons. Since the 1990s, Britains nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.

Starmer said a Labour government would build the four new nuclear submarines that the Conservatives have already committed to. He criticized the Conservatives for defense spending cuts that had given the U.K. the smallest army since the time of Napoleon, the French leader who fought Britain 200 years ago.

He said the world had entered a new age of insecurity and national security is the most important issue of our times.

The schism between pro- and anti-nuclear forces was long a fault-line in the Labour Party. It was Prime Minister Clement Attlees Labour government that developed atomic weapons in the years following World War II, making Britain the worlds third nuclear-armed state after the United States and the Soviet Union.

Starmer said his entire top team shared his commitment to the nuclear arsenal, even though several members, including deputy leader Angela Rayner and foreign affairs spokesman David Lammy, voted against renewing Trident in 2016.

He also pledged that a Labour government would increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product, though he has not set a deadline. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says his Conservatives will meet the target by 2030.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said Starmer had delivered another empty speech.

By refusing to commit to 2.5% defense spending by 2030 he has been unable to show the clear and bold leadership this country needs in uncertain times, Shapps said.

The Conservatives, who have been in office for 14 years, are trying to overcome a widespread sense that voters want change. On July 4 voters across the U.K. will elect lawmakers to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can command a Commons majority  either alone or in coalition  will become prime minister.
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Diane Abbott has deleted a tweet accusing Sir Keir Starmer of lying about how much respect he has for her.

The veteran Labour MP, who has been at the centre of a storm over whether she would be allowed to stand for the party at the general election, accused Sir Keir of being dishonest in claiming that he has more respect for Diane than she probably realises.

In an interview with The Observer, the Labour leader said: Although I disagree with some of what she says, in terms of the battles shes been through and the terrible insults she has had to rise above, Ive actually got more respect for Diane than she probably realises...

Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign

She was the first Black woman MP and has always had to fight for everything. Shes not like any other candidate.

Sharing the article in a now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Abbott said: More lies from Starmer.

Diane Abbott has said she intends to run and win as a Labour candidate ( PA Archive )

It risks reigniting a row between Ms Abbott and the party which flared up last week over whether she would be blocked from standing in the election.

On Sunday Ms Abbott said she was the adopted Labour candidate for her London constituency, adding: I intend to run and to win as Labours candidate.

It came after Sir Keir performed a u-turn on whether Ms Abbott would be able to run for Labour in her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat, saying she is free to stand for the party.

Sir Keirs deputy Angela Rayner had said Ms Abbott should be allowed to stand, in a break with the party leader.

Ms Rayner had said as the deputy leader of the Labour Party I dont see any reason why Diane Abbott cant stand as a Labour MP going forward.

Sir Keir Starmer said Diane Abbott is free to stand as a Labour MP ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

She heaped praise on Ms Abbott, describing her as an inspiration and a trailblazer. And Ms Rayner appeared to take aim at Sir Keir and his inner circle, stressing that she is not happy about negative briefings to newspapers about Ms Abbott from senior Labour sources.

I dont think that is how we should conduct ourselves, she told ITV.

Sir Keir had previously refused to say whether Ms Abbot would be defending her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat on 4 July, as he faced claims of a "purge" of left-wing candidates.

Ms Abbott was given the Labour whip back last week, clearing the way for her to stand for the party. She had been suspended after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice but not racism, and had sat as an independent MP.

It is not known whether the tweet was posted by Ms Abbott herself or a member of staff with access to her account.
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Sir Keir Starmer will pitch Labour as the party of national security as he seeks to switch attention to defence matters during the general election campaign.

The Labour leader is expected to meet with forces veterans and a group of his partys candidates when he campaigns in the North West of England on Monday.

Sir Keir will reaffirm his commitment to a nuclear deterrent triple lock as well as his ambition to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the size of the economy.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made clear he wants to meet the 2.5 per cent target by 2030 although Labour has so far declined to outline its timeline, only noting they would do so when economic conditions allow.

Labour says its nuclear deterrent triple lock involves: a commitment to construct the four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness; maintaining Britains continuous at-sea deterrent; and the delivery of all future upgrades needed for the submarines to patrol the waters.

For updates on the general election - follow our live blog by clicking here

The Vanguard-class nuclear deterrent submarine HMS Vengeance is among those to be replaced with bigger Dreadnought-class submarines ( PA Wire )

The Vanguard-class submarines are due to be replaced by the bigger Dreadnought-class submarines in the 2030s.

Between 31 billion and 41 billion has been set aside for the wider programme of replacing the Vanguard-class submarines, according to figures from the House of Commons Library.

Sir Keir has been attempting to shift perceptions of Labours defence stance following the partys time under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, a long-standing critic of Nato and Trident.

Sir Keir said: National security will always come first in the changed Labour Party I lead.

Keeping our country safe is the bedrock of stability that the British people rightly expect from their government.

My message to them is clear: Labour has changed. No longer the party of protest, Labour is the party of national security.

The excellent former service personnel that are standing as Labour candidates are a testament to that change.

He added: In the face of increasing threats to national security, actions will speak louder than words.

Thats why, alongside our unshakeable commitment to Nato, an incoming Labour government will introduce a triple lock commitment on our nuclear deterrent  providing vital protection for the UK and our Nato allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high paying jobs across the UK.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: Twelve members of Starmers front bench team, including Angela Rayner and David Lammy, voted against Trident.

We know Rayner is now making the decisions in Labour, so Starmers supposed backing for Trident is meaningless.

Labours refusal to commit to 2.5 per cent defence spending by 2030 shows that they are a danger to our national security. Uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future, only the Conservatives offer that.
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Seeing the Online Safety Act as a job done would be a disaster, a bereaved father has said as he called on the next government to commit to updating legislation to tackle harms affecting children.

Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life, said bold measures are needed to reassure parents of real change when it comes to internet safety and their children.

In 2022, a coroner ruled schoolgirl Molly, from Harrow, north-west London, died from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content in November 2017.

The Online Safety Act passed into law in October, and regulator Ofcom is working on codes of practice to help it enforce the rules, although they will not begin to take effect until next year.

The legislation requires social media companies to curb the spread of illegal content on their platforms and protect children from seeing potentially harmful material, with large fines among the potential penalties for those who breach the new rules.

But Mr Russell said while the Act has laid really important foundations, a new government will need to work out how to keep on top of developments in the fast-changing world of tech.

The Molly Rose Foundation  the suicide prevention charity set up in his daughters memory  has published a five-point plan which it said would build on regulation and fast-track much-needed change.

It would just be a disaster if the next government starts to regard the Online Safety Act as a job done. This isnt finished, they need to complete the work and need to work out how to keep on top of it Ian Russell, Molly Rose Foundation

Mr Russell told the PA news agency it would be wrong to forget about the Online Safety Act, or to think of it as a piece of legislation that only hit the statute books towards the end of 2023 and so its done.

He added: Its not done because its so new, its not done because it will need revising, its not done because tech moves at such a pace that, even if we were to catch up in terms of legislation and regulation, tech would have moved on and wed have to adapt it to catch up with tech again.

So this is a constantly evolving thing and it would just be a disaster if the next government starts to regard the Online Safety Act as a job done. This isnt finished, they need to complete the work and need to work out how to keep on top of it.

He said it must be made clear to tech firms that the cost of entry to the UK market is childrens safety as he called for a fundamental reset of the relationship between such companies and children.

The plan laid out by the foundation includes calling for tech companies to have an overarching duty under the Act, and a requirement that the regulator focuses on measurable harm reduction  with Mr Russell giving an example of annual surveys to track the amount of harm found online and how individual tech platforms algorithmic systems promote harmful content.

It also calls for tech giants to have a legal duty to report on exposure to online harms in their corporate accounts, a one-off harm reduction windfall tax, a statutory code for app stores and operating systems leading to high-quality, well-designed age assurance and parental controls on childrens devices, and investment in education and mental health support.

The foundation does not support calls for phone or social media bans, saying these would risk a slew of unintendedconsequences and may cause more harm than good.

Mr Russell said: Political parties should commit to bold measures that can reassure parents real change is on the way.

Regulation is evidently the best solution to a complex issue, not bans or restrictions that would punish children for the failure of Big Tech.

Politicians should commit to transform childrens lives with a new Online Safety Act and a set of ambitious measures to take on Big Techs harmful business model.
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Nigel Farage has electrified the general election campaign, taking over as leader of Reform UK and launching a bid to become an MP.

As first revealed by The Independent, Mr Farage will run in Tory-held Clacton in Essex in what is already being described as an existential risk for the Tories.

The decision comes as a major blow to Rishi Sunaks electoral hopes, as the former Ukip leader  who had said he would not run to be an MP  confirmed he had changed his mind and decided to contest the general election.

Within hours of the revelation, Tory MPs and candidates were being asked to attend a briefing on an immigration lock pledge which means a Conservative government would set a legal limit on annual immigration figures. The move was being seen as a bid to stop Reform UK and Mr Farage splitting the vote on the right.

Mr Farages announcement came on a day when two major polls suggested that the Tories were already heading for a historically bad defeat. A YouGov MRP poll of 12,000 people predicted Labour will have its biggest ever majority, of 194, with the Tories marooned on 140 seats.

Earlier a Redfield and Wilton poll of 10,000 voters put Labour 26 points ahead of the Conservatives on just 20 per cent, suggesting the party could be down to a mere 24 seats. This followed an MRP poll at the weekend suggesting the Tories could be down to 66 seats.

Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign.

Nigel Farages return as leader of Reform UK came with a promise to serve for five years alongside the Conservatives in opposition ( PA Wire )

However, leading pollsters said that the news of Mr Farage standing as a candidate makes the outlook even worse for the Tories.

Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice described the intervention as important.

Lord Hayward, a Tory peer and top pollster, told The Independent that Mr Farages original decision not to stand meant Reforms vote would be much lower than is reflected in the polls and had been the most damaging thing for any single party.

Luke Tryl from More in Common pollsters tweeted: Given that our MRP [projection] was prior to Nigel Farage saying he was taking over as leader [of] Reform UK and had the Tories losing 185 seats and holding another 50 by less than 4 per cent, I think it is fair to say his decision poses an existential risk to the Tory party.

Mr Farages return as leader of Reform UK came with a promise to serve for five years alongside the Conservatives in opposition. Former leader Richard Tice will become party chairman.

Explaining his bid to become an MP, as first revealed exclusively by The Independent at Monday lunchtime, Mr Farage said he could not let down millions of people who had supported his past political projects.

At what he dubbed an emergency press conference, he added: Something is happening out there.

There is a rejection of the political class going on in this country in a way that has not been seen in modern times.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: Nigel Farage risks handing Keir Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU, impose the retirement tax on pensioners and hike taxes on hardworking Brits up and down the UK.

Farage knows that Reform wont win any seats, but he doesnt seem to care that a vote for Reform only helps Labour. Hes doing exactly what Keir Starmer wants him to do.

Just yesterday, EU insiders openly voiced their expectation that Starmer would seek a softer Brexit deal, opening the door to rejoining the EU altogether. That would mean uncontrolled immigration and betraying the will of the British people. Is Farage really willing to risk undoing his lifes work by handing Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU?

Mr Farage is taking a risk because he has never won a parliamentary seat in seven previous attempts. He has, though, won European parliament national elections as the leader of Ukip and the Brexit Party (now Reform UK).

On Monday, he said he has only stood once in earnest, a time he said the Conservatives cheated. All the previous times it was as a pressure group to raise the profile of why we believed leaving the EU made sense when nobody else in parliament was saying it.

Rishi Sunak is heading for a historically bad defeat ( PA Wire )

He also declared that Labour has already won the election and there is no contest between Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, saying that Reform believes the current general election campaign is the dullest, most boring election we have ever seen. We think this election needs a bit of gingering up, he added.

Setting out Reforms longer-term ambitions, Mr Farage said it would form the opposition in the next parliament and be the biggest party at the general election in 2029. That is the ambition, simple as that, he added.

And he said the party will surprise everybody, getting far more votes than the 3.9 million won by Ukip in 2015.

He added: When people start to realise in the red wall, with Reform second to Labour, when they start to realise that actually in those seats, its a Conservative vote thats a vote for Labour, its a Conservative vote that is a wasted vote, then I think we might just surprise everybody.

We are appealing to Conservative voters, we are appealing to Labour voters.

Responding to the announcement, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: The Conservative Party has already become the mirror image of Nigel Farages Reform.

Rishi Sunaks constant pandering to Reform has horrified former lifelong Conservative voters in the centre ground.

Sunak must show some backbone and rule out Farage ever joining the Conservative Party in future, including if he gets elected to be an MP.

The YouGov MRP polling, before Mr Farages declaration, gave the Tories the most optimistic outcome but still had them facing the worst defeat in their 346-year history.

It suggested Labour would have a 194 majority, with 422 seats, compared to the Tories on just 140 and Lib Dems on 48, boosted by a tactical voting campaign revealed by The Independent over the weekend.

The result would mean big names including chancellor Jeremy Hunt, leader of the House Penny Mordaunt, and Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg would lose their seats.

But other polls suggested that the result could be even worse  even before Mr Farage decided to stand. The Redfield and Wilton poll of 10,000 voters put Labour 26 points of the Torie, 46 per cent to 20 per cent. This could leave the Conservatives with a mere 24 seats and director of research Philip van Scheltinga confidently predicted they will get less than 100 seats.

Techne UK has been predicting fewer than 100 seats for the Tories for months since the fall of Boris Johnson.

Techne chief executive Michela Morizzo suggested that the Tuesday night head-to-head leaders debate between Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer might be a last chance for the prime minister.

She said: In this particular case, I believe that the debate will be useful to consolidate the opinion of those who have already formed their own opinion and have clear ideas about who to vote for. Certainly, even some undecided electors may have clearer ideas after the debate  especially the less informed  but whether this can close the gap is difficult to say now, but above all difficult to achieve.

Lord Hayward noted: There are many undecided voters out there, particularly 2019 Tory voters. The prime ministers best hope is to try to appeal to them. This means that, unusually, this debate may offer him a chance.

However, Sir John Curtice warned that TV debates are unlikely to change things with the only major shift coming with Cleggmania when former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg took the first 2010 debate by storm.

He said: Its a chance [for Sunak] but no more. The two head to heads in 2019 were followed by only marginal shifts in the polls  slightly to Labours advantage. Nothing has ever replicated the impact of the first [three-way] debate in 2010.
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Nigel Farage is making an emergency announcement about the general election, with speculation mounting that the former UKIP leader will launch his latest bid to become an MP.

One source has told The Independent that the honorary president of Reform UK will declare he is going to stand for parliament in Clacton, in Essex. However, neither Farage or Reform would confirm or deny this.

The seat is seen as a soft target with the pro-Remain former actor Giles Watling defending the seat for the Tories.

Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign.

The honorary president of Reform UK has so far shied away from seeking a seat in the general election, but rumours have been swirling that he will run in Clacton.

It is understood that Mr Farage has been looking at the Essex seat for a number of months because it was previously held by Ukips Douglas Carswell and had a high vote in favour of Brexit.

Mr Farage had announced last week that he had been taken by surprise by the early election called by Rishi Sunak and did not have time to stand as a candidate.

Farage is expected to run in Clacton ( EPA )

Instead he said he would campaign for Refom around the country.

However, there were concerns in Reform UK that his failure to be a candidate meant their vote would not hold up in the election.

Tory peer and pollster Lord Rob Hayward told The Independent: No single decision as Nigel Farage not standing has been more damaging for a single party in this election campaign. It has had a real impact on Reform.

Already, an MRP super poll over the weekend had suggested the Conservatives could be reduced to 66 seats but with Farage potentially boosting the Reform vote the possibility of a wipeout will be seen as more realistic.

However, Mr Farage is taking a risk because he has never won a parliamentary seats after seven attempts. He has though won European Parliament national elections as the leader of Ukip and the Brexit Paty (now Reform UK).

Over the weekend Mr Farage said he wants to stage a takeover of the Conservative Party affter the election, highlighting the possibility Mr Sunak faces a Canada 93 style wipeout.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, he said: Why do you think I called it Reform? Because of what happened in Canada - the 1992-93 precedent in Canada, where Reform comes from the outside, because the Canadian Conservatives had become social democrats, like our mob here.

It took them time, it took them two elections, they became the biggest party on the centre-Right. They then absorbed what was left of the Conservative Party into them and rebranded.

Asked if he was suggesting a merger between Reform and the Conservatives, he said: More like a takeover, dear boy.

But, despite being expected to announce his candidacy at 4.00pm, Mr Farage also said on Sunday he would not be standing in the general election. Ive said no, he added.
Nigel Farage today announced that he is standing in the Essex seaside town of Clacton in an eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons (as was first revealed in The Independent).

After seven previous failed attempts in Eastleigh, Bexhill and Battle, Salisbury, Thanet South (twice), Bromley and Chislehurst, and Buckingham, Mr Farage and his supporters believe that this time he stands a real chance of winning the seat in the Commons that has always eluded him.

But why Clacton? What is it about the quiet seat filled with pensioners, with its pier and arcades, that makes it the perfect place for the former Brexit Party and Ukip leader to stand?

After all, this was the seat that delivered Tory MP Giles Watling, a former actor who was in the sitcom Bread, a massive 24,702 majority in 2019.

Nigel Farage confirms he will stand as Reform UK candidate in the general election: I cant let down millions of people ( Reuters )

Brexit! Brexit! Brexit!

Clacton was one of the biggest Leave-voting constituencies in the country in 2016, and has remained strongly in support of Brexit.

In the 2016 referendum, 73 per cent of those who voted in the seat voted to leave the EU. It makes Clacton a fertile campaigning area for a man whom Donald Trump has dubbed Mr Brexit.

But there is more. Recent history in Clacton shows that it is not as safe a Tory seat as the 2019 election suggests.

It was held by Ukip when Douglas Carswell defected from the Tories in 2014 to join the party, which was then led by Farage. Carswell called a by-election and won the seat, and then won it again handsomely in 2015.

The Tories only regained it in 2017 when Carswell decided to step down and Farage had resigned as Ukip leader. The 2019 result was boosted by Farages decision to stand down Brexit Party candidates against sitting Tory MPs.

Watling is a target

Giles Watling was a popular sitcom actor, but has not always been as popular in Clacton.

Ahead of this election, there were complaints that he was not as visible as he might be in the constituency, and there was an attempt to deselect him.

CCHQ intervened, and Watling reversed the decision with a vote in his favour by members of the association, but some of the local Tory councillors quit the party in protest to sit as independents.

One of them, Peter Harris, was previously the Ukip candidate for Dagenham and Rainham, and will now be organising Farages ground campaign.

Referring to Watlings sitcom career, he told The Independent: Giles Watling starred in Bread, but now he is toast.

A failure to level up

Seaside towns like Clacton have seen better days, and there is a feeling among many that they missed out on the so-called levelling up drive that benefited areas like the North East of England and other red-wall areas.

Clacton, like Blackpool, Southend and Great Yarmouth, has areas of severe poverty that often seem to be ignored, even though they also have some very well-off parts.

A report by the think tank Onward concluded that pockets of Clacton ranked in the top 1 per cent among areas of poverty in the UK.

There is no better place for Farage to capitalise on a sense of betrayal by the Tories.

Its now or never for Farage

There is no doubt that the decision to run, apparently made while fishing, is an attempt to take advantage of a historic opportunity.

Tory support is collapsing in the polls; issues on which Reform is strong, especially immigration, are top of the political agenda; and Farages own profile has never been higher or appealed to more people.

His stint in the jungle on ITVs Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! introduced Mr Farage to a whole new audience that had not hitherto been particularly politically engaged. He survived all sorts of attempts to get him out early, and came third.

Added to that, across the pond, his friend Trump is making the political weather, even though some people are trying to put him in prison.

But the biggest factor of all is Farages chance to reshape British politics. Be in no doubt that the aim here is for him to lead whatever is left of the Conservative Party, or a new centre-right party, and then lead it to power in 2029.

All he needed was the right seat to win and get him into parliament.
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The Labour Party has turned an attempt by Rishi Sunak to mock them into a viral post that looks like he is endorsing them.

The Conservative Partys latest post on TikTok shows the prime minister explaining Labours policy for our countrys future on a flipchart.

The short video sees him turn over the cover to show a blank page, before capping a pen in his hand, placing it down and walking off-camera.

The short video sees Rishi Sunak turn over the flipchart cover to show a blank page ( @ukconservatives/TikTok )

The video is part of the Tories claims Labour has no plan for government in this election period, as they campaign under the slogan clear plan, bold action, secure future.

But Labours social media team were quick to hit back at the video with an edited version that showed Sir Keir Starmers first steps for change on the flipchart.

The six pledges, previous outlined by Sir Keir, are to deliver economic stability, cut NHS waiting times, launch a new Border Security Command, set up Great British Energy, cut down on antisocial behaviour and recruit 6,500 new teachers.

The Labour Party post has now received over 2.4 million views on X and a further 308,000 on TikTok.

This comes as major political parties have taken to TikTok and social media in an attempt to appeal to younger voters.

The Labour Party posted an edited version that showed Sir Keir Starmer s first steps for change ( @UKLabour/X )

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.

TikTok is now used by over 9 million people in the UK.

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.

Social media experts have previously told The Independent that 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.

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.
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Broadcasters have finalised their line-up of televised debates ahead of the general election on 4 July.

The BBC confirmed it will host the final head-to-head debate between prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on 26 June.

The debate will be hosted by newsreader Sophie Raworth and take place in Nottingham, airing on BBC One and BBC News. The first head-to-head between Sir Keir and Mr Sunak was broadcast on ITV on June 4. Sky News also hosted a leaders debate on June 12.

Elsewhere on the BBC, Mishal Husain hosted a debate on June 7 between leading figures from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, Green Party and Reform UK.

The final head-to-head debate between Sunak and Starmer will take place on 26 June ( PA Wire )

Also included in the BBCs election coverage is a two-hour-long Question Time leaders special, hosted by Fiona Bruce, on June 20.

The leaders of the four biggest political parties  the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats and SNP - will answer questions from the studio audience for 30 minutes each.

BBC journalist Nick Robinson has also invited the leaders of the seven biggest political parties in Britain to be interviewed for Panorama specials, airing in the run up to the general election.

Additional dedicated debates will also take place in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

When are the debates taking place?

BBC One seven-leader election debate  7 June

BBC One Scotlands debate between all Scottish party leaders - 11 June

Sky News leaders debate  12 June

ITV multi-party debate  13 June

BBC Question Time special  20 June

BBC One Waless debate between Welsh party leaders  21 June

BBC ONE prime ministerial debate  26 June

BBC One Northern Irelands debate between Irish party leaders  27 June

ITV will also broadcast a series of interview specials with party leaders, with all the major parties featuring over four shows. They take place on 6, 12, 24 and 27 June

If youre travelling abroad and want to stream the Election Debate then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
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A new poll has indicated the Tories are on the cusp of suffering the biggest general election disaster in their history.

Redfield and Wiltons survey of 10,000 voters published today (3 June) has the Conservatives at just 20 per cent, 26 points behind Labour. It is the second poll in three days predicting disaster for the government.

Director of research Philip van Scheltinga said: After a week and a half of campaigning, the polls have changed, and the Conservatives are no longer facing a big loss on July 4. Instead, they are now facing a catastrophe, a complete wipeout.

Click here for the latest coverage of election polls.

The findings have suggested a potential Canada-style collapse for the party based on when the Canadian Conservative Party went into the 1993 election as the government and only managed to hold on to two seats.

In a crushing blow for the Tories, Electoral Calculus predicts they would win a mere 24 seats if the poll was replicated in an election. Electoral Calculus is a website used by political analysts which bases its estimates on the effects of swings in support between parties but does not take local factors into account.

The Liberal Democrats would be the second party on 51 seats and Labour would have a majority of 426 with more than 500 seats. Even Rishi Sunak would lose his North Yorkshire seat to Labour in this scenario.

This follows the MRP poll over the weekend suggesting the Tories will win only 66 seats.

The Tories are emphasising that the predictions are based on polls  with the only real poll being the general election itself.

Rishi Sunak could be leading his party to its worst ever result ( Carl Court/Pool via Reuters )

The worst election in the Tories history was in 1906 when they won 156 seats and Arthur Balfour became the only major party leader to lose his seat. But the Conservative problems are being compounded by a push on tactical voting, particularly by the Lib Dems.

The findings by the independent pollster are the second worst recorded for the Conservatives, beaten only by the 19 per cent when Liz Truss was prime minister at the height of the economic crisis triggered by her mini-Budget.

The survey suggests that everything tried by Mr Sunak in the election has failed to make an impact, including announcing he would reintroduce national service for school leavers and protect the state pension with a new triple lock plus guarantee.

Instead, the party has lost three points in the last week, while Labour has remained unchanged on 46 per cent.

Concerningly for the Tories, Reform were up one point to 14 per cent, even before Nigel Farage announced he would run as party leader.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey in Bury in Greater Manchester, while on the general election campaign trail ( PA )

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems are up one to 10 per cent and Greens are unchanged on 5 per cent.

Only 42 per cent of those who voted Conservative in 2019 say they would vote Conservative again  the joint-lowest percentage Redfield & Wilton has recorded since Mr Sunak became prime minister and just five points higher than the lowest percentage (37 per cent) ever recorded.

When asked about the issues, 58 per cent of voters cite the economy as among the three most important issues that would determine how they would vote in a general election, ahead of healthcare (52 per cent). Respondents also selected immigration (37 per cent), housing (25 per cent), and policing and crime (19 per cent).

When asked about the leaders, Mr Sunak gets a negative 17 per cent rating while Sir Keir Starmer has a plus 11 per cent rating. When asked who would make the better prime minister, Sir Keir on 46 per cent leads Mr Sunak on 26 per cent by 20 points.

The poll was conducted amongst an extra-large sample of 10,000 voters across Great Britain from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June, with additional intra-regional weightings.
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The Tories are desperately scrambling to get up to 141 candidates in place ahead of the deadline at 4pm on Friday.

Among the last ditch selections will be party members in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich tonight making a decision on whether to adopt party chairman Richard Holden amid a row that he is being parachuted into the constituency after going on a chicken run from the north east of England.

The seat was left open as a result of Dr Dan Poulter defecting to Labour from the Conservatives a few weeks before the election was called.

When the election was called it is understood that 191 constituencies did not have a Conservative candidate, this was added to when 10 Tory MPs including Michael Gove decided to quit. Estimates leave that number still at 141 although this has been denied by some party sources.

Tory chairman Richard Holden is an MP looking for a seat ( LBC )

Mr Holden is one of several homeless Tory MPs looking for a seat to contest as the party aims to resolve its nominations over the next 48 hours.

The party chairman has been linked to a number of seats after his North West Durham constituency disappeared as a result of the boundary change and he declined to stand in the neighbouring Bishop Aukland seat vacated by Dehenna Davison.

Holden had previously been linked to Billericay and Basildon. In Suffolk, Mr Holden would be up against Yasmin Al-Atroshi, a leading pharmacist and a third candidate.

There had been some speculation about whether neighbouring MP Tom Hunt may move from Ipswich but he appears to be staying in his original seat. However, he appeared to be unhappy, tweeting: Much to ponder.

One source said that it was all blowing up in the constituency over Mr Holdens shortlisting. Other constituencies where CCHQs shortlists have reportedly been disputed are Great Yarmouth, Billericay and Basildon, and Bognor Regis and Littlehampton where the association chair is understood to have resigned in protest.

Among other MPs looking for a constituency are Andy Carter, who was on the Privileges Committee which found Boris Johnson guilty of misleading parliament; Nicola Richards, who was an MP in West Bromwich; and Neil Hudson, the former MP for Penrith.

Tory peer and leading pollster Lord Robert Hayward is set to chair another selection meeting tonight for another potentially safe seat in Epping Forest which has been vacated by former deputy speaker Dame Eleanor Laing.

The shortlist for that seat includes former special adviser Anita Boateng, Mr Hudson, ex-Lord Cameron aide Louise Staite.

Lord Hayward said: It is true that there are a lot of seats in theory to fill but most of these are in unwinnable places like east London and the Welsh valleys. The party knows the candidates for them and they just need to be confirmed.

There are though some very winnable seats still up for grabs with selections today and tomorrow.

On the MPs who still have not found a new constituency, he added: I am afraid that some of them are going to be disappointed.

Controversially, the shortlist for Mr Goves now former Surrey Heath seat now includes his ally, former journalist Seb Payne who has struggled to get selected. An attempt to run a recount after he failed to be selected for Bromsgrove replace Sajid Javid backfired with support growing for the original candidate.
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Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones broke down in tears on his Infowars show this week, claiming that federal authorities were trying to shut down his show.

Jones, 50, was seen openly sobbing on his show as he alleged, without any evidence, that the Deep State were trying to shut him down after federal agents supposedly received secret federal files that alleged he was committing crimes that were handed over to the Justice Department.

He alleged he had to sleep in the shows Dallas studio the night before to prevent it from being padlocked, hours before the web version of his network, in an article, claimed the same.

I love this crew, Jones said about 15 minutes into the final hour of the X broadcast, where he called members of the unspecified federal agencies supposedly stalking him p**sies and a**holes.

Im so pissed off, he said, starting to sob. Im trying to cry as a fake thing, but I am so sick of these people, he added.

Alex Jones openly sobbed on his Infowars show ( @RealAlexJones/Twitter )

All were trying to do is save America, and theyre f**king us over, over and over again.

And its just so sick  its sick, its sick. I want to leave  because its going to be over, folks.

He went on to say that he would come back bigger than ever, before adding, But my baby, Im watching them rape it.

It is unclear which federal body Jones was referring to or if Jones accusations are true. The Independent has contacted the FBI and the Department of Justice for comment.

As of Monday morning, Infowars appeared to still be up and running and no reports of federal agents near the studios premises have been received, though Jones told Newsweek that he spotted guards looking at me weird at the entrance of the Infowars building in Downtown Dallas, and believed his company was going to be shut down.

Meanwhile, in a post on X over the weekend, Jones appeared to admit that he wasnt sure if the shut down was actually happening.

Theres a 50 percent chance this is happening right now, Jones wrote on X.

They want us shut down because in bankruptcy and what was happening we have a path with the judge to continue on for years, and the judge has signaled that.

Different groups involved in the bankruptcy that will be exposed soon have literally made a move to shut this place down and end my show.

Jones was previously sued by the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims for promoting a false theory that the massacre was a hoax, with a judge ordering him to pay $1.5bn to the families.

The ruling led to Jones filing for bankruptcy and he has so far failed to pay out any of the sum after he told his audience last year he was officially out of money.

Meanwhile, Jones has faced criticism in the past for playing an amped-up version of himself not only on the air but in public, with lawyers for the right-wing conspiracy theorist previously claiming he is a performance artist who is merely playing a character on his Infowars show.

Hes playing a character, his attorney, Randall Wilhite, said at a pretrial hearing where Joness ex-girlfriend Kelly Jones attempted  successfully  to get custody of their three children. He is a performance artist.

Kelly obtained custody of the kids after citing her husbands unstable character and possibly illegal remarks.
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Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Moreno party has won the presidential election in Mexico, becoming the first woman to lead the country.

A former mayor of the capital Mexico City, Ms Sheinbaum was the frontrunner from almost the start, leading in opinion polls against her main competitor Xochitl Galvez. While Ms Sheinbaum has Jewish heritage, Ms Galvez is an Indigenous woman.

Ms Sheinbaum succeeds Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, popularly known as AMLO, who has been described as her political mentor.

One of the primary challenges facing the new president is organised crime and cartel violence. Lopez Obradors term reportedly saw more murders than any other administration in Mexicos modern history.

Mexican presidents are elected to serve a single six-year term.

It was only about 70 years ago that Mexico gave women the right to vote and Ms Sheinbaums victory is a testament to how far the country known for its macho culture has come, experts said.

The election was one of the largest ever in Mexico, with nearly 100 million people registered to vote. It was also one of the most violent in modern history, marked by the murders of 38 candidates.

Still, voters turned out in large numbers, seeking change and stability amid ongoing threats from warring drug cartels.

On her way to vote on Sunday morning, Ms Sheinbaum said it was a historic day.

Everyone must get out to vote, she said.

She has pledged to continue all of Mr Lopez Obradors policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a programme that pays young people to apprentice.

There is no doubt about the triumph of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mario Delgado, the ruling partys leader said on Sunday. Today sovereignty, independence and democracy have triumphed.

We are facing an unprecedented feat in our country, Mr Delgado was quoted as saying by La Jornada. The people of Mexico have taken a leap towards complementarity and balance, blocking the way for a morally and politically tiny opposition, a racist, classist and corrupt minority, whose only project was to ruin the country in order to keep it and hand it over to transnational monsters. Today sovereignty, independence and democracy have triumphed.

Stephania Navarrete, 34, a homemaker from the neighbourhood of San Andres Totoltepec in Mexico City, was quoted as saying by Politico: Having a woman president, for me as a Mexican woman, its going to be like before when for the simple fact that you say you are a woman you are limited to certain professions. Not anymore.

For me security is the major challenge. They said they were going to lower the levels of crime, but no, it was the opposite, they shot up. Obviously, I dont completely blame the president, but it is in a certain way his responsibility.

In 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists ranked Mexico as the seventh worst country when it came to impunity for violence against the press. According to Reporters Without Borders, at least 37 journalists have been killed since Lopez Obrador took office. In April, a journalists murder in Morelos led to protests outside the prosecutors office, demanding greater accountability.

Ms Sheinbaum starts her term on 1 October.

Alongside her, the voters elected a new Congress as well as governors in nine states.
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Chilling writings and drawings scrawled by Brian Laundrie with the words kill and trust no one were found among his things at his Florida home, newly released FBI files reveal.

Laundrie, 23, killed his girlfriend Gabby Petitio in August 2021 during a cross-country road trip and dumped her body in a remote area of Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. Her body was found in September 2021 after a massive search.

Weeks later, Laundrie was found dead in a nearby Florida reserve. He had a gunshot wound to his head and his death was ruled a suicide.

During a raid at Laundries Florida home at the time, investigators found his disturbing writings and drawings, including diary entries year before the killing, recently obtained by The New York Post.

Laundrie wrote about his mania, describing in disturbing detail how he wanted to pour gasoline on his body and burn himself alive.

Brian Laundrie, 23, killed his girlfriend Gabby Petitio in August 2021. Newly released drawings from him showed disturbing thoughts.

About a year ago I went in to a type of mania where I was smashing holes in the wall with my head, kicking throug (sic) paintings, tearing whatever I was working on, pouring gasoline on myself to burn alive but getting the lighter wet, parking out in murderland listening to Mac [unclear, but may be DeMarco] with a gun to my head, wrestling alligators, Laundrie wrote in his diary on October 26, 2018.

I wanted to die and the weird thing is nothings changed, but the [timers] running down. Under the mattress Im on is a loaded 357 magnum revolver. A pull of the trigger and all my problems will be over.

Investigators also found hundreds of bullets, several magazines, and a bill of sale and handbooks for Ruger .380 and Glock 49mm pistols, and notebooks belonging to Gabby.

When the Petito family lawyer, Brian Stewart, was shown some of the graphic drawings, he told The Post, thats just scary.

In retrospect, it tells us that Brian dealt with mental health issues and was clearly a narcissist and manipulator capable of violence, Stewart added.

Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito during happier times in their travel blog ( EPA )

In another diary entry, Laundrie describes a nightmare he had which appeared to be about Petito leaving him.

The ocean pours out of her blue eyes and the fire is out. With one word the pain is gone. Brian?, Laundrie wrote.

Oh how sweet she is to say we should get together, but you know when you walk out that door shell be gone forever again, he added. Your [sic] back in the car, haunted by the eyes youll never look into again.

The pain burns fresh because you know its just tonight. You wake up and your [sic] both free.

Stewart said the Petito family was unaware of the disturbing diary entries.

We know that hes a manipulator who hid his intentions, Stewart said. Its interesting seeing all these notes, knowing now how these types of domestic violence situations turn fatal.

Also recovered in the raid was Chuck Palahniuks novel Choke, a book about a scam artist who pretends to choke on food to earn sympathy checks from others, copies of The Watchtower, an illustrated religious magazine published by New-York based Jehovahs Witnesses and a slew of weapons including a compound bow fitted with a rifle scope, bolt-action rifle magazines and brass knuckles.

A page from Brian Laundries notebook recovered by the FBI ( Fox News Digital )

In 2021, Gabbys family had reported her missing after she stopped FaceTiming with them as she regularly did.

Weeks earlier, Gabby and Laundrie had set off on a cross-country trip together, documenting their travel experiences as van lifers on their YouTube channel Nomadic Statik. But things took a turn when Laundrie returned home to Florida without her.

On September 19, 2021, investigators located Gabbys body in Grand Teton National Park.

Laundrie himself had vanished from his Florida home as he came under scrutiny following Gabbys disappearance.

His remains were later found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in a Florida nature reserve on October 20. His death was ruled as suicide with his writing found nearby.

Last weekend, Gabbys mother, Nichole Schmidt, told the crowd at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, that shes forgiven Laundrie but slammed the killers mother and insisted she deserved to be forgotten.

I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you, Schmidt told the audience. I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness and I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life.

She did not hold back, however, when speaking about Laundries mother Roberta, according to Fox News.

As for you, Roberta, and I call you out individually because you are evidently the mastermind that shattered your family and mine with your evil ways, I see no empathy in your eyes, she said. No remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Gabby Petitos mother, Nicole Schmidt, said that she forgives her daughters suspected killer but blames his mother for ruining their families ( AP )

You do not deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be forgotten, she added.

Laundries parents told authorities during deposition hearings that their son had called them in an erratic state leading them to be concerned for Gabbys safety.

However, Gabbys parents allege that the Laundries never reached out to them and ignored their efforts to communicate with them.

Gabbys parents have alleged that the Laundries knew about her murder and tried to conceal it.

Even though his parents denied knowledge of the crime they had sent a $25,000 retainer to a defense attorney. The Petitos settled a lawsuit against the Laundrie family earlier this year.
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A medical student walked into a bar near the Ohio State campus in the early morning hours of April 1, 2006  and vanished.

It may sound like an April Fools prank, but its one of Ohios biggest mysteries.

Brian Shaffer was 27 years old when he strolled into The Ugly Tuna Saloona, a local college bar lit up by a bright neon sign that read Fresh Fish. Ugly Owners.

Surveillance footage from outside the establishment captured the med student entering the bar around 1:55am. Then, he was gone.

For nearly two decades, Brians disappearance has been a mystery to Ohio residents.

Online sleuths tossed around theories of what happened to Brian, delving deep into cold case subreddits, hoping to crack the case, particularly on Reddit, a social media platform that allows users to post and interact anonymously.

Did he drunkenly stumble odd and down in the Olentangy River? Or, because there was no surveillance footage of him leaving the bar, is he still there, his body hidden in the walls, or a beer keg?

In one Brian Shaffer subreddit, a user with the handle QueeenBeeeee frequently posted about the case, among others, repeatedly mentioning the names of a pair of brothers from Ohio, alleging that they were ones responsible.

Now, those brothers are suing the unknown user referred to as Jane Doe, in the lawsuit, for defamation.

A reddit user accused them of murder. Now, theyre suing

Matthew Osowski and Brian Osowski filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court this week against anonymous Reddit user QueeenBeeeee.

The lawsuit alleges that the Reddit user, listed as Jane Doe, continuously accused them in the comments of being involved in multiple homicide and missing person cases, including Brian Shaffers case.

In the Brian Shaffer subreddit, the QueeenBeeeee user shared their theories about the case alongside accusations that the Osowski brothers are psychopath serial killers, according to a post viewed by The Columbus Dispatch.

Other posts included personal information about the brothers, including what they look like, where they live, and where they work. There is no evidence to connect the Osowski brothers to Brains disappearance, or any other case and the posts have since been deleted by Reddit.

According to the lawsuit, the user also alleges that the brothers were involved in the 2005 murder of 20-year-old Julie Popovich, and the disappearances of Tyler Davis and Joey LaBute. However, again, there is no indication the brothers had anything to do with these cases. In fact, in 2007, Adam Saleh was convicted of Popovichs death and is currently serving a life sentence.

The Osowski brothers are seeking $25,000 in monetary damages, according to the lawsuit. They are also requesting retractions of the postings, as well as a court order stopping QueeenBeeeee from posting any more allegations. The account has since been suspended.

In a statement provided to The Dispatch on Monday, the attorneys for the brothers said they have no idea who the anonymous poster is and that the lawsuit was filed to put a stop to this false and unscrupulous behavior.

They had no involvement with any of the crimes mentioned in this persons posts. They had no contact with the victims of the crimes, the attorney said in the statement.

The Osowskis have families and jobs and the wild, unsupportable allegations in the postings are irresponsible. The Osowskis are pursuing the matter legally to put a stop to this false and unscrupulous behavior.

What happened to Brian Shaffer?

Four weeks before Brian Shaffer vanished, his mother, Renee, died of myelodysplasia, a rare form of cancer.

In the days and weeks that followed, Brian, his brother Derek Shaffer, and their father, Randall Randy Shaffer, leaned on each other for support.

Brian began to look to the future, particularly to an upcoming vacation to Miami with his girlfriend, Alexis.

Brian planned to propose on the trip, but he never made his flight.

On March 31, 2006, a Saturday night, Brian joined his friend William Clint Florence for a bar crawl near the Ohio State campus.

They stopped at Ugly Tuna Saloona in Columbus University District, but then left heading towards the Arena District and Short North.

Medical student Brian Shaffer was 27 years old when he strolled into The Ugly Tuna Saloona, an Ohio State college bar in 2006. That night he vanished without a trace ( FBI )

Later in the night, another friend, Meredith Reed, offered the two of them a ride back to Ugly Tuna, and they returned to the bar.

Surveillance camera footage shows Brian and his friends at the bars entrance around 1:15 a.m. He was last seen chatting with two women and walking back inside the bar before he disappeared.

His friends tried to call him after they lost each other in the bar but only got his voicemail. Figuring he went home, they left.

When Brian did not show up for his flight on Monday, his father grew worried and reported him missing.

Last video footage of Brian

Brians father searched his apartment but found everything where it was supposed to be.

His bed was made and his medical books were neatly positioned on the shelves.

A search was launched, as cadaver dogs canvassed the area around the bar, the woods near the river and the campgrounds.

Surveillance footage that captured Brians last movements was reviewed over and over, but police still had no answers.

In the video, Brian, Clint and Meredith rode the escalator to the bar at 1:15 a.m. An hour later, Clint and Meredith came back down. But Brian wasnt with them.

The police were just as confused as the rest of us, Derek Shaffer told a local news outlet. They did everything they could to try and find my brother.

Clint and Meredith were questioned by the police. She passed a polygraph, but Clint allegedly refused to take one, it was reported.

Surveillance camera footage shows Brian and his friends at the bars entrance around 1:15 a.m on April 1. He was last seen chatting with two women and walking back inside the bar before he disappeared. The footage was reviewed over and over, but police still had no answers ( FBI )

Weeks passed, then months, but Brians family refused to give up hope. His father Randy conducted media interviews, created a website for tips from the public and kept praying that his son would be found.

Then the wild theories and hoax tips began to trickle in.

Someone called Jesus claimed that Brian was beaten unconscious by two men after a clash at the Ugly Tuna.

[Jesus said] When Brian woke up, he had a big black penis in his mouth, Mr Shaffer recalled in 2007. [He said] they shot him in the head, burned his body and had sex with his ashes.

But it wasnt a tip, it was a hoax.

There were alleged sightings of Brian in Atlanta and Sweden. But nothing led to finding him.

His brother Derek told The Dispatch that he stays away from what people say about Brian online.

I dont really read stuff about Brian online, Derek said. He was going to do great things as a doctor. He wasnt into drugs or anything like that. I dont think he would just take off and never contact us again. No, he wouldnt have done that to us.

Im afraid that something bad did happen, and we may never find out, he added.

Another tragic loss

In 2008, two years after Brian went missing, the Shaffer family suffered another tragic loss.

Brians father, Randall Randy Shaffer, 55, died in a windstorm that pummeled central Ohio, killing at least six people in the area.

Mr Shaffer was believed to have been walking to a shed in the backyard of his Fairfield County home during the storm when he was struck and killed by a falling limb, Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said at the time, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

When he didnt show up for his job with Midway Electric, where he worked as an electrician, neighbors went to his house and found his body in the backyard.

Brian Shaffer with his mother Renee Shaffer, who died in 2006, and his father Randy Shaffer, who died in 2008 ( Submitted by Lori Davis/FindAGrave )

Mr Shaffer had been a familiar face to many in central Ohio who followed his well-publicized search to find his son.

Within three years, Derek Shaffer had lost his mother, brother, and now his father.

On Brians right bicep was a tattoo of the stickman pictured on Pearl Jams debut single, Alive.

He was a devoted fan and planned to see them in Cincinnati. But he never made it.

( FBI )

Four years after Brian went missing, the group performed Come Back at Columbus Nationwide Arena, two miles from the Ugly Tuna.

Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the band, dedicated the track to Brian: Wherever you are, were still thinking about you, he said.
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Chad Daybell has been sentenced to death following six weeks of harrowing testimony of his high-profile murder trial in Idaho  and he could die by firing squad thanks to a new law.

Daybell, 55, a self-proclaimed doomsday cult prophet with extreme religious beliefs who set out to lead a group of 144,000 people to be saved during the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in 2020, is now the ninth person on death row in Idaho after a jury found him guilty last week. Prosecutors said it was Daybells desire for sex, power, and money that led to the 2019 murders of his wife Tammy Daybell, and the two youngest children of his then-girlfriend Lori Vallow - Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ Vallow - whose remains were found buried in his Rexburg home in June 2020, nine months after they went missing.

Two days after Daybell was found guilty, the same jury decided that he would be sentenced to death. A decision that sparked no emotion from Daybell. When asked by Judge Steven Boyce whether he wanted to make a statement, he declined.

Idahos death penalty is seldom used, but has received renewed attention in the wake of Daybells bizarre case, as well as the case of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, who is accused in the November 2022 killings of four University of Idaho college students.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the state of Idaho has carried out just three executions since 1976, when the US Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment. The first was in 1994, followed by two others in 2011 and 2012.

Chad Daybell closes his eyes after the jurys guilty verdict in his murder trial at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on May 30, 2024 ( AP )

Now, the method of execution in Idaho is making headlines.

Last year, Idaho became the fifth state to permit the use of firing squads as a method of execution. The law went into effect on July 1, 2023. The only other states that authorize firing squads are Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

However, Utah is the only state to have used firing squads in the past 50 years, according to the Washington, DC-based Death Penalty Information Center.

On June 18, 2010, Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed at Utah State Prison, for killing an attorney during a courthouse escape attempt.

Gardner sat in a chair, sandbags around him and a target pinned over his heart, according to The Associated Press. Five prison staffers drawn from a pool of volunteers fired from 25 feet away with .30-caliber rifles. Gardner was pronounced dead two minutes later.

A blank cartridge was loaded into one rifle without anyone knowing which. Thats partly done to enable those bothered later by their participation to believe they may not have fired a fatal bullet.

The renewed interest in using a firing squad as a means of execution comes as states search for alternatives to lethal injections after pharmaceutical companies barred the use of their drugs. Other states have reauthorized the use of electric chairs and gas chambers  or are at least considering it.

Bryan Kohberger is accused in the November 2022 killings of four University of Idaho college students. The state is seeking the death penalty if hes convicted

Some people view firing squads as less cruel than lethal injections, including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

That idea is based on expectations that bullets will strike the heart, rupturing it and causing immediate unconsciousness as the inmate quickly bleeds to death, The Associated Press reported.

In addition to being near instant, death by shooting may also be comparatively painless, Sotomayor wrote in a 2017 dissent.

Her comments came in the case of an Alabama inmate who asked to be executed by firing squad. A Supreme Court majority refused to hear his appeal. In her dissent, Sotomayor said lethal drugs can mask intense pain by paralyzing inmates while they are still sentient.

What cruel irony that the method that appears most humane may turn out to be our most cruel experiment yet, she wrote.

However, many still question whether death by firing squad is actually painless.

In a 2019 federal case, prosecutors submitted statements from anesthesiologist Joseph Antognini, who said painless deaths by firing squads are not guaranteed.

Inmates could remain conscious for up to 10 seconds after being shot depending on where bullets strike, Antognini said, and those seconds could be severely painful, especially related to shattering of bone and damage to the spinal cord.

Chad Daybell is seen during his preliminary hearing in Fremont County on Monday, August 3, 2020 ( Post Register )

Others note that killings by firing squad are visibly violent and bloody compared with lethal injections, potentially traumatizing victims relatives and other witnesses as well as executioners and staffers who clean up afterward.

So what will happen to Daybell now?

Now that hes been sentenced, a mandatory post-conviction review will be conducted and he will be able to pursue an appeal after the filing of a death warrant, CNN reported.

The appeals process in capital cases is known to go on for years, and they often reach the US Supreme Court before an inmate is ultimately put to death.
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A man accused of killing his girlfriends baby has had all charges against him dropped because prosecutors said that he just wanted to get laid.

William Jacobs, 22, was charged with the first-degree murder of 10-month-old Edward Hayes after the infant was found unresponsive in a motel room in Canon City, near Colorado Springs, back in May 2023.

Investigators alleged that Jacobs shook little Edward to death after the childs mother  Jacobs 21-year-old girlfriend Brook Crawford  left him in his care when she went to work.

At the time, Jacobs told investigators that he had gone to change Edwards diaper when he went stiff and began making gargling noises, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox21.

He claimed that he began shaking and slapping the baby on the back to try to get him to breathe.

Edward was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries.

The arrest affidavit alleges that Jacobs story changed continually during his interview with law enforcement, at one point admitting he may have shaken and slapped the baby kinda rough before later saying he was not rough.

An autopsy found that the 10-month-old died from blunt force head trauma.

But now, one year on, all charges have been dropped after Linda Stanley, 11th Judicial district attorney in Fremont County, made disparaging comments about the suspect to a news station.

Brook Crawford and William Jacobs in mug shots ( Fremont County Sheriffs Office )

Jacobs defense had filed a motion asking Fremont County District Court Judge Kaitlin Turner to dismiss the case, citing outrageous governmental conduct during an interview between DA Stanley and KRDO on 12 July 2023.

That day, DA Stanley, KRDO reporter Sean Rice and his cameraman had all attended a court hearing in the case, according to the motion obtained by the Canon City Daily Record.

Following the hearing, the journalists had approached DA Stanley to request an interview.

DA Stanley agreed to an interview right after the setting conference, and Mr. Rice and the cameraman were escorted into the District Attorneys Office inside the Fremont County Courthouse. Portions of this interview were first aired on news station KRDO on that same day, July 12, 2023, the court filing states.

During the interview, the DA made comments about Jacobs, which his public defenders claim were an attempt to weaponize the press against him and Crawford, his attorneys said.

Im going to be very blunt here. He has zero investment in this child. Zero. Hes watching that baby so he can get laid. Thats it. And have a place to sleep, DA Stanley told KRDOs 13 Investigates. Im sorry to be that blunt, but honest to God, thats whats going on.

She also made comments about Crawford, who was also charged with child abuse causing injury and child abuse causing serious bodily injury in the case, CBS News reports.

DA Stanley later claimed she thought she was speaking off the record.

However the defense said that the 29-minute raw interview footage indicated she knew she was being recorded, as she had a microphone clipped on and made a comment about being taped, the Canon City Daily Record reported.

DA Linda Stanley in interview with KRDO ( KRDO )

The reporters from KRDO also submitted affidavits saying DA Stanley did not request to speak off the record.

In a court order on Wednesday, the judge said that the evidence showed Stanley knew she was being recorded during the interview.

Stanley knew or reasonably should have known that her on-the-record comments to reporter Rice about Mr. Jacobs and co-defendant Ms. Crawford would be disseminated by means of public communication and that they would have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing these criminal proceedings, Judge Turner wrote.

Second, DA Stanleys comments were imbued with a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of Mr. Jacobs.

Her comments included her vituperative, sensational, and inflammatory opinions of Mr. Jacobs character, his credibility, his reputation, and his criminal record. Third, DA Stanley had notice that improper pretrial, extrajudicial statements would have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing a defendants rights to a fair trial.

The judge dismissed all charges against Jacobs.

A similar motion to dismiss the charges against Crawford over DA Stanleys comments was granted in April and is currently pending review before the Colorado Court of Appeals.

DA Stanley is now facing a disciplinary hearing on 10 June over this case, as well as comments she made about Barry Morphews criminal case, according to public documents seen by KRDO.

Morphew was charged with the murder of his wife Suzanne Morphew  who vanished back on Mothers Day 2020  before the charges were dropped.

He later filed a $15bn lawsuit against DA Stanley and six other prosecutors accusing them of a political agenda of locking up Mr Morphew in response to a media frenzy that prosecutors themselves helped create.
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A juror in the Feeding Our Future trial was dismissed on Monday after reporting a blatant bribery attempt to try and get her to vote to acquit seven people charged with stealing more than $40m from a government program intended to feed children during the pandemic.

The 23-year-old juror wasnt at her home in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, on Sunday night when a woman showed up at her home with a bag of $120,000 in cash and the promise of more money if she voted to acquit, Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson said.

The woman left the message and the bag of cash with the jurors father-in-law saying, This is for Juror 52, according to a report in the Sahan Journal.

The juror reported the bribery attempt to the local police.

The office of Feeding Our Future in January 2022, after an FBI raid. ( AP )

This is completely beyond the pale, Thompson told Judge Nancy Brasel for the US District Court in Minnesota. This is outrageous behavior. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.

Thompson asked Judge Brasel to detain the defendants, but the judge declined to do so, saying she would decide at a later time. She had the defendants phones confiscated by an FBI agent.

The revelation arrives at the tail end of the high-profile trial in which seven defendants are accused of taking more than $40m from a government program that was meant to feed children during the pandemic.

Prosecutors allege that the group, mostly affiliated with Empire Cuisine and Market  a Shakopee grocery store and deli, took advantage of looser requirements implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow for-profit restaurants to participate in the Federal Child Nutrition Program to steal millions of dollars.

According to prosecutors, the group claimed to serve nonexistent meals to nonexistent children. They then used the money to buy luxury cars, vacations, homes, jewelry and more.

The trial is part of a much larger federal indictment that charged 70 people with stealing $250m from the Children Nutrition Program. So far, 18 people have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Closing arguments in the trial were expected to begin this week.

After dismissing the juror, Judge Brasel asked other jurors if they had been contacted, but all said no, according to the Star Tribune.
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A funeral home worker in Nebraska has been charged with attempting to steal a dead man's sex doll after being caught on the premises with a body bag, court documents show.

Ryan Smith, 42, was removing a body from an apartment in Omaha alongside local police officers last October when he allegedly took a shine to the dead person's plastic companion.

Prosecutors allege Smith then returned to the apartment complex later that day with a body bag, claiming that he needed the sex doll for "evidentiary purposes."

The complex manager quickly became suspicious, whereupon she allegedly found Smith locked inside the dead person's home with his "shirt untucked and his pants... in disarray", while the doll itself was "sticky to the touch, according to police.

Last month, a Nebraska judge rejected Smith's contention that there was not enough probable cause to accuse him of the crime, allowing the case to proceed.

The Independent has asked Smiths lawyer for comment.

Ryan Smith, in a mugshot released by police ( Sarpy County Sheriffs Office )

According to a witness statement filed by a Sarpy County sheriff's deputy, and obtained by The Smoking Gun, Smith was called to the deceased's apartment on October 6, where he saw "a very real life-size version of an adult female" lying on the bed near the body.

"Near the body on the bed was a very real, life-size version of an adult female," said the deputy, employing the distinctive argot of her trade. "Both of the males that came to collect the body made comments about the sex doll."

That afternoon, the apartment manager contacted the sheriff's office to say that Smith had bluffed his way inside the apartment again, claiming he was sent by the sheriff's office to collect the doll so it could be swabbed for samples.

"[Smith] became upset when she told him that she was not going to allow him to take the doll as evidence," the sheriff's deputy wrote. "Smith then told her that he would return with a search warrant from the sheriff's office to collect the doll.

"As he was leaving, he asked the janitor when the manager of the apartment building [would leave]. The manager told me that she feared he was going to return to the complex and break in and steal the doll."

The deputy added when she inspected the apartment, she found several things amiss, including that the sex doll "appeared to have been altered near her thigh area" and was "sticky to the touch with gloves on."

"I collected the sex doll so that I could have her processed for DNA," the deputy said.

Smith was later fired by the funeral company that employed him, according to Omaha broadcaster WOWT.
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A man who was reported missing in 1993 has been named as a victim of an Indiana serial killer whose property was found littered with 10,000 burnt and crushed skeletal remains.

Herb Baumeister, a successful businessman who was a married father of three children, is believed to have killed at least 25 people between the late 1980s and the early 1990s.

He hunted mostly gay men in the Indianapolis suburb of Westfield, Indiana, where he lived on an 18-acre property known as Fox Hollow Farm.

For a decade, he went untraced as he hid his victims remains beneath his $1m Indiana home. But when his 15-year-old son discovered the charred bone fragments and the human skulls in 1994, it all came crashing down.

Four decades after Baumeister started his killing spree, authorities have finally begun naming his victims, with Jeffrey A. Jones, who disappeared in 1993, becoming the latest to be identified by the Hamilton County Coroners Office.

Jones was identified after scientists developed a DNA profile for him using Genome Sequencing Othram, which is the largest forensic genetic genealogy lab in the country, said in a statement.

Jeffrey A. Jones, who was reported missing out of Fillmore, Indiana in 1993, was identified as the latest victim ( Hamilton County Coroner's Office )

After successfully completing the process, the DNA profile was delivered to the FBIs forensic genetic genealogy team and the FBI team performed the necessary genealogical research to generate new investigative leads in the case, the statement added.

Jones is the third victim to be identified by the Coroners Office in six months, bringing Baumeisters body count up to 12, according to County Coroner Jeff Jellison.

In December 2023, the coroners office identified Allen Livingston, who was 27 when he went missing in August 1993, and Manuel Resendez in January. Resendez was 34 when he vanished in 1996.

Other confirmed victims include John Lee Johnny Bayer, 20; Richard Douglas Hamilton Jr., 20; Steven Spurlin Hale, 28; Allen Wayne Broussard, 28; Roger Allen Goodlet, 33; Michael Frederick Mike Keirn, 45; and 34-year-old Jerry Williams-Comer.

Investigators have four more DNA profiles that havent been identified yet.

Because many of the remains were found burnt and crushed, this investigation is extremely challenging, the county coroner said in a statement. However, the team of law enforcement and forensic specialists working the case remain committed.

Authorities believe that Baumeister used the vast grounds and adjacent trail of his Westfield home to hide 10,000 decomposed remains of his victims.

A human skull was found by Baumeisters teenage son in 1994, who then showed it to his mother. When Baumeisters wife confronted him about the skull, he said it was likely left over from his fathers work as a physician. She accepted that explanation for two years, but the couple eventually divorced.

Police found the remains, including bone fragments, a skull, and teeth, two years later after authorities searched the property while Baumeister wasnt home, and dug up the remains of several victims, leading to a warrant for his arrest.

Baumeisters 18-acre estate in Westfield, Indiana where the remains of several victims were found ( Hamilton County Coroner's Office )

Following the issuing of the warrant in 1996, Baumeister, who was 49 at the time, fled to Ontario, Canada where he shot himself dead.

More remains were then discovered the same year when police returned to the property following his death.

He was never charged with the murders and he did not admit to any of the crimes in his suicide note.

A 2005 report by the FBI said Baumeister led a double life while he was alive  one as a seemingly ordinary husband and father who went to work and came home, and another as a serial killer who went by the fake name of Brian Smart and kidnapped and killed mostly young, gay men whom he met in bars.

The majority of serial killers are not reclusive, social misfits who live alone, the 2005 FBI report said. They are not monsters and may not appear strange. Many serial killers hide in plain sight within their communities.

Serial murderers often have families and homes, are gainfully employed and appear to be normal members of the community. Because many serial murderers can blend in so effortlessly, they are oftentimes overlooked by law enforcement and the public.
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A poet and the aunt of a Donald Trump vice president hopeful, Tulsi Gabbard, has allegedly been killed by her protege in a hammer and knife attack, according to multiple reports.

Caroline Sina Sinavaiana-Gabbard, 78, was allegedly killed by another prominent writer in Samoa on 25 May after an argument turned deadly.

Sinavaiana-Gabbard, who is also the sister of Hawaii Senator Mike Gabbard, was arguing with Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, at the GaluMoana Theatre in the small area of Vaivase-Uta in Samoa when Figiel allegedly stabbed her multiple times and beat her with a hammer, police said according to Spectrum News.

The woman reportedly then fled to a friends house and wasnt until Sunday morning while they were having breakfast that [Figiel] told her friend what had happened, Samoa police commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said at a news conference, according to the New Zealand Herald.

She later turned herself into the authorities at the main police station in Apia, police said.

Figiel was initially taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter, but after further investigation, she was charged with murder, Filipo said, according to Spectrum News.

Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, 78, was reportedly killed by her protege with a hammer and a knife ( Facebook )

Police said last week that it was unclear at that point what the motive was behind the fatal attack. The victim was the friend, colleague and mentor of Figiel, and both were prominent poets and authors, multiple reports have said.

Senator Gabbard described Sinavainana-Gabbard as his best friend as a teenager who helped him considerably during my rebellious stage of adolescence.

She got me hooked on reading, so much so that I followed in her footsteps and majored in English at Sonoma State University in California, then returned to our birthplace, American Samoa, where I taught English in the high schools and was a faculty member, guidance counselor and dean at the community college for many years, he said in a statement to Spectrum News.

I was very proud of her accomplishments as a writer and poet, he continued. I love her deeply and wish her well as she continues her journey. While I sincerely forgive the murderer of this horrific crime, Im hoping justice will be served, and that person will be punished to the full extent of the law.

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic US congresswoman, has been touted as a possible running mate of Donald Trump ( Getty Images )

Sinavainana-Gabbards family also told Hawaii News Now that she was the first person of Samoan ancestry to become a full professor in the United States and had an accomplished career as a writer, a teacher and an environmental activist.

She was a University of Hawaii English professor for over 20 years.

Her niece, Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman in the United States who left the Democratic party, has recently welcomed the idea of standing beside Donald Trump as his running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

I have dedicated my entire adult life to serving our country, and if asked to serve in that way, Id be honored, she said at a book-promoting event on Wednesday at the Richard Nixon Library and Museum in California.

While Gabbard currently stands as an independent, she has garnered the attention of Trump due to her outspoken views on the Democrats and has visited the former president multiple times at Mar-A-Lago, according to The New York Times.

When her niece left the Democratic Party in 2022, Sinavaiana-Gabbard told The Independent in an interview two years ago that it is necessary to look to her upbringing in a secretive cult called the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) to understand her political change.

Once again I find my nieces apparent penchant for parroting extremist toadies such as Tucker Carlson and vile strongmen such as Vladimir Putin, to be problematic and deeply troubling, the retired professor told The Independent.

As a historian and lifelong student of eastern philosophies and religions, I find SIFs role as uncritical cheerleader, if not patron and primary generator, of Tulsis checkered political agenda and intemperate, right wing associations to be troubling in the extreme, she added.

In any case, I feel impelled to state for the record that in no way whatsoever does Tulsi speak for me, nor my family or culture.

The Independent has contacted Samoa Police for further information.
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs' teenage daughter has celebrated her graduation from high school as allegations continue to swirl around her dad the well-known rapper and music mogul.

Chance Combs, 18, posted photos on Instagram on Sunday showing her holding her diploma while wearing a graduation cap and gown.

"This is just the beginning," said the aspiring actress, who is set to attend New York Universitys Tisch School of the Arts beginning this fall.

Although the young woman's mother Sarah Chapman and 26-year-old brother Christian 'King' Combs appeared in the photos, there was no sign of her father.

Sean Combs (left) and his daughter Chance at the Oscars in March 2022. Chance Combs, 18, posted photos on Instagram on Sunday showing her holding her diploma while wearing a graduation cap and gown, but her father was nowhere in sight. ( David Livingston/Getty Images )

Chapman, 44, followed up with a heartfelt tribute, saying: "You are my joy! Your independence, hard work, being a go-getter, never following the crowd, [and] ability to stand alone makes me so proud.

"Your quiet confidence and empathy to feel things so deeply makes you YOU! Never lose that! You are humble, strong, intelligent, and kind, and Im so excited about your future because youve worked so hard to get to where youre going!"

Christian Combs also offered his congratulations, saying: I love you and I got you forever.

The milestone comes after US federal agents raided two of Combs' houses in Los Angeles and Miami following accusations of sex trafficking, sexual abuse and rape.

The 54-year-old, previously known as Puff Daddy and P Diddy, is facing multiple civil lawsuits from women who say he raped or sexually assaulted them, as well as a potential federal indictment.

The rap star has strongly denied all the allegations against him, vowing to "fight for my name, my family, and for the truth".

A previous lawsuit brought by Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Venture, who accused him of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse, was settled out of court one day after being filed.

A lawyer for Combs said the settlement was "in no way an admission of wrongdoing". Combs also apologized for his behavior in an incident of violence documented by surveillance footage showing him attacking and kicking a woman in a hotel hallway in 2016, saying it was "inexcusable" and "disgusting."
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Dr Sherri Tenpenny, a Cleveland doctor who told state legislators during the Covid-19 pandemic that vaccines caused people to become "magnetic", has been sued by the federal government for failing to pay $650,000 in taxes and late fees, investigators say.

The Department of Justice's Tax Division sued Tenpenny in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, accusing her of failing to pay her taxes in 2001, 2012 and in 2013.

With the addition of late fees and penalties, the DOJ argues Tenpenny owes a total of $646,929.82.

Tenpenny spoke to Cleveland.com and told reporters she has been unfairly targeted by the feds and claims she has tried for years to clear up her tax issues.

This shows what the IRS can do to a person that they target, she told Cleveland.com's Adam Ferrise. This is a total harassment case. Theyve been doing this to me for 23 years.

Dr Sherri Tenpenny, who told the Ohio legislature that coronavirus vaccines magnetize people, is being sued by the DOJ for more than $600,000 in unpaid taxes and fees, investigators say. ( Screengrab )

The DOJ noted in the court filing that Tenpenny had previously established "compromise offers" and was involved in "installation agreements" to pay off her taxes, but noted the taxes from three years remained outstanding.

"Despite proper notice and demand, Sherri J. Tenpenny failed, neglected, or refused to fully pay the liabilities described in paragraph 3, and after the application of all abatements, payments, and credits, she remains liable to the United States in the amount of $646,929.82, plus statutory additions and interest accruing from and after April 8, 2024," according to the DOJ's lawsuit.

Tenpenny, who was lauded by anti-vax conservatives for speaking out against the Covid vaccines, has run to Republican Senator JD Vance looking for help.

In 2021, Tenpenny shared conspiracy theories while testifying in support of Ohio legislation that would block the state's ability to enforce mask mandates or vaccine requirements.

She infamously claimed that vaccines made human beings magnetic, that they "interface" with cell phone service towers and they interfere with women's menstrual cycles.

After sharing disinformation with legislators, approximately 350 complaints were filed against Tenpenny with the state's medical board. A probe was launched but the doctor refused to cooperate with investigators, calling the inquiry an "illegal fishing expedition." Her license to practice medicine was suspended in 2023.

Earlier this year, the state's medical board voted to reinstate her license provided she agree to pay a $3,000 fine and cooperate with investigators.
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An Indian student has been reported missing in California, adding to a string of incidents involving Indian nationals in the US this year.

Nitheesha Kandula, 23, was last seen in Los Angeles on Tuesday and reported missing on Thursday to the Los Angeles Police Department, police officials said in a missing persons notice.

She was studying at the California State University, San Bernardino, the officials said.

"#MissingPersonAlert: California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in #LAPD, is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of @CSUSBNews Nitheesha Kandula, to contact us at: (909) 537-5165," the police said.

Her last possible vehicle information is a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California licence plate numbered #9KXU509, said John Guttierez, chief of police, CSUSB, in a post on X on Sunday. The colour of her vehicle is unknown.

She has been described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, and around 160 pounds (72.5 kgs) in weight with black hair and black eyes, the statement issued by the chief of police said.

Ms Kandula originally hails from southern India city Hyderabad.

#MissingPersonAlert: California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in #LAPD, is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of @CSUSBNews Nitheesha Kandula, to contact us at: (909) 537-5165. pic.twitter.com/pZaJ35iwuq  Chief John Guttierez (@guttierez_john) June 1, 2024

"Anyone with information is urged to contact the CSUSB Police Department at (909) 538-7777, or the LAPDs Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582," the police officials said.

This is the latest such incident of an Indian student reported missing in the US. In April, the number of suspicious fatalities just this year from the Indian community was estimated to be between six and ten people.

Last month, a 26-year-old Indian student named Rupesh Chandra Chintakind was reported missing in Chicago. In April, an Indian student died in Cleveland, Ohio, and his death was reported by the Indian Consulate in New York.

Some Indian students have linked these deaths to increased threats and discrimination. The Indian Embassy held virtual sessions in February for students on wellbeing and how to remain in touch with the diaspora, meetings that took on new meaning following the deaths.

Students from 90 universities took part in the session led by Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan and attended by consul generals in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

There are around 4.4 million Indian-Americans, and 268,923 Indian students came to the US for the 2022-2023 academic year. Several thousands more people come from India to the US on work visas.
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A woman who says she was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein has sued prominent psychiatrist and business tycoon Henry Jarecki for rape and sex trafficking.

The unnamed woman, known in court documents as 'Jane Doe 11', filed a complaint in New York City on Monday alleging that the now 91-year-old "repeatedly raped" her after she was sent to him for treatment by Epstein.

The complaint, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, claims that Jarecki completely controlled the womans life, keeping her under constant surveillance and threatening to ship [her] back to Epstein if she rebelled.

It further alleges that Jarecki served an integral role in Epsteins sex-trafficking scheme, managing the trauma that Epstein inflicted on his victims while preventing them from seeking help or justice.

Jarecki used his friendship with Epstein to obtain young females, usually initially as patients, to abuse  knowing that these individuals were under the complete control of Epstein, and had other extraordinary vulnerabilities related to employment or immigration status, and thus would not report the abuse out of fear, the complaint alleges.

A lawyer for Jarecki said: "The allegations will be shown to be entirely false and baseless. Dr Jarecki never engaged in any abusive conduct with the complainant or any other person."

A woman who says she was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein has sued prominent psychiatrist and business tycoon Henry Jarecki for rape and sex trafficking. Henry Jarecki, left, with his son Nicholas Jarecki at a film preview in July 2006 ( Fernando Leon/Getty Images for The Box )

Jarecki got his start as an academic psychiatrist in the 1950s, teaching at Yale Medical School and co-writing the widely-read textbook Modern Psychiatric Treatment. Starting in 1967, he became a major player in the international precious metals market, before co-founding the film listings service Moviefone and producing multiple theatre shows and movies.

Though his name was listed in Jeffrey Epstein's notorious address book, little is known about the exact nature of his connection with the prolific sex offender, who is said to have frequently exaggerated his relationships with famous and powerful people in order to burnish his own image.

According to the lawsuit, 'Jane Doe 11' arrived in the US via a modeling agency around 2010, and sought help from Epstein to get a visa that would allow her to work.

Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein, who was found dead in his cell while awaiting trial ( PA Media )

The lawsuit says that Epstein abused her, before referring her to Jarecki to deal with the resulting psychological distress.

But rather than helping her, the lawsuit alleges, Jarecki gave her an expensive watch (which he claimed would make her happy right away), insisted on showing her around his house, and then shoved her onto his bed and raped her.

The lawsuit then claims that Jarecki took control of the womans life, telling her that he would save her from Epstein.

It alleges that he used the detailed information collected during her initial appointment, including about her previous finances and immigration situation, to manipulate and threaten her into moving into an apartment he owned in Gramercy Park in New York City, where he kept her under constant monitoring as a modern-day sex slave.

While Jarecki was elderly, his sexual desires were frequent and depraved, the lawsuit says, claiming that he used testosterone pills to increase his sex drive and often forced her to have sex with other men in front of him.

The woman also accused Jarecki of abusing her on one of his private islands in the British Virgin Islands, where Epstein also maintained a now-infamous personal sanctuary.

The abuse allegedly took place between 2011 and December 2014, when the woman decided to take her chances and cut off all ties with Jarecki.

The woman is seeking an unspecified amount of money.
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A Mexican volunteer searcher has found more human remains in Mexico City and officials have attacked her for it  again.

Volunteer searcher Ceci Flores, who has spent years searching for her two missing sons, says thats because officials havent bothered to look for bodies. It's a common complaint by relatives of missing people in many parts of Mexico, where drug cartels and kidnap gangs use shallow pits to dispose of the bodies of their victims.

The existence of clandestine body dumping grounds is sensitive for Mexicos ruling Morena party. Morena, which is running the former Mexico City mayor for president in Sundays elections, claims the kind of violence that plagues other parts of the country has been successfully combatted in the capital.

The madres buscadoras (searching mothers) usually arent trying to convict anyone of their relatives disappearances. They say they just want to find their remains. Many families say not having definite knowledge of a relatives fate is worse than it would be to know a loved one was dead.

At least seven volunteer searchers have been killed in Mexico since 2021.

The Mexican volunteer searcher who has been attacked in the past by the government found more bodies in Mexico City in the final days of May 2024. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme, File) ( Copyright 2024. The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

On Thursday, Flores posted a video showing what appeared to be human femurs and craniums in the tall dry grass of a hillside on the city's east side. She suggested there were at least three bodies, and noted there could be more on the hillside.

We don't want to disturb them," Flores said in the video, pointing to a pile of bones with her shovel from a distance of several feet. We don't want to go in and disturb them.

Flores has sparred with the government before, accusing officials of ignoring the plight of Mexico's more than 100,000 missing people.

In late April, Flores drew the ire of city prosecutors when she claimed she had found charred bones and at least two people's identification cards in another semi-rural area on the city's east side. Prosecutors quickly concluded the bones were from dogs, and that the ID cards had been discarded or stolen and their owners were alive.

Soon after, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador played a government-produced video at his daily press briefing, accusing searchers like Flores of morbidity and claimed they were suffering from a delirium of necrophilia.

But by Friday, acting Mexico City prosecutor Ulises Lara was forced to acknowledge that Flores had indeed found bones, and that they were apparently human. Lara said police, forensic experts, National Guard officers and soldiers were dispatched to the scene.

That raised the obvious question of why the vast team of official manpower had never been able to find the bodies, while a lone searching mother armed with only a shovel did.

Lara lashed out at Flores without mentioning her by name, claiming the chain of custody of the evidence had been broken and the bones had been handled.

This violated the dignity and respect that people searching for the relatives deserve, and some of them have expressed their discontent with this situation, Lara said, implying it would have been better not to have found them.

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum leaves the polling station where she voted during general elections in Mexico City, Sunday, 2 June 2024 ( AP )

In a video posted on social media Saturday, Flores reacted with disbelief.

Seriously? These remains were unknown. We did the work they are supposed to do, Flores said. You (Lara) didn't even know about them, weren't aware of them, had not located them.

Regarding the accusation that other searching relatives were angered by her actions  mass searches of the kind Flores carries out in her native Sonora are not common in Mexico City  Flores shot back, they should be angry at you for not doing your job.

Lopez Obrador's administration has spent far more time and resources looking for people falsely listed as missing  people who may have returned home without advising authorities  than in searching for grave sites that relatives say they desperately need for closure.

Flores is a very accomplished searcher, and like many mothers of disappeared people, she has a deep sense of mission. One of her sons, Alejandro Guadalupe, disappeared in 2015. Her second son, Marco Antonio, was abducted in 2019. Authorities have told her nothing about the fate of either of them.

In her home state of Sonora, authorities confirmed in April they had identified 45 missing people from among 57 sets of remains at a body dumping ground known as El Choyudo that was originally discovered by Flores group, The Searching Mothers of Sonora.
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Money doesnt grow on trees, but for one New York couple it emerges from the filthy gunk at the bottom of a city pond.

James Kane and Barbie Agostini were magnet fishing  using a cable to toss a powerful magnet into a body of water  in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on Friday when they hooked something big.

They yanked up their haul and discovered their magnet had grabbed onto a safe - with bundles of $100 bills inside. The soggy, but intact, bills were a new $100,000 fortune for the couple.

We pulled out and it was two stacks of freaking hundreds, Kane told NY1.

James Kane yanks a safe out of a body of water in New York using a powerful magnet attached to a cable. Mr Kane and his magnet fishing partner Barbie Agostini found $100,000 in a safe they pulled from a body of water in a Queens park ( screengrab/NY1 News/Lets Get Magnetic YouTube )

Kane said they had previously found other old safes, but said that they were typically empty or contained plastic bags and the disintegrated remains of money.

The couple said they contacted the NYPD about the safe once they realized it was stuffed with cash. The police ran a check and confirmed the safe was not connected to any crimes and told the couple they were clear to keep their findings.

I couldnt believe it, Agostini said. I lost it.

Kane told NY1 that the couple started magnet fishing during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said it allowed them to go on treasure hunts without having to invest in expensive equipment like sonar or dredging gear.

We call it the poor mans treasure hunting, he told the station.

Past magnet fishing trips had earned the couple guns, World War II era grenades, an in-tact motorcycle, foreign coins and jewelry.

The couple documents their magnet fishing trips on their YouTube Channel Lets Get Magnetic.

Magnet fishing as a hobby blew up during the pandemic, and some have kept with the activity even after lockdown ended. As a result, some odd and unexpected things have been yanked up out of the depths.

Last month, a magnet fisher in New Orleans found a human skull that had been padlocked to an exercise dumbbell, CBS News reported.

In March, unexploded bombs were pulled up by magnet fishermen in the Charles River in Massachusetts in two separate incidents, according to CBS Boston.
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Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexicos first female president.

The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City was elected with between 58 per cent and 60 per cent of the vote in Sundays election, staving off competition from her rival, Xochitl Galvez.

Sheinbaum will replace her mentor, outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on 1 October.

Her election comes more than 70 years after women in Mexico were first given the vote, with her victory described by experts as a testament to how far the country known for its macho culture has come.

However, although this years election has been hailed as a triumph for women, it was also one of the most violent in modern history, marked by the murders of 38 candidates.

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

Sheinbaum, whose Jewish maternal grandparents migrated to Mexico from Bulgaria to flee the Nazis, worked as an energy scientist before entering into politics.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, who were also scientists, Sheinbaum studied physics before going on to receive a doctorate in energy engineering.

She spent years at a renowned research lab in California studying Mexican energy consumption patterns and became an expert on climate change, serving on the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexicos first female president ( AP )

She went on to become secretary of the environment for Mexico City under Lopez Obrador, who was mayor of the capital at the time.

In 2018 she became the first female mayor of Mexico City, a post she held until 2023, when she stepped down to run for president.

As a former ballet dancer, Sheinbaum has described herself as obsessive and disciplined. She has also earned a reputation for being a demanding boss, according to The New York Times.

Five officials who have worked with Sheinbaum told the paper she was quick to anger at times and would yell at her subordinates in front of large groups. While Sheinbaum has declined to comment on the accusation, her supporters have claimed that some people merely reacted badly to a woman being in charge.

People say it in a critical way: Shes tough, said Soledad Aragon, a former member of Sheinbaums cabinet. What do you want, someone soft in charge of the city?

Despite her tough reputation, she has also been described as reserved and somewhat aloof. Two dozen people who have worked with or know Sheinbaum told The New York Times that she rarely boasts of her own achievements or talks about her personal life.

But some say her professorial demeanor could pose a challenge for her in a political climate defined by her former boss Lopez Obrador, who built up his support base by relying on the force of his personality. She needs him, said Carlos Heredia, a Mexican political analyst.

She doesnt have the charisma, she doesnt have the popularity, she doesnt have the political stamina of her own, so she needs to borrow that from Lopez Obrador, Heredia told The New York Times.

But in the face of criticism, her election has been described as a sea change for women in Mexico.

No matter what else happens in her political career or where her six years in power lead her, she will always be the woman who managed to break the glass ceiling in Mexican politics, wrote the BBCs Mexico and central America correspondent, Will Grant. Given the countrys deeply ingrained patriarchy and entrenched machismo, that is no small feat.

Meanwhile, Edelmira Montiel, 87, told reporters that she was grateful to be alive to see a woman elected to the top office. Before, we couldnt even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed and I get to live it, she said.

But while Sheinbaums victory is being celebrated as a sign of modernisation in the country, it comes after an election that was marred by violence, with up to 38 candidates murdered, according to surveys.

Her primary challenge in office will now be tackling organised crime and cartel violence, after Lopez Obradors term reportedly saw more murders than any other administration in Mexicos modern history.

What are her policies?

Sheinbaum has said she hopes to reduce the murder rate from 23.3 homicides for every 100,000 residents to about 19.4 per 100,000 by 2027, bringing Mexico on a par with Brazil.

However, she has provided little detail on how she plans to do so, vowing only to continue Lopez Obradors policy of addressing the drivers of violence instead of waging war on the criminal groups.

Her campaign mainly centered on her promise of continuity, pledging to build the second floor of the Fourth Transformation  that is, the political project of her ally, Lopez Obrador.

Sheinbaum with outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ( AP )

The Fourth Transformation or 4T is a social agenda of universal pensions, student grants and family stipends that have been hugely popular across Mexico, with the programme lifting an estimated 5 million people out of poverty across the country, according to the BBC, although there is still widespread deprivation in many regions.

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue all of Lopez Obradors policies that form part of the agenda, including a universal pension for the elderly and a programme that pays young people to undertake apprenticeships.

The essence of this transformation is to separate economic power from political power, she told the BBC. Economic power has its path, but government must be directed towards the poor in Mexico.

It means more rights, a welfare state, education, health, access to housing, and that a living wage is a right, not a privilege, she added. That is the difference between neoliberalism and our model, which we call Mexican humanism.

Throughout the campaign, Sheinbaum was criticized for her similarity to Lopez Obrador by her second-place rival Xochitl Galvez, who said that she would not be her own woman and would live under her mentors authoritarian shadow.

But Sheinbaum dismissed this accusation. I will govern with the same principles as Mr Lopez Obrador, and thats a good thing for Mexicans, she told the BBC.
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Beaches in a California town have been closed for swimming after a man was attacked by a shark just 100 yards from the shore.

The 46-year-old man, who has not been named, was taking part in a group swim with about a dozen swimmers along the coast of Del Mar at around 9am on Sunday morning, the City of Del Mar said in a statement.

Just 100 yards (300 feet) from a Beach Safety Center on the shore, a shark suddenly attacked, biting him multiple times on his torso, left arm and hand.

The man, who is a regular member of the ocean swimmers group, managed to reach the shore with help from his friends, CNN reported.

Lifeguards gave him medical attention on the beach before he was quickly taken by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

The city said that he had suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries.

He had obvious injuries from the incident that required surgery, mostly large lacerations, Jon Edelbrock, community services director and chief lifeguard for the city, told CNN.

Edelbrock also told Fox5 that the victim was stable: Were very happy and feel fortunate that hes doing well.

Following the attack, Del Mar lifeguards closed the beach for swimming and surfing for one mile in both directions of the incident, roughly from 6th Street to North Beach, the city said.

The waters will stay closed until 9am on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old man was attacked by a shark on Sunday morning while swimming with a group off Del Mar ( City of Del Mar )

Researchers from California State University Long Beachs Shark Lab have since visited the scene to take samples from the water and to analyse the mans wetsuit to try to determine what type of shark it was.

Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe told CNN that it was most likely a juvenile white shark.

The researchers will try a new scientific tool to hopefully one day be able to determine if this particular shark can be detected in the area in the future.

We hope to use it in the future to monitor and help lifeguards manage beaches, Lowe said.

The attack comes after another swimmer was attacked in the waters off Del Mar in November 2022.

In that incident, the woman said she was bitten in her upper thigh and shaken kind of like a dog before the shark let her go, ABC7 reported.
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President Joe Biden will unveil an executive order aimed at curbing illegal border crossings that will allow him to shut down the US asylum process when crossings pass a certain daily threshold.

The White House is set to roll out Bidens border action at an event on Tuesday that is expected to feature elected officials from border states and cities whove been bearing the brunt of migration along the US-Mexico border.

The plan is understood to include language that would give Biden the ability to order a halt to the processing of new asylum claims if more than 2,500 illegal crossings occur in one day. The pause in asylum claims would automatically be rescinded when illegal crossings dropped to 1,500 per day or lower.

Bidens order is centered around a provision that was central to a compromise framework hammered out by Republican and Democratic negotiators in the Senate earlier this year. That legislative push died after former President Donald Trump pushed Republicans to oppose efforts to address illegal immigration during the presidential election.

Members of the former presidents party have openly fretted that the GOPs presumed nominee is handing Democrats a political victory with the move.

Im extremely disappointed in the very strange maneuvering by many on the right to torpedo a potential border reform bill. Thats what we all ran on doing, border-state Republican Dan Crenshaw said in February. If we have a bill that, on net, significantly decreases illegal immigration, and we sabotage that, that is inconsistent with what we told our voters we would do.

It would be a pretty unacceptable dereliction of your duty.

Migrants on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border engage in a confrontation with Texas National Guard troops ( AFP via Getty Images )

James Lankford, a Republican directly involved in negotiating the Senate immigration compromise framework, was unhappy with his party as well.

The key aspect of this, again, is, are we as Republicans going to have press conferences and complain the border is bad and then intentionally leave it open? he asked on Fox News. The answer turned out to be yes.

The compromise framework had been supported throughout its short lifespan by Biden and the White House, angering some of the presidents progressive supporters. Some Democrats in the House and Senate have argued that such restrictions on asylum should not be put into place before other measures, including a pathway to citizenship for DREAM Act recipients, are put into law. But those progressive priorities, while supported by a majority of Democrats and once supported by some of the same Republicans who now echo Trumps rhetoric, seem out of reach given the current realities in the House and Senate.

The ex-president has ramped up aggressive, sometimes dehumanising rhetoric about both immigrants and his political opponents as the election season has progressed. At a rally in New Hampshire in December, the former president told his supporters that immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country. Separately, at a rally in Dayton, Ohio in March, he told supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases.

Biden has long resisted using executive action to enact more restrictive immigration policies, citing the limited authority granted presidents absent new laws enacted by Congress, and the White House is looking to place blame for the delay on the GOPs intragisence.

A White House spokesperson told The Independent that House and Senate Republicans do not care about securing the border or fixing Americas broken immigration system because theyd have voted for the bipartisan border package if they did.

Instead, they put partisan politics ahead of our countrys national security. While Congressional Republicans chose to stand in the way of additional border enforcement, President Biden will not stop fighting to deliver the resources that border and immigration personnel need to secure our border. As we have said before, the Administration continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system, they said.

With additional reporting by agencies
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Now that Donald Trump is a convicted felon, his list of countries to visit has gotten much shorter.

Trump was found guilty on Thursday of 34 counts of falsifying records in an effort to keep adult film star Stormy Daniels quiet about an affair that occurred in the 2000s. That means certain freedoms Mr Trump once enjoyed may be out of his reach  and could have a serious effect on his ability to carry out his presidential duties, including travelling to foreign countries.

Nearly 40 nations - including Canada and the UK - have strict policies when it comes to allowing individuals with criminal records across their borders, and barring a special accommodation, Trump would be held to those same standards. Its unclear if he would be allowed to visit if he wins the presidential election in November, but remains a felon.

Here are just five of the over 35 nations that can now ban Trump from entry now that he's a felon:

Former President Donald Trump may not be allowed to enter nearly 40 countries now that hes a convicted felon ( AP )

Israel

Despite Trump once retweeting someone who referred to him as the "King of Israel" and bragging that he moved the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Trump may not be able to visit the nation now that he's a felon.

Israel reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone with a criminal record, including felonies. Border control forces in Israel have the authority to bar entry for anyone suspected of committing a crime or with a record, and Trump meets both of those qualifiers.

Canada

According to the Canadian government's tourist hub, any "US Citizen or permanent resident that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for the purposes of immigrating, or even if they're merely coming to Canada to visit."

Canada even retains the right to bar individuals "arrested or accused of a felony crime ... even though you have not been convicted," meaning Trump would have faced issues visiting the US's northern neighbor the moment he faced charges.

The government notes that "a felony will likely result in inadmissibility."

Then-president Donald Trump talks with Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the plenary session of the NATO summit in 2019 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Japan

Japan is fairly strict with its immigration and visitation rules, including laws preventing convicted criminals from entry.

Under Japanese law anyone convicted of a violation of "any law of regulation" of any country and who has been sentenced to "imprisonment with or without work for one year or more, or to an equivalent penalty" can be barred from entry.

Japanese law does note that individuals convicted of a "political offence" are not subject to those rules. In Trump's mind, at least, he could qualify to visit under those terms. It's unclear if Japan would buy his version of events.

UK

Under UK law, a felon can visit England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland with some restrictions and requirements in place. However, Britain can bar access to convicted felons.

Unless an Immigration Officer is satisfied that admission would be justified for strong compassionate reasons, they can refuse access to any convicted felon so long as the crime they committed would also be punishable by imprisonment in the UK.

In 2019, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Prince of Wales Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, President Donald Trump and First Lady of Melania Trump attended the D-day 75 Commemorations on June 05 in Portsmouth, England. ( Getty Images )

China

China has strict policies when admitting anyone over its borders. Chinese officials conduct character assessments for anyone applying for a visa, and that includes a criminal history check, including felonies.

Even minor offences can get someone barred from entering China, so Mr Trump may not be able to chide the Chinese in person if he were ever so inclined.

Countries and territories that restrict visits from felons
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Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has slammed Republicans for bowing to convicted felon Donald Trump after he told Americans to inject bleach to cure Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic.

Dr Anthony Fauci was called to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemics hearing on Monday, as House Republicans have sought to scrutinize his role as one of the chief faces of the federal governments response to the pandemic.

Republicans have also baselessly floated the idea that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases funded so-called gain-of-function research that led to the spread of Covid-19.

The subcommittee falls under the jurisdiction of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which meant that Raskin, the top Democrat, was allowed to speak at the start of the hearing.

Raskin instantly defended Dr Fauci from accusations that he had orchestrated the proliferation of Covid-19 while also attacking former president Trump and Republicans who bended to his will.

Raskin said that the hearing was meant to divert attention from the Trump administrations failures to save lives and compared it to the failure of the Oversight Committee to find wrongdoing by President Joe Biden during its bungled impeachment inquiry.

The investigation of Dr Fauci shows he is an honorable public servant who has devoted his entire career to the public health and the public interest and he is not a comic book super villain, he said.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin speaks to reporters before the House hearing on 3 June 2024 ( Getty Images )

He did not fund research to create the Covid-19 pandemic. He did not lie to Congress about gain-of-function research in Wuhan. And he did not organize a lab leak suppression campaign.

Raskin also referenced the fact that Dr Fauci had testified before the committee behind closed doors back in January and took aim at Trumps now-infamous suggestion that Americans inject bleach.

Today Dr Faucis testimony, along with the thousands of pages of documents and dozens of closed-door testimony provided to House Republicans as part of the Covid origins investigation will dispel these hysterical claims and reveal that the people bowing down to a twice-impeached convicted felon who told Americans to inject themselves with bleach now want you to believe not only a big political lie but a big medical lie too, he said.

In April 2020, Trump suggested that Americans use a combination of ultraviolet light and disinfectant to treat Covid-19.

And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute, Trump said at the time. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?

The comments were roundly criticised at the time, including by future President Joe Biden.

Raskin later added: They are treating you, Dr Fauci, like a convicted felon, before he alluded to the fact that a jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election results.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

Numerous Democrats  including Representative Kathy Castor of Florida and ranking Democrat Raul Ruiz  have also leaped to defend Dr Fauci.
 Close Marjorie Taylor Greene verbally berates Anthony Fauci during House Covid-19 hearing

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Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci is facing questions from the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Monday  marking his first Congressional testimony as a non-government official since stepping down in 2022.

Dr Fauci led the USs response the Covid-19 pandemic, a role that earned him both praise and scrutiny alike. He is expected to face grilling from Congressional Republicans over the origins of the virus as well as transparency around government agency communications and records.

The former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is sitting for his first congressional testimony in almost two years.

The GOP-led subcommittee has requested access to Dr Faucis personal email and phone records after obtaining information, which, they say, calls into question whether he may have attempted to conceal some records.

Dr Fauci is appearing voluntarily on Monday. He has said that he has nothing to hide.

The divide between the Democrats and Republicans approach to the hearing is striking. One Democrat called this effort a waste of time while Republicans have pressed Fauci about conspiracies that have cropped up about the origins of Covid, including the lab leak theory and Faucis alleged cover up.
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Alex Smith, a public health expert working in the humanitarian field, read all of Samantha Powers books before he joined the agency she now leads. He carried around copies with him, and even hosted a book club in Rome when she released her memoir in 2019.

But this week, he delivered a blistering criticism of the woman he respected for years when he resigned from the US Agency for International Aid (USAID in protest over her failure to speak out against the same crimes she had built a career exposing.

She has been a very passionate vocal advocate for human rights and specifically against genocide. So to see her not talk about international law now, about illegal acts that Israel is currently very publicly carrying out, it is very frustrating for me and a lot of staff, Smith, who worked as a contractor at the agency for four years, told The Independent by phone.

Smith, who worked as a senior adviser on gender, maternal health, child health, and nutrition, became the ninth official to resign from the Biden administration over its unconditional support for Israels war in Gaza, and only the second to leave USAID  the agency devoted to humanitarian assistance.

He said Powers refusal to name and blame Israel for blocking aid into Gaza, as a famine that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands takes hold, was inconsistent with his values.

Specifically, he criticized Power for not calling out what is causing it, and stating the very obvious fact that starvation of children is a war crime and a crime against humanity.

But he also offered some insight into Powers thinking and a possible explanation for why a prolific campaigner against genocide would self-censor at such a crucial time.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power speaks during a news conference at the National Palace of Culture in Guatemala City, Guatemala, January 15, 2024. ( REUTERS/Jose Cabezas )

Smith said he believes that political pressure from the White House, as well as from Republicans like Matt Gaetz who has threatened to defund USAID for what the Florida congressman has characterized as its radical leftist ideology, was stopping her from speaking out publicly.

I will give her the benefit of the doubt. Having read her books, I understand that she often takes stands that she sees as the lesser of two evils, he said.

In this case, she wants to preserve the budget of USAID, which is an arguable moral case that you can make, that preserving our budget does help millions of people around the world.

However, Smith said he and his colleagues were uncomfortable about the agency censoring itself to keep the money coming in.

Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Jebaliya, northern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 30, 2024. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

I think me and a lot of staff think that if you are preserving our budget by not telling the truth about war crimes and crimes against humanity, thats not acceptable, he said.

Smiths resignation comes two weeks after The Independent published an investigation into dissent at USAID in response to the Biden administrations handling of Gazas hunger crisis.

The investigation revealed that at least 19 internal dissent memos have been sent since the start of the war by staff at USAID criticizing US support for Israels war in Gaza.

Power herself has spoken out about the effectiveness of government officials resigning in protest.

As a young college graduate, while the Bosnian war was ongoing, she wrote in her journal : My only regret is that I dont work at the State Department so I can quit to protest policy. Instead, I sit impotent and incapable.

Power began her career as a journalist covering the mass killing of Bosnian Muslims by Serbians, and became a powerful advocate for using American power to protect innocent civilians.

Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid shortages of aid supplies, after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the eastern part of Rafah. ( REUTERS )

Later, she became a foreign policy advisor for Barack Obama at a time when he stubbornly resisted pressure to use the US military to protect civilians in the Syrian civil war. She joined USAID as its administrator in 2021.

Smith said Powers decision not to identify a culprit in Gazas worsening humanitarian disaster mirrored the development she wrote about in her 2019 memoir, The Education of an Idealist, in which she documented her shifting ideology from the politics of protest to a kind of brutal pragmatism.

Power has gone further than most US officials in declaring that a famine has likely already taken hold in parts of Gaza in a Senate hearing in April. In doing so, she became the first high-ranking US official to make that declaration.

Speaking to other donor governments about the crisis in Gaza on Wednesday, Power said civilians there were paying a devastating and unacceptable price in this war, particularly in the wake of the IDFs expanded operations in Rafah.

A USAID spokesperson said: We have consistently made clear, internally and externally, that far too many innocent people have been killed and injured in Israels war against Hamas. Hundreds of staff across the Agency are working tirelessly to accelerate aid, to advocate for greater protections for civilians and the improvement of deconfliction, and to advance diplomatic efforts.

Israeli tanks move towards Rafah in the Gaza Strip ( Middle East Images/AFP via Getty )

Cindy McCain, the US director of the UN World Food Programme, said earlier this month that there was a full-blown famine in Gazas north. Since then, Israel has launched an offensive in the city of Rafah, where more than a million displaced Palestinians were sheltering, causing the closure of a major crossing to aid and a dramatic worsening of Gazas hunger crisis.

Israel has vehemently denied that there is a hunger crisis in Gaza, or that it has restricted aid. It says fighting with Hamas, the militant group that triggered the current war when it killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages in Israel on 7 October, has hampered aid efforts. But Powers reluctance to be forthright that Israel is a major cause of the famine has caused frustration among USAID staff, Smith said.

There really theres sort of a self-imposed culture of not talking about Gaza within leadership, he said.

He added that he believes that Powers and other leaders are likely reacting to political pressure from the White House.

No administration officials or spokespeople have stated clearly that the famine is intentional. No officials have said intentional starvation of a civilian population is a violation of international law, Smith said. So either administration officials at Powers level have been told not to state those facts or theyre choosing to self-censor, parroting the administrations public stance.
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Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges began with jury selection on Monday.

The first day of the trial, which is expected to last between three and six days, saw First Lady Jill Biden and half-sister Ashley Biden join the son of the president at the courthouse.

The 54-year-old is facing charges that he lied on a form to purchase a firearm, stating that he was not a drug user when he allegedly was frequently using crack cocaine.

Heres what you need to know.

The prosecutions case

Prosecutors will rely on Hunter Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply store in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

While Biden didnt mention buying a firearm in his memoir, Beautiful Things, he did outline his drug use. Prosecutors have called the book incriminating.

The prosecution has suggested that they possibly plan on attempting to prove that Biden used illegal drugs by pointing to text messageshe sent at the time.

Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A number of those text messages came from an iCloud account, that prosecutors got access to via a subpoena, and others were sourced from a laptop that Biden is reported to have left at a repair shop and never returned to collect.

Biden and some in his orbit have stated for years that material from the laptop cannot be presumed to be authentic. Operatives backing former president Donald Trump have publicized material from the laptop as part of their attacks on President Biden.

Allies of Hunter Biden have said that some of the material shared from the laptop has been altered or distorted and they have also never confirmed that Hunter Biden ever dropped anything off at a repair shop.

But prosecutors have said that they have confirmed the authenticity of large parts of the laptops content by checking texts and emails with the people Hunter Biden sent them to.

On 22 May, a filing by the prosecution stated that Hunter Biden has not provided any evidence or information that shows that his laptop contains false information, and the governments evidence shows the opposite  the defendants laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit), and it contains significant evidence of the defendants guilt.

The witnesses

The prosecution has said they may call as many as a dozen witnesses, according to The Washington Post.

They have indicated that they may call three of Bidens former partners  Kathleen Buhle, who he married in 1993 and divorced in 2017; Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden; and a woman named as Zoe Kasten, according to Politico.

In the book, Biden referred to his romantic relationship with his brothers widow Hallie as an affair built on need, hope, frailty, and doom.

First Lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the opening day of the trial of Hunter Biden on Monday ( REUTERS )

The three former partners are all expected to say in testimony that Biden was using crack cocaine around the time that he purchased the gun.

Hallie Biden may also speak about the actual gun. She allegedly found it and threw it away behind a grocery store amid concerns that Hunter Biden may turn it upon himself.

Other possible witnesses include the shop owner who sold Biden the firearm in 2018 and several experts. Bidens defense attorney, Abbel Lowell, didnt rule out Biden himself appearing on the stand but its not customary for defendants to testify at their own trials.

The defense

Following his indictment, Biden filed a number of motions to dismiss the charges, including arguing that the prosecution was selective and vindictive as well as claiming that the gun law that hes alleged to have violated goes against the Second Amendment.

The trial judge Maryellen Noreika rejected those motions, saying that Biden could appeal after the end of the trial.

Bidens defense has since filed motions regarding what evidence can be included. During the final hearing before the trial, Lowell indicated that the defense may question if Biden filled out the form to buy the firearm himself, where hes alleged to have lied about being a drug user.

Ashley Biden arrives at Hunter Biden's trial at federal court on June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware ( AP )

There are two versions of the form  the shop owner emailed one to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms after the purchase and one was obtained from the shop a number of years after the sale. The form was updated by an individual at the shop to add information regarding Bidens Delaware vehicle registration.

Lowell suggested this shows that the process was not conducted as expected, making it possible that it wasnt Biden who checked the box to say he was not a drug user. The defense may also argue that Biden was in denial regarding his drug use when he purchased the firearm.

The possible sentence

Judge Noreika will have a wide selection of possible sentences to choose from if Biden is convicted, ranging from probation to what the Department of Justice has said is the maximum sentence  a quarter of a century behind bars. But the latter remains unlikely.

New York criminal defense lawyer Peter Tilem told Politico that federal sentencing guidelines for defendants in situations similar to Bidens recommend prison terms of at least 15 months.

The defense would also argue that in the years since the alleged crime took place, Biden has significantly improved his life. But Biden could remain out on bail during any appeals process.
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A tearful Hunter Biden watched his daughter Naomi testify on Friday that things got bad following the death of her uncle, Beau Biden.

The presidents son is accused of having purchased a firearm in October 2018, and lying on a federal form stating that he wasnt actively struggling with substance abuse at the time.

The prosecution has attempted to show through texts, testimony, video, and photo evidence that Biden was using crack cocaine throughout 2018, including during the time when he purchased the gun.

On the fifth day of the trial, the prosecution rested its case after a week of focusing on the severity of Hunter Bidens drug problem. The defense began by calling a former employee and owner of the gun shop where Hunter purchased the firearm on 12 October, 2018 before calling President Joe Bidens granddaughter, Naomi Biden. Closing arguments are expected on Monday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the court had heard extensive excerpts from Hunter Bidens audiobook, Beautiful Things, in which he shared the breadth and depth of his drug use. The book, which Hunter began writing in 2019 and was published in 2021, covers four years of what he called active addiction.

Naomi, 30, the eldest of Hunter Bidens three daughters, admitted that she was nervous when she took the stand on Friday at the courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware.

She told the court that after my uncle died, things got bad.

Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, something President Biden believes was caused by the burn pits used in Iraq to burn waste created by warfare.

Naomi Biden departs from federal court, Friday, June 7, 2024, in Wilmington ( AP )

Naomi testified that she was in her early 20s when her parents got divorced.

Her mother, Kathleen Buhle has already testified, saying on Wednesday that Hunter Biden grew "angry" and "short-tempered" after smoking crack cocaine. He moved out in 2015 after she found a crackpipe and drug paraphernalia, and they divorced in 2017. While she found evidence of his drug use, Buhle said she never saw her ex-husband use drugs.

Naomi also said on Friday that she never found evidence of her fathers drug use and that he never used drugs in front of her.

She described a visit to Los Angeles to see her father with her boyfriend, now-husband, Peter Neal in 2018. Hunter was in rehab at the time and Naomi said that she hadnt seen her father in a long time and that she met him alongside his sober coach.

He seemed the clearest since my uncle died, she said.

Naomi, dressed all in black, said she was proud to be able to introduce him to my boyfriend.

As Naomi spoke, several of the Biden family who were in the courtroom, including First Lady Jill Biden, the presidents sister Valerie Biden Owens, and Hunter himself, grew tearful. The First Lady had arrived back in the US only hours after attending the 80th anniversary of D-Day events in France on Thursday.

Hunter Biden departs from federal court with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, Friday, June 7, 2024, in Wilmington ( AP )

In the days after the October 2018 gun purchase, Naomi testified that she saw Hunter once during a three-day visit to New York. He still seemed good and I was hopeful, she said.

Naomi said she met her father after Hunter drove pops Cadillac to New York, in reference to a car owned by President Biden.

She said that her father appeared similar to how he had been during their afternoon in Los Angeles a short time before.

On Thursday, Beau Bidens widow, Hallie Biden, who subsequently had an on-off romantic relationship with Hunter, told the court that she had found the firearm in the center console of Hunters Ford F-150 on 23 October 2018.

She panicked and worrying that someone might be harmed, threw the gun into a trash can at a grocery store close to her Delaware home. It was later found and removed by an elderly man, Edward Banner, while he was searching for recyclables he told the court on Thursday.

On Friday, the prosecution called an FBI chemist, Jason Brewer, who tested residue on the leather pouch that held Hunter Bidens gun. He told the court that the test results came back positive for cocaine but the amount was small.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (R) arrives to attend her son Hunter Biden's trial at US Federal District Court in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, 07 June 2024 ( EPA )

Naomi told the court on Friday that she had set up a time to exchange cars with her father in October 2018. She testified that there was a lockbox in the center console of his F-150 at the time, but that it was locked and she and Neal were unable to open it. She added that there were no signs of drug use in the car and no paraphernalia.

On cross-examination, Naomi testified that she rarely saw her father for a period and when she did, it was for about an hour at a time.

In a dramatic moment, the prosecution brought forward about 25 pages of texts between Naomi and Hunter as they tried to prove to the jury that it had been difficult to deal with him around the time of 2018.

Hallie Biden departs from federal court, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Wilmington ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

After several attempts to set up a time to exchange vehicles, Naomi texted Hunter: Im really sorry dad, I cant take this. I miss you so much and I just want to hang out with you, according to evidence shared by the prosecution.

Im really sorry Ive been so unreachable, its not fair to you, Hunter replied.

During his daughters testimony, a seemingly agitated Hunter Biden turned to his lawyers to speak animatedly for a brief moment.

Under more questions from the defense, Naomi said that her father had not been communicative when struggling with his substance disorder but that he was communicating in October 2018.

On her way out, she hugged and kissed her father and while she touched her eye, no tears were visible.
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Hunter Biden has been dealt a major blow to his defense on the eve of his criminal trial on federal gun charges.

In a historic moment for America, the embattled son of the president is set to go on trial today on charges that he illegally bought a gun in 2018 while in the throes of drug addiction.

Jury selection will begin on Monday morning in federal court in Delaware, with the trial expected to last three to five days.

Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But Biden already looks set to face an uphill battle in the case following a series of 11th-hour rulings handed down by the judge on Sunday night.

In the rulings, US District Judge Maryellen Noreika blocked Bidens legal team from presenting both a key piece of evidence and testimony from a key expert witness to jurors at his trial.

The presidents sons defense had planned to show jurors two versions of the federal firearms form that had been filled out by Biden in 2018.

His attorneys argued that a second version had been tampered with by the gun store employees in 2021  seeking to cast doubts on the credibility and political bias of the individuals expected to be called as prosecution witnesses.

The judge struck down the request to enter the second version as evidence and admonished the defense for pushing conspiratorial theories about the store workers.

Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, participates in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 1, 2024 in Washington, DC ( Getty Images )

The judge also sided with the prosecution in its bid to block expert testimony from Dr Elie Aoun, a drug addiction expert and clinical psychiatry professor at Columbia University who would have spoken to the definition and understanding of a user and an addict and how addicts view themselves.

The presidents son was hit with three felony gun charges in Delaware in September over a gun purchase in October 2018 when he was in the grips of drug addiction.

Prosecutors allege that Biden unlawfully possessed a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver for 11 days after he falsely claimed on a gun purchase form that he didnt use drugs.

Under federal law, an unlawful drug user cannot legally possess a firearm.

The charges brought against Biden came after he reached a plea deal with the Justice Department last year before the terms of the agreement fell apart before a judge.

Under the terms of the deal, Biden had agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors for failing to pay his taxes on time in 2017 and 2018. In exchange, prosecutors would not charge him with a gun possession violation.

But, in a dramatic moment in court, the judge refused to accept the scope of the plea deal, and the agreement  which was slammed as a sweetheart deal by critics of President Joe Biden  fell apart.

Special counsel David Weiss first brought the three gun-related charges in September, before hitting him with nine tax-related criminal charges three months later.

Bidens attorneys have argued that the charges against the presidents son are the result of Republican pressure in a bid to damage his fathers reelection campaign.

This trial marks the first of two criminal trials the presidents son faces this summer with his tax fraud trial slated to begin on 20 June in California.

Hunter Biden with President Joe Biden and Ashley Biden in April ( AP )

In that case, prosecutors allege that Biden made millions of dollars in income between the years 2016 and 2020 and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of exotic cars, drugs, escorts and girlfriends  all the while skipping out on more than $1.4m in taxes.

According to the indictment, Hunter engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019, from in or about January 2017 through in or about October 15, 2020, and to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns in or about February 2020.

Instead of paying his tax bills, the presidents son allegedly spent millions of dollars funding his extravagant lifestyle, including spending money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature.

In short, everything but his taxes, the indictment states.

The presidents son has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In April, a federal judge threw out his bid to dismiss a string of tax charges, based on the argument that Weiss brought the charges due to pressure from the presidents Republican critics.
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The criminal trial of Hunter Biden began on Monday, 3 June, in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.

Joe Biden's son, 54, faces gun charges in the first trial of the child of a sitting president.

The case began four days after Donald Trump became the first former US president to be criminally convicted.

Hunter faces three felony charges stemming from his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty.

It is one of two criminal cases he faces, with federal tax charges brought separately in California.

He was charged in September 2023 in a case brought by US Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee, with lying about his use of illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver and with illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days in October 2018.

Mr Weiss, who has investigated Hunter Biden since at least 2019, also brought the tax charges.

The trial is presided by US District Judge Maryellen Noreika.
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Hunter Biden is now on trial in Wilmington, Delaware, for gun-related federal charges  and its a Donald Trump appointee overseeing his case.

District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, 57, was initially assigned to the case, brought by special counsel David Weiss, back in June 2023.

At the time, the presidents son was expected to take a plea deal after striking an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to lesser tax charges and avoid the gun charges altogether.

But the federal judge was thrust into the spotlight when she suddenly rejected the deal in the 11th hour  calling it not standard.

Judge Noreikas decision caused Bidens cases to be split, leading to a three-count indictment on gun-related charges in Delaware and a nine-count indictment on federal tax charges in Los Angeles.

Now, the judge continues to preside over Bidens case in Delaware where he is accused of lying about his previous drug use on a federal firearm purchasing form.

So who is the judge overseeing this historic first trial of President Joe Bidens son?

Maryellen Noreika, a federal judge for the District Court for District of Delaware ( US District Court of Delaware )

Appointed in 2017, Judge Noreika serves as one of the four judges for Delawares single-federal district court.

Though she was nominated by former president Trump, her nomination was recommended and supported by Delawares two Democratic senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons.

At the time, Carper called her a high-respected, sought-after attorney.

Judge Noreika graduated with a bachelors degree from Lehigh University in 1988 and earned a masters degree in biology from Columbia University in 1990. She obtained her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1993.

After graduating, she practiced corporate and commercial law in Wilmington focusing on intellectual property law.

She worked for law firm Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell for nearly 24 years before her nomination and appointment to the district court in 2018.

During her career, Judge Noreika has donated to both Republican and Democratic campaigns  though more often to Republicans.

She has gained a reputation for no-nonsense professionalism and sets a high standard for technical legal matters.

Hunter Biden is joined by his wife Melissa Cohen Biden as he arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 3 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware, for the first day of his trial ( Getty Images )

While overseeing a criminal trial in August 2023, Judge Noreika plunged the courtroom into silence when she criticized a prosecutor for failing to submit evidence electronically for her review, POLITICO reported.

Notably, in 2022, Judge Noreika imposed a temporary injunction on a law preventing the sale of ghost guns in Delaware while litigation was ongoing. She argued that the ban would cause harm to plaintiffs because it threatened criminal penalties on conduct protected by the Second Amendment. That proposed law was eventually put on hold.

Judge Noreika also ruled that a defamation lawsuit between Bidens laptop repairman and CNN, Politico and Biden could proceed in Delaware courts.
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First Lady Jill Biden turned up for Hunter Bidens trial in Delaware on Monday, where he is facing charges that he purchased a firearm while allegedly being an active drug user.

The trial began with jury selection on Monday and is expected to last between three and six days.

The prosecutors will be relying on Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

While Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, didnt mention buying a firearm in his memoir, Beautiful Things, he did outline his drug use. Prosecutors have called the book incriminating.

The prosecution has also said that they may call three of Bidens former partners  Kathleen Buhle, whom he married in 1993 and divorced in 2017, Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, and a woman named as Zoe Kasten, according to Politico.

In the book, Biden referred to his relationship with his brothers widow as an affair built on need, hope, frailty, and doom.

Paparazzi tailed us non-stop, he added. Our relationship wasnt just out in the open around Wilmington. It was on 78 front pages around the world, from Thailand to the Czech Republic to Cincinnati.

The three former partners are all expected to say in testimony that Biden was using crack cocaine around the time that he purchased the gun.

Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the opening day of the trial of Hunter Biden ( Reuters )

Hallie Biden may also speak about the actual gun, she allegedly found it and threw it away behind a grocery store amid concerns that Hunter Biden may turn it upon himself.

The prosecution has noted that they possibly plan on attempting to prove that Biden used illegal drugs by pointing to texts he sent at the time.

A number of those text messages came from an iCloud account they got access to via a subpoena and others were sourced from a laptop that Biden is reported to have left at a repair shop and never returned to collect.

Biden and some in his orbit have stated for years that material from the laptop cannot be presumed to be authentic. Operatives backing former president Donald Trump have publicized material from the laptop as part of their attacks on President Biden.

Allies of Hunter Biden have said that some of the material shared from the laptop has been altered or distorted and they have also never confirmed that Hunter Biden ever dropped anything off at a repair shop.

But prosecutors have said that they have confirmed the authenticity of large parts of the laptops content by checking texts and emails with the people Hunter Biden sent them to.

On 22 May, a filing by the prosecution stated that Hunter Biden has not provided any evidence or information that shows that his laptop contains false information, and the governments evidence shows the opposite  the defendants laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit), and it contains significant evidence of the defendants guilt.
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Colorado Republicans got a front row seat on Friday to watch congresswoman Lauren Boebert own up to her scandalous night at the theater last fall during a fiery GOP debate.

After a slew of controversial public incidents, Ms Boebert is trying to remain in Congress by switching from her seat in Colorados third district to its more conservative fourth district where a spot has opened up after GOP Rep. Ken Bucks retirement.

The Colorado primary takes place on June 25.

Ms Boebert was kicked out of Denver theater during a production of the musical Beetlejuice last September after vaping, singing, taking flash photos, and groping her date in the dark venue. At first she denied the incident - until video surveillance was released.

Boebert appeared in Denver on Friday with six other GOP candidates  state Rep Richard Holtorf, state Rep Mike Lynch, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, Logan County CommissionerJerry Sonnenberg and finance executive Peter Yu  for a televised debate.

During the debate, a moderator asked whether Boebert wanted to talk about the theater thing. Ms Boebert said she has owned up to my night out in Denver.

She added: Ive gone on that public apology tourbut Im not going to continue to live life in shame and be beat up by this.

The moderator, 9News Denver anchor Kyle Clark, then suggested that her apology wasnt enough.

Did you apologize for your behavior that went on with you and your dateor did you apologize to lying to voters and for the disrespect you showed to service workers that night? he asked

Becoming visibly irked, Boebert shot back: I dont believe there was disrespect. There were things that were taken out of context. Its been reported that I flipped someone off and I did not. So I think its been mischaracterized.

The Colorado Republican then accused Clark of releasing the footage and showing the public a very private moment.

Certainly, Clark replied, as Boebert tried to talk over him. It was very important to figure out whether you were telling the truth or whether a public agency was lying about your conduct. Either way was very important for folks to find out.

The Independent has contacted Boeberts office for comment on the debate.

Last month, Boebert was heckled by protesters chanting Beetlejuice when she visited George Washington Universitys campus amid pro-Gaza protests.

In December 2023, the GOP firebrand announced she planned to run for election in a different district. At the time, she called the decision a fresh start following a pretty difficult year for me and my family. Her move came after she narrowly defeated her Democratic rival in 2022.

A month after her announcement, a straw poll with eight competitors revealed the Colorado congresswoman finishing in fifth place, earning just 12 out of the 117 votes cast.

A more recent poll revealed that Boeberts district switch may not have been a favorable move. In May, a poll revealed that Democratic candidate Ian McCorkle was leading Boebert 41 per cent to 27 per cent.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene verbally berated Anthony Fauci, saying he deserved to be prosecuted and repeatedly refusing to acknowledge him as a doctor.

Greene screamed and raged at Fauci at a hearing of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Republicans have sought to prove that Fauci tried to suppress information about the origins of Covid-19 and claim he funded research that triggered pandemic that killed millions of people.

The Georgia right-wing firebrand and conspiracy theorist criticized Faucis previous comments saying that when people who criticized him were criticizing science and asked if he represented science.

Its not a yes or no, she said.

Well take that a you-dont-know-what-you-represent, she said. Greene proceeded to hold up images of beagles who were experimented on for the National Institutes of Health.

As a dog lover, I want to tell you this is disgusting and evil, what you signed off on, and these experiments that happened to beagles paid for by the American taxpayer, she said. And I want you to know that Americans dont pay their taxes for animals to be tortured liked this.

Throughout her hearing, she refused to acknowledge Fauci as Dr Fauci but instead as Mr Fauci.

Mr Fauci -- because youre not doctor -- youre Mr. Fauci, she said while asking a question before saying, No, I dont need your answer.

In response, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, asked Chairman Brad Wenstrup if under the rules, members could deny a doctor is actually a doctor.

Yes, because in my time, that man does not deserve to have a license, she said. As a matter of fact, it should be revoked and he belongs in prison.

Representative Kwesi Mfume of Maryland lamented the devolution.

Is this what we have become? Is this what we have devolved into, he said.

Greene accused Fauci of making up the six-feet social distancing rule--whereas Fauci said that Centers for Disease of Control and Prevention had come up with the guidance during Covid-19.

I didnt say I made it up, he said. I said it is not based in science and it just appeared.

In response, Greene held up her the image of the dogs.

What do dogs have to do with anything were talking about today, he said.

Ms Greene said that it showed what science they valued and showed children in pods during school time amid the Covid-19 pandemic because of evil science.

Your repulsive evil science, she said. You know what this committee should be doing? We should be recommending you to be prosecuted. We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity. You belong in prison, Dr Fauci.

Shortly after Greenes questioning, Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, lambasted Greenes words.

That was completely irresponsible, he said. This might be the most insane hearing Ive actually attended.

Throughout the hearing, Garcia and other Democrats apologized to Fauci for attacks from Republicans, noting how he, his wife and daughters received numerous death threats.

Raskin for his part, earlier in the hearing, had said that the attempts to attack Fauci bore similarities to the House Oversight Committees attempts to impeach President Joe Biden that have come up short.

The hearing was Faucis first public appearance on Capitol Hill since he left as the chief medical adviser for the Biden administration and as director of National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases.

Fauci has become an object or scorn going back to his time as the face of the Trump administrations coronavirus response, oftentimes having to directly contradict former president Donald Trumps advice on combating Covid-19.
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Minnesota state Senator Nicole Mitchell is facing increased calls to resign from her own party after the Air Force vet turned Senator was busted allegedly breaking into her stepmothers home.

Chairman of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, Ken Martin, issued a statement last week, calling on Mitchell to resign to focus on the personal and legal challenges she faces.

The Minnesota DFL believes that all elected officials should be held accountable, including members of our party, Martin said. While Sen. Mitchell is entitled to her day in court, her continued refusal to take responsibility for her actions is beneath her office and has become a distraction for her district and the Legislature.

In April, Mitchell was charged with burglary after breaking into her stepmothers home to retrieve her fathers ashes and items of sentimental value, a probable cause document obtained by CNN said.

Minnesota state senator Nicole Mitchell ( Becker County Sheriff's Office )

However, Mitchell disputed that in a Facebook post, claiming she was checking on a family member with Alzheimers.

So far, Mitchell has refused to resign  though she has been stripped of her committee assignment and cannot attend caucus meetings. That has proved to be controversial since Democrats have a one-vote majority in the state legislature at the moment.

DFL state Senator Heather Gustafson told reporters on Monday that her colleague was entitled to due process but she should resign to protect the rest of the caucus.

Im thinking about our caucus, and no one person is more important than the work that we can do while we have the majority, Gustafson said.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy similarly said that she hopes Mitchell will step aside given the partys current needs.

Mitchell was elected to represent the District 47 in 2022. Prior to her political career, Mitchell was a meteorologist and military officer. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, Mitchell commanded the 126th Weather Flight known as the Hurricane Hunters. She flew into several notable storms including Hurricane Katrina.

Not all of Mitchells colleagues believe she should step down.

Four DFL state senators believe calls for her resignation are premature and appear to be driven by political considerations.

We should handle criminal charges against an elected member of the Senate as we have handled such charges in the past. In all previous cases, when a member has been charged with a criminal offense, the Senate has first allowed the courts to complete their process, the state senators wrote.

In cases where the courts have convicted the official, the Senate Ethics Committee has then determined what, if any, Senate actions are appropriate on top of the legal penalties.

Michells attorney, Bruce Ringstron Jr. told The Star Tribune she will continue to serve her constituents for the time being.

"Sen Mitchell has heard from many in her community who support her work and believe in her right to due process under the law," the statement said. "Therefore, until her criminal case is fully and finally adjudicated, Sen. Mitchell will continue to serve her constituents as the duly elected state senator from District 47."

The Independent has reached out to Mitchells office for comment.
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House Republicans had a chance to move the news cycle on from a Manhatten jury finding former president Donald Trump, their nominee for the White House, guilty on 34 counts.

Instead, they wound up humiliating themselves on national television during a truly unhinged House hearing with retired Covid-19 czar, Dr Anthony Fauci.

With half of Americans supporting the Trump guilty verdict, Republicans needed a moment that was more than a circus, serving red meat to their right-wing base, but one that made them palatable to moderates and undecided voters.

This hearing could have been a chance to show voters that they cared about good governance and accountability. Instead, it resembled the chaos of Merrick Garlands contempt of Congress markup last month, which included Marjorie Taylor Greene mocking Representative Jasmine Crocketts fake eyelashes  and Crockett responding with a bleach blonde bad-built butch body retort that will live on infamy.

Somehow, Republicans on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic managed to outdo even that debacle. As soon as she was up for questioning, Greene berated Fauci, refusing to call him a doctor, insisting he belongs in prison, and accusing the National Institutes of Health of funding medical experiments on beagles.

You know what this committee should be doing? We should be recommending you to be prosecuted. We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity, she screeched. You belong in prison, Dr. Fauci!

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia personally apologized for Greenes off-the-rails behavior saying it might be the most insane hearing Ive actually attended!

But the hearing was nothing but an attempted distraction from the start.

The GOP has tried time and again to push theories that Dr Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases who became a ubiquitous presence during the early days of the pandemic, was somehow responsible for the proliferation of the virus.

Republicans have tried to put a respectable face on their investigation, enlisting Ohio Republican Brad Wenstrup, a retiring podiatrist, as their chairman. Unlike some of his brasher colleagues, it was sometimes hard to make out what he was saying to Fauci and his fellow Republicans on the dais.

But that did not matter. The hearing was always bound to feature conspiracy theorists, cranks and charlatans. Naturally, people showed up in shirts that said Got Ivermectin - the horse dewormer that anti-vaxxers erroneously claimed treated Covid. Others wore shirts with the likeness of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan 6 rioter who was fatally shot by an officer shot as she tried to breach the Capitol doors. When Fauci arrived, attendees heckled him, saying he was responsible for their loved ones deaths.

Republicans did not seem interested in Faucis answers, prefering to use their time to grandstand. At no point was this more apparent than when Fauci asked Oversight Committe Chairman James Comer if he could finish the answer. Comer shot back: No, because Ive got a lot of questions.

Wenstrup and others, including Representative Michael Cloud of Texas, asked about the efficacy of vaccines. Meanwhile, Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the Judiciary Committee who failed to become Speaker last year, spent most of his time asking rapid-fire questions and giving Fauci little to no time to respond.

Of course, Republicans needed fireworks with Fauci to justify creating a whole subcommittee on Covid-19 and its origins. But without damning evidence, it didnt work.

Greene was not the only Republican who asked Fauci about experiments on dogs. New Yorks Nicole Malliotakis, who bills herself as more moderate than Greene, also asked the doctor about dog experiments as well as royalty payments for developing treatments, as if to imply there was a conflict of interest. (Fauci has previously said he donates royalty payments.)

Of course, Republicans antics just gave Democrats room to mock their colleagues, with Representative Jamie Raskin noting the GOP are treating you, Dr. Fauci, like a convicted felon.

They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons, he quipped.

Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat who led the Florida Division of Emergency Management during the pandemic under Governor Ron DeSantis, also took shots at Republicans.

Colleagues on this body said you should be charged and found guilty. Of course, the only one thats happened to is your former boss, he said to Fauci.
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Embattled New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez has officially filed paperwork to appear on the November general election ballot as an independent, weeks after the veteran Democrat lost a primary challenge amid an ongoing corruption scandal.

Menendez collected the 800 signatures required to support his candidacy as an independent against a Republican nominee and the man who bested him in the Democratic primary, Representative Andy Kim, according to reports.

Menendez actually collected more than 2,000 signatures, according to the New Jersey Globe, which will be delivered to the New Jersey state Division of Elections in Trenton.

He is unable to deliver them personally because he is currently required to attend his trial in the Southern District of New York. Menendez is fighting bribery and other corruption-related charges, including allegations that he unlawfully operated as a foreign agent of the Egyptian and Qatari governments while serving as chair or ranking member of the Senates foreign relations committee.

The indictment against him was unsealed in September last year. It alleges that he accepted bribes in trade for influencing US policy to benefit Egypt and Qatar and provided sensitive US government information to Egypt.

FBI agents who searched the senators home in 2022 found more than $400,000 worth of gold bars and large sums of cash hidden among his belongings. Menendez wife, Nadine, and two New Jersey businessmen also face charges over the alleged scheme.

The senators trial is expected to continue through the end of this month, and he has until August 16 to decide whether he wants to go through with the election campaign or pull his name from consideration.

Kim, a popular House Democrat who gained a measure of prominence after he was photographed cleaning up debris from the January 6 attack on the Capitol, has warned that Menendezs independent bid could split the Democratic vote and hand the seat to the GOP.

But it is understood that Menendezs decision to get into the race is driven less by a desire to retain his senate seat as it is by a quirk in federal campaign finance law that lets him raise money for his legal defense.
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Stormy Daniels has offered a word of advice to Melania Trump after her husband Donald Trump was convicted of all charges in his New York hush money trial last week.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was found guilty on Thursday on 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment made to porn star Ms Daniels  as part of an election conspiracy to kill stories of alleged affairs that threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

In the historic trial, the adult film star delivered blockbuster testimony about their alleged sexual encounter in 2006 and the subsequent hush money payment made to her in October 2016.

Following the verdict, Daniels has now spoken out to advise Melania to leave her husband over the scandal.

I dont know what their agreement may or may not be, but Melania needs to leave him, Ms Daniels told The Sunday Mirror.

Not because of what he did with me or other women but because he is a convicted felon.

Its been proven he is abusive; he was found liable for sexual assault and tax fraud and is now a criminal. Hes neither Teflon Don nor Teflon Con anymore.

In the same interview, Ms Daniels suggested Mr Trump should be sentenced to jail and some community service working for the less fortunate, or being the volunteer punching bag at a womens shelter following his criminal conviction.

Stormy Daniels, pictured leaving court after testifying in Donald Trumps trial, has some advice for Melania Trump ( AFP via Getty Images )

Neither Melania nor Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump attended the trial at Manhattan Criminal Court to support him. Their absence was especially obvious given other family members and a number of grandstanding Republican surrogates all put in appearanaces and railed against the alleged injustice of it all on his behalf.

Despite her physical absence, Melanias name did crop up in courtroom testimony, notably when star witness Michael Cohen recalled asking Trump how news of an alleged affair would be received by his wife.

Melania had given birth to son Barron Trump just four months before Ms Daniels alleged sexual encounter with Trump.

Dont worry, Cohen told the court his former employer answered.

How long do you think I will be on the market for? Not long.

Daniels, a mother of one, said she did not blame the women for failing to show up to support Trump, commenting: I would not want to expose my children to that dangerous environment.

And Melania and Ivanka are both parents, their mothers who have younger children, and that would be my reason.

Melania Trump, sat with her father Viktor Knavs and husband Donald Trump, at her son Barron Trumps high school graduation ceremony at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 17 May 2024 ( Marco Bello/Reuters )

You know, if it was the other way around, even if I wanted to support my spouse or my family member, I would choose the safety and privacy of my child over attending court.

Mr Trump gave his own interview over the weekend to Fox and Friends Sunday where he was asked about the toll the trial had taken on his wife of 19 years.

Its very hard for her, he answered.

Its tougher, I think its probably in many ways, its tougher on my family than it is on me.

Shes fine, but I think its very hard for her. I mean, shes fine. But its, you know, she has to read all this c***.
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Half of Americans support the New York jurys decision in convicting Donald Trump, a new poll from ABC News/Ipsos has found.

Following Trumps guilty verdict on all 34 felony counts last week, a group of 781 adults were polled to determine how the decision affected their views on the ex-president and his campaign.

While 50 per cent of Americans agreed with the verdict, 27 per cent disagreed, and 23 per cent were unsure if it was correct. Half of those polled believe the charges were politically motivated, with it barely impacting their perception of Trump.

Some 49 per cent polled believe Trump should suspend his presidential campaign, though that was largely driven by partisanship. Only 16 per cent of Republicans agreed with that statement, compared to 79 per cent of Democrats.

The survey indicates that while many Americans believe the verdict was correct, the outcome is unlikely to drastically change how people plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election.

People gather as Donald Trump holds a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City ( Getty Images )

The new polls findings align closely with how people felt after Trump was indicted in April 2023. At that time, 25 per cent of Americans had a favorable view of Trump with that percentage slowly increasing between 29 per cent and 31 per cent over the next few months.

Following the verdict, that number has remained steady at 31 per cent.

And while 43 per cent of respondents last year felt Trump should suspend his campaign after his indictment, now 49 per cent believe so.

Though Trump is now the first former or sitting president to be convicted of a felony, it has had little impact on how people perceive him or President Joe Biden. At a time when Americans are more divided than ever on political ideology, how people judge the New York hush money trial verdict depends on their party affiliation.

Democrats overwhelmingly believe Trump should suspend his campaign for president compared to Republicans. But more than half of independent voters (52 per cent) agree that the ex-president should end his bid for the White House.

Those independent voters may ultimately decide the fate of the 2024 presidential election as Biden and Trump vie for their support. Trumps sentencing, scheduled for July 11, may further influence how voters plan to cast their ballots.
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Before he adjourned the first-ever criminal trial of an American president, New York Justice Juan Merchan instructed convicted felon Donald Trump to make an appointment with a probation officer to review his background, mental health and the 34-count guilty verdict against him.

Judge Merchan is scheduled to sentence Trump on July 11, but first the former president must report to the New York City Department of Probation for a crucial, mandatory interview with a civil servant.

A resulting report from that interview will help guide Judge Merchan on Trumps potential jailtime, fines, probation, community service or other sentence after a jury unanimously found him guilty of falsifying business records on May 30.

In some of the final words spoken at the historic court hearing, the judge told Trumps attorney Todd Blanche that the clerk of the court will give you instructions on how to go about scheduling that probation interview and getting that probation report.

The paperwork indicates that a defendant must immediately present to the probation office, though it does not appear that Trump did so after trudging out of the courtroom with his attorneys and entourage. Judge Merchans instructions suggest that he didnt have to go straight from the courtroom, but it is unclear when, or if, the former president will participate.

The verdict sheet in Trumps hush money trial ( AP )

The brief interview typically would take place on the 10th floor of the criminal courthouse in downtown Manhattan, and Trump must do it alone  he wont be able to bring an attorney with him when he sits for an interview with a probation officer, a civil worker for the state.

The interview is a chance for Trump to make a good impression and the case for a lenient sentence, but the officer will likely have access to Trumps mountain of statements attacking the judge, prosecutors, jurors, witnesses and the judicial system itself. Whats more, he has even repeated in social media statements and through his campaign that he would be totally fine with going to jail.

The officer could also probe Trumps drug use and interview his family members and associates for the final report, which will include recommendations on Trumps sentence.

Karen Agnifilo, former chief of the trial division and chief assistant district attorney in Manhattan, told The Independent that the experience will be a humbling one for the former president.

Hes going to be dealing with a public servant. I dont know that hes used to that. Hes much more used to being catered to, and hes going to have to comply with somebody, she said. The phrase nobody is above the law comes to mind.

The hardest thing he will have to answer is whether he feels responsible for his actions or shows any remorse, Agnifilo said.

And if he doesnt schedule a meeting or show up for one, that will almost certainly anger the judge and be held against him when it comes time for his sentencing.

Hes taunting the system, and hes going to stretch the bounds of what everybody else has to go through, I think, Agnifilo said. Hes daring the judge.

Donald Trump leaves a Manhattan courtroom after a jury convicted him on 34 counts of falsifying business records on May 30 ( via REUTERS )

After he was hit with $10,000 in fines and a warning from the judge that he could be thrown in jail for further violations of a gag order, Trump evaded scrutiny from prosecutors in the trials final weeks, while a parade of his so-called surrogates lashed out at witnesses and the judges daughter.

Following his conviction, Trump has labeled Michael Cohen, his former attorney and chief witness for the prosecution, a scumbag. The gag order remains in place, despite the trials adjournment.

Mr Trump, its important to understand that the last thing I want to do is to put you in jail, Judge Merchan told him last month. You are the former president of the United States, and possibly the next president.

Georgetown University Law Center professor Paul Butler said the judge and probation officer will likely take into consideration that Trump doesnt have any prior convictions and is nearing 80 years old when they make sentencing recommendations.

On the other hand, his conduct in and out of court and his undermining of the case against him, will likely be used against him, Butler told reporters on Monday.

If Trump gets probation with no jailtime, it will be up to that Department of Probation civil servant to ensure that Trump adheres to the terms.

The former president, and presumed Republican presidential nominee, could end up needing permission from that officer to make plans to travel out of state or internationally; to change jobs; and to submit a list of who you hang out with to make sure those people are law-abiding responsible citizens who arent going to get you in trouble, Butler said.

That civil servant could end up holding extraordinary power, Butler added.

The Independent has requested comment from Trumps attorneys and campaign.
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Amanda Knox is set to return to a familiar Italian courtroom - this time to face slander allegations.

The 36-year-old American will return to court on Wednesday for wrongly accusing a Congolese bar owner of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher, while the young women were exchange students in Italy. The case featured multiple convictions, and appeals, and instantly became a high-profile case spreading across the globe.

On June 5th, I will walk into the very same courtroom where I was reconvicted of a crime I didnt commit, this time to defend myself yet again, she wrote in a post on X on Monday.

I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charges against me. Wish me luck.

Amanda Knox is set to return to a familiar Italian courtroom - this time to face slander allegations. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Kerchers body was found with her throat slit on November 2, 2007, in her locked bedroom in an apartment she shared with Knox and two other roommates.

Knox, from Seattle, had recently arrived in Perugia, Italy, when she endured a long night of questioning over the murder, despite having only rudimentary Italian language skills.

She ended up accusing the owner of a bar where she worked part-time  Patrick Lumumba  of killing the 21-year-old British student.

In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights ruled the interrogation violated her rights because she was questioned without a lawyer or official translator.

In November 2023, Italys highest court threw out the slander conviction  the only remaining guilty verdict against Knox after the same court definitively threw out convictions for Kerchers murder against Knox and her and Sollecito nine years ago.

Knox accused the owner of a bar where she worked part-time  Patrick Lumumba  of killing 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher ( AP )

That conviction, which endured multiple trials and appeals, has remained a legal stain against her, especially in Italy, as she pursues a new life in the US campaigning for judicial reform.

Knoxs 2007 accusation against Lumumba appeared in statements typed by police that she signed, but which have been ruled inadmissible in the new trial by Italys highest court.

She recanted the accusation in a four-page handwritten note in English penned the following afternoon  the only evidence the court can rule on. Despite her attempts at walking back the accusation, Lumumba was picked up for questioning and held in jail for nearly two weeks.

21-year old Meredith Kercher  who shared a room in Perugia, Italy, with Knox  was found dead in November 2007 ( AP )

The slander conviction carried a three-year sentence, which Knox served during nearly four years of detention until a Perugia appeals court found her and Sollecito not guilty. After six years of flip-flop verdicts, Knox was definitively exonerated by Italys highest court of the murder in 2015.

Another man, Rudy Guede, was convicted in Kerchers murder in 2008.

Guede, whose DNA and footprints were found at the scene, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

He was released in 2021 after serving 13 years, and is currently being investigated for allegedly physically and sexually assaulting a former girlfriend since being freed.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries' shift toward Moscow.

Lavrov has visited the African continent several times in the past couple of years as Russia seeks support  or at least neutrality  from many of its 54 countries amid Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov met with Guinea's foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate, according to Russia's foreign ministry. Guinea's government in a statement said the meeting was to discuss areas of mutual cooperation, without elaborating.

It was not immediately clear what African nations Lavrov might visit next.

Guinea has been ruled by a military junta since 2021. Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power saying he was preventing Guinea from slipping into chaos and accusing the previous government of broken promises. In February, military leaders dissolved the government without explanation, saying a new one will be appointed.

Doumbouya has rebuffed attempts by the West and other developed countries to intervene in Africas political challenges, saying Africans are exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in.

Several West African nations including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have had coups that installed military juntas. They have severed or scaled back long-standing military ties with Western powers in favor of security support from Russia.

Lavrov visited Mali early last year and pledged military support. Also last year, he visited South Africa  seen as the most significant of several African nations to take a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine  and returned there to attend a meeting of BRICS bloc nations. He also visited Kenya in an outreach in East Africa.

Lavrov late last year toured North Africa, where Russia also seeks to strengthen ties in the vacuum created by the diminishing popularity of Western powers.

In West Africa, the military junta governing Burkina Faso ousted French forces last year and turned to Russia for security support. And in Niger, Russian military trainers arrived weeks after the junta that took power last year ordered U.S. troops to withdraw from the country.
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A man who had gone missing and presumed to have been taken hostage by Hamas during their 7 October attack has been found dead in his village, the Israeli military said on Monday.

The body of Dolev Yehud, 35, was recovered from the border village where he lived and identified, the military said, adding that the investigation required lengthy forensics.

Yehud was likely killed during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, from where Hamas militants also took several hostages.

He was a medic with the national emergency service Magen David Adom and the volunteer group United Hatzalah.

The Israeli military initially claimed Yehud had been abducted but there was no indication of his presence in Gaza, unlike in the case of other hostages taken by Hamas.

After his body was found and identified, the military informed Yehuds family he had been a casualty of the 7 October attack which left nearly 1,100 Israeli soldiers and civilians dead.

In the wake of the attack, the Israeli military launched a ground and air offensive in Gaza that has killed nearly 36,000 people so far, reduced much of the Palestinian territory to rubble and left the majority of its 2.2 million population homeless and starving.

Last week, US president Joe Biden urged the Israeli government to seek peace. Indefinite war in pursuit of an unidentified notion of total victory will only bog down Israel in Gaza, the president said.

It would have the effect of furthering Israels isolation in the world, he added.

That will not bring hostages home. That will not bring an enduring defeat of Hamas, that will not bring Israel lasting security.

But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that there will be no permanent ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed, undermining Mr Bidens announcement of a new ceasefire proposal.

Meanwhile, Israel has advised its citizens to leave Maldives after the government of the Indian Ocean archipelago announced a ban on entry of Israeli nationals amid the war in Gaza.
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Algeria wants to lure more visitors to the cultural and scenic treasures of Africas largest country, shedding its status as a tourism backwater and expanding a sector outshone by competitors in neighbouring Morocco and Tunisia.

The giant north African country offers Roman and Islamic sites, beaches and mountains just an hours flight from Europe, and haunting Saharan landscapes, where visitors can sleep on dunes under the stars and ride camels with Tuareg nomads.

But while tourist-friendly Morocco welcomed 14.5 million visitors in 2023, bigger, richer Algeria hosted just 3.3 million foreign tourists, according the tourism ministry.

open image in gallery Above the Santa Cruz chapel in the city of Oran ( REUTERS )

Read more on North Africa travel:

About 1.2 million of those holiday-makers were Algerians from the disapora visiting families.

The lack of travellers is testimony to Algerias neglect of a sector that remains one of world tourisms undiscovered gems.

As Algerias oil and gas revenues grew in the 1960s and 70s, successive governments lost interest in developing mass tourism. A descent into political strife in the 1990s pushed the country further off the beaten track.

But while security is now much improved, Algeria needs to tackle an inflexible visa system and poor transport links, as well as grant privileges to local and foreign private investors to enable tourism to flourish, analysts say.

open image in gallery People walk near the Regional Theater of Oran ( REUTERS )

Saliha Nacerbay, General Director of the National Tourism Office, outlined plans to attract 12 million tourists by 2030 - an ambitious fourfold increase.

To achieve this, we, as the tourism and traditional industry sector, are seeking to encourage investments, provide facilities to investors, build tourist and hotel facilities, she said, speaking at the International Tourism and Travel Fair, hosted in Algiers from May 30 to June 2.

Algeria has plans to build hotels and restructure and modernize existing ones. The tourism ministry said that about 2,000 tourism projects have been approved so far, 800 of which are currently under construction.

open image in gallery A lion statue at the central square of Place d'Armes in Oran ( REUTERS )

The country is also restoring its historical sites, with 249 locations earmarked for tourism expansion. Approximately 70 sites have been prepared, and restoration plans are underway for 50 additional sites, officials said.

French tourist Patrick Lebeau emphasised the need to improve infrastructure to fully realise Algerias tourism prospects.

Obviously, there is a lot of tourism potential, but much work still needs to be done to attract us, Lebeau said.

Tourism and travel provided 543,500 jobs in Algeria in 2021, according to the Statista website. In contrast, tourism professionals in Morocco estimate the sector provides 700,000 direct jobs in the kingdom, and many more jobs indirectly.

Read more: Where to go on holiday in Morocco, from Marrakech to Fes
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The president of Emirates has urged the giant planemaker Boeing to listen to the workers.

Sir Tim Clark, widely regarded as the worlds top aviation leader, has also revealed he has been worried by the Boeing governance model for many years.

The Emirates president Sir Tim was speaking to the magazine of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), Airlines, ahead of the organisations annual general meeting in Dubai.

Boeings manufacturing process have been under intense scrutiny by the two key US agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

In January a door plug burst out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max as it climbed on a flight from Portland, Oregon. The incident followed two fatal crashes of the latest variant of the 737 Max and its subsequent global grounding.

Emirates does not fly these smaller planes, but has a long order book for new wide-bodied Boeing aircraft.

Sir Tim said: We have a huge $50bn-plus order for Boeing 777s and 787s. We have big plans for the future and have to be tough on those partners with whom we have agreements in place.

The delays we are seeing  I dont expect us to get our first new B777 before 2026  mean we must retain and refurbish our existing 777s.

I have been worried by the Boeing governance model for many years. They have undergone personnel changes but there needs to be a strong engineering background in its leadership and operational model.

We had the same thing at Airbus with the A380. There were two IT systems that didnt speak to each other, and it was the engineers on the floor that sorted that out.

Speaking last Thursday 30 May, Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: Our plan is built on the feedback of our employees who know best how to design, build and deliver safe, high-quality airplanes.

We also incorporated the requirements and feedback from our regulator and welcomed the recommendations from our customers and industry experts.

Based on that feedback, our roadmap includes major investments to expand and enhance workforce training, simplify manufacturing plans and processes, eliminate defects at the source, and elevate our safety and quality culture, along with specific measures to monitor and manage the health of our production system.

We are confident in the plan that we have put forward and are committed to continuously improving. We are also grateful for our customers patience as we implement this plan and return to predictable deliveries.

Ryanair cancelled some flights this summer after learning it will only receive 40 of the 57 planned Boeing 737 Max deliveries before the end of June.
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A tourist has defaced a frescoed wall in an ancient Roman house in Herculaneum, near Naples, damaging a building that survived the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Italian police said on Monday.

The police statement said the 27-year-old tourist was swiftly identified after staff at the archaeological site discovered tagged graffiti writing made with a black, indelible marker pen on a white section of a painted wall.

Police said the writing was the mans graffiti signature.

open image in gallery Mount Vesuvius, Italy: Vesuvius, east of Naples, famously erupted in AD79, smothering the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum ( AFP )

Any damage hurts our heritage, our beauty and our identity and that is why it must be punished with the utmost firmness, Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement.

The tourist, who was not named, faces charges of damage and defacement of artistic works.

A smaller city than its more famous neighbour Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under a deeper layer of ash, which protected its ruins from thieves and left particularly well-preserved remains.

open image in gallery A sign made with a black marker by a tourist is pictured on the wall of a domus of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, in Ercolano ( via REUTERS )

It is not the first time that historical monuments have been vandalised by tourists in Italy.

Last year, a visitor from England was caught in a video, posted on social media, scratching his and his girlfriends name with a key on an internal wall of Romes Colosseum.

Italys culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano shared the video, calling it a very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, the Colosseum, to engrave the name of his fiancee.

I hope that whoever did this will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws, he added.

It was not the first time that tourists have been fined for defacing the Unesco world heritage site.

In 2014, a Russian tourist was fined 20,000 (17,000) for engraving a K on a wall, and given a suspended four-year jail sentence.

The following year, two American tourists were also cited for aggravated damage after they carved their names in the monument.

In response to repeated acts of vandalism, Italy this year introduced tougher penalties on those who damage monuments and cultural sites, imposing fines of up to 40,000 euros ($43,548) for those found guilty of defacing monuments.
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The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Icelands biggest tourist attractions in the country's southwest, was reopened Sunday after authorities said a nearby volcano had stabilized after erupting four days earlier.

Oddny Arnarsdottir, the head of Visit Iceland, said authorities had redone the security zones in the area and based on that the lagoon was safe to reopen for tourists. Blue Lagoon opened again today," she said.

Hundreds of tourists bathed in the lagoon, with the view of the erupting crater in the background. Cameron and Natalie Pacileo, tourists from North Carolina, said they were delighted to see the volcano from the lagoon.

Its pretty wild. Its a beautiful view, and nice that they reopened so we can experience it," said Natalie Pacileo.

The entrance of the Blue Lagoon as the volcano erupts in the background in Grindavik, Iceland, Sunday, June 2, 2024

The eruption Wednesday was the fifth and most powerful since the volcanic system reawakened in December after 800 years, gushing record levels of lava as its fissure grew to 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) in length.

The activity last week once again threatened Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people, and led to the evacuation of the geothermal spa.

A volcano erupts with lava in Grindavik, Iceland, Sunday, June 2, 2024

Grindavik, which is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Icelands capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the initial December 18 eruption. A subsequent eruption consumed several buildings.

Such volcanic activity has disrupted district heating, closed key roads and razed several homes in the fishing town of Grindavik, to which only a few residents have returned since an evacuation in late 2023.

Icelands civil defence was put on high alert, police said, and authorities again ordered an evacuation of Grindavik.

To prevent further damage, man-made barriers have been built to steer lava away from infrastructure including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon spa and Grindavik.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.
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Venice has introduced new rules banning the use of loudspeakers and limiting tour group sizes as part of ongoing efforts to tackle overtourism in the citys historic centre.

The move prohibits tourist groups of more than 25 people from sightseeing around the Unesco-listed canals.

Plans for the measures were announced in December. At the time, officials said that the use of loudspeakers may cause confusion and disturbance, while the tourist group restriction would respect the fragility of Venice.

Listening to music on loudspeakers and large groups of tourists has been prohibited since the rules came into force on 1 June.

These measures will also apply to the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello.

The citys councillor for commerce, Sebastiano Costalonga, said: The administration not only wants to give precise rules for respecting the fragility of Venice, the traffic, and coexistence with those who live in Venice but also give a signal regarding the presence of unauthorised tourist guides, which with this new article will no longer be tolerated.

An estimated 20 million tourists visit Venice annually, in comparison to around 50,000 permanent residents in the centre.

Venice security councillor Elisabetta Pesce said last year that the new provisions are part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving and better-managing tourism and sought a greater balance between residents and visitors.

Venice has heeded Unesco warnings of irreversible damage to its historic centre with a series of measures to reduce tourist footfall.

In April, Venice became the first city in the world to charge admission for daytrippers with a 5 (4.30) entry fee to access the famed centre between 8.30am and 4pm on 29 days in spring and summer.

The Italian city also banned cruise ships from docking in the lagoon in August 2021 after an incident where a cruise liner hit a dock.
This is the moment a convicted Birmingham fraudster who fled to Dubai was finally brought home to start a 10-year prison sentence.

Zahid Khan fled to the Middle East during his 2018 trial where he was eventually convicted of running a car number plate scam that promised to net him 500,000.

Khan, 38, jumped bail and fled, leaving relatives to take the rap for his crimes.

Later the same year, he was convicted in his absence of people smuggling after bringing illegal Afghan immigrants into the UK.

Khan was arrested by Turkish authorities on 27 November last year and on 22 December he was deported.

Newly released body-worn video shows the moment he was arrested at Manchester Airport by police, before being taken back to the West Midlands.

On Monday (3 June) Khan was jailed for four weeks, which he will serve consecutively with his 10-year sentence, which he began serving the day after his return to the UK.
This weekend sees the final votes cast in India's general election, with months-long protests by farmers in Punjab one of the main weak points in Narendra Modis campaign for re-election as prime minister.

The farmers, who are demanding state-backed price guarantees for their crops, have clashed with the authorities over recent months. Attempts to march to Delhi have been blocked, leaving them camped at the capitals borders.

Arpan Rai speaks with the farmers about their protest and how many see India's general elections, in which Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third term in power, as their chance to force change.
Nigel Farage was accused of running aone-man internal dictatorship during a heated clash with journalist and Channel 4 news presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Mr Farage was interviewed by Mr Guru-Murthy just hours after announcing he was taking over leader of Reform UK and running to be elected as MP in Clacton, Essex on Monday (3 June).

Mr Guru-Murthy told Mr Farage: "What's unconventional about Reform is that you're a company and you're a majority shareholder.

You're able to do whatever you want.

Mr Guru-Murthy added: You're a one man sort of internal dictatorship.
During an interview on Fox and Friends on Sunday, 2 June, former president Donald Trump falsely claimed he never said Hillary Clinton should be in jail.

Lock her up was famously one of Trumps rallying cries during his presidential campaign against Clinton.

Last Thursday, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of felony business fraud by a jury in Manhattan.

Trump has called on the Supreme Court to annul his guilty verdict in the hush money case.

He still remains the GOP frontrunner in the 2024 presidential election.
Digital bank Revolut has insisted its payment systems are robust and that it takes fraud seriously.

It comes as the Irish Independent queried a number of cases with Revolut where its customers experienced fraudulent activity or had their accounts shut down without explanation.

The customers who lost money to scammers had been told by the payments app they were not due refunds, even though they insist they did not do anything wrong.

In each of the cases, Revolut investigated the situations, but offered responses that did not satisfy the customers or failed to give an explanation.

However, Revolut has since refunded money and it reinstated a number of accounts after this publication questioned what had happened to the customers.

One reader said her account, her husbands and those of her three sons were shut down with no explanation.

Out of the blue, our accounts were frozen and then we were told to take any money out but could no longer use Revolut. It happened to each of us over the course of a few days, she said.

None of us have done anything we shouldnt have done and makes no sense.

After being contacted by this publication the accounts were reinstated, but no reason was given for why they were shut down in the first place.

Revolut told the woman: Our team has reviewed your case, and Im pleased to inform you that your account has been secured and reactivated.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you, and for what happened in the first place.

Revolut said it could not reimburse a pensioner who has been scammed out of 8,000 after she received a phone call from a person claiming to be from Revolut.

Revolut to put the squeeze on the banks with new savings product

In another case, a man said: I attempted to use my Revolut card at a petrol station, but it did not work. Upon checking my Revolut app, I discovered several fraudulent transactions that had occurred at 3am that morning.

He noticed that 9,500 was fraudulently transferred to an account in Malta, another 1,500 and 500 were transferred into a bitcoin account, and an attempt was made to withdraw a further 100 from his account.

Revolut froze his account and he is still waiting to have the matter resolved.

In another case, an accountant got an email telling him his account was to be closed and that he had 60 days to withdraw all funds.

I am baffled as to why this is happening, I do not even use it that much, the last time I really used it was just over a month ago on a day trip, he said.

After media intervention on the accountants behalf, the matter was resolved.

Asked if its systems were being hacked, Revolut responded following publication of this article to say: Revolut systems continue to run without issue, which includes the robust protections we have in place for our millions of customers.

It was also asked if Irish people would be wise to avoid using Revolut for their main current account as some say the company is hard to deal with when there is a problem.

It said: We are very sorry to hear about any instance where our customers are targeted by ruthless and highly sophisticated criminals.

It said fraud cases at Revolut represent a very small percentage of its large and expanding customer base, but protecting customers is always its top priority.

Revolut takes fraud and the industry-wide risk of customers being coerced by organised criminals incredibly seriously, it said. We have robust protections in place for our millions of customers and analyse over half a billion transactions a month.

It said it offers support on its app, via chat, because its the most secure method to communicate with customers.

The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) said fraudsters stole almost 100m through frauds and scams last year from customers of AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB.

The figures do not include fraudulent activity on Irish Revolut accounts, the BPFI confirmed.

This article was updated on May 3rd to include Revoluts response to a question on whether its systems had been hacked.
Millions more trees isnt the climate fix New Zealand thought

Major corporations have spent the last four years taking advantage of generous incentives to spearhead a forestry boom to reduce the countrys carbon footprint  now its set for a radical overhaul

Since 2019, the country has added some 175,000 hectares (432,000 acres) of forests, almost all of it the fast-growing, carbon-sucking pinus radiata pine

Ainsley Thomson and Tracy Withers Mon 3 Jun 2024 at 08:13

Of all the solutions for a warming world, plant more trees seems pretty obvious.
A drone view of the Mateusz Kulecki's farm in the village of Sadluki, Poland, May 14, 2024. Mateusz Kulecki, 33, owns 180 hectares of land in northern Poland which has been in his family for generations. In spring, he participated in nationwide protests of farmers against the Green Deal. REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala

Polish farmer Mateusz Kulecki poses for a picture on his farm in Sadluki, Poland, May 14, 2024. Kulecki owns 180 hectares of land in northern Poland which has been in his family for generations. In spring, he participated in nationwide protests of farmers against the Green Deal. REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala

Polish farmer Mateusz Kulecki prepares his tractor for fieldwork, in Sadluki, Poland, May 14, 2024. Kulecki owns 180 hectares of land in northern Poland which has been in his family for generations. In spring, he participated in nationwide protests of farmers against the Green Deal. REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala

For 33-year-old Polish farmer Mateusz Kulecki, June's European Parliament elections could be a chance to elect representatives that will fight against what he says is excessive bureaucracy and interference in how he runs his land.

A neighbour of Ukraine, Poland has become a hotspot for protests that sprang up across Europe as farmers railed against cheap imports from the war-torn country, as well as restrictions placed on them by the EU's "Green Deal" to tackle climate change.

"If we, as farmers, manage to influence the election results ... then I think it will be a good sign for both the farmers as well as the society and the governments, that people take things in their own hands and have power to change some things," Kulecki said.

However, he is not optimistic that the elections will bring radical change and believes farmers will need to keep protesting.

"We are not (protesting) for some subsidies, some allowances, but for our problems to be solved with some systemic solutions," he said.

Kulecki said that although farmers do not have a party that specifically represents their interests, there are several farmers who run for the European Parliament - mostly belonging to the Confederation party, which according to the fastest polls could win 13% of the votes in Poland. To appease farmers, the EU has loosened environmental regulations on fallow land.

But the overall Green Deal vision for helping tackle climate change remains intact, supported by more than two dozen laws passed over the last five years to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause it.

Polish farmer Mateusz Kulecki poses for a picture on his farm in Sadluki, Poland, May 14, 2024. Kulecki owns 180 hectares of land in northern Poland which has been in his family for generations. In spring, he participated in nationwide protests of farmers against the Green Deal. REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala

GREEN DEAL

While Polish farmers point to the problems EU policies cause for them, the government is keen to stress the benefits two decades of membership have brought the country.

"In the 20 years of our presence in the EU, the value of our agricultural exports has increased 10 fold," said Poland's agriculture minister Czeslaw Siekierski.

According to the Polish Academy of Sciences, the main transformative factor has been the inflow of funds to agriculture.

The Institute of Public Finance of Poland has counted that from the beginning of integration into the EU until 2023, Polish agriculture received 67.1 billion euros.

Income per full-time farmer has increased more than 2.5 times since 2004, according to Central Statistical Office of Poland.

But Kulecki argues that although farmers see the pool of money growing, funds are being spent on things that do not help agricultural production.

"It is harder and harder to get any subsidies because first, you need to meet all the standards, which are exorbitant, and there are more and more of them added each year," said Kulecki.

A drone view of the Mateusz Kulecki's farm in the village of Sadluki, Poland, May 14, 2024. Mateusz Kulecki, 33, owns 180 hectares of land in northern Poland which has been in his family for generations. In spring, he participated in nationwide protests of farmers against the Green Deal. REUTERS/Lukasz Glowala

He also noted that although new eco-schemes are beneficial for encouraging changes in sowing structures to receive higher subsidies, they treat all farmers the same despite differences in soil.

To address farmers' demands for reducing bureaucracy, the European Parliament exempted small farmers from compliance controls.

"In the case of Polish agriculture, when most farms are below 10 hectares, around a fourth of farms will be excluded from these control restrictions of the European Green Deal," said Slawomir Kalinowski, a professor at the Institute of Rural Development and Agriculture of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

However farmers says the amendments are not enough as the Green Deal needs real changes.

"They should simply let us do things our way," Kulecki said, referring to the EU. "The farms are multi-generational, family ones. If we hadn't known how to run a farm, if we had neglected the soil, I wouldn't be here today."
Ulster Farmers Union slams proposal to ban fertilisers with phosphorus in effort to save Lough Neagh

Organisation brands the plan irresponsible and likely to hit livestock farmers in the pocket

Fertiliser being spread on a farm (Photo: Farm Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Garrett Hargan Thu 30 May 2024 at 07:00

The Ulster Farmers Union has branded a Stormont proposal to ban fertiliser containing phosphorous as irresponsible.
A shoplifter who stole fake nails and tanning bronzer from a pharmacy during a spate of thefts has been jailed for eight months.

Kia OConnor (35) also snatched a womans handbag from her shoulder on the street and a phone and wallet from another shopper who put them down on a table in a store to have a coffee.
Drivers who record what they think is dangerous behaviour will be able to submit footage for examination by gardai. Photo: Getty

Road users who record dashcam or bodycam footage of dangerous motoring behaviour will be able to upload it to an online portal, under plans being progressed by An Garda Siochana.

As bodycams are being rolled out among frontline gardai on a pilot basis, it is understood similar principles could soon be used for policing the roads.

There are plans to allow road users to supply footage that could then be examined with a view to possible prosecution.

Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for roads policing and community engagement, Paula Hilman, has said a digital evidence management system needs to be put in place in order for the system to work.

It is hoped the portal could be live in 2026, as the country continues to struggle with rising numbers of road deaths.

Once launched, any road users who record what they think is dangerous behaviour will be able to submit footage for examination by gardai, who could then act on it for potential prosecution.

Gardai launch body cameras in three Dublin stations

The idea was first mooted in December 2021 at the launch of the Government Road Safety Strategy for 2021 to 2030, but has not yet been delivered.

However, speaking to the Irish Independent in recent days, Ms Hilman confirmed the plan was progressing.

We are committed to launching a portal. It is linked to our whole digital strategy, she said.

The issue we have is that it wont be realistically launched until about 2026 because at the back end, you need a digital evidence management system, and thats what we need to develop.

We are currently developing that as part of the body-worn camera project.

We are committed to doing it, but thats why we havent been able to do it to date. We are 100pc committed to that work as part of our digital strategy. Our realistic timeframe for delivery of that is 2026.

Ms Hilman said people can currently report poor driving or dangerous behaviour on roads, along with camera footage, to their local garda station.

If you have a record of something now, you can still go into your local garda station and we manage that individually. We will look at the video footage, we will ask for a statement and we will still investigate that, she said.

But the portal will allow it to be upscaled and then youll be able to load it up onto it and the garda will still be in touch with you about making a statement and collecting the evidence, the way you would for any other investigation.

The potential for such a system could make reporting of bad road behaviour more efficient, said Road Safety Authority (RSA) chief executive Sam Waide.

From an RSA and road safety point of view, if a portal makes it more efficient and it encourages people to share dashcam footage then we would support that for the benefit of road safety, Mr Waide said.

This isnt about catching people out. This is about changing behaviour.

Potentially, a fear of getting caught changes peoples behaviour for the better, and there will be more speed cameras around the country this year and next year, and again, those are safety cameras to slow people down rather than just people getting fixed penalty notices for speeding.

Theyre to actually change peoples behaviour and slow people down, and it is effective in saving peoples lives.

Jack Chambers, junior transport minister, said a reporting portal is something that has been raised by a lot of road safety advocates.

We are trying to advance the wider use of technology and the camera-based enforcement strategy, but I think a portal could play a clear role, Mr Chambers said.
Local election candidate wants to use her own lived experience to bring about change

A local election candidate in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown claims the housing crisis is impacting her directly as she is in her 40s and living with her parents.

Lydia Bigley, a Social Democrat candidate for Blackrock, lived in Berlin for over two years and returned to Dublin in 2022. However, she didnt like the direction that Ireland was going in when she got back.

While she was able to find a job straight away, Ms Bigley has struggled with both the housing and cost-of-living-crisis. Now, she wants to represent people in the same boat as her.

I thought, now is the time, I cant just sit back here and not do anything. I want to get involved. I want to see change. If you want change, you need to vote for somebody new and for a newer party as well, she said.

The job market is good at the moment. But in terms of the housing crisis, yes, that directly impacts me.

Ive been living with my parents since I moved back from Berlin just because the rents are crazy. Ive never owned property. Its been one of the major drivers of getting me involved in politics.

Prices are going up. They were going up in Berlin too, but compared to Dublin, its nowhere near that level.

We are being completely ripped off. A lot of larger multi-national companies are using the cost-of-living crisis as an excuse to raise prices.

I work in UCD and one of the cafes there charges 3.75 for a pre-packaged granola bar. I really dont see how that can be justified in any way, shape or form, she added.

Ms Bigley believes her life experience will work in her favour when it comes to being a councillor.

The housing crisis here is the number one issue now and its having an awful effect on everybody. People talk about the younger generation, the generation locked out, she said.

Im in my 40s and its affecting me directly. Its affecting my parents because Im living with them.

Ive got friends who have children whose relationships have broken down and theyve had to move back in with their parents, with their children or live in rented accommodation.

Im new to this but I think I have lived experience of many of the issues. I have experience of living in Germany, so I have that experience of seeing how it can be done better.

Not everything in Germany or in Berlin is perfect, but I think their system is definitely better.

When Im at the doors, there are often issues that even if they havent affected me directly, I would be familiar with because Ive been living in the real world, she added.
While immigration remains one of the key issues for voters in the upcoming elections, it should be noted that many of those voters are themselves immigrants. In the Rosslare District its estimated that upwards of 300 people will cast their votes for the first time in the local elections on June 7, many of them residents in the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre and hotels in the area.

Some of those people were in attendance at an event hosted by Wexford Local Development (WLD) in Kilrane Community Centre last week which sought to give voice to those who dont always have their opinions heard. Joined by representatives from the Rosslare Womens Shed, the Ballymitty Shed, the Portside Residents Association, the Rosslare Harbour Maritime Centre, the Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Mens Shed, the Save Our Nursing Home campaign, and the Yola Hedge School, these first-time voters had the opportunity to meet with four of those running for council on June 7.
A flight from Brussels to New York was diverted to Dublin Airport this afternoon due to two separate incidents on board.

The United Airlines flight to Newark Airport landed earlier today following separate reports of a disruptive passenger and a suspected medical issue. These issues were first reported on X by Shauns Aviation.

It was met on the ground by gardai, National Ambulance Service and HSE personnel on arrival.

daa Statement:



Flight UA998 from Brussels to New York's Newark Airport diverted to @DublinAirport this afternoon due to reports of two separate incidents - a disruptive passenger and a suspected medical issue - on board. Appropriate protocols were put in place by Dublin pic.twitter.com/apAcVBpjJG  Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) June 3, 2024

Appropriate protocols were put in place by Dublin Airport Operations and Airport Police for the arrival of the aircraft, a spokesperson for daa said in a statement shared to social media.

United Airlines flight 998 diverted to Dublin Airport this afternoon. Photo: Frank McGrath.

There is no impact on operations at Dublin Airport and passengers travelling this evening should plan to arrive at the airport as normal.

A spokesperson for the HSE said it cannot comment on individual cases to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the people involved.

"Departments of Public Health respond to notified cases of suspected infectious diseases, undertake a risk assessment of the situation and control measures are put in place, if required, to protect the public health, they added.

The HSE National Ambulance Service and HSE Public Health undertook appropriate investigations at Dublin Airport following protocols in partnership with Dublin Airport, An Garda Siochana and Airport Police.

"Public Health and National Ambulance Service managed this incident according to national public health guidelines.

A spokesperson for United Airlines said United flight 998 from Brussels to New York/Newark "landed safely in Dublin on Monday because of a disruptive passenger.

"Separately, a medical situation was identified with a different passenger. Medical personnel in Ireland investigated and cleared the flight to continue with the removal of one disruptive passenger, one ill passenger and one other person traveling with the ill passenger. The flight has re-departed for New York/Newark, they said.
Dr Mireille Sweeney pictured at her practice in Ardara in Co Donegal. Photo: Joe Dunne

For years, I have highlighted to the HSE the looming manpower crisis, said Ardara GP Mireille Sweeney. Photo: Joe Dunne

Another rural GP has resigned with a heavy heart after years of coping with an unrelenting workload which at times took a toll on her own health.

Dr Mireille Sweeney (63), who is a single-handed GP, was a family doctor in Ardara, Co Donegal, for 29 years.

She came to this country from her native Provence in France as a young doctor in the 1980s to be cured of her love for Ireland.

She is one of a falling number of GPs based in villages around the country. As more of these solo GPs face retirement, the onerous level of work means there may be nobody willing to take their place.

The mother of four and grandmother, who is married to Irishman John, previously told the Irish Independent the issue is not about extra fees for doctors.

I am very privileged and in a job I love. It is about a service for rural patients, saving burned-out GPs and seeing areas do not lose their doctor.

In a notice to her patients in the last week, Dr Sweeney said: It is with a heavy heart that I have handed my resignation to the HSE, my employer. For years, I have highlighted to the HSE the looming manpower crisis that single-handed rural GPs are facing, while also proposing practical solutions to these problems.

GP crisis investigation: Rural Ireland worst hit as two-thirds unable to take on new patients

Schemes introduced in recent years by the HSE aimed at improving patient care, although highly successful, have put a huge additional demand on any single-handed GP practice.

She said in the past two years at Ardara Health Centre, the post of GP assistant, GP partner and my post as principal GP have been offered to 11 doctors, nationally and internationally. [They all showed] genuine interest in the practice but [were] unwilling to accept the demands of a single-handed rural GP practice.

In the past five years, there have been two occasions when I found I could not continue without a period away from work for my own wellbeing.

On these occasions, it was up to me to provide my own cover. I relied on agency locum doctors to run the practice.

Dr Sweeney said she has now exhausted all possible avenues to ensure a successor to my position as GP in Ardara and the matter is now in the hands of the HSE. Myself and my staff have no information on the procedure for appointing a new GP for Ardara.

A spokesman for the HSE said: The HSE can confirm that Dr Mireille Sweeney, GP Ardara has tendered her resignation. Dr Sweeney will be working out her period of notice.

The HSE will continue to work towards finding a new GP as a priority.

Earlier this year, the Irish College of General Practitioners announced 350 training places for doctors wanting to become a GP, an increase of 22pc.

A scheme is also in place for 250 international doctors to work in rural practices for two years in the hope they will stay. .
Just 26,130 of the estimated 430,000 people who are eligible for a GP visit card have availed of one. Stock image

Only a fraction of people who are eligible for a free GP visit card, which could save them up to 75 a visit, have so far claimed the benefit.

Just 26,130 of the estimated 430,000 people who are eligible for the card under a relaxed means test introduced last year have availed of one.

In early April, the figure was 20,350 and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly urged more people to apply.

He asked the HSE to make the application process easier as it was cited as too difficult.

A spokeswoman for the HSE said the application and registration processes for GP visit card applications have been streamlined to assist individuals and families.

Meanwhile, the take-up of GP visit cards for children aged six and seven, which was rolled out nearly a year ago, has exceeded the expected target.

Around 78,000 children were originally believed to be eligible, but the take-up has reached 85,148.

At the end of April, there were 699,443 people with a GP visit card compared to 547,535 last June.

The Government introduced free GP care for children aged under six in July 2015.

A poll carried out last year by the Department of Health, before the cards were extended to more children and adults, found some patients are paying almost 50 more to see their family doctor than people in other parts of the country  with prices highest in Dublin.

The survey found one in six are paying between 26 and 50 to see their GP, while over a third are paying between 51 and 75.

The poll found parents pay an average of 55 for children and teenagers to be seen by a doctor, about 15pc of parents pay up to 50 and 21pc pay more, while 64pc of children had GP visit cards.
Irish Rail has warned of significant delays after services were suspended earlier today between Heuston and Hazelhatch.

This afternoon, reports of smoke in one of the cabins on the Heuston to Cork route resulted in Dublin Fire Brigade being alerted and attending to the train.

Passengers on board were detrained 100 yards from the Clondalkin/Fonthill station and smoke was not reported on board or within the cabins.

The incident resulted in the suspension of services between Heuston and Hazelhatch and while services have since resumed, Irish Rail said there are delays.

According to Irish Rail, passengers who were on board the 16:00 Heuston/Cork service were accommodated on later trains that were due to arrive in the Clondalkin station.

A spokesperson for Irish Rail said the smoke was found to have come from the bogie section of the train, located under one of the carriages and near the wheels.

The passengers were initially moved back within the train by staff and when fire services arrived, passengers were assisted off the train at Clondalkin.

All services were suspended through there while that was happening, the spokesperson said.

Services continue to be impacted this evening and Irish Rail has advised passengers that the 19:25 and 20:25 Cork to Heuston services will be amalgamated and will depart at 20:25.
I should have gone to my GP sooner, but I put it off because I knew it was MS  mum urges people with symptoms to seek help immediately
The incident occurred on the N85 this afternoon. Photo: Press 22.

A man has died in hospital following what Gardai are describing as a road traffic incident in Co Clare this afternoon.

The alarm was raised shortly after 12.30pm when emergency services received reports of a collision on the N85 Western Relief Road near Ennis. The route connects the M18 motorway with roads to west and north Clare.

Its understood that a vehicle was seen colliding with a roadside barrier at least once before coming to a stop on the footpath. A motorist travelling the road at the time stopped and quickly ran to the drivers aid.

Its believed that the motorist provided medical aid to the man, along with a second motorist in the vicinity, until ambulance paramedics arrived.

National Ambulance Service paramedics and units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennis station attended the scene along with several Garda units.

The critically ill man was rushed by to University Hospital Limerick for treatment but later died.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: The male driver of the vehicle (aged in his 40s) was taken to University Hospital Limerick where he later passed away. The Coroner has been notified.

The N85 Ennis Bypass has since reopened to traffic.

The man is understood to be in his 40s.

The road had been closed to traffic while a preliminary examination of the scene was carried out.

Its believed that the driver may have suffered a medical episode before the collision.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a single-vehicle road traffic incident involving a car, which occurred on the N85 Ennis Bypass, Co. Clare, on Monday June 3, 2024, at approximately 12.40pm.

Investigations are ongoing, the spokesperson said.
Social Democrats European election candidate Rory Hearne said Independent Ireland should focus on the cause of trouble, housing. Photo: Frank McGrath

Social Democrats European election candidate Rory Hearne has launched a scathing attack on former RTE broadcaster Ciaran Mullooly days out from the country going to the polls.

Mr Hearne accused Mr Mullooly of hypocrisy and contradiction for saying he stands for the values of community development while running for Independent Ireland, which has candidates expressing strong anti-immigrant views.

The academic also alleged Ireland Independent is spreading division and hate with some of its candidates comments on immigration and non-governmental organisations.

I am angered at the scapegoating of immigrants and asylum-seekers for problems that were caused by years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail policy failure and refusal on their part to invest properly in housing, healthcare, childrens mental health and disability services, to name a few, Mr Hearne said.

These problems pre-existed the recent increase in migration, and yet we have parties like Mulloolys Independent Ireland shamefully exploiting peoples genuine distress and anger with the lack of housing and services in this country, and turning it on to vulnerable people like asylum-seekers.

Why wont Mullooly and others call for tougher action against the real causes of the housing and homelessness crisis  the vulture funds and corporate landlords locking people out of a home, evicting people and raising the rents?

Mr Hearn said Independent Ireland offers no solutions for the problems that have been caused due to a lack of accommodation.

The election next week will set the course of Ireland and Europe for many years to come. Are we to turn into a divided society?

Or are we going to come together and address the real causes of the crises, work on solutions together, and treat migrants and asylum-seekers with the dignity every human being deserves, and see migrants for how they positively contribute to and enrich our country.

Mr Mullooly said he utterly rejects Mr Hearnes comments.

I have worked in community development for over 30 years  my on-the-ground experience working with migrants in Roscommon Leader Partnership is outlined clearly on my website, he said.

I support the right of those fleeing conflict and oppression to seek asylum here but feel our present system is not fit for purpose  with long delays and a lack of proper consultation with local communities  issues recognised by all of us in community development as core principles for good practice.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins did not respond to requests for comment.

Party candidates have said Ireland is full when it comes to immigration and radio personality Niall Boylan has also taken a very hardline stance on asylum-seekers.

Mr Mullooly previously distanced himself from comments made by his party colleagues and said he does not believe Ireland is full and pointed to a large number of derelict buildings.
A man found dead in a flat in Co Monaghan on Saturday night has been named locally.

Gardai are expected to launch a homicide investigation into the death of 46-year-old Mykola Dernovi.

It is understood that Mr Dernovi was a Ukrainian man living in Ireland and it is suspected that he was the victim of a sustained and vicious assault.

One line of enquiry is that he suffered a heart attack after an attack at a flat in the Diamond area of Clones, Co Monaghan.

Though no arrests have been made in relation to the incident, sources say that a chief suspect has been identified.

Sinn Fein councillor for Clones Pat Treanor said the news had shocked those in the area.

Since the news was coming through last night, the people of the town are shocked to hear of this tragic incident, Councillor Treanor said.

Some family is suffering a loss and there would be great empathy with the family.

The discovery of the body in the Co Monaghan town was made shortly after 10pm on Saturday.

Gardai were alerted to the scene of the fatality by ambulance personnel who had responded to an emergency call.

The victim in this case suffered a very bad beating and the scene was fairly harrowing when emergency services arrived at the property, a source said.

In a statement, An Garda Siochana said a port-mortem is due to take place.

Gardai are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Clones, Co Monaghan, on the night of Saturday, June 1, a garda spokesperson said.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
By the time you read this, Mexicans will likely choose the first female president in the countrys history in the election between a former academic who promises to further the current leaders populist policies and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur who pledges to up the fight against deadly drug cartels.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the race to replace outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Voters were also deciding local governors in nine of the countrys 32 states, and choose candidates for both houses of congress, thousands of mayorships and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen and ones that have been marked by violence.
Ciara Kelly: Three years ago, youd get lambasted for saying tents on city streets were a bad thing. Now the opposites true but the tents remain

The issue of tents on the streets of Dublin has been around for years but that doesnt make them safe for anyone

"We need safe, organised accommodation for people and we need our city streets to be free of makeshift shanty pop-ups." Asylum seekers on the Grand Canal in Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

Ciara Kelly Mon 3 Jun 2024 at 03:30

Tents in Dublin city centre are now generally acknowledged to be a bad idea. Theyre unsanitary  tent dwellers have little option but to use the streets as a public toilet  and theyre unsafe both for those in the tents but also many people living and working in the vicinity of these makeshift encampments, who rightly or wrongly feel threatened by them.
US president Joe Bidens peace plan to end the war in Gaza is already starting to fall apart. The proposal was muddled to begin with. Biden made a dramatic late-night announcement at the start of the weekend, urging Hamas to accept what he said was a new three-phrase roadmap towards a permanent ceasefire in the nine-month-old war, saying that its time for this war to end.

The plan was seemingly tabled by Israel with Biden acting as the arbitrator. But later in the same speech, the US president seemed to acknowledge that even though Israel had authored the plan, its leaderships commitment to its terms was not a foregone conclusion.

The three-part plan would begin with a six-week ceasefire in which the Israeli Defence Forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. There would also be a surge of humanitarian aid, as well as an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The deal would eventually lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. Hamas said it views the proposal positively.

And global leaders were relieved there was finally a ceasefire plan on the table, with United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres saying the world had witnessed too much suffering and destruction in Gaza and it was time to stop.

The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 36,000 people across Gaza since the start of the war, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The conflict began last October when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 252 back to Gaza as hostages.

But the proposal doesnt have full support in Israel. Two far-right Israeli ministers threatened to quit and collapse the governing coalition if prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the ceasefire proposal. Netanyahu is insisting on the destruction of Hamas as part of a plan to end the Gaza war, along with the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu says his countrys conditions for ending conflict have not changed, despite the US president presenting the ceasefire plan. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter, he said.

While the plan included many of the details from previous failed rounds of talks, the US calls for a permanent ceasefire appeared to be a significant concession designed to try and draw Hamas back to negotiations on terms they have already said they would agree to.

President Bidens continued US support for Israel means the White House has substantial leverage to convince Netanyahus government. But Biden has not shown sufficient will to put moral, political and strategic pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire is the solution to an increasingly desperate conflict.

Raising false hopes serves no purpose.
Palestinian women and their children walk through destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Jebaliya, northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AP

As I watched D-Day commemorations and the stories told by veterans, I thought that after the horrors of World War II, and other wars, that enough would have been enough.

When will those who execute wars understand there are no winners? They inflict misery and pain on others because of some innate hunger to maintain power at all costs.

How many more wars do we need before we understand that it doesnt change the fundamental principles that bind us as a world family?

That family cohesion is always under threat by the evil that men do, men of power who surround themselves with their cabals of slavish onlookers and enforcers.

When will they see that we are all part of a bigger project and not the tunnel-vision focused autocratic or theocracy of the few?

We are much better than this. Instead of wasting vast trillions on making weapons of mass destruction that ultimately destroy lives, we should invest in peace.

We must, as a world family, start to invest in peace and to listen to those whose fervent wish is for peace.

We must shut out the angry, hate-ridden rhetoric of the few who are deluded in thought, deed and word that violence is the way forward.

A quote from John F Kennedy: Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Donegal

Government must revoke all dual-use licences for exports to Israeli state

As we mark UN International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Unicef reports that over 14,000 children have been killed in the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, and that this figure accounts for 44pc of fatalities.

Statistics cited by Al Jazeera indicate that about four children die every hour because of the actions of the Israeli military. Unicef reported that over a thousand children had one or both legs amputated within the first two months of the carnage.

It is normal to feel compassion, anger and revulsion upon reading these statistics, but there are concrete measures that we can implement to end this victimisation of innocents.

A recent Uplift investigation revealed that dual-use exports from Ireland to the Israeli state (products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military purposes) increased by more than a factor of six during 2022-23, amounting to 70.4m last year.

Dual-use exports to states outside the EU are subject to a licence by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The department has confirmed that since last October, it has issued eight dual-use licences for exports to the Israeli state, for a total value of 32.1m.

Most (6/8) of these licences were issued since January, long after UN experts warned that the failure to urgently implement a ceasefire risks this situation spiralling towards a genocide conducted with 21st-century means and methods of warfare.

Last week, Taoiseach Simon Harris declared that there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire.

There is no excuse, then, for the Government not to immediately revoke all dual-use licences for exports to the Israeli state.

Brian O Eigeartaigh, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

Flying the Palestinian flag at Leinster House does not get Ireland off the hook

Having recognised Palestine as a state, and therefore a state currently under genocide, its incumbent on us to support them in every way.

Minister Eamon Ryan tweeted: No airport in Ireland, or sovereign Irish airspace, is currently being used to transport weapons directly to Israel, despite claims otherwise.

Two words worry me, currently and directly.

Mr Ryan should inform us that Shannon Airport is a military-free airport.

Now that the US has pumped billions of dollars in war weapons to Israel to attack a nation smaller than Munster, how can we recognise Palestine and not recognise Americas unconditional supplying of military hardware for the destruction of its children, women and men?

Simply putting up the Palestinian flag doesnt get us off the moral hook. Either we are all in or were playing a two-faced game.

John Cuffe, Co Meath

Guilty Trump must pay his debt to society and spend time languishing in prison

Now that former president Donald Trump has been convicted in New York in the falsified business documents case, everyone awaits Judge Juan Merchans sentencing scheduled for July 11.

Most legal specialists consulted on the subject believe the sentence will be light, considering various mitigating factors, and that incarceration would be a surprise.

But why do these luminaries of the law not take into consideration that the criminal Trump shows no remorse, and worse, that he does not even recognise his guilt, even saying the trial was rigged? What do magistrates usually do when they come across a case like this? They impose an exemplary sentence, to show the culprit that he is paying even more for his debt to society due to a refusal to recognise his fault.

This is why Judge Juan Merchan must send Trump to languish in jail, while he examines his conscience.

The Democrats are certainly hoping for prison. Pollster Jean-Marc Leger wrote: A conviction is one thing. Incarceration is another. Polls show that this would be a breaking point. Imprisonment would spell the end of Donald Trumps political career. Something to rejoice about.

Can you imagine the criminal Donald J Trump in the White House? If this happens, the presidential election will be marked with a black stone and will forever remain shameful for the US. A criminal who does not believe in democracy should not become president of the most powerful democracy in the world.

Sylvio Le Blanc, Montreal (Quebec) 

Deepfakes of politicians are the least of voters worries ahead of elections

With the improvements in AI, there is a fear of deepfakes of politicians being used to interfere with elections.

Politicians images could be copied and then fake messages will be used.

But wait, isnt that already happening? We have fake messages  actually, just lies  being spread by many candidates before elections.

To discount the worry about deepfake videos, we can just assume all politicians are lying and we will be right far more often than wrong.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Roads in Cork County have been allocated additional funding of 3,701,500 after increased funding for regional and local roads nationally was announced in recent days.

Cork City Council has also been allocated 568,500 which means an overall allocation of 4,270,000 in additional funding for the roads in Cork City and Cork County.

Overall the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers announced 30 million in additional funding for regional and local roads.

This funding is to deal specifically with the impact of climate change, which has contributed to a deterioration in the surface quality of certain parts of the network over the winter months.

The emergency investment will assist in addressing the worst impacted areas of the road network nationally.

Announcing the funding, Minister Ryan said: Climate change, like the prolonged rain we saw this past winter and spring, has a damaging impact on our road surfaces which has to be addressed quickly so that it does not lead to further deterioration. Through this additional funding local authorities can begin to restore the impacted regional and local road network along with building resilience into the network in an ever-changing environment.

Prompt restoration of the impacted road network is essential from a safety perspective as well as maintaining key social and economic connection, said Minister Chambers. This investment is fundamental for road safety, and for connecting people and places across the country. Our network facilitates business, education, tourism, healthcare, agriculture and the provision of critical services and activities.

For equity, this additional funding is to be distributed among local authorities based on road lengths per region as extreme rain affected areas throughout the country, he added.

Securing additional funding for road resurfacing and maintenance works throughout Cork County has been a huge priority for all the councillors in Cork County Council over a number of years.

A deputation led by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn, elected members and Cork County Council officials met with the Minister of State at the Department for Transport Jack Chambers on Wednesday, April 24.

The deputation met with Minister Chambers in Leinster House to discuss the current levels of funding for roads in Cork County.

A letter from members of Cork County Council seeking an increase in funding for roads in Cork County was sent to the Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney and the Department of Transport in early March.

At a recent full council meeting Niall Healy Director of Services, Roads and Transportation with Cork County Council provided more clarity on the funding Cork County receives: Cork County Council has the largest road network of any local authority in Ireland, comprising 12,200km and receives one of the lowest allocations per km for regional and local road maintenance. In 2024, Cork County Council has been allocated 70.2m in regional and local roads funding, a slight reduction on the 2023 allocation of 71.3m.

In 2024, Cork County Council has been allocated 61.82m in national roads funding, a reduction of 26% on the 2023 allocation of 83.6m. It is clear that the current baseline quality of regional and local roads across the county falls far short of the standard that is demanded by residents, businesses and visitors alike, he added.
Deputy OConnor said a huge number of people in North Cork are having trouble accessing GP services. I wish to raise an issue that is very important to the people across the North Cork area in Fermoy and Mitchelstown. Unfortunately I am meeting a huge number of people who are retired or may have complicated health care needs that want to get access to GP services across the North Cork area. Within North Cork we have two primary care health centres but they seem to be under serious pressure around the lack of GP services.

Deputy OConnor asked the Taoiseach for more additional resources to be allocated to the area to alleviate the concerns of residents. My siblings all work in the health care setting. They and others that I know working in the setting tell me that they are under fierce pressure to get additional GPs across the North Cork region.

Would the Taoiseach have a conversation about this at Cabinet with the Minister for Health to see if we can get additional resources to help address the needs of access to GP and primary care services in the North Cork area for these people who are so desperately in need, he added.

The Taoiseach committed to talking with the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the HSE regarding the current situation. I will certainly discuss the matter with the Minister for Health and with the HSE. We are now seeing a very significant increase in the number of training places for GPs. We are now also looking at other pathways that we can put in place in universities in terms of that but I do recognise that in certain parts of the country there may be particular challenges as well.

The Taoiseach continued: There is an option available now in terms of having salaried GPs in those areas. Without knowing the particulars that is definitely one option that is available to the Minister for Health and the HSE. I will talk to Minister Donnelly and we will refer to you on the issue.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said Simon Harris and Fine Gaels failure to deliver affordable homes has resulted in the collapse of homeownership for a generation

Ms McDonald warned that if Fine Gael remain in government for another five years, home ownership will remain outside of their reach and that is why voting for change is so important on Friday, June 7.

The Sinn Fein party president said: Fine Gaels failure to deliver affordable homes that teachers, nurses, factory and retail workers can actually afford has resulted in the collapse of home ownership for so many. Many are faced with the choice of continuing to live with their parents well into their 30s, paying extortionate rents or leaving Ireland to live in places like Australia and Canada, she said.

Ms McDonald continued: The government is so incompetent that the small number of so-called affordable homes that they are delivering can cost between 400,000 and 500,000. These are eye watering sums which are not affordable to the vast majority of workers and families. If that isnt bad enough they are continuing to let vulture funds buy up family homes.

Sinn Fein has set out how local authorities and approved housing bodies can deliver homes for under 300,000, alongside the delivery of large-scale social housing. This programme will ensure that home ownership is once again a realistic option for teachers, nurses, factory and retail workers. That is the type of radical, strategic reset that is required, she added.

Voting for change is so important on Friday, said the party leader. It is the first step in getting this government out of office. It's clear that if Fine Gael gets another five years in government, home ownership will remain far outside the reach of these workers.

Sinn Fein is running ten candidates across the ten local electoral areas in Cork County as they strive to win seats in the local authority.

The list of candidates includes: Clare OCallaghan in Bandon-Kinsale, Colum OCallaghan in Bantry-West Cork, Eoghan Fahy in Carrigaline, Medhi Ozcinar in Cobh, Joe OBrien in Fermoy, Evelyn OKeeffe in Kanturk, John OSullivan in Macroom, Melissa OBrien in Mallow, Edith Adams in Midleton and Donnchadh O Seaghdha in Skibbereen-West Cork.

Sinn Fein is running six candidates in the European elections. The party currently has one MEP.

Senator Paul Gavan and Kathleen Function TD are running in the Ireland South constituency.

Current MEP Chris McManus and Michelle Gildernew a sitting MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone are running in Midlands-North West, while Senator Lynn Boylan and Cllr Daithi Doolan are the partys candidates in Dublin.
At Mid Kerry Mart Milltown launching the upcoming Men's Health Awareness Event on June 11th Back L-R:Pat Keefe,Hugh O'Connor,Sean Moriarty.Front L-R: Aideen Moynihan(HSE Community Worker)Patricia Maher(HSE Community Worker)Linda Daly (Manager Mid Kerry Mart)Michelle Foley(HSE Health Promotion) Caroline Madden (Family Support Worker)Maura O'Leary(HSE Promotion)Julie Thorne(SICAP Community Devlopment Officer) DJ Moran(SKDP) The event takes place at Mid Kerry Mart on June 11th from 10am-2:30pm and is part Men's Health Week 2024 and runs from 10-16th June. Photo by Michael G Kenny

Mens Health Week is on the horizon from June 10 to 16, and Milltowns Mid Kerry Mart will get in on the action next Tuesday, June 11.

Health professionals, service providers, and community groups will be at the mart from 10am to 2.30pm, with the Killorglin Mens Social Club Choir providing the backing track to what promises to be an exciting day at the venue.

The free event will feature health checks, and its being organised by HSE Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare in partnership with a number of groups.

"The atmosphere at last year's event was electric, the mart managers had never seen such crowds. It was such a positive, social day for all involved and we look forward to an even bigger and better day at Milltown Mid-Kerry Mart this year, said HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Health Promotion and Improvement Officer project lead Michelle Foley.

This is a wonderful opportunity for men in Kerry to meet with a range of health and community professionals in a one-stop-shop; ask the questions, get the information, avail of the supports - and catch up with one another too!

"The focus of this event is health awareness, prevention and increasing access to health and community services. I would encourage men of all ages  and those who care about them  to come along and heighten their own awareness around the health issues men face. I am really looking forward to meeting and chatting with men around their health needs and planning for future programmes as a follow up to this event."

Four nearby pharmacies will also offer free health checks: O'Doherty's Pharmacy in Milltown, and Mulvihill's Pharmacy, Haven Pharmacy O'Sullivan's and Laune Pharmacy in Killorglin.

A Yoga for Men event will take place in Glencar Community Centre the following day from 8pm to 9pm, and at the Family Resource Centre on Market Street, Killorglin, on June 13 from 1pm to 2pm.

A Digital Hub with Kerry ETB will be open at Killarney Mens Shed from 2pm to 5pm on both June 10 and 13.

"South Kerry has a high population of elderly men living in rural isolated areas, said South Kerry Development Partnership Rural Mens Outreach Officer DJ Moran ahead of the weeks events. The South Kerry rural mens group meet regularly and go on day trips to help combat this isolation. Social connectedness is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing, but it can be more common for men to have lower levels of social connectedness than women.

This day at Milltown Mart will be great for connecting with both health supports and others living in south Kerry."
Sligo University Hospital (SUH) and the Saolta University Health Care Group has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health of 43 new beds for the hospital and a further 26 at St Johns Hospital.

The plan will see the commencement of adult acute inpatient beds over the course of the next seven years.

The new beds include 26 medical beds at a refurbished ward at St Johns Hospital which will be under SUH governance, the building of a 42 bed ward block at SUH and a further bed already committed to.

The design team has been appointed for the St Johns refurbishment works and is now awaiting approval to proceed with upgrading works.

The main contractor for the ward block works at SUH is expected to proceed to site in Q3 of this year.

We welcome the commitment to enhancing infrastructure and capacity that we know we badly need in our region. This investment will help address the Urgent and Emergency Care pressures and support a regional balance of capacity provision, said Ann Cosgrove, Interim CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group.

Grainne McCann, SUH hospital manager also welcomed the announcement adding: These new beds will greatly benefit our local communities and we look forward to progressing these plans as quickly as possible.

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced an additional overall 501 beds for the West and North West healthcare region as part of the new Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan.

The plan has been introduced in response to the ongoing Health Service Capacity Review and aims to bring the number of beds in HSE West North West from 2.4 per 100,000 people to 2.8. This will improve access to hospital in-patient care for patients across Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Donegal. It also delivers on the Ministers commitment to ensure balanced regional bed capacity and to ensure patients across Ireland have equity of access.

The plan includes:

228 new beds for Galway University Hospital

96 new beds for Mayo University Hospital

72 new beds for Letterkenny University Hospital

69 new beds for Sligo University Hospital

16 new beds for Portiuncula University Hospital

20 new beds for Roscommon General Hospital

The development in the West and North West Region forms part of a major national plan which marks the biggest expansion of bed capacity in the health service in several decades, with a total of 3,352 additional acute inpatient beds planned for delivery across three tranches up to 2031.

The plan does not include rehab, subacute or specialist beds.

Minister Donnelly said: The next seven years will see extensive expansion in hospital capacity across the West and North West region. It is vital that our health service responses to the healthcare needs of the population, and Im confident that this plan will help to deliver a better service for people across Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal.

Were building on the significant investment in the region in the last few years, with 37 new beds coming on stream this year. As we look towards the future and consider changing demographics across the region, we need to deliver increased capacity to provide quality care.

Additional capacity in acute inpatient beds will bring us closer to our goal of ensuring that people in the West and North West receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
As part of National Biodiversity Week, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns organised two very successful biodiversity walk and talk events at the Slaney Countryside Walk and Vinegar Hill.

The organisation is embarking on exciting community projects to improve and protect biodiversity. In early 2024, the tidy towns group was successful in obtaining grant funding from Community Foundation Ireland to hire an ecologist to prepare a Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) for the Slaney Countryside Walk.

Firstly, Ecologist Faith Wilson lead a group of twenty people from all ages and backgrounds on a walk of the countryside walk recording plants, insects, birds and bats along the way.

Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns said it was great to see such a diverse range of people at the event with plenty of questions and showing their enthusiasm.

In just over two hours Ms. Wilson and the group recorded three species of bats  including Leislers, Pipistrelle and the illusive Daubentons bat. The group was thrilled to record a Daubentons bat at the Urrin bridge at 11pm at night just as the event was finishing.

On Friday evening, Eoin Donnelly a master hedge layer, gave an entertaining and informative hedgerow walk at Vinegar Hill where he highlighted the importance of protecting these ecological highways which are unfortunately under threat to a group of twenty engaged participants.

There was great discussion on the history of hedgerows, folklore, remedies and how important native species are for biodiversity.

Across both events the advice from the experts was clear  native species are best, stop using damaging pesticides, herbicides and rodenticides and that we must act to reverse the decline in our native biodiversity. Both experts also pointed out the protections afforded to these important corridors; the Slaney Countryside Walk is located within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) while the damage and destruction of hedgerows is also an offence during the closed season between 1st March and 31st August annually.

Unfortunately, invasive cherry laurel, rhododendron Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam were recorded across both events. The Community Biodiversity Action Plan will include recommendations for these to be managed by the relevant bodies.

Mr Hughes extends his thanks to Faith Wilson, Eoin Donnelly, and Hedgerows Ireland for participating in these events and to all who attended including the LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme), Community Foundation Ireland, members of other volunteer groups and Sustainable Enniscorthy.

As a result of the success of these events, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is already planning further events with the next one planned in July for a Swift conservation talk at Enniscorthy Library.
Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady spoke out in the Dail, on Tuesday, May 28, about the failure of the Government to provide funding to local authorities, which has resulted in too many instances of tenants in County Wicklow who are being forced to live in substandard accommodation.
Over 100 people and 30 community organisations attended a Health and Wellbeing Fair in the Little Bray Community Centre, on Wednesday, May 29.

The event was organised by Bray Area Partnership in collaboration with Health and Wellbeing, Community Healthcare East HSE. It showcased a number of Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme services available to people living in the community, such as the HSE Stop Smoking Service, Parenting Programmes, Healthy Food Made Easy, and Social Prescribing.

A wide range of other community-based services involved in delivering health and wellbeing supports were on hand to offer advice and answer questions.

We are delighted to bring the Health and Wellbeing Fair to the local community, said Louise Curtin, of Bray Area Partnership.

The fair included activities such as Healthy Food Made Easy demonstrations and was closed out by the Cheile Community Choir.

Shane Lee, from the HSE, described the health and wellbeing fair as a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to access essential health services and learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In 2021, Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, working with the HSE, local authorities, and community agencies launched the Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme to provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 community areas across Ireland. Bray was one of the priority areas identified and has benefited from a number of free health and well-being services being made available to the community.
Service users and staff from The Lalor Centre in Baltinglass presenting funds raised for Daffodil Day to The Irish Cancer Society.

There was an overwhelming sense of community spirit and pride when service users and staff from The Lalor Centre in Baltinglass presented a cheque for 320 raised for Daffodil Day to The Irish Cancer Society.

A tradition dating back to 2006, staff at the centre, which provides services to people with an intellectual disability, go the extra mile for Daffodil Day each year, raising a whopping 19,561 over the years for the Irish Cancer Society through coffee mornings and merchandise sales.

After collecting donations and selling merchandise to service users, their families and staff this year, The Lalor Centre (KARE) community gathered to present this years proceeds to Emma from the Irish Cancer Society.

The Lalor Centre was delighted to present a cheque for 320 to Emma from The Irish Cancer Society last week, KAREs Catherine Curry said.

Each year, we raise money for this very worthy cause. Pre-COVID, we would have had an open coffee morning and raffle, but since then, due to health and safety reasons, we now do an in-house fundraiser.

We sold Daffodil Day merchandise between staff, service users and family over a few weeks. We notified families that we had the merchandise in the centre, sending them photos of what we had and some sent in money.

We were delighted with the funds we raised, and Emma from the Irish Cancer Society was very thankful.

We would like to thank our service users, families and staff for their loyal support each year.
Mariana Checheliuk is handed flowers after she was freed in a prisoner exchange with Russia. Photo: AP

A 24-year-old Ukrainian policewoman was starved, beaten and abused as a prisoner of war by Russian forces, her mother said as she was released after two years in captivity.
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, departs the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, on the opening day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 3, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

A jury was sworn in on Monday for the trial of Hunter Biden on gun charges, a historic criminal prosecution of a sitting president's son with the potential to influence the 2024 presidential election.

Hunter Biden, 54, went on trial at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, four days after Republican Donald Trump, the Democratic president's rival for the Nov. 5 US election, became the first former president found guilty of a crime.
Argentina vows to regain ownership of the Falkland Islands after Britain inks deal to give away one of its overseas territories
Image Credit: Pixabay

Mumbai: Investors saw their wealth swell by Rs 12.48 trillion during Monday morning's trading session as the benchmark equity index, Sensex, reached an all-time high, reported media.

This surge followed exit polls predicting a significant victory for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 2,777.58 points, or 3.75 percent, to a new record of 76,738.89 in early trade.

Following the massive rally in equities, the market capitalization of BSE-listed companies surged by Rs 12,48,952.68 crore, reaching a record high of Rs 4,24,61,833.82 crore ($5.10 trillion) during Monday morning's trade, reported Business Standard.

Exit polls on Saturday predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would secure a third consecutive term, with the BJP-led NDA anticipated to win a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

India's economy grew by 8.2 percent in the fiscal year that ended in March, cementing the country's position as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

All 30 companies in the Sensex were trading positively.

The top gainers included Power Grid, NTPC, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, and Axis Bank, said the report.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong were up, while Shanghai was down. US markets closed mostly higher on Friday, it added.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth Rs 1,613.24 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale hit Japan's Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture early Monday (June 3, 2024), the country's weather agency said.

No tsunami warning has been issued so far.

The 6:31 a.m. quake, occurring at a depth of around 10 kilometers, registered upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency as quoted by Kyodo.

A series of strong quakes of up to 7.6 magnitude rattled the Noto region and its vicinity and triggered a tsunami on January 1.
Photo Courtesy: File Picture

The flood situation in Assam has slightly improved but over 5.35 lakh people in 13 districts, including 1.45 lakh children, are still affected.

The first wave of flood in Assam has so far claimed 14 lives.

According to the reports of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), on June 2, three people including two children died in Nagaon and Cachar district after drowning in flood waters.

Two people in Cachar district are still missing.

The flood report of ASDMA stated that over 3.03 lakh people were affected in Nagaon district while 1.09 lakh people were affected in Cachar district, 86382 people in Hojai district, 20463 people in Karimganj district.

The flood waters submerged 8143.75 hectares of crop area, 564 villages under 26 revenue circles in Hailakandi, Karimganj, Hojai, Dhemaji, Kamrup, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Morigaon, Cachar, South Salmara, Karbi Anglong West, Golaghat, Dima Hasao district.

The administration has set up 275 relief camps and distribution centres where more than 1.77 lakh flood-hit people are taking shelter.

Police, NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES), Circle Office/Local Administration are engaged in rescue operations in various flood-hit areas.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Image Credit: Image posted on Facebook by Nishant Aagarwal

Nagpur: The Nagpur district court on Monday sentenced former BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd engineer Nishant Agarwal to life imprisonment under the Official Secrets Act for espionage activities on behalf of Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, media reported.

Agarwal was also sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and fined Rs 3,000, according to reports.

Additional sessions court judge MV Deshpande, in the order, stated that Agarwal was convicted under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for offenses punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

The 2018 case evoked shock and dismay as it was the first spy scandal to impact BrahMos Aerospace, involving a young talented engineer.

Agarwal allegedly was in continuous contact with two Facebook accounts, namely Neha Sharma and Pooja Ranjan, which were handled by Pakistani intelligence operatives from Islamabad.

"The court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment and RI for 14 years under the Official Secrets Act and fined him Rs 3,000," said Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani, according to reports.

Nishant Agarwal, who was employed in the technical research section at BrahMos Aerospace's missile center in Nagpur, was arrested in 2018 in a joint operation by military intelligence and the Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

He was senior system engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's Military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia).

BrahMos Aerospace specializes in the development of India's supersonic cruise missile, capable of deployment from various platforms including land, air, sea, and underwater.

The former engineer was charged under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent Official Secrets Act (OSA) for allegedly leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Agarwal had worked at the BrahMos facility for four years before his arrest.

Nishant Agarwal was a recipient of the Young Scientists award from the Defence Research and Development Organisation. He surprised his colleagues with his involvement in such activities, an Hindustan Times report said.

He was recognized as a talented engineer and had studied at the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.

The investigators probing the case said that Nishant's casual attitude, despite his involvement in extremely sensitive work, on the internet made him an easy target, reported Hindustan Times.

Last April, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court granted Agarwal bail.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

With Maldives banning Israeli passport holders from visiting, the country's Embassy in New Delhi on Monday urged its citizens to visit India and explore the sea beaches.

The Embassy posted on X: " Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality."

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. 



Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our pic.twitter.com/kGNEDS6fsp  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) June 3, 2024

Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the Island Nation amid public outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza.

The decision was announced by Home Minister Ali Ihusan, in an emergency press briefing at the Presidents Office late Sunday afternoon, reported Sun Online International.

Ihusan said the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting.

The cabinet decided today to make the legal amendments necessary to ban entry into the Maldives on Israeli passports as soon as possible, he was quoted as saying by the news portal.

According to reports, Maldives records arrival of over one million tourist arrivals each year which include 15,000 tourists from Israel.

The decision by the Maldivian government to ban Israeli passports comes after Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), submitted an amendment to Immigration Act last week, to bar the entry of Israeli citizens, reported Sun Online International.

Maldives is an Islamic Republic known for its sandy white beaches and shallow turquoise lagoons which attract tourists from across the globe every year.

Israel began Gaza invasion after Hamas launched an attack on October 7 which left 1,200 people dead.

At least 240 people were taken as hostages by Hamas members.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The German government has praised India for conducting the seven-phased Lok Sabha election which ended on Saturday.

Germany said it is looking forward to work with the new government in India.

Congratulating people of India, the German Foreign Office posted on X: "Congratulations to the Indian people for successfully concluding the worlds largest democratic #elections  we are looking forward to working with Indias new government and to taking our cooperation with #India to the next level."

Congratulations to the Indian people for successfully concluding the worlds largest democratic #elections  we are looking forward to working with Indias new government and to taking our cooperation with #India to the next level.  GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) June 2, 2024

India voted to elect a new Parliament in seven phases this time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is eyeing to return to power for the third straight term which is a rare event in India's political system.

The key battle is against an alliance of opposition parties named INDIA.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai/IBNS: In an explosive claim ahead of the Lok Sabha Election result, Maharashtra BJP leader Ravi Rana said that Uddhav Thackeray will be back with the NDA within 15 days after the results, media reports said.

Amravati MLA Ravi Rana, husband of BJP Lok Sabha candidate Navneet Rana, said he is confident about what he claimed.

As soon as Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again, Uddav Thackeray will be seen with Modi, he was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

The claim made a huge buzz in Maharashtra politics as exit polls indicated good results for the Uddhav Sena in the first election after Shiv Sena was split.

Uddhav Sena leader Anand Dubey, however, said the claim is like daydreaming.

"Results are yet to come. No one knows who is winning, and who is losing. The way Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena emerged as a major player in Maharashtra, these people are panicked. Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana have been speaking against our party since the beginning," Dubey was quoted as saying by HT.

"They hate our party. We don't take their statements seriously. They do not have the stature to comment on Uddav ji and Modi ji. You are a lamp and our party is like the Sun. Keep your honour with you," he said.

Uddhav Thackeray's Sena is part of the INDIA bloc along with the Congress and the NCP of Sharad Pawar faction.

Uddhav allied with the Congress leaving ideological differences aside in 2019 to form the government in Maharashtra.
In a digital age where the battle for hearts and minds is waged as fiercely online as it is in the streets, revelations about Chinas covert operations on social media are deeply unsettling.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has recently exposed a network of social media accounts based in China, responsible for inauthentic behavior targeting India.

This operation, known as Operation K, focused on the global Sikh community, attempting to influence the debate around the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

This expose, detailed in Metas Quarterly Adversarial Threat Report, revealed the creation of 37 Facebook accounts, 13 pages, five groups, and nine Instagram accounts, all in violation of Metas policies. The network operated under the guise of a fictitious activist movement, aiming to incite pro-Sikh protests, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. This operation was a sophisticated attempt to manipulate news and current events, using images likely altered by photo editing tools or generated by artificial intelligence.

The Global Reach of Operation K

Metas report underscores the extensive reach of Operation K. The network targeted the global Sikh community across Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the UK, and Nigeria. This level of coordination and the breadth of its geographical focus raise important questions about the underlying motivations and strategic objectives behind such operations.

The networks activities included posting in English and Hindi about news and current events, including floods in the Punjab region, the Sikh community worldwide, the Khalistan independence movement, the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and criticism of the Indian government. The primary goal appears to have been to amplify pro-Khalistan sentiment and foment dissent against India.

The Nexus of China and Khalistan

The revelation of Chinese involvement in promoting the Khalistan movement is particularly alarming. In the last decade, Khalistani activism has surged in North America, Europe, and Australia. These demonstrations, often unrelated to the host nations interests, focus on long-standing grievances within the Sikh community and diaspora. Analysis of statements from Khalistani leaders reveals a clear affinity and open support for the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), largely due to Chinas recent confrontations with India in the Himalayan region.

Think tanks associated with the Chinese government have also been exploring ways to destabilize India. In 2009, a Chinese analyst using the pseudonym Zan Lue published an article for the China International Institute for Strategic Studies (CIISS), advocating for the breakup of the Great Indian Federation. The paper suggested that China should support various separatist movements within India, including those in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kashmir, to establish independent nation-states.

More recently, Chinese analysts have shown interest in the Khalistan movement. Guo Xuetang, a Chinese security analyst, noted that the recent pro-Khalistan activities in European and American countries might not be accidental, hinting at a possible strategic alignment between Chinese interests and Khalistani separatism.

Sikhs for Justice and China: A Strategic Alliance?

Leading the charge in this new wave of Khalistani radicalism is Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its fiery leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun, an American lawyer, has publicly supported China against India on numerous occasions. His anti-Indian zealotry extends beyond provocative imagery and protests to open alignment with Chinese interests.

In a letter dated June 17th, 2020, Pannun wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing empathy for the Chinese people and drawing parallels between the Chinese experience and the plight of Sikhs under Indian rule. He ambiguously thanked the Chinese people for their support for SFJs call for a non-governmental referendum on the secession of Punjab from India.

Pannun has gone as far as to call for Indian soldiers to defect to China, proclaiming, INDIA IS YOUR ENEMY, NOT CHINA. In 2019, he also wrote to the Chinese ambassador in Islamabad, Pakistan, accusing Indias Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of orchestrating an attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and offering financial support to the affected Chinese families.

Implications for Global Security

The nexus between China and the Khalistan movement has profound implications for India and global security. Chinas support for separatist movements within India is part of a broader strategy to weaken and destabilize its regional rival. By aligning with groups like SFJ, China is not only fomenting internal discord within India but also attempting to exert influence over the Indian diaspora worldwide.

The manipulation of social media to amplify pro-Khalistan sentiment is a tactic that can have real-world consequences. It can inflame tensions, provoke violence, and destabilize communities. The global Sikh community, which has long been a target of various political agendas, now finds itself at the center of a geopolitical struggle between two powerful nations.

The role of social media companies in identifying and dismantling such operations is critical. Metas actions in exposing Operation K are commendable, but they also highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities in digital platforms that can be exploited by state and non-state actors. The ability of foreign powers to influence domestic politics and social movements through coordinated inauthentic behavior is a clear threat to democratic processes and social cohesion.

A Call for Vigilance and Cooperation

The exposure of Operation K should serve as a wake-up call for governments, social media companies, and civil society. There is an urgent need for greater vigilance and cooperation to counter such covert operations. Governments must invest in cybersecurity and counterintelligence capabilities to detect and disrupt foreign influence campaigns. Social media companies need to enhance their monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the spread of disinformation and coordinated inauthentic behavior.

At the same time, civil society organizations and the global Sikh community must remain vigilant against attempts to manipulate their genuine grievances and aspirations for political gain. It is essential to differentiate between legitimate activism and foreign-influenced propaganda.

Navigating a Complex Future

The nexus of China and the Khalistan movement presents a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted response. It is a reminder of the intricate ways in which global geopolitics can intersect with local and regional issues. As we navigate this complex future, it is crucial to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.

The revelations about Chinas involvement in promoting the Khalistan extremist movement through Operation K should prompt a broader discussion about the role of foreign powers in domestic politics and social movements. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to safeguard the integrity of our democratic processes and protect the rights and aspirations of communities worldwide.

In the end, the battle for hearts and minds will be won not just by countering disinformation, but by fostering genuine dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse communities. As we confront these challenges, let us strive to build a world where the voices of the people are heard and respected, free from the manipulations of external powers.

(Photo and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
In a stunning admission before the Islamabad High Court, the Pakistani government has conceded its lack of jurisdiction over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

This rare acknowledgment surfaced during the harrowing case of Kashmiri poet and journalist, Ahmed Farhad Shah, who was forcefully snatched from his home by Pakistans intelligence agencies on May 15th.

The heart-wrenching ordeal of Farhad Shah, a vocal advocate for the rights of those living under Pakistans occupation, highlights a grim reality often swept under the rug of geopolitical tensions. His abduction not only exposes the brutal tactics employed by Pakistans intelligence machinery but also lays bare the convoluted web of deceit shrouding the Kashmir conflict.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, presiding over the case, rightfully demanded Farhad Shahs presence in court, prompting Pakistans Additional Attorney General to divulge a startling truth  POK is indeed foreign territory, beyond Pakistans jurisdiction. This admission serves as a damning indictment of Pakistans illegal occupation and its duplicitous claims over Kashmir.

However, amidst this revelation, questions loom large. If POK is truly foreign territory, how does Pakistan justify its military and paramilitary presence within its borders? Justice Kayanis piercing inquiry strikes at the heart of Pakistans duplicitous narrative, exposing the hypocrisy embedded within its policies.

The plight of Ahmed Farhad Shah underscores a broader pattern of human rights violations and suppression of dissent within POK. His activism for the marginalized voices of the region, coupled with his relentless critique of the Pakistani establishment, has made him a target of intimidation and coercion.

Moreover, Farhad Shahs abduction epitomizes Pakistans blatant disregard for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. The forced disappearance of individuals like him reflects a systemic failure to uphold basic human rights, tarnishing Pakistans claims of championing justice and democracy.

As the international community watches in silence, it falls upon us to amplify the voice of the oppressed. The people of POK deserve to be heard, their aspirations for freedom and self-determination respected. Its time for Pakistan to be held accountable for its transgressions, to relinquish its illegal occupation, and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict.

Ahmed Farhad Shahs courageous stance against tyranny echoes the sentiments of countless others trapped in the quagmire of oppression. His plight serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and accountability in Kashmir. Its time to break the shackles of silence and stand in solidarity with those fighting for their rights, for Ahmed Farhad Shah, and for the promise of a better tomorrow.

(Text and photo Courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

A polio team was attacked in Pakistan's Balochistan region on Monday, media reports said.

According to DC Raja Athar Abbas, Dharna Committee participants attacked the polio team in Chaman with sticks that resulted in injuries to four levies personnel, who were deployed to ensure the security of the team during the anti-polio drive, reported Ary News.

The attackers tried to snatch the vaccine and weapons from the police and levies personnel, the DC Chaman told the newspaper and vowed to take action against the people involved in the attack.

The Balochistan government has also condemned the incident.

Last week, Pakistan registered the fourth polio case in the country.

A 2-year-old boy from Bharkan union council in Sindhs Shikarpur district is the latest victim of the disease.
1. Hrithik Roshan Gets Upset With Paparazzi At Mumbai Airport, Video Goes Viral

Viral Bhayani

At the Mumbai airport, Hrithik Roshan recently lost his temper with photographers attempting to take his pictures. In a viral video that celebrity photographer Viral Bhayani shared on social media, Hrithik is heard angrily criticizing the photographers' actions as he leaves the airport. The celebrity pap shared the video with the caption, Hrithik Roshan suddenly transformed into Vedha mode while coming out of Airport. Btw this man's a chameleon he can do anything. Truly a gem.



2. Kangana Ranaut Supports Raveena Tandon, Labels Road Rage Incident As 'Violent And Poisonous Behaviour'

IG

Taking to Instagram, Kangana Ranaut sided with Raveena Tandon and wrote, "What happened to Raveena Tandon ji is absolutely alarming. Had there been 5-6 more people in the opposite group she would have been lynched. We condemn such road rage outbursts. Those people must be reprimanded. They must not get away with such violent and poisonous behaviour."



3. What's New On OTT This Week? Your Guide To Must-Watch Movies And Web Series

Posters

June 2024 has begun, and there is a ton of content available for us to stream on OTT platforms. There are plenty of captivating and worth binge-watching OTT releases, including some amazing movies and web series. This week will see the highly anticipated releases of Sweet Tooth Season 3 on Netflix and Gullak Season 4 on SonyLiv.



4. Video Of Raha Kissing Ranbir Kapoor And Flashing Adorable Smile At Paparazzi Is Winning Hearts

IG

Raha, the adorable daughter of Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, has been making waves on the internet with her adorable video. In the video, baby Raha can be seen giving her father two kisses and smiling at the photographers as the family heads back to Mumbai after Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding cruise party in Italy.



5. Beyond Bollywood: Kangana Ranaut's Political Journey Ahead Of 2024 Lok Sabha 2024 Results

IG

Known as Bollywood's "Queen," Kangana Ranaut is a fascinating individual whose move from the big screen to politics has been extremely interesting. Despite being mostly known for her opinions, she has managed to make headlines on a regular basis for both "not so good" and "good" reasons. A few months back, when the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, many were pleasantly delighted to learn that Kangana Ranaut would be running for elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.



For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


A heartwarming video of Raha, the daughter of Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, has been capturing hearts across the internet. In the video, little Raha is seen planting a sweet kiss on her father, not once but twice, and flashing an adorable smile at the paparazzi as the family returns to Mumbai from Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding cruise party in Italy. This adorable moment has been melting fans' hearts and is the cutest thing you will watch on the internet.

Video Of Raha Kissing Ranbir Kapoor Is Winning Hearts

In the viral video, Ranbir is holding Raha Kapoor in his arms as he exits the airport with wife Alia Bhatt. Seen in a happy mood, Raha looks at the paps smiles and then kisses her father. This heart-touching moment is making fans' hearts flutter. "Awww she kissed her daddy twice," one of the fans said. "Aww daddy's girl," wrote another one.

Is Raha Kapoor's smile like Alia Bhatt's?

X

Some of the fans even felt that the little munchkin's smile resembled her mom's smile. "She looks so much like Alia with that smile," she said. Some others were once again comparing her looks to grandfather Rishi Kapoor. "Omg raha's gonna be number one on Karan's nepo list when she grows up, she's got pretty doll eyes from rishi," a fan wrote.

Also Read: 'She Looks Like A Doll', Ranbir-Raha Kapoor's Pic Reminds Fans Of David Beckham-Harper's Photo

Raha Kapoor and Salman Khan's similar expressions have left fans in splits

X

Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan were among other stars spotted at the airport returning from Ambani bash. Salman's expressions and Raha's expressions in the other photos doing the rounds have left fans in splits. "The funniest thing is both Salman and Raha have the same expression," one of the users wrote with laughing emojis. Another one said, "What the hell happened on the cruise? Everyone seems to have returned having aged a few years, including Raha baby." A third user added, "Salman has seen some things on that cruise."

Also Read: Raha Kapoor Greets Paparazzi With Adorable Smile As Ranbir & Alia Return From New Year Vacation

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


World Environment Day 2024: World Environment Day is an annual global event celebrated on June 05. It is observed to raise awareness on the protection and preservation of the environment.



World Environment Day is the largest platform that advocates the practice of sustainable development around the world. With the current pace of the overutilization of natural resources, the future generation is likely to be deprived of these resources. Millions of people around the world participate in this program to protect and conserve the environment to fulfill the needs of future generations.

Why is Environment Day celebrated on June 5?

The history of World Environment Day can be traced back to 1972 when the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden. As a result of this conference, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established on June 15, 1972.

The UNEP proposed a special day for the environment. In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated June 05 as World Environment Day (WED). The first World Environment Day was observed on June 05, 1973, with the slogan "Only One Earth."

World Environment Day 2024: Theme

This years World Environment Day campaign focuses on land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience under the slogan Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration. The global celebrations for the 2024 World Environment Day will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

World Environment Day 2024: Theme | Freepik

World Environment Day 2024: History & Significance

One of the biggest and most celebrated events organised by the United Nations is World Environment Day. The United Nations Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972 after discussions on environment-related issues during the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The day was first observed two years later in 1974 in the US.

In 1794, Congress passed the Neutrality Act, which prohibited Americans from taking part in any military action against a country that was at peace with the United States.

As per the UN, World Environment Day gives an opportunity to prove oneself as a responsible citizen by showing eagerness and willingness to help in enhancing and preserving mother nature.

World Environment Day 2024: FAQs

What is the theme of World Environment Day 2024?

The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience." The slogan is "Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration."

When is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is always held on June 5th.

Who is hosting World Environment Day 2024?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations.

What can I do to get involved in World Environment Day?

There are many ways you can get involved in World Environment Day! You can find a practical guide with ideas for individuals, businesses, and governments on the World Environment Day website [World Environment Day Get Involved]. Some ideas include:

Planting trees

Reducing your consumption of resources

Supporting sustainable businesses

Getting involved in local restoration projects

Raising awareness about environmental issues

What are some of the challenges related to land restoration, desertification, and drought?

There are many challenges associated with these issues, including climate change, deforestation, and overgrazing. However, there are also many solutions available, and World Environment Day aims to inspire people around the world to take action.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.


Remember those times with friends or family when you laugh so hard you feel like you might just pass out? Well, for one man in Hyderabad, that wasn't just a figure of speech. He literally laughed himself breathless, fainting from excessive laughter and had to be rushed to the hospital!

Laughter-induced fainting

One evening, a 53-year-old man in Hyderabad was enjoying a relaxed night at home. While sipping tea and watching a popular comedy show with his family, he started laughing uncontrollably. Suddenly, after a few minutes of continuous laughter, he fainted and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Representative image/ Unsplash

His doctor, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, shared on X, "Mr. Shyam lost control of the teacup, which fell from his hand. Soon after, his body leaned to one side, and he fell off the chair onto the ground."



After a few minutes, Mr. Shyam recovered and could move and speak normally. However, he had no memory of the incident. By the time he reached the emergency room, he had fully recovered, and his clinical examination was normal.

But how did laughter cause him to faint, and could it happen to anyone?

Diagnosis: Laughter-induced syncope

Dr. Sudhir Kumar diagnosed the condition as laughter-induced syncope, a rare occurrence caused by vasovagal mechanisms.

Excessive laughter increases chest pressure, reducing blood flow to the heart and triggering the baroreceptors.

Representative image/ Freepik

Baroreceptors are specialised sensory receptors located in the walls of certain blood vessels which help regulate it by sending signals to the brain to adjust heart rate and other factors to maintain blood pressure within a normal range.



This activates the vagus nerve (a major nerve that regulates many essential bodily functions, including heart rate and digestion), lowering the heart rate and causing blood vessels to dilate, which can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure and a brief loss of consciousness.

Dr. Kumar advised Mr. Shyam to avoid triggers like excessive laughter, prolonged standing, and strenuous physical activity.

The doctor also recommends staying well-hydrated and lying down if one felt dizzy or faint to maintain blood flow to the brain.

No medications were needed for this condition.

Check out Dr Sudhir Kumar's post here:

Laughter is the best medicine, however, in case of a 53-year-old, laughter resulted in a visit to emergency department



53-year-old Mr Shyam (name changed) was enjoying a nice evening with his family over a cup of tea. They were watching a popular comedy show on TV. Mr Shyam pic.twitter.com/TZJAM45QpC  Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) May 29, 2024

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In Bihar, a remarkable incident recently unfolded as a 12-year-old boy stepped up to prevent a potentially catastrophic train accident. With quick thinking, he averted disaster and possibly saved the lives of many passengers aboard the train that day.

Bihar boy's quick thinking to the rescue

In a moment of crisis near Bhola Talkies Gumti on the Muzaffarpur railway line, Mohammad Shahbaz became a beacon of hope.

Shahbaz was on his way back home when he noticed a broken track on the Muzaffarpur railway line.

In the next moment, he saw the Howrah-Kothgodam Express making its way down the same track.

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With no time to spare, he quickly grabbed a red towel and waved it to signal the approaching train to stop.



His quick thinking prevented a potential disaster aboard the Howrah-Kothgodam Express, showcasing remarkable bravery and heroism.

Mohammad Shahbaz

According to reports, Indian Railways officials arrived at the scene and began repairing the tracks once Shahbaz alerted the train driver to the damage.



Watch the video here:

Following the incident, Shahbaz received recognition for his bravery. Samastipur Town, a media portal, praised him, stating on X, "The child who prevented a train accident in Samastipur with his intelligence was honored."

How did people react

In the comments, people also praised the child's actions.

One person suggested, "He should be awarded the #JeevanRakshaMedal by the President of India."

Another commented, "If an accident had happened, the train staff would have given a different reason to the public."

Others simply appreciated him saying, "Great job, Shahbaz."

Such acts of heroism where young individuals demonstrate their courage and selflessness in times of need remind us that the future is indeed in safe hands.

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Sridhar Vembu, born in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, showed remarkable academic talent from a young age. He ranked 27th in the highly competitive IIT JEE, studied at IIT Madras, and later at Princeton University. Vembu began his career as a wireless engineer at Qualcomm in 1994, where he was on a promising path.

Sridhar Vembu's Entrepreneurial Journey

In the mid-90s, Vembu's entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave his well-paying job at Qualcomm. His brothers had already started a software company in Chennai, and a friend from IIT Madras had a draft for networking software. Seeing an opportunity, Vembu founded AdventNet in 1996 to sell software to telecom providers. Their first product, Web NMS, was a digital operations management tool that even outshined HP at a US tech fair.

A Billionaire On A Bicycle: Meet The Rs 9,000 Crore Company Founder Sridhar Vembu | Forbes

Rapid Growth and Initial Success

By 1998, AdventNet had achieved sales of 6 crores, and with Vembu as CEO, the company continued to thrive. In 2000, securing Cisco as their first major client pushed their sales to 50 crores. Despite an investor offering to invest 50 crores at a valuation of 700 crores, Vembu, committed to long-term growth, turned it down.

The dotcom crash of 2001 hit AdventNet hard, reducing its customer base from 150 to just three. Despite an offer to sell the company for 150 crores, Vembu declined. He used the companys cash reserves to pay his employees while foregoing his own salary for four years. During this time, they developed ManageEngine, an IT management tool for mid-sized companies, which quickly gained popularity and was adopted by 60% of Fortune 500 companies.

READ ALSO: Meet Mukesh Ambanis Neighbour With Indias 2nd Most Expensive House Worth Rs 6000 Crore

Transition to Zoho Corporation

During this period, Vembu acquired the domain name "Zoho" from a defunct hospitality company. In 2005, the launch of Zoho CRM marked a turning point for the company. By 2008, Zoho CRM had one million users. In 2009, AdventNet was rebranded as Zoho Corporation, expanding its offerings to over 25 products and 50 mobile apps. By 2015, Zoho had grown to 12 million users and achieved sales of 1,800 crores.

Competing with Giants

Zohos competitive pricing offered the same functionality as Salesforce at a fraction of the cost, posing a significant threat to the industry giant. Despite Salesforce's attempts to acquire Zoho, Vembu remained steadfast, declining the offer.

By November 2021, Zohos revenues had reached 5,230 crores, making it a billion-dollar company by revenue. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted Zohos success, with revenues climbing to 6,711 crores and profits reaching 1,918 crores.

READ ALSO: Felice Bisleri: The Visionary Behind India's Most Trusted Water Brand

Current Status and Vembu's Lifestyle

Today, Zoho Corporation boasts revenues of 8,700 crores with a profit of 2,800 crores, ranking among the world's largest software companies. Despite his immense success and a net worth of 28,000 crores, Sridhar Vembu maintains a simple lifestyle, living in his native Thanjavur village and riding his bicycle. His journey from a small-town boy to the founder of a 9,000-crore company without any external funding is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and innovative spirit.

Indian business mogul Sridhar Vembu recently caused a stir on the internet by showcasing his latest vehicle, an electric three-wheeler. As the CEO of Zoho Corporation and a Padma Shri Awardee, Vembu is the 55th richest person in India with a net worth of USD 3.75 billion according to Forbes. He also owns a Tata Nexon EV but prefers the electric three-wheeler for shorter trips under 10 km.

READ ALSO: The Man Behind Hyatt: Jay Pritzker's Billion-Dollar Legacy

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Stories of going from poverty to wealth never fail to inspire, do they? To see an individual come from nothing and then go on to build an empire can give a lot of motivation to those who strive to be successful in life.

Would you believe, if we tell you that even countries can have rags-to-riches stories ? The wealthiest nations in the world weren't always prosperous. Some of them were so poor that they had to overcome major economic crisis to become what they are today.

Also Read: Which Countries Have The Highest Amount Of Gold Reserves? This Is Where India Ranks Among The Top 10

Heres a list of 7 countries that turned their destiny around to become the worlds wealthiest countries. Scroll!

1. Luxembourg

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Luxembourg, currently boasting the third-highest GDP per capita globally, has a diversified economy built on banking, steel, and advanced manufacturing. However, its journey from poverty to affluence began in the early 19th century when around 80% of its population relied on agriculture, leading to widespread hardship. A significant exodus occurred, with a third of the population emigrating, mainly to the USA.



The discovery of iron ore reserves in the mid-19th century catalyzed Luxembourg's transformation, leading to the emergence of a thriving steel industry by the century's end. Despite challenges during the world wars, the steel industry flourished throughout the 20th century. Luxembourg further expanded into banking and advanced manufacturing sectors in the 1960s, propelling its economy to remarkable prosperity.

2. Switzerland

The photo was uploaded from Cern, located in a northwest suburb of Geneva, Switzerland | Image: Robert Stokoe on Pexels

Switzerland, renowned for its wealth and economic prosperity was once a poor nation, almost 150 years ago. Hindered by mountainous terrain and primitive industry, many of its rural population had emigrated to escape poverty. However, in the late 19th century, industrialization, bolstered by favorable economic policies, began transforming the economy, alongside burgeoning banking and tourism sectors.

Switzerland's neutrality during the world wars allowed it to avoid devastation, enabling the nation to profit from arms exports and banking. Transitioning from an industrial to a service-based economy in the 1950s, Switzerland now generates 74% of its GDP from services, 25% from industry, and 1% from agriculture.

3. Norway

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Norway, with a high GDP per capita and substantial oil fund per citizen, ranks among the world's wealthiest nations. However, its history tells of agricultural and fishing-based hardships in the 19th century, followed by economic development through hydroelectric power in the early 20th century. Despite setbacks during the Great Depression and World War II, Norway rapidly recovered, aided by US funding. The discovery of oil reserves in 1969 led to significant economic growth, fueling the establishment of a renowned welfare state.



Also Read: Escape To A New Life! From Austria To Italy, These 12 Countries Will Pay You To Relocate There

4. South Korea

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Korea, devastated by Japanese occupation and the Korean War, experienced a transformative economic turnaround under military rule led by General Park Chung-hee. Initiated in 1962, South Korea's first Five Year Plan spurred rapid industrialization, earning it the title "the Miracle on the Han River." With conglomerates like Samsung and LG receiving substantial support, the country's steel and electronics industries flourished, leading to remarkable economic growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s. By 1993, South Korea had transitioned into a developed nation. Today, it boasts a GDP per capita of around $32,305 (25.4k), significantly higher than North Korea's, and surpassing that of several other countries.



5. Singapore

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Singapore, upon gaining independence in 1965, faced poverty and high unemployment. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew implemented reforms that transformed the city-state, focusing on education, combating corruption, and attracting foreign investment. These efforts led to double-digit economic growth and improved living standards by the 1970s.



By the time Lee stepped down in 1990, Singapore had evolved into the modern, prosperous city-state he envisioned. Today, Singapore boasts one of the world's most open and business-friendly economies, with a GDP per capita of around $78,144 (61.4k), surpassing that of the UK, the US, and Germany.

6. Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia, initially one of the poorest nations globally upon its founding in 1932, relied on income from the Hajj pilgrimage and modest agriculture. The discovery of vast oil reserves in 1938 transformed its fortunes, with significant oil production beginning in the late 1940s. The 1973 oil crisis further enriched the economy, despite fluctuations in oil prices. While aiming to diversify its economy through initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia remains heavily reliant on oil revenue, making over $200 billion (157bn) in oil revenues last year, with a GDP per capita of approximately $30,436 (23.9k).



7. Ireland

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In the early 1990s, Ireland was one of Europe's poorest countries, facing high unemployment and economic stagnation. However, the country experienced a remarkable turnaround known as the "Celtic Tiger" period from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s. This era saw rapid economic growth fueled by factors such as an educated workforce and favorable business conditions, attracting significant foreign investment.



Unemployment dropped sharply, living standards improved, and GDP per capita soared. The boom came to an abrupt end in 2008 with the global financial crisis, leading to a severe recession and the need for an EU and IMF bailout.

Despite this setback, Ireland has rebounded strongly in recent years, becoming one of Europe's fastest-growing economies once again, driven by foreign investment and increased consumer spending.
Prime Minister Salary In India: The current term of the Prime Minister will end on June 16, 2024. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 results will be announced on Tuesday, June 4. In India, the Prime Minister holds the highest position and has many important responsibilities.

In India, the Prime Minister, the President, and Members of Parliament receive salaries for their official roles. These salaries follow government guidelines and are reviewed annually. The pay reflects the roles and responsibilities, which involve significant management and decision-making at various administrative levels.

What Does the Indian Prime Minister Earn? Salary, Perks, and Other Benefits

Since independence, our country has been steadily progressing, and India has emerged as the world's largest democracy. With the adoption of the parliamentary system, India has asserted its influence globally. The position of the President, as the first citizen of India, carries immense significance, while the Prime Minister also holds a top-tier position in the country. MPs are elected by the people in their respective constituencies to represent their interests and work towards their progress. However, many are curious about the salary of the Indian Prime Minister. Let's find out what salary, perks, and allowances the Prime Minister of India receives:

Inside The Earnings Of India's Prime Minister: Salary, Perks, And Allowances | Reuters

Prime Minister's Salary

The Prime Minister is the highest executive position in India. Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister leads the coalition or political party with the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. The Indian Prime Minister receives several perks and allowances in addition to their salary. Here is the breakdown of the Prime Minister's salary:

The monthly salary of the Prime Minister is Rs 1.66 lakh.

This includes a basic pay of Rs 50,000.

The Prime Minister also receives an expense allowance of Rs 3,000.

The parliamentary allowance amounts to Rs 45,000.

Additionally, there is a daily allowance of Rs 2,000.

Prime Minister's Salary: Other Allowances

Besides the salary, the Prime Minister enjoys several other benefits:

The Prime Minister is provided with an official house without any rent or housing costs.

The Special Protection Group (SPG) is responsible for the Prime Minister's security.

For travel, the Prime Minister has access to a fleet of official cars and airplanes.

The government covers the Prime Minister's foreign travel, accommodation, and meals.

After retirement, the Prime Minister receives five years of SPG security, free housing, and unlimited power and water.

READ ALSO: Luxurious Perks Enjoyed By The Head Coach Of Mens Cricket Team: Lavish Stays, Million-Dollar Salaries

Prime Ministers Roles and Responsibilities:

Head of Government: The Prime Minister leads the government and ensures its smooth functioning.

Leader of the Cabinet: They chair meetings with other ministers to make important decisions.

Government Spokesperson: The Prime Minister speaks for the government, explaining its decisions and representing India internationally.

Policy Maker: They help create plans for the countrys development, working closely with other leaders.

Appointing Officials: The Prime Minister selects key individuals for important roles in the government.

Representing India: They travel abroad to meet foreign leaders and protect Indias interests.

Crisis Management: During disasters or attacks, the Prime Minister takes charge to ensure public safety.

Upholding the Constitution: They ensure the government follows constitutional rules and protects citizens rights.

Answering to Parliament: The Prime Minister discusses government decisions with lawmakers and listens to their concerns.

Providing Leadership: They set goals for the countrys future and inspire everyone to work towards them.

READ ALSO: Salary For Chores: Millionaire Dad's Unique Approach To Educate His Kids About Money

List of Prime Ministers of India and their Tenure

Prime Ministers of India S.N. PM Name Born-Dead Term of Office Remark 1 Jawahar Lal Nehru (18891964) 15 August 1947 to 27 May 1964

16 years, 286 days The first prime minister of India and the longest-serving PM of India, the first to die in office. 2 Gulzarilal Nanda (Acting) (1898-1998) 27 May 1964 to 9 June 1964,

13 days First acting PM of India 3 Lal Bahadur Shastri (19041966) 9 June 1964 to 11 January 1966

1 year, 216 days He gave the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan during the Indo-Pak war of 1965 4 Gulzari Lal Nanda (Acting) (1898-1998) 11 January 1966 to 24 January 1966

13 days  5 Indira Gandhi (19171984) 24 January 1966 to 24 March 1977

11 years, 59 days First female Prime Minister of India 6 Morarji Desai (18961995) 24 March 1977 to 28 July 1979

2 years, 126 days Oldest to become PM (81 years old) and first to resign from office 7 Charan Singh (19021987) 28 July 1979 to 14 January 1980

170 days Only PM who did not face the Parliament 8 Indira Gandhi (19171984) 14 January 1980 to 31 October 1984

4 years, 291 days The first lady who served as PM for a second term 9 Rajiv Gandhi (19441991) 31 October 1984 to 2 December 1989

5 years, 32 days Youngest to become PM (40 years old) 10 V. P. Singh (19312008) 2 December 1989 to 10 November 1990

343 days First PM to step down after a vote of no confidence 11 Chandra Shekhar (19272007) 10 November 1990 to 21 June 1991

223 days He belongs to Samajwadi Janata Party 12 P. V. Narasimha Rao (19212004) 21 June 1991 to 16 May 1996

4 years, 330 days First PM from South India 13 Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018) 16 May 1996 to 1 June 1996

16 days PM for shortest tenure 14 H. D. Deve Gowda (born 1933) 1 June 1996 to 21 April 1997

324 days He belongs to Janata Dal 15 Inder Kumar Gujral (19192012) 21 April 1997 to 19 March 1998

332 days  16 Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018) 19 March 1998 to 22 May 2004

6 years, 64 days The first non-Congress PM who completed a full term as PM 17 Manmohan Singh (born 1932) 22 May 2004 to 26 May 2014

10 years, 4 days First Sikh PM 18 Narendra Modi (born 1950) 26 May 2014  2019 4th Prime Minister of India who served two consecutive tenures 19 Narendra Modi (born 1950) 30 May 2019- Incumbent First non-Congress PM with two consecutive tenures

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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Sunday plans to broaden the My Home program, aiming to alleviate the nations housing shortage and assist more prospective homeowners.

Mr. Mitsotakistold a news conference he was in talks with European authorities to secure funding for the expansion of the My Home program.

The governments goal is to extend the initiative

to 2 billion euros and include older prospective homeowners aged up to 50.

While an official announcement cannot be made at this moment pending negotiations, Mitsotakis said, I am cautiously optimistic about the programs prospects.

He praised the programmes success until now.

I often meet couples, our young citizens, who tell me they are moving into their homes, acquiring property with a mortgage payment that is lower than renting a comparable house, Mr. Mitsotakis said.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of Airbnb, noting that the current situation is under review, and restrictions are being considered for the total number of days per year properties can be rented out in areas with acute housing shortages.

These are significant interventions that reduce the cost of housing and represent, I would say, the mosaic of a comprehensive policy designed to tackle a problem that is, as I told you, the flip side of development, Mr. Mitsotakis said.

When the economy was in tatters and properties had no value, the issue of housing did not concern us. Now, as the economy grows and properties gain greater value, the other side of this positive development is that we must make such interventions to facilitate our citizens who are renting.

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The Greek -Egypt Joint Committee on Maritime Affairs met in Alexandria, with the participation from the Greek side of the Secretary General of Ports and Port Policy Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Secretary General

Strengthening of maritime cooperation between Athens and Cairo -  
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, will on Tuesday, declare a state of emergency in the education sector to commemorate his administrations first anniversary.

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governors spokesperson, said in a Sunday statement that the move aims to accelerate efforts to improve educational services and ensure quality education for all Kano residents.

According to him, the state of emergency declaration intends to expedite actions in delivering services and guaranteeing access to quality education across all levels  higher, secondary, and primary education.

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The Governor who expressed concern about the declining state of the education sector and aims to propose definitive solutions to the current challenges.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Filled With Suffering, In Need Of Transformational Leaders  Obasanjo

The statement reads: The declarationof a state of emergency in education is intended to hasten actions in delivering services to guarantee access to quality education for all in Kano.

Concerned about the deteriorating state of the education sector, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is prepared to declare a state of emergency in education in order to expedite a comprehensive overhaul of the sector and propose a definitive solution to the current challenges in higher, secondary, and primary education.

The event will convene all pertinent stakeholders in the field of education, including development partners, state and federal agencies, as well as esteemed dignitaries such as the Minister of Education, governors from other states, members of the academic community, and representatives from the media.
Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Tambuwal, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in on his appointees who are castigating former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tambuwal who made the call at the stakeholders meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, on Sunday, stated that, Tinubus government cannot disassociate itself from failures of Buharis administration as he benefitted from his predecessors government.

He impolored Tinubu to purge himself of narrow-minded and sycophantic characters who want to derail his government and face squarely the task of securing, uniting and developing the country.

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The Director General of the PDP in the 2023 general polls noted that since inception, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a Party had no plans of securing the country, rather than grabbing power to rule the country.

READ ALSO: Attributing Killing Of Abia Soldiers To IPOB Unreasonable  Kanus Lawyer

He said, The same Tinubu government that has failed to secure Nigerians, and bring development is now lamenting and disassociating themselves from Buharis administrative failure.

Theres no reason for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow his aides or ministers to be castigating and attacking past APC government under Muhammadu Buhari which he has tremendously benefitted from as a member of APC.

President Tinubu should face the governing of Nigeria with serious minded attention and not allow certain myopic tendencies in his government to destroy his good plan on securing of our nation and bringing cohesion and development to our country if at all he is ready.
Tesla Inc. Technoking Elon Musk (his official title) and his board have sent shareholders more than a dozen appeals since early April, urging them to approve a record-breaking stock package worth over $50 billion to Musk. They are asking shareholders to vote by Teslas scheduled annual meeting June 13.

But corporate governance critics who urged Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick to block an earlier version of the stock package  under guidelines approved by shareholders in 2018  say the new vote wont make that very large award legal, even if Musk wins the new shareholder vote.

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The vote is designed to replace an earlier version of the pay package, blocked in January by McCormick, who found that Musk unfairly dominated the process of setting his own pay and neglected rules for setting executive compensation at publicly traded companies.

Musk already owns Tesla stock worth over $70 billion and has said hell keep running Tesla, even if he doesnt get the extra shares. The new shares would give Musk direct ownership of 22% of Tesla, up from the current 13%, according to shareholders advisory firm Glass Lewis Inc.

Besides the share grant vote, Musk also wants shareholders to approve moving the companys legal home to Texas so future disputes can be tried far from what Musk calls the uncertainty of Delaware, which calls itself Americas corporate capital for the large number of companies that are chartered there and use the states business-friendly Court of Chancery to resolve disputes.

Ratification of the revised proposal would reward Musk for Teslas unprecedented growth and restore Teslas shareholder democracy, Tesla board chair Robyn M. Denholm, an Australian accountant who has become a multimillionaire from Tesla stock grants, said in a 1,500-page April 29 proxy statement to company shareholders.

Despite complaints by corporate managers like Musk when decisions go against them, corporate-law scholars say Delaware has been the favored legal home of U.S. corporations because of predictable, speedy dispute resolution by its appointed Chancery Court judges. Texas is setting up its own business courts, where plaintiffs who sue companies will be able to pick which of Texas 254 counties to go to trial, and demand trials by jury, which corporations often prefer to avoid.

Despite those limitations, Musk hopes courts in Texas, where Tesla is now based, will be less critical of his actions than Delaware, where McCormick previously forced Musk to honor his $44 billion agreement to buy Twitter when he tried to renege.

But the lawyers who challenged the earlier pay package on behalf of a small Tesla investor, Richard Tornetta, a former heavy-metal drummer from Norristown, have filed additional motions arguing that shareholders approval should not restore to Mr. Musk his stock or options grants  even if the vote goes Musks way  until further litigation over how Tesla is governed gets resolved under Delaware corporate law.

Hes going around telling everyone that if this vote goes through, he gets the money. But thats not how it works, said Charles Elson, Wilmington-based vice chairman of the American Bar Association law sections corporate governance committee and a longtime consultant to large corporations.

Under Delaware corporate law, its not enough for a CEO share grant to be popular with other shareholders. In her ruling, McCormick called Musks package unfair, citing his dominance over other directors, as well as the failure to detail those relationships in the earlier vote.

Another vote wont cleanse that, Elson said. To be sure, a company has the right to give billions away, even if it cant justify it as a business decision, but such a vote has to be unanimous.

Elson submitted a friend of the court brief critical of the companys pay plan, because it addressed questions of fairness that go beyond Tesla. In a subsequent filing, Elson says Tesla retaliated by threatening to fire the Holland & Knight law firm, where Elson had been a consultant since 1995, from a case in which a Holland & Knight partner in Philadelphia was defending Tesla against an employees racial discrimination case. Under pressure, Elson resigned the consulting job.

Teslas board seems to be selling the re-vote to stockholders as a way of overturning the courts order, said Joel Fleming, who represents Elson.

Teslas lawyers argued last month that Elson and the shareholders lawyers who filed motions to keep the Delaware litigation going are just trying to influence the outcome of stockholder votes at Teslas June 13 annual meeting, rather than to address actual issues.

Rudolf Koch, a Wilmington corporate lawyer at the firm Richards, Layton & Finger who is representing Tesla in the Chancery court, declined to comment.

In his filings and social media posts, Musk says hes fighting for shareholder democracy. His critics say theyre the ones fighting for the true interests of Tesla shareholders and against a massive giveaway.

How will they vote?

In the previous vote on Musks share grants in 2018, more than 70% of voting shareholders approved the proposal, which would award him a fortune in shares if the companys sales and profits rose far and fast  which they did.

Musk is popular with investors for convincing many Americans to drive electric cars. Though Tesla stock has lost more than half its value since its peak in 2021, the company remains far more valuable than larger rivals Toyota, Honda, Ford, or GM, because its rapid growth suggests big profits ahead.

Around 40% of shares are owned by institutional investors, led by Malvern-based Vanguard Group, BlackRock Inc., and State Street, the big index-fund investment firms. The rest is owned by individuals and other direct investors, some of it by Tesla employees and directors.

Vanguard and some other large holders voted against the Musk pay package when it was proposed in 2018.

On Thursday, Institutional Shareholder Services, which advises institutional investors on governance questions, urged shareholders to vote against Musks pay package, calling it outsized. ISS also noted uncertainties in relying on Texas unproven business courts, but said it wouldnt oppose the move, since its unlikely to change shareholders rights.

On May 25, Glass Lewis another adviser to institutional investors, also urged shareholders to reject Musks pay package, citing its large size, negative impact on existing share values, and Musks extensive involvement with companies other than Tesla. Glass Lewis had also urged investors to vote against the original pay package when it went before shareholders in 2018. Tesla discounted Glass Lewis statement as based on speculation and ignored Teslas success under Musk.

Vanguard and most other big investors have not yet said whether they will support Musks pay package this time.

On May 20, the labor union-affiliated SOC Investment Group filed a statement with the SEC urging other shareholders to oppose the pay package and to withhold votes from two Musk supporters who are up for reelection to the board: Kimbal Musk, Elons brother, and James Murdoch, a former executive of his familys Fox media empire.

On May 21, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, on behalf of city workers, public-school employees, police, and fire pension plans, also urged a no vote on Musks pay, stating that there is ample evidence that the board is overly beholden to CEO Musk and noting that the board members who support the plan have themselves made multimillions from it, making it tough for them to represent other investors fairly.

Musk has many fans who have taken to his X.com social media network to urge shareholders approve his pay package. But one of Teslas largest individual investors, Singapore real estate billionaire Leo Koguan, announced on Musks social media network earlier this month that he is voting against the pay package and against moving its legal base out of Delaware.

Once a public admirer of Musk, Koguan has lately challenged whether the Technoking can effectively run multiple companies. On May 16, in reply to the Tesla boards energetic Vote Yes effort, Koguan urged investors to vote against it, adding that Papa Musk has been treating shareholders like insects.
Cody Reed, left, and Marquise Johnson are escorted out of a courtroom in the Montgomery County Courthouse on Monday. The two men are charged with murder, robbery and conspiracy for allegedly killing Daquan Tucker after luring him to the Schuylkill River Trail last year. Read more

Three men walked onto the Schuylkill River Trail in March 2023, Montgomery County prosecutors said Monday, but only two walked out. And those men now find themselves in front of a jury for the second time this year, accused of killing an acquaintance and dumping his body along the wooded trail.

Cody Reed and Marquise Johnson, both 24, have been charged with murder, robbery, conspiracy, and related crimes for allegedly luring Daquan Tucker to the trail and shooting him to death. Investigators say they also stole his wallet and cell phone.

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Tucker, 25, was found at the bottom of an embankment near the trail the next morning by a passing cyclist, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Reed and Johnsons arrests. He had been shot multiple times, including twice in his neck, with a .40 caliber handgun.

In February, a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case during the two mens first trial. The groups effort to reach consensus in eight hours of deliberation was hampered by a single juror, according to a person familiar with the deliberations.

While addressing members of the second jury Monday, Assistant District Attorney Caitlin OMalley urged them to examine the evidence in the case logically.

When you hear three men walked into the woods, two men walked out of the woods, and one was found dead there, what does your common sense tell you? OMalley asked the panel in her opening statement.

The night before Tuckers body was found, he was recorded on surveillance cameras walking with Reed and Johnson a few blocks away from an entrance to the Schuylkill River Trail on Cain Street in Norristown. An hour later, only Reed and Johnson were seen walking elsewhere in the borough.

OMalley noted that Reed and Johnson both left their cell phones at Reeds apartment in Norristown before going for their late-night walk, something she said was unusual. The two also walked a different way home from the trail and immediately drove to Philadelphia after arriving back at Reeds apartment.

Tuckers girlfriend later told detectives that Reed had ordered him an Uber to take him to Reeds apartment in Norristown on the night of the murder. Later that night, Tuckers girlfriend used a Find my iPhone app to track his location to a wooded area off the trail. When she called him, concerned, he told her everything was fine, and that he was with Reed in the woods.

These arent all coincidences, OMalley said. These arent the unluckiest men in the world. This was an agreement to kill Daquan Tucker.

Attorneys for Reed and Johnson sharply rejected OMalleys theory of the case. They said prosecutors had relied entirely on circumstantial evidence. There were no eyewitnesses to the crime, no murder weapon was found, and no DNA evidence linked Reed and Johnson to the killing, they said.

This case is short on facts and evidence and long on speculation, said Johnsons attorney, John McCaul. The prosecutions evidence reveals that someone else is responsible for Daquans death. Not my client, and not his friend.

McCaul said the case against the two men hinged on cell phone records showing that Tuckers cell phone followed roughly the same path that Reed and Johnson took away from the trail. But that evidence, he contended, was unreliable.

Reeds attorney, Brendan Campbell, said the circumstances of Tuckers death were entirely unclear.

The commonwealth will spoon-feed you a version of events they believed happened, he said. But youre not going to hear what happened, because nobody knows.

The trial is expected to last through Friday before Montgomery County Court Judge William Carpenter.
A shooting took place on the east side of S. 11th Street between Chestnut and Market Streets just before 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. One woman is critical condition. Read more

A woman is in critical condition after a triple shooting near the Fashion District in Center City Sunday night.

Philadelphia police responded to calls about a shooting around 11:30 p.m. Sunday near 11th and Ludlow Streets, where they found three gunshot victims, Philadelphia Police Captain Anthony Ganard told reporters.

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A 42-year-old woman was shot in the pelvis and arm and taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where she is in critical condition, police said. A 22-year-old man and 53-year-old woman were shot in the knee and arm, respectively, police said. Both are in stable condition.

Officers found four shell casings near the scene, Ganard said, and police plan to examine surveillance footage as part of their investigation.

There was some type of argument or dispute that happened out here, Ganard told reporters. However, were getting conflicting information on the description of any shooters.

The shooting was one of several to take place over the weekend.

 READ MORE: 2 dead, 6 others shot in a spree of Philly gun violence that included a triple and a quadruple shooting

Around 9:40 p.m Saturday a man was shot twice in his stomach while on the 1000 block of West Hunting Park Avenue and transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was in stable condition.

Fifty minutes later, police responded to calls for a person with a weapon on the 900 block of South 58th Street, where four people had been shot. Keion Fisher, 23, was pronounced dead at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after suffering several gunshot wounds. Three other victims  a man and two women, all age 20  were in stable condition at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Police then responded to shooting on South 62nd Street in Elmwood just after 11 p.m. A 21-year-man, who has yet to be identified by police, was pronounced dead at Penn Presbyterian. Two other men, both age 22, were also hospitalized. A suspect is in custody, police said.

As of Monday, 103 people have been killed in Philadelphia, down 38% from this time last year, according to police data.
It would have taken roughly $40 million to stave off the catastrophic financial crisis that ultimately forced University of the Arts officials to announce the school will close June 7, one trustee said Monday.

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The news came as hundreds of students, faculty, parents, and supporters protested the stunning closure outside the universitys administrative building on South Broad Street in a lively memorial and performance.

Our administration has failed us, said Sarah MacLeod, a rising junior from Northwest Philly and a fine arts major who helped organize the demonstration.

Around her, students chalked the sidewalk, performed choreographed dances, blew bubbles, and painted signs. Passing cars beeped in support.

MacLeods mother, Concetta Mattioni, an art teacher in Conshohocken, said she received a fall tuition bill on Friday, hours before she learned her daughters school was closing. Like many in the university community, she found out from an article in The Inquirer as the administration had not given any warning of the abrupt shutdown just days away  a breach in higher education norms with no clear precedents nationally.

Kerry Walk, who has served as the universitys president for less than a year, said Friday the school would be forced to shut because of declining enrollment and diminishing cash flow. Her public comments came after the Middle States Commission on Higher Education stripped the school of its accreditation, saying it was out of compliance in all areas. The commission declined to comment Monday but unexpected university closures are exceedingly rare and observers could not readily point to another Pennsylvania college that had closed so abruptly.

University trustee Laurie Wagman said she did not know what exactly caused the closure decision, but said something like $40 million would solve the problem so they could move forward. While other members of the board declined comment, signs of financial distress go back at least one year.

There had been significant turnover at the top of the organization, and according to financial documents, the schools endowment was worth $10 million less than it had been five years before, despite the universitys first-ever capital campaign.

A school spokesperson didnt respond to requests for university leadership to explain what brought the venerable institution to this point. And a 4 p.m. town hall that was scheduled for faculty and staff was canceled minutes before it was supposed to start.

We know you are heartbroken and frustrated about our impending closure on Friday, June 7. As the situation continues to unfold, we cannot adequately answer your questions today, university officials wrote in an email sent to staff. We want everyone to know that we exhausted every option to address the urgent crisis and find a pathway to keep the institution open. However, we could not identify a viable path for UArts to remain open and serve its mission.

Money pledged but never given

Beyond the presidents office, UArts has seen turnover in another key position in the last 15 months.

Eric Leal took over as chief financial officer in February. His predecessor, Stephen J. Lightcap, left in April 2023, and is now chief financial officer at La Salle University. Prior to working at University of the Arts, he held a similar position at Cabrini University, which is also closing.

La Salle said Lightcap was not available for an interview about his former employer.

Lightcaps departure from UArts came just a few months before the end of David Yagers tenure as president. A hallmark of Yagers presidency starting in 2016 was the universitys first comprehensive fundraising campaign.

That campaign raised $67 million, including a $25 million kickoff gift from the estate of Dorrance Dodo Hill Hamilton, the late Campbell Soup heiress, Yager said in 2022. Its not clear how much of that money was pledged and remained to be given to the school.

In an interview Friday, current president Kerry Walk said an unspecified amount of gifts, grants, and other revenues the school was counting on had not materialized.

Yager said in 2022 that $24 million of the $67 million in fundraising was to become part of the schools permanent endowment.

But on June 30, 2023, the UArts endowment was worth $62.44 million  $10 million less than on June 30, 2017, before the fundraising campaign started, according to the schools tax returns.

Yager did not respond to Inquirer requests for comment Monday.

UArts has not said how it will wind down its business and repay the $45 million in municipal bond debt it owes.

Its possible that the school could turn its real estate over to the trustee who manages the bond; the trustee would then have to sell the real estate to repay bondholders. That could happen without bankruptcy. U.S. bankruptcy law does not allow creditors to force a nonprofit into bankruptcy, according to Lawrence G. McMichael, a bankruptcy attorney and chairman at Dilworth Paxson LLP in Philadelphia.

Blood in the water

Aaron Blanford, an illustration major from Moorestown, just finished her freshman year at University of the Arts and found out the news through an Inquirer article, not from the school. And the news made her wonder how a school she had planned to commit four years of her life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to could simply vanish in a week.

While I really enjoyed my time there, I absolutely saw a lot of the holes that were present in the program, Blanford said.

She was shocked, disgusted, and worried about whats next, Blanford said.

The closure has made her wary of investing time and money in an expensive school, she said. A number of schools, including Temple and Drexel, have offered seamless transfer processes for University of the Arts students.

But Blanford said she is exploring what else is out there, too.

To be completely honest, Im not sure if Im going to be interested in any of those. Im prioritizing affordability in schools, Blanford said.

Liz ODonnell, a former University of the Arts staffer, said she knew the university wasnt doing well, but the closure still caught her off guard.

Anyone whos gone there or worked there in the past few years has seen the blood in the water, but its insane how fumbled it was, ODonnell said.

Some staffers have said theyve already signed onto a class-action lawsuit that could be filed this week, and at least one lawmaker has called for an independent investigation into how things went wrong so quickly and terribly at the school.

Robert Kelchen, a professor in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, said he wasnt aware of any other nonprofit college closing with such short notice, though he knew of cases in which for-profits abruptly shuttered.

Typically, its weeks if not months, he said. Its just rare to see one handled like this.

He called it the absolute worst case scenario for a college closure, noting that students would likely face significant challenges transferring and faculty and staff would likely struggle to find jobs.

Closures can be devastating to students educational progress.

More than half of students at 467 colleges that closed between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2020, did not reenroll elsewhere, according to a 2022 report by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Of those who did, only 36.8% earned a degree; and 10% more were still enrolled when the study ended. The majority of those colleges were for-profit institutions and many of the closures were abrupt. The study showed that when closures were handled in an orderly way with support for students, about 70% of students reenrolled.

Im just baffled

Helen Drinan, president of Cabrini University, which will officially close later this month  after having given students, faculty, and alumni a years notice  said she wasnt aware of any other college that gave such a short window of notice as University of the Arts did. The closest she could think of was Mount Ida College in Massachusetts, but even that school gave a months notice.

The Mount Ida closure, which left students scrambling to find alternative education paths, prompted Massachusetts to pass a law to require its education department to annually review the financial health of the states private colleges to determine whether they face imminent closure.

Massachusetts said we can never let this happen again, said Drinan, a Boston native who was president of Simmons University in Boston for 12 years until 2020.

Drinan said she cant understand how University of the Arts could only give a weeks notice.

You should never ever find out in seven days you have to close, she said. I just cant imagine a scenario in which that is defensible.

Kelchen said the only silver lining was the schools valuable real estate, referring to its holdings of real estate along South Broad Street and nearby blocks in Center City. A 2022 city tax assessment estimated the combined market value of these structures was about $162 million, although the university maintained their actual value was much lower  a combined $94 million according to a 2023 nonprofit disclosure form.

They will be able to liquidate their assets and people should probably be able to get their final paychecks, Kelchen said.

But Kelchen said he still couldnt understand what would have forced such a swift, unplanned closure.

The only reason I can think of is they had no idea where they sat financially, he said. Either they didnt have a finance team in place or the finance team wasnt talking with leadership or someone just made a big mistake. Im just baffled by this.

Robert M. Zemsky, a professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Graduate School of Education whose 2020 book The College Stress Test predicts a coming wave of closures among small institutions, said though the public timeline of University of the Arts closure was short, the pressures on institutions like it have been bearing down for some time.

Too few of these institutions were very efficient to begin with, Zemsky said. They run very small classes, they dont pay their faculty very well, but they have more faculty than they can really afford. As long as they were getting an outside subsidy, they were OK, sort of. But when the outside subsidy dried up, they were down the tubes.

A lot of people are in mourning

Wagman, a university trustee and patron for whom the schools recording studio is named, said she was heartbroken by the announcement of the universitys imminent closure.

Its tragic, she said. I feel like, not only myself, but a lot of people are in mourning. Its just a shame. The school has been wonderful  the faculty is so skilled, and what has come out of the institution over the years in the arts  these are prominent people. I dont know why money cant be found in the government sector.

Wagman  whose late husband was Philadelphia publisher and philanthropist Irvin J. Borowsky  said that the arts are the cornerstone of civilization and such a vital part of Philadelphia. Someone called me and asked what has happened to their beloved alma mater, and thats really the way a lot of people thought of it.

Asked about the possibility that a plan might emerge to save the University of the Arts, Wagman said: I think in the back of everyones mind theyre hoping something comes forth.

MK Prophett found herself in a mind-boggling situation as of Monday afternoon: $150,000 in debt and one class short of a degree at a school that no longer exists. She had planned to take her final course this summer, and in fact had already attended the first day of class.

Despite walking in graduation two weeks ago, Prophett now had no idea how she would complete her double Bachelors of Fine Arts.

Our entire future basically rests on this 4 p.m. town hall meeting, Prophett, 22, said outside Hamilton Hall. She estimated roughly 20 other students were in a similar position.

Ten minutes before the town hall was supposed to start, Prophett learned the university canceled the meeting.

Staff writers Ryan W. Briggs and Dylan Purcell contributed to this article.
Musician V. Shayne Frederick (left) and his students take their bows onstage at their end-of-semester Vocal Sessions Ensemble Recital at the University of the Arts in December 2022. Read more

Mason Timberline did not expect to learn his school was permanently closing its doors in a class group chat on a random Friday.

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But text messages from shocked and sad classmates flooded Timberlines phone as the students tried to make sense of the devastating news that University of the Arts in Philadelphia would close for good on June 7.

I was very surprised, said the 20-year-old student, especially because it wasnt even UArts reaching out  [we heard about it from] the Philly Inquirer. The Inquirer reported that the school with 150-year-old roots notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education of the imminent closure with no announcement to staff and students until 8 p.m. Friday.

A couple hours after learning the news, Timberline took to Instagram to create an account for his fellow student artists. He launched Uartists.Unite on Saturday with the goal to help promote artists and their work, and offer them resources.

One of the main reasons you choose to go to art school is for the connections, the teachers, and the other students, he said. With all that getting dismantled  it seems really important for people to be able to support each other and be able to promote each others work.

The Instagram account reached over 1,600 followers in a few days with former students offering resources and representatives from Temple University and Moore College of Art and Design reaching out to encourage students to join their schools.

Timberline, who wrapped his sophomore year in music composition, said the closure didnt affect him as he had gotten approved to take a semester off from school to focus on his music and get ahead of the job search a month ago.

But he was motivated to help the classmates who relied on the community of students and teachers at UArts.

The colleges board of trustees described the reason for closing as an unspecified urgent financial crisis in their first public statement on Sunday, The Inquirer reported.

Timberline said the reason was bonkers because many students are on a scholarship and for those paying out of pocket, tuition is high when you compare the average starting salary to how much it costs to attend. Additionally, students were told that tuition, fees, and rooming costs would increase in the upcoming year.

For the upcoming 2024 to 2025 academic year, tuition and fees for undergraduates will increase by 3% and room and board will increase by 5%, Timberline read from an email he and other students received a few months ago.

The school Sunday announced to its community a virtual town hall for 4 p.m. Monday to share information about UArts imminent closure and to address some of the important questions we know you have, after which a Q&A web page will be added to the UArts website.

In the meantime, Timberline encourages student artists to reach out via direct message to be featured in a post on the Uartists.Unite Instagram page, and others to share, like, and follow these artists.

The main thing for now is just to support the artists that I post, follow them and enjoy their art, he urged.
Hunter Biden is back in a federal courthouse in Delaware on Monday, facing charges for allegedly buying a gun while lying about his drug use in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

It marks the latest court appearance for President Joe Bidens son and the first since Bidens opponent in this years presidential election, Donald Trump, was found guilty of falsifying business documents to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election through hush-money payments to an adult film star.

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Hunter Bidens high-profile case sets the stage for a trial his defense team attempted to avoid entirely.

In July, Biden, 54, had a tentative deal with prosecutors in which he would plead guilty to separate tax charges and enter into a diversion agreement on the gun offenses to avoid trial. But things fell apart during a hearing with U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who raised concerns over the deals terms.

From there, Justice Department special counsel David Weiss brought new gun-related charges. Bidens attorney, Abbe Lowell, has tried to get the case dismissed on various grounds without success. Lowell has said the gun charges are being handled atypically and suggested its because of Republican pressure.

Heres what you need to know.

How did we get here?

A five-year investigation into Bidens taxes and foreign business dealings examined his role in his board position with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Trumps attempts to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens and Hunters involvement with Burisma led to the former presidents first impeachment.

The Senate Republicans investigation into Bidens board position floated conflict-of-interest concerns but concluded that it was not clear how his role affected U.S. policy toward Ukraine.

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Prosecutors ultimately closed in on two issues: Bidens failure to pay income taxes on time and lying about his substance abuse on a firearm application.

Biden has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, leading prosecutors to allege that he was lying on his application.

In his memoir, Beautiful Things, Biden talks about addiction. He wrote that he first bought crack cocaine when he was 18 and started drinking while in high school.

He has been in and out of rehab multiple times and held long stints of sobriety between relapses. In Beautiful Things, Biden said his addictions took a dark turn following the death of his older brother, Beau, from brain cancer in 2015.

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In October 2020, a month before the election, the New York Post reported that it had received a copy of a hard drive from a laptop Hunter Biden used from Trumps personal attorney at the time, Rudy Giuliani. The story alleged that the laptop showed international corruption from Hunter Biden and his father.

Hunter Bidens laptop became a pressure point among far-right Republicans. But the story was met with skepticism by others because of the laptops unknown origins and Giulianis involvement.

What happened to the original plea deal?

The latest indictment came after Bidens plea deal on tax and gun charges fell apart after facing scrutiny from Noreika. That agreement would have let Biden plead guilty for two tax-related misdemeanors and enter a pretrial program for the gun charge that couldve resulted in its eventual dismissal and potentially avoiding prison time.

Noreika said she wouldnt accept the deal, citing disputes between the prosecutors and defense about whether the deal protected Biden from future charges.

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Biden will also face a second prosecution on tax charges, which is scheduled for trial in September in California.

What has Joe Biden said so far?

The president has been careful not to weigh in on his sons case aside from expressing love and support.

As the President, I dont and wont comment on pending federal cases, Joe Biden said in a statement Monday. But as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

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First lady Jill Biden; Hunters wife, Melissa Cohen Biden; and his sister, Ashley Biden, are supporting Hunter Biden in court on Monday. Joe Biden will not be in attendance but changed his schedule to be in Wilmington.

What happens next?

Itll depend on what happens in this trial.

If Biden is convicted in the gun case, a sentencing hearing would come next. A judge could impose a penalty ranging from probation to years in prison. The maximum sentence for these charges would be 25 years, but the Justice Department has noted most sentences fall below the top penalties.

If he is acquitted, his team will turn their sights to his upcoming tax trial.
A dredge pipe and surveyors were on the closed beach near Seventh Street in North Wildwood on Monday. Crews are expected to begin this week pumping sand to replenish the citys badly eroded beaches. The deal for the emergency dredging project is the result of a dispute between Mayor Patrick Rosenello and the state's Department of Environmental Protection. Read more

Storm-driven erosion has shrunk the beach at high tide on Seventh Avenue in North Wildwood to a skinny version of its former self.

A once 70-foot-wide dune has been wiped out.

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Starting this week, the state of New Jersey will begin beefing up the stretch of beach, as well as others, in North Wildwood as part of an eagerly anticipated taxpayer-funded emergency replenishment project for the resort community.

Weve been coming down to the beach for years, and weve watched it go from larger to smaller, Jim Brown of Clifton Heights said Monday as he walked the promenade in front of the beach with Jen Wark. Its been pretty considerable. If its high tide, youre sitting on top of each other.

It couldnt come soon enough for Mayor Patrick Rosenello and state officials, whove been in a spat since 2022 over how and when to tackle the work.

Work begins

Crews began moving equipment into place last week, including a half-mile long pipe that will take wet sand from the ocean floor and carry it to the beach.

Dredge vessels were on their way Monday, expected to start pumping sand within the next few days under a project managed by the New Jersey Department of Transportations Office of Maritime Resources. Work is being carried out by H & L Contracting and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock.

New Jersey has pledged $10 million to the project so far. North Wildwood will contribute $5.1 million. Crews will spread hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of sand onto the beaches, aiming to finish by July 4. About 1,000-foot stretches of beach will be closed at a time. They will reopen to beachgoers as they are finished.

The contractors will start this week by pumping sand onto the beach at Seventh Avenue and will then make their way north to the jetty at Second Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Once that section is complete, the contractors will return to Seventh Avenue and continue dredging south.

The state on Monday said the dredge was water-tested and is being prepped for its move through the inland waterway from Atlantic City to Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood. The dredge should be in place late tomorrow (Tuesday) and dredging is expected to commence on Wednesday.

Dispute led to dredge

North Wildwood officials and the state agreed to the emergency dredging project in April. The deal is the result of a dispute between the resort town and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that began in the summer of 2022.

At the time, North Wildwoods beaches had been badly battered by a series of storms. So the town set out to grade and erect barriers on its own when the DEP stepped in to stop the work, saying the methods the town planned to use would only worsen erosion.

State officials wanted the community to wait for a long-term, multi-community project for years with the U.S. Army Corps to better address erosion. But that project isnt expected to start until next spring, and there is no timeline yet for when crews would get to North Wildwoods beaches.

So North Wildwood set out on its own to reshape its beaches, leading the states Department of Environmental Protection to step in and halt work.

But Rosenello said the beaches could not wait for that work to start and continued a public spat with the DEP that resulted in the town filing a lawsuit last year.

 READ MORE: https://www.inquirer.com/news/north-wildwood-jersey-shore-beach-dunes-dep-20230105.html

The current dredge project is a temporary fix.

They waited too long

Rosenello, a Republican, lauded the Democratic Murphy administration and called the emergency project a bipartisan effort. He also credited State Sen. Michael Testa Jr., a Republican, with working with state officials.

The governor and his team have engaged directly with the mayor and North Wildwood community to address this issue and will continue to work collaboratively to identify a solution to mitigate erosion in North Wildwood, said Natalie Hamilton, Murphys press secretary.

Rosenello said the emergency work will leave a beach berm at Seventh Street 200 feet wide at high tide.

Everything from here to there has been wiped out, Rosenello said Monday, pointing south while standing atop a wooden handicap accessible platform that brings sunbathers to the Seventh Avenue beach. There was a full dune system that is just completely gone.

He said the town had been trucking in dry sand from Wildwood the past few years, but the new project will bring more erosion-resistant wet sand to the beach.

Christy Gamber, who is renting in North Wildwood, said the beach work is absolutely needed.

They waited too long, Gamber said. Now were already getting into the summer months and people are pushing into smaller and smaller beaches.

This story has been updated to reflect that the Seventh Avenue beach will be 200 feet wide at high tide, and that North Wildwood is contributing $5.2 million to the cost of the project.
I was out for a walk alone Friday evening when my college disappeared.

A friend texted me a link to an article. I wasnt wearing my glasses. I had to squint. At first, I could only make out the photo, but I recognized the building depicted immediately, an impressive pediment lifted heavenward by four massive columns. Hamilton Hall, on Broad and Pine Streets in Philadelphia, the main building of the University of the Arts, where I spent four years as an art student in the late 80s. I narrowed my eyes further to read the headline. Thats when my college vanished, poof.

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The University of the Arts is closing June 7, its president says. I stopped in my tracks.

I texted the news item to three other friends, fellow UArts alums. And then I stood there in the middle of the path I was walking in a park in St. Louis and read every word. People walking around gave me a wide berth, possibly imagining from my demeanor that I was receiving devastating news. And I was.

What does it feel like when your college disappears, just like that?

Ill tell you.

The first thing you might think  a little frantically, a little selfishly  is whether your degree is worth anything. After all, if the place that granted you the legitimacy of a degree suddenly becomes utterly illegitimate itself by ceasing to be, where does that leave you?

That feeling will pass. Youll reassure yourself that your degree still counts. Surely youre grandfathered in. Your current employer wont hold it against you. You havent, after all, deceived anyone.

But you might feel deceived.

Shouldnt a universitys foundations be solid, its roots deep, its stewards responsible enough to ensure not only quality education but continuity? UArts has been around for nearly 150 years. Just how did those in charge manage to screw things up so badly? Hamilton Hall has columns, for goodness sake.

At this point, perhaps youll take a moment away from yourself to imagine the current students. Maybe, like me, youll chide yourself for taking as long as you did to get around to them. Those poor kids. Just off for summer break, or perhaps getting ready for summer session classes, and then, boom, its all gone.

In an email sent Friday by the universitys president and chair of the board of trustees, they promised to support our continuing students in their progress to degree by developing seamless transfer pathways to our partners: Temple University, Drexel University, and Moore College of Art and Design, among others. But most of these kids wont want seamless transfer pathways. What theyll want is to return to the university that accepted them, the university where they did their foundation year (the first year, in art school). To return to where their professors and friends are. To come home, because thats what college is  the first home away from home for so many. Now lost to these kids.

Lost, too, to those of us whose home it was all those years ago.

And that is when the devastation will really set in.

That is when the devastation will really set in.

When UArts was my home, I used to watch the sun set over West Philly from a window on the eighth floor of Anderson Hall with my friend Tucker. Across the street was a billboard with Tony Danzas giant face advertising reruns of his sitcom. Wed ask each other, Whos the boss? over and over. We still make that damn joke.

How I loved the eighth floor. The painting department! That smell of turpentine and linseed when I got off the elevator, the riot of unfinished canvases at every turn, some of them brilliant works in progress, some not so much. I remember a wooden easel leaned up against a trash can, one of its legs cracked. Someone had stuck a note to it: Baroque Easel.

I felt surrounded by wit and brilliance and weirdness (this was art school in the 80s, after all), and this emboldened me and pushed me to take risks. I found some of the best friends I have in this world at UArts. I met Tucker. Joe. Dari. Melissa, who would later introduce me to the woman Id marry and have a child with. Its a place of so many beginnings for me.

My daughter is a talented artist, a junior in high school. Id recently entertained the idea of her attending my alma mater. I thought wed visit. I could show her the eighth floor of Anderson Hall, maybe some kid would let me see whatever they were working on in the very studio I used to share with Tucker. Then Id take my daughter down to the street, buy some pretzels, and eat them on the impressive steps in front of Hamilton Hall, just where Id sat with all my friends in our strange haircuts and paint- and clay-spattered clothes all those years ago.

I dont know whose fault this is. I just know my alma mater is gone. My daughter cant attend. If I ever do bring her to see Hamilton Hall, what will it be? What do they turn giant Greek Revival buildings into? Banks? Targets? Or do they just hang around as ruins, reminders of something great that was once there?

David Schuman is a writer and teacher living in St. Louis, where he directs the creative writing MFA program at Washington University in St. Louis. He is an alumnus of the University of the Arts (BFA, painting, 1990).
Former President Donald Trump addresses a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower the day after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records at Manhattan Criminal Court. Read more

This is a scam. This is a rigged trial.

Thats what Donald Trump said after he was convicted last week on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

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And heres what Joe Biden said, in response: Its reckless, its dangerous, its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Biden was right. There is no evidence  none  that he somehow fixed the trial or its outcome, as Trump falsely claimed. And Trumps lies have surely undermined faith in the rule of law. Our justice system should be respected, Biden added. We should never allow anyone to tear it down.

But it turns out many of us may be more like Trump than we want to think we are.

When an outcome  whether in a legal case or just about any other context  doesnt conform with our personal beliefs, a lot of us will say the system is a fraud. And that reinforces the same disrespect Biden denounced.

Consider the case of Michael Brown, a Black teenager who was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014. It triggered several weeks of civil unrest, which flared again when a grand jury declined to indict Officer Darren Wilson for killing Brown.

My immediate response, at the time, echoed Trumps after his criminal trial: the outcome must have been rigged. After all, theres a huge and ugly history of racism against African Americans in criminal justice. And this seemed like more of the same.

A Black victim who allegedly raised his hands in surrender before he was gunned down. A white prosecutor who didnt recommend a charge to the grand jury, but instead let it decide everything on its own. A white police officer who testified for four hours without cross-examination. And a city where there had been at least a dozen fatal police shootings in the previous 20 years, without a single indictment.

A month before the grand jury decision, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank wrote that the fix is in. When the decision came down, I wasnt in the least bit surprised. But I was appalled.

So were most of my fellow liberals. On MSNBC, legal analyst Lisa Bloom declared that the prosecutor had rigged the system. And it seemed obvious  to me  that she was right.

She wasnt. Several months later, the U.S. Department of Justice released a detailed report rejecting the allegation that Brown had held up his hands before Wilson killed him. The claim was inconsistent with the physical and forensic evidence, the report said. And witnesses who had originally confirmed the allegation later recanted it, admitting that they did not witness the shooting.

By that time, Hands up, dont shoot had already become an article of faith  and a catalyst of protest  in liberal precincts. But it was built on a lie, as the Washington Posts Jonathan Capehart wrote. Brown never surrendered with his hands up, and Wilson was justified in shooting Brown, he concluded.

Capehart, who is Black, was one of the leading mainstream media voices who acknowledged the truth. But the myth that Brown held his hands up persists, facts notwithstanding.

Brown would be alive today if the institutions of racism and white supremacy were eradicated, Rep. Cori Bush (D., Mo.) tweeted last year, on the ninth anniversary of Browns death. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability.

Racial injustice is real, of course, and we should all continue to fight against it. The same DOJ report that debunked Hands up also described racist emails by Ferguson police officers, excessive use of Tasers and police dogs against Black suspects, and expensive fines levied for minor infractions.

Yet, the overall pattern of racist policing in our society doesnt prove any particular allegation of it. If you continue to claim  against all evidence  that Brown was killed with his hands up, youre undermining faith in the law. Just like Trump.

Of course, its a thousand times worse for the once  and possibly future  president of the United States to do that. Whenever anything goes against him (see the 2020 election), Trump says it was rigged.

But if you want to refute Trump, you also have to be better than him. Repeating falsehoods about the Brown case makes a mockery of actual racial injustices in America. And it feeds cynicism about our legal and political institutions, which is Trumps ultimate goal.

The entire GOP establishment is now rallying behind Trumps lies. The only way we can rebut him is by telling the truth, which also means admitting when we havent. The system isnt perfect, thats for sure. But its not rigged, either.
Supporters of funding public schools stand together during a news conference outside Philadelphia City Hall in April. They gathered to speak out against school vouchers. Read more

HARRISBURG  The debate over school vouchers is heating up again.

And this time, both sides are coming to the fight, a lot more organized  and a lot more well-funded than last year.

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Last year, public school advocates and teachers unions were caught off guard. They knew that Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro was supportive of a voucher program, but didnt know that hed work to implement a program that went against his partys biggest allies during his first year in office.

School vouchers held up the state budget last year, but the anti-voucher crowd ultimately got its way. After initially cutting a deal with Senate Republicans for a $100 million voucher program to send some students in low-performing districts to private schools, he vetoed the program when it couldnt pass the Democrat-controlled House.

School vouchers are poised to again be a sticking point that could stall the state budget past the June 30 deadline, with Democratic leaders in the House and Republican leaders in the Senate all promising they wont back down on the issue.

This year, school-choice advocates are as well-funded as ever, putting millions behind their push to get the state to give students in struggling schools a chance to attend private schools  through billboard campaigns, tele-town hall meetings with thousands of Philadelphians, and mailers. Meanwhile, public school proponents have organized more than a dozen unions and advocacy groups for an education campaign that includes knocking on 60,000 doors in Philly and Pittsburgh and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to spread their view that any voucher program would hurt public schools.

The debate will play out amid an even bigger fight over school funding. The General Assembly and Shapiro are working on an agreement to make Pennsylvanias public education system more equitable after a Commonwealth Court judge ruled it unconstitutional last year. Experts estimate that effort will cost at least $1 billion this year, for a total of $9 billion over seven years. Teachers unions and public school advocates say any money that would have otherwise been spent on public schools being sent to private ones is diverting much-needed dollars from Pennsylvanias underfunded schools.

If you want to fully fund public education and make sure that every child in every public school has the services they need to thrive, you have to do it and you have to mean it, said Hillary Linardopoulos, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

School choice proponents, on the other hand, believe that students need options, especially if they live in struggling districts.

We are in crisis. The house is burned down, and were gonna argue with what type of water to put the fire out with, said State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D., Philadelphia), one of the only pro-school voucher Democrats in the state Senate, during a committee hearing last month.

Vouchers are a key issue for Shapiro

Shapiro, who won election with a promise to work as a bipartisan governor and has made vouchers a top issue on which he can agree with Republicans, says school vouchers are still a priority for him. But he has said hed like to attach such a program to new investments in public schools.

The program that Shapiro and Senate Republicans drafted last year would have been targeted to poor families in low-performing districts. The 15% lowest-performing schools in reading and math and whose families are 250% above the federal poverty line would be eligible for the state to cover their tuition to attend a private school. Republicans still want some version of this program to be part of a larger budget deal, and advanced a version of it from committee last month.

After a bruising and protracted budget stalemate during his first year in office, Shapiro now has an opportunity to break the partisan dysfunction in Harrisburg and deliver on his campaign promise to fund Lifeline Scholarships for kids trapped in failing and unsafe schools, said Erik Telford, a spokesperson for the pro-school choice group Commonwealth Foundation.

The Commonwealth Foundation has ties to Pennsylvanias richest man, Jeffrey Yass, who has spent millions of dollars advocating for private school vouchers across the country. But his home state has proven to be an interesting challenge: Shapiro supports vouchers, while Democratic leaders in the state House continue to oppose them.

Pennsylvania already sets aside hundreds of millions of dollars each year for tax credits to businesses that give to scholarships at private schools around the state. But school choice proponents want another option to get more students from poor districts into private, parochial or religious schools, while public school advocates say these schools can discriminate against students.

Theres no accountability at those private schools, said Daisy Cruz, a district leader for SEIU 32BJ in the Philadelphia region, which represents 6,000 School District of Philadelphia employees. It needs to be poured into our public schools so our kids can go to school, no matter what their race, gender, or whatever walks of life theyre from; they should have a free education and not have to be picked to go to a certain school.

So far, 58 Democratic state representatives, 15 Senate Democrats, and several Philadelphia City Council members have pledged to oppose any school vouchers. Councilmember Kendra Brooks plans to introduce a resolution this week declaring that City Council disapproves of any state voucher program.

Shapiro said Friday that Senate Republicans and House Democrats will need to negotiate a deal on school vouchers if its going to get done as part of the budget that is to take effect July 1. Thats a similar stance to one he took last year when the voucher plan fell apart  though he had helped craft it, he said legislative leaders were responsible for striking a deal. (Republican leaders, in turn, blamed him for backtracking.)

I support scholarships for low-income individuals in struggling school districts, provided we fully fund public education. My view on that has not changed, Shapiro added. This is now a matter that needs to be negotiated between the House Democratic leadership and the Senate Republican leadership, who lead each of the houses in the legislature.

Staff writers Anna Orso and Katie Bernard contributed to this article.
A months-long showdown over control of Philadelphias largest union for city workers allegedly turned physical Monday morning, with police responding to the unions headquarters after a candidate for the presidency accused the interim president of accosting him.

Greg Boulware, who is running to be president of the 9,000-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33, said he was in the offices of the unions health and welfare fund Monday morning when his rival in the runoff election, interim president Omar Salaam, stormed in.

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Mr. Salaam walked in, and he said, I told you before to keep my name out of your mouth, and he told me to stand up, Boulware said. I told him to get out of here multiple times.

 READ MORE: As a divided Philly workers union elects new leadership, a recent meeting became like an Eagles vs. Cowboys game

Boulware said he eventually stood up and was injured above his eye when Salaam punched him and got probably one good shot in. Boulware said he fought back in self-defense and locked him up. The fracas left a hole in the wall, Boulware said, and Salaam had left by the time police arrived.

Salaam did not respond to a request for comment left at his union office, and attempts to reach him directly were unsuccessful.

Police spokesperson Sgt. Eric Gripp said no one was arrested as of Monday afternoon. He said officers responded to the union hall at 30th and Walnut Streets at about 11:30 a.m. Monday when a man  whom he could not identify because police do not typically identify people involved in or victimized by crimes before charges are filed  said he had been assaulted by another man, who was no longer on scene.

Gripp said the incident remains under investigation by Southwest Detectives.

D.C. 33 represents more than a dozen locals and about 9,000 blue-collar city workers.

Boulware is the business agent of Local 394, which represents Water Department workers. He is politically aligned with former D.C. 33 president Ernest Garrett, who was ousted from his position in February by the unions international after being accused by Salaam and others of making decisions on staff salaries and expenditures without the approval of the unions boards. (Garrett has denied wrongdoing.)

Salaam then became interim president and is running for a full term. He and Boulware advanced to a runoff, which is an ongoing mail ballot election that ends June 11.

Boulware said he has not spoken ill of Salaam on the campaign trail and instead believes his rival was angry because preliminary tallies had come out that appeared to be favorable for Boulware. (The preliminary results do not show who is winning, but rather which locals the votes are coming from, Boulware said. It was clear he had an edge based on voting patterns so far, he said.)

Salaam previously led Local 427, which represents sanitation workers. In a high-profile moment during last years mayoral election, Salaams local and another that represents streets workers endorsed the eventual winner, Cherelle L. Parker, despite the rest of D.C. 33 endorsing candidate Jeff Brown under Garretts leadership.

Boulware said one difference in their platforms is that Salaam appears amenable to Parkers plan for D.C. 33 and other municipal unions to sign one-year contract extensions this year, instead of multiyear deals, as her first-year administration gets its bearings. Boulware said he instead is pushing for a traditional multiyear deal.

But as is often the case with Philadelphia union politics and D.C. 33 in particular, the story behind the dispute is not nearly that simple, and it is in some ways a continuation of a decades-old rivalry.

Garrett ousted longtime D.C. 33 leader Herman Pete Matthews in a 2020 election that was seen as a shocking upset. Matthews, in turn, made his name in the early 1990s as an antagonist of his predecessor, James Sutton, who became infamous in the union after agreeing to significant concessions in a contract with then-Mayor Ed Rendells administration.

Consequently, Garrett and now Boulware are seen by some as successors to Suttons supporters. When he was president, Garrett hired Suttons wife, Evon Sutton, to be the unions political director. But he has also called Suttons Rendell-era contract the worst of our unions history.

Salaam and his supporters are in turn viewed as continuing Matthews legacy.

After he assumed the presidency from Garrett, Salaam said he was hoping to help calm things down at the union.

Now, were just trying to stabilize, he said in March.
Weve got to go below 47% to deconsolidate, Zaffino pointed out during the conference. Were at 53% now. So whatever trade we do [next], thats the math Now weve committed with Nippon, we would do up to a max of 15% in this particular calendar year. And then after 1/1/25, we can sell down the rest of 9.9%.
The removal of the ESL will significantly enhance insurance affordability, encouraging more families and businesses to secure cover for their most valuable assets and be protected when the unexpected occurs, she said. We commend New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey for leading the discussion to replace the ESL, and we look forward to continued involvement in this important reform.
These additional cyber resources come as attacks against Australian firms and government agencies continue to grow. The latest published data from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) shows about 500 notifiable attacks every six months. That number has gone up by 20% compared to the first half of 2023.
Maryland plans to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in just over four years at an estimated cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, a state transportation official said.

The state plans to build a new span by fall of 2028, said David Broughton, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation. He said the cost estimate is preliminary, and detailed engineering specifics have not been confirmed.

The broker for the bridges insurance policy confirmed that a $350 million payout will be made to the state of Maryland in what is expected to be the first of many payouts related to the collapse. Chubb, the company that insured the bridge, is preparing to make the $350 million payment, according to WTW, the broker. Douglas Menelly, a spokesperson for WTW, on confirmed plans for the payout, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Chubb did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said the states treasurer filed a claim on the day of the bridges collapse against our $350 million property policy and put on notice our $150 million liability policy first tier carrier on behalf of MDTA.

The agency said in a news release that it expects the full property policy to be paid very shortly.

Maryland transportation officials noted that the states estimates for the cost to rebuild the bridge are in line with similar projects of this scale and complexity. Federal funding, insurance proceeds and other reimbursements will bring a variety of resources toward the rebuild and recovery effort, the officials said, and the state is pursuing other recovery options to minimize net cost to taxpayers and toll customers.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Maryland
A Vermont man who lost his job after he said a random drug test showed he had used medical marijuana off duty for chronic pain has appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court saying he should not have been denied a portion of his state unemployment benefits.

Ivo Skoric, 59, representing himself, told the justices Wednesday that he is legally prescribed the medical cannabis by a doctor and his work performance is excellent and not impacted by the medicine. Yet, he said, in January 2023 he was terminated from his job at the Marble Valley Regional Transit District in Rutland for misconduct after a drug test. He said his job was to clean and fuel buses, and he drove them into and out of the garage onto a lot. The misconduct disqualified him from the benefits, according to the state.

As a medical cannabis patient in Vermont to treat disabling conditions under Vermonts Fair Employment Practices Act disability provisions, I should be protected by state agencies. I should not be disqualified from receiving unemployment, Skoric said.

A lawyer for the ACLU of Vermont, also representing Criminal Justice Reform, and Disability Rights Vermont, also argued that the benefits should not be denied.

Skoric had appealed to the Vermont Employment Security Board after he was found to be ineligible for state unemployment benefits for the weeks ending January 14, 2023, through February 18, 2023, and his maximum benefit amount was capped at 23 times his weekly benefit, according to the board.

In September 2023, the board agreed with an administrative law judge saying Skoric engaged in conduct prohibited by the employers drug and alcohol policy, exposing him to discipline including termination of his employment, and that because he was discharged for misconduct he was disqualified from those benefits.

Legal in State

The board wrote that it recognizes that Skoric engaged in conduct that is legal in Vermont and that he had a legitimate and compelling reason to use medical cannabis for treatment.

But employers may set workplace policies that prohibit otherwise legal behavior, the board wrote, saying that it agreed with the administrative judge that the minimum disqualification is appropriate.

The board later declined Skorics request for a declaratory ruling on whether the misconduct disqualification provision applied to the off-duty use of medical cannabis, which he asked the state Supreme Court to review.

Jared Adler, a lawyer representing the Vermont Department of Labor, said the court should affirm the boards decision because he was discharged for misconduct for violating an acknowledged workplace safety policy and because Vermonts drug code does not guarantee unemployment benefits to people who test positive during a random drug screening.

When asked by a justice if theres a distinction between consumption and impairment Adler said there is but theres no clean way for an employer to distinguish between consumption and impairment in the case of cannabis because, unlike other drugs, it can exist for an extended period of time in an individuals system after consuming it. Skoric also said that even though he had used the medical cannabis off-duty, it can show up days later in someones system, which makes the testing meaningless.

Theres a balancing test for trying to protect both the public and an employers need to conform their policies with federal law, Adler said. Skoric acknowledged his employer received up to 60% of their funding for their business from federal grants, Alder said.

So it was extremely important to ensure that the employer adhere to these federal rules and not risk losing that revenue, Adler said.

Skoric said his position is that off-duty use of cannabis for state-sanctioned medical purposes cannot and should not be qualified as misconduct by the state.

I should not have to choose between state benefits and the medical care (the) state granted me to use, he said. I should never be put in that impossible position to choose between benefits and the legal medicine I use.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Talent Cannabis Vermont
Southern Germany continues to battle flooding from heavy rainfall thats disrupted transportation and pushed emergency services to their limits.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who plans to visit some of the affected regions on Monday, said recent instances of extreme weather highlight the challenges in view of the rise in the earths temperature and climate change.

There have been many, many flood events that have reached us at very different times, Scholz said at the East German Economic Forum in Bad Saarow, near Berlin, on Sunday.

The latest extreme weather comes almost three years after intense rainfall in July 2021 caused devastating floods in Germany and neighboring countries. Over 240 people were killed across the region and more than 170 in Germany alone, with cleanup and reconstruction costing tens of billions of euros.

Almost half of Germany is currently under flood warnings  including parts of the eastern states of Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg  and those were extended to the entire Rhine River, Europes key trade link, on Sunday afternoon.

 Tag und Nacht sind unsere Einsatzkrafte fur euch im Einsatz  helft uns helfen. Jetzt spenden!  https://t.co/SnTJeISmxf pic.twitter.com/pUpxtKNQaI

 Bay. Rotes Kreuz (@brkaktuell) June 2, 2024

A fire fighter responding to the floods with three colleagues drowned early Sunday when their inflatable boat capsized near Pfaffenhofen, about an hour north of Munich. Another fireman went missing in the district of Gunzburg, with search efforts continuing, according to the local newspaper.

Downpours have continued since Friday, with some areas seeing more rainfall totals in a day than they normally get in a month.

Several regions of Bavaria have passed flood levels that statistically are only seen once in a century, the central portal of the nations flood control center said early Sunday. For the Danube River  another key shipping route  and several of its tributaries, high- or very-high water alerts remain in place.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck  also Germanys vice chancellor  said during a visit to Bavaria that so-called 100-year floods now occur every few years, according to the German press agency DPA. Curbing carbon emissions should be a top priority, he said.

Up to 3,000 people have been evacuated in Bavaria, with as many as 40,000 emergency services personnel deployed, said a spokesperson for the states interior ministry. Power usage was capped in several regions as a precautionary measure.

In Schrobenhausen, north of Munich, a woman was suspected of being trapped in her cellar, and rescue teams deployed divers and a drone in an attempt to find her, according to the Donaukurier newspaper.

In Schwabisch-Gmund in Baden-Wurttemberg  near the Stuttgart headquarters of carmaker Mercedes-Benz  two carriages of the high-speed ICE train derailed after being hit by a landslide, the operator said. The 185 passengers were evacuated without injuries, and the driver of a car that was swiped by the 30-meter (33 yards) mudslide also survived, according to the regional broadcaster SW.

Train operator Deutsche Bahn AG  which suspended some cross-border transport to Austria and Switzerland on Saturday  said in a statement it was advised against traveling in the affected flood areas, and expects disruptions to continue until Monday. Connections to Germanys capital Berlin and its financial hub Frankfurt were also cancelled.

Three dams and a dike were breached, and parts of a key North-South autobahn were closed on Sunday. Landslides and heavy rain also caused disruptions in Switzerland.

Germanys meteorological service Deutscher Wetterdienst has forecast more heavy thunderstorms in the south and in some eastern parts of the country. Rains are expected to continue throughout Monday, especially in the mountain areas.

Photograph: Emergency services at the scene of a stuck army truck and passenger vehicle in Baar-Ebenhausen, Germany, on June 2, 2024. Photo credit: Lukas Barth/AFP/Getty Images

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Flood Germany
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly last week signed Senate Bill 430, bipartisan legislation making comprehensive reforms to the states workers compensation system.

The bill, a result of collaboration between business and labor, provides coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard and streamlines the workers compensation process. It also increases the maximum benefits for injured workers and adds a cost-of-living adjustment to those caps starting in 2027. Key components of the compromise, which go into effect July 1, include:

A reduction in the Social Security offset,

A limit on the use of independent medical exams,

An increase in the minimum weekly payment for permanent total disability,

A requirement for parties to exchange medical records before a preliminary hearing,

Introduction of medical reports without taking depositions,

The ability to settle by written agreement rather than through a hearing and

A presumption that no costs or attorney fees be awarded when requests for post-award medical benefits are provided within 30 days.

The bill also allows the records of hearings to be kept through digital recording and transcription by either a court reporter or a notary public.

Senate Bill 430 is a win for our workforce, our businesses, and organized labor, Kelly said. The changes to the Kansas Workers Compensation Act will keep employers costs down while ensuring injured workers receive treatment in a timely manner.

Topics Workers' Compensation Kansas
One of the worlds largest and best-known tool and equipment manufacturers could have prevented a 29-year-old maintenance electrician from suffering severe burns during an electrical arc blast at a company facility in Willard if required safety standards were followed, a U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found.

An arc flash occurs when an electric current travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. These flashes can produce temperatures over 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious injury and even death for people nearby.

In response to the employers report of the workers hospitalization, the departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an inspection at MTD Products Inc.  operating as Stanley Black + Decker  on Dec. 20, 2023, and identified several safety issues. Agency investigators found the company failed to provide personal protective equipment as required when employees were working around energized electrical equipment. The blast occurred while the electrician replaced fuses to repair an industrial oven.

OSHA determined Stanley Black + Decker lacked safe work practices and training for electrical maintenance employees and for the use of required lockout/tagout procedures for energized electrical equipment. They also found the company exposed workers to potential fall hazards.

OSHA cited Stanley Black + Decker for one willful violation and four serious violations. The company faces $222,392 in proposed

OSHA cited Stanley Black + Decker for one willful violation and four serious violations. The company faces $222,392 in proposed penalties.

OSHA provides information on what employers must do to limit worker exposures to electrical hazards.

Headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley Black + Decker, is a $14.5 billion global diversified industrial company with 56,000 employees in more than 60 countries. The company operates the worlds largest tools and storage business featuring brands such as DeWalt, Stanley, Black+Decker and Craftsman. In December 2021, the company completed its acquisition of MTD Holdings.

Topics Ohio Manufacturing
AIG is a different company today than it was when CEO Peter Zaffino joined the company in 2017, but like the old AIG, the new one is poised to grow again, he said.

The former executive of Marsh, who recalled that during his tenure at the broker he would place business with AIGs Lexington Insurance only as a last resort, is bullish on the prospects of growing the E&S business written in Lexington, and the company overall, now that remediation of a business is a done deal.

Zaffino, who confirmed that growth efforts started two years ago, described AIGs trajectory and the state of the E&S market during a fireside chat with Autonomous Research Insurance Analyst Ryan Tunis at a fireside chat at Bernsteins 40th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference this week.

I knew AIG really well. I was at Marsh & McLennan for 17 years, and they were our biggest trading partner..It was known as a growth company, not necessarily a great underwriting company, Zaffino said, explaining to Tunis how AIG is now maintaining underwriting discipline as it moves back into growth mode.

Underwriting discipline is really driven by the culture and the framework and who you have leading the businesses, Zaffino said, reporting that leaders holding 17 of the top 20 underwriting positions at AIG today have less tenure than Zaffino, who first joined AIG in July 2017 as global chief operating officer.

We had to have a culture of underwriting excellence, have a chief underwriting office that was not a tick the box, but actually was setting standards, monitoring growth and also profitabilityand having underwriting guidelines that were going to be aligned with how we wanted to shape the portfolio.

Weve done the hard work of repositioning the company in terms of its underwriting standards and underwriting results, and its been a significant heavy lift, he said.

Just to level setIve said this before, the [AIG] portfolio from 2008 to 2018 lost $30 billion. That has not been done in our industry and you survived, he said.

Weve done the hard work of repositioning the company in terms of its underwriting standards and underwriting results, and its been a significant heavy lift, he said. Peter Zaffino, AIG

The portfolio which we had to remediate was a highly unprofitable portfolio, he said.

From 2018 to 23, the calendar year commercial lines combined ratio improved by 2,600 basis points, which is dramatic, he said, referring to a downward move of 26 combined ratio points. The accident year combined ratio, which is just really the results in that year with no effect of catastrophe or prior year reserve development was 1,900 basis points, he said.

If I leave you with one thing today, [it] is that this is a different company. Theres really no way to look into the past of anything of relevance to today, he said, while referencing AIGs great brand, good global presence and ability to grow.

Vive La Difference

In the first four minutes of a 45-minute session, Zaffino rattled off a long list of differences, explaining successful efforts to shed volatility in the insurance portfolio, reduce expense in AIGs operations and to divest of businesses, like the reinsurance business, where AIG didnt have the size and scale to drive outcomes in the market.

As evidence of the reduced volatility, he noted that catastrophes added only 4.7 points to the loss ratio in 2023, compared to 16 points in 2017.

On the expense side, Zaffino noted AIG simultaneously embarked on a transformation of its operational capabilities while implementing an underwriting turnaround. It was $1 billion of savings, he said, referring to the outcome of a transformation effort known as AIG 200. But what Id like to leave you with is, more importantly, it was really a big improvement in terms of data, data ingestion, workflow, digital workflow, cloud migration and just improving the core foundation for AIG in the future, he said.

Zaffino expanded on these efforts during the rest of the session in response to questions from Tunis about internal and market challenges moving forward, with Zaffino, at several points, delivering critical comments about the AIG he knew as a broker before he joined the company.

Tunis, for example, noting how much smaller AIG is now than a decade ago, asked whether less market clout now would pose challenges to growth in future years.

No. If you go back in time, when AIG was at its peak, probably $65 billion of top line, it squandered that opportunity, Zaffino said, noting that AIG back then was bigger than any broker. Today, AIG writes roughly $35 billion of gross premium, and Marsh and Aon probably place three- or four-times that, he suggested.

What AIG had as an unbelievable advantage at that time, just wasnt taken advantage of, he said.

Addressing the challenge question directly, Zaffino said, size matters, but I think what matters more is where you trade.Are you setting the underwriting terms? Are you setting the pricing? Are you the one that has the lead capabilities, which means you have the underwriting expertise?

Thats the businesses we trade in. Were not a capacity player that tries to find risks through an open market and best price wins. Thats a failed strategy.

Echoing comments he had made at prior investor conferences, Zaffino talked about a different failed strategya prior strategy at AIG which had the specialty insurance operation, Lexington, placing business through both retail brokers and wholesalers.

Related article: Wholesale Growth Is Cycle-Proof; Dual Distribution Has Failed: AIGs Zaffino (2022)

That is a terrible strategy and one that ends up getting adverse selection everywhere, Zaffino said.

Retail brokers dont want to go to excess and surplus lines markets..I ran Marsh, and Im telling you, I didnt want to go to Lexington. It would be the market of last resort in every instance.

Wholesale doesnt want to use a market that will use retail. So they give you the adverse selection.

So it ended up becoming a giant business of adverse selection, plus why not just like issue the largest limits you can to make sure that the results are even worse? he asked rhetorically, referring to the fact that AIG would put out $100 million prior to the underwriting transformation.

If I look at the market share under that strategy, it was three-times the size that we are today. So, I would argue that we have plenty of room to grow, he said, addressing a possibility raised by Tunis that there hasnt been a secular shift in market volumes to the E&S market as Zaffino and others bullish on the sector believe, but instead that E&S growth will return to a classic cyclegood in hard markets, and tough in soft markets.

How much of an impediment would that be for AIG? Tunis asked, a few minutes after Zaffino described AIGs disproportionate investment in the last two years into areas of high-growth potential and strong combined ratiossuch as Lexington E&Swhile still remediating always the bottom portion of the portfolio.

E&S: Not Going to Give A Lot Back

It wont be an impediment at all. [First], I dont believe it, said Zaffino referring to the idea of a return to classic cycle in which E&S grows only during the hard part of the cycle.

Zaffino said that E&S has grown substantially over the last 20 years, noting that the E&S market commanded $34 billion of premium in 2003 and 2004, and now represents roughly $114 billion. (Editors Note: The latest figure for the size of the E&S market that CM has reported on is $91 billion for 2022, based on a report from Fitch Ratings published in September 2023. Related article, Top 15 E&S Writers: Lloyds, Berkshire Still Lead as All Major Players Grow)

Its grabbing market share. Theres no doubt about it. Their capabilities are broadening and their ability to actually drive outcomes is substantial. Look at [wholesale] organic growth versus retail and they have the momentum.

Referring specifically to AIG, Zaffino noted that since leaders decided to ditch the dual distribution strategywhich means we had to basically non-renew most of the portfolio, turn it over and go through wholesalethe compound annual growth rate from 17 to 23 is 20 percent in wholesale. Its never been that large. And were talking off of bigger bases now, he said.

Expressing disbelief in the idea of hard market-soft market cycle driving industrywide E&S growth or contraction going forward, Zaffino said supply issues have historically fueled hard markets, such as the post 9/11 hard market. Theres no shortage of capacity in the marketplace. We could write billions of dollars of premium if they have the right risk-adjusted returns, as could many of our competitors, he asserted.

Zaffino also noted the record-breaking submission levels coming into wholesalers quarter after quarter, and also suggesting that there may be 80 wholesale-only insurance company markets in existence today (some doing fronting) vs. only eight or nine when Lexington announced its shift to wholesale-only.

I dont see it, Zaffino said, reacting to the supposition from Tunis that a cycle could shift the momentum of the E&S market. If you go back to that period of time, when I said it was back to $34 billion, it lost a little bit of market share in the more traditional hard market-soft market. But its not going to give a lot back this time.

Nonetheless, Lexington isnt AIGs only insurance company. Ive got plenty of admitted capabilities. Im not plugging for it. I just think [E&S] is where the market is. And so if it doesnt work, Ive got like other businesses that can pick up the opportunities. This is not were wholesale-only, and were betting in the farm. I just think theres plenty of opportunities for Lexington to grow. I think that market is going to grow, he said.

Softer Hard Market: Who Cares?

Tunis asked Zaffino about market conditions overall, and the sustainability of hard market pricing.

If youre still getting rate increases, but you may not have gotten rate increases as [high] as you got last quarter, who cares? I dont, Zaffino said. Id like to have it. But what I want is to make sure that we continue to develop margin. We retain the book of business..If I got it like a 30 percent [rate increase] last year and a 10 this year, and the 10 is above the loss cost increase, thats a good outcome.

I just dont want to look at the sequential rate increases, he said, adding that in some of our businesses, in quite frankly, a lot of them weve gotten north of 100 percent rate increases [cumulatively] over the past 4-5 years.

Speaking about property specifically, Zaffino predicted a stable market but noted possible impacts on carriers who attempted to fill in reinsurance programs with collateralized reinsurance when admitted reinsurers moved away from risk dramatically during Jan. 1 renewals in 2023, forcing higher retentions.

While admitted reinsurers automatically reinstate limits in the event of catastrophe, collateralized reinsurance doesnt work that way. Its a single limit. It blows out, its gone and you have no reinsurance left, he said. You have a lot of the buydowns that were done in order to supplement those attachment pointsdone by collateralized reinsurance [that] can blow out with one major loss.

He continued, I dont know whats going to happen this year, but if its very active, youre going to have big net positions in the business, he said, referring to the active hurricane season that meteorologists are predicting. Thats going to affect how capital is deployed in my opinion, he said.

AIG Next

During the session, Zaffino gave some further visibility into the operational transformation, AIG 200, and a briefly referred to a follow-on program, AIG Next, which he described as an expense initiative to start to take a company that was a conglomerate and put it into a single company.

In a letter to shareholders in the AIG 2023 annual report, Zaffino said that the aim of AIG Next is to create a leaner parent company with a target cost structure of 1-1.5 percent, while further positioning AIG for the future by operationalizing enterprise-wide standards and driving global consistency and local relevance across our end-to-end systems.

Simplification and efficiencies from AIG Next are expected to generate $500 million of annual run-rate savings, the letter said.

Tacking the $500 million on to the $1 billion savings from AIG 200, Tunis asked Zaffino whether he envisioned that magnitude of savings early on in his AIG tenure.

Zaffino said the AIG 200 savings were really an end result of work necessary operational fixes. Whether it was cloud computing or end-to-end process, it was a very broken process within the underwritinghow you get submissions, how you actually work through the rating mechanisms, he said, noting inconsistency throughout the organization.

In many ways, I think that was more cultural shock to AIG than underwriting [transformations]. At least we had underwriters. It wasnt very good, but there was underwriting going on.

In operations, there was nothing. So, we had nothing to compare it to, he said.

Topics Excess Surplus AIG
An unidentified hacking group launched a massive cyberattack on a telecommunications company in the U.S. heartland late last year that disabled hundreds of thousands of internet routers, according to research published Thursday.

Security analysts with Lumen Technologies Black Lotus Labs discovered the attack in recent months and reported on it in a blog post.

The October incident, which was not disclosed at the time, took more than 600,000 internet routers offline. Independent experts said it appeared to be one of the most serious cyberattacks ever against Americas telecommunications sector.

The researchers said the hackers installed malicious software that disrupted internet access from Oct. 25 to 27 across numerous Midwest states. The analysts found the malware, which continued circulating, on the internet months later through certain file links that the hackers left visible.

The report did not name the company that was attacked. Nor did Lumen attribute the hack to a particular country or known group. The researchers said the saboteurs used common methods which made them harder to identify.

The internet routers were disabled when a malicious firmware update sent to the companys customers deleted elements of the routers operational code, making them effectively inoperable. Exactly how the firmware update was shipped to users was unclear.

We assess with high confidence that the malicious firmware update was a deliberate act intended to cause an outage, Lumens report said. Destructive attacks of this nature are highly concerning, especially so in this case.

A comparison of details and event descriptions in the Lumen report with internet outages on the dates of the attack pointed to one entity: Arkansas-based internet service provider Windstream.

A spokesperson for Windstream declined to comment as did the FBI. The National Security Agency and Homeland Security Department referred inquiries to the FBI.

The researchers described the potential consequences from the attack as serious.

A sizeable portion of this ISPs service area covers rural or underserved communities; places where residents may have lost access to emergency services, farming concerns may have lost critical information from remote monitoring of crops during the harvest, and health care providers cut off from telehealth or patients records, the researchers wrote.

There are few public signs of the incident. On the social media platform Reddit, self-identified Windstream customers posted complaints about a strange outage beginning around Oct. 25, the date noted by Lumen.

The Reddit users described how their routers would not connect to their internet provider so they could not access the internet. The users said Windstream was requiring them to return their disabled routers for new devices because a remote fix did not seem possible.

It was not clear if the FBI, which is in charge of investigating U.S. cybercrimes, was notified of the hack. But private companies often elect not to disclose such incidents.

Photo: (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Topics Cyber
Elon Musk had inside knowledge of a miss on production and delivery numbers that Tesla Inc. was facing when he sold more than $7.5 billion in stock in 2022, a shareholder in the electric vehicle maker claimed in a lawsuit.

Teslas chief executive officer had nonpublic information that Tesla would miss the fourth-quarter targets that year when he sold the shares, Tesla investor Michael Perry alleged in the suit, filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court.

By relying on that information when selling part of his Tesla stake for funds to bolster his buyout of the social media platform X, then known as Twitter, Musk exploited his position at Tesla, and he breached his fiduciary duties to the company and its shareholders, Perry said in the complaint.

Musk profited from his misconduct and his exploitation of material and adverse inside information, the suit alleges. Perry asked Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick to order Musk, the worlds second-richest person, to return the profit from his allegedly improper trading to the company.

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Musk, didnt immediately return an email Friday seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Its the latest dispute over Musk and his stock purchases, sales and talk. The suit comes in the same week the 52-year-old billionaire agreed to sit for a third round of questioning by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in its probe of his Twitter acquisition and whether he properly disclosed his initial stake in the company.

Earlier, after clashing with the SEC over a Twitter post he made about taking Tesla private, he incurred a fine and was forced to accept a Twitter sitter, a Tesla lawyer to screen his communications about the company.

In his lawsuit, Perry also names as defendants Tesla directors for allegedly failing to make sure Musk complied with his legal obligations in the stock sales and statements about the carmakers performance. Musk touted the quarterly performance earlier in 2022, saying the company enjoyed excellent demand and expected to sell every car we make as far into the future as we can see, according to the suit.

But he learned in November 2022  about midway through the quarter  that Tesla wouldnt meet its targets for the period, Perry claims. Before that development was announced publicly in January 2023, Musk made the $7.53 billion share sale, Perry says.

On Jan. 3, 2023, the first trading day after the Jan. 2 announcement of the numbers, Tesla shares fell 12% from their close of $123.18 on Dec. 30, 2022, to $108.10, according to the complaint.

McCormick has dealt with Musk before. She oversaw a case over his unsuccessful effort to back out of buying Twitter. And in January she voided his $56 billion pay package after finding that Tesla directors who approved it in 2018 had a conflict of interest and that Tesla failed to properly disclose the terms of the executive compensation plan.

Tesla is asking investors to vote on it a second time, at the companys June 13 annual meeting, to show they still back the plan, which could help in a legal appeal of McCormicks decision. Proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services is urging them to reject the pay package.

The stock sale case is Perry v. Musk, 2024-0560, Delaware Chancery Court (Wilmington).

Photo: Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
American Airlines was accused in a lawsuit on May 29 of race discrimination for temporarily removing three Black men from a flight from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York City.

In a complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, the plaintiffs said they and five other Black men were removed from the flight in January for about an hour after a white flight attendant complained about a passenger with offensive body odor.

But none of the men ordered off the plane had an odor, and had clearly been targeted based on their race because all of them were Black, the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit. They called the incident traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading.

The men accused the airline of violating a Civil War-era law banning race discrimination in contracts. They are seeking unspecified damages for pain and suffering and punitive damages for malicious, willful  and reckless conduct.

American Airlines said in a statement it was investigating the matter, and that the claims did not reflect the companys values.

We take all claims of discrimination very seriously and want our customers to have a positive experience when they choose to fly with us, the airline said.

Susan Huhta, a lawyer for the three plaintiffs, said in a statement that the incident was part of a disturbing history of allegations that American discriminates against Black passengers.

Last month, NPR and other outlets reported that a Black retired judge from Chicago had filed a complaint with American saying she was blocked from using a first-class bathroom on a flight even though she had a first-class ticket.

And in separate incidents last year, track and field star ShaCarri Richardson and musician David Ryan Harris, who are Black, said on social media that they were falsely accused of wrongdoing by American flight attendants.

Richardson said she was removed from a plane for allegedly harassing an attendant, and Harris said he was suspected of child trafficking while traveling with his biracial children. The airline apologized to Harris and said Richardson was booked on a different flight.

In 2017, the NAACP urged Black travelers not to fly American, citing what it said were a series of racially-based incidents. The civil rights organization withdrew its advisory after the airline agreed to update its policies and train employees on implicit bias.

Topics Lawsuits Aviation
A new Louisiana law that makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of a police officer under certain circumstances is an affront to the movement for racial justice and violates the First Amendment, civil rights attorneys say.

Critics have said the law  signed this week by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry  could hinder the publics ability to film officers. Bystander cellphone videos are largely credited with revealing police misconduct such as the 2020 killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer.

When you enact a law that prevents people from seeing for themselves whether injustice is being done, that is the biggest thing against civil rights you can ever do, said Shean Williams, an attorney with The Cochran Firm in Atlanta.

Williams said images of police attacking demonstrators during the civil rights movement were instrumental to its success in advancing racial justice.

Proponents argue the new law will create a buffer zone to help ensure the safety of officers and that bystanders would still be close enough to film police interactions. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, also a Republican, signed a similar measure into law in April, saying it would help ensure law enforcement officers in his state can do their jobs without the threat of harassment.

In a statement at the time, DeSantis drew a distinction with blue states, saying Florida would continue to be the friendliest state in the nation towards our law enforcement community.

The Louisiana measures author, state Rep. Bryan Fontenot, said the legislation was drafted to provide officers peace of mind and safe distance to do their job.

At 25 feet, that person cant spit in my face when Im making an arrest, Fontenot said while presenting his bill in a committee earlier this year. The chances of him hitting me in the back of the head with a beer bottle at 25 feet  it sure is a lot more difficult than if hes sitting right here.

But attorneys say states, including Florida and Louisiana, already have laws that criminalize efforts to obstruct police.

The key in every other state is, Are you disrupting the conduct of the officer?   said Gerry Weber, a constitutional law expert in Atlanta who has represented numerous people in lawsuits over filming police misconduct. One of the problems with the Louisiana law is it creates a presumption that one is interfering if theyre within 25 feet and they have been given a warning.

Weber helped reach a settlement more than a decade ago that required Atlanta police to stop interfering with people who record officers performing their duties in public.

At least one other state created a law similar to the ones in Louisiana and Florida. In 2022, Arizona made it illegal to knowingly film a police officer from 8 feet (2.5 meters) or closer if the officer told the person to stop.

U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi in Phoenix last year blocked enforcement of that statute, saying it prohibits or chills a substantial amount of First Amendment protected activity and is unnecessary to prevent interference with police officers given other Arizona laws in effect.

The Louisiana law does not specifically mention filming. It prohibits knowingly or intentionally approaching an officer who is lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties after being ordered to stop approaching or retreat. Violators face up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both. It goes into effect on Aug. 1.

But even without an explicit reference to filming, the First Amendment concerns remain, said Susan Meyers, a senior staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Courts have been clear that people have a right to observe and film police doing their jobs in public, she said.

What are they saying? How are they conducting themselves? she said. There are in fact very few ways for the public to hold these public servants accountable for their actions.

Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, said she experienced the importance of filming police first-hand last year when she and some colleagues were pulled over by an officer who said he suspected the vehicle they were in was stolen.

The car wasnt stolen, and Odoms, who has denounced the new Louisiana law, said she believes the justification was pretextual. On a dark, deserted road, she said filming the encounter gave her comfort.

Im probably within 8 to 10 feet of the officer and then two or three feet, she recalled. I would not be able to do any of that.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Louisiana Law Enforcement
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, predicted to be unusually intense, officially began this week and it could soon bring the first test of a North Carolina law that some insurance experts have said weakens building codes in the state and could lead to greater insured losses.

I would like to see the legislature listen to all sides on this, not just the home builders, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said last week.

The North Carolina Home Builders Association in 2023 pushed for modifications to the states building codes in an effort to speed up home inspections and home building to help ease a housing crunch in the state, according to news reports.

House Bill 488, enacted last fall after lawmakers overrode the governors veto, created a separate, residential building code council, with many members appointed by lawmakers, not just the governor. The law also bars adoption of newer energy-efficiency codes, a move that could prevent federal funding for community resiliency efforts.

It also blocks local governments in some areas from requiring inspections of plywood sheathing during home construction, although it stiffened requirements in some high-wind areas. Correct fastening of sheathing on walls and roofs can make a crucial difference in high winds, critics of the new law have said. But builders have argued that construction often grinds to a halt while waiting on overloaded local inspectors.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, a well-regarded, nonprofit scientific research organization funded in part by property insurers, along with a former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, called House Bill 488 a step backwards for a state that is increasingly vulnerable as hurricanes grow in strength and frequency.

In 2023, the State of North Carolina undertook one of the most detrimental steps of any state, reducing its building code system of protections, the IBHS noted in a rating of the states report it publishes regularly. The actions taken by the state legislature are unfortunate and will create unnecessary vulnerabilities to buildings that face nearly all types of severe weather.

Because of the changes, North Carolina lost three points in the IBHS storm-resiliency rating system, keeping the state at number eight in the nation, behind No. 1 Virginia; No. 2 Florida; No. 3 South Carolina; No. 4 New Jersey; No. 5 Louisiana; No. 6 Connecticut; and No. 7 Rhode Island. With the law, the Tar Heel State is stuck in the 2015 building code requirements, overlooking some key protections that other states have adopted, the Institute said.

Further weakening, expected later this year with House Bill 893 and other bills, could push North Carolina out of the coveted good category for states with strong resiliency measures, the IBHS reported.

The law and its consequences come as insurance experts and legislators around the country seem to have adopted a view that better building codes and aggressive mitigation techniques are a key to reducing losses and keeping a lid on property insurance premiums.

If the insurance companies dont have to pay for the loss, that will reduce costs, Charles Nyce, professor of risk management and insurance at Florida State University, said in December.

Nyce has advocated for billions of dollars in mitigation funding to fortify properties against coming storms.

Multiple studies and observations of hurricane-hit areas have shown that modern fortification and building protocols have drastically reduced damage to newer homes that follow those requirements.

Youve got to have a balance, Causey said about building codes in storm-prone states. You cant have them so tough that houses cant get built, but if you allow shoddy construction, consumers will get hurt.

A piece of good news for North Carolina insurers is that a highly praised wind-mitigation roof program has continued to increase the number of grants each year for homeowners. So far this year, the programs, administered by the NC Joint Underwriting Association and the NC Insurance Underwriting Association, have seen more than 8,500 fortified roofs completed, with another 2,900 in progress.

An analysis by the North Carolina State University Institute for Advance Analytics and others found that the programs produced a 35% reduction in claims, with a 23% reduction in losses per building after hurricanes in recent years, the associations reported. The programs are similar to mitigation grant programs in at least four Southeastern states.

The NC underwriting associations are now pushing for Congress to make states fortification grants untaxed income for homeowners. U.S. House Bill 4070 and Senate Bill 1953 were both introduced last year and are awaiting action by federal lawmakers.

Some federal mitigation grants already are non-taxed by law, but the Internal Revenue Service has taken the position that state-based programs should be considered taxable income, the underwriting associations have explained.

Top graphic: From the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane North Carolina
More than 48,000 Hawaiian Electric Co. customers living in some of the states driest areas will soon face the prospect of advance power shutoffs  and outages that could last several days  in order to reduce the risk of sparking a wildfire when the weather turns especially windy.

The states largest utility company unveiled the details of its much-anticipated public safety power shutoff plan last week, the latest move to try and reduce wildfire risk in Hawaii following last years deadly blazes on Maui.

Those shutoffs will be ready to take effect starting July 1 in some of the drier and more fire-prone parts of Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island.

Related: Hawaii Outlines Efforts to Prevent Another Devastating Wildfire Ahead of a Dry Season

This is our first shot at this, Hawaiian Electric Co. Vice President of Communications Jim Kelly said during a press conference at the Ward Avenue operations office, which various police, fire and emergency responder personnel also attended.

In certain extreme conditions, it is the last line of defense, Kelly said of the new plan.

HECO faced widespread criticism after the Lahaina devastation for not having a shutoff plan in place prior to the fires. Many of the utilitys counterparts in California and other wildfire-prone states on the mainland already had those plans and had used them.

Ever since the Maui fires, the island utility has repeatedly stated that shutting off the power in such a manner could have enormous impacts on the surrounding community.

Related: Lawyers Handling Lawsuits Over Maui Wildfires to Get Investigation Documents

On Wednesday, company officials asked the residents living within its new shutoff plan boundaries  particularly those who depend on ventilators, dialysis machines and other medical devices  to have their own plan ready should such an extended outage occur. That could involve using a backup generator or arranging to stay with friends and family outside of the affected area.

Some 1,180 medically vulnerable customers living in the new shutoff boundaries have already registered with HECO, allowing the company to work with them directly in an outage, according to Brendon Bailey, HECOs vice president for customer service.

Still, we know theres a lot more out there, Kelly said Wednesday.

The shutoff area maps that Hawaiian Electric Co. provided on Wednesday will be used for the wildfire season that just started, Kelly said. It could be refined in subsequent seasons once the company sees how the plan performs and as it hardens more parts of the grid against wildfire, he added.

Company officials said that they consulted with local wildfire experts when crafting those maps.

Im pleased with the collaborative process. Theyre not just inventing random things. Its been vetted, its been thoughtful, said nonprofit Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization Co-Director Elizabeth Pickett, who met with HECO regarding the maps.

But whether the map areas will be effective? I have no idea, she added.

The shutoff program hasnt been used in Hawaii yet and good faith effort is pretty much all we can ask for, she said.

Pickett added that shes concerned the public might confuse the new HECO maps as the only areas in the state that face wildfire risk.

Hawaiian Electric is doing its part, but its important to understand the fire risk areas are well outside of this from other ignition sources beyond damaged and downed transmission lines, she said.

The company aims to give the public as much as two days advance notice that it might shut off the power in certain areas. However, it might have to shut off the power more quickly depending on the weather, said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric Co.s Vice President for Planning and Technology.

The company will consider red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service plus data from its own weather stations and humidity levels near its equipment when deciding whether to cut the power, Ching said Wednesday.

Typically, red flag warnings require wind gusts of 25 mph or greater. However, HECO likely would not issue its alert for a potential shutoff until those gusts reach 45 mph, he added.

Company officials did not have an estimate for how many times it expects to shut off the power in advance during this wildfire season, if at all  it all depends on the weather, they said.

If the shutoffs do occur, HECO estimates they could last anywhere from six hours to several days depending on the severity of the weather and the damage done to its transmission lines and equipment.

Some 94 circuits on the grid on the four islands are located within the shutoff plan boundaries, according to Ching. The company could isolate the shutoffs to circuits that fall within the areas affected by bad weather, he added.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is installing 54 weather stations across its coverage area to better monitor conditions around its equipment, Kelly said.

On Oahu, the areas included in the shutoff plan are restricted to the Leeward Coast and could potentially shut down all of the pumps, wells and other equipment used by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply to provide water to the 50,000 or so residents there, according to BWS Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau.

If that happens, BWS would rely on two gravity-powered tunnels in Waianae that can provide some of that water without electricity, Lau said. The agency would also pump in water from the neighboring areas of Koolina and Barbers Point and mobilize generators at some of its Leeward Coast pumping stations to get water to the community there, he added.

Still, the communities would likely have to conserve water during those outages, Lau said.

The kits and supplies that residents gather for hurricanes could also work well for the wildfire power shutoffs, emergency officials said Wednesday. Plus, the wildfire and hurricane seasons largely coincide, they added, with the wildfire season having started in May and the new hurricane season about to start in June.

Were all getting better at what we do, Pickett said Wednesday of the emergency preparedness efforts across Hawaii. I feel hopeful that were moving the needle  but were not there yet.

This story was originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Hawaii
Firefighters battling a California wildfire burning east of San Francisco have increased containment on the fire, but hot weather is in the forecast for the next few days.

Nearly 500 firefighters, along with several air tankers from throughout the state are working on the Corral fire in San Joaquin County.

Weather conditions became more favorable, allowing crews to make progress constructing and improving control lines. The 14,168-acre fire is now 75% contained, according to CalFire.

The fire started June 1. The cause is under investigation.

The fire quickly spread across hundreds of acres of tall grass, prompting evacuation orders of nearby locales.

The favorable firefighting conditions are not expected to last. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the week warning of dangerous hot conditions with temperatures of 95 to 108 possible in Central California.

The heat is moving over portions of the Western U.S. this week comes from a massive heat dome parked over Mexico that began to shift northward and into the Southwestern and South Central, according to AccuWeather.

Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Trends Wildfire
VANCOUVER, BC - June 3, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS), a premier platform for celebrating Indigenous success, fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable development, is returning to Vancouver on June 5-6. IPSS unites leaders in Indigenous business, government, and corporate Canada to highlight the ways these leading-edge relationships are making reconciliation a reality for the whole nation.

Celebrating its fifth year, the 2024 showcase will take place on June 5 - 6 at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West Building). GCT Global Container Terminals is returning as the event's patron sponsor, alongside digital sponsor TELUS, and sponsors Enbridge, Beedie, LNG Canada, PCI Developments, and Woodfibre LNG.

The theme for this year's conference is "Reconciliation in Action." Panels and discussions will revolve around topics including real estate and land development, technology, natural resources, finances, trade and Indigenous small businesses.

Aaron Pete, host of the Bigger Than Me podcast, will emcee this year's showcase, and Melanie Mark, former BC Cabinet Minister, will emcee this year's conference dinner on June 5th. Other speakers featured at the showcase include:

Doug Caul, Deputy Minister, Policy and Coordination, Government of BC

Geena Jackson, Executive Producer, Creator and Core Judge on Bear's Lair TV

Jamie Schmale, MP for Haliburton - Kawartha Lakes - Brock

Jay Mearns, Director of Business Development, Musqueam Capital Corporation

Hon. Josie Osborne, BC Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation

Karen Ogen, CEO of First Nations LNG Alliance

Ken Coates, Distinguished Fellow and Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute

Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver

Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director, Clean Energy BC

Michelle Mungall, Former BC Cabinet Minister and MLA

Natiea Vinson, CEO, First Nations Technology Council

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days. For the latest updates on speakers and the full conference agenda, please visit https://www.indigenoussuccess.ca/.

In addition to the engaging discussions and panels, IPSS will feature performances, including Notorious Cree and Git Hayetsk (People of the Copper Shield).

The dinner on the evening of June 5th will also present two Lifetime Achievement Awards for Championing Economic Reconciliation, to the Honourable Larry Campbell and Wendy Grant-John.

"The theme, 'Reconciliation in Action', focuses on ways we can advance and harmonize Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships, especially in the Canadian business landscape," said Chief Ian Campbell, Event Chair for IPSS. "The showcase is deeply inclusive, and we welcome everyone to join the open and forthright conversations that will be fostered at this year's showcase."

Tickets may be purchased here.

Media Contact

For more information, to book an interview or to apply for media accreditation, please contact Taylor Jantzi (tjantzi@globalpublic.com).

About IPSS

The Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS) is a leading platform for celebrating Indigenous success, fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable development. The annual event brings together a diverse range of participants to connect, learn and draw inspiration from the accomplishments of Indigenous communities in Canada. https://www.indigenoussuccess.ca/

More Info:

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Revenue officers seized 43.1kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of 862,000 at Dublin Airport during two separate operations on Sunday.

The illegal drugs were discovered in vacuum-packed packages within the baggage of two passengers who has disembarked separate flights originating from Thailand.
One of Irelands largest hospitals, with the biggest deficit of adult inpatient and critical care beds, is poised for a decade of unprecedented expansion.

Cork University Hospital (CUH) will get the highest allocation of beds nationally as part of the States new bed investment plan.

The CUH group welcomed the Governments Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan which aims to deliver around 3,000 new hospital beds by 2031, or the equivalent of six large hospitals.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly described the national package as a 'game-changer'. Picture: PA

University Hospital Limerick, where 118 beds are being delivered and where 184 have been committed, will get another 84 between 2025 and 2028, to bring its total new bed capacity to 386.

University Hospital Kerry is in line for 108 new beds between 2025 and 2028, to bring its total new bed capacity between 2020 and 2031 to 142.

However, CUH is in line for the most additional new beds, with 412 due by 2031, most of them due for delivery in the two years before that.

With one of CUHs new beds described in the plan as committed, its overall new beds figure will include 70 beds which will have been delivered between 2021 and the end of this year; 80 more are planned for delivery between 2025 and 2028, with 261 due between 2029 and 2031.

CUH said the beds expansion announcement will help fund its comprehensive campus capital plan, which includes the construction of a new trauma, acute, and critical care (TACC) tower building, which once complete will have around 200 beds and Irelands first roof-based helipad.

The CUH expansion plan includes new cancer wards in the Glandore development, with 60 beds.

It has been earmarked for a site to the east of the maternity hospital, facing onto Wilton Rd. It will require the demolition of several existing buildings. It will be built in two, and possibly three phases, pending planning and the HSEs tendering process. Design work is now under way on the first phase.

The plan also includes the long-awaited new childrens acute care building, which will have 82 beds. It has planning permission, and enabling works are under way, with hopes that pending the outcome of the tendering process, construction will start next year.

The CUH expansion plan includes new cancer wards in the proposed Glandore development, which will have 60 beds. The scheme is in design and is subject to planning approval and the tendering process.

The remaining beds will be delivered at new 24-bed wards at the CUH Groups Mallow and Bantry hospitals.

Separately, enabling works on CUHs new surgical hub are complete, with hopes that contractors could be appointed in a few months, and the building complete by the end of 2025.

CUH CEO David Donegan welcomed the Governments bed expansion plan.

This is a major milestone for the CUH Group, reflecting full governmental support for the strategic capital plan weve developed over the last two years, he said.

'This investment will benefit everyone in the southern third of Ireland who rely on CUH,' said CEO David Donegan. Picture: Denis Boyle

This investment will benefit everyone in the southern third of Ireland who rely on CUH.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly described the national package as a game-changer and called it the largest planned expansion of public hospital beds in many decades.

Construction of a ground-based helipad at CUH is well advanced. It is due to become operational this summer.

A spokesman for the hospital said once the TACC tower is fully complete with a roof-based helipad, which could be eight to 10 years away, a decision will be made at that stage on the future of the ground-based helipad.
Who is running?

Sarah Beasley: Aontu

Daniel Butler: FG

Frankie Daly: Independent

Ruairi Fahy: PBP/S

Laura Keyes: Rabharta

Brian Leddin: Green Party

John Moran: Independent

Caitriona Ni Chathain: Socialist Party

Helen ODonnell: Independent

Elisa ODonovan: Social Democrats

Colm OMorain: Independent

Maurice Quinlivan: Sinn Fein

Dee Ryan: FF

Conor Sheehan: Labour

Gerben Uunk: The Animal Welfare Party

What you need to know

A Traveller Pride event might not be the most likely place to find a stereotypical Fine Gael election candidate. Yet Helen ODonnell looks perfectly at home at the event in Kilmallock, Co Limerick.

Of course, she is not a Fine Gael candidate but is instead running for the novel office of Limerick mayor under a community ticket. She is, however, Fine Gael royalty around these parts.

Confused? Wait until we really click into gear with the musical political chairs in this race.

Helen O'Donnell has strong Fine Gael ties but is running as an Independent in the Limerick Mayoral election. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

ODonnell is accompanied by her sister Louise at the event in the towns Coote Hall Resource Centre under a steely sky that spits rain every now and again. There is a Traveller wagon on display and a photographic exhibition portraying the Traveller tradition locally and nationally. Inside the centre various literature and artefacts including a Traveller history project are on display, providing exposure to a tradition that is rich yet inexplicably undervalued.

Helen ODonnell is tall with an easy manner and a warm smile. She arrives at the event with no fuss and immediately mingles while admiring the wagon.

Despite never having run for public office she is perfectly at home on the campaign trail. She looks like shes been doing it all her life, which she has for a good chunk of it as her late husband Tom was a Limerick TD for 26 years, including a spell at cabinet, and a decade doubling as an MEP.

Fine Gael runs deep in the family. Toms uncle Richard was a Cumann na nGaedheal TD in the 1920s and his nephew Kieran is a junior minister in the current government.

Caitriona Ni Chathain is the Socialist Party's candidate to be Mayor of Limerick. Picture Brendan Gleeson

The campaign has gone really well, ODonnell says.

Were three months in and its a very unusual campaign, a historic opportunity. The first period of time we had to spend just explaining the role to people because until recently everybody was unaware of what it is supposed to be.

Theres a fair bit that required explaining. In the first instance, mayoral elections around the world are usually for cities, but this one includes the county because the local authority encompasses both.

The electorate is roughly evenly split between city and county. Should this elected office turn out to be a success it is plausible that each local authority area might demand its own elected mayor.

In 2019, the prospect of an elected mayor was offered by plebiscite to Cork, the only city that has its own exclusive local authority area, Limerick, and Waterford. Cork and Waterford demurred. Limerick people decided to go for it.

A sage might suggest the fortunes of the county hurling team have prompted Limerick people to believe they are capable of anything, even electing a city mayor who is not a city mayor.

ODonnell knows that the family into which she married  she is an OConnor from Sligo herself originally  is well got throughout the county.

We have big county towns like here and NewcastleWest and Abbeyfeale, and we have many, many villages, but yes, the central population is in the city, she says.

So people are just rethinking in terms of the mayors role I suppose. But if I am elected I will be spending as much time in offices out here in Kilmallock as I will be in the city.

As she is talking, another candidate, Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan, ambles up. Pleasantries are exchanged and Quinlivan heads inside.

Rabharta's Dr Laura Keyes on the campaign trail. Picture Brendan Gleeson

There was no falling out between Fine Gael and Helen ODonnell. Last April, she was present at the selection convention for the partys Euro election South constituency.

MEP Sean Kelly is a friend of hers. A few days later she resigned her party membership. The usual fare in these matters, competition and bitterness over candidate selection, didnt apply here. She has for the last 30 years been prominent in Limerick city business and voluntary sectors.

Had she wanted the nomination it would most likely have been handed to her on a plate. So why?

Well, this is a new structure, new for everybody and you need somebody who can collaborate, who can work with people, and thats essentially why Im a community and independent candidate, she says.

I want to be able to work equally with every single person and if you look at the council chamber, thats 40 people and ultimately you all have the same interest so you want to work with them all. It is a presidential-style role, people are actually voting for an ambassador for Limerick, somebody who is representing Limerick nationally and internationally.

While she has no party machine behind her she is close to JP McManus, who walks on water around these parts. On Friday, McManus, to nobody's surprise, endorsed Ms O'Donnell's candidacy. Locally there are suggestions that the expectations of such a prized endorsement may have influenced her decision to go it alone as McManus would be slow to back a party candidate.

John OReilly is tucking into a feed of sandwiches next to the cabin hosting the photo exhibition in Coote Hall. He is a native of Kilmallock and was unaware that at least two of the mayoral candidates were walking among those gathered. Will he vote?

I dont know, he says. What are they going to be able to do? What do any of them do once they get in?

Meanwhile, inside Coote Hall Maurice Quinlivan didnt take long to get into the groove. A bunch of musicians are banging out 'Save The Last Dance For Me'.

A while back it might have been speculated that the Sinn Fein man would waltz into the mayoral office, but his partys trajectory in the polls has called for a second take on that projection.

The drive along the narrow roads from Kilmallock into the city is a study in election posters. Confusion could easily reign here. Its not entirely clear whos running for the mayor, the locals, or the Euro elections.

Mayoral candidate Frankie Daly adds further to the confusion as one of his posters has him decked out in the county jersey. Is he running for a starting place on John Kielys team?

One of the posters, that of Independent candidate John Moran, stands out from the bunch, done in navy and white. If an artist crafted a poster, this would probably be the best of them. Like Helen ODonnell, Moran is perceived by some as a product of Fine Gael, although he says this is completely erroneous.

Independent candidate John Moran. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

In 2011, he was brought from the private sector into the Department of Finance by then-minister Michael Noonan, another Fine Gael stalwart in Limerick. The following year he was appointed secretary general, a highly unusual elevation of an outsider in the notoriously conservative department.

He left two years later and was subsequently appointed chair of the Land Development Agency. Moran has repeatedly pointed out that his public roles were entirely non-political, filled by candidates perceived to have the relevant experience.

Whether he could transfer that experience and nous to the political arena remains to be seen. He is articulate and highly knowledgeable, but doubts have been expressed about his political skills. The new mayor will have to work with elected councillors in vital matters.

He or she will also have to forge a close relationship with the local authoritys chief executive. The allocation of power and perhaps the suppression of egos will be an important dimension in such relationships.

The job comes with a salary of 154,000 and a budget for the office of around 8m for projects and initiatives. There is provision for a staff of five to be directly employed by the mayor. The most significant power will be in proposing the annual budget to Limerick City and Council.

The councillors will have to approve the budget, which will inevitably lead to the kind of horse-trading that we are accustomed to hearing about in the US between the president and Congress.

This will also be the case with the mayors other major power, the crafting of a five-year local development plan. In addition, there will be provision for several meetings with cabinet ministers throughout the year.

The initial proposals had further powers but these were watered down after the Department of Housing  which is overseeing the process  got their hands on it.

Interestingly, the minister charged with bringing the legislation for the new role through the Oireachtas was Limerick man Kieran ODonnell who, in different circumstances, might have stood as the Fine Gael standard bearer in the race.

PBP's Ruairi Fahy, on the campaign trail. Picture Brendan Gleeson

This is new for everybody and there is some scepticism that it can work. On the other hand, the State has, since its foundation, had one of the most centralised governments in Europe. Most people agree that there is a crying need for powers to be decentralised and this is a first tentative step. There is also the possibility of conflict with central government over issues such as funding or priorities.

Some mandarins in government, and perhaps some senior politicians, may be quietly content if the whole thing goes belly up. There is, however, a lot riding on it. If it succeeds others will quickly follow, quite possibly leading to a huge shift in governance by Irish standards.

If it fails, highly centralised government will continue and Limerick will lick its wounds.

Another candidate who smiles down from telephone polls is Dee Ryan, the Fianna Fail standard bearer. She also has Fine Gael links, having been a member and canvassed for the party. In 2017, she tweeted that Micheal Martin was not a leader.

Her views, she says, have evolved. Theyve done a fair bit of evolving over the years as she was once also associated with the Labour Party.

She is articulate and has behind her a solid career in business. Several times in various election events she mentions that she is a mother of four. Party support could be a factor for her. In the most recent IPSOS opinion poll, FF were at 20% nationally but in Munster at 27%. If that Munster vote, like Munster rugby, congregates around Limerick, she could be in with a shout.

Cllr Daniel Butler is the Fine Gael candidate in the Mayoral election. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Fine Gael has an official candidate in the race  Councillor Daniel Butler, who already served a term as mayor when it was a ceremonial role. He was a latecomer, but he denies his arm had to be twisted. In March, when Fine Gael had yet to pick a candidate, he told the local radio station Live95 that the party was in no rush because of the field that had already declared.

You have Helen ODonnell, you have Dee Ryan, who I canvassed with for Michael Noonan and who was a member of Fine Gael and a secretary for the Fine Gael constituency, and then you have John Moran who was appointed by Michael Noonan, he said.

Its amazing you have all these connections out there already so were in no rush.

Its unclear whether he was thrilled that so many candidates might share Fine Gael values or whether the shrinking of options was leaving the party flummoxed and all eyes turning to him.

Maurice Quinlivan is not now, nor ever has been, a member of Fine Gael. He has been Sinn Fein TD for Limerick city since 2016. Having arrived back in the city from Kilmallock, he is canvassing the working-class estates off the Island Road in the city.

A couple of the houses are boarded up, giving expression to one of the citys biggest problems, that of dereliction. This is Sinn Fein heartland. Passing motorists and pedestrians toot and wave at Maurice like hes the local celebrity.

Initially, he was reported to be a reluctant candidate.

Look I gave it some thought, he says. I still think there will be a Sinn Fein government next year despite the polls at the moment and if there was, there would probably have to be a minister from the midwest. I think I would have a chance there, so I took that into account.

"But I looked at the power that the mayor can have to change things, and I spoke to different people who were involved in London and for Andy Burnham (in Manchester), and what they said was you can get done so I went for it.

Quinlivan will do well in the city as he has a record as a solid, if unspectacular, TD. Beyond the city bounds, however, he will be a new entity.

Sinn Fein candidate Maurice Quinlivan is expected to do well in the city. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Im very happy with the reaction out in the county, he says.

Its the same issues wherever you go, housing in particular and health.

He has been vocal on the plight of Limerick University Hospital, but the mayor wont have any powers to shorten waiting lists or bump up emergency services.

The mayor will be able to talk to government and lobby for the proper services and I will be doing that, he says.

Many observers are predicting that Quinlivan will top the poll, based on the Sinn Fein vote. But in a field of 15 candidates and one seat on offer, transfers are likely to take on a far greater significance than is usually the case. As the counting continues down through lower preferences, with the field loosening up, he will still be in the leading pack where fate and chance can work their mysterious ways.

The only other TD standing is the Greens Brian Leddin. He also has a solid record since his election, but with his party languishing in the polls it would be a big ask for him to make it over the line.

Whoever wins this election will have a serious job on their hands. Dr Theresa Reidy of UCC makes the point that the first person to occupy the new role will be responsible for effectively shaping it in the new political firmament.

This person will be elected with a very, very large mandate, the political scientist says.

She or he will be able to speak at the same level as national politicians because of that kind of legitimacy and hopefully engage at national level. We have an outline of what the post is going to be, but how it works out in practice and how the contours are defined will really depend on the person who is in the role and the first one will be the most significant, she says.

And right now it is a very lively contest.

It is that. Counting gets underway on Monday 10 June, following the count for the Euros. The nature of the electorate and the huge dependence on transfers indicate that a final result is unlikely to become clear before Tuesday night.

Then a new dawn begins for politics in the Mid West.
It is estimated that as many people in Ireland live with vision impairment as the population of Galway. Thats around 275,000 people.

Vision impairment is not binary. The vast majority of people will have some sight, but it may be limited to central or peripheral vision, or indeed a distortion in key areas.

Its not surprising then that age-related macular degeneration, which affects one in four people over the age of 60, is a retirement-ruiner.

This week sees more than 500 delegates from 23 countries come to Dublin for the Retina International World Congress. The event brings together scientists and clinicians at the cutting edge of eye research, together with patient advocates and people with a vision impairment, in a concerted effort to pool their collective know-how to advance treatments and cures for sight loss.

Blindness and vision impairment dramatically alter an individuals life.

Basic activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces become insurmountable challenges. The psychological impact of sight loss is equally severe. Individuals often experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

Blindness and vision impairment can dramatically alter an individuals life. Picture: iStock

With growing medical costs, the need for specialised services and support, and lost productivity, the economic burden of visual impairment is also substantial.

However, investing in research to cure or mitigate sight loss not only positively impacts our health, human dignity, and wellbeing, but it can also transform this economic landscape.

For instance, early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration can prevent progression to blindness, thereby maintaining individuals productivity and reducing healthcare costs.

Moreover, treatment advances now hold the promise of restoring sight. Gene therapy, which involves repairing or replacing defective genes responsible for certain types of blindness, has shown promising results. For example, Luxturna, a gene therapy for a specific type of inherited blindness, has restored vision in patients who were previously losing their sight.

Three Irish citizens have been recipients, although treated in London and Paris while waiting for the HSE to catch up with European counterparts. Until now, it would have been regarded as a miracle to restore such vision.

Stem-cell therapy is another promising avenue. By regenerating damaged retinal cells, this technology has the potential to restore vision in conditions currently deemed incurable.

Furthermore, bionic eyes and advanced prosthetics are also being developed to provide functional vision to those who have lost their sight.

The development of clinical trials and implementation of EU-approved therapies requires patient registries of data containing peoples relevant genetic information, so that suitable candidates can be quickly identified for further research or clinical treatment. Such registries can appear costly to build and maintain.

Finbarr Roche, chief executive of Fighting Blindness, which hosts the Retina International World Congress in Dublin this week.

However, they have unrivalled benefits both to the ongoing pursuit of genetic architecture and natural history in Ireland and the facilitation of genetic counselling, so that everyone can be informed early of the likely outcome of their condition and its hereditary implications.

With this information, each person can make life choices in family planning and appropriate long-term career options, lessening uncertainty and anxiety in decision-making. This can improve the wellbeing of people living with conditions that are often accompanied by anxiety, depression, fear, stress, fatigue, and loneliness.

However, too many citizens are still waiting for a genetic diagnosis, and those that do have their genetic diagnosis are often left waiting for it to be processed, because Ireland has too few clinical genetics experts.

Ethically, and as a human right, society has a responsibility to support those affected by sight loss. This includes not only medical interventions but also fostering environments that are inclusive and supportive of visually-impaired individuals. Research into adaptive technologies, such as screen readers and navigation aids, has greatly enhanced the independence and quality of life of those living with vision impairments.

Whether its ground-breaking new treatments or innovative technologies, they all require substantial investment in research and development.

Public and private funding can accelerate the transition from laboratory research to clinical application, ensuring that these innovations reach those in need. But, in Ireland  which leads the world in this type of research  this work is largely dependent upon charitable donations.

The Irish public has been exceptionally generous towards finding a cure for inherited blindness over nearly four decades.

Thanks to that support, some 20m in funding for more than 100 research and clinical projects has progressed our understanding and raised hope, especially for the estimated 3,500 Irish citizens who live with inherited retinal degeneration.

Around 300 genes have so far been identified that are associated with genetic forms of retinal disease.

However, this accounts for just under 70% of cases.

For the remaining 30%, a disease-causing genetic variation has yet to be identified. As such, we are not seeking one cure, but many.

With a population the size of Galway, the vision-impaired community in Ireland relies on scientific research to unlock the cures that are waiting to be discovered. It provides an essential ingredient to life. One of hope.

As part of the Retina International World Congress being hosted by Fighting Blindness, a public engagement day will take place on Saturday, June 8, affording people with sight loss an opportunity to quiz the eye experts.

To register to attend, or to view the live stream, visit fightingblindness.ie
Elon Musk and the entrepreneur and investor David Sacks reportedly held a secret dinner party of billionaires and millionaires in Hollywood last month. Its purpose: to defeat Joe Biden and re-install Donald Trump in the White House.

The guest list included Peter Thiel, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Milken, Travis Kalanick, and Steven Mnuchin, Trumps treasury secretary.

Meanwhile, Musk is turning up the volume and frequency of his anti-Biden harangues on Twitter/X, the platform he owns.

According to an analysis by the New York Times, Musk has posted about the president at least seven times a month, on average, this year. He has criticized Biden on issues ranging from Bidens age to his policies on health and immigration, calling Biden a tragic front for a far left political machine.

The Times analysis showed that over the same period of time, Musk has posted more than 20 times in favour of Trump, claiming the criminal cases the former president now faces are the result of media and prosecutorial bias.

This is no small matter. Musk has 184 million followers on X, and because he owns the platform hes able to manipulate the algorithm to maximise the number of people who see his posts.

No other leader of a social media firm has gone as far as Elon Musk in supporting authoritarian leaders around the world. In addition to Trump, Musk has used his platform in support of Indias Narendra Modi, Argentinas Javier Milei and Brazils Jair Bolsonaro.

No other leader of a social media firm has gone as far as Musk in supporting authoritarian leaders around the world. In addition to Trump, Musk has used his platform in support of Indias Narendra Modi, Argentinas Javier Milei and Brazils Jair Bolsonaro.

Some of this aligns with Musks business interests. In India, he secured lower import tariffs for Tesla vehicles. In Brazil, he opened a major new market for Starlink, SpaceXs satellite internet service. In Argentina, he solidified access to lithium, the mineral most crucial to Teslas batteries.

But something deeper is going on. Musk, Thiel, Murdoch and their cronies are leading a movement against democracy.

Peter Thiel, the billionaire tech financier, once wrote: I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible. If freedom is not compatible with democracy, what is it compatible with?

Thiel donated $15m to the successful Republican senatorial campaign of JD Vance, who alleged the 2020 election was stolen and Bidens immigration policy meant more Democrat voters pouring into this country. (Vance is now high on the list of Trump vice-presidential possibilities.)

Thiel also donated at least $10m to the Arizona Republican primary race of Blake Masters, who also claimed Trump won the 2020 election, and admires Lee Kuan Yew, the authoritarian founder of modern Singapore.

Billionaire tech financier Peter Thiel no longer believes 'freedom and democracy are compatible'.

Billionaire money is now gushing into the 2024 election. Just 50 families have already injected more than $600m into the 2024 election cycle, according to a new report from Americans for Tax Fairness. Most of this is going to the Trump Republican party.

In 2021, Stephen A Schwarzman, the billionaire chairman and chief executive of the Blackstone Group, called the January 6 attack on the US Capitol an insurrection and an affront to the democratic values we hold dear. Now hes backing Trump because, Schwarzman says, our economic, immigration and foreign policies are taking the country in the wrong direction".

Trump recently solicited a group of top oil executives to raise $1bn for his campaign, reportedly promising if elected he would immediately reverse dozens of environmental rules and green energy policies adopted by Biden. Trump said this would be a deal for the oil executives that would avoid taxation and regulation on their industry.

Speaking from the World Economic Forums confab last January in Davos, Switzerland, Jamie Dimon  chair and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, the largest and most profitable bank in the United States, and one of the most influential CEOs in the world  heaped praise on Trumps policies while president. Take a step back, be honest, Dimon said. Trump grew the economy quite well. Tax reform worked.

Rubbish. Under Trump the economy lost 2.9 million jobs. Even before the pandemic, job growth under Trump was slower than its been under Biden.

Most of the benefits of Trumps tax cut went to big corporations like JPMorgan Chase and wealthy individuals like Dimon, while the costs blew a giant hole in the budget deficit. If not for those Trump tax cuts, along with the Bush tax cuts and their extensions, the ratio of the federal debt to the national economy would now be declining.

But dont assume the increasing flow of billionaire money to Trump and his Republican party is motivated solely by tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks. The goal of these US oligarchs is to roll back democracy.

When asked if he was becoming more political, Musk admitted (in a podcast in November): If you consider fighting the woke mind virus, which I consider to be a civilizational threat, to be political, then yes  Woke mind virus is communism rebranded. Communism rebranded? Hello?

If we want to guard whats left of our freedom, we must meet the anti-democracy movement with a bold pro-democracy movement that protects the institutions of self-government from oligarchs like Musk and Thiel and neo-fascists like Trump. Picture: AP/Jose Luis Magana

A former generation of wealthy US conservatives backed candidates like Barry Goldwater because they wanted to conserve American institutions. Musk, Thiel, Schwarzman, Murdoch and their fellow billionaires in the anti-democracy movement dont want to conserve much of anything  at least not anything that occurred after the 1920s, including social security, civil rights, and even womens right to vote.

As Thiel wrote: The 1920s were the last decade in American history during which one could be genuinely optimistic about politics. Since 1920, the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries and the extension of the franchise to women  two constituencies that are notoriously tough for libertarians  have rendered the notion of capitalist democracy into an oxymoron.

If capitalist democracy is becoming an oxymoron, its not because of public assistance or because women got the right to vote. Its because billionaire capitalists like Musk and Thiel are intent on killing democracy by supporting Trump and the neo-fascists surrounding him.

Not incidentally, the 1920s marked the last gasp of the Gilded Age, when Americas robber barons ripped off so much of the nations wealth that the rest of the US had to go deep into debt both to maintain their standard of living and to maintain overall demand for the goods and services the nation produced.

When that debt bubble burst in 1929, we got the Great Depression. Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler then emerged to create the worst threats to freedom and democracy the modern world had ever witnessed.

If America learned anything from the first Gilded Age and the fascism that grew like a cancer in the 1930s, it should have been that gross inequalities of income and wealth fuel gross inequalities of political power  as Musk, Thiel, Schwarzman, Murdoch and other billionaires are now putting on full display  which in turn generate strongmen who destroy both democracy and freedom.

Under fascist strongmen, no one is safe  not even oligarchs.

If we want to guard whats left of our freedom, we must meet the anti-democracy movement with a bold pro-democracy movement that protects the institutions of self-government from oligarchs like Musk and Thiel and neo-fascists like Trump.

Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley

Guardian
Sometimes it take just one horrific incident to change the course of a conflict. In Mogadishu, on October 3, 1993, when an elite US Army Ranger unit took heavy casualties (18 dead and 73 wounded) one rangers body was filmed being dragged through the streets of the Somali capital.

That incident, re-enacted in the film Black Hawk Down, broke the will of the US administration. They withdrew all their forces from Somalia and the warlords won. In Bosnia, on February 5, 1994, it was one mortar bomb that hit a crowded marketplace in Sarajevo and killed 68 people. This persuaded the US to allow Nato to intervene and bring the war to an end.

The Israeli missile attack last Sunday week  which killed 45 Palestinian men, women and children, and wounded hundreds more in a Rafah displaced persons (DP) camp  is the catalyst that has brought about the latest ceasefire proposals. The missile triggered a fire in a tented area and most of the dead and injured were burned. The video clips included a father being shown the decapitated head of his daughter, with the rescuer gently turning the head in a small plastic bag to facilitate identification.

Retribution, salvation, and atonement are appropriate biblical words that come to mind when considering the present-day apocalypse in Gaza. Even as Rafah reeled from air attacks, Rio rocked. Just three weeks ago, 1.5m fans gathered on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for Madonnas free concert, where the 65-year-old gave the performance of her life to an ecstatic crowd. High on a mountain in the distance, the massive statue of Christ the Redeemer with outstretched arms, seemed to give divine protection to the event.

The same weekend, six time zones to the east, 1.4m people in Rafah waited in vain for salvation. The vast majority had been displaced from central and northern Gaza . They were hungry, exhausted, and traumatised. As word was received that the ceasefire talks had ended, they heard that they were about to be moved on again.

Around the same time, the IDF declared that the Hamas threat in northern and central Gaza had been neutralised and that there were only about four Hamas battalions left (3,000 combatants), mainly concentrated in the south. The IDF regrouped its troops and armour in preparation for one final ground offensive to wipe out the remaining Hamas units in Rafah. However, the military situation was not as it seemed.

Hamas reemerged in both northern and central Gaza. The IDF had to mount a week-long operation to restore control in the northern city of Jabalia. Air strikes sharply increased in central Gaza.

Moreover, there is increased speculation that the number of surviving Hamas fighters is much greater than previously thought. Two fringe newspapers have suggested that the bulk of Hamas fighters  or over 15,000  have survived, mainly in the tunnels. The IDF, by announcing that 20% to 40% of the tunnels had been neutralised, have inadvertently confirmed that 60% to 80% of the tunnels are still operational.

It would be wrong to view the war in Gaza purely in terms of the current Israeli military action in Gaza. Leaving aside the terrible humanitarian consequences, the Hamas-Israel conflict has evolved into a classic 21st century hybrid war, where military and non-military means are combined to achieve political objectives. The non-military means include information warfare, psychological warfare, political warfare, lawfare and economic warfare.

For a brief moment, Israel held the high moral ground and international sympathy over the murderous attack by Hamas on the October 7 last. The attack, however, was not an end in itself.

The main objective was to provoke an Israeli overreaction, which has led to the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing today.

International opinion, already concerned about the loss of civilian lives in Ukraine, is incensed by the even higher loss of civilian lives in Gaza.

Despite fielding a professional team of IDF spokespersons to present their position in the international media, Israel has decisively, and irretrievably, lost the information war. This factor alone could pressure Israel into ending operations.

Few could have expected that Hamas would also come out in front in the psychological war. True, the extensive barrages of rocket attacks on Israel, had little or no physical impact on Israel, but their psychological effect was to keep the population on edge.

Hamass main psychological weapon, however, was the way they used the 252 hostages. The drip-drip effect of releasing only a few bodies, over a long period, is prolonging the agony of the hostages families. It must also be having a demoralising effect on the Israeli population at large. Street protests to get the hostages home are getting larger by the day.

Satellite images by Maxar Technologies show the before and after views, on May 26, 2024, top, and May 29, 2024, bottom, of southern Gaza and Rafah that spotlight the aftermath of the recent airstrike near the large tent camp and an UNRWA facility. Picture: Maxar Technologies via AP)

Hamas shows no sign of giving up, but cracks are appearing in the Israeli political and security leadership. Public interviews by former senior Israeli personalities are undermining the governments efforts. A former prime minister has stated that the Israeli side looked down on Hamas as inferior, but that in reality they were as intellectually sophisticated as we are.

Two former directors of Shin Bet, the agency tasked with internal security, claimed that they had warned the government for years of the rise in Hamass military capabilities and urged for pre-emptive strikes.

One very despondent director added that Hamas is an idea, and it is impossible to defeat an idea.

As regards both political and lawfare strands, pressure is steadily building up on Israel with pro-Palestinian initiatives at the United Nations in New York and with more states recognising Palestine. Israel has more to lose in the legal processes started by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

It is no longer a foregone conclusion that Israel will achieve its objective of winning the war in Gaza.

Dorcha Lee is a retired army colonel and defence analyst
A Pakistan appeals court acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan of leaking state secrets on Monday, his lawyer has said.

Despite the ruling, the popular opposition leader will remain behind bars as he serves several prison terms and awaits a slew of cases pending against him.

Khan was convicted in January of treason and sentenced to 10 years over an incident, popularly known as the cipher case, in which he was accused of exposing state secrets by waving a confidential document at a protest rally.

The government has not made the document public, but it is believed to be diplomatic correspondence between the Pakistani ambassador to Washington and the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.

Khan claimed the document was proof he was being threatened and that his ouster in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 was a US conspiracy, allegedly executed by the military and the government in Pakistan.

American and Pakistani officials have denied the claim.

Khan, a former cricket star turned Islamist politician who served as prime minister from 2018, remains a popular opposition figure.

The Islamabad High Court did not elaborate on Mondays acquittal. Its order calls for the January judgement to be set aside, though the prosecutors can appeal the acquittal.

He shall be released forthwith, if not incarcerated in any other case, the order concluded.

One of Khans lawyers, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, welcomed the ruling and said the prosecution was unable to prove their case in open court.

Though a victory, the development changes nothing for Khan, who will remain behind bars. He has been convicted in four cases and awaits other trials, with more than 150 lawsuits filed against him.

Last year, Pakistan witnessed violent demonstrations after his arrest and the government has heavily clamped down on his supporters and party ever since.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Sen. Bernie Sanders has been scathing about the invitation issued by Congressional leaders to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address them. Sanders blasts Netanyahu as a war criminal and says he will boycott the appearance. The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in the Hague has requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his minister of defense, Yoav Gallant, for the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Sanders praised the ICC request. Netanyahus total war on Gaza has killed over 36,000 people, some 70% of them women and children.

Sanders is right to be outraged. But there is a long history of the US Congress asking war criminals, and criminals of other sorts, to address it. Not to mention the war crimes that Congress itself has committed, such as the illegal authorization it issued in 2002 to George W. Bush to invade Iraq, an invasion that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced 4 million people, and left the country a basket case to this day.

In 1959 Congress invited the king of Belgium, Baudouin, to address it. He had been the sovereign over the Congo in the 1950s. Under his rule thousands of mixed-race children were kidnapped by Belgian authorities and transported to Belgium for adoption. Belgian rule in Congo was brutal and heavy-handed. Baudouin later accepted Congolese independence in 1960, but was complicit (a year after he addressed Congress) in overthrowing and murdering its first post-Belgian leader, Patrice Lumumba. The US CIA helped.

In 1978 Congress was addressed by Anwar El Sadat and Menachem Begin. Begin was a war criminal and in some ways the inventor of modern Middle Eastern terrorism.. In the 1940s he commanded the Irgun Zvai Leumi terrorist group in British Mandate Palestine. He instigated the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1946 to hit out at British Intelligence, which had an office in the hotel. The bombing killed dozens of innocent civilians. Begins Irgun was also responsible for the massacre of over a hundred innocent Palestinian villagers at Deir Yassin in 1948, an action which he justified and boasted about in his autobiography: Our men were compelled to fight for every house; to overcome the enemy they used large numbers of hand grenades. And the civilians who had disregarded our warnings suffered inevitable casualties. There is a long history of Israeli terrorists threatening to attack people and attempting to force them from their homes, and then blaming them for being massacred because they didnt allow themselves to be expelled.

In 1989 Congress in its wisdom decided to be addressed by South Korean strongman Roh Tae-woo, who had engineered the 1979 coup in that country. In 1980 he had been complicit in ordering the crushing of pro-democracy protests in Gwangju. He went on to steal hundreds of million of dollars from campaign funds. Roh Tae-woo was sort of a South Korean Donald Trump and that he was so popular with Congress was maybe a sign that in 1989 the country was already heading in a bad direction.

In 2016 and again in 2023, Congress let the odious Narendra Modi of India soil its halls. Genocide Watch explains, In 2002, anti-Muslim carnage engulfed the Indian state of Gujarat, killing at least 1,000 people. Most of the victims were Muslims. The Chief Minister of Gujarat was Narendra Modi, a lifelong member of the Hindu extremist RSS. He ordered police not to stop the massacres. The BBC did a fine documentary on the massacre, which India banned.

Lots of other unsavory people have traipsed through the national legislatures halls. Im not sure any of them has killed as many innocents as Netanyahu, the Butcher of Gaza.
At the very least, Justice Alito should recuse himself from cases involving the 2020 election.

( Otherwords.org )  Americas highest court is supposed to be impartial  especially when it comes to our elections and constitutional rights.

Unfortunately, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has been sending not very subtle signals that hes aligned with former President Donald Trumps MAGA movement  and the exclusionary Christian nationalism that motivates many of Trumps followers.

Americans learned recently that an Appeal to Heaven flag was flown over Alitos beach house last summer. We also found out that an upside-down American flag flew at Alitos home in the days following the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Both flags were carried by insurrectionists fighting to keep Donald Trump in office after he lost the 2020 election.

Alito blamed his wife for flying the flags and claimed, not very convincingly, that they had nothing to do with contemporary politics.



SCOTUS Red Alert, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v. 3, 2024

The Appeal to Heaven flag, which features an evergreen tree and a phrase taken from the writings of John Locke to justify rebellion against unjust authority, was used by some patriots during the Revolutionary War.

But in recent years, its been adopted as a call to spiritual and political warfare against the idea of secular government  and a rallying point for those who believe Trump was anointed by God.

Dutch Sheets, an apostle within a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, has adopted and promoted the flag for the last decade. Sheets teaches that the church is meant to be Gods governing force on the Earth. Promoting a 2018 gathering at Trumps hotel in Washington, D.C. called The Turnaround: An Appeal to Heaven, Sheets declared, The Church is about to move into a completely new level of enforcing Kingdom rule and the will of God on earth.

This dominionist ideology is in direct conflict with the constitutional separation of church and state that preserves all Americans religious freedom and protects equality under law for people of every faith and no faith.

During Trumps presidency, Sheets and his allies prayed that God would create more vacancies on the Supreme Court for Trump to fill. After Trump lost the 2020 election, Sheets was extremely

active in the religious-right wing of the Stop the Steal movement to keep Trump in power, insisting that God did not want Joe Biden to be president. Appeal to Heaven flags were all over the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021, along with other symbols of Christian nationalist ideology.

The red flags over the Supreme Court are metaphorical. But the flags flown over Alitos homes, and the messages they have sent, are very real. By flying these flags, hes called into question his ability to be impartial  and is making it harder for Americans to respect the court or expect its current majority to defend the rights of all Americans.

Despite these concerns, Alito insists that he wont recuse himself from cases involving the 2020 election. But he should. And Americans should consider the impact that the Supreme Court will have on our rights and freedoms.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 /Banyan Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Banyan") (TSXV:BYN) (OTCQB:BYAGF) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2024 exploration program at it's AurMac Project ("AurMac"), located in the Mayo Mining District, Yukon, and the addition of Henry Marsden as a Technical Advisor.

" Drilling underway is focused on demonstrating the economic potential of the project and, in part, the Resource's potential to grow in grade and scale - with all deposits open. Drilling is guided by our internal scoping work with mining development experts and updated geological and structural models, " stated Tara Christie, President & CEO of Banyan. " The strategic advice we have received from the expertise of our mining development shareholders and advisors such as Henry Marsden, has positioned us for our most focused drill program to date. We are excited for how transformational this year will be for Banyan. "

Drilling at AurMac has commenced with immediate targets on the Powerline Deposit, as part of the currently planned 5,000 metre ("m") drill program, which will guide potential additional drilling this year.

In conjunction with the above, Banyan continues to progress metallurgy, engineering, community engagement and environmental baseline programs at AurMac. Highlights of ongoing technical work include structural re-interpretation, 3D geophysical inversion integrated with the three-dimensional geological model and utilising the advice of experts in specific areas, including Henry Marsden on the strategically planned drill program for 2024.

Community engagement this year has included participating in career fairs, education, diversity-based projects and First Nation-led initiatives in Mayo. Banyan has also partnered with Yukon Seed and Restoration, a Na-cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation majority-owned business, by providing training space, accommodation and food for a drone training workshop.

Henry Marsden, BSc., MSc.

Henry Marsden is an exploration geologist with more than 40 years of experience including executive exploration roles and mine advancement positions. Most recently, Mr. Marsden was Senior Vice President of Exploration for Yamana Gold, until the company was acquired by Pan American Silver and Agnico Eagle in March 2023. He previously served as Chief Geologist for Yamana, beginning in 2014.

Mr. Marsden began his mining career in British Columbia in 1982 with Esso Minerals and Homestake Mining, in a wide variety of settings including Eskay Creek and southern Chile, until 1991. He has worked as a consultant throughout North, Central and South America, Turkey and China for numerous companies including Newcrest Mining, Meridian Gold, Gold Fields Exploration and Lake Shore Gold. Mr. Marsden has played a key role in the discovery and advancement of several deposits including Rio Blanco and Pico Machay in Peru and the Timmins West gold deposit in Timmins, Ontario. Mr. Marsden holds a B.Sc. in Geology from University of British Columbia and a Master of Science in Geology from Carleton University.

Exploration

Banyan Gold commenced drilling this weekend and is pleased to announce the first drill hole, which is still being drilled, yielded significant visible gold. " Congratulations to our geologists who have already identified several instances of visible gold starting at 12 m in the first drill hole of the year, " stated Tara Christie, Banyan President & CEO. "This increases our confidence in the continuity of near-surface (<100m) higher grade zones in Powerline."

Photos: Visible gold in Hole 24-519 first drill hole of the year.

Stock Options Grant

The Board of Directors of the Company have granted 1,250,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.31 per share and a vesting period of up to 18 months. The options are being granted with a five-year term.

The stock options are being issued to officers, consultants, advisors and exploration staff of the Company. The options were granted under and are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's stock option plan.

Qualified Persons

Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release Mr. Gray is Banyan Gold's geological consultant and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information.

Upcoming Events

Invest Yukon Investment Conference & Property Tours - June 21 - 26

Precious Metals Summit Beaver Creek - September 10 - 13

Denver Gold Forum Americas - September 15 - 18

About Banyan

Banyan's primary asset, the AurMac Project is adjacent to Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine, in Canada's Yukon Territory. The current inferred MRE for the AurMac Project of 7.0 million ounces has an effective date of February 6, 2024.

The 173 square kilometres ("sq km") AurMac Project lies 30 km from Victoria Gold's Eagle Project and adjacent to Hecla Mining's high grade Keno Hill Silver mine. The AurMac Project is transected by the main Yukon highway and access road to the Victoria Gold open-pit, heap leach Eagle Gold mine. The AurMac Project benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage. Banyan has the right to earn up to a 100% interest, in both the Aurex and McQuesten Properties respectively, subject to certain royalties.

The inferred MRE for the AurMac Project was prepared on February 6, 2024, and consisted of 7,003,000 ounces of gold (see Table 1) hosted within near surface, road accessible pit constrained Mineral Resources contained in three near/on-surface deposits: the Airstrip, and Powerline Deposits.

Table 1: Pit-Constrained Inferred Mineral Resources - AurMac Project (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

Deposit Gold Cut-Off g/t Tonnage Tonnes Average Gold Grade g/t Gold Content oz. Inferred Airstrip 0.30 35,243,000 0.75 845,000 Powerline 1 0.30 312,243,000 0.61 6,158,000 Combined Inferred 0.30 347,486,000 0.63 7,003,000

Notes to Table 1 :

The effective date for the MRE is February 6, 2024 and was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI

43-101. The technical report supporting the Resource Estimate entitled "AurMac Property, Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada" (the "Technical Report") has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca on March 18, 2024.

Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, changes in global gold markets or other relevant issues. The CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category. Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold for all deposits, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 0.75 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: gold price of US$1,800/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$5.50/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 80% gold recoveries, and 45 pit slopes. The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects; rounding followed the recommendations as per NI 43-101.

Detailed images of the Mineral Resource model, including an interactive 3D model and additional information can be found at: https://www.banyangold.com/projects/aurmac/

In addition to the AurMac Project, the Company holds the Hyland Gold Project, located 70 km Northeast of Watson Lake, Yukon, along the Southeast end of the Tintina Gold Belt (the "Hyland Project"). The Hyland Project represents a sediment hosted, structurally controlled, intrusion related gold deposit, within a large land package (over 125 sq km), accessible by a network of existing gravel access roads.

Banyan trades on the TSX-Venture Exchange under the symbol "BYN" and is quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "BYAGF". For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.BanyanGold.com or contact the Company.

ON BEHALF OF BANYAN GOLD CORPORATION

(signed) "Tara Christie"

Tara Christie

President & CEO

For more information, please contact:

Tara Christie  778 928 0556  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jasmine Sangria  604 312 5610  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor OTCQB Venture Market 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.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking information, which is not comprised of historical facts and is based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend(s)", "believe", "potential" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that 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 Company's plans for exploration and future economic studies, and statements regarding exploration expectations, prospectivity of the Company's property interests, potential mining processes, pricing assumptions and costs ease and confidence in increasing ounces, exploration or development plans and timelines; mineral resource estimates; mineral recoveries and anticipated mining costs. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include uncertainties inherent in resource estimates, continuity and extent of mineralization, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, uncertainties relating to the estimation of mineral resources and the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, enhanced risks inherent to conducting business in any jurisdiction, and those risks set out in Banyan's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Banyan 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. Banyan 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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solstice Gold Corp. (TSXV: SGC) (Solstice, we, our or the Company) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a strategic land position centred in Strathy Township in the Temagami Greenstone Belt, Northeastern Ontario. The Strathy Gold Project (the Project, or SGP) consists of 45 claims (~41 km2) located in the southeastern part of the prolific Abitibi Subprovince (Figure 1).

David Adamson, Solstices Chairman stated, SGP is an extensive land package containing documented, widespread high-grade gold mineralization in this part of the southern Abitibi Subprovince. Despite this demonstrated prospectivity, our core claim holdings have not been systemically explored in the past. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to apply modern exploration techniques that we believe have an excellent chance of discovery and delivering shareholder value in the near term.

The Strathy Gold Project is underlain by the Archean-age Temagami Greenstone Belt, which is the southernmost extension of the Abitibi Subprovince in Ontario. The SGP includes parts of the Net-Vermilion Deformation Zone (NVDZ) and the Link Lake Deformation Zone (LLDZ), which are two prominent Northeast-Southwest-trending structures crosscutting Archean metavolcanics. Surface sampling and drilling along these deformation zones by various parties has documented significant gold values, pointing to its prospectivity as a gold-bearing structure typical of Abitibi gold systems.

Key Project Highlights include:

Six gold showings (Ontario OMI database) occur on Solstice claims in the central part of the SGP project area.

Solstice claims control parts of, including the potential down dip extension of, documented gold mineralization at the Leckie gold prospect 1 . (see Figure 1).

. (see Figure 1). Other OMI gold showings on Solstice claims contained reported maximum gold samples (surface) ranging from trace to between 16.0 and 62.7 g/t Au .

. Filed assessment work 2 ,3 in the Goward Lake Area ( Figure 2 ) documents gold mineralization associated with mafic to ultramafic intrusives and iron formation. These include 6.68 g/t Au over 4.5 m (including 18.53 g/t Au over 1.5m) on Solstice claims. Also present in this area are wide low-grade copper-gold-silver intercepts (Figure 1). The Goward Lake area mineralization is parallel, and footwall, to the NLDZ. Filed assessment data shows that it responds well to ground IP surveys.

in the Goward Lake Area ( ) documents gold mineralization associated with mafic to ultramafic intrusives and iron formation. These include on Solstice claims. Also present in this area are wide low-grade copper-gold-silver intercepts (Figure 1). The Goward Lake area mineralization is parallel, and footwall, to the NLDZ. Filed assessment data shows that it responds well to ground IP surveys. The Project hosts excellent infrastructure including power lines and a main Provincial highway which runs through the Project, with access to experienced exploration and mining services.

Figure 1: Geology of the Strathy Gold Project and Related Prospects

Pablo McDonald, Solstice CEO stated, Over the course of the last several months our technical teams diligent work led us to acquire this highly prospective land package in the Abitibi Subprovince. This is in keeping with our acquisition approach: to secure dominant land positions with significant exploration potential in established Gold Districts. Extensive high grade gold mineralization is documented over a wide area on Solstice claims, which we believe may be evidence of a larger mineralizing system. The Project area has only ever been explored piecemeal until now, and by assembling this land package we now intend to fast-track systematic exploration over our Strathy claims for the first time in their history. We plan to do this through a combination of field work and ground IP designed to test the Leckie Gold Deposit down dip and also to identify additional targets on what we believe may be larger gold system.

The Company cautions that the QP has not been able to confirm reported data presented herein and that there is no certainty that any mineralization reported on adjacent claims will be present on SGP claims. The QP is of the opinion that the publicly available technical information summarized herein is of a generally acceptable standard to support the technical interpretations and statements in this news release. Additional work will be required by Solstice to test and confirm reported data.

Figure 2: Map of Geochemical Occurrences in the Leckie and Goward Lake Areas of the Strathy Gold Project

Geophysical EM data on this map are derived from Ontario Geological Survey Geophysical Dataset GDS1204Rev1

Option Agreement

The Company announces that it has entered into an option agreement dated June 1st, 2024 (the Option Agreement) with 1544230 Ontario Inc. and Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. (the Optionors) to purchase the Option to acquire the Optionors 100% interest in the Strathy Gold Project.

In consideration for the grant of the Option, Solstice must pay $20,000 in cash within ten days of the effective date of the Option Agreement, and issue 750,000 common shares and as soon as practicable after TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) approval, to the Optionors. To exercise the Option, the Company must make payments according to the following: (i) a payment of $25,000 cash by the first anniversary of the Option Agreement; (ii) a payment of $25,000 cash by the second anniversary of the Option Agreement; (iii) a payment of $35,000 cash by the third anniversary of the Option Agreement. Upon exercise of the Option, the Optionors will retain a 1% NSR Royalty on the six claims (referred to as the Youngs claims in the Option Agreement), 0.5% of which is buyable for $600,000. A separate 1% NSR on the Youngs claims is held by a third party, 0.5% of which is buyable for $500,000, and the second 0.5% of which is buyable for $800,000. The Optionors will retain a 2% NSR on the remaining claims, of which 1% is buyable for $1,000,000.

No finders fees are payable in connection with the Option Agreement. The Option Agreement remains subject to the approval of the TSXV.

In the Companys April 1, 2024 news release, the Company stated it granted 600,000 stock options to Mark Laycock, the Companys new Chief Financial Officer at an exercise price of $0.05 which was a clerical error. The exercise price of the 600,000 stock options was $0.06.

References:

Ontario Mineral Index assessment data (OMI). https://www.geologyontario.mines.gov.on.ca/persistent-linking?drill-hole=31M04SW2046 Assessment Report Based on the 1998 Exploration Strathy Project  376 Goward Lake (Inco) Option: https://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/31M04SW2046/31M04SW2046.pdf Assessment Report Based on the 1998 Exploration Strathy Project  (357,367,and 373): https://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/31M04SE2005/31M04SE2005.pdf

About Solstice Gold Corp.

Solstice is an exploration company with quality, district-scale gold and lithium projects in established mining regions of Canada. Our 35 km2 Strathy Gold Project hosts high grade gold mineralization over a wide area straddling two NE-SW-trending structures. It is located in the Abitibi Subprovince of the Superior Craton and has never been systematically explored in its history. Our Qaiqtuq Gold Project which covers 662 km2, hosts a 10 km2 high grade gold boulder field, is fully permitted and hosts multiple drill-ready targets. Qaiqtuq is located in Nunavut, only 26 km from Rankin Inlet and approximately 7 km from the Meliadine Gold Mine owned by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Our district-scale Atikokan Gold Project is approximately 26 km from the Hammond Reef Gold Project owned by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Our 194 km2 Red Lake Extension (RLX) and New Frontier projects are located at the northwestern extension of the prolific Red Lake Camp in Ontario and approximately 45 km from the Red Lake Mine Complex owned by Evolution Mining. An extensive gold and battery metal royalty and property portfolio of over 80 assets was purchased in October 2021. Well over $2 million in value and three new royalties have been generated since the acquisition.

Solstice is committed to responsible exploration and development in the communities in which we work. For more details on Solstice Gold, our exploration projects and details on our portfolio of projects please see our Corporate Presentation available at www.solsticegold.com.

Solstices Chairman, David Adamson, was a co-award winner for the discovery of Battle North Gold Corporation's Bateman Gold deposit and was instrumental in the acquisition of many of the district properties in the Battle North portfolio during his successful 16 years of exploration in the Red Lake.

Sandy Barham, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Geologist, is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 standards responsible for reviewing and approving the technical disclosures of this news release.

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.

On Behalf of Solstice Gold Corp.

Pablo McDonald, Chief Executive Officer

For further information on Solstice Gold Corp., please visit our website at www.solsticegold.com or contact:

Phone: (604) 283-7234

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward-Looking Statements and Additional Cautionary Language

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements (FLS) including, but not limited to the need for more prospecting and analysis, that the geological and structural setting at SGP is highly prospective for gold mineralization, the focus of follow-up efforts on promising geochemical and mineralogical anomalies, the potential for gold anomalies in samples to be high, and the extension of in-depth systematic prospecting and sampling program this year. FLS can often be identified by forward-looking words such as approximate or (~), emerging, goal, plan, intent, estimate, expects, potential, scheduled, may and will or similar words suggesting future outcomes or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. In respect of the FLS, the Company has made certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at this time. The assumptions include that the Company will have sufficient financial resources for sampling and prospecting this year, that gold discoveries will be to the level anticipated however, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will prove to be accurate and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any FLS include, but are not limited to, limited capital or access to additional capital for prospecting, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required TSXV, governmental, environmental or other project approvals, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, regulatory approvals and other factors. FLS are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Potential shareholders and prospective investors should be aware that these statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the FLS. Shareholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on FLS. By their nature FLS involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur. Solstice undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any FLS whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.
Upcoming drill program at Jake Project follows recent discovery at Maestro Project

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Quartz" or the "Company") (TSXV:QZM)(OTC Pink:QZMRF) is pleased to announce that it has closed the $3.255 million private placement announced on May 6, 2024, through the issuance of 9,300,000 treasury common shares at $0.35 each. A key new investor, The Sutton Group Inc. , has subscribed for 6,000,000 of the shares and will become an insider of Quartz. Of the total 9,300,000 shares, 3,300,000 will be flow-through shares ("FT Shares") to be issued to Robert Dickinson, the Chairman. Quartz intends to use the proceeds of the FT Shares for exploration of its 100% owned Jake and Maestro Projects in British Columbia ("BC"), while the proceeds of the non-FT Shares will be used for general working capital. All the securities have a 4-month hold period in Canada, and no commissions were paid in connection with the financings.

Quartz is now funded to commence drilling in mid-June at its Jake Porphyry Copper-Gold-Silver Property ("Jake"), located 160 km north of Smithers, BC. The Jake drill program aims to discover a new, significant scale, porphyry copper-gold-silver deposit. The Jake drilling follows first drilling at the Company's Maestro Project that discovered an exciting high-grade, gold-silver lode within extensive precious metal mineralization (see Quartz news release dated April 9, 2024).

"Quartz is now well funded and will be moving forward aggressively on both its Jake and Maestro Projects," said Chairman Bob Dickinson. "We are eager to commence our drill program at Jake given our assessment of this important scale opportunity which is aligned with the potential for a global commodity super cycle to drive demand for porphyry deposits. Projects like Jake and Maestro are vital to growing Canada's clean, modern economy, and porphyry deposits are the world's most important sources of copper, gold and silver. Porphyries present the potential for outsized gains, which support Quartz's strategy of developing high demand, high value discoveries that are attractive to potential transaction partners," concluded Dickinson.

About Jake

The 100% owned Jake Property is located 160 km north of Smithers in north central BC. It is accessible by helicopter and close to historical logging roads which lead to mining support towns of Smithers and Hazelton.

Mineralization at Jake is situated within a prominent rusty coloured gossan measuring 3.5 km long by 1.5 km wide. Within the gossan is north-trending dyke swarms that intrude into sedimentary rocks. The combination of extensive historical and recent exploration work has outlined an expansive, altered and mineralized area.

To accurately delineate high-potential porphyry Cu-Au deposit targets within this large mineral system, a series of modern exploration programs have been undertaken. These surveys were designed to build on very compelling historical data developed by legendary porphyry copper explorers (Kennco, Canadian Superior, Cities Service, Placer Development and Teck Corp). Taken together this comprehensive Jake Project technical data base has defined a significant-scale porphyry copper-gold-silver deposit target which underlies an extensive area of highly anomalous Cu, Au, Ag, and Mo values in soils.

About Maestro

The 100% owned Maestro Project, located in central BC, lies adjacent to Highway 16, 15 km north of Houston and 50 km south of Smithers, providing year-round road access to the project and nearby infrastructure.

Since acquiring the property, Quartz has conducted comprehensive exploration programs, including geochemical sampling, IP geophysics, airborne magnetic surveys, hyperspectral studies, detailed relogging of historical drill core, and gold assaying of pulp samples derived from historical analyses of numerous core holes located across the Maestro property.

Results from Quartz's first two drill holes at the Prodigy Zone on the Maestro Property intersected a high-grade gold-silver lode deposit within multi-generation precious metal mineralization all hosted within a Mo-Cu porphyry environment. Core hole PR 23-02 intersected 102 m grading 2.22 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag, including 12 m grading 1.23 g/t Au and 586 g/t Ag and 36 m of 5.73 g/t Au and 87 g/t Ag. Notably, green sericite alteration reminiscent of deposits such as Blackwater-Davidson, which is currently being placed into production, plays a significant role at Prodigy. The discovery is open in multiple directions and at depth, promising significant further potential.

Qualified Person

Farshad Shirmohammad, M.Sc., P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Quartz

Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (TSXV: QZM, OTC Pink: QZMRF) is a restructured public company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Its successful mine finding management is focused on discovering and transacting high-value gold, silver, and copper projects in British Columbia. The Company owns 100% of the Maestro Gold-Silver-Molybdenum-Copper Property and 100% of the Jake Copper-Gold-Silver Property. Both projects have access to infrastructure and high potential for important resources and significant future transactions. The BC Government has awarded permits for 50 drill sites for each project. First drilling at Maestro has discovered a high-grade gold-silver lode within extensive precious metal mineralization all hosted within a large porphyry Mo-Cu system. Drilling at Jake is planned for summer 2024 with the goal of making another important discovery.

Quartz is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. ("HDI"), a company with over 35-years of successfully discovering, developing, and transacting mineral projects in Canada and internationally. Former HDI projects in BC included, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, and Gibraltar - all of which are porphyry deposits with current or former producing mines. Other well-known projects with HDI involvement include Sisson and Prosperity in Canada, Pebble and Florence in the United States, and Xietongmen in China.

Quartz is committed to the advancement of important scale, critical and essential mining assets while following responsible mineral development principles, including a mandate to employ best practice approaches in the engagement and involvement of local communities, and meeting rigorous environmental standards.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert Dickinson

Chairman

For further details, contact Robert Dickinson, Chairman at:

T: (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114.

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

W: www.quartzmountainresources.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 release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed"forward-looking-statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking-statements. 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 the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: the Company's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits, and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of the Company's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur.Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking-statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include variations in market prices, continuity of mineralization and exploration success, and potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories that may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, and which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company,and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings as www.sedarplus.ca and its 20F filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2024) - Canter Resources Corp. (CSE: CRC) (OTC Pink: CNRCF) (FSE: 6O1) ("Canter" or the "Company") is pleased to report initial brine and clay/sediment assay results from the Company's completed 15-hole Phase I shallow Geoprobe drill program at its Columbus Lithium-Boron Project ("Columbus" or the "Project"), located near Tonopah, Nevada. The assays reported herein correspond to approximately 35% of the samples collected during the program.

Initial results successfully demonstrated mineralized brines from shallow aquifers over two kilometres in strike ("km") highlighting the potential for multi-layered aquifers at Columbus.

The initial sediment/clay samples returned peak values of 3,070 ppm boron ("B"), 690 ppm lithium ("Li") and 3.89% potassium ("K") with several highly mineralized sedimentary intervals starting from surface (see Table 2, Figure 1 for highlights). Clay results from CB24-018/019 highlight potential for higher grade Li-B mineralization to extend for kms to the west.

Brine assay results returned notably significant boron values up to 508 milligrams per litre ("mg/L"), along with anomalous Li values up to 49.8 mg/L and high K values up to 5,870 mg/L (Total values - see Table 1, Figure 1-2 for more details).

"We are excited to see these boron-enriched brine concentrations and significant sedimentary intervals within the first ~30 metres along an extended strike length at Columbus," stated Canter CEO Joness Lang. "Seeing boron enriched brines and lithium enriched clays in this shallow interval provides further proof-of-concept, supports our ongoing targeting, and speaks to the multi-commodity potential at Columbus. Boron production is currently limited to a few regions and operators globally and with boron applications rapidly advancing across our most critical growth sectors, including semiconductors and EVs, we view the potential to define significant boron mineralization, domestically, as a tremendous opportunity. We are just getting started with our phased drilling approach and look forward to more results from Phase I before probing deeper in subsequent campaigns set to commence in early Q3/2024."

Highlighted Brine Results (Total values):

CB24-012G: 454 mg/L B, 43.5 mg/L Li and 5,870 mg/L K at 17.37 m depth

CB24-011G: 446 mg/L B, 41.2 mg/L Li and 5,030 mg/L K at 12.19 m depth

CB24-012Gx: 468 mg/L B, 15.3 mg/L Li and 4,410 mg/L K at 19.05 m depth

CB24-011Gx: 508 mg/L B , 2.8 mg/L Li and 4,110 mg/L K at 0.82 m depth

CB24-013G: 337 mg/L B, 49.8 mg/L Li and 5,630 mg/L K at 14.63 m depth

Highlighted Clay Assay Results (Assays rounded - See Table 2):

CB24-002G: 1,248 ppm B, 440 ppm Li and 2.7% K average over 25.15 m from surface Including 1,441 ppm B and 583 ppm Li over 13.0 m (up to 2,560 ppm B / 690 ppm Li)

CB24-019G: 966 ppm B, 525 ppm Li and 3.4% K over 7.6 m (up to 1,530 ppm B / 630 ppm Li)

CB24-018G: 2,106 ppm B and 343 ppm Li over final 4.3 m (up to 3,070 ppm B / 430 ppm Li)

CB24-012G: 1,042 ppm B, 403 ppm Li and 2.66% K over 7 m (up to 1920 ppm B / 580 ppm Li)

Initial Observations and Interpretation of Results

A total of 15 shallow drill holes were completed to test the interpreted upper brine generation layer of the basin. The initial five drill holes (400 m spaced north-south grid) consistently intersected aquifers, capturing saturated brines at shallow depths over 2 km, returning significant near-surface boron-enriched brines and lithium-enriched clays, collectively providing support for the Company's deeper brine targeting.

Figure 1: Zoomed in plan view highlighting brine (mg/L) and clay (ppm) total values for lithium and boron.

The initial findings from the shallow drilling campaign highlight not only the substantial boron and lithium values, but also reveal the significant role of potassium and barium in influencing the geochemical environment. The Company views the potassium concentrations - as high as 5% in these assays - as playing a crucial role in maintaining lithium in solution due to ion exchange processes. This helps lithium remain mobile and migrate to deeper aquifers where it can concentrate in structural traps.

Anomalous boron values near surface are a commonly used pathfinder for targeting significant lithium concentrations deeper in a mineralized system, but the Company views the consistently elevated boron values in shallow brines and clays as very significant on a standalone basis. Boron brine concentrations ranged from 315 mg/L to 508 mg/L and averaged 417 mg/L across the initial brine results. Boron values (and total dissolved solids - "TDS") also increased with depth (see Figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Comparison showing boron and TDS values increasing with depth. Historical assay data indicates boron values increase with depth within the upper levels of the basin and this new data corroborates this theory.

Boron: Established Market, Emerging Applications & Strategic Importance

The boron market is rapidly emerging as a critical mineral due to its use in numerous high-tech and clean energy applications, making the presence of boron mineralization at Columbus potentially significant.

The boron market is expected to grow to more than $3 billion USD by 2027 1 , with Rio Tinto's US Borax and Turkey's state-owned Eti Maden producing an estimated 85% of global supply. 2

Ioneer's ($300M USD market capitalization) claystone deposit hosts significant boron and shares the same volcanic source rocks as Columbus.

Potential for significant boron concentrations at Columbus are considered excellent, with past borax brine production (late 1800s) and significant boron concentrations demonstrated in clays and brines from historical and now current drilling, respectively.

The established boron market has been serving industrial sectors (ceramics, glass, agriculture and cleaning products) for a long time, however;

The boron market is evolving and rapidly growing (currently more than 300 applications), including tech and clean energy, with significant amounts of boron in EVs, and super magnets created using boron being used in solar panels, nuclear reactors and wind turbines.

A boron derivative has emerged as the best semiconductor material on earth, according to a recently competed study by researchers at MIT3.

To learn more about boron and its more than 300 applications, visit the Company's Boron 101 webpage.

Table 1 - Highlighted Brine Sample Results

Sample ID Sample

Depth

(m) Total Sample

Volume (mL) B

Total

mg/L B

Dissolved

mg/L Li

Total

mg/L Li

Dissolved

mg/L K

Total

mg/L K

Dissolved

mg/L CB24-014G-33 10.1 350.0 336.0 331.0 10.8 2.5 4250.0 3820.0 CB24-014G-54 16.5 350.0 315.0 303.0 4.4 4.0 3340.0 3090.0 CB24-013G-30 9.1 350.0 331.0 316.0 2.5 2.1 3860.0 3750.0 CB24-013G-48 14.8 350.0 337.0 312.0 49.8 2.3 5630.0 3510.0 CB24-012G-35 10.7 350.0 385.0 375.0 2.7 ND 4410.0 4110.0 CB24-012G-57 17.4 350.0 454.0 386.0 43.5 2.2 5870.0 3500.0 CB24-012G-62.5x 19.1 350.0 468.0 427.0 15.3 2.3 4410.0 4090.0 CB24-011G-40 12.2 350.0 446.0 463.0 41.2 2.5 5030.0 4070.0 CB24-011G-2.7x 26.5 350.0 508.0 420.0 2.8 ND 4110.0 3270.0 CB24-011G-18 26.5 350.0 425.0 409.0 ND ND 3380.0 3210.0 CB24-001G-35 10.7 350.0 480.0 458.0 2.8 2.4 4130.0 3850.0 Notes: (x) = Duplicate. Total solids encompass all the solid matter, both dissolved and suspended, found in water, including organic and inorganic substances. In contrast, dissolved solids refer specifically to the portion of total solids that are soluble in water, such as salts, minerals, and some organic materials, passing through a filter and remaining in solution.

Table 2 - Highlighted Clay Assay Results

Hole_ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) B (ppm) Li (ppm) K (%) CB24-002G 0.0 4.6 4.6 1670.0 301.2 2.7 CB24-002G 12.2 25.1 13.0 1440.6 583.0 2.6 Peak Values - - ~1.5 2560 @ 0 to 1.52m 690 @ 19.8 to 21.3m 3.02 @ 10.5 to 12.2m Hole Average 0.0 25.1 25.1 1247.6 440.0 2.7 CB24-012G 0.0 3.0 3.0 1435.0 263.2 2.6 CB24-012G 12.2 19.2 7.0 1042.4 403.0 2.6 Peak Values - - ~1.5 1920 @ 0 to 1.52m 580 @ 16.8 to 18.3m 3.06 @ 12.2 to 13.7m Hole Average 0.0 19.2 19.2 853.3 323.3 2.7 CB24-014G 9.1 15.2 6.1 735.0 282.9 2.8 Peak Values - - ~1.5 1190 @ 0 to 1.52m 420 @ 19.8 to 21.3m 3.01 @ 9.1 to 10.6m Hole Average 0.0 15.2 15.2 632.0 236.0 2.7 CB24-018G 4.6 8.8 4.3 2105.7 343.2 3.3 Peak Values - - ~1.5 3070 @ 7.6 to 8.8m 430 @ 6.1 to 7.6m 3.4 @ 4.5 to 6.1m Hole Average 0.0 8.8 8.8 1161.7 226.7 3.2 CB24-019G 4.6 12.2 7.6 966.0 524.9 3.4 Peak Values - - ~1.5 1530 @ 6.1 to 7.6m 630 @ 10.6 to 12.2m 3.9 @ 12.2 to 13.7m Hole Average 0 21.3 21.3 581.5 390.7 3.18 Notes: All holes completed were vertical and utilized a direct push Geoprobe 6620DT drilling rig. Peak value highlights range from 1.52 to 1.7 m in length.

Disclaimer Note:

Mineralization at nearby or adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted at the Company's Columbus Project.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

In a continued commitment to ensuring the highest standards of data accuracy and reliability, the Company has implemented a rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocol for both groundwater and sediment sampling and analysis. This initiative is designed to enhance the precision and credibility of sampling techniques and assay results.

Upon reaching the target lithology depth during drilling, groundwater sampling is initiated with care to avoid surpassing the designated zone. Utilizing a drive-point screen sampler or mechanical bailer, groundwater is extracted to ensure a clean and uncontaminated collection process. Initial purging is conducted, and a Myron Ultrameter II is used to measure general parameters, such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), specific conductivity, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). For wet samples, a minimum 350 mL of groundwater is collected for comprehensive analysis, with all samples handled under strict chain of custody (COC) protocols and stored under optimal conditions until delivery to Western Environmental Testing (WETLAB).

The Company's QA/QC procedures involve collecting additional samples every tenth sample, including duplicates, umpire, and blank samples, to validate the consistency and accuracy of the data. Laboratory analyses cover general parameters and both total and dissolved metals, adhering to stringent testing methods and holding times. More specifically, the following analysis is carried out at WETLAB: Density and pH: SM 4500-H+B; Temperature: SM 2550 B; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): SM 2540 C; ICP Metals Total Li, B & K: EPA 200.7; Digestion for Total Metals: EPA 200.2; ICP Metals Dissolved Li, B & K: EPA 200.7; Digestion for Dissolved Metals: EPA 200.0 and Sample Filtration: SM.

Sediment samples are analyzed by ALS using the Analysis Method ME-ICP61, a four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. This method, while acquiring near-total values, may not quantitatively extract all elements in some sample matrices. It is suitable for intermediate-level lithium analysis in the exploration of Li-bearing sediments. To address boron loss during the four-acid digestion process, the Company includes the analysis of a single acid digestion (B-ICP41) to retain boron values. The Company is implementing a QA/QC protocol for sediment sampling to include Li and B CRMs sourced from Shea Clark Smith/MEG, Inc. and blank material.

Qualified Person (QP)

The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Eric Saderholm P.Geo, Director and Technical Advisor of Canter Resources, a Qualified Person (QP), as defined under National Instrument 43- 101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Canter Resources Corp.

Canter Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company advancing the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA and the Beaver Creek Lithium Property in Montana, USA. The Company is completing a phased drilling approach at Columbus to test highly prospective brine targets at varying depths for lithium-boron enrichment and plans to leverage the Company's critical metals targeting database to generate a portfolio of high-quality projects with the aim of defining mineral resources that support the domestic clean energy supply chain in North America.

For further information contact:

Joness Lang

Chief Executive Officer

Canter Resources Corp.

Tel: 778.382.1193

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For investor inquiries contact:

Kristina Pillon, High Tide Consulting Corp.

Tel: 604.908.1695

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The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

________________________

1 Global Boron Market Report 2024

2 Boron: The Overlooked Critical Material - Seeking Alpha 2022

3 The best semiconductor of them all? - MIT News Office - July 2022
VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Quimbaya Gold Inc. ("Quimbaya Gold" or the "Company") (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) is pleased to announce the acquisition of additional mining properties with gold and silver exploration potential, encompassing approximately 1,624 hectares. The newly secured titles, including SH2-08001 (789.75 Ha), SH2-08002X (57.36 Ha), SID-09152X (64.70 Ha), and SHO-08001 (712.96 Ha), collectively referred to as the "Concession Contracts," which are approximately within less than 10km from Aris Mining Corporation's ("Aris") gold mining sites which significantly expand Quimbaya Gold's foothold in the burgeoning mining landscape of Segovia, situated northeast of Medellin, the regional capital of the Department of Antioquia, Colombia.

All four mining properties are prospective for gold and silver mineralization in structurally controlled Au-Ag vein deposits type. Property SID-09152X is located immediately northeastwards of Aris' operations in Segovia, and along a NE striking valley called La Cianurada Creek crosscutting the Segovia Batholith of the Jurassic age. Property SHO-08001 is contiguous to the east of Aris' operations and host the Nus Fault which separates igneous units of Segovia Batholith to the west from Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequences to the east. Property SH2-08001 is located 4km NE of Aris' operations. The geology is within the Segovia Batholith, intruded by a late porphyritic stock. Lastly, the mining property SH2-08002X is located entirely on volcano-sedimentary sequences of Cretaceous age and between El Bagre and El Nus faults. The mining properties are in a well-known gold mining traditional sector dating back to pre-Hispanic times with presence of numerous currently active companies producing and/or exploring for gold such as Aris (current resources M&I 3,629M gold ounces @ 14.34g/t & Inferred 1,823M gold ounces @ 12.11g/t  from Aris Mining NI 43-101), Soma Gold, Sun Valley and Touchstone.

As compensation for the Concession Contracts, the Company will pay a total amount of USD $400,000. The payment schedule is as follows: Payment 1 of USD $200,000 (USD $100,000 cash and USD $100,000 in shares of the Company, equating to 274,000 shares at a price per share of $0.50 CA per); Payment 2 paid six months after signing for USD $100,000; and Payment 3 made at twelve months after signing for USD $100,000. The vendor of the Concession Contracts will retain a 3% Net Smelter Return on all four of the Concession Contracts, Quimbaya has the option to buy back the NSR for US$1,000,000.

These properties are being acquired from Mrs. Blanca Stella Frias. Mrs. Frias has been actively engaged in Colombia's mining industry for various companies. She was instrumental in leading negotiations, acquisition of world class gold deposit "La Bodega", developed by Ventana Gold Corp., resulting in a $1.4B buyout by Eike Batista's group in 2011. Mrs. Frias has accepted partial payment in Quimbaya Gold shares attesting to her trust in the positive upside impact these properties add to accretive shareholder value for the company. Shareholders, Directors, Management warmly welcome Mrs. Blanca Stella Frias as a strategic investor.

Qualified Person

Francois Goulet, M.Sc., P.Geo, a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects, has reviewed the news release and assumes responsibility for scientific and technical disclosure contained herein.

About Quimbaya Gold

Quimbaya aims to consolidate gold reserves through the exploration and acquisition of mining properties in Antioquia, Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya Gold is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (the Tahami project), Puerto Berrio (the Berrio Project), and Abejorral (the Maitamac Project), all located in the Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Quimbaya Gold Inc.

follow on X @quimbayagoldinc

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Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to potential completion of acquiring the Concession Contracts, including Quimbaya's potential business upon the completion of the acquisitions, the potential conditions and satisfaction of those conditions for the completion of the acquisitions and the issuance of compensation shares and cash; the future prospects and any future commerciality of the Concession Contract. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the satisfaction of any conditions to the acquisitions set forth in the definitive agreements including, without limitation, the acceptance of the proposed acquisition by the CSE and typical closing conditions; and the receipt of all required approvals for the acquisitions, including CSE acceptance, any board approvals or third party consents. Although Quimbaya's management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, BC  TheNewswire - June 3, 2024  Heritage Mining Ltd. (CSE: HML FRA:Y66) (Heritage or the Company) is pleased to announce the consolidation of a new land position within the Western Wabigoon totaling ~6,397 Ha through two asset acquisition agreements with PTX Metals Inc. (CSE:PTX) (PTX Metals) and Shear Gold Exploration Corp. (Shear Gold), forming the Scattergood project (SG). The Company is also pleased to announce exploration plans for the SG project as well as a corporate update.

Highlights:

1)Scattergood Project:

Highly prospective, significant land position along strike of Dynasty Golds Thundercloud  Pelham Deposit totaling (260,000 oz Au NI 43-101 Resource) totaling ~ 6,397Ha (Figure 1, 2)

Numerous intrusives with mineralized contacts in mineralized volcanic host rock effected by complex structural features

Discovery potential for Au, Cu, Ni, Zn, PGE

Excellent Access by paved highway and logging roads

2)Planned 2024 Scattergood Exploration Program:

Compilation and digitization of historical work, 3D geological model, geophysical interpretation, structural interpretation, prospecting, soil sampling, drill targets, drilling

We are excited to be apart of the rapidly growing Eagle-Wabigoon-Manitou-Stormy Lakes greenstone belt with notable neighbours such as Dynasty Gold, Dryden Gold and Kenorland Minerals. Our new shareholders by way of acquisition agreement (PTX Metals (CSE:PTX) and Shear Gold Exploration Corp.) chose Heritage Mining to lead the charge on their land packages based on our aggressive and systematic in field programs and experienced technical team.

Furthermore, the structure of the transaction is favorable to current market conditions as there is no minimum spend requirements, enabling Heritage to continue uninterrupted on current priority initiatives while solidifying a new position in a highly sought after area near our current project portfolio.

The Scattergood project has further solidified our position within Northwestern Ontario, Canada totaling over 27,000 Ha within one of the last under explored greenstone belts in Northwestern Ontario, Canada leading into what we believe to be one of the best precious and base metal markets in decades.

We look forward to advancing the project to drill ready status in a systematic manner and providing further updates on our exploration programs in the very near future. Commented Peter Schloo, President, CEO and Director of Heritage.

Figure 1  Heritage Project Portfolio in Northwestern Ontario, Canada

Figure 2  Heritage Mining, Scattergood Area Map, Ontario, Canada

Scattergood Project

The Scattergood Project straddles the lower segment of Wapageisi group volcanic rock and felsic intrusive bodies including the Taylor Lake Stock, Meggisi Pluton, and Scattergood Lake stock as well as numerous late stage minor intrusives. Structurally, the project is complex with the north-northeast trending Taylor Lake Fault and Trout River deformation zone running through parts of the property. There is evidence of hydrothermal fluids acting on volcanic rocks indicating an ideal environment for the formation of gold rich ore bodies. This combination of structural features and felsic intrusives within or nearby volcanic rocks are key features to many of the local gold occurrences.

Asset Purchase Agreements Summary  Scattergood Project

Shear Gold Asset Purchase Agreement

Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement with Shear Gold dated May 31, 2024, Heritage agreed to issue C$100,000 in common shares to Shear Gold over an 18 month period ($15,000 on signing, $35,000 in six months from signing and $50,000 in 18 months from signing) together with the grant of a 1.5% NSR (0.5% buyback for C$500,000) for 4,508.28 Ha.

PTX Metals Asset Purchase Agreement

Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of PTX Metals dated May 31, 2024, C$100,000 in common shares over an 18 month period ($15,000 on signing, $35,000 in six months from signing and $50,000 in 18 months from signing) together with the grant of a 1.0% NSR (0.5% buyback for C$500,000) for 1,888.72 Ha.

Planned 2024 Scattergood Exploration Program

The 2024 exploration program for this project will include: Compilation and digitization of historical work, 3D geological model, geophysical interpretation, structural interpretation, prospecting, soil sampling, drill targets, drilling.

Corporate Update

The Company has also agreed to issue an aggregate of 1,100,000 common shares, at a deemed price of $0.05 per common share, in full satisfaction of certain contractual obligations.

The Company also signed an agreement with VHLA Media, pursuant to which VHLA Media agreed to provide digital content, marketing, and media distribution services to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, such marketing services are to be provided over a one month period, commencing on May 31, 2024, for a fee of $25,000.

Qualified Person

Mitch Lavery P. Geo, Strategic Advisor for the Company, serves as a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release, approving the disclosure herein.

ABOUT HERITAGE MINING LTD.

The Company is a Canadian mineral exploration company advancing its two high grade gold-silver-copper projects in Northwestern Ontario. The Drayton-Black Lake and the Contact Bay projects are located near Sioux Lookout in the underexplored Eagle-Wabigoon-Manitou Greenstone Belt. Both projects benefit from a wealth of historic data, excellent site access and logistical support from the local community. The Company is well capitalized, with a tight capital structure.

For further information, please contact:

Heritage Mining Ltd.

Peter Schloo, CPA, CA, CFA

President, CEO and Director

Phone: (905) 505-0918

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of the Company. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as seek, anticipate, plan, continue, estimate, expect, forecast, may, will, project, predict, potential, targeting, intend, could, might, should, believe, outlook and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements.

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 risks include, among others, the inherent risk of the mining industry; adverse economic and market developments; the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing additional acquisitions; risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; the possibility that the Companys estimated burn rate may be higher than anticipated; risks of unexpected cost increases; risks of labour shortages; risks relating to exploration and development activities; risks relating to future prices of mineral resources; risks related to work site accidents, risks related to geological uncertainties and variations; risks related to government and community support of the Companys projects; risks related to global pandemics and other risks related to the mining industry. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forwardlooking information except as required by law.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors.




HIGHLIGHTS:

Angilak Project : The Angilak Project is host to the Lac 50 Uranium Deposit, which is one of the largest high-grade deposits outside of the Athabasca Basin, with a historical mineral resource estimate of 43.3M lbs at an average grade of 0.69% U 3 O 8 . 1 Drilling in 2023 by Latitude Uranium (acquired by ATHA) intersected grades of up to 7.54 % U 3 O 8 over 1.6 m.

: The Angilak Project is host to the Lac 50 Uranium Deposit, which is one of the largest high-grade deposits outside of the Athabasca Basin, with a historical mineral resource estimate of 43.3M lbs at an average grade of 0.69% U O . Drilling in 2023 by Latitude Uranium (acquired by ATHA) intersected grades of up to 7.54 % U O over 1.6 m. 2024 Angilak Exploration Program is part of the Companys overall 2024 Exploration Program and consists of Phase I (diamond drilling) and Phase II (geophysics & ground geochemistry).

Phase I (diamond drilling): Base Diamond Drilling : equipment mobilization and site preparation has now been completed, including assembly of two X10 Diamond Drills. The new drills are capable of testing depths of 2,000 m and are projected to double meterage rates compared to drilling equipment utilized during the 2023 diamond drill program at Angilak (See news release). The ~10,000 m diamond drilling program commenced on June 3 rd , 2024 and targets expansion of uranium mineralization at four zones (Figure 2): Lac 50 Deposit : Targeting expansion along strike and at depth, as well as testing for the extension of stacked lenses of mineralization immediately adjacent to the main zones of mineralization comprising the historical mineral resource. Blaze : A zone of high-grade uranium mineralization located ~750 m to the southwest of the Lac 50 Deposit, where previous drilling intersected grades >4.0% U 3 O 8 . J4/Ray Zone : Lying ~1,800 m along strike to the east of the main Lac 50 Deposit, drilling at J4/Ray has intersected grades >10.0% U 3 O 8 with extensive mineralization being discovered outside of the historic resource. Pulse : A zone of mineralization located ~600 m to the north of the main lac 50 deposit along a parallel conductor, where previous drilling has intersected grades >2.0% U 3 O 8 .

During Phase I of the 2024 Angilak Exploration Program, the Companys objective is a preliminary evaluation of the prospective envelop hosting high-grade uranium mineralization at the Lac 50 Deposit and adjacent zones.

The Lac 50 Deposit and adjacent mineralized zones all remain open, with zones of extensive uranium mineralization having been intersected outside of the historic resource shells (Figure 2) during recent exploration programs.

New diamond drills will allow the Company to test the depth extents of the Lac 50 Deposit and adjacent mineralized zones, where previous exploration programs were limited to a depth of ~475 m.

Phase II (geophysics & ground geochemistry): Scheduled to begin in August of 2024, ATHA will undertake a targeted airborne geophysics program comprised of electromagnetic (EM), Mag, and VLF survey types, in addition to targeted ground geochemistry sampling and mapping. The objective of Phase II is to identify and derisk a pipeline of additional high-priority targets for future exploration programs.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATHA Energy Corp. (TSX.V: SASK) (FRA: X5U) (OTCQB: SASKF) (ATHA or the Company), holder of the largest uranium exploration portfolio in two of the highest-grade uranium districts in the world, is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced Phase I (diamond drilling) of its 2024 Angilak Exploration Program at its 100%-owned Angilak Project in Nunavut. Phase I is comprised of ~10,000 m of diamond drilling targeting the expansion of high-grade uranium mineralization at the Lac 50 Deposit and adjacent mineralized zones.

ANGILAK PROJECT  NUNAVUT

The Angilak Project is situated within the Angikuni Basin, approximately 225 km southwest of Baker Lake in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut (Figure 1) and is host to the Lac 50 Uranium Deposit, which has a historical mineral resource estimate of 43.3M lbs at an average grade of 0.69% U 3 O 8 .1

The 2024 Angilak exploration program consists of diamond drilling, airborne geophysical surveys, and surficial sampling and mapping programs that prioritize the expansion of the footprint of known uranium mineralization, while also advancing regional exploration targets. Approximately 10,000 m of diamond drilling is planned to be completed during the June to August time frame, with drill targeting focused on the Lac 50 Deposit and mineralized corridor  targeting expansion of the deposit footprint both along strike and down-dip, as well as testing parallel structures that host uranium mineralization. Diamond drilling will also test additional regional targets that have been identified through past exploration campaigns  the most recent of which was completed in the fall of 2023 by Latitude Uranium (Latitude) (acquired by ATHA). During Latitudes most recent exploration program, the company reported uranium drill hole intersections with grades of up to 7.54 % U 3 O 8 over 1.6 m from hole 23-LC-005, which targeted the Lac 50 Deposit.

Figure 1: Plan Map detailing the Angilak Project location within Nunavut1

Figure 2: Lac 50 Trend Schematic, detailing expansion target areas during 2024 Angilak Exploration Program

Troy Boisjoli, CEO added: On top of being one of the largest, high-grade deposits outside the Athabasca Basin, our team believes the unexplored potential of the Angilak Project  and the region at large  make it one of the most attractive uranium exploration opportunities in the entire uranium sector. Our objective at ATHA is to explore at scale within globally leading uranium jurisdictions, with a focus on projects with future production potential. This comes with the backdrop of the best fundamental demand driven uranium market in decades.

Cliff Revering, VP Exploration added: We are very excited to see the 2024 exploration and drilling campaign underway at our most advanced uranium Project. Significant work has been completed since the beginning of 2024 to develop a better understanding of the mineralization controls and potential of the Angilak Project, and were looking forward to evaluating the potential of this mineralized system.

ATHA ENERGY 2024 EXPLORATION PROGRAM

In January of this year, ATHA Energy Corp. commenced the Companys most significant exploration program to date and one of the largest uranium focused exploration programs globally. The program targets Canadas most prospective regions for high-grade uranium discovery.

Figure 3: ATHA Energy 2024 Exploration Program Gantt Chart

EXPLORATION OUTLOOK:

The Companys core objective is the discovery and development of new and expanded uranium deposits throughout its portfolio of uranium-focused projects. With the acquisition of Latitude Uranium and 92 Energy, ATHAs portfolio now totals 8.4 million acres across Canadas three most prospective jurisdictions for uranium discovery and development. The Companys portfolio is highly diversified across the exploration risk curve. With projects ranging from advanced exploration stage, such as Angilak, which hosts the Lac 50 Deposit  one of the largest, highest-grade uranium deposits outside of the Athabasca Basin; to post-discovery projects like Gemini  which contains GMZ, a recent shallow, basement-style, high-grade uranium discovery on the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin; through to highly prospective greenfields projects with numerous uranium occurrences and high-priority derisked geophysical targets. ATHAs exploration approach is designed to provide maximum exploration exposure by investing at scale in a large number of early-stage projects, derisking those targets, and seeking to deliver advanced exploration upside through the expansion of known uranium deposits and additional discoveries. ATHAs growth strategy is fully funded based on the Companys robust cash position.

Figure 4: ATHA Energy  2024 Exploration Programs Geophysical Surveys in the Athabasca Basin

ENGAGEMENT OF GOLD STANDARD MEDIA LLC

ATHA is also pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Gold Standard Media, LLC and their affiliates (GSM), pursuant to which GSM will provide certain marketing services to the Company, effective April 29, 2024 (the GSM Agreement). The services provided by GSM will be to publish and distribute information regarding the Company through multiple platforms including digital marketing, email marketing, and influencer marketing. The term of the GSM Agreement is for a period of three months starting on the later of April 25, 2024, and the date of the approval of the TSXV for the GSM Agreement. Pursuant to the GSM Agreement, an up-front payment of US$500,000 was made May 9, 2024. As of the date of this news release, the parties are in the initial onboarding stage.

GSM is owned and operated by Kenneth Ameduri, Juliet Ameduri and Lior Gantz and is an arms length party to the Company and GSM and their affiliates do not own any securities of ATHA. None of the Company or its officers are involved, directly, with the creation of the materials distributed by GSM. The Company will provide GSM with publicly available source information for their disclosure and the Company will be involved in reviewing the materials for accuracy prior to their dissemination.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Cliff Revering, P.Eng., Vice President, Exploration of ATHA, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About ATHA

ATHA is a Canadian mineral company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of uranium assets in the pursuit of a clean energy future. With a strategically balanced portfolio including three 100%-owned post discovery uranium projects (the Angilak Project located in Nunavut, and CMB Discoveries in Labrador hosting historical resource estimates of 43.3 million lbs and 14.5 million lbs U3O8 respectively, and the newly discovered basement hosted GMZ high-grade uranium discovery located in the Athabasca Basin). In addition, the Company holds the largest cumulative prospective exploration land package (8.4 million acres) in two of the worlds most prominent basins for uranium discoveries - ATHA is well positioned to drive value. ATHA also holds a 10% carried interest in key Athabasca Basin exploration projects operated by NexGen Energy Ltd. and IsoEnergy Ltd. For more information visit www.athaenergy.com. 1,2,3

For more information, please contact:

Troy Boisjoli

Chief Executive Officer

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.athaenergy.com

Historical Mineral Resource Estimates

All mineral resources estimates presented in this news release are considered to be historical estimates as defined under NI 43-101 and have been derived from the following (See notes below). In each instance, the historical estimate is reported using the categories of mineral resources and mineral reserves as defined by the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Reserves, and mineral reserves at that time, and these historical estimates are not considered by ATHA to be current. In each instance, the reliability of the historical estimate is considered reasonable, but a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, and ATHA is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the properties but may not be representative of expected results.

Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Angilak Deposit:

This estimate is considered to be a historical estimate under NI 43-101 and is not considered by any of to be current. See below for further details regarding the historical mineral resource estimate for the Angilak Property. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant issues. The quality and grade of the reported inferred resource in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured resource category. Contained value metals may not add due to rounding. A 0.2% U3O8 cut-off was used. The mineral resource estimate contained in this press release is considered to be historical estimates as defined under NI 43-101 and is not considered to be current. The historical estimate is derived from a Technical Report entitled Technical Report and Resource Update For The Angilak Property, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada, prepared by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol. of APEX Geosciences, Robert Sim, B.Sc., P.Geo. of SIM Geological Inc. and Bruce Davis, Ph.D., FAusIMM of BD Resource Consulting Inc., dated March 1, 2013 for ValOre Metals Corp. As disclosed in the above noted technical report, the historical estimate was prepared under the direction of Robert Sim, P.Geo, with the assistance of Dr. Bruce Davis, FAusIMM, and consists of three-dimensional block models based on geostatistical applications using commercial mine planning software. The project limits area based in the UTM coordinate system (NAD83 Zone14) using nominal block sizes measuring 5x5x5m at Lac Cinquante and 5x3x3 m (LxWxH) at J4. Grade (assay) and geological information is derived from work conducted by Kivalliq during the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 field seasons. A thorough review of all the 2013 resource information and drill data by a Qualified Person, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical resource subsequent to the publication of the 2013 technical report, would be required in order to verify the Angilak Property historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical mineral resource estimate was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019). A thorough review of all historical data performed by a Qualified Person, along with additional exploration work to confirm results would be required to produce a current mineral resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moran Lake Deposit: Jeffrey A. Morgan, P.Geo. and Gary H. Giroux, P.Eng. completed a NI 43-101 technical report titled Form 43-101F1 Technical Report on the Central Mineral Belt (CMB) Uranium Project, Labrador, Canada, Prepared for Crosshair Exploration & Mining Corp. and dated July 31, 2008, with an updated mineral resource estimate for the Moran Lake C-Zone along with initial mineral resources for the Armstrong and Area 1 deposits. They modelled three packages in the Moran Lake Upper C-Zone (the Upper C Main, Upper C Mylonite, and Upper C West), Moran Lake Lower C-Zone, two packages in Armstrong (Armstrong Z1 and Armstrong Z3), and Trout Pond. These mineral resources are based on 3D block models with ordinary kriging used to interpolate grades into 10 m x 10 m x 4 m blocks. A cut-off grade of 0.015% U3O8 was used for all zones other than the Lower C Zone which employed a cut-off grade of 0.035%. A thorough review of all historical data performed by a Qualified Person, along with additional exploration work to confirm results, would be required to produce a current mineral resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards. Notes on the Historical Mineral Resource Estimate for the Anna Lake Deposit: The mineral resource estimate contained in this table is considered to be a historical estimate as defined under NI 43-101 and is not considered to be current and is not being treated as such. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources. A qualified person would need to review and verify the scientific information and conduct an analysis and reconciliation of historical drill and geological data in order to verify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Reported by Bayswater Uranium Corporation in a Technical Report entitled Form 43-101 Technical Report on the Anna Lake Uranium Project, Central Mineral Belt, Labrador, Canada, prepared by R. Dean Fraser, P.Geo. and Gary H. Giroux, P.Eng., dated September 30, 2009. A 3-dimensional geologic model of the deposit was created for the purpose of the resource estimate using the Gemcom/Surpac modeling software. A solid model was created using a minimum grade x thickness cutoff of 3 meters grading 0.03% U3O8. Intersections not meeting this cutoff were generally not incorporated into the model. The shell of this modeled zone was then used to constrain the mineralization for the purpose of the block model. Assay composites 2.5 meters in length that honoured the mineralized domains were used to interpolate grades into blocks using ordinary kriging. An average specific gravity of 2.93 was used to convert volumes to tonnes. The specific gravity data was acquired in-house and consisted of an average of seventeen samples collected from the mineralised section of the core. The resource was classified into Measured, Indicated or Inferred using semi-variogram ranges applied to search ellipses. All resources estimated at Anna Lake fall under the Inferred category due to the wide spaced drill density. An exploration program would need to be conducted, including twinning of historical drill holes in order to verify the Anna Lake Project estimate as a current mineral resource.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, 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. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to ATHAs proposed exploration program, including statements with respect to the expected benefits of ATHAs proposed exploration program, any results that may be derived from ATHAs proposed exploration program, the timing, scope, nature, breadth and other information related to ATHAs proposed exploration program, any results that may be derived from the diversification of ATHAs portfolio, the successful integration of the businesses of ATHA, Latitude Uranium and 92 Energy, the prospects of ATHAs projects, including mineral resources estimates and mineralization of each project, the prospects of ATHAs business plans and any expectations with respect to defining mineral resources or mineral reserves on any of ATHAs projects, and any expectation with respect to any permitting, development or other work that may be required to bring any of the projects into development or production.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that the anticipated benefits of ATHAs proposed exploration program will be realized, that no additional permit or licenses will be required in connection with ATHAs exploration programs, the ability of ATHA to complete its exploration activities as currently expected and on the current anticipated timelines, including ATHAs proposed exploration program, that ATHA will be able to execute on its current plans, that ATHAs proposed explorations will yield results as expected, the synergies between ATHA, 92 Energy and Latitude Uraniums assets, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although ATHA has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 such 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.

Such statements represent the current view of ATHA with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by ATHA, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of ATHA to realize the benefits anticipated from the exploration and drilling targets described herein or elsewhere; in ability of ATHA to complete current exploration plans as presently anticipated or at all; inability for ATHA to economically realize on the benefits, if any, derived from the exploration program; failure to complete business plans as it currently anticipated; overdiversification of ATHAs portfolio; failure to realize on benefits, if any, of a diversified portfolio; unanticipated changes in market price for ATHA shares; changes to ATHAs current and future business and exploration plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook of the business of ATHA; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of ATHA and the ability to advance the Company projects and its proposed exploration program; risks inherent in mineral exploration including risks related worker safety, weather and other natural occurrences, accidents, availability of personnel and equipment, and other factors; aboriginal title; failure to obtain regulatory and permitting approvals; no known mineral resources/reserves; reliance on key management and other personnel; competition; changes in laws and regulations; uninsurable risks; delays in governmental and other approvals, community relations; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada and other jurisdictions where ATHA conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the filings of ATHA with the Canadian securities regulators which are available on ATHAs profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. ATHA does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Cascadia Minerals Ltd. ("Cascadia") (TSXV: CAM) is pleased to announce a fully-subscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to approximately $3,200,000. Michael Gentile, one of Cascadia's largest shareholders, is leading the financing and plans to increase his position to 9.99% on a partially diluted basis.

The Offering will consist of the sale of:

Up to 4,550,000 critical minerals charity flow-through units for general exploration (the "CFT Units") at a price of $0.42 per CFT Unit for total proceeds of up to approximately $1,900,000 ;



Up to 2,150,000 critical minerals charity flow-through units for British Columbia exploration (the "BC CFT Units") at a price of $0.475 per BC CFT Unit for total proceeds of up to approximately $1,000,000 ; and,



Up to 725,000 traditional flow-through common shares at a price of $0.42 for total proceeds of up to approximately $300,000 .

"I would like to thank Michael and our new and returning investors for their support at this exciting time for Cascadia. This financing will allow us to significantly expand the ongoing drill program at our Catch property, where our first 2024 diamond drill hole intersected mineralization over 140 m on a meaningful step-out from last year's porphyry discovery hole. Additionally, this raise will also allow us to drill test a compelling copper-gold porphyry target at our road accessible PIL property in the heart of BC's Toodoggone region," commented Graham Downs, Cascadia's President and CEO.

Each CFT Unit and BC CFT Unit will consist of one charity flow-through common share and one-half of one warrant (each whole such common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). All Warrants will be issued on a non-flow-through basis, and shall be exercisable into one additional common share for thirty-six (36) months from closing at an exercise price of $0.45 per Warrant.

The proceeds from the Offering will be used for "Canadian critical minerals exploration expenses" at Cascadia's Catch, Mack's Copper, Milner, Idaho Creek and Sands of Time Properties in Yukon, and the PIL Property in British Columbia. These expenditures will qualify as "critical mineral flow-through mining expenditures" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Offering is scheduled to close on or before June 21, 2024, and is subject to regulatory acceptance.

Finder's fees may be paid in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies. All securities issued as part of the Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada of four months plus one day from the closing of the Offering.

About Cascadia

Cascadia is a Canadian junior mining company focused on making new copper and gold discoveries the Yukon and British Columbia. Cascadia's flagship Catch Property in the Yukon hosts a brand-new copper-gold porphyry discovery where inaugural drill results returned broad intervals of mineralization, including 116.60 m of 0.31% copper with 0.30 g/t gold. Catch exhibits extensive high-grade copper and gold mineralization across a 5 km long trend, with rock samples returning peak values of 3.88% copper and 30.00 g/t gold.

In addition to Catch, Cascadia is conducting exploration work at its Mack's Copper and Milner properties  recently staked Catch analogues within Yukon's Stikine Terrane  as well as the Sands of Time property in the Yukon and the PIL Property in British Columbia, all of which have additional copper porphyry targets. Cascadia has approximately 45 million shares outstanding and its largest shareholders are Hecla Mining Company and Barrick Gold.

On behalf of Cascadia Minerals Ltd.

Graham Downs, President and 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 NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ -- Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC) is pleased to announce the closing of its transaction to acquire Lapie Mining Inc. from the Berdahl's private family-owned prospecting company, 18526 Yukon Inc. See May 30, 2024 closing news release for details. As with Snowline Gold (SGD), this property portfolio is built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family.

"Completing the acquisition of these high-quality exploration assets in the Yukon marks an exciting beginning for Yukon Metals" said Rory Quinn, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We have tremendously exciting properties that we'll work to responsibly and systematically advance, from copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc, to precious metals focused assets. Given my substantial experience in the precious metals royalty and streaming space, I am very much familiar with the significant value creation potential of byproduct gold and silver as part of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc projects."

"I am honored to lead an experienced and knowledgeable team and look forward to announcing important appointments and news in the coming days and weeks. With a healthy treasury after raising in excess of C$15 million, a comprehensive exploration database and key permits already in place, we are ready to hit the ground running! I look forward to building value for all stakeholders as we advance exploration toward discovery."

About Yukon Metals Corp.

Yukon Metals represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Gold's (SGD) portfolio of primary gold assets. The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical, exploration and finance disciplines.

Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing shareholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures.

The Yukon

The Yukon ranks 10th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institute and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, created by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Gold's (SGD) Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukon's potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities.

Yukon Metals owns the AZ, Barite Mountain, Birch, Carter Gulch, Clea, Eva, Expo, Faro North, Fox, Gem, Star River, Nut, Pete, Risby, Talbot claims, and the Venus claims and crown grants located in Yukon for a total land package of approximately 18,000 hectares.

EXPO

The Expo is located in the Finlayson VMS district near the past producing Wolverine Mine and the proposed mine, Kudz ze Kayah. The Expo property has geology similar to the nearby Kudz ze Kayah property and is 4,575 ha in size (Figure 2). Abundant historic data exists, a small 1990's drill program intersected volcanic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization and a property wide electromagnetic and magnetic airborne geophysical survey was flown in 2014 at 100m line spacing. YMC has been granted a Class 1 exploration permit to conduct work on the project for the next year.

AZ

Initial exploration efforts discovered copper and gold mineralization occurs in skarned limestone and greenstone on the property. The source of auriferous chalcopyrite-bearing magnetite-epidote garnet skarn occurs in float on the property and has not been fully explored. Rock float assays returned an average of 10% Cu, 126 g/t Ag, and 7.08 g/t Au from four samples in 19931. Much of the exploration work requires follow-up compilation and new exploration to confirm older results and expand on the historical soil sampling and ground geophysics that was previously completed on the property in the 1990's.

BIRCH and TALBOT ARM

The Birch property has seen exploration work in 2011-2012 with geochemical and geological mapping. Ryan Gold Corp. took 1271 grid soil samples on the property and reported a gold in soil anomaly area (Assessment Report 096342).

The target of historic exploration on the Talbot property has been for Cu-Mo-Au porphyry in the 1970's. Recent exploration in 2011 and 2012 (Ryan Gold Corp.) reported a 4km gold in soil and talus fines anomaly and float quartzite rock sample #40868 assayed 3.67 g/t Au, 832 g/t Ag and 1800 g/t Cu. Float quartzite rock sample #40870 assayed 3.59 g/t Au and 2170 g/t Cu.2 The regional plutonic rocks in this area and extending from Alaska to the southeast have numerous porphyry minfile occurrences noted in Yukon government databases and reports (Fonseca and Bradshaw, Open File 2005-5).

Both projects are proximal to Burwash Landing and Destruction Bay on the Alaska Highway and are easily accessible by helicopter from nearby roads. Destruction Bay is 260 km west of Whitehorse.

STAR RIVER

Star River project is road accessible with many previously developed trails on the property. There is an all-weather airstrip nearby. YMC has been granted a Class 1 exploration permit to conduct work on the project for the next year. The mineralization described to date on the project is polymetallic veins, carbonate replacement and mantos. There are 16 historical surface showings of mineralization on the property (Figure 4). The Lap 10 showing is a vein on surface that has a surface length of 137 metres and is a fairly continuous band with galena about 30 cm wide. Historic assays from Silver Key Mines reported a grade of 1200 g/t Ag and 38% Pb on the Lap 10 vein. In the same rocks as the Lap 10 vein, historic reports from the 1960's indicate similar mineralization present at the K3 showing where three adits were dug in the 1960's, future exploration work by YMC intends to explore with modern methods to determine any mineralization present in this area. Drilling has been limited on this project with many prospects seeing minimal exploration work.3

NUT

The Nut property is within the Mayo plutonic belt, the central zone of the Tombstone-Mayo-Tungsten plutonic belt, Yukon. The project is immediately east of Emerald and Rogue plutons on one of three separate intrusions. Prospecting and work by Eagle Plains Resources and Canamax Resources found skarning, contact breccia surrounding the pluton and quartz-sulphide veining on the edges and within the pluton.4 Rock samples traversing the pluton, which is in the north center of the property, found 2.1 g/t Au in sample Nut #26 and 1.77% Cu in sample Nut #10. Mineralization is associated with accessory elements of bismuth, tungsten and minor base metals.

Sample ID Au Ag ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Zn ppm As ppm Bi ppm W ppm Nut 10 0.42 g/t 6 17716 ppm (1.77% Cu) - 52 - 1728 32 Nut 18 0.293 oz / t 3.1 1601 25 14 - 3646 49 Nut 19 1.134 g/t - 49 16 31 47 191 23 Nut 22 1.896 g/t Multi-chemistry not assayed Nut 26 2.102 g/t

Table 1 Rock samples on Nut project (Kreft, 1998; AR 093926)

Yukon Metals' Board of Directors will consist of the following:

Rory Quinn, CEO and Director

Mr. Quinn has over 20 years of capital markets experience in the global mining space and was the former CEO of E79 Resources Corp. Prior to his CEO roles he was Director, Investor Relations at Wheaton Precious Metals, previously Silver Wheaton. During his tenure at Wheaton, Mr. Quinn worked on acquisitions totalling over US$6 billion as the company built its precious metal business. Mr. Quinn has been involved in the review of hundreds of mining companies and mining assets from majors to earlier stage developers and explorers in assessing high-quality investment opportunities around the globe. Prior to joining Wheaton, Mr. Quinn worked in Toronto at Castle Gold, which was sold along with its flagship, El Castillo Gold mine, to Argonaut Gold. Before switching his focus to the resource capital markets, Mr. Quinn started his career with the consumer products giant, Gillette Company, now Proctor and Gamble.

Patrick Burke, Chair

Mr. Burke is currently a Special Advisor for Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity Corp. (Canada). He joined Canaccord in October 2015, serving as Head of Canada Capital Markets, bringing more than 25 years of experience and extensive institutional relationships to his role. Prior to joining Canaccord, Pat served as Global Head of Equity and Co-Head of Global Investment Banking for Scotiabank. In that role, he was responsible for oversight of equity sales, trading, research, prime brokerage, equity capital markets, equity derivatives and investment banking. Before that he was Managing Director and Head of Canadian Equities for Merrill Lynch, having held various roles of increasing responsibility since 2000. From 1990 to 2000, Mr. Burke worked in institutional equity and fixed income for Bank of Montreal.

Dr. Darryl Clark, Director

Dr. Clark has decades of global exploration and operating experience in the mining industry. Through his career, Dr. Clark has held a wide range of executive roles across a number of metal and mineral sectors, with both junior and major mining companies. His experience consists of periods working in gold, copper, uranium, coal, and oil sands. Dr. Clark's precious metal experience started at Great Central Mines during the period of rapid resource discovery in the 90's that transformed the West Australian Goldfields. Additional greenfield and project experience was gained at Sunrise Dam Gold Mine, Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia, Vale and SRK consulting where he was involved in several greenfield discoveries. Dr. Clark has over 10 years of experience as a Non-Executive Director on ASX & TSX listed companies. Dr. Clark holds a PhD in Economic Geology from the University of Tasmania and is currently the Executive Vice President Exploration and Development for IsoEnergy Ltd and the Non-Executive Chairman for Waratah Minerals Ltd.

Jim Coates, Director

Mr. Coates has spent over two decades conducting mineral and scientific exploration across Canada and the world. Mr. Coates has completed MSc and PhD-level research in geography specialized in permafrost, with years spent in the field operating a drilling and geophysics company, as well as Yukon Geological Survey and independent exploration work in the Klondike Goldfields, which provided comprehensive exposure to many aspects of the mineral industry. A fascination with innovative design allowed Mr. Coates to optimize low-impact exploration methods both for clients and use on his personal mineral properties. Mr. Coates' experience growing up in small northern community continues to inform how the social license of resource projects affects their success.

Daniel Vickerman, Director

Mr. Vickerman is a seasoned institutional sales and corporate finance professional with 25 years of experience in the financial industry, currently acting as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Board member of Blackrock Silver, and Board member of Discovery Silver. He joined the Board of Discovery in 2019 through the merger with Levon Resources. where he was Board Chairman. Formerly Mr. Vickerman was Managing Director, Head of UK Edgecrest Capital. Before joining Edgecrest Capital UK, Mr. Vickerman was Managing Director; Co-Head of Canadian Equity Sales UK at Canaccord Genuity Corp. Mr. Vickerman has extensive experience working with mineral exploration and development companies, raising equity for public and private companies during their exploration and development. Mr. Vickerman spent over 4 years as a London based alternative asset manager (part of Man Group plc), trading commodities, and foreign exchange.

For more information about Yukon Metals, please contact:

Rory Quinn, President & CEO

Yukon Metals Corp.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone: 604-366-4408

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the incremental release from escrow of the Consideration Shares, the resumption of trading of the Common Shares and the Company's future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the incremental release from escrow of the Consideration Shares; the resumption of trading of the Common Shares; and other risks and uncertainties. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Rescuers affiliated with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said a medic was killed and another wounded on Friday in an Israeli strike on one of their ambulances in south Lebanon.

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, has traded regular cross-border fire with Israel since the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack on southern Israel triggered war in the Gaza Strip.

"An Israeli drone strike targeted an ambulance... One rescuer was martyred and another wounded" in the border town of Naqura, the operations room of the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee told AFP.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency also said "an enemy drone targeted a Health Committee ambulance in the town of Naqura", reporting casualties.

Several militant groups in Lebanon operate health centres and emergency response operations.

On Monday, the NNA had said "an enemy drone" targeted "a motorcycle near the Salah Ghandour hospital in the town of Bint Jbeil" in the country's south.

The director of the facility, which is also run by the Islamic Health Committee, said two civilians were killed in the strike.

In a statement, Lebanon's health ministry condemned the "brutal Israeli strike" on the hospital, calling it a "war crime".

At least 446 people have been killed in Lebanon in more than seven months of cross-border violence, mostly militants but also including 87 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Several Islamic Health Committee rescuers are among the dead.

Israel says 14 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed on its side of the border.

In March, the United Nations said it was "deeply disturbed" by attacks on health care facilities in south Lebanon, after several strikes blamed on Israel killed 10 emergency rescue workers.
A Belgian-Portuguese national working for a US charity has been arrested in the Central African Republic on suspicion of plotting with armed groups against the state, CAR authorities said on Friday.

The man was detained on Saturday by soldiers in Zemio, on the border between the CAR and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said the prosecutor in the capital, Bangui.

The CAR, one of the poorest countries in Africa, has been plagued by civil wars and coups and endured authoritarian regimes since independence from France in 1960.

Fighting still flares up between rebels or armed groups and the army, supported by mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group or its successor Africa Corps.

"Initial investigations" indicate the man was "in contact with a number of armed groups operating on CAR territory with the aim of carrying out a plot, an attack on internal security, and incitement to hate and rebellion against the defence and security forces", prosecutor Benoit Narcisse Foukpio said.

He said the man had Belgian and Portuguese passports which bore the same first name but different surnames and showed him to be "a consultant working for an NGO" called Family Health International 360 (FHI 360).

FHI 360 in the United States confirmed to AFP that "a consultant working to design a community development programme went missing in Zemio, Central African Republic, on Sunday, May 26.

"We have confirmed that our consultant is now in the custody of the Central African Republic government, and we are working to secure our consultant's immediate release."

A Brussels-based source close to the affair said a Belgian national had been arrested in the CAR.

Foukpio said a judicial inquiry had been launched against the man, who was also accused of "aiding subversive groups with attempted forgery and falsification of records" and he had been handed over to police in Bangui.

- Wagner -

Zemio is located in Haut-Mbomou prefecture on the DRC border where Russian paramilitaries, alongside a militia integrated into the army, are battling a major rebel group.

Civil war erupted in 2013 in the CAR when a Muslim-dominated armed coalition called the Seleka ousted president Francois Bozize.

Bozize set up armed militias known as the anti-Balakas, who were mainly Christian, to try to regain power.

Thousands of civilians were killed and both sides have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the United Nations.

Fighting peaked in 2016 before losing intensity two years later and violence rumbles on between successor groups of the militias and the government.

President Faustin Archange Touadera brought in fighters from Russia's Wagner mercenary group to help train his armed forces, and in 2020 more Russian operatives followed as rebel groups advanced on the capital.

They have largely helped push back armed groups from big towns but, like the armed groups, they are accused by the UN and international NGOs of violations against civilians.

The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against two companies in the CAR for supporting the Wagner group's security operations and illegal mining activities in the country.
Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview broadcast Sunday he is "disappointed" US President Joe Biden won't pursue sanctions against the International Criminal Court, as its prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress have pushed to impose sanctions on the court, though the White House has said it would block their legislation.

"The United States said that they would, in fact, in a bipartisan way, back the sanctions bill," Netanyahu said in an interview on Sirius XM radio, which was recorded on Wednesday -- before the latest Gaza truce plan emerged.

"I thought that was still the American position because there was a bipartisan consensus just a few days ago," he said.

"Now, you say there's a question mark. And frankly, I'm surprised and disappointed."

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said last month that he was seeking warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as top Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh and Mohamed Deif, on suspicions of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Washington is not a member of the International Criminal Court, and has traditionally rejected its jurisdiction to issue warrants for US citizens, but has worked with the court on some issues as an observer.

Facing Republicans pushing for sanctions against the ICC in response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously told Congress that "we want to work with you on a bipartisan basis to find an appropriate response."

While the White House has criticized the ICC, and Biden called the application for arrest warrants "outrageous," US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby later told reporters that sanctions were not "the right approach."

The Netanyahu interview was aired amid strained relations between Washington and its key Middle Eastern ally, though little has changed policywise in terms of US support.

It was also recorded before Biden outlined a Gaza ceasefire deal Friday which immediately sparked further fissures between the US president and Israeli prime minister.

Biden had said Israel was offering a new roadmap towards a permanent peace in the embattled Palestinian territory, with the president outlining a three-phase proposal that would start with a six-week complete ceasefire.

Shortly after Biden's announcement, however, Netanyahu insisted his country would still pursue the war until it had reached all its goals.

The Israeli leader took issue with Biden's presentation of what was on the table, insisting on Friday the transition from one stage to the next was "conditional" and crafted to allow Israel to maintain its war aims.

Netanyahu reiterated that position on Saturday, saying that "Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."
During the civil parties and public prosecutors closing arguments on May 24, and when hearing reactions to the guilty verdict that the Paris Assize Court handed down a few hours later, two questions hovered beneath the high ceilings of the historic Palais de Justice. The first concerns the lack of adversarial debate in a trial where the defence was absent and investigators were unable to visit the scene. The second is the impact of such a conviction on the Syrians present at the trial, and what they have to say about it.

On that day, Ali Mamlouk, Jamil Hassan and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, three heads of military intelligence for Bashar al-Assads regime, were found guilty of the arrest and death of French-Syrian father and son Mazen and Patrick Dabbagh and expropriation of their property. The three were sentenced to life imprisonment. These acts were qualified as complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. The sentence was handed down after four days of hearings and the testimony of 11 witnesses, none of whom were eyewitnesses to the events that befell the victims. Issuance of the reasoning for the verdict was postponed due to the complexity of the case, according to court president Laurent Raviot.

A barrier against normalization with Syria?

At the end of the hearing Obeida Dabbagh, brother and uncle of the two disappeared who brought this case to justice and fought for the truth for over ten years, spoke in short, emotional sentences before the cameras of French and Arab television channels. It was the first Assize Court of my life, he said. It was nerve-wracking, but everything turned out for the best in the end. Id like to thank the judges for their decision. I didnt expect anything more. For me, it is absolute happiness. For Mazen and Patrick, I tried to do my utmost. For them, posthumously, its also a victory.

Standing back from the cameras, Syrian lawyer Mazen Darwish, who was at the trial and whose Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) participates in numerous trials in Europe, also expressed his satisfaction, despite some complicated emotions. I feel sorry that this did not take place in Syria. I feel sorry that this is mostly symbolic, he told Justice Info. He went on to explain why, despite everything, this trial in absentia means a lot to the Syrian community, some of whose members had come from Germany and elsewhere in Europe to attend. Its a message for the victims, for the authorities, that Syria needs justice, not revenge. But its also a message for the refugees. Im one of them. I came back from death, but I also want to go back to my country, he said. This verdict is important, Darwish explains, for all Syrian refugees worried about being sent home if Paris or Berlin normalizes relations with the Assad regime. For them, he says, it represents a barrier against the temptation of diplomats to give killers a second chance.

This is a fantastic first step in France towards judicial recognition that Bashar al-Assads regime is a criminal one. Its a signal to our leaders, agrees Clemence Bectarte, lead lawyer for the civil parties, who has been supporting Obeida Dabbagh and his wife Hanane since 2016. Yes, it is a symbolic trial, because tomorrow the convicts wont be sleeping in prison. But we know very well that international justice takes time. All the efforts made can be used for other cases," she says. Since the creation of the Pole [a judicial unit specialized in punishing crimes against humanity], this is the first time weve tried a case where we couldnt go and investigate in the field. Twenty-three people testified in these proceedings, some of them afraid. Im not denying the difficulties, but if there were only three survivors at the trial, its because we had to make choices. We only had four days.

Fear among the witnesses

Im not used to pleading in front of an empty stand, lamented Celine Viguier, the public prosecutor, as she began her closing address. The public prosecutors office, she explained, had done everything in its power to ensure that the defendants were informed of the trial opening and the possibility of presenting a defence. This was done through informal channels -- notably the Arabic-language media and Syrias Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva --, due to the breakdown in diplomatic relations between Paris and Damascus. One of the accused had, according to several testimonies, occupied the Dabbagh family home in Damascus, so a summons was sent to that address by registered letter, she said. How, then, could the powerful Syrian intelligence services, of which the defendants are members, have been unaware of this trial? In fact, they chose to ignore it, not to appoint lawyers, and this is a hearing that in no way infringes their rights, she concluded.

The acts committed are part of a context that tens of thousands of Syrians can recognize, said the prosecutor. She nevertheless referred previously to the investigating judges difficulties in questioning the three direct witnesses to the arrest of Patrick and Mazen Dabbagh on November 3 and 4, 2013, at their Damascus home. Mazens wife and daughter, Haifa and Raya, who subsequently took refuge in France, declined the investigating judges summons on three occasions. Only one telephone exchange took place with the daughter. They feared for their safety, it says in the indictment. Wissam Naser, Mazens brother-in-law who was arrested with him, was the one who told the story of how they were taken to Mezzeh prison and found Patrick, who had been arrested the day before. But his account was reported by Obeida; the examining magistrates were unable to question the brother-in-law, who is said to have remained in the country and still works for a powerful businessman close to the regime. Another witness could not be heard by the examining magistrates. This was a young man, also incarcerated in Mezzeh, who told the SCM that he had seen Patrick Dabbagh in this detention centre towards the end of 2013.

The fear of reprisals doesnt stop with exile, explains Darwish, who reported this testimony to the magistrates.

Material evidence

The indirect testimonies have, however, been supplemented by documents. Obeida obtained them thanks to proceedings he initiated with a lawyer in Syria to contest the expropriation of the family home - effective as of July 2016. He first received two death certificates, issued in August 2018 by the Syrian Interior Ministry, which do not specify the place or cause of death. Only dates of death are indicated. Then a judgment was transmitted to him, pronounced against his brother in January 2014 by a court of exception, which ordered the transfer of his assets to the Syrian state. And finally, still thanks to this procedure, a rental contract for the house drawn up for the benefit of the air force intelligence service, for around 30 euros a year. This document corroborates the testimony of the family homes neighbours, who had informed Obeida that the house was occupied by a certain Abdel Salam Mahmoud, director of the investigation branch of the air force intelligence service, which controls the Mezzeh prison.

In its 16-page reasoning released on May 30, the Paris Assize Court recalls that Patrick was 20 years old at the time of his arrest, that he was in perfect physical health, and that he died less than three months after his arrest, according to the official date of his death. Under these conditions, this short period of time and the elements of context allow us to conclude that he was the victim of violence and torture that caused his death. As for his father Mazen, who officially died after four years in prison, the cause of his death is necessarily related to his detention, even if the court has no precise elements as to the nature and severity of the ill-treatment or torture suffered.

A concerted plan

The court found that these acts were committed in execution of a concerted plan, which was decided at the highest level of the State and implemented at all levels of the administrative and military chain, (...) by meticulously listing the deceased victims (numbering and taking photographs), organizing the disappearance of bodies in mass graves, and systematizing the use of torture leading to mass murder. The number of civilian victims of this policy  more than 100,000 disappeared according to several concurring estimates - and the use of photographs from the so-called Caesar files by a UN-commissioned investigative team make it possible, say the judges, to illustrate the widespread and systematic nature of this attack, constituting a crime against humanity.

For the war crime, the court referred to the conclusions of the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which allow us to consider that the clashes between the regime and various opposition forces (from March 2011) gradually turned into a generalized and continuous confrontation in early 2012. Consequently, the States appropriation of the Dabbagh house can be legally analysed as extortion, insofar as the procedure (...) had the sole aim of confiscating and appropriating the property of a person who cannot be considered a belligerent and so constituting a war crime (delit de guerre) under French law.

Bashar el-Assads immunity

In a formulation unlikely to be endorsed by all, the court starts by saying that Bashar al-Assad --at the top of the chain of responsibility  enjoys the immunity recognized by the international community for any Head of State, but that this is not the case for the three accused. The Court considers that crimes against humanity, deemed the most serious in the hierarchy of crimes, cannot be covered by the immunity also granted by international law to any public official for acts performed within the scope of his functions.

The judges confirmed in the first place the criminal responsibility of Ali Mamlouk, who was then head of the National Security Office, the supreme hierarchical authority of all Syrian intelligence services. Secondly, the judges held Jamil Hassan, at the time head of the Air Force intelligence service, criminally liable. He was the recipient of daily reports from his services and was described as being particularly present at the Mezzeh airport site. And finally, they pronounced the criminal liability of Abdel Salam Mahmoud, who took possession of [Mazen Dabbaghs] home in July 2016, after his service had evicted the rightful occupants.

Lastly, the court ruled that the three convicts should receive identical sentences, even if their involvement was at different levels in the chain of command. The arrest warrants issued against them on March 29, 2023 remain in force. As indicated by the court president at the start of hearings, the default procedure means that if the three Syrians are arrested they will be retried.
"Lovely Runner," starring Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok, has been acknowledged by TIME Magazine as the best K-drama of the year!

tvN's romance drama "Lovely Runner" concluded its broadcast on May 28 and received an enthusiastic response from the viewers for its finale. Despite its completion, the rom-com series was recognition by TIME.

In their published article on May 30, many were captured by its title, "How 'Lovely Runner' Nailed Its Finale to Become the Year's Best K-Drama."

The magazine wrote:

"Even though only half of 2024 had passed, every effort will need to be made to dethrone 'Lovely Runner' from the title of the year's best K-drama."

It went on:

"In a year with many K-dramas that failed to achieve much, 'Lovely Runner' defied expectations. It created something greater by mixing nostalgia, romance, a murder subplot, and emotional anguish spanning time."

TIME further explained that instead of focusing on logical causality, the series emphasized emotional narratives, unfolding a love story that transcended fate, which was completed through three time slips of the characters.

The published article also highlighted the female protagonist's impressive ending, "Im Sol's happy ending was impressive, not only in her relationship with Ryu Sun Jae but also in realizing her dream of becoming a film director exhibiting their mutual love and support."

Apart from the awe-inspiring plots, the article mentioned the disappointment in the depiction of Im Sol's disability as an obstacle that needed to be overcome or cured to achieve the ultimate happy ending.

"Lovely Runner" features the story of Im Sol, a passionate fan devastated by the passing of her favorite idol, Ryu Sun Jae. A miracle happens when she travels back to 2008 and has the chance to change her bias fate.

The rom-com drama has created a craze both in Korea and abroad, and ruled the trending charts throughout its run.

"Lovely Runner" was also hailed as the most -buzzworthy drama for three consecutive weeks, while its lead stars Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon ranked first and second in the most popular drama actors list.

What can you say about "Lovely Runner's" newest achievement? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai San Miguel wrote this.






Monday, June 3, 2024 - A 66-year-old veteran Ghanaian journalist, Gifty Afenyi Dadzie, has celebrated after she was called to the Bar.

The media practitioner and former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GLA), was among the 182 newly qualified lawyers who were inducted into the legal profession on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Taking to Facebook on Sunday, June 2, she advised people, especially women, not to give up on their dreams and aspirations, adding that age should not be a barrier to success.

Celebrating the goodness of God for the opportunity to live my life-long dream, she wrote.

I am still in awe and gratitude after being called to the bar. It is an honour to be part of such a noble profession filled with outstanding achievers and change-makers.

I am so grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, and everyone who has been part of my journey.

My journey has been relentless, passionate and vision driven. Age should never be a barrier to success, and neither should your gender. I share this to inspire each and every one of you, particularly enterprising young women to chase their dreams and aspirations. Through Christ who strengthens us, we have the power to create the life we want. I am a living proof of his goodness.

Keep pushing! keep striving! Here is to many more moments of triumph and praise! To God be the glory!.

Speaking to the media after joining the bar, Gifty Afenyi Dadzie said the knowledge acquired would enhance her contribution towards the Ghanas democracy.

The former member of Council of State, who commenced her legal education at the University of London and continued her post call at the Ghana School of Law, said at her age, the journey to joining the bar has been difficult.






Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced the Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act, a bill he says will strip former US President Trump of Secret service protection if it is passed into law.

Trump was found guilty on felony charges Thursday, raising potential challenges for the Secret Service responsible for protecting him.

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree in New York v. Trump. The charges were related to alleged payments made ahead of the 2016 presidential election to silence pornographic performer Stormy Daniels about an alleged 2006 extramarital sexual encounter with Trump. Trump denied all charges and any affair with Daniels.

But the conviction raises the possibility the presumed 2024 Republican nominee could end up being barred. That development would raise questions, including how his Secret Service protection would adapt.

"Unfortunately, current law doesnt anticipate how Secret Service protection would impact the felony prison sentence of a protectee  even a former President," Thompson said in a statement. "It is regrettable that it has come to this, but this previously unthought-of scenario could become our reality."

"This bill would remove the potential for conflicting lines of authority within prisons and allow judges to weigh the sentencing of individuals without having to factor in the logistical concerns of convicts with Secret Service protection,"

In a statement, the Secret Service said the outcome of the case "has no bearing on the manner in which the United States Secret Service carries out its protective mission."

"Our security measures will proceed unchanged," Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams previously said the city's Department of Corrections and the Rikers Island prison in New York are "ready" to receive Trump.

Asked if Trump would be housed by himself or with the general population, a Department of Corrections spokesman said last month, "The Department would find appropriate housing for him if he winds up in our custody."

Even though Trump's sentencing is in July, a series of lengthy appeals that could rise to the Supreme Court would likely follow and postpone any possible imprisonment till after the 2024 elections.




Monday, June 3, 2024 - An elderly Kikuyu woman broke down after the Government demolished her house, following a directive that all houses and structures built on riparian land in the city should be demolished.

In the heartbreaking video shared on social media, the distressed woman is seen wailing uncontrollably after her house was flattened by a bulldozer.

She has lived there for the last 30 years.

Sasa mimi nitaenda wapi? (Where will I go now?) the woman is heard asking in the video and rolls on the ground as her neighbours try to calm her down.

Police officers who had been deployed to oversee the demolitions just watched from a distance as the elderly woman wailed in distress.

Families have been left in agony and devastation with ongoing demolitions in parts of Nairobi targeting buildings and structures in riparian lands.

Sounds from bulldozers and collapsing buildings are all one can hear in the Mathare, Embakasi, and Runda areas.

Families stare as homes they have known all their lives are reduced to rubble.

The operation that has left many families homeless has been criticised by civil organisations and communities.

The civil organisations called out the government for conducting the exercise in an inhumane manner.

Watch the video.

An elderly Kikuyu woman wails and faints as RUTOs Government demolishes a house she has lived in for the last 30 years pic.twitter.com/t3XBy3GR8P  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) June 3, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Monday, June 3, 2024  The confusion in the Kenya Kwanza government is on another level.

After President William Ruto prevailed upon Coast governors to lift the ban on the sale and distribution of Muguka, Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has a different opinion.

This is after he vowed to fight the controversial Muguka to the bitter end even after Ruto authorized the crop to be sold everywhere.

In a statement yesterday, Duale enlisted the help of embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to help fight against the sale and use of Muguka in the country.

Duale appealed to Gachagua to convene a conference to discuss support for Governors seeking to ban the stimulant candidly.

"Regarding the emerging story of muguka, I will ask the Deputy President in the next two weeks to call that conference because he is the deputy president of Kenya.

"At the conference, we should candidly discuss the effects (of Muguka) and show evidence of the effects of muguka on certain regions and communities," the Defence CS stated.

Duale stated that Muguka should be fought with the same energy the second-in-command has directed towards illicit brew in the Mount Kenya region.

"If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and every part of the country, Kenya is one, so we must fight muguka," he said.

His comments came days after governors in the Northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera hinted at joining the coastal counties to ban the cash crop grown in Embu and Meru.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to defy President William Ruto on his one-man, one-shilling campaign.

This is after he escalated his push for the one-man, one-vote, one-Shilling revenue-sharing deal, stating that it would favour the region.

Speaking at a function on Saturday night, Gachagua urged the people from the Mt. Kenya region to monitor politicians and their utterances to ensure they mark those against the proposal.

Gachagua stated that the revenue-sharing deal was what the people of Mount Kenya deserved and anyone campaigning against the proposal was not an ally and defender of the region and its people.

The Deputy President further urged the people from the central region to consider the leaders who pushed for the one man one vote one shilling as heroic citing that they were fighting for the rights of their people.

He further cautioned the politicians stating that none of them from the region should propel a contrary revenue-sharing deal.

Further, the DP elaborated that he was on a mission to unify the Mount Kenya region as the unity of the region would guarantee its prosperous future.

Gachaguas sentiments on the controversial revenue-sharing deal came at a time when leaders from other regions opposed the push.

According to leaders from the North Eastern region, the one-man one-shilling would lead to further marginalisation of their communities.

However, a section of the Mt. Kenya region leaders have continued to push for the proposal which was initiated by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

During Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro stadium on Saturday, Ruto warned leaders against pushing ideas that divide Kenyans like the one man, one shilling that Gachagua is pushing.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, June 3, 2024 - Ex-US president, Donald Trump has openly thanked Boris Johnson after the former British Prime Minister wrote an article in support of the now-convicted ex-president.

Johnson wrote that Trump had been the victim of a 'machine-gun mob-style hit job' and called those responsible for the prosecution 'liberal elites.'

On Thursday, the Republican presidential candidate was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to stop porn star Stormy Daniels from going public about the pair's alleged tryst.

Trump is the first US president to ever be convicted of a crime coming six months before facing incumbent Joe Biden. He faces sentencing on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention begins.

Late Sunday, Trump wrote on his social media platform: 'Thank you to Boris Johnson!' He followed that up by posting three quotes from the article.





'This was a machine-gun mob-style hit job on Trump. It was nakedly political  and will make his victory more likely, not less,' read the first.

Johnson then called the trial 'nakedly political' and 'completely artificial and said Trump was caught by the Democrats over a 'technicality,' views that the real estate mogul endorsed.

'Except that everyone with any common sense can see what I consider their real motives, how they were combing the rule book for stuff to use against Trump,' Johnson wrote.

Elsewhere in the piece, Johnson said that the American public knew the case 'by and large, a load of stunted-up old nonsense.'

'The vast mass of American voters could see what I believe was really happening: that the liberal elites were just appalled at Trumps continuing popularity and his ability to connect with voters  and they were using anything they could find to derail his campaign,' Johnson went on.

'If you look dispassionately at his time in office, both on the domestic and international front, it was far more successful than his Left-wing critics allow. They should not be using legal tricks like this to prevent him from receiving the judgment that really matters  the verdict of the people.'

Johnson added that the conviction will make a Trump-victory in November 'more likely, not less.'




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has mocked members of the Kikuyu community after Mandera and Marsabit counties banned Muguka.

Muguka is an addictive crop grown in some Mt Kenya counties like Embu and Meru and according to Mandera and Marsabit counties, it had been banned because it is a drug.

And in what is seen as mocking Kikuyus, Duale, who celebrated the ban, called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to champion the fight against Muguka amid a heightened move to ban its sale and consumption.

Speaking in Eastleigh during the opening of a business centre, Duale noted that Gachagua has led an effective fight against the consumption of illicit alcohol and drugs, and his input on taming the consumption of Muguka is needed.

"If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, and every part of Kenya we must also fight Muguka," said Duale.

"I will ask the Deputy President in the next two weeks to call [for] that conference because he is the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and we candidly discuss the effects of Muguka on certain regions and communities.

Gachagua is yet to speak on the Muguka ban.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Mt Kenya residents to send home their leaders who are not supporting the One-Man, One-Vote, One-Shilling policy

Speaking in Nanyuki on Saturday evening, Gachagua said some Mt Kenya leaders are opposed to the policy which is set to benefit the region.

Though he didnt name them, it is on record that Kirinyaga county Governor Anne Waiguru, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, his Kikuyu counterpart Kimani Ichung'wah and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, are among the leaders who are opposed to the One-Man, One-Vote, One-shilling campaign.

Gachagua urged the residents to shame the individuals and also reject them on the ballot during the 2027 presidential election because they are traitors of the community.

"We must shame our traitors, our unity is the only thing that can save us and if we fail to unite the region, will suffer the consequences," Gachagua said

Gachagua further committed to traveling across the region to engage with leaders and promote unity.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Saturday forced to use a private chopper to travel to Bungoma for the Madaraka Day celebrations after President William Rutos lieutenants denied him a military bird.

According to our sources, Gachagua wanted to use a military chopper but Defence CS, Aden Duale, and Ruto using his proxies like Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and his aide Farouk Kibet turned down his request.

Without argument, Gachagua telephoned Communication Authority chairperson Mary Wambui and hired her chopper to fly him to Bungoma and later to Nanyuki

Rutos government, while trying to explain why they denied him a chopper, said they couldnt allow him to travel with the chopper due to bad weather.

Gachagua had been using a police chopper that he took over in 2023 after a protracted resistance from police.

This was after the chopper, which had been purchased for surveillance, was turned in for VIP use.

The chopper is now grounded after a military pilot who had been flying Gachagua was recalled to Kenya Airforce.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has distanced herself from the ongoing political realignment in the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking on Sunday, Waiguru in an indirect salvo against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warned that the divisive politics being advanced by some leaders in the region should be rejected.

The second-term governor warned that tribal politics is very dangerous and might make the region fall behind in terms of development.

"In 2007, we were in the same situation as we are now, and as a leader from Mt Kenya, I cannot allow our people to be misled into separating themselves from the rest of Kenyans.

"That is why we are emphasising that hatutaki siasa za ukabila.

"We want a unified nation & to bring development to our people," Waiguru said.

The Council of Governors chairperson asked Mt. Kenya residents to shun tribal politics and instead rally behind President William Rutos government, arguing that the region has benefited a lot from the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, June 3, 2024 - An 85-year-old Georgia woman graduated from high school on Saturday, June 1  67 years after her original would-be graduation date.

Shirley Smith of Americus was shocked to find out on her 85th birthday that she would soon receive an honorary high school diploma thanks to Eric Finch, chief of police of Montezuma Police Department, for her dedication to her family and unabated support of their education over the years.

"Im thankful," Smith told Fox News Digital in a video interview. "I think its an honor and I think its a blessing."

Smith grew up on a tobacco farm in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1956, her father was pressed with the challenge of earning more in order to raise his six children after tobacco rates fell.





Smith and her siblings were then uprooted to Somerville, New Jersey.

"I was going to the 10th grade, and I told him, the biggest mistake that I made, I think, was telling him that I didnt want to go to school," Smith said. "And he said, 'Go to work.'"

First, she took a job at a dry c, then at a pocketbook factory.

Shortly thereafter, she got married and started a family of her own, later moving them to Georgia.

Though she considered vocational school a few times, her goals of caring for her children and raising her family took precedence over a degree, she said.





Smith said education was a priority in her home, however, and that if her children were going to live under her roof, they would receive an education. She added that her children didnt seem to mind.

"Matter of fact, they cried to go to school. Even when it was snowing, they wanted to go to school," she said.

Today, Smith is beaming with pride that shes watched her children and grandchildren receive their educations from Texas A&M, Montclair University, California State University, Fullerton, University of Tampa and University of Mississippi, among other schools.

Her family is equally proud of her for her lifetime of accomplishments and feels she is more than deserving of the honour.

"My nana never missed a high school or college graduation for any of her children or grandchildren," Smith's granddaughter, Brianna Robinson told Fox News Digital.





"I couldnt be more honoured and inspired. She always taught us to chase our dreams, and all things are possible if you keep faith in God."

Smith credits God for her diploma as she believes His plan and work through others is the reason those who have experience versus education still have the ability to be rewarded for their tireless efforts in life.

"Im really appreciative, and Im really thankful to God," she said. "I always try to figure out, What do people see in me? I draw people, no matter what colour they are, who they are  I just draw people."

Regarding the next steps and the prospect of going to college, Smith laughed and said she is preparing to meet her maker.

"Im getting ready to go to heaven, thats what Im getting ready to do," she said with a smile.

"Im going to get my reward from him," she told Fox News Digital.






Monday, June 3, 2024 - A 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant shot two police officers early Monday, June 3, when they tried to stop him as he was riding a motorized scooter, according to police.

The officers had tried to pull over the teen, identified as Bernardo Castro Mata, after spotting him driving the wrong way down a street at 89th Street and 23rd Avenue in Elmhurst at about 1:40 a.m., police said.

The suspect quickly ditched the moped and fled on foot for several blocks, according to cops.

During the pursuit, the teen allegedly pulled out an illegal gun and fired multiple rounds at the officers.

One of the officers took a bullet to the leg while the other was struck in the front of his bulletproof vest.

At least one of the officers returned fire and struck the suspect in the ankle.

The teen has no criminal history in New York, but is a suspect in several "snatch and grab" robbery investigations in Queens  including one in which a woman was allegedly attacked and had her credit cards stolen, police said.





He has been living at the migrant shelter in the former Courtyard Marriott Hotel near LaGuardia Airport, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said.

It wasnt immediately clear how long hed been in the USA, but law enforcement sources told The Post he entered the US via Eagle Pass, Texas, at some point last year.

He was taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens to undergo surgery.

The two injured cops were in "good spirits" and both were in stable condition after being treated at Elmhurst General Hospital, Caban said.

"This could have gone a very different way," the police commish told an early morning press conference.

Showing off the bullet hole in one of the officers vests, Mayor Eric Adams praised the two cops.





"Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home," he said.

"A senseless act of violence. Total disregard for life," Mayor Adams added as he addressed the incident.

"Our officers responded with a level of discipline, a level of focus, a level of professionalism. Today we thank God."

The officers were both assigned to the 115th Precincts public safety unit. One has been on the job for five years, while his partner joined the NYPD ranks two and a half years ago.








Monday, June 3, 2024 - Ian Njoroge has revealed the motive behind his vicious attack on a traffic police officer in Mirema.

Njoroge was arrested at his home in the Jacaranda area of Kayole on Sunday evening after being tracked down by detectives from the Crime Research And Intelligence Bureau.

He was subjected to a brief but intense interrogation by the detectives.

In a video circulating on social media, a handcuffed Njoroge is seen responding to questions posed by two officers.

When asked about his parents' occupations, he said, My father is a teacher at Mavoko Boys Secondary School, and my mother is a businesswoman selling lab equipment,

The officers continued questioning the visibly shaken Njoroge about his background and training.

He admitted, "I have not trained," and clarified that it was his first time hitting an officer.

When asked where he got the courage to assault a police officer, Njoroge claimed that the officer asked him for a hefty bribe.

 I was just angry. We were not understanding each other because he wanted a lot of money which I could not get.. he said.

According to the police report, the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.

The officer, who was controlling traffic, noticed Njoroge's vehicle making an illegal U-turn, obstructing other road users.

When the officer approached the vehicle, Njoroge hit the road kerb, causing the car to get stuck.

The report states, On reaching opposite Quick Mart, the driver suddenly stopped and drew a sword from under the seat.

"The officer jumped out of the vehicle for his own safety, and the driver followed him with blows and kicks.

"He fell into the trench, and in the process, the driver took his police pocket phone battery and left with it.

Members of the public intervened, rescuing the officer and taking him to Crestview Mother and Child Wellness Centre in Kasarani for first aid.

Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently referred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital for further treatment.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.








Monday, June 3, 2024 - A young man who has been trending on social media for assaulting a traffic police officer in the Roysambu area, Nairobi has spoken.

Ian Njoroge was on Monday arrested in Jacaranda, Kayole by DCI sleuths who had launched a manhunt on Sunday evening.

Shortly after his arrest, he was put under a brief but harsh interrogation by individuals who were presumably officers.

In a video seen by journalists, a handcuffed Njoroge is seen responding to questions floated by two officers.

He was first asked to reveal his parents' occupations.

"My father is a teacher at Mavoko Boys Secondary School and my mother is a businesswoman selling lab equipment," Njoroge, who is 19 years old said.

Their dialogue ensued after the officer asked "Where did you train" and Njoroge said, "I have not trained."

"Where did you learn to hit an officer?

"I have never hit an officer before. Today was my first time."

Njoroge was asked why he decided to beat a uniformed police officer.

He said the corrupt officer had demanded a huge bribe forcing him to assault the officer.

"I was just angry. We were not understanding each other because he wanted a lot of money which I could not get..." Njoroge said.

In short, as the constitution stipulates, Njoroge told the officers he was technically 'fighting corruption.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a disturbed man over the future of Mt. Kenya.

This is after he claimed that there are individuals plotting against the region.

The DP warned Mt Kenya residents about a bleak future, saying someone is out to finish Mt. Kenya.

The DP, who spoke in his native Kikuyu language, stated the individuals were sowing seeds of disunity among Mt Kenya residents.

"I am not too clever, and neither am I a fool, there is something I know, and when I look keenly, wake up early and look, I see darkness, I see someone plotting against us, and our children being used to divide us," he said.

Analysts have argued that the DP is out to consolidate his influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region amid reports of a split in the ruling United Democratic Alliance UDA) party.

Gachagua turned to the elderly generation in the region, likening the politicians who he accused of being used to sow disunity to children.

The DP urged parents from the region to engage their children, arguing that divisions in the Mt. would end in unspecified problems.

"Parents, these are our children, talk to them. Tell them to be wary because the enemy of the Kikuyu, is a Kikuyu.

"Let us be careful, love one another," he stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that nothing will stop him from fighting for Mt Kenya residents since he is the second-in-command by virtue of their votes.

Speaking in Nanyuki on Saturday while attending a Mugithi concert, Gachagua said all Mt Kenya MPs must support the One-Man, One-Vote, One-shilling campaign because that is the only way Mt Kenya residents can benefit.

Gachagua said those who are opposed to the idea of sharing resources according to population are enemies of the Mt Kenya region and urged residents to send them home in 2027.

"When you see me walk around Mt.Kenya and you don't see them with me, ask them why they are not walking with their leader. If they are not with their leader, who are they with?"Gachagua questioned.

President William Ruto is among the leaders who are opposed to the One-Man, One-Vote, One-shilling policy which he said will marginalize some underpopulated regions.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told off critics who have labeled him a tribalist for preaching unity in the Mt Kenya region.

President William Ruto, Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have termed Gachagua an ethnic bigot for urging Mt Kenya residents to unite.

However, speaking on Sunday, Gachagua noted that the unity of the region is essential as it translates to development.

He said that a united region is better as the unity will propel leaders to work together without unnecessary fights that hinder progress.

"I'm happy that my call for unity is taking shape and I will not give up. We had counties that had issues but I'm happy that they are now working together in unity," Gachagua said.

He also denied allegations that his call for unity would make the region divided and secluded from government development.

"Recently, I heard a leader saying that the push for regional unity will make the region secluded from development, that is retrogressive politics," he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - 19-year-old Ian Njoroge has been the talk of social media after a video of him viciously attacking a traffic police officer based in Kasarani went viral.

The young man overpowered the heavily built police officer and beat him up, causing an uproar on social media.

It is now emerging that Ian is a fitness enthusiast and a budding boxer.

Below is a photo of him training hard.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.








Monday, June 3, 2024 - President William Ruto has once again differed with his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, telling MPs to ignore the ill advice from his amble deputy.

Speaking at a church service in Kimilili, Bungoma County, Ruto urged MPs to traverse the country for them to discharge their duties better.

He stated that the MPs needed to understand the country first to be able to exercise oversight.

Ruto stated that the MPs had three roles including representation, legislation, and oversight of the government.

According to the President, only representation required the members of Parliament to be present in their constituencies. However, legislation and oversight are done in the national assembly, which does not require the MPs' presence in their constituencies.

It is not a village assembly, it's the National Assembly. So, MPs, you should know you have a duty to your constituency through representation but you also have a duty to the nation through legislation and oversight.

You have to get out of your constituency and go to the next place, understand Kenya so that as you legislate in Parliament, you understand your country, stated Ruto

Rutos stance is a complete contrast to Gachaguas opinion. Earlier on, the DP had stated that Kenyan MPs should avoid political tourism and remain in their constituencies.

Everyone should remain in their constituencies. Stay in your constituencies! If you have been elected in another place, why are you coming to disrupt other elected MPs? What we dont want is political tourism, stated Gachagua.

Gachagua had added that the MPs needed to discharge their mandates to those who elected them without being spotted in different regions.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has condemned an incident in Roysambu on Sunday where a young man beat up a traffic police officer to a pulp.

IPOA chairperson Anne Makori said on Monday the police officer, Corporal Jacob Ogendo, was on traffic management duty along Kamiti Road in Kasarani when he was attacked.

Ipoa notes that the involved suspects are all under police custody at the moment," Makori said in a statement.

She expressed deep concern over the attack, saying such acts hinder the provision of security services and undermine the rule of law.

Makori further said such acts of lawlessness inconvenience the public of their constitutional right to enjoy quality policing service.

"Ipoa urges Kenyans who feel disgruntled about police services or police officers to lodge their complaints with the Authority for investigations through the toll-free number 1559 instead of resorting to attacking the police," she said.

Makori further said that the Authority has initiated investigations into the tragic death of a minor who was in police custody at the Kambuu Police Station in Makueni County.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cleared the air on claims that Kenya is ready to train 2000 Haitian Police officers on how to deal with criminal gangs.

Speaking on Saturday, Mudavadi explained at the moment, there were no such existing arrangements as per the United Nations framework for deployment.

We have not reached that level at all and if they are going to be trained we will make it public the way we have made the mission public, Mudavadi said

We would not hide anything whatsoever, it would not be a secret, he stated.

Mudavadi was responding to a question over the alleged arrangement to offer short training to some 2,000 Haitian offices in Kenya before the launch of the mission.

The reports emerged after a reconnaissance team to the Caribbean nation returned to the country.

Sources said the officers were to be flown to the country for training on law, combat, and other policing matters.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, June 3, 2024 - Kim Kardashian has been slammed by jailed Tiger King Joe Exotic for ignoring his pleas for help in fighting for his release from prison

The former Netflix star, 61, is serving a 21-year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire - and risks dying behind bars after being told by doctors that he may have lung cancer.

Speaking to DailyMail from Santa Rosa County jail in Florida, Exotic slammed Kim, 43, for failing to answer his pleas for help in securing his freedom, insisting that he does not need the businesswoman's money, but rather her voice.

At the same time, he heaped praise on Cardi B for showing her support - while also targeting Kendall Jenner on Instagram in a bid to contact Kim.

'I've called Kim Kardashian plain out,' he said. 'Am I too white for her help? Because all I need is her voice. I don't need her money.

'I don't need her to spend her whole life helping me do this. All I need is for her to pick up a phone and call the White House and say, "Look, I'm behind Joe's movement. This is good. The system is messed up."'

In 2020, Exotic begged Kim 43, to 'call President Donald Trump to pardon me' in an open letter.

In February he also pleaded with Kourtney Kardashian to bring his case to Kim's attention.

'Please have your sister help me get out of this hell hole,' he wrote on Instagram

On Monday, he used the same tactic, this time reaching out to Kendall Jenner on her Instagram account.

'Have your sister reach out please,' he begged. 'I want to show her the videos of them all admitting to perjury. She helps those wrongfully incarcerated right?'

In 2017, she fought for clemency for Alice Johnson and first reached out to Ivanka Trump about the case before later meeting with former President Trump to campaign on Johnson's behalf.

This move led to Trump pardoning Johnson for a non-violent drug trafficking offense, and her release from prison in summer 2018.

Since then, Kim has gone on to fight for others in similar situations, including Kevin Cooper and Julius Jones.






Monday, June 3, 2024 - The government of the Maldives will ban Israeli citizens from its nation over the war in Gaza in the predominantly Muslim nation.

The president's office said the Cabinet had decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.

It said President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs and to launch a fundraising campaign.

Israel's foreign ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein said in response that the foreign ministry recommends Israelis avoid any travel to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports.

He also recommended those currently there consider leaving.

Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited Maldives last year, 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals.

The government considered an enforced ban on Israelis as early as November 2023, local media reported.

Maldives MP Mohamed Nasheed Abdullah, who first proposed the bill, said he introduced it in response to indiscriminate Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,190 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

Militants also abducted some 250 people, Israelis, and foreigners, 120 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 37 who the military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed 36,439 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.




Monday, June 3, 2024 - Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced the merger between his Amani National Congress (ANC) and President William Rutos United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

This comes at a time when UDA is on fire following the fallout between Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at his home in Kakamega County on Sunday, Musalia explained that the move was informed by the need for political posterity.

He further told ANC supporters who were against the merger that they had also doubted he would be part of the government when he became a Kenya Kwanza founding member in 2022.

There are talks about a merger which is allowed through the Political Parties Act, Mudavadi stated noting that the provision was to allow parties to come together for the common good.

The PCS, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, further added that Kenyans should not be surprised by the merger since political parties also form coalitions which are not very different.

Azimio and Kenya Kwanza are a coalition of parties and they can be talks for the parties to merge, he justified the move.

So, when I tell you ANC is in talks for a merger, don't think it's something small, we are planning for the future, he told his supporters.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Monday, June 3, 2024 - Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has announced the governments plans to triple its daily collections on the eCitizen platform.

During the commissioning of the Bungoma Immigration Offices, Bitok revealed the government's intention to increase its daily collections to Ksh2 billion, up from Ksh700 million.

According to PS, at least 300,000 people visit the eCitizen platform daily to obtain services and it was the right time to leverage the platform's potential.

We are collecting more than Ksh700 million daily revenue. Our target is to collect Ksh2 billion per day and Ksh1.4 trillion per year, Bitok announced.

The PS also noted the backlog on the issuance of passports had already been resolved and that the pending applications would be processed within 14 days.

Bitok noted the government had already acquired two new machines that would hasten the process of printing passports.

While commenting on the new immigration offices in Bungoma, the PS noted the office will offer a full range of immigration services, reducing the need for residents to travel to Nairobi.

There are many people here who want to process dual citizenship, and they will now have the opportunity to do so locally, the PS stated.

Once the office is operational, we expect to serve 500 clients daily, reaching 10,000 people monthly in this region, he added.

The new offices are set to serve four counties including Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia.

President William Ruto while presiding over the commissioning of the offices stated that the governments plan to devolve immigration services such as the issuance of passports and work permits.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024 - President William Ruto has been accused of applying double standards after he accused his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, of playing tribal politics when he asked Mt Kenya residents to unite.

On Friday night before Saturdays Madaraka Day celebrations, Ruto hosted Luhya community leaders at Kakamega State Lodge where they discussed issues affecting the Mulembe Nation.

However, on Sunday, the same Ruto accused Gachagua of playing tribal politics when he met Mt Kenya residents in Nanyuki on Saturday evening.

Some Kenyans like Ian Mutiso wondered why Ruto is accusing Gachagua of playing tribal politics yet he is electing some Kalenjins in senior state positions and also meeting tribal and ethnic leaders like in the Luhya case.

Only KIKUYUS should not meet or talk about their interests? Why? It is tribal.

"Luhya leaders can meet. The President who is against tribal politics can meet them to discuss their interests.

"But Kikuyus - Very tribal. They should not meet.

"Hire Kimani Ichung'wa to divide them! Ian wrote on his X page.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, 3 June 2024 - President William Ruto displayed opulence as he left the country for South Korea on Sunday evening for an official visit.

The Head of State was rocking a pair of Zegna sneakers worth Ksh 150,000, even as he continues to plead with Kenyans to take austerity measures amid the high cost of living.

The luxury designer sneakers are made in Italy

They are perfect for complementing both casual and elegant looks.

Ruto has been spotted rocking pricey items in the recent past even as he claims that he inherited a dilapidated economy.

He loves wearing expensive watches and shoes, mostly made in Italy.

See photos of his expensive sneakers.

















The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Former President Donald Trump, fresh off his New York criminal conviction for falsifying business records, has revealed how he will get a revenge on U.S. President, Donald Trump.

Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records last week following a trial he slammed as a "scam."

His supporters have made similar remarks, criticizing Judge Juan Merchan for his alleged bias in the prosecution's favour. Many have also accused the US justice system under the Biden Administration of being weaponized against the president's chief political opponent.

"My revenge will be success," Trump said in an exclusive sit-down interview with "Fox & Friends Weekend."

"These are bad people. These people are sick, and they do things that are so destructive if it weren't me, they'd be going after somebody else, and I know a lot of the competition. They wouldn't do so well."

In the key segments of the interview that aired on Sunday, June 2, the Republican party frontrunner weighed in on several key topics, including what he seeks in an Attorney General if elected this November and whether he would declassify several key files that have been the subject of conspiracy and speculation.

"Yes," he told co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy, insisting he would declassify the 9/11, JFK and Epstein files to restore some trust lost in American institutions.

Trump also said he has two names in mind for potential attorney general picks, but said he made mistakes with the critical decision during his first term, referring to Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr.

Trump's legal team has vowed to appeal his conviction, putting it in the hands of the New York appeals court and maybe the Supreme Court.

Trump tops President Biden in several key swing state polls, and donations to his campaign skyrocketed after he was convicted.






Monday, June 3, 2024 - Despite the European governing body's restrictions on multi-club ownership, UEFA will reportedly allow Manchester United to play in the Europa League next season.

United and Nice, who are also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company Ineos, have both qualified for the competition next season.

Back in March, it was revealed in an updated version of UEFA's integrity laws that in the event of two clubs from the same ownership group qualifying for the same competition, only one would be permitted to enter.

This normally would be given to the team who finished higher in their respective league, with Nice placing 5th and Manchester United 8th. However, United did win the FA Cup, a trophy where the winners automatically go into next season's Europa League.

The Times have reported that Manchester United have been given the go-ahead by UEFA to compete in the same competition as Nice next season subject to certain conditions, though this could be a one-off.

The newspaper claim that Nice will be told that they should be operated via a 'blind trust' by a panel approved by UEFA.

That model was used this season in a deal involving AC Milan, Toulouse, and their American investor Red Bird Capital.

It's said that clubs will also be told that the 2024-25 season will be viewed as a transitional one, and there 'won't be as much leeway' in future years.

A document seen by the Times says that a blind trust would be a 'temporary alternative granted on an exceptional basis' for next season and that changes to multi-club ownership rules could change in future years.

The ruling would also mean that both Manchester City and Girona will be allowed to compete in the Champions League.




Monday, June 3, 2024  Deputy President William Ruto has vowed that nothing will stop him from his one-man, one-shilling campaign for the benefit of Mt. Kenya, not even President William Ruto.

Speaking at a function on Saturday night, Gachagua urged the people from the Mount Kenya Region to monitor politicians and their utterances to ensure they mark those against one-man, one-shilling.

He noted that the revenue-sharing deal was what the people of Mount Kenya deserved and anyone campaigning against the proposal was not an ally and defender of the region and its people.

At the same time, Gachagua regretted opposing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) championed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga, saying the BBI meant well for Mt. Kenya.

As a result, he urged the people from the central region to consider the leaders who pushed for the one-man, one-vote, one-shilling like Uhuru and Raila through BBI as heroic, citing that they were fighting for the rights of their people.

Listen to the politicians as they speak, those who are fighting for our people to get what they deserve are the heroes of our community.

"Those who are not should be marked so everyone knows who they are, stated Gachagua.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, June 3, 2024  The Government of President William Ruto has denied reports that the National Police Service (NPS) would train Haitian security officers in Kenya.

This was after reports that an advance team sent to Haiti had recommended that 2,000 police officers from the Caribbean nation be taken through a crash course in law enforcement and combat.

Speaking during an interview, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles as the Foreign Cabinet Secretary, stated that the only deal Kenya had agreed on was deploying 1,000 police officers to Haiti.

We have not reached that level at all and if they are going to be trained, we are not going to hide anything whatsoever, he stated.

We will make it public the way we have made it public that we shall be engaged under the United Nations framework for deployment.

While not ruling out NPS training Haitian police officers, Mudavadi remarked that he would brief the nation should the recommendations be adopted.

It will not be secret but as we speak now, there are no such 2,000 people training in Kenya, the PCS remarked.

Mudavadi further defended the decision to first deploy 200 police officers to Haiti instead of the agreed 1,000.

He noted that this was not a singular mission but a multinational programme encompassing many countries and sanctioned by the UN with funding from the United States.

As such, Kenya would first send a small contingent of police officers who would join security officers from other countries.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, June 3, 2024 - A woman who vanished from her home in North Hills, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, has been found 31 years later in Puerto Rico.

When Patricia Kopta vanished without a trace on June 20, 1992, her husband Bob didnt think much of it because his wife had been a free spirit and acted odd.

Patricia, a well-known street preacher in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had claimed to see visions of the Virgin Mary and routinely warned complete strangers that the world was about to end in a nuclear Armageddon.

The devout Roman Catholic disappeared from her home in North Hills on June 20, 1992. Bob reported her missing on November 27, 1992.

He told police it was not uncommon for Patricia  whose nickname was The Sparrow due to her short stature and unstable walk  to drop out of sight for periods of time.

Police said the disappearance wasnt overtly suspicious and that her husband was not a suspect.

In the weeks which followed, Patricia was classed as a critical missing person by the authorities, with an urgent search launched.

One poster released by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Centre had stated: "Her family believes she took a flight to Puerto Rico after her disappearance and spent a week or two there before returning to Pittsburgh.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

Patricia, who was 52 at the time of her disappearance, had enjoyed holidays in Puerto Rico before she got married, her sister Gloria had told detectives. She thought her sister could have left to start a new life.

But the complete radio silence worried Patricia's husband Bob. The former electrician doubted Patricia was safe, and instead feared she had been hurt, abducted or was laying in a ditch somewhere.

He paid a psychic to try find answers and placed adverts in Puerto Rican newspapers in a bid to locate the Sparrow.

However, trails ran cold for both the police and Patricias family who, seven years after she vanished, obtained a legal declaration which considered her dead.

I come home one night, and shes just gone, Bob, who didnt remarry, would later say.





I went through a lot. Every time theyd find a body somewhere [I wondered], Is it Patricia? Is it Patricia?

In 2023, 31 years after she vanished, it emerged that Patricia, now 83, was very much alive and in a nursing home 1,700 miles away in Puerto Rico. She had been taken in as a person in need in June 1999 after being found wandering aimlessly nearby.

Patricia had kept tight-lipped about her circumstances. It was only after she started suffering from dementia that she began to reveal details about her life.

A social worker followed the little details she revealed and discovered she was from Pennsylvania, so they contacted the authorities.

DNA samples would later confirm she was the missing woman Patricia Kopta.

Bob was 86 when his wife was found.

After hearing the news, he told a press conference: Its a sad thing, but its a relief off my mind. When your wife goes missing, youre a suspect.

Ross Township Deputy Police Chief Brian Kohlhepp told a news conference, that it is likely Patricias state of mind led her to flee 1,7000 miles from Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico.

Born in Ross Township in Pennsylvania, she had been a straight-A student and spent time as a model, a dance instructor and an elevator operator at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh before her mental health deteriorated in 1984.

Several years later, she had lost her job and began to roam the citys streets. Patricia would tell anyone that listened that she was one of Gods bondservants on earth.

Her feet were so damaged from her wandering that her sister had urged her, in vain, to go to hospital. Patricia always maintained a neat appearance, with make-up and a long dress or skirt, when she preached on the streets but was frequently described as "eccentric" by many people  including her own husband.

They had met near a river in Pittsburgh where Bob had a boat and offered her and her friends a ride. The pair married in 1972. It was a decade later when Bob noticed his wifes mental health deteriorate.

In the months leading to her disappearance, Patricia had been diagnosed with delusions of grandeur by a doctor who suspected she could have schizophrenia.

One theory police discussed was concerned she was going to be institutionalised and fled America as a result.

After 30 years, you try to forget about it, Bob told reporters when pressed on a potential reason for his wifes vanishing act. Now, I can forget about it. We know what happened, and she is taken care of now. She could have come home any time. But thats what she wanted. She always said she wanted to go to a warm climate.

Patricias sister Gloria rushed to Puerto Rico to visit her sibling as soon as the DNA test came back positive and she was given Patricias address.





Were very thankful to know that Patty is alive and well, Gloria told local news outlet WMTW.

Shes being well taken care of. We really thought she was dead all those years. It was a very big shock to know that shes still alive.

Its not fully certain what Patricia did for the full 31 years she had been classed as a missing person. It is thought she walked around Puerto Ricos northern towns of Naranjito, Corozal and Toa Alta, to the southwest of the capital of San Juan, during her time on the Caribbean island.

According to police, she told locals she came to Puerto Rico on a cruise ship from Europe.

While the name of Patricias nursing home has never been revealed, one photo of the pensioner taken at the home has been shared.




Monday, June 3, 2024  President William Ruto had to sell his soul to secure a Ksh156 billion loan from the World Bank last Thursday.

The loan comes with stringent conditions aimed at modernizing Kenya's economic and administrative landscape.

The government's commitments include the operationalisation of the Treasury Single Account and a full transition to an e-Procurement system by the public sector, a measure backed by both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

This shift to e-Procurement is expected to reduce procurement-related spending by 10 to 15 per cent, translating to an annual saving of approximately Ksh 90 billion.

All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must complete their procurement using the e-Procurement system by 2027.

In addition, the government will consolidate the public sector wage bill through the approval of a Payroll Management Policy, eliminating manual payrolls and rationalising allowances for employees of state corporations.

These measures aim to reduce the public sector wage bill from 47 per cent of total revenue in 2023 to 35 per cent by 2027.

Furthermore, the government plans to increase the proportion of reviewed and verified declarations of personal interests of public officials to 85 per cent by 2027.

In the education sector, the government aims to boost the number of students enrolled in tertiary education, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities, from 362,834 in 2023 to 500,226 by 2027.

One of the most contentious aspects of the loan agreement involves the integration of refugees into the Kenyan economy.

President Ruto's government has committed to simplifying procedures for issuing Class-M job permits and updating regulations to recognise refugee identification documents.

The full implementation of the Refugee Act of 2021 is also a condition of the loan.

The World Bank estimates that up to 400,000 refugees could be integrated into the community by 2027, representing three-quarters of the population in Kenya's two largest refugee camps.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Joint reporting.

Calls against corruption and homosexuality have dominated Martyrs celebrations held at Namugongo in Wakiso District.

President Museveni who returned to Namugongo after four years for commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs Day has warned against ignorantly debating Ugandas stance on homosexuality.

In his speech delivered this afternoon at the Catholic shrine, the president said Uganda is a land of martyrs, warning people who carelessly comment about the homosexuality vice.

those people who are just talking outside there , normally follow what they are saying, like in the issue of the homosexuals, they talk too much not knowing Uganda is a land of Martyrs, President said.

If you want to play around with Uganda you will see, you will not like it, we are all young people, and we are all young, very few were above 40 but they could not accept the

The president also useukafiri of Kabaka Mwanga, He Added.

The occasion to remind Christians to work hard to achieve decent and prosperous lives here on earth.

He urged religious leaders to emphasize the fact that man has both spiritual and physical needs

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has vowed to stand for the truth amid all her trials and tribulations.

This was in her brief speech before delivering the message of the President during the Martyrs Day Celebrations at the Anglican Martyrs Site in Namugongo, Wakiso District.

She said that those who stand for the truth are criticised, misunderstood, and sanctioned, but she will stand for the truth for the good of humanity.

Among is among the four senior government officials recently slapped with sanctions by both the United Kingdom and United States of America over alleged gross human rights violations and corruption.

The others are former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Peter Elwelu, and former ministers for Karamoja affairs Gorretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu.

Among however blames her woes on her spirited fight against the practice of homosexuality in Uganda, vowing not to relent.

Addressing the congregation earlier, Dr. Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop of Nigeria urged Christians in Uganda to reject worldly norms that contravene biblical teachings.

His spirited sermon comes months after African Archbishops including Ugandas Samuel Kazimba Mugalu rejected the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welbys move to support a proposal to bless Same-Sex marriages.

No matter how Babylon, Babylon is judge day she will sit on the ground and her end is in the leg of fire because judgment is coming, Rev Ndukuba said.

We are talking about the word of God that is written, this word of God has power, this word of God curry life and this word of God is true, He added.

From the Catholic Martyrs Shrine,

Reverend Raphael Wokorach, also challenged members of parliament to use the same energy they applied to enact the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in fighting corruption.

Although Bishop Wokorach has commended MPs for serving the country diligently, but quickly noted that signs of evil still remain among leaders.

Recently the parliament made a big shot kick on the program of homosexuality, same sex marriages that was proposed, they tighten it and kicked it out big courage, Bishop Wokorach said.

At the same time we know that the signs of evil still remains routed in our meets how I wish the same policy makers could also take the same energy to shoot out corruption, He added.

Meanwhile, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, the Most Rev. Luigi Bianco has urged believers to embrace minority groups like refugees, the elderly, migrants the same way Jesus Christ did.

We are called to be sign, of hope for the migrants, elderly the grandparents and the millions of who we luck the essential life we must convincing testimony to this hope, rev Bianco said.

Also earlier, police said they were stuck with 11 children who are yet to be reunited with their parents or guardians.

Luke Owoyesigyire, is the deputy police spokesperson for Kampala metropolitan

We are still stuck with about 11 children one the Anglican side and 10 at the catholic, they have managed to reunite five children with their parents and we await and appeal to the parents out there to come for their children, Luke Owoyesigyire said.

Health workers have registered a significant number of patients with different ailments including of stomach up sets, Red eye, High blood pressure and cough among other.

Dr. Joseph Mubiru from Mulago hospital led the health services team at the Catholic Shrine.
In Kilkenny, 50 local candidates are seeking your vote to represent you on Kilkenny County Council for the next five years. Twenty-three candidates are doing likewise to represent you in Europe.

The decisions they make and policies they support  on behalf of us, the electorate  will affect us all.

The team behind the Kilkenny People and Kilkenny Live will be present throughout this years election count at the Lyrath Estate convention centre. Well be bringing you live, up-to-the-minute information from the count centre, as the winners celebrate and the runners-up count their losses. You can follow our liveblog on KilkennyLive and you wont miss a minute of it.

The various campaigns are now entering their final week, the last bits of canvassers shoe leather are being worn out, the voters are ready to have their say.

Theres no shortage of talking points as we prepare to head for the polls, and the result will likely throw up plenty more. With still a few days to go, there are a few questions to which we are looking forward to getting an answer.

How will the Government parties fare?

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have dominated the council in recent years, and the two parties hold 19 of the 24 seats between them on the incumbent council. Two sitting Fianna Fail and one Fine Gael councillor are not contesting this election, but both parties have many new faces coming forward to put their names on the ballot.

Whither Sinn Fein?

The last time out, the 2019 Local Elections was a disaster for the party. They lost all three sitting councillors and were left with no representation on the council until the defection by then-Labour Party councillor Denis Hynes over two years later in 2021.

In the 2020 General Election, however, Sinn Feins Kathleen Funchion topped the poll with a massive 17,493 first preference votes. The record result was seen as a clear sign the party had plenty of voter support here. They could have run a second candidate even. Since then, support for Sinn Fein nationally has slumped, dropping in the most recent poll. They are running eight candidates in Kilkenny, including three in the city.

Can Labour make any inroads?

Sitting councillor Tomas Breathnach has been a mainstay in South Kilkenny since 2004. Elsewhere, things have proven tricky since the retirement of Maurice Shortall in Castlecomer. Two candidates running in the city aim to retake a seat there, once a stronghold of Seamus Pattison. It may be challenging.

What of the Green Party?

The junior partner in Government often gets a raw deal. The Greens hold just one seat on the current council  for years held by Malcolm Noonan, and now occupied by Cllr Maria Dollard who was co-opted on the formers election to the Dail. Newcomer Kristina Doyle enters the fray in the Callan-Thomastown area, and Benny McDonagh in the south. With other issues pushing climate change out of front and centre in some areas recently, will there still be room for Green voices on the local council?

How will the independent candidates do?

The outspoken Eugene McGuinness announced his arrival in the 2019 Local Election, winning plenty of supporters during his campaign. Half a dozen other independents are now seeking to replicate his success. Some of them have been very vocal on social media  will that translate to votes at the polling station?

The Social Democrats, People Before Profit, Irish Peoples Party, and the Irish Freedom Party are all running candidates, each hoping to be their partys first-ever elected member in County Kilkenny.

What are the issues?

Well, it depends who you talk to.

Some are the old dependables, for example, housing. This remains a huge issue for everyone from those who dont have it, those who can hardly afford it, tenants, landlords and owner occupiers. Even big employers are identifying the lack of housing as a major issue limiting their growth and as an impediment to attracting and retaining talent.

The cost of living comes up again and again  people feel their euro is getting them less and less.

Has immigration been a big issue? It seems to be coming up a bit more, particularly in certain areas and for some candidates. However, many of the main established party candidates have also said it hasnt been coming up much at all for them. Could it be a quiet issue that people are keeping to themselves  or has it been overblown in the media and in particular, on social media? It will be interesting to see the performance of those candidates who have made it the central platform of their campaign.

About a year out from a general election, with one more Budget to be passed, this local election will be seen as a bellwether, to a certain extent, for what is to come. Councillors will have to give input and adopt their own annual budget of around E100 million, which affects a lot of the local services and amenities we all use  from social housing and road maintenance through to street cleaning, fire, libraries, parks to economic and community development. They are responsible for agreeing the price of commercial rates, as well as the level of Local Property Tax to be paid.

At the end of the day, what most people want from their local councillor remains unchanged someone who is seen to be busy, not afraid to put in the work, and can help them with the issues that affect their daily lives. Can they help get a house for someone locally? Yes, perhaps. Can they rewrite national housing policy? No.

If they have good relationships with colleagues in the Dail, they may be able to make representations. They may have the ear of someone among the council executive who can progress matters. If they win enough public support, perhaps others will take notice, or they will find a platform for their message.

Some of the issues some candidates have campaigned on are things that ultimately, a local councillor can have little influence on. They are issues that require addressing at a national, or indeed, a European level.

Its interesting looking back. Ten years ago, I did a survey of candidates contesting the 2014 Local Election. Many of them are since retired or were not elected. Some are sitting councillors to this day.

One of the questions asked was what the big issue on the doorsteps was. Unsurprisingly given the political climate at the time, the answer for almost all candidates was water charges. The timing was a bit of a perfect storm; canvassers had to knock on doors amid huge public protests and unhappiness with the planned charges. With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that the groundswell of anger toward the Government was enough that plans to introduced the charges were abandoned within two years.

Another question asked which nearly always received the same answer from all the candidates was: The brewery site/mart sites in Kilkenny City - whats the one thing you would like to see in them?

A lot has changed in 10 years. The former mart site remains undeveloped, although plans are in the offing for it.

The former brewery site has seen a lot of development in that time. It now boasts new state-of-the-art office blocks, a long-sought skatepark for young people, a linear park, and now a jewel in the crown in the new Mayfair Library building. These are all things that the council and the elected members have helped advance, and for those asking what can they do, there are some tangible things to acknowledge.

But the one thing that nearly all candidates said they would like to see was a third-level education campus of some description. Sadly, this is one thing that has not come to pass despite its seemingly universal popularity. Perhaps its something that requires more will at a national level, and perhaps its something the next council will attempt to take on.

So as well as fixing the road and cutting ribbons, the role of the local councillor is a varied one. Those 24 people must meet and try to find common ground, compromise, and progress things, all putting on the black and amber jersey to do their best for Kilkenny. They must have in their head a vision of the kind of Kilkenny we all want to live in for the next five, 10, 50 years.

So, whatever you do next Friday, June 7, make sure you get out and vote. Make your voice heard, and your views known. Otherwise, dont complain for the next five years!

Finally, the best way to keep up to date on all the happenings at the election count over the weekend of June 8 and 9 is to follow our social media channels and most importantly, www.kilkennypeople.ie.

The KilkennyLive team will be working hard to bring you all the action from the count centre, all the drama, the highs and lows, the little bits of colour and most importantly  the winners and losers  as we find out what our next council will look like. Well see you there  and if not, get in touch on our live blog or social media, and let us know what you make of it all. Until then, happy reading.

Sam Matthews
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Prepare strategic responses to North Koreas provocations

North Korea announced its decision, Monday, to cease releasing balloons filled with trash into South Korea. Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il said the release was a response to South Korea's longstanding practice of sending balloons carrying anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets. However, North Korea cautioned that it would resume launching balloons if South Korean activists persisted in sending leaflets.

The Norths abrupt decision came just hours after the South Korean government indicated the possibility of resuming loudspeaker broadcasts across the border in retaliation. This clearly demonstrates how sensitive the North is to the loudspeaker broadcasts. Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that up to 1,000 balloons had been found as of 1 p.m. Sunday, mainly in Seoul and nearby provinces.

As a response the the North's provocation, the National Security Council decided Monday to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which is secheduled to be scrapped officially during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

During a meeting on the sidelines of a regional defense forum in Singapore on Sunday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed that North Korea's recent actions, including missile launches and the release of balloons, constitute violations of both the United Nations Security Council resolution and the Armistice Agreement. The two defense chiefs condemned North Korea for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea's recent actions, notably the firing of 20 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) into the East Sea May 28, have sparked intense criticism, marking the largest single launch to date. Of particular concern are the missiles boasting a range of 350 km, capable of reaching major cities and air bases in South Korea. Additionally, the North engaged in GPS jamming attacks on the northwestern islands of South Korea, causing disruption to the operations of fishing and passenger vessels off the coast of Incheon.

The North's recent string of provocations appears to be carefully orchestrated. Following its unsuccessful attempt to launch surveillance satellites, the North swiftly engaged in provocative actions, seemingly in response to the trilateral summit in Seoul between South Korea, Japan, and China. The North expressed its discontent by criticizing the three-way meeting, which was held for the first time in almost five years. Attempting to showcase its military capability through the satellite launch, the North's endeavor ended in failure.

North Korea had previously issued threats of military retaliation in response to joint air surveillance and sea patrols conducted by South Korea and the United States, as well as the dissemination of leaflets by anti-North Korean activists. These provocations from the North are elements of psychological warfare designed to sow insecurity and chaos within South Korea. The deployment of balloons filled with trash represents a particularly deplorable and underhanded form of provocation, unfit for any civilized state. This method hints at the possibility that, in a wartime scenario, such tactics could escalate to the use of chemical or biological weapons, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The GPS jamming attacks serve to disrupt the daily routines of Koreans and foster a pervasive sense of instability. North Korea's strategy appears to center on exploiting the ambiguous terrain of low-intensity warfare, aiming to sow greater confusion and unease in the South. In light of this, South Korean authorities must adopt tailored measures to effectively address the evolving security landscape.

The government and the military should prepare steps to address the Norths new methods of provocation more prudently and wisely. In light of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's characterization of the relationship between North and South Korea as "two states in hostile relations," it follows that diplomatic reciprocity should guide interactions between the two nations. Engaging in actions such as sending balloons filled with garbage constitutes crude and base behavior, deserving of cynicism and increased isolation from the international community.

The government should take a more proactive stance in raising the issue with the international community, urging North Korea to abstain from further provocations. Safeguarding the safety and lives of its citizens is a fundamental responsibility of the government, particularly in managing potential military tensions. To this end, the government must explore a range of strategies to defuse the current standoff. Employing a balanced approach of incentives and deterrents at strategic junctures is paramount.

While it is necessary to take stern measures against the North, it is equally essential to propose dialogue to discuss methods of easing tensions. Diplomatic engagement can open channels for communication and potentially reduce the likelihood of further provocations.
Netflix's dramas accused of reaching intolerable point

By KTimes

"The torture scenes were mentally exhausting," said Lee Yeon-woo, a college student who stopped watching Netflix's new drama "The 8 Show" halfway through last month.

The increasingly brutal content, especially the torture scenes, was too much for him to handle. Even a short clip of the torture scenes on YouTube was enough to give her the chills.

Lee said, "I wonder if it's appropriate to advertise such a highly provocative drama, even more so than the extremely violent 'Squid Game,' on large billboards in Seoul's Samseong-dong and Myeong-dong."

Kim Da-eun, 28, and Kim Sung-hyun, 23, who watched the drama, also found the repeated and prolonged violent scenes so exhausting that they skipped those parts.

"The 8 Show" was one of Netflix's most anticipated releases of the first half of the year, touted as the second "Squid Game."

The show features a similar premise where contestants compete for a large cash prize, with stars actors like Chun Woo-hee, Park Jung-min and Ryu Jun-yeol, drawing keen attention.

The drama's main theme was to criticize our "dopamine society" that constantly seeks and is driven by sensationalism.

However, the show's explicit depiction of violence, including brutal punishments, torture and bodily harm, has led many viewers to feel it is overly exhausting.

Critics say that Netflix's escalating use of violence and sensationalism in its content, which surged following the success of "Squid Game" (2021), has reached an unbearable threshold with "The 8 Show."

The series follows participants who must entertain themselves to earn money, escalating in violence as it progresses to criticize the increasing levels of shock content in the media.

Excessive sensationalism ethically justifiable?



Director Han Jae-rim explained, "The intention was to make viewers uncomfortable with violence to discourage its glorification."

Despite this, many viewers were disturbed by the realistic close-ups of injured faces and prolonged scenes of torture.

Comments such as, "It's the first time I've seen such realistic makeup of injured faces in a drama" and "I don't understand the need to show such long scenes of violence and torture" were common among viewers.

Drama critic Oh Soo-kyung noted, "Netflix's violent content seems to have peaked with 'The 8 Show,' and viewers are showing signs of fatigue. It's time to question whether gaining attention via excessive sensationalism is ethically justified."

Professor Yoon Seok-jin of Chungnam National University's department of Korean language and literature said, "Criticizing violence with violence is self-contradictory. Since 'Squid Game,' the intensity of violence and sensationalism in Netflix dramas has significantly increased."

Other Netflix dramas created after "Squid Game," like "The Glory" (2022-23) and "Mask Girl" (2023), also featured high levels of violence. In "A Killer Paradox," released in February, brutal murder scenes were repeated.

Many expect this trend to continue with upcoming releases, including the second season of "Squid Game," slated for later this year. Online streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Watcha face ongoing criticism for their unregulated high levels of violence and sensationalism, unlike traditional broadcast networks.

Breaking away from outdated perspectives

The lack of persuasiveness in some violent scenes can be attributed to the overall quality of the drama. Stereotypical and outdated characters fail to evoke empathy or reflection from viewers.

Oh said that "The 8 Show" perpetuates prejudices against people with disabilities and minorities through its lowest-tier characters. Similarly, "Squid Game" faced criticism for its portrayal of a female contestant who trades sex for survival, thereby distorting reality.

As Netflix solidifies its position as a global OTT platform, there is a call for an increase in the quality of its content.

While many content services initially gained recognition through sensational works, Netflix, having achieved global popularity, needs to move to the next stage.

Kim Heon-sik, a professor of social culture at Jungwon University, said, "Netflix's early subscribers were male genre enthusiasts, but now with more female and diverse age subscribers, romantic comedies and historical romances are making global charts. Netflix should produce diverse content befitting its status, rather than relying on visual shock."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
By Yi Whan-woo

The career path of Jung Byeong-jin, a government-recognized master craftsman in printing technology, parallels the growth of Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp. (KOMSCO), where he has been working for more than 30 years.

Jung, 50, joined KOMSCO as a trainee in 1991 when he was a senior at a vocational high school in Daejeon that fostered skills in the manufacturing industry.

It was also when KOMSCO, a state-run company and the countrys sole manufacturer of currency, was completely occupied with its conventional businesses of printing banknotes, minting circulating coins and producing means of identification, such as passports.

Since then, I built expertise in printing and quality control of products, going through trial and error to hone skills that still come in useful to date in KOMSCOs transition to an information and communications technology-oriented business entity, Jung told The Korea Times in a written interview this week.

He said he is proud and thankful for playing a role in KOMSCOs path to transformation, noting his area of focus is now electronic passports and mobile identification.

The relevant technology is behind elevating KOMSCOs international reputation, he said, pointing out that mobile identity, as an intangible asset, is exported to several developing countries in Asia.

Jung received multiple national honors in recognition of his skills, including two from presidents in 2010 and 2022, respectively, one from the prime minister in 2016 and another from the labor minister in 2020.

In particular, the 2022 honor, titled "master craftsman of the Republic of Korea," is the highest those who practice a handcraft as a job can receive.

"In that regard, I find this honor meaningful not only personally but also as a member of KOMSCO and as a Korean national," he said.

He drew an analogy between the technology of KOMSCO and that of "jikji," a 14th-century Korean Buddhist document that remains the world's oldest existing book printed with movable metal type.

"I think my honor is extended from centuries of technology in the printing press developed by our great ancestors," Jung said.

For potential Korean master craftsmen in the future, he told them to "be filled with pride and self-esteem for coming from a country that boasts the world's top-ranked technology in document security."

"No one can master a skill to become the best in a day or two, but they certainly will do so eventually if their know-how and expertise build over time, just as I did," he said.
By Park Jae-hyuk

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) vowed on Monday to ease Korea-specific regulations for foreign companies so as to enable the business and finance world to view the country as a more viable alternative to other Asian financial hubs, such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

During a luncheon with the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), FSS Governor Lee Bok-hyun introduced the financial watchdogs strategies to make Korea the leading financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

AMCHAM has recognized Koreas significant potential as a leading regional hub in the Asia-Pacific region, he said. The financial authorities align with AMCHAMs perspective, and we are committed to identifying and reforming regulations that do not meet global standards and impede the healthy growth of companies.

In March, AMCHAM published a report highlighting labor market rigidity, high tax rates and complex taxation standards as the major challenges facing foreign firms when they enter the Korean market.

The FSS governor added that his agency will collaborate with relevant ministries to address these issues.

Through these efforts, I am confident that companies operating in Korea, including AMCHAM members, will achieve strong competitiveness in the global market, benefiting from smooth business activities, various cooperation opportunities and innovative next-generation technology development, he said.

Lee also noted that risks related to real estate project financing, previously identified as destabilizing factors in the Korean economy, have been reduced as the government has been encouraging unsalvageable projects to undergo restructuring.

He also talked with AMCHAM Chairman James Kim about the Corporate Value-up Program, a government initiative aimed at improving corporate governance and increasing the value of listed companies. They examined its impact on the local stock market and foreign direct investment.

To unlock Koreas true potential, it is imperative to create a regulatory environment consistent with global standards, the AMCHAM chairman said. Our survey highlights that Korea-unique regulations and digital economy policies are two of the most critical areas affecting the business environment in Korea. In this context, I am grateful for Governor Lees remarkable vision for the future of Koreas financial services and his willingness to engage the AMCHAM community.
South Korea is considering taking up North Korea's repeated jamming of GPS navigation signals with related U.N. bodies and other international organizations to bring its illegality to attention and stop Pyongyang's acts, officials said Monday.

The North staged GPS jamming attacks in waters near South Korea's northwestern border islands for the fifth straight day on Sunday, along with the sending of thousands of balloons carrying tons of trash over the border into the South.

South Korea warned Sunday of resuming loudspeaker broadcasting along the border as part of "unendurable" responses to Pyongyang over its "irrational" provocations.

Seoul officials said the government is considering raising the North's GPS jamming attacks at the international level with U.N. bodies, like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

"Nothing has been decided yet. We're looking at various options," a Seoul official said on condition of anonymity.

Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson at South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a briefing Monday that "measures are expected to be taken at the international level as the North's GPS jamming amounts to a violation of the international law."

The act of disrupting GPS signals violates the ITU charters prohibiting interference with communications from other U.N. member states. It also runs against the ICAO and IMO conventions on the protection of private airplanes and safe navigation of ships.

North Korea is a member of the ITU, ICAO and IMO.

"It can affect not only our fleet and airplanes, but foreign aircraft that use Incheon International Airport," a military official said.

In April 2016, South Korea sent a statement to the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) to denounce Pyongyang after it jammed the GPS signals near the border. Seoul had requested the statement be shared among the UNSC members.

Seoul also raised the issue with related U.N. bodies at the time.

In June of that year, the ICAO adopted a decision urging Pyongyang to fulfill its responsibility as an ICAO member, warning against carrying out the GPS jamming.

In November of the same year, the IMO also adopted a statement condemning the North for posing threats to ship navigation. (Yonhap)
'NK balloon halt unrelated to loudspeaker resumption'

By Kwak Yeon-soo, Lee Hyo-jin

The National Security Council (NSC) decided Monday to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement in response to North Korea's sending of trash-filled balloons over the border.

The presidential office convened an NSC standing committee meeting led by Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo to discuss ways to respond to Pyongyang's recent series of provocations that caused tangible damage and posed security threats to South Koreans.

South and North Korea signed the inter-Korean military agreement to halt all hostile acts against each other to reduce tensions along the inter-Korean border following an inter-Korean summit in September 2018. The agreement bans all hostile acts within a buffer zone of 135 kilometers over the West Sea border and 80 kilometers into the East Sea.

However, North Korea sent nearly 1,000 balloons carrying trash into South Korea, jammed GPS signals and launched short-range ballistic missiles last week.

"We decided to submit a proposal to suspend the Sept. 19 military agreement during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. This measure will allow us to carry out military training near the Military Demarcation Line and enable us to take adequate and immediate responses to North Korean provocations. The government will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of our citizens," the presidential office said in a statement.

This comes a day after National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin warned that the government will take "unbearable measures" against North Korea in response to its sending of the trash balloons. They included resuming loudspeaker broadcasts carrying news critical of the North Korean regime along the inter-Korean border. North Korea is extremely sensitive to such broadcasts due to the possible effects on its military and the general public.

Hours after the warning, North Korea said it would temporarily stop sending trash-filled balloons into South Korea, claiming that its campaign left the South Koreans with "enough experience of how unpleasant they feel." However, it also threatened to resume such operations if Seoul sent more anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets.

Experts said North Korea's suspension of balloon launches comes after reaching its goal of sparking confusion and security worries in South Korea, playing down the possibility that Seoul's warning to resume loudspeaker broadcasts may have played a part in their decision to halt such activities.

"I wouldn't say loudspeaker broadcast was the reason North Korea halted sending trash-carrying balloons. I think it was their mistake to send a second wave of balloons because there was no provocative action from South Korea, such as sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets between Tuesday (when Pyongyang sent the first wave of balloons) and Saturday. I believe Defense Minister Shin Won-sik's remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue angered the North, leading them to react emotionally. They realized that they may have gone too far," said Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification.

Yang Moo-jin, the president of the University of North Korean Studies, said the situation is not yet over as the North hinted that they may resume sending trash-carrying balloons at any time if South Korean activists send more anti-Pyongyang leaflets.

"North Korea is in a wait-and-see mode as they have reached their primary goal of sparking confusion and internal division. They also gained valuable lessons as to how far the balloons can go depending on the wind direction and speed," Yang said.

Experts said the next step would be critical as to whether the rights group will send the leaflets toward the North.

Park Sang-hak, head of Fighters for Free North Korea, said his group will resume leaflet operations if winds blow in a northern direction. "We might consider halting sending leaflets to the North if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un apologizes for sending balloons carrying trash to the South," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Unification said it will not urge civic groups to refrain from sending leaflets across the border.

"We are handling the situation by taking into account the Constitutional Court's ruling that says the leaflet launches are an issue of guaranteeing freedom of expression," the ministry's spokesperson said during a press briefing.
South Korea on Monday unveiled another monument on a small southwestern island, hoping for the safe return of South Korean high school students abducted by North Korea in the late 1970s.

Four high school students were kidnapped by North Korean agents on Hong Island, off the southwestern coast, between 1977 and 1978, and they have yet to return home. A similar monument was set up on the southwestern island of Seonyu last month to wish for the repatriation of another teen abducted in 1977.

The ministry held a ceremony Monday to unveil the monument dedicated to these abductees, bringing together family members of the victims as well as Vice Unification Minister Moon Seoung-hyun.

The monument was installed to express South Korea's commitment to never forgetting the abductees and to raise public awareness for their return, it said.

Currently, six South Koreans are being detained in North Korea, including three missionaries  Kim Jung-wook, Choi Chun-gil and Kim Kook-kie  whose whereabouts and fates are unknown.

Separately, 516 South Koreans have yet to return home among an estimated 3,835 people who were kidnapped by North Korea after the Korean War, according to government data. (Yonhap)
Nearly 86 percent of Koreans believe junior doctors, who have been on a walkout since late February, should return to hospitals, a poll showed Monday, reflecting growing public fatigue over the ongoing disruptions in medical services.

According to the poll conducted by the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union, which holds nurses and other related workers as members, 85.6 percent of respondents called for doctors to return to their worksites, while only 12 percent supported the collective action.

The survey was conducted from Tuesday to Wednesday last week on 1,000 respondents.

About 12,000 trainee doctors have remained off the job for more than three months in protest of the plan to raise the medical school admissions quota by 2,000, causing disruptions at general hospitals and emergency rooms.

Regarding a Seoul appellate court's recent rejection of an injunction filed by doctors to suspend the medical reform, 70.4 percent supported the verdict, while only 18.1 percent disagreed with it.

Approximately 65 percent of respondents also said authorities should proceed with the increase in medical school seats, far outpacing the 29 percent who sided with the doctors calling for the government to scrap the reform plan.

"The people are expressing strong protest and fatigue against the doctors' organization," the union said in a statement.

Meanwhile, amid slim chances of dialogue between the government and the medical community, the Korea Medical Association (KMA), the largest doctors' organization, held candlelight vigils last week, warning of a "full-fledged" protest against the reform plan in June.

Medical sources said the KMA plans to carry out a vote this week among its members to decide on whether to carry out an all-out strike including doctors at local clinics. (Yonhap)
The health ministry said Monday it will actively review accepting resignations by striking doctors to allow them to seek other career paths, while devising ways of minimizing disadvantages to returnees.

The ministry, however, warned of "necessary responses" to a possible strike by community doctors amid growing concerns that the move would further disrupt the country's medical system due to the monthslong walkout by junior doctors.

"The government is actively considering accepting doctors' resignations after taking into consideration opinions by chiefs of training hospitals and striking doctors," Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang told a press briefing.

Around 12,000 trainee doctors have remained off the job in the form of mass resignations since late February in protest of the government's decision to raise the medical school admissions quota by 2,000, even though the government issued an order to return to work.

It also ordered training hospitals not to accept their resignations, but the doctors and their hospitals have called for lifting the orders "as a path of retreat" now that the government finalized next year's admission plan reflecting the quota increase.

If the orders are lifted, trainee doctors would be able to choose one of at least two options of serving as a general doctor at other medical clinics rather than teaching hospitals or returning to where they initially worked for.

"Hospital chiefs have said they can actively, and more easily, persuade trainee doctors to return to work if the government withdraws the orders," Jun said. "We are also discussing how to minimize disadvantages to returning doctors. All the details will be announced soon."

Despite the protest, the government effectively finalized the quota late last month, with the Korean Council for University Education confirming next year's admissions plan, marking the first such increase in 27 years.

In response, the Korea Medical Association, the largest doctors' organization, held candlelight vigils last week and warned of a large-scale protest against the reform plan this month.

The association plans to vote this week on whether to carry out a strike, including doctors at local clinics, according to media reports.

"If the medical community proceeds with a vote on a collective strike and files lawsuits against university presidents, it will only spark endless tension and discord," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong told a government response meeting.

Cho added that the government plans to hold the annual medical exam on schedule this year, despite demands for a delay from medical students who have also walked out of classrooms in solidarity with the junior doctors.

"The government plans to notify the schedule on Monday and hold the exam on Sept. 2," the health minister said.

There have been looming concerns that delays in the supply of new doctors could trigger a domino effect, disrupting the availability of military and public health doctors as well.

Cho also noted that the government will make efforts to minimize penalties on junior doctors returning to their worksites.

"We plan to minimize disadvantages for the returning junior doctors and make efforts to improve their training environment," Cho said. (Yonhap)
Minister says Korea-Africa Summit offers opportunity to move toward new era of co-prosperity

By Kim Hyun-bin

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita elaborated on the aspirations and strategic goals of his country prior to the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit slated for Tuesday and Wednesday.

In a written interview with The Korea Times, Bourita, who arrived in Seoul on Saturday to prepare for the summit, also underscored Rabat's dedication to cultivating a strong and vibrant alliance with Seoul for mutual prosperity.

"The Kingdom of Morocco shares the main objective of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, affirming the necessity to move toward a new era of co-prosperity," he said.

The minister noted that the summit is closely aligned with Moroccos priorities and the visionary agenda of King Mohammed VI. This agenda aims to foster a positive developmental trajectory for Africa, helping African nations unlock their full potential while addressing pressing challenges.

"The summit offers an opportunity for all of us to reflect on ways and means to build on the spirit of trust and mutual respect," Bourita said.

He emphasized Moroccos intent to maximize the benefits of the Korea-Africa partnership through enhanced triangular cooperation, particularly with greater involvement from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

"By encouraging innovation and co-creation, we aim to achieve shared and mutual benefits," he said.

During his stay in Seoul, the Moroccan minister met his Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, Sunday. Bourita described this meeting as an opportunity to reinforce the dynamic relationship between Korea and Morocco.

"This will be an opportunity to keep growing the dynamic relationship between our two countries, to further consolidate relations, in line with the ambitions of our bilateral relations as well as embed triangular cooperation Morocco-Korea-Africa for the benefit of the African continent," he said.

One of the key highlights of this diplomatic engagement was the signing of three significant agreements.

"We have signed three agreements in the fields of climate change, social security development and implementation of the Korean Cooperation Fund for Development," Bourita said, noting that they are expected to pave the way for deeper and more structured cooperation in these critical areas.

Reflecting on Korea's role in fostering partnerships with African nations, Bourita said Korea has always proven to be a credible and reliable partner.

"A profound transformation process is underway in Africa, and Korea is positioning itself as an innovative partner that prioritizes shared prosperity," he said.

The minister also addressed the potential for enhancing economic ties and trade relations between Korea and Africa. He pointed out the need for increased Korean foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, which currently represents only 1.5 percent of Koreas total FDI.

"Although Koreas development aid has been increasing, much needs to be done to unleash the full potential of an Africa-Korea partnership," he said. He highlighted the significant economic growth projected for Africa, with consumer and business spending expected to exceed $6.7 trillion by 2030 and economic output reaching $29 trillion by 2050.

"There is substantial opportunity for Korean and African private sectors to build or expand in Africa," he said.

"Morocco and Korea have enjoyed over 60 years of excellent bilateral relations, with historical and cultural ties that have grown stronger and evolved into a solid partnership."

Bourita expressed optimism for future cooperation, aiming to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic level that benefits both countries.

"We hope to elevate the status of our bilateral relations to one that is based on strategic value for both our countries," he said. The minister emphasized that the cooperation between Morocco and Korea spans various fields, including economic, political, cultural and academic sectors.

"We aim to continue growing these fields to reflect the changing nature of today's world," he added.

When asked about potential challenges in enhancing Korea-Morocco relations, Bourita was optimistic and forward-looking.

"There are no main challenges that hinder the relations between our two countries," he said. "The focus will be on ensuring continued dialogue and exchange of points of view and continuing to cooperate together politically and economically."
By Ahmed Hachani

We are celebrating this year the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Korea. It is a significant milestone that calls upon a new vision to build on our shared values and impressive record of cooperation and to look ahead to a new chapter of accomplishments.

The heir of Carthage and the land of Hannibal, Tunisia is at the crossroads of African, Arab and Mediterranean civilizations. Like Korea, it is proud of its deep historical roots and its rich heritage. Like Korea too, with little natural resources, it has invested heavily in the human capital, an investment that yielded significant social and economic benefits.

Determined to chart a new course to move up the global value chains and to transform its economy into high-value-added and knowledge intensive sectors, Tunisia is considering Korea as a model and inspiration.

On a bilateral level, we are moving toward this direction through collaborative quality programs in ITC and other sectors. As a case in point, the development of a Tunisian e-procurement platform, modeled after the Korean e-procurement system KONEPS, is now serving as a showcase of Korean solutions and technologies, attracting interest from African and Latin American countries.

Tunisia is also emerging as a promising investment destination for Korean companies, particularly in the manufacturing of automotive wire harness, with Yura Corporation pointing the way forward for other Korean investors.

Koreas bold initiative of launching the Korea-Africa Summit and engaging in the new paradigm of partnership with the African continent is perceived by Tunisia as an additional opportunity to generate new momentum for our bilateral relations. As a long-standing friend and reliable partner, Tunisia is determined to contribute actively to the success of the first Korea-Africa Summit and to the advancement of a long-term co-prosperity agenda, leading to shared success.

The Korea-Africa Summit is a testimony to the impressive success of Koreas growth model and a confirmation of its legitimate ambition to embrace greater responsibilities and contributions extending beyond its immediate regional neighborhood.

Koreas timely initiative is also a recognition of the potential of Africa as a dynamic force in the global arena and as an emerging investment destination, going through a deep transformative process and writing a new narrative of success and optimism.

The continent has an abundance of resources and is home to a young, tech-savvy population, an adaptable workforce and a burgeoning middle class. Improving infrastructure, accelerating technological transformation and developing inter-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area are being leveraged to develop Africa into a global economic powerhouse.

For Korea, the Potential of African Countries does not relate only to trade expansion opportunities and to infrastructure markets for Korean companies. It is also about Africas potential to develop into a major participant in global supply chains for high-technology sectors.

Recent disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, shall urge Korean manufacturers to diversify their production locations and geographical footprint and consider Africa as the new destination for global supply chains.

Tunisia is already positioned to be such a destination. For Korean companies, Tunisia could serve as the hub and a platform for the African continent and beyond, thanks to its strategic location, educated and skilled workforce, modern and constantly improving infrastructure and an elaborate network of free trade arrangements with the whole African continent, the European Union and the Arab world.

This op-ed was written by Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani
Two-day event gathers delegates from 48 African countries including 25 state leaders

By Lee Hyo-jin

Korea is set to host its first-ever summit with African nations from Tuesday to Wednesday, marking a significant stride in Seoul's diplomatic outreach to the Global South.

The summit, scheduled to be held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, will bring together delegations from 48 African countries, including 25 state leaders.

This is the largest multilateral gathering hosted by Korea under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration since its inauguration in May 2022, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The summit aims to elevate the dialogue between Korea and African nations from the ministerial to the highest levels.

Under the theme "The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity," the major diplomatic event will gather delegations from African nations, international organizations, key figures from the Korean and international business communities, academia and non-governmental organizations.

During the discussion sessions on Day 1, leaders will address pressing global issues such as climate change, food security and supply chain stability. Following the summit, the Korean president, along with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, chairman of the African Union (AU), will issue a joint statement outlining key areas of cooperation.

The second day of the summit will feature a business summit, where government officials and business leaders from both regions will explore opportunities for cooperation. A business consultative session will also take place, allowing private companies from both sides to identify potential partners and forge cooperative relationships.

The two-day event will also include over a dozen sideline events covering various topics, including tourism, green climate initiatives, business, health, ICT, infrastructure, agriculture, marine and fisheries and development cooperation.

In the lead-up to the summit, Yoon held a string of bilateral meetings with around 10 African leaders on Monday, including those from Lesotho, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Togo, Rwanda, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, at the presidential office in Seoul.

Later in the day, Yoon hosted a reception and a subsequent welcome banquet.

Among the 25 state leaders attending the summit, four of them  Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and the Mauritanian president  are in Seoul on official visits.

The Korean president held individual summits with the Sierra Leone leader on Friday and with the Ethiopian and Tanzanian leaders on Sunday. He is set to meet with the Mauritanian leader on Wednesday.

Korea's first-ever summit with African nations marks the pinnacle of growing partnerships between the two sides, the foreign ministry said.

Seoul's relations with African countries date back to the 1950-53 Korean War, during which African nations offered support. Ethiopia sent its Royal Guards, South Africa dispatched an air force squadron and Liberia provided logistical aid.

Since then, Korea has expanded its relationships with African countries, collaborating in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, minerals and energy, defense and digital technologies.

In today's world, where the influence of the Global South is increasingly significant, strengthening partnerships with African countries is not just an option but a necessity in realizing Korea's vision of becoming a global pivotal state, the ministry said.

Africa is a young continent, with 60 percent of its population aged 25 and under. The African Continental Free Trade Area, launched in 2019, has turned the vast region into a single market with a population of approximately 1.4 billion and a GDP of $3.4 trillion.

Furthermore, the region holds 30 percent of the worlds key raw materials that are essential components for future next-generation batteries. This underscores its pivotal role as a partner in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

On the security front, the collective voice of African nations is becoming more influential on the international stage, as they comprise more than one-fourth of U.N. members. The AU recently attained permanent membership status in the Group of 20, underscoring the continent's growing presence in key global issues.
By Bereket Alemayehu

While South Korea is hosting the first Korea-Africa Summit this week, the Nosong Gallery at Jangan Community Center is holding a special exhibition with the theme "Ah! Africa!" from June 3 to 8 in Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province.

Various traditional crafts, paintings and costumes from Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Ethiopia are on display to improve cultural awareness and promote understanding of the cultural diversity of multicultural communities in the city. There will also be a collaboration performance with classical guitar on Friday and a special lecture on African traditions and a traditional play on Saturday.

Lee Won-yong, a director at the city-run Jangan Community Center, told The Korea Times that few people in Korea have much knowledge of the continent of Africa. "But Africa is diverse, in terms of people and cultures. Thats why we organized this exhibition and program to promote understanding more deeply," she said.

The Jangan Community Center, established in 2006 to promote citizens' lifelong education and health, won the 2023 Public Sector Cultural Diversity Best Practices Competition. This year it will also develop various programs to improve cultural awareness and promote cultural diversity for citizens as well as special exhibitions about African countries.

"This year we'd like to understand more deeply about Cameroon through the Cameroon community in Korea," Lee said. "We'd like to understand the West African culture.

Most of the art for this year's event comes from Cameroon, and much of it was made by the young student artist T L.Z. Anoh.

One of the organizers of the upcoming art exhibition is Jeff Anoh Tembe, president of the Cameroon Association in Korea (CAMASKO) and a resident of Korea for 22 years. About eight years ago he founded African Port, a restaurant and cultural platform in Itaewon.

This exhibition not only serves as a cultural bridge between Africa and South Korea but also as a platform for showcasing the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Africa. By transitioning from traditional to contemporary art, the exhibition aims to highlight the evolution and dynamism of African art, dispelling stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation, he told The Korea Times.

As an organizer, I work closely with artists, organizers, and community leaders to ensure that the exhibition authentically represents African art and culture. My responsibilities include selecting artworks, organizing events and facilitating dialogues between artists and the audience. The previous exhibition's success, marked by high attendance and positive feedback, set a high standard. Drawing from the experience of last year's exhibition, which focused on African fashion, we anticipate an even more engaging and immersive event this year. This year we aim to build on last year's success by also incorporating interactive African traditional games, a special lecture and trending musical genres to deepen the audience's engagement."

When asked about the main message of the event, he said he wished to convey to Koreans a message of openness and curiosity.

"African art is not monolithic; it is as diverse as the continent itself," he said. "We encourage Koreans to see this exhibition as an opportunity to broaden their horizons and challenge preconceived notions about Africa. In a nutshell, the African art exhibition in South Korea is more than just an art show; it is a cultural dialogue and a celebration of diversity. It underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating the artistic contributions of different cultures in our globalized world. By bridging traditional and modern art, we can find common ground and enrich our collective cultural experiences."

Jangan Community Center's facilities offer an art hall, art gallery, a swimming pool, fitness center and classrooms. Its education programs offer training in computing and English, Chinese, and Japanese languages, photography, calligraphy, art, classical music and musical instruments, singing, cooking, to name a few. It also caters to people with disabilities and foreign residents, including migrant workers and foreign residents.

"We will continue to carry out civic campaigns and awareness improvement education that can spread the understanding of cultural diversity of multiculturalism in the future," Lee said.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.
The presidential National Security Council (NSC) decided Monday to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean reduction pact until mutual trust is restored in response to North Korea's massive sending of trash-carrying balloons into South Korea.

The NSC held a meeting with related ministries to evaluate North Korea's recent series of provocations and agreed to propose a motion suspending the Comprehensive Military Agreement during a Cabinet meeting slated for Tuesday.

"The attendees decided to submit a proposal to suspend the entire effectiveness of the September 19 Military Agreement until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored," the presidential office said in a release.

The North has sent nearly 1,000 balloons carrying trash into the South since Thursday in what it said was a tit-for-tat campaign against South Korean activists sending balloons carrying propaganda leaflets denouncing the North's regime.

No human casualties were reported, but some balloons caused property damage, such as a broken windshield.

The NSC meeting, presided over by Deputy Principal National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo, concluded that North Korea's recent provocations have caused real harm and threats to South Korean citizens and negatively impacted the military's readiness posture.

"This measure will enable military training near the Military Demarcation Line, which has been restricted by the agreement, and allow for more adequate and immediate responses to North Korean provocations. The government will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of our citizens," the office said.

On Sunday, National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said the government will take "unbearable" measures against North Korea in response to its sending of trash balloons and continued jamming of GPS signals last week. It raised speculation over resuming propaganda campaigns via loudspeakers along the border.

Hours after the warning, North Korea said it will temporarily stop sending trash-carrying balloons across the border into South Korea, though it also threatened to resume such operations if anti-Pyongyang leaflets are sent from South Korea.

The North said its balloon campaign came purely in response to leaflets sent by South Korean activists.

To resume the front-line broadcasts, it would be necessary to nullify a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which bans hostile acts between the two Koreas. The loudspeakers used to air criticism of the Kim Jong-un regime's human rights abuses, news and K-pop songs, drawing angry responses from Pyongyang.

The 2018 agreement, signed to reduce tensions along the border, remains effectively scrapped after the North conducted live-fire artillery drills near the western border islands in January. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for inflicting severe injuries to his friend's head while "testing" mixed martial arts (MMA) skills "for fun."

The Ulsan District Court convicted the attacker in his 20s on Monday for causing the victim to acquire a disability due to his MMA-style takedown on a street in Ulsan in January 2023.

As a result of the attack, the victim suffered injuries to the occipital area  a region of the brain  and was eventually diagnosed with anosmia, the partial or full loss of smell.

The assailant argued that he did so just for fun, saying that he did not have any intention of hurting him and that such a grave consequence was unforeseeable.

However, the panel of judges, led by judge Kim Jong-hyuk, rejected his claims, saying that he was clearly aware of the risk associated with his action given his experience in MMA training.

"Anyone can foresee that taking someone down on the hard ground could result in physical damage," the court said. "The defendant, who has experience of learning MMA, must have been well aware of that risk."
Police are considering opening an investigation into allegations that personal information and illegal videos of men were shared on an online women's community, the Seoul police chief said Monday.

The remark by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho came after media reports that the personal identities and purported illegal videos of male users of a dating application were shared and ridiculed on an online community with about 840,000 female members.

The case became known as "the female version of the Nth Room," named after the notorious Telegram-based cybersex trafficking case between 2018 and 2020.

"Police have launched a (preliminary) investigation, and nothing particular has been confirmed so far as it began only recently," Seoul police chief said.

"We plan to shift to an official investigation if the need arises as we continue to look into it," he said.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is reportedly in the process of a legal review to determine whether defamation charges could be raised against those who uploaded the information. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

The police stun gun model used over the last 20 years will be gradually replaced with a more effective one as police move to reinforce their abilities to respond to violent criminals.

Taser 7, the new stun gun, offers a double-shot feature that will enable officers to shoot twice without having to manually reload should the first shot miss its target. This is expected to improve the safety of the officers as they use the stun gun against imminent threats such as a person charging with a knife.

Unlike the older model, the Taser 7 also offers dual lasers to help the user strike the target more accurately as well as possessing a longer range (up to 7.4m from 6.4m), according to police. Moreover, the Taser 7 is easier to carry as it is smaller and lighter.

The National Police Agency decided to purchase 1,220 new stun guns and 4,880 replaceable cartridges last year. The officers in Seoul, Busan and southern Gyeonggi Province will be the first ones to receive them.

Police will collect more opinions from the officers about the new stun guns performance as they seek to replace old ones over the next four years.

This comes a month after the police announcement about their next-generation safety gear.
President Yoon Suk Yeol said Monday that a potentially massive oil and gas reserve could be buried off the southeast city of Pohang and drilling will begin later this year to determine whether it is real.

The reserve off Yeongil Bay in Pohang, about 260 kilometers southeast of Seoul, could hold up to 14 billion barrels of oil and gas, an amount that could meet Korea's gas demands for 29 years and oil demands for four years, Yoon said.

He cited a geophysical study conducted by an unidentified foreign seismic research company.

"The recent results indicate a very high possibility of deposits amounting to 14 billion barrels of oil and gas, and these findings have been verified by leading research institutions and experts," Yoon said during the briefing at the presidential office.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has approved the exploration drilling plan, with preliminary results expected by the first half of next year.

The government had discovered the high likelihood of additional oil and gas fields around the gas field in the East Sea in February last year, and a leading deep-sea technology evaluation company was commissioned to conduct an in-depth geophysical survey, Yoon said.

Based on the survey results, an exploration drilling project will be launched to confirm the actual deposits, a process that typically takes at least three years before proceeding to commercial development. The government estimates that three-quarters of the reserves are gas, with the remainder being oil.

Industry Minister Ahn Duck-geun said that preparations for commercial drilling are expected to begin once the actual deposits are confirmed, expecting construction to start around 2027-2028.

"We anticipate commercial development to start around 2035, but it is difficult to specify an exact timeline until the deposits are confirmed," Ahn said during the briefing.

Ahn explained the maximum potential deposits of 14 billion barrels are equivalent to five times the market value of Samsung Electronics, Korea's most valuable company. As of Monday, Samsung Electronics holds a market cap of 451.9 trillion won ($328.3 billion). (Yonhap)
Average Korean workers in their 20s need 86.4 years to buy an apartment in Seoul using only their wage earnings, a report showed Monday.

Lee Han-jin, a researcher at the Labor Institute of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the largest umbrella union, released the report based on official statistics on household finance and real estate data from the KB Land application.

In 2023, the average savable income for households headed by people aged 20-29 was 13.89 million won ($10,084), as calculated by deducing their average spending from their average yearly income of 41.23 million won.

Given the average transaction price of 1.2 billion won for an apartment in Seoul last year, a worker in their 20s would need to set aside all their savable income for 86.4 years to purchase a unit, the report said.

The figure is nearly double the 39.5 years a similar report estimated it would take to buy an apartment in the capital in 2014, a result attributable to sharp increases in home prices in recent years.

Workers in their 20s experienced an income growth rate of 21.02 percent over the 10 years, marking half the 45.17 percent growth rate recorded for workers of all age groups.

Their savable income growth rate was 12.65 percent, far lower than the 64.9 percent for workers of all age groups, the report showed, indicating that the recent home price hikes have exacerbated asset disparities between younger and older generations.

During the period of runaway home prices from 2015-2022, the net assets of households headed by people in their 20s declined to 18.08 percent of what households headed by people in their 40s had, down from 27.86 percent.

The corresponding figure for households headed by people in their 30s also fell from 72.57 percent to 63.82 percent. (Yonhap)
An advisory body to a committee of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is expected to release its evaluation later this week on the nomination of a controversial former Japanese gold mine as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Seoul officials said Monday.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), one of the three advisories to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC), will likely release its assessment on the Sado mine Friday for access by the 21 WHC member states, officials familiar with the matter said.

The ICOMOS evaluation is regarded as having a decisive impact on the WHC's final decision on the inscription, set for July.

Japan has been pushing to inscribe the Sado mine, once the largest producer of gold in the 17th century, on the World Heritage list, but its bid has sparked protest from Korea over the lack of its historical context as a site where thousands of Koreans were forced to toil during World War II, when Korea was a Japanese colony.

Korea has called on Japan to "reflect the full history" of the Sado mine in its submission for the inscription, criticizing Tokyo for limiting the timeline specifically to the Edo era from 1603-1868 and excluding the modern history during which war atrocities were committed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

Seoul has stepped up efforts to deliver its position to the WHC and to ensure that its call for a full account of the mine's history is included in the ICOMOS recommendation.

Korea's foreign ministry launched a task force in March to work on the issue, while continuing to consult with Japan through diplomatic channels, an official said.

Korea has raised a similar issue over Japan's 2015 designation of Hashima Island, another site linked to the forced labor of Koreans. Despite its promise to build an information center detailing the history of the forced labor, Tokyo only highlighted the achievements of its industrial revolution.

In its recommendation in favor of Tokyo, ICOMOS had advised Japan to better reflect the whole history.

It is the second time for Japan to apply for the inscription of Sado Mine. Its previous submission in February 2022 was turned down due to incomplete documents. It resubmitted the application in January last year.

Under the rule, an inscription on the World Heritage list requires over two-thirds of the votes from the WHC member states, but it has been customary that the final decision is delivered upon consensus.

The WHC is due to announce its decision on the Sado mine at a meeting in New Delhi in late July. (Yonhap)
The South Korean Marine Corps is not considering a trilateral amphibious exercise with its U.S. and Japanese counterparts, its top commander said Monday, ruling out such drills as part of a new joint multi-domain exercise set for this summer.

Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-hwan made the remark at an amphibious forces conference in Seoul, after Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Minoru Kihara, agreed on holding the new exercise during their three-ways talks in Singapore on Sunday.

The three-way exercise, named Freedom Edge, will take place across multiple domains this summer, a joint statement read, without offering details, raising questions on whether it could possibly involve ground and amphibious forces.

"A South Korea-U.S.-Japan amphibious exercise has not been discussed or considered, and even if this area is developed, it would not be decided by South Korea's Marine Corps, but would need further consideration by the defense ministry," Kim said at the Pacific Amphibious Leadership Symposium.

While the three countries have recently held air and sea drills outside the Korean Peninsula to bolster security cooperation against North Korean threats, they have yet to stage a trilateral ground or amphibious landing exercise.

South Korean officials appear to be mindful of possible public backlash against such drills that could involve Japanese forces coming into South Korea and evoke memories of Japan's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

The two Asian neighbors have been embroiled in historical spats stemming from the colonial rule, but growing military threats from North Korea have led them to bolster defense cooperation with their shared ally, the United States, despite their differences.

At the conference, Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, said his unit is looking at opportunities across all armed forces to best operate across all domains, while noting that his comments are not policy decisions.

"We are all collectively looking at what those opportunities and challenges are but not specific to any particular exercise or nation," he said.

The annual gathering is co-hosted by the South Korean Marine Corps and Jurney's unit this year and brings together some 300 officials from 24 countries in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and develop amphibious operations.

The head of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force also attended the event.

Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have bolstered trilateral security ties over the past year after their leaders agreed on a series of efforts to better deter and respond to North Korean nuclear and missile threats during their Camp David summit in August last year.

Last December, the three countries established a multiyear exercise plan and launched a real-time sharing system on North Korea's missile warning data in line with the agreements made at Camp David. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

A total of 241 people killed themselves while being investigated as criminal suspects by police or prosecutors over the past 20 years, according to a report released on Monday.

Human Rights Solidarity, a rights group that compiled the report based on news reports and other sources, said the high number of lives lost between 2004 and 2023 could be a sign of the failure of the countrys justice system.

The purpose of an investigation should be establishing the facts while following due process, the group said in a press release. But our criminal justice system pushes such suspects into the extreme corner of death, which is a sign of its failings.

The figure demonstrates that at least 12 people take their own lives every year even before judges look into their cases, the organization said, adding that the actual number could be higher given that many cases go unreported.

The group added that the system should be reformed to better protect the human rights of such people, urging members of the 22nd National Assembly to take essential steps to make that change as they begin their four-year term this month.

The death of Lee Sun-kyun, an actor from the 2019 film Parasite, was what motivated the group to conduct the research. While being investigated over drug accusations, the star was found dead in his car in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2023, at the age of 48.
By Jung Da-hyun

The Seoul Tourism Organization unveiled, Monday, an innovative application designed to enhance the functionality and user experience of the "Discover Seoul Pass," a complimentary tourist ticket for international visitors exploring Seoul.

Marking its eighth anniversary this year, "Discover Seoul Pass" is a tourist pass exclusively for foreigners that offers services in English, Chinese and Japanese. The pass achieved 900,000 cumulative visits to free tourist attractions so far.

The newly unveiled app aims to enhance user convenience by streamlining screen configuration for mobile devices, departing from the previous web view setup.

Additionally, the app features a gift-giving service, enabling users to present passes as gifts to their company, and a coupon download function, which can be used during their stay. These services are introduced to meet customer demand, according to the tourism organization.

The app also prioritizes streamlined access to information for tourists, offering a user-friendly tutorial process to navigate its features seamlessly.

The app offers a quick overview of its essential functions, ensuring that users can easily grasp how to use it. It also provides guidance on utilizing the Discover Seoul Pass and navigating the airport railroad connecting Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station.

The Discover Seoul Pass offers access to six out of the top 10 most satisfying tourist destinations in Seoul, that are selected through the 2023 Seoul overseas tourist survey.

These include iconic sites such as Gyeongbok Palace, N Seoul Tower, Han River Park, Lotte World, Changdeok Palace and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

Pass holders can enjoy free entry to notable attractions like Lotte World and COEX Aquarium. Additionally, they can also use Ttareungi, the city's bike-sharing service, and "hanbok," or traditional Korean dress rental stores in Seoul.

The Discover Seoul Pass offers 24-hour tickets priced at 50,000 won ($36.27), 48-hour tickets at 70,000 won and 72-hour tickets at 90,000 won.

"We aim to boost the satisfaction of foreign tourists in Seoul through the launch of the new Discover Seoul Pass app, enabling them to explore various tourist destinations in the city," said Kil Ki-yon, head of the Seoul Tourism Organization.
President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating rose slightly to 30.6 percent from a week earlier but failed to surpass 33 percent for eight straight weeks, a survey showed Monday.

According to the survey by Realmeter and commissioned by a local news outlet, the positive assessment of Yoon's performance rose 0.3 percentage point from the previous week, while the negative assessment fell 0.2 percentage point to 65.9 percent.

The survey was conducted on 2,513 adults from Monday to Friday last week and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, with a confidence rate of 95 percent.

Yoon's approval rating has seen a declining trend since the April 10 parliamentary elections, dropping from 37.3 percent in the first week of April to 32.6 percent, then further down to 32.3 percent in the third week and remaining below 32 percent in the following six weeks.

In a separate survey conducted by the same pollster on 1,002 individuals aged 18 and over on Thursday and Friday, the approval ratings of the two major rival parties both fell.

Support for the ruling People Power Party dropped 2.1 percentage points to 33.1 percent, while the figure for the main opposition Democratic Party fell 0.1 percentage point to 33.8 percent.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, with a confidence rate of 95 percent. (Yonhap)
By Min Seong-jae

Almost a quarter-century ago, when I was a cub reporter in Seoul, one of the first assignments that I was given was to cover the Seoul queer pride parade, which had just come into existence.

I followed a flamboyant collection of dancing geishas, strippers and wedding brides along the streets of Jongno, downtown Seoul. I then went to clubs and bars in Itaewon talking to LGBTQ community members.

I recall that the overall mood of the day was quite festive. Onlookers mostly cheered and clapped at the parade. In retrospect, I think the conservative Korean crowds mainly enjoyed what they regarded as a unique show, while not necessarily approving of the festival and overall LGBTQ rights in Korea. Still, it was peaceful, fun and everybody seemed to have a good time. Ordinary people and the media were also starting to have nascent discussions on same-sex marriage and issues of discrimination against queer people.

The 2024 Seoul Queer Culture Festival has just taken place over the weekend. And like last year, it came with a good deal of backlash. This years parade was denied taking place in its usual spot, Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall, because officials were reportedly worried about it causing social disruption. This came after the 2023 event in which Seoul city officials controversially replaced the parade with a Christian youth concert, and in the southern city of Daegu, officials and anti-gay protesters there physically clashed with police who were ensuring the parade organizers rights to peaceful assembly.

It seems to me that the country has almost regressed in terms of LGBTQ rights and issues over the past 25 years. With the backing of a current conservative political regime, anti-LGBTQ protests have become more vociferous. Meanwhile, few discuss the actual human rights issues concerning the LGBTQ community in Korea. Support for same-sex marriage in the country remains low at 30 percent to 40 percent, according to Gallup polls.

Korea, considering its economic and cultural clout in the world, is far behind in terms of LGBTQ rights and issues compared to other developed countries. Let alone North American and Western European counterparts, Koreans support for same-sex marriage lags behind other supposedly conservative Asian countries like Taiwan, Thailand and Japan, according to Pew Research. And Korea does not have national laws that protect sexual minorities against discrimination. LGBTQ community members thus routinely experience harassment, bullying and other types of discrimination and unfair treatment.

Korea is a unique amalgam of religions and ideologies. The country has a large number of Christians, with many adhering to fundamental evangelical beliefs that typically oppose homosexuality. And the traditional Confucianism that emphasizes heteronormativity and familial bonds considers homosexuality harmful to society. Add to that mix the tradition of collectivism which values social harmony, and homosexuality becomes a disease that hurts a harmonious social order. These forces exercise quite a strong influence on politics that hinders legislation that would help LGBTQ people and their human rights.

I hope Korea catches up with other developed democracies in terms of protecting and promoting the rights of minorities. I dont know when, but I hope to see a fun and festive Pride event again soon.

Min Seong-jae (smin@pace.edu) is a professor of communication and media studies at Pace University in New York. He is a 202324 Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Korea.
By Park Jae-hyuk

HD Hyundai and Hanwha sent representatives of their shipbuilding units to the Greek capital of Athens to introduce their technologies for ammonia-powered ships and other eco-friendly vessels during Posidonia 2024, an international shipping exhibition this week, both companies said Monday.

In addition to HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, chief executives of the business groups four shipbuilding affiliates will attend the event to discuss cooperation with global shipping firms and ship classification societies.

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and three other shipbuilding affiliates will display miniatures of their methanol dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC) and container ship, as well as a futuristic liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, at the exhibition booth of the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA).

In addition, HD Hyundai will open a separate booth to exhibit the miniatures of its dual-fuel engine and remodeled LNG carrier.

Last Friday (local time), HD KSOE invited representatives of global shipbuilding and shipping companies to the Global Tech Forum to unveil the companys technology that can remove toxic gas emissions from ammonia fuel.

HD Hyundai has proprietary technologies and the most experience in the world when it comes to building gas carriers, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Park Seung-yong said. With our abundant experience in green technologies, we plan to be the frontrunner of the future shipbuilding market.

Hanwha Ocean will also display a miniature of its ammonia-powered very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) at KOSHIPAs exhibition booth. The VLAC is equipped with shaft generator motors that can reduce fuel consumption, as well as with the Hanwha SmartShip Solution & Service (HS4), a smartship platform developed by the company.

The shipbuilder also plans to collaborate with global classification societies at the event for the construction of eco-friendly ships.

Posidonia 2024 will be a great opportunity to showcase our overwhelming eco-friendly technologies to global ship owners, a Hanwha Ocean official said. With this opportunity, we will take the lead in the eco-friendly vessel market.

Along with Norways Nor-Shipping and Germanys Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine, Posidonia is one of the worlds three largest international shipping exhibitions. Its organizer expects over 2,000 companies from at least 77 countries to participate in this years event, which will be held from Monday to Friday.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won issued an apology Monday after a court ordered him to pay his estranged wife a record divorce settlement, a ruling that may affect his grip on the energy, chip and telecom conglomerate due to questions over how he could pay the settlement.

"I apologize for the distress that my personal matter has caused to SK employees and stakeholders alike," Chey said in a statement.

"I will continue to do my part to ensure that there is no negative impact on both SK and the international economy," he said.

He made the statement as he attended an emergency meeting of the SK Supex Council, the group's highest decision-making body, convened to discuss ways to deal with the aftermath of the court ruling in the "most expensive divorce suit" in Korean history.

Last week, an appellate court ordered Chey to pay 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion) in property division to his estranged wife, Roh So-young, the only daughter of former President Roh Tae-woo. The couple married in 1988 and have three children.

The court recognized late President Roh's slush fund worth 30 billion won and his contributions to SK Group's increased value and business activities.

It virtually supported the perception that Sunkyung Group, the predecessor of SK Group, advanced significantly after entering the mobile phone business, partly due to former President Roh's influence following his marriage to Roh in 1988.

"I respect the judiciary's judgment, but I'm disappointed with the ruling, which denies the history of SK's growth," he said. "For the honor of both SK and all its members, I will ensure that the truth is revealed."

The court also determined the combined property of Chey and Roh to be 4 trillion won, with a division rate of 65 percent for Chey and 35 percent for Roh. The court ordered Chey to pay the divided sum in cash.

If the ordered amount is divided as the appellate court ruled, it could shake up the governance of SK Group, the second-largest conglomerate in Korea, as he might have to raise the money by selling his stake in SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group, which includes SK Telecom, SK Innovation and SK Square.

Chey is the largest shareholder of SK, holding 17.73 percent, worth 2.2 trillion won, through which he controls other SK Group affiliates.

He said he will do his utmost to navigate the rapidly changing industrial landscape led by artificial intelligence innovation and green technologies.

"In addition to dealing with this issue wisely, I will further strive to manage the group by responding to harsh global environmental changes and enhancing business competitiveness," Chey said.

"I will pursue 'qualitative growth' in businesses, such as green and bio, based on internal management rather than 'quantitative growth.'" (Yonhap)
By Baek Byung-yeul

POSCO is contributing to the enhancement of urban aesthetics by utilizing PosART steel plates made with PosMAC, its corrosion-resistant steel plate technology, in various locations, the company said Monday.

POSCO said PosART steel plates express vivid colors and delicate textures with a resolution that is up to four times higher than conventional products by grafting its unique ink with high corrosion resistance properties onto the steel.

The company said it has been transforming the cultural heritage restoration sites of palaces and tombs, managed by the Korea Heritage Service, into spaces of public art and relaxation.

On April 25, the Korea Heritage Service held an event to unveil an art fence made with PosART technology around Seonwonjeon Hall in Deoksu Palace, Seoul.

This is part of a project that POSCO Group and the Korea Heritage Service have been working on since they signed a memorandum of understanding last August to improve the design of restoration sites for palaces and tombs.

"This is a new attempt to improve the public design environment by using PosMAC technology of POSCO Steeleon on PosART, a corrosion-resistant special steel, instead of plastic panels and sheet materials for the fences at cultural heritage restoration sites," POSCO said.

POSCO plans to continuously expand the application of its steel products in restoration works of cultural heritage sites such as Gyeongbok Palace. The company added that PosART is being used in various public facilities.

Last April, POSCO, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, installed a large information board for Seoul Trail Course 2.0, made with PosART. This project was part of the agreement signed between POSCO and the city in July last year.

POSCO supported the production of information boards that introduce all sections of the upgraded Seoul Trail Course with PosART. POSCO has installed the boards at six major points, such as Mount Acha, Hwagye Temple and Maeheon Citizen's Forest, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to provide citizens with information at a glance.
Chey apologizes, vows to get facts straight about group history

By Lee Min-hyung

SK Group is heightening vigilance over the latest divorce settlement ruling on its Chairman Chey Tae-won by holding an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures against the court order, according to company officials, Monday.

This response follows the recent court ruling mandating Chey to pay 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion) in property division to his estranged ex-wife, Roh So-young.

Top management from the groups major affiliates attended the meeting, reflecting concerns that the ruling could potentially undermine the conglomerate's governance structure. The group fears that if the Supreme Court upholds the ruling, Chey's management control over the group's holding company, SK Inc., might be jeopardized. The fear is that he may be compelled to sell his shares in the company to meet the substantial property division settlement.

The fact that the group held the emergency meeting with its CEOs shows that SK is taking a serious look at the issue, even if it has to do with Cheys personal life, an official at a major conglomerate said. Minimizing any potential leadership risk is the top priority for most family-controlled conglomerates here, so the group's top managment looks to have gathered to come up with its next action plans.

Chey apologized for causing concerns to his employees, saying that he will continue fulfilling his role for the benefit of the group and the national economy.

I would like to express regret for worrying SK members and all interested parties, he said. I will fulfill my duties, so I do not cause any negative influences, for not just the group, but the local economy.

Last week, an appellate court ruled in favor of Roh, who is the daughter of late former President Roh Tae-woo.

The ruling came as a shock to SK Group, as it overturned a decision by a lower court by ordering Chey to divide all of his property. The Seoul High Court judged that SK Group was able to achieve robust growth for the past few decades due to preferential treatment it received during the Roh Tae-woo administration in the early 1990s.

The head of SK Group, however, underscored his strong willingness to get the facts straight over the latest ruling.

I still think that I have to respect the judgment by the judiciary authority, but I cannot help express regret over the ruling that denied SK Groups history of growth, Chey said. I will reveal the truth for the honor of SK Group and all its members.

Chey and a group of 20 CEO-level executives from its affiliates joined the meeting to come up with group-wide strategies to deal with the latest court ruling.

In a bid to retain his leadership position, Chey is anticipated to explore options such as leveraging stock collateral loans against his shares in SK Inc. to fulfill the property division obligation. Additionally, he may consider divesting shares from other SK affiliates to raise the necessary funds.
Govt estimates reserves at $1.64 tril., commercial production could begin in 2035

By Baek Byung-yeul

Korea has identified potential reserves of up to 14 billion barrels of crude oil and natural gas off the coast of the southeastern city of Pohang, and will begin exploratory drilling later this year, the presidential office and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, Monday.

The suspected amount is enough to meet Koreas gas demand for the next 29 years and oil demand for four years, and translates into a financial value of 2.2 quadrillion won ($1.64 trillion).

"According to the results of a geophysical survey, there is a high possibility that a massive amount of oil and gas is buried off the coast of Yeongil Bay in Pohang (in North Gyeongsang Province)," President Yoon Suk Yeol said in a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul.

The results show that there is a very high possibility that up to 14 billion barrels of oil and gas are buried, and this has been verified by leading research institutions and experts," he said.

The scale of the oil and gas estimated to be buried deep under the East Sea is more than 300 times the size of the East Sea gas field discovered in the late 1990s. It is estimated that this amount could supply the entire country with natural gas for up to 29 years and oil for up to four years, the president added.

Yoon said that the ministry has submitted an exploratory drilling plan which he approved, adding that the result of the exploration is expected to be known in the first half of 2025.

"If we start the first drilling work at the end of this year, we should have some results by the first half of next year. I ask the public to calmly wait for the drilling results," the president said.

Since 1966, Korea has been attempting to explore offshore oil and gas fields. As a result, in the late 1990s, a gas field of 45 million barrels was discovered in the East Sea, and commercial production continued until 2021.

The development of oil and gas fields progresses through three stages: geophysical survey, exploration drilling, and commercial development. The president clarified that exploratory drilling is conducted to confirm the actual scale of resources buried underground.

"From now on, we will move on to the exploratory drilling stage to confirm whether oil and gas actually exist and how much is actually buried," Yoon said.

Ahn Duk-geun, minister of trade, industry and energy, said that if it is confirmed that up to 14 billion barrels of oil and gas are buried, the value would be approximately five times the current market capitalization of Samsung Electronics. As of Monday, Samsung Electronics' market capitalization was around 451 trillion won, indicating that the value would be about 2,255 trillion won.

"It is expected that construction could start around 2027 or 2028, and commercial production could begin around 2035," Ahn said. "The potential is so high that world-class energy development companies with significant experience and know-how have expressed their intention to take part in this development."

The minister added that it is estimated that about 75 percent of the 14 billion barrels are gas, and 25 percent is oil.

A high-ranking ministry official also said that the probability of successfully achieving commercial production from this oil and gas field is 20 percent, which is very high.

"If we drill five times, one of them is a success. The previous East Sea gas field succeeded on the 11th drill attempt, meaning the first 10 failed. Nowadays, the technology level has improved to the point where drilling can succeed in about five attempts, and the success probability of this East Sea oil and gas field is 20 percent," the official said.

He added that it is premature to estimate the required investment amount at this stage.
An aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel had accepted a framework deal for winding down the Gaza war now being advanced by U.S. President Joe Biden, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

In an interview with Britain's Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, chief foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu, said Biden's proposal was "a deal we agreed to  it's not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them".

"There are a lot of details to be worked out," he said, adding that Israeli conditions, including "the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organization" have not changed.

Biden, whose initial lockstep support for Israel's offensive has given way to open censure of the operation's high civilian death toll, on Friday aired what he described as a three-phase plan submitted by the Netanyahu government to end the war.

The first phase entails a truce and the return of some hostages held by Hamas, after which the sides would negotiate on an open-ended cessation of hostilities for a second phase in which remaining live captives would go free, Biden said.

That sequencing appears to imply that Hamas would continue to play a role in incremental arrangements mediated by Egypt and Qatar  a potential clash with Israel's determination to resume the campaign to eliminate the Iranian-backed Islamist group.

Biden has hailed several ceasefire proposals over the past several months, each with similar frameworks to the one he outlined on Friday, all of which collapsed. In February he said Israel had agreed to halt fighting by Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began on March 10. No such truce materialized.

The primary sticking point has been Israel's insistence that it would discuss only temporary pauses to fighting until Hamas is destroyed. Hamas, which shows no sign of stepping aside, says it will free hostages only under a path to a permanent end to the war.

In his speech, Biden said his latest proposal "creates a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power". He did not elaborate on how this would be achieved, and acknowledged that "there are a number of details to negotiate to move from phase one to phase two."

Falk reiterated Netanyahu's position that "there will not be a permanent ceasefire until all our objectives are met."

Netanyahu is under pressure to keep his coalition government intact. Two far-right partners have threatened to bolt in protest at any deal they deem to spare Hamas. A centrist partner, ex-general Benny Gantz, wants the deal considered.

Hamas has provisionally welcomed the Biden initiative, though a senior official from the group, Sami Abu Zuhri, said on Sunday that "Hamas is too big to be bypassed or sidelined by Netanyahu or Biden."

A day earlier another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Jazeera: "Biden's speech included positive ideas, but we want this to materialize within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands."

Hamas wants a guaranteed end to the Gaza offensive, withdrawal of all invading forces, free movement for Palestinians and reconstruction aid.

Israeli officials have rejected that as an effective return to the situation in place before Oct. 7, when Hamas, committed to Israel's destruction, ruled Gaza. Its fighters precipitated the war by storming across the border fence into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

In the ensuing Israeli assault that has laid waste to much of the impoverished and besieged coastal enclave, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza medical officials say. Israel says 290 of its troops have died in the fighting. (Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Philippine president on Monday in a rare Asian trip to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organized global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia, with Chinas help, of trying to undermine.

Zelenskyy arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila late Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore. He was given a red-carpet welcome with military honors Monday at the presidential palace before meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after which he left the Philippines.

Marcos pledged that his country would take part in the peace summit, Philippine Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

Im happy to hear today from you that youll participate in our peace steps, Zelenskyy told Marcos. Its a very strong signal.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs more mental health workers for its soldiers. Marcos promised to help and welcomed a decision by Ukraine to open an embassy in Manila this year which would hasten efforts to deliver assistance.

We have ourselves been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international law in our part of the world, Marcos said. The issues that you are facing are similar and in parallel to ours and, therefore, the position the Philippines takes is always to promote peace."

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the Singapore forum, which was attended by top defense and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing. The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organized peace summit by pressuring other countries not to attend.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said, without elaborating. This is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Zelenskyys allegation.

China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the U.S. and most of Europe. Its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning suggested Friday that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Zelenskyy urged top defense officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending. Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

He said Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace."

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the conference and renewed U.S. commitments to Ukraine. In an address to the forum Saturday, Austin said that Putins war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want."

Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea , bluntly underscored the dangers of the regional flashpoint Friday at the defense forum. He said that if a willful act should result in a Filipino dying in the high-seas hostilities, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war."

"That would certainly increase the level of response, Marcos said in response to a question.

"Illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos said, without naming China, but he added that the Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the disputes.

Austin said at the forum that the U.S. commitment to the Philippines as a treaty ally is ironclad but reiterated the importance of dialogue with China.

There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognize that, he said. But our goal is to make sure that we dont allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily." (AP)
Japanese police are searching for suspects in the spray-painting of the word toilet on a Tokyo shrine that commemorates the country's war dead, in an apparent protest against the ongoing release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, news reports said Monday.

The red graffiti, spray-painted on a stone pillar at the entrance of Yasukuni Shrine, was discovered early Saturday morning. In a video posted on Chinese social media, a man who identified himself as Iron Head criticized the discharge of wastewater from the damaged nuclear power plant into the ocean. Then in another video taken at night, he is seen apparently urinating on the pillar and then using a can of spray paint to write the word toilet in English.

Tokyo police are investigating two suspects, the person who appeared in the video and another who shot the video, according to Japanese media, including NHK public television and Kyodo News agency. Police believe the incident occurred late Friday after the shrine closed and that the perpetrator is believed to have already left Japan, they said.

Police declined to confirm the reports.

The discharge of wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant has been opposed by fishing groups and by neighboring countries, especially China, which imposed a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood immediately after the release began last August. The ban has particularly affected Japanese scallop growers and exporters to China.

Yasukuni Shrine honors about 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including convicted war criminals. Victims of Japanese aggression during the first half of the 20th century, especially China and the Koreas, see the shrine as a symbol of Japanese militarism. The countries criticize visits by Japanese lawmakers to the shrine as signs of their lack of remorse over Japans wartime actions.

The spray-painted graffiti was covered with a tarp over the weekend but appeared to have been cleaned by Monday. (AP)
Jury selection is to begin Monday in a federal gun case against President Joe Biden's son Hunter after the collapse of a deal with prosecutors that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election.

Hunter Biden , who spent the weekend with his father, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

He has pleaded not guilty and has argued he's being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic president's son.

The trial comes just days after Donald Trump, Republicans' presumptive 2024 presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the criminal courtroom has taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes . Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings.

But Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed. The lawyers squabbled over the agreement, could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

This trial isn't about Hunter Biden's foreign business affairs  which Republicans have seized on without evidence to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. But it will excavate some of Hunter Biden's darkest moments and put them on display.

The president's allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden , whos long been concerned about the well-being and sobriety of his only living son and who must now watch as those painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinized. He's also protective: Hunter Biden was with his father all weekend before the case began, biking with his dad and attending church together.

President Biden, in a last-minute switch in plans, shifted from his Rehoboth Beach home back to his Wilmington compound on Sunday evening. Boarding a helicopter on Sunday was the only time the president was seen publicly without his son all weekend.

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

Prosecutors are hoping to show Hunter Biden was in the throes of addiction when he bought the gun and therefore lied on the forms. They have said they're planning to use as evidence his published memoir, and they may also introduce contents from a laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved. The contents made their way to Republicans in 2020 and were publicly leaked, revealing embarrassing and personal photos in which he's often nude and doing drugs and messages in which he asks dealers about scores.

The judge will ask a group of prospective jurors a series of questions to determine whether they can serve impartially on the jury, including whether they have donated to political campaigns or run for political office. She will ask whether their views about the 2024 presidential campaign prevent them from being impartial.

She's also going to ask whether prospective jurors believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted because his father is the president. Also, shell ask about firearms purchasing and addiction issues, including: Do you believe someone who is addicted to drugs should not be charged with a crime?

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother , Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and his attorneys have suggested they may argue he didnt see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked no to the question on the form. They'll also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, are also planning to call as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife and his brothers widow, Hallie, with whom he became romantically involved.

If he were to be convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum and it's unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars. (AP)
On June 1, the dearMoon project, widely regarded as the first private circum-lunar flight, announced its cancellation via an official statement.

The project, spearheaded by Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa, was a pioneering effort aiming to take a crew of artists and cultural influencers on a week-long journey around the moon.

In the announcement, the dearMoon team expressed their regret.

"It is unfortunate to be announcing that 'dearMoon', the first private circum-lunar flight project, will be canceled. We thank everyone who has supported us and apologize to those who have looked forward to this project."

Among the notable figures who were part of this ambitious venture was T.O.P, a former member of the South Korean band BIGBANG. He took to his personal social media account to share his thoughts and feelings regarding the cancellation.

"As you may have heard, the 'dearMoon' project has unfortunately been canceled. However, I am deeply grateful to Mr. Yusaku Maezawa for conceptualizing the 'dearMoon' project. This was the greatest and most beautiful art project for the development of mankind that no one in the world would have dared to imagine, and the courage to even attempt this mission was truly extraordinary to witness. My dream is by no means over."

Reflecting on his personal journey with dearMoon, T.O.P expressed profound gratitude for the experiences and connections he made.

"Being selected as a 'dearMoon' crew member was one of the greatest honors of my life. My heart is full of gratitude for the experiences I gained and the friendships I made through this process. Over the last few years since joining 'dearMoon', I feel that my body and soul have forged a deep, direct connection with the moon. My body and soul connected with the moon and space has already inspired me to compose a lot of new music. The moon has and will continue to nourish my soul and fill me up with meaning and inspiration forever."

READ MORE: VIPs Recall Times BIGBANG Warned Seungri: 'You Might Go To Jail, Don't Be A Fraud'

He emphasized that his aspiration to travel to the moon remains alive.

"My dream to travel to the moon is not over. It has become the ultimate and greatest goal of my life, an official challenge, and a core mission for my life. I feel deep responsibility for all the people who cheered for and supported me through this process to make them proud."

The dearMoon project was initially announced in 2022 as a collaboration between Yusaku Maezawa and SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transport company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The mission aimed to send eight crew members, including T.O.P, on a groundbreaking journey around the moon aboard a SpaceX-developed spacecraft.

However, the ambitious project faced significant challenges. In November of the previous year, the dearMoon team announced a delay, citing ongoing spacecraft development as the primary reason for postponing the launch, which had been scheduled for late 2023.

@yousuck2020 @dearmoonproject



I am very sorry to hear that the DearMoon project is canceled.



I was one of the many applicants who did not make it through the selection process. Regardless I decided to start and complete a project based on your mission objective. After more pic.twitter.com/PDpkqwgCPk  Knivsmeden (@Knivsmed1) June 1, 2024

The DearMoon project just got canceled.

It was planned to be launched next year as one of the first crewed flights of SpaceX Starship, and was set to embark artists to the Moon, such as the space YouTuber Tim Dodd (Everyday Astronaut).

I'm Very sorry for you.#SpaceX #Starship https://t.co/FGpF0tBmiX  anis djerrab (@anis_djerrab) June 2, 2024

Imagine how my heart stopped for a second after I saw the dearMoon post  June 1, 2024

After about six months of continued efforts, the project ultimately reported its cancellation.

Despite this setback, the spirit of the dearMoon project endures in the hearts of its participants and supporters.

The dream of private lunar travel has inspired many and continues to push the boundaries of human imagination and ambition.

ALSO READ: Is BIGBANG Making a Comeback? G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung Reunite at Electric Fan Event

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.
NewJeans Hanni couldn't resist teasing Minji after the latter flirted with the crowd during the group's performance at Sejong University.

On June 1, Minji communicated with fans through the platform Phoning. There, she urged the group's official fandom Bunnies to "stop watching the university festival video."

She added, "That wasn't me."



She revealed she was teased by Hanni due to her actions at a music festival, stating, "I was teased a lot by Ms. Pham Hanni. Why did I act like that at Sejong University? I really shouldn't wear a hat next time."

: Guys stop looking University festival videos

That wasnt me

I was teased a lot by Hanni Pham



Especially Sejong university

Why am I like that

I shouldnt wear a hat # #NewJeans # #Minji # pic.twitter.com/C67Zo7fXSk  NewJeans Loops  (@newjeans_loop) June 1, 2024

READ ALSO: How Is NewJeans Hyein Doing Now? Current Status Of Group's Maknae Amid Temporary Hiatus

NewJeans, which Minji is a part of, has been performing at various university festivals starting with Korea University on May 25.

Since then, they have performed at Chosun University, Dong-eui University, and Pusan National University on May 27 and 28, followed by Dongguk University and Sejong University on May 30, and finally Chung-Ang University on May 31.

During their sets, NewJeans performed the biggest hits, including their new songs "How Sweet" and "Bubble Gum." Their performance earned them enthusiastic responses from festival-goers.

Minji's performance at Sejong University was particularly noteworthy. Wearing a denim hat, she interacted with the audience by "flirting" with them, such as blowing kisses and loosening her tie.

This drew explosive reactions both on-site and online!

READ ALSO: Min Hee Jin Claims 'It's A Waste' if NewJeans Renews Contract - Here's Why

After the festivals, members Hanni and Danielle teased Minji for her playful performance during a live broadcast, stirring up further discussion.

In related news, NewJeans plans to donate all earnings from their festival appearances to the Korea Scholarship Foundation.

Meanwhile, NewJeans continues to perform well on domestic and international charts with their recently released double single "How Sweet."

The title track "How Sweet" entered Spotifys Weekly Top Song Global chart (or the week of May 24-30 at 85th place. It also snagged first place in both South Korea and Taiwan.

CHECK THIS OUT: NewJeans Win Turns into a Controversy - Find Out Why LE SSERAFIM Eunchae Fans Are Furious

On domestic music charts like Melon, "How Sweet" and "Bubble Gum" are ranked second and third, respectively.

The songs are sweeping music shows wins as the girl group promotes on various programs. For reference, NewJeans won first place on "Show! Champion" and "Music Bank" with "How Sweet," earning them two crowns.

NewJeans is set to release their Japanese debut single "Supernatural" on June 21, followed by a fan meeting at the Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

FOR YOU: Min Hee Jin Discusses The Possibility Of NewJeans Leaving HYBE - Here's What She Said

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
PRNewswire

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3: In the heartlands of Maharashtra, where rivers are few and agriculture reigns supreme, the farmers rely heavily on groundwater and the monsoon, which means they face constant hardship. To ease their plight, The Art of Living and the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Maharashtra, signed an MOU in Mumbai on November 26, 2023. By implementing comprehensive measures like Nala Kholikaran and Rundhikaran, which turn nalas into effective water conveyance systems, the handshake seeks to assure water positivity for the state.

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's inspirational message was clear - Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan 2.0 must offer farmers reliable water supply throughout the year, reducing their vulnerability to the whims of nature. Unlike its predecessor, which primarily focused on water conservation in 22,000 villages, Jalyukt 2.0 shifted its attention to the network of nalas or drainage lines that crisscross 24 districts and 86 talukas of Maharashtra.

During the monsoon from July to September, these nalas serve as conduits for rainwater, channelling it into agricultural fields. However, the very nature of these drainage lines poses a double-edged sword for farmers. While they offer a potential source of water, they also present a risk of flooding, which can devastate crops and livelihoods.

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The challenge lies in harnessing rainfall effectively. When substantial rains occur, the nalas fill up quickly, saturating the ground with water. This infiltration process can take several months to complete, ensuring a steady supply of water for farmers until January or February. However, beyond this period, water scarcity becomes a pressing issue, threatening crop yields and farmer incomes.

Central to the agenda of Jalyukt 2.0 is the optimisation of these drainage systems to ensure a consistent water supply for agriculture. One notable example is the extensive desilting work undertaken in Mauda, Nagpur, where 200+ kilometres of nalas were cleared of sediment and debris, benefitting 2,25,000+ villagers. Third-party assessment proved a significant increase in groundwater levels following these desilting efforts, enabling water to flow unimpeded along its intended path and removing the risk of overflow.

The current ambitious desilting project across 24 districts is supported by government officials and propelled by grassroots cooperation. The Art of Living has already cleared over 10 lakh cubic metres of sediment, a commendable effort aimed at optimising water flow and preventing flooding across 10 districts namely Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Beed, Latur, Solapur, Ahmednagar, and Nandurbar.

Farmers are intensely grateful to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the government of Maharashtra for their steady support and commitment to solving water related issues. Future plans call for finishing the desilting process by September 15, 2024, with the intention of removing a further 40 lakh cubic metres of silt.

Over the past decade, The Art of Living has displayed unwavering commitment to Maharashtra among other states, effectively supporting the holistic well-being of farmers.

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan 2.0 addresses the imminent water crisis while simultaneously nurturing agricultural prosperity.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, works closely with the Government of India to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects.

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/Like at: https://www.facebook.com/artoflivingsocialprojectsTweet at: https://twitter.com/artofliving_spMessage at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1979631/4470449/AOLSP_logo_Logo.jpg

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(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], June 3 (ANI): After a one-sided win in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday lauded his former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) over his detailed analysis of the reasons people voted for the BJP.

In a post on X, CM Khandu said, "Guided by the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji, we ensured last mile delivery of government developmental schemes in the State."

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Says Need To Work Quickly on Scale, Scope and Standards To Make Country 'Viksit Bharat'.

Pointing to an article in Indian Express written by his former OSD, Pema Khandu added, "How well my OSD, Aaditya_bharat1 has analyzed the multi-dimensional reasons why people laid trust in Team Arunachal."

Aaditya Tiwari, a former OSD to Arunachal Pradesh CM wrote an article in Indian Express where he mentioned some reasons behind BJP's win in the state.

Also Read | Stock Market at All-Time High: Sensex-Nifty Mark Record Highs on Expectation of Modi 3.0.

He emphasized that PM Modi has made more visits to the Northeast as compared to other PMs.

"We have come a long way from the days when a Union minister visiting Guwahati would make headlines across Northeast India to such visits becoming routine. PM Modi has made more visits to the Northeast than all his predecessors cumulatively. A region that is culturally as well as strategically important for India still largely remains out of the popular media narrative but has remained a priority for the "double engine" BJP government," the article read.

He also mentioned the Itanagar airport and said that it is remarkable that it took 75 years to build an airport in this remote part of the nation.

"Such projects are not merely about infrastructure; they symbolize aspirations and national integration," it added.

The former OSD to Arunachal CM further highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission and said that the state became the first state to achieve 100 per cent saturation.

"On August 15, 2019, only 22,796 households in Arunachal Pradesh had tap water connections; this number rose to 2,28,546. This achievement is phenomenal, given the state's difficult terrain and sparsely located population," the article mentioned. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sukma, Jun 3 (PTI) A police head constable was hacked to death by unidentified persons at a village in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-hit Sukma district, an official said on Monday.

Prima facie, the modus operandi of the attack suggested it was executed by a "small action team of Naxalites," he said.

Also Read | Delhi Water Crisis: People Wait in Long Queues As National Capital Continues To Grapple With Water Shortage (Watch Videos).

The incident took place on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday in Gadiras village when the deceased, identified as head constable Sodi Laxman, had gone to visit a fair held there, the official said.

Unidentified persons attacked him with sharp-edged weapons on his neck. The cop died on the spot, he said.

Also Read | Lucknow: Thief Dozes Off While on the 'Job' Due to Extreme Intoxication in Indira Nagar, Gets Arrested.

After being alerted, a team from Gadiras police station rushed to the spot and sent the body for post-mortem, he said.

"Prima facie, the modus operandi of the attack suggests it was executed by a small action team of Naxalites. However, the investigation is being done from all possible angles, including personal enmity," the official said.

Efforts were on to trace the assailants, he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Dhiraj Beniwal

New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): Delhi's Tis Hazari Court has expressed its displeasure over the investigation of a robbery case, noting that it was not conducted properly and fairly, and criticized the lack of effort to trace three out of four accused. The court has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take action against the Investigation Officer (IO).

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The court has convicted the sole arrested accused, Shadab alias Salman, under sections related to robbery with a deadly weapon.

This case pertains to an FIR of robbery lodged at Kashmiri Gate Police Station in 2018.

Also Read | Delhi House Fire: Blaze Erupts at House in Matiala Area; Efforts On To Douse Fire.

Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann convicted Shadab for the offence related to a robbery.

"Thus, the prosecution has been able to prove all the essential ingredients for the offence punishable Under section 392/397/34 IPC against the accused. Hence, accused Shadab alias Salman is accordingly convicted for the offence punishable under Section 392/397/34 IPC," the court ordered on May 31.

The court remarked that despite the statements of the victims of the robbery and one public witness that the offence was committed by four accused, the IO did not make efforts to trace the three others.

"It is observed that although the eyewitnesses (Victim/complainants) namely Ankur Goel, Achint Goel and Girish Pandey (Public Witness), all have proved the complaint that there were four accused persons at the time of robbery IO / Investigating Officer SI Ashok Kumar has not conducted investigation properly and fairly and not tried to trace out the other three co-accused persons even though the present case pertains to the year 2018," Special judge said in the judgement.

The court ordered, "Hence, copy of this judgment be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, Delhi for information and necessary action that IO SI Ashok Kumar has not properly investigated the present matter as per law qua other accused persons for reason best known to IO."

The prosecution's case is based on a complaint made by Ankur Goel on September 23, 2018, that on that date at around 8:00 a.m., he was travelling with his cousin brother Achint Goel in an Auto Rickshaw. When they reached at the red light near Mori Gate Gol Chakker then from behind two boys came on a bike and stopped the auto rikshaw by parking their bike ahead of it both the bike riders got down and one of them came near him and another came with a pistol.

The said bike rider put the pistol on Achint Goel to take out whatever they had. In the meantime, two other boys came on another motorcycle and the said two boys watched all around to aid the execution of the robbery, Goel alleged.

It was also alleged that the complainant gave his gold bangle and PW Achint Goel gave his gold chain and gold ring to them and then, all the said four boys on their respective motorcycle ran away towards the Tis Hazari side. On this complaint, an FIR was registered and the investigation was carried out the accused was arrested and a chargesheet was filed under Section 392/397/34 IPC. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], June 3 (ANI): Nagpur District Court sentenced Nishant Agarwal, former engineer of BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, arrested in 2018 for spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, to life imprisonment under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and imposed a fine of Rs 3000.

Additional sessions court judge MV Deshpande specified that Agarwal was found guilty under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

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On Monday, the court ruled that Agarwal will serve a life sentence for offences under Section 66F of the IT Act. Additionally, he was sentenced to fourteen years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 3(1)(c) of the Official Secrets Act and three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 3,000. In default of payment, he will serve six months of simple imprisonment under Sections 5(1)(a)(b)(c)(d) and 5(3) of the Official Secrets Act. All sentences will run concurrently, according to the court order.

Agarwal worked in the technical research section of BrahMos Aerospace's missile centre in Nagpur. He was arrested in 2018 during a joint operation by the military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results: Stage Set for Counting of Votes on June 4; 7,000 Police Personnel To Be Deployed at Seven Counting Centres in Delhi.

The former engineer faced charges under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent Official Secrets Act.

He was accused of leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Agarwal had been employed at the BrahMos facility for four years.

BrahMos Aerospace is a collaborative venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia) of Russia.

Last April, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court granted bail to Agarwal. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane, Jun 3 (PTI) Police have detained a 24-year-old man after he and his father allegedly killed his sister's 18-year-old boyfriend in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township, officials said here Monday.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon after the accused's sister called the victim, a resident of Devichapada in Panvel, to her house in the same area.

Also Read | Lucknow: Thief Dozes Off While on the 'Job' Due to Extreme Intoxication in Indira Nagar, Gets Arrested.

The accused later came home and knocked at the door, but his sister did not open it. He then forced open the door and found his sister and her boyfriend in the house, an official from Taloja police station said.

The accused then called his father and both of them allegedly attacked the victim with a sickle and a spade and killed him, he said.

Also Read | Mumbai Blasts 1993 Case Convict Mohammed Ali Khan Aka Munna Lynched by Undertrial Inmates at Kolhapur Central Jail.

After being alerted, police rushed to the spot and sent the body to a government hospital for postmortem.

The police have detained the girl's brother and registered a case against him and her 45-year-father under Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention), the official said.

An investigation was on into the case.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Jun 3 (PTI) Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad on Monday said the state government will soon roll out a Rs 10,000-crore project funded by the World Bank to address air pollution.

The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development will be implemented in the state in a phased manner with the first phase being implemented in the districts falling in the National Capital Region (NCR) and replication in entire state later, he said.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results: Stage Set for Counting of Votes on June 4; 7,000 Police Personnel To Be Deployed at Seven Counting Centres in Delhi.

The announcement was made in a meeting of the governing committee of Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development held under the chairmanship of the chief secretary here on Monday, according to an official statement.

Prasad said this ten-year comprehensive project would be funded by the World Bank.

Also Read | Telugu Actress Hema Arrested By CCB in Connection With Bengaluru Rave Party Case.

Underlining the significance of the project, Prasad emphasised the need of collective efforts by all stakeholders to eliminate the problem of air pollution.

It was informed by the officials in the meeting that the project has three focus areas aimed at comprehensively addressing air pollution, the statement said.

The initial phase involves enhancements to Haryana's air quality monitoring infrastructure.

This encompasses the establishment of a cutting-edge laboratory and the modernisation of four existing ones. Additionally, a dedicated programme management unit will be established to oversee the project's implementation, it added.

The initiative also includes training programmes for stakeholders engaged in air quality management, the release said.

"Recognising the multifaceted sources of air pollution, the project allocates the bulk of its resources to directly address the issues of transportation, industry, construction and road dust, biomass burning and household pollution through sectoral interventions," the statement read.

The project targets promoting cleaner vehicles on roads by electrifying public transportation fleets for intra-city and inter-city travel. It aims to incentivise the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for private use, especially three-wheelers and four-wheeler taxis.

To phase out older, more polluting vehicles, higher incentives would be offered for scrapping them in exchange for EVs. Additionally, a model for setting up automated testing stations (ATS) will be designed to monitor vehicle health, the statement said.

As part of the project, industries will also be encouraged to operate on clean energy by providing them financial incentives to switch to clean fuels for boilers and promoting the use of cleaner diesel generator sets through retrofitting or purchasing generators that comply with stricter emission standards.

Addressing the significant contribution of this sector to air pollution, initiatives will focus on increasing green spaces in urban areas through the establishment of biodiversity parks and green belts.

The project also aims to combat stubble burning by promoting in-situ crop residue management practices. This involves raising awareness about the benefits of bio-decomposers to accelerate the decomposition of crop residue, reducing the need for burning.

Prasad said the Haryan government has taken significant strides in strengthening its institutions for air quality measurement and monitoring.

Four state sample-testing laboratories have been established in the state. Apart from this, 29 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQM) stations and 39 Manual Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (MAAQM) stations are operational in different districts, he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Smoke coming out from a house where terrorists are trapped in Pulwama (Photo/ANI)

Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 3 (ANI): Bodies of two terrorists have been recovered in Pulwama's Nihama area following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security personnel, police said on Monday.

https://x.com/KashmirPolice/status/1797579685225971742

Also Read | Jharkhand Shocker: Man Beheads Villager After He Refuses to Contribute Money for Liquor, Walks Around With Severed Head in Jamshedpur; Arrested.

"Bodies of 2 terrorists killed in the anti-terrorist operation recovered so far. Identity an affiliation being ascertained. Operation in progress. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police said in a statement on X.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police VK Birdi told ANI, "Yesterday evening we received information on the presence of a terrorist in the Nihama area. The input was developed and a search operation was carried out in the area by a joint team of Pulwama Police, Indian Army, and CRPF. When the search operation was going on, bullets were fired at our parties from inside the hideout. This search operation transformed into an encounter... The operation is still going on."

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An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Nihama area of Pulwama district on Monday morning.

In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police said that the security forces are on the job.

"Encounter has started at Nihama area of District Pulwama. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," it said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 3 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Police confiscated the properties of a notorious drug smuggler under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic (PIT) in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) in the Bishnah area of Jammu, police said on Monday.

"The said drug smuggler is a habitual, repeated offender and several NDPS cases have been registered against him in the past and has been recently detained under PIT NDPS," as per an official statement.

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"The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Jammu district continuing its action against drug peddlers today on June 3 freezed/confiscated the properties of notorious drug smuggler (Kingpin), Chirag Attri alias Chetan, resident of Chak Jaralan Tehsil Bishnah, Jammu under the(NDPS) Act as a part of a drive against drug peddlers under Operation SANJEEVANI," the statement said.

The action was taken under sections 68-E, F of the NDPS Act of 1985 and is linked with different cases of the Act registered against the above-mentioned notorious drug peddler, it said.

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"The properties were identified as illegally acquired properties during the investigation conducted by the Police. The properties were prima facie acquired from the proceeds of illicit trafficking in NDPS by the drug peddler," added the statement.

Presently, the said notorious drug peddler is detained under PIT NDPS Act issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. (ANI)

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New Delhi, June 3: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid floral tributes to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Karunanidhi on his birth anniversary. Remembering Karunanidhi, Sonia said, "It's my pleasure to be here with my colleagues from the DMK on the very auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi. I had the good fortune of meeting him on many occasions, listening to what he had to say, and benefiting from his words of wisdom and advice. I feel fortunate to have met him. My best wishes to all of you on this celebratory day."

Rahul Gandhi in a post on X paid tributes and said that the former's life left a lasting imprint on countless people. "Heartfelt tributes to the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, 'Kalaignar' M. Karunanidhi, on his birth anniversary. A leader who had a transformative effect on both Tamil Nadu's and India's politics, his legacy includes promoting social justice, advancing economic equality, and defending the language and culture of the Tamil people. His life has left a lasting imprint on countless people across the country," Rahul said. Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on His 163rd Birth Anniversary.

K Karunanidhi Birth Anniversary

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu CM late M Karunanidhi on his 100th birth anniversary. (Pics: Congress) pic.twitter.com/rUiMVwYIZr  ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2024

Muthuvel Karunanidhi (popularly referred to as Kalaignar) started his political career in 1953 with his involvement in the famous Kallakudi demonstration. He entered the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly by winning the Kulithalai seat in Tiruchirapalli during the 1957 election, alongside 14 other successful DMK candidates. Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2024 Date and History: Know the Significance of the Day That Marks the Birth Anniversary of the Great Warrior Maharana Pratap.

Karunanidhi became the chief minister in 1969 after then-chief minister and DMK leader CN Annadurai's death. He passed away in 2018. Karunanidhi went on to secure a second victory in the state assembly on February 21, 1962, this time representing the Thanjavur constituency. In the same year, he was appointed as the deputy leader of the opposition in the state assembly. The DMK leader breathed his last on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness.

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Jaipur, Jun 3 (PTI) More than 13,000 personnel have been deployed for counting of votes for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and the Bagidora assembly seat by-election in Rajasthan on Tuesday, officials said.

The bypoll in Bagidora under the Banswara parliamentary constituency was held along with the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan on April 26. The first phase was held on April 19.

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The Bagidora assembly seat fell vacant after Congress MLA Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya joined the BJP. Malviya contested the Lok Sabha election from Banswara seat as a BJP candidate.

Chief Election Officer Praveen Gupta said the counting will begin at 8 am at 29 places across the state and all preparations have been completed.

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He said postal ballots will be counted first and 63 rooms have been set up for this. The counting of votes from the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will begin from 8.30 am for which there will be a total of 235 rooms.

The counting of votes for all 25 Lok Sabha constituencies will be done in a total of 4,033 rounds, Gupta said, adding the maximum -- 206 rounds -- will be in Rajsamand and the minimum -- 143 rounds -- will be in Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency.

About 62.10 per cent of voters had cast their votes in all 25 Lok Sabha constituencies of Rajasthan.

More than 13,000 personnel, including returning officers, deputy election officers, counting supervisors, counting assistants, counting staff and micro observers have been deployed to carry out the exercise, Gupta said.

Tight security arrangements have been made at all places where counting will be held. All district election officers, police commissioners and superintendents of police have been instructed to strictly follow the security parameters at the counting centres, Gupta said.

There will be a three-tier security system in place at all counting centres. No person will be allowed to enter or leave the room without permission, he added.

Lok Sabha polls in the country were held in seven phases, with the first phase on April 19 and the last phase on June 1.

Going by the exit polls, the BJP might not be able to achieve a hat-trick of clean sweeps in Rajasthan. The party won all 25 parliamentary seats in the state in 2014 and 2019 but this time, the polls are predicting that five to seven seats might go to the opposition INDIA bloc.

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Chennai, June 3 (PTI) DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday paid floral tributes at the memorial of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi on his birth anniversary, which also marks the completion of year-long (2023-24) centenary celebrations.

Stalin showered flowers at the Marina beachfront memorial of Karunanidhi (1924-2018) and later unveiled a souvenir marking the culmination of centenary celebrations. The DMK chief also paid floral tributes to the decorated portraits of the late leader at downtown Gopalapuram (Karunanidhi's residence) and at the office of 'Murasoli,' the party's official organ.

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The Dravidian party president, in his message, showered encomium on Karunanidhi and reaffirmed the party's commitment to journey in the path paved by him.

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Karachi, Jun 3 (PTI) Four people, including a woman and a policeman, were injured when a mob armed with sticks and batons attacked a polio vaccine team in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Monday, police said, in the second such incident in a day.

The incident took place when the polio vaccine team was going around the Chaman area to administer vaccines to children.

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According to a police official, a mob armed with sticks and batons attacked the team in which four people -- a female polio worker, two levies officials and a policeman -- were injured.

The mob also tried to snatch the weapons from the paramilitary levies personnel, he said.

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Deputy Commissioner Raja Athar Abbas said the attackers were members of a sit-in protest being held in Chaman against the polio vaccination campaign, which began on Monday in Balochistan.

However, Sadiq Khan Achakzai, a key leader of the Chaman sit-in, denied the allegations, stating that the protesters were not responsible for the attack on the polio team.

Our only demand is that people should not be forced to administer polio drops to their children, he said.

Abbas said additional teams of levies and police have been sent to Chaman to provide more security to the polio vaccine teams in the province.

He said that legal measures would be pursued against those obstructing the polio campaign.

The government has started a nationwide anti-polio campaign in 66 districts, including 14 in Balochistan. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 1.8 million children against polio.

Abbas said despite the attack, the campaign will proceed with enhanced security measures.

This is not the first time that polio vaccine teams have come under attack in parts of Pakistan. Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan are regularly marred by violence. In the past many workers have lost their lives and others have been injured by attackers who believe that the anti-polio vaccine campaign is un-Islamic.

Earlier in the day, a police constable guarding a polio team was critically injured when unknown gunmen attacked vaccinators in restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where polio remains endemic, according to the World Health Organisation.

In an unrelated attack by militants, two coal miners were gunned down on Monday in the Dukki area in Balochistan.

Dukki, known for its abundant coal reserves, has long been a hub of economic activity, with thousands of coal miners toiling in its mines and some coming under attack by outlawed separatist and militant outfits.

Coal mine workers belonging to other provinces have particularly come under attack.

A government official said the attackers opened fire on some workers but fled after security forces posted there fired back on them. But two workers were killed in the firing, he said.

Earlier this year, five coal miners who belonged to other provinces were kidnapped from Dukki by militants but returned to their homes after their families paid some ransom.

Zardan Baloch of the Coal Miners Workers Association said those working in mines in the province not only had to work in hazardous conditions and were killed frequently in mine explosions or collapses but also had to deal with militant groups targeting them.

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Ottawa, Jun 3 (PTI) Canada's largest airline, Air Canada, on Monday announced the expansion of its flight network to India, adding 40 per cent more seat capacity beginning late October for the coming winter 2024-25 season.

The country's flag carrier said it will operate 25 weekly flights with 7,400 seats each week this winter from Canada to India, comprising up to 11 weekly flights. These include flights from Toronto to Delhi and Mumbai, daily flights from Montreal to Delhi and daily flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow.

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Air Canada in an official press release said the new services include the only non-stop flight from Canada to Mumbai, improved service from Western Canada to Delhi with the introduction of new daily flights over London's Heathrow Airport and daily flights from Montreal to Delhi.

The carrier will operate 25 weekly flights to India, the most comprehensive offering of any airline between Canada and India.

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India is an important market for Air Canada, reflecting longstanding and growing family and trade ties between our two countries. We are thrilled to expand our network to Mumbai and Delhi by building additional scale at our hubs in time for Diwali festivities this fall," Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, said.

With new non-stop flights from Toronto to Mumbai, the addition of new flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow, together with the unparalleled connectivity from our robust North American network, we are solidifying Air Canada as the leading airline offering the most travel options between Canada and India, Galardo said in a statement.

The Toronto-Mumbai flight, the only non-stop flight linking two of the largest cities in both countries, will be operated with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, the release said.

The Indian diaspora in Canada is about 1.8 million strong. There are another one million Non-Resident Indians living in the country.

Ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in this country.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". India has been maintaining that the main issue has been that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. PTI AKJ

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Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 3 (ANI): China's newly-appointed Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, arrived in Kolkata on June 1 to assume office.

Chinese Consulate General officials, representatives of the Chinese community and Chinese-funded enterprises in Kolkata welcomed Consul General Xu Wei at the airport, according to the Consulate General of India in Kolkata press release.

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Xu Wei is the 6th Chinese Consul General in Kolkata. Xu said he is honoured to work in Kolkata. According to the Consulate General of China in Kolkata press release, Xu Wei will actively promote friendly exchanges and cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between people of the two nations.

At the same time, he will continue to provide high-quality consular services to overseas Chinese and Chinese-funded enterprises in Kolkata.

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In a press release, the Consulate General of China in Kolkata stated, "China and India are neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, and five states in our consular districts has a long history of friendly exchanges with China."

"The Consulate General will actively promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and India, deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and contribute to the sound and steady development of China-India relationship," it added.

The last Consul General of China in Kolkata was Zha Liyou, who retired from public services in January, 2024. Zha stated that he was retiring from public service, however, he will never give up serving to strengthen friendship between two nations.

In a post on X, Zha Liyou had stated, "It's amazing to imagine that as Chinese CG I have been working out of Kolkata for over five years with a group of wonderful friends at CCK. Though retiring from public services and returning to China soon to join family, I will never give up serving to strengthen our friendship."

"Deep gratitude to Mr. Pradeep Khemka and Ms. Nayantara Palchoudhuri for their services to our small community and to all the other CGs and honorary consuls for our pleasant interaction and posssibly cooperation measured by various means and standard," he added.

Earlier in May, the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, arrived today in New Delhi to assume office, the Chinese Embassy in India announced in a statement.

Officials from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Eritia's Ambassador to India Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam and Minister Ma Jia, Minister Wang Lei, Minister Counselor Chen Jianjun from the Chinese Embassy welcomed Xu Feihong and his wife Tan Yuxiu at the airport, according to the statement released by Chinese Embassy in India. (ANI)

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Melbourne, Jun 3 (The Conversation) Australia and Indonesia have long had an uneasy relationship, over issues ranging from Timor-Leste's independence to asylum seekers and bans on live cattle export to the aftermath of the Bali bombings.

While the politics have long been challenging, there's reason to believe a change may be coming. One of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Indonesia has long been powered by coal. Now, it's endeavouring to go green through renewables, grid modernisation, electric vehicles and geothermal.

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That's where Australia comes in. In March this year, the two nations formalised a climate partnership, named KINETIK. Through the agreement, Indonesia will secure supplies of lithium for EV batteries, and Australia will gain more export markets for its critical minerals, as well as potential access to the batteries' industry supply chain.

Since winning independence from the Dutch, Indonesia has focused heavily on keeping its many islands and ethnic groups united.

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But Australia's role has sometimes been destabilising. During the Cold War, Australian agencies backed the Indonesian army's bloody purges of communists.

Australia also backed the cause of East Timorese secession. In 1998, Australian Prime Minister John Howard wrote to Indonesia's President, B.J Habibie, pushing for East Timorese independence. A year later, over 5,500 Australian soldiers arrived as peacekeepers during a tense referendum over the region's future.

Many people in Indonesia saw Australia's involvement as a threat to national unity and cohesion. Before Howard and Indonesia's next president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, had time to restore the relationship, tensions ramped up again after the 2002 terrorist bombings in Bali which killed 88 Australians.

Four years later, the Australian decision to grant temporary protection visas to 43 asylum seekers from Papua, which has long sought independence from Indonesia, led Indonesia's ambassador to Canberra to be recalled.

This diplomatic incident bore positive fruit, resulting in improved dialogue and, the same year, the signing of the Lombok Treaty, in which both countries promised not to interfere with the sovereignty of the other.

Since then, Australia has been diplomatically silent on other Indonesian territorial issues, such as the separatist movement in Papua.

Despite these efforts, many differences remain. Experts have often warned the relationship is tenuous.

In 2019, the two nations signed a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership after a tortuous negotiation period. With a focus on climate change and energy transition, this paved the way for this year's announcement.

In a broader context, this partnership also illustrates Australia's approach as a middle power nation to counterbalance China's increasing economic dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Could the green transition help the relationship?

In 2022, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Indonesia, where he promised A$200 million to kickstart climate and infrastructure projects.

Now we have a formalised partnership. This is an important step, which should improve the political relationship.

The two nations already trade $18 billion of goods and services yearly, centred on Australian coal and beef and Indonesian fertilisers and petrol.

But there is room for much more growth. Indonesia's population is young and large, with almost 280 million people. By 2030, estimates suggest it could be the world's fifth-largest economy.

If the KINETIK partnership works, it will be because it offers both nations what they need  Australia gets a new export market for green minerals, technology and know-how, and Indonesia starts to shift away from coal.

The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding on electric vehicles and another between Export Finance Australia and Indonesia's State-owned Electricity Company last year.

Indonesia perches on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with a number of active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. This also means the archipelago nation has huge geothermal resources, estimated at 40% of the world's total. Many geothermal plants are already running.

But making the most of the resource faces many technological challenges. The best underground heat resources tend to be located in mountains or in isolated areas. The KINETIK partnership could help through connecting Australian mining expertise to Indonesia's deep heat resources.

Australia's expertise in using renewables to power isolated communities will be vital to make exploration easier. And Australian investors will be allowed to own a majority share of Indonesian geothermal plants. (The Conversation)

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Florida, Jun 3 (AP) Firefighters across central and southern Florida are battling wildfires that have temporarily shut down highways and caused some residents to be evacuated.

On Sunday, firefighters in Pompano Beach said they found a "badly charred body" after they doused a brush fire. Officials said they couldn't determine whether the person was male or female. Firefighters said some people had been living in camps in the wooded area, but weren't sure if the victim had been living there. The cause of the fire and the death are being investigated.

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More than 900 acres had burned near Osteen in Volusia County as of Sunday, although the Florida Forest Service said the fire is now 90 per cent contained.

The fire broke out on Saturday and may have been sparked by the remains of an earlier wildfire, Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Scott Smoak told WESH-TV.

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Most of central and southern Florida are currently experiencing drought conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, with the driest conditions concentrated around Sarasota and Punta Gorda. Outdoor burning of yard debris is currently banned by 13 central and southwest Florida counties, according to the Florida Forest Service.

"We're extremely dry, especially in this part of the county. Any bit of people burning outdoors, any type of, you know, vehicles that creates sparks, those are our main concerns," Smoak said.

So far this year more than 1,100 wildfires have been reported in Florida, burning more than 24,000 acres, the state forest service reports.

A smaller fire on Saturday in North Port briefly forced the closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate 75, with some residents being evacuated. The fire was 80 per cent contained late Saturday, with firefighters saying Sunday they worked through the night and were continuing to douse hotspots.

In Martin County, smoke lingered Sunday from a fire that was sparked Friday from the remains of a previous fire. A helicopter was dropping water on the fire, WPTV-TV reported, although the blaze was 90 per cent contained.

Derek Craver told WPEC-TV that he had to evacuate when the fire burned dangerously close to his house.

"We were sitting in the house and the smoke started getting close. It looked thick. I looked out there and saw flames," Craver said. "It's kind of hectic, a little bit of panic especially when they tell you to leave."

No houses were damaged and residents were allowed to return. (AP)

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Jakarta, Jun 3 (AP) One of Thailand's most wanted fugitives will be escorted home on a Thai air force plane after being arrested on Indonesia's tourist island of Bali following months on the run in connection with several killings and drug trafficking charges in his homeland, officials said Monday.

Chaowalit Thongduang escaped from detention in Thailand while being treated at a hospital. When he was detained Thursday, he was using a fake Indonesian national identity card which he received shortly after arriving in Indonesia's northernmost province of Aceh in December after a 17-hour speedboat trip from India, said Wahyu Widada, head of the Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Department.

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Chaowalit was arrested in a raid at his apartment in Badung regency in Bali. Authorities seized four cellphones from him along with several fake identity documents.

We are still investigating local residents who helped issue Chaowalit's fake identity, Widada said.

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Thai Minister of Justice Tawee Sodsong, who travelled to Indonesia to meet with Chaowalit, said he will be flown on a military plane Tuesday to Thailand, where he is wanted in the murder or attempted murder of police officers and others and drug trafficking.

Tawee said Chaowalit praised the authorities for being able to trace him after he fled through several countries.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was confident that the legal system which apprehended Chaowalit could bring him to justice.

Indonesia and Thailand signed an extradition agreement in 1978. (AP)

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Dubai [UAE], June 3 (ANI/WAM): Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group and NMDC Energy, a subsidiary of National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), today signed an agreement for the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in KEZAD.

The 50-year lease agreement will see NMDC Energy invest AED367 million (USD 100 million) in a 224,000 sqm facility in KEZAD, designated for modular fabrication.

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The project will offer several strategic benefits to the regional oil and gas sector, including world-class engineering, procurement, project management, fabrication, installation, and commissioning services for project owners and operators. The facility will also create an estimated 3,000 new jobs.

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, said, "As the UAE's premier industrial and economic zones, KEZAD Group is continuously working to advance the country's energy, logistics, and marine engineering services. In keeping with the vision of our wise leadership, KEZAD Group is always striving to bolster the UAE's marine sector by supporting the expansion of national assets like NMDC in the emirate of Abu Dhabi."

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Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NMDC Energy, said, "This partnership marks a significant milestone for NMDC Energy as we deepen our commitment to the UAE's industrial growth and sector innovation."

He added that establishing this new modular fabrication facility at KEZAD represents a significant investment to support the UAE's vision of becoming a global industrial powerhouse.

NMDC Energy operates advanced fabrication facilities in Abu Dhabi, with a capacity to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of structural steel annually across an area of 1.3 million square metres.

Additionally, NMDC is expanding its capabilities with a new 450,000-square-metre fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair Port, Saudi Arabia, which will have a projected capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year by 2026.

The company owns a fleet of 22 offshore vessels with modern facilities to support its shallow and deep-water operations. These vessels can lift structures weighing up to 4,200 tonnes and are also equipped to lay subsea cables and pipelines up to 66 inches in diameter in water depths from 10 to 2,000 metres. (ANI/WAM)

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Singapore, June 3 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.

Sheikh Abdullah congratulated Wong on taking office as Prime Minister of Singapore, expressing his wishes for success and prosperity for Singapore and its people.

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They discussed several topics related to bilateral relations and the comprehensive partnership between their countries.

The meeting also explored the prospects for boosting cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, trade, investment, tourism, energy, education, and climate action.

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The Prime Minister of Singapore welcomed the visit of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation, praising the strong ties that their countries share.

For his part, the UAE top diplomat affirmed the country's commitment to enhancing its cooperation and partnership with the Republic of Singapore across all fields, to support their countries' vision for driving development and sustainable economic prosperity.

He also highlighted that the decision made by the UAE and Singapore in 2019 to take their bilateral relations to the next level by forging a comprehensive partnership has helped accelerate the development of their cooperation, serving the mutual interests of their countries and their peoples.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed regional and international developments and the situation in the Middle East, especially the situation in the Gaza Strip and its humanitarian fallout.

The meeting was attended by Jamal Abdullah Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs. (ANI/WAM)

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Annu Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Hamare Baarah, met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde on Monday (May 3). The actor shared that he spoke with the Chief Minister about the threats that he and the team of the film are receiving. He added that the Chief Minister has assured the team of the protection against the elements who are issuing threats to them. Bogus Phone Operators: Investigative Crime Documentary on BPO Scams to Premiere on EPIC on June 3 at THIS Time (Watch Promo Video).

Annu Kapoor told the media: "I met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde with regards to our film 'Hamare Baarah'. The director of our film, Kamal Chandra along with the team of the film are getting death threats. People who have been threatening us have said that they will sever the head of Kamal Chandra. Sukumar Sens Remarkable Journey to Shine On Screen; Roy Kapur Films Announces Biopic.

Watch Hamare Baarah Trailer:

He further spoke about the Chief Ministers assurance to him and the team. The Chief Minister has ensured and has given categorical directions to his administration to provide tight security to the team of our film so that the film, which is scheduled to release on June 7 in India and 15 other countries, faces no problem during its exhibition, he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Varun Dhawan and his wife Natasha Dalal, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child, have sparked speculation about their baby's imminent arrival. Further adding to the excitement, Varun was spotted outside Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital on Monday (May 3). The actor's visit to the hospital garnered attention as he donned an oversized pink t-shirt paired with comfortable blue pyjamas. Carrying an orange bag and an alkaline water bottle, Varun appeared relaxed despite the presence of paparazzi. However, he chose not to pause for any photo opportunities, instead making a beeline for his car and swiftly departing. Natasha Dalal Baby Shower Ceremony: Unseen Pics From Varun Dhawans Wifes Special Event Take the Internet by Storm!

As per News18, Natasha went itno labour today morning. "According to the doctor, Natasha is scheduled to give birth this week. Earlier today, in the morning, she began having strong labour pain, following which she was rushed to the hospital. Varun is making sure that hes around his wife during this time and he has pushed all professional commitments to a later date, said the source to the portal. Inside Parents-To-Be Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalals Intimate Baby Shower Bash (View Pics).

Varun Dhawan Spotted Outside Hospital

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Galatta India (@galattaindiaoffl)

For the unaware, in a heartwarming announcement back in February of this year, Varun and Natasha revealed the joyous news of their pregnancy. The couple shared this special moment with their fans through an aesthetic monochrome picture captured in their living room. The poignant snapshot featured Varun tenderly kneeling beside Natasha, planting a loving kiss on her baby bump while holding her hands in a gesture of unwavering support.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 02:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver has had a contentious relationship with covering India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, the popular late-night satire show that covers major political events globally had an episode criticising the allegedly divisive politics of the prime minister and his Bhartiya Janta Party as the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections had concluded. However, as per a report in The Hindu, the episode has been skipped from JioCinema, where the show can be presently watched in India, from being streamed this week. There have been no new episodes on the OTT platform for Last Week Tonight since May 19's episode on 'Corn'. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver: Hotstar Retains Episode Criticising Disney, Arnab Goswami; but the PM Narendra Modi Segment Is Still Missing.

What's more, an older episode of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, where he had earlier criticised PM Modi when the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections were happening, was also taken down, as per the report. An interesting thing to notice here is that the same episode was never listed for streaming in 2019 when Last Week Tonight With John Oliver used to stream on Disney+ Hotstar. In the US, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver streams on HBO.

JioCinema Skipped Modi Episode?

JioCinema has skipped today's episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The main story from this episode  on the elections  will only be out on YouTube on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/JsSavTJugo  Aroon Deep (@AroonDeep) June 3, 2024

The episodes of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver also concurrently stream on the show's YouTube Channel, and so has the recent Modi episode. However, if you are watching the episode in India on YouTube, this is what you would be seeing. Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict, John Oliver Calls Out Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday's Episode of Last Week Tonight.

How PM Modi Episode on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver is Seen on YouTube in India

Even though the episode has not officially aired in India, it has been leaked on torrents. People are using those to watch the episode or VPN to bypass the country restrictions to see it on YouTube. John Oliver also seems to have anticipated this, as he had created two fake websites to air the episodes in India.

The two websites where The Last Week Tonight episode on Narendra Modi will be made available to circumvent censorship by JioCinema and YouTube are:https://t.co/Up5kyPdE1ihttps://t.co/Qe5GtGyU5Z (The production team member who suggested the latter deserves a tip of the hat.)  Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) June 3, 2024

However, the links are not live yet on these two sites as well, and will only be live on June 6, two days after the election results for Lok Sabha 2024 are out on June 4.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 07:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, June 3: With the counting of votes for all seven phases of Lok Sabha elections scheduled for Tuesday, anticipation is mounting to see if the Exit Poll projections align with reality. Many pollsters have forecast a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it a focal point of discussions.

Should he secure another term, Prime Minister Modi stands poised to match the historical feat of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who remains the only leader to get elected as PM for three straight terms. The Exit Polls have predicted a strong show by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a setback for the opposition's INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha elections. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results: Stage Set for Counting of Votes on June 4; 7,000 Police Personnel To Be Deployed at Seven Counting Centres in Delhi.

Roughly seven Exit Polls have projected approximately 350-370 seats for the BJP-led NDA in the 543-member Lok Sabha. They also indicated that the INDIA bloc might end up with around 107-140 seats, falling significantly short of the majority mark of 272 seats.

Three Exit Polls -- India Today-My Axis India, India TV-CNX, and News24-Todays Chanakya -- forecast that the NDA would secure over 400 seats. Many other Exit Polls indicated a significant victory for the BJP in Congress-ruled Karnataka, while the India TV-CNX poll suggested that the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP and the NDA are poised to sweep the polls in Andhra Pradesh. Lok Sabha Election 2024: India Created World Record With 64.2 Crore People Voting in General Polls, Jammu and Kashmir Witnessed Highest Voter Turnout in Last Four Decades, Says CEC Rajiv Kumar.

The Exit Poll findings were released on Saturday evening, immediately after the conclusion of the seventh and final phase of polling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have expressed confidence that the party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will achieve a historic victory by securing more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Congress is claiming that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of over 25 opposition parties, is poised to secure victory in the elections with more than 295 seats. The opposition parties have instructed their counting agents to closely oversee the vote-counting process on Tuesday, emphasising the importance of obtaining Form 17C, which includes the tally of votes registered at each polling station.

Also on Tuesday, the counting of votes for the Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, along with by-elections to different Assembly constituencies, will be taken up. The counting process is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m., and continue till the final tallies are prepared. The general elections were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 10:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Jun 3: The Supreme Court on Monday barred YSR Congress Party MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who allegedly smashed an EVM at a polling station, from entering the counting centre of Macherla assembly constituency on June 4. A vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta saw the video of the May 13 incident and questioned the anticipatory bail granted to Reddy, and termed it as a "sheer mockery of the justice system".

"Once you see the video, you will find that it is a completely erroneous order. This is sheer mockery of the justice system," the bench told senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Reddy. The bench directed Reddy to not enter the counting centre on June 4 or be in its vicinity. Elections to the Andhra Pradesh assembly were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Exit Polls: Delhi Bookies Predict Over 340 Seats for BJP-Led NDA, 200 for INDIA Bloc.

The apex court asked the Andhra Pradesh High Court to decide the petition related to multiple cases lodged against Reddy in connection with various incidents that day, listed for hearing on June 6, without being influenced by the interim protection granted to him on May 28. Reddy, the ruling YSRCP candidate for the Macherla seat, allegedly barged into the polling station with his supporters and broke VVPAT and EVM machines on the day of the poll on May 13.

The top court was hearing two pleas filed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) polling agent Seshagiri Rao Namburi seeking cancellation of the interim protection from arrest granted to the MLA. Namburi has claimed that even though there was video evidence, police did not register a case against the legislator but some unknown persons. Lok Sabha Election 2024 Exit Poll: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Credibility of Exit Polls, Says INDIA Bloc Will Win Maximum Seats in Uttar Pradesh (Watch Videos).

Singh said he is not contesting the the occurrences but the presence of the MLA at the polling booth when these allegedly happened. The bench said that looking at the videos of the incident the allegations prima facie appear to be true and need to be accepted.

"The complaint says eight people came inside the polling booth and took the VVPAT and EVMs and destroyed them. Now, if we do not stay the anticipatory bail order, it will be a mockery of the judicial system," the court said. Singh said it is only an interim order subject to certain conditions and the matter is listed for June 6 for final hearing. He urged the court to not stay the anticipatory bail order as votes will be counted on Tuesday.

"These videos are from the live telecast from the CCTV cameras installed in the polling booth by the Election Commission. It cannot be said to be a doctored video," the bench said, adding that there was no need for the high court to pass an anticipatory bail order. Counsel appearing for the TDP polling agent said the interim anticipatory bail needs to be cancelled as he is a sitting MLA who wields considerable influence in the area.

He urged the court to not allow Reddy in the constituency on the date of the counting and said the incident belittles the entire system. The bench said barring him from entering the constituency will be a "too far fetched" thing to do. Singh said he will not enter the counting centre and only his poll agents will be present there. The bench then disposed of the pleas.

On May 28, the high court had granted anticipatory bail to Reddy in the cases registered against him subject to certain conditions like the police will keep complete surveillance on his movements during the period when he enjoys protection from arrest.

The high court also directed that Reddy should stay in Narasaraopet and not create any law and order problem in Palnadu district. It permitted him to appear before the Returning Officer for Macherla constituency on June 4, the day of counting. Reddy has been booked for attack on a polling agent, a police officer and threatening a woman after damaging an EVM. A slew of charges including attempt to murder have been invoked against him under the IPC and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
New Delhi, June 3: Over 8,000 candidates are contesting in the Lok Sabha elections of which 16 per cent have been fielded by national parties, six per cent by state parties, while 47 per cent of candidates are independents, a report by PRS Legislative Research said. The 2024 general elections were held in seven phases between April 19 to June 1. Counting of votes will be taken up on June 4.

This is the highest number of candidates since 1996, when a record 13,952 candidates were in the fray. In the 2019 polls, there were 8,039 candidates. According to PRS, 8,360 candidates from 744 parties, including six nationally recognised parties, are contesting elections across 543 constituencies. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India Created World Record With 64.2 Crore People Voting in General Polls, Says CEC Rajiv Kumar (Watch Video).

Overall, 16 per cent of candidates have been fielded by national parties, six per cent by state parties, and 47 per cent of candidates are independents. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), one of the six national parties, has fielded the highest number of candidates -- 488.

Among national parties, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is second, fielding 441 candidates, Congress has fielded 328, Communist Party of India (Marxist) has 52 candidates while Aam Aadmi Party has 22 and National People's Party has three.

Among state parties, the Samajwadi Party with 71 candidates, and Trinamool Congress with 48 candidates, have fielded the highest number of candidates. AIADMK has fielded 36 candidates, CPI has 30 candidates, YSRCP has 25, RJD has 24 and DMK has fielded 22 candidates. West Bengal Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission Orders Repolling at Barasat and Mathurapur Constituencies Today.

Among the unrecognised parties, the Social Unity Centre of India (Communist) fielded the highest number of candidates (150), followed by the People's Party of India (Democratic), which fielded 79 candidates, the PRS report said. On an average, 15 candidates are contesting from each constituency. The number of candidates contesting from each constituency varies widely across states.

Telangana had the highest average number of candidates per constituency that is 31 while Ladakh and Nagaland had three candidates each. Tamil Nadu's Karur had the highest number of candidates that is 54, 46 of these candidates contested as independents (85 per cent).

The average age of candidates contesting this election is 48 years. Among the national parties, 13 per cent of candidates fielded are below the age of 40, while 20 percent of candidates fielded by the BSP (98 candidates) are below the age of 40. Of the candidates from major political parties, 27 per cent have previously been an MP.

While 25 per cent have previously been Lok Sabha MPs and 4 per cent have been Rajya Sabha MPs, 2 per cent candidates have been part of both the Houses in the past. Overall, 327 MPs from the 17th Lok Sabha are contesting again and one MP is contesting from two constituencies.

Meanwhile, the report also said 34 MPs from the 17th Lok Sabha who are re-contesting, are fighting on a different party's ticket this time. Of these, 11 instances are due to splits in the parties, such as in the case of the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Lok Jan Shakti Party.

A total of 53 sitting ministers are also contesting elections. Three of these ministers are currently members of Rajya Sabha, and five others completed their Rajya Sabha term in April 2024.
Kolhapur, June 2: A convict in the March 1993 Mumbai blasts case was allegedly lynched by five undertrial inmates inside the Kolhapur Central Jail, the police said on Sunday. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit, who confirmed the incident, told the media that the convict, Mohammed Ali Khan, 59, a.k.a. Munna, of Mumbai, was pounced upon by five other inmates facing serious charges under the MCOCA.

The incident happened around dawn when all the prisoners were going for a bath in the prison situated at Kalamba. A heated quarrel followed by a huge brawl reportedly erupted among the inmates and in a fit of rage, the five undertrials yanked a manhole cover, and repeatedly pounded Munna on the head, leading to his death. Mumbai Serial Blasts Case Convict Mohammad Ali Khan Fatally Attacked by Five Inmates in Kalamba Central Jail in Kolhapur.

Soon afterwards, the jail authorities and Kolhapur's Rajwada Police Station teams, which rushed there, took charge of the assailants and arrested them under various charges, including murder, rioting and other offences. Tillu Tajpuriya Dead: Jailed Gangster Killed in Attack by Yogesh Tunda and Other Rival Gang Members in Tihar Jail.

The accused were identified as -- Rituraj Inamdar, Deepak Khot, Shanker Chavan, Saurabh Siddha, and Pratik Patil. The police and jail authorities are probing the exact causes behind the ruckus inside the jail premises that led to the death of Munna, who was serving a life sentence there.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 08:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
According to police, the minor victim went to a masjid to read the Quran for three years. The accused had informed her parents that she was possessed by evil spirits and that a special ritual needed to be conducted at her house.
The Nagpur District Court has sentenced Nishant Agarwal, a former engineer at BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, to life imprisonment for espionage. Agarwal was arrested in 2018 on charges of spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The court found Agarwal guilty under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), which pertain to spying and wrongful communication of sensitive information. In addition to the life sentence, Agarwal has been fined Rs 3000. ISI Agent, Arrested Near BrahMos Unit, Sent to Three-Day Remand of Uttar Pradesh ATS.

Nishant Agarwal Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Maharashtra: Nagpur District Court sentenced Nishant Agarwal, former engineer of BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, arrested in 2018 for spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, to life imprisonment under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and imposed a fine of Rs  ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2024

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Mumbai, June 3: In a celestial spectacle, stargazers across India are poised for a rare treat during the early hours of Monday, June 3, 2024. A unique planetary alignment, dubbed the 'Parade of Planets,' will grace the pre-dawn sky, presenting an illusion of the solar system's planets aligning in a single file.

Planetary alignment refers to the infrequent occurrence where the planets of our solar system arrange themselves in a seemingly straight line. This phenomenon, more of an optical illusion than a physical event, involves a conjunction of planetswhen two or more celestial bodies appear close together in the sky. This year's alignment features Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Parade of Planets: Six Planets of Solar System, Excluding Earth, To Align in Straight Line Next Month; Check Date, Time and Visibility of Rare Planetary Alignment.

How To Watch Rare Planet Parade in India

The planetary alignment of 2024 will be observable from every corner of India, with forecasts predicting clear skies enhancing the view. Enthusiasts are encouraged to set their alarms to witness this astral procession before sunrise throughout the week.

When to Watch Planet Parade in India

The prime time for observing the planet parade is approximately one hour before sunrise on June 3. NASA advises that while the brightening dawn may hinder the visibility of some planets, the Moon, Mars, and Saturn should remain distinctly visible. For those seeking to observe the more elusive planets, a telescope is recommended. Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke: What to Do in an Emergency.

This alignment, while a stunning visual, reminds us of the vast and dynamic nature of our solar system. It offers a moment of unity as the planets align in the sky's grand stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, June 3: Several users took to social media platform X on Monday to complain about a technical glitch they were facing while trading on the brokerage firm Zerodha's trading app Kite. The glitch comes on a day when the stock market surged to record levels, coinciding with exit polls projecting a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Voicing their frustration on social media, a user wrote, "Zerodha down.

Very poor service when it matters the most". Another user said, "#Zerodha glitch, my funds are showing negative 83L. Almost gave me a heart attack this morning". "Zerodha's consistency is truly disappointing. It seems to fail on all the important days," one more user mentioned. However, the brokerage firm responded to individual user complaints on X. Zerodha, Groww Trading Platforms Face Technical Errors, Show Incorrect Information and App Login Issue, Users Complain on X.

X User Complain About Showing Negative 83 Lakh Funding:

#Zerodha glitch , my funds are showing negative 83L. Almost gave me a heart attack this morning pic.twitter.com/R25oMsDpHD  Operator_MM (@BaniyaTrader_) June 3, 2024

"This seems like an ISP-related issue. Please try using an alternate Internet connection and check. If the issue persists, please create a ticket at http://support.zerodha.com with ISP and location details so we can have this resolved at the earliest," Zerodha said. Google Meet New Feature Update: Search Giant Now Lets You Use Features Like Polls, Q&A During Live Streams on Mobile.

Both the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex soared to record highs. The Nifty 50 climbed 2.89 per cent to 23,181.50 points, while the BSE Sensex gained 2.91 per cent to 76,110.93 points on Monday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 31 May Ecuadors Presidentdiscussed security issues with his Salvadorean counterpart

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On 2 June Brazils minister for human rights,, attended the annual Pride parade in Sao Paulo, having announced more funding for government initiatives for LGBTQI+ rights the previous day.

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Mexico votes in its historic and largest elections yet, with either Xochitl Galvez or Claudia Sheinbaum possibly being elected as the country's very first female president. The two candidates have lead in the previous pre-election polls, though Sheinbaum remains the favorite coming into the actual poll as she has a wide lead over her coalition rival.

One of them, Sheinbaum, is running to continue her predecessor and mentor's populist policies and is seen to be more or less the same as the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), while the other, Galvez, pledges change and to fight the drug cartels head on.

There is also a third candidate who rounds out the top three favorites, Jorge Alvarez Maynez. He has focused his attention on the youth vote but has struggled in the polls against his two female opponents. While there are analysts who say this is a three-horse race, many believe Maynez Alvarez Maynez would not do as well as Galvez or Sheinbaum.

According to the Associated Press, there was a high voter turnout, with long lines of voters, even though much of the country was in the middle of a punishing heat wave. On top of their minds is security, as drug cartels have plunged the country into violence while many citizens remain poor. However, some factors, such as immigration and other social issues, are also on top of the agenda.

The election is seen to be the country's largest yet, with over 20,000 seats up for grabs, including the presidency. Voters are also choosing the governors for nine of the country's 32 states, as well as the lawmakers of the two chambers of their Congress. Various local seats, including mayoralty and city council seats, are also on the line.

However, while many eyes were focused on the battle for the presidency, the election has also been marred by violence as the drug cartels seek to disrupt the election by killing off candidates who they deem would be a roadblock to their illegal activities or are challenging politicians they want to win.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections Tale of the Tape: Claudia Sheinbaum Vs. Xochitl Galvez

First-Time Voters Have Massive Influence in This Year's Mexico Elections

This year would also be the first time that many Mexicans are voting, and one independent political commentator, Paula Sofia Vasquez, told Al Jazeera News that there are a lot of these first-time voters this year, and they may be responsible if there are a lot of surprises or upsets this year.

The largest voting bloc in Mexico right now is people between 18 to 29 years old, with Vasquez pointing out that they could make a difference.

"The forecast for the turnout was 65 percent, and the electoral [authority] said it might get adjusted to almost 70 percent. So we are having a lot of turnout, a lot of first-time pollers," she told the outlet. "We will have surprises, I believe, in the result."

Mexico Violence Would Still Be an Issue After the Elections

Despite all the media attention over this year's Mexico elections, violence has spiked throughout, with many candidates already killed even before the voting began.

The violence spiked during the final day of campaigning as Ricardo Arizmendi Reynoso, a substitute opposition candidate running to be the mayor of the city of Cuautla, was shot to death on Tuesday. That same day, Encarnacion de Diaz mayoral candidate Gilberto Palomar was also shot. He survived but was hospitalized with serious injuries. Those were just two of the many other attacks that happened that day.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections Primer: Who Are the Top 3 Candidates Vying to Replace AMLO?

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Mexico expected to elect its first female president - TODAY
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele began his second term, pledging to tackle the country's economic issues after addressing gang violence in his first term.

Bukele, 42, won re-election with over 80% of the vote despite constitutional limits.

He declared El Salvador is no longer plagued by gang violence, comparing it to curing cancer.

Bukele's leadership saw mass arrests that significantly reduced gang violence, according to Reuters.

Now, he aims to revitalize the stagnant economy and reduce poverty, insisting his approach is effective.

Bukele, once a nightclub manager, faces the challenge of addressing El Salvador's economic problems.

READ NEXT: El Salvador: Police Foil Bomb Plot Targeting President Bukele's Inauguration

Security Concerns Amid Inaugurations

The swearing-in ceremony for President Nayib Bukele's second term took place under heavy security following a bomb threat.

Police arrested seven individuals, including former congressman Jose Santos Melara, for plotting to detonate explosives nationwide.

Bukele, who was expelled from the FMLN in 2017, criticized the peace accords ending El Salvador's civil war.

His re-election campaign highlighted his success in improving security despite suspending civil liberties and arresting over 80,000 without charge.

Bukele's crackdown sharply reduced murder rates, though it faced human rights criticism.

Luis Parada, an opposition politician, condemned violence in politics but raised concerns about false accusations by the national police.

In 2021, the Biden administration snubbed Bukele during a Washington trip.

However, three years later, a high-level US delegation led by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attended Bukele's inauguration, signaling a policy shift.

This change reflects the US's focus on immigration, a key issue in the upcoming presidential election.

Damian Merlo, an advisor to Bukele, noted that the US now recognizes Bukele's success in reducing migration from El Salvador, which contrasts with rising migration from other Latin American countries.

Bukele is credited with transforming El Salvador from a murder capital to one of Latin America's safest countries, significantly reducing migration to the US since he took office in 2019, AP News reports.

Focus on Economic Revival

In his speech, President Nayib Bukele promised to focus on strengthening El Salvador's economy in his second term, using his independent and unconventional methods.

He emphasized his commitment to national interests over external expectations.

Bukele's aggressive crackdown on gangs and political opponents, which led to the detention of over 78,000 suspected gang members, has drawn criticism from Washington and human rights groups, who claim the arrests were often arbitrary.

The US sanctioned several of Bukele's aides on corruption charges and redirected aid to civil society groups critical of Bukele.

In 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris voiced concerns about El Salvador's democracy after Bukele's allies removed Supreme Court justices who later allowed consecutive re-election, a move denounced by the US State Department.

Despite improved security, Bukele faces significant economic challenges, with over a quarter of Salvadorans living in poverty and rising unemployment.

His Bitcoin City project has stalled, and public debt exceeds $30 billion, or 84% of GDP.

Economists warn that reducing debt without cutting essential social benefits will be difficult, potentially impacting women and rural households.

A high-level US delegation's visit to Bukele's inauguration signals a shift in US policy, focusing on migration, public security, and anti-narcotics cooperation.

While some US diplomats urge caution, recognizing Bukele's authoritarian tendencies, a working relationship is deemed necessary.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele's second term will test his ability to balance security successes with economic challenges, under scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

READ MORE: Argentina's Milei to Meet Top Tech CEOs on Fourth US Visit

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: El Salvador: Bukele welcomes Milei to his inauguration ceremony | AFP - From AFP News Agency
The UK has fired its Ambassador to Mexico, but this was not because of a diplomatic spat but because Ambassador Jon Benjamin pointed a gun at his own staff as a joke. The incident was revealed thanks to a viral video that is now circulating on social media, which has embarrassed the United Kingdom government.

In the video, first believed to be posted on X, formerly Twitter, now-former Ambassador Jon Benjamin can be seen pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy employee in a car. The post's caption read, "In a context of daily killings in Mexico by drug dealers, he dares to joke."

Benjamin was in the front seat of the vehicle when he picked up a rifle and aimed it at the unnamed employee who was sitting in the backseat, claiming it was a joke.

The incident reportedly happened while the UK ambassador was on an official trip to the states of Durango and Sinaloa back in April, according to Reuters. However, he was not removed from office until last Friday, after the video started circulating on social media.

Benjamin has already updated his LinkedIn page and said that his term as ambassador ended in May and is currently "in transition." Meanwhile, the United Kingdom government's website also updated his online diplomatic profile and stated that he "was UK Ambassador to Mexico between 2021 and 2024."

While Benjamin says this was supposed to be a joke, many are not laughing as Mexico has been reeling from drug violence for years as the drug cartels have stood defiant while also turning many parts of Mexico into a warzone as they compete with one another for drug trafficking routes into the US and Europe.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections: Mexicans Finally Vote in Historic Election With Its Possible First Female President

UK Government Issues Statement on Firing of Former Ambassador to Mexico Jon Benjamin

Soon after Benjamin was fired over his joke, the United Kingdom government answered several news agencies regarding the incident via an official statement that read, "We are aware of this incident and have taken appropriate action. Where internal issues do arise, the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) has robust Human Resources processes to address them."

According to DW, before he served as the UK's ambassador to Mexico, he also represented the European nation in other countries, including Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United States. He began his post in Mexico in 2021.

Who Will Replace Jon Benjamin as the UK Ambassador to Mexico After His Firing?

As for who will actually replace Benjamin now that he has been booted out of his post, the UK government has not named anybody yet. Instead, as international protocol says, he would be replaced by the UK's charge d'affaires at its embassy in Mexico City for now.

Currently, the UK's charge d'affaires in Mexico is Rachel Brazier, who only started the job back in April. She will now serve as the UK Embassy to Mexico's chief of mission in the absence of the ambassador, according to the Associated Press.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections Primer: Who Are the Top 3 Candidates Vying to Replace AMLO?

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Jon Benjamin | Podcast Against Antisemitism | S1 E25 - Campaign Against Antisemitism
The White House has hinted that President Joe Biden would soon be signing a long-anticipated executive order that would result in a border clampdown and migrant limits along the US-Mexico border soon after Congress rejected a bipartisan border deal for the second time after Donald Trump pressured Republicans to vote against it because it would make Biden look good.

According to Politico, this would essentially allow Biden to "shut down" the US-Mexico border should the migrant border crossings currently surge as more and more people try to flee their respective countries to seek a better life in the United States.

Four people familiar with the president's plans have spoken with Politico and stated that Biden is expected to make the executive order around Tuesday, right before he heads to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion during World War II.

In that executive order, Biden is expected to use section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This would dramatically limit migrants' ability to seek asylum along the US-Mexico border. However, this would only happen once encounters reach a new threshold.

Biden administration officials have stated that the metric to decide whether or not to shut down the southern border would be around 4,000 daily border crossings. This is expected to show people that Biden is willing to take more action regarding the border.

The executive order would support a bipartisan border security bill tied to giving aid to Ukraine. However, after Republicans killed the bill that they were asking for, Biden took a string of actions in recent weeks to take action on the border after Republicans would not for political reasons.

READ MORE: Panama President-Elect Jose Raul Mulino Reiterates Promise To Shut Down Darien Gap Migration Crossing, Deport Migrants

What Would Joe Biden's Executive Order Regarding the US-Mexico Border Do?

For now, talks are still in progress as to what might be included in the executive order. However, it is expected to speed up the cases of migrants already in the United States and have migrants with criminal records becoming ineligible even faster.

The Biden administration is also considering whether the 4,000 per day migrant limit would also include asylum-seekers with appointments through the CBP One app coming to the border. The Associated Press noted that right now, around 1,450 of these appointments go through each day.

Another measure would have migrants be removed automatically once the migrant limit's threshold has been reached. It would also be a push for migrants seeking asylum to make appointments and use a legal pathway that avoids the costly and dangerous journey,

Border Mayors Already Gathering in Washington, DC Ahead of Joe Biden Border Announcement

Biden has been growing more aggressive on the border after ceaseless criticism from Republicans, and this is shown with this latest move along the border, which has angered many of his own party's progressive base.

However, as he prepares to take on the border issue, at least two Texas border mayors are expected to go to DC during the announcement. They are Brownsville Mayor John Cowen and Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, both going there at the invitation of Biden, according to ABC News.

However, as he prepares to take on the border issue, at least two Texas border mayors are expected to go to DC during the announcement. They are Brownsville Mayor John Cowen and Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, both going there at the invitation of Biden, according to ABC News. These are towns that are experiencing a surge in migrants coming from the southern border with Mexico.

READ MORE: Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, US President Joe Biden Agree To Clamp Down on Illegal Immigration

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Biden considers temporarily closing southern border to curb flow of migrant crossings - PBS NewsHour
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that most independent voters believe former President Donald Trump received a fair trial in the New York hush money criminal case.

The poll, conducted after Trump's conviction on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, showed that 54% of independents deemed the trial fair, while 56% of all US adults shared this view, The Hill reports.

Despite Trump's conviction and the trial process, a significant portion of Americans believe the jury reached the right decision.

READ NEXT: Trump Found Guilty: Biden, Republicans, Public React

Trump's Legal Options

Following the Donald Trump conviction, he has expressed his intention to appeal the verdict.

Legal experts suggest he has various avenues to challenge the decision.

His first opportunity for appeal will arise within 30 days of his sentencing on July 11, allowing him to approach New York's First Judicial Department appellate court.

This court, often dubbed the "13th juror," possesses broad discretion to review jury findings, potentially offering Trump grounds for reversal.

Trump's appeal is likely to focus on legal complexities rather than the sensational evidence presented at trial, according to Politico.

Key issues may include the prosecution's legal approach in transforming misdemeanor charges into felony offenses and the jury's interpretation of Trump's actions regarding the 2016 election.

Trump's legal team intends to pursue the appeal vigorously, even considering escalation to the US Supreme Court if necessary.

Public sentiment regarding Trump's conviction remains polarized along partisan lines.

While almost all Democrats view the trial as fair and the verdict justified, a significant majority of Republicans perceive bias and unfairness.

Trump's attacks target various figures involved in the trial, including the district attorney, the judge, and the jury, whom he accuses of political bias.

Despite Trump's efforts to portray the trial as politically motivated, a substantial portion of Americans believe the charges were legitimate.

Forty-seven percent of respondents think the charges against Trump were politically motivated, while 51% believe he intentionally committed illegal acts.

However, opinions vary significantly depending on political affiliation, with Democrats largely supporting the verdict and Republicans dismissing it as unjust.

Potential Impact on the 2024 Election

The fallout from the Donald Trump conviction could significantly influence the upcoming presidential election, ABC News noted.

While Trump's favorability remains stable at 31%, public opinion regarding the verdict and its implications could sway voters, particularly independents and those who dislike both Trump and Biden.

A majority of independent voters perceive the verdict as correct and believe Trump should suspend his presidential campaign.

This sentiment is even stronger among "double haters," individuals who view both Trump and Biden unfavorably.

Their opinions could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the election, highlighting the importance of appealing to this demographic.

As Donald Trump vows to continue his legal battle, the repercussions of his conviction reverberate through the political landscape.

The dynamics of the 2024 election remain uncertain, with public opinion divided and the influence of key demographics yet to be determined.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Criticizes Robert De Niro Over Courthouse Remarks

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Majority of voters in new poll approve of jury's decision to convict Trump - From NBC News
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a devastating mass shooting rocked Akron, Ohio, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 24 others, according to city officials.

The incident unfolded abruptly, triggering a swift and intensive response from law enforcement agencies amid the chaos and panic that ensued, CNN reports.

Upon receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and numerous casualties in the vicinity of Kelly Ave. and 8th Ave., Akron's police and emergency services mobilized rapidly.

Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding issued a joint statement urging community cooperation in apprehending those responsible for the senseless violence.

The investigation into the Ohio mass shooting suspect is ongoing, with authorities urging residents who may have witnessed or have information about the incident to come forward anonymously.

The scene of the shooting was chaotic, with victims ranging in age from 19 to 43, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General received seven patients, one of whom was listed in critical condition, while Summa Health System-Akron Campus treated 15 patients with varying degrees of injuries.

Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize and care for the victims, and several have since been discharged, though others remain in critical condition.

READ NEXT: Ohio: Black Man Dies in Police Custody, Utters "I Can't Breathe"

Details of the Shooting

Initial reports suggest the Ohio mass shooting occurred during a street party in Akron, which had started as a birthday celebration at a private residence on Kelly and Eighth Avenues.

The gathering, which attracted approximately 200 attendees, spilled out into the streets as festivities continued late into the evening.

Witnesses described a sudden eruption of violence shortly after midnight, as gunfire erupted, causing panic and chaos among the revelers.

Police recovered evidence from the scene, including two handguns and multiple shell casings, including those from a rifle, indicative of a prolonged and intense exchange of gunfire.

The volume of shell casings recovered underscores the severity of the incident, highlighting the scale of the violence that unfolded in the otherwise peaceful neighborhood.

Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture of the moments following the Ohio mass shooting, with some describing scenes of people fleeing in terror, seeking cover or attempting to aid the injured, according to News 5 Cleveland.

One witness recounted the abrupt shift from a celebratory atmosphere to one of fear and confusion, with victims lying wounded amidst the chaos.

Community Response and Calls for Justice

In the aftermath of the Ohio mass shooting, Mayor Malik and Chief Harding expressed their condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the city's commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.

They underscored the importance of community cooperation in providing information that could aid in the investigation and prevent further acts of violence.

The community of Akron has rallied in support of the victims and their families, offering assistance and solidarity in the face of this tragic event, BBC noted.

Local hospitals have been inundated with concerned loved ones seeking information about the injured, reflecting the widespread impact of the shooting on the tight-knit community.

READ MORE: Idaho Doomsday Author Chad Daybell Guilty of Murdering Wives and Children

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: 24 shot, 1 killed in overnight shooting in Akron - From News 5 Cleveland
A 39-year-old Lopatcong man was killed Saturday when he lost control of the motorcycle he was operating in the township, authorities said.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office identified the deceased as Samuel K. Aggrey. Aggrey was pronounced dead shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday at at St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill. He died from multiple traumatic injuries due to the crash and the manner was ruled accidental by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

The accident happened just before 7 p.m. Saturday at Uniontown (Route 519) and Fox Farm roads, authorities said.

Lopatcong Township police said in a news release Monday afternoon and that the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash, and no one else was hurt. The release did not specify what Aggrey struck.

Saturdays accident remains under investigation by the Lopatcong Township Police Department and the Lehigh County Coroners Office.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A 60-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday night in Andover Township, authorities said.

Joseph P. Luchetti was driving a 1963 Pontiac on Yates Avenue at about 8:45 p.m when he veered off the road and struck a utility pole before the vehicle came to a stop in a culvert, Andover Township police said.

Luchetti, of Andover Township, was pronounced dead at a nearby landing zone as emergency workers were preparing to fly him to a hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
The number of people eligible to vote at the Local Elections in Laois has risen by more than 5,500 according to Laois County Council.

The local authority confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that 68,472 people are registered to vote in the council election on June 7. That's a rise of nearly 9% on the 2019 local poll when the total electorate was 62,965.

The electorate numbers for each local electoral authority area were not revealed, but Portlaoise will have the largest number of eligible voters.

The official population in the county in 2016 was 84,697 at the time of the last local election. This time around the official population is 91,877 based on Census 2016. That's an increase of 8.5%.

Irish citizens and people ordinarily resident in Ireland have the right to vote in local elections.

A total of 19 candidates will be returned to represent the people of Laois across the county's three municipal districts over the next five years. A total of 47 candidates are going before the people of Laois. Read their profiles in our special local elections section.

More below map.

Irish and other EU citizens resident in Ireland and aged 18 or over can vote in the European provided they were registered by 20 May 2024.

Voting in the local elections will be held on Friday, 7 June 2024. Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm.
A new sign is to be erected after a few narrow escapes on stretch of road where dangerous overtaking occurs in Laois.

Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly asked for the signage due to his concerns about safety on the old Dublin Road in Ballybrittas.

He tabled a motion asking that Laois County Council install a sign including concealed entrance on the old Dublin Road opposite the Christmas Tree Depot in Ballybrittas as vehicles are still dangerously overtaking on the white line at this location.

In response, Senior Executive Engineer Philip McVeigh said Laois County Council will arrange for a new sign to be installed at this location on the R445 Old Dublin Road.

Cllr McEvoy said people continue to overtake at the location and it is putting local residents in fear. They have had a few narrow escapes, he said.

Hopefully this sign will show the motorists that there is a dangerous spot, he said.

The motion was seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy at the latest monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
Two men are being questioned by gardai following two significant drugs seizures at Dublin Airport over the bank holiday weekend.

As a result of risk profiling and during the course of two separate operations, Revenue officers seized 43.1 kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of 862,000.

The illicit drugs were discovered in vacuum-packed packages within the baggage of two passengers who had disembarked separate flights originating from Thailand.

Both seizures were made at the airport on Sunday.

A man in his 30s and a man in his 50s were arrested by gardai and both were detained and questioned under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Gardai say they have since been charged and that both appeared before the courts this Monday morning.

Revenue says the seizures are part of its ongoing operations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs.
Met Eireann is forecasting a change in the weather for Ireland this week with rain set to return bringing cooler temperatures in the coming days.

After a drier than average week heading into the Bank Holiday, Met Eireann says rainfall totals are forecast to be above normal in parts of the west and north and below normal across much of the east and south predicted.

The cooler forecast is based on an expectation that air temperatures will trend below average over the coming week by around 1 to 3 degrees. Overall, sunshine amounts look likely to be in and around average over the coming week.

The latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland says Tuesday will be mostly cloudy and damp or wet to begin with outbreaks of rain and drizzle clearing southeastwards through the morning and early afternoon.

Highest temperatures will reach 17 degrees, and feeling a good bit cooler as the winds veer northwest and increase moderate to fresh and gusty with the clearance of the rain.

Dry and clear for much of the country Tuesday night, it will be cloudier in northern and western parts with scattered showers. Lowest temperatures 5 to 7 degrees in easing west to northwest winds.

It will be a much cooler day on Wednesday with sunny spells and scattered showers, most frequent in the north. Highest temperatures 11 to 15 degrees in moderate westerly winds, fresher near western and northern coasts.

Wednesday night will be mainly dry with clear spells and isolated showers on north and west coasts. Lowest temperatures 5 to 7 degrees in light to moderate westerly winds.

Met Eireann says there will be sunny spells and showers on Thursday, most frequent in the north and west. Highest temperatures 12 to 15 degrees in mostly moderate westerly winds.

Met Eireann is forecasting showers or more persistent rain in the north on Friday with the best of any dry or sunny weather in the south. Highest temperatures 15 to 18 degrees in moderate to fresh westerly winds.

The forecaster says that current indications suggest little change for next weekend with temperatures continuing around normal for the time of year and with some sunshine at times with mainly westerly winds.
A planning application for a huge service station site outside Naas is imminent.

A Naas Municipal District meeting was told that Applegreen has indicated it is a very advanced stage of preparation of a planning application.

And the company aims to lodge it with Kildare County Council within the next month.

The companys failure to proceed with the original plan for the former Cemex plant near the motorway junction on the Dublin side of the town, has been criticised by local politicians - as has the condition of the site.

It looks like a bomb site. Weve got so used to it we hardly see it, Cllr Bill Clear told a previous meeting.

Planning permission for the development was granted in 2014 by Kildare County Council.

When this happened the council said development levies would amount to 760,000.

Read more Kildare news

The proposal was to build a 400 square metre floor area development embracing a net retail sales area of 100 square metres and a restaurant seating area of 107 square metres.

Also approved were 41 car park spaces, 15 bicycle spaces and six fuel pump stands, including two stands to cater for trucks and heavy goods vehicles.

However the planning application was subsequently withdrawn by the company.
A call has been made for the speed limit to be lowered on a rural road near Naas.

Fianna Fail local election candidate Brian Larkin wanted an assessment to be done on the R447, the back road from Beggars End to Rathcoole where the current speed limit is 80 km/h.

He says a speed reduction is necessary because the road is dangerous.

Excessive speed limits in the Eadestown area is an issue for local residents, especially this route and I am calling on the KCC to examine this matter.

Read more Kildare news

The influx of traffic generated by commuters travelling to Dublin is not sustainable at the speed limits currently assigned.

He said the route has become something of a rat run to Dublin during rush hour periods and has been for many years. He added its particularly when there is any hold up on the N7, which sees many commuters choosing to turn off at Junction 7 Kilwarden to avoid the traffic.

Describing it as an accident waiting to happen he said there are a number of residential areas there and many in the area have families with children of school going age. That is before you factor in the bad bends along this route. It is only a matter of time before a serious incident happens.

He wants the speed limit cut to 60 km/h.

Recently passed legislation will allow local authorities the power to vary speed limits using bye laws. This should be addressed urgently, he said.
Cllr Padraig Fallon asked that Leitrim County Council, in line with our commitment to the principles of international law, declare itself an Apartheid Free Zone, and in doing so, fully supports and endorses the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement for freedom, justice and equality.

He was speaking at the last monthly meeting ahead of the elections in June.

Cllr Fallon had previously put a motion before the Manorhamilton Municipal District asking that it endorses the reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories that show Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people; and further noting that the United Nations has declared apartheid a crime against humanity under the The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.

He noted that Turkey has recently stated that it will not resume trade with Israel, worth $7 billion a year, until a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid are secured in Gaza, becoming the first of Israel's key commercial partners to take such a step.

He said, Ireland needs to do the same; end all trade.

He added, There needs to be an immediate ceasefire before stating that "there is no doubt in my mind that this is a genocide and must stop.

Cllr Brendan Barry supported the motion and said he still couldn't understand how this is being allowed to happen in this day and age with 35,000 people killed so far and about 15,000 children among those.

He continued that the Gaza Strip is less than half the size of South Leitrim. In the first three months of the genocide and bombing of the Gaza Strip, there were 45,000 bombs dropped on that area, he said.

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion as did Cllr Enda Stenson.

Cllr Des Guckian said Israel must be brought before the International Court of Justice and found guilty of genocide and creating a famine. They once were the victims of the Nazi holocaust and they are visiting the same brutality on the Palestinians.
Airbus Defence and Space Partners with AI Start-Up NeuralAgent on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Project





Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in the aerospace industry, and NeuralAgent, an innovative AI start-up, have signed two contracts that will help shape the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. This tri-national programme led by the Ministries of Defence from France, Germany and Spain marks a significant step forward in strengthening European Defence Systems, notably through cutting-edge artificial intelligence. This partnership between Airbus and NeuralAgent will contribute to the FCAS' Combat Cloud, as part of the global phase 1B contract.

The partnership focuses on bridging the innovation gap with an AI-defined, non-jammable, resilient, and self-organizing network and system architectures in the air, on the ground or in space. The aim is to automate and optimize the response times of an unlimited number of combat nodes, reducing them to real time or milliseconds. This initiative will leverage Airbus Defence and Space's advanced infrastructure and NeuralAgent's cutting-edge decentralized AI technology to deliver redundant, explainable, and high-performant collaborative Agents under dynamic environments. This aims to outperform costly central AI-Approaches with a single point of failure against jamming. Together, they seek to transform defense capabilities with unprecedented and distributed autonomous intelligence of large number of combat nodes.

Dr. -Ing Onur Deniz, CEO of NeuralAgent, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "This contract is a pivotal achievement for NeuralAgent as it allows us to not only redefine the future of AI-defined Secure and Resilient Networks through our foundational AI-Agent Models but also extends our reach into dual-use cases for commercial industries from space to ground, supporting scalable innovation across the EU."

Juan Emilio Murillo Martinez, Head of Procurement Software and Cyber Security at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the benefits of this partnership: "Working with disruptive AI start-ups such as NeuralAgent, will propel our innovation efforts and help us stay ahead with the latest AI trends. This collaboration will enhance our capabilities in both legacy and future systems, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements."

This strategic partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and NeuralAgent aims to transform European defense AI capabilities, showcasing their commitment to innovation and leadership in the EU's biggest defense project.

About Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group responsible for defence and aerospace products and services. The company is a leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing military aircraft, space systems, and connected intelligence systems and services.

About NeuralAgent

NeuralAgent is an AI start-up specializing in the development of Decentralized AI-Agent Foundation Models for distributed autonomous intelligence and shaping the future of Telecoms, Mobility, NewSpace, Robotics.

3 june 2024 at 04:05

News published onand distributed by:
Bispecific and Trispecific Antibodies Market to Observe Stupendous Growth by 2035, Predicts DelveInsight | Key Companies - Akeso, Summit Therapeutics, Zymeworks, BeiGene, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Merus, Roche





The landscape of bispecifics and trispecifics antibodies is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in immunotherapy and targeted cancer treatments. Biotech companies are racing to develop novel molecules with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles, sparking intense competition in the market.

LAS VEGAS, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, emerging bispecifics/trispecifics, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2035, segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan].

Key Takeaways from the Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Report

According to DelveInsight's analysis, the total market size of bispecific antibodies in oncology in the 7MM was approximately USD 690 million in 2023, which is expected to grow during the forecast period 2024?2035.

in 2023, which is expected to grow during the forecast period 2024?2035. In the 7MM, the highest eligible pool of promising indications for bispecific antibodies in oncology was seen in the United States , followed by EU4 and the UK in 2023.

, followed by EU4 and the UK in 2023. Leading bispecific companies such as Akeso, Summit Therapeutics, Zymeworks, BeiGene, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Merus, Roche , and others are developing novel bispecific antibodies that can be available in the bispecific market in the coming years.

, and others are developing novel bispecific antibodies that can be available in the bispecific market in the coming years. Leading trispecific companies such as GT Biopharma, Genor Biopharma, Numab Therapeutics, Sanofi , and others are developing novel trispecific antibodies that can be available in the trispecific market in the coming years.

, and others are developing novel trispecific antibodies that can be available in the trispecific market in the coming years. The promising bispecific antibodies in the pipeline include Ivonescimab, Zanidatamab, Zenocutuzumab, and Cevostamab, among others.

among others. The promising trispecific antibodies in the pipeline include GTB-3550, GB263T, NM21-1480, and SAR442257 , among others.

among others. The majority of the upcoming key players are focusing on oncology indications; only a few, for example, Provention Bio, Yabao Pharmaceutical, AbbVie, and AstraZeneca , are active in the non-oncology space.

, are active in the non-oncology space. Based on pipeline activities most of the bispecific antibodies developed in multiple myeloma followed by NSCLC.

ELREXFIO will be going to capture the highest market share of the multiple myeloma bispecific antibodies market by 2035, i.e., USD ~1 billion in the 7MM.

Discover which therapies are expected to grab the major bispecific/trispecific market share @ Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Report

Bispecifics/Trispecifics Overview

Bispecific antibodies are designed to simultaneously attach to two distinct epitopes or antigens, offering a promising avenue for enhancing target specificity. This dual-binding capability distinguishes bispecific antibodies, which possess two antigen binding sites, from trispecific antibodies, which have three such sites. By mimicking the effect of a combination therapy involving two monoclonal antibodies, bispecific treatments streamline manufacturing and administration processes, potentially amplifying treatment outcomes through synergistic actions. Three primary formats of bispecific antibody fragments include Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), Dual-affinity re-targeting proteins (DARTs), and Tandem diabodies (TandAbs).

While the majority of bispecific antibodies are currently investigated for cancer therapy, a subset is also being studied for non-oncological applications. Within oncology, hematologic malignancies dominate bispecific antibody research. Nonetheless, numerous investigations are underway for various solid tumors like gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Bispecifics/Trispecifics Epidemiology Segmentation

The bispecifics/trispecifics epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current bispecifics/trispecifics patient pool and forecasted trends for the 7MM. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders.

The bispecific/trispecific market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020?2035 in the 7MM segmented into:

Incident Cases by Indication

Eligible and Treatable Cases by Indication

Bispecifics/Trispecifics Treatment Market

Bispecific and trispecific treatments represent a groundbreaking frontier in immunotherapy, revolutionizing how we combat diseases, particularly cancers. These therapies utilize engineered antibodies to simultaneously target multiple antigens, enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack malignant cells with precision. By harnessing the power of bispecific or trispecific antibodies, researchers can effectively engage multiple pathways involved in tumor growth, resistance, and evasion, potentially leading to more potent and durable responses compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies.

Roche's LUNSUMIO (mosunetuzumab) marks a pioneering advancement in bispecific antibody therapy for relapsed and refractory follicular lymphoma. This innovative treatment targets two key proteins, CD3 found in T-cells and CD20 found in B cells, aiming to bring these cells into close proximity. By doing so, it activates the T cells to release cytokines, which can eliminate cancerous B cells. However, there's a risk of impacting healthy cells as well. In December 2022, the US FDA granted accelerated approval for LUNSUMIO to be used in adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have undergone two or more lines of systemic therapy.

COLUMVI (glofitamab) from Roche is a medication designed to engage both CD20 and CD3 proteins, intended for adults dealing with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that has relapsed or is refractory and not otherwise specified, or DLBCL originating from follicular lymphoma, after they've undergone two or more rounds of systemic therapy. Its approval in June 2023 was expedited, relying on its effectiveness rate and how long its effects last. However, its ongoing approval for this use might hinge on further confirmation of its clinical benefits in a subsequent study.

To know more about bispecific/trispecific treatment guidelines, visit @ Bispecifics/Trispecifics Management

Pipeline Bispecific and Trispecific Antibodies and Key Companies

Ivonescimab: Akeso/Summit Therapeutics

Zanidatamab: Zymeworks/BeiGene/Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Zenocutuzumab: Merus

Cevostamab: Roche

GTB-3550: GT Biopharma

GB263T: Genor Biopharma

NM21-1480: Numab Therapeutics

SAR442257 : Sanofi

Learn more about the FDA-approved bispecific antibodies @ Bispecifics and Trispecifics Antibodies

Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Dynamics

The bispecifics and trispecifics market dynamics have been rapidly evolving in recent years, reflecting the growing interest and investment in these innovative therapeutic approaches. Bispecific antibodies, capable of binding to two different targets simultaneously, and trispecific antibodies, binding to three targets, offer promising avenues for addressing complex diseases with greater specificity and efficacy.

One key driver of market dynamics in this sector is the increasing recognition of the limitations of traditional monospecific therapies. Bispecific and trispecific antibodies have the potential to target multiple pathways involved in disease pathogenesis, allowing for more comprehensive treatment strategies. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in the development of these multi-targeted therapeutics, leading to a surge in the number of candidates in various stages of clinical development.

Additionally, advancements in antibody engineering and manufacturing technologies have facilitated the development of bispecific and trispecific antibodies with improved pharmacokinetics, stability, and potency. This has expanded the scope of applications beyond oncology to include autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and other therapeutic areas. Consequently, the market for bispecifics and trispecifics is witnessing a diversification of pipelines and therapeutic indications, further fueling growth and innovation.

Furthermore, collaborations and partnerships between biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and contract research organizations are playing a crucial role in driving the development and commercialization of bispecific and trispecific antibodies. These collaborations enable the pooling of expertise, resources, and infrastructure, thereby accelerating the pace of research and development and facilitating access to complementary technologies and capabilities.

However, despite the immense potential, the bispecifics and trispecifics market also faces challenges such as manufacturing complexities, regulatory hurdles, and the need for robust preclinical and clinical validation. Overcoming these challenges will require continued investment in research and development, as well as close collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to ensure the timely and successful translation of these innovative therapies into clinical practice. Overall, the bispecifics and trispecifics market is poised for significant growth and transformation, driven by advancements in science, technology, and collaborative innovation.

Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020?2035 Coverage 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Key Bispecifics and Trispecifics Companies Akeso, Summit Therapeutics, Zymeworks, BeiGene, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Merus, Roche, GT Biopharma, Genor Biopharma, Numab Therapeutics, Sanofi, and others Key Pipeline Bispecifics and Trispecifics Antibodies Ivonescimab, Zanidatamab, Zenocutuzumab, Cevostamab, GTB-3550, GB263T, NM21-1480, SAR442257, and others

Scope of the Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Report

Therapeutic Assessment: Bispecifics/Trispecifics current marketed and emerging therapies

Bispecifics/Trispecifics current marketed and emerging therapies Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Bispecifics/Trispecifics Drugs and Market Outlook

Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Bispecifics/Trispecifics Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Access and Reimbursement

Discover more about bispecific/trispecific drugs in development @ Bispecifics/Trispecifics Clinical Trials

Table of Contents

1. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Key Insights 2. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Report Introduction 3. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Overview at a Glance 4. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Executive Summary 5 Bispecifics/Trispecifics Key Events 6 Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6. Disease Background and Overview 7. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Treatment and Management 8. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Guidelines 9. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Epidemiology and Patient Population 10. Patient Journey 11. Key Endpoints in Bispecifics/Trispecifics 12. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Marketed Drugs 13. Bispecifics/Trispecifics Emerging Drugs 14. 7MM Bispecifics/Trispecifics Market Analysis 15. Market Access and Reimbursement 16. KOL Views 17. Unmet Needs 18. SWOT Analysis 19. Appendix 20. DelveInsight Capabilities 21. Disclaimer 22. About DelveInsight

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PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors Competitive Landscape ? 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors companies, including Merck, Laekna Therapeutics, Genentech, Tracon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celgene, MedImmune, Hangzhou Sumgen Biotech, Lepu Biopharma, Harbour BioMed, Curis, BeiGene, Apollomics, Agenus, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jounce Therapeutics, Seagen Inc., Ascletis Pharma Inc., Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, Arbutus Biopharma, among others.

JAK Inhibitors Competitive Landscape

JAK Inhibitors Competitive Landscape ? 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key JAK inhibitors companies, including Pfizer, Sierra Oncology, Theravance Biopharma, Dizal Pharmaceutical, Aclaris Therapeutics, Celon Pharma, Incyte Corporation, AbbVie, Galapagos, among others.

About DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve.

Contact Us

Shruti Thakur

[email protected]

+14699457679

www.delveinsight.com

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3 june 2024 at 05:30

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Trinasolar Releases Sustainability Report for 2023, Detailing its Commitment, Action and Achievements Towards a More Sustainable World





CHANGZHOU, China, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (688599. SH), one of the world's leaders in smart PV and energy storage solutions, recently released its 2023 Sustainability Report, reflecting important progress and evolution of milestones surrounding Trinasolar's commitment to becoming a more sustainable company. As a company with its mission of Solar Energy for All, this 2023 report provides more information on sustainability management and performance of Trinasolar's commitments to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities, while building long-term value for Trinasolar stakeholders with incredible business growth being seen over the past year.

"As the world moves steadily towards a sustainable future, green energy and environmental innovation have become critical drivers in shaping the world of tomorrow. Under this global trend, Trinasolar is leading the way in the global energy revolution with technological innovations and sustainable development strategies. We utilize green technology products to advance global low-carbon development and join hands with our global partners to create a beautiful new net-zero world. The Company has been practicing six key strategies of "innovation, branding, globalization, platformization, intellectualization, and industry-finance synergy" to lead the development of the industry." Gao Jifan, Chairman & CEO of Trinasolar, wrote in his opening remarks of the report.

As an early adopter of sustainable development management in the PV industry, Trinasolar has formed a mature top-down governance and management structure. In recent years, it has further integrated ESG into the decision-making process and daily operations. Stemming from its vision and mission, more sustainable goals with ambition have been gradually formalized ? reinforced through a strong foundation of ESG governance ? that will guide Trinasolar sustainability strategy moving forward.

Highlights of report include:

Keeping extensive R&D investments to advance rapid and quality innovation. According to the report, Trinasolar continues advancing in technological innovation. In 2023, the company's investment in research and development reached 785 million dollars. With the latest carrier enhanced sintering technology and edge passivation technology, the Vertex N-type Modules can reach a maximum power of 720.53W, an efficiency of 23.2%, and have been certified by a third-party organization.

Products carbon footprint has achieved significant reduction compared to baseline. Trinasolar has been committed to carbon emissions management and strict implementation of environmental compliance goals. In 2023, Trinasolar's GHG emissions intensity of cell was reduced to 27.66 tCO2e/MW, decreased by 43% from the 2020 baseline and the GHG emissions intensity of module was 9.30 tCO2e/MW, decreased by 61% from the 2020 baseline. The GHG emissions intensity of module (tCO2e/MW) has reached or even exceeded the established target ahead of schedule.

The first zero-carbon factory certificate has been granted in the PV industry. In April 2023, Yiwu Technology was granted the Zero-Carbon Factory (Type 1) Certificate for 2022 by Ti Testing and Certification Group, becoming the first Zero-Carbon Factory certified by an authoritative agency in the PV industry. As a pilot zero-carbon factory, Trinasolar's Yiwu Technology Factory has laid out a green zero-carbon supply chain in all aspects, from product design, carbon footprint management, energy management, equipment modification, process upgrades to digital intelligent management system optimization.

Trinasolar's products have received international certification. Full range of Trinasolar's modules, including Vertex, Vertex N and Vertex S+ series, have obtained carbon footprint certification by international agencies. Trinasolar's Vertex and Vertex N series modules are granted Environmental Product Declaration certifications, EPD Italy certification and Carbon Footprint of Products certification. Trinasolar's Vertex modules received the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Certificate and Carbon Footprint Certificate by TUV Rheinland.

Always striving for a better community by continuously promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. As an international enterprise, Trinasolar's business footprint extends to many countries and regions, with employees from diverse backgrounds. Trinasolar committed to working together with all forces to build better communities characterized by shared benefits and to create a better future. As of the end of 2023, the proportion of female employees of Trinasolar reached 26.06%, the total number of foreign employees was 3,429, and the total number of ethnic minority employees was 1,875.

Operate to the highest standards of business practices with effective governance. Trinasolar upholds the principles of compliance, ensures the legitimacy and transparency of business activities, promotes interaction and cooperation among stakeholders, aiming to enhance the company's social responsibility and reputation. Trinasolar has been awarded the ISO 37301:2021 international standard certification for compliance management by the British Standards Institution. This powerfully demonstrates Trinasolar's ability to fulfill global business partners' compliance management requirements.

During the 2023 reporting period, Trinasolar has received several awards and recognitions for its outstanding performance in ESG and sustainability including 2023 Forbes China Top 50 Innovative Enterprises, 2023 Bloomberg Green ESG 50, Decarbonisation Leader by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, etc. Furthermore, Trinasolar has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), which is committed to adhering to more international and higher standards of sustainability.

"Looking forward, Trinasolar will not forget our original aspiration and stick to the corporate mission of "Solar Energy for All". We will make every effort to be the global leader in smart solar energy and storage solutions and work together to build and embrace the high-quality development of the photovoltaic industry, contributing to a low-carbon, high-efficiency, and sustainable future."

The 2023 Sustainability Report refers to the reporting disclosure requirements of the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards 2021 and the reporting framework of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). To learn more about ESG at Trinasolar, visit https://www.trinasolar.com/en-glb/our-company/sustainability

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3 june 2024 at 05:37

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FILAMENT HEALTH ANNOUNCES AUTHORIZATION OF PHASE 2 CLINICAL TRIAL FOR PEX010 IN THE TREATMENT OF METHAMPHETAMINE USE DISORDER





Company study investigating PEX010, Filament's botanical psilocybin drug candidate, has been

authorized by both FDA and Health Canada

VANCOUVER, BC, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Filament Health Corp. (OTCQB: FLHLF) (Cboe CA: FH) (FSE:7QS) ("Filament" or the "Company"), a clinical?stage natural psychedelic drug development company, today announced Health Canada and the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") authorization for a Phase 2 clinical trial of PEX010, Filament's botanical psilocybin drug candidate, for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder ("MAUD"). This will be the first ever clinical trial to study the safety and efficacy of botanical psilocybin in a MAUD patient population.

There is a critical need for new interventions to support people with MAUD as there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for the treatment of the condition and effective options are extremely limited. It has been suggested that the complexities of MAUD call for a comprehensive approach to treatment that reduces stimulant overdose and relapse. This may not be achievable with solely pharmacological interventions and research has demonstrated that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may be a promising approach.

"The prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder has rapidly increased worldwide over the last decade, with the highest rate of use in North America," said Dr. Christian Schutz, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia ("UBC") and Principal Investigator for the trial. "Existing clinical data indicates that psilocybin shows promise for the treatment of MAUD. Our aim with this trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of PEX010 in the treatment of MAUD, and to evaluate changes in participants' substance use, cravings, motivation, and recovery capital. We are grateful to Filament Health for funding and facilitating this much-needed research."

"These authorizations are a significant milestone in Filament's mission to support the treatment of substance use disorders with naturally-derived psychedelics," said Benjamin Lightburn, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Filament Health. "As a Vancouver-based company, the challenges faced by those in our community who are suffering from MAUD and the toxic drug crisis are close at hand. We are proud to sponsor this crucial research, and to partner with Dr. Schutz and his team."

The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate approximately 90 patients with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in the overall response rate based on clinically assessed criteria over the 3-month treatment period. Additional endpoints will assess safety and tolerability, changes in methamphetamine use and both clinician and patient reported outcomes across a variety of objective and subjective analyses. Patients assigned to the PEX010 arm will be treated with a single dose of PEX010 25mg in addition to psychotherapy. The Company expects to initiate dosing at UBC in the second half of 2024.

This is the second major regulatory milestone relating to Filament's investigation of PEX010 for substance use disorders ("SUD"). Earlier this year, the Company announced that the FDA accepted an Investigational New Drug ("IND") application for PEX010 for SUD with an initial study in opioid use disorder ("OUD").

PEX010 is authorized for investigation in 36 clinical trials worldwide for 14 mental health indications. PEX010 has also been studied extensively in compassionate use cases for major depressive disorder and end-of-life distress.

ABOUT FILAMENT HEALTH (OTCQB:FLHLF) (CBOE CA:FH) (FSE:7QS)

Filament Health is a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company. We believe that safe, standardized, naturally-derived psychedelic medicines can improve the lives of many, and our mission is to see them in the hands of everyone who needs them as soon as possible. Filament's platform of proprietary intellectual property enables the discovery, development, and delivery of natural psychedelic medicines for clinical development. We are paving the way with what we believe to be the first-ever natural psychedelic drug candidates.

Learn more at www.filament.health and on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Filament Health Corp.

3 june 2024 at 07:15

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"Inspiration as Response: Eugen Popa and Contemporary Chinese Painting Documentation Exhibition" Opens at the China Cultural Center in Bucharest, Romania





HANGZHOU, China, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Romania, the "Inspiration as Response: Eugen Popa and Contemporary Chinese Painting Documentation Exhibition" opened at the China Cultural Center in Bucharest on May 24, 2024, at 3 PM, representing a significant chapter of cultural exchanges between the two nations. It was hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Broadcasting, and Tourism, Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and China Academy of Art (CAA) and organized by the Art Museum of CAA and the China Cultural Center in Bucharest, under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Romania, the Romanian Embassy in China, and the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

Around 100 guests attended the event, including Han Chunlin, Chinese Ambassador to Romania; Cosmin Hiristea, Romanian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; former Romanian Ambassador to China Viorel Isticioaia and his wife; Zhang Lili, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Romania; Xu Ningbo, Director of the China Cultural Center in Bucharest; Petru Lucaci, Chairman of the Visual Artists' Union of Romania; Chen Leilei, President of the Association of Romanian Culture and Arts Promotion; Ioan Fedchin, Mayor of S?var?in, Eugen Popa's hometown; Eugen Popa's niece, Oana Popa; and distinguished guests from Romanian politics, culture, art, education, media, Chinese organizations, and the overseas Chinese community.

The "Eugen Popa and Contemporary Chinese Painting" project was initiated by the CAA in 2019, as commissioned by the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Broadcasting, and Tourism. The inaugural exhibition was held at the Art Museum of CAA on September 28, 2020, followed by a tour at the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute on October 30, 2021.

Under a China-Romania cultural agreement, renowned Romanian artist Eugen Popa and his wife, Gina Hagiu, taught a Romanian oil painting training course at the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now CAA) from 1960 to 1962, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of China and under an assignment from the Romanian Ministry of Culture. Eugen Popa's two-year journey of teaching and artistic creation in China significantly contributed to China-Romania cultural exchanges and the development of diverse facets of Chinese painting.

His artistic ideas and teaching methods nurtured many influential artists and educators, expanding the language and essence of contemporary Chinese painting and exerting a lasting impact, while inspiring present and future generations. During their stay in China, the Popas deeply engaged with traditional Chinese culture and art, which influenced their creations. Their works created during that period were brought back to Romania and well-received in numerous exhibitions. The "Romanian Oil Painting Training Course" remains a significant milestone in cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The exhibition consists of four sections: 1. Prologue: Featuring lecturing scenes and graduation photos from the Romanian experts' oil painting course, showing the starting point of China-Roman artistic exchanges. 2. Pioneering Paths: Displaying the Popas' artworks, highlighting their unique influence on the Chinese art scene and their integration and innovation of Chinese traditional culture. 3. Long-lasting Influence: Exhibiting students' replicas of Popa's works and their own creations under his guidance, demonstrating the profound impact of Popa's teaching methodology on Chinese art education. 4. Inspiration as Response: Featuring interactive works between teachers and students, reflecting Popa's contributions to the history of the CAA and the deep cultural ties between China and Romania.

The exhibition showcases 75 pieces (sets) of works, documents, and videos, focusing on the Popas' paintings and works of their students, extending to representative contemporary Chinese paintings. The exhibition not only revisits an important history of cultural exchanges between China and Romania and presents the deep friendship between the two countries, but also reviews and demonstrates the development of Chinese contemporary painting in the latter half of the 20th century. It is a powerful testament to the achievements in cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations.

The exhibition will last through June 24, 2024.

SOURCE China Academy of Art

3 june 2024 at 07:17

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Apogee Minerals Announces Appointment of New Director





Vancouver, British Columbia, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apogee Minerals Ltd. ("Apogee" or the "Company") (TSXV: APMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nicholas Coltura as a Director of the Company.



Mr. Coltura is a seasoned Investor Relations Manager specializing in the junior resource sector, working with different junior mining companies listed on the TSXV, CSE and OTC public markets. With several years of experience, Mr. Coltura has honed his expertise in communicating important public company information to a diverse range of investors and stakeholders.

Throughout his career, Nicholas has been instrumental in building and maintaining strong relationships with investors and industry partners. His strategic approach to investor relations has successfully enhanced company visibility, fostered key relationships, and facilitated capital raising efforts.

Mr. Coltura completed a BBA with a specialty in Finance along with a Public Companies: Finance, Governance and Compliance Course at Simon Fraser University.

About Apogee Minerals Ltd.:

Apogee Minerals Ltd. is a mineral exploration company. Our goal is to build shareholder value through mineral project acquisitions and advancement, as well as new mineral discoveries.

To find out more about Apogee Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: APMI) visit the Company's website:

www.apogeemineralsltd.com

Apogee Minerals Ltd.

"Jim Pettit"

James Pettit

Executive Chairman and Director

For further information, please contact:

Apogee Minerals Ltd.

Riley Trimble, Director

Email: [email protected]

Tel: (604) 416-2978

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the structure of the Proposed Transaction, the terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction, the Consolidation, the Name Change, the terms of the Financing. the composition of the board of directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the intention of the parties to seek a sponsorship exemption or waiver, the issuance of subsequent news releases, and Alto Verde's future exploration plans. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to complete the Proposed Transaction; the expected timing and terms of the Proposed Transaction and the Financing; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; the state of the natural resources sector in the event the Proposed Transaction is completed; recent market volatility and potentially negative capital raising conditions resulting from the continued COVID-19 pandemic and risks relating to the extent and duration of such pandemic and its impact on global markets; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. 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 required by law.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements.

This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities.

3 june 2024 at 08:00

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XCMG America Financial Announces the Expansion of the XCMG QuickFi Financing Program into Canada





XCMG America Financial announces its expansion of its North American QuickFi financing platform into Canada. The new XCMG program enables nearly instant loans and leases for XCMG equipment purchasers in Canada.

Mr. Gengzong Qiu, XCMG America Financial CEO, said, "We are delighted to announce XCMG's expansion into Canada. We are pleased to bring our unique, digital, embedded finance solution to Canadian business customers."

XCMG's QuickFi financing platform utilizes proprietary embedded finance technology to make business equipment financing simpler, faster, and more transparent.

Bill Verhelle, QuickFi CEO, said, "XCMG America was early to recognize the embedded finance revolution that swept through consumer payments and unsecured lending. Embedded finance is now revolutionizing secured business equipment lending. XCMG is the first construction equipment manufacturer to offer QuickFi's nearly instant, borrower-self-service financing to Canadian small and medium business borrowers at the point of sale."

XCMG enables creditworthy small and medium businesses to acquire and finance new XCMG equipment in minutes, from anywhere, 24/7.

For more information, visit https://xcmgca.com/ or https://quickfi.com/XCMG/

About XCMG

Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (XCMG) was founded in 1943. XCMG has stood at the forefront of the global construction machinery industry with facilities in Brazil, Germany, the USA, India, Uzbekistan, and China. XCMG is one of the industry's largest, most influential manufacturers with a broad selection of high quality construction machinery.

About QuickFi

QuickFi helps OEMs like XCMG enable creditworthy business buyers to obtain low, fixed-rate term equipment financing in minutes, not days or weeks, with 24/7 live customer support.

3 june 2024 at 08:05

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Colombia's Keralty and UAE's Burjeel Holdings Announce Landmark Joint Venture for Cost-Efficient Healthcare Solutions in MENA





The joint venture 'AL KALMA' will see Keralty and Burjeel Holdings jointly develop and operate an integrated healthcare ecosystem to provide value-based care and mental health services in MENA.

AL KALMA will debut in Saudi Arabia and expand to the United Arab Emirates , other Middle East countries, and beyond.

will debut in and expand to the , other countries, and beyond. The joint venture will leverage Keralty's successful track record in nine countries, including the US, in rapidly rolling out its unique healthcare model based on prevention, detection, and management of health risks.

CARTAGENA, Colombia and ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Keralty S.A.S, a multinational health organization based in Colombia, and Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in MENA, have announced a joint venture aimed at establishing a unique healthcare model for cost-efficient healthcare solutions. The joint venture, AL KALMA, was announced at a signing ceremony held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The alliance aims to enhance well-being throughout the value chain by promoting access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable price.

AL KALMA, a name that signifies 'united for health and well-being', will consolidate a unique value-based healthcare model with specialized primary care centers, health risk management, and a new range of integrated mental health services, expecting to reach nearly 30 million patients over the next decade. The strategic partnership combines the experience and knowledge of both groups for a rapid roll-out in the Middle East, with the potential to extend subsequently into North Africa. The joint venture will debut in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the shift in the Saudi healthcare market towards a primary healthcare model. The collaboration aims to extend services beyond the region by evaluating each market and executing the strategy on a country-by-country basis.

Keralty, with a track record of nearly five decades and operations in nine countries, including the US and Colombia, enters into this joint venture by leveraging the success of its healthcare model based on the prevention, detection, and management of health risks, as well as the control and care of diseases and dependency. Burjeel Holdings, with a strong presence in the Middle East, offers the highest standards of care through an integrated network of hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, focusing on highly complex and specialized services.

The partnership announcement ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed Abdullah bin Khater Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Colombia; Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings; Mr. John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings; along with Mr. Joseba Grajales, President of Keralty and Dr. Emilio Herrera, CHO of Keralty.

Joseba Grajales, President of Keralty, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Burjeel Holdings to extend our distinctive healthcare model to new regions. This model, successfully scaled from Colombia to numerous countries, is continuously enriched by our collective experiences. We provide valuable feedback across all our activities, achieving outstanding results in enhancing the health and well-being of millions who trust us. This success stems from our deep understanding of their health, social, and community needs."

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, commented:

"This partnership marks a significant milestone for us as we strive to provide better health for a diverse range of populations. Our unique model envisions comprehensive well-being, from prevention to control and care of disease in order to enhance services and patient outcomes on a local, personalized level. This approach will keep people healthier and out of hospitals, leading to a substantial shift in healthcare delivery."

The joint venture partnership will be operated through a newly formed holding company established in the Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction. Keralty and Burjeel Holdings will each hold an equal 50% shareholding. Further information, including details of the expansion plan, will be disclosed in due course.

Through AL KALMA, Keralty and Burjeel demonstrate their commitment to improving global health by providing access to quality healthcare and fostering well-being, sustainability, and efficiency. The agreement signifies a meaningful collaboration between Colombia and the UAE, aiming to benefit millions of people worldwide.

About Keralty

Keralty S.A.S. is a global group of private companies dedicated to maintaining people's health through a comprehensive healthcare model that emphasizes prevention, risk identification, disease control, and care. Operating in Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Peru, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, Keralty partners locally to tailor services to each region's unique needs. Trusted by millions worldwide, Keralty's success is built on excellence, commitment, and a talented team embodying compassion, reciprocity, justice, respect, and solidarity.

About Burjeel Holdings

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private providers of world-class healthcare services in the UAE and Oman, and it operates a growing specialized healthcare segment in Saudi Arabia. With a network of 82 assets, including 17 hospitals and 42 medical centers, as well as 15 pharmacies and other allied services, the Group collectively provides a premier offering in the Gulf region. Burjeel Holdings' brands include Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, PhysioTherabia and Tajmeel. It has 13 JCI-accredited facilities, with a total of 1,708 patient beds across its operations in the UAE and Oman and holds a leading position in the UAE.

SOURCE Keralty

3 june 2024 at 08:00

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Weave Named to the 2024 ParityLISTTM





Weave (NYSE: WEAV), a leading all-in-one experience platform for small- and medium-sized healthcare practices, today announced it has been named to Parity.Org's 2024 ParityLISTTM, a program recognizing organizations that are creating the culture and conditions in which all employees have an equal opportunity to compete and advance.

"The vast majority of today's leaders and workers believe that everyone deserves an equal shot at success," said Parity.Org's President Dina Schenk. "But creating that truly level playing field requires sustained intentionality, discipline, and hard work. It's inspiring to see so many organizations doing what it takes to fulfill the ideal of equal opportunity."

Companies are rated across a comprehensive rubric covering recruitment, promotion, and compensation practices, as well as specific employee benefits and policies that help to create a level playing field for all.

"We are thrilled to be recognized on the 2024 ParityLIST," said Brooke Shreeve, Chief People Officer at Weave. "At Weave, we believe that equal advancement opportunities are essential for fostering innovation, growth, and an inclusive work environment. This recognition reflects the passion we have for creating an equal and fair workplace where all employees have the support and resources to succeed. We are committed to continuing this important work and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees at Weave."

For a full list of honorees, and to download a free Key Findings Report outlining more details about the honorees' policies, practices, and benefits, visit: www.parity.org/best-companies.

About Weave

Weave is the all-in-one experience platform for small- and medium-sized healthcare businesses. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weave's software solutions transform how local healthcare providers attract, communicate with, and engage patients to grow their practice. In the past year, Weave has been named a G2 leader in Patient Relationship Management, Patient Engagement, Optometry, and Dental Practice Management software. To learn more, visit getweave.com/newsroom.

About Parity.Org

Parity.Org is the leading impact organization unlocking diversity in organizational leadership, where the gap is the widest. We've helped hundreds of companies worldwide quickly level the playing field to ensure that all employees have an equal shot at success. Organizations that take our ParityPLEDGE and implement the best practices outlined in our ParityMODELstm find that diversity follows as a matter of course?no quotas or deadlines needed. Because when the playing field is truly level, it's anyone's game. Learn more at Parity.Org and follow us on LinkedIn.

3 june 2024 at 09:05

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Bloomage Becomes a Global Signatory Corporation of United Nations 'Women's Empowerment Principles' under UN Women





PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomage has officially become a signatory corporate member of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) to reiterate its commitment in gender equality and empowering women.

The WEPs is a joint initiative launched by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women to empower and promote equality for women in the workplace, economy and communities through a set of frameworks and principles. To date, over 8,000 companies worldwide have signed the CEO Statement of Support for this initiative.

As a global leader in hyaluronic acid and bioactive substance innovations, Bloomage recognizes the importance of women in driving socioeconomic development. The company has been committed to building a diverse, equal, and inclusive corporate culture, and actively working to support their success in the workplace.

According to Bloomage's 2023 Sustainability Report, as of December 2023, female employees constituted 49.65 percent of the company's workforce, with female researchers accounting for over 60 percent of its R&D department. They have achieved significant accomplishments in biotechnology research, contributing to the company's innovation capabilities. Additionally, female directors account for 33.3 percent of Bloomage's board of directors, and females hold 49.47 percent of management roles.

After joining WEPs, Bloomage will further deepen its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. The company will develop actionable strategies, including establishing senior leadership mechanisms to ensure employee well-being. Furthermore, Bloomage will enhance its education and training programs to provide female employees with opportunities that best fit their strengths in both their personal and professional lives.

Zhao Yan, Chairperson and CEO of Bloomage, said that true gender equality should go beyond emphasizing gender. She underscored that regardless of gender, everyone should show energy and warmth in their roles, contribute to society, and receive the same respect in kind. In turn, companies must fulfill their responsibilities in providing a fair, open, and inclusive work platform and development opportunities for all employees.

Only with equality can employees feel a sense of accomplishment, security, and happiness, achieve sustainable development of the enterprise, and promote the harmonious progress of society. This is why Bloomage maintains that everyone is equal in the workplace. Bloomage is committed to helping more women realize their own value, let their wisdom shine, and contribute to achieving an equitable society.

The Seven Women's Empowerment Principles

"Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls" is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The WEPs includes seven principles to guide businesses in empowering women in the workplace, economy and communities.

Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality

Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work ? respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination

Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers

Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women

Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women

Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy

Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

About Bloomage

In 2000, Bloomage took its first steps as a producer of hyaluronic acid using microbial fermentation. After more than 20 years, Bloomage has emerged as a leading global biotechnology company specializing in hyaluronic acid industrialization. Bloomage is dedicated to improving people's quality of life by creating healthier experiences.

Media Contact

Cecilia Qian

[email protected]

SOURCE Bloomage

3 june 2024 at 10:00

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PSC Partners Announces the First Patient Enrolled Into the WIND-PSC Study, a Global Prospective Cohort to Support the Development of New Treatments for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis





PSC Partners and PSC Partners Canada, both patient-led non-profit organizations supporting education and research in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), announced today the enrollment of the first patient into the WIND-PSC study. PSC is a rare life-threatening chronic liver disease which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, transplant, or death. Additionally, patients can experience significant symptom burden and compromised quality of life as their disease progresses. Currently, there are no regulatory-approved therapies for PSC and the development of new treatments remains challenging due to the rare nature of the disease. WIND-PSC has been developed to generate key data to remove some of these barriers and accelerate the development of new treatments.

WIND-PSC will recruit approximately 2,000 patients and gather clinical, biomarker, and patient-reported data about the progression of PSC and its associated symptoms. To support the design and implementation of the study, the PSC Partners team led by Stephen Rossi, PharmD, Chief Scientific Officer, and Mary Vyas, President, PSC Partners Canada, brought together a Steering Committee of global PSC experts comprised of Christopher Bowlus, MD, University of California - Davis, Bettina Hansen, PhD, Erasmus University, Gideon Hirschfield, MD University of Toronto, Cynthia Levy, MD, University of Miami, and Christoph Schramm, MD, Universitatsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf. Arbor Research Collaborative for Health is supporting this effort by serving as the Data Coordinating Center and providing other key clinical trial services.

"WIND-PSC is a unique project not only in its goals but in the partnership between the PSC clinical research and patient community," says Cynthia Levy MD, Professor of Medicine at University of Miami and Principal Investigator for WIND-PSC. "By working together, we believe this project can accelerate drug development and finally have an effective treatment for this disease."

The collected data will provide a rich and novel source of information to be shared widely with the PSC research community. The primary aims of WIND-PSC are:

Develop a prospective real-world data cohort to support the design of PSC clinical trials and support regulatory filings for new treatments

Evaluate key biomarker data, including the collection of bio-samples, to establish acceptable endpoints for use in clinical trials

Assess patient-reported symptoms and quality of life, and other direct patient experiences with standardized tools to determine changes with disease progression

Patient participants will be enrolled at up to 20 sites in North America and Europe and will be followed for up to five years. All participants will be assessed annually with physical exams, lab tests, imaging, liver stiffness assessment, and fibrosis biomarkers. Clinical symptoms and events, medications, procedures, and patient-reported PSC symptoms will be assessed quarterly.

"The movement towards patient-led research is a momentous step for PSC Partners but a challenge we are willing to take head-on," says Stephen Rossi, PharmD. "There are many stakeholders in addition to the PSC patient and research community who are key to the success of WIND-PSC, including the regulators, pharmaceutical companies, and other patient organizations. We have been actively engaging and collaborating with all of them as we move into this important first step of launching the project."

"This project represents the culmination of the many years our organization has supported novel research to find a cure for PSC," says Ricky Safer, Founder and CEO of PSC Partners and a patient living with PSC. "The community spoke up to us clearly regarding their priorities for research and we have taken their voice to heart with WIND-PSC."

About PSC:

PSC is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by diffuse inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts (Assis 2023). An estimated 30,000 people have PSC in the US, with one in 10,000 persons having this disease globally. Disease progression may result in cholestasis, cirrhosis, liver failure, as well as an increased risk of hepatocellular cancer and cholangiocarcinoma (Sohal 2024). Liver transplantation remains the only clinically proven treatment, though up to 20% of patients have recurrent disease (Leung 2021). There are no therapies approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of PSC or related clinical symptoms and a significant unmet medical need still exists for new treatments.

About PSC Partners

Founded in 2005, PSC Partners Seeking a Cure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The various programs facilitate and support patients, caregivers, families, and friends, educate patients and the medical community about PSC and support groundbreaking research in search of treatments and a cure. PSC Partners, headquartered in the United States, extends its impact globally through initiatives such as an international patient registry, international research grants, an affiliated Canadian registered charity, collaborations with other PSC organizations, and support of the worldwide PSC community. More information: pscpartners.org

Assis DN, Bowlus CL. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Jul;21(8):2065-2075.

Leung KK, Deeb M, Fischer SE, Gulamhusein A. Semin Liver Dis. 2021 Aug;41(3):409-420.

Sohal A, Kayani S, Kowdley KV. Clin Liver Dis. 2024 Feb;28(1):129-141.

4 june 2024 at 14:55

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In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Guinea's foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate, in Conakry, on June 3, 2024. AP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday, June 3, in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries' shift toward Moscow.

Lavrov has visited the African continent several times in the past couple of years as Russia seeks support  or at least neutrality  from many of its 54 countries amid Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov met with Guinea's foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate, according to Russia's foreign ministry. Guinea's government in a statement said the meeting was to discuss areas of mutual cooperation, without elaborating. Lavrov was expected to arrive in the Republic of Congo late on Monday evening, where he was due to meet President Denis Sassou N'Guesso in the city of Oyo, according to an official communique from Brazzaville. It wasn't clear which other countries were on his itinerary later this week.

Guinea has been ruled by a military junta since 2021. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power saying he was preventing Guinea from slipping into chaos and accusing the previous government of broken promises. In February, military leaders dissolved the government without explanation, saying a new one will be appointed.

Security support from Russia

Doumbouya has rebuffed attempts by the West and other developed countries to intervene in Africa's political challenges, saying Africans are "exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in."

Several West African nations including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have had coups that installed military juntas. They have severed or scaled back long-standing military ties with Western powers in favor of security support from Russia.

Read more Subscribers only Sergey Lavrov targets the West on his visit to Mali

Lavrov visited Mali early last year and pledged military support. Also last year, he visited South Africa  seen as the most significant of several African nations to take a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine  and returned there to attend a meeting of BRICS bloc nations. He also visited Kenya in an outreach in East Africa. Lavrov late last year toured North Africa, where Russia also seeks to strengthen ties in the vacuum created by the diminishing popularity of Western powers.

Read more South Africa hails friendship with Russia amid Ukraine war

In West Africa, the military junta governing Burkina Faso ousted French forces last year and turned to Russia for security support. And in Niger, Russian military trainers arrived weeks after the junta that took power last year ordered US troops to withdraw from the country.
China promotes open, equal security cooperation to anchor stability, development at Shangri-La Dialogue

Xinhua) 08:14, June 03, 2024

SINGAPORE, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Sunday called for a regional security landscape featuring equal participation, non-confrontation and candid communication to consolidate the role of the Asia-Pacific as the anchor for global development and stability at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue.

"We stand ready to work with all of you to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and share the benefits of security and development," Dong said.

COMMON SECURITY

In the face of common security challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and one of the deep-rooted causes of the ongoing wars and conflicts is that the security concerns of some countries have long been ignored, Dong noted.

China has been promoting positive handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a constructive manner at the United Nations Security Council and on a global scale, said Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, a lecturer from the School of Strategic and Global Studies at the University of Indonesia.

"This alternative approach resonates with people around the world. And it is time for some Westerners to give up their double standards," the scholar noted.

With its Global Security Initiative featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, China has made contributions to addressing conflicts.

China will always uphold fairness and justice for other developing countries and create more opportunities for them to engage in security governance on an equal basis, Dong said.

SECURITY FUELS PROSPERITY

A stable environment is important for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, said analysts.

Economic actors can leverage peace and stability for global cooperation, which helps build global connections and accelerate global value chains, Rofii said.

Over the past 40 years, the Asia-Pacific has been the most peaceful region in the world and achieved remarkable growth, said Zhang Chi, an associate professor at the National Defense University of China.

"Most Asia-Pacific countries adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and handle their differences and conflicts through dialogue and consultation, thus maintaining stability and prosperity," Zhang told Xinhua.

In his speech, Dong called on countries in the region to act with a strong sense of responsibility, credibility and sincerity to achieve win-win outcomes to create lasting peace and common prosperity for the Asia-Pacific.

"We owe the hard-won stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific to the vision and concerted efforts of our people. We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region," he said.

RESISTING EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE

By forming small groups, some external powers are undermining ASEAN centrality and have brought unstable factors to regional peace and development.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Chinese delegation warned on multiple occasions that such acts would endanger the security and stability in the South China Sea, and eventually backfire.

"This issue can only be settled within the ASEAN framework. Since ASEAN and China have agreed to negotiate for a code of conduct, more efforts should be focused on finalizing the negotiation soon," said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University of Malaysia.

Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, echoed the opinion, stressing that external forces may increase the risk of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

China always believes that countries must uphold true multilateralism in dealing with regional security affairs, and the ASEAN-centered architecture for regional security cooperation is widely recognized as a viable and effective one, Dong said in his speech.

"The Chinese military will take a more open approach and work with the militaries in regional countries to build a new type of security partnership featuring equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation," Dong said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A BUDDING young chef from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale has taken the top honour at the Junior Chef Ireland competition.

Ailey Lyons came out on top and was the winner, after just five students made it through to the final.

Hosted by Limerick Central Rotary Club in association with TUS Mid-West and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, the competition was open to secondary school students in full-time education from all over Ireland.

The finals were held in the kitchens of the TUS Moylish campus.

Organiser Tom Flavin, chef and food consultant and president of the Limerick Central Rotary Club, said: We are delighted to host this successful competition for the second year in a row and to put the talents of these young chefs in the spotlight.

Through this competition we hope to highlight the many opportunities for students wishing to take up culinary arts as a profession, either by apprenticeships or in third level education.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Mad Hatters Tea Party at the Savoy Hotel in Limerick

Bernadette Enright, manager of LCETBs hospitality campus, said: We must continue to support and encourage hospitality training at secondary school level. Its incredible to see the talent that has been demonstrated in the competition.

Eithne Gavigan, culinary arts programme leader, added: TUS are delighted to host again this year. Such competitions are an integral part of fostering the development of talent in young students and exposing them to options available in college at third level.

The perpetual trophy was sponsored by Luke Nolan of KBR Foodservice Equipment, while other prizes were sponsored by chef Neven Maguire, TUS, LCETB, Rotary Club of Athlone and Sinead Marron of Limerick Central Rotary Club.
A DEAL has been signed which will see Limericks Cook Medical become the official distributor of a new product in the USA.

Based in the National Technology Park at Plassey, Cook Medical employs more than 1,000 people.

The company puts together minimally invasive technologies which eliminate the need for open surgery.

Now, bosses at Cook Medical have signed a deal with EnteraSense to distribute its revolutionary blood-sensing system across the USA.

The product is known as Pillsense, and comes in the form of a capsule.

After a patient swallows the capsule, it can detect internal bleeding.

Cook will begin assuming sales management and marketing responsibilities for the product in the last quarter of this year.

This distribution agreement is being seen as a new way for the firm to collaborate with other companies and do business, empowering Cook to offer the technology to its own customers.

READ MORE: Europes brightest, young engineers visit Limerick

Meurisse Leahy, a director of product management in Cook said: Gastrointestinal bleeds can be life-threatening. The sooner physicians can diagnose a bleed, the better chance a patient has of survival.

Through this distribution partnership, were excited to expedite delivery of this unique product to healthcare providers.

Donal Devery, chief executive of EnteraSense added: The innovative PillSense system can transform how patients are diagnosed and deliver significant benefits to patients, clinicians and hospitals..

This strategic partnership between EnteraSense and Cook

Medical will accelerate the availability of PillSense right across the USA, he added.
IRELAND will head to the polls once again on June 7 for both European and local elections. National and local politicians have been canvassing intensively all around the country in recent weeks, knocking on tens of thousands of doors and listening to the concerns of voters.

Here is everything you need to know.

What are the dates and times for the upcoming local and European elections?

Polling takes place for both the local and European elections on Friday June 7 between 7am and 10pm. A polling information card will be sent to your home address, and this will have the details about your local polling station, which should be nearby. There are about 6,500 polling stations nationwide.

What will I need in order to vote?

Its always advisable to have your polling information card with you but you can vote without it; just make sure to bring a valid form of personal ID. This could include the following: a passport, a driving licence, a public services card, or an employee or student identity card with a photograph.

Who can vote in the Local/European elections?

Only Irish citizens aged 18 and over who are on the register of electors can vote in the European election. If youre an Irish citizen currently living in another EU country, you are able to vote in that country. If you are from another EU member state but are living in Ireland you can vote in the European election in Ireland.

The difference with local elections is that you do not have to be an Irish citizen to vote. As long as you are over 18 years of age, live in the relevant local electoral area and are listed on the register of electors you can cast your vote.

Voters can check the register online at checktheregister.ie as well as at your city and county council offices.

What should I expect when I arrive at the polling station?

Ireland uses proportional representation (PR) for voting in elections with each voter having a single transferable vote (STV). Using the PR-STV system means that voters can vote for as many or as few candidates in order of their preference.

Each ballot paper contains short instructions on how to vote, which you should read and follow carefully. The ballot paper will also show a list of names, in alphabetical order, party emblems and images of each candidate. There will be a box to the right of each candidates name.

You mark your preference for each candidate in the box to the right. You mark a 1 in the box beside your first choice candidate and, if you wish, a 2 in the box beside your second choice candidate, a 3 in the box beside your third choice candidate, and so on.

If you do not want to fill out a preference for all candidates on the ballot paper, the box beside those you are not voting for must be left empty. Do not make any other mark on the ballot paper. If you do, your vote may be considered invalid/spoilt and not counted.

How many candidates are running for election?

In the local elections, there are about 2,000 candidates running in 31 local authorities, covering a total of 166 local electoral areas (LEAs). There are between three and seven seats in each. These local politicians are competing for 949 seats.

There are a record 74 candidates running in the European Elections, for only 14 seats. The three constituencies for Junes EU elections are: Dublin (four seats), Midlands North-West (which had four seats but will have five in this election) and Ireland South (five seats).

Across the EU, a total of 720 MEPs will be elected. Seats are allocated on the basis of population of each member state of the European Union. No country can have fewer than six or more than 96 MEPs.

What do local councillors do, and how much are they paid?

Councillors have both a legislative role and an advocacy role within local authorities, are responsible for the council's policy, but the chief executive, an unelected official, is then tasked with implementation.

Councillors have the power to make decisions on the rate of Local Property Tax, the annual budget of the local authority, climate action plans and local area plans. They have the power to hold the local authority to account by scrutinising annual accounts, examining targets, following up on audits and requiring the chief executive to report on different matters.

They also represent and advocate for their constituents, meeting with them and trying to address the issues they raise. Each councillor attends meetings of the full council and the local authority committees of which they are members. A new increased salary for councillors, which now stands at 28,724, was introduced in 2021. They also get an annual expenses allowance to cover travel and subsistence and a mobile phone allowance.

What do Members of European Parliament (MEPs) do, and how much are they paid?

The European Parliament does not have the power to initiate laws. Instead, the European Commission, the executive body, drafts legislation for the bloc.

MEPs in the parliament can then vote to block legislation, which gives them important leverage. They also ratify international agreements, approve the EU budget drafted by the Commission and scrutinise the work of other EU institutions. MEPs also have the final say in approving the president of the European Commission, who is currently Ursula von der Leyen.

Each MEP takes home the same gross salary  10,075 per month as of July 2023. After taxes and insurance, the monthly total lands at 7,853. Former members are also entitled to a pension when they turn 63.

What are the European Parliament constituencies?

There are three constituencies voting for MEPs in Ireland, which will elect 14 MEPs, one more than in the 2019 elections. The Dublin constituency, consisting exclusively of the county Dublin area, will elect four MEPs.

The Midlands-North-West constituency will elect five MEPs, representing the counties of: Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.

The South constituency will also elect five MEPs, representing the counties of : Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.

When will we get the results?

For the local elections, the counting of the ballots will start on the morning of Saturday, June 8. The ballot papers will be sorted and separated.

Counting of the locals will be conducted first. The first seats will be filled by the afternoon, but the final results may not be counted for several days.

For the European elections, the count will commence at 9am on Sunday, June 9. Politicians and political pundits will be carefully watching the boxes open on Saturday morning, hoping to get an idea of how the weekend will play out from early tallies.

In Limerick, the count for the directly elected mayor will be counted last. This count could begin on Sunday evening or Monday morning.

What is the significance of Local Elections?

Local elections are about who leads communities and ensures the delivery of certain public services. The elections allow people to elect councillors to represent them in their local authorities.

The results also serve as an important indicator of public opinion across Ireland ahead of a general election within the next 10 months. Politicians are reporting the biggest issues on the doorsteps to be housing, local issues such as infrastructure and the state of roads and paths, transport and immigration.

What is the significance of European Elections?

The European Parliament election is the central way for Irish citizens to have a say on shaping the European Unions policies. Almost four million voters in Ireland will join more than 330 million Europeans to choose 720 lawmakers.

The results will affect the blocs plans over the next five years, but, like the local elections, the Irish vote will also be seen as a barometer of the national mood. The EU has a complex governing structure and can often seem distant from national issues. But members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote on legislation that has a major impact on people in Ireland.
Abbey Tauchen |

At 90 years old, Ed Dwight, the sculptor of Lincoln University of Missouris Soldiers Memorial, has become the oldest person ever to journey into space.

Before he was a sculptor, Dwight was an Air Force pilot who was nominated as a candidate for NASAs early astronaut corps in 1961, but he was not selected for the 1963 class, which included astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. NASA did not select Black astronauts until 1978, and in 1983, Guion Bluford became the first African American in space.

Six decades later, Dwight finally realized his dream of space travel. His seat was partially sponsored by Space for Humanity, a Denver-based nonprofit. Below, check out the Blue Origin feature video on Ed Dwight.

Dwight is a Kansas City, Kansas native, whose early interests in mechanics led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Kansas City Junior College with an engineering degree in 1953. Rising to the rank of captain, he later transitioned to various roles in Denver before pursuing his passion for sculpting.

Dwight was commissioned by Lincoln University in 2005 to create the Soldiers Memorial Plaza, which was completed by 2007. Standing at 18 feet tall, the sculpture captures the transformation of soldiers from the 62nd and 65th regiments into students, serving as a poignant tribute on the LU campus to those whose sacrifices paved the way for future generations.

In addition to the Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Dwights artistic legacy includes sculptures of Frederick Douglass, the Underground Railroad, Denmark Vesey and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., each piece a testament to his commitment to honoring Black history.

Read more about Ed Dwight.
THE MANAGERS of Saudi Aramco could have the cushiest jobs in the energy business. The state-run oil colossus produces 9m barrels of oil a day, more than any other firm and nearly a tenth of the worlds total (see chart 1). It boasts by far the largest remaining proven reserves of the stuff, which would last into second half of the century at current pumping rates. Its piddling production costs of $3 a barrel, a tenth of what many Western private-sector rivals must content themselves with, allowed it to generate an eye-watering $282bn in total net profit over the past two years. And though its oil burns as dirtily as any other, Aramco emits less carbon liberating it from geological formations than competitors do. That makes the companys product appealing in a world increasingly concerned about global warming but still hooked on hydrocarbons.

View Full Image (The Economist)

As less generously endowed rivals fall by the wayside, Aramcos market share would, in other words, be almost certain to rise with a few modest investments in maintaining reservoirs. Yet the companys employees are busier than ever. That is because Aramco is the linchpin of the strategy of Muhammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabias crown prince and de facto ruler, to end his countrys reliance on oil, diversify its economy and decarbonise its energy production.

Aramco is, for one thing, the chief source of funds for this vision. On June 2nd it launched a long-awaited secondary share offering, which hopes to raise $13bn in exchange for just 0.7% or so of its government-held stock. This follows on from a record-breaking $30bn initial public offering in 2019. Some of the money will again flow to the Public Investment Fund, the main vehicle for the kingdoms sovereign wealth. Yet Aramco is more than just a princely piggy bank. As the kingdoms most important business, it also has to transform itself in line with the royal strategy. Our goal is to make our energy source as affordable and sustainable as possible," says Ahmad al-Khowaiter, Aramcos head of technology and innovation.

Achieving that goal involves a three-pronged strategy. Its first element is to double down on oil, but to extract it in ever cleaner ways. The company is planning to spend between $48bn and $58bn this year on capital investments. Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy, reckons it will spend more than $200bn on exploration and production between 2024 and 2030, far and away the most in the industry. At the same time, Mr al-Khowaiter stresses that his firm is determined to keep its own emissions in check. It routinely uses sophisticated modelling and clever drilling technology to minimise how much carbon is released in its operations. It has pledged to spew no net greenhouse gases by 2050, a decade ahead of Saudi Arabias national goal.

In particular, Aramco is cracking down on methane, the main ingredient of natural gas which is often produced alongside oil. Since 2012 it has flared less than 1% of this potent planet-cooking gas, compared with perhaps 4% that Americas shalemen tend to set alight. As member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, a group of large oil firms, it has vowed to reduce methane emissions to close to zero by 2030. At Abqaiq, the worlds largest oil-processing facility, Aramco staff show off drones being used to sniff out leaks of the gas, so they can be patched up. Recent analysis of satellite data by Kayrros, a French analytics firm, shows that methane intensity from Saudi oil and gas production last year was the second-lowest in the world, behind only greener-than-thou Norway.

The second pillar of Aramcos strategy involves broadening its hydrocarbon portfolio to reduce its exposure to oil, which has historically dominated its production and exports. This pivot gained sudden momentum earlier in the year when the government ordered Aramco to stop work on expanding its maximum oil-production capacity by 1m barrels per day, from 12m-13m. With the global market well supplied and the country sitting on a lot of spare capacity, the expansion made little sense. And the $40bn or so of capital spending that it would have consumed between 2024 and 2028 can be put to use elsewhere.

One area of diversification is natural gas. Because it burns more cleanly than oil or coal, and because the resulting CO2 emissions are more concentrated and thus easier to capture and store, it is considered by many governments as a realistic bridge to a greener energy future. Aramco wants to produce 165bn cubic metres of gas a year by 2030, up from 110bn in 2022.

Some of that could replace oil in domestic electricity generation, releasing the saved crude for export. Aramco also plans to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). Last year it invested $500m in MidOcean Energy, an American firm involved in LNG projects in Australia. Goldman Sachs, a bank, predicts that Saudi Arabia will pour between $83bn and $91bn into gas-related investments by 2030. In April news surfaced that it will spend nearly $8bn expanding its Fadhili gas-processing plant.

Petrochemicals, another big area of interest for Aramco, could soak up a further $100bn in Saudi investments this decade. The company plans to direct 1m barrels of its oil into making such products. SABIC, a Saudi petrochemical company in which Aramco has a 70% stake, is working with two industrial giants, BASF and Linde, on technology that converts oil into chemicals using electricity rather than natural gas to heat the process. A full-scale pilot plant was inaugurated in Germany in April.

Turning brown desert into green oasis

This points to the third pillar of Aramcos master plandecarbonisation. Aramco has turned itself into one of the biggest green investors in the energy world (see chart 2). A tenth of its capital spending, equivalent to $4bn-5bn a year, and a sixth of its research-and-development budget, or another $540m, are earmarked for non-hydrocarbon investments. Last year a fifth of the roughly 1,000 patents Aramco secured in America related to decarbonisation and digital technologies, up from a seventh in 2022. The company is also planning to channel $2bn of its $4bn in new venture-capital wagers. During a visit to Saudi Arabia in May by Jennifer Granholm, Americas energy secretary, Aramco signed agreements with several American green startups.

View Full Image (The Economist)

The most mature of the green technologies in the companys sights is renewable power. Rystad Energy, a research firm, estimates that the company will develop 12 gigawatts (GW) in wind and solar generation capacity by 2030, up from virtually nothing a few years ago. Prince Muhammad has ordained that half the countrys currently filthy power-generation mix must be clean by 2030. Thanks to scorching desert sun and, in places, fierce night winds, Saudi renewables projects enjoy among the lowest costs in the world. One of the startups that tagged along with Ms Granholm was Rondo, which is developing batteries that store renewable energy as heat.

Some of this clean power can be used to produce equally clean hydrogen, which could replace hydrocarbons both as a store of energy and in some industrial processes such as steelmaking. In addition to such green" hydrogen, made by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using ample amounts of renewable energy, Aramco wants to become the world leader in blue" hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas but in a process that prevents the resulting carbon from reaching the atmosphere.

As part of this effort the company is working with Topsoe, a Danish engineering firm, on ways to reduce such emissions. It has already shipped small quantities of blue ammonia, a gas from which hydrogen can be easily derived but which is less fiddly to transport, to customers in Asia. These were the first-ever such commercial shipments to be independently certified as low-carbon. Aramco plans to be making 11m tonnes of blue ammonia per year by 2030, roughly a fifth of what the International Energy Agency, an official forecaster, expects to be the global market for the stuff.

Hydrogen can also be used to produce synthetic liquid fuels that would do the same joband use the same infrastructureas petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, minus the carbon emissions. Aramco is planning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in partnership with Repsol, a Spanish oil company, to produce such drop-in" e-fuels. As a proof of concept, Mr al-Khowaiter points to Formula 1 motor racing. Starting in 2026 the teams, including Aramcos partnership with Aston Martin, a British sports-car maker, will have to use 100% sustainable fuels.

All of Aramcos blue-hydrogen plans rely on its ability to capture the carbon emitted in its production. As its collaboration with Topsoe and its shipments of blue ammonia to Asia show, it is having some success in this area. But its carbon-capture plans are much grander, and go far beyond hydrogen production.

Many of Saudi Arabias sources of industrial carbon emissions, be they oilfields or petrochemical plants, are conveniently located near rock formations where the captured emissions can be stored. Aramco is working with Linde and SLB, an American oil-services firm, to build a vast hub in Jubail, an eastern city. This could capture around 6m tonnes a year of Aramcos own emissions, and another 3m from industrial customers, and either sequester them underground or turn them into useful products such as fertiliser (into which SABIC has been turning carbon at one of its chemical plants since 2015). The companys long-term ambition is to capture 44m tonnes of CO2 a year, equivalent to about 7% of Saudi emissions today. It looks likely, experts reckon, to reach its initial goal of 6m tonnes from 2026.

Most ambitiously of all, the company is working with companies like Siemens, a German engineering giant, and Spiritus, another of Ms Granholms startup travel companions, on direct air capture" equipment, which can offset emissions elsewhere in Aramcos operations, by scrubbing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere rather than from industrial point sourcesor, eventually, from burning of its oil by motorists or other end users.

None of these green bets is a guaranteed winner. Meeting the royal target of 50% clean electricity generation looks like a stretch given that the figure today is 3%. Blue ammonia, which costs the equivalent of $250 per barrel of oil, three times the current price of crude, remains too expensive to persuade buyers to sign long-term contracts. Synthetic fuels could likewise prove a costly and energy-intensive dead-end that serves only to slow the electrification of transport. As for snatching carbon from industrial flues, let alone from the atmosphere, despite years of efforts the technology remains pricey, untested at scale and controversial among environmentalists, many of whom see it as a pretext for not cutting emissions in the first place.

Many of Aramcos decarbonisation plans are indeed designed to keep the world using its products, says Christyan Malek of JPMorgan Chase, a bank. But, he adds, it also involves making those products as green as possible". Helima Croft of RBC Capital Markets, an investment firm, says that given the level of Aramcos non-oil investments, the Saudi strategy cannot simply be dismissed as window dressing". Such assurances will not persuade die-hard environmental campaigners to embrace what they view as one of the worlds chief climate villains. For climate realists, the oil giants efforts can be seen as a real step in the right direction.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Bengaluru: Riyadh-based investment management firm and limited partner Hades Financial Private Capital Group, which announced $28 million investments in two Indian investment firms on Monday, plans to invest $500 million in the country by 2027, a top official said.

The move indicates Hades Financials increasing focus on India as an emerging market, expecting a rise in investment opportunities backed by a rapidly growing economy and influx of foreign capital.

Currently, India represents 15-18% of its global assets under management (AUM) and the firm plans to gradually increase the share. To date, the company manages over $4.6 billion in assets globally and is backed by some of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds.

The global investment manager, which was founded in 2011, is also looking to make crucial investments in deeptech and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies in India, Vasu Chaturvedi, investments associate at Hades Financial, told Mint.

Also read: Long-term funding on cards for deep-tech startups Were very bullish on Indias growth story. One of the biggest advancements I have seen is that infrastructure is improving and the economy is growing robust which has led to the emergence of innovative companies, especially in deeptech, Chaturvedi said.

Hadeswhich is sector-agnosticinvests directly in companies and indirectly through fund managers. The Saudi Arabia-headquartered firm is also eyeing a few bets in SaaS through investments in fund managers focusing on the sector, as well as private equity firms focused on scaling up institutions in the infrastructure and automobiles sectors, Chaturvedi added.

Financial Ventures The $28 million capital infusion is part of Hades Financials bigger aim to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian landscape. Since 2016, Hades Financial has deployed over $150 million in the region across sectors including healthcare and financial services among others.

Hades Financial has invested in Somerset Indus Capital Partners and Cedar IBSi. Somerset Indus Capital Partners is a healthcare-focused private equity firm that has backed nearly 14 companies including Apex Hospitals and Emil Pharmaceuticals and has raised more than $100 million till date. Cedar IBSi is a strategy consulting and research firm focused on the financial services sector.

Somerset has been successful in identifying areas in the country, particularly tier 2 and tier 3 cities, that lack strong healthcare infrastructure, according to Chaturvedi, helping Hades Financial pick a long-term bet. Cedar, similarly, helps the firm go deeper into Indias banking industry.

Underserved Sector Over the last five years, the deeptech sector in India has been mostly underserved. A large portion of global investors continue to look at sectors that have a larger story playing out like fintech, food, and consumer.

Deeptech is an area that requires more strategic focus and hence may not be under the purview of a lot of investors. Currently, only 10-15% of limited partners are looking closely at the sector, Chaturvedi noted.

Also read: Govt's  1-trillion deep tech fund: why we need it, and is it enough? Hades Financial believes companies that use deep technologies in areas like banking, healthcare and hardware, try to address small-scale innovation and with a gestation period of 5-6 years, have immense potential, according to Chaturvedi.
Creditors continue to suffer low recovery as resolving insolvency cases takes an average of 679 days, eight years after the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) came into force.

The longer the delay, the larger the haircut for lenders, a point that veteran banker Uday Kotak and several research reports made on the IBC anniversary citing data published by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). Very few insolvency cases have been resolved within the stipulated period of 330 days; in such cases the recovery has been close to 50%.

Mint looks at the cause of delays and what the new administration can do to improve outcomes for lenders and debtors.

What does the data say about the success of the IBC in resolving insolvency?

The IBBI data show that 947 resolution plans were approved till the end of March, resulting in 32% realisation against the admitted claims. A total of 7,567 cases were admitted till 31 March since the Code was notified on 28 May, 2016.

Of these, 2,224 cases were either withdrawn or closed on appeal/review/settled. Liquidation orders were passed for 2,476 cases, and another 1,920 are going through the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP).

The IBBI January-March 2024 newsletter states that creditors had realised 3.36 trillion under the resolution plans against total claims of 10.46 trillion, which was higher than the fair value of 3.20 trillion and 2.08 trillion of liquidation value.

In a note in the newsletter, IBBI chairperson Ravi Mittal wrote: The resolution process, on an average, is taking 679 days to conclude as against the standard timeline of 330 days."

Also read | The slow burn of bankruptcy filings may be about to end

Mittal added that the data of the resolved cases indicated a direct correlation between the length of the resolution process and the recovery ratecases resolved within shorter timeframes tend to yield higher recovery rates, while the longer resolution periods coincide with diminished recovery rates.

Thus, for cases resolved within 330 days, the recovery was 49.2% of the creditors claims compared to just 26.1% for cases that took 600 days or more. But just about 15% of the cases were resolved within 330 days.

What is causing a delay in the resolution of cases within the stipulated period?

While the IBC was envisaged as a time-bound process with timelines prescribed for important activities, there has been considerable delay at every stage from the date of default to filing, from filing to admission, and from admission to final resolution, noted a committee set up by the IBBI to suggest a framework for use of mediation under the IBC.

The predominant cause of delay has been the filing of a plethora of interlocutory applications at each stage of the process, eventually unnecessarily burdening the limited judicial capacity," it said in its January report.

Also read | Bankruptcy rescues have soared this year. Here is why

The panel noted that though insolvency resolution under the IBC was not an adversarial process, its implantation had become litigious as multiple contentious issues were brought before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for resolution by parties such as the corporate debtor, creditors, members of the Committee of Creditors, and at times, by the appointed resolution or insolvency professional for the conduct of the CIRP.

Third-party filing also contributed to the proliferation of litigation during CIRP. This created several systemic bottlenecks, leading to cascading delays in the resolution process and increasing pendency.

The IBBI chairperson had also expressed similar concerns in the January-March newsletter. The delays often due to litigation by multiple stakeholders with competing interests, erodes the value of already distressed corporate debtors further, and minimises the recovery value to the creditors."

A research report by IBBI published in February 2021 identified maximum delays at four stages of the resolution process:

issue of expression of interest,

issue of the final list of resolution applicants,

issue of a request for the resolution plan, and

approval of the resolution plan.

There were also delays in the admission of applications for CIRP. Against the prescribed timeline of 14 days for admission of an application, the study found that admission of an application took as many as 133 days on an average, mostly because of delay on the part of the adjudicating authority. There were delays at every stage.

What is the way forward?

It is proven that delays in the resolution process led to substantive erosion of the asset value, which is not the intended objective of the IBC. Quickening the process to adhere to the prescribed timelines might not be possible in the near term even if there is a substantial expansion of the capacity of the NCLT to handle more cases, given how litigious the process has become.

There is also a need to reduce the load on the courts. That can happen only when out-of-court settlements are considered as the first option. There are already many cases that are being withdrawn and resolved among parties after admission of application.

Also read | Lets reform Indias bankruptcy code but without getting in the way of commerce

The government had started considering a framework for voluntary mediation of insolvency cases. The report of the IBBI committee is before it. Among other things, the committee suggested that the mediation process should be used to iron out differences before the application for resolution is admitted by the NCLT.

Given huge delays at the admission stage, the gap between the occurrence of default, the filing and subsequent admission of applications under IBC can be effectively utilised to iron out differences through the mediation process," it said.

The new governments agenda needs to include strengthening the NCLT with adequate personnel and benches to speed up the process at one level, continue with capacity building for all involved in the process, including the insolvency professionals, and most importantly, encourage out-of-court settlements.
Dubai: The Tata group will bid goodbye to the Vistara brand by the end of the year, as it aims to bring its four airlines under one umbrella. According to three executives aware of the timelines, the Tata group complete the integration process late this year and start 2025 with just two brands: Air India, a full-service carrier, and Air India Express, a low-fare airline.

"The integration of Air India Express with AIX Connect (formerly called AirAsia India) is currently awaiting nod from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). We expect this process to complete within another two months or so," said one of the three executives, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The executives spoke to Mint on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global airline body.

Also Read: Folding four airlines into two is a tough task even for Tatas

Once NCLT gives its permission, Tata group hopes to take another 4-5 months to merge the air operator certificates of AIX Connect and Air India Express.

The Tata group acquired both Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express in January 2022. In November 2022, it announced the merger of Air India with Vistara and AIX Connect with Air India Express. As part of the transaction, AirAsia Bhd sold its 16.67% stake in the airline to Tatas for 155.65 crore.

While Air India Express and AIX Connect already have common branding in boarding passes and airport check-in, they will be able to fly under a single air operator certificate and the common IATA code of IX once the air operator certificate is merged. Currently, AIX Connect operates with the I5 code.

"In context of parent company Air India, the route rationalization has already been done massively," a second executive aware of the development said.

Air India has stepped up its presence on routes with more of corporate traffic such as Mumbai-Dubai, Delhi-Dubai while those routes with more of visiting friends and relatives, leisure, small and medium enterprises such as international and domestic connections from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are now increasingly being served by Air India Express."

Integration exercise

Vistara is currently a 51:49 joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. After the merger, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in the merged entity.

"The written order on the merger of Vistara with Air India is likely within a month. Once that is received, we will start the transfer of people and aircraft gradually. We will also start informing customers that the brand Vistara will cease to exist by the end of this year and be merged with Air India," a third executive said.

While the merger of Vistara with Air India has been a concern for the employees of Vistara, the airline has been addressing these issues. Currently, Vistara is operating at 95% of its capacity after the airline faced flight cancellations due to a combination of poor rostering and unhappy pilots.

"Once the written NCLT order is received, approval from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will be awaited. Meanwhile, transfer of human resources will be initiated. Network-wise, the airline should be able to reach 100% of its earlier network by July-August," he added.

Vistara operated around 306 flights per day in April compared with 340 flights per day as of March.

(The correspondent is in Dubai on the International Air Transport Associations invitation.)

Also Read: Vistara would have had to compensate passengers if India had this law
An Akasa Air flight from Delhi to Mumbai, on Monday carrying 186 passengers, including one infant and six crew members, was diverted to Ahmedabad after it received a security alert on board. The aircraft landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:13 am, and all passengers were safely deplaned.

As per prescribed safety and security procedures, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad. The Captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:13 hrs. All passengers have been deplaned. Akasa Air is following and supporting all safety and security protocols on the ground, Akasa said in an official statement.

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This incident follows a series of recent security threats to airlines in the past few days.

On Sunday, June 2, a full emergency was declared at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai airport, after a Mumbai-bound Vistara flight from Paris received a bomb threat. The flight from Paris was carrying 306 passengers, including 12 crew members.

The airline reported that its flight UK 024 from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport to Mumbai received a handwritten note on an airsickness bag threatening a bomb, reported PTI, quoting a source. The flight, however, landed safely at 10:19 am.

Earlier, on May 31, a Vistara flight bound flight for Srinagar with 177 passengers and one infant also received a bomb threat. Flight UK-611, which departed from Delhi, landed safely at Srinagar Airport at approximately 12:10 am. All passengers were safely de-boarded at the isolation bay. Currently, the aircraft is undergoing a thorough security check by the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all concerned, an airport official had told ANI.
Etihad Airways is moving along with a possible initial public offering, the first for a major airline in the Middle East, in a listing that would help the Abu Dhabi flag carrier raise additional funds to expand.

Were working very hard to make it happen whenever it is the time, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said in an interview with Bloomberg TV at the IATA annual general meeting in Dubai. An IPO is never an endgame, its just another source for us to raise capital.

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Etihad has managed to turn itself around after an ill-fated expansion spree a decade ago saddled it with huge losses and stakes in unprofitable regional carriers. Now, Neves said hes been told by the owners to run the company as if it were listed, improving its financial performance and corporate governance. Any decision for an eventual IPO would lie with shareholders, he said.

The carrier has picked banks for the potential IPO, which could raise as much as $1 billion, Bloomberg reported in May. The deal will create the first publicly-traded major Gulf hub carrier and comes amid a rebound in international travel following the pandemic.

Etihad, which is owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ and competes for transfer traffic with Dubais Emirates and Qatar Airways, reported record profit in the first quarter amid surging demand for travel.
Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal has lauded Bengaluru as India's best city, emphasizing its appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs. "Everyone I meet these days wants to move to Bangalore. Best City in India," Munjal posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Munjal further asserted that Bengaluru should be the top choice for founders looking to start their own companies, saying, "And the only place you should be if youre thinking of starting a company."

Munjal's praise for Bengaluru resonated with many social media users.

One user commented, "Not even starting a company, if you want non-linear outcomes in your career, BLR is the place with the highest probability!

Another user highlighted the city's advantages: "Its robust infrastructure, talent pool, and cosmopolitan culture foster innovation. The city's pro-business policies and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit make it an ideal launchpad for new ventures. Moreover, its pleasant weather throughout the year aids productivity.

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A third user added, Weather and the whole startup vibe very much keep you alive in Bangalore.

However, some users disagreed with Munjal's assessment. One person pointed out, If you are looking to build a career in tech there are still alternatives to Bangalore like Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Pune, Chennai. But if you want to build a career in finance, there is no other alternative to Mumbai.
Bengaluru: Lighthouse Canton, an investment firm that backs startups such as Dukaan, Internshala and Revfin, plans to launch a 250 crore momentum fund, with a greenshoe option, to invest in high-performing portfolio companies.

"We plan to invest in 15-20 high-potential companies from the LC Nueva Fund. These companies have demonstrated exceptional growth and have significantly enhanced their operating metrics," CEO and co-founder Shilpi Chowdhary told Mint in an interview. The investment firm plans to complete deploying capital in about two years from closing.

"The idea is that these are good winners that can be a 10x or multi-baggers from here.. the aim is keep reinvesting on these (companies) because this is a competitive and challenging space as all your investments are not going to pay always," he said, without disclosing any details of companies.

However, Chowdhary added that these companies have achieved successful up rounds, which "showcases their progress and potential".

With an average ticket size of about $2 million, the LC Nueva Momentum fund will be an India-focused fund and may also look at other similar companies where there could be secondaries available.

About LC Nueva

The India-focused LC Nueva fund which is about $42 million in size, is a joint venture between Lighthouse Canton and Nueva Capital and has invested in about 33 startups so far. This fund primarily invests in pre-series A or series A rounds with an initial ticket size of $1-2 million.

While the investment firm has a sector-agnostic approach, it has a proclivity towards health-tech, consumer-tech, fintech & education-tech businesses.

Meanwhile, the venture debt arm, which has raised over $35 million so far, aims to provide working capital solutions to about 35-40 companies in India and Southeast Asia at stages Series A and above with a ticket size ranging between $1 million and $5 million. Under this arm, it has provided debt to prominent Indian startups such as Rentomojo, Blusmart, Groyyo and Rupeek.

Founded in 2014, Lighthouse Canton offers asset management services across private and public markets alongside wealth advisory capabilities to private and institutional investors. In the last four years, it has consistently increased its exposure to India while it also has offices in other regions including Dubai and its headquartersSingapore.

"India continues to be one of those markets the whole world is very closely looking at due to its growing economic potential. India has the right kind of ingredients for long-term growth.. and hopefully for the next 5 to 10 years, this augurs well for the country," Chowdhary said, adding that robust economy, favorable policies frameworks and a reasonably young population are further driving the optimism.

Chowdhary, who held senior leadership positions at Citigroup and Credit Suisse, also remained bullish about India's thriving startup culture as it fosters innovation within the country.

He added that growth rates in private markets are much more than in the public markets. Last month, Lighthouse Canton also launched a global innovation fund that looks to invest in around 30-40 companies poised for growth in the GenAI space.

Also Read: Meet the champions of momentum investing who beat competition in bull market
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has surpassed Bernard Arnault and Jeff Bezos to become the richest person in the world, according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires list. Musk's net worth has reached $210.7 billion, securing him the top spot, while Arnault holds second place with $201 billion, and Bezos is in third with $197.4 billion.

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Musk's wealth surge follows his acquisition of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for $44 billion in October 2022.

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As of May 31, 2024, Musk leads the Forbes Real Time Billionaire list, which is updated regularly to reflect changes in net worth.

Following Musk, Arnault and Bezos, the list ranks Mark Zuckerberg fourth with $163.9 billion, Larry Ellison fifth with $146.2 billion, Larry Page sixth with $142.6 billion, Sergey Brin seventh with $136.6 billion, Warren Buffett eighth with $134.9 billion, Bill Gates ninth with $128.6 billion, and Steve Ballmer tenth with $123.1 billion.

Richest People in world, as per Forbes

The Forbes Real Time Billionaires list reflects real-time changes in the net worth of the world's richest individuals, updated daily and monthly to account for fluctuations in their net assets.

Meanwhile, a Tesla shareholder has filed a lawsuit against CEO Elon Musk, accusing him of insider trading. The suit alleges Musk sold over $7.5 billion in Tesla shares in late 2022 before disappointing production and delivery numbers were made public. Shareholder Michael Perry claims Musk benefited improperly by about $3 billion, as per Reuters.

Musk exploited his position at Tesla, and he breached his fiduciary duties to Tesla, the lawsuit states, calling for Musk to return the profits made from these trades. The shares were sold in November and December 2022, as quoted by Reuters.

The lawsuit also accuses Tesla's directors of breaching their fiduciary duty by allowing Musk to sell the shares. Perry argues Musk knew about lower-than-expected numbers in mid-November due to his access to real-time data.
Indias manufacturing activity slipped to a three-month low of 57.5 in May as intense heatwaves led to reduced working hours, impacting volumes, according to a survey by S&P Global released on Monday.

The HSBC final India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, eased to 57.5 in May from 58.8 in April. The May reading was also less than the flash projection of 58.4.

However, the index has remained above its long-run average and also above the 50-mark, which separates contraction from expansion, for nearly three years now.

"India's manufacturing sector remained firmly in expansion midway through the first fiscal quarter, despite a mild loss of growth momentum," the survey report noted. "New orders also rose at a softer pace, but international sales increased to the greatest extent in over 13 years."

Growth amid challenges "The manufacturing sector remained in expansionary territory in May, albeit the pace of expansion slowed, led by a softer rise in new orders and output. Panellists cited heatwaves as a reason for lower work hours in May, which may have affected production volumes," said Maitreyi Das, global economist at HSBC. "In contrast, new export orders rose at the fastest pace in over 13 years, with a broad-based demand across geography," Das added.

Read This: Gone are the days when a manufacturing boom would create good jobs The May report highlighted stronger increases in both input costs and output charges, noting a further upturn in Indian factory production, stretching the current sequence of expansion to nearly three years.

Despite easing to a three-month low, the rate of increase in manufacturing remained sharp in May, supported by new business gains, demand strength, and successful marketing efforts, the survey added.

"On the price front, higher raw material and freight costs led to a rise in input prices. Manufacturers were only able to pass on a part of this increase to consumers, resulting in a squeeze in manufacturing margins," Das said. "The positive news is that May recorded the highest level of positive sentiment among manufacturing firms in just under a decade, resulting in increased job creation," Das added.

Incidentally, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) expanded at a blistering 8.2%, supported by a strong 7.8% growth in the January-March quarter, according to government data released last week. The push to GDP growth came from several key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, mining, and services.

More Here: GDP blitzkrieg in FY24 keeps India ahead of its major-economy peers The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects real GDP growth to be 7% in FY25. Meanwhile, projections of a normal monsoon bode well for agriculture output growth, with the governments robust capital expenditure, strong investment demand, and upbeat consumer and business sentiment making the Indian economy resilient. However, geopolitical tensions and the divergence of monetary easing paths of major central banks pose policy uncertainty.

"New orders rose at a substantial pace that was nonetheless the slowest in three months. The rise was associated with marketing efforts, demand strength, and favourable economic conditions," the survey said. "Growth was reportedly stymied by competition and election-related disruptions," it added.

India's economic goals India aims to grow into a $10 trillion economy over the next decade, fuelled by manufacturing growth. The push for manufacturing growth is expected in sunrise sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, the electric vehicles ecosystem, renewable energy, and defence, according to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group and Matrix Partners.

To this extent, the Centre has stepped up its capital expenditure budget in recent years to improve the countrys creaking infrastructure, create jobs, and push manufacturing to accelerate economic growth.

The government has also announced production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 key sectors in 2020 with an outlay of 1.97 trillion (over $26 billion) for five years starting 2021-22 to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

The government's capital expenditure on infrastructure projects was raised to 11.11 trillion for the financial year starting 1 April 2024.

As things stand, India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world, aided by a rise in manufacturing, construction, mining, and services sectors.

Elsewhere, the survey highlighted sustained growth of input purchasing among Indian goods producers, the survey said. Buying levels rose at the slowest pace in four months, albeit one that was historically substantial," it added.
Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Most exit polls have predicted a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If elected to power again in 2024, PM Modi is likely to equal the record of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the only PM to be elected thrice consecutively.

Pandit Nehru served as the Prime Minister for 17 years  from 1947 to 1964. He is the longest-serving prime minister of the nation, according to a government website. The Congress alone had won 371 seats in the 1957 Lok Sabha Elections, when Nehru had returned to power after the first elections in 1951, as per the Elections Commission's data.

This was the highest number of Lok Sabha seats (371) any one political party has won in the Lok Sabha elections so far. However, exit polls in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections have predicted around 350-370 seats collectively for the BJP and its allies, and not just for the PM Modi-led BJP.

Lok Sabha Election Results on June 4 All eyes are on the results of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which will be declared on Tuesday, June 4. The results will reveal which political party or alliance will form the government and whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return for a third term at the Centre.

The assembly election results in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh will also be announced on Tuesday. The voting for two state assemblies was held alongside the Lok Sabha polls. The current Andhra Pradesh Assembly's term ends on June 11, and that of Odisha's on June 24. The assembly constituencies in the two states voted this year to choose their next chief minister.

Election Results 2024 timings? The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and assembly elections will start at 8 am on Tuesday and continue until the last vote is counted.

As the mammoth Lok Sabha Elections 2024 concluded on June 1, pollsters and political strategists churned out numbers, released post-poll surveys /exit polls, and analysed the mood of the nation just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections results.

Lok Sabha Election Result: What's expected? The exit polls predicted a better performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a defeat for the opposition's INDIA bloc in this year's national polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have exuded confidence that the party-led alliance, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), will secure a historic win by grabbing over 400 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 polls. There are a total of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha. A party needs 272 seats to win the national polls.

Many opposition leaders claimed that the BJP winning over 400 seats would be a "threat" to the country's Constitution.

The Congress, meanwhile, said that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of over 25 opposition parties, will win the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 with over 295 seats. The leaders of the grand-old party believe that the 2024 elections will be a repeat of the 2004 polls when the Congress stormed to power, shocking several poll pundits.

Besides much political action and drama, significant market volatility is expected on election day. On Monday, the stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, jumped almost 4 percent each to fresh record highs after exit polls predicted a huge win for the BJP and the NDA on Saturday, June 1.

While the official results may differ from the exit poll predictions, experts say it is highly unlikely that a non-NDA government will be formed at the Centre. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC Securities, said, Unless we get a surprise in the balance exit poll predictions, Indian markets may not react majorly to these numbers on a closing basis. He said the focus may shift to the policy announcements in the new government's first 100 days.

Lok Sabha Election Results: What exit polls predicted Around seven exit polls predicted approximately 350-370 seats for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. They suggested that the Opposition's INDIA bloc may win around 107-140 of the total Lok Sabha seats, far from the majority mark of 272 seats.

Most exit polls suggested that the BJP-led NDA would win at least 350 seats but won't be able to achieve its 400 par goal. However, three exit pollsIndia Today-My Axis India, India TV-CNX, and News24-Todays Chanakyapredicted over 400 seats for the NDA.

Lok Sabha Election Results: State-wise exit poll analysis The BJP-NDA is likely to rule the North Indian region and may make inroads in the southern part of the country. According to exit polls, the BJP is likely to finally open its account in Tamil Nadu and Left-dominant Kerala.

The BJP may also win big in Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal. The BJP will likely win 20-25 seats, while Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) may win 18-22 seats. There are 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal. In 2019, the BJP won 18 of the 22 seats in West Bengal, and the TMC won 22 seats.

In Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, too, the BJP may score a hat-trick by winning all seven and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively.

In Maharashtra, exit polls predicted that BJP-led Mahayuti may win 22 to 35 seats, while Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) may get 15 to 26 seats in Maharashtra.

There are 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP contested in 28 constituencies, while its allies, Shiv Sena (Shinde), fought in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in five. Maha Vikas Aghadi members of Shiv Sena (UBT) contested in 21 constituencies, the Congress in 17, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) in 10.

In South India, the NDA is likely to sweep Karnataka  which was won by the Congress in state assembly elections in May 2023. In Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, which fought the 2024 state and nation elections in alliance with the BJP and Jana Sena, may oust YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Most exit polls also hinted at the NDA's improved performance in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A few exit polls in Telangana suggested a neck-and-neck contest between the INDIA bloc and the NDA. The Congress had won the Telangana Assembly Elections in December 2023.

This analysis was based on the exit poll results and surveys. It doesn't project the official results, which the Election Commission of India will announce on June 4.
Election Results 2024: Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three straight terms, going by the exit poll results. Almost all pollsters have predicted a smooth re-election of PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also predicted to win 400+ seats, which the party aspired to achieve in its pursuit of another five-year term at the Centre.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 were held in seven phases beginning April 19 with the last phase held on June 1. The results will be declared today, June 4.

The BJP-led NDA, seeking a record third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a target of winning 400 seats this election. The NDA is challenged by the INDIA bloc, an amalgamation of about 28 opposition parties. This bloc was formed with its first meeting in June 2023, with the aim of presenting a united front against the NDA.

Heres a look at the historical feats that the BJP-led NDA win is expected to achieve if the exit poll numbers are accurate. Remember, the exit polls have not always been accurate.

Second to PM Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru served as Prime Minister of India for a period of 16 years and 286 days from 1947 until 1964. Nehru was elected Prime Minister after the Congress party won the first general elections in 1951-52 and then in 1957 and 1962.

Nehru passed away in his third term in May 1964.

Prime Minister Modi, if the NDA wins, will this equal the record of Indias first Prime Minister Nehru, if the NDA wins the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

400 seats in Lok Sabha Three major exit polls  India Today-My Axis India, India TV-CNX, and News24-Todays Chanakya  have predicted 400 plus seats for the NDA. If these numbers stand in the June 4 results, it will be another historical record.

In the history of Independent India, it was only once when a party won more than 400 seats in Indian general elections. The year was 1984. The Congress led by Rajiv Gandhi won 404 of the 514 Lok Sabha seats in 1984.

The 1984 Lok Sabha election was held in the aftermath of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhis mother and former Prime Minister, the late Indira Gandhi.

In-roads in South The BJP-led NDA is likely to create another record of sorts by increasing its footprints in the south. Exit polls have predicted the BJP will open its account in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The saffron party is likely to bag 2-3 seats of the 20 seats in Kerala. The BJP has never won a seat in Kerala. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the UPA swept 19 seats, while the CPM won a single seat.

In Tamil Nadu too, the BJP is expected to make inroads by winning 1-3 of the 39 seats in the 2024 elections, according to exit poll predictions.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led alliance won 38 out of 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu. The BJP drew a blank in Tamil Nadu in 2019.

No anti-incumbency The three straight terms for PM Modi-led government clearly dispels the anti-incumbency fears. The BJP-led government has successfully converted the anti-incumbency into pro-incumbency with the voters showing absolutely no sense of fatigue, if the exit polls hold true.

Be it the rising prices, job concerns or steps like demonetisation and the Agnipath scheme, which PM Modi's adversaries would often cite as challenges, PM Modi-led BJP has been chosen as a formidable force to reckon with by the voters, as the exit polls result suggests.

Brand Modi Another historic aspect of the Lok Sabha Elections is the relevance that brand Modi carries despite 10 years in power. Last year, after the defeat in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka assembly elections, people had started raising doubts about the relevance of brand Modi.

The BJP, led by PM Modi, made a comeback in assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, held towards the end of 2023. Many months later, brand Modi seemed to be as powerful as before as people voted for the BJP choosing Prime Minister Modi for a third term.

Other Records Some other records that the 2024 general elections saw include 642 million or 64.2 crore voters casting their ballots in the seven phases that concluded on June 1. This is despite some election phases spanning over the scorching summer days in May and June.

The number of Indians who voted is 1.5 times the total voters of G7 countries and 2.5 times the voters of the 27 countries in the European Union (EU).

A record-breaking 312 million women also participated in the voting process in the seven-phase general elections, the poll panel said.

While the 2024 turnout is higher than the 612 million voters who voted in 2019 general elections in terms of absolute numbers, it is about a percentage point lower than the 67.4 per cent turnout five years ago. India had 968 million registered voters in the 2024 elections.

Five seats of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) witnessed a record 58. 46 per cent voter turnout in Lok Sabha polls 2024, the Election Commission of India said. This is the highest poll participation in the erstwhile state in the last 35 years, the poll panel said. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 was the first major election held in the erstwhile state after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
WILMINGTON, Del.On a Friday evening in October 2018, Hunter Biden rolled up in a black Cadillac to StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in the Delaware city where he had been born and raised.

A salesman standing in the window didnt initially recognize him as the son of the states longtime Democratic senator, now-President Joe Biden, and would later recall declining a tip from the younger Biden as he purchased a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver.

There will be no mistaking Hunter Biden on Monday when he appears in federal court for his criminal trial on charges stemming from that 2018 purchase. At 8:30 a.m., hes due in the fourth-floor courtroom of U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika for the start of jury selection.

For the younger Biden and his family, the proceeding comes with substantial legal and political peril. Hunter Biden, 54, pleaded not guilty last year to charges he lied on a federal form about his drug use when he purchased the revolver in 2018, at a time when he has acknowledged being addicted to crack cocaine. If convicted, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years behind bars, although any prison term is likely to amount to just a fraction of that maximum sentence.

But the proceeding itself is expected to delve into details of his addiction and thrust the Biden familys inner dynamics into public view as the president campaigns for re-election. The trial is expected to wrap up just weeks before Biden has his first debate with former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

The sitting presidents son will be defending himself against the Justice Department of his own fathers administration, just days after Trump was convicted on 34 charges related to paying hush money to a porn star.

Unlike in that trial, where leading Republicans rallied around the former president and showed up to support him in court, Democrats arent expected to emerge as a major force defending Hunter Biden in the public arena. The White House views the trial as a personal matter and has no formal plans to respond to courtroom developments, according to a person familiar with the strategy.

We support rule of law taking place without political hectoring," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.), the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Efforts to put together a legal-defense fund for Hunter Biden have gained little traction, said David Jolly, the onetime Republican congressman who has been involved in efforts to shore up public support for Hunter Biden. He said he presented a memo outlining options for a fund to some Biden allies months ago and said his ideas remained on the drawing board.

Hunter Biden accompanied his father to the presidents Rehoboth Beach vacation home in Delaware over the weekend. The two rode bikes together Saturday morning and attended church in the afternoon.

The presidents son once thought he had headed off a trial. Last summer, he reached an agreement with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to a pair of misdemeanor tax charges and avoid prosecution on a gun charge.

The plea deal carried the promise of resolving a five-year investigation and avoiding a trial that would air tawdry details of a troubled period in which he has acknowledged struggles with drugs and alcohol. But the deal disintegrated during a dramatic July hearing in which the younger Bidens lawyers and federal prosecutors disagreed in open court about the extent of the immunity the agreement granted the presidents son from possible future charges.

Within weeks of the hearing, Attorney General Merrick Garland conferred special counsel status on the federal prosecutor overseeing the investigation, David Weiss, an appointment that formally gave him added autonomy within the Justice Department.

By the end of the year, Biden was indicted on the gun charges in Delaware and, later, on tax charges in Los Angeles. His trial on tax charges, initially set to begin later in June, was recently delayed to early September.

In the gun case, federal prosecutors are planning to use the younger Bidens own words against him. They are expected to draw from excerpts of Bidens memoir published in 2021, Beautiful Things." Among the excerpts is a section of the book about his return to Delaware in October 2018.

All my energy revolved around smoking drugs and making arrangements to buy drugsfeeding the beast," Hunter Biden wrote in one excerpt that prosecutors referenced in court filings.

In court papers ahead of trial, federal prosecutors have also previewed a witness list that includes Hunter Bidens ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and Hallie Biden, the widow of his late brother, Beau Biden. Prosecutors didnt reference either woman by name, but both are identifiable by the descriptions of their respective relationships to Hunter Biden, who had a romantic relationship with Hallie Biden following his brothers death.

Prosecutors said Buhle checked Hunter Bidens car periodically because she didnt want their children in a vehicle with drugs. On about a dozen occasions, prosecutors said, she found drugs or paraphernalia, which she discarded in a trash can. In a March 2018 text message, she wrote: I also found a few crack pipes. I took them out because our daughter was driving the car."

Prosecutors also plan to show videos and photographs of Biden smoking crack that were backed up to his Apple iCloud account and the now-infamous laptop he left at a Delaware computer store.

In court hearings ahead of trial, prosecutors have described the case as simple and straightforward.

Bidens attorneys have dug in for a vigorous defense. His lead lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has questioned the legality of the gun sale and alleged that the store improperly accepted Bidens passport as identification.

Noreika, a Trump appointee confirmed in 2018, said up to 250 residents of Delaware would be summoned to impanel a 12-member jury with four alternates in reserve. When a prosecutor asked if she would hold trial proceedings on Fridays, she replied, Were a five-day-a-week kind of court."
Investors in Tata Steels shares do not seem to be buying into its medium-term profitability outlook. For the March quarter (Q4FY24), consolidated Ebitda at 6,600 crore was better than expected, albeit lower year-on-year (y-o-y) by 8.6%, mainly due to the partial shutdown of its Netherlands facilities. Notably, losses from European operations declined sequentially. Still, the shares have been down 4% over the past two trading sessions since the results. Investors could be concerned about the developments related to the UK operations. In FY24, the Netherlands and UK facilities contributed 38% of revenue, but incurred an Ebitda loss of over 7,000 crore. Thus, consolidated FY24 Ebitda stood at 22,300 crore, down 31% y-o-y.

The UK operations are undergoing a structural shift in the steel-making process and may take time to return to profitability. However, the Netherlands is expected to be Ebitda positive in Q1FY25 with the resumption of normal plant operations. Over the medium term, these units can add to the companys profits meaningfully thanks to the evolving dynamics of the European steel market.

Carbon tax on steel

The market is changing because of the imposition of carbon tax on industries such as steel and the initiation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM, legislated in 2023, imposes a carbon tariff on imports from carbon-intensive industries to the EU and becomes effective from 2026. Tata Steel is paying carbon tax of nearly $25-30 per tonne of steel produced which is projected to go up to more than $200 per tonne by 2033. With the switch to green steel, a company can potentially generate savings of more than $100 per tonne on its 10 mtpa EU steelmaking capacity," said Satyadeep Jain, research analyst at Ambit Capital. Mtpa is a million tonnes per annum.

Tata Steel has initiated the exercise to transition from high-emission steel making process through blast furnace (BF) to greener and more fuel-efficient electric arc furnace (EAF) route. The company would be shutting down both BFs at the UK facility by September and run the existing downstream facilities by importing semi-finished steel from the Netherlands and India. The EAF facility would require an investment of 1.25 billion (about 13,000 crore) and is expected to be ready in three years after equipment orders are placed". The production through BF also entailed higher operating cost and management projects cost of production to drop by about 12,500 per tonne after EAF commissioning.

As assistance for green transition, the UK government would provide 500 million or 40% of the project cost. While the grant funding agreement (GFA) has not been signed yet, the management hopes to do so in the next few weeks. It has also begun the discussion with the Netherlands government for a similar replacement of its facilities in the country and hopes for a similar grant from the Netherlands government.

Expansion in India

While the European business is transitioning to green steel, Indian operations continue to cash in on the countrys rapidly rising steel consumption and is also undertaking significant expansion. The biggest expansion project of 5 mtpa capacity at an investment of about 27,000 crore is coming up at their existing facility in Kalinganagar, Odisha, and a small 1.0 mtpa EAF-based plant using scrap steel as raw material in Ludhiana. The management has indicated its inclination to build more such smaller plants to add to the circular economy if the project is successful.

So far, so good. To be sure, the GFA in the UK faces uncertainty from the announced elections. The company may have to go through another gruelling process of negotiations in case the GFA is not signed before the elections and in case of a change of government, especially because the BF closure would lead to significant job redundancies. Signing of the agreement could just be the trigger investors may be waiting for.
Shares of State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's largest public sector bank, rose 9.8% to reach an all-time high of 911.30 apiece in today's intraday session. This pushed the bank's market capitalisation beyond 8 lakh crore for the first time, making it the first PSU company to achieve this milestone.

SBI has now entered the 8 lakh crore market capital club, becoming the fourth listed company to achieve this milestone. Over the past six months, its shares have surged significantly, climbing from 564 apiece to the current level of 909, marking a remarkable gain of 61%.

Following the release of exit polls after the final phase of elections on Saturday, investor sentiment towards PSU bank counters turned optimistic, driving them into positive territory.

The projections of a resounding victory for the ruling NDA in the exit polls have fueled expectations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term, contributing to a bullish trend in the market. This reflects growing confidence in the government's leadership and its potential impact on the financial landscape.

"The victory of PM Modi/BJP augurs well. Fundamentally, for the economy and capital markets, India is witnessing its own mini-Goldilocks moment. Our model portfolio remains aligned with the key domestic cyclical themes. We remain overweight on financials, consumption, industrials, real estate, and PSU banks," stated domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal.

The brokerage reaffirmed its 'buy' recommendation on SBI's stock following the bank's Q4 results and has set a target price of 925 apiece. SBI has demonstrated a remarkable turnaround in earnings, transitioning from a loss of 65 billion in FY18 to profits of 611 billion in FY24.

Additionally, the brokerage highlights that the bank's cumulative profit over the past three years (FY2224) equals what it earned in the prior 20 years combined. The sharp drop in Indian bond yields has also furthered the rally in PSU banks.

Falling yields favor PSU banks Meanwhile, the Indian government's bond yields dropped marginally in today's session. India's benchmark 10-year yield stood at 6.9541%, down from its previous close of 6.9809%. Earlier in the day, the yield dipped to 6.9421%, marking its lowest level since April 8, 2022.

The government data released on Friday revealed that India's economy grew by 8.2% in the fiscal year ending in March, solidifying the country's status as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

Additionally, the central government's fiscal deficit for 2023-24 was recorded at 5.6% of GDP, better than the earlier estimate of 5.8%, contributing to the rally in bond prices.

The sharp decline in 10-year bond yields began following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) announcement of a record dividend of 2.11 lakh crore to the central government for the financial year 202324, which is more than double the amount budgeted by the government.

This development, coupled with the Indian government's already prudent budget, enhanced a strong cash balance and reduced expectations of government borrowing for the year. Consequently, the limited bond supply in the Indian economy boosted bond prices.

Also Read: Exit poll frenzy could be followed by profit booking after results, say experts

PSU banks will benefit from the drop in bond yields as they hold a larger proportion of government bonds compared to private sector banks, resulting in significant treasury gains.
The Indian stock market benchmark Nifty 50 jumped almost 4 per cent to its record high of 23,338.70 in morning trade on Monday, June 3, after exit polls predicted the BJP-led NDA may retain power at the Centre with a strong majority.

According to experts, the prospects of political stability and expectations of policy continuity amid strong macro fundamentals will keep the market on an upward trajectory in the medium to long term. Since the Indian stock market is at a record high, there could be some profit booking after the election outcome aligned with the exit polls result.

Osho Krishnan, a senior technical ad derivatives analyst at Angel One, pointed out that the exit poll outcome cheered market sentiments, skyrocketing key indices to their respective lifetime high levels. However, Implied volatility, a measure of market uncertainty, continues to hover at an elevated zone.

"Given the eventful week with the election outcome and RBI MPC result, it's best to take a cautious approach and maintain a practical view. The overall tone seems to support the bulls, and we expect dips to bode well in the near future. Support for Nifty 50 is at 23,100-23,000, while for Nifty Bank, support is at 50,000-49,500," said Krishnan.

While the market is at a record high, experts suggest one should not get carried away and bet on fundamentally and technically sound stocks. Based on the recommendations of several experts, here are eight stocks that can rise 6-16 per cent in the next 3-4 weeks. Take a look:

Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers NHPC | Previous close:  107.25 | Buying range:  105-108 | Target price:  120 | Stop loss:  99 | Upside potential: 12% Since May 28 this year, NHPC has been trading within a consolidation range of approximately 99 to 104.

Recently, it has broken out of this consolidation range, surpassing the upper limit of 104 and maintaining its position above this level.

This breakout is a significant event as it suggests a potential shift in market sentiment and the beginning of a new upward trend.

Additionally, technical indicators provide further bullish signals; the daily stochastics used to identify overbought or oversold conditions have shown a bullish crossover near the oversold zone.

A bullish crossover happens when the faster stochastic line crosses above the slower line, suggesting a potential increase in buying pressure.

SJVN | Previous close:  139.70 | Buying range:  138-140 | Target price:  155 | Stop loss:  131 | Upside potential: 11% After peaking near the 153 mark on May 22, 2024, SJVN experienced a significant downturn, with a decline of approximately 22 points, equating to roughly 14-15 per cent.

However, in the subsequent two trading sessions, it demonstrated resilience by avoiding further drops and instead took on the middle Bollinger band.

In the prior trading session, notable buying activity was observed at lower price levels, particularly from the middle Bollinger band, suggesting investor interest in purchasing the stock at these levels.

From a technical perspective, the daily DMI indicator has given a bull cross, indicating a potential shift in momentum and presenting an attractive buying opportunity.

Campus Activewear | Previous close:  277.35 | Buying range:  274-278 | Target price:  310 | Stop loss:  257 | Upside potential: 12% After consolidating in the range of 242-266, Campus Activewear successfully broke out of a bearish trendline that had persisted for eight months.

The stock comfortably maintains its position above this trendline, indicating a strong upward movement. From an indicator perspective, the weekly DMI has given a bull cross, a positive sign for potential gains.

Axis Securities Coromandel International | Previous close:  1,307.30 | Buying range:  1,300-1,274 | Target price:  1,417-1,485 | Stop loss:  1,222 | Upside potential: 14% Coromandel International has confirmed a breakout above the rounded bottom pattern at 1,275 on the weekly chart with a strong bullish candle, indicating a positive bias.

During the pattern formation, volume activity tends to decline, while at the breakout, there is an increase in activity, indicating heightened market participation.

The stock is trending within a medium-term rising channel that recently took support at the lower band and is now heading towards the upper band.

The weekly RSI is holding above its reference line, indicating positive bias.

Samvardhana Motherson International | Previous close:  151.25 | Buying range:  145-140 | Target price:  158-167 | Stop loss:  135 | Upside potential: 10% Samvardhana Motherson International has demonstrated a breakout above the multiple resistance around 140 on the weekly chart, with a strong bullish candle indicating the continuation of the uptrend.

The volume activity increased at the breakout, indicating an influx of market participation at the breakout level.

It displays a bullish trend on the weekly chart, characterised by higher highs and higher lows, and is further supported by an upward-sloping trendline, suggesting a prevailing upward bias.

The weekly RSI has given a crossover above its reference line, generating a buy signal.

KNR Constructions | Previous close:  317.90 | Buying range:  311-305 | Target price:  354-368 | Stop loss:  285 | Upside potential: 16% On the weekly chart, KNR Constructions has broken out above a three-year symmetrical triangle pattern at 300 with a strong bullish candle, indicating the onset of an uptrend.

The stock has broken above the weekly upper Bollinger Band, generating a buy signal.

This breakout suggests a potential bullish trend. The stock is holding above key moving averages of 20, 50, 100, and 200 days, indicating an uptrend in both the short and medium term.

The weekly RSI has given a crossover above its reference line, generating a buy signal.

Shiju Koothupalakkal, Technical Research Analyst at Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt Ltd VA Tech Wabag | Previous close:  980.05 | Target price:  1,100 | Stop loss:  935 | Upside potential: 12% The stock has indicated a series of higher low patterns on the daily chart, maintaining above the significant 50EMA (exponential moving average) to signify an ascending trending mode, and currently, with support taken near the 935 zone, has indicated a positive candle formation to improve the bias.

"The RSI is currently well placed, and with a trend reversal indication, we anticipate further upward movement with much upside potential visible. We suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 1,100, keeping the stop loss of 935 level," said Koothupalakkal.

NHPC | Previous close:  107.25 | Target price:  120 | Stop loss:  100 | Upside potential: 12% The stock has indicated an ascending channel pattern on the daily chart with a series of higher low formations, maintaining the strong overall bias. Recently, with support taken near 98.60, there is again an indication of a trend reversal with a positive candle pattern to improve the bias.

Further rise can be expected in the coming days. With the RSI getting better, indicating a trend reversal, a buy signal has been triggered with upside potential visible from current levels.

"We suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 120, keeping the stop loss of 100," said Koothupalakkal.

Data Patterns (India) | Previous close:  2,962.40 | Target price:  3,140 | Stop loss:  2,800 | Upside potential: 6% The stock has slowly and steadily witnessed a rising trend with a series of higher low patterns on the daily chart and has maintained the 50EMA as a support zone.

Once again, taking support near the 50EMA zone of 2,805, the stock has indicated a positive candle formation to improve the bias and is signalling a further rise.

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Shares of Suzlon Energy hit their 5 percent upper circuit at 49.99 on Monday after global brokerage house Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on the stock with an overweight rating and a target price of 58.5, implying an upside of 17 percent.

This comes after the wind energy firm got bullish views from 2 other brokerages - Nuvama and Anand Rathi. Both had buy calls on the stock with Nuvama's target at 53 and Anand Rathi's target at 58.

Morgan Stanley noted that Suzlon 2.0 is well-positioned to benefit from India's energy transition. The company has become much stronger after deleveraging and leaner by reducing fixed operating costs.

Read here: Sensex, Nifty 50 record biggest single-day gain in 3 years Suzlon achieved debt-free status by raising funds through various methods, including a QIP and a rights issue. By the end of the March quarter, the company had a net cash balance of 1,100 crore.

The brokerage believes the market has yet to fully recognise Suzlon's growth potential, anticipating wind orders worth 32 GW, or nearly $31 billion, over the next five years.

It expects Suzlon's earnings to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57 percent over the next three years, from financial year 2024 to 2027.

Read here: RVNL, SBI, GAIL and more: MOSL lists 8 technical stock picks after exit polls Post today's rally, the stock is now less than a percent away from its 52-week high of 50.72, hit on February 2, 2024. Meanwhile, it has soared over 360 percent from its 52-week low of 10.86, hit on June 2, 2023.

Suzlon Energy shares have already surged over 333 percent in the last one year and 31 percent in 2024 YTD. The stock rose 14.5 percent in May after a 3 percent gain in April. However, it shed 10.7 percent in March and 1.5 percent in February. Before that, it advanced over 20 percent in January this year.

Meanwhile, Nuvama, in its note, said that Suzlon Energy is the market leader in the WTG market with a 30 percent share and among the only two wind EPC suppliers in India. Its growth visibility is backed by industry tailwinds of 1214 GW TAM annually, technological edge, high-margin O&M services and a balance sheet.

Read here: Exit polls predict Modi 3.0: Sharekhan lists top stocks for short and long term Anand Rathi also emphasised the company's notable market position in India's wind turbine sector and the company's achievement with net cash totaling 11.4 billion in FY24, marking the first instance since FY06. It added that the company has faced turbulence in the past due to weak demand and high debt, hurting its prospects. However, its balance sheet turned around sharply, and with greater demand aided by ambitious government targets, it expects deliveries of 1.52 GW for FY2526.

"Supportive government policies would continue to drive earnings and re-ratings. Limited competition is an additional positive even though structural issues like grid connectivity, land acquisition-related challenges and keener competition would determine the pace of earnings," said Anand Rathi.
Saudi Aramcos generous dividends can only go so far in making up for an overpriced initial public offering.

The Saudi Arabian national oil company will sell shares worth up to $12 billion in an offering this week. The Saudi government, which will still own more than 80% of Aramco at the end of the sale, will use the proceeds to fund the countrys cash-hungry Vision 2030 initiatives. Projects designed to help diversify the Saudi economy away from oil, such as futuristic desert city Neom, havent attracted the flood of foreign capital Riyadh expected.

When Aramco went public in December 2019, investors in New York and London mostly stayed away. At $1.7 trillion, the price was high and they could find better value elsewhere. At the time, Shell and BP offered a 6%-plus dividend yield, compared with Aramcos 3.85%.

Tepid demand meant plans for a dual listing on a major international exchange were abandoned. Foreign investors ended up buying only 15% of the $29.4 billion IPO on Saudis domestic bourse. A third of the offer went to local retail investors who received perks such as one bonus share for every 10 they held for at least 180 days.

Local retail shareholders will be allocated just a tenth of the latest offer. Aramco is hoping a beefed-up dividend will be enough to lure international funds this time round. After introducing a new performance-based payout last year, the company currently has a dividend yield of 6.2%, better than those of Chevron or Exxon Mobil.

However, Aramco still looks a lot more expensive than Western supermajors on other metrics, such as price-earnings multiples and free cash flow yields. This valuation premium could hold back returns, just as it has since the IPO. Including dividends, Aramco shares have generated annual gains of 4% since the end of 2019, compared with 18% at Exxon and 14% at TotalEnergies.

It came to the market with a very rich valuation and is still growing into it," says Bernstein analyst Neil Beveridge.

Aramco shareholders missed out on the share-price rallies and bumper payouts delivered by other major oil companies after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Aramcos total dividends remained flat that year at $75 billion, while Exxon Mobil doubled its distribution to shareholders, for example.

The Saudi government was still a big beneficiary of 2022s high oil prices. Royalties that Aramco pays to Riyadh more than doubled, as these fees increase in line with the oil price.

With a new policy in place, Aramcos dividend should hit more than $120 billion this year. For now, the interests of Aramcos minority shareholders and the Saudi government seem aligned as both want more cash handed back to owners.

But Aramcos free cash flow doesnt cover its dividend. While the company has net cash on its balance sheet for now, paying out more than it generates could eventually bring it up against a self-imposed debt-to-equity limit of 15%. The increased payout may also be hard to maintain if oil prices soften. Yesterday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, agreed to extend its production cuts to 2025 to prevent that from happening.

With around three million barrels of oil a day of spare capacity, Aramco is the Saudi governments key tool for keeping energy prices where it wants them. According to the IMF, Riyadh needs oil prices to stay close to $100 a barrel to balance its budget. The goal is proving elusive, and extending production cuts at Aramco gives market share to its rivals outside of OPEC.

This adds another layer of complexity to Aramco that investors dont need to worry about at international oil companies such as Chevron or Shell. The company is basically an arm of the Saudi state and has an additional mission beyond just maximizing returns," says Jim Krane, a fellow for energy studies at Rice University.

Aramcos higher dividends may not attract as much foreign cash as the kingdom would like.

Write to Carol Ryan at carol.ryan@wsj.com
When hes not making important decisions at Ceat Ltd, Arnab Banerjee is busy training for a half marathon or a trek. Running this distance is where you compete with yourself, and at the end of it, conquering it is extremely fulfilling, says Banerjee, 59, the managing director and chief executive of the tyre manufacturing company.

From my student days, I learned to fix a goal and chase it relentlessly, while being open to the roads that take you there, says Mumbai-based Banerjee, who studied mechanical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. After joining Ceat in 2005, he pursued an Advanced Management Program from the Harvard Business School. Like many leaders, he believes learning should never stop.

In an interview, Banerjee talks about the power of mentorship and why he enjoys running and trekking. Edited excerpts:

Who do you consider your mentor? I have been fortunate to have had several. My first boss, Aurobindo Ghosh, of Berger Paints; Subir Bose, who hired me at Berger; Paras Chowdhury at Ceat; and Srikant Gupte, who taught me many things at Marico. They all have played a significant role in shaping me.

One major insight you worked on with your mentors guidance? Simplify things and act based on simple rules. This ensures faster decision making and fosters transparency.

What does being a mentor mean to you? How do you mentor your colleagues? Being a mentor means helping a person to reflect and be more aware of where one stands, enabling them to create multiple options on how to take the next step in their life or career. Its important to institutionalise mentoring in organisations. Most of my mentoring happens during work discussions.

Your memorable treks? The trek to Everest Base camp. It was profoundly meditative. I felt so small and insignificant amid the creations of nature.

Productivity principles you follow? Never procrastinate, always say what you mean and speak the truth, and never multitask. I like to get seven hours of sound sleep and eat my meals at fixed times.

How do you unwind? Having given up on self-help books a while ago, I read a lot of history, fiction and technology. Also, travelling and numismatics.

Shail Desai is a Mumbai-based freelance writer.

Monday Motivation is a series in which business leaders discuss their mentors and work ethics.
In Egypt, Arthur Eddingtons arrow of time" flies in both directions. Within an hour of arriving in Cairo, we negotiate the mayhem of the citys traffic, and time travel back to Giza where pyramids cast long shadows on the sand, like stretched out hands on a cosmic clock. Cleopatra" announces Mohammed, our guide and driver for the day, dramatically, is closer to the 21st century than she was to the pyramids in her time."

You have to admitit is an effective opener. Its hard to get a sense of the antiquity in Egypt without a reference point. Technically, boththe pyramids, and Cleopatraare considered ancient: but the Giza Pyramids were already ancientat least 2,200 years oldduring Cleopatras reign in 70-30 BCE. And yet, here they are, four-and-a-half millennia after they were built, still standing after snoozing through most of recorded history, rise and fall of empires, natural catastrophes, and now, in the 21st century, the ignominy of millions of selfie sticks.

Mohammed rattles off dates and names of pharaohs by rote but can only speculate when it comes to how these geometric behemoths were builtwell before man invented the wheel (or discovered caffeine for that matter). He might have a point you think, Elon Musk might: all those fantastic theories about helpful aliens pitching in suddenly dont seem that far-fetched. That first experiencelooking up at these architectural absurditiessets the tone for our trip. In Egypt, you stand in awe, in front of all that you do not know. Youll be doing a lot of that here.

Its April, the region is seeing an unseasonably long winter; and that means long walks along the Nile in hip Zamalek, or to the famous shopping streets of Khan el-Khalili in the Old City are entirely possible. From chaotic downtown where we are staying, its an hours drive to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the worlds oldest stone building, rises from the desert sands, its stepped design a precursor to the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza. Many weeks later after returning to India, well watch the Netflix documentary on Saqqara and realise that if theres one pyramid you can enter in Egypt, it should be Djoser.

In retrospect, we should have spent more time acquiring a stronger grasp on the timeline of Egypts ancient history. With so many dynasties, pharaohs, mummies and all kind of relics from across a few thousand years, it can be a bit hard to keep track of it all. And its when you begin to understand that the incredibly lifelike mummies in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities are at least three millennia oldfrom before the dawn of Christianity or for that matter organised religionthat the magnitude of what these civilisations achieved really begins to dawn on you.

A Luxor-ious Time

From Cairo its a short flight to Luxorthe ancient city of Thebesthat sprawls across the banks of the Nile, a living museum of Egypts history. On the east bank lies the sprawling temple complex of Karnak with its towering columns and colossal statues. Exploring the Valley of the Kings on the West bankwhere pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborate tombsis a labyrinthine journey into the afterlife. This is where the boy kingTutankhamens tombwas found. We saw the ornaments, the sarcophagus, and other bric-a-brac found in this tomb at the museum in Cairo. We decide not to go down to the tomb itself: the curse of Tutankhamun is probably just lore, but why test fate?

From Luxor its a day trip south to Aswan. The waters of the Nile, that deluged parts of Egypt every year for millennia have been harnessed and tamed. Peering down from a hot air balloon, Aswan straddles the Nile like a sun-baked crocodile. Once these creatures had the run of the Nile; now theyre contained upstream by the concrete bulk of the Aswan High Damas much a monument to human hubris as to its ingenuity. The Abu Simbel Temple, carved into a rock face was famously moved to a different location before the dam was built in 1970.

View Full Image Hot-air balloons and Colossus of Memnon in Luxor at sunrise ((iStock))

Back in Luxor, we hop aboard a feluccaa sail boatand drift down the Nile. As the sun dips below the horizon, it lights the sky in a kaleidoscope of colours. On the east bank, the lights come on at the Luxor Temple, illuminating larger-than-life statues of pharaohs framed against the sky. But we have seen enough.

Its easy to get history fatigue in Egypt. Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are old romantic cities. Where, if you close your eyes, and let your imagination wander, you can almost hear the sound of hooves and smell the frankincense in the air. But unless youre extremely well versed with or a student of Egypts history, 10 days of wandering through ancient monuments and looking at relics can be exhausting. Its time for something less academic.

Located on Egypts Red Sea coast, Hurghada charms arent obvious. Its when you take a snorkel and peer under the surface of the Red Sea that Hurghadas unique landscape comes into view. A coral city teeming with finned and tentacled denizens. Schools of fish go shimmering past, moray eels, all teeth and attitude glare from crevices. The Red Sea is widely considered one of the clearest in the world when it comes to visibility and the reefs around Hurghada have long shallow shelves that lend to exploration by novices or even non-swimmers. Dolphins love these waters too and theyre easy to spot. Youll find plenty of operators thatll take you for day trips to some of the popular snorkelling spots. The town isnt as flashy as, say Sharm El Shaikh, but the marina has the requisite mix of shops, bars and restaurants doling out overpriced cocktails and shisha to warrant a few trips.

View Full Image A mosque at Old Arabian Marina, Hurghada. ((Joyita Banerjee))

Suitably restored, we head back to Cairo and decide to spend our last day at The Citadela collection of fortifications, mosques and forts built in the 12th centurythat towers over the eastern edge of the city. In the evening, quaffing sundowners from a hotel rooftop in Giza seems like the perfect exit line for our trip. The Sphinxwith its cryptic half-smilegazing out over the desert sands, looks like a sentinel framed against the pyramids of Giza standing in stoic silence.

Egypt is a journey of juxtapositions: the sacred and the profane, the timeless and the tacky, the awe-inspiring and the absurd. A couple of weeks are barely enough to get a brief glimpse of this land. But even a birds-eye view reveals fragments that hint at its profound depths. Travelling to Egypt is to embark on a journey through the ages, where the secrets of time slowly unravel.

Meraj Shah is a writer and television presenter based in Delhi.
Even though only a small percentage of returns are selected for further scrutiny, the government has faced challenges in reducing tax disputes and litigation, says Preeti Sharma, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services, BDO India.

In an interview with MintGenie, Sharma said that the Government should chalk down a clear transition plan to move to the new tax regime with certain modifications that allow deductions on account of select investments.

Edited Excerpts: The new tax regime gives favourable results to certain categories of taxpayers but is still not opted by many. What are the reasons? What changes can be brought to make it more preferred? Individuals opting for the new tax regime cannot claim several exemptions and deductions, such as House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Concession, Savings under 80C such as Employee Provident Fund (EPF)/ Public Provident Fund (PPF)/ Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), medical insurance premiums under 80D, National Pension Scheme (NPS) under 80CCD and many more.

Given that the legacy tax system was developed to encourage investment planning to save taxes, many individual taxpayers are tuned to make those annual investments that are now not eligible for a tax break in the new tax regime.

With the private sector employees in India not being eligible to receive any pension post-retirement, EPF, PPF, NPS, and ELSS are in high demand among individuals. These investments serve a dual purpose, one being the corpus formation for retirement, and the other is the eligibility to claim a deduction from taxes against these payments.

With these deductions being unavailable under the new tax regime, it has attracted less takers. The Government should chalk down a clear transition plan to move to the new tax regime with certain modifications that allow deductions on account of select investments. This will help in building a pensionable society.

Which tax-efficient salary components may form part of an employee compensation structure? There are limited tax planning opportunities available to the salaried class. The new tax regime provides for preferential tax rates, but it also limits the deductions that can be claimed by an Individual taxpayer. However, we have listed down a few salary components that may continue its tax advantage in the new tax regime too:

Employers contribution to National Pension Scheme : A deduction from taxable income can be claimed for the amount contributed by the employer up to 10% of basic salary + dearness allowance for the financial year

: A deduction from taxable income can be claimed for the amount contributed by the employer up to 10% of basic salary + dearness allowance for the financial year Running and maintenance of employer : Depending upon the type of car and its usage, there are certain preferential provisions that the employee can benefit from

: Depending upon the type of car and its usage, there are certain preferential provisions that the employee can benefit from Telephone reimbursement: Expenditure incurred by the employer on behalf of the employee on telephone (including mobile phone) is not taxable in the hands of the employee. What are the challenges faced by Individuals while filing their tax returns and dealing with the Revenue authorities to complete assessment procedures? The Income Tax portal and tax return filing process are fully automated, and the return forms are pre-filled with some of your information that is available with the Revenue Authorities. While completing this process, you may have to take various decisions to ensure that the process is completed in an accurate and error-free manner. Ensuring this may create a challenge for non-tax professionals. A few instances are:

Identification of the right form to be used for filing your return which may depend on your residential status and sources of income

Identification and quantification of income, related expenses, and various tax breaks that you may be eligible to report in your tax return

Choosing the right tax regime applicable to you

Reporting your assets and liabilities in India and abroad Post filing this, a few tax returns are picked up by the revenue authorities for further scrutiny. Even though only a small percentage of returns are selected for further scrutiny, the government has faced challenges in reducing tax disputes and litigation. A significant number of cases are pending in various forums. The introduction of faceless assessments and appeal schemes was to avoid personal bias and reduce corruption in the process. Until this is achieved, many taxpayers will face problems while trying to explain this to the tax officer. A combination of faceless assessments with an option of personally connecting with the revenue authorities will help in solving this challenge.

What are the expected labour law-related changes that may have an impact on the Individuals compensation in hand? With multiple polls suggesting a third term for the current government, multiple policy level changes are expected.

One of them is the implementation of labour codes which are already approved by both houses of Parliament, awaiting announcement on the date of enforcement.

One major change in the labour codes is around the definition of wages. Multiple employee benefits are currently calculated with a reference to multiple definitions of wages. These definitions are updated as a single definition under the labour codes. Minimum wages, provident fund, gratuity, leave encashment, overtime, ESI, etc. may need to be calculated considering the new definition, which may impact the employees in-hand compensation along with bringing incremental costs to the employers.

Name the top four to five things that a foreign national working in India should be mindful of on the regulatory and compliance front. Broad issues that a foreign national coming to work in India should consider are as follows:

Immigration: The expatriate should travel on the correct visa category (business visa/employment visa/ student visa - depending upon the purpose of visit) and should get himself/ herself registered with the Foreign Regional Registration Office within the prescribed timelines.

The expatriate should travel on the correct visa category (business visa/employment visa/ student visa - depending upon the purpose of visit) and should get himself/ herself registered with the Foreign Regional Registration Office within the prescribed timelines. Taxability of the employee: The salary received by an employee for rendering services in India would be liable to tax in India as employment income is irrespective of its place of receipt.

The salary received by an employee for rendering services in India would be liable to tax in India as employment income is irrespective of its place of receipt. Social security: Unless an individual who is a foreign passport holder is covered under a Social Security Agreement signed between India and their home country and has received a certificate of coverage, they are mandatorily required to contribute under the EPF Act on their salary. There is a recent High Court ruling on the validity of this provision, but the matter would receive finality at the Supreme Court level.

Unless an individual who is a foreign passport holder is covered under a Social Security Agreement signed between India and their home country and has received a certificate of coverage, they are mandatorily required to contribute under the EPF Act on their salary. There is a recent High Court ruling on the validity of this provision, but the matter would receive finality at the Supreme Court level. Permanent establishment and transfer pricing: The presence of employees of a foreign entity in India may create a Permanent Establishment (PE) exposure for the foreign entity. The secondment/ deputation transaction between related parties would be subject to transfer pricing regulations and accurately structured to avoid non-compliance. If someone wants to move outside India to take up employment, how will his tax status change in India? Tell us a few myths that such a person should be aware of to avoid any non-compliances. Generally, an Indian citizen who has spent at least 60 days in India during a given financial year and at least 365 days in the past 4 financial years is termed as a Resident & Ordinarily Resident (ROR) of India, making him liable to tax on his Global Income in India.

For an individual, who is moving out of India to take up employment, the above condition of 60 days is relaxed and replaced with 182 days. In such cases, an individual leaving India for employment in a foreign country may qualify as a Non-Resident of India during the said financial year and will be taxed in India on his Income received/ accrued in India.

Generally, due to the lack of knowledge about the tax laws, Individuals travelling for work outside India are unable to correctly determine their Indian Residential Status and taxability and assume that income from foreign employment is not taxable in India. The same is not true in many cases.

The provisions under the Exchange Control Law for residency are different and the banks may want to designate an Individuals bank account as an NRE/ NRO account, which adds to the confusion for those who are not well-versed with the tax and foreign exchange laws. It also changes their eligibility to remit money outside India.
(Bloomberg) -- A new university in Texas is creating a Bitcoin holding in its endowment.

The University of Austin, which is admitting its first class of students this fall, has partnered with cryptocurrency platform Unchained to raise $5 million in Bitcoin for its long-term fund. Known as UATX, the school bills itself as being dedicated to free speech and intellectual risk-taking.

Bitcoin provides a unique opportunity for advancing UATXs commitment to cultivating future generations of leaders and innovators, Thomas Hogan, an incoming associate professor at the university, said in a statement.

The university is planning to bring in 100 students this fall and has said it will provide free tuition for that first cohort. UATXs backers include Larry Summers, a former US treasury secretary and Harvard University president, as well as historian Niall Ferguson and venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale. Journalist Bari Weiss, who is among the founders, revealed plans for the school in 2021.

Summers is a paid contributor to Bloomberg Television while Ferguson is a contributor to Bloomberg Opinion.

UATX President Pano Kanelos said last year that the upstart institution has seen a surge in interest from donors angry at the response of some elite universities to Hamass Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The school had already raised almost $200 million as of late last year.

The University of Austin said it will hold the Bitcoin in its fund for a minimum of five years. Among the reasons the school chose to create the holding is that many of its supporters have asked if it accepts donations in the cryptocurrency, a spokesperson said by email.

Unchained, founded in 2016, has Bitcoin valued at more than $6 billion under management, according to the statement.

The token, which has risen more than 60% this year, was trading around $69,400 as of midday in New York.

--With assistance from Francesca Maglione.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Following heavy rain and strong winds in Karnataka yesterday, Bengaluru Metro services along the entire Purple Line resumed normal operations.

This came after a tree branch fell onto the metro track, causing disruptions. Today normalcy of service on the entire Purple Line has been restored and trains are running as per schedule from Challaghatta to Whitefield, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited said.

Moreover, Trinity Metro Station on the Purple Line faced disruption in services after an uprooted tree fell over the metro track.

Due to a tree branch falling on the metro tracks just after Trinity Station towards MG road. Trains are operating only between Indranagar to Whitefield and MG road to Challaghatta, from 7.26 pm. Efforts are on to clear the branch and resume normal operations FKI, BMRC said on June 2.

The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with light rainfall across Karnataka for the next 48 hours. Additionally, the IMD reported that the monsoon has arrived in certain parts of Karnataka, paving the way for further progression into various regions, including Karnataka, within the next two to three days.

The Southwest Monsoon has advanced into some more parts of central Arabian Sea; remaining parts of Lakshadweep area, Kerala and Tamil Nadu; some parts of Karnataka, Rayalaseema and Andhra Pradesh; remaining parts of Southwest Bay of Bengal; some more parts of Central Bay of Bengal and some parts of Northwest Bay of Bengal, an official release said.

On June 6, 2024, heavy rain and thundershowers with gusty winds are likely in Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Bagalkote, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Hassan and Mandya, according to IMD.
As the results for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 are set to be declared on June 4 (Tuesday), Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday said to just wait and see.

We have to just wait and see. We are very hopeful that our results are completely the opposite of what the exit poll is saying, said Sonia Gandhi while replying to media queries on the exit poll predictions.

Sonia along with Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to former Tamil Nadu chief minister K Karunanidhi at the DMK office inNew Delhion Monday.

Exit polls The majority of the exit polls on Sunday predicted that the BJP-led NDA will win the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

According to India Today-Axis My India exit polls, NDA is expected to win 361-401 Lok Sabha seats, while the INDIA bloc is expected to win 131-166 seats.

The Republic PMarq exit poll predicted 359 of 543 seats for the NDA and 154 seats for the INDIA bloc.

The NewsX Dynamics gave 371 seats to the NDA and 125 seats to the INDIA bloc.

Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed the exit polls as a "Psychological game" and said that there will be a huge difference in exit polls and results on June 4.

The outgoing PM, the person who will have to leave for sure on June 4 has conspired all these things and has managed the exit polls. There will be a huge difference in exit polls and results of June 4. INDIA Alliance had a meeting yesterday, we had detailed discussions on numbers, it's impossible that INDIA Alliance will get anything below 295, he said.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramiah had said that the exit polls are a "media creation" and expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc will cross the 295-mark in the election.
India reported nearly 25,000 suspected heatstroke cases and 56 deaths due to heath-related causes from March to May, Reuters reported, citing local media and government data.

May was particularly harsh, with temperatures in Delhi and Rajasthan soaring to 50 degrees Celsius.

Notably, there is some relief in sight as the weather office has predicted less severe heatwave conditions until Wednesday. The early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala last week is expected to bring further relief.

Meanwhile, parts of eastern India grappled with Cyclone Remal, and heavy rains in Assam have claimed 14 lives since Tuesday.

Heatstroke Deaths During Elections On Friday, at least 33 people, including election officials, died of suspected heatstroke in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha during India's general election.

The central state of Madhya Pradesh alone recorded over 5,000 heatstroke cases.

Data from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed that May was the worst month, with 46 heat-related deaths and 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases, as reported by The Print.

However, The Hindu reported that the total death toll in India due to heatstroke could be as high as 80 from across the country.

Also Read | Bill Gates to Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg  A look at the hobbies tech billionaires enjoy

Odisha Alone Sees 20 Sunstroke Deaths Twenty people have died from sunstroke in Odisha over the past three days as the state experiences a severe heatwave, according to an official statement.

Since Friday, authorities have reported 99 suspected sunstroke-related deaths across various districts. Post-mortem examinations and inquiries confirmed 20 of these as sunstroke deaths, while two were due to other causes, PTI reported. The remaining cases are still under investigation.

Earlier, there were 42 reported cases of suspected sunstroke deaths. Out of these, six were confirmed as sunstroke deaths, and another six were found to have died from other causes.

The majority of deaths were reported from the districts of Bolangir, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Sonepur, Sundergarh, and Balasore.

Odisha Authorities' Response Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu reviewed the situation with district collectors on Sunday, PTI reported. They instructed district administrations to follow the heatwave advisory and take precautionary measures.

Districts were directed to ensure a post-mortem examination for every suspected sunstroke death to facilitate the sanction of ex-gratia. Officials also mandated a joint inquiry by the local revenue officer and the local medical officer to determine the exact cause of each death.

Climate Change Impact In Sri Lanka, at least 15 people died from flooding and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported on Sunday.

A combination of factors have resulted in an intensely hot summer in South Asia, a trend exacerbated by human-driven climate change.
An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, Kashmir Zone Police said in a social media post on June 3.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Nihama area of Pulwama, the south Kashmir district, a police official told PTI. They added that the action was launched after receiving specific input about the presence of militants in the area.

Also Read | Convict in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts attacked and killed in Kolhapur jail

The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired on a search party of the forces, who then fired back. The exchange of fire is going on and there are no reports of casualties on either side so far, the official told PTI.

Arms Cache Recovered On May 17, a large cache of arms, ammunition and war-like stores was recovered in a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police in Kupwara.

Chinar Corps said that the recovery was made in 'Operation Kot Nala'.

"Based on specific input, a Joint Search Operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the dense forest area of Awra, Kupwara, today. During the search, a terrorist hideout was busted, and a large cache of arms, ammunition, equipment and other war-like stores have been recovered," Chinar Corps posted on X.

Further, three Indian Army lieutenant colonels and 13 others have been named in a case of attempt to murder and dacoity in the violent attack on the Kupwara police station on May 30.

On May 6, the Indian Army eliminated three terrorists in "Operation Redwani Payeen" in Kulgam.

The Army said that the operation which started on the intervening night of May 6-7, ended after a relentless vigil of approximately 40 hours.

In a post on X, Chinar Corps said, "A joint operation that commenced on the intervening night of May 6-7 in the general area of Redwani Payeen, Kulgam, has been concluded after a relentless vigil of approximately 40 hours. 4 terrorists have been eliminated along with the recovery of war-like stores, inflicting yet another hit on the terror ecosystem."
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a post on social media site X (formerly known as Twitter), said that the authorities are working on clearing flood water and clear areas.

Continuing our efforts to remove floodwater and clean waterlogged areas, Manipur Fire Service teams have begun work to declog obstructions and restore the flow of the Naga River at North AOC Imphal, Singh posted on June 2.

PM Modi Reviews Cyclone Remal's Devastation Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the impact of Cyclone Remal on Sunday, ANI reported. The cyclone, which caused flash floods, heavy rains, and landslides across the northeastern states, has claimed three dozen lives and affected more than 200,000 people.

Continuous rainfall and landslides have isolated parts of the northeast, submerging railway tracks. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has cancelled express, passenger, and goods trains bound for south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram since Tuesday.

A press release from the Prime Minister's Office stated that Modi was briefed on the cyclone's impact during the meeting. "The loss of human lives and damage to houses and properties due to landslides and floods in Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura was also discussed. NDRF teams have been deployed as per the needs. The teams have carried out evacuation, airlifting and road clearance operations," the press release added.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said it is in regular contact with the State Governments. PM Modi assured that the Government of India will continue to support the affected states. He instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance for restoration.

Also Read | Convict in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts attacked and killed in Kolhapur jail

Government sources indicate that PM Modi will hold additional meetings on various topics, including a brainstorming session to review the new government's first 100-day agenda, ANI reported. He will also review preparations for World Environment Day on June 5.
A convict involved in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts was fatally attacked by five inmates in Kalamba Central Jail, Kolhapur, on Sunday, police said, according to a PTI report.

The deceased, 59-year-old Munna alias Mohammad Ali Khan alias Manoj Kumar Bhawarlal Gupta, was involved in an argument with other inmates regarding the use of the bathroom. This dispute escalated and led to the violent attack.

Details of the Attack During the argument, several under-trial inmates removed an iron cover from the drainage and struck Khan on the head. He collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival, the report said.

The assailants have been identified as Prateek alias Pilya Suresh Patil, Deepak Netaji Khot, Sandeep Shankar Chavan, Rituraj Vinayak Inamdar, and Saurabh Vikas.

Kolhapur Police have registered a murder case against the five men involved. The police official stated that they would be arrested soon, it added.

1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts The 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts on March 12 resulted in 257 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Khan was serving a life sentence for his involvement in these attacks.

Chronology of events in the case in which the main trial ended in 2007:

12 March 1993: 12 explosions rock Mumbai resulting in 257 fatalities and injuries to 713 others.

 19 April 1993: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt (accused number 117) arrested.

 4 November 1993: Over 10,000 page-long primary charge sheet filed against 189 accused, including Dutt.

 19 November 1993: Case handed over to CBI.

 10 April 1995: 26 accused discharged by TADA court. Charges framed against the remaining accused. Supreme Court discharges two more accused  travel agent Abu Asim Azmi (Samajwadi Party leader) and Amjed Meher Baux.

 19 April 1995: First leg of trial commences.

Also Read | 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case: A timeline of events

 18 September 2002: Abu Salem detained in Lisbon, Portugal.

 20 March 2003: Accused Mustafa Dossa arrested by CBI at IGI Airport, New Delhi on his arrival from Dubai.

 September 2003: Main trial ends. TADA court in Mumbai reserves judgement.

 9 January 2004: Charges framed against Dossa.

 11 November 2005: Salem extradited to India.

 9 December 2005: Charges framed against Salem.

 13 June 2006: Abu Salems trial separated.

 12 September 2006: TADA court judge P D Kode starts delivering the judgement, pronounces four members of the Memon family guilty, and acquits three. Later, 12 convicts were awarded death penalty while 20 were given life sentence. Other convicts were handed over different sentences.

 February 2007: Main trial concludes. Second leg involving seven accused begins.

 16 March 2013 : Sanjay Dutt surrenders before court after SC upholds conviction.

 21 March 2013: Supreme Court upholds death sentence of convict Yakub Memon, brother of Tiger Memon, and commutes death sentence of 10 convicts to life term. Life imprisonment of 16 out of 18 convicts also upheld.

 13 August 2013: TADA court drops certain charges against Salem which violated the extradition treaty with Portugal.

 30 July 2015: Key conspirator and lone death row convict in the case, Yakub Memon hanged.

 7 December 2015: Final arguments of the second phase of the trial start.

 8 June 2016: Court rejects plea of accused Firoz Abdul Rashid in which he said he wants to become an approver.

 March 2017: Trial concludes.

 16 June 2017: TADA court judge G.A. Sanap convicts six accused, including Dossa and Salem, and acquits one.

 28 June 2017: Dossa dies of cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital.

 7 September 2017: Court awards death sentence to Tahir Merchant and Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, life imprisonment to Abu Salem and Karimullah Khan and 10 years imprisonment to Riyaz Siddiqui.
Western Railways on Monday said that suburban train services from platforms 1 and 2 at Mumbai's Borivali Station are currently suspended due to technical issues, including cable cuts at points 111/112, and 131/132.

Western Railways updated that Bandra Point No 107/108 at Borivali station has been put right at 10.40 hrs. Trains are operational over Mumbai Suburban with some delay; this will be normalized soon.

Earlier in the day, Western Railway said in a post on X, Due to some technical issues of cable being cut, point no 107/108, point no 111/112 & point no 131/132 are not operational currently therefore Suburban trains not being operated from platform nos 1 & 2 of Borivali Station. Trains are being operated from platform nos 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 at Borivali station. Point Nos 107, 108 & 111 are being clamped and restoration work is ongoing at priority to restore normalcy.

Trains operate from platforms 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Restoration efforts are prioritised to rectify the issues and resume normal operations.

Trains operate from platforms 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Restoration efforts are prioritised to rectify the issues and resume normal operations.

Western Railway further added that all Slow suburban trains are running late by 15-20 minutes.

Borivali, a bustling railway station in north Mumbai, is a vital transit hub for countless commuters and office-goers relying on local train services daily.

PTI reported, citing a spokesperson from the Western Railway, that suburban trains were temporarily halted from operating on platform numbers 1 and 2 at Borivali station due to a cable being cut, which affected certain track changing points.

However, train services continued seamlessly from the remaining platforms (3 to 8) at the station, ensuring minimal disruption for passengers, as confirmed by the official.

Notably, the Western Railway operates over 1,300 suburban services daily, catering to approximately 30 lakh commuters travelling across its extensive network, spanning from Churchgate in south Mumbai to Dahanu in the neighbouring Palghar district.
(Bloomberg) -- Some Indigenous leaders in Canada are asking investors not to buy bonds issued by a natural gas pipeline company thats marketing the countrys largest-ever corporate debt deal.

Hereditary Chiefs of the Wetsuweten First Nation said investors should shun the multibillion-dollar financing, citing violations of Indigenous and legal rights, environmental and regulatory concerns and financial risks. The project, Coastal GasLink, is owned by pipeline operator TC Energy Corp., KKR & Co. and Albertas public pension manager.

We are asking you to publicly announce a commitment to deny new debt ahead of TC Energys bond issuance this June, and fully divest from CGL, said a letter signed by Hereditary Chief NaMoks of the Wetsuweten First Nation and others.

The pipeline project involved a yearslong campaign of violence, harassment, discrimination, and dispossession against Indigenous Wetsuweten land defenders, the letter asserts, citing an Amnesty International report.

Read More: Coastal GasLink Starts Selling Biggest Ever Canadian Bond

The Coastal GasLink project in British Columbia has long been controversial, and in early 2020 it boiled over as protesters blocked roads, rail lines and ports in numerous places in Canada. However, the pipeline has the support of some elected indigenous leaders on Wetsuweten territory, who see economic benefits for their people. The conduit will ship Western Canadian gas to a nearly-completed liquefied natural gas complex on the BC coast.

Coastal GasLink is seeking to borrow as least C$5 billion ($3.7 billion) to refinance debt. The deal, marketed by Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of America Corp., is expected to be sold on June 4. The pipelines owners and banks didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

Read More: First Nations Conflict With Industry Boils Over Again in Canada

--With assistance from Christine Dobby.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak is considering hardening his Conservative Partys position on the European Convention on Human Rights, as disastrous polling and Brexit architect Nigel Farages decision to stand for Reform UK in the general election leave the premiers ruling party facing a potential wipe out.

Senior Tory party officials have sounded out ministers on the more moderate wing of the party over whether they could support a tougher stance on Britains membership of the human rights pact, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named discussing policy thats not finalized.

The ECHR is blamed by right-wingers in the Conservative Party for preventing a harsher crackdown on asylum-seekers arriving in the UK. In that respect, the pact has emerged as the latest bugbear of Brexiteers disappointed that leaving the European Union has not resulted in a drop in net migration.

But there is disagreement among cabinet ministers over how hard to go. Some Conservative advisers are calling for Sunak to commit to working with European partners to reform the convention, or failing that, leave it. Other Tories have previously called for a referendum on Britains membership of the ECHR.

Many on the moderate side of the party  including several Cabinet ministers  oppose leaving the body.

The Conservatives are searching for game-changing policies after they failed to shrink the wide poll lead enjoyed by Keir Starmers opposition Labour Partys in the first 12 days of the campaign. YouGov modeling on Monday showed Labour heading for a 194-seat majority in the House of Commons, with the Tories losing more than 200 seats.

Many Conservatives are worried about the threat posed on the right by Reform, and Farages announcement on Monday that hell take over that partys leadership as well as standing for election in the seat of Clacton on the east coast of England will bring those concerns into sharper focus. The Farage angle makes Sunaks decision on the ECHR more salient.

The Tories had already been live to the threat posed by Reform, rolling out policy pledges seemingly designed to appeal to right-wing voters who might be tempted by the insurgent party. They include promising to bring back national service for teenagers, a tax guarantee for pensioners and a plan to rewrite the Equality Act to change the definition of sex to biological sex.

Right-wingers have blamed the ECHR for the UK governments failure to stop small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel, and some have tried to paint it as a bogeyman for various problems in British politics, in an echo of tactics used by the Brexit campaign to leave the European Union. Outgoing Reform leader Ricard Tice on Monday said this years vote is and must be the immigration election.

Sunak himself has suggested hed be willing to leave the ECHR, claiming that enacting his flagship migration policy to deport migrants to Rwanda was more important than being a party to the convention. Thats despite the deportation flights to Rwanda being blocked by the British courts.

The Tories are also involved in a row with civil servants over plans to announce more migrant returns agreements with other countries during the election campaign, the people familiar with the matter said. The civil service in Britain is bound by impartiality and rules that prevent it from becoming involved in political matters, especially during election campaigns.

A move to the right on the ECHR would fit with the Tory campaign strategy of going after their core vote of older people, 2019 Conservative voters, and those considering backing the right-wing Reform Party. A Tory aide said Farages return was a disaster for the party, fearing it made it harder for Sunak to win votes back from Reform.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Prince William is going through a unique situation. Both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate Middleton, have been battling cancer. As per a Royal insider, it is not an easy place to be. The future king has paused many of his other commitments to focus on caring for his wife and young family.

King Charles is back at work full of energy. However, he will still need to make some adjustments to his health. This brings Prince William to the centre stage to take on more responsibilities.

Also Read: Prince William, King Charles came ready for a fight during a secret meeting with Prince Harry Hes asking: How can I use my platform for good, to create positive change? He has big ambitions for what he can deliver, the BBC quoted a Royal source as saying.

He's rolled up his sleeves and played a fundamental role in ensuring the work begins as soon as possible, added a Royal source.

Also Read: Kate Middleton spotted hanging out with Prince William and other family members amid cancer treatment The relationship between Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, allegedly remains strained. There is wild gossip on social media about Kate Middletons health as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment. These issues don't help William's already-difficult situation.

"There can't be too many people whose wife and father have been diagnosed with cancer so close together. It must feel as if he is in a lonely place at times," the BBC quoted Richard Palmer as saying.

Also Read: Kate Middleton news: Princess of Wales planning a surprise public appearance amid cancer treatment "It must feel like the weight of the world is on him. The future of the monarchy rests on his shoulders," Royal author Professor Pauline Maclaran said.
SINGAPOREAs the U.S. militarys new cyber chief and the head of the nations main electronic spy agency, it is Gen. Timothy Haughs job to be concerned about Chinas clandestine efforts to steal sensitive American data and weapons know-how.

But he is also contending with an unusual Chinese threat, one that is designed not to extract military secrets or data of any kind but to lurk in the infrastructure that undergirds civilian life, as if lying in wait for the right moment to unleash chaos.

We see it as very unique and differentand also concerning," Haugh said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of a security conference in Singapore. And the concern is both in what is being targeted and then how it is being targeted."

The U.S. believes the Chinese hacking networkknown as Volt Typhoon among cybersecurity experts and U.S. officialsaims to preposition" in critical infrastructure networks for future attacks. We can see no other use," said Haugh, who took charge of the National Security Agency and the militarys Cyber Command in February.

We see attempts to be latent in a network that is critical infrastructure, that has no intelligence value, which is why it is so concerning," he said.

Unlike other state-backed hackers who typically use tools to target a network and then take data, these Chinese intrusions involve neither. One of the reasons we believe it is prepositioning isthere are not tools being put down and theres not data being extracted," Haugh said.

U.S. officials worry that in a conflict over Taiwan, for instance, China could use its latent access to launch damaging cyberattacks against key pieces of infrastructure in America or allied countriesranging from water supplies and power grids to transportation servicesdisrupting lives and potentially injuring civilian populations.

Especially concerning was the targeting of water systems, said Haugh. That was one of the networks Volt Typhoon infiltrated on Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific that is critical to military operations, especially in the event of a fight with China.

It is very difficult to come up with a scenario where targeting a water supply for a civilian population, even if part of that population is also military, is an appropriate target," he said. And so I think thats an area that just brings pause."

From a military perspective, it is inconsistent with how we would approach a proportional military necessity target," he said.

Asked if Volt Typhoon had penetrated U.S. military networks, Haugh said: We know that those tactics have been tried and so those are areas that of course everyday were very vigilant."

Microsoft revealed last year that the state-sponsored Chinese campaign went after a range of networks on Guam and elsewhere in the U.S., including communication, transportation, maritime and other sectors. The company said the hackers were likely developing capabilities that could disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the U.S. and Asia during future crises.

In January, the U.S. government said it had disrupted the Chinese hacking operation, but officials have continued to warn that Beijings efforts are at a scale greater than they have seen before.

In response to a question about whether Chinas inroads may be more widespread than known so far, Haugh said: I would suspect that there will be additional areas that well continue to discover but what we want to do is make the tradecraft widely known."

Volt Typhoon uses tactics that make it harder to detect.

If they were taking data out, that would allow cyber defenders to see where the data went, how much, and what was being targeted, Haugh said, adding: In this case, we dont see that."

To gain access, he said, Chinese hackers subvert the identity of a user on the network, allowing them to then operate as a user and use tools inherent in the system they are targetinga tactic known as living off the land. To combat them, U.S. cyber defenders were monitoring user activity in addition to using traditional approaches, he said.

U.S. officials went public with the details of the campaign to allow other countries and critical-infrastructure operators in America to understand what the threat looks like and how to fight it, Haugh said. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to user credentials so what we really want is to be able to continue to up the defenses" to make it harder for them, he said.

More broadly, Chinese cyberattacks against the U.S. are growing consistently in number and sophistication, he said.

It was hard to quantify because, of course, we dont see everything all the time," Haugh said. But he pointed to the operations of one private Chinese firm I-Soon, which were revealed in leaked documents earlier this year, as a window into the scope and scale of the countrys state-backed activities.

I-Soon claimed to have hacked into dozens of government targets, including ministries in Malaysia, Thailand and Mongolia, and also claimed to have penetrated universities in Hong Kong, Taiwan and France. The documents showed some of its biggest customers were local and provincial-level bureaus of Chinas Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Public Security and the Peoples Liberation Army.

Beijing routinely denies accusations of cyberattacks and espionage linked to or backed by the Chinese state and has accused the U.S. of mounting its own cyberattacks. The U.S. has been gathering evidence against Beijing for years, charging Chinese hackers with stealing secrets.

Haugh said he is working especially closely with U.S. defense contractors to stop China from stealing sensitive information relating to American weapons.

We know that theres certainly been a consistent pursuit of that technology," he said. What we would think about is, Where do we have an advantage? And likely it will be targeted."

The bodies Haugh oversees have relationships with over 1,000 defense-related companies. If they see a threat they can share it with us, and we do the same with themevery day across a thousand companies," he said.

Haugh also stays in close touch with the U.S. militarys Indo-Pacific Command, which deals most directly with issues around China, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

His job, he said, was to give them secure networks to communicate internally and with partners, and, in a crisis, to enable them to operate unaffected by any hacker that would target them. Since last year, Cyber Commands mission also expressly includes working with other countries to help improve their defenses.

Weve found really strong partners that want to just be able to ensure theyve got well-defended networks, that theyre also being able to have defended critical infrastructure and that their economy can operate unimpeded," he said.

Write to Niharika Mandhana at niharika.mandhana@wsj.com and Gordon Fairclough at Gordon.Fairclough@wsj.com
Donald Trump, the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, will remain a free man while he awaits sentencing and could avoid a prison term entirely for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star. Here is a look at whats next for the Republican candidate for president against Democratic President Joe Biden in a Nov. 5 election.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? The judge presiding over the case, Juan Merchan, must first approve the verdict and enter a final judgment, though this is typically a formality.

Trump is likely to renew his motion for the judge to overturn the jury's guilty verdict, which the judge denied in court on Thursday. Merchan gave Trump until June 13 to submit any motions in response to the verdict, and prosecutors have until June 27 to respond.

Merchan set sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican Party is scheduled to formally nominate Trump for president ahead of the election.

The crime of falsifying business documents carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, though those convicted often receive shorter sentences, fines or probation. Incarceration would not legally prevent Trump from campaigning, nor taking office if he were to win.

Lawyers and prosecutors will recommend sentences and then argue over them at Trumps sentencing hearing, where Merchan will make a decision.

WILL TRUMP GO TO PRISON? That is unlikely.

The maximum sentence for Trumps crime of falsifying business records is 1-1/3 to four years in prison. It is rare for people with no criminal history who are convicted only of falsification of business records to be sentenced to prison in New York. Punishments such as fines or probation are more common. Defendants convicted of falsifying business records who are sentenced to time behind bars typically serve a year or less, and even in those cases most were convicted of other crimes such as fraud or grand larceny - unlike Trump.

If punished beyond a fine, Trump could be placed under home confinement or subject to a curfew rather than imprisoned.

As a former president, he has a lifetime Secret Service detail, and the logistics of keeping him safe behind bars could be complicated.

The enforcement of any sentence could be delayed while Trump appeals his conviction.

CAN TRUMP APPEAL THE CONVICTION? Yes. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche said on CNN on Thursday that Trump would appeal after his sentencing. Appearing before reporters at Trump Tower on Friday, Trump said:

Trump is likely to make arguments that Merchan rejected ahead of trial, including that the indictment is legally flawed and politically motivated. He is also likely to argue Merchan deprived him of a fair trial by making legal errors, including allowing salacious testimony from a porn star who said she had sex with Trump - testimony his lawyers said was gratuitous and aimed at inflaming the jury against him.

The defense is likely to argue that the charges themselves were legally improper. Falsifying business records on its own is a misdemeanor in New York, but is elevated to a felony when done to help commit or conceal another crime. In this case, Bragg's office said that other crime was a conspiracy to violate a state election law.

Trump's lawyers have argued that state law does not apply to federal elections.
Madhya Pradesh: Thirteen people were killed, and 15 were injured as a tractor overturned near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border late at night on Sunday.

As reported by ANI, the victims, who were en route to attend a wedding in Rajasthan, were aboard the tractor. Two of the injured are currently in critical condition.

Some people from Rajasthan were coming to the state to attend a wedding, in a tractor. Near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border, the tractor was overturned in which 13 people died and 15 were injured. Two people were in serious condition and have been admitted to the hospital and we have referred them to Bhopal. The injured are being given proper treatment as per the instructions of the government, Rajgarh Collector Harsh Dikshit told ANI.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to the families who died in the Rajgarh accident.

The news of the death of many people in a road accident in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, the President said in a post on X.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Singh said that his Cabinet colleague Narayan Singh Panwar reached the spot along with the Rajgarh Collector and the Superintendent of Police.

Singh further said that the state government is also in touch with the Rajasthan government and the Rajasthan Police has reached the spot as well.

"The news of the untimely death of 13 people from the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan due to the overturning of a tractor-trolley on Piplodi Road in Rajgarh district is extremely sad. Cabinet colleague Narayan Singh Panwar along with the Collector and SP Rajgarh are present on the spot. We are in touch with the Rajasthan government and Rajasthan police have also reached the spot," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

The treatment of the injured is going on in the District Hospital, Rajgarh and some seriously injured patients have been referred to Bhopal...My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, he added.
An aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel had accepted a framework deal for winding down the Gaza war now being advanced by U.S. President Joe Biden, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

In an interview with Britain's Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, chief foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu, said Biden's proposal was "a deal we agreed to  it's not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them".

"There are a lot of details to be worked out," he said, adding that Israeli conditions, including "the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organisation" have not changed.

Later on Sunday, the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls about the proposal with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, a centrist minister who joined Netanyahu in an emergency coalition.

In the call with Gantz, Blinken "emphasized that Hamas should take the deal without delay," the department said in a statement.

In a separate statement, the State Department said that in the call with Gallant, Blinken "commended Israels readiness to conclude a deal" and "underscored that the proposal would advance Israels long-term security interests, including by enabling the possibility of further integration in the region." Biden, whose initial lockstep support for Israel's offensive has given way to open censure of the operation's high civilian death toll, on Friday aired what he described as a three-phase plan submitted by the Netanyahu government to end the war.

The first phase entails a truce and the return of some hostages held by Hamas, after which the sides would negotiate on an open-ended cessation of hostilities for a second phase in which remaining live captives would go free, Biden said. Also Read | 'All eyes on Rafah': Israel pounds southern Gaza city amid global outrage and ICJ ruling  All you need to know

That sequencing appears to imply that Hamas would continue to play a role in incremental arrangements mediated by Egypt and Qatar - a potential clash with Israel's determination to resume the campaign to eliminate the Iranian-backed Islamist group.

Biden has hailed several ceasefire proposals over the past several months, each with similar frameworks to the one he outlined on Friday, all of which collapsed. In February he said Israel had agreed to halt fighting by Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began on March 10. No such truce materialised.

The primary sticking point has been Israel's insistence that it would discuss only temporary pauses to fighting until Hamas is destroyed. Hamas, which shows no sign of stepping aside, says it will free hostages only under a path to a permanent end to the war. Also Read | Israel is losing in the battle of perceptions

In his speech, Biden said his latest proposal "creates a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power". He did not elaborate on how this would be achieved and acknowledged that "there are a number of details to negotiate to move from phase one to phase two".

Falk reiterated Netanyahu's position that "there will not be a permanent ceasefire until all our objectives are met".

Netanyahu is under pressure to keep his coalition government intact. Two far-right partners have threatened to bolt in protest at any deal they deem to spare Hamas.

Hamas has provisionally welcomed the Biden initiative, though a senior official from the group, Sami Abu Zuhri, said on Sunday that "Hamas is too big to be bypassed or sidelined by Netanyahu or Biden."

A day earlier another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Jazeera: "Biden's speech included positive ideas, but we want this to materialise within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands."

Hamas wants a guaranteed end to the Gaza offensive, withdrawal of all invading forces, free movement for Palestinians and reconstruction aid.

Israeli officials have rejected that as an effective return to the situation in place before Oct. 7, when Hamas, committed to Israel's destruction, ruled Gaza. Its fighters precipitated the war by storming across the border fence into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The last few years have seen tremendous progress in science and exploration. Developments in space science have been widely celebrated. Renewed interest in the moon began in 2019 with Chinas Change 4s landing on the dark side of the moon, a little less than 50 years after the hit song of the same name by Pink Floyd.

In 2023, India followed this up with its pioneering soft landing near the south pole of the moon of Chandrayaan-3 (bit.ly/4aFwffb). On Sunday, Change 6 landed on the far side of the moon and Chinas longer-range plan is to have a crewed lunar mission by 2030, followed by a permanent lunar base. Nasas crewed Artemis III mission is scheduled to land on the moon in 2026.

Isro has not prioritized humans in space, but still has plans to send humans into low-earth orbit this decade and land on the moon by the end of the next one. In partnership with private sector firms like Space X, Nasa is also working on rocket reusability; making a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry crew and cargo to and from Earths orbit, the moon, Mars and further.

New depths have also been gained in deep-sea exploration (bit.ly/4bCJFtD). Even though last years implosion of the Titan submersible received much attention, both crewed and unmanned submersibles have made significant progress has been made in plumbing such depths.

Crewed missions from the US and China have recorded depths greater than 10,000 metres on several dives. An international project is now on to map 100% of the ocean floor, about 20% of which has been completed so far.

An unexpected field of scientific development culminated in the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 2023. Operation Warp Speed catalysed the use of messenger RNA for vaccines to target the Sars-Cov-2 virus. Research is ongoing on new vaccines that utilize the mRNA method of delivery.

Old style vaccines use a weakened or dead version of the actual virus combined with an adjuvant to stimulate an immune response against a disease, while mRNA vaccines use a genetic code to message the bodys cells to produce proteins that re-train the immune system. This plug-and-play method reduces development time and costs, and could see wide applicability.

Ever since then US President Barack Obama launched the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, there has been much progress on studying the human brain. While there is much hype around artificial intelligence and its implications, the study of the human brain is even more exciting.

Although some of the underlying ideas were expressed by Nikola Tesla a century ago, a futuristic concept called the Global Brain Initiative regained some traction when Elon Musk set up a company called Neuralink to create a brain-computer interface (BCI) with significantly greater bandwidth than traditional human interface devices. In Musks telling, AI will rapidly outpace human abilities in most domains and an advanced BCI would enable human cognition to remain relevant.

The first Neuralink brain implant was delivered and installed a few months ago in the brain of 31-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who is quadriplegic. A robot was used to surgically place a BCI implant that could engage the brains motor cortex. The implant was attached to the brain using probes.

The probes are composed of polyimides, a biocompatible material along with a thin gold or platinum conductor. Each probe contains up to 96 wires, each of which contains 32 independent electrodes, making up a system of 3,072 electrodes per formation.

Initially, it served its purpose of enabling Noland to control a computer cursor and keyboard using his thoughts alone. When he thought left, the cursor moved accordingly and completed the start function as directed. More recently, the performance of the chip has begun to fade, though Noland admits that it has already changed my life."

Surprisingly, the limiting factor is not the linkage between biological neuro signals and electronic ones understandable to a computer. In other words, the simple conversion of thoughts to electronic signals is not as big a challenge as one may think.

The real challenge is that thoughts have a much greater information density than pure electronic signals and the ability to deep compress the thought data into a format that can wirelessly be transmitted from a chip to a computer awaits a solution.

Beyond Neuralink, brain research has made progress from cells to circuits, in terms of promising directions for cures for certain neurological diseases and in the emerging field of neuro ethics.

Closer home, the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, endowed by Sudha and Kris Gopalakrishnan, is working to minimize the burden of neuro-generative disease through prevention, early diagnosis and scientifically proven interventions.

The Department of Biotechnologys own National Brain Research Centre was established 30 years ago, and it has managed to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments, particularly in the fields of neuro-diseases and neuro-chemistry. With 100 million people over 65 years of age in India, discoveries related to the Indian gene pool that could mitigate neuro-generative disease would be a welcome no-brainer.

P.S: Our own brain, our own heart, is the temple," said the Dalai Lama.
Platform businesses have become a part of our everyday lives, whether its hailing a ride or ordering food and groceries. These have made our lives convenient and employed millions of people. Niti Aayog estimates suggest that the size of Indias gig workforce will reach 23.5 million by 2029-30 from about 7.7 million in 2020-21. Given the new business models employed and job opportunities created, regulating this sector poses challenges.

As the rise of such businesses has traffic implications, the Motor Vehicles Act lays down guidelines for states to regulate them. Last November, Delhi came up with its Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023. It mandates licensing and regulatory requirements for aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities.

The underlying objective seems to be to address vehicular pollution by coercing most commercial vehicles to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Prima facie, it appears that the policy will create a significant electric fleet on the ground. However, a nuanced analysis uncovers flaws that will create hurdles in achieving the desired goal.

The policy acts as a demand-side intervention, which can only be met when supply allows it. For platform businesses to transition to all-electric fleets, there should be proportionate EVs manufactured and sold. Along with this, charging infrastructure must be sufficiently dense and battery swapping points plentiful.

The Union ministry of road transports Vahan database shows that since 2022, only around 9% of two-wheelers have been EVs, while the proportion for four-wheeler and light motor vehicle EVs ranged from 1.5% to 3%. This implies low EV penetration.

Businesses operating in Delhi, however, are required to fortnightly update their fleet and meet EV targets. For instance, if a platform onboards 6,000 gig workers on two-wheelers in a fortnight, it must ensure that 10% of these are high-speed EVs. Otherwise, onboarding a 6,001st gig worker will expose the platform to stringent penalties. This is a stiff regulatory requirement for a platform that needs to expand without restraints.

There are about 2,500 charging points in Delhi, whereas the Delhi government estimates a need for 18,000 charging points by 2024. Similarly, there are around 230 battery swapping stations, which is insufficient to cater to the anticipated demand for EVs created by Delhis policy.

Making the implementation of the policy even more of an uphill task, low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) are not counted. LSEVs fall under the category of non-motorized electric bicycles, and, as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules Act, do not require registration or even driving licences to run. These have become increasingly popular, especially for gig workers engaged in hyper-local deliveries. One cannot expect workers to buy electric scooters just to make deliveries.

These cost upwards of 80,000, making them an unaffordable proposition. LSEVs, on the other hand, offer an affordable and sustainable solution. Insistence on high-speed EVs makes policy compliance a burden for platform businesses and also reduces the scope of ground-level autonomy, thus making it harder for the market to attain its own efficiency.

Compliance is also a burden for other reasons. Only EVs registered in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi are counted. But all vehicles at the platforms service, irrespective of what fuel they use, that ply in the NCT of Delhi are required to be uploaded on the governments portal and paid for.

Since transit across state borders is frequent in the national capital region, this approach is impractical. If platform businesses somehow manage to apply virtual fences along state borders and prevent booking of rides from say, Gurugram to Delhi, it not only means a loss of business but also inconvenience for citizens.

Since that cant be done, the denominator in the EV calculation includes all vehicles being used and is therefore large, while the numerator only has Delhi-registered EVs. This makes the EV target steep.

A prime reason for the rise of gig work is its low entry barrier. This barrier has risen as an unintended consequence of this policy. Most gig workers own the vehicles they use and are now being forced to buy expensive high-speed EVs, although deliveries can be made with LSEVs.

Gig platforms are required to disclose all vehicle details and the driver licences of their gig workers on the Delhi governments portal by 14 June 2024. But such steep targets and short deadlines can do greater harm than good. Often, we hear of well intended policies failing at implementation stage. This seems like yet another example.

It is crucial to examine practical challenges while designing any policy. In the past, we saw a coercive approach taken to making commercial vehicles run on CNG. Now it is EVs. Complying with these policies will hurt businesses, but it is our gig workforce that will bear the brunt of it, as it is their livelihood opportunities that are worst affected by Delhis EV quota. If going green is the intent, it should be achieved by means that do not thrust any particular technology or configuration upon businesses.
Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy activists sparked a seminal crisis in Beijings relationship with the West. On the massacres 35th anniversary, Chinas leaders face familiar international blowback over their conduct.

Instead of gunfire, todays sources of discomfort about China are a mix of its aggressive industrial policy and militarization toward neighbors, plus a national-security agenda from Chinese leader Xi Jinping that has curtailed personal freedoms at home and shaped affairs abroad.

A poor and relatively backward nation in 1989, China is now an economic powerhouse backed by a formidable military and diplomatic corps vying to reset the global order and impose its will internationally.

Beijings image is undergoing a systematic, progressive, long-term falloff, not a one-time shock" like the one triggered in 1989, said David Shambaugh, a distinguished visiting fellow at Californias Hoover Institution who has studied China for four decades and who sees parallels and differences with the post-Tiananmen situation.

While Beijing is now in a far stronger position to resist the pressures, todays international disquiet about China is wider spread than it was after Tiananmen and not confined to the West, Shambaugh said.

Foreign investment into China is declining, many governments are rethinking trade ties, and Beijings human-rights record has moved back toward the center of international attention, a confluence of negative forces China hasnt experienced since the aftermath of 1989.

The headwinds are apparent in a long-running Gallup poll of American attitudes about Chinaa 20% favorability rating today, far below 34% shortly after the June 4, 1989, massacre and evidence that many sense a new Cold War. Strikingly, Gallup numbers show the Soviet Union had a far higher favorability rating62%in 1989, as the Cold War was petering out and a self-assured U.S. faced no serious rival.

Chinese growth has also sagged closer than ever to post-Tiananmen lows, 3.9% in 1990, in an interruption to sometimes double-digit rates in years before. The economic malaise speaks to man-on-the-street pessimism about central policymaking and it is augmented by faint hints of Tiananmen-like public disorder.

History lesson

After Tiananmen, China tightened domestic security with an eye on eliminating chances for future mass antigovernment protests. Its carrot was the simultaneous pursuit of liberalizing economic policies that swelled wealth and advanced modernization.

In particular, authorities doubled down on an implied pact with the population: economic improvements in exchange for unquestioned party power.

Lawyer Jerome Cohens blue-chip American clients fled China like a bomb went off in 1989, rattling Beijings leaders. They knew they had done a terrible thing in terms of their international relations and they tried very hard to moderate the effects," he said.

A key step came in early 1992 when then-leader Deng Xiaoping toured Guangdong province, beckoning foreign investors back with a signal China would adopt a to-get-rich-is-glorious outlook. It worked despite the horror of Tiananmen, Cohen said, because it seemed the future of China was still in play."

China did more than just rejoin the international community. It became the worlds biggest trading nation and a top recipient of foreign investment, rocketing into the No. 2 spot among global economies, up from 11th in 1989.

The boom drowned out Beijings critics. For years, a leading Tiananmen protester, Zhou Fengsuo, was asked a question that dismayed him: Didnt the massacre of students stabilize China?"

Zhou tended to hit back, if killing people would lead to higher prosperity, would you do it?" Now that views of China are darkening, Zhou said, Nobody asks me that question anymore."

Pushing back

Back in 1989, it was still possible for the West to isolate China.

After the crackdown, Deng had famously instructed cadres to adopt a nonconfrontational response to international condemnation: China would hide its strengths and bide its time.

Xi has gone the opposite direction, abandoning Dengs dictate by unleashing wolf warrior diplomats" who angrily rebut China critics and poke the countrys neighbors by asserting territorial claims.

Leverage against China is limited these days, given its power and trade links, even if more of the worldswaths of Asia and the global Southdemonstrates misgivings about Chinese militarism, mercantilism and influence.

Were dealing with a different country today," Shambaugh said. Plus, today its the West, and the United States in particular, with doubt about who it is and where its going," he said.

A close relationship Xi has nurtured with the Russian leader Vladimir Putineven as he prosecutes a war against Ukrainedemonstrates Chinas intent to challenge the post World War II global order. The pair met in mid-May to celebrate the 75th year of bilateral relations but ignored a key 35th anniversary: Mikhail Gorbachevs monumental 1989 trip to Beijing.

The backdrop to that first visit to Beijing for a Soviet leader in three decades was the student occupation of Tiananmen Square and disharmony in the Chinese Communist Party about how to respond. Six months later, the Berlin Wall fell, spelling doom for the Soviet Union and threatening other communist regimes, like China.

Xis governing philosophy today reflects the twin crises of 1989, according to China scholar Joseph Torigian at American University. June 4 and collapse of the Soviet Union for a young man were a real lesson about the fragility of political institutions," Torigian said. Xi exhibits a phobia that reform will lead to chaos, believes national unity requires a strong military and distrusts the West, he adds.

Threats defused

Despite authorities best efforts to erase the memory of Tiananmen, it is echoed in episodes of defiance, said the former protester Zhou, who is the New York-based executive director of Human Rights in China.

Sitong Bridge," for instance, is now code for a lone wolfs 2022 protest against Xis third term, and unfiltered internet searches of the words will display photos of bridge man" on a Beijing overpass, the same way looking up Tiananmen Square" online shows the tank man" who halted the Peoples Liberation Army in 1989. Likewise, white paper" refers to the Beijing and Shanghai students who in late 2022 stunned the government with a campaign against draconian Covid lockdowns, which authorities abandoned shortly afterward.

All of this is censored online in China, but the average household cant help but notice that China is losing dynamism.

Confidence is slumping, tugged by a real-estate crisis that seems to defy solutions. Chinas youth are disillusioned as job prospects narrow. Women are foregoing motherhood, worsening an already troubling population slide.

And in droves, Chinese, rich and poor, are undertaking risky endeavors to emigrate, just as they did in 1989.

In Washington, both sides of the aisle have concluded that embracing engagement with China years ago backfired. The mindset that Beijing is an adversary is reflected in a stream of rules from President Biden to prohibit export to China of sophisticated semiconductors and a proposal by former President Trump to reimpose post-Tiananmen pressure, like an annual review of most-favored-nation trade treatment.

Over the past 35 years, Beijing has poured enormous resources into ensuring Tiananmen isnt repeated. But the partys implicit deal with Chinas people is stressed.

The political piece of the puzzle is still there," Shambaugh said, but a vanquished sense of opportunity shows the basic compact is not what it was."

Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com
The U.S. continued its push for Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza, but the two sides remain at odds over the conditions for ending the fighting.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken made calls to two top Israeli decision makers over the weekend, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz, praising Israel for considering a cease-fire agreement and saying that the onus was now on Hamas to accept a deal.

The calls came after President Biden appealed publicly to both sides on Friday to reach an agreement, outlining a path to ending the war that he described as an Israeli proposal, which U.S. officials said was also close to Hamass demands.

However, Hamas officials told mediators that they havent seen an Israeli proposal that matches the potential deal Biden described. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself caught between U.S. pressure to resume negotiations and the insistence of his right-wing coalition members that the war in Gaza must continue until Hamas is destroyed.

While Hamas officials have said the presidents ideas were serious, the group wants a detailed proposal in writing that reflects what Biden described and includes a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire, according to Arab mediators.

Hamas officials have told mediators that the most recent Israeli proposal they received described a period of sustainable calm" only in ambiguous terms. Hamas is concerned that Israel wants to return to fighting after a temporary pause and the release of some hostages. Israel is not serious about negotiating a cease-fire," Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, told Saudi broadcaster MBC Group on Sunday.

Hamass chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is in no hurry to end the war, believing that it is drawing Israel into a quagmire that is turning the country into an international pariah while reviving the Palestinian national cause, according to messages Sinwar has sent to mediators from Arab states. Hamass political leaders in exile, however, are eager to end the war provided a deal guarantees the groups survival and grants it a continued role in governing Gaza.

Hamas has become increasingly confident that the group can outlast Israels campaign as international condemnation has grown over the Israeli militarys operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

The indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, via mediators from Arab states, have stalled mainly because of disagreement over whether an initial, temporary cease-fire and hostage release would lead to a permanent end to the war. Israel wants a free hand to resume fighting and meet its war aims, while Hamas wants Israel to end its invasion of Gaza and withdraw its forces.

Israels government remains ambivalent about Bidens cease-fire push. Netanyahus office acknowledged at the weekend that Bidens statement reflected an Israeli proposal, but suggested that the U.S. leader hadnt fully reflected Israels position. Netanyahus office insisted Israel would continue to pursue both the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the destruction of Hamas as a military and governing force.

Far-right members of Netanyahus coalition threatened to quit the government if a deal based on Bidens outline goes ahead. Netanyahus majority in Parliament relies on two small far-right parties that give priority to the complete destruction of Hamas, but he also needs to keep the U.S. on side as the war isolates Israel internationally.

The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are pressing Netanyahu to agree to a deal that returns their loved ones. Israel says that 121 people taken on Oct. 7 remain captive in Gaza, including dozens of dead hostages.

The notion that Israel would agree to a permanent cease-fire without attaining all of its goals, meaning the return of all of the hostages, destroying Hamass military and governing capabilities and ensuring that Gaza can never be a threat to Israelis a nonstarter," said an official in Netanyahus office.

The war in Gaza has complicated Bidens bid for re-election this November, dividing Democratic Party supporters. Biden on Friday described a cease-fire plan with three stages. An initial six-week cease-fire would involve the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza and the release of some hostages, including women and the elderly.

Biden said the second phase would see a permanent end to the hostilities and the release of remaining hostages, and phase three would involve a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Bidens speech was designed to put pressure on Hamas to do a deal, said Mairav Zonszein, a senior Israel analyst for the International Crisis Group. But she said that by announcing Israels proposal before Netanyahu had done so publicly, Biden was also looking to prompt the Israeli prime minister to move forward despite opposition from the far-right.

Biden is putting the pressure on Hamas explicitly to accept the deal, but the subtext of it is that Netanyahu needs to also accept the deal," she said.

Write to Rory Jones at Rory.Jones@wsj.com and Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com
WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) wants to put the GOP on a calmer, more unified track to set up the party for a strong showing in the fall. But first he has another big decision on a contentious vote that could test his narrow majority once again.

Many Republicans have been clamoring to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over audiotapes of President Biden. The felony conviction of Donald Trump last week has further fueled GOP anger at Democratic law-enforcement figures. Now Johnson, who survived an attempt to oust him a month ago, must decide whether to schedule the contempt vote amid uncertainty over whether it would pass.

The matter was referred to the full House by two committees several weeks ago. Johnson said recently that the bill will be coming to the floor soon" but hasnt set a date, and there was no signal it would take place in coming days, as the House returns from a weeklong break. While most Republicans are on board with the Garland resolution, Republicans slim majority means they cant afford more than one or two defections.

The uncertainty underscores the narrow path Johnson is walking as he tries to satisfy an energized pro-Trump base while also wooing swing voters by showing Republicans can govern. Johnson, who has teed up votes on potent issues such as border security and Israel, has emphasized the need to expand Republicans House majority, as well as to win back the White House and Senate, to advance a conservative agenda.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R., Tenn.) said at least two Republican lawmakers have been on the fence about the contempt vote but that Trumps guilty verdict could give the effort new momentum. He said Republicans are likely to return to Congress fired up after hearing from constituents.

Theyre totally frustrated," he said of voters on Friday.

Bringing a contempt vote without rock-solid Republican support carries risks, as shown in February when the House voted on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. It wasnt the triumphant political slam dunk that proponents had sought. It took two votes and the return of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R., La.) from cancer treatments for Republicans to secure enough support for the measure to pass, after three Republicans joined Democrats in declining to back the effort.

Johnson backs the contempt push and has been outspoken in denouncing Trumps conviction last week by a New York jury on charges related to hush-money payments to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with a porn star.

In media interviews in the past week, Johnson has emphasized oversight rather than votes. He pointed to an effort by Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), the chairman of the House select committee on the weaponization of the federal government, to call Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in for questioning about his decision to prosecute Trump.

These rogue prosecutors, were going to have them come in and try to explain to us how this is fair," he said on the Mark Levin Show," a talk-radio program.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R., Ga.), who led the failed effort to oust Johnson over not taking a harder line on the border and other complaints, said not holding a contempt vote would be the latest in a series of strikes against the leader.

Not just me but pretty much the whole Republican base" wants a vote, she said. If he cant bring the contempt of Congress for Merrick Garland to the flooryeah, I think that would tell everybody what Ive been saying all along."

Greene sits on the House Oversight Committee, one of the two panels that advanced the contempt resolution. At one point during the panels hearing on the matter, Greene told Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D., Texas): I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what youre reading," setting off a raucous war of words with Democrats.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.), the committees top Democrat, said the spectacle undercut the contempt push, and that one GOP lawmaker privately told him he saw the effort fizzling out as a result.

You know, the whole country was looking at Marjorie Taylor Greene talking about fake eyelashes, but nobody was focused at all on their outlandish claim that the Attorney General of the United States is in contempt of Congress," Raskin said.

The GOPs majority is expected to grow on Monday night to 218-213 with the swearing in of Rep. Vince Fong (R., Calif.), elected to fill the seat of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who quit Congress last December.

Garland faces the contempt resolution for withholding the audiotapes of Bidens two-day interview in October with a special counsel investigating his handling of classified documents. Republicans expect the tapes would show evidence to the public regarding Bidens mental competency.

The White House has asserted executive privilege on the tapes, and Garland said releasing them would harm investigators ability to successfully pursue sensitive probes. The impact is expected to be entirely political, as a successful vote would send the matter to the Justice Department run by Garland, which would be unlikely to take any action.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R., Ky.) said Johnson hadnt promised a full House floor vote but that he expected it to happen. He said leaders are checking in with individual lawmakers on how they would vote, a chance for them to suss out resistance from Republicans, including members who are in competitive districts where independent or moderate voters could be turned off by a divisive vote.

Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas) said he trusts party leaders to figure out the best path forward on the contempt vote while focusing on the November election.

We have seats we need to go win, and so thats what we should focus on," he said. What gets put on the floor over the next couple of months will influence how people are feeling about the speaker."

Natalie Andrews contributed to this article.

Write to Katy Stech Ferek at katy.stech@wsj.com
Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will vote whether to recommend that COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-25 should target the JN.1 variant, the most dominant this year, documents filed on Monday showed.

Shares of Novavax soared 11% in morning trade, after the documents were released. The company had said last month it would only be able to offer a COVID vaccine in the United States this autumn if regulators accept the shot it started manufacturing to target the JN.1 variant.

The FDA's staff in separate documents said vaccine makers developing the new booster shots may need to consider targeting one of the JN.1 subvariants such as KP.2, as further evolution of the virus could take it away from the older strain.

The documents were posted ahead of the advisers' meeting on Wednesday. The meeting was postponed from May 16 as the FDA sought more time to "obtain surveillance data and other information" on the circulating virus.

The FDA staff's review for updating viral strains for vaccines in the U.S. differs from that of the World Health Organization's advisers, who in April recommended targeting only the JN.1 strain.

ALSO READ: FDA warns parents to avoid infant formula distributed by Texas company due to contamination

Since then, the subvariant KP.2 has become the dominant strain in the U.S., estimated to account for about 28.5% of cases over a two-week period ended May 25, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This change in epidemiology warrants consideration," the reviewers said.

A variation in vaccine strain from the global norm could also pose a challenge for COVID vaccine makers, especially Novavax as it makes a more traditional protein-based shot that takes longer to manufacture.
Choosing the right AC brand is essential for keeping your home comfortable during hot months while ensuring energy efficiency and long-term reliability. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you're looking for a high-end system packed with smart features or a more affordable model that gets the job done, knowing the top AC brands can help you make an informed decision.

In this guide, well explore the best AC brands known for their performance, durability, and customer satisfaction. Each brand offers unique benefits, from energy-saving technologies to advanced cooling capabilities. Weve researched and compiled a list of the top air conditioning brands that consistently deliver exceptional quality and comfort.

1. Voltas ACs

Voltas is one of India's top AC brands, known for its innovative and energy-efficient cooling solutions. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for reliability and cutting-edge technology, offering a variety of models to fit different needs and budgets. The brand stands out for features like high ambient cooling, smart sensors, and eco-friendly refrigerants, making it a favorite among eco-conscious buyers. With a widespread presence across India, Voltas remains a go-to choice for consumers looking for durable and efficient air conditioning systems that deliver excellent performance year after year.

Top 3 features of best Voltas air conditioners

Best Voltas ACs Cooling Features Amazon ratings Price Voltas 1.5 ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC (183V Vectra CAW, White) 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter 3.5/5  32,990 Voltas 1.5 ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC (185V Vectra CAR, White) 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter 3.5/5  38,990 Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Window AC (185V Vertis Elite, White) 2-in-1 Adjustable Mode 3.8/5  37,900 Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC (123 Vectra Platina, White) Turbo Mode 4/5  27,789

Check out the best Voltas air conditioners below

Voltas 1.5 ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC

Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Window AC

Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC

Also read: Best Voltas AC: Choose from the top 6 options to enjoy comfortable cooling along with the latest features

2. Godrej ACs

Godrej is a well-known AC brand in India, recognized for its wide range of air conditioners that prioritize innovation and energy efficiency. With features like inverter technology, anti-bacterial filters, and eco-friendly refrigerants, Godrej ACs offer effective cooling while reducing environmental impact. Designed to perform well even in extreme temperatures, these units provide comfort and reliability, making them a popular choice for Indian consumers seeking advanced, eco-friendly cooling solutions for their homes.

Top 3 features of best Godrej ACs

Best Godrej ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Godrej 1 Ton 5 Star, 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling, Inverter Split AC (AC 1T EI 12IINV5R32-WWR, White) 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling, Heavy-Duty Cooling at 52C 3.7/5  33,490 Godrej 2 Ton 3 Star, 5-In-1 Convertible Cooling, Inverter Split AC (AC 2T EI 24IINV3R32 WWR, White) 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling, I-Sense Technology 3.7/5  40,990 Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Turbo Mode, Inverter Window AC (AC 1.5T WIC 18UTC3 WWA, White) Turbo Mode, Anti-Dust Filter, Anti-Freeze Thermostat 3.9/5  32,499 Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Turbo Mode, Window AC (AC 1.5T WFC 18UTC3-WWA Window, White) Turbo Mode, Anti Corrosive Blue Fin 3.8/5  28,299

Check out the best Godrej air conditioners below

Godrej 2 Ton 3 Star, 5-In-1 Convertible Cooling, Inverter Split AC

Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Turbo Mode, Inverter Window AC

Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Turbo Mode, Window AC

Also read: Best Godrej ACs: Pick from the latest models with advanced features and modern technology

3. LG ACs

LG is a popular AC brand in India, offering a variety of air conditioners known for their cutting-edge technology and excellent cooling performance. Many LG models come with Dual Inverter technology, providing faster cooling and greater energy efficiency. Other features include smart connectivity, anti-bacterial filters, and eco-friendly refrigerants. Known for reliability and innovation, LG ACs are a top choice for Indian consumers looking for a modern, efficient cooling solution.

Top 3 features of best LG ACs

Best LG ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price LG 1.5 Ton 3 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC (TS-Q18JNXE3, White) AI Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, 2 Way Swing, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection 3.8/5  37,690 LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC (TS-Q19YNZE1, White) AI Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, 4 Way Air Swing, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection 4/5  47,490 LG 1.5 Ton 3 Star DUAL Inverter Window AC (TW-Q18WUXA, White) Convertible 4-in-1 Cooling, 4 Way Air Swing, HD Filter 4.1/5  36,999 LG 1 Ton 4 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC (TS-Q13JNYE, White) AI Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, 4 Way Swing, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection 4/5  36,290

Check out the best LG air conditioners below

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC

LG 1.5 Ton 3 Star DUAL Inverter Window AC

LG 1 Ton 4 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC

Also read: Looking for the best inverter AC? Beat the heat with top 6 LG inverter AC

4. Blue Star ACs

Blue Star is a highly regarded AC brand in India, offering a variety of air conditioners known for their strong performance and modern features. Equipped with energy-efficient compressors, anti-corrosive blue fins, and precision cooling technology, Blue Star ACs ensure reliable cooling even in extreme conditions. With smart features that enhance convenience, these units are a trusted choice for Indian consumers seeking efficient and durable cooling solutions for both home and office use.

Top 3 features of best Blue Star ACs

Best Blue Star ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (IC318YNUS, 2023 Model, White) 5 in 1 Convertible Cooling, 4-Way Swing, Turbo Cool, Voice Command 3.6/5  37,500 Blue Star 1.3 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (IC315YNU, 2023 Model, White) Smart Ready, Convertible 5 in 1 Cooling, Multi Sensors, Dust Filters, Blue Fins 3.9/5  33,190 Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Smart Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC (IC518YNURS, 2024 Model, White) Convertible 5 in 1 Cooling, Dust Filter, Blue Fins, Self Diagnosis 3.6/5  44,899 Blue Star 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (IC512YNUR, 2024 Model, White) Multi Sensors, Convertible 5 in 1 Cooling, Smart Ready, Blue Fins, Self Diagnosis 3.8/5  37,500

Check out the best Blue Star air conditioners below

Blue Star 1.3 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Smart Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC

Blue Star 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Also read: Best Blue Star split AC: Top 10 stellar picks for effortless cooling in your home or office

5. Carrier ACs

Carrier is a well-established brand in India's air conditioning market, recognized for its innovative and energy-efficient cooling solutions. Carrier ACs feature advanced technologies like inverter compressors, dual filtration systems, and eco-friendly refrigerants, offering optimal performance while minimizing energy use. Built to deliver powerful cooling even in extreme heat, these units also come with convenient smart features such as app connectivity and remote control. Known for their durability and smart design, Carrier ACs are a top choice among Indian consumers for reliable and efficient cooling systems.

Top 3 features of best Carrier ACs

Best Carrier ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC (ESTER PRO Exi, CAI18ES5R34F1, White) Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, Dual Filtration with HD & PM 2.5 Filter, Auto Cleanser 3.8/5  41,990 Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC (ESTER NEO Exi+, CAI18ER3R34F0, White) Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, High Density Filter, Auto Cleanser 3.8/5  34,990 Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC (ESTER NEO+ Exi, CAI12ER3R34F0, White) Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling, Dual Filtration with HD & PM 2.5 Filter, Auto Cleanser 3.8/5  29,990 Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Window AC (Estra EXi -CIW18SC3R34F0, White) High Density Filter for Dust Filtration, 2Way Air Directional Control 4/5  30,990

Check out the best Carrier air conditioners below

Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC

Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC

Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Window AC

Also read: Best 5 star Carrier ACs: Top 6 options to stay cool while saving money on electricity bills

6. Lloyd ACs

Lloyd air conditioners are widely recognized in India for their advanced technology and excellent cooling performance. Offering a range of models to suit various preferences, Lloyd ACs come equipped with features like inverter technology, precise cooling controls, and eco-friendly refrigerants, ensuring both comfort and energy efficiency. Designed for reliable performance even in tough conditions, these units also boast stylish designs and standout features. Lloyd ACs are a top choice for Indian consumers seeking effective, energy-efficient cooling solutions with modern aesthetics.

Top 3 features of best Lloyd ACs

Best Lloyd ACs Cooling Features Amazon ratings Price Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (GLS18I5FWBEW) 5 in 1 Convertible, Anti Corrosion Coating, PM 2.5 Filter, Copper 4.1/5  39,990 Lloyd 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (GLS09I3FOSEV) 5 in 1 Convertible, 100% Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter 4.1/5  26,990 Lloyd 1.0 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (GLS12I3FOSEV) 5 in 1 Convertible, Anti Corrosion Coating, PM 2.5 Filter, Copper 4.1/5  29,990 Lloyd Stellar 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC (GLS18V5FWGST) 6 in 1 Expandable, Mood Lighting, In-Built Air Purifier, Direct Voice Command, Copper 4.3/5  62,900

Check out the best Lloyd air conditioners below

Lloyd 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Lloyd 1.0 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Lloyd Stellar 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC

Also read: Best 3 star Lloyd AC: Enjoy effective cooling and advanced features with our top recommendations

7. Samsung ACs

Samsung ACs are known for cutting-edge technology and outstanding cooling performance in India. Offering a wide variety of models, Samsung provides air conditioners with features like digital inverter technology for enhanced energy efficiency, precise temperature controls, and virus doctor technology for cleaner, healthier air. Built for user comfort and reliable performance in even the harshest conditions, these units combine sleek design with smart functionality. Samsung ACs have become a popular choice among Indian consumers seeking a dependable and stylish cooling solution.

Top 3 features of best Samsung ACs

Best Samsung ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Samsung 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (AR18CYNZABE, White) 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling, Stabilizer Free Operation 3.7/5  44,990 Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-fi Enabled Inverter Split AC (AR24CYLZABE, White) Convertible 5-in-1 Cooling Mode, Anti-bacterial Filter 3.9/5  49,990 Samsung 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (AR18BY3ZAPG, White) 5-in-1 convertible 4.4/5  39,890

Check out the best Samsung air conditioners below

Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-fi Enabled Inverter Split AC

Samsung 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Also read: Best 1.5 ton Samsung ACs in India: Compare top 10 to choose the perfect one to tackle summers

8. Panasonic ACs

Panasonic ACs are highly regarded in India for their reliability and advanced features. The brand offers a diverse range of models to meet different cooling needs, incorporating technologies like inverter compressors, nanoe air purifiers, and precise temperature control. With Panasonic ACs, you can enjoy energy efficiency and enhanced user comfort, ensuring optimal long-term cooling and savings. Transform your space into a comfortable and refreshing environment with our top selections of Panasonic ACsan excellent choice for Indian consumers seeking high-quality air conditioning solutions.

Top 3 features of best Panasonic ACs

Best Panasonic ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (CS/CU-SU18ZKYWT, White) 7 in 1 Convertible with True AI Mode, PM 0.1 Air Purification Filter 4/5  36,990 Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (CS/CU-NU18ZKY5W, White) India's 1st Matter Enabled RAC, 7in1 Convertible, True AI, 4 Way Swing 4/5  44,990 Panasonic 1 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (CS/CU-SU12ZKYWA, White) 7 in 1 Convertible with True AI Mode, PM 0.1 Air Purification Filter 3.9/5  32,990 Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC (CW-XN185AG, White) PM 0.1 Filter, Eco Mode, Powerful Mode 4.2/5  37,990

Check out the best Panasonic air conditioners below

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC

Panasonic 1 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC

Also read: Best 3 star Panasonic AC: Bid goodbye to summer heat and stay cool with our top 5 choices

9. Daikin ACs

Daikin ACs are crafted for exceptional performance and value in India, earning a reputation for their advanced features and technology that cater to various cooling needs. Buyers benefit from energy-efficient inverter technology, precise cooling controls, and intelligent sensors that enhance overall comfort. With a strong focus on user satisfaction, Daikin ACs provide reliable cooling even in the hottest conditions, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. So why wait? Bring home a Daikin air conditioner today and experience the difference!

Top 3 features of best Daikin ACs

Best Daikin ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (MTKM50U, White) Copper, PM 2.5 Filter 3.9/5  45,490 Daikin 0.8 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Split AC (FTL28U, White) Copper, PM 2.5 Filter 4/5  25,990 Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (MTKL35UV16, White) Copper, PM 2.5 Filter 3.7/5  32,990

Check out the best Daikin air conditioners below

Daikin 0.8 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Split AC

Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Also read: Best Daikin ACs: Top 7 options to keep your home refreshingly chilled this summer

10. Haier ACs

Haier ACs are renowned in India for their stylish design, efficiency, and effective cooling capabilities. With a diverse range of models, Haier meets various cooling needs, incorporating advanced features like inverter technology for energy savings, turbo cooling for instant comfort, and self-cleaning filters for enhanced air quality. You can expect consistent performance even in extreme temperatures with a Haier AC. Plus, they come with sleek designs and user-friendly features that reflect modern aesthetics. If you're looking for a high-quality air conditioner, be sure to check out Haier!

Top 3 features of best Haier ACs

Best Haier ACs Cooling Features Amazon Ratings Price Haier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Triple Inverter Split AC (HSU18K-PYSS5BN-INV, 2024 Model) 7 in 1 Convertible, Anti Bacterial Filter, Cools at 60C Temp 3.3/5  40,990 Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Twin Inverter Split AC (HSU17V-TMS3BN-INV, White, 2024 Model) 5 in 1 Convertible, Anti Bacterial Filter, Cools at 54C Temp, Long Air Throw 3.5/5  30,990 Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (HSU18K-PYS3BE1-INV, White, 2023 Model) Convertible 7 in 1 Cooling Modes, Antibacterial Filter 3.2/5  39,999

Check out the best Haier air conditioners below

Haier 1.25 Ton 3 Star Twin Inverter Split AC

Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Which AC brand is the best?

Choosing the best AC brand depends on your specific needs, but several top contenders consistently excel. Brands like Trane and Carrier are renowned for their reliability and efficiency, offering high-performance units that deliver exceptional cooling and energy savings. Daikin is praised for its advanced technology and durability, while LG and Mitsubishi Electric provide innovative features and eco-friendly options. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on factors like budget, desired features, and climate needs. Research and compare these leading brands to find the ideal fit for your home.



How to pick the right AC according to capacity for your room?

To select the right AC capacity for your room, calculate its square footage and consider factors like insulation, sun exposure, and ceiling height. Use the BTU rating guidelinetypically, 20 BTUs per square foot works well. This ensures efficient cooling without overworking the unit or wasting energy.

Factors to consider when picking the right AC brand

When selecting an AC brand, consider the following factors:

Energy Efficiency: Look for brands with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Efficient units lower energy bills and have a smaller environmental impact.

Cooling Capacity: Ensure the brand offers models with the appropriate BTU rating for your room size. An undersized unit will struggle, while an oversized one may waste energy.

Reliability and Warranty: Choose brands known for durability and strong customer support. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and cover potential repairs or replacements.

Features and Technology: Consider additional features like smart controls, air purification, and quiet operation. These can enhance comfort and convenience.

Cost and Value: Compare initial costs and long-term value. Higher-priced units may offer better efficiency and longevity, potentially saving money over time.

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FAQs

Question : What is the ideal tonnage for my room size?

Ans : The ideal tonnage depends on the room size. For a room up to 150 square feet, a 1-ton AC is suitable. For rooms between 150 to 250 square feet, a 1.5-ton AC is recommended. Larger rooms may require 2 tons or more.

Question : What is the difference between an inverter AC and a non-inverter AC?

Ans : Inverter ACs adjust compressor speed based on cooling needs, offering energy savings and more consistent temperatures. Non-inverter ACs operate at a fixed speed, consuming more power and providing less precise temperature control.

Question : How often should I service my AC?

Ans : It's recommended to service your AC at least once a year, preferably before the onset of summers. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of the unit.

Question : What is the significance of star ratings in ACs?

Ans : Star ratings indicate the energy efficiency of an AC. Higher star ratings (5-star being the highest) denote greater energy efficiency, leading to lower electricity bills. It's advisable to opt for higher star-rated ACs for long-term savings.

Question : How can I improve the efficiency of my AC?

Ans : To improve efficiency, ensure proper insulation of rooms, keep doors and windows closed while the AC is on, clean or replace air filters regularly, and schedule regular maintenance by a professional technician. Additionally, using curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight can reduce the load on the AC.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Apple's latest operating system for iPhones, iOS 18, is set to undergo a major transformation at the company's WWDC 2024 developer conference later this month. In particular, previous reports have suggested that iOS 18 will be the biggest upgrade in the Cupertino-based tech giant's history, with plans to revamp many key apps with generative AI.

In the latest update, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman states that Apple is planning to revamp the Settings app in iOS 18 with a cleaner interface, better organisation and much improved search. The company is also planning to bring improvements to the Control Centre with a new 'Now Playing' music widget and HomeKit smart home controls.

Apple's big move towards generative AI:

In his weekly Power On newsletter, Gurman also reiterated that Apple is planning to integrate the power of generative AI to provide a much-needed upgrade to many of its apps. Reportedly, Apple will use generative AI to improve many of its core apps, including Photos, Messages, Notes and the Safari browser.

Apple is also likely to give its Siri voice assistant a major AI-powered overhaul. The digital assistant is now likely to be powered by Apple's own Large Language Model (LLM), which could allow it to power individual features within apps for the first time.

The Tim Cook-led company was recently reported to have signed a major deal with OpenAI to bring generative AI capabilities to iOS 18. Reports suggest that most of the new features could run on-device, which could help Apple differentiate itself from the competition.

Using on-device AI has some obvious advantages, including improved privacy, the ability to run offline or in places with poor internet connectivity, and faster response times. However, on-device large language models (LLMs) are not backed up by huge servers with billions of parameters (which power most commercial chatbots such as ChatGPT or Gemini), and as a result are in many cases not as powerful or knowledgeable.

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The Taoiseach was pushed and jostled and a member of the Garda was hit during scenes of thuggery on an election canvass in Co Mayo, a Government spokesman has said.

A small number of protesters targeted Simon Harris while he was on the campaign trail in the county on Sunday.

Canvasses were disrupted on visits to both Castlebar and Westport.

A spokesman for Mr Harris called for a full Garda investigation.

What happened in Mayo today was not protest. It was thuggery, he said.

The Taoiseach would like to thank An Garda Siochana for their professionalism. A member of An Garda Siochana was hit during the scenes and the Taoiseach was pushed and jostled by a small number of people.

It is not representative of what has been a really healthy canvass for the majority of politicians across the country as people in Ireland are decent and law abiding.

Although it was a very small number of people, todays behaviour cannot be accepted and should never be normalised and a full Garda investigation should be carried out.

The people of Mayo were warm and welcoming today and the Taoiseach really enjoyed meeting so many people across much of the county and thanks them for their time.

Asked about the disturbances earlier on Sunday, Mr Harris said he would not be deterred, insisting it takes an awful lot to disrupt my energy.

However, he went on to raise concerns about what he characterised as a growing toxicity in politics and public life that has been fuelled by a small number of people.

Mr Harris added: I dont think it should be ignored. I think it should be called out.

Its why I bristle when people talk about protest because some things are protest and some things are thuggery and I understand the difference and so do most people in this country and they should never be conflated.

But I think we should continue to amplify the fact that most people in this country are decent.
A new accreditation scheme is being introduced for Irish firms to show they support their employees coping with debilitating menopause symptoms.

The independent programme, run by The Menopause Hub Academy, will recognise organisations that actively support and accommodate employees enduring such symptoms.

An online survey last year revealed that symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hot flushes and severe exhaustion caused a third of women in Ireland to consider quitting their jobs, while 84% said menopause affected their performance and ability at work.

Menopause Hub founder Loretta Dignam said organisations can significantly improve the wellbeing and morale of menopausal employees by addressing the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face.

She said: This, in turn, leads to increased employee engagement, retention and reduced absenteeism and can actively help businesses save money.

Supermarket giant Lidl, which employs 3,500 women in Ireland, says its current menopause policy has made a huge difference and it now intends to apply for full Menopause Workplace Excellence Accreditation, the countrys first such programme.

Chief people officer for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, Maeve McCleane said: We would be mad as a business to lose any woman who thinks she has to give up work due to debilitating symptoms.

It has made a huge difference to women not to have the additional anxiety of having to hide their symptoms and even a small thing like changing the shift pattern if a woman is suffering insomnia or fatigue can make their job so much easier.

We have educated managers on menopause and the symptoms and what reasonable action they can take to help any woman who is suffering.

The workforce is ageing and we need to future-proof our business to support these women.

The accreditation programme involves implementing policies, educational and training initiatives and workplace adjustments for small, medium and large businesses.

Measures such as temperature regulation, fans and flexible working hours can also boost productivity.

Ms Dignam added: Every organisation, whether in the public or private sector, that wishes to become perimenopause or menopause inclusive is eligible to apply.

Too often, women are forced to suffer in silence or miss a days work while they try to cope with symptoms including hot flushes, anxiety and fatigue, all of which can be alleviated by simple measures and support.

To gain accreditation, employers are asked to carry out a self-assessment of current policies and practices and develop a menopause policy, including education and workplace adjustment.

They are charged an application fee depending on the size of their workforce and once applications are assessed and approved, they receive an accreditation certificate, which is valid for two years.

Successful firms can display a digital badge on their website and have access to webinars as well as awards for workplace menopause excellence.

The first applications will be assessed by the end of September with certificates awarded to coincide with World Menopause Day on October 18.

More information is available at: menopausehubacademy.com/accreditation
It was a busy week for Lough Ree RNLI as their volunteers were on the water to assist four boats in difficulty on the lake in the last seven days.

Just before 4pm on Sunday (2 June) Lough Ree RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser which was in difficulty and taking on water at Quaker Island, off the Longford shore.

In very good weather conditions the lifeboat launched under volunteer helm Kieran Sloyan and volunteer crew Liam Sheringham, Stewart McMickan and Amy OConnor.

On reaching the scene at the northern end of the lake at 4.35pm the crew examined the stricken vessel and despite pumping water off the boat the problem persisted. In the interests of safety, it was decided to take the boat under tow to the safety of a boatyard in Laneboro.

While on this call-out the RNLI Lifeboat crew were advised of another craft with four people on board stranded north on Beam Island at the southern end of Lough Ree.

On arrival at the scene the volunteer crew found that a passing private boat had assisted and the lifeboat remained on standby while the grounded cruiser got to safer water.

On Friday afternoon (31 May) Lough Ree RNLI was called to assist 2 people on board a boat which had run aground on Green Island. Under volunteer helm Kieran Sloyan the volunteer crew of Ruth Costello, her brother Billy Henshaw Jnr and Patrick Walsh a launched at 2.35pm and reached the scene 15 minutes later to find both people on board safe and well. Following an inspection of the boat and an assessment of the scene the boat was safely recovered from the rocks and continued under its own power.

Earlier last week, on Tuesday (28 May) Lough Ree RNLI assisted 2 people on board a cruiser which had ruin aground at Fat Island. On assessment of the scene volunteer helm Liam Sheringham along with fellow crew Patrick Walsh and Billy Henshaw Jnr decided to evacuate the boat, take the two casualties on board the lifeboat Tara Scougall and transfer them to the lifeboat station at Coosan Point. The stricken boat was anchored and secured.

An interesting aspect of the weekend call-outs was that two new female crew, Ruth Costello and Amy OConnor both were on their first shouts as crew members. Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Ganly said: It's brilliant to see new crew members, especially women, taking their place on the lifeboat and making such an important contribution to our community. We look forward to having many more join them in the next 12 months.
Former Pharmaceutical Company Employee Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Taking Thousands of Oxycodone Pills

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: June 03 2024

Usharani Alexander was Caught on Surveillance Video After an Internal Audit Conducted by a Pharmaceutical Company.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Usharani Alexander, 64, of Bellerose, was sentenced to six years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision, for stealing thousands of oxycodone pills from her former employer, a Suffolk County-based pharmaceutical company.

The pills that this defendant took from her employer are highly addictive, and when not used as prescribed, they can kill, as evidenced by the current opioid epidemic, said District Attorney Tierney. I urge anyone seeking to purchase pills on the street, rather than legally obtain them through a prescription, to consider that while many pills may look legitimate, they are likely to be deadly.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during her guilty plea allocution, in 2022, Alexander was employed as an operator for the packaging department at a pharmaceutical company in Brookhaven. On four separate dates in summer 2022, surveillance video captured Alexander using her key card to gain access into the packaging area at times when she was not scheduled to be there.

Prior to entering the packaging area, Alexander was seen empty handed. Once inside the packaging area, she was observed taking thousands of oxycodone pills before moving to an area that was not in view of the surveillance cameras. Alexander was then seen on video surveillance exiting the packaging area while carrying a weighted bag.

The pharmaceutical company discovered the theft after an audit uncovered a discrepancy between the amount of oxycodone pills that were manufactured, and the number of pills that were packaged for distribution.

On February 7, 2024, Alexander pleaded guilty to four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Degree, Class B felonies, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski.

On May 30, 2024, Justice Pilewski sentenced Alexander to six years in prison to be followed by two years of post-release supervision. Alexander was represented by Steven Gaitman, Esq. and Jason Russo, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lauren Golombek of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Daniel Hogan from the Suffolk County Police Departments Homicide Section and members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: June 03 2024

Heuermann, 60, is currently scheduled to be arraigned in Riverhead before State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei on Thursday.

Massapequa Park resident and suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is due to be indicted this week in connection with the alleged murder of yet a fifth victim.

Heuermann, 60, is currently scheduled to be arraigned in Riverhead before State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei on Thursday, reports say, although the precise charges that are being levied against him are currently not publicly known, with media inquiries made to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney having been declined answers.

In May, authorities has combed Heuermanns home yet again and had removed purported evidence in numerous boxes that potentially could have led to this week's additional charges.

Heuermann made national headlines when he was arrested on July 13, 2023, as a suspect in the Gilgo Beach case; he was charged the following day by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in the murders of three of "the Gilgo Four" victims: Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, and Megan Waterman, 22.
(l-r): Cagle, Philip Download Image: Web

Recent Lycoming College graduate Dominick Philip 24 of Nazareth, Pa., was named to the prestigious class of 2024-25 Fulbright honorees. A recipient of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award, he will travel to Hamburg, Germany, to teach English to, and to share American culture with German students at the secondary education level. Philip, an economics-philosophy-comparative literature triple major with a minor in German, also graduated as a Lycoming Scholar.

"The Fulbright program is going to open a lot of doors for Dom, both academically and personally, and has the potential to change the course of his life. Its a wonderful opportunity.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international cultural exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and designed to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and of other countries. The highly selective program is considered one of the most prestigious of its type.

A love of German

Although Philip studied German for two years in high school, he did not develop a true love of and passion for the European language until he studied at Lycoming with Len Cagle Ph.D., associate professor of modern language studies. Philip quickly moved to upper level German classes and received an undergraduate scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst  DAAD), enabling him to immerse himself in German language and culture for one month in Munich.

It was a really formative experience and made me certain that I wanted to continue studying the language, said Philip.

When Philip returned to Lycoming, Cagle took him on as a peer mentor for his first year seminar, Berlin on Film, leading Philip to realize how much he enjoyed teaching. I had the responsibility of helping with classroom discussion and enjoyed helping students acclimate to college life and discussing the responsibilities of college, such as exam preparation. I was also able to lead lectures when Dr. Cagle was out of town at conferences. It was a great experience during my junior and senior years.

While continuing his studies at Lycoming, Philip said he began reading German literature with Cagle, which deeply affected him.

Getting back to Germany

I want to really be immersed in the German experience. I was there for one month with the DAAD program, and had a great time, but it flew past me quickly and I want to be able to slow down and get a stronger understanding of the German people, said Philip.

When I shared with Dr. Cagle that I wanted to go back, he recommended I apply for a Fulbright. Cagle helped Philip throughout the arduous application process. We got to work on the first day the application was available, meeting weekly to refine and strengthen the application as much as possible. We did this right up until the October deadline, he said.

Additionally, Lycomings Scholarship and Fellowship Committee, which includes a Fulbright Advisor, and on which Cagle serves, further strengthened Philips chances by providing feedback on his application and by interviewing him.

Philip will be teaching from September through May. While in Hamburg, where there is a large Turkish-German population, he plans to expand his knowledge of languages further by taking Turkish classes. Upon completion of his Fulbright experience, Philip will head to Dartmouth College, where he will pursue a masters degree in comparative literature as part of a one-year intensive program.

Dom has a lot of experience as a tutor and has led several classroom discussions and lessons. He goes out of his way to help students. He is personable, smart, a strong writer and easy to get along with. He will make a great Fulbright TA, said Cagle. The Fulbright program is going to open a lot of doors for Dom, both academically and personally, and has the potential to change the course of his life. Its a wonderful opportunity.
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BENNINGTON  As word spread over the weekend that long-serving state Sen. Dick Sears of Bennington had died, tributes soon began to pour in from colleagues, constituents and friends around Vermont.

Sears, 81, died at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center over the weekend surrounded by family and longtime friends, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth said in a release on Sunday.

Sears fellow Bennington Senate District senator, Brian Campion, said, "Dick loved representing Bennington County and took great pride in that honor for the 32 years he served as state senator. He was one of the most effective leaders in the Senate and will be sorely missed. Dick was also a dear friend and I will always remember his sense of humor, sense of justice and lifelong dedication to the service of others."

The two Democrats, who ran for the Senate as a team, served together in the Legislature during Campions 14 years in the Senate, and Campion was at his friends side at the medical center when he passed away.

With Campion having announced this month that he will retire after this term, current state Rep. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington-4, said he planned to run alongside Sears for Campions seat.

He always knew his roots and, because of that, he understood the people he served, Bongartz said. He always kept that top of mind.

Sears' death came as a shock, Bongartz said, though the Senator had been at Albany Medical Center in the days preceding.

"Im in a little bit of shock that this happened so fast and very sad about it," Bongartz said. "We had been friends for a long time."

Bongartz expressed his gratitude for Campion's presence at Sears' side during his final moments.

"Brian had gone down to see Dick every day and was there for hours last night as Dick was dying," Bongartz said. "That is a gift for which everybody ought to be grateful."

Governor Phil Scott shared sadness at the news of Sears' death, reflecting on the senator's legacy.

He was a true champion for Bennington county," said Gov. Phil Scott in a statement issued Sunday. "And, as stubborn or gruff as he could be at times, he and I shared a love of golden retrievers  we both had them  which was something we could always bond over."

This is an incredible loss for Vermont and the Senate and my heart goes out to Senator Sears family, friends and colleagues," he continued, praising Sears for his "willingness to work across the aisle to get things done."

U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., released the following statement:

No one contributed more to Bennington than the extraordinary Dick Sears," Welch said. "He brought strength and gentleness and judgment to all he did: From founding 204 Depot Street, which provided opportunities and life skills to troubled but promising young people in need of guidance; to sitting on the Bennington Select Board, where he served with such distinction. And of course, Dick Sears service in the Vermont Senate, where he was a voice for justice and fairness. He combined a generous heart with kindness and humor. He, along with his beloved wife Bev who recently predeceased him, blessed all of us who knew and worked with him.

I am so sad to learn of Dick Sears passing, Welch said. This is a deep loss for Vermont. His was a true life of service, rising from profoundly humble beginnings to serve as Chair of Vermonts Senate Judiciary Committee for nearly 30 years. His work stands as a monument. He did more to shape Vermonts judicial system than anyone in that time. He steered it with wisdom, an openness to new ideas, genuine courage in making change, and a deep compassion for the people who most needed their government to serve and care for them.

I was honored to serve alongside Senator Sears in the Vermont Senate, said U.S. Sen. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt. Some people saw him as the tough and forceful committee chair, but I quickly came to know the man who dedicated his life to helping Vermonts most vulnerable young people. He spent decades running a home for troubled teenagers in Bennington. He became a powerful and effective legislator, but I so admired how he wrote laws without ever forgetting the love and care that brought him to safety when he was a small child born to an incarcerated mother.

I know I join the chorus of so many Vermonters who thank Dick for his deep commitment to public service, Balint said.

"I'm truly saddened. I know he had been struggling with health issues, but this came as a shock when I got the news," Rep. Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington-5, said Sunday. "I am deeply saddened. I served with him [in the Legislature] my 28 years serving. Dick was always right there. He was a thoughtful person on many levels and we were able to work well together."

State Rep. Jim Carroll, D-Bennington-5, said Sears became friends with his parents when he first moved to Bennington. While in college, Carroll worked as an overnight monitor with the 204 Depot Street residential program for teens involved with the criminal justice system that Sears led for decades.

He was very kind to do that, Carroll said. It helped get me through college.

In the Legislature, Dick was a fierce advocate, not only for the people of Bennington but for Bennington County, Carroll said, noting his and Campions leadership on bills related to the response to PFAS chemical contamination.

He held a lot of sway [in Montpelier], Carroll said.

Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd praised Sears as someone who "always kept Bennington in his heart and mind."

"I am very saddened to learn of Dicks death," Hurd said. "He and I worked together when he served on the Select Board. He was the Chair when I was appointed to the managers position in 1992. He then went on to become one of Benningtons longest serving and most effective senators."

"Bennington will miss him as a senator," Hurd continued. "Those who were near to him will miss him as a friend. This is truly sad news."

The community has lost a strong advocate who will be sorely missed," said Bennington Select Board Chair Jeannie Jenkins. " I had the opportunity to work closely with Dick to bring Pathways VT to Bennington County. His drive to help kids and adults transition well back into our community with housing and supports is a model that has helped make Bennington the connected and compassionate town that it is. His devotion to believing in the good of every person and their right to a second chance is his legacy."

Dick's legacy is all but incalculable, said Baruth. Recognized nationally as one of America's most productive legislators, he made judicial and corrections reform his personal mission.

The Senate president praised Sears as a champion for Vermonts prosecutors, public defenders, judges, police, and for the accused and the addicted and the orphaned.

An orphan himself, Dick came to wield great power in the Vermont Senate, but always on behalf of those society tends to forget and nearly always with marked success, Baruth said. He was a tireless advocate, and a fearsome negotiator.

Much, much more will be said of Dick Sears than I can say in a short statement, but I will add that although in some ways we were unlikely friends and allies, I came to love him like a father and I will miss him like family, Baruth said. And I know many others throughout the state will feel this tremendous loss.
Three people were arrested and now face criminal charges in connection with the shooting of a woman in the chest in Brockton early Sunday morning, according to multiple reports.

Jonathan Alves, 27, of Brockton is set to be arraigned in Plymouth District Court on Monday on charges including assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to NBC10 Boston. The other suspects, Naldo Barbosa, 26, and Aylson Correia Castro, 42, are both charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, according to 7News Boston.

Castro also faces a charge of possession of a firearm without an FID card, according to 7News.

Brockton police arrived at a home on Falconer Avenue in Brockton around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of a woman shot in the chest.

Brockton Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance personnel treated the woman, who is a Fall River resident, at the scene of the shooting before she was taken to a hospital in Boston, according to WCVB-TV.

Brockton police and the Plymouth County District Attorneys office did not return requests for comment sent by MassLive Monday morning.
An Attleboro man accused of stabbing his brother to death was held without bail during his arraignment on a murder charge on Monday, according to court records.

James McCormick, 51, is accused of killing 47-year-old North Attleborough resident Richard McCormick outside a home at an Attleboro trailer park on May 27. He initially faced charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the case, but on May 29, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office upgraded the charges to murder.

Read more: DA charges Attleboro man accused of stabbing his brother to death with murder

The prosecution alleges that James McCormick stabbed his brother up to 10 times following an early morning drunken argument that turned physical. His defense lawyer, Attorney Frank Camera, claims his clients actions were in response to Richard McCormicks aggression towards James McCormick and his girlfriend and thus constitute a quintessential self-defense case.

On Monday, James McCormick pleaded not guilty to the upgraded charges during his second arraignment in Attleboro District Court in the last week, court records show. Camera argued for his release under certain conditions, but the judge ultimately ordered him held without bail for a number of reasons, including the seriousness of the charges against him, his criminal history, previous court orders against him and his substantial financial resources, according to court records.

James McCormick was previously charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor twice  once in 1999 and once in 2002, but only pleaded guilty to the offense in the case from 2002, court records show. Prior to the new charges, his most recent case out of Attleboro District Court was in 2005, and it concluded with him pleading guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct.

But in a statement to MassLive, Camera attributed the judges decision to hold his client being without bail to the charges against McCormick, saying that anyone charged with murder in Massachusetts is likely to be held without bail. The defense lawyer said he plans to again argue for his clients release when he is arraigned in Bristol County Superior Court.

McCormick is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on July 11. The Bristol County District Attorneys Office did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.
A Brockton man pleaded not guilty in connection with an early morning shooting on Sunday that left a woman seriously injured, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office announced Monday.

Jonathan Pires Alves, 27, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault to murder, assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and a firearm violation with one prior violent/drug crime, Cruzs office said in a statement.

Alves pleaded not guilty and was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

At around 1:42 a.m., Brockton police were notified of shots being heard in the area of 31 Falconer Avenue, Cruzs office said. Police arrived to find a woman, 31, with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was taken to Boston Medical Center to be treated.

The statement did not provide an update on the womans condition.

After an investigation, police got an arrest warrant and took Alves into custody, Cruzs office said.

Alves is due to appear in court on Thursday, June 6.

Two other men were charged in connection with the shooting, according to Channel 7 News. The other suspects, Naldo Barbosa, 26, and Aylson Correia Castro, 42, are both charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.
Bystanders helped save a driver who crashed their SUV into a tree in Barnstable early Sunday morning, according to multiple reports.

The crash happened around 3:35 a.m. at the intersection of Route 28 and Lumbert Mill Road in Barnstable, according to WCVB-TV. Firefighters from the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department found the SUV with significant damage to its front end from crashing into the three and a fire coming from the cars engine compartment.

Bystanders helped the driver out of the car before firefighters arrived, according to NBC10 Boston.

The driver was taken to Cape Cod Hospital following the crash.

Firefighters eventually put out the blaze, which left the entire front end of the car charred, WCVB-TV reported.

The fire department said it did not have any information on the crash to release Monday morning.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help a Plymouth family involved in a Friday car crash that resulted in the fathers death and the children being seriously injured.

Daniel Zilinski, 50, was driving an SUV on Route 3 in Plymouth around 5 p.m. when, for reasons unclear to investigators, it went off the road and landed on its roof in the Eel River, Massachusetts State Police said previously. He was flown to a Boston hospital where he was declared dead.

A 13-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy were passengers in the SUV at the time of the crash and were seriously injured, state police said. They were taken to a hospital and were still hospitalized as of Saturday morning.

The girl and boy were Zilinskis children, according to the GoFundMe campaign. They have some bone fractures and bumps and bruises, but are expected to survive, their mother, Jen Zilinski wrote in a Facebook post. The siblings are now undergoing treatment together in Boston Childrens Hospitals trauma unit.

To say we are beyond devasted is an understatement. Dan was one of the kindest, most loving people I ever knew, loved me and his kids more than anything, and was my rock and my best friend. I dont know what we will do without him, but we have a lot of support from everyone, Jen Zilinski wrote.

The campaign had raised nearly $21,000 of its $25,000 as of 9:30 a.m. Monday. You can donate here.
Less than a week after a fire tore through a Worcester home, killed two parents and displaced their family, a GoFundMe page created to support the family has gone past its $10,000 goal.

Worcester firefighters arrived at 3 Hancock St. to a triple-decker house after receiving reports of a structure fire at around 11:30 p.m. on May 28, according to a statement from the city managers office. The building is off Main Street near Clark University and the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester.

The fire left two people dead, Daniel Gonzalez, 62, and Juana Candelario, 59, and displaced four adults and three children.

In the days after the fire, a GoFundMe was set up by organizer Sherrill Cote to help the couples children and grandchildren. The fundraiser was signed off by Mayra Callahan, Xenia Maldonado, Luceniz Smith, Steven Gonzalez and Danilkys Gonzalez.

Three of the adult children and multiple grandchildren living in the same home, escaped the fire but have lost everything, according to the description. Any help will be appreciated at this time. Thank you.

As of Monday, the fundraiser  with its $10,000 initial goal  has received $30,992 after receiving 311 donations. In an update written the day before, the family thanked those who donated to support the family.

Heartbroken and devastated are the only words that express how we feel regarding the loss of our parents, the update read. They were the kindest most humble people that loved and welcomed everyone with open arms. We want to take a moment to thank our amazing family, friends, and community. The outpouring of love, messages, calls and support from everyone has been nothing short of incredible and humbling.

The wake for Gonzalez and Candelario is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at OConnors Funeral Home in Worcester, according to the fundraiser. However, burial services are still pending but more information will be provided in the obituary early this week, the family said.

On Thursday, two friends of Gonzalez stood outside the house. At the foot of the driveway were several vases of flowers and votive candles.

I can attest that he was a super hard worker, said Roger Hayward, a former co-worker of Gonzalezs. He always came to work with good attitude. He was very, very reliable. A man of principle. Definitely taught his kids how to work and how to act in society and manners and all those types of things. A good example to everyone  his family but also to the other co-workers. He was exceptional at what he did.

Originally from the Dominican Republic before he moved to New York and then Worcester, Gonzalez had a home there and planned to retire there, Hayward said.

There one day, gone the next. Too young. Still had a lot of life left in him.
A Dorchester man punched and knocked out a 65-year-old man during a random robbery near Boston Medical Center last month, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office.

Damond Brown, 52, is facing a charge of unarmed robbery of a person over 60 in connection with the attack, the district attorneys office said in a press release last week.

On April 20, Boston police responded to a report of an assault near the intersection of Massachusetts and Harrison Avenues around 4:50 a.m., the district attorneys office said. They found the victim at the scene with a cut on his head and lying next to a pool of blood.

The victim told officers he was walking near the hospital when a man he didnt know punched him with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground. The victim passed out and woke up on the ground some time later, he told police.

Investigators recovered video of the attack that shows a suspect punching the victim on the left side of his face, causing the victim to fall to the ground immediately, the district attorneys office said. As the victim lies there unmoving, the suspect who punched the victim and a second suspect can be seen rummaging through the victims pockets.

Boston police distributed images from the video to officers in the area, and on April 22, they spotted a man matching the description of the first suspect very close to where the attack happened, the district attorneys office said. Officers identified the suspect as Brown and charged him in connection with the robbery, but the second suspect has yet to be identified.

In the not-too-distant past investigators may have had much more difficulty identifying a suspect in a stranger-violence assault like this. As demonstrated here, technology like surveillance cameras in public areas is enormously beneficial to the community when used responsibly, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said. The goal for all these tech systems is to increase neighborhood safety without impacting personal freedoms, and I think were getting that balance right in Suffolk County.

Brown has a 12-page criminal record dating back to 1989, the district attorneys office said. In 2019, he was convicted of armed assault to murder and sentenced to four to six years in prison.

During a Boston Municipal Court hearing on May 2, a judge deemed Brown dangerous and ordered him held without bail, the district attorneys office said. He is due back in court on June 17 for a probable cause hearing.
A man shot and killed by police in New Hampshire was armed with a gun when he encountered police outside a Nashua hardware store on Sunday night, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall.

The man, whose identity was not released pending his autopsy on Monday, encountered Nashua police at a Lowes home improvement store at 143 Daniel Webster Highway around 8:45 p.m. Sunday. Nashua police went to the area to follow up on a report from officers in Pelham of a resident there who was armed earlier Sunday, Formella and Hall said in a statement.

Nashua police came across the man outside the store, where he was armed with a gun. During the ensuing encounter, two police officers used less-lethal munitions and one officer fired their gun. Officers attempted to save the mans life, but he died of his injuries, according to a statement from Formella and Hall.

No law enforcement officers were hurt and there is no threat to the public, officials said.

The identities of the police officers who used less-lethal and deadly force against the man will not be released until formal interviews take place sometime in the next five to 10 days, according to the statement.

The exact circumstances of the shooting remains under investigation, Formella and Hall said in the statement.
With reproductive rights on the ballot this fall, Gov. Maura Healey called on her fellow Democrats in the U.S. Senate to pass legislation this week that would, among other things guarantee the legal right to get and use contraception and allow health care providers to supply it.

There is a nationwide assault on womens health and freedoms, and it didnt start or end with the Dobbs decision, Healey said Monday, referring to the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that toppled Roe v. Wade, and returned the fight over abortion rights to state capitols.

Weve seen efforts come not only for abortion, but to come after [in vitro fertilization] and to come after contraception, Healey said during a press call organized by the advocacy group Americans for Contraception.

The Senate is expected to vote on legislation, dubbed The Right to Contraception Act, co-sponsored by Democratic U.S. Sens. Ed Markey, of Massachusetts, and Mazie Hirono, of Hawaii, as soon as Wednesday, according to published reports.

In a Dear Colleague memo, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said he was holding the vote about three weeks before the second anniversary of the high courts abortion ruling, as part of a deliberate effort to call attention to efforts since to ban or restrict access to abortion, The Hill, a publication that covers Congress, reported.

More than 20 states nationwide have moved to ban or restrict abortion access since the Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, according to The Hill.

Theres no question in the American peoples minds that Republicans have brought our country to this point. And as Donald Trump reminded us recently, he is proudly the person responsible for the annihilation of Roe v. Wade and the grotesque reversal of womens personal freedoms, Schumer wrote, according to The Hill.

As they did during the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats on Capitol Hill, and President Joe Bidens re-election campaign, have used the issue of abortion rights to draw bright-line distinctions between themselves and Republicans and former President Donald Trump.

Last month, the twice-impeached, four-times indicted, and now convicted, former president was forced to walk back remarks that he would restrict access to contraception if he wins back the White House in November, ABC News reported.

Well, were looking at that and were going to have a policy on that very shortly, Trump initially said during an interview with KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. And I think its something youll find interesting and its another issue thats very interesting.

Democrats slammed Trump, who quickly sought to clarify his remarks.

I HAVE NEVER, AND WILL NEVER ADVOCATE IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON BIRTH CONTROL, or other contraceptives, he posted on his social media platform, ABC News reported.

On Monday, neither Healey nor Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who spoke on the call organized by the advocacy group Americans for Contraception, appeared inclined to cut Trump any slack for his remarks.

Donald Trump recently said that he was looking at restrictions on contraception. Its just remarkable the fact that he said that hes even looking at restricting access to contraception, Healey said. He of course, tried to backtrack, just as he did on the national abortion ban, but I think all we have to do is look at his track record when he was president to know what he will do if elected again.

This years election is the most critical election this country has faced when it comes to preserving the right to reproductive health, Pritzker said. MAGA extremists have shown that they were never stopping at abortion bans. Theyre coming after IVF. Theyre coming after contraception. Theyre coming after womens rights. Justice [Clarence] Thomas told us so in his written decision on Dobbs. Weve seen proof of this playing out all across the country.

In Massachusetts, where access to abortion remains legal, and where providers have seen an influx of out-of-state residents seeking treatment, Healey touted her efforts to preserve access to contraception.

As governor, I can act on behalf of our jurisdiction, our state, and Ill tell you what we did. We now mandate that most health insurance plans cover contraception, with at least one option for each type of contraception without a copay, she said. We also ensure that emergency contraception is available at no cost. We passed a law that allows people to get a years worth of contraceptives at once, and last year, I signed a law that allows pharmacists to prescribe certain hormonal contraceptives, including patches and pills without requiring a prior prescription from a doctor. I think this is just common sense.
A man protesting experiments conducted on marmosets at UMass ran onto Fenway Park Friday as University of MassachusettsAmherst Chancellor Javier Reyes was throwing out the first pitch.

The man supports the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and wore a black T-shirt with writing on it asking UMass to end its testing on the monkeys. He also had a sign that read: Chancellor Reyes: End Cruel Tests on Marmosets!

The protester was escorted out by security, according to PETA.

PETA and UMass have had a years-long struggle over the use of animal subjects in university research. PETA has said that UMass researchers perform experiments that mistreat animals and house creatures, including marmoset monkeys and hamsters, in cramped and inhumane conditions. The university maintains that the animal welfare organizations assertions misrepresent its laboratories and research.

UMass claims the research aims to better understand Alzheimers disease and womens health by studying the marmosets.

The monkeys short lifespans  about a decade  and cognitive decline with age allow researchers to track brain function over a manageable timeline, compared to the decades it would take to study a human across their whole life.

UMass experiments gauge cognitive functions in the marmosets by asking them to identify shapes and odors and solve tests using fine motor skills. The researchers also track the monkeys sleep, according to an informational webpage organized by lead UMass researcher Dr. Agnes Lacreuse.

Read more: PETA again puts spotlight on monkey research at UMass Amherst

PETA has levied an assortment of accusations against UMass concerning the research  that experimenters drill into [marmosets] skulls and implant electrodes, that they cut out [monkeys] ovaries and heat the animals with hand warmers and that they keep monkeys in solitary confinement.

While Chancellor Reyes frolics at Fenway, tiny monkeys are being tormented at the university in cruel and scientifically worthless experiments, PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said on Friday. PETA calls on Chancellor Reyes to shut down this disgraceful laboratory and urges the school to switch to modern, animal-free research methods that might actually benefit women.

UMass and Lacreuse dispute each of these complaints.

A man protesting experiments conducted on marmosets at UMass ran onto Fenway Park Friday as University of MassachusettsAmherst Chancellor Javier Reyes was throwing out the first pitch.PETA

The researchers implant a small telemeter on the monkeys heads, just under the skin, to record brain activity, Lacreuse said. The surgery is conducted by a licensed veterinarian, she said, and allows researchers to track monkeys sleep without disturbing them.

Lacreuses website acknowledged neutering and spaying the animals, which for female marmosets involves removing their ovaries. The process is the same as with a house cat or pet dog, Lacreuse said, and the animals are given appropriate anesthetics and medications during the surgery conducted by a veterinarian.

The monkeys are also heated with hand warmers to simulate the symptoms of menopause, a process they do not go through naturally. While PETA has questioned the necessity and humanity of the experiment, Lacreuse said that understanding marmosets ability to regulate their body temperature could prove key to understanding the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.

Read more: Springfield officials defend fire chief running over suspected rabid raccoon with SUV

Part of the research involves studying womens health in order to understand why two-thirds of Alzheimers cases are in women, Lacreuse said.

In 2021, PETA members protested at the center of the UMass Amherst campus alongside Massachusetts-born actor Casey Affleck, a longtime supporter of the organization.

You dont have to be a scientist to know right from wrong, Affleck said in 2021. The bottom line is the animals used here in these unnecessary and cruel experiments suffer. That should be enough to tell us that we have to find another way to do this research.
In 1839, Eunice Ross passed the entrance exam for Nantucket High School, but because she was Black, the town rejected her admission. Over 180 years later, shell be awarded a posthumous honorary diploma at the schools 2024 graduation ceremony.

The diploma will be presented to Ross, who became an education advocate, on June 14 by the Nantucket Historical Association in partnership with the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket, the town of Nantucket and Nantucket Public Schools, according to a press release.

The recent decision comes around the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education (May 17, 1954), the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared separating students in public schools based on race was unconstitutional, Noelle Trent Ph.D., president and CEO of the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket said in a statement.

Eunice Rosss story highlights the inherent injustice experienced by generations of Black children pursuing their education, Trent added. The fight to end discrimination in public schools extends to all parts of the country. Honoring Eunice Ross acknowledges her sacrifice and the long legacy of the civil rights struggle in this country.

Read More: Six notable Black historical figures who have ties to Massachusetts

In the 1830s, Nantuckets Black students were taught in a one-room schoolhouse with a curriculum that Ross (1823 to 1895) had outgrown, the press release stated. Although Ross, then 17, was refused admission to Nantucket High School and motions to overturn the Town Meeting decision fell flat, it helped inspire activists and abolitionists to fight for school desegregation on a local and national level.

Anna Gardner, an educator at the islands African School, resigned after her star pupil, Ross, was rejected by the local high school, according to the Cape Cod Times.

The daughter of abolitionist Quakers, Gardner went down to the South to continue teaching, the Cape Cod Times reported. She taught free African Americans during and after the Civil War and went on to develop a school to train groups of teachers to teach Black students.

Nantuckets refusal to admit Ross into high school in 1840 resulted in the first law in the United States guaranteeing equal access to education, according to the press release.

The law passed in 1845 ensured the right to sue should any child in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts be unlawfully excluded from any public school, according to the Nantucket Historical Association.

Read More: MassLive wants your suggestions for Black leaders to celebrate during Juneteenth

The awarding of this posthumous honorary diploma to Ross is so very important because it affirms Nantucket Public Schools dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, Elizabeth Hallett Ed.D., the superintendent of Nantucket Public Schools, said in a statement.

We not only celebrate Rosss enduring impact on our community but also acknowledge our ongoing commitment toward educational equity and justice in our schools and on our island, she added.

For Shantaw Bloise-Murphy, the director of culture and tourism for the town of Nantucket, awarding Ross her high school diploma is a significant moment in the towns history, the press release read.

Honoring Eunice Ross will mark an important moment in our community, McCarthy said in a statement. We have an opportunity to acknowledge the past, celebrate the life and contributions of a proud Nantucket native, and at long last right a wrong.
Elizabeth Chen, a Baker administration appointee who had served as the states Elder Affairs secretary since 2019, left her job on Friday, telling employees she wanted to share my gratitude, for serving alongside them.

The Boston Globe, which obtained the memo detailing Chens departure, was first to report the news.

I would have liked more time to make the usual round of goodbyes and personally thank each of you, Chen wrote in the internal message obtained by the newspaper. Instead, I take this moment to share my gratitude for our time together.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the state Department of Public Health said the agencys head, Kate Walsh, told employees about Chens departure on Monday. Walsh asked Deputy Secretary Robin Lipson to serve as the agencys acting Secretary of Elder Affairs in the interim.

The agency did not explain Chens departure, saying it was a personnel matter.

In an email to agency staff provided to MassLive, Walsh she was grateful for Secretary Chens five years of service to older adults in Massachusetts and wish her well on her future endeavors. I am also truly grateful to Robin for so kindly agreeing to step into this interim role. EOEA is in good hands  Im confident this will be a stable transition.

I want to thank each of you for your hard work on behalf of our states older adults. I know how passionate and dedicated this team is; you make such a difference helping our older adults age with dignity and respect in Massachusetts, Walsh continued. Theres a lot of really great work happening at Elder Affairs right now  including meaningful progress on your strategic initiatives  and Im very much looking forward to our continued work together in the months and years to come.

Before taking the helm of the agency, Chen previously served as an assistant commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, according to her LinkedIn profile. She holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University, and graduate degrees from the Wharton School, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and UMass Boston.

News of Chens departure comes days after the Healey administration announced its intention to rebrand the agency, which serves millions of older state residents, as the Executive Office of Aging & Independence to better represent and reflect the values of older adults in Massachusetts.

The proposed name change, which requires legislative authorization, is part of the agencys ongoing efforts to expand its reach and ensure older people throughout Massachusetts can access needed information, services, and support through every stage of aging.

It was not immediately clear whether Chens departure had anything to do with the planned rebrand.

In a statement, Gov. Maura Healey said the agency, now known as the Executive Office of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago and was one of the nations first state agencies dedicated to addressing the needs of older people.

Today, the agency has evolved to offer programs and services that support 1.7 million older residents and nearly 1 million family caregivers, Healey continued. Our administration is committed to meeting the changing needs of todays older adults, and I am thrilled that this name change better reflects those that we serve.
ALBANY, N.Y.  Taaniel Herberger-Brown, arrested at Albany International Airport in April, has not yet been extradited to Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he faces a murder charge, and the governor is now applying pressure for his return.

Gov. Maura Healey signed a warrant for his arrest, and the document has been sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for approval, according to the offices of the governor and the Northwestern district attorney. Hochuls office did not immediately respond for comment on Monday.
HOLYOKE  A 31-year-old Springfield man was killed and a second man was injured in a double shooting early Saturday that started a string of violence over the weekend in Western Massachusetts.

The shootings began as an altercation between several people at about 2 a.m. near 400 High St. During the fight, at least one of the people pulled out a gun and started firing, said James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

Police arrived to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds that were not believed to be life threatening. The victim was taken to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance for treatment, he said.
SPRINGFIELD  Two women have died and a man was seriously injured Sunday morning in what police are calling a domestic crime.

Police arrested a suspect in the three stabbings. He was taken into custody at the scene and is expected to be arraigned in Hampden District Court on Monday, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman.

The triple stabbings took place during a dispute Sunday. Police were called to Marion Street in the Bay neighborhood at about 11:25 a.m. and found two female victims who died at the scene, he said.
WESTPORT ELECTORAL AREA

Seats: 4

Candidates (9): Peter Flynn (FG); Karen Gallagher (SF); Christy Hyland (IND); Keira Keogh (FG); Chris Maxwell (II); Niall McCormack (IFP); Brendan Mulroy (FF); Peter Nolan (GP); John O'Malley

WHEN it comes to the main issues affecting voters in the Westport Electoral Area it is a case of take your pick. If you are living in the town it is about the lack of affordable housing, for the businesses and hospitality sector it is all about rates, while between Belclare and Murrisk, the new Greenway is on everyone's lips.

The issues affecting people in the Westport EA are wide and ranging and for the nine candidates hoping to win one of the four seats available trying to please everyone is almost an impossible task.

In the 2019 local elections, there was a surprise of sorts with the election of two Independents, Christy Hyland and John O'Malley, alongside Peter Flynn of Fine Gael and Brendan Mulroy of Fianna Fail.

Following this election, the two main parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael seem to have come to the conclusion that their core vote is no longer guaranteed. As a result they have both reduced the number of candidates and in the process they seem to be concentrating their efforts on the urban area.

Fianna Fail decided to go for the safety first approach in only selecting sitting councillor Brendan Mulroy to safeguard their seat while Fine Gael are going with two town candidates in sitting councillor Peter Flynn and newcomer, Keira Keogh.

Gamble

For the first time, the big two will not be running a candidate based in a rural part of the constituency but it seems to be a gamble they are both prepared to take.

As the sole Fianna Fail candidate, Cllr Mulroy should be guaranteed a seat even if the party is not the force they once were in the area.

He polled over 1,100 votes in 2019 which was enough to see him elected on the last count and without a running mate he should pick up a couple of hundred extra first preferences to get him close to the quota to get him over the line.

Fine Gael's strategy of running two town-based candidates is an interesting one with many still wondering if it is an inspired move or one of political folly.

How Peter Flynn's vote holds up is what every political anorak will be most interested in when the boxes are opened on June 8. Flynn's unequivocal support for the preferred route option of the Greenway from Westport to Murrisk has surprised many of his competitors who are convinced his stance will lose him votes. While his core vote is in the town, he picked up the third most votes in the Murrisk box in 2019 and those number ones can be the difference between winning and losing.

The party have also decided not to divide up the constituency with Flynn and Keogh given free reign to canvass where they want. Both are based in the town, with Keogh's family owning the Helm on the Quay, so both will be fighting over the same votes. Keogh is the only woman in the race and this is bound to benefit her but will it be enough to leapfrog Flynn?

With the two main parties deciding to go with town-based candidates the question is who will be best placed to take advantage and hoover up the sizeable rural vote.

READ: Everything you need to know about the Local and European Elections

Louisburgh conundrum

Louisburgh has not had a councillor since 2014 with many people in the west of the county claiming the area is forgotten. Independent Ireland candidate Chris Maxwell should be best placed to pick up a sizeable vote in the area.

In the 2019 election, Maxwell who was running for Fianna Fail and Austin Francis O'Malley for Fine Gael picked up a combined 18 percent of the vote, the majority of which came from Louisburgh boxes.

For Maxwell to win a seat, he has to convince traditional Fianna Fail and Fine Gael voters that a councillor in the area is more important than party loyalty.

However, he will also have to eat into a sizable chunk of the Independent vote which went to Christy Hyland and John O'Malley which elected them last time.

Hyland topped the poll last time around and there is nothing to suggest he did anything in the last five years for him to lose that vote while O'Malley may be in an even stronger position than in 2019 to claim the rural vote.

Sinn Fein candidate Karen Gallagher will be looking to increase the party's presence in the constituency but like Green Party Peter Nolan she is unlikely to feature in the final showdown.

The battle for the final seat will likely be between Maxwell and OMalley and it could go down to the wire.

Verdict: Christy Hyland (Ind), Brendan Mulroy (FF), Peter Flynn (FG), John O'Malley (Ind)
SWINFORD ELECTORAL AREA

Seats: 4

Candidates (9): John Caulfield (FF); Neil Cruise (FG); Adrian Forkan (FF); Sean Forkin (Ind); Marion Gordon (The Irish People); Tommy Horan (Aontu); Gerry Murray (SF); Antoinette Peyton (FG); John Sheahan (SF).

THE Swinford Electoral Area was reinstated to its rightful status in 2019 after having been shared between Ballina, Claremorris and Castlebar in 2014. Nine candidates go to post on this occasion in what is an extremely hard constituency to predict the outcome with any certainty.

The main towns in the region are Swinford, Kiltimagh, Charlestown and Foxford and the region also takes in Kilkelly, Kilmovee, Tooreen, Aghamore, Killasser, Bohola and Carracastle.

While no seat is ever assured, it is fair to say that it would be nothing short of an absolute shock if Gerry Murray of Sinn Fein and Neil Cruise of Fine Gael were to lose out on June 7. Gerry Murray topped the poll in 2019 with around 1,900 votes while Neil Cruise came third with around 1,500. Swinford town candidate, Michael Smyth (Fianna Fail), finished second 1,677 but stepped away from politics last year.

Gerry Murray from Charlestown is the only outgoing member of Mayo County Council from Sinn Fein heading into this election. The party lost two of its three sets in 2019. Gerry has established a reputation as an extremely accomplished and hard-working councillor who has earned the trust of so many across party lines.

Neil Cruise has served two terms on Mayo County Council. The Ballyhaunis native has resided in Foxford for several years. In a strange realignment of the electoral areas prior to the last Council election, he became a major beneficiary of the transfer of Tooreen, Aghamore and some villages like Coolnafarna, Leow, Kiltybo and Scrigg on the Ballinlough side of Ballyhaunis into the Swinford Electoral Area.

When the votes came in from the Tooreen, Aghamore and outlying areas of Ballyhaunis in 2019, Neil Cruise was not forgotten by his home area where he picked up in the region of 200 votes.

The other outgoing candidate in this region is John Caulfield of Fianna Fail who polled 1,296 on the first count. He has now served ten years on the Council and has built up many contacts throughout the region during that time.

Living in Kilkelly but a native of Kilmovee, he looks to be in a relatively strong position but will face tough competition from his running mate, Adrian Forkan from the Kiltimagh region and Tommy Horan of Aontu from Kilmovee who polled 642 first preference votes on his first outing five years ago.

Adrian Forkan, well known in Kiltimagh and Mayo Over 40s GAA circles, was co-opted to the vacancy caused by the decision of Michael Smyth to resign his seat and not seek re-election. Adrian is assured of strong Kiltimagh support from across the political divide and also among the many members of the GAA fraternity.

So much will hinge on the spread of votes in Swinford town and neighbouring areas. John Sheahan, who came so close to taking a seat for Sinn Fein when the town was in the Ballina Electoral Area in 2014, is hoping to give the party a very special day if he can take a seat along with Gerry Murray.

Antoinette Peyton from the Killasser region is a first time candidate for Fine Gael and has been mounting a good campaign across the region. The previous Fine Gael councillors from the general Swinford area over the last three decades were Joe Mellett and Sean McEvoy with John Martin Flannery taking a seat on the Charlestown and Carracastle side of the constituency.

Marion Gordon, a member of a well known Bohola family, is a first time candidate with The Irish People Party while Sean Forkin from Cloontia, who got 62 votes last time out, is also on the ballot paper.

The main questions here are: can Adrian Forkan secure a big launching pad vote in Kiltimagh (like Eugene Lavin of Fine Gael did before) and also take a decent vote from the Swinford and Foxford boxes, can John Sheahan or Antoinette Peyton get major support in Swinford to keep them in contention or can Tommy Horan add an extra 400 votes to his tally back in 2019 to see him in the shake-up?

Two of the seats here are on a knife-edge. On the basis that it is hard to see Swinford town without a councillor, I give a hesitant nod to John Sheahan to shade it. Adrian Forkan still has all to play for to retain the seat for Fianna Fail or even challenge party colleague John Caulfield in a close finish.

Verdict: Neil Cruise (FG), Gerry Murray (SF), John Caulfield (FF), John Sheahan (SF).
by Ed DeNicola , Op-Ed Contributor, June 3, 2024

The keys I'm talking about here are the 13 that have been proven to win the White House, according to presidential predictions expert Allan Lichtman, who has accurately picked nine of the last ten elections.

A challenger candidate's scandal isn't one of them.

For example, look at impact of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape of Donald Trump making lascivious remarks about women, which surfaced just before the 2016 election.

When the recording was released, political experts thought it was going to be devastating to Trumps campaign. As it turned out, it was merely a blip in FiveThirtyEights polling average for Trump, and it barely moved the needle in Cambridge Analyticas proprietary polling data in battleground states.

Trumps supporters didnt care -- or they didnt care enough -- to change their minds about voting for Trump. He still went on to win the presidency that year (though he did lose the popular vote).

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In fact, Lichtmans keys are more accurate than the last ten elections would suggest. He ran them against elections data going back to 1860 and they produced the correct result for the popular vote in every case.

The popular and the electoral college votes have aligned in all but four U.S. presidential elections, most recently diverging in 2016. That means there is a one-in-12 chance it could happen again in 2024, although its unlikely.

When you dig into them, these keys indicate the vast majority of what we talk about in political races is meaningless.

My former colleagues who still work in political consulting will hate me for saying this, but according to Lichtmans research, little of what we did made a difference.

Nothing either party has said or done during the Fall campaign has ever changed its prospects at the polls," Lichtman writes in "Predicting the Next President: They Keys to the White House," noting, "Debates, television appearances, fund-raising, advertising, news coverage, and campaign strategies  the usual grist for the punditry mills  count for virtually nothing on Election Day. The only issues that matter are the ones for which the results are already in."

According to Lichtman, the fate of an incumbent candidate is mostly attributable to the administration's performance. There is little that a challenger can do  good or bad  to affect the outcome of an election.

Looking at prediction market data Friday morning -- the morning after the Trump verdict was first announced -- shows the markets have actually been ticking up for Trump. That said, the markets probably haven't had enough time to respond materially to the news.

The University of Iowa's IEM (Iowa Electronic Markets) still favors a Democratic presidential election win, but the party's lead went down.

In IEMs Winner-Take-All (WTA) market, the last price was 0.748 for the Democrats vs. 0.270 for Republicans. Last month, the IEM WTA numbers were 0.92 and 0.18, respectively.

PredictIt, another prediction market I'm tracking, now has Trump leading by a small margin vs. Biden. Last month, the opposite was true. Although, its generic market -- "Which party wins the presidency in 2024?" -- still favors a Democratic win (51 cents for Democrats vs. 49 cents for Republicans). The PredictIt markets are so close they sometimes contradict themselves.

The polls also probably havent had enough time to respond to the news.

Fivethirtyeight's polling average still has Trump ahead by a small amount  41.3% Trump vs. 39.3% for Biden. In my last writing, the numbers were 41.6% for Trump and 40.9% for Biden.

As it relates to the keys, waning support for a third-party candidate (in this case RFK Jr., and possibly just-announced Joe Manchin), the absence of a Biden-related scandal, no foreign military failures and a foreign military success would be more likely to improve Bidens chances of winning than Trumps recent conviction.
Highlights: Baby blues are short-term mood swings that improve within two weeks

Postpartum depression is more severe and requires professional help if symptoms persist

Self-care, support networks, and early intervention are crucial for new mothers' mental health



Feeling moody and overwhelmed after childbirth? It's common! Know the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, and seek help if needed. #newmom #mentalhealth #medindia

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Impact of Hormones and Sleep Deprivation on New Mothers

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Having a baby is a monumental life change, often expected to bring immense joy and pride. However, many new mothers find themselves feeling moody, overwhelmed, and stressed instead. Its essential to recognize that these feelings are normal and shared by many.After giving birth, significant hormonal changes occur in a womans body. The sudden drop in hormone levels can directly impact mood. Additionally, newborns require round-the-clock care, often disrupting the mothers sleep schedule. This lack of sleep can further contribute to irritability and emotional distress The stress of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Many mothers worry about their ability to provide adequate care for their baby, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress they may not have encountered before.
The 6th Round of Consultations within the framework of the Greek-German Action Plan was held at deputy ministerial level on Friday, May 31, 2024 in Athens. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, Mr. Fragogiannis, the Secretaries-General of the Ministry of Energy and Environment, Mr. Aivaliotis and Mr. Varelidis, as well as delegations from the Ministries of Rural Development and Food, Climate Crisis, and Civil Protection met with their German counterparts.



During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their mutual willingness to strengthen bilateral relations. They agreed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the areas of economy, research, and innovation. In response to the climate crisis, they considered it essential to undertake joint action to address the consequences of extreme weather events, secure agricultural production, and bolster development.



On Thursday, May 30, preliminary political consultations were held between Deputy Minister Papadopoulou and German State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Bagger. The two interlocutors exchanged views on a range of current regional, international, bilateral, and European issues, expressing their commitment to further promote bilateral relations at all levels and enhance cooperation internationally.
On Wednesday, May 29, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Kotsiras emphasized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' steadfast commitment to promoting the Greek language and culture globally, addressing, via video message, the 10th International Summer University titled "Greek Language, Culture, and Media", which is being held in Boston, USA, and focuses on the dissemination and teaching of the Greek language to the Greek Diaspora in the USA.

In his message, Mr. Kotsiras underscored the pivotal role of the International Summer University in advancing Greek culture and language, as well as its significance in highlighting the contribution of media as a bridge for communication with Greeks worldwide. The Deputy Minister noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of its Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, has launched several initiatives to bolster the Greek language, culture, and the outward-looking orientation of Greek universities. Specifically, Mr. Kotsiras referred to the upgrade of the digital language teaching platform staellinika.com and the signing of a Cooperation Protocol with the "Study in Greece" National Agency to enhance Greece's presence in the international academic stage.

It is noted that the 10th International Summer University is sponsored by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis is visiting New York to promote Greeces candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. He will participate in supporting events and conduct a final round of meetings before the formal balloting on Thursday, June 6.



On Tuesday, June 4, Mr. Gerapetritis will be the keynote speaker at an event organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. During the event, he will outline Greeces candidacy priorities.



On Wednesday, June 5, the Minister will meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Subsequently, he will attend a joint High-Level Event at the UN Headquarters with the foreign ministers of the co-candidates, Denmark, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.



On Thursday, June 6, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will attend the elections of the five non-permanent members of the Security Council, which will be held in the UN General Assembly Hall.
JOURNALIST: It will undoubtedly be a significant personal achievement and a general success for the government to obtain the status of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. What opportunities does this give us and how do you intend to utilize them?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The upcoming election of Greece as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-2026 will be a significant success for our foreign policy. It will not only enhance our countrys international prestige, but also establish its ability to co-shape global policy through decisions and resolutions and maximize its international capital. Our election will be the culmination of a national campaign, which was organized and implemented systematically, utilizing every opportunity and creating the right conditions to secure the widest possible support.



To promote the message of our candidacy, which is encapsulated in the nexus Dialogue-Diplomacy-Democracy, we held dozens of meetings.



During my upcoming visit to New York next week, I will have the opportunity to conduct a final round of contacts to promote our candidacy, meet with the UN Secretary-General, and to be present during the process for Greeces election to the Security Council.



It will be the third time in history that Greece will have the honor and responsibility of being a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. However, this time is fundamentally different from the previous ones. This is because the degree of complexity in the global arena is extremely high today. From this position, our country will contribute constructively to addressing international challenges, defending the peaceful resolution of disputes, respecting International Law and the principles and rules of the United Nations Charter, implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, maritime security, protecting childrens rights in armed conflicts, and combating climate change.



In an international environment characterized by escalating instability and aggression, with our participation, we undertake the responsibility to work for the universal good and the prosperity of future generations.



JOURNALIST: The end of the war in Ukraine is not yet on the horizon. How concerned are you about its continuation and what are its impacts on Greece so far?



G. GERAPETRITIS: From the very first moment of the unprovoked Russian invasion, Greece stood in solidarity with Ukraine and its just struggle for the defense of its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. For us, it is a matter of principle to support the full implementation of International Law and to stand against aggression and revisionism.



The war in Ukraine threatens not only European security but also global peace and stability. It has enormous regional and international consequences: millions of refugees, the destruction of infrastructure, massive environmental destruction, a threat to Europes energy security, and global food security.



Greece, together with allies and partners, is working both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and NATO to mitigate the impacts of the war and to assist Ukraine in various ways. At the same time, we are contributing decisively to European energy policies aimed at reducing energy costs. With the infrastructure for the interconnection of vertical natural gas corridors, the energy infrastructure of Revithoussa, and the upgrade of [facilities in] Alexandroupolis, with the upcoming operation of a floating storage and regasification unit for liquefied natural gas, our country plays a crucial role in European energy diversification and security.



JOURNALIST: The war in Gaza is raging. Netanyahu is under pressure even from Israels traditional allies to stop the war. Recently, three European countries recognized the state of Palestine. How do you assess this development?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The crisis in the Middle East is a very deep wound, primarily humanitarian but also geopolitical.



Greece unequivocally condemned the heinous terrorist attacks of October 7 by Hamas against Israel and laid out points that must be respected immediately by all sides.



At the same time, we are in a position - thanks to our relationships with all involved parties - to operate constructively, aiming to prevent further worsening of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.



The longstanding position of Greek foreign policy is the resolution of the Middle Eastern conflict based on the United Nations Security Council resolution for expanded rights of the Palestinian Authority in the General Assembly and remains unwavering in its support of the fundamental principle of a two-state solution. The next day for Palestine can only be, as stipulated in the Security Council resolutions, the recognition of the Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and within the pre-1967 borders. Recognizing the Palestinian state is primarily a matter of international legal order, which is why we voted in favor of the resolutions for the expanded participation of the country in the General Assembly.



Currently, our priority, and it must be, is the immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the protection of all civilians, the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid through the opening of multiple humanitarian corridors.



In this context, I proposed at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council the establishment of a special Task Force, consisting of European and Arab Foreign Ministers, who will communicate with all parties and who, in a coordinated manner, will jointly promote efforts for peace in the region.



JOURNALIST: What is the status of Greek-Turkish relations after the recent meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The Greek-Turkish rapprochement is being conducted step by step and is marked by chronological milestones and meetings, during which we discuss bilateral and regional issues, assess the progress made, and initiate collaborations within the framework of a positive agenda.



After the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Turkish President, we are moving towards a greater level of normalization, that is, a state-to-state dialogue occurring between the political leaderships of the two countries.



We have made progress in areas concerning, among others, Migration, Civil Protection, Trade, Economy, and Tourism. As the Prime Minister himself emphasized, in Ankara, we showed that alongside our disagreements, we can also write a parallel page with our agreements.



A climate of mutual understanding has been established, within which we can discuss even difficult issues without causing a crisis. Our basic positions will not change, as they are part of our national strategy. What we aim for through the Greek-Turkish rapprochement is, first of all, to have a period of calm without tension and threats in the Aegean. Our goal is to maintain this approach to create a secure environment for future generations.



JOURNALIST: It has been often said recently that Greek-U.S. relations are at their best ever level. What is the reason for this?



G. GERAPETRITIS: Indeed, Greek-U.S. relations are at their peak. Through our strategic dialogue, we are strengthening policies based on common values, coordinating, and enhancing our close political, economic, cultural, and defense ties, creating a shared vision. The Greek-American Community is an excellent bridge of friendship and understanding between the two peoples.



The high level of our bilateral relations is due to Greeces tangible demonstration of being a reliable ally of the United States, so that together we contribute to regional and global stability.



We work together within NATO to address very significant threats, as our region has open fronts, such as the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, and simultaneously, the great instability in the South Caucasus, the Mediterranean, and the Sahel region.



At the same time, with the U.S., we are working constructively to address new pressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics, and cybersecurity.



Greece, a country with a stable political environment and significant economic growth conditions, has in recent years welcomed landmark investments from major American companies, including Pfizer, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.



The geostrategic role of Greece, defense cooperation, the upgrading of very significant energy infrastructure, and Greeces contribution to Europes energy security expand our allied relationship and cooperation.



With the U.S., we are building a solid and strong alliance for the good of both countries, as well as for the further consolidation of regional and international peace and security.



JOURNALIST: Recently, leaders of North Macedonia have brazenly violated the Prespa Agreement regarding the name of their state. Albania also appears to be acting provocatively against us. What is happening?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Regarding North Macedonia, recent statements by the President and the head of VMRO-DPMNE undermine the letter and spirit of the Prespa Agreement, which binds all current and future leaderships of North Macedonia. We have emphasized North Macedonias obligation to fully comply with the Prespa Agreement and its constitutional name and have highlighted in all international forums the need for consistent and good-faith implementation.



I would like to remind you that the current Greek government, when it was in opposition, had pointed out the legal and technical issues presented by the Prespa Agreement. However, it had made it clear that once this Agreement was ratified by the Greek Parliament, it would bind the country. A fundamental principle of International Law is the adherence to agreed terms. Greece consistently supports International Law and respects the Agreement as a ratified International Treaty. We demand the same from North Macedonia.



Regarding Albania, we clearly state that respect for the rule of law, democracy, and minority rights is not a bilateral issue, but a requirement of EU Law.



It is self-evident that compliance with these fundamental guarantees will be evaluated within the framework of the countrys accession process.



In any case, I would like to emphasize as a matter of principle that the future of the Western Balkan countries depends on adherence to rules, principles, and obligations, through strict application of the European acquis. Greece has consistently supported the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family. However, this European perspective is governed by rules and obligations. It is not a blank check.



JOURNALIST: What message would you like to send to the Greek diaspora in the U.S. and to the Hellenic diaspora in general?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The Hellenic diaspora is a bridge connecting the U.S. with the homeland. The message I would like to address to our expatriates is that we are particularly proud of them and their achievements. Our expatriates are a tangible example of successful integration into American society while simultaneously preserving Greek traditions and their ties with Greece. The dynamic Greek communities significantly contribute to the positive perception of Greece in the U.S., to strengthening our already strong bilateral relations, and to the coordinated and effective promotion of Greek positions.



Greece wants to keep the Greek diaspora close. Mainly through digitization, significant efforts are being made to improve the provision of consular services and to bring the diaspora into closer contact with the Greek language and culture. Furthermore, at the economic level, I would like to encourage our expatriates to invest in Greece, which has now become an investment-friendly environment.



Our diaspora is the great strength of Hellenism. We always want them close to us in metropolitan Greece, and as a government, we serve them with unwavering dedication.


SINGAPORE  China's defense minister on Sunday acknowledged the importance of newly renewed military-to-military communications with the United States as tensions escalate in the Asia-Pacific, while at the same time accusing Washington of causing the friction with its support for Taiwan and the Philippines.

We will not allow anyone to bring geopolitical conflicts or any war, whether hot or cold, into our region," Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun told the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore through a translator.

We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region, he added.

China has been increasingly assertive in pressing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, a key global shipping route, which has led to a growing number of conflicts, most notably with the Philippines, whose ships have been rammed by Chinese vessels and hit with water cannons.

Dong insisted that China's strategic culture is anchored in universal love and non-aggression, before threatening the Philippines, which has grown rapidly pro-American since the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022.

Since territorial hostilities with China surged last year in the South China Sea, Marcos Jr.s administration has taken steps to forge new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed a larger U.S. military presence in more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact.

Dong accused the Philippines of deliberately provoking China, emboldened by outside powers.

China has recognized great restraint in the face of such infringements and provocations, he said. But there is a limit to our restraint.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said that American support for the Philippines was ironclad and praised Marcos Friday speech at the forum as a powerful statement about how the Philippines is standing up for its sovereign rights under international law.

Austin also stressed the significance of renewing military-to-military communications between China and the U.S. to avoid misperceptions and prevent miscalculations.

There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognize that, he said. But our goal is to make sure that we dont allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily.

Dong is a former naval commander who was appointed in late December after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, was abruptly removed from office.

Dong met with Austin on Friday on the sidelines of the Singapore forum, which were the first in-person talks between top Chinese and American defense officials since contacts between the two countries' militaries broke down in 2022 after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, infuriating Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must come under its control, by force if necessary.

The U.S., like most countries, does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Washington is Taiwans biggest provider of military hardware and congressional delegations regularly visit Taiwan's leaders.

Dong said China remains open to exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. military, but added this requires efforts from both sides.

He accused the U.S. of emboldening Taiwan's new government, which refuses to accept Beijings insistence that the island is part of China, of pursuing separation in an incremental way.

We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds, he said. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.

___

AP reporter Ken Moritsugu contributed to this story from Hong Kong.
The mother of the 23-year-old special operations airman who was shot and killed May 3 by a Florida sheriff's deputy said the recent firing of that deputy is just a start and hopes to see more accountability.

"A lot has to be done," Meka Fortson, the mother of Roger Fortson, told Military.com. "It's moving too slow, and more needs to happen."

Deputy Eddie Duran, an Army veteran who had been with the department since 2019, was fired from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office when it was determined that his "use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable and therefore violated agency policy," according to an Administrative Internal Affairs investigation released Friday. Duran encountered Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old airman at Hurlburt Field, and shot him multiple times after the airman opened his apartment door with his legally owned firearm held by his side.

Read Next: Navy Shakes Up Commanders' Merit Promotions

A day prior to the report being released and Duran's firing being announced, Sheriff Eric Aden attended a town hall at Hurlburt Field alongside Air Force Special Operations Command leadership, as well as community leaders, to speak to airmen about Fortson's death.

The hourslong meeting gave airmen the opportunity to ask Aden "many questions concerning the status and details of the ongoing investigations and feelings of frustration and sadness," Air Force Special Operations Command said in a news release.

Meka Fortson told Military.com that the "united front" that the airmen and leadership have shown has proved helpful in holding the sheriff's office accountable.

But she doesn't feel like she's anywhere close to getting closure or justice for her son's death, saying that the deputy is still receiving a pension.

"When I found out he got fired I was at the cemetery," she said. "He got fired, meaning he's [going] to go on with his life. I'm going to have to go to a mausoleum."

A criminal investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is still ongoing.

The Administrative Internal Affairs investigation, released to the public Friday, showed that "Mr. Fortson did not physically resist [Duran] in any way, and the investigation concluded that Mr. Forston did not point the gun in the former deputy's direction."

Aden said in a press release Friday that "this tragic incident should have never occurred," adding that "Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual."

Body camera footage, historic dispatch logs and new police files, released by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department and obtained by Military.com over the last month, have pointed to the unclear second- and third-hand information that led Duran to Fortson's door for a reported domestic disturbance, even though the young airman was home alone on a FaceTime video call with his girlfriend.

While some bystanders told dispatch and Duran they were unsure where the disturbance was coming from and recounted a similar disturbance that had happened in recent weeks, the deputy was ultimately directed to apartment 1401 -- Fortson's unit.

The administrative investigation seemed to double down on the assertion that the deputy had been directed to the right unit.

"Dispatch records confirm the location of the disturbance was reported to be taking place in Unit 1401," the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said in the news release. "On arrival at the apartment complex to which he was dispatched  the former deputy met with an employee of the apartment complex who identified Unit 1401 as the location of the disturbance and relayed to the former deputy that there had been recent unreported disturbances at or around the same apartment."

In the administrative report, investigators spoke with a neighbor -- another airman, who is unnamed in the report -- who made the initial disturbance call to the leasing office. That neighbor detailed that she heard a loud argument allegedly from Fortson's apartment but did not hear a second voice. She also believed that there was a child living in the apartment.

"I couldn't hear like anyone back, but I just assumed, because he was so loud," said the neighbor, whose name is redacted in the report. The neighbor told investigators she "acknowledged the footsteps" she had heard in the past "may have been from a dog" but was still positive there was a child at the residence.

Additionally, Duran told investigators in the report that "when I saw his eyes ... I saw aggression" and added that, when he saw Fortson, "his hand and the elbow are slightly canted, meaning not straight down" and claimed, "I thought, I am stuck in this area and I'm about to get shot."

Duran was in the Army from 2003 through 2014, according to the investigative report. He had one combat deployment to Iraq in 2008 and was in military intelligence but transitioned to military law enforcement in 2007.

"While a military police officer, Deputy Duran received additional training through the Army's Special Reaction Team," the investigation detailed. "He received an honorable discharge."

Fortson's family's attorney, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, and Fortson's mother have continued to push back against claims that there was a disturbance occurring at the apartment and that the airman posed a threat to Duran.

"When they continue to try to push this narrative that it was the right apartment, then that's a stain on his reputation, because there was no domestic dispute going on in his apartment," Crump said. "When you look at the video, Roger never moved from the down position. He never even put his finger on the trigger. And so this notion about, 'Oh, he was being aggressive, he could see aggression in his eyes.' ... It's asinine and ludicrous when you look at that video."

Related: New 911 Calls, Police Records Raise More Questions in Senior Airman Roger Fortson Shooting Death
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group that for months has launched crucial strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen to protect military and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will remain in the region for at least another month, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the order last week to extend the four ships' deployment for a second time, rather than bring the carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and its three warships home. The other ships in the strike group are the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser, and two destroyers, the USS Gravely and the USS Mason. All together they include about 6,000 sailors.

The decision means the sailors and the carrier's Air Wing won't be home until the middle of the summer, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a decision not made public. The officials declined to provide exact dates.

A normal ship deployment lasts for about seven months, and the ships left their homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, in October. Austin approved the first order to extend their deployment about four weeks ago.

Austin had weighed the decision for a further extension for some time. Navy leaders routinely press to bring ships home in order to maintain a repair schedule and give sailors a needed break. But U.S. Central Command leaders have long argued that having a carrier in the region is critical for international security, including as a deterrent to Iran.

In recent months, the ships have played a critical role in protecting commercial and military vessels from a dramatic surge in attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. And officials say that a significant U.S. naval commitment to the region sends a strong signal to the commercial shipping industry that vessels can get protection as they travel the crucial transit route through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

About 12% of the worlds trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.

The Houthis have attacked ships since November, saying they want to force Israel to end its offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas. But the ships targeted by the Houthis have largely had little or no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, though they have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

The Eisenhower and its strike group have been involved in routine operations against the Houthis all year. They also have participated in five major joint missions with British forces to target dozens of the militant groups drones, missile launchers and other facilities and targets.

The ships are also spearheading Operation Prosperity Guardian, which was announced by Austin in December as a multinational mission to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

On Thursday, for example, F/A-18 fighter jets off the Eisenhower struck an array of targets in Yemen, in response to a recent increase in attacks by the group. And other ships in the strike group also launched missiles as part of the operation.

Any decision to bring the carrier home would leave the region without the ship-based fighter jets, and commanders would have to rely more heavily on land-based aircraft or other warships, which don't have fighter jets, to take out Houthi drones or other munitions that are preparing to launch.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Lauren Chatmas, the strike group's aircraft have flown more than 12,100 sorties, totaling over 27,200 flight hours, and they've launched more than 350 air-to-surface weapons and more than 50 air-to-air missiles. The warships have each traveled more than 55,000 miles, and they've launched more than 100 Standard and Tomahawk missiles. In all, the strike group has gone after about 430 either pre-planned or dynamic targets in its mission to defend U.S., coalition and merchant ships.
The SpaceX launch today is scheduled to take place at sunrise, on January 27th, 2023.







(Where Is The Space X Launch Today)

According to Elon Musks plan, the rocket will leave from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and then head to the International Space Station (ISS), which it will orbit around for six months before returning to Earth. The spacecraft will have a crew of three people, including civilians and astronauts.

There have been several delays due to issues with the rockets upper stage. On January 16th, the company experienced a significant delay when a critical component failed during the build process. This led to a call for more testing and inspections, and has caused additional delays.

Despite these setbacks, SpaceX remains confident in its ability to deliver the spacecraft on time. The company has multiple options for resuming launch efforts, including using a different upper stage or taking an earlier date.

As for where the SpaceX launch is currently located, it can be seen in real-time on NASAs website. The launch pad for the upcoming mission is located at Cape Canaveral AFS Station, just south of Florida.







(Where Is The Space X Launch Today)

Overall, the SpaceX launch is a highly anticipated event that promises to bring us closer to space exploration. While there may be delays, the company remains committed to delivering the spacecraft safely and on time.
The 2024 festival season is here, with lineups now released for summer and fall music and arts events from New York to California.

Main Street in the general admission campground as campers arrive for Electric Forest Music Festival at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Music festivals are a great way to see multiple big name and rising artists all in one place, all in one weekend. With sprawling event grounds and spread-out stages playing simultaneously, these beloved warm weather gatherings offer full days (and often full nights) of performances, food, art, and other experiences for the price of one typical headliner ticket.

Find below a list of seven 2024 festivals that may inspire your next road trip getaway. Purchase multi and/or single-day tickets via the festivals website, Vivid Seats , SeatGeek , and StubHub .

The two-weekend festival:

Austin City Limits - Texas, Oct. 4-6 and 11-13

Shop Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub

Austin City Limits is an annual multi-genre music fest that takes place over two back-to-back weekends in October (find Oct. 4-6 tickets here ; Oct. 11-13 tickets here ). This year promotes headliners Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Tyler, The Creator, and more.

Austin City Limits 2024 festival lineup from ACL Music Festival websiteAustin City Limits

The shortest trip:

Electric Forest - Michigan, Jun. 20-23

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Located in Rothbury, Michigan, Electric Forest is an electronic music fest with a loyal, glitter-coated fanbase. Camp on the festival grounds and take part in four straight days of immersive art installations and EDM giants like Subtronics .

Electric Forest 2024 lineup from official festival websiteElectric Forest

The country festival:

Rock the South - Alabama, 7/18-7/20

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Cullman, Alabamas Rock the South features country-based artists Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, and more .

Rock the South 2024 festival lineup from official Rock the South websiteRock the South

The biggest:

Lollapalooza - Illinois, Aug. 1-4

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With overall attendance estimates by ABC Chicago pushing 400,000 people, Lollapalooza is one of the largest music festivals in the country. Located in downtown Chicago, the weekend-long event hosts artists from all over the genre spectrum, featuring EDM headliners and stripped-down country stars alike.

Lollapalooza 2024 lineup from official Lolla websiteLollapalooza

The West Coast:

Outside Lands - California, Aug. 9-11

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Situated in San Francisco, California, Outside Lands is taking over the Golden Gate Park in 2024 with music by The Killers, Renee Rapp, Chappell Roan, and more. Single ( Friday , Saturday , or Sunday ) and three-day tickets available now.

Outside Lands 2024 lineup from official festival websiteOutside Lands

The last-minute excursion

The Governors Ball - New York, Jun. 7-9

Shop Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub

Theres still time to purchase tickets for Gov Ball. Full festival tickets are on waitlist through the Governors Ball website, but single and three-day passes are available now on the above ticket resale providers. The New York City music festival takes place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and, this year, is hosting headlining acts Post Malone, Rauw Alejandro, The Killers, 21 Savage, SZA, and Peso Pluma.

The Governors Ball 2024 festival lineup from Gov Ball websiteGovernors Ball

The camping festival

Lost Lands - Ohio, Sept. 20-22

Shop Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub

Camp alongside Lost Lands famed dino decor this September 2024. Look forward to a bass music lineup that includes the likes of ATLiens, Boogie T, San Holo, Zeds Dead, and Zingara.
DETROIT - What was once a prominent symbol of Detroits urban decay is now a worldwide model and stunning visual example in achievement. Once one of the grandest depots in the entire world, the previously abandoned Michigan Central Station has been painstakingly restored to its 1913 glory.

We are getting our first look inside this majestic building ahead of the first public tours being offered beginning this weekend. Public interest to see inside Michigan Central has been so immense, the website crashed as people tried to register for the free grand opening concert on June 6 and building tours.

Lets first rewind back to 2018. That was the last time MLive and other journalists saw what three decades of decay, neglect and vandalism had done inside the vacant structure. Thats when Ford purchased the property and announced it would bring new life into the iconic building. The work would be lengthy and arduous.

Six years and 3,100 skilled-trade workers dedicating more than 1.7 million combined hours later, the Station looks as close to what it looked like when it first opened 111 years ago.

This is probably the most challenging and rewarding project Ive ever worked on and I would say thats also true for a lot of the construction and trades people who worked on the project, said Melissa Dittmer, Head of Place (Planning, design, construction and development of places and spaces) at Michigan Central. We had a lot of people retire after working on this project because it was the apex, sort of pinnacle of their career.

The challenges were many and the obstacles were great, like the 3.5 million gallons of water which had to be pumped out of the basement along with the removal of nearly 4,000 cubic yards of debris.

Ford saved and restored as much original materials as it could. What it couldnt save, it actually recreated in many different ways, including using 3D printing.

In some cases, things were recreated from their original plans. We had all but a couple of pages, Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central, told MLive. In some cases, from extensive research and archival work, we found images to help recreate pieces. In other cases, we had crafts people from around the country come in to do things. What you see now is the product of extraordinary degrees of effort, care and and attention literally to every single detail.

And when he says every single detail, hes not exaggerating. Restoring the buildings iconic Waiting Room and Grand Hall required the equivalent of nearly nine miles of grout used on the 29,000 Guastavino ceiling tiles alone.

The Grand Hall and Waiting Room area inside the restored Michigan Central Station.Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

The tiny grooves in some of the bricks, which had to be replaced along the Grand Hall, were actually hand painted with a feather to properly blend the new stone with the old.

The Grand Hall is not just probably the most spectacular space in all of Detroit, but certainly one of them in the country, if not the world, added Sirefman. This is a space we will be able to use to create that next generation of peoples associations with the building, memories and connections to it, whether through events, programming, performances, productions and exhibits, this is a space we want to make sure is activated as much as possible for both Detroiters and visitors.

One of the images which has stayed fresh in visitors minds to Michigan Central Station is the large clock over the ticket windows, easily visible to waiting passengers.

The iconic clock inside Michigan Central Station in Detroit.Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

When you arrived, you would come in from down the historic arcade and this clock up on the wall above the ticket lobby was like the beacon. It kept the time and the pulse for the station, said Dittmer. This historic clock was able to be reproduced because we had some of its original components, not the entirety of it, but components of it. Working with those historic wood pieces, plus with the original drawings, we were able to recreate the beautiful clock that will keep us on track as we move forward into the next century.

There is so much more to the restoration process MLive will tell you about in the coming days. Before that, just enjoy your first look inside via our photos and videos and the free celebration concert which will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 6. The concert will be livestreamed on Peacock.

Following its reopening this weekend, the building will begin a phased reactivation over the next several months and years as restaurant, retail, and other commercial and community-focused partners take up residency. There will be 640,000 square feet of retail, hospitality, community and office space.

We think about the station as a fairly massive signal to the world that Detroit is leading away again, added Sirefman. Its not just about the classic revitalization story. And actually, were past that. Were now in a position of leadership. And In some ways, theres a real power to making a statement like that by salvaging and reinventing the same tools from the past with that look forward. Our hope is that our work can help send that signal to the world.
LIVONIA, MI -- Two men involved in a conspiracy to kidnap newborn twins from their mother last year were sentenced to prison last month, according to WDIV-Detroit. Curtis Lee Slay, 18, and Davion Demetrius Sherman Chandler, 20, each pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful imprisonment as part of a plea bargain that dropped several other charges against them.

On May 24, Chandler was sentenced to a term of 3 to 15 years in prison, but was given 280 days credit for time served. On May 31, Slay received the same sentence.

As part of the plea bargains, two counts of kidnapping -- child enticement, three counts of larceny in a building and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping -- child enticement were dropped, along with an additional charge of unlawful imprisonment were dropped.

The men were involved in a scheme that took place on Aug. 20, 2023 where two other suspects -- identified as Shantell Re-Azia Jones, 23, and a 16-year-old girl -- kidnapped newborn twins Matthew and Montana Bridges. The women took the 2-week-old babies from a hotel room at the Quality Inn on Plymouth Road, between Merriman and Middlebelt roads after their mother stepped out of the room for a moment to get a drink.

Police have described the relationship between the mother and the female suspects as being friendly acquaintances.

An Amber Alert was issued the next morning and less than four hours later, someone dropped the babies off at the Detroit Police Departments 9th precinct. A few hours after the newborns were recovered, police arrested Slay, Jones and Chandler.

While Slay and Chandler entered pleas in their cases, Jones is scheduled for a jury trial that is set for November.
DETROIT  Five people were injured in a three-vehicle crash involving an ambulance operated by the Detroit Fire Department on Sunday in Detroit, officials said.

A firefighter who was in the back of the ambulance had to be extricated from the vehicle and was significantly injured, FOX 2 Detroit reports. The firefighter and two EMS technicians who were in the ambulances cab were all transported to a hospital for their injuries. Two others involved in the crash were also injured; their conditions are unknown.

As we move about the city attempting to get to your loved ones and your fires, we do use all due care and caution that we can, said Bill Harp, of the Detroit Fire Department. This is an unfortunate event that does happen from time to time.

The crash is under investigation.
ALPENA COUNTY, MI -- A pair of men from Florida are in custody and facing felony charges after they were arrested Saturday following a theft at a Home Depot. According to the Alpena County Sheriffs Office, the men were caught when an employee at the Home Depot followed the men after they allegedly stole power tools from the store.

The employee tracked the men along westbound M-32 until they reached the area of Indian Reserve Road. From there, police joined the search and the employee backed off. Police began searching the area and eventually a sergeant with the sheriffs office spotted the vehicle on M-32 near Jacks Landing Road in Green Township.

The sergeant stopped the vehicle and a search led to the discovery of multiple power tools. The men were then arrested and police continued searching the vehicle. In total,the ACSO says an estimated $34,960 in stolen power tools were recovered that were taken from six Home Depot stores in Michigan. Police also found approximately $2,200 in merchandise stolen from a T.J. Maxx in Saginaw.

The suspects were taken to the Alpena County Sheriffs Office and are being held pending formal arraignment on charges of first-degree retail fraud and receiving and concealing stolen property over $20,000. Their identities have not been released, pending arraignment.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Fourth-grader Ellis Richardson had no idea he was about to be crowned winner of the Michigan Doodle for Google contest. when his Lawton Elementary School class was called down to a surprise assembly.

I was wondering about it, and I got excited, Ellis said. And then they announced it and I was just shocked.
SOUTHFIELD, MI - Graffiti with both pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel messaging was found Monday morning on the doors of the law firm co-owned by University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker.

Four individuals were seen on surveillance video after 1:30 a.m., June 3 performing vandalism at the Goodman Acker Law Firm office in Southfield, according to Chief Elvin Barren of the Southfield Police Department during a Monday press conference.

The messages, which range from Divest Now to Free Palestine to F--- You Acker, were disgustingly anti-Semitic, Acker wrote on X.

Singling out Jewish elected officials (and not others) for this is absolutely anti-Semitism, he said.

The vandalism included three individuals painting the red graffiti on the doors, walls and nearby sidewalks, while one person acted as a lookout, Barren said. Police have collected video from the scene and nearby area, and continue to investigate, police said.

Southfield police are working with the FBI and University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security to investigate, Barren said.

UM President Santa Ono said in a statement Monday that harassment and attempts to intimidate have no place in a civil society and certainly no place in our university community.

The vandalism that occurred at Regent Jordan Ackers place of business is shocking and unacceptable. Singling out this dedicated public servant and defacing his workplace in the middle of the night is an act of antisemitic cowardice that Southfield police have indicated is being investigated as a hate crime, Ono said in a statement.

One of the messages was UM Kills, similar to the Michigan Kills message sprayed on the universitys campus during protests demanding the university to divest from companies that support Israels military in the ongoing war in Gaza.

This is the second time Acker has been targeted by protesters. A masked protester came to Ackers family home in Huntington Woods around 4:40 a.m., May 15, placing at his door demands of divestment from Israel and protester oversight of the universitys financial activities.

Multiple other regents also had protesters demonstrate at their private homes on May 15. Regent Chair Sarah Hubbard found fake bloody corpses placed on her lawn, which protesters later said represented the human toll of the Gaza war that they say the university financially supports.

Unlike the May 15 protest, the university student group Tahrir Coalition did not take credit for the June 3 vandalism.

Acker is the only regent targeted at both his home and business, which indicates an anti-Semitic intention by protesters, said Michigan Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie in a post on X.

This is textbook antisemitism, & it has no place in our state, Edevbie wrote on X. It is wrong & there can be no justification for it.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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FLINT, MI  Flint has partnered with a worldwide Bloomberg Philanthropies fund that will provide the city with $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to youth-led climate projects.

Announced by Mayor Sheldon Neeley at a news conference on June 3, Flint is one of 100 cities participating in Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.
PINCONNING, MI  An iconic business located in the Cheese Capital of Michigan is turning 85 and kicking off its anniversary celebration this month as Pinconning hosts its annual cheese festival.

Wilsons Cheese Shoppe, located off M-13 in Northern Bay County, has been a family-owned business since 1939. Today, the company offers over 150 varieties of cheeses and ships its products all across the country.

We age our cheeses from squeaky mild all the way to over 15 years old, said owner Brian Saha, who also owns nearby Pinconning Cheese Co. & Deli.

For 85 years, cheese lovers have sought out Wilsons Pinconning cheese, handcrafted from the milk of grass-fed cows.

Our cheese was free of gluten, rBGH, and antibiotics long before health food was fashionable, reads a Wilsons news release announcing the anniversary.

Related: This shop in the Cheese Capital of Michigan offers everything from squeaky mild to 16-year colby

This summer, as Pinconning celebrates its annual Cheesetown Challenge Race & Festival Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, Wilsons will celebrate 85 years as a family-owned business.

Its been a terrific run owning Wilsons Cheese Shoppe, Saha, who purchased the business in 2014, said in a statement.

Just like the past owners, were a family operation. Our daughter, Brooke, and her husband, Ryan Kleinhans, are our management team at Wilsons Cheese Shoppe to ensure our familys continuous operation of our company well into the future.

Saha said the cheese business is a tradition for his family and many others.

We are all life-long residents of Pinconning. Many people who travel north venture off I-75 drive on historic M-13 (old US-23) and visit our store and comment how their parents used to come here  its a great family tradition since 1939.

Michigans oldest cheese shop

Wilsons story began in 1915 when Dan Horn, a cheesemaker and Russian immigrant residing in Pound, Wisconsin, created Wilsons signature item, old-fashioned Pinconning cheese. The Horn family built a cheese factory and opened the Horn Grocery Market next door on old US-23 (now M-13) in Pinconning, the release states.

In 1939, Dan Horns daughter, Inez, and her husband, Lawrence Wilson, bought the grocery store. The couple came up with the idea of specializing in all kinds of cheese, and Wilsons Cheese Shoppe was born.

By 1941, the Wilsons outgrew their small grocery store and built a new, much larger building directly across the street from the original shop.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Inez Wilson noticed more people traveling through Pinconning to destinations up North and began marketing Wilsons signature Pinconning cheese throughout the state, a driving force for convincing the state government to designate the city of Pinconning as the Cheese Capital of Michigan, according to the companys news release.

Over the years, the store has changed hands, expanded its offering to include specialty meats and fish, gourmet sweets, Michigan wines and spirits and other products, and added Wilsons giant mouse mascots.

Through all the changes, Wilsons has never strayed from the heart of our family-owned business, the release states. We hope the next 85 years will be as successful as the past 85 years and very much appreciate your continued support and patronage.

Today, Wilsons ships fresh, natural cheese all across the country.

Wilsons also offers Michigan craft beer, wine and spirits, candy, bread and cinnamon buns baked fresh daily, ice cream, root beer floats and Boston cooler floats made with Vernors.

We make our own old-fashioned root beer floats right off the tap, Saha said, noting the root beer is made in Frankenmuth. People love that.

Celebrating cheese

On Tuesday, June 4, National Cheese Day, Wilsons Cheese Shoppe will offer free cheese and homemade summer sausage samples in the store and give away five cheese sampler packages based on entries people submit while in the store. There is also a free shipping special for those ordering online.

And at the Pinconning cheese festival later this month, the company will have a booth filled with cheese snacks, hot dogs, its famous Pinconning grilled cheese sandwiches on cheese bread and other treats.

For more information, visit www.wilsoncheese.com and www.cheesetownraces.com.

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LAKE LEELANAU, MI - On the shores of North Lake Leelanau sits a craftsman estate, that is the epitome of Up North living.

The premium hand-crafted 4,036 square-foot home sits on a beautiful .62-acre wooded lot. The property is situated in a cove on the highly sought-after lake with 120 feet of pristine sandy frontage. The cove protects the property from prevailing summer winds and the late-day glare of the sun.

Located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, the home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms. This home is listed by real estate agent Tom Alflen with EXIT Realty Paramount. The home is MLives Up North House of the Week and is listed for $3,295,000.

Homes of various architectural styles and prices in Northern Michigan are showcased every month from across the state.

The living room with wood-burning fire place inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

Its really a nice, gentle blend of craftsman and cottage and a slight twist of contemporary, on one of the best lakes in the state of Michigan, said Alflen.

Stepping inside the home, the functional floor plan features a spacious kitchen with granite counter tops and new appliances and views onto Lake Leelanau.

The kitchen with views of North Lake Leelanau inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

On one side of the kitchen is a spacious living room with gorgeous exposed timbers overhead and a fieldstone wood-burning fireplace, providing the cozy cottage feel. On the opposite side of the kitchen is a dining room with second cobblestone natural gas fireplace. That space flows into a four-season sun room.

The dining room with gas cobblestone fire place and four-season sun room inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

Additionally, on the main level is a spacious master bedroom with an en-suite and a secondary bedroom. Heading upstairs is a second master bedroom with an en-suite and a huge loft area with an impressive triangle window that looks onto the lake and has been used as extra space for guests in the past.

The upstairs loft area inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

Along the spacious deck outside is another private master bedroom with an en-suite and cathedral ceilings. As a bonus to the home, there is also a space above the detached two-stall garage that has a half bathroom.

The outdoor full-functioning kitchen at MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

Off the deck there is a custom fully-functioning outdoor kitchen with a granite island that comfortably seats six people. The outdoor area along the lake also features an outdoor shower and fire pit at the waters edge. A large dock with boat lift extends into the water from the property.

Another unique feature about the 120 feet of frontage is a sandy cut that allows for walk-in access to the lake or a landing for kayaks/paddle boards.

The property offers quick boat access to The Narrows of Lake Leelanau - a thin waterway that connects the north and south lakes. Lelands Fishtown and Suttons Bay are less than 10 minutes by vehicle, and you can also access Fishtown via boat. The location of the property also puts you halfway between Glen Arbor and Traverse City, which is about 25 minutes in each direction.

An aerial image of the MLives Up North House of the Week located at (middle) 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. The property features 120 feet of frontage on North Lake Leelanau and boasts over 4,000 square-feet of living space.Photo provided by Kyle Jean/EXIT Realty Paramount

The lake is divided into two basins, North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau, with the Narrows connecting the two lakes that span 21 miles and are 1.5 miles at the widest point.

You can view the complete listing here.

Check out photos from Next Door Photos to see why this is our Up North House of the Week.

Click here for a direct link to the 59-image gallery.

The front exterior of MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

One of four bedrooms inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The living room wood-burning fire place inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

One of four bedrooms inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The kitchen with views of North Lake Leelanau inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The kitchen inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The dining room with gas cobblestone fire place inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The four-season sun room inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

One of four bedrooms inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

aThe outdoor full-functioning kitchen at MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

One of four bedrooms inside MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount

The outdoor full-functioning kitchen at MLives Up North House of the Week located at 6125 E Ryans Way in Lake Leelanau, Michigan is listed for $3,295,000. Photo provided by Next Door Photos/EXIT Realty Paramount
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GLOBALink | Int'l students seek job opportunities at job fair in China's Xi'an Pub Date:24-06-03 10:18 Source:Xinhua Many international students, especially those from Central Asian countries, were seeking opportunities to work in China at a job fair held for international talents in China's Xi'an. #GLOBALink Editor:

Related News Comicomment: Blind spots of 'human rights ... News Analysis: Claims of China's 'overcapa... Posters: Report on US human rights violati... US capital celebrates: 'The pandas are com...
President Joe Biden View Photo

President Biden recently delivered remarks on the Middle East.

Biden was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Before I begin my remarks, I just wanted to say a few words about what happened yesterday in New York City.

The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed.

Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself.

It was a state case, not a federal case. And it was heard by a jury of 12 citizens  12 Americans, 12 people like you. Like millions of Americans who served on juries, this jury was chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was a process that Donald Trumps attorney was part of.

The jury heard five weeks of evidence  five weeks. And after careful deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. They found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts. Now hell be given the opportunity, as he should, to appeal that decision just like everyone else has that opportunity.

Thats how the American system of justice works.

And its reckless, its dangerous, and its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Our justice system has endured for nearly 250 years, and it literally is the cornerstone of America  our justice system.

The justice system should be respected, and we should never allow anyone to tear it down. Its as simple as that.

Thats America. Thats who we are. And thats who well always be, God willing.

Now to another issue. I  I want to give an update on my efforts to end the crisis in Gaza.

For the past several months, my negotiators of foreign policy, intelligence community, and the like have been relentlessly focused not just on a ceasefire that would eve-  that would inevitably be fragile and temporary but on a durable end to the war. Thats been the focus: a durable end to this war.

One that brings all the hostages home, ensures Israels security, creates a better day after in Gaza without Hamas in power, and sets the stage for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Now, after intensive diplomacy carried out by my team and my many conversations with leaders of Israel, Qatar, and Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, Israel has now offered  Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal.

Its a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

This proposal has been transmitted by Qatar to Hamas.

Today, I want to lay out its terms for the American citizens and for the world.

This new proposal has three phases  three.

The first phase would last for six weeks. Heres what it would include: a full and complete ceasefire; a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza; a release of a number of hostages  including women, the elderly, the wounded  in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. There are American hostages who would be released at this stage, and we want them home.

Additional, some remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families, bringing some degree of closure to their terrible grief.

Palestinians  civilians  would return to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north.

Humanitarian assistance would surge with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every single day.

With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it. Hundreds of thousands of temporary shelters, including housing units, would be delivered by the international community.

All of that and more would begin immediately  immediately.

During the six weeks of ph-  of phase one, Israel and Hamas would negotiate the necessary arrangements to get to phase two, which is a permanent end to hostol-  to hostilities.

Now, Ill be straight with you. There are a number of details to negotiate to move from phase one to phase two. Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected.

But the proposal says if the negotiations take longer than six weeks for phase one, the ceasefire will still continue as long as negotiations continue.

And the United States, Egypt, and Qatar would work to ensure negotiations keep going  all agreements  all agreements  until all the agreements are reached and phase two is able to begin.

Then phase two: There would be an exchange for the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers; Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza; and as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary ceasefire would become, in the words of the propo-  the Israeli proposal, the cessation of hostilities permanently, end of quote. Cessation of hostilities permanently.

Finally, in phase three, a major reconstruction plan for Ga-  for Gaza wou-  would commence. And any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families.

Thats the offer thats now on the table and what weve been asking for. Its what we need.

The people of Israel should know they can make this offer without any further risk to their own security because theyve devastated Hamas form-  forces over the past eight months. At this point, Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another October 7th, which  one of the Israelis main objective in this war and, quite frankly, a righteous one.

I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some  some are even in the government coalition. And theyve made it clear: They want to occupy Gaza, they want to keep fighting for years, and the hostages are not a priority to them.

Well, Ive urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes.

And to the people of Israel, let me say this. As someone whose had a lifelong commitment to Israel, as the only American president who has ever gone to Israel in a time of war, as someone who just sent the U.S. forces to directly defend Israel when it was attacked by Iran, I ask you to take a step back and think what will happen if this moment is lost.

We cant lose this moment. Indefinite war in pursuit of an unidentified notion of total victory will not bring Israel in  will not bring down  bog down  will only bog down Israel in Gaza, draining the economic, military, and human-  and human resources, and furthering Israels isolation in the world.

That will not bring hostages home. That will not  not bring an enduring defeat of Hamas. That will not bring Israel lasting security.

But a comprehensive approach that starts with this deal will bring hostages home and will lead to a more secure Israel. And once a ceasefire and hostage deal is concluded, it unlocks the possibility of a great deal more progress, including  including calm along Israels northern border with Lebanon.

The United States will help forge a diplomatic resolution, one that ensures Israels security and allows people to safely return to their homes without fear of being attacked.

With a deal, a rebuilding of Gaza will begin [with] Arab nations and the international community, along with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, to get it done in a manner that does not allow Hamas to re-arm.

And the United States will work with our partners to rebuild homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza to help repair communities that were destroyed in the chaos of war.

And with this deal, Israel could become more deeply integrated into the region, including  its no surprise to you all  including no  a po-  potential historic normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. Israel could be part of a regional security network to counter the threat posed by Iran.

All of this progress would make Israel more secure, with Israeli families no longer living in the shadow of a terrorist attack.

And all of this would create the conditions for a different future and a better future for the Palestinian people, one of self-determination, dignity, security, and freedom. This path is available once the deal is struck.

Israel will always have the right to defend itself against the threats to its security and to bring those responsible for October 7th to justice. And the United States will always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself.

If Hamas fails to fulfill its commitments under the deal, Israel can resume military operations. But Egypt and Qatar have assured me and they are continuing to work to ensure that Hamas doesnt do that. And the United States will help ensure that Israel lives up to their obligations as well.

Thats what this deal says. Thats what it says. And well do our part.

This is truly a decisive moment. Israel has made their proposal. Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it.

Hamas needs to take the deal.

For months, people all over the world have called for a ceasefire. Now its time to raise your voices and to demand that Hasa-  Hamas come to the table, agrees to this deal, and ends this war that they began.

Of course, there will be differences on the specific details that need to be worked out. Thats natural. If Hamas comes to negotiate ready to deal, then Israel negotiations must be given a mandate, the necessary flexibility to close that deal.

The past eight months have marked heartbreaking pain: pain of those whose loved ones were slaughtered by Hamas terrorists on October 7th; hostages and their families waiting in anguish; ordinary Israelis whose lives were forever marked by the shattering event of Hamass sexual violence and ruthless brutality.

And the Palestinian people have endured sheer hell in this war. Too many innocent people have been killed, including thousands of children. Far too many have been badly wounded.

We all saw the terrible images from the deadly fire in Rafah earlier this week following an Israeli strike against  targeting Hamas. And even as we work to surge assistance to Gaza, with 1,800 trucks delivering supplies these last five days  1,800  the humanitarian crisis still remains.

I know this is a subject on which people in this country feel deep, passionate convictions. And so do I. This has been one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. Theres nothing easy about this  nothing easy about it.

Through it all, though, the United States has worked relentlessly to support Israelis security, to get humanitarian supplies into Gaza, and to get a ceasefire and a hostage deal to bring this war to an end.

Yesterday, with this new initiative, weve taken an important step in that direction.

And I want to level with you today as to where we are and what might be possible. But I need your help. Everyone who wants peace now must raise their voices and let the leaders know they should take this deal; work to make it real, make it lasting; and forge a better future out of the tragic terror attack and war.

Its time to begin this new stage, for the hostages to come home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop. Its time for this war to end and for the day after to begin.

Thank you very much.

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.
Vehicle travels off New Priest Grade View Photo

Update at 12:10 pm: The woman who was injured in the crash on Old Priest Grade on Sunday morning has been identified by the CHP as 36-year-old Alexandria Nelson of Modesto. She was driving a 2021 Subaru when she went off the grade and 250 feet down the embankment. She suffered injuries and was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Original story posted at 6:53 am: Groveland, CA  A vehicle traveled off Old Priest Grade on Sunday morning and it prompted a significant rescue operation.

The Tuolumne County Fire Department reports that the driver went 250 feet off the roadway shortly after 7:30 am, suffered serious injuries, and was trapped inside.

Several agencies responded to assist the rescue effort, including Cal Fire, Groveland Fire, Tuolumne County Ambulance, the CHP, and others.

The Tuolumne County Fire Department reports, Recognizing the steep and challenging terrain, CHP Fresno Copter H40 was requested to perform a hoist rescue operation. With precision and coordination, the ground crews successfully rescued the occupant from the vehicle and initiated medical treatment. The team then secured the patient to the hoist and facilitated their safe transfer to Columbia-based PHI-42 waiting at a nearby helipad coordinated by Tuolumne County Fire Department Chinese Camp Volunteer Engine 612.

Details regarding the victim were not immediately released.
Lambert here: Wait a minute. Cartels consumer welfare Reminds me of something, cant quite put my finger on it.

By Marit Hinnosaar, Assistant Professor University Of Nottingham, and Toomas Hinnosaar, University of Nottingham Economic Theory Centre. Originally published at VoxEU.

Social media influencers account for a growing share of marketing budgets worldwide. This column examines a problem within this rapidly expanding advertising market  influencer cartels, in which groups of influencers collude to increase advertising revenue by inflating each others engagement numbers. Influencer cartels can improve consumer welfare if they expand social media engagement to the target audience, but reduce welfare if they divert engagement to less relevant audiences. Rewarding engagement quantity encourages harmful collusion. Instead, the authors suggest, influencers should be compensated based on the actual value they provide.

Imagine a university that rewards professors based on the number of citations to their research. In response, a group of colleagues might agree to cite each others work in every paper they write. What would be the positive and negative effects of our imaginary citation cartel? Economists are not known for excessive citations, which could be explained by positive externalities: the citing author bears all the costs, while the cited author reaps the benefits. As citing authors cant internalise this positive externality, we end up with fewer citations than is socially optimal.

A citation cartel could solve this issue via reciprocal behaviour: by the cartel agreement, members would receive as many citations as they give. However, this can go too far. If this agreement requires citing unrelated papers, it might be good for group members but lead to meaningless literature reviews. Thus, the benefit of such agreements depends on their nature: making more effort to cite related papers could be good, while citing unrelated papers is probably bad.

Such academic citation cartels are not purely hypothetical. Academic journals have been found to form agreements to boost each others journals in the rankings (Van Noorden 2013). Similarly, universities have boosted their colleagues citation counts to advance in university rankings (Catanzaro 2024). Due to such citation patterns, Clarivate (Thomson Reuters) has excluded journals from Impact Factor listings, and most recently excluded the entire field of mathematics (Van Noorden 2013, Catanzaro 2024).

Academic citation cartels are difficult to study because there is no data on explicit cartel agreements. But in influencer marketing, cartel agreements are observable. In our new paper (Hinnosaar and Hinnosaar 2024), we study how influencers collude to inflate engagement and the conditions under which influencer cartels can be welfare-improving.

Distorted Incentives and Fraudulent Behaviour in Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has become a key part of modern advertising. In 2023, spending on influencer marketing reached $31 billion, already rivalling the entirety of print newspaper advertising. Influencer marketing allows advertisers fine targeting based on consumer interests by choosing a good product-influencer-consumer match.

Many non-celebrity influencers are not paid based on the success of their marketing campaigns. In fact, less than 20% of companies track the sales induced by their influencer marketing campaigns. Instead, influencers pay is based on impact measures such as the number of followers and engagement (likes and comments), furnishing an incentive for fraudulent behaviour  for inflating their influence. Inflating influence is a form of advertising fraud that causes market inefficiencies by directing ads to the wrong audience. An estimated 15% of influencer marketing spending is misused due to exaggerated influence. To address this issue, the US Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule in 2023 to ban the sale and purchase of false indicators of social media influence. Cartels provide a way of obtaining fake engagement that does not fall directly under the proposed rule  because no money changes hands  but is still in the same spirit. While there is substantial literature on fake consumer reviews (Mayzlin et al. 2014, Luca and Zervas 2016) and other forms of advertising fraud (Zinman and Zitzewitz 2016), the literature on influencer marketing has focused mostly on advertising disclosure (Ershov and Mitchell 2023, Pei and Mayzlin 2022, Mitchell 2021, Fainmesser and Galeotti 2021), leaving the fraudulent behaviour unstudied.

How Do Instagram Cartels Work?

An influencer cartel is a group of influencers who collude to boost their advertising fees by inflating engagement metrics. As in traditional industries (Steen et al. 2013), influencer cartels involve a formal agreement to manipulate the market for the members benefit. The cartels operate in online chatrooms. The screenshots below show how one such cartel operates in practice. The image on the left is from an online chat room, where cartel members submit links to their content for extra engagement. Before submitting a link, they must reciprocate by liking and commenting on other members posts. An algorithm enforces these rules. The image on the right shows these cartel-induced comments on Instagram. The cartel history and rules make it possible to observe which engagement (comments) originate from the cartel.

Figure 1 Left panel shows posts in online chatroom submitted for cartel engagement; right panel shows Instagram comments originating from the cartel

Source: Left panel is a screenshot of a Telegram group; right panel is a screenshot from Instagram. To preserve anonymity, account identifiers are blurred and the photo is replaced with an analogous photo by an AI image generator.

What Distinguishes Bad from Not-So-Bad Cartels?

Our theoretical model formalises the main trade-offs in this setting, in the spirit of the imaginary citation group discussed earlier. The model focuses on strategic engagement, a decision that affects social media content distribution and consumption (Aridor et al. 2024) but has been underexplored (with the exception of Filippas et al. 2023, who studied attention bartering in Twitter). Engaging with other influencers content has a positive externality, leading to too little engagement in equilibrium. Forming a cartel to reciprocally engage with each others content can internalise this externality and might be socially desirable. However, it can also result in low-value engagement, especially when advertisers pay based on quantity rather than quality.

The key dimension to differentiating bad from not-so-bad cartels is the quality of cartel engagement. By high quality, we mean engagement coming from influencers with similar interests. The idea is that influencers provide value to advertisers by promoting a product among the target audience: people with similar interests, such as vegan burgers to vegans. If a cartel generates engagement from influencers with other interests (meat lovers), this hurts consumers and advertisers. It hurts consumers because the platform will show them irrelevant content, and advertisers are hurt because their ads are shown to the wrong audience. Whether or not a particular cartel is welfare-reducing or welfare-improving is an empirical question.

Evaluating engagement quality using machine-learning methods

To answer this empirical question, we use novel data from influencer cartels and machine learning to analyse Instagram text and photos. The cartel data allows us to directly observe which Instagram posts are included in the cartel and which engagement originates from the cartel (via cartel rules). Our dataset includes two types of cartels, differentiated by cartel entry rules: topic cartels (which only accept influencers posting on specific topics) and general cartels (with unrestricted topics).

Our goal is to compare the quality of natural engagement to that originating from the cartel. We measure the quality by the topic match between the cartel member and the Instagram user who engages. To quantify the similarity of Instagram users, we generate numeric vectors (embeddings) from the text and photos in Instagram posts using a large language model (Language-agnostic BERT Sentence Embedding) and an analogous large neural network (Contrastive Language Image Pre-training model). Then we calculate cosine similarity between the Instagram users based on these numeric vectors.

Are the Cartels Likely to Be Welfare-Improving?

We find that engagement from general cartels is significantly lower in quality compared to natural engagement. Specifically, the quality of engagement from these cartels is nearly as low as that from a counterfactual engagement from a random Instagram user. In contrast, engagement from topic cartels is much closer to the quality of natural engagement.

The figure below illustrates these effects using raw data (see the paper for regression estimates, robustness checks, and additional analysis). It presents distributions of cosine similarity between the author and commenter, separately for general (left panel) and topic (right panel) cartels. It shows that non-cartel commenters (natural engagement) have the highest similarity with the author of the content, and random users have the lowest. Match quality from general cartels is similar to random engagement (left panel). In contrast, topic cartel engagement is much closer to natural engagement (right panel).

Figure 2 Probability density of authors similarity to commenters and random users in general cartels (left) and topic cartels (right)

Back-of-the-envelope calculations (based on regression analysis) show that if advertisers pay for cartel engagement as if it were natural engagement, they receive only 318% of the value with general cartels, and 6085% with topic cartels. In other words, general cartels provide nearly worthless engagement for advertisers, while topic cartels cause less distortion.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

Our findings lead to three policy implications. First, since general cartels are likely to reduce welfare, stronger regulation of their activities would benefit society. Second, regulations that prohibit buying and selling fake social media indicators should also cover in-kind transfers, such as paying for engagement with reciprocal engagement. Third, the current practice of rewarding engagement quantity encourages harmful collusion. A better approach would be to compensate influencers based on the actual value they provide. Luckily, many advertisers are already moving in this direction. Until they get there, platforms could improve outcomes by reporting match-quality-weighted engagement.

References available at the orignal.
An opaque legal ruling could, in a roundabout way, soon halt all pipeline deliveries of Russian gas to Austria  and therefore Italy. Coupled with the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, the economic consequences for Europes second-largest industrial location could be dire.

In late May, an undisclosed European court handed down a ruling that in a roundabout way could force Austrias main gas company OMV (Osterreichische Mineralolverwaltung or Austrian Mineral Oil Administration) to stop paying for Russian gas.

Some background:

This all goes back to the Wests freezing of hundreds of billions of Russian foreign assets in 2022. In light of that move, Putin introduced the gas for roubles program so that payments and clearing on its gas exports would be under the control of the Russian Central Bank and therefore unable to be frozen or stolen by the West.

Many European countries/companies refused to comply and loudly complained that Putin was cutting off the gas.

Meanwhile, some countries and companies in central Europe were allowed by the EU to continue importing Russian gas due to difficulties in updating their legacy energy infrastructure or some other reason. So companies like Austrias OMV agreed to pay in roubles and continue to import the Russian gas and often send it on to the countries that threw a fit over the gas for roubles program.

Now, here we are two years later, and it looks like OMV is going to be forced to stiff Gazprom on payments and redirect that money to European energy companies who refused to pay in roubles. What little details of the case that are known are this from Upstream:

European companies led by Germanys Uniper and RWE filed arbitration claims in Sweden, Switzerland and Luxembourg against the Russian companys European trading subsidiary, Gazprom Export, seeking multibillion-dollar compensation payouts. OMV said on Wednesday that its remaining supplies from Gazprom may be under threat due to a foreign court ruling obtained by a major European company relating to the 2022 halt in supplies. Neither the court nor the company was identified. However, OMV said the court ruling contains an injunction ordering Gazproms remaining European customers to divert their payments for received Russian gas to the accounts of the major European company, as enforcement of the compensation is deemed impossible in Russia. OMV said that, if enforced, the ruling will require its OMV Gas Marketing & Trading subsidiary to make payments under its gas supply contract with Gazprom Export to the European energy company instead of sending them to Gazprom Export. However, it is currently not known to OMV whether and when such an enforcement might occur, it added.

Naturally, since Gazprom would not be receiving money for its natural gas, it would no longer deliver it to Austria. Despite the obviousness of that response, all the headlines read like this:

OMV of course says that it would still be able to supply customers with volumes from non-Russian sources through its extensive diversification efforts in recent years, but at what cost? At least one prediction has European natural gas prices jumping 18 percent, and thats on top of the significant rises over the past two years. Theres a reason that Austria kept importing from Russia and is now the EU country that relies the most on Russian gas. As always, its cheap and reliable.

For comparison, OMV just signed long-term deals with BP and US-based company Cheniere Energy to import a combined nearly 2 million tons of LNG per year through a terminal in The Netherlands. The deals dont begin until 2026 and 2029, respectively, and the contractual price will be pegged to market prices, which is the obvious disadvantage compared to set prices in long term contracts with Russia.

through Ukraine at the end of 2024, when the transit agreement between Moscow and Kyiv will expire.

The possibility of reduced flows, together with the maintenance of Norwegian primary infrastructures and steady geopolitical tensions made TTF increase by almost 9% in just 2 days.  Francesco Sassi (@Frank_Stones) May 23, 2024

Sure, the increased energy prices will hit the poorest Europeans hardest and reduce their quality of life, but hey, its good for US LNG companies.

The fact is, this is bad news for Austria, and maybe more importantly from an EU-wide perspective, for the blocs second largest industrial center: Italy. Both countries have been trying to prepare for a halt to Russian gas supplies at the start of the next year when the current gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires. Officials in Kiev have repeatedly made it clear that will be the end of Russian gas flowing through Ukraine.

That the cutoff date might now come sooner than expected just adds insult to injury. As OMV talks up its diversification efforts, it only has to look to Italy to see how difficult that process can be. With the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea and the Middle East causing disruptions in LNG deliveries Rome is in a major bind despite long pretending otherwise.

Italy has Algeria to the south, which was going to increase gas and oil exports. Italy had the LNG facilities and was going to be part of the continents new economic growth engine.

But that plan to transform the country into a gas hub for Europe, already on shaky ground, started to go up in flames in the Red Sea months ago. Italian PM Giorgia Melonis predecessor, the unelected former Goldman Sachs man Mario Draghi, was one of the biggest proponents of the EUs doomed Russia policy and pushed the energy hub idea, which was seamlessly picked up by Meloni.

It was never all that well thought out in the first place.

In 2021, Russian imports accounted for 23 percent of Italian fuel consumption with gas depended on more heavily (about 40 percent of imports), but it was said Italy was well-positioned to manage the loss of Russian fuels due its proximity to North Africa. Italy quickly began looking south across the Mediterranean as part of the EU-wide turn to Africa in search of energy replacements for Russian oil and gas. Algeria was going to increase the flow of gas through an existing pipeline, and the countries plan to build another pipeline.

Here were Italys calculations from a March 2022 piece from Hellenic Shipping News:

Italy consumed 29 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas last year, representing about 40% of its imports. It is gradually replacing around 10.5 bcm of that by increased imports from other countries starting from this winter, according to Eni. Most of the extra gas will come from Algeria, which said on Sept. 21 it would increase total deliveries to Italy by nearly 20% to 25.2 bcm this year. This means it will become Italys top supplier, provide roughly 35% of imports; Russias share has meanwhile dropped to very low levels, Descalzi said this week.

The rest of the shortfall was to be made up of LNG shipments from Angola, Egypt, Mozambique, Qatar, and of course the United States.

Rome was using billions of euros coming from the EUs green fund, the REPowerEU plan, and the Covid recovery fund to completely wean itself off Russian gas and turn the country into a hub, mainly with LNG storage facilities. The government rushed through a 5 billion cubic meter capacity (bcm) LNG terminal project in Tuscany with the Draghi government appointing a special commissioner with near-absolute powers that allowed the project to proceed despite court challenges.

In December, Italys gas grid operator Snam completed a $400 million deal for another floating 5 bcm LNG storage and regasification facility that will be based on Italys northeastern coast, which will bring the countrys total to 28 bcm. In September of 2022, Reuters declared that the energy crisis sires new European order: a strong Italy and ailing Germany.

The Italian government patted itself on the back and said it was the best in Europe on energy security.

While gas made up about 51 percent of Italys total electricity generation in 2022 (the highest level in Europe), more than 95 percent of it was imported from overseas, and the problem was the math was overly optimistic going forward.

The Transmed system connecting Algeria and Italy wasnt even operating at full capacity in 2022 when Italy began to believe it was going to be able to ramp up deliveries. There were major Algerian production issues, including infrastructure problems and the need to divert gas to meet increasing domestic demand for electricity.

Marco Giuli, a researcher at the Brussels School of Governance in Belgium, told Natural Gas Intelligence at the time that the additional 9 Bcm from Algeria by 2023 is unrealistic, especially considering that Algerian supplies to Italy increased by 80% between 2020 and 2021, Giuli said.

Here we are in 2024 and Algerias gas exports to the EU have actually declined:

s LNG export reached a 13 year high in 2023. As s largest LNG buyer,  increased its import by 20% reaching a record 4.45 BCM followed by  & . s total gas export remains strong, reporting a 6% growth in 2023 despite increase in domestic consumtion.

By @MeesEnergy pic.twitter.com/NZXpnsytZi  ReDa Amrani (@RedaAmrani_) January 15, 2024

So with LNG problems due to the Red Sea disruptions and less than hoped for from Algeria, what did Italy do in response? It started getting more gas from Russia via Austria:

At first, I could not believe my eyes. But digging, data is revealing an unpleasant truth. Italy still relies on Russian gas more than what could appear.

In March, Italy imports from Austria ballooned year-on-year and month-on-month.  Francesco Sassi (@Frank_Stones) April 23, 2024

Now, it looks like Russian supplies could be cut off even sooner than expected, and with Israel announcing its destruction of Gaza will continue until the end of the year, that means the Red Sea will remain a no-go zone. So Italy, Austria and others will be stuck with limited LNG options, which means prices will likely be ridiculously high due to scarce supply. Meanwhile, Italian factory activity continues to contract as it has been doing for the majority of the time for the past two years.

The vise tightening in Italy could be playing a role in Italian politicians piping up about the insanity of US/NATO escalation against Russia. Consider the following signs that Italy wants to get off the escalator in recent weeks:

In early May Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto slapped down French Presidents Emmanuel Macrons flirtation with the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani declared that Italy is not at war with Russia and will not send troops.

Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini said that NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg should recant his statements about using Western weapons to attack inside Russias pre-2014 borders, or he should resign. The full comment: Never attack Russia, says Salvini, who adds: If they want to go and fight in Ukraine, let Stoltenberg, Emmanuel Macron and all the bombers who want war go there. Ukraine or using our weapons to kill in Russia is madness. Either this gentleman who speaks on my behalf, since he speaks on behalf of NATO, either apologizes or resigns. Because the Italian people did not give you any mandate to go and shoot in Russia.

Unfortunately for the Italian people and especially the working class who have to bear the brunt of the pain from the economic war against Russia, the pushback against further escalation is too little, too late.

The Italian public has consistently shown some of the lowest support levels in Europe for Project Ukraine, and those numbers have been consistently falling as research shows that half of Italians are struggling to make ends meet.

Productive sectors of the economy have never been on board, and some political figures on the right like Salvinis League and Berlusconis Forza Italia have periodically spoken out against escalation, but any attempts at a rational cost-benefit analysis or even maintaining some sort of cultural dialogue with Russians is met with hysteria from the liberal centrists in Italy (the real left has been mostly stamped out).

Its a major shift for Italy, which long enjoyed close ties with Russia. The two countries remained strong business partners until recent years. For example, Italy shared manufacturing know-how, such as on civil aircraft and helicopter projects, as well as the modernization of rail transportation, and Russia had the energy. Many mid-sized Italian businesses, especially in areas like agricultural manufacturing, were also eager to get into the emerging Russia market. Theyre now doing what they can to stay there. Italian exports to Turkiye, for example, have jumped 87 percent over the last two years with much of that increase likely attributable to the effort to bypass sanctions.

But now the gas is soon to be completely cut off and the US is cracking down on countries like Turkiye and their role in sanctions evasion.

The whole Project Ukraine has always been a lose-lose proposition for Italy. Go against it and fall victim to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyens tools, which would have likely included yanking the nearly $200 billion in Covid recovery funds going to Rome along with other financial difficulties orchestrated from Brussels. Despite a big part of her appeal being her earlier pro-sovereignty positions, Meloni pledged fealty to the EU, NATO, and the US after her 2022 election. That decision, too, now has Italy in a massive bind. And despite Meloni rolling over, von der Leyens centrist pro-Project Ukraine coalition partners in Brussels are now threatening to block the latter from a second term running the EU Commission if she tries to bring Melonis party into the center-right European Peoples Party in the EU Parliament.

And that pretty much sums up Italys past thirty years of involvement in the European project.

For three decades Italy has been one of the most eager adopters of EU-prescribed neoliberal reforms. Leaders in Rome complain but say theres no choice.

For decades public assets have been sold off. American private equity is currently feasting on the country with CIA-connected KKR nearing completion of its acquisition of Telecom Italias fixed line network. More are to come as the sell-off must go on, the leaders in Rome complain but obey.

Most Italians standard of living keeps falling, but that only proves more market-friendly reforms are needed, Brussels says. Italian leaders complain but oblige. One can only wonder why.

And now what was left of Italian manufacturing is being killed so that US energy companies can make a killing delivering LNG, but Russia bad, they say.

And no doubt, despite these recent protestations over further escalation with Russia, when the US demands its European vassals wade ever deeper into the Ukrainian morass, the government in Rome will moan and wail as they order working class Italians to the front lines.
Yellowstone National Parks oldest wolf gave birth to 3 pups this spring Scripps (Furzy Mouse)

Governors and Heads of Supervision reiterate commitment to Basel III implementation and provide update on cryptoasset standard Bank of International Settlements

Financial capital is not scarce, so why do we pay so much for it? Funding the Future

Novel Evidence of Macroeconomic Regime Change Policy Tensor. Tight labor markets. But why? Tis a mystery!

The Global Loss of the U-Shaped Curve of Happiness After Babel

Climate

Water

Burst pipes in Atlanta leads to water outages, boil water notices The Hill

Syndemics

China?

Malaysias chip industry falls in crosshairs of US sanctions on Russia Al Jazeera

Heavy metal hijabi band Voice Of Baceprot on playing at this years Glastonbury Festival Channel News Asia

Syraqistan

European Disunion

The German climate movement is falling apart over Palestine The New Arab

Dear Old Blighty

New Not-So-Cold War

Global Elections

Indias Modi eyes election victory, top opponent back behind bars Channel News Asia

* * *

Trump is now a convicted felon. Heres what that could mean for his rights ABC. Among the consequences of Trump being in New Yorks criminal justice system would be a complete physical and mental examination, among other things; see Water Cooler here.

Johnson in Trump verdict aftermath: I do believe the Supreme Court should step in Politico

* * *

Commodities, shipping in focus in watershed South African election S&P Global

South of the Border

Supply Chain

Digital Watch

Researchers crash Baidu robo-cars with tinfoil and paint daubed on cardboard The Register. The deck: The fusion of Lidar, radar, and cameras can be fooled by stuff from your kids craft box.

Healthcare

Zeitgeist Watch

Doctor Who, the Traveling Time Lord JSTOR. Smooth sailing now that Disney is involved.

Groves of Academe

The University of the Arts is closing June 7, its president says The Inquirer

Boeing

The Final Frontier

Housing

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

Boeing, firefighters settle contract, ending lockout Leeham News and Analysis

Violent doodles made by children 2,000 years ago raise eyebrows FOX

Why Did Primates Evolve Big Brains? It Might Not Be The Reason You Think Science Alert

Antidote du jour (H. Zel):

Go for that yacht, buddy!

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. Putin volunteered in a recent interview that it was odd that Raisi took his fatal trip in an old American helicopter, which due to sanctions would be difficult to maintain, while the other two helicopters that made the same trip were fairly new, well-kitted out, Russian made birds.

By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears

It was a frustrated Sherlock Holmes who told Dr Watson: You will not apply my precept, he said, shaking his head. How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?

That was in 1890 in the Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Sign of Four.

Application of this Holmes rule of detection and deduction to the circumstances of the crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis helicopter on May 19 is now producing the inescapable conclusion that Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and the six others on board their aircraft were killed by the actions of one or both of the pilots, who intended their own suicide and the killing of their passengers.

This appears not to have been the conclusion of the Iranian Air Force commanders who paid a condolence visit to the families of the pilots on May 21, two days after their deaths.

But with the release last week by the Iranian Armys General Staff of its second report on the fatal crash, the elimination of weather, machine failure, external missile attack, on-board bomb, electronic sabotage, and pilot navigational error is now complete. Together with the first General Staff report, the detailed Teheran television interview of Raisis chief of staff, Gholam-Hossein Esmaeili, and the eyewitness testimony by telephone from the crash scene by the Tabriz ayatollah, Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem, the evidence remaining is that the highly experienced chief pilot, Colonel Seyed Taher Mostafavi (lead image, right) made three mistakes  the first, to fly into the cloud bank after he ordered the others to climb above; the second, not to detect on his radar and other instruments the sharp mountain peaks in close proximity to his flight course at 2,200 metres; and the third, to crash in horizontal orientation, not vertically nose first.

Hattricks are rare, but they are never mistakes, never accidental.

To catch up on the forensic details as they were initially confirmed for the fatal incident, read this piece of May 27.

For a summary of the contradictory media reporting from Iranian military and other local sources, assembled by an anti-regime source in London, click to read. Israeli fabrication and disinformation on the incident is of decidedly lower quality than the Iranian propaganda; click to compare.

OVERVIEW OF THE HELICOPTER CONVOY ROUTE

Source: https://thecradle.co/

SATELLITE VIEW OF THE CLOUD COVER OF THE ROUTE AND CRASH SITE

Source: https://www.iranintl.com

Iran International, an anti-regime medium based in London and Washington, financed by Saudis, concluded its coverage on May 23 with an account of contradictory media reports. This piece reached no conclusions, and so far it has not been updated.

In the state news agency report, published late on May 29, the Army investigators concluded based on sampling and tests conducted on the wreckage and parts of the helicopter, as well as the distribution pattern of the debris from the main body, the occurrence of an explosion caused by sabotage during the flight and moments before the impact with the mountainside is ruled out, the report said. Additionally, investigators carefully examined the vast majority of the documents related to the maintenance of the helicopter and found no issue that could have played a role in the accident, it added.

The report also revealed that the helicopters capacity in terms of the maximum standard load it could carry at the point of take-off and throughout the flight path and the return route was found to have been within the permissible limit. The recorded conversations between the flight crew show that the last contact with the pilots up to the time of the incident and when they stopped responding lasted 69 seconds, and no emergency declaration was recorded during that time, it added.

The military investigators also ruled out any disruption in the communication system or frequency interference with the helicopter. They revealed that during the flight and up to 69 seconds before the crash, contact with the aircraft had been maintained on the specified frequencies. The report further said that there were no signs of any cyberattack carried out against the presidential helicopter.

What is missing from the second Army report is the radar and black-box records of whether in the last 69 seconds there was a bearing or course change by Mostafavi at the controls of the presidents aircraft. In the Armys first report, it was claimed the helicopter has already continued on the predicted path and has not departed from the designated flight path.

A western military aviation expert refers to the training manual for the Bell 212 model of helicopter in which Raisi was travelling. This source says that the technical data the Army will have checked but have yet to reveal, include:

 altitude of the convoy when Mostafavi gave the order to climb above the clouds

 speed of the aircraft at that time

 course and bearing of the front and rear aircraft

 record of course deviation by the Raisi aircraft in the final 69 seconds

 altimeter specifications in the Bell-212 helicopter

 technical factors explaining why Raisis aircraft did not gain altitude after Mostafavi gave the climb order to the convoy.

From the geographical coordinates published for the crash site, the altitude at which the crash occurred has been estimated at 2,200 metres.

Left, drone image above the crash site. Right, video from rescuer at ground level which appears to show the body of Al-Hashem clear of the crash debris.

This is how the eyewitness in the third helicopter, behind Raisis aircraft, described the altitude, cloud and weather conditions: Esmaeili:..There was fog on the ground, but not in up the air where we were advancing with the helicopters. However, in one small compacted area, there was a small patch of clouds above a cliff. In terms of height, this cloud was at the same height as our flights height. It was there that the now-martyred helicopter pilot [Mostafavi], who was also the commander of the fleet, told the rest of the pilots to ascend above the clouds. We were third behind the presidents helicopter. We rose above the clouds and advanced for approximately 30 seconds. Our pilot suddenly realized that the main helicopter carrying the president was missing.

Esmaeili said the pilot of his aircraft estimated that 90 seconds had elapsed between the radio contact of Mostafavi giving the order to climb above the cloud bank and the disappearance. we also have no radio contact with it anymore. So I asked him when was the last time contact was made? The pilot answered, A minute and 30 seconds ago when the pilot [Mostafavi] told us to ascend above the clouds.

Esmaeili is explicit. It had been Mostafavi who had been at the controls of Raisis aircraft and who gave the order to the others to climb above the cloud.

Esmaeili also revealed the direct testimony of Al-Hashem, who was thrown clear of the helicopter fuselage at the crash and was not reached by the fire which consumed the other passengers in the cabin. After some tries, calling the cellphone of the captain [Mostafavi] accompanying the president, someone picked up the phone. It was Ayatollah Hashem, the Friday Imam of Tabriz. He told us that he was not feeling well. He didnt tell us anything special. I asked him what exactly had happened. He told us that he didnt know what had happened, and when asked about his whereabouts, he said that he didnt know. He only described what he could see, described to us what he saw, for example, how he was surrounded by trees. I asked him about the condition of the others, the Ayatollah replied that hes alone and couldnt see anyone else and hes alone.

In Esmaeilis account, he and others were able to speak to Al-Hashem over a three-to-four hour period. The telephone which Al-Hashem answered was Mostafavis, according to Esmaeili.

The western aviation source comments: We can be certain that there was no noticeable or alarming acceleration due to increasing throttle, a dive, or both. We have Al-Hashems last communications verifying this, as well as 90 seconds of no radio traffic which in an emergency of this kind typically includes cries for help or other chatter identifying a struggle in the cockpit. This makes me wonder if the crew had made a pact.

We assume the [Bell] 212 was cruising at 190kph. The final communication with the pilot was 90 seconds before the crash. The math tells me that in those 90 seconds the 212 flew 4,769m horizontally. We dont know the altitude of the group before the order to climb was given, but we do know the service ceiling of the 212 is 5300m, so there was plenty of capacity to get above the 2200m height of the mountain where the aircraft ended up.

The 212 is equipped with a radio altimeter. This equipment generally stops giving height indications at 2500ft/ 762m. We have no evidence [from Al-Hashem] that the altimeter sounded off or that any of the flight crew or passengers heard it before the crash. The altimeter could have been disabled. By the looks of the crash site, the 212 didnt hit a sheer cliff or steep mountainside, so we can expect that the altimeter would have sounded before collision if it had been working and/or been monitored.

Now, the key thing is that the pilot ordered the other two helicopters to climb, while he did not. He flew into the clouds. Did he descend, or just fly into the mountain at 190kph? Did he know that on his current course the altimeter, if it was working, would not sound due to the slope of the terrain until it was too late to change course? The Army says there was no course change during the flight, but did the pilot, instead of descending into the clouds, change course while maintaining altitude after entering the cloud cover, thus hitting the mountain. This would explain the calmness of all on board.

The pilot knew exactly what he was doing.

Suspicion of pilot suicide in an assassination plot has not been reported in the Iranian domestic media, in the two Army reports, or in the Iranian opposition media outside the country. Nor has it surfaced in the Russian military blogs.

There appears to have been no suspicion of the two pilots, Mostafavi and Colonel Mohsen Daryanosh, in the first days after the incident when their families and homes were visited by Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, the Iranian Air Force commander, and Brigadier General Massoud Jafari, commander of Shahid Lashgari Air Base.

Source: https://www.presstv.ir/

How and why Mostafavi gave his personal telephone to Ayatollah Al-Hashem before the flight began is an unanswered question. In the circumstances now, so too is the question of what evidence Mostafavi left on his telephone, if any.
On 5 - 6 June 2024, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will travel to Helsinki, Finland.

On Wednesday, 5 June, the Secretary General will have a meeting with the President of the Republic of Finland, Mr Alexander Stubb.

On Thursday, 6 June, the Secretary General and the President will hold a joint press conference. Mr Stoltenberg and Mr Stubb will also participate in a moderated discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council of Finland.

The Secretary General will also meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, Mr Petteri Orpo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Elina Valtonen, and the Minister of Defence, Mr Antti Hakkanen.



Media Advisory



6 June

10:15 (CEST) Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the President of Finland.

12:30  13:30 (CEST) Moderated discussion by the Atlantic Council.

Media coverage

The events will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Videos from the visit will be available for download from the NATO Multimedia Portal.

Transcripts and photos will be available on the NATO website.

For more information:

Details about media opportunities and accreditation can be found here.

Press contact: Katja Uusi-Hakala, Communications Specialist, tel. +358 295 226 533, press@tpk.fi

For general queries: Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X: @NATO, @jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress
Gerald Celente: FALSE FLAG event will make WWIII official

Well-known trend forecaster Gerald Celente has warned that a false-flag event is going to make World War III official

"WWIII has already begun. It's going to be a false flag event that's going to make it official," he said during a May 24 interview on the "Health Ranger Report" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams. "One of my sayings is 'When all else fails, they take you to war.'"

"What followed the Great Depression? World War II. What followed the dot-com bust? The War on Terror."

Celente cited the 39 weeks of protests in Israel that Israeli President Isaac Herzog described as the "civil war." Using the example above, the protests eventually led to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Incidentally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the attack.

"So WWIII is going to  have a nuclear exchange. If [Israel loses] the war, they're going nuclear," Celente continued. "They have between 200 to 400 nuclear warheads  illegal, by the way. They could have them, but Iran can't or anybody else."

Adams meanwhile remarked that an Iranian lawmaker recently said Tehran has nuclear weapons. While the Islamic republic doesn't talk about its nuclear arsenal completely, it has nuclear weapon components hidden in a bunker and can assemble a nuclear weapon within a few hours.

He also noted that Israel is lowing the war against Hamas because Tel Aviv hasn't defeated the group. The IDF is also made up of hyper-privileged, weak soldiers compared to those who fought in WWII, the Brighteon.com and Natural News founder added. Adams ultimately agreed with his guest, predicting that Israel won't win the war and may end up using nuclear weapons out of sheer desperation.

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.

Celente: Biden is going to take the U.S. to war

The founder and director of the New York-based Trends Research Institute also told Adams that President Joe Biden is going to take the country to war, in particular with Russia. The Health Ranger agreed, citing that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had revealed in a recent congressional hearing that Ukraine was given permission to use long-range missiles on targets deep within Russia. (Related: Russia warns of expanding military buffer zone if Ukraine acquires U.S. long-range missiles.)

According to Adams, this translates to a provocation and an escalation-engineered event. Celente agreed, highlighting that America is indeed at war. He continued that Washington supplying the weapons of death to Kyiv makes the U.S. an accessory to the crime.

Moreover, Celente cited how U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also came out against China for supplying Russia with what it needs to keep fighting the war against Ukraine. He noted the double standard, highlighting how it was OK for Washington and Brussels to support Kyiv, but not when Beijing helps Moscow.

Adams also stated that Victoria Nuland, former under secretary of state for political affairs at the U.S. Department of State, had recently called for strikes deep into Russia  something her former boss Blinken supports. Celente commented that Nuland was instrumental in enabling the U.S. to overthrow the democratically elected government of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych back in 2014.

The trend forecaster mentioned that Russia has previously warned of British and American military bases, command centers and logistics hubs to be legitimate targets. Adams added that the minute Ukraine starts launching long-range missiles and hitting targets such as the Russian capital Moscow, the Russians could just start nuking the British capital London and various American cities in return.

Follow WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch the full conversation between Gerald Celente and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Prominent leaders and personalities all over the world are warning that World War III is coming.

WWIII IS INEVITABLE: Every time economies falter, the globalists plunge the world into catastrophic war.

US, NATO using discredited domino theory to justify sending even more taxpayer-funded arms shipments to Ukraine.

Simulation shows NUCLEAR HELL would be unleashed in apocalyptic Iran vs. Israel war.

White House moves toward lifting ban on Ukraine striking targets deep inside Russia with U.S. weapons.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TrendsJournal.com
Congressional committee votes unanimously to subpoena Google, Facebook for election manipulation ahead of voting day 2024

The testimonies shared at a recent Senate Committee on State Affairs of the State of Texas hearing on election manipulation successfully convinced congressional committee members to unanimously authorize the issuance of subpoenas to investigate both Google and Facebook ahead of the 2024 election.

Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies tweeted that his testimony, along with that of Facebook whistleblower Ryan Hartwig; author and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today, Dr. Robert Epstein; the Heritage Foundation; and The MRC vice president Dan Schneider, resulted in a victorious first step towards cleaning up American elections.

"Today the Senate Committee on State Affairs voted unanimously to authorize subpoenas to big tech firms like Facebook and Google," tweeted Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Tex.).

"There is strong evidence that big tech imposes their own biases to manipulate and stifle dissenting voices, undermining election integrity. Texas will not stand for that."

(Related: Last fall, we warned our readers that Google was already rigging the 2024 election by making certain candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., invisible in search results.)

Will Big Tech steal the 2024 election?

The motion to authorize subpoenas states that the unanimous vote tracks with Senate Rule 11.20, allowing for the issuance of one or more subpoenas to the following companies:

Alphabet Inc. (the parent company of Google)

Meta Platforms, Inc. (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram)

TikTok Pte. Ltd.

X Corp.

The order also allows for "any other relevant company or entity (including any subsidiary or affiliate of one of those companies or entities), as well as any officer, employee, agent, or representative of one of those companies or entities or of a subsidiary or affiliate of one of those companies or entities, to:

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.

1) appear before the committee at a time and location specified in the subpoena;

2) produce for inspection of the committee those books, records, documents, and other evidence specified in the subpoena, in a manner specified in the subpoena, that are in the recipient's possession, custody, or control; or

3) both appear before the committee to testify and produce books, records, documents, and other evidence, as provided by the subpoena."

The motion was signed and adopted on May 29 in an 11-0 vote.

News about this latest election integrity development is being mostly overlooked as the media focuses on the "hush money" case involving President Trump. This is a very important development, though, that deserves attention because America's future could depend on it.

"This should be the top news after Trump case," someone tweeted about the importance of this subpoena motion passing. "This is a fight for freedom. Big tech is able to manipulate, influence and ultimately brainwash."

Another celebrated the news, stating that it took way too long for elected representatives to take up this critical issue, especially seeing how close it is to Election Day.

"Time to drag the thieves in for questioning even though we know they'll lie under oath," this person wrote. "They know there will be no repercussions."

An account calling itself "The American Protectors of Journalistic Freedom" also warned about the Google CLASS platform that seeks to indoctrinate America's youth using the search engine company's subversive artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

"Google CLASS. As in, our public education TEA using a data mining apparatus based on Texas children," this person wrote. "What they like, what games they play, and what their laptop cameras provide to ... Google. How much did public school fund?"

Another called on Judge Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in the Trump case, to also be subpoenaed for election interference based on what just happened in that case with Trump being convicted on all 34 felony charges.

The latest news about the deep state's efforts to steal the 2024 election can be found at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
As Ukraine runs out of soldiers to fight Russia, Europe planning to DRAFT unwilling European youth for large-scale war

At a meeting this week with European Union (EU) foreign ministers, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto revealed that the next phase of the war in Ukraine will probably involve forcibly drafting European youth from well outside the battle zone to fight Russia.

According to Szijjarto, an exceptionally high number of casualties coupled with troubles in Ukraine recruiting or even finding more bodies to shovel into the war machine means that the globalists now want other European countries to step up to the plate to sacrifice their youth as well.

"Ukrainian casualties are becoming more and more unbearable, Ukrainian men are not being allowed out of Ukraine, and now they want to conscript European youth into the war," Szijjarto is quoted as saying in a statement to the press. "And obviously, as the escalation hits this neighborhood first, one can almost clearly hear the argument that the soldiers should be sent from the geographical proximity first."

"All this means that they want to send Central European youth, including Hungarian youth, to the war with mandatory European conscription."

(Related: Did you know that some Israeli soldiers could be planning a mutiny if the war in Gaza ends before "complete victory" is achieved?)

Hungary tells EU: Keep your hands off our children

To be clear, Szijjarto says he is firmly opposed to the EU's mandatory conscription effort. He told the media and the governments who monitor it that they need to keep their "hands off" central Europeans and Hungarian youth.

"We will not allow Hungarian youth to be involved in the war because this is not our war," Szijjarto said.

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.

Szijjarto did not disclose which foreign ministers or EU member states are scheming up a mandatory conscription plan, but we know from recent headlines that some countries, including France and several of the Baltic states, are openly considering it.

The left-leaning establishment in Brussels has also spoken about potentially trying to create an EU military force that can be called upon at a moment's notice to do the globalists' bidding by fighting their wars on demand.

"Under such a proposal, a potential conscription effort could arise that applies to all EU member states," reported RMX.news about the idea.

Keep in mind as well that the European Parliament elections are coming up soon. The tension from these topics was palpable at the recent Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) gathering in Brussels.

Szijjarto was at the CFR gathering and described it as a mood turning sour after EU top dogs brought up sending another 6.5 billion (about $7.02 billion) to the Volodymyr Zelensky regime. Szijjarto told the room that this is a bad idea because it will only escalate the war even further.

"And there was a big mess here," Szijjarto said about the response he received to making this suggestion.

"The German, Lithuanian, Irish, Polish and other colleagues fell against me in this matter, but this could not shake our position, despite the shouting of Europe's pro-war politicians. They think that if they shout from many directions, then I will say that it is good, it is fine. However, they should already know us well enough to know this won't happen."

In case you missed it, EU head Ursula von der Leyen also proposed the creating of a mind "vaccine" of sorts that will "shield" the EU "democracy" structure from scrutiny.

Von der Leyen says she is fearful about the spread of "misinformation" and "disinformation" and thus wants to take formidable steps to stop Europeans from speaking freely about "sensitive" issues online.

The latest news about all this can be found at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

RMX.news

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
German chancellor pushing WWIII with declaration that Ukraines defensive action is not limited to its own territory

In a complete reversal of what he previously said, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suddenly supports Ukraine bombing territory deep within Russia.

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in a recent appearance, Scholz tried to argue that Ukraine has the right to "defend itself" under international law because it was "attacked" by Russia.

Even though Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil, especially those involving weapons made by the United States or other Western allies, would escalate the situation with Moscow, Scholz believes it must be allowed so Kiev can "neutralize military sites ... from where ... Ukraine is attacked."

One day after Scholz said this, spokesman Steffen Hebestreit clarified that Germany now believes that Kiev's "defensive action is not limited to its own territory, but [can] also be expanded to the territory of the aggressor."

When asked what agreements have been reached between Germany and Ukraine about the use of German-supplied weapons to attack Russia, the chancellor's office declined to provide any further details.

(Related: NATO as it currently exists is a global criminal cabal that pushes pedophilia and transgender perversion on the world.)

West wants game over scenario with Russia

For months, Germany has refused to send Ukraine any of its long-range Taurus missiles because Scholz previously said that doing so would only escalate the situation with Russia.

The only way such a delivery would ever be "tenable," Scholz indicated, is if Berlin can establish the targets itself. Doing this, though, would make Germany a direct participant in the war, opening the country up to an attack by Russia.

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.

Now, suddenly, Scholz is changing course out of the blue by confirming that his regime is "in favor of allowing the use of Western weapons against targets inside Russia."

Things changed after several other NATO countries expressed support for Ukrainian strikes deep within Russia. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg led the pack on this by urging all NATO members last week to "consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine."

Russia has repeatedly indicated that any further escalation towards this end will be a red line, and yet the West is apparently not listening. If Ukraine uses Western-supplied weapons to attack deep Russian territory, it could be game over for Ukraine and its allies.

The only thing standing in the way of all this right now is the United States, which is showing reluctance to sign off on Stoltenberg's proposed policy change. Some within the current regime, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, support it while others do not.

The Russian military is already preparing for an escalation as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a final warning about the policy change resulting in a red line being crossed.

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov, Western arms are already being used by Ukraine to target civilian infrastructure inside Russia, which means the red line has already been crossed.

"The real chancellor of Germany is Joe Biden," one RT commenter wrote about why he thinks Scholz made this sudden about-face.

"Olaf Scholz is just the poodle of Joe Biden, sitting and barking as told. Scholz must get approval from Joe before talking or he'll have to correct his words minutes after talking."

Another joked in much the same way that Scholz is not a leader, but is merely a puppet who does as he is told.

"Olaf is a clown, and a very pathetic one at that," this person wrote in jest.

How much longer do you think it will be before WWIII is apparent to everyone? Find out more at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
Exclusive Alex Jones interview, plus: InfoWars survives emergency court hearing where government attorneys demanded court cease operations at Free Speech Systems

Fromon Twitter Rumble and Brighteon.com

An emergency court hearing took place today around 11 am central in the United States District & Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas, under bankruptcy judge Christopher M. Lopez. During the hearing, government attorneys demanded that the court "cease operations at Free Speech Systems," which would mean putting locks on all the doors, firing all the employees and ultimately liquidating InfoWars broadcast assets. Judge Lopez declined, confirming that InfoWars may stay operational until the larger scheduled hearing on June 14th. Several people were present at the hearing. Transcripts are available for ordering at the "transcript" link at the court's procedures page:

https://www.txs.uscourts.gov/page/united-states-bankruptcy-judge-christopher-m-lopez

Judge Lopez will be making a final decision on the fate of InfoWars on June 14th.

IMPORTANT: Judge Lopez has been described by Alex as a fair judge. DO NOT under any circumstances attempt to insult or threaten the court or Judge Lopez. This judge is the bankruptcy judge, not the judge involved in the Sandy Hook civil trial in Connecticut. It is not appropriate to threaten court judges.

AT STAKE: If Sandy Hook families are to receive any payouts at all from the $1+ billion judgment, InfoWars must stay active, viable and profitable, so that profits can be redirected to those families. If InfoWars is shut down and liquidated, all revenue streams will be terminated, the sell-off of equipment will be a small one-time revenue event, and the Sandy Hook families will get essentially nothing.

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.

The Chief Restructuring Officer in this case, named Patrick Magill, was appointed by the court to oversee the financial activities of InfoWars. Alex accuses Magill of terminating $12 million in InfoWars advertising revenue. We have reached out to Mr. Magill for a statement or response, and so far no response has been received.

Anyone out there still claiming Alex is fabricating all this is flatly uninformed. The attempted government shutdown of InfoWars is very real, the threat is imminent, and there is a very high chance that InfoWars may be ordered closed on June 14th, which means InfoWars may have just two weeks remaining on air, broadcasting from their studios. If InfoWars is silenced, this will be entirely the result of an FBI, DOJ-led operation to recruit Sandy Hook families into a civil action lawsuit that should have been tossed under First Amendment protections from the very start. The entire purpose of this years-long effort is now obvious: To silence @RealAlexJones and shutter InfoWars permanently. The government may very well succeed in these efforts on June 14th. If InfoWars survives the June 14th hearing, it is likely InfoWars will remain online through the November election.

Share this post and stay tuned, as I will do my best to keep you updated on the latest events while the world rallies to save InfoWars from being dismantled by the United States government. Whether you agree or disagree with the things Alex Jones says, if you are an American, you hopefully agree with his RIGHT to say those things. And you hopefully agree its wrong for government to target independent media outlets for termination and financial ruin, which is exactly what has happened in this case. What the government is doing today to InfoWars could be turned around and used to target Buzzfeed-type left-wing media organizations in the future, depending on who is in the White House at the time. Very dangerous. This is not the America we once knew.

Watch my interview with Alex Jones covering all this, filmed yesterday:

Brighteon.com/a9987df0-2c3a-473f-aac9-a67e0779a6b5

###

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Israel on path to make Gaza unlivable while seeking to destroy Hamas

Dr. Tamer Qarmout, an associate professor of public policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, revealed that while the US is turning a blind eye to the continuous massacre, Tel Aviv is continuing its Rafah operation without a clear end-game strategy.

(Article republished from GreatGameIndia.com)

After carrying out a fatal attack on a camp for displaced people in the area on Sunday, Israel sent tanks on incursions into Rafah on May 29. CNN reports that US-made weapons were used in the attack on Sunday, which left 200 people injured and at least 45 dead. However, the Biden administration maintains that Tel Aviv is not engaging in a significant ground operation that violates any US sanctions.

IN ISRAELS VISION, THEY WANT TO ACHIEVE A FULL VICTORY, SAID DR. TAMER QARMOUT, AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN PUBLIC POLICY AT THE DOHA INSTITUTE FOR GRADUATE STUDIES. AND FOR THEM, A FULL VICTORY INVOLVES RELEASING THE CAPTIVES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ENDING HAMAS RULE IN GAZA COMPLETELY. () NOW, IT HAS BEEN ALMOST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS WAR, AND OBVIOUSLY ISRAEL HASNT BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE ANY OF THESE GOALS.

Qarmout asserts that Israel may need years to eradicate Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups. He said that the question is whether the world will allow the continuous slaughter of Gazans.

Tel Aviv hinted on May 29 that the conflict in Gaza would probably last at least until 2024. Israeli Army Radio then quoted War Cabinet Minister Gadi Eisenkot, stating that three to five years will be needed for a significant stabilization in the Gaza Strip.

WITH ALL THE MASSACRING AND THE GENOCIDAL WAR ISRAEL HAS EMBARKED ON, WE SEE NOW THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS REALLY FED UP FROM THIS, THE ICC, THE ICJ RULINGS, AND ISRAEL AND THE US ARE BECOMING PRETTY MUCH ISOLATED, SAID QARMOUT. WHATS HAPPENING NOW IS THE REALIZATION BY MANY ISRAELI MILITARY LEADERS, INCLUDING POLITICIANS, BUT NOT NETANYAHU AND HIS RIGHTWING GOVERNMENT THAT THESE GOALS ARE HARD TO ACHIEVE.

The researcher claims that while the Netanyahu cabinet can devastate Gaza from a civic perspective and render it uninhabitable, this does not mean that Hamas will be destroyed.

The Israelis so far dont have an exit, a way out of the Gaza swamp, the way I put it. And so far, what theyre doing is destroying the civil order in Gaza, destroying the livelihood of Gaza itself, Qarmout said, adding that Tel Aviv is presently in discussions with the US, European, and Arab countries about ruling the post-war strip. Israel wants to have an upper-security hand over Gaza, but they dont want to bear the price or the cost of re-occupying Gaza and being in charge of its 2.5 million inhabitants.

An investigation by Al Jazeera claims that the Israeli militarys buffer zone has caused the Gaza Strip to shrink by over 32%. According to the media site, the strips overall area has decreased by about 120 square kilometers, or 46 square miles, based on satellite photographs.

Since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began its operations in Rafah, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been forced to leave the city.

The analyst went on to say that its incredible that Israel launched a genocide in Gaza to eliminate just one paramilitary organization: Hamas.

NOT ALL GAZANS ARE HAMAS. HAMAS IS ONLY ONE FRACTION, ONE MILITARY-POLITICAL FRACTION OF THE PALESTINIAN SOCIETY. () ORDINARY PALESTINIANS HAVE NO SAY OR AN OPINION OF THE WHEREABOUTS OF HAMAS. SO THEY CANNOT BE COLLECTIVELY TARGETED BECAUSE ISRAEL IS UNABLE TO REACH HAMAS MILITANTS. SO THEY GO AND HIT CIVILIANS IN REVENGE FOR THEIR FAILURE.

Qarmout claims that because Israel is protected by Washington, it is proceeding with its war plans in spite of the mounting condemnation from the international community: The US has provided an umbrella of protection through the UN, through the veto power in the Security Council.

Israel has been urged by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) 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. This was indicated on May 24.

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, read the decision in its favor, asserting that it is not being asked to carry out genocide in Rafah. On May 25, Israels N12 network heard Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahus national security adviser, state, We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide.

AS FAR AS I UNDERSTAND, THE ISRAELIS ARE NOT BOUND BY ANY CRITERIA BECAUSE THEY HAVE AN IMPLICIT US GREEN LINE, SAID QARMOUT. FROM THE ONSET OF THIS WAR, THE US HAS DRAWN MANY RED LINES AND ISRAEL HAS BEEN IN BREACH OF ALL THESE RED LINES, AND THE US HAS BEEN SILENT ON IT. EVERY TIME THEY FIND AN EXCUSE OR JUSTIFICATION TO DEFEND ISRAEL.

The US is very complicit in this conflict. And it cannot take any higher moral grounds and say: Well, we advise the Israelis, whatever. But in reality, that does not matter, in this criminal war actions matter, the academic concluded.

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that EU foreign ministers, prompted by recent attacks in Rafah, are seriously contemplating sanctions against Israel if it continues its military operation, as stated by Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.

Read more at: GreatGameIndia.com
Joe and Hunter Biden used Sandy Hook memorial service visit to forge secret $10 million-a-year deal with China

A fresh tranche of documents released by Congress shows that Joe and Hunter Biden used a memorial service for Sandy Hook victims to arrange a secret meeting with China over a $10 million-a-year deal for the Biden Crime Family.

Congress gave the documents to the IRS which investigated the First Son. They show that Hunter communicated with Liu Yadong, a top executive at Chinese oil giant CEFC, via the Chinese messaging app WeChat on Dec. 12, 2017, to set up a meeting for his father.

"Can you meet this early evening?" Hunter asked Liu. "My father will be in New York also and he wants me to attend the Sandyhook [sic] memorial service with him and I would like him to meet you along with my uncle [Jim Biden] and then you can I can talk let me know if that works."

"No problem," Liu responded. "Pls let me know where and when to meet."

(Related: Joe Biden is fully disqualified from office, even though he is officially the "president.")

Bidens: you've got a lot of 'splaining to do!

The scheme involved an extensively negotiated deal in which CEFC, which is directly connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), agreed to pay the Biden Crime Family $10 million per year. When this did not happen as planned, things got ugly.

In July 2017, Hunter reportedly sent "threatening" texts to CEFC official Runlong Zhao demanding that he follow through on the deal, using his dad's political tenure as a weapon.

"I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled," Hunter wrote in one of the threatening texts.

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 few weeks later on Aug. 3, 2017, Hunter texted CEFC associate Gongwen "Kevin" Dong to say that he wanted a "$]10 M per annum budget," adding that "the Bidens are the best I know at doing exactly what the [CEFC] Chairman wants from this partnership."

In 2017, mind you, Joe held no political office. He had just been kicked out of the White House following the end of Barack Obama's second term, and he would not become "president" until several years later in early 2021.

In November 2017, Hunter set up a group text conversation on an encrypted WhatsApp channel with his father and uncle, the latter of whom was also a partner in the multi-million-dollar deal with CEFC.

One of the contacts in the group chat was named "Jim Biden" by Hunter, with the other being named "Dad."

The House Ways and Means Committee published a photo of Yadong's business card showing him as CEO of CEFC Global Strategic Holdings, along with an address at the United Nations Plaza in New York City.

CEFC created a sham charity that Yadong helped to run as well, this fake charity being one of the tools through which chief Patrick Ho funneled bribe money to foreign officials. Patrick was convicted for these crimes in 2018.

These latest revelations are on top of what was uncovered from Hunter's abandoned laptop. They prove that Hunter lied back in February in his congressional testimony.

"Hunter Biden lied about the recipient of a WhatsApp message sent with the apparent intention to threaten a business associate and demand payment," said committee chairman Jason Smith about the matter.

"In the message, Hunter Biden twice mentioned he was with his father. In the deposition, Hunter Biden sought to dismiss the message, claiming that he was either 'high or drunk' when he sent it, and in that state, had sent it to the wrong Zhao, and not actually the one affiliated with the Chinese energy company, CEFC."

There's a reason many people call this guy China Joe and his family the Biden Crime Family. Learn more at Treason.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NaturalNews.com
Analysis: Nikki Haley DISQUALIFIES HERSELF from being VP pick after writing Finish them! on Israeli artillery shells during Memorial Day visit to Holy Land

Failed Republican presidential nominee Nikki Haley (R-S.C.) did a disturbing thing during her recent Memorial Day visit to Israel.

According to reports, Haley signed Israeli artillery shells with the inscription "Finish them!" the suggestion being that she wants Israel to complete its war mission in Gaza.

The former South Carolina governor visited Israel's northern border with Lebanon alongside former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon, described as "a noted Hawkish member of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party in the Knesset."

While Israel was bombing civilian refugees in Rafah over the weekend, Haley and Danon were making their support for Israel's war known.

An unapologetic Haley told reporters that the Biden regime's handling of Israel's war is unacceptable because it temporarily withheld weapons that Israel wanted to complete its operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, said to be the last stand of Hamas.

Haley also expressed outrage over the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants for not just Hamas leaders but also Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders involved in what many are referring to as a genocide in Gaza.

"What America needs to understand is if Israel's fighting our enemies, how can we not help them?" Haley said to the media, also showing a missile message she wrote that said, "America Loves Israel."

"The sure way to not help Israel is to withhold weapons. The sure way to not help Israel is to praise the ICC, the ICJ, or any of those that are condemning Israel instead of condemning what happens."

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(Related: Remember when Nikki Haley bowed down and kissed the feet of "vaccine king" Bill Gates in a bizarre Wuhan coronavirus [COVID-19] "pandemic"-era X post?)

Haley tells U.S. to "do whatever Israel needs" and "stop telling them how to fight this war"

Even though Israel would not even exist as it currently does without heavy subsidies and welfare payments from U.S. taxpayers, Haley believes that nobody, including the U.S., has any right to tell Israel what to do concerning the war.

"America needs to do whatever Israel needs and stop telling them how to fight this war," Haley lectured. "You are either a friend or not a friend."

In other words, unless you do whatever Israel wants whenever Israel wants it, then you are an "enemy" of Israel, in Haley's eyes.

Haley also spoke about how she is planning to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming November election, despite her having previously called him "dangerous" and unfit to serve in the White House.

Danon was right alongside Haley to document her groveling towards Israel, both in northern Israel and in southern Israel where they also visited. Haley also reportedly visited Israeli settlements in the West bank that are not recognized under international law.

"Dear Americans, Nikki Haley visited us today: she went to the West Bank settlements and then signed on a bomb 'finish them.' Just disgusting," tweeted Israeli peace activist Alon-Lee Green.

"Can you take her back please? We already have one [Itamar] Ben-Gvir [Israel's national security minister] and don't need your filthy death-promoting politicians as well. Thanks!"

One of our own readers added to the conversation that Trump was right in calling Haley a "bird brain."

"She's a politician and politicians do not work for the people  they are mouthpieces for their globalist overlords," wrote another.

"I recently read that Haley is one of Klaus Schwab's Young Global Leaders," someone else added. "Keep in mind that Schwab is a Rothschild on his mother's side. His father was a Nazi."

Nikki Haley is an embarrassment to Republicans everywhere. Find out more at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGuardian.com

NaturalNews.com
Northwestern U.S. residents can anticipate stormy conditions this week, causing gusty winds and rounds of rain. People can anticipate localized flash flooding and travel delays.

According to a weather report by the National Weather Service (NWS), next week will see a combination of rainy and hotter temperatures. In the Pacific Northwest, residents can expect rounds of heavy rains and snow melt on Monday.

Weather in the Pacific Northwest: Where will stormy conditions unload?

The forecast also signals the official start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Homeowners should be aware of challenging situations, particularly in the Southern US. Additionally, people should keep alert for very wet conditions in the following areas:

Seattle

Portland

Springfield

Medford

Boise

Kennewick

Spokane

Missoula

People with travel plans should be alert for windy and localized flooding concerns. Limiting outdoor activities is essential in the Pacific Northwest due to flooded areas, which can result in slower commutes or hazardous travel.

In an NWS Weather Prediction Center report, the forecast monitors the development of a warming trend in the western U.S. next week. People are warned of possible dangerously hot conditions building in the Interior West and Southwestern U.S.

Additionally, NWS San Diego reports a slight cooling temperature this week. However, the beginning of the week could unleash a warming, particularly in the desert areas.

In the Bay Area, the forecast monitors the development of high pressure over the Pacific. Residents can anticipate higher temperatures with highs in the 90s to nearly 100 degrees in North and East Bay. On Wednesday, residents should expect highs in the 90s to lower 100s.

From June 4 to 7, the forecast noted the potential heat conditions or significant warming trend in the following areas:

Bend

Boise

Redding

Reno

Fresno

Las Vegas

San Diego

Phoenix

Albuquerque

Phoenix

Provo

Denver

Casper

San Diego

In Los Angeles, residents should keep alert for hotter temperatures on Tuesday through Thursday. There is a chance of highs in the 90s to low 100s.

Prolonged exposure to hotter temperatures can potentially threaten vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women, newborns, children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

In addition to weather in the Pacific Northwest, strong winds are expected to increase from Monday to Thursday. The forecast warns that gusts could reach 30 to 50 mph, especially in the higher mountains. Residents should watch out for localized power outages and tree damage.

The areas with strong winds are expected in the following areas:

Spokane

Bend

Boise

Casper

Great Falls

Calgary

Bismarck

Fargo

Minneapolis

Sioux Falls

Winnipeg

Regina

Also Read: Southern Plains Weather Forecast: Severe Thunderstorms to Bring Dangerous Tornadoes, Hail Conditions This Late Week

Weather Preparedness in the Pacific Northwest

Due to potential weather concerns in the Pacific Northwest, people are advised to watch out for changing weather conditions, including storms and hotter temperatures.

Checking the road conditions is essential in the Pacific Northwest, particularly if they have any travel plans. Additionally, having emergency supplies is advisable as the 2024 hurricane season begins.

Related Article: Northwest, Midwest Weather Forecast: Strong Storm to Unload Wet Weather Pattern This Early June

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
The latest weather report reveals that hotter temperatures are likely in portions of central and southern Texas, including Central California. Residents can notice unusual heat, which signals the arrival of summer in the U.S.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported on June 2 that the forecast monitors an upper-level ridging over California and Texas. Due to high temperatures, homeowners can anticipate heat advisories.

In other portions of the U.S., the forecast monitors potential strong to severe thunderstorms in the Mississippi Valley into the Ozark Plateau and southern Plains on Monday. There is a chance of heavy to excessive rainfall in the region.

Additionally, portions of the Pacific Northwest can expect strong winds and heavy rain, as heatwaves affect California Central Valley and southwest U.S.

Weather in Texas: What can people expect?

The beginning of June is expected to unleash unusual heat in parts of the country, causing heat-related concerns. The vulnerable populations are older adults, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and children. Limiting outdoor activities is advisable during the height of intense heat.

According to an NWS Weather Prediction Center report on June 2, there is a threat of heatwaves in the southwestern portions this week due to potentially high-pressure ride build-up. The possible temperature highs can reach 100s in the Central Valley of California, and 110s in Las Vegas and desert areas.

Additionally, daily record high temperatures are likely to continue Thursday afternoon. Homeowners should be alert for signs of heat-related health concerns in the region, as the hotter temperatures can expand into the Great Basin.

For those looking for a cooldown or temperatures to ease, it is likely on Friday. Meanwhile, excessive heat threats can unfold in Nevada, California, and Arizona. Southwest residents can expect dry and unusual heat in midweek.

While the warming trend is on in Texas and other areas, the forecast noted that there is still a risk of thunderstorms in Texas. Additionally, the strongest thunderstorms are likely in the northern, and central Plains into the Mid-Mississippi Valley.

Also Read: High Plains to Mississippi Weather: Another Isolated Tornadoes with Heavy Rains Likely Early Next Week

Weather outlook in other areas in the U.S

Furthermore, heavy rain potential and snowmelt can occur in the Intermountain Region on Monday. Homeowners can anticipate a slight risk of excessive rainfall in the said areas this early week. Other concerns are small stream flooding, flash flooding, heavy precipitation, and hazardous commutes.

People in low-lying communities in the Pacific Northwest can experience slower commutes or hazardous travel due to the weather, with a chance of heavy rains and localized flooding concerns.

People should stay updated with weather concerns, including heat advisories, to stay safe from heavy rains and unusual heat in the U.S. Limiting prolonged exposure to unusual heat is essential to keep safe from weather dangers.

Related Article: Northwestern US Forecast: Stormy Conditions to Unleash Gusty Winds, Rounds of Rain

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
The world's climate pendulum swings once more, as El Nino relinquishes its fiery grip, allowing the cooling embrace of La Nina to emerge. But in the grand theater of global warming, this shift may be a mere footnote.

As temperatures soar due to human-induced climate change, scientists ponder whether La Nina's cooling effect will be a mere ripple in the rising tide.

The Dance of El Nino and La Nina

El Nino, that tempestuous weather phenomenon, has long been a headline grabber. Its warm phase disrupts trade winds, stirs up ocean currents, and unleashes chaos across the planet.

In 2023, El Nino pushed global temperatures to unprecedented heights, leaving scorched records in its wake. But now, as El Nino bows out, La Nina steps onto the stage.

El Nino's Fiery Waltz

El Nino's dance begins with weakened trade winds, allowing warm waters to pool in the central and eastern Pacific. This excess heat fuels atmospheric energy, temporarily elevating global temperatures.

Drier conditions plague southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of the Americas, while the Horn of Africa revels in deluges.

Scientists, ever vigilant, warn that El Nino's encore may be just around the corner, threatening droughts, wildfires, and agricultural havoc.

La Nina's Cool Counterpoint

La Nina, the cooler sibling, cools the tropical Pacific. Its oceanic chill triggers a cascade of effects: stronger trade winds, altered rainfall patterns, and a cooler equatorial Pacific.

Wetter conditions drench Australia, southeast Asia, and northern Brazil, while droughts parch South America. But in our warming world, La Nina's impact may be a mere whisper.

The Arctic, once a bastion of ice, now melts under the relentless gaze of climate change. Polar bears swim farther, their icy platforms crumbling beneath them.

Also Read: Australian Government Reports Weakening La Nina May Cause Extreme Rainfall for Central and Eastern Australia in the Winter Months

Climate Change's Ominous Overture

Climate change, the unseen conductor, orchestrates extreme events. As El Nino fades, the planet's inexorable warming continues.

La Nina's cooling touch is but a fleeting respite. The oceans store our excess heat, and the atmosphere echoes with the refrain of rising temperatures.

The future, it seems, is a symphony of extremes. Hurricanes gather strength, wildfires rage, and glaciers retreat. The world watches, torn between awe and fear.

Impact of La Nina on Specific Regions

La Nina, the cooler sibling of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), has distinct effects on various regions. Let's explore how La Nina influences different parts of the world:

United States:

La Nina delivers drier, warmer, and sunnier weather along the southern tier of the United States, stretching from California to Florida.

This increased warmth and dryness can elevate the risk of wildfires in Florida and contribute to dry conditions in the North American plains.

Pacific Northwest and Canada:

The presence of cold waters in the Pacific Ocean during La Nina results in a northward shift of the jet stream.

As a consequence, the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada experience increased rainfall and flooding.

Global Reach:

During La Nina, the position of warm surface water and associated areas of rising moist air masses shifts from the western Pacific to the central and eastern Pacific.

This periodic repositioning disrupts other large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, affecting temperature and precipitation far beyond the tropical Pacific.

Southern Pacific:

La Nina leads to higher-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the southern Pacific Ocean near northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Indonesian islands.

Conversely, cooler sea-surface temperatures associated with La Nina occur in the southern Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America.

Indonesia and Southeastern China:

La Nina tends to bring more rain than average through Indonesia and results in cooler and wetter weather in southern Africa. Conversely, southeastern China tends to experience drier conditions during La Nina.

General Patterns:

La Nina's impact extends beyond specific regions. It affects temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns across the tropics and has cascading indirect effects globally.

While El Nino grabs headlines with its extreme weather events, La Nina quietly shapes our climate, emphasizing the delicate balance between oceanic and atmospheric forces.

As El Nino bows out, La Nina tiptoes in. But the audience knows the real star-the relentless crescendo of climate change.

The world sweats, shivers, and dances to a tune composed by human actions. La Nina's cooling may be a footnote, but the symphony plays on, and the planet's fate hangs in the balance

Related article: Australia Will Experience More La Nina Weather This 2022
Businesswoman Tomasdottir becomes Iceland's next president

B

usinesswoman Halla Tomasdottir became Iceland's new President, official data from the state media showed.

According to the Icelandic national broadcaster RUV, with more than 210,000 votes counted, Tomasdottir led her opponents with 34.3 per cent of the vote, followed by former Prime Minister Katrina Jakobsdottir, who came in second with 25.2 per cent.

Jakobsdottir reportedly congratulated Tomasdottir when she spoke to the RUV during her election party, Xinhua news agency reported.

RUV reported that voter turnout among the almost 270,000 eligible voters reached 78.83 per cent, marking the highest turnout in a presidential election since 1996. The margins between the two leading candidates were the smallest in the populous south and southwest.

This was Tomasdottir's second attempt at the presidency.

In 2016, she was the runner-up when Gudni Johannesson was elected.

Incumbent President Johannesson was not running for a third four-year term.

Tomasdottir, aged 55, will assume his office on August 1.

Analysing the 2024 campaign, RUV broadcasters said that college-educated women formed the initial core of Halla Tomasdottir's supporters. Her supporters then widened to include the young population and others. There was a significant increase in poll support fairly late in the campaign.

Iceland held its presidential election on Saturday, and the final count of votes from all six constituencies was revealed early Sunday morning.

This year, 12 candidates were running for the Icelandic President. The candidate who receives the most votes wins the election.

The President of Iceland is chosen through a direct popular vote, serving a term of four years, with the possibility of consecutive re-elections.

Iceland's President has limited political powers, including the authority to veto legislation or call for referendums.

 Businesswoman Tomasdottir becomes Iceland's next president

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The Danville Garden Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special luncheon program on June 4 at Harrison Park Clubhouse in Danville. About 60-65 attendees are expected and will be sporting hats at the event. There will be a presentation on hats by Lori Thomas titled "Hats for Fashion, Fun and Memory Makers," following the original garden club members wearing hats and tying it all back to the club's history and memories.
What is Real-Time Release Testing?

The evolution of quality control in pharma manufacturing

Benefits of RTRT for drug safety and efficiency

Technical aspects of implementing RTRT

Regulatory landscape for RTRT

Challenges and considerations in adopting RTRT

Case studies: success stories in RTRT implementation

Conclusion

References

Further reading

Large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly complex and multi-faceted field requiring extensive regulation and drug quality assurance. While traditional in-process control (IPC) approaches are a sufficient standard of practice, newer methods like Real-Time Release Testing (RTRT) improve quality assurance and efficiency.1,2

Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

What is Real-Time Release Testing?

Real-Time Release Testing (RTRT) is an advanced approach to biopharmaceutical manufacturing quality control that improves upon current systems. RTRT is defined as the ability to evaluate the quality of a pharmaceutical product using in-process data gathered throughout the manufacturing process.1,2

This is designed to improve upon conventional approaches of off-line end-process testing, which often rely on Statistical Process Control (SPC).3 SPC is traditionally used to identify and eliminate sources of variability in the manufacturing process using quality inspections of post-manufacturing end products.3

The evolution of quality control in pharma manufacturing

The traditional standard of practice across pharmaceutical manufacturing, SPC, operates within pre-established process conditions to monitor general production and assess the quality of completed batches.3 These approaches contain blind spots, the most significant of which is the inability to assess products at intermediate steps.3

By 2011, Continuous Process Verification (CPV) had been introduced by the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) as an alternative to SPC.3 Within CPV operations, performance and quality are evaluated continuously throughout the entire pipeline, providing more thorough information and improving statistical confidence.3

The introduction of quality assurance at stages before the endpoint opened the door for other real-time methods, including Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools and, eventually, fully realized RTRT.1-3

Benefits of RTRT for drug safety and efficiency

The ability to monitor manufacturing processes at intermediate stages is beneficial in several ways. High frequency of sampling consistently quantifies inter- and intra-batch variability and improves process flexibility.2 Operations become more adaptable, with real-time data allowing for fine-tuning of process parameters and resulting in a more reliable end-product.1-3

Image Credit: Mike Mareen/Shutterstock.com

Increased oversight enables manufacturers to release medications faster and more efficiently by diverting failed materials at intermediate stages rather than discarding a full batch at the process conclusion.1-3

Technical aspects of implementing RTRT

RTRT, in practice, can take many forms, such as PAT tools, which represent the specific instruments used to quantify intermediate quality attributes (IQAs).1,3 The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published guidelines on the implementation and operation of PAT tools in 2004, firmly establishing its place in Pharma QA.3

This marked a massive paradigm shift in quality control conventions, with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan adopting these guidelines soon after.3

PAT tools are established in literature to improve multiple stages of processing, including blending, granulation, tableting, and coating. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a common tool that uses a fiber optic probe and molecular vibrational motion to measure the quality of an intermediate product.2,3

Integration of RTRT can represent a major challenge requiring a high level of process understanding and an acceptable risk/cost ratio.1,3 In addition to administrative challenges, practical requirements such as the development of reference methods to validate sensors can require a great deal of time and money.2

Regulatory landscape for RTRT

The regulatory landscape of RTRT tends to be more complex than traditional analytical testing and is actively evolving as these methods are integrated into industry standards.

Spearheaded by the FDA, EMA, and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), guidelines supporting the long-term use of PAT and RTRT have been published.2 For example, the EMA established a novel notification tool operating on a do and then tell model as opposed to a traditional approach requiring prior approval before action. This avoids processing stoppages while approvals are obtained.2

In addition, the FDAs Emerging Technology Program implements pre-submission or regulatory submissions to an Emerging Technology Team (ETT).2 The main job of the ETT is to provide guidance, answer queries, and occasionally perform Pre-Operational Visits (POV) to facilities, allowing increased regulatory understanding within pharmaceutical companies looking to employ RTRT.2

Challenges and considerations in adopting RTRT

As with any overhaul of highly nuanced and regulated industries, the adoption of RTRT presents many logistical challenges. Steep learning curves require large-scale capability shifts and increases in employees specializing in PAT.2,4

From an operational perspective, these hiring adjustments are required for consistent maintenance and updates required of PAT tools and other sensor equipment.1,2,4 For example, unforeseen variability in raw materials due to changing suppliers can invalidate current models and lead to frequent updates of RTRT systems.1,2

In addition to maintenance, the quantity of data to be analyzed and curated exponentially increases due to the high frequency of sample testing at intermediate junctures.2 This creates more intense needs for systems of data storage and traceability, as well as contributing to the aforementioned alterations in hiring practices.1,2

Case studies: success stories in RTRT implementation

RTRT has already been employed by several large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca developed a system that blended PAT tools, in-process monitoring of stages like tablet hardness, and cGMP practices at various stages of commercial tablet manufacturing.2 This was the first approach of its kind to obtain regulatory approval in 2007 in Europe.2

Eli Lilly contributed to the RTRT sphere through the development of a feed frame spectroscopic PAT tool allowing real-time measurement of active ingredient concentration within a final blend of a pharmaceutical powder.2 Having demonstrated its utility, Eli Lillys RTRT feed frame approach was adopted in several markets as part of the conventional control strategy.2

The future of pharmaceutical quality assurance

RTRT is a representation of the evolutionary state of pharmaceutical technology and manufacturing. CPV has a very strong foundation within drug quality assurance with published regulatory frameworks and established stages in the manufacturing process.

Despite this strong foundation, challenges remain, such as the aforementioned logistical stresses, lack of harmony across regulatory establishments, and stages in manufacturing that still require development, such as tablet porosity.2,3

Despite these drawbacks, RTRT has shown a hugely compelling potential to increase the efficiency of product release, decrease waste, and increase process flexibility if companies are willing to take the leap.

Conclusion

RTRT represents an exciting direction for pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality assurance, promising decreased release times, reduced batch waste, and higher levels of statistical confidence.1-4 These improvements offer incentives to company functioning as well as increases in drug availability4.

Despite the logistical efforts that may deter some organizations, RTRT will be a massive improvement to the industry and represents the benefits of continuous innovation challenging the status quo.

References

Jiang M, Severson KA, Love JC, et al. Opportunities and challenges of realtime release testing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 2017;114(11). doi: 10.1002/bit.26383 Markl D, Warman M, Dumarey M, et al. Review of real-time release testing of pharmaceutical tablets: State-of-the art, challenges and future perspective. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2020;582. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119353 Kim EJ, Kim JH, Kim MS, et al. Process Analytical Technology Tools for Monitoring Pharmaceutical Unit Operations: A Control Strategy for Continuous Process Verification. Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(6). doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13060919 Schmidt A, Helgers H, Vetter FL, et al. Digital Twin of mRNA-Based SARS-COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing towards Autonomous Operation for Improvements in Speed, Scale, Robustness, Flexibility and Real-Time Release Testing. Processes. 2021;9(5). doi:10.3390/pr9050748

Further Reading
Secondary analyses of a phase 3 clinical trial have revealed that breast cancer patients who reported high levels of pain and stress were more likely than their study peers to experience worse invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) and worse overall survival (OS). Shipra Gandhi, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will discuss the study as first and presenting author of "Association of higher baseline stress and pain with clinical outcomes: Secondary analysis from Alliance A011502" at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, May 31-June 4.

Alliance A011502, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, enrolled 3,021 patients with high-risk, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer between January 2017 and December 2020. Its primary objective: to compare invasive disease-free survival between patients who received 300 mg of aspirin daily vs. those who received placebo. While the resulting data showed no difference in iDFS between the two groups, the study's secondary objective -; to look for links between inflammation-related factors such as stress, depression, poor sleep quality and pain -; led to the observation that patients who self-reported higher stress and pain at the time of randomization had worse outcomes than other participants.

We observed an association of high stress with worse clinical outcomes, and this underscores evidence gleaned from previous research that stress could weaken the immune system and increase a patient's vulnerability to cancer." Dr. Shipra Gandhi, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

At baseline, 2,735 study participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); 2,720 completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); 2,422 completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); and 2,610 completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R). Stress was categorized by PSS scores: low (0-13), moderate (14-26) or high (27-40). Pain was categorized by BPI scores: none/mild (0-3) or moderate/severe (16). Median follow-up was 35 months.

While poor sleep quality and depression were associated with worse iDFS and OS, they were not statistically significant. However, high PSS correlated with significantly worse iDFS and (non-significant) worse OS. Moderate/severe average pain was significantly associated with worse iDFS and OS.

Given the possible association between cancer physiology and the sympathetic nervous system, the study raises the question of whether beta blockers could improve survival in those patients -; a strategy under investigation in clinical trials led by Dr. Gandhi and her Roswell Park colleagues. Previously the team discovered in preclinical studies that chronic stress activates nerves that produce norepinephrine, which weakens the immune system's ability to fight cancer -; but the beta blocker propranolol, widely used to treat high blood pressure, can block the action of norepinephrine. Roswell Park investigators were first to demonstrate in a prospective clinical trial that combining propranolol with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor, produced a very promising 78% response rate in patients with metastatic melanoma, superior to the standard of care treatment.

"There's a clear need for additional research to generate more information about how pain and stress affect the immune system and how we might be able to mitigate those effects," says Dr. Gandhi. "We hope future clinical trials will support that effort by including questionnaires for cancer patients to self-report pain and stress at baseline, with the goal of finding ways to intervene and improve outcomes over the long term."

Abstract senior author Wendy Chen, MD, MPH, Senior Physician in Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, was study chair of the clinical trial, which was sponsored by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute.

Presentation details

Association of higher baseline stress and pain with clinical outcomes: Secondary analysis from Alliance A011502

Abstract 11016, Presentation 8

Monday, June 3, 2:21-2:27 pm CDT

In a related poster session, Dr. Gandhi will discuss a clinical trial in progress at Roswell Park that is evaluating the use of a beta blocker in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: "A phase II trial to assess the impact of 2 adrenergic blockade in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC)."
Sepsis is a leading cause of death and disability and a key target of state and federal quality measures for hospitals. In-hospital mortality of patients with sepsis is frequently measured for benchmarking, both by researchers and policymakers. For example, in New York, sepsis regulations mandate reporting of risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality, and hospitals with lower or higher than expected in-hospital mortality rates are publicly identified as high or low performers. Safety net hospitals (which face unique challenges, including fewer resources to care for a disproportionately high share of underinsured and high-risk patients) have been reported in prior studies to have higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis than non-safety-net hospitals.

However, among critically ill patients, in-hospital mortality may not adequately reflect short-term mortality fairly across all hospitals. In-hospital mortality is influenced by other variables, including hospital transfer practices, which shift the attribution of short-term death from the hospital to other sites. Safety-net hospitals may have different access or ability to transfer patients compared to non-safety-net hospitals.

In a new study, researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that safety net hospitals do have higher in-hospital mortality than non-safety net hospitals, but their 30-day mortality  an unbiased measure of short-term mortality  is actually not different.

"While the differences in mortality rates are numerically small, the difference in outcome metrics is enough to significantly affect hospital rankings. Current or future state and federal quality measures that use in-hospital mortality as a quality metric may unfairly penalize safety-net hospitals," explained corresponding author Anica Law, MD, MS, assistant professor of medicine at the school.

The researchers performed a retrospective analysis of patients with sepsis who were aged 66 and older and were admitted to an intensive care unit between January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2019, at both safety and non-safety net hospitals.

"Although in-hospital mortality is often selected as an outcome measure because of its availability in claims databases and hospital medical records without need for post-hospitalization follow-up, the 30-day measure is important to accurately understand true short-term mortality rates," said Law, who also is a pulmonologist and critical care physician at Boston Medical Center.

According to the researchers, the difference appears to be due partly to the fact that non-safety net hospitals discharge more patients to hospice, which shifts attribution of short-term mortality away from the index hospitalization. "When post-hospitalization data is incorporated, as is done in 30-day mortality analysis, you get a more accurate picture of who is actually dying in the short-term, and see that there no longer a difference between safety and non-safety net hospitals." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has already legislated a process measure that assesses whether hospitals are performing key sepsis care steps efficiently, including initiating antibiotics. CMS is currently considering rolling out a national sepsis outcome measure; it is not yet known if CMS will be measuring in-hospital mortality or 30-day mortality.

These findings appear online in JAMA Network Open.

Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH)/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) K23HL153482, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) 1KL2TR001411, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Boston University Evans Junior Faculty Merit Award, and the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Department of Medicine Career Investment Award.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, have conducted a randomized clinical trial to investigate the impact of maternal progesterone therapy on neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with congenital heart defects.

A detailed trial report is published in JAMA Network Open.

Study: Progesterone for Neurodevelopment in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Defects. Image Credit: adriaticfoto / Shutterstock

Background

Children with congenital heart defects frequently experience substantial neurodevelopmental problems. Brain dysmaturity at birth, characterized by microcephaly, delayed white matter maturation, and simplified cortical folding, is a significant contributor to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Progesterone is a sex steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in brain development, including white matter maturation. Progesterone and its metabolites promote neural viability and regeneration, increase myelination, and induce maturation of progenitor cells to oligodendrocytes, in addition to exhibiting neuroprotective effects.

Vaginal progesterone therapy in women with preterm birth risk has been found to reduce neonatal mortality and brain injury. A reduced risk of preterm births and neonatal morbidities has also been observed in progesterone-treated women.

In this randomized clinical trial, scientists have assessed the impact of prenatal progesterone therapy on neurodevelopmental outcomes in fetuses with congenital heart defects.

Study design

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia on a total of 102 mothers who were carrying fetuses with congenital heart defects. The participants were randomly categorized into the intervention group and the control group.

The intervention group participants were vaginally administered with progesterone twice daily up to 39 weeks gestational age, starting from 8 weeks gestational age. A placebo drug was administered similarly to the control group participants.

Infants born to progesterone-treated and placebo-treated mothers underwent neurodevelopmental and genetic evaluations at the age of 18 months. Different types of neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed, including fine and gross motor abilities, language and cognitive abilities, and receptive and expressive communication abilities.

Important observations

The analysis of baseline characteristics revealed that about 50% of fetuses have hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 37% have transposition of the great arteries, and the rest have other types of congenital heart defects.

Full-term birth occurred in 57.7% of progesterone-exposed fetuses and 44% of placebo-exposed fetuses. About 60% of fetuses were without genetic anomalies.

Neurodevelopmental evaluations indicated no significant differences in motor, cognitive, and language scores between the progesterone-exposed and placebo-exposed children. A sensitivity analysis considering different types of congenital heart defects and baseline confounders revealed similar neurodevelopmental outcomes.

A subgroup analysis considering cardiac diagnosis, fetal sex, presence of genetic anomalies, and maternal-fetal environment revealed possible heterogeneity of treatment effects for cardiac diagnosis and fetal sex but not for genetic anomalies and maternal-fetal environment.

Progesterone therapy was found to significantly improve motor scores in female children and those with other types of congenital heart defects than hypoplastic left heart syndrome and transposition of the great arteries. A significant improvement in language scores was also observed in progesterone-exposed female children.

Following progesterone treatment in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a small and non-significant improvement in motor and language scores was observed. No positive effect of progesterone treatment on motor and language scores was observed in children with transposition of the great arteries.

In children with genetic anomalies, progesterone treatment was associated with worse cognitive scores compared to placebo treatment. No positive effect of progesterone treatment on male children was observed on cognitive scores. Language scores were worse in progesterone-exposed male children.

Adverse events

The rates of maternal and infant adverse outcomes were similar in both progesterone and placebo groups. Among eight children who died during the study period, seven had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and one had transposition of the great arteries.

The 18-month mortality rate for hypoplastic left heart syndrome was 7.4% in the progesterone group and 20% in the placebo group.

Study significance

This randomized controlled clinical trial finds no significant beneficial effect of maternal progesterone therapy on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with congenital heart defects.

A heterogeneity of the response to progesterone has been observed among children with different cardiac diagnoses as well as among male and female children. Overall, no significant adverse events related to vaginal progesterone therapy have been observed in mothers carrying a fetus with congenital heart defects.

Fetal sex determines placental structure and function and outcomes of pregnancy. In-utero adverse environment affects male fetuses more severely than female fetuses, leading to more severe developmental outcomes in male children. Observed benefits of progesterone therapy in female children could be attributed to these factors.

Given these findings, scientists recommend that future randomized clinical trials should investigate the neuroprotective effects of vaginal progesterone therapy among a targeted subset of patients with congenital heart defects.
A new male contraceptive gel, combining two hormones, has demonstrated faster suppression of sperm production compared to previous experimental methods, according to recent study findings. The results of this ongoing multicenter phase 2b clinical trial will be presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2024, in Boston.

Image Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

Revolutionizing male contraception

Senior researcher Diana Blithe, Ph.D., who leads the Contraceptive Development Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasized the importance of this development. "The development of a safe, highly effective, and reliably reversible contraceptive method for men is an unmet need," she stated. Blithe pointed out that while some hormonal agents have shown potential, their slow onset in suppressing sperm production has been a significant drawback.

Study details and findings

Funded by the NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the study involved 222 men who completed at least three weeks of daily treatment with the contraceptive gel. The gel consists of 8 milligrams (mg) of segesterone acetate, an ingredient also used in the Annovera vaginal birth control ring, and 74 mg of testosterone. Participants applied the gel once daily to each shoulder blade.

Researchers measured sperm production at four-week intervals, defining effective contraception as a sperm count of one million or fewer per milliliter of semen. By week 15, 86% of participants achieved this level of suppression, with a median suppression time of less than eight weeks. This is a significant improvement over prior methods, where hormonal contraceptives given by injection took between nine and 15 weeks to achieve similar results.

"A more rapid time to suppression may increase the attractiveness and acceptability of this drug to potential users," Blithe noted. The addition of segesterone acetate to testosterone not only accelerated sperm suppression but also allowed for a lower dose of testosterone, maintaining normal sexual function and other androgen-dependent activities.

Broader implications

The rapid suppression of sperm production is a key advantage of this new gel, potentially increasing its appeal to users. The ongoing phase 2b trial will continue to assess the gel's effectiveness, safety, acceptability, and the reversibility of contraception after treatment stops.

Testosterone treatment alone decreases sperm production, with a median time of 15 weeks. However, the combination of segesterone acetate speeds up the suppression time and reduces the necessary dose of testosterone. In the daily segesterone-testosterone gel regimen, blood levels of testosterone are kept in the physiologic range, ensuring the maintenance of normal sexual function and other androgen-dependent activities.

Future outlook

As the trial progresses, further insights will emerge regarding the long-term viability and market potential of this contraceptive gel. Its success could pave the way for future innovations in male contraception, addressing a significant gap in reproductive health options for men.

For more detailed findings, keep an eye on updates from the Endocrine Societys annual meeting and subsequent publications.

Conclusion

This innovative gel represents a significant step forward in male contraceptive methods, promising faster and more effective suppression of sperm production. With continued research and development, it holds the potential to become a widely accepted option, offering men greater control over their reproductive health.
Children who are sedentary for more than six waking hours a day have a significantly increased risk of severe fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis by young adulthood, a new study finds. The research findings will be presented Saturday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, Mass and published in Nature's npj Gut and Liver.



"We found that this relationship between sedentariness and liver damage is likely causal," said lead researcher Prof. Andrew Agbaje, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, Finland.



"The general public must be aware of this danger of sedentariness on the health of children, adolescents and young adults," said Agbaje, who is also with the University of Exeter in Exeter, England. "Advanced fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis, which is severe scarring and hardening of the liver, could increase the risk of future liver cancer or require a liver transplant."



Fatty liver disease is a harmful fat buildup in the liver. When the condition is not due to alcohol consumption but linked to at least one of five components of metabolic syndrome, it is called metabolic-associated steatotic (fatty) liver disease (MASLD).



For this study, Agbaje analyzed data from a long-term study of a large U.K. birth cohort, called the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) or the "Children of the '90s". Included in this study were 2,684 children who had repeated measurements of their movements with a waist-worn accelerometer from ages 11 to 24 years. At ages 17 and 24, study participants underwent a liver ultrasound scan to assess for fatty liver and evidence of liver scarring. They also had bloodwork to measure their liver enzyme levels at those two timepoints.



On average, children from the study spent 6 hours a day sitting or otherwise being sedentary, but this time increased to 9 hours daily by young adulthood, the researcher found. In childhood, 6 hours per day was spent in light-intensity physical activity, which neutralized the deleterious effect of 6 hours per day spent sedentary.



For each half-hour of sedentary behavior above 6 hours per day, children had 15% higher odds of developing fatty liver disease before they were 25 years old. Any increase of sedentary time above 6 hours a day resulted in a corresponding decrease in the time spent in light-intensity physical activity, therefore 3 hours less daily by young adulthood. However, each additional half hour of light-intensity physical activity beyond 3 hours per day decreased the odds of severe fatty liver disease by 33%.

We believe that this alteration in sedentary time versus time for light-intensity physical activity sets the stage for disease initiation and progression." Prof. Andrew Agbaje, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., University of Eastern Finland

The prevalence of MASLD was 1 in 40 participants (2.5 percent) at age 17 and one in five participants (20 percent) at age 24. Agbaje called this finding surprising because the risk of MASLD increased eightfold in only seven years and because a 20 percent prevalence of the disease would usually not occur until one's mid-40s.



Half of the 24-year-olds with MASLD had severe disease, or a significantly high amount of excess fat in the liver. One in every 40 young adults already had signs of liver scarring, with three in 1,000 young adults meeting the diagnostic criteria for liver cirrhosis, Agbaje reported.



However, he found that engaging in light-intensity physical activity for at least 3 hours a day reversed this premature liver damage. Each cumulative minute of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in a day was associated with a slightly lower likelihood of severe MASLD at age 24 but was not associated with a lower likelihood of liver cirrhosis.



"The most effective antidote to the devastating health effects of childhood sedentariness is not the much-advertised moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of 60 minutes per day," Agbaje said. "Rather, it is the overlooked light-intensity physical activity of 3 to 4 hours per day."



Examples of light-intensity physical activity are outdoor games, playing at the playground, walking a dog, running errands for parents, or walking and biking.



This research received funding from the European Association for the Study of Obesity-Novo Nordisk Foundation New Investigator 2024 Award for Childhood Obesity, the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Regular high caffeine consumption affects dopamine function in patients with Parkinsons 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.

The effects of high and low consumption of caffeine on the brains dopamine transporter binding in patients diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Image Credit: University of Turku

Previous research has shown that regular caffeine intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons disease, says Valtteri Kaasinen, Professor of Neurology at the University of Turku and principal investigator of the study.

Caffeine consumption had no effect on Parkinsons symptoms

A clinical study compared 163 patients with early-stage Parkinsons 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 8.315.4% 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 Parkinsons 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. Valtteri Kaasinen, Professor of Neurology, University of Turku

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 persons 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.

The research results were published in the Annals of Neurology journal on 20 May 2024: https://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ana.26957
The party was winding down. Its young hosts, Maria Rivas Cruz and her fiance, Raymond Olivares, had accompanied friends to their car to bid them farewell. As the couple crossed a four-lane main road back to the home they had just bought, Rivas Cruz and Olivares were struck by a car fleeing an illegal street race. The driver was going 70 in a 40-mph zone.

Despite years of pleading for a two-lane road, lower speed limits, safety islands, and more marked crosswalks, residents say the county had done little to address speeding in this unincorporated pocket of southeastern Los Angeles. Since 2012, this half-mile stretch of Avalon Boulevard had logged 396 crashes, injuring 170 and killing three.

Olivares, 27, a civil engineer for the city of Los Angeles, became the fourth fatality when he was hurled across the street, hit by a second car, and instantly killed. Rivas Cruz was transported to a hospital, where she remained in a coma for two weeks. Once awake, the elementary school teacher underwent a series of reconstructive surgeries to repair her arm, jaw, and legs.

In the aftermath of the February 2023 crash, the county installed protective steel posts midway across the street. But residents, who had sought a platformed center divider and speed cameras, said that wasn't enough.

"It's just a band-aid on a cut. This is supposed to solve it, but it doesn't, and that is what hurts," said Rivas Cruz, who now at age 28 walks with a cane and lives with chronic pain. "I go to sleep, and I'm like, 'It's just a dream, it's just a dream.' And it's not."

The nation's road system covers 4 million miles and is governed by a patchwork of federal, state, and local jurisdictions that often operate in silos, making systemic change difficult and expensive. But amid the highest number of pedestrians killed in decades, localities are pushing to control how speed limits are set and for more accountability on road design. This spring, New York and Michigan passed laws allowing local jurisdictions to lower speed limits. In Los Angeles, voters approved a measure that forces the city to act on its own safety improvement plan, mandating that the car-loving metropolis redesign streets, add bike lanes, and protect cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians.

Still, there's plenty of political resistance to speed enforcement. In California's Statehouse, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) proposed requiring GPS-equipped smart devices in new cars and trucks to prevent excessive speeding. But after pushback, the state lawmaker watered down his bill to require all vehicles sold in the state starting in 2032 to have only warning systems that alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph.

Although the Biden administration is championing Vision Zero  its commitment to zero traffic deaths  and injecting more than $20 billion in funding for transportation safety programs through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, road safety advocates and some lawmakers argue that the country is still far from making streets and vehicles safe, or slowing drivers down.

"We are not showing the political will to use the proven safety tools that exist," said Leah Shahum, founder of Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit organization advancing Vision Zero in communities across the country.

Still a crisis

The need for safer roads took on urgency during the covid pandemic. Fatalities rose even as lockdown mandates emptied streets. In 2022, more than 42,500 people died on American roads, and at least 7,522 pedestrians were fatally struck  the highest tally of pedestrian deaths in more than four decades.

Experts cite several reasons for the decline in road safety. During the lockdowns, reckless driving increased while traffic enforcement declined. SUVs and trucks have become larger and heavier, thus deadlier when they hit a pedestrian. Other factors persist as streets remain wide to accommodate vehicles, and in some states speed limits have gradually increased.

Early estimates of motor vehicle fatalities show a slight decrease from 2022 to 2023, but pedestrian fatalities are still notably above pre-pandemic numbers. "It's an encouraging start, but the numbers still constitute a crisis," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote in February of roadway deaths.

The Biden administration has directed $15.6 billion to road safety until 2026 and $5 billion in local grants to prevent roadway deaths and injuries. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation's new "vulnerable road user" rule, states with 15% or more deaths involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists compared with all road deaths must match federal dollars in their safety improvement spending.

Road safety advocates argue the federal government missed an opportunity to eliminate outdated standards for setting speed limits when it revised traffic guidelines last year. The agency could have eliminated guidance recommending setting speed limits at or below how fast 85% of drivers travel on uncongested roads. Critics contend that what's known as the 85th percentile rule encourages traffic engineers to set speed limits at levels unsafe for pedestrians.

But the Federal Highway Administration wrote in a statement that while the 85th percentile is the typical method, engineers rarely rely solely on this rule. It also noted that states and some local agencies have their own criteria for setting speed limits.

In response, grassroots efforts to curtail speeding have sprouted across communities. In April, Michigan passed legislation granting local governments authority to round down when setting speed limits.

And after four years of lobbying, New York state passed Sammy's Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was killed by a driver in Brooklyn in 2013. The law, which will take effect in June, allows New York City to lower its speed limits to 20 mph in designated areas.

"With this legislation, I hope we can learn more children's names because of their accomplishments, their personalities, and their spirit  not their final moments," said Sammy's mother, Amy Cohen.

Advocates would also like the federal government to factor in pedestrian safety on the five-star vehicle safety rating scale. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a separate pass/fail test that would be posted only on the agency's website, not on labels consumers would see at the dealership.

Automakers like BMW questioned the effectiveness of a program testing pedestrian protections in vehicles arguing that in European countries that adopted such a regulation, it's not been clear whether it led to fewer deaths and injuries. According to the campaign finance site Open Secrets, automakers spent about $49 million lobbying in 2023 compared with $2.2 million spent by advocates for highway and auto safety.

"The federal government has the biggest punch when it comes to requiring improved vehicle safety design," said Wiener, the California state lawmaker.

Although Wiener modified his proposal to restrict excessive speeding, he has advanced companion legislation that would require Caltrans, the state transportation agency, to make improvements such as adding crosswalks and curb extensions on state-owned surface streets to better serve pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.

When that bill was heard in a committee, opponents, including engineering firms and contractors, cautioned it would remove flexibility and hamper the state's ability to deliver a safe and efficient transportation system. Lawmakers have until Aug. 31 to act on his bills.

In Los Angeles, hope for change arrived in March when voters passed Measure HLA, which requires the city to invest $3.1 billion in road safety over the next decade. Rivas Cruz's house, however, sits eight blocks outside the jurisdiction of the city initiative.

It's been more than a year since the crash, but Rivas Cruz finds reminders everywhere: in the mirror, when she looks at the scars left on her face after several surgeries. When she walks on the street that still lacks the infrastructure that would have protected her and Raymond.

Stories of pedestrians killed in this Latino working-class neighborhood are too common, said Rivas Cruz. In September, she attended a memorial of a 14-year-old who was killed by a reckless driver.

"There's so much death going on," the Los Angeles Unified School District teacher said from her mother's living room on a spring afternoon. "The representatives have failed us. Raymond and I were giving back to the community. He was a civil engineer working for the city, and I'm a LAUSD teacher. Where is our help?"

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
People under age 50 have a greater risk for heart attack or stroke if they've lived with obesity for 10 years, according to industry-sponsored research being presented Saturday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, Mass.

It is well established that people who have excess weight at any point in time have a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. What was not known was whether it matters for how long someone has been exposed to excess weight," said Alexander Turchin, M.D., M.S., Director of Quality at the Division of Endocrinology at Brigham & Women's Hospital and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston

Turchin and his team, including researchers from Eli Lilly, conducted a comprehensive study using data from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). They specifically focused on patients who had a body-mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 at least once over a 10-year period (1990-1999) to understand how their weight impacted their risk for heart attack or stroke over the next two decades (2000-2020).



The researchers analyzed data from 109,259 women and 27,239 men who had an average age of 48.6 years and a BMI of 27.2 kg/m2 in 1990. Of those, 6,862 had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 3,587 had type 2 diabetes, and 65,101 had a history of smoking. At follow-up in 2020, the data revealed 12,048 cardiovascular events.



"We found that among women younger than 50 and men younger than 65, having obesity over a 10-year period was associated with a 25-60% increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke  and was more important than their weight at a single point in time in 1990," Turchin said.



However, obesity in women older than 50 and men older than 65 was not associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.



These findings are important for clinicians who see younger people living with obesity, as they show that the sooner someone is treated, the better.



"Viewed as a 'glass half full,' these findings mean that obesity at any given point in time does not 'seal' one's fate," Turchin said. "If obesity is treated in a timely fashion, its complications can be prevented."



Turchin is scheduled to speak at the Society's obesity news conference at 9 a.m. Eastern June 2. Register to view the livestream at endomediastream.com.
A new study to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 annual meeting found that low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, can reduce inflammatory responses to sleep restriction.

Results show that compared with placebo, preemptive administration of low-dose aspirin during sleep restriction reduced pro-inflammatory responses. Specifically, aspirin reduced interleukin-6 expression and COX-1/COX-2 double positive cells in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes, as well as C-reactive protein serum levels.

"The novelty of this study is that it investigated whether we can pharmacologically reduce the inflammatory consequences of sleep restriction," said lead author Larissa Engert, who has a doctorate in behavioral physiology and is a postdoctoral fellow in the department of neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the division of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "We used a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug because it has been shown to affect specific inflammatory pathways, which were previously shown to be dysregulated by experimental sleep restriction or sleep disturbances."

The researchers collected data from 46 healthy adults in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial with three protocols  sleep restriction/aspirin, sleep restriction/placebo, and control sleep/placebo  each consisting of a 14-day at-home phase followed by an 11-day in-hospital stay. In the sleep restriction/aspirin condition, participants took low-dose aspirin during the at-home phase and in-hospital stay. Each in-hospital stay started with two nights of an eight-hour sleep opportunity. Then, under the sleep restriction conditions, participants were exposed to five nights of a four-hour sleep opportunity, followed by three nights of recovery sleep. The control sleep condition provided an eight-hour sleep opportunity throughout the in-hospital stay. Sleep and immunologic measures were assessed at baseline and various points throughout the study.

The data also reveal that the aspirin-induced reduction of inflammatory pathway activity in sleep-restricted participants was paralleled by decreased wake after sleep onset and increased sleep efficiency during recovery sleep, Engert noted.

These findings show that it is possible to blunt inflammatory pathways activated by sleep restriction through preemptive administration of low-dose aspirin. This may foster the development of new therapeutics that specifically target those pathways, and do not exhibit the undesirable side effects associated with aspirin, such as bleeding and stroke. Such therapeutics could complement behavioral sleep improvement therapies to better prevent or control inflammation and its consequences in those experiencing periods of sleep deficiency." Larissa Engert, Lead Author

This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, German Research Foundation, and Sleep Research Society Foundation. The research abstract was published recently in an online supplement of the journal Sleep and will be presented Monday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 5, during SLEEP 2024 in Houston. SLEEP is the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, a joint venture of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.
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.

Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques processes samples for an ISS National Lab-sponsored experiment that studies the effects of spaceflight on musculoskeletal disease as part of efforts to develop drugs to prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Image credit: NASA

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 experiments 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.
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers investigated whether implementing a tax on sweetened beverages was associated with changes in the body mass index (BMI) of children in Seattle.

Their findings indicate that the tax was significantly associated with a decrease in BMI among children residing in the Seattle area, suggesting that such taxes may effectively contribute to modest improvements in children's BMI.

Study: Sweetened Beverage Tax Implementation and Change in Body Mass Index Among Children in Seattle. Image Credit: WH_Pics / Shutterstock

Background

To date, seven US cities have implemented excise taxes on sweetened beverages to improve public health by reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake, the largest source of added sugar in the US, and to generate revenue for other health programs.

Previous studies have shown that these taxes increase beverage prices and reduce beverage purchases, potentially lowering calorie intake. However, the relationship between these taxes and self-reported sugary beverage consumption is often null, likely due to measurement difficulties and small study sizes.

Assessing health outcomes remains crucial as children, who consume more sweetened beverages, might be more affected by these taxes than adults.

Prior research on sweetened beverage taxes and children's BMI is limited and shows mixed results: no association in Mauritius, a reduction in obesity among adolescent girls in Mexico, and a BMI decrease among children in three US cities.

About the study

This study used longitudinal BMI data from Seattle to examine the impact of taxes on children's BMI, hypothesizing lower BMI gains post-tax.

This cohort study included children aged 2 to 18 who resided in urban neighborhoods of three Seattle counties and received primary care from two major hospitals or clinics between 2014 and 2019.

Participants were excluded if they had cancer, undergone bariatric surgery, moved out of the study area, or had extreme BMI values.

The exposure of interest was the tax on sweetened beverages that was implemented in Seattle in early January 2018. Data on weight and height were obtained from electronic health records, and BMI was calculated.

Researchers used BMIp95 (BMI as a percentage of the 95th percentile for age and sex) as the study's primary outcome.

The study used two statistical models: a synthetic difference-in-differences (SDID) model for children with annual BMI measurements from 2015 to 2019 and a fine stratification average treatment effect (FSATE) weighted within-person change model for children with at least one pre- and post-tax measurement.

Both models adjusted for confounders, with the primary model emphasizing pretreatment trends and individual-level fixed effects. Analyses were conducted using Stata, with statistical significance set at  = .05.

Findings

The study's primary SDID model comprised a sample of 6313 children (48% female and 52% male) with annual BMI measurements over five years, 28% of whom were from Seattle and 72% from comparison areas.

On average, the participants were 7.7 years old, with a racial/ethnic composition of 13% Asian, 10% Black, 10% Hispanic, 50% White, and 11% of multiple races. The FSATE-weighted model included 22,779 children.

Results showed that post-tax, Seattle children had a more significant reduction in BMIp95 compared to those in non-taxed areas, with an SDID estimate of -0.90 percentage points (95% CI, -1.2 to -0.60).

The FSATE-weighted model showed a similar but slightly larger reduction ( = -1.16 percentage points, 95% CI, -1.91 to -0.41).

Subgroup analyses indicated consistent reductions in BMIp95 across various demographic groups, including different ages, sexes, races, and insurance types, particularly among those with baseline overweight.

Conclusions

The study concluded that the tax on sweetened beverages was correlated with a statistically significant reduction in children's BMIp95. This finding aligns with previous research, such as studies in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and Mexico, which also reported reductions in children's BMI following beverage tax implementations.

The study's strengths include its use of longitudinal data, measured heights and weights, and robust statistical methods to control for pretax differences, thereby providing more reliable evidence than prior cross-sectional studies.

Limitations of the study include the lack of direct data on sweetened beverage consumption and the use of medical records with limited socioeconomic details. Additionally, while the SDID model offered internally valid estimates, it required all children to have the same number of outcome measurements, which reduced the sample size and generalizability.

Despite these limitations, the study provides strong evidence that taxes on sweetened beverages can provide practical policy tools to target BMI reductions in children. Future studies can explore this association in other cities with similar taxes to confirm these findings.
Researchers based at Australias Translational Research Institute (TRI) have received major funding from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to develop Parkinsons disease (PD) treatments by targeting the gut microbiome.

Image Credit: Translational Research Institute (TRI)

Associate Professor Richard Gordon and his team from the QUT School of Biomedical Sciences were awarded two grants from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) totalling $4 million.

Associate Professor Gordon said the research team will use a combination of human patient studies and disease models to identify new classes of therapeutics as treatments for PD.

The team will also develop engineered microbes as live biotherapeutics and test their potential to slow or stop Parkinsons progression by altering the gut ecosystem and activating protective mechanisms.

Researchers will leverage TRI facilities including the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) for patient recruitment and collecting samples, the Gnotobiotic Facility for the microbiome work and Biological Research Facilities for testing new therapeutics.

Recruitment for the microbiome study will start around August and will be open to both people with PD and healthy volunteers. The study will involve providing a routine blood sample at TRIs CRF and a take-home microbiome kit which participants can mail back to the research team.

The patient samples will provide the basis for our microbiome research program and the development of new treatment approaches. Our study participants are at the heart of our research. Richard Gordon, Associate Professor, QUT School of Biomedical Sciences

There are no effective treatments for stopping Parkinsons disease progression.

PD affects millions of people worldwide and is the fastest growing neurological disorder globally, with the increase in prevalence being linked to chemical exposures from industry and occupations such as farming, firefighting and the military.

Emerging evidence suggests that many of the known features of Parkinsons, such as persistent inflammation and activation of the immune system, are closely linked to an imbalance of microbes in the gut, A/Professor Gordon said.

The inflammation, over a prolonged period, has been shown to damage the vulnerable dopamine-producing neurons that are gradually lost in people with Parkinsons.

The research includes collaborating neurologists from the Royal Brisbane and Womens and Princess Alexandra hospitals including Associate Professor John OSullivan, Dr Robert Adam and TRI-based Associate Professor Alex Lehn, who has appointments at Metro South Health and QUT.

They will also partner with researchers at the Isakson Centre for Neurological Disease Research at the University of Georgia in the US.

Our data suggests that the pathways weve uncovered in Parkinsons patients have an important role in maintaining a healthy gut and function as a protective brake to limit harmful swelling in healthy people, A/Professor Gordon said.

Rather than taking the current approach of blocking immune pathways that are activated, our research will explore the potential of restoring gut health, resolving immune activation via the gut to prevent vulnerable neurons from damage.

If our approach is successful, it will open new avenues for potentially slowing or stopping Parkisons disease and improving the quality of life for millions living with this condition.

The new research will build on work funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation and Shake It Up Australia Foundation.

Clyde Campbell, the CEO and founder of Shake It Up, who was diagnosed with PD in 2011, welcomed the CDMRP funding.

Associate Professor Gordon and his team at TRI are completing groundbreaking research that has the potential to make a life-changing difference for people living with PD, Mr Campbell said.

We are very pleased to see the exciting progress being made, as well as the recognition of Associate Professor Gordons significant contribution to Parkinsons research in Australia.

The QUT research team will be funded for four years. They are the recipients of the largest sum of CDMRP funding awarded in Australia by the US DoD. The two CDMRP grants include an Investigator Initiated Research Award and a Synergistic Idea Award.

The study will be advertised on the QUT and TRI websites.

Parkinsons disease treatments targeting the gut microbiome Play

Video Credit: Translational Research Institute (TRI)
Indias tax system involves a series of deadlines throughout the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) for various tax-related activities. The Income Tax Departments tax dates calendar is crucial for maintaining compliance, managing finances, and optimising tax liabilities in India.

Adhering to the tax calendar helps individuals and businesses comply with legal requirements, avoiding penalties and legal actions. Knowing the tax deadlines aids in effective financial planning and budgeting, ensuring adequate funds are available for tax payments.

Awareness of key dates allows taxpayers to effectively plan and maximise deductions, exemptions, and other tax benefits.

Know the tax calendar for June 2024 according to the income tax department;

June 07, 2024

The due date for the deposit of tax deducted/collected for May 2024. However, all sums deducted/collected by an office of the government shall be paid to the credit of the central government on the same day when tax is paid without the production of an income-tax challan

June 14, 2024



The due date for issuing of TDS certificate for tax deducted under sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M and 194S (by specified person) in April, 2024

June 15, 2024

Due date for furnishing of Form 24G by an office of the government where TDS/TCS for the month of May, 2024 has been paid without the production of a challan

Quarterly TDS certificates (in respect of tax deducted for payments other than salary) for the quarter ending March, 2024

Certificate of tax deducted at source to employees in respect of salary paid and tax deducted during Financial Year 2023-24

Due date for furnishing statement in form no. 3BB by a stock exchange in respect of transactions in which client codes have been modified after registering in the system for the month of May, 2024

Furnishing of statement (in form No. 64D) of income paid or credited by an investment fund to its unit holder for the previous year 2023-24

June 29, 2024

The due date for e-filing of a statement (in form no. 3CEK) by an eligible investment fund under section 9A in respect of its activities in the financial year 2023-24

June 30, 2024
Kronox Lab Sciences IPO: The initial public offering of speciality chemical company Kronox Lab Sciences, which opened for public subscription on June 3, received a strong response from investors with the issue getting fully subscribed within the first hour of its opening. Till 4:33 pm on the first day of bidding, the Rs 130.15-crore mainboard IPO received 10.40 times subscription garnering bids for 6,96,56,070 shares as against 66,99,000 shares on offer.

The retail category has received a 12.35 times subscription, while the non-institutional investor (NII) category got a 18.27 times subscription. The QIB category received a 1.08 times subscription.

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO Key Dates

The Kronox Lab Sciences IPO was opened for public subscription on June 3 and will be closed on June 5. The Kronox Lab Sciences IPO allotment will likely be finalised on June 6, while the listing will take place on June 10 on both BSE and NSE.

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO Price

The price of the IPO was fixed at Rs 129-136 per share.

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Kronox Lab Sciences Ltd are trading Rs 76 higher in the grey market as compared with its issue price. The Rs 76 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a strong 55.88 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO: Should You Subscribe?

Giving a subscribe rating to the IPO, brokerage Mastertrust in its note said, Kronox Lab Sciences is a specialty chemicals company that focusses on stringent quality control for its products and has a marquee clientele that it serves. The company is currently operating at a capacity utilization of close to 50% of its current capacity of 7,242 MTPA for 9MFY24. They have a plan to more than double its capacity to 18,000 MTPA and will be commissioning it in the next 2 years by setting up another Unit at Dahej.

The company has ample room to grow in the coming years given the expansions it have in pipeline. The IPO is coming at a discount to the companys listed peers. Given the growth prospects and the valuations, we advise to subscribe to the IPO from a medium to long term standpoint.

SMC Global in its IPO note said Kronox Lab emerges as a promising player in the chemical industry, with a solid foundation, strategic growth initiatives, and a commitment to innovation and quality. It is well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the evolving market landscape and achieve long-term success by capitalizing on its strengths, expanding its capacity, and improving operational efficiencies, said .

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO: Risks

Kronox Lab Sciences Ltds products are required to meet domestic and international industry standards, says Mastertrust in its note.

The products are supplied in limited quantities for specific use by application industries. Any reduction in the requirement of the products may result in loss of business and may affect the financial performance and

condition.

Its top-20 products contributed 60.49%, 70.58%, 68.62%, 69.85% and 70.04% of their revenue for the nine months period ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022 and the Fiscal 2023, Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021, respectively. Any change in demand for those products could significantly affect their revenues.

The majority of sale of products are concentrated in industries viz. Pharmaceuticals and Scientific Research and Laboratory Testing. Any change in demand or change in application or processes of their customers

in these industries may lead to loss of revenues and profits.

Kronox Lab Sciences IPO: More Details

The proposed issue is entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 95.7 lakh equity shares by promoters Jogindersingh Jaswal, Ketan Ramani and Pritesh Ramani.

At the upper end of the price band, the IPO size is estimated to be Rs 130.15 crore.

Vadodara-based Kronox is a manufacturer of speciality fine chemicals. Its products find application in a wide spectrum of industries for diversified uses such as pharmaceutical formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, biotech, scientific research and testing, personal care, agrochemicals, animal health, and metallurgy, amongst others.

It has three manufacturing facilities and a Research, Development and Testing (RDT) laboratory in Vadodara, Gujarat. Additionally, the company has acquired land at Dahej, Gujarat to set up a new manufacturing plant. It exports to more than 20 countries with major exports to the US, the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Egypt, among others.

Half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 35 per cent for retail investors and the remaining 15 per cent for non-institutional investors. Further, investors can bid for a minimum of 110 equity shares and in multiples of 110 equity shares thereafter.

Pantomath Capital Advisors is the sole book-running lead manager. The companys equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE.
Indian equity benchmark indices roared to record highs on Monday, as stocks reacted to exit poll prediction of a likely landslide victory for the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. Shares of PSU banks rallied up to 8 per cent in Mondays intraday trade on the BSE.

This wave of positivity propelled PSU banking stocks to touch new record highs. With expectations of Prime Minister Narendra Modis third consecutive term, markets experienced a bullish trend, reflecting confidence in the governments leadership and its impact on the financial landscape.

Shares of Bank of Baroda surged 8 per cent to Rs 286, while Indian Overseas Bank saw a 6 per cent rise in early trade. Indias largest PSU bank, SBI, gained 6.6 per cent. Canara Bank and Indian Bank also jumped over 5 per cent.

Bank of India, Union Bank of India, UCO Bank, Central Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, PNB, and Bank of Maharashtra also saw gains of up to 4 per cent.

The majority of exit polls indicated that the BJP-led NDA alliance will comfortably secure between 350 and 390 seats of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indias Parliament.

A party or coalition needs 272 seats in parliament to form a government. The BJP-led coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), will cross this target, according to exit polls, which forecast it being close to taking about two-thirds of the seats.

The expectation that the BJP will come to power in the Lok Sabha elections was strengthened by its victory in three key state elections out of four in December. Analysts have previously indicated that if the BJP is sworn into power, the continuation of economic reforms in India will be a positive factor for the countrys financial markets.

In recent years, the performance of public sector banks (PSBs) has experienced a remarkable transformation. After recording unprecedented losses of Rs. 85,390 crore in FY18, PSBs have achieved a record profit of Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in FY24. The net profits of PSBs have more than quadrupled over the last three years.

Key drivers of this turnaround include significant treasury gains, a substantial reduction in non-performing assets (NPAs), and lower provisioning, which have collectively strengthened their balance sheets. Additionally, PSBs have witnessed robust revenue growth, supported by a decade-high credit growth rate of 16.1% in FY24.

As of 2024, public-sector banks are in their strongest position in decades. They are demonstrating robust performance across all fundamental pillars: business growth, asset quality, profitability, and capital adequacy.

Business growth is reported in double digits, gross NPAs are at a decadal low of below 3 per cent, profitability is at an all-time high, and all banks are well capitalised, exceeding regulatory requirements, according to the analysts.

Meanwhile, during Modi 2.0 (from June 2019 to May 2024), 10 out of 12 PSU bank stocks delivered multibagger returns of up to 473 per cent.

According to data from Ace Equity, Indian Overseas Bank was the top performer among PSU banks, delivering 473 per cent returns during the Modi 2.0 tenure. Bank of Maharashtra and UCO Bank followed, with returns of 325 per cent and 226 per cent, respectively. Additionally, the Central Bank of India, State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Union Bank of India, and Bank of Baroda provided returns ranging from 106 per cent to 150 per cent over the last five years.

Last week, CLSA identified SBI, Canara Bank, and Bank of Baroda in its list of 54 Modi stocks.

Modi stocks are those of companies or sectors that have benefited directly from government policies and initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making them attractive to investors looking to capitalize on government-driven growth.
Petrol, Diesel Prices On June 3, 2024: Petrol and diesel prices for Monday, June 3, have been released. The daily 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 June 3, the petrol price 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 June 3, the cost of diesel is priced at Rs 87.62 per litre.

Delhi Petrol Price Today

As of June 3, the cost of petrol in Delhi is Rs 94.72 per litre.

Kolkata Petrol & Diesel Price

In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 103.94 and the price of diesel is Rs 90.76 per litre.

Chennai Petrol & Diesel Price

In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 100.85, while the price of diesel is Rs 92.43 per litre.

Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on June 3:

In Noida today, petrol is Rs 94.65, while diesel is being sold at Rs 87.75.

Today in Agra, petrol is being sold at Rs 94.70, while diesel is being sold at Rs 87.79 per litre.

Today in Lucknow, petrol is Rs 94.65, while diesel is Rs 87.76.

Today, the petrol price in Ghaziabad is Rs 94.65, while diesel is being sold at Rs 87.75.

Today, the petrol price in Muzaffarnagar is Rs 94.63, while the price of diesel is Rs 87.72.

Today, the petrol price in Meerut is Rs 94.43, while the price of diesel is Rs 87.49.

Today in Dehradun, petrol is priced at Rs 93.48, while diesel is being sold at Rs 88.34 per litre.

Today, in Chandigarh, petrol is priced at Rs 94.24, while diesel is being sold at Rs 82.40 per litre.

Today, the petrol price in Jodhpur is Rs 104.70, while diesel is being sold at Rs 91.20.

Today, the petrol price in Jaipur is Rs 104.88 and diesel is Rs 90.36.

Today, the petrol price in Patna is Rs 105.18, while the price of diesel is Rs 92.04.

Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS

You can also find out the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122.
Stocks To Watch On June 3: Stocks from within PSU themes like defence, railways, and banks will be in focus on Monday after exit polls predicted the continuation of the current Narendra Modi government for the third term in a row.

Coal India: It reported a 7.5 per cent increase in coal production for May, reaching 64.4 million tonnes year-on-year. Additionally, coal offtake rose by 7.2 per cent to 68.2 million tonnes.

Ashoka Buildcon: The firm has emerged as the lowest bidder for two projects worth Rs 2,153 crore from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

Canara Bank: The bank plans to sell a 14.5 per cent stake in its subsidiary, Canara HSBC Wipro: It has expanded its retail media offering by partnering with Cisco and AT&T.

MOIL: The company announced price hikes for various grades of manganese ore effective from June 1. Prices of all ferro grades with manganese content of Mn-44 per cent and above were increased by 35 per cent, while those with manganese content below Mn-44 per cent saw a 30 per cent hike. Prices of all SGMR, fines, and chemical grades were also raised by 30 per cent.

NTPC: The state owned company has commissioned the second and final phase of the 33 MW Anta Solar PV Project in Rajasthan, increasing its total capacity to 59,168 MW on a standalone basis and 76,048 MW on a group basis.

PNC Infratech: The companys subsidiary has received a one-time settlement amount of Rs 391 crore from NHAI.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone: Its subsidiary, Adani International Ports Holdings Pte (AIPH), signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority to manage Container Terminal 2 at the Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania. The agreement includes the acquisition of the project company in Tanzania, handling all port equipment and employees, for $39.5 million. Container Terminal 2 has a capacity of 1 million TEUs and manages around 83 per cent of Tanzanias container volume.

Bank of India: The PSU bank is increasing its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 5 basis points across most tenures, effective June 1.
TBI Corn IPO: The initial public offering of TBI Corn Ltd, which opened for public subscription on May 31, has so far received a decent response from investors. Till 4:43 pm on the second day of bidding on Monday, the Rs 44.94-crore SME IPO received a 53.75 times subscription, garnering bids for 17,10,51,600 shares as against 31,82,400 shares on offer.

The retail category has received a 233.54 times subscription, while the non-institutional investor (NII) category got a 47.91 times subscription. The QIB category received 15 per cent subscription.

The TBI Corn IPO will be closed on June 4. The TBI Corn IPO allotment will likely be finalised on June 5, while the listing will take place on June 7 on the NSE SME.

The price of the IPO was fixed at Rs 104-110 per share.

TBI Corn IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of TBI Corn Limited are trading Rs 84 higher in the grey market as compared with its issue price. The Rs 84 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting an 89.36 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

About TBI Corn IPO

TBI Corn IPO is entirely a fresh issue of 47.81 lakh shares. The IPO opens for subscription on May 31, 2024 and closes on June 4, 2024.

The price band of the TBI Corn IPO has been fixed at Rs 90 to Rs 94 per share. The minimum lot size for an application is 1,200 shares. The minimum amount of investment required by retail investors is Rs 1,12,800. The minimum lot size investment for HNI is 2 lots (2,400 shares) amounting to Rs 2,25,600.

Swastika Investmart Ltd and Ekadrisht Capital Private Limited are the book running lead managers of the TBI Corn IPO, while Kfin Technologies Limited is the registrar for the issue. The market maker for TBI Corn IPO is Ss Corporate Securities.

TBI Corns revenue rose 39.07 per cent and its profit after tax (PAT) surged 1419.24 per cent between the financial year ending with March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.

TBI Corn Limited, established in 2000, is a manufacturer and exporter of Corn Meal Grits. The Company is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 certified. The company specialises in producing high-quality Corn/Maize Grits and related products in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, India.

The company sells various products, including fat-free corn grits/meals, corn flakes, stone-free broken maize and corn flour, and turmeric finger.
The extraordinary findings of a News18 post-poll survey are set to shatter long-held beliefs about how the Muslim community in India votes against the backdrop of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Counting day is just hours away and several parties are banking on the Muslim communitys backing to notch up impressive numbers.

State of states

According to the data, other than in Kerala and Bihar, where the Congress overshadows the Bharatiya Janata Party among Muslims, the rest of the states dont show that kind of polarisation. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP (20%) seems to have had more Muslim support than the Congress (17%), and the same seems to be the case in Odisha (35% for BJP vs 28% for Congress).

In Chhattisgarh, the Muslims have split evenly between the Congress and the BJP (47% each). At the national level, there is 18% support from the community for the BJP vs 32% for the Congress.

According to the survey, there is higher acceptability (over 25%) for the BJP in states like Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.

It is interesting to note that the gap between Muslims who back the BJP vs those who back the Congress in many demographies is just about 10-15% only. In very few demographies is this gap very wide.

The survey has an all-India sample size of 11,371. A total of 6,472 of the respondents were men and 4,899 were women.

How men vote

Among Muslim men who indicated they preferred the BJP, the highest percentage were white-collar workers.

21% of all Shia respondents and 15% Sunnis backed the BJP with the respective figures being 31% and 33% for the Congress.

What do women want?

There is a higher preference for the BJP among less-literate Muslim women and more preference for the Congress among graduates.

The highest preference for the BJP is among Muslim women who indicated they were non-agricultural workers. This is even more than the preference for the Congress. There is a high preference for the BJP among Muslim women in business and trader communities too.

Among all Muslim women polled, the less literate and poorer seem to be more inclined towards the BJP, probably because they are benefitting from the labharthi schemes rolled out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) may have been the buzzword from the opposition camp, but the ruling party, too, is planning a counter.

With less than 24 hours to go for the Lok Sabha election results to be out on Tuesday (June 4), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a meeting at party president JP Naddas residence on Monday, which was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh, among others, with an eye on EVM, among other issues.

THE BJPS STRATEGY

With opposition leaders like Congresss Digvijaya Singh and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal indicating EVM tampering, after most exit polls suggested a landslide victory for the BJP, the partys top leadership, which will face the media on Tuesday, has been asked to be prepared with facts and figures to counter the narrative.

ALSO READ | How EVM Votes Are Counted, Why EC Changed Rule On Postal Ballots In 2019, Whats Oppositions Concern?

The partys media department will brief all its spokesperson about instances such as Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and the recent Telangana assembly poll wins where the Congress did not complain. Exact quotes of leaders will also be kept handy for Tuesday, say sources.

Many leaders have started quoting some of them. Piyush Goyal said on Sunday, If they lose an election, they blame the EVMs. But if the result is in their favour, they dont utter a word. This comment came in the backdrop of Kejriwals remark before going to Tihar Jail, where he said he has asked his party leaders to be watchful.

Meanwhile, Digvijaya Singh said, If peoples votes are counted, the BJP will not get a majority and INDIA alliance will get more than 295 seats. If this number doesnt come, then EVMs have been tampered with.

On Tuesday, the BJP leaders will be ready with statements such as that of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Revanth Reddy, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Siddaramaiah after winning in their respective states and X posts of opposition leaders congratulating them, say sources.

#BreakingNews | #BJP sources: If the results come in favour BJP on June 4, BJP is planning for grand celebrationsA roadshow of PM Modi from 7 LKM to BJP HQ could be planned. @DhantaNews brings more details | @toyasingh | #LokSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/RJarpI4qQ2  News18 (@CNNnews18) June 3, 2024

SEAL, FORM 17, I CARD, SEEING THE PROCESS CRUCIAL

Leaders who were in attendance at the BJP meet, including Vinod Tawde, Manohar Lal Khattar, Ashwini Vaishnav, Tarun Chugh, Shiv Prakash and Mansukh Mandaviya, have been asked to ensure party workers keep a sharp eye on EVMs. The leaders have been asked to spread the message that all booth cadres should ensure a seal on every voting machine.

If any seal is not looking fine or giving any clue of possible tampering, the BJP, too, should complaint about it, party sources said. Workers have been told that if they notice any tapering on the white paper of the seal of EVMs, they should immediately complain to the authority concerned, said a party source.

The BJP workers have also been asked to check Form 17 and tally with the number of votes written on it. Form 17C is a comprehensive record of information that is provided to polling agents. Every BJP worker attending the counting has been asked to maintain three things  carry an identity card, arrive half-an-hour before the counting begins and not to leave till the counting is officially declared over by the Election Commission. Many political workers tend to get excited and leave mid-way after a giant lead for their candidates.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday said the exit polls, which have predicted a third term for the BJP at the Centre, do not reflect the pulse of the people accurately and asserted that the opposition INDIA bloc will be getting 295 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress viewed the exit polls with scepticism, he said.

The counting of votes polled for 543 Lok Sabha seats over seven phases will be done on Tuesday across the country. Various post-poll surveys have backed the BJP to romp home with a strong majority.

Tharoor cited Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges assertion earlier that the INDIA bloc will get more than 295 seats.

The senior leader, who is the Congress-led UDF candidate for Thiruvananthapuram, said he and his party are quite relaxed going into the counting on Tuesday, and once again exuded confidence that he would emerge victorious from here for the fourth straight time.

Speaking to the media after sending a copy of Mahatma Gandhis autobiography to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a protest organised by the KPCCs Gandhi Darshan Samithi, Tharoor said the exit polls were done based on some sampling, which was not scientific.

The Congress held a protest against Modis recent remark that the world did not know of Mahatma Gandhi till the film Gandhi was made.

We are seeing it (exit poll results) with scepticism and disbelief. We have also campaigned across the country. We also have a sense of what the pulse of the people is, and we do not believe that is reflected accurately in this poll, Tharoor, who is also the Congress Working Committee member said.

If any exit poll had said that the BJP could win seven seats in Kerala, then they are either suffering from heat stroke or do not know about the state.

Some of these exit polls are also laughable for other reasons; they are saying there are five seats in a particular state, but the BJP is going to win six, he said, taking a potshot at the exit poll predictions by various agencies.

He said that although Thiruvananthapuram is considered to be BJPs strongest constituency in Kerala, where they finished second twice, they also have a good chance of emerging as runner-up this time.

But the likelihood of them actually winning is very low right now because there is no strong reason for it. He said there was no reason for the UDF to be worried.

Tharoor described the Thiruvananthapuram contest as a close three-way race but was confident about emerging triumphant.

He is facing a tough challenge from BJPs Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and CPI candidate Pannyan Raveendran.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
Election Results 2024 LIVE: AAP Holds Training Session for Its Counting Agents The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) conducted a training session for its counting agents at the party headquarters here on Monday, a day before the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections. The session was held by AAPs National General Secretary (Organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, with the party Lok Sabha candidate Somnath Bharti in attendance, said an official statement.

Elections 2024 LIVE: Prohibitory Order on Premises of Counting Centres in Kozhikode, Vadakara The district administration on Monday imposed prohibitory orders on the premises of the designated vote counting centre for the Kozhikode and Vadakara Lok Sabha constituencies in North Kerala. These measures, effective from Monday on the premises of JTD Group of Institutions at Vellimadukunnu, were instituted ahead of the counting of the ballots for the crucial Lok Sabha election scheduled for Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: INDIA Bloc's Senior Leaders Asked To Stay In Delhi For Meeting After Results Leaders of the INDIA opposition bloc would meet here on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning to assess the Lok Sabha poll results, sources have said. They said top leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have been asked to be in Delhi by Tuesday evening, once the counting of votes in their respective states is over. The sources said this was decided by the opposition leaders when they met at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence here on Saturday afternoon. If the number of seats does not come as per expectations and assessment, then other options including demonstration/press conference/meeting with the President will be discussed where questions can be raised on the role of the Election Commission, the sources further said.

Elections 2024 LIVE: EC Has Agreed to Count Postal Ballots First, Says Congress Leader Singhvi The opposition on Monday said the Election Commission (EC) has agreed to its request of counting the postal ballots first on June 4, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be declared, and stressed that this is the participatory manner of promoting the spirit of democracy in a non-adversarial fashion. Leaders from the INDIA opposition bloc had urged the EC on Sunday to ensure that on June 4, the postal ballots are counted and their results declared before the outcome of the EVMs is announced, and said the poll panel should issue clear guidelines on the counting process and ensure that those are implemented.

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: INDI Alliance To Win 300+ Seats, BJP To Secure 250 Seats, Says SP's Ghazipur Candidate Samajwadi Partys Lok Sabha candidate from Ghazipur, Afzal Ansari said, The exit polls are pre-plannedThe INDIA alliance will secure more than 300 Lok Sabha seatsBJP will win around 250 Lok Sabha seatsPM Modi will not be winning from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat with a strong majority.I will break my own record.

Elections 2024 LIVE: If Jairam Ramesh is Making Such Claims Then He Should Give Details, Says BJP's Shazia Ilmi On Congress leader Jairam Rameshs claims that Union HM called DMs/ROs (Returning Officers), BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said, The Election Commission has answered the questions, and also asked for answers. Who are those 150 DMs whom the Union Home Minister allegedly called and influenced to affect the elections? This is a serious allegation made by Jairam Ramesh. If he is making such big allegations, then he has to tell the details and how he got those details. It is clear that Jairam Ramesh is going to lose the elections, so he is creating such an environment.

Elections 2024 LIVE: : Modi Eyes Record-equalling Feat, Oppn Hopes for Rebound Prime Minister Narendra Modi eyes a record-equalling third straight term in power amid the INDIA opposition blocs hope of springing a surprise as the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha election is set for Tuesday, bringing an end to a marathon polling exercise stretching over 80 days. While most experts have long seen the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as the favourite in the polls, a lot is at stake for the ruling combine in terms of the scale of victory it can pull off and new territories it can conquer. The oppositions stakes are higher still amid its reducing national footprint.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Demands Ban on Exit Polls Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Monday demanded a ban on exit polls in this country, claiming they have been proven wrong several times. During a press conference, Singh said, Exit polls should be completely banned in the country since they have been proven wrong not once but many times. This is a wrong attempt to influence the people of the country, the administrative system, and the election commission before the poll counting. He claimed that the INDIA bloc will get 295 seats after the June 4 counting.

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: All Arrangements in Place in MP as Ruling BJP Aims for Clean Sweep All arrangements have been made for the counting of votes on Tuesday for the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh where the BJP, which won a landslide victory in the November assembly polls, will look to achieve a clean sweep. Counting of votes will begin at 8am in all 52 districts of the state, where Lok Sabha polls were held in four-phases on April 19, 26, May 7 and 13. The voter turn out in the state was 66.87 per cent, with the figure being 69.37 per cent from men and 64.24 per cent for women, as per Election Commission data.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: 400-kg Laddoos Prepared By BJP Workers Ahead Of Poll Results Day BJP workers prepare 400-kg laddoos ahead of counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on June 4. VIDEO | Patna: BJP workers prepare 400-kg laddoos ahead of counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on June 4 (tomorrow).#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 (Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/dv5TRARJn4) pic.twitter.com/Jc4SamDfJk  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 3, 2024

Elections LIVE: Three-tier Security Deployed for Counting of Votes in Jammu, Kathua A day ahead of the counting of votes for the Jammu and Udhampur Lok Sabha constituencies along with rest of the country, three-tier security has been activated in and around the counting centres in the two districts. The counting of over 23.94 lakh votes in these constituencies, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine the fate of 34 candidates, including senior BJP leader and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, current Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and former ministers Choudhary Lal Singh and Raman Bhalla of the Congress.

Elections 2024 LIVE: INDIA Bloc Going to Win Big in Bihar, Exit Polls a Psychological Trick, Says RJD The RJD on Monday claimed that the INDIA bloc, helmed by it in Bihar, would notch up a tally of 25-plus in the state with 40 Lok Sabha seats, dubbing exit polls as a psychological trick. RJD national spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha made the statement at a press conference he addressed, flanked by alliance partners, less than 24 hours before the counting of votes was to commence. The exit polls have played a psychological trick. Huge money is involved in the exercise. We are told that besides the stock markets, the Prime Ministers Office also has a stake, Jha claimed.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: ECI Denies Jairam Ramesh's Request Seeking Extra Time To Respond ECI rejects Congress leader Jairam Rameshs request of seeking a time of one week to respond, ECI asked him to reply by 7 pm today.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Three-tier Security In Jammu, Kathua For Counting of Votes A day ahead of the counting of votes for the Jammu and Udhampur Lok Sabha constituencies along with rest of the country, three-tier security has been activated in and around the counting centres in the two districts.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP Running For a Hat-trick in Uttarakhand? As Uttarakhand prepares for counting of votes on Tuesday, all attention is riveted on whether the BJP sweeps all the five Lok Sabha seats in the state for a record third straight term or its citadel is dented by its principal rival Congress which had drawn a blank in both 2014 and 2019 general elections.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Uma Bharti's Prediction for NDA After Exit Polls Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti on Monday said the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win around 450 Lok Sabha seats, more than the numbers predicted by the exit polls.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: All Preps Completed for Counting in 2 LS Constituencies in Tripura All preparations for counting for two Lok Sabha constituencies  Tripura West and Tripura East  and Ramnagar Assembly segment byelection have been completed, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Puneet Agarwal said on Monday.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Himachal Gears Up for Counting of Votes Union minister Anurag Thakur, actor Kangana Ranaut, four-time RS MP Anand Sharma and sitting Public Works minister Vikramaditya Singh are the bigwigs to watch for in the four Lok Sabha and six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh where counting will be taken up on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Himachal Gears Up for Counting of Votes Union minister Anurag Thakur, actor Kangana Ranaut, four-time RS MP Anand Sharma and sitting Public Works minister Vikramaditya Singh are the bigwigs to watch for in the four Lok Sabha and six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh where counting will be taken up on Tuesday.
Voting for the Lok Sabha elections, spread across seven phases, came to an end on June 1. Starting from April 19, 64.2 crore people, including 31.2 crore women, cast their ballot creating a world record", said the Election Commission on Monday.

People voted amid an intense heatwave in a six-week election, the results of which will be declared on Tuesday (June 4). Voters are choosing 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is seeking a third term with almost all exit polls predicting a landslide win for his party, the BJP. The ruling alliance is pitted against a broad alliance of opposition parties, including important regional parties, called INDIA represented by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Votes were cast at more than 10 lakh polling stations, with big states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar going to the polls in each of the seven phases. According to the countrys first-past-the-post multiparty electoral system, a party or coalition must breach the mark of 272 seats to secure a majority.

A majority of exit polls have projected that Modi may extend his decade in power with a third consecutive term, on the back of economic performance and the inauguration of the Ramjanmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya.

Another victory will cement the 73-year-old as one of Indias most popular and important leaders. It will follow a thumping win in 2019, when the BJP clinched an absolute majority by sweeping 303 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress managed only 52. He first swept to power in 2014 on promises of economic development, presenting himself as an outsider cracking down on corruption.
The seven-phase spanning Lok Sabha Elections 2024 came to an end on June 1. All eyes are now on the vote counting day, scheduled on June 4.

The process for vote counting will commence at 8 am. Along with the Lok Sabha polls, the results for the state legislative assemblies of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will also be declared.

Where To Watch Live Results?

To keep a track of the latest updates on the Lok Sabha results, keep an eye on News18.com.

You can also track the LIVE updates on the election results on YouTube and all social media channels of CNN-News18.

The Election Commission of India will be providing latest information about vote counting online on June 4. The counting updates will also be available on the official website of the ECI, results.eci.gov.in.

Voting Concluded On June 1 With Record 64.2 Crore Turnout

Starting from April 19, 64.2 crore people, including 31.2 crore women, cast their ballot creating a world record, the Election Commission said on Monday.

People voted amid an intense heatwave in a six-week election, the results of which will be declared on Tuesday (June 4). Voters are choosing 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term.

Key Contenders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is seeking a third term with almost all exit polls predicting a landslide win for his party, the BJP. The ruling alliance is pitted against a broad alliance of opposition parties, including important regional parties, called INDIA represented by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Exit Poll Predictions

A majority of exit polls projected that Modi may extend his decade in power with a third consecutive term, on the back of economic performance and the inauguration of the Ramjanmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. Another victory will cement the 73-year-old as one of Indias most popular and important leaders.

It will follow a thumping win in 2019, when the BJP clinched an absolute majority by sweeping 303 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress managed only 52. He first swept to power in 2014 on promises of economic development, presenting himself as an outsider cracking down on corruption.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
After six weeks of voting that took place in seven phases across the country, India will finally find out the results of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 tomorrow, June 4. However, with just a few hours left for the results to be announced, a massive faceoff between the BJP and the Congress erupted on Monday after the grand old party asked its workers to gather in large numbers at various district and state party offices.

After Congress leaders, including its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, asked its workers to stay alert on the results day, the BJP attacked the party stating that its instruction to its workers reads like a manual to riot. A Congress party statement is going viral on social media, where the party has ordered its prabharis to make appropriate arrangements for the workers.

Launching a scathing attack on the grand old party, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took to X and wrote, Congress partys instruction to its workers reads like a manual to riot. There is absolutely no merit in asking people to assembly in state and district offices because counting happens in a designated secure zone for each Lok Sabha unless the idea is to unleash mobs and disrupt the process.

Congress partys instruction to its workers reads like a manual to riot There is absolutely no merit in asking people to assembly in state and district offices because counting happens in a designated secure zone for each Lok Sabha, unless the idea is to unleash mobs and pic.twitter.com/z5qfWsWFzm Amit Malviya (  ) (@amitmalviya) June 3, 2024

Congress Asks Workers To Stay Alert

Stay alert and put in place measures to check any attempts of rigging on vote counting day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi told the partys Lok Sabha poll candidates on Sunday, news agency PTI reported.

Reportedly, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi interacted with Congress candidates during a virtual meeting which was also attended by party general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal, legislative party leaders and state unit chiefs to review preparations for June 4, the day when votes of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will be counted.

Recently, we all saw that BJP leaders and their government are ignoring democracy and violates the limits of the Constitution. So tomorrow, at the time of counting of votes, we need to be alert. Instead of sitting in the room and watching the results on news channels, all the Congress workers should be called to the district and state Congress offices, Congress official statement to its workers read.

Further instructing its Prabharis to make arrangements, the letter read, Make sure that there are adequate arrangements for the workers in the Congress headquarters. Whenever needed, an arrangement should be there to send the workers immediately.

In addition to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has also asked counting agents to remain alert and vigilant at the counting centres. Tell all counting agents to remain alert. Ask them to match the EVM machine number, he said, adding, If there is even a slight difference in the number of votes, we will immediately raise an objection and ask for recounting of that machine.

                        EVM                             pic.twitter.com/L4j2pGzSVf Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 3, 2024

Bhupesh Baghel Questions EC

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Rajnandgaon candidate, Bhupesh Bhagel, on Sunday questioned said that the Election Commission has given the numbers of the machines used in the elections, including information on ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT.

According to the information given in Form 17C after the voting in my constituency Rajnandgaon, the numbers of many machines have changed. The booths where the numbers have been changed affect thousands of votes. Similar complaints have been received from many other Lok Sabha constituencies. We are complaining to the State Election Officer. @ECISVEEP should answer under what circumstances the machines were changed and who will be responsible for any impact on the election result? he questioned in a social media post.

               ,              17                        pic.twitter.com/HsKwS0xxCU  Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) June 3, 2024

Replying to Baghels allegations, the poll body said that the alleged mismatch in EVM numbers shared with the INC candidate of Rajnandgaon PC is not based on facts.

The alleged mismatch in EVMs number shared with the INC candidate of Rajnandgaon PC, is not based on facts.The EVMs used during polls are exactly according to the list of machines shared by Returning Officer after randomization with contesting candidates. @ECISVEEP1/4 https://t.co/4DWpHRcUOE pic.twitter.com/vE5HJkPAaj  Chief Electoral Officer, Chhattisgarh (@CEOChhattisgarh) June 3, 2024

BJP Alleges Congress Planning To Create Chaos

Responding to the Congress instruction to its workers, BJP on Monday reacted strongly and said that the party is trying to cause disruption during the counting of votes as they are losing the Lok Sabha polls. The saffron party further accused the Congress of wanting to undermine the countrys democratic values and create negative headlines against India at the global stage.

It is obvious that Congress is planning to disrupt & create utter chaos on counting day  sort of like a very own Capitol Hill insurrection? This is for two reasons: 1) They are losing 2) They want to undermine our democratic traditions and give a negative headline internationally about Bharat This is the lowest Congress could stoop too, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala added.

It is obvious that Congress is planning to disrupt & create utter chaos on counting day- sort of like a very own Capitol Hill insurrection ?This is for two reasons : 1) They are losing2) They want to undermine our democratic traditions and give a negative headline pic.twitter.com/JpVzlb6gnW  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) June 3, 2024

Why on earth all these preparations? Is it for celebration for the few seats that they may win or some sinister motive?? BJP National General Secretary (Org) BL Santhosh said.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
The opposition on Monday said the Election Commission (EC) has agreed to its request of counting the postal ballots first on June 4, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be declared, and stressed that this is the participatory manner of promoting the spirit of democracy in a non-adversarial fashion.

Leaders from the INDIA opposition bloc had urged the EC on Sunday to ensure that on June 4, the postal ballots are counted and their results declared before the outcome of the EVMs is announced, and said the poll panel should issue clear guidelines on the counting process and ensure that those are implemented.

A delegation of leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), including the Congresss Abhishek Singhvi, met the full bench of the EC on Sunday, ahead of Tuesdays counting of the votes polled in the Lok Sabha election.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Singhvi had said this was the third time that a delegation of opposition leaders visited the poll panel during the general election and, among other things, urged the officials to ensure that the postal ballots are counted and their results declared before the results of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are announced.

In a statement on Monday, Singhvi said, As informed, I am happy and proud to have spoken on behalf of the multi-party delegation which went yesterday to the Election Commission of India. We are also grateful to the ECI for giving us time promptly on a Sunday and for hearing us patiently. What one is happiest about the most is that a very glaring issue of democracy, namely counting postal ballots first, has been graciously and promptly agreed to by the ECI, one or two days before the counting of votes and shall be implemented tomorrow, the senior Congress leader said.

This is the participatory manner of promoting the spirit of democracy in a non-adversarial fashion, which works best in the long term, he asserted.

In a letter to the EC, the INDIA bloc leaders had said the number of postal ballots has gone up significantly in this Lok Sabha election as senior citizens (aged 85 years and above) and differently-abled persons were allowed to cast their votes through this process.

They quoted various rules and guidelines of the EC, including provisions of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and Handbook for Returning Officer and Counting Agents (August 2023), that said the counting of postal ballots shall be done first.
Was there foreign interference in narrative-building in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a globally significant event given Indias status as the worlds largest democracy and an emerging geopolitical power?

There was unusually high interest of French media in the 2024 elections, particularly highlighting the influential role of French political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot. French outlets such as Le Monde published numerous articles with narratives around Islamophobia, undemocratic tendencies, and caste issues in India.

Jaffrelots work, especially on caste census, was prominently featured and widely cited, both in French and Indian media, raising concerns about biased and manipulated academic research. Jaffrelots influence on the caste census discourse in India. His work, coinciding with significant funding from the US based Henry Luce Foundation for three years (2021-2024), drove a substantial increase in discussions on caste issues, particularly during election seasons.

Analyzing Twitter data from 2010 to 2024 revealed spikes in tweets related to Jaffrelot and caste census, suggesting a coordinated effort to amplify this narrative with a sudden peak in 2021 coinciding with his report on caste census.

The Trivedi Centre for Political Data (TCPD) at Ashoka University is partnership between Ashoka University and the University of Michigan with seed funding worth Rs 15 crore. TCPD was co-founded by Gilles Verniers, a Belgian academic and mentee of Christophe Jaffrelot. The center, in collaboration with institutions like Sciences Po and CNRS, focused on political data analysis in India. Despite its significant contributions to political discourse, TCPD was dissolved in September 2023 after Verniers was forced to leave Ashoka University due to tenure issues.

The interconnected academic networks and the influence of international funding on Indian political narratives, raised concerns about academic independence and the integrity of research of TCPD.

The financial and academic networks behind Jaffrelots work, focused on funding from the US-based Henry Luce Foundation. The foundation supports the Sciences Po American Foundation, which collaborated with Princeton and Columbia Universities on a project titled Muslims in a Time of Hindu Majoritarianism from 2021 to 2024.

The Henry Luce Foundation (HLF), established in New York City in 1936 by Henry Robinson Luce, co-founder of Time Inc., has significantly impacted journalism, higher education, and public policy. Born in China in 1898 to missionary parents, Luce was deeply influenced by his early experiences and his educational background, including his time at Yale and Oxford. His connections extended into the CIA, where he used his platforms to support covert operations and anti-communist activities, including those in Italy and Cuba.

HLF is led by prominent figures who have had significant roles in U.S. governance, think tanks like the Asia Foundation (TAF), the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), all of which have documented links to the CIA.

The Asia Foundation was directly founded by the CIA in 1954 to promote U.S. interests in Asia through educational and cultural activities, originally operating as the Committee for Free Asia. CFR, despite claiming independence, has historically been rumored to have CIA ties and has been a platform for several CIA directors to discuss U.S. intelligence strategies. CSIS, similarly, has had a long association with the CIA, facilitated by its origins within Georgetown University. The leadership of the HLF, including notable figures such as Mariko Silver and John J. Hamre, underscores the intertwined relationships between the foundations philanthropic activities and U.S. strategic interests, highlighting the complex interplay of intelligence, influence, and philanthropy in American foreign policy.

The Henry Luce Foundations (HLF) controversial funding activities in India, particularly in relation to the Indian General Elections of 2024 (pic below).

The Political Conflict, Gender, and Peoples Rights Initiative (PCRes) is another front at the University of California, Berkeley, a significant recipient of Henry Luce Foundation funding. Originally known as the Armed Conflict Resolution and Peoples Rights Project, PCRes was reestablished in its current form in 2016. It has been involved in substantial research into the effects of violence on minority communities in regions across India and the political dynamics surrounding Kashmir. Founding Co-Chair Angana P. Chatterji, a central figure in the initiative, has been a vocal critic of Indias policies on Kashmir and other national issues. In April 2021, PCRes received a notable grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. PCRes continues to host events on pertinent issues affecting South Asia, including a recent focus on Hindu nationalism in the context of the 2024 Indian elections.

The South Asia Scholar Activist Collective (SASAC) established in July 2021, comprised scholars, activists, and students from North America, actively opposes Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism. The collective is notable for its advocacy work, such as supporting the Dismantling Global Hindutva event, endorsing the inclusion of caste in anti-discrimination policies at U.S. universities, and backing Seattles proposed ordinance to ban caste discrimination. Recent activities of SASAC, including its criticism of U.S. legislation recognizing Hinduphobia, and the contributions of its members like Dheepa Sundaram, who received a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation for a project on public scholarship concerning Hindu Nationalism.

Network and Funding of Henry Luce Foundation on Indian General Elections 2024 (pic below).

Despite continuous exposure, advocacy groups such as Friends of Democracy persist in shaping narratives around Indian democracy with funding from the HLF, often aligning their agendas with George Soros. The chair of Friends of Democracy, Ricken Patel is a CanadianBritish activist and,

He was on the board of directors of NAMATI, which George Soros is part of.

Ricken Patel is one of the founding members of Respublica.

He also cofounded Avaaz and served on its board until 2021.

He served on the advisory board of Access Now.In March 2023, NAMATI funded Friends of Democracy  fight against the ruling party to save India. Incidentally, another front Friends of Democracy PAC was co-founded by George Soros son Jonathan Soros.

Leading up to the Indian elections, Friends of Democracy conducted online discussions titled Conversations on Indian Democracy and sponsored the report The Modi Mirage critiquing Indias global reputation under the current government. Additionally, Friends of Democracy collaborated with various organizations, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Foundation London Story, in activities such as organizing protests and influencing social media discourse, indicating a concerted effort to shape narratives surrounding the Indian elections.

The underlying purpose of funding academic and scholarly endeavors by philanthropic fronts despite their limited reach and credibility. It highlights the creation of long-term narratives through cross-referencing and legitimization of certain individuals works, particularly focusing on scholars like Audrey Truschke and Christophe Jaffrelot.

Despite the presence of numerous experts and academics globally, a consistent group persists in promoting an agenda funded by undisclosed sources and aimed at anti-India propaganda, raising questions about its intentions and parallels with communist-style misinformation campaigns.
Sunaina Kinnar from Dhanbad, Rajan Singh from South Delhi and Durga Mausi from Damoh are the names you may have missed in the high-profile 2024 Lok Sabha contest. Because they are not candidates from any of the major parties. They are the three transgender candidates fighting independently the elections and the odds society throws at them.

India is yet to see a transgender person elected to the Lok Sabha and it doesnt seem likely in the ongoing elections either.

In the Lok Sabha elections, 48,260 third gender voters were part of the electoral rolls across India. As per the Election Commission of India, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of third gender electors at 8,467, followed by 6,628 in Uttar Pradesh and 5,720 in Maharashtra. Interestingly, no transgender candidate is in the fray in these three states. The EC will issue the gender-wise candidate data after the election results on June 4.

The 2019 and 2014 elections each saw the participating of six transgender candidates, all of whom ended up losing their election deposits.

Speaking to News18, Rajan Singh, the candidate from South Delhi, questioned why the country has not elected any transgender candidate yet.

Electing a transgender as an MP is important because Parliament gives rights to individuals in the country. We dont have anyone to raise our issues and voices. I was the first transgender candidate in the Lok Sabha elections from Delhi. I had to seek police protection to contest the elections. The Delhi High Court granted me the protection for filing nominations, they said.

After facing a life-threatening attack in April, Singh had moved the court seeking security.

Speaking about the identity struggle for the community, Singh said that for men and women it is simple as from birth they have just one identity, but it is not the same for transgender persons.

I was born a male. In 2022, I was issued a transgender certificate. Now for elections, I am the third gender. I am undergoing treatment and after 2026, I will be a woman. I will have undergone four identities to be what I should be. It is a battle for identity, Singh added.

They went on to say that India has an animal welfare board that cares about dogs, cats, elephants and all other animals. They were given a space and identity in society. But we dont have an identity. Who are we in this country?

Singh also raised the demand for a separate toilet and queue for transgender people. Women, divyang people and senior citizens get reservations everywhere. I am not against it. But there could have been something more for us in this society, they added.

Singh further said that just like there are dedicated schools and colleges for men and women, there should be similar spaces for transgender persons too. The 26-year-old from Delhis Sangam Vihar had demanded reservation for transgender persons in public spaces  buses, Metro and toilets, a demand not supported by many others in the community who say they seek inclusivity instead.

In Dhanbad, 22-year-old Muskan, the adopted granddaughter of transgender candidate Sunaina Kinnar, had a different view on the issue. While Sunaina could not be contacted, her granddaughter, who also identifies as a transgender person, spoke to News18.

According to Muskan, transgender persons are very much a part of this society and there is no need for a separate space for them.

The society should accept us normally. We are very much its part. Why are we made to feel that we are different? I dont think there should be a separate dedicated space for us, but schools and colleges should be welcoming enough that we dont feel like outsiders, said Muskan, who has completed her education in nursing.

Recalling her college and school days, she said she was humiliated a number of times for her identity, but it was her grandmother, whom she calls naani, who encouraged her to continue with her education.

There were phases when I wanted to quit. But naani was very supportive and she encouraged me to complete my education. I want others to get an education and I want policies to be inclusive for transgender persons too, she said.

Asked why Sunaina decided to contest the polls, Muskaan said there is much poverty in the area, not just in the transgender community, and that her grandmother wanted to be the face of those not being considered by bigger parties.

We need someone who can understand and raise our issues. I want my naani to win so that our voices are heard, she added.

Rajan Singh had also raised the issue of polling booths divided among men and women, and said they saw people from the transgender community who were not comfortable in standing in the gendered queues. Singh, in fact, refused to vote unless a separate line for transgender persons was allowed. Later, on their demand, polling officials started a temporary third queue.

Speaking to News18, a 25-year-old transgender person from Delhi, who did not wish to be named, said she left the polling booth as there were no separate lines and the police officials were forcing her to stand in the line for men.

I was born a male and identify as a woman. They wanted me to stand in a line for men because of my outer appearance. I decided not to create a scene and told them to let me stand in the line for women, but they refused saying the women will not be comfortable. So I left the booth without casting my vote because I was not comfortable. No matter what they say, this is our everyday battle. Society does not accept us even though (the transgender community) has been there since the time of Ramayana and Mahabharat, she said.

Dr Karthik Bittu, professor at Ashoka University and LGBTQIA+ activist, agrees that there should be space for non-binary people at polling booths.

I dont think we need a separate line or toilets, but polling booths are usually divided into men and women. One should ensure that there should be a non-binary category as well. And if they are going with gendered toilets and queues, there should be one for us as well, Dr Bittu said.

News18 reached out to officials at the Election Commission for a comment on the issues raised by the transgender community. This story will be updated if and when a response is received.

On at least 50 Lok Sabha seats that voted in the first six phases, the turnout of the third gender community was in the single digits. Of these 50 seats, 23 are in Uttar Pradesh and 21 in Bihar.

But there is some silver lining as well. While the voter turnout in the men-women category across the country was around 60-70%, for the transgender community it touched 100% in at least three Lok Sabha seats  Jharkhands Palamau and Meghalayas Shillong and Tura. Meghalaya has just three transgender voters and all came out to vote.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
The strong El-Nino event, which fuelled a spike in global temperatures and played a significant role in intensifying the blistering heatwaves across India, is now showing signs of ending, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This is good news for India as this global scientific phenomenon is unfavourable for the southwest monsoon, and is linked with above-normal temperatures, stronger heatwaves, below-par rains and droughts. Large parts of India have been scorched by deadly heatwaves since April, with temperatures hovering over 43-49C.

The current El- Nino event had formed last year, which ended as the second-warmest year on record for India. It peaked in December 2023, and began waning early this year.

WHAT IS EL-NINO?

El-Nino is a global scientific phenomenon, powerful enough to influence the weather worldwide. It forms after every two to seven years when the surface waters of the equatorial Pacific Ocean become warmer-than-usual. This warming typically lasts nine to 12 months, and intensifies extreme weather across the world.

The latest forecasts from the WMO Global Producing Centres of Long-Range Forecasts suggest that it is ending soon, and conditions are likely to swing back to La Nina later this year. La Nina has just the opposite impacts and forms when the surface waters of the same equatorial Pacific Ocean become cooler-than-normal. It leads to good monsoon rain over India, but its effects vary depending on its intensity, duration and interaction with other climate variables, which remains highly uncertain at present.

According to the WMO, There is now a 50% chance of either neutral conditions or a transition to La Nina during June-August. This is is also the time when southwest monsoon brings rain over the country. The chance of La Nina conditions rises to 60% during July-September and 70% during August-November. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also cited it as one of the reasons which could lead to above-normal rains over the country.

WARMING CONTINUES DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

The global meteorologists highlighted that events such as the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) now take place in the context of human-induced climate change, which is increasing global temperatures, exacerbating extreme weather and climate, and impacting seasonal rainfall and temperature patterns.

Since June 2023, every month has set a new temperature record. The end of El Nino does not mean a pause in long-term climate change as our planet will continue to warm due to heat-trapping greenhouse gases, said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.

Even though El Nino has waned, scientists warned that exceptionally high sea-surface temperatures will continue to play an important role during next months. According to the WMOs Global Seasonal Climate Update (GSCU), which also takes into account other climate phenomena, global sea-surface temperatures remain high outside the near-equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean. There is therefore widespread prediction of above-normal temperatures over almost all land areas, it warned.

Our weather will continue to be more extreme because of the extra heat and moisture in our atmosphere, said Ko Barrett, who is leading a WMO delegation at the UN Climate Change session, which began in Bonn, Germany.

The Bonn Climate Change Conference is the mid-year UN climate event which will lay the groundwork for global negotiations at COP29 to be held from November 11-22 in Baku this year. The meeting called the Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) is being held in Bonn, Germany from June 3-13.

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
Bengaluru is set to face water shortage for upcoming two days as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BSWWB) has announced a disruption in water supply on June 6 and 7.

The water supply will be halted due to BWSSBs work on Cauvery Stage V project. Pumping stations under the water board will be closed on June 6 for the work and residents have been advised to store water for the both the days.

As per media reports, the supply disruption was earlier supposed to be on June 4,5 but due to technical reasons, the shutting of pumping stations was rescheduled.

The water board has also announced that the supply units of Cauvery Stages 1, 2, and 3 will be halted for 12 hours, from 6am to 6pm. According to a Times of India report, the water supply units of the fourth stage will also be offline for four hours from 10 am to 2 pm.

Residents of the affected areas have been urged to use water judiciously during the particular period.

National Capital Also At Face Of Water Crisis

Earlier this week, the Delhi government imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on water-wasting activities like washing vehicles with a hose and using domestic water supply for construction and commercial purposes.

Water minister Atishi directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to deploy 200 teams across the city to prevent water-wasting activities like car washing with a hose, overflowing water tanks, and use of domestic water supply for construction and commercial purposes.

The AAP leader accused Haryana of not releasing the citys share of water since May 1 and said the Delhi government will be implementing a slew of measures including rationalising the supply of water in the national capital.

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A Mumbai-bound Akasa Air flight was diverted to Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat on Monday due to security reasons. The flight QP 1719 from Delhi was carrying 186 passengers.

After receiving the bomb threat, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad and it safely landed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 10.13 am.

Watch: After receiving news of a bomb threat, the route of the Akasa Air flight from Delhi to Mumbai was changed, and it was diverted to Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat. The flight and passengers luggage are being checked by the Dog Squad at Ahmedabad Airport. pic.twitter.com/m4vOIWmdgg IANS (@ians_india) June 3, 2024

All passengers were evacuated at the airport. The flight and passengers luggage are being checked by the Dog Squad at Ahmedabad Airport.

Akasa Air flight QP 1719, flying from Delhi to Mumbai on June 03, 2024, and carrying 186 passengers, 1 infant and six crew members on board, received a security alert on board, an Akasa Air spokesperson said confirming the incident.

As per prescribed safety and security procedures, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad. The Captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:13 hrs. All passengers have been deplaned. Akasa Air is following and supporting all safety and security protocols on the ground, they added.

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The Nagpur district court on Monday handed life imprisonment to former BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd engineer Nishant Agarwal under the Official Secrets Act for spying for Pakistans intelligence agency ISI.

Agarwal will also have to undergo rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 14 years and was also fined Rs 3,000.

Additional sessions court judge MV Deshpande stated in the order that Agarwal was convicted under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for an offence punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

The court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment and RI for 14 years under the Official Secrets Act and fined him Rs 3,000, said Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani.

Agarwal, employed in the technical research section of the companys missile centre in Nagpur, was arrested in a joint operation by the military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2018.

The former BrahMos Aerospace engineer was booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent OSA.

He had worked at the Brahmos facility for four years and was accused of leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia) of Russia.

Agarwal was granted bail by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last April.

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The Mumbai police have traced four siblings from Andheri who went missing in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior last week and reunited them with their family, an official said on Monday.

The police on Sunday traced three girls and a boy, in the age group of eight to 18 years, to a childrens home in Gwalior and returned them to their family, an official from the MIDC police station said.

The children left their home in Andheri with their mother on May 26 and boarded the Punjab Mail train from Kalyan station. When the train halted at Khandwa station, the mother alighted and missed the train, he said.

The official said the children got down at Gwalior station, and a local resident took them to a childrens home, the official said.

Based on a complaint lodged by the childrens family, a case of kidnapping was registered at MIDC police station, and a search was launched, he said.

The Mumbai police team examined the CCTV footage of the Khandwa and Gwalior railway stations to trace the children, he said.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the much-awaited southwest monsoon has entered parts of Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It has also reached parts of West Bengal days before its usual onset date of June 5. The monsoon is expected to advance further into these areas in the next 2-3 days causing fairly widespread rainfall in many parts of the central Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of the Bay of Bengal, the weatherman said.

In Delhi, residents could get a short-lived relief from scorching heat as IMD has issued a yellow alert for Monday and Tuesday, warning of both heatwave conditions during the day and the possibility of a thunderstorm, gusty winds and light rain towards late evening and night.

Earlier, the IMD had predicted above-normal rainfall for the core monsoon zone in India this season, with below-normal rainfall expected in the northeast.

State Wise IMD Weather Forecast

Karnataka

Parts of Karnataka received fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on Sunday. Several trees were uprooted due to intense thunderstorms with strong winds in Bengaluru, where the Trinity Metro Station on the Purple Line also faced disruption in services after an uprooted tree fell over the track.

IMD has issued a yellow alert for rainfall in the state till June 6. As per the weathermen, fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds is likely in parts till Thursday.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Several trees were uprooted due to intense thunderstorms with strong winds. Trinity Metro Station on the Purple Line also faced disruption in services after an uprooted tree fell over the metro track.(Source: Civil Defence) https://t.co/MxY6iI9Euz pic.twitter.com/XllkknjjX9  ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

The monsoon entered the state two days earlier than its forecast data and is expected to cover the entire state in the next couple of days.

Andhra Pradesh

Heavy rainfall lashed many areas of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening, as southwest monsoon arrived in the state two days ahead of the schedule.

According to IMD, the conditions continue to be favourable for further advance of monsoon into more areas and it may cover the entire state in the next 5 to 7 days.

The state will most likely experience above-normal monsoon rains, the Met Department said.

Kerala

Amid heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon in various parts of Kerala, the IMD has issued alerts for the Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Wayanad districts.

While an orange alert indicating a possibility of very heavy rainfall is issued for Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Wayanad districts have been put under yellow alert forecasting a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate to intense spells of rainfall.

The weather department has also revised its predictions for the northern districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad, upgrading them from green to yellow alerts, which signify heavy rainfall.

West Bengal

The monsoon has already set foot in north Bengal. As per IMD, a wet spell is expected over the state till June 6 as the southwest monsoon will intensify in the coming days.

Maharashtra

As per IMD, the monsoons are expected to arrive in the state in the next three to four days. Before that, Pune is expected to experience thunderous weather with rainfall in patches during the evening till June 7, leading to a reduction in the citys day temperature.

As per a report by the Times of India, Cyclone Remal caused the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon to get stronger, taking it to northeast India, while the Arabian Sea branch weakened.

It will take a few days for the monsoon to re-align, thus causing a delay in monsoon entry over south Maharashtra and later even northwest India. June rainfall forecast for northwest India shows below normal rains, the report quoted an official as saying.

North & Central India

A Western Disturbance and cyclonic circulations are likely to bring light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next five days.

However, heat wave conditions are likely to continue in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Odisha, and Jharkhand till June 6.

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In a major breakthrough, two terrorists of banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including a self-styled commander who had been operating for the longest period, were killed in an encounter with the security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The anti-terror operation started at 11.45 PM on Sunday when Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the army and paramilitary forces laid a cordon around a house in the Nihama area of Pulwama district following intelligence input about the presence of terrorists, they said.

The encounter with the two holed-up terrorists started at 7 AM on Monday after the duo identified as Riyaz Dar alias Sathar and Rayees Dar refused to surrender, they said.

During the operation, which was overseen by Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Altaf Khan, precaution was adopted to ensure that there was no collateral damage or any harm to any civilian life, they said.

The firing intensified in the afternoon following which the house in which the two terrorists were holed up caught fire.

The operation was called off at 4 PM after the recovery of the bodies of two terrorists.

Riyaz Dar had joined the Lashker-e-Taiba in 2014 and had closely worked with slain Pakistani terrorists Abu Dujana and Abu Ismail. He had participated in many terror-related activities.

While Riyaz, designated as an A++ terrorist, carried a cash reward of above Rs 10 lakh, Rayees Dar was categorised as A carrying a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh.

This is the second anti-terror operation in South Kashmir in less than four weeks.

On May 7, the police achieved a major success after they gunned down Basit Dar, self-styled commander of the banned The Resistance Front (TRF) terror group, a shadow group of Lashker-e-Taiba.

He and another terrorist, Momeen, were killed in an encounter in Kulgams Redwani village. Both were involved in 18 terror-related cases which included targeting of minorities and police personnel.

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The Mumbai Fire Brigade has served notices to 17 of 68 malls over the past one week after carrying out surprise inspections last month, a civic official said on Monday.

A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation release said 48 of the 68 malls were found to be following fire safety norms during inspections held between May 26 and 30, while 17 malls have got notices for not adhering to these stipulations.

The malls were inspected on the order of BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani following the massive fire in TRP Game Zone in Rajkot in neighbouring Gujarat on May 25, which resulted in the death of 28 persons, including children.

The 17 malls have been issued notices under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Protection Measures Act 2006. They have been given 30 days to rectify the identified deficiencies failing which they will face further action, it said.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has declared as unsafe Malad West-based M/s The Mall, where a fire incident took place on Monday.

It cancelled the earlier notice served to the mall and also initiated legal proceedings against the management, the release said, adding that the process has started to cut its power and water supply.

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Annu Kapoor starrer Hamare Baarah has come under the scanner for its bold content and theme. Many believe the film that talks about womens sufferings is made to propagate hate against a certain religious community. As a result, the actors of the film have been at the receiving end of death threats with the women being subjected to rape threats. Kapoor, in fact, recently shared a video on social media asking for police protection.

In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, the veteran actor addresses the controversy surrounding Hamare Baarah and says, At a personal and an impersonal level, Im an atheist. My director and producers thought that I was the right person who would be able to implement their vision on celluloid. So, I tried my best to justify my character. Im not bothered about the rest. Films are a make-believe world where Im chosen as an artist and my job is to justify my art.

Kapoor reveals that his reason for doing Hamare Baarah stemmed from the fact that he was being paid well and that according to him, is all that matters at the end of the day. Im not a religious man. Ive got nothing to do with religion and politics. I did this film because they paid me well. Paisa diya, issi liye kara. I work for money. Par khada paise ke liye main na kabhi kisi ka jeb kaatunga, na chori karunga, na gala ghotunga aur na apne desh ko bhechunga, he states.

The Vicky Donor and Dream Girl actor believes that detractors are too quick to make judgments on the film even before watching it. People talk about propaganda all the time. Im not bothered about it. I would urge people to watch the film first and then decide what our film stands for. They havent watched it, so I dont understand why theyre judging it, he questions.

Recently, Ajit Pawars NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) demanded that the film be banned from releasing in Maharashtra. On the other hand, the Muslim religious organization Raza Academy condemned the film and demanded the censor board immediately ban it as it portrays Muslims as oppressors.

Reacting to these, Kapoor says, Censor board is a competent authority who has passed our film. We should impart them so much power that when they pass a film, it should remain unquestioned. Film is an audio-visual medium. Whoever wants to raise their voice against our film, should do so with words and not abuse or gun. If they bring a gun, we also shall bring a gun. The fact that people are abusing our film means that theyve already lost and weve won.

For the unversed, the CBFC has granted Hamare Baarah a U/A certification. They also asked the makers to make 11 changes starting with the title of the film. It was earlier christened Hum Do Hamare Baarah. Hamare Baarah is slated for release on June 7.
Telugu actress Hema on Monday was arrested in connection with Bengaluru rave party matter after questioning by the Central Crime Branch.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) had summoned Hema to its office on Monday.

Sources said she deposed before her interrogators wearing a burqa to hide her identity. As her replies were not satisfactory, she was arrested.

The rave party was organised on May 19 at a farmhouse near Electronic City.

On May 22, at least 86 people tested positive for drug consumption at a recent rave party held on the outskirts of city. The raid sparked controversy due to reports confirming rampant drug use among the attendees.

The rave party, which was raided by the Anti-Narcotics Division of Karnataka Police, witnessed several attendees, which included 73 men and 30 women, including two Telugu actors.

Apart from actor Hema, the other Telugu actor who was a part of the party was Ashi Roy.

The blood samples of the guests of the rave party were sent to a laboratory for testing, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said.

While addressing the media, Dayananda said, On the night of May 19, Bengaluru Polices CCB, based on specific information, raided a farmhouse at Electronic City. Around 100 people were at the event where drugs and narcotic substances were found.

The event conducted between 5 pm (May 18 ) and 6 am (May 19) was said to be a birthday party organised by a Hyderabad-based person named Vasu.

Police seized MDMA (Ecstacy) pills, MDMA crystals, hydro cannabis, cocaine, high-end cars, DJ equipment including sound and lighting worth Rs 1.5 crore during the raid.

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Dalljiet Kaurs estranged husband Nikhil Patel has sent a legal notice to the actress. Reportedly, he threatened to take legal action against the television actress and accused her of harassment. As reported by E-Times, Patel stated that under the Indian Penal Code, The Information Technology Act of 2000 (India), and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (India), Dalljiet Kaurs social media posts accusing him of an extra-marital affair are wrong.

As a normal citizen of the world, It is very disturbing to see how the gaps in online protection laws both in India and globally can, and are, often exploited by those who choose to gain cheap media attention through careless actions that place innocent children and women at risk. Sharing pictures and video footage without consent of those involved, particularly in the case of children, who are always a vulnerable group in society and who always require protection of the law, is illegal and negligent, he said.

Nikhil further asked Dalljiet to collect her belongings from his Kenya residence soon or else he would donate them to the needy.

Rumours of Dalljiet and Nikhils separation first made headlines in February this year i.e. after 10 months of their wedding. It all started after the actress left everyone shocked by deleting all her wedding pictures from her Instagram handle. Not just this, she also dropped Patel from her name.

Earlier this month, Nikhil confirmed their separation when he told E-Times, In January this year, Dalljiet decided to leave Kenya with her son Jaydon and return to India, which ultimately led to our separation. We both realized that the foundation of our blended family wasnt as strong as we had hoped, making it hard for Dalljiet to settle in Kenya. In March 2023, we held an Indian wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Though it held cultural significance, it was not legally binding. This ceremony was intended to reassure Dalljiets family about her move to Kenya.

Despite our efforts, Dalljiet found it challenging to adjust to life in Kenya, missing her career and life in India. The complexities of our family dynamics became increasingly apparent, he added.

This was Dalljiet Kaurs second marriage. The actress was previously married to Shalin Bhanot but the two parted ways in 2015 after she accused him of domestic violence.
The never-ending nepotism debate continues to cast a shadow over Bollywood. Periodically, industry insiders step forward to express their perspectives on the subject, highlighting how star offspring such as Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are frequently caught in its crossfire. Most recently, Jaideep Ahlawat, an established figure in the industry, addressed this contentious issue in an interview with Miss Malini. Taking a stance in support of star kids who have ascended to the ranks of A-listers, quoting Ranbir Kapoors name, Ahlawat refuted claims of nepotism, asserting that no star child had ever deprived him of a role.

Jaideep Ahlawat dismissed the notion that nepotism has personally impacted him, expressing confidence that established actors like Ranbir Kapoor or Varun Dhawan would not overshadow his career. He emphasized, Do not cloud your judgment by assuming that someone is a good actor simply because they are a star kid. Ahlawat went on to suggest, Even if he had hailed from outside the industry, he would have transformed into the Ranbir Kapoor we know today.

The acclaimed Broken News actor reiterated that his intention in entering the industry was not to emulate Ranbir Kapoor. Ahlawat emphasized that it is equally erroneous for any aspiring actress to aspire to be the next Alia Bhatt. I am not here to be another Ranbir Kapoor; I am the first Jaideep Ahlawat, the actor conveyed.

Jaideep Ahlawats journey in the film industry has been filled with challenges, inspiring many youngsters along the way. Despite facing numerous struggles, Jaideeps determination shot him to stardom.

Jaideep Ahlawat wanted to join the Indian army but regrettably, he failed the entrance test. Following this setback, he discovered his passion for acting while attending theatre.

His acting journey started in 2008 with his debut in the short film Narmeen. Following this, in 2010, he gained recognition with roles in successful Bollywood films such as Khatta Meetha and Aakrosh.

Jaideep Ahlawat gained prominence in 2020 with his portrayal of Hathi Ram Choudhary in the web series Paatal Lok. This role had a profound impact on his life. In an interview, Ahlawat disclosed a phase in his career when he worked in films without fees. But his career has now taken a different turn since then. As recent reports suggest, he now charges a fee of Rs 20 crore per film.

Pinkvilla reported that Jaideep earned Rs 40 lakh for his role in the first season of Paatal Lok. His earnings saw a significant increase of 50 times for the upcoming second season, with him reportedly earning Rs 20 crore.

While its common for actors to increase their fees with each new season, Jaideeps rise in the industry has left many astonished. His success story underscores an unforeseen resurgence in the industry.

Ahlawat compared his journey to a rollercoaster ride. Originally planning to join the Indian army, he shifted to the theatre instead. He later enrolled in formal education at the Film and Television Industry of India, where he was among his talented classmates. With their influence, he honed his skills and adjusted to the demands of the industry. Over the past 12 years, he has remained dedicated to acting.

Jaideep Ahlawat is best known for films including Raazi, Gangs of Wasseypur, and An Action Hero. The actor last appeared in the movie Jaane Jaan. He is soon going to star in a slew of upcoming films such as Maharaj, Ikkis and an untitled film with Saif Ali Khan.
On June 1st, reporters learned from the China Railway Shanghai Group Co., Ltd. that starting from midnight on June 15th, the national railway system will implement the third quarter train operation schedule. For the first time, an attempt will be made to operate a high-speed train, G8388/9/8, in a large loop between Shanghai and Shanghai Hongqiao, linking four major and sub-central cities of the Yangtze River Delta region including Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Hangzhou. The one-way journey covers more than 1200 kilometers, connecting several scenic areas such as Mount Huangshan, Jiuhua Mountain, and Qiandao Lake along the route. Furthermore, the new schedule also includes the addition of passenger train lines into the Wuhan-Guangzhou section of the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway, enhancing connectivity towards popular destinations like Changsha and Wuhan from cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing, Hefei, and Lianyungang. This introduces new pairs of trains: G1442/3 and G1444/1 between Hangzhouxi and Changshanan, and G578/9 and G580/77 between Wuhan and Lianyungang, offering passengers more diverse travel options. In the new schedule, passengers from Shanghai, Hefei, Huangshan, and other locations can take the original pair of trains, G3/G26, from Beijingnan to Shanghai, and G325/G324 from Beijingnan to Xiamenbei. These trains now start and end at Beijing Station, making it closer and more convenient for passengers to access the city center of Beijing. After the implementation of the new schedule, a new pair of trains, K8521/K8522, between Hefei and Yeji will be introduced on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This enhances the connection between Hefei and Lu'an, with Yeji Railway Station welcoming up to six train stops daily. The railway transportation plays a significant role in promoting rural revitalization and economic development along the route. Additionally, the new schedule includes minor adjustments to some of the high-speed train services along the Shanghai-Nanjing riverside line.

Source: anhuinews.com
Kangana Ranaut condemned the attacks on Raveena Tandon. The actress, who is also contesting in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, took to her Instagram Stories and shared a message for Raveena. The Queen star called the attack alarming and urged that necessary steps are taken to punish the women who put false blame on Raveena. For the unversed, Raveena was falsely blamed of assaulting three women. It was wrongly claimed that her driver hit the women. CCTV footage confirmed that wasnt the case.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kangana wrote, What happened to Raveena Tandon ji is absolutely alarming; had there been 5-6 more people in the opposite group, she would have been lynched; we condemn such road rage outbursts; those people must be reprimanded. They must not get away with such violent and poisonous behaviour.

Raveena confirmed she was attacked on Saturday night. While Raveena is yet to issue her statement, she shared the police officials statement on her social media accounts. A senior Mumbai Police official told Mid-Day, The complainant gave a false complaint in the alleged video. We checked the entire CCTV footage of the society and found that the actresss driver was reversing the car from the road into the society when this family was crossing the same lane. The family stopped the car and told the driver that he should check if people are behind the car before reversing. This argument started between them.

This argument escalated into abusive language, and actress Raveena Tandon arrived at the spot to check what had happened with her driver. The actress tried to protect the driver from the mob; however, the mob started abusing her. Both Raveena Tandon and the family went to the Khar police station and gave written complaints. Later, they both also submitted letters stating they did not want to register any complaints, the official added.

On Sunday, the CCTV footage was released for public and it was revealed that the car did not harm the women.
Malayalam actor Manju Warrier is set to kick off the promotions for her upcoming film Footage. Ahead of the promotional tour, the actress has been spending a lot of time with the cast and crew. Not long ago, she treated her fans to some pictures from the sets of the film. Now, she has reunited with the team and it was all fun and laughter.

Warrier, on Sunday, dropped a fun-filled video on her Instagram handle. It starts with her arriving for an interaction with the team of the film Footage for promotional preparation. As the clip proceeds, the star indulges in some joyous members with her team. Dressed in a comfy white T-shirt and baggy blue jeans, the actress layered her outfit with a blue sweatshirt. She sported a natural look for the reunion, effortlessly exuding simplicity.

The video also featured the films director Saiju Sreedharan and the other lead cast including Gayathri Ashok and Vishak Nair. They were joined by other members who played a pivotal part in the films making. While sharing the clip, she wrote, It was all fun and laughter while catching up with Team FOOTAGE @footage_malayalam_movie and getting our promotion preps started! What a challenging and an unforgettable shoot it was!!! The first of its kind in Malayalam Im sure! Coming soon to theatres near you!!!

It was last month when Warrier dropped a bunch of pictures with the team of Footage on her Instagram handle. The pictures showcased her interacting with the cast and crew of the upcoming Malayalam experimental film. Accompanying the candid pictures was a short note that read, Behind every door is a world beyond your imaginationFootage. Coming soon#footagemalayalammovie.

Footage is poised to mark a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema as it marks the industrys first found-footage film. It employs videos recorded by the characters as found material to drive the films narrative. Additionally, it serves as the directorial debut of esteemed film editor Saiju Sreedharan who is popular for his work in acclaimed movies like Kumbalangi Nights, Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25, and Anjaam Pathiraa, among others.
Veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri is famous for quite a few of her roles, including in Rajkumar Santoshis Damini (1993). Despite her critically acclaimed performance, she faced difficulties during filming. In a recent interview, Meenakshi revealed she was initially removed from the film after refusing Santoshis advances and marriage proposal. However, with support from the Producers Guild, she returned to the project.

Speaking to Zoom, Meenakshi said, Santoshi ji and I decided not to talk about it. It is water under the bridge. But the courage to stand up was important because nobody should be told they arent required anymore. It had several implications for rules in the workforce and beyond. I dealt with it by keeping quiet. I just said that I will choose not to comment on this as it is below my dignity to turn this into a fight. This is not a fight. She added, I stood up for what I believe in, and if things were going to work out, we would work together as a team. That was the message I wanted to give to the film fraternity and the audiences. I was there to make a great film, and Damini was definitely going to be that.

Talking about the support she received from the Producers Guild, she said, I respect all the people involved with the film, especially Santoshi ji because his vision was tremendous. Ultimately, they say action speaks louder than words, so the Producers Guild, the Artists Guild, all came together to make it happen.

At the peak of her career, Meenakshi was also considered one of the toughest competitors for the actress Sridevi. It is because of her appealing looks and her dancing style. She is trained in many dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi. She has also worked in Telugu cinema and gained a huge fanfare.

Later, Meenakshi married Harish Mysore in 1995, and they have a daughter and a son. Rajkumar Santoshi also found love and married Manila, with whom he has two children, Ram and Tanisha. Meenakshi and Rajkumar Santoshi first worked together in Ghayal (1990) and then collaborated again for Ghatak in 1996 after Damini.
Priyanka Chopra is a global icon and there is no doubt about it. The actress is currently shooting for her next film The Bluff. Well, as she gears up for her busy shoot schedule, Priyanka dropped a video of enjoying a Yacht party with team members of the film. Her daughter Malti Marie has also joined her.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Priyanka Chopra dropped the video and also wrote a long note. She mentioned, When I start a new project its really important for me to know that the people that come together to make it are top notch. We spend so much time together, away from our families and homes ,thinking ,eating and breathing the art were contributing to. It becomes so much easier when everyone youre surrounded by is full of joy , dedication and the absolute best at their craft. This feels like that. Heres to new beginnings.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)

The actress recently gave a glimpse of the script reading session. The actress has begun work with good faith, as she wrote an Om  a sacred symbol, sound and mantra of the universe. Sharing the photo, she wrote, It Begins. Have a look at the photo:

Priyanka is currently in Australia, shooting for her upcoming film. She is all set to star alongside Karl Urban in The Bluff. The film will be streaming on Prime Video. The Bluff is being directed by Frank E. Flowers. He rose to fame after co-writing the hit film Bob Marley: One Love, which grossed over $120 million worldwide.

Coming back to The Bluff, the films plot is set in the 19th-century Caribbean and follows the story of a former female pirate. Chopra would be essaying the role of the pirate. In the film, the character then embarks on a journey to protect her family when the mysterious sins of her past catch up to her. The makers are planning to begin the films shoot in Australia. The film will be produced by AGBOs Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Michael Disco; Cinestar Pictures Cisely Saldana; and Mariel Saldana.

Priyanka Chopra is a global star. Not only does she enjoy unparalleled stardom in India, but in the USA as well. Apart from The Bluff, the actress has a couple of Hollywood projects in the works, including Head of State with John Cena and Citadel 2. The actress will also be making her comeback in Bollywood with the highly anticipated Jee Le Zara with Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.
Rajinikanth is busy filming his popular larger-than-life movies for his fans across India. Currently, hes in the Himalayas, meeting saints and sages. In a recent chat with a saint, he talked about his upcoming films  Vettaiyan and Coolie. Rajinikanth shared that Vettaiyan will release around Dussehra. He said, I have completed my portions. The shooting with other members of the cast is still going on. The film will release on October 10 or so. He added, Theres a new picture (Coolie) as well. I start shooting for it from June 10 onwards.

Vettaiyan, produced by Subaskaran Allirajah for Lyca Productions, is a Tamil action-drama starring Rajinikanth. The film also features Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Dushara Vijayan in key roles. Directed by T J Gnanavel, with music by Anirudh Ravichander, SR Kathir serves as the cinematographer, and Philomin Raj handles the editing. In the middle of May, Rajinikanth had taken a break from his acting schedule and flew to Abu Dhabi. He was spotted at the Chennai International Airport from where he boarded the flight to Abu Dhabi. As per reports, Rajinikanth was on a holiday for a week in the country.

The Tamil stalwart also has Coolie in the pipeline. Coolie is Rajinikanths first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. The latter had previously worked with Kamal Haasan in the action-thriller, Vikram. The film was earlier given a temporary title  Thalaivar 171. Coolie is produced by Sun Pictures and was announced in September 2023. Sivakarthikeyan is rumored to play a crucial role in Coolie. However, the rest of the cast is yet to be announced. Composer Anirudh Ravichander and stunt director duo Anbariv have also been roped in for the film.

Lokesh Kanagaraj has recently unveiled Coolies title teaser. The video commences with several gold smugglers checking on their inventory of bars, watches, jewellery and other items. Soon, Rajinikanth breaks into their lair and beats them using a chain made of gold watches. The video ends with lair whistling Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jaana Sanam from the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The trailer has garnered over 13 million views and counting.
Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon confirmed the news of attack against her in Mumbai. On Saturday night, Raveena Tandon was attacked while she was trying to defend her driver. The actress was accused of assaulting three women, including a senior citizen, after her driver allegedly hit them with her car. However, the CCTV footage clarified that the accusations are wrong. Raveena is yet to issue a formal statement. However, she shared the statements made by the police officials investigating the incident.

A senior Mumbai Police official told Mid-Day, The complainant gave a false complaint in the alleged video. We checked the entire CCTV footage of the society and found that the actresss driver was reversing the car from the road into the society when this family was crossing the same lane. The family stopped the car and told the driver that he should check if people are behind the car before reversing. This argument started between them.

This argument escalated into abusive language, and actress Raveena Tandon arrived at the spot to check what had happened with her driver. The actress tried to protect the driver from the mob; however, the mob started abusing her. Both Raveena Tandon and the family went to the Khar police station and gave written complaints. Later, they both also submitted letters stating they did not want to register any complaints, the official said.

Nobody was injured in this incident. We checked the CCTV footage, and the car did not hit anyone, he concluded his statement.

Raveena shared the statement on her Instagram Stories to clear the allegations against her.

A source had also shared the details of the incident with News18 on Sunday. The way this episode has been portrayed is wrong. CCTV footages from around the area prove that a group of women came outside Raveena Tandons home in the evening and they were the ones who started shouting at and fighting with the driver. She joined them just to protect her driver, the insider told us.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was spotted for the first time after the police busted Lawrence Bishnoi Gangs plan to attack the actor. Salman was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday evening. He was surrounded by his security team. In a video surfaced online, Salman was seen maintaining a distance from the paparazzi. He skipped posing for them and headed into his car.

The Bharat actor was joined by For his flight, Salman was seen wearing a white shirt with a white overcoat. He sported a cap. While Salman took a seat in his bullet proof SUV, the car was followed by his Y+ security team and a group of police officers. Check out the video below:

On Sunday, it was reported that an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gangs was arrested for plotting an attack on Salman. PTI reported, In an official release, Navi Mumbai police said Deepak Hawasingh Gogalia @ Jonny Walmiki (30) was arrested from Bhiwani in Haryana on Saturday. It said Gogalia had made accommodation arrangements for the other accused as well as providing logistical and vehicle support. Gogalia was in touch with the other accused through video calls.

DCP Pansare also told the press that Panvel police station senior inspector Nitin Thackeray got inputs in September-October last year about a conspiracy to harm Salman. The probe found that four gang members had recced Salmans farmhouse in Panvel, the area around his home at Bandra in Mumbai and places he visited for film shooting.

Earlier this year, Salmans house was attacked. Gunshots were fired outside his house. Fortunately no one was injured. However, following the incident, Salmans public interactions have reduced and his security has been increased. Salman is yet to comment on the matter.
Worldwide there are Presidents and Prime Ministers who regularly take holidays. India has also had PMs taking a break, and sometimes landing in hot water for it too. The Indian-origin British PM is being criticised in election season there for his California holiday last year with insinuations that he will run away thereafter his partys expected defeat next month. The idea of a PM taking a meditation break after a particularly gruelling campaign season is almost unheard of.

In May 2023 researchers from Oxford University and institutions in Singapore, Sweden and Australia published the findings of their study Mindfulness in Politics: A Qualitative Study on Mindfulness Training in the UK Parliament. Their study of some of the British MPs who had attended mindfulness sessions concluded it is beneficial at personal and professional levels, and even suggested that the government should introduce permanent training schemes.

This is because the UK study revealed that mindfulness training helped politicians deal with the stresses of their profession, enabled them to connect with themselves, become more centred and grounded, and deal with others and different viewpoints more humanely. Over the past decade, over 300 British MPs from upper and lower houses have undergone mindfulness training in the Buddhist tradition and there is even support for a meditation room in Parliament.

It is not known which parties they belonged to but given the dissension within the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour party, none of them have been meditating or mindful of late. But neither have many in the Indian political and chattering classes, it seems. Derisive comments and memes about Prime Minister Narendra Modi choosing to spend part of the last few days of his second term meditating in the south shows Indians also need introspection sessions.

Peripheral issues about his 45-hour meditation break at the Vivekananda Rock Memorialhis attire, the camerasdominated the discourse within certain circles, most of whom are either unmindful of the known benefits of meditation or simply habituated to scorning traditional Indian concepts. They are, however, all for holiday breakswhich Western leaders are known to practice assiduously come hell or high waterand deride those in India who do not take them!

The two words mindfulness and meditation are mostly now used interchangeably and often in a secular context but there are differences. The former is rooted in the Buddhist tradition and focuses on rising above thoughts and emotions so as to objectively understand the true nature of reality. In Hinduism, meditation is a tool to calm internal disturbances so that people can tap into their innately divine nature. But its been a long time since the Beatles made meditation trendy.

The acceptability of mindfulness over meditation in the West may explain the derogatory reactions to Modis contemplative sojourns at Hindu pilgrimage spots over Rahul Gandhis frequent getaways to retreats abroad to practice Vipassana, a mindfulness practice that has deliberately been distanced from its Buddhist past, presumably to avoid putting off those allergic to anything religious. Meditation, often with silent recitation of a mantra, doesnt obviously make the cut.

Hindu scriptures say that silent meditation helps people to rise above dualities and distractions caused by negative and positive thoughts. Both meditation and mindfulness also use yogic breathing techniques to transcend the body to connect with the inner divinity. The difference is that mindfulness and some aspects of yoga have been delinked from their roots in religions for wider acceptance. Modi by making revered spots the venue for meditation reasserts that linkage.

A major gripe about the PMs meditation break is his unique interpretation of the term silence period that is supposed to precede every phase of voting in Indian elections and its location. He chose to be silent in Kanniyakumari in 2024 and in 2019 he meditatedsilentlyin a cave through the night at the holy shrine at Kedarnath. As the challenger in May 2014, Modi went to Pratapgad Fort, where Chhatrapati Shivaji got his very first military victory against Afzal Khan.

Apart from the significance of Modis choice of venue for his meditation sojournsfirst in the west, then the north, and now the south of Indiathe fact of choosing this as the way to unwind and gear up for the future is markedly different from his peer group. Modi is not one to take holidays on the job, and his ministers and bureaucrats are also urged to keep up a scorching pace right through the year. These meditation breaks are the only time he is still and at rest.

Holidays are the acceptable form of unwinding among the cohort of Presidents and PMs, not meditation breaks. Indian leaders have also incorporated them into their schedules. Jawaharlal Nehru started it nine months after independence, by vacationing with the Mountbattens in Shimla in 1948, and even took his daughter and grandsons on a trip to Indonesia aboard the Indian Navys INS Delhi in 1950. He took them along on several extended official tours abroad as well.

Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi also took family holidays, with the latter actually getting flak for sailing on Indias aircraft carrier INS Viraat to an inland vacay along with family and assorted friends in Lakshadweep in 1987. As PM, Atal Behari Vajpayee would go to Himachal Pradesh for annual summer breaks lasting up to 10 days and even did so after demitting office. Vajpayee also took time off to stay for a week in Kerala, as did Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi in their day.

Maybe this tradition is a hangover from the days that India was a British colony as prime ministerial holidays are a long tradition there, with the incumbent of 10 Downing Street even being provided a country home, Chequers, to unwind in. That happy tradition was most abused by Boris Johnson who went off on a Scottish staycation as Covid-19 began spreading in 2020. He also fitted in holidays with his third wife and children in Greece and Slovenia in his final days as PM.

US presidents mostly relax in their homes or vacation spots within the country. Barack Obama was an exception, travelling with family to Cuba, France, Canada and Mexico. Joe Biden goes to his home in Delaware, Donald Trump retreated to his Mar-a-Lago estate, the Clintons went to Marthas Vineyard and the Bushes to their Texas ranch. They all had access to the official getaway Camp David too. But do they and their European counterparts use downtime for meditation?

The Sanskrit word for meditation, dhyana, also means contemplation and reflection, a flow of awareness and non-judgmental observation. The Indian-origin British PM, aptly named Rishi, should start a new tradition of meditation as July elections loom there. Indeed, the world will be a better place if more leaders take a cue from Modi and spend time meditatingor practising mindfulness if they want to sound trendyduring their terms in office. And after.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
June 4 marks the 35th year of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. This fateful event changed the socio-political landscape of the country forever whose consequences are borne by Chinese people even today. While Beijing has completely censored (and continues till today) any reference to Chinas Tiananmen Square massacre within the country, it is important to revisit June 4, 1989.

The Tiananmen Square massacre happened at a time when China was going through a period of relative freedom. In the 1980s, China witnessed Deng Xiaopings economic reforms. Besides, he was also aiming for military reforms via the modernisation of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in order to establish more political control over the military. The reforms ushered in hopes of greater political freedom and transparency among the Chinese population. However, in reality, China was engulfed with increasing cases of high-level government corruption.

The triggering point was the death of Hu Yaobang, a former party leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Known to be a champion of liberalisation, Yaobang was deposed from his position in 1987 by the hardliners in the CCP who advocated for strong state control. Yaobangs death led to protests started by about 600 students and teachers who gathered at Tiananmen Square on April 15, 1989  one of Beijings famous landmarks, considered to be the symbolic centre of political power in China. The number of protesters swelled to 1.2 million within weeks as people joined in sit-in demonstrations and hunger strikes at Tiananmen Square, demanding economic reforms, political freedom, transparency and an end to corruption.

The grassroots, student-led, pro-democracy protest at Tiananmen Square brought divisions among the CCP leaders with respect to response to the protest. While reformists within the CCP voiced against any militarised action and favoured a more conciliatory approach, elder party leaders like Deng Xiaoping supported the imposition of martial law, perceiving the protest as a direct challenge to the CCPs legitimacy.

The Peoples Daily on April 26, 1989, weeks before the massacre, even hinted at the requirement of a possible military action targeting the students. In fact, at the initial stage of the protest, the PLA was ordered to intervene by the CCP to move its troops to Beijing and be positioned there. On May 20, then Chinese Premier Li Peng imposed martial law in Beijing to firmly stop the unrest. Clearly, the decision for a militarised action against unnamed civilian protestors was taken weeks prior to the massacre on June 4. In May itself, the PLA troops were supplied with trucks and ammunition and ordered to shoot to kill when order comes. It is estimated that a total of 100,000-150,000 PLA troops were deployed in Beijing as well as outside the city.

The protests, nevertheless, continued and rather spread outside Beijing in the following weeks, taking the shape of a pro-democracy protest. On the eve of the massacre, about 200,000 troops gathered around Tiananmen Square. On June 4, the PLA troops proceeded towards Tiananmen Square with their arms and tanks and unleashed their bloodiest attack on peaceful protestors, clearing the protest site completely by dawn. Without any warning, the troops fired arms at the protestors and even crushed them to death by tanks. Having no training in dispersing civilian protestors and geared with lethal weapons, the PLA troops responded with complete military might, one that is usually seen on the battlefield.

The image of Tank Man photographed by Jeff Widener, an American photographer for the Associated Press, created a wave in international media when it was published a day after the massacre. The daunting image of a common man standing alone, facing a convoy of tanks and refusing to move, became the symbol of the very essence of the Tiananmen Square massacre before the worlda peaceful protest met with sheer police brutality, the defiance of common citizens facing an authoritarian state power.

Deng Xiaoping appeared in public on June 9 hailing the PLA that crushed the student-led protest as Chinas great wall of iron and steel. There is no official record regarding the casualties of this massacre. As per Chinas statement, about 200 civilians and several dozen security personnel were said to be dead by the end of June 1989. However, in 2017, a UK document revealed the casualties to be at least 10,000. The 1989 student-led protesters were labelled by the Chinese government as counter-revolutionaries who were involved in riots. What followed after the massacre was a military crackdown on protesters. Amnesty International reported that more than thousands faced detention, imprisonment, torture and execution following unfair trials whereby they were accused of committing counter-revolutionary crimes.

The whole event of June 4 has been heavily censored by the Chinese government since, making it one of the most sensitive subjects in the country. The Chinese government took extreme steps to ensure the censorship of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Any mention of the massacre or public commemoration of it came to be under heavy scrutiny and censorship. Any image or any mention of the massacre, including the famous Tank Man (whose fate is still unknown), came under this censorship. In online media, keywords such as Tank Man, June 4, 64 (short for June 4), never forget (commemoration of the massacre), or candle emoji (used for mourning deaths) were all disabled and removed from search engines and social media apps like Weibo within the country. Any international movies or documentaries, including websites and reviews that made mention of the massacre, were banned from screening in China. It is noted that as many as 262 terms referring to the June 4 massacre or its anniversary are censored on the Chinese internet, claiming them to be sensitive and against relevant laws, regulations and policies.

As a result, the generation born after 1989 has no knowledge of this bloodied history in China at the hands of its own government and army. It is only after they moved out of China that they came to know of this ill-fated past that has been removed from Chinas collective memory.

Hong Kong, where free discussions and public commemorations of the Tiananmen Square massacre were once allowed, too, came under media censorship after the 2019 Hong Kong protest and the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020. In October 2021, the Pillar of Shame or Martys Pillar, placed in 1997 commemorating the victims of the massacre on its eighth anniversary  that stood on the premise of Hong Kong University  was blockaded and removed without any formal explanation. Last year, public libraries in Hong Kong removed all politically sensitive books, including those relating to the June 4 massacre, on the pretext that public libraries shall not recommend books with unhealthy ideas.

Media in China is now under absolute government control, its freedom violated by regressive Chinese legislations like the State Secrets law. As per the Reporters Without Borders index, China ranks 172 out of 180 in terms of media freedom, noted as the worlds largest prison for journalists, indicating the bitter state of media censorship in the country.

The Tiananmen Square massacre was the first episode since 1949 where the Chinese people witnessed a military onslaught on its own civilians, shattering the traditional civilian-military relations. The distrust towards the PLA thus grew, perceiving them as not peoples liberator but rather peoples watchdog acting on behalf of the CCP. The PLAs role further transformed to not just be defenders against the countrys foreign enemies, but also to suppress any form of dissent within the country. The military affairs, thus, became increasingly politicised, whereby the PLA became an instrument of the CCP to ensure the latters legitimacy remained intact and unquestioned.

Media censorship coupled with the increasing militarisation of civilian spaces, China after the Tiananmen Square massacre emerged more authoritarian than ever before. While Beijing is relentlessly making efforts to remove evidence of its state brutality through censorship, remembering the Tiananmen Square massacre in its 35th year is no less than an act of defiance against Chinese authoritarianism.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor over their remarks on exit polls, suggesting they should pursue new careers following their defeat in the Lok Sabha election.

Rahul Gandhi should start a gym. Shashi Tharoor should start an English training institute. The Congress party has many people who are very good with language and speak very eloquently and I think these elections will point them towards a new occupation, the Union Minister told news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On Shashi Tharoors remark on the Exit Polls, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, Rahul Gandhi should start a gym. Shashi Tharoor should start an English training institute. The Congress party has many people who are pic.twitter.com/859RojKhYU ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2024

Chandrasekhar, also the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram contesting against incumbent Congress MP Tharoor, added, The people of India want their political leaders who serve them, who can improve their lives and certainly, this group of people whether that is Rahul Gandhi or anybody else cannot fit the bill.

The BJP leaders remarks followed Tharoors challenge that the recent exit poll results would be disproven on June 4, the day of the actual results for the 2024 general elections.

Not just Thiruvananthapuram, I am also 100% confident that the numbers you have all seen in the Exit Polls for the nationwide picture will also be belied tomorrow, Tharoor told the media earlier today.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, Not just Thiruvananthapuram, I am also 100% confident that the numbers you have all seen in the Exit Polls for the nationwide picture will also be belied tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/dGqxu1MDF9 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2024

On Sunday, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi slammed the exit polls during a media interaction, referring to them as a Modi media poll and dismissing them as the prime ministers fantasy poll.

It is not exit poll, it is Modi media poll. It is his fantasy poll, Gandhi stated.

During the interaction, when questioned about the number of seats for the INDIA Bloc, the Congress leader replied, Have you heard Sidhu Moose Walas song 295? 295.

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, It is not exit poll, it is Modi media poll. It is his fantasy poll.When asked about the number of seats for INDIA alliance, he says, Have you heard Sidhu Moose Walas song 295? 295. pic.twitter.com/YLRYfM4xwW  ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

The exit polls, released on June 1 after the conclusion of the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, indicated that the NDA alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to return to power for the third consecutive time. According to various survey results, many pollsters predicted the NDA winning over 350 seats, with some even forecasting over 400 seats.

(With inputs from ANI)

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
If murmurs in the political corridors are to be believed, Nitish Kumar may resign as Bihar chief minister very soon. While some put a time frame of very soon as around three weeks, others didnt want to be specific. But if Nitish Kumar indeed steps down, does it mean the king of flip-flops will once again join hands with Tejashwi Yadav and the Congress in the state? After all, since 2013, when he ended Janata Dal (United)s 17-year stint in the National Democratic Alliance, observers say he has been behaving like a political yo-yo. So the question would not be unjustified.

But those who are discussing his resignation insist that, unlike in the past, the ageing JD(U) leader will stick to the NDA. A section believes he will pave the way for a Bharatiya Janata Party chief minister in Bihar, with deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, who belongs to the Koeri caste and is also an OBC like Kumar, being the likely candidate. They insist this was the stipulation for taking Nitish Kumar into the NDA fold this time. After all, the seat-sharing agreement has already given a sneak peek of who the big brother is  the BJP has fought in 17 Lok Sabha constituencies and JD(U) 16.

However, no one from the BJP or JD(U) commented on this when asked. Instead, most dismiss it as gossip. But this gossip is gaining traction by the hour as Nitish Kumar arrived in New Delhi on Sunday.

On Monday morning, he reached 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Kumar is also scheduled to meet union home minister Amit Shah later.

One may very well call it a courtesy meeting between a chief minister and the Prime Minister, but the timing gives ammunition to rumour-mongers. This was on a day the BJP sent a five-page form to all its candidates meant to be filled and returned to party chief JP Nadda, to select members of the council of ministers for the Modi government 3.0. This exercise started after Sundays meeting between PM Modi, Shah, and Nadda.

Does this mean Nitish Kumar will join the Modi cabinet?

A highly placed source in the BJP told News18 on condition of anonymity, These are purely in the realms of speculation. I will not get into it. But yes, the BJP wont fight the next assembly election under Nitish Kumars leadership or even on a similar-strength basis. Nitish Babu is ageing and is not the same persona as he used to be. The BJP source suggested a gradual political sunset for Kumar.

That brings us to the same question, will Nitish Kumar join the Modi cabinet should he resign as Bihar CM? And if he does at all, will Narendra Modi return him the railway portfolio that the Prime Minister has so far chosen to give to technocrats like Suresh Prabhu and Ashwini Vaishnaw?

Read The Latest Updates On Lok Sabha Election 2024 Here.
In a thrilling surprise for Wu-Tang Clan fans, the groups secret album is finally set to be displayed. After six years of meticulous recording, their seventh album, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, was produced as a single physical copy. In 2015, it was sold at auction to pharmaceutical business and investor Martin Shkreli for $2 million (approximately Rs 16 crore). However, the album was later seized by the United States Department of Justice. Reportedly, The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart has acquired the album on loan for their upcoming Namedropping exhibition.

For 10 days in June, MONA will host listening parties where a few lucky visitors can experience 30-minute sample of the album. Alongside this, the physical record, covered in a silver box, will be available for viewing. Regarded as one of the most valuable albums ever made, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was recorded secretly between 2006 and 2013. It features contributions from all members, including RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and the late Ol Dirty Bastard.

Wu Tang Clan's 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' album, which was not meant to be played until 2103, will be played to the public for the first time next month.There exists only one physical copy of the album. pic.twitter.com/dESn9vd3tm  Censored Men (@CensoredMen) May 28, 2024

According to a BBC report, the museum will host small listening parties over 10 days in June, during which the public can hear a curated, 30-minute sample from the album. 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 I knew I had to get it into this exhibition, said Jarrod Rawlins, Director of Curatorial Affairs at Mona as quoted by the outlet.

The album will be shown as part of the museums Namedropping exhibition, exploring human pursuit. During Namedropping, the worlds only copy of the Wu-Tang Clans fabled seventh studio album will be on display in the museum. Were giving you the chance to hear it, too. At least some of it. Well be hosting a series of private listening events in Frying Pan Studios, where a lucky few will get to experience a special Mona-only selection of tracks from the album. You hear talk about once-in-a-lifetime opportunities: this is probably one of them, the website reads.

More About Wu-Tang Clans Rarest Secret Album

The 31-track album, Once Upon A Time in Shaolin, was recorded in New York City and produced in Marrakesh between 2006 and 2013. It includes the nine surviving members of the group, along with pop artist Cher and actress Carice Van Houten.

Feeling that the value of music had been cheapened by online streaming and piracy, they wanted to take a 400-year-old Renaissance-style approach to music. The album is packaged in a hand-crafted silver and nickel case, which includes a 174-page book wrapped in leather. It also contains lyrics, a certificate of authenticity, and a legal condition that the owner cannot release the tracks for 88 years.
People across the world keep coming up with creative recipes or bizarre ways of making simple foods. The internet is full of such videos and keeps the audience hooked till the last shot. Remember Dolly Chaiwala who shot to fame for his quirky approach to making tea? Similarly, a clip from Bangladesh has surfaced on social media and has taken it by storm. A man can be seen making Jhal Muri in a unique way which is bound to leave you stunned.

Jhal Muri is one of the staple street foods of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. A now-viral post shows a man dressed in an orange t-shirt and blue pants, a pair of black sunglasses and earphones plugged into his ears, preparing Jhal Muri. Jhal muri is made of puffed rice, chopped onions, cucumbers, chillies, tomatoes and coriander leaves, pickled mustard oil, boiled potatoes, peanuts, chana chur, bhujia and even coconut shavings. The man was preparing this dish with an unmatched swag. But what caught the attention of the internet was the vessel. Instead of a steel utensil, he can be seen stirring the mixture with his bare hands in an Asian Paints plastic container, leaving everyone stunned.

The caption read, Dolly Vai Style Celebrity Jhalmuri Wala Of Bangladesh.The clip has amassed 13.6 million views on Instagram. A comment read, Bro creating a new virus. Another wondered Does his unimaginable swag cancel out the diarrhea? One questioned the hygiene practice and commented, Genuine question: what makes them think this is not disgusting? Seeing his unique style, another comment read, Bro think hes the main character.

The Jhal Muri walas uniqueness, especially his hairstyle, resembles that of Dolly Chaiwala, a popular face on the internet. He catapulted to ultimate fame after he served a cup of tea to billionaire Bill Gates. This chaiwala has a roadside tea stall near the old VCA stadium in the Sadar area of Nagpur and caught eyeballs for his eccentric way of tea-making. He shared that he is inspired by South films and has learned the styles by watching such content.
In a shocking incident, a man in Bengaluru man found himself under attack when an individual on a scooter launched a planned attack on him. The distressing incident was captured by a dash camera installed in the car, providing a chilling visual of the encounter. Deepak Jain took to X (Formerly Twitter) to share a detailed thread explaining his ordeal. According to the details, the incident took place on Vibgyor High School Road on June 2 at around 11:40 am.

Today, I faced a terrifying and unprovoked attack. Even after ~9 hours, Im still in shock. This seems to be a planned attack, Jain wrote.

Describing the incident, Jain recounted how a grey Ola scooter suddenly overtook his car from the left side. A few hundred meters later, he realised that the man on the scooter was following him, yelling, shouting and honking for him to stop. The scooter rider then blocked his path and parked in front of his car.

Here's the footage. Still getting goosebumps when I hear the sound of him hitting the window pic.twitter.com/cIb31nRH5B  Deepak Jain (@DJain1989) June 2, 2024

The man in a fit of rage picked up a coconut shell from the roadside and smashed Jains right-side car window. He forced Jain to open the door and then broke the outer rearview mirror, all while shouting aggressively.

Not only this, Jain detailed another unsettling incident that occurred before this. Adding to the horror, a grey Renault Triber (KA 04 MW 2000) attempted to obstruct my way about ~300 meters ahead of the incident. I suspect they might be part of the same gang, given the suspicious behaviour of the driver, he wrote.

7/ Adding to the horror, a grey Renault Triber (KA 04 MW 2000) attempted to obstruct my way about ~300 meters ahead of the incident. I suspect they might be part of the same gang, given the suspicious behaviour of the driver. pic.twitter.com/oh3SjKONIv Deepak Jain (@DJain1989) June 2, 2024

Following the incident, Jain filed a complaint at the Varthur Police Station. His harrowing incident caught the attention of online users who expressed shock and concern in the comment section.

One user commented, The way he instantly picked up the coconut shell, it looks as if he knew that the coconut shell would be kept there Definitely pre-planned

Another added, You are a wise man because you have installed a dash cam in your car. Such incidents are common in Karnatka and set to increase in other parts of the nation. Could be a well organised gang on prowl to loot,extort people. Lets hope they are arrested soon.

A person recounting his own experience wrote, disturbing footage  happened 2 times withme. sadly Bangalore is more in the grip of unruly bikers, these dont know or follow any driving rules, they will attack you unprovoked, on their moment of slip @BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic should arrange drive to cancel their license.
In a bizarre revelation, a woman who impersonated her dead older sister and worked for 14 years to pick up her retirement pension has been sanctioned by a court in China. In her 14 years of work, the woman collected nearly 400,000 yuan (Rs 45.89 lakh) in pension payments. The woman surnamed An from Wuhai in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, northern China, secretly resumed her sisters work at a local factory following her death in a car accident in 1993. On the contrary, the woman is receiving sympathy for the amount of work she did after the death of her sister. Netizens called her an honest employee who didnt pay less into social security nor worked less.

According to the Haibowan District Peoples Court of Wuhai City, An worked at the factory until her retirement in 2007. As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, An posed as her deceased sister and applied for a retirement pension. She received pension payments till April 2023. Over the period, An reportedly received 393,676 yuan (Rs 45.16 lakh) in pension funds. After the incident came to light, the police sent the summon notice to An who confessed her crime and voluntarily pleaded guilty and repaid the money. The Haibowan District Peoples Court of Wuhan City found An guilty of fraud. After the trial and investigation, the court sentenced An to three years in prison. She has been suspended for four years with an additional fine of 25,000 Yuan (Rs 2.86 lakh).

The netizens sympathise with the woman, as per the SCMP report. Many people recognised the hard work of the accused woman and reportedly said that she demonstrated her capability for the job and fulfilled her duties. They also highlighted the fact that the factorys oversight was largely overlooked. One of the users commented, Who would work for 14 years just for a pension? She simply took over a job. Working for 14 years proves she was capable of performing it. as quoted by SCMP. Some also noted that filling the position of a relative in case of death or crisis is acceptable in some places.
In hospitality and customer service, it is often the small gestures that leave a lasting impression. A viral video showcasing one such thoughtful act features ground staff members of IndiGo Airlines holding umbrellas for passengers as they board a shuttle bus from the airport tarmac. Despite the short distance passengers had to walk, the staff ensured nobody got drenched in the rain. The heartwarming scene unfolded in Nagalands city Dimapur.

Instagram user Gloria Sangtam shared this video and wrote, Great job IndiGo staff. It was raining on 28th May 2024 while I was traveling to Delhi and when we were getting inside the bus and flight this kind of gesture attracted my eyes and heart. I appreciate the good work done by the indigo ground staff of Dimapur. This video has now gathered over 84,000 views since it was shared on May 29. Many parts of North-East India experienced the pre-monsoon rain last week.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gloria Sangtam (@gloria.sangtam)

This is not the first time that IndiGo staff has received praise. In January, amid weather-related flight delays to North India, the airlines staff was lauded for their exceptional handling of the situation. Despite the unexpected delays and challenging circumstances, IndiGos employees exhibited professionalism in managing both the situation and furious passengers with responsibility and care.

In a long post, an X user wrote that just as his flight from Hyderabad to Jaipur was about to take off a few passengers began arguing with the airline crew, reportedly after some people from their group were unable to make it to the flight in time. The crew managed to calm down the passengers despite being abused and threatened.

At a time when @IndiGo6E is being bashed left, right and centre for poor services, let me share an experience I had with them just a week ago. My Hyderabad Jaipur flight was ready for take off at 4:50 am and just as the aircraft door was being closed, three passengers rushed up pic.twitter.com/Jl8sa01By6 Sudipto (@SudiptoDoc) January 15, 2024

Later, when their flight was diverted to Ahmedabad due to poor visibility in Jaipur, the staff catered to the needs of the passengers. Appreciating the staffs management, an X user wrote, Once we landed at Ahmedabad, we were requested to remain in the aircraft. Every passenger was handed a refreshment hamper that contained a fairly large cookie, some nuts and a packaged fruit beverage. Water and coffee were on the house. The crew remained on their toes throughout. The wait was annoying but the crew ensured it didnt become agonising.

He concluded the post by saying that while IndiGo Airlines needs to improve its scheduling system, its staff makes sure that the passengers get the best service even in adverse circumstances.
Laughter is the best medicine? While many of us believe that, excessive laughter may lead to unexpected consequences including a visit to the hospital. Recently, a 53-year-old man suffered from a rare condition known as Laughter-induced syncope, according to Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad.

The incident occurred when the man was enjoying family time by sipping tea and watching a popular comedy show on TV. The man found the show so amusing that he couldnt control his laughter for several minutes. However, in a sudden turn of events, he lost control, and his body leaned to one side before he fainted on the ground. The doctor in a post on X mentioned, His daughter noticed a few jerky movements of his hands.

Dr Kumar said, Mr Shyams daughter called for an ambulance. After a few minutes, there was some relief, as Mr Shyam opened his eyes and seemed to recognise everyone. He was also able to move his arms and legs and could converse with others. He had no memory, however, of what had just transpired. By the time he was brought to the emergency room, he had completely recovered. His clinical examination was normal. I listened to the entire history and clinically examined him. He had no history of any medical illness, and he was not on any medications, which was Laughter-induced syncope.

Laughter is the best medicine, however, in case of a 53-year-old, laughter resulted in a visit to emergency department53-year-old Mr Shyam (name changed) was enjoying a nice evening with his family over a cup of tea. They were watching a popular comedy show on TV. Mr Shyam pic.twitter.com/TZJAM45QpC  Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) May 29, 2024

I discussed the diagnosis with the patient, and attendants and reassured them. I advised Mr Shyam to avoid common triggers for syncope, such as excessive laughter, prolonged standing and excessive physical exertion. In addition, I asked him to keep well-hydrated. I asked him to lie down, if he felt dizzy or if he had a sense of blacking out (symptoms of pre-syncope) so that the blood flow to brain would not reduce. No medications were needed to treat this condition, Dr Sudhir Kumar added.

The doctor explained that Laughter-induced syncope is indeed a rare condition. It occurs when excessive laughter elevates pressure within the chest, consequently affecting blood flow to the heart. This prompts certain sensors in the body to trigger an unusual response, including a drop in heart rate, widening of blood vessels, decrease in blood pressure and temporary reduction of blood supply to the brain, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness.

A study in Cleveland Clinic claims that syncope, also known as fainting, is usually not a serious issue. Most people dont need a major treatment unless its due to a heart problem. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you experience fainting episodes.
Many young students in India dream of studying abroad and hope to join prestigious colleges in the United States of America. However, not everyones dream comes true. But, one Indian co-founder discovered a unique way to get a glimpse of one of the most reputed universities. Recently, Mukul Rustagi, co-founder of Classplus, shared his inspiring story of sneaking into a class at Stanford University with his business partner, Bhaswat Agarwal. Despite not having good grades and funds in their youth, they always wanted to experience Stanfords charm firsthand.

In an Instagram video, Rustagi explained their bold move to sneak into a class, which turned out to be a finance lecture, which coincidentally aligned perfectly with their interests. At the end of the class, Rustagi even took a marker from the professor as a souvenir.

Rustagi explained, So my co-founder and I had a dream to visit Stanford once. Because when we were studying in college, we used to say, Lets go abroad and do an MBA. Then we realized that doing an MBA abroad costs around 2 Crore. Financially, we couldnt afford it, and our grades werent good enough in college for Stanford to accept us. So we said, Lets go to Stanford and see what they teach there. It was a beautiful campus, we walked about 1-1.5 km, no noise from outside, and 90% of the campus was green. We searched for Stanfords business school on that campus.

So we saw that there was a class going on. We went very politely to the professor and told him, Since childhood, our dream has been to go to a college like Stanford, but we never got the opportunity. We were extremely happy that the professor allowed us and life is such a sweet romantic irony that class turned out to be a finance class and the topic of the day was, How to evaluate mergers and acquisition. We went for the thrill, but actually, we came back learning something because coincidently, that class was exactly about the topic that we as founders are always thinking about, Mukul Rustagi added.

Rustagi concluded by explaining that when they were leaving, they asked the professor if they could take the marker from the class as a memento. The professor agreed and they still carry that marker in their bag.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mukul Rustagi (@rustagi_mukul)

Reacting to the clip, a user shared, You can attend classes without enrolling in them. Thats normal at unis in the US. Another jokingly asked, ID card ke bina entry kaise ki? (How did you manage to enter without an ID card?) Aur ek India ki university hai, apne hi college ke dusre class me sneak karne nahi dete. (And then theres Indian university where they dont let you sneak into your own classes), a comment read.

Another wrote, Gods plan for you guys. One more added, Thats the reason they are no 1.

Since Mukul Rustagi shared the clip on Instagram, it has gone viral and garnered over 3 Lakh views.
June 3rd saw a unique planetary alignment before sunrise. Referred to as the Parade of Planets 2024, this rare celestial event was marked by the alignment of six planets i.e. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune before dawn for a spectacular show. In case you missed it, just relax as there will be another opportunity for you all to enjoy the view soon.

A report by Today.com suggested that the next planetary alignment is scheduled for August 28. Interestingly, the alignment will involve the same six planets. Not only this but three similar events are reportedly being anticipated in 2025. While the first event will be witnessed on January 18, it will be there for everyone to experience on February 28 again. As for the third alignment, it is scheduled for August 9 next year. Unlike the recent alignments, the second and third occurrences next year will collectively feature seven prominent planets which include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Now, the question arises  what is Planetary alignment? Simply put, the celestial event marks the rare positioning of planets within the solar system. An illusion is created with planets seemingly aligned in a straight line. What needs to be noted here is that it is not an actual event but a case of an optical illusion. NASA once informed that the planetary alignment occurs when two or more planets come close together, forming a conjunction in the sky.

Speaking of todays rare alignment, NASA had earlier suggested that it wouldnt offer much of a view. Further, Ronald Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, said, The suns going to be photobombing the parade.

For those waiting for the next parade of planets, it has been recommended by NASA to witness the alignment exactly one hour before sunrise, based on their local time. The bright light is expected to make it challenging for those trying to observe all the planets with the naked eye. However, the Moon, Mars, and Saturn will be visible in the sky.
The world can be a tough place for some, but sometimes, we come across inspiring stories that restore our faith in humanity. One such story is about young Quaden Bayles from Australia. A few years ago, he captured headlines globally when he faced constant bullying due to his dwarfism. A heartbreaking video showed nine-year-old Quaden in tears after facing abuse from his schoolmates. His mother shared the video to shed light on the impact of bullying, especially on children with disabilities. Fast forward to 2024, Quaden has come a long way and has become a certified movie star, as he landed a role as War Pup in George Millers latest film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

The movie explores the early life of the fearless Furiosa, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy playing the younger version of the character originally played by Charlize Theron. Quaden shared screen with Chris Hemsworth, who plays Warlord Dementus, along with Tom Burke, Lachy Hulme, Elsa Pataky Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoe Kravitz, among others. Sharing the picture from premiere night, Quaden wrote, THE 3 AMIGOS  Dementus aka Chris Hemsworth, War Pup & Furiosa herself Anya Taylor-Joy.

Since Quaden Bayles shared his picture with Furiosa: A Mad Max Sagas lead cast members, it has gone viral and garnered tons of positive response.

A user wrote, Congratulations to you Quaden, not only for the movie but for seeing in life more than what it meets the eye. Never give up, and never give power to others. Your heart is yours.

Another shared, Its all about the company you keep.

Hopefully Quaden will be in more movies in the future, a comment read.

An individual wrote, War Pup is such a cool name.

One more added, Excellent job, absolutely loved your role, keep going.

Before Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Quaden Bayles also worked in George Millers 2022 movie, Three Thousand Years of Longing, featuring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.

In the viral video from 2020, Quaden Bayles was seen crying while sitting in his mothers car and asked for a knife to end his life. His mother, Yarraka Bayles, livestreamed the video on Facebook to show the devastating effects of bullying. She pleaded with viewers to educate their children, families and friends about discrimination. The emotional video not only caught the attention of George Miller but Quaden also received support of other celebrities, including Hugh Jackman.
Some people in the world are not afraid of danger, even when they become a victim of it. A man named Jamie Coots ended up in a fatal situation with a belief that he was immune to snake bites. A video detailing his story is making rounds on the internet, amassing thousands of views.

According to the information given, Jamie Coots, a pastor from Kentucky, the US, claimed to have gained immunity from the bite of a snake. To prove his statement, he was called to a show and the man unfortunately passed away. A video was posted on YouTube by a channel called Final Affliction.

The video shows how Jamie Coots was a very controversial figure among the public, for carrying out outrageous" church services. According to the clip, he brought live snakes to the service and his act was also shown by the National Geographic channel. He and his congregation believed that snake venom couldnt affect him, a power bestowed to him by God. In 20 years, he was reportedly bitten 8 times and survived the attack. His favourite snakes to handle were the rattlesnakes and the vipers, the more poisonous, the better. So, one day, he was performing his service the usual way. The rattlesnake he was handling, bit him hard. And in no time, he started showing symptoms of weakness. His congregation even asked to call 911 but he refused. The preacher drove himself home, saying he would just pray while resting on a couch. Despite his refusal, the congregation contacted the paramedics and they called Jamie. Jamies again refused treatment, but during the call, they noticed his slurred speech, so they went to his residence. They found him unresponsive and performed CPR. Then, he was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Netizens react to the video in the replies. The first user wrote, Provoking a venomous snake what could go wrong." Another user wrote, Play stupid games, win stupid prizes I guess lol." A third user stated, Never messing with snakes."
In a bizarre incident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a thief fell asleep while attempting to rob a house. According to reports, the thief entered the house heavily drunk. After scrabbling through the premises and completing his crime, he switched on the air conditioner to take a break. Little did he know that he would doze off, only to be woken up by the police in the morning.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday when the thief entered the house located in Sector 20 of Lucknows Indiranagar. According to a report in India Today, the locked house belonged to Dr Sunil Pandey. He is posted in Varanasi and was away at the time of the incident.

Taking advantage of the situation, the thief barged into the house and was almost successful until he decided to sleep over. It was the next morning when Pandeys neighbours found the front door suspiciously ajar and peeped in to find the ransacked house and a man sleeping. They immediately alerted the police, who nabbed the thief with the stolen goods.

The accused has been arrested and charged with IPC Section 379A for theft. According to the police, he broke into the cupboards to find cash. He even tried stealing off the washbasin, gas cylinder and water pump but slept off before that.

Thief Falls Asleep Whole Robbing

This isnt the first time such an incident has come to light. In 2020, a similar case was reported in Andhra Pradesh, where a 21-year-old man couldnt resist falling asleep under an air conditioner. According to reports, the thief entered an unlocked house late at night intending to steal money. However, he made the mistake of sleeping on the job.

Thinking that he would just take a power nap before leaving with the loot, the thief slept under the house owners cot and woke up much later. The owner, after hearing his snores, was alerted. He then called the police.

Meanwhile, another similar instance was reported from Thailand, where a burglars quick nap turned into a long-relaxed sleep, thus getting caught.
Arshiya Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir left a lasting impression worldwide when she stunned with her eerie dance performance on a popular talent show, Americas Got Talent. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, the 13-year-olds performance on the 19th season of the show soon became a viral sensation, sparking widespread praise and admiration.

In the viral video, Arshiya confidently introduces herself to the judges of the show  Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara. She told them that she was from Jammu and Kashmir. When asked about her performance, Arshiya said, I am a dancer, but I dont want to be like others. I want to be different. So, I tried doing gymnastics and adding some flexible moves into my dance to be different, she said. She also shared that this is the first time she left India.

Simon questioned Arshiya if she was nervous about her performance. To which, Arshiya replied, Yes, because Americas Got Talent is a big thing, so I cant keep it in my stomach. I am very excited.

As she excused herself to prepare for her dance routine, a small wooden house surrounded by dolls appeared on stage. Audiences and judges who were anticipating her performance were left in shock when Arshiya re-emerged in a totally different avatar. Dressed in torn clothes, white contact lenses and fake blood all over, Arshiya delivered horrifying dance moves. With bone-crunching sound effects, she twisted her limbs in seemingly impossible ways. From landing on her neck to mid-air backflips before landing on her chest, every move kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Sofia even tried to cover her eyes as the spectacle unfolded. The crowd and the judges, initially stunned, cheered and erupted into a standing ovation as Arshiya ended her performance.

The judges shared their remarks about Arshiyas performance with Manel stating, This is the scariest and most terrific dance recitals I have ever been to.

Klum also praised Arshiya and said, When you said you were going to leave and come back with a change, I thought you would return in a pretty dress, but what I saw was something else entirely.

Simon added, It was so unexpected and frightening and brilliant at the same time. Later, he remarked, The chihuahua turned into a werewolf, as all four judges promoted Arshiya to the next round.

Arshiya is not just a talented dancer but a national gold medalist in gymnastics. She has previously impressed with her stunning performances on dance reality shows like DID Little Masters and Super Dancer 4.
In the wake of extreme heatwave in most parts of North India, Zomato has made a special request to all its customers. In a post shared on the X (Formerly Twitter), the food delivery giant urged people to make only necessary orders during the peak afternoon hours. Pls avoid ordering during peak afternoon unless absolutely necessary, Zomato wrote on the microblogging platform on Sunday. The post received mixed views. While some praised the food delivery giant, others criticised the initiative.

pls avoid ordering during peak afternoon unless absolutely necessary  zomato (@zomato) June 2, 2024

A user wrote, Bro, you are in food services and people order food when it is absolutely necessary. If you actually care about your employees, you would be posting, Our services are unavailable during peak afternoon hours.

Is it even real? Though I appreciate the concern, lunchtime orders cannot be postponed to dinner time. If so, Zomato needs to identify absolutely necessary orders and not-so-necessary orders, said another one.

A customer pointed out, If people dont order its the delivery riders that lose the most. Instead why not add a mandatory heat related tip/ hardship charge to every order and give 100% of that to your delivery boys to allow them to make some extra money.

Did the same today. Ordered directly from the Restaurant. Thank you for being so considerate about the delivery boys, a user praised Zomato, while another remarked, Zomato is more worried about the delivery partners rather than their shares.

The tweet has garnered over 7 lakh views. Despite the criticism, Zomatos request displays their consideration for the well-being of delivery workers.

Several parts of the country, especially north and central India, have been reeling under a severe heatwave for the past few days. On May 29, Mungeshpur in Delhi witnessed a record-breaking temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius. The heatwave accompanied has caused discomfort and disruption to peoples daily lives.

Meanwhile, IMD has predicted a slight dip in temperature due to rains in Delhi, Rajasthan, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Israeli embassy in India on Monday told its citizens to visit beaches in India after the Maldives government announced that it will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The government did not specify when it will take effect.

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations (from the Israeli embassy in India), based on the places visited by our diplomats, a post by the Israeli embassy said.

Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our pic.twitter.com/kGNEDS6fsp  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) June 3, 2024

The post accompanies pictures of beaches in Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa and Kerala.

Israeli consul general Kobbi Shoshani even reposted a January tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where the PM is seen praising the natural beauty of Lakshadweep.

Thanks to the Maldives Governments decision, Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of Lakshadweep, Shoshani said in a tweet, resharing the photo and the post shared by PM Modi in January.

Thanks to the Maldives Government's decision Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of #Lakshadweep. https://t.co/1K2NtG922M Kobbi Shoshani (@KobbiShoshani) June 3, 2024

Lakshadweep came in the centre of debate after three Maldives ministers made disparaging remarks about India and PM Modi, while commenting on the photos shared from the PMs trip to Lakshadweep, triggering xenophobic, racist and hateful posts about India.

Israels foreign ministry also asked its citizens to avoid travel to Maldives. In light of the Maldives governments decision to ban the entry of citizens with Israeli passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Israeli citizens avoid any travel to the Maldives, it said.

The recommendation is also valid for Israeli citizens holding a foreign passport, in addition to the Israeli passport. For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Last year, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, making up 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals. However, in the first four months of this year, Israeli visits dropped to 528, an 88 percent decrease from the same period last year.

Ties have remained lukewarm between Tel Aviv and Male, Israel was the third nation to formally recognize Maldives in 1965 but in 1974 Maldives severed ties.

Three decades later, in 2009, Maldives signed cooperation agreements with Israel. Both nations engaged in people-to-people ties as well engaged in the health, education and cultural sectors.

Maldives in 2014 decided to join the international boycott, divest and sanctions (BDS) economic war on Israel, boycotting Israeli products when the IDF launched a military operation in Gaza against Hamas and its then-President Abdulla Yameen formally terminated the countrys cooperation agreements with Israel in 2018.

(with inputs from Al Jazeera and Jewish Press)
The criminal trial of Hunter Biden kicked off on Monday in federal court in Delaware as President Joe Bidens son faces gun charges in a historic case that begins four days after Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted.

Hunter Biden, 54, arrived at the courthouse for the first trial of the child of a sitting president, in which he will face three felony charges stemming from his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty. It is one of two criminal cases he faces, with federal tax charges brought separately in California.

First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Bidens wife Melissa Cohen Biden and his half-sister Ashley Biden were in attendance at the trial in Wilmington, before US District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today, Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that a lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction.

Trump was convicted by a jury in state court in New York on Thursday of 34 felony counts of falsifying documents to cover up hush money paid to a porn star to avoid a sex scandal shortly before the 2016 US election that put him in the White House. Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the Nov. 5 US election.

Hunter Bidens trial gives Republicans a chance to shift attention away from Trumps legal troubles. Trump is due to be sentenced on July 11. He has pleaded not guilty in three other pending criminal cases.

In the case brought by US Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee, last September Hunter Biden was charged with lying about his use of illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver and with illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days in October 2018. Weiss, who has investigated Hunter Biden since at least 2019, also brought the tax charges.

If convicted on all charges in the Delaware case, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, though defendants generally receive shorter sentences, according to the US Justice Department.

Hunter Biden spent the weekend with his father in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with the pair biking and attending church together on Saturday. The president, who had been expected to depart Rehoboth Beach on Monday, travelled on Sunday evening to his home in Wilmington.

POTENTIAL JURORS

Noreika began screening potential jurors for their ability to commit to serving the length of the trial, which is expected to run through the end of next week.

Do you think you can put aside your views on gun ownership, she asked a potential juror, who responded that she could be impartial.

Other potential jurors were asked about addiction, convictions and run-ins with law enforcement.

All 12 jurors must agree he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to convict.

The case is expected to center on Hunter Bidens years-long crack cocaine use and addiction, which he has discussed publicly and which was a prominent part of his 2021 autobiography, Beautiful Things. He told Noreika at a hearing last year that he has been sober since the middle of 2019.

Prosecutors will seek to prove that Hunter Biden knew he was lying when he ticked the box for no next to a question on a federal gun purchase form asking if he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Prosecution lawyers revealed in court filings that they may use details gleaned from Hunter Bidens phone and iCloud account, including photos of him smoking crack and messages with drug dealers. They said they may call as a witness his former wife Kathleen Buhle, who accused Hunter Biden in their 2017 divorce proceedings of squandering money on drugs, alcohol and prostitutes.

Hunter Bidens lawyers have indicated they may try to show he had completed a drug rehabilitation program before purchasing the gun and may have considered his answer on the gun purchase form to be truthful.

A plea agreement that would have resolved the gun and tax charges without prison time collapsed last year after Noreika questioned the extent of the immunity it extended to Biden. Hunter Bidens lawyers blamed Republican pressure for the failure of the plea agreement.

Noreika entered multiple orders over the weekend that were requested by prosecutors and that appeared to undercut Bidens legal strategy.

The judge said Bidens legal team could not introduce expert testimony that people suffering from substance abuse disorder might not consider themselves an addict.

That testimony could have helped Biden show that he did not know he was lying on the background check form. The government is required to prove that Biden knowingly lied.

Congressional Republicans spent years in vain trying to find evidence of a corrupt link between Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings, including work for Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and his fathers political power.
LONDON:Nigel Farage, who helped champion Britains departure from the European Union, said on Monday he would stand as a candidate in next months election and will lead the right-wing Reform Party in a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The surprise U-turn by Farage, now a TV host, will boost his movements profile and challenge Sunaks Conservatives for the support of right-leaning voters at a time when the governing party is already badly trailing the Labour Party in the polls.

Farage, 60, had previously said he would not stand in the July 4 vote in order to help Donald Trump fight the U.S. election later this year. But Farage said he changed his mind because he felt guilty not standing up for people who had become disillusioned with politics and had always backed him.

We are going to be the voice of opposition, and I tell you what, I have done it before, Ill do it again, Ill surprise everybody, Farage told a news conference, saying it was a fait accompli that Labour would win but that he wanted to position Reform as its main opponent.

He said he would lead a political revolt in Britain because nothing in this country works anymore, citing problems with public services such as healthcare and roads.

Although Farage has stood unsuccessfully for parliament seven times he is still one of the most influential British politicians of his generation, putting pressure on a succession of prime ministers to take tougher positions on the EU and on tackling immigration.

SELLING BREXIT

Shunned by the British political establishment and backed by Eurosceptic financiers, Farage helped sell Brexit to millions of voters in England and Wales who felt ignored by the main Conservative and Labour parties.

Although he was educated at an expensive school and worked as a commodities trader, he has cultivated an image of an anti-establishment figure. He is routinely pictured with a cigarette in one hand and a pint of beer in the other.

Farage, who has survived testicular cancer and a plane crash, will also take over as leader of Reform, replacing Richard Tice, who said before Farage took the stage the party wanted a way to turn on the rocket boosters to the election campaign.

Divisive and charismatic, Farage has previously made comments that his political opponents have called racist. Farage appeared in front of a poster during the Brexit campaign showing lines of migrants under the slogan Breaking Point and last month said Muslims did not share British values.

At the last general election in 2019, Farages party decided not to contest seats held by the Conservatives, then led by Boris Johnson, to avoid splitting the pro-Brexit vote.

Polls suggest the opposition Labour Party is on course for victory this time, with the Conservatives staring at one of the worst results in their history.

Support for Reform runs at about 10% nationally, giving the party the third highest vote share, polls show. But under Britains winner-takes-all system, the party had not been expected to win any seats.

A poll earlier this year forecast the Conservatives would win Clacton with Reform coming third. One betting company said Farage had a 40% chance of winning the seat after his announcement.

Under pressure, Sunak has already tried to win over voters tempted by Reform with policies such as tax cuts for pensioners, the reintroduction of national service and his plan to send illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Asked on Monday if he was worried about Farage entering the contest, Sunak said a vote for Reform would help Labour.

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
WILMINGTON, Delaware:Jury selection kicked off in a criminal case against Hunter Biden, a historic prosecution that could further influence the 2024 presidential election four days after Joe Bidens rival Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted.

Hunter Biden, 54, arrived at the courthouse for the first trial of the child of a sitting president, in which he will face three felony charges stemming from his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018.

Hunter Biden is charged with lying about his use of illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver and with illegally possessing the weapon for 11 days in October 2018.

He has pleaded not guilty. The case, brought by U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee, is one of two criminal cases he faces, with federal tax charges brought separately in California.

The judge in the gun case, Maryellen Noreika, began screening potential jurors on Monday, many of whom disclosed they had family members or acquaintances with drug problems, including one juror who became emotional when discussing a brother-in-law with an addiction.

Most jurors said they were at least vaguely familiar with this case. I live in Delaware. You cant swing a cat with out hearing something, one potential juror told the judge.

Few jurors expressed strong political views.

One said he had worked with First Lady Jill Biden and said he had met Jills husband multiple times. He also said he supported the campaign of Ferris Wharton, who ran unsuccessfully for Delaware attorney general against Beau Biden, Hunters brother, who died of cancer in 2015.

All 12 jurors must agree he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to convict.

Jill Biden, Hunter Bidens wife Melissa Cohen Biden and his half-sister Ashley Biden were in attendance at the trial in Wilmington, before U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today, Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that a lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction.

The trial comes days after Trump was convicted by a jury in state court in New York of 34 felony counts of falsifying documents to cover up hush money paid to a porn star to avoid a sex scandal shortly before the 2016 U.S. election that put him in the White House. Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

Hunter Bidens trial gives Republicans a chance to shift attention away from Trumps legal troubles. Trump is due to be sentenced on July 11. He has pleaded not guilty in three other pending criminal cases.

If convicted on all charges in the Delaware case, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, though defendants generally receive shorter sentences, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Hunter Biden spent the weekend with his father in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with the pair biking and attending church together on Saturday. The president, who had been expected to depart Rehoboth Beach on Monday, traveled on Sunday evening to his home in Wilmington.

GUN PURCHASE

The case is expected to center on Hunter Bidens years-long crack cocaine use and addiction, which he has discussed publicly and which was a prominent part of his 2021 autobiography, Beautiful Things. He told Noreika at a hearing last year that he has been sober since the middle of 2019.

Prosecutors will seek to prove that Hunter Biden knew he was lying when he ticked the box for no next to a question on a federal gun purchase form asking if he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Prosecution lawyers revealed in court filings that they may use details gleaned from Hunter Bidens phone and iCloud account, including photos of him smoking crack and messages with drug dealers. They said they may call as a witness his former wife Kathleen Buhle, who accused Hunter Biden in their 2017 divorce proceedings of squandering money on drugs, alcohol and prostitutes.

Hunter Bidens lawyers have indicated they may try to show he had completed a drug rehabilitation program before purchasing the gun and may have considered his answer on the gun purchase form to be truthful.

A plea agreement that would have resolved the gun and tax charges without prison time collapsed last year after Noreika questioned the extent of the immunity it extended to Biden. Hunter Bidens lawyers blamed Republican pressure for the failure of the plea agreement.

Noreika entered multiple orders over the weekend that were requested by prosecutors and that appeared to undercut Bidens legal strategy.

The judge said Bidens legal team could not introduce expert testimony that people suffering from substance abuse disorder might not consider themselves an addict.

That testimony could have helped Biden show that he did not know he was lying on the background check form. The government is required to prove that Biden knowingly lied.

Congressional Republicans spent years in vain trying to find evidence of a corrupt link between Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings, including work for Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and his fathers political power.

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
One pilot was killed and another injured after two small planes collided midair during an air show performance in southern Portugal on Sunday, the Air Force said.

The air force regrets to announce that at 4:05 pm (1505 GMT), at the Beja Air Show, two planes were the victim of an accident during an aerial demonstration involving six aircraft, it said in a short statement.

A Spanish national died, it added. An Air Force spokeswoman told AFP the victim was the pilot of one of the aircraft involved in the collision.

Collision between two Yakovlev Yak-52Two Yakovlev Yak-52 aircraft of the Spanish-Portuguese Yakstars formation team collided during the Beja Air Show in Portugal, leaving one pilot killed Devastating pic.twitter.com/buorAPwegd  Marcos Oliveira  (@AeroMarcos320) June 2, 2024

Another pilot with Portuguese nationality was lightly injured and received emergency treatment before being rushed to Beja hospital, the air force said.

Portugals Defence Minister Nuno Melo called it a tragic accident and told reporters an investigation would be opened to determine the exact cause of the collision.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: It was meant to be a moment of leisure and shared enjoyment. It turned into a moment of pain.

The Air Force said the six aircraft belonged to an aerobatic group made of up Spanish and Portuguese pilots named the Yak Stars.

The planes that collided were Yakovlev Yak-52, a Soviet-designed aerobatic training model.

A video filmed by a spectator and posted on social media showed a formation of six planes in flight, with one of them ascending, apparently touching one of the others and then crashing to the ground in a cloud of smoke.

One plane crashed outside the airbases grounds and the second involved in the accident managed to land on the airport tarmac, with no victims among the spectators, the Air Force said.

According to the Beja Air Shows website, the Yak Stars were participating with around 30 other European aerobatic groups. Organisers billed them as southern Europes largest civil aerobatics group.

The Air Force said organisers of the show at Beja airport had suspended the event, which began on Saturday.

The force expressed its most sincere condolences to the relatives of the pilot who died.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila on Monday and thanked him for his support and clear position on Russias invasion of its territories.

The two leaders met at the Philippine presidential palace, after Zelenskiy made an unscheduled appearance at Asias biggest security conference in Singapore on the weekend, his second visit to Asia since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Zelenskiy, who wore a black shirt and cargo pants, marked his first visit to the Philippines since his election in 2019.

Thank you for this invitation and we are very thankful to be in your country which supports Ukraine, our territorial integrity and sovereignty, Zelenskiy told Marcos.

Thank you so much of your big word, and clear position about us, about this Russian occupation of our territories, he added.

Ukraine will also open an embassy in Manila this year, Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy addressed the last day of the Shangri-La Dialogue forum, asking for support and participation at a summit in Switzerland planned for June 15-16 aimed at bringing peace to his war-ravaged nation.

Marcos delivered the keynote address at the forum, criticising illegal, coercive and aggressions in the South China Sea, without naming China.

Marcos told Zelenskiy he was honoured the Ukrainian leader visited Manila.

Its a great pleasure to meet, to discuss, issues that are common for both countries, and hopefully, we find ways for both of us together, Marcos said.

Russia, which called its actions in Ukraine a special operation, has not been invited to the planned summit in Switzerland and China has confirmed it will not attend.

Zelenskiy has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to attend, but Washington has not confirmed who it will send.

While in Singapore, Zelenskiy told a news conference that he was not able to meet the Chinese delegation at the conference and was disappointed that Beijing would not attend the summit.
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who retired from the boards of Fox and News Corporation last year, married for the fifth time at age 93 on Saturday, tying the knot with Elena Zhukova, who is a quarter century younger than him.

Murdoch and Elena Zhukova, 67, were wedded at the media moguls California vineyard and estate, called Moraga.

Who is Elena Zhukova?

Zhukova is a retired molecular biologist, specialising in diabetes research, including at the University of California, Los Angeles.

She is the mother of Russian American art collector Dasha Zhukova and the former wife of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Zhukova moved to the United States from Moscow toward the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. In the US, her ex-husband became a billionaire energy investor (he now resides in London as a British citizen).

Her daughter Dasha (42), a prominent philanthropist, entrepreneur and arts patron, was married to the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich until 2017.

Murdoch met Zhukova at a family gathering organised by his third wife, Wendi Deng, The Daily Mail reported in August 2023, when it broke the news of their relationship.

The news of the couples engagement broke in March 2024, beginning a new chapter in his romantic life after his split from conservative radio host Ann Lesley Smith.

Rupert Murdochs Previous Marriages

Murdoch had previously been married four times, most recently to model Jerry Hall, the longtime partner of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

Murdoch, who has six children, was first married to Patricia Booker, an Australian flight attendant, whom he divorced in the late 1960s.

He and his second wife, Anna Torv, a newspaper reporter, were together for more than 30 years before divorcing in 1999. His third marriage to Wendi Deng ended in 2013.

His roller-coaster personal life is often fodder for the tabloid newspaper industry that he helped foster on three continents.

After he divorced Hall in the summer of 2022, Murdoch got engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, a retired dental hygienist, in the spring of 2023. However, he abruptly called off the planned nuptials less than a month later.

About Murdoch

The Australia-born Murdoch, whose media empire includes The Wall Street Journal, Fox News and other influential outlets, and his family have a network of about $20 billion, according to Forbes.

Murdoch handed over control of his global media empire to son Lachlan last November, shifting to an emeritus status.
Shootings in Akron, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, left a total of three people dead and dozens injured Sunday, and as of this writing, no arrests had been reported in either case. Police in both cities were asking the public to call in with any information they have. In Pittsburgh, witnesses say an argument at Ballers Hookah Lounge and Cigar Bar ended in gunfire that left a man and a woman dead and seven others hurt, one of them critically. Police believe at least two people fired guns, WPXI reports. Relatives of a man who worked in the establishment told the station they hadn't heard from him since the shooting, but the victims had not yet been publicly identified.
SFGate gets right to the point in a recent headline: "Thousands of college students trashed a California lake." About 3,000 of them, according to Debbie Carlisi of the US Forest Service's Shasta-Trinity National Forest, who says crews at Shasta Lake spent six hours scooping up the bottles, cans, plastic wrappers, pool floats, and other remnants left behind by students from UC Davis and the University of Oregon over Memorial Day weekend, per the Guardian .

Trash even ended up in the lake itself. "That's going to cause a problem with our fish and wildlife, and it decreases the recreation experience for our next visitors," Carlisi notes, per SFGate. The students had rented out about 130 houseboats on the lake's Slaughterhouse Island, and they'd promised park officials they would clean up after themselves. Carlisi said officials even gave the students trash bags in advance. "Some students used them. Some students didn't," she tells CBS News. Due to the rocky terrain and hazardous water conditions, officials will have to wait until late June or early July, when the water recedes, to retrieve trash at the bottom of the lake.

The two colleges have issued statements on the incident. "The garbage left behind does not represent the values of our institution," was the mea culpa from the University of Oregon, per KGW. The statement added that although the trip wasn't "a university sanctioned or sponsored event," it was "attended by university students, many of whom are members of university-recognized fraternities and sororities." UC Davis similarly said the event wasn't school sanctioned and said it's "exploring ways of working with students to help restore the site or otherwise address the situation," per the Guardian. Carlisi tells SFGate she doesn't think the schools themselves should be blamed for what happened. (More college students stories.)
Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first female president in Mexico's 200-year history, per the AP . ""I didn't make it alone," Sheinbaum said at a downtown hotel shortly after electoral authorities announced she held an irreversible lead. "We've all made it, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters, and our granddaughters." The National Electoral Institute's president said Sheinbaum had between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, according to a statistical sample. Opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez had between 26.6% and 28.6% of the vote and Jorge Alvarez Maynez had between 9.9% and 10.8% of the vote. Sheinbaum's Morena party was also projected to hold majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, said that her two competitors had called her and conceded her victory. The official preliminary count put Sheinbaum 28 points ahead of Galvez with nearly 50% of polling places reporting. The fact that the two leading candidates were women had left little doubt that Mexico would make history Sunday. Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country. She will start her six-year term Oct. 1. Mexico's constitution does not allow reelection.

The leftist has said she believes the government has a strong role to play in addressing economic inequality and providing a sturdy social safety net, much like her political mentor, current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Sheinbaum's victory suggests that the political movement Lopez Obrador created will live on after his presidency. His anointed successor, the 61-year-old Sheinbaum led the campaign wire-to-wire despite a spirited challenge from Galvez. This was the first time in Mexico that the two main opponents were women.

(More Mexico stories.)
As some countries are increasingly expressing support for the Palestinian people in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war , one nation has taken things in a new direction. Per the AP , the Maldives has now banned individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, with the office of President Mohamed Muizzu noting that the country's laws are set to be amended toward that end. A Cabinet subcommittee will oversee the process, according to a release from Muizzu's office.

"Additionally ... the President decided to appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs," the release notes. "The President further decided to set up a fundraising campaign to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine ... and to conduct a nationwide rally under the slogan 'Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin,' which translates to 'Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine' to show support." Last week, Muizzu had called online for "an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence, and unhindered humanitarian access" in Gaza, per CNN.

After the ban was announced on Sunday, Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry warned Israeli citizens to stay away from the Maldives. As for those who decide to stay in the island country, "it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help," per the ministry. The AP notes that in 2023, about 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, about 0.6% of the tourists there. (More Maldives stories.)
"Holding a mock slave auction is unacceptable," a school district superintendent in central Massachusetts said in a letter to parents after a fifth-grade teacher was placed on leave. Superintendent Gregory Martineau said the teacher at Margaret Neary Elementary School in Southborough held "an impromptu mock slave auction" during a history lesson in January, WCVB reports. "The educator asked two children sitting in front of the room, who were of color, to stand, and the educator and class discussed physical attributes" including teeth and strength, Martineau wrote.

"Simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate, and these teaching methods are not to be used," the superintendent wrote. He said that in a second incident months later, "the educator used the 'N-word,'" while discussing a text that had been read aloud, Martineau said. "It was later brought to the District's attention that the 'N-word' does not appear in the book." He said the book had been recommended by one of the teacher's colleagues but wasn't part of the core fifth-grade curriculum.

Both incidents were reported to the district on April 24, Martineau said. He said parents had an opportunity to meet with the teacher and the principal to discuss the incidents, but "the next day, the educator inappropriately called out the student who had reported the educator's use of the racial slur, which is not acceptable." The teacher is on paid administrative leave, he said. The school's principal was also placed on leave for a week early last month, NBC Boston reports. (More Massachusetts stories.)
Hunter Biden arrived at court in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday for jury selection in a federal gun case against him, and he will have a high-profile backer in attendance. First lady Jill Biden arrived shortly after, entering the courthouse in support of her son, per the AP.

President Biden is not present, but he released a statement as the trial was to get underway. "I am the president, but I am also a dad," he said. "Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today."

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.
As it stands, suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is formally accused of murdering four young women. But Newsday and NBC New York report that the number will increase to five later this week. The 60-year-old is expected to be indicted on the new murder charge Thursday. The Suffolk district attorney's office has confirmed the arraignment date, but it is not yet disclosing the name of the victim or where the remains were found. The development comes after authorities conducted a new search at Heuermann's Long Island home and at a wooded area near Manorville.
Minister McClay would participate in the full IPEF Ministerial meeting which included discussions on a Indo-Pacific wide trade agreement.

The agreements looked at anti-corruption efforts and labour standards across the region along with increased international tax cooperation, the government said.

"The third IPEF pillar focuses on increasing trade efficiency. The negotiation of this pillar presents further opportunities for New Zealand to work with partners to reduce Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and drive greater certainty for exporters," McClay said.

While at IPEF he would also be holding bilateral meetings with Ministers from Australia, Canada, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and the United States.

Meanwhile, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts was also set to travel to Singapore to participate in a Clean Economies Investors forum, including a signing ceremony for the Clean Economy Agreement which looked at mobilising investment in technologies and solutions for energy, industry and transport.

He would be joined by a select group of New Zealand clean tech companies that have been invited to pitch to the region's top investors at the inaugural Clean Economy Investor Forum.

"Workstreams on hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel are among those already operating under the Clean Economy Agreement that have a lot to offer New Zealand," Watts said.

RNZ
A prominent 91-year-old psychiatrist who was once close friends with Jeffrey Epstein was sued on Monday (local time) by a onetime model who said he enabled the late financier's sex trafficking, and turned her into his "modern-day sex slave".

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the plaintiff, using a pseudonym Jane Doe 11, said Henry Jarecki raped her repeatedly starting in 2011, after Epstein referred her for mental health treatment following his own sexual abuses.

Doe also said Jarecki was Epstein's "go-to" doctor for treating young women experiencing depression, shared victims' confidential medical information with Epstein, and shielded Epstein from law enforcement.

"The allegations will be shown to be entirely false and baseless," said Sarita Kedia, a lawyer for Jarecki. "Dr. Jarecki never engaged in any abusive conduct with the complainant or any other person."
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasised the significance of the livestock, agriculture, and marine wealth sector He underscored his commitment to supporting this sector through the implementation of comprehensive plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and achieving the Kingdom of Bahrains wide-ranging goals.

HRH Prince Salman was speaking as he met yesterday with the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, at Sakhir Palace. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasised the prominent role of Bahraini professionals in implementing the various development plans, programmes, and initiatives to achieve the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

His Royal Highness underscored that the Kingdom has abundant national competencies within Team Bahrain, which contributes effectively to supporting global development efforts that furthers the Kingdoms international standing across all fields.

He congratulated the Director of the Animal Health Directorate, Dr. Fajr Al Salloum, on her election as Vice President of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Council, wishing her continued success in her endeavours.

Gratitude

Eng. Al Mubarak expressed his gratitude to HRH Prince Salman for his support of Bahraini professionals working in the livestock and agricultural sectors and for the projects and plans implemented by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

The Minister stressed that the Ministry would continue its efforts to achieve the advancement and development of the Kingdom. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, H.E. Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, also attended the meeting.
Comprehensive financial literacy and fraud prevention programs help older adults make informed financial decisions

TORONTO, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ - To mark Seniors Month in June, the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is celebrating the significant contributions older adults make to the country while reaffirming its continued commitment to supporting the well-being and empowerment of older adults in communities across Canada.

CBA Provides Resources to Support the Financial Well-being of Older Adults for Seniors Month (CNW Group/Canadian Bankers Association)

"Older adults make up a considerable part of the banks' customer base in Canada and this group is expected to grow over the coming years1," says Anthony G. Ostler, President and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association. "It is important to banks that all Canadians feel empowered to strengthen their financial literacy and, since older adults are targeted by financial scams, confident in their ability to spot fraud and financial abuse."

Financial Abuse and Fraud Prevention Resources

Free Financial Fraud Prevention Seminars  in collaboration with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), the CBA offers a non-commercial financial literacy seminar program Your Money Seniors to Canadians who are about to retire or have already retired. With dedicated modules on how to recognize financial abuse, better prepare for retirement and fraud prevention, the seminars aim to equip older adults with the tools they need to stay safe from fraud and scams. Seminars are delivered by bankers volunteering their time in their communities and are free of charge.





 in collaboration with the Financial Consumer Agency of (FCAC), the CBA offers a non-commercial financial literacy seminar program to Canadians who are about to retire or have already retired. With dedicated modules on how to recognize financial abuse, better prepare for retirement and prevention, the seminars aim to equip older adults with the tools they need to stay safe from and scams. Seminars are delivered by bankers volunteering their time in their communities and are free of charge. Fraud Prevention Toolkit for Older Adults  the CBA makes fraud prevention toolkits available to help Canadians protect themselves against common and emerging scams. Created in collaboration with the Government of Canada's Get Cyber Safe campaign, the toolkit tailored for older adults includes a fraud prevention checklist and tips to avoid swindles such as phone scams, the grandparent scam, and tech-support scams. Recommendations on how to choose strong passwords and how to recognize and prevent financial abuse are also provided.





 the CBA makes prevention toolkits available to help Canadians protect themselves against common and emerging scams. Created in collaboration with the Government of campaign, the toolkit tailored for older adults includes a prevention checklist and tips to avoid swindles such as phone scams, the grandparent scam, and tech-support scams. Recommendations on how to choose strong passwords and how to recognize and prevent financial abuse are also provided. Financial Abuse Prevention Tips : June 15 is also World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a United Nations International Day to address all aspects of abuse against seniors, including financial abuse, as a public health and human rights issue. The CBA has resources to help combat financial abuse, including downloadable handouts on the following topics:



Financial Abuse  It's not your fault : This handout outlines the common warning signs of financial abuse, tips for identifying abusers, and suggested prevention tactics. Powers of attorney: What Consumers Need to Know : A handout covering the basics of setting up a Power of Attorney and how to protect against financial abuse. Appropriate use of joint accounts : It's important for everyone, including seniors, to be aware of the potential for abuse or conflict when opening joint accounts. This handout provides an overview and suggests alternatives.





: is also (WEAAD), a United Nations International Day to address all aspects of abuse against seniors, including financial abuse, as a public health and human rights issue. The CBA has resources to help combat financial abuse, including downloadable handouts on the following topics: The Code of Conduct to Protect Older Adults  banks in Canada also support the Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors, which reinforces banks' longstanding commitment to respond to the unique, evolving needs of senior customers including training for bank employees on how to help older customers avoid financial abuse, frauds and scams.

_________________________________

1 Statistics Canada, 2021 Census data by age: Proportion (%) of persons aged 65 years and over https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/index-eng.cfm

About the Canadian Bankers Association

The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada's economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca.

Follow the CBA on Twitter: @CdnBankers

Watch videos: Youtube.com/CdnBankers

Follow the CBA on LinkedIn

SOURCE Canadian Bankers Association

Maggie Cheung, Manager, Media Relations, Canadian Bankers Association, [email protected]
The four designs available to be won draw inspiration from some of Canada's favourite Tims donuts: Boston Cream, Honey Cruller, Vanilla Dip and Double Chocolate.

"We're marking our 60th anniversary with a number of fun surprises for our loyal guests throughout the year and we're thrilled to be partnering with adidas for a celebration of some of the most iconic Tims donuts ever," says Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer at Tim Hortons.

"There will only be four pairs of these incredibly cool, Tims-inspired adidas Samba sneakers available to be won and we can't wait to award them to guests as a way to celebrate our 60th together."

Here's a look at each of the four shoe designs:

Boston Cream

This multi-toned design taps into the three colours in a Tims Boston Cream donut: there's a tan suede representing the donut, a brown outline for the chocolate fondant, and a cream colour on the shoe's tongue and lining representing the venetian cream centre.

Honey Cruller

This pair features honey tones that are accentuated by pleating details on the tongue to reflect the curves and textures of the Honey Cruller.

Vanilla Dip

Tanned suedes and white leather mimic the donut and fondant on the Vanilla Dip and are punctuated by a splash of colour featuring the classic donut's sprinkles.

Double Chocolate

Two shades of dark brown suede are paired to evoke the Double Chocolate's donut and fondant icing.

"Tim Hortons 60th anniversary represents an incredible milestone for an iconic Canadian brand, and this collaboration with the adidas Samba - a classic and iconic silhouette that's so loved by Canadians - is a fun and special way to mark the occasion," says Kelly Graham, VP Marketing, adidas Canada.

Celebrate National Donut Day with Tim Hortons in style by entering for a chance to win* one of these exclusive donut-inspired kicks at www.timshop.ca/nationaldonutday, between June 3-7. Winners will be drawn on June 10.

*Rules apply. No purchase necessary. Open to 16+ residents of Canada only. Full rules and entry details at timshop.ca/nationaldonutday.

About Tim Hortons

In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. Over nearly 60 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages  including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps  alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,700 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of  21.4 billion in 2023.

SOURCE Tim Hortons

For further information: [email protected]
In 2018, Yusaku Maezawa announced dearMoon, the worlds first civilian circumlunar voyage aboard SpaceXs space vehicle, Starship. The plan had included artists from around the world who would participate in the project to share the invaluable experience in space with the rest of the world. Arrangements were made with SpaceX to target the launch by the end of 2023.

Unfortunately, however, launch within 2023 became unfeasible, and without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable decision to cancel the project. To all who have supported this project and looked forward to

this endeavor, we sincerely appreciate it and apologize for this outcome.

Yusaku Maezawa had a net worth over $3 billion in 2018 but his worth has declined to $1.35 billion in 2024.

Yusaku Maezawa founded Japans largest online fashion mall, Zozotown, in May 1998. Its parent company, Zozo, is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In September 2019, Maezawa announced that he was resigning as CEO and selling most of his stake to Yahoo Japan in a deal worth more than $2.3 billion. Maezawa got his start selling CDs and records of his favorite bands by mail from his home. He collects modern art and plans to build a museum to display it in Chiba, east of Tokyo. In 2021, Maezawa flew on a Russian Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station for a 12-day trip.

SpaceX Starship program is focused on a manned NASA moon landing program and on increasing the launch rate and size of Starlink satellites. The Starlink program has 6000 smaller satellites in orbit. When Starship is able to launch it will enable ten to a hundred times the satellites that are about ten times the size and capability. SpaceX Starship Starlink launches will increase SpaceX revenue from $10 billion per year now to hundreds of billions per year within about 3 years.
A Bergen County man already facing charges he exposed himself and masturbated in front of a child in Englewood faces charges in two other similar incidents involving more children, authorities said.

Dawid Iwaszek, 34, of Englewood, was arrested last month and charged with second-degree criminal sexual assault by sexual contact, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree lewdness for an incident that occurred in front of a child on May 23, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

During the course of the investigation, similarities were noted between this incident and at least two other incidents that previously occurred in the Englewood and Teaneck area, Musella said in a statement. As a result of the continuing investigation, those two other incidents involving separate victims were determined to have been committed by (Iwaszek).
The mayor of Jersey City himself brokered the bargain, a deal that brought two rival local healthcare systems into a surprising partnership to chart a future for four of Hudson Countys six hospitals.

Now it appears to have crumbled.
It Feels Like we need to get our hands on Gracie Abrams concert tickets before they sell out.

After opening for Taylor Swift on several Eras Tour dates, Abrams is ready to hit the road on her own North American tour beginning on Sept. 5 in Portland.

The Secret of Us Tour will wrap up on Oct. 10 in Portland, Maine.

While on tour, Abrams will perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Oct. 4.

Role Model will serve as the special guest for the duration of The Secret of Us Tour.

The North American tour is in support of Abrams upcoming sophomore album, The Secret of Us, which is out June 21.

Following The Secret of Us tour, Gracie will rejoin Taylor Swift on the highly acclaimed Eras Tour as support for the second North American leg.

Last year, she joined Taylor for over 30 shows across the U.S. before performing a limited run of sold-out acoustic shows with Aaron Dessner in New York City, Nashville and Los Angeles.

Abrams 2023 Good Riddance Tour sold out in under an hour, meaning that you cannot wait to secure tickets to this 2024 tour.

How much are Gracie Abrams 2024 tour tickets?

While tickets didnt officially go on sale yet to the public through Ticketmaster, there are currently tickets available on secondary market websites.

The cheapest tickets for Gracie Abrams Radio City Music Hall concert, before fees at the time of publication, is $140 on StubHub.

However, if these sell out or you want to just wait for the official tour sale, then there will be several presales leading up to the general sale that will begin on June 4 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

It will wrap up on June 6 at 10 p.m. through Ticketmaster.

The general sale for Gracie Abrams tour will begin on June 7 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

Tickets are also available on Vivid Seats, StubHub, TicketCity and SeatGeek.

If you find that you never secure the tickets at the best cost or in the section you want to be in through StubHub, you can find some tips and tricks here.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

A complete list of Gracie Abrams show dates is available here.

Radio City Music Hall Upcoming Tours 2024

Gracie Abrams is not the only artist heading to Radio City Music Hall while on tour.

Here are a few other upcoming tours you wont want to miss: Barry Manilow, Vance Joy, Lizzy McAlpine and Lainey Wilson.

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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
A 25-year-old New Jersey man stabbed his sleeping mother to death in their Howell home early Monday, authorities said.

Loretta Parody, 61, died of her injuries at an area hospital after her son Robert Parody attacked her at their house on Porter Road shortly before 1:30 a.m., the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said.

A motive was not disclosed.

Parody is charged with murder and weapons offenses. He is being held at the Monmouth County jail ahead of a detention hearing. Attorney information wasnt immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to call prosecutors office Detective Joshua Rios at 800-533-7443 or Howell police Sgt. Nick Saltzman at 732-938-4111.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
They lived in Trump World before escaping, and now theyre Never Trumpers who have, on many occasions, sounded the alarm about what Donald Trumps second presidential term would be like.

And now, Stephanie Grisham and Alyssah Farah are telling voters: Dont believe the Trump and GOP gaslighting that the former presidents conviction on 34 felony counts in his hush-money and election-interference case has made him a stronger candidate.

We know better, however, than to be sold a bill of goods, the two wrote in an op-ed for CNN. Reality looks very different. Voters should always be wary of Trump World and right-wing media messaging.

MORE POLITICS

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After Boebert smackdown, people want this no-nonsense guy moderating Trump-Biden debates

They point to a fresh poll by ABC/Ipsos that shows that 52% of independents and 16% of Republicans believe Trump should suspend his campaign as a result of his criminal conviction. The Republican percentge, they say, lines up with those who chose Nikki Haley over Trump in GOP primaries.

They add: Trumps supporters would also have us believe that countless people who never voted for him before are suddenly moved to support him because of his criminal conviction in a scheme involving falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment for an affair with a pornstar.

Now, it is very possible that a lot of Trump voters gave to his campaign in outrage after Thursdays verdict. We both know many voters like that  we have them in our families. We find it far harder to believe, however, that fence-sitters suddenly felt compelled to support Trump because he was convicted of a crime.

More from them: Dont get us wrong: Trumps conviction has hardened his support among those who were already with him. We fear it will even further radicalize the most extreme elements of his base.

But the notion that the main message he needs to win over swing voters in battleground states is that he is, for the umpteenth time, a victim of something, or that the system is rigged against him feels like not only a stretch, but a real miscalculation. Voters are simply not that gullible.

Grisham served as White House press secretary and communications director for Trump and wasChief of Staff to Melania Trump. Griffin, a CNN political commentator, served as communications director for Trump and press secretary to Vice President Mike Pence and for the US Department of Defense.

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A 60-year-old man is missing Sunday after a fire destroyed a mixed-use apartment building in Paterson, officials said.

The fire was reported to officials shortly after 3 a.m. in the 100 block of Broadway and required a mutual aid response, said Jerry Speziale, Patersons public safety director. The property is a commercial building with residential units above, officials said.

The fire was extinguished by Sunday 3:00 p.m., but fire personnel remained on scene to keep an eye out for hotspots, according to officials.

The massive eight-alarm fire displaced 17 people, Speziale said.

The American Red Cross of New Jersey did not immediately respond Sunday to requests for comment on temporary relocation for residents.

After the blaze, authorities were notified by the buildings owner that one person was unaccounted for, a white male in his 60s, Speziale said. The mans identity is known, but not immediately being publicized.

They cant get in contact with him, Speziale said.

A contractor is methodically taking the building down, authorities said.

Were hoping people scattered because of the flames and we just cant get in touch with them for right now, said Speziale.

Were all praying that thats going to be the case, said Speziale.

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NJ Advance Media fellow Nyah Marshall contributed to this report.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
The internet has spoken and it wants Colorados 9NEWS journalist Kyle Clark to moderate the upcoming debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Why?

Because of his holding to account people vying for a congressional seat in his state, particularly controversial Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.

Clark called out Bobert for taking credit for federal funds she voted against, as well as her infamous night at the theater last year when she was kicked out of a Beetlejuice musical following complaints from people in the audience that she and another guest were vaping, singing, using phones and causing a disturbance.

Did you apologize for lying to voters about what you did that night and the disrespect you showed to service workers, he asked. What specifically were you apologizing for?

I dont believe there was disrespect. Things were absolutely taken out of context, Boebert shot back.

Well, it has been reported that I flipped someone off and I did not, she said. I think it has been very mischaracterized. Im apologizing for you, Kyle Clark, for getting video and releasing that and people seeing it in a very private moment.

.@KyleClark and he should moderate every city, state and federal political debate into perpetuity. https://t.co/RpC0mnKWop  Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) June 1, 2024

Boebert initially denied she was vaping during the musical. But video later emerged that showed Boebert vaping at her seat in a Denver theater.

When the lights were still on and as people were taking their seats around Boebert, she could be seen in the surveillance video putting her hand to her mouth then blowing out a cloud of vapor. After the lights went off, the footage showed Boebert dancing in her seat and flashes from her phone as she held it up and appeared to take photos of herself during the performance.

Biden and Trump agreed earlier last month to hold two campaign debates  the first on June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC.

The quick agreement on the timetable followed the Democrats announcement that he would not participate in fall presidential debates sponsored by the nonpartisan commission that has organized them for more than three decades. Bidens campaign instead proposed that media outlets directly organize the debates between the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees.

The debate is so unusually early on the political calendar that neither Biden nor Trump will have formally accepted his partys nomination.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
President Joe Bidens son Hunter is in the courtroom Monday for a federal gun case against him and First Lady Jill Biden showed up for support.

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

News: Jill Biden comes to the Wilmington courthouse for Hunters trial. pic.twitter.com/p8pCFBAVFT  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 3, 2024

He has pleaded not guilty and has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

The trial comes just days after Donald Trump, Republicans presumptive 2024 presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the criminal courtroom has taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings.

POTUS statement as his son's trial gets underway. pic.twitter.com/bWcdj7ldQ1  Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) June 3, 2024

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
FUZHOU, June 2 (Xinhua) -- In early summer, Luo Qiliang was pleased to see his orchard full of vitality, with passion fruit vines producing lush foliage and climbing trellises. This is the eighth year that Luo has grown passion fruit in his home county of Wuping in the city of Longyan, east China's Fujian Province. "I planted more than 60 mu (4 hectares) of passion fruit, with an average profit of about 15,000 yuan (about 2,110.06 U.S. dollars) per mu last year," he said. Located in a mountainous area, Wuping has less than 1 mu of arable land per capita, and local farmers previously earned a living through planting cash crops and raising pigs. However, small-scale pig breeding has caused pollution in the surrounding rivers. Around 2014, the local government encouraged farmers to shift their livelihoods to planting passion fruit. Wuping's climate, which features ample sunshine and abundant rainfall, is suitable for growing golden passion fruit, a popular variety in the market, according to Lin Wenming from the county's agriculture and rural affairs bureau. "So we organized farmers to visit major passion fruit producing areas like Guangxi and Hainan and started to plant the fruit," Lin said. Wuping's passion fruits are of high quality and have proved popular in the market, a fact that has encouraged the rapid development of the industry in the county. Eight standardized seedling-raising bases have been built in the county, along with more than 30 fruit processing centers, forming a complete industrial chain. In 2023, the county's passion fruit planting area amounted to 1,920 hectares, with an output of 35,000 tonnes. "The river used to be quite dirty and smelly, but now it's clear," Lin said, while noting that this is a result of the county developing its industry in line with local conditions. Wuping's passion fruit industry also rides the waves of e-commerce. According to Wang Xiuzhen, head of Fujian Youxuan Agricultural Development, a local enterprise specializing in planting and selling passion fruit, the company saw its passion fruit orders on the e-commerce platforms of Alibaba, China's e-commerce giant, exceed 200,000 in a single day last year, hitting a record. According to Wang, the company has also introduced more production lines to turn out additional products, such as dried passion fruit and passion fruit yogurt. "Passion fruit can be made into biological feed and it also has medicinal value, representing its huge potential market," Wang added. In recent years, the local government has made efforts to promote the brand image of "Wuping passion fruit" by monitoring the production process to ensure quality. Related events have been organized to boost local tourism, promoting the integrated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries.
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Its been a while since Aaron Boudreaux played a MoPodna show. The New Orleans-based musician in recent years has been busy drumming in synthpop band People Museum and working with other artists, and Boudreaux would turn to his electro-pop solo project for an occasional single release or a livestreaming show during the pandemic.

The last MoPodna show in New Orleans was in early 2020 when Boudreaux opened for electronic musician Dan Deacon, right before the pandemic shut down music venues. But in 2022, a fan living in California reached out to Boudreaux to play a MoPodna set at her companys launch party in Malibu.

It ended up being an important weekend for Boudreaux, and its a pivotal event on I Can Save Me, his new full-length album as MoPodna.

MoPodna released I Can Save Me last week, and there will be an album release show at 9 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Chickie Wah Wah. MoPodna will be joined by People Museums Claire Givens, Tif Lamson and Alexis Marceaux, all of whom have appeared on multiple MoPodna songs over the years.

The first MoPodna full-length following a trio of EPs, the 10-track I Can Save Me is house-inspired, vibey electro-pop thats thoughtful and full of interesting moments. Givens, Lamson and Julie Odell contribute vocals to the self-produced album, and Boudreaux allows his own voice to come to the front on some tracks in ways he hasnt before.

The songs on I Can Save Me are in chronological order to when they were written, Boudreaux says, resulting in an intimate album that inadvertently follows Boudreaux through a transformational time in his life. The beat-forward album opener, Im Nasty, developed from a demo he played live in 2019.

It kind of starts with my life in 2018, 2019, as Im sort of growing as my own artist, Boudreaux says.

Boudreaux, who grew up in Lafayette, has spent a lot of his music career behind the drum kit. He has played with zydeco musician Cedric Watson, pop band GIVERS and others, but as a fan of house music and acts like Aphex Twin, Boudreaux was itching for another outlet. Boudreaux also over the years has made beats and produced and engineered for other artists.

In 2016, he started the project Sightsee with vocalist Dillon Frazer, which was Boudreauxs first foray into writing electronic music. The duo released a four-song EP, but Frazer ultimately moved away from New Orleans, and Boudreaux launched his MoPodna solo project in 2018.

MoPodna ended up being my way of allowing myself to release whatever kind of electronic music I want to, with whatever way my taste evolves, Boudreaux says. The project also gives him the chance to collaborate with others, like Givens, Lamson and Danish vocalist Signe Krog.

As I Can Save Me progresses, Boudreaux reflects on a terrible night when he was roofied at a New Orleans bar. He made it home safely, but it was a shock.

It was one of the first times I wrote a really raw, honest song with hyper-realistic lyrics, Boudreaux says. Ive never done that. I usually hide behind electronic production or masking my voice.

During the pandemic, Boudreaux began having recurring dreams about his late father, which motived the mirage-esque, introspective track The Dream : Waking Up. The song also bridges the album into its heavier second half.

The second half of I Can Save Me is focused on Boudreauxs break-up with his long-term partner and how his life has changed in the last couple of years. Theres the initial split, followed by grappling with depression amid entering a new stage of life.

A pair of songs, Jaws of Life and Stay, which features Givens, circle around Boudreauxs 2022 trip to the West Coast, where he met his now girlfriend. The album closes with the bittersweet Best Friends looking back at Boudreauxs previous nine-year relationship.

Giving credence to that nine-year relationship as such a huge part of my life, wrapping it up on a positive note and having the end of the song being the beat that takes you out to the next chapter of your life just all felt perfect, Boudeaux says.

Tickets for the album release show are $15 via chickiewahwah.com and $20 at the door. Find MoPodna on Instagram, @mopodna.
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Three university students are making significant steps in their career journeys through apprenticeship programs at Torridge District Council.

Starting out their careers in planning and building control, Jess Wellington and Bethany Hobbs, are both undertaking an Urban Planning degree apprenticeship with Torridge District Council, through the University of West of England, whilst Kian Anstey, is studying a degree in Building Control Surveying, through the University of Wolverhampton.

The students are all coming towards the end of their first year of studies, combining working at the Councils office in Bideford, with studying one day a week at their respective universities.

Bethany Hobbs, Apprentice Planning Officer, said: Whilst I assist all teams across the Development Management department, my main role is as a planning officer, dealing with my own caseload. My day-to-day role consists of going out on site, writing delegated reports and pre-application responses; ultimately applying all the knowledge we are learning at university to the job. So far, I am really enjoying the apprenticeship, although it is challenging at times completing assignments and off-the-job hours, the team make it so enjoyable and support us throughout the whole process."

Jess Wellington, Apprentice Planning Officer said: My apprenticeship has given me a fantastic opportunity to earn a secure income whilst working towards my degree, it has provided me with a hands-on learning approach which I feel is very beneficial as it will help me to progress further in my career and to obtain my chartership from the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Kian Anstey, Building Control Apprentice said: A great benefit of the degree apprenticeship is that it allows me to work towards my degree while also gaining first-hand site experience, something that a conventional degree does not offer.

Sarah Ayres, Human Resources and Communications Manager, said: We are proud to be able to provide students with first-hand experience at the start of their career journey and provide them with the opportunity to put the lessons theyve learned in the classroom into practice in real life situations. When it comes to taking their next career steps, being able to demonstrate that they have undertaken a significant work experience placement will be invaluable. The team has been incredibly impressed with the work they are producing and feel very lucky to have this group of students who have a fantastic 'can do' attitude and positive outlook. Anyone can apply for work experience at the Council, so please don't hesitate to contact the Council's Human Resources team if you are interested in a placement."
Bideford's Art Upstairs gallery is set to host a Charity Art Exhibition from Friday, June 7, to Sunday, June 9, in support of the Alzheimer's Society.

Organised by members of the 'New Atlantic Wave' group of artists and makers, the exhibition will feature artworks from over 180 members of ArtMakers.

This event, marking the first charity exhibition at Art Upstairs since its opening in July 2023, highlights the local artistic community's dedication to supporting those affected by dementia. With the fourth exhibition of the year, artists aim to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care and research across the UK.

Art enthusiasts can expect a diverse display of original oil paintings, ceramic sculptures, prints, and cards capturing the essence of North Devon's landscape, local landmarks, and imaginative creations.

Phil Parker, Director of ArtMakers, shared his personal connection to the cause.

He said: Most of us have some personal knowledge of people suffering from dementia from relatives to neighbours. For me it is a family member and our next door neighbour  so every week we realise memories are slipping away.

Visitors to the exhibition have described the experience as "inspirational," emphasising the impact of art in raising awareness and supporting charitable causes.

The event will commence with a private view on Friday, June 7, followed by public viewing from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9.

Located on the 1st Floor, 24 the Quaye in Bideford, with entrance on Bridgeland Street, the Art Upstairs gallery invites individuals to contribute to the Alzheimer's Society's mission even if they cannot attend the exhibition in person.

For people who will not be able to attend the event they are able to donate to Alzheimers Society on behalf of ArtMakers at https://www.justgiving.com/page/artmakersartexhibition?
HEBRON  Detectives took eleven dogs into the care of Lake County Animal Control and Adoption on Friday after they found them living in unsanitary conditions on a property on East 145th Avenue, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said Saturday.

Police arrived to find many of the animals covered in feces with matted fur and open wounds, Martinez said. Some of the animals could not walk properly because of their wounds.

The owner of the dogs said she was suffering from a "serious illness" and wasn't able to care for the dogs, Martinez said.

Multiple miniature Shetland Sheepdogs, three German Shepherds and a Komondor were taken to the animal control center and evaluated by a veterinarian, Martinez said. The veterinarian is in the process of determining what kind of care each dog will need going forward.

Additional animals found at the home, including 15 horses, a goat and several geese and chickens, were not taken by detectives. A Lake County sheriff's department spokesperson did not immediately respond to request for comment on their condition.

"As Sheriff, I am deeply committed to the welfare of all animals in our community," Martinez said. "I am dedicated to ensuring these dogs receive the love, care, and safe environment they deserve. We will continue to work to protect and advocate for the well-being of the animals in our jurisdiction."

Martinez made no mention of criminal charges, however, an investigation into the case is ongoing.
The executive editor of The Washington Post, Sally Buzbee, will leave her role, a major and sudden change at one of the nations pre-eminent news organizations.

Matt Murray, the former editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal, will take her place through the presidential election, the company said on Sunday night. He will start in the role immediately. Robert Winnett, a deputy editor of the Telegraph Media Group in Britain, will take over after the election.

Mr. Murray will then transition to a new role, the company said in a news release, building a new division of The Washington Post focused on service and social media journalism.

At that point, Mr. Winnett, Mr. Murray and David Shipley, who oversees the opinion section at The Post, will each report independently to Will Lewis, the chief executive and publisher.
The top prosecutor in Minneapolis has dropped murder charges against a state trooper who fatally shot a motorist last year after a traffic stop, her office said on Sunday, a stunning turnaround in a case that ignited a political firestorm.

The trooper, Ryan Londregan, had been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Ricky Cobb II. But the prosecutor, Mary Moriarty, a longtime public defender who was elected Hennepin County attorney in 2022, said she concluded that the evidence was too weak to take to trial.

For months, Ms. Moriarty defended the murder charges amid criticism from both Democratic and Republican officials, as well as law enforcement officials. In a statement on Sunday, she said that the announcement dismissing the charges was one of the most difficult Ive made in my career.

The pushback over the charges reflected a shifting view on policing in the state four years after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a national outcry over racism and abuses by law enforcement. Mr. Cobb, 33, was Black; Trooper Londregan, 27, is white.
My blood speaks Spanish to me, Angelica Garcia sang in Red Moon Rising, a track on her 2016 debut album, Medicine for Birds. Garcia, who was born in California, was living in Virginia; the album leaned toward indie-rock and Americana. But the lyric turned out to be prophetic.

She was already thinking about the legacy of her maternal grandparents, who are from Mexico and El Salvador, and the musical heritage her parents maintained. Garcias second album, Cha Cha Palace, delved further into what it meant to be a Chicana growing up bicultural in the San Gabriel Valley  a quintessentially American experience, yet a very individual one. Been wearing my roots and flying this flag, she sang in Jicama, which former President Barack Obama listed among his favorite songs of 2019.

One day I showed my grandmother Cha Cha Palace, Garcia, 30, said in a video interview from the kitchen of her apartment in Los Angeles. And I realized Id made this whole record about growing up in El Monte, and she didnt even understand it. It just hit me that Im missing a whole side of my culture and people because of the language Im choosing to write in.

Garcias new album, Gemelo (Twin), out Friday, expands on both her bloodlines and her ambitions, and features lyrics in Spanish. True to its title, its songs are full of dualities: angels and demons, grief and healing, dreams and realities, mirror images. The album opens with a somber chorale titled Reflexiones (Reflections), while in Gemini, Garcia sings, I see double everywhere I go.
President Biden is expected to sign an executive order tomorrow allowing him to temporarily seal the U.S. border with Mexico to migrants when crossings surge. The move, which is all but certain to be challenged in court, would represent the single most restrictive border policy instituted by Biden, or any other modern Democrat.

The order would allow border officials to turn away migrants who claim asylum once border crossings exceed a certain threshold  restricting what has long been the surest way for migrants to stay in the U.S. White House officials have discussed setting the cutoff at 2,500 illegal crossings per day. If that level is set, the border would immediately be closed because roughly 3,500 migrants are currently apprehended each day.

Biden pushed Congress earlier this year to enact a similar policy into law, but Republicans thwarted the bill, saying it was not strong enough. Now under intense political pressure to address illegal migration, a top concern of voters ahead of the November election, the president has decided to use his executive authority.

Bidens move underscores how the politics of immigration have tilted to the right. Many Democrats, including Biden, condemned a similar effort by Donald Trump in 2018 to restrict long-established protections for asylum seekers. Federal courts blocked his attempt. Now the former presidents harder line on immigration appears to be resonating more broadly.
Chinas top security ministry accused Britains MI6 intelligence agency on Monday of persuading a married couple working for unnamed central Chinese government bodies to become spies for the British government, the latest in a volley of continuing espionage accusations between the two countries.

In a post on its official WeChat account, Chinas Ministry of State Security said MI6 British intelligence officials had lured a man with the surname Wang, who worked for a Chinese government agency with part-time consulting work that paid him a high salary during his visit to Britain as part of an exchange program.

The Chinese ministry said MI6 trained Mr. Wang to become a spy and ordered him to return to China to gather intelligence. It said that his wife, who has the surname Zhou, also agreed to spy for Britain. China said the matter was under further investigation, but it is not clear whether the couple are being detained by the Chinese authorities.

This is the latest in a series of back-and-forth espionage accusations between Beijing and London, a source of escalating tension between the two countries.
The attorney general for the District of Columbia reached a $40 million settlement with Michael Saylor and the software company he founded, MicroStrategy, in what the attorney generals office said was the largest income tax fraud recovery in Washington history.

The settlement, which was announced on Monday, stems from lawsuits filed in 2021 and 2022 accusing Mr. Saylor of evading more than $25 million in income taxes in Washington. Mr. Saylor enlisted MicroStrategys help to file fraudulent forms from 2005 through 2020 that claimed he lived in either Virginia or Florida, states with significantly lower income tax rates, the attorney generals office said; he did not pay income taxes to the district during that period.

MicroStrategy and Mr. Saylor deny any wrongdoing. They agreed to the $40 million settlement, which included interest and penalties, to avoid the expense and time of legal action, according to the settlement. Mr. Saylor, who is the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, stepped down as chief executive in 2022. As part of a separate agreement between Mr. Saylor and MicroStrategy, he has agreed to pay the full settlement amount, MicroStrategy said in a regulatory filing Monday.

Michael Saylor and his company, MicroStrategy, defrauded the district and all of its residents for years, Brian L. Schwalb, the attorney general, said in a statement. Indeed, Saylor openly bragged about his tax-evasion scheme, encouraging his friends to follow his example and contending that anyone who paid taxes to the district was stupid.
Toyota Motor, Honda Motor and other top Japanese automakers said on Monday that internal investigations found they had mishandled vehicle testing on dozens of models over the past decade.

Toyota said it had failed to gather proper data when doing pedestrian and occupant safety tests for three models, including its popular Yaris Cross sport utility vehicle. Honda and Mazda Motor said they, too, had identified problems related to the testing of several models.

The automakers, which the Japanese government had told to open the investigations, said the testing failures would not affect the performance or safety of their vehicles and that customers could continue to use them normally. Still, Toyota said it would temporarily halt shipments of three of the affected models it produces in Japan. Mazda said it would suspend sales of two Japan models.

The testing problems revealed Monday by Toyota, Honda and Mazda were conducted in Japan to meet the Japanese governments certification standards. The vehicles at issue were sold in Japan.
Larry Bensky, a radio journalist whose reporting on major political events made him the signature voice of Pacifica Radio, a network of progressive, listener-supported stations, died on May 19 at his home in Berkeley, Calif. He was 87.

His wife, Susie Bluestone, said he died in home hospice care.

Mr. Benskys gavel-to-gavel coverage of the congressional Iran-contra hearings of 1987 put the Pacifica network on the map, earning him a prestigious Polk Award for radio reporting.

Mr. Bensky, who called himself an activist-journalist, brought leftist views to reporting  often on people and issues under-covered by other news outlets  which he hoped would, as he often put it, stir things up.

That was hardly a fringe view in the progressive ethos of the Bay Area, where he was based, though he still managed to transgress the boundaries on a regular basis. The free-form rock station KSAN, the voice of Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s, threw him off the air for interviewing workers who had been fired by one of the stations sponsors.
Just as the weather calls us to long evenings outdoors in short sleeves and sundresses, mosquitoes show up. At best, theyre annoying. At worst, they spread disease.

And then there are those terrifying ticks, which can be active year round.

To combat these bloodsuckers, companies offer a deluge of products and services. The problem is, some can harm bees, butterflies, moths and fireflies. Insects pollinate plants, provide critical protein for all kinds of baby birds and nourish the soil. Many insects are facing alarming declines.

But no one wants to be itchy or sick. In addition to covering up or dousing yourself in bug spray, what can you do?

Killing the wrong bugs

In the world of bug control, theres a term for accidental victims: nontarget insects.

Its clear that treating large areas with pesticides can kill or harm bugs other than mosquitoes and ticks. Whats less clear is the degree to which that happens.

The nontarget insects have not been studied well enough, said Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware and a leader in the growing effort to support ecosystems by planting native species in yards.

Dr. Tallamy and many nonprofit groups that advocate for nature, including the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the National Wildlife Federation, recommend that individuals avoid spraying for mosquitoes and ticks. They point out that even a pesticide that is marketed as natural (for example, some sprays are derived from chrysanthemums) can still do damage.
If you are going to make a documentary about danger, you have to take your camera to daring places. You have to point it at nefarious subjects, doing brazen things, and capture a level of authenticity essential for a credible film.

That was the case for the crew on State of Silence, which explores the existential threats faced by journalists in Mexico. For the documentarys tense opening segment, the team accompanied the reporter Jesus Medina on a nighttime search for illegal loggers cutting down trees in a remote forest in the state of Morelos. When Medina, with his camera in hand, encountered one, the unsuspecting transgressor was fully masked  and brandishing a thundering chainsaw.

As Medina began his interview with the logger, the film crew was just a few steps behind, recording the scene while both men did their risky jobs, and as the journalist  no stranger to precarious assignments  de-escalated the situation into a businesslike conversation between two professionals.
In New York, the state legislative session runs for roughly 60 days spread out from January to early June, but most of the actual passing of bills occurs over two periods. The first is when the state passes its budget, a document so overstuffed with unrelated bills that its known around the State Capitol as the big ugly.

Lawmakers are now entering the second period, as they and Gov. Kathy Hochul rush to squeeze in legislative priorities they couldnt shoehorn into the budget.

In most years, the Legislature passes roughly 1,000 bills for the governor to sign or veto. So far, just over 300 bills have passed both houses this year, teeing up what could be a very busy final week of session, if history is a guide.

Some proposals, like a measure that would restrict social media companies from using algorithms on minors, are known to have the backing of Ms. Hochul, a centrist Democrat from Buffalo. Others  like a bill restricting state business with companies that contribute to tropical deforestation  seem likely to face a steeper road to becoming law.
About 150 people gathered outside an apartment building in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn Monday evening for a somber purpose: to pay tribute to Jasai Guy, a 15-year-old boy who, the police said, had been fatally shot by a 12-year-old cousin.

Mourners lit votive candles, wrote messages on a poster board and clutched blue and white balloons. About a dozen New York City firefighters, colleagues of the dead teenagers father, were among those in the crowd.

Cassandra Vassell, who identified herself as Jasais maternal grandmother, told the mourners that her grandson was a sweet child and that what we need right now is prayers.

Also at the vigil was Derelle Guy, Jasais father, who described his son as a beautiful soul.

Know who Jasai Guy was, Mr. Guy said. He was an honors student. He was a spelling bee champion of the division. He was a track star. As his friends said, he inspired them to be better.
He could have been anywhere. Delivering a speech to a group of Belgian businessmen this year, Barack Obama warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, climate change and geopolitical conflict. More local matters were close at hand: Belgium was entering an election year, and its capital, Brussels, home to some of Europes most hallowed institutions, had weathered a year of geopolitical shocks. Yet Mr. Obama wouldnt be drawn into questions about national politics. A visit to the Magritte Museum and the king was the extent of his engagement.

The hesitancy is understandable. In what is billed as the largest election year in human history, with about half of the planet heading to polls, Belgium cuts a rather inconspicuous figure. The countrys politics are colorful and forbiddingly complex; outsiders are prone to be puzzled by a country with a population roughly equal to metropolitan Pariss that has six governments across three regions and three languages. On June 9, Belgians go to the polls, including for a round of European Parliament voting. Anyone worried about the direction of the continent should pay attention.

For all its singularity, Belgium tells a quintessentially European story. Against a backdrop of ailing public services, precarious labor markets, waning traditional parties and intractable regional divisions, a far right is readying itself for power. In Brussels, the seat of the European Union, rising crime, pollution and decaying infrastructure symbolize a continent in decline. With unusual clarity, Belgium shows what Europe has become in the 21st century: a continent subject to history rather than driving it.

Set within the European panorama of decline, Belgian politics also exhibit some curious features: The work force unionization rate has remained steady at around 50 percent in the past 10 years, and Belgium has had an impressive record on inequality and wages. Yet this has hardly stopped the politics of resentment in the country, which is particularly potent in the Dutch-speaking northern region of Flanders.
On the evening of April 14, 2023, I was at a concert in Khartoum. The end of Ramadan was near, and the audience listened to the ouds, tambours and kanoons of Bait Al Oud, an orchestra set up to preserve traditional Sudanese instruments. I sang along to songs made popular by the 2019 revolution and then floated home, my spirits high.

The next day I watched fighter jets fire rockets into the neighborhoods where I grew up.

Thousands of people have been killed since fighting erupted just over a year ago between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, a powerful paramilitary group that is the latest iteration of the janjaweed, or devils on horseback, which was central to the ethnic cleansing in Darfur in the 2000s. The R.S.F. helped to crack down on pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 and, with its general Mohamed Hamdan (widely known as Hemeti), was part of a power-sharing regime that fell apart in April.

Now it is at war with its former partners in government, and the Sudanese people have become collateral damage. A report from Human Rights Watch in May detailed the R.S.F.s ethnic-cleansing campaign against the Masalit and other non-Arab people in West Darfur. There have been other reports of summary executions, torture and rape. Across the country, more than 11 million people have been displaced. Homes have been occupied and looted. Museums have been targeted and their contents probably sold, destroyed or just taken.

In the 2021 coup, the R.S.F. and the military delayed the revolutions dream of a democratic, pluralistic Sudan. Now the R.S.F. is intent on destroying any evidence that another Sudan could ever exist or ever did. If the rest of the world continues to look away, it may succeed.
A truism of the Trump era is that every accusation is a confession. When Donald Trump hurls wild charges at his opponents, he is telegraphing what he plans to do to them, pre-emptively justifying the breaking of laws and norms by casting himself as the victim of the very misdeeds hes going to commit.

That is how we should understand Trumps ranting in the wake of his 34 felony convictions last week. After he was found guilty, he told reporters gathered outside the courthouse, This was done by the Biden administration in order to wound or hurt an opponent. Its tedious to fact-check such claims  the MAGA movement doesnt care whats true and whats not  but President Biden had nothing to do with the state case brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney. And as if to underline Bidens refusal to interfere in Justice Department decisions, the federal prosecution of the presidents son Hunter Biden began this week. In spinning this fantasy about Biden, Trump is telegraphing that, should he return to the White House, he will try to use the Justice Department in exactly the way hes pretending it was used against him. When the former president compares himself to the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died earlier this year in an Arctic prison colony, hes giving himself permission to act like Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with three Fox News hosts on Sunday, his first since his conviction, Trump all but promised that his second term would be even more corrupt and vindictive than his first. In his telling, he never called for Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned, and magnanimously resisted the entreaties of others to punish her. Next time, he suggested, he wont be so nice. They always said lock her up, and I felt  and I could have done it, but I felt it would have been a terrible thing, he said. And then this happened to me, and so I may feel differently about it.

Speaking to the Fox hosts, Trump denied saying the words that were the refrain to his first presidential campaign: I didnt say, Lock her up. That is, of course, a preposterous lie, the kind that demonstrates Trumps strongman ability to get his followers to accept absurdities. And lock her up, its important to remember, was never just rhetoric. As the Mueller report revealed, Trump demanded that his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, whod recused himself from investigations involving the 2016 campaign, go after Clinton. According to Sessions, the President asked him to reverse his recusal so that Sessions could direct the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute Hillary Clinton, the Mueller report said. Eventually, attempting to placate his boss, Sessions tapped U.S. Attorney John Huber of Utah to probe the rights allegations about the Clinton Foundation, but Huber came up empty.
The conversation naturally turned into a series of questions. Like how important was it for a photograph to have expanded the possibilities of the medium? And how much did it matter who took a photo and what their intentions were? The list that emerged is less concerned with a historical chronology or an accepted canon than it is with a set of themes that have been linked indelibly to the photographic medium since its inception: labor and activism; war; the self and the family. Intriguingly, beyond an image by Wolfgang Tillmans from the 90s, fashion photography is largely absent. So, too, are many world historical events that have been captured in landmark photographs, including the assassination of JFK, the fall of the Berlin Wall and anything from the pandemic lockdown or the presidency of Donald Trump. There were just too many other photographs to consider.

The process of producing the final list was clearly not scientific. It was more of a debate among a certain group of people on a certain day and is best considered that way. At the end of nearly four hours, jittery from caffeine, the group stood before a pile of crumpled masterworks on the floor as we assembled our chosen 25 images on a conference table. Many of our questions werent resolved (indeed, are unresolvable), but the results  which arent ranked but rather presented in the order in which we discussed them  are nothing if not surprising.  M.H. Miller

The conversation has been edited and condensed.

M.H. Miller: I thought we should start by talking about the time frame we settled on, starting in 1955.

Stan Douglas: Its an agenda.

Miller: A little bit. It certainly shows an American bias, so I apologize to our Canadian representative  1955 is really the beginning of the American civil rights movement, an era from which a number of us nominated photographs, and photography was so important in just making people aware of what was going on in the country. An-My, you chose Robert Franks picture of a streetcar in New Orleans, taken that year.
A medical research company that bred dogs agreed on Monday to pay $35 million as part of a plea agreement for the mistreatment of more than 4,000 beagles that had to be rescued from its breeding facility in 2022 in Virginia, federal prosecutors said. The fine was the largest amount in an animal welfare case.

As part of the deal, Inotiv, which controls Envigo RMS LLC and Envigo Global Services, must continue to not breed dogs and will be on probation for up to five years, according to prosecutors and the company.

Envigo RMS LLC pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville, Va., on Monday to conspiring to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act, and Envigo Global Services pleaded guilty to a felony of conspiring to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act.

A formal sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Inotiv ceased operations at its facility in Cumberland County, Va., in September 2022 to resolve a separate civil lawsuit, according to the company. The federal government filed the suit against Envigo in May 2022, claiming that it had failed to humanely care for thousands of beagles at the facility. A multiday search of the facility that month found that more than 100 dogs and puppies were in acute distress. Others were dehydrated, underfed, injured or living in poor conditions, including one building that did not have air conditioning.
At a Holocaust museum in Atlanta, staff members had typically ended their tours by saying that many survivors of the death camps immigrated to Palestine.

But after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the guides noticed that some students would ask a simple but complicated question: Is this the Palestine that weve been hearing about?

So staff members at the museum, the Breman, made a few changes, according to Rabbi Joseph Prass, the museums education director. Now, docents explain to visitors that many Holocaust survivors found refuge in the British Mandate of Palestine or the area that would become the country of Israel.
All eyes have been on the hush-money trial of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan, and the question on everyones mind is how his guilty verdict might shape the November election. But theres another trial taking place in Manhattan that has already turned politics upside down  at least, in New Jersey. I asked my colleague Tracey Tully, The New York Timess indomitable New Jersey correspondent, to tell us more.  Jess Bidgood

Representative Rob Menendez of New Jersey, a Democrat who is named for his father, the states embattled senior senator, Robert Menendez, should have been a shoo-in for re-election to a second term. Instead, on the eve of his primary on Tuesday, hes fighting for political survival.

Menendezs close race, like his rapid rise to office, has everything to do with his last name.

As the son campaigns in New Jerseys Eighth Congressional District, which contains swaths of Hoboken and Jersey City, his father has been generating headlines on the other side of the Hudson River, in Manhattan, where he is on trial for the second time, accused of accepting bribes.

The congressmans chief rival is Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, who has tried to shape the primary into a referendum on patronage, corruption and the corrosive influence of machine politics. Internal polls show the contest to be a virtual tie.

And the elder Menendezs decision to seek a spot on the ballot this fall despite his troubles  a move that echoes Donald Trumps decision to run for president despite his own legal travails  could complicate his sons path back to office even more.
Former President Donald J. Trump and the Republican National Committee collected a combined $141 million in May, campaign officials said on Monday, an enormous haul fueled in part by his criminal conviction last week.

That sum should help Mr. Trump continue his quest to close his yawning financial gap with President Biden and his own allied groups. Mr. Biden has yet to announce May fund-raising numbers, but based on Mondays figures, he is likely to be outraised for the second month in a row. The $141 million figure matches what Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party raised in March and April combined.

The figures announced by Mr. Trumps campaign, which cannot be verified until federal filings are released publicly this month, represent, by far, his strongest single month of fund-raising in 2024.

The fund-raising was powered by what Lara Trump, the Republican National Committee co-chairwoman and the former presidents daughter-in-law, said on Sunday was $70 million raised by Mr. Trump and the R.N.C. in the 48 hours after Mr. Trumps conviction.
With a one-page order, the Georgia Court of Appeals on Monday made it all the more likely that Donald J. Trump will not face a criminal trial in the state before he faces off against President Biden in the November election.

The appellate courts order tentatively set Oct. 4 for oral arguments over whether Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, should be disqualified from prosecuting the Georgia election interference case against Mr. Trump and a number of his allies. That suggests that the matter almost certainly will not be resolved in time for a trial to start before the election.

While the court does not have to hear arguments on the appeal, lawyers for Mr. Trump and another defendant said they would ask it to do so. Anthony Michael Kreis, a law professor at Georgia State University, said it was pretty highly likely that the court would agree to oral arguments, given the complexity of the issues.

The delay in setting a trial date represents a major victory for Mr. Trump. If he is elected to a fresh term in the White House, his lawyers will very likely argue that a sitting president should not be subject to a criminal trial in state court, and that any trial in Georgia should be delayed until he leaves office.
Mexico elected its first Jewish president over the weekend, a remarkable step in a country with one of the worlds largest Catholic populations.

Yet if it is a watershed moment for Mexico, it has been overshadowed by another one: President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum will also be the first woman to lead the country.

There is another reason theres been relatively little discussion of her Judaism.

Ms. Sheinbaum, 61, rarely discusses her heritage. When she does, she tends to convey a more distant relationship to Judaism than many others in Mexicos Jewish community, which stretches back to the origins of Mexico itself, and today numbers about 59,000 in a country of 130 million people.

Of course I know where I come from, but my parents were atheists, Ms. Sheinbaum told The New York Times in a 2020 interview. I never belonged to the Jewish community. We grew up a little removed from that.
Before the water tanker rolled into one of New Delhis largest slums, Arvind Kumar was pacing between the gate of a public school and a tea sellers stall hundreds of yards from his home, where he lives with nine members of his family.

There, it is coming, Mr. Kumar shouted to a woman waiting on the slums edge. With their last stored drops now spent, and a heat wave searing the city, the two neighbors had decided to make sure the truck reached its destination.

The woman boarded the 5,000-gallon tanker and guided its driver through a tight lane, past houses lined with thousands of jerrycans, many chained in place, and onto a stony plateau.
International courts are still investigating the Myanmar militarys slaughter of the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017 that the United States has called a genocide. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh and those who stayed faced persecution from the junta. Now a new threat to the group is looming, this time at the hands of a powerful rebel force.

That force, the Arakan Army, has won control of large parts of Rakhine State in Myanmar over the past few months, most recently the northern section where many Rohingya still live. In recent days, rights groups have accused the rebels of expelling the minority from their homes and destroying their property, in many cases by arson. The Arakan Army has rejected these allegations.

The sectarian tensions underscore the complex ethnic makeup, and rivalries, of Myanmar. In Rakhine State, an impoverished strip of land in the west of the country previously known as Arakan, many ethnic Buddhist Rakhine have long sought to break away from Myanmar and its Bamar majority. They also have often disregarded the plight of another group living alongside them that was falsely rejected as interlopers from Bangladesh, and troublemakers: the Rohingya.

Formed roughly 15 years ago, the Arakan Army claims to be 40,000 people strong and has fought Myanmars military for years. It has grown to be among the most powerful of the various ethnic rebel armies that are allied by the joint desire to oust the junta  which staged a coup in 2021 and is now facing the biggest challenge to its rule from rebel and pro-democracy forces.
In Georgia, protesters waving European Union flags have rallied against what they see as their pro-Russia leaders. Moldovas government is pushing to join the western bloc, enraging citizens hoping for closer relations with Moscow. Armenia, too, has reached out to Europe, angered that Moscow, a longtime ally, is courting its enemy, Azerbaijan.

Fueled in part by the Ukraine war, tensions have been mounting within some of the former lands of the Soviet Union, pitting those favoring closer relations with Russia against those orientated more toward Europe.

Many of those tensions predate the war, rooted in longstanding domestic struggles over power, money and other issues, but they have been amplified by geopolitics, with both Russia and the West pushing countries to choose a side.

Across the former Soviet Union the whole context is now shaped by how the Ukraine war has radicalized competition between Russia and the West, said Gerard Toal, author of Near Abroad, a study of Russias relations with former Soviet territories.
For weeks, talk show hosts and newspaper columnists across Egypts government-managed media spoke with one voice: Any Israeli occupation of a buffer zone on the Egypt-Gaza border could violate Egypts sovereignty and national security. That would deal a further blow to a relationship that Israels offensive had already pushed to its lowest point in decades.

But when Israels military said last week that it had taken tactical control of the zone, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, the same government mouthpieces were quick to say that the area had nothing to do with Egypt. Sovereignty went unmentioned.

It was the latest indication that for all the hard feelings and security fears provoked by Israels devastating campaign in the Gaza Strip, Cairo sees little choice but to protect its 1979 peace treaty with Israel. The accord has generated valuable military and intelligence cooperation against Egyptian insurgents and natural gas imports from Israel, as well as a close relationship with the United States and billions of dollars in American aid.

For Israel, too, the cold peace with Egypt has been an essential pillar of national security for 45 years. It has given Israel a path to better relations with Arab countries, some of which have normalized their ties, making Israel an increasingly integral part of a regional, anti-Iranian axis. For the same reasons, the United States also considers the treaty, which grew out of the Camp David Accords, crucial to regional stability.

Still, Israel took the risk of upsetting that delicate balance, saying that it must control the narrow buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt for its own security. Israel says it needs to destroy dozens of tunnels under the border that have enabled Hamas to smuggle in arms  despite Egypts avowals that had stopped the smuggling years ago.
Opinion Guest Essay Why the Pandemic Probably Started in a Lab, in 5 Key Points Illustration by Mike McQuade. Source photographs by Getty Images.

This article has been updated to reflect news developments.

On Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci returned to the halls of Congress and testified before the House subcommittee investigating the Covid-19 pandemic. He was questioned about several topics related to the governments handling of Covid-19, including how the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which he directed until retiring in 2022, supported risky virus work at a Chinese institute whose research may have caused the pandemic.

For more than four years, reflexive partisan politics have derailed the search for the truth about a catastrophe that has touched us all. It has been estimated that at least 25 million people around the world have died because of Covid-19, with over a million of those deaths in the United States.

Although how the pandemic started has been hotly debated, a growing volume of evidence  gleaned from public records released under the Freedom of Information Act, digital sleuthing through online databases, scientific papers analyzing the virus and its spread, and leaks from within the U.S. government  suggests that the pandemic most likely occurred because a virus escaped from a research lab in Wuhan, China. If so, it would be the most costly accident in the history of science.

Heres what we now know:

1 The SARS-like virus that caused the pandemic emerged in Wuhan, the city where the worlds foremost research lab for SARS-like viruses is located.

At the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a team of scientists had been hunting for SARS-like viruses for over a decade, led by Shi Zhengli.

Their research showed that the viruses most similar to SARSCoV2, the virus that caused the pandemic, circulate in bats that live roughly 1,000 miles away from Wuhan. Scientists from Dr. Shis team traveled repeatedly to Yunnan province to Their research showed thatScientists from Dr. Shis team traveled repeatedly to Yunnan province to collect these viruses and had expanded their search to Southeast Asia. Bats in other parts of China have not been found to carry viruses that are as closely related to SARS-CoV-2.

The closest known relatives to SARS-CoV-2 were found in southwestern China and in Laos. China Large cities Mine in Yunnan province Taiwan Laos Cave in Laos South China Sea Thailand The closest known relatives to SARS-CoV-2 were found in southwestern China and in Laos. China East China Sea india Large cities Mine in Yunnan province Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea Cave in Laos philippines Thailand The closest known relatives to SARS-CoV-2 were found in southwestern China and Laos. China East China Sea india Mine in Yunnan province Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea Cave in Laos philippines Thailand Sources: Sarah Temmam et al., Nature; SimpleMaps Note: Cities shown have a population of at least 200,000. There are hundreds of large cities in China and Southeast Asia. China Large cities Taiwan Laos South China Sea Thailand There are hundreds of large cities in China and Southeast Asia. China East China Sea Large cities india Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea philippines Thailand There are hundreds of large cities in China and Southeast Asia. China Large cities East China Sea india Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea philippines Thailand The pandemic started roughly 1,000 miles away, in Wuhan, home to the worlds foremost SARS-like virus research lab. Wuhan China Taiwan Laos South China Sea Thailand The pandemic started roughly 1,000 miles away, in Wuhan, home to the worlds foremost SARS-like virus research lab. Wuhan China East China Sea india Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea philippines Thailand The pandemic started roughly 1,000 miles away, in Wuhan, home to the worlds foremost SARS-like virus research lab. China Wuhan East China Sea india Taiwan Myanmar Laos South China Sea philippines Thailand A map showing the closest known relatives of SARS-CoV-2 in a mine in the Yunnan province of China and in a cave in northern Laos. A map showing the hundreds of large cities in China and the surrounding region. A map showing the 950 miles between Yunnan and Wuhan, and the 1,190 miles between Laos and Wuhan. There are many cities in between.

Even at hot spots where these viruses exist naturally near the cave bats of southwestern China and Southeast Asia, the scientists argued, bat coronavirus spillover into humans is rare . Even at hot spots where these viruses exist naturally near the cave bats of southwestern China and Southeast Asia, the scientists argued, as recently as 2019 , that

When the Covid-19 outbreak was detected, Dr. Shi initially wondered if the novel coronavirus had come from her laboratory , When the Covid-19 outbreak was detected, saying she had never expected such an outbreak to occur in Wuhan.

The SARSCoV2 virus is exceptionally contagious and can it left no known trace of infection at its source or anywhere along what would have been a thousand-mile journey before emerging in Wuhan. The SARSCoV2 virus is exceptionally contagious and can jump from species to species like wildfire . Yetbefore emerging in Wuhan.

2 The year before the outbreak, the Wuhan institute, working with U.S. partners, had proposed creating viruses with SARSCoV2s defining feature.

Dr. Shis group was fascinated by how coronaviruses jump from species to species. To find viruses, they took samples from bats and other animals , as well as from sick people living near animals carrying these viruses or associated with the wildlife trade. Much of this work was conducted in partnership with the EcoHealth Alliance, a U.S.-based scientific organization that, since 2002, has been awarded over $80 million in federal funding to research the risks of emerging infectious diseases. Dr. Shis group was fascinated by how coronaviruses jump from species to species. To find viruses,living near animals carrying these viruses or associated with the wildlife trade. Much of this work was conducted in partnership with the EcoHealth Alliance, a U.S.-based scientific organization that, since 2002, has been awarded over $80 million in federal funding to research the risks of emerging infectious diseases.

The laboratory pursued risky research that resulted in viruses becoming more infectious : Coronaviruses were grown from samples from infected animals and genetically : Coronaviruses were grown from samples from infected animals and genetically reconstructed and recombined to create new viruses unknown in nature. These new viruses were passed through cells from bats, pigs, primates and humans and were used to infect civets and humanized mice (mice modified with human genes). In essence, this process forced these viruses to adapt to new host species, and the viruses with mutations that allowed them to thrive emerged as victors.

By 2019, Dr. Shis group had the database was not shared with American collaborators even after the pandemic started , when such a rich virus collection would have been most useful in tracking the origin of SARSCoV2. It remains unclear whether the Wuhan institute possessed a precursor of the pandemic virus. By 2019, Dr. Shis group had published a database describing more than 22,000 collected wildlife samples. But external access was shut off in the fall of 2019, and, when such a rich virus collection would have been most useful in tracking the origin of SARSCoV2. It remains unclear whether the Wuhan institute possessed a precursor of the pandemic virus.

In 2021, The Intercept published a leaked 2018 The proposal described plans to create viruses strikingly similar to SARSCoV2. In 2021, The Intercept published a leaked 2018 grant proposal for a research project named Defuse , which had been written as a collaboration between EcoHealth, the Wuhan institute and Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina, who had been on the cutting edge of coronavirus research for years.

Coronaviruses bear their name because their surface is studded with protein spikes, like a spiky crown, which they use to enter animal cells. The Defuse project proposed to search for and create SARS-like viruses carrying spikes with a unique feature: a furin cleavage site  the same feature that enhances SARSCoV2s infectiousness in humans, making it capable of causing a pandemic. Defuse was Coronaviruses bear their name because their surface is studded with protein spikes, like a spiky crown, which they use to enter animal cells. the same feature that enhances SARSCoV2s infectiousness in humans, making it capable of causing a pandemic. Defuse was never funded by the United States . However, in his testimony on Monday, Dr. Fauci explained that the Wuhan institute would not need to rely on U.S. funding to pursue research independently.

The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. 4. Infect human cells, civets and humanized mice with the new coronaviruses, to determine how dangerous they might be. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. 4. Infect human cells, civets and humanized mice with the new coronaviruses, to determine how dangerous they might be. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn about how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. 1. Collect SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. 2. Identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. In Defuse, the scientists proposed to add a furin cleavage site to the spike protein. 3. Create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. 4. Infect human cells, civets and humanized mice with the new coronaviruses, to determine how dangerous they might be. The Wuhan lab ran risky experiments to learn how SARS-like viruses might infect humans. Their research started by collecting SARS-like viruses from bats and other wild animals, as well as from people exposed to them. Next, they would identify high-risk viruses by screening for spike proteins that facilitate infection of human cells. Then they would create new coronaviruses by inserting spike proteins or other features that could make the viruses more infectious in humans. Finally, they would infect human cells, civets and humanized mice with the new coronaviruses, to determine how dangerous they might be.

While its possible that the furin cleavage site could have evolved naturally (as seen in some distantly related coronaviruses), out of the hundreds of SARS-like viruses cataloged by scientists, SARSCoV2 is the only one known to possess a furin cleavage site in its spike. And the genetic data suggest that the virus had only While its possible that the furin cleavage site could have evolved naturally (as seen in some distantly related coronaviruses),in its spike. And the genetic data suggest that the virus had only recently gained the furin cleavage site before it started the pandemic.

Ultimately, a never-before-seen SARS-like virus with a newly introduced furin cleavage site, matching the description in the Wuhan institutes Defuse proposal, caused an outbreak in Wuhan less than two years after the proposal was drafted.

When the Wuhan scientists published their they did not mention the viruss furin cleavage site  a feature they should have been on the lookout for, according to their own grant proposal, and a feature quickly recognized by other scientists. When the Wuhan scientists published their seminal paper about Covid-19 as the pandemic roared to life in 2020, a feature they should have been on the lookout for, according to their own grant proposal, and a feature quickly recognized by other scientists.

Worse still, as the pandemic raged, their American collaborators failed to publicly reveal the existence of the Defuse proposal. The president of EcoHealth, Peter Daszak, recently admitted to Congress that he the Biden administration suspended all federal funding for the organization and Dr. Daszak, and initiated proceedings to bar them from receiving future grants. In his testimony on Monday, Dr. Fauci said that he supported the decision to suspend and bar EcoHealth. Worse still, as the pandemic raged, their American collaborators failed to publicly reveal the existence of the Defuse proposal. The president of EcoHealth, Peter Daszak, recently admitted to Congress that he doesnt know about virus samples collected by the Wuhan institute after 2015 and never asked the labs scientists if they had started the work described in Defuse. In May, citing failures in EcoHealths monitoring of risky experiments conducted at the Wuhan lab,and initiated proceedings to bar them from receiving future grants. In his testimony on Monday, Dr. Fauci said that he supported the decision to suspend and bar EcoHealth.

Separately, Dr. Baric described the competitive dynamic between his research group and the institute when he the Wuhan scientists would probably not have shared their most interesting newly discovered viruses with him . Documents and email correspondence between the institute and Dr. Baric are still being withheld from the public while their release is Separately, Dr. Baric described the competitive dynamic between his research group and the institute when he told Congress that. Documents and email correspondence between the institute and Dr. Baric are still being withheld from the public while their release is fiercely contested in litigation.

In the end, American partners very likely knew of only a fraction of the research done in Wuhan. According to U.S. intelligence sources, some of the institutes virus research was classified or conducted with or on behalf of the Chinese military. In the congressional hearing on Monday, Dr. Fauci repeatedly acknowledged the lack of visibility into experiments conducted at the Wuhan institute, saying, None of us can know everything thats going on in China, or in Wuhan, or what have you. And thats the reason why  I say today, and Ive said at the T.I., referring to his transcribed interview with the subcommittee, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is. In the end, American partners very likely knew of only a fraction of the research done in Wuhan. According to U.S. intelligence sources,. In the congressional hearing on Monday, Dr. Fauci repeatedly acknowledged the lack of visibility into experiments conducted at the Wuhan institute, saying, None of us can know everything thats going on in China, or in Wuhan, or what have you. And thats the reason why  I say today, and Ive said at the T.I., referring to his transcribed interview with the subcommittee, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is.

3 The Wuhan lab pursued this type of work under low biosafety conditions that could not have contained an airborne virus as infectious as SARSCoV2.

Labs working with live viruses generally operate at one of four biosafety levels (known in ascending order of stringency as BSL-1, 2, 3 and 4) that describe the work practices that are considered sufficiently safe depending on the characteristics of each pathogen. The Wuhan institutes scientists worked with SARS-like viruses under inappropriately low biosafety conditions. Labs working with live viruses generally operate at one of four biosafety levels (known in ascending order of stringency as BSL-1, 2, 3 and 4) that describe the work practices that are considered sufficiently safe depending on the characteristics of each pathogen. The Wuhan institutes scientists

In the United States, virologists generally use stricter Biosafety Level 3 protocols when working with SARS-like viruses. INHALATION Biosafety cabinets prevent viral particles from escaping. Viral particles Personal respirators provide a second layer of defense against breathing in the virus. DIRECT CONTACT Gloves prevent skin contact. Disposable wraparound gowns cover much of the rest of the body. In the United States, virologists generally use stricter Biosafety Level 3 protocols when working with SARS-like viruses. INHALATION Biosafety cabinets prevent viral particles from escaping. Viral particles Personal respirators provide a second layer of defense against breathing in the virus. DIRECT CONTACT Gloves prevent skin contact. Disposable wraparound gowns cover much of the rest of the body. Note: Biosafety levels are not internationally standardized, and some countries use more permissive protocols than others. The Wuhan lab had been regularly working with SARS-like viruses under Biosafety Level 2 conditions, which could not prevent a highly infectious virus like SARS-CoV-2 from escaping. INHALATION Biosafety cabinets prevent viral particles from escaping. Viral particles Some work is done in the open air, and masks are not required. DIRECT CONTACT Gloves prevent skin contact. Less protective equipment provides more opportunities for contamination. The Wuhan lab had been regularly working with SARS-like viruses under Biosafety Level 2 conditions, which could not prevent a highly infectious virus like SARS-CoV-2 from escaping. INHALATION Biosafety cabinets prevent viral particles from escaping. Viral particles Some work is done in the open air, and masks are not required. DIRECT CONTACT Gloves prevent skin contact. Less protective equipment provides more opportunities for contamination. In the U.S., virologists generally use stricter Biosafety Level 3 protocols, which involves using personal respirators and biosafety cabinets in combination to avoid inhaling an airborne virus, as well as wearing gloves and wraparound gowns to prevent direct contact. The Wuhan lab was regularly working with SARS-like viruses at Biosafety Level 2, which involves work done in the open air and doesnt require masks, allowing for inhalation of viral particles, and much less protective equipment worn on the body that allows for direct skin contact.

4 The hypothesis that Covid-19 came from an animal at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan is not supported by strong evidence.

An analysis of SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary tree shows how the virus evolved as it started to spread through humans. SARS-COV-2 Viruses closest to bat coronaviruses more mutations An analysis of SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary tree shows how the virus evolved as it started to spread through humans. SARS-COV-2 Viruses closest to bat coronaviruses more mutations Source: Lv et al., Virus Evolution (2024), as reproduced by Jesse Bloom An analysis of SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary tree shows how the virus evolved as it started to spread through humans. SARS-COV-2 Viruses closest to bat coronaviruses more mutations The viruses that infected people linked to the market were most likely not the earliest form of the virus that started the pandemic. An analysis of SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary tree shows how the virus evolved as it started to spread through humans. SARS-COV-2 Viruses closest to bat coronaviruses more mutations The viruses that infected people linked to the market were most likely not the earliest form of the virus that started the pandemic. An analysis of SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary tree shows how the virus evolved as it started to spread through humans. The viruses that infected people linked to the market fall partway down this tree, suggesting that they were most likely not the earliest form of the virus that seeded the pandemic.

Not a single infected animal has ever been confirmed at the market or in its supply chain. Without good evidence that the pandemic started at the Huanan Seafood Market, the fact that the virus emerged in Wuhan points squarely at its unique SARS-like virus laboratory.

5 Key evidence that would be expected if the virus had emerged from the wildlife trade is still missing.

In previous outbreaks of coronaviruses, scientists were able to demonstrate natural origin by collecting multiple pieces of evidence linking infected humans to infected animals. SARS 2002 MERS 2012 Infected animals found Yes Yes Earliest known cases exposed to live animals Yes Yes Antibody evidence of animals and animal traders having been infected Yes Yes Ancestral variants of the virus found in animals Yes Yes Documented trade of host animals between the area where bats carry closely related viruses and the outbreak site Yes Yes In previous outbreaks of coronaviruses, scientists were able to demonstrate natural origin by collecting multiple pieces of evidence linking infected humans to infected animals. SARS 2002 MERS 2012 Infected animals found Yes Yes Earliest known cases exposed to live animals Yes Yes Antibody evidence of animals and animal traders having been infected Yes Yes Ancestral variants of the virus found in animals Yes Yes Documented trade of host animals between the area where bats carry closely related viruses and the outbreak site Yes Yes For SARS-CoV-2, these same key pieces of evidence are still missing, more than four years after the virus emerged. Covid-19 2019 SARS 2002 MERS 2012 Infected animals found No Yes Yes Earliest known cases exposed to live animals No Yes Yes Antibody evidence of animals and animal traders having been infected No Yes Yes Ancestral variants of the virus found in animals No Yes Yes Documented trade of host animals between the area where bats carry closely related viruses and the outbreak site No Yes Yes For SARS-CoV-2, these same key pieces of evidence are still missing, more than four years after the virus emerged. SARS 2002 MERS 2012 Covid-19 2019 Infected animals found Yes Yes No Earliest known cases exposed to live animals Yes Yes No Antibody evidence of animals and animal traders having been infected Yes Yes No Ancestral variants of the virus found in animals Yes Yes No Documented trade of host animals between the area where bats carry closely related viruses and the outbreak site Yes Yes No In the SARS and MERS epidemics, scientists were able to find key pieces of evidence that demonstrated a natural origin of the virus. They found infected animals, the earliest human cases were exposed to animals, there was antibody evidence in animal traders, ancestral variants were found in animals, and there was documented trade of host animals. For SARS-CoV-2, all of these pieces of evidence are missing.

Despite the intense search trained on the animal trade and people linked to the market, investigators have not reported finding any animals infected with SARSCoV2 that had not been infected by humans. Yet, infected animal sources and other connective pieces of evidence were found for the earlier and MERS Despite the intense search trained on the animal trade and people linked to the market,that had not been infected by humans. Yet, infected animal sources and other connective pieces of evidence were found for the earlier SARS outbreaks as quickly as within a few days, despite the less advanced viral forensic technologies of two decades ago.

Even though Wuhan is the home base of virus hunters with world-leading expertise in tracking novel SARS-like viruses, investigators have either failed to collect or report key evidence that would be expected if Covid-19 emerged from the wildlife trade . For example, investigators have not determined that the earliest known cases had exposure to intermediate host animals before falling ill. No antibody evidence shows that animal traders in Wuhan are regularly exposed to SARS-like viruses, Even though Wuhan is the home base of virus hunters with world-leading expertise in tracking novel SARS-like viruses,. For example, investigators have not determined that the earliest known cases had exposure to intermediate host animals before falling ill. No antibody evidence shows that animal traders in Wuhan are regularly exposed to SARS-like viruses, as would be expected in such situations.

With todays technology, scientists can detect how respiratory viruses  including SARS, MERS and the flu  circulate in animals while making repeated attempts to The virus appears to have succeeded in causing a pandemic upon its only detected jump into humans. With todays technology, scientists can detect how respiratory viruses  including SARS, MERS and the flu  circulate in animals while making repeated attempts to jump across species . Thankfully, these variants usually fail to transmit well after crossing over to a new species and tend to die off after a small number of infections. In contrast, virologists and other scientists agree that SARSCoV2 required little to no adaptation to spread rapidly in humans and other animals

The pandemic could have been caused by any of hundreds of virus species, at any of tens of thousands of wildlife markets, in any of thousands of cities, and in any year. But it was a SARS-like coronavirus with a unique furin cleavage site that emerged in Wuhan, less than two years after scientists, sometimes working under inadequate biosafety conditions, proposed collecting and creating viruses of that same design.

While several natural spillover scenarios remain plausible, and we still dont know enough about the full extent of virus research conducted at the Wuhan institute by Dr. Shis team and other researchers, a laboratory accident is the most parsimonious explanation of how the pandemic began.

Given what we now know, investigators should follow their strongest leads and subpoena all exchanges between the Wuhan scientists and their international partners, including unpublished research proposals, manuscripts, data and commercial orders. In particular, exchanges from 2018 and 2019  the critical two years before the emergence of Covid-19  are very likely to be illuminating (and require no cooperation from the Chinese government to acquire), yet they remain beyond the publics view more than four years after the pandemic began.

Whether the pandemic started on a lab bench or in a market stall, it is undeniable that U.S. federal funding helped to build an unprecedented collection of SARS-like viruses at the Wuhan institute, as well as contributing to research that enhanced them. Advocates and funders of the institutes research, including Dr. Fauci, should cooperate with the investigation to help identify and close the loopholes that allowed such dangerous work to occur. The world must not continue to bear the intolerable risks of research with the potential to cause pandemics.

A successful investigation of the pandemics root cause would have the power to break a decades-long scientific impasse on pathogen research safety, determining how governments will spend billions of dollars to prevent future pandemics. A credible investigation would also deter future acts of negligence and deceit by demonstrating that it is indeed possible to be held accountable for causing a viral pandemic. Last but not least, people of all nations need to see their leaders  and especially, their scientists  heading the charge to find out what caused this world-shaking event. Restoring public trust in science and government leadership requires it.

A thorough investigation by the U.S. government could unearth more evidence while spurring whistleblowers to find their courage and seek their moment of opportunity. It would also show the world that U.S. leaders and scientists are not afraid of what the truth behind the pandemic may be.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, X and Threads.
If I shut my eyes, I can see everything from my old life. A photograph of children in white robes and medals standing on pavement holding Ukrainian flags. But if I open my eyes, its all gone. A photograph of soldiers from behind walking through a field of grass toward a severely damaged building. What Ukraine Has Lost A drone photograph shows numerous severely damaged buildings with labels highlighting residential buildings, a football field and a high school. We analyzed every building across Ukraine that has been damaged or destroyed since Russia attacked two years ago. Destroyed or damaged buildings An aerial view shows the town of Marinka, highlighting in red the buildings that have been damaged or destroyed in the past two years. Almost the entire town is highlighted. A vast area with some 210,000 buildings leveled across a jagged, 800-mile frontline and beyond. Damage as share of built area The map zooms out from Marinka to a sweeping view of eastern Ukraine as vertical red bars rise to show how much damage has been caused across this region. Much of the damage is concentrated along the frontline in eastern Ukraine. Even if the war ends tomorrow, in many places there will be nothing to go back to. Damage as share of built area The map zooms out further to show vertical red bars representing damage as a share of built area across most of Ukraine. Damage is visible across large swaths of eastern Ukraine, in the capital city of Kyiv and in many other areas of the country. The most damaged areas are near Mariupol, Rubizhne, Kherson and Kharkiv.

Few countries since World War II have experienced this level of devastation. But its been impossible for anybody to see more than glimpses of it. Its too vast. Every battle, every bombing, every missile strike, every house burned down, has left its mark across multiple front lines, back and forth over more than two years.

This is the first comprehensive picture of where the Ukraine war has been fought and the totality of the destruction. Using detailed analysis of years of satellite data, we developed a record of each town, each street, each building that has been blown apart.

The scale is hard to comprehend. More buildings have been destroyed in Ukraine than if every building in Manhattan were to be leveled four times over. Parts of Ukraine hundreds of miles apart look like Dresden or London after World War II, or Gaza after half a year of bombardment.

To produce these estimates, The New York Times worked with two leading remote sensing scientists, Corey Scher of the City University of New York Graduate Center and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Oregon State University, to analyze data from radar satellites that can detect small changes in the built environment.

The remains of around 1,000 munitions gathered from Russian bombardment of the city of Kharkiv. Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times

More than 900 schools, hospitals, churches and other institutions have been damaged or destroyed, the analysis shows, even though these sites are explicitly protected under the Geneva Conventions.

106 hospitals Including clinics 18 in Mariupol, the worst-hit city 109 churches Including temples, mosques and monasteries 34 in Mariupol 708 schools Including colleges and universities 237 in Mariupol A kindergarten in Mariupol, Donetsk A school in Izium, Kharkiv 106 hospitals Including clinics 18 in Mariupol, the worst-hit city 109 churches Including temples, mosques and monasteries 34 in Mariupol 708 schools Including colleges and universities 237 in Mariupol A school in Izium, Kharkiv A kindergarten in Mariupol, Donetsk Source: Damage data by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek based on InSAR data from Copernicus Sentinel-1, building footprints by OpenStreetMap. Satellite images by Maxar Technologies via Google, June 2023 The New York Times

These estimates are conservative. They don't include Crimea or parts of western Ukraine where accurate data was unavailable. The true scope of destruction is likely to be even greater  and it keeps growing. In mid-May, the Russians bombed some towns in northeastern Ukraine so ferociously that one resident said they were erasing streets.

Ukrainian forces have caused major damage, too, by bombing frontline Russian positions and attacking Russian-held territory like Crimea and Donetsk City. While it is not always possible to determine which side is responsible, the devastation recorded in Russian-held areas pales in comparison to what is seen on the Ukrainian side.

The Kremlin referred questions about this article to Russias Defense Ministry, which did not respond.

A school in the village of Vilkhivka, occupied for weeks by Russian forces. Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times

A destroyed operating room in a hospital in Huliaipole. Diego Ibarra Sanchez for The New York Times

Few places have been as devastated as Marinka, a small town in eastern Ukraine.

Comprehensive School No. 1, where so many young Ukrainians learned to write their first letters, has been blown apart. The Orthodox Cathedral, where couples were married, has been toppled. The chestnut-lined streets where generations strolled, the milk plant and cereal factory where people worked, the Museum of Local Lore, the Marinka Region Administration Building, go-to shops and cafes  all landmarks for generations  have been reduced to faceless ruins.

The damage runs into the billions, but the true cost is much higher. Marinka was a community. Marinka was living history. Marinka was a wellspring for families for nearly 200 years. Its erasure has left people feeling lost.

If I shut my eyes, I can see everything from my old life, said Iryna Hrushkovska, 34, who was born and raised in Marinka. I can see the front gate. I can walk through the front door. I can step into our beautiful kitchen and look into the cupboards.

But if I open my eyes, she said, its all gone.

The Life and Death of a Town Peoples Museum of History of Konstantynivka

Before everyone fled, when a strong wind came from the west, the people in Marinka used to do something slightly provocative: They would tie a yellow and blue Ukrainian flag to a helium balloon and float it across the nearby frontline to land somewhere in Russia-controlled territory.

True Ukrainians lived here, said Ms. Hrushkovskas mother, Hanna Horban. They worked in the fields and factories, they created their future and the future of their children. They lived under a Ukrainian sky, free and our sky.

Reminiscing about her old town makes her eyes well up. Sometimes, she says, she sees Marinka in her dreams.

Its the same for many others. A young Ukrainian woman in Berlin recently opened a photo exhibition on Marinka. Videos have surfaced on social media featuring photos of pre-war Marinka with sad music playing in the background. Some of Marinkas displaced people have chosen to hang together, in another town, Pavlograd, a hundred miles away.

In many ways, the story of this one town  its closeness, its vulnerability and its ruin  is the story of this war and perhaps all wars.

The Horbans settled down in Marinka at least three generations ago. By the early 1970s, when Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union, they had built their own house at 102B Blagodatna Street. It was large, by Soviet standards: around 1,200 square feet, with three bedrooms and bright red tiles leading to the front door. In the yard, they raised ducks, chickens, two cows and two pigs; they grew all kinds of vegetables, from potatoes to peas; and they plucked apples, cherries, peaches and apricots from their own trees.

In the 1990s, Ms. Hrushkovska said, we survived off this.

Marinka started out as a farming hamlet, founded in 1843 by adventurous peasants and Cossacks from the Eurasian steppe. Legend has it that it took its name from the founders wife, a friendly Mariia.

By the early 20th century, this entire swath of eastern Ukraine transformed. Iron and coal were discovered, in a region soon to be called the Donbas, and the city of Donetsk became an industrial hub. Marinka, about 15 miles away, shifted from a quiet farming town to a busy suburb.

By the mid-1960s, it had a coal mine, a milk factory, a tire factory, a bread factory and soon a museum, a public sauna and two public swimming pools.

Circa 1917 Circa 1980 2015 2022 2022 2023 Photos from 1917 and 1970, courtesy of the Peoples Museum of History of Konstantynivka; 2015, Celestino Arce/NurPhoto, via Getty Images; 2022, Tyler Hicks/The New York Times; 2022, Laura Boushnak for The New York Times; 2023, Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times.

In the spring, the back lanes smelled of fresh flowers. In the summer, kids swam in the Osykova River. In the fall, workers piled into trucks heading for the collective farms and harvested immense amounts of wheat, afterwards swigging vodka straight from the bottle and dancing in the stubbly fields. The best restaurant in town was Kolos, known for its Donbas cutlet, a cut of high-quality pork, breaded and cooked with a hunk of butter.

Marinka was blooming, said Ms. Horban, who was also born here.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Marinka sank into disorder. State-owned enterprises shut down and Ms. Horbans husband, Vova, a veterinarian, lost his job and had to dig coal for a living, at age 40.

Things stabilized by 2010, and bolstered by trade with Russia, Donetsk developed into one of Ukraines swankier cities. Marinka prospered by extension and grew to around 10,000 people.

In the spring of 2014, everything changed, again.

All of a sudden strange men appeared with weapons and started stealing cars, said Svitlana Moskalevska, another longtime resident.

That was just the beginning. Violent protests broke out. Then shooting in the streets. The Russians were backing an insurgency in Donetsk. It was confusing. And terrifying.

By mid-2014  after thousands were killed, including dozens in Marinka  Donetsk had become the capital of a new Russian puppet state, the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic. For several months, Marinka was occupied as well.

The Ukrainian Army eventually cleared Marinka, but it wasnt strong enough to take back Donetsk. So the front line between Ukraine and Russia cut right through Marinka, less than a mile from the Horbans home.

People shut themselves in at night and drew their curtains, fearful of being shelled. Basic services collapsed. Marinka used to get treated water from Donetsk but the Russians cut off the pipes, leaving it no choice but to hook up to the Osykova River.

It was disgusting, said Olha Herus, Ms. Horbans cousin. Fish came out of the faucet, sometimes even little frogs.

On Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of the first places it attacked was Marinka. This time, the Russians bombed the town with aircraft and heavy artillery, causing far greater damage than in 2014.

2014 April 2022 June 2022 Jan. 2023 Pre-war Wikimedia Commons via . April 2022, Serhii Nuzhnenko, Reuters. June 2022, by Gleb Garanich, Reuters. January 2023, by Leonid  Ragozin via social media.

Ms. Hrushkovska and her daughter, Varvara, evacuated a few days later. Some older residents, like Ms. Heruss mother, Tetiana, refused to leave. She told everyone that she had become an expert at identifying the different types of munitions flying around  artillery, mortars, tank rounds, hand grenades, airplane bombs. She assured her family that she always knew when to seek shelter in the vegetable cellar. But at a deep level, it seems she simply didnt want to leave.

You have to understand, Ms. Herus explained. In Ukraine, people dont like to move from one region to another. This is the mentality. We like living in one house for three to four generations.

On April 25, 2022, Ms. Heruss mom called and uttered two words no one could recall her using before: Im scared.

An hour later she was killed.

The White Angels, a volunteer paramedic group, evacuated Marinkas last residents in November 2022.

SHEVCHENKA ST MARINKA SHCHORSA ST. Ms. Hrushkovskas house SHEVCHENKA ST MARINKA SHCHORSA ST. Ms. Hrushkovskas house SHEVCHENKA ST MARINKA SHCHORSA ST. Ms. Hrushkovskas house MARINKA SHEVCHENKA ST SHCHORSA ST. Ms. Hrushkovskas house Source: Satellite image by Maxar Technologies, June 2022 The New York Times

The Devastation Grows

In the early months of the war, the Russians quickly captured several cities in eastern Ukraine. They almost captured Kyiv. Since then, the conflict has largely settled into a war of attrition, which favors the Russians with vastly more men and ammunition. The spikes on the following map show the heavy damage since the initial Russian invasion.

Suburban areas around Kyiv like Irpin still bear the scars of the invasion. Millions of square feet of buildings were damaged in heavy urban combat. A close-up of the map shows peaks of damage recorded in 2022 in towns north-west of Kyiv Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, has suffered withering attacks, which continue today. Much of the city was damaged by artillery strikes in 2022. After the Ukrainians pushed Russian forces back, the Russians turned to longer-range missiles. Now theyre closing in again. A detail of the map showing a large accumulation of blue ridges shows that most of the damage around the city of Kharkiv was recorded in 2022 For decades, the Russians have employed an aggressive style of warfare  leveling a city, like Rubizhne, and capturing its ruins. Dense yellow ridges are shown at this close-up map representing the damage that the city of Bakhmut suffered in 2023 Battles raged in Mariupol for months in 2022 before the last bastion of Ukrainian forces, trapped in a steel plant, were captured. No city in Ukraine has sustained as much damage. The highest and densest ridges are located in the city of Mariupol, as seen on the map of this location. Last year, during the Ukrainians' attempt to take back territory, heavy fighting erupted south of Zaporizhzhia. Satellites flagged damage in the city of Orikhiv, matching where the first waves of the Ukrainian advance started. Many yellow ridges around the Dnipro River are seen at this map close up. The Russians were forced to withdraw from Kherson in 2022, but on their way out they fired artillery, knocking down buildings and killing civilians. The next spring, evidence suggests, Russia destroyed a huge dam near Nova Kakhovka, unleashing torrents of water that caused extensive damage downstream, particularly in Oleshky. A map detail showing several rows of yellow crests in front of the Dnipro River rise on the map at this location. Blue ridges behind the river correspond to the early stage of the war in 2022. Along the Danube River, Ukrainian port cities like Reni and Izmail have been targeted by Iranian-made drones. The Russians were trying to choke off Ukraines grain exports and paralyze its economy. A close-up of the westernmost part of Ukraine on the Black Sea, mostly yellow ridges rising from small towns near the Danube River.

The Ukrainian military lost Marinka in December 2023.

They had been fighting for the city since 2014. Hundreds if not thousands of men from both sides died for it. At the very end, a small group of Ukrainian soldiers were holed up on the western edge of town in a warren of tunnels and pulverized basements. The rest was Russian territory.

When the Ukrainians peeked their heads out, they were stunned.

I saw a picture of Hiroshima, and Marinka is absolutely the same, said one Ukrainian soldier, Henadiy. Nothing remains. Following military protocol, he provided only his given name.

Another soldier, who asked to be identified by his call sign, Karakurt, described cars with the paint scorched off, houses cut down to their jagged foundations and long, empty roads that sparkled with glass and smelled of dust, smoke and gunpowder.

Whatever could burn, burned, he said.

The scars of war Since the beginning of the war, satellites have flagged more than 210,000 buildings in Ukraine as damaged. About half of them are in the Donbas. Chernihiv Kyiv Kharkiv UKRAINE Dnipro Marinka Damaged buildings within six miles 1-20 Kherson Mariupol 300-500 Odesa More than 5,000 CRIMEA Front lines Damaged buildings within six miles 1-20 300-500 More than 5,000 Kyiv Kharkiv UKRAINE Mariupol Odesa CRIMEA Front lines Source: Damage data by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek based on InSAR data from Copernicus Sentinel-1. Building footprints by OpenStreetMap and Microsoft Bing. Front lines of the first day of the month between March 2022 and January 2024 by the Institute for the Study of War with American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project The New York Times.

Ukraine is determined to rebuild. The hope, however distant, is that with international cooperation Ukraine will seize Russian assets and force Russia to foot the bill for the reconstruction of entire cities like Marinka.

But a long war may still stretch ahead. In recent months, the Russians have had the upper hand, destroying more communities as their army seems to stagger inexorably forward. Ten million Ukrainians have fled from their homes  one in four people.

Last spring, a few dozen people from Marinka gathered at a school in Pavlograd, which is considered reasonably safe. The children wore crisply ironed embroidered shirts called vyshyvankas. In a large room with big windows, they performed dances and sang patriotic songs that were beamed by video to displaced Marinka people around the world. Adults stood along the wall, tears dripping down their faces.

Children whose families fled Marinka celebrating Ukrainian folk traditions in Pavlograd. Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times

You know the simplest way to make a person cry? Ms. Hrushkovska asked. Make them remember their city and their home.

She and her daughter, Varvara, 13, are now squeezed into a small, two-room apartment in Pavlograd.

My old kitchen was bigger than this whole place, she joked.

Then she broke into tears.

Varvara Hrushkovska, right, and her friend Hanna Kovalenko, whose families fled Marinka, in Pavlograd. Next to them is Varvaras grandmother Hanna Horban. Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times

Ms. Hrushkovska grew up in Marinka. She was married in Marinka. She raised Varvara in Marinka. Her grandparents died in Marinka. She knows she can never go back to Marinka. She senses that for the rest of her days, she will suffer from something that has no cure: everlasting homesickness.

She is considering moving abroad with her daughter.

No matter how unpatriotic it may sound, theres not much future for her in Ukraine, Ms. Hrushkovska said.

It's not that we want to leave, she quickly added. But with Marinka gone, she said, we dont know where else to go.

Artem Hoch, 4, and his brother Danylo, 14, at their new home in Pavlograd. Finbarr OReilly for The New York Times
Despite being a hub for technological advancement, Californias bay area is also notorious for absurd anti-science health trends such as the movement opposing vaccinations which, in 2014, lead to the most significant measles outbreak the state had seen in decades. Joining the absurdity of the anti-vaxxers is a new and equally ridiculous trend  raw water. Thats actually unfiltered, untreated, raw spring water, which, even when from the seemingly cleanest of sources, can spread diseases like cholera, E. coli, Hepatitis A or Giardia.

To add insult to potential injury, this unsterilized water, bottled and marketed by startups like Live Water, is priced at $36.99 per 2.5-gallon containers and $14.99 per refill at the co-op Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco. The water is often out of stock and typically sees a price hike with every restock.

Photo: Live Water/Facebook

It has a vaguely mild sweetness, a nice smooth mouthfeel, nothing that overwhelms the flavor profile, Kevin Freeman, a manager at Rainbow Grocery, told the New York Times. Bottled waters controversial. Weve curtailed our water selection. But this is totally outside that whole realm.

Live Water was founded by Mukhande Singh (formerly Christopher Sandborn), three years ago in Culver, Oregon, but has since moved to Los Angeles. Although pure water is obtainable via a reverse osmosis filter, Singh claims that pristine water is not the goal. Youre going to get 99 percent of the bad stuff out, he said. But now you have dead water.

Singh added that real water expires after a few months. It stays most fresh within one lunar cycle of delivery, he said. If it sits around too long, itll turn green. People dont even realize that because all their waters dead, so they never see it turn green.



As for public water, Singh believes that it is poisonous. Tap water? Youre drinking toilet water with birth control drugs in them, he said. Chloramine, and on top of that, theyre putting in fluoride. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but its a mind-control drug that has no benefit to our dental health.

Of course, there are plenty of studies that show how fluoride is beneficial to dental health, but this evidence means nothing to people like Singh. He is hardly alone in his delusions, however, as the crusade against adding fluoride to municipal water began in 1950s and has been growing ever since. The once fringe movement has unfortunately gained a great deal of traction recently, much to the dismay of health professionals.

Without water treatment, theres acute and then chronic risks, Dr. Hensrud, the director of the Healthy Living Program at the Mayo Clinic said. Some of these risks include E. coli bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be present in untreated water. Theres evidence all over the world of this, and the reason we dont have those conditions is because of our very efficient water treatment.



Hensrud compared the raw water movement to the anti-vaccination movement for its rejection of established modern science and its risk to public health. The rejection of vaccines has lead to a resurgence of diseases once thought eradicated, and raw water could do the same. Water treatment in the US eliminated diseases such as cholera, which once killed many Americans, and still kills up to 143,000 people globally every year.

The idea that tap water is dangerous could potentially undermine support for public municipal water systems, and lead to citizens making poor health choices for themselves and their children. The water crisis in Flint, Michigan was a direct result of public funding shortfalls, a decision that has lead to long-term health consequences for residents. If the concept of raw water gains too much traction, Hensrud fears that there could be similar issues arising all across the country.

The World Health Organization estimates that contaminated water kills over 3.4 million people globally every year, making it the leading cause of death worldwide. 844 million people, according to WHO, lack access to clean water. This raw water trend among some of the wealthiest elite on the planet is an insult to those millions of people suffering from lack of access to treated water.


Las Cruces Plans to Hire Travel PR Partner Wed., Oct. 9, 2024 Visit Las Cruces, which is the convention and visitors bureau of New Mexicos second largest city, wants a PR firm to help position it as a premiere tourism destination.
Biden's plan of coddling Israel to cozy up to Saudi Arabia is right out of Donald Trump's playbook  but even worse. In addition to the moral calamity  on full display as Israel bombed Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza  it has also exacted a political cost, damaging his relationship with his base and swing state voters. Critics have attributed Bidens disastrous handling of the war to incompetence or his lifelong Zionism.

What is really at the center of the administrations policy, however, is an insidious geopolitical play that will make the world a more dangerous place, advancing U.S. imperial interests under the guise of a diplomatic deal.

Biden wants to... put American lives on the line to protect the Saudi dictatorship and lock us into a new cold war.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Fascinating, eye-opening, and extraordinary, Rob Kall's Bottom Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution explores the emerging paradigm of our age -- bottom-up thinking -- connecting an enormous range of disciplines and topics from systems, chaos, and complexity theories to the evolving role of technology in our lives. Not merely a cogent exposition of contemporary thinking, however, Bottom Up extrapolates from abstract ideas to derive practical, everyday steps we can take to improve our chances of global survival, peace, and prosperity. Following Rob's lead, we can change habits as individuals to deepen our connection with others across the planet."



Wendell Potter, former health insurance executive, co-author of Nation on the Take: How Big Money Corrupts Our Democracy and What We Can Do About It, and Founder of Tarbell.org


Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in an historic criminal trial.

(Image by YouTube, Channel: BBC News) Details DMCA



By Bob Gaydos

America now has a convicted felon former president, 34 times and still counting. I don't know whether to be saddened or proud. I guess a bit of both.

If, as some say, life is all a matter of how you look at it, then some people I know would say the Donald Trump era has been a disaster, a dark stain in the history of America. And it has.

But others might say Trump has also given America another freaking growth opportunity. If you're a fan of the AFGO philosophy, it's easy to see that some people have failed to grasp the opportunity. They are called Republicans.

Trump's conviction in a Manhattan court was a tacky story of marital infidelity, lying, cheating and phony business records. Amoral from beginning to end, all to please one person. In other words, typical Trump.

The fact that this man was once president of the United States made it an embarrassing spectacle, with Trump spreading lies outside the courtroom after each session in the court and the judge sealing the names of the jurors to protect them from threats by Trump supporters.

At the same time, the fact that 12 ordinary citizens of New York City found the ex-president guilty of illegally trying to influence the 2016 election was a vote of confidence for the country and the Constitution. No man is above the law.

Thus, I am conflicted. There's a lot more legal activity to come before several courts, including the supreme one, and I guess we'll just have to wait to see how it all works out. So far, so good.

But with leading Republican officials routinely siding with Trump, criticizing the trial, spreading his lies and ignoring his basic lack of character and morals, there's no doubt about what the Trump era has meant to a once proud political party: A total loss of moral fiber and, really, no apparent sense of shame, all in a desire for power and its rewards. Faust without the music.

Any sense of dignity has been lost with the party's nearly totally blind obeisance to Trump. Abe, Teddy, Ike and probably even Reagan would be aghast at the lack of self-respect many members of this party have for themselves as well as their lack of any sense of obligation to the oaths they took to serve this country.

There has been virtual silence (which I have noted many times) among elected Republican officials at the national, state and local levels for eight years, regardless of the recklessness of Trump's words and actions. Talk about hush money. Talk about cowardice.

So, while the Manhattan trial was a step in the right direction, the jury is still out on the eventual effect of the Trump era on the country. Actually, several juries, which have yet to be selected. But there is hope.

Not so for this Republican Party. This growth opportunity has been squandered. Which, I guess, leaves a wonderful growth opportunity for new individuals with a sense of morals and dignity and dedication to country to create a new kind of political party.

That's the thing with AFGO. You can't escape it.

rjgaydos|AT|gmail.comEmail address

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Make the Justice Department Truly Independent

By Joel D. Joseph, author of Black Mondays: Worst Decisions of the Supreme Court and Injustice Department: An Elected Attorney General and an Independent Department of Justice. Joseph was counsel to the Special Prosecutor Project in the 1970s that sought special prosecutors to investigate the Nixon and Agnew cases.

Former President Donald J. Trump claims that the Justice Department is controlled by President Biden and is out to get him. Trump also states that he plans to use the Justice Department as a weapon against his enemies. To counteract these two propositions, we must ensure that the Justice Department is separate and independent of the President of the United States.

The office of the Attorney General was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789 as a part-time job for one individual. George Washington chose the first attorney general, Edmund Randolph, one of the lesser-known Founding Fathers. Randolph was selected as one of 11 delegates to represent Virginia at the Continental Congress in 1779, and served as a delegate through 1782. During this period he also remained in private law practice, handling numerous legal issues for George Washington, among others.

The Constitution did not establish the office of attorney general, the Justice Department or the FBI. In 1789 we were a developing nation with a small population without the need for a large legal bureaucracy.

The Office of the Attorney General and the Justice Department have evolved over the last 245 years. At first, the "Justice Department" had one part-time employee (Mr. Randolph). Now it has more than 100,000 employees, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Trump himself proved that the Justice Department is controlled by the White House. President Trump's firing of James Comey, and his desire to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, demonstrates that we need an independently elected attorney general to run the Justice Department. An independent Justice Department would not be subject to presidential influence or control.

Trump's control of the Justice Department was not unique. John F. Kennedy appointed his inexperienced younger brother Robert to be his attorney general. President Kennedy joked that he thought his 35-year-old brother should get some experience as attorney general before he started to practice law.

President Obama appointed his close friend, Eric Holder, to be his attorney general. And Richard Nixon appointed John Mitchell, his close associate, to be the first attorney general to go to jail for his crimes while in office. After his tenure as U.S. Attorney General, Mitchell served as chairman of Nixon's 1972 presidential campaign. Due to multiple crimes he committed in the Watergate affair, Mitchell was sentenced in 1977 to two-and-a-half to eight years in prison for his role in the Watergate break-in and cover-up. Mitchell served 19 months in Federal Prison Camp, Montgomery (in Maxwell Air Force Base) in Montgomery, Alabama, before being released.

Experience of the States

As we elect attorneys general in nearly every state, we should elect the U.S. Attorney General. The office of U.S. Attorney General has been a political, not legal, position for far too long.

An elected attorney general would be independent of the White House -- he or she could not be fired by the President. The elected attorney general would be responsible to the people who elected him or her. As the FBI is part of the Justice Department, the elected attorney general would appoint the head of the Bureau.

Of the 50 state attorneys general, 43 are elected. In five states the attorney general is appointed by the governor (Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wyoming). In Maine, the attorney general is selected by secret ballot of the legislature and in Tennessee, the state Supreme Court appoints the attorney general.

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EO Media Group, which publishes a dozen newspapers across Oregon, said Monday it will scale back publication of several papers in July, lay off 28 staffers and seek a new owner with more resources. The small chain will also cut back the hours of 19 other employees as it ratchets back publication.

Its a shocking reversal for the company, which had appeared to be a bright spot in Oregons fractured news ecosystem. EO Media took over The Bulletin newspaper in Bend in 2019 and expanded into Medford just last year to fill the gap created by the closing of the Mail Tribune.
Pamplin Media Group announced Monday that it has sold The Portland Tribune and two dozen other Oregon publications to Carpenter Media, a Mississippi company that has been buying up small publications across the country.

Due to age and health reasons, it made sense to pass the company on to someone else who will carry on the tradition of balanced journalism, the old-fashioned way, Robert Pamplin, the chains owner, said in a written statement. He did not disclose terms of the transaction.

Pamplin, an 82-year-old industrialist, launched The Portland Tribune as a semiweekly newspaper in 2001. The Pamplin chain grew to include print and online publications in small communities from Newberg to Prineville.

We have a much larger, much stronger media company behind us. It puts us on a much more even playing field with a lot of our competition, said Brian Monihan, Pamplin Medias president. He said he expects belt tightening under the new ownership but said that doesnt necessarily mean laying off any of the companys 110 employees.

Pamplins sale came the same day that another larger Oregon newspaper chain, EO Media, announced it is cutting jobs and scaling back publication at its papers. EO Medias holdings include the East Oregonian, The Bulletin newspaper in Bend and The Daily Astorian.

Robert Pamplin is chairman and CEO of the R.B. Pamplin Corp., which owned Ross Island Sand & Gravel in Portland and other businesses across the country.

But there have been growing indications that the Pamplin business empire is experiencing financial pressure. Ross Island Sand & Gravel shut down its concrete division in 2019 and Willamette Week has reported that Pamplin and his businesses have faced various state and federal tax liens in recent years.

Pamplins newspapers have been insulated from its owners financial troubles because he runs each of his businesses separately, according to Monihan. He credited Pamplin with establishing another voice in Oregon journalism.

Our communities are really better off because of his investment, Monihan said.

Carpenter Media has announced a string of acquisitions recently including Black Press, a Canadian firm that owned The Herald newspaper in Everett, Wash., The Star-Advertiser in Honolulu, the Juneau Empire in Alaska and many smaller publications. In April, Carpenter announced the acquisition of a small Louisiana paper and last month it bought 10 small newspapers in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

Carpenter says it now has 180 publications in the U.S. and Canada.

CEO Tim Prince wrote on The Portland Tribunes website that Carpenter wants to maintain Pamplins commitment to community journalism.

We take the responsibility of continuing their work seriously and will strive to uphold the high standards he has set for all of us in the industry, Prince said.

Community journalism has been struggling for well over a decade, squeezed by the shift to online news and the consolidation of the online advertising market. Scores of publications, including The Oregonian/OregonLive, cut jobs in the years during and after the Great Recession and many ceased publishing altogether.

Some larger papers appear to be on more stable footing over the past several years but small papers have continued to struggle. Carpenter Media hasnt detailed a business plan behind its recent buying spree and Monihan said hes in the dark, too, about how the new owners plan to make a profit.

But he said hes optimistic that Carpenter will bring the financial resources and community focus to help the papers thrive.

Theyre going to be backing us for the long term, Monihan said. " Its going to be a good day for the readers in our communities, for what were going to be able to do going forward.

In addition to the Portland Tribune, Mondays sale includes The Herald-Pioneer in Canby, the Sandy Post, the Clackamas Review, the Sherwood Gazette, the Columbia County Spotlight, Southwest (Portland) Community Connection, Estacada News, The (Portland) Bee, The News-Times in Forest Grove, The (Washington County) Times, the Gresham Outlook, West Linn Tidings, the Lake Oswego Review, the Wilsonville Spokesman, the Madras Pioneer, the Woodburn Independent, the Newberg Graphic, the Beaverton Valley Times, Oregon City News, and the Central Oregonian in Prineville.

-- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com or 503-294-7699.

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So, someone said that Portland is a top destination for pizza. Again.

The last few times this has happened, its caused a furor. Controversy. Online discourse.

Theres some data to back it up, of course. Portland is home to some of the most highly ranked pizzas in the world. But its also not a town with a reputation for its pizza, exactly.

Portland does have a reputation for great food, in general, though  which is why Time Out magazine ranked it the tenth best city in the world for food.

So, this time around its about more than just pizza, but pizza was a key factor in the No. 10 ranking for the Rose City.

Portlands pizza scene was its highest-rated cuisine in the survey that powered Time Outs ranking  so praised, in fact, that the magazine declared that Portland pizza is the must eat dish for visitors to the city.

As noted above, these declarations have caused controversy in the past. So, we urge you to judge for yourselves.

Here are seven of our favorite Portland pies, for your perusal:

Apizza Scholls

Apizza Scholls in Portland serves a pie called Apizza Amore, a margherita pizza with cured pork shoulder on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

The East Coast-style pies at Apizza Scholls (4741 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.) are widely considered Portlands best, and the crowd waiting for tables at this pizzeria is a testament to its lasting popularity  its been a Portland favorite for 20 years.

If you go: Sometimes they, uh, run out. Of pizza. Order early (they only take orders via phone) if you want a pie to go. The restaurant starts taking phone orders at 4 p.m. daily.

Kens Artisan Pizza

The wood-fired oven at Ken's Artisan PizzaThe Oregonian/2016

While the list that proclaimed Kens Artisan Pizza (304 S.E. 28th Ave.) the second-best pizza in the entire world might be a little sketchy, Kens is an undoubted Portland institution that serves up some fine pies.

Since that worlds best list came out, Kens has been proclaimed the No. 3 pizza in the United States by Italys Top 50 Pizza organization, a pretty legit honor. That same group later ranked Kens No. 19 worldwide.

If you go: Kens specializes in wood-fired, Neapolitan-inspired pies with super crispy crusts and simple seasonal ingredients. Dont expect to find pineapple, but ranch is available on the side.

Lovelys Fifty Fifty

A chanterelle mushroom pizza is prepped at Lovely's Fifty Fifty in Portland on Friday, October 27, 2023.Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

Lovelys Fifty Fifty (4039 N. Mississippi Ave.) serves up creative, seasonal pizzas in North Portland.

Food critic Michael Russell described the pizza at Lovelys as Kens Artisan Pizza after a hike through the Oregon forest, referring to the fresh and unique local ingredients atop most of the pies. The pizzeria was one of Russells picks for 2016s best Portland restaurants.

If you go: Ask for some flowers on your pie.

Mucca Pizzeria

The Spicy Calabrese pizza at Mucca Pizzeria at 1026 S.W. Morrison St., Portland.Courtesy of Mucca Pizzeria

Mucca Osteria (1026 S.W. Morrison St.), one of Portlands most quietly beloved Italian restaurants, opened a pizzeria alongside its original location on Southwest Morrison Street to rave reviews.

If you go: Try the Spicy Calabrese, then follow it up with a scoop of house-made gelato.

No Saint

A pepperoni and pineapple quince pizza above and an alla Gricia-inspired pie below at No Saint, a new Northeast Portland pizzeria.Michael Russell | The Oregonian

The inventive pizza at No Saint (1603 N.E. Killingsworth St.) is offered alongside rustic salads, baked pastas and good wine.

If you go: Get pizza, but also get one of the beautiful salads and some good Italian wine.

Pan Con Queso

Pan Con Queso, a self-described naturally leavened modernist pizza restaurant located at 2730 S.E. Gladstone St. offers pizza with nontraditional toppings that fuse the founders Mexican and Pacific Islander heritages with a well-made pie. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Pan Con Queso (2730 S.E. Gladstone St.) offers pizza with nontraditional toppings that fuse the founders Mexican and Pacific Islander heritages with a well-made pie. Pan Con Queso opened its first brick-and-mortar location on June 1.

If you go: Try the personal-sized pixxas with house-pulled mozzarella.

Scotties Pizza Parlor

A pepperoni slice at Scottie's Pizza Parlor on Southeast Division Street in Portland. February 28, 2018Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

Scotties Pizza Parlor (2128 S.E. Division St.) has been serving up classic New York-style thin-crust pizzas in Southeast Portland since 2015.

Scotties pizzas are available by the slice. If you want to venture outside the foldable NY-style pizzas, the 16-inch square grandma style pizza is the way to switch it up.

If you go: You can get a par-baked pizza to finish in the comfort of your own home, like an upmarket Papa Murphys experience.

 Julie Evensen covers trending topics and popular culture. She can be reached at jevensen@oregonian.com or @juliecevensen on Twitter and @julieevensen on Threads.

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Four years after the pandemic hit, Lakeridge High School sophomore Neesa Lee still feels the impact. She lost a family member and that loss, combined with isolation, anxiety and loss of social connection, harmed her mental health.

COVID had put me on lockdown, said Lee. I felt very alone because I dont have any siblings and I didnt have anything and I was kind of away from all my friends because of where I live and where I go to school.

Prior to the pandemic, rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges were on the rise among young people across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pandemic exacerbated conditions by stripping students of protective factors, like connectedness. And the transition back to in-person school left many students still looking for support.

School counselors can be an important resource for students, but Oregon schools fall short of recommended ratios. In the 2022-23 school year, Oregon had an average ratio of 345 students per counselor according to the American School Counselors Association, far more than the national recommendation of 250 to one.

Students faced increased mental health challenges during the pandemic, according to 2021 data from the CDC. From 2019 to 2021, national surveys found a 5% rise in feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a 3% increase in youth who seriously considered attempting suicide.

In Oregon, 38% of high school juniors felt so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing usual activities, a 2022 survey by the Oregon Health Authority found. More than 35% of juniors said they were bothered by feeling nervous, anxious or on edge several days a month.

School counselors are a key resource for students looking for support, especially in cases of mental health, Amy Henry, a counselor at Portlands Benson Polytechnic High School who chairs the Oregon School Counselor Association, said.

I see our role as school counselors very similar to if you went to your doctor, said Henry. You might not know whats wrong, but youre not feeling well. Were the people that get you connected to resources.

But some students say getting access to a school counselor has proven difficult.

Oregons ratio of 345 students per counselor was slightly better than the national average of 385 counselors per student in 2022-2023.

Lakeridge High, which serves about 1,200 students, currently has three school counselors after a fourth left earlier this school year. Counselor Lisa Sheehy says her caseload is more than 400 students.

(Students) feel like they cant really get in to see their counselors on time or their counselors arent in the office, so they cant talk to them, said Lakeridge senior, Kennedy Klein.

Klein runs the Pacer Positive Psychology Club, which aims to be a safe space for students to discuss mental health topics. She says that an anonymous survey early in the school year found that students wished that they had greater access to counselors.

Lee, the sophomore who lost a relative and felt isolated during the pandemic, says she feels supported at school, but her teachers are often the ones reaching out to provide support, not her counselor.

Accessibility for students hasnt changed with increased ratios, says Sheehy, the Lakeridge counselor, but reaching out to students who dont ask for help is difficult when caseloads are large.

The (American School Counselors Association) recommends 250 to one, that obviously makes it way easier to get to know all of your students When you have more than that youre just not able to seek them out as much. They have to come to you, she said.

If students dont get face time with their counselors, it is difficult to build relationships that make them feel comfortable asking for help, said Tualatin High School junior, Campbell Brintnall.

If you dont really know your counselor that well then youre not gonna feel comfortable to be able to open up to them if you need help, with honestly anything, but more specifically mental health, Brintnall said.

Sheehy said the Lakeridge Counseling Department aims to spend more time with students to encourage them to feel comfortable reaching out. She also hopes to give more in-person class presentations to connect with students.

Counselors say the inability to reach out to students is driven, in part, by an increase in crisis level mental health cases.

We are seeing mental health issues Ive never seen in my career and theyre happening earlier and earlier, said Henry. A lot of times I tell people its almost like I work in an emergency room. We have to prioritize the crisis cases.

This system can leave students experiencing moderate to mild issues under the radar and without the support they need to prevent issues from reaching a crisis level, Henry said.

Rural or impoverished areas face even greater challenges with accessibility, counselors say. Districts like Wallowa and Union County in rural northeastern Oregon have no licensed school counselors, said Teresa Dowdy, vice chair of the Oregon School Counselor Association.

The Oregon Department of Education is aware that some districts are unable to meet the national recommendation of 250 students per counselor, said Beth Wigham, the agencys career college readiness and school counseling systems specialist. Student-counselor ratios are determined by local school districts and funding availability, Wigham said.

The Department of Education requires that schools provide a comprehensive school counseling program, but does not require a specific number of counselors. Districts can meet the requirement by employing people like social workers or licensed mental health providers from outside companies.

Tony Cannon, an elementary school counselor in the small Winston-Dillard School District south of Roseburg, said he had as many as 600 students on his caseload in the past three years. One of the hardest parts, he said, was his inability to provide resources he knows his students need. Since then, ratios have decreased to around 300 students per counselor, but Cannon says he continues to face challenges.

I feel like I make a lot of promises throughout the week, Cannon said. This is one of the hard parts to kind of swallow when I go home every night is those kids that are depressed or probably underserved and theres just not a lot I can change about that.

In response to the student mental health crisis the Oregon School Counselors Association has asked the Oregon House and Senate education committees to form a task force, says counselor association member Gene Eakin. Members want the task force to analyze the state of school counseling programs and propose legislation in the 2025 session to pay for more counselors.

I think its a great idea, said Klein. We need more resources.

Youth Voices reporter Emilie Driscoll is a junior at Lakeridge High School. She is an editor and writer for her school newspaper, The Newspacer, and plans to study journalism in college.
Californias largest wildfire so far this year was significantly surrounded Monday after blackening a swath of hilly grasslands between San Francisco Bay and the Central Valley.

The Corral Fire was 75% contained after scorching more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) during the weekend, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. One home was destroyed and two firefighters were injured.

The wind-driven fire erupted Saturday afternoon on land managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, one of the countrys key centers for nuclear weapons science and technology. The cause was under investigation.

This photo released by the The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows the Corral Fire burning on Sunday, June 2, 2024, near Tracy, Calif. (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via AP)AP

Thousands of people in the area, including parts of the San Joaquin County city of Tracy, were ordered to leave for evacuation centers Saturday. Evacuation orders were lifted when improved weather allowed firefighters to make progress against the flames.

The wildfire presented no threat to any laboratory facilities or operations, Lawrence Livermore spokesperson Paul Rhien said in a statement to The Associated Press early Sunday.

A home burns during the Corral Fire at Bernard and Stearman roads, west of Tracy, Calif., Saturday, June 1, 2024. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, says gusty winds were fueling the Corral Fire that began Saturday afternoon and continued early Sunday morning near the city of Tracy, 60 miles east of San Francisco. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP)AP

California has had back-to-back wet years that ended drought but spawned vegetation growth. Cal Fires outlook for 2024 noted that increasing dryness from mid-May to June would potentially lead to more small fires and a chance of larger fires depending on wind. The Corral Fire is by far the largest of more than 1,200 wildfires so far this year.

The progress against the Corral Fire comes just ahead of a predicted major heat wave. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerously hot conditions throughout the Central Valley from Tuesday through Thursday.

The Associated Press
State Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, a Portland Democrat, announced Monday that she will step down as co-chair of the Legislatures powerful budget writing committee in July to focus on her campaign for state treasurer.

Steiner has served as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee since 2018 and has helped craft multiple state budgets in that time. She said she planned to assist the committees next co-chair in their transition to the role. Steiner also resigned from the Legislatures Emergency Board, which approves funding requests when the Legislature is not in session.

It has been an honor to serve in this critical role to ensure that state revenues go toward the maximum benefit for all Oregonians, Steiner said in a statement. Through it all my focus has been on finding fiscally responsible ways to help as many Oregonians as possible.

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, announced in a statement Monday that Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, will relinquish that role to take Steiners place as co-chair of the budget writing committee. Senate Democrats have not announced a new majority leader.

Those who know me know that I have been interested in taking on a bigger role with our states budget since I was first elected, Lieber said in a statement. As co-chair, I am committed to asking good questions, running an inclusive and open process, and working hard to address our most urgent priorities while keeping our state in strong, stable financial health.

Steiner, a physician and family medicine professor at Oregon Health & Science University, will step down as the committees co-chair on July 15. Her announcement comes after she defeated investor Jeff Gudman by a wide margin in the Democratic primary for state treasurer last month. Steiner will be heavily favored against Republican Sen. Brian Boquist of Dallas in the November general election. Oregon hasnt had a Republican treasurer in more than 30 years and Democrats currently hold every statewide office.

The November winner will replace state Treasurer Tobias Read, who is running for secretary of state.

Steiner was first appointed to the Senate in 2011 and subsequently won election in 2012 and reelection three times. She joined the powerful budget writing committee following the 2012 legislative session and also served as assistant majority leader from 2013 to 2015.

While in the Senate, Steiner has worked to expand health care, boost education initiatives and balance multiple state budgets, according to her legislative biography.

When I look back on my time as co-chair, I will remember the innovative solutions we were able to use to fully fund Oregons portion of the I-5 bridge replacement and the Roseburg veterans home, Steiner said. As a physician, Im also personally very proud that we fully funded Healthier Oregon, which ensured that almost every Oregonian has health insurance.

In a Monday letter to Steiner accepting her resignation, Wagner wrote, You have shown incredible dedication to the people of Oregon and our state over the past six years as co-chair ... Your experience was invaluable and I truly could not imagine going through that process without your steady hand guiding us.

Wagner said in a statement that he chose Lieber as Steiners replacement because she has shown a propensity and acuity for the budget process, including taking a leading role in guiding millions of dollars in behavioral health investments in the 2024 legislative session.

I have full confidence that Senator Lieber will deftly lead our budgeting process as Senate co-chair and ensure the states resources are being responsibly invested to benefit all Oregonians, Wagner said.

 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com.

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On the weekend after Donald Trumps historic criminal conviction, a gathering of prominent Washington Republicans ambled along as if the ex-president and current GOP candidate wasnt looming over the 2024 election.

At the annual Mainstream Republicans of Washington Cascade Conference at the Yakima Convention Center, Trump went virtually unmentioned.

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the last two remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in 2021 over the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, name-checked Ronald Reagan in a Friday night kickoff speech, but not Trump. More politics news from The Oregonian/OregonLive

Asked about the verdict, which set off furious attacks on the judicial system and calls for revenge from Trump allies  and praise from Democrats seeking to tie all Republican candidates to the newly minted felon  Newhouse ventured no strong opinion.

Truthfully, I havent been paying that close attention, Newhouse said in an interview. Ive been busy, and I have got a lot of things to do in my district ... so well see. I dont know if its going to make any difference one way or the other as far as elections are concerned.

Newhouse allowed that he wonders whether any other person would have been prosecuted in the same manner as Trump, but concluded: I dont have an answer to that.

Raul Garcia, the Republican-endorsed Yakima doctor challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, had a similarly milquetoast response to the verdict, reciting it as a faraway thing that had just happened.

I think that he was convicted by a jury of your peers, right? And I think that he has the right to appeal it, which they will do. So thats why I think at the 50,000-foot level, looking down at it, its not going to change a lot in the big picture, Garcia said in an interview.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert, who was also scheduled to appear at the conference, issued a similarly noncommittal statement last week, calling it a sad day for the nation that merits reflection not rancor.

Like Garcia and Newhouse, Reichert has declined to publicly say who hell vote for in the presidential election.

The please-can-we-not-talk-about-you-know-who vibe in Yakima was a reminder that a swath of Washington Republicans would very much like the Trump era to be over, even if many wont say it out loud.

After all, Trumps utter domination of the GOP has been a disaster for Washington Republicans, who have shed suburban legislative and congressional seats, and are now shut out of every statewide elected office.

Deanna Martinez, a Moses Lake City Council member who chairs the mainstream group, called the presidential election personally, a no-win situation.

If there were different candidates to choose or vote for, I would, and I may potentially choose to vote for someone else or write someone in, she said Saturday. We can acknowledge what he did, what he didnt do. But for Washington state to really have a chance of correcting some of these very progressive policies, we need to move beyond Trump.

The Newhouse race in Central Washingtons 4th Congressional District will be one test of whether Republicans are ready to move past Trump.

Newhouse was one of 10 House Republicans who voted in 2021 to impeach Trump, which would have barred him from running for president again if hed been convicted by the Senate. Newhouse has defended his vote ever since, while continuing to stake out a conservative record and forcefully criticizing President Joe Biden and his policies.

In contrast to Newhouses cautious reaction to the Trump verdict, his chief Republican challengers loudly echoed the ex-presidents claims he was a victim of political persecution.

One of them, Tiffany Smiley, was at the Yakima Convention Center and unlike most in attendance had no problem lashing the jury verdict against Trump.

Let me ask you, whats the crime? Whats the crime? Smiley said, saying the conviction sets a dangerous precedent.

Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a cover-up of payments to porn actress and director Stormy Daniels.

Smiley, a Pasco veterans advocate who ran for Senate against Democratic Sen. Patty Murray two years ago, argued voters deserve to know where Newhouse stands on Trump.

How in the world is he going to work with President Trump? Because its clear that Trump is our nominee, Smiley said. Hes only gaining in the polls. He is only going to gain in the polls from this whole verdict.

The Mainstream Republicans of Washington was founded some four decades ago to represent the moderate wing of the GOP, in the tradition of politicians like former Gov. Dan Evans, who famously clashed with the far right and publicly ousted from the party the extremist John Birch Society.

The Yakima conference agenda, set well before the Trump verdict, was focused on meaty issues including fighting Democratic-led efforts to limit natural gas and tear down hydroelectric dams, and how to combat the deadly rash of fentanyl overdoses.

The mainstreamers have thrown their weight behind Reichert and other candidates they view as sensible and electable in a Democratic-leaning state. In some cases, such as the governors race, their picks are at odds with the state Republican Partys endorsements.

At the recent GOP convention in Spokane, for example, delegates overwhelmingly endorsed Semi Bird for governor over Reichert, who withdrew from consideration after blasting the endorsement process as chaotic and dishonest. Bird did not attend the Yakima conference.

At the state convention, MAGA gear was everywhere, but this weekend, there was nary a red Trump hat in sight.

Former Secretary of State Sam Reed said he hopes Washington Republicans can distinguish themselves from the national scene with middle-of-the-road candidates.

Our group isnt here to hurl moral invective and air our grievances and say how terrible the other people are. Were here to elect people who are interested in governing, he said.

Its not clear how much sway the mainstream group holds in the modern Republican Party.

The mainstream gathering attended by a couple of hundred people, including elected officials, political candidates and their handlers, appeared to be outnumbered at the convention center by a weight-loss gathering down the hall.

The organization used to direct substantial money to candidates in past elections, but its PAC has raised no money in 2024, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

While Democrats have by and large trumpeted the Trump guilty verdict, one prominent candidate reacted last week with a silence that would have fit right in with the mainstream Republicans.

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, asked by Axios for comment on the Trump verdict, pointed to a social media post about helping fishermen in Southwest Washington.

Gluesenkamp Perez, who flipped the 3rd Congressional District for Democrats in 2022 in one of the biggest upsets of the year, is now running for reelection in an area that backed Trump.

Shes facing Republican challengers including Trump-endorsed veteran Joe Kent, and Camas City Councilmember Leslie Lewallen, who both condemned the New York verdict as a travesty.

Lewallen was among the few openly pro-Trump candidates endorsed by the mainstream Republicans, and appeared at the conference, telling the GOP moderates she has a better shot than Kent at regaining the 3rd District seat.

With the presidential election fast approaching and the prospect of Trump being criminally sentenced just days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month, Garcia, the Senate contender, said he wants to see an end to the divisiveness plaguing U.S. politics.

Very honestly, I want to see a leader that wants to unite the country, he said.

He expressed no opinion on which presidential candidate that might be.

_____

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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Presidential Council deputy chairman, Moussa al-Kouni, held talks with South Korea Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Monday on the sidelines of the Afro-Korean summit being held in Seoul, on the development of cooperation between the two countries in a number of fields, particularly economic, and capacity building
By associating a chemotherapy drug with an antibody, doctors can more efficiently target and deliver powerful cancer medications directly to tumor cells, leading to fewer side effects.

Chemotherapy Drugs Linked to Antibodies Effective for Cancer Treatment

These chemotherapy-antibody combinations, known as antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), act like heat-seeking missiles or Trojan horses for cancer cells. They are designed to straightly target and enter tumor cells, delivering their deadly payload straight inside.

This idea is not new; the first ADC was certified by the FDA in 2000 for treating intense myeloid leukemia. Since then, approvals have expanded to include medications for breast, lung, cervical, and ovarian cancers, with over 100 ADCs recently in clinical development, as noted in a review published in Cancers.

Oncologists are increasingly eager about ADCs as researchers determine better targets, permitting these drugs to attack cancer cells more accurately.

"There's been an explosion of these agents in recent years, with many in clinical trials," said Dr. Erika Hamilton, director of breast and gynecologic cancer research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

New findings presented at the ASCO conference in Chicago emphasize the efficiency of two ADCs in lengthening the lives of patients with numerous myeloma and breast cancer.

Dr. Hatem Soliman from Moffitt Cancer Center remarked on the promising future of ADCs, stating, "It appears to be here to stay."

How Does ADC Work?

Roughly 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year, with many receiving standard chemotherapy, which wildly kills both cancer and healthy cells, causing essential side effects.

ADCs, however, are engineered to attack only cancer cells using monoclonal antibodies that target particular regions on these cells. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano from the European Institute of Oncology explained, "The antibody binds to a target region, allowing chemotherapy to enter the cancer cells."

Read Also : Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Possible Among Younger Women, Study Says

This targeted method permits higher concentrations of the drug to be delivered inside tumor cells. ASCO's chief medical officer, Dr. Julie Gralow, highlighted that this approach allows the use of more powerful chemotherapies that would otherwise be too toxic.

Despite this, side effects are not removed. Patients can still experience common chemotherapy side effects, though often to a lesser extent, as evidenced by Rose Fish, a 79-year-old patient who reported fewer side effects compared to standard chemotherapy.

Patient Saw Significant Improvement with ADC Treatment

Fish, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and later experienced a recurrence, saw significant improvement with ADC treatment under Dr. Soliman. This case illustrates the potential of ADCs to change cancer treatment.

Fish was found to have a subtype of breast cancer called HER2-low. One research conferred at ASCO showed that Enhertu, an ADC from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, essentially postponed tumor progression in HER2-low breast cancer patients compared to chemotherapy.

In April, the FDA extended Enhertu's approval for use in any HER2-positive cancer, including stomach and colon cancers. Another study on Blenrep, an ADC from GlaxoSmithKline, showed it outperformed a standard treatment for multiple myeloma in delaying disease progression.

These findings add to the growing excitement that ADCs could become a standard chemotherapy approach.

Dr. Sophia Karagiannis from King's College London likened ADCs to "smart warheads," predicting they will become a mainstay in combination cancer treatments. The focus now is on enhancing the precision and longevity of these drugs.

Dr. Dale Shepard from the Cleveland Clinic noted that ADCs often result in fewer side effects and less frequent treatments compared to traditional chemotherapy, although they are typically more expensive.

Dr. Hamilton from the Sarah Cannon Research Institute mentioned that some ADCs are already being used as first-line treatments, underscoring their increasingly vital role in oncology.
A woman who underwent a pig kidney transplant had to return to dialysis as the organ began to fail after just 47 days, leading surgeons to remove it.

Second Recipient of Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Return to Dialysis

Lisa Pisano, the second recipient of a gene-edited pig kidney at NYU Langone Health, underwent a stable operation to remove the failing organ earlier this week.

The first recipient, Richard "Rick" Slayman at Massachusetts General Hospital, passed away nearly two months after his transplant, though doctors stated his death wasn't directly linked to the experimental procedure.

Pisano, facing heart and kidney failure, underwent two dramatic surgeries in April to implant a mechanical heart pump followed by the pig kidney.

Initially, her recovery seemed positive, but managing both the heart pump and the new kidney posed unique challenges. Her blood pressure dropped too low multiple times, hindering optimal blood flow to the kidney, and leading to its gradual loss of function.

Despite no signs of rejection in a recent kidney biopsy, significant injury from insufficient blood flow was observed. Further study of the removed kidney is planned for insights into its reaction in a living body.

Unfortunately, Pisano isn't eligible for the life-prolonging heart pump while on dialysis, and her heart condition prevents a traditional kidney transplant.

Despite setbacks, her strength and courage inspire the medical team to continue exploring the potential of xenotransplantation. Pisano acknowledged the uncertainty of the pig kidney's success but felt it was worth a try, especially considering the dire shortage of donated organs in the U.S.

With over 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant waiting list, mostly awaiting kidneys, and thousands dying while waiting, the need for other solutions is important.

Biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs to create more human-like organs, less prone to refusal. While formal researches are upcoming, temporary transplants of pig organs into brain-dead bodies have shown rising outcomes.

Despite difficulties and setbacks, researchers are committed to exploring xenotransplantation as a possible solution to the organ shortage crisis.

Doctors Remove Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Days After Transplant

Lisa Pisano, a 54-year-old New Jersey local, has recently become the second person to get an advanced gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health.

The surgery, which also involved implanting a mechanical heart pump, marked an important medical milestone as Pisano was the first recipient of both a heart pump and an organ transplant.

Facing heart failure and end-stage kidney disease before the surgery, Pisano's situation rendered her not qualified for human donor transplants.

Approved by the FDA under a "compassionate use" program, the procedure offers hope for patients with severe medical conditions.

While Pisano has reportedly recovered well, ongoing monitoring is crucial as rejection signs may not manifest until later.

Despite facing long recovery times and uncertain lifespans, patients like Pisano represent a growing population in need of organ transplants, with thousands awaiting procedures amidst a scarcity of available organs.

The potential of pig organs to address this shortage is promising, with previous experiments showing encouraging results. While ethical concerns persist, experts believe these transplants will provide invaluable insights into the procedure's safety and effectiveness.
A man from Colorado who was indicted of murdering his girlfriend's 10-month-old baby had his charges dropped this week because a judge ruled that the lead prosecutor disregarded his right to a fair trial.

The prosecutor made prejudicial comments to a reporter, mentioning that the man only looked after the baby to go after sexual relations. The judge deemed these comments as not suitable government behavior, resulting in the release of the charges.

Murder Charges Against Colorado Man Have Been Dropped

William Jacobs, 22, was indicted for causing the death of baby Edward Hayes, who was discovered not responsive in a motel room in Canon City.

Jacobs was the last person to care for Edward before his demise. However, due to the prosecutor's explanations, which included defamatory comments about Jacobs and revealing delicate data about his past, the judge marked that Jacobs's right to justice was disregarded.

The prosecutor's explanations, made in an interview with a local news outlet, also disclosed Jacobs's former legal concerns and personal history, which the judge found to be improper and prejudicial to Jacobs's case. Consequently, the liabilities against Jacobs were dismissed.

Jacobs had initially confessed to mistreating the baby on previous occasions, including biting and hitting him accidentally. However, expert testimony presented in court recommended that Edward's wounds were non-accidental, leading to Jacobs's imprisonment.

Despite the accusations, Jacobs was discharged on bail after his girlfriend submitted a letter to the court contending for his character and potential. Meanwhile, the prosecutor is facing retribution for her liability in the case, with a hearing scheduled for June.

Colorado Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend's 10-Month-Old Baby

The Canon City man blamed for first-degree killing about the passing of his live-in girlfriend's baby in May has been discharged from jail on a personal recognizance bond.

Jacobs had been arrested on a $100,000 cash or surety bond after his imprisonment on May 21. Edward had died on May 23 at Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs, with the El Paso County Coroner's final diagnosis referring his death to blunt-force head trauma.

During a continued motion hearing, Jacobs' public defender requested a personal recognizance bond or an extremely low cash/surety bond, emphasizing his client's constitutional rights.

The defender stated that Jacobs lacked the means to post a cash bond but was willing to comply with non-monetary bond conditions and had support from reliable individuals, including Crawford.

Candy Kelly, Crawford's mother, addressed the court, expressing concerns about Jacobs being released due to potential threats to the community.

Despite objections, District Court Judge Kaitlin Turner converted the bond to personal recognizance with certain conditions, including GPS monitoring and compliance with a protection order. The hearing also addressed motions regarding alleged actions by the 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley, including outrageous governmental conduct and discovery violations.

Jacobs' defense argued that Stanley's comments in a televised interview were intended to sway public opinion and contended that she purposefully withheld raw video footage from the defense.

While the judge requested more time to review the evidence, Jacobs is scheduled for further hearings, and his trial is set to commence in July.

Additionally, motions to dismiss based on similar allegations have been filed for Brook Crawford, with concerns raised about potential ethical issues involving District Attorney Linda Stanley.
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Johann Eck (1486-1543) was a German Catholic theologian, who was arguably one of Martin Luthers two most important and formidable debate opponents, along with Erasmus (Ive compiled several of his devastating replies to Luther as well). He was ordained as a priest in 1508 and in 1510 was installed as a professor of theology at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria: which lasted for thirty years. He mastered both Greek and Hebrew and had a prodigious memory, boundless energy, and very considerable debating skills. He famously engaged Luther for eighteen days in the Leipzig Disputation of July 1519.

Ecks argumentation might be said to be one of the quintessential examples of the Catholic theological and polemical response to the Protestant Revolt up to the opening of the Council of Trent in 1545. This is one of many excerpts from his best-known and principal volume, Enchiridion of Commonplaces Against Luther and Other Enemies of the Church. It first appeared in 1529 and eventually went through 91 editions. I will be using a later edition from 1541 (translated by Ford Lewis Battles, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1979; now in the public domain).

Ecks words will be in black; my interjections in blue, and citations from Luther and other famous Protestants in green. I use RSV for scriptural citations.

***

That Confession is necessary for the sacrament of penitence, and is itself enjoined by divine law. Christ said to Peter: To you I shall give the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever you bind on earth, will be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth, will be loosed in heaven [Mt 16:19]. These keys, moreover, are two: of knowledge and of power. The key of knowledge is the faculty of discerning between one leper and another. Likewise between a leper and a nonleper; that is, between one sin and another, and between sin and non-sin.

But the key of power is the faculty of loosing and binding. For after the cognizance of the case in the forum of penitential judgment between the confessor and the confessant, which is done through the key of knowledge, there remains to hand down judgment in the case, which is to loose or to bind, and this is done through the key of power. Therefore to deny that confession has been commanded by Christ, is to deny that the power of the keys has been passed on by Christsomething manifestly against the Gospel of Christ.

Whatever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven and whatever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed also in heaven [Mt 18:18]. He breathed on them, saying: Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained [Jn 20:22f]. [From the last part of this authority, again, it is clear that confession is of divine right, just as has been commanded by Christ in this passage. For to retain sins is not else than not to forgive them. Therefore the sense of Christs words is: whose sins the priest shall retain, that is not loose, are retained, that is are not forgiven in heaven. When therefore anyone is by divine right held to pay for his sins it clearly follows that by Gods command that person is obligated to confess his sins to the priests.

The twofold power of loosing and forgiving which he ought to use, the priest would not know how to use, unless it cleaned him of misdeeds. Therefore he put first Receive the Holy Spirit, as if to say: By the direction of the Holy Spirit, may you loose or retain sins on behalf of the one confessing.

Confess your sins one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be saved [James 5:16]. Here James as Gods herald, announced to men Gods commandment concerning the confessing of sins, and it is to be understood with precision. [Unless you confess, you will not be saved. Therefore confession is commanded by divine right, but when it is carried out in shepherding individual souls, it is commanded by human ecclesiastical right. For Christ left his commandments to the Church, with the Holy Spirit as the director, to be determined at a particular time.]

Besides, the Confession is considered to have been prefigured and done to the Apostles: Men were baptized in the Jordan by John confessing their sins [Mt 3:6]. Christ said to the cleansed leper: Go, show yourself to the priests, and offer the gift which Moses commanded as a testimony to them [Mt 8:4]. He said to the ten leprous men: Go, show yourselves to the priests [Lk 17:14], who, although they were not priests of the New Testament, yet in them the New Testament priesthood was figured. When Lazarus was raised, Jesus said: Loose him and let him go [Jn 11:44].

Many of the believers came, confessing and declaring their deeds [Acts 19:18]. Be not without fear about sin forgiven, and add not sin upon sin [Ecclus 5:5]. And it is clear that these statements on confession are plainly received, for the practice of the Church best interprets the Scriptures.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity [1 Jn 1:9]. He who hides his sins, shall not prosper; but he who shall confess them, shall obtain mercy [Prov 28:13].

[Objection] James 5 speaks of brotherly confession, for he does not say Confess to a priest but to one another [James 5:16].

[Reply] It is indeed true that James did not determine with precision to whom one should make confession, for already Christ had expressed absolving sinners; therefore it was sufficient for James to express what was necessary for absolution, namely confession, not precisely indicating the judge.

[Objection] Jesus did not say to the woman taken in adultery: Go and confess to a priest, but Go and sin no more [Jn 8:11]; 4 thus concerning Mary Magdalene [cf Lk 7:37ff].

[Reply] Not yet did the power of loosing exist in the Church, for the reason that confession had not yet been instituted. The adulteress and Mary Magdalene were not held to confession. Now those things which were done with a special privilege are in consequence not to be treated according to the common theory.

Related Reading

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Please Hit Subscribe! If you have received benefit from this or any of my other 4,600+ articles, please follow this blog by signing up (with your email address) on the sidebar to the right (you may have to scroll down a bit), above where there is an icon bar, Sign Me Up!: to receive notice when I post a new blog article. This is the equivalent of subscribing to a YouTube channel. Please also consider following me on Twitter / X and purchasing one or more of my 55 books. All of this helps me get more exposure, and (however little!) more income for my full-time apologetics work. Thanks so much and happy reading!

***

I put up a meme on my Facebook page that I got from my good friend Toni Vercillo. It read, Jesus was convicted in a sham trial . . . and crucified. I still follow him. A lot of folks liked it (132 after about 30 hours). Some definitely didnt. This is a collection of what they wrote (their words in various colors) and how I responded to them. But sadly, for some reason, they chose not to respond back and have an actual dialogue. Others chimed in defending me, with some great comments. But for brevitys sake, this is just the critical comments and my replies.

***

Linda Holowecky: You have got to be kidding! You are somehow linking Trump and Jesus???

Yes, I somehow am: they were both subjected to sham kangaroo court trials.

You really think that even the trials are equivalent??? No wonder the left looks at many Christians as complete loons.

For the analogy to succeed, the trials need not be exactly equivalent. They both had in common the fact that they were sham farces and gross injustices. The degree can be different. The people involved can be vastly different. But there is common ground. All trials that are unjust and convict an innocent person have that aspect in common.

All analogies are not absolutely perfect. The exact analogy, however, is a sham trial:

1. Conflicted judge (big Biden supporter; so is his daughter). 2. A DA who campaigned on getting Trump. 3. Jury selected in a district that voted 85% for Biden. 4. A misdemeanor at most for which the statute of limitations had run out, then tied in a bizarre way to election law and 34 (??!!) felonies. 5. One of the defenses best witnesses (election law expert) wasnt allowed to even testify. 6. Bizarre judges instructions for the jury. 7. Democrat law professor Alan Dershowitz said it was the weakest case hed ever seen in 60 years of law practice. 8. The timing was obviously planned to interfere with Trumps campaigning.

This is not lunacy. Many lawyers and legal minds  including several Democrats  are noting the crazy nature of this trial. It will be overturned on appeal. The Democrats, of course, have an entire history of ridiculous and phony attempts to take Trump down: the Russian hoax invented by Hillary Clinton, etc. This is simply one more try. * Not that I will convince you, since there is no rational discussion about politics anymore: especially as soon as Trump is involved. We even disagree on why he is hated so much. * Even if you can stretch the analogy that far, it is not a good look for Christians to make any link between such a deeply flawed man and Jesus. * I couldnt care less about looks but I do care very much about reason and justice and the rule of law. No one ever said Trump was perfect. Thats irrelevant. What politician is? Even the worlds greatest scoundrel might be a victim of a scam trial, and I would defend him if so. We cant let our justice system go to hell.



The meme compares President Trump and Jesus insofar as both were victims of a farcical sham trial. See, for example: The meme compares President Trump and Jesus insofar as both were victims of a farcical sham trial. See, for example: Analogy and Analogical Reasoning (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). This is what the protesters in this thread arent grasping:

Analogical arguments rely on analogies, and the first point to note about analogies is that any two objects are bound to be similar in some ways and not others. A sparrow is very different from a car, but they are still similar in that they can both move. A washing machine is very different from a society, but they both contain parts and produce waste. So in general, when we make use of analogical arguments, it is important to make clear in what ways are two things supposed to be similar. We can then proceed to determine whether the two things are indeed similar in the relevant respects, and whether those aspects of similarity supports the conclusion. ( Analogical Arguments
In the year 107, Ignatius was arrested in the city of Antioch in the Roman province of Syria, and was condemned to death for not renouncing his faith in Jesus Christ.

He was eventually sent to Rome to die, where he was thrown into the Circus Maximus to be devoured by beasts  a common practice at that time to execute prisoners. During his journey to Rome in the year 110, less than 80 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Ignatius wrote letters to various churches, in the same way Saint Paul had done so decades earlier. In his letter to the Romans, he prepares the Christians of Rome for his arrival and execution, and writes:

I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ; and for drink I desire his blood, which is love incorruptible.

In another letter, he writes about some who abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ.

So, in the year 110, Saint Ignatius of Antioch believes as we believe today: in the true presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus  that bread and wine are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the presence of the living God.

Take it; this is my body, Jesus said to his friends as they celebrated the Passover. This is my bloodof the covenant, which will be shed for many.

Saint Paul himself recalls the words of Jesus in his letter to the Corinthians when he writes, for I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also the cup, after supper saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood.

On this feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, we recognize that our belief is the same as the belief of the early Church. We affirm together with the first Christians that Jesus has left us the wonderful gift of his presence, given here on the altar so that we may experience the presence of Jesus just as those who saw him and heard him centuries ago.

Just as he gathered with his disciples at the Passover in Jerusalem on the night before he died, Jesus continues to gather us to himself Sunday after Sunday.

Just as Jesus longed to remain with his friends, he longs remain with you and me, and He does so through this gift of His presence.

How can this be? Some ask. And many have asked this throughout the centuries. Isnt Jesus present whenever two or more are gathered in his name? Isnt Jesus present in the hearts of all who believe in him? Certainly, he is present there, as he promised. Yet he also promised hed be present in the breaking of bread, and in the offering of the cup.

Some Christians eventually denied this foundational early teaching of the Church, the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, dismissing it as superstition or something simply impossible.

Yet we believe God the Father had the power to say, let there be light and there was light. We believe Jesus had the power to say, your sins are forgiven, pick up your mat and go, and the paralytic got up and ran away. The Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit after Pentecost, went out into the ancient world performing countless miracles, and we recognize God performing even miracles today.

We also believe that when Jesus said, this is my body; this is my blood, his words were effective  they brought into being what he said. The Church has obediently done what Jesus asked us to do in memory of him, repeating his words and actions at the Last Supper, and the effect has remained the same. Bread and wine are transformed into the very presence of the living God.

Pictures by Renee Singleton
AMD should enter the Copilot+ generation of PCs with the new Ryzen AI 300 series, a mobile processor with an NPU that AMD claims will lead the industry with 50 TOPS of AI power.

AMDs Ryzen AI series not only breaks ground in terms of AI, but in CPU capabilities as well. The chip family is AMDs first Zen 5 processor, featuring double-digit performance gains compared to the previous generation. It also contains a robust integrated GPU, plus an RDNA 3.5-capable Radeon core with up to 16 compute units, depending upon the model.

Were reimagining what it means to build a truly intelligent and personalized PC experience, said Mike Jasinski, an AMD product manager, in a recorded briefing with reporters.

AMD and its partners  Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, and MSI, among others  will begin shipping the Ryzen AI 300 in July.

AI is our number one priority, said Dr. Lisa Su, AMDs chief executive, in a keynote address opening Computex.

AMD Ryzen AI 300 series chips: Specs and details

Though there are only two new Ryzen AI 300 chips to choose from, their names continue the trend of utterly unmemorable model numbers. AMD is offering either the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or the Ryzen AI 9 365, differentiated by the number of core counts, clock speeds, and the capabilities of the integrated GPU. The NPU  referred to as Strix Point  remains the same in both processors.

For now, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series is available in just two versions. For now, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series is available in just two versions. AMD For now, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series is available in just two versions. AMD AMD

The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 includes 12 cores and 24 threads, combining 4 Zen 5 cores with 8 older, more power-effective Zen 4C cores. It also includes a Radeon 890M graphics core with 16CUs. The Ryzen 9 AI 365 includes 10 cores (4 Zen 5, 6 Zen 5C) and 20 threads, with a Radeon 880M (12 CUs) inside. The two chips max out at 5.1GHz and 5.0GHz in terms of turbo performance, respectively.

AMD is touting gains over the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite in terms of performance, and over the older Intel Core Ultra 185H, a member of the Meteor Lake family of processors. Intel is expected to launch its latest Core Ultra processor, Lunar Lake, at the Computex show later this week.

Built for the AI era

Forgive AMD for being a little sensitive on the subject of AI. Microsoft recently launched its Copilot+ program in conjunction with new experiences in Windows 11, including a PC search engine called Recall, as well as generative AI experiences in Paint and Photos. Although AI can and will continue to use the cloud  as Windows Copilot in the PC currently does  chip vendors are looking forward to a day where AI will be run on the PC to minimize latency, preserve privacy, and increase overall production.

For now, AMD believes that it has a leg up on the competition. What AMD calls its 3rd Gen Ryzen AI or XDNA 2 generates 50 TOPS from the NPU alone, in part due to what AMD calls enhanced AI tiles with additional multitasking. That easily outclasses the 16 TOPS of the earlier Ryzen 8040, but also the 38 TOPS of the Apple M4. Even the 45 TOPS of Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite falls short.

AMD AMD AMD

This matters, because Microsoft has set 40 TOPS as the minimum for Copilot+ experiences like Recall. Its not clear whether AMD or PC makers that use the chip can claim that theyre Copilot+ compliant, but AMD is at least claiming that its Copilot+ ready. (Individual laptops will still need to include a minimum of 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to meet Copilot+ requirements.)

AMD believes that LLMs or AI chatbots will be five times more responsive than on the older Ryzen 9 8940S. In part, thats because of some engineering magic the Ryzen AI 300 employs.

LLMs can use 8-bit integers to maximize performance, or the time in which tokens (text) are analyzed and generated. But speed doesnt always equal accuracy, and 16-bit floating-point operations can provide better responses. More and more models use quantization as an assist  its essentially image compression for LLMs, with the hope that the process will shrink file sizes without using accuracy. AMD is using what it calls a block FP16 NPU, which is designed to combine the best of both worlds: accuracy and speed.

AMD Ryzen AI 300 benchmarks

For many people, however, they want to know one thing: how fast is the Ryzen AI 300?

Intel Intel Intel

AMD says that its chip will outperform a Snapdragon X Elite in terms of performanceand the lack of a need for emulation.

Remember, though, that Qualcomm doesnt disclose its thermal power envelope, so its unclear how accurate of a direct comparison this is. On the other hand, this isnt AMDs fault.

AMD informed us that theres an error on this slide: the comparison should be against an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. AMD informed us that theres an error on this slide: the comparison should be against an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. Intel AMD informed us that theres an error on this slide: the comparison should be against an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. Intel Intel

AMD compared its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor against an Intel Ultra 9 185H, a Meteor Lake chip. AMDs own tests found that it handily outperformed Intels chip in several categories. But AMD didnt disclose how fast the Ryzen AI 300 is against its own, earlier chips, either.

Finally, theres gaming, which AMD believes to be part of its DNA with its ATI Technologies acquisition, which later became the Radeon graphics division. Here, AMD believes it can wipe the floor with the Core Ultra 185H, too.

AMDs gaming legacy is on display here with the AI 9 HX 370. AMDs gaming legacy is on display here with the AI 9 HX 370. Intel AMDs gaming legacy is on display here with the AI 9 HX 370. Intel Intel

Well have to wait until we can get AMDs Ryzen AI 300 series in to test, of course. Look for the chip in systems like the Asus ZenBook S 16, Asus ProArt P16, and Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, as well as the MSI Stealth A16 AI and the similar MSI Prestige A16 AI, too.
Youd expect that more expensive PC processors would feature faster clock speeds, more cache, more powerful integrated graphics. Future Ryzens will probably scale NPU TOPS, too.

AI will be everywhere. If there was a theme to Dr. Lisa Sus post-keynote press conference, at the Computex 2024 show in Taipei, it was that. Su touched on the theme time and time again. And AI will be everywhere across AMDs CPU lineup  but not necessarily with the same potency.

On stage, Su joked with Microsofts Windows and devices chief Pavan Davuluri that an NPUs TOPS dont come for free, echoing the old adage that whatever hardware a chipmaker builds, software will suck it up.

Thats why I was sort of kidding with Pavan on stage, Su said, in response to my question. Nothing is for free, when you look at these products both from an overall power standpoint, as well as this overall cost standpoint.

I think what were seeing is AI will truly be everywhere. Our expectation is that the current Copilot+ and (AMD Ryzen AI 300 Copilot+ PCs, or Strix Point,) at 50+ TOPS will start more at the higher end of the stack, Su added. But we would expect that you will see AI throughout our entire stack as we go forward.

Youre going to see at the top end that were going to continue to scale the TOPS because we are big, big believers in the more local TOPS you have, the more capable your AI PCs are going to be, Su concluded. We believe people are going to value that and so its worth it, to put it on chip locally.

Su didnt describe how AMD will differentiate various Ryzens with NPU capabilities. But theres a history here: In 2021, AMD mixed and matched parts from various Zen generations under the Ryzen 5000 name. AMD could conceivably do the same with future Ryzens, taking older NPUs and combining them with various CPUs and GPUs.

But thats not to say we could see just an NPU, either. In response to another question about whether AMD could develop a neuromorphic chip like Intels Loihi, Su seemed open to the possibility. I think as we go forward, we always look at some specific types of whats called new acceleration technologies, she said. I think we could see some of these going forward.

But could Ryzens get bigger, with more cores? Su demurred while answering a question about whether AMD would ever go beyond the current 16-core count. Theres no physical reason that we couldnt go more than 16 cores, she said.

Su pointed out that software developers dont always use all the core AMD already provides. I think the key is just going at the pace that the software guys can utilize them, she said.
If you listen to Qualcomm as it sings the praises of its new Snapdragon X series of laptop processors, Arm is the second coming of PC hardware. So if thats the case, why not stick it into desktops too? They will, in fact. According to a presentation at Computex in Taipei, Qualcomm is bringing its Arm-based CPUs to all form factors.

That includes conventional all-in-ones with built-in screens, tablets, and small form factor machines a la the Mac Mini, at least going by the demo slide presented by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon (see above). It also includes conventional stand-alone desktops in full-sized casesthough an example was conspicuously absent from the slide. He also said that the heavy hitters of the PC industry are all working with Qualcomm, including Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung, according to Toms Hardware.

It seems like a safe bet that if you want a Snapdragon-powered Windows machine in a specific style sometime in the near future, youll have that option.

What does it mean for PC users who prefer to roll their own machines? That much isnt clear. Arm CPUs and the Snapdragon X line in particular are generally soldered in place, requiring them to be shipped with specific motherboards. But theres no technical barrier keeping them from using other user-replaceable components, like PCIE-standard graphics cards and storage, DDR memory, and a wide array of cooling and connective tech.

Whether anyone will be interested in selling off-the-shelf components for Arm-based PC hardware is anyones guess. The momentum behind x86/x64 hardware spans decades, so it would be an uphill battle to get gamers and power users to switch, no matter how widespread Qualcomms processors become in the consumer market.
As Qualcomm-powered Windows on Arm PCs begin appearing here at Computex, ushering in a generation of AI-infused Copilot+ laptops, it seemed appropriate to interview a major player in the push.

No, not Qualcomm. (Weve already spoken to them.) Instead, I mean Arm, the semiconductor design company that licenses CPUs to companies like Qualcomm, Apple, and Samsung. Arm dominates in smartphones and tablets, and now, true PC contention finally seems possible.

I sat down with chief executive Rene Haas in Taipei, touching upon everything from NPUs, to how Arm solved its Windows app gap, to why Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm dont matter to the success of Windows on Arm PCs. And he has nothing but praise for Apples M-series Macs, which he says woke up the industry on the art of the possible with Arm laptops. I think Apple silicon has really proven that you could build a first-class laptop and have no compromises, Haas said.

This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity.

Arm chip and AI discussion

Mark Hachman, PCWorld: Since AI is the big thing now, my first question is basically an AI prompt. Please explain what the your recent CSS for Client processor means to a PC-centric audience.

Rene Haas, Arm: The way I might describe it is if you think about the chip that goes inside your PC, and we have CSS today for mobile phones  we arent announcing CSS for PCs. The way to think about it would be just a chip thats inside your laptop thats running all of the application software, the display or the GPU. Even the NPU that all gets designed by different blocks of separate pieces of intellectual property.

So what we ended up doing with a CSS is we take everything thats around the computer, the CPU, the GPU, the NPU, and all of the mesh network, the interrupt controllers, and we put that all together as a finished block, and deliver that to the person whos building the system on a chip, and then they are able to get that shipped to market much faster. An analogy for the PCWorld audience: if you think about IP as individual Lego blocks and compute subsystems as the Lego blocks that allow you to build a Statue of Liberty. Thats kind of what we do.

Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG

In the past Arm would simply license cores to companies like Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung and others. Is this an expansion of that?

Its more that we would sell cores, but instead of PC where you might have eight big cores and four small cores, we would deliver that configuration. So what is the right mix and match of CPU cores to maximize performance? And then from implementing an actual system on chip well take it all the way, with all the libraries youd need for, say, three nanometer.

And with that we can literally assure you that youre going to get, call it four-year performance. Everything is tuned. And the reason we do it is not only to save time to market, but we can almost assure that, built this way and configured this way, youre going to get the maximum performance and power savings.

You mentioned an NPU before. But you dont build an NPU, at least not in the CSS architecture. Did I miss something?

There isnt an NPU today on the PC side. We have NPUs today on what I would call the entry-embedded line. But yeah, we havent gone public with our NPUs for the high end.

In your CSS announcement, you mentioned KleidiAI, which provides AI functions but for the CPU. Can you explain that to a PC audience that is just starting to understand what an NPU is?

Right. Its a great question because the way that the software takes advantage of the NPU [today] is fairly high level. In other words, if the NPU has multiply-accumulates [a type of math] to run off a machine learning algorithm, the software will take advantage of that NPU. It will go off and run these complex instructions there.

What its not able to do is take advantage of anything unique in the NPU that might have been down to the metal layer or the hardware specific layer, because theres no way for the application to know whats inside that underlying hardware. That, by the way, is one of the disadvantages of everyone having their own NPU; the software ends up doing the least common denominator approach, but just making the most simple assumption about whats there.

What KleidiAI does on the CPU is. well, inside the CPU are very, very specific instructions that will accelerate performance. In the case of Arm V9, these are things like what we call SVE or SME, Scalable Vector Extensions, Scalable Matrix Extensions, these are things that can really, really speed up an AI algorithm.

But again, the software developer doesnt really know whether the processor has SME. He maybe doesnt know anything about it. So if you call that runtime library, the library is going to know  oh, this is whats there. And Im going to take advantage of it. So it allows for significant speedup of the performance of the software, without the developer having to know. That is really one of the probably the superpowers of those of those underlying libraries.

You may have just done this, but describe for me again what the advantage would be in the real world.

The way to think about it is an analogy  its not a PC analogy, but its a fun analogy, and it applies. When [Google] Gemini came out for Android phones, Samsungs Galaxy had two chips underneath the hood. They had a Qualcomm chip and a Samsung Exynos chip. Both of those had NPUs, but they were a little bit different.

So from a application standpoint, Gemini was only able to run at a general level, and it wasnt really optimized for the hardware. So fast forward, whats going to happen with these agents, whether its Copilot or Gemini, theyre going to be part of the operating system. And if theyre part of the operating system, they really want to understand as much of the specifics of the low level hardware so they can be performant. But as long as these things are a little bit different, youre not gonna be able to manage that.

So we think the library approach is not only in the right place for CPUs, but I think over time, thats what happens with these entities.

And youre going to have an NPU for these high-end processors. You just havent come to market yet.

You can extrapolate that.

Thats why when you see people benchmarking 50 TOPS versus 40 TOPS, its a benchmark.

And TOPS isnt supposed to be a great benchmark or definition.

TOPS isnt a great definition; its a crude benchmark of tera-operations per second. But whats more important is, is the software able to take advantage of the hardware? And thats the story of our libraries.

Snapdragon PCs and Windows on Arm

Arms CSS has a traditional mix of extreme cores, performance cores, and efficiency cores. But Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite just ditches all that for all performance cores. Thats it. OK, so what does that mean?

Qualcomms doing this mix and match but what we what we see is the direction of travel is such that the complexity of software is so high.

Respectfully, we work a lot more closely with the operating system vendors and the application community than we do with folks building the chip. When it comes to the software, the decisions in terms of what Microsoft or Google is going to put in the operating systems are made years in advance. Usually before the chip. Vendors decide which core to put inside it.

So the reason we think the CSS approach is going to be right over time is that it is going to allow us to work very closely with the application ecosystem, the developer ecosystem, the operating system vendors, to really ensure that we are delivering not only the most software-optimized platform, but because the time to develop these chips keeps getting longer, the manufacturing cycle times to build them keeps getting longer, that this idea of Im gonna selectively pick all the bits and then figure out how to mix and match, no. People run out of time. And thats why weve seen the CSS approach been so, so compelling for folks, it just saves a ton of time.

This is a good discussion. Lets stick with the software. One of the historical problems with Windows on Arm is the software: its run slowly, with compatibility issues. Tell me how youre helping to solve those problems.

We had a lot of benefit from the mobile ecosystem in really, really driving native applications. So just think about all the apps you run on your mobile phone: Adobe, Spotify, browsers, they now have all been natively ported to ARM and thats the monster benefit.

When you go back go back to the Windows platform, you think about performance, because performance is really a function of both software compatibility but also software optimizations. So there are two bins.

One is the apps are there. On Windows on Arm [in previous years] there were holes. The apps were simply not there. In this day and age, thats table stakes. If you dont have it, its a big, big deal. That has literally all gone away.

And now all the the apps are tuned. And to the question, well, how did that happen? Its a combination of working very closely with Microsoft.

When Microsoft talks about their Prism interpreter for Windows on Arm, how does that intersect with your own efforts?

We work incredibly closely with Microsoft.

So how does this intersect with say, Qualcomm, who has a big stake in making Windows on Arm work. Do you sit down with them? Does one side take direction from the other?

I think when it when it comes to the compute platform, its more Arm with Microsoft, than it is arm with Qualcomm, if that makes sense. Android is a good example.

If I think about Android, we work very closely with Samsung who builds chips, Qualcomm who builds chips, MediaTek who build chips, but were closer to Google. And its not anything negative about the chip guys. But the compute platform is between Arm and the operating system, between Arm and the application developers. Its not really the chip guys.

Is that just because a rising tide lifts all boats, and it makes more sense to work for the benefit of all of the chip vendors, and not just one?

If you go back to the first Android smartphone, the number one vendor developing the app processor was [Texas Industries] OMAP. And one of the other very large guys doing chips back then was Broadcom.

Fast forward to today, its MediaTek and Qualcomm. And if you go back to the handset vendors back in 2009, there was HTC and LG, Ericsson, Nokia. And you look at it and say well, Nokia is gone. Ericsson is gone. LG is gone. HTC is gone. Ti is gone. Broadcoms gone. Yet, Arm is still dominant in Android. Why is that? Well, its because we create the environment. And you create the opportunity for different handset manufacturers and different chip people to enter the market.

I like this conversation and I want to continue it, but a rumor springs to mind: that there has been an exclusivity agreement in place between Microsoft and Qualcomm for Windows on Arm, and that agreement ended this year. Is this true?

Everything Ive heard is that that is true. Okay. Ive heard that rumor, exactly. I have also heard that times out this year. And that will allow other players to enter the market, which again, all the rumors Ive heard, thats true. And I think its going to be great because its going to allow for choice and its going to allow for diversity, which is kind of the theme of the Windows ecosystem.

How do you view the potential for Windows on Arm for Arm, versus something like, automotive?

Gosh, without getting into the [details] for Windows on Arm, its a pretty significant revenue opportunity. Because 200 million units, and our market share is approximately zero.

Well, maybe not zero. But smallish.

Yeah, so I think theres only upside for us there. And if I look at the other ecosystem for PCs, and I look at what Mac OS has done, at the silicon, it has been amazing. And the products are amazing.

Do you think Apple helped validate your approach, by making its transition from X86 to Arm?

They were, they were a great help. They were great. Apples a fantastic partner. And I think Apple silicon has really proven that you could build a first-class laptop and have no compromises.

Were learning that Qualcomm has promised monthly drivers for Snapdragon X Elite PCs. Thats their commitment. Do you help out here?

Were they referring to GPU drivers?

I believe they were referring generically to monthly driver updates.

If its an OS driver, thats actually Arm and Windows. So when you get that annoying. security patch  Windows needs to update your machine  thats Arm and Windows, meaning Microsoft. Qualcomm is not involved in anything relative to the OS first.

From where youre sitting, is the Windows on Arm community providing the right messaging to consumers and potential buyers?

Again, respectfully, I think the world has kind of moved on relative to Intel, AMD, Qualcomm inside and theres probably less of a buying decision for folks any more.

I think the AI PC is good liftoff because its obvious with what Microsofts doing with Copilot and what runs locally and what runs at the cloud. And its obvious that AI is creating all kinds of differentiated use cases.

Let me say it this way. If there was no AI, I think it might have been a little harder for Microsoft in general to create buzz around this new category. I think AI PC gives a great kind of tailwind. And I think on top of that, that it creates the window for new machines.

I think the Windows on Arm machines are going to be when people say oh, I need it. It starts with AI PC. A new opportunity. Now let me see, what are the options I have with AI PC? Oh my gosh, these machines here look pretty good. The battery life is great. The thermals are great and mechanicals are great. I think its less about oh my gosh, what brand is it, Intel? AMD? No.

So lets say Windows on Arm is a resounding success. What does that mean for future development of Arm processors? Or does CSS for Client anticipate that success?

Yes.

Itll be good for us.

OK, final question. I know Im probably going to get a biased answer, but did you expect what Id characterize as a warm reception for Windows on Arm this time around, versus before?

I did. I did. I think it was time. And again, I would give thanks to the folks in in Cupertino [Apple]. I think they I think they woke up the industry on the art of the possible in terms of what can be done with an Arm-based PC.

I think a lot of things come into play relative to the right time. Microsoft making the investment. So maybe the timing is right. I mean, as I mentioned in the keynote, I was personally involved in the very first Windows on Arm PC. I was at Nvidia at the time; I was the GM [general manager] that was running that business.

I lived Surface RT. It had a kludgey version of [Microsoft] Office. It had no enterprise support whatsoever. If you were a CIO, an IT manager there was no way to do anything with it. All thats gone.
The inaugural GhIE-Professor Douglas Boateng Annual Lecture took place Thursday 30th May, issuing a clarion call to heavily leverage engineering, industrialization, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the expedited growth of Ghana and the continent at large.



Held at the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Conference Room, the lecture explored the crucial role of engineering in driving industrialization across Africa, particularly in the context of AfCFTA.



Addressing participants attending both in person and online, renowned industrial engineer Professor Douglas Boateng highlighted the synergies between robust engineering practices and the successful implementation of AfCFTA. He emphasized the necessity of sustainable infrastructure and advanced manufacturing technologies for Africa to fully leverage the benefits of AfCFTA. "Engineering is a catalyst for industrial transformation and economic integration. With the requisite investment in infrastructure and technology, we can unlock the full potential of AfCFTA for Africas development. This will enable us to build resilient economies that are not only self-sufficient but also globally competitive," he said.



Prof. Boateng further elaborated that engineering, as the backbone of industrialization, has become even more crucial for the continents sustained growth in the context of AfCFTA. "The continents ability to innovate and build resilient infrastructure is critical in determining Africas success on the global market," he added.



Commenting further, Prof. Boateng stressed the importance of integrated engineering solutions to address the complex challenges of industrialization. He emphasized that engineering disciplines must work together to create holistic and sustainable industrial systems that can withstand the test of time and evolving market demands. "The future of Africa's industrialization lies in our ability to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to engineering. By collaborating across various engineering fields, we can develop comprehensive solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable and resilient," he stated.



The President of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, highlighted the critical need for substantial investment in engineering education and vocational training. He argued that developing local talent is essential for sustaining industrial growth and ensuring that African countries can independently manage and expand their industrial bases. "Without a well-trained workforce, the continent's industrial ambitions would remain unfulfilled," he said.



Speaking to the media on the sidelines, Professor Boateng confirmed that discussions were progressing very well regarding him addressing various parliamentarians in special sittings of their respective parliaments.



Themed Engineering, Industrialization, AfCFTA, and Strategic Sourcing: The Inextricable Links, the lecture brought together a distinguished audience of academics, industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives. The annual lecture series promises to be a seminal event on Ghanas and the rest of the continents engineering calendar, exploring the role of engineering and other sectors for the sustained growth and development of the continent and beyond. Among other things, it aims to foster continuous dialogue and collaboration amongst relevant stakeholders, paving the way for a technologically advanced continent.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, has revealed that the fall in the Ghana cedi has a short-term implication but needs a long, medium, and short term policies and responses to tackle the challenges.



Speaking to the press at the launch of the Long-term National Development Perspective Framework (LTNDPF), Dr. Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa stated that the Ghana cedis continuous decline is a result of a number of key factors, which have been addressed in the Vision 2057 framework, launched by the commission on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Cedi Conference Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon.



He said, the depreciation of the Ghana cedi has a lot of short-term implications but you need a long term, medium and short term policies and responses to tackle it. It is a shortterm phenomenal which we are experiencing now but it requires a long term proves to stabilise the currency. If you look at the long term plan, the first economic activity is to stabilise the economy. The stabilisation of the economy also implies the stabilisation of our currency.



The Director-General of NDPC outlined a number of factors which contributes to the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the major trading currencies.



According to him, every currency is backed by two indicators; the production and reserves, adding that, if the reserve is low, the currency suffers fluctuation and depreciation.



If your reserve is low, your currency suffers fluctuation and depreciation. If productivity is low, your currency also suffers. In the plan, we have tackled the two angles, looking at the resources around us, how do we mobilise these resources. We are number one (1) in gold production and seven (7) in the world. We are number one in bauxite production in West Africa and the only country that have juxtaposition iron and manganese used to produce steel. What are we doing with these resources?



According to the Dr. Mensah-Abrampa, the only way the natural resources can be harnessed is to first of all, train the human resources in the areas that need their expertise.



He posited that, although the government through the Ministry of Education have been championing the cause of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, so many students are rather moving towards the liberal courses which has created an imbalance in what they industry players lead.



It is a matter of harnessing the human resources, first and foremost, through the human resources. What have we been training our people on? Definitely, there is a divergence from the very resources that we have. If we dont have people with the skill and the knowledge to take advantage of the resources, then we will continue to be in the problem that we are facing, he said.



He continued to add that, one way we can deal with the issue of the free fall of the cedi is to move from primary production to secondary production.



According to him, the rate of production of the raw materials have been very low, especially with the discovery of the raw materials like the cocoa, bauxite, manganese, lithium, oil, etc.



So many years, we have been producing cocoa and yet we export the bulk of it without any value added. We are producing a lot of gold and we have been doing that for ages, and we are still struggling to have an economic refinery top process them to produce jewelry, to produce all the ornaments that come from it.



These are the key situations but for the last four years a lot of processes have been made towards moving to processing. We are pushing and working on the minerals resources and you will see a lot of work being done by the minerals commission to be able to take advantage of the gold and move it to the refinery level, where you can have the whole chain benefit from it.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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President Cyril Ramaphosa has described South Africa's election results as a victory for its democracy, despite his African National Congress (ANC) party losing its majority for the first time.



The party, which was once led by Nelson Mandela, won 159 seats in the 400-seat parliament, down from 230 in the previous assembly.



It is the ANC's worst election result since apartheid ended 30 years ago - though it still has by far the most seats.



The results announced on Sunday represent a sharp drop in support for the party, which now must go into a coalition to form the next government.



"Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not, they have spoken," Mr Ramaphosa said.



"As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes."



He added that the voters wanted the parties to find common ground.



"Through their votes, they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong and it is enduring," he said.



South Africa's political parties have two weeks to work out a coalition deal, then the new parliament will sit to choose a president.



The centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) remains the second-largest party in parliament and has said it is open to talks of a coalition.



Former president Jacob Zuma, who now leads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party that came third, did not attend the results announcement and had suggested that he might challenge them.



Earlier in the day, Mr Zuma called for an election rerun and said the electoral commission should not announce the final results.



On Saturday, he warned the commission that it would "be provoking us" if it ignored his demand for a fresh election, and for an independent investigation into his party's claims that it was rigged.



"Dont start trouble when there is no trouble, he said.



There are now concerns over how Mr Zuma's supporters may respond to the results.



Mr Zuma has been the political wildcard in this election - and he is preparing to flex his muscles as the kingmaker in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the MK party has wrestled a huge chunk of votes from the ANC.



Formed just a few months ago, results show that for the national election, it has taken the largest share of the vote in the province - 44% to the ANC's 19%.



Local issues could have been a big factor in that shift, with some community members turning their backs on the ANC party because it had failed to fix acute water shortages.



Parts of the province, such as Trenance Park, which is a mere 20 minutes' drive from the main city of Durban, have had no tap water for 10 months.



Residents rely on water tankers that sometimes do not deliver water on time.



People in KwaZulu-Natal hope that now the election is over, the problem will be fixed for good.

Source: BBC









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 Mayor of Bergen, Norway, Marit Wankne has disclosed that her city is ready to partner with Ghana and Kumasi to be precise, to help in improving infrastructure in the country.



According to her, Ghana and Norway has a very special diplomatic relations and ties which can harness a better relationship between the two countries.



"I am very excited to receive such a powerful delegation from the Asante Kingdom and Ghana. I believe this bond and friendship we are creating today will also be the beginning of a better collaboration between the two countries and also help through the Bergen community provide infrastructure for the people of Ghana and Kumasi.



"It is my firm belief that as a mayor for the Bergen city I will through the Ghanaian community here in Norway help draw a proper bilateral relations between the Government of Ghana and Norway," Marit Wankne said.



She expressed her appreciation to the delegation from the royal occupant of the Golden stool for the gesture and the visit.



Leader of the delegation who represented Otumfuo osei Tutu II Nana Kwame Kyeretwie expressed his appreciation to the Mayor of Bergen for the support given to the Ghanaian community in Norway.



"What I have seen here is cleanliness. As we travelled round the city, I realized that every where is clean. You can find any refuse any where".



"When I return, I will plead with Otumfour to introduce a policy that will engage the people of Kumasi to help clean the city which will make Kumasi the cleanest city in the country, he added.







Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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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Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has slammed the Electoral Commission over the use of Ghana Card as the identity card for voting in the December 7 elections.



The Electoral Commission proposed for the Ghana Card to be the only identity card to be used in elections.



They found the Ghana Card credible to avoid election irregularities and also to rightly and legally identify the voters.



But the Commission's proposal was opposed by some parties and individuals, compelling the electoral management body to reconsider their decision.



Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" panel discussion programme, Pratt kicked against making the Ghana Card the only identification means for one to exercise his or her franchise.



"If I don't have a Ghana Card, should I lose my right to vote? Tell me under what circumstances that if I don't have a Ghana Card, I lose my citizenship and my right to determine who should govern me. Why? That I don't have a Ghana Card, so I cannot vote; where from this? What is the justification for that position?"





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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James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly called "Kabila", has taken a swipe at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over their press conference regarding the ambulance purchase trial involving Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.



Ato Forson and one Richard Jakpa have been charged at the Accra High Court for causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the State in a deal to buy 200 ambulances for Ghana.



According to the A-Gs facts, the late former President John Evans Atta Mills, in 2009, disclosed new ambulances would be procured to improve the operations of the National Ambulance Service.



He informed the nation about the decision to buy 200 ambulances but only 30 ambulances were purchased at a sum of 2.37 million.



The purchase of the 30 ambulances was spearheaded by Richard Jakpa and Ato Forson who was then the Deputy Finance Minister.



Jakpa was a local representative of a Dubai-based company called Big Sea General Trading Limited and, in respect of the transaction, approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for the supply of the 200 ambulances



During cross-examination in court before the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Richard Jakpa stated that the Attorney-General and himself had met at the private residence of a Supreme Court Justice, 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.



On the trial, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) played a secret audio recording between Jakpa and the Attorney-General which, to them, discredits Mr. Godfred Dame at their press conference.



As a result, they call for Attorney-General to resign from office.



Discussing the issue on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, James Kwabena Bomfeh, a former General Secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP), found the NDC press conference unnecessary stating "it's ugly. It's nauseating. It's untidy, disgusting. We should stop this; it's very disgusting".



He argued the Attorney-General should not be tried in the court of opinion and that if the NDC nor any person has anything against him, they should use the appropriate forum which is either the Ghana Legal Council or the court.



"Is the NDC standing trial? So, what is the business of the NDC in this matter?", he fumed.





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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The Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is leaving no stone unturned in engaging with Ghanaians with the hope of leading the country.



Dr. Bawumia has been touring various Regions of the country to engage groups and citizens using different channels.



One approach used by him in his campaign is his on-street meet and greet, market interactions with traders and house-to-house engagements in communities.



During his tour of the Oti Region on Friday, May 30, Dr. Bawumia took his house-to-house engagements to another level.



After meeting with a number of groups earlier in the capital, Dambai, the NPP flagbearer hit the streets on foot randomly meeting a number of people.



He got into the communities, surprising them with visit to their homes and interacting with them.



Residents were extremely surprised and excited to see Dr. Bawumia in their homes.



While the elderly happily received and interacted with him, a large of the youth requested to take selfies which Dr. Bawumia happily obliged.

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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Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's message of being a driver's mate for 7 years, therefore pleading to be handed the steering wheel has resonated with Ghanaians across the country.



During his campaign tour of the Oti Region yesterday, ecstatic residents of the Regional capital, Dambai, welcomed and greeted Dr. Bawumia publicly showing their two hands symbolically controlling the steering wheel of a car.



Dr. Bawumia's engagements in the Oti Region took him to meet the Clergy, Imams, Zongo Chiefs, the Oti Regional House of Chiefs and the youth in the community.



He also embarked on a house-to-house and street-to-street campaign.



The estastic residents cheered him on amidst chants of yde steer no ama wo meaning we have given you the steer, also to wit they solidly support him and will elect for Dr. Bawumia as Ghanas next President.



Dr. Bawumia, in response, acknowledged their applause and replicate the symbol with his two hands depicting a driver driving a car.



In one instance, one of the ecstatic young ones displaying the give me the steer signhanded over a round cardboard paper to Dr. Bawumia to depicting a steering wheel.



Dr. Bawumia received the cardboard and started to drive it much to the excitement of the crowd.



Interestingly, as the bus carrying Dr. Bawumia moved around the Dambai township, many of the residents came out doing the steer controlling sign amid cheers and waving at him.

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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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been urged to dismiss Attorney General Godfred Dame in light of a leaked audio aired by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



The leaked audio recording contains a conversation between Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah-Dame and the third accused person in the ongoing ambulance case against Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, Richard Jakpa.



In the 16-minute recording, Mr Jakpa alleged that the Attorney-General had prompted him to testify falsely against Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing ambulance case.



Bernard Mornah, Co-Convener of AriseGhana, in a statement, urged the President to dismiss Mr. Dame immediately to restore faith in the Attorney Generals office and the Ghanaian Bar.



We, therefore, call on the President to sack Mr Godfred Dame without any further delay in order to restore some confidence in the office of Attorney-General as well as the Bar of Ghana he said



The opposition NDC has on the other hand called for his resignation.



However, James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly called "Kabila" speaking in a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' says there's no basis for Godfred Dame to be sacked or resign.



Listen to his reason in the video below





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 son of the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East cum Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has been reportedly stabbed.



The incident is said to have happened following a confusion near the Electoral Commission office at Kasoa.



Ato Koomson, the son of the MP, was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital after he was stabbed and is said to be in critical condition.



The report added that its sources indicated that another person was also injured during the altercation.



An eyewitness, who shared details about what happened, said that the confusion started when supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) disagreed on the position of some residents in the queue in the ongoing voter ID cards transfer and replacement exercise.



According to the source, the practice has been that some persons in either party would book positions for people in queues by placing chairs in them, but in one instance, there was a disagreement on who would sit on a particular chair.



The situation escalated, the source said, with Ato Koomson arriving some 45 minutes after the disagreements, and is said to have approached the NDC organizer at the registration centre to help resolve the issue.



But another member of the NDC rather started verbally abusing the MP's son, the source added.



In the ensuing fracas, the alleged NDC member pulled out a knife and stabbed Koomson in the chest, a member of the NPP who also sustained a minor cut, King Adawu, also shared.



On how he also got cut, King Adawu is reported to have said he was trying to block the knife, resulting in his injury.



Although he was rushed together to the hospital with Ato Koomson, the latter has remained on admission, while Adawu has been discharged, the report stated.



In the meantime, the report said the police have arrested the main suspect in the matter as it investigates the matter further.

Source: Ghanaweb









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The opening ceremony of the 6th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge in Windhoek, Namibia, has set a dynamic tone with a strong call for youth participation in creating innovative interventions and enhancing entrepreneurial ventures.



Additionally, the summit has emphasized the urgent need to address the disparity between the youth and academia, advocating for knowledge to transcend beyond the traditional classroom boundaries and be applied practically in the tourism sector.



Key Highlights:



1. Call for Innovative Interventions

2. Entrepreneurial Ventures

3. Bridging the Gap between Youth and Academia

4. Partnership and Collaboration

5. Key Factors for Entrepreneurial Success

6. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

7. Content Creation and Social Media Marketing



The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge is an annual Youth initiative hosted

by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with the UN Tourism and BDO South Africa.



Since Its inception , the event has been hosted by the Governments of Ghana (Ghana Tourism Authority), Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau , Mastercard Foundation and the Government of Namibia (Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.



Speaking at the Opening Ceremony , Hon. Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta, MP, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, of the Republic of Namibia urged the youth in Namibia and Africa at large to take space in the tourism sector especially when it comes to technological innovation and embrace the Africa continental trade initiative.



Ghanas Minister for Tourism, Arts And Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer was on the Ministerial and Policy Makers dialogue panel that explored how they could "advance the voices of young women in travel, tourism and tech entrepreneurs and leadership - challenges, opportunities and solutions".



The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyeman joined Abeiku Aggrey Santana; Managing Director of Kaya Tours Ltd, and Kenny Agyepong Jnr, Founder of AfroFuture, in the panel discussion on the topic Taking the Next Step in the Entrepreneurship Journey Using Creative Arts and Culture".



Professor Kobby Mensah from the University of Ghana Business School moderated the session titled "Societal and Organizational Shifts: Key Drivers for Entrepreneurship and Start-up Successes, Failures, Learnings, and Advice".



Mr. Gideon Asare, the Managing Director of Adansi Travels Ltd Ghana, also addressed the topic "Demystifying Start-up Funding as a Barrier to Navigating the Path to Innovation and Success".



The three-day summit is expected to end on May 31, 2024.



It is being attended by over 250 in-person delegates with over 1500 virtual participants from across the continent and the globe.



Attendees include Ministers, tourism officials, policymakers, SMMES, start-ups, students, entrepreneurs and government officials from Africa and the rest of world.

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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Alabama-based Bonnie Plants is closing a facility in Pennsylvania.

Bonnie Plants filed a WARN notice (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act) with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state it is closing the facility at 1477 Power Plant Road in Center Township, Indiana County, near Blairsville. Sixty-five people will be laid off.

Bonnie Plants has been leasing the property from Homer City Generation L.P. Bonnie Plants said in the WARN notice that it was told its lease would not be renewed after the current term.

The layoffs will take place on Aug. 1.

Employees impacted include: one station manager, one office manager, one grower, one maintenance technician, nine sales representatives, six sales helpers, two shutter drivers, two department supervisors and 42 greenhouse employees.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated May 30.

Bonnie Plants said it will continue to operate and invest in its other three operations in Pennsylvania, which are in the New Cumberland, West Wyoming and Connellsville areas.

Bonnie Plants was founded in 1918 and sells vegetable and herb plants.
A Schuylkill County police officer has been accused of sexually abusing animals and children and uploading videos of the abuse, court documents show.

Christopher J. Cordes, 29, was suspended without pay indefinitely from the Tamaqua Police Department for conduct unbecoming of a police officer, the department said in a Friday news release.

Cordes, a Bloomsburg resident, was arrested and charged on Friday with 18 felonies, including photographing sexual acts of a child, sexual abuse of a minor and child pornography.

An affidavit of probable cause filed by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General gave the following account:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from Snapchat in October 2023 about a photo of a girls genitals that had been uploaded from an account with the username haytherecowboy.

The Snapchat account was traced to a phone number registered under Cordes name and address, according to court documents.

Investigators found that Cordes had been using the Snapchat account to request and upload child pornography. He also used the account to message children. In the messages, he said he wanted to impregnate a 13-year-old girl and create a family that plays together, which implied incestuous contact, state investigators wrote in the affidavit.

Cordes also admitted in the messages to repeatedly sexually assaulting an infant relative, according to court documents.

The affidavit said Cordes used Snapchat to send multiple sexual videos of himself. In some of the videos he is sexually abusing dogs, court documents said.

One girl who spoke with Cordes over Snapchat told investigators he gave her an STD when they met in 2021. CashApp records show Cordes later sent her $150 for STD treatment, according to the affidavit.

Court documents said Cordes told the girl at their second meeting that he is sexually attracted to children up to and including the infant age range, that he wanted to have kids so that he could abuse them, and that because he was a police officer, he could get away with it.

Tamaqua police said in the Friday news release that they are unaware of any inappropriate conduct while Cordes was on duty.

Cordes was unable to post $250,000 bail and is being held at Columbia County Prison as of Monday, according to online court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12 in front of Magisterial District Judge Russell Lawton.
Black and Latino voters and those 35 and younger were instrumental in electing President Joe Biden four years ago.

Increasingly, though, polls show that the support the president once enjoyed among these voting blocs has not only eroded, it continues to diminish over issues a world away, like the war in Gaza and at home with the high cost of living.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, accounted that it is recalling whole cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states, including Pennsylvania, due to the possibility that they have been contaminated with salmonella.

The cucumbers were shipped between May 17 and 21 to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The cucumbers are dark green in appearance, approximately 1.5 - 2 inches in diameter, and between 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.

Fresh Start initiated the recall after the Pa. Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for salmonella.

Anyone who has the recalled cucumbers in their home should not consume them but instead destroy and discard them or return them to where they bought them for a refund.

Consumers should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold where they shop.

Salmonella can lead to fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy people who contract Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Anyone with questions can contact Fresh Start between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday at 888-364-2993.
A Hampden Township healthcare company has announced it plans to build four new hospitals.

Pam Health plans to build the freestanding, 42-bed physical medicine and rehabilitation hospitals in four different states.

The four future hospitals include Pam Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Loveland in Colorado; Pam Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bloomington in Indiana; Pam Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Green Bay in Wisconsin and Pam Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Casper in Wyoming. Pam Health already has hospitals in Colorado, Indiana and Wisconsin. The hospital in Wyoming will be Pam Healths first in the state.

As a healthcare provider, PAM Health is always seeking opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the community, Anthony Misitano, founder, chairman, and CEO of Pam Health, said in a news release. We look forward to offering residents of these areas a fresh, top-tier option for rehabilitation services.

The new hospitals will serve patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological disorders, amputations, and orthopedic and post-surgical conditions.

Once completed, each hospital will employ approximately 200 people.

PAM Health has more than 100 long-term acute care hospitals and physical medicine and rehabilitation hospitals, along with wound clinics, outpatient physical therapy sites, and behavioral health hospitals in 17 states.

Last year, Pam Health announced it was planning to build its first hospital in the region  a 42-bed post-acute medical rehabilitation hospital at 4685 Mount Zion Drive in Hampden Township.
Toyota has revealed its recalling over 100,000 of its trucks and Lexus vehicles.

The company announced these recalls last Thursday, specifying that it applies solely to vehicles in North America.

According to a company press release, this voluntary safety recall regards about 102,000 2022-23 Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX (conventional gas models only, though) cars.

There is a possibility, explains the release, that these vehicles engines may have debris in them that was missed from being cleared during the production process, something which could lead to a series of problems.

In the involved vehicles, this can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start and/or a loss of motive power, the release continues. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Toyota has confirmed that it is currently looking for a way to remedy this issue.

Until then, owners of the vehicles impacted by the recall will be notified by late July 2024.

For more information, you can click either here or here. For any other questions or concerns, one may contact customer support by calling the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331) for Toyota vehicles.
By CLAUDIA LAUER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A federal gun case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter opened Monday with jury selection, following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close the 2024 election. First lady Jill Biden was seated in the front row of the courtroom, in a show of support for her son.

In a statement, the president said that as a dad he has boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, he said, adding that would have no further comment on the case. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearms applicants when he said he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

He has pleaded not guilty and has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

The trial comes just days after Donald Trump, Republicans presumptive 2024 presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the criminal courtroom has taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

The judge will ask a group of prospective jurors a series of questions to determine whether they can serve impartially on the jury, including whether they have donated to political campaigns or run for political office. She will ask whether their views about the 2024 presidential campaign prevent them from being impartial.

Shes also going to ask whether prospective jurors believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted because his father is the president. Also, she will ask about firearms purchasing and addiction issues, including: Do you believe someone who is addicted to drugs should not be charged with a crime?

First lady Jill Biden arrives ahead of Hunter Biden's trial at federal court, Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings.

But Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed. The lawyers squabbled over the agreement, could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

This trial isnt about Hunter Bidens foreign business affairs  which Republicans have seized on without evidence to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. But it will excavate some of Hunter Bidens darkest moments and put them on display.

The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, whos long been concerned about the well-being and sobriety of his only living son and who must now watch as his sons painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinized. Hes also protective: Hunter Biden was with his father all weekend before the case began, biking with his dad and attending church together.

President Biden, in a last-minute switch in plans, shifted from his Rehoboth Beach home back to his Wilmington compound on Sunday evening. Boarding a helicopter on Sunday was the only time the president was seen publicly without his son all weekend.

Hunter Biden arrived first to the Delaware courthouse on Monday. The first lady, who turned 73 on Monday, followed about 15 minutes later and walked briskly into court, flanked by U.S. Secret Service agents. Hunter Bidens sister Ashley Biden was also in court to support him. The president was at their Wilmington home until he left later in the day for a campaign reception in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

Prosecutors hope to show Hunter Biden was in the throes of addiction when he bought the gun and therefore lied on the forms. They have said theyre planning to use as evidence his published memoir, and they may also introduce contents from a laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved. The contents made their way to Republicans in 2020 and were publicly leaked, revealing embarrassing and personal photos in which hes often nude and doing drugs and messages in which he asks dealers about scores.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and his attorneys have suggested they may argue he didnt see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked no to the question on the form. Theyll also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, are also planning to call as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife and his brothers widow, Hallie, with whom he became romantically involved.

If he were to be convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and its unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

___

Long reported from Washington. Associated Press Writer Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of Hunter Biden at https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden.
LEWISBURG  A theft by deception charge against a Cumberland County woman has been dismissed because she has repaid the couple that gave her tens of thousands of dollars.

Lori Ann Ketcham, 42, had been accused of scamming the Union County couple out of nearly $60,000.

The couple agreed to the dismissal of the charge prior to Thursdays scheduled preliminary hearing, Assistant District Attorney Martin Wilson said.

On her own, Ketcham previously had repaid approximately $9,000 of the $59,920 she was accused of receiving, he said. The remainder was paid Thursday.

She was assessed court costs, records show.

Ketcham was accused of contacting the husband in early March 2022 asking for financial help in relocating families from Ohio to Pennsylvania, state police said.

Between then and last Sept. 1 he gave Ketcham $59,920 he thought was going to help with the relocations, they said.

He became suspicious when she would not provide pictures of the family, let him speak with them and learned she had pleaded guilty in 2018 in Fulton County to medical assistance fraud, they said.
Over 9 million people tuned in when Gypsy Rose Blanchard told her harrowing story for the first time in Lifetimes docuseries The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard earlier this year. Now the network will air a new documentary offering an authentic, raw, and revealing look at Gypsys new life on the outside.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard: Life After Lock Up will premiere on Lifetime Monday, June 3 at 9 p.m. The eight-episode docuseries will chronicle Gypsys life following her release from prison in December 2023.

For those without cable, watch Gypsy Rose Blanchard: Life After Lock Up with these streaming services

For those who have cut the traditional cable cord and are opting for a streaming service, you can stream the docuseries live on Philo (free trial) or DirecTV Stream (free trial).

What to expect on tonights premiere episode So This is Freedom?

With the world watching in anticipation, and her family eagerly awaiting a reunion, Gypsy Rose Blanchard is released from prison after serving eight and a half years for her role in the murder of her mother. In her first 12 hours of freedom, Gypsy is chased by paparazzi, threatened with a parole violation if she doesnt leave the state of Missouri immediately, and reveals whether she has consummated her marriage. Gypsys first taste of freedom leaves her fearful of going back to prison.

Watch the trailer for the new docuseries below:

More about the series

According to Lifetimes official synopsis, This series is an authentic, raw and revealing look at Gypsys new life on the outside. From the joyful moments as she is free to make her own decisions for the first time, to the challenges of navigating life and relationships while facing her past, including the abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and Gypsys own notoriety and fame. In this delayed-coming-of-age story, Gypsy must reconcile the pop-culture, celebrity version of herself while trying to forge her brand-new identity in a normal world as wife, sister, daughter and most of all  a free woman.

Who is Gypsy Rose?

Gypsy was sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 for her role in the death of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Gypsy served eight years in prison and was released December 28, 2023. It is now believed that she was the victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological form of abuse in which a guardian or caretaker seeks sympathy and attention by exaggerating a childs illness.

Dee Dees murder case made headlines across the nation for years as more aspects of Gypsys story and abuse came to light. Now, viewers will get a glimpse into Gypsys life after being released from prison in Gypsy Rose Blanchard: Life After Lock Up.

FILE - Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes the stand during the trial of her ex-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, Nov. 15, 2018, in Springfield, Mo. Blanchard, the Missouri woman who admitted to convincing her online boyfriend to kill her abusive mother after being forced to pretend for years she was suffering from leukemia, muscular dystrophy and other serious illnesses, is set to be paroled Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP, File

Where to find Lifetime

You can find which channel Lifetime is on by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish.

What is Philo?

Philos live TV subscription offers a free trial and costs $25 per month. It includes MTV and over 50 other classic TV, lifestyle and news channels. Subscribers can stream on up to three devices simultaneously, create up to 10 profiles and save unlimited live or future shows for up to one year.

What is DirecTV Stream?

A new DirecTV Stream subscription starts at $70 per month The streamer offers MTV and more than 65 sports, entertainment and news channels under its Entertainment package ($70 monthly). New subscribers will be offered a 5-day free trial. Other plans offer over 90 to 140 channels, with prices ranging from $84 to $140 per month; you can also add on HBO Max, Starz, Showtime and other channels to add to your options for movies and TV.
World Champ Chris Moneymaker Opens Poker Room in Louisville, Kentucky

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Chris Moneymaker is giving it another try, opening a poker room in Kentucky, this time in Louisville.

Moneymaker Social Louisville opened Saturday, one of a handful or so operating brick-and-mortar card rooms in the state. The biggest one in Louisville is located just down the street, about 15-20 minutes from the University of Louisville campus.

Opening night "went well," poker room manager Christine Russell told PokerNews. As with any new business, there "were some kinks to work out." But as Russell said, players were impressed with the initial experience.

Legal Issues in Kentucky?

Chris Moneymaker

Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion credited by many as the person most responsible for poker's 2000s growth, opened another poker club in Paducah, Kentucky in the fall of 2022. By early 2023, he was forced to close it due to legal threats from local authorities.

Much like in Texas where gambling is illegal, Moneymaker Social operates as a club instead of a traditional card room. Collecting rake out of pots would be illegal, so membership and seat fees are charged in replacement. According to Russell, players pay $80 per month or $10 daily to access the club, and then $7 per half hour for the seat fee.

According to the poker room manager, Moneymaker believes his second attempt at a Kentucky poker room will go differently.

"We have extensively done research," Russell explained. "The District Attorney is excited to have us here."

Having the DA on their side differs greatly from the Paducah launch where local authorities weren't pro-poker. If all goes well in Louisville, Moneymaker plans to open a second room in Lexington, home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Moneymaker Social Louisville has eight card tables and operates out of a standalone building. There is room for expansion, and if that happens, the club could begin adding a tournament poker tour, most likely the Moneymaker Tour, of course.

Moneymaker Social on opening night.

On opening night, six tables were running, including $1/$3 no-limit hold'em and $5/$5 pot-limit Omaha. Moneymaker is in attendance for opening weekend at his new card room.

Facing Potential Criminal Charges, Chris Moneymaker Closes Kentucky Poker Room

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Pedro Padilha Swerves the Early WSOP; Banks $104K at PokerStars

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Not every poker tournament player has jetted off to Las Vegas for the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP); some have stayed at home and got their grind on in the online poker streets. Brazilian Pedro "PaDiLhA SP" Padilha is one such player, opting to miss the early stages of the WSOP, and to great effect.

Padilha was one of 77 entrants in the $5,200 Titans Event, PokerStars' highest buy-in weekly tournament. The top nine finishers won a slice of the $385,000 prize pool, and Padilha came away with a cool $103,915 after bulldozing his way to victory.

After Padilha's fellow Brazilian, Rodrigo "SELOUAN1991" Selouan fell in tenth place and popped the money bubble, the surviving nine players made their way to the final table with at least $12,002 to show for their efforts.

Jonathan "Proudflop" Proudfoot was the recipient of that sum courtesy of a ninth-place finish. Poland's "happyk99" ($13,741) and German sensation "Sintoras" ($18,347) were the next to be relieved of their stacks before Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois ($24,495) headed for the showers.

The final five became four after the elimination of "IamMickeyBR" ($32,704), and then three following the untimely demise of the number-loving Ukrainian "234241234214432." ($43,664). The Ukrainian star enjoyed a profitable Sunday at the PokerStars table because they triumphed in the SCOOP Afterparty edition of the $1,050 NLHE Sunday High Roller for an additional $49,424.

Finland's Samuel "uropan" Vousden helped himself to the $58,296 third-place prize, which left Padilha heads-up against Bulgaria's "I Attack95." Padilha got the job done in the one-on-one clash and raked in $103,915, leaving his Bulgarian opponent to bank a $77,832 consolation prize.

$5,200 Titans Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Prize 1 Pedro "PaDiLhA SP" Padilha Brazil $103,915 2 I Attack95 Bulgaria $77,832 3 Samuel "uropan Vousden Finland $58,296 4 234241234214432 Ukraine $43,664 5 IamMickeyBr Bulgaria $32,704 6 Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois Canada $24,495 7 Sintoras Germany $18,347 8 happyk99 Poland $13,741 9 Jonathan "Proudflop" Proudfoot Ireland $12,002

"Gremio CEM" Navigates Their Way Through Some of Poker's Stars

The $530 buy-in Bounty Builder High Roller attracted 267 entrants, who built a $150,000 prize pool. Brazil's "Gremio CEM" helped themselves to $25,132 of that sum after navigating their way through sark-infested waters.

The nine-handed final table hosted some elite-level grinders, not least Preben "prebz" Stokkan, who ran out of steam in sixth place, a finish good for $5,782, including bounties.

Roman Hrabec

Roman "Gogac sniper" Hrabec joined the list of busted players; his fifth-place finish earned him $6,600.

The tournament eventually progressed to the heads-up stage when online poker veteran Ilya "Leqenden" Anatsky bowed out in third for $15,856, which was the first five-figure prize of the tournament.

The heads-up duo of "Gremio CEM" and Lithuanian superstar Matas "bebehamis777" Cimbolas locked in $13,897 from the regular prize pool, leaving the bounties to play for. "Gremio CEM" claimed the bounty from Cimbolas' heads and also received his own bounty after coming out of the final clash unscathed. This resulted in a total prize worth $25,132 for the champion, and a runner-up prize of $14,881 for Cimbolas.

$530 Bounty Builder High Roller Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Gremio CEM Brazil $11,234 $13,898 $25,132 2 Matas "bebaimis777" Cimbolas Lithuania $984 $13,897 $14,881 3 Ilya "Leqenden" anatsky Belarus $6,937 $8,919 $15,856 4 DiaDeLaSuerte Uruguay $3,062 $6,682 $9,744 5 Roman "Gogac sniper" Hrabec Austria $1,593 $5,007 $6,600 6 Preben "prebz" Stokkan United Kingdom $2,031 $3,751 $5,782 7 roo_400 Canada $750 $2,810 $3,560 8 luckyfluke Ukraine $4,640 $2,105 $6,745 9 tekelson221 Austria $750 $1,743 $2,493

Other PokerStars Results

Mathew Frankland

As mentioned, "234241234214432" won the $1,050 NLHE Sunday High Roller SCOOP Afterparty event for $49,424. British pro Mat "Matfrankland" Frankland also bagged a SCOOP Afterparty gong, taking down the $215 NLHE Sunday Warm-Up for $28,303, including bounties.

Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize $1,050 NLHE SCOOP Afterparty High Roller 254 $254,000 234241234214432 $49,424* $215 NLHE SCOOP Afterparty Sunday Warm-Up 965 $193,000 Mat "Matfrankland" Frankland $28,303* $109 NLHE PKO Scoop Afterparty 1,448 $144,800 Gobenni $18,507* $109 NLHE SCOOP Afterparty 1,036 $103,600 d5t6y7 $16,918 $109 Sunday Fenomeno 959 $100,000 Pedro "pm_marke" Marques $16,404 $1,050 NLHE Sunday Supersonic 32 $32,507 Fabiano "Kovalski1" Kovalski $13,583

*includes bounty payments

The SCOOP Afterparty runs until June 10, with at least a dozen events taking place daily. Among the must-play tournaments are the trio of SCOOP Afterparty Main Events, which shuffle up and deal at 5:30 p.m. BST on June 9. All three are Mystery Bounty tournments that have $11, $109, and $1,050 buy-ins, and respective guaranteed prize pools weighing in at $150,000, $1,000,000, and $400,000.

Never Miss a PokerStars Tournament Again

Have you used the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar yet? Our free-to-use tool allows you to see upcoming and in-play tournaments at several online poker rooms, including PokerStars. You can apply filters to narrow your search, including buy-in, game type, and even prize pool guarantees, enabling you to find your perfect online poker tournament in seconds, all without leaving PokerNews!

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Welcome to PokerNews coverage of Event #5: $1,000 Mystery Millions, a special tournament in which at least two players will become millionaires despite the buy-in only costing $1,000.

Four Day 1s have concluded, with $300 from each buy-in going into the bounty prize pool. The bounty prize pool is divided into 950 secret envelopes, with players receiving a mystery bounty envelope each time they eliminate an opponent. At least one of those mystery bounties will tip the scales at a cool $1 million.

Last year, Shant Marashlian and Patrick Liang pulled out $1 million bounties before Tyler Brown came out on top and won the event's bracelet and $1 million top prize. This year's edition of the Mystery Millions has a slightly larger field than 2023, so expect similar payouts and bounties.

Although Adrian Puccio (3,360,000) is the overall chip leader with 950 players remaining, we couldn't help but notice Femi Fashakin (2,600,000) had built a top ten stack. The Nigeria-born Florida resident shot to fame at the 2019 when he closed out The BIG 50, a $500 buy-in affair that drew in a staggering 28,371 entrants. Fashakin banked $1,147,449 that day. Since that impressive result, Fashakin has run deep in several large field events, so look out for him in our updates today and beyond.

Start of Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 Adrian Puccio United States 3,360,000 84 2 Antonio Galiana Spain 3,230,000 79 3 Pete Chen United States 3,150,000 68 4 Bradley Coultas Israel 2,730,000 68 5 Liran Betito United States 2,720,000 68 6 Justin Geronsin United States 2,705,000 65 7 Jesse Rockowitz United States 2,600,000 65 8 Femi Fashakin United States 2,600,000 65 9 Mircea Ionescu Romania 2,595,000 65 10 Nicholas Lee United States 2,580,000 65

The lure of $1 million mystery bounties proved strong for hundreds of poker players considered household names. David "ODB" Baker (1,630,000), John Riordan (1,290,000), Christian Harder (1,125,000), Roberto Romanello (1,015,000), Nick Schulman (845,000), Ryan Leng (76,000), and Alex Foxen (625,000) are among the returning players.

Cards are in the air from 11 a.m. local time, with the plan to play 17 levels, each spanning 40 minutes, or until only five players remain, whichever comes first. Mystery bounties are in play from the start of Day 2, but they cannot be redeemed until after 4 p.m. local time.

Stay with PokerNews as we bring you live and exclusive coverage of the Mystery Millions.
Joseph Brodsky was the king of major comebacks in this tournament and was again able to take a few pots from Nick Guagenti on the short stack, forcing Guagenti to fold for Brodskys last chips twice. He managed to build his stack back up to about 1,400,000.

However, it was then Guagentis turn to win a few medium sized pots, leaving Brodsky absolutely crippled with less than a big bet to play.

In the last bigger heads-up pot, Brodsky started the hand with about 800,000 chips. Guagenti was on the button and raised, Brodsky called.

The flop was 963 and was checked around. On the turn J Brodsky bet and got called. On the river 8 he checked, Guagenti bet and forced him to fold with only 250,000 chips left behind.

Despite having less than a big bet, Brodsky was able to win another hand for a double up with A5 versus Guagentis J8 on the 7Q2AQ runout.

On the very last hand of the tournament, Brodsky had 385,000 chips left and was in the big blind. Guagentis single raise put him all in. Brodsky called.

Joseph Brodsky: 84

Nick Guagenti: Q8

Brodsky was dominated, and the flop of AQ6 left him with slim chances for a return, as he would need runner-runner cards. The turn 7 and river J ended his tournament.
Former FBI Director James Comey explained how easily doable it would be to lock up Donald Trump if he were sentenced to jail time.

Video of Comey:

James Comey says that it is doable to put Trump in jail. They would put him in a double wide out near the fence, out in the grass, and he would eat there and shower there and exercise there and be away from the general population. It is obviously doable. pic.twitter.com/0D0JMgdIsf  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) June 2, 2024

Comey replied when Jen Psaki asked him on MSNBC if Trump could be jailed, They would just put him in a double wide somewhere out near the fence, on the grass, and he would eat there. Hed shower there; hed exercise there. Hed be away from the general population, but its obviously doable.

I dont expect Donald Trump to see a moment of jail time. He could be incarcerated through house arrest/home confinement. Trump seems to be worried about the idea that he could be sentenced to house arrest, as he claimed that such a sentence could be a breaking point for the American people.

Non-ex-presidents get jail time for being convicted of 34 felonies, so a little bit of house arrest or his own private double-wide is a pretty light sentence.

Given the appeals process and delays, it could take years for Trump to start serving any time. The more immediate problem for Donald Trump is that he is going to be wearing the label of convicted felon all through the 2024 general election campaign.

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[wpedon id=344887 align=center]
A seemingly small crowd assembled on Staten Island, NY to protest the felony conviction of Donald Trump.

Lets look at some videos.

Here is the one that Trump posted:

President Trump Just Posted This On His Truth Social Thank You Staten Island Crowd chanting TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP  Everyone loves Trump! Vote for Trump! Save America! #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/pOPlm6meOk  AJ Huber (@Huberton) June 2, 2024

Here are some other views that are less deceptive:

Speaker at the Staten Island rally to protest the Trump verdict says hes been arrested many times and always had respect for his prosecutors and judges but he has no respect for ones in Trumps case. pic.twitter.com/GhoKfSli4M  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 2, 2024

The Staten Island rally to protest the Trump verdict looks, sounds and smells exactly what you think a Staten Island rally to protest the Trump verdict would look, sound and smell like. pic.twitter.com/K9P8aQtn6B  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 2, 2024

Trump and his supporters have been jamming their small crowds into tiny areas. It is a virtual certainty that Trump has supporters will claim that there were thousands and thousands of his supporters there, but the reality is that comparable events in comparable spaces usually draw hundreds of people, not thousands.

Staten Island is reliably Republican area, so if a crowd was going to come out in the New York area to protest Trumps conviction, it would be there.

Instead of being a show of strength, the Staten Island rally, which featured an appearance from Rudy Giuliani, showed the weakness of Donald Trump, and little his supporters seem to care about his conviction.
In a Statement of Administration Policy, the Biden administration called out House Republicans for violating their spending agreement and trying to cut funding for law enforcement.

Biden Threatens Veto

The administration wrote:

The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 8580, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year (FY) ending September 30, 2025 and for other purposes.

Earlier this year, the Administration and members of both parties in the Congress came together to pass bipartisan appropriations bills to fund programs that keep Americans safe and healthy, invest in education and affordable housing, and build on the economic progress of the past three and a half years. These appropriations bills are consistent with the agreement the President and House Republican leadership reached last year to avoid a first-ever default and protect the Presidents investment agenda and critical programs from deep cuts, using necessary adjustments to statutory caps.

Rather than respecting their agreement and taking the opportunity to engage in a productive, bipartisan appropriations process to build on last years bills, House Republicans are again wasting time with partisan bills that would result in deep cuts to law enforcement, education, housing, health care, consumer safety, energy programs that lower utility bills and combat climate change, and essential nutrition services.

Similar to last year, H.R. 8580 includes numerous, partisan policy provisions with devastating consequences including harming access to reproductive healthcare, threatening the health and safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Americans, endangering marriage equality, hindering critical climate change initiatives, and preventing the Administration from promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Administration stands ready to engage with both chambers of the Congress in a bipartisan appropriations process to enact responsible appropriations bills that fully fund Federal agencies in a timely manner.

If the President were presented with H.R. 8580, he would veto it.

House Republicans agreed to a spending plan to avoid a default, but since the plan enraged the far right of his conference, Speaker Johnson has been trying to appease them by passing funding bills that are in violation of the agreement.

Donald Trump got convicted, and the same Republicans who claim to love law enforcement are trying to defund the police and cut care for veterans.

The real party of law and order is Biden and the Democrats.

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Hazel was born September 20, 1932 in Hatch Bend, Florida, a town that was founded by her grandfather. She was the youngest of six. She grew up on a farm, which had no electricity until she was in grade school. Her chores included plucking chickens and helping her brothers skin squirrels. As  Read moreObituary Hazel Lee Carlton
Back in 2019, Joker managed to make over $1 billion at the global box office and earn itself 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Joaquin Phoenix. I recall respecting the movie for Phoenixs performance and the inspired idea to paint him as a Scorsese-style Read moreJoker: Folie a Deux
Everyone talks about the weather, especially in the Lowcountry. Rain, wind, thunder and lightning, but also beautiful sunrises and gentle breezes are all part of life here. The Charleston Concert Band will take the listener through all the beauty and challenges of the weather in the Charlest Read more'In the Storm & Sunshine!'
North Augusta resident Eric Cook said going to the Sno-Cap Drive-In is a tradition for him, and he makes sure to stop several times a week.

Cook, who likes to go to the restaurant for nostalgia, said the place is a unique gem for the area.

This is a place where you can come and get a meal without having to push a bunch of buttons and just get real good service, Cook said.

Cook is one of many people in the North Augusta area who has been having meals and fun at the Sno-Cap Drive-In, which recently celebrated its 60th birthday.

Since 1964, the restaurant has offered some of Americas favorite foods such as hamburgers, smiley fries, ice cream and milkshakes. The restaurant originally would show movies during its hey-day, but now movies are shown only during special occasions.

I think people gravitate towards that nostalgic feeling," said Havird Usry, who is the current owner of the restaurant.

A birthday party was held on the third Thursday in May to celebrate 60 years in business.

The Sno-Cap Drive-In on West Avenue is one of the very few that are left after the one in Aiken closed.

In the early years it was also a hangout spot for high school kids and people who come back just to experience how life was in the 1960s and 70s.

It had that nostalgic feeling and it was something that I could see myself being passionate about and bringing back to life," Usry said.

A storied history

The original owner of the business was Charles Terry, before it was sold to the Franklins after 23 years of ownership. Rachel Franklin said before Terry owned the restaurant it was owned by Herbert Wamble.
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Australian payment protection solution Eftsure has tapped tech executive Jon Soldan as global CEO to oversee its expansion to the US.SALT LAKE CITY, OH / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2024 / Payment protection solution Eftsure has launched its offering to the U.S. market, as scam losses balloon and artificial intelligence (AI) heightens cyber threats. Headquartered in Australia, the business has also announced the appointment of U.S.-based Jon Soldan as global chief executive officer (CEO) in a bid to protect even more businesses against digital fraud and scams.Jon Soldan Jon Soldan as Global CEOSydney-based co-founder and CEO Mark Chazan will remain chief executive for Australia and New Zealand to ensure continuity and continued advancement in the region. During his tenure, Chazan has overseen a 130% CAGR for the business, with Eftsure being named among the Australian Financial Review's 50 fastest-growing companies."Since Eftsure's inception, we've amassed a unique and growing database containing several million verified vendors and have saved companies hundreds of millions of dollars in thwarted fraud attempts," says Chazan."Eftsure protects hundreds of billions of dollars in business payments across Australia and New Zealand annually. The U.S. tends to be targeted even more heavily - businesses need defensive solutions now, so we want to export what we already do successfully in Australia." Soldan, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a highly experienced technology executive who has led teams across a variety of organizations. He has delivered record periods of growth at both large enterprises and startups, including Oracle, Entrata, HealthEquity and Slingshot Technology. He was most recently SVP and GM at real estate software company RealPage."The rise of cybercrime is a problem felt by businesses all over the world, and it is an even bigger issue in heavily targeted countries like the U.S. It is exciting to join such a great team and company, backed by incredible investors (LevelEquity). We are solving very real and urgent problems facing businesses around the world. Eftsure's solution is unique and affordable to customers of all sizes," says Soldan.Across most types of cybercrime, the United States and Australia are consistently ranked as some of the most targeted countries, according to 2023 threat reports like those from Microsoft and Trend Micro. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimates that $50 billion is lost to domestic and international business email compromise (BEC) scams - just one of the fraud risks that Eftsure's payment protection platform helps mitigate.About Eftsure Eftsure is the global market leader in payment fraud prevention. Specifically designed for businesses, our end-to-end solution safeguarded more than AUD $216B in B2B payments last year. Our mission is to build a safer business community. With a large and continuously growing database of verified vendor details (the only one of its kind), we use multi-factor verification to give businesses greater knowledge and control over onboarding vendors, receiving invoices and making payments. In short, we ensure our customers never pay the wrong people.Contact InformationJessica LombaoMedia Advantage Account Managerjessica.lombao@issuerdirect.com Related ImagesJon Soldan Jon Soldan as Global CEO Executive TeamSOURCE: EftsureView the original press release on newswire.com
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 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 Miller 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC
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New channel program delivers expert customer engagement evaluations to businesses on the MSP's behalf, creating ancillary growth opportunitiesBURNABY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Leading business process outsourcing company Integrated Financial Technologies (IFT) announced it is launching a lucrative new program where managed service providers (MSPs) and VARs can resell Operational Assessments to their end-users. Through these assessments, IFT's team of business process efficiency experts will review various aspects of the customer's processes, workflows, and infrastructure, helping organizations maximize productivity and efficiency. This comprehensive assessment is available as a billable service, enabling channel partners to generate margins as much as 18 percent, depending on the end-user's business model and the MSP's pricing structure.The assessments include evaluations of the business' existing processes, including customer service, inside sales, collections, marketing, and technical support. IFT then provides recommendations on how these organizations can improve outcomes while reducing operating costs. The assessments can be white-labeled by the MSP, or if the partner prefers, can be conducted under the IFT brand as a business associate of the channel partner.The Operational Assessments give MSPs an opportunity to expand their value proposition as a trusted advisor, and potentially tap into a new revenue stream if the customer chooses to follow the recommendations. The assessments are designed to help MSPs generate margin-rich outsourcing projects to be offered through MSPs.IFT's smartsourcing initiatives-which combine experienced agents with state-of-the-art technology-are an ideal way for businesses to improve a wide range of workflows and lower operating costs without having to invest capital resources. In addition, smartsourcing services offer channel partners margin-rich revenue streams that require no technical expertise or training."Channel partners are always looking for new services that can enhance their own portfolios and expand revenue streams, especially in an industry where hardware sales have become highly commoditized," said Tod Chisholm, president at IFT. "Operational assessments allow partners to offer a lucrative service that helps businesses understand how their customer service, sales, and external outreach initiatives are performing, and make recommendations that can deliver tangible value for the customer while also building revenues for the channel partner." For more on how IFT's sophisticated smartsourcing services can augment in-house teams, facilitate end-to-end projects, create efficiencies, and deliver benefits for MSPs and their end-users, visit www.iftsolutions.com About Integrated Financial TechnologiesIntegrated Financial Technologies (IFT) is a market leader in delivering efficient, reliable, and secure back-office solutions to companies across North America. Based in Vancouver, IFT's unique combination of deep expertise and robust technology enables the company to provide a multitude of services in sales, collections, reporting, and customer care. IFT's North American-based agents are fully trained in financial services processes and a host of service-related industries, and adhere to strict data privacy and security mandates. Their services enable end-customers to increase revenue, lower operating costs, and improve customer service-without incurring added overhead. For more information on their MSP offering, please visit www.iftsolutions.com PR Contact:Suzanne MattaboniParallel Communications Group, Inc.610-737-2140: @Parallel_PR LinkedInsmattaboni@ parallelpr.com SOURCE: IFT
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Sav-Rx has disclosed a data breach affecting the personal health information of more than 2,800,000 individuals. Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating this breach to determine whether affected consumers are entitled to compensation.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On October 8, 2023, Sav-Rx detected a disruption in its computer network. In response, the company immediately secured its systems and enlisted the help of third-party cybersecurity experts.WHAT INFORMATION WAS INVOLVED?The information that may have been accessed or acquired included name, date of birth, social security number, email address, address, phone number, eligibility data, and insurance identification number.WHY AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Compensation may be available for Sav-Rx account holders who received notice that their personal information had been breached. Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers break into networks to steal personal information, which can be sold on the dark web or used to commit identity theft, financial theft, or other frauds. The company may be liable for failing to secure your privacy.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Sav-Rx or A&A Services, you are affected. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us as www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 19:16:14

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DELAWARE CITY, DE / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / In the ever-changing world of global business, the imperatives of digital transformation, driven by breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, have transitioned from a luxury to a necessity. This is especially true for countries grappling with economic hardships and uncertainty.Digital Literacy as a National PriorityIn Ukraine, the economy is experiencing significant difficulties. On the one hand, unemployment is rising; on the other, there is a shortage of qualified personnel. How can businesses and, consequently, the economy be saved? The answer is technology, especially AI and Web3. More automation for optimization, more new tools, more transparency, speed, and equal opportunities for work, such as remote work.What is needed for this? To integrate technologies deeper and wider into all spheres of life. Therefore, tech literacy is everything. That is why Mykhailo Patsan, an experienced Ukrainian investor and entrepreneur, founded the first university in Ukraine specializing in Web3 and artificial intelligence technologies - "Learn to Earn Global"."Learn to Earn Global": Innovation in Education During Crisis"Learn to Earn Global" was launched in 2022, after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Patsan believes that advanced technologies and innovations are effective tools for supporting businesses and the economy as a whole during a crisis. In wartime, when specialists are mobilized and people are forced to leave their homes, businesses must continue to operate for the country to persevere.And it works. Even in the conditions of war, the "Learn to Earn Global" university actively integrates technologies into education and business. With over 21,000 students and a multitude of courses in AI and Web3, the university equips both young professionals and experienced experts with the tools necessary to thrive in the digital world.The Use of AI for Business: Trends and OpportunitiesArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and stimulating demand for new skills in the technology sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in data analyst positions by 2031, underscoring AI's impact on job creation. By 2025, the AI software market is expected to reach $126 billion, indicating robust growth across many sectors.In healthcare, according to Reports and Data, the AI market will exceed $60 billion by 2027. The retail sector also shows significant progress, with Facts & Factors forecasting a market size exceeding $20 billion by 2026. Furthermore, Market Insight Reports predicts that AI in banking and finance will grow to $130 billion by 2027. These developments point to an increase in AI-related jobs across various industries.Despite concerns about job losses due to automation-the World Economic Forum mentions the potential loss of 75 million jobs in 2022-technology is also a powerful job creator. It is expected to create around 133 million new positions, many of which have yet to be developed. McKinsey & Company notes that while less than 5% of jobs can be fully automated, most will change, especially to support AI systems. A new role in this evolving landscape is that of the prompt engineer, highlighting the specialized skills needed to navigate the AI-driven market.Businesses that have integrated AI, including with the help of Patsan and "Learn to Earn Global" services, can gain significant benefits, especially in sales and business development departments:Sales departments report saving up to 10 hours per week per manager. Revenue increases by 14%. Potential customer leads grow by at least 50%. Call time decreases by 60-70%. Costs are reduced by 40-60%.These metrics demonstrate AI's potential to optimize operations and increase profitability, making it a critical asset for competitive enterprises. AI should not be feared. It is already benefiting many areas and business processes. AI technologies are actively used in the defense industry and allow for rapidly increasing the efficiency of specialists and promoting business development.Expanding Horizons: Patsan's Venture into the US MarketRecognizing the global nature of digital trends, Patsan is now extending his expertise to the US market, aiming to assist businesses in harnessing AI and Web3 to gain a competitive edge. His experience in driving digital transformation and his deep understanding of technological applications make him an invaluable ally for companies looking to innovate and adapt to the digital age.The journey of digital transformation is fraught with challenges but also rich with opportunities. Mykhailo Patsan's endeavors highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies not just in overcoming present challenges but also in paving the way for future innovations. As businesses worldwide grapple with rapid technological changes, the insights and expertise offered by leaders like Patsan are more crucial than ever.Embrace the Digital Future TodayBusinesses must embrace digital trends and innovations to remain competitive. With Mykhailo Patsan ready to lead the way, the path to digital excellence is not just a possibility but a tangible reality. Engage with his expertise to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and secure leading positions in the technology-driven market landscape.In Patsan's own words: "I believe that in difficult economic conditions, during wartime, when specialists are being mobilized and there is a shortage of qualified personnel, artificial intelligence becomes a tool that helps businesses maintain their development dynamics. Ukraine is one of the first countries to implement many digital initiatives (Diia, Mriia, ProZorro, etc.) at the state level, so educating citizens should help integrate and accelerate these processes, which are definitely beneficial." Contact Information:Mykhailo (Michael) Patsan mp@ learntoearn.global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpatsan/X:https://x.com/michaelpatsan Learn to Earn Global Website: https://learntoearn.global/ SOURCE: Learn to Earn Global
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 15:01:25

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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Global Health Intelligence (GHI), the leading healthcare data analytics provider in Latin America, has just publishedMedTech Outlook: Latin America 2024.MedTech Outlook: Latin America 2024 A comprehensive report on the medical equipment and device market in Latin AmericaExclusively created for medical equipment/device manufacturers operating in Latin America, this unique report features more than 1,500 crucial data points that sales and marketing teams can use to devise their plans for 2024 and beyond. "For many companies, 2024 will be remembered as the year that combines both a return to business fundamentals with an outlook of transformative changes," explains Guillaume Corpart, CEO and founder of Global Health Intelligence. "The MedTech Outlook report will help companies understand the healthcare landscape in Latin America, while at the same time converse about the impact of unstoppable forces in global healthcare. It delivers insights into the medical equipment and medical device market and supports the basis of strategic planning and forecasting. It is an essential tool for gaining clarity and achieving success in the region." Among the data featured inMedTech Outlook: Latin America 2024 :The seven fastest-growing medical equipment categories in Mexico, along with growth categories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and other markets The hospitals in Latin America that acquire more high-tech products than any others in the region-with the specific amounts of high-tech products that each possesses Penetration rates of base installed equipment for more than 25 different categories (e.g., anesthesia machines to X-ray machines) in seven major hospital markets of Latin America Total amounts of basic equipment (e.g., infusion pumps, ventilators) in all Latin American hospitals, along with the average amount per hospital Specialized equipment (e.g., C-arms, gamma cameras, linear accelerators) penetration rates for all of Latin America, total amounts, and average amount per hospital that have this equipment Total amounts of specialized units for Latin American markets like Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Central America Longer-term growth in medical equipment for each of the seven markets, covering 2020-2023And much more, including the total amounts of hospitals, hospital beds, operating rooms, doctors, and other market data in Latin America, which serves to complement the specific data featured for each Latin American hospital market."The unique differentiator of this report is that the data stems from in-house primary research conducted with hospitals," observes Corpart. "We cover roughly 90% of all the hospitals in Latin America within our database, with more than 140 data points for each. This powers MedTech Outlook: Latin America 2024 with fresh, direct data, that is essential to developing growth strategies." With the comprehensive and granular details found in the report, companies will have a deeper understanding of the Latin American hospital market so they can refine their plans for product launches, sales targeting, assessing demand growth, and other critical areas.A free demo and the table of contents for MedTech Outlook: Latin America 2024 are both available on the report website.Contact InformationCarolina ChazaroDigital Marketing Coordinatorcarolina@ globalhealthintelligence.com Guillaume CorpartCEOgc@ globalhealthintelligence.com SOURCE: Global Health IntelligenceView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 00:39:54

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / NextGen Food Robotics Corp. (the "Company" or "NextGen") (CBOE:NGRB)(OTC PINK:NGRBF)(Frankfurt:O83) announces that, as a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, it is issuing the following press release to clarify certain disclosure.The management discussion & analysis for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2024 has been amended and re-filed on SEDAR (as amended, the "Amended MD&A"). The Amended MD&A includes:a more detailed discussion of, and update on, the Company's operations, including its co-pack manufacturing and commissary divisions and revenues associated therewith;a more detailed description of the Company's food manufacturing equipment and machinery, and the automated nature thereof;a discussion regarding the Company's leased facilities;a more detailed discussion regarding the Company's marketing expenses, and the rationale therefor;a comparison of how the Company intended to use its net proceeds from certain private placements and its actual use of proceeds;a more detailed discussion regarding the Company's Lily App and the development thereof and the costs associated therewith; andcertain other updates to ensure compliance with Form 51-102F1 - Management's Discussion & Analysis.The changes noted above are intended to enhance and update the disclosure that was included in the originally filed MD&A for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2024 (the "Previous MD&A") and provide readers with a more detailed discussion of the Company's operations. The updates do not have any effect on the Company's financial position, and the Company has not amended or restated its interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2024. The Amended MD&A is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . The Amended MD&A replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the Previous MD&A. The Previous MD&A should no longer be relied upon.In addition to the foregoing, the Company has also temporarily taken down its website, www.nextgenai.ca , to update the information and content thereon to more accurately reflect the Company's current business operations, including, among other things, its new locations and its shift away from its co-pack manufacturing business, and to correct certain typographical errors.The Company has also become aware of a fraudulent website located at www.nextgenfoodrobotics.net that is nearly identical to a previous version of the Company's official website. The Company is in no way associated with this fraudulent website, and the Company urges investors not to visit this website. The Company has submitted a take-down request with the fraudulent website's hosting provider to have the website removed.About NextGen Food RoboticsNextgen Food Robotics is a food manufacturing company that operates commissary kitchens from its two locations in Vancouver. Additionally, Nextgen is developing the "Lily app", which is an AI-powered food application.For investor inquiries or further information, please contact:Paul Rivas, Chief Executive Officer1 (236) 471-1357 privas@ nextgenai.ca Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws with respect to the Company. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding revisions to the Company's official websites and the Company's ability to have the fraudulent website taken down. Although the Company 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 because the Company can give no 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. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no 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 laws.Neither Cboe Canada nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the Listing Manual of Cboe Canada) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.SOURCE: NextGen Food Robotics Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 09:05:21

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Norrland Gold Corporation ("Norrland" or "the Company", (TSXV:NORR)(Frankfurt Exchange:8VC) is pleased to announce that the ground magnetic survey previously undertaken defined a magnetic anomaly, overlapping with a major geochemical anomaly, at Vittantrasket, which may indicate the existence of pyrrhotite and thereby potential orogenic gold mineralization.The environmental permitting has finally moved forward and this anomaly will now be the subject of shallow exploratory drilling to investigate the geology below recent glacial moraine cover.The Vittantrasket tenement is covered by one of the most substantial soil geochemical gold anomalies in Sweden; a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction (figure 1). Similar gold-soil geochemical anomalies are located at known deposits, such as at the famous mined-out Boliden gold mine, which suggests Vittantrasket may be comparable.A significant north-south trending magnetic high anomaly is partly overlapping the area covered by anomalous gold-in moraine samples, taken during the widely spaced regional surveys of the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU). Moraine is un-sorted boulder debris, left behind by the glaciation of northern Europe approximately 10,000 years ago. Since that time, the moraine has been in-situ and subjected to natural geochemical processes. The moraine cover is substantial in the gold-prospective region in northern Sweden; thus, potential exists for previously un-discovered deposits.A shallow sub-surface scout drilling program will be undertaken by conventional track-mounted drilling equipment. The first exploratory drill holes will be placed along a logging road drilling bedrock to interpret the geology, and if successful, an additional five holes will follow.Anders West, CEO, commented: "The geophysical anomaly coupled with the geochemical anomalies upon which Norrland based the acquisition of Vittantrasket is a major step forward and reinforces our belief that the potential remains for a significant new gold discovery to be found under moraine cover. These largely unexplored terranes are what Norrland is focusing on. The upcoming drilling program presents the opportunity to understand the geological structures below surface which could set the pace for further exploration work and further drilling".NORRLAND GOLD CORP.Anders West, CEOQualified Person: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release, pertaining to the Vittantrasket, has been reviewed and approved by Douglas J. Kirwin, who served as the qualified person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.Please visit us at www.norrlandgold.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking StatementsThis news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. 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 realities may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.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.SOURCE: Norrland Gold Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 16:01:09

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Net Savings Link, Inc. (OTC PINK:NSAV), a leading Web3, blockchain and digital asset technology company, announced today the launch of TheAlley.io Launch Date and Time: June 3, 2024, at 10 PM Mountain TimeKey Features of TheAlley.io:  Crypto Bot for Token Research: Offers analysis of top-tier tokens and a robust alt-coin algorithm. Resource Center: Connects industry professionals with TheAlley.io users. Tested Trading Bots: Compatible with DEX and CEX platforms. Global Crypto Acceptance Database: Lists companies worldwide that accept crypto as a payment method. Tokens Message Boards: Allows users to discuss specific token projects. Crypto Calendar: Includes events, launches, new listings, swaps, airdrops, and migrations.According to the Company, TheAlley.io is designed to empower the crypto community by providing resources to make informed decisions about specific projects. NSAV has compiled a database of over 15,000 crypto projects across multiple networks, offering detailed information on the projects, their development teams, liquidity, exchanges, and usability. Additionally, the platform includes a database of over 28,000 companies globally that accept crypto as a payment method, representing more than 6 million physical locations. Users can connect directly with merchants via TheAlley.io search portal to shop and pay for goods and services.The company further announced that the order book launch for the recently announced RTB token will take place on June 6, 2024, at 5 PM Mountain Time.About RTB Token: The DeWeb/BBS platform has been rebranded to Roundtable (representing major media and big-brand influencers and journalists operating on a single platform), following approval from the DAO, and BBS to RTB, which is the simplified token brand, ticker symbol and acronym. Together, the two experienced teams have combined the best of both worlds, world-class Web3 with world-class media distribution, operations, monetization and major media brands.NSAV released the following statement, "We see research, connectivity, and community as essential needs in the crypto sector. With our growing user base exceeding 4 million on the NSAVx.com exchange, we are launching several resource applications to enhance the value proposition of becoming an exchange member. The tools provided on TheAlley.io integrate with our product base, including NSAVpay, Swopx.io , and Airdropx.co . By creating a central hub for crypto enthusiasts to communicate about specific token projects, we believe this will not only increase awareness about the projects but also the industry as a whole." About Net Savings Link, Inc.: NSAV's vision is the establishment of a fully integrated technology company, which provides turnkey technological solutions to the Web3, blockchain and digital asset industries. The Company drives innovation in the digital currency space by developing advanced blockchain technologies, digital assets, and market solutions that bridge the gap between traditional business frameworks and the future of decentralized technology. Over time, the Company plans to provide a wide range of services such as software solutions, e-commerce, financial services, advisory services and information technology.For further information, please contact NSAV at info@ nsavholdinginc.com For further information, please contact NSAVx.com at hello@ nsavxmail.com The NSAV corporate website can be accessed at https://www.netsavingslinkinc.com The NSAV CEX website can be accessed at https://nsavx.com/ The AirdropX.co website can be accessed at https://www.airdropx.co/ The Swopx.io website can be accessed at https://www.swopx.io The NSAV Stock information website can be accessed at https://www.nsavstock.com The NSAVx Token website can be accessed at https://www.nsavxtoken.com/nsavx-token The NSAVx Discord Server can be accessed at https://discord.com/invite/7Q2Vv5NmKd The NSAV Twitter account can be accessed at https://twitter.com/nsav_tech This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Net Savings Link, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Net Savings Link, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Net Savings Link, Inc. or any other person.ContactNet Savings Link, Inc. info@ nsavholdinginc.com Media ContactOrganization: Net Savings Link IncContact Person: James TiltonWebsite: https://www.nsavholdinginc.com Email: info@ nsavholdinginc.com Contact Number: +17185698815Address: 26 Grosvenor Street, MayfairAddress 2: W1K4QWCity: LondonCountry: United KingdomSOURCE: Net Savings Link Inc
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 13:45:23

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Upcoming drill program at Jake Project follows recent discovery at Maestro ProjectVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Quartz" or the "Company") (TSXV:QZM)(OTC Pink:QZMRF) is pleased to announce that it has closed the $3.255 million private placement announced on May 6, 2024, through the issuance of 9,300,000 treasury common shares at $0.35 each. A key new investor, The Sutton Group Inc. , has subscribed for 6,000,000 of the shares and will become an insider of Quartz. Of the total 9,300,000 shares, 3,300,000 will be flow-through shares ("FT Shares") to be issued to Robert Dickinson, the Chairman. Quartz intends to use the proceeds of the FT Shares for exploration of its 100% owned Jake and Maestro Projects in British Columbia ("BC"), while the proceeds of the non-FT Shares will be used for general working capital. All the securities have a 4-month hold period in Canada, and no commissions were paid in connection with the financings.Quartz is now funded to commence drilling in mid-June at its Jake Porphyry Copper-Gold-Silver Property ("Jake"), located 160 km north of Smithers, BC. The Jake drill program aims to discover a new, significant scale, porphyry copper-gold-silver deposit. The Jake drilling follows first drilling at the Company's Maestro Project that discovered an exciting high-grade, gold-silver lode within extensive precious metal mineralization (see Quartz news release dated April 9, 2024)."Quartz is now well funded and will be moving forward aggressively on both its Jake and Maestro Projects," said Chairman Bob Dickinson. "We are eager to commence our drill program at Jake given our assessment of this important scale opportunity which is aligned with the potential for a global commodity super cycle to drive demand for porphyry deposits. Projects like Jake and Maestro are vital to growing Canada's clean, modern economy, and porphyry deposits are the world's most important sources of copper, gold and silver. Porphyries present the potential for outsized gains, which support Quartz's strategy of developing high demand, high value discoveries that are attractive to potential transaction partners," concluded Dickinson.About JakeThe 100% owned Jake Property is located 160 km north of Smithers in north central BC. It is accessible by helicopter and close to historical logging roads which lead to mining support towns of Smithers and Hazelton.Mineralization at Jake is situated within a prominent rusty coloured gossan measuring 3.5 km long by 1.5 km wide. Within the gossan is north-trending dyke swarms that intrude into sedimentary rocks. The combination of extensive historical and recent exploration work has outlined an expansive, altered and mineralized area.To accurately delineate high-potential porphyry Cu-Au deposit targets within this large mineral system, a series of modern exploration programs have been undertaken. These surveys were designed to build on very compelling historical data developed by legendary porphyry copper explorers (Kennco, Canadian Superior, Cities Service, Placer Development and Teck Corp). Taken together this comprehensive Jake Project technical data base has defined a significant-scale porphyry copper-gold-silver deposit target which underlies an extensive area of highly anomalous Cu, Au, Ag, and Mo values in soils.About MaestroThe 100% owned Maestro Project, located in central BC, lies adjacent to Highway 16, 15 km north of Houston and 50 km south of Smithers, providing year-round road access to the project and nearby infrastructure.Since acquiring the property, Quartz has conducted comprehensive exploration programs, including geochemical sampling, IP geophysics, airborne magnetic surveys, hyperspectral studies, detailed relogging of historical drill core, and gold assaying of pulp samples derived from historical analyses of numerous core holes located across the Maestro property.Results from Quartz's first two drill holes at the Prodigy Zone on the Maestro Property intersected a high-grade gold-silver lode deposit within multi-generation precious metal mineralization all hosted within a Mo-Cu porphyry environment. Core hole PR 23-02 intersected 102 m grading 2.22 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag, including 12 m grading 1.23 g/t Au and 586 g/t Ag and 36 m of 5.73 g/t Au and 87 g/t Ag. Notably, green sericite alteration reminiscent of deposits such as Blackwater-Davidson, which is currently being placed into production, plays a significant role at Prodigy. The discovery is open in multiple directions and at depth, promising significant further potential.Qualified PersonFarshad Shirmohammad, M.Sc., P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.About QuartzQuartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (TSXV: QZM, OTC Pink: QZMRF) is a restructured public company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Its successful mine finding management is focused on discovering and transacting high-value gold, silver, and copper projects in British Columbia. The Company owns 100% of the Maestro Gold-Silver-Molybdenum-Copper Property and 100% of the Jake Copper-Gold-Silver Property. Both projects have access to infrastructure and high potential for important resources and significant future transactions. The BC Government has awarded permits for 50 drill sites for each project. First drilling at Maestro has discovered a high-grade gold-silver lode within extensive precious metal mineralization all hosted within a large porphyry Mo-Cu system. Drilling at Jake is planned for summer 2024 with the goal of making another important discovery.Quartz is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. ("HDI"), a company with over 35-years of successfully discovering, developing, and transacting mineral projects in Canada and internationally. Former HDI projects in BC included, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, and Gibraltar - all of which are porphyry deposits with current or former producing mines. Other well-known projects with HDI involvement include Sisson and Prosperity in Canada, Pebble and Florence in the United States, and Xietongmen in China.Quartz is committed to the advancement of important scale, critical and essential mining assets while following responsible mineral development principles, including a mandate to employ best practice approaches in the engagement and involvement of local communities, and meeting rigorous environmental standards.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsRobert DickinsonChairmanFor further details, contact Robert Dickinson, Chairman at:T: (604) 684-6
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-03 13:45:26

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 /Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. ( TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) (the "Company" or "Stillwater") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bradley Adamson as an Independent Director.Mr. Adamson is a veteran resource industry professional with over 25 years of global experience focused on nickel and cobalt in Canada, Africa, Brazil and Australia with Glencore PLC, where he leads Business Development for Glencore's nickel group. He has led and been involved with many of Glencore's nickel divestments, mergers and acquisitions and has held various board positions for the group.He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Minerals Engineering from the Western Australian School of Mines along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance from Kaplan Professional. He began his career with WMC Resources followed with periods at Anaconda Operations and BHP Billiton. He joined Glencore in 2004 and has developed a strong operational, project development and commercial background over the subsequent 20 years with the group.Stillwater Critical Minerals President & CEO, Michael Rowley commented, "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley Adamson as Glencore's appointee to the Stillwater board of directors. Bradley brings extensive corporate experience in global mining and mine finance in addition to his strong background in nickel and cobalt metallurgy to our work in the Stillwater Igneous Complex, one of the world's most iconic magmatic formations. We look forward to providing further updates including additional drill results as we continue to advance our flagship Stillwater West critical minerals project towards its potential as a primary US-based source of battery and catalytic metals." Warrant ExtensionThe Company further reports that it has applied for TSX Venture Exchange approval to extend the expiry date on certain warrants that are due to expire June 16, 2024 (the "Warrants"). Per the application, 7,406,250 Warrants that were originally issued as part of a financing completed in June 2021 (see news release June 16, 2021) will be extended to a new expiration date of June 16, 2025. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of CDN$ 0.55.About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.Stillwater Critical Minerals ( TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and strategic investments by Glencore, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group, nickel, and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, positions Stillwater West with the largest nickel resource in an active US mining district as part of a compelling suite of nine minerals now listed as critical in the USA. To date, five Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits host a total of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold at Stillwater West. All deposits remain open for expansion along trend and at depth. Results are pending from resource expansion drilling completed in the fall of 2023.Stillwater also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals' development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinums Wellgreen deposit in Canadas Yukon Territory.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director - Stillwater Critical MineralsEmail: info@ criticalminerals.com Phone: (604) 357 4790Web: http://criticalminerals.com Toll Free: (888) 432 0075Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals 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 the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings t
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DAYTON, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / STRATACACHE announced the acquisition of MasterPoint, a digital signage systems integration, operation and field services company based in Cologne, Germany. The acquisition further expands the global digital solution installation, integration and field services footprint in Europe for the STRATACACHE family of companies, complementing the previous acquisitions of Idklic in Belgium, Scala in the Netherlands, Walkbase in Finland and Sys-Teams in the United Kingdom.MasterPoint AG MasterPoint AG LogoThe acquisition extends direct field service delivery capability into the largest economy in Europe and complements ongoing company investments in large-scale digital signage network operations of Scala. As global brands continue to embrace the use of digital in their retail customer experiences, STRATACACHE continues to invest in offering technology solutions able to meet their requirements in a global, cost-effective and cutting-edge technology model.STRATACACHE global support will include German market support from the experienced MasterPoint team of project managers, technicians, engineers and installers who specialize in:Strategy, planning and production of large-scale digital signage projects Client and solution provider coordination and logistics Deployment, technical support, operations and field service response with localized knowledge in Germany and the Benelux region Digital signage solution expansion and optimization Retail media network deployment, support and operational outsourcing"The acquisition of MasterPoint marks another milestone in STRATACACHE's global strategy, and a further investment and commitment to supporting leading global brands," said STRATACACHE CEO Chris Riegel. "Post-pandemic, retailers, FMCG and hospitality brands are once again investing heavily in retail digital experiences. We want to make sure we can meet their operational objectives around the world with a single call." "In 2024-2025, we will add service locations in Hamburg, Munich, and Dresden to complement our Cologne MasterPoint headquarters and ensure that we can efficiently serve all regions of the German market," said Dirk Huelsermann, head of STRATACACHE Capital and leader of the MasterPoint acquisition team.STRATACACHE Capital actively reviews more than 300 acquisition deals per year around the globe and advises on investments that expand or complement STRATACACHE's full portfolio of smart digital signage offerings, including software, hardware, services and support.Learn more about STRATACACHE's marketing technology at www.stratacache.com Contact InformationAndrea PoleySenior Director, Global Commsandrea.poley@scala.com 610-704-8142SOURCE: STRATACACHEView the original press release on newswire.com
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LUXEMBOURG / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Bonnevois-Nord-Verlorenkost -Titan Capital Partners , a top-tier brokerage firm, attracts a diverse range of investors by offering a variety of investment strategies suitable for everyone, from novice investors to experienced high-net-worth individuals.In the latest record, Titan Capital Partners is set to expand its assets in financial planning services with industry-leading ROI. Titan Capital Partners offers fully managed accounts with daily returns ranging from 0.35% to 2.3% on the invested amount. This ROI is among the highest in the industry. The platform's extensive trading tools and resources support various investment strategies, whether users need options, analytics, or trade idea generators. The seamless user experience is enhanced by well-designed mobile and web interfaces.With professional management and cutting-edge technology, the platform's professional portfolio managers use the latest artificial intelligence algorithms to handle client funds, ensuring some of the best returns on investment (ROI) in the financial sector. The platform's wide range of customizable trading features and analysis tools is designed to cater to users of all experience levels. The desktop, web, and mobile versions are user-friendly and offer consistent functionality.Including more,Titan Capital Partnersprovides a broad spectrum of financial planning and withdrawal services tailored to individual client needs. Expert teams work closely with clients to develop customized financial plans that align with their unique goals and objectives.In addition, the platform empowers clients to trade a variety of assets through Titan Capital Partners' web and mobile platforms, including:Stocks Bonds Futures/Commodities Cryptocurrencies Foreign currencies (70 currency pairs) OTCBB (penny stocks) Indices OptionsThe platform employs proprietary AI order routing technology to optimize trading.Consequently,Titan Capital Partnersprovides 24/7 telephone support and assistance via email, website, and direct platform chat. The platform offers a reasonable pricing structure and strives to make it transparent. The platforms prioritize customer satisfaction and privacy. With its advanced access control, the platform provides an additional layer of security when signing in that ensures individuals that their data is confidential. The platform encourages individuals by active bug bounty programs that help them to identify vulnerabilities in website application and API. The platform's institutional liquidity can be integrated through API across partner exchanges and institutions to immediately upgrade their order books to a depth deeper than top exchanges. Titan Capital Partners stands as a decentralized platform offering new possibilities to swap prices and reduce slippage at affordable fees.About Titan Capital Partners:Launched in 2023,Titan Capital Partnersis a renowned company which emerges as a full-service licensed broker globally, managing over $1.7 billion in assets. The company's philosophy focuses on selecting talented managers suited to market conditions and strategically allocating funds to achieve exceptional medium to long-term capital gains across various market environments. The company is certified by ISO/IEC 27001, and meets the standards for information security.Media Details:Website: https://titan-capital-partners.com/ Company Name: Titan Capital PartnersAddress: 32-36 Bd d'Avranches,1160 Bonnevoie-Nord-Verlorenkost LuxembourgGermanyContact Person: Harold Martinos Email: support@ titan-capital-partners.com SOURCE: Titan Capital Partners
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Seafood steam pot company makes coveted summer product guideNORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 /Topsail Steamer, a family-run seafood steam pot company, announced today that its Full Steamer Pot has been included in Oprah's 2024The O List: Summer Fun . The annual product guide is a roundup of the media mogul's favorite "fun-and-functional" seasonal items. Topsail Steamer's unique takeout-and-delivery model offers fresh, high-quality seafood steam pots that customers take home, steam, and eat for a memorable shared dining experience.Topsail Steamer THE MISS EMILY II Cold Water Lobster Tails Snow Crab Littleneck Clams Peel-and-Eat Shrimp Andouille Sausage Onion Homemade Seafood Seasoning Cocktail Sauce and Butter"We are honored to be included on Oprah's O List," said Danielle Mahon, Owner and Founder of Topsail Steamer. "It's no secret that she has impeccable taste, and we are delighted that she has recognized Topsail Steamer for both our quality of food and exceptional customer experience." Customers can get Oprah's favorite Full Steamer Pot at local Topsail Steamer locations and online via Goldbelly, or choose from a menu of clam-bake-style Bay Buckets' with various seafood combinations, which can also be customized based on preference. All pots begin with a balanced base of sweet corn-on-the-cob, Red Bliss potatoes, and a proprietary blend of seasonings, along with cocktail sauce and butter for dipping. Customers then pick up or are delivered their fresh, single-use steam pot and simple-to-follow instructions to steam their beach-inspired meal from the comfort of home or wherever they have a burner.And, as The O List describes it, "The best part: There's no need to hustle to multiple markets for ingredients or find the right pot. It's all done for you. Just add water, put it on your stove, and sprawl it all out on the paper tablecloth-that's included, too!"Topsail Steamer currently has eight locations in four states, with more slated to open this year. The company's recent partnership with Elite Franchise Capital (EFC) also represents an exciting chapter of growth, with plans to establish 40+ new storefronts across the country. This expansion underscores the brand's mission to share the joy of seaside feasts with communities far and wide.To learn more about Topsail Steamer or place a local order, please visit topsailsteamer.com . Topsail Steamer is also available to seafood lovers nationwide via Goldbelly.About Topsail SteamerTopsail Steamer was founded on North Carolina's Topsail Island in 2017. The company currently operates eight stores in four states and ships throughout the country. The family-owned business was started by Danielle Mahon, who grew up in an entrepreneurial family but had no direct experience until a mid-career switch out of corporate America. In early 2024, the company announced a partnership with Elite Franchise Capital to develop 40+ new stores nationwide.Media Contact: Hannah Fitzgerald: hannah@ hatch130.com Follow Topsail Steamer: Instagram: @topsailsteamerFacebook: @TopsailSteamer###Contact InformationHannah FitzgeraldPR Representativehannah@ hatch130.com 2035925035SOURCE: Topsail SteamerView the original press release on newswire.com
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TouchSource Acquires Healthcare Business from True Sync Media-Boosting Digital Patient Room Display Solutions with Enhanced Digital Content Services and a Broad Portfolio of Hospital and Healthcare Signage SolutionsDENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / TouchSource, a leading provider of innovative digital signage and wayfinding solutions for healthcare systems, hospitals, and medical office buildings, announced an agreement to acquire the healthcare business division of True Sync Media called TrueSync Health. This strategic acquisition is the third acquisition in three years for TouchSource and will propel its presence in the healthcare sector to new heights.Healthcare Patient Waiting Room and Provider Messaging Boards Image of a patient waiting room with educational hospital-branded content on digital signage displayThe TrueSync Health business boasts an impressive portfolio of hundreds of displays with patient waiting rooms and provider-facing content experiences across major healthcare systems. The acquired business includes two of the largest healthcare providers in the Western U.S. and other established industry leaders.The solution includes short- and long-form hosted health messaging content, digital health posters, and customized content from healthcare systems. The TrueSync Health network delivers engaging content to patients that aids them in having better conversations during visits. Messaging on the network also reaches providers to build a strong medical community.As part of the acquisition, TouchSource will grow the network and expand access to new content experiences for the acquired healthcare clients via the TouchSource Spark PX enterprise digital signage platform."We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of TrueSync Health," said TouchSource CEO, Ajay Kapoor. "This acquisition not only expands our reach within the healthcare sector but also positions us for accelerated growth with recurring revenue streams. The integration of True Sync Media's assets into our portfolio represents a strategic investment that enhances our offerings to our healthcare clientele." "This partnership greatly benefits our customers with enhanced digital content services and the broad portfolio of product solutions that TouchSource brings to the table," said Scott Davis, Founder of True Sync Media. "We believe this positions our customers to easily grow and scale as the needs of their patient and provider communities evolve to include wayfinding, digital directories, video walls and the broader portfolio that TouchSource provides." TouchSourceTouchSource is your proven partner in effortless place-based communications. We enable you to build a sense of place that forges human connections with compelling digital experiences that evolve with the needs of your community. Our turnkey solutions combine user-friendly feature-rich software, digital designs, unlimited remote support, and turnkey hardware for hassle-free upkeep. www.touchsource.com True Sync MediaTrue Sync Media, Inc. is the provider of TrueSyncTV-a market-leading consumer engagement video network enabling business owners to get a better return on investment from their TVs. TrueSyncTV engages consumers with an eclectic collection of short-segment, highly entertaining videos that consumers love to watch. TrueSyncTV creates opportunities to reach consumers in the decision corridor, at the precise moment they are making purchase decisions. www.truesyncmedia.com Contact InformationChristine VieraMedia Relationsmarketing@ touchsource.com 3038284007x119SOURCE: TouchSourceView the original press release on newswire.com
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CHANDLER, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 /Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services and global business process outsourcing, today announced the acquisition of San Antonio, Texas-based Execupay, a provider of payroll, HR technology and HR services with a strong focus on small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), and Vensure's 75th acquisition in six years. This acquisition adds nearly 800,000 Worksite Employees (WSEs) both direct to small business and indirect to service bureaus, expanding Vensure's WSE count to about 4M employees.Well-known for its innovative technology platforms and exceptional customer service, Execupay caters specifically to the needs of growing businesses and complements Vensure's PrismHR technology portfolio. Execupay's expertise in supporting payroll service companies and developing HR software, combined with Vensure's existing suite of HCM offerings, ensures this acquisition will create even more solutions to reach a broader client base."We're thrilled to welcome Execupay into the Vensure family of brands," said Alex Campos, Chief Executive Officer of Vensure Employer Solutions. "Their commitment to client success and their deep understanding of the SMB market across the lower 48 states aligns perfectly with our mission while creating a strategic opportunity for organic growth. This acquisition will strengthen our already comprehensive HR solutions, empowering businesses of all sizes to streamline their operations and unlock new levels of efficiency." "Joining forces with Vensure is an exciting opportunity for Execupay and our valued clients," said Gerald Stowers, Chief Executive Officer of Execupay. "Our combined industry-leading technologies and Vensure's vast array of global products and services will enable us to deliver an even more robust suite of solutions to our clients. We are confident our synergies will not only ensure we deliver a heightened customer experience but also pave the way for a stronger presence in the HR/HCM space, filled with new opportunities and growth." Gerald Stowers will continue in his leadership role for Execupay, which boasts a loyal customer base of SMBs and payroll service companies attracted to their user-friendly payroll software, personalized service approach and dedication to regulatory compliance. By integrating Execupay's solutions, Vensure's ability to serve as a single source solution for all HR needs becomes even more extensive in the areas of payroll processing, tax administration, benefits administration, talent acquisition and onboarding, performance management and workforce development. With this acquisition, Vensure enriches its position as the premier destination for HR solutions, offering businesses a seamless path to growth and success.About Vensure Employer SolutionsVensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing (BPO). The company and its service providers collectively serve over 141,000 businesses and process over $158B in annual payroll. As a "One Employer Solution" headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure helps thousands of businesses streamline and grow their operations with custom strategies that benefit both employers and employees. Find out more by visiting vensure.com About Execupay Execupay is a leading provider of payroll and HR services for small and mid-sized businesses. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative technology solutions and exceptional customer service, helping businesses streamline their HR processes and ensure compliance while also meeting the needs of payroll service companies. Find out more by visiting execupay.com Media Contact: Sonya TrezevantChief Marketing Officer sonya.trezevant@vensure.com SOURCE: Vensure Employer Solutions
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 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 and Grossman, LLC
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DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / The United States has recently seen a resurgence in the construction industry. Investors aiming to benefit from this rise in construction activity may want to explore an exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund(XLB), which offers a snapshot of this bustling sector.As of the latest reports, the XLB ETF's strategic holdings reflect its commitment to offering diverse exposure within this thriving industry.Key Holdings Within XLB*XLB encompasses a diverse portfolio of businesses operating in different domains, including chemicals, construction materials, packaging and containers, metals and mining, along with paper and forest products. There are currently 28 companies in the portfolio.Leading the pack we have Linde PLC, a global leader in industrial gasses and engineering, at 21.45%. It is followed by Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated, a leading mining company, holding 7.19% of XLB.Next we have Sherwin-Williams, which is renowned for their excellence in paints, coatings, and related products, at 7.08%. Following is Ecolab, a prominent player in the industrial sector, making a significant contribution to XLB at 5.76%. Finally, there is Air Products and Chemicals, another key player in industrial gasses and related equipment, with 5.27%.This extensive coverage offers investors the opportunity to tap into numerous facets of the materials sector, proving advantageous during phases of economic expansion or heightened infrastructure investment. As the construction industry continues forward, XLB, with its 0.09% expense ratio**, remains well-positioned.Increasing Demand for Building MaterialsThe steady demand for building materials has been a key factor in the growing relevance of XLB. As we continue to navigate the post-COVID-19 era, construction activities are on a significant rise, creating a surge in the need for raw materials.Furthermore, the increasing focus on infrastructure development is adding fuel to this rising demand. The recent passage of the infrastructure bill opens up avenues for substantial investments in diverse fields such as transportation, broadband, and clean energy, thereby making XLB a potentially attractive investment option.The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB)provides diversified exposure to the thriving materials sector. With its current demand driven by ongoing construction projects and potential infrastructure expenditure, XLB emerges as a compelling choice for investors seeking to tap into these trends.DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication.About the Company:Select Sector SPDR ETFsoffer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals.*Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 4/30/24 subject to change**Ordinary brokerage fees applyDISCLOSURESThe S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing.One may not invest directly in an index.Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightingsAll ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and non-diversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk.An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com . Read the prospectus carefully before investing.ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.Media Contact:Company: Select Sector SPDRsContact: Dan Dolan*Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203Country: United StatesEmail: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.SEL007537 EXP 7/31/24Contact DetailsDan Dolan+1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ SOURCE: SELECT SECTOR SPDR
Following the revocation of Heritage Banks operating licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has outlined the steps it will take to ensure depositors receive their funds.

The corporation assured depositors that they will be paid up to N5 million using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) to identify their alternate accounts within the banking industry.

In a statement signed Monday by Bashir Nuhu, NDICs spokesperson, the regulatory body explained that depositors with alternate bank accounts will receive payments up to the insured amount of N5 million.

The BVN system will be used to locate these alternate accounts, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of funds in order to protect depositors and maintain confidence in the banking system, it said.

We are fully prepared to step in and ensure that depositors are protected. Our immediate priority is to guarantee that depositors have access to their insured funds with minimal disruption, the NDIC said.

Depositors of the bank that have alternate within the industry will be paid up to the insured amount of N5 million per depositor using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) to locate their alternate account. While depositors with funds in excess of N5 million will be paid liquidation dividend upon realization of the banks assets and recovery of debts owed to the bank.

The NDIC also assured depositors that their funds are secure and that the corporation has robust mechanisms in place to manage the transition.

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We will be taking over the affairs of Heritage Bank to facilitate an orderly resolution. This includes the verification and payment of insured deposits, as well as the management of the banks assets and liabilities to maximise recovery and minimize loss to the financial system, it said.

Verification

The NDIC said anyone with no account at another bank will need to visit the nearest branch of Heritage Bank with proof of account ownership.

Such persons would have to present a verifiable identity card like a drivers licence, permanent voters card, or National Identity Card, along with alternate account details and BVN. This will be used to verify deposit and pay the insured sum, it said.

Alternatively, the NDIC advised affected customers to file a claim online by visiting the NDIC website via, download and fill out the claims form, and upload the required documents.

Creditors are expected to visit the nearest branch of Heritage Bank to file their claims, or use the online platform provided as payment process for creditors will begin after all depositors have been paid.

Meanwhile, debtors that are yet to complete the repayment of loans are advised to contact the Corporations Asset Management Department (AMD).

Background

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how customers of Heritage Bank encountered difficulties in several attempts to access their money in their bank accounts.

But the bank said it notified its customers of system refresh exercise on 13 May.

However, despite the declaration that the exercise had been concluded by the bank, many customers as of Monday were stranded at the various branches of the bank that were visited by our reporters.

READ ALSO: CBN revokes licence of Heritage Bank

Consequently, the CBN on Monday revoked the licence of the bank and immediately appointed NDIC as the liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

According to a statement issued by the CBN on Monday, the action was in accordance with the apex banks mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act.

The Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the banks financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.

This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline.

Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby, making the revocation of the licence the next necessary step, the CBN said.

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Nigerian visual artist Olawunmi Banjo unveiled some of her artworks themed The Wait at the newly renovated British Airways lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State over the weekend.

British Airways recently opened a newly renovated lounge at the Lagos airport after revamping the unit for six months. The airline said the space affords customers a more robust aesthetic experience while appreciating artworks from talented Nigerian artists.

Ms Banjos artworks, themed New Beginnings, were outstanding works displayed at the lounges grand reopening.

The 38-year-old seasoned canvas painter described The Wait 1 and 11 as reflecting on individuals journeys during various waiting periods.

The other selected artists who also centred their works around the chosen theme are Qozeem Abdul Rahman, A Large painting titled The Guardian, and Steve Ekpenisi, A Large metal sculpture titled Ulaga.

Ms Banjo, a self-taught artist, said, The work represents a time to reflect on our journey. It talks about how many of us have gone through different experiences in life by waiting sometimes. Some of us will be anxious about the wait. Some of us will try to reflect on our journey, how far we have come, and the possibilities of what lies ahead. My main purpose for the works is to make people reflect on the possibilities of new beginnings while they wait.

The graduate of Pan African University emphasises that the artworks theme extends beyond the context of waiting for a flight. It resonates with personal experiences and the universal feeling of anticipation, fostering a sense of connection among the audience.

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She said, It could be something personal to you. It could be going through an experience where you want something to happen but do not know when it will happen. It could be anxious sometimes, but it should not be what we focus on. We should use the waiting period to reflect on how far we have come and the possibilities of future things.

With over 18 years of experience as an artist, Ms Banjo aims to raise awareness of the multifaceted nature of art. She said her painting style has evolved to explore more surrealistic landscapes to reorient typical mindsets.

She said, The significance is to bring awareness to people through art. Making them know it is not just about aesthetic value is important. We want them to know that there are so many things to art. I get inspired by nature, personal experience, and the experience of other people.

Art meets hospitality

British Airways curated the innovative in-lounge exhibition featuring works by guest artists in collaboration with Akoje Gallery, founded by Maro Itoje and Khalil Akar.

Ms Banjo has showcased her work in numerous international exhibitions and art fairs, including at Re-Art Meets Africa, Ihlienworth, Germany (2018), Press for Progress International Women Arts Exhibition in Dubai (2018), 24th Pan African Film & Art Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, USA.

The renovated lounge, spanning 360 square meters, offers customers an enhanced aesthetic experience. With upgraded dining, relaxation, and working facilities, it is designed to meet the diverse needs of travellers and promises an exciting and comfortable stay.

British Airways chief customer officer, Calum Laming, expressed enthusiasm about the new lounge and its role in enhancing the customer experience.

Were focused on investing in the entire customer journey, not just on board. For many of our customers, lounges are an important part of their experience, and redesigning our Lagos lounge is a key part of our transformation strategy across our lounges worldwide. Were delighted to open our doors to this stunning lounge in Lagos. Were confident customers will enjoy spending time in this cleverly created space, said Mr Laming.

In his remarks, Mr Akar of The Akoje Gallery added: We are honoured to partner with British Airways and give local Nigerian artists the chance to showcase their talents in the brand-new Lagos Lounge. We hope British Airways passengers enjoy the immersion in Nigerian culture and the artists contribution to their local art community.

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On Sunday, operatives of the Hisbah Command in Kano State arrested controversial TikToker and musician Abubakar Ibrahim, aka G-Fresh Alameen, for alleged inappropriate remarks.

The Kano State indigene, who has a diploma in journalism, joined the music business in 2015. Not a stranger to controversies, in 2023 speculations were rife that he was romantically involved with Sadiya Haruna, a prominent social media user, and that they were secretly married.

Daily Trust reports that Aliyu Usman, an officer in charge of the boards surveillance unit, said G-Fresh was arrested for incorrectly reciting Al-Fatiha( the first chapter of the Quran) during the last Sallah celebration on 11 April.

Mr Usman said the Kano to California crooner was arrested at his residence in the Badawa area of the state.

He said: He has been hiding for long, and we have been extending invitations to him. I have called him on the phone several times, telling him to come for counselling based on the instructions of the Commandant General, but he refused.

We have no option but to go after him and arrest him. He is now in our custody after we got him today (Sunday) in his room and is undergoing an investigation.

Mr Usman added that G-Fresh will be charged to court on Monday. However, information about his court appearance seems to be sketchy as of press time.

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G-Fresh, a hip-hop artist, was well-known for collaborating with his brother, Al-ameen, whos into R&B.

They became famous after releasing the albums Forget Your Enemies and No Pain, No Gain.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about the use of snipers for food storage.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement issued on Sunday, emphasised the negative impact associated with dichlorvos (sniper), a chemical mostly used by traders to safeguard food from spoilage.

The statement reads in part: The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences.

The long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects.

She said the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less) had been banned since 2019, while the sale of large volumes (one litre) was left to certify agrochemicals outlets.

Mrs Adeyeye said NAFDAC underscored the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health while cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences.

Practice illegal

The statement also quoted the Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products (VMAP), Rametu Momodu, as saying that the use of certain chemicals for food preservation is illegal

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Ms Momodu said: using certain chemicals, especially pesticides, to protect grains and prevent beans from having weevils is not an approved practice.

There are approved pesticides for use as fumigants, which should be used according to the manufacturers specifications on the product label.

She stressed that these products should not be applied directly to food due to their inherent dangers to human health.

Ms Momodu further stated that eating food contaminated with snipers could cause dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and convulsions, and in some cases, can lead to coma and death.

She said that once used, the pesticide residues remain on or in the food, causing significant health implications.

She added that washing the food does not stop the chemical effects, noting that the harmful substance would have already simmered into it.

She stressed that the agency cannot recommend washing as a solution, saying doing so gives a false sense of security.

Alternatives, call to action

The NAFDAC DG noted that there are safer means of preserving food items, such as bio-pesticides.

Food remaining unspoiled for an extended period might indicate pesticide contamination rather than freshness unless stored in the refrigerator, she stated.

Responding to a viral video of individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish, it called on traders and merchants to desist from using illegal chemicals on food meant for human consumption.

Also, Ms Momodu advised consumers to desist from buying from vendors known to be using such chemicals and to report them to the nearest NAFDAC office for appropriate sanctions.

Governments efforts

Apart from banning the 100 ml size bottle, Mrs Adeyeye, a professor, noted that the agency has implemented initiatives such as stakeholders sensitisation meetings on restricting the direct application of dichlorvos.

Routine monitoring of stakeholders is also conducted to ensure compliance, she said.

Mrs Adeyeye reiterated NAFDACs commitment to global best practices, including the phase-out of certain pesticides that have been banned in other countries due to proven toxicity.

She acknowledged the plights of farmers due to bans on various chemicals and emphasised the importance of adherence to safer practices.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC seizes illegal drugs worth N107 million in Abuja motor parks

About chemical

Dichlorvos, popularly known as sniper, is a chemical used to preserve beans, stockfish, and crayfish.

The product, in small quantities (100ml or less), has been banned since 2019, and its sale in large quantities (one litre) is restricted to certified agrochemical outlets.

The use of snipers has been associated with serious health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and death, and has been shown to have harmful effects on fertility and child development.

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A 41-year-old newspaper headline has shown that the crisis over the Kano emirate system is a repetition of an earlier crisis recorded over four decades ago.

The state House of Assembly, on 14 May, repealed the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2019, which Governor Abba Yusuf signed the following day.

The development led to the scrapping of the states five emirate councils created under the repealed law in 2019, the deposition of their emirs and the reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi as the sole emir of the state.

The four emirates that have been dissolved are Gaya, Karaye, Rano and Bichi.

However, a news report in 1983 showed similarities in the development to when the states first elected governor, Abubakar Rimi, created four additional emirates and how they were later scrapped by his successor, Sabo Bakin-zuwo.

The four emirates that Mr Rimi created were Dutse (now the capital of Jigawa State), Auyo, Gaya and Rano. The four were created in addition to the existing Kano, Hadejia, Gumel and Kazaure emirates.

Mr Bakin-zuwo, who defeated Governor Rimi in the bitterly fought governorship election of 1983, immediately scrapped the four new councils and demoted their emirs to district heads.

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In more similarities of events that happened over four decades later, Messrs Rimi and Bakin-zuwo were members of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) until the governor fell out with their partys leader, Aminu Kano.

He defected to the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) and stepped down from office to seek reelection on the ticket of his new party, while the PRP gave its ticket to Mr Bakinzuwo, who was then a senator.

In the general election, the PRP retook the governorship seat in the controversial general elections of that year.

But following the creation of Jigawa State by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida in 1991 and with three of the emirates moving to the new state, Kano became a single emirate state, until former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje again broke it into five emirates in 2019.

A news report by the defunct New Nigerian Newspaper, of 21 October 1983, recently posted on Facebook by a journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, highlighted how history has been repeated in Kano, decades after in 2024.

Four emirs appointed by the defunct Rimi/Tofa administration in Kano State have been downgraded as district heads. They are Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano (Dutse) Alhaji Aliyu Sambo (Auyo), Alhaji Adamu Gaya (Gaya), the New Nigeria newspaper reported in 1983.

No new emir has, however, been appointed for Rano since the death of Alhaji Abubakar Ita who was also appointed by the defunct administration as a result of a court restraint.

The state governor, Sabo Bakin-zuwo downgraded the emirs on Thursday following the repealing of the chiefs appointment and deposition (Amendment) Law 1982 and the Council of Chiefs Law 1981 under which they were appointed, it stated.

According to the new law, the four emirs have been reverted to their former status of district heads and have also ceased to be members of the council of chiefs. Other removed from the council are the Chief Imams of Auyo, Dutse, Gaya, Gumel, Hadejia, Kano, Kazaure, and Itano, a representative of the business community and five persons of proven integrity.

The council is now made of the emirs of Kano Hadejia, Gumel, and Kazaure, as well as the secretary to the government, local government chairmen and one person learned in Islamic law.

In a speech after assenting to the bill, Governor Bakin-zuwo observed that the legislature was perfectly in order in repealing the law since the suit concerning it had been disposed of.

He said by repealing the law, it would be possible for the state council of chiefs to work efficiently through the appointment of the right people. He added that the secretary to the state government had already signed a legal notice of revoking the earlier one which authorised the appointment of the deposed emirs.

With the signing of the law, all affected emirs reverted to their former position as district heads with effect from yesterday (Thursday 20, October 1983), the governor said.

Traditional kingmakers of Kano had withdrawn their suit against the appointment of the deposed emirs from Kano High Court on Monday thus bringing to an end the protracted legal tussle between the kingmakers and the state government.

The governor has also made good promise to revoke the appointment of the emirs as soon as it was out of court, the report stated.

Deja Vu

PREMIUM TIMES analysis of the two incidents shows that the creation and subsequent scrapping of the emirates in both cases were done for political reasons  either to spite allies turned opponents or to punish an emir for supporting the governments political opponents.

Both Messrs Rimi and Bakin-zuwo, were followers of Aminu Kano, whose political goal was the emancipation of the common people of Northern Nigeria.

In May 1983, Mr Rimi fell out with Mr Kano and abandoned the PRP for the NPP in preparation for the 1983 general elections.

However, he lost the election to Mr Bakin-zuwo. Although the new governor lasted only three months in office before the Second Republic was overthrown by the military coup of December 31, 1983; it was enough time to reverse most of Mr Rimis policies, including the dissolution of the emirates.

Like in the 1983 situation, former governor Ganduje also fell out with Mr Kwankwaso, the leader of their political family, which adopted Aminu Kanos red cap as its insignia.

Since Mr Gandujes party lost the 2023 election, his successor, Mr Yusuf of the NNPP has reversed several of his policies, including the Emirate Council Law 2019 that created the additional four emirates.

Ironically, in 1982, Emir Ado Bayero was stoutly opposed to the balkanisation of the Kano Emirate and benefitted from a new state government reversing the policy.

But in 2020, his son, Aminu Ado-Bayero, became emir after the emirate was split into five and lost the throne four years later after a new state government reunited the emirate.

The Kano emirate crisis led to a riot in July 1981 after former Governor Rimi suspended Emir Ado Bayero. Mr Rimis political adviser, Bala Mohammed, was brutally assassinated and the offices of the state-owned Triumph Newspapers; Radio Kano, and several ministries burnt down in the upheaval.

Both Messrs Kwankwakso and Ganduje were in active politics when the bloody crisis occurred in the Second Republic.

Forty years later, they are the protagonist and antagonist as the crisis reoccurred in a state with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children, a healthcare delivery crisis and uneven development between the the capital city and other parts of the state.

Many observers have asked the question: when will Kano political leaders rise above ego-driven petty politics to face their states critical developmental challenges?

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned Nigerians against performing or aiding illegal Hajj, saying it will attract severe penalties, including an SR10,000 fine, six months imprisonment, immediate deportation and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia.

This warning comes following the recent concerns and complaints about pilgrims being arrested or denied access to Masjidul Haram in Makkah due to missing NUSUK ID cards.

In a statement on Saturday, NAHCON Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, said the commission wishes to address the recent concerns and complaints regarding pilgrims being arrested or prevented from accessing the Masjidul Haram in Makkah for not having their NUSUK ID cards.

Mrs Usara advised affected pilgrims to contact their state pilgrims officials or NAHCONs operational office in Makkah for assistance.

The commission had earlier stressed the importance of NUSUK ID cards during meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators in Nigeria.

The card is a mandatory document required for identification and access to Mashair during Hajj.

NAHCON reminded pilgrims to collect their NUSUK ID cards from Mutawwif officials upon arrival in Makkah and to always carry them, as they are the recognised means of identification and access to key areas during Hajj.

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Pilgrims with smartphones can also download the NUSUK app and access digital copies of their cards using their passports and visa numbers.

NAHCON emphasised that the Saudi Arabian religious authority has made it mandatory for every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for their well-being and that the commission would not hesitate to enforce this rule.

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has dumped her one-day-old baby in a heap of refuse along the road in Awka, Anambra State, Nigerias South-east.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said the police in the state found the newborn baby dumped at a dumpsite on Sunday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the newborn was put in a sack and dumped among the heap of refuse along Ifite Road in the state capital.

The spokesperson, however, said the police observed that the newborn had died. It is not clear if the baby died after the woman abandoned it at that spot.

Mr Ikenga said a preliminary investigation showed that the woman who dumped the newborn was the babys mother.

Meanwhile, the body (of the baby) has been recovered, and the police are currently working with some eyewitness information at the scene for possible arrest of the perpetrator, Mr Ikenga said.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nnaghe Obono, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

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Mr Obono, according to the statement, decried the level of moral decay in Nigeria and described the act as ungodly, barbaric, and inhuman.

The police chief urged parents and guardians to pay greater attention to their children and wards to avoid such acts.

He asked all residents of the state who may have useful information that can aid the investigation to come over to the police headquarters in Anambra.

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Civil servants in Delta State, on Monday, complied with the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to begin an indefinite strike.

The labour unions handed down the order over the Federal Governments failure to approve and implement a new minimum wage for workers after the 31 May deadline.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored workers compliance at the federal and state secretariats in Asaba at 9.00 a.m., reports that most government offices were not open.

Also, the Delta House of Assembly and the State High Court complex were closed and officials of the labour unions were seen enforcing compliance with the directive.

At the state secretariat, a security official, who did not want his name mentioned in the report, said that the gates to the premises were locked by officials of the unions on Sunday night.

He said that the labour enforcement team led by the TUC chairperson, Martin Bolum, returned this morning to check the situation at the secretariat.

Also, students of public primary and secondary schools in the state, who had gone early to school, were seen returning home due to their teachers compliance with the strike.

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In a telephone interview, Mr Bolum told NAN that the unions enforcement team in the early hours of Monday picketed some banks, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, schools and other establishments in the state capital to ensure total compliance.

NAN reports that police operatives were deployed to strategic locations in Asaba metropolis including the Federal Medical Centre to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

(NAN)

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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has reacted to a report that the state revenue agents allegedly caused a fatal road accident in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that many passengers were feared killed in the road crash which occurred on Sunday morning at Oba-Obosi Junction along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

However, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Adeoye Irelewuyi, told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night that three passengers were confirmed dead in the crash.

Mr Irelewuyi added that seven other passengers were injured in the accident.

Six vehicles were involved in the road crash, with witnesses and survivors blaming the revenue collection officials for the accident.

Soludo speaks

Reacting in a statement on Sunday night through his spokesperson, Christian Aburime, Mr Soludo said the state revenue officials did not cause the crash, contrary to the report.

We categorically state that this allegation is completely untrue. Government revenue officials do not conduct operations on Sundays, and they were not present at the scene of the accident.

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The cause of the accident has been traced to a vehicular brake failure of a truck sloping down to Oba and Onitsha from Owerri Axis, leading to the multiple accidents and the associated fatalities, he said.

The governor stressed that revenue partners of the state government can be identified with identification cards and numbers, adding that residents have the right to request identity cards from revenue officers.

He dropped the mobile numbers of revenue authorities in Anambra State and asked residents to contact the authorities when they doubt the authenticity of any government revenue official.

Moreover, the government revenue service has not authorised anyone or agent for the purposes of revenue collection on the highways, either on State or Federal roads, not to mention weekends, Mr Soludo said.

Arrest and prosecution of illegal revenue agents

Mr Soludo vowed that, going forward, he would arrest and prosecute illegal revenue collectors found on highways in the state.

The governor said his administration remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents of the state.

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The major gates to the Ikeja High Court have been shut due to the nationwide industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gates were shut on Monday by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ikeja branch.

NAN correspondents, who monitored the development in Lagos, observed that lawyers and litigants were turned back from entering the court premises.

The strike enforcers urged those who tried to gain entrance into the court premises to comply with the order.

The courts were shut in strict compliance with JUSUNs order.

It would be recalled that JUSUN on 1 June notified its members on mobilisation for the indefinite nationwide industrial action due to failure to reach a decision on the new minimum wage.

The Acting General Secretary of JUSUN M.J. Akwashiki said in a statement that the strike action would start at midnight on Sunday.

Mr Akwashiki said that all branches of the unions were expected to ensure strict compliance to the directive.

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All vice presidents of our great unions are to monitor their respective zones to ensure compliance with total shutdown of all courts and judicial institutes across Nigeria.

The nationwide strike is to ensure the government agrees on a new national minimum wage and subsequently passes it into law.

And to reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh, he said.

Also, the gates of the Federal High Court Lagos was shut following the strike.

There was also absence of various staff buses conveying staff to courts.

NAN gathered that an instruction had been issued earlier directing all staff buses to be put on hold due to the strike.

Meanwhile, some court officials who came to court were forced to return home in compliance with the industrial action.

In the same vein, a NAN correspondent who visited the Ojo Magistrates Court, reports that there was no activity at the court.

NAN correspondent observed that the gate of the courthouse was closed .It was gathered that the court rooms would remain locked until further notice.

(NAN)

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Bright Ngene of the Labour Party (LP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send a new team to conduct the 8 June rerun election for the Enugu South Urban Constituency.

Mr Ngene, who was the LP candidate in the 2023 General Election, said he has lost confidence in the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Chukwuemeka Chukwu and Enugu South Electoral Officer, Francis Chigbu, in conducting the rerun.

The LP candidate made the call in a press conference held on Sunday in Enugu.

Ordeal

Narrating his ordeal, Mr Ngene said that INEC declared him the winner of the 28 March 2023 House of Assembly election for Enugu South Urban Constituency after scoring 5,862 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 2,098 votes.

Consequently, I was inducted into the 8th Assembly of Enugu State with a certificate of return issued to me by INEC.

So I consider this press conference an opportunity to inform the good people of Enugu State and Enugu South Urban Constituency in particular of what is happening around me and to the mandate they overwhelmingly gave to me.

The PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, went to court challenging the victory, and prayed the court to declare the election inconclusive and order for a re-run.

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His contention was based on the ground that there was violence in the eight polling units situated at Ward 5, Uwani and Robinson Primary School that had 4,257 registered votes, he said.

Mr Ngene said the court ruled in favour of the argument of the PDP candidate that there was the need to conduct a re-run election in the said eight polling booths where INEC scheduled the first re-run election on 3 February 2024.

On the said date the election could not hold because the original result sheet mysteriously and suddenly got missing under the watch of Enugu REC and Electoral Officer who could not give account of what happened to the original result sheets.

Consequently, INEC re-scheduled the second re-run election on 14 February, 2024 but the election could not hold because PDP interrupted the election, alleging that the original result sheet provided by INEC was fake.

Furthermore, thugs started destroying INEC cubicles and other sensitive materials, he said.

The LP candidate accused INEC of refusing to investigate who disrupted the election.

He expressed disappointment that those behind the disruption of the election were not arrested and prosecuted.

My utmost concern of this proposed 3rd time re-run election is that INEC is intending to allow or use the same Chukwu and Chigbu to conduct the election.

Up till today no account has been given by the duo or INEC on what happened to the said original result sheet, Mr Ngene lamented.

He said he has lost confidence and trust in the integrity of the REC to conduct a credible, free and fair election.

I equally wish to let the world know that it is now over nine months that the Enugu South Urban Constituency seat has remained vacant and unrepresented at the Enugu State House of the Assembly.

I therefore, passionately and humbly request the media, Non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, election monitors, European Unions, and other international organisations to be on ground to supervise and monitor the election.

PDP candidate reacts

Reacting, the PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, denied the allegation of leading thugs to disrupt the second rerun. He challenged the LP candidate to show the world the picture and video evidence.

He said, I am working hard to prepare for my election on Saturday and what he is doing is laying blame and trying to preempt the election, which he needed to prove.

INEC conducted the election the first time that favoured him and he was in the House of Assembly for six months. He shouldnt come out now to condemn the umpire that made him win the first election.

The said area for the rerun is my ward and stronghold where I had been a Councillor and also made me go for my first term in 7th State Assembly.

I have enough influence (in the area) because of things I put on ground, he said.

NAN could not get the Enugu REC to comment on the allegations as he did not respond to calls and text messages from our reporter.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja reaffirmed his administrations dedication to enhancing the quality of lives for all Nigerians.

Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Tinubu stated this at the commissioning of the Expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 (RRI).

He said that the expansion of the outer southern motorway would not only alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation but would also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.

Mr Tinubu said, What is unfolding in our capital city is a testament to what can be achieved with our government Renewed Hope Agenda, quality transformation of the Federal Capital Territory and indeed Nigeria.

This ambitious undertaking holds profound significance for the FCT and its residence. With additional interchanges we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

Making it easier for residence and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.

The President, therefore, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and his remarkable team in the territory, for their visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the upliftment of the capital city.

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Wike is redefining the meaning and concepts of modern leadership in Nigeria.

The President is mightily proud of you for your dedication, for your persistence, for your courage and the will to do well.

Mr Tinubu, who asked Mr Wike to stand and take a bow, noted that under Mr Wikes leadership, FCT had witnessed remarkable strive in infrastructural development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nations capital.

READ ALSO: Group wants Tinubu to declare state of emergency on education

Under Wike, we have proven to the world that what counts is leadership, and what this nation needs is quality leadership.

The completion of this motorway expansion is not merely a field of engineering but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.

It is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together, towards a common goal transcending political divide and personal interest for the greater good of our nation. (NAN)

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Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Taraba State, on Monday, went around Jalingo, the state capital, to enforce compliance with their unions ongoing strike action.

Government offices, public schools and banks which earlier refused to comply with the unions directive were shut down by the monitoring committee across the state.

The PREMIUM TIMES correspondent, who monitored workers compliance at the state secretariat and the federal medical centre at 8:30 a.m., reported that most workers resumed work on the ground that they were yet to receive an official circular.

However, at about 10 a.m., the State Secretariat, House of Assembly and the State High Court complex were closed as officials of the labour unions were seen enforcing compliance with the directive.

Also, students of public primary and secondary schools in the state, who had gone early to school, were seen returning home due to their teachers compliance with the strike.

The state chairman of TUC, Sule Albasu, said members of the TUC and the NLC in Taraba agreed to enforce the strike in all parts of the state.

He vowed to continue to enforce the strike until it is suspended.

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He said the workers would not relent until their national leaders agreed with the Nigerian government.

We have also directed our members across the 16 local government councils of the state, including the two special development areas, to make sure that public offices are not opened, he said.

The NLC chairman, Peter Jediel, said the ongoing action became necessary following the present economic hardship.

He urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, address the plights of workers and Nigerians at large.

Bank customers who expressed sadness at the situation, as they could not make transactions, urged the federal government to address the demands of the workers.

The major demand of the NLC and the TUC is for the government to increase the minimum wage of workers to about N400,000 from the current N30,000 based on the increase in the cost of living caused by government policies.

The government, however, says it is only able to pay a minimum wage of N60,000.

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In compliance with the nationwide strike directive by Organised Labour, the Ekiti State chapters of both the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday, shut down offices and paralysed commercial activities in the state.

Our correspondents who monitored the compliance with the strike directive in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital and some local government areas, observed that the state secretariat, and other public offices, including courts and public schools, were totally locked up by workers.

Also, few banks that opened for business were immediately shut when the labour leaders monitoring compliance level invaded them. The banks were mostly located on Bank Road along New Iyin Road.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the state secretariat, located along the old Governors office at Oke-Ori Omi, in Ado Ekiti, the offices were shut.

In most of the places visited, only a handful of political appointees were seen doing skeletal work in their offices.

Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti, Olatunde Kolapo, had earlier directed the leadership of all affiliate unions in the state to ensure full compliance with the strike, as directed by the national body.

He said the strike had become the last resort, after labour unions had displayed uncommon understanding over the need to improve on workers welfare, especially as it had to do with new wages.

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He directed that all workers should stay back home until further directive from the national body.

He also called on all leaders of affiliate unions to monitor the strike, and ensure effectiveness.

The doors of some local government headquarters, including Ikole-Ekiti and Oye, schools and courts, were under lock and key as staff abandoned their duties as a result of the ongoing nationwide strike.

Both primary and secondary schools were also deserted, as the gates were locked, while only private schools opened for normal academic work.

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The Senate commenced activities last Monday with the public hearing on the bill to revert to the old national anthem.

The hearing was jointly organised by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Internal Affairs, to which it was referred last Thursday after it scaled second reading.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented the federal government at the hearing.

Mr Fagbemi, in his remarks, urged members of the National Assembly to subject the Bill to wider consultations before passing it.

The minister said there was a need for a wider process where Nigerians and other arms and tiers of government would participate in the decision to revert to the old national anthem before it finally becomes law.

He specifically proposed consultations through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etc.

On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, 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.

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Mr Idris, represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, noted that some lines in the old national anthem do not make a complete meaning.

But the senators disagreed with the concerns of the two ministers, insisting that there was no need to subject the bill to a wider consultation.

Senate passes bill to revert to old national anthem

The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill.

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 passage was against the federal governments recommendations at Mondays public hearing on the bill.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the bills passage, and most senators supported it through voice votes.

The bill was considered and approved by 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.

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.

Mr Monguno, after that, recommended that the bill be passed.

The House of Representatives had passed the bill the previous week.

President Bola Tinubu signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

Senate recalls Ningi from suspension

The Senate on Tuesday recalled Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), suspended two months ago for accusing its leadership of fraudulently smuggling projects into the 2024 budget.

The upper chamber announced Mr Ningis recall after it resumed from a closed-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 did not have locations.

PREMIUM TIMES reviewed Mr Ningis claim and found it to be true.

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.

After that, he apologised to the Senate leadership on behalf of Mr Ningi.

It is expected that Mr Ningi, a former member of the House of Representatives, will take his seat at the Senate when it reconvenes on Tuesday.

Tinubu attends the joint sitting of both chambers

On Wednesday, the Senate and the House of Representatives convened a joint session to mark the 25 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria.

President Tinubu, a Third Republic senator, was on hand to witness the event, during which he addressed the lawmakers for about seven minutes.

It was the second time the president addressed the joint session of the Federal legislature since he assumed office in May 2023. The first time was during the presentation of the 2024 Budget in November.

Thereafter, President Tinubu commissioned the National Assembly Library building named after him.

Some other members of the executive arm accompanied the president to the National Assembly complex located in the Three Arms Zone.

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Many passengers were feared killed in a road accident in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria.

The accident occurred Sunday morning at Oba-Obosi Junction along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in the Idemili South Local Government Area.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that six vehicles were involved in the accident.

The vehicles included a heavy-duty truck, two salon cars, three tricycles, and one commercial bus.

How it happened

A witness, who asked not to be named, said some Anambra State Revenue Collectors were collecting taxes from drivers when the heavy-duty truck rammed into the vehicles and crushed the occupants.

The truck had a brake failure and crashed into the vehicles, the witness said.

He added that many people were lying lifeless at the scene, but the number of victims had not been counted at the time.

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PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify that the truck involved in the accident had brake failure.

Video clip

A video clip which showed the scene of the accident shortly after the crash has been circulating on WhatsApp groups.

In the clip, some victims were seen lying in a pool of blood along the road, while some others were still being trapped under the truck.

Some of the vehicles involved in the crash were crushed completely by the truck, while others, mostly tricycles, were pushed into nearby bushes.

The clip also showed some residents attempting to evacuate victims being trapped under the track.

FRSC speaks

When contacted on Sunday night, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Irelewuyi said three persons have so far been confirmed dead in the accident, while seven others were injured.

On the alleged role of revenue agents in the accident, the sector commander said the FRSC had not confirmed the allegation.

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Academic and non-academic staff unions in Nigerian educational institutions, from basic to tertiary level, have directed their members to join the nationwide indefinite strike announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

The two foremost labour unions on Saturday directed their affiliates to mobilise for a total indefinite strike from Monday, 3 June.

The strike is to force the government to agree on a new minimum wage for workers as well as review the increase in the price of electricity for some consumers.

The current N30,000 minimum wage, which took effect in 2019, has since been due for renegotiation.

The labour unions and the representatives of the Nigerian government have failed to reach an agreement to peg a new minimum wage since negotiations began. The labour, which initially requested a N600,000 minimum wage, has settled for N494,000. Meanwhile, the government is currently proposing N60,000, forcing negotiations to end in a deadlock.

The leadership of the National Assembly met the leaders of the labour unions on Sunday night in a bid to get them to shelve the strike, but it failed.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has also warned the unions that the strike is illegal and premature.

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He said the Trade Disputes Act of 2004 requires both unions to issue a mandatory strike notice of at least 15 days.

He maintained that the union had not issued any notice to comply with the provision of the law.

ASUU, SSANU, NUT others join strike

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have directed their members to comply with the strike directive.

The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff.

Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress. Consequently, Branch Chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke wrote in a notice to its branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators.

SSANU, in a notice signed by its Senior Assistant General Secretary, Kingsley Okayi, also asked members to ensure the downing of tools.

I am directed by the National President to request that you comply with the information by directing all SSANU members to liaise with their NLC State Chapter to ensure a comprehensive closure of the workplace with effect from Monday, 3rd June 2024, until further notice, Mr Okayi wrote.

You are also to liaise with your National Vice President and report the progress of the industrial action to the National Secretariat regularly.

The NUT notice of strike was written by the NUT Secretary General, Mike Ene, to state chairpersons, school principals and teachers.

You are requested to sensitise and mobilise our members to fully join the strike action and ensure that on no condition should any school be allowed to open from Monday 3rd June 2024 till further notice, Mr Ene wrote.

He said the National Leadership would not entertain any excuse for failure from any state, adding strict compliance is required because NUT particularly has a stake in the struggle.

NAAT General Secretary Abubakar Yusuf wrote: All Branch Chairmen and Secretaries are to liaise with their state LC councils for coordination and to ensure full participation of our members.

Zonal coordinators are hereby directed to monitor the active participation of all Branches in their zones and report to the National through the General Secretary.

Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe

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The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will allow the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to go on peacefully in the state despite the ongoing nationwide strike.

Alpha Marshall, the secretary of the organised labour in Akwa Ibom, said in a statement in Uyo that the leadership of the labour union in Akwa Ibom took a decision on Sunday not to allow the strike to disrupt the public examination in the state.

The labour leaders said the examination, being organised for the West African region, goes beyond Nigeria.

The statement was issued on Sunday evening.

We wish to inform the general public that the planned nationwide indefinite strike by the NLC and TUC will not affect those students who are currently writing WASSCE at different examination centres across the state, the statement reads in parts.

In view of the aforementioned reason, the examination will go on as scheduled. Therefore, school principals, exams supervisors, parents, guardians, and the general public should please take note, the statement added.

Earlier, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the body which conducts WASSCE, said on Sunday that the labour strike would not affect the conduct of the examination.

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In an internal memo addressed to the principals of schools participating in the 2024 WASSCE, WAEC said the conduct of the internal examination continues irrespective of the strike.

The Nigerian child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam, WAEC said in the memo.

Background

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Saturday directed its affiliates to mobilise for a total indefinite strike from Monday, 3 June.

The industrial action, which has so far led to power outages and disruption of flights across the country, is to force the government to agree on a new minimum wage for workers as well as review the increase in the price of electricity for some consumers.

The labour unions are currently at loggerheads with the Nigerian government over negotiations for a new minimum wage. The current N30,000 minimum wage took effect in 2019, and the union is now negotiating a higher minimum wage with the government.

The NLC initially requested N600,000 but has now settled for N494,000.

However, the government rejected the amount, saying it is unsustainable. The government warned that it could destabilise the economy and negatively impact over 200 million Nigerians.

The government said it is offering N60,000, an amount the labour leaders reject, leading to a deadlock and a declaration of strike by the labour unions.

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Schools, financial institutions and hospitals have been shut down in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, as organised labour begins nationwide indefinite strike.

The strike commences Monday (today) after the last-minute intervention by the National Assembly failed to prevail on the labour leaders to shelve it.

The organised labour  Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) resorted to strike because of disagreement over a new minimum wage and the federal governments failure to reverse the increment in electricity tariff for some customers.

When PREMIUM TIMES, this morning, visited the Akwa Ibom State Government secretariat in Uyo where the state civil servants work, labour union members were seen chanting solidarity songs at the entrance.

Addressing reporters at the entrance of the secretariat, the State Chairperson of NLC, Sunny James blamed the cost of living crisis in the country on the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.

When President Tinubu assumed office he removed the petrol subsidy without any consultation. Comrades, you are aware that things are done with a twinkle of an eye.

Last week the old national anthem was brought back overnight  it is an indication that the National Assembly can pass the minimum wage bill overnight, he said amidst cheers from jubilant colleagues.

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Meanwhile, organised labour in the state has said that it would not allow the strike to disrupt the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) since the examination goes beyond Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, Alpha Marshall, the secretary of the organised labour in the state said the decision to allow the examination to go on smoothly was reached at its meeting on Sunday.

In view of the aforementioned reason, the examination will go on as scheduled. Therefore, school principals, exam supervisors, parents and guardians and the general public should please take note.

Workers shut down Port Harcourt Airport

The Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have shut down Port Harcourt airport, Channels Television reported.

The union members as early as 7 a.m., blocked access to the airport, forcing passengers to come down from vehicles and walk into the airport.

The chairperson of ANAP in Rivers State, Emmanuel Akagha told Channels TV that passengers were allowed into the airport because the road connects other communities but emphasised that no flight operations were allowed.

Edo workers join strike despite Obasekis offer of N70,000 as minimum wage

Workers in Edo State have joined the nationwide labour strike.

Labour leaders in the state locked the state secretariat in Benin City, preventing workers from gaining access.

The union, according to Channels TV, said they had to comply with the directives of the national leadership of the association despite the state government increasing the minimum wage for workers in the state to N70,000.

Governor Godwin Obaseki was the first governor to unilaterally announce an increase in the minimum wage for workers in the state to N70,000 without waiting for the federal government to reach a consensus with the labour.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State was the second Nigerian governor to announce a new minimum wage after Mr Obaseki of Edo State.

Mr Otu announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for workers in the state. However, workers in the state have joined the strike.

Public schools in the state have been shut as teachers and other workers withdraw their services because of the strike.

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The International Ford Fellowship Programme Alumni Nigeria (IFFPAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency on compulsory basic education programmes across the country.

The group made the call on Monday in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES and signed by its media advisor, Austin Aigbe.

IFFPAN is an independent, nonsectarian, nonpartisan, private, nonprofit, social justice organisation for Nigerian Alumni (Fellows) of the International Fellowship Programme of Ford Foundation, United States.

In his 2024 Childrens Day Statement, the President reassured the nation of his commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for children, while enhancing the quality of education, the group said.

IFFPAN urged the president to spare no effort in ensuring that young Nigerians have a solid footing for the realisation of their dreams.

State of emergency

The group is reacting to a viral video of a school in north-east, Nigeria, where students learn under deplorable conditions.

The statement further reads in part: According to the information in the video, the school with a dilapidated bamboo roofing structure has about 250 students, cutting across primary one to six and junior secondary school one.

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Also disheartening to note is that the school has one teacher, that teaches all the students, that is the primary and junior secondary classes. As stated by the maker of the video and a staff member of a non-profit organisation in Nigeria. The teacher is under the employment of the state government.

Following the preliminary investigation conducted by IFFPAN, we can independently confirm that the school is located in Taraba State, North East Nigeria, the state where the government is supposedly implementing a free and compulsory education policy. In July 2023, Governor Agbu Kefas declared free education in all primary and secondary schools across the state.

The State Government on April 5, 2024, in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Abel Joachim, suspended the Principal of Government Day Secondary School and his examination officer over an alleged plot to sabotage the free and compulsory education policy of the state government.

While the group commended the states government for declaring free and compulsory education, Mr Aigbe said the school falls below minimum standard.

We note further, that vital key requirements for compulsory education are that the learning needs of students are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programs, added to this is the improvement of all aspects of the quality of education, and ensuring excellence for all, so that recognised and reasonable learning outcomes are achieved, the group said.

There can be no reasonable outcome for learning for students in the viral video school; especially since one teacher is responsible for teaching the primary and junior secondary schools totalling about 250, including students with disabilities.

Demands

The group demanded that the Taraba State Government immediately identify other schools in the state in similar conditions and take appropriate steps to restore dignity in the public schools.

It urged governors nationwide to prioritise investments in the education sector and rescue primary education in their states, which is the foundation of good education, Mr Aigbe said.

That the federal and state governments commit appreciative and incremental budgetary allocations to improve the education sector, the statement said, adding that: Private corporations and of course, individuals should invest and support all efforts by the governments in improving the education sector in the country.

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Workers in Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states on Monday joined the nationwide strike embarked by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the strike in Bauchi, Damaturu and Maiduguri, the capitals of Bauchi, Yobe, and Maiduguri, respectively, report that government offices, schools and banks were closed in compliance with the industrial action.

The unions directed their members to embark on an indefinite strike following disagreement with the federal government over the implementation of the new minimum and downward review of the electricity tariff.

In Bauchi, workers had stayed away from their offices at the federal and state government secretariats, banks, schools and other public offices while NLC officials were going round to enforce compliance with the strike.

Mr Maikudi Ibrahim, acting chairman of NLC in the state, said the state chapter had fully complied with the strike.

We are monitoring departments and agencies to ensure total compliance with the strike. No going back, we are on it, he said.

Corroborating Mr Ibrahims assertion, Ibrahim Tafida, the vice chairman of TUC, described workers compliance to the strike as encouraging.

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It is a success; all offices, organisations and agencies remained closed in compliance to the directives from the national secretariat.

Dissenters in Yobe

However, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Yobe State Chapter, has dissociated itself from the ongoing strike by the labour unions.

The Chairman of the association, Abubakar Mala, said that the association directed its members to continue providing medical services to the patients.

We are not joining the NLC strike. We are not part of their affiliate, and we are not joining the strike.

We are fully attending to patients as usual. All our clinics are open, and we have been in the theater and everywhere, he said.

The measure, he said, would facilitate uninterrupted medical and healthcare services to the people.

Advice for labour

Similarly, some residents of Maiduguri in Borno State have urged the organised labour to show human face while enforcing the strike.

Ibrahim Musa, a resident, said that it was imperative for the unions not to disrupt provision of essential services to the people.

He said that, there should be power supply to hospitals and water plants to service the poor.

People on B and C who are placed on only four hours of power supply daily should also be allowed to enjoy it.

Call for negotiation

Commenting, Bulama Mustapha and Hadiza Ali called for the government and the unions to resume negotiation to facilitate speedy resolution of the impasse.

There should be skeletal services in some areas. For instance, students of the University of Maiduguri are writing their examinations, and some candidates are writing WAEC. They should be allowed to continue.

The strike should bear a human face so that innocent Nigerians will not suffer, Mr Ali said.

Also, an Islamic cleric, Usman Sadisu, expressed concern over the strike which might disrupt the transportation of pilgrims for Hajj exercise.

We hope the closure of the airports due to the strike will not affect the transportation of pilgrims in areas where the exercise has not been concluded.

The labour unions should be considerate to the easy movement of intending pilgrims in any airport to be concluded.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Nigerian army of surrounding its meeting venue with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, an allegation, the army headquarters has dismissed as misleading.

The NLC, in a series of tweets via its official X handle on Monday, raised the alarm, warning that any attempt to intimidate or provoke its leaders at the negotiation table would be resisted and that the strike would further be prolonged.

Any attempt to intimidate, provoke or blackmail our leaders at the negotiation table would worsen the issue and further prolong our action indefinitely. Our leaders are acting in accordance with directives of our organs. Viva! Organized Labour, Viva! Working People Of Nigeria!, another tweet reads.

Disregard misleading falsehood  Nigerian Army

Reacting to the NLC allegation, the Nigerian Army Headquarters described it as misleading and deliberate falsehood, and urged the public to disregard it.

In a tweet via its official X handle, the Army headquarters said the military personnel are escorts of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

Kindly note that the NSA Mr Ribadu, who is also attending the meeting, arrived at the meeting venue with his retinue of statutorily approved military escorts. Once the meeting is over, the escorts will lead the NSA from the venue.

Kindly disregard the deliberate and misleading falsehood being peddled about the presence of the escorts at the meeting, the army said.

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Backstory

The organised labour  the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC)  have been at loggerheads with the Nigerian government over the failure to reach a consensus on a new minimum wage for workers in the country.

The labour leaders had given the federal government a 31 May deadline to come up with an acceptable minimum wage for workers.

The strike which begins Monday (Today) has grounded economic activities in the country as schools, courts, hospitals, electricity supply and airports have been shut down.

The SGF is meeting with the labour leaders to persuade them to call off the strike.

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Academic activities were disrupted on Monday as primary and secondary school teachers, and their counterparts in higher institutions joined the nationwide indefinite strike announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

PREMIUM TIMES visited schools in many parts of the country including Lagos, Abuja, Bauchi and Ondo State and found that pupils in public schools were asked to return home as their schools were shut.

Students in tertiary institutions across the country, including those currently sitting examinations, were also locked out of their classrooms and libraries.

In one case, examinations were disrupted by members of the labour unions at the Ondo State School of Health Technology, Akure.

Earlier today, PREMIUM TIMES reported that unions in educational institutions including ASUU, SSANU, ASUP and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) directed their members to join the strike.

Students roam Abuja streets

At about noon on Monday, students were seen lurking around Wuse district in Abuja, Nigerias Federal Capital Territory (FCT), hours after they were asked to return home by their school authorities.

A student of Government Secondary School (GSS) Wuse, Zone 3, said she had heard that the strike was not going to be held before coming to school in the morning.

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She said she had not gone home because her parents were not at home and that there was nothing for her to do at home.

We heard that the strike had been called off this morning which is why I went to school, only for me to get to school, and we were sent back home till further notice because of the strike, she said.

A student of Government Secondary School, Wuye, was also seen lurking around Wuse Zone 2 in her school uniform.

The student said she chose to stay around because her parents wouldnt be at home until 2 p.m.

I wont meet anybody at home so there is no point in going home on time, she said.

PREMIUM TIMES, however, gathered that only final-year students sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were allowed into the school premises.

An administrative staff at GSS Wuse Zone 3, Ezekiel Ejej, told our reporter that the strike announcement was communicated to the members of staff via the school Whatsapp platforms and so only a few of the teachers who didnt receive the message came to school.

Everyone is aware of the strike. Although it has been announced to the staff, we are yet to have a meeting on the situation. So for now, we are only going by the directives from above, he said.

We told the students that there is a national strike until further notice and told them to go back home, only SSS3 students are allowed in the school. For the ones who are still lurking around, I dont know what to say about that because we have already instructed them to go home.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the LEA Primary School Lugbe A, it was deserted and the gate was under lock and key.

The only teacher present at the school, Blessing Oyiza, said she came around because she wanted to conduct extra lessons for some pupils.

She said the extra lessons are usually after normal school hours. However, since there was a strike she asked the parents to send them during the school hours.

Ms Oyiza said the teachers were informed on their WhatsApp platform that there would be a strike and that there would be no normal school activities.

We are praying that the government should answer us because children sitting at home is not ideal. If they are to come back after say one week, it is just like restarting the lessons. Students sitting at home is not good, she said.

At the Junior Secondary School, Wuse Zone 2, an administrative staff member, Ahmed Rufai, told our reporter that he came to school without monitoring the news and was not aware that the strike had been declared.

When I got to the school this morning, I heard that the strike is now official, he said.

Mr Rufai said only a few teachers came around, though many students came to school as they were also not aware of the strike.

It was announced to them that they should all return home and that there was a strike until further notice. As you can see everyone has gone home, its just me and one other admin staff that is around, he added.

Lagos

Just like in Abuja, pupils in Lagos public schools were sent back home as soon as they got to the school premises.

At the Iba Housing Estate Secondary School in Ojo Local Government Area, for instance, PREMIUM TIMES found empty classes. This newspaper gathered that students in the junior and senior categories except the SS3 students were sent back home.

Trading stalls within the school were also found empty.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the SS3 are presently taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The examination board had said that the ongoing exercise continues irrespective of the strike.

Tertiary institutions are not left out

Members of the NLC and TUC disrupted an ongoing examination at the Ondo State School of Health Technology, Akure on Monday while enforcing the nationwide strike.

The institution began its second-semester exams for the students last week and continued with some of the courses on Monday.

According to a student simply identified as Titilope, students had just started the examination when members of the labour unions came in and scattered everything.

We were not allowed to finish our paper. It is our second-semester exams, the student said.

The students were seen walking away from the school premises after the disruption.

UDUS

PREMIUM TIMES also gathered that the strike has affected academic activities at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, (UDU) Sokoto.

In UDUS, students were locked out of the university library on Monday even though examinations are currently ongoing.

However, the strike did not affect the ongoing examinations which started on 28 May, one student, Bilyaminu Manne, told PREMIUM TIMES.

But members of the non-academic staff have downed tools, he said.

A woman who works there told us when we were waiting for the staff that the cashiers are on strike, they are not coming. When I checked the office in charge of issuing notification of results around 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., it was also locked, the student said.

He added that the university library where students study was not open on Monday, forcing students to go study elsewhere.

ATBU

Helen Yakubu, a final-year student of Computer Science at ATBU noted that the strike has affected the submission of her final-year project proposal.

The school is practically shut down at the moment till further notice, she said.

We were supposed to submit our project topic proposal but the strike has affected it.

She said theres currently no electricity in the hostels. Though they pumped water but if this water should finish and the strike is still on, it will take the grace of God for them to pump it again.

Strike

The labour unions directed the indefinite strike beginning today (Monday) to protest the continuous impasse with the Nigerian government as regards the negotiations of a new minimum wage to replace the current N30,000 that took effect in 2019.

The labour leaders insisted that the cost of living has skyrocketed and therefore refused to shift grounds on the N494,000 they demanded as minimum wage. However, the government said the amount proposed by the labour leaders is unsustainable and is instead proposing N60,000. After weeks of negotiations without reaching a middle ground, the labour unions decided to down tools.

The strike has affected virtually all sectors of Nigerian society. Flights are grounded at airports, banks are shut for transactions, citizens are experiencing power outages across the country and students are shut out of their classrooms.

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A member of the board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saidu Dumbulwa, has appealed to the labour unions not to disrupt the airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia as a result of the ongoing strike.

Mr Dumbulwa, who represents the Federal Ministry of Health on the board, stated this in a statement on Monday.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced an indefinite strike on Monday to protest the refusal of the federal government to grant their demand for a minimum wage of N494,000. The government is proposing N60,000.

The unions in the aviation sector, on Sunday, directed their members to withdraw their services.

Only about 34,000 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted so far to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 hajj out of the over 60,000 expected to make the trip.

Mr Dumbulwa appealed to the NLC to exempt airport workers from the strike to ensure the smooth airlifting of pilgrims.

He acknowledged labours legitimate demands but emphasised the importance of considering the interests of Muslim members of the unions.

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Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime ambition for many Muslims. I implore labour to avoid disrupting the airlift of pilgrims.

In this context, I expect that exemptions should be made for airport workers in any strike actions at this critical time, he said.

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The federal government has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to return to the negotiation table following the commencement of an indefinite strike by the unions.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call in a statement on Monday.

The NLC and TUC began an indefinite strike on Monday to protest the refusal of the federal government to grant their demand for a minimum wage of N494,000.

Mr Idris said the tripartite committee which has been meeting on the matter is prepared to establish a realistic minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

We will continue to engage and make ourselves available for these negotiations on behalf of the Nigerian people, said Mr Idris.

The minister said the government seeks a balanced and feasible solution, insisting that the proposed N494,000 minimum wage is not viable.

Mr Idris urged the labour unions to reconsider their demands, stating that any agreed minimum wage would also impact the private sector and could have detrimental effects on the economy.

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Labour Unions Position

Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC, in a joint statement on Monday, explained that the strike was initiated due to prolonged and unresolved negotiations with the federal government over a new national minimum wage and recent increase in electricity tariffs.

They said the current minimum wage, by law, expired on 19 April 2024, necessitating an urgent review.

They said the recent increase in electricity tariff is an unsustainable burden for businesses and workers,

The unions said the nationwide strike underscores the urgency of addressing their demands for a fair and living wage.

They criticised the governments counter-offer of N60,000, insisting that it is inadequate and insensitive to the economic hardships faced by workers due to policies such as the removal of the petrol subsidy, the devaluation of the naira, and hike in electricity tariffs.

Governments counter-offer mocks the excruciating hardship brought on workers by its insensitive and oppressive economic policies, the statement read.

The unions also accused the government of showing contempt for the negotiation process by withdrawing its core negotiating representatives.

Background

The labour unions said the call for a new national minimum wage aligns with international best practices and legal standards.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, particularly the Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention 26 of 1928 and the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention 131, mandate member countries to ensure a minimum wage that guarantees a living wage for all workers. Nigeria ratified these conventions, and the national minimum wage has been a legal requirement since 1961.

In 1981, Nigerias first minimum wage was set at N125 (approximately $188 at the time), equivalent to N282,000 in todays exchange rate. However, the real value of wages has declined, pushing many workers into poverty.

In his Monday statement, Mr Idris said President Bola Tinubu is ready to tackle Nigerias economic challenges through human-faced policies.

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It must be stressed at this point that every eligible student is equal, and no one needs to have a godfather or unique connections in society to access the loan Instead, what is essential is for an applicant to meet the laid-down criteria. These are ensuring, as an applicant, you are enrolled in a federal or state tertiary institution, and possess a letter of admission from the statutory Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, a Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and a National Identification Number (NIN).

I believe that by the time President Bola Tinubu would be completing his entire constitutionally allowable tenures in 2031, the students loan initiative, being managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), would be among his best-celebrated achievements.

I am convinced that in several months from now, the initiative will be recorded as the most revolutionary policy regarding tertiary education in Nigeria. This is because NELFUND, among other benefits, would help Nigerian students create a safe pathway from financial obstacles to attaining their educational pursuits. The result will be that student retention and completion rates will increase, and so will the number of skilled talents in the economy.

It is for this reason, and in line with President Tinubus Renewed Hope agenda, that the management of NELFUND is committed to creating an open, fair, and transparent application process. The openness in the schemes administration means that students can easily apply online, submit, and track a loan request through the same process, which means that there is nothing anyone, including officials of NELFUND, can do to manipulate the process for self-advantage.

Already, NELFUND has gathered current students data, involving the federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and technical colleges in Nigeria. The same process now applies to state-owned tertiary institutions, which we started on Tuesday, the 28th of June.

It must be stressed at this point that every eligible student is equal, and no one needs to have a godfather or unique connections in society to access the loan.

As a fact, it is not for nothing that the NELFUNDs management has taken steps to foster public trust, inclusion, and sustainable reputational capital. It is also worth noting that the agency has instituted solid corporate governance, supported and overseen by its equally dedicated governing board, led by respected banker and Zenith Bank Plc founder, Mr Jim Ovia.

Instead, what is essential is for an applicant to meet the laid-down criteria. These are ensuring, as an applicant, you are enrolled in a federal or state tertiary institution, and possess a letter of admission from the statutory Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, a Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and a National Identification Number (NIN). The simplification of the loan process and its accessibility to the public are to clear ambiguity or a perception of bias in selecting successful applications.

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As a fact, it is not for nothing that the NELFUNDs management has taken steps to foster public trust, inclusion, and sustainable reputational capital. It is also worth noting that the agency has instituted solid corporate governance, supported and overseen by its equally dedicated governing board, led by respected banker and Zenith Bank Plc founder, Mr Jim Ovia. In the same vein, the management, led by its Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has declared zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices within and outside the agency.

For Sawyerr, pilfering funds meant to empower students is egregious and an unpardonable sin. He once related an intriguing story to me about some burglars in the United Kingdom who seemed to make it a rule among them not to take anything belonging to children.

Despite their depravity, it was a creed among them (burglars). Mr Sawyerr told me, by the same token, that even the most depraved person, if appointed into a position of trust and to protect childrens welfare, must eschew committing such atrocious sin against them.

The task before the NELFUND management is to ensure the corrupt-free management of the interest-free loan scheme to millions of students from the 62 federal and 63 state universities in the country.

Turning to me, he said: Dr, this programme (the student loan scheme) is for children; it is out of bounds to corruption and pilfering. We must fight this battle together. Such is the character of Mr Sawyerr, who is desirous of etching his footprints in the sands of history. Having lived overseas and seen the governmental and social systems work efficiently for the common good, Mr Sawyerr is determined to make a change in the lives of Nigerian higher education students.

Mr Sawyerr has demonstrated unusual courage; he is mission-focused and ready to make a fear-free kill of mysterious snakes to protect the funds entrusted in his care. My allusion to snakes will remind us of the saga involving a clerk with the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, who in 2018 claimed a snake spiritually slithered into the vault and swallowed about 36 million made from the sale of students scratch cards. Under Mr Sawyerrs leadership, the management will ensure no such obnoxious thing occurs.

As a prolific cross-industry growth specialist, Mr Sawyerrs experience in growing complex business set-ups and, now the NELFUND, comes in handy. He was at a time a consultant to various African and European governments and organisations, such as the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria on agricultural and Healthcare projects for Nigeria; Rwanda Development Board; Medtronic; DHL; British Trade International and DfID; and the Financial Times. Also, he had consulted for the Europe-Africa Business Heads of Government Forum, among others.

The task before the NELFUND management is to ensure the corrupt-free management of the interest-free loan scheme to millions of students from the 62 federal and 63 state universities in the country.

Fred Femi Akinfala is the executive director, Finance and Administration, NELFUND.

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Ikubaje who holds a PhD in Peace, Governance and Development from the United Nations University in Costa-Rica, draws from years of experience in professional engagements with the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption and the African Union Commission, in producing this in-depth study of the contexts of corruption as practiced, and the limitations of anti-corruption efforts in Africa.

The release of an academic documentation of the efforts of the African Union in fighting corruption and promoting peace and development, African Unions Fight Against Corruption in Africa: Special Focus on Nigeria and Rwanda by John Ikubaje, is quite germane, particularly as the African Union Peace and Security Council (APSC) marks its 20th anniversary of existence in refocusing the continent on the intertwined relations of the anti-corruption drive and the pursuit of peace, security and development. What is more, drawing case studies from the different regions of East Africa (Rwanda) and West Africa (Nigeria) creates interesting contexts for comparison in terms of the challenges and successes of these efforts. This is because in the 2023 Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index, Rwanda ranked 49 out of 180 countries, with a score of 53/100, while Nigeria ranked 145, with a score of 25/100. The text therefore details two scenarios: one of a fair anti-corruption context and another that is still riddled with challenges, despite the efforts of the African Union to combat the menace within member states.

The normative foundational document for the AUs anti-corruption work is the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AU-CPCC). It was adopted on 11 July, 2003 and came into force on 5 August, 2006. As a result of the foregoing, the then African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AU-ABC), now the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption, which comprises eleven members, was established. Article II of the AU-CPCC maintains that it was designed to help state parties prevent, detect, punish, and eradicate corruption in a collaborative manner through measures and actions that enhance transparency and accountability. This is in order to allow African citizens to enjoy economic, political, social, and cultural rights.

The broad scope of defining corrupt acts is outlined in Article IV, covering the solicitation or acceptance, offering or granting of any goods in exchange for an act or omission in carrying out both public and private functions, acts or omissions based on such inducements, diversion of public property for individual or private gains, illicit enrichment, and serving as accomplices in whatever capacity to the commission or concealment of the aforementioned acts. This broad conceptualisation provides the framework for Ikubajes interventions in examining the historical context of the influence of AUs anti-corruption interventions in Rwanda and Nigeria.

In the first chapter, Ikubaje dwells on the challenge of corruption, which has continued to hamper economic growth and peace initiatives on the continent. While maintaining that corruption is a global menace, he emphasises that it is more impactful in the poorest and most under-developed countries of the world. With Africa having a significant share of these nations, it is not surprising that it has been accorded the position of being the most corrupt continent on the globe. This supposition resulted in the AU Assemblys declaration of the years 2015, 2018, and 2020 as designated periods to focus on addressing the challenges of underdevelopment and corruption, as well as silencing the guns of conflict on the continent.

The author then situates the undermining impacts of corruption within the history, relevance, and efforts of the African Union, which established the AU Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC), the African Union Development Agency/New Partnership for Africas Development (AUDA-NEPAD), and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to foster peace and development through good and democratic governance. However, most of its member states have been unable to achieve the goals of sustainable peace, economic prosperity, and development, largely due to the lack of political will to tackle corruption and ensure good governance. The chapter concludes by referencing the devastating cost of corruption in Africa, which is to the tune of over $148 billion annually, from 2010. This was documented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and this huge loss is equal to the yearly budget of four Eastern African countries during the period.

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The second chapter explores various textual conceptualisations of the term corruption, among which are the delimiting definition of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) to public institutions, and then the broader description of the acts of corruption as inclusive of private sector engagements by the UN Convention against Corruption (UN-CAC). Ikubaje also teases out two theories of corruption: the collective action theory  where societal culture rationalises the phenomenon in order to legitimise it, and the institutional theory  where the structural and operational qualities of institutions validate corrupt practices. He then focuses on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index in establishing that Africa was the lowest scoring region in 2020, with an average score of 32, as influenced by both internal and external factors. This validates UNECAs postulation that corruption completes the major tripartite challenges in Africa, alongside poverty and unemployment.

With a focus on Nigeria and Rwanda, he highlights the efforts of the former in tackling corruption to include the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), among others, with associated legislation to aid the functioning of these institutions. According to him, Nigerias approaches have been through efforts at prevention, promotion of popular participation, behavioural re-orientation, enforcement and sanctions, alongside recovery and management.

In Nigeria, there has been the enactment of several laws, including the 2004 Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2004 Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2006 Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act and the 2013 Nigerias Terrorism (Prevention) Act. These legislation have led to the creation of the aforementioned anti-corruption agencies, such as the ICPC, EFCC and TUGAR. However, the AU-CPCC has not been fully integrated into these efforts

Rwanda, which ranks as one of the least corrupt countries on the continent, has displayed the political will to enforce strict anti-corruption laws and transparency in public procurement and recruitment in its post-genocide era. The efforts have entailed public re-orientation on social normative standards, criminalisation of certain behaviours, and the effective sanctions of culpable persons and institutions. The chapter also draws a causal relation between corruption and armed conflicts by establishing that the latter are sometimes initiated and funded by proceeds from the former, while also describing linkages between corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, and underdevelopment on the continent.

It concludes with the detailed description of certain AU transformative architectures to include the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the African Development Architecture (ADA), and the African Governance Architecture (AGA) as proactive mechanisms for combating corruption, in line with the AU-CPCC. Certain challenges have, however, undermined the AUs efforts, including claims to national sovereignty by member states, delimitation of regional anti-corruption agencies to the advisory capacity, and socio-political instability that continues to undermine peace and development across the regions.

The third chapter focuses on other African Unions mechanisms against corruption. These are fully discussed and they include the AU Agenda 2063, the Constitutive Act of the African Union (2000), and the Protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council (2002), which underscore the fact that anti-corruption initiatives are the sine-qua-non for development on the continent. Article 3 of the Constitutive Act mandates the AU to foster integrative socio-political and cultural development through collaborative approaches among member states. As part of its financing strategy, which includes domestic resource mobilisation, Agenda 2063 prioritises the mitigation of illicit financial flows and fight against corruption as areas for policy and reform.

In his 2024 Africa Day Speech, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, who chairs the African Union Commission, noted that the legitimate aspirations of inclusive and shared prosperity in a peaceful integrated Africa have been outlined in Agenda 2063. As a 50-year plan for integrative and durable socio-political development, Agenda 2063 thus targets seven goals to include building prosperity, political unity, good governance, sustainable peace, human capital development, sustainable international partnerships, and indigenous shared values. The 2002 protocol resulted in the establishment of the AU Security Council to foster peace and security through conflict prevention and management. While these documents have robust provisions with lofty ideas on how to promote good governance with the fight against corruption, peace, and development, Ikubaje maintains that there is need for the transformation of AU into a supra-continental institution, as well as sufficient funding to implement the provisions of the above programmes and mechanisms to overcome the challenges of corruption, insecurity and underdevelopment.

The fourth chapter delves into specific challenges and success stories of the anti-corruption efforts of the AU. One notable challenge is political corruption as exemplified in the unconstitutional change of government through military coup detats, which has been on the rise in recent times, especially within the West African Corridor. The AU has thus been developing policies and mechanisms for good governance initiatives within its member states.

In Rwanda, political stability through the practice of democracy, transparency in procurement practices, and good governance, has helped in reducing corruption since it transitioned from the ethnic strife between the Hutus and the Tutsis. The documented efforts include the removal of corrupt leaders, decentralisation of anti-corruption processes to empower the private sector and local communities, as well as training and monitoring of anti-corruption activities, as facilitated by the Rwanda Ombudsmans Office, which was created after the ratification of the AU-CPCC. The country also sanitised its law enforcement agencies, with the police having a functional anti-corruption directorate. However, the country is still challenged by citizens apathy towards its anti-corruption drive, with a low level of corruption-related complaints. This has been worsened by the evolution of new methods of corrupt practices.

In Rwanda, Ikubaje argues that political and economic corruption were root causes of the genocide that destabilised the country in 1994, where at least 85 per cent of the population lived below the poverty level. In recent times, corruption also undermined the Girinka programme, which was designed to eradicate poverty and malnutrition; while some public office holders have also reportedly mismanaged state resources within the Rwanda Agriculture Board and Ministry of Local Governance.

In Nigeria, there has been the enactment of several laws, including the 2004 Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2004 Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2006 Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act and the 2013 Nigerias Terrorism (Prevention) Act. These legislation have led to the creation of the aforementioned anti-corruption agencies, such as the ICPC, EFCC and TUGAR. However, the AU-CPCC has not been fully integrated into these efforts, with the agencies still subject to political machinations, while selective anti-corruption efforts remaining a major issue in the country.

The fifth chapter is a documentation of the impacts of corruption in Nigeria and Rwanda. In the former, it has adversely affected economic growth, with the ripple effects of the insufficient funding of public educational institutions. There has also been the lack of transparency in public procurement involving major infrastructural projects, with a high rate of embezzlement, double payments, and non-implementation of projects that have already been funded and recorded in the public sector. Similarly, the country has been riddled by insecurity and conflict. There have been arms mobilisation by agitators, partly due to years of social exclusion. This has been characterised by over a decade of terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, militancy in the South-South and ethnic-based violence in the North-Central region. Poor funding and remuneration have also affected the nations security architecture, with poorly equipped personnel across the security agencies mostly unable to respond to the firepower of militias.

In Rwanda, Ikubaje argues that political and economic corruption were root causes of the genocide that destabilised the country in 1994, where at least 85 per cent of the population lived below the poverty level. In recent times, corruption also undermined the Girinka programme, which was designed to eradicate poverty and malnutrition; while some public office holders have also reportedly mismanaged state resources within the Rwanda Agriculture Board and Ministry of Local Governance.

In the final chapter, the author recommends that member states of the African Union should take primary responsibility for anti-corruption initiatives within their nations, while the AU anti-corruption institutions should support these efforts in their roles. He also recommended that the definition of corruption should be expanded to include crimes against humanity on the continent, while the civil society organisations must be well involved in anti-corruption initiatives. While advocating for the operationalisation of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights and the creation of an International Anti-Corruption Court, Ikubaje concludes by advocating for synergy within the operations of key stakeholders within the anti-corruption sectors in AU member states.

Ikubaje who holds a PhD in Peace, Governance and Development from the United Nations University in Costa-Rica, draws from years of experience in professional engagements with the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption and the African Union Commission, in producing this in-depth study of the contexts of corruption as practiced, and the limitations of anti-corruption efforts in Africa. The comparative approach reveals that irrespective of global rankings, corruption remains a challenge to development, peace, and security across the continent. It is thus a major barrier to achieving the set goals of Agenda 2063.

His propositions of a functional supply-side driven anti-corruption architecture and citizen-driven anticorruption implementation and crusades, are also very relevant to ridding the continent of corrupt practices. This invaluable text is thus recommended to policymakers, students, academics, civil society actors, researchers, and the general public who are interested in Africas security, peace and development and the historical dynamics of Africas continental anti-corruption initiatives and the national variance of these efforts.

Philip Olayoku is a IFRA-Nigeria Senior Research Fellow with the Institute of African Studies,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

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The High Court of Kebbi State in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Monday, sentenced a woman, Farida Abubakar, to death by hanging for killing her former husband, Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim, who was a chief magistrate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ms Abubakar was first brought to court at the preliminary stage of the case on 25 August 2022 before the main charge was filed against her on 26 July 2023.

The prosecution said that the convict stabbed Mr Muhammad-Ibrahim with a sharp object on his abdomen, neck and left arm which led to his death.

Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of the State, Umar Abubakar, who adjudicated on the case, held that the court was convinced that the accused person based on the evidence adduced by the prosecution.

Circumstantial evidence

The judge relied on circumstantial evidence to find her guilty.

The defendant was last seen with the deceased in his house in Birnin Kebbi shortly after he was found dead.

Circumstantial evidence linked the defendant to the offence.

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The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish guilt against the accused person beyond reasonable doubt within the boundary of evidence adduced.

With the extra judicial statement of the accused person and the testimony of 12 prosecution witnesses, the court is overwhelmingly convinced that the circumstantial evidence is an irresistible fact that she was the one who killed the deceased.

The evidence adduced is cogent, compelling, not controverted.

Her Hijab was found smeared with blood. It was her intention to kill him. She knew death will be the consequences of her action. The offence was committed at a time the deceased was about to marry a new wife.

The court is satisfied, it is clearly established that the defendant mercilessly planned and marshalled the attack with a sharp object, obviously to cause death or knowing the consequence of her act to cause death or does not care.

The court has found you guilty of culpable homicide and bodily harm, the court has convicted you as charged.

The court has sentenced you to death by hanging in accordance with section 191(b) penal code law of Kebbi State. You are to be hanged by the neck until you are dead.

The court has also sentenced you to seven years in prison for causing bodily harm in accordance with section 224 (1) of Penal Code Law of Kebbi State, the judge read out in the judgment.

Plea for mercy

In mitigation, the defence counsel, Mudashiru Sani, holding brief for Abdulnasir Sallau, described the convict as a first-time offender with aged parents.

The counsel said that the convict was her parents caregiver and also has a young daughter in need of motherly care.

He pleaded with the court to give the convict lighter sentence, so that she could finish her time and come back to the society as a reformed individual, considering her age.

In reply, the prosecuting counsel, who is the Director, Public Prosecutions, Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, Lawal Hudu-Garba, urged the court to follow the law strictly to serve as deterrence to others from committing the same heinous offence.

The judge went on to impose the maximum sentence for murder as stipulated by the law.

Shortly after the judgment, the defence counsel, Mr Sani, said his client would appeal the verdict. (NAN).

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President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration would come down heavily on those responsible for the killing of soldiers in Abia State, south-east Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu disclosed this in a statement which he signed on Saturday.

The killing

PREMIUM TIMES reported how masked gunmen, on Thursday morning, attacked and killed five soldiers in Obikabia Junction in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

The gunmen, who also burnt the soldiers patrol truck, were said to be enforcing the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-east to mark their Biafra Day, which is celebrated annually in the region.

The Nigerian military would later vow to retaliate against the killing of the soldiers by the suspected IPOB members.

IPOB is a group seeking to carve out a sovereign state of Biafra from the South-east and some parts of the South-south of Nigeria.

We will come down heavily on the attackers.

In the statement, which he also posted on his X handle, Mr Tinubu noted that the latest attack occurred months after a similar incident happened in Okuama Community in Delta State.

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This newspaper reported how 17 soldiers on a peacekeeping mission were ambushed and killed by suspected residents of the Okuama Community in March.

The president said the attacks on Nigerian security forces were unwarranted, barbaric, evil and condemnable, adding that the situation would not be condoned or tolerated in the country.

The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to attack the officers and men of our armed forces needlessly, Mr Tinubu said.

They (security forces) surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.

On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state, he stated.

Calling for sit-at-home treasonable

Mr Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down killers of the soldiers and to also fish out those ordering sit-at-home in the South-east.

Their actions are nothing short of treason, he said of people issuing the illegal orders.

The president said the fact that the Nigerian security forces were exercising necessary restraints when attacked should not be mistaken for weakness.

I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe, he said.

We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.

Mr Tinubu commiserated with the families of the slain soldiers as well as the leadership of the Nigerian army over the incident.

I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba, he said.

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LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pemberton Asset Management ("Pemberton"), a leading European private credit manager, today announces that a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has agreed to anchor Pemberton's new NAV Strategic Financing strategy.

Together with commitments from other investors, ADIA's investment is expected to result in a first close for the NAV Strategic Financing Strategy in excess of U$1bn in the coming weeks.

NAV Strategic Financing capitalises on the growth of the private equity fund finance market to provide non-dilutive strategic capital solutions to private equity GPs and funds. Pemberton anticipates the strategy will provide GPs with growth capital to support increased fund commitments, succession planning and strategic initiatives, whilst also providing capital for accretive portfolio company investments such as bolt-on acquisitions.

The NAV Strategic Financing Strategy is a natural extension of Pemberton's market-leading direct lending platform, which currently offers lending solutions for individual assets, and enables Pemberton to offer a broader range of products to its private equity buyout community.

"ADIA's anchor commitment reflects the growing interest in the NAV asset class, the strength of Pemberton's private credit platform and our ability to deliver a broad range of financing solutions to private equity managers. We believe that NAV financing will become a core fund financing tool and, with ADIA's support, we look forward to offering this innovative solution to our clients," said Symon Drake-Brockman, Managing Partner of Pemberton.

Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, commented, "Pemberton is one of the leading private credit managers in Europe with a highly experienced team and a deep network across the GP community. NAV Financing is one of the fastest growing asset classes in private credit and we are confident Pemberton's new strategy will prove attractive to a broad range of GPs."

Anis Ghamgui, Head of Middle East and Africa, added: "Investors from the Middle East Region have been at the forefront of building strategic partnerships with pre-eminent managers and together are jointly shaping the trends in the investment industry. They play an important role in the evolution of private credit with the objective to create long-term value in support of economic growth worldwide. We are proud to partner with ADIA in this process."

Notes to Editors:

All information is correct as of 3rd June 2024 unless otherwise noted.

About Pemberton Asset Management

Pemberton Asset Management ('Pemberton') is a leading European private credit manager. We offer an innovative, highly diversified range of credit strategies for investors and borrowers. Built on more than a decade of experience developing market shaping solutions, we provide market leading credit analysis through a substantial and independent credit function and local market expertise through our 10 European office network. All investments are conducted with a clear focus on sustainability by embedding ESG criteria into our investment processes and monitoring the ESG credentials of our borrowers. We are relentless in creating new opportunities and building open and transparent relationships, bringing clarity to complex credit markets for our clients.

About Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

Established in 1976, ADIA is a globally diversified investment institution that prudently invests funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi through a strategy focused on longterm value creation.

For more information: www.adia.ae.

Disclaimer

The above press release is for information purposes only and it should not be regarded as an offer or solicitation of an offer. We do not represent that this information, including any third-party information, is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No representation is made, assurance given, or implication created that such statements, views, projections, or forecasts are correct after such date, or that the objectives of funds will be achieved or that investors in such funds will receive a return on their investment in such funds. The information contained in this press release is given at the date of this publication (unless otherwise marked) and is subject to updating, revision and amendment. The opinions expressed reflect the opinion of the named individual and are subject to change without notice.

This document has been prepared and issued for use in the UK and all countries outside of the European Union and Middle East by Pemberton Capital Advisors LLP. Pemberton Capital Advisors LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and entered on the FCA Register with the firm reference number 561640 and is registered in England and Wales at 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG, United Kingdom. Registered with the US. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940 with CRD No. 282621 and SEC File No. 801-107757. Tel: +44(0) 207 993 9300.

This document has been prepared and issued for use in the European Union by Pemberton Asset Management S.A.. Pemberton Asset Management S.A. is authorised and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier ("CSSF") and entered on the CSSF Register with the firm reference numbers A1013 & A1342 and is registered in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at 70 route d'Esch, L 1470. Pemberton reports to the US. Securities and Exchange Commission as a reporting exempt investment adviser under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940 with CRD 282865 and SEC File No. 802-107832. Tel: +352 26468360.

This document is being distributed in the Middle East by Pemberton Capital Advisors LLP (DIFC Branch) ("PCA DIFC"). PCA DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA").

www.pembertonam.com

Pemberton is a registered trademark.  Pemberton

SOURCE Pemberton Asset Management
BRONX, N.Y., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marla Keller, M.D., a national leader in academic medicine and in clinical and translational research and training, has been appointed executive dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In this role, Dr. Keller will work closely with Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein, other executive leaders at the College of Medicine and Montefiore, and the Board of Trustees to achieve the vision for the institution. As Einstein's second most senior officer, she will drive strategic planning for the College of Medicine and provide guidance across all academic and research programs.

Marla Keller, M.D.

Dr. Keller has served Einstein with great distinction over the past 17 years. She is currently the director of the NIH-funded Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Einstein and Montefiore and the interim senior associate dean for clinical and translational research. She previously served as vice chair of research in the department of medicine.

"Dr. Keller's accomplishments at Montefiore Einstein and on the national stage have clearly demonstrated her effective and collaborative leadership, research and administrative acumen, dedication to innovation, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Dr. Tomer, who is also chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein. "Her appointment is a crucial step in moving Einstein forward into a new era of excellence and ensuring the ongoing success of our enterprise."

Dr. Keller was selected by a search committee after a thorough internal search. She will assume her new role on July 1, 2024, succeeding Edward R. Burns, M.D., who has provided exemplary and steadfast leadership in this position since 2000.

As executive dean, Dr. Keller will be responsible for supporting clinical, translational, and basic science research, as well as the educational and academic operations. She will also direct the research enterprise, providing guidance and resources for research education and training, fostering new and interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations, and implementing all regulations and policies. She will work closely with department chairs and center directors to fund and spur new research, strategically recruit, retain, and mentor faculty, and expand opportunities for scientific discovery with the office of biotechnology and business development.

"Guided by Dr. Ruth Gottesman's transformative gift and a new strategic plan, I will work tirelessly with Dean Tomer, his leadership team, department chairs, and center directors to enhance basic science and clinical research, improve research operations, integrate Einstein's and Montefiore's clinical and translational research programs, and bolster our education initiatives," said Dr. Keller.

As vice chair of research for the department of medicine, Dr. Keller oversaw a robust research portfolio of more than 100 principal investigators. NIH funding increased significantly and a formal research compensation plan was developed for the department. She streamlined research operations, increasing the number of clinical trials to more than 200 across 14 divisions. One of her most important initiatives was creating a physician-scientist pathway to support faculty in becoming independently funded investigators. During her seven-year tenure, the department had 37 K (early career) awardees, of which 23% are from groups historically underrepresented in medicine, and 43% transitioned to R (independent research) funding. She also co-founded a junior faculty mentoring program and led the department's COVID-19 treatment task force.

On the national level, she served as a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services panel on HIV treatment guidelines and the NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines panel, helping to shape protocols for the country. She is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and a member of the HIV Medical Association.

Dr. Keller's research has focused on prevention of HIV in women using biomedical interventions, improving cervical cancer screening practices, and the treatment of COVID-19, resulting in nearly 100 publications.

After earning an M.D. from New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Keller completed an internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and an infectious diseases fellowship at Beth Israel/Brigham & Women's Hospital combined program. She was recruited to Montefiore Einstein in 2007 after spending nine years on the faculty at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

"The executive dean position requires leadership, sensitivity, creativity, collaboration, innovation, and dedication and I am confident, given her abilities and experience, that Dr. Keller will excel in her new role," said Dr. Tomer.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2023-24 academic year, Einstein is home to 737 M.D. students, 209 Ph.D. students, 124 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and approximately 239 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 2,000 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2023, Einstein received more than $192 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health. This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in cancer, aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. For more information, please visit einsteinmed.edu, follow us on Twitter, Facebook , Instagram, LinkedIn, and view us on YouTube.

SOURCE Albert Einstein College of Medicine
LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus is launching today new prices for Russian Urals crude delivered into China, bringing further transparency to Russia's opaque export market.

Russian Urals exports have remained resilient despite G7 sanctions, which have changed the pattern of global crude flows, diverting Russian material from Europe to India and China. Most Urals goes to India, but about 200,000 b/d heads to China, more than three times the typical 60,000 b/d in the years before 2022.

Urals has become an attractive low-cost alternative to Mideast Gulf sour crude grades for many Chinese firms. Urals competes in China with Arab Light and Iranian Light.

Argus will be publishing daily assessments of Urals on a delivered-at-place (dap) Shandong basis. Shandong is the largest single destination for Urals delivered to China, receiving around 40pc of the national total, at very similar price levels to nearby ports in Liaoning and Tianjin which account for a further 20pc of receipts. Argus assesses a range of other grades delivered into China on a Shandong basis, including Brazilian Tupi, Russian ESPO Blend, Norway's Johan Sverdrup and Djeno crude from Congo (Brazzaville).

The new Urals assessment will complement Argus' existing price for Russian ESPO Blend, where market liquidity has shifted from trading on a loading-price basis at the port of Kozmino to the use of delivered prices for ports around Shandong.

Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said: "Our new crude prices for Russian Urals delivered to China will provide market participants with important transparency into this opaque market. Since the Russian crude price cap came into effect in December 2022, flows of Urals have changed significantly and the new patterns are now well established. Our new prices provide a reliable assessment of market value."

Argus contact information

London: Seana Lanigan

+44 20 7780 4200

Email Seana

Houston: Matt Oatway

+1 713 968 0000

Email Matt

Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto

+65 6496 9960

Email Tomoko

About Argus Media

Argus is the leading independent provider of market intelligence to the global energy and commodity markets. We offer essential price assessments, news, analytics, consulting services, data science tools and industry conferences to illuminate complex and opaque commodity markets.

Headquartered in London with over 1,400 staff, Argus is an independent media organisation with 30 offices in the world's principal commodity trading hubs.

Companies, trading firms and governments in 160 countries around the world trust Argus data to make decisions, analyse situations, manage risk, facilitate trading and for long-term planning. Argus prices are used as trusted benchmarks around the world for pricing transportation, commodities and energy.

Founded in 1970, Argus remains a privately held UK-registered company owned by employee shareholders and global growth equity firm General Atlantic.

Trademark notices

ARGUS, the ARGUS logo, ARGUS MEDIA, ARGUS DIRECT, ARGUS OPEN MARKETS, AOM, FMB, DEWITT, JIM JORDAN & ASSOCIATES, JJ&A, FUNDALYTICS, METAL-PAGES, METALPRICES.COM, INTEGER, Argus publication titles and Argus index names are trademarks of Argus Media Limited.

SOURCE Argus Media
NILES, Ill., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashton-Drake, known for their realism and artistry in dolls and collectible figures, is proud to introduce their newest collector seriesthe "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Masterpiece Figure Collection https://bit.ly/AshtonDrakeRudolphTheRedNosedReindeer. The culmination of countless hours of research, design work, and expert craftsmanship, each issue features authentic recreations of characters from the 1964 TV special.

With this subscription plan, collectors will receive Rudolph, his elf friend Hermey, two North Pole rabbits, and the Misfit Airplane as the first issue. After that, more of these iconic figure such as "Yukon Cornelius" and "Santa" will begin to ship one at a time.

Key Features:

Attention to detail: Remarkable character resemblance: From Hermey's swoop of blonde hair and blushing cheeks, to Rudolph's wide eyes and shy smile.

Expert craftsmanship: Crafted from premium-quality vinyl and brought to life with meticulous hand painting

Premium costuming: Hand-tailored replica costuming from high-quality materials

Impressive sizing: Figures range from 6"13" to exactly match the original puppets

The "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Masterpiece Figure Collection is backed by Ashton-Drake's 365-Day guarantee and available at an exceptional price. To learn more and secure your own, visit http://www.ashtondrake.com/914248 today.

About Ashton-Drake: Ashton-Drake, an affiliate of the Bradford Exchange, has been enthusiasts' go-to source of lifelike dolls and collectibles for over 35 years. Offering the finest artistry, premium materials, and creative innovations, they proudly serve customers worldwide.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  &  or TM The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

SOURCE The Bradford Exchange
TAIPEI, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LITEON Technology (2301.tw) will showcase the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system for the first time with ecosystem partners at COMPUTEX 2024. This high-efficiency power system, tailored specifically for the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture , is designed and manufactured by LITEON in Taiwan. It complies with the latest NVIDIA MGX rack specifications and is compatible with the ORV3 standard, integrating canister, 1400A busbar, and power shelf to deliver a high-power-density solution, helping customers accelerate the integration of new-generation AI server cabinets and craft a comprehensive, advanced AI system solution. The aim is to bolster the ever-growing high-level computing capacity in the AI era.

LITEON Technology, in response to the data center's need for high-performance AI computing, continues to invest in the development of liquid-cooling systems that are compatible with the NVIDIA Blackwell platform, thereby fostering a high-efficiency liquid-cooling ecosystem. LITEON is planning to launch two liquid-cooling solutions powered by NVIDIA Blackwell: the former is a liquid-to-liquid in-row CDU 600kW, and the latter is a liquid-to-air 100kW sidecar, both designed to meet the high-level computing demands of data centers. LITEON has the capability to integrate power, liquid cooling, cabinet, software, and systems, and can fully incorporate liquid-cooling technology and power systems, ranging from PSU, water cooling plates, CDU, and power shelves to the entire cabinet. This provides customers with a comprehensive suite of data center AI server liquid-cooling solutions.

"LITEON, boasting over 40 years of prowess in power, offers NVIDIA ecosystem partners a comprehensive solution, spanning from power management systems to cooling technology. In collaboration with partners, LITEON is co-creating a novel paradigm in the AI field, establishing an efficient, energy-saving, and sustainable data center. This is in response to the high computing power and high energy consumption challenges posed by the new generation of data centers," said Anson Chiu, the president of LITEON Technology.

"As AI becomes more pervasive across industries, the demand for accelerated computing is driving data center innovations," said Kaustubh Sanghani, vice president of GPU product management at NVIDIA. "NVIDIA is collaborating with LITEON  a pioneer in liquid cooling and power management, and a critical part of NVIDIA's AI ecosystem  to help reduce energy consumption in data centers and lower environmental impact."

At COMPUTEX 2024, LITEON Technology, in collaboration with its partners, will showcase the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system. This demonstration will underscore LITEON's capability to independently design and integrate customized power cabinets, catering to the diverse and flexible needs of customers. With its cutting-edge core technologies in advanced power management, innovative mechanical design, and a competitive edge in software and hardware integration, LITEON Technology eagerly anticipates working with NVIDIA ecosystem partners. The goal is to create an optimized AI computing experience, establish a sustainable and compatible green data center, and advance a new milestone in AI.

For more information about LITEON data center power solutions and liquid-cooling solutions, please visit https://liteon-cips.com/ .

SOURCE LITEON Technology
The merger gives real estate investors access to a robust technology platform

CHICAGO, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is pleased to announce the merger of Mynd, the company transforming how investors find, finance, lease, manage, and sell SFR properties, with Roofstock, a leading real estate services and investment platform specializing in the single-family rental (SFR) sector. BGL's Real Estate & Property Technology investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to Mynd in the transaction. The specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This merger gives real estate investors access to a robust technology platform. Post this Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is pleased to announce the merger of Mynd, the company transforming how investors find, finance, lease, manage, and sell SFR properties, with Roofstock, a leading real estate services and investment platform specializing in the single-family rental (SFR) sector. BGLs Real Estate & Property Technology investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to Mynd in the transaction.

Headquartered in Oakland, California, Mynd is a tech-enabled real estate company serving the $85+ billion property management and real estate investment market. Powered by a proprietary, all-in-one digital platform and local listing and property management experts, Mynd aims to simplify the entire investment journey for both first-time and veteran investors, allowing more Americans access to the single-family residential sector as a way to build intergenerational wealth. Founded in 2016, with operations in more than 25 markets across the U.S., Mynd is backed by top venture capitalists, including Lightspeed, Canaan, Jackson Square, and QED.

This merger gives real estate investors access to a robust technology platform, deep data insights to inform their buying and selling decisions, and a property management system built specifically for SFR to ensure their units are leased, well maintained, and generating strong returns.

Headquartered in Oakland, California, Roofstock is a provider of Real Estate Investment as a Service (REIaaS) for investors in the $5 trillion SFR sector across the entire investment lifecycle. Its proprietary data, technology, and integrated services help investors maximize opportunities across the U.S. and realize substantial returns. Founded in 2015, Roofstock is backed by a blue-chip roster of venture capital investors, including Khosla Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Canvas Ventures, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.

BGL's Real Estate & Property Technology investment banking team has a 25-year track record of advising companies solving complex PropTech challenges. Our clients benefit from our enduring global relationships and deep industry insights, which span the entirety of the real estate & property technology continuum across the residential, multi-family, and commercial real estate landscape.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 35 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
HONG KONG, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caixin Summer Summit 2024, hosted by Caixin Media, concluded in Hong Kong, China on May 31. Supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, this year's summit centered around the theme "New Missions, New Responsibilities." It brought together more than 100 international politicians, Chinese policymakers, world-renowned business leaders, and emerging scientific and technological innovators. They shared insights and experiences on topics such as world economic development, financial markets, industrial transformation and opening up to the outside world. By offering multi-dimensional perspectives of the world, Asia and China, the summit aims to fulfill its responsibilities and commitments, collectively exploring solutions to complexity and uncertainty.

Hu Shuli, Publisher of Caixin Media, stated in her opening remarks that as China continues to rise as a super economic power, it is at a crucial stage of transformation and upgrading. "In this process, China not only needs internal innovation and reform but requires global wisdom and resources through super-connecting platforms such as Hong Kong." She also revealed that Caixin currently has more than 1.2 million subscribers, making it one of the largest paid subscription media platforms globally, outside the U.K. and U.S. Caixin's conference platform is also seeking higher international engagement.

Michael Wong, Acting Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a keynote speech. He mentioned that being "backed by the motherland and connected to the world" is Hong Kong's unique advantage. On this basis, Hong Kong will continue to take proactive steps to find new growth points in various fields and develop new competitive advantages. He also shared the strategies of the Hong Kong SAR Government on expanding Hong Kong's competitive advantages from three aspects: finance, innovative technology, and attracting advantageous enterprises and talents.

Hu had a conversation with Joseph NYE, Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor, Emeritus; Former Dean of Kennedy School of Government, exploring China-U.S. relations and policy directions in the future. Zhang Yichen, Chairman and CEO of CITIC Capital Holdings Limited, discussed with Mark Mobius, Chairman of Mobius Emerging Opportunities Fund, ways of stimulating economic growth potential through technological innovation.

Other speakers included Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. They shared their insights and thoughts on topics such as the Asian economy and finance.

China's economy has deeply integrated with the global economy, continuously linking with the world through higher levels of openness. As a "super connector," Hong Kong is developing its unique role as a connecting platform, linking mainland enterprises with those overseas. The first panel discussion focused on "Promoting Openness and Linking the World: Unleashing More Economic Potential." Participants included: Steven Alan Barnett, IMF's Senior Resident Representative in China; Laurence Li, Chairman of Financial Services Development Council; Xu Lin, Chairman of China-US Green Fund; Zhang Yichen, Chairman and CEO of CITIC Capital Holdings Limited and Yang Yiqing, Executive Dean of Zhejiang Merchants Research Institute; Chief Economist, Jumbo Fund. They explored topics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the "soft connectivity" of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and Hong Kong's role and function.

Geopolitical conflicts and financial market volatility, along with increasingly fragmented regulations and restrictions on offshore investments, present significant challenges to diversified asset allocation. In the panel discussion "New Horizons in Asset Allocation: Leaning Against the Wind," experts shared and exchanged their insights. These included: Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; Martin Lau, Head of Principal Financial Group Hong Kong; Charles Lin, CEO of GF Holdings (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited; Yin Zhe, Co-founder and CEO of Noah Holdings, Chairman of Gopher Asset; Diao Zhihai, Head of International Business of Wealth Management, Executive Director of CICC and Charles Fan, CEO of JinYi Capital . They discussed topics such as enhancing industry value creation capabilities, reshaping the wealth management ecosystem and innovating asset management business models.

Human civilization thrives on diversity, which adds value to communication and mutual learning. At this new historical starting point, how can we connect East and West and promote cultural inheritance, exchange and integration? Xu Zidong, Honorary Professor at the School of Chinese of the University of Hong Kong, Chen Lu, China's first world figure skating champion, and Brian Yiu, Chief Executive Officer of FILA China, engaged in a dialogue on "Tapping the Potential of Cultural Commerce."

New productive forces are pioneering a new path for economic development, providing fresh impetus for China's economic transformation and reshaping the nation's growth momentum. The panel discussion, "New Quality Productive Forces: Science, Technology to Recharge Future Economic Growth," focused on core technologies forming new productivity, such as AI+, quantum computing, and new energy. It suggested that enterprises should accelerate breakthroughs in key technology R&D to enhance their competitiveness. Participants included: Tim Cheng, Vice-President for Research and Development of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Edmond Lai, Chief Digital Office & CEO of Mainland Business of Hong Kong Productivity Council; Dai Wenyuan, Chairman of the Board and CEO of 4Paradigm; Li Wenxuan, Chairman of PCG Power; Xiao Shaolin, Senior Vice President of StarWiz Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd; and Yang Zetao, Founder of AEOTrade (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd.

Masaaki Shirakawa, the 30th Governor of the Bank of Japan and former Vice-Chair of the Bank for International Settlements, delivered the closing speech "A Transition from High Growth to Stable Growth: A Comparison of Japan and China"

Caixin Summer Summit is the mid-year conference of the Caixin Summit series, continuing the high standards and international perspective of Caixin Summit. It focuses on the short-term reality and future prospects of the world economy, trends in global financial markets, responses to monetary and fiscal policies in various countries, China's next steps in reform and opening up, cross-border trade, as well as new opportunities in digital economy, healthcare, and global asset allocation. Additionally, the second Asia New Vision Forum (ANVF), launched by Caixin Global in collaboration with the Singapore government, will convene in Singapore from September 25-27. The forum will center on the theme "Global Challenges, Asian Solutions," delving into discussions on sustainable economic growth and emphasizing Asian solutions and innovations for a shared future.

For more information, click to access the special coverage of Caixin Summer Summit 2024.

SOURCE Caixin
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global cannabidiol (CBD) skin care market size is estimated to grow by USD 5.02 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 38.64% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global cannabidiol (CBD) skin care market 2024-2028

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Type (Oils, Cream moisturizer and cleanser, and Mask serum and lotion), Source (Hemp and Marijuana), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered Blessed CBD, Cannuka LLC, CBD For Life, Charlottes Web Holdings Inc., Dixie Brands, Earthly Body Inc., Elixinol Wellness Ltd., Endoca BV, High Tide Inc., Isodiol International Inc., Josie Maran Cosmetics LLC, Kana Skincare, Kush Creams, Leef Organics Ltd., LOreal SA, Myaderm Inc., Nordic Organics Inc., Redwood Wellness LLC, The CBD Skincare Co, and Vertly LLC Regions Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Region Outlook

North America Europe APAC South America Middle East and Africa

1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 45%. to the growth of the global market. The Cannabidiol (Cbd) Skin Care Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The geographic landscape of the CBD skin care market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for skin-lightening products and the expanding cosmetics ODM market.

This sector is experiencing a surge in popularity with the emergence of cannabis-based products, specifically marijuana-derived CBD. CBD is gaining traction in the beauty industry for its potential benefits in addressing various skin concerns such as acne and aging. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and chapsticks. Brands like

The Body Shop and Juana Skin are leading the charge in the development of green cosmetic products infused with CBD. Hemp and turmeric are also popular ingredients in CBD skin care due to their antioxidant properties. The production and consumption analysis of cannabinoids from cannabis plants reveal a growing trend towards non-intoxicating compounds. Urbanization, lifestyles, and product innovations are driving the commercialization of CBD skin care.

Internet penetration and consumer behavior are key factors influencing the per capita expenditure on these products. Despite regulatory challenges, the market for CBD skin care is expected to grow due to its potential impact on physiological functions such as mood, pain, memory, and cognitive functions. Production costs are a significant consideration for companies in this sector, with hemp and marijuana being the primary sources of CBD powder for skin care purposes.

For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample

Segmentation Overview

Type

1.1 Oils

1.2 Cream moisturizer and cleanser

1.3 Mask serum and lotion

Source

2.1 Hemp

2.2 Marijuana

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The CBD skin care market segmentation by type encompasses various forms of cannabidiol (CBD) extracts derived from cannabis plants, including squalene oil. This non-intoxicating compound is gaining popularity in skin care due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate redness and soothe sensitive skin prone to eczema, dermatitis, and other skin-related ailments.

Moreover, the Vitamin A content in CBD oil offers anti-aging benefits, reducing wrinkles and shielding against harmful UV rays. Cannabinoids, a class of compounds found in cannabis plants, play a crucial role in regulating physiological functions and cognitive functions. CBD oil is known to help manage anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Inflammation is a common denominator in various health issues, including skin conditions and neurological disorders.

The production consumption analysis of CBD oil reveals increasing consumer behavior towards non-intoxicating cannabis products. Urbanization, lifestyles, and product innovations contribute to the growing demand for CBD skin care. Internet penetration and product development have facilitated commercialization, leading to per capita expenditure growth. Sustainable development and funding are essential aspects of the CBD skin care market.

THC content regulation is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of cannabis products. Skin swelling, itching, peeling, and transit limitations are some transit challenges faced by CBD skin care products. The demand-supply spectrum for CBD oil in skin care purposes is influenced by luxury clean beauty trends. In summary, the CBD skin care market segmentation by type includes squalene oil and other CBD extracts, which offer anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and regulatory benefits.

The market growth is driven by consumer behavior, urbanization, lifestyles, product innovations, and internet penetration. Regulation, sustainable development, and THC content are essential considerations for market growth.

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Research Analysis

The CBD skin care market represents a burgeoning sector in the health and wellness industry, catering to the needs of working professionals seeking high-quality products for various skin concerns. CBD, a non-intoxicating compound derived from cannabis plants, has gained popularity due to its potential benefits for inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, and skin irritation, including psoriasis and eczema. CBD oil, creams, balms, and masks are among the popular CBD skin care products, with production and consumption analysis indicating a growing trend in consumer behavior.

The physiological functions and cognitive functions of CBD contribute to regulation of mood, pain, and memory, making it an attractive option for those seeking effective skin care solutions. Cannabinoids, the active compounds in CBD, offer a natural alternative to traditional skin care ingredients, making them a valuable addition to any routine.

Market Overview

The Cannabidiol (CBD) skin care market represents a burgeoning sector in the health and wellness industry. This market is driven by the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD in addressing various skin concerns, including inflammation, acne, and aging. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the skin, influencing the production of sebum and collagen, thereby promoting skin health and balance.

Marketers of CBD skin care products leverage the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD to cater to consumers seeking natural alternatives for skin care solutions. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of CBD as a health and wellness ingredient.

Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor 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
ABU DHABI, UAE, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, a global pharmaceutical company during BIO 2024 International Convention. The entities will work to enhance Abu Dhabi's position as leading global hub for healthcare, life science and innovation. Leveraging the Emirate's unique capabilities and future-forward data services as well as Pfizer's global capabilities, the parties seek to advance research through the generation and analysis of real-world data (RWD) initially focusing on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and expanding to other disease areas for the benefit of patients.

DoH Partners with Pfizer to Advance Research in Sickle Cell Disease and Beyond

In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Serhat Yalcinkaya, Pfizer's Gulf Cluster Lead.

Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, said: "The collaboration between the DoH and Pfizer represents a significant step towards harnessing real-world data in the region and better understanding patient populations from the vast available data in Abu Dhabi. By partnering with Pfizer on real-world data, we aim to drive advancements in healthcare prediction, prevention, personalised treatment and access, not only benefiting healthcare professionals and patients in Abu Dhabi, but also contributing to the improvement of care for patients globally."

Serhat Yalcinkaya, commented: "It is a significant moment for Pfizer Gulf as we sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health. This collaboration is not just a testament to our shared vision but also a strategic step towards enhancing healthcare innovation in the Gulf region. Through this MoU, we are committed to leveraging Real-World Data initially focusing on Sickle Cell Disease landscape and exploring further to other disease areas, ultimately

improving patient outcomes and transforming Abu Dhabi into a global hub for life sciences. We are proud to partner with the Department of Health and look forward to the positive impact our joint efforts will bring to the communities we serve."

The two entities will work together to advance Abu Dhabi's RWD capabilities by promoting global knowledge exchange and education of scientific ideas. The agreement will focus on upskilling the local healthcare workforce on RWD by establishing a dynamic and sustainable partnership model promoting education and awareness on real-world evidence (RWE) generation, collection and analysis in order to address unmet patient needs.

About Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH):

DoH is the regulatory body of the healthcare sector at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in healthcare by monitoring the health status of the population. DoH defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system. In addition, DoH shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforce standards, and encourages adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. DoH also drives programmes to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system.

For further information on DoH, visit https://www.doh.gov.ae/

About Pfizer:

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429120/DoH_Partners_with_Pfizer.jpg

SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
One guest will win two round-trip flights to Europe and $1,000 in DIG credit

NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DIG, a fast-casual restaurant serving seasonal, scratch-cooked comfort food, is partnering with JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline known for great service at low fares, on a sweepstakes running June 3-30. As the summer travel season takes flight, the two NYC-based companies will treat one lucky guest to a pair of roundtrip tickets to Europe, plus $1,000 in DIG credit.

DIG guests can enter when they order online from any of DIG's 20-plus NYC locations. For additional chances to win, guests can purchase a Classic DIG bowl or Vegan Classic DIG bowl via the DIG app or the DIG website.*

"Summer is travel season, so we wanted to celebrate with JetBlue by offering our guests who order takeout the chance to take off to a dream destination," said Jessica Serrano, chief marketing officer of DIG. "Since partnering with JetBlue in 2021, we have served our scratch-cooked comfort food on transatlantic JetBlue flights to hundreds of fliers daily. Now, we are highlighting this unique culinary experience in air travel by sharing it with a lucky guest."

JetBlue serves chef-curated DIG meals on its transatlantic service to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburgh. The elevated in-flight menus take a seasonal approach, offering dishes such as an herb-and-cheese frittata with kale for early morning meals and a spice-infused marinated jerk chicken with coconut rice and pickled habanada peppers for lunch and dinner. Through seatback ordering, JetBlue customers can choose main and side dish offerings in-flight, just as they would in DIG restaurants on the ground.

"JetBlue's partnership with DIG provides customers with an exceptional in-flight dining experience, offering a delicious, customizable meal that brings flavors from our home in New York to the skies," said Jayne O'Brien, head of marketing and customer support, JetBlue. "This summer, we want to ensure even more DIG guests are able to experience JetBlue's transatlantic in-flight experience, which is why we are offering a chance to win roundtrip flights to our European destinations."

To learn more about the sweepstakes and find nearby DIG locations, visit diginn.com/JetBlue.

*Excludes walk-in purchases

About DIG

DIG is a fast-casual restaurant focused on elevating home cooking, doing things right and building a business around good food and great people. The brand serves seasonal, scratch-cooked plates, salads, sides and take-home family dinners in its more than 30 locations across the Northeast, with plans for expansion. DIG is committed to sourcing, cooking and serving delicious, made-to-order, seasonal dishes prepared daily by a chef and culinary team in each restaurant. For more information, visit diginn.com and follow on Instagram @diginn.

Media Contact:

Sophia Feleke

[email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE DIG
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global digital english language learning market size is estimated to grow by USD 21.58 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.87% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Digital English Language Learning Market 2024-2028

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered End-user (Non academic learners and Academic learners), Deployment (On premises and Cloud based), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered 51Talk Online Education Group, Berlitz Corp., Busuu Ltd., Cambridge University Press, Cengage Learning Holdings II Inc., Chegg Inc., Duolingo Inc., EF Education First Ltd., ELSA Co. Ltd., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., inlingua International Ltd., IXL Learning Inc., John Wiley and Sons Inc., New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, Sanako Oy, VIPKID HK Ltd., Voxy Inc., and WSE Hong Kong Ltd. Regions Covered APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Region Outlook

APAC North America Europe South America Middle East and Africa

1. APAC - APAC is estimated to contribute 38%. to the growth of the global market. The Digital English Language Learning Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the integration of English language education into school curricula has fueled the expansion of the Digital English Language Learning Market. Schools have been adopting Learning Management Systems (LMS), Cloud-based Learning, and Subscription Models to cater to the rising demand for flexible and personalized education.

Digital platforms offer Video Lessons, Real-time Feedback, and Bilingual Education, making English language learning more accessible and effective. Moreover, Online Tutoring through applications like VIPKid and DaDaABC, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and Digital Assessments have transformed the learning landscape. Blended Learning, which combines traditional classroom methods with digital tools, has gained popularity.

Courseware, Learning Analytics, Peer Learning, Self-paced Learning, and Synchronous Learning are essential components of this approach. Interactive Whiteboards, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Cross-platform Learning provide immersive experiences. Social Learning, Collaboration Tools, and Language Labs foster a community-driven approach. Online Exams, Proctoring Tools, and Digital Certification ensure accountability and credibility. Webinars, Podcasting, and Knowledge Bases offer diverse learning formats.

Interactive Exercises, Online Communities, Digital Homework, and Resource Libraries facilitate continuous learning. Skill Development, Mobile Apps, E-books, Digital Flashcards, Pronunciation Tools, and Grammar Checkers cater to individual needs.

The digital English language learning market in APAC is expanding due to schools' investment in digital platforms and cloud solutions. China's online English tutorial apps, like VIPKid and DaDaABC, drive growth. High demand for English language trainers in Japan and the need for cross-border communication fuel the trend.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional language learning but accelerated the adoption of online digital English language learning. Post-pandemic, the increasing number of multinational companies offering digital language software and the rebound of businesses contribute to market growth.

For more insights on APAC's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample

Segmentation Overview

End-user

1.1 Non academic learners

1.2 Academic learners

Deployment

2.1 On premises

2.2 Cloud based

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The corporate sector, a significant part of the non-academic learner segment, requires digital English language courses due to extensive corporate communication and international business operations. Diversity in workforces and increased online communication heighten this need. IELTS and TOEFL are widely used as language proficiency benchmarks, driving demand for digital English language learning. Technological advancements enable self-paced learning and cloud-based programs, while mobile applications deliver study materials. Blended learning combines classroom and digital methods, positively impacting market growth during the forecast period.

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Research Analysis

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the English language learning market is experiencing significant growth. E-learning platforms are revolutionizing language proficiency development through Mobile Learning, Virtual Classrooms, and AI Tutors. Adaptive Learning technologies ensure Personalized Learning experiences, while Interactive Content, Gamification, and Digital Literacy keep learners engaged. Cloud-based Learning enables accessibility from anywhere, and Blended Learning combines the best of traditional and online methods.

Courseware, Learning Analytics, and Peer Learning foster collaborative and effective learning. Self-paced and Synchronous Learning cater to diverse learner needs, while Asynchronous Learning allows flexibility. Digital Certification validates achievements, and Microlearning facilitates bite-sized learning. Interactive Whiteboards, Virtual Reality, and Video Lessons add immersive elements to the learning experience. Real-time Feedback and Content Management ensure continuous improvement.

Market Overview

The Digital English Language Learning Market encompasses various solutions and technologies designed to teach and improve English language skills in a digital format. These offerings range from language learning apps and software to online courses and virtual classrooms. The market caters to diverse demographics, including students, professionals, and individuals seeking to expand their linguistic abilities.

Digital language learning platforms provide flexibility, accessibility, and affordability, making them a popular choice for language learners worldwide. Features such as interactive activities, gamification, and personalized learning paths enhance the learning experience. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing globalization, the need for effective communication in business, and the widespread availability of digital technologies.

Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor 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
Funding will support 33 nonprofits and government agencies

Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As hurricane season begins, emergency managers and first responders turn their eyes to the tropics as they continue to prepare their communities for the possibility of impacts from severe weather.

Duke Energy is preparing as well and stands in support of these communities across South Carolina by announcing $500,000 in microgrants through the Duke Energy Foundation. These funds will increase community resiliency and local ability to help residents prepare for and recover from the devastation brought by significant weather events.

"Preparing communities to respond to severe weather impacts begins in our neighborhoods and communities," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president. "Providing our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way is necessary in maintaining a resilient and prosperous South Carolina."

Duke Energy's Emergency Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant Program was designed to help organizations with roles in emergency preparedness increase their resiliency to these events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training. Applicants could request funds up to $20,000. Grants were awarded to 33 nonprofits and governmental entities across the state.

A complete list of recipients can be found here.

Quotes

" Cherokee County Emergency Management would like to thank the Duke Energy Foundation for awarding Cherokee County this year's grant. This grant will double our sheltering capabilities adding 100 cots and the necessities along with 10 special-needs cots, helping those in need when they need it the most. The grant will also allow us to purchase a pet sheltering kit so we can start to address those needs as well."  Douglas Bowers , Director of Emergency Management, Cherokee County





Emergency Management would like to thank the Duke Energy Foundation for awarding this year's grant. This grant will double our sheltering capabilities adding 100 cots and the necessities along with 10 special-needs cots, helping those in need when they need it the most. The grant will also allow us to purchase a pet sheltering kit so we can start to address those needs as well."  , Director of Emergency Management, "Duke Energy is always a great partner for us at the City of Sumter, and this grant is no exception. Being storm-ready is crucial for us. It helps our employees prepare for potentially hazardous weather so that we, as a city, can best serve and protect our citizens and ideally prevent any damage before it gets to that point. At the City of Sumter , we like to Invest, Invite, and Serve. And thanks to Duke Energy, we can invest in this equipment that will allow us to better serve the people of Sumter in a safe and timely manner."  David Merchant , Mayor, City of Sumter





, we like to Invest, Invite, and Serve. And thanks to Duke Energy, we can invest in this equipment that will allow us to better serve the people of in a safe and timely manner."  , Mayor, "This new eye in sky will generate an overhead picture of a scene and provide a more complete view for responding ground crews. Adding this new information to an emergency incident should allow us to implement new response strategies that will improve operations along with saving lives and property plus promoting a safer work environment for our personnel."  Jimmy Flynn , EMS Operations Coordinator, Landrum Area Fire & Rescue District





, EMS Operations Coordinator, Landrum Area Fire & Rescue District "We appreciate Duke Energy's assistance with providing funding for equipment to help the City of Clemson communicate information to our community, especially during power loss and challenging circumstances."  Jorge Campos , Chief of Police, City of Clemson

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
Technological Advancements and Research Surge Fuel Market Growth at a CAGR of 8.2%, According to BCC Research Report

BOSTON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This report is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the current state and future prospects of the flow cytometry market, including its products, technologies, and global reach.

According to the latest research study, the demand for Flow Cytometry: Products, Technologies and Global Markets expected to grow from $5.2 billion in 2023 and will reach $8.3 billion by the end of 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2024 through 2029.

This report dives deep into the global flow cytometry market, offering both numbers and insights to help businesses plan their growth. It gives you a clear picture of where you stand in the market, what strategies to adopt, and how to make smart decisions about flow cytometry products and services. Starting from 2023, it forecasts trends until 2029, breaking down the market by technology, product, application, user, and region.

The report delves into factors driving industry growth, obstacles, and opportunities. It provides insights on competitors and emerging technologies shaping the market. Additionally, it offers updates on new products, acquisitions, and collaborations in the flow cytometry field.

Some Interesting Facts

In 2022, companies like Sony Corp., Cytek Biosciences, Inc., and BD rolled out their own specialized flow cytometry cloud services.

As artificial intelligence and machine learning progress, they'll likely become more integrated into flow cytometry software. This will help analyze cellular data faster and with greater precision.

More and more, researchers and clinicians are seeking custom-made reagents, antibody panels, and assay kits designed for their specific needs in research or medical testing.

To discover more insights and information about flow cytometry: products, technologies and global markets, click here for further exploration.

Flow cytometry: products, technologies and global markets is driven by factors such as:

Advances in flow cytometry tools and techniques: mean that scientists keep finding better ways to use machines to study tiny things like cells. They're making the machines smarter and more sensitive, using new colourful markers, and improving how they analyze the data. It's like upgrading a microscope to see more details in things you couldn't see before. Rising demand for advanced cell analysis solutions: The growing need for better ways to study cells is like the demand for sharper tools to understand the tiniest details of life. People want more advanced technology to analyze cells because it helps in finding answers to important questions about health, diseases, and biology. Expanding clinical applications: means finding more ways to use medical tools and techniques to help diagnose and treat illnesses. It's like discovering new ways to use a tool to fix different problems, making it more useful in medicine. Automation and standardization: mean making tasks easier and more consistent by using machines and set rules. It's like having a robot do a job the same way every time, so it's reliable and efficient. Growing demand in cell therapy research and manufacturing: The increasing need for cell therapy research and manufacturing is like a surge in interest in using cells to treat diseases. It's like more people realizing the potential of using cells as medicine and wanting to explore and make more of these treatments.

Request a Sample Copy of the Flow Cytometry: Products, Technologies and Global Markets

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast Period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $5.2 billion Market Size Forecast $8.3 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2029 Segment Covered By Product Type, Technology Type, Application, End-User, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers Advances in flow cytometry tools and techniques

Rising demand for advanced cell analysis solutions

Expanding clinical applications

Automation and standardization

Growing demand in cell therapy research and manufacturing

Segmentation Analysis

Global Market for flow cytometry, by Application Type:

Research- In research, scientists use flow cytometry for various purposes. They identify different types of cells and study their characteristics. They also analyze how cells grow, divide, and die, and they count cells to ensure accuracy in experiments. These are just a few examples of how flow cytometry is used in research, but there are many other applications too.

In research, scientists use flow cytometry for various purposes. They identify different types of cells and study their characteristics. They also analyze how cells grow, divide, and die, and they count cells to ensure accuracy in experiments. These are just a few examples of how flow cytometry is used in research, but there are many other applications too. Clinical- In clinical settings, flow cytometry plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. It's commonly used in diseases like blood cancers, immune system disorders, and different types of cancer. By analysing cells, clinicians can better understand these conditions and tailor treatments accordingly. These are just a few examples of how flow cytometry is used in clinical practice, but its applications extend to many other areas of medicine as well.

Global Market for flow cytometry, by Product Type

Instruments- Instruments like cell analyzers and cell sorters are key tools in flow cytometry. Cell analyzers help scientists examine and understand different types of cells, while cell sorters allow them to separate and collect specific cells based on their properties. It's like using specialized machines to both study and sort a variety of cells, helping researchers and clinicians better understand and utilize cellular information for various purposes.

Instruments like cell analyzers and cell sorters are key tools in flow cytometry. Cell analyzers help scientists examine and understand different types of cells, while cell sorters allow them to separate and collect specific cells based on their properties. It's like using specialized machines to both study and sort a variety of cells, helping researchers and clinicians better understand and utilize cellular information for various purposes. Regents, consumables, and accessories

Software and Services

Global Market for flow cytometry, by End users- The global market for flow cytometry serves various users: academic and research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies/CROs, and hospitals/clinical labs. These users employ flow cytometry for research, drug development, clinical trials, diagnostics, and patient care. It's like a versatile tool used across different fields to study cells, develop treatments, and diagnose diseases, benefiting both scientific research and healthcare.

Global Market for flow cytometry, by Technology Type

Cell-based flow cytometry

Bead-based flow cytometry

This report on flow cytometry: products, technologies and global markets provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions:

What is the projected market size and growth rate of the flow cytometry market?

The global flow cytometry market was estimated to be around $5.2 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach $8.3 billion in 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. What segments are covered in the market?

An in-depth analysis of the global flow cytometry market, including historical data and market projection on sales by technology type, products, application, end user and region. By application type, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029?

By application type, the research segment is anticipated to dominate the market by the end of 2029. Which application type market is growing fastest among all?

The clinical segment is the fastest growing market.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

BD

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES INC.

CYTEK BIOSCIENCES

DANAHER CORP.

MILTENYI BIOTEC

SONY BIOTECHNOLOGY INC.

STANDARD BIOTOOLS

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC.

Browse for more Related Reports:

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Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) Technology: Global Markets: is probably a detailed report about the worldwide market for digital PCR technology. Digital PCR (dPCR) is a more advanced version of the standard PCR method. It's used to accurately measure the amount of genetic material in a sample by splitting it into many tiny reactions. This technology finds uses in medicine, scientific research, environmental studies, and farming. The report likely talks about how big the dPCR market is, what's popular, what's growing, who the main players are, and what problems the industry faces worldwide.

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BCC Research LLC
GUANGZHOU, China, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday.

The "Explore Trend of China Chic, Create Memory of Art Toy" Dongguan art toys exhibition, held in San Francisco, the US on May 29, demonstrating Guangdong's cultural enterprises and industries in a global vision and providing opportunities for overseas audiences to closely get in touch with Chinese culture.

Over 200 China-chic art toys from Dongguan City of Guangdong province were exhibited during the event, attracting over 1000 people to visit the exhibition.

The Northern California Hanfu Association performed at the event, showcasing traditional Chinese culture such as Hanfu, the traditional attire that used to be worn by Han Chinese.

Tim Sieben, a US resident, came to Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf for a walk and was attracted to the exhibition. He said that he loves these exhibits as they are exquisite, delicate, and elegant, and every detail is full of aesthetic beauty.

Jax, an influencer from San Francisco, said "There are many different cultures in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dongguan's art toys are sure to gain popularity here."

Scott Gentner, President and CEO of Pier 39 in San Francisco, told GDToday that they would love to have more Chinese art toys exhibited for tourists in the future. He added that art toy companies are welcome to open a store here in San Francisco.

Jared Foster, Founder and CEO of Solana Solar in the US, took away several promotional brochures of Dongguan, hoping to learn more information and recommend them to American investors to explore cooperation projects in the field of art toys.

Wendy Du, Founder of the Asian Cultural Exchange Association, told GDToday that "There are many ways to cooperate, for example, creative design, marketing, distribution...... There will be a huge demand for China Chic art toys."

"We met potential clients at the event and have scheduled an appointment to visit a retail store in Silicon Valley tomorrow," said a staff member of ToyCity, one of the exhibitors.

Dongguan, located in Guangdong Province, is home to over 4,000 toy manufacturing companies and nearly 1,500 upstream and downstream supporting businesses. A quarter of the world's anime merchandise is produced in Dongguan, and around 85% of China's art toys come from this city.

The event is jointly hosted by the Dongguan Publication Department and the Dongguan Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports, organized by GDToday and the Dongguan Branch of Nanfang Media Group, with support from the Asian Cultural Exchange Association.

SOURCE GDToday
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global X ETFs, the New York-based provider of exchange traded funds (ETFs), today announced a reverse split of the following two funds:

Fund Old CUSIP New CUSIP Split Ratio Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (CLIP) 37960A537 37960A438 1:4 Global X Hydrogen ETF (HYDR) 37954Y152 37960A420 1:5

Effective after market close on June 14th, 2024, the funds listed above will effect a reverse stock split at the above ratios. The reverse stock split will increase the price per share of the Fund with a proportionate decrease in the number of shares outstanding. For example, for the Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (CLIP), every four pre-split shares will result in receipt of one post-split share, which will be priced four times higher than the net asset value (NAV) of a pre-split share.

Illustration of Reverse Split

The following table shows the effect of a hypothetical 1:4 reverse split:

Period Number of Shares

Owned Hypothetical

NAV Value of Shares Pre-Split 400 $10 $4,000 Post-Split 100 $40 $4,000

The following table shows the effect of a hypothetical 1:5 reverse split:

Period Number of Shares

Owned Hypothetical

NAV Value of Shares Pre-Split 500 $10 $5,000 Post-Split 100 $50 $5,000

Fractional Shares

As a result of the reverse stock split, a shareholder of the Fund's shares could potentially hold fractional shares. In this case, the Fund will redeem the cash value (at NAV) of any fractional shares resulting from the reverse split. Receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares may result in a taxable event to shareholders, and each shareholder should consult with the shareholder's own tax advisers with respect to the appropriate treatment of the receipt of such cash payment.

Brokerage Charges

Some brokerage charges may apply as a result of the reverse split. These charges are made directly by the broker and are not charges from Global X Management Company LLC.

About Global X ETFs

Global X ETFs was founded in 2008. For more than fifteen years, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our product line-up features a wide range of ETF strategies and over $48 billion in assets under management.i While we are distinguished for our Thematic Growth, Income and International Access ETFs, we also offer both Core and Commodity funds to suit a wide range of investment objectives. Explore our ETFs, research and insights, and more at www.globalxetfs.com.

Global X is a member of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global leader in financial services, with more than $600 billion in assets under management worldwide.ii Mirae Asset has an extensive global ETF platform ranging across the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam with over $120bn in assets under management.iii

Important Information:

This information is not intended to be individual or personalized investment or tax advice and should not be used for trading purposes. Please consult a financial advisor or tax professional for more information regarding your investment and/or tax situation.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's summary or full prospectuses, which are available at globalxetfs.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Global X Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC or Mirae Asset Global Investments.

Information provided by Global X Management Company LLC (Global X ETFs or Global X).

i Global X, as of 5/30/2024

ii As of 5/30/2024

iii As of 5/30/2024

Media Contact: Naomi Sussis, [email protected]

SOURCE Global X Management Company LLC
HOBOKEN, N.J., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Recovery Solutions (HRS), a company at the forefront of the digital health industry for over a decade with their segment leading Remote Patient Monitoring solutions, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason Comer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Having already dedicated over seven years to the company's leadership team, including four years as Chief Financial Officer and eight months as President, Jason has been instrumental in shaping HRS's strategic direction and success..

As CEO, my core commitment is to consistently prioritize patients in every strategic move we make Post this Health Recovery Solutions Appoints Jason Comer as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Under Jason's influential guidance, Health Recovery Solutions has extended its services to over 250 esteemed healthcare clients nationwide, encompassing Health Systems, Hospitals, Payers, Home Health Agencies, Community Health Centers, Physician Practices, and Hospice and Palliative Care facilities. This expansive reach has significantly enhanced the lives of more than 600,000 patients by pioneering the shift of hospital-grade care into patients' homes. Jason's crucial role in these accomplishments has propelled the company to the top of the industry, earning it the Best in KLAS recognition for Remote Patient Monitoring consecutively from 2020 to 2023, the Frost and Sullivan Customer Value Leadership Award for RPM in 2023, and a nomination among Newsweek's World's Best Digital Health Companies in 2024.

As CEO, Jason is poised to steer HRS towards a future where digital health solutions are not only innovative but also integral to patient care. "As CEO, my core commitment is to consistently prioritize patients in every strategic move we make, actively seeking out and integrating cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance care at home and define new standards of excellence in Remote Patient Monitoring. I envision HRS as the pivotal force in digital healthcare transformation. But realizing this vision goes beyond innovation; it demands that we provide substantial value to our clients, lifting their operations to new heights of success. Our aim is to be more than a provider; I see us serving as a strategic partner for our clients, leveraging our years of extensive experience to advise them on best practices for improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and expanding their reach. That unwavering focus on patient needs and client success, coupled with our longstanding expertise and the ongoing product and service evolution, empowers us to set a new benchmark in virtual care that is patient-centric and anchored in measurable results at the enterprise level. This is the direction for HRS and the future of healthcare," says Jason.

Jason earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in finance from Villanova University and is licensed to practice law in both New York and New Jersey. In 2017, these credentials uniquely positioned him as an invaluable resource for Health Recovery Solutions, a rapidly expanding company seeking strategic guidance to effectively scale its operations.

Jason initially joined HRS in an advisory capacity, but his consistent demonstration of value paved the way for his rapid rise within the company. His initial full-time appointment was as Vice President of Finance & Legal where he swiftly demonstrated his acumen for strategic growth and operational excellence. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the company through its Series B & C funding rounds, marking significant milestones in HRS's journey. With his earned promotion to CFO, Jason oversaw the company's finance functions, including strategic planning, corporate development, capital raising, accounting, and investor relations. His comprehensive approach also extended to commercial and strategic partnerships and corporate functions such as human resources and legal affairs.

Jason's tenure demonstrates how HRS's culture is one of its greatest strengths, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and dedication is rewarded. The team at HRS is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence, with each member bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table. As CEO, Jason will continue to cultivate this culture, ensuring that HRS remains a place where talent is nurtured, and innovation is celebrated.

Jarrett Bauer, Chairman and Co-Founder of HRS, reflects on Jason's progression within the company with great admiration. "Jason's ascent from an advisor role to the CEO of HRS is a narrative of dedication, insight, and leadership. His contributions have been invaluable, and his strategic vision has been a driving force behind our success. I am immensely proud of what he has accomplished and am excited to see him lead HRS into a new era," said Jarrett Bauer.

With Jason at the helm, HRS is staged to broaden its influence and intensify its leadership role in healthcare. The firm's innovative spirit drives the ongoing improvement of its digital health and remote patient monitoring solutions, empowering healthcare professionals and patients alike to achieve streamlined, impactful, and patient-focused care at home.

Join Jason and the HRS team in their mission to revolutionize patient care. Visit the Health Recovery Solutions website at healthrecoverysolutions.com to learn more about their award-winning solutions, explore partnerships, or join their dynamic team to help shape the future of healthcare together.

About Health Recovery Solutions

HRS is the leading healthcare technology company transforming quality care at home for the betterment of patients. We pair best-in-class clinical expertise, logistics, and analysis with the industry's most advanced remote care technology platform. Our digital tools and proven experience enable clinical decision-making earlier in the patient journey which, ultimately, improves patient and provider satisfaction while reducing costs and administrative burden for clinicians, hospitals, payors, and other healthcare organizations. To learn more about Health Recovery Solutions, visit healthrecoverysolutions.com.

CONTACT:

Michael Gemmati

Head of Marketing & Portfolio Strategy for Health Recovery Solutions

[email protected]

SOURCE Health Recovery Solutions (HRS)
HANGZHOU, China, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Romania, the "Inspiration as Response: Eugen Popa and Contemporary Chinese Painting Documentation Exhibition" opened at the China Cultural Center in Bucharest on May 24, 2024, at 3 PM, representing a significant chapter of cultural exchanges between the two nations. It was hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Broadcasting, and Tourism, Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and China Academy of Art (CAA) and organized by the Art Museum of CAA and the China Cultural Center in Bucharest, under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Romania, the Romanian Embassy in China, and the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

Around 100 guests attended the event, including Han Chunlin, Chinese Ambassador to Romania; Cosmin Hiristea, Romanian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; former Romanian Ambassador to China Viorel Isticioaia and his wife; Zhang Lili, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Romania; Xu Ningbo, Director of the China Cultural Center in Bucharest; Petru Lucaci, Chairman of the Visual Artists' Union of Romania; Chen Leilei, President of the Association of Romanian Culture and Arts Promotion; Ioan Fedchin, Mayor of Savarsin, Eugen Popa's hometown; Eugen Popa's niece, Oana Popa; and distinguished guests from Romanian politics, culture, art, education, media, Chinese organizations, and the overseas Chinese community.

The "Eugen Popa and Contemporary Chinese Painting" project was initiated by the CAA in 2019, as commissioned by the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Broadcasting, and Tourism. The inaugural exhibition was held at the Art Museum of CAA on September 28, 2020, followed by a tour at the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute on October 30, 2021.

Under a China-Romania cultural agreement, renowned Romanian artist Eugen Popa and his wife, Gina Hagiu, taught a Romanian oil painting training course at the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now CAA) from 1960 to 1962, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of China and under an assignment from the Romanian Ministry of Culture. Eugen Popa's two-year journey of teaching and artistic creation in China significantly contributed to China-Romania cultural exchanges and the development of diverse facets of Chinese painting.

His artistic ideas and teaching methods nurtured many influential artists and educators, expanding the language and essence of contemporary Chinese painting and exerting a lasting impact, while inspiring present and future generations. During their stay in China, the Popas deeply engaged with traditional Chinese culture and art, which influenced their creations. Their works created during that period were brought back to Romania and well-received in numerous exhibitions. The "Romanian Oil Painting Training Course" remains a significant milestone in cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The exhibition consists of four sections: 1. Prologue: Featuring lecturing scenes and graduation photos from the Romanian experts' oil painting course, showing the starting point of China-Roman artistic exchanges. 2. Pioneering Paths: Displaying the Popas' artworks, highlighting their unique influence on the Chinese art scene and their integration and innovation of Chinese traditional culture. 3. Long-lasting Influence: Exhibiting students' replicas of Popa's works and their own creations under his guidance, demonstrating the profound impact of Popa's teaching methodology on Chinese art education. 4. Inspiration as Response: Featuring interactive works between teachers and students, reflecting Popa's contributions to the history of the CAA and the deep cultural ties between China and Romania.

The exhibition showcases 75 pieces (sets) of works, documents, and videos, focusing on the Popas' paintings and works of their students, extending to representative contemporary Chinese paintings. The exhibition not only revisits an important history of cultural exchanges between China and Romania and presents the deep friendship between the two countries, but also reviews and demonstrates the development of Chinese contemporary painting in the latter half of the 20th century. It is a powerful testament to the achievements in cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations.

The exhibition will last through June 24, 2024.

SOURCE China Academy of Art
The binational company brought successful initiatives in water resources management to the international event

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia, concluded on May 25th with the launch of the Ministerial Declaration on "Water for Shared Prosperity". Delegations from 106 countries and 27 international organizations participated in the meeting. A delegation from Itaipu Binacional attended the event, showcasing its successful initiatives in water resources management.

On Wednesday (22), Carlos Carboni, Coordination Director at Itaipu, participated in the session "Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Potable Water and Sanitation)  Monitoring SDG 6 and the SDG-PSS Tool", organized by the National Water Agency (ANA) in the Latin American Pavilion. The session addressed different ways to utilize the tool, which provides information on how countries can advance, considering their reality and context, to achieve SDG 6 targets. Itaipu presented its efforts related to SDG 6 and how it is implementing the SDGs in the territory.

In the panel "Research and Management for Water Security", moderated by the Ministry of the Environment on Thursday (23), researcher Lucas Henrique Garcia from Itaipu's Coordination Department discussed the role of large hydropower projects in promoting water security in its four dimensions: human, economic, ecosystemic, and resilience. Examples of Itaipu's activities in the territory in areas of sanitation and water and soil conservation, promotion of multiple uses of reservoir water, and groundwater monitoring were presented.

Also on Thursday (23), Director Carlos Carboni participated in the sessions "Potable Water: A Challenge for Vulnerable Communities in Latin America," and Daniel Bartiko, from Itaipu's Reservoir Division, was present at the plenary session "Water Security in an Uncertain Future: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the Impacts of Climate Change," where they shared Itaipu's experiences on these topics.

On Friday (24), Bartiko discussed the multiple uses of the Itaipu Reservoir and how the implementation of zoning, using geoprocessing tools and hydrodynamic modeling, allows these activities to be carried out in an organized manner, ensuring the conservation of riparian forests and biodiversity to protect water resources.

Itaipu's participation concluded with the panel "Water, Society, and Climate Change," moderated by Luiz Henrique Maldonado from Itaipu's Technical Department's Hydrological and Energy Studies Division, and featuring participation from the Coordination Director and Moacir Schmengler from Itaipu Technological Park. The session aimed to discuss how different organizations in Latin America seek to understand the effects of climate change and its impacts on water resources and social issues.

Itaipu also participated in the plenary session "Driving Data Sharing and Governance," with Jussara Elias de Souza from Itaipu's Reservoir Division. Newmar Wegner from Itaipu Technological Park spoke about "Innovation in Data Production".

According to the head of Itaipu's office in Brasilia, Ligia Leite Soares, "the World Water Forum brings together a number of countries to discuss and share practices of sustainable water management, including ways to avoid conflicts caused by transboundary waters, and Itaipu is a very inspiring case in this regard. We have a concrete example of international cooperation as a solution to address global water challenges, given the shared management of our water resources in Brazil and Paraguay. We perceive the immediate interest of other forum participants when we share Itaipu Binacional's water management experience".

Itaipu

With 20 generating units and 14,000 MW of installed capacity, Itaipu is a global leader in clean and renewable energy generation, having produced 3 billion MWh since 1984. In 2023, it accounted for about 10% of Brazil's electricity supply and 88% of Paraguay's.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2428413/Credit_Alexandre_Marchetti_Itaipu_Binacional.jpg
Award-winning firm hires skilled attorney with 20+ years experience

DURHAM, N.C., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin continues to add knowledge and experience to its personal injury practice as it welcomes Andrea Morelos, an attorney who has spent the last two decades advocating for those in need. She joins a firm that has provided legal representation to over 65,000 injured people since 1997  in 2023 alone, the firm recovered over $225 million total for over 5,000 clients.*

The firm is committed to serving the people of North and South Carolina. "Best Lawyers" recently named James Scott Farrin to its prestigious 2024 'Best Law Firms' list, the firm's ninth consecutive year being honored.** Firms selected as 'Best Law Firms' are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Morelos began practicing law in 2003 after obtaining her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina.

According to James S. Farrin, Founder and President of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, "Andrea brings 20 years of experience and compassion to the personal injury team. She is one of the first attorneys that clients may speak to at the firm, and she is dedicated to helping the underrepresented members of our society seek justice."

ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 65,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 14 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability.

Contact Information:

David Chamberlin

555 S. Mangum Street

Suite 800

Durham, NC 27701

1-866-900-7078

https://www.farrin.com

Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, and Greenville, SC. Attorney Michael Shepherd: 555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, NC

*Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately.

**For standards of inclusion, visit bestlawyers.com

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global maritime information market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.04 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 9.55% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions, market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global maritime information market 2024-2028

Maritime Information Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.55% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 1044.2 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.79 Regional analysis Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution Europe at 43% Key countries US, UK, Germany, Greece, and Japan Key companies profiled BAE Systems Plc, Elbit Systems Ltd., Garmin Ltd., Inmarsat Global Ltd., Intelsat US LLC, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritec Solutions, Maxar Technologies Inc., Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., ORBCOMM Inc., RTX Corp., Saab AB, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., Spire Global Inc., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Thales Group, and Windward Ltd.

Market Driver

The maritime information market is poised for growth due to expanding seaborne trade routes, such as the Panama and Suez Canal expansions and the One Belt-One Road initiative. This trend will increase vessel traffic, fueling the demand for advanced solutions in shipping operations, port management, fleet tracking, and maritime security. The Fourth Industrial Revolution introduces technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain, enhancing port efficiency and environmental monitoring.

Airports and warehouses also benefit from maritime information technology, ensuring seamless transportation and yard management. Amidst this dynamic landscape, maritime information solutions play a crucial role in managing ships, shipping businesses, and cargo traffic, while safeguarding the marine industry from threats and ensuring compliance with nautical signs and coastal authorities' regulations.

Market Challenges

 Maritime information solutions play a crucial role in various industries, including shipping, offshore energy, fisheries, and port management. However, the high cost of deployment is a significant barrier to market growth. This expense stems from software licensing, implementation, maintenance, customization, and training.

 Ports, as the primary consumers, bear the brunt of these costs, managing infrastructure, maintenance, and training for on-premises systems. Post-implementation, software upgrades are necessary to stay current with market trends.

 Key aspects of these systems include land-to-ship communications, dangerous cargo movements, commercial fishing activities, navigation, weather forecasting, cargo tracking, environmental monitoring, vessel tracking, and security.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Request a sample report!

Segment Overview

End-user

1.1 Commercial

1.2 Government

Application

2.1 MIA

2.2 MIP

2.3 VT

2.4 AIS

Geography

3.1 Europe

3.2 North America

3.3 APAC

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Commercial- The maritime information market is segmented by end-users, including land-to-ship communications, dangerous cargo movements, commercial fishing activities, Maritime Organizations, and various maritime operations. The growing need for enhanced security measures against advanced threats in the maritime domain is driving the adoption of maritime information solutions. However, the complexity of managing multiple solutions, such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), vessel tracking, and satellite communication systems, has become a challenge for end-users.

To address these challenges, converged maritime information management solutions are gaining popularity. These solutions integrate multiple functionalities, such as actionable intelligence APIs, fleet management, weather forecasting, cargo tracking, environmental monitoring, and navigation, into a single system. Key areas of application include shipping lines, cargo handling, maritime information systems, offshore energy, fisheries, port management, and naval vessels. Maritime information analytics and provision are essential for mitigating risks associated with maritime operations, including rough sea conditions, marine accidents, shipping incidents, oceanic vessels, and human trafficking.

Additionally, maritime information solutions are crucial for monitoring and preventing collisions, tracking systems, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations. Key technologies, such as Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML), are being integrated into maritime information systems to provide real-time insights and improve decision-making capabilities. AIS, Iridium Communications, and satellites play a vital role in providing reliable communication and tracking services in remote areas.

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 Maritime Information Market encompasses a range of advanced technologies and services designed to optimize maritime operations and ensure safety and security at sea. Key areas of focus include environment monitoring, ship traffic management, and cargo tracking using satellite communication systems and AI-ML technologies. Maritime information technology plays a crucial role in offshore energy exploration, fisheries management, port management, navigation, and weather forecasting.

Remote areas, such as those in the high seas, benefit significantly from these innovations, enabling real-time monitoring and response to potential issues like human trafficking, collisions, and environmental hazards. AIS and Iridium Communications are essential components of these systems, providing critical data on ship locations and conditions.

Market Research Overview

The Maritime Information Market encompasses a wide range of data and services essential for effective maritime operations. This includes real-time vessel tracking, port information, weather conditions, navigational charts, and regulatory compliance data. The market caters to various maritime sectors such as shipping, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, and military. The data is delivered through various channels like satellite communication, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and web portals.

The market is driven by the increasing demand for efficient and safe maritime operations, growing global trade, and stringent regulatory requirements. The use of advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and machine learning is transforming the market by providing real-time insights and predictive analytics. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to these factors.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

End-user

Commercial



Government

Application

MIA



MIP



VT



AIS

Geography

Europe



North America



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
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide live coverage of launch activities for the agency's Boeing Crew Flight Test, which will carry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to and from the International Space Station.

Launch of the ULA (United Launch Alliance) Atlas V rocket and Boeing Starliner spacecraft is targeted for 10:52 a.m. EDT Wednesday, June 5, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Starliner will dock to the forward-facing port of the station's Harmony module at approximately 12:15 p.m., Thursday, June 6.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is pictured from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will launch aboard Starliner for the agency's Boeing Crew Flight Test. Credits: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Wilmore and Williams will remain at the space station for about a week to test the Starliner spacecraft and its subsystems before NASA works to complete final certification of the transportation system for rotational missions to the orbiting laboratory as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program.

The deadline for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch has passed. The agency's media credentialing policy is available online. For questions about media accreditation, please email: [email protected].

NASA's mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):

Wednesday, June 5

6:45 a.m.  Launch coverage begins on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency's website.

10:52 a.m.  Launch

Launch coverage on NASA+ will end shortly after Starliner orbital insertion. NASA Television will provide continuous coverage leading up to docking and through hatch opening and welcome remarks.

12:30 p.m.  Postlaunch news conference with the following participants:

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson

Ken Bowersox , associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate

, associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate Joel Montalbano , deputy associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate

, deputy associate administrator, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program

, manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Mark Nappi , vice president and program manager, Commercial Crew Program, Boeing

, vice president and program manager, Commercial Crew Program, Boeing Tory Bruno , president and CEO, ULA

Coverage of the postlaunch news conference will air live on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency's website.

Media may ask questions in person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, media should contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than one hour before the start of the event at [email protected].

NASA+ will resume coverage and NASA Television's public channel will break from in-orbit coverage to carry the postlaunch news conference. Mission operational coverage will continue on NASA Television's media channel and the agency's website. Once the postlaunch news conference is complete, NASA+ coverage will end, and mission coverage will continue on both NASA channels.

Thursday, June 6

9:30 a.m.  Arrival coverage resumes on NASA+, the NASA app, and YouTube, and continues on NASA Television and the agency's website.

12:15 p.m.  Targeted docking to the forward-facing port of the station's Harmony module

2 p.m.  Hatch opening

2:20 p.m.  Welcome remarks

3:30 p.m.  Post-docking news conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center with the following participants:

NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free

Steve Stich , manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program

, manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Jeff Arend , manager for systems engineering and integration, NASA's International Space Station Office

, manager for systems engineering and integration, NASA's International Space Station Office Mark Nappi , vice president and program manager, Commercial Crew Program, Boeing

Coverage of the post-docking news conference will air live on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency's website.

All times are estimates and could be adjusted based on operations after launch. Follow the space station blog for the most up-to-date operations information.

Audio Only Coverage

Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA Television launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135.

Launch audio also will be available on Launch Information Service and Amateur Television System's VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz and KSC Amateur Radio Club's UHF radio frequency 444.925 MHz, FM mode, heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast.

Live Video Coverage Prior to Launch

NASA is providing a live video feed of Space Launch Complex-41 on NASA Kennedy's YouTube: https://youtube.com/kscnewsroom. Pending unlikely technical issues, the feed will be uninterrupted until the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA Television, approximately four hours prior to launch.

NASA Website Launch Coverage

Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the agency's website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 6:45 a.m., June 5, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff.

For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on the commercial crew or the Crew Flight Test blog.

Attend Launch Virtually

Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. NASA's virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following launch.

Watch, Engage on Social Media

Let people know you're following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtags #Starliner and #NASASocial. You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:

X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASASocial, @Space_Station, @ISS_Research, @ISS National Lab, @BoeingSpace, @Commercial_Crew

Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, ISS, ISS National Lab

Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @ISS, @ISSNationalLab

Coverage en Espanol

Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en Espanol? Check out NASA en Espanol on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage.

Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Antonia Jaramillo: 321-501-8425; [email protected] o Messod Bendayan: 256-930-1371; [email protected].

NASA's Commercial Crew Program has delivered on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, science, and commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars.

For NASA's launch blog and more information about the mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA
SEATTLE, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As of May 31, 2024, ownership of the Northwest Asian Weekly has transitioned from Assunta Ng, founder and publisher to NWAW Partners, LLC. For 41 years, Northwest Asian Weekly (NWAW) has been one of the most influential Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community media publications in the Pacific Northwest. This transition marks a new era for NWAW as it continues to serve and empower the AAPI community in the Pacific Northwest region.

On May 31, 2024, ownership of the Northwest Asian Weekly transitioned from Assunta Ng, founder to NWAW Partners, LLC. Post this Honoring the "handing of the torch" from Assunta Ng to the new NWAW ownership group with esteemed dignitaries and guest. Pictured from left to right: Marilyn Strickland (Congresswoman, WA-10), Sam Cho, Grace Roh, Gary Locke (former WA State Governor), Assunta Ng, Jeffrey Roh, Tanya Woo (Seattle City Councilmember), Joe Nguyen (WA State Senator), Tim Wang. Photo credit: Nuk Suwanchote Incoming Publisher & CEO, Grace Roh, addresses community leaders on the next generation of the NWAW. Pictured from left to right: Assunta Ng, Grace Roh, Jeffrey Roh. Photo credit: Nuk Suwanchote

To commemorate the "handing of the torch," in Ng's words, a reception to celebrate this transition was held on May 31st at the NWAW office. Esteemed guests such as former Governor Gary Locke, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and WA State Senator Joe Nguyen joined the event to honor the legacy Ng established at NWAW and celebrate the next generation of leadership and progress. Local dignitaries, community leaders, and long-time advertisers and supporters also joined the reception, which was catered by longtime Chinatown-ID establishment, Tai Tung.

The new ownership group includes Seattle natives Jeffrey Roh, CEO of IntuitiveX, a healthcare innovation firm; Sam Cho, Seattle Port Commissioner and Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Mayor; Tim Wang, founder of multicultural advertising agency TDW+Co; and Grace Roh, a former finance executive, who will serve as Publisher & CEO. Ng will continue to volunteer at the publication as Publisher Emeritus and expresses her support:

"I am excited and grateful to have new leadership for the NWAW. Their fresh ideas and perspectives are inspiring. Their graciousness has touched my family profoundly. Their desire to expand the reach of the NWAW to a broader audience will not only benefit the Asian community, but also have a positive impact on mainstream audiences and all people of color communities."

Former Governor of Washington and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke has been an early and avid supporter of NWAW, encouraging Assunta to launch the publication. He expressed his support for the new leadership:

"We've been so fortunate to have Assunta and NWAW serve as the voice of the Asian American community in the Pacific Northwest. She has dedicated her life to this publication for more than 41 years.

We're also excited to see the passing of the torch to this new ownership group and Grace Roh, who will be serving as the new CEO and Publisher of the next generation NWAW. Their dynamic mix of experience in business, innovation, politics, media, and culture will help to build on the foundation that Assunta has already carefully laid, of being a leading source of information to the Asian American community."

The commitment to continue the legacy while advancing the mission of NWAW is best captured by Grace Roh:

"Legacy matters. Representation matters. I am honored for this tremendous opportunity and responsibility to continue the legacy that Assunta Ng has built at NWAW to empower and share the collective stories of our community. We are excited and proud to carry the torch forward to the next generation."

For more information about Northwest Asian Weekly, please contact: [email protected]

About Northwest Asian Weekly:

NWAW has been at the forefront of helping the Pacific Northwest stay current with news that directly impacts the AAPI community ranging from social issues, cultural events, community achievements, and important cultural news. For more information, please visit: www.nwasianweekly.com.

SOURCE NW Asian Weekly
Current COO and CFO Stephen Joseph appointed Chief Executive Officer Tim Bleakley to become Chairman upon transition in January 2025

LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Outdoor, the digital out of home (DOOH) advertising company, today (3 June) announced that Stephen Joseph, Ocean's COO and CFO, has been appointed the Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2025. Stephen will succeed Tim Bleakley who will become Chairman of Ocean's Board of Directors upon the transition as part of a long-planned CEO succession process.

Stephen joined Ocean in 2009 and has helped guide the Company's development into the dynamic DOOH leader that it is today.

Stephen Joseph, incoming CEO of Ocean Outdoor Group, effective January 2025

Tim, incoming Chairman, said: "It has been a privilege to lead the Ocean team over the last 14 years, and I am incredibly proud of the tremendous progress that Stephen, the team and I have achieved together, including becoming a world recognised brand with best-in-class technology and premium locations in key markets.

"As we enter the next stage of our journey, now is the right time for a transition of leadership. Stephen is a proven leader with deep expertise in the outdoor advertising business, and he is the right person to lead Ocean in the company's next phase of growth. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and the Board to ensure a seamless transition and execute on our ambitious plans."

Stephen added: "I am honoured to assume the Group CEO role of Ocean, a company that has been synonymous with innovation and challenging the status quo, creating iconic and award-winning moments and campaigns in iconic locations through the art of outdoor.

"Under Tim's leadership, Ocean has grown and pushed boundaries across the media landscape. As we move into an exciting new chapter for Ocean, we will continue to evolve by drawing on the same ethos, creativity and culture that's driven our success for so many years. I want to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to work together in our new roles starting next year."

Melissa Bethell, current Board Chair of Ocean, added: "On behalf of Atairos, Ocean's majority owner, and the full Ocean Board, I would like to thank Tim for his leadership and many contributions to Ocean over his tenure. Tim oversaw Ocean's transformation from a start-up of nine people into a creative force and DOOH leader across seven European countries, including most recently expanding into Germany, one of Europe's largest media markets."

Melissa concluded: "Tim has worked closely with the full Board to develop a thoughtful and robust succession plan, for which we are immensely grateful. Under Stephen's leadership and with Tim's continuing guidance as Board Chairman, we are confident that Ocean's best days lie ahead."

About Ocean Outdoor

A partner company of Atairos, an independent strategic investment company, Ocean Outdoor is the leading operator of digital out of home (DOOH) advertising across the UK, Northern and Continental Europe. The Group's network of 4,000+ screens covers seven countries and 353 cities, with its technological capabilities delivering the most impactful and measurable DOOH brand and advertising experiences.

Ocean's portfolio comprises of some of the most iconic locations including the Piccadilly Lights and the BFI IMAX and the company also works closely with high-profile landlords, including Landsec, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the BFI, Nuveen and the Canary Wharf Group, as well as major city councils on the development of its network.

To date the Group's growth has been driven by tender wins and the rollout of new locations, as well as acquisitions that complement the existing portfolio. Since 2018, Ocean has completed seven acquisitions which has enabled it to expand its UK footprint into the Netherlands and the Nordics. Ocean Outdoor Germany was launched this year.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2424700/Stephen_Joseph.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2424699/Ocean_Logo.jpg
JJH Consulting has been a Workday Advisory Partner since 2018

DUBLIN, Ohio, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OCLC has acquired JJH Consulting, a firm that specializes in advising institutions of higher education on how to maximize the value of their enterprise resource planning ("ERP") business processes and the implementation of Workday enterprise systems and software. The acquisition will expand OCLC's service profile and enable the organization to work with higher education institutions to help determine the best use of systems and services to fit their specific needs.

Workday is a leading cloud-based financial, human capital management, and student information system that engages with external firms to advise, implement, and optimize their innovative systems. JJH Consulting ("JJH") has been a Workday Advisory Partner since 2018. OCLC has used Workday since 2015.

"The higher education sector faces a variety of challenges as colleges and universities continue to evolve and change," said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. "Many face a daunting need to replace expensive, legacy systems. They need advisory support, project management, and implementation and optimization services to transition and integrate modern enterprise systems. We have decades of experience serving higher education institutions worldwide. This acquisition provides an opportunity for us to partner and share expertise. It's a natural extension for OCLC in higher education and learning institutions."

JJH was established in 2006 by John J. Hrusovsky. The firm has helped a variety of higher education institutions including Syracuse University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Southern California, the University of Washington, Ohio State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. John will join OCLC reporting to Bart Murphy, Chief Technology and Information Officer, to lead this new enterprise with a focus on scaling up the firm to continue to meet the needs of its clients.

"OCLC's engagement with higher education and learning institutions, its modern technology platforms, and deep systems experience were ideal for JJH," said John Hrusovsky, JJH Consulting founder. "OCLC is a successful global cloud software provider and Workday client. I look forward to working together to help institutions of learning with their adoption of best-in-class ERP business processes and Workday systems."

The acquisition is effective today.

For more information: Contact Bob Murphy at [email protected] or +1-614-761-5136

SOURCE OCLC
New name change reflects diversity, impact and scope of the growing life sciences and healthcare industries across the state of Oklahoma

SAN DIEGO, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma's bioscience community is announcing a relaunch of its industry association, with the new Life Science Oklahoma bringing new leadership, a new format and renewed focus and support to businesses and organizations within the Oklahoma life sciences and healthcare communities. The new name, Life Science Oklahoma, will be formally unveiled at BIO International Convention 2024 on June 3-6, in San Diego.

"This is an exciting time for the life sciences industry in Oklahoma and our goal is to support our burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem and bring about awareness of the critical role the life sciences industry plays throughout the state of Oklahoma," said Dr. Craig Shimasaki, co-founder and CEO of Moleculera Labs and new co-chair of Life Science Oklahoma. "The re-launch of the association is a key milestone that will propel our collective efforts to expand and grow a strong healthcare and life science cluster in our state."

Life Science Oklahoma will be an important advocate for the state's dynamic and diverse life sciences and healthcare communities. As such, it is committed to bringing national and international awareness to key areas of the state's biotech, drug manufacturing, agricultural science, veterinary medicine and healthcare industries, including therapeutics, diagnostics and biomanufacturing; medical and health technologies; and health and clinical care.

"From my perspective as a patent practitioner and intellectual property promoter, Life Science Oklahoma promotes the programs, initiatives, research and products of its associated partner organizations through education and outreach, partnership building, policy development and brand awareness with a view to raise pharmaceutical awareness and participation in innovation within Oklahoma," said Andrew Westmuckett, director of technology ventures at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and co-chair of Life Science Oklahoma. "We are excited about this important work in furthering Oklahoma as a life science hub."

Additionally, Oklahoma's emerging life science and healthcare ecosystem stands out for its blend of innovation, collaboration, and economic and financial advantages. The state's core strengths include:

Research and Innovation: Oklahoma hosts several research institutions, including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma State University , the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Noble Research Institute. These centers drive cutting-edge research in genomics, drug discovery and agriculture research.

hosts several research institutions, including the , , the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Noble Research Institute. These centers drive cutting-edge research in genomics, drug discovery and agriculture research. Public-Private Partnerships: The state actively fosters collaboration between academia, industry and government. Organizations such as the Oklahoma Life Science Fund and i2E (Innovation to Enterprise) provide critical support to startups and early stage companies.

The state actively fosters collaboration between academia, industry and government. Organizations such as the Oklahoma Life Science Fund and i2E (Innovation to Enterprise) provide critical support to startups and early stage companies. Established infrastructure : Oklahoma's vibrant Innovation District, spanning about 1.3 square miles east of downtown, houses internationally acclaimed research and technology companies, including Wheeler Bio and Cytovance Biologics, both within the bio manufacturing space and both, which are widely recognized contract development and manufacturing organizations serving biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

: vibrant Innovation District, spanning about 1.3 square miles east of downtown, houses internationally acclaimed research and technology companies, including Wheeler Bio and Cytovance Biologics, both within the bio manufacturing space and both, which are widely recognized contract development and manufacturing organizations serving biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Federal investment: The Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster Initiative was awarded $35 million through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge of the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This grant will fund six core investment projects in the region to further the health science cluster.

Life Science Oklahoma will be present at the 2024 BIO International Convention, with a 1,200 square feet pavilion, #4635, dedicated to promoting Oklahoma to a national and international audience. The pavilion also provides space for Oklahoma companies and organizations to meet with potential partners to further their critical work.

For more information about Life Science Oklahoma and our key areas of focus, please visit www.lifesciok.com.

About Life Science Oklahoma

Life Science Oklahoma is an important advocate for the state's dynamic and diverse life sciences and healthcare communities. As such, it is committed to bringing national and international awareness to key areas of the state's biotech, drug manufacturing, agricultural science, veterinary medicine and healthcare industries, including therapeutics, diagnostics and biomanufacturing; medical and health technologies; and health and clinical care.

Life Science Oklahoma promotes the programs, initiatives, research and products of its associated partner organizations through education and outreach, partnership building, policy development and brand awareness.

This coalition supports the launch of the new statewide life sciences association, Life Science Oklahoma, which serves as one of the six funded projects through the awarded $35M U.S Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

SOURCE Life Science Oklahoma
Previous CEO Tom Wyatt remains as Chairman of the Board

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today KinderCare Learning Companies, the nation's leading provider of early childhood and school-age education and care, announced that Paul Thompson, the company's previous President has officially transitioned into the role of CEO, succeeding Tom Wyatt, who remains Chairman of the Board.

We're going to continue to focus on our purpose: building confidence for children, families and the future we share. Post this Paul Thompson, CEO of KinderCare Learning Companies.

"Tom created a truly remarkable culture of engagement and put us firmly on a path of growth and foundational resilience during his tenure," said Thompson. "It's my mission to live up to the legacy he created and build upon the incredible foundation he laid over the past 12 years. I truly believe our work is never done, which is why we're going to continue to focus on our purpose: building confidence for children, families and the future we share."

"It means the world to me to still be part of this incredible company and incredible culture," said Wyatt. "As I look back on the past 12 years, I'm proud of how KinderCare has grown. We're giving more children access to high-quality early childhood education and care than ever before. We could not do that without all of the work we put in to creating a culture of unity and inclusion, things I know Paul will honor and celebrate during his tenure as CEO."

Since joining KinderCare nearly 10 years ago as Chief Financial Officer, Thompson has served in a variety of leadership roles including Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President. Before joining KinderCare, Thompson was with Safeway from 2005-2015, starting as the VP of Finance and holding a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, including Group VP, Financial Planning and Analysis, and SVP, Finance, Pricing and Enterprise Systems. Prior to joining Safeway, Thompson worked at Pillsbury for 13 years.

About KinderCare Learning Companies

A leading provider early childhood and school-age education and care, KinderCare builds confidence for life in children and families from all backgrounds. KinderCare supports hardworking families in 40 states and the District of Columbia with differentiated flexible child care solutions to meet today's dynamic work environment:

In neighborhoods, with KinderCare  Learning Centers that offer early learning programs for children six weeks to 12 years old and with Creme de la Creme School  , which offers a premium early education model using a variety of themed classrooms;

that offer early learning programs for children six weeks to 12 years old and with , which offers a premium early education model using a variety of themed classrooms; At work, through KinderCare Learning Companies for Employers , providing customized family benefits for employers across the country, including employer-supported child care benefits, on-site and near-site early learning centers and back-up care for last-minute child care, and

, providing customized family benefits for employers across the country, including employer-supported child care benefits, on-site and near-site early learning centers and back-up care for last-minute child care, and In local schools, with Champions before and after-school programs.

KinderCare programs meet the highest standards, validated by independent, third-party evaluation including:

Gallup , measuring workforce engagement,

, measuring workforce engagement, National Association for the Education of Young Children , ensuring individual early learning center quality,

, ensuring individual early learning center quality, Cognia , accreditation for before- and after-school programs

, accreditation for before- and after-school programs BRIGANCE  and TerraNova  assessments of children's academic progress and achievement, and

assessments of children's academic progress and achievement, and WELL Health-Safety Rating, validating health and safety practices in our facilities.

Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, KinderCare operates more than 2,400 early learning centers and sites. In 2024, KinderCare earned its eighth Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award  one of only two current organizations worldwide to achieve this milestone for eight consecutive years. To learn more, visit KC-Learning.com.

Media Contact: Colleen Moran, [email protected]

SOURCE KinderCare Learning Companies
BERLIN, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a global leader in intelligence-driven cybersecurity solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in the prestigious ILA Berlin - Pioneering Aerospace event. Scheduled from June 5th to 9th, 2024, the ILA Berlin Air Show is a cornerstone event for the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry, bringing together industry representatives, politicians, armed forces, and academics from around the world.

Reflecting this year's theme, #PioneeringAerospace, Resecurity will demonstrate its commitment to protecting the global defense industry against emerging cyber threats and new security challenges. These challenges include intellectual property (IP) theft, targeted network intrusions, insider threats, and cyber espionage. Resecurity will showcase its state-of-the-art cybersecurity and intelligence solutions and expertise in safeguarding the aerospace sector from these sophisticated cyber threats.

Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "We are honored to be part of ILA Berlin 2024, a premier platform that converges the brightest minds and leading innovators in the aerospace and defense industry. Our participation underscores our dedication to pioneering advanced cybersecurity measures that protect critical infrastructure and foster innovation. We look forward to engaging with industry peers and showcasing our capabilities at this iconic event."

The last edition of ILA Berlin hosted 550 exhibitors, attracted over 72,000 visitors, and welcomed 159 delegations from across the globe. This year, Resecurity is excited to join the USA Pavilion and connect with customers and industry leaders from the European Union and beyond. The event promises to be a melting pot of groundbreaking innovations, new defense technologies, and discussions on sustainability.

Resecurity invites attendees to visit their booth #344 at the USA Pavilion to explore their innovative cybersecurity solutions designed to protect the aerospace and defense sectors from evolving cyber threats. This engagement at ILA Berlin 2024 underscores Resecurity's strategic commitment to enhancing global cybersecurity resilience and supporting the aerospace industry's advancement towards a secure and sustainable future.

About ILA Berlin: Since its inception in 1909, ILA Berlin has been a premier event in the aerospace industry, bringing together key players to discuss and showcase advancements in aviation, space, and defense. The event emphasizes innovation, new technologies, and sustainability, making it a vital forum for industry leaders and stakeholders.

About Resecurity: Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), Thailand (AmChamThailand), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com.

SOURCE Resecurity Inc.
~The Philanthropic Arm of Sandals Resorts International Celebrates Milestone with a Centerpiece Project to Power Up Schools Across the Caribbean~

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced today its plans to commemorate the anniversary of its non-profit arm, the Sandals Foundation , with a new, year-long campaign titled, Empower 15. As part of this initiative, The Power of 15 project will harness the strength of the Caribbean sun to bring sustainable solar energy to Caribbean schools, ensuring a much needed power supply that allows for learning in the critical digital space to continue uninterrupted.

Sandals Resorts International celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Sandals Foundation with The Power 15  a new project to fund the installation of solar panels on school buildings in under-resourced Caribbean communities. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation; Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International and Christopher Elliott, General Manager of Sandals Montego Bay; invite students in Jamaica to the unveiling of Sun Murals created in collaboration with local Caribbean artists in celebration of the Sandals Foundations 15th anniversary. Hear directly from Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation, on the Sandals Palmcast.

"Providing access to a reliable and cost-efficient energy source puts Caribbean children at an advantage. Power is power in today's world, where a digital divide is determining who succeeds and who may be left behind," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. "We celebrate and lean into our 15 years of work empowering Caribbean communities combined with a donor initiative bringing forward the power of a $15 donation to light up schools in a way that limits carbon footprints through renewable energy sources."

Through this effort, the Sandals Foundation will raise the funds needed for the installation of solar panels on school buildings in under-resourced Caribbean communities. On average in the Caribbean, one kilowatt  the amount of electricity consumed in one hour  costs more than double the average price in the United States; because many Caribbean countries are subject to fluctuating global oil prices that directly impact the cost of generating electricity, the price can reach over $.51 cents per kWh. The installation of solar panels in schools will help combat these challenges for years to come.

The Perfect Match

Kickstarting the campaign and in tribute to Caribbean Heritage Month, for every donation of USD $15 or higher made to the Sandals Foundation during the month of June 2024, Sandals Resorts will donate USD $15 to The Power of 15 project. Throughout the year, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts guests can support the Sandals Foundation by engaging in programs like Pack for a Purpose, Reading Road Trips, sea turtle watching experiences and more, during their Caribbean vacations.

The Heart and Soul of Sandals Resorts

Since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has been dedicated to empowering Caribbean people and communities, impacting more than 1.5 million lives across the Caribbean and embracing the help of 33,000 volunteers. All administrative costs of the Sandals Foundation are covered by Sandals Resorts International  allowing 100% of every dollar donated to go directly towards funding impactful initiatives under the Sandals Foundation's three core pillars: Community, Education and the Environment.

"It's a proud moment as we celebrate the work of the Sandals Foundation and the direct impact on so many. The reality is that this work dates back long beyond 15 years, when my father founded Sandals Resorts in 1981. Long before philanthropy was considered fashionable, my dad tapped into the needs of our community and carried that torch because it was the right thing to do. He adopted local schools  from the provision of books to leaky roof repairs  he saved land crabs and so much more. It was just part of his DNA," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of SRI, and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation. "Today, our commitment to education has never been stronger; it's the empowering force that lifts communities, which is why we are so proud to make The Power of 15 the centerpiece of these 15th anniversary celebrations."

Letting Positivity Shine Through: Sun Murals

Reinforcing the empowerment anniversary theme, the Sandals Foundation has teamed up with local Caribbean artists to create Sun Murals, vibrant works of art designed to inspire people seeking power over their own lives. A gift to 13 Caribbean communities, the outdoor art installations emblazon walls with unique designs under a unifying glowing sun concept and will carry uplifting messages of hope such as gratitude, be the sunshine, unity, and love.

Giving Back is Always in Style

A trend-forward resort retail line will offer guests apparel with a purpose  graphic tees, totes and tumblers  to commemorate the anniversary while giving back to a power-ful cause with a portion of sales going towards the project.

About The Sandals Foundation

The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the Caribbean's leading family-owned resort company. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was created to continue and expand upon the charitable work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken since its founding in 1981 to play a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where SRI operates throughout the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: Education, Community and the Environment. One hundred per cent of the monies contributed to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. Part of the Sandals Foundation mission is to provide access to quality education, and to date, has impacted over 350,000 students in their education needs. In its 15 years, the foundation has distributed over 6,000 digital learning devices, supported over 2,000 schools, awarded over 200 scholarships, and distributed over 300,000 books to schools and libraries.

To learn more about the Sandals Foundation and the Power of 15, visit online at www.sandals.com/sandals-foundation-the-power-of-15 .

Hear directly from Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation, on the Sandals Palmcast: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-eza3p-162c4b6

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
Company Announces New Pilot Projects Focused on Forest Resilience

SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today (June 3), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) joined with federal, state, local, and tribal government officials and other partners at Pepperwood Preserve to celebrate the fulfillment of its Land Conservation Commitment, achieving permanent protection of approximately 140,000 acres of PG&E-owned watershed lands. These lands are now conserved for Californians, protecting habitat for fish, wildlife and plants; open space and cultural resources; outdoor recreation by the general public; and sustainable forestry and agricultural uses.

PG&E completed its unprecedented Land Conservation Commitment (or LCC) over about 20 years, developing unique conservation agreements and partnerships with private conservation groups, Native American tribal organizations and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). PG&E and its LCC partners will protect the lands in perpetuity for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the public.

Further demonstrating its commitment to the planet, PG&E is also helping to build more resilient forests to reduce wildfire risk through new pilot projects underway in a handful of communities. The event was held at Pepperwood Preserve in Santa Rosa, the site of PG&E's first 100% renewable remote electric grid, an innovation in wildfire mitigation.

"We're grateful for the partnerships formed over the past two decades to protect these lands for the benefit and enjoyment of Californians and its visitors. We're extremely proud knowing that these beautiful outdoor spaces will continue to thrive and survive for future generations," said Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer for PG&E Corporation.

Land Conservation Commitment



Arising from its 2003 bankruptcy settlement, PG&E's LCC permanently protects approximately 140,000 acres of forests, wetlands and meadows across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges by granting conservation easements to local land trusts and donating land not needed for PG&E operations. Some 40,000 acres were transferred to local organizations while PG&E retains ownership of 100,000 acres. (See a map of locations and list of transactions.)

Additionally, PG&E's commitment included $30 million of dedicated funding for youth investment and $70 million for land conservation.

Among the land conservation transfers:

A 62-acre parcel located on the shores of Lake Valley Reservoir in Placer County , known as the Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center, to the San Joaquin Office of Education to serve as a camp for underserved youth. Wildlife Heritage Foundation maintains the conservation easement.

, known as the Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center, to the San Joaquin Office of Education to serve as a camp for underserved youth. Wildlife Heritage Foundation maintains the conservation easement. Nearly 15,000 acres of land in Shasta , Nevada and Placer counties to CAL FIRE for forest research, restoration and public recreation. The land is managed in partnership with the Shasta Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust and Placer Land Trust  which hold conservation easements on the properties ensuring that the scenic, open space, forest, wildlife habitat, recreation, and historic and cultural values are protected for the benefit of all Californians.

, and counties to for forest research, restoration and public recreation. The land is managed in partnership with the Shasta Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust and Placer Land Trust  which hold conservation easements on the properties ensuring that the scenic, open space, forest, wildlife habitat, recreation, and historic and cultural values are protected for the benefit of all Californians. 879 acres of property to the Potter Valley Tribe in Mendocino County (and a conservation easement over the lands to Mendocino Land Trust) along the Eel River, including forested land and much of Trout Creek Watershed, allowing the tribe to own ancestral land for traditional land management and to provide outdoor activities for youth and educate others about the history and culture of Native American people.

Potter Valley Tribal Chair Salvador Rosales explained why receiving the transfer of land within the tribe's ancestral range is so significant.

"It's the freedom to exercise our tribal and cultural traditions, including hunting and gathering, without looking over our shoulders," said Rosales. "The excitement is being able to take our younger generation, our children, and have them more or less identify their new land and say that it's ours."

Rosales said plans for the property include expanding cultural educational programs for youth, including camping and vocational training.

Partnering for Resilient Forests

A critical part of protecting California's land and communities is making forests more resilient to wildfires and other climate impacts.

"Climate change is not slowing down, and neither can we. We must look toward the future and focus on improving the health of our forests to decrease wildfire risk and make our communities safer," said Peterman.

PG&E has launched local pilot projects with various partners to reduce wildfire risk by better managing forest fuels while supporting community needs.

Among the pilot projects underway:

In Tuolumne County , working with American Forest Foundation and the county to restore forest health on private lands through targeted forest treatments.

, working with American and the county to restore forest health on private lands through targeted forest treatments. In Butte County , partnering with the Butte County Fire Safe Council, California Department of Water Resources and CAL FIRE to treat PG&E-owned and adjacent land in high-fire risk locations.

, partnering with the Fire Safe Council, California Department of Water Resources and to treat PG&E-owned and adjacent land in high-fire risk locations. In Sonoma County , working with the Northern Sonoma County Fire Foundation to support fuel reduction around roadside rights-of-way to improve safety on a key evacuation route.

All of the projects will benefit customers, the state and forest ecosystems.

Pepperwood Preserve Remote Grid Innovation

One way to build forest resilience is through technology and innovation. Pepperwood Preserve, which hosted the LCC event, is home to PG&E's first fully renewable remote grid, deployed last year in November, and part of PG&E's growing fleet of standalone power systems aimed at reducing wildfire risk.

As described in PG&E's Wildfire Mitigation Plan, remote grids provide utility service using standalone local energy resources, replacing long distribution lines in remote and high fire-risk areas with an innovative and safer option.

Pepperwood Preserve, set in the idyllic Mayacamas Mountains within the traditional homeland of the Wappo people, is a living laboratory for crafting climate and wildfire solutions grounded in conservation science. The 3,200-acre property is an important refuge for more than 900 species of native plants and wildlife and was directly impacted by both the Tubbs and Kincade Fires.

Pepperwood is a hub for climate monitoring, applied research, science education, and wildfire resilience demonstration projects, such as the now extensive ALERTWildfire camera network. The site's remote grid powers Pepperwood's Bechtel House, which houses overnight visitors.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
STC-15 was well tolerated and clinical activity was observed across the pharmacologically active dose range in advanced cancer patients

Primary objectives were achieved to progress STC-15 into combination with checkpoint inhibitor combination studies

CAMBRIDGE, England, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- STORM Therapeutics Ltd. (STORM), the clinical stage company pioneering cellular reprogramming through RNA modifications to treat disease, today announces that interim Phase 1 clinical data from its first-in-class lead product, STC-15, was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, US.

The presented poster, entitled, 'Phase 1 Dose Escalation and Cohort Expansion Study Evaluating Safety, PK, PD and Clinical Activity of STC-15, a METTL3 Inhibitor in Patients with Advanced Malignancies', highlighted recent findings on STORM's lead product, STC-15, a potent and selective METTL3 inhibitor and the first molecule specifically targeting an RNA methyltransferase enzyme to enter clinical development.

The study was conducted to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, target modulation and clinical activity of STC-15 in patients with advanced malignancies, with the aim of establishing a recommended Phase 2 dose escalation to support future clinical development. The study enrolled 33 patients across five dose escalation cohorts ranging from 60mg to 200mg and explored daily and thrice weekly oral dosing regimens. Data presented at ASCO from 33 patients is outlined below:

STC-15 is well tolerated across the pharmacologically active dose range

Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were manageable: common related adverse events were thrombocytopenia, rash, and pruritus

As of April 15, 2024 , 27 patients were evaluable for response assessment with at least 1 on-treatment scan. Clinical activity was observed, comprising of;

- 11% Overall Response Rate (3 partial responses)

- 63% Disease Control Rate (14 stable disease, 3 partial responses)

, 27 patients were evaluable for response assessment with at least 1 on-treatment scan. Clinical activity was observed, comprising of; - 11% Overall Response Rate (3 partial responses) - 63% Disease Control Rate (14 stable disease, 3 partial responses) PK simulations and safety data support oral administration of STC-15 three times a week (TIW)

Significant reductions in methylated polyA-RNA in blood samples from all cohorts demonstrated METTL3 target engagement and rapid PD effect

Additional PD biomarker analysis indicated activation of interferon signaling and innate immune responses, as measured by RNA transcript analysis in blood cells from treated patients

Recommended Phase 2 doses were identified as between 60mg and 200mg TIW

Advancement of STC-15 into combination studies with checkpoint inhibitors is expected to commence in 2024

Jerry McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of Storm Therapeutics, said: "This Phase 1 data, to date, demonstrates the encouraging potential of STC-15 and its ability to impact a wide range of cancers. STC-15 is showing excellent safety and pharmacologic properties as it advances further into clinical development. As part of STORM's evolving strategy, we are expanding our studies and structuring clinical trial designs to include patients with cancers such as lung, melanoma, head and neck, and endometrial cancer in the future, and we look forward to providing further updates in due course."

Josi Holz, Chief Medical Officer of STORM Therapeutics, commented: "These data signify great progress for STORM as we continue to develop our pipeline of RNA modifying enzyme inhibitors. We are pleased to be presenting data that demonstrates the potential of STC-15 and its promising signs of tolerability and clinical activity. We look forward to completing the current Phase 1 study and including the addition of checkpoint inhibitors."

Justin Moser, Principal Investigator at HonorHealth Research Institute and First Author, remarked: "These new data presented at ASCO on STC-15 are promising and support future clinical studies with this novel agent and new mechanism. METTL3 inhibition has demonstrated early clinical activity and represents a new way to activate the innate immune system with the potential to treat cancer in patients across a range of tumor types."

Abstracts are available on the ASCO program guide here, and on the STORM website here.

STC-15 is currently under evaluation for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors in a first-in-human, Phase 1 clinical study with ongoing with cohorts being expanded to further evaluate safety, food effect, PK/PD, clinical activity, with the goal of determining optimized active doses. Details of the study can be found on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT05584111.

About STORM Therapeutics

STORM Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering cellular reprogramming through RNA modifications to treat disease. Its world leading understanding of RNA modifying enzymes (RME) has led to the discovery of breakthrough small molecule drugs that precisely reprogram cells through RNA biology for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, viruses and CNS diseases.

STORM's lead product, STC-15, is the first RNA modifying enzyme inhibitor to enter human clinical development. STC-15 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors, establishing a data set allowing development in future clinical studies. Preclinical data have revealed that METTL3 inhibition stimulates immune cells and activates interferon pathways, leading to the destruction of tumor cells. Additional preclinical studies have demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor properties in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, supporting clinical development in tumor types where an augmented immune response may result in anti-cancer activity. STORM is building on its first-mover advantage by positioning additional RME inhibitor programs to advance into IND-track activities in 2024. STORM is seeking partners to collaborate and accelerate development of these novel drugs for disease applications outside of oncology.

STORM's specialist healthcare investors include M Ventures, Pfizer Ventures, Taiho Ventures LLC, Seroba Life Sciences, Cambridge Innovation Capital Limited, IP Group plc, UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. and the Fast Track Initiative (FTI).

For more information, please visit www.stormtherapeutics.com

About STC-15

STORM's lead product, STC-15, is the first RME inhibitor to enter human clinical evaluation. This agent is an oral small molecule that inhibits METTL3, an RNA methyltransferase implicated in oncology and other diseases. Certain RNA methyltransferases are important regulators of RNA sensing and innate immune activation and, as such, represent novel immune-regulatory targets.

STC-15 has also been shown preclinically to inhibit tumor growth through mechanisms involving anti-cancer immune responses, such as changes in interferon signalling and synergy with T cell checkpoint blockade.

STORM is studying the safety and pharmacology of STC-15 in a Phase 1 clinical study in patients with solid tumors. Details of the study can be found on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT05584111.



About ASCO

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology is the world's leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer.

SOURCE STORM Therapeutics
DUBAI, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global luxury travel network Virtuoso hosted its annual Symposium May 20-24 in Dubai, attracting over 400 of the industry's top professionals from 37 countries. Virtuoso's Symposium brings together key decision-makers within luxury travel, including Virtuoso's own leadership and senior executives from the network's travel agency members and preferred partners, for industry discussions, deep dives into travel insights and peer-to-peer networking, all in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

During the General Session, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch discussed AI's impact on the industry, while maintaining the value of human connection. A self-declared AI optimist, Upchurch has closely followed its development and impression on the travel industry. He remains steadfast in his belief that AI can be a helpful tool for travel advisors, creating efficiencies that allow them to focus on the aspects of client management that are inherently human. Upchurch has famously coined the phrase: "Automate the predictable, so that you can humanize the exceptional."

"The advent of the internet just decades ago showed us that technological advancements enhance the capability of advisors, rather than replacing them," he said. "AI combines human touch with advanced technology, and as advisors integrate it into their business, they should also keep in mind a unique definition of AI  Appreciative Inquiry  a process that aids in asking clients the right questions, which in turn promotes solid relationships between them and their advisor. There are no shortage of answers in the world, but knowing the right questions to ask is where value exists for the future."

Executive Vice President David Kolner shared insights into Virtuoso's high-value travelers, indicating optimism continues. Sales made between January-April 2024 for travel in 2025 and 2026 are up 49 percent and future cruise sales are up 52 percent, compared to transactions made during same timeframe in 2023 for future travel. Big bookings are increasing as well, with bookings over $50,000 up 86 percent, and $50,000+ cruise and safari bookings up 102 percent and 159 percent, respectively.

When looking at the annual Virtuoso Brand & Traveler Trend Tracker Study, a proprietary survey of high-value travelers across 15 countries conducted by YouGov, Kolner revealed the top benefits of using a travel advisor according to Virtuoso clients: expertise on accommodations (66 percent), expertise on destinations (65 percent) and saving time (54 percent). The most valuable traits of an advisor according to respondents are good communication (65 percent), attention to detail (64 percent) and problem-solving skills (57 percent).

The General Session also hosted guest speakers. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), joined Upchurch for a fireside chat, where they discussed Dubai's future growth. Attendees also heard from Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chair and Chair of the Sustainability Committee at WTTC, as well as Vice Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group; Courtney Scharf, Chief Client Officer at Trend Hunter; and Jenny Southan, Founder and CEO of Globetrender.

Another highlight of the Symposium was Virtuoso's Travel Tech Summit, which brought together innovators, startups and the Virtuoso network for meaningful discussions about emerging technology. Led by entrepreneur and Virtuoso board member Gilad Berenstein, the summit covered key trends to watch in travel tech, AI, social commerce and more.

While business is at the forefront of Symposium, another hallmark of the event is bonding through shared experiences. With the help of Virtuoso partners, attendees immersed themselves in some of Dubai's most dynamic offerings. From perfume making and history tours to cooking classes and private water experiences, there were no shortage of opportunities to explore this vibrant city.

Virtuoso's emphasis on relationship building continued with one-on-one appointments between members and partners, while professional development sessions, workshops and panel discussions explored topics including the evolution of the luxury traveler, sustainable travel, industry growth and more.

Virtuoso thanks Dubai Economy and Tourism and additional partners that aided in the success of 2024 Symposium. Host hotels included Atlantis The Royal, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem, as well as sponsors AmaWaterways, Arabian Adventures, Armani Hotel Dubai, The Bicester Collection, Kerzner and The Palace Downtown Dubai.

For more information on Virtuoso and its events, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 54 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,300 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $28-$32 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Media Contacts:

Misty Belles, Virtuoso  Vice President, Global Public Relations

+1.202.553.8817 / [email protected]

Lauren Wintemberg

Alice Marshall Public Relations  Senior Account Director

+1.212.861.4031 / [email protected]

SOURCE Virtuoso
Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front-row taxi ride.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Consulting, LLC (Bloomberg), founded by Chris Bloomberg in 2000, has been acquired by YA Group (YA). Bloomberg is a regional forensics firm based out of Gulf Breeze, Florida, specializing in vehicle accident reconstruction and biomechanical analysis. Bloomberg will join YA Engineering Services, LLC (YAES), a national forensic engineering firm with a rapidly growing presence in the accident reconstruction and biomechanical services fields. In joining The YA Group, Bloomberg partners with an industry leader of professional services with a broad range of service lines and expertise in complex claims and risk mitigation, serving sophisticated clients across the US and internationally.

YA Group Acquires Bloomberg Consulting, Expands National Accident Reconstruction and Biomechanical Services

"This partnership with Bloomberg is a significant step forward in growing our accident reconstruction and biomechanical service offerings and US footprint," said Wade Bushman, CEO of YA. "Bloomberg is recognized as a leader in accident reconstruction and related services in the heavy trucking industry and will be a fantastic addition to our rapidly growing accident reconstruction services group. YA & Bloomberg share cultural values along with an employee-first model, and we could not be more pleased to have their talented team of experts joining the YA Team."

According to CEO & Founder Chris Bloomberg, "We are very proud of what we built at Bloomberg Consulting over the last 25 years. Now, we are so excited to join YA to help build their accident reconstruction practice and bring a high-quality nationwide presence to the forensic community. We look forward to continuing to serve all our clients and providing rapid response service, second to none."

The experienced experts at Bloomberg and their exceptional leadership and support staff will join forces with the rapidly growing accident reconstruction and biomechanical teams at YAES. Clients can expect the same level of outstanding service provided by Bloomberg's team of professionals, who will now be supported by a larger, deeper team of experts with a wide range of expertise and an advanced team of graphics designers and forensic animators.

ABOUT BLOOMBERG CONSULTING, LLC

Bloomberg Consulting (www.bloombergconsulting.com) is a forensics firm specializing in vehicle accident reconstruction, biomechanical analysis, motor carrier compliance, and the extraction and analysis of digital data from heavy trucks, passenger vehicles, GPS, and other electronic devices, Offering rapid response services and deployment of reconstruction experts and trucking experts within hours of an incident. Areas of specialty beyond Accident Reconstruction include Trucking Accident Rapid Response, Event Data Recorders (EDR/Black Box), Biomechanics and Injury Causation, Digital Forensics, and Motor Carrier Compliance.

ABOUT YA

YA is an international professional services organization providing forensic consulting, engineering, risk mitigation, and related services. Founded over 25 years ago as a property damage consulting firm, YA has expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Today, YA has over 600 professionals dedicated to excellence, partnership, and driving innovation.

The YA portfolio of companies includes YOUNG & Associates, YA Engineering Services, LLC, FCMC, LLC, and Guardian Group International, LLC. For additional information, please visit www.yagroup.com.

Media Contact:

Amy Hammer Nelson

213.864.0634

[email protected]

SOURCE YA Group
From San Salvador, the minister emphasized that the future visit responds to an official invitation from the Asian country's Government. In this sense, he stated that "State visits are not endorsable."

The Cabinet member said the Head of State will have the opportunity to hold important meetings to promote Peru before companies from railway, infrastructure, and other sectors.

"Addressing greater cooperation in investment in several strategic sectors is planned; it is a very important visit in a very important year, because we must take into account that the APEC Summit will take place in November and that, within said framework, the President of China (Xi Jinping) will visit (Peru)," he told Radio Nacional on Sunday.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here




Impact





The executive indicated that the construction of the Port of Chancay generates 1,300 direct jobs and around 8,000 indirect jobs due to the economic dynamics observed in the area.





The design and construction project for the Port of Chancay has been developed since April 2011. The total investment is estimated at US$3.4 billion, of which US$1.315 billion will be executed in the first stage.





"The project, which will be the most important port in South America and will function as a regional hub (logistics center), entails an initial investment of more than US$1.3 billion," De las Casas stated.





"This is the first private port for public use in Peru, which will provide a great opportunity for the country's economic growth and foreign trade, thus putting us at a competitive level," he added.





(END) DOP/CNA/WRR/JJN/RMB/MVB
Prague, June 3 : Eighteen people were injured after lightning struck a castle park in northern Czech Republic, according to the police.

Police initially said on Sunday that at least 15 people were injured in the strike at the castle park near the northern Czech city of Liberec, but later updated the number to 18, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We left the castle park ... at around 5:45 p.m. Health workers are currently caring for 18 people in three hospital facilities," it said on social media platform X.

Local media reported that the lightning hit a tree in the castle park at around 3:30 p.m. where a children's day event was being held.
Cairo, June 3 : Egypt has stressed the need for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing to resume its operation, the media reported.

A tripartite meeting attended by delegations from Egypt, the US, and Israel was held in Cairo, discussing the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel quoted a high-ranking security source as saying on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Egyptian delegation said Israel is fully responsible for halting the entry of relief materials and humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling for immediate actions to bring at least 350 aid trucks into the strip each day, Xinhua news agency reported.

The crossing, a main gateway for transporting the sick and injured outside Gaza for treatment and delivering humanitarian and relief assistance to the enclave, has been closed since Israel seized control of its Gazan side on May 7.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, after an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.
Jerusalem, June 3 : Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said that Israel is promoting a governing alternative to Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip.

During a visit to the Israeli army's Southern Command headquarters in the Negev desert city of Beer Sheba, Gallant noted on Sunday that in any process of ending the war, Israel would not allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza.

"We will isolate areas, eliminate Hamas personnel, and bring in other forces that will establish a different governing body," he said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

The Minister added that "the operation in Rafah is progressing above and below ground, with the forces destroying the 'oxygen tube' that connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt," stressing that "we are suffocating Hamas, not allowing it to continue to exist or to reinforce, strengthen, and arm itself".

He noted that the military operation aims to achieve the war goals, which are the collapse of the Hamas administration and military power and the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Jerusalem, June 3 : The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Israeli citizens currently staying in the Maldives to consider leaving the country, following the Maldivian government's announcement of a decision to amend its laws to ban Israeli nationals from entering on Sunday.

"If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them," the Ministry said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

It also recommended that Israeli citizens refrain from travelling to the Muslim-majority island nation, even if they hold a second passport from another country.

The entry ban on Israelis was adopted during a Maldivian cabinet meeting earlier on Sunday in response to calls from local citizens, citing the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Maldivian media said the Maldives receives more than one million tourists annually, with an estimated 15,000 tourists coming from Israel.
Jakarta, June 3 : Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island in Indonesia's North Maluku province erupted, throwing thick black volcanic ash over its peak as high as 7,000 metres, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.

"The eruption happened at 12:45 p.m. local time, lasting for 373 seconds," said Mount Ibu Monitoring Officer Axl Roeroe on Sunday.

It was the largest eruption since Ibu volcano's danger status was raised to the highest level on May 16, 2024, added Roeroe as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

The centre has issued a Volcano Observation Notice for Aviation warning with code red for the North Maluku area and its surroundings for aviation security.

Authorities also advise residents to stay away from the area 7 km north and 4 km around the active crater.
Colombo, June 3 : Ten people were killed and five others missing during the past 24 hours as heavy rains and strong winds lashed out across Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said.

Most of the deaths were reported from the capital Colombo as more than 150 mm of rain was experienced since the early hours of Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Health Ministry said that it had instructed all health directors in provinces to be on alert and ready for any emergency in hospitals.

The Ministry added it had made all arrangements to airlift patients in critical condition to larger hospitals from village areas as the flood worsened.

The Department of Meteorology on Sunday warned of heavy rains throughout the country within the next 48 hours, while the DMC said that rescue operations were underway.

The public had been urged to stay at home and to avoid going into flooded areas.

The Education Ministry said that all schools will remain closed on Monday due to further rains expected.
Yangon, June 3 : Myanmar authorities have seized 5.6 million stimulant tablets in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, according to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police intercepted two vehicles in Loilem township in Shan state on Friday and confiscated 4.6 million stimulant tablets, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

According to an investigation, an additional one million tablets were found at a suspect's home, the information team said.

The seized drugs are worth 1.68 billion kyats (about $0.8 million).

The suspects were charged under the Southeast Asian country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were underway, the information team added.
Cairo, June 3 : Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) has expressed its hope that the ceasefire deal recently proposed by the US will end the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the media quoted a Fatah spokesman as saying.

"We hope that US President Joe Biden's plan will be earnest to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," Fatah spokesman Abd Al-Fattah Doleh told Al-Qahera News TV channel in a phone call on Sunday.

He also hoped Biden's plan would not reinforce the geographical separation between Gaza and the West Bank, Xinhua news agency reported.

Doleh's remarks came while Egypt is working with Qatar and the US to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-ruling Hamas in Gaza. A meeting between concerned parties is expected to be held in Egypt later on Sunday.

The Fatah official said that Israel targets the presence of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza and seeks to make the enclave "unfit for life".

In a joint statement on Saturday, the three mediating countries urged both Israel and Hamas to finalise the ceasefire agreement recently proposed by Washington as a roadmap to end their conflict in Gaza, which has been going on for nearly eight months now.

Although Cairo, Doha, and Washington managed to mediate a week-long Israel-Hamas truce that ended in late November 2023, Israel and Hamas failed to reach another ceasefire agreement after talks in Cairo last month.

Among the points of disagreement were the number and lists of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be released under a swap deal, as well as issues regarding Israel's partial withdrawal from Gaza to allow free movement of Palestinians in the enclave.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

At least 36,439 Palestinians have been killed and more than 82,627 others injured since then, according to the figures released by the Gaza health authorities.
Lucknow, June 3 : In a bizarre turn of events, a thief who broke into a doctor's residence in Lucknow, dozed off due to extreme intoxication.

When he woke up the following morning, he was shocked to find policemen around.

The incident was reported in Sector-20 of Indira Nagar, within the jurisdiction of the Ghazipur police station.

According to reports, the targeted house belongs to Sunil Pandey, in Indira Nagar Sector-20 of Lucknow.

Pandey, who works at Balrampur Hospital, is currently stationed in Varanasi, leaving the house unoccupied.

Neighbours became suspicious of finding Pandey's door ajar in the morning. They peeped in to see the house ransacked, with items strewn around.

The Ghazipur police were called in and the cops found the thief, identified as Kapil, sleeping. They arrested him and booked him under IPC section 379 A for theft.

Ghazipur Station House Officer (SHO), Vikas Rai, said that further legal proceedings were underway.

According to the official, the intruder even tampered with the water pump before attempting to remove the house battery--he succumbed to drowsiness.

"The cupboards were broken into. Everything, including cash, was taken. The thief even attempted to steal the washbasin, gas cylinder, and water pump," said the official.

He also said, "It appeared he collapsed from intoxication while attempting to remove the battery and fell asleep," the official added.
Prayagraj, June 3 : The Allahabad High Court has pulled up the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for their failure to carry out a proper investigation into the Shine City scam, where several crores of investors' money were siphoned by the accused.

The court directed the three agencies to file a status report showing the progress of the investigation in this matter and fixed July 1, 2024, as the next date of hearing.

Hearing a writ petition filed by Shriram Ram, an investor of the company, a division bench comprising Justice Siddharth and Justice Prashant Kumar observed, "This court feels that the entire investigation has been most lackadaisical and all these agencies have utterly failed. These agencies are directed to carry out a proper investigation and put sincere efforts to find out the trail of money."

The court also directed the Ministry of External Affairs to file an affidavit showing the day-to-day progress of the extradition of the fugitive accused. In the order dated May 31, the court also directed that no further sale deeds shall be executed by the accused or their nominees or their managers in favour of any third party.

The court further directed the respondent authorities to ensure that none of the persons, who are involved in this case, shall leave the country.
Tel Aviv, June 3 : An alleged Israeli airstrike has led to the killing of several people in Syria, reports said.

Syrian media outlets reported on Sunday that Israeli airstrike hit a copper smelting factory in Syria's Aleppo leading to the killing of several people.

Initial reports indicate that a factory in Syria's second city of Aleppo is burning following an airstrike.

Syrian Observatory of Human Rights war monitor in a statement said that 12 people were killed in the airstrike.

It also added that there were three explosions in quick succession.

However, the official Syrian sources have not stated any specific numbers but only said 'several'.

The Israel side did not make any comments to confirm.
Colombo, June 3 : Nine people were confirmed dead, nearly 52,000 people were affected, schools closed and a red alert weather warning has been issued with heavy rains and floods over the last 24 hours in several provinces in Sri Lanka.

Due to floods and earth slips, nine people were reported dead over the last 24 hours and more than 13,000 families have been displaced due to heavy rains and floods, the country's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Sunday.

Among the deceased were three from the same family -- a 78-year-old man, his 36-year-old daughter and 7-year-old granddaughter at Avissawella in Colombo districts who were carried away by flood water, DMC added.

In the same area, an 11-year-old girl had been buried due to the collapse of an earth embankment. Two others were killed in Galle in the Southern province after they were washed away by the flood.

State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, said that 20 deaths have been reported from May 15, since the onset of the South-West monsoon with heavy rains over the Indian Ocean island nation.

Landslide warnings have been issued with the continuous heavy rains over 20 out of 25 districts in several provinces, including the Western, Sabaragamuwa would, North Western and Southern.

With the adverse weather conditions, the Education Ministry on Monday directed a holiday for all the schools around the country.

The expressway to southern Sri Lanka was closed as several entrances and exit points had been inundated. Train operations in many areas came to a standstill as railway lines went underwater and railway signal systems had been damaged.

The Power and Energy Ministry announced that with heavy floods, as a precaution, power supplies had been disconnected in several areas while electricity lines were damaged due to the falling of trees and floods.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) warned people living near landslide-prone areas to be ready to leave in an emergency while the Irrigation Department has issued flood warning to those living beside rivers. Fishermen have been asked not to set out to sea.

The Meteorology Department which has issued a red alert for heavy showers in several provinces has predicted over 150mm rain falls in the next 24 hours.

Sri Lanka Navy and other military have been deployed with boats for rescue operations to flood-affected areas.
Dakota Fanning says 'as long as you love it, you're in the right place' to child actors. Image Source: IANS News

Los Angeles, June 3 : Actress Dakota Fanning has given out advice to child stars, saying, "As long as you love it, you're in the right place."

The actress attended the New York City premiere of her thriller film 'The Watchers', which is set deep in the forests of Ireland.

Fanning started working in front of the camera at the age of five.

The actress shared her advice for young actors starting their careers.

"As long as you love it, you're in the right place," she said, reports people.com.

"Sometimes you're working in a cold, wet forest, and if you can still have fun there, then you're on the right track."

In 'The Watchers', Fanning plays Mina, an artist and pet shop worker whose car breaks down, stranding her in the ominous woods. She finds refuge in a glass house along with three strangers, who are watched by mysterious creatures in the dark.

The film, based on the 2021 novel by A.M. Shine, marks the feature directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of Oscar-nominated director M. Night Shyamalan.
New Delhi, June 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a period of meditation in Kanyakumari, returned to work with a renewed focus on India's future. Immediately upon his return, he held over half a dozen back-to-back meetings, demonstrating his dedication and urgency. Before getting back to work, he authored an article in which he articulated his visionary outlook for India's future, emphasizing the importance of dreaming new dreams and striving for ambitious goals.

The article was penned by PM Modi on June 1 between 4.15 p.m. and 7 p.m. during his return flight from Kanyakumari to Delhi:

My Fellow Indians

The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, is concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi.

My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.

It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti... the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election... they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me... my mind became completely detached from the external world.

Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.

I am also grateful to God for instilling in me these values from birth, which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.

Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realise the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.

Friends,

Kanyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanyakumari as well.

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.

Kanyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence - the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspiration for nation-building. This land of Kanyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity.

The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharti from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.

Friends,

Swami Vivekananda once said, "Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach."

For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.

Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on Aug 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once-in-a-century Covid-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.

Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratisation of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.

Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.

Friends,

The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.

We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilise them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.

The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.

We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.

We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'.

Friends,

We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence.

We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.

As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.

My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand.

Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.

Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947.

Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps... let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.
Mumbai, June 3 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has talked about the "trended lingo," expressing that he finds the expression "next level" very cliched.

The cine icon took to his blog and wrote, "Oh! What a world we live in... and the lamentation is that, we, my generation, shall and does have extremely limited time to witness and evolve to the next level..."

"Ah! Such a cliched expression, 'next level,' used in all conversations and descriptions with impunity and not knowing how to express the moment or idea or achievement."

The actor suggested using adjectives in place of the "so-called trended lingo."

"Just convert the moment to a self-designed adjective, and languish in its inventive prodigious masterpiece, than to be irritatingly rational and follow the 'so-called trended lingo'," he wrote.

On the work front, the thespian is gearing up for the release of his upcoming epic science fiction action film 'Kalki 2898 AD' by Nag Ashwin. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2898 AD.

Amitabh will be seen playing the role of Ashwatthama, alongside Prabhas as Bhairav, Kamal Haasan as Kali, and Deepika Padukone as Padma.

He will then appear in 'Vettaiyan' alongside Rajinikanth. The action drama film, written and directed by T. J. Gnanavel, also stars Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Dushara Vijayan.
Chitradurga : , June 3 (IANS) Karnataka Police arrested a maulvi in Chitradurga on Monday, on charges of repeatedly raping a minor girl on the pretext of getting her rid of being possessed by evil spirits. The maulvi also got the victim's brother to sexually assault her as a cure.

The incident is reported from Chitradurga Womenas Police Station limits and the police have slapped a POCSO case against the maulvi.

According to police, the minor victim went to a masjid to read the Quran for three years. The accused had informed her parents that she was possessed by evil spirits and that a special ritual needed to be conducted at her house.

He visited the house of the girl for six to seven months once a week. Every time he visited, he took the victim and her brother into a room and asked the parents to stay out of the room.

The maulvi had brainwashed the victimas brother into believing that she was possessed by evil spirits and that she needed to be dealt with sexually. He also got him to sexually assault the victim in the name of curing her.

The accused even recorded the act and he too raped her. As per the police, this went on for six months. The incident came to light when the parents took the daughter to the doctor after she complained of stomach ache.

Further investigation is underway based on the complaint by the victim's mother. A case is also registered against the victimas brother by the police. More details are yet to come up.
Chitradurga : , June 3 (IANS) Karnataka Police arrested a cleric in Chitradurga on Monday, on charges of repeatedly raping a minor girl on the pretext of getting her rid of being possessed by evil spirits. The priest also got the victim's brother to sexually assault her as a cure.

The incident is reported from Chitradurga Womenas Police Station limits and the police have slapped a POCSO case against the accused.

According to police, the minor victim went to a masjid to read the Quran for three years. The accused had informed her parents that she was possessed by evil spirits and that a special ritual needed to be conducted at her house.

He visited the house of the girl for six to seven months once a week. Every time he visited, he took the victim and her brother into a room and asked the parents to stay out of the room.

The cleric had brainwashed the victimas brother into believing that she was possessed by evil spirits and that she needed to be dealt with sexually. He also got him to sexually assault the victim in the name of curing her.

The accused even recorded the act and he too raped her. As per the police, this went on for six months. The incident came to light when the parents took the daughter to the doctor after she complained of stomach ache.

Further investigation is underway based on the complaint by the victim's mother. A case is also registered against the victimas brother by the police. More details are yet to come up.
Kolkata, June 3 : Counting for the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will be conducted on Tuesday in 55 centres under a tight security cover of 92 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces.

Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal said that the counting will be done in 55 centres. These centres will have 418 counting rooms. The total number of counting tables will be 4,944.

The average counting rounds in these 55 counting centres will be 17, with the maximum and minimum number of rounds to range between 9 and 23. A three-tier security layer in and around the counting centres in West Bengal will be placed.

The innermost tier of security within the counting centres will be managed only by the Central Armed Police Forces personnel and one company of CAPF will be deployed at each such centre. The second and third tier of the security layer will be managed by the state police forces which will also include personnel from the armed forces.

The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari has already appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that under no circumstance any member of the state police is allowed in the innermost tier of the security.

Section 144 will be imposed in an area of 200 metres of radius. Most importantly, close-circuit CCTV cameras will be installed at each counting centre, including the counting halls. The footage of these CCTV cameras will be preserved for possible counting-related irregularities in future.

The CPI(M) leadership has urged the ECI to ensure that under no circumstance anyone can enter the counting centres producing fake identity cards. The party has also requested the Commission to ensure the security of the counting agents within the polling station.

Counting will be done for by-elections for two Assembly constituencies -- Bhagawangola in Murshidabad district and Baranagar in North 24 Parganas district.

Bypolls for Bhagawangola were held because of the sudden demise of the Trinamool Congress legislator Idris Ali.

In the case of Baranagar, a bypoll was necessitated following the resignation of the erstwhile Trinamool Congress legislator Tapas Roy. Roy resigned as the MLA earlier this year before joining the BJP. He is the BJP's candidate this time from Kolkata-Uttar Lok Sabha.
Los Angeles, June 3 : Indian-origin Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan has talked about his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, who is making her feature directorial debut with 'The Watchers' and said that she has a fantasy bent in her interests.

M. Night Shyamalan, who serves as a producer on the upcoming film, said: "Ishana -- who wrote and directed several episodes of 'Servant' -- has a fantasy bent in her interests. 'The Watchers' is an amazing book for her to adapt."

"She read it, fell in love, and wanted to both write and direct it. It was a very organic way that it came about. We said, 'It's from an Irish author and based on Irish folklore -- it would be a beautiful genre movie, and we could shoot it in Ireland.' And we did," he said.

The film follows Mina, a 28-year-old artiste, who gets stranded in an untouched forest in western Ireland. She unknowingly takes shelter alongside three strangers who are watched by mysterious creatures each night.

Talking about the genesis of the story and what drew her to it, Ishana said: "When I was deciding what my first feature should be, I looked at lots of different sources for inspiration; I really wanted to play with combining fantasy and thriller elements. A.M. Shine's book was presented to me, and I started to read... by page 70, I was like, 'I have to make this movie'."

Based on the novel by A.M. Shine, Ishana described it as "a wonderful book, kind of structured like a movie... it's so visual." She added, "It begs you to think about how these worlds and characters look. It felt like an unending pool of inspiration to draw fromthat's the dream as both a writer and director. Some scenes in the movie are exactly the way I imagined them the first time I read the book."

Delving further into her influences, Ishana said, "I knew from the start that this film was going to be a thriller/horrorit's not only the vibe of the book but also the genre I enjoy the most. There was this darkness we wanted to embed in it. I was very inspired by Lars von Trier's 'Antichrist'that witchy, dark, textural tone connected to nature felt right for this."

The film is based on the novel by A.M. Shine, and Ishana called it "a wonderful book, kind of structured like a movie... it's so visual."

"It begs you to think about how these worlds and characters look. It felt like an unending pool of inspiration to draw from -- that's the dream as both a writer and director. In my writing of the script, it was very much about remembering how I felt the first time that I read the book and what those visuals were. And literally, some scenes that are in the movie are exactly the way that I imagined them the first time that I read the book," she added.

Delving further into her influences to direct, Ishana said: "I knew upon entry into this film that it was going to be a thriller/horror -- it's not only the feeling and vibe of the book, but it's also the genre I enjoy the most."

"There was this darkness that we wanted to be embedded into it. I was very inspired by Lars van Trier's 'Antichrist', that witchy, dark, textural kind of tone and feeling -- and it's very connected to nature. That felt the right approach to this."

She shared that as soon as she began working on it, there was so much joy and light in the process that it ended up becoming much more tonally vibrant than she ever could have imagined.

"It's very rich and full of life in the way it looks and in the characters. All of that emerged with the group that came together," she concluded.

Starring Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere, and Oliver Finnegan, 'The Watchers' is set to open in cinemas in India on June 14. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Lucknow, June 3 : Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav questioned the veracity of Exit Polls, saying that agencies conducting them were only trying to create a conducive atmosphere in favour of the BJP.

Exuding confidence that the INDIA bloc would garner maximum seats, he trashed the results of the Exit Polls and said, "Wait till tomorrow and you will see the results.

Talking to reporters, a day ahead of counting of votes, Akhilesh Yadav used a couplet -- "Jitni unchai par jaati hai patang, utni he tez hota hai uska patan" -- to draw home his point.

The SP chief also issued a statement on the 10-year tenure of the Modi government.

He said that on June 4, the country is going to be free from negative forces.

"The policies of BJP are dangerous for the country. People have come together, and voted, following the spirit of 'do or die' of Gandhi ji. This is a new freedom movement to save the future of the country. INDIA's victory is going to be the victory of the people," he said.

Talking about the results of the Exit Polls, the SP leader said, "We braved the scorching heat while campaigning and people braved the weather to come out and vote. Exit Poll organisations also do booth management work for the BJP. They are creating this atmosphere and want to scare the people."

He further said that the BJP made people of one religion fight with people of another religion for the sake of power, made people of one caste fight against another caste and indulged in corruption through electoral bonds.

Akhilesh said that his party workers had been asked to remain watchful and cautious during the counting of votes.
Hyderabad, June 3 : One person was killed when a bomb suspected to have been planted by Maoists went off in a forest in Telangana's Mulugu district on Monday.

Hyderabad, June 3 (IANS) One person was killed when a bomb suspected to have been planted by Maoists went off in a forest in Telanganaas Mulugu district on Monday.

The incident occurred near Kongala village in Vajedu mandal of the district bordering Chhattisgarh. A group of five men had gone on a hillock to collect firewood. One of them stepped on a bomb suspected to have been hidden by Maoists, resulting in the explosion. He died on the spot.

The victim has been identified as Yellandula Yesu (55), a resident of Jagannathpuram village. Four others fled in panic and alerted villagers.

Upon receipt of the information, police personnel rushed to the forest. They cautioned the villagers against visiting the spot due to apprehension of Maoists planting landmines in the area.

Police went on alert over the suspected presence of Maoists in the region and launched the combing operation.

Telangana Police have been maintaining vigil in areas bordering Chhattisgarh in view of the heightened Maoist activity in the neighbouring state.

Over the last decade, police have successfully contained Maoist activity in Telangana with a tight vigil in the districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
Chennai: The counting of votes for the rural local body elections held on October 6 and 9 began at 74 centres spread across nine districts of the state on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.(Photo: R. Parthibhan/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, June 3 : With the counting of votes for the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu set to take place along with the rest of the country on June 4, a three-layer security cover is in place.

According to Tamil Nadu Home Department sources, the outer periphery will be guarded by local police, the middle ring by the Special Armed Police Personnel and the innermost layer by the Central Armed Police Forces.

Around 1,00,000 security personnel have been deployed across the state for counting day.

Of this, 40,000 have been deployed at counting centres while 60,000 police personnel will be on patrol duty.

Apart from this, 15 companies of the paramilitary forces will also be pressed into service.

Tamil Nadu went to polls in the first phase of elections on April 19 in all the 39 seats and one lone seat for Puducherry Lok Sabha.

As many as 950 candidates were in the fray and Tamil Nadu recorded 69.72 per cent voter turnout, with Dharmapuri posting the highest turnout at 81.20 per cent and Chennai central recording the lowest at 53.96 per cent.

There are 39 centres and 38,000 personnel will be involved in the vote counting exercise.

Elaborate arrangements are in place in 234 rooms located in 43 buildings in these 39 counting centres.

As many as 3,200 tables will be arranged across the state with 14 tables in each counting room.

Additional tables will be set up if there is a necessity and counting of votes on each of the tables will be videotaped.

Each of the tables would be assigned one counting supervisor (Gazetted Officer or equivalent), one assistant, multiple staff (Group D employees) and one micro-observer.
Panaji, June 3 : Two staffs of a 'club' from the beach area of Calangute in North Goa were arrested late at night on Sunday, after they allegedly looted a tourist from Gujarat, police said.

Calangute Police Inspector Paresh Naik informed that one Patel Bhavinkumar, 35, from Sabarkantha, Gujarat, had lodged a complaint stating that accused persons with their common intention got him to enter the club by offering various illegal services, and further extorted Rs 44,000 from him.

"The accused owner of the club and his staff, namely Varun Prajapati, Candan Ghadhai and others, extorted money from the complainant. We have taken action by arresting the staff of the club," police said.

"The accused persons are identified as Varun Prajapati and Candan Ghadhai, who are arrested, while arrangements are made to arrest the owner and other accused persons," police added.

An offence has been registered under Section 386, 420 r/w 34 IPC.

Police said that letters are being sent to appropriate authorities to take necessary action against the said club.

Further investigation is underway
Hyderabad, June 2 : A 23-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad has been missing in the US state of California since May 28 and police have sought public help to locate her.

Nitheesha Kandula, a student of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), was last seen in Los Angeles on May 28.

She was reported missing to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Southwest Division on May 30, according to a social media post by John Guttierez, Chief of Police, CSUSB.

"California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in LAPD is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Nitheesha Kandula to contact us at: (909) 537-5165," posted the police chief.

The missing person alert describes her as 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 160 pounds and has black hair and black eyes. She may have been driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla.

"If any agency or person has information on the whereabouts of the missing person, please contact the LAPD Southwest Division at 213-485-2582 or the CSUSB Police Department at 909-537-7777," it added.

This is the latest in a series of such incidents in the US. Last month, a student from Telangana, pursuing a Master's degree from Concordia University in Wisconsin City, was reported missing.

The Indian Consulate in Chicago had announced that Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi had been incommunicado since May 2.

There is no confirmation if the student from Warangal district was traced.

In April, a student from Hyderabad who had been missing since March 7 was found dead in the US city of Cleveland.

Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who was pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology at Cleveland University, Ohio, had not been in touch with the family since March 7 and his family here had received a ransom call.
Chennai, June 3 : Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President, K Selvaperunthagai, on Monday called upon the party's counting agents to be at the counting centres till the last vote is accounted for, on June 4.

In a statement on Monday, the senior leader said that he had participated in a video call with Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday along with other PCC chiefs on the measures to be taken during the June 4 exercise.

He said the national leaders had told the PCC chiefs to disregard the Exit Poll results that have given a huge majority to the BJP-led NDA.

Selvaperunthagai said that both Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had told the PCC presidents to be vigilant on counting day and ensure that agents were present in the counting centres till the last vote.

He said that he had assured Kharge and Rahul Gandhi that the Tamil Nadu Congress party would win all the seats it had contested.

Selvaperunthagai urged the party election agents to bring the Election Commission's manuals and relevant law books to the counting centres to ensure they are fully informed of the procedures.

He called upon the party's counting agents to reach the centres by 6 A.M. and be vigilant and cautious till the end.

The Congress leader said, "The counting agents must ensure that the EVMs and VVPAT's are intact before the counting of the votes begins. They must verify the entries on Form 17C to confirm that the votes recorded in the form match those in the EVMs."

He added, "If any machine has damaged seals or mismatched numbers, it should be set aside and not counted."

The senior Congress leader said that each Assembly segment will have separate tables for counting votes and the counting agents of the candidates have the right to sit with the Assistant Election Officer at each of the tables.

He urged the agents to see to it that this right was not compromised, under any circumstances.
New Delhi, June 3 : The Australian government has invited public submissions as it prepares a new roadmap for the country's closer economic engagement with India. The roadmap will not only take stock of Australia's existing economic initiatives with India but also explore innovative ways of doing more together.

"There has never been a better time to engage economically with India: already the most populous country in the world, India's economy is growing at pace. In 2023, India was our fourth-largest export market and is on track to be the world's third-largest economy by the end of this decade. Australia is well positioned to both benefit from and contribute to Indiaas growth story a" if we target our efforts wisely," believes Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The Department mentioned that work on both sides in recent years has delivered results, including through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), the opening of a Consulate General in Bengaluru - which was matched by India's in Brisbane - and the establishment of the Centre for Australia India Relations. Alongside this, the next stage of trading relationship, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), is currently under negotiation between the two countries.

As the relationship between Quad partners continues to expand both strategically and economically, DFAT detailed that there have been as many as 23 Australian ministerial visits to India and 15 Indian ministerial visits to Australia since May 2022.

Besides the "high tempo of senior Ministerial visits," the India-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the annual Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue, joint hosting of the Indian Ocean Conference in February 2024, and working closely on the Quad initiatives have been the highlights of partnership between India and Australia.

"Our partnership with India will be crucial to the Albanese government's vision for 'A Future Made in Australia'. The new roadmap will help secure Australia's place in a changing global economic and strategic landscape and help make Australia a renewable energy superpower," stated DFAT.

The public submissions, which are open till August 5, aim at seeking inputs to the roadmap from voices in Australia and India, especially from businesses working in both countries, research centres and academia, members of Indian-Australian communities, India-focused NGOs and civil society organisations, state and territory governments, etc.

DFAT said that it will also be conducting consultations in state capitals in Australia and in India.
New Delhi, June 3 : Delhi Police's Crime Branch arrested a 40-year-old criminal, who had been absconding for the last one year and was wanted for killing a man in the Bhalswa area over an old enmity, an official said on Monday.

The accused identified as Amit aka Kale, a resident of Jahangirpuri, was carrying a reward of Rs 20,000 on information leading to his arrest.

Police said that Amit was previously involved in seven cases including murder and attempt to murder.

According to police, one Bijender Yadav was murdered on May 22, 2023, by Sanju Yadav, Sandeep Panwar, Amit and Suraj Yadav in connivance with others by gunshot injuries.

During the investigation, three accused were arrested but Amit was absconding.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amit Goel said that input about Amit was received recently on May 30, following which a trap was laid and he was nabbed from the Yamuna Vihar area.

"He is a dreaded criminal and he was also declared 'proclaimed offender'. He was on the run soon after committing the offence and was at large. He regularly kept changing his hideouts and was not using phones to evade arrest," the DCP added.
Mumbai, June 3 : Lipi V. Rastogi, daughter of a senior IAS couple, allegedly jumped to her death from a building at Nariman Point, early on Monday morning, officials said.

The deceased is the daughter of IAS officer Vikas C. Rastogi, attached with Higher & Technical Education Department, and Radhika V. Rastogi, posted in the Home Department.

Around 4 a.m. this morning, Lipi jumped from the 10th floor of the building and was rushed to G. T. Hospital where she was declared dead on admission.

Living with her parents at Suniti Apartments, housing government officers near the Y. B. Chavan Centre, 26-year-old Lipi has left behind a suicide note which has been seized by the Cuffe Parade Police.

A student of Law at a college in Sonepat, Haryana, Lipi has reportedly pointed to academic pressures, which may have prompted her to take the extreme step. She also claimed in her suicide note that nobody should be blamed for it.

The Cuffe Parade Police have filed an accidental death report and are investigating the matter. Her last rites are slated for later on Monday.
Mumbai, June 3 : Actress Monika Panwar has talked about her character in the gritty thriller series 'Gaanth' and said that her character brings much-needed positivity to the project.

Monika said: "It's always exciting to be part of stories that are different and also give you a chance to think and experiment. 'Gaanth' is special as I play a caring psychologist in a dark thriller. I feel my character brings much-needed positivity to the show.

"Life has been slightly unfair to her, and she willingly gets involved in a murder investigation while discovering sides of herself that were long hidden."

The show, which also stars Manav Vij and Saloni Batra, centres on a mysterious mass suicide in East Delhi. Disgraced Inspector Gadar Singh and psychiatric intern Sakshi Murmu join forces to unravel the case of seven bodies hanging in a house.

The actress from Uttarakhand was featured in films such as 'Super 30', 'Mast Mein Rehne Ka', and 'Class of '83'. She was last seen in 'Dukaan' by Siddharth Singh and Garima Wahal.

'Gaanth' will be released on June 11 on JioCinema Premium.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Greg Sarkissian, President of the Zoryan Institute has responded to the statement by the Lemkin Institute in which the latter accused Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan of denying the Armenian Genocide.

The article reads as follows:

This article aims to better understand the statement released on May 10, 2024, by the Lemkin Institute unjustifiably Condemning Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans Cryptic Engagement with Genocide Denial. This statement was issued in response to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans message on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2024. I found the Lemkin Institutes article surprising, unnecessary and irresponsible and reading it left me seeking to understand the motivations and foundations for its claims.

As the President of the Zoryan Institute, I would like to underscore that this article does not reflect the official position of the Zoryan Institute, nor does it serve as an endorsement of Mr. Pashinyans message on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, or approval or disapproval of his performance as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. The opinions expressed herein are my own as someone who has dedicated my life to the studies of the phenomenon of genocide as a universal experience, and its relation to human rights.

At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the work undertaken by the Lemkin Institute in the field of genocide studies. In particular, I want to pay tribute to Dr. Elisa Von Joeden-Forgey, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute. Dr. Von Joeden-Forgey is a former Endowed Chair in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Keene State College, Keene, NH, USA. I personally admire her dedication to the field of genocide studies and for the work she undertakes at the Lemkin Institute. We, at the Zoryan Institute, are grateful for Dr. Von Joden-Forgeys many years of contributions including as member of faculty and acting director of the GHRUP University Program, as former editor of Zoryan Institutes Genocide Studies International journal, and finally as a formerly active Board Member.

Now as to why I was conflicted reading the Lemkin Institutes recent article raising concerns about Prime Minister Pashinyans engagement with genocide denial. Genocide denial is defined as the attempt to deny or minimize the scale and severity of an instance of genocide. Denial itself, is an integral aspect of genocide.

In the very first paragraph of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans Armenian Genocide commemoration message of April 24, 2024, Mr. Pashinyan clearly asserts the purpose of that day and concisely affirms the Armenian Genocide: Today we commemorate the memory of 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, the Meds Yeghern, who were put to the sword in the Ottoman Empire since 1915 for being Armenians. In this paragraph, which seems to have been inadvertently excluded from the Lemkin Institutes analysis, Mr. Pashinyan does not attempt to deny or minimize the scale of the Armenian Genocide; rather, he emphasizes four implicit affirmations of genocide recognition:

First, he establishes parity between the terms Armenian Genocide and Meds Yeghern allowing for their interchangeability. Secondly, by affirming the loss of 1.5 million Armenians, he shows no attempt to deny or minimize the scale and severity of the genocide. Furthermore, he acknowledges that 1.5 million Armenians were put to the sword throughout the Ottoman Empire, not just Anatolia. Lastly, that these 1.5 million victims were massacred simply for being Armenians, based on national, ethnic, and religious considerations.

One wonders why the Lemkin Institutes article does not mention this first paragraph in their analysis, which succinctly recognizes the Armenian Genocide, its magnitude, and the reasons behind it. Interestingly, examining the Prime Ministers commemorative speech of 2023 reveals a continuum in Mr. Pashinyans ideas and philosophy on the subject. He approaches genocide affirmation differently from the way we, as survivors and their descendants, have over the past five or six decades, and brings the impact of inter-generational trauma to the discussion.

In 2024, he states: Meds Yeghern became a nationwide tragedy and grief for us, and without exaggeration, is a predetermining factor for our socio-psychology. Even today, we perceive the world, our environment, ourselves under the dominant influence of the mental trauma of the Meds Yeghern, and we have not overcome that trauma. This means that, being an internationally recognized state, we often relate and compete with other countries and the international community in a state of mental trauma, and for this reason, sometimes we cannot correctly distinguish the realities and factors, historical processes and projected horizons.

In 2023, he stated: The April 24 march is perhaps the most impactful occurrence that has predetermined and is predetermining our reality, an exceptional day to think about our history, past and future. What do young parents think when walking to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial, often holding the hands of young children, or what do elderly people with more life experience think? They are probably thinking about two questions. Why did the Meds Yeghern happen and what should be done to prevent its recurrence? Hundreds and thousands of works have been written about the causes of the Armenian Genocide, many reasons and motives have been revealed. As for the methodology to exclude the recurrence of such a crime, it largely depends on our understanding of the concepts of state and region.

To me, it seems that Prime Minister Pashinyan is affirming the recognition of the Armenian Genocide while simultaneously seeking ways to help deal with the trauma which has shaped Armenians and their outlook on the future  especially for those living in todays Armenia, a sovereign state.

The Lemkin Institute article states: While we do not generally involve ourselves in domestic affairs of states unless there is an internal threat of genocide, we must address concerns stemming from recent statements made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that appear to diverge from fundamental principles of genocide prevention, genocide recognition, and transitional justice, and that directly relate to issues of Armenian national security. In my opinion, the Lemkin Institutes misinterpretation of the Prime Ministers message as an internal threat of genocide has led to an unwarranted and unjustified interference in the internal affairs of the state. Consequently, their concerns were not called for.

There was no divergence from the governing principles of genocide prevention as prescribed by the Genocide Convention, which aims to prevent atrocity crimes against humanity and to understand the root causes of those crimes, particularly genocide. This is clearly the sentiment in Pashinyans message:

What should we do and what should we not do in order to overcome the trauma of genocide and exclude it as a threat? These are questions that should be the key subject of discussion in our political and philosophical thinking, but this kind of point of view of dealing with the fact of the Meds Yeghern is not common among us.

By intentionally omitting the opening statement of the Prime Ministers remarks from the article, and falsely interpreting the overall essence of Mr. Pashinyans statement, the writer has acted irresponsibly by politicizing the Lemkin Institute. They had neglected the statement of the Foreign Minister on the same date which clearly affirms the Armenian Genocide. At the very least, a detached, objective, and thorough analysis would have indicated reasons for not including the entirety of the message. Finally, to restore its reputation as a scholarly organization, the Lemkin Institute must issue a public apology to Prime Minister Pashinyan and the people of Armenia.
New Delhi, June 3 : Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Monday heaped praise on the Election Commission of India (ECI) for accepting the demands put forth by the INDIA bloc on postal ballots and said that this was a 'good precedent' by the poll body in 'promoting the spirit of democracy'.

Taking to his X handle, the Congress leader said: "What one is happiest about the most is that a very glaring issue of democracy, namely - counting postal ballots first, has been graciously and promptly agreed to by the ECI, one or two days before the counting of votes and shall be implemented tomorrow."

He further stated, "This is the participatory manner of promoting the spirit of democracy in a non-adversarial fashion, which works best in the long term."

Singhvi further thanked the EC for taking time out on Sunday and giving a patient hearing to the INDIA bloc demands, apparently after Exit polls predicted a thumping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"I am happy and proud to have spoken on behalf of the multi-party delegation which went yesterday to the Election Commission of India. We are also grateful to the ECI for giving us time promptly on a Sunday and for hearing us patiently," he said.

Notably, the Election Commission in its presser today said that it has accepted all the demands flagged by multi-party delegations of the INDIA bloc.

Addressing the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said, "All issues raised by the multi-party delegations have been addressed."

Notably, the multi-party delegation under the INDIA bloc went to EC on Sunday and demanded that the postal ballots be counted first and also their results declared before the outcome of EVM counting.

Meanwhile, a majority of exit polls have projected the biggest ever victory for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with most of the pollsters claiming that the ruling party is set to bag more than 350 seats while some projected the figure upto 400 mark.
New Delhi, June 3 : Nokia on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), a Central University under the Ministry of Railways, to pursue research and development opportunities in the areas of transportation and logistics in India.

Nokia and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will team up on research opportunities in 5G/6G communications targeting air, land and sea transportation use cases, standards development, smart factory/automation, and AI/GenAI labs.

"This MoU further reinforces the industry-driven approach of the university to proactively co-work with the industry stakeholders for a Viksit Bharat," Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Communications and IT, said in a statement.

The collaboration has a research focus specifically on leveraging Nokiaas Network as Code platform with a developer portal and digital twins for transportation and logistics sectors, fibre sensing and AI, and optical network planning.

The Network as Code platform with developer portal reflects Nokiaas strategic focus to drive new business models and unlock the potential that networks can deliver in terms of innovation, sustainability, and productivity.

"The collaboration with Nokia will further accelerate the technology-enabled progress in the transportation and logistics sector as well as advance the telecommunications sector," said Prof Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

The collaboration with GSV is the most recent in a series of recent partnerships between Nokia and the Indian research community. In October 2023, Nokia established a 6G Lab at its Global R&D centre in Bengaluru.
New Delhi, June 3 : Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Monday forwarded the former AAP leader and Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand's resignation to the President for consideration, as required by law, an official said.

According to Raj Niwas, in his only official communication during the period when Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was out on interim bail, he has, after a gap of a month and 20 days recommended the acceptance of the resignation of Minister Raaj Kumar Anand.

"Significantly, with this recommendation to the LG, the critical departments of SC/ST Welfare, Social Welfare, Cooperative and Gurudwara Elections have become headless and paralyzed, since in his recommendations to the LG, Kejriwal has not allocated these departments to any other Minister, as law provides," said the official.

The official at Raj Niwas further said that with no recommendation about re-allocation being made, all these departments will automatically vest into the Chief Minister, who is in jail, thereby making any decision or work in these departments impossible.

Interestingly, Anand in his resignation to the Chief Minister had outlined inaction and corruption in these departments, as well as the diversion of SC/ST funds for other purposes/schemes, apart from ministers being in jail, as a reason.

It may be noted that since Anand resigned on April 10 and when his resignation was recommended for acceptance on May 31 by Kejriwal, the former had already contested the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections on a BSP ticket from the New Delhi constituency.

"Interestingly, while Kejriwal was out on bail for 21 days, he did not deem it fit to send the file pertaining to Mayoral Elections in MCD to the LG. The Mayor this time is to be from the SC category. He also did not deem it fit to raise the issue of inter-state cooperation/coordination with the LG, in the matter of the water crisis in Delhi," said Raj Niwas.
Mumbai, June 3 : Annu Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film 'Hamare Baarah', met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde on Monday.

The actor shared that he spoke with the Chief Minister about the threats that he and the team of the film are receiving.

He added that the Chief Minister has assured the team of the protection against the elements who are issuing threats to them.

Annu Kapoor told the media: "I met with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde with regards to our film 'Hamare Baarah'. The director of our film, Kamal Chandra along with the team of the film are getting death threats. People who have been threatening us have said that they will sever the head of Kamal Chandra."

He further spoke about the Chief Minister's assurance to him and the team.

"The Chief Minister has ensured and has given categorical directions to his administration to provide tight security to the team of our film so that the film, which is scheduled to release on June 7 in India and 15 other countries, faces no problem during its exhibition," he added.
Nagpur, June 3 : An ex-engineer of Brahmos Aerospace, Nagpur, who was arrested in a sensational case of spying for Pakistan's ISI, has been awarded a 14-year jail term by a sessions court here on Monday.

Nagpur, June 3 (IANS) An ex-engineer of Brahmos Aerospace, Nagpur, who was arrested in a sensational case of spying for Pakistanas ISI, has been awarded a 14-year jail term by a sessions court here on Monday.

Nishant Agarwal -- an aerospace engineer -- was arrested in 2018 for allegedly leaking sensitive information about Indiaas Brahmos missiles to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan in a suspected honey-trap operation.

Besides the 14-year sentence under the Official Secrets Act, Additional Sessions Judge M.V. Deshpande also imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on Agarwal, special public prosecutor Jyoti Vajani told the media.

At the time of his arrest six years ago, Agarwal was working as a senior systems engineer with the Brahmos Aerospace, a joint venture of the DRDO and the Military Industrial Consortium of Russia.

Agarwal was part of the teams working to develop Indiaas supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from land, sea, air, and underwater, giving an edge to the countryas defence muscles.

The spy scandal hit the headlines then as Agarwal, who was working with the company for over four years, reportedly fell victim to a honey-trap operation purportedly managed by the ISI.

After it was detected, a team of Military Intelligence along with the ATS of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh swooped to arrest him. In April 2023, he was granted bail by the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench).

As per the subsequent investigations, he was in touch with the two suspected operatives through two Facebook accounts in the name of Pooja Rajan and Neha Sharma.

The accounts were based out of Islamabad and were said to be run by ISI operatives. The investigators later said that Agarwal became an easy target on social media owing to his casual approach despite being engaged in a secret and sensitive defence-related project.

The investigators said that Agarwalas laptop had restricted and secret files, besides a software through which such classified information could be transferred to countries or organisations abroad.

Agarwal is an alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, and also the winner of the Young Scientists Award presented by the DRDO.
Panaji, June 3 : Citing an example of the Exit Polls after the Karnataka and Telangana Assembly elections, the Congress on Monday expressed confidence that the Lok Sabha election results would also be opposite to what has been predicted.

GPCC President, Amit Patkar, on Monday addressed a press conference and questioned how the media or agencies releasing Exit Polls could take them out within a minute of the seventh phase of voting being concluded.

"On what basis were the Exit Polls done? They want us to be demoralised.

"Is it possible to do a survey and release an Exit Poll a minute after the voting for the seventh phase had ended? How can this happen?

"In Karnataka and Telangana the Exit Polls predicted the victory of the BJP, but exactly the opposite happened," Patkar said.

"The BJP has realised that they will lose and the INDIA bloc is winning. So, they have tried to misguide the people to demoralise the candidates, election agents and supporters. We will not allow the BJP to manipulate the counting process," Patkar said.

He appealed to officials not to work under pressure and fear of the BJP government.

According to him, the Exit Polls have given wrong information about the seats in some of the states.

"In one state they have shown that the BJP is winning 6 to 8 seats, but there are lesser seats in this state," Patkar said.

Patkar said that the party has trained agents for counting and is confident of winning both seats of Goa.

"The ground sentiments are with the INDIA bloc across the country," he said.
New Delhi, June 3 : A startling report on "massive foreign interference" in India's just-concluded Lok Sabha elections has revealed that "millions of dollars" were spent to impact the voter mindset and set a dangerous narrative around it through an "orchestrated and well-funded plan".

The report, titled 'Invisible hands - foreign interference in Indian elections 2024' and released by Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) organisation DisInfo Lab, stated that as millions of Indians were deciding their future, a section of the global media and academia was planning a sinister plot to influence their decisions with "tireless attack" on everything linked to elections.

"In the past few months, democratic processes and institutions in India including political establishments have come under hostile attacks from the foreign press, academia, and activists. A deliberate effort has been made to push an agenda that undermines the largest democratic process in the world," the report mentioned.

"The extent of this Influence campaign was not restricted to the Western media itself; many Indian conduits were at the forefront and acted like the anvil that was ready to be moulded to any shape," it added saying that "insane number of pages" in the form of articles/op-Eds/ research papers were dedicated to the Indian elections that peaked in the last six months.

"Some of these media outlets had tacit funding, and some were explicit, while few were funded by organisations with dark backgrounds of publishing slant narratives -- e.g. -- from stories based on 'random WhatsApp groups' to creating heroes out of Pak-sponsored stooges," the DisInfo report mentioned.

Asserting that South Asians are not alien to Western media's "colonial hangover" that is reflected in their "editorial bias and supremacist literature", the report details that the commentary on Indian elections had a distinct tone this time with usual suspects and "propaganda powerhouses" making a more coordinated effort with new players on board.

These entities, the report stated, introduced terms like 'Declining Democracy in India', 'Hindu Majoritarianism' and 'Fascism' pushing them into the mainstream discourse whenever a mention about India was made until that became an "accepted pattern for the mainstream media".

The report mentions that besides certain individuals and common agenda, common funding was also something that binded events and activities from outside India in the run-up to and during the Lok Sabha elections.

"Amongst all the noise, a sinister attempt to interfere right at the micro level to impact voter mindset and a dangerous narrative building was being peddled," it said.
Bhopal, June 3 : On the eve counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari on Monday accused the state's bureaucrats of "acting as BJP's agents".

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Patwari claimed there were several instances where the district collectors, who were also the returning officers for the LS polls, acted in a biased manner.

Patwari also said that the Congress has prepared a list of such bureaucrats (returning officers), as he threatened to expose them after the counting is over on Tuesday.

"Several district collectors acted like BJP's agents and did not follow the Election Commission's guidelines. They did so because they were forced to act in a particular manner. Some of them also did so deliberately to please the BJP leaders. We have prepared a list of such officers and will expose them after the election process is completed," Patwari claimed.

Meanwhile, Patwari also said the Congress fought the general elections on public issues across the country, as he claimed that the Congress' election manifesto was discussed more than the BJP's by the electorate.

On Exit Polls, Patwari reiterated the stand of the Congress top brass, calling them "fantasy polls of the BJP led by PM Narendra Modi".

"We have given a tough fight in over a dozen Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh and are expecting a positive response tomorrow (counting day)," Patwari said.

Notably, most Exit Polls have predicted a comfortable victory for the BJP-led NDA, with some even forecasting a two-thirds majority for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

For Madhya Pradesh, most Exit Polls have projected the BJP to win 27-29 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress is expected to win 2-3 seats.
Amaravati, June 3 : The Election Commission of India is following one rule in Andhra Pradesh and another rule in the rest of the country about the validity of the postal ballots, said YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Monday.

YSRCP General Secretary and Andhra Pradesh government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said that the poll panel violated its own rule by relaxing the postal ballot norms only in the case of Andhra Pradesh.

On the Supreme Court refusing to interfere in the matter, he said this does not make a wrong the right.

A vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta said on Monday that in the facts and circumstances of the cases, the court was not inclined to interfere with the June 1 order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The YSR Congress Party had challenged the EC's May 30 circular which relaxed the norms of the attestation of postal ballots for Andhra Pradesh on the grounds that it was discriminatory to the State.

The EC through its circular asked the election officials to consider the postal ballot as valid even if the postal ballot declaration form has no name, designation, or seal but has the signature of the attesting officer.

The YSRCP leader alleged that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu tried to manipulate the system and used his alliance with the BJP to influence institutions like the Election Commission.

"Chandrababu trying to manage systems is not new. Ever since he entered into an alliance with the BJP, he has been trying to put pressure on systems and get a hold of the official machinery," he said.

He mentioned in July last year the Election Commission issued the norms which make it mandatory that the postal ballot carry not only the signature of the attesting officer but also details like his name and designation.

"But in Andhra Pradesh, it blatantly violated its own rule by announcing that postal ballot will be accepted only if it carries the signature of the official. This relaxation after polling and before counting has created doubts," he said.

Ramakrishna Reddy, however, said that the conspiracies by Chandrababu Naidu had no impact on the ground realities. "YSRCP is confident that it will form the government again with an overwhelming majority," he said.

He said YSRCP cadres had been asked to be ready for celebrations between 10-30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

"The writing on the wall is clear no matter how many doubts created with the Exit Polls," he said.

He rejected the predictions made by some Exit Polls and claimed that since Chandrababu Naidu has an alliance with the BJP, they have made such predictions.

"These Exit Polls are an attempt to show a few seats more for the BJP and its alliance in the south," he said.

He found fault with the predictions saying they do not match with the actual number of seats contested by the parties.

Ramakrishna Reddy said a workshop for counting agents of YSRCP was conducted ahead of the counting of votes on Tuesday.

"In view of the unusual situation, we have asked the counting agents to remain alert," he said.

The party has asked the counting agents not to leave the counting centres till the counting process is completed and the result is officially declared. The agents were told to ensure that not a single vote is missed.
Washington, June 3 : US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden is set to go on trial on Monday on three charges related to firearms possession, facing 25 years of maximum jail term if convicted.

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US President Joe Bidenas son Hunter Biden is set to go on trial on Monday on three charges related to firearms possession, facing 25 years of maximum jail term if convicted.

Hunter Bidenas trial comes just days after a Manhattan jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records to show payment of hush money to an adult film star as legal expenses.

Trump faces four years of maximum punishment for each charge, but he is more likely to get away with a lesser punishment, such as community service, or home confinement, or supervised release.

Hunter Biden has arrived at a federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, and the first day is likely to be spent on jury selection.

The trial is expected to last two weeks. He is charged with two counts of providing false information on a form he filled when he bought a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018. He had wrongly said he was not using narcotics at the time, which he said at the time in an autobiography. The third count charges him with using narcotics while in possession of a firearm.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Hunter Biden is being prosecuted by David Weiss, a US attorney appointed by Trump and elevated to special prosecutor by the Biden administration at his request so as to be able to conduct the case independently.

President Biden can pardon his son if he is found guilty, but the White House has said he wonat pardon do so.

Trump, on the other hand, is likely to pardon himself in federal cases if he is elected as the President again. But he wonat be able to pardon himself in the Manhattan case as it is a state case and presidential pardons can only be granted in federal cases.

He currently faces two federal cases -- one for mishandling classified documents after leaving office, and the second is about the January 6 insurrection in 2021.

He faces multiple charges in a state case of trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome in Georgia.

The younger Biden also faces tax-related charges in California.

Republicans have used Hunter Biden, who struggled with drug addiction and failing relationships, to accuse the President of corruption. They tried first to implicate him in charges of bribery in Ukraine, which led instead to Trumpas first of the two impeachments.

President Biden has supported his son but has made no reported efforts to influence or end his prosecution by the Department of Justice, which is also prosecuting two senior Democratic lawmakers -- Senator Robert Menendez of alleged bribery in exchange for helping Egypt, and Congressman Enrique Roberto for alleged bribery by Azerbaijan.
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren has reassured Kyiv that the 24 F-16 fighter jets that the Netherlands intends to donate to Ukraine may be used to strike targets inside Russia, POLITICO reports.

In an interview with POLITICO at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Ollongren said the Netherlands would not impose a limitation as was the case with Belgium, where Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has warned Kyiv not to fly the F-16s it gets from his country in Russian airspace.

We are applying the same principle that we have applied to every other delivery of capabilities, which is once we hand it over to Ukraine, its theirs to use," Ollongren told POLITICO.

"We only ask them to comply to international law and the right to self-defense as stated in the UN Charter, which means they use it to target the military goals they need to target in their self-defense, Ollongren continued.

The Netherlands and Denmark were the first to agree to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. Dutch Minister of Defence has announced that the Netherlands intends to send the first F-16s to Kyiv in 2024.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Belgium on May 28, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that his country is committed to delivering 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2028. Zelensky said the first aircraft would be arriving already this year.
Marital status cannot take away woman's identity: Madras HC on temple not permitting widow entry. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, June 3 : The Madras High Court has sought the response of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide campaign against seeking votes on the grounds of religion, caste, or language.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq issued notice to the poll panel, returnable by 12 weeks.

Petitioner, advocate Rajesh Anouar Mahimaidass of Vellore, argued the case himself, telling the court that the preamble of the Constitution unambiguously declares India to be a secular nation.

He also cited the 2017 Supreme Court judgment in Abhiram Singh versus C.D. Commachen (2017) which had interpreted Section 123 (1) of the Representation of the People Act,1951 to declare that seeking votes in the name of religion, caste, or language would amount to a corrupt electoral practice.

The petitioner, during the argument, sought that an awareness campaign on the subject be conducted even during non-election periods. He also informed the court that he had made several representations to the ECI but there was no response.

He called for an awareness campaign across the country through mainstream and social media against hate speeches.

Advocate Mahimaidass also wanted the ECI and Chief Electoral Officers of all states to disseminate this information prominently on their websites. He also urged the court to appoint an independent commission of retired judges and human rights activists to oversee the enforcement of the Supreme Court's 2017 verdict.
Kolhapur : , June 3 (IANS) A retired Pro Vice-Chancellor of Shivaji University Kolhapur, Vasant M. Chavan, was among three persons killed in a ghastly road accident of multiple vehicles at a prominent traffic junction here, here on Monday, officials said.

The crash took place when a speeding car, reportedly driven by Chavan, rammed into at least three motorcycles at the Cyber Chowk at around 2.30 p.m. on Monday.

Officials suspect that Chavan (72) was probably unwell and may have lost control of the speeding car arriving from the Rajarampuri Road, crashing into the two motorcycles at the busy junction.

Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage showed the other two victims being flung several metres in the air before falling to their deaths, officials said.

The impact of the collision was so severe that even Chavan was killed in his vehicle as it sped and rammed into another stationery vehicle a" just two days after his 72nd birthday last Saturday.

At least three-four persons were also injured in the accident, while several vehicles were damaged, a couple of traffic barricades were knocked, and a traffic signal was partly damaged.

The injured were rushed to the nearby C.T. Hospital and C.P.R. Hospital where their condition was described as 'seriousa. Further details are awaited.

The Cyber Chowk is one of the prominent thoroughfares in Kolhapur with the Shivaji University Kolhapur on one side, the Rajaram College on another side, besides several other schools and other private educational institutions in the vicinity.

Chavan had been associated with the IIM-Ahmedabad, served as a former college principal, besides serving as the former Director of Bharatiya Vidyapeethas institutions in Kolhapur and Delhi.

He was the Pro-VC of SUK from April 2001 to March 2004.
Kolkata, June 3 : On the eve of the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, the Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that no contractual staff is assigned any sort of counting duty on Tuesday.

The single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha said in its order that the definition of contractual staff will include Anganwadi workers, para-teachers, and civic volunteers.

Justice Sinha also directed the ECI to ensure that the deployment of people for the counting process is done by strictly adhering to the norms specified in the rules framed by the poll panel.

The BJP candidate from Howrah Lok Sabha constituency, Rathin Chakraborty, had filed a petition in the high court alleging that some contractual employees attached to the Howrah Municipal Corporation and the Bally Municipality were assigned counting duties by flouting the Commissionas norms.

His counsel argued that the ECI should ensure that its notification ordering only permanent state government employees be assigned counting duty is strictly followed.

However, the Commissionas counsel argued that there was no specific instance or evidence to show that any contractual state government employee had been assigned counting duty.

After hearing both sides, Justice Sinha directed the Commission to ensure that no contractual staff is assigned counting duty on Tuesday.
Islamabad, June 3 : In a major development for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday acquitted party Chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan along with the former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case, nullifying their 10-year sentence.

As per the order given by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hasan, it was observed that there was lack of evidence in the case as the primary issue of the cipher and its contents were never presented before the court.

The judgment holds massive significance for both Khan and Qureshi as it not only trims down their 10-year prison sentence but also vindicates their stance that the earlier verdict given by a special court was based on political motives to keep them and their party out of the election race.

"Today is a day of celebration for all Pakistanis. Truth has won and justice has prevailed as the baseless case has been quashed," said PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan.

He insisted that Khan, who has spent 10 months in jail in the case, will walk free soon as such "baseless cases" are framed only for "political victimisation".

Another senior PTI leader, Shibli Faraz said that the party has seen very difficult days and suffered badly because of politically-motivated cases against its top leadership.

"Imran Khan is a true patriot. Despite being in jail in these difficult conditions, he has not done any deal nor has he sent his apology to anyone," he said.

"Other leaders from PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League a" Nawaz) and PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) would have immediately left the country. But, Khan is fighting bravely because he has dedicated his life to the people of Pakistan," he added.

Salman Safdar, the lawyer who represented Khan and Qureshi in the cipher case, said Monday's verdict is a result of a tedious three-month struggle and the courage of the High Court judges.

"The government failed miserably in proving its case before the court. The prosecutors had to step back from their principal position. Hats off to the honourable judges. Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi have not committed any anti-state activity. We had made it clear from the first day that we want to argue on the merits of the case and that we will demand acquittal in the case," he added.

In March 2022, Khan delivered a speech at a public gathering in Islamabad, during which he waved a document, claiming it to be the cipher letter, in which, Donald Lu, the then US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs had warned of serious consequences for Pakistan if Khan would survive the Vote of No Confidence (VONC).

The meeting detail between the US diplomat and the then Pakistani Ambassador to the US Asad Majeed was communicated to the Pakistan Foreign Office through a coded cipher communication letter marked "confidential", which was shared with then-premier Imran Khan.

The case framed against Khan and Qureshi alleged that the cipher document was misplaced and its sensitive contents were leaked and waved in the public gathering. The case alleged that Khan later used the secret document and its classified information for personal and political gains.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) started a probe into the cipher gate case in July 2023 after the announcement of an official inquiry by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government under the premiership of Shehbaz Sharif.

Khan was later arrested in August after being convicted in the Toshakhana case and was also declared arrested in the cipher case.

Both Khan and Qureshi were charged under section 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) of the Pakistan Army, which meant that the provision could result in a possible death penalty or life imprisonment for both.

Earlier this year, a special court established under the Official Secret Act awarded Imran and Qureshi to at least 10-year imprisonment in the high-profile case. PTI, through its lawyer Safdar, appealed against the convictions in the Islamabad High Court.

"If the information has been twisted, then it should be known what the information was," stated Chief Justice Farooq during the hearing on Monday.

The IHC verdict maintained that the prosecution "failed to link the alleged crime with revealing secrets concerning the armed forces and sensitive areas to foreign powers".
New Delhi, June 3 : India's coal production reached 83.91 million tonnes (MT) in May, a growth of 10.15 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year's 76.18 MT, the Centre said on Monday.

Coal India Limited (CIL) achieved coal production of 64.40 MT in May, marking a growth of 7.46 per cent compared to the same period last year, when it was 59.93 MT, said the Ministry of Coal.

Additionally, coal production by captive and other entities in May 2024 stood at 13.78 MT, reflecting a growth of 32.76 per cent from the previous year, which was 10.38 MT.

India's overall coal dispatches for May reached 90.84 MT, up by 10.35 per cent compared to the same period last year when it was recorded at 82.32 MT. During the month, CIL dispatched 69.08 MT of coal, a growth of 8.50 per cent.

"Additionally, coal dispatch by captive and other entities in May was recorded at 16 MT (Provisional), reflecting a growth of 29.33 per cent from the previous year, which was 12.37 MT," the ministry said.

The ministry said last week that the coal stocks at thermal power plants are sufficient to meet the requirement of 19 days amid the extremely high demand for power in the scorching heat. India's power demand hit a new high at 250 GW last week. The ministry said it is ready to ensure adequate availability of coal at thermal power plants during monsoon season.
Colombo, June 3 : Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer arrived in Colombo on Monday, beginning a three-day visit to the island nation as the pro-China government led by President Mohamed Muizzu focuses on building closer ties with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Last month, Zameer paid an official visit to New Delhi and held discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

"This visit was long overdue. Usually, when a new cabinet is appointed in the Maldives, they make their first visits to Sri Lanka. But it couldn't be done this time as his counterpart in Sri Lanka was not available," said a source close to Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister's Colombo visit will be watched closely by the observers as Muizzu has pledged to end the Indian Ocean archipelago's 'India First' policy.

Interestingly, the strained ties between the two countries saw more Indian tourists flocking Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister has acknowledged that as Maldives' tourism market dropped drastically in 2024, the number of Indian tourists arriving in Sri Lanka rose rapidly from 13,759 in January 2023 to 34,000 in January 2024.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has also said that Sri Lanka has a lot more to offer to Indian tourists - including beaches, shopping and the Ramayana Trail which historically connects the two South Asian neighbours.

During his visit, Zameer is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena besides holding official bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.

The ministers representing the two island nations in South Asia are expected to explore avenues to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral ties and also discuss providing convenient facilities to the Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 : Hours before the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha elections begins, Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front convenor E.P. Jayarajan on Monday dismissed the exit polls projections of the CPI-M-led Left putting up a dismissal performance in the state while ruling out any chance of actor and BJP candidate Suresh Gopi winning from Thrissur.

"Itas best that Gopi sticks to his acting career, as neither he nor any BJP candidate is going to win from Kerala. Ever since he (Gopi) joined ranks with the BJP and the Sangh Parivar forces, even his films got affected because of his political stand," the veteran CPI-M leader said.

Jayarajan also dismissed the exit polls, specifically two done by national agencies which indicated that the Left in Kerala will be wiped out and the BJP will open its account in the state by winning more than one seat. In the 2019 polls, the Congress-led UDF, which won 19 seats, secured a vote share of 47.48 per cent, the CPI-M-led Left Front, which won just one, got 36.29 per cent vote and the BJP managed a mere 15.64 per cent vote share.

"Exit polls are just humbug and have no scientific or logical backing. The main purpose of such an exercise is to show the Left in a poor light. We will do well this time," said Jayarajan.

Incidentally, Jayarajan figured in controversy soon after the Lok Sabha polls in the state got over with senior Kerala BJP leader Sobha Surendran claiming that with the help of middleman T.G. Nandakumar, Jayarajan had a meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar for his move to the BJP.

Jayarajan and his party dismissed the allegation as baseless, but speculations now are that, if the Left fails to improve upon the 2019 results, he might quit as LDF Convenor. He has also been cut up with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as he was constantly sidelined when it came to being sent to the party Politburo and he was not made the state Secretary, with both these being to M.V. Govindan, who is junior to him in the party.

Meanwhile, Gopias principal rival and present Congress MP K.Muraleedharan said the BJP will be able to open its account only in the bank in Kerala and not for the Lok Sabha.

--IANS

sg/vd
Kolkata, June 3 : Re-polling concluded at two booths under two Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal on Monday evening amid reports of scattered poll-related tension.

The two booths where re-polling was held on Monday were Booth No. 61 under the Deganga Assembly segment in the Barasat Lok Sabha constituency, and Booth No. 26 under the Kakdwip Assembly segment in Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituency.

Reports of tension were reported from the booth in Mathurapur where the ruling Trinamool Congress workers allegedly tried to push out the polling agents of the BJP.

The BJP candidate from Mathurapur, Ashok Purkait, who rushed to the spot, said, aThe ruling party workers had resorted to massive violence throughout Mathurapur on the polling day on June 1. The same was repeated during the re-polling on Monday."

However, Trinamool candidate Bapi Halder denied the charges and claimed that the fear of defeat prompted the BJP nominee to level such false allegations.

Reports of stray violence also came from the booth in Barasat where local BJP leader Kasem Ali got engaged in a heated exchange of words with the police officers present outside the booth.
New Delhi, June 3 : With the counting of votes for all seven phases of Lok Sabha elections scheduled for Tuesday, anticipation is mounting to see if the Exit Poll projections align with reality.

Many pollsters have forecast a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it a focal point of discussions.

Should he secure another term, Prime Minister Modi stands poised to match the historical feat of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who remains the only leader to get elected as PM for three straight terms.

The Exit Polls have predicted a strong show by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a setback for the opposition's INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha elections.

Roughly seven Exit Polls have projected approximately 350-370 seats for the BJP-led NDA in the 543-member Lok Sabha. They also indicated that the INDIA bloc might end up with around 107-140 seats, falling significantly short of the majority mark of 272 seats.

Three Exit Polls -- India Today-My Axis India, India TV-CNX, and News24-Todays Chanakya -- forecast that the NDA would secure over 400 seats.

Many other Exit Polls indicated a significant victory for the BJP in Congress-ruled Karnataka, while the India TV-CNX poll suggested that the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP and the NDA are poised to sweep the polls in Andhra Pradesh.

The Exit Poll findings were released on Saturday evening, immediately after the conclusion of the seventh and final phase of polling.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have expressed confidence that the party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will achieve a historic victory by securing more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Congress is claiming that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of over 25 opposition parties, is poised to secure victory in the elections with more than 295 seats.

The opposition parties have instructed their counting agents to closely oversee the vote-counting process on Tuesday, emphasising the importance of obtaining Form 17C, which includes the tally of votes registered at each polling station.

Also on Tuesday, the counting of votes for the Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, along with by-elections to different Assembly constituencies, will be taken up.

The counting process is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m., and continue till the final tallies are prepared.

The general elections were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
New Delhi, June 3 : A Delhi court on Monday denied bail to Dr. Akash, who was arrested in connection with the tragic fire at New Born Baby Care Hospital, where many children were killed in a massive fire.

The decision came after careful consideration of the potential for the accused to evade legal proceedings and the gravity of the allegations.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Vidhi Gupta Anand of Karkardooma Courts noted the serious nature of the offences and the ongoing investigation.

"It is without any doubt that the alleged offences are serious in nature and investigation is at initial stages and there are several aspects of investigation such as supervisory role of accused Dr. Akash, collection of the prescriptions signed by him, his role in delaying the call to the police/fire services etc which are yet to be investigated upon in detail," she stated.

The defence counsel, Advocate Naveen Kumar Singh, argued that Dr. Akash was merely a trainee at the hospital and not an employee or in a supervisory role.

Singh asserted that Akash was assisting the nursing staff and was not responsible for patient treatment or prescriptions.

The court, however, was not convinced by the defence's arguments. "The possibility of accused Dr. Akash fleeing the process of law cannot be ruled out and considering the seriousness of the alleged offenses and gravity of allegations made, possibility of the accused Dr. Akash influencing the witnesses can also not be ruled out," CMM Anand noted.

The prosecution, represented by an Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), opposed the bail application, stressing the serious nature of the allegations.

The APP contended that Dr. Akash was not a mere trainee but was in charge during the night of the incident and fled the hospital without informing the authorities, which was done by the general public instead.

The prosecution also pointed out the presence of a dead body in the ICU prior to the incident and informed the court that the high court is also seized of the matter.

The defence rebutted by stating that the fire was an accident caused by a short circuit on the second floor and resulted in suffocation deaths, not burns.

They argued that Dr. Akash had rescued seven babies before the arrival of emergency services. Additionally, the defence cited procedural discrepancies and the potential negative impact on Akash's career, noting his youth and lack of influence.

Despite these arguments, the court found the allegations and the potential risks too significant to grant bail.

Last week, the court had sent the owner of the Baby Care New Born Hospital, and Akash to 14-day judicial custody.

Hospital owner Dr. Naveen Khichi was arrested in the wake of the tragedy at the private hospital, along with Akash, who was on duty at that time.

Police probe into the hospital fire has revealed that the licence issued to the hospital by the Delhi Government Health Services (DGHS) had expired on March 31.

The probe also revealed that the doctors at the hospitals were not qualified to treat newborn babies, who needed neonatal intensive care, as these doctors were only BAMS degree holders.

Further, when the hospital was inspected by police, fire brigade staff and crime team, it was also found there were no fire extinguishers, improper entry and exit, and no emergency exits.

The probable cause of the fire was stated to be a short circuit.

--IANS

spr/dan
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. In 2023, all segments of the financial system recorded an increase in assets and the financial system ensured the normal course of the financial intermediation function, the Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan said at a press briefing on the 2023 financial stability report.

"The banking system's assets constituted the majority of the financial system, approximately 83 percent. The total volume of bank assets was 9.2 trillion drams. Consequently, the current dynamics of the banking system, potential risks, and our evaluations of managing these risks, i.e. stress tests, are mainly outlined in the financial stability report.

It is noteworthy that increased activity was observed in the banking market throughout the year, resulting in a loan growth rate of around 21 percent by year-end.

"The growth of the deposit portfolio of the banking system amounted to 9.2%. The increase in deposits is solely attributed to the growth of deposits from residents of the Republic of Armenia, which increased by approximately 18% over the year," said Martin Galstyan.

In response to a journalist's question, he clarified that there had been a certain decrease in deposits from non-residents during the year. It was also noted that in 2023, investments in securities increased by approximately 18%."

The Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyannoted that the growth of activity in the credit market had been noticeable across almost all lending sectors.

According to him, amidst high economic growth, the expansion of credit investments was also accompanied by an enhancement in the quality of the credit portfolio, with the proportion of non-performing loans remaining low (below 4 percent) compared to its long-term average level.
New Delhi, June 3 : Professor Gourav Vallabh, the well-known TV face of Congress having recently switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spoke to IANS on a slew of issues, ahead of the counting day.

From duplicity of Congress to the opportunistic INDIA bloc, he tore into the grand old party-led Opposition and said that the 2024 results will serve as a trigger for full-scale infighting within. He also said that the alliance partners will not just have a go at each other but will also be seen running in different directions after the election results.

Below is the full interview:

IANS: Congress is proclaiming victory in at least 295 constituencies while Digvijaya Singh is pointing fingers at EMS. Doesn't this show Congress duplicity?

Gourav Vallabh: Digvijaya Singh seems to have pre-empted the Congress leadership. He is speaking the same thing which Rahul and his coterie are set to say after the declaration of results on June 4. He has started preparing the ground for holding EVMs responsible for party's defeat.

June 4 will mark the rout of Congress nation-wide by about 4 PM. After the debacle, the party will start looking for an escape route by pinning the blame on EVMs for its ignominious show in the 2024 elections. Congress leaders including Digvijaya Singh have already started setting the narrative by making such claims. Rahul will also join this blamegame after election results.

A senior Congress leader has been recently pulled up by the Election Commission for making wild and unsubstantiated allegations against it. He claimed that top BJP leaders tried to intimidate EC officials on duty to influence the poll outcome.

However, all this is not likely to make any difference to party's poll prospects. They have been rejected by the country as well as countrymen.

IANS: Rahul Gandhi dubbed the Exit Polls as 'Modi media poll' and 'fantasy poll'. Given your past association with Congress, what do you think is the reason behind Rahul's obsession with the media?

Gourav Vallabh: Rahul claims to have the support of masses however he barely makes a connect with the people. This is apparently the reason behind media not giving him bigger coverage than his counterparts. By speaking harshly to the press, he actually vents his anger and frustration.

His occasional outbursts at media persons and also incidents of singling them out by enquiring about their castes is very startling.

It's an irony that many generations of Congress worked hard to free the society of caste bias and its scourge but today Rahul Gandhi is working against his own ancestors and the tall Congress leaders of Independent India, who tirelessly worked for bringing parity in the society.

IANS: Do you see any revolt or uprising in Congress, after the June 4 results?

Gourav Vallabh: Uprising happens in a party when the partymen feel intimidated or suppressed by a strong leadership. Congress has become leaderless and rudderless today. It has no ground connect left, it has lost direction and now going haywire.

IANS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started review meeting of his 100 day action program for the third term while Congress is busy with own issues? How do you see this?

Gourav Vallabh: This is called 'destructive approach'. I also wrote about this in my resignation letter to the party. Constructive criticism should be the principle of any Opposition party, however Congress of today is relying on two principles  A for Abuse and R for Run.

It wants to abuse somebody and then run from questions. This escapist approach doesn't strike chord with the public. The projections of Exit Polls are a clear indication of party getting a thumbs down from public.

IANS: How do you see the attacking approach of Congress social media in-charge Supriya Shrinate. Has she sharpened the party's pitch or has it done more harm than good?

Gourav Vallabh: I can't say much on the issue as I haven't worked much with her. But, her father was a Parliamentarian and her stature in the party only reflects its penchant for nurturing dynastic politics.

IANS: How was Rahul Gandhi projected as 'Jannayak' and what was the strategy behind it?

Gourav Vallabh: Rahul Gandhi is neither represents 'Jan' nor he works like a 'nayak', so the strategy of projecting him as 'Jannayak' is bound to fail.

I was surprised to see a video of him. While the media was posing questions to him and he was singing a song. This shows his and party's 'shoot and scoot' tactic and makes it a recipe for disaster.

My assessment is that Congress won't get seats, equal to the pack of cards.

IANS: Has Congress become a party of 'sycophants'?

Gourav Vallabh: I have already said that there are only two sets of people left in the Congress. One group is that of dynasts and political heirs (whose father and relatives have been CMs or top party office bearers) and the other lot is that of sychophants and yesmen, who can got at any length to support and defend whatever Rahul says.

The party committed series of blunders in recent past like rejecting an invite for Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha, standing with those who abused and criticised Sanatan Dharma while Congress leaders went on to hurl abusive jibes at PM Modi.

Rahul, in his poll rallies, casted aspersions at wealth creators like Ambani and Adani without any proof.

I raised these issues with the party leadership but it turned a deaf ear to my pleas.

IANS: Congress has asked its polling agents to stay put at the counting centers till evening to avoid any rigging of EVMs. It has also asked them to raise objections and record video, if anything objectionable. Your take on this?

Gourav Vallabh: There are clearly laid down rules and guidelines for counting. There won't be any irregularities, as claimed by INDIA bloc.

Election Commission is a constitutional body, the country has a firm faith in it. It is the Congress which will see its trust in the poll body evaporate on June 4 by 4 PM.

IANS: Will the AAP-Congress alliance stay in Delhi, after the election results? What is you assessment?

Gourav Vallabh: You will see the obvious happening on June 4. After 5 PM, the two parties will be seen blaming and cursing each other after the impending decimation of opportunistic alliance. Both will be seen shifting blame at each other for poll defeat, both in TV studios and among the general public.

Same equation will be seen in Bihar, where the Congress and Lalu Yadav's RJD will fire salvos at each other. Congressmen will say Lalu regime's "jungleraaj" went against them while the latter will claim that the grand old party ruined their chances.

Mamata has already said that Congress will struggle to reach 40 seats count.

All the 'manufactured unity' of the "rainbow alliance" will dissipate on June 4, after the election results. The multitude of parties that came together harbouring dreams of PM's chair will be seen fighting and trading bitter barbs with each other.

More than 28 parties that came together under one INDIA umbrella will run away in various directions. One leader will be seen heading to Bangkok while others would be seen packing their bags for some other locations.
Hyderabad, June 3 : Counting of votes polled for 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana will be taken up at 34 counting centres amid tight security on Tuesday.

Counting of votes for the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly constituency, where a by-election was held along with Lok Sabha polls, will be taken up simultaneously.

Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said the process will start at 8 a.m. in all the centres where a total of 120 halls have been earmarked for counting of votes.

Postal ballots will be counted first and this will be followed by the counting of votes cast in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

A total of 1,855 tables have been arranged for the counting of votes cast in EVMs. There are 19 counting halls for counting 2.18 lakh postal ballots. There will be two counting halls each for Chevella and Malkajgiri constituencies.

The election authorities have also arranged 276 tables for counting of postal ballots at all centres.

According to the CEO, over 10,000 staff will be posted on counting duties while an additional 20 per cent workforce will be on standby. A total of 49 central observers and 2,414 micro-observers will monitor the counting process.

A three-layered security is in place at the counting centres for peaceful and smooth conduct of the process. Twelve companies of the Central Armed Police Force, guarding the EVM strong rooms, will oversee security in coordination with state police.

The first layer of security will be for the counting hall while there will be a second tier for the campus. The third layer of security will cover 100 metres around the campus, where vehicles will not be allowed.

The authorities will keep a tight vigil with CCTV cameras installed in all counting halls. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code have been imposed near the centres.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have announced the closure of liquor shops on Tuesday.

Following the initial EVM vote count, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips from five randomly selected polling stations in each Assembly segment will be tallied with the EVM count. Post-counting, the EVMs will be stored in strongrooms for 45 days in case any election petitions are filed.

Hyderabad, Nalgonda and Karimnagar will have maximum counting rounds of 24 each. Nizamabad will have only 15 rounds of counting.

A voter turnout of 65.67 per cent was recorded in the polling held on May 13.

A little over 3.17 crore voters, half of them women, were eligible to cast their votes. Of them, 2.18 crore cast their votes.

Most of the constituencies witnessed three-cornered contests among the ruling Congress, the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the 2019 elections, the ruling BRS had bagged 9 seats, BJP won four seats and Congress three seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) had retained one seat.
Kolkata, June 3 : Counting of votes for the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will begin on Tuesday morning in the backdrop of Exit Poll projections of the BJP pulling off its best-ever electoral performance in the state.

The combined findings of five Exit Polls by reputed agencies, including Bengalas most followed ABP-Cvoter, have predicted a minimum of 21 and a maximum of 27 seats in favour of the BJP. The projections also gave a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 21 seats to the Trinamool Congress.

In 2019, the BJP improved its tally to 18 seats from the two it won in 2014, while the Trinamool ended with 22 seats, down from the 34 it won in the previous elections. The remaining two seats were won by the Congress, which managed four seats in 2014.

The latest Exit Polls also predicted 0-3 seats for the Congress-Left Front alliance in West Bengal.

As per the ABP-Cvoter Exit Poll, the BJP is also expected to gain in vote share in Bengal -- from 40.7 per cent in 2019 to 42.5 per cent this time. On the other hand, the Trinamool's vote share is expected to decline to 41.5 per cent from the 43.3 per cent it managed in 2019.

Political observers feel that the district which can be a significant contributor to BJPas projected tally is East Midnapore, a virtual bastion of the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

According to them, the BJP candidates will in all probability win both the seats in the district -- Tamluk and Kanthi.

In 2019, Trinamool had won both these seats, but the Adhikari family was in the ruling party camp then.

This time, the BJP fielded former judge of the Calcutta High Court, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, from Tamluk, while Suvendu Adhikarias younger brother Soumendu Adhikari is the party nominee from Kanthi.

Similarly, Hooghly can be another district that might propel BJP's numbers this time, feel political observers.

In 2019, the BJP managed victory in the Hooghly Lok Sabha seat, while the remaining two constituencies in the district, Serampore and Arambagh, went in favour of the Trinamool.

This time, as per projections, the BJP is expected to snatch the Arambagh constituency from Trinamool, besides retaining Hooghly.

There are also indications that the BJP candidate from the Kolkata Uttar constituency, Tapas Roy, might emerge victorious by defeating three-time sitting Trinamool MP Sudip Bandopadhyay.

If the results go as per the Exit Poll projections, the BJP will be making clear gains at Trinamool's cost which can be attributed to two factors.

First, consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of the BJP against a division in minority votes between the Trinamool, Congress-Left Front alliance, and the AISF.

Second, a substantial chunk of floating voters who voted for Trinamool in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Assembly elections having distanced themselves from the ruling party this time, mainly because of the multiple cases of corruption against its leaders.
New Delhi, June 3 : In a bid to develop an enhanced prediction model for cardio-metabolic disease, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Monday announced the successful conclusion of the first phase of its ground-breaking health monitoring project.

Such a study is vital as these diseases have both genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to risk. The study has managed to cross the target of 10,000 samples.

Called the 'Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase' (PI-CheCK), it is the first-ever pan-India longitudinal study to enable better prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases -- especially diabetes, liver diseases and cardiac diseases -- in the country.

Despite India bearing a huge burden of cardio-metabolic diseases, the reasons for such high incidence in the population are not entirely clear, said Dr Shantanu Sengupta, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology.

"The risk factors in the West may not be the same as the risk factors in India. A factor which may be important for a particular person may not be important for another person. So a one-size-fits-all concept has to go in our country," he added at an event in Goa.

"Once we get around 1 lakh or 10 lakh samples, then it will enable us to redefine all major parameters in the country," said Sengupta.

The CSIR has developed a cost-effective standard operating procedure for sample collection.

Launched on December 7, 2023, the PI-CHeCK project aims to assess risk factors in non-communicable (cardio-metabolic) diseases within the Indian population. It is important to understand the mechanisms which underlie the increasing risk and incidence of cardio-metabolic disorders in the Indian population and develop new strategies for risk stratification, prevention, and management of these major diseases, said experts.
Shillong, June 3 : The Overseas Nursing Job Fair held in August last year has turned out to be a major turning point for 27 nurses from Meghalaya, who are all set to begin their professional journey in Japan after completing Japanese language training, officials said on Monday.

With their newly acquired skills, the nurses would be placed across various hospitals and care homes in Japan, a Meghalaya government official said, adding that 14 more nurses have been placed in various institutes in Singapore as well.

As part of the 'Skills Meghalaya' scheme, the state government is providing Rs 50,000 to each candidate through the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), aiming to cover 300 nurses in the coming years.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Monday after meeting with the teachers and students involved in this initiative: "It is great to see nurses from the state move out and serve people overseas.

"We are sending them with all our blessings and hope to hear positive stories about them. I also urge others to come forward and take the opportunity, not only to earn a livelihood overseas, but also to enhance their knowledge and career."

The Skills Meghalaya initiative aims to equip the youth with much-needed skills. The programme, organised by MSSDS and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, collaborates with potential firms to provide language training and job placement opportunities.

For language training and cultural immersion, the 27 nurses registered with NAVIS, a Bengaluru-based human resource development firm.

Twenty-five of them cleared the N4 and N5 exams on their first attempt, and have received employment offers. Five nurses have already received their visas, of which two travelled to Japan on May 27.

The visas of the remaining nurses are currently being processed.

An MoU was signed with four firms on December 7, 2023, to facilitate language training and job placements in various countries, including Japan, the UK, Singapore, and the UAE.
Bengaluru, June 3 : Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said on Monday that a party delegation will meet Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to press for the transfer of the investigation into the death of an employee of the Tribal Welfare Corporation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The death of Chandrashekaran P (52), the Superintendent of Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC), who allegedly died by suicide on May 26 after leaving a note purportedly blaming senior officials for coercing him to facilitate misappropriation of funds, has triggered a political row in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Vijayendra alleged that during the Lok Sabha elections, funds amounting to Rs 187 crore from the ST Development Board Corporation were transferred towards the Congress high command in Telangana, which were misused through various bank accounts for election purposes.

The Union Bank of India has written to the CBI to investigate the matter, even as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) hastily to cover up his misdeeds, Vijayendra alleged.

The BJP is planning a massive agitation on this issue, he declared.

Vijayendra also claimed that the 'scandal' is not confined to the Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Tribal Welfare, B. Nagendra, whose name has come under the lens following Chandrashekaran's death.

The involvement of some prominent leaders is emerging now, and the truth will be revealed in the coming days, Vijayendra said, adding that it is impossible for the SIT to conduct a fair investigation as he insisted that the case must be handed over to the CBI.

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition, R. Ashoka, said on Monday that the BJP would continue its agitation until Minister Nagendra resigns in connection with the tribal corporation 'scandal'.

"The Congress government has misappropriated funds worth Rs 187 crore meant for Dalits. CM Siddaramaiah is showing arrogance by not directing Minister Nagendra to resign. We have discussed meeting the Governor on this issue, besides launching agitations in Bengaluru and all other districts of the state," Ashoka said.

State BJP General Secretary P. Rajeev told the media on Monday that if Nagendra does not resign by June 6, a delegation headed by Vijayendra and Ashoka will meet the Governor at the Raj Bhavan to demand the sacking of the Congress government in Karnataka.

Claiming that the money transfer occurred with the Chief Minister's knowledge, he said that it would be impossible to transfer such a huge amount without the cooperation of the finance department.

"CM Siddaramaiah, is it possible to come out clean through an SIT probe? Can officers under your government summon you for questioning? If the CM wants to prove that he had no role in the scandal, he should hand over the probe to the CBI," Rajeev said.

Responding to the allegations, CM Siddaramaiah said on Monday that he has not sought Minister Nagendra's resignation in connection with the tribal corporation case.

Dismissing rumours that the minister is putting pressure on him, the Chief Minister said that once the preliminary report of the SIT is submitted, a decision will be made based on the report.
Bengaluru, June 3 : Popular Telugu actress Hema was arrested on Monday in connection with the recent rave party on the outskirts of Bengaluru, which was busted by the police.

The sleuths had seized drugs and narcotic substances from the farmhouse.

The actress was summoned by the Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) for questioning in connection with the case, but had failed to appear twice after being issued notice by the police.

A third notice was issued to her on Monday and she was arrested for further investigation after being questioned.

Hema had made a video after the raid, stating that she was not present at the rave party and that she was relaxing at a farm in Hyderabad. However, police maintained that she was indeed present at the farmhouse.

The actress created a scene on Monday, lashing out at the media while being taken away after a medical test and accusing them of reporting false news.

"All your news is wrong. I have been brought here just now. They have collected samples of my hair, nails, urine, and blood. It is not known whether the report will be positive or negative. Whatever is being shown against me is wrong. This is the work you do," she said in her outburst.

Police had issued notices to persons who tested positive for drug consumption at the rave party, titled 'Sunset to Sunrise Victory', on May 20.

Around 100 people, including techies, Telugu actors, and others, were present at the party, and MDMA, cocaine, ganja, charas, and other narcotic substances were allegedly used at the party. Of the 98 blood samples collected from people at the party after police busted it, the presence of drugs was confirmed in 86. Police sources said more than 50 men and close to 30 women had tested positive for drug consumption.

The police were also investigating the possibility of a sex racket operating alongside the supply of drugs. Five people were arrested in the case before it was transferred from the Electronics City police station to the CCB's Anti-Narcotics Wing. Additionally, three police personnel have been suspended for negligence in duty in connection with the case.
Paris, June 4 : Fourth seed Elena Rybakina booked her place in her second French Open quarterfinal with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of No.15 seed Elina Svitolina in 69 minutes at Stade Roland Garros here on Monday. She will face No.12 seed Jasmine Paolini, who reached the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time with a 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 win over Elina Avanesyan.

Teenager Mirra Andreeva continued to take Paris by storm as she moved into her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal, outplaying the last Frenchwoman in the draw, Varvara Gracheva, 7-5, 6-2 in a pre-quarterfinal match on Monday. The right-hander, who only just turned 17, will play second seed Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the semis on Wednesday.

Rybakina, who reached the first Grand Slam quarterfinal of her career at Roland Garros 2021, advances to the last eight of a major for the fifth time overall, and for the first time since Wimbledon last year. The Kazakhstani player has not dropped a set in the tournament so far.

The result moves Rybakina into a tour-leading ninth quarterfinal of 2024. She has won three Hologic WTA Tour titles so far this season, in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart, and her overall record is now 34-5.

The last time the pair had met was in the bronze medal play-off at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, with Svitolina edging that match 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. The Ukrainian had also won their only previous clay-court encounter 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 in the 2020 Strasbourg final. Rybakina, who previously defeated Svitolina at Eastbourne 2021, levels their head-to-head at two wins apiece.

Rybakina tallied 26 winners, including five aces as she repeatedly deployed the drop shot, testing Svitolina's movement to successful effect to win the first set.

In the second, the former Wimbledon champion pressed home her advantage at the net, where she won 12 out of 18 points overall.

After breaking Svitolina in the first game, Rybakina relinquished her lead with a flurry of unforced errors. However, she regained the break with a booming backhand winner for 3-2 and saved the only further break point she faced in the set in a similar style.

Rybakina made a dominant start to the second set, building a 4-1 double-break lead. This time, Svitolina found her best shots of the match -- including a terrific backhand pass -- to get one of the breaks back but was unable to reel Rybakina in any further.
Jaipur, June 4 : The Rajasthan Police on Monday arrested two individuals in Ajmer district who allegedly gang-raped a minor girl and were blackmailing her.

The main accused, identified as Irfan, was reportedly introduced to the victim, a Class 11 student, by one of her friends. He befriended her on Instagram, morphed her pictures and started blackmailing her. Later, he and his accomplices gang-raped the minor girl.

Station in-charge Arvind Charan said that the two accused have been taken on remand and their call details and mobiles are being probed. An SIT team has been formed to probe the case on directions of Ajmer Range IG Lata Manoj Kumar.

According to police sources, the accused could be a part of a gang that traps school-college-going girls and then blackmails them.

As per Ajmer SP Devendra Vishnoi, the father of the victim lodged an FIR against accused Irfan and Arbaaz as well as against six others accusing them of blackmailing and gangraping his daughter.

The case was registered under POCSO on May 30.

As per the complaint, in October 2023, the victim's friend introduced her to a boy on Instagram. Irfan befriended her and took Instragram user ID and password. Irfan morphed some of her pictures and started blackmailing the victim. He demanded Rs 5 lakh from the girl.

The girl started stealing money from her house to give the amount to Irfan. In March 2024, Arbaaz accompanied Irfan when he came to collect money from her. After collecting the money, Irfan raped the girl and thereafter demanded 10 lakh from her.

The accused have also been seen with other school and college-going girls and thus, police are trying to find out if some other girls have been also victimised by them, sources said.

Police are also investigating the role of the friend who introduced the victim to the accused.

Police meanwhile have been making raids at different places to nab other members associated with the crime and also ascertain the gang angle.
United Nations, June 4 : Cybersecurity is a priority for South Korea as it takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council amid the emerging global threats, according to Seoul's Permanent Representative Joonkook Hwang.

"Malicious activities in cyberspace such as cyberattacks, the targeting of critical infrastructure are already widely considered as amplified threats to international peace and security and they are transnational nature," he said on Monday.

He said that cybersecurity is one of the priorities for South Korea's presidency of the Council and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol will preside over a signature event where Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will speak.

The Council, as the "primary organ responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, should and can address this emerging but critical security matter in a manner complementary to the ongoing discussions in the General Assembly", he said.

"So, we are keen on enhancing the role and attention of the Security Council engagement to more active engagement over the Security Council on this matter," he added.

Before Joonkook's news conference, the already hostile relations between North and South Koreas took another nosedive with Seoul announcing that it will suspend the military agreement with Pyongyang reached in 2018 to ease tensions.

North Korea engaged in several provocations, including multiple short-range ballistic missile tests, military reconnaissance and sending the balloons filled with trash over the border, Joonkook said, "and we are now responding".

He said that he would convene a meeting of the Council if there were further provocations from the North.

He said he planned to hold a meeting on North Korea and human rights as it is linked to other issues involving Pyongyang.

North Koreaas programme to develop weapons of mass destruction "is closely intertwined with the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the country, like two sides of the same coin", he said.

Asked if he expected pushback from Pyongyang's allies, China and Russia, he acknowledged that "some countries have some reservations about these human rights issues being discussed in the Security Council".

"We know the logic", but unlike other countries, Pyongyang's "human rights situation is officially on the Security Council agenda" and "this is unique to North Korea", he said.

But he said that in the past "the overwhelming support to have a meeting actually surpassed some dissenting views".

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Israel may agree to a 42-day pause in combat in the Gaza Strip in order to release hostages held in the enclave and then continue with the operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

"Israel can stop the fighting for 42 days to return the captives. But we cannot stop the war. The Iranians and all our enemies are watching us, wanting to see if we will surrender," he said at a closed-door meeting of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as quoted by Israel Hayom.
Bestselling author Michelle McIvor, whose new book The Glow Code: A Cheat Sheet for Feeling, Looking, and Being Your Best at Any Age (Rowman & Littlefield) publishes in June, spoke with PW about the power of creative pulses, eyebrow lamination, and how women can do much more than just age gracefully.

The book begins with a story about how you found a couple of gray hairs in your eyebrows. Would you explain how that led you to the understanding that a lot of women in midlife would benefit from a book like this?

When I found those gray hairs, I wasnt thrilled, to be honest. They were the physical, visible reminder that I am aging, and theres no hiding it. But having that thought also made me question my attitude because it was at odds with my belief that aging is a privilege. Clearly, some of my old routines and mindsets didnt match the person I had become. I thought, screw this. Im ready for something different. And I figured that if I felt like that, other women likely did, too.

What we needed was a cheat sheet, something to cut through the noise, misinformation, and trendy fads aimed at women to offer simple but effective advice that we could easily understand and use. I wrote The Glow Code to help us all live and feel well for as long as possible and, hopefully, appreciate the journey.

How did you go about selecting the experts you interviewed for this book?

Beyond looking for leaders in their respective fields, it was important to me to get advice from other women  after all, who can relate more than someone going through the same journey? Thats why 35 of my 37 interviewees are women. I also wanted to include as many diverse voices as possible. I kept those goals in mind when looking for psychologists, makeup artists, scientists, pro-aging advocates, and other experts so that the advice in my book would be applicable and feel relatable to as many women as possible.

In each chapter, you road-test the experts advice. What suggestion(s) surprised you the most in terms of its/their effectiveness in your own life?

One that surprised me most came from Brigid Schulte, author of the bestselling book Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time. I interviewed Brigid about how women can incorporate creativity into their lives, something many of us struggle with because we have so many demands on our time. One of her most effective tips was her suggestion to incorporate creative pulses into my day.

A creative pulse is a short chunk of timeas few as 10 minutesyou set aside for something fun. When Brigid works, for example, she takes frequent 10-minute breaks to work on a jigsaw puzzle. In my creativity chapter, I discuss how incorporating 15-minute creative pulses has allowed me to pursue my new hobby, knitting. In the last year, Ive knitted a scarf, two cardigans, a dress, a toque, and half a baby blanket. Creative pulses are the magical element that helps me get it all done. Well, except for that tricky baby blanket.

The other most profound change in my life: eyebrow lamination. No joke.

The book covers topics that are fairly intuitive for a book on aging gracefully, like weight training and getting enough sleep. But it also covers topics like choosing wine and buying art. How do they fit in?

At some point in my early forties, I understood I was supposed to know a bunch of adult things like how to cook a meal for a big group, comfort someone whos grieving, invest in art (and in my savings account!), and identify a great glass of wine on a menu. But my knowledge about most of those things was flimsy. I knew that if I still needed tips and advice on being an adult, many of my readers would, too. So, I decided to include a chapter filled with how-tos and hacks to help us all feel a little more adult and sophisticated  and boost our confidence along the way. Women in midlife are coming into their power, and I love the idea that we keep growing, learning, and evolving as we get older.

A lot of women in mid-life are very busy and overwhelmed. What would you say to someone who sees the idea of optimizing their life as just another task on a long to-do list?

I feel you! Im busy and overwhelmed at the best of times. The great news is enacting the advice in The Glow Code doesnt require massive changes or time-consuming commitments. Some of my most impactful life edits have involved scaling back on something I was already doing, like my skincare routine, or adding the bare minimum of something else, like meditation. Ultimately, I learned that making small tweaks creates big impacts, and I hope that inspires women to give The Glow Code a try.

But if youre not into optimizing anything, my book offers an uplifting take on aging as a woman, reminding us we can live well, be proud, and chase dreams at any age. That alone is a message Im excited to share with readers.
Award-winning British novelist Katherine Rundell (Rooftoppers) loves to bring fantastical worlds to life. In September, Impossible Creatures, the first book in a new middle grade fantasy series, will hit U.S. shelves. About a boy whos a descendant of a family of guardians to a secret world called the Archipelago where mythic creatures are real and in danger, Impossible Creatures is already a #1 bestseller in the U.K., where it was named the 2023 Waterstones Book of the Year. As the book's publication in the U.S. nears, PW spoke with Rundell about how her childhood informed her as a writer, what inspired Impossible Creatures, and why writing about endangered species matters.

You grew up in Zimbabwe, Brussels, and London. How did those experiences prepare you to write for young people?

I think growing up partly in Zimbabwe, where my father worked in international aid, had a huge impact on me. It meant that I was close to glorious wild spaces and had an experience of long days of unsupervised outdoor freedom that I want to try to re-create for children in my work. And the people I met taught me that we do not own the world; we are just one part of the great parliament of living things, and we owe the world our urgent protection.

What inspired Impossible Creatures?

I have always adored mythical creatures and the feeling of just-possible impossibility that comes with them. So I wanted to write a book that would allow children to feel that they are truly meeting mythical creaturesnot just the creatures we know and love, like dragons and unicorns, but also the lesser-known ones that we invented hundreds of years ago and half forgot: like karkadanns (which are a kind of purplish-black unicorn that eat children) and kankos (miniature two-tailed foxes that bring luck), longmas (wild, scaled, winged horses) and ratatoskas (horned squirrels that spread rumors across the Archipelago). I wanted it to be as real as I could make it so that children feel the scratch of a griffin claw against their skin and smell a unicorns breath on their face.

Why did you want to create a series around this world? And what can we expect from the series going forward?

I knew that I had more story than could fit into a single book. Im currently writing book two, and its such a joy to go back to the characters. I want the sequence to work a little like Narnia works, in that each one has its own unique story with a complete, rounded ending and you can read them in any order, but theres an overarching narrative connecting them all.

There are some wonderful creatures in this book. What can you tell us about them?

I loved researching them. The hours I spent hunting for mythical creatures in archives and libraries were some of the happiest of my working life. Perhaps my favorite was the jaculus dragon that you find in Plinys Natural History, which, published in AD 77, is often called the very first encyclopedia. Alongside accounts of hedgehogs and bats, it contains an entirely serious account of the jaculus dragon, which darts from the branches of trees... for these fly through the air even, just as though they were hurled from an engine.

Why do you chose to write stories about protecting endangered species?

I wanted Impossible Creatures to be, first and foremost, a huge adventureone that would grab children and refuse to let them go. I think its bad manners to offer children a story and then hand them a moral. But I also wanted to say: we live, currently, in a world of staggering beauty and on the precipice of unimaginable loss. We have already lost about 50% of the worlds wildlife in just the last 50 years. But we still can save so much. I wanted to write a book that would salute both the staggering richness and beauty of the living world that surrounds us, and also the danger of losing it before our knowledgevast as it ishas begun to even skim the edges of the truth of the worlds complexity.

This is very much a coming-of-age story. What do you like best about characters Mal and Christopher?

I loved writing their friendship. Theres a bit in the book where Christopher thinks this: Sometimes, if you are among the very lucky, a spark of understanding cuts like lightning across the space between two people. Its a defibrillator for the heart. And it toughens you. It nourishes you. And the word weve chosen for it (which is an insufficient word for being so abruptly upended in a new and finer place) is friendship.

What role does environmentalism play in this book?

The book is largely about adventure, and peril, and food, and jokes, and flying coats, but I also wanted it to say there are so many creatures in our world that would, if we werent used to them, seem as extraordinary as unicorns: narwhals and giraffes and swifts and hedgehogs. And unless we take care, they may well become mythical.

How does Impossible Creatures tackle themes of corruption and the ways that greed and selfishness can corrupt the world?

I wanted to offer children a vision of how an excess of power can eat away at someones humanity. I dont want to give away the ending, but in the book, theres a very literal metaphor for thatfor the ways power can corrupt and transform and diminish us.

Impossible Creatures has already received rave reviews in the U.K., with reviewers comparing it to fantasy classics like His Dark Materials, the Chronicles of Narnia, and The Hobbit. How does it feel to be in such esteemed company?

A real joy! Its a little overwhelming, but its an honor to be writing in the same tradition that those greats belong toa tradition of fantasy that dates back thousands of years.

The books packaging will include gold foil and sprayed edges and feature beautiful black-and-white illustrations. What can you tell us about the visual elements of the book and what theyll add to the reading experience?

I love the illustrations inside the book by the wonderful Ashley Mackenzie, and the illustrated bestiary and the map by the superbly talented Virginia Allyn. Those visual elements help children get swept away by the storythey give the readers visual imagination a leaping-off point of huge beauty.
Anime NYC, the largest anime convention on the East Coast, and Japan Society, the venerable New Yorkbased institution dedicated to the celebration and promotion of Japanese culture and society, have partnered to launch a new awards program, the American Manga Awards. Set to take place at the Japan Society in New York on August 22, the awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements of professionals in the world of Japanese comics, the organizations said in a joint release.

The new awards slate comes following years of skyrocketing manga sales worldwide and persistent demand for the medium in the U.S. market. Sales of the category have consistently buoyed overall comics sales over the past few years, due to a dramatic increase in consumption of both anime and the manga from which many are adapted as streaming surged during the pandemic. Based on 2023 data, Anime NYC and the Japan Society noted in their release, manga is the fourth largest category in the U.S. book market, per Circana BookScan books analyst Kristen McLean.

"Were so incredibly honored to bring the American Manga Awards to life in partnership with Japan Society," said M.K. Goodwin, at LeftField Media, which produces Anime NYC, in a statement. "These awards will provide a platform to showcase the incredible talent within the manga community and celebrate its cultural significance."

Japan Society president Joshua Walker added that the establishment of the awards reflects the significance of this medium and its creators." Walker continued, "We are honored for professionals from across the manga world to come together at Japan Society and convene on our historic stage. We look forward to being a home to this celebration of the past and future of this dynamic and uniquely Japanese art form."

The American Manga Awards will feature multiple categories with nominees selected by a panel of experts and veterans of the Japanese comics world. It will also include a Hall of Fame, honoring Japanese manga creators and manga publishing professionals that have made significant contributions to the growth and popularity of manga in America, with Frederik L. Schodt, translator and author of Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics (Kodansha), as its inaugural honoree.

Among the categories for the juried awards are Best New Manga, Best Continuing Manga, Best New Edition of Classic Manga, Best Translation, Best Lettering, and Best Publication Design. Nominees will be announced in July, and winners will be announced during an invitation-only ceremony slated for August 22, on the eve of Anime NYC's annual convention, which will be held August 2325 at the Javits Center in New York. Submissions for the awards are now open.

The American Manga Awards planning committee is overseen by manga industry veteran Deb Aoki, a regular contributor to Publishers Weekly and the Beat and cohost of the Mangasplaining podcast. This Augusts ceremony will be hosted by author and translator Matt Alt. Judges for the awards include Alt and fellow author and translator Hiroko Yoda, comics lettering professionals Tom Orzechowski and Nate Piekos, Kinokuniya Bookstores east coast regional manager Shiegkazu Watanabe, publication designer Sasha Head, New York Public Library senior librarian for young adult services Renee Scott, comics journalists and PW contributors Brigid Alverson and Shaenon Garrity, Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge, and manga influencer Minovsky.

This article has been updated for clarity.
Books on the emotional, physical, and mental toll associated with burnout began flooding the mainstream market following the pandemic. Now, religion publishers are addressing the impact burnout can have on faith, and vice versa.

Stress management has been a strong felt need for a long time, says Andrea Doering, executive editor at Revell. But the rise in burnout as a topic readers are willing to admit to and address is more recent. That can be seen as a positive signif people are actively seeking remedies on these topics, there is hope for a better outcome for us all.

Al Hsu, associate editorial director at IVP, says the pandemic and the Great Resignation revealed the widespread nature of peoples dissatisfaction with work.

The exhaustion is real, he says. There are a lot of self-help books out there to help people with the practical skills needed to navigate challenging work and life realities, but the deeper issues are more existential.

Fatigue afflicts men and women alike, but several books are focusing specifically on womens exhaustion, both in the home and at work. Below is a selection of new and forthcoming titles about burnout from faith-based publishers.

Big Impact Without Burnout

Bianca Best (Watkins, Mar. 2025)

Best, an advertising executive turned entrepreneur and a mother of four, focuses on what she calls graceful productivity, or balancing the demands of work with the needs of ones mind, body, and soul. The book details Bests experience with severe burnout and includes advice on time management from women in professional leadership roles.

Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work

Arianna Molloy (IVP, Jan. 2025)

Molloy, an associate professor of organizational communication at Biola University, draws on her research into productivity, motivation, and resilience to explore how a religious calling can help one manage the risk of burning out. A healthy calling, Molloy writes, requires knowing yourself well, being teachable, and embracing the vulnerability of consistently taking time to rest and reflect.

Ignite Your Soul: When Exhaustion, Isolation, and Burnout Light a Path to Flourishing

Mindy Caliguire (NavPress, Sept.)

Caliguire, founder of Soul Care Ministry in Colorado, presents six practicesattention, participation, delight, humility, silence, and restintended to help readers heal from exhaustion. In promoting whole-self flourishing, the book, according to the publisher, also considers the various impacts of apathy, addiction, busyness, distraction, and fear.

Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself: 5 Steps to Banish Guilt and Beat Burnout When You Already Have Too Much to Do

Morgan Cutlip (Thomas Nelson, Oct.)

Psychotherapist Cutlip addresses perfectionism, comparison, and other difficulties associated with motherhood, offering suggestions for how to speak up and better care for oneself.

The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius

Kendra Adachi (Convergent, Oct.)

Adachi, who encouraged readers to do what matters, skip the rest in The Lazy Genius Way, is following up with an alternate route to productivity in The PLAN, an acronym for prepare, live, adjust, and notice. (For PWs q&a with Adachi, see A Plan for Contentment, p. 24.)

Stronger Than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm

Barb Roose (Revell, Aug.)

Roose, a Bible teacher, examines challenges in the life of the apostle Paul and invites Christians to follow his example in having a greater devotion and faith in God, despite chronic stress, anxiety, and other difficult circumstances. Life is often more than we can handle, even for someone who has been walking with Jesus for a long time, Roose writes. Spiritual maturity doesnt mean that you wont experience overwhelm, but your connection with God keeps you from getting stuck there.

When Work Hurts: Building

Resilience When Youre Beat Up or Burnt Out

Meryl Herr (IVP, Mar. 2025)

Herr, director of research and resources at Fuller Seminarys Max De Pree Center for Leadership, focuses on work-related harms, such as trauma, harassment, disillusionment, and discouragement, as well as job loss. Work can certainly break our bodies, Herr writes. But more often it breaks our hearts.

Return to main feature.
Several major university announcements and partnerships developed over the past few months help build the 65-mile corridor between Indianapolis and West Lafayette

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.  From the Discovery Park District in West Lafayette to the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Americas Hard-Tech Corridor continues to take shape with leadership from Purdue University. As the hard-tech ecosystem at the smart crossroads of the nation, the Hard-Tech Corridor is forged by discovery, built by innovation and fueled by co-generation of jobs and workforce to unlock boundless potential for business and talents.

The southern bookend for the 65-mile stretch will be anchored by Purdue University in Indianapolis, Purdues first comprehensive urban campus, which officially launches July 1. With the totality of Purdue to the totality of Indianapolis, Purdues comprehensive urban campus will spark brain gain in Indiana, while generating a workforce, jobs, economic growth and innovation together with industry partners.

As part of its new footprint in the capital city, Purdue recently announced a facility for the Materials and Manufacturing Research Laboratories (MMRL) at 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis. The facility, which will accelerate manufacturing excellence and opportunities and wealth creation in the state, builds upon Purdues existing manufacturing initiatives like the Indiana Next-Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), a joint venture between Purdue University in Indianapolis and MMRL in West Lafayette, and eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO). Together, MMRL and XMO are vital components of a renaissance in domestic manufacturing, logistics and supply chains revitalizing the nations industrial resilience by linking physical, digital and sustainable manufacturing for an integrated ecosystem of manufacturers of all sizes. Now, with a foothold in the states industrial center, MMRL will have a robust workforce development component and intentional technology uptake efforts, ensuring critical job creation and local impact while sustaining national security.

On the other end of the Hard-Tech Corridor, among the multiple areas of growth in both Discovery Park District and Purdue Research Park is SK hynix, which announced plans in April to invest close to $4 billion to build an advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility for AI products in the Purdue Research Park. This development of a critical link in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain in West Lafayette marks a giant leap forward in the industry and the state, reaffirming Indianas role in the hard-tech sector. The new facility is home to an advanced semiconductor packaging production line that will mass-produce next-generation high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, chips, the critical component of graphic processing units that train AI systems such as ChatGPT.

Meanwhile, critical rare earth technologies developed by Purdue University are meeting the increased need for domestic production of rare earth elements (REEs), a key component in semiconductor manufacturing, thanks to Purdues partnership with central Indiana-based ReElement Technologies. Developed by Nien-Hwa Linda Wang, Purdues Norman and Jane Li Professor in Chemical Engineering, the technology utilizes ligand-assisted chromatography for separation and purification of rare earth and other critical elements from coal, coal by-products, ores, recycled permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries. This Purdue technology has enabled ReElement Technologies to develop and construct a much-needed environmentally safer domestic supply chain of critical materials and offer this capability to U.S. producers of both recycled and ore-sourced rare earth metals.

At the burgeoning LEAP District in Lebanon, Purdue is the educational partner of Eli Lilly & Company, where the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company is investing $9 billion. In the geographical center of the Hard-Tech Corridor, Purdue and Lilly will work together on new curricula for pharmaceutical training, experiential learning, and certificate and degree programs in pharmaceutical manufacturing, helping to grow pharmaceutical manufacturing in Indiana. The collaboration will expand Purdues talent pipeline to the company with students supported by the Lilly Scholars program, which helps Boilermaker students earn pharmaceutical manufacturing scholarships and unique learning opportunities with Lilly, one of the worlds most innovative pharmaceutical leaders.

Less than a mile from Lillys world headquarters, Purdue just announced the creation of the One Health Innovation District with Elanco Animal Health. A new shared-use facility on 3 acres on the western edge of the White River in Indianapolis, the One Health Innovation District 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. At this cutting-edge facility, human health, animal health and plant health will be jointly advanced by the nations leading companies and Purdue, the states top-ranked public university.

The next generation of Purdue motorsports engineers will hone their craft at the U.S. headquarters of Dallara, the largest multinational Italian race car manufacturer, located just steps from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The new facility will house space for classrooms, hands-on training and diagnostic testing for Boilermaker students studying in the only ABET-accredited motorsports engineering undergraduate program in the country. Many Purdue graduates from the program in Indianapolis have gone on to careers with motorsports manufacturers like Dallara, as well as in series such as IndyCar, the International Motorsports Association and the National Hot Rod Association, many of which have teams headquartered in central Indiana.

Purdue also has a presence in the trendy Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis, thanks to an innovative collaboration with industry-leading venture studio High Alpha. Both the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business Executive Education and several Purdue Innovates programs will be housed at High Alpha, furthering Purdues pledge to create entrepreneurship opportunities, build startups and connect talents with industry in the capital city.

From Indianapolis to West Lafayette, among Purdue and its industry partners, the worlds most creative and innovative minds will continue to come together at the Hard-Tech Corridor to translate the countrys most pressing challenges into cutting-edge jobs, talent and knowledge. From transportation and aerospace to semiconductors and pharmaceutical manufacturing, Purdue propels forward the Hard-Tech Corridor for the future of our state.

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 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.
Through a partnership with Ellucian, Purdue is now offering an innovative digital tool that will help Boilermaker students and their advisors to plan, manage and progress through academic goals and career preparation. (Purdue University photo)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University officials announced Wednesday (May 29), as part of its Transformative Education 2.0 initiative, the launch of Ellucian Smart Plan, an innovative degree audit and planning tool that will allow Boilermaker students and their advisors to easily plan, manage and progress through academic goals and career preparation.

Jenna Rickus

The intelligent, cloud-based software helps students cross the finish line on time, avoiding critical errors that delay completion and can amount to additional financial obligations. The Ellucian Smart Plan automatically solves for plan-altering events, like a change in major or a shift in program requirements. By handling these tasks, the software frees up advisors time to foster deeper, more personalized support for students. For the first time, students and advisors can cede planning responsibility to the planner  and instead, focus their energy on executing it.

Students and academic advisors will be able to use Ellucian Smart Plan to develop personalized semester-by-semester plans and track successful progress toward degree completion, preparing them for their careers of choice, said Jenna Rickus, Purdue vice provost for teaching and learning and the John Martinson Honors College. The tool includes a real-time snapshot of the students entire academic career and how courses could look for each semester going forward.

Ellucian Smart Plan will empower informed decision-making for all campus stakeholders from students, advisors, department chairs, deans, provosts and the president, Rickus added. At a broader campus level, it will help facilitate more accurate modeling of course demand, helping us maximize our campus physical spaces and enhance our overall teaching and learning mission.

Cherise Hall

Purdue is dedicated to serving its community and improving student outcomes, and were thrilled to amplify its impact with cutting-edge solutions, said Jeff Dinski, Ellucians chief strategy and corporate development officer. At Ellucian, our mission is to power higher education so institutions can empower student success. Through the implementation of Ellucian Smart Plan, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to seamlessly navigate their academic journey.

Ellucian Smart Plan will integrate and optimize course-to-career planning technology. Cherise Hall, Purdue vice provost for enrollment management, said the tool provides individualized answers to students and advisors on matters such as required courses for a particular degree or plan of study, when those courses are available and if prerequisites are needed.

Early on in the Transformative Education 2.0 project, we recognized the need for a responsive degree planning and auditing tool that would also provide robust data analytics and reporting capabilities, Hall said. After an extensive vendor selection process, we felt that Ellucian Smart Plan would meet all of our criteria, plus offer a guided, personalized and optimal pathway to degree completion for students.

Purdue junior Kyle Emgenbroich, who is studying business analytics and information management in the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, used the Ellucian Smart Plan tool during its pilot phase. Its simplicity, he said, is helping him plan out his semesters and that the ease with which one can make changes or switch out electives will be a big plus for students.

The fact that it will plan out my four years at Purdue based off my plan of study and what I had come in with from high school is really neat when youll take over 40 courses at Purdue, Emgenbroich said. For it to know about a chain of prerequisites and perfectly plan that out in Ellucian Smart Plan really helps me to make sure I graduate in four years, and my advisor doesnt have to check because Ellucian Smart Plan just knows.

In partnering with Ellucian to implement Smart Plan, Purdue joins other U.S. universities and community colleges including Amarillo College, Hillsborough Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Central New Mexico Community College.

About Ellucian

Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,900 customers across 50 countries, serving 22 million students. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student life cycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrollment and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising and alumni engagement. Ellucians innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

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 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.
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'From an Indian pharma sector's perspective, we are probably the only company that has a substantial presence in the specialty segment in the US and globally.'

Photograph: Kind courtesy Sun Pharma

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has guided for high single-digit top line growth in FY25, and higher R&D spend as it enters an investment phase for developing its product pipeline.

Speaking from the US, Abhay Gandhi, CEO, North America Business, outlines the plan for the company's specialty business in a video interview with Sohini Das/Business Standard.

The specialty business hit the $1 billion milestone in FY24. What is the outlook?

We are excited that for the first time the global specialty business has crossed the $1 billion mark in FY24.

That is a significant milestone for us and something we aspired for.

From an Indian pharma sector's perspective, we are probably the only company that has a substantial presence in the specialty segment in the US and globally.

Its contribution to the company's turnover has increased from 7 per cent in FY18 to over 18 per cent in FY24.

Of the total R&D spend, specialty R&D accounts for almost 39 per cent, which is up from 26 per cent in the past year.

In absolute terms, the R&D spend has gone up to $148 million on specialty products.

The investment in our employees has helped us.

Other than a strong commercial team in the US, we have invested in three functions in the current financial year - one is a Centre of Excellence in India (for the development of specialty pipeline); the clinical development team is expanding rapidly, which will help us assess and bring to the market early-stage assets and lifecycle management of our products.

We have expanded the business development and strategic capability team and recruited senior talent from the industry.

We have expanded the global specialty team who will help us get into other markets with our specialty pipeline.

Specialty R&D spend would outstrip the spend on other businesses, but this would be product-dependent.

What are the major launches this year?

The major launch this year is Deuruxolitinib (for alopecia areata) and this product will have a five-year exclusivity period.

A major part of these expenses will be on the new launches as they will require a fillip.

This product requires a specialised field force, but not a large number.

There are specialised doctors who treat alopecia areata, and this would need an additional investment in manpower, and once the product starts to do well, this would become a recurring cost.

Can you elaborate on the newer indications of your products, which are under study?

We have six products that are under development now and this includes expansion of indications (for which a drug is used).

For example, a large part of our R&D expenses will go into studying the psoriatic arthritis indication of Ilumya.

This will be an expansion of the indication study of Ilumya, which is ongoing.

Phase 3 has been completed and we expect to have top line data by the second half of the year.

As for Deuruxolitinib, we are evaluating the additional indications.

We cannot share the details as this information can be used by competition.

We are evaluating 6-7 domains where this product can also be utilised, and will pick two or three areas where this product can be effective.

Have you moved products out of Mohali and Dadra sites due to the USFDA red flag?

We keep improving our systems, processes, and practices in these plants and try to stay ready for the next inspection.

We have moved out the most important product filings either within our network or even outside our network.

Will pricing pressure in the US remain stable this year?

The structure of the US market is not going to change - three players controlling more than 90 per cent of the market whether it is in the retail part of the business or the hospitals space.

Consolidation in only one area of the business and not on the supplier side will always be a challenge.

Depending on the product, the pricing pressure will always be there.

In the past five years, the total generics market has not moved - it remains at $50 billion or so. This tells you the story.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Today in 2024, the BJP jails its opponents during an election and still believes, or at least wants us to believe, that it is only following the rules of democracy, asserts Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal accompanied by his wife Sunita and AAP leaders before surrendering at Tihar jail, June 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Arvind Kejriwal had been released for a few days to campaign, after which he has to return to jail.

He has not been convicted of course, and is in jail merely because the BJP opposes his bail.

The judges observed that Kejriwal was 'the chief minister of Delhi and a leader of one of the national parties. No doubt, serious accusations have been made, but he has not been convicted. He does not have any criminal antecedents. He is not a threat to the society.'

The court also noted that the case was registered in 2022 but Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 this year, days before voting began.

Voting began on April 19. Kejriwal missed more than a month of the initial campaign and then was kept in jail while three phases of the election were over.

It was his wife who was campaigning on his behalf around the country.

Will such an election be considered free and fair when results are out on June 4?

Locking up your opponents while you are free to campaign is the sort of 'election' that happens in nations that are called autocracies.

The former chief minister of Jharkhand, the deputy chief minister of Delhi and Kalvakuntla Kavitha of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, which ran the previous government in Telangana, are all in jail and none of them has been convicted.

The BJP's argument in court is that politicians should not be treated differently from other accused and should not be given bail to campaign.

What it is not saying is that democracy is unimportant and elections are incidental to their desire to keep their opponents locked up.

Again, we must note that not a single one of these politicians in jail is a convict.

They are merely accused, and accused by the BJP, that they have done something wrong.

What the court noted in the case of Kejriwal also applies to the rest.

They have no antecedents, they are not a threat to society, and they are all leaders in political parties.

Kejriwal got a rousing reception on his release and the BJP was not pleased.

One of its national executive members tweeted that 'by picking a side right in the middle of elections, the lordships that be have made themselves a part of the campaign. When the billion ballots speak, they may not like it.'

The problem, of course, is that the courts are being forced into this. The real question is whether one should accept the word of the BJP that it is not attacking democracy when it engages in such actions.

India is quite divided on this with the prime minister's supporters egging him on over such things.

Let us assume that the Opposition and those who back it are totally biased and can be ignored.

What does the outside world, which presumably has less of a stake or no stake at all, feel about the route India has taken?

We need only go back to what has been said several times, over several years, including in this column.

The outside world says that India is not only sliding into authoritarianism, it is no longer even a democracy.

Freedom House has said 'The BJP has increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents.'

This is a fact. Freedom House ranks India as being 'partly free'. This is also a fact, and indeed it reflects the position of Kejriwal as much as it does of our country.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index monitors civil liberties, pluralism, political culture and participation and electoral process.

In 2014, India was ranked 27th. In 2020, India was classified as a 'flawed democracy'.

Last year the ranking was 41 and this was the 'result of democratic backsliding under the leadership of Narendra Modi.'

They made other observations about the attack on minorities by the government which we need not go into here.

The global alliance of civil society organisations CIVICUS in 2017 rated India's civil space as 'Obstructed' but it has since fallen to 'Repressed'.

Is repressed the sort of word that is used for democracies? No.

In March 2022, Civicus said: 'India has been added to a watchlist of countries that have seen a rapid decline in civic freedoms" and that Modi "continues to resort to drastic measures to silence critics.'

Jailing them during elections is one especially good measure to silence your critics, particularly articulate ones like Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, who was also jailed by ED without conviction but recently given bail.

Lastly, the University of Gothenburg's V-Dem report says India has suffered 'one of the most dramatic shifts among all countries in the world over the past 10 years'.

It said that under Modi India lost its status as a democracy and was classified as an 'electoral autocracy', joining nations like Hungary and Turkey.

On freedom of expression, media and civil society, India was 'as autocratic as is Pakistan, and worse than both Bangladesh and Nepal'.

When these reports began to come after 2014, the government and its supporters scoffed and said they were the result of bias.

Today in 2024, the BJP jails its opponents during an election and still believes, or at least wants us to believe, that it is only following the rules of democracy.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.
'The Opposition will continue to be attacked through misuse of agencies, civil society will be force-marched towards extinction and India's plummeting on global indices will continue.'

'Minorities and especially Muslims will continue to have open season declared on them. Institutions will continue their decline,' predicts Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Namami Gange volunteers perform aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Sunday, June 2, 2024, after all the exit polls predict a hat-trick victory for the Narendra D Modi government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

A painfully long election in our hottest summer has ended. The tea leaves will be read in the exit polls, but one must keep in mind their imperfect record.

Even for a single state, West Bengal which went to election in 2021, one out of four got the result wrong.

Opinion polls, conducted before this longest cycle of elections was announced, were unanimous that the BJP would get a majority. Today, some are not sure this will be the case, but we shall see.

Without knowing the results however, what can be said about the election that is still important? Let us work our way through the possibilities.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (Convenor Arvind Kejriwal before surrendering at Tihar Jail in New Delhi on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The first is that no matter who wins, this was not a free or fair election. Two chief ministers were jailed before campaigning began. Jailed not because they were convicted, but because the BJP wanted them jailed.

One of them was released for a few days of campaigning but returned to jail on Sunday.

The access to bank accounts of the Opposition was restricted, through attacks made by agencies controlled by the BJP.

The Election Commission compromised itself, sadly, and allowed the BJP to control both the planning of the phases and their execution.

The Commission's insolent replies to the Opposition, its refusal to act on the prime minister's hate speeches against Muslims and its refusal to release poll data on time has harmed democracy.

The electoral bonds scheme was determined to be unconstitutional but thousands of crores of rupees raised under it were used in this election, and this has tainted it, irredeemably in my opinion.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supporters hold cutouts of Narendra Modi in Prayagraj on Sunday, June 2, 2024, as they pray for his victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

Next let's look at what the possibilities are.

Since the opinion polls were unanimous, the most likely may seem to be that Narendra D Modi returns to office with a similarly large majority. What should one expect in that case?

More of the same of course. He has run the nation as one would a monarchy and his ministers are courtiers (see their social media accounts bleating his glories).

The Opposition will continue to be attacked through misuse of agencies, civil society will be force-marched towards extinction and India's plummeting on global indices will continue.

Minorities and especially Muslims will continue to have open season declared on them. Institutions will continue their decline.

The consolidation of what a former chief economic advisor has referred to as 'the two As' will continue, meaning corporate capture of the economy. In short what we see around us today will remain as it is.

It is unhealthy to have a single party state, as has happened in Gujarat. The Opposition exists, but only on sufferance.

What happened to opponents and prospective candidates in Surat and in Varanasi will repeat in more places.

It should be conceded that if he wins again Modi will be the most successful leader we have seen in our history, and delivering three consecutive Lok Sabha wins after three Vidhan Sabha wins all with absolute majorities will be a singular achievement.

IMAGE: Dancers celebrate the BJP crossing the halfway mark in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections at the party office in Itanagar on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The second possibility is that the BJP gets a plurality of seats but not a majority. Say they get 250 and form the government.

In this case, the situation changes in several ways. First the allies will begin to assert themselves and it will no longer be possible for the king to ignore the courtiers.

Does Modi have it in him to function in more democratic manner? No. This will make such a government more volatile.

Within the party there will be people wanting to assert themselves. The old men in Nagpur, always playing the long game, will raise their heads and become more visible.

IMAGE: Students of the Gurukul School of Art in Mumbai on Saturday, June 1, 2024, paint portraits of Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal and others ahead of the Lok Sabha elections result. Photograph: ANI Photo

Some of the things will shift though the attack on minorities will continue because that happens at the level of the states, where in several places the BJP enjoys a certain popularity because of its bigotry.

The attack on federalism will recede. Today India is federal only in name.

States have no power to tax after GST and the unhappiness of many has broken out into the open.

Law and order is a state subject, but from Delhi to Jharkhand to Karnataka to Bengal, the Union has sent out its agencies to undermine state governments and chief ministers.

With the Union government as strong and unwilling to change as it has been, there has been no attempt at redressal.

An alliance government will likely alter that and this will be good for our country.

IMAGE: Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The last possibility is, of course. that the BJP loses.

On the evidence of the opinion polls this is the least likely possibility but one that we have to consider.

To my mind this will be a good outcome and not because of personal preferences entirely. Democracy renews and refreshes itself with changes in government.

One man presiding for decades -- take Putin, Xi and Kim -- rarely produces anything positive.

Some of the things, many of them in fact, that we have taken on since 2014 need to be gotten rid of.

It is true that our democracy gives us the option of countering them in other ways, for instance through the courts or through protest.

But elections are the only way in which changes take place structurally.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The Queensland woman was visiting a tip near McKay to dump rubbish when she heard the noise and investigated.

A Queensland woman made a "crazy" discovery at her local tip, after hearing "cheeping" sounds come from a dumpster. Source: Facebook

An ordinary "tip run" for a pair of Aussies has ended in an "absolutely disgusting" discovery after a woman and her partner managed to hear a distressing noise coming from inside the large, rubbish-filled bin. The faint animal noise emanating from the "massive skip" led her to uncover a "crazy" find inside a small bag, she says.

The Queensland woman was visiting a tip about an hour from McKay when she ultimately found two live chicks nestled among the garbage in one bin, still in the process of hatching out of their eggs. She said it was "not what I thought I'd ever find" at the waste site, adding she almost dumped her rubbish on top of the fledgling chicks.

"Yesterday was crazy. Went to do a tip run when we could hear cheeping coming from the dumpster," the woman wrote online. "We were about to throw our garbage on top of a bag with live hatching chicks in it! Of course we jumped in that massive skip bin and investigated and wow  I'm so glad we did."

The unhatched chicks were seemingly left in the bin to die. Source: Facebook

The woman said after rescuing the chicks they started hatching in her lap on the drive home. Source: Facebook

'Cheeping' from bag leads to 'crazy' dumpster find

The woman later shared the unsettling find with a dumpster diving group on social media, including a happy ending for the abandoned birds.

"One hatched in my lap on the way back home, the other needed help out of the shell ... but so far we have two healthy chicks from a sealed bag in a dumpster," she wrote.

The troubling discovery comes merely months after somebody put a live rooster inside a charity bin in Adelaide, and appears to be an example of the broader nationwide trend of people "dumping" live poultry at homes and at waste sites.

One NSW-based animal rescuer previously told Yahoo how people continually leave bagged live chickens on her lawn.

People react to 'disgusting' move

Responding to the woman's post, Australians were grateful the chicks were rescued but expressed outrage they'd seemingly been "thrown out".

"That's actually disgusting that somebody would just throw them out," a woman said. "I'd be reporting that to the RSPCA."

"Oh wow, I'm over the moon these precious chicks were saved. You were meant to be there," another said.

"You were there at the right time, I wonder if the owner thought the eggs were likely rotten (at an old or abandoned nest)  hence the bag in case they broke?" somebody else wondered.

The two little chicks were saved from almost certain death. Source: Facebook

"What bastard would throw these babies in the bin?" another, less forgiving woman, commented.

In Queensland, it is a serious offence, carrying a maximum of one year in prison, to abandon or release an animal for which you are responsible unless a person has a reasonable excuse, or legal authority to do so. Similar rules are in place in every jurisdiction around the country.

According to the woman who found the chicks, she wasn't sure whoever dumped the eggs knew they were fertile or ready to hatch. "It's hard to prove, sadly," she said.

Yahoo News Australia has contacted the RSPCA with regard to increased reports of poultry dumping.

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24 hours was all it took for the Congress to overturn its boycott of TV debates on the exit poll results.

Sudhir Bisht offers an explanation.

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary K C Venugopal and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav at a media interaction in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo

On Friday, May 31, 2024, Congress Spokesperson Pawan Khera announced that the Opposition coalition would not participate in the TV debates centred on the exit poll results.

'What's the point of speculation? Why should we indulge in meaningless speculation, slugfest?' Khera asked.

'Just to increase the TRPs of channels or there are some forces which are involved in betting! Why should we a part of that? Everybody knows who he or she has voted for. Parties will get to know how many votes they will get to know on the 4th. Why should we speculate?'

However, at around 4:44 pm on June 1, Khera did a U-turn and announced, 'INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls.'

'After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening.'

So, what was the reason behind the announcement to boycott the exit polls and the subsequent U-turn 24 hours later?

First, the reasons for the INDIA bloc's original decision to boycott the TV debates.

It is well known that many broadcasters in collaboration with reputed agencies had committed themselves to conducting the exit polls.

It is well known that the exit poll results were updated after every phase of election.

It goes without saying that those conducting these surveys had a broad view of who was winning the elections after each phase.

Although the Election Commission of India had barred the telecast of exit poll results till 6:30 pm on June 1, from the body language of the TV anchors and CEOs of survey agencies, it was evident that Modi-led NDA was coming back to power.

It is extremely difficult for any anchor or surveyor to have full knowledge of the outcome of an event and not be influenced by it in their speech or body language.

The pre-election surveys had also shown that the NDA's coming back to power was inevitable. Former political strategist Prashant Kishore had repeatedly been prophesying that to defeat the BJP, it was crucial for the ICongress to beat the BJP in a one-on-one fight.

PK further said he didn't see that (the Congress defeating the BJP) happening. So Congress leaders were always fearful of losing the election. They were only feigning that they were in with a chance and would defeat the BJP juggernaut.

Another theory is that even though the exit poll results were announced to the world at 6.30 pm on June 1, their broad contours were somehow known to all parties by May 31 and hence the decision by the Congress to announce its decision not to participate in exit poll discussions.

So, why did the INDIA bloc overturn its earlier decision?

The answer lies in the very aggressive stand taken by the BJP leadership on the INDIA bloc's decision to stay away from the exit poll results debate.

The first salvo came from BJP President J P Nadda. At 8.10 pm on May 31, he tore into the Congress for its decision to boycott the exit polls debate. This is what he said in his post on X:

'What is more disconcerting is Congress's antipathy towards the largest democratic process in the world, which saw participation of over 960 million aspirations. While Indians were electing their leader, who would lead them in the new world order, improve their lives, bring opportunities and prosperity, Congress was working assiduously to undermine the very institutional process, on which rests our robust democracy's foundations.

'Instead of focusing on winning the election, Congress repeatedly approached the Supreme Court, making outrageous demands, in order to mutilate our well-established electoral process.

'The Congress has no complaints about either the EVMs or the electoral process, when it wins. Himachal and Telangana are recent examples. But whines endlessly when it expects a rout.'

Minutes after his party president had spoken, Home Minister Amit A Shah drove the nail further in.

'This (boycott of exit poll discussions on TV) is not a new thing. Congress party has been in denial mode for quite some time. They have been claiming, all through their (election) campaign that they are going to get a majority.

'They are however aware that after tomorrow's election (referring to the concluding 7th phase election on 1st June), they would lose badly. They don't have any courage to face the media (during the exit poll discussions). And hence they are denying the (validity) of the exit poll process itself, saying that exit polls have no meaning when the final results itself would be announced on the 4th.

'Exit polls have been in vogue for a long time. However, this time Congress is unable to explain its losses.'

Amit Shah further had a piece of advice for the Congress party:

'I want to tell Congress that an ostrich-like mentality doesn't help anyone, they should face their defeat (impending) with courage, do self-introspection and move forward. BJP too has lost many a election in the past but it never boycotted the media and the exit polls.'

Then there were voices from the INDIA bloc partners who opposed the Congress party's unilateral decision of boycotting the exit poll debates.

A meeting of INDIA bloc partners was held in the evening of June 1 at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and around 4.44 pm an announcement was made and the earlier stand of boycotting exit poll debates was reversed.

It is rumoured that that the DMK leadership was of the view that the party under M K Stalin was sweeping Tamil Nadu and hence it would be difficult for the DMK leadership to explain the reason for staying away from discussing the exit poll results.

It is said that some Congress leaders took feedback from their state-level leadership, and the Kerala leadership too was not too favourably disposed towards boycotting the exit poll discussions.

One senior Congress leader also said that since all the partners of the INDIA bloc had done their own calculations, and it had totalled up to 295 seats for the alliance, what was the need for boycotting the debate, unless the partners were exaggerating the number of seats that they would win!

It is reported that Kalpana Soren, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's wife, was against the boycott and she persuaded Priyanka Gandhi, the third most powerful leader of the Congress party, to push for withdrawal of the exit poll boycott.

A friend who has been covering the Congress party for over a decade said he was told by a source that a leader from Kerala said there was no harm in participating in exit poll debates. The leader said that if the alliance was winning, as they all thought they were, why should they shy away from discussing it.

If the alliance eventually lost and the same was reflected in the exit poll results,this leader is believed to have said, the shock of losing on June 4 would be less severe. The public's interest would have waned by the date of actual results. It was a minimax regret strategy that one should adopt in today's times, this leader apparently said.

I can't verify if this is correct or not but I would say that it is indeed a very practical approach for a party that is likely to lose.

Dr Sudhir Bisht, author and columnist, writes from New Delhi.
'One of the principles of the MCC that you should not make hate speeches and create hatred between communities on the basis of religion was violated on a scale that was never seen before.'

'Religious symbols were very liberally used and speeches were made to polarise people on the basis of religion.'

IMAGE: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar announce the dates for the Lok Sabha polls in New Delhi on March 16, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Constitutional expert and former secretary general of the Lok Sabha P D T Achary tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com how the Election Commission of India didn't act against those who blatantly violated its model code of conduct related to conducting free and fair elections.

How free and fair have been the Lok Sabha election 2024 as the role of the Election Commission is concerned and the environment in which this election was contested?

It should be very difficult for me to say how far this election was free and fair because I was not involved in the process. I would not know how things were working out on the ground. But the point is, from the paper reports and all that, the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) has happened too often and the violators were senior political leaders.

Now the question is why the MCC which enables us to have a free and fair election, provide a level playing field, was allowed to be violated.

Can one say that this Lok Sabha election were conducted by the Election Commission in a free and fair manner?

You can't have a free and fair election if you don't ensure that the MCC was upheld in the letter and spirit. But that (the MCC) has been violated too often by senior political leaders and senior leaders of the government.

This is something which perhaps has not happened in the past at such a scale. So there the Election Commission was found wanting.

To say the least, the Election Commission can do certain things. For example, Article 324 gives powers to the Election Commission. The only condition is that if there is a statute which governs a particular thing (violation of the MCC), then the Election Commission has to go by that statute.

But if there is no statute dealing with any particular situation, then the Election Commission can drop out from Article 324 and take appropriate action (under the provisions of The Representation of People's Act, 1951) so that the whole election remains free and fair.

The ultimate aim is to have a free and fair election.

That is why Article 324 gives power to the Election Commission. Article 324 does not empower the Election Commission to not take action when there is a violation of the directions issued by the Election Commission.

Therefore, it is a mandate of the Constitution to the Election Commission to act and not sit back and watch things.

What are the powers vested in the Election Commission by Article 324?

These are actually not specified. The point is that it depends on the situations and issues. But that flexibility is there. The Constitution does not specify what exactly these powers are.

The Supreme Court has said that Article 324 contains the reservoir of powers which the Election Commission can use for dealing with a particular situation.

One of the principles of the MCC that you should not make hate speeches and create hatred between communities on the basis of religion was violated on a scale that was never seen before.

Religious symbols were very liberally used and speeches were made to polarise people on the basis of religion. This actually goes against the law.

Apart from the MCC, this (hate speeches) goes against the law because in the Representation of People's Act, there are two provisions: One is article Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which says that you cannot use any religion or religious symbol to influence the voters. That would be a corrupt practice under the law.

The consequence of that is that the Election Commission can invalidate (the election of an MP, but that can happen only) on a petition (filed in a court) after the election is over.

The other one is Section 125, which says that creating some sort of cleavage or creating tension between religious community based on religion, caste and community is an electoral offense.

In such a case an FIR has to be filed, investigation has to be done and the (petition) has to be filed in a court. The Election Commission's role is to ask the police to register the FIR.

Can this FIR be filed in retrospect? As of now, there have been no FIRs filed against whoever have breached the MCC.

IMAGE: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra D Modi addresses a public meeting during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yes, FIRs can be filed (in retrospect) in a criminal offence. And naturally it can be filed if they were not able to do it during the election time.

The criminality of an act does not end with the election. Criminality is something which lasts longer.

The Election Commission is empowered to do that and that is why the provision has been made in the law.

The MCC very specifically says that no party, no candidate or no person, campaigner included, shall violate any of the provisions listed under Sections 123 and 125. Now the question is what powers can the EC exercise to deal with the situation.

The Election Commission has been taking people off the campaign for 24 hours and 48 hours. If the Election Commission can take a person off the campaign for 24 hours or 48 hours, it can take the person off the campaign for the duration of the election.

No such action has been taken yet against anybody who violated the MCC.

All the people who violate the MCC, particularly people who use religion and religious symbols in the election campaign to influence the people, are in blatant violation of the MCC.

The Election Commission could have taken those people off the campaign for the duration of the election because it was a very serious kind of violation. That could have been done but we (the Election Commission) didn't do it obviously.

Then there is one more thing with regard to the para 16(A) which was added to The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, (pdf file, external link) which gives powers to the Election Commission to suspend or withdraw recognition of state and/or national political parties.

That was done in exercise of the power vested in the Election Commission by Article 324. This para states that if there is a violation of the model code of conduct, then the Election Commission can suspend or withdraw recognition of the violator temporarily or for a longer time.

The withdrawal or suspension of recognition of a political party takes away from them their right to use the symbols allotted to them by the Election Commission. That means that party will not be able to fight on that symbol for the duration of time that the Election Commission decides as per the provisions of law.

Now the point is when does the Election Commission think that they can use this power? It is actually for the Election Commission to decide if this power will be used when there is a violation of the MCC.

But para 16(A) of the The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, specifically says that when there is a serious violation of the MCC the Election Commission can withdraw or suspend recognition of the violating party.

[16A. Power of Commission to suspend or withdraw recognition of a recognised political party for its failure to observe Model Code of Conduct or follow lawful directions and instructions of the Commission

Notwithstanding anything in this Order, if the Commission is satisfied on information in its possession that a political party, recognised either as a National party or as a State party under the provisions of this Order, has failed or has refused or is refusing or has shown or is showing defiance by its conduct or otherwise (a) to observe the provisions of the 'Model Code of Conduct for Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates' as issued by the Commission in January, 1991 or as amended by it from time to time, or (b) to follow or carry out the lawful directions and instructions of the Commission given from time to time with a view to furthering the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections or safeguarding the interests of the general public and the electorate in particular, the Commission may, after taking into account all the available facts and circumstances of the case and after giving the party reasonable opportunity of showing cause in relation to the action proposed to be taken against it, either suspend, subject to such terms as the Commission may deem appropriate, or withdraw the recognition of such party as the National Party or, as the case may be, the State Party.]

How do you define serious violation of the model code of conduct?

Serious violation means blatant use of religion. It's a serious violation of the MCC. Nothing can be more serious than that use of religion in a very blatant way in the election campaign.

So the Election Commission should act. They have been given the power by the Constitution and these powers have been given to be used.
'Modi's image has no takers among the masses.'

All Photographs and Videos: Rajesh Karkera for Rediff.com IMAGE: Dr Sandeep Saurav, the Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist candidate for the Nalanda Lok Sabha seat, second from left, speaks to a supporter.

"Such a frenzy was created about Modi till about 2017, that if you criticised him in public there was a good chance of people attacking you, but it is no longer so. The same janta that voted for him overwhelmingly in 2014 and 2019 is openly against him," says Dr Sandeep Saurav, the Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist candidate from Nalanda.

Dr Saurav gave up a teaching career as lecturer of Hindi literature to join politics and successfully contested the Bihar assembly election from Paliganj in 2020.

This time, he is locked in a tough fight with three-time Janata Dal-United MP Kaushalendra Kumar. The CPI-ML is part of the INDIA formation, while the JD-U is part of the NDA.

IMAGE: Sandeep Saurav's election office.

A former student leader at JNU and All India Student Association, Dr Saurav is an impassioned speaker. "The youth has understood that Modi cannot give them jobs," he says and vehemently condemns the government's attack on universities.

"This government is 'managing' youth anger due to unemployment," he says, sitting in a room with party workers in Bihar Sharif, the headquarter of Nalanda district.

IMAGE: CPI-ML activists have their meals before they set out to campaign.

At the entrance, a large group of INDIA party workers and CPI-ML comrades are having a meal prepared in an area designated as the kitchen. "The cook is our comrade," informs a lady CPI-ML member from Sitamarhi district.

IMAGE: The INDIA campaigners have a cuppa tea before spreading out in Nalanda district.

"Sarkar badlegi (the government will change)," says Dr Saurav, "The BJP will lose Maharashtra, Bihar and Purvanchal."

"Another message that has reached the poor and deprived that that Dr Ambedkar's Constitution is in danger and Modi wants to change it."

Part 1 of the Interview: 'Modi Destroying Educational Institutions'

Watch: Part 2 of the interview:

On Youth resentment due to unemployment

On combating the allure of Hindutva, the power of caste and Modi's unquestioned popularity

Modi's 'choreographed' roadshows in Bihar

On what the result will show on June 4

On the inability to raise funds

On Nitish Kumar's future

On Modi 3.0

Three things that will change if Modi returns

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, held a meeting on Monday, a day before the Lok Sabha poll results will be declared.

IMAGE: BJP workers prepare sweets anticipating the party's victory ahead of the counting of Lok Sabha polls which will held on June 4, in Patna on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

They are learnt to have taken stock of the prevailing political situation following the exit polls predicting a big win for the BJP-led alliance, and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)'s series of meetings rejecting the forecast and sticking to its claim that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is on its way out.

Though there was no official word from the BJP on the meeting in which party president J P Nadda was also present, its senior leaders are learnt to have also brainstormed over the strategy to take on the opposition.

A BJP delegation had on Sunday approached the Elections Commission, accusing the Congress and its allies of trying to undermine the integrity of India's electoral process, and urged the poll body to prevent any attempts of 'violence and unrest' during the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on June 4.

Leaders from the INDIA bloc have urged the EC to ensure that postal ballots are counted and their results declared before the outcome of the EVMs is announced, and stressed that the poll panel should issue clear guidelines on the counting process and ensure that those are implemented.
The blood samples of the mother of the juvenile allegedly involved in the May 19 Pune Porsche crash case were collected on Monday for DNA testing, a police official said.

IMAGE: The father of the accused 17-year-old boy involved in the Pune Porsche accident case being brought to the crime branch office by the Pune police after being arrested in an alleged abduction case, in Pune, May 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

This is to confirm if the samples of the woman, who has been arrested, were used in place of the juvenile at Sassoon General Hospital for tests at the Forensic Science Laboratory to verify alcohol consumption, the official informed.

Two IT professionals hailing from Madhya Pradesh died when their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche car, allegedly driven by a drunk minor boy, in the early hours of May 19 in Kalyani Nagar area here.

The juvenile's mother was arrested on Saturday as part of the probe into the blood sample swap case.

Earlier, the police had arrested Dr Ajay Taware, head of Sassoon's Forensic Medicine Department, and Dr. Shrihari Halnor, the chief medical officer, as well as another staffer in this connection.

They are accused of conspiring with the juvenile's parents in return for money to swap the blood samples to nullify alcohol detection tests. The juvenile's parents were remanded in police custody till June 5 by a local court earlier.

"We collected the woman's samples today and have sent it for DNA sampling to the FSL," the Crime Branch official said.

Meanwhile, a senior official said they are seeking appointment of a special counsel in the case and were taking all efforts to file a chargesheet quickly.

"We are recording statements of key witnesses, gathering critical evidence, as well as creating a digital reconstruction of the accident scene to present in court," the official said.

"The main focus is to get a special counsel appointed, file chargesheet quickly and run the case in a fast track court to ensure speedy conviction. One chargesheet will be filed in the Juvenile Justice Board against the minor and the second in the regular court against the parents and the arrested doctors. This will pertain to blood sample swap and confinement of driver," he added.

Sources also said police is likely to seek further extension of the juvenile's stay in the observation home on June 5, when the initial period ends.
The Election Commission on Monday said it will start the process of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir very soon.

Photograph: Umar Ganie/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Voters wait to exercise their franchise at a polling booth in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, May 20, 2024.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said the EC was very enthused by the voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Sabha elections, which showed the eagerness of the people to participate in the democratic process.

"We will very soon start the process of assembly elections in J&K. We are very enthused. It is one of the most satisfying moments," the CEC said.

The voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Sabha elections was 58.58 percent, the highest in four decades. The voter turnout in Lok Sabha seats in the Kashmir valley was 51.05 percent, he said.

While announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in March, Kumar had said that holding assembly and parliamentary elections simultaneously was not practical due to logistical and security reasons.

Whenever assembly elections are held in Jammu and Kashmir, they will be the first since the August 2019 abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the division of the erstwhile state into two union territories.

The electoral exercise in Jammu and Kashmir is usually spread over a month.

Following a delimitation exercise, the number of assembly seats in the union territory has gone up from 83 to 90, excluding those allocated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In December, the Supreme Court had directed the poll panel to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.
Heatwave conditions continued with slightly reduced intensity over parts of northwest and central India on Monday, with marginal relief predicted after two days.

IMAGE: A woman uses a scarf to cover her child's head to protect from the scorching sun during a hot summer day, in Bikaner, Rajasthan, June 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Temperatures in 17 locations breached 45 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the punishing heat affecting health and livelihoods.

Heatwave conditions are very likely to continue in some parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Odisha on June 4-5; Uttar Pradesh, west Rajasthan, and Jharkhand until June 7; and Bihar on June 6-7, the Met office said.

Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh was the hottest in the country with a maximum temperature of 46.8 degrees Celsius. Sirsa in Haryana and Ganganagar in Rajasthan sizzled at 46.4 and 46.5 degrees Celsius.

The mercury settled at 45.1 degrees in Delhi's Ayanagar, 45.9 degrees in Punjab's Amritsar, and 45.4 degrees in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

The India meteorological department said heatwave conditions over northwest, central, and east India are likely to continue with reduced intensity during the next four to five days.

The deadly heatwave is testing India's disaster preparedness, with several states reporting heat-related deaths.

India recorded nearly 25,000 suspected heat stroke cases and 56 deaths due to heat-related illnesses from March to May, PTI reported on Saturday, citing data from the health ministry.

According to data compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control, 46 of these deaths were recorded in May alone (till May 30).

Between May 1 and 30, 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases were reported in the country, it said.

The data does not include deaths from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, and the final numbers are expected to be higher, a source said.

India on Friday alone reported at least 40 suspected heat-related deaths, 25 of them staff deployed on Lok Sabha poll duty in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The crippling heat is straining power grids and leading to water shortages in parts of the country.

According to the Central Water Commission, water storage in 150 major reservoirs in India dropped to just 23 per cent of their live storage last week, exacerbating water shortages in many states and significantly affecting hydropower generation.

The intense heat has already driven India's power demand to 239.96 gigawatts, the highest so far this season, with air conditioners and coolers in homes and offices running at full capacity.

Severe heatwaves have impacted a large number of people in parts of India for three consecutive years, affecting health, water availability, agriculture, power generation, and other sectors of the economy.

The heatwave in May saw several places across the country, including Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, recording their all-time high temperatures. Parts of India saw record-breaking maximum temperatures in April as well.

Similar heatwaves could occur once every 30 years, and these have already become about 45 times more likely due to climate change, according to 'World Weather Attribution', a group of leading climate scientists.

Experts say those working outdoors, the elderly, and children are at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,66,000 people died as a result of heatwaves between 1998 and 2017.

India reported 3,812 deaths due to heatwaves between 2015 and 2022, with Andhra Pradesh alone logging 2,419 fatalities, the government informed Parliament in July last year.

In the absence of adequate cold-chain infrastructure, extreme heat can cause major damage to fresh produce.

Studies show India faces food losses worth USD 13 billion a year, with only four per cent of fresh produce covered by cold chain facilities.

According to a World Bank report, India could account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress-associated productivity decline by 2030.
With the campaign frenzy now a fading echo and the polls over, a palpable tension gripped the air as candidates of various political parties faced the anxious moments for the electronic voting machines to be opened.

IMAGE: A vendor sells colours at a market on the eve of the vote counting for the Lok Sabha Polls, in Kolkata, June 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

To pass that time, some candidates preferred to stay with the party workers, others decided to take some rest after the heat and dust of electioneering, while some others took timeout to meet parents before the results were announced.

Sougata Roy, veteran TMC MP from the Dum Dum, is one such candidate who is making the most of this period by giving time to himself.

I read books and sleep during this period, he said while talking to PTI.

However, not everyone spends the way Roy does.

For Bharatiya Janata Party's Medinipur candidate Agnimitra Paul, there is no time to die or rest.

I have lots of work to do before the EVM machines are opened for counting of votes. Setting up camps near the counting centres, selecting and briefing the counting agents along with other party workers - I have been busy with all these, Paul said.

For one day, she had to go to Durgapur as her mother was unwell, she said.

BJP candidate from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency Dilip Ghosh said that he had to make a whirlwind tour of various constituencies and only got one-and-a-half months to campaign in his seat.

Now he is in his constituency with his party activists and counting agents.

Sujan Chakraborty, Communist Party of India-Marxist candidate from Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency said, I just had a few moments to spend with my mother when I visited Midnapore recently. I had no time for myself after polling was held in my constituency since I have campaigned for other candidates of my party.

I am an active worker of the party and it is a 365-day job. I am back doing my regular job after the polls were over in Dum Dum constituency on June 1, Chakraborty said.

The Left leader said that besides attending party meetings he visited all those workers who were attacked and beaten up by our rival party during and after the polls, Chakraborty added.

The feeling is strange now, TMC sitting MP and Birbhum candidate Satabdi Roy said.

"It's like the situation after a war is overeverything is so quiet. In this waiting period, the feeling like that of a student who is waiting for the exam results or like the person who is about to meet her or his love for the first time in person, the actor-turned-politician said.

Roy also said that tonight she is going to attend several meetings with her workers in her constituency.
Seven former high court judges on Monday wrote an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu urging her to follow the established democratic precedent and invite the largest pre-poll alliance to form the government to preempt horse trading if the 2024 general elections lead to a hung Parliament.

IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu shows her ink-marked finger after casting her vote for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 at a polling booth in New Delhi, May 25, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

The retired judges also urged Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and the chief election commissioner to uphold the Constitution by ensuring a smooth transition of power, if the present ruling dispensation loses people's mandate.

The open letter is signed by six former Madras high court judges GM Akbar Ali, Aruna Jagadeesan, D Hariparanthaman, PR Shivakumar, CT Selvam, S Vimala and former judge of Patna high court Anjana Prakash.

They said there was genuine concern that if the present ruling dispensation loses people's mandate, the transition of power may not be smooth and there could be a constitutional crisis.

Concurring with the May 25 open statement of Constitutional Conduct Group of former civil servants, the former judges said, We are constrained to agree with the scenario envisaged in the above statement: In the event of a hung parliament, onerous responsibilities will be placed upon the shoulders of the President of India.

"We are sure that she will follow the established democratic precedent of first inviting the pre-poll alliance that garnered the largest number of seats. Also, that she would endeavour to preempt the possibilities of horse-trading.

It also urged the CJI and the CEC to uphold the Constitution in such an eventuality and ensure smooth transition of power.

We, former high court judges, having no affiliation to any political party, but strongly committed to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, and to the values of electoral democracy, write this open letter from a deep anguish at the recent and present goings-on with regard to the parliamentary elections of 2024, the letter, issued to media on June 3, said.

Several events over the past weeks are making for a very grim storyline; one that may possibly end in a violent conclusion. These are genuine apprehensions in the minds of the vast majority of our people. Reputed civil and human rights organisations and activists have also echoed the same apprehension, it said.

It said the Election Commission's refusal to disclose the exact number of votes cast in each booth of every constituency and to make form 17(C) of conduct of election rules available to the public, along with the minimal action taken against hate speech targeting minorities and opposition parties by senior leaders of the ruling party, are major concerns.

The letter said the Supreme Court, being the final authority to defend and protect the Constitution and democracy, should be ready to take proactive action to prevent any potential catastrophe or to address any monstrous situations that may arise during counting and declaration of results.

We, the people of India as citizens of a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic hereby call upon the Supreme Court to ensure the presence and attendance of the top five esteemed justices of the Supreme Court even during the period of the ongoing summer vacation and be available to respond in the event of any constitutional crisis that might emerge in the present situation, the letter said.

It said the former judges hoped that their apprehensions were wrong and the elections would end smoothly but they believed that prevention is better than cure.

We therefore, seek in humility to remind each of the authorities and institutions charged with the integrity of the process of democratic government formation of their paramount duty to abide by and uphold the Constitution, it added.
The Mumbai police have arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly assaulting the cabin crew onboard an Air India Express flight from Kozhikode to Bahrain and trying to open the door of the aircraft, an official said on Monday.

Photograph: Courtesy Air India Express on Facebook

The accused, Abdul Musavir Nadukandee, was arrested after the flight made an emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai on Saturday, an official from Sahar police said.

Nadukandee, who hails from Kerala, woke up when the flight took off from Kozhikode and immediately went to the back of the aircraft, where he allegedly assaulted the cabin crew and tried to open the door of the aircraft, he said.

When the crew members managed to bring the man back to his seat, he started verbally abusing and assaulting other passengers and threatened to open the emergency door, the official said.

Fearing a security threat, the pilot made an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and alerted the security officials, he said.

A case has been registered against the accused under sections 336 (act endangering life), 504 (provocation to breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Aircraft Act, the official said.
Noosa Council in Queensland will now tow cars from parking bays at a popular beach lookout as it tries to deter backpackers from continuing to 'flout' the rules.

Noosa Council is continuing its crackdown on illegal campers, who will now be towed from a popular lookout spot in the tourist town. Source: Noosa Council

The Noosa Councils crackdown on illegal campers has intensified as the holiday hotspot threatens to tow any cars left overnight at a popular lookout. The growing tourist town on the Sunshine Coast has long been a favourite stop-off for backpackers, but authorities say their presence has caused all sorts of problems.

Since August last year, car parks near the Noose National Park have been trialling rules preventing drivers from stopping there between the hours of 10pm and 4am. Despite the threat of a hefty $309 fine for illegal camping, travellers are continuing to flout the rules, prompting the council to announce it will now start towing cars away.

As of Friday, any vehicles left overnight in beach-front bays on the corner of Mitti Street and Park Road will be removed.

Illegal campers in breach of these restrictions could have their vehicle towed away and theyll face significant costs to recover it, not to mention the inconvenience of being without transport while it is impounded, local laws manager Rob Smith said.

Illegal campers often leave rubbish behind showing a total disregard for the area and the environment.

Noosa Council now tow any vehicles left overnight in beach-front bays on the corner of Mitti Street and Park Road. Source: GoogleMaps

Tow zones could be extended to other car parks

Smith said parking officers had seen good results while performing extra patrols over the summer, but authorities are still seeing a high number of people breaking the law as we move into the winter months.

Illegal camping reduces parking availability which impacts residents. Officers have issued 40 fines to those deliberately flouting the rules in the last two weeks alone, he continued.

If the new tow-away zone helps tackle the problem, it may be extended to other parking bays from Noosa Woods to Noosa Spit. Our target remains those who wilfully ignore the restrictions and continue to prevent residents and visitors from enjoying our most popular and beautiful areas, Smith said.

Tourists and locals debate Noosa's tow-away rule

Illegal camping and the towns swollen population on weekends and school holidays has been a hot topic among Noosa residents for years. In February, the council said it was considering introducing a traffic congestion tax for tourists.

Speaking to The ABC following the councils latest decision, Canadian tourist Noah Vanveen said the move appeared to be a cash grab.

He explained that he understood what the elected body was trying to do but didnt think it was the best way to do it. Are they going to tow them away with people in the cars? Because anyone who's here at 10pm till 4am is probably asleep in their car, he said.

Noosa resident Vasse Yee told he publication that while overnight camping can definitely be abused, backpackers are not the only ones to blame. The cost-of-living crisis has forced many Aussies to live in their vehicles.

Other locals have praised the councils tow-away rule online, calling it a fantastic idea.

Thank goodness for this. We faced all the parking spaces taken up with the vans this week. Come and visit and see our beautiful town but park in campsites that can accommodate you, one woman said.

Tourists looking to stay in the Noosa area are urged to check out one of the following campsites:

Noosa River Holiday Park

Noosa North Shore Beach Campground

Boreen Point Campground

Kin Kin Camping

Cooroy Caravan Park

Pomona Caravan Park

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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The Election Commission on Monday refused to grant additional time to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to back his claims that attempts were made to influence 150 district magistrates and collectors ahead of the June 4 vote count for Lok Sabha elections.

IMAGE: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh addresses a press conference, at AICC headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Ramesh was asked by the poll panel to submit factual details by Sunday evening of the allegations that he made in a social media post recently.

Ramesh wrote to the EC on Monday seeking a week more to submit his reply.

In a letter to Ramesh, the EC said, 'The Commission hereby outrightly rejects your request for time extension and directs you to file your response along with the factual matrix/ basis of your allegation by 7 pm today -- June 3, failing which it would be presumed that you have nothing substantive to say in the matter and the Commission would proceed ahead to take appropriate action.'

The EC said his allegation that attempts have been made to influence the district magistrates of around 150 parliamentary constituencies, who are also the returning officers and district election officers, has serious connotation and direct bearing on the sanctity of the counting process scheduled for Tuesday.

The EC said no DM has reported any such undue influence as alleged by him.
As Delhi grapples with water crisis amid the unrelenting summer heat, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5 to address the issue.

IMAGE: Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and party workers stage a protest march from Shahidi Park towards the Delhi Secretariat over the water crisis, in New Delhi, May 31, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The UYRB was set up in 1995 with one of its main functions being to regulate the allocation of available flows amongst the beneficiary states and also monitor and review the progress of all projects up to and including Okhla barrage in Delhi.

The states include Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

"Why can't there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders?" a vacation bench of Justices PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan asked at the outset.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Haryana government, said the issue was already being considered by the UYRB where all stakeholder states including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi are parties.

"This is the question which is being considered. Himachal Pradesh is called upon by the board to provide the details as to what is the extra water or additional water if at all they have," he said.

The bench observed that as an emergency measure, the meeting of the board may be convened on Tuesday to address the issue.

It noted that the advocates appearing for the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have agreed that a meeting of the UYRB be held.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi government seeking a direction to Haryana to release the surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the national capital to mitigate its water crisis.

"In the course of hearing, all the parties agreed that there should be a non-adversarial approach to the problem of scarcity of water faced by the citizens of Delhi," the bench said.

It said the lawyers have "agreed that there shall be an emergent meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5 to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that the problem of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi shall be properly addressed".

The bench said the matter be posted for hearing on June 6 along with the minutes of the meeting of the board and the suggested steps to be taken by the stakeholders to solve the problem.

Mehta said as per the figures placed before the board, if 100 litres of water comes to Delhi, the residents get only 48.65 litres.

"Total water loss is 51.35 percent," he said, adding that though the residents don't misutilise water, there are leakages, tanker mafia and theft by some industrial units.

Mehta said the Delhi government will have to tighten up the strings.

"You will make that point but not release water in June," senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Delhi government, said.

Singhvi said the Delhi government was making plans for preventing wastage of water.

"What solicitor is saying is also correct that there should be no wastage of water," the bench observed.

When the bench said the board's meeting can be convened on Tuesday, Mehta responded tomorrow it may be difficult.

"Tomorrow, there will be too much of heat," the bench observed. The counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for Tuesday.

"As far as Himachal Pradesh is concerned, whatever unutilised water we have, we are ready to provide," the counsel appearing for Himachal Pradesh told the bench.

During the hearing, Singhvi said, "I come from Rajasthan. The highest I have seen in Rajasthan is 50 (degrees Celsius). I never heard of 52 (degrees Celsius) in Delhi. I have been in Delhi for a long time."

The plea filed by Delhi's Water Minister Atishi has made the Centre, the BJP-governed Haryana and the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh parties to the petition, saying that access to water is essential for survival and is one of the basic human rights.

"Access to water is one of the basic human rights of an individual. Not only is water essential for sustenance, but access to water also forms an essential component of the guarantee of dignity and a quality of life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution," the plea said.

"The current water crisis, which may only get worse given peak summers and ongoing water shortage, violates the right to a dignified and quality life of the people of the NCT of Delhi, who are unable to access even adequate clean drinking water," it added.

The plea has sought a direction to the Haryana government for immediate and continuous release of water at the Wazirabad barrage, including but not limited to the full surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh in order to mitigate the water crisis in the NCT of Delhi.

It said it has sought the direction as a one-time measure and not filed the plea for resolving any outstanding inter-state water dispute.

In order to deal with the demand in summer months, the Delhi government has devised a solution under which Himachal Pradesh has agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi, the petition said.

"Since Himachal Pradesh does not share boundary with Delhi, the surplus water released by it has to be transported through the existing water channels in Haryana and released to Delhi at the Wazirabad barrage," it said.

The national capital has been facing a severe water shortage and Atishi has accused Haryana of not releasing Delhi's share of water.
Emilie Kornheiser, who announced her reelection bid for the Windham 7 District of the Vermont House of Representatives, speaks at the annual Representative Town Meeting in Brattleboro on March 23, 2024.
The somewhat dramatic scene unfolded near a crowded wine bar on the Aussie holiday resort town of Paynesville.

Rescuer Lachie plunged into freezing cold water to reach the koala on a ferry buffer in Paynesville, Victoria. Source: Facebook

Why did the koala wander past the wine bar?

That's the question diners were asking themselves on Friday night after a young, male marsupial was spotted in the holiday resort town of Paynesville, situated near Raymond Island in Victoria. And despite their "well meaning" attempts to assist the koala in an area where the animals are "rarely" seen, their efforts likely caused the animal to become even more spooked.

"We had a very hypothermic, very cold, very stressed little koala on our hands after it jumped into the water," rescuer Shelley Robinson, from Koalas of Raymond Island (KORI) told Yahoo News Australia.

Koala 'jumped' into water to flee 'rowdy' crowd

After diners tried to usher the koala onto the ferry and back towards Raymond Island, which is a known koala habitat, the distressed animal jumped into the freezing cold water by the ferry to flee the "rowdy" crowd. Shelley received a phone call then, and she rushed to the site with other rescuers.

"Koalas can swim but not overly well," Shelley explained. "That's where the ferry docks so it's a really high wall of a few metres, so he couldn't get out."

Shelley explained people, loud noises and even dogs can cause koalas to flee towards the water.

The koala had managed to climb onto a ferry buffer to shelter and the team commenced a three-hour search for a boat, which they finally secured. However due to the koala's position, a rescuer eventually had to wade through the water with a handheld net to safely capture the animal.

A team of rescuers from Koalas of Raymond Island worked together to catch the 'hypothermic' koala. Source: Facebook

"I went onto the boat, Lachie ended up in the water with his rescue nets... the main problem was we had to block him [the koala] so he didn't end up in the water again," Shelley said. "Between the two of us we managed to net him and get him."

Friday night's rescue was within metres of the docked ferry and while certainly an uncommon scene at the popular tourist spot, a similar rescue effort unfolded in November after a ferry master found a koala aboard his boat.

Rescuer's plea to 'well intentioned' Aussies

In wake of the rescue, Shelley is now urging people to call KORI for assistance when a koala appears distressed or disorientated. The team would much prefer to attend a site where their help wasn't ultimately needed than not be notified when an animal did require their help, she said.

"We don't care, ring us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We'll go out, we'll assess it, and we'll make that decision," she said.

"[On Friday] the well intentioned people all came out of the wine bar, we had an audience, it's not a great situation."

The koala, who has since been nicknamed Frankie, is expected to make a full recovery and be released this week.

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Last weeks Budget announcements appeared light on technology investment compared with previous years, however, a closer look revealed significant cutbacks.

Reseller News has already covered the cancellation of the enablement project for Te Pukenga  the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology and for the massive Three Waters reform.

The new government had campaigned on both of these so no surprises there.

One of the countrys biggest projects, the Ministrys Te Pae Tawhiti transformation, will continue with $183 million in funding provided for the first two years.

Looking deeper into the Budget, however, further savings initiatives involving technology investment are outlined.

At the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) funding for the ministrys digital data and insights functions are being returned to the tune of $17.6 million over four years.
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June 4 marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, in which the Peoples Liberation Army killed hundreds, possibly thousands of civilians, stamping out weeks of protests in the heart of Chinas capital. The government still suppresses mention and memorializing of the 1989 killings in Beijing.
The agency is investigating after a rights group alleged the tool is full of well-documented rights abusers.

A UN-agency platform intended to guide investors to opportunities that advance humankind lists a number of Cambodian businesses with poor human rights records.

The United Nations Development Programme is now investigating whether its platform has helped elevate Cambodian companies allegedly involved in forced eviction, deforestation, trafficking and other rights abuses.

The agencys SDG Investor Platform bills itself as a resource for businesses and others looking for opportunities to invest in sustainable development. It purports to offer market intelligence for 40 countries, though stresses it does not present investment-ready deals or projects.

But its tool for Cambodia includes several companies with controversial human rights records according to local rights group Licadho, which in March filed a confidential complaint with the UNDP saying the agency had failed to conduct due diligence and adhere to its environmental and social policies.

In May, the UNDPs social and environmental compliance unit, or SECU, determined the complaint was eligible for investigation. According to SECUs memo, the Licadho complaint alleged a number of specific harms that pertain to particular communities and companies. After reviewing the allegations, the unit found them credible to warrant additional investigation.

Though the announcement does not detail which companies faced accusations, an RFA review of the investment platform revealed several corporate partners with troubled backgrounds.

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In the section on private forest management, the UNDP lists Phea Pimex Asia Forestry Investment Group Co. Ltd. as a partner.

More commonly known as Pheapimex, the group is one of Cambodias most well-connected companies. It is owned by Lau Meng Khin, a senator, and his wife, tycoon Choeung Sopheap, a close confidante of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany. A 2007 U.S. Embassy cable termed its owners one of the most politically and economically connected couples in the country.

The sprawling conglomerate, which owns a number of large scale land concessions, has long drawn the ire of conservationists and rights groups. In a 2000 Global Witness report, the watchdog warned that Pheapimex continue[s to] log illegally and with apparent impunity; they cannot be trusted to manage the forest while the industry is restructured. Decades later, a 2018 case study on Pheapimexs activities in Kampong Chhnang and Pursat province published by thinktank Focus on the Global South detailed land grabs, destroyed communities and abusive labor conditions. And earlier this year, CamboJA reported on illegal deforestation in a protected area from a Pheapimex-linked Economic Land Concession.

Pheapimex has not publicly responded to any of these findings and could not be reached for comment.

Cambodian tycoon Lau Meng Khin, right, walks with his wife, Choeung Sopheap, left, as they prepare to see off then-Prime Minister Hun Sen, as he departs for Shanghai, China, at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, May 18, 2014. (Heng Sinith/AP)

In an agro-industry section of the platform, the UNDP listed Santana Agro Product, an agricultural development and processing company, as a partner. Last year, indigenous minorities accused Santana of illegally grabbing and clearing their protected forest land in Preah Vihear for a cashew plantation, RFA Khmer reported. A Mongabay investigation noted owner Ouk Kimsan had a a long, well-documented history in the illicit timber trade predating his involvement in Santana. According to the Mongabay report, USAID closed out a grant to Santana over concerns regarding Kimsans connections to Try Pheap, a timber tycoon sanctioned by the U.S. treasury department in 2019.

The UNDP platform also encourages users to invest in microfinance institutions, or MFIs, saying that they contribute to a number of sustainable development goals, including no poverty and decent work and economic growth. However, microfinance  which involves banks giving small, high-interest loans to poor borrowers has come under sharp criticism in Cambodia. The debt burden is among the highest in the world, with the average borrower holding over $4,000 in debt  more than double the countrys per capita income. Numerous reports by Licadho and other rights groups, international media, and academics have long painted a picture of predatory lending practices that drive borrowers deeper into debt, and contribute to child labor, deforestation, land loss and other social ills.

Santana and the Cambodia Microfinance Association, a professional organization for MFIs, did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

In a statement issued May 24, Licadho noted they had raised concerns with UNDP in late 2022 but the UN agency failed to resolve these problems sufficiently for more than a year prior to the filing of the complaint.

A UNDP spokesperson told RFA that the list of entities included in the report are stakeholders in those key sectors, and UNDP does not necessarily engage with any of them.

The author of the SECU memo noted the UNDP team stressed no due diligence was required and that they are not actively promoting these companies as a pipeline of potential investment.

But Licadho outreach director Naly Pilorge said there could be little doubt that by listing them as partners on a UN-backed investment website, they had promoted sectors and companies that are perpetrating or contributing to human rights abuses in Cambodia.

We would like to see UNDP conduct proper due diligence and screening in order to properly assess every single investment area and company they have selected as part of this platform, to ensure that abusive companies and investment areas are not supported by UNDP, she added.

Edited by Boer Deng.
Public commemoration of the 1989 bloodshed is now banned under security laws.

Screenshot from a May 31, 2024, post on the HongKongers in Leeds Facebook page. Risking arrest, Hong Kong residents scaled the city's iconic Lion Rock to hold up illuminated signs marking the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre and to support the pro-democracy movement, according to a U.K.-based exile group.

Risking arrest, Hong Kong residents scaled the city's iconic Lion Rock to hold up illuminated signs marking the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre and to support the pro-democracy movement, according to a U.K.-based exile group.

"On the eve of a sensitive date that officials won't mention, a group of Hong Kongers has scaled the mist-shrouded slopes of Lion Rock to shine glory on the summit," the Hong Kongers in Leeds group said via its Facebook page, posting photos of lights making up the numbers 6 and 4 to denote June 4, the date of the 1989 bloodshed.

Another photo showed hands holding placards with the words "Glory" and "HK" illuminated at the summit of Lion Rock, which is part of a country park with hiking trails.

Screenshot from a May 31, 2024, post on the HongKongers in Leeds Facebook page. Lion Rock made headlines during the 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement when protesters hung a large banner calling for fully democratic elections from the lion's "head. (HongKongers in Leeds via Facebook)





For three decades, thousands of people gathered every June 4 in Hong Kong's Victoria Park to hold a candlelight vigil for the victims of the massacre, until the gathering was banned in 2020 and its organizers jailed.

Last week, national security police arrested seven people including jailed vigil organizer Chow Hang-tung in connection with "seditious" Facebook posts marking the anniversary of the crackdown, which falls on Tuesday, and is now mostly being marked outside China.

Lions Rock

Lion Rock made headlines during the 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement when protesters hung a large banner calling for fully democratic elections from the lion's "head. People with laser lights lined up along the outcrop in 2019 as part of a months-long protest against the city's eroding freedoms.

The anthem "Glory to Hong Kong," which sparked a police investigation after organizers played it in error at recent overseas sporting fixtures, was regularly sung by crowds of unarmed protesters during the 2019 protests, which ranged from peaceful mass demonstrations for full democracy to intermittent, pitched battles between front-line protesters and armed riot police.

Chinese students shout after breaking through a police blockade during a pro-democracy march to Tiananmen Square, Beijing, May 4, 1989. (S. Mikami/AP)





The song calls for freedom and democracy rather than independence, but was nonetheless deemed in breach of the law due to its "separatist" intent, and was banned by court injunction last month.

"The people of Hong Kong will never forget June 4, 1989," one of the sign-holders, who gave only the surname Leung for fear of reprisals, said in the May 31 Facebook post. "Commemorating the Tiananmen massacre is part of our heritage and collective memory."

"Such activities aren't only about looking back at history, but also about our commitment to the values of freedom and democracy," the post said.

Careless word

Leung said the climate of fear under the 2020 National Security Law and the Article 23 security legislation means that "even a careless word can get you into trouble" these days, if you live in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong people no longer have freedom from fear," the post quoted him as saying.

Pro-democracy demonstrators carry portraits of former Chinese rulers Mao Tse-Tung and Chou En-Lai as they march to join student strikers, May 18, 1989, at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China. (Sadayuki Mikami/AP)





Meanwhile, a newspaper in Hong Kong left most of its front page blank ahead of the 35th anniversary of the crackdown on the weeks-long pro-democracy protests of 1989.

The front page story on the Christian Times weekly newspaper's May 31 edition was left blank. In previous years, the newspaper has run a front page feature commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

"Due to circumstances, we have been unable to publish the front page feature article," a message on the online version of the newspaper read. "We hope our readers can forgive us!"

In an editorial published alongside the blank front page, the paper said things have changed "dramatically" in Hong Kong in recent years, adding that "society has become more restrictive."

"Even prayers based on our memories of historical events could be a cause for concern," said the article, much of which had also been redacted.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Hundreds still suffer in obscurity for their role in the 1989 pro-democracy movement, veteran activists say.

Crowds of jubilant students surge through a police cordon before pouring into Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, during a pro-democracy demonstration.

When thousands crowded into Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 a show of public grief for late ousted Premier Hu Yaobang, kickstarting weeks of student-led protests, Zhang Qiang was a student at the South China University of Technology.

Zhang, who once marched at the head of a group of students to protest at the gates of the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, is now homeless, ostracized by society and abandoned by his family.

He has no fixed abode, nor even an ID card in a country where pretty much anything requires one.

Unlike the better-known names of the 1989 student movement -- Wang Dan, Wu'er Kaixi and Chai Ling, for example -- few will ever hear his name.

Yet there are hundreds, possibly thousands like him, according to activists who have been tracking the nationwide program of prison sentences and other forms of official retaliation meted out to idealistic youngsters because of their involvement for a few brief weeks in the summer of 1989.

Zhang still remembers the sense of outrage he and his classmates felt when Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping declared martial law in Beijing on May 19.

"We thought this was a violation of the constitution and of the law, and would bring disaster down on this country," Zhang recalled.

So he marched at the front of a group of students to the provincial government, and was designated a "ringleader" by the authorities, a label that was to affect his life for decades to come.

Told to leave

While official retaliation was delayed for a few months, when it came, it was brutal.

"On Oct. 10, 1989, the South China University of Technology made a decision to tell me to drop out," Zhang said. "Neither the president, vice president nor the director of education signed -- they just put an official stamp on it and told me to leave the university."

Zhang's teachers put in a good word for him, and he eventually graduated in 1990 and even found a job. But a prolonged dispute with the university over his household registration, or hukou, was never resolved, leaving him without a national ID card in 1996.

That meant he couldn't be employed any more, except as a casual laborer.

"Factories need people to load and unload goods, so I often do this kind of work," Zhang said. "They don't check your ID or your household registration."

A hukou is a key document entitling a person to government services and is required for marriage, education for their children and myriad other official processes.

As a result, Zhang was unable to marry or register his son. The impasse prompted his girlfriend and son to leave in 2010.

Zhang Qiangs expired national ID card, issued in 1986 and valid for 10 years. (Courtesy of Zhang Qiang)





Zhang tried to resolve the Kafkaesque tangle with frequent visits to plead his case with the university, the local police and the local courts, but all three institutions just passed him around between them.

Eventually, the local police looked into the matter, and informed him in 2015 that the university had canceled his household registration back in 1994  but hadn't informed him.

Now, he sublets an apartment from a friend, but has no official footprint at all.

"In a world where the current people are in power, I don't even have the right to eat or sleep, which is terrifying and evil," he said.

Covering up

Up in Beijing, Li Hai was a graduate student in philosophy at Peking University and took a central role in the student union throughout the Tiananmen Square protests.

He was allowed to graduate relatively unscathed, but noticed that students were generally allowed to get off more lightly than regular citizens who had openly supported them or resisted the People's Liberation Army on the night of June 3-4.

"They gave the students their enthusiastic help and support, and made great sacrifices, and they accounted for the majority of deaths, Li told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview.

While the fate of high-profile figures like Wang Dan and Wu'er Kaixi dominated global headlines, the Chinese government was busy covering up the sheer scale of political prosecutions of ordinary civilians in the years following the crackdown.

Li Hai in his study in 2014. (Courtesy of Li Hai)





Li spent about four years trying to keep track of them all, eventually building a list of 522 names of people convicted of "rioting" in the spring of 1989 that activists said is far from exhaustive.

In the aftermath, high-profile student protesters like Wang Dan got four years for "counterrevolutionary rebellion," but ordinary Beijing residents were sentenced to eight to 10 years in jail for doing very little.

"Most of them were young, and most had families, wives and children, so it was harder for them, he said.

The authorities eventually got wind of Li's list, and sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment in 1995 for "leaking state secrets."

In one case reported to RFA Mandarin, 34-year-old intellectually disabled sanitation worker Wang Lianxi handed some matches to someone else while in a crowd of people who blocked the advance of People's Liberation Army tanks towards Tiananmen Square.

Despite the fact that Wang lacked the mental capacity to give any account of what he did or why he did it, he was handed a death sentence alongside seven others who allegedly burned military vehicles during the civilian resistance.

While Wang's sentence was later reduced to 20 years in recognition of his intellectual disability, he still remained in prison until July 2007.

But he was never rehabilitated, and was incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital by his local neighborhood committee ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, according to former psychiatrist Xu Yonghai, who spoke to RFA Mandarin after visiting Wang in a Beijing care home on May 15, 2024.

Tragically unlucky

Netherlands-based Jiang Fuzhen was a worker in the eastern port city of Qingdao in 1989, and served an eight-year prison term for "counterrevolutionary propaganda and incitement" after he posted an open letter criticizing then-Premier Li Peng at the Qingdao Ocean University.

Following his release in 1994, Jiang set out to find others who had been similarly treated.

Jiang Fuzhen in front of a bookstore owned by him in 2007. (Courtesy of Jiang Fuzhen)





He soon found that many had it far worse than he did.

"It was just a feeling I had that these people were wronged, and their lives made miserable," Jiang said. "They got such heavy sentences."

"To be honest, a lot of them didn't even have any political goals in mind -- they were just tragically unlucky," he said.

Wang Juntao, who chairs the U.S.-based China Democracy Party, said it's hard to find an exact figure for the numbers who were persecuted in this way.

The Tiananmen Square massacre and the student movement that preceded it remain forbidden topics under the Chinese Communist Party to this day.

"Even if we were to track down these people to tell us about this part of history, they may not want to," Wang said. "Some of them were tortured in prison, and were very scared after they got out."

"Some might have died if they didn't plead guilty," said Wang, an intellectual who served a 13-year jail term for being one of the "black hands" behind the student-led movement, told RFA in a recent interview. "Even if they pleaded guilty, it would be hard for them to give interviews to foreign organizations."

Many continued to be socially ostracized long after their release, even by people within the pro-democracy movement they had fought to support, Wang said.

"A lot of people wanted to distance themselves from so-called chaotic elements in the wake of June 4, 1989, meaning the people who took part in what the Communist Party said were riots and unrest, to prove that they were peaceful, rational and non-violent compared with the cruelty of the Communist Party," Wang said.

Impossible to investigate fully

Zhou Fengsuo, executive director of the New York-based Human Rights in China, said his organization has been compiling lists of political prisoners since the 1990s, and that the list provided by Li Hai was far from comprehensive.

"It's impossible to carry out a systematic investigation, of, for example, how many people were affected in any given province, or city or county," Zhou said in a recent interview.

Zhou thinks it's entirely possible that as many as 100,000 people were politically persecuted in the wake of the Tiananmen protests.

He gave the example of an acquaintance -- now based in New York -- who was a high school teacher at the time of the 1989 protests.

"He was deprived of his urban household registration and sent back to the town of his birth," Zhou said. "This kind of situation is very common, and has a huge impact on these people's lives."

"Some people make it through, while others don't, and continue to live in hardship."

Fears of being disappeared

Li Hai has been unemployed since he got out of prison in 2004. He told RFA Mandarin jokingly that his job is now to be persecuted.

"It means constantly avoiding the police, who harass me at my door," Li said. "One year, they came to my home 16 times. Sometimes they went away again, and sometimes they stayed, on one occasion, for more than six months."

Li also fears being "disappeared" at any time by the authorities.

"It's impossible to live a normal life," he said.

While some of the survivors of the Tiananmen crackdown managed to avoid the political taint that attached to many others, going on to lead successful lives or emigrating overseas, they are still in the minority, activists told RFA.

Former Beijing worker Liu Jiwei, who served a six-year jail term for "counterrevolutionary propaganda and incitement" after he took part in pro-democracy protests in his native Shandong province, lived in fear from the day of his release in 1995 to the day he left China in 2017, he told RFA.

Liu Jiwei, left, circa 1994, in Shandong No. 3 Prison. (Courtesy of Liu Jiwei)





"For the whole of those 20 years I lived in China, I was like a lamb to the slaughter, tied to the bench with the knife likely to fall at any time, and powerless to do anything about it," Liu said. "You're under their control the whole time."

Now, Liu is wary of returning to China, for fear he will be forced to live in Shandong again.

Zhu Liquan was a graduate student in the department of philosophy at Nanjing University in 1989, and briefly served as chairman of the Nanjing University Student Union.

He was imprisoned during the 1989 crackdown, and went back to finish his studies following his release.

Zhu Liquan (right) and Guo Luoji in Omaha, Nebraska in 2012. (Courtesy of Zhu Liquan)

But everywhere he turned, he found obstacles to living a normal life.

"You may care about the world, but the world doesn't care about you, and the [Chinese Communist] Party won't give you any opportunity to show off your talents," Zhu told RFA.

Zhu eventually emigrated to Canada in 2020, and still follows events back home with passionate interest.

"Sometimes I tell my friends that the same hearts still beat in our chests as did back in 1989," he said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
South Korean soldiers examine various objects including what appeared to be trash from a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, June 2, 2024.

South Korea decided on Monday to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact until mutual trust is restored in a response to North Koreas sending of nearly 1,000 trash-filled balloons to the South.

The 9/19 Comprehensive Military Agreement, signed on Sept. 19, 2018, aimed at defusing tension and avoiding war, was implemented after a meeting between South Koreas then-president Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The presidential National Security Council held a meeting to evaluate North Koreas recent behavior and agreed to propose a motion suspending the agreement at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The attendees decided to submit a proposal to suspend the entire effectiveness of the September 19 Military Agreement until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored, the presidential office said in a release.

North Korea has sent waves of trash-filled balloons into the South since Thursday in what it said was a tit-for-tat campaign against South Korean activists sending balloons carrying propaganda material denouncing the Norths regime.

South Koreas National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said on Sunday the government would take unbearable measures against the North in response to its balloons and its jamming of GPS signals last week.

The anger over the balloons has raised speculation that South Korea might resume propaganda campaigns via loudspeakers along the border. The loudspeakers used to air criticism of the Kim Jong Un regimes human rights abuses, as well as news and K-pop songs, to the fury of the North.

To resume the front-line broadcasts, it would be necessary to nullify the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement.

Hours after South Koreas warning, North Korea said it would suspend its cross-border balloon campaign, though it also threatened to resume it if anti-Pyongyang leaflets were sent from South Korea.

The North said its balloon campaign was launched purely in response to leaflets sent by South Korean activists.

Fighters for a Free North Korea, a Seoul-based organization that floated anti-Pyongyang balloons over the North last month, said on Monday that it would consider stopping sending leaflets only if the North apologized for sending its trash-bearing balloons to the South.

We send facts, loves, medications, one-dollar bills, dramas and trot music to the North, but how come they send us waste and trash? the organization said in a statement, referring to a type of Korean music.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un should immediately apologize.

Edited by Mike Firn.
Myanmar junta forces killed more than 50 civilians in a raid on a village last week in Rakhine State in the west, according to the ethnic minority insurgent force battling regime troops for control of the state.

Troops murdered 48 men and five women between the ages of 15 and 70 in the village of Byain Phyu, near Rakhine States capital of Sittwe, the Arakan Army said in a statement on Sunday. The group, one of Myanmar's most powerful guerrilla forces, is fighting for self-determination against junta forces in Rakhine and neighboring Chin State.

The Arakan Army has made significant advances since a ceasefire with junta forces ended in November, seizing townships in Rakhine and two in northern Chin State.

Junta troops have been accused of unleashing brutal attacks on civilians, often men suspected of supporting the rebels.

About 100 soldiers began their attack on Byain Phyu on Wednesday, abducting villagers and allegedly beating three to death, according to residents. But violence escalated when more soldiers began arriving, said one Byain Phyu resident, who told Radio Free Asia that two of his family members were killed after being arrested.

My relatives were among those arrested  a lot of people, including my uncle and friends. The trauma is unspeakable. There are five people in my uncles family, he said, declining to be identified out of fear of reprisals. Just three of the women have returned and two have died. My uncle and my cousin died, so their family, especially my aunt, is really traumatized.

RFA tried to telephone Rakhine States junta spokesperson, Hla Thein, to ask about the incident but he did not answer his phone.

But the junta said in a press release last Wednesday that troops were conducting searches in Byain Phyu after finding bunkers built from sandbags in houses throughout the village. Three men from other villages snatched guns from junta forces and were later killed in a shootout, it said, adding that 25 suspects were being interrogated in connection with the incident.

RFA has not been able to independently confirm the death toll.

The Arakan Army said in its statement that junta troops abused women, torched and looted houses and still held thousands of villagers.

Increased junta retaliation

Another resident who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons told RFA that the troops have remained in the village.

It is a very worrying situation. We havent seen our family and the men. Weve heard that the victims were tortured and shot dead, he said. The killing field was set in front of Ko Ko Maungs tea shop and corpses were piled there.

Villagers said the attack was carried out by regional junta forces supported by members of a small militia force called the Arakan Liberation Party and some ethnic Rohingya troops, who rights groups say are forcibly recruited from refugee camps to fight for the junta.

The Arakan Liberation Party denied involvement in the attack.

Further Arrests

As the Arakan Army moves closer to Sittwe, junta soldiers have become increasingly suspicious of anyone suspected of sympathizing with their cause.

Junta troops arrested members of the Arakan National Party, which represents the political views of members of the ethnic Rakhine or Arakanese community in Rakhine State, in Yangon on Friday.

Soldiers arrested the group's former youth leader, Khin Win Maung, and three other young men at their homes at around 8 p.m., sources close to the family told RFA, who could not confirm where they were being held.

Arakan National Party spokesperson Thar Tun Hla told RFA that they were investigating the circumstances of Khin Win Maungs arrest.

We are currently still studying why he was arrested and we can say that Khin Win Maung is a former youth leader, he said.

Khin Win Maung, an Arakan National Party former youth leader, on Sept. 1, 2019. (Arakan National Party)





Khin Win Maung has been teaching political science, but had not participated in any political activity since Myanmars 2021 coup, said a source close to the family. He volunteered to help those displaced by fighting and natural disasters in Rakhine State, they added.

The names and details of the other three arrested men have not been released.

RFA called Yangon regions junta spokesperson Htay Aung for information on the arrests but calls went unanswered.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
The two 500-pound bombs also left 40 people injured in the northern Sagaing region.

Updated June 4, 2024, 1:40 p.m. ET

A military junta airplane dropped two 500-pound bombs on a wedding ceremony, killing 28 people and injuring about 40 others in Myanmars Sagaing region on Monday, residents told Radio Free Asia.

After the bombing, junta troops fired several artillery shots into Ma Taw village in Mingin township, forcing more than 2,000 residents from six nearby villages to flee their homes, village resident U Htay said.

The bomb was dropped directly onto the wedding party at 8:15 a.m., he said. The bride and groom were on their way to the village monastery at the time and were uninjured.

In rural areas, the place where food is cooked and served, and where wedding gifts are provided, are all in small central areas, he said. The bomb struck this central area, causing all people there to be hit.

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2023, shows a member of the Mandalay Peoples Defense Forces walking through a crater after a bombing campaign by a Myanmar military aircraft near the frontline amid clashes in northern Shan State. (AFP)





The death toll includes an 8-year-old and a 1-year-old, as well as up to seven people who succumbed to their injuries later on Monday and on Tuesday.

Families have tried to search for the remains of their missing relatives but the numerous dismembered body parts and continuous junta shelling have made that difficult.

Junta troops are still firing heavy artillery, preventing anyone from daring to collect the dead bodies in the area, U Htay said. They are continuously shooting with heavy weapons.

Civilians regularly targeted

Myanmars central dry zone, made up of the Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions, has become a hotbed of opposition to military rule from the majority ethnic Burman community.

The junta has responded with heavy firepower in its battles against militias known as Peoples Defense Forces. At times, civilian populations have been targeted with artillery and bombs that have leveled villages.

Charred houses sit in ash between the trees in Mwe Tone village of Pale township in the Sagaing region, Myanmar on Feb. 1, 2022. (AP)





Military-backed Telegram channels said the junta plane dropped the two bombs because a Mingin Peoples Defense Forces leader was one of the people getting married. RFA was unable to independently verify the claim.

Aung Myo Min, the human rights minister for the shadow National Unity Government, called the bombings a war crime.

This is not a military campaign at all, but a deliberate bombing of a civilian wedding, he said. It is a military strategy and an intentional attack on the civilian population.

Despite numerous attempts, RFA received no response from junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun regarding the bombing.

RFA also attempted to contact Nyunt Win Aung, the juntas spokesman for Sagaing region, but he did not respond to several phone calls.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. This story has been updated to include more recent death and injury numbers.
After spotting them on the weekend, one beachgoer was eager to find out exactly what animal had left them behind.

Footprints found on Sisters Beach in Tasmania sparked excitement as Aussies guessed what animal they belong to. Source: Facebook

Large footprints of a mystery animal found 50 metres along a beach this weekend sparked excitement as Aussies wondered and gussed who they could belong to.

A Tasmanian resident was walking along Sisters Beach along the state's northern coastline when he came across the footprints, which were roughly the same size as his hand, and snapped a picture for fellow residents eager to solve the mystery.

Many were quick to make suggestions online, with geese and swans shortlisted as the potential artist of the indentations.

"This page was recommended by a friend to help us identify this footprint," the beachgoer wrote. "Who ever made it walked at least 50 metres along the beach. My guess is, it's the extremely rare Tasmanian Cassowary," he added, in a seemingly tongue-in-cheek joke.

While some delighted at the thought of seeing such a striking native bird taking a stroll down the beach, others were more earnest in their guesses.

"Id go with Australian Pelican - lowest print shows webbing," one local wrote. "Someone suggested Cape Barren Goose .. I think probably too large for that species".

"Maybe even an albatross in a rare landing?" another offered.

A pelican was sighted near the footprints on Monday morning, with Aussies satisfied the mystery had been solved. Source: Facebook

Despite admitting the idea of discovering a cassowary in Tasmania would be thrilling, Dr Eric Woehler removed any doubt the footprints could possibly belong to a 'Tasmanian Cassowary' as the bird has never been in the state.

"Cassowaries are a tropical bird and they're found in northern Queensland like Cape York, places up there," the researcher from BirdLife Australia told Yahoo News. "They're not a species that have ever existed in Tasmania."

He explained there were once Tasmanian emus, a smaller version of the mainland emu, but they went extinct with the arrival of settlers in the 1800s. Other than those, the only other flightless bird which has called the state its home is a penguin  yet those are not responsible for the footprints in question.

"You can see the three toes on the foot, the impression is way too big for a gull and it's unlikely an albatross was walking around the beach. It's almost certainly a pelican," he concluded, agreeing with many Aussie in the comments section.

Also on Monday morning, a pelican was spotted near the boat ramp at Sisters Beach, satisfying curious Aussies that the mystery had been solved.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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A symbol of unity and protest, the flag is banned by Chinese authorities.

Exile Tibetan students of the Tibetan Children's Village School put up a Tibetan flag at their playground in preparation for their 54th founding anniversary celebrations in Dharmsala, India, Oct. 22, 2014.

A Tibetan man was arrested last week for hoisting the Tibetan national flag  banned inside Tibet by China  atop his newly constructed home, three sources with knowledge of the situation said.

It is illegal for Tibetans to possess or display the Tibetan national flag, which features a yellow sun with red and blue rays, images of two snow lions and a multi-colored jewel representing Buddhist values.

On the evening of May 28, Rabgang Tenzin, a 51-year-old father of three, hoisted the Tibetan national flag on the rooftop in his new home in Pashoe county, or Baxoi in Chinese, in Tibets Chamdo Prefecture as part of a consecration ceremony, said the sources who requested anonymity for safety reasons.

Tenzin forgot to take down the flag the next morning because he fell asleep, said the first source from inside Tibet.

The next day, the Chinese police arrested him, and his current whereabouts are unknown, he said.

The flag is a symbol of unity and protest for Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet, and Chinese authorities have censored it from all media within China.

Those caught owning, hoisting or waving the flag, or even having an image of it on their mobile phone, face arrest.

Keep quiet

Chinese authorities have warned other Tibetans in Pashoe to refrain from discussing the incident with outside forces, and that anyone who does so could face similar consequences, the second source said.

Tenzin, a farmer who occasionally engages in small business, has an eldest child who is about 10 years old and attends Pashoe County Elementary School. Residents now fear that his child may be expelled from school, said the two sources.

Other Tibetans in Tibet and in Tibetan-populated areas of Chinas western provinces caught displaying the flag have received jail terms.

In 2012, Sonam Gonpo, a monk from Dza Wonpo Monastery in Sershul county in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Sichuan province, received a four-year prison sentence for hoisting the Tibetan national flag at a local school.

Earlier this year, a township in New Jersey raised the Tibetan flag in celebration of the Tibetan New Year, despite facing pressure from the Chinese government to not proceed with the initiative.

The incident illustrated how far Chinese officials will go to try to exert control over members of Tibetan diaspora communities abroad, especially during politically sensitive anniversaries and holidays.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan, and by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
They were involved in a scuffle with a security guard who killed them, officials and police say.

People stand in a guard tower on the perimeter wall of the Urumqi No. 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, April 23, 2021.

Two Uyghur inmates  biological brothers  were working in a vegetable field at Qarabughra Prison in Xinjiangs Kunes county in early May, when a security guard grabbed one of them by the leg and began dragging him.

The older brother, Sidikjan Ablikim, 35, rushed over to Ablehet, 33, to free him, according to police and prison officers with knowledge of the situation.

An argument ensued, and the brothers physically clashed with the guard, while a third inmate intervened.

The guard then pulled out his gun and shot and killed the Abilkims, the police and prison officials said.

Little is known about the brothers other than that they were from Atush, transliterated as Artux or Artush, the capital of the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region.

RFA was unable to find out further details, the reasons for their arrest or the duration of their sentences.

Situations like this come up rarely, said an officer who has worked at the Qarabughra Prison for 25 years. There hasnt been anyone who died in the fields [while performing labor] due to a conflict, besides them.

Expanded to handle more inmates

Qarabughra is one of the oldest prisons and largest detention centers in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, the prison officer said.

In 2017, as Chinese authorities began detaining Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims en masse in Xinjiang in an effort to eliminate what they said was terrorism and religious extremism, Qarabughra Prison was expanded to handle inmates brought in from other parts of the region.

As part of the crackdown, Chinese authorities ordered Uyghur students studying in Egypt and other predominantly Muslim countries to return to Xinjiang where they were promptly arrested for the purported crime of studying abroad.

Some of the students were tried in Atush, their hometown, and sent to Qarabughra Prison in Kunes county. However, it is unknown whether the Ablikim brothers had studied abroad and were arrested upon return.

RFA contacted relevant authorities in Kunes county and Ghulja city, called Yining in Chinese and capital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, for more information on the brothers and their deaths.

A Kunes county police officer, who declined to be identified because he wasnt authorized to speak to the media, said the prison had released the bodies of the two inmates.

The officer knew this because he worked as a security guard along the roads where the vehicle carrying the dead prisoners passed.

Because the brothers died the same day, the officer said he had assumed they had been involved in a fatal accident. However, he did not ask his boss about it, because it was not his job to inquire about the identities of the dead or their cause of death.

Both are deceased, and they were both from Atush, he said. Another inmate was hospitalized from that conflict.

Information about the incident was not reported at an official meeting, and because of the tragic nature, news of it was spread by word of mouth among the others who knew about the Ablikims argument with the guard and their subsequent shootings, the officer from the Kunes county police said.

Other officials contacted by RFA declined to comment, stressing that any matters related to the prison were confidential.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
A red flag on Volkswagen stock was reversed after an audit in Xinjiang found no evidence of forced Uyghur labor.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers led by Sen. Marco Rubio has written to the financial index provider MSCI to question why it withdrew a red flag warning for Volkswagen stock over claims the automaker used forced Uyghur labor in Chinas Xinjiang region.

MSCI marked the German multinational corporation with a red flag in November 2022 due to the claims of forced labor in a Xinjiang factory it co-owns with Chinese state-owned carmaker SAIC Motor, prompting some investors to divest in the stock until an audit was completed.

But MSCI reversed that decision in December after a controversial audit of the factory carried out by a German human rights consulting firm that found no evidence of forced Uyghur labor  but which was later publicly disavowed by staffers at the consulting firm.

The disavowals came as American lawmakers and experts on forced Uyghur labor  which Chinas government denies is occuring  question the credibility of such audits in Xinjiang given the close supervision of auditors and advance notice required by local authorities.

A worker casts car parts at a factory in Haian in China's eastern Jiangsu province on April 27, 2021. (AFP)

In a letter sent on Friday to MSCI, Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, and three other lawmakers questioned the credibility of the audit, asking the index provider what methodology it used in deciding to lift the red-flag listing and whether it contacted Volkswagen.

Will a red flag rating be re-imposed on Volkswagen, given the concerns over the audit [and] reports of Volkswagens involvement in forced labor? it says. What interactions has MSCI had with Volkswagen since 2022 with respect to the red flag rating?

The letter also asks if the red-flag listing will be reimposed given a recent report released by the Senate Finance Committee that found that Volkswagen admitted to illegally importing vehicles into the United States that had components made using forced Uyghur labor.

Besides Rubio, the letter is also signed by Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, and Rep. John Moolenar and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the heads of the Republican and Democratic parties on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party.

Questionable audit

In response to the MSCI red flag listing in 2022, Volkswagen commissioned Loning Human Rights and Responsible Business GmbH, a German consulting firm, to audit its factory in Xinjiang.

In a Dec. 5 statement, the firm said it had found no evidence of forced labor after an inspection of the co-owned factory and evaluations of salary payments and contracts for almost 200 staff members.

However, six employees of the consulting firm took to LinkedIn to publicly disavow the statement. They said only company CEO, Markus Lning, head of strategy Christian Ewert and two Chinese lawyers had been allowed to visit the Volkswagen factory to inspect its practices.

An SAIC Volkswagen plant is seen in the outskirts of Urumqi in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Thursday, April 22, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

A second company statement, which the U.S. lawmakers described as highly unusual and had apparently been forced by the upset staff members, clarified that no other team member besides Lning and Ewert had participated in, supported or backed the audit.

The audit was also slammed by the World Uyghur Congress, which said a credible, independent audit is simply not possible in Xinjiang given the harsh suppression of the Muslim ethnic minority there.

Everyone there knows that a wrong word can have life-threatening consequences for themselves or their families, the group said.

In a comment on LinkedIn, the CEO clarified that he stands by his findings after the factory investigation, and described his consulting firm as a lively and committed team with a spectrum of views.

In any case, the audit was enough for MSCI, which on Dec. 12 downgraded Volkswagen from a red flag to an orange flag listing, which indicates that the concerns were partially resolved.

MSCI did not respond to a request for comment.

Rubio told Radio Free Asia that Volkswagen was just one example of companies with alleged ties to forced labor and said financial firms that fund the practice would not be spared congressional oversight.

I remain committed to vigorously conducting oversight over any and all companies involved in this modern-day slavery practice, including financial institutions that support complicit companies, Rubio said.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Leaders of the indigenous people say authorities have cracked down as more people learn about their rights.

Authorities in southern Vietnam have stepped-up harassment of activists from the ethnic Cambodian Khmer Krom community who are trying to promote the rights of the indigenous people, according to representatives.

Nearly 1.3 million Khmer Krom live in the south. They face serious restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, movement and religion, community members say.

Relatives of a 35-year-old Khmer Krom activist called Trieu Sieu told Radio Free Asia the Immigration Management Department of Soc Trang provincial police refused to issue a passport to him.

The deputy head of the department, Lt. Col. Thanh Hoa, said in a letter on May 24 that Trieu Sieu is banned from leaving the country between Aug. 1, 2023 and Aug. 1, 2026.

He said Trieu Sieu could not get a passport until he was removed from an exit ban list.

The only reason Trieu Sieu is banned from leaving the country is due to his activities fighting for the rights of the local Khmer people, said a relative who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

He participated in disseminating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples along with many other human rights activists, the relative said.

At the end of January 2023, Trieu Sieu was invited to Trung Binh Commune Police to discuss "a number of issues related to online activities on Facebook when sharing information about repression of the Khmer people.

On a Facebook page of Hieu Khmer Krom, believed to linked to Trieu Sieu, there is a picture of him standing with activist Danh Minh Quang, who was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in February on a charge of "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe on the interests of the State, the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals."

RFA Vietnamese contacted Trieu Sieu to ask for more information, but he declined to comment saying that he was preparing to send a complaint to Soc Trang provincial police department to ask why he was banned from leaving the country.

The Soc Trang provincial police department and the Immigration Management Department declined to answer questions about Trieu Sieu's case over the telephone, saying the reporter should go to the agencies headquarters to get information.

Article 36 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens 2019 states that cases of delayed exit include people who have grounds to believe that their exit affects national defense and security, or are suspects, defendants, accused persons, or persons recommended for prosecution through inspection and verification. If there are grounds to determine that a person is suspected of committing a crime and it is deemed necessary to immediately prevent that person from escaping or destroying evidence according to the provisions of the 2015 Criminal Procedure Code they will be prevented from leaving the country.

Vietnam denies accusations from international human rights groups that it represses religious freedoms and other rights. Freedom of religion is technically enshrined in the constitution but critics say authorities often override rights, including religious freedom, for purposes of national security, social order, social morality and community well-being.

Monk expelled from temple

Another case involves a Buddhist monk called Kim Som Rinh.

On March 26, the Giac Ngo Online newspaper reported that the Patriotic Monks Solidarity Association of the Khmer-Mekone Buddhist Association of Tra Vinh province had decided not to recognize Bhikkhu Kim Som Rinh as a member of the Sangha Chac A Kron Pagoda (Dai Tuong Pagoda); did not recognize him as a member of the Khmer Theravada Buddhist Sangha of Tra Vinh province and expelled him from the temple on March 14. They also asked all 143 Khmer pagodas in the province to refuse to accept him.

The Buddhist group said Kim Som Rinh refused three times to accept an invitation from the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of Tra Vinh province; posted or shared untrue images and videos on social networking sites with content that caused insecurity and threatened social order; invited monks and Buddhists to participate in his own activities causes disunity in the temple and the community; and is a Bhikkhu  or ordained monk  who is difficult to teach, stubborn and does not comply with the canon law and teachings of the abbot and leaders at all levels of the association.

Kim Som Rinh, now living with his family, confirmed that he was forced to leave the temple. He said it was because he promoted human rights and spoke in support of the victims of miscarriages of justice, including Khmers whose land was confiscated in Kien Giang.

They do not want the monks and activists here to speak about indigenous peoples, he told RFA Vietnamese.

They also don't want us to use the words Khmer Krom and the tricolor flag representing the Khmer Krom Federation, Kampuchea-Krom Khmers Federation or KKF.

They accuse Khmer activists of many things, and often summon them just because of disseminating the United Nations human rights law and indigenous people's law. They often accuse activists of distorting the truth and disrupting security and order."

Police summon Khmer Krom

On May 27, Cau Ke district police summoned 34-year-old Thach Nga to come to the headquarters to work on issues "related to the use of the organization's 3-color flag  and posting and sharing false information on social networks."

Three days earlier, Ham Giang commune police sent a fourth letter to Thach Thi Huynh Thone to request her to come to the agency's headquarters the next morning to "discuss about carrying the KKF flag.

And on May 15, Nhi Truong commune police summoned Thach Pho Reng on "some issues related to social networks."

Even though it was just an "invitation," the commune police chief told Thach Pho Reng "to strictly comply and go on the prescribed date, time, and location, without making any excuse for his absence."

The commune's police also summoned 37-year-old Thach Yen Sa Ray, concerning social media posts.

RFA telephoned the police in those communes to verify the details but officials asked the reporter to meet them directly to receive the information.

Tran Xa Rong, second vice president of the KKF, told RFA that more Khmer Krom people had been learning about human rights and the rights of indigenous people, so they distributed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in their communities.

The local police always monitor and harass every meeting of young people, and every celebration of every temple, and from then on, any young people who have any insight in that matter are always summoned for questioning," he said.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn.
BELGRADE -- Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has declared victory in a repeat local election in the capital, Belgrade, and elsewhere in the country amid voter apathy, incidents, and claims of irregularities reported by the opposition and international monitors.

After the counting of more than 92 percent of the vote, the right-wing populist SNS backed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic garnered 52.85 percent the vote, Belgrade's City Election Commission (GIK) announced on June 3.

That will give SNS 64 mandates in the 110-seat municipal assembly of the Serbian capital.



SNS's closest competitor -- the center-right Kreni-Promeni (Move-Change) led by Savo Manojlovic -- came a distant second at 17.61 percent, which will translate into 21 mandates, GIK said.



SNS won most of the other 88 cities, municipalities, and districts disputed on June 2, including Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad, in a vote that observers fro CRTA and CeSID NGOs said was marred by irregularities, including vote-buying or double registration of voters.



Scuffles and incidents between SNS activists and opposition supporters occurred in Belgrade and Novi Sad, where SNS had been accused of organizing illegal call centers to influence and bribe voters.

The repeat polls came after SNS had narrowly won the December vote with 49 seats in the city council but was unable to form a municipal government, prompting a new election, amid weeks of protests over what the opposition said was electoral theft by the SNS.



The opposition also complained of irregularities in Serbia's June 2 vote, leaving the political environment tense in the Balkan nation of 7.1 million people.



"This is...an incredible victory," a beaming Vucic said in a news conference late on June 2.



Manojlovic said his coalition would not recognize the results. "These were most irregular elections ever," he told supporters late on June 2.



SNS has dominated Serbia's politics for more than a decade, imposing its control at virtually all levels of power in the Balkan state.



Serbia has been a candidate to join the European Union since 2012 and started negotiations to join the bloc in 2014, but progress has been slow under populist Vucic, who has sought closer ties with Russia and China.

Under Vucic, Belgrade has resisted EU calls to join sanctions on Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.



Opposition groups have accused Vucic's government of rampant corruption and the stifling of democratic rights.



A fragmented opposition has also contributed to what observers say was voter apathy.



Turnout was some 10 percent lower compared to the vote in December. In the capital turnout was 46.5 percent and 49.3 percent in Novi Sad, according to the Center for Free Elections and Democracy and IPSOS.



Observers and opposition parties in the June 2 election reported what they said were irregularities during the day.

Lamberto Zannier of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said that serious irregularities occurred, including violations of voting security.

While these elections were well-run, we nonetheless witnessed a dominance of the ruling party and misuse of public resources, said Zannier, who heads of the OSCEs Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Although fundamental freedoms were respected and voters were offered a wide range of political options, concerns about widespread pressure on public-sector employees and the misuse of public resources raised questions about the opportunity for voters to make their choice freely, his report added.

CRTA said it had filed seven criminal complaints over alleged irregularities at polling stations, claiming its members had recorded incidents of the organized transporting of voters to the polls and money being exchanged for votes.



Police in the northwestern Serbian city of Novi Sad claimed some officers had been attacked, although law enforcement officials added that "there have been no serious incidents."



Following voting in December, no party was able to form a majority in the Belgrade City Assembly in an election that was highly criticized by international observers who cited "irregularities" in the local and national votes.



An amendment to Serbia's local-election laws allowed for the voting in Belgrade to coincide with previously scheduled elections in Novi Sad, Nis, and other cities and municipalities.



In Belgrade, voters elected representatives to four-year terms in the 110-member City Assembly who in turn vote on a mayor.



"I'm not particularly involved in politics, but I'm aware that we should go to the elections and vote for the one whose ideology suits us most," Nina, a voter in the capital, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service on election day.



She said she didn't expect "anything special" from the vote.



Another Belgrade voter said politicians are "full of promises" that they forget just as soon as they're elected. "You know, in my lifetime, that's happened four times, so people should come to their senses."
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.
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm focusing on the upcoming European Parliament elections and how they will impact the EU.

Briefing #1: Europe Votes

What You Need To Know: The European Parliament will hold elections across the 27 EU member states on June 6-9. There are an estimated 370 million eligible voters across the bloc, but don't expect all of them to turn up. In the last elections, back in 2019, the turnout across the EU was 50.7 percent. And that was regarded as respectable, a singular uptick that reversed the downward trend in voter turnout.

Of course, the turnout varies considerably across the member states. In Belgium and Luxembourg, where casting a ballot is compulsory, nearly 90 percent of the voting populations went to the polling stations five years ago; in Slovakia, in the same vote, only 22 percent went to the polls.

Citizens of the EU are electing 720 members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with the number of seats allocated to each country according to population size. So, with 96 MEPs, Germany will send the most lawmakers to the parliament; Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Malta will have a mere six each.

First, a few basics. While the elections are called "European" they are actually contested by national political parties, such as the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) or the Spanish conservative People's Party (PP).

But once MEPs are elected from national lists, they tend to become part of Europe-wide political families or groups. In the 2019-2024 parliament there were seven political groups, which all must contain a minimum of 23 MEPs from at least seven EU countries. It's expected that most, if not all, of the groups will remain. It's also possible that new groups might emerge.

Deep Background: The biggest group in the European Parliament is the broad center-right European People's Party -- the home, for example, of the German Christian Democratic Union and the Polish Civic Platform -- followed by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), which brings together center-left and social-democratic parties.

There are a host of other groups, starting with Renew, which brings together centrist, liberal parties such as French President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance. Then there are the Greens, which, in addition to parties with an environmental focus, are a grouping also made up of Pirate parties -- which advocate for civil rights, direct democracy, information privacy, and transparency -- and Catalan separatists. Lastly, there is The Left In The European Parliament (GUE/NGL) group, which brings together far-left and communist parties.

On the other end of the ideological spectrum, there is the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, which some see as nationalist, others as sovereignist. The group furthest to the right is Identity and Democracy (ID), whose members include Marine Le Pen's National Rally, the Austrian Freedom Party, and Matteo Salvini's Northern League.

Those parliamentary groups are often bolstered by unattached MEPs, many of whose parties were kicked out of mainstream groupings and haven't yet found a new home. For instance, right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party was ejected from the EPP in 2021, and the Smer party of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was cast out from the S&D last year.

Political groups in Brussels are highly influential. The larger the group, the more speaking time MEPs get in the chamber. Key roles in the European Parliament, for instance, chairpeople of influential committees, usually go to representatives of the major political groups. Those MEPs who do try their luck on their own, without joining a group, tend to operate somewhat in the political wilderness, holding little sway over policy or proceedings.

Drilling Down

The EPP will almost certainly finish on top again as they have done in every European Parliament elections since 1999. However, their popularity is slowly dwindling. Polls indicate they will likely get around 170 MEPs out of 720 seats in the new chamber, a slight proportional decrease from five years ago and a long way from their previous heyday when they regularly got north of 200 MEPs.

S&D will likely finish second, as they have done in the last few elections, probably with about 140 MEPs, which would be a similar result to 2019.

It then gets a little more interesting, as the other five political groups are projected to get somewhere between 30 and 80 seats each, all vying for third and fourth place. Renew and the Greens will likely drop seats compared to five years ago, whereas ECR are likely to gain.

There might be over 100 MEPs unattached to a political family. Many of these will be populists of various hues and -- if they haven't already burned their poitical bridges -- will likely be mopped up by the ID or ECR groups. It's also possible a new rightist parliamentary group will be formed.

One of the big media stories in the run-up to the elections has been the rise of the populist right. If you count the projected seats for ID, ECR and the unaffiliated members, who tend to be mostly right-wingers, and then add the EPP you get over 400 seats -- a majority.

Talk, however, of a new Euroskeptic supergroup is probably a little premature. The EPP is pretty mainstream with a strong federalist streak and might be reluctant to get into bed with populist and far-right MEPs, who tend to be spread between two groups, the ECR and ID. Plus, ideological unity on the right remains elusive. Populist and far-right MEPs may agree that Brussels should have less power, but that's where the consensus ends. Relations with Russia and China tend to divide the right, with some being super hawkish and others maintaining friendly relations with both countries. Nothing illustrated the right-wing divisions in the parliament better than in May when the Alternative For Germany (AFD) party was kicked out from the ID group after one of their leaders said in an interview that not every member of the Nazi SS during the Third Reich was "automatically a criminal."

The move to expel the AFD was led by Le Pen, who has been trying for years to moderate her image. There have been rumors for a while that she might want to join the more "palatable" ECR in the future.

There is also speculation that Giorgia Meloni, whose rise to power two years ago prompted fears by some that Italy was descending into fascism, could try to soften her image by taking her Brothers Of Italy party to the EPP.

Despite a shrinking of support for the four leading groups (EPP, S&D, Renew, and the Greens), they will still likely get a majority of over 400 seats.

Briefing #2: What Impact Will The Vote Have On The Rest Of The EU?

What You Need To Know: For years, the European Parliament has tried hard to make itself more relevant for the average European voter. And in some ways, it has succeeded.

Take, for example, the "lead candidate" idea -- known in Brussels under its German name, Spitzenkandidat. This was devised for the 2014 European Parliament elections and means that all political groups nominate one candidate and then the candidate from the political group that finishes first in the elections will be the nominee for the top EU job, the European Commission president.

Prior to that, the three top jobs -- European Commission president, president of the European Council; and EU foreign policy chief -- were selected by the leaders of the 27 EU member states in backroom deals. In addition to party affiliation, geography (where the candidate was from) and gender were part of the calculus. Essentially the three top roles needed to be occupied by both men and women who represented the geographical diversity of the bloc.

Normally, the EPP, S&D, and Renew parties take one of the three positions each -- with the EPP usually taking the presidency of the European Commission.

In 2014, the EU leaders followed the Spitzenkandidat system by selecting the former prime minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, the EPP's top candidate, as the European Commission president. However, EU leaders stepped away from it in 2019, provoking the anger of the European Parliament, when the German MEP Manfred Weber was the EPP's lead candidate. Instead of choosing Weber for president, they chose then German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, who was plucked from relative obscurity as a compromise candidate. This year, von der Leyen is seeking re-selection and is the lead candidate for the frontrunner, the EPP.

Deep Background: Will von der Leyen get a second term? If the EPP gets a decent result, say over 170 MEPs, the German politician will be hard to ignore. But they could still ignore her, particularly as many grumble that she has too much power. Macron is reportedly keen to promote former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, although he is not a member of a political group.

It might be that another person from the EPP could emerge. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and the Bulgarian head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, might also be in the running.

The position of European Council president will likely come from the S&D, as they are the likely runners-up. The leading candidates appear to be former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen.

If the Renew group manages to take third place, they will rightfully claim the role of EU foreign policy chief, now held by Josep Borrell. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is a strong favorite. However, if ECR takes third place in the elections, we could even see someone like Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala taking on that role.

Drilling Down

It is not only the EU leaders that will decide the fate of von der Leyen (or an alternative candidate for the commission's top job). It is the newly elected European Parliament that will vote on the proposed candidate via a simple majority.

In 2019, von der Leyen scraped through by nine votes. This time, the European Parliament might want to flex its muscles and reject whomever the European Council, where the EU leaders meet, puts forward. That would be unprecedented but not unsurprising.

Remember that it doesn't end here. Later in the year, each EU member state will propose their candidates for the 27 European commissioners, the president of the European Commission will assign them a portfolio, and then it's up to the European Parliament to grill the candidates.

Per tradition, the European Parliament will reject a few commissioners. Last year, the initial candidates from France, Hungary, and Romania were nixed. It could take until the end of the year for parliament to approve the entire commission.

Looking Ahead

Also keep an eye out this week for the EU ambassadorial meeting in Brussels on June 5. Representatives from the 27 member states will try to agree on the EU accession negotiation frameworks for Moldova and Ukraine. This should have been a formality with accession talks with the duo opening at the end of June, but recently Hungary signaled it wouldn't give a green light to Ukraine's framework, noting it has 11 outstanding bilateral issues with Kyiv concerning the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

That's all for this week. Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on Twitter @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
Residents of Ukraine's northeastern region of Sumy are worried about a new Russian offensive after Moscow opened a new front in the neighboring Kharkiv region. Russian forces approached the city of Sumy after it launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 but withdrew after incurring losses.
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
While some people admit to snacking while they shop, this particular incident at a Sydney store takes it to a whole new level.

The two partners in crime appeared to enjoy their snack, then waddle off as if nothing happened. Source: TikTok

Footage of two peckish pigeons feasting on bird food in the aisle of a Woolworths supermarket has left people everywhere quacking-up, with astonished Aussies joking the video proves "the cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard".

Apparently trying the snacks before they buy  or in their case, fly  a mischievous pigeon and his wingman were caught in the act at Woolworths Westfield Warringah Mall, in Brookvale on Sydney's Northern Beaches earlier this week.

As viewers of the viral footage pointed out, the two "knew exactly what they were doing", tracking down the pet food aisle among thousands of other products in the full-sized supermarket. Perhaps most satisfyingly, the pesky pair even managed to locate the specific type of mix given to wild birds.

A hungry pigeon has been spotted feasting on none other than wild bird food at a Woolworths store in Sydney. Source: TikTok

Pigeons find 'wild bird mix' among thousands of products in Woolworths

The video attracted thousands of responses online, with people amused over "how smart" the pair were to sniff out the goods. "Cost of living be turning pigeons to the life of crime," a person joked. "They look just like regular customers," another said.

"It's funny they found the right food and eat only the best, then just walk off casually," one person commented.

Being a Woolworths store and not a Coles, they were ineligible to use their Flybuys, but nonetheless many pointed out the feather friends appeared to be having an egg-cellent time.

Unwanted visitors at supermarkets all over

For its part, Woolworths has previously told Yahoo News the supermarket giant "takes food safety very seriously". "We work to uphold the highest standards in hygiene," a spokesperson implored.

It's certainly not the first time supermarkets have attracted unwanted visitors, with a Woolworths store in New Zealand being forced to close earlier this year after footage of multiple rodents in the store went viral.

A photo taken from inside the Countdown store in Dunedin  a subsidiary of Woolworths showed two large rats sitting on a shelf, looking out at customers. And it's far from an isolated incident for the apparently rat-ridden supermarket chain.

Meanwhile, just last month, Bunnings shoppers shared their concern for the welfare of a barn owl after it was spotted flapping above their heads at a Melbourne hardware store.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
At the end of 2022, reports emerged that female convicts in Russia -- just like their male counterparts -- were being recruited to serve in the invasion of Ukraine. About 1,000 women, according to human rights groups, were sent to war. Some of the women died; some returned home after being pardoned of their crimes. RFE/RL spoke to one of the lucky few who both survived and was released after serving. In the summer of 2023, Yelena* enlisted to join Russia's invasion of Ukraine from a prison colony in the Lipetsk region of western Russia. She was serving time for drug offenses. She agreed to speak to RFE/RL only after much persuasion, as she said she had no desire to relive her experiences. "I don't have any special education. I just worked as a saleswoman for several years," the woman said. "They didn't ask for anything [during recruitment]. They only checked my age and health and then signed me up as a sniper. What a joke! I had never held a gun in my hands."

Yelena never ended up on the front lines. "I wound up working as a nurse for a unit in the Donetsk region. Now I think that I was lucky because I heard that many [from the same prison colony] are now dead," Yelena said. "And I was lucky that they did, in fact, release me. I still had five more years of my sentence to serve. "They didn't train us for anything. They dumped us into the medical unit, and that's it. They didn't even ask me anything. I still don't know whether they fulfilled their promises to anyone about training women to be snipers and pilots. I myself was not at the front with the unit. I mostly just cooked and fought off the advances of the soldiers." It is believed around 1,000 female convicts signed up to serve in Ukraine before the program was apparently scrapped by the Kremlin.

The friend of another recruit told RFE/RL that the vast majority of women prisoners sent to war were addicted to drugs or alcohol. "Do you realize what kind of people these are? These are hardened addicts; these are thieves," the woman said. "Maybe I'm overstating it when I say they are all like that, but probably this is 90 percent of the women in prison. The military recruited from this population. "I told my friend, 'Do you understand what you are signing up for? You'll be cannon fodder there. Even healthy men are dying like flies in Ukraine. Why would you go?!' "The bulk of prisoners who signed up to go to Ukraine are brainless junkies whose only dream is to go out and buy themselves some new boots. Their main motivation was money. The Defense Ministry, of course, promised them mountains of gold, and parole. They even claimed there would be 'praise and glory,' that the women would be carried aloft by people when they return. Well, this was all bulls**t, as we have seen."

Today, there are around 400,000 prisoners in Russian prisons, with 8 percent (around 32,000) of them women. Yelena, who had her sentence commuted after serving in Ukraine, says the female prisoners were paid less than they were offered during recruitment. "They promised half a million rubles ($5,600) to sign, and then 200,000 rubles ($2,240) every month. In fact, only around 100,000 rubles was paid monthly, and the signing bonus was also around half of what was promised." But being cheated out of her salary was the least of her concerns. "I wasn't angry, I was scared. I was just hoping I could get out alive. That's what I was focused on," she said. "It was terrifying, all these drunken faces and antics. But when the next batch of [wounded] was brought in, I could see that the people in that situation were really in hell," Yelena said.

Yelena says that when she signed on, she was able to read the contract while in prison. Later, she says, convicts served in the war and then were forced to return to prison. "They earned money, then were sent 'home to their bunks,'" she said. "But they didn't know this! This was not told to them during recruitment." She says the military contracts were often presented to the convicts after they had been taken out of prison grounds. "So they rounded them all up, stuffed them into paddy wagons, and took them somewhere where they signed this contract. They don't know the conditions [in the contract] because they don't have time to read them. By the time they realize they won't get parole, it's too late. They've already left the prison." Yelena says by now it is widely known among the prison population that parole will not follow service in the war, but many convicts are still willing to sign up.
Tsotne Koberidze, a member of the opposition party Girchi - More Freedom, said that two persons armed with electric shock devices were waiting for him at the bus stop near his house.Koberidze connects the attempted attack with his criticism of Georgian Dream MP Dito Samkharadze."I was wearing headphones and I heard two people swearing. I removed them, and they were swearing at me while holding electric shock devices in their hands. I wasn't startled, I dodged them and started swearing at them. When people around saw what was happening, many of them gathered around. One person, who was trying to attack me, fell down, jumped up, and I ran after him. I am sure that all of this was because of my interview on Mtavari Arkhi, where I talked about Dito Samkharadze," said Koberidze.Irakli Gharibashvili stated that everyone should be pleased that China has shown interest in the Anaklia deep-sea port. However, when it comes to investments from Western companies, Gharibashvili expressed disappointment, noting that despite repeated appeals to foreign partners, no Western company has expressed interest in the project."We are well aware that in terms of the development of this [Middle] Corridor, China's participation is of crucial importance. Despite our many calls to foreign partners, unfortunately, no western company expressed an interest.According to him, the US and Europe both have economic activity and trade with China."We see many top European leaders visit China and the visit of the Chinese President to France and the heart of Europe. This is normal. We should use every situation for our country. If there is any contract with China, the US, Europe and it benefits our country, everything is welcome," Gharibashvili said.
Faroe Islanders began hunting pilot whales on Saturday morning. By the following day over 130 were dead and the water was red with blood.

A man was filmed throwing rocks at dolphins he wanted to force back out to sea. Source: Neptune's Pirates

Villagers on a remote North Atlantic island had a simple plan. They wanted to hunt enough members of a passing herd of pilot whales to feed their village and then push the rest back out to sea.

Then everything went wrong.

Heartbreaking footage shows attempts to herd the animals back out to sea  like rock throwing and loud noises  proved fruitless. The "terrible" outcome was that over 130 pilot whales now lie dead on the shores of a European island.

The grim situation began on Saturday morning as locals from the Faroe Islands resumed their controversial practice of killing pilot whales  a large type of dolphin.

Because of their tight family bonds within their pods, the two species of pilot whale stick together even when faced with danger from hunters and this often results in large numbers fleeing into the harbour.

In the past the Faroese have slaughtered every single animal including pregnant mothers and calves  over 1400 white-sided dolphins were killed in 2021. This has led to criticism that more animals are being slaughtered than could possibly be eaten.

Related: Faroe Islanders defend butchering 78 dolphins in front of cruise ship tourists

The plan was originally to hunt and kill around 40 of pilot whales in the village of Vioy. Source: Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK

'Disaster' after locals try to kill small number of dolphins

The weekends hunt occurred on the windswept, treeless island of Vioy, which is home to just 600 people. Early reports on Saturday suggested theyd killed 40 of the animals.

Observers from the UK-based whaling opponents Captain Paul Watson Foundation (which rebranded from being called Sea Shepard UK) called this initial attack on the whales cruel.

Witnesses reported the dolphins were not herded into the usual port. And instead they became trapped between large rocks and a concrete wall, making it difficult for the hunters to use their preferred killing method of hooking them through the blowhole, paralysing them with a lance, and cutting them open.

Responding to the reports, Captain Paul Watson Foundation UKs Rob Read said it was a relief that not all the animals were killed. But he added the event will take a massive toll on the group because of the family bonds within the dolphin pod.

A witness with knowledge of the Faroe Islands hunts said the animals appeared very stressed and it was something terrible to watch.

They came up all the time, the heads of the animals. Some of the boats must have run over them. It was a disaster because it took so long, he said.

Man throws rocks at dolphins after they refuse to swim away

The dolphins' ordeal which began at 11.30am looked like it was finally ending as the hunters worked to drive the animals they hadnt killed back out to sea.

But a witness to the event told Yahoo News on Sunday the surviving dolphins didnt want to go back out.

For one hour they tried to get them out again. But pilot whales, they always want to stay with their family, they didnt want to leave the killing beach, the man said. They tried with boats, clapping, and I saw one guy who threw rocks at the whales.

The dolphins then began beaching themselves. And so the hunters responded by killing those that beached themselves.

They killed 139 pilot whales. A few of them went out again, but I dont think theres much of them left, the witness said.

The pilot whales refused to leave the rest of their family group. Source: Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK

Hunting tradition or bloody cruelty?

The Faroese who take part in the dolphin and whale hunts, maintain they are carrying out a tradition that is akin to hunting other wild land-based animals.

But critics of the practice argue the killing is unnecessarily violent and causes prolonged suffering. They are particularly concerned that children are encouraged to watch the hunts.

Last year, tourists were left shocked after their luxury cruise ship docked as a hunt was underway. Pictures show the surrounding waters red with blood.

Animal advocacy groups like Captain Paul Watson Foundation and Neptunes Pirates advocate against tourism to the island chain.

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Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were on the water to four boats in difficulty on the lake in the last seven days.

Just before 4 p.m. on Sunday (June 2nd) Lough Ree RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser which was in difficulty and taking on water at Quaker Island, off the Longford shore. In very good weather conditions, the lifeboat launched under volunteer helm Kieran Sloyan and volunteer crew Liam Sheringham, Stewart McMickan and Amy OConnor. On reaching the scene at the northern end of the lake at 4.35 p.m. the crew examined the stricken vessel and despite pumping water off the boat the problem persisted. In the interests of safety, it was decided to take the boat under tow to the safety of a boatyard in Laneboro.

While on this call-out the RNLI Lifeboat crew were advised of another craft with four people on board stranded north on Beam Island at the southern end of Lough Ree. On arrival at the scene the volunteer crew found that a passing private boat had assisted, and the lifeboat remained on standby while the grounded cruiser got to safer water.

On Friday afternoon (May 31st) Lough Ree RNLI was called to assist two people on board a boat, which had run aground on Green Island. Under volunteer helm Kieran Sloyan the volunteer crew of Ruth Costello, her brother Billy Henshaw Jnr. and Patrick Walsh launched at 2.35pm and reached the scene 15 minutes later to find both people on board safe and well. Following an inspection of the boat and an assessment of the scene the boat was safely recovered from the rocks and continued under its own power.

Earlier last week, on Tuesday, May 28th Lough Ree RNLI assisted two people on board a cruiser, which had run aground at Fat Island. On assessment of the scene volunteer helm Liam Sheringham along with fellow crew Patrick Walsh and Billy Henshaw Jnr. decided to evacuate the boat, take the two casualties on board the lifeboat Tara Scougall and transfer them to the lifeboat station at Coosan Point. The stricken boat was anchored and secured.

An interesting aspect of the weekend callouts was that two new female crew, Ruth Costello and Amy OConnor both were on their first shouts as crew members. Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Ganly said: it is brilliant to see new crew members, especially women, taking their place on the lifeboat and making such an important contribution to our community. We look forward to having many more join them in the next 12 months.
Iarnrod Eireann plans to make a significant change to the train schedule serving a number of local stations, with a number of new services being added, along with timetable changes for several of the existing trains.

Last week, Iarnrod Eireann announced it is planning a new timetable on the Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt line from August 25th. This will be of particular interest to people living in South Roscommon. However, no additional services are being proposed on the Dublin to Westport line.

Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the announcement of seven new additional services on the Galway to Dublin Heuston Train Line.

This is fantastic news for so many people. They now have more choice instead of having to take a car and deal with traffic commuting every morning and evening for work and college," she said. "They now have more choice when it comes to travel. Senator Dolan welcomed a new early morning 5:45 Heuston/Galway service (Mon-Fri) which will arrive in Galway before 9am. She added that an early morning train service from Tullamore station will serve all stations including Athlone and Ballinasloe and will get people in before 9:00 am.

Im really delighted myself to see a new late 20.30 from Heuston. I know this will be of real interest for people who are working in Dublin or visiting Dublin City and again this will be serving all stations including Ballinasloe and Athlone, she said.

These new services from Monday to Friday along with the new Saturday and Sunday options means families can leave their car behind. It takes away the stress of parking on a family day out. Senator Dolan stated she has worked on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

I have worked hard to ensure Ballinasloe was included on these stops, we still dont have a catering service on the trains and we need to see these services restored.
Plan Z

Occupied after 1945 and having communist party regimes imposed on them, the countries in Central and Eastern Europe practically had no national defense strategies

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Steliu Lambru, 03.06.2024, 12:00

Occupied after 1945 and having communist party regimes imposed on them, the countries in Central and Eastern Europe practically had no national defense strategies, left at the mercy of the Soviet Union, which did not hesitate to occupy Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968 and remove the reformist leaderships there. Also threatened by the Soviet aggression, Romania, which had condemned the invasion of Czechoslovakia, sought to put together a plan to protect itself. After 1968, the Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu conceived the military doctrine of the entire peoples war for the defense of the homeland. General Neagu Cosma worked in the information structures before 1989.

Interviewed in 2002 by the Oral History Center of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation, he gave details about what was called Plan Z in the post-Revolution press. Cosma stressed that, originally, the plan was designed according to the logic of any national security strategy.

There were many talks regarding the deployment of the state, the command of military operations and the supreme commander respectively. Some say that, out of cowardice, Ceausescu wanted to escape at any cost and created a special structure for him and his family to disappear from the invaders path and save his skin. `I can provide concrete information that the evacuation of Ceausescu was part of the rules of war, he was the supreme commander of the army. In any army and in any country, the commander and command staff must have a place of retreat, if it doesnt work there, there is another one as a backup and so on.

Known as Rovine IS 70, Plan Z was meant to ensure the survival of the Romanian state in extreme circumstances. Neagu Cosma:

The plan received, along the way, the code name Rovine IS 70, and after December 89 the press called it plan Z. The Rovine IS 70 plan stipulated that it should be implemented when, as a result of an act of aggression directed against the Romanian state, there was an imminent danger of temporary occupation of the capital and part of the territory. That would have made it difficult or even impossible to exercise the leadership of the resistance struggle of the entire people from the same headquarters where the command was located. In the plan, the methods of removing the commander from the CC building were clear, and according to the plan Nicolae Ceausescu was to be removed from the CC headquarters through the tunnel that connects the CC building to the former Royal Palace across the road.

The plan included, among other things, in the event of a Soviet invasion and occupation, guerrilla warfare, sabotage, the withdrawal of the army to the border with Yugoslavia and the safekeeping of Ceausescu and the army leadership. Designed in 8 points, it had been improved over the years. Neagu Cosma.

The means of radio communication and the TV station were already functional, they were operational. Diversion teams were also ready to act, some had already been placed in the field. Regarding the defense of the headquarters and the supreme commander, the following measures were taken. One: the removal of Ceausescu from the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party in case it had been surrounded. This was a first point in the plan, how do we get him out of the CC headquarters. Two: to build a small dosimeter for the control of nuclear radiation at the Institute of Atomic Physics in Magurele. Three: to study the road routes south of the Southern Carpathians for their use in case of a hasty retreat. Four: the same operation had to be carried out for all the passes to the Carpathians. Five: to establish the place of deployment of some institutions and headquarters and the ways of travel to each new establishment. Six: the establishment of mixed commissions made up of the Minister of Transport, the head of the organizational department of the Communist Partys Central Committee, transport specialists to study and present proposals for streamlining rail and road traffic from Bucharest to Timisoara. Seven: the documents from the Securitate archive were microfilmed, they were easy to transport and hide so as not to fall into the hands of the invaders. Eight: changing the state code.

But the increasing unpopularity of the regime, the harshness of the leadership and the cynicism of the Ceausescu couple made plan Z to be customized and lose its purpose. In 1989, the national resistance plan that also provided for the protection of Ceausescu was useless. We asked Neagu Cosma why plan Z didnt work in 1989?

It didnt work because there were no people to apply it. Back in 1968, there were people who would apply it to the point of sacrifice. Now theres no one willing to implement the plan, not even one, because they were all fed up. Among the officers of the guard, there were I dont know how many attempts, at least theoretically, to annihilate the Ceausescus. They were there, they saw what was happening. Thats why Plan Z was no longer implemented. There was nobody left willing to apply it.

The abandonment of Plan Z and of the Ceausescu couple in December 1989 was the first important move to save Romania. And state security has returned to what it should have been in a normal, free climate. (MI)
Grain transshipment terminal is inaugurated in Suceava

The biggest grain transshipment terminal in Europe is inaugurated in Suceava, in north-eastern Romania.

cereale foto pixabay@manfredrichter

Leyla Cheamil, 03.06.2024, 13:50

The biggest grain transshipment terminal in Europe was inaugurated at the end of last week in north-eastern Romania, in Dornesti, in the presence of Romanian and Ukrainian officials. Built as a public-private partnership project, the new terminal cost around 10 million euros. It was financed by Grampet Group, the largest railway group with Romanian capital in south-eastern Europe. Opening this terminal will solve an important problem in Suceava county, making road travel more fluid near the border with Ukraine. 240,000 tonnes of grain can be transshipped every month, and eight train carriages can be loaded and unloaded at the same time in a 128 m station.

Owing to this transshipment capacity and all the other high-level technical and technological solutions provided, the terminal in Dornesti will become a strategic hub for the fluidity of grain traffic from the border with Ukraine to the Romanian port of Constanta, in the south-east. With the harvesting of grain due to start in Ukraine and the grain carriages to be transshipped to the Black Sea, the inauguration of the terminal is important for Romania. The grain will be mostly transported by rail, which will make road travel more fluid in Romania. At the same time, the Suceava authorities believe the investment is also a sign of partnership and solidarity with Ukraine and welcome in terms of transport security.

Romanias general consul in Cernauti, Irina Stanculescu, says the inauguration of the transshipment terminal in Suceava county is one more proof that Romanias support for the Ukrainian state and people and the Ukrainian economy remains solid, consistent and a commitment from the authorities, civil society and the private environment. On behalf of Romanian foreign minister Luminita Odobescu, the general consul emphasised that Romania has stood by Ukraine from the first day of the war of aggression started by Russia and will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary, including during the reconstruction process.

The Romanian diplomat added that the public or private initiatives to expand the cross-border infrastructure with Ukraine are in response not only to economic, but also political and strategic imperatives, with Romania thus contributing to Ukraines integration in effect into the European single market. Through the investments and efforts made by Romania, on its own behalf or with the support of international partners, the transit of around 37 million tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural products has been ensured since the start of the war of aggression, Romanias general consul in Cernauti also recalled.
Russia and the hybrid actions against NATO countries

Romania emphasized the importance of measures to consolidate, in an unitary and coherent manner, the deterrence and defense posture on NATO's Eastern Flank, which are increasingly important in the context of the ever growing challenges to the allied states.

The Romanian Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu (photo: mae.ro)

Corina Cristea, 03.06.2024, 14:00

Having attended the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Prague, last week, the head of the Romanian diplomacy, Luminita Odobescu, highlighted the consequences of the war started by Russia in Ukraine on the European and Euro-Atlantic security and emphasized the need for a firm response by NATO, with an emphasis on unitary and coherent consolidation of the deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank. A position that is all the more important in the context of intensified challenges to the allied states.

We have seen the recent attempts to rewrite the borders, in the case of Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, we have seen the massive cyberattacks, in our case the recent espionage action. In fact, Russia has stepped up its hybrid actions against the members of the Alliance and it is very important that we continue to coordinate, expressing solidarity with our affected allies, but more coordination is needed in terms of reaction to these hybrid attacks. Hybrid attacks that target not only allies, but also vulnerable partners, as is the case of the Republic of Moldova, the minister pointed out. Luminita Odobescu reiterated that support for Chisinau at both bilateral and European level is a priority on Bucharests foreign policy agenda.

The authorities in Chisinau are successfully dealing with these attacks, but obviously, including in the perspective of the presidential elections, in the perspective of the referendum for European integration that will take place this fall, it is important to strengthen this support in response to these hybrid attacks, but also extend the economic and energy support, Luminita Odobescu said. At the meeting in Prague, the Romanian foreign minister pleaded for the continuation of substantial support for Ukraine. Luminita Odobescu: A priority topic was this support for Ukraine, and in Prague the proposals of the NATO Secretary General regarding the planning of a more robust and predictable support framework for Ukraine were discussed. In essence, it is about NATO assuming a greater role in coordinating security assistance and the training process, and also adopting a multi-year financial commitment that would ensure the predictability of the support that Ukraine needs and which the allies pledged to secure it.

The military aid offered to Ukraine by the allied states should reach at least 40 billion euros per year, as long necessary in the war with Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the end of the meeting in Prague. On the other hand, he believes that Ukraines use of weapons received as military aid from Western partners to attack targets in Russia does not mean an escalation of the conflict. It is only about self-defense, Jens Stoltenberg emphasized. (EE)
Australia is scheduled to release a batch of data on Tuesday, headlining a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity, On tap are April figures for retail sales and Q1 data for current account and company profits.

Retail sales are expected to add 0.1 percent on month after slipping 04 percent in March. The current account is tipped to show a surplus of A$5.9 billion, down from A$11.8 billion in the previous three months. Company profits are seen lower by 0.9 percent on quarter after climbing 7.4 percent in the three months prior.

Japan will see May results for its monetary base, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 2.2 percent on year - up from 1.8 percent in April.

South Korea will provide May data for consumer prices, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 0.2 percent on month and 2.8 percent on year. That follows the flat monthly reading and the 2.9 percent increase in April.

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The manufacturing sector in Vietnam was unchanged in May, the latest survey from S&P Global revealed on Monday with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.3.

That was steady from the April reading and it remained above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

New orders increased solidly again in May as a strengthening demand environment helped firms to secure new customers and bring in new . The rate of expansion was slightly softer than that seen in April, however.

Meanwhile, new export orders also increased, albeit to a lesser extent than total new business. The expansion of total new business encouraged manufacturers to raise their production volumes for the second month in a row. Moreover, the rate of growth quickened to the fastest since September 2022.

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In Victoria alone, some 2000 Teslas arrive in Port Melbourne every month without any buyers. And they're starting to pile up.

Thousands of Teslas are sitting idle at ports around the country as interest in electric vehicles plummets. Source: 7News

Thousands of Teslas are sitting idle at Australian ports as interest in electric vehicles stalls and new and more affordable options enter the Australian market. Aerial photos of a port in Melbourne highlight the dramatic shift as Teslas that once rolled off the assembly line to eager buyers now simply wait to find a home.

The aerial vision was captured by 7News with the network melodramatically referring to the scene as a "Tesla graveyard". However it does illustrate the changing gears of the Aussie EV market which has been full speed ahead in recent years.

Industry experts warn the slowing rise in sales is the result of a lack of proper infrastructure coupled with the fact that people are becoming more price conscious, particularly as more options hit the market.

"All of a sudden we've got a huge backlog of Teslas that aren't moving... They've just stoped moving," Victorian Transport Association's Peter Anderson told 7News.

"Teslas usually come into this country pre-sold, these cars aren't," he added. "They're sitting here waiting for buyers."

In Victoria alone, some 2000 Teslas arrive in Port Melbourne every month and road authorities say they're starting to pile up.

In Victoria alone, 2000 Teslas arrive in Port Melbourne every month, and while road authorities say they used to be shipped "pre-bought", that's now no longer the case. Source: 7News

Tesla sales slumped dramatically in April, despite the manufacturing heavyweight making multiple price cuts to its fleet in a bid to compete with the growing Chinese car market. According NRMA data, in April monthly sales were down by two-thirds as it loosened its grip on electric vehicle deliveries to Australian customers.

Tesla sales slump amid fresh competition

Electric vehicle sales in general dipped five per cent in April, after three years in a row of very strong growth, with experts saying the sector is struggling to advance beyond the "early adopter phase", pointing towards still emerging charging infrastructure and sliding re-sale values as headwinds.

The price of some electric vehicles in Australia plunged by as much as $20,000 "almost overnight" earlier this year as increased competition sees manufacturers fight for every buyer.

Purchases more than doubled in 2023 compared to 2022, which continued the trend of sales doubling year-on-year in Australia since 2020. Despite ongoing demand in the community, car expert Paul Maric told Yahoo Finance last week that prices might not have bottomed out just yet.

"I think it could go further," he said.

"It's all been spurred on by Chinese brands who have started bringing in much more affordable electric vehicles to what we're used to," he said.

Maric explained how there are boatloads of Teslas arriving in Australia at the moment with no buyers and "the only way they can get rid of them is by dropping the prices".

"You're talking about a car that somehow has lost almost $20,000 overnight or over a period of several months for no reason at all other than to sell more stock," he said.

In a race to court consumers, EV makers are slashing prices. Source: 7News

BYD sales on the rise

Electric vehicle price tags vary wildly depending on the brand you choose. At one end of the scale, you have the $35,990 GWM Ora Standard, and on the other end, you have the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, which will set you back $345,800.

But some of the cars in the middle of the pack have had "unheard of" price adjustments.

The Nissan Leaf went from $50,990 to $39,990 and the Tesla Model Y dropped from $72,000 to $55,000.

Meanwhile, despite Elon Musk's empire having more than half of Australia's market share, BYD, or Build Your Dreams to go by its English slogan, is coming in fast.

The Chinese electric car manufacturer grew its sales sixfold in 2023 in Australia and now has 14 per cent of the Australian market. On a global scale, it now sells more vehicles than Tesla, which is no mean feat. So why are they becoming so popular?

Well like most things imported from China, they're extremely cheap. Their cheapest car starts at just under $40,000, while its immensely popular SUV Atto 3, starts at $48,000  a significant saving on the more upmarket Tesla models.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers citing potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 - 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. They were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17 through May 21, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in certain states.

The impacted cucumbers were sold in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Meanwhile, mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA said it is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if the sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, while infection with Salmonella in rare circumstances can cause more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers are asked to destroy and discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

In recent recalls due to Salmonella infection, Aldi and three other regional retailers Hornbacher's, Hy-Vee and Schnucks in mid May recalled cream cheese products after their cream cheese products supplier Schreiber Foods, Inc. called back four varieties of cream cheese spread.

Ontario, California-based Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. also recalled Yogurt Covered Pretzels for the same concern.

Miami, Florida-based Infinite Herbs LLC in late April called back select fresh organic basil after the FDA notified the company that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has reported that 12 Salmonella illnesses are likely related to these products.

In late May, the CDC announced an outbreak of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry flocks in 29 US states, where 109 people fell sick after touching or caring for backyard poultry.

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European stocks traded higher on Monday amid bets that the European Central Bank (ECB) will deliver its first interest-rate cut of the cycle on Thursday.

Also helping underpin investor sentiment, Eurozone manufacturing PMI was finalized at 47.3 in May, up from April's 45.7 and reaching a 14-month high.

Elsewhere, a survey by S&P Global showed manufacturing in the U.K. increased to 51.2 in May, up from April's 49.1 and marking the highest reading since July 2022.

The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.6 percent at 521.33, extending gains for a third consecutive session.

The German DAX jumped 1 percent, France's CAC 40 added 0.6 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.3 percent.

In corporate news, Sweden's Ericsson rose nearly 2 percent after saying that a four-year program to monitor the company's compliance with a U.S. anti-corruption agreement had ended on June 2.

British drug maker GSK plunged 9.2 percent after a state court in Delaware found legitimate evidence that links its Zantac heartburn drug to cancer, allowing more than 70,000 lawsuits over these cases.

Sirius Real Estate added 1.8 percent. The owner and operator of branded and industrial parks in Germany and the U.K. has announced a higher FFO for the year ended March 31, 2024.

Cerillion, a provider of billing, charging and customer management systems to the telecoms industry, rose 1.3 percent after announcing a project with Virgin Media Ireland.

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Colliers International Group Inc. (CIGI, CIGI.TO), a diversified professional services and investment management company, announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Englobe Corp., a Canadian multi-discipline engineering, environmental and inspection services firm.

Under the deal terms, Colliers will buy a significant controlling interest for around $475 million in cash payable at closing.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the acquisition, the will be rebranded as Colliers in 2025 and its senior leadership team and employee shareholders will remain shareholders in the business.

The deal excludes Englobe's material management and beneficial reuse operations located in the UK, France and Canada.

Laval, Quebec -based Englobe provides civil, buildings, geotechnical, and environmental engineering, material testing and related consulting services with its 2,800 professionals. In 2023, the business generated $340 million of revenues.

Jay Hennick, Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colliers, said, "The acquisition of Englobe marks a significant entry for Colliers into the Canadian engineering marketplace and aligns perfectly with our strategy of enhancing our growing professional services and investment management company with high-value, resilient, and essential services. Once the transaction is completed, recurring earnings from Engineering, Investment Management and Outsourcing will collectively represent about 75% of our total earnings."

In the transaction, Torys LLP acted as legal advisor to Colliers. AEC Advisors acted as financial advisor and Stikeman Elliott acted as legal advisors to Englobe.

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Public Health - Seattle and King County have warned about potential exposure to measles for travelers at the Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport on May 10-11.

The infected traveler, who arrived from Arizona, may have contracted measles while in Europe. The vaccination status of the individual is currently unknown, heightening concerns about potential transmission.

According to local authorities, fellow travelers who passed through Sea-Tac airport between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on May 10 and those present at its A Concourse between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on May 11 are considered to be at risk for exposure.

In response to this public alert, it is advised that individuals who had contact with the infected traveler check their vaccination status and contact their healthcare provider promptly if they begin to exhibit any symptoms. Measles symptoms typically appear within seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include a characteristic rash, high fever, cough, and runny nose, according to the CDC.

Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health, emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles, stressing that individuals without immunity can easily contract the virus from the same environment as an infected person. He further underscored the importance of checking vaccination status and getting vaccinated, particularly in the context of increasing measles cases both globally and within the U.S. Chow highlighted the high effectiveness of the measles vaccine, providing approximately 97% lifetime protection against the infection with two doses.

It is noteworthy that certain groups are at higher risk, including infants, children under 5 years old, adults over 20 years old, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 113 cases of measles as of April 5, with seven documented outbreaks, and noted that 73% of U.S. cases are linked to these outbreaks.

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Staff and postdocs dressed in contemporary African attire for Africa Day photoshoot

By Orla Quinlan, Director of Global Engagement

Friday 31 May, the last day of Africa Month coincided with the 120th birthday of Rhodes University. Activities in May included public lectures, seminars, panel discussions, a conference, a colloquium, a book launch, interactive activities with students, a photo shoot celebrating cultural diversity, education campaigns, a postgraduate funding fair; all demonstrating Rhodes Universitys continuing commitment to a vibrant intellectual life on campus.

Notable public lectures:

Culture, language, and Africas future:

Emeritus Prof. Kwesi Kwaa Prah, a renowned sociologist and linguist, delivered the first lecture. He has driven Pan-African language development projects across the continent through the Centre of Advanced Studies of African Society, which he founded.

Decolonising the Southern African subject:

The second lecture was by Zimbabwean-born award-winning novelist and filmmaker, Tsitsi Dangarembga, titled "Decolonising the Southern African Subject: What We Are Up Against and How to Push Back at it." This event was held in collaboration with the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. Dangarembgas week-long visit included a conversation with Prof Lynda Spencer and Dr Joseph Kwanya from the Department of Literary Studies, and a discussion with Prof Dion Nkomo on translating her work, "Nervous Conditions," into Shona.

Eroding democratic institutions and the future of knowledge:

Advocate Vusi Pikoli, the former National Director of Public Prosecutions, gave the third lecture on "The Eroding of Democratic Institutions and the Future of Knowledge," marking 30 years of democracy in South Africa. This lecture took place at the Albany Museum.

Seminars, Conferences & Colloquiums:

Dr Andrews Atta-Asamoah, head of the African Peace and Security Governance Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Research Associate at the Department of Political and International Studies, gave a lunchtime seminar on "African Union's Evolution in Two Decades: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Prospects."

Rhodes University Community Engagement hosted a dynamic conference at the Settlers Monument The conference south to contribute to the knowledge base concerning community engagement, examining the dynamic between community, university, and society in South Africa and internationally

A two-day Colloquium on Sustainability brought together researchers from every faculty to share insights and ideas, shaping a sustainable RU120 legacy.

Book launch:

Prof Pedro Tabensky, Director of the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics, in dialogue with Dr Thando Njovane, launched his book "Camus and Fanon on the Algerian Question" (Routledge 2023) at the Amazwi Museum of Literature. This is the first book to systematically compare the philosophies of Albert Camus and Frantz Fanon, demonstrating how their ethical, political, and psychological outlooks can further our understanding of justice in the face of deep power imbalances.

Student engagement activities:

Earlier in the month, before undergraduate students began SWOT week preparations for end-of-semester exams, the Global Engagement Division (GED) supported the SRC in hosting an outdoor games day. Activities included various races, an international quiz, international cuisine, and team games, along with face-painting and music.

On Purple Thursday, 23 May, an interactive activity outside the library explored the question, What does a 21st-century education mean to Rhodes University students?. GED provided exam treats for participating students.

In collaboration with the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), GED supported a panel of international staff and students who shared their journeys to Rhodes University, discussing the importance of an international component in any university. Meanwhile, student members of the Black Lawyers Association organized a panel discussion on the legal aspects of a South African case brought to the International Court of Justice.

Postgraduate Funding Fair and awareness campaigns:

A successful postgraduate funding fair enabled invited national and international partners to share funding opportunities with students from Rhodes University and Nelson Mandela University.

Educational and awareness-raising campaigns ran throughout the month, including information about the African Unions history, vision, and objectives, interesting facts about African countries, a Did you know? campaign on African high achievers, and profiles of international students.

Cultural diversity celebration:

To celebrate our cultural diversity, staff and postdocs were invited to dress in informal or formal contemporary African attire for a professional photoshoot in celebration of Africa Day itself. Rhodes Music Radio RMR broadcast news of the months activities on Africa Day.

External engagements:

The Rhodes University community also engaged externally with several networks concerned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. Rhodes Universitys Vice Chancellor, Prof Sizwe Mabizela, Director of Global Engagement, Ms Orla Quinlan, and eight researchers attended the South African Swedish University Forum (SASUF) Research and Innovation week. They participated in workshops, satellite events, coordination meetings, and leadership discussions before a three-day Sustainability Forum hosted by Lund, Malmo, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in three different towns in Southern Sweden.

The VC attended the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) annual meeting in Pretoria. ARUA joined with the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), jointly representing nearly 50 leading universities on six continents. The main agenda was equitable research collaboration to tackle global challenges, with human capacity development emerging as a top priority.

The Director of Global Engagement attended the AGM of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), where members approved the strategic plan, the new Constitution, elected a new Board, and approved an official Memorandum of Understanding between the South African Development Community (SADC) and SARUA.

Prof Nomusa Dlodlo, Rhodes Universitys representative in the Grow Green Africa (Gr2A) intra-Africa mobility project, met with climate change specialists for a curriculum development workshop from 27-29 May at the Kansanshi Royal Hotel in Solwezi, Zambia. The consortium members include the Copperbelt University in Zambia, Rhodes University in South Africa, the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, Namibia University of Science and Technology in Namibia, the University of Eswatini in Eswatini, and the University of Turku in Finland.

While Africa Month is celebrated every May, this year was especially significant as it overlapped with the RU120 celebrations. As Africa Month ended on Rhodes Universitys 120th birthday, the University community was eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the South African elections, which had a high turnout, showcasing a thriving democracy. Rhodes University is committed to contributing to Africa's future through education.
Some staff members who participated in the two-day colloquium. [PIC CREDIT: Amahle Banda]

By Siviwe Mxuma

On 20 May 2024, Rhodes University continued its 120th-anniversary celebrations by hosting the first session of its two-day Sustainability Colloquium. This session, titled "Governance and Civil Society: Towards Reduced Inequalities," featured distinguished speakers including Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships; Professor Leticia Greyling from the Rhodes Business School; Mr Alistair McMaster from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism; and Advocate Shuaib Rahim from the Rhodes University Law Faculty.

"This event is part of our year-long celebrations, proudly marking 120 years of excellence at Rhodes University," remarked Dr Mzilikazi, and she emphasised that these celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate past and present successes while also reimagining the institution's collective future.

Dr Mzilikazi further explained that the colloquium aims to raise awareness and foster opportunities for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasises collaborations. By positioning sustainability as a core value and research focus at Rhodes University, the colloquium seeks to facilitate multidisciplinary conversations and engaged research collaborations both within the university and beyond.

The Colloquium brought together researchers from across faculties and departments including Chemistry, Drama, Journalism, Botany, Environmental Science, Environmental Learning Research Centre, Institute for Water Research, amongst others to share insights and ideas and to build collaborations that will enable our legacy to be one of working together to make a just and sustainable University and society as highlighted by the IDP 2023-2028.

The Colloquiums aims were to:

Position sustainability as a unique opportunity at Rhodes University

Highlight sustainability as a core value and a core focus of research across the University;

Facilitate conversations leading to multidisciplinary and/or engaged research collaborations at Rhodes (and beyond);

Consider opportunities and strategies around funding.

Dr Mzilikazi also spoke about the importance of collaborative work in achieving the university's Institutional Development Plan (IDP). "We realise that the only way to deliver on the intentions of the IDP is through deliberate collaborative efforts, just as the sustainability colloquium intends," she said. She mentioned the proposal to develop institutional research teams and faculty programmatic research areas to enhance global positioning, accelerate research excellence, and support multi- and transdisciplinary projects. "We are optimistic about our success with this research instrument because sustainability at Rhodes University is not just a catchphrase but a driving passion for many of our researchers," she concluded.

Following Dr Mzilikazi, Professor Leticia Greyling discussed the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic development plans. She emphasised the interconnectedness of nature and the economy, referencing concepts like the green economy, circular economy, regenerative economy, and doughnut economy. "Value should not only be financial but also value created for the community," she stressed. Prof Greyling highlighted the three Ps  People, Planet, and Profit  as essential components of sustainability, arguing that thriving societies and economies fundamentally depend on a healthy environment.

Mr Alistair McMaster focused on energy sustainability in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape. He highlighted the region's significant wind resource and the potential for wind farms to combat load shedding. He discussed the broader goal of transitioning from high carbon dioxide emissions to sustainable energy production by 2050. "We need to transition from producing about 35 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year to net zero by 2050," he explained. Mr McMaster emphasised the importance of secure and affordable energy for economic stability and societal well-being, and the critical role that wind and solar energy resources in the Eastern Cape could play in achieving these goals.

Advocate Shuaib Rahim discussed the integration of sustainability principles into company law and corporate governance. He highlighted how his students are learning to apply principles of governance and responsibility in various legal contexts, including international trade, competition law, and contracts. Advocate Rahim encouraged the formation of social and ethics committees within companies to embed corporate governance and social responsibility principles. He also spoke about the Crisis Fund initiative, which provides emergency financial support to students, demonstrating the faculty's commitment to addressing immediate needs and fostering a supportive academic environment.

The first session of the Rhodes University Sustainability Colloquium successfully highlighted the essential role of governance and civil society in reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable development. The colloquium fostered a rich dialogue on creating a more equitable and sustainable future by bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, civil society, and the legal field.

As Rhodes University continues its year-long celebration, the themes and discussions from the colloquium will undoubtedly inspire future initiatives to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development. Through continued collaboration and innovative research, Rhodes University is poised to make significant contributions to a more just and sustainable world.

The organising committee was Jo Dames, Rosa Klein, Sukhmani Mantel, Tony Booth, Harold Gess, Craig Peter, James Gambiza, Cheryl Fisher and Masixole Jonono (RUCE).
Enemy destroys two residential towers in al-Bureij refugee camp, injuring Palestinians in raid in southern Gaza

resource : Saba

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[Mon, 03 Jun 2024 21:37:23 +0300]GAZA June 03. 2024 (Saba) - Enemy warplanes launched airstrikes during which they destroyed the residential towers of dreams and Maghazi in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, one of the largest towers in the Gaza Strip.The Palestinian Ma'an news agency quoted local sources as saying that Israeli gunboats targeted the Zawaida and Deir al-Balah areas in the central Gaza Strip.In a parallel context, a number of civilians were wounded in an Israeli raid targeting a house belonging to the Dughmush family in the vicinity of the Jordanian Hospital in the Al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City.E.M
SAN YSIDRO  A principal who is set to be dismissed from his post claims San Ysidro School District administrators looked into unsubstantiated allegations made against him in two previous jobs.

The San Ysidro school board voted 3-2 Thursday night to authorize the district to dismiss Joel Tapia after the current school year. Board members Antonio Martinez and Irene Lopez voted against the decision.

It is unclear if Tapia, who has been working at the districts office since Jan. 16, will return to Smythe Elementary for the remainder of the school year.

The vote came after dozens of parents, teachers and students urged school board members to keep Tapia as principal of Smythe.

Tapia attended the meeting at Sunset Elementary School, joined by his wife and toddler son. He received a warm welcome when he arrived, with supporters giving him a standing ovation and cheering his name. Children, meanwhile, ran to him and hugged him.

Following the school boards decision regarding his employment status, Tapia shed some light on the matter that led to his relocation.

He said school district administrators began to look into allegations made against him when he was principal in Chula Vista and Solana Beach after he informed San Ysidro Interim Superintendent Mary Willis that the news organization Voice of San Diego had made a public records request to the Solana Beach School District.

He said the allegations against him in his two former jobs as principal were found to be unsubstantiated.

Tapia said the allegations made when he was principal of Burton C. Tiffany Elementary School in Chula Vista were investigated by school district administrators.

At Solana Vista Elementary School, an employee claimed Tapia made uncomfortable and unwanted attention toward her, Tapia said.

In a letter addressed to San Ysidro school board President Rosaleah Pallasigue and obtained by the Union-Tribune, Tapias wife dismissed the allegations, calling them ridiculous.

Tapia said the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing found no wrongdoing, while his wife, Priscillia Contreras, said in the letter, The state  exonerated him.

Tapia said he resigned from the Chula Vista Elementary School District in 2015 to pursue the principal position in Solana Beach, then resigned in June 2016 to pursue the post in San Ysidro.

San Ysidro school district officials said reference checks are part of the districts hiring process, but have not said whether that step was taken in hiring Tapia.

Tapia  who has a valid credential to work as a school principal, according to online records  said he was fully transparent about his employment history with former Superintendent Dr. Julio Fonseca, who was at the helm when Tapia joined the district in 2016.

In what became an emotional day for the Smythe Elementary community, parents and students rallied for Tapia outside the campus Thursday morning. They held signs that read, We want our principal back and God bless you, Mr. Tapia. We are praying for your return.

Just before the school bell rung, the two dozen or so parents and students marched to the school districts office.

Olga Espinoza was among a small group of mothers who showed up to speak out against Tapia. She said he had not taken appropriate actions to protect children like hers who have been bullied.

Hours later, about a hundred parents, students, teachers and community members attended the school board meeting. Almost all turned out to support Tapia.

I come to ask about what direction do you want for our district, Smythe teacher Juanita Nunez told the school board. I would expect that you would want and keep the best educators, the best leaders at our district.

We need a competent, caring, smart, effective, efficient and a good instructional leader, and we already have him. Its Mr. Tapia.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese automaker Chery Holding sold 188,556 vehicles in May, marking a 35.5% year-on-year surge, according to the companys announcement on June 1.



Photo credit: Chery Holding

In the past month, Chery Holdings new energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 42,733 units, representing a staggering 279.3% spike from the previous year. From January to May, Chery sold a total of 900,209 vehicles, which leapt 51% year on year.

To date, Chery Holding's global user base has surpassed 14 million, with nearly 3.8 million overseas users. In the overseas markets, Chery showed explosive growth, selling 92,481 vehicles in May, which rose 20.4% from a year ago. From January to May, Cherys export volume jumped 31% year on year to 435,124 units.

As to performance of the automakers major passenger car brands, the CHERY brand sold 117,939 vehicles in May, representing a 24% year-on-year increase. In the first five months of this year, CHERY sold 583,073 vehicles in total, which leapt 45.2% from the previous year.



The EXEED brand achieved sales of 9,467 vehicles in May, indicating a year-on-year growth of 24.4%. The brands year-to-date sales reached 41,195 units, up 27.2% from a year ago.



The JETOUR brand sold 36,743 vehicles in May, marking an 85.4% soar compared to the previous year. From January to May, the brands cumulative sales totaled 181,467 units, nearly doubling with a 99.9% year-on-year growth.

The iCAR brand, which launched its first product three months ago, recorded sales of 6,668 units in May.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On June 1, China FAW Group Import and Export Co., Ltd. signed an authorized sales agreement with Norway's Motor Gruppen in Drammen, Norway. This agreement designates Motor Gruppen as the sales partner for Hongqi's new energy vehicle models, the EH7 and EHS7, in the Norwegian market, laying a solid foundation for these models' entry into the broader European market.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The collaboration with the Norwegian dealer is significant for Hongqis expansion in Europe and will enhance the brand's market presence.

The Hongqi EH7, an all-electric sedan, officially went on sale in March 2024. The EHS7, Hongqis first mid-to-large battery-electric SUV, made its global debut at this year's Auto China in Beijing. With the agreement in place, the European launch of these two models is now in its final stages.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The Hongqi EHS7, part of Hongqi's new energy sub-brand, is poised to provide an intelligent and enjoyable driving experience. It will officially hit the Chinese marekt in mid-2024. Built on the Hongqi Jiuzhang intelligent platform HIS, the EHS7 incorporates over 100 key technologies, including SOA software architecture and full-vehicle OTA capabilities. These innovations promise an exceptional experience in intelligent cabin and smart driving. The platform also supports advanced features like city NOA (navigation on autopilot) and highway NOA, ensuring that the vehicles intelligence offers practical and meaningful benefits for everyday driving.
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.

XPENG delivers 10,146 new vehicles in May

According to the latest delivery data from XPENG, the company delivered 10,146 new vehicles in May, representing a year-on-year increase of 35% and a month-on-month growth of 8%. Among these, the XPENG X9 accounted for 1,625 units, with a cumulative delivery of 11,456 units in its first five months on the market.

XPENG X9; photo credit: XPENG

BYD opens first store in the Caribbean

Recently, BYD's first store in the Caribbean officially opened in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. At the event, BYD showcased its diverse range of car models for the first time in the region, including the Yuan PLUS, Seal, Dolphin, and E6.

GAC AION boasts 42.5% MoM leap in May global sales

GAC AION reported global sales of 40,073 vehicles in May, which represented a 42.5% leap compared to the previous month.

DEEPAL sees 100,000th S7 mass-produced unit roll off production line

On June 1, DEEPAL, Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand, celebrated the rollout of its 100,000th S7 vehicle at the DEEPAL Nanjing Smart Factory.

FAW's Hongqi brand to foray into Norwegian market

On June 1, China FAW Group Import and Export Co., Ltd. signed an authorized sales agreement with Norway's Motor Gruppen in Drammen, Norway. This agreement designates Motor Gruppen as the sales partner for Hongqi's new energy vehicle models, the EH7 and EHS7, in the Norwegian market, laying a solid foundation for these models' entry into the broader European market.

Chery Holding boasts 51% YoY spike in Jan.-May auto sales

Chinese automaker Chery Holding sold 188,556 vehicles in May, marking a 35.5% year-on-year surge, according to the companys announcement on June 1.

Leapmotor posts 50.65% YoY surge in May auto deliveries

In May, Chinese new energy vehicle maker Leapmotor delivered 18,165 vehicles, representing a 50.65% surge year-on-year, according to the company's announcement on June 1.

Xiaomi EV delivers 8,630 SU7 sedans in May

On June 1, Lei Jun, Chairman and Founder of Xiaomi Group, shared updates on Xiaomi's automotive endeavors, revealing that Xiaomi EV delivered 8,630 SU7 vehicles in May.

Li Auto delivers 35,020 vehicles in May 2024

On June 1, 2024, Chinese new energy vehicle company Li Auto announced it delivered 35,020 vehicles in May, marking a 23.8% year-on-year increase.

BYD enhances global reach with arrival of "EXPLORER NO.1" car carrier in Brazil

Recently, BYD's "EXPLORER NO.1" car carrier completed a 27-day transoceanic journey from China to Brazil, arriving at Suape Port, according to a post on BYD's official WeChat account.

ZEEKR's monthly auto deliveries hit new high in May 2024

In May 2024, ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle maker under Geely Holding, delivered 18,616 new vehicles, representing a year-on-year surge of 115% and a month-on-month increase of 16%, setting a new historical high, according to ZEEKR's press release issued via its WeChat account.

NETA Auto begins local volume production at car manufacturing factory in Indonesia

On May 31, PT NETA Auto, a joint venture between Indonesia's PT Handal Indonesia Motor and China's NETA Auto, officially commenced localized production in CKD form at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM) factory located in Bekasi, West Java, marking the formal start of NETA Auto's localized mass production in Indonesia, according to a post on NETA Auto's WeChat account.

NIO's monthly deliveries soar 233.8% YoY in May 2024

NIO Inc., a prominent player in China's premium smart electric vehicle market, announced it delivered 20,544 vehicles in May 2024, marking a substantial year-over-year surge of 233.8%.

Geely Automobile announces 741% YoY spike in May 2024 PHEV sales

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited ("Geely Automobile" or the "Group"), a prominent player in the automotive industry, has announced impressive sales figures for May 2024. The Group's total sales volume reached 160,658 vehicles in the month, marking a year-on-year increase of 38% compared to the same period last year.

BYD's monthly vehicle sales jump 38.13% YoY in May

In May 2024, BYD achieved a remarkable milestone by selling 331,817 vehicles, a notable increase from the 240,220 units sold in May 2023. This represents a year-over-year growth of 38.13%. Compared to April 2024, when the company sold 313,245 units, the month-over-month sales increased by 5.93%, highlighting a steady upward trajectory in BYD's market performance.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Recently, BYD's "EXPLORER NO.1" car carrier completed a 27-day transoceanic journey from China to Brazil, arriving at Suape Port, according to a post on BYD's official WeChat account.

Photo credit: BYD

BYD stated that the "EXPLORER NO.1" car carrier, equipped with cutting-edge technology, can adapt to diverse route requirements and accommodate various new energy vehicles, significantly enhancing BYD's ability to meet international market demands. Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil, remarked, "BYD is continuously improving the construction of an eco-smart international logistics system. We are committed to integrating sustainability and innovative technology into all green mobility solutions."

This arrival marked a new record for Suape Port, with 5,459 BYD new energy vehicles being received in a single shipment.

In the Brazilian market, after ten years of dedicated effort, BYD has introduced its new energy passenger vehicles, electric buses, electric trucks, electric forklifts, and SkyRail to Brazil, implementing comprehensive sustainable transportation solutions locally. In July 2023, BYD announced the establishment of a large production base complex consisting of three factories in Camacari, leveraging its full industry chain advantages to actively promote the green transformation of local transportation electrification.
ASIA

Afghanistan

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva and a representative of civil society are expected to brief. Closed consultations are scheduled to follow the briefing.

Under resolution 2615, the Council is also scheduled to receive a briefing on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan during June.

UNAMAs mandate expires on 17 March 2025.

Key Recent Developments

Afghanistan continues to face a series of overlapping challenges, with the humanitarian situation in the country remaining particularly dire. According to OCHAs February humanitarian update on Afghanistan, which was published on 25 April, an estimated 23.7 million Afghansover half of the populationrequire humanitarian aid this year. Despite the severity of the situation, the 2024 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains underfunded. At the time of writing, pledges have been received for 16.2 percent of the $3.06 billion required by the plan.

The lack of funding has begun to affect the humanitarian response in Afghanistan. OCHAs February update said that the funding gap has jeopardised the implementation of vital humanitarian interventions and noted that a funding gaps analysis conducted in March revealed a decline in the quality, coverage, and timeliness of different forms of humanitarian assistance, particularly in remote areas. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid have also been complicated by intense flash flooding in different parts of the country in recent weeks. The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a flash appeal calling for $14.5 million to support Afghans affected by flash flooding.

The Talibans policies and practices have also complicated efforts to provide humanitarian aid. In a 23 May briefing on her recent trip to Afghanistan, Director of OCHAs Operations and Advocacy Division Edem Wosornu told reporters that restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women aid workers have added a layer of complexity to humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.

In a 21 May note to correspondents, the UN Secretariat announced that Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo visited Afghanistan from 18 to 21 May. It appears that Council members received a briefing on DiCarlos visit during the Secretary-Generals monthly luncheon on 24 May. DiCarlo met with representatives of the Taliban and the diplomatic community in Kabul and invited the Talibans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to participate in the third meeting of Special Envoys and Special Representatives on Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take place in Doha on 30 June and 1 July.

The second meeting in this format, which aimed to discuss how to approach increasing international engagement in a more coherent, coordinated and structured manner, including through consideration of the recommendations of the independent assessment on Afghanistan, was held in Doha on 18 and 19 February. The Taliban did not take part after objecting to the participation of representatives of Afghan civil society, including members of Afghan womens groups. Taliban officials have also expressed opposition to some of the recommendations outlined in the independent assessment, which was requested by the Council in resolution 2679, particularly the appointment of a Special Envoy who would focus on diplomacy between Afghanistan and international stakeholders and advancing intra-Afghan dialogue. (For more information on the independent assessment, see our Whats in Blue stories of 27 November 2023, 8 December 2023, and 28 December 2023.) At the time of writing, a Special Envoy had not been appointed.

The human rights situation in Afghanistan remains grim, particularly for women and girls. In late March, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada seemed to announce that the Taliban planned to reintroduce draconian punishments for women accused of adultery, reportedly saying we will flog the womenwe will stone them to death in public [for adultery]. UNAMAs latest report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, which was published on 1 May and covers the period from January to March, described some examples of apparent human rights violations, including public corporal punishment, extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, and public executions.

On 16 April, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) released a report on women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan. The report, which analysed data collected from Afghan women over the last three years, found that they have faced a range of hurdles while doing business and experienced deepened discrimination and operational constraints since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Afghanistan. On 21 March, multiple people were killed and wounded in a terrorist attack that took place outside a bank in Kandahar city. The attack, which was claimed by ISIL-K, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant based in Afghanistan, was condemned by Council members in a 22 March press statement. Several media outlets have also reported that US intelligence sources believe ISIL-K was responsible for a 22 March attack on a concert hall in Moscow that killed at least 143 people.

Tensions between the Taliban and the Pakistani government have also escalated in recent months. On 18 March, Pakistan conducted two airstrikes in Afghan territory, killing at least eight people. The airstrikes followed an increase in attacks by militants in Pakistan, which Pakistani officials have blamed on militants residing in Afghanistan. Pakistan has also claimed that a 26 March terrorist attack that killed five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani was planned in Afghanistan.

Human Rights-Related Developments

Afghanistans human rights record was examined by the Human Rights Councils Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group on 29 April. These reviews are based on three documents: a national report containing information provided by the state being reviewed, a compilation of information found in reports prepared by the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities, and a summary of information provided by other stakeholders, including regional organisations and civil society groups.

The national report was prepared by Afghanistans Permanent Mission to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, which is staffed by officials appointed by the former government. Among other matters, the report concluded that the Taliban is systematically dismantling the human rights of Afghans and erasing women from Afghan society. It also recommended that any dialogue or engagement with the Taliban be contingent on respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.

The 29 February report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett observed that the human rights situation in the country has continued to deteriorate, with women and girls erased from public life, peaceful dissent stifled, violence used to control and instil fear, and extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture prevalent.

The Human Rights Council is scheduled to hold an enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on 18 June during its 55th session. Bennett will present his report (A/HRC/56/25) on the institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity and exclusion of women and girls.

Key Issues and Options

Council members are likely to monitor the possible appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Afghanistan. If a Special Envoy is appointed, Council members could have an informal meeting with the UN Secretariat to discuss the division of labour between the Special Envoy and UNAMA and how this might work in practice.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is a significant issue for the Council. An informal meeting with humanitarian organisations working in Afghanistan could allow Council members to learn more about the problems facing those working to deliver aid in the country, particularly after the Taliban banned women from working for the UN, while also providing an opportunity to consider whether there is anything the Council can do to help manage these challenges.

The human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls, is another major issue. Council members could hold an informal meeting with representatives of UN Women, OHCHR, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and civil society to discuss how the Council can exert pressure on the Taliban regarding its practices and policies that restrict human rights.

The Council could also consider reviewing the 1988 Afghanistan sanctions regime, which, apart from the humanitarian exception established by resolution 2615, has not been updated since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. Such a review could analyse whether the regime is fit for purpose and whether it should be updated in light of current circumstances.

The terrorist threat in Afghanistan is another key concern. The Council could meet with a counter-terrorism expert, which would give members a chance to discuss possible options for bolstering the Councils efforts to manage the threat posed by terrorism in Afghanistan.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Although Council members are generally united in their desire to see a prosperous, peaceful Afghanistan free from terrorism and ruled by an inclusive government, they have been divided over how to achieve this goal. Some members, including the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded states, have argued that the Taliban must adhere to international norms if they want to obtain international recognition and receive economic and development aid from the international community. Several of these members appear to favour maintaining pressure on the Taliban, particularly regarding their policies and practices that violate the rights of women and girls.

China and Russia, on the other hand, have contended that the international community should provide assistance to Afghanistan without linking it to other issues, such as human rights, and appear to prefer dialogue and engagement with the Taliban over increased pressure. China has sent an ambassador to Kabul and on 30 January became the first country to accept diplomatic credentials from a Taliban envoy. Beijing has emphasised, however, that it has not officially recognised the Taliban regime as Afghanistans government. In early April, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia was working to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations and, in late May, media outlets reported that Russia had invited the Taliban to its largest economic forum, which is expected to take place in St. Petersburg from 5-8 June.

Some of Afghanistans neighbouring countries have taken a similar approach, pursuing closer relations and greater cooperation with Kabul. This has also been reflected in diplomatic engagement: the Taliban have participated in meetings held in countries in the region and on 29 January hosted their first international meeting since August 2021 in Kabul.

Some analysts have suggested that certain Western countries, including the US, are concerned that increasing cooperation between regional states and Afghanistan can weaken international leverage over the Taliban by giving it the appearance of legitimacy, and in some cases, the economic benefits that it seeks.

There are also differences of view among Council members about the implementation of the independent assessment on Afghanistan. China and Russia have emphasised the importance of taking the Talibans views on the assessment into account and have questioned the added value of a UN Special Envoy. Other members, including the UK and the US, have expressed support for the appointment of a UN Special Envoy and argued that establishing this office will help coordinate international engagement on Afghanistan.

Japan is the penholder on Afghanistan.

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THEMATIC ISSUES

Children and Armed Conflict

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will hold its annual open debate on children and armed conflict. Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba is expected to present the Secretary-Generals annual report on children and armed conflict, which is due in mid-June. Other speakers are likely to include Executive Director of UNICEF Catherine Russell, former UN Secretary-General and Deputy Chair of the Elders Ban Ki-moon, and a civil society representative.

It seems that this years annual open debate will cover several themes and trends, including the denial of humanitarian access for children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the effects of the drawdown of UN peace missions on child protection capacities.

Key Recent Developments

The year 2024 marks 25 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 1261 of 30 August 1999, its first to condemn the targeting of children in situations of armed conflict and the first-ever thematic Council resolution. Worrying trends of grave violations committed against children in the past yearincluding in the context of the eruption and intensification of conflicts in places like Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukrainedemonstrate the continued importance of the children and armed conflict agenda. (The six grave violations, as determined by the Security Council, are child recruitment and use; killing and maiming; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools and hospitals; abductions; and the denial of humanitarian access.)

The Secretary-Generals most recent annual report on the protection of civilians (PoC), dated 14 May, says that the 7 October 2023 attacks against Israel led by Hamas, the Palestinian armed group and de facto authority in Gaza, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza resulted in civilian deaths and destruction at a level unprecedented in the decades-long conflict. According to figures provided by Israeli authorities cited by OCHA, the 7 October attacks led to the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, of whom 33 were children, and the abduction of some 250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including more than 30 children. Figures provided by Palestinian officials in Gaza cited by OCHA indicate that, as at 27 May, at least 36,000 Palestinians had been killed, of whom (at 30 April) close to 8,000 had been identified as children. The numbers are likely to be higher, as many people in Gaza are missing and presumed buried under the rubble. In 2023, hostilities in the Gaza Strip rendered 23 hospitals and 56 healthcare centres out of service and damaged 370 educational facilities, according to the Secretary-Generals PoC report.

The Security Council has met frequently to discuss developments since 7 October 2023, with a 22 November 2023 briefing focusing on the effects of the fighting on women and children. The first resolution that the Council was able to adopt on the war between Israel and Hamas after several failed attemptsresolution 2712 of 15 November 2023, which was authored by Malta, the chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflictreferences child protection issues throughout.

In Sudan, fighting that started in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced more than four million children, making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world, according to a 15 April UNICEF statement. The statement added that 2023 saw the highest number of grave child rights violations verified in Sudan in more than a decade, noting a five-fold increase compared with 2022 in reports of grave violations, particularly recruitment and use, killing and maiming, and sexual violence against children.

The already perilous conditions faced by children in Haiti have worsened since late February, when the main gangs in the capital Port-au-Prince, in an apparent alliance, carried out a series of coordinated attacks that targeted state institutions and critical infrastructure. Briefing at a 22 April Council meeting on Haiti, Russell said that between 30 and 50 percent of armed groups in Haiti have children within their ranks, adding that thousands of cases of sexual violence were reported in 2023, many of which targeted children. A multinational security support (MSS) mission to help Haiti combat gang activity and restore security, authorised through Security Council resolution 2699 of 2 October 2023, may deploy to Haiti in early June, according to media reports. At the 22 April briefing, Russell provided several recommendations for the MSS, including on the need to treat children associated with armed groups as victims and to safely hand them over to child protection actors.

UNICEF reported on 13 May that nearly 2,000 children have been killed or injured in Ukraine since Russias invasion of the country in February 2022, highlighting that the number of child fatalities this year has increased by almost 40 percent compared to 2023. Hostilities in Ukraine resulted in the destruction or damaging of 103 medical facilities and 294 educational institutions in 2023, according to the Secretary-Generals PoC report.

On 29 May, the UK convened a Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Myanmar focused on the situation of children and youth. Briefing at the meeting, Director of UNICEFs Office of Emergency Programmes Lucia Elmi highlighted that children in Myanmar are harmed in ways that are often hidden in the shadows from the international limelight, such as killing and maiming caused by landmines. A 4 April UNICEF statement noted that children accounted for over 20 percent of the 1,052 verified civilian casualties from landmine and explosive ordnance incidents during 2023.

Decisions relating to the annexes to the Secretary-Generals annual report on children and armed conflictwhich list parties that have committed grave violations against childrenhave traditionally attracted considerable attention. In an April report titled A Credible List, the organisation Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict provides several recommendations for the upcoming annual report, including to list the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as well as the Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas military wing) and Al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad). Other civil society organisations have made similar calls and criticised the Secretary-General for failing to hold accountable Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups, neither of which were listed in the annexes of the 2023 annual report. Among other things, the A Credible List report also includes recommendations relating to listing parties in Sudan (the SAF and the RSF) and various armed gangs in Haiti.

During its April Council presidency, Malta organised a briefing titled Addressing the consequences of the denial of humanitarian access for children. At the meeting, Gamba noted that data collected for the upcoming annual report on children and armed conflict indicates a shocking increase in incidents of denial of humanitarian access globally. The briefers and Council members expressed concerns about the denial of humanitarian access in several contexts, including Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen.

Developments in the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict

In the past several years, due to difficult Council dynamics, the Working Group has failed to adopt conclusions, which require consensus, on a number of Secretary-Generals reports. In 2023, when it became the chair of the working group, Malta inherited five sets of pending conclusions: three that were presented in 2021 (Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Syria) and two in 2022 (Nigeria and Somalia). In an unprecedented development, the working group had failed to adopt conclusions on the three reports submitted in 2021 before the Secretary-General presented new two-year reports on Afghanistan and Syria. He is soon expected to issue a new report on Myanmar.

On 22 May, the working group agreed on its conclusions on the Secretary-Generals new report on Afghanistan, an achievement which required compromise on language about which some permanent members (P5) had reservations. Regarding the reports presented in 2022, the working group has adopted conclusions on Nigeria. The adoption of conclusions on Somalia has apparently been delayed due to difficulty in securing the countrys participation in a working group meeting to provide its response to the draft conclusionswhich is a standard practice of the working group.

The working group is currently negotiating its conclusions on Secretary-Generals reports on the Central African Republic (CAR), Colombia, and Syria, and is expected to begin negotiating conclusions on Iraq.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council is to ensure the effectiveness of the tools that support the implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda. The working groups failure to adopt conclusions on some country situations for over two years is a matter of concern, as it hampers its ability to respond to developments on the ground in a timely manner; enhancing the transparency and visibility of its work may assist in this regard. An option would be to request the chair to provide periodic reports to the Security Council or the wider UN membership, similar to periodic briefings provided by chairs of sanctions committees. The working group chair could also alert the Council about stalled negotiations on conclusions by raising the matter under any other business during closed consultations, an informal meeting format.

How to maintain child protection capacities and monitoring and reporting on violations following the drawdown of UN peace operations is a crucial issue. A recent spate of abrupt mission closuresof the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in December 2023 and the UN Integrated Transition Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) in Februaryhas highlighted this issue and raised PoC concerns. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is also undergoing a transition, with the Congolese government having called for its accelerated drawdown to begin by the end of 2023. There appears to be little or no documentation on lessons learned regarding transferring child protection and monitoring capacities during transition processes. An option for Council members would be to ask the Secretary-General to prepare such a report. Working group conclusions and other Council products can also call on donors to facilitate adequate funding for entities such as UNICEF that are slated to take over child protection and monitoring capacities after the UN peace operations departure. (For more on UN peace mission transitions, see our December 2023 research report titled UN Transitions in a Fractured Multilateral Environment.)

Council Dynamics

The children and armed conflict agenda enjoys broad general support among Council members. However, political sensitivities in the Council are also evident at the subsidiary body level, resulting in protracted negotiations before consensus can be reached on some conclusions in the working group.

Five member states are running uncontested for a 2025-2026 seat on the Council: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia. It remains to be seen how this change in membership might affect dynamics within the working group, not least since Somalia is on the children and armed conflict agenda and Pakistan is a situation of concern. In last years annual report, the Secretary-General said that engagement by Pakistans government to develop measures to protect children may lead to the removal of Pakistan as a situation of concern from my next report, should all agreed practical measures be fully implemented.

There appear to be differing views among Council members on whether the denial of humanitarian accessthe only violation that does not trigger listing in the annexes of the Secretary-Generals reportshould become a trigger violation. At the April briefing on the denial of humanitarian access, Algeria was the only member to express support for making denial of humanitarian access a trigger violation. Other Council members seem to have less appetite for a resolution that would make denial of humanitarian access a trigger violation, particularly as some P5 members have sensitivities about country situations where this violation is prevalent. (For more information, see the children and armed conflict brief in our April 2024 Monthly Forecast).

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Counter-Terrorism

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution on the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. The draft resolution will include provisions extending the mandates of the 1267/1988 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, both of which expire in June. The first draft of this resolution was circulated to all Council members in mid-May.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The 1267/1989/2253 ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions regime imposes an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo on individuals and entities associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida. Resolution 2610, which last renewed and updated the regime in December 2021, sets out the listing criteria for these sanctions, which include participating in the acts or activities of ISIL or Al-Qaida; selling weapons to ISIL or Al-Qaida; and recruiting for ISIL or Al-Qaida.

The 1267/1989/2253 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee is a subsidiary organ of the Council established to oversee the regime. Its tasks include designating individuals and entities who meet the listing criteria, responding to requests for sanctions exemptions, reporting annually to the Council, and conducting outreach activities. The Monitoring Team supports the work of the Committee by, among other things, preparing written reports on the implementation of the sanctions and other topics, assisting with listing proposals, and gathering information on the Committees behalf. The Ombudsperson receives delisting requests and reports to the Committee regarding these requests. These reports include a recommendation on how the Committee should respond to the delisting request. While the Committee has the power to overturn the Ombudspersons requests in certain circumstances, this has not happened to date. Richard Malanjum, the former Chief Justice of Malaysia, is the current Ombudsperson.

The Monitoring Teams latest report was issued on 29 January. It concluded that the threat posed by ISIL and Al-Qaida remains high in conflict zones and neighbouring countries and observed that threat levels have risen in other regions, including Europe. Regarding West Africa and the Sahel, the report noted that greater freedom of movement and closer links between terrorist groups have raised fears that they could establish a safe operating base in the region. The report further analysed the situation in South and Central Asia, noting that while the activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K)ISILs Afghan affiliatehave decreased in Afghanistan, member states nonetheless remain concerned about the groups ability to project attacks beyond Afghanistans borders. The threat posed by the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan was also considered in the report, which concluded that the group poses a regional threat and has the capacity to conduct transnational operations from bases inside Afghanistan.

The Monitoring Team made two recommendations in the report: stressing the need for member states to share additional information regarding entries on the sanctions list and proposing that the Committee direct the Monitoring Team to assess whether to update the standard form for listing requests and consider if there are any tools that could be used to manage the sanctions list more effectively. In a 27 February letter, the Committee accepted these recommendations.

The most recent report of the Ombudsperson was issued on 28 March. Among other matters, the report noted that the Ombudspersons lack of institutional autonomy remains an unresolved issue. According to the report, the Ombudsperson briefed the Committee on this issue on 30 November 2023 and highlighted several long-standing problems, such as the reporting line of the Ombudspersons staff, the lack of decision-making power regarding expenses, security of tenure, and the contractual status and conditions of service of the Ombudsperson as a consultant. The Ombudsperson also discussed the need to ensure continuity if they are unable to fulfil their duties or if there is a gap between the end of one Ombudspersons tenure and the beginning of another. At present, the 1267/1989/2253 sanctions regime does not include a deputy Ombudsperson who could fulfil this role.

In November 2023, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) issued a report on accountability for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) linked to terrorism. Citing a gender and counter-terrorism expert, the report noted that designating individuals or entities for UN sanctions due to their involvement in SGBV linked to terrorism could serve as a tool to discourage and penalise those engaged in activities that undermine international peace and security.

Key Issues and Options

Deciding whether to update the 1267/1989/2253 sanctions regime is a key issue for the Council. The Council could choose to update the regime by adding SGBV as a standalone listing criterion. This would align with the Councils previously stated intention, as expressed in resolution 2610, to consider targeted sanctions against individuals and entities associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida involved in human trafficking and sexual violence in conflict. The Council could also make consequential changes to the regime specifically directing the Monitoring Team to collect relevant information from member states in order to assist the Committee with its decision-making regarding this issue.

Given the long-standing concerns regarding the Ombudspersons independence, the Council could request that the Secretary-General reconstitute the institutional arrangements currently in place with a view to addressing the issues that have been raised by the current Ombudsperson and his predecessors.

The Council could also encourage member states to consult with the Monitoring Team when preparing listing proposals. The Monitoring Teams July 2023 report noted that member states sometimes lack an adequate understanding of the relevant procedure and said that this can have an adverse effect on listing proposals. Encouraging consultations with the Monitoring Team could help resolve this issue.

Council Dynamics

In general, counter-terrorism enjoys the support of all Council members. Members do, however, focus on different aspects of the issue. Some members favour an approach that is founded on human rights, prevention, and the involvement of civil society, while other members prefer to focus more closely on security and law enforcement.

During negotiations concerning the previous update to the 1267/1989/2253 sanctions regime, which took place in December 2021, Council members generally agreed that the regime functions effectively as currently formulated and that no major amendments were required. Discussions apparently centred on references to the effects of counter-terrorism measures on humanitarian activities, updates to the institutional arrangements for the Ombudsperson and the asset freeze measures, and a proposed reporting requirement for the Monitoring Team relating to ISILs activities in Africa.

Certain then-Council members, including some of the European members, apparently proposed establishing the Ombudsperson as a distinct UN entity and appointing a deputy Ombudsperson to fill the role if the Ombudsperson is absent. It seems that these proposals were opposed by other members, including China and Russia, and they were not included in resolution 2610. (For more information on the negotiations, see our Whats in Blue story of 17 December 2021.)

In 2016, when the Council adopted resolution 2331 on sexual violence and human trafficking, several members, including China, Russia, and the US, expressed concern about expanding the work of the Councils sanctions committees. These concerns led to changes in the tasks for the Monitoring Team set out in the resolution. (For more information, see our Whats in Blue story of 19 December 2016.)

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Cybersecurity

Expected Council Action

In June, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is organising a high-level open debate on cybersecurity as a signature event of its presidency.

No outcome is expected.

Background and Key Recent Developments

Over the past several years, the Council has become increasingly involved in addressing cyber threats to international peace and security. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with a surge in the use of digital technologies, has heightened Council members awareness of this issue. To date, most of the discussions among Council members on cybersecurity-related issues have occurred in informal settings, such as Arria-formula meetings. These discussions have covered a wide range of issues, from cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure to efforts aimed at countering hate speech and preventing the incitement of discrimination, hostility, and violence on social media.

The Security Council held its only formal meeting on cybersecurity on 29 June 2021, during Estonias presidency of the Council. Other meetings on related aspects include a formal meeting on the use of technologies in maintaining international peace and security that the US convened during its May 2022 presidency and a July 2023 high-level briefing on artificial intelligence organised by the UK.

The Council has also discussed states malicious use of cyberspace in country-specific situations. For example, on 5 March 2020, Council members discussed Georgia in the context of cyber threats and hybrid warfare under the any other business agenda item. The closed meeting was initiated by Estonia, the UK, and the US, after Georgia informed the Council that its government and media websites had been targeted by a large-scale cyber-attack in October 2019. In a joint statement to the media after the meeting, the three members attributed the cyberattacks to Russian military intelligence agencies and said that these actions represented a wider pattern of Russias activities. Estonias Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu issued a press statement following the meeting, suggesting that such conduct was an example of irresponsible behaviour by Russia. Russia denied these accusations and said there was no evidence to support the claims.

Most recently, on 4 April, Security Council members held an Arria-formula meeting titled Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape and its Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security. The meeting was organised by the ROK and co-hosted by Japan and the US. At that meeting, the briefers highlighted key trends in the field of cybersecurity, including the increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks, the emergence of cybercrime as a global service, the proliferation of commercially available cyber-intrusion capabilities such as surveillance technologies, and the effects of emerging technologies such of artificial intelligence and quantum computing on the cybersecurity landscape.

Several Council members emphasised how illicit cyber activities enable both state and non-state actors to circumvent Security Council-mandated sanctions, thereby undermining the efficacy of some tools available to the Council. In particular, members highlighted the challenges these illicit activities pose to the non-proliferation regime. Many members referred to reports by the Panel of Experts of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) sanctions regime, which have documented the involvement of DPRK actors in cyberattacks targeting financial institutions and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the DPRK has been implicated in the illegal transfer of cryptocurrencies and money laundering. The Panel has stressed that the DPRKs use of cyberattacks provides an opportunity for sanctions evasion involving minimal resources while offering low-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Several members expressed regret that the Council failed on 28 March to adopt the draft resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee. The draft resolution was vetoed by Russia. All other membersexcept China, which abstainedvoted in favour of the text. In its statement prior to the vote, Russia claimed that the Panel of Experts had ceased to carry out its obligations and said that the sanctions regime no longer reflected realities on the ground and had failed to achieve the international communitys stated aims. Other Council members strongly criticised Russias veto, arguing that it undermines the global non-proliferation regime and emboldens the DPRK in its attempts to evade sanctions. Several membersincluding France, Japan, the ROK, the UK, and the USlinked the veto to Russias alleged purchase of arms from the DPRK.

The final report of the Panel, issued on 7 March, noted that the Panel was investigating reports of arms transfers from the DPRK to other member states, including Russia, and said that the DPRK had continued to flout the 1718 sanctions regime, including by further developing nuclear weapons, producing nuclear fissile materials, importing refined petroleum products, and receiving income from DPRK nationals working overseas. In relation to the DPRKs cyber activities, the report observed that the Panel was investigating 58 cyberattacks on cryptocurrency-related companies executed between 2017 and 2023, valued at approximately $3 billion, adding that these attacks have reportedly funded the DPRKs weapons programmes. The Panels mandate expired on 30 April.

Although the Council has increased its engagement on cybersecurity, discussions on the matter have primarily taken place in two General Assembly-mandated processes: the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security, and the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Since 2004, there have been six GGEs and two OEWGs. The GGEs have established a set of 11 norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. These include commitments by states to avoid conducting or knowingly supporting ICT activity contrary to their obligations under international law that intentionally damage critical infrastructure; to take appropriate measures to protect their critical infrastructure from ICT threats; and to respond to requests for assistance by another state whose critical infrastructure has been targeted by malicious ICT acts.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Council members generally agree that implementing existing norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and confidence- and capacity-building measures help reduce mistrust among member states and contribute to stability in the cyber domain. Most members believe that Security Council discussions on cyber issues raise awareness of emerging threats posed by new technologies and highlight the importance of effective deterrence against the malicious use of ICTs by states and other actors.

There are stark divisions between members over the Councils role in addressing cyber threats, the applicability of international law in cyberspace, and the need for the development of additional legally binding obligations. Several Council members have expressed the view that the Security Council should address incidents in which malicious cyber activity poses a threat to international peace and security, just as it would in respect of threats posed by conventional means. These members often highlight how cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure can have devastating effects on civilians, exacerbate tensions, and even trigger armed conflicts. Conversely, Russia has maintained that the Security Council is not the appropriate forum for discussing cybersecurity. Instead, it argues that the Council should defer to the specialised expertise of the OEWG on the security of and in the use of ICTs.

Consensus reports from previous GGE meetings have acknowledged the applicability of the UN Charter in its entirety, including the principles of state sovereignty, the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and non-intervention. However, the applicability of the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter has been more contentious. Member states, including China and Russia, have expressed concerns that recognition of the right to self-defence may lead to the securitisation of cyberspace, legitimising military intervention and unilateral sanctions in the context of ICTs. In its national contribution on the subject of how international law applies to the use of ICTs by states, submitted during the 2019-2021 GGE, Russia also noted the difficulty of attributing responsibility for particular actions to states.

Russia has also voiced a preference for a legally binding instrument to regulate states relations concerning the security and use of ICTs. In March 2023, Russia, along with Belarus, the DPRK, Nicaragua, Syria, and Venezuela, submitted an updated concept note to the OEWG for a UN Convention on Ensuring International Information Security. The concept note emphasised a growing need for states to conclude a legally binding multilateral treaty within the [UN] to ensure the prevention and settlement of inter-State conflicts in the global information space, to promote the entirely peaceful use of [ICTs] and to provide a framework for cooperation among States for these purposes.

Many member states have raised concerns about the proposal, arguing that the existing cybersecurity frameworkwhich includes international law, the UN Charter, confidence-building measures, and agreed norms of responsible state behaviour in the cyber domainis sufficient for maintaining a safe and secure cyberspace. In December 2022, the General Assembly adopted a resolution welcoming a proposal to establish a programme of action (PoA) to advance responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs in the context of international security (A/RES/77/37). The PoA is envisioned as an action-oriented mechanism to support states capacities and efforts to implement the voluntary, non-binding norms established by the GGE and OEWG. The resolution was co-sponsored by numerous countries, including Council members France, Japan, Malta, ROK, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

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AFRICA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will vote to renew the mandate of the 1533 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sanctions regime, which expires on 1 July, and of the Group of Experts assisting the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee, which expires on 1 August.

Key Recent Developments

The deteriorating security situation in North Kivu due to continued fighting between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), supported by allied militias known locally as Wazalendo, and the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) has displaced a massive number of people, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, hosts over 500,000 displaced people, according to the UN. On 3 May, bombings of two internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Lac-Vert and Mugunga near Goma reportedly killed at least 35 people. In a 3 May press statement, the Special Representative and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, strongly condemned the attacks against the IDP camps and called on parties to the conflict to guarantee the civilian character of all sites for displaced people.

In an 8 May letter to the Council President, the DRC accused Rwanda and the M23 of responsibility for the attack and characterised the situation as a serious breach of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

In a 3 May press release, the US also said the Rwandan Defence Forces and M23 were implicated in the attack. The US has called for an evaluation of Rwandas role as a major UN troop-contributing country. The US press release elicited a strong reaction from Rwanda, which, in a 5 May press statement, rejected the US accusation as unjustified and called for a credible investigation into the attack to establish the facts. It referenced a warning issued by Medecins Sans Frontieres, which it said drew attention to the placement of heavy artillery by FARDC in the IDP camps. Rwanda accused the FARDC and the Burundian forces deployed in eastern DRC as part of a bilateral agreement with the Congolese government of the deadly shelling. In a 20 May note verbale addressed to the Security Council, Rwanda requested that a brief describing its position regarding the incident be circulated to members.

In its 8 May letter to the Security Council, the DRC urged the Council to suspend Rwanda from participating in UN peacekeeping operations until it ceases to support the M23 and withdraws its forces from Congolese territory. In the letter, the DRC also reiterated its request for the Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda based on the reporting of the Group of Experts assisting the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee.

In their 13 June 2023 report, the Group of Experts presented evidence implicating Rwanda for directly intervening inside Congolese territory, either to reinforce M23 combatants or to conduct military operations against the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR)an ethnic Hutu armed group active in eastern DRCand other local armed groups. The Group of Experts also provided evidence that local armed groups and the FDLR have created an entityknown as Wazalendoto fight the M23 alongside the FARDC. The report said that senior FARDC officers had coordinated these operations and supported the armed groups with logistics, military equipment, and financing.

On 19 May, a group of armed men attacked the Palais de la Nation, the Congolese presidents office in Kinshasa. Media reports indicate that Christian Malanga, a Congolese politician residing in the US, was allegedly behind this attack. He reportedly lost his life with some of his associates during a shootout with government security forces. His son and other associates, including foreigners, are in custody. The residence of Vital Kamerhe, deputy prime minister for the economy and the leader of the ruling Union pour la Nation Congolaise (UNC) party, was targeted as well, and two police officers were killed in the attack on Kamerhes residence. On 22 May, the national assembly elected Kamerhe as the Speaker of Parliament. In an appearance on public television, the spokesperson of the Congolese army described the situation as a foiled coup. In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Keita strongly condemned the attacks on the Palais de la Nation and the Kamerhe residence, and expressed MONUSCOs readiness to provide support in line with its mandate.

Human Rights-Related Developments

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, visited the DRC from 15-18 April 2024. At the conclusion of his visit, the High Commissioner underscored the complexity of human rights challenges in the DRC, highlighting the situation in the eastern provinces, where he said that there is an exhausted and profoundly traumatised population, devastated by decades of war and conflict. Turk emphasised that the continuous attacks and abduction of civilians frequently targeted human rights defenders, journalists, and community leaders in North Kivu. He also mentioned the continued forced conscription of children by the M23. Since October, Turk said that 500,000 people have been displaced from areas controlled by M23, taking the total number of people displaced in North Kivu to nearly 2.7 million. The High Commissioner urged countries that support or have influence over the armed groups to assume their responsibility to ensure the fighting stops. He expressed concern about what could happen to civilians should MONUSCO leave precipitously. He also urged the South African Development Community mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) to establish and implement a robust human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework to prevent civilian casualties and retain the essential support and trust of the population.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 2 May, the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee issued a clarification to banks, shipowners, carriers, financial institutions, and firms operating in the military field to inform them that the Congolese armed and security forces are exempt from the embargo imposed on the supply of military equipment and assistance under the 1533 DRC sanctions regime. Pursuant to resolution 2667 of 20 December 2022, the Council lifted the notification requirement on the provision of such assistance to the DRC. It seems that the final report of the Group of Experts due by 15 June has already been circulated to Council members. At the time of writing, Council members were expected to meet and discuss the report and its recommendations. Several months ago, Rwanda proposed individuals and entities for designation under the 1533 DRC sanctions regime. The DRC also proposed individuals and entities named in the Group of Experts report for designation. At the time of writing, the Rwandan and DRC proposals had yet to be acted upon. On 27 September, France, the UK, and the US proposed designating one member of M23 and one member of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR). On 25 October, the sanctions committee approved their addition to the sanctions designation list. On 20 February, the committee approved the request by France, the UK, and the US for the designation of six individuals: two from the Allied Democratic Forces and one each from the Twirwaneho armed group, the National Peoples Coalition for the Sovereignty of Congo, the M23, and the FDLR.

Women, Peace and Security

As the Security Councils president for April, Malta decided to include a focus on women, peace and security (WPS) at the 24 April open briefing on the Great Lakes. Several participants addressed WPS issues during the meeting. In her briefing, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya said that the eastern DRC is today one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl. She updated Council members on gender-based violence in the DRC and on the impact of the conflict on children, noting that 37 percent of girls in the DRC are forcibly married before the age of 18. The Coordinator of the civil society organisation Femmes Engagees pour la Paix en Afrique (Women Engaged for Peace in Africa), Petronille Vaweka, said that almost 30 years of violence, atrocities and mass displacement orchestrated by domestic and foreign armed groups, and with a lack of protection for civilian populations have plunged eastern DRC into chronic insecurity. In her statement, Vaweka addressed the link between the minerals used in technological tools such as phones, computers, and electric cars, and the violence and insecurity in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. She urged the Security Council to work towards turning blood minerals into minerals of life and happiness for the world through equitable trade which would allow all parties to benefit. Switzerland stressed that although women play a central role in peace movements in the Great Lakes region, much remains to be done to ensure their full participation, in particular in the Nairobi and Luanda processes. Similarly, Malta urged the facilitators of the Nairobi and Luanda processes to appoint women mediators and gender advisors, and to leverage the African Women Leaders Network.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members in June is extending the 1533 DRC sanctions regime and renewing the mandate of the Group of Experts assisting the sanctions committee. Council members could opt for a straightforward renewal process.

In light of the recent military developments on the groundparticularly with the M23 capturing Rubaya, a mining town in North Kivu province known for producing strategic minerals used in smartphonesthe DRC appears to be increasing pressure on Council members to impose sanctions on Rwanda, arguing that the capture of the mining sites in Rubaya will fuel the conflict through the illegal exploitation of natural resources. However, sanctioning Rwanda could be challenging given the lack of consensus within the Council on explicitly referencing the role of external actors in the DRC.

Council Dynamics

Considering the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and the increasing regional tensions, Council members such as the US, France, Switzerland, and Slovenia have been vocal in calling for Rwanda to end its support for M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory.

In their most recent press statement on the situation in DRC, issued on 5 April, Council members opted for broad language to condemn foreign military support provided to M23 and any other armed group operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and demanded the cessation of such support and the immediate withdrawal of any such external party from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Council members also used a similar approach to condemn support, notably provided by military forces, to certain armed groups such as the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) and to demand the cessation of such support.

France is the penholder on the DRC. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) chairs the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee.

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SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

International Criminal Tribunals

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The President of the IRMCT, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, and the Chief Prosecutor of the IRMCT, Serge Brammertz, are expected to brief during the debate and to meet with the Informal Working Group on Tribunals prior to that. The term of the Chief Prosecutor expires on 30 June.

A resolution on the IRMCT is also scheduled for adoption in June. The first draft of this resolution was circulated to Council members in late May.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The IRMCTwith branches in The Hague, the Netherlands; and Arusha, Tanzaniafocuses on completing the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed in December 2017 and December 2015 respectively. Its tasks have included hearing the remaining trials and appeals from the ICTY and the ICTR; locating the remaining fugitives indicted by the ICTR; assisting national jurisdictions with requests related to prosecuting international crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia; monitoring cases referred to national courts; enforcing sentences; protecting witnesses and victims; and preserving archives.

The IRMCT was established in 2010 by resolution 1966, which said that the Mechanism shall continue the jurisdiction, rights and obligations and essential functions of the ICTY and the ICTR and that it should be a small, temporary and efficient structure, whose functions and size will diminish over time, with a small number of staff commensurate with its reduced functions.

Under resolution 1966, the IRMCT was mandated to operate for an initial period of four years and for subsequent periods of two years unless the Council decides otherwise. The Council most recently extended Brammertzs term in resolution 2637, which was adopted on 22 June 2022 with 14 votes in favour and Russia abstaining. It contained new elementsincluding language on member state cooperation with the enforcement of sentences handed down by the ICTR, the ICTY, and the IRMCTand welcomed the continuing support that states had provided. It called on the IRMCT, as part of its completion strategy, to provide options regarding the transfer of its remaining activities in due course. (For more information on resolution 2637, see our Whats in Blue story of 21 June 2022.) It appears that the Informal Working Group on Tribunals is currently considering a framework of operations for completing the IRMCTs functions. This document was prepared by the IRMCT and provided to the Working Group.

On 4 March, the Council adopted a presidential statement which, among other matters, requested the Informal Working Group on Tribunals to review a progress report from the IRMCT and a report by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on the evaluation of the methods and work of the IRMCT and present its views and any recommendations to the Council by 15 May. The presidential statement said that the outcome of the review will be reflected by the Security Council in an appropriate form and included new language requesting that the report from the IRMCT provide detailed timelines for the completion of its functions and realistic options for the transfer of those functions. Council members received the progress report from the IRMCT on 15 April. The OIOS report was issued on 29 February.

The OIOS report, which assessed the relevance, effectiveness and coherence of the outcomes achieved as a result of the [IRMCT] discharging its residual functions, concluded that the IRMCT has effectively leveraged cooperation with member states and international organisations to track fugitives, supervise the enforcement of sentences, and facilitate access to information from its archives. It also noted that the IRMCT assisted more than 400 investigations and judicial proceedings in 15 countries between January 2021 and August 2023. The report recommended that the IRMCT should:

clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of its principals regarding the relocation of acquitted and released persons; further strengthen the ways it leverages partnerships with the UN system to find long-term solutions to the challenges it faces regarding cooperation with member states; apply lessons learned and best practices from the closure of the Sarajevo field office, particularly for the upcoming closure of the Kigali field office; and take steps to further client orientation, including by improving statistics on assistance activities and soliciting feedback from those who request assistance and receive capacity-building training.

The Councils last semi-annual debate on the IRMCT took place on 12 December 2023. Brammertz and Gatti Santana briefed. Gatti Santana said that the IRMCT has finally transitioned to its new, truly residual phase and noted that it no longer has active trials or appeals related to core crimes on its docket following the indefinite stay of proceedings against Felicien Kabuga granted in September 2023. Gatti Santana also mentioned that she had presented the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals with a draft framework of operations to complete functions and highlighted that sentence enforcement, the situation of seven acquitted or released persons relocated to Niger in December 2021, and attempts to undermine the IRMCTs work continue to cause difficulties.

Brammertz noted that his office is now focused on its remaining residual functions, particularly the provision of assistance to national authorities. In this regard, he explained that his office provides three primary forms of assistance: access to evidence and information contained within the IRMCTs evidence collection; advice on legal, evidentiary, prosecutorial, and strategic matters; and expert support concerning fugitives from Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.

On 15 May, the IRMCT announced that it had accounted for all fugitives indicted by the ICTR after confirming that the remaining two fugitivesRyandikayo and Charles Sikubwabohave died. In a decision handed down on 10 May, the IRMCT denied an application filed by Ratko Mladic, a former military officer serving a life sentence at the UN Detention Unit after being found guilty of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The application sought provisional release on compassionate grounds or, in the alternative, permission for Mladic to serve the remainder of his sentence in Serbia.

Key Issues and Options

Appointing a Chief Prosecutor is an issue for the Council. A related issue is reflecting the outcome of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals review in an appropriate form, as requested in the 4 March presidential statement. The Council could adopt a resolution that appoints a Chief Prosecutor, reflects the outcome of the review process, and makes any changes to the IRMCTs mandate that are deemed necessary.

Continuing to monitor the work of the IRMCT and the implementation of its mandate is another key issue. Members could choose to use the closed format of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals to have a frank discussion with Gatti Santana and Brammertz regarding the IRMCTs operations. Members could also use this format to ask questions about the framework of operations for completing the IRMCTs functions and to discuss whether there is anything the Council can do to help manage the issues identified by Gatti Santana during her 12 December 2023 briefing.

Council Dynamics

Council members generally have a positive assessment of the IRMCT and the progress it has made, except for Russia. Russia has regularly criticised the appointment of Brammertz, who was the ICTY prosecutor from 2008 until its closure in 2017, and it abstained on resolutions reappointing him in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Russia was also consistently critical of the ICTY.

The negotiations on resolution 2637, which most recently extended Brammertzs term, were lengthy and difficult. Members disagreed about how to characterise the conclusions of the 23 February 2022 OIOS report on the IRMCT. Russia apparently proposed language noting that the IRMCT failed to implement all OIOS recommendations and text calling on the OIOS to generate new recommendations on the evaluation of the IRMCTs methods and work pertaining to its closure, especially with a focus on staff reduction. Russia also apparently sought the inclusion of language expressing concern that the IRMCT had failed to demonstrate any visible reduction in its staff or budget. Most members did not support such language, however, and it was not added to the resolution.

Language regarding the importance of ensuring the rights of persons detained on the authority of the IRMCTincluding those related to healthcarewas also contentious. At least two members were apparently in favour of deleting this text, but Russia opposed the deletion. Russia has repeatedly emphasised the importance of protecting persons detained by the IRMCT and maintaining their access to medical care, often by referring to the cases of specific individuals. (For more information on the negotiations, see our 21 June 2022 Whats in Blue story.)

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran

Expected Council Action

In June, the Council is expected to convene a briefing on the Secretary-Generals biannual report on the implementation of resolution 2231 of 20 July 2015, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme.

The Council will also receive reports from its 2231 facilitator, Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Malta), and the Joint Commission, which was established to oversee the implementation of the JCPOA and comprises the current parties to the agreement: China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and Iran. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, Frazier, and a representative of the EU in its capacity as coordinator of the Joint Commission are expected to brief the Council.

Background and Key Recent Developments

Efforts to revive the JCPOA remain frozen following a breakdown in negotiations in 2022 and subsequent political developments that have led to a further deterioration in relations between the parties. In May 2018, then-US President Donald Trump announced that the US, which was originally a signatory to the JCPOA, was withdrawing from the agreement and went on to impose unilateral sanctions on Iran. Although Iran formally remained in the JCPOA, it took steps that directly contravene its terms, including enriching uranium to levels beyond the JCPOA-mandated limits and removing cameras and monitoring equipment required by the agreement. Following the election of current US President Joseph Biden, the US, Iran, and other parties to the JCPOA began talks in April 2021 in Vienna to revive the agreement.

Those discussions progressed until August 2022, when the EU circulated what it described as a final draft agreement. Iran reportedly insisted as a condition for accepting the deal that the IAEA close its investigation into traces of enriched uranium it had discovered at three undeclared sites in Iran in 2019. The US and European parties to the JCPOA objected to this demand, which they viewed as a separate issue related to Irans obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the countrys NPT Safeguards Agreement, which every non-nuclear NPT state party is required to conclude with the IAEA to ensure that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. In a 17 November 2022 resolution, the IAEA Board of Governors censured Iran and directed it to comply with the IAEAs investigation. In response, Iran announced on 22 November 2022 that it had started enriching uranium to 60 percent purity at its Fordow nuclear facility, approaching the roughly 90 percent level required to produce a nuclear weapon and well above the 3.67 percent limit imposed by the JCPOA.

With negotiations to revive the JCPOA stalled, Iran began increasing its production of highly enriched uranium. By the end of 2023, Iran had reportedly amassed enough 60-percent enriched uranium to produce three nuclear weapons if further enriched to weapons-grade, according to the IAEAs technical thresholds. Since then, the country has slightly reduced its stockpile of 60-percent enriched uranium by diluting it to a lower purity level: the IAEAs latest quarterly verification and monitoring report, dated 26 February, estimated that Iran held a total of 121.5 kilograms of 60-percent enriched uranium, a reduction of 6.8 kilograms from the agencys previous report, and a total of 712.2 kilograms of 20-percent enriched uranium, an increase of 145.1 kilograms from the last report. Overall, Irans stockpile of enriched uranium had increased by approximately 30 percent. According to a 4 March technical analysis of the IAEAs findings by the non-partisan Institute for Science and International Security, Irans breakout capacitythe amount of time that it would take to produce enough fissile material for one nuclear weaponwas seven days, notably lower than the 12-day breakout time that the institute estimated a year ago.

Cooperation between the IAEA and Iranian authorities has been strained since Iran began breaching the terms of the JCPOA. After the IAEAs February 2023 verification and monitoring report said that the agency had detected traces of uranium enriched to 83.7 percent at Irans Fordow facilitywhich Iran claimed was accidentalthe IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued a joint statement on 4 March 2023 permitting the IAEA to implement further appropriate verification and monitoring activities, including the installation of surveillance cameras and enrichment-monitoring devices at certain nuclear facilities. However, the agencys latest quarterly report on the implementation of Irans NPT Safeguards Agreement, also dated 26 February, said that while limited progress was made in implementing the commitments set out in the joint statement during the March-June 2023 reporting period, no further progress had been made since then. The report said that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi was seriously concerned that Iran had unilaterally stopped implementing the joint statement and that he questioned Irans continued commitment to its implementation.

In parallel to this dispute, Grossi announced in a September 2023 statement that Iran had withdrawn the designation of several IAEA inspectors assigned to conduct verification activities in Iran under the NPT Safeguards Agreement. Grossi said that although this measure was formally permitted by the agreement, Iran had exercised it in a manner that affects in a direct and severe way the ability of the IAEA to conduct effectively its inspections in the country. The IAEAs latest safeguards report said that Grossi continued to strongly condemn Irans withdrawal of the designations, which he regarded as not only unprecedented but unambiguously contrary to the cooperation that is required and expected to effectively implement Irans Safeguards Agreement as well as being in contradiction with the 4 March 2023 joint statement.

Attempting to resolve these differences, Grossi visited Tehran in early May for high-level meetings with Iranian officials. Following a 6 May meeting with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Grossi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he had proposed a set of concrete practical measures for the revitalization of the 4 March 2023 Joint Statement with [the] aim of restoring [the] process of confidence building and increasing transparency. In a 7 May press conference upon his return to Vienna, Grossi did not elaborate on his proposals but said that he expected to see concrete results soon. According to media reports, the IAEAs forthcoming quarterly reportswhich will be published in Junedescribe a continued impasse on these issues and document a new increase in Irans stockpile of 60-percent enriched uranium.

While JCPOA negotiations remain dormant, continued fall-out from the Israel-Hamas war has sharply raised geopolitical tensions. On 1 April, Israel launched an airstrike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, in which several senior commanders of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpswhich Israel and its allies accuse of supporting Hamas war effortwere killed. On 13 April, Iran retaliated with a large-scale airborne attack on Israelthe first time that Iran has directly targeted Israeli territory. Media reported that the Nevatim air force base in Israels southern Negev desert suffered minor damage but remained operational, while 12 people in southern Israel received hospital treatment, including one seven-year-old girl for serious injuries caused by shrapnel. The Security Council convened a 14 April emergency meeting to discuss the Iranian attack. On 19 April, Israel launched a retaliatory missile strike that destroyed an air defence radar facility near the city of Isfahan.

The heightened tensions appear to have further weakened prospects for reviving the JCPOA. In a joint statement at the most recent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in March, France, Germany, and the UKknown within the JCPOA Joint Commission as the E3said that in light of increasing doubts about the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear programme the countries stand ready to use all diplomatic levers available to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. More recently, in 30 April remarks to the UK House of Commons, Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell said that the UK and its allies are prepared to use all options at their disposal to address concerns about Irans nuclear programme, including triggering the UN snapback and ending the JCPOA if necessary. The snapback mechanism is a provision in resolution 2231 that allows any party to the agreement to reinstate the UN sanctions against Iran that were in place prior to the JCPOA.

On 20 May, a helicopter transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, and several other government officials crashed near the Azerbaijan border, killing all on board. In line with the Iranian constitution, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber interim head of government and charged him with organising presidential elections within 50 days. Those elections are currently scheduled for 28 June.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 2 February, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran submitted its report (A/HRC/55/67) to the Human Rights Councils (HRC) 55th session, outlining its findings concerning the protests in Iran that began on 16 September 2022 and spread across the country in the context of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The protests were triggered by the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman who was arrested by the countrys morality police for improper wearing of the hijab in Tehran.

The mission found that serious human rights violations had been committed by the Iranian authorities in the context of the protests. It also established that many of these violations amounted to crimes against humanity, including murder, imprisonment, torture, sexual violence, persecution, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts against women, girls, and others expressing support for human rights.

On 4 April, during its 55th session, the HRC adopted a resolution (A/HRC/RES/55/19) extending for an additional year the mandates of the fact-finding mission and the special rapporteur on human rights in Iran. The resolution was adopted with 24 votes in favour, eight against, and 15 abstentions. Council members France, Japan, and the US voted in favour of the resolution, whereas China voted against.

Key Issues and Options

As the prospects for a revival of the JCPOA grow increasingly remote, the key issue for the Security Council is how to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Analysts have suggested that Irans steps since the US withdrawal from the agreement, including its uranium enrichment activities, are likely to make a return to the original terms of the agreement and full compliance with those terms difficult, particularly given the institutional knowledge acquired by Irans nuclear programme and the IAEAs diminished monitoring capabilities, which prevent it from establishing a new baseline against which to measure compliance with a future agreement. The Iranian governments apparent support for Hamas and the Russian war effort in Ukraine have also made reviving the JCPOA politically difficultif not impossiblefor Western countries.

Given Irans non-compliance with the JCPOA, Council members could initiate the snapback mechanism in resolution 2231 if they decide the agreement is no longer viable. The P3 countriesFrance, the UK, and the UShave typically maintained that their red line for initiating the snapback is the detection of weapons-grade uranium in Iran, but that calculus could possibly change if geopolitical tensions continue to rise.

The P3 and like-minded countries may choose, as they have in the past, to adopt a resolution censuring Iran at the next meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, scheduled for 3 to 7 June. Since Iran ceased to comply with the JCPOA, the board has adopted three such resolutions, most recently in November 2022. According to media reports, the JCPOAs E3 countries have prepared a draft resolution that they may present at the upcoming IAEA meeting.

Council Dynamics

A revival of the JCPOA has grown increasingly unlikely, given current geopolitical dynamics.

The P3 and other Western countries remain concerned about Iranian activities that contravene the JCPOA and the countrys lack of cooperation with the IAEA. At the Councils June briefing, some Council members may call on Iran to re-certify the agencys inspectors and to fully implement the March 2023 joint statement on verification and monitoring measures. The US and European members might reiterate allegations that Iran has supplied uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for use in Ukraine and express concern at what they view as Irans destabilising behaviour in the region, including its support for Hamas in Gaza and proxy militias in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

China and Russia are more supportive of Iran. Both countries have previously blamed the US for the collapse of the JCPOA, criticising it for withdrawing from the deal and imposing unilateral sanctions on the Iranian regime. In April, China, Iran, and Russia held high-level trilateral security talks in Saint Petersburg, during which Irans representative, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, reportedly told Iranian media that his mission was to promote multilateralism and to fight Western hegemony and monopoly over global security spheres.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq (UNITAD)

Expected Council Action

In June, the Council will receive the biannual briefing from the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD). Acting Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD Ana Peyro Llopis is expected to brief the Council.

UNITADs final mandate expires on 17 September 2024.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The Council established UNITAD through resolution 2379 of 21 September 2017 for an initial period of two years. It has since renewed the mechanism annually, most recently through resolution 2697 of 15 September 2023, which renewed the team for a final one-year non-extendable term. UNITAD is mandated to support Iraqi domestic efforts to hold the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh) accountable for crimes it committed in the country by collecting, preserving, and storing evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The collected evidence is intended to support investigations carried out by Iraqi authorities or by authorities in third countries at their request.

Resolution 2379 emphasised that UNITAD should be impartial, independent, and credible and act consistently with its terms of reference, the UN Charter, UN best practice, and relevant international law, including international human rights law. Because UNITAD is implementing its mandate in accordance with UN best practice, it does not share evidence for criminal proceedings in which capital punishment could be imposed. At present, the international crimes that UNITAD is mandated to investigate have not been incorporated into Iraqs legal system. As a result, perpetrators in Iraq who have committed acts that contravene international criminal law are usually charged with terrorism offences. Under Iraqi law, the death penalty can be imposed for these offences, which has prevented UNITAD from sharing its evidence of ISILs potential violations of international criminal law with Iraqs governmentthe primary intended recipient.

In October 2020, a draft law that would incorporate international crimes into Iraqs domestic legal system was proposed in the Iraqi parliament, but the legislation has not advanced since then. In March 2023, UNITAD and Iraqi authorities announced the establishment of a joint working group to study the issue further. While seeking a comprehensive solution, UNITAD and Iraqi authorities have also pursued initiatives to facilitate information-sharing in specific areas, for instance relating to UNITADs analytical reports and case assessments and the evidence it has collected of ISILs financial crimes.

Despite these efforts, Iraq sent a letter to the Council prior to UNITADs most recent mandate renewal in September 2023 requesting that the renewal be for a period of one year without the possibility of extension. The letter emphasised that during this period, the team must turn over all the evidence it has obtained in Iraq since the start of its mandate. It also requested UNITAD not to share further evidence with third countries and to disclose to Iraqi authorities the evidence that the team has previously shared.

Consequently, resolution 2697 extended UNITADs mandate until 17 September 2024 only. It noted Iraqs request for UNITAD to share its evidence with national authorities within this period and requested the Secretary-General to submit to the Security Council a report setting out recommendations for implementing this request with full respect for the sovereignty of Iraq. That report, dated 15 January, urged UNITAD to provide to Iraqi authorities all evidence originally received from themwhich constitutes the majority of the teams holdingsas digitalised and managed, as well as any other evidence that it is in a position to share. In this regard, the report emphasised that all evidence sharing should still be consistent with the teams terms of reference, including UN best practice, which the report said remains applicable.

The report also described challenges that UNITADs drawdown poses for future accountability efforts. One concern is the preservation and management of the teams collected evidence. The UN Secretariat will assume responsibility for UNITADs materials upon the teams closureincluding copies of records shared with Iraq, as well as other evidencebut the Secretariat is not currently in a position to guarantee, within existing resources, that the evidence will be preserved in accordance with international criminal law standards and remain usable for future judicial proceedings. In addition, the report underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the evidence, particularly as it concerns the consent, privacy, and security of witnesses and other sources. To address these challenges, the report recommended establishing a secure evidence repository within the Secretariat to preserve the evidence in a manner that guarantees the chain of custody, integrity, and reliability of data, which would require additional budgetary resources. The report also emphasised Iraqi authorities need for ongoing capacity-building to effectively manage and use the digitalised evidence that they receive.

Resolution 2697 additionally requested the Special Adviser to transmit to the Council a roadmap for the completion of the teams mandate and necessary steps for its closure. According to that report, dated 14 March, UNITAD has been actively sharing with Iraqi authorities the teams work related to major investigations, including finalised case assessments and analytical reports relating to ISILs crimes against the Yazidi community in Sinjar, its crimes against the countrys Christian community, the Tikrit Air Academy massacre, and the Badush prison attack. By the end of its mandate, UNITAD expects to hand over preliminary case assessments on crimes against other minority communities, as well as thematic reports on ISILs delegated committeeknown as Diwan al-Jundand on the groups sexual and gender-based crimes. All disclosed products will be accompanied by underlying evidence and will be redacted as necessary.

The report also highlighted several remaining challenges. It described the process of preparing findings for disclosure as time-consuming, as it requires strict coding and redactions to uphold source consent. Additionally, the report underscored the need for Iraq to establish its own evidence management system, which is a resource-intensive endeavour. Furthermore, UNITADs capacity-building efforts, such as training for forensic and judicial personnel, are heavily reliant on extrabudgetary funds that will be returned to donors once the teams mandate ends. Against this backdrop, the report outlined additional steps that UNITAD could achieve if its mandate were extended an additional year, which the report said would ensure a smoother transition with regard to evidence management, capacity-building, and support to third-country investigations, in turn strengthening the sustainability of efforts to promote accountability for ISILs crimes.

At the Councils June briefing, Peyro Llopiswhom Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed on 2 April to succeed former Special Adviser Christian Ritscherwill present the teams 12th and final biannual report, which was circulated to Council members on 28 May but was not yet publicly available at the time of writing. The report provides a general overview of UNITADs accomplishments over the course of its mandate, as well as an update on drawdown preparations. According to the report, UNITAD has collected a total of 40 terabytes of evidence, stored and analysed in a centralised digital archive; pursued ten investigations spanning both thematic and incident-related lines of enquiry, resulting in numerous case assessment and analytical reports; and supported judicial proceedings in 20 third-country jurisdictions, resulting in 15 convictions. The team initiated its drawdown and liquidation plans in April for an orderly withdrawal from Iraq by the end of its mandate, coordinating with Iraqi authorities and relevant UN departments to ensure the preservation of evidentiary materials. The team has continued efforts to transfer evidence to the Iraqi judiciary in a digitised format, in line with its terms of reference and international criminal law standards, while providing additional technical assistance to Iraqi authorities to develop their own digital evidence management system. On 1 June, the team will begin preparing its holdings for transfer to the UN Secretariat, in line with the Secretary-Generals report of 15 January, and based on an archiving plan currently under development to ensure that all records are adequately preserved for future use. The report concludes by emphasising the importance of continuing global accountability efforts for ISILs crimes to ensure that the stories and memories of survivors and victims are preserved.

Women, Peace and Security

On 8 April, the Informal Experts Group (IEG) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) met on the situation in Iraq. UNAMI Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone briefed. According to the summary of the meeting, issued on 8 May by Sierra Leone and Switzerland as the IEG co-chairs, together with the UK as the penholder on WPS, Council members asked questions about womens political participation, violence against women, and monitoring and reporting by UNAMI of harassment and attacks against women human rights defenders. Members also inquired about accountability for atrocities perpetrated by ISIL against women and girls, including what will happen to the evidence collected by UNITAD once its mandate ends. According to the meeting summary, UNITAD is working to share analytical products with the Iraqi government, such as briefs with legal and factual findings, including a brief on sexual and gender-based crimes committed against the Shia Turkmen community as well as an updated brief on crimes against the Yazidi community, including sexual and gender-based violence. Among other issues, the summary also reports that there has been a campaign on social media and by political actors in Iraq against the use of the word gender, seen as associated with the promotion of LGBTQI issues with serious consequences for women civil society leaders and activists, including several actors working on womens rights suspending their activities for fear of reprisal.

Key Issues and Options

As UNITADs mandate draws to a close, the key issue for the Council is to support efforts to ensure an orderly drawdown that preserves the teams work for future efforts to hold ISIL/Daesh responsible for its crimes. Important aspects in this regard include developing an evidence management system that allows the UN Secretariat to store the teams holdings properly for future investigations, in line with international criminal law standards; continued capacity-building for Iraqi authorities to help them effectively store, analyse, and use shared evidence for domestic prosecutions; and engagement with third-party countries to support prosecutions in their jurisdictions. The June briefing is an opportunity for Council members to learn more about these activities and how the Council may facilitate further progress.

Council members could also consider inviting a civil society representative to brief on the impact of UNITADs closure on victims of ISILs crimes and other affected communities.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Both the Council and the Iraqi government have been generally supportive of UNITAD. Since the teams establishment, its annual mandate renewals have been requested by Iraq and unanimously adopted by Council members.

The issue of evidence-sharing, however, has been a longstanding source of contention. Members who oppose the death penaltysuch as France, Malta, Switzerland, and the UKhave been concerned about the possibility that evidence shared by the team with the Iraqi authorities might be used in criminal proceedings in which the death penalty could be imposed. Other memberssuch as Algeria, China, and Russiahave maintained that the use of the death penalty is Iraqs sovereign right, a point Iraq has also emphasised.

During negotiations over UNITADs mandate renewals, Iraq and like-minded Council members exerted increasing pressure to mandate the team to promptly share its evidence holdings. Prior to the last renewal in September 2023, Iraq agreed to request only one final extension, on this condition. Given their diverging interpretations of UNITADs evidence-sharing obligations, however, Council members reached a compromise by requesting the Secretary-General to provide recommendations on how to implement Iraqs request, as outlined above.

The UK is the penholder on UNITAD.

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Beijing (Gasgoo)- On June 1, DEEPAL, Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand, celebrated the rollout of its 100,000th S7 vehicle at the DEEPAL Nanjing Smart Factory.

Photo credit: DEEPAL

The DEEPAL S7 officially hit the market on June 25, 2023, with deliveries starting on June 30. The model achieved remarkable milestones, including 10,000-unit deliveries within five days, 50,000-unit deliveries within five months, and rolling off 100,000 mass-produced units in less than a year.

Currently, DEEPAL has two models on the market, namely, the SL03 and the S7, with its third model, the G318 rugged off-roader expecting market launch soon. In the fifth month of 2024, DEEPALs auto deliveries amounted to 14,371 vehicles, which doubled from that of a year ago.

In a bid to further expanding its product lineup, on May 15, DEEPAL unveiled official images of its new compact SUV model, the S05, which features a market position below the S7. The S05 recently completed its regulatory registration with Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

L07; photo credit: MIIT

Additionally, the companys L07 model has also passed the MIIT application process. The L07s design closely resembles DEEPALs initial model, the SL03, and offers two powertrain options, range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV). DEEPAL CEO Deng Chenghao noted on Weibo that the L07 features a completely new exterior, interior, powertrain, and configuration compared to the SL03, shifting its focus from sporty technology to intelligent technology as a fully new model.
AFRICA

Libya

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will hold its bimonthly briefing on the situation in Libya. Deputy Special Representative and Political Officer in Charge of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Koury is expected to brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country. The chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki (Japan), will also brief on the committees activities.

Key Recent Developments

The political impasse in Libya continues between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and aligned with the House of Representatives (HoR) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of General Khalifa Haftar. The prolonged stalemate involving the rival governmentswhich has persisted since the indefinite postponement of elections that had been scheduled for December 2021is a key driver of Libyas political, security, and economic instability.

Recent efforts by both the UN and national actors to facilitate agreement on a new roadmap for national elections to unify the countrys divided governments have not borne fruit. The joint 6+6 committeewhich was established by the HoR and the GNU-aligned High State Council (HSC) to draft electoral laws to enable elections, comprising six representatives from each bodypresented its initial draft legislation in June 2023. Because of persistent disagreement about certain provisions in that draft, however, the committee subsequently amended the draft legislation in September 2023. The HoR approved this version, but the HSC rejected it, instead endorsing the previous draft and withdrawing its members from the 6+6 committee.

Attempting to break the deadlock, UNSMIL announced in November 2023 that Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathilywho has since stepped downhad invited key Libyan institutional stakeholders to a meeting to resolve the contested electoral issues. The statement said that Bathily had requested the HoR, the HSC, the LNA, and the Presidential Council (established under the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement to serve as the countrys head of state) to designate representatives to attend a preparatory meeting to discuss the date, venue, and agenda of the meeting of their principals. Representatives of the GNSwhich the UN does not officially recognisewere not invited to attend.

The Secretary-Generals latest report on UNSMIL, which was published on 9 April and covers developments since 7 December 2023, described continued efforts by Bathily to convene Libyan stakeholders under his proposed format. The report noted, however, that limited progress had been made, as some actors had not yet nominated their representatives or had set preconditions for their participation. According to the report, Haftar and HoR Speaker Aguila Saleh insisted on including the GNS in the meetings or excluding both the GNS and GNU. In addition, Saleh requested that the meeting focus on the formation of a new unified government, while Dbeibah continued to affirm that the GNU would only step down following the successful completion of the electoral process. The HSC maintained its opposition to the revised electoral laws and sought to focus discussions on reverting to the initial version.

While Bathilys initiative remained stalled, the heads of the HoR, the HSC, and the Presidential Council met on 10 March in Cairo under the auspices of the League of Arab States (LAS). In a joint statement following the meeting, the leaders said that they had agreed on the need to establish a unified government to organise elections and had decided to set up a technical committee within a specified period of time to build consensus on the 6+6 committees legislation, consider amendments, and resolve contested issues. On 9 May, Libyan press reported that Saleh had conducted a media interview in which he said that the HoR and HCS were nearing agreement on a mechanism to form a new unified government. No additional details have emerged since then, however.

In his 16 April briefing to the Council, Bathily said that Libyan leaders had continued to respond to his mediation efforts with stubborn resistance, unreasonable expectations, and indifference to the interests of the Libyan people. He described competing initiatives outside the UN track as counterproductive and called for an end to the selfish resolve of current leaders to maintain the status quo through delaying tactics and manoeuvres. At a press conference following the briefing, Bathily confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that there is no way the UN can operate successfully in Libya under the current circumstances.

In a 6 May press statement, Council members expressed their gratitude to Bathily for his efforts and called on the Secretary-General to appoint a successor as soon as possible. The statement reiterated members continued support for UNSMIL and called on its interim leadership to continue to implement the missions mandate and ensure a smooth transition for a new Special Representative. Members also reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the UN and building on the 6+6 committees revised legislation, to deliver elections and durable peace. On 20 May, UNSMIL shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which Kourywhom Guterres appointed Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs on 1 Marchwas titled Political Officer in Charge of UNSMIL and reiterated the missions commitment to facilitating an inclusive political process and the holding of free and fair elections to restore the legitimacy of Libyan institutions.

Regarding the security situation, the Secretary-Generals latest report said that no violations of the 2020 ceasefire agreement had been recorded during the reporting period, but it expressed concern that sporadic clashes had continued in the countrys western region between rival militias affiliated with different factions of the GNU. Additionally, the Ras Jdir border crossing into Tunisia was closed on 18 March following tensions between local authorities and law enforcement forces affiliated with the GNU Ministry of Interior. The border crossing is in a region inhabited by the AmazighLibyas largest ethnic minorityand has been under the de facto control of their governing body, known as the Amazigh Supreme Council. On 18 May, another security incident in the region resulted in one death and six injuries, although local officials reportedly described the violence as involving individuals rather than armed groups. In response, UNSMIL issued a statement urging an immediate end to the hostilities and calling on authorities to ensure the protection and safety of civilians. Independent analysts have cited competition over the illicit economic activities at the border crossing as one cause of the ongoing disputes in the region.

On the reconciliation track, AU-supported preparations to convene a national reconciliation conference in Libya appear to have stalled. On 5 February, the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, which is chaired by Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, held a summit in Brazzaville, resulting in an outcome declaration that welcomed the recent decision of the Preparatory Committee for the Inclusive Conference on National Reconciliationa joint planning entity comprising AU and Libyan representatives that is led by Libyas Presidential Councilto hold the conference on 28 April in the city of Sirte. During his April briefing to the Council, however, Bathily said that the conference had been postponed indefinitely, as divisions among Libyan leaders manifested themselves once again on this critical file.

On 14 May, the Council received the biannual briefing of the ICC Prosecutor, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, on the ICCs Libya-related activities. Khan presented his offices 27th report to the Council, which outlined a roadmap to complete the investigation phase of the courts activities in the country by the end of 2025. The Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC through the adoption of resolution 1970 on 26 February 2011

On 31 May, the Council adopted resolution 2733, renewing for one year the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya that they have reasonable grounds to believe are violating the arms embargo imposed on the country in resolution 1970.

Key Issues and Options

Supporting political momentum towards national elections to unify Libyas divided governments remains the key issue for the Security Council. In this context, an important objective for the Council is to help foster common political ground between the countrys rival legislatures to agree on electoral lawsa goal that Bathily had repeatedly urged Council members to support by wielding their influence on national stakeholders.

To receive additional perspectives on these efforts, one option for the Council is to invite representatives of the LAS and the AU to brief on their organisations recent engagement on the country, concerning the political process and reconciliation process, respectively.

Following Bathilys resignation, another issue for the Council concerns the Secretary-Generals appointment of his successor. When former Special Envoy Jan Kubis resigned in November 2021, it took nearly a year to identify a successor, leading to Bathilys appointment in September 2022. (Resolution 2629 of 29 April 2022 changed UNSMILs leadership position from a Special Envoy to a Special Representative.) Council members are likely to encourage a quicker appointment this time, although political differences may again complicate the process.

Council Dynamics

Council members remain united on the need for a Libyan-led, inclusive political process resulting in elections that will help to restore political, security, and economic stability to the country. They also remain broadly supportive of the UNs mediation role toward this end.

Broader geopolitical tensions still influence Council dynamics with respect to Libya, however. The US and other Western members remain concerned about Russias presencewhich has reportedly grown in recent monthsin the eastern part of the country under Haftars control. For its part, Russia routinely blames Libyas current instability on the NATO-led military intervention in 2011 and accuses Western countries of seeking to exploit Libyas oil reserves for economic gain.

The UK is the penholder on Libya.

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Overview

In June, the Republic of Korea (ROK) holds the presidency of the Security Council.

The ROK has chosen to convene one signature event during its presidency, a high-level open debate on cybersecurity. The ROKs Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Tae-yul, is expected to chair the meeting, at which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to brief.

The annual open debate on children and armed conflict will also take place in June. Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, Executive Director of UNICEF Catherine Russell, former UN Secretary-General and Deputy Chair of the Elders Ban Ki-moon, and a civil society representative are the anticipated briefers.

In June, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing on the implementation of resolution 2686 of 14 June 2023 on tolerance and international peace and security, which requested an oral briefing from the Secretary-General within a year of the resolutions adoption.

The Security Council is also scheduled to vote on a draft resolution on the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. The draft resolution will include provisions extending the mandates of the 1267/1988 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, both of which expire in June.

The Security Council is expected to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). A resolution on the IRMCT is also scheduled for adoption in June. The first draft of this resolution was circulated to Council members in late May.

Several African issues are on the programme in June:

Middle Eastern issues on the programme this month are:

Iraq , briefing on the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL (UNITAD);

Golan , meeting with troop-contributing countries of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), consultations on UNDOF, and renewal of the missions mandate;

Yemen , the monthly briefing and consultations;

Iran , briefing on the implementation of resolution 2231 , which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme;

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question , the monthly meeting, with the possibility of additional meetings depending on developments in Gaza and Israel; and

Syria , the monthly meeting on political and humanitarian developments as well as on the chemical weapons track.

Afghanistan is the one Asian issue on the programme this month, with a meeting planned on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

As in previous months, there may be one or more meetings on Ukraine in June. Other issues could also be raised during the month, depending on developments.

The General Assembly is scheduled to vote on 6 June to elect five new members to the Security Council. Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia are running unopposed for the five available seats.
AFRICA

Somalia

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will hold a briefing, followed by consultations, to discuss the situation in Somalia. Members were expected to receive the Secretary-Generals 120-day report on the situation in Somalia and the implementation of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) by 31 May.

The Council is expected to extend the authorisation of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in June.

Key Recent Developments

On 30 March, Somalias bicameral Federal Parliament approved amendments to the first four chapters of its provisional constitution. Among other things, the amendments introduce a one-person and one-vote election system, replacing the clan-based formula that has traditionally been used to organise elections; provide for direct presidential election; and authorise the President to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister without parliamentary approval. The changes also provide for a five-year term for constitutional bodies and establish a multi-party system with three national political parties.

Somalias constitutional review process has been marked by disagreements among the leaders over forms of government and the electoral model, particularly as it relates to the distribution of power and resources among distinct clans and regions within Somalia. Several Somali leaders, including former Somali Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, expressed reservations about the recent constitutional amendments, citing a lack of consensus among the political leaders.

On 31 March, Puntland announced its decision to withdraw recognition of and trust in the federal government of Somalia. The statement said that Puntland will act independently until a federal system of governance is established based on consensus, an agreed Somali constitution, and a public referendum in which Puntland participates. Puntland has not participated in the meetings of the National Consultative Council (NCC)which brings together the leaders of the federal government and the federal member statessince January 2023, when it declared its intention to act independently until the finalisation of a new Somali constitution.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened the ninth meeting of the NCC from 14 to 17 May to advance the Somali governments priorities. In a communique adopted following the meeting, the NCC urged the federal government and legislative bodies to fast-track laws and institutions necessary for a one-person and one-vote election; supported the federal governments efforts in assuming security responsibilities following the departure of ATMIS; and agreed to collectively intensify operations against terrorist groups.

Pursuant to resolution 2710 of 15 November 2023, which extended ATMIS authorisation until 30 June, Somalia submitted the joint technical assessment evaluating the second phase of ATMIS drawdown on 26 March, which was undertaken by the Somali government and the AU. The assessment noted that the Somali security forces (SSF) are likely to struggle in implementing their mandate of ensuring stability and sustaining gains without a substantial increase in force generation. It highlighted the need for ATMIS to address challenges in troop movement and operations, enhancing coordination with the SSF, and acquiring critical force enablers. It underlined the importance of reassessing operational needs, bolstering force protection measures, and re-evaluating the cooperation framework involving ATMIS, the UN Support Office in Somalia, and the SSF. It further cautioned that there is a heightened risk of attacks by Al-Shabaab against forward operating bases (FOBs) using improvised explosive devices, which necessitates proactive measures to address vulnerabilities and enhance security postures to mitigate potential threats effectively.

On 10 April, the Somali government submitted its proposal for post-ATMIS security arrangements to the Council, in line with resolution 2710, which envisions a new AU-led and UN-authorised multilateral mission limited in scope, size, and timeframe and designed to address specific capability gaps. The mission is expected to provide stabilisation support, enable state-building priorities, secure identified strategic population centres and critical infrastructure in the federal capital and federal member states, and provide air support to the SSF. The proposal also called for a UN-mandated mission to provide logistical support to the new AU-led mission and the SSF. Regarding the financing of the mission, the proposal noted that the strategic and operational-level planning for the new mission would build on the necessary requirements to enable access to UN assessed contributions.

In a communique released on 3 April, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) welcomed Somalias proposal for post-ATMIS security arrangements and requested the AU Commission to undertake comprehensive and detailed planning based on the situation on the ground. It further stressed the need to ensure adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for the post-ATMIS mission arrangement, including through Council resolution 2719 of 21 December 2023, which provided for the financing of AU-led peace support operations (AUPSOs).

A delegation of the AUs Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) led by the head of the PSOD, General Cheikh Dembele, undertook a visit to Somalia to conduct a technical assessment for a post-ATMIS scenario. The delegation visited the FOBs in Xawaadleey and Qoryooley in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, along with Baidoa, where they held discussions with the President of Somalias Southwest state, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed. Following the visit, it seems that the delegation briefed the AUPSC in an informal meeting held on 21 May on the assessment of their mission and the strategic concept of operations of the post-ATMIS mission.

In a letter circulated to the Council members on 8 May, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi requested the termination of UNSOMs mandate and called for the swift conclusion of the necessary procedures for the termination of the [m]ission by the end of the mandate in October 2024. Somalia sent another letter, which was circulated to the Council members on 10 May, expressing its readiness to engage with relevant stakeholders in the preparation of [a] complex transition process within [the] appropriate timeframe. Referring to a 29 April telephone conversation between President Mohamud and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the letter said that Somalia had requested the initiation of a planning process to articulate [a] clear end state toward a transition from a special political mission to a [UN] Country Team. It further said that the Somali government aims to ensure that the eventual objective of the transition can be achieved through distinct stages.

On 15 May, Secretary-General Guterres appointed James Swan as the Acting Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM. Swan previously held the Special Representative position between 2019 and 2022. Following his appointment, it appears that Swan held bilateral consultations with some Council members before departing for Mogadishu to discuss the modalities of the transition process with relevant authorities. Swan has replaced Catriona Laing, who served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of UNSOM for one year.

In a 16 May letter to the AUPSC, the Somali government requested a revised timeline for the drawdown of 4,000 ATMIS personnel, foreseen for June, as set out in resolution 2710. The letter seeks a phased drawdown, whereby 2,000 troops would leave Somalia by the end of June. It envisaged that the second batch of troops would exit by September, the exact number of which is expected to be determined by Somalia and the AU, based on the troop requirement for the follow-on mission to ATMIS.

Human Rights-Related Developments

The independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Isha Dyfan, visited Somalia from 7 to 10 May, her third official visit to the country since her appointment in May 2020. In a press conference at the end of her visit, she said that her discussions with Somali government officials focused on the constitutional review process, legislative and institutional developments, the protection of civilians in light of the ATMIS drawdown and violations of the rights of women and children. She called on the Somali government to bolster efforts to address the countrys security challenges and strengthen processes to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual and gender-based violence. She said that [c]ivilians, especially women and children, continue to bear the brunt of deadly attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab. She noted that joint military operations by Somali security forces and local clan militias also had an impact on the civilian population and infrastructure. Dyfan appealed to the international community to continue its assistance towards strengthening Somalias federal and state institutions and the justice and security sector.

Dyfan is expected to present a comprehensive report on her visit to the Human Rights Council at its 57th session and to the UN General Assembly at its 79th session this year.

Key Issues and Options

One of the key issues for Council members is the future of UNSOM. In a 16 May letter to Somalia, the Council took note of Somalias requests and asked the Secretary-General to ensure that the UN engage promptly with the Somali government to determine the modalities and timeline for the transition. It also requested the Secretary-General to provide the Council with a written update by the end of August.

A related issue is how to continue supporting the Somali government in achieving its national priorities, including the constitutional review process and security sector reform. The increasing tension between the federal government and some federal member states is a matter of concern for several Council members.

The ATMIS drawdown process and the post-ATMIS security arrangements are also key issues for Council members. Members remain concerned about whether Somali security forces will be able to assume security responsibilities from ATMIS personnel by the end of 2024 when the mission is set to complete its drawdown and exit.

The follow-on missions funding is expected to be a major issue, as Somalias intention seems to be to seek support from UN assessed contributions under resolution 2719. One option for Council members would be to request the UN and the AU to conduct a joint technical assessment to lay out the modalities and options for financing of the follow-on mission before the end of this year.

The persisting insecurity in the country and the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, continue to be a major issue for Council members. Al-Shabaab retains the ability to carry out attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and state institutions. Between 23 March and 19 April, Al-Shabaab carried out 26 attacks against Somali security forces in Lower Shabelle and was responsible for six remote explosions, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a non-governmental organisation that collects conflict-related data.

Council Dynamics

Council members support the Somali governments priorities and recognise the many challenges facing the country, including the persistent insecurity caused by the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. They also support ongoing efforts to fight the group. Some members, however, believe that a security approach will not be sufficient and underscore the need to make progress in governance, justice, and economic reforms. Other Council members emphasise the need for progress in implementing the Somali Transition Plan, including national force generation.

Although Council members seem to agree on continuing security support to Somalia post-ATMIS, views differ on the financing of such efforts. The US is apparently not keen to consider a follow-on mission within the framework of resolution 2719. Some other Council members also apparently share this view. These members seem to believe that there is a lack of clarity on the modalities of implementing resolution 2719, including burden-sharing. It appears that the US has produced a non-paper to explain its position as discussions pick up on possible test cases to be presented for the Councils consideration under resolution 2719. Apparently, the US preference is to apply the resolution to an entirely new AUPSO with a narrow set of tasks and defined timeline.

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Status Update since our May Forecast

Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

On 6 May, Security Council members held closed consultations on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. The meeting was requested by France to discuss its proposed draft resolution on the war between Israel and Hamas.

On 7 May, at Algerias request, Council members held closed consultations on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question to discuss the discovery of mass graves in the vicinity of two hospitals in Gaza. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, briefed.

On 9 May, Council members held closed consultations on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Russia requested the meeting to discuss a possible role for the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in monitoring a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. UNTSO Head of Mission and Chief of Staff Major General Patrick Gauchat briefed.

On 10 May, the members of the Security Council issued a press statement on the discovery of mass graves in Gaza (SC/15692). The statement calls for investigators to be provided unimpeded access to all locations of mass graves in Gaza to conduct immediate, independent, thorough, comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigations to establish the circumstances behind the graves. Following opposition from the UK and the US, the adjective international with reference to the investigation was apparently removed from the draft press statement during the negotiations.

On 16 May, the US convened a Security Council Arria-formula meeting titled Condemning Hostage-Taking in Israel on October 7 as a Psychological Tool of Terrorism. Professor of Law at the Bar-Ilan University and former Vice Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) Ruth Halperin-Kaddari briefed. Council members also received briefings from Shoshan Haran, Ayelet Samerano, and Gili Roman, who shared their experience of being taken hostage during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks or having family members held captive in Gaza.

On 20 May, the Security Council held an open briefing on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (S/PV.9631). Algeria and Slovenia requested the briefing to discuss the situation in Rafah, Gazas southernmost governorate, following the start of Israels offensive in the area on 7 May. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland and Director of OCHAs Operations and Advocacy Division Edem Wosornu briefed.

On 28 May, Council members held emergency consultations on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. Algeria requested the meeting after Israeli airstrikes on 26 May hit tents housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah. During the consultations, Algeria announced that it will pursue a draft resolution on the situation in Rafah.

On 29 May, the Security Council held an open briefing on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (S/PV.9638). Wennesland briefed. This was the regular monthly meeting on the file.

Sudan/South Sudan

On 7 May, the Council held a briefing (S/PV.9622) on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), circulated to Council members on 30 April (S/2024/354). The briefers were Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa.

Lebanon

On 8 May, Council members received their semi-annual briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1559 (S/2024/319). Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed.

Ukraine

On 14 May, the Security Council held a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine at the request of Ecuador and France (S/PV.9625). OCHAs Director for Financing and Partnerships, Lisa Doughten, and Director of Operations for the Conflict Observatory team based at the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, Caitlin Howarth, briefed the Council.

On 20 May, the Council convened for an open briefing under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.9629). Russia requested the meeting to discuss the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu and Executive Editor of Black Agenda Report Margaret Kimberley briefed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Security Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 15 May (S/PV.9626). High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt briefed on the most recent report of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), which covers the period from 16 October 2023 to 15 April (S/2024/367). Denis Becirovic, the Bosniak member of the rotating tripartite inter-ethnic Presidency of BiH and the incumbent Chairman of the Presidency, participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force

On 15 May, Security Council members held closed consultations on the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force (FC-G5S). Alexandre Zouev, the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), briefed. He presented the Secretary-Generals recommendation, recently reiterated in a 1 May letter (S/2024/357), to end the reporting cycle on the FC-G5S, given the dissolution of the Group of Five for the Sahel and its joint force. At the time of writing, Council members, who agree on ending the reporting obligation but have different views about whether and how to continue to receive updates about the situation in the Sahel, were expected to resume discussions on a letter to respond to the Secretary-Generals recommendation.

Annual Report to the General Assembly

On 16 May, the Security Council adopted its annual report to the General Assembly, covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023. The UK, which drafted the introduction to the report, presented it to Council members. The rest of the report was prepared by the UN Secretariat and approved by the current members and immediate past members of the Council. For the first time, the annual report featured a dedicated chapter on the special reports on the use of the veto.

Iraq

On 16 May, the Security Council held an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) (S/PV.9628). Outgoing Special Representative and Head of UNAMI Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert briefed the Council on the Secretary-Generals latest reports on UNAMI (S/2024/369) and the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-party nationals and missing Kuwaiti property (S/2024/368). Iraq and Kuwait participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

On 31 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2732, renewing UNAMIs mandate for a final 19-month period until 31 December 2025.

Arria-formula Meeting on Unlocking the Potential of Science for Peace and Security

On 17 May, Switzerland convened a Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Unlocking the Potential of Science for Peace and Security. Thomas Gurber, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, delivered opening remarks and chaired the meeting. The briefers included: Henrietta Fore, former Executive Director of UNICEF (2018-2022) and a board member of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, an independent foundation that leverages science and technology to generate inclusive and global solutions for a sustainable future; Dr. Sascha Langenbach, a data scientist at the Center for Security Studies at the ETH Zurich university; and Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, the Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Non-Proliferation

On 20 May, the Security Council voted on a draft resolution on the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and outer space security, which was prepared by Russia (S/PV.9630). The draft resolution (S/2024/383) failed to be adopted because it did not garner the requisite support. It received seven votes in favour (Algeria, China, Ecuador, Guyana, Mozambique, Russia, and Sierra Leone), seven votes against (France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the UK, and the US), and one abstention (Switzerland). The draft text was co-sponsored by Belarus, China, the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK), Nicaragua, and Syria.

Protection of Civilians

On 21 and 22 May, the Security Council held its annual open debate on the protection of civilians (PoC) in armed conflict (S/PV.9362 and Resumption I). Mozambique, the Council president for May, convened the meeting as one of the signature events of its presidency, with a focus on the 25th anniversary of resolution 1265 of 17 September 1999, which first established PoC as a matter of international peace and security and introduced it as an item on the Councils agenda. Member states received briefings from Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu; Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya; ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger; and Executive Director of the non-governmental organisation Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) Hichem Khadhraoui.

On 24 May, the Council adopted resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian personnel and UN and associated personnel and their premises and assets. The resolutionwhich was prepared by Switzerland and co-sponsored by 97 member stateswas adopted by a vote of 14 in favour and one abstention (Russia). In its explanation of vote, Russia acknowledged the importance of the issue but objected to the resolutions reference to international courts, its proposed parameters for ensuring humanitarian access, and its gender-related language.

DPRK (North Korea)

On 22 May, the Chair of the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland), briefed Council members in closed consultations on the 90-day report on the Committees work.

On 31 May, the Council convened for an open briefing on the DPRK. France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the UK, and the US requested the meeting to discuss the DPRKs failed satellite launch on 27 May. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed. The DPRK participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

The Role of African States in Global Security and Development Challenges

On 23 May, Mozambique convened an open debate on strengthening the role of African states in addressing global security and development challenges as a signature event of its May Council presidency (S/PV.9633). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye, and Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassador Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil) briefed. The Security Council adopted a presidential statement proposed by Mozambique which, among other things, expresses support for progress in enhancing the role and representation of African States in global governance and decision-making processes (S/PRST/2024/2).

West Africa and the Sahel

On 24 May, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement on West Africa and the Sahel (S/PRST/2024/3). It was the Councils first presidential statement on the region since August 2021, as negotiations stalled several times for more than two years over language on the link between climate change and security. The presidential statement welcomed the appointment of Special Representative Leonardo Santos Simao, who became the head of the UN Office of West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in May 2023; highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying conditions conducive to terrorism and for states to ensure that counter-terrorism measures comply with all their obligations under international law; expressed serious concern at the unconstitutional changes of governments and attempted coups detat in the region; and underscored the importance of the timely, nationally owned transition processes and the restoration of constitutional order in concerned countries.

Maintenance of International Peace and Security: the role of women and young people

On 28 May, the Security Council held a debate titled Maintenance of international peace and security: the role of women and young people (S/PV.9637). The Council received briefings from Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier, and AU Youth Ambassador for Peace for West Africa Simone Mbode Diouf. Belgium, Brazil, Denmark and Finland participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Arria-formula Meeting on Myanmar

On 29 May, the UK convened an Arria-formula meeting on the effects of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar on children and youth. Director of UNICEFs Office of Emergency Programmes Lucia Elmi briefed. Council members, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, and countries bordering Myanmar were invited to participate. The Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the UN, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, also took part in the meeting.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

On 30 May, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi briefed the Council under the agenda item Briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (S/PV.9641). He provided an overview of the current situation of displaced people and refugees globally, as well as some of the main challenges facing UNHCR.

South Sudan

On 30 May, the Security Council adopted resolution 2731, renewing the South Sudan sanctions regime until 31 May 2025 and the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee until 1 July 2025. The resolution was adopted with nine votes in favour and six abstentions (Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Russia, and Sierra Leone).
AFRICA

Sudan

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing on the situation in Sudan. Pursuant to resolution 2715 of 1 December 2023, which terminated the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to provide a briefing every 120 days on the UNs efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability.

Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea), the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, is expected to brief the Council on the committees work.

Key Recent Developments

One year into the conflict that erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudans military leader, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemeti), the fighting continues to have devastating consequences for civilians. As at 17 May, more than 16,650 people had reportedly been killed since the onset of the conflict, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a non-governmental organisation that collects conflict-related data. At the same time, over 8.8 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, 1.8 million of whom have sought refuge in neighbouring countriesthe Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudanaccording to data provided by UNHCR.

The fighting has continued unabated across multiple frontlines and has intensified in the last few months, despite numerous calls for a ceasefire by regional stakeholders and the broader international community, including Council resolution 2724 of 8 March. El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur state and the only capital in the Darfur region outside the RSFs control, has been one of the main areas of contention and strife between the warring parties, marked by inter-communal fighting since early April. A truce brokered by the local authorities in El Fasher in the early days of conflict last year had allowed the SAF and the RSF to maintain positions on the west and east sides of the city, respectively, with a central area designated as a buffer zone under the control of the joint force of the armed movements, a coalition of armed movements from Darfur. However, recently the joint force reportedly renounced its neutrality in the conflict and pledged support to the SAF, apparently citing RSF provocations, including attacks on its positions and threats to block humanitarian aid. (For background and more information, see our Whats in Blue stories of 19 and 28 April.)

A mission of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Emergency Directors Group (EDG), including 11 representatives from UN agencies and partners, visited Port Sudan from 28 April to 2 May. (The IASC is the UNs high-level humanitarian coordination platform.) The aim of the mission was to engage with the humanitarian community and local authorities to assess how to sustain operations and to identify strategies to overcome access constraints and bureaucratic impediments.

According to a 12 May OCHA flash update, clashes escalated between the SAF, supported by the joint force, and the RSF in El Fasher on 10 May. The update said that the attacks included airstrikes and the use of heavy weapons and extended into the centre of the town, the outskirts of the main market, and into civilian neighbourhoods. Another OCHA flash update on 23 May on the situation in El Fasher noted that continuing fighting in the northern and eastern parts of the city and attacks on villages in the west had pushed civilians to take shelter in extremely overcrowded gathering sites throughout the southern neighbourhoods. The update indicated that several neighbourhoods in the city had witnessed indiscriminate bombing and increased use by the warring parties of civilian infrastructure and objects for military purposes.

In a 27 May press release, Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that since 10 May, more than 1,000 patients had arrived at El Fasher South Hospitalthe only working hospital in the state, according to OCHA145 of whom succumbed to injuries. It added that the hospital finds itself on the frontlines, with a significant risk of going out of service. On 25 May, a mortar shell hit the El Fasher hospital, killing one person and injuring eight others. Another shell landed inside the hospital the next day (26 May) injuring three more people.

On 24 May, the Security Council convened a private meeting to discuss the situation in Sudan, including the deteriorating humanitarian situation and developments in Darfur. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths briefed. Chad and Sudan participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. (For more information, see our Whats in Blue story of 23 May.)

Since the onset of the conflict, several regional and international stakeholders have initiated mediation efforts, but these have yet to achieve any breakthrough. The last few months have seen efforts to resume the Saudi-US facilitated talks in Jeddah. On 15 April, US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello announced that the talks would recommence within three weeks. In testimony to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 1 May, Perriello said that the new round of talks would include key African and Arab regional leaders and focus on aligning external political will. Media outlets on 8 May, however, reported that al-Burhan said that he would not participate in peace talks until the RSF is decisively defeated.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 1 March, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk presented his report (A/HRC/55/29) on the situation of human rights in Sudan during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). The report covered the developments from 15 April to 15 December 2023 and described the key human rights challenges facing Sudan. It concluded that both the SAF and the RSF have committed gross violations and abuses of international human rights law as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law. Some of these acts, the report said, may amount to war crimes. The report called on the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and engage in an inclusive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the conflict; to end the recruitment and use of children in hostilities; and to ensure rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.

On 14 May, Turk held separate phone calls with al-Burhan and Hemeti, urging both to immediately de-escalate the situation in El-Fasher. He called on them to take specific and concrete steps to cease hostilities and ensure effective protection of civilians. Furthermore, he warned both sides that fighting in El Fasher would deepen intercommunal conflict with disastrous humanitarian consequences, noting that more than 1.8 million residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently remain encircled in the city and at imminent risk of famine.

Women, Peace and Security

Niemat Ahmadi, the president and founder of Darfur Women Action Group, briefed the Council during the 23 April annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Referring to the ongoing hostilities between the RSF and the SAF, Ahmadi stressed that the war has had devastating consequences for women, with thousands killed and accounting for up to 70 percent of the IDPs. Ahmadi called rape and other forms of gender-based violence a defining feature of the war, with a clear pattern of targeting of women because of their ethnicity. She stressed that access to life-saving services for CRSV survivors, such as sexual and reproductive health care, is impaired by factors that include attacks on medical facilities and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid by the warring parties. Ahmadi stressed that without the spread of weapons, the levels of sexual violence we are currently seeing in Sudan would never have occurred. Referencing the 15 January final report of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, she also noted that the conflict parties and their external sponsors have continued to violate the Security Councils arms embargo on Darfur. In this respect, she urged the Council to maintain and enforce its arms embargo in Darfur and expand it to the whole of Sudan and to all parties to the conflict.

Among other recommendations, Ahmadi urged the Council to demand that the parties commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and immediately cease all acts of sexual and gender-based violence. She also urged the Council to ensure that womens rights are central to all criminal accountability processes and to demand and support the full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation of Sudanese women in all peace and political processes regarding the future of Sudan.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Security Council is how to stop the ongoing fighting and support efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Sudan. The situation in Darfur and the increasing levels of intercommunal violence are a related issue. In this regard, Council members may be keen to learn more about the efforts being made to facilitate the resumption of negotiations between the warring parties. One option for Council members would be to invite the Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, to brief on ongoing mediation efforts in Sudan and his interactions with different stakeholders in the country and the broader region in this regard.

Another urgent issue for the Security Council is the humanitarian crisis and how to ensure continuous and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and, at the same time, secure the safety and security of UN personnel and other humanitarian actors. The 23 May OCHA flash update said that approximately 1,500 metric tonnes of non-food items (NFIs) had been awaiting approval for three weeks at the Tine border crossing from Chad. It added that 13 trucks carrying health, nutrition, and NFI supplies for more than 121,000 people dispatched from Port Sudan on 3 April had been unable to enter El Fasher due to persisting insecurity and delays in obtaining clearances at checkpoints. Periodic briefings by OCHA could help keep the Council informed about the humanitarian situation on the ground.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Most Council members share similar concerns about the dire political, security, and humanitarian situations in Sudan. Members have diverging views, however, on the tools that the Council should use to address these situations. The co-authorship of the 27 April press statement by the A3 plus one members (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana)which expressed concern over the growing tensions and military operations around El Fasherreflects a renewed sense of urgency in the Council to engage on the situation in Sudan, particularly in light of the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions. In contrast, last year the three African members (Mozambique and then-Council members Gabon and Ghana), with the support of Russia and China, argued that adopting a Council product could duplicate messaging in light of the ongoing regional efforts and create complications at a delicate time.

From 28 to 29 January, al-Burhan visited Algiers, where he met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. In a joint press conference following the meeting, Tebboune expressed support for Sudan to overcome the difficult situation and confront the evil forces that target it while affirming that Algeria favoured the resolution of conflict through a purely internal approach, far from any form of foreign interference. At the same time, al-Burhan supported Algerias involvement in any initiative aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis.

The past few months have witnessed reinvigorated efforts by the US to resolve the crisis, including through restarting the talks between the warring parties in Jeddah. The US and like-minded members have also expressed concern about impediments to the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance across Sudan. In this regard, in an 18 March New York Times opinion piece, US Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that the Security Council should consider all tools at its disposal, including authorising aid to move from Chad and South Sudan into Sudan, while adding that the US is prepared to help lead this initiative.

Russia, however, argued that [i]t is counterproductive to downplay, for political reasons, the role of central authorities in addressing humanitarian issues, including the issuance of permits for cross-border humanitarian relief supplies. On 29 April, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative for Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov visited Port Sudan, where he met al-Burhan, among other high-level Sudanese officials. In a press conference, Bogdanov said that Russia recognises the Sudanese Sovereign Council as the official body representing the leadership of Sudan and Sudanese people.

Russia has expressed its interest in acquiring a naval base in Port Sudan, although discussions on this issue seemed to have paused following the outbreak of fighting last year. One reason for Bogdanovs visit was reportedly to revive talks about the naval base: in a 25 May interview, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the SAF General Yassir al-Atta said that Russia [has] proposed military cooperation through a logistical support centrein return for urgent weapons and ammunition supplies. Media reports earlier this year indicated that Ukrainian forces had been operating in Sudan, fighting the RSF and Wagner Groupthe Russian private security company now known as Africa Corps. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reports also suggested that Sudan had supplied weapons to Ukraine. Al-Burhan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Irelands Shannon Airport in September 2023. In a statement following the meeting, Zelensky said that we discussed our common security challenges, namely the activities of illegal armed groups financed by Russia.

Reports also suggest that Wagner, which initially deployed to Sudan in 2017 to provide political and military support to former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, has apparently also been involved in gold mining operations. Following the military takeover in Sudan in 2021, Wagner reportedly intensified its cooperation with Hemeti, and after the onset of fighting last year, reports emerged that Wagner had been supplying weapons and training to the RSF.

Tensions continue to escalate between Sudanese authorities and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Following its allegations that the UAE had been providing support to the RSF through the supply of weapons, equipment, and mercenaries, Sudan requested in letters to the Council dated 26 April and 6 May that the Council hold a meeting to discuss the matter. The UAE has denied the allegations, including in a 21 April letter to the Council. It appears that Council members have diverging views on whether to convene such a meeting. While the issue of external interference has been part of its discussions, the Council has not yet decided to meet specifically in response to the Sudanese letters. In a stakeout, following the Council meeting on 24 May, Sudans Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, urged the Council to reconsider its approach and convene a meeting that fully aligns with [its] request.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In June, the Council expects to hold two meetings on Syria: one on political and humanitarian issues and another on the chemical weapons track.

Key Recent Developments

Syria remains entrenched in a devastating civil war, now in its 14th year, marked by ongoing battles on multiple fronts and a lack of progress on the political process. According to OCHA, approximately 16.7 million peoplenearly 70 percent of Syrias populationremain in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with 15.4 million people facing acute food insecurity. This is the highest recorded number of people requiring humanitarian assistance at any time during Syrias civil war. Since 2011, over 14 million Syrians have been displaced, including 7.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to UNHCR.

On 25 April, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen and OCHA Head in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division Ramesh Rajasingham briefed the Council on the political and humanitarian tracks in Syria, respectively. Pedersen described the continuing hostilities in the country, including missile and drone strikes by pro-government forces and attacks by the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the north-west; sustained attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh); and Turkish drone strikes and growing insurgency by some tribal elements against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a primarily Kurdish group opposing the Syrian government, in the north-east. He warned that Syria is [being] treated by many as a sort of free-for-all space for settling scores, adding that any temptation to ignore or merely contain the Syrian conflict itself would be a mistake. Pedersen also stressed the need for regional de-escalation, starting with an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

With regard to the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, Pedersen said that despite intense efforts, there has not been any progress. (The Constitutional Committee has not met since June 2022 because Russia, a close ally of Syria, opposed Geneva as the venue following Switzerlands imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.) He expressed his openness to any alternative venue that attracts consensus of both the Syrian parties and the host country, while noting that he is continuing engagements in this regard. In the meantime, however, he appealed to the parties to resume the Committees work in Geneva as a bridging option. He also stressed the need for exploring a new and comprehensive approach to addressing the wide range of issues facing Syria. (For background, see our Whats in Blue story of 24 April.)

In his remarks, Rajasingham provided an overview of the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the country and the devastating consequences of the persisting insecurity on civilians. He also described the continuing threat posed by explosive ordnance, noting that Syria witnessed more civilian casualties in 2023 from landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices than any other country. He underscored that funding shortages for relief efforts had significantly curtailed the ability of humanitarian organisations to provide assistance in the country. He said that hundreds of medical facilities and mobile health teams are at risk of closing in the coming months because of funding constraints, which could affect access to life-saving care for millions, including urgently needed maternal, sexual and reproductive care for 4.1 million women and girls of reproductive age. (For background and more information, see the Syria brief in our May Monthly Forecast.)

According to the 16 May OCHA situation report, Syrias 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, which calls for $4.07 billion, was only six percent funded. At the same time, the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Funda multi-donor country-based pooled fund facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance across border and conflict lineshad received only $9 million in contributions this year, as at 15 May, which is $92 million less than the fund had received during the same period in 2023.

The ministerial session of the EU-sponsored eighth Brussels Conference, titled Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, was convened on 27 May. The conference aimed at deepening engagement among the relevant stakeholders in the Syrian conflict and garnering financial support for Syrians in need inside Syria as well as in neighbouring countries as refugees. The donor community pledged 7.5 billion, including 5 billion in grants and 2.5 billion of loan for 2024 and future years.

In a 10 May press release, OCHA welcomed the Syrian governments decision to extend its authorisation for the use of the Bab al-Salam and Al Raee border crossings at the Syria-Turkiye borderused by UN humanitarian agencies and their partners for conducting cross-border humanitarian operationsuntil 13 August. Humanitarian operations have also continued through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing at the Syria-Turkiye border, which, according to OCHA, is an essential lifeline for reaching millions of Syrians in north-west Syria who remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including food, nutrition, health, shelter, protection, education, and other critical support.

Heavy flooding in several parts of north-west Syria has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation. According to the 16 May OCHA situation report, heavy rainfall and flooding that struck areas in Idlib and northern Aleppo on 1 May affected more than 12,600 people. Due to the flooding, over 2,500 tents and 200 shelters were damaged at 33 displacement camps, mostly in Idlib. The report added that on 6 May, an OCHA team completed a cross-border mission from Turkiye to Idlib to assess the impact of the floods. Following the visit, the OCHA team held a meeting with the focal points of the clusters to take stock of the response and address the remaining gaps. Since the first inter-agency visit to Idlib on 14 February 2023 in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck south-east Turkiye and northern Syria on 6 February 2023, the UN has conducted 469 cross-border missions to north-west Syria, as at 14 May. The report said that most cross-border missions in 2024 have been carried out to conduct monitoring, assessment, and engagements with partners and communities.

World Health Organization Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy visited Syria from 14 to 18 May. She met with senior Syrian government officials in Damascus and travelled to Homs, Hama, and Aleppo governorates, where she held discussions with local health authorities. In discussions with Syrian officials, she emphasised the importance of enhancing multi-sectoral coordination and the urgency of obtaining updated health data to inform prioritised response planning. She expressed concern about the crippled health system in the country, noting that only 65 percent of hospitals and 62 percent of primary healthcare centres are currently fully operational.

On 4 March, the Council convened a briefing, followed by consultations, on the Syria chemical weapons track. At the meeting, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo updated the members on the 26th round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Syrian authorities, which took place from 23 January to 1 February. During this round, Ebo said that the DAT stressed the need for for tangible, scientifically plausible and verifiable explanations, amendments and documents to resolve [outstanding] issues. The DAT also discussed the results of analysis of samples it collected between 2019 and 2023, focusing on the unexpected presence of indicators of potentially undeclared activities involving research and development on, and the production, storage and/or weaponization of unknown quantities of chemical weapons. He added that considering the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies that remain unresolved, the declaration submitted by Syria cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The 27th round of consultations was ongoing, at the time of writing.

On 22 February, the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) released its fourth report, based on investigations conducted from January 2023 to February 2024. The report concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that units of ISIL were responsible for the chemical weapons attack on 1 September 2015 in Marea, Syria. It added that all remnants and munitions observed at the sites were conventional artillery projectiles modified to disperse a liquid payload. The report identified four individuals as perpetrators and two ISIL members as the primary drivers of ISILs chemical weapons programme.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members is the ongoing hostilities in Syria. Continuing violence and the lack of accountability threaten to destabilise the country further. ISIL/Daesh remains one of the key security threats in Syria.

Determining how the Council can address the spillover effects of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and de-escalate rising tensions in the region, including in Syria, is another important issue for the Council.

One option would be for the co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians (Switzerland and the UK) to hold a meeting on the situation in Syria to receive briefings from relevant UN entities about the impact of the conflict on civilians.

Another important issue for the Council is maintaining international attention on the situation in Syria when the focus has largely shifted to other crises, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine.

As well, a key issue is how to alleviate the growing humanitarian needs throughout the country. Council members could consider adopting a press statement calling on the international community to scale up the humanitarian response in Syria, including additional funding.

The need to break the underlying political impasse in Syria and support the Special Envoys work in this regard is another key issue. The Council could consider holding a private meeting with relevant stakeholders to discuss the impediments to the resumption of the Constitutional Committee, including the issue of venue, and support Pedersens efforts to reinvigorate the political process. (A private meeting is a closed, formal meeting format; unlike closed consultations, non-Council member states are allowed to participate in this format.)

Council Dynamics

Syria remains one of the most divisive files on the Councils agenda. China and Russia are supportive of the Syrian government, emphasising the need to respect the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity and drawing connections between unilateral coercive measures on Syria and the challenging humanitarian situation in the country. In contrast, the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded members criticise the government for violating international humanitarian law and human rights law, arbitrarily detaining people, and not engaging meaningfully in political dialogue.

With regard to the chemical weapons track, Council members have displayed starkly different views over the years on a range of related issues, including responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the credibility of the work of the OPCW, and numerous procedural aspects of the OPCWs decision-making bodies. While several members have consistently expressed support for the OPCWs work, maintaining that it is credible and essential, other members, such as China and Russia, claim that its work is biased and politicised.

Switzerland is the penholder on the Syria humanitarian file.

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UNDOF (Golan)

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which expires on 30 June. Ahead of the mandate renewal, an official from the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is expected to brief Council members in closed consultations on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on UNDOF, due on 3 June, and the most recent developments.

Background and Key Recent Developments

UNDOF was established following the conclusion of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement (the 1974 agreement) between Israel and Syria, which ended the Yom Kippur War. Its mandate is to maintain the ceasefire between the parties and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces as well as the areas of separation (a demilitarised buffer zone) and limitation (where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted) in the Golan.

Carrying out the mandate entails monitoring violations of the 1974 agreement, reporting them, and liaising with both sides. Such violations regularly include unauthorised personnel and equipment present in the areas of separation and limitation, weapons fired, and drones and aircraft traveling across the ceasefire line.

The Secretary Generals 18 March UNDOF report, covering the period from 21 November 2023 to 20 February, observed that several violations of the 1974 agreement had continued, although the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan had generally held. Violations during this period included rocket fire across the ceasefire line, the presence of Syrian forces in the area of separation, and the continued presence of unauthorized weapons and equipment in the areas of limitation on both the Alpha [Israeli] and Bravo [Syrian] sides, as well as the flying of aircraft and drones across the ceasefire line and over the area of separation.

According to media reports, on 8 April, a rocket was fired from Syria towards the Golan. No casualties were reported. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly fired artillery at the site from which the rocket was launched.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 1 February, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights submitted a report (A/HRC/55/72) titled Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). The report said that Israels plan to double the settler population in the Syrian Golan by 2027 is ongoingboth in terms of an increase in the number of Israeli settlementsand also in the size of the Israeli settler population. The report said that Israel has also been involved in commercial activity in the Golan, such as the construction of wind turbines, which may have detrimental health effects for the local inhabitants and limit the access of the Syrian population to land and water. It concluded that the establishment and continuing expansion of settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan amount to the transfer by Israel of its own civilian population into the occupied territories, which is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

On 5 April, during its 55th session, the HRC adopted a resolution titled Human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan (A/HRC/RES/55/31). The resolution called on Israel to comply with relevant UN General Assembly, Security Council, and HRC resolutions, in particular, Security Council resolution 497 of 17 December 1981, which decided that Israels decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect. The 5 April resolution also deplored the continuing settlement policies and practices in the occupied Syrian Golan and called on Israel to cease changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan. The resolution was adopted with 29 votes in favour, 14 against, and four abstentions. Among Security Council members, China voted in favour, while France, Japan, and the US voted against the resolution.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council in June is the renewal of UNDOFs mandate. Continued ceasefire violations are another important issue, especially as these jeopardise the safety and security of UNDOF personnel and could contribute to instability in the wider region.

The most likely option for the Council this month is to renew UNDOFs mandate for the customary six-month period. At this months consultations, Council members may be interested in receiving information from the DPO briefer on how the escalation of hostilities in the region since the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel led by Hamas, the Palestinian armed group and de facto authority in Gaza, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has affected UNDOFs activities. In this regard, when renewing UNDOFs mandate, the Council could emphasise its concern about the risk of escalation resulting from ceasefire violations and the potential danger they pose to the safety of peacekeepers.

Council Dynamics

The unanimous adoption of resolution 2718 of 21 December 2023, which reauthorised UNDOFs mandate for six months, illustrated that the Council remains united in its view that UNDOF plays an important role in regional stability. Despite deep divisions in the Council regarding the Syria file and opposing positions by the UNDOF co-penholdersRussia and the USabout who holds sovereignty over the Golan, as well as antagonism over other files such as Ukraine, the two countries continue to consider UNDOF as a separate issue on which they agree. The difficult dynamics on other Council files were not evident during the straightforward negotiations on UNDOFs mandate in December 2023, and no Council member felt that an explanation of vote was necessary following the adoption. Some Council members believe that the situation has turned into a protracted conflict owing to continued violations of the 1974 agreement by both sides.

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AFRICA

UNOCA (Central Africa)

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report on the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the implementation of the UNs regional strategy to combat the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Special Representative and Head of UNOCA Abdou Abarry is expected to brief. The mandate of UNOCA expires on 31 August 2024.

Key Recent Developments

Chad conducted a presidential election in May, marking the conclusion of a transition period that began following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. According to media reports, violent incidents marred the election, and opposition groups alleged that there was electoral fraud. The killing of opposition leader Yaya Dillo in February overshadowed the pre-electoral period, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain contentious. The Chadian government claims that Dillo died in a confrontation with security forces, but opposition factions contend that he was assassinated.

Among the dozen presidential candidates were Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the late presidents son, who served as the head of the transitional government for the last three years, and Succes Masra, a former opposition figure who returned from exile to assume the role of prime minister in January. Announcing the provisional election results, Chads electoral commission declared Itno the winner with 61 percent of the vote. Ahead of this announcement, Masra, who only garnered 18 percent of the vote according to the electoral commission, appeared on social media declaring himself the winner and calling upon his supporters to mobilise peacefully to assert his victory. Chadian soldiers were deployed in NDjamena, the capital, anticipating potential post-electoral violence. In a 10 May press statement, Abarry called on Chadian political actors to exercise restraint and use legal avenues to resolve disputes. On 23 May, Itno was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by regional leaders.

Following the August 2023 coup in Gabon that led to the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country since 2009, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) suspended Gabon from all its activities. It also temporarily relocated the ECCAS headquarters from Libreville to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) followed by suspending Gabon from all activities and organs of the AU until constitutional order is restored.

The Gabonese transitional government has been exerting efforts to show its commitment to the restoration of constitutional order. It announced in November 2023 plans to hold elections in August 2025 and convened a national dialogue in April in which more than 600 people participated, including opposition and civil society representatives. The meeting reportedly concluded with the submission of several recommendations to the president of the Gabonese transitional government, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. These included a two-year transition period, as proposed by the transitional government, that could be extended for another 12 months under exceptional circumstances, and a seven-year presidential term, renewable once. However, the proposal to suspend political parties until new political rules are issued appeared controversial during the national dialogue. Subsequently, a new constitution is expected to be submitted for a referendum to pave the way for elections at the end of the transition period.

In recent months, Nguema undertook a regional tour on which he sought the support of several ECCAS member states for lifting the suspensions imposed by ECCAS and the AUPSC. At its ordinary summit, held in Equatorial Guinea on 9 March, ECCAS decided to lift the suspensions imposed on Gabon and to temporarily relocate the ECCAS headquarters from Libreville to Malabo. The summit also instructed the ECCAS Commission President to undertake an advocacy mission to explain this decision to the AU and the UN.

Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea have continued to decline, according to Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, speaking at the fourth annual meeting of the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) in Abuja, Nigeria, on 18 April. (The ICC was established in 2014 by ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission to serve as a coordination centre on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.) Abarry also attended the meeting and expressed UNOCAs support for regional partners in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. When UNOCAs mandate is renewed this August, we will ensure that the international partnership on maritime security is strengthened and expanded, he told the meeting.

In the Lake Chad Basin, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), composed of forces from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, has intensified its military operations against the terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The Secretary-Generals 30 November 2023 UNOCA report notes, however, that economic hardships continued to drive vulnerable young persons towards illegal activities, including joining extremist groups, adding that insecurity has disrupted traditional transhumance routes, affecting local economies and exacerbating resource competition, food insecurity, and displacement.

Peacebuilding Commission-Related Developments

From 13 to 15 May, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil), visited Sao Tome and Principe. The visit was organised to follow up on the Commissions first meeting on the country on 15 January, during which Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada presented the governments plans to reform its justice and security sectors. Special Representative Abarry also participated in the meeting and appealed to the international community to contribute to the implementation of the November 2023 recommendations of a joint UN-ECCAS strategic assessment mission, which forms a basis for mobilising resources and carrying out reforms in the justice and security sectors. Ahead of the Councils 24 April bi-annual meeting on the Great Lakes, the PBC sent the Council a written advisory in a letter of 12 April. The PBC advised the Council to consider encouraging the ongoing efforts to revitalise the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, including by reiterating the need for the Frameworks signatories to fulfil their commitments to promote judicial cooperation among Great Lakes countries.

Key Issues and Options

The political and security situations in several parts of Central Africa continue to be key concerns for the Council. In this regard, Council members are likely to be interested in hearing Abarrys assessment of transition processes and elections in the region. The election in Chad and the situation in Gabon may draw the attention of Council members.

Additionally, Council members could be keen to understand the regional implications of the fighting in Sudan and its effects on Chad and the Central African Republic. In its January report, the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee noted that the supply lines for military equipment and fuel used by the Rapid Support Forces, one of the Sudanese conflict parties, passed through neighbouring countries, including Chad.

The continued threat of terrorism in the Lake Chad basin and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea also remain matters of concern. The implementation of the Regional Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience Strategy for Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region, developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission with the support of the AU, could be of particular interest in this regard.

Another major issue for several Council members is the adverse effects of climate change in the Central Africa region, with worsening drought and receding water levels in Lake Chad, which has weakened livelihoods and exacerbated communal violence.

Looking ahead to the UNOCA mandate renewal in August, an option for Council members is to aim to conclude the negotiations on the draft presidential statement on UNOCA that has been lingering for two years. Council members had been negotiating a similar draft presidential statement on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), with climate language proving a major sticking point. Their ability to agree on language, and adopt a UNOWAS statement, in May could provide a basis for achieving consensus on the UNOCA draft.

Council and Broader Dynamics

Council members support a holistic regional approach to addressing the peace and security challenges in Central Africa, based on cooperation between UNOCA and the various regional mechanisms. They tend to underscore challenges in the region related to political transitions; humanitarian crises, including the rising number of refugees and internally displaced persons; the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism; and the adverse effects of climate change. The two-year effort to produce a presidential statement on UNOCA has stalled over differences on language on climate, peace, and security.

Some country situations in the region, such as the situation in north-western and south-western Cameroon, remain a focus for some Council member states, which continue to call for dialogue to find a lasting political solution to this longstanding crisis. In June, Council members may pay particular attention to the situation in Chad. The country hosts a large number of refugees from Sudan, where the ongoing fighting has caused major displacement. Chad has also been playing a significant role in countering the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Chad, which hosts French and American forces, in April requested the US to end its operations at an air base near NDjamena, the capital. Subsequently, the US announced the temporary withdrawal of some troops pending a review of its security cooperation with the country.

Mozambique and the UK are the co-penholders on UNOCA.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In June, the Security Council is expected to hold a briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Yemen. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and a representative of OCHA are expected to brief. The head of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Major General Michael Beary, will brief in consultations.

Key Recent Developments

The Houthi rebel group has continued to attack maritime shipping since November 2023 to pressure Israel to cease its military offensive in Gaza, although with less frequency in recent months. Along with US strikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks, the situation has frozen Yemens peace talks.

In a televised speech on 3 May, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said that the rebel group, which has targeted ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean, would also target ships in the Mediterranean Sea heading to Israeli ports. While the pace of attacks has declined, a Houthi ballistic missile struck the oil tanker M/T Wind on 18 May as it transited the Red Sea. Before it could resume its voyage, the ship had to address flooding caused by the attack. The tanker is a Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel that had recently docked in Russia and was bound for China, according to US Central Command. On 28 May, three Houthi missiles hit the Marshall Islands-flagged and Greek-owned M/V Laax fifty-four miles southwest of Hodeidah port. According to reports, the bulk carrier took on water, which was causing it to list. During the month, the Houthis also claimed to have shot down two US reaper drones over Yemen, one each on 17 May and 21 May; these would represent the fourth and fifth US reaper drones, which can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet and each cost about $30 million, that the group has downed since November 2023.

On 7 May, senior representatives from across the humanitarian community gathered in Brussels for the sixth Yemen Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting, co-hosted by Sweden and the European Commission. Belgium, the EU, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US committed $791.69 million to address humanitarian needs in the country.

At the 13 May Council briefing on Yemen, Grundberg reiterated that the regional situation has hampered his mediation efforts. As part of his briefing, Grundberg noted that the security situation along the front lines in Yemen had remained stable over the past month but expressed concern about the parties threat to return to war, including Houthi rhetoric and actions in relation to Marib governorate.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths updated the Council on the humanitarian situation, marking one of his final briefings before he concludes his tenure as the head of UN humanitarian affairs at the end of June; Griffiths was Grundbergs predecessor as UN Special Envoy for Yemen, serving from March 2018 to June 2021. During his briefing, Griffiths flagged a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak in Yemen, occurring particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. According to Griffiths, the outbreak has caused 40,000 suspected cases and 160 reported deaths, which marked a sharp increase from the previous month, and required rapid funding to prevent the outbreak from spiralling out of control.

At the Council meeting, the UK reiterated its concern over vessels entering Hodeidah governorate ports without reporting to the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM). Since 2016, vessels travelling to Yemeni ports not under the internationally recognised governments control have been required to inform UNVIM, which inspects ships and clears them for continued transit. The UK and US first raised concerns publicly about the issue at a 14 March Council briefing. According to the UK at last months briefing, there has been a notable surge in bypassing UNVIM, with the equivalent of as many as 500 truckloads of uninspected material entering Hodeidah since October 2023.

On 26 May, the Houthis unilaterally released 113 prisoners, according to a statement by the ICRC. It was the first prisoner release since the Houthis and the Yemeni government released over 800 prisoners in April 2023.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 3 May, the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee met with its Panel of Experts to consider the panels mid-term update. Since the renewal of its mandate in November 2023, there have been delays in appointing two of the panels five expertsthe experts on armed groups and on international humanitarian lawas Algeria, China and Russia each made requests to extend consideration of UN proposed candidates. Speaking at the 13 May Council briefing, Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea), who chairs the committee, stressed the need to expedite the appointment process of the two outstanding members. On 17 May, the chair informed the committee that there had been no new holds or objections regarding the two nominated individuals. Their appointment to the panel was expected to proceed.

Women, Peace and Security

In his briefing during the 15 May Security Council meeting on Yemen, Grundberg said that he continues preparations for a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process adding that his office has recently organised several meetings together with Yemenis on how to enhance womens meaningful participation in all aspects of the peace process. One of these meetings was the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Yemen Forum, which took place in Madrid from 23 to 26 April and was attended by women peace advocates and experts in gender and mediation, among other participants. According to a press release issued by Grundbergs office, the meeting highlighted the importance of including women in peace processes, and explored ways to address the existing barriers impeding womens meaningful participation. According to a social media post by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, which co-organised the event, the meeting attempted to identify strategies to increase womens participation in political and economic leadership in Yemen.

Key Issues and Options

The Houthi threat to commercial shipping and the continued exchange of attacks by the Houthis on vessels and by US-led forces on Houthi targets is a key issue. A related key issue is preserving the progress made prior to the crisis in the now-stalled Omani-facilitated talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia to reach a peace agreement and Grundbergs efforts to develop a road map for an inter-Yemeni political process.

Members are likely to monitor developments in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and encourage the parties to engage with the Special Envoy and protect the gains made to date in peace talks. They may use opportunities, such as a potential ceasefire in Gaza or a lull in Red Sea attacks, to issue a press statement that expresses support for Yemens peace process and encourages the parties to reach agreement on the Special Envoys roadmap for a ceasefire and for inclusive intra-Yemeni political talks.

Council members may also call on donors to quickly disburse funding commitments and increase support to the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and to support economic stability, as the humanitarian situation remains a key issue. At the Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting, $792 million in pledges were announced, but OCHAs 2024 HRP requires $2.7 billion. It projects that 18.2 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection services in 2024. The main drivers of need remain Yemens deteriorated economy, lack of public services, and protracted conflict-induced displacement. In addition to cholera, recent months have seen a rise in food insecurity. A funding crisis for the work of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Yemen threatens to undermine the response. Insecurity and access restraints are also key issues impeding relief efforts.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their support for the various mediation efforts. They have welcomed the Houthi-Saudi talks and stress the ultimate need for an inclusive Yemeni political process under UN auspices to achieve a sustainable resolution of the conflict. Members have also condemned the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and are concerned about the consequences for maritime security, freedom of navigation, and Yemens peace process.

Nonetheless, the Red Sea crisis has created some divisions on the Yemen file. On 10 January, the Council adopted resolution 2722, which took note of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks. Algeria, China, Mozambique, and Russia abstained on the vote, however, and China and Russia have criticised the US and UK for strikes in Yemen without Council authorisation. The US and UK assert that their strikes are undertaken in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The US and Japan co-authored resolution 2722 as well as press statements on the crisis issued on 1 December 2023 and 18 March. In its interventions at Yemen briefings, the US has repeatedly said that it would like the Secretary-Generals monthly reporting on Houthi attacks on maritime shipping in accordance with resolution 2722 to include information on the types of weapons used in each incident and, where appropriate, the likely origin of these weapons.

China, Russia, and the African Council members (Algeria, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone) and Guyana, which are known as the A3 plus one, also highlight the importance of a Gaza ceasefire to end the Red Sea crisis, and in Council negotiations on products on the Houthi attacks they have argued for explicitly recognising the link between the two crises. A long-standing red line for Russia is identifying Iran, in the Councils Yemen products, as supplying the Houthis with arms.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea) chairs the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee.

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Read the full story on The Auto Wire

Florida Man Clocked At Over 100 MPH Was Just Late For Work

If youre ever running late for work, even if your boss is super unreasonable, we dont recommend going over 100 mph on the highway. That was the excuse a Florida man used after he was pulled over, reports Fox 35 Orlando, but the deputy didnt just let him off the hook.

See the ridiculous vehicle a teenager used to impersonate police.

According to the report, this incident went down on June 19 on US-27 in the Dundee/Winter Haven area. A deputy clocked the suspect, a 22-year-old James Lloyd in a 2015 Ford Mustang, going well over 100 mph as he weaved through traffic. If you want to get a cops attention, thatll do it for sure. The speed limit on that stretch of road is apparently just 50 mph.

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While the man was driving quite aggressively, he was a little lapdog for the deputy after getting pulled over, reportedly apologizing for speeding. Any attorney worth their salt will tell you to not do that since its an open admission of guilt. Unfortunately, this Florida man didnt have his lawyer on speed dial.

Thankfully, the deputy caught this guy before he caused a big accident which couldve been fatal. Getting to work on time is never worth anyones life. We counsel people who struggle to get to places on time to get up and ready earlier. Its really not that hard.

The same thing goes for people who try to beat the estimated time on their navigation app constantly. Thats a good way to hurt/kill yourself/someone else or get a nice, fat ticket and maybe even get your ride towed.

Not only did this guy get a nice citation for speeding, Polk County Sheriffs Office had the Mustang towed and the driver was taken into custody. We bet the guys boss was super happy to learn he was going to be really late to work after that.

Image via Polk County Sheriffs Office

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Police in Canada have arrested two individuals accused of concealing a collection of stolen classic cars worth over $2 million.

Police in Canada have arrested two individuals accused of concealing a collection of stolen classic cars worth over $2 million in a barn in southwestern Ontario, according to Global News. The discovery, which includes vehicles dating back to the early 20th century, came after a months-long investigation.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a tip late last year about stolen vehicles in Lambton County. This tip led to a multi-department investigation, culminating in a search warrant issued on May 14 for a property in Stirling, a rural community 15 miles north of Belleville. Upon executing the search warrant, officers found the stolen vehicles hidden in a barn on the property.

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The OPPs official social media posts revealed that officers seized 16 classic vehicles as proceeds of crime. While the specific models were not detailed, accompanying photos showed a collection that included first-generation Chevrolet Corvettes, hot rods, and pre-war pickup trucks. The total value of the seized vehicles was estimated at approximately $3 million Canadian, or around $2.2 million USD.

Following the search, Robert Bradshaw and Gary Leblanc, both residents of Stirling, were arrested. They were charged with theft of motor vehicles over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, using forged documents, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Additionally, Leblanc faced a charge of uttering threats.

Collaboration across our organization and with our partner agencies is imperative to combat the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud within Ontario, said OPP detective superintendent Paula Milne in a statement to Global News. This investigation is another testament to the surge we have seen in auto theft and financial crimes over the last few years and the need for subject matter expert involvement in these investigations.

Story continues

Bradshaw and Leblanc are not new to legal trouble. In December 2003, both pleaded guilty to multiple charges under Ontarios Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. The ongoing investigation suggests that further consequences may arise from the current charges.

The discovery of such a significant collection of stolen vehicles highlights the increasing prevalence of auto theft and related crimes in the region. The OPP continues to investigate, aiming to uncover further details and connections to this high-profile case.

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Fast fashion retailer Shein will file paperwork for a potential floatation on the London Stock Exchange as soon as this week, according to Sky News, with an initial public offering potentially valuing the firm at roughly 51.7bn.

The Singapore-based business was reportedly eyeing up a confidential filing with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority as soon as this week.

Shein lodged paperwork for a potential New York listing with the Securities and Exchange Commission back in January. However, it has faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers due to concerns regarding its links to China amid tensions between the two economic powerhouses.

AJ Bell's Russ Mould said: "Shein may find the glare of a public market listing uncomfortable given concerns about its governance, supply chain and business practices. Boohoos recent history provides a salutary lesson here. Clearly London will want the IPO to be a success to help rebuild its reputation as a listing venue so theres a lot riding on it for both parties.

"Shein is smart in its use of social media and has the ability to turn around new items incredibly quickly to suit customers shifting tastes. However, it may increasingly bump up against a change in attitudes in the West towards fast fashion  with Gen Z increasingly concerned about sustainability and less willing to take a disposable attitude to fashion."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
The contraction in manufacturing activity in the eurozone eased slightly less than expected in May, according to revised estimates on Monday by S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB), which signalled a "turning point" for the sector.

The final estimate for the eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) showed a reading of 47.3 for last month.

While this was still firmly below the key 50-point level which separates expansion and contraction  a level not surpassed since June 2022  this was up from 45.7 in April, though slightly below the preliminary estimate of 47.4 released two weeks ago.

Nevertheless, this was still the third straight month of improvements in the index and the highest reading since March 2023, showing the slowest rate of decline in more than a year.

Manufacturing PMIs improved across the majority of countries covered by the survey, with heavyweights Germany and France both seeing contractions ease, and Spain and the Netherlands experiencing an acceleration in growth.

This could be the turning point for the manufacturing sector. The industry is on the verge of halting the production decline that has persisted since April 2023," said Cyrus de la Rubia, HCOB's chief economist.

"This is largely supported by more favourable trends in intermediate and capital goods. Additionally, more companies are reporting positive developments in order intakes from both domestic and international markets, although this is still being offset as a larger proportion saw declines in May. Encouragingly, business confidence regarding future production is at its highest level since early 2022."
AstraZeneca has announced that its Tagrisso treatment for advanced lung cancer, when combined with chemotherapy, has been recommended for approval by European regulators.

Tagrisso, otherwise known as osimertinib, was given a positive opinion by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency following positive results from the FLAURA2 phase three trial, recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common for of lung cancer, with 10-15% of patients across Europe having tumours with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation  something that Tagrisso targets.

Tagrisso with the addition of chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 38% compared to Tagrisso monotherapy. The treatment is already approved as monotherapy in more than 100 countries.

Median progression-free survival was 25.5 months for patients treated with Tagrisso plus chemotherapy, compared with 16.7 months on Tagrisso monotherapy.

Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, said: "Today's news reinforces the importance of Tagrisso as the backbone therapy in EGFR-mutated lung cancer.

"If approved in Europe, patients will have the option to be treated with Tagrisso alone, or with chemotherapy, which is especially important when caring for patients whose disease has spread to the brain or those with L858R mutations."
Union leaders are preparing to ramp up industrial action at two south Wales steelworks, in a further escalation of a row over almost 3,000 job losses that threatens to become a big general election issue. Unite said such moves at the Port Talbot and Llanwern works are planned after the sites Indian owner, Tata Steel, threatened to cut redundancy pay as a response to members voting for an overtime ban.  Guardian

Britains councils are preparing a record 1.4bn record fire sale in assets and cancelled investments as they scramble to plug a debt black hole ahead of the election. The Government has given 18 councils the green light to sell-off assets and mothball projects to release cash in a bid to avoid another wave of council bankruptcies before the nation heads to the polls on July 4.  Telegraph

HSBC faces steep losses from the unravelling of the Barclay familys sprawling business empire, new documents show. The British banking giant is owed 143m by the Barclay familys delivery business, which fell into administration in March. Restructuring experts at Teneo overseeing the administration have warned that, based on the current outlook, the bank will not be repaid in full.  Telegraph

The Labour Party has held talks with the boss of Shein to try to persuade the Chinese-founded fast-fashion company to opt for a blockbuster London float. Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business secretary, Sarah Jones, the shadow minister for industry, and Chris Bryant, the shadow minister for creative industries, are understood recently to have met Donald Tang, the executive chairman of Shein, to discuss a potential initial public offering in London.  The Times

Nvidia has revealed its latest suite of artificial intelligence products, saying it is on an accelerated road map for new launches. Addressing the Computex conference in Taipei, Jensen Huang, Nvidias founder and chief executive, said the company would release a next-generation processor platform called Rubin. His comments came less than three months after the announcement of Blackwell in March.  The Times
In a market as dynamic and complex as real estate, informed decision-making is critical. Danish Equbal, founder of Brickfolio Pvt Ltd, understands this well. His mission to educate property investors is not just a pillar of his business model but the foundation upon which Brickfolio is built. Under his leadership, Brickfolio has become synonymous with a client-centric approach, providing personalized guidance to investors navigating the intricate real estate landscape.

Danish Equbal's Philosophy: Educate to Empower

At the heart of Danish Equbal's approach lies a fundamental belief: knowledge is power in the realm of real estate investment. Brickfolio is built on the conviction that a well-informed investor is a successful one. Rather than merely navigating clients through the buying and selling process, Danish emphasizes the importance of financial education, ensuring that every investor understands the broader economic factors that impact real estate. He advises, 'Premium properties are for end users and not for investors. The investor should consider moderate or average-budget properties, which often present more opportunities for value appreciation and rental yield.' This guidance is part of Danish's broader strategy to empower clients by aligning their investment actions with informed market insights.

The Genesis of Brickfolios Client-Centric Approach

When Danish Equbal founded Brickfolio, he envisioned a real estate firm that did more than just facilitate deals. He aimed to create a company where the primary mission was to empower clients through direct, personalized consultation. The company experts provide tailored advice, helping each investor understand market trends, investment opportunities, and strategies that align with their financial goals.

Personalized Advisory as a Tool for Education

The company's approach to educating investors involves in-depth, one-on-one advisory sessions. Each session is crafted to meet the specific needs of the client, ensuring they receive the most relevant and practical advice. These consultations are conducted by experienced professionals who guide investors through the complexities of real estate investment, from choosing the right property to understanding the financial implications of their decisions.

Ground-Level Support and Hands-On Guidance

True to its mission, Brickfolio offers hands-on guidance that extends beyond typical advisory services. While Brickfolio provides invaluable learning experiences through direct interaction and consultation during face to face meetings or site visit. These visits allow investors to assess potential investments firsthand, with expert advice from Brickfolios consultants every step of the way. "We guide our clients through real-world applications of their investment knowledge, ensuring they can make informed decisions without the hassle of navigating the market alone," explains Equbal.

In addition to practical site evaluations, Brickfolio helps investors identify properties with the best potential return on investment, whether its in commercial offices, retail, or residential sectors. The team provides detailed analyses on the future appreciation of properties based on location and market trends, enabling investors to make strategic decisions that align with their long-term financial goals. This comprehensive support ensures that every Brickfolio client not only feels confident in their investment choices but also understands the dynamics that influence property value over time.

Impact Through Tailored Consultation

The effectiveness of Brickfolios approach is evident in the success stories of its clients. By focusing exclusively on personalized consultations, Brickfolio ensures that each investor not only understands the details of their potential investments but also gains broader insights into the real estate market. This tailored approach has empowered numerous investors to achieve and often exceed their investment goals.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Empower Investors

As the real estate market evolves, so does Brickfolio's commitment to investor education. Equbal plans to continue enhancing the consulting services offered by the company, adapting to new market trends and the individual needs of clients. "Our commitment is to our clients success. We will continue to provide them with the expert guidance they need to thrive in the ever-changing real estate landscape," Equbal concludes.

In the competitive and often opaque world of real estate investment, Danish Equbal and Brickfolio stand out for their commitment to transparency and client education. Through personalized consultations and direct support, they are not just facilitating the deals; they are building a more informed and successful community of investors.
A team from the United States is currently in India for discussions regarding the acquisition of MQ-9B drones by the Indian armed forces, a deal estimated to be worth $3.9 billion. The final agreement is still pending as negotiations on technology sharing continue. According to sources, representatives from General Atomics are in the capital to negotiate the acquisition of 31 drones, with 15 designated for maritime roles.

The US government approved the deal in February, estimating its value at $3.99 billion, an increase from earlier estimates of $3 billion. However, discussions on technology sharing have not yet been finalized. Additionally, the Indian armed forces are concerned about recent reports of advanced drones being shot down by non-state actors in conflict zones in West Asia.

India has been negotiating for a greater portion of the MQ-9B drones to be manufactured locally, aiming to support future efforts to develop indigenous combat drones. Officials have indicated that the US company is willing to produce some components in India, which would account for 8-9% of the deal's value.

However, officials have been trying hard to increase this to 15-20% of the deal value. General Atomics already has a tie-up with Bharat Forge to make UAV components and has also committed to setting up a global maintenance hub for the MQ-9B drones in India. Unlike in the past, when foreign companies had to invest 30% of the value of the contract in the Indian defence and aerospace industry, offset rules have been waived for government-to-government deals.

Once in service, the MQ-9Bs will operate from three planned hubs in India. One of these hubs is INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, where two leased Navy drones are already operating. The other hubs are expected to be established in North India and the North East.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A man accused of attempting a scary knifepoint robbery at a deli in Grasmere Wednesday also stole goods from a clothing store, a wallet from a car and was in possession of narcotics over the past three months, authorities allege.

Thomas Conti, 31, of Olympia Boulevard in South Beach, was arraigned Thursday in Criminal Court in the deli incident on charges that included attempted robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, attempted petit larceny and harassment.

Authorities allege the attempted robbery unfolded on May 29 at approximately 7:10 a.m. inside of 1150 Hylan Blvd. According to the criminal complaint, a 36-year-old male employee of the deli reported that Conti entered the store and left bags by the door.

The worker told the defendant he could not leave the bags there, but the defendant left and returned moments later displaying a black pocket knife, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD.

The victim was behind the counter working with the cash register, when Conti displayed and pointed the knife at him and stated, Give me the money, the criminal complaint alleges.

Police said Conti then attempted to go behind the counter before fleeing the location on foot in an unknown direction.

The worker did not sustain any injuries.

Approximately two hours later, at 9:45 a.m., police were able to apprehend Conti.

SEVERAL ONGOING CASES

Court documents indicate that this is not Contis first run-in with law enforcement.

Days earlier on May 18, at approximately 6:20 a.m. in the vicinity of Hylan Boulevard and Old Town Road in Dongan Hills, Conti was accused of stealing a wallet from a car.

Police saw Conti on video surveillance enter a black 2009 Lincoln MKX that was not his and remove the victims wallet and cash, the complaint in that case alleges.

As a result, Conti was charged with petit larceny, unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property.

On March 14, at about 3:05 p.m., Conti was arrested on Hylan Boulevard near Clove Road in Grasmere.

Prosecutors allege that the defendant knowingly possessed in his hand, a glass pipe with a white powdery and black tar-like residue, as well as in his lap a vial with a white rock-like substance that officers recognized to be cocaine.

Conti was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The previous day, authorities allege Conti shoplifted several items from a store located at 15B Richmond Terrace in St. George.

A Gap Outlet is listed at the address given by authorities.

On March 13 at 12:36 p.m., the defendant entered the store and allegedly took 15 T-Shirts and 27 pairs of shorts without paying for the items.

The previous week, on March 7 at 6 p.m., the defendant allegedly walked into the same store and took six hooded sweatshirts and four sweatpants from a display table and passed all points of sale.

On March 6, employees observed at 6 p.m. the defendant remove 12 Gap hoodies from a display table without paying, the complaint alleges.

And at approximately 11:10 a.m. on March 5, Gap Outlet employees observed the defendant remove eight sweatshirts from a display table and leave without paying, according to the complaint.

Conti was charged with four counts of petit larceny and four counts of criminal possession of stolen property in connection with the shoplifting incidents.

Contis defense attorney did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Members of the South Shore Rotary, in partnership with Catholic Charities of Staten Island, unveiled the boroughs first Flags for Heroes display on the campus of Mount Loretto.

Members of the South Shore Rotary Club gather for a photo at the Flags for Heroes ceremony at Mount Loretto. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

One hundred American flags, each sponsored by an individual or an organization to remember active military, a veteran or first responder and dedicated to a hero in someones life, honor their memory.

A tag for a hero placed on a flag pole at Mount Loretto. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Each flag is lighted at night at the entrance of Mount Loretto, 6581 Hylan Blvd. in Pleasant Plains, and each flag has a tag naming the person after whom the flag is sponsored.

Members of the South Shore Rotary display Flags for Heroes at Mount Loretto. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Rotary clubs across the nation host similar events. However, this marks the inaugural event for the borough of Staten Island.

Claire Atalla and Anthony Cerverizzo are all smiles at the South Shore Rotary Club's Flags for Heroes project. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Its an honor to unveil this installation and we are thankful to those who have dedicated a flag in honor of a hero, said Anthony Cerverizzo, president of The South Shore Rotary Club. Its a truly inspiring sight to see and we encourage the community to come out and view the installation which will be up until Flag Day on June 14.

Anthony Cerverizzo, Claire Atalla and Terry Tarangelo conduct the Flags for Heroes ceremony. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Members of the South Shore Rotary place American Flags for Heroes at Mount Loretto. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Members of the South Shore Rotary partake in the flag ceremony. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Flags are placed on the grounds of Mount Loretto by members of the South Shore Rotary Club. (Courtesy/PRcision LLC)Staten Island Advance

Were honored to partner with the South Shore Rotary on their inaugural Flags for Heroes Campaign, and commend them for their effort in putting it together, said Claire Atalla, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. We look forward to hosting this installation on our campus for years to come.

For further information about Flags For Heroes and for a complete listing of the names after whom the flags have been named visit: https://southshorerotary.org/flagsforheroes/
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Hundreds of people flocked to Tottenville on Sunday afternoon for a rally in support of former President Donald Trump following his conviction on the 34 felony counts he faced in Manhattan criminal court.

With a rallying cry of dont give up the ship, hundreds gathered at the Paradise Island restaurant and tiki bar in Tottenville to listen to a lineup of speakers, including local artist and conservative activist Scott LoBaido, John Tabacco, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), State Sen. candidate Marko Kepi, and Rudy Giuliani, New York Citys former mayor and one of Trumps most vocal allies.

The event was organized on short notice by Tabacco and LoBaido, who is known on Staten Island for his art and public activism, as a way to rally supporters of the former president following the recent legal decision.

If anyone in there thinks about quitting, Im going to throw you right out. This is a pep rally, chin up, LoBaido said to one attendee who had pulled him to the side.

Its right after the verdict. People started to lose their minds and I got a million calls, but my blood pressure stayed the same because [the verdict] is a good thing, not a bad thing, LoBaido said when asked about organizing the days event. It proves how horrible they are, how theyre destroying the judicial system and the law that they swore an oath to by bringing this man down every day. And when they knock him down, they bring him up. Everybody was very upset like, Oh, what do we do? I quit, and I was like no f-----g way, there aint no quitters in my community. Forty-eight hours, I put this together me and Johnny Tabacco.

Hundreds gathered in Tottenville at a rally in support of Former President Donald Trump on SUnday, June 2, 2024. (SI Advance/Mike Matteo)Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo

The atmosphere was equal parts pep rally, outdoor bazaar, and block party while the crowd filled in and waited for the first speaker to take the podium.

Supporters danced, some with flags bearing pro-Trump messages, while the DJ kept those in attendance entertained. Vendors were sprinkled around the grounds selling their wares, although the rally was minus one pro-Trump RV.

Originally slated to begin at 3 p.m., LoBaido announced around 3:20 p.m. that the traffic had completely backed up the narrow Ellis Street all the way down to Arthur Kill Road, and several of the speakers were delayed.

The speakers began just after 4 p.m., with Tabacco leading. He ignited the crowd with calls that those in attendance were making history.

LoBaido, who took the stage next, shared his hopes that Sundays rally would inspire similar events around the country, like wildfire.

We once again have to fight back together! We must stand united, said Malliotakis, who recorded a video of the crowd to send to former President Trump, before she left to head back to Washington D.C.

We did a terrible, terrible thing to America in that case. New York did it, and New York better fix it. We said to the world that we dont have a justice system thats impartial anymore... its gone, Giuliani said in a nearly 20 minute speech that touched on topics including bail reform, crime, George Soros, the war in Ukraine, former President Barack Obama, and Iran.

Many of the speakers on Sunday, including Giuliani, echoed some of Trumps talking points about the recent conviction. The judges who oversaw the trial, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg were also frequent targets.

While each speaker covered a myriad of topics, one consistent theme was hammered home to those in attendance: Dont lose faith, and in Novemberget out and vote.
Foreign scientists thank China for sharing lunar exploration opportunity

Xinhua) 08:44, June 03, 2024

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- After China's Chang'e-6 touched down on the far side of the moon Sunday morning to collect samples, foreign scientists participating in the mission expressed their excitement and thanks for taking their scientific instruments to the moon.

The Chang'e-6 mission carried four payloads developed through international cooperation, providing more opportunities for global scientists and merging human expertise in space exploration.

Scientific instruments from France, Italy and the European Space Agency (ESA)/Sweden are aboard the Chang'e-6 lander.

"Thank China so much for taking us to the moon," Sylvestre Maurice, a French astronomer from the University of Toulouse, said after he watched the landing process in a control room at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Sunday.

"Today's landing is absolutely amazing. It's hard to land on a planet, and it's very hard especially on the moon. Don't think it's easy. Remember it's on the far side of the moon where we cannot see. And China had even to put another relay satellite to watch the landing. They landed right where they wanted to. So it's quite an achievement, something we've been looking for so many years," said Maurice.

Supported by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, the lander-ascender combination of the Chang'e-6 probe successfully landed at the designated landing area at 6:23 a.m. (Beijing Time) in the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, according to the China National Space Administration.

"The far side of the moon is very unique. The South Pole-Aitken Basin is a huge basin. There was an impact long time ago to remove most of the crust, so we might have landed as close as possible to the mantle of the moon," Maurice said.

"As planetary scientists, the best thing we can dream of is to have samples in our lab. Nothing is better than having samples here, where we can study them and really go into the details of the story of the moon," said Maurice.

He mentioned that French scientists have got the lunar sample returned by the Chang'e-5 mission and would carry out research on it.

"We were very lucky to collaborate with China on different projects including the Chang'e lunar program and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission," he added.

Mathieu Grialou, a representative from the French space agency CNES, said Chang'e-6 will be the first mission to bring back samples from the far side of the moon. "We are very thrilled to be a small part of this very big mission."

"We are very happy to cooperate with China on this mission as China is now a big player in space," Grialou said. "It's great that we can contribute together to a better knowledge of the moon and our solar system."

A scientific instrument named Detection of Outgassing RadoN (DORN), developed by French scientists and onboard the lander of Chang'e-6, will detect radon isotopes and study the transmission and diffusion mechanisms of volatile compounds in the lunar environment.

Witnessing the landing of Chang'e-6, Pierre-Yves Meslin, principal investigator of DORN from France, said, "We have been thinking about this moment for years and even more intensely for the last few months and weeks and days. We were almost watching at the moon every night here in Beijing."

"We are very glad to be on the surface of the moon. Our instrument will start working. Now the pressure will be on us to succeed in our measurements," Meslin said.

He said the objective of the instrument is to study the origin and dynamics of the lunar exosphere. It will try to measure a radioactive gas called radon that is produced by lunar rocks in the lunar interior. "This gas might migrate from the warm regions of the moon to the cold regions of the moon, and we will try to understand its dynamics in the lunar environment. It will be the first time to measure it on the surface of the moon."

He mentioned that his team had a short time to develop the instrument, with only 3.5 years. "The schedule was very tight but we succeeded with the help of our Chinese partners."

"It's always good to share ideas with the different countries, which allows us to move forward to enrich our knowledge. As Europeans, we don't have the capacity to deploy our instruments on the surface of the moon yet. So we rely on international partners. China is now one of the most reliable partners that can safely land on the moon, as we have one more proof today," said Meslin.

Patrick Pinet, a scientist at the University of Toulouse, said Chang'e-6's landing seems smooth and easy, but it relies on a very heavy job and high skills. "And we're very impressed by what was achieved by China this time again."

"It's a very moving time for me," he said, noting that when he was 10 years old, he watched Neil Armstrong's landing on the moon on TV, and today it is his first experience of witnessing a landing on the far side of the moon in a control room in China. "It's 55 years later, and a lot of things have evolved through time."

"We really expect to have some success with this mission and with the next ones to come," he added.

The lander of the Chang'e-6 spacecraft also carried an instrument, called Negative Ions on the Lunar Surface (NILS), developed by the ESA/Sweden to the moon, which will be used to detect negative ions and study the interaction between plasma and the lunar surface.

Neil Melville-Kenney, NILS technical officer of the ESA, said the CNSA's initiative to invite international partners to participate in the Chang'e-6 mission is very much appreciated by the international community.

"It's a very impressive mission, a very ambitious mission. So we are very pleased to be a part of it. And the collaboration has gone very smoothly. Now we are waiting for the payload to be turned on so that we can get our first data," he said.

"It's very important to have international cooperation for space exploration. I think space exploration encourages us to consider our planet as one and our people as one. And it's important that we work together as we start to explore the solar system more and more. Together we can achieve greater things," he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Q: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a keynote speech at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue to explain the so-called legal basis for the Philippines territory and maritime zones, claiming that both UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea affirm its legal right, and that its policy in the South China Sea is built upon these two touchstones. What is Chinas response?

A: Those remarks disregard history and facts and are designed to amplify the Philippines wrongful position on the issues concerning the South China Sea and deliberately distort and hype up the maritime situation. Chinas position is as follows:

First, China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. China is the first to have discovered, named, and explored and utilized Nanhai Zhudao and relevant waters, and the first to have exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them continuously, peacefully and effectively. Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are based on solid historical and legal grounds. Chinas normal patrol, law enforcement and productive activities in waters under its own jurisdiction are consistent with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and such activities are beyond reproach.

Second, the territory of the Philippines does not include Chinas Nanhai Zhudao. The Philippine territory is defined by a series of international treaties, including the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, the 1900 Treaty between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain for Cession of Outlying Islands of the Philippines, and the 1930 Convention between His Majesty in Respect of the United Kingdom and the President of the United States regarding the Boundary between the State of North Borneo and the Philippine Archipelago. Chinas Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao are beyond the limits of the Philippine territory established by the above-mentioned treaties. The Philippines occupied by force some islands and reefs of Chinas Nansha Qundao and adopted domestic legislation such as the Archipelagic Baselines Law to assert illegal territorial claims on Chinas Huangyan Dao and some islands and reefs of Nansha Qundao. Those moves seriously violate Chinas sovereignty and sovereign rights and international law, including the UN Charter. China firmly opposes the moves.

Third, the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. Without the Chinese governments prior consent, the Philippines unilaterally initiated an international arbitration, which violated international law, including UNCLOS, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration handled the case ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling. The rendered award is illegal, null and void. China neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration, neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award. Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by the award in any way. What the Philippines has been doing to glorify this illegal, invalid arbitral award does not help resolve its maritime disputes with China, still less justify its illegal claims in any way.

Fourth, the responsibility for the recent escalation concerning the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines lies fully with the Philippine side. The Philippines breached its commitments and the common understandings with China, violated the DOC and repeatedly acted in bad faith. The Philippines frequently infringed on Chinas rights and made provocations at sea, brought in forces outside the region to form blocs and flex muscles in the South China Sea, and spread disinformation to vilify China and mislead the international perception on this matter. In particular, driven by selfish geopolitical calculations, the US has played an extremely ignoble role by supporting and assisting the Philippines in infringing on Chinas sovereignty, and by exploiting the South China Sea issue to drive a wedge between China and other regional countries. Who exactly does the Philippine foreign policy serve now? Whose bidding is the Philippines doing with all these maritime actions? The answer is pretty clear to anyone with sound judgement. Trying desperately to justify the unjustifiable will not help the Philippines build trust with the international community. Countries in the region need to stay vigilant and always make sure that they themselves are the ones sitting in the drivers seat when it comes to the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

Fifth, with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There has been no issue at all regarding the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea that countries enjoy in accordance with law. China stands ready to continue working with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, to manage maritime differences, deepen maritime cooperation, fully and effectively implement the DOC, actively advance the COC consultation, keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable, and ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Sixth, China will continue to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and rights. Meanwhile, we remain committed to properly handling maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. We urge the Philippines to honor its commitments, adhere to the limits of its territory established by the international treaties, fully and effectively implement the DOC, stop maritime infringement activities and provocations at once, and return to the right track of handling maritime disputes and differences properly through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  After hundreds of Staten Islanders gathered in Tottenville for a Never Surrender rally on behalf of former President Donald Trump yesterday, the Staten Island Democratic Party released scathing remarks about attendees and elected officials.

The rally that took place at 3 p.m. today is an affront to democracy and the rule of law, the statement said. There are portions of the Make America Great Again crowd that are so unpatriotic and so cynical that they not only fail to see what is great about our country, they actively undermine it. To disparage judges and jurors, to actively work to dismantle our system of democracy, to undermine the free press, our judicial system and our system of elections is dangerous. People, including law enforcement officers, died as a result of January 6th.

With a rallying cry of dont give up the ship, pro-Trump supporters flooded the Paradise Island restaurant and tiki bar to listen to a lineup of speakers on Sunday, including local artist and conservative activist Scott LoBaido, John Tabacco, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R  Staten Island/South Brooklyn), State Sen. candidate Marko Kepi, and Rudy Giuliani, New York Citys former mayor and one of Trumps most vocal allies.

Many of the speakers on Sunday, including Giuliani, echoed some of Trumps talking points about the recent conviction. The judges who oversaw the trial, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg were also frequent targets.

Rudy Giuliani, John Tabacco, and Scott LoBaido on stage at rally in support of Donald Trump in Tottenville on Sunday, June 2, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo)Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo

The Democratic partys statement sharply criticized Malliotakis, who recorded a video of the crowd to send to former President Trump before she left to head back to Washington D.C. She additionally called for the throngs of Trump followers to fight back together and to stand united.

No citizen of this country can call themselves a patriot and then attend a rally hosted by people calling for Civil War. Yet our representative in Congress, attended and cheered a crowd, which included people holding Trump Won signs. This continued support for dangerous lies and intentionally turning a blind eye to calls to violence makes Ms. Malliotakis unfit for office, the statement said.

Malliotakis did not immediately respond to an Advance/SILive.com request for comment.

Despite the harsh divisiveness between party lines, some semblance of bipartisanship remains outside of government spaces. Earlier in the day, a softball game was held by the Richmond County Democratic Committee and the Richmond County Republican Committee on behalf of Eden II: An organization dedicated to helping and teaching autistic Staten Islanders.

This long-standing tradition of reaching across the aisle to benefit a community is one of camaraderie, and one that once was and can still be a model for how the government side of politics should work, the statement said. Today, on a day where we joined together for a common cause, I am calling on the Republican Party to rejoin the common cause of having faith and belief in our Republic. It is my sincere hope that the reasonable Republicans prevail and condemn this rally and any speech that implies violence or continues to make a mockery of the rule of law.
Donald Trump has joined the popular video-sharing app TikTok, a platform he once tried to ban while in the White House, and posted from a UFC fight two days after he became the first former president and presumptive major party nominee in US history to be found guilty on felony charges.

Its an honour, Trump said in the TikTok video, which features footage of him waving to fans and posing for selfies at the Ultimate Fighting Championship fight in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night. The video ends with Trump telling the camera: That was a good walk-on, right?

By Monday afternoon AEST, Trump had amassed more than 3.2 million followers on the platform and the post had garnered more than 48 million views.

We will leave no front undefended and this represents the continued outreach to a younger audience consuming pro-Trump and anti-Biden content, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement about the campaigns decision to join the platform.
Dubai: The boss of one of the worlds biggest airlines says hes expecting Boeings manufacturing issues to take up to five years to resolve, and they have already cost carriers billions of dollars.

The president of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, said on Tuesday that Boeings issues were self-created and had wreaked havoc for airlines all over the world.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark. Credit: Bloomberg

The US-based manufacturer has been hit by supply chain hiccups since the COVID-19 pandemic and is in the midst of a quality assurance and regulatory restructure after a door plug blew out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max-9 earlier this year.

Emirates has orders for 235 Boeing aircraft, a mix of 777X and Dreamliners. Clark said some of the aircraft are five years late, meaning Emirates has to undergo a $3 billion retrofitting program of its existing fleet of Airbus A380s instead.
I would urge the nine people in the room who didnt get the colours they want to refocus on defending the rights of Australians. Party president Anthony Bull told CBD the process had been the most consultative in its history, noting that rebrands werent traditionally voted on by members. As for whether the logo stays: The assets are still being developed. We stand by the research, and we stand by the new branding, which will be rolled out shortly, he said. And once thats all sorted, the party can get back to the big ideological issues, as Cameron so eloquently put it. In truth, Id rather be arguing over the real philosophical questions, like why Paul Keating is right about AUKUS, or why we shouldnt be spending another cent on the war in Ukraine, he said.

LABOUR PAINS Last week, the beleaguered restaurant industry got just what every beleaguered industry needs: a new lobby group. The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, which is not to be confused with the pre-existing Restaurant and Catering Association, has the added star-power of celebrity chefs Neil Perry and Luke Mangan. Its also already asking people to work for free, which aint a great look in an industry rife with wage theft. In a LinkedIn advertisement, the ARCA was looking for unpaid Association Volunteers. Thats one way to avoid paying the award! Meanwhile, the new upstart group is helmed by Wes Lambert, a former boss of the rival Restaurant and Catering Association. That organisation is in the doldrums, struggling with depleted staff, and the $1.8 million in debt accrued under the leadership of Lambert, whos no doubt hoping for a better run at the ARCA. BLING RING

Fast fashion jewellery retailer Lovisa, where the bling is inexpensive but the chief executives are not, has traded its boss in for a cheaper version. Loading Victor Herrero has been running the chain, part-owned by Brett Blundys BB Retail Capital, since 2021, but his $30 million pay deal last year, making him the second highest paid ASX CEO, prompted an investor revolt, for the third year running. But markets were told on Monday that Herrero will stand down in 12 months and that his remuneration for his remaining stint behind the till at Lovisa will take quite the haircut, with the Spaniard earning a touch under $2 million for the year, although his multimillion-dollar long-term bonuses, which will vest in that period, should be some consolation. Replacing Herrero in 2025 will be John Cheston, chief executive of Solomon Lews pencil case chain Smiggle, in a talent-poaching exercise that has not gone unremarked by observers of the sector.
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Review Eating outSt Kilda Birthdays, parties, anything: This beloved bayside restaurant is the definition of dependable Dismiss Donovans as outdated at your peril. The classic food and charming service make it ideal for young and old. Besha Rodell June 4, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

This venue appears in the June 2024 Melbourne hit list. See all stories .

1 / 6 Donovans in St Kilda: theres no better place to take an older relative for a birthday meal. Simon Schluter 2 / 6 The go-to dish: Seafood linguine. Simon Schluter 3 / 6 Oysters Kilpatrick, featuring crisp, thinly cut bacon and lashings of Worcestershire. Simon Schluter 4 / 6 The luxuriously silky chicken liver parfait. Simon Schluter 5 / 6 Whipped Basque cheesecake is more mousse than cake. Simon Schluter 6 / 6 Donovans fireplace adds an extra layer of cosiness in winter. Simon Schluter Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Modern Australian$$$$ Ah, Donovans, the charming bastion of old St Kilda among so many glittering glass boxes of newness. Opened in 1997 right on the beach in a 1920s-era building that was once a bathing pavilion, Donovans changed hands last year when original owners Gail and Kevin Donovan passed the torch to long-time manager Nick Parkhouse. Lovers of the dependable dishes, the warm 90s California wine country aesthetic, the genteel atmosphere need not have worried. Parkhouse hasnt changed a thing. And for those of you who might dismiss Donovans as outdated or unexciting, I say: Fine. Go somewhere else. But you might be missing out. Exclusive One of Melbournes most iconic restaurants changes hands after 26 years

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Because that word, dependable, is what makes Donovans exceptional. I cant think of a better place to take an older relative for a birthday meal, or even a well-behaved child for a special occasion (if theyre the type of child who would appreciate such a thing  I certainly know my eight-year-old self would have been in heaven). The menu barely changes, but neither does its quality. This is classic food, cooked right. Show me a silkier, richer, more luxurious chicken liver parfait ($29.50); Ill wait. Is there a silkier chicken liver parfait in Melbourne? Simon Schluter All kinds of places now are experimenting with retro baked oyster preparations; most of them only succeed at ruining perfectly good bivalves. Donovans oysters Kilpatrick ($7 each) are a glory of crisp, thinly cut bacon and lashings of Worcestershire, and the creamy briny oysters manage to shine through to boot. Theres a reason the seafood linguine ($43/$55) is a fan favourite  the scallops and mussels and half a Moreton Bay bug are wonderfully fresh and sweet, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the butter sauce has just the right amount of garlic without overwhelming the seafood.

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Grilled Queensland leader prawns (market price) are exactly what I want when Im in the mood for unadulterated seafood  bouncy, cooked right, with nothing to distract from the underlying quality. The thing about Donovans that gets overlooked in the new-and-trendy versus old-and-classic discussion is that the cooking here is very good. Donovans seafood linguine is a fan favourite. Simon Schluter Service usually gets one or two lines in a restaurant review, if that: the service is adept or charismatic, or its green or downright messy. We make note of it and move on. The service at Donovans deserves closer attention. Almost all the staff here are quite young, and its obvious theyve been trained incredibly thoroughly. When was the last time you noticed that a waiter knew exactly how to set or clear a table, which utensils to give you and where they go, and when to bring you an extra side table so you dont feel crowded?

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This is old-school service performed by very young people, and done with a relaxed kind of charm  its obvious they havent been bullied into relinquishing their personalities at the door. We ask how we can make hospitality a more appealing path for more people, and this is one of the answers: train young people well, and treat them well, too. All this being said, there are things about Donovans that keep it tethered to the past in a way that does it no favours. The first I hesitate to mention because its so meaningless in so many ways, but nonetheless: the plastic-covered menus seem tacky and out of date. If you have a menu that does not change (other than specials), the paper version in a plastic cover is probably the most cost-effective and logical way to go. However, it does convey cheapness, or a certain touristy vibe. This is old-school service performed by very young people, and done with a relaxed kind of charm. And do we really need a drink called the Big Dick Martini? In 2024? (I shudder to think of the innuendo these young servers must endure from customers ordering this drink.) The cocktails in general could use a refresher  theyre very well-made for sugary 90s throwbacks, but theyre still sugary 90s throwbacks. This is a tasteful restaurant; the drinks should match. The other thing is the music, which veers from on-hold-with-the-bank muzak to weird soft techno and back to elevator tunes. So many options (jazz standards, perhaps?) would be better, less grating, classier, and help Donovans feel like the timeless restaurant it is.

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Speaking of timeless, its hard to leave without ordering the bombe Alaska for two ($46), which has been served here since before it experienced its current retro renaissance. But other desserts are worthy of your attention, including the whipped Basque cheesecake ($24), which is more mousse than cake but conveys all the flavours inherent in cheesecake beautifully. The deconstructed Basque cheesecake is more mousse than cake. Simon Schluter Its rare for a place to stick around long enough to earn the distinction timeless. To do so, it has to make it through its initial trendiness, past the years where it seems irrelevant and old-fashioned compared to newcomers, and then out the other side to where its quality and familiarity are a relief, where you know you can have a meal thats dependably excellent. Donovans has done that, and as it enters a new era with its new owners, I have every confidence it will continue to showcase the charm of old St Kilda for decades to come. The low-down Vibe: California wine country meets seaside chic Go-to dish: Seafood linguine ($43/$55) Drinks: Tropical-leaning cocktails, wide-ranging wine list Cost: About $200 for two, plus drinks

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Eating outJust open Move over minimalism, these three new bars are colourful, fun and original One spot is a nostalgic experience for children of the 70s. Another turns American takeaway dishes into killer bar snacks. None follows the rules. Emma Breheny June 4, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

This venue appears in the June 2024 Melbourne hit list. See all stories .

Three new bars around Melbourne are levelling up the drinking experience, creating hangouts crammed with quirky details and backstories that might persuade you to stick around for another round. Wine cave Pour Diane offers time travel with every drink it pours. The North Melbourne shop is a jolt of vivid green carpet, brown couches and tiger print, which covers a circular sofa bed occupying most of the front window. How amazing to be able to come and drink wine on a circular sofa bed, says co-owner Andy Buchan, who also makes wine under the Adaption label. Punters at Pour Diane can relax on a circular tiger print bed. Joe Armao Kitting out the wine bar and bottle shop to evoke a 1970s house party allowed Buchan and wife Tina to create a Peter Pan-type experience for people their age. It transports you back to a younger time, staying at your friends houses, hanging out in their parents kitchen or whatever, Andy says.

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Chances are the booze is of a much higher standard, though, with bottles from Frances Jura region, Chile, Catalonia in Spain and some of Buchans favourite Victorian wines, all leaning towards natural winemaking. With no wine list and Buchan preferring to be out in front of the bar, you can bet hell steer you towards something hes passionate about. Orange vinyl, green carpet and games such as Connect 4 await at Pour Diane. Joe Armao Inspired by Pariss cave a mangers (places that sell and serve wine), every retail bottle can be drunk there for $25 corkage, alongside snacks such as tinned fish and Bread Club bread. Open Wed-Sat, 5pm-late; Sun, 2pm-8pm, 472 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, instagram.com/pourdiane Ninas in Brunswick isnt shying away from blue drinks, pineapple in savoury dishes or desserts your gran would love, as pals Shae Van Stebbing and Hayley Williamson mine their family recipe books and younger years for inspiration at their first venue.

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The blue cocktail (which happens to match the decor) gets its colour from Alize, a cognac-based liqueur that front-of-house manager and sommelier Williamson says was a popular after-work drink in the bars where she cut her teeth. Blue drinks are matched by retro touches in the food at Ninas. Joey Knox Apple crumble cake that wouldnt feel out of place at a country cafe is a buttery update to one of Van Stebbings mums recipes. Her favourite dishes are dotted throughout the menu, breaking the cookie cutter wine bar mould. Pork cutlet with bacon and pineapple, when in season, is a notable example. Tofu is on the menu because, well, Van Stebbing grew up eating a lot of it. Vegemite and cheese toast becomes a wine bar snack when its made with mozzarella and fingers of shokupan bread.

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Some dishes were going for a retro vibe, says Williamson. Weve had a bit of fun thinking of things that would be tasty and remind you of stuff. Stay tuned for chicken Kyiv and possibly even a Vienetta-inspired dessert. Open Thu-Mon, noon-late, 11 Florence Street, Brunswick, ninasbaranddining.com Goodwater bar is a mix of its owners passions, from whisky to American food. Supplied Ever tried a Champagne Old Fashioned? Its an off-menu drink at new American-inspired bar Goodwater, but its not as obscure as it sounds. In fact, youve probably already had it in some form.

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For a long time, people have associated bourbon and Coke with low-rent drinking in Australia, but were saying theres no shame in a good [one], says co-owner Fred Siggins. Theirs is made with Makers Mark bourbon from Kentucky and a few dashes of orange bitters to enhance the cola. Goodwater combines the experience of four drinks professionals and their passions, from whisky to wine, to create an American bar unlike the themed versions we often see here. Siggins draws on his time living and cooking in the United States to create menus that reflect specific regions. Cocktails at Goodwater can be served tall, straight up or non-alcoholic. Supplied Each place [in the US] has its own food culture, even though its quite casual. But in a bar environment that works well, says Siggins.

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Right now, hes focused on the West Coast, which means a French dip sandwich inspired by Los Angeles original but made with venison, and served with a red wine and juniper jus for dipping. House cocktails, perhaps the tequila and peach-driven Four Hundred Rabbits, come with rare flexibility. Choose to have it straight up, over soda so its less boozy, or non-alcoholic. Part-owner Nathaniel White has raided his whisky collection to stock one of the best back bars for American whisky in Melbourne, perhaps Australia. Open Wed-Sun, 5pm-late, 300 High Street, Northcote, goodwater.melbourne

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A woman told police that veteran television reporter turned corporate consultant Liam Cox tried to kill her when he allegedly strangled her in a Vaucluse home, leaving her with a bleeding nose, bruised ribs and coughing up blood.

Police were called to the house shortly before midnight on Saturday, May 4, after Cox and the woman had allegedly been involved in several physical fights beginning at a fundraising event.

Former television reporter turned corporate consultant Liam Cox.

At Downing Centre Local Court, Cox, 39, was granted bail on Monday to live with a friend in Broadbeach, Queensland, with a magistrate accepting he would most likely spend longer in jail on remand than he would in jail if convicted. Cox has been held in maximum security at Parklea Correctional Centre since his arrest.

Cox had a few glasses of champagne before the pair arrived at a fundraising event, where Cox had six more glasses of champagne, as well as two espresso martinis, according to a police fact sheet outlined by magistrate Greg Grogin.
Charles Haran of Noosa Heads (Qld), makes a post-verdict observation: Having been found guilty, Donald Trump will likely be suffering PTSD, the symptoms of which I have heard can be alleviated by giving the sufferer responsibility for looking after an animal. Do C8 readers think he is capable of handling a Trump pet, or would he blow it?

The feeling that you get when you realise that the USA may elect a known criminal as president - Feloncholy. We thank Richard Hale of Paddington.

When I arrived in Australia from the UK in 1960, I remember several sayings from the various capital cities, writes Patrick Sutcliffe of Twin Waters (Qld). For example, in Melbourne they ask, What school did you go to?, in Adelaide they ask, What church do you go to? and in Sydney they ask, How much do you earn? But I cant remember the rest. Could a Column 8-er help, please?

Dates in songs? (C8) Greg Mudie of Dungog has the early crow: The excellent Run Baby Run, by Sheryl Crow, opens with the line, She was born in November 1963, the day Aldous Huxley died. Huxley died on the 22nd, the same date as another somewhat famous person. Perhaps that persons name didnt fit the metre of the song.

I would like to add another geographical oxymoron (C8) to Brian Collins Valley Heights, requests Marli Davies of Wentworth Falls. Crookwell. Barbara Ryan of Caringbah South was thinking along similar lines: When Mangrove Mountain was named, there must have been a huge flood.
Just over a decade ago, Elise Mountford was teaching a routine year 6 maths class when she asked one of her students to solve a simple equation.

He became so frustrated at not being able to do the task he knocked over a chair and stormed out of the room. That moment really hit home for me. This student had been at our school for years, but he didnt feel capable and wasnt engaged in learning, she recalls.

Teacher Elise Mountford with year 6 Charlestown South Public students. Credit: Rhett Whyman

Mountford was a teacher at Charlestown South Public at the time, a small public primary school in Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle.

The teachers knew something wasnt working. The school was underachieving and was targeted by the department for reading support. We were putting in huge effort, we cared so much, but it wasnt paying off, she says. We also had a school culture problem where students were disengaged.
A dramatic stoush has broken out between the University of NSW, Randwick Council and a renowned acting school over student housing, with councillors calling the university greedy and claiming there is no need for more student accommodation in the area.

UNSW lodged plans last year for 1066 student rooms on its land directly beside the light rail stop on Anzac Parade, opposite the universitys main entrance. They would be managed by student housing company Iglu.

A render of the revised 16-storey student housing development on Anzac Parade proposed by UNSW and Iglu.

It originally proposed five buildings, the tallest of which were to be 23 and 20 storeys, on a hectare-sized block that is now a car park next to the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Randwick Council oppose the project. In response to feedback from council and a state-run planning panel (which will ultimately decide on the proposal), UNSW reduced the buildings to 16 and 15 storeys, with 881 rooms.
The driver of a bus that crashed in the Brisbane CBD in March, killing pedestrian Tia Cameron, will be formally charged over her death.

In a statement late on Monday afternoon, Queensland police advised that the man was expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 26.

Following extensive investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit, a 70-year-old Underwood man has been issued a notice to appear on one count of careless driving causing death, the statement said.
Gangland boss and convicted murderer George Marrogi is taking legal action against the Victorian government for breaching his human rights in prison, even though he sprayed a guard with faeces and ran a $55 million drug empire from behind bars.

In court documents obtained by The Age, his lawyers claim prison authorities and the Department of Justice and Community Safety have breached Marrogis rights by depriving him of outdoor exercise and the ability to socialise with other inmates.

George Marrogi squirted liquid faeces from a honey bottle onto the face and body of a prison guard.

The leader of the Notorious Crime Family gang is serving 37 years behind bars for the 2016 murder of underworld figure Kadir Ors and a lucrative drug empire he was co-ordinating from inside a high-security prison with his girlfriends help.

Marrogi, who has amassed a long list of enemies in the underworld, has been in nearly 24-hour-a-day lockdown since he was first arrested for Ors murder.
A 28-year-old international student is still fighting for life at Royal Perth Hospital one week after being coward punched by a stranger at a fuel station, with friends and family desperately trying to raise funds to aid his recovery.

Sri Lankan-born Geeth Madushanka was randomly assaulted at the Nicolson Road BP in Langford about 10pm on May 25 while paying for fuel at the night counter.

Geeth Madushanka was studing in Perth from Sri Lanka when he was attacked. Credit: Facebook

Police allege he was pushed and then punched in the face by 30-year-old Cyril Benedict Garlett, before falling back and hitting his head on the concrete forecourt, rendering him unconscious.

Garlett was arrested after a member of the public followed him and provided police with information on his whereabouts.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten says he will use an appearance at a high-profile global summit to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to win the war in Ukraine as it would embolden autocrats around the world.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other senior ministers are unable to attend the event, Shorten will represent Australia at a Ukraine peace summit being held on July 15-16 in Switzerland.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten will represent Australia at a Ukraine peace summit. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

We are unwavering in our support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Vladimir Putins criminal and unforgivable war, Shorten said.

We may be a long way away, but our distance doesnt diminish our support for the struggle.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has accused Greens politicians of collaborating with violent pro-Palestine protesters and inciting attacks on Labor MPs offices that have led to public servants being injured, a claim rejected by the Greens as a false smear.

In fiery scenes at Senate estimates on Monday, Wong also accused Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of acting recklessly and undermining Australias efforts to convince China to abide by international law by calling for Australia to consider withdrawing from the International Criminal Court.

Wong later revealed the government would ban Israeli settlers regarded as extremist from receiving visas to travel to Australia, responding to a call first made by Labor MP Julian Hill in January.

Asked during the hearings about restrictions on extremist settlers travelling to Australia, Wong said: We will deny anyone identified as an extremist settler a visa to travel to Australia, which is in line with the approaches taken by like-minded countries.
New law courts for Melbournes booming western suburbs will sit empty after they are built this year because the state government has not provided the funding to run them.

Wyndham Law Courts, set to be the largest court complex outside the CBD, was allocated $272 million for construction in 2020. The facility, located in Werribee in the citys south-west, is on track to be completed later this year and was due to open in March 2025.

The Wyndham Law Courts construction site on Monday. The site is due for completion this year. Credit: Joe Armao

But documents seen by The Age show the opening date has been deferred because the latest state budget has not provided the operational funding to staff and run the facility, in a decision that has disappointed the areas residents. A new timeline, including the opening, will be set after further consultation.

A government source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the new law courts in Bendigo are open but not yet running at full capacity, including the drug courts.
The First Amendment guarantees free speech rights  even for Americans believed to be spreading foreign propaganda. But current and former intelligence officials say that Americans tolerance for information paid for by foreign actors has made disinformation one of the most critical threats to US democracy. Foreign support for ostensibly independent publications gives other countries deniability for disinformation as well as protection from internet platforms labelling the output as coming from state-sponsored outlets. Loading Reed is not the only Grayzone author to have worked for Russian outlets. Grayzone contributor and London journalist Mohamed Elmaazi wrote full-time for Sputnik between 2019 and 2021, he says on his LinkedIn profile. Regular Grayzone freelancer Jeremy Loffredo was full-time at RT in the same years, according to his LinkedIn. Neither responded to requests for comment. The payments to Reed documented in the hacked Press TV documents came before last year, when the Iranian outlet was singled out for US sanctions that went beyond the general ban on imports from and exports to Iran that was set by presidential executive order in 1995. But Press TVs parent, state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, was specially sanctioned in 2013, which attorneys said automatically barred transactions with subsidiaries without special permission.

Lawyers who deal regularly with Iran sanctions issues said American journalists who were paid by sanctioned Iranian media entities could be in legal jeopardy unless they had been granted waivers by the US Treasury Department. The US has granted some limited exceptions for state media employees sent to cover events in the country. Loading If you are exporting your services to an Iranian company, the answer is yes, lawyer Ali Herischi said in response to a question about potential liability. Every Iranian entity is sanctioned, and if there are specific sanctions, you definitely need a licence. Working for Sputnik theoretically might be covered by the Foreign Agent Registration Act, which generally requires anyone working as the agent of a foreign principal to register with the Justice Department if they intend to influence officials or the American public regarding US domestic or foreign policy or the political or public interests of a foreign government or foreign political party. But the statutes application to people working as journalists is unclear, with rare examples of attempted enforcement. Since 2017, the US Justice Department has required RT itself and some of its US business partners to register. Some top editors have also registered under the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

Beyond writing hundreds of articles for Sputnik, Reed went to occupied Ukraine as an international observer of the widely condemned, post-invasion referendums on whether residents wanted their territories to be annexed by Russia. He was quoted by Russian government news service Tass as saying: Everything Ive seen so far has been very transparent, very open. Loading While there is no evidence that Iran and Russia discussed their payments to Reed or others, the combination makes it harder to say which country is pushing for or rewarding any particular narrative. Russia has in the past paid freelancers who did not know where their salary was coming from. It is increasingly common for social media influencers to boost government-backed themes and content, as well as being boosted themselves for doing so. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute said recently that Russia and China probably had co-ordinated, ahead of a March election in the Solomon Islands, to spread misinformation in their official social accounts about a non-existent US plot for regime change, and in 2021 Russian and Chinese officials agreed to co-operate on a slew of media ventures, according to emails hacked from a Russian broadcaster in 2022. The initiative was led by Russias Ministry of Digital Development, Communication and Mass Media and Chinas National Radio and Television Administration.

Since then, Chinese channels have quoted Russian officials and often adopted Russias view of the Ukraine war. Chinese accounts even amplified false claims about US bioweapons research in Ukraine, which helped China point to possible American origins for COVID-19. Many foreign governments collectively view the West, and the US in particular, as a shared adversary, said Darren Linvill, a misinformation scholar at Clemson University. They share not only goals, but also tactics with one another. Parallel agendas shared by some non-Western governments makes attribution of responsibility for some disinformation more difficult than it would otherwise be. Grayzone does not disclose its financial backing. Little-known among most segments of the population, it has hundreds of thousands of followers on both YouTube and X, and its stories sometimes ricochet among both the far left and far right. X owner Elon Musk has helped that, corresponding on his platform last year with Grayzone personality Aaron Mate when Mate accused the investigative website, Bellingcat, of being a NATO front and said the White House had squelched talk of a negotiated settlement in Ukraine. Grayzone founder and editor Blumenthal appears on RT and attended the same 2015 Moscow gala dinner for it that Michael Flynn famously joined. More recently, he promoted the false theory that Russias bombing of a theatre full of refugees in Mariupol in 2022 was carried out by Ukraines forces.

Describing itself as an independent investigative news site, Grayzone has endured in part because it defies easy categorisation. Many of its articles strike a leftist tone, and its coverage has been positive toward Russia, Syria, and other authoritarian states. Like many sources suspected of misinformation and propaganda, Grayzone mixes falsehoods and misleading insinuation with truth. But it is unusual in that some of its leaders have worked in traditional journalism and that it produces some material incorporating significant research. Noa Argamani being driven away from the music festival in Israel by Hamas fighters on October 7. One such story devoted thousands of words to allege widespread Israeli attacks against its own citizens on October 7 while saying that Hamas treated hostages well and used clever tactics. That article by Blumenthal distorted the material from sources it cited, Israelis complained, conflating separate incidents to make it seem that troops repeatedly fired indiscriminately at Israelis near Hamas targets. Blumenthal previously contributed articles to The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. He is the son of Sidney Blumenthal, a journalist who became an adviser to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Mate previously worked at Al Jazeera.

Reeds LinkedIn page says he served as a Sputnik correspondent in Washington from 2019 until June 2023, without listing any other journalism experience. He has been identified as managing editor on Grayzones website since July. Press TV was added to the US Treasurys list of Specially Designated Nationals in September, when officials said that the government outlet has broadcast scores of forced confessions and derogatory programs about Iranian activists, in many cases broadcasting forced confessions before detainee trials. Press TV has also been used by Iranian intelligence services to recruit sensitive assets, including US persons. Reeds money had to be routed through third parties even though they preceded the Press TV sanctions because banking restrictions on transactions with Iran were already in place, the hacked emails show. In multiple exchanges during 2021, Reed told Press TVs finance department to send his payments via another man, Gamal Hassanein, though he provided his own account number at a bank in Ruther Glen, Virginia. Records refer to payments to Reed of $US3600 ($5400), $US1690, and 210, now worth about $US342. Hassanein did not respond to an email from The Post. The Press TV website identifies Reed as its correspondent in the US. His contributions include a commentary on Donald Trumps false claims of major election fraud in December 2020, an interview with a Press TV anchor about protests against police brutality in April 2021, and a two-minute video segment about past US support for the Iranian opposition group Mujahedin-e-Khalq in July 2021.
Like CNN legal analyst Elie Honig, she questioned the judges small donation to a pro-Biden, anti-Trump political operation. How would Democrats feel if it had been a MAGA donation? And she feels sorry for Barron Trump, the former presidents 18-year-old son. I couldnt get to sleep, she said. I was dreaming that I was in jail after a sham court trial. I was thinking that if they arrest me, Id be out of luck. My fathers dead, and two of my brothers are dead. Who else would save me? The man is surrounded by Secret Service. What will they do? Put him in a cell with four Secret Service guys around him? The authors sister, Peggy, speaking for the fans of Donald Trump after his criminal conviction Trumps line about how hes being martyred for us always seemed risible to me, but I guess it works with some people, even some people close to me. My sister is not MAGA; she voted for JFK in 1960, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Barack Obama in 2008 and wrote in Joe Bidens name in 2012. But she thinks Biden has declined significantly and should step aside for a fresh choice. Shes upset about paying more than $US100 for 10 items at the grocery store. And she is irked by the Democratic fervour to throw Trump in the clink.

They want to put him in jail three days before our convention? she asked. The man is surrounded by Secret Service. What will they do? Put him in a cell with four Secret Service guys around him? She thinks that Alexander Soros and other Democrats who want Biden to call Trump a convicted felon over and over should be careful, given that Hunter Biden, the presidents son, is going on trial in Wilmington, Delaware, on gun-related felony charges, including one that, as Trumps lackeys have said about his own charge, is a paperwork violation. Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, will face trial this week on gun charges. Credit: AP My brother, Kevin, said the moral of the story for Democrats was: Be careful what you wish for. This reminds me of Republicans celebrating when they impeached Bill Clinton, he said of Democratic glee over Trumps conviction, predicting that the farce, as he called it, would give Trump a bump as the Republicans pursuit of Clinton did for him.

The 12 jurors didnt even have the decency to stay out long enough to show they had really considered it, Kevin said. You want to talk about election interference, take a look at this. Unlike my siblings, I found the guilty verdicts bracing. A dozen Americans had finally sliced through Trumps reality distortion field and said, simply: Youre lying and cheating, and its not right. Even though the case was a stretch, and not the strongest one against Trump, there was something refreshing about the jury doing what no one else around Trump has been able to do; not the inexplicably sycophantish Republican lawmakers, not the corrupt Supreme Court, not the slowpoke Attorney-General, Merrick Garland. The jurors were not Trumps peers because Trump has no peer in mendacity. But it was great to see the 12 just say no, you dont slime your way into the presidency by having your creepy gofer pay off a porn star you slept with while your wife was home with a newborn and call it a legal expense.

As Chris Christie told David Axelrod on the Hacks on Tap podcast, it may be more instructive to watch how the verdict affects Trump than how the verdict affects voters. Even though Trump has been styling himself as Al Capone, who also got brought down over bookkeeping sleaze, he seemed rattled by the verdict. A lifetime of slipping away from accountability made him think he was invulnerable. Stormy Daniels had sex with Donald Trump in 2006. Credit: Getty Images When Trump took the stage near his gilded escalator on Friday morning, this time without Melania, who had stayed far away from the Stormy trial, he kicked off his revenge tour with a scream of consciousness, pulling out all his old tricks. He summoned his favourite boogeyman, immigrants with darker skin, saying: Millions and millions of people are flowing in from all parts of the world, not just South America, from Africa, from Asia, from the Middle East, and theyre coming in from jail and prisons, and theyre coming in from mental institutions and insane asylums.

He said young men were pouring over the border, including terrorists, from places unknown, from languages that we ... havent even heard of. He added: Its not like Spanish or French or Russian. Loading Migrants, he said, are taking over our luxury hotels and yet, our great veterans are living on the streets. For Trump, the thugs were not the ones who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021; the thugs were the lawmakers who investigated the attack. The master of Mar-a-Lago played the victim, saying the prosecutors were trying to destroy his life over a legal expense. Striking the martyr note, he said witnesses on his side were literally crucified.

Anyone who isnt a lickspittle must be cruelly belittled. Justice Juan M. Merchan is a crooked judge who looks like an angel, but hes really a devil. Its remarkable to watch the luminaries of law and order contort themselves to undermine Trumps conviction, dues for what Cohen called a dumpster cult. The party of law and order evidently doesnt like any law it didnt order. His puckered-up vice presidential wannabe J.D. Vance evaded Wolf Blitzers best efforts to have him disavow Trumps claim that we live in a fascist state, instead lamenting the effort to prosecute Trump for a paperwork violation. Speaker Mike Johnson called for the Supreme Court to jump in and reverse the verdict. Loading
PHILIPSBURG:--- Acting Prime Minister and Acting Minister of VROMI Veronica Jansen-Webster said, "Concerning the ongoing energy crisis impacting our island, at 4:01 PM, a complete blackout occurred at the GEBE power plant, marking a critical juncture in a series of unfortunate events that began with the failure of Engine 19 on May 5th."

This morning, the crisis escalated when a fire in the auxiliary boiler of Engine 9 caused additional outages, rendering Engines 8 and 9, along with the previously affected Engine 19, inoperative. This has resulted in a loss of 15 MW of electricity production capacity, severely impacting our electrical grid.

The GEBE team has been working relentlessly to manage this situation and has successfully restarted the plant with a small 1 MW generator. Efforts to reactivate additional engines are underway. However, with only seven engines currently operational and a peak demand of 57 MW, load shedding will be necessary in the near future, leading to temporary and rotating power outages across the island.

In response to the critical nature of the blackout, an emergency meeting of the Regionaal Platform Crisissamenwerking was convened by the Dutch Representation in Philipsburg at 5:30 PM today. The session aimed to assess the situation and explore immediate remedial actions. We are thankful for the solidarity shown by Curacao and Aruba, our partners in the Kingdom, who have pledged to send additional generators to aid us. This gesture, however, necessitates coordination with military forces for transport, a process that we are initiating this evening.

During these trying times, the Acting Prime Minister urges all citizens to demonstrate community spirit and mutual support. Those with generators are encouraged to share resources with neighbors, particularly to assist with preserving essential medications and baby supplies.

We regret the inconvenience and difficulties that this crisis has imposed on our community. Please be assured that every measure is being taken to restore full power to our island. We are determined and confident that together, we will overcome these challenges.

"The government appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation of all residents as we navigate through these difficulties," concluded deputy PM Jansen-Webster.
SIMPSON BAY: Successful multicultural entrepreneurs met again during a Caribbean Business Hub business event in the historic Curacao House, the Office of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague.

The room was completely filled, and among the attendees were lawyers, real estate agents, headhunters, transport companies, representatives of the Embassy of San Salvador, and the Ministry of the Interior, among others.

The sultry evening was opened by the chairman Nico de Visser of Caribbean Business Hub, the platform for ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs to see and seize opportunities in the Caribbean. He called on Chambers of Commerce, tourism organizations, and business associations of the islands to join CBH to jointly create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in Europe and the Caribbean.

The Minister Plenipotentiary, C. Manuel, as host, welcomed the attendees. He indicated that there are many opportunities in Curacao to do business successfully and that, especially now, is the time to step in.

This was followed by the Caribbean Turkish Business Tycoon Atilay Uslu, founder of Corendon, as keynote speaker. In a charismatic way, he expressed in all simplicity how he has shaped his vision for Corendon on Curacao and has built an empire there. He moved with his family to Curacao in 2023, where Corendon now owns a number of hotels. Opening the newest hotel in Curacao, The Rif at Mangrove Beach, was a huge challenge. Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort is one of the largest and most sustainable hotels in Curacao.

Curacao has become Corendon's fourth most popular destination after Turkey, Greece, and Spain. Uslu indicated that the number of tourists in Curacao is expected to grow to 600,000 in 2024, and that trend will continue in the coming years. Corendon is mainly focusing on the growth of tourists from North and South America and will significantly expand the number of flights to Curacao. Curacao is booming.

Robby Schouten, tour operator, entrepreneur, and television producer of Leu for Cas, has interviewed various entrepreneurs, including the board members of CBH. Corinne Hernandez-Croes and Lionel Martijn were able to talk about the opportunities that a platform like Caribbean Business Hub offers to ambitious professionals. Germaine Hernandez-Croes talked about their cosmetics house and the well-known cosmetics brand NQ Cosmetics.

As always, there was also a sufficient opportunity to catch up with each other as entrepreneurs and professionals and enjoy spicy Surinamese Javanese catering.

Next year, Caribbean Business Hub will celebrate its 10th anniversary, but first, the next business event will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Further information can be obtained on the website www.Caribbeanbusinesshub.nl
PHILIPSBURG:--- Starting from December 6, 2024, Air Caraibes, with its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-200, will launch a new direct service from Orly Airport (ORY) to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), said TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Monday.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) also said that Air Caraibes is offering a limited-time special promotional fare of 640 to celebrate the inauguration of the new route. This is an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers, said Minister Heyliger-Marten.

The Minister held an online (Teams) meeting with officials of Air Caraibes during which plans were finalized for the launch of the new service. According to the Minister, Air Caraibes has strategically planned a later departure time for this service to optimize connectivity for passengers, thus further cementing SXMs hub function.

The schedule adjustment aligns with the airlines interline agreements, enabling seamless connections for travelers from Europe and elsewhere.

Heyliger-Marten emphasized the importance of this new route in attracting travelers from key markets such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the broader Caribbean region. In line with this vision, Air Caraibes is set to acquire the ATR aircraft in 2025, with plans to include SXM in its expanded network.

This new direct service to Orly, Paris, offers enhanced connectivity for students, residents, and tourists alike, the Minister stated. Direct flights with optimal connections to the Netherlands and other European destinations will greatly benefit the traveling public, she added.

The recent discontinuation of direct service by another airline from Guadeloupe presents an opportunity for St. Maarten to serve as a central hub for passengers traveling to the United States and Canada, noted Heyliger-Marten, stressing that the introduction of the fifth ATR aircraft by Air Caraibes will not compete with or diminish the market share of Grand Case Airport.

Next month, Minister Heyliger-Marten will engage in further discussions with Air Caraibes to explore the potential for establishing up to 12 weekly services to SXM.

The minister will also review the air service development and marketing budget of the Ministry, to ensure robust partnerships and effective utilization of resources that will support these initiatives. She will specifically look at the budget to identify joint marketing opportunities that will enhance the new routes viability and attractiveness.

For its part, Air Caraibes reaffirmed its strong partnership and joint venture with Winair, underscoring a commitment to collaborative growth in the region. Having previously served SXM, Air Caraibes said it looks forward to reinstating its services and contributing to the islands economic and tourism development.
SABA:--- During the afternoon of Saturday, June 1st, the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) conducted a scheduled alcohol check on the E.A. Johnson Road in Saba. During these checks, fifteen (15) drivers were checked for their alcohol consumption with a breathalyzer test. This test indicates whether the person has consumed more than the permitted amount of alcohol to operate a motor vehicle. The purpose of the alcohol check was to make Saba citizens aware of the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Of the 15 drivers who were checked, one person was warned because he had consumed more than the permitted amount of alcohol. In addition, this driver was informed of the legal consequences and informed of the procedure. The officers also checked the drivers' driver's license and insurance papers, which were all found to be in order.

The KPCN would like to remind everyone to consume alcohol in moderation when participating in traffic. This way, you avoid dangerous situations for yourself and others. Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a crime. If you know you are likely to consume more alcohol than allowed for driving a motor vehicle while out, make arrangements with another person who can get you home safely. Are you driving under the influence of alcohol? Then, you will receive a fine, a (temporary) disqualification from driving, a prison sentence, or a combination of these penalties. The level of punishment depends on the severity of the situation. Each driver is responsible for himself or herself, for the occupant, and for those around him or her. Forewarned is forearmed!

Burglary of business EUX

On Friday, The 31st of May, a burglary was reported at a business located on Theodore A.M. Pandt Boulevard in St. Eustatius. Unknown persons gained access to an office between Thursday, the 30th of May, around 3:20 PM and Friday, the 31th of May, around 9:20 AM and took a case containing a quantity of contact money. The investigation in this case is ongoing.
Airlines eye 'new frontier' of AI ahead of global summit



Dubai, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Airlines may not be replacing pilots with artificial intelligence anytime soon, but aviation industry experts say the new technology is already revolutionising the way they do business.

"Data and AI are fantastic levers for the aviation sector," said Julie Pozzi, the head of data science and AI at Air France-KLM, ahead of the 80th meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Dubai.

Airline executives will gather at the influential annual global airline summit in the United Arab Emirates on Monday for talks on the latest in the industry, including upcoming AI projects.

Aviation companies, long accustomed to thin profit margins, see AI as the newest way to boost productivity and gain a competitive edge.

AI is "undoubtedly a new frontier, in that it's an extraordinary acceleration of technology and capabilities," said Geoffrey Weston, the head consultant on the airline industry at US-based firm Bain & Company.

"When you have a lot of uncertainty... what AI is really helpful for is to hugely accelerate getting the right information to the right people as quickly as possible," he said.

Air France-KLM is doing this, with "more than 40 projects using generative artificial intelligence", which like the now-famous ChatGPT is meant to improve as it is being used.

Among the French-Dutch company's plans is a tool that responds to customers in 85 different languages to be installed on the tablets of Air France agents, and is scheduled for use in 2025 at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.



- 'Assisted intelligence -



The airport's operator, Groupe ADP, has also launched several AI initiatives in cooperation with startups -- including Allobrain, which uses voice recognition to answer phone calls to the airport.

It has reduced "the number of unanswered phone calls from 50 percent to 10 percent," said Alban Negret, the head of ADP's innovation division.

The airport operator hopes to streamline drop-off areas and shuttle rotations through the help of another subcontractor, Wintics, which specialises in extracting data from real-time surveillance images.

As air travel grows, reducing wait times is one of the industry's important challenges, according aerospace expert Jerome Bouchard.

"We have more and more passengers in increasingly constrained spaces, and we are still travelling as we did in the 1970s," said the consultant for Oliver Wyman's Transportation and Services practice.

"There is room for improvement," he added, referring to the potential of using facial recognition at airport security.

"But all this requires enormous coordination and data synchronisation" which is still lacking, according to Bouchard.

Modern aircraft, with their sophisticated self-diagnostic and control systems, are data factories that can be leveraged with AI, the experts say.

But when it comes to actually piloting the aircraft, they say there is no question about leaving it to algorithms.

In the end, "it is up to humans to take responsibility for decision-making," Thales CEO Patrice Caine said in March.

"Rather than artificial intelligence, I would speak of assisted intelligence, an intelligence that assists humans."

tq-mra/ico/ysm/ami

Air France-KLM

Aeroports de Paris
Microsoft to invest $3.2 bn in AI in Sweden



Stockholm, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Microsoft said Monday that it would invest 33.7 billion kronor ($3.2 billion) over two years in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Sweden, its biggest investment in the country.

The group will train 250,000 people by 2027 to boost AI knowledge and competence and also increase capacity at its three data centres in the country, it said.

"Microsoft's largest investment in our history in Sweden" would enable the Scandinavian country "to build world-leading AI data centre infrastructure," the company's president and vice chair Brad Smith said at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

"A big part of the reason we're able to do this is because of Sweden's forward-looking energy policy, the plentiful access to green energy, whether it's carbon-free energy or renewable energy," Smith said.

The US group has in recent months announced similar AI investments in other countries, including in France where it vowed to invest four billion euros ($4.3 billion), Japan where it announced a $2.9 billion AI push, and in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In Sweden, Microsoft will provide more than 20,000 graphic processing units (GPUs), needed for training AI models, and will boost capacity at its data centres in Sandviken, Gavle and Staffanstorp.

"AI is a catalyst for many things," Kristersson said. "It will also help accelerate development in other areas. This huge investment in Sweden has the potential to pave the way for other investments."

Data centres, which crunch and stock vast amounts of data, require large amounts of electricity and water, accounting for about two percent of global electricity consumption, according to a study by the HEC Montreal business school.

In 2020, Microsoft said it aimed to become "carbon negative" by 2030, but in 2023 its emissions rose by 30 percent, its data showed.



- 'Rise in Russian deepfakes' -



Asked about the risks and abuses associated with artificial intelligence, Smith said Microsoft was monitoring AI-generated deepfakes "very closely".

"Our biggest concern, to be honest, is about the Russian government," he said. "We've seen an increase in Russian activity using deepfakes."

"This is the kind of danger for the future that we need to address and protect against, and that's going to require more work."

He said it would require governments to introduce new legislation, as well as new capabilities in the tech sector.

"Fundamentally, it requires the use of AI to defend against abuses that others are advancing with AI," Smith said.

AI technology, which is expected to transform nearly every aspect of human life in the coming years, took a huge leap forward with the 2022 launch of the generative tool ChatGPT, which can create texts, images and audio files upon demand.

nzg-ef/po/js




European powers seek to censure Iran at UN nuclear meeting



Vienna, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Britain, France and Germany will seek to censure Iran over its lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog at its board meeting from Monday despite US opposition, diplomats told AFP.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tehran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to 60 percent, while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles.

That is approaching the enrichment levels of 90 percent needed for atomic weapons. It is also well above the authorised 3.67 percent used for nuclear power stations.

Iran has always denied wanting to acquire a nuclear weapon, but the rapid expansion of its nuclear programme has no "credible civilian justification", said one diplomat who asked not to be named.

Diplomats told AFP that submitting a motion against Iran at the Vienna meeting was driven by an "urgency to react to the gravity of the situation".

The planned resolution comes after the IAEA board passed the last one of its kind in November 2022.

Even though Iran continued to significantly ramp up its nuclear programme since then, the IAEA's board has refrained from a censure.

At the last board meeting in March, European powers decided to shelve their plans to confront Iran due to a lack of support from Washington.

The United States denies it is hampering European efforts to hold Tehran accountable but fears a censure could aggravate Middle East tensions ahead of presidential elections in November, diplomats say.



- 'Essential and urgent' -



Cooperation between Iran and the IAEA has severely deteriorated in recent years, with the UN nuclear watchdog struggling for assurances that Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful.

Diplomats say maintaining the current policy of inaction amid Iran's escalation is no longer tenable and the US position could change ahead of the vote scheduled for later this week.

In May, IAEA head Rafael Grossi visited Iran in a bid to improve cooperation, calling for "concrete results... soon".

In the meantime, the death of Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month has put negotiations on hold.

Diplomats, however, suggest Iran is using the accident as an excuse to stall.

The draft resolution obtained by AFP covers all the points of contention.

The confidential draft says it is "essential and urgent" that Tehran provides "technically credible explanations" for the presence of uranium particles found at two undeclared locations in Iran.

Furthermore, Iran has to "reverse its withdrawal of the designations of several experienced Agency inspectors", and "without delay" reconnect the cameras used to monitor nuclear activities.

The draft also notes the "concerns" surrounding "recent public statements made in Iran... regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and possible changes to Iran's nuclear doctrine".



- 'Wider impasse' -



Iran has gradually broken away from its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal it struck with the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The landmark deal provided Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme.

But it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States under then-president Donald Trump in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.

"The US has reportedly been hesitant to endorse a resolution because Tehran has previously tended to double down on the very activities that are prompting censure," Naysan Rafati, an Iran analyst at the Crisis Group, told AFP.

But Washington "will also be reluctant to publicly break with its European allies", he added.

"A showdown at the board reflects a wider impasse over Iran's nuclear activity, with little diplomatic activity but increasing concern over a programme that continues to expand in scale under limited international oversight," Rafati said.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to the international organisations in Vienna, wrote on X on Sunday that the IAEA board meeting was likely to become a turbulent one.

Ulyanov wrote he hopes an "anti-Iranian resolution" will not be tabled, since it risks "seriously deteriorating the situation".

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Seoul to fully suspend inter-Korean military deal over balloons



Seoul, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Seoul will fully suspend a 2018 tension-reducing military deal with nuclear-armed North Korea, the South's National Security Council said Monday, after Pyongyang sent hundreds of trash-filled balloons across the border.

Seoul partially suspended the agreement last year after the North put a spy satellite into orbit, but the NSC said it would tell the cabinet "to suspend the entire effect of the 'September 19 Military Agreement' until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored".

In the last week, Pyongyang has sent nearly a thousand balloons carrying garbage including cigarette butts and likely manure into the South, in what it says was retaliation for missives bearing anti-regime propaganda organised by activists in the South.

South Korea has called the latest provocation from its neighbour "irrational" and "low-class" but, unlike the spate of recent ballistic missile launches, the trash campaign does not violate UN sanctions on Kim Jong Un's isolated government.

The North called off the balloon bombardment Sunday, saying it had been an effective countermeasure -- but warning that more could come if needed.

The 2018 military deal, signed during a period of warmer ties between the two countries which remain technically at war, aims to reduce tensions on the peninsula and avoid an accidental escalation, especially along the heavily fortified border.

But after Seoul partially suspended the agreement in November last year to protest Pyongyang's successful spy satellite launch, the North said it would no longer honour the deal at all.

As a result, Seoul's NSC said the deal was "virtually null and void due to North Korea's de facto declaration of abandonment", anyway, but that abiding by the remainder of it was disadvantaging the South in terms of their ability to respond to threats like the balloons.

Respecting the agreement "is causing significant issues in our military's readiness posture, especially in the context of a series of recent provocations by North Korea that pose real damage and threats to our citizens", it said.

The move will allow "military training in the areas around the Military Demarcation Line", it said, and also enable "more sufficient and immediate responses to North Korean provocations", it added.

The decision will need to be approved by a cabinet meeting set for Tuesday before it takes effect.

Ties between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with diplomacy long stalled and Kim Jong Un ramping up his weapons testing and development, while the South draws closer to major security ally Washington.



- Block the balloons? -



Seoul's decision to jettison the 2018 tension-reducing deal shows "that it will not tolerate trash balloons coming across the border, considering international norms and the terms of the truce", said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

"However, it could further provoke Pyongyang when it is impossible to physically block the balloons drifting southwards in the air," he said.

"The safety of the citizens cannot be guaranteed with such actions while it can wait for the situation to cool down and seek ways to resolve it."

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the balloons were not found to contain hazardous materials, but had been landing in northern provinces, including the capital Seoul and the adjacent area of Gyeonggi, which are collectively home to nearly half of South Korea's population.

South Korean officials have also said Seoul would not rule out responding to the balloons by resuming loudspeaker propaganda campaigns along the border with North Korea.

In the past, South Korea has broadcast anti-Kim propaganda into the North, which infuriates Pyongyang, with experts warning a resumption could even lead to skirmishes along the border.
Bosnia ammunition exports rise sharply, US a top buyer



Sarajevo, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Bosnia's arms exports nearly doubled in the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2023, official data showed Monday, with the United States reportedly a top destination.

Shipments amounted to 133 million convertible marks ($74 millions) or nearly 98 percent more compared with the same period in 2023, according to the national statistics agency figures.

The agency did not specify on the type of weapons and ammunition.

Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez recently praised what he called the "expansion of the weapons industry" in the country.

He said local factories manufactured ammunition including "rockets and shells" that are exported "across the world, from the United States to the Middle East and the countries of the European Union".

Local media reported that the increase related notably to ammunition exports to the United States and Slovakia, but also to Bulgaria and neighbouring Serbia.

In 2023, Bosnia's weapons and ammunition exports totalled 163 million euros, a 26 percent increase from the previous year.

The increase coincides with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, although the Balkan nation does not have a sales contract with Ukraine.

However, several local media have recently reported that some of the ammunition is ending up on the Ukrainian front.

On Sunday, Bosnian Serb political leader Milorad Dodik, a Kremlin ally, was quoted by RTRS television as saying that his entity was preventing "direct exports" of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.

During a summit in February in the Albanian capital, Tirana, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the urgent delivery of arms and ammunition to his country and spoke of his government's wish to organise an "Ukrainian-Balkan forum on the defense industry".

Bosnia's arms and ammunition factories were founded when the country was part of communist Yugoslavia.

According to experts, Bosnia supplied half of the former federation's military capacities.
Russian women protest against draft outside defence ministry



Moscow, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



A group of women knelt outside the Russian defence ministry in Moscow on Monday, demanding the return of partners drafted to fight in Ukraine.

Around 15 women, some with small children, assembled outside the building holding up hand-written placards saying "Bring my mobilised husband home" and posting images of themselves on social media.

The protest took place after Russia branded the organisation "Put Domoy" (The Way Home) -- a movement to bring back men mobilised in the wake of a September 2022 draft -- a "foreign agent" last week.

The women, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP they were not part of Put Domoy and were relatives of men fighting in Ukraine.

They held the protest without inviting the media, after journalists were arrested at previous protests organised by Put Domoy.

Paulina, one of the protesters, said the women were "angered" that Put Domoy and one of its leaders -- Maria Andreyeva -- were labelled foreign agents.

"It was scary (to protest) of course. But when they start calling wives 'foreign agents', then there is no other choice," she told AFP.

"The wives and mothers of mobilised (men) are tired," Paulina said.

A ministry spokesman came out to meet the women, in a highly unusual move as Russian authorities almost never engage with protesters.

Paulina posted an audio file of the unnamed spokesman's conversation with the women.

He said he could not bring back their relatives "because the decision of mobilisation was the president's, the commander-in-chief's."

"I will give you a military-political piece of information... The state that we are bordering, called Ukraine, has created a security threat to a country called Russia," he said.

Asked if his relatives were also in Ukraine, he said: "My son is there, fighting severely wounded, with a prosthetic leg, any more questions?"

He accused the women of wanting to create a show for "opposition" media, to which the women replied in chorus: "Our husbands are fighting!"



- 'Political decision' -



Several women came with young children in buggies and one held a small baby in her arms.

They dispersed due to heavy rain.

Maria, another woman whose boyfriend was mobilised, said the protest went "not badly", saying at least they were "noticed."

"We do not intend to give up. It's possible that we will have to come out again," she added.

She said she was "more scared than normal" to join the protest after Put Domoy was labelled a foreign agent, denouncing it as a "political decision."

Maria said "many women now don't want to associate themselves with this movement... We are just wives, mothers, sisters of mobilised."

Russia had previously allowed Put Domoy to stage protests in central Moscow, seemingly unwilling to antagonise relatives of men fighting in Ukraine.

But its branding of the women as a "foreign agent" -- a label it uses to stigmatise Kremlin critics -- indicated a likely change in tactic.

The Kremlin's 2022 mobilisation drive was unpopular and provoked a mass exodus of men from the country.
European powers submit Iran censure motion to IAEA board



Vienna, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Britain, France and Germany late on Monday submitted a resolution to the UN nuclear watchdog's board, censuring Iran over its lack of cooperation with the agency despite US opposition, two diplomats said.

It was the latest of numerous diplomatic manoeuvres by Western powers who fear Iran might be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon -- a claim the Islamic Republic has always denied.

"The text has been formally tabled," one diplomatic source told AFP, with a second confirming the information.

The move to submit a motion against Iran was driven by an "urgency to react to the gravity of the situation", diplomats told AFP earlier.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60 percent, while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles.

Uranium enriched to 60 percent is close to the levels of 90 percent needed for atomic weapons and well above the 3.67 percent used for nuclear power stations.

The board of governors passed the last such resolution criticising Iran in November 2022, prompting Tehran to retaliate by stepping up its uranium enrichment activities.

At the opening of the meeting on Monday, IAEA head Rafael Grossi reiterated his concerns, saying: "It's unacceptable to talk about nuclear weapons, as some people do in Iran."

Referring to the limited oversight the agency now has on Tehran's nuclear programme, Grossi warned that the current "knowledge gap... is making it very difficult to go back to diplomacy".

At the last board meeting in March, European powers shelved their plans to confront Iran due to a lack of support from Washington.

The United States denies it is hampering European efforts to hold Tehran accountable but fears a censure could aggravate Middle East tensions ahead of US presidential elections in November, diplomats say.



- 'Essential and urgent' -



Cooperation between Iran and the IAEA has severely deteriorated in recent years, with the UN nuclear watchdog struggling for assurances that Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful.

Diplomats say maintaining the current policy of inaction amid Iran's escalation is no longer tenable and the US position could change ahead of the IEAE vote scheduled for later this week.

In May, Grossi visited Iran in a bid to improve cooperation, calling for "concrete results... soon".

In the meantime, the death of Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month has put negotiations on hold, with diplomats suggesting Tehran was using the accident as an excuse to stall.

Grossi on Monday however rejected that claim, saying the pause was "not part of any delaying tactic" by Iran.

He added he was ready to "sit down with the new authorities" after Iran's presidential election on June 28.

The draft resolution obtained by AFP says it is "essential and urgent" that Tehran provides "technically credible explanations" for the presence of uranium particles found at two undeclared locations in Iran.

Furthermore, Iran has to "reverse its withdrawal of the designations of several experienced Agency inspectors", and "without delay" reconnect the cameras used to monitor nuclear activities.

The draft also notes the "concerns" surrounding "recent public statements made in Iran... regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and possible changes to Iran's nuclear doctrine".



- 'Serious and effective response' -



Iran has gradually broken away from its commitments under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015.

The landmark deal provided Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme.

But it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States under then-president Donald Trump in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.

"A showdown at the board reflects a wider impasse over Iran, with little diplomatic activity but increasing concern over a programme that continues to expand in scale under limited international oversight," Naysan Rafati, an Iran analyst at the Crisis Group, told AFP.

Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned Saturday on X that if "some misguided European countries... adopt a hostile stance towards Iran... at the board, they will face a serious and effective response from our country".

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to the international organisations in Vienna, wrote on X on Sunday that tabling an "anti-Iranian resolution" could risk "seriously deteriorating the situation".

dt-anb-kym/rlp
The C-130 transport plane, loaded down with 40,000 pounds of ammunition, was about 50 miles from Da Nang when it took numerous hits to the left wing. Air Force Capt. John Nelson immediately shut down engine No. 1. But then engine No. 2 caught fire and he was forced to shut that one down, too. Sheer terror hit.

Just like with any accident, when things happen so fast, it seems like its already over before you know it, he said. After the left wing got shot off, I shifted to survival mode and was just trying to save the people on board and the aircraft if I could. I did not have time to be scared.

We had seven people on board and only five parachutes, so jumping was not an option. My only goal was to land safely on ground that wasnt in enemy territory, he said. We basically skidded down a 2,500-foot runway with two engines on fire while parts of the wing fell off.

Nelson spent two days in a field hospital while surgeons removed shrapnel from his right knee. His loadmaster on the flight suffered a broken neck, along with shrapnel in his neck and arm. The others were unharmed.

Two days later, Nelson was back to flying. For his efforts over Da Nang, he was awarded the Purple Heart. In all, Nelson logged 2,600 hours of combat flight during his two years in Vietnam. Nelson is most proud, however, of another award bestowed on him  the Distinguished Flying Cross, which he received for braving hostile ground fire and adverse weather to fly five combat sorties into high-risk airfields to deliver critically needed ammunition and aviation fuel to forces. The Air Force also recognized Nelson with five additional Air Medals for his service.

But Nelson doesnt like to talk much about his experience or awards from his war days.

I tend to focus on my friends and fellow pilots who didnt make it back, he said. They were the real heroes. I dont talk about being a hero. I was just doing my job.

And his job entailed flying anywhere from eight to 10 combat missions a day all over Vietnam, transporting troops, food, medevac doctors, wounded soldiers, fuel, milk and sometimes body bags. Workdays lasted 14 to 16 grueling hours and pilots rotated 28 in-country with three days back at the base in Taiwan.

Southeast Asia is really beautiful country, but 70% to 80% of the time it was covered in clouds and rain, he said. Wed take off, go above the clouds and land 30 minutes later all the way across the country. And we did that repeatedly, all day long.

Nelson, whose family hails from Missoula, Montana, graduated from high school there in 1962. After graduating from the University of Montana and marrying his high school sweetheart, Caryl Ann Burgess, Nelson entered the U.S. Air Force.

He attended advanced training at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma, with 55 other pilots (six of whom were later killed in action) and then survival school and weapons training at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee. He arrived at the Ching Chuan Kang Air base in Taiwan in 1968.

After completing his tour of Vietnam, Nelson was stationed in Texas at Laredo AFB for two years, where he taught new pilots.

These new pilots were in their early 20s, and we were 25 and 26 years old training them, he said. They thought we were the older guys, but we were all really just kids.

Nelson, who served a total of nine years, said the military gave him the discipline in his life that has made him a successful financial planner and real estate adviser. He and his family remained in Texas and currently reside in Lubbock.

Im very proud that I served in the military, he said. I think young people should have to do something like that, whether its as a member of the Army Reserve or in active duty. It provides one with an opportunity to listen and follow directions from people other than your parents, and how to get things done and feel good about it.

Nelson, to this day, still has his pilots license.

Stories of Honor is a series, sponsored by AARP, which salutes those who have served and still serve by showcasing 10 veterans across Montana. Stories of Honor are published between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

For more information, please visit aarp.org/mtvets.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
US-linked restaurants attacked in Baghdad: security sources



Baghdad, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Dozens of men attacked two restaurants in Baghdad on Monday including a KFC, security officials said, as calls grow to boycott US brands over Israel's war in Gaza.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Western-linked brands in Iraq that started last week.

A group of "30 men attacked" a branch of the US fast-food chain KFC and a Chilli House restaurant in Palestine Street, a security source said.

Security forces fired shots in the air to disperse the group before arresting at least two people, the official added.

The attack caused material damage but no injuries, a security source said.

Local media shared videos showing masked men smashing glass and furniture at the KFC branch.

In response, security forces have increased their deployment in neighbourhoods where US brands are located.

Early Thursday, two stun bombs exploded in front of a dealership of the US construction equipment company Caterpillar and the Cambridge Institute, which a resident identified as a likely Iraqi-owned language learning centre.

On May 26, a makeshift bomb was thrown at a KFC branch, causing minor damage. The next night, masked men broke into another branch, smashing glass.

The US ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, denounced Thursday several "attacks against US and international businesses" in Baghdad.

Iraq does not recognise Israel's statehood, and all of its political parties support the Palestinian cause.

Shortly before Monday's attack, Iraq's powerful pro-Iran Kataeb Hezbollah called to "boycott and expel" what they denounced as "spy" entities affiliated with "the occupation".

The group, which Washington considers a "terrorist" organisation, has repeatedly called for US troops to withdraw from Iraq.

Last month, influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr renewed his calls to close the US embassy in Baghdad "through diplomatic means without bloodshed", after an Israeli strike killed dozens of civilians in a camp in Gaza.

Since the war in Gaza started in October, a boycott movement spearheaded by pro-Palestinian activists has targeted major Western brands, such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

rh-cbg/rox



CATERPILLAR

Starbucks




Picking up right where the last episode left off, Cal's sister, Sedona, experienced a harrowing seizure at the Outpost. Luckily, Maggie was there to assist, and the tension was palpable as Cal insisted on taking Sedona to the hospital, only for her to refuse. Meghan Ory's portrayal of Sedona's seizure was nothing short of masterful, delivering a lifelike and emotionally charged performance.





The following day, Cal moved Sedona to his cabin, worried sick about her well-being. Their sibling dynamic was heartwarming yet fraught with underlying tension. Cal's confrontation with Sedona about her honesty revealed that this wasnt her first seizure, leading to the revelation that her condition might be what is called pseudo-seizuresstress-related episodes that the doctors have written off as psychological. Sedonas struggle became even more apparent when Maggie found her hallucinating about having bugs all over her, a distressing scene that Maggie handled with commendable calmness.





Truth and Consequences - SULLIVANS CROSSING. Pictured: Meghan Ory as Sedona Jones and Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones. Photo: Bell Media 2024. All Rights Reserved.





The subsequent discussions between Cal, Maggie, and Sedona about mental health and the potential hereditary links to Schizophrenia added layers to the characters backstories, making them all the more relatable. One of the episode's most touching moments came when Cal opened up to Maggie about his fear of inheriting his fathers Schizophrenia, a fear that has shaped his decision not to have children. This vulnerability and admission resonated with Maggie, who now had a better understanding of why Cal doesnt want to have a family. He does not want to put a child through what he went through with his father.





The concern for Sedona grew as Maggie ran a simple cognitive test, revealing troubling results that suggested inflammation in Sedonas brain. Sedona confided in her husband about her condition and decided it was best to return home to her family. She also agreed to follow up with the specialist Maggie recommended. Before leaving, Cal apologized for not being there for her while he was grieving the loss of his wife. They shared a touching moment, and Sedona pointed out that Cal is in love with Maggie. Cal admitted that while he does have feelings for Maggie, he believes he can't give her the family she wants. Sedona reassured him, saying he would make a great father. Her words struck a chord with Cal, prompting him to reach out to his mother, leaving her a message after such a long period of estrangement.





Truth and Consequences - SULLIVANS CROSSING. Pictured: Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones. Photo: Bell Media 2024. All Rights Reserved.





The introduction of Sedonas character offered viewers deeper insights into Cal's backstory, adding more complexity to his character and shedding light on his motivations and behaviour. Sedona was a fantastic addition to the mix this season, and hopefully it is not the last we've seen of her.





Meanwhile, the subplot involving Phoebe, Sully, and Maggie sharing a family breakfast offered a heartwarming respite from the episodes heavier themes. During the episode, Phoebe and Sully grew closer as they reminisced about the good times they once shared. Despite how their marriage ended, Phoebe genuinely felt happy at the Crossing. Being back made her realize that life in Boston with Walter didn't bring her the same joy. Sully and Phoebes kiss stirred up nostalgic feelings and questions about unresolved emotions, only to be complicated further by the arrival of Walter. Walters plea for forgiveness was met with mixed reactions, revealing the deep-seated wounds his actions have inflicted on the family.





The tension reached its peak when Phoebe decided to leave with Walter, leaving Maggie and Sully struggling with their emotions about her choice. Walter has always had control over Phoebe, and this moment was no different. Phoebe, much like Maggie, tends to let her head rule over her heart. Despite knowing that being with Walter doesn't make her happy, she returned to him because she believed it was the right thing to do. Earlier in the episode, Sully remarked on the similarities between Phoebe and Maggie, and he couldn't have been more accurate.





Truth and Consequences - SULLIVANS CROSSING. Pictured: Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan, Lynda Boyd as Phoebe Lancaster and Scott Patterson as Sully Sullivan. Photo: Bell Media 2024. All Rights Reserved.





The drama did not stop there. Edna and Frank's relationship remained strained over his rift with his family and his stubbornness continuing to stand in the way of making things right. Rob, however, did attempt to make things right with Jane, by apologizing for leaving her so abruptly the other night. He confessed his feelings for her and expressed his desire to keep seeing her. However, since she is the first woman he's dated since his wife's passing, he wants to take things much slower. This was a huge moment for Rob as being vulnerable with his feelings is difficult for him. He is afraid to take the leap but by extending an olive branch to Jane, he has allowed the door to remain open for a potential relationship at his own pace.





In New York for her first photo shoot, Sydney confronted her ex-manager and boyfriend, David. She exposed his manipulation and career sabotage. When David threatened her again, Sydney recorded it, prompting her new manager to kick him out. This empowered Sydney, allowing her to regain her confidence and reclaim her power. David no longer has any control over her, and now nothing can stop her.





The major drama occurred at the end of the episode, when the moment that has been brewing all season finally came to a head. Sully finally confronted his past by confessing to Lola about the accident that changed her life. Shocked and in disbelief, Lola insisted it couldnt be true, but Sully stood firm. Shattered, she told him she thought he loved her and she trusted him, but he lied. She stormed out, declaring that she never wanted to see him again. With this secret now revealed, the fallout is bound to affect everyone at the Crossing. The extent of the damage, particularly to Sully, remains uncertain. Sully will undoubtedly wrestle with guilt, but if Lola involves the law, the repercussions could be even more severe.





Truth and Consequences - SULLIVANS CROSSING. Pictured: Amalia Williamson as Lola Gunderson. Photo: Bell Media 2024. All Rights Reserved.





Overall, this episode of "Sullivan's Crossing" masterfully balanced intense drama with heartfelt moments, drawing viewers deeper into the complex lives of its characters. The performances were stellar across the board, with each actor bringing their A-game to portray the intricate emotions and relationships. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating series. Your turn, Sullivans Crossing fans! What are your thoughts on the episode? Did you enjoy getting to know Cals sister? Are you frustrated that Cal and Maggie havent found their way back together yet? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and as always, engage with me on Twitter (X) at @middleofcanada





CRISTINA ALMEIDA Cristina manages the site and reviews several shows. She is an Elementary School Counsellor by day and avid TV buff by night. True Crime, thrillers, dramas and dramedy's are her favourite genres. When she is not at work or managing SpoilerTV, she loves spending time with her two dogs, a Chihuahua Pug mix named Holly and Terrier mix named Penny. She also loves Travelling to visit family.

The latest episode of "Sullivan's Crossing" plunged viewers back into the gripping drama with an intensity that fans of the series have come to love. There were a lot of heavy themes at play during the hour, including Sully finally making his important confession to Lola. An event that is sure to leave ripple effects on everyone at the Crossing.
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And it would be big enough to propel Shein into the FTSE 100. If the firm was valued at 51 billion, it would put it in twelfth place on the main stock index. It would slot in just above the operator of the market itself, London Stock Exchange, and just under British American Tobacco.
My companion is right, of course: running into Irvine was one of the most fortunate collisions of my life. Its just that, for some reason, I cant help experiencing a sense of absurdity when mithering about a tepid lobster bisque or a hint of cork in the pinot grigio. Even before that head-butting incident in Liverpool, and a visit to the Terminus Nord in Paris where one member of staff threatened to call the police, my excursions as a restaurant reviewer had been intermittent and troubled. Ive had my moments: I wrote the first review for a national publication of the Stockport restaurant When the Light Gets In, which a few weeks later was discovered by another London-based writer who had chanced upon the most exciting food I have had in years and emerged starey-eyed [sic] and evangelical.
Commuters are being warned that trains running from Victoria will likely to take at least 60 minutes longer than usual and you may need to change trains to reach your destination.
The burglars were all under the influence of drugs and alcohol on the day of their horrendous crime, the court was told. Speaking on Monday about the number of robberies of individuals going unsolved, he said: These shocking figures show muggings are being effectively decriminalised by this Conservative Government, with far too many violent criminals let off the hook in London.
While Ukip failed to take any seats, the election nevertheless proved to be a turning point, with the party capitalising on the unpopularity of the austerity policies of the Tory-Lib Dem coalition to record a series of local council gains, culminating in the 2014 European elections where it topped the poll in the UK with the most seats and the biggest share of the popular vote.
In the first TV debate he will point out to viewers that in key seats across the country only the Scottish Conservatives can beat the sleaze-ridden SNP and switch the focus from independence to the issues that really matter.
During a campaign visit in Glasgow, he told the PA news agency: I dont want to see a repeat of the situations weve had here in Scotland such as the Isla Bryson scandal or the SNPs attempts to pass the Gender Recognition Reform Act, which were clearly very controversial, but also ultimately did not succeed because of the court case between the UK and Scottish governments.
Following a momentous display of trans allyship with our 2023 campaign and the recent parade, we are excited to continue fostering unity and advocating for equality across the capital. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our sponsors, artists, parade participants, LGBT+ communities, and our exceptional volunteers for being an integral part of Pride in London.
Mr Toon said once the team arrives in Rome he expects they will have some pizza and a couple of pints to celebrate their achievement before they face having to travel back to the UK in a fraction of the time it took to get there.
Then the following year, Liam even hinted at the possibility of joining the villa himself after getting in shape. During LadBible's Ask the Audience feature, when asked which reality TV show people would most like to see him in, Love Island ranked in the top three. He joked, "I ain't got the body for it. When I bring sexy back, when I get my s***t together, I'll be in there. Me and my missus watch it sometimes, but it's for kids, innit."
That same year, Stormzy was still talking about their breakup, saying it was probably the biggest catalyst for his growth as a person. Appearing on an episode of Louis Theroux Interviews... in October 2022, he shared: It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you. Thats probably the biggest loss a man can have, isnt it? Away from someone passing away, thats the biggest loss you can have.
The Bucharest-Baku and return direct flights are a dream come true and they mean a project that will round up two other initiatives that Romania and Azerbaijan are working on, namely the delivery of green energy and the creation of a transport corridor of general goods between Asia and Europe, through the Port of Constanta, Romania's ambassador to Azerbaijan Vasile Soare told the launching conference of Baku - Bucharest flights from the Henri Coanda International Airport.

"A direct flight to Romania, to me as an ambassador, is a dream that comes true today, in my third year in Baku, because this moment is rounding up our immeasurable efforts to strengthen the Romanian-Azerbaijani relationships. Since 2009, Romania has been the first country in the European Union to propose to Azerbaijan to promote relations to strategic partnership. Today, I see this moment of the first direct flight as the first physical link between Azerbaijan and Romania. In 2023, we were breaking the ice, creating through an inter-institutional effort, a corridor through which natural gas from Azerbaijan reached Romania. In a moment of crisis, Azerbaijan extended a hand to us. On April 1, the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilhan Aliyev, who extended a hand to us even when Romania was in crisis and needed gas, understood very well our request to create this direct link. It is certain that today we have this first physical connection between Romania and Azerbaijan (...) The discussion was on April 1, and the decision on April 8 and today we have the flight from Bucharest," Soare said.

He added that the launch of the route between Bucharest and Baku is a project that will round up two other major projects on which the two countries are working.

"In the coming period, we are trying to bring green energy from Azerbaijan, through Georgia, through the Black Sea, the so-called submarine cable, which will go to Constanta and from there on through Hungary, for the European market. Romania has energy, but others around us may have less and we can help them. Azerbaijan has the greatest potential, after the North Sea, for wind energy. Another project we are working on is the creation of a transport corridor between Asia and Europe, via Baku, for general goods that will come from Asia en route to Europe. Baku and Constanta have from God, from Allah, this purpose to be true bridgeheads in these transport corridors, as I said energy and transport, and now air. I am convinced that this flight will boost cultural, educational, business exchanges. First of all, this connection solves an extremely complicated problem (...) From this moment on, we will avoid prolonged, tiring and even expensive transit. In just three hours, with 300 euros round trip you can reach the Caucasus. I think it will be an offer for Romanian tourists to choose Baku for an ideal extended city break. Just go and see and Azerbaijan will conquer you, just as Azerbaijanis will come to discover Romania, with its tourist potential, but also to choose Bucharest as a hub to other destinations, other European capitals," Soare said.

The Bucharest Airports National Corporation (CNAB) organised on Monday a conference for launching the Baku - Bucharest - Baku flight route at the Henri Coanda International Airport.

The first flight on the new section is scheduled for June 3, 2024. The subsequent frequency will be twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, with the journey taking three hours.
Bucharest National Airports Company (CNAB) on Monday organises a conference to launch flight operations at Bucharest "Henri Coanda" International Airport on the Baku - Bucharest - Baku route.

According to the organisers, the first flight will take place on June 3, 2024, and the frequency will be two flights per week, on Mondays and Thursdays, the duration of a trip being three hours.

The inaugural event will take place at the Official Lounge of the "Henri Coanda" Bucharest International Airport, where the water salute can be watched and where a press conference will be held by representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines, the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Romania, the Embassy of Romania in Baku and CNAB.

Azerbaijan Airlines is an Azerbaijani airline founded in 1992, operating a variety of Airbus (A319-100, A320-200, A340-500), Boeing (B787-800, B757-200, B767-300, B787-800) and Embraer 190 aircraft to about 60 destinations in Europe and Asia.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) confirmed on Sunday evening, following information provided by the Italian authorities, the Romanian citizenship of the two people who died in the waters of the Natisone River, Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

"Further to the information previously transmitted on the disappearance of three persons in the waters of the Natisone River, Friuli Venezia Giulia region of the Italian Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that, on Sunday, the representatives of the Consulate General of Romania in Trieste were informed by the Italian authorities that the bodies of two of the three persons previously declared missing have been found and that the search for the third person is underway. Also, following the information transmitted by the Italian authorities, the MAE confirms the Romanian citizenship of the two deceased persons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys its condolences to the bereaved families," reads a press release sent to AGERPRES.

According to the source, the representatives of the consular office are in permanent dialogue with the local authorities in order to obtain information on the search operations for the third missing person, as well as with the families of the deceased Romanian citizens, being ready to provide consular assistance according to requests and competences.

MAE informs that Romanian citizens can request consular assistance at the telephone numbers of the Consulate General of Romania in Trieste: +39040411652, +390404528136, +39040416350, the calls being redirected to the Contact and Support Centre for Romanian Citizens Abroad and answered by the call centre operators on a permanent basis.

Also, Romanian citizens who are facing a difficult, special situation, of an emergency nature, have at their disposal the permanent telephone number of the consular office: +393408821688.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said on Sunday in Botosani that he is "getting closer to making a decision" on his comeback to Romanian politics and maybe a candidacy for the Romanian Presidency.

In Botosani to release the book "The battle for Romania's future. The thoughts of a Romanian at the top of NATO," Geoana was asked by the audience if he will run for president, and his answer was that he is getting closer and closer to making such a decision.

"I am getting closer and closer to a decision and I'm not hiding from you the fact that, by going to the country and talking to the Romanian diaspora so large and important, in a way I load myself with people's expectations, hopes and worries, but also I know well that I also have professional obligations at NATO and as long as I am at NATO I cannot make any announcement or take a decisive step. Because it would not be fair to the organisation I represent. My answer, which I hope will be an answer that will give you a bit of confidence, is that I am getting closer to the moment when I make a decision on my comeback to Romanian politics," said Geoana.
The Chamber of Deputies adopted on Monday the draft law empowering the Government to issue ordinances during the parliamentary recess, with 170 votes in favor, 60 votes against and two abstentions.

The draft law establishes the following regulatory areas for which the Government should be empowered to issue ordinances during the parliamentary recess: finance and economy; development, public works and administration; home affairs; work and social solidarity; health: transport and infrastructure; European investments and projects; culture; sport; prorogation or modification of certain deadlines stipulated in pieces of legislation with the force of law.

Representatives of the opposition - USR (Save Romania Union), AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) and Forta Dreptei (Force of the Right) criticized the project, saying they voted against it. USR MP Cristina Pruna argued, among other things, that fiscal changes must be made six months before they take effect, otherwise they will lead to fiscal instability.

The Chamber of Deputies is the decision-making body.
Health Minister Alexandru Rafila said on Monday in Bistrita that the regulations introduced for the prescription and release of antibiotics are starting to yield results in Romania, adding that the right to use such drugs has not been rescinded, but a reduction in infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria is being sought.

"It's starting to work really well; antibiotic use is starting to decrease. I want to make a clarification, I believe that people have not been well informed or have been misinformed by irresponsible people, who use for political purposes decisions that are in favour of the public health: there is no prohibition of the use antibiotics, but antibiotics must be used when they should, in the right quantities, only on doctor's prescription. And in fact, that's what we've done, it's happening absolutely all over the civilised world, where multidrug-resistant bacteria are fewer than in Romania. We expect that, with this measure, we will see in the coming years, not very many, a change in this public health problem, infections produced by multidrug-resistant bacteria, which unfortunately produce many victims," said Rafila.

The minister added that an accurate estimate of the current consumption of antibiotics can be made only at the end of the year, but he hopes that Romania will drop out of the top three European Union member states in terms of public antibiotic consumption.

Rafila visited on Monday the construction site of a new building of the Bistrita County Emergency Clinical Hospital, built on funds under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Here are some key retail and business openings and closings for the St. Louis area in May:

Openings

RESTAURANTS:

American Kolache, 521 West Highway 50, OFallon, IL 62269

With multiple locations around the St. Louis region, American Kolache hosted its grand opening in early May.

Clementines Naughty and Nice Creamery, 1637 South 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104

After being closed for months of renovation, this local ice cream chains location is back in business.

Good Company, 4317 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

From the people behind Good Ice, a local cocktail ice business, comes Good Company, a new cocktail bar in The Grove.

Maya, 106 East Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220

Maya sells fresh juices, fruit bowls, smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads and snow cones.

TIGER 88 Banhmi & Boba, 12055 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131

True to its name, this new Des Peres spot serves traditional Vietnamese sandwiches and a variety of bubble teas.

The Tipsy Keg, 516 West Front Street, Washington, MO 63090

The Tipsy Keg serves fried pickle spears, loaded nachos, biscuits and gravy, salads, sandwiches, short ribs and more.

Well Met Cafe, 4100 Shenandoah Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

This new Shaw eatery serves sandwiches and salads named after fictional characters, such as the Sarah Conner, a ham, bacon and brie sandwich with apricot jam, Dijon mustard and arugula.

RETAIL:

Dirty River Records, 913 North 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

Buy, sell and trade new and used vinyl at this new St. Charles record shop.

Groundbreaking Dezign Studio, 715 Lakepointe Centre Drive, OFallon, IL 62269

This salon offers hair maintenance, lash extensions, facials, waxing and more.

Hallmark Auctions and Consignments, 7915 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves, MO 63119

An online and live auction house, Hallmark Auctions hosted a ribbon cutting in May.

Magnolia Soap and Bath Company, 1413 West Highway 50 Suite A, OFallon, IL 62269

Known for its plant-based soap and beauty products, the new OFallon store sells laundry soap, candles, lotions, serums, shampoo bars and more.

Ollies Bargain Outlet, 301 Watson Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63126

The discount retailer opened its fourth St. Louis-area location this month. Other nearby Ollies stores can be found in Florissant, Ellisville and Granite City.

Toast and Table, 227 West 1st Street, OFallon, IL 62269

A kitchen supply store, Toast and Table sells cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools and gadgets, linens, gifts and more. The store will also soon offer hands-on cooking classes.

Vintique, 205 North Main Street, St Charles, MO 63301

Vintique, an antique and second-hand vendor store, hosted its grand opening this month.

Closings

RESTAURANTS:

Dave and Tonys Premium Burger Joint, 12766 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

After opening in 2011, the restaurant shared the immediate permanent closure in a Facebook post.

Kumbly Burger, 70 Front Street, Troy, MO 63379

Kumbly Burger was known for its loose meat burgers and plans to return as a food truck with a limited menu this fall.

The Original Crusoes, 3152 Osceola Street, St. Louis, MO 63111

This south city chicken place finally closed after announcing such plans on social media last year. However, the owner plans to open a new, similar restaurant in Bevo Mill.

Stella Blues, 3269 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, MO 63116

After a fire caused extensive damage at Stella Blues in Tower Grove South last month, the bar closed indefinitely.

The Wood Shack Soulard, 1731 South 7th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104

The sandwich shop and bar announced its closure in a social media post after operating for eight years.

If you know of business openings or closings, please email Post-Dispatch retail reporter Hannah Wyman at hwyman@post-dispatch.com.
ST. LOUIS  At least 17 people were shot in 10 incidents over three days here this past weekend, police said, a spasm of violence that pockmarked North Side neighborhoods, downtown and the southeast side.

Three of those shot had died as of midday Monday, police said.

Police Chief Robert Tracy said at a news conference Monday afternoon that his department is working to address the violence.

He said officers have seized 36 guns since Friday, including two taken when officers interrupted shooting between two vehicles in the Near North Riverfront neighborhood.

Our officers are out there, he said. Theyre doing the job.

Tracy said the shootings so far appeared unconnected. In a number of cases, the suspected shooters and victims knew each other, he said.

The hail of gunfire marked a violent start to June, the first of the summer months when the weather warms and cities nationwide  including St. Louis  traditionally see a significant uptick in crime. Still, the citys homicide count through Monday was one behind the tally at this time last year, when the city saw the fewest homicides in a decade. And Tracy said that as of May 26, crime was down 21% compared with the same time last year.

But the outbreak nonetheless left harrowing scenes across the city. A man was found bleeding out early Saturday morning on Washington Avenue downtown. Three men were shot Saturday night at South Fourth and Gratiot streets. Six more were shot Sunday night at a bar north of Fairground Park, a scene where police found more than 100 shell casings.

The incidents prompted quick responses from City Hall, police headquarters  and their critics.

Les Sterman and Dan Pistor, downtown residents and advocates for the neighborhood, put out a news release Sunday night blasting city leadership and ticking through media reports of six shootings in the area in the past two weeks.

This is a five-alarm crisis that demands immediate action, not press conferences, Sterman and Pistor wrote. The questionable crime is down narrative provides no comfort when confronted with this level of violence.

But 13 hours later, Tracy, the police chief, said the city is taking action, and its working.

He said that since Mayor Tishaura O. Jones appointed him chief last year, hes enforced a new, data-driven approach to management and deployment of resources, and that now, officers are finding themselves in the right places at the right times more often. He said hes made progress on hiring, bringing back 22 officers who left the department in previous years, even as overall staffing has lingered at some of the lowest levels in decades. He recited the drop in crime stats and last years homicide total, the lowest since 2014.

He said it will take time to change perceptions in the city after years of violence. People are skeptical of progress, he said, because they think it will be temporary.

We have to sustain it, he said. Thats when people start to believe.

Shortly afterward, Jones, who has staked part of her reelection campaign on reducing crime, put a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, with similar rhetoric. She also mentioned her investment in the new Office of Violence Prevention, which broadly seeks to fight crime with social services and community outreach.

Crime is down in St. Louis, but it is not where we want it, Jones said. We are headed in the right direction now, and we have to stay the course to make sure we reach our goal, which is a St. Louis where everyone feels safe.

Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who is challenging Jones for mayor next year, said a drop in crime statistics is great, but people arent feeling it. She pointed to the continued decline in population in recent years.

People are giving up on the city, she said. Until people feel safer, theyre not going to come back.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Prosecutors have filed more charges against a 17-year-old boy already accused of breaking into and damaging more than 35 cars over the course of a year.

Police say Juanell Carter broke the windows of dozens of cars when he was 16 between June 27, 2022, and June 19, 2023. Hes also accused of stealing some of the cars as well as purses, credit cards and guns.

Authorities on May 2 charged him with with 31 counts of first-degree damage to a motor vehicle, five felony counts of stealing a firearm, seven counts of stealing a motor vehicle, two counts of first-degree burglary and one count of felony stealing. On May 17 they charged him with an additional three counts of property damage and two counts of stealing.

Investigators in the most recent charges say Carter, along with three men, can be seen on surveillance footage breaking the windows of three cars parked at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel one year ago. Police said they stole several items from the cars.

Judge Jason Dodson certified Carter as an adult in the first case and said in court documents that the teen has a lengthy criminal history dating back to when the boy was 12.

The sheer volume of the offenses in such a short amount of time is astonishing, Dodson wrote in his judgment. Dodson also called the number of Carters referrals to juvenile court shocking.

Carter remained in custody on a $50,000 cash-only bond Monday.
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Were seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic team adapting the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) framework for Sweden. In collaboration with Stanford Universitys Natural Capital Project, you will estimate the value of ecosystem services at both national and regional levels to inform decision-makers. This role involves working with ecosystem data, using assessment models, and applying valuation methods. Based at Stockholm Resilience Centre, the position also includes research visits to Stanford. Ideal candidates will have expertise in ecosystem service valuation and ecological assessment methods.

See the full job description here and apply by 13 October 2024 >>
From the local to global, unjust and unsustainable development are maintained by rigid systems of power. Indeed, creating a fair, prosperous world that maintains and strengthens Earths life-support systems requires transformative changes.

At the same time, research on biosphere stewardship  the active shaping of development trajectories for social-ecological resilience and human well-being  is essential to identify and understand the diverse ways in which individuals and societies are able and empowered to act in concert with nature, and cases where transformations are necessary.

In this theme we combine the research around:

 biosphere stewardship, directing attention to human-nature relationships that nurture biodiversity and Earths life-support systems, emphasizing notions of care, learning and collaboration

 research on social-ecological transformations highlighting the importance of agency, resistance, innovation and imagination to guide profound and fundamental change.

Exploration of novel theories

Our research explores the kinds of knowledge systems, values, meanings, practices, behaviours, and governance arrangements that can contribute to the adaptive or transformative capacity to navigate towards fair and just sustainable futures.

Transformations and biosphere stewardship research are connected and interdependent, both guided by the analysis and understanding of goals of fair, just and sustainable futures  in all their complexity and diversity; and both rooted in the knowledge-action interface.

Research in this theme encourages exploration of novel theories, methods and philosophical perspectives for studying social-ecological systems and system-wide cascading effects of change in diverse contexts.

Research builds on transdisciplinary approaches for mobilizing and co-constructing knowledge with actors at multiple scales, and for understanding and facilitating transformative change towards sustainable futures.

This transdisciplinary orientation is interrogated through reflexive research on the role, influence and positionality of researchers as change makers and transformative space-makers, and relationships with other actors in the pursuit of meaningful change.
Hey Chicago and New York, North Dakota could use some of your immigrants.

A consultants report to the recently created North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration recommends the state target foreign-born workers living in immigrant-inundated cities to address the states workforce issues.

The possible solution was listed in a 100-page report recently published by the Department of Commerce, the North Dakota Monitor reported.

Other innovative workforce solutions identified include partnering with universities to retain eligible international students after graduation, and piloting partnerships to help bring registered nurses and other highly educated workers with H-1B visas to North Dakota.

Janna Pastir, workforce deputy director for Commerce, said in a statement the study will help develop goals and strategies for the Office of Legal Immigration, which the Legislature created in 2023.

We are proud of the thoughtful and comprehensive method being used to address this vital approach to integrating new Americans into our workforce and communities, Pastir said.

The report, by consultants Labor and Mobility Partners and Dalberg Advisors, recommends that North Dakota lean into its history as a welcoming state to alleviate labor shortages.

In 1915, 79% of all North Dakotans were either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants compared to 2022, when only 4.9% of the states population was foreign-born, the report said. North Dakota has the 12th-lowest immigrant share of its total population.

The report highlights, as of September 2023, North Dakota has 100 open job positions for every 30 unemployed residents. In total, the state has 26,000 open positions, which is a 50% increase since 2018, and holds one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country -- 1.9%.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, authored Senate Bill 2142, which established the Office of Legal Immigration. He said foreign-born workers are already filling some of the jobs across the health care and elder care industries, but more are needed.

They are the ones changing the bedpans ... and providing those services, Mathern said.

The lawmaker said hes been involved with refugee resettlement issues for almost 50 years dating back to the fall of Vietnam.

There are these people who want a peaceful life and they want to work and they want to raise their family, and weve got that space, weve got jobs and weve got opportunities, Mathern said. We have more capital than we have people to use the capital.

He also said the fight over creating the Office of Legal Immigration occurred in the Legislature already and now is the time to move forward with addressing the underlying issues.

I hope the fight is over and people are on board, Mathern said. I hope that now its more a matter of taking steps forward and its not a matter of rehashing the public policy that we need more people.

The report lists possible barriers for integrating and retaining more foreign-born workers, including overt discrimination, lack of access to public transit, lack of funding and language difficulties, among others.

The report also made recommendations to develop a grant program aimed at supporting eligible employers and community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, retain, and integrate new Americans in North Dakota, according to the grant program website.

The report suggests a budget request should be made by the office during the 2025 legislative session based on the initial findings and conversations with pilot grant recipients.
Dugongs are marine mammals that are closely related to manatees. (Pixabay)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  The Japanese government is ending its search for the dugong, an endangered cousin of the manatee, in waters off Okinawa where a controversial Marine Corps runway is under construction.

A committee of the Okinawa Defense Bureau decided May 21 that the long absence of the dugong from Oura Bay, where the government is building the runway from reclaimed land, means it is not likely to return, according to the meeting materials released on the bureaus website.

Fewer than 10 dugongs were left in the waters around Okinawa, according to a December 2019 report by The Japan Times.

Cries that experts attributed to dugongs were recorded in 2020, and Okinawa prefecture asked the bureau to expand its search in 2022 following the detection of dugong DNA in excrement, the materials said.

Starting in April 2020, the bureau added an expanded helicopter search, an additional surveillance ship and five additional underwater audio recording devices in Oura Bay. It also examined signs of seaweed feeding in the bay and set up three underwater cameras in the same area, according to the materials.

After years of searching without success, the bureau concluded the dugongs do not have a permanent residence in that area, and that additional measures are not required to mitigate or reduce the effects of construction vessels and the associated underwater noise on the dugong habitat, according to the document.

The dugong became not just an environmental concern but part of the rationale behind opposition to the Marine Corps runway under construction at Camp Schwab. The new airfield is meant to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma farther south on Okinawa.

Runway work resumed in January after the prefectural government lost a series of legal challenges to project design changes and construction permits.

Under Gov. Denny Tamaki, a firm opponent of the islands U.S. military presence, the prefecture also argued for halting the project on environmental grounds, citing a soft sea bottom, and the prospective harm to endangered coral reefs.

The prefectures legal fight kept Japanese courts busy but even the U.S. judicial system weighed in.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals turned back a challenge from U.S. environmentalists to the Defense Departments plans for the runway in May 2020. The lawsuit, filed in 2003 by the Center for Biological Diversity, U.S. and Japanese environmental groups and individuals, argued the Pentagon planned the airfield project without considering potential adverse effects on the dugong.
Seaman Kevon Grayson steers the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Philippine Sea on May 28, 2024. (Eric Stanton/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The Navy has implemented a new policy that will allow commanding officers to recommend certain sailors for advancement to help fill empty assignments, but the sailors must reenlist, the service announced Monday.

The policy, which took effect Saturday, allows eligible sailors to advance to the paygrades of E-5 or E-6 to fill vacant billets or ones that will become open in the next 18 months. Sailors must agree to reenlist and fulfill the tour requirements for the billet.

The effort, known as Command Advance to Position, or CA2P, is different from the services Meritorious Advancement Program, or MAP, which allows sailors to be promoted without agreeing to additional time in service. CA2P will replace MAP in the next two years, according to the Navy announcement.

Under the new policy, commanding officers can recommend a sailor by submitting a Manning Realignment Request, or MRR, on the career website, MyNavy Assignment, for those more than 12 months out from their projected rotation date.

If a sailor is less than 12 months away from the projected rotation date, commands can recommend the sailor for the new billet through an email request to the appropriate placement management coordinator.

To be eligible to be promoted to an E-5, one must have passed the most recent advancement exam and must have two years of cumulative sea duty. Those who have previously undergone the CA2P process to advance to E-5 must agree to an additional two years of service on top of the current tour length to become an E-6.

Sailors who are assigned to overseas tours will need to meet [Defense Department] requirements to be eligible for either the overseas tour extension incentives program or the consecutive overseas tour program, the service memo said.

Nuclear-trained sailors are not eligible for the new program, according to the announcement.
SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE, France  American military leaders past and present were on hand Monday to unveil a statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the heart of this small village in Normandy, nine miles from the World War II landing site at Utah Beach.

Residents in the region think of the former general and U.S. president fondly for ordering the D-Day invasion of France on June 6, 1944, when he served as the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.

The invasion went on to liberate Normandy and the rest of France from Nazi occupation and ultimately led to the Allied victory in World War II.

We live with Eisenhowers legacy today, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who serves as NATO supreme allied commander in Europe, said at the unveiling ceremony. (He) built trust across nations and truly forged an alliance.

From left, Mark Milley, retired general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, NATO supreme allied commander in Europe Gen. Christopher Cavoli and Susan Eisenhower help unveil a statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, Monday, June 3, 2024. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

At a 1943 conference, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill reaffirmed plans for a cross-channel assault into occupied France that was code-named Overlord.

When the two leaders told Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that the invasion would be possible within a year, Stalin insisted that a leader of the operation be named, according to the National Archives.

Eisenhower was assigned to the position in December 1943.

After months of preparation, which included a buildup of troops on the coast of southern England, Eisenhower ordered Operation Overlord to proceed on June 6.

He met with troops just before they set off to participate in the assault, including soldiers assigned to the Armys 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, who were expected to suffer significant casualties.

He deeply understood that the millions he commanded were actual people and not numbers, retired Army Col. Keith Nightingale said at Mondays ceremony. He was their leader more than their commander, and it made all the difference.

NATO supreme allied commander in Europe Gen. Christopher Cavoli speaks at a ceremony in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, Monday, June 3, 2024, where a statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower was unveiled. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes) Mark Milley, retired general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attends a ceremony in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Mixed units of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions quickly occupied Sainte-Mere-Eglise, making it among the first towns liberated by Allied forces.

Its part of the culture here. They still hug us as Americans 80 years later, American Legion national commander Daniel Seehafer said Monday. The Legion was the primary sponsor of the statue.

Respect here for Eisenhower, who already has two memorials dedicated to him in Normandys Bayeux and Tournier, continues to this day.

Hes very popular, said Normandy resident Danielle Duboscq, who was born days after the D-Day invasion.

Duboscq, who said she was at the ceremony to represent her late father, a member of the French resistance, was also at a ceremony in the nearby town of Carentan in 1954 that Eisenhower attended.

I saw him, but I didnt know who he was. I was 10 years old, Duboscq said, showing a black-and-white photo taken at the time.

U.S. soldiers attend a ceremony in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower on Monday, June 3, 2024. A paratrooper mannequin hangs from the church behind them to honor the paratroopers who helped liberate the town in 1944 under Eisenhowers leadership. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Eisenhowers great-granddaughter, Caroline de Carvalho, praised Sainte-Mere-Eglise at Mondays event.

You are a testament to all of us of the importance of preserving our memory of the Allied victory, de Carvalho said. May all of us gathered here today continue to serve as a bridge by learning from and retelling this story for generations to come.

The statue unveiling was one of numerous events happening in Normandy this week to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Retired Gen. John Nicholson, former commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were also in attendance.

(Eisenhower) fought this battle in order to create a better peace, Milley said. And his message to all of us today resonates as it did in 1944, and that message is two words: never again.
At the invitation of Vice President Han Zheng, Vice President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Geraldo Alckmin will pay an official visit to China from June 4 to 8.

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto will visit China from June 4 to 7.

CCTV: The Chinese side said publicly last week that it will not attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine organized by Switzerland. Does this mean China does not support Switzerland and Ukraine in holding this summit? Some believe that not attending the summit means not supporting peace and standing on the side of Russia in opposition to Ukraine. What is Chinas comment on this?

Mao Ning: China believes that all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. We have attached great importance to Switzerlands organizing the Summit on Peace in Ukraine from the very beginning and have been in close communication with Switzerland, Ukraine and other relevant parties on this. China has repeatedly stressed that the international peace conference needs to meet the three important elements, namely, recognition from both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans. As far as China is concerned, the meeting does not yet seem to meet these three elements and that is exactly why China would not be able to take part in the meeting. Let me stress that Chinas position on the peace conference is fair and just. Our position does not target any party and certainly not this particular summit. Chinas decision on participation is purely based on our assessment of the meeting itself, and we believe relevant parties can understand our position.

Whether one supports peace or not should not be judged by a particular country or on the basis of a particular meeting. China sincerely hopes that a peace conference will not turn into a platform used to create bloc confrontation. Not attending it does not mean not supporting peace. For certain countries, even if they do participate, they do not necessarily whole-heartedly want the conflict to stop. What matters is what kind of action that is being taken. What has happened shows that China has been most firmly and actively committed to promoting talks for peace. China has never sat idly by or fueled the flames, still less profiteered from the conflict. Instead, we have worked relentlessly for a ceasefire, and this has been highly commended by various parties, including Russia and Ukraine.

Xinhua News Agency: To follow up on the announcement of Brazils Vice President Geraldo Alckmins visit to China. Whats the program and Chinas expectation for the visit?

Mao Ning: During the official visit of Brazils Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to China, Vice President Han Zheng will have talks with him, and the two vice presidents will co-chair the 7th meeting of the China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee.

China and Brazil are both major developing countries and important emerging markets, and are each others comprehensive strategic partners. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee. China hopes that this visit will help further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen strategic communication, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields between the two sides for the sustained growth of our bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Beijing Youth Daily: A question on Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pintos visit to China. Whats the program of the visit and how does China view its current relations with Venezuela?

Mao Ning: China and Venezuela are all-weather strategic partners. Last September, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro paid a successful state visit to China. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Nicolas Maduro, bilateral relations have entered a new historical period. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Venezuela diplomatic ties. We welcome Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto to visit China and attend the events celebrating that anniversary. We hope and believe the visit will be a good opportunity to continue to implement the important common understandings reached between the two presidents, carry forward our traditional friendship and provide sustained driving force for our all-weather strategic partnership.

NOS: Last week, a Dutch marine ship passed through first the South China Sea then the Taiwan Strait as part of a bigger freedom of navigation exercise in the region. Is China aware of this transit through the Taiwan Strait? Have Chinese marine vessels for instance also monitored the ship? How does China view this passing?

Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities for the specifics. Let me say that China respects countries right to navigation in accordance with international law, but firmly opposes undermining Chinas sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. The Asia-Pacific is a shining example of peace and development. We hope countries outside the region will do things that are conducive to regional peace and stability, instead of making provocations and stirring up trouble for the peace and stability in the region.

China News Service: The US State Department Spokesperson announced new visa restrictions on officials of the Central Government and the Hong Kong SAR government in a statement released last week on the verdict issued by the Hong Kong court on some of those involved in the case of conspiring to commit subversion. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: The US has deliberately attacked the principle of One Country, Two Systems, smeared the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, irresponsibly commented on democracy and freedoms in Hong Kong, sought to meddle with Hong Kong SARs judicial matters and abused visa restrictions. Such moves blatantly interfere in Chinas internal affairs, and violate international law and basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes it.

Let me be clear, the so-called primary election organized by those involved in the case who are anti-China and sought to destabilize Hong Kong amounts to a serious challenge to the constitutional order in Hong Kong and endangers national security. Among the defendants involved in the case, 31 have already pleaded guilty. It is reasonable and lawful for the law enforcement and judicial authorities in the Hong Kong SAR to carry out their duties in accordance with the law and punish all acts that undermine national security. The central government firmly supports this.

I would like to stress that Hong Kong affairs are purely Chinas domestic affair that brooks no external interference. We urge the US to earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations. The US should not in any way meddle with Hong Kong affairs. If the US implements the visa restrictions on officials of the Central Government and the Hong Kong SAR government, China will take firm countermeasures.

BBC: Can you tell us anything more about this case of the alleged courting of spies in Britain by the UKs intelligence service MI6? There was a public announcement about this. Do you know anything about the case? Who the people are? Who they work for? Why MI6 might want to use these people as spies? Are we going to see any sort of response from the Chinese government in terms of retribution or something like that?

Mao Ning: Relevant authorities have released detailed information on the case you mentioned. I have nothing to add.

Dragon TV: On June 2, defense ministers of the US, Japan and the ROK held a trilateral meeting in Singapore and issued a joint press statement, in which they blamed China, saying they strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, opposed unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea, and stressed the importance of fully respecting international law including the freedom of navigation and overflight. The media note of the US-Japan-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue held in Washington on May 31 contains similar negative content on China. US Deputy Secretary of State Campbell claimed that they asked for China to weigh in on Pyongyang to ask them to refrain from the provocative actions and to accept the offers of dialogue that the US, Japan and the ROK have put on the table. What is Chinas comment on this?

Mao Ning: We noted this. The US, Japan and the ROK used their trilateral defense ministers meeting and trilateral vice foreign minister-level dialogue to advance the so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy, point fingers on the Taiwan question, grossly interfere in Chinas internal affairs, once again deliberately attack and vilify China on maritime issues and sow discord between China and neighboring countries. Such moves seriously violate basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes this.

First, China firmly opposes the practice of bloc politics, anything said or done to instigate or intensify tensions and undermine other countries strategic security and interests, and the attempt to form exclusive groupings in the Asia-Pacific. The US needs to act on its word that the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China and stop seeking selfish gains at the expense of other countries strategic security and the wellbeing of the people in the Asia-Pacific.

Second, the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and basic norm in international relations. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair that brooks no external interference. The biggest threat to cross-Strait peace now is the separatist activities of Taiwan independence forces and external connivance and support for them. If relevant countries truly care about cross-Strait peace and stability and want the world to be safe and prosperous, they should uphold the one-China principle, unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence separatist activities, and support Chinas reunification.

Third, China will always defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We are committed to properly settling bilateral maritime issues with countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation. That said, we firmly oppose countries outside the region meddling with and escalating the situation. In recent years, the US has been inciting and supporting certain countries in provoking China and infringing on Chinas sovereignty and maritime rights at sea, and frequently conducted joint military exercises and close-in reconnaissance with its allies in waters close to China, including the South China Sea, to flex muscles and intensify tensions in the region. This has become the biggest threat and challenge to regional peace and stability.

Fourth, Chinas basic position on the Korean Peninsula issue is consistent. 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. Resorting to military deterrence and imposing sanctions and pressure will only intensify differences and heighten tensions. We urge relevant parties to be prudent in words and deeds and refrain from fueling the tension in the Korean Peninsula which is already highly complex and challenging. We will continue to handle Korean Peninsula affairs based on their merits and our own position.

Shenzhen TV: Yesterday, Chinas Change-6 touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon, which has received international attention. Head of the European Space Agency Josef Aschbacher commented that its a wonderful accomplishment that ESA is thankful and proud to have a part in. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: On June 2, about one month after its launch on May 3, Change-6 successfully landed at the designated landing area on the far side of the moon. It is there to collect lunar soil and rock samples, and conduct scientific exploration, and has gained valuable video footage and data. The mission also carries international payloads from the European Space Agency, France, Italy, and Pakistan for joint scientific exploration. This is a historic step in Chinas space exploration and, more importantly, a step of the peaceful use of space in human history.

Understanding and exploring the universe is humanitys shared aspiration and the peaceful use of space will improve the well-being of all. We stand ready to deepen international space exchanges and cooperation, share development fruits with other countries, and unravel the mysteries of the universe on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use and inclusive development. We look forward to the safe return of the Change-6 probe with its collection from the lunar trove.

Bloomberg: I just want to follow up on the question on Ukraine. President Zelenskyy when he was in Singapore said that Russia is doing everything it can to disrupt the upcoming peace conference by using Chinese influence and Chinese diplomats. What is your view on these comments?

Mao Ning: Just now I shared Chinas position on Switzerlands hosting the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine. We have attached great importance to the meeting from the very beginning and have been in close communication with Switzerland, Ukraine and other relevant parties on this. I noted that the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland acknowledged this publicly on May 31. I want to say that Chinas position is open, transparent, fair and just. We believe relevant parties can understand and support our position.

Since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis, China has maintained communication and cooperation with Ukraine. China is still Ukraines largest trading partner. Our Embassy in Ukraine continues to function normally. China values its strategic partnership with Ukraine.

Beijing Daily: The Congress of Peru adopted a decision with 108 votes in favor and zero against on May 29, announcing that it will designate February 1 of every year as the Peru-China Fraternity Day. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: China and Peru are good friends who treat each other with sincerity and mutual trust and good partners seeking common development. The Congress of Peru has voted almost unanimously in favor to designate February 1 of every year as the Peru-China Fraternity Day. This fully shows that Peru values its relations with China, that the friendship between China and Peru is deep-rooted in the people, and that the China-Peru relations enjoy a solid public foundation and have enormous potential and promising prospect for further growth. China stands ready to work with Peru for more outcomes of the comprehensive strategic partnership and more benefit to the two peoples.

Anadolu Agency: Mr. Zelenskyy implied that Chinese diplomats were pressuring the third countries and trying to dissuade them from participating in the summit. Is that true?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the peace conference is fair and just. Our position does not target any party and certainly not this particular summit organized by Switzerland. Hegemonism and power politics are not Chinas diplomatic style. There is no such thing as China pressuring other countries.

Al Jazeera: According to Iranian media reports, Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Iran to protest against the joint statement issued by China and the UAE regarding the disputed islands between Iran and the UAE. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the issue of the three islands is consistent. We call on parties concerned to resolve differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation. The joint statement between China and the UAE is consistent with Chinas position on this issue. China-Iran relations are solid. We value our comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran.

Bloomberg: On May 14, your colleague said that all accusations of spying by China are groundless and unacceptable vilification. Today, the Ministry of State Security obviously posted about two people that have been found spying for the British. So to confirm your position: the Chinese government has never spied on the UK but the Chinese government is now accusing the UK of spying on China. Is that correct?

Mao Ning: We oppose hyping up the so-called China spying to smear China. On the case that you mentioned, Chinas competent authorities have released information.

Bloomberg: To follow up, so you are saying that the British case announced in May is groundless, but there are grounds for this case. Is that your statement or there has never been any spying? Can you confirm that there has never been any spying by China on the UK?

Mao Ning: My colleague shared Chinas position on the case you mentioned in May. What happened is very clear. The UKs arbitrary arrest of and charge against relevant Chinese citizens is a pure hype of the so-called China spying and vilification of China. On the case that relevant Chinese authorities unveiled today, I do not have details to add. But let me stress that China is a country under the rule of law. Any officially released information is supported by facts.

Bloomberg: There was a Chinese influencer on a Chinese social media platform who posted over the weekend an indecent video of himself at the gate of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. What is the position of the Foreign Ministry on how Chinese citizens should act when they are overseas?

Mao Ning: I noted the report. Let me stress that the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists war of aggression against other countries. Japan needs to earnestly honor its word on facing squarely and reflecting on the history of aggression, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the world through concrete actions. That said, I would like to again remind Chinese nationals overseas to observe local laws and regulations and express their grievance and sentiments in a rational way.

AFP: According to the Financial Times, Beijing has unreasonable demands on price and supply levels about a Russia-China gas pipeline called Power of Siberia 2. Is the deal between Beijing and Moscow stuck as the report suggests?

Mao Ning: The presidents of China and Russia agreed to look for areas where our interests converge, deepen the integration of interests, and enable each others success. We stand ready to work with Russia to deliver on important common understandings reached between our two leaders and deepen our all-round cooperation of mutual benefit.

Al Jazeera: According to Chinas Foreign Ministry, Turkiyes Foreign Minister arrived in China today for a three-day visit. What are on the agenda of his talks with the Chinese side? Will they talk about the war in Gaza, the Ukraine war and other international hotspot issues?

Mao Ning: The two sides will exchange views on issues of mutual concern. China will release timely details about the visit. Please stay tuned.

Reuters: This is regarding what Ukraine President Zelenskyy said at the Shangri-La Dialogue over the weekend as well. According to reports, President Zelenskyy said that there are elements that are part of Russias weaponry that come from China. How does China respond to these remarks?

Mao Ning: China is not a creator of or a party to the Ukraine crisis. We are committed to promoting talks for peace. China does not provide weapons to the parties to the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, which is widely applauded by the international community. Our normal trade with Russia is done aboveboard. Its consistent with WTO rules and market principles, and does not target any third party.

I noted that there are statistics which show that over 60 percent of Russias imports of weapon components and dual-use articles come from the US and other Western countries. President Zelenskyy himself also mentioned this in his remarks.
North Dakotas veteran community is faced with numerous barriers to healthcare. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing cuts for emergency air medical services. The VAs proposal would force air ambulance bases to close, causing devastating loss of critical medical care for Veterans, particularly in rural communities. In a state like North Dakota, where there are long distances between hospitals, this is a matter of life and death.

However, the bipartisan VA Emergency Transportation Access Act, of which U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer is a cosponsor, would force VA to assess the impacts, consult with Veterans and medical providers before proceeding, ensure the reimbursement rates for air medical service reflect the actual cost of transporting patients.

These air ambulance transports take place within what doctors call the golden hour, the first window after a traumatic injury when the right kind of medical care can lead to vastly better patient outcomes. Without the high level of care provided by air ambulances, the lives of Veterans and rural Americans are at risk, including many in North Dakota.

We want to thank Senator Cramer for being a voice for Veterans and supporting the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act. We urge the rest of the North Dakota Congressional delegation to support this bill to ensure Veterans can access this critical care.

PJ Amartey, Washington D.C.

Spokesperson, Save Our Air Medical Resources
A U.S. airstrike killed three Islamic State group fighters in Somalia on May 31, 2024, U.S. Africa Command said in a statement released June 1. (U.S. Africa Command)

STUTTGART, Germany  A recent U.S. airstrike killed three Islamic State group fighters in Somalia, the first such publicly announced attack against the militant group in the country in four years.

The strike on Friday was carried out in coordination with the government of Somalia and happened in a remote part of the countrys northeast, the Stuttgart-based U.S. Africa Command said in a statement Saturday.

ISIS Somalia is an offshoot of the groups main branch, which continues to operate in Iraq and Syria. The organization has maintained a small but persistent presence in Somalia over the years.

In 2019, AFRICOM assessed that there were about 300 ISIS militants in Somalia. U.S. strikes against ISIS militants in the country have been relatively rare, with a flurry of them taking place in 2019. The most recent strike came in 2020, according to AFRICOM strike reports.

AFRICOMs statement did not say whether Fridays strike was an indication of stepped-up ISIS-Somalia activity. AFRICOM forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to degrade ISIS, it said.

The militant group al-Shabab, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 fighters, remains the major terrorist force in Somalia and the primary focus of the U.S. military and its airstrike campaign in the country.

AFRICOMs most recent strike against al-Shabab was in March.
Then-South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol visits a military base at the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, Dec. 20, 2021. (People Power Party)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  South Koreas National Security Council will move to suspend an inter-Korean peace agreement days after the North sent nearly 1,000 trash-carrying balloons over the shared border, according to local media.

The council  the intelligence department that reports directly to South Koreas presidential office  announced it would move to suspend the Comprehensive Military Agreement during a cabinet meeting Tuesday, the Yonhap News Agency reported Monday.

The plan would entirely suspend the accords until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored, according to a presidential office news release cited in the report.

This measure will enable military training near the Military Demarcation Line, which has been restricted by the agreement, and allow for more adequate and immediate responses to North Korean provocations, reported Yonhap News, citing the release. The government will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of our citizens.

The presidential office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by phone Monday.

The Comprehensive Military Agreement was signed Sept. 19, 2018, by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-President Moon Jae-in during their summit at Pyongyang.

The accords were meant to prevent military conflict by establishing no-fly zones on the Military Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas as well as prohibiting armed troops along the border. The line runs through the Demilitarized Zone and marks the actual border between North and South Korea.

Efficacy of the agreement has waned following military tensions within the past year.

Hours after North Korea successfully placed a satellite into orbit on Nov. 21, Seoul announced it would partially suspend the agreement and restart aerial reconnaissance operations at the border.

Intelligence agencies from the United States and South Korea have argued that the Norths satellite launches use ballistic missile technology and violate U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting the communist regime from conducting such tests.

Three days after that launch, the Norths state-run Korean Central News Agency reported the country would withdraw from the inter-Korean accord entirely and deploy more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware at the nearly 150-mile-long border.

North Korea launched a barrage of ballistic missiles in six separate days of testing so far this year and a rocket carrying a military satellite on May 27. That launch ended in failure, scattering debris across the Yellow Sea, according to South Koreas military.

Pyongyang also sent roughly 980 balloons carrying plastic bags of trash to several South Korean provinces in the previous week; the bags contained manure, scrap paper, batteries, cigarette butts and other household trash, according to the South Korean military.

The balloons were sent in retaliation against South Korean human rights activists who floated their own balloons across the border, according to KCNA. Activists in South Korea frequently send money, household goods and anti-North Korean leaflets in hopes that they reach North Koreans.

North Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il said Pyongyangs halted its balloon campaign after the South experienced how unpleasant it is to clean up, according to a KCNA report Sunday.
A car washed away by floodwaters rests on a well in Rudersberg, Germany, on June 3, 2024. Persistent heavy rain led to widespread flooding in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg over the weekend. (Bernd Weibrod/DPA via AP)

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany  Recovery efforts in the state of Bavaria stretched into Monday following deadly weekend flooding that felled trees, inundated cellars and submerged roads.

However, U.S. forces stationed in the Upper Palatinate district in eastern Bavaria appear to have escaped largely unscathed, despite the widespread damage caused by days of heavy rains.

At U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria training areas, exercises continued as usual over the weekend, Scott Ghiringhelli, a 7th Army Training Command spokesman, said Monday.

Just outside Hohenfels Training Area, 75 miles north of Munich, roads were closed in many directions Saturday as water and earth shifted across pavement, making travel nearly impossible. Cars were left on roadsides, and people took to the streets with shovels to clear debris.

There were over 25 flood-related incidents in the districts of Cham and Regensburg on Saturday alone, an Upper Palatinate police statement said.

Located about 65 miles south of Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Regensburg is a popular destination for U.S. service members and their families. Roads around Tower Barracks remained closed Monday.

A sign by U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria's Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on Monday, June 3, 2024, indicates a road closure, which was prompted by severe flooding in the area. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) A road near U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria's Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany, is closed June 3, 2024, after extensive flooding in the surrounding area. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

A U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

As a result of the flooding, two people have been killed, and scores remain missing, The Associated Press reported Monday.

A firefighter was found dead in Pfaffenhofen on Sunday after the inflatable boat he was in reportedly capsized. A 43-year-old woman was declared dead Monday after she was found in a basement in Schrobenhausen, according to the AP.

Over 3,000 people are currently being evacuated, and 20,000 volunteers and first responders have been deployed, Bavarian governor Markus Soder said Monday while touring the flooded region with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to a statement from Soders office.

The situation is and remains serious, critical and tense, Soder said. Cleanup work is underway, and there are further dam breaches and flooding locally.

Heavy rains began to fall Thursday as a low-pressure system developed over the southern Alps and moved across Bavaria, Gerhard Muller, a meteorologist from the German weather service, said by email Monday.

Between 4 and 7 inches of rain has deluged upper Bavaria, swelling rivers and sending floodwaters into towns and across farmland.

A state of emergency was declared across stretches of Baden-Wurttemberg and five Bavarian districts. Heavy rains and strong thundershowers occurred across 17 additional districts.

Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report.
Military reservist Lia Golan, 24, gives instructions to Israeli soldiers atop a Tiran tank on the Israel-Gaza border in December. Golan, a reserve tank instructor and student at Tel Aviv University, says she is troubled by the toll the uncertainty of the Gaza war is taking. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

ISRAEL-GAZA BORDER  As Israels war in Gaza rages, its leaning on a backbone of reservists to fight - soldiers who say they are committed to serve but who are also divided over what comes next.

Most Israelis support the war against Hamas, which is seen here as an existential battle. But theres no political consensus around how to manage the Gaza Strip after the fighting stops. Its a question that has vexed Israeli leaders and their allies and is now on the minds of some reservists, as they weave in and out of civilian life.

I really want to know what the end will be, said Lia Golan, 24, a reserve tank instructor and student at Tel Aviv University. And no one has told us what that point is.

Golan served in southern Israel for more than two months after the war broke out on Oct. 7. She said shes troubled by the toll the uncertainty is taking: Israeli hostages in Gaza are turning up dead, soldiers are being killed and Israeli citizens are still displaced.

But she wouldnt hesitate to go back and serve when shes called up again. People are dying and fighting, she said. How can I say no to the reserves?

Israel maintains a conscripted army but called up the vast majority of its 465,000 reservists in the early days of the war. It vowed to eradicate Hamas, which ruled the territory, after the groups fighters killed about 1,200 people in Israel and abducted more than 250 others to bring back to Gaza as hostages.

Many of the mobilized reservists have since gone home, returning to their jobs, families, communities and studies. But as Israel struggles to stamp out the militants, it has called on reserve soldiers to deploy again with just a few days notice: Several reserve brigades are now fighting in Rafah in the south and participated in a recent operation in Jabalya in the north.

A reserve unit is really a family, said Ariel Heimann, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv and former chief reserve officer for the Israel Defense Forces. And that gives a lot of power to the ability to fight.

But, he said, Israels reserves are also like a rubber band: If you stretch them too far and for too long, they will eventually snap. We have to be very careful in the use of the reserve forces, he said, adding that reservists failing to report for duty, while not a problem now, could be a problem in the future.

Before the war, soldiers could expect to serve 54 days in the reserves over a period of three years to maintain readiness. But Israel formally declared a state of emergency in October, allowing the Defense Ministry to continually call up reservists with little notice or restrictions.

The ministry also recently proposed changes to Israels military and reserve laws, seeking to extend the service of both conscripts and reservists, but the amendments have not yet been sent to the Knesset for consideration.

Since Israel launched its ground invasion of Gaza in late October, 293 Israeli troops have been killed, according to the military. The official tally does not identify which casualties were reservists, and the Israel Defense Forces declined to comment.

It also declined to comment on how many reservists are currently serving.

In Gaza, the war has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. The military campaign has also caused widespread destruction, devastating towns and cities, wiping out critical infrastructure, and displacing most of Gazas population of 2.2 million people.

In May alone, nearly 1 million Palestinians fled the city of Rafah as Israeli tanks encroached on its outskirts. The operation there has cut off key aid routes and forced overwhelmed hospitals to close, leaving the masses of displaced with little food, water, shelter or medical care.

Israeli leaders have said they dont want responsibility for Gaza, a territory Israel occupied from 1967 to 2005. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has come under fire for failing to plan for the day after, also opposes letting the Palestinian Authority govern.

The lack of strategic vision is tearing at Netanyahus fragile coalition and drawing fierce criticism from within his own war cabinet. On May 15, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant gave a blistering speech warning against Israeli military rule in Gaza, which he said would result in more bloodshed and drain Israels economy. Three days later, war cabinet member and Netanyahu opponent Benny Gantz threatened to resign if no postwar plan was approved by June 8.

But some reservists said they saw military occupation as the only way to end the war - and to prevent another one. Those views align with a plurality of Israelis, 40 percent of whom think Israel should govern Gaza after the war, according to a Pew Research Center poll published Thursday.

The only solution is to go back to Gaza, like before 2005, said 38-year-old Yechezkal Garmiza, a reserve soldier in the Givati Brigade.

At a sandy staging ground for tanks resupplying troops in Jabalya, he said Israel should also rebuild Jewish settlements in Gaza, which were dismantled when Israeli forces withdrew. Garmiza lives with his wife and four young children in the Nokdim settlement in the West Bank, but has been home only for short periods since the start of the war.

If the military doesnt rule over Gaza, everything will come back again and again, he said, referring to attacks by Palestinian militants. We need to finish the job.

Ariel Shauliyan, 41, is also a reservist and Garmizas neighbor in Nokdim. We are frozen in place, he said. We still think that military rule like there was in the second intifada is correct.

Shauliyan, a father of three, said that like Netanyahu, he doesnt want the Palestinian Authority to control Gaza. Its forces were routed from Gaza by Hamas fighters in 2007 - and Shauliyan doesnt think the same approach will prevent the militants from returning to power.

Its a problem, he said of what he saw as Israels only options. We need to understand that its a long fight.

As the war picked up, people, schools, businesses and veterans groups across Israel marshaled support for reservists who lost work, fell behind at university or needed psychological care because of their service.

Communities came together to provide food and child care to households where one parent or both had been called up. The Defense Ministry called up mental health officers in the reserves, set up an around-the-clock emergency hotline, and also beefed up resources for reservists before and after discharge.

Reserve combat engineer Avichai Levi, 41, said he hasnt received nearly enough support from the Defense Ministry for his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, which developed after he completed his mandatory military service more than two decades ago.

His condition has worsened since Oct. 7, he said, after he spent more than half of the months-long war driving a D9 armored bulldozer in Gaza, demolishing buildings across the territory. In May alone, he was deployed to Rafah in the south and Jabalya in the north, where the military just concluded a weeks-long operation.

I have almost been killed so many times, said Levi. But the hardest thing for him is returning home to Rosh Haayin in central Israel, where he struggles to sleep. He said hes often able to rest only after sunrise, on the couch next to a maroon patterned blanket he looted from a house in Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp.

For Levi, Israels disengagement from Gaza nearly 20 years ago was a disaster, because Hamas was able to seize control soon after the withdrawal, leaving Israel exposed to attacks on its border.

When Israel occupied Gaza, Palestinians kept their heads down, he said. Then he added: We cant leave without an absolute victory.

But not everyone believes Israeli military control is the answer - even if they want to see Hamas defeated. Oren Shvill, 52, is a reserve special forces commander and co-founder of Brothers and Sisters in Arms, a group of reservists and ex-reservists that helped organize protests against Netanyahus planned judicial overhaul last year.

Shvills eldest daughter is also a reservist, and his son is a conscript. His wife spent months at home alone while her family served.

I hope there will be a solution, an international body that can come and run this area, he said of Gaza. There are people there. There must be something. But no Hamas.

Shvill and his group recently started protesting again, attending weekly demonstrations calling for Netanyahu to resign. Netanyahu has interests that contradict with ending the war and bringing back the hostages, Shvill said, referring to what he described as the prime ministers efforts to stay in power and avoid looming corruption charges.

But back on the border, Moshe, 28, a reservist and light-machine-gun operator, said that now wasnt the time to protest the government. He spoke on the condition that only his first name be used so he could freely discuss his views as a private citizen. Israel needs a fresh start after the war, he said, as outgoing artillery boomed and a fighter jet rumbled overhead. But right now, you dont want to create more chaos, Moshe said.
U.S Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith greets Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in June 2022 for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Chad J. McNeeley/Department of Defense)

WASHINGTON  The number of NATO members meeting the military alliances defense spending benchmark could reach 23 nations this year  an all-time high prompted by the war in Ukraine, the U.S. permanent representative to NATO said Monday.

Ambassador Julianne Smith estimated about 20 nations out of the alliances 32 members would spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product, or total economic output, on their militaries a decade after pledging to do so.

We think were going to be somewhere around 20, 21, 22, possibly 23 allies hitting the 2% mark, Smith told reporters at a Defense Writers Group event. That is leaps and bounds from where we started 10 short years ago.

NATO will release a final number in a report later this month, ahead of a July summit in Washington, D.C., marking the alliances 75th anniversary.

Only three member nations spent 2% of their GDP on defense in 2014, when the expenditure goal was set. That number ticked up to seven allies in 2022, the year that Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Smith said burden-sharing in the mutual-defense alliance will be a top topic of discussion at the July gathering as Russias war in Ukraine drags on for a third year, and the U.S. continues to bear much of the burden for Europes defense.

The issue is particularly fraught in an election year that could return former President Donald Trump to the White House. Trump has said he would let Russia do whatever the hell they want to NATO allies that do not fulfill their military spending obligations, inflaming concerns that the U.S. could abandon the alliance it helped found after World War II.

Smith said Europeans are watching the U.S. presidential election very carefully and trying to imagine an array of scenarios depending on who wins. But they are also cognizant of the fact that talk on the campaign trail does not always translate to official policy, she said.

Right now, the allies feel like the focus needs to be on Ukraine, the situation on the battlefield, Smith said.

Russia took advantage of a lull in U.S. weapon shipments to seize additional territory in northeastern Ukraine in recent months and an alarming buildup of Russian forces in the region has raised fears that a new offensive is imminent.

Ukraine is eager to secure membership in NATO for protection, though that is unlikely while Russia wages war. Article 5 of the alliances treaty declares an attack against one member state is an attack against them all.

Smith said she does not expect allies to put a proper invitation on the table for Ukraine at the July summit.

Instead, the alliance will put forward a package of deliverables that will serve as a bridge to their membership, including language we use to describe Ukraines membership aspirations, she said.

The move is expected to frustrate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is planning to attend the summit. Zelenskyy lashed out ahead of last years NATO summit, saying it was unprecedented and absurd that a timeline has not been set for Ukraines invitation to the alliance or its membership.

NATO has grown to include Finland and Sweden since Russias invasion of Ukraine, with both countries rejecting decades of neutrality to join. Finland announced plans to spend 2.3% of its GDP on defense this year, and an influential Swedish parliamentary committee said Sweden should spend 2.6% of its GDP on its military by 2030.

Most NATO members should be able to meet the 2% target spending threshold in the next three years, Smith said. Some, most vocally Poland, are calling on the alliance to increase the benchmark to 2.5% or 3% of GDP in preparation for a prolonged confrontation with Russian aggression.
Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, speaks in January 2023 on Capitol Hill. The committee has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, to examine why Department of Veterans Affairs gave out more than $10 million in bonuses to senior managers that were meant for front-line employees at hospitals, clinics and field offices. (Alex Brandon/AP)

WASHINGTON  Some lawmakers are attacking the Department of Veterans Affairs for giving out more than $10 million in bonuses to senior VA managers that were meant for front-line employees at hospitals, clinics and field offices.

The incentives were meant for high-demand health care and benefits support staff who are vital to VAs operations following implementation of the PACT Act, said Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

The payments were revealed in May in an audit by the VA Office of Inspector General that criticized the VA for improperly awarding bonuses of $39,000 to $100,000 to 182 senior-level executives who were ineligible under a special program Congress created to recruit and retain rank-and-file workers.

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to examine the VAs improper decision to award senior executive millions in incentives, according to the committee calendar.

The bonus program was authorized under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, also known as the PACT Act.

As an Army veteran and member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am appalled to hear of more than $10 million in inappropriate VA bonuses. Instead of prioritizing our veterans, VA bureaucrats were prioritizing their own wallets, said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa.

Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs  led by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., the committee chairman  also sent a letter Friday to VA Secretary Denis McDonough demanding answers on how the bonuses for senior-level executives were allowed to advance.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, at a Senate hearing in May 2022. Members of the committee sent a letter Friday, May 31, 2024, to VA Secretary Denis McDonough demanding answers on how the bonuses for senior executives were allowed to advance. (Tom Williams, Pool Photo via AP)

The letter described the bonuses to senior managers at VA headquarters as unethical, a violation of VA policy and in direct opposition to the intent by Congress.

VAs flagrant misuse of recruitment and retention incentives intended to improve the provision of health care and benefits for veterans by bolstering the front-line workforce is unacceptable and deeply concerning, the letter reads.

Called the Critical Skills Incentives Program, Congress authorized $119 million in bonuses to reward workers processing a large workload of claims for health care and compensation from veterans suffering medical problems from exposure to toxins during their military service.

The extra pay also was set up as a tool to recruit and retain VA employees in jobs with a high number of vacancies, including for housekeepers, police officers and human resource coordinators, according to lawmakers.

Some of the payments improperly made to department officials exceeded many VA employees annual salaries, according to the letter. By contrast, the average bonus payment to front-line workers is $8,000, the VA said.

More than 13,000 employees working in hospitals, clinics and field offices have received bonuses since 2022, the VA said.

In August and September 2023, payments were made to senior managers at the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration at VA headquarters, according to an audit by the VAs inspector general.

Formally known as senior executive service members, the individuals serve in senior management roles overseeing VA operations.

Bonuses were paid to 148 senior managers within the Veterans Health Administration, which represented most of the executive leadership, according to the audit. Thirty-four payments were made to senior managers at the Veterans Benefits Administration, the audit said.

The average payment to senior managers at the Veterans Health Administration was $62,000, and the average payment to senior managers at the Veterans Benefits Administration was $50,000, according to the audit.

McDonough ended the bonuses to senior managers in September 2023 after learning about them and directed that the money be returned, according to IG investigators. Some of the recipients involved in the initial planning for the awards also received bonuses, according to the audit.

McDonough is now considering whether to take any personnel action against them, according to the VA.

VAs Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection is investigating to determine if any recommendations for disciplinary action are appropriate. VA will then review the report and recommendations for possible next steps, said Terrence Hayes, the VA press secretary.

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough pictured on Capitol Hill in 2021. He will testify at a House hearing Tuesday, June 4, 2024, about more than $10 million in bonuses given to senior managers meant for rank-and-file employees at the VA. (Sarah Silbiger, Pool Photo via AP)

The VA issued collection notices in October to senior-level executives who received payments but had not returned the money, according to the audit.

The senior managers were given the option to pay back the money by Dec. 31, 2023, or enter a repayment plan. The collection process is still underway, the VA said.

VA has recouped more than 92% of the improperly awarded [bonuses] and is in the process of recouping the remaining amounts, Hayes said Monday.

Outstanding payments are settled for 156 executives, he said. Some payments had not been issued yet when McDonough halted them, Hayes said. Other senior managers entered repayment plans, he said.

The VA will seek full repayment for any delinquent recipients of the improper bonuses, Hayes said.

The audit also found Shereef Elnahal, the VA undersecretary for health, and Joshua Jacobs, the VA undersecretary for benefits, had allowed the plan to reward senior managers to advance, though it went beyond the scope of the bonus program outlined under the PACT Act.

The audit found the Veterans Benefits Administration followed the lead of the Veterans Health Administration to send bonuses to the senior managers, according to the audit.

When Undersecretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs learned that VHA was planning to pay [critical skills incentives] to both field and senior executives, he also began discussing with his senior human resources adviser and principal deputy undersecretary for benefits whether VBA should do the same, the report said.

Michael Frueh, deputy undersecretary for benefits, wrote in an internal communication in April, when the plan was first discussed, that he did not like the optics of paying execs, because it will add up to a number the public/Congress will question, according to the audit.

Investigators said they did not see any evidence was ever presented to support bonuses for senior managers. They cited excessive deference by human resource managers toward the undersecretaries.

McDonough will testify at the House hearing Tuesday, according to the VA, but neither Elnahal nor Jacobs is on the list of scheduled witnesses.

Secretary McDonough has made clear from the beginning that he takes responsibility for this issue and has confidence in his leadership team. As soon as VA identified this error, we immediately canceled and began recoupment for all [bonus] payments made to career senior executives at VA headquarters, Hayes said.
It has been a couple of years since I last sat down to soak in Jurassic World: Dominion, and interestingly enough I still find myself enjoying the film more each time I come back to it. Dont get me wrong, its still a mess with numerous missed opportunities and a weird want to knock Tim Cook down a peg as our corporate techie villain played by Campbell Scott, but its fun. Big Hollywood cheeseball sci-fi spectacle fun. The extended cut certainly played a lot better, but that proved the point that the film really just didnt have a handle on what it was trying to be. Trying to marry the two franchise casts together was interminably clunky with only a few grand payoff moments. But when it comes to dinosaur munching action, this film was certainly exciting in all three dimensions!

Heres what I had to say two years ago (note another Jurassic film is already in the works so that wait wasn't long!):

I didnt hate Jurassic World: Dominion when I saw it in theaters, but I didnt love it either. After the first Jurassic World movie, the films have been on a downward slope. Hell, you could argue that about the whole franchise after the original and best Jurassic Park. While the action sequences were fun the character arcs were a bit thin compounded by bringing back Jeff Goldblums Ian Malcolm, Laura Derns Ellie Sattler, and Sam Niels Alan Grant. And that there lies the problem with this sequel trilogy - we just wanted to see these three all along. Sure, Chris Pratts tough guy but animal-sensitive Owen and Bryce Dallas Howards headstrong Claire were nice additions to the series, but they just cant measure up to the iconic legacy characters of the first film.

Now with my fourth viewing of this film, its steadily growing on me. Its still messy and unfocused, and the oversized grasshoppers were a missed opportunity to go REALLY big with them like Burt I. Gordons classic big bug flick The Beginning of the End. But through its several faults, Colin Trevorrow managed to pull together a decent enough and entertaining send-off for the franchise for now. If anyone actually believes this is the last Jurassic film you underestimate Hollywoods ability to dig up another amber-encased screenwriter to resurrect the series for another trilogy.

Read our previous coverage of Jurassic World: Dominion

Vital Disc Stats: The 3D Blu-ray

After the unfortunate demise of Australias Random Space Media, Germanys Turbine Medien stepped up to fill a big gap for Blu-ray 3-D fans. The first of the new Turbine Collectors Series with spine number #01, we see Colin Trevorrows Jurassic World: Dominion returns in all three dimensions as a single-disc release pressed on a Region Free BD-50 disc. No other disc is present. The disc comes housed in a standard clear case with reversible insert art with the English title and teaser poster artwork. The disc loads automatically to a static image 3-D main menu.
Chop shop scammers role is uncovered in CAB case against his nephew Blondie Stokes

A car dealer targeted in a major garda operation who claimed he was the victim of jealous rivals has been exposed as the leader of a gang selling stolen vehicles and car parts.

Edward Sonny Stokes protested his innocence when approached by the Sunday World in 2016 after his Co Longford car business was raided by armed gardai.

But he has now been named as the leader of an organised crime gang involved in running chop shops handling vehicles stolen in the UK.

His role as leader of the gang between 2014 and 2020 was revealed as part of the CAB case against his nephew Edward Blondie Stokes last month.

CABs Chief Officer Michael Gubbins in his evidence stated: The Stokes OCG were heavily involved in criminal activity in the form of handling stolen vehicles and stolen vehicle cars, and other motor trade related fraud including the clocking and resale of legitimately purchased vehicles and laundering the funds derived from these activities.

Members of this OCG are also heavily involved in feuding activity, violence and intimidation of the communities in which they reside.

Blondie Stoke was jailed for an attack on a man in a pub in Granard

Gardai had targeted the gang a number of times carrying raids at different locations suspected of being used by the gang.

This included the discovery in November 2018 of two chop-shops in Edgeworthstown and Shroid in Co Longford.

Officers found stolen plant machinery, vehicle and vehicle parts at two industrial units worth 670,000 much of which was traced back to the UK.

Garda had previously raided a yard in Granard from where Sonny Stokes was operating in early 2016.

When asked about the raid at the time Sonny Stokes blamed jealous rivals for encouraging the gardai to target him.

Without a doubt, I think someone contacted the gardai because I was giving customers a better deal than other garages.

A couple of grand cheaper with no overheads, you bring them in from England clean them up and put them on the front line and take a small cut on them. I would imagine that's it, I can't think of any other reason.

That day was embarrassing because when they came here there was two guys standing out there at the gate armed with submachine guns.

Edward Blondie Stokes was jailed for an attack on a man in a pub in Granard

And there were patrol cars with blue flashing lights, people driving past would have thought there was a shooting.

I had to go down to them and say do you think this lad here (pointing his young child) is going to pull a gun and shoot you? They put them away after that.

It was also part of the evidence in the recent CAB case that Sonny and Blondie Stokes acted in concert when committing offences.

In one case he went into a pub in Granard in October 2018 with his nephew and subjected a male to a horrific beating for which Blondie Stokes is new serving a seven-year prison sentence.

Judge Alex Owens ruled last month that that Blondie Stokes Longford house as well as a car and cash in credit union account were the proceeds of crime.

He said there was no explanation for the source of money spent on the extensive renovations on the Longford property which did not look like much from the outside.

Edward Blondie Stokes

He said the bar, in his view, was a very well-appointed den that took considerable resources showed a degree of taste and was not done on the cheap.

It was also heard Stokes had spent 28,800 in a month on two Rolex watches bought from Weirs in Dublin which have since disappeared.

Blondie and his wife Sharon were targeted by CAB in which 72,000 in credit union accounts, their house and a Ford Focus were declared the proceeds of crime.

The judge said the evidence from CAB that Stokes is involved in crime was reasonable and backed up by the financial evidence put to the court.
The drugs were discovered hidden inside a suitcase at the business premises on the Stranmillis Road

A couple escaped through a skylight as police seized up to 75,000 worth of cannabis in a raid on a south Belfast restaurant where they lived and worked, a court heard today.

The drugs were discovered hidden inside a suitcase at the business premises on the Stranmillis Road last week.

Details emerged as Chinese nationals Wang Hu, 47, and his 45-year-old wife Jianyun Xue, 45, were refused bail in connection with the seizure.

The pair both face charges of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard police found five kilos of herbal cannabis during searches at a Chinese restaurant on May 28.

The haul was secreted in an area which could only be accessed by residents or staff, according to an investigating detective.

While uniformed colleagues conducted the search the defendants made off from the property through a skylight in the bedroom they resided in, she said.

Its our understanding they were both living and working at the property.

Hu and Xue were located and arrested in the Stranmillis area a short time later.

They told detectives they were aware of the suitcase but knew nothing about the drugs inside it.

The seized cannabis had a potential street value of anywhere between 20,000 and 75,000, according to police estimates.

Opposing the two accuseds applications for bail, the detective claimed they are no longer legally entitled to be in the UK and had hid their passports in a bid to avoid removal.

Defence barrister Michael Halleron argued that the couple thought the raid on the restaurant premises was Home Office officials intent on deporting them.

Bail was refused, however, due to the risks of re-offending or absconding.

Remanding Hu and Xue in custody, District Judge Amanda Henderson said: My main concern is that they would flee the country.
Kevin Fenlon (41), a supermarket manager, realised it was a ridiculously stupid thing to do and got back into the car while the man cycled away

Kevin Fenlon produced a hurley in the course of a dispute

A frustrated motorist made a heat of the moment mistake when he got a hurley out of the boot and ran after a cyclist who had banged on the roof of his car, a court ha heard.

Kevin Fenlon (41), a supermarket manager, realised it was a ridiculously stupid thing to do and got back into the car while the man cycled away, a court heard.

The cyclist had believed Fenlon was driving too close to him when the confrontation happened on a south Dublin street.

Judge Treasa Kelly left the accused without a criminal record after a restorative justice report stated he fully took on board that his behaviour was totally inappropriate. She dismissed the charges under the Probation Act.

Fenlon, of Woodland Estate, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny, pleaded guilty to producing a hurley, capable of inflicting serious injury, in a manner likely to intimidate another person in the course of a dispute. He also admitted threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

He got out of the car, realised it was a ridiculously stupid thing to do and got back into the car

Garda Sergeant Derek Spain told Dublin District Court the accused was driving at Springfield Road, Terenure, last July 12, while a cyclist was present. The cyclist believed the accused was driving too close to him and was on his phone. The cyclist had a few words and banged the roof of the accuseds car.

Mr Fenlon stopped the car, got out and took a hurley from the boot and ran after the cyclist, who left the scene.

The incident was captured on CCTV. Fenlon had no previous convictions.

He got out of the car, realised it was a ridiculously stupid thing to do and got back into the car, the accuseds lawyer said.

It was a heat of the moment mistake and she asked the judge to leave Fenlon without convictions.

The judge said the accused had gone to the boot of the car while frustrated.

The restorative justice report said Fenlon had shown great insight into his actions and was very unlikely to come before the court again.
Burglary gang caught when stolen car crashed during high-speed chase plead guilty in court

A relation of infamous gang boss Fat Andy Connors has admitted leading gardai on an hour-long pursuit that ended in a spectacular crash that went viral on social media.

William Connors and four other younger men were lucky to escape serious injury when their stolen Audi Q5 smashed into a roundabout flipping into a supermarket carpark.

Video of the men sitting handcuffed, dazed and bloodied after their arrest in April 2022 circulated on social media at the time.

Moment burglary gang chase in Kildare ends in dramatic crash

The dramatic chase involving specialist garda units and a garda helicopter as the high-powered 3-litre Audi hit speeds of 160kph on rural roads was described in court last week.

Connors (48) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle along with three other men, his son Larry Connors, Larry OReilly and Michael Connors.

The case also highlighted how the Dublin- based Pale Miley Gang , to which the men are connected, has evolved into an international crime gang.

A warrant was previously issued for a fifth accused member of the gang, James Connors, who is currently in custody in Australia, Naas Circuit Court heard.

The wrecked motor after the highspeed chase

The Audi used by the international crime gang had been stolen just weeks earlier in a residential burglary in London.

It had been brought into the country using cloned MN-reg plates and has been connected with 17 burglaries in Northern Ireland, including one in which 250,000 of jewellery was stolen from an antiques dealer.

Detective Sergeant Donall Donoghue, of the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, gave evidence this week of how William Connors took off at speed from a Co. Meath house and rammed a garda car.

One of the gang members after the crash

The back door of the house had been broken in and the bedroom of the 70-year-old woman who lived there alone was ransacked.

The woman was not in the house at the time but was left traumatised by the incident which happened just before 6pm on April 26, 2022.

The pursuit began when gardai arrived quickly at the scene after being alerted by a concerned neighbour who spotted two hooded men wearing bumble-bee googles coming from the property.

Footage taken from the Garda helicopter seen in court showed the Audi Q5s high-speed dash along country roads and a section of the M4 motorway.

There were a number of near misses with drivers telling gardai how they had to pull in to avoid collisions with vehicle in which masked men were visible.

The SUV passed close to cyclists and pedestrians at high speeds as gardai kept track of the vehicle.

The Audi, driven by Connors, collided with one car on a narrow canal bridge in Co. Kildare before reaching the ring road at Naas where it smashed into a roundabout.

The gang members lay handcuffed on the ground

The damage caused by the ramming, the collisions, the damage to the roundabout, signage and an electrical box totalled 33,000 but doesnt include the Audi valued at 48,000.

Arresting officers found fuel cannisters, screwdrivers, a bottle of bleach, a torch, snoods and rocks used to break windows in the vehicle.

An orange-handled sledgehammer that was spotted being dumped from the car earlier was later recovered by officers.

William Connors, it was heard had 27 previous convictions, and still had a year left of a 20-year driving ban imposed in 2003 at the time.

His convictions, four for theft at Circuit Court level, were in several counties including Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Louth, Dublin and Galway.

He pleaded guilty to a number of charges that included possession of the stolen Audi and dangerous driving, as well as conspiracy to burgle.

The late gangster Fat Andy Connors

Larry Connors, who was 20 at the time, has no previous convictions, while Michael Connors (27) has six, including one for trespass

Larry OReilly (22) has 10 previous convictions, including one for attempted burglary and another for theft in The Netherlands.

Crashed: Larry Connors

Crashed: Larry OReilly

Crashed: Michael Connors

Crashed: William Connors

Crashed: James Connors

Counsel for both William and Michael Connors asked Judge Martina Baxter to allow them put forward mitigation for their clients at a later date and allow time for additional reports.

Michael Connors, whose bail was revoked earlier this year, suffers from serious mental illness and has become withdrawn while in Cloverhill Prison, his counsel said.

Judge Baxter put all four mens cases back to a later date but remanded William Connors in custody, telling counsel these are very serious matters.
OBriens new neighbour Gerard Lawless was sentenced to 10 years in prison two weeks ago for the sexual abuse of his stepdaughter Danielle

Disgraced judge Gerard OBrien is now neighbours with paedophile ex-soldier Gerard Lawless  after he was moved to the equivalent of a hospital landing in the Midlands Prison on Friday.

The Sunday World understands a cell on the wheelchair-accessible G1 landing was cleared for the disabled 59-year-old in advance of his sentencing hearing on Friday.

OBriens new neighbour Gerard Lawless was sentenced to 10 years in prison two weeks ago for the sexual abuse of his stepdaughter Danielle. Lawless, too, is wheelchair reliant.

A source confirmed the move yesterday, saying: The court raised a concern about whether the Prison Service had the facilities to cater for someone with OBriens... medical needs.

But the G1 landing in the Midlands is as well-equipped as any hospital when it comes to this kind of thing

Gerard Lawless

A former teacher as well as a judge, OBrien was born without hands and one foot after his mother was prescribed thalidomide prior to his birth in 1964.

On Friday, the pervert was jailed for four years for the sexual abuse of six young men while he was a secondary school teacher almost 30 years ago.

OBrien sexually assaulted the victims and also attempted to rape one of them at locations in Dublin in the 1990s.

At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Alexander Owens sentenced him to five years and nine months, with 21 months suspended.

Judge Owens said OBrien engaged in predatory behaviour when he grossly abused the victims trust to manipulate them into sexual activity.

The trial had heard the abuse happened between March 1991 and November 1997, when he was in his late 20s and early 30s and teaching in south Dublin.

The victims  four of whom were his students or former students were aged between 17 and 24.

OBrien, who was appointed as a Circuit Court judge in 2015, resigned in January, following his conviction.

The court had heard he was born missing both hands and a foot and would ask students to assist him in going to the toilet. Many stayed overnight in his homes to help him get dressed in the morning.

Five of the victims said they had gone to sleep beside him when they woke to find him performing sexual acts on them.

Four said OBrien performed oral sex on them. One said OBrien assaulted and also attempted to rape him. The sex assault on the sixth victim was in a pub toilets. 

OBrien had admitted sexual contact with three of the victims but claimed it was consensual. He denied any sexual activity at all with the others.

Judge Owens said OBrien misused his position as a teacher to win his pupils complete trust. They looked up to him as a role model and friend and were lulled into a false sense of security.

He was fully trusted and admired by his pupils who wanted to help him, and abused that, the judge said.

The court heard when the final victim reported the assault in 1997, it brought OBriens teaching and offending to an abrupt end.

After that, he got treatment and sorted himself out. OBrien, who had a law degree, returned to practice as a solicitor before his eventual appointment as a judge. He had now lost his legal career.

Hes brought this misfortune on himself, Judge Owens said, because the convictions showed OBrien was unsuitable to hold judicial office.

 These crimes will have a lasting effect on the victims and their families and I hope sincerely that they are now able to move forward with their lives, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said outside court.
Hes a wee lad who wouldnt know one end of a gun from the other, he can order people who have been combatants

UDA crime boss Gary Fisher is on a collision course with his own organisation as he looks to install long-time sidekick Clifford Irons as his successor.

Fisher is set to nominate Irons as his successor as Brigadier of South East Antrim UDA in a move that threatens to split the organised crime gang.

Irons, a long-time trusted lieutenant to Fisher, is a divisive figure, with many regarding him as weak. He oversaw SEAs lucrative drugs rackets for a number of years, helping to make himself and his boss very wealthy men.

The convicted drug offender and mortgage fraudster has kept a low profile in recent times but with Fishers return as brigadier after a recent health scare, Irons is set to return centre stage.

Clifford Irons

Fisher is planning his exit from SEA and has been plotting a new life in Liverpool using criminal contacts on Merseyside to smooth his passage.

As outgoing brigadier its in his gift to nominate who follows him into the post. The smart money had been on hardman William Duck McTaggart, who is coming to the end of a jail sentence for drugs possession.

He is said to be furious at the prospect of Irons taking the hot seat.

McTaggart has been running the gangs drug operation from behind bars where he is serving a sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. He was due for release early this year  which was delayed  but is now scheduled to be back on the streets by the summer.

He has already instigated a strict new code which has seen dealers independent of the UDA being taxed as much as 20,000 for dealing on SEA territory.

Fisher is back at the helm of the organised crime gang after his health scare and the imposition of a new command structure.

According to well-placed sources, Fishers position as brigadier of the breakaway UDA unit has been bolstered by the dissolution of a three-man committee which had been in place as he recovered from a recent health issue.

A newly-appointed brigadier has also stood himself down as Fisher returns to centre stage.

Fisher has been planning his retirement from the frontline but is understood to be plotting to retain a slice of SEAs drug dealing profits.

And, according to well-placed sources, Irons is the man to ensure his old boss continues to bag the cash.

Fishers comeback, however, has divided opinion.

His decision to appoint a man, who is in his early 20s, as Military Commander (MC) in the Rathcoole estate has drawn stinging criticism from veteran members.

And now his favouritism toward Irons will further alienate members.

One source told us the appointment of a such a young man as Military Commander is a kick in the teeth to many long-standing members. Hes only a wee lad who wouldnt know one end of a gun from the other, he said.

Hes now in a position where he can order people who have been combatants in the struggle against republicanism he wasnt even born when the ceasefires were called.

The youngster is believed to have already ordered a punishment beating. A source has said Fishers medium-term plan is to prepare the ground for his departure from Northern Ireland.

There will be a new brigadier, Gary has his own views about who that should be, but he is cashing in his chips and getting ready to get out.

Fishers descent into ill-health weakened his position as leader in 2022 and he was replaced as brigadier by a three-man committee. There was widespread speculation that Fisher was washed up and done but the Sunday World understands he has reasserted himself. But his plan is a temporary one.

Fisher, who took over as SEA chief in the wake of the murder of John Grug Gregg in 2003 having worked as his driver, is planning his escape from Northern Ireland.

The Sunday World understands he has been a frequent visitor to Liverpool where he has long established contacts with organised crime gangs

He is believed to have forged strong links there as a result of his involvement in the drugs trade.

SEA has strong connections with underworld figures in Liverpool who have supplied SEA with drugs and guns

Fisher is relying on those connections to smooth his way out of Northern Ireland.

It is a startling return to power for Fisher who was regarded as a dead duck after his heart scare and it heralds a huge shake-up for the organisation he headed for years.

It is an uneasy transition for SEA, with a number of veteran members saying they are ready to make the move away from paramiltarism.

SEA UDA is believed to command a membership of more than 2,500, the vast majority of whom are veterans who are no longer active but who are keen to step away from any association with criminality.

The controversial Legacy Bill makes that easier, removing the prospect of prosecution for legacy crimes.

Sources tell us Fisher is determined to get out and take his money with him. He has taken control back, but it is with a different purpose, its all a means of feathering his nest, they said.
Fears for women in rural areas who live long distances from shelters

Natalie OReilly (left) and Tara Farrell of Longford Womens Link. Longford is one of nine counties that does not have a domestic violence refuge. Photo: Brian Farrell

Domestic abuse victims who flee violent homes are being sent to hotels across county borders because they live in areas that still have no refuges.

Others face the prospect of taking their children out of school after being sent across the country to the first available refuge space.

Concerns have been raised that women in rural areas, which tend to have far less refuge space, are being left vulnerable to surveillance and isolation.

Women from Traveller families or those with teenage sons can also struggle to access refuges, due to different policies at each shelter.

At the moment, thousands of people across the midlands and the border region are living long distances from domestic abuse refuges. Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon and Sligo currently have no domestic violence refuge at all.

And even in larger counties where there are refuges, almost half of the population may find itself over a 30-minute drive from such accommodation.

In Cork county, over 200,000 people are estimated to live more than half an hour from a refuge. In Galway county, the figure is close to 100,000 people. In Tipperary and Donegal, around half the population lives more than 30 minutes from safe emergency domestic abuse accommodation.

Longford is one of nine counties which has no domestic violence refuge and only a small fraction of its population is within 30 minutes of a refuge in nearby Athlone.

It also borders three counties which also have no refuge. Longford Womens Link, a local frontline domestic violence support service, runs on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

The system is not set up to support women. We need a system where women are able to remain in their home and that the abuser is the one that has to leave.

We dont have weekend cover or during the night. But this is obviously prime time when women may seek an emergency response, Natalie OReilly, who works as a domestic violence service co-ordinator at the centre, said.

Longford Womens Link has negotiated low rates with a number of risk-assessed hotels, where women can go if or when they are in crisis over the weekend or late at night. If a woman presents at a garda station out of hours, and there is no refuge accommodation available, then she and her children will be brought to a hotel.

They are not directly in the county, they are in other locations so that its not obvious, Ms OReilly said.

We were aware that a woman and her kids could be sat in a garda station for up to six or seven hours, just waiting for a call back that might say theres accommodation in Co Clare, but how is she going to get there?

So it gives her just that emergency response and a bit of downtime, that its a safe place.

The maximum stay is three nights, from a Friday to a Monday, before the local domestic violence service opens again. The service says that once it is able to help a woman, it can be a struggle to find a refuge place almost anywhere in the country.

Many of Irelands domestic abuse refuges are consistently full, with some having to turn women and children away on a daily basis.

Its quite hard, we find, for women to actually get into refuge in the initial starting point. Weve had women that have gone to Clare, theyve gone to Dublin, theyve gone to Mayo. It disrupts everything, Ms OReilly said.

A lot of refuges are in a position where they kind of want a quicker turnaround. They say, we can give you a week, or two weeks, but youve got to get an order and maybe return home.

Women can also struggle to access a refuge space, depending on their personal circumstances or the shape of their family. Women who try to flee with their children can be denied access if they have an older teenage son, who wont be able to stay in certain refuges.

Towns like Longford, which have a larger Traveller population, can also experience problems with refuge access. Ms OReilly said that sometimes a refuge will refuse access to a Traveller woman if a woman from another Traveller family is already staying in the same refuge.

Longford has been tipped to get eight family spaces in new refuge accommodation, as part of a plan to increase refuge spaces nationally. But Tara Farrell, chief executive of Longford Womens Link, explains that we need to do more to make sure that women are able to stay in their own homes.

At the moment, there are 17 properties to rent in Longford  all but two of which are 1,200 or more. Ms Farrell says the concern is that trying to find a new home after being in a refuge is so challenging, that many women will choose to go back to the family home either for their own sake or that of their children.

In terms of homelessness statistics, wed like to see how many of those are down to domestic violence. Because when there are no spaces for somebody  then youre back to somebody presenting as homeless, or going back to the family home, she said.

There are additional barriers for women living in rural areas to try to get accommodation. They have children in local schools, theyre members of their local region. And they have to uproot.

Those who choose to stay while trying to get the abuser to leave can struggle if they are not in a position to get a barring order.

One issue that has emerged is a barrier for women in rented accommodation. Longford Womens Link has experienced a situation where a woman, her mother and the womans partner were all renting the same property. Because there were three tenants, the woman was unable to get a barring order against her abusive partner  despite the fact that the third tenant, the womans mother, strongly supported it.

Even in situations where a perpetrator does leave, smart homes and new home technology have emerged as fresh ways to exert control.

If he does get forced to leave, he may bring the car, he may bring the bank cards. These smart homes are becoming very problematic, where hes controlling the heating system. Hes operating things remotely with an app, Ms OReilly said

He can still see whos arriving and whos leaving with the Ring doorbell. You know, quite often he may as well still be in the home.

Ms Farrell said there is an added pressure in rural Ireland where everybody knows whats happening. Everybody knows whats going on.

These smart homes are becoming very problematic, where hes controlling the heating system. Hes operating things remotely with an app.

Its very difficult for a woman living in a rural village, or out in a farm. The garda car pulls to the house, everyone knows the car has been there, everyone knows shes leaving the house, and theyll tell him, she said.

If he has control of the wifi password, youre completely limited if youre living in an isolated farm area. Then theres a whole other range of issues around farms and things that you and I would see as day-to-day implements for use on the farm, but in the wrong hands, they become absolute weapons of violence and control.

The focus needs to be on keeping women safe in their own homes, not having to flee to another county. The housing crisis has to be a huge element of this and look, thats not going to be solved overnight. But if shes deciding to leave, ultimately shes looking at, Where am I supposed to go?.

If you do manage to get a refuge place and yourself and your children are in one room, and youre trying to work out where you go next, and theres no options because of the housing crisis, the chances are, is she going to go back? Is she going to think, at least there, I had my house, my kids were in school?

The system is not set up to support women. We need a system where women are able to remain in their home and that the abuser is the one that has to leave.
incredibly, this is where one man, who gave his name as Michael Joseph Ward, has lived for two years.

The camp is hidden in the trees near the Finglas / M50 ramp

Michael Ward at his tent near the Finglas / M50 ramp

The shelter is hidden among trees off the M50

The makeshift campsite is situated on the Finglas exit of the M50 motorway

Hidden away in undergrowth just off one of Dublins busiest motorway exits is a tiny encampment that is home to several young men.

Despite being surrounded by the thousands of cars that pass along the roads surrounding the Finglas exit of the M50 motorway, the small camp site is almost impossible to spot.

The only giveaway that people actually live here is a battered Irish tricolour secured to a roadside barrier that would be easily missed by the many motorists who pass the spot every day.

However, further inspection by a Sunday World team on Friday revealed the tenuous foothold these men have on the few metres of wasteland they call home.

The makeshift campsite is situated on the Finglas exit of the M50 motorway

We arrived at the site on the same day that figures were released showing more than 14,000 people are now living homeless emergency accommodation  the highest ever recorded in the history of the State.

It prompted shock and dismay from homeless charities while Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan said urgent action was needed to protect people from the trauma of becoming homeless.

The crisis has been exacerbated after the country effectively ran out of accommodation for new asylum seekers, leading to the creation of tent cities across Dublin.

This tension has resulted in a tinderbox situation as far-right groups ignited fears over the accommodation situation, with several properties earmarked for migrants across the city and country targeted in fire-bombing arson attacks.

When we arrive on a blustery afternoon there is nobody to be seen, but the evidence of a living scratched out in the thick bushes is soon apparent.

A makeshift wire fence surrounds the property which consists of an old canvas tent lashed down against the winds.

Michael Ward at his tent near the Finglas / M50 ramp

A ramshackle wooden structure has been put together off to one side which features a dry shelter of sorts with a roof.

On the bare ground in front of both is a dirty red rug which offers some semblance of home comforts, but there is little else here to suggest this would be comfortable setting to stay the night.

Yet, incredibly, this is where one man, who gave his name as Michael Joseph Ward, has lived for two years.

Michael and a friend, who would only give his name as Damian Mac, arrived while we were there.

They were with a third man who did not want to be identified by Sunday World when we spoke to them.

Michael, or Mickey, told us he had spent the last two years, summers and winters here, under the elements as he has nowhere else to go.

I was promised a house but I was let down, he vaguely explained. This is my home now.

He seemed satisfied with his lot and proudly showed off his small collection of personal items, including a toy wagon he had built himself.

Part of Michael Ward's encampment near the Finglas/M50 ramp

He also seemed anxious to point out they kept their meagre living space clean.

He pointed out where he burns some of his rubbish and he also has a green wheely bin. The fire also helps keep rodents back.

The rats come and climb down the trees, he explained. You cant leave food out anywhere.

We keep it clean here, you can see that we do, he insisted. But we need more wheely bins and a Portaloo.

However, he was shy and retiring when asked about his family.

He shrugged and said, ah, they got their own kids, is all he would say.

Poignantly he mentioned that next week, June 8, is his 40th birthday.

Ill be spending my birthday here, he added. The Simon Community came out to us after they saw a video of us on TikTok, he added. But we havent seen them since.

His dishevelled pal, Mac, said that they were left in peace at the spot and had not encountered gardai or night-time intruders.

The shelter is hidden among trees off the M50

Its safe enough, he insisted. There is a few of us here, if it all kicks off. Most of us are from Dublin, but theres a few country lads as well.

On the day that we visited the M50 camp, a large-scale operation was underway to remove around 100 asylum seekers who had camped on the Grand Canal at Baggot Street Bridge.

Asked about their plight since Dublins tent crisis exploded in recent months, Mac said that he had his own problems.

We dont go into town, he said. We keep ourselves to ourselves here. Ive seen those people around alright, but they dont bother me and I dont bother them.
Dublin press conference to promote McGregors UFC return is cancelled

Conor McGregors planned UFC comeback later this month has been plunged into huge doubts after a press conference to promote the fight in Dublin was called off a few hours before it was due to take place.

McGregor is due to fight Michael Chandler in Las Vegas later this month, in what is set to be one of the most lucrative fights in UFC history.

Yet a message on the UFC social media feed confirmed a Dublin press conference has been postponed, casting big doubts over whether the fight will take place.

The date of June 29 has been inked into the diary for McGregors first UFC fight since July 2021 and he has spoken up his ambitions to regain his place as the star of the sport.

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It's not that we've been working on it for ages," said UFC chief Dana White as he confirmed the fight. There are all kinds of things that go on behind the scenes.

It's all about timing. Chandler has been ready but Conor hasn't been ready. We talked about this at one of the press conferences recently, he had a lot of obligations that he had to deal with.

What you don't want him doing is accepting a fight when he's got a ton of obligations and he can't train 100pc for a fight.

It is unclear why the press conference was called off, but it has led to inevitable rumours on social media platforms that the fight will also be cancelled.
Id say hes quite a cool guy, and will be quite smooth in chatting them up.

Love Island star Shannen Reilly McGrath believes Irish actor Sean Jenkins is set to become a lady-killer on the hit show.

Shannen, who starred on the telly favourite back in 2017 and is soon set to do a charity skydive with fellow reality TV star Hughie Maughan, admits that while Dubliner Sean might not be her type, she does think he ticks the right boxes for aspiring romantics in the villa.

Sean  or Jenko as he is known to his friends  has already caused a stir by declaring he has hopes of finding a wife on the new season and playfully adds: Shout out to all my future kids, this is how I met your mother.

The 25-year-old is set to arrive into Mallorca as a bombshell when the show kicks off tomorrow.

Sean Jenkins

He hails from south Dublin, went to college in Galway and has lived in Malta for the past three years, where he now works in the cryptocurrency business as well as being an aspiring actor.

I saw a little clip of him because it was trending everywhere, says the 30-year-old Influencer. I like his confidence. He wouldnt be my type on paper to look at, but he looks like a cool guy and I think he will do well in there with the confidence and kind of how he is portraying himself.

Id say hes quite a cool guy, and will be quite smooth in chatting them up.

She believes he will find love and that hes a bit of a lady-killer.

I think all girls kind of like a posh guy, she stresses. I know my boyfriend is posh. Id say there will be interest, especially with the Irish accent.

I thought it was very confident and cocky, and I do think he s a smooth talker. But I definitely dont think hes going along for the Pretty Little Thing deal like most of the rest of them. I think he could be looking for love, but I think he could be saying all the right things with the Irish charm.

I know he does a bit of acting, so I think it could definitely boost his profile. But you dont know if its all talk or genuine. His physique is good. I think he would fit a lot of peoples type. But I go for the opposite, more like a rugby player.

Sean Jenkins is due to appear on Love Island

Shannen, who hails from Tallaght, lives in Lusk in north Co. Dublin with her boyfriend of five years, Luke Talbot.

She and Hughie will undertake their first-ever skydive on June 21 to raise money for Dublin boy Brody Doyle.

Brody (eight), from Dundrum, has a brain tumour and a Go Fund Me appeal has been set up to raise funds to send him to France for urgent treatment.

While its target of 100,000 has already been thankfully met, additional money will go towards more care in the future for the boy.

Ive never done a skydive, says Shannen. Im quite nervous about it. Its for my friends nephew; he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and he needs treatment straight away, so we are trying to help.

Shannen says that she is in two minds about doing the jump with Hughie.

I think we will be on the same flight but both with different instructors. We might be better go in different planes because I think Hughie screaming might put me off.

Shannen McGrath and Hughie Maughan

It will be a bit of craic though, the adrenaline, and I think it will be a once in a lifetime thing, and great to raise more money for the charity.

Big Brother star Hughie, who is doing a podcast with Shannen and also planning for reality work with her as well as his own Only Fans content creation, is nervous about the skydive.

Im sh*tting myself. Im not great at heights, he says. Its such a worthwhile to help the young lad get some treatment, and also some happy memories.

He and Shannen have become bosom pals since they first met in 2019.

We were just in Manchester at the weekend for Girls Aloud, he adds.

"We got to know one another through meeting at events and keeping in touch on social media.

Hughie also addresses the recent flare-up when he was captured on video in a street brawl in Co Wicklow.Im still getting over all the controversy about the stuff with the guards and all that, he tells us.

Im not a violent person. Im in a better place now. Ive come out the other side of it. I have never been in trouble like that in my life.
A Rotorua iwi group fears council legal action will limit its ability to peacefully protest a sewerage project it believes poses pollution risks to a sacred lake.

Rotorua Lakes Council has applied to the Rotorua District Court for an injunction to stop interference with construction of the $29 million Tarawera Wastewater Reticulation Scheme.

The council says work was paused in January after protest obstruction, interference with the work site and safety concerns raised by the contractor.

The Lake Rotokakahi Board of Control manages the iwi-owned lake, also known as Green Lake. It held a protest against the scheme in January but a leader says this was peaceful and no one in its group was responsible for the incident that stopped the works.

The scheme would connect 446 Tarawera properties to the sewerage system at a controversial cost of about $50,000 each, or more if paid over time.

The first stage of the scheme began in April last year and included laying pipes along Tarawera Rd.

As grounds for its injunction application, the council claimed that between January 29 and February 1 unknown respondents negligently, wilfully or maliciously stopped, obstructed or interfered with the works , and it expects this could continue when works resume.

Lake Tarawera's community will be connected to a reticulation scheme. Photo / Supplied.

Its May 16 application sought orders under the Local Government Act to restrain respondents, described as persons unknown, from: stopping, obstructing, or interfering with the works; entering the work zone without authorisation; and stopping or obstructing authorised vehicles from accessing the work zone.

The work zone is defined as the Tarawera Rd worksite area used by council contractors and subcontractors and identified by temporary traffic management delineators plus a 1m buffer zone around the perimeter of the worksite.

The orders will be served by various public postings and by emailing a copy to the subcommittee of the Lake Rotokakahi Board of Control.

In a statement, council infrastructure and environment general manager Stavros Michael says the council understands some people don't support the pipeline and recognises peoples right to peaceful protest.

However, [the] council is bound by legal commitments and we cannot now re-design or re-route the project, changing decisions made some four years ago which would come at a significant cost to the Tarawera community.

The well under way project would protect people and the lake by stopping human waste from leaching into Lake Tarawera and was decided after extensive community consideration including input from iwi and hapu.

The injunction is expected to add $100,000 in legal costs.

The protest

Lake Rotokakahi is in the Tuhourangi rohe and sits near the roading corridor the pipeline follows.

The tapu (sacred) lake is privately owned by iwi and no swimming or boating is permitted. It is overseen by the Lake Rotokakahi Board of Control.

Board co-chairman Peter Moke organised the January protest at the lakes edge and says he believes no one in the group is to blame for the incident that prompted the councils application.

We dont know who the hell it was  some little dumb s**t did something.

Lake Rotokakahi Board of Control co-chairman Peter Moke at the lake's edge. Photo / Andrew Warner.

The board has asked the council for evidence and he claims it didn't have any.

They couldnt even give us a photo.

He says the protest was peaceful and prompted no complaints or arrests.

When Local Democracy Reporting visited the protest on its first day, protesters stood by the lake waving flags and signs. Moke said about 50 people attended that day.

Moke says if the injunction is granted, he believes the group will not be able to protest without repercussions.

He says the board is still concerned about the impact any potential break in the new pipeline will have on the tapu lake, and how any pollution will be cleared.

It plans a hui to discuss its response to the application, he says.

In response, Michael says the council doesn't wish to apportion responsibility for the interference incident but has provided the court with video and photos.

The application does not name anyone or any group.

The application didn't seek to stop people from expressing their views as long as this did not impact the councils ability to undertake its legitimate works safely.

The scheme network, once operational will be guided by appropriate maintenance and response procedures as required for all such networks.

Michael calls the injunction a pre-emptive step to prevent a safety risk or damage to public assets.

Rotorua Lakes Council infrastructure and environment general manager Stavros Michael. Photo / Laura Smith.

It will also make protesters and contractors aware of the boundaries, he says, and aims to avoid delays and minimise extra costs.

The issue is not protesting, but rather physical interference and actions that put workers and public assets at risk. The injunction application aims to eliminate these behaviours.

The district court will consider the councils application and any opposition before making a decision.

Any order will be enforced by police or the courts.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Transforming Aotearoa into a dark sky nation could attract stargazing international tourists, creating huge economic benefits, says Tourism Minister Matt Doocey.

The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand believes New Zealand could become a dark sky nation, an idea which Doocey says he supports.

To become a dark sky nation the country will need to cut light pollution, such as outdoor lighting, to allow for greater stargazing and astronomy.

Tourism New Zealand research indicated more than 70 per cent of people thinking about visiting New Zealand are interested in stargazing, he says.

The best times for stargazing are during the off-peak and shoulder seasons for tourism, which means protecting New Zealands night skies could provide an economic boost when tourist towns were otherwise quiet.

"It is something I am keen to encourage," says Doocey.

"We want to grow tourism because we know it brings jobs to rural New Zealand.

"Tourism is very seasonal, so we need to be looking at how we can market and promote New Zealand during those shoulder and off-peak periods."

The Waimakariri MP says an economic impact report commissioned by Enterprise North Canterbury last year shows a dark sky trail will provide an economic boost in the region.

The report says a dark sky reserve could generate $4.6 million of visitor spending in Waimakariri and create up to 24 jobs.

The Oxford Dark Sky Group obtained dark sky park status in January for the Oxford Forest Conservation Area from the Dark Sky International.

Oxford Dark Sky president Raul Elias-Drago says there is no cost to the group, thanks to support from the community, the Waimakariri District Council, Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and Government agencies such as the Department of Conservation.

The group is now planning to apply for dark sky reserve status, which will incorporate the town of Oxford.

Doocey says the Oxford example shows how communities coming together can achieve economic benefits at little cost.

Tourism Minister Matt Doocey, left, discusses the Oxford dark sky park with Oxford Dark Sky president Raul Elias-Drago. Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News.

Enterprise North Canterbury has been working with other regional tourism organisations to develop a Canterbury dark sky trail.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was established in 2012, while the Kaikoura Dark Sky Trust is about to apply for dark sky sanctuary status and interest is growing in other Canterbury communities.

"I would encourage RTOs to think about whether dark skies should be part of their destination management plans," says Doocey.

"There is real potential for a ground up approach and I would be really supportive of that."

Elias-Drago, who is also the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand secretary, said a national approach was needed, perhaps led by the Department of Conservation.

"The Department of Conservation has been very supportive regionally," he says.

"The Rangiora office supported our application and other regional offices have supported other applications, but every time each regional office is doing the same thing.

"If the work was done nationally, we wouldnt have to replicate the work in every region."

Doocey has accepted an invitation to speak at the New Zealand Starlight Conference in Tekapo in October, which is organised by RASNZ and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve board.

"We are hoping to use the conference as a springboard to advance the discussion around becoming a dark sky nation," says Elias-Drago.

Niue became the worlds first whole country to become an International dark sky nation in 2020.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko is now complete.

"In the next phase of work, with the bridge in use, we will continue work to build the new Cambridge Road East intersection with traffic management and temporary speed limits in place," says Tauranga City Council is its latest update.

'A section of Cambridge Road East from Moffat Road to St Andrews roundabout will be closed while the new intersection joining onto Moffat Road is constructed, with a detour in place."

Cambridge Road/St Andrews Drive roundabout closure

Work is progressing well on the Cambridge Road East intersection of the Takitimu North Link project, between Tauriko and Bethlehem.

The next phase of this work will see access to St Andrews Drive via the Cambridge Road roundabout closed from Wednesday, June 5, until late September, NZTA says on its website.

"Works include relocating utility services, drainage, curbing and footpaths, retaining walls and raising the level of the roundabout to fit the new alignment.

"Take care when travelling in this area  this is still one of the biggest areas of construction on the project. Detours will be in place, please follow the signs."

Cambridge Road  next steps for major works

The bridge tie-in works required a three-month local road closure with detours in place, enabled through partnership with Tauranga City Council.

"We appreciate people living in surrounding residential streets experienced increased traffic volumes on local roads during this time and thank our project neighbours and local people for their support, cooperation, and patience.

"In the next phase of work from April to mid-2024, with the bridge in use, the new Cambridge Road East intersection will be built.

"A section of Cambridge Road East from Moffat Road to St Andrews Roundabout will be closed while the new intersection joining onto Moffat Road is constructed. Detours will be in place for the closed section of Cambridge Road East."

There will be temporary speed reductions in place while this work is undertaken. Please follow on-site traffic signage and instructions from our team.

Read about whats happening in this info sheet:

Takitimu North Link Cambridge Road information sheet - Spring 2023 [PDF, 2.7 MB]

New road layout at Cambridge Road



Cambridge Road alignment map. Cambridge Road alignment map.

View larger map [PDF, 324 KB]



This aerial view shows the new Takitimu North Link expressway and surrounding roads layout in progress. This aerial view shows the new Takitimu North Link expressway and surrounding roads layout in progress.

Cambridge Road Overbridge - fast facts

Top-down construction

100m bridge one lane each way, and a shared path

24 piles, with the deepest 41 meters

400,000m3 earthworks

Due for completion late 2023

Artist impressions of the completed Cambridge Road Overbridge



Artist concept of the overbridge at a closer range. Artist concept of the overbridge at a closer range.

Progress pictures



The bridge at Cambridge Road was opened April 2024, work to complete local roads continues at the intersection of Moffat and Cambridge Road East. The bridge at Cambridge Road was opened April 2024, work to complete local roads continues at the intersection of Moffat and Cambridge Road East.



Cambridge Road East - March 2024. Cambridge Road East - March 2024.



Cambridge Road Overbridge - March 2024. Cambridge Road Overbridge - March 2024.



Tie in works in progress at Cambridge Road Overbridge, looking towards Tauriko, with crews working at both ends of Cambridge and Moffat roads  picture taken February 2024.

Cambridge Road Overbridge looking towards Bethlehem with Mauao in the distance - November 2023. Cambridge Road Overbridge looking towards Bethlehem with Mauao in the distance - November 2023. Tie in works in progress at Cambridge Road Overbridge, looking towards Tauriko, with crews working at both ends of Cambridge and Moffat roads  picture taken February 2024.



Cambridge Road Overbridge looking west over Wairoa Valley and Awa - August 2023. Cambridge Road Overbridge looking west over Wairoa Valley and Awa - August 2023.



Overbridge in progress with beams, temporary Harrison Road and topsoil being kept for the project at the east side of Cambridge Road, picture taken March 2023. Overbridge in progress with beams, temporary Harrison Road and topsoil being kept for the project at the east side of Cambridge Road, picture taken March 2023.



Over four days in March 2023, 21 beams were placed for the Cambridge Road Overbridge, this involved some very impressive reversing by members of our crew! The alignment for the new four-lane road will pass underneath the beams seen in the photograph, which show the level of the new Cambridge Road alignment (approximately 5 metres lower than existing road), and the new expressway will then run a further 18 metres underneath, demonstrating the significant programme of earthworks at this section of the project. Over four days in March 2023, 21 beams were placed for the Cambridge Road Overbridge, this involved some very impressive reversing by members of our crew! The alignment for the new four-lane road will pass underneath the beams seen in the photograph, which show the level of the new Cambridge Road alignment (approximately 5 metres lower than existing road), and the new expressway will then run a further 18 metres underneath, demonstrating the significant programme of earthworks at this section of the project.



Looking towards Cambridge Road from Wairoa Valley east, picture taken June 2022.



Above Cambridge / Moffat / Harrison roads, picture taken March 2022. Above Cambridge / Moffat / Harrison roads, picture taken March 2022.

For more information visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor/takitimu-north-link/cambridge-road/.
Reports are coming in of traffic delays on State Highway 29.

A SunLive reader has emailed in saying traffic is backing up on both side of the Kaimai Summit.

"There appears to be a crash on the Matamata side of the summit."

People are advised to expect delays in the area.

A police spokesperson says police are responding to a single vehicle crash on SH29, reported just before 11:20am.

"Looks like the westbound lane is blocked near Hanga Road.

"No reports of injury at this time."

Google Maps showing trafic delays on SH29.

SunLive is working on getting more information and will provide an udpate when we can.

At the scene?

Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Drunk driving crashes leave a trail of hurt, loss and carnage in their wake, yet the number of people caught over the limit on Bay of Plenty roads is rising.

For this story, the first in our Traumatic Toll series examining drink-driving harm, Sonya Bateson delves into alarming police data and speaks to those desperate to address the trend and prevent more deaths.

The number of drink drivers caught in the Bay of Plenty has hit a 12-year high and police are shocked by how drunk some people are at the wheel.

Police data shows 3065 drivers, or more than 50 per week, were caught driving over the limit in 2023.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Logan Marsh says police are doing everything they can to stop drunk driving and the devastating consequences that result from it.

Alarmingly, were still finding people who are drink-driving, day and night, and police have been shocked by how severely intoxicated some drivers are, Marsh says.

Seeing the numbers might be alarming for some people - it is for us.

Police will continue to do all we can, but we also hope it creates a conversation in the community that it is unacceptable to see these levels of intoxicated drivers continue to get behind the wheel. There are no excuses and always an alternative. The message is simple - if you are driving, dont drink.

Preventing drink driving

The increase in drivers caught follows a higher rate of police breath testing in 2023.

Bay of Plenty Police breath screened more than 226,000 drivers across the district in 2023. Any driver stopped is breath-tested and police also run highly visible checkpoints.

Marsh says the busy summer months saw more people out celebrating and visitors to the region contributed to the number of breath tests.

The Bay of Plenty has dedicated Impairment Prevention Teams and police also work with other organisations on prevention education, especially with young drivers.

Bay of Plenty police use breath testing to prevent drink-driving. Photo / NZME.

It continues to disappoint us people still think its okay to drink and then get behind the wheel, says Marsh.

The people they put at risk are our families, our friends, and our colleagues, and we have to see the devastating effects.

Dealing with the trauma

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Rotorua senior station officer Des Chan says it's a firefighters job to figure out how to undo a wreck to save a person  or remove a body  and to do that, it was important to be able to figure out what caused the crash.

Its not up to us to blame and that makes us unique. We will look after the person the same.

Each firefighter has their own way of processing what they have experienced, says Chan, and they also work together to wind down after a particularly tough day by talking it out, sharing fish and chips together, or activities such as playing cards or petanque.

Learning to be open with each other goes a long way towards protecting mental health, says Chan.

We know when its affected us. We can see it. We can feel it.

If we were individuals we would find it very hard. But together we can bounce off each other. We dissociate in some form to get through it. We try not to carry it on our shoulders too much.

Hato Hone St John area operations manager for the Western Bay of Plenty Mat Delaney says ambulance officers witness first-hand the devastating, sometimes fatal, and traumatic impacts crashes have.

These scenes are not only confronting for those injured, but also for the emergency services responding.

Delaney says incidents involving an intoxicated driver are particularly frustrating as they may have been avoided. .

Western Bay head of road policing Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter says drink-driving crashes are entirely preventable.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter. Photo / Alex Cairns.

The obvious people directly affected by such a crash are the persons friends, family and colleagues, but the harm spreads wider than that, says Hunter.

People who witness or come across a crash scene - innocent bystanders and random strangers - are affected, as are the emergency responder treating those involved and dealing with the resulting carnage.

It affects them really, really badly in ways that people just dont understand.

Theres a whole lot of people that get involved and its just... its just not worth drink-driving.

Changing our drinking culture

Alcohol Healthwatch graduate health promotion adviser Lizzie Barratt, originally from Katikati, says in her experience from growing up in small-town Bay of Plenty, there is a strong drink-driving culture among males, something she says aligns with statistics.

Ministry of Justice data for 2023 showed 77 per cent of those charged for driving under the influence were male.

There is a very strong culture of fathers/men driving home from the pub drunk even if they are offered lifts by their kids or wives, because everyone else is doing the same thing.

Barratt says explanations people give for drunk-driving include embarrassment being picked up while everyone else is driving, the person has been doing it for years and knows the road, or a lack of other viable transport options for people who lived rurally.

Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Andrew Galloway says he's pleased to see the results from increased breath screening, but there's cause for concern.

The message that if you are drinking, dont drive, is not getting through. We would strongly recommend increasing the use of alcohol interlock conditions to more offenders and work to create more comprehensive approaches including referrals for alcohol dependency for repeat offenders.

Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD), a charity that promotes safe road user behaviours, has Bay of Plenty college students as members.

Rotorua Boys High School prefect Harish Sawroop, 17, who is a SADD national leader, says many people, especially youths, thought there's nothing wrong with having a few drinks and driving.

They think they can just get away with it and suffer no consequences, says Harish.

It is good to hear that the Government is increasing the focus on roadside alcohol testing. Unfortunately, the drinking culture in our country still stands and the testing is almost like treating the symptoms instead of attacking the root cause.

Responses such as SADDs peer-to-peer approach, annual conference and workshops were so important to educate people to choose safer road user behaviours.

Zeon Hetherington, 16, another SADD member at the school, Raukura, says while the fatality rate for on-road deaths has dropped significantly in recent decades, there's still a mass amount of preventable deaths on roads.

Drink driving is still an issue of concern among youths. Photo / 123RF.

SADD general manager Donna Govorko says drink-driving numbers have reduced in the organisations 38 years. But, from an all-time low in 2013, numbers are rising again.

It is a worrying trend, we need to ensure we do more to stop people dying on roads due to being impaired.

We encourage people to plan before they party and know how they are going to get home safely.

Helping the victims

Manaaki Tangata Victim Support chief executive James McCulloch says the organisation helps thousands of people each year affected by fatal and serious injury crashes, including friends and family members of the bereaved, witnesses, and those who arrived at the scene.

Drinking and driving can cause long-lasting harm. Photo / 123rf.

The trauma experienced by victims can be profound and enduring.

McCulloch says victims of alcohol-related road fatalities often carried an additional burden of perceived preventable injustice.

The victims can struggle with a sense that these tragedies could have been avoided, adding a layer of frustration and anger to their grief.

Victim Support provides immediate and short-term emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals to other agencies, as well as support through the criminal justice system. McCulloch says drawn-out legal processes could exacerbate families distress as justice felt delayed and sometimes, when it arrived, insufficient to match their loss and pain.

It is important that any victim of a drink-driving-related road crash know they are not alone.

-Bay of Plenty Times.
Bay of Plenty Police are seeking information from the public following a fight in Te Puke which has left one person in a serious condition.

Five people have been arrested following a disorder in Te Puke early Saturday morning, police say in a statement released on Facebook today.

Police were called to Dunlop Road around 2:45am following reports of a group of people fighting in the street.

Police say some of the people involved then left the scene in a vehicle.

"The driver failed to stop for police and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was abandoned within 10 minutes, and the vehicle was located abandoned in Greerton just after 3am.

"Following a short search by police staff on foot, assisted by the Police Dog Unit, five people were located and taken into custody in relation to the disorder."

Police say one person is in a serious but stable condition in Tauranga Hospital following the disorder.

"The investigation is ongoing and police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the disorder or have any footage, including CCTV.

"Police can be contacted by calling 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz, using Update Report, and reference file number 240601/2533."
Pilar Garcia-Trevijano Granada Monday, 3 June 2024, 16:32 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The Sacratif lighthouse in Torrenueva in Andalucia's Granada province is celebrating its 160th birthday as 'guardian' of the province's Costa Tropical. It stands at the top of the cape with which it shares its name, on the cliffs of Cerro del Chucho de Torrenueva. At 19 metres it has guided sailors safely to their destination since the late 19th century.

The light, which was built on top of an earlier watchtower, can be seen 46 kilometres from the shore, or 90 nautical miles away. It was installed to facilitate the passage of boats through the complicated terrain of Calahonda. The white stone tower, which is closed to the public as it is also a military area, belongs to the Port Authority of Motril and has undergone many transformations over its years. The last one was seven years ago, when the systematisation was completed, which 'freed' the lighthouse keepers from their perennial custody.

Jorge Lacuesta, lighthouse keeper, opened up the facilities to Ideal, SUR's sister newspaper in Granada. The ground floor houses the former dwellings of the lighthouse keepers. Before reaching the stairs is the operating room with the machinery and generators that run the lantern all day long. On the control screen, the silhouette of the lighthouse is drawn with numerous buttons that all serve to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Zoom Sacratif lighthouse. C. Cerezo

And if there is a problem the port has several "plan B's" so that ships will always have a light to guide them. Generators and engines are activated in the event of a breakdown. In addition, it also has a small emergency beacon which emits light with the same intensity as the 'official' lantern.

The keepers no longer live in the lighthouse, although they visit it frequently. With a mobile device they can deal with incidents. "It can be controlled remotely from anywhere", explained the technician. Unlike the other lighthouses on the coast (Punta de la Mona, Castell de Ferro and the Calahonda lighthouse), Sacratif is constantly rotating. It has two immediate flashes and seconds later it produces two more. One of the lenses has an imperceptible defect caused by a knock in the 1950s. The lenses are unique parts and a replacement has not yet been found.

Magnifying effect

The rotation of the headlamp lens must never be stopped to avoid the magnifying effect it would have in the sun. If the concentration of sunlight on the lens is focused on a device it can explode or burn out within a few minutes.

The light was powered by oil until 1916, when a steam lamp powered by oil was installed. This system was replaced in 1956 by a new optic and electric lantern. At the top of the lighthouse (up 67 steps) the installations conserve part of the old machinery, including a mercury vat, now empty due to the poisonous gas it gave off.

"People are very attentive if it goes out for any reason, they bombard you on the phone", reflected the person in charge of the installation, one of the two lighthouse keepers in Granada province.

Navigation essentials

Lighthouses, as well as being a symbol of the coastline, are still fundamental today despite the existence of GPS. "From the boats they say that the first thing they look at are the lighthouses because navigation is intuitive," said Lacuesta. The team that makes up the navigational aid service of the port of Motril is drawing up a plan to update the lighthouse, which will include restoring the original bronze frame of the lantern which was painted black in the past.

The President of the port authority, Jose Garcia Fuentes, has highlighted the importance of the three lighthouses whose operation and control corresponds to the Port of Motril, (Castell de Ferro, Sacratif and Punta de la Mona-La Herradura). He says that they represent the essence of traditional maritime navigation, which are also part of our historical and cultural heritage. The team of lighthouse keepers "are entrusted with the mission of their maintenance, so that every night they can offer their service and assistance to all the vessels that sail along our coasts".
Enrique Bellver Malaga Monday, 3 June 2024, 15:40 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Carmine Guarino has been living in Spain for nearly ten years. In 2015, after graduating in law, he decided to devote himself professionally to his great passion, cooking, and opened his restaurant Mura Mura in the centre of Malaga. Together with his team, he reinterprets the traditional cuisine of his native Italy on a daily basis. Carmine is a native of Irpinia, a small village in Campania.

His roots, his way of facing life, the channelling of his passions and his family and home life have led him to create a totally homemade cuisine, based on produce, but with a lot of hindsight and a very personal touch. His menu is a compendium of the different ways of cooking that exist in each region of his country and the end result is very original and elegant dishes. This chef knows perfectly what the different Italian cuisines have in common and he expresses it in his dishes.

Mura Mura Address Duque de la Victoria, 5. Malaga. Telephone: 602 524 103. Web: elmuramura.com

Prices Calamar purgatorio: 19. Pasta con ostras: 21. Iberico cocinado: 25

Evaluation Cuisine: 8.5 Restaurant: 7 Wine list: 6.5 Rating: 8/10

Mura Mura is not a trattoria, nor is it a pizzeria in the way we understand those concepts here in Spain. On the contrary, this small and cosy restaurant, with a capacity for barely twenty diners, is different from everything that is offered in the centre of Malaga, even in the province, going under the name of 'Italian cuisine'. Like all good Italian chefs, Guarino will surprise us the most when it comes to pasta. As well as using different cooking times so that the pasta itself becomes the vessel for the flavours, he also creates daring combinations of products that have never before been mixed with traditional fresh pasta, such as linguini with pickled oysters and mint.

It is in these dishes that Mura Mura's cuisine takes on its identity and becomes what for many of us is 'haute cuisine'. However, you have to be a bit of a bohemian and gastronomic adventurer to enjoy Italian cuisine of these characteristics in a place where tourists have been the main attraction for quite some time. Fortunately, more and more people from Malaga are coming to this restaurant in search of sensations and experiences in an Italian cuisine with a lot of personality and different from all the others.

Transparencia

Zoom

A dish that is a tribute to Malaga's gazpachuelo. Carmine surprises with an almost translucent coating of very thinly sliced, cured squid accompanied by a very mild fish broth.

Pasta con ostras

Zoom

Very good interpretation and even better staging to express the combination of fresh pasta with almost every kind of product, including pickled oysters with mint, onion, smoked butter and bottarga (salted and dried fish eggs). Great!

Calamar en purgatorio

Zoom

One of Carmine's classic and perhaps most traditional dishes. A medium-sized squid on a homemade stewed tomato base with a fried egg to fuse both the flavour of the mollusc and the acidity of the fried tomato.

Boquerones cocinados

Zoom

A complicated yet very tasty interpretation of anchovies cooked with miso sauce and salt. The base on which the anchovies sit is warm endive with sun-dried tomatoes and a thin slice of bacon.
Alekk M. Saanders Caceres Monday, 3 June 2024, 12:32 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The appearance in markets and shops of the famous cherries grown in the Jerte Valley in the Spanish region of Extremadura is a sweet synonym for the arrival of summer. This fruit has a rather short season - from May to July. This year "mid-harvest" day, 1 June, was chosen for the 14th 'picota' cherry fair that was held in Jerte.

The picota is a cherry variety that has been cultivated since the 17th century and has its own protected seal of origin, Cereza (cherry in Spanish) del Jerte.There is a local saying - a picota is always a cereza, but a cereza is not always a picota.

Picota is the name used for four varieties of cherry grown from Prunus avium in the mountain valleys of Jerte, Ambroz and La Vera in the north of Caceres province of Andalucia's neighbour, Extremadura.

The main road in the Valley, cherry orchards, the logo of the company. A.M.S.

As you enter the valley, the road is lined with cherry trees whose branches are abundantly laden with deep purple fruit. There are more than 3,700 registered cherry farms in the valley, whose cherry orchards cover an area of around 10,000 hectares.

"I would say, there are few Spanish fruits that are as adored and admired as the picota. Picotas can be grown in one of four traditional varieties: Amburnes, Pico Limon Negro, Pico Negro and Pico Colorado. The picota cherry is protected by a Denomination of Origin (DO) certificate, which provides Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the EU. To use the name picota, the cherries must be grown and packed within a specified geographical area covering farms in the Jerte Valley, farms above 500m in the District of La Vera, and farms above 600m altitude in the Valley of the Ambroz. The fruits are grown by hand, on fertile land and watered by crystal clear streams. The picota is easily identified by the fact that its stalks remain on the trees when picked," farmer Ricardo told SUR in English.

The picota cherry is protected by a Denomination of Origin (DO) certificate, which provides Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the EU

Picotes are hand-layered in traditional chestnut wood baskets and are not subjected to any post-harvest treatments that could affect their natural goodness. From the orchards, the picotas are delivered to cooperatives. One of these is Dadifruit, located in Navaconcejo. SUR in English was invited to watch the post-harvest processing of the cherries, from washing to sorting and packing.

Picota processing. A.M.S.

The cherries are gently rotated as they are carried forward and the distance between the rollers slowly increases so that the cherries are accurately and consistently sorted by size. Size matters. The bigger the cherry, the higher the value. At the end of the conveyor belt, the largest picotas shine like diamonds. Observing such beauty, one can easily understand why the English slogan of the cooperative is "Cherries with diamonds - different flavours".

Observing such beauty, one can easily understand why the English slogan of the co-operative is "Cherries with diamonds - different flavours"

Picota is a kind of haute couture in the world of cherries thanks to its peculiar sweetness, exquisite flavour, crisp texture and slightly darker, almost black colour. It is often called a true treasure of the Jerte Valley.

Besides picotas, the Jerte Valley is undoubtedly one of Spain's popular tourist attractions

Much of this "Spanish treasure" is sent abroad. Around 40% of the picota production is exported and the key markets are Germany and the United Kingdom. For example, the UK sales reportedly peaked in 2011 when 10 million punnets (2,500 tonnes) were sold in a five-week season.

Zoom Rural tourism in the centre of the Valley. A.M.S.

Besides being known for its picotas, the Jerte Valley is also a popular Spanish tourist attraction. It offers areas of great beauty with picturesque waterfalls, natural pools and extensive vegetation.
Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Monday, 3 June 2024, 12:35 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Access to the middle and upper reaches of the Rio Chillar beauty spot in Nerja on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, is still prohibited. It has largely remained closed to the public since the coronavirus pandemic and in August last year Nerja town hall once again decided to close it due to fears over safety and the environmental impact of high visitor numbers.

As summer approaches, the ban remains in force as the Junta de Andalucia has not yet completed the procedures initiated last December to award the contract to a private company to manage access to the site, which in the past has seen more than 3,000 people a day visiting it during the summer months.

This was announced to SUR by the Andalusian regional delegate for sustainability, Jose Antonio Viquez, who acknowledged that until now the bureaucratic procedures for awarding the contract lie with the regional government. They still need to evaluate the maximum volume of daily visitors to be allowed, as well as the emergency, transport and fire prevention plans, among other documents.

Three companies bid for the contract which went out to tender at the end of 2023: Hermanos Campano S.L., from Ardales, Viajes Verano Azul S.L., from Nerja and Construcciones Sanchez Dominguez (Sando), from Malaga.

Zoom Nerja's popular Rio Chillar beauty spot is to remain closed this summer. E. Cabezas

We are working on a regulation of the natural park, especially in the access to the river Chillar, which has become overcrowded at very specific times of the summer, explained Viquez, who pointed out that according to the counts carried out by his department, there were more than 3,100 people in the river in August 2022.

'Like Everest'

Asked whether the regulation will be ready for this summer, Viquez replied: We want it to be done well, they are very thorough studies, they need a study that determines all the actions, we have to cover all eventualities, so that in the event of possible emergency situations everything is resolved.

Nerjas councillor for the environment, Javier Rodriguez is confident that the regional government can complete the procedures for the award very soon. Rodriguez added, It is similar to what happens in many protected areas, and with great tourist attractions, such as Everest.

It should be remembered that the possible privatisation of access to the river Chillar has provoked a response against it from local society, especially from environmental groups, such as the Gabinete de Estudios de la Naturaleza (GENA-Ecologistas en Accion), the association Entre Canas and a citizens' initiative to collect signatures. Left-wing political groups have also expressed their opposition, such as the Con Andalucia group.
Javier Almellones Malaga Monday, 3 June 2024 | Updated 04/06/2024 09:17h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The sardine is the undisputed king of the slow-burning embers used for grilling fish in old, traditional fishing boats at the chiringuitos that line the beaches of the Costa del Sol. But it is not the only fish that can be grilled on a skewer, a cooking method that is as basic as it is attractive to the diners that flock to the beach bars and restaurants. This tradition can be observed on any trip to the beach, from Manilva to Nerja, where the same heat source is used to grill other fish and even cephalopods or shellfish.

The range is so wide that it includes fish smaller than the sardine, such as the anchovy, to some that can weigh more than three kilos, as is often the case with the succulent sea bream. Turbot, red sea bream, grouper, megrim sole, sea bass, pinta bream, red mullet, mackerel or gilt-head bream are just some of the wide range of fish that can be found cooking on the beach during high season.

"There is no fish that can't be skewered, because you can find the right way to skewer all of them", said Miguel Leon, recognised as one of the best skewer cooks in Malaga province. At his family-run chiringuito La Mar Bonita in La Carihuela (Torremolinos), he makes the most of the 'boquerones' (anchovies) when they are of a good size, which he grills with care and skill on the same fire used for grilling sardines.

Zoom Vicen Beach. On Sacaba Beach at Vicen Beach chiringuito you can also find calamares espetados (skewer-roasted squid). J. A.

The technique and the skewer used to grill these anchovies are the same as those used for sardines. "There is no added difficulty in making them and they take even less time to grill", said Miguel Leon, who also has his own home delivery business. "They are increasingly in demand, but we only offer them as an off-menu extra when they are large and plump, because if they are small they are too dry." This dish is also accompanied by a special sauce created by the restaurant itself that is reminiscent of the traditional cuisine of fishing families in this area of Torremolinos, although it has a secret ingredient that La Mar Bonita jealously guards.

They also dare to try boquerones (anchovies) at El Saladero on the Axarquia coast. This is confirmed by Juan Jimenez, co-owner of this restaurant located just a few metres from the fish market in La Caleta de Velez. "Only when they are fresh and come from our port can they be cooked like this," he explained. Scaly fish are the ones most suited to this ancient way of grilling. On the coast of Malaga the dish acquires a certain 'je-ne-sais-quoi' thanks to the area's preference to burn olive or holm oak wood, whose flames are then fanned by the usually gentle sea breezes before being reduced to embers, ready to start grilling. However, in the case of large fish, the way they are skewered changes radically since, instead of piercing from under the tail as happens with sardines or the aforementioned anchovies, the stainless steel skewer is inserted through the mouth. As such they are placed face down into the embers on the 'espetos' boat.

Cooking time is also important and will depend on the size, thickness and weight of the fish. A mackerel is not cooked in the same way as turbot or sea bream, to mention just a few of the possible candidates to be skewered. Beforehand, the fish must be gutted, cut and sprinkled with coarse salt. A fish weighing more than three kilos can be cooked this way, but it takes more than an hour for them to be ready to eat.

Wide range of fish

The repertoire is relatively wide at Vicen Playa, one of the most reputable beach bars on Sacaba Beach: "Here we only work with wild fish, which we can either bake or grill", explained Rafael Jurado, manager of this family-run establishment. From red mullet and mackerel that are relatively smaller in size to red sea bream, gilt-head bream, John Dory, pinta bream and snapper are some of the options on offer to diners. Turbot can also be cooked, although one of the peculiarities of this white fish, its natural gelatin, is lost over the coals. "On the boat it tends to dry out a lot and we don't recommend it as much", is Jurado's advice.

Zoom La Mar Bonita. Located in La Carihuela district of Torremolinos, this chiringuito makes the most of the boqueron. J. A.

The espetos boat is also kind to cooking other sea life not of the scaly variety. Thus, for example, you can find certain parts of some marine life on the skewer that acquire a very special flavour and texture. This is the case with cod loin cooked on the spit, one of Vicen Playa's specialities. "We started cooking it because a foreign customer asked us for it and when we saw how it turned out the first time we were pleasantly surprised by the result", said Jurado. From then on, they improved the roasting of this part of the cod even more and managed to turn it into one of the star dishes of the espetos boat. Normally it is served with potatoes and pil-pil (mildly spicy) sauce, which makes this charcoal-grilled cod loin even juicier. "We work with high quality cod from Norway, which is frozen at sea and stays almost fresh with its flavour intact", said Rafael Jurado.

At La Mar Bonita, in addition to the large scaly fish, another off-menu speciality is in great demand - yet another loin cut from a very large fish, namely bluefin tuna. "When it is in season, fresh and of high quality, we suggest it a lot to be grilled, because it is spectacular", said Miguel Leon.

Also monkfish loin

The prized monkfish loin is also grilled. It is not very common either, but it has been seen in establishments with as much tradition as El Saladero in La Caleta de Velez. "Some people think that after being grilled it is going to be dry and they are surprised by how juicy it is", said Juan Jimenez, owner of this chiringuito, which has won several awards and other distinctions for its firm commitment to quality.

Another important chapter in the book of skewering covers cephalopods, which are also a relatively common sight on the embers typically alight to cook sardines. This is especially the case with the European, or common, squid which is often available in many beach bars and beachfront restaurants. After roasting the squid it is usually served with a garlic and parsley-based sauce, a good accompaniment. The key is to achieve that point where it is at its juiciest that so delights the palate having caught the smokiness of the espeto boat. It is usually done with a squid of a certain size, weighing at least half a kilo. Octopus is another possible candidate, although they usually only skewer the limbs when large enough, as is the case at Vicen Playa. If they are small, there are some places that cook them whole.

Shellfish also have their place on the espetos boat, but they must be large to be worth it. From king prawns to the common lobster or the spiny lobster, there are options to try them in many eateries. However, special care must be taken to ensure that they are not excessively dry, but still well-done. In any case, the majority of these large shellfish are not usually native to these shores and have been frozen for the most part. It is advisable to ask the restaurant about their origin so as not to be disappointed.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Monday, 3 June 2024, 15:16 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Ever since SUR started reporting on the leading role Malaga Airport and its control tower are playing in the development of future Vtol (vertical take-off and landing) drones for commercial passenger transport in Spain, a question has hung in the air: How much is this going to cost? And now there is an estimate.

German company Lilium, which is working with air traffic control company Enaire and local businesses to bring this new technology to the Costa del Sol, estimates an approximate cost of two euros per passenger per kilometre of flight. Given the distance from the city's airport to Marbella is about 50 kilometres (according to Google Maps), the journey would cost 100 euros.

In any case, it will be the operators who run the routes who will finally determine their operating costs and profits. On this point, it is worth remembering that Helity, the helicopter company that connects Malaga, Algeciras and Ceuta, has a pre-agreement with Lilium to develop Vtol connections in Andalucia, and has shown its interest in initially buying five of these aircraft for trips in the region.

Lilium calculates a cost of two euros per kilometre travelled, with an operating range of 175 km

"The Lilium aircraft will achieve an industry-leading cost, our vision is to democratise electric aviation," a company spokesperson told SUR. The aircraft, with a planned capacity for six passengers, is still in the development phase. "We are seeing very good progress. We started production of our aircraft at the end of last year in our Munich facility, and the second fuselage is being prepared for final assembly.

First operations: 2026

At the moment, the aeronautics firm is conducting flight tests with two technology demonstrators in Villacarrillo (Jaen), "but our focus now is on achieving the first piloted flight by the end of the year". But the timeline is ambitious: "We are planning to deliver our first aircraft to customers in 2026, and we will scale up from there".

The biggest advantage of this new form of mobility will be the substantial reduction in journey times, and with many guarantees of punctuality and reliability. The Lilium aircraft, which will be subject to commercial aviation safety standards, reaches a cruising speed of up to 250 kilometres per hour, with a maximum range of 250 kilometres (operating range of 175 km). With this data, the journey between Malaga Airport and Marbella will take just 15-20 minutes; and about 35-40 minutes to Granada.

For the rest, the Lilium aircraft, like the rest of the models that manufacturers are designing around the world, will be fully electric aircraft and will always take off and land vertically (that is precisely what Vtol means, which is the technical name for these aircraft), so they will be accessible in large cities. They will have the same safety standards as commercial aviation, although their seating capacity will be limited to between five and ten seats.

Although the existing heliports can be used, the idea is to build landing strips in strategic areas, such as the airport, the Port of Malaga (due to its proximity to the city centre and to other important resources) and at a strategic point in Marbella.
Faster and personalised care and commitment to innovation through technology are the main factors behind the growing prominence of private medical insurance in Malaga province

Medical professionals in Malaga are ranked among some of the best in Spain.

SUR Monday, 3 June 2024, 12:56 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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With Malagas ever-expanding international community, it is more important than ever that foreigners have private health insurance that provides them with more flexible care, shorter waiting times, a more personalised service adapted to the patients needs and additional coverage for services such as dental care and alternative medicine. It also improves access to multilingual medical professionals, ensuring that there is help readily available in patients native language.

The importance of private healthcare on the Costa del Sol is reflected in the data: Malaga is the Andalusian province with the highest percentage of private healthcare users, completely surpassing Seville. In fact, a recent report by the Spanish Association of Insurers and Reinsurers (Unespa) puts the number of Malaga residents with private insurance at 497,902, that is, 30% of the provinces population.

This upward trend is further demonstrated in a convincing statistic: the purchase of private health insurance broke a new record in Malaga in 2023, with over 27,000 new policies taken out in that year alone.

If we compare the figures to those of a decade ago, the upward curve is more than evident: the private health sector in Malaga has gained over 200,000 insured users between 2012 and 2022. In other words, it has practically doubled in the decade.

Private healthcare centres

Although the success of private healthcare in Malaga is undeniable, we should not overlook the commitment and professionalism of private hospitals and healthcare centres around the province.

Proof of the quality of their service is the frequency with which these private healthcare centres are ranked among the best in Spain. For example, in the 2023 edition of the Monitor de Reputacion Sanitaria de Hospitales (MRS) - a reputation study compiled using almost 8,000 surveys by medical professionals - four of Malagas private hospitals were classed among the 50 best rated in Spain.

The same is true of healthcare professionals working in the private sector: three doctors from Malaga have been included in a prestigious list which ranks the top 50 private healthcare practitioners in the country. They were honoured in the Top Doctors medical directory, which is determined by the ratings of their own colleagues.

Investment in state-of-the-art medical technology, the implementation of innovative lines of research and the adaptation of medical services to the needs and demands of the patient, are some of the foundations on which the private healthcare sector has gained more prominence in the province.

Essential to the national health system

The Institute for the Development and Integration of Healthcare (IDIS), in its 2023 report, notes the various and important contributions of the private sector to the national health system in Spain.

Private healthcare plays an integral part in Spains productive sector (3.1% and, if we add the contribution of the public sector, it represents 10.4% of the countrys GDP) - a percentage that makes it almost as essential to the national economy as tourism.

This sector also frees up public health resources, improves accessibility to healthcare, collaborates with and complements the public health sector, promotes highly complex research using the most advanced technology (34.8% of patents filed in the health sector last year were private initiatives), continuously strives to improve the quality of care, generates employment (more than 290,000 jobs, which accounts for 7.5% of all healthcare employees in Spain) and actively participates in the mental health care of the population (70% of mental health and addiction treatment centres are private).

The private healthcare sector in Malaga has gained more than 200,000 policyholders between 2012 and 2022, doubling its number of users

The IDIS report further shows that the collaboration between the public and private sectors is indispensable to the strength of the national health system. The Unespa report at the beginning of the article emphasises that public and private healthcare are not rivals, but complement each other. This collaboration is particularly important in the field of research. In this regard, Javier Urzay, deputy director-general of Farmaindustria, recently said that research is based on a successful model of public-private collaboration, along with hospitals and research centres, which has managed to position Spain as a benchmark in clinical research at an international level, as well as strengthen the productive fabric and open strategic autonomy.

This collaborative model between the public and private sector when it comes to medical research reached a new milestone last year, when investment in R&D reached a record high of 1.39 billion euros, accounting for 20% of all industrial R&D in Spain.
Juan Cano Malaga Monday, 3 June 2024, 13:29 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A 23-year-old man died on Saturday night on the Costa del Sol after being stabbed to death with what police believe could have been either a knife or a broken bottle.

The incident happened minutes before midnight in Calle Veracruz, near the Paris 15 nightclub in Malaga city, where a concert was being held. Police found a knife on Sunday 2 June, which is now being analysed to establish if it is the murder weapon.

The sharp object had the hilt covered with black tape and was found in the same street where the incident occurred under a hedge in a car parking bay. SUR can confirm the knife was discovered by Malaga city council cleaning services who were working in the San Luis industrial estate.

Barely two hours after the first attack, a second stabbing took place at 1.20am on Sunday 2 June in the El Palo neighbourhood. A member of the public alerted emergency services who found the man in the Plaza Padre Ciganda.

According to sources, the victim - a 40-year-old foreign man who was drunk - had a stab wound to the abdomen. He was rushed to a hospital in Malaga city.

Zoom Police and cleaning services after discovering the knife in the area where the assault took place. Migue Fernandez

It was the second violent death last week in Malaga city after the shooting in which a 37-year-old man died. The incident happened about 2am on Thursday 30 May near Calle Virgen del Pilar. Police officers and the 061 emergency medical services were on the scene, who worked to stabilise the injured man before transferring him to the Regional Hospital. He was admitted in an extremely serious condition but later died.
Susana Zamora Malaga Monday, 3 June 2024, 14:57 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A new rule will oblige many homeowners' associations in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol to adapt their lifts so they meet technical and safety requirements.

In some cases, it will be enough to change or repair a part to comply with the so-called Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC AEM 1), which originates from the Royal Decree 355/2024, approved by the government in April, but in others, the obligation to comply with the new law may mean replacing the lift with a new one and undertaking work that will take weeks and could cost a fortune.

Four out of every ten residents' associations in Malaga province will be affected and will have to undertake some kind of reform to comply with the provision of the ministry of industry, which will come into force on 1 July. "It will be a progressive adaptation, so that each community will carry it out when it is time for its review," said Manuel Jimenez, president of the Association of Property Administrators of Malaga and Melilla. "They have been announcing for years that its implementation would be immediate and this has allowed companies to prepare themselves and, also, that many systems are already adapted."

The reason behind the performance requirements and adjustments is to improve safety, in lifts of residential flats and those in office buildings, private premises or public facilities. The aim is to incorporate the safety measures of new lifts into older lifts.

The new standard sets out a series of technical requirements, including the levelling of the lifts to correct any steps between the inside of the lift and the outside and the detection of people so the automatic doors do not hit them when they enter or exit. Older elevators usually have two photocells installed at the bottom, while more modern elevators have photoelectric barrier systems that cover a larger surface area.

Another of the conditions is that lifts must have a two-way communication system so that in the event of a person being trapped, they can communicate with the outside world to ask for help and receive instructions. The new law will also make it compulsory to have control devices that prevent the lift from overloading, "provided that it is technically feasible and does not imply the replacement of the control panel", according to the BOE. Old lifts, if they're not going to be changed, "will have to reduce their load by 50%".

Lifts that have to undergo an inspection from 1 July must be adapted to the new safety requirements. If they do not meet the requirements, homeowner associations must remedy it within a period that will depend on the type of repair that is necessary. Minor defects that have not been rectified after the scheduled inspection "will become serious in the next inspection". The regulation warns, the maintenance company will be obliged to stop the lift if the community does not accredit that the mandatory periodic inspection has been carried out when it was due or has given its approval to the deficiencies.

30,000 euros if the lift needs to be replaced Adaptation to the new state regulations on lifts is going to mean a financial outlay for a large number of residents' associations in Malaga. Upgrades to comply with the Royal Decree can range from 350 to 1,000 euros, if it is only to change or fix a part, to more than 30,000 euros if it involves replacing the lift with a new one. However, the president of the Association of Property Administrators of Malaga and Melilla, Manuel Jimenez, calls for calm because of the total number of communities that will be affected, he believes that only a minority will have to change their elevators and gives an example: "I manage 130 communities and only two will have to replace them". A measure that, if it had to be carried out, both the administrator and the president would be legally empowered to do so, "because we are obliged by law and because it affects the safety of the building". It would not, therefore, require the agreement of an owners' meeting. However, as it is an economic issue, Jimenez recommended including this matter on an agenda to inform all the residents why this adaptation is necessary, so that they can assess the previously requested budget for the work to be done and decide how to deal with it, whether to assume it with the community's own funds - if it has them - or if the expense is high, to agree on a charge or request a loan. "The most burdensome will be when there are lifts that, due to their age and obsolescence, there is no choice but to change them". Jimenez also called on communities that currently do not have lifts and have more than three floors to take advantage of the aid provided for in the Junta de Andalucia's Ecovivienda Plan. "Although they are for energy efficiency measures, other accessibility measures (a lift, for example) can be considered if they are part of the same action. Jimenez also pointed out that there are others with funds from the regional government only for accessibility and two from Malaga City Council, one for building refurbishment (still in force) and another for accessibility, which will be announced in December.

Jimenez assured property administrators are used to dealing with regulations from the ministry of industry and that the new regulations are a positive development. He said lifts enjoy a "high level of reliability", given that in the past eight years they have included some of the standards that will now be mandatory, such as two-way communication or automatic systems that allow the machine to anticipate a breakdown and inform the control centre. "The lifts of today have little to do with those of the past and, although it is a field that worries us property administrators as it is a very used and fundamental resource in a community, we have no records of serious incidents in Malaga".
Seneca Falls, N.Y.  One man has been arrested for a shooting at a Finger Lakes Tops grocery store on Sunday, police said.

At around 2:50 Sunday police responded to a report of shots fired at the Tops store near Route 5 and Route 20 in Seneca Falls, police said.

When officers arrived they found one person who had been shot after an argument in the parking lot, police said.

The victim was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital by Mercy Flight, police said.

Jose A. Garcia-Vellen, 35, of Waterloo, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, police said. He is currently being held at the Seneca County Correctional Facility, awaiting arraignment, police said.

Originally police said they had two people in custody. Police did not say if the other person was charged or released.

Police said more information will be released at a later date.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.
Seneca Falls, N.Y.  A man who was shot Sunday after an argument outside a Finger Lakes Tops grocery store has been identified.

The victim is Antonio Caban Ortiz, 47, of Geneva, according to Seneca Falls police.

Ortiz, who was shot in the face, is in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. He was airlifted to the hospital by Mercy Flight after the shooting, which happened just before 3 p.m. at the Tops store near Route 5 and Route 20 in Seneca Falls.
Have you started saving up your dollar bills yet for the $2 samples at this years Taste of Syracuse?

Downtown Syracuses largest outdoor food and music festival is once again ready to take over the area around Clinton Square on Friday and Saturday with dozens of local restaurants participating. Live music, including national acts Hanson and Cracker, will be on three stages.

Other summer favorites are also on the calendar for this busy first week of June.

St. Sophias Greek Cultural Festival will be serving up their delicious food and desserts in DeWitt, Baldwinsvilles Seneca River Days has food trucks, music, fireworks, and more this weekend, and Hamlet will be performed at Thornden Park.

And there is a whole lot more.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.

Monday

Johnson Park concerts

Liverpools Johnson Park begins its summer series of free evening concerts this week. On Monday, Yolanda Bush and The Coolwater Collective provides blues and jazz sounds and on Wednesday Chuck Schieles Quatro performs Americana music. Monday and Wednesday concerts at 7 p.m. continue until mid-August. Click here for a complete schedule.

Where: Tulip and Second Streets, Liverpool

When: Mondays and Wednesday until mid-August at 7 p.m.

How much: Free

Wednesday

Canals and the Underground Railroad

The Erie Canal Museum presents a history talk on Wednesday with researcher, writer, and teacher Judith Wellman. It will focus on how New York States canals were of special importance for former slaves as both an escape route from slavery and as havens for work and settlement. The presentation can be enjoyed both live in-person or virtually. It starts at 6 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested. Please register here.

Where: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse

When: Wednesday at 6 p.m.

How much: A $10 donation is suggested.

Thursday

A young boy watches a Loukoumathes, or Honey Puffs being served in 2019 at the St. Sophias Greek Cultural Festival on Waring Road in DeWitt. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.comDennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

St. Sophias Greek Cultural Festival

Celebrating its 51st year, the St. Sophia Greek Cultural Festival kicks off its four-day run at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The church on Waring Road in DeWitt will be the place for a full menu of Greek foods and desserts, live Greek music and dancing under the outdoor taverna tent, and guests will be invited to tour the churchs iconography project. A Greek marketplace will be open to shop for clothing, jewelry, and books. The event is free to attend and park. Complimentary shuttles are available from neighboring school parking lots. Visit https://www.syracusegreekfest.com/ for more info and schedules.

Where: 325 Waring Road, DeWitt

When: Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Friday from 5-10 p.m. Saturday from noon to 10, and Sunday from noon to 4.

How much: Free to attend.

Friday

Ahmad Zatar of Pita Dream dishes out a gyro over rice at the 2023 Taste of Syracuse. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) Charlie MillerCharlie Miller

Taste of Syracuse

The annual outdoor food and music festival at Clinton Square returns for another year. Taste of Syracuse features dozens of local restaurants offering $2 samples and menus of full price items on Friday and Saturday and live music spread out over three stages. National acts Hanson and Cracker headline Saturday night. For a list of participants, music schedule, and more information about this Syracuse favorite, visit https://www.tasteofsyracuse.com/.

Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse

When: Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How much: Free to attend.

Hamlet in the Park

Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park will be presenting Hamlet at the amphitheater at Thornden Park this weekend and next. The worlds most produced play, Hamlet tells the story of a Danish prince looking for revenge against his uncle who has murdered his father. Hamlet will be portrayed by veteran Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park actor Basil Allen. Admission is free and premium tickets are available that offer a lawn chair, concession food coupon, and more. Audience members can bring their own chairs and picnics as well. Performances are 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 on Sundays. Visit ssitp.org for more info and to purchase premium tickets.

Where: Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse

When: Friday-Sunday this weekend and next. Performances start at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 on Sunday.

How much: Free. Premium tickets are $40, plus fees.

The top ten ducks sit on the board after the Great River Duck Race at the Seneca River DaysIkuru Kuwajima.Ikuru Kuwajima / The Post-Standard

Seneca River Days

The annual Seneca River Days are back this weekend on Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville. The fundraiser for the Baldwinsville Rotary Club features many free and low-priced activities for people of all ages. The fun begins on Friday when gates open at 4:30 p.m. for food trucks and fireworks. Admission is $5 per person and children 12 and under are free. Admission is free on Saturday when gates open at 11 a.m. There will be fun events, food trucks, and live music. You can also participate in the annual The Great Seneca River Duck Pluck at 6 p.m. Go to https://senecariverdays.com/ for more info, schedules, and to purchase your duck race tickets.

Where: 2 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville

When: Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

How much: Free to attend on Saturday. $5 per person on Friday, children 12 and under are free.

The Auburn Players Community Theatre will be presenting the musical comedy Nunsense this weekend at the Auburn Public Theater.Provided Photo

Nunsense

The Auburn Players Community Theatre will be presenting the musical comedy Nunsense this weekend at the Auburn Public Theater. Nunsense follows the five surviving members of the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they try to raise money to bury Sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). The Sisters take over a high school auditorium to mount a variety show that includes outrageous songs, dancing, and an audience quiz. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2. Ticket prices are $20 and $15 for students and seniors. They can be purchased here.

Where: 8 Exchange Street, Auburn

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2.

How much: $20, $15 for students and seniors.

The quintet Jewel Winds feature Colleen O'Neil, Cornelia Brewster; standing: Janelle Bookhout, Claire McKenney, Judy Marchione.Provided Photo

Winds and Keys

Alliance Classical Players presents its second annual Winds and Keys concert at Grace Episcopal Church, Utica, on Friday evening, starting at 7 p.m. The concert features the quintet Jewel Winds with pianist Tina Toglia. Selections include works for winds alone, as well as with piano, such as Summer Evening by Sadoh, three pieces by Fred Onovwerosuoke, and several short selections by Florence Price The program lasts about an hour in length and there is no intermission. It is free and open to the public.

Where: 6 Elizabeth Street, Utica

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

How much: Free

Saturday

Hundreds of runners begin their race at l Paiges Butterfly Run in downtown Syracuse. Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.comMichael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syr

Paiges Butterfly Run

Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse, Paiges Butterfly Run brings runners and walkers together from across the region for one of the areas premier 5K races. The event raises money in support of local children and families fighting childhood cancer and pediatric cancer research at Upstate Golisano Childrens Hospital. Click here to register for the 5K Run, the 3K Fitness Run/Walk, Centipede Team 5K, Virtual 5K, or Caterpillar Crawl for kids five and under. For more information, click here.

Where: Register at the Federal Building in downtown Syracuse.

When: Saturday at 9 a.m.

How much: Adults races are $45.

Marcus King performs on stage during the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year gala at the LA Convention Center in Los Angeles, February 2, 2024. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP via Getty Images)Michael TRAN / AFP via Getty Images

Marcus King

Grammy-nominated blues and southern rock musician Marcus King brings his Mood Swings: The World Tour to Syracuses Landmark Theatre on Saturday night. The show starts at 8 p.m. King faces heartache, addiction, and mental health head-on in his music. For as dark as everything seemed, you cant help but feel a sense of hope in the power of Marcuss voice. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 8 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $42.30, plus fees.

Syracuse Stage's Archbold Theater is hosting the Salt City Drag Battle on Saturday night.Courtesy of Syracuse Stage

2024 Salt City Drag Battle

Join your hosts Darienne Lake and Aggy Dune on Saturday night as eight diva-licious contestants contend at the 2024 Salt City Drag Battle. Tickets are still available for the show at the Archbold Theatre. Lobby opens at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8. The night includes drinks, dancing, and complimentary snacks during an extended intermission. All proceeds from the Salt City Drag Battle benefit Syracuse Stage artistic, community engagement, and educational programming. No one under the age of 17 is admitted with a parent or guardian. Click here for tickets.

Where: 820 East Genesee Street, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30.

How much: $45

A beaver drags a tree branch while swimming at the Heron Rookery wetland at the Sterling Nature Center in Cayuga County. Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.comMichael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syr

CNY Folksmarch

Junes CNY Folksmarch will be exploring the Sterling Nature Center in northern Cayuga County this weekend. Walking trails will take us through meadow areas, along the heron roosting area, and close to the shore of Lake Ontario on both Saturday and Sunday. Paths are packed earth. Please register at the new nature center.

Where: 15380 Jensvold Road, Sterling

When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

How much: $4 per adult, $1 for children ages 6 to 18. First time walkers walk free and military veterans participate for half-price.

The 13th annual CNY Fiber Arts Festival in Bouckville is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday. It tyoically draws at least 1,200 enthusiastic fans to Bouckville every year. It is "Nirvana" to fans of fiber arts like knitting and weaving and spinning.Provided Photo

CNY Fiber Arts Festival

The CNY Fiber Arts Festival returns to Bouckville on Saturday and Sunday with all its popular features and more handmade fiber products and farm products than ever before. The family-friendly festival will be held at Bouckvilles Butternut Hill Campground on Route 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can stroll through 125 booths under cover offering fiber-related products, farm products, fiber animals, exhibits, and demonstrations. The products include handspun yarn, roving, and handmade clothing; unique decorative pieces; rugs and sheepskins; crocheted and knitted toys, felted hats and vessels. Other booths offer supplies for the fiber arts, kits, handmade tools, jewelry, totes, soap, fabrics, baskets, pottery, herbs, and maple syrup. Live music and food vendors will round out the festival atmosphere. Admission is $5 and children under eight are free. Dogs are not permitted. Go to https://www.cnyfiberarts.org for more information.

Where: 6893 U.S. Route 20, Bouckville

When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How much: $5, children under eight are free.

Stonework Play

Created by Diana Suskind, Stonework Play at Clark Reservation State Park on Saturday is a creative, nature-related event that is perfect for families and all ages. Participants collect various shapes, weights, and colors of stones. Then they arrange the stones to create a pattern or a picture. After this, the children draw a picture that represents what they have created and narrate what is going on in the picture or author a story about it. (Parents help with this part.) Finally, there is a walk and talk where everyone shares their work with each other. The event runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and is free, but you must register here.

Where: 6105 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville

When: Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

How much: Free
Syracuse, N.Y.  The Syracuse Common Council will take its time responding to Mayor Ben Walshs veto of a proposed law it narrowly approved to take more control of the citys police watchdog.

While councilors did not take an override vote at their meeting Monday, the possibility remains that they may, with one councilor who previously opposed the law now on the fence. A health issue for another councilor, who has missed several meetings since the middle of May, further complicates the situation.
Christopher Lyon, Ph.D., is a Canadian social scientist at the University of York in the United Kingdom. He witnessed his fathers death under Canadas Medical Aid in Dying program and recently discussed some of his concerns with MAID in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

Dr. Barry Perlmans recent guest opinion, A vote for Medical Aid in Dying is not a vote for suicide (May 28, 2024) on the current New York state Assembly bill contains many statements that I find difficult to accept as a witness to my Dads horrific death under Canadas MAID program.

First, on suicide, Perlman asserts that suicides are often  violent and furtively conducted. Under the proposed bill, the patients would self-administer  that is, swallow a lethal dose of prescription medication. Poisoning is the third most common means of suicide in New York. There is no meaningful difference in method between MAID and many suicides  except for the involvement of physicians and pharmacists in providing the means (with risky complications). My father accessed suicide prevention services before he applied for MAID and was open about his death as a suicide, but this did not seem to matter. Nothing is limiting eligible terminally ill patients from seeking MAID if they are suicidal, no matter what a doctor calls it.

Perlman also points out that [i]f either the attending or consulting physician determines that the patients decisional capacity is impaired due to a psychiatric or psychological disorder or other condition, an evaluation by a mental health professional must be obtained. This is putting the cart before the horse, as mental health professionals have the expert training to determine if the patient lacks decisional capacity and should see the patient first  but how do you assess whether a person can consent to poison themselves? This usually shows a lack of capacity and a need for urgent intervention! Canadian law has a similar capacity requirement, but research shows that some MAID clinicians think of professional capacity tests as rigmarole and prefer to trust their gut instead of bringing in the professionals. Further, severely ill people are often on capacity-impairing painkillers and other medication. In Canada, patients like my father and others seem to be permitted alcoholic drinks just before they die, further impairing capacity.

Perlman also asserts that, Unlike MAID, which is most often supported by the patients loved ones, the decision to take ones life by suicide is often thought to be targeted at those closest to them. I speak from experience in that MAID can put a patients loved ones in an indescribably terrible situation of a family member poisoning themselves (or lethal injection  currently illegal in the U.S. but not in Canada) to death in front of them, regardless of reason or other health. Nor are patients required to tell their loved ones they will die this way. Some faiths may not allow a religious service for MAID deaths.

The shock and trauma can be the same as suicide. Some of us belong to support groups for the loved ones of suicide deaths. My father and others in Canada were even allowed to use their deaths in ways that were intended to harm loved ones or former loved ones by scheduling it on birthdays or other important dates. Doctors who believe strongly in the individual autonomy/choice or control reasons for MAID might not see harmful impacts, intended or not, on the patients loved ones as their responsibility.

The sloppy approach to capacity assessments, ideology, misunderstanding of suicide and other issues may be why provinces like Quebec and British Columbia note many approvals and deaths of people who did not meet legal eligibility criteria. Some of these have been referred to law enforcement and medical regulators  but mercy killing and healthcare murder prosecutions are notoriously tricky. Yet, the stakes are the same as a death penalty trial, but without the rigorous evidence and process of a police investigation, criminal trial, and exhausted appeals. Instead, MAID is just the secret word of a couple of doctors: In Canada, a judge ruled that doctors MAID approval documents are private and cant be reviewed, and a healthcare authority is reported to have blocked police access to these records and prevented an investigation. How would New York courts see it?

Finally, healthcare serial killers mainly target the same kinds of ill, distressed, disabled patients as those who would be eligible for MAID. In Canada, some MAID doctors talk about the adrenaline high and other pleasures they get from MAID and even compare it to a crusade. MAID is often promoted as a right by its advocates, so its medical reasons or suffering arent always the first reason for it; in Canada the suffering doesnt even have to be real or directly caused by the illness.

Nor is it just a right for the patient, but a right for physicians to directly help the patient die.

New Yorks lawmakers must ask what kind of people are the doctors who would volunteer to help patients take their own lives and how they would monitor them. While the state Medical Society voted to support MAID, how will its doctors be trained and certified? Could healthcare and law enforcement services even tell the difference between a serial killer and a MAID physician?

New York state lawmakers should avoid Canadas path and reflect very hard on the implications of MAID for suicide prevention, harm to others, trust in doctors and patient safety.

Suicide prevention help

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal, substance use, or other mental health crises there is help available.

Dial 911 if you or someone is in immediate danger.

Call, text or chat 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

1-800-273-8255 Press 1, Veterans and Military Crisis Line

Call (315) 251-0600 to reach Contact, a Central New York non profit that operates a 24-hour telephone counseling line.

(315) 448-6555. Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Program (CPEP), 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. This licensed psychiatric emergency room at St. Josephs Hospital Health Center provides evaluation and treatment for individuals of all ages who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis.
A woman was attacked by multiple dogs at a Central New York home, the City of Cortland Police Department said.

Police said two 911 callers reported a 42-year-old woman being attacked and actively bitten by three dogs inside an apartment on 160 Main Street in Cortland on Sunday. The woman sustained severe wounds to her head, chest, shoulders and arms, police said.

Officers deployed pepper spray in attempt to stop the dogs from attacking her, police said. When the spray had no effect, an officer shot the most aggressive of the three dogs, which stopped all three animals from biting the female victim.
Why it matters: AMD is in the unique position of being the primary competitor to Nvidia on GPUs  for both PCs and AI acceleration  and to Intel for CPUs  both for servers and PCs  so their efforts are getting more attention than they ever have. And with that, the official opening keynote for this year's Computex was delivered by AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su.

Given AMD's wide product portfolio, it's not surprising that Dr. Su's keynote covered a broad range of topics  even a few unrelated to GenAI (!). The two key announcements were the new Zen 5 CPU architecture (covered in full detail here) and a new NPU architecture called XDNA2.

What's particularly interesting about XDNA2 is its support for the Block Floating Point (Block FP16) data type, which offers the speed of 8-bit integer performance and the accuracy of 16-bit floating point. According to AMD, it's a new industry standard  meaning existing models can leverage it  and AMD's implementation is the first to be done in hardware.

The Computex show has a long history of being a critical launch point for traditional PC components, and AMD started things off with their next-generation desktop PC parts  the Ryzen 9000 series  which don't have a built-in NPU. What they do have, however, is the kind of performance that gamers, content creators, and other PC system builders are constantly seeking for traditional PC applications. Let's not forget how important that still is, even in the era of "AI PCs."

Of course, AMD also had new offerings in the AI PC space  a new series of mobile-focused parts for the new Copilot+ PCs that Microsoft and other partners announced a few weeks ago.

AMD is branding them as the Ryzen AI 300 series to reflect the fact that they are the third generation of laptop chips built by AMD with an integrated NPU. A little-known fact is that AMD's Ryzen 7040  announced in January 2023  was the first chip with built-in AI acceleration, followed by the Ryzen 8040 at the end of last year.

We knew this new chip was coming, but what was somewhat unexpected is how much new technology AMD has integrated into the AI 300 (codenamed Strix Point). It features new Zen 5 CPU cores, an upgraded RDNA 3.5 GPU architecture, and a new NPU built on XDNA2 that offers an impressive 50 TOPs of performance.

What's also surprising is how quickly laptops with Ryzen AI 300s are coming to market.

What's also surprising is how quickly laptops with Ryzen AI 300s are coming to market. Systems are expected as soon as next month, just weeks after the first Qualcomm Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs are set to ship.

One big challenge, however, is that the x86 CPU and AMD-specific NPU versions of the Copilot+ software won't be ready when these AMD-powered PCs are launched. Apparently, Microsoft didn't expect x86 vendors like AMD and Intel to be done so soon and prioritized their work for the Arm Qualcomm devices. As a result, these will be Copilot+ "Ready" systems, meaning they'll need a software upgrade  likely in early fall  to become full-blown next-gen AI PCs.

Still, this vastly sped-up timeframe  which Intel is also expected to announce for their new chips this week  has been impressive to watch. Early in the development of AI PCs, the common thought was that Qualcomm would have a 12 to 18-month lead over both AMD and Intel in developing a part that met Microsoft's 40+ NPU TOPS performance specs.

The strong competitive threat from Qualcomm, however, inspired the two PC semiconductor stalwarts to move their schedules forward, and it looks like they've succeeded.

On the datacenter side, AMD previewed their latest 5th-gen Epyc CPUs (codename Turin) and their Instinct MI-300 series GPU accelerators. As with the PC chips, AMD's latest server CPUs are built around Zen 5 with competitive performance improvements for certain AI workloads that are up to 5x faster than Intel equivalents, according to AMD.

... as Nvidia did last night, AMD also unveiled an annual cadence for improvements for their GPU accelerator line and offered details up to 2026.

For GPU accelerators, AMD announced the Instinct MI325, which offers twice the HBM3E memory of any card on the market. More importantly, as Nvidia did last night, AMD also unveiled an annual cadence for improvements for their GPU accelerator line and offered details up to 2026.

Next year's MI350, which will be based on a new CDNA4 GPU compute architecture, will leverage both the increased memory capacity and this new architecture to deliver an impressive 35x improvement versus current cards. For perspective, AMD believes it will give them a performance lead over Nvidia's latest generation products.

AMD is one of the few companies that's been able to gain any traction against Nvidia for large-scale acceleration, so any enhancements to this line of products is bound to be well-received by anyone looking for an Nvidia alternative  both large cloud computing providers and enterprise data centers.

Taken as a whole, the AMD story continues to advance and impress. It's amazing to see how far the company has come in the last 10 years, and it's clear they continue to be a driving force in the computing and semiconductor world.

Bob O'Donnell is the president and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC, a market research firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. You can follow Bob on Twitter @bobodtech
WTF?! Cybercriminals can do lasting damage to internet routers protected by weak credentials by exploiting the right remote access features. Black Lotus researchers discovered one such "destructive" event last October that bricked hundreds of thousands of routers.

Analysts at Black Lotus Labs dubbed the cyber-incident the "Pumpkin Eclipse," as it was felt across several Midwest states by the end of October last year. Between October 25 and 27, over 600,000 small office/home office (SOHO) routers were taken offline, unable to access the internet.

The unnamed criminals targeted two router models manufactured by ActionTec (T3200, T3260), but the method used to access those devices is still unknown. The hackers didn't use exploits or zero-day vulnerabilities, which suggests they used brute force to attack weak authentication credentials or may have entered through an exposed administrative interface.

Once in, the cyber-criminals used a well-known remote access trojan (RAT) named Chalubo to download and install malicious firmware on the compromised routers. The firmware rendered the SOHO devices "permanently inoperable," forcing the ISP to replace them to restore internet connectivity. Security researchers have known about the Chalubo RAT since 2018. The malware has advanced features such as encrypted communications, DDoS capabilities, and custom Lua script execution.

Black Lotus didn't disclose the provider's name, but the incident correlates to a widespread internet outage suffered by customers of Arkansas-based ISP Windstream. Both Windstream and the FBI declined to provide any statement about the incident despite this being a "highly concerning" cyber-attack with unknown motivations.

A sizable portion of Windstream's internet service covers rural or underserved communities where internet connectivity is employed to connect to emergency services, monitor crops remotely, or manage healthcare applications. A few Windstream Reddit users publicly disclosed that they had suffered a weird internet outage, with the incident beginning around October 25.

The cyber-criminals weren't interested in exploiting the infected routers to manage some powerful DDoS attack. Black Lotus did not observe any "overlapping" activities by known nation-state groups during the Pumpkin Eclipse incident, meaning that the unknown criminals simply decided to brick everything for reasons no one has been able to explain yet.
TL;DR: VESA recently introduced the DisplayHDR 1.2 specifications to better identify and market HDR-capable monitors. Now, LG claims to be the first company to offer a DisplayHDR 1.2-certified monitor for gamers with spacious, wide desks (and deep wallets).

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) updated the DisplayHDR standard early this month, releasing new specifications to provide customers with better information about the HDR capabilities of modern displays. DisplayHDR is primarily used for computer monitors and laptops, and the DisplayHDR 1.2 specs add more stringent metrics that must be met to earn an official "DisplayHDR" badge.

DisplayHDR 1.2 includes tighter color gamut requirements to improve color accuracy, while the basic brightness level remains at 400 nits. However, compared to previous specifications, a DisplayHDR 400 monitor using the newer 1.2 version of the standard should provide a much better visual experience when dealing with high-dynamic-range video content.

LG Electronics now claims that the UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor 45GS95QE is the first monitor to achieve an official VESA DisplayHDR 1.2 certification. The South Korean company is the second largest TV manufacturer in the world, indicating a likely close relationship between LG and industry trade organization VESA.

The LG UltraGear OLED 45GS95QE monitor appears to be designed to "raise the bar" for HDR experiences, offering some of today's most-requested gaming features in addition to the latest DisplayHDR 1.2 specs. The 45-inch curved (21:9) display boasts a WQHD resolution (3,440 x 1,440 pixels) and a VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification, providing richer blacks and a deep color gamut thanks to OLED technology.

The monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms GtG response time, and it supports both FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible adaptive refresh technologies. The "virtually borderless" monitor also provides a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and covers up to 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color space. The adjustable stand includes custom tilt, height, and swivel support.

Being first doesn't necessarily mean being cheap, and LG's latest gaming monitor will cost $1,300. The company is also selling a dedicated gaming pad under the same UltraGear brand for $200. Gaming on a 45" screen would certainly require some additional comfort options, though it's debatable whether a gaming pad should cost that much, even in the XXL variants.
American YouTuber MrBeast has achieved a monumental milestone by dethroning T-Series as the most-subscribed channel on on YouTube.

This feat comes after a prolonged battle for the top spot, with the T-Series channel reigning supreme following Swedish YouTuber PewDiePie's relinquishment.

MrBeast Claiming YouTube Throne

Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, has officially become the most-subscribed channel on YouTube, surpassing the long-reigning Bollywood music label T-Series.

T-Series held the top spot for several years after Felix Kjellberg, better known as PewDiePie, conceded his extended battle for supremacy. Now, MrBeast has taken the crown.

Donaldson shared the milestone on Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, saying that his channel gained an additional two million subscribers in one day, setting a new record. In his post, the YouTube sensation shared a picture showing the latest subscription figures and said that he has "avenged" PewDiePie.

According to The Verge, MrBeast's subscriber count has now reached 268 million. X owner Elon Musk congratulated MrBeast on his achievement, responding to the YouTuber's post with, "Wow, congrats!"

In a big show of support for Kjellberg's effort to stay as the most-subscribed YouTuber in 2019, Donaldson covered every billboard in his town with ads promoting PewDiePie. He even went to the Super Bowl with friends wearing T-shirts that together spelled out "SUB 2 PEW DIE PIE."

Now, the MrBeast channel gained an impressive two million subscribers in just one day, which took T-Series an entire month to reach. This fast growth makes it unlikely that T-Series will catch up anytime soon.

MrBeast's Impact: Creative Content, Philanthropy, and Global Influence

Renowned for his elaborate challenges and generous giveaways, MrBeast has built a massive following on YouTube through combined creative content and philanthropic efforts. His channel boasts over 50.2 billion views, a testament to his widespread popularity.

Among his many viral videos, his most-watched, "$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life," has garnered more than 615.5 million views, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide with its high stakes and engaging concept.

In recognition of his success, Forbes named him the highest-paid YouTuber in 2022, highlighting his influence and the substantial revenue generated from his content.

He also celebrated his 26th birthday uniquely and memorably by giving away 26 Teslas to his followers worldwide, further cementing his reputation for grand gestures and generosity.

His philanthropic efforts are equally notable. He co-founded Team Seas, an ambitious initiative to remove millions of pounds of trash from the world's oceans. Through these diverse endeavors, MrBeast continues to make a significant impact both online and offline.

Beyond his YouTube fame, Donaldson has expanded his entrepreneurial ventures into the food industry by launching MrBeast Burger, a fast-food chain that operates through a virtual kitchen model, and Feastables, a line of snack products.

When he opened his first physical store for his famous Beast Burger, over 10,000 people lined up to buy burgers in just 10 minutes after opening.

MrBeast shared a photo of the crowd on Twitter, commenting on the overwhelming turnout and suggesting latecomers might have to wait until later or the next day.

His remarks highlighted the packed mall, where thousands were eager to try Beast Burger. According to Essentially Sports, Beast Burger started as a ghost kitchen concept that only fulfill online orders.
A new edition of Tech Times' Weekly Wrap focuses on last week's top stories in the tech world, with Amazon Zoox's self-driving development now seeing a probe because of its unexpected braking. On the other hand, the massive Snowflake data breach involved Ticketmaster user data that the hackers stole from the company.

Lastly, there was also the dubious and fraudulent Apple Store scam, in which fake iPhones were swapped via a warranty return process, giving them real ones in the process.

Amazon Self-Driving Zoox Face Probe for Unexpected Braking

Amazon's new self-driving technology, Zoox, is now facing a federal probe from regulators after a recent accident it caused after unexpectedly braking on a road. The Zoox robotaxis caused a massive crash after its unexpected braking, which led to it getting rear-ended by motorcycle riders who sustained minor injuries from the incident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requested various items as part of its investigations, including the vehicle's mileage driven with the autonomous software, the number of self-driving hard braking instances, and information about the incidents.

California's DMV approved Amazon's Zoox to operate in Foster City and San Francisco to test its self-driving technology.

Snowflake Data Breach: Ticketmaster User Data Stolen

Cloud storage platform Snowflake recently revealed that hackers were accessing its systems, which led to a massive data breach that affected 400 companies it is in partnership with. Ticketmaster was among those affected, with the cybersecurity incident putting its user data in the crosshairs of the bad actors.

A cybersecurity firm, Hudson Rock, shared its discovery of this recent hack on Snowflake. It communicated with the hacker, who allegedly claimed they accessed Ticketmaster and Santander Bank data. The hacker then revealed that Snowflake was the source of this access, further claiming that this was possible thanks to an employee's login credentials via a ServiceNow account.

The threat actors could also bypass Snowflake's sign-on provider, Okta. The breach attempted to extort Snowflake for $20 million in exchange for the stolen information.

Apple Store Fraud: Fake iPhones Swapped

US authorities recently caught a massive Apple Store fraud scheme involving five Chinese nationals, leading to the arrest of the suspected criminals behind this long-term scam. The hackers caused Apple as much as $12.3 million in losses by swapping fake iPhones through a warranty procedure and then receiving the real Apple smartphone.

The scam started in December 2015 and lasted until March 2023, during which time as many as 16,000 fake iPhones were returned to Apple Stores in various locations, including Beverly Hills, Irvine, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks.

During those times, scammers would complain about malfunctioning devices and return them to the stores, with Apple replacing their devices as if they matched the identification numbers from its warranty. These fake iPhones came from China and other countries and then shipped to the US for suspects to use in the scam.
The past week saw the rise and fall of crypto wallets and networks, with CryptoWatch giving you the latest updates in the industry centered on the new French startup Ledger introducing its crypto wallets. Mastercard's latest peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto network launch is available for countries across Europe and Latin America.

Moreover, there is also good news for Gemini Earn users as the company is now returning the cryptocurrency they kept under the program two years after it froze the accounts.

Ledger Crypto Wallet Now Available from French Startup

The French startup Ledger has begun shipping its new crypto wallets to users 18 months after it first announced the Ledger Stax devices centered on hardware wallets. The new wallets feature a new e-Ink display designed in collaboration with Tony Fadell, the renowned "father of the iPod," to deliver the new look.

The company recently shipped Ledger Stax crypto wallets under preorders to fulfill the previous purchases by users who initially bought them. Those looking to buy one now would have to wait for an update from Ledger's website for information on new stock.

This new hardware crypto wallet offers a hands-on approach to managing one's cryptocurrency and NFT assets, which can be stored on the device. It can be connected to a computer with USB-C via the Ledger Live app and to mobile devices via Bluetooth on the Ledger Live Mobile.

Mastercard's P2P Crypto Network Now Live

The renowned fintech and credit card company Mastercard has launched its much-awaited P2P crypto network for users in select European and Latin American countries. This network offers the capability to send and receive digital assets more directly, done through the Mastercard Crypto Credential aliases, which allow users to create a unique name for their transactions.

According to Mastercard, this will simplify the transactions done on the blockchain and leave behind the complex addresses for asset transfers. The company's verification system assures a secure transaction between accounts, offering worry-free transfers for users.

This also promises faster transactions between accounts, with Mastercard helping with the metadata exchange through this simpler approach.

Gemini Earn Returns Crypto Holdings

Gemini is back, not for its operations but for the defunct and bankrupt crypto exchange platform to return customer assets under the Earn program after around two years of freezing users' money. As much as $2.18 billion in cryptocurrency is being returned to their rightful owners, as it was previously known that withdrawals were prohibited amidst the company's fiasco.

According to Gemini, they are doing customers better with these returns, as they will also include the earnings and growth they received since they invested their money in the program.

The almost $2.2 billion figure is only 97 percent of the digital assets they are returning, and customers who have holdings under Gemini Earn may now check their accounts to get their money back.
The beloved Google Assistant is no longer the AI-powered tech from Mountain View that became its stellar feature for all on-device assistance needs. The tech is claimed to be 'degrading' now. Its deteriorating qualities are attributed to the rise of Gemini AI, Google's renowned multimodal model that sees the latest features and improvements from the company.

Google previously said that Gemini would be the central focus of its AI development, effectively replacing Bard and the improved counterpart of Assistant.

Google Assistant Features are 'Degrading'

A new report by 9to5Google details the many degrading features of Google Assistant in the present. It expects that more features will see a significant downgrade compared to its former glorious reign on devices. There are still useful features available on Assistant today, but there is a considerable decline in what it offers users amidst the AI shift.

One example would be voice search on Google TV, with Assistant offering responses to users for voice commands, and before, it has done an excellent job. However, recent tests show that it is not as accurate and consistent anymore.

Moreover, Nest Hub's Google Assistant also sees this quality deterioration in terms of what it offers users.

Is Google's Gemini AI to Blame?

It is known that Google is now encouraging Android users to switch to Gemini AI as the new voice assistant over the Google Assistant technology. The internet company is putting massive importance on Gemini as its more capable AI assistant despite the negative reviews about it, with many still saying that Assistant is better.

Users have also recently been complaining about the deterioration of their assistants in various online forums.

Google Assistant and AI

For many years, Google Assistant has been the go-to technology for Mountain View's apps and devices for all their voice commands and needs, rivaling Apple's Siri, Samsung's Bixby, and more. Previously, it was pitted against renowned voice assistants, including Amazon's Alexa, Bixby, and Siri, with renowned tech influencer MKBHD claiming that Google Assistant was the best.

However, that changed when Google went all in with its AI developments, and it initially started with Bard in 2023 and then with Gemini in early 2024. Last January, it was known that Google laid off employees from its Google Assistant department, and it saw restructuring efforts from the company, which also led to several features being removed from the technology.

Now, Google is touting Gemini as its trustworthy source and most advanced AI model yet, one that is available to access on devices and other Google apps. This begs the question of "what is Google Assistant's place in all of this," especially as Gemini is taking shape as the point person for all of Google's AI offerings for the world, with Assistant seeing its features degrade over time.
Australia's Ticketek is reportedly the latest firm to suffer a cybersecurity breach. Ticketek has warned users that their personal information may have been stolen from a third-party global cloud-based platform.

According to the Guardian, Clare O'Neil, the minister of cybersecurity, said late Friday night that "many Australians" were affected by the breach that appeared to be limited to the disclosure of email addresses, names, and dates of birth.

While the ticketing company assured customers their credit card details and passwords were safe, O'Neil warned that they should still be vigilant about scammers. In a statement, Ticketek said it had already started informing affected customers and would provide more updates as more details become available.

On Friday night, customers received emails from Ticketek regarding the "cyber incident" that affected account holder information kept in a cloud-based platform maintained by a "reputable, global third-party supplier."

The email did not identify the third-party supplier. However, it said that since Ticketek learned about the problem a few days ago, the company has carefully used its resources to finish the investigation and get back to users as soon as possible.

"We utilise secure encryption methods to handle credit card information and transactions are processed via a separate payment system, which has not been impacted. Ticketek does not hold identity documents for its customers... We sincerely apologise to all those who may have been affected by this incident," the email said.

Ticketek did not disclose the number of Australian clients impacted and if the cloud-based platform it had referred to was Snowflake. The Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) released a notice on Saturday, saying it was aware of successful compromises of several companies that utilized Snowflake's service.





Ticketek and Snowflake

Ticketek's data breach occurred only a few days after hackers were reported to have targeted the cloud storage platform Snowflake to steal data from its hundreds of customers.

The Boston-based company, known for providing cloud-based data storage and analytics services to numerous major brands, recently confirmed that it is investigating increased cyber threat activity targeting some of its customers' accounts.

This statement follows a claim by cybersecurity vendor Hudson Rock, which reported that Snowflake experienced a "massive breach" affecting up to 400 companies.

Read Also : AI Platform Hugging Face Spaces Hacked, Member Authentication Secrets Exposed

Snowflake Cybersecurity Breach

Hudson Rock discovered the incident after communicating with a hacker who allegedly accessed the data of Ticketmaster and Santander Bank. According to the cybersecurity vendor, the hacker noted that all these breaches originated from the compromise of a single vendor, Snowflake.

The hacker asserted that they breached Snowflake by acquiring login credentials from an employee's ServiceNow account, which seemed to be integrated into Snowflake's internal IT infrastructure.

This access allowed them to bypass security measures from Snowflake's single sign-on provider, Okta. After gaining entry, the hacker claimed to have generated session tokens, enabling them to extract substantial amounts of data from the company.

Hudson Rock disclosed that the hacker then attempted to extort $20 million from Snowflake but received no response from the company.
Young voters on TikTok are now being recommended various election-related misinformative content, such as memes and artificial intelligence-generated fakes, as found by a BBC project.

Research into the content pushed by social media algorithms has discovered that young people on TikTok are being exposed to inaccurate and controversial content. Everyone reportedly shares it, including comedians, political activists, students, and anonymous bot-like accounts.

Videos with hundreds of millions of views have spread false information, including the absurd assertion that Rishi Sunak called for an early election in response to a serious crisis and that Sir Keir Starmer was the reason Jimmy Savile, a serial pedophile, was not prosecuted.

AI-generated videos that spread false information involve a promise made by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to provide 18-year-olds with national duty, inaccurately implying that young people will be deployed to the active conflict zones in Gaza and Ukraine.

Although the subtitles for some of them characterize them as satire or parodies, the comments suggest that some users are unsure which assertions are true.

In preparation for the UK general election, TikTok informed sources that it had upped its commitment to debunking false material. This included using AI-labelling technology and adding a fact-checking specialist to its already-existing resources.

The films were discovered as a part of the BBC's Undercover Voters project, which, using information and analysis from the National Centre for Social Research (Natcen), has produced profiles for 24 made-up individuals on all the main social media platforms.

Following the previous election, TikTok has experienced tremendous growth. In 2023, 10% of adults in the UK used it as their primary source of news, making it the fastest-growing news source for the second year in a row, according to media watchdog Ofcom. It is also the most significant news source, according to 10% of teenagers.

Read Also : Social Media Study Finds Small Number of Accounts Drive Most Fake News Spread on X

TikTok Safeguards Against Misinformation

The ByteDance-owned app TikTok also amended its "For You feed Eligibility Standards" page in April, outlining various new guidelines that went into force on May 17. Stricter laws aimed at combating the spread of false information on current affairs and health are among these adjustments.

At the time, TikTok's goal was to prevent users from disseminating inaccurate or misleading information that could endanger public health. The network will also strictly prohibit the sharing of recycled content, including false material shown out of context.

UK on TikTok Against Misinformation

Around the same month, the UK government was urged to combat misinformation using TikTok. According to members of the cross-party committee on culture, media, and sport, the government at the time needs to adjust to new platforms and apps that appeal to youth who are progressively moving away from traditional news sources.

The committee stressed the significance of a well-defined government strategy to engage and adjust to younger generations, especially in light of the swift advancement of information sources and the widespread emergence of novel applications and platforms.
Valencia, a major city on Spain's east coast, is pioneering an innovative approach to renewable energy.

The city has launched the "Requiem in Power" (RIP) project, an initiative that aims to transform its cemeteries into the largest urban solar farm in the country.

This ambitious project, which expands the city's sustainable energy sources without taking up new land area, is part of Valencia's 2030 Climate Mission.

Spain's RIP Project

The RIP project stands for "Requiem in Power," a fitting name that reflects its dual purpose of honoring the past while powering the future.

Launched in May 2024, the project involves installing solar panels in multiple cemeteries across Valencia. By repurposing these spaces, the city aims to generate substantial amounts of clean energy without altering the cemeteries' primary function.

Cemeteries tend to have fairly open spaces that receive decent sunlight, making them suitable locations for solar panel installations.

Valencia to Install Thousands of Solar Panels in its Cemeteries

Euronews reports that Valencia plans to install a total of 6,658 solar panels in its cemeteries. As of now, 810 panels have already been laid down in the Grau, Campanar, and Benimamet cemeteries.

Once completed, these panels are expected to generate over 440,000 kilowatts of energy annually. This green energy initiative will also save over 140 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, massively reducing the city's carbon footprint.

The majority of the energy produced by the RIP project will be used to power municipal buildings, helping the city reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, 25 percent of the generated energy will be allocated to approximately 1,000 vulnerable households.

Read Also : Scientists Are Using AI to Modernize US Energy Infrastructure, Paving the Way for Fewer Outages

Valencia 2030 Climate Mission

The RIP project is a crucial component of the Valencia 2030 Climate Mission. This initiative aims to meet 27 percent of the city's energy demand through renewable sources by 2030.

Furthermore, the city plans to ensure that 100 percent of this clean energy is used for public infrastructure. Valencia is also transitioning to LED lighting for all public spaces, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Alejandro Ramon, Valencia's Councilor for Climate Emergency and Energy Transition, has emphasized the importance of the RIP project, stating it will become the largest urban solar farm in Spain.

While Valencia's RIP project is groundbreaking, it is not the first of its kind. The concept of using cemeteries for renewable energy has been explored elsewhere.

For instance, Saint-Joachim, a cluster of islands in the Briere marsh of France, is set to install a 1.3-megawatt solar canopy over its cemetery by 2025. This project will supply electricity to 4,000 residents and include a rainwater harvesting system to mitigate flooding.

Spain's Renewable Energy Goals

Spain has set ambitious targets for renewable energy. By 2030, the country aims to achieve 74 percent renewable electricity. Between 2008 and 2023, Spain significantly increased its renewable energy share from 20.5 percent to over 50 percent.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.
A team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), and the University of Virginia (UVA) is now on the verge of developing a promising opioid-free drug candidate for chronic pain treatment (via Medical Xpress).

This breakthrough offers hope for millions of individuals suffering from chronic pain, providing a safer alternative to highly addictive opioids.

Addressing Drug Abuse Among Chronic Pain Patients

Chronic pain affects millions globally, yet a non-addictive, reliable drug remains elusive. Opioids, though effective for severe pain, are notoriously addictive and have contributed to widespread substance abuse and overdose crises.

Alarmingly, US studies indicate that 9% to 41% of chronic pain patients abuse opioids, with 14% to 34% turning to illegal drugs.

In their recent study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers found that their drug candidate, KT109, effectively reduces pain by targeting the immune system to shut off inflammatory responses.

Read Also : Study Reveals Most Doctors Promoting Drugs on Social Media Are Paid by Big Pharma

Safer, Non-Addictive Chronic Pain Treatment

Aron Lichtman, Ph.D., a professor at VCU's School of Medicine, explained that when the endocannabinoids in our bodies trigger inflammation, our nerves become more sensitive.

As a result, they respond more quickly with minimal stimulation, leading to situations where normally non-painful stimuli become highly painful, much like the sensation experienced during a severe sunburn.

KT109 blocks the activity of an enzyme called diacylglycerol lipase-beta (DAGL), which is crucial in producing endocannabinoids that regulate inflammation. The inhibitor was developed by Ken Hsu, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at UT Austin, during his postdoctoral fellowship at The Scripps Research Institute.

The researchers uncovered that disrupting DAGL activates liver kinase B1 (LKB1) on the cell membrane, which in turn boosts the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

AMPK plays a vital role in regulating the energy state of immune cells, such as macrophages. The activation of AMPK helps control inflammation and alleviate pain.

Mice without the DAGL enzyme exhibited pain relief, which was reversed when AMPK was inhibited, highlighting the enzyme's role in pain management.

Lichtman explained that their process has been a bottom-up discovery, beginning with an understanding of the inhibitor at the molecular level. The new study focused on gaining a deeper insight into the inhibitor's effects on cellular and behavioral levels.

A Closer Look

Interestingly, the researchers found that KT109 controls inflammation through an additional pathway, explaining its effectiveness in treating various types of pain.

"When you inhibit DAGL, your immune cells are tricked into thinking they are starving," said Hsu. This change in energy metabolism turns off inflammatory signaling, similar to how the drug metformin, used for diabetes, also manages pain.

The team's inhibitor primarily targets immune cells, avoiding unnecessary reactions in other cells that might lead to side effects. Hsu emphasized, "You're going to affect these pathways where it matters, where the inflammation is happening."

While the research is currently at the preclinical stage, the goal is to develop an oral form of the drug to ensure easier administration and better patient compliance. The team aims to refine the chemistry to reduce the required dosage frequency while maintaining its pain-relieving efficacy.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.
Bratislava, June 3 (TASR) - Vice-Premier and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) rejected at a press conference on Monday the claims made by the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) that Smer-SD is abusing the assassination attempt on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and trying to mobilise its supporters for the European Parliament (EP) elections, claiming that PS is just scaremongering and stirring up emotions without a single real fact.



Kalinak pointed out that in his remarks on the assassination attempt he had never mentioned the EP elections and was only interested in the health condition of the premier and a detailed analysis of the case and its motive. "If I wanted to misuse this assassination attempt for political purposes, I'd act exactly as the opposition did in 2018 and I would call for the resignation of those who were allegedly behind this assassination attempt," he said, denying that Smer-SD is using all the means of dictatorship. He described as dictatorship the measures taken under the former governments, such as compulsory vaccinations and curfews.



The vice-premier criticised the PS' statements and said it hasn't learnt from the events of the past few days, also expressing a belief that the party feels guilty. According to him, it was the attitude of the present opposition in the past as well as the actions of the media that contributed to the assassination attempt of the prime minister. Together with head of the parliamentary defence and security committee Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD), they pointed out, for example, the vulgar banners at protests against Smer-SD, the calls for criminalisation of its representatives, and the abuse of criminal law during the time when the current opposition was in government.
Indian Islamic centre warns Muslims against felling trees



Lucknow, India, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



One of India's most influential Islamic centres has warned Muslims not to chop down trees or burn fields after harvesting to help stem climate change and surging temperatures.

Much of northern India has been gripped by a deadly heatwave with temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), killing scores of people by heatstroke.

"Every Muslim must ensure no green trees and crops are set on fire," Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal, chair of the Islamic Centre of India, told AFP.

Mahal, a top scholar in the northern city of Lucknow, issued the non-binding fatwa or ruling on Sunday, saying that the religious duty of Muslims to conserve greenery and water was "stated in the Koran".

"Burning trees and crops is forbidden in Islam and is considered a grave sin," read the fatwa, published in Urdu and Hindi.

He also urged Islamic clerics to encourage stewardship of the environment during their sermons -- telling people to take care of the trees around them.

"Instead of merely planting a sapling symbolically, it is more meaningful to take care of existing plants and trees," he said, urging Muslims to prevent pollution of waterways and the sea.

Last week, an Indian court urged the government to declare a national emergency over the country's ongoing heatwave, saying that hundreds of people had died during weeks of extreme weather.

The High Court in the western state of Rajasthan, which has suffered some of the hottest weather, said authorities had failed to take appropriate steps to protect the public from the heat.

India is no stranger to searing summer temperatures but years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

Researchers say human-induced climate change has driven the devastating heat impact in India and should be taken as a warning.
Thousands evacuated from German flood zone as Scholz visits



Reichertshofen, Germany, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Rescuers battled Monday to evacuate people from flood zones in southern Germany, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this was a "warning" that climate change was getting worse.

Thousands of people in the regions of Bavaria and Baden Wuerttemberg had to leave their homes since torrential rain on Friday sparked deadly flooding.

The floods have killed at least two -- a volunteer rescuer and a woman who was found dead in the basement of a house.

More evacuations were called overnight into Monday as the huge volumes of water caused flood defences to fail.

In Bavaria, some 800 people were asked to leave their homes in the area of Ebenhausen-Werk after a dam burst early Monday.

Residents around Manching-Pichl in the area worst affected by the floods were told to shelter in the upper floors of their homes.

Speaking on a visit to Reichertshofen, in a flood-hit area north of Munich, Scholz said that such floods were no longer a "one-off".

"This is an indication that something is up here. We must not neglect the task of stopping man-made climate change," Scholz told journalists.

The floods were "a warning we that we must take with us", he said.



- 'Never before' -



The Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder, who accompanied Scholz on his visit said there was no "full insurance" against climate change.

"Events are happening here that have never happened before," Soeder said, after a state of emergency was declared by districts across his region of Bavaria.

Some 20,000 people in Bavaria alone had been deployed to tackle the consequences of the flood, he said.

Rescuers on Monday found the body of a woman in the basement of her home in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, according to local police.

The 43-year-old is the second known victim of the floods, following the death of a volunteer fireman, who was found dead on Sunday.

The 42-year-old volunteer died after his vessel turned over during a flood rescue operation.

Another volunteer, 22, was still missing after his boat also overturned overnight into Sunday.

A search operation to find the missing rescue worker had to be stopped due to the exceptionally high waters and strong currents, local police said.

The German Weather Service on Monday issued new warnings for heavy rain in parts of southern and eastern Germany.



- Rail delays -



The widespread flooding and continuous rainfall impacted transport in the region with widespread train cancellations and delays.

Train lines leading from Munich to Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg were unusable, rail operator Deutsche Bahn stated on its website.

A landslide near Schwaebisch Gmuend overnight into Sunday caused a high-speed train travelling between Stuttgart and Augsburg to derail, blocking the line. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Despite Scholz's pledge to combat climate change, a panel of experts separately said Monday that the government's emissions forecasts through 2030 were unrealistic.

The government had underestimated future emissions in the transport, building and industry sectors, the climate panel said in a report.

Overall, the experts assumed that the government's emissions-reduction target for 2030 "will not be met".
Indonesia law giving religious groups mining permits sparks outrage



Jakarta, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



A new law allowing the Indonesian government to grant permits to religious organisations to operate mines has outraged environmentalists in the world's leading nickel producer.

Outgoing President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, signed a decree on Thursday, opening the path for religious groups to manage concessions to "improve social welfare".

But a leading Indonesian environmental watchdog, Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM) slammed the regulation as the government's attempt to keep and control natural resources for the benefit of elites.

"We saw this as a transaction between Jokowi and religious groups," JATAM's national coordinator Melky Nahar told AFP Monday. "We read this as a gratitude from Jokowi to religious groups for supporting him during his two terms".

"There's also a possibility that Jokowi is trying to maintain political influence... even after his term has ends," he said.

The presidential spokesman did not immediately respond to AFP when contacted for comment.

Indonesia has vast mining resources spread over its thousands of islands, with nickel as one of the main minerals.

It has the world's largest nickel reserves at roughly 21 million tonnes, accounting for over a fifth of the global total.

Nickel is a crucial component in batteries used for electric vehicles.

Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, which has more than 95 million members, said it was up for the task.

"Nahdlatul Ulama is ready with our skilled human resources, complete organisation structure, and strong business network," its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf said Monday in a post on their website.

But Nahar said religious groups were not suitable entities to operate mines.

"Mining is a fragile economic model,... It needs a lot of capital and technology," he said.

"If these religious groups are serious about improving their members' welfare, why not join sustainable business?"
Seven dead in South African flooding



Johannesburg, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Seven people have died in flooding caused by torrential rain in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, local authorities said Monday, with thousands evacuated.

"The death toll is currently sitting at seven," a spokesperson from the southeastern Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, at the heart of the floods, told AFP.

More than 2,000 people have also been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, notably from makeshift homes in the municipality's slums.

Local authorities launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food and blankets.

Heavy rainfall has hit the eastern Indian Ocean coast, and meteorological services have published weather alerts in four of the southern African country's nine provinces.

The national meteorological institute says South Africa is in the grip of a "cut off low" pressure system marked by heavy rains and a cold snap that can also bring hail, snow and strong winds.

In KwaZulu-Natal province, which was also hit by torrential rain, authorities declared a state of alert.

Residents were advised not to move around and community centres were opened up as shelters, the department for catastrophes said.

South Africa suffered the worst flooding in its history in 2022 in the port city of Durban and the surrounding area in KwaZulu-Natal that provoked mudslides that killed more than 400 people.
12 dead in South African flooding



Johannesburg, June 3 (AFP) Jun 03, 2024



Twelve people have died in flooding caused by torrential rain on South Africa's eastern coast, local authorities said on Monday.

In Eastern Cape province, "the death toll is currently sitting at seven," a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, at the heart of the floods, told AFP.

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, notably from makeshift homes in the municipality's slums.

Local authorities launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food and blankets.

Near the port city of Durban in neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal province, "five people have sadly lost their lives in the eThekwini Metro, which has been hardest hit, and dozens of people are being treated for injuries in health care facilities", the provincial government said in a statement.

Provincial authorities declared a state of alert in KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban and its surrounding area was in 2022 the site of the worst flooding in South Africa's history, which provoked mudslides that killed more than 400 people and caused several millions of dollars worth of damage.

Rescue services were deployed in both affected provinces on Monday night.

Images supplied by authorities show flattened homes, flooded roads and felled trees.

Some places suffered energy blackouts.

The national meteorological institute says South Africa is in the grip of a "cut off low" pressure system marked by heavy rains and a cold snap that can also bring hail, snow and strong winds.

Heavy rainfall has hit the eastern Indian Ocean coast, and meteorological services have published weather alerts in four of the southern African country's nine provinces.
The cost of small group and individual health insurance plans across Western New York could increase by double-digit percentages next year, under rate hike applications submitted to the state in recent days.

The three dominant health plans in Western New York all requested substantial rate bumps for 2025 because of rising costs, particularly for hospital care and for pharmaceuticals.

Highmark Western and Northeastern New York, which includes Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, is requesting an average increase of 30.9% for individuals, a market in which it has almost 4,100 members. For small group plans, in which Highmark has about 36,000 members, the insurer seeks an average increase of 19%.

Independent Health is requesting an average rate increase of 27.7% in the individual market, where it has roughly 11,500 members. On the small groups, in which Independent Health lists about 52,500 members, the insurer requested an increase of 28.1%.

Excellus Health Plan, which includes Univera Healthcare, seeks an average increase of 19.5% in both the individual and small groups market. Excellus, based in Rochester, has more than 28,500 members in its individual plans and almost 139,000 small group members.

These rate adjustments submitted to the state, and posted online Friday, affect people who buy individual commercial health insurance and small employers with 100 or fewer full-time workers. Together, they comprise a small slice of members for most insurers.

The rate increases, which do not affect large employers with more than 100 workers, highlight the upward pressure on premiums.

Other insurers with a presence in Western New York also requested increases.

That includes Fidelis, which is requesting a 9.8% increase in the individual market; MVP Health Plan, which asks for an individual market bump of 19.2% and a small group increase of 9.5%; and United Healthcare, which wants an 8.8% increase for individuals and an 11% bump for small groups.

The average increase requested by health plans in the state was 16.6% in the individual market and 18.6% for small groups.

From here, the state will evaluate the requests, gather public feedback and, most likely, adjust the increases downward.

Rates are typically finalized by late August.

What the insurers say

While the rate requests affect a relatively small slice of each health plans membership, the proposed increases still put a spotlight on the rising cost of health care.

In a statement, Highmark Western and Northeastern New York  the Buffalo affiliate of Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health  said its proposed rates for individual and small group products next year are driven by escalating pharmaceutical and hospital prices as well as regulatory mandates, taxes and fees. The rate requests submitted to the state affect about 10% of Highmarks members.

We recognize the ever-rising medical costs are a major burden on small businesses and individuals, said Highmark, noting that it has seen more than $250 million in losses in the individual and small group sectors over the last five years. The company said it spends more than 89 cents of every dollar of revenue for its members medical care.

Rich Argentieri, chief sales and marketing officer at Independent Health, said the insurers rate adjustments reflect the continuation of the post-pandemic challenges that are impacting health care costs across our industry. Individual commercial plans represent 3% of Independent Healths membership, while small groups are about 15%.

Specifically, he pointed out the average median price for new prescription drugs has surged by 67% over the past three years, a trend that is expected to continue as emerging cell and gene therapies hit the market. Independent Health has seen rising prescription drug costs in high-cost categories such as diabetes and weight loss, oncology, immunotherapy and rare disease.

Since 90 cents of every premium dollar is used to pay for members medical and prescription costs, rate adjustments are a direct result of these increases: Its the cause-and-effect principle, Argentieri said.

Univera also said its premium rates are a result of the cost of medical care and prescription drugs, noting 93 cents of every premium dollar collected last year went to member medical care. Its rate adjustments submitted to the state would affect about 11% of its members.

The health plan said more than half of its rate increase request is due to hospital costs, with more upstate New Yorkers going to the hospital for severe and high-cost procedures such as cancer care and transplants.

Prices overall continue to climb, Univera officials said. The rising costs of prescription drugs and increases in outpatient services such as hip and knee surgeries are also impacting rates.

All three of the major local health plans reported financial losses last year.

The local Highmark affiliate reported a net loss of $21 million on revenues of $3.1 billion last year, while Independent Health recorded a net loss of about $193 million on revenues of $2.3 billion. Excellus, which includes Univera, reported a net loss of $23 million on revenues of $6.6 billion.

The health plans have hundreds of millions of dollars in state-mandated reserves, which helps to absorb the losses and maintain financial stability even in down years.

Want to comment?

Insurers must send affected customers a notice about a proposed premium rate increase filed with the state, alerting consumers that an application has been submitted and that they can send comments in about the planned adjustment.

Those wishing to comment during a 30-day window can submit their comments online through the state Department of Financial Services portal or by mail to: New York State Department of Financial Services, Health Bureau-Premium Rate Adjustments, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, N.Y. 12257.

Double-digit health insurance rate increases coming for some WNY small group, individual plans Even after state adjustments, many health plans  including the three dominant players in Western New York  landed double-digit percentage increases.

Comments from the public can factor into the states review of each rate request. In that review, the Department of Financial Services evaluates the applications and the insurers underlying calculations to make sure that rate increases are justified and not excessive, according to its website.

By late summer, the department will approve or lower each insurers proposed rates for 2025  a process that almost always results in adjustments downward.

For example, last Aug. 31, the department announced it reduced insurers requested rates for 2024 by 44% in the individual market and by 52% for small groups, collectively saving the more than 1 million New Yorkers enrolled in those plans almost $732 million. Even after those adjustments, however, many health plans  including the three dominant local insurers  landed double-digit percentage increases.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ordered Chinese funds that own shares in Northern Minerals to significantly reduce their stakes in the rare earths prospector as the Australian government sharpens its focus on supply chain security.

Northern Minerals has large tenements in Western Australia  near the Northern Territory border  rich in dysprosium, a rare element used in magnets for wind turbines and electrical vehicles that resists demagnetisation at high temperatures.

Jin Chalmers order on Monday is the first divestment notice he has made after more than two years in the job. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

The Singapore-registered Yuxiao Fund controlled by Chinese businessman Wu Tao, along with four other entities, holds shares in the mining developer.

Tao and the others must sell shares worth 10.37 per cent of Northern Minerals register within the next 60 days.
A decade ago, the then-$150 billion franchising industry was thrust into the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons. There was the wide-scale wage underpayment scandal at 7-Eleven ; Retail Food Group , the franchising giant behind Gloria Jeans, Donut King and Brumbys, was slugging franchisees with high fees; and Pizza Hut had ordered its franchisees to sell pizzas below cost, pushing many to collapse.

There was mismanagement; there was incompetence, one former staff member said. Another added: Everyone was on eggshells  it was like The Hunger Games. It was awful, literally awful.

The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald have uncovered a litany of financial problems plaguing the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), two formal complaints to the board about its chief executive, who abruptly resigned last month, and concerns about the organisations sustainability.

But the event was close to not happening, and there are now serious questions about how this industry association  meant to be the standard-bearer for Australian franchisors  will survive beyond the National Franchising Convention.

Hundreds of franchisors headed to sunny Cairns last month for a three-day flagship industry convention. They heard from business leaders, networked with colleagues around the country, and threw their support behind the Franchise Council of Australia.

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Its cash in the bank, which was about $1.3 million in September 2022, plunged to a low of $158,000 by March 31  and insiders say it is likely to be even lower today as the association grapples with the cost of hosting the three-day Cairns convention.

In March, the FCA reported a net loss of $138,000 after forecasting it would report a net profit of $88,000.

The FCA reported a net loss of $1 million in the nine months to March 31 and is on track to lose $471,000 in the 2024 financial year, according to its March financial report presented to the board last month.

The bar for us at the FCA is set higher because were meant to be the standard-bearers, one former staff member said. Were held to a higher standard, but no right-minded person thinks this is in any way acceptable.

This masthead has obtained leaked copies of the organisations February and April board reports, which paint a bleak picture of its finances and reveal it is struggling to survive.

But today, as the federal government considers tougher penalties and a new licensing scheme for franchisors, the FCA is in shambles. It has burnt through staff, cash and its reputation.

The media and political glare went a long way to force the industry to clean up its act, and the Franchise Council of Australia was entrusted to enforce the high standards set by the government.

The chairman, Brendan Green, is also being paid a $55,000 stipend for the first time in the FCAs history, according to the financial reports and a contract seen by this masthead.

The company is working on commercialising education and other revenue streams, controlling expenses and implementing cost-cutting measures to improve profitability. It is recommended that the board consider the company applying for a form of lending to help with cash flow and timing of revenue v expenses.

Currently, the team is monitoring cash flow weekly to ensure the FCA can meet its commitments and current payroll and on-costs, the chief financial officer said in a statement to the board at its April meeting, according to leaked documents.

It managed to raise $50,000 from new members in the first nine months of the financial year, falling well below its target of $340,000. The chief financial officer noted their new system would reflect new memberships.

Its total wages and salaries expenses soared more than 120 per cent in one year (from $600,000 to $1.3 million), while travel and accommodation expenses nearly doubled in that period (from $55,000 to $95,000).

The FCAs total net assets were deficient by $405,000 at the end of March. The company did not have any borrowings and was keeping up with paying its suppliers.

Leaked internal documents show staff raised concerns regarding IFA registration and payment because the FCA had not been paying its licensing fees to the IFA as required.

The board is considering increasing the fees by 60 per cent. FCA members would be required to pay $957.50, while non-members would be slugged with $1536.50, according to the March board report.

Under the current pricing model, member candidates pay $595, and non-members pay $990. The FCA is required to pay the International Franchise Association a licence agreement fee of $US135 ($200) per candidate, but the FCA says this model is no longer financially sustainable.

However, this masthead can reveal the board is deciding whether to increase the cost of the prestigious Certified Franchising Executive program.

The organisations financial burden is so great that the FCA considered increasing membership fees by more than 60 per cent before settling on a smaller increase following a backlash.

Probably with the benefit of the hindsight lens, we could have made a different choice.

Fast forward to now, weve got a change at the helm, and Ive had a lot of feedback coming through whether the appointment was the right one, Green said in an update to members ahead of the National Franchising Convention.

Without naming him, board chair Brendan Green effectively admitted that Monaghans appointment was a mistake. He said the board last year was looking for a chief executive with experience in advocacy and politics to steer the FCA as the federal government embarked on a review of the franchising code of conduct.

It was a decision the board has now come to regret.

Cracks began to emerge in May 2023, according to a dozen people who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, not long after the FCA board appointed Matthew Monaghan as chief executive.

Monaghan has a long CV. But his tenures helming organisations are very short.

In 2017, he headed the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners for a year, then moved to Dogs Victoria for another year, Chiropractic Australia for one year and four months, and finally, to the FCA, where he lasted for less than a year.

He landed the role after the FCA awarded business consultancy group BDC Partners talent acquisition team a contract to find the association a new chief executive. FCA board director Tanya Robertson is the chief executive of BDCs franchise strategy and was also on the FCAs chief executive recruitment panel.

In a statement, the FCA said the recruitment process was conducted with full diligence, and it had engaged two recruitment firms, one of them BDC, on a non-exclusive basis as was standard practice. It said Robertson was not part of the BDC talent acquisition team, which is a separate part of the business that conducted the chief executive search.

But soon after Monaghan joined the small team of about seven people, complaints were raised. The FCA confirmed two formal complaints were made to the board about Monaghan, and three sources said Monaghan left the FCA in April after the second complaint triggered an investigation.

The FCA board has taken prompt action in relation to two workplace complaints made to it over the past year and to satisfy itself that there is an appropriate workplace culture and environment at the FCA office, the board said in a statement to this masthead.

Former FCA chief executive Matthew Monaghan. Credit: LinkedIn

Former staff and member businesses expressed concern about Monaghans leadership. They said that, in their experience, he was reluctant to make decisions, stymied staff, and set unreasonable expectations that put intense pressure on employees.

Two staff members told this masthead they were slowly stripped of their responsibilities, and one made a formal complaint to the FCA in August that their role changed without real explanation, adding to their anxiety about the security of their position.

Staff turnover was high, and the number of people lawfully dismissed during their probationary period put staff on edge.

You just never saw it coming, one person said. Stress was high, productivity and turnover was high because we were constantly working. There was just constant pressure.

In a statement, Monaghan said any allegations that he oversaw a toxic workplace were inaccurate and nonfactual and that the association had the systems and processes in place to address such allegations.

Monaghan said the board had endorsed the budget, which included transitioning from an outsourced model, and said claims travel costs had nearly doubled were grossly non-factual.

All steps and processes have been documented, Monaghan said in a statement. FCA uses an HRM system to ensure compliance [HR Central] meetings minuted as standard practice through a governance system [Board-Pro] and external HR advice sought during [the] transitional period.

The board and Monaghan were repeatedly warned about the dismal state of the accounts and that the FCA needed to increase membership revenue. In his final report to the board in February, the former chief financial officer reiterated his concerns the FCA was not hitting its membership targets.

He noted the budget deficiencies are related to revenue targets not being obtained.

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Board papers show the FCA had budgeted to rake in $16,000 from new members in December but collected only $6000. It also expected to raise $28,000 from partnerships but fell short. On expenses, it had anticipated it would not spend any money on consultants but ended up spending $9000.

New membership revenue is still coming in under budget and is an area that will need to be monitored closely to ensure forecasted budget targets are feasible and achievable, the report stated. If these targets are not met, the organisation will deliver a sizeable loss for the financial year.

In response, Monaghan told this masthead those claims were inaccurate. At that time, new membership categories had not been launched, and collection of outstanding membership dues had not been concluded, however now have, he said.

After handing in the report to the board, the chief financial officer, who was a contractor, quit and told Monaghan the terms of his contract were not being met.

I am not being provided with what was agreed, and the scope creep has become significant, he said in a leaked email seen by this masthead.

I am not satisfied that on an ongoing basis, I will be provided with the information and detail I require to fulfil my role within my allocated budget  I have little to no control over the spending decisions, and I am not prepared to be held responsible for these spending decisions.

Under pressure

He wasnt the only one concerned about being able to fulfil their duties.

Three weeks after Monaghan started, one staff member, feeling under intense pressure, started documenting her experiences. She wanted a paper trail in case things got worse.

I have decided to start noting down what is going on at work because I am worried about the behaviour Matthew is demonstrating, and I dont want to be blamed when the projects Im working on blow out, she wrote on May 25 last year, according to her contemporaneous notes.

She wrote about Monaghan excluding her from decisions that affected her, the role ambiguity causing her stress and fear of redundancy, and witnessing other staff crying because they were under so much pressure.

In August, she formally raised her complaint with Green, who said her claims would be investigated. More than a week later, an external human resources company was appointed to investigate the allegations.

Almost two weeks later, when a senior executive was dismissed, she said she became so paranoid about losing her job that she decided to escalate her claim to WorkSafe.

On October 6, 2023, almost two months after the FCA launched an investigation and exactly a month after WorkSafe began its probe, she received an email from the HR company advising her allegations had not been upheld.

Hours later, WorkSafe informed her that her claim had been approved. Other than her manager, she said, no one from the board or organisation followed up on her welfare.

The WorkSafe investigation was tough, draining, it wasnt easy, she said. I had bad anxiety, panic attacks. I had two panic attacks over Christmas. I had self-doubt and turned it all on myself. Id never felt so powerless in my life.

In a statement, Monaghan said the WorkSafe matter is in process and is confidential.

FCA chair Brendan Green and interim chief executive Tanya Robertson. Credit: LinkedIn

At a senior managers meeting in early March, one staff member tearily asked Monaghan whether their jobs were safe.

Are these roles secure  I cant handle all the changes all the time, the senior manager said, according to sources present at the meeting. Im so overwhelmed with the amount of work on my shoulders, and if I dont deliver, my impression right now is, Im done because thats what happens to everyone, so thats where Im concerned.

Monaghan replied their roles were most definitely safe and that he would take on board the managers feedback.

It was very easy to get a job at FCA, and even easier to lose it, one former staff member says. There was a revolving joke among staff about whos next, whos going to be next.

In March, after Monaghan dismissed a staff member with one day left on their probation, the former employee made a complaint to the board, alleging unconscionable management practices, including a toxic workplace culture.

An external legal firm investigated the allegations. Three weeks later, the FCA announced that Monaghan had left for personal reasons and that Tanya Robertson had been appointed as interim chief executive.

Those who were at the office on Monaghans last day of work say there was no indication that would be the end of his reign. Green and Robertson came to the Victoria Street office and had a brief meeting with Monaghan, who was then escorted from the building while Green cleaned out his office.

It was an abrupt end to what people have described as a sad and bizarre chapter, but those remaining and those watching from afar have now turned their sights on the board, wondering what steps, if any, they took to ensure the ongoing viability of the 42-year-old organisation.

Members are questioning whether Monaghan was ever right for the job if, as Green said last week, the board was looking for someone with political and advocacy skills.

One former staff member said Monaghan had tasked him with judging the prestigious franchising awards handed out at this years National Franchising Convention, which are ordinarily judged by three industry peers and audited independently. At least eight of the entries were judged by only two people  the staff member and one franchisor.

Compass, the landlord of the FCAs former Collins Street office, has now launched legal action against the FCA, seeking a further $65,000, according to leaked documents. After Monaghan joined the FCA, he cancelled the lease at the serviced office to move to premises on Victoria Street.

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In a statement, Compass Australian manager Andrew Rothstadt said they were seeking to be compensated for damages as a result of the breach of contract, less any unmitigated amounts and redistribution costs, plus interest and filing fees. The FCA said it was confident it could successfully defend against Compass claim.

Robertson, who has been appointed as interim chief executive, is being paid $690 a day but has retained her position at BDC and has been conducting BDC-related work, including a weekly catch-up with BDC Partners chief executive Bruce McFarlane.

In accepting Greens offer to serve as interim chief executive, Robertson said her daily rate was $690, equivalent to about $180,000 a year. She said that was based on five days a week and ideally would be reduced to four days once she had an opportunity to review what was required to ensure a smooth transition.

The FCA said Robertson had stepped into the role with full knowledge and approval from the board that she continued her role at the BDC on a part-time basis.

She has gone on a cost-cutting spree, and staff are bracing for job cuts, but one question lingered at the National Franchising Convention: how does the FCA survive after the past 12 months?

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But campaigners from the anti-duck-hunting movement, who are disdainful of the Game Management Authoritys efforts on humane standards, reckon theres nothing in the report that could not have been easily gathered via email or Zoom. We put that one on Monday to Toop, who happens to be acting for Ford right now, and he was having none of it. The practical, hands-on nature of the travel to Denmark has been instrumental in informing Victorias approach to reducing waterfowl wounding in game hunting, he told us. FREEDOM FIGHTING CBD loves a political schism, and today we bring word of a beauty, as the friendly freedom freaks over at the Libertarian Party (formerly the Liberal Democrats) stand on the brink of civil war  over a logo.

Thanks to a 2022 High Court decision that followed decades of objections from the Liberal Party, the Liberal Democrats were forced to change their name to the Libertarian Party. But choosing a new logo has been a fraught exercise. Some senior Libertarians, including NSW upper house MP John Ruddick, wanted to put the rebrand to a members vote. But in behaviour more reminiscent of a bloated Canberra bureaucracy, the federal executive resisted and instead hired a Brisbane-based marketing firm called New Word Order  yeah, seriously  to run focus groups and come up with a snazzy new look. The Libertarian Partys rebrand hasnt been popular among all members. Credit: Twitter On Sunday, we got a peek at the rebrand  a map of Australia with random lines coming out of it, plus a series of posters with weird fonts and all lower case captions. The response was lukewarm, at best. It reminds me of Jehovahs Witnesses literature, Ruddick told CBD.

The MP reaffirmed his calls for the partys leadership to hold a vote on the redesign. Former Howard government MP Ross Cameron, whos now president of the NSW division  dubbed the democracy division by those in the Premier State  agreed, telling CBD that denying members a say was exactly the type of carry-on that drove him away from the Liberals. Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick took a different view, noting that when you get 10 people in a room discussing their favourite colour, you get 10 different opinions, and telling us that the partys volunteers had consulted widely with members. Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick (left) and NSW MP John Ruddick. Credit: Nine I would urge the nine people in the room who didnt get the colours they want to refocus on defending the rights of Australians.

Party president Anthony Bull told CBD that the process had been the most consultative in its history, noting that rebrands werent traditionally voted on by the members. As for whether the logo stays, The assets are still being developed, he said. We stand by the research, and we stand by the new branding, which will be rolled out shortly. Once thats all sorted, the party can get back to the big ideological issues, as Cameron so eloquently put it. In truth, Id rather be arguing over the real philosophical questions, like why Paul Keating is right about AUKUS, or why we shouldnt be spending another cent on the war in Ukraine, he said. CAFE SOCIETY Last week, the beleaguered restaurant industry got just what every beleaguered industry needs: a new lobby group.

The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, which is not to be confused with the pre-existing Restaurant and Catering Association, has the added star power of celebrity chefs Neil Perry and Luke Mangan. Its also already asking people to work for free, which aint a great look in an industry rife with wage theft. In a LinkedIn advertisement, the ARCA was looking for unpaid association volunteers. Thats one way to avoid paying the award! Loading Meanwhile, the new upstart group is helmed by Wes Lambert, a former boss of the Restaurant and Catering Association, an organisation struggling with a depleted staff, and the $1.8 million in debt accrued under the leadership of ... Wes Lambert. BLING KER-CHING

Fast fashion jewellery retailer Lovisa, where the bling is inexpensive but the chief executives are not, has traded its boss in for, and theres no avoiding this, a cheaper version. Victor Herrero has been running the chain  part-owned by Brett Blundys BB Retail Capital  since 2021, but his $30 million pay deal last year, making him the second highest-paid ASX CEO, prompted an investor revolt, for the third-year running. Markets were told on Monday that Herrero will stand down in 12 months and that his remuneration for his remaining stint behind the till at Lovisa will take quite the haircut, with the Spaniard earning a touch under $2 million for the year, although his multimillion-dollar long-term bonuses, which will vest in that period, should be some consolation. Replacing Hererro in 2025 will be John Cheston, chief executive of Solomon Lews pencil case emporium chain, Smiggle, in a talent-poaching exercise that has not gone unremarked upon by observers of the sector. Chestons remuneration package at Lovisa will be handy, no question, with the new boss to earn $2.35 million a year, which he could double with annual performance bonuses and long-term incentives potentially adding more than $7 million over his first three years in the job.
Hayley Hetherington rarely thought about melanoma after she had one removed from the back of her scalp in 2019.

Life got busy. She started a new job, her father was sick back home in the UK and COVID was making everything from travel to medical checkups a small nightmare.

Professor Georgina Long, co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, and Hayley Hetherington, a teacher from Fairlight who participated in the worldwide trial. Credit: Edwina Pickles

In July 2022, during a six-monthly skin check, she asked her doctor about a lump on the back of her head. A biopsy confirmed the cancer had reappeared and spread to her lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with stage three melanoma.

It was very scary, and worrying, she said. It just takes one or two little melanoma cells to escape the original thing and thats it.
More than a year later, Walker would tell the court that he offered May a place to stay; May would claim he said she could live at Winter Park and turn it into a bed and breakfast. The pensioner had bought Winter Park in the 1970s and built a six-bedroom ski lodge, granny flat, sheds and dams. He slept in the granny flat and rented out the lodge to long-term friends during the ski season. I will guarantee you that myself and Dean come with pure good intentions, May wrote on February 3, in an email with the subject line My dear friend. Other emails bore the effusive titles Best friend, Sir Neil, and Neil Sir. In a judgment last month, Supreme Court Justice Kelly Rees described the emails as part of a highly manipulative campaign by May to stimulate an emotional attachment from Mr Walker, who had an eye for the ladies.

The heartfelt and lovely emails have been waited for, for a long lifetime, Walker wrote to May on February 22. May was so kind. Good looking also, he wrote on February 1. The rental offer On February 2, almost a fortnight after their first meeting, Walker emailed May and offered the couple a lease until June 30. He suggested Gibson might provide work, including the use of an excavator, to a similar value as the lease. A further arrangement involving May meeting and greeting guests might fall into place  in the future, he said.

May responded to that offer: Ho Hi. Poo. The judge rejected Mays claim that the email was sent by mistake, and found it indicated her disappointment at Mr Walkers offer. Notwithstanding this setback, May and Gibson moved into Winter Park the following day, the court found, and occupied a bedroom in the main house. Walker discussed with May a fledgling catering concept involving her cooking for guests. Dean has organised paint for inside and Im starting to clean and fancy and freshen the bedrooms up, May emailed Walker on February 5. But Walker bristled at suggestions they would help maintain the outdoor areas. It led to a terse exchange. May asked if Walker wanted too [sic] upset me??, adding that she wanted to be the daughter you never had.

The management deal The arrangement between the trio evolved. May and Gibson did not pay rent or live continuously at the property, but they made changes to the lodges interior and brought an excavator and operator on site to help build a car park. They approached Airbnb on February 15 about listing the property, and fielded a separate offer from Perisher Blue to rent the lodge for staff accommodation during the 2023 winter ski season for $72,000 for 16 weeks. That offer was rejected, with input from Walker  but the judge found the couple did not tell him how much Perisher was willing to pay.

Walker wrote in a handwritten note on March 3, a day after May took him to Canberra for medical treatment: Abbey and Dean Partnership is assigned to Total Management of Winter Park. This document  reflected what Mr Walker was prepared to give the couple: he was only prepared to give them the right to run the ski lodge, the judge said. The first Airbnb guests stayed at Winter Park on July 1, and Walker told the court the only money he ever received from the couple was $1000 in cash from the guests payment. Gibson told the court he had made other cash payments totalling more than $8000. The lawsuit The relationship had soured by the middle of last year. A long-time friend of Walker and an employee from Perisher raised concerns with the police about his treatment.

May and Gibson took Supreme Court action against Walker after he moved to evict them in July. Walker left his home in November as he was too afraid of the couple to stay at the property, the judge said. The couple initially sought to enforce a 30-year lease of the property, which they claimed Walker had executed on June 7 last year. Later, they sought damages for breach of the lease. Under the terms of the alleged lease, the couple would have paid 20 per cent of all sales as rent. The judge dismissed May and Gibsons lawsuit. In truth, they are rogues, Rees said. She concluded May had written Walkers name on a tenancy agreement, but he had never signed it. While the couple had done work at Winter Park, the judge accepted that it appeared to have been done on the cheap.
A school community in Melbournes outer east has blown the whistle over the dangerous condition of its oval after state railway authority VicTrack left the playing surface littered with shards of glass, broken tiles, brick, stones and asbestos.

Upwey Primary School students have been denied access to their oval for the past 2 years and have been urged by VicTrack to stay off the oval until the surface is rectified, but their parents and carers have been given no date for when that will happen.

Parent Luke Geddes (centre) and members of Upwey Primary Schools community at the oval. Credit: Simon Schluter

The rail authority took control of the schools two ovals in late 2021 and paved one into a car park, with a commitment to refurbish the other oval. But it remains a rubble-strewn no-go zone, with students forced to crowd together on concrete surfaces to play sport.

Its either incompetence or its negligence, said parent Luke Geddes, who is part of a group of 10 parents who have published detailed information on what they say is a long-term failure by multiple authorities to take responsibility for the problem.
I regret joining social media.

In the five years since I first signed up, aged 13, Ive had many positive experiences. But even with those, on balance, social media has had an overwhelmingly negative impact on my life.

Raising age restrictions on social media would help some Australian teenagers with comparison culture and the normalisation of filters. Credit: iStock

And now, as an 18-year-old, Im so wrapped up in it, using multiple platforms as my main form of communication, quitting would mean losing many connections. Yet even knowing that, I agree with the push  backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese  to introduce a social media ban for Australian children aged under 16. A ban would protect young people from getting caught up in a world thats hard to escape; it would also tackle the problem experts have identified as the rapidly declining mental health of young Australians.

As I said, Ive had my ups and downs with social media. In high school, I reached a point where I would cover the mirror in my bedroom with a sheet of paper to avoid seeing my own reflection. The only time I willingly looked at myself was through the lens of Snapchat, with a beauty filter applied.
Ulviyya Shahin

Last week, Riga played host to the 3rd Strategic Dialogue meeting between Latvia and Azerbaijan, a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster economic cooperation between the two nations.

Led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Fariz Rzayev, and Under Secretary, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andzejs Vi?umsons, the meeting underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen their economic ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.

Central to the discussions was the recognition of the strategic partnership founded on traditional friendship and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and Latvia. This acknowledgment laid the groundwork for exploring the possibilities of further strengthening this partnership, particularly in the realms of politics, economics, transport, and humanitarian initiatives.

Economic cooperation emerged as a focal point during the dialogue, reflecting the mutual desire to harness each other's strengths for shared prosperity. Both parties exchanged views on the current state of economic affairs and identified development prospects for cooperation.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the emphasis on the importance of continued high-level mutual visits. Such visits not only serve to reinforce diplomatic ties but also provide valuable opportunities for exploring new trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, the commitment to holding subsequent meetings of the Strategic Dialogue and the Intergovernmental Commission underscores the sustained effort to foster a conducive environment for economic collaboration.

Azerbaijan and Latvia boast complementary economies, presenting ample opportunities for synergistic partnerships. Azerbaijan, with its rich energy resources and strategic location, serves as a gateway to the Caspian region and beyond. Meanwhile, Latvia's strategic position as a logistics hub in the Baltic region offers access to European markets. By leveraging these strengths, both countries stand to benefit from enhanced trade relations and increased investment flows.

Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the importance of diversifying collaboration beyond traditional sectors. While energy cooperation has historically been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, there is a growing recognition of the need to explore new areas of cooperation, such as technology, innovation, and green initiatives. Such diversification not only enhances resilience but also paves the way for sustainable economic growth in line with global trends.

The 3rd Strategic Dialogue meeting between Azerbaijan and Latvia marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. By reaffirming their commitment to mutual cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration, Azerbaijan and Latvia are poised to unlock the full potential of their partnership, ushering in a new era of shared prosperity and development.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has admitted that drones are not being used to track released detainees in a fresh gaffe for the frontbencher.

Giles made the sensational statement in a TV interview last week during a bruising week for the government over its handling of former detainees convicted of serious crimes and revelations a ministerial directive he issued last year led to a tribunal allowing a number of foreign criminals to stay in Australia.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has admitted he was wrong about the use of drones. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

In a statement released on Monday, Giles corrected the record after doubts were raised over the use of drones to monitor detainees, when the Australian Border Force declined to confirm it was using them in its operations and the Australian Federal Police saying it had no knowledge of the operation.

Last week, in an interview on Sky News, I stated that Operation AEGIS was using drones. I relied on information provided by my department at the time, which has since been clarified, Giles said.
Yoga instructors, martial artists and dog handlers have beaten some construction trades to a spot on the nations draft priority skills list for migrants, despite the dire need for workers to tackle the nations housing crisis.

As the government faces a shortfall of 90,000 construction workers to meet its target of 1.2 million new homes by the end of the decade, the latest list of occupations that can be fast-tracked into the country includes wellness professionals, while trades including plumbers, bricklayers and cabinetmakers remain under consideration.

Yoga instructors are on a draft priority skills list for migrants but many trades have been left off so far. Credit: Getty Images, Sam Mooy

Parliament is locked in a fierce argument over the role of migration in housing affordability, with a debate over who qualifies for the overseas skills list being fought at the same time as the government strives to drive down the total number of people arriving in Australia while increasing the supply of homes.

It follows a stoush between the government and the building sector in December when tradies were left off the streamlined, high-skilled professional visa category amid union calls to ensure Australian jobs were prioritised.
More than 3000 of Perths trees, now including Perth Zoo and Rottnest Islands, have been destroyed as one of the states biggest-ever biosecurity operation ramps up.

The trees were felled to stop the spread of the polyphagous shot-hole borer, in the biggest-ever biosecurity operation undertaken by the state government.

Infected trees are cut down in Kings Park. Credit: DPIRD

East Coast governments yet to report any borer activity nervously await the outcome of the WAs response to the outbreak, given the pests propensity to attack large  suburb-cooling  trees, and fruit trees.

Figures up to mid-May that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provided to WAtoday lay out the shocking destruction wreaked by the South East Asian pest, which kills trees via boring holds in trees, in which it plants a fungus that it plants and farms for food  but which stops trees transferring nutrients, slowly killing them.
When buying a new phone, laptop, tablet or other device, you are often presented with a number of options, depending on how much storage space you need. But with the price of storage continually falling, can you get away with spending less and installing your own solution?

The answer, as is often the case, is that it depends. Those looking at iPhones and iPads are more or less out of luck, as Apple only allows limited functions with attached external storage. However, for other devices, you can save hundreds of dollars by sourcing your own cards, sticks or solid-state drives (SSDs).

Some laptops have easily accessible SSDs. Always check your devices requirements before buying a new one.

SD Cards and USB drives

Generally speaking, these kinds of storage devices are designed to be portable and move between devices but, in some cases, you can use them to permanently expand your storage space. For example, on a new MacBook Air, the difference between a 256 gigabyte model and a 1 terabyte model is $600, but you can get an extremely fast USB-C drive for much less  the LaCie Rugged Mini is $300 for 1TB. Obviously, having it hanging off your laptop at all times isnt ideal, but you could use it to install your work apps, then leave it at your desk. If you dont need the speed and only want to store documents and such, you might only need to spend $150 for 1TB.
Meanwhile, American scammer George C Parker was known for flogging New York landmarks to fresh-off-the-boat immigrants and clueless tourists: among his fraudulent sales were the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well the Brooklyn Bridge. Loading The timeshare years Fast-forward to the 1960s and a new real-estate-related con scheme began to take hold: the timeshare. One of the industries to profit from cheap flights, these developments spread through Spain and the Canaries in a flurry of aggressive sales tactics and dodgy contracts. Among them was one run by John Palmer, notoriously linked to the Brinks-Mat robbery which was serialised in recent BBC TV series The Gold. By the end of the 20th century, the timeshare industrys image problem necessitated a makeover and terms such as holiday clubs, vacation ownership and fractional ownership appeared on the scene. The idea behind these schemes was essentially the same, though customers often bought points to spend at resorts across the world rather than set weeks at one property.

Essentially, you get your points, you pay your maintenance fee and you get to go on holiday  if you can ever find the availability, says Keith Dewhurst of the Timeshare Consumer Association (TCA). The product itself is pretty transparent. Where it goes wrong is the sales methods employed by the timeshare industry. People are lied to about what theyre buying. They will be told that, if they buy a week in Benalmadena in Spain, next year they can go to Bali. It doesnt work that way. If you buy in Bali, you can spend your life in Benalmadena if you want to  but if you buy in Benalmadena, youre not going to Bali. Another con exploded in the late 20th century. Travellers parted with thousands without even knowing it as credit and debit card cloning became mainstream. The ruse was simple: staff in restaurants might take a card away on the premise that the machine wasnt working and then make a copy, or thieves would use skimmers at ATMs. This type of card fraud hasnt gone away  but chip-and-pin technology means it is decreasing. Web of lies These days, travel scams are big business. From inflated taxi fares to adding extras to a restaurant bill, some are almost par for the course. But something else has increased the ease with which scammers can get their hands on our cash  the internet.

Sean Tipton of the UKs travel agent association ABTA has seen an uptick in calls from people who have been scammed on social media, where fraudsters advertise villas and holiday apartments that dont exist (or belong to somebody else). Loading Holidays, like everything else, have increased in cost post-pandemic, said Tipton. So people are much more inclined to look for really good deals. If you look at the time of year that fraudsters target, they go for Christmas and New Year and summer  they know that thats when theres a big increase in people looking for holidays, and they know that these will be more expensive. He noted that the fraudsters dont price too low, undercutting just enough to offer a bargain without sounding alarms. And, in certain cases, victims dont discover theyve been conned until they reach their holiday accommodation and find that it doesnt exist. Another growing industry is fake websites selling flights, often to people heading off to visit family and friends.

Loading The websites used to seem amateurish but theyre much more commercial now, says Tipton. Theyre really convincing. We used to say that not having terms and conditions was one of the warning signs, but now they just copy someone elses and stick them on their site. Ive seen sites with pictures of the sales team and they were just random people plucked off the internet. The psychology of the holiday scam Vicky Reynal, psychologist and author of Money on Your Mind, reveals why we fall for holiday scams and how they affect us. The rose-tinted glasses we bring to a holiday mean we might be less likely to spot signs of deceit, she says. But unfamiliarity can make us feel tense and on edge too. That can make us vulnerable because, if a scammer approaches us sounding friendly, kind and helpful, we might feel relief that somebody has put us at ease and be more inclined to follow their suggestions.
In the catalogue of missed opportunities, Australias 2009 defence white paper was a big one. If wed acted on it, wed be in a much better position today. It was the first one to dare name China as the emerging threat. And to set out a plan for how to prepare for it.

Instead of todays frantic scramble to get hold of any long-range missiles, wed already have them. Instead of todays desperate attempt to refurbish Australias six geriatric Collins class submarines, wed already be halfway through replacing them with 12 new conventionally powered subs. This wouldnt have precluded the AUKUS subs, but it wouldve meant that we didnt have a yawning vulnerability while we wait another decade for the first of them.

Illustration: Dionne Gain. Credit:

But that 2009 plan was published by the Rudd government; Labor dumped it when it dumped its leader. Fifteen years later, we still have no long-range missiles, and our submarines are due for retirement.

The lead author of that white paper was the deputy secretary of defence for strategy at the time, Mike Pezzullo. He was later promoted to head a series of other departments, the last of which was Home Affairs. He was sacked last year after this masthead revealed hed covertly colluded with a Liberal lobbyist to play personal politics.
London: Nigel Farage, the arch-Brexiter turned TV personality, has dramatically returned to front-line British politics, seizing the leadership of his right-wing populist Reform party and vowing to stand as a candidate in the general election in July.

Farage, having announced just two weeks ago he would not campaign to instead support his friend Donald Trumps bid to return to the White House, made the shock announcement on Monday (Tuesday AEST) in a major blow to the ruling Conservative Party.

Nigel Farage announced that he will become the new leader of Reform UK and that he will stand as a parliamentary candidate for Clacton. Credit: AP

His move heaps yet more pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose party is trailing badly in opinion polls, after a gaffe-prone start to the campaign that appears to be leading to an electoral thrashing on July 4.

Declaring the election, which Labour is set to win, as over and done, Farage said he decided to run because it was so far the dullest, most boring electoral campaign we have ever seen.
Total sales up 12% in May; YTD total sales increase 2%

Best May for IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Tucson HEV, Santa Fe HEV, Palisade and Santa Cruz

Hyundai May retail sales up 9% YOY; Volume led by Palisade, IONIQ 5 and Santa Fe HEV

May EV sales up 42% YOY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 1, 2024 -- Hyundai Motor America reported total May sales of 78,485 units, a 12% increase compared with May 2023. Hyundai set total sales records in May for IONIQ 5 (+82%), IONIQ 6 (+13%), Tucson HEV (+54%), Santa Fe HEV (+116%), Palisade (+45%) and Santa Cruz (+2%). This was the best all-time retail and total sales for IONIQ 5 and Santa Fe HEV. Hyundai's total EV sales were up 42% in May.

"We continue seeing great success in our eco-friendly line-up with an overall 50% increase YOY," said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Both EVs and Hybrids continue to gain popularity with Hyundai's newest HEV, the 2024 Santa Fe gaining 116% YOY and our award-winning IONIQ 5 family increasing 82%. We're proud to also announce Hyundai has America's Most Awarded EV Lineup in the industry."

May Total Sales Summary



May-24 May-23 % Chg 2024

YTD 2023

YTD % Chg Hyundai 78,485 70,001 +12 % 331,892 325,262 +2.0 %

May Product and Corporate Activities

Hyundai Launches New Supercharged Marketing Campaign Featuring Electric Vehicle Lineup : To encourage EV-curious consumers to make the switch to an electric vehicle and creatively showcase the benefits of going all electric, Hyundai has launched a new marketing campaign.

: To encourage EV-curious consumers to make the switch to an electric vehicle and creatively showcase the benefits of going all electric, Hyundai has launched a new marketing campaign. Hyundai Leads Industry with Nine IIHS 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK Recognitions: Hyundai leads the industry with nine TOP SAFETY PICK recognitions by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Sonata have received a TOP SAFETY PICK designation and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been upgraded to a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, (IIHS).

Hyundai leads the industry with nine recognitions by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Sonata have received a designation and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been upgraded to a by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, (IIHS). IONIQ 5 N Voted Best EV Hot Hatch at the 2024 TopGear.com Electric Awards: The multiple award-winning IONIQ 5 N has added yet another coveted honor to its expanding trophy cabinet by being named Best EV Hot Hatch at the 2024 TopGear.com Electric Awards.

The multiple award-winning IONIQ 5 N has added yet another coveted honor to its expanding trophy cabinet by being named Best EV Hot Hatch at the 2024 TopGear.com Electric Awards. IONIQ 5 N Named World's Best Electric Performance Car by CAR Magazine: The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has continued its phenomenal run of success by being named the best electric performance car in the world by CAR Magazine.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has continued its phenomenal run of success by being named the best electric performance car in the world by CAR Magazine. 2024 Palisade Wins Three-row SUV Challenge by Cars.com: The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is the winner of Cars.com's Three-row SUV challenge. Conducted over the course of a week, the comparison test featured seven SUVs that were evaluated in a number of areas important to families. After scores were tabulated, the Palisade emerged to top place - thanks in part to its classy refinement and host of desirable features.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is the winner of Cars.com's Three-row SUV challenge. Conducted over the course of a week, the comparison test featured seven SUVs that were evaluated in a number of areas important to families. After scores were tabulated, the Palisade emerged to top place - thanks in part to its classy refinement and host of desirable features. Hyundai Leads U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Cars for Teens Awards: For the third year in a row, Hyundai is being honored with the most category wins in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Cars for Teens awards.

For the third year in a row, Hyundai is being honored with the most category wins in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Cars for Teens awards. 2024 Sonata Named Best Midsize Vehicle at Texas Auto Writers Association's Annual Auto Roundup: The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has been named the best midsize vehicle at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup held on April 23-24, 2024 .

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has been named the best midsize vehicle at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup held on . Hyundai Launches All-New Santa Fe Marketing Campaign: Hyundai and its U.S. Hispanic marketing agency, Lopez Negrete Communications, launched a new creative campaign for the all-new 2024 Santa Fe SUV. The campaign titled "Under a Different Light"  "Un nuevo punto de vista"  encourages Hispanic consumers to embrace a unique perspective on both the journey and life itself through the lens of the all-new Santa Fe.

Model Total Sales

Vehicles May-24 May-23 % Chg 2024

YTD 2023

YTD % Chg Elantra 13,311 15,605 -15 % 50,273 61,314 -18 % Ioniq 5 4,449 2,446 +82 % 14,973 10,505 +43 % Ioniq 6 1,099 971 +13 % 5,998 2,083 +188 % Kona 8,308 5,613 +48 % 39,635 31,664 +25 % Nexo 6 16 -63 % 70 97 -28 % Palisade 10,147 7,013 +45 % 44,544 33,574 +33 % Santa Cruz 3,603 3,526 +2 % 14,976 16,423 -9 % Santa Fe 10,997 10,039 +10 % 46,819 49,518 -5 % Sonata 6,700 4,321 +55 % 25,212 23,500 +7 % Tucson 17,371 18,038 -4 % 78,565 82,884 -5 % Venue 2,494 2,413 +3 % 10,827 13,664 -21 %

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 http://www.hyundainews.com.

For additional release exposure and enhanced story viewing, bgordon@theautochannel.com
Community Action Organization of Western New York has hired a new CEO, with an official announcement expected sometime this week.

The person has a few loose ends to take care of on their end before we make their identity known, said Kevin Jolly, the anti-poverty agencys director of communications and media relations. I can tell you that it is an outstanding external candidate with extensive experience in the delivery of human services.

The person is already here in Western New York and not someone coming from outside the area, Jolly added.

The new CEO will inherit the top job at an organization that has had its share of controversies over the last two decades but also one that should play a crucial role in Buffalo, a city where nearly three of every 10 residents live in poverty, U.S. Census Bureau figures show. Meanwhile, the child poverty rate in Buffalo is nearly 40%, which ranks seventh among U.S. large cities, according to a recent state comptroller report.

And taxpayers have a vested interest in how the new CEO performs, given that CAO of WNY gets around 86% of its annual revenue from government grants, runs local after-school programs and employs hundreds of Western New Yorkers.

The new CEO will succeed Thomas U. Kim, who departed as president and CEO on Jan. 7 in search of roles that offer a broader scope of influence and impact, more closely aligned with my personal and professional aspirations, Kim said in a statement released by CAO. Kim was in the role for three years, during which CAO restructured its business process, brought in a national audit firm and received two consecutive clean audits, his statement read.

Ulysees O. Wingo Sr., the agencys chief operations and outreach officer and a former Buffalo Common Council member, became interim president and CEO and has led the agency during its search for a permanent chief executive.

During Wingos tenure as interim CEO, there also were anonymous claims of the organizations culture eroding  claims that were sent to CAOs board of directors in late March, The Buffalo News learned.

A whistleblower sent an anonymous email to the board claiming that Wingo played a big role in the hiring of a longtime friend to a top CAO job in August  when Kim was still CEO  and also moved forward with hiring Jolly, though members of the agencys executive leadership team told him the agency did not have the funding to support the position.

Jolly, a former news reporter for Buffalo TV stations who started at CAO in February, said those claims were thoroughly reviewed and found to be irrelevant and unsubstantial.

Jolly said neither Wingo nor Craig D. Hannah, the agencys board president and a justice in the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court, would publicly comment on those claims.

The Board supports and appreciates the leadership of the interim CEO Ulysees O. Wingo during the search for the new CEO, Jolly said.

It was unclear if Wingo was a candidate for the permanent CEO role.

A rocky transition?

The anonymous email came in at 7 a.m. March 27 to CAOs board members.

The sender attached a four-page memorandum, which stated that employees of the agency were sharing information with the board out of concern for the organizations future. The unnamed employees, who wrote that they were protected under the agencys whistleblower policy, claimed in their memo that Wingo showed a blatant disregard for policy, procedure and compliance in his interim role.

The email was enough to get the attention of Hannah.

At 9:38 a.m. that day, Hannah dashed off an email  labeled CONFIDENTIAL  to board members, advising them not to share the anonymous communication or discuss it with anyone outside of the board.

I am discussing with legal counsel and we are engaging in a process to review and address any legitimate concerns, Hannah said in the email, which was obtained by The Buffalo News. I will advise the Board as soon as practicable regarding the process.

Hannah copied two Hodgson Russ attorneys: Patricia Sandison and Adam Perry, the latter of whom is a close confidant of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and has helped address past controversies at CAO of WNY  of which there have been many in the last decade-plus.

The Board of Directors takes each and every complaint and/or concern seriously, Jolly said.

Several board members contacted for this story either declined to comment or referred questions to Hannah, who then referred an inquiry to Jolly. Several elected officials also serve on CAOs board. Among them, Common Council Member Zeneta Everhart, who represents the Masten District, did not respond to inquiries seeking comment, Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro declined to comment and Common Council Member Leah Halton-Pope, who represents the Ellicott District, referred comment to Hannah.

Wingo, senior pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Buffalo, announced in February 2023 that he would not seek re-election for his seat on the Council because he had been given an offer by an organization to do the work I am doing right now on a more personal level.

Three months later, on May 2, 2023, CAO of WNY announced the appointment of Wingo as a senior executive at the agency. When Kim left, the board appointed Wingo as interim president and CEO to ensure a seamless and efficient transition for the organization.

After-school staffing struggles

When the new CEO takes the helm, one issue that may be high on their to-do list revolves around staffing at some of the agencys 21st Century Community Learning Centers after-school sites.

While the 21st Century Community Learning Centers is a federally funded program, the New York State Education Department manages the statewide competition for the funding, provides fiscal and programmatic oversight and oversees and conducts monitoring of the organizations that get funding.

CAO, through the Education Department, was issued grants to operate four 21st Century after-school programs at Buffalo Public Schools, at PS17, PS 54, PS 61 and PS 99.

But CAO this year has had challenges staffing the 21st Century after-school programs at PS 61 and PS 99, Buffalo Public Schools confirmed in a statement. After-school programming at those two schools has continued because the schools were able to provide the needed staff and supervision, the district said.

State Education Department spokesperson Erica Conley-Komoroske said the state has not rescinded any funding from CAO.

The Department, along with our Technical Assistance Resource Center, have been working with the organization to assist them with staffing shortages in order to ensure all sites are operational, she said.

State contract data, available through Open Book New York, show CAO of WNY has two active contracts for grant funds through the 21st Century program.

One, which runs from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, is valued at $4.2 million. Of that, $746,410 has been spent to date.

The second contract, which runs from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, is valued at $588,000. Of that, $39,732 has been spent so far.

CAOs scale

The CAO of Western New York, begun in 1965 during President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty, today runs programs designed to help the poor find jobs or homes, to help get people off drugs and to educate preschoolers.

In 2022, the organization employed 589 people and recorded net income of about $471,000 on revenues of almost $37 million, according to its most recent publicly available annual filing with the IRS.

More than $32 million, or around 86%, of that revenue came from government grants in 2022.

Despite that heavy reliance on public dollars, the organizations board meetings are closed to the public.

Past CAO controversies

Past CEO L. Nathan Hare took the helm of CAO in 2002, more than doubling the organizations revenue and employee headcount over a nearly two-decade tenure as CEO.

But his tenure also came with plenty of controversies.

Dating back as far as 2003, CAO employees were found to have misdirected hundreds of pounds of donated food intended for children; defrauded the organization by billing tens of thousands of dollars to phantom employees; and hit and pushed children in CAO Head Start centers, racking up six citations for corporal punishment between 2016 and 2018.

And when a majority of CAO board members at an October 2018 voted to fire Hare over how he handled financial matters, Perry  the agencys lawyer  determined the boards vote to fire Hare was illegal.

Hare was back at the helm the next business day. Further, Perrys firm authored a report that found six of the board members had been improperly appointed  and those members then received dismissal letters.
Buffalo man faces prison after pleading guilty to abducting Cheektowaga woman

A Buffalo man who dragged a woman into his vehicle and abducted her three months ago pleaded guilty Monday in State Supreme Court to second-degree kidnapping, acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced.

Prosecutors said the abduction occurred during the early morning hours of March 2 when Abel Gebrehawaria, 24, tracked the woman to her home on George Urban Boulevard in Cheektowaga after she left an establishment in downtown Buffalo.

Gebrehawaria, who did not know the woman, accosted her in her driveway and dragged her into the back seat of his SUV parked on the street. He started to drive off, but the woman managed to grab his steering wheel, jerking it onto the curb a few houses down the street. Gebrehawaria let the woman go and fled the scene. She escaped and called the police.

She was smart, and she fought, Keane said in a news conference in April. Thats why shes here today and able to tell the story.

Keane also noted that stranger abduction attempts are an unusual occurrence in Western New York.

A spokesperson for the D.A.s Office said the defendant did not offer a reason as to why he kidnapped the victim.

Gebrehawaria, who remains free on $250,000 bond, faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 23.

 Harold McNeil

Keane commended Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Coons, Lt. Justin Haag, Detective Eric Derby and members of the department for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Mitchell C. Boughton of the Justice Courts Bureau.
70 terrorists waiting to infiltrate through LoC: J&K DGP





By Sumir Kaul

SRINAGAR,

AROUND 60 to 70 terrorists are active on launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) and its degraded capability has not stopped Pakistan from sending men and material to Jammu and Kashmir, according to Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain. Giving an overall assessment of the current security situation along the border areas and the challenge posed by drone droppings, Swain at the same time said Indian security personnel will make it absolutely hard for the adversary to succeed. In our meetings with our security partners, we generally have come to the conclusion that it is a fact that the adversary or the enemy has not stopped from sending men and material, Swain, who holds the dual charge of the J&K Police and the CID, told PTI in an interview.

He also mentioned the presence of foreign terrorists from the western neighbour operating in the region. While acknowledging some success in countering these attempts, Swain said that the threat remains and sustained efforts are required to further reduce the enemys ability to destabilise the area. I would say the enemys intent is very much there, the capability certainly degraded, but the ability to occasionally rock the system and unsettle you is there, he said.

At any given point of time, perhaps you would have about 60-70 persons in groups of five or six at different places waiting to be pushed into our side, Swain said, asserting that together with the Army, paramilitary forces and J&K Police, we are absolutely determined that we will make it absolutely hard for the adversary to succeed. On the issue of drone droppings, Swain said these activities pose a significant challenge as they enable the smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives, cash and narcotics. Although progress has been made in countering this threat, the police chief highlighted the need for continued vigilance to fully eliminate these activities.
Abolishing Worn Out Rules





By Adv. R. S. Agrawal

IN THE judgement of the Second Appeal between Chhaya and Govardhan Singh delivered by Justice Anil Verma on May 27, 2024, at the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, it has been observed that the history of Indian Army is full of unique tales of courage, sacrifice and martyrdom. The brave soldiers of the Indian Army live for the country and die for the country. But unfortunately when a soldier suddenly goes missing, the Indian Armys behaviour towards him becomes somewhat rude. Instead of helping the family of missing soldier, the Indian Army expects them to get the date of his civil death declared through Civil Court, and they are denied the release of the pension and other retirement allowances of the missing soldier. It is a hardship for grieving family of a missing soldier. Although this is done under certain rules, but considering his pride and self-respect of the soldier, now these worn out Rules need to be abolished. The appellants have filed this Second Appeal against the impugned judgmental decree passed by the District Judge-5, Mandsaur on July 25, 2023 in appeal and thereby affirming the judgement and decree of Third Civil Judge, Class II in Regular Civil suit whereby this Suit was partly allowed on December 7, 2020. The appellants-plaintiffs are the parents of Surendra Singh Solanki, who had joined the Indian Army in the year 2002 as Soldier and in the year 2010 he was promoted to the post of Signal Man in Srinagar.

He underwent training from February 4, 2010 to February 21, 2010 at Military Technical Training Institute, Goa and was again called by the Center for further military training on July 25, 2010 in Goa. He went to Goa for training but never returned from there and on July 27, 2010, Military Training Center Goa informed the appellants that Surendra Singh has not reached the Training Center on July 25, 2010. Thereafter, the appellants lodged a missing person report at Police Station, Ponda, Goa.The appellants started receiving ordinary family pension with effect from July 25, 2010 and in the year 2020, they received a communication from department that due to non-availability of death certificate of Surendra Singh, Special Family Pension, GPR and other arrears could not be paid to them. Thereafter, appellants have filed the civil suit for declaration of date of civil death of Surendra Singh. The respondents/defendants  3 and 4 filed their written statements before the trial court supporting the appellants claim except the factum of civil death of Surendra Singh since July 25, 2010.

On the basis of pleadings, the trial court framed issues and after hearing both the parties and recording evidence has decreed the suit filed by plaintiffs/appellants by declaring civil death of Surendra Singh since June 24, 2020, that is the date of institution of civil suit. Being aggrieved by the impugned judgement and decree, the appellants filed first appeal, but after re-appreciating the entire evidence, the first Appellate Court has affirmed the findings of fact, so recorded by the trial court and dismissed the appeal. Hence, the appellants came up with Second Appeal. As the three substantial questions of law formulated by the Court are inter-connected, therefore, those have been answered simultaneously. Though the provisions of Sections 107 and 108 of Evidence Act are very clear as to the rising of presumption, but the sections do not throw any light upon the date on which a person can be presumed to be dead. In other words, the doubt or dilemma that arises in cases of this nature is as to the date of death of death of the person, in respect of whom presumption is raised.

The moment, it is established that a person has not been heard of for seven years, the presumption of death arises. Although, the presumption under the Evidence Act is confined only to the factum of death, but is silent about the actual date of death or presumed death. If the test of preponderance of probability laid down by section 3 of the Evidence Act is applied, that is to say, a fact is said to be proved if the court considers its existence to be so probable that a prudent man ought, under the circumstances of the particular case, to act upon under certain supposition that it exists, then it would have to be held that Surendra Singh died on July 25, 2010 or soon thereafter. If he was alive after July 25, 2010, there was no reason for him not to contact his immediate family members. It is not the case that Surendra Singh left the house in distress or he was under some disability nor he was in a situation wherefrom he could not contact his parents or close family members which prevented him from returning home or contacting his family members coupled with the fact he has not contacted his family members at all since July 25, 2010 and has been declared to be dead by the declaratory decree of the competent court makes me (the Judge) as man of ordinary prudence to believe that Surendra Singh must have died on July 25, 2010 or soon thereafter.

In this case, the Court of Inquiry has already accepted that since July 25, 2010, Army person Surendra Singh was missing and thereafter he became untraceable. Therefore, it is impossible to think that a person can be presumed to be dead from the date on which he went missing. Unless a period of seven years expires from the date of his missing, the very occasion for raising the presumption does not arise. The parents were in continuous correspondence with the Military Department / Union of India since 2010, then after receiving the letter they have filed civil suit before the trial court. Has been under consideration of the Government for some time as withholding of benefits due to the family has been causing a great deal of hardship. Hence, the date of filing of the present suit would be considered as date of death of Surendra Singh is contrary to above position of law. Therefore the finding given by the trial court is not based on any cogent material based upon only an inference drawn for which there was no basis for the In this case, aforesaid reasons. In this case, the finding of both the courts below are erroneous and unsustainable due to lack of proper appreciation of fact and law and hence the appeal deserves to be allowed. In the result, the second Appeal has been partly allowed and the impugned judgement and decree passed by the trial court is modified by declaring July 25, 2010 as the date of death of missing Surendra Singh. The appellants have been held entitled to all the benefits under the Circular of Government of India of March 3, 1989.
Armys role in nation building





By Lt General M K Das

The Mauryan soldier does not himself the Royal treasuries enrich nor does he the Royal granaries fillThe soldier only and merely ensures thatHe is thus the very basis and silent, barely visible cornerstone of our fame, culture, physical well-being; in short, of the entire nation building activity. Chanakya in Artha Shastra

RECENTLY, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) stated that the Army will play even greater role in nation building in the future. The statement of the COAS has lot of relevance for the nation in general and the Indian Army in particular. Indian Army is already engaged in a large number of activities towards nation building. These activities are besides the flood relief, disaster management, rescue operations and any type of civil aid when sought by the local administration. The stellar contribution of the NCC is also not being covered in this piece. The aim of this article is to highlight some of the key nation building activities already being executed by the Army. Let us start from the border areas. Most of the border and remote areas have been connected by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Led by competent officers of the Corps of Engineers from the Army and ably supported by the General Reserve Engineers Force (GREF), this organisation constructs roads and bridges in the inaccessible border areas, be it in Ladakh, Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, BRO connected the strategically important all- weather 298 km long road from Manali to Leh on the Kargil- Leh highway.

It should be noted that such roads improve the livelihood in the adjoining villages, besides creating an ecosystem for the tourists. As of now, the BRO is engaged in 140 projects in 19 States, three UTs and neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Myanmar. Next is Operation Sadhbhavna which means goodwill projects undertaken by the Army in the border areas. Army caters for separate budget for this project which improve the life, habitat and sustainability of the local people, be it in J&K or the North-East. Under this noble project, Army runs schools, hostels, medical health care and empowerment of the local people. A large number of villages are being illuminated with the solar lights, as was recently done for Dabbi village near the Line of Control in Poonch district. Under my command in 2004, I recall that my unit constructed a wooden bridge over a fast-flowing stream in a remote village in Kokrajhar district of Assam. Such a goodwill activities genuinely win the hearts & minds of the people. Under Namami Gange programme, one Territorial Army (TA) battalion has been raised at Prayagraj. This specialised unit has played a key role in cleaning the Ganges over a large stretch of this holy river.

This TA unit is commanded by a Colonel rank officer of the Army and has a mix of serving and ex-servicemen executing this pivotal project. In addition, nine Ecological Task Force (ETF) battalions of TA are engaged in tree plantation, soil conservation and other specific environment related projects in the hills, mountains and desert terrain. My regiment also has one ETF located at Samba, near Jammu and this force has planted trees over lakhs of trees in the last three years. During my visits, I noticed a major go green drive under their watchful concern. The military cantonments and military stations located across the country remain most clean and well-maintained areas in their respective locations. There are 62 cantonments and more than two hundred military stations which serve as green lungs for the environment. The cantonments are being disbanded and are being converted exclusively into military stations under the full control of Army. The civilian areas, which are inhabited by the local public will be merged with the local municipal bodies. Thus, the Army is progressively handing over the green belt to the local administration, in the larger national interest. It is expected that such areas will act as role model for the local municipalities in estate management and housekeeping.

Army has also undertaken a massive initiative in the rejuvenation of ponds and water bodies in their respective stations in the last two years. Army utilised its own engineering equipment and dozing effort to bring to life a huge number of dry ponds, create new ponds/water bodies and ensure their sustenance. I was personally involved in ensuring the success of this noble project in the military stations and cantonments located in the six States of UP, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh as GOC Madhya Bharat Area. The contribution of the Army in the field of education is indeed laudable. Army runs hundreds of schools called Army Public School and Army Pre Primary School across the length and breadth of the country. These schools provide quality education at low fees to the ward of defence personnel as also to the local children in huge numbers. Over a period of time, these schools have built State of the art infrastructure and ensure well rounded growth of the students.

Then, a large number of military stations have specialised schools for the differently-abled called Asha Schools where children from civilian fraternity are also permitted. In addition, a large number of Army Public Schools have adopted poor schools in their vicinity as part of the Vidyanjali initiative of the Government. Army also motivates the youth to join Army through regular training camps and Know Your Army campaigns. Special focus is on empowerment of women and girls. In fact, a large number of women entrepreneurs are being encouraged by the Army. There has been great impetus on technology in the recent years. A large number of start ups have been supported by the Army and our success in the development of drone technology is one shining example of self-reliance. All in all, the Indian Army has lived up to its reputation of a silent but spectacular driver in the nation building exercise.




Staff Reporter

Preparations are being given final touches for counting of votes for General Elections  2024 polled in Jabalpur Parliamentary constituency. Counting of votes polled in eight assembly constituencies would be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya premises, on June 4, 6 am onwards. With an aim to ensure adequate security arrangements, three level security walls will be made at vote counting centre. Security personnel have been strictly directed to restraining the entrance of any unwanted person in JNKVV premises. Any unwanted person would not be allowed to enter the premises. Counting of votes in eight state assembly constituencies include Panagar, Sihora, Bargi, Patan, Jabalpur North, Jabalpur East, Jabalpur West and Jabalpur Cantt would be carried out in separate rooms. District Police are also on high alert to avoid any kind of irregularity and peaceful completion of vote counting process. Police officers have been directed for not allowing any person without having special entry card issued by the Election Commission.

District Election Officer and Collector, Deepak Saxena and Superintendent of Police, Aditya Ptatap Singh are continuously monitoring the preparations and security arrangements for uninterrupted and peaceful counting of votes. Responsibility of postal ballots counting of votes will be handed over to one returning officer (RO). The returning officer and the supervisor will carefully inspect simultaneous counting process of both EVM votes and postal ballots. One assistant returning officer will be responsible for counting of postal ballots. On declaration of results after completion of counting, observers will specially mention process of counting of postal ballots in their final reports. To ensure transparent and impartial election process, counting officers will be informed about their duty in which assembly constituency table after entering the counting centre.
SC stays till further orders premature release of gangster Arun Gawli in murder case

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI)

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed till further orders the premature release of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, who is serving life imprisonment in a murder case.

A vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta stayed the operation of the April 5 order of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court which ordered the state authorities to consider Gawli's application for premature release under the 2006 remission policy.

The bench also issued notice to Gawli on the plea of the state government in the matter.

Senior advocate Raja Thakare, appearing for the Maharashtra government, urged the court to stay the April 5 order of the high court saying Gawli, who is serving life term in a murder case and is convicted under provisions of MCOCA, is seeking benefit of the 2006 remission policy of the state.

The Nagpur bench of the high court had allowed the plea of Gawli in which he had sought direction to the state government for his premature release on account of the remission policy dated January 10, 2006, which was prevailing on the date of his conviction on August 31, 2012.

Gawli, who is undergoing life imprisonment for the 2007 murder case of Mumbai Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar, has claimed to have complied with all the conditions of the 2006 policy.

He said the rejection of his application for premature release by the state authorities is unjust, arbitrary and is liable to be set aside.

Gawli has contended that he has completed 65 years of age and has been certified as weak by the Medical Board making him eligible for availing the benefit of the policy.

The state government, however, has opposed his plea before the high court for premature release, saying revised guidelines dated March 18, 2010, for premature release contemplates that there shall be no premature release of a convict of organized crime unless he undergoes 40 years of actual imprisonment.

The high court rejected the submission of the state government, terming it as "totally misconceived" and said the revised guidelines of 2010 were general in nature.

It had said the 2006 policy was specifically framed for the benefit of prisoners who were of advanced age and physically weak, and the 2010 guidelines would not apply at all.

"In view of the above discussion, we hold that the petitioner is entitled to the benefits flowing from the remission policy dated January 10, 2006, which was prevailing on the date of his conviction. We also hold that by applying the rule of ejusdem generis, convicts of MCOC Act cannot be excluded from availing the benefits of the said policy. Writ Petition is accordingly allowed," the high court had ordered.

It has given state government authorities four weeks to pass a consequential order in that regard from the date of uploading of the order.

However, on May 9, the state government again moved the high court seeking four months time for implementation of the April 5 order, saying they have challenged the verdict in the apex court.

"It is informed that a Special Leave Petition has been filed before the Supreme Court. The summer vacation of the Supreme Court would commence from May 20, 2024. By virtue of our order the petitioner is required to be set free and if his release is postponed by a few months, it would curtail his liberty. However, as the Special Leave Petition was filed/registered yesterday only, we deem it appropriate to grant some breathing time to the State to obtain necessary orders from the Supreme Court," the high court had said in its May 9 order.

It gave the state government four more weeks for implementation of the April 5 order setting Gawli free and made it clear that no more extensions would be granted.

Gawli is the founder of the Akhil Bharatiya Sena and was an MLA from 2004-2009 from Chinchpokli seat of Mumbai and has shot into prominence from Dagdi Chawl, a neighbourhood of Byculla.

He was arrested and underwent a trial in 2006 for the murder of Jamsandekar and in August 2012, a sessions court in Mumbai had sentenced him to life imprisonment in the murder case. The court had also imposed a fine of Rs. 17 lakh on him.
Kejriwal surrenders





NEW DELHI :

DELHI Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday surrendered at the Tihar jail here after his interim bail granted by the Supreme Court in the Excise Policy-linked money laundering case ended on June 1. He was granted the relief for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections. Before surrendering, Kejriwal paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat, offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place and addressed AAP leaders and workers at the party office. During his address, Kejriwal said, I am going back to jail not because I was involved in corruption but because I raised voice against dictatorship, he said. I was given a 21-day (relief) by the Supreme Court. These 21 days were unforgettable. I did not waste even a minute. I campaigned for saving the country. The AAP is not important, it is secondary. The country comes first, he said. A court here on Sunday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till June 5 in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam.

Duty judge Sanjeev Aggarwal passed the order after the Chief Minister was produced before the court through video conference after surrendering at Tihar jail upon the expiry of his interim bail granted by the Supreme Court for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls. The judge passed the order on an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate, seeking extension of judicial custody by 14 days. The application was moved by the ED on May 20 while Kejriwal was out on interim bail. The court sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till June 5, noting that the judge concerned was scheduled to pass an order on his interim bail plea on health grounds on that day. Kejriwal also asserted that all exit polls predicting a third term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre were fake. Exit polls on Saturday predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a third straight term, with the NDA expected to win a big majority in the polls. They are not forming Government on June 4.

These exit polls are mind games to drive you into depression, Kejriwal told AAP workers and leaders. Before Kejriwal arrived at the Tihar jail, traffic movement was restricted in the areas around the prison and security arrangements heightened with deployment of deployment of police personnel. The Chief Minister paid homage at Mahatma Gandhis memorial at the Raj Ghat, offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place and addressed workers and leaders of the AAP before surrendering. Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal was seen accompanying him. AAP leaders, including Atishi, Kailash Gahlot and Saurabh Bharadwaj, Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak, and party leaders Durgesh Pathak, Rakhi Birla and Reena Gupta were also present.
Staff Reporter

Counting of votes for Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha constituencies will begin at Kalamna Market on the morning of June 4. Collector and Returning Officer Dr Vipin Itankar directed officials to strictly plan the parking, traffic, and security systems in Kalamna area. Officers have been trained and responsibilities assigned for counting of votes. Dr Itankar instructed the officials to take precautions so that there is no fault in their duties. A meeting of all concerned senior officers was held on Sunday under the chairmanship of the Collector at his office for preparations and strict planning for the counting day. Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam, Election Returning Officer of Ramtek Additional Collector Tushar Thombre, Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande, Sub Divisional Officer Suresh Bagle, and Deputy District Election Officer Praveen Mahire were present at this meeting. The entire counting process should be planned, controlled and implemented strictly. As per the instructions of the Election Commission, everyone should carry out their responsibility in a coordinated manner, said Collector Dr Itankar.

Polling for Ramtek and Nagpur Lok Sabha constituencies in Nagpur district was held on April 19, 2024. After voting, EVMs and VVPAT machines are kept under armed police security in the strongroom at new grain shop-cum-godown at Kalmana Market. Counting of votes will be held on June 4, 2024 from 8 am onwards at fruit auction hall No. 3 and 4, Nagpur Agricultural Produce Market Committee at Kalamna. On the day of counting of votes, for the sake of security and smooth counting process, the entire area of the market yard will be kept under police security, so unauthorized persons and vehicles will be banned from entering the market yard Kalmana area. From 8 am on June 3, 2024 to 2 pm on June 5, 2024, the market will be closed and no person or vehicle will be allowed to enter unless they have an official identity card, transport pass, prior permission of the Election Commission of India. Priority to complete a counting round without break: Dr Vipin Itankar In any situation, the designated officials of each counting table should emphasise on accuracy and timely counting of each round. The data received by the supervisor of the concerned table should be immediately passed on to the Observer, instructed Collector Dr Vipin Itankar. He asked the officials to give clear instructions to ensure that there is no break in the counting process.

A training session for the employees and staff deployed for election work for Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha General Election counting was held. Dr Itankar addressed them at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande hall. Election Observers Vipul Bansal, Rajiv Ranjan Sinha, Mahesh Kumar Das, Ramtek Election Returning Officer Additional Collector Tushar Thombare, Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande, Deputy District Election Officer Praveen Mahire were present for the training. Collector said, All must strictly follow the counting guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for the counting process to be conducted accurately and within the prescribed time frame. Counting of votes will be done in a separate room for each Assembly Constituency. Everyone should carry out the assigned responsibility properly. Detailed information about counting room, table of counting statistics, postal ballot counting, encore system, counting of votes by voting machine etc was provided in detail.
Massive fire: breaks out on top floor of Milan Restaurant, no casualties reported





Staff Reporter

a massive fire broke out at third floor of Milan Restaurant (Bhamashah Tower) in the zone number one of MP Nagar on Saturday night. Fortunately, no one was hurt and no casualties were reported in the incident. The fire led to traffic jam on road and resulted in a chaotic situation for commuters. According to police, 17-18 fire brigade vehicles were deployed at the location and normalcy returned after two and a half hours.

According to the building owner and Milan restaurant owner Nishant Soni, the floor was being given to an insurance company and short circuit is suspected to be the cause of fire. He further mentioned that someone from outside came to him and told that there was fire in the building on which prompt action was taken by them and police team was informed.

The fire incident was major. No casualties were reported in the incident and it took 2.5 hours to control the situation. About 17-18 fire brigade vehicles were deployed to control the situation. Though, the cause of fire is still not known, it is being suspected that it happened due to short circuit, informed Jaihind Sharma, Thana Incharge, MP Nagar police to The Hitavada. On being asked about presence of fire safety system at the location, he said that investigations for the same are on and it will be clear during further investigation.
The name of acting State Supreme Court Justice Mark Grisanti was left this week off a list of judicial appointments by Gov. Kathy Hochul, just weeks after he was publicly censured by a state commission.

Hochul this week appointed Buffalo attorney Peter Weinmann as a Court of Claims judge, pending Senate confirmation.

After censure, Judge Grisanti hopes governor will keep him on bench If Gov. Hochul reappoints Grisanti, the chairman of the State Senates Judiciary Committee told The Buffalo News he doubts that body would confirm the appointment.

The Governors Office said nothing about Grisantis future on the bench.

Grisanti has been a holdover judge since his term expired in July, and he was censured April 30 by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct because of his conduct during an angry confrontation with neighbors and Buffalo police, which included him shoving an officer and being handcuffed but not charged.

We havent heard anything yet, Grisantis attorney, Terrence M. Connors, said Monday after Hochul submitted the appointments of 25 judges to the Senate Judiciary Committee to confirm.

Judge Mark Grisanti's neighbor disappointed his punishment wasn't tougher Gina Mele was shocked and disappointed when she heard that State Supreme Court Judge Mark Grisanti would remain on the bench following a state Commission on Judicial Conduct review of a physical altercation between her, her husband, Joseph, Grisanti and his wife, Maria.

Weinmann, 62, has represented corporate, industrial, and high-end residential taxpayers challenging their tax assessments since 2000, according to his firms website. It said he has saved property owners millions of dollars. A former chief of narcotics prosecutions in the Erie County District Attorneys Office, he is a registered Democrat.

Grisanti, who was appointed in 2015 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a Court of Claims judge, has been serving as an acting State Supreme Court justice since then. The job pays $232,600 annually.

The chairman of the State Senates Judiciary Committee, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, told The Buffalo News last month that he doubted that body would confirm Grisanti if Hochul appointed him.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct said last month that Grisanti exhibited exceptionally poor judgment during the neighborhood incident on June 22, 2020 and fell far short of holding up the standards of behavior expected from a judge.

An expletive-filled police body camera video of the confrontation involving Grisanti, his wife, some neighbors and police went viral after it was published four years ago by Law360.

Commission censures Judge Mark Grisanti for shoving Buffalo cop handcuffing his wife The state Commission on Judicial Conduct said acting State Supreme Court Judge Mark J. Grisanti exhibited exceptionally poor judgement during the incident and fell far short of holding up the standards of behavior expected from a judge.

The incident began when Grisanti called 911 to complain about a neighbor who had legally parked in the street close to the judges driveway. According to police documents, Grisantis wife, Maria, bit one of her neighbors and the judge had his shirt ripped off by the same neighbor.

The video showed Grisanti shoving and making threats against an officer who had pulled Maria Grisanti to the ground and was putting handcuffs on her.

Police handcuffed the judge, put him in a patrol car and drove him to their station for questioning, but did not charge Grisanti or Grisantis wife after he apologized for his actions.

By a narrow 6-4 margin, members of the commission decided not to remove him from his job.

Connors told The Buffalo News last month that he hoped Hochul would follow the commissions lead and keep Grisanti in his judgeship.

Connors said the neighborhood incident was unfortunate, but had no bearing on Grisantis performance as a judge.

Grisanti has never run for judicial office. A former Republican state senator, he was appointed to the bench by Cuomo after Grisanti cast a key vote on legislation to legalize same-sex marriages in New York and lost his re-election bid in 2014.
Modi will make sure India gains from changing world order: Author Amish





By Manik Gupta

NEW DELHI,

Author and former diplomat Amish, who for the first time is openly supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha elections, said getting the right leadership is a must if India wants to benefit from the changing world order. In an interview to PTI, Amish, currently basking in the glory of the success of his documentary Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: The Return of a Splendid Sun, said we are living in a critical age where a lot of things will be re-written and India should make the most of it. There is a lovely Urdu couplet, Lamhon ne khata ki, sadiyon ne saza payi (a mistake in a moment, punishment for centuries). If at this age of time we dont get that right leadership which can make sure that India benefits from the change in the world order we will suffer for it for decades. The world order will recalibrate within the next 5-10 years... At this stage, having a leader who can play this international game for the good of India will benefit us, Amish told PTI.

The author, who is also the former Director of the Nehru Centre and Minister for Culture and Education at the High Commission of India in London, applauded the current Government for being strong enough to stand up to the pressure from the Western powers. To buttress his point, he gave the example of how India continued to import oil from Russia despite sanctions on Moscow amid military conflict with Ukraine. This is what in business terms is called level one strategy which then cascades down into positivities everywhere. Why did Sri lanka go bankrupt? What happened to Pakistan? Of course, there were many other mistakes. But the thing that put them over the edge was actually oil. Because energy cascades into everything. But we were strong enough and clear enough to stand up... There were points in time in history where we werent able to stand up to pressure and India suffered from it, he explained.

The 49-year-old even praised the Indian politicians across the spectrum for doing what he called one of the toughest jobs across the world. His argument: While in the West, politicians get weekends off and go on vacations, the Indian politicians on the other hand are on job 24x7 and manage way more people than those in the Western countries. An Indian State Chief Minister manages more people than many European countries. The scale of India makes it so complicated to handle. Also, we Indians are a difficult bunch to manage. You put 10 of us in a room, youll have 11 opinions. And a politician somehow needs to get some consensus to get something done, he added. Talking about his documentary, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, currently streaming on JioCinema, Amish said it sheds light on Lord Rams life and unveils the narrative around the temples demolition in the 16th Century -- including the conflicts, landmark decisions, along with insightful anecdotes from the locals as well as from the prominent personalities from various fields.
GANGTOK,

THE Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday returned to power in the Himalayan State for the second consecutive term by a landslide victory, winning 31 seats in the 32-member Assembly. The Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which ruled the State for 25 years in a row till 2019, could manage only one seat, though its president Pawan Kumar Chamling lost in the two constituencies he contested. SKM president and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, however, won from two seats, and the party bagged 58.38 per cent of the votes polled. The SKM had won 17 seats in the 2019 Assembly polls. Elections to the Assembly were held simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamang and the SKM for the victory. Congratulations to SKM and CM @PSTamangGolay for their victory in the Sikkim Assembly Elections 2024.

I look forward to working with the State Government to further the progress of Sikkim in the coming times, Modi said in a post on X. Responding to the Prime Ministers post, Tamang thanked him. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards the development and prosperity of Sikkim. We look forward to collaborating with you to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of our State. Your unwavering support has been a driving force for us, and we look forward to your continued guidance and blessings, Tamang said in an X. Modi also thanked all who voted for the BJP in the Sikkim Assembly elections. The BJP contested in 31 seats but failed to win any of them. The party bagged 5.18 per cent of the total votes polled. Sikkim BJP president Dilli Ram Thapa, a sitting MLA, also lost to SKM nominee Kala Rai in the Upper Burtuk constituency by a margin of 2,968 votes.

I also appreciate the efforts put in by our Karyakartas. Our Party will always be at the forefront of working towards Sikkims development and fulfilling peoples aspirations, Modi said in a post. After the landslide win, Tamang congratulated the party workers and the voters of Sikkim. It is because of the love and trust of the people which we have managed to secure in the past five years in government. Besides, party cadres worked very hard. Now we have the next five years to give our 100 per cent for the people of Sikkim, he said at a gathering in Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. Tamang won by over 7,000 votes in both Rhenock and Soreng-Chakung constituencies. I also want to thank the Opposition as it is because of them that our party became stronger and more organised, said the president of the SKM which had won 17 seats in 2019. Like the BJP, the Congress also failed to open its account and secured a paltry vote share of 0.32 per cent which is even less than that of NOTA (0.99 per cent). Tamang asked the party workers to maintain calm in the aftermath of the landslide victory. Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday dissolved the 10th Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) with immediate effect to clear the decks for the constitution of the 11th SLA following the declaration of results, officials said.
Traffic Advisory for Counting Day





Staff Reporter

counting for Lok Sabha elections 2024 is scheduled on June 4 in Old Jail campus of the city for seven legislative constituencies of Bhopal Parliamentary constituency. Taking a note of that, traffic police has issued an advisory to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the area on the counting day. The advisory will be in effect from 6 am on June 4. As per the advisory, flow of traffic will be prohibited from routes coming from CI Colony, Police Control Room trisection, homeguard turning to court intersection to Old Jail. Only vehicles involved in election duty will be able to commute through Old Jail. Movement of general vehicles will remain prohibited from office of State Bank of India (SBI), Maida Mill, Central School 1 and State IT leading to court and Old Jail. For commuters aspiring to move from Jahangirabad to MP Nagar will have to take way of Shabban intersection, Jinsi crossroad, Bogda bridge, Prabhat crossroad, Subhash stop over bridge, Maida mill and Board office intersection.

As per traffic police, refreshments for counting officials and representatives will be allowed at main door of the campus and personnel working in the offices will be able to move to their destinations through court intersection and Nirman Bhawan. On parking arrangements made, traffic police informed that vehicles of those engaged in election duty will be parked in Old Jail campus whereas media personnel can also park their vehicles at campus at designated places. From Police Control Room, vehicles of counting officials will be able to commute till home guard turning and will be able to park their vehicles in Lal Parade Ground and MLA rest house and officials coming from DB Mall will be able to commute through court trisection and will be able to park their vehicles in the empty spaces near Vallabh Bhawan road.
Vigilant officers surprise inspection at Stemfield School





Staff Reporter

Vigilant officers of district administration and education department conducted surprise inspection at Stemfield School on a tip-off of calling the parents for depositing some of the books at school on Sunday. Administrative officers have seized the books from school premises on the doubt of tampering the evidence in the ongoing investigation of fake books issued to the students by the school administration. SDM Adhartal, Shivali Singh informed that investigating the case of selling fake books of different publication houses in the district, administration received information that parents were called by Stemfield School, Vijay Nagar for depositing some of the books of their children at school on Sunday between 10 am to 12 noon.
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by Staff reporter

President Cyril Ramaphosa does not intend to resign as ANC leader despite leading the party to the historic loss of an electoral majority it has held for 30 years, the Mail & Guardian has learned.Though he is bitterly disappointed that the ANC barely polled 40 percent, sources close to Ramaphosa said he reasons that "much is at stake" and South Africa is in need of political maturity that can provide stable governance after voters tore up the odds by making his predecessor Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe party the third biggest in the country.The only route to that stability, for Ramaphosa and his closest allies within the ANC, is through a working arrangement with the Democratic Alliance.The party's Gauteng leadership and younger members of the ANC national executive committee have thus far favoured the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a coalition partner but this thinking has lost some of its currency with a far lower share of the vote than in 2019.Several high-ranking ANC sources have confirmed to the Mail & Guardian that they are advocating such a tie-up to create a centrist government, and would not countenance any concessions to Zuma's MK party.Some suggested there is an in-principle agreement between the two biggest parties that they will work together."There is alignment. It is a question of ironing out details," one said.The question is what form precisely such a pact will take.It places the DA squarely before an existential dilemma it has seen coming for a while, arguably even before its highly accurate internal polling system foretold the possibility of the MK winning up to 14 percent of Wednesday's vote.There are two options. The first is a full-blown coalition in which the official opposition becomes the junior partner.The second is a narrowly-structured pact where the DA agrees to cooperate on particular steps required for the government to function, notably the election of the president in the National Assembly and the passing of the national budget.In return, the DA would secure key positions within parliament that would allow it to hold the executive to account. In any haggling of this nature, it is almost certain to demand greater devolution of powers to provinces.Cooperation has long been cast as an impossible ideological meeting which ignores the divides within both the ANC and the DA, the latter having for several chapters of its recent history struggled to reconcile divergent positions on black economic empowerment, to name but one issue.Two members of the ANC's provincial executive committee in the Eastern Cape said Ramaphosa was adamant that forming a coalition with the opposition was the "pragmatic" option.The province catapulted Ramaphosa to the ANC presidency in December 2017, including his re-election to the party's top position five years later.However, there is a rebellion within the ANC in the same province over the president's choice to go with the DA instead of the EFF or the MK party."The agreement the president is going with is for the ANC to form a government and the DA takes the legislature, including the speaker of the National Assembly and chairing the parliamentary portfolio committees," said one PEC member, who asked to remain anonymous.But another PEC official reiterated that the ANC "would lose its base"  that is, the black working class in townships and rural areas  should the party adopt Ramaphosa's strategy."Going into bed with the DA will ensure the ANC sleeps forever and does not rise. The EFF and MK will be the biggest beneficiaries," the insider asserted.DA MPs featuring near the top of the party's list have said they doubt that this second option, known to be favoured by federal executive chair Helen Zille, would allow it to stem the excesses of the ANC executive.They noted that even when ANC portfolio committees have been chaired by people prepared to take a non-partisan stance, this has had little real effect.DA leaders, who are due to attend an all-day meeting of the federal executive on Sunday, also reported that there have been calls for a conventional coalition with the ANC from within their constituencies.For now, however, it appears  from what has informally been placed before the ANC  that the DA is leaning towards option two.It entails concessions from the ANC on key pieces of legislation, including the National Health Insurance Act  signed by the president a fortnight before voting day.While the DA was expected to flesh out its gambit at Sunday's meeting, the top seven of the ANC were meeting on Saturday afternoon to find clarity on its position. From there, it would need concurrence from the National Executive Committee of the ANC to pave the way for formal talks between the parties.Sources within the ruling party described the MK's election day coup as a "factional split" which has been coming for some time. Several suggested that ANC structures in the province were effectively playing both sides on, and just before, voting day.EFF president Juliius Malema on Saturday told a media briefing that his party would not impose the removal of Ramaphosa as a pre-condition for participation in a coalition with the ANC.Malema said the EFF would not "get involved" in the ANC's internal leadership battles and would not make any call for him to resign as president of the party or the country.It would be happy to work with either the ANC or with MK in the provinces or nationally, he said.The presidency has declined to comment.
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by Paidamoyo Muzulu

The internal strife over parliamentary posts within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has intensified, with factions trading accusations and criticizing Speaker Jacob Mudenda for alleged dishonesty.A CCC faction led by Jameson Timba criticized Mudenda for purportedly spreading falsehoods about the party, leading to the reversal of parliamentary appointments he had made. Timba also accused Welshman Ncube, another faction leader, of being a puppet for Zanu-PF.These clashes come as Jacob Mafume, the spokesperson for Ncube's faction, condemned self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu for appointing legislators to various committees without consulting the party leadership.During a meeting with CCC lawmakers in Harare, Timba denounced the appointments as "unlawful" and a "nullity.""The Zimbabwean Parliament is now a circus, with Sengezo Tshabangu as the chief puppet, aided by Welshman Ncube and others, with Zanu-PF as the puppet master," Timba said. "Recent events have shown that Zimbabwe is not ready for democracy. Speaker Jacob Mudenda made a judgment without hearing from anyone, falsely alleging that I had made irregular parliamentary appointments."Timba blamed Tshabangu for the chaos in the opposition after reversing his appointments. Mudenda had reversed the appointment of CCC legislators from Timba's faction as portfolio committee chairpersons, leading to the installation of new MPs aligned with Tshabangu's faction.Meanwhile, Mafume expressed outrage over the appointments, stating they were made without the involvement of the Ncube-led CCC."Following deliberations, the standing committee noted that ongoing engagements with the Speaker of Parliament should continue to rectify the anomaly and ensure the new appointments are legitimate," Mafume said in a statement. "The committee agreed on the need to convene the national executive and national council to review progress in revitalizing and repositioning the party towards a genuine democratic struggle."
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by Staff reporter

Zimbabwean wildlife authorities are eyeing trophy hunting export markets in the East as some European countries move to ban trophy imports, an official said on Tuesday.The European Parliament called in 2022 for a ban on the import of trophies derived from species listed by CITES, an international agreement that aims to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.Belgium in February banned the import of hunting trophies, while British lawmakers in 2023 approved a ban on trophy hunting imports covering 6,000 endangered species."We can always come up with an alternative market," Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife (Zimparks) director-general Fulton Mangwanya told Reuters on the sidelines of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) summit in Livingstone, Zambia."We have to look for other markets from the East," he added, without mentioning specific countries.Mangwanya said discussions to support trophy hunting were ongoing among five Southern African countries which make up the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier - the world's second-largest conservation area.Officials from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe are meeting in Livingstone to discuss sustainable wildlife conservation and the growing human-wildlife conflict in the conservation area as both the wildlife and human populations grow.In Zimbabwe, 50 people were killed in elephant attacks in 2023, according to Zimparks."We should be allowed to be hunting more so that we do the management of reducing these animals which are killing our people," Mangwanya said."We have done well to look after our animals... Rather, we should be assisted so that we deal with these problems," Mangwanya said, referring to being allowed to trade ivory and enable trophy hunting.Director of natural resources in the Sadc Secretariat, Domingos Gove, told the summit the regional body supported trophy hunting."Hunting is a source of funding. If you close the market, how (are) we be able to cater for the basic needs of these communities?," Gove said.Zimparks has said it has $600 million worth of ivory stockpile which the country cannot sell due to CITES regulations which ban ivory trade.
Nazrin Abdul

From May 31st to June 2nd, Azerbaijan actively participated in the 12th conference of Ministers of Tourism, focusing on the "Development of sustainable and resilient tourism industry" under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports, citing the State Tourism Agency.

Azerbaijan's delegation engaged in fruitful discussions during the event. Notably, a meeting of High Officials of OIC member countries convened alongside the conference. On June 2nd, the Ministerial Conference concluded with the chairmanship transition to Uzbekistan.

At the conference, Kanan Guluzade, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, highlighted Azerbaijan's growing tourism ties within the OIC framework. He underscored that 43% of visitors to Azerbaijan in the first four months of this year hailed from OIC member states. Guluzade emphasized Azerbaijan's rich tourism potential, accentuating the government's dedicated efforts to develop this sector. Moreover, he outlined significant strides taken to restore tourism potential, especially in areas liberated from occupation, including the preservation of Islamic heritage sites.

Guluzade also shed light on Azerbaijan's upcoming hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November, emphasizing its profound impact on tourism and its role in global climate change discourse.

During the conference, notable Islamic World Tourism Cities for the upcoming years were designated, including Senegal's Darak for 2025, Egypt's Cairo for 2026, and Pakistan's Lahore for 2027.
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by Staff reporter

Mimosa Mining Company has entered into an agreement with Zimplats, the country's largest platinum group metal (PGM) producer, to use Zimplats' Base Metal Refinery (BMR) to maximize the nation's PGM benefits.Stephen Ndiyamba, General Manager of Mimosa Mining Company, stated that due to a limited resource base, the company cannot establish its own processing facility.Zimplats is in the process of constructing the BMR, which will have the capacity to toll process ores from other PGM producers."Regarding beneficiation, Mimosa is unable to set up its own facility due to a limited resource base. However, we can utilize local beneficiation facilities as they become available. Zimplats is currently constructing a facility that can accommodate feed from Mimosa, and an agreement is in place for this arrangement," Ndiyamba explained.However, it should be noted that Zimplats has deferred its BMR refurbishment.Zimplats, the country's largest PGM producer, is postponing the execution of the Selous Base Metal Refinery (BMR).According to Impala Platinum (Implats), which owns Zimplats, Zimbabwe's largest PGM producer will also delay other projects in the country, including the 185MW solar plant, due to softening commodity prices, which have resulted in some job losses.
The University of The Bahamas School of Nursing & Allied Health Professions held its 2023/2024 Commencement & Pinning Ceremony for its nursing students on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Ninety-four of the 125 graduating students were present to receive their pins and be administered the Nurses Oath and Charge. UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS
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Two Harare men were arrested this month after attempting to visit State House on separate occasions, each requesting to see President Emmerson Mnangagwa.One of the men, Felix Togaraseyi Magureyi, 40, even claimed to be Mnangagwa's father, despite the President being 81 years old. Magureyi was found in possession of a pistol magazine, a toy firearm, and a sjambok, among other items.Another individual, Michael Kunyeya, 29, appeared before a Harare Magistrate on charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. On May 22, 2024, Kunyeya drove an unregistered Toyota Fortuner into State House, requesting to see the President to discuss his personal problems. Upon a search of his vehicle, police recovered a sachet of cocaine and nine empty sachets with cocaine residue, leading to his immediate arrest.Kunyeya, who has been photographed with Mnangagwa and the Mugabe brothers, was denied bail and is scheduled to return to court on June 12.Magureyi was also arrested and brought before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi after allegedly forcing his way into State House to see Mnangagwa. On May 7, Magureyi arrived at State House driving a Toyota Hilux Raider. He parked at the visitor's entrance, disembarked, and began dancing in front of a police officer manning the entrance. Claiming to be the President's father, Magureyi then forced his way into the yard.A search of Magureyi's vehicle revealed an unknown pistol magazine, four rounds of ammunition, a hand-held Boafeng communication radio, a burnt bulb extract, a bunch of keys, a sjambok, and a toy firearm.
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In a dramatic turn of events, Zanu PF activist Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu have accused businessman Wicknell Chivhayo of fraudulently altering a contract for a US$40 million tender.The contract, originally between South African company Ren-Form and Better Brands, an entity owned by Pedzisayi Scott Sakupwanya, was for the supply of biometric voter registration kits and other electoral materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for last year's general elections.Chimombe and Mpofu detailed their accusations in a scathing letter to Chivhayo, which has been extensively quoted in an exclusive investigation by The NewsHawks. The investigation revealed that invoices for the tender were inflated by up to 235%, indicating widespread corruption.Chivhayo, who is now benefiting from the lucrative tender, has allegedly sidelined his partners, Chimombe and Mpofu, while spending the money extravagantly. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, Chivhayo is reportedly using the funds to purchase luxury cars, designer clothes, and mansions.The Zimbabwe Mail promises further revelations as it continues its in-depth investigation into the corrupt dealings within ZEC.
A BJP worker was brutally murdered in Chandpur, within Kaliganj police station limits in post-poll violence in Nadia. The victim, identified as Hafijul Sheikh (35), was allegedly attacked by a group of 10-12 men on motorbikes while playing carrom on Saturday night. According to police sources, the assailants first shot Sheikh multiple times and then hacked him to death. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the crime. The incident has sparked tension in the area, with local residents protesting for over two hours and preventing police from removing the body.

Eventually, the body was sent for a postmortem examination. The BJPs North Nadia district unit president, Arjun Biswas, accused the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the murder. Hafijur joined BJP after the last panchayat polls and actively campaigned for our candidate in the recent parliamentary elections. He had been receiving threats from TMC workers and a section of the police, warning him of retaliation after the Lok Sabha polls. This is clearly a political murder, Mr Biswas stated. Soon after the murder, Mr Biswas rushed to the spot last night and monitored the situation.

Today Mr Biswas accompanied by Mrs Amrita Roy, the BJP candidate for Krishnagar Lok Sabha seat met the family members of the deceased and they demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits. Rukbanur Rahman, a district TMC leader, dismissed the allegations, attributing the murder to a family feud and denying any involvement of the TMC. Rahman insisted that the party had no role in the incident. Family members of the deceased have called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack. Police have indicated that the murder might not be politically motivated.

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A senior police officer revealed that both Sheikh and one of the assailants had criminal records, including past jail terms over a dacoity case and involvement in a NDPS case. Preliminary investigations suggest that a land dispute between Sheikh and one of the attackers could have led to the fatal confrontation. We have arrested Nashim Mandal, who is suspected to be involved in the attack, the police officer confirmed. Further investigations are underway to uncover the complete circumstances surrounding the murder.
Ive come here to end the days of the brokers, and some blackmailers in the BJP, claimed Dilip Ghosh, the national vice president of BJP here today. Mr Ghosh has returned from Kolkata a couple of days ahead of the counting of votes. Hes the BJP candidate for the Bardhaman Durgapur seat this time.

Mr Ghosh expressed disgust that some polling agents of his party were not paid the money they were assured by the party for their services in the booths. He said: Weve taken every issue seriously, inquired into these sincerely and measures were taken accordingly. But, he said: What weve observed is that some infiltrators, blackmailers have exploited the BJP, extorted money from people, companies.

Im telling them that their days are just over. Ill first ensure proper treatment for them to clean up my party. During the election campaign, mr Ghosh had repeatedly had expressed his suspicion that some of his party men were misguiding him purposely to cause problems.

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by Staff reporter

The Gwambe police base in Bulilima, Matabeleland South has been deserted by officers who claimed they were being terrorised by goblins at night.Ward 2 Councillor, Mabed Ngulani, confirmed the unusual situation. "We built a police station for the officers, and initially, they patrolled in pairs," Ngulani explained. "However, they haven't been able to stay for extended periods."According to Cllr Ngulani, the male officers reported being terrorised by female goblins at night. "They described being harassed  bodies being violated, doors opening on their own, and things climbing on the roof  making it impossible to sleep," he said.A meeting was held last week with village heads and police officials from Plumtree. "The police from Plumtree withdrew the officers from Gwambe, stating they wouldn't endanger them further," Cllr Ngulani said.The local chief also reportedly addressed the situation and cautioned villagers against such behaviour."Police came yesterday and said we should look for another alternative accommodation but there is no accommodation at Gwambe school and they will be using the clinic as an office, we haven't got accommodation but we asked them to come back and we see if the attacks will continue" Cllr Ngulani explained.Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said she was not aware of the matter.
Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday morning charged that there was a conspiracy by the ruling Trinamul Congress to rig the process of counting of votes cast in the Lok Sabha elections using the state police machinery. I have received credible information from a reliable source of mine that, Shri Avvaru Rabindranath (IPS); DIG (Security); Directorate of Security, held a meeting at the Kolkata Office and issued a direction that; 1 Officer & 2 Constables of the Directorate would be present at every Counting Centers in Civil Dress, Mr Adhikari tweeted.

He said that as per guideline of the Election Commission of India that police cant go beyond the three tier cordoning system at the Counting Centre. Mr. Rabindranath, I know that you are in charge of Mamata Banerjees security and at her behest you were present at Sandeshkhali yesterday to disturb the Polling Process. As per the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India, the State Police cant go beyond the first cordon of the three tier cordoning system at the Counting Centers, he tweeted. He also urged the ECI to ensure that police entry is prevented at the counting stations. @ECISVEEP & @CEOWestBengal should be vigilant and ensure that all the protocols are followed to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons in the Counting Centers. The TMC Party can go to any length to disrupt the Counting process, he further tweeted.

He also sent a letter to the Union Home Minister regarding this matter. Mr Adhikari raised his voice yesterday about violence by the ruling Trinamul Congress in Sandeshkhali of Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency. He claimed that Chatti Para (sandal clad) police roamed the area throughout the night. He also complained that Mamata Banerjee is making a last effort to win Sandeshkhali in the last phase. Meanwhile, the saffron party approached the Election Commission of India demanding re-polling in more than 400 booths of Diamond Harbor Parliamentary constituency and 12 booths of Mathurapur constituency. The BJP claims that polling in those booths was not done transparently. In many booths, printed ballots were freely given. Fake votes were also cast in many booths. CCTV cameras have been tampered with in some booths. And that is why the BJP approached the commission demanding re-election in those booths. Even in several booths white tape was pasted over my name, said Abhijit Das, Diamond Harbor MP candidate for the BJP.

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The counting and announcement of results for the Lok Sabha elections are set to begin tomorrow, marking the final phase of the two-and-a-half-month election process.

After the results are declared, party workers will get a break. However, opposition parties in the state are concerned about potential tampering during the counting process. Consequently, special instructions have been given to the counting agents and other opposition members by the CPM and BJP.

A special meeting with party candidates has been called at Alimuddin Street this afternoon, where detailed instructions will be provided. Messages have already been sent to the district levels, with strict orders from all opposition parties that no one is to leave the counting centres until the counting is completed. Following the exit polls, after voting for the last phase ended on Saturday, various political parties have become vigilant.

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TMCs national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has instructed party workers and agents via videoconference to remain at the counting centres until the counting is over, regardless of any pressure or claims of victory by the Opposition. He reminded them of the Nandigram counting incident during the 2021 Assembly election and warned them about possible tampering with EVMs.

Similarly, CPM state secretary and Murshidabad MP candidate, Mohammad Salim expressed concerns about potential tampering and fake counting officers. He instructed his party agents to resist if they are denied entry into counting centres and to gather party workers and supporters outside the centres. On Monday, a CPM delegation, including Mohammad Selim and other senior leaders met with the states chief election commissioner to demand transparent counting. Salim emphasized the importance of 4 June, the counting day, and urged the commission to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering counting centres. The BJP has also issued a series of instructions regarding the counting process.

On Sunday, BJP leaders conducted a virtual meeting in four phases with district presidents, candidates, and responsible officials, providing training and guidelines. At the district level, they have been instructed to verify each round of counting and not to leave the counting table under any circumstance. They were told to ignore rumours suggesting that TMC has won and to maintain coordination among agents. If there are any suspicions, they should immediately report to the commission officials and request a recount if necessary.
After the Lok Sabha election, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in parts of Sandeshkhali in North 24-Parganas to prevent any untoward incidents. Following continuous unrest yesterday, Section 144 CrPC was enforced in 17 areas within four Gram Panchayat areas of Najat. The restrictions will remain in place until 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Even after the Lok Sabha election, unrest continues in Barrackpore. There was a bombing incident in front of the house of Arjun Singhs election agent in Bhatpara.

A bomb also exploded in front of the Trinamul party office in Naihati. Both BJP and Trinamul are accusing each other of being these incidents. BJP worker Priyanku Pandey alleged that as the counting of votes is approaching, attempts are being made to terrorize the Bhatpara region. Bhatpara Police has collected the CCTV footage in front of Priyankus house as a bomb allegedly was hurled in front of his residence. However, the police of Bhatpara police station did not arrest anyone till Sunday morning in this incident. Post-election violence has heated up areas like Tangra and Tollygunge. In Tangra, a booth agent of BJP candidate Tapas Ray was allegedly forcibly taken off a bike and beaten up. The BJP agent, Ramesh Sau, was allegedly beaten to the point of splitting the corner of his eye. It is also alleged that he was threatened with death.

Fingers have been pointed towards Trinamul, although the party denies the allegations. Ramesh Sau claimed that he was acting as a booth agent in the Tangra area. After the voting ended, he was getting on his bike when Trinamul-backed miscreants allegedly dragged him off and started beating him. He stated: I have been with BJP for a long time. Our candidate is Tapas Ray. This happened around 8 p.m. last night. As I was getting out of the booth and onto my bike, they came on a bike and said, Lets take him and kill him. I somehow managed to get off the bike in the middle of the road. He has filed a complaint at the police station. A similar situation occurred in Tollygunge, with allegations of attacks on BJP workers using a gun-butt.

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Two BJP workers were injured, with one having a tooth broken. The ruling party denies these allegations as well. The mother of one injured BJP worker said: We went to vote. The machine broke down. We were standing by the roadside in the sun. The councillor came and told us to come along, then called the police. They came and beat us so badly. My son just got admitted to college. They hit him near his eye so hard that it split open.
Amid the heat wave conditions prevailing across the city, Delhi Urban Development Minister and Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) Saurabh Bharadwaj conducted surprise inspections of several night shelters (Rain Basera) in the city.

The surprise checks conducted by the minister on Monday were part of an effort to ensure adequate arrangements at these shelters during the extreme weather; as such places are the only resort for the homeless people in the city.

Taking stock of the on-ground situation, Bharadwaj reviewed the arrangements made at the night shelters, inspecting whether the places were equipped with sufficient measures to tackle the extreme heat these days.

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The minister said in the night shelters where he conducted the surprise checks he saw adequate arrangements of water dispensers to provide cold drinking water to the people and there were air coolers also in place to provide cold air.

The minister further said that such shelters have been built at several locations across the national capital, and as a precaution, he has issued instructions to the CEO of the DUSIB, asking him to inspect all the night shelters of the city on a war footing and wherever any deficiency is found in the system, it should be rectified immediately.

Arrangements must be made immediately wherever any deficiency is found in the water arrangement or supply of cold water. And, wherever a problem with the air cooler is noticed, that problem should be resolved immediately, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the city is reeling under heat wave conditions and also a water shortage, as people are relying on water tankers for the supply at several places.
Delhi is set to witness the much-awaited counting of votes for its seven Lok Sabha seats on Tuesday.

The counting of votes is scheduled to commence at 8 am across the seven constituencies of Delhi amid elaborate security arrangements. The polling in the national capital was held in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 25.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Delhi recorded a total voter turnout of 58.69 per cent. The polling across all the seven constituencies passed off smoothly and peacefully.

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Amid heatwave conditions in the national capital, Delhi went to polls on May 25 in a single phase on all seven seats in a close contest between the BJP and the Opposition INDIA bloc, comprising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress.

The AAP and Congress contested the seven seats in alliance in the national capital, with the AAP contesting four and the Congress three seats. The seven parliamentary constituencies are Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi, and West Delhi.

The number of candidates for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies was 162.

Key candidates who contested the polls from the BJP are Manoj Tiwari (North East Delhi), Bansuri Swaraj (New Delhi); Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (South Delhi) while J P Agarwal (Chandni Chowk), and Kanhaiya Kumar (North East Delhi) contested on Congress tickets. Another prominent candidate is senior AAP leader Somnath Bharti (New Delhi).

Meanwhile, the poll panel assured robust security arrangements for the polled EVMs and the VVPATs in the NCT of Delhi, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer P Krishnamurthy said. The candidates can closely monitor the security arrangements of the strong rooms, the CEOs office had said earlier.

The CEOs office informed about the deployment of two-tier security around the clock, with the innermost perimeter guarded by Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) and the outermost perimeter by State Armed Police will be in place and a 247 CCTV camera coverage of the sealed doors of the strong rooms and corridors will also be there for continuous monitoring.
Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday accepted the resignation of three independent MLAs.

The MLAs include K L Thakur from Nalagarh Assembly constituency (AC), Hoshiyar Singh Dehra AC and Ashish Sharma Hamirpur AC.

In a notification issued here on Monday, the speaker accepted the resignations tendered to him under Article 190 (3)(b) of the Constitution of India and Rule-287 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly by the independently elected members from the membership of 14th Vidhan Sabha.

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Consequent to this, the seats of these Assembly constituencies, Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh, have now fallen vacant.

The three MLAs, along with six Congress rebel MLAs, had voted in favour of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan for the Rajya Sabha elections held on February 27.

The six rebel MLAs were disqualified by the speaker for defying the party whip to be present in the House to vote in favour of the state government during the cut motion and Budget session.

This necessitated bye-elections in the six ACs Dharamshala, Sujanpur, Barsar, Kutlehar, Gagret and Lahaul-Spiti, which were held simultaneously on June 1 along with the LS elections.

The independent MLAs had tendered their resignation on March 22, however, the Speaker did not accept the same.

Close to the footsteps of other six rebel MLAs they too joined BJP on March 23.

Since the Speaker did not accept their resignations they knocked on the doors of Himachal Pradesh High Court seeking the court to issue directions to the Speaker to accept their resignation and also sat on Dharna in the State Legislative Assembly premises.

Now, the three ACs have fallen vacant, pushing the state for another by-election.

The strength of the House has now been brought down to 62 from 68. The Congress has 34, while the BJP has 25 MLAs.
In a landmark event for Indian cinema, renowned director Ashutosh Gowariker was honored with the prestigious Medal of Saint-Tropez at the Nirvana Indian Culture and Cinema Festival on June 1, 2024, in the picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez, France. This recognition marks Gowariker as the first Indian filmmaker to receive this distinguished award, underscoring his significant contributions to the world of cinema.

Ashutosh Gowariker, celebrated for his epic films such as Lagaan (2001), Swades (2004), and Jodhaa Akbar (2008), expressed deep gratitude during the ceremony. He acknowledged the honor with a heartfelt speech, stating, I want to thank Ms. Sylvie Siri, Mayor of Saint-Tropez, for this incredible honor. I am eager to continue fostering the strong cultural and cinematic ties between France and India.

The Nirvana festival, in its second edition, not only celebrated Gowarikers achievements but also recognized other notable figures. His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, the Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, and Lord Rami Ranger were also bestowed with the Medal of Saint-Tropez.

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Ambassador Ashraf, in his address, highlighted the festivals role in bridging the cultural gaps between the two nations. We are delighted to be in Saint-Tropez and proud to support the Nirvana festival, which weaves together the histories of France and India with threads of culture, cinema, and cuisine. A special thanks to Mayor Sylvie Siri! he said.

Lord Ranger shared his pride in receiving the medal, referencing the historical connection between Saint-Tropez and the Sikh Kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh through General Jean-Francois Allard, a native of Saint-Tropez. It is a matter of great pride for the people of Saint-Tropez that one of their own helped defend Indias ancient civilization, Lord Ranger remarked.

The festival featured a diverse array of events, showcasing Indian films, food, fashion, music, dance, and yoga. Among the cinematic highlights were Leena Yadavs Parched and Jude Anthany Josephs 2018  Everyone is a Hero. Gowarikers Swades was also screened, receiving a warm reception from the audience.

The vibrant celebration in Saint-Tropez not only honored the contributions of key figures but also highlighted the enduring cultural exchange between France and India. The Nirvana festival has become a beacon of cultural diplomacy, celebrating the rich heritage and cinematic achievements of both nations.
Get ready to mark your calendars, Outlander aficionados, because the long-awaited return of our favorite time-traveling saga is just around the corner! Starz has officially dropped the bombshell weve all been waiting for: Outlander Season 7 back-half premiere date, along with an electrifying teaser thats sure to send shivers down your spine.

Lock in Friday, November 22, folksthats the big day. And hey, what better way to celebrate than on World Outlander Day, right? Set your alarms for midnight ET, because thats when the magic unfolds on the Starz app, streaming services, and on-demand platforms. Cant swing the midnight madness? No sweat. Linear viewers can catch the action at 8 PM ET/PT on Starz in the US.

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Outlander (@outlander_starz)

But wait, theres more! As if that werent enough to rev up our excitement engines, brace yourselves for the news of Season 8 being in the works, with some fresh faces joining the cast. Say hello to Kieran Bew, Frances Tomelty, and Carla Woodcock, ready to sprinkle their own brand of magic into the mix.

So, whats in store for our beloved characters in the upcoming episodes? Brace yourselves, because Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian are making a triumphant return to bonnie Scotland, all while dodging bullets during the Revolutionary War. As their bonds are tested and secrets unravel, expect a rollercoaster ride of emotions like never before.

But its not just the Frasers facing the heatRoger and Brianna have their own battles to fight across time, with enemies lurking in every corner. With stellar performances promised by our favorite castCaitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, and John Bellget ready for an emotional whirlwind.

And lets not forget our behind-the-scenes maestros! Matthew B Roberts, Ronald D Moore, Maril Davis, and their talented team of executive producers are pulling out all the stops to ensure this seasons a winner.

So, grab your tissues and buckle up, because the Outlander journey is far from over. Inspired by Diana Gabaldons bestselling novels, this timeless tale of love, adventure, and intrigue continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready to be spellbound once again!
The Election Commission has thrown an unprecedented security blanket around Andhra Pradesh, deploying extra companies of central forces and drones to prevent any kind of violence on counting day after the state witnessed ugly post poll violence, particularly in Palnadu district.

The Supreme Court also barred YSRCP MLA of Macherla, Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy who is accused of smashing an EVM inside a polling booth, from entering the counting centre.

In a separate petition filed by YSRCP the Supreme Court declined to interfere in postal ballot counting after the party had moved the apex court against the ECI questioning the validity of five lakh postal ballots cast in Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP challenged the circular issued by ECI that directed that if the authorized officers seal was not found on Form 13 A it ought not be rejected if the officer has otherwise given his name and designation on the Form.

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Heavy security measures were put in place ahead of counting tomorrow in Andhra Pradesh for the 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha, particularly in Palnadu district which had witnessed unprecedented post poll violence following a closely fought election between the ruling YSRCP and the alliance led by TDP.

While local agencies conducting exit polls have given YSRCP an edge over the NDA, the national ones have predicted a win for the three party alliance.

Drones were deployed for surveillance purposes in Karalpad village of Piduguralla mandal and Narasaraopet as a part of security measures with three layer security rings thrown in around counting centres. A total of 1985 sensitive locations have been identified.

AP chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said, The Election Commission has given an extra number of companies for central forces keeping in view the land and order situation. A total of 67 companies have been allotted by the EC who will guard the strong rooms and counting centres. A large number of team platoons would be there outside the counting centre also in the district at troublesome locations to take care of any emergencies.

Meanwhile, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta has cautioned that stern action will be taken against those making threats on social media on counting day. He said cases would be booked against the offenders under IT Act and they will be named as rowdy sheeters.

TELANGANA

Chief minister A Revanth Reddy who is also the state PCC chief called upon party leaders to be vigilant on counting day and urged counting agents to meticulously check each round of voting. At a Zoom meeting he asked MP candidates particularly to remain vigilant.

Counting for 17 Lok Sabha seats and the Secunderabad Assembly Constituency will be held tomorrow.

While most exit polls have predicted zero or a single seat for BRS whether it is the Congress or the BJP which managed to wean away the BRS vote bank, will determine the outcome in this election.

The BJP leaders have claimed that BRS local leaders ensured that the votes went to the Saffron camp but the Congress has said the Muslims have voted en bloc for its candidates. Meanwhile, Hyderabad police commissioner K Sreenivasa Reddy has prohibited bursting of firecrackers or crackers on roads and public places from tomorrow morning till the next day.
Leveling serious accusations against the electoral machinery in conducting the Lok Sabha elections here, Congress candidate from Bilaspur Devendra Yadav alleged foul play in the handling of 611 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in his constituency.

He cited discrepancies in serial numbers between the mock polls and the 17C forms in support of his claim.

Addressing the media, Yadav said the issue is not of mere winning or losing, but about why there were discrepancies in the serial numbers of the EVMs, which indicate that they were swapped.

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He warned that if an explanation about the discrepancies is not provided before the counting begins, he would go for legal recourse.

Responding to the allegation, District Collector Avanish Sharan said multiple meetings had been held to address the objections but no significant problem was found.

The 17C form records details like the EVM serial numbers, the number of voters at a polling station, and the votes cast. According to Yadav, the discrepancies in the documents provided by the District Election Commission and those from polling teams point to potential manipulation.

He pointed out that 98 ballot units had differing serial numbers, and when added to other assembly segments, a total of 611 EVMs showed inconsistencies.

Yadav claimed that these irregularities were intended to favour the BJP and thereby influence the election outcome. He insisted that the District Election Commission should respond to the objections, filed on May 28, but no satisfactory reply was forthcoming from it.

District collector and election officer Avanish Kumar Sharan, in conversation with The Statesman, stated that the Congress candidates objections had been reviewed in several meetings. He noted that scrutiny was conducted the day after polling in the presence of election commission observers, candidates, and polling agents.

However, he said once all materials are sealed post-scrutiny, cannot be reopened till the counting day when candidates can match the records.

Responding to the development, Chhattisgarh BJP Spokesperson Amit Chimnani dismissed the allegations as baseless. He suggested that Congress and its allies were disheartened by the exit polls predicting their defeat.

Quoting the comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Chimnani said the Congress leaders would blame EVMs and flee abroad after losing elections. He called Yadavs claims childish and regrettable.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Thousands of NHS cancer patients in England are expected to get access to trials of a new type of treatment using vaccines to fight their disease.Thirty hospitals so far have signed up to the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.It is designed to match patients with forthcoming trials using mRNA technology, as found in current Covid jabs.The vaccines are designed to prime the immune system to recognise and destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the disease recurring.Elliot Pfebve, 55, is the first patient to be treated with a personalised vaccine against bowel cancer in England.Elliot, who has already had surgery and chemotherapy, received the jab at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital."I feel excited. I did some research about the treatment trial. If successful then it is a medical breakthrough," he said.He added: "It may help thousands, if not millions of people, so they can have hope, and may not experience all I have gone through."After Elliot's initial treatment, tests showed that he still had fragments of cancerous DNA in his bloodstream, which puts patients at increased risk of their cancer coming back.So he signed up to a trial of an investigational vaccine co-developed by pharma companies BioNTech and Genentech, which uses the same mRNA technology as in the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine.What is a personalised cancer vaccine?Vaccines are usually designed to prevent disease.But cancer vaccines are created as a treatment once someone has been diagnosed.Just as with conventional vaccines, they prime the immune system to look for an enemy, in this case the patient's cancer.A sample of Elliot's tumour was sent to BioNTech's labs in Germany where up to 20 mutations specific to his cancer were identified.Using this information, a vaccine was created using mRNA, which contains instructions to Elliot's cells to produce mutated rogue proteins unique to his cancer cells.The vaccine acts like a wanted poster' which unmasks cancer cells which are adept at hiding in the body, only to resurface later.The intention is that the vaccine will prime his immune system to seek out and destroy any remaining traces of cancer, and so improve the chances of him being cancer free in years to come.Dr Victoria Kunene, trial principal investigator from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, told the BBC: "I think this is a new era. The science behind this makes sense."My hope is this will become the standard of care. It makes sense that we can have something that can help patients reduce their risk of cancer recurrence."But it is still early days, and while there is great optimism about the potential for mRNA cancer treatment vaccines, they remain in the experimental stage and are only available as part of clinical trials.More than 200 patients in the UK, USA, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Sweden will be recruited to the trial and will receive up to 15 doses of the personalised vaccine.The study is not due to be completed until 2027.One hope is that the vaccines will produce fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.Elliot said that apart from a mild fever following the injection, he had no other issues with the vaccine.Amanda Pritchard, NHS England chief executive, said: "Seeing Elliot receive his first treatment as part of the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad is a landmark moment for patients and the health service as we seek to develop better and more effective ways to stop this disease.Prof Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer at the NHS, said: "We know that even after a successful operation, cancers can sometimes return because a few cancer cells are left in the body, but using a vaccine to target those remaining cells may be a way to stop this happening."Last month, a patient in London received a personalised mRNA vaccine against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.That jab was co-developed by Moderna and MSD, and uses the same technology as in Moderna's Covid jabs.Trials of mRNA vaccines have begun or are being planned against a range of tumour types including lung, head and neck, and bladder cancer.What are some of the symptoms of bowel cancer?Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for youNeeding to poo more or less often than usual for youBlood in your poo, which may look red or blackBleeding from your bottomOften feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toiletTummy painA lump in your tummyBloatingLosing weight without tryingFeeling very tired for no reasonWhile some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, it is important to get checked by a GP.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to call an emergent meeting of all the stakeholder-states on June 5 to address the problem of water scarcity in the national capital in the midst of soaring mercury in an unprecedented summer heat wave.

Directing the Upper Yamuna River Board to convene an urgent meeting of the stakeholder states  Haryana and Himachal Pradesh  a vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan further ordered that the minutes and the suggestion of steps to be taken be placed before it, as the bench posted the matter for further hearing on June 6.

There shall be an emergent meeting of Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5, 2024, to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that the problem of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi should be properly addressed. Post this matter on Thursday -June 6, along with the minutes of the meeting and the suggested steps, the bench said in its order.

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Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Delhi government told the bench that there is an extreme heatwave in Delhi and that the water level at the Wazirabad plant must be maintained.

Why cannot there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders?  the bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing both the Central and the Haryana governments in the hearing.

Telling the bench that the Upper Yamuna River Board is already considering the matter, Solicitor General Mehta pointed to the alleged wastage of water in the city. He said the Delhi government must stop 50 per cent wastage of water supplied to the national capital.

However, Himachal Pradesh told the bench that it was ready to provide water to Delhi through its canal network via Haryana.

On May 31, the Delhi government had approached the top court to get immediate additional water from neighbouring Haryana. It has said that the people of Delhi were faced with an acute shortage of water because of the ongoing severe heat conditions in North India, particularly in Delhi.

The Delhi government has sought direction to Haryana government for immediate and continuous release of water at the Wazirabad barrage. It has sought the surplus release of water by Haryana as a one-time solution to redress the present emergency and resolve the ongoing water crisis in Delhi.

The plea by Delhi government said that because of record-high temperatures and heatwave in Delhi, which has resulted in maximum temperature soaring up to around 50 degrees Celsius at some places, have caused an extraordinary and excessive surge in water demand in the city.

As a consequence, the plea by the Delhi government said, the national capital is faced with a water shortage resulting in frequent supply cuts in many parts of the NCT of Delhi, and has disrupted the daily life of the ordinary residents.

Himachal Pradesh does not share a physical boundary with the NCT of Delhi. Therefore, the excess /surplus water released by Himachal Pradesh, has to be transported through the existing water channels/river systems in Haryana and released to Delhi at the Wazirabad barrage. Therefore, Haryanas facilitation and cooperation, which is not being provided as on date, is imperative, says the petition by Delhi government.

The Delhi government said that it has already raised the issue of unrelenting heat and the consequent water crisis in the national capital with Haryana and has requested it to release the surplus water in the Wazirabad barrage, however, Haryana is yet to accede to such request.

Be that as it may, by way of the instant petition, the Petitioner- Delhi government does not intend to shift the blame on Haryana or any other State, and only prays for an immediate resolution of the ongoing water crisis in the national capital through the release of the surplus water  including but not limited to surplus water being provided by Himachal Pradesh in the Wazirabad barrage  by Haryana, the petition has stated.
Despite all attempts by the state government to counter the forest fires in Uttarakhand or at least minimise their impact, incidents of wildfire are on the rise in the hills.

Rains brought a momentary respite of two days before a major fire broke out on Sunday and reached near Badrinath shrine route forcing the administration to halt traffic.

The forest fire in the hills of Uttarakhand is causing havoc as it came close to Joshimath town leading to panic among the residents. The fire that broke out in the forest of Helang village, a mere seven kilometers from Joshimath town, reached Badrinath Highway and was inching ahead towards the town. This forced the administration and locals to immediately halt traffic en route to Badrinath.

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The fast-spreading forest fire emanated a huge pall of smoke engulfing a vast area close to Joshimath town. Joshimath Forest officials deployed a force of more than 40 of its employees from Nanda Devi National Park to extinguish the fire. The officials said it took nearly 20 hours for the department to douse fire.

A day ago, similar incident happened in Nainital as the forest fire spread around nearby Indian Air Force station. The IAF cantonment board is on persistent alert to deal with the situation in case the fire comes near the base.

Its significant to note that so far, 1,628 hectares of forest land across the state have come under fire in 1,200 incidents in the past nearly two months. More than six people have died during this period.
After campaign and polling amid heat waves of the past six weeks, and the surprise and dismay over exit poll predictions, the nations verdict on the 18th Lok Sabha elections will be available early on Tuesday, setting in process the formation of a new government at the Centre.

Counting centres across the nation on Monday saw hectic activity to conduct the counting of votes in a smooth and flawless manner. There were extensive drills on how the operation would go on Tuesday, beginning 8 am. Several layers of security and provision of air coolers will ensure that the counting personnel work in a secure and comfortable manner.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assured the nation that the entire counting mechanism is robust and the whole process is codified in a certain manner so that no error can be found in the whole procedure.

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He said, Every part is decided. The whole process is codified. Microobservers are in place. There cannot be any mistake in this process. Lakhs of people including counting officials, counting agents, micro-observers, returning officers, assistant returning officers, observers will be present during the worlds largest counting exercise.

The BJP-led NDA Government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the prime stakeholder in the current election and exit polls have shown he could achieve a hat trick to become the nations prime minister for a third consecutive term.

Mr Modi has been a Member of Parliament (MP) from Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi, from where he contested his maiden Lok Sabha election in 2014, and now contested the seat for the third time. His main challenger is Mr Ajay Rai, the Congress partys state unit chief, who came third in both 2014 and 2019 polls.

The prime minister conducted one of the most extensive election campaigns ever seen in general elections, his catch-point was the nation was not just electing members of Parliament; this was a moment to elect the nations leadership, a prime minister who would steer a vast nation waking up to its forgotten strength, and ensure its rightful place in an ever competitive world.

Mr Modi was down to earth in his speeches and communicated with the electorate in as much diversity as different regions of the country presented. As prime minister, he asked people whether they had benefited from the welfare schemes. As a political leader, he told the voters the immense power their votes carried. His advice was they must break all previous records of voting and ensure the momentum of development experienced by them continues.

The Congress-led INDIA, a combination of several major regional parties, challenged the BJP-led NDA government, and tried hard to counter the BJP campaign, stressing anti-incumbency factors suffered by the Government.

The political alliance could not overcome its obvious contradictions, in spite of the length of the seven-phase polling, though it united quickly to contest the accuracy of the Exit Polls as they came. Till the end of the campaign, it could not answer convincingly who could be its leader against Mr Modi.

The festival of democracy that the 18th Lok Sabha was called, however, had massive participation of voters both in political rallies and the voting day. This was despite the oppressive May heat that seemed to get worse every few days.

Days before the counting of votes, the exit polls generated much interest about southern states, and how they must have voted. The parties in power in States from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, along with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, fought the BJP campaigns and declined to give up. It may take just a few hours of counting on Tuesday to bring out the results of the campaigns there.
Congress Working Committee member and partys Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency candidate Shashi Tharoor on Monday expressed confidence of his victory from the seat, and ruled out the possibility of lotus to bloom in the state.

Speaking to media persons here, Tharoor said he is fully confident of his victory in Thiruvananthapuram. He said the question of whether the lotus will bloom in Kerala should be asked in 2029 and there is no possibility of it happening here in 2024.

Ask the question of whether the lotus will bloom in Kerala in 2029, there is no possibility of it happening here in 2024, the senior Congress leader said.

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Referring to the prediction of some pollsters that he would be defeated this time in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor said there were predictions that he would lose last time.

However, I won the seat with a majority of around one lakh votes. Therefore, exit poll results are not being taken seriously, he said.

Tharoor also said that the INDIA bloc will win 295 seats as announced by party president Malikarjun Kharge.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who fought against Sashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram as a BJP candidate, on Monday expressed hope of his win in the Lok Sabha polls.

He said that the people of the country voted for development. He said the Modi Government will come back to power with a huge majority. as predicted by exit polls.

Most exit polls have predicted that the BJP will gain a toehold in Kerala this time around and some pollsters predicted that Rajeev will win from Thiruvananthapuram, defeating Tharoor.

India Today-Axis My India has claimed that the UDF would get 17 to 18 seats in Kerala, followed by the BJP-led NDA two to three seats and the LDF zero to one.

Times Now-ETG has given the LDF four seats, the UDF 14 to 15, and one seat for the NDA. India TV-CNX has projected 3 to 5 seats for the LDF, the UDF 13 to15, and the NDA 1 to 3 seats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to DMK patriarch and former chief minister M Karunanidhi on his 100th birth anniversary remembering him for the work he did for the development of Tamil Nadu and the Tamils.

INDIA bloc leaders also paid rich tributes to Kalaignar at Anna-Kalaignar Arivalayam in New Delhi.

Taking to X, the prime minister said, I pay tributes to Kalaignar Karunanidhi Ji on his 100th birth anniversary. In his long years in public life, he worked towards the development of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people.

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He said Karunanidhi was widely respected for his scholarly nature fondly recalling his several interactions with him, including the one when both were the chief ministers of their respective states.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin described Karunanidhi, his father, as a multi-faceted personality being a politician, writer, dramatist, and philosopher. He said the entire country looked upon him as a political visionary.

Recalling the achievements of the DMK patriarch, he said his father was the driving force behind the party cadre and that they were working on the path shown by him. A leader who had a transformative effect on both Tamil Nadu and Indias politics, his legacy includes promoting social justice, advancing economic equality, and defending the language and culture of the Tamil people, he said.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to Karunanidhi in Delhi.

Rahul said, Im happy to come here in remembrance of a great leader of Tamil Nadu, somebody who defended the culture and the language of the Tamil people and its an honour for me to come here. Heartfelt tributes to the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, on his birth anniversary.

DMK leaders, T R Baalu and Tiruchi Siva, and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah paid tributes to the late leader during a ceremony in Delhi. CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader D Raja, and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav were also present on the occasion.

Karunanidhi headed the DMK for five decades and served as MLA, MLC, and the leader of the Opposition. He wrote stories, screenplay, and lyrics for numerous films. He also produced many films.

Karunanidhi also had a stint in journalism. He edited a newspaper and was a prolific writer.

Sonia Gandhi expressed the hope that the results of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 would be completely opposite to what the exit polls have predicted. Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to Karunanidhi, she said, Just wait and watch. We are very hopeful that our results are completely the opposite of what the exit polls are showing.

All the exit polls have predicted a thumping majority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA. If the exit polls hold true, the BJP-led alliance is poised to win more than 360 seats.
Preparations for the counting of votes in 25 Lok Sabha seats and one assembly bypoll in Rajasthan were completed on Monday. The counting process will begin on Tuesday at 8 am, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta said.

Polling for the 25 LS seats was held on April 19 and April 26 at Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur-rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur (all in the first phase), and Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Banswara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, Jhalawar-Baran (all in the second phase).

Adequate arrangements have been made to protect counting personnel from the prevailing heat conditions at counting centres. Over 700 ACs and coolers have been installed for the comfort of these personnel. More than 13,000 personnel have been engaged in the counting process, Gupta informed the media.

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A three-tier security system has been introduced at counting centres to ensure safety. The counting of EVM votes will be conducted on 2,713 tables in 4,033 rounds, he said.

The results of all 25 Lok Sabha constituencies and the Bagidora assembly by-election will also be declared.

Gupta informed that first of all, counting of votes cast through postal ballot will commence at 8 am in a total of 63 rooms allocated for this purpose. Following this, the counting of EVM votes will begin at 8.30 am in a total of 235 rooms.

Altogether, 266 contestants are in the fray, including eight prominent figures from the BJP. These include Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, four Union Ministers  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Kailash Choudhary, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Bhupendra Yadav  and five sitting MPs  PP Choudhary, Bhagirath Choudhary, Dushyant Singh, SS Jaunapuria, Sumedhananad Saraswati  as well as state BJP President C P Joshi. The electoral fate of four incumbent MPs will also be decided on Tuesday.

The total voter turnout in 25 LS seats during the two phases this time was 62.10 (updated after 26 April), which includes 0.57% by postal ballot, as against 66.34 per cent in the 2019 general election, marking a decrease of 4.81 per cent.
The Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday  June 4  the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodias plea challenging Delhi High Court order rejecting his plea for regular bail in the cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with the 2021-2022 alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

The plea is listed before a vacation bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Sandeep Mehta. Sisodia is facing prosecution by the CBI and the ED under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act respectively in the Delhi excise policy scam.

The Delhi High Court had, last week, dismissed Sisodias bail petition in both the cases being prosecuted by the CBI and the ED respectively. The High Court judge, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma while rejecting the bail pleas of Sisodia had said that he has not been able to make out a case for the grant of bail.

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The case at hand is a grave misuse of power and breach of public trust by the applicant who was serving as Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi at the relevant point, the High Court had said.

This is the second time that Sisodias plea for bail will be heard by the top court. Earlier on October 30, 2023, the top court bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice SVN Bhatti, had rejected his plea for bail in both the cases.

Recapitulating, point by point, what has been stated in the chargesheet filed by the CBI against the former Deputy Chief Minister, Justice Sanjiv Khana who had authored the October 30, 2023, judgment had said, In view of the aforesaid discussion and for the reasons stated, we are not inclined to accept the prayer for grant of bail at this stage.

However, the top court had given Sisodia liberty to make a fresh plea for bail after three months if trial gets protracted and moves at a snail pace and does not progress as assured by the prosecuting agencies  CBI and the ED.

In view of the assurance given at the Bar on behalf of the prosecution that they shall conclude the trial by taking appropriate steps within next six to eight months, we give liberty to the appellant  Manish Sisodia to move a fresh application for bail in case of change in circumstances, or in case the trial is protracted and proceeds at a snails pace in next three months, the top court had said in its October 30, 2023, judgment.

Sisodia is accused of being allegedly involved in the destruction of crucial evidence, including electronic evidence, the High court verdict had said, further noting that he was a very powerful and influential person within the corridors of power of the Delhi government.

The High Court had said as a Minister having 18 portfolios, including the Department of Excise, Sisodia was entrusted with the formulation of a new liquor policy for Delhi.

The material collected during the investigation showed that Sisodia prima facie subverted the process of framing the excise policy by fabricating public feedback to suit his predetermined goal, stated the judgement.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023 for his alleged role in the scam and the ED arrested him in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023.

According to the probe agencies, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to the licence holders.

The Delhi government implemented the policy on November 17, 2021, but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. Sisodia had resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.
His body glistening with sweat, a gaunt man in a loincloth pulls a rickshaw through the serpentine lanes of north Kolkata. Amidst the wilting summer heat, the towering brick-red dwellings with baroque cornices overlook his toil. Plying people or packages, this man is a symbol of an enduring legacy in the city of joy, a platitudinous nickname it earned from French author Dominique Lapierres novel. Despite Kolkatas strides towards modernity, the sight of hand-pulled rickshaws continues to define its streetscape.

Talking to The Statesman, Mukhtar Ali, general secretary of All Bengal Rickshaw Union, says, There are about 3,500 hand-pulled rickshaws today, which is a significant decline from the 6,000 that plied the streets in 1919.

Hand-pulled rickshaws were invented in Japan in 1869, with the term rickshaw derived from the Japanese word jin-riki-sha, meaning human-powered vehicle. The British introduced these rickshaws to Kolkata, replacing the ornate palanquins used by the aristocracy, including landlords and businessmen. This shift reinforced the colonial master-slave power dynamics, as it involved one human manually pulling another. In 1919, the British enacted the Calcutta Hackney Carriage Act, which authorised the use of hand-pulled rickshaws for passenger transport in Kolkata. These rickshaws thus became the bourgeois alternative to palanquins. Despite the decline of British colonialism in India after World War II, hand-drawn rickshaws remain a lasting legacy in the city.

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Despite efforts to phase them out, hand-pulled rickshaws continue to survive due to their simplicity and the ease with which unskilled labourers can operate them. Many pullers are seasonal migrants from Bihar and Jharkhand, turning to this work when their farmlands lie fallow. These pullers typically rent their rickshaws from sardars, owners who run rickshaw garages or khatals. The government has ceased issuing new licences or renewing old ones, aiming to phase out these relics of a bygone era.

Kamal Ali, a hand-drawn rickshaw puller, shares his plight: Its difficult to get by with a monthly earning of not more than 3,000 rupees. If our rickshaws are banned, I shall not survive. Im illiterate. I have two sons and three daughters. My sons have moved to another city with their wives, and barely visit. My daughters are married.

Every day is a battle against exhaustion and uncertainty, says Rajan Kumar, another rickshaw puller. Pulling a rickshaw in the scorching heat or pouring rain, I dream of a life where my family wont have to endure any hardship. The future is always on my mind, but the present is all-consuming. Despite the challenges, I take pride in my work. In places where other forms of transport cant reach, my rickshaw can navigate effortlessly. Whether its ferrying people through narrow lanes or delivering packages to hard-to-reach areas, I know my work is essential to the citys daily life. Its this sense of purpose that keeps me going.

The erstwhile West Bengal government, under the Left Front, attempted to ban hand-pulled rickshaws in 2006, citing human dignity concerns. The proposed Calcutta Hackney-Carriage (Amendment) Bill aimed to phase them out, but implementation has been slow. Talks of replacing these rickshaws with battery-operated versions have surfaced but remain unrealised.

GS Mukhtar Ali, acknowledging the stagnation, says, We have discussed our concerns with chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Prior to the elections, we sent her a letter, which she promptly forwarded to the transport minister. He has assured us that he will address our issues after the elections. In the meantime, we are drafting a letter outlining our demands for rehabilitation packages.

A report by The Calcutta Samaritans and Action Aid reveals the harsh realities of the rickshaw pullers lives. About 76 per cent of them work over 12 hours a day without access to adequate healthcare. Prolonged isolation from families leads to loneliness, and many turn to sex workers, increasing the risk of STDs like HIV/AIDS. The report further reveals that 27 per cent of them suffer from stomach upset, 27.9 per cent from hydrosil, 26 per cent from malaria, 14 per cent from tuberculosis, 13.2 per cent from spine-related issues, 4.4 per cent from cough and cold, 30 per cent from joint pain, and 5.7 per cent from STDs.

Despite the grim conditions, these rickshaws have one redeeming feature: they are eco-friendly. Unlike motorised vehicles, they dont rely on fuel, making them a green mode of transport. Their small size allows them to navigate the narrow lanes of Kolkata, especially useful during the monsoon season when many streets are flooded.

The hand-pulled rickshaws of Kolkata embody a complex blend of history, struggle and pliability. These vehicles, once symbols of colonial power dynamics, have become an integral part of the citys fabric, providing essential services where modern transportation falls short. As the city strides towards modernisation, the need for a compassionate and sustainable transition becomes imperative. Ensuring the dignity and livelihood of these workers through thoughtful rehabilitation packages and alternative employment opportunities is not just a moral obligation but a necessary step towards an inclusive future. In a city that prides itself on its rich heritage and progressive strides, the plight of the rickshaw pullers is a call to bridge the gap between the past and the future, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march of progress.
An alleged Israeli airstrike has led to the killing of several people in Syria, reports said.

Syrian media outlets reported on Sunday that Israeli airstrike hit a copper smelting factory in Syrias Aleppo leading to the killing of several people.

Initial reports indicate that a factory in Syrias second city of Aleppo is burning following an airstrike.

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Syrian Observatory of Human Rights war monitor in a statement said that 12 people were killed in the airstrike.

It also added that there were three explosions in quick succession.

However, the official Syrian sources have not stated any specific numbers but only said several.

The Israel side did not make any comments to confirm.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Jameson Timba, acting as the de facto administrator for the Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC), has issued a challenge to leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the contested outcome of Zimbabwe's 2023 general elections decisively.Timba's call comes ahead of SADC's annual summit scheduled for August, to be held in Zimbabwe.The CCC faction aligned with former leader Nelson Chamisa maintains that last year's elections were manipulated in favor of the ruling Zanu-PF party, a sentiment echoed by both local and international observer missions.Speaking to journalists after the conclusion of a CCC National Assembly meeting in Harare last week, Timba labeled the election outcome a "farce" and "illegitimate," urging SADC to address the matter during the upcoming summit."The election outcome, condemned by the global community and our region alike, did not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people. It was a sham, and its legitimacy is in question."The assembly also unanimously agreed, considering the upcoming SADC summit in August, that SADC should take a clear stance on the outcome of the August 2023 elections," Timba asserted.He accused state institutions, particularly the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), of obstructing citizens' rights to elect their leaders freely."From August 23, it was evident that the regime had no intention of allowing a fair competition to determine the country's leadership."State institutions, notably the ZEC, employed various tactics to deprive Zimbabweans of their right to a free and fair election. Despite these challenges, Zimbabweans persevered, queuing until early hours to exercise their right to choose their leaders," Timba remarked.He emphasized the Zimbabwean people's demand for accountability from SADC and their expectation for a response to their concerns regarding the 2023 elections.Meanwhile, Chamisa has been pressuring SADC to annul the election results, but efforts to engage with the regional bloc on this matter appear to have encountered obstacles.President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government, which is preparing to host the upcoming SADC summit, remains steadfast in denying allegations of election rigging, asserting that the polls were conducted fairly and transparently.Mnangagwa is poised to assume the rotational SADC chairmanship during the August summit.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa stirred controversy this week when he made a joke about the revered Ndebele King, Lobengula, suggesting he was ignorant.Speaking at Makumimavi Primary School in Chivhu while commissioning 17 schools, Mnangagwa recounted a historical event where King Lobengula allegedly killed a man who showed him his reflection in a mirror, indicating ignorance of innovation.Mnangagwa encouraged young people to embrace new technologies, contrasting them with the actions of "old men" like King Lobengula. The statement caused discontent among the crowd, leading to interruptions in his speech.This incident echoes previous controversies, such as when national broadcasters suspended presenters for denigrating King Lobengula. Mnangagwa's tendency to make dry jokes and publicly critique subordinates has become notable, as seen in his recent interaction with Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuku, where he embarrassed him by offering him money for a new suit during a public event.
A Mumbai-bound Akasa Air flight with 193 persons on board made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad following a security threat. All passengers were deplaned and security protocols are being followed, the airline said.



A spokesperson of Akasa Air said, "Akasa Air flight QP 1719, flying from Delhi to Mumbai on June 03, 2024, and carrying 186 passengers, 1 infant and six crew members on board, received a security alert on board. As per prescribed safety and security procedures, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad, ANI reported.

The airline said all emergency procedures were followed.The captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10.13am. All passengers have been deplaned. Akasa Air is following and supporting all safety and security protocols on ground, the airline said.

Earlier on Monday, a Kolkata-bound flight from Chennai also received a bomb threat and it was delayed by two hours.

A Kolkata-bound IndiGo flight from Chennai was delayed by two hours following a call which warned that a bomb would explode in that flight, officials said. Following the receipt of the call at the IndiGo call centre located at Thuraipakkam, the flight was moved by authorities to an 'isolated bay' and a security check was carried out, they said.

After the completion of security procedures, the flight was allowed to depart by 10.30am, officials added.

-with inputs from agencies.
A third term for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may actually improve Indias bilateral relations with China, a Chinese government mouthpiece has speculated. Exit polls indicate the likelihood of the NDA romping back to power. The results of the parliamentary elections will be declared on Tuesday.



The India-China relationship is currently under a cloud of belligerence and mutual suspicion since April 2020 when border brawls broke out between soldiers of the two sides.

The Global Times quoted analyst Lin Minwang, Deputy Director at the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, as having said on Sunday: The relationship between China and a number of countries, including US allies like Japan and Australia, is now improving. In light of this, India may question why there is no sign of easing and an improvement in China-India relations so far.

The Chinese assertion in the media, which is vetted by Beijing and is taken as the official Communist Party stand, can also be construed as Beijings desire for better ties with India. With developments in the South China Sea and Taiwan resulting in a confrontationist posture, it would be impractical for China to open up another front with India.

Significantly, PM Modi had indicated a softening of attitude during an interview with Newsweek in April: For India, the relationship with China is important and significant. It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us.

Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world. I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity in our borders.

India and China are locked in an intense military standoff where more than 1,30,000 troops from both sides are camped in inhospitable high-altitude areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

A military establishment source had told THE WEEK that after the Galwan incident of May 15, 2020, the Indian Air Force had flown in about 68,000 Indian troops, about 90 tanks, nearly 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles, radar systems, artillery guns and other equipment to be deployed in the difficult border.

Till now, 25 rounds of military commander-level meetings have taken place between the two sides and have yielded effective disengagement in five (Galwan, Pangong Tso, Kailash ranges, Gogra, and PP 15) of the seven friction areas. Two friction areas remain to be resolved in eastern LadakhDemchok and Depsang.

The Global Times also quoted Qian Feng, Director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, as having said that Modi's strategic approach includes a continuous pursuit of enhancing India's global influence through diplomatic channels and that he will continue to pursue the domestic and foreign policy objectives he has set for India, with a strong focus on propelling the country toward becoming the world's third-largest economy after the US and China within a few years.
In what is seen as a first, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has called for a press meet on Monday at 12.30 pm, a day before the votes in the Lok Sabha elections will be counted.

During the previous Lok Sabha elections, deputy election commissioners would hold media briefings after each phase. However, the practise has been discontinued.

The press conference comes a day after the INDIA bloc urged the poll panel to ensure that postal ballots are counted and their results declared before that outcome of the EVMs is announced.

We spent time with the EC on two-three major issues. Most important was counting the postal ballots and declaring the results first. This is a very clearly stated statutory rule, which specifically says that you should take up the postal ballots first," Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said.

"Our complaint is that this guideline has been given a go-by. They have repealed the practice," he added.

On Sunday, Congress leader Ajay Maken alleged on X that the counting agents of the poll candidates are not being allowed at the tables of the assistant returning officers (AROs), but the EC has rebutted the claims. The opposition parties have asked their agents to monitor the vote-counting process closely on Tuesday and ensure that form 17C, which contains the number of votes recorded at each polling station, is shared with them.
The Nagpur district court on Monday handed life imprisonment to former BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd engineer Nishant Agarwal under the Official Secrets Act for spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.



Agarwal will also have to undergo rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 14 years and was also fined Rs 3,000. Additional sessions court judge M.V. Deshpande stated in the order that Agarwal was convicted under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for an offence punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

"The court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment and RI for 14 years under the Official Secrets Act and fined him Rs 3,000," said Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Vajani.

Agarwal, employed in the technical research section of the company's missile centre in Nagpur, was arrested in a joint operation by the military intelligence and Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in 2018.

The former BrahMos Aerospace engineer was booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent OSA. He had worked at the Brahmos facility for four years and was accused of leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Agarwal was granted bail by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last April.

BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the military Industrial Consortium (NPO Mashinostroyenia) of Russia.
Close on the heels of Maldives deciding to amend laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the island nation, the Israeli envoy to India, Naor Gilon, has recommended Indian beaches for his fellow citizens to visit.

An X post by Israel in India read: "Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations from @IsraelinIndia, based on the places visited by our diplomats".



The post also shared images of beaches from Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.



Soon after Gilon retweeted the post. "I have personally been to Kerala and Goa and can warmly recommend both the incredible beauty as well as the family-like hospitality".



This comes as Israel's foreign ministry on Sunday recommended that Israeli citizens avoid travel to the Maldives after its government banned the entry of visitors with Israeli passports. The recommendation includes



I have personally been to #Kerala and #Goa and can warmly recommend both the incredible beauty as well as the family like hospitality. https://t.co/nN1ZNjwPjR  Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) June 3, 2024

Israelis with dual citizenship. "For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist," the ministry said in a statement.

Following public anger in the country over the devastating attacks by Israeli forces on Gaza, the Maldivian government on Sunday decided to amend laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago.



Home Minister Ali Ihusan announced the decision at an emergency press briefing at the President's Office, according to local media houses. "The cabinet decided today to make the legal amendments necessary to ban entry into the Maldives on Israeli passports as soon as possible," he said, adding that the cabinet has set up a special committee of ministers to expedite the process.



Maldives receives more than one million tourists each year. This includes around 15,000 tourists from Israel.



Gilon had earlier too praised India and its support for Israel, stating India's stance as a testimony of the extraordinary ties between the Indians and the Jewish people. "From October 7, both the government and the people of India stood on the side of Israel. And this we will never forget," he said.



"The amount of support we get here is nothing short of amazing. It's a testimony of the extraordinary relations between the Indian and the Jewish people," Gilon said in his address at the event last night.


Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including a commander of the outfit, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The deceased were identified as Riyaz Dar and Rayees Dar.

According to reports, Riyaz Dar was a "commander" of the LeT and was wanted in several terror cases.

The security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the Nihama area of the district on Sunday evening after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists.

During the search, the militants opened fire at the forces and in the ensuing gun battled, two terrorists were killed.

Police said the operation is still going on.
UPDATE: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc? Vote counting begins at 8 am

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday repeated his claims regarding EVM tampering, stating that if the BJP won more than 300, then "it is not people's vote but the Electronic Voting Machine(EVM)".

When asked how the INDIA bloc would fare when the results were out, Singh said the opposition bloc would get 295 seats and form the next government. "If people have voted, then they will not get a majority and the figure given by Congress of 295 seats (for INDIA alliance) is correct. If it is 300 paar, it is not the vote of people but of EVM," he said.

Singh, a former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Rajgarh in the state.



Most Exit polls predict NDA would cross 360 seats, close to Modi's ambitious target of "400 paar". As for the INDIA bloc, the exit polls predict over 180 marks, one-third of the total number of seats.



Shashi Tharoor too claimed that the Opposition alliance would win 295 seats while calling the exit poll predictions laughable. Adding that he is convinced that the INDIA bloc would get over 295 seats, Tharoor said: "We are seeing it with scepticism and disbelief because we have also been campaigning throughout the country. We also have a sense of what the pulse of the people is and we dont believe it is reflected accurately in these polls. Our Congress president, after meeting all the INDIA bloc members, has said that he is convinced that we are getting about 295 for the alliance. I stick to that number," Tharoor told reporters on Monday.



Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaih termed exit polls as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's media poll, asserting that the party will win 15-20 Lok Sabha seats out of 28 in the state.



Exit polls predict BJP-JD(S) alliance's sweep in Karnataka, and none of them gave the ruling Congress a double-digit figure. "Already Rahul Gandhi has reacted to exit polls, he has called it a Narendra Modi's media survey. In Karnataka we will win more seats, we will win 15-20 seats," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress President) has said that across the country INDIA bloc will win 295 seats. I support it," he added.


Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held a meeting today to discuss the partys performance in the Lok Sabha elections and its preparedness for the counting of votes on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is eyeing a record-equalling third straight term with all exit polls predicting a clean sweep for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The meeting, presided over by BJP president J.P. Nadda, also discussed the exit polls results and the prevailing political situation.

BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said the voting pattern observed during all seven phases of polls was discussed at the meeting. The party also deliberated on the deployment of its polling agents across the country for counting of votes, he said.

Partys national general secretaries and secretaries attended the meeting which also discussed if there is any suspicion over counting of votes anywhere. The party office bearers were asked to pay special attention to such a situation.

THE WEEK LIVE UPDATES | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc?

Replying to a query on formation of the party's government, Tawde said there was no discussion at the meeting on it. The meeting only reviewed the elections and voting and discussed arrangements and deployment (of party workers) for counting of votes, he said.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Modi in Delhi though there was no official word on the details of the meeting.

Kumar's JD(U) is part of the BJP-led NDA and is seen as a declining, though still significant, force in the state amid strong efforts by the RJD to challenge the ruling combine.

The counting of votes will begin at 8 am and the early trends are expected to be out by noon.
The Supreme Court will hear a bail petition filed by former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the money laundering and corruption cases linked to the excise policy scam. The Aam Aadmi Party leader is presently in judicial custody in both the cases.

As per the case list uploaded on the apex court website, a vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta is scheduled to hear Sisodia's pleas on Tuesday.

Sisodia moved the top court after the Delhi High Court dismissed his bail petition on May 21, saying the matter involved grave misuse of power and breach of public trust.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, for his alleged role in the liquor scam. The ED arrested him in the money laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023. The AAP leader resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

In its order denying bail to the AAP leader, the high court had observed that the applicant allegedly indulged in destruction of crucial evidence, including electronic evidence. It said the material collected during the investigation showed that the applicant subverted the process of making the policy by fabricating public feedback to suit his predetermined goal.

The high court also held that Sisodia did not pass the triple test for bail in the CBI case as he had failed to produce the two phones used by him. It further said the possibility of Sisodia tampering with evidence cannot be ruled out.

Sisodia had moved the high court after the trial court rejected his bail applications on April 30. The high court reserved its order on May 14 after hearing arguments on behalf of the AAP leader, CBI and ED.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Treasury has announced that all public service workers earning in foreign currency must now make their pension contributions in the same currency, starting this year, as per the directive from the Public Service Commission (PSC).In cases where employees earn both foreign currency and local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, they will apply the same ratio for their contributions.Dr. Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma-Dozwa, the Secretary of PSC, outlined in a letter dated May 28, 2024, that the USD National Social Security Authority (NSSA) contribution will be enforced after converting USD Covid-19 and cushioning allowances into pensionable emoluments from January 1, 2024.This change aligns with the provisions of Statutory Instrument (SI) 169 of 2021 concerning public sector employees, effective from January 1, 2024.Section 8(b) (4) of the instrument stipulates that individuals earning remuneration in a currency other than Zimbabwean Dollars must contribute in foreign currency. For those earning a mix of foreign currency and Zimbabwean Dollars, contributions should reflect the same currency ratio."The outstanding contributions should be settled in three monthly installments, starting from 2024," noted Dr. Choruma-Dozwa.Dr. Choruma-Dozwa also communicated this directive to the government's Paymaster.This decision stemmed from a letter dated January 24, 2024, from Dr. Charles Shava, the Acting General Manager of NSSA, seeking assistance to inform PSC about adjusting NSSA contributions following the conversion of USD Covid-19 Allowance into a pensionable salary, as guided by Section 8(b) of SI 169 of 2021.NSSA believes this request will help sustain the viability of the scheme.Subsequently, Simon Masanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, together with George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, wrote to the PSC secretary, urging implementation of the same order."The NSSA has advised that the computation of NSSA contributions is guided by Section 8(b) of SI 169 of 2021, following the conversion of the US$ Covid-19 and US$ cushioning allowances for Public Service employees into a pensionable salary," the letter stated."In light of this, NSSA requests the commission to enforce the provision of SI 169 of 2021 from January 1, 2024, to ensure the sustainability of NSSA schemes."
After losing its 30-year majority in the South African elections, the African National Congress (ANC) has started talks with opposition parties to form a stable coalition government. However, the party vowed not to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the coalition talks.

Former President Jacob Zuma's MK party had said that they were ready for coalition talks but with one condition that Ramaphosa would step down from the post.

The ANC won just over 40% of the vote in Wednesday's election. The main opposition Democratic Alliance came second with around 21% of votes.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party was open to all negotiations, even with the main opposition Democratic Alliance. ANC could be flexible though both the parties have ideological differences, said Mbalula.

Talks are also progressing with several smaller opposition parties as well.

South Africas new parliament will need to elect a president within 14 days of the election results being declared. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ANC, is seeking a second and final term.

The elections have humbled us, they have brought us where we are, Mbalula said, adding the ANC respected the will of the South African people.

Mbalula said the ANC would not consider the demands by the MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for talks.

Amid many options, the ANC could also join with MK and the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, although they have been cast as partners that would make investors uneasy. Both have pledged to nationalise parts of South Africa's economy, including its gold and platinum mines, among the world's biggest producers.

(With PTI inputs)
Claudia Sheinbaum's name will go down in the Mexican's history. The Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist became Mexico's first female president after sweeping the election.

Sheinbaum (61), of the ruling MORENA party, won by securing votes between 58.3 per cent and 60.7 per cent. It is the most support won by a candidate in the Mexican presidential election since the end of one-party rule in 2000.

"We made history," said Sheinbaum on Monday while cheering with the crowd gathered in the Zocalo square. She said she will be continuing the work of her mentor and outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He is "an exceptional, unique man who has transformed Mexico for the better," she said.

Reportedly, Opposition leader, Xochitl Galvez, conceded defeat after mustering just 26.6%-28.6% of votes.

Sheinbaum will take office on October 1. With the historic victory, Mexico now joins Latin American counterparts including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica, which have boosted women to the highest office.

The way ahead

Sheinbaum's way ahead is not going to be a smooth one with a hefty budget deficit and low economic growth. She has promised that she will focus on expanding the welfare policies and improving security in the violence-hit country. Though the homicide rate in the country had come down, more people died during the mandate of Lopez Obrador than any other administration in Mexico's modern history.

According to analysts, she needs to come up with a game-changing formula in order to improve security and policies.

In Mexico, key institutions, such as the Senate, the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Institute are led by women.

Some of the key issues, the new president will face is gender-related issues. Many Mexican women disappear or are killed on a daily basis.

According to the UN, up to 10 women are victims of femicide each day in Mexico. The number totalled 3,000 in 2023.

Thousands more have disappeared and in many cases, mothers are felt abandoned by the government.

Due to an existing inefficient justice system, most femicides go unpunished. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, more than 40% of Mexican women who are 15 years old or older say they have been victims of some sort of violence in their lives.

Sheinbaum had assured to adopt measures against gender-based violence including the creation of an anti-femicide prosecutor's office and legislation that would force offenders to leave their homes.

The gender employment gap is another issue that she will need to address. According to official figures, 76% of Mexican men and only 47% of women are employed. Women have been demanding equal rights and it remains to see whether the new president will adopt measures to improve the same.
Gurgaon (Haryana) [India], June 3: Grand Hyatt, Gurgaon, mesmerized by stunning designs from Rural Talent at Times Lifestyle Week 2024. This years show witnessed an awe-inspiring display of textile and fashion designs, courtesy of "Dream Weavers," a collective comprising six exceptionally talented underprivileged girls adopted and nurtured by the M3M Foundation. Mentored by the distinguished boutique salon "Jaipuri Banno," an emerging traditional fashion and lifestyle brand hailing from Jaipur, these young designers showcased their remarkable creations as part of the joint initiative "Crafting Dreams," orchestrated by the FICCI YFLO Delhi Chapter and M3M Foundation. The project aims to champion rural talent within the fashion industry.



Originating from the Tauru town nestled in the aspirational district of Nuh, Haryana, these budding designers embarked on their maiden voyage beyond their villages. Their exquisite creations, ranging from designer Sarees and Angrakhas to Anarkalis, Skirts, and Coord Sets, earned them the prestigious opportunity to grace the stage at Times Lifestyle Week, sharing the limelight with some of the nation's foremost designers.



Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson of FICCI YFLO Delhi and Trustee of M3M Foundation, delivered an address at the event, expressing profound admiration for the creativity, beauty, and poise exhibited by the youngest designers at Times Lifestyle Week. "This collaboration embodies a noble intention underscored by aspirations of sustainability and social entrepreneurship. From inception, the objective has been to seamlessly integrate these girls into the mainstream workforce, equipping them with the requisite training and platform to bolster their confidence and propel them towards a brighter future. This stage marks the realization of a dreama fitting culmination to a program that undoubtedly warrants further scalability under the auspices of the M3M Foundation," remarked Dr. Kanodia.



She extended heartfelt gratitude to Neetu Mahajan and the entire team at Jaipuri Banno for their invaluable mentorship and support in facilitating this remarkable achievement. Dr. Kanodia reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of FICCI YFLO Delhi and M3M Foundation to continue nurturing not only these girls but also countless other budding talents in the days ahead.



Richa, representing the cohort of young aspiring designers from "Dream Weavers," conveyed her profound appreciation on behalf of her peers, stating, "We are profoundly grateful to FICCI YFLO Delhi, M3M Foundation, and Jaipuri Banno for the unwavering support we have received. This opportunity has been truly transformative for us."



The event promised to be a jubilant celebration of talent, creativity, and empowerment, underscoring the profound impact of opportunity and mentorship within the fashion industry.



M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of M3M Group, working towards equitable development by undertaking projects in the areas of education, health, livelihood, and environment.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Mumbai, Jun 3 (PTI) No-frills carrier Akasa Air on Monday said its Mumbai-bound flight from Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad after it received a "security alert".

The captain of the flight followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:13 AM on Monday, Akasa Air said in a statement.

"Akasa Air flight QP 1719, flying from Delhi to Mumbai on June 3, received a security alert on board. As per prescribed safety and security procedures, the plane was diverted to Ahmedabad," the airline said.

The aircraft had 186 passengers, 1 infant and six crew members onboard, it said.

The airline further said that all passengers have been deplaned, and "Akasa Air is following and supporting all safety and security protocols on ground".
New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) The government on Monday asked all advertisers and advertising agencies to submit a self-declaration certificate making it clear that the advertisement does not contain misleading claims and adheres to regulatory guidelines.

The self-declaration has to be submitted for all new print, digital, television and radio advertisements as required by a Supreme Court directive issued last month.

The Supreme Court directive is a step towards ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and responsible advertising practices, a statement by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said.

The self-declaration certificate has to be uploaded on the Broadcast Seva Portal in case of TV and radio advertisements, and on the Press Council of India website for print, digital and internet advertisements, it added.

The certificate has to be signed by an authorised representative of the advertiser/advertising agency.

The certificate is required to be obtained by all advertisers and advertising agencies for all new advertisements that will be issued/telecast/aired/published on or after June 18, 2024.

A buffer period of two weeks has been kept for providing sufficient time to all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the process of self-certification. Ongoing advertisements do not require the self-certification currently, the statement said.

The document should certify that the advertisement does not contain misleading claims, and complies with all relevant regulatory guidelines, including those stipulated in Rule 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of Press Council of India.

The advertiser must provide proof of uploading the self-declaration certificate to the relevant broadcaster, printer, publisher, or electronic media platform for their records.

As per the Supreme Court's directive, no advertisement will be permitted to run on television, print media, or internet without a valid self-declaration certificate.
New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) Food regulator FSSAI has asked food business operators to immediately remove claims of 100 per cent fruit juices in advertisements as well as labels on packaged products.

According to an official statement, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a "directive mandating all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to remove any claim of '100% fruit juices' from the labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices with an immediate effect.

All the FBOs have also been instructed to exhaust all existing pre-printed packaging materials before 1st September 2024. "It has come to the attention of FSSAI that several FBOs have been inaccurately marketing various types of reconstituted fruit juices by claiming them to be 100 per cent fruit juices," the statement said.

Upon thorough examination, FSSAI has concluded that, according to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, there is no provision for making a '100%' claim.

"Such claims are misleading, particularly under conditions where the major ingredient of the fruit juice is water and the primary ingredient, for which the claim is made, is present only in limited concentrations, or when the fruit juice is reconstituted using water and fruit concentrates or pulp," FSSAI said.

FBOs have been told to comply with the standards for fruit juices as specified under sub-regulation 2.3.6 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.

"This regulation states that products covered by this standard must be labelled in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020," the statement said.

Specifically, in the ingredient list, the word "reconstituted" must be mentioned against the name of the juice that is reconstituted from the concentrate.

"Additionally, if added nutritive sweeteners exceed 15 gm/kg, the product must be labelled as 'Sweetened juice'," the regulator said.

FSSAI said it is dedicated to protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety standards across the country.
Ottawa, Jun 3 (PTI) Canadas largest airline, Air Canada, on Monday announced the expansion of its flight network to India, adding 40 per cent more seat capacity beginning late October for the coming winter 2024-25 season.

The countrys flag carrier said it will operate 25 weekly flights with 7,400 seats each week this winter from Canada to India, comprising up to 11 weekly flights. These include flights from Toronto to Delhi and Mumbai, daily flights from Montreal to Delhi and daily flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow.

Air Canada in an official press release said the new services include the only non-stop flight from Canada to Mumbai, improved service from Western Canada to Delhi with the introduction of new daily flights over Londons Heathrow Airport and daily flights from Montreal to Delhi.

The carrier will operate 25 weekly flights to India, the most comprehensive offering of any airline between Canada and India.

India is an important market for Air Canada, reflecting longstanding and growing family and trade ties between our two countries. We are thrilled to expand our network to Mumbai and Delhi by building additional scale at our hubs in time for Diwali festivities this fall," Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, said.

With new non-stop flights from Toronto to Mumbai, the addition of new flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow, together with the unparalleled connectivity from our robust North American network, we are solidifying Air Canada as the leading airline offering the most travel options between Canada and India, Galardo said in a statement.

The Toronto-Mumbai flight, the only non-stop flight linking two of the largest cities in both countries, will be operated with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, the release said.

The Indian diaspora in Canada is about 1.8 million strong. There are another one million Non-Resident Indians living in the country.

Ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in this country.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". India has been maintaining that the main issue has been that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.
Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) Actor Sharib Hashmi says he shares a great bond with "The Family Man" co-star Manoj Bajpayee and was eagerly looking forward to reprise his role of JK Talpade in the show's upcoming season three.

Created and directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, the action thriller series features Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class guy trying to maintain a balance between his personal and professional life as a covert intelligence officer.

Hashmi plays Talpade, a close friend and colleague of Tiwari, in the show, which started with its critically-acclaimed first season in 2019 and followed by the sophomore chapter in 2021.

The filming for the upcoming third season of the Prime Video show began last month.

I was very excited to begin work on the third season of The Family Man, and Im very happy with the scenes that weve shot. Im waiting for the next schedule to begin, I look forward to getting back to playing JK, the 48-year-old actor told PTI in an interview.

Hashmi said reuniting with Bajpayee on The Family Man series is always fun and special.

We both share a special bond, Ive a great comfort level with him. When we become JK and Tiwari, we get into that groove and have that same banter, we pull each others legs. It didnt seem that we didnt shoot for this long, he said.

The actor said that he never anticipated that their onscreen camaraderie will attract a huge fan-following.

We did hope that people would like us but we didnt know that our onscreen friendship would get so much love. Some people have written poems about that. It feels great that our hard work has paid off, he added.

Hashmi, who has garnered critical acclaim for his work in Filmistaan, Tarla, Fighter, among others, said he believes in working with utmost honesty, whether he has one scene in a film or a full-fledged role.

I never take my work for granted, Ive confidence in myself. Ive talent too but Im not over confident that I can do everything on my own as an actor. I need support and guidance from the director, and that is important for me. I think a lot before saying yes to a film, whether I do one scene in Fighter or a full-length role in Tarla, the actor said.

Hashmi's upcoming movie is Malhar, set in rural Kutch and described as a heartwarming exploration of three intertwined tales of love, struggle, and resilience.

The anthology movie also features Anjali Patil of Newton fame, Rishi Saxena, Shrinivas Pokale, Vinayak Potdar, Mohammad Samad and Akshata Acharya, among others.

There are three stories in this, theres a story of two children who are friends, another is a teenage love story, and one is a story where I, Anjali and Rishi feature. I liked how the director weaved these three stories; besides I liked the character, the script and team, Hashmi said.

Im not headlining the film. Rather Ive a cameo but it doesnt look like a small role. Im hoping the audience will like the film, which touches upon some relevant topics, he said.

Malhar is set to release in theatres on June 7. The film is directed by Vishal Kumbhar and produced by Praful Pasad under the banner of V Motion Pictures.
New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) If a housing society starts to collapse, people start looking for better options and move out, says journalist and YouTube star Ravish Kumar about the debate over the decline of mainstream media and the rise of alternatives.

The schisms between different kinds of journalism and alternative platforms that have come up in the last few years are no longer a matter of discussion just for media insiders. From village squares to big city drawing rooms, the issue has been dissected thoroughly, more so in these elections. And, according to Ravish, this is being recorded whether through documentaries or song.

The journalist, who has over 10 million followers on his YouTube channel and is considered a trailblazer, is also the central protagonist of Vinay Shukla's riveting 2022 documentary "While We Watched".

"If a housing society starts to collapse, people start moving to a better one. It is not like it is no longer needed. Which is why you will find the reflection of the times in many films, songs and in other ways, Ravish told PTI in an interview.

I don't see this documentary as the story of one journalist. I can't even see myself in it. I see different things, sometimes I remove myself and imagine a female protagonist or a journalist like Siddique Kappan (who spent two years in jail) and the story starts to appear more horrific," he said.

Vinay's documentary, which has fans such satirist-host John Oliver, won a Peabody award last month. It records Ravish's last months in NDTV India where he constantly battled staff exodus, doxing, abuse and death threats during the course of his anchoring and reporting.

The 49-year-old, one of the most recognised faces in Hindi journalism, said he sees the documentary as a sort of "intervention" as it focuses on recording the near beginning of the crisis in his profession.

He said people in journalism know the decline it has suffered and how the larger picture is disturbing.

"Many have stopped watching news on television and they are searching for alternative mediums. I am not going into the merits or disadvantages of the alternative medium but the work that's being done... for example, people who worked on the story of electoral bonds, were from alternative media," he said, adding that he worries about new journalists joining mainstream journalism.

"Vinay keeps saying that more than one film is needed to record this process in depth," he said, giving the example of senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta's songs on 'Godi media', a term that has come to be associated with those supporting the government.

"... most senior journalists, what are they doing? Their work is mostly the critique of the profession... At least, it is being recorded which is a good thing. It was time to lift the veil from this profession and I am sure something good will come out of it," he added.

Vinay, whose documentary is streaming on MUBI India, likened it to "Titanic". Instead of this being the story of Jack and Rose (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet), his protagonists are the musicians who went down with the ship playing their violins.

"Making this film was heartbreaking for me. This film is a love letter to journalists and the profession, but not to the legacy media. Some people keep obsessing that this has happened in the last 10 years but I would say that this process began much earlier, it just became fast in the last decade, Vinay said.

In November 2022, Ravish left NDTV India after the company changed hands and went on to start his own YouTube channel.

Vinay, who with Khushboo Ranka has previously documented the rise of Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party in his 2016 documentary "An Insignificant Man", shadowed Ravish for more than a year, capturing him at his job, saying goodbye to his colleagues one by one, writing, anchoring and worrying about his relevance.

"Those cake cutting scenes (when journalists were leaving the organisation) are humorous but also heartbreaking... I wanted people to know that tragedy happens in today's time while a chocolate cake is being served," Vinay said.

The filmmaker said he was curious about the world of journalism and wanted to show the nuts and bolts of the profession today. The people who are still in it and trying to do their work honestly, how it is becoming increasingly hard for them," he said.

Ravish added that he has learnt a lot from legacy media but it is not for journalists to "generate false hope" and people should be made aware about the kind of journalism that they should not accept, an issue he kept highlighting while on television.

The Magsaysay Award winner said he was familiar with filmmakers as he had seen them during his coverage of AAP and its beginning but found it strange that they wanted to record his life.

"I thought they would leave after 10 days or a month because I live a boring and lonely life so there is not much variation in it... It was a time when my family constantly worried about my safety. After a while, their presence became a comfort of sorts. Looking back, I am surprised they managed to record so much."

Ravish said he didn't worry that they were capturing him warts and all. Some days, his family would remind him to at least wear better shoes or clothes.

"But I kept doing what I was doing and also I didn't have much time to think about their cameras... Anyone could guess my frustration at that time just by looking at my face. People in the office knew how I was barely managing."

He loved watching Hindi movies but left that after 2014.

"I won't say I was watching great movies. I actually came to know about Satyajit Ray later. Before that, there was no one better than K C Bokadia ( 'Teri Meharbaniyan', 'Laal Badshaah' and 'Pyaar Jhukta Nahi' fame) for me, he said, tongue firmly in cheek.

I caught up with some of Ray's films only during the pandemic. I was just buried in work and I think Vinay's film somehow has captured that intensity and anger."

He is still writing and working as an independent journalist on YouTube and jokingly refers to it as "Dublin devi ki kripa" as some of his cheques come from the Irish city. He has written books, including "Ishq Me Shahar Hona" and about things beyond politics and the state of the country, but its now in the past.

"Vo sab chhoot gaya hai. What I do is boring but I take interest in it, sometimes beyond the scope of exhaustion with whatever my ability and resources are... I don't remember the past much but worry more about the future," he said.
Houston, Jun 3 (PTI) A 23-year-old Indian student is missing in the US state of California since last week and police have sought the public's help in finding her, the latest case in the country as the community grapples with a string of such incidents involving students.

Nitheesha Kandula, a California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) student, went missing on May 28, according to the police.

She was last seen in Los Angeles and was reported missing on May 30, John Guttierez, Chief of Police, CSUSB, said in a post on X on Sunday.

"#MissingPersonAlert: California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in #LAPD, is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of @CSUSBNews Nitheesha Kandula, to contact us at: (909) 537-5165," the police said.

Kandhula was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, and around 160 pounds (72.5 kgs) in weight with black hair and black eyes, police said in a written statement.

She was possibly driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California license plate, the colour of which was unknown, according to the statement.

Urging people with information on her whereabouts to contact authorities, police said, "Anyone with information is urged to contact the CSUSB Police Department at (909) 538-7777, or the LAPD's Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582."

Last month, 26-year-old Rupesh Chandra Chintakind, an Indian student was reported missing in Chicago.

Earlier in April, a 25-year-old Indian student missing since March was found dead in the US city of Cleveland. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US last year in May to pursue a Masters in IT from Cleveland University.

In March, a 34-year-old trained classical dancer from India, Amarnath Ghosh, was shot dead in St Louis, Missouri.

Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student at Purdue University, was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana on February 5.

On February 2, Vivek Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive, suffered life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington.

In January, 18-year-old Akul Dhawan, a University of Illinois student was found unresponsive outside a campus building. Investigations revealed that he died due to hypothermia, with authorities ruling that acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures significantly contributed to his death.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a turbulent political journey spanning over six decades, Jacob Zuma has weathered charges of rape and contempt, facing dismissal from both the positions of deputy president and president of South Africa. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently bounced back.Just five months after the formation of a party led by Zuma, it secured nearly 15% of the vote in the May 29 elections, a significant blow to the African National Congress (ANC) which has held parliamentary majority since the end of apartheid three decades ago (it secured 40% of the vote). This victory marks a moment of triumph for the charismatic octogenarian.Zuma's tenure as South Africa's leader was marked by scandals, lasting almost nine years before he was compelled to resign by the ANC in 2018, facing potential impeachment. He was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa, the party's new leader. Three years later, Zuma was imprisoned for refusing to cooperate with a judicial inquiry into the widespread corruption during his rule. However, he served less than two months before being released on medical grounds.Although acquitted in a rape trial in 2006, Zuma still faces bribery charges from the 1990s, which he vehemently denies, attributing them to a political agenda against him, an accusation without substantial evidence.Despite his suspension from the ANC, Zuma denies any personal vendetta against Ramaphosa and claims to remain loyal to the party. However, he criticizes the ANC for deviating from its commitment to serving the interests of impoverished Black South Africans.Zuma's party, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), advocates for the nationalization of key sectors like mines and banks, and seeks to empower traditional chiefs, a stance that resonates with his supporters but is viewed unfavorably by investors and businesses.Although the nation's highest court barred Zuma from standing for parliament due to his contempt conviction, he still holds significant influence through the MKP, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where his strong following secured nearly half the vote.With the ANC requiring support from a major rival to maintain governance, the MKP emerges as a contender. The formation of the new administration will involve intense negotiations in the coming days.Zuma's continued presence ensures his significant role in South African politics, positioning him once again at the forefront of the nation's political landscape.
Singapore, Jun 3 (PTI) A community leader in Singapore has called for more promotion of Indian cultural activities among youths to keep the country's language and tradition alive in multicultural the city-state.

Viswa Sadasivan, a former Nominated Member of Parliament, made the call during the launch of a new Carnatic music album by Soundara Nayaki Vairavan, a naturalised Singaporean and a stalwart of Indian music and cultural activities, on Sunday.

Organisers should take note of the need to promote culture and tradition among youths, Sadasivan said.

Such programmes are opportunities for all of us to keep the culture within the community, elaborated Sadasivan, who was guest of honour at the album launch and a Carnatic musical programme by Kalamanjari, a cultural organisation run by Vairavan.

It is a worthy endeavour by Kalamanjari to showcase the legacy of the Tamil poets, such as Barathidasan, added former Singaporean diplomat Ambassador K Kesavapany of the programme featuring Tamil poets.

He recalled a statement by Singapores former President, the late S R Nathan who had been a proponent of Indian cultural activities.

"In any cultural activity undertaken, socio-welfare elements should be included, recalled Kesavapany of the former Indian-origin President's message to the community.

Kalamanjari, led by Vairavan, has been donating proceeds from its events to the education, cultural and traditional development initiatives of the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).

Kalamanjari with the support of The Tamil Language and Learning Promotion Committee in Singapore launched the latest Carnatic album, underscoring Singapores commitment to promoting various languages and cultures.

I believe in contributing to society. Fifty per cent of my previous music album sales were donated to SINDA ProjectSmile, Club2Care, said the veteran vocalist who co-authored a book on Tamil Isai. The Book was co-authored with her former music teacher Gowri Gokul and launched during one of the Tamil Language Festivals in 2018.

Dr K Sivaraj, a former keyboard teacher at Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), directed the music for the album which has songs on Rain and Morning, said Vaivaran, who promotes Tamil classical music through Kalamanjari, her decade-old organisation in Singapore.

Speaking to PTI, Vaivaran the Indian community leaders are in the process of building more cultural exchanges with Chennai-based Tamil Isai Sangam.

We have been making good progress with Tamil Isai Sangam and are conducting courses in violin, Bharatanatyam, Mridangam and Veena, said Vaivaran, adding that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2023.

We have over a dozen talented performers from Chennai who are part of a growing community of 1,000 Tamilian and Carnatic musicians in Singapore, she said.

Kalamanjari has also been part of the Little Indian Shopping and Heritage Association (LiSHA) Pongal Festival and the Tamil Language Festival in pursuing cultural-related activities.

It has conducted international conferences on Tamil Folk songs and has premiered overseas productions based on Tirukural in Singapore. Notable shows have been staged on Tamil literary works like Aathichudi, Kadayeluvazhalgal and on Tamil Folk songs.

In 2023, Kalamanjari entered into the Singapore Book of Records for drawing the images of Tamil scholars Tiruvalluvar, Mahakavi Barathiyar, Avaiyar, and Bharathidasanar in popsicles.

We are further developing the ongoing programmes as more and more support is coming in from LiSHA, Tamil Language Council, Tamil Language and Learning Promotion Committee as well as other members of the Tamil community, said Vaivaran, pointing out that Tamil is one of the four official languages in Singapore.

Maintaining our culture and tradition is one of the biggest challenges for the Indian diaspora. Fortunately, we have built a foundation and a platform for Singapores Indian community to keep up with the age-old Tamilian tradition, she said.

This is my sixth music album in Carnatic music, said Vairavan, a regular performer at community events for the past three decades. Her earlier albums were released in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021.
Islamabad, Jun 3 (AP) Tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan remain affected by ongoing flash floods, especially in the north and west, the UN children's agency said Monday.

Unusually heavy seasonal rains have been wreaking havoc on multiple parts of the country, killing hundreds of people and destroying property and crops. The UN food agency has warned that many survivors are unable to make a living.

UNICEF, the UN children's agency, said the extreme weather has all of the hallmarks of an intensifying climate crisis, with some of the affected areas having experienced drought last year.

The World Food Programme said the exceptionally heavy rains in Afghanistan killed more than 300 people and destroyed thousands of houses in May, mostly in the northern province of Baghlan. Survivors have been left with no homes, no land, and no source of livelihood, WFP said.

UNICEF said in a statement Monday that tens of thousands of children remain affected by ongoing floods.

The international community must redouble efforts and investments to support communities to alleviate and adapt to the impact of climate change on children, said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan.

At the same time, UNICEF and the humanitarian community must prepare ourselves for a new reality of climate-related disasters, Oyewale said.

Afghanistan ranks 15th out of 163 nations in the Children's Climate Risk Index. This means that not only are climate and environmental shocks and stresses prominent in the country, but children are particularly vulnerable to their effects compared with elsewhere in the world.

Last week, the private group Save the Children said about 6.5 million children in Afghanistan are forecast to experience crisis levels of hunger in 2024.

Nearly three out of 10 Afghan children will face crisis or emergency levels of hunger this year as the country feels the immediate impact of floods, the long-term effects of drought, and the return of Afghans from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran, the group said in a report.

More than 557,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since September 2023, after Pakistan began cracking down on foreigners it alleges are in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans. (AP) GRS

GRS
Mexico City, Jun 3 (AP) Climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum held an irreversible lead Sunday in the race that would make her Mexico's first female president, according to an official quick count.

The National Electoral Institute's president said Sheinbaum had between 58.3 per cent and 60.7 per cent of the vote, according to a statistical sample. Opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez had between 26.6 per cent and 28.6 per cent of the vote and Jorge Alvarez Maynez had between 9.9 per cent and 10.8 per cent of the vote.

The governing party candidate campaigned on continuing the political course set over the last six years by her political mentor President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

His anointed successor, the 61-year-old Sheinbaum led the campaign wire-to-wire despite a spirited challenge from Galvez. This was the first time in Mexico that the two main opponents were women.

Shortly before electoral authorities' announcement, Galvez wrote on the social platform X, The votes are there. Don't let them hide them.

Sheinbaum is unlikely to enjoy the kind of unquestioning devotion that Lopez Obrador has enjoyed. Both belong to the governing Morena party.

In Mexico City's main colonial-era main plaza, the Zocalo, Sheinbaum's lead did not initially draw the kind of cheering, jubilant crowds that greeted Lopez Obrador's victory in 2018.

Fernando Fernandez, a chef, 28, joined the relatively small crowd, hoping for a Sheinbaum victory, but even he acknowledged there were problems.

You vote for Claudia out of conviction, for AMLO, Fernandez said, referring to Lopez Obrador by his initials, as most Mexicans do. But his highest hope is that Sheinbaum can improve what AMLO couldn't do, the price of gasoline, crime and drug trafficking, which he didn't combat even though he had the power.

Also in the crowd, Itxel Robledo, 28, a business administrator, expressed hope that Sheinbaum would do what Lopez Obrador didn't. What Claudia has to do is put professionals in every area.

Elsewhere in the city, Yoselin Ramirez, 29, said she voted for Sheinbaum, but split her vote for other posts because she didn't want anyone holding a strong majority.

I don't want everything to be occupied by the same party, so there can be a little more equality, she said without elaborating.

The main opposition candidate, Galvez, a tech entrepreneur and former senator, tried to seize on Mexicans' concerns about security and promised to take a more aggressive approach toward organised crime.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote, but turnout appeared to be slightly lower than in past elections. Voters were also electing governors in nine of the country's 32 states, and choosing candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of mayorships and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen and ones that have been marked by violence.

The elections were widely seen as a referendum on Lopez Obrador, a populist who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce cartel violence in Mexico. His Morena party currently holds 23 of the 32 governorships and a simple majority of seats in both houses of Congress. Mexico's constitution prohibits the president's reelection.

Sheinbaum promised to continue all of Lopez Obrador's policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice.

Galvez, whose father was Indigenous Otomi, rose from selling snacks on the street in her poor hometown to start her own tech firms. A candidate running with a coalition of major opposition parties, she left the Senate last year to focus her ire on Lopez Obrador's decision to avoid confronting the drug cartels through his hugs not bullets policy. She pledged to more aggressively go after criminals.

The persistent cartel violence and Mexico's middling economic performance were the main issues on voters' minds.

Julio Garcia, a Mexico City office worker, said he was voting for the opposition in Mexico City's central San Rafael neighbourhood. They've robbed me twice at gunpoint. You have to change direction, change leadership, the 34-year-old said. Continuing the same way, we're going to become Venezuela.

On the fringes of Mexico City in the neighbourhood of San Andres Totoltepec, electoral officials filed past 34-year-old homemaker Stephania Navarrete, who watched dozens of cameramen and electoral officials gathering where frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum was set to vote.

Navarrete said she planned to vote for Sheinbaum despite her own doubts about Lopez Obrador and his party.

Having a woman president, for me as a Mexican woman, it's going to be like before when for the simple fact that you say you are a woman you're limited to certain professions. Not anymore.

She said the social programs of Sheinbaum's mentor were crucial, but added that deterioration of cartel violence in the past few years was her primary concern in this election.

That is something that they have to focus more on, she said. For me security is the major challenge. They said they were going to lower the levels of crime, but no, it was the opposite, they shot up. Obviously, I don't completely blame the president, but it is in a certain way his responsibility.

In Iztapalapa, Mexico City's largest borough, Angelina Jimenez, a 76-year-old homemaker, said she came to vote to end this inept government that says we're doing well and (still) there are so many dead.

She said the violence plaguing Mexico really worried her so she planned to vote for Galvez and her promise to take on the cartels. Lopez Obrador "says we're better and it's not true. We're worse.

Lopez Obrador claims to have reduced historically high homicide levels by 20 per cent since he took office in December 2018. But that's largely a claim based on a questionable reading of statistics. The real homicide rate appears to have declined by only about 4 per cent in six years.

Just as the upcoming November rematch between US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has underscored deep divisions in the US, Sunday's election revealed how severely polarized public opinion is in Mexico over the direction of the country, including its security strategy and how to grow the economy.

Beyond the fight for control of Congress, the race for Mexico City mayor  a post now considered equivalent to a governorship  is also important. Sheinbaum is just the latest of many Mexico City mayors, including Lopez Obrador, who went on to run for president. Governorships in large, populous states such as Veracruz and Jalisco are also drawing interest. (AP)

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Jerusalem, Jun 3 (AP) The Israeli military said Monday that the body of a presumed hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants attacked on Oct 7.

Dolev Yehud, 35, was thought to be among scores of hostages held in Gaza until Monday, when the military announced the discovery of his body and said he had been killed in the initial attack.

US President Joe Biden said Friday that Israel has offered Hamas a three-phase cease-fire and hostage release deal, declaring it was time to end the fighting in Gaza and that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another large-scale attack on Israel.

Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger. Israel faces growing international criticism over the huge cost in civilian lives and the widespread destruction caused by its nearly 8-month war with Hamas.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in the besieged territory have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas' Oct 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.



Currently:

 Israeli leader Netanyahu faces growing pressure at home after Biden's Gaza proposal

 Israel seeks a governing alternative ' to Hamas in Gaza. It's been tried and failed before

 Israel maintains a shadowy hospital in the desert for Gaza detainees. Critics allege mistreatment

 Two Lebanese shepherds killed amid ongoing escalation along Lebanon-Israel border

 Maldives will ban Israelis from entering the country over the war in Gaza

 Condemnations mount over Israeli proposal to label UN aid agency a terrorist group

 Ultra-Orthodox protesters block Jerusalem roads ahead of Israeli court decision on draft exemptions

 Parade for Israel in NYC focuses on solidarity this year as Gaza war casts a grim shadow

 Michael Douglas pays solidarity visit to southern Israel



Here's the latest:



ISRAELI MILITARY REPORTS SHOOTING DOWN MISSILE OVER RED SEA

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military says it shot down a surface-to-surface missile fired toward southern Israel from the Red Sea.

There were no reports of casualties or damage in Monday's incident, which set off air raid sirens in the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat.

The military did not specify the missile's origin, but it was likely fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have claimed several drone and missile strikes on Israel in recent months. Nearly all the projectiles have been intercepted.

The Iran-backed Houthis have also repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea, portraying their actions as a blockade of Israel in support of the Palestinians. But most of the ships that have been targeted have no known ties to Israel.



ISRAEL FINDS BODY OF MAN THOUGHT TO BE HOSTAGE

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military says the body of a presumed hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants had attacked on Oct 7.

Dolev Yehud, 35, was thought to be among scores of hostages held in Gaza until Monday, when the military announced the discovery of his body and said he had been killed in the initial attack.

His remains were found at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lived and worked as a paramedic. Dolev's wife, Sigal, who was nine months pregnant on Oct 7, gave birth to their fourth child nine days after the attack, according to Israeli media.

Medical professionals and scientists, including archaeologists, have spent months trying to identify remains found in communities attacked by Palestinian militants in the wide-ranging assault that ignited the war in Gaza.

The surprise attack into Israel killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The militants abducted around 250 people, more than 100 of whom were released during a cease-fire last year.

The Israeli government says militants in Gaza are still holding around 85 hostages and the remains of 39 others.

Israel launched a massive offensive in response to the attack that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their count. (AP) SCY

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Manila, Jun 3 (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Philippine president on Monday in a rare Asian trip to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organised global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia, with China's help, of trying to undermine.

Zelenskyy arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila late Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore.

He was given a red-carpet welcome with military honours Monday at the presidential palace before meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after which he left the Philippines.

Marcos pledged that his country would take part in the peace summit, Philippine Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

I'm happy to hear today from you that you'll participate in our peace steps, Zelenskyy told Marcos. It's a very strong signal.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs more mental health workers for its soldiers. Marcos promised to help and welcomed a decision by Ukraine to open an embassy in Manila this year which would hasten efforts to deliver assistance.

We have ourselves been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international law in our part of the world, Marcos said. The issues that you are facing are similar and in parallel to ours and, therefore, the position the Philippines takes is always to promote peace."

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the Singapore forum, which was attended by top defence and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing.

The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organised peace summit by pressuring other countries not to attend.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said, without elaborating. This is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Zelenskyy's allegation.

China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the US and most of Europe. Its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbour.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning suggested Friday that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Zelenskyy urged top defense officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending.

Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

He said Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace."

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the conference and renewed US commitments to Ukraine. In an address to the forum Saturday, Austin said that Putin's war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want."

Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea, bluntly underscored the dangers of the regional flashpoint Friday at the defense forum. He said that if a willful act should result in a Filipino dying in the high-seas hostilities, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war."

"That would certainly increase the level of response, Marcos said in response to a question.

"Illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos said, without naming China, but he added that the Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the disputes.

Austin said at the forum that the US commitment to the Philippines as a treaty ally is ironclad but reiterated the importance of dialogue with China.

There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognise that, he said. But our goal is to make sure that we don't allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily." (AP)

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Manila, Jun 3 (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in the Philippines on Monday in a rare Asian trip to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organised global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia, with China's help, of trying to undermine.

Zelenskyy arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila late Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore.

He had planned but failed to meet with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on the sidelines of that annual defence gathering and decided to fly here to personally invite Marcos to attend the summit in Switzerland, two Filipino officials told AP. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss details of Zelenskyy's secretive trip to Manila.

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the defence forum in Singapore, which was attended by top defence and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing. The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference at the Singapore forum Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organised peace summit by pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the talks.

"Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit," he said without elaborating. "Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Zelenskyy's claim.

China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the US and most of Europe and its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbour.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning signalled on Friday that that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Zelenskyy urged top defence officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending. Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace".

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the conference and renewed US commitments to Ukraine. In an address to the forum on Saturday, Austin said that "Putin's war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want".

Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea, bluntly underscored the dangers of the regional flashpoint on Friday at the defence forum. He said that if "a wilful act" should result in a Filipino dying in one of the periodic faceoffs, "that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war".

"That would certainly increase the level of response," Marcos said in response to a question.

Marcos restated earlier concerns over a new law issued by China giving its coast guard license to seize foreign ships "that illegally enter China's territorial waters" and to detain foreign crews for up to 60 days. The same law made new reference to 2021 legislation that says China's coast guard can fire on foreign ships if necessary.

"Illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions," Marcos said, without naming China but he added the Philippines remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the disputes.

Austin said at the forum that US commitment to the Philippines as a treaty ally is "ironclad" but reiterated the importance of dialogue with China.

"There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognise that," he said. "But our goal is to make sure that we don't allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily." (AP) SZM
Jerusalem, Jun 3 (AP) Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed 11 people overnight into Monday, including a woman and three children, in central Gaza.

A strike on a home in the built-up Bureij refugee camp late Sunday killed four people, including the three children. The second strike, early Monday, killed seven people, including a woman, in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Earlier Monday, the Israeli military said that the body of a man presumed to be a hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants attacked on October 7.

US President Joe Biden said Friday that Israel has offered Hamas a three-phase cease-fire and hostage release deal, declaring it was time to end the fighting in Gaza and that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another large-scale attack on Israel.

Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger. Israel faces growing international criticism over the huge cost in civilian lives and the widespread destruction caused by its nearly 8-month war with Hamas.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in the besieged territory have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas' October 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.

Currently:

 Israeli leader Netanyahu faces growing pressure at home after Biden's Gaza proposal

 Israel seeks a governing alternative ' to Hamas in Gaza. It's been tried and failed before

 Israel maintains a shadowy hospital in the desert for Gaza detainees. Critics allege mistreatment

 Two Lebanese shepherds killed amid ongoing escalation along Lebanon-Israel border

 Maldives will ban Israelis from entering the country over the war in Gaza

 Condemnations mount over Israeli proposal to label UN aid agency a terrorist group

 Ultra-Orthodox protesters block Jerusalem roads ahead of Israeli court decision on draft exemptions

 Parade for Israel in NYC focuses on solidarity this year as Gaza war casts a grim shadow

 Michael Douglas pays solidarity visit to southern Israel



Here's the latest:

NETANYAHU REPORTEDLY SAYS A CEASE-FIRE PROPOSAL WOULD MEET GOAL OF ELIMINATING HAMAS

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has not backed down from his goal of destroying Hamas and told his hard-line governing partners that a cease-fire proposal pushed by U.S. President Joe Biden would meet that goal, or else Israel would return to war, according to local media.

Netanyahu has faced a backlash from ultranationalists in his coalition who have threatened to bring down his government if he agrees to a deal that would end the war in Gaza without eliminating Hamas.

Biden last week announced what he called an Israeli offer that includes an enduring cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages it is holding. The outline released by the Biden administration does not explicitly talk of removing Hamas from governing Gaza or eliminating it. But in a speech Friday, Biden said Israel's 8-month-old offensive had degraded the militants to a point where they could no longer carry out an Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu told the parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that there are certain gaps in Biden's announcement. Biden spoke about the outline but not all of the details, he said during the closed-door session, according to Israeli media. He said that in the Biden plan, there are built-in measures to ensure all sides are upholding the deal before it progresses to the next stage.

We reserve the right to return to war, Netanyahu told the committee, according to the media reports.

In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said that in efforts to bring back hostages, we have maintained the goals of the war, first of them the destruction of Hamas.

It is part of the proposal, he said.

The text of the proposed cease-fire deal has not been made public. Hamas has said it views the proposal positively.

Talks on a deal ground to a halt last month. The main sticking point has been Hamas' demand for a complete end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from all of Gaza in return for all hostages' release, which Israel has refused.

In its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that triggered the war, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted around 250 others. After a round of releases during a week-long cease-fire last year, Hamas is believed to hold around 100 hostages and the bodies of around 30 others.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 36,430 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants.



ANNUAL MARCH WILL PASS THROUGH JERUSALEM'S PALESTINIAN NEIGHBORHOOD

JERUSALEM  Israel police said Monday that an annual march that draws Israeli ultranationalists will pass through a dense Palestinian neighbourhood in Jerusalem's Old City.

The annual Flag March, planned for Wednesday, celebrates Israel's capture of east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war and its annexation shortly thereafter. Israel views all of Jerusalem as its unified capital.

The Palestinians want east Jerusalem, including the Old City with sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, to be the capital of their future state. They view the march as a provocation.

In past years, Israeli police have forcibly cleared out Palestinians from the parade route. The march has drawn thousands of mostly nationalist Israelis who waved flags and sang religious songs. Attendees have chanted racist slogans, such as Death to Arabs and May your village burn, and fights have broken out.

In 2021, the flag march helped ignite an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This year, the parade comes nearly eight months into a far more devastating war, with tensions soaring across the Middle East.

Rights groups have called on Israeli authorities to reroute the parade away from dense Muslim neighborhoods.

The police said in a statement that the route would be the same as previous years, entering the Damascus Gate and passing through the Muslim Quarter, a dense Palestinian neighborhood, on the way to the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray.

It says some 3,000 security forces will be deployed to prevent any friction or violence of any kind. The police urged the public to avoid any physical or verbal violence, and allow the event to proceed safely.

In previous years, coexistence organizations have held tolerance parades or a Flower March, where hundreds of participants handed out flowers to Old City residents to show their opposition to the flag march.



ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 11 IN GAZA

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed 11 people overnight into Monday, including a woman and three children, in central Gaza.

A strike on a home in the built-up Bureij refugee camp late Sunday killed four people, including the three children. The second strike, early Monday, killed seven people, including a woman, in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Both camps date back to the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven out of areas that became part of the new state. The refugees and their descendants make up most of Gaza's population.

An Associated Press reporter counted the bodies as they arrived at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah on Monday and confirmed the details with hospital records.

Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for their deaths because the militant group places fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers in dense, residential areas. The military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children.



IRAN'S TOP LEADER SAYS ISRAEL IS MELTING DOWN'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Monday said Israel is melting down due to its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Speaking in a ceremony marking 35th anniversary of late leader of the county Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei said Today, the Zionist regime gradually melts down before eyes of the world's people. State television broadcast his speech live.

In a nearly 55-minute speech, the leader said that Israel's response to the Oct. 7th attack by Hamas that began the war placed it in a dead-end corridor.

Khamenei also said that the war had derailed Israel's U.S.-backed efforts to reach accomodations with regional neighbors, which he characterized as part of an Israeli plot to dominate the region.



ISRAELI MILITARY REPORTS SHOOTING DOWN MISSILE OVER RED SEA

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military says it shot down a surface-to-surface missile fired toward southern Israel from the Red Sea.

There were no reports of casualties or damage in Monday's incident, which set off air raid sirens in the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat.

The military did not specify the missile's origin, but it was likely fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have claimed several drone and missile strikes on Israel in recent months. Nearly all the projectiles have been intercepted.

The Iran-backed Houthis have also repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea, portraying their actions as a blockade of Israel in support of the Palestinians. But most of the ships that have been targeted have no known ties to Israel.



ISRAEL FINDS BODY OF MAN THOUGHT TO BE HOSTAGE

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military says the body of a presumed hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants had attacked on Oct. 7.

Dolev Yehud, 35, was thought to be among scores of hostages held in Gaza until Monday, when the military announced the discovery of his body and said he had been killed in the initial attack.

His remains were found at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lived and worked as a paramedic. Dolev's wife, Sigal, who was nine months pregnant on Oct. 7, gave birth to their fourth child nine days after the attack, according to Israeli media.

Medical professionals and scientists, including archaeologists, have spent months trying to identify remains found in communities attacked by Palestinian militants in the wide-ranging assault that ignited the war in Gaza.

The surprise attack into Israel killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The militants abducted around 250 people, more than 100 of whom were released during a cease-fire last year.

The Israeli government says militants in Gaza are still holding around 85 hostages and the remains of 39 others.

Israel launched a massive offensive in response to the attack that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their count. (AP)



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Karachi, Jun 3 (PTI) Four people, including a woman and a policeman, were injured when a mob armed with sticks and batons attacked a polio vaccine team in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Monday, police said, in the second such incident in a day.

The incident took place when the polio vaccine team was going around the Chaman area to administer vaccines to children.

According to a police official, a mob armed with sticks and batons attacked the team in which four people -- a female polio worker, two levies officials and a policeman -- were injured.

The mob also tried to snatch the weapons from the paramilitary levies personnel, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Raja Athar Abbas said the attackers were members of a sit-in protest being held in Chaman against the polio vaccination campaign, which began on Monday in Balochistan.

However, Sadiq Khan Achakzai, a key leader of the Chaman sit-in, denied the allegations, stating that the protesters were not responsible for the attack on the polio team.

Our only demand is that people should not be forced to administer polio drops to their children, he said.

Abbas said additional teams of levies and police have been sent to Chaman to provide more security to the polio vaccine teams in the province.

He said that legal measures would be pursued against those obstructing the polio campaign.

The government has started a nationwide anti-polio campaign in 66 districts, including 14 in Balochistan. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 1.8 million children against polio.

Abbas said despite the attack, the campaign will proceed with enhanced security measures.

This is not the first time that polio vaccine teams have come under attack in parts of Pakistan. Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan are regularly marred by violence. In the past many workers have lost their lives and others have been injured by attackers who believe that the anti-polio vaccine campaign is un-Islamic.

Earlier in the day, a police constable guarding a polio team was critically injured when unknown gunmen attacked vaccinators in restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where polio remains endemic, according to the World Health Organisation.

In an unrelated attack by militants, two coal miners were gunned down on Monday in the Dukki area in Balochistan.

Dukki, known for its abundant coal reserves, has long been a hub of economic activity, with thousands of coal miners toiling in its mines and some coming under attack by outlawed separatist and militant outfits.

Coal mine workers belonging to other provinces have particularly come under attack.

A government official said the attackers opened fire on some workers but fled after security forces posted there fired back on them. But two workers were killed in the firing, he said.

Earlier this year, five coal miners who belonged to other provinces were kidnapped from Dukki by militants but returned to their homes after their families paid some ransom.

Zardan Baloch of the Coal Miners Workers Association said those working in mines in the province not only had to work in hazardous conditions and were killed frequently in mine explosions or collapses but also had to deal with militant groups targeting them.
Taipei, Jun 3 (AP) Beijing on Monday accused two Chinese citizens of spying for Britain, in the latest test of a relationship that has grown increasingly fraught.

In a message on social media, the Ministry of State Security, China's main intelligence service, said it uncovered a major espionage case involving a couple identified only by their surnames, Wang and Zhou, who were allegedly recruited by Britain's foreign intelligence agency, MI6.

The ministry said Wang had gone to Britain as a student in 2015 and was later joined by his wife. It said Wang was given hotel rooms, trips around the country and financial incentives.

It said the couple worked for the Chinese government in a central state agency and handled government secrets, which they passed to MI6. No information was given about what specific information the couple may have provided. The ministry said the case was still under investigation and gave no word on the location of the couple.

Dave Pares, spokesman for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said it was Britain's "longstanding policy not to comment on the work of our intelligence agencies.

The allegations followed charges British prosecutors have recently levelled against several people for allegedly spying for Chinese authorities.

Last month, Britain said two men would go on trial on suspicion of collecting sensitive information and conducting surveillance for Hong Kong authorities from late 2023 to May 2. A third suspect, 37-year-old Briton Matthew Trickett, was also charged in the case, but was found dead in a park under what police said were unexplained circumstances.

In another ongoing court case, two men, including a parliamentary researcher, were recently charged with spying for China.

China and the UK have clashed over Beijing's clampdown on free speech and open elections in Hong Kong, a former British territory that was guaranteed its own economic and political freedoms for 50 years after its handover to Chinese rule in 1997. (AP)



GSP
Wilmington, Jun 3 (AP) Prospective jurors in a federal gun case against President Joe Biden's son Hunter were questioned Monday on their thoughts about gun rights and drug addiction while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom in a show of support for her son.

As the first day of jury selection broke for lunch, Hunter Biden walked over to his mom and leaned over the railing that separates the audience from the trial participants to hug and kiss her on the cheek. Monday was the first lady's 73rd birthday.

The judge planned to seat 16 jurors, including four alternates, and the effort was moving swiftly along. One prospective juror who was dismissed said she didn't know whether she could be impartial because of the opinion she had formed about Hunter Biden based on media reports.

It's not a good one, she replied when an attorney asked her opinion.

Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, has been charged in Delaware with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

The case is going to trial following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election. He has pleaded not guilty and has argued he's being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic president's son.

The proceedings are unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. A jury found the former president guilty of a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to a porn actor to fend off damage to his 2016 presidential campaign. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the criminal courts have taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

In Delaware, prospective jurors who answered yes on a questionnaire were quizzed individually by Judge Maryellen Noreika to determine whether they could be fair and impartial. One by one, they were dismissed, winnowing down the pool.

The questions tested their knowledge of the case, surveyed their thoughts about gun ownership and inquired whether they or anyone close to them have struggled with substance abuse or addiction. Other questions focused on the role politics may have played in the charges.

Another prospective juror was dismissed because his family has a long history in law enforcement, and he said he could not be impartial. A third was excused because he was very aware of the case, and, It seems like politics is playing a big role in who gets charged with what and when.

Only one potential juror answered no to all the questions and moved on to the next phase. Another who was not dismissed said he holds a concealed carry permit and owns three handguns. The man said he has strong views on gun ownership and believes every law-abiding citizen should be able to own a gun.

I believe the Second Amendment is very important, he explained.

Attorneys jointly moved to dismiss a woman who expressed strong anti-gun views during questioning.

I would like stronger laws in this country about certain types of weapons, she said. The ones with high repeat, you know, that kill children in schools.

The woman also said the government should require more background checks and make it harder to get a gun that can kill a lot of people at once.

I would ban them altogether to be honest, acknowledged the woman, who also said she has donated to Democratic congressional candidates around the country and joined one of the resistance groups after the 2016 election.

Hunter Biden also faces a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through a deal with prosecutors last July, the culmination of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings.

But Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, questioned some unusual aspects of the deal, which included a proposed guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses to resolve the tax crimes and a diversion agreement on the gun charge, which meant as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years the case would be dismissed. The lawyers could not come to a resolution, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

This trial isn't about Hunter Biden's foreign business affairs  which Republicans have seized on without evidence to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. But it will excavate some of Hunter Biden's darkest moments and put them on display.

The president's allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, who's long been concerned about his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his son's painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinized.

Allies are also worried the trial could become a distraction as the president tries to campaign under anemic poll numbers and as he is preparing for an upcoming presidential debate while the proceedings play out.

In a statement Monday, the president said he has boundless love" for his son, "confidence in him and respect for his strength.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, he said, adding that would have no further comment on the case. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

The president was nearby, in their Wilmington home, until he left for a campaign reception in Greenwich, Connecticut. He is traveling to France on Tuesday and will be gone the rest of the week. The first lady is scheduled to join him later. Hunter Biden's sister, Ashley Biden, was also in court, and his wife, Melissa.

A family friend, Ricky Smith, sat in the audience and embraced him warmly during a break.

It ain't right for him to be sitting there because he was a drug addict, Smith said.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent into drugs and alcohol followed the 2015 death of his brother, Beau Biden, from cancer. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and indicated on the gun purchase form that he was not using drugs.

Defense attorneys have suggested they may argue that Hunter Biden didn't see himself as an addict when prosecutors say he checked no to the question on the form. They will also attack the credibility of the gun store owner.

If convicted, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and it's unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars. (AP) GSP
News / National

by Staff reporter

Breaking News:



MK Party members have discovered destroyed and burned ballot papers hidden in the bushes in Mpumalanga, in Ermelo, Skapruz, ward 16.



The police and local media are on the scene.



We understand that similar vote-rigging tactics were used in KZN and GP. Hence we pic.twitter.com/j8vJ3r6iAE  uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (@MkhontoweSizwex) June 2, 2024

   news channel team has BREAKING NEWS!!!



They are following a truck in Pietermartizburg alleged to be carrying IEC ballot boxes which were going to be dumped. There is pandemonium. The SAPS on sight.



Follow the account @theafricanptv pic.twitter.com/9xIcN92iu2  Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) June 3, 2024

MK Party members have discovered destroyed and burned ballot papers hidden in the bushes in Mpumalanga, in Ermelo, Skapruz, ward 16.The police and local media visited the scene.This latest allegation of a flawed election process follows the 82-year-old Zuma's late-night visit to the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) National Results Centre in Midrand on Saturday.In his briefing, the former president issued an unveiled threat to the IEC if the commission decides to go ahead and declare the election results at 6pm on Sunday evening."Nobody must declare tomorrow. People will be provoking us," Zuma said, before adding:Don't rush us. Nobody is going to announce tomorrow. We have more information to give.IEC dashboard crash and allegations of 'vote-rigging'According to Zuma, the MK party has "proof" that vote-rigging allegedly went on "in the background" when the IEC dashboard crashed and was down for about two hours on Friday morning.On Saturday morning, the MK party called for a manual recount of the ballots, claiming that the process was "rigged" to prevent it from securing an outright majority in KwaZulu-Natal.Zuma's daughter has further accused the IEC of being in cahoots with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the alleged vote-rigging.MK party and the Hammarsdale ballotsThree days before the May 29 election, MK party members illegally entered a voting station warehouse in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, recorded the voting material stored there and then created a viral disinformation thread alleging the material was being used to rig the election.In its response to the incident, the IEC said it would take legal action against the MK party members.
Nagpur, Jun 3 (PTI) Ten Women and Child Development department personnel have been booked in connection with an alleged Zilla Parishad anganwadi scam, a Nagpur Rural police official said on Monday.

They are accused of embezzling more than Rs 88 lakh earmarked for upgrading anganwadis, the official said.

"The irregularities have allegedly taken place in Katol, Saoner, Umrer, Parseoni, Narkhed, Kalmeshwar, Ramtek, Bhivapur, Mouda and Kuhi. The accused officials, along with the suppliers, submitted fake bills and bypassed norms during material procurement, resulting in an estimated loss of about Rs 88.57 lakh to the state exchequer," a Nagpur Rural police release said.

"The Nagpur Zilla Parishad had formed a three-member committee to probe the procurement fraud under the Anganwadi upgradation scheme. The committee's report, revealing gross financial misconduct, prompted ZP authorities to pursue penal action against the implicated officials," added the release.

Cases have been registered under Indian Penal Code for cheating, criminal conspiracy and other offences, the release said.
Thane, Jun 3 (PTI) Police have detained a 24-year-old man after he and his father allegedly killed his sister's 18-year-old boyfriend in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township, officials said here Monday.



The incident took place on Sunday afternoon after the accused's sister called the victim, a resident of Devichapada in Panvel, to her house in the same area.







The accused later came home and knocked at the door, but his sister did not open it. He then forced open the door and found his sister and her boyfriend in the house, an official from Taloja police station said.

The accused then called his father and both of them allegedly attacked the victim with a sickle and a spade and killed him, he said.

After being alerted, police rushed to the spot and sent the body to a government hospital for postmortem.

The police have detained the girl's brother and registered a case against him and her 45-year-father under Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention), the official said.



An investigation was on into the case.
Agartala, Jun 3 (PTI) All preparations for counting for two Lok Sabha constituencies - Tripura West and Tripura East - and Ramnagar Assembly segment byelection have been completed, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Puneet Agarwal said on Monday.

The counting will be held in 20 locations on June 4.

The voting for Tripura West Lok Sabha seat and Ramnagar Assembly segment byelection was held on April 16 while polling for Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency was conducted on April 26.

An average of 81.48 per cent voting was recorded in Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency while Tripura East registered 80.36 per cent polling.

"All the preparations for counting for two Parliamentary constituencies and Ramnagar Assembly segment (byelection) have been completed. The counting will commence in 20 locations of the state on June 4 at 8 am," the CEO told PTI.

The political parties have submitted names of their counting agents who will have access to the counting process in their respective counting halls, he said.

CCTV cameras have been installed in all the counting halls to ensure transparency in the counting process, the CEO said.

Agarwal said there will be a three-tier security layer around the counting halls and prohibitory order has already been imposed around the counting halls.

The Election Commission has appointed 31 counting supervisors to conduct the counting process, he said.

In the Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP had fielded Rajya Sabha MP and former CM Biplab Kumar Deb against state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha.

In Tripura East Lok Sabha seat, BJP's Kriti Devi Debbarma contested against CPI(M) nominee Rajendra Reang.
New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday barred YSR Congress Party MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who allegedly smashed an EVM at a polling station, from entering the vote counting station of the Macherla assembly constituency on June 4.

A vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta saw the video of the May 13 incident and termed the anticipatory bail granted to Reddy "sheer mockery of justice system".

The bench directed Reddy to not enter the counting station of the Macherla assembly constituency on June 4 or be in its vicinity.

It asked the Andhra Pradesh High Court to decide the petition related to the cases against Reddy listed for hearing on June 6 without being influenced by the interim protection granted to him on May 28.

Reddy, the Macherla assembly constituency candidate of the ruling YSRCP, allegedly barged into the polling station with his supporters and broke VVPAT and EVM machines.

On May 28, the high court had granted anticipatory bail to him in the cases registered against him subject to certain conditions.
U.S. students recovering from pandemic setbacks, but millions are still behind
The Supreme Court on Thursday gave homeowners another chance to force Bank of America and other large banks to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts.

The court unanimously threw out an appeals court ruling in favor of Bank of America, which has refused to pay interest on money it collects to pay borrowers insurance and property tax bills. New York requires banks to pay at 2% interest on escrowed funds.

Thirteen other states have similar laws: California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin.

A federal judge initially ruled in favor of the borrowers, but the federal appeals court in New York granted Bank of Americas request to dismiss the suits, arguing that the federal law governing national banks does not permit such state-by-state regulation.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the Supreme Court that the appeals court did not perform the kind of nuanced analysis required by federal law and prior Supreme Court decisions to determine if a state law must give way to a federal statute.

In particular, Kavanaugh noted that the Dodd-Frank Act, enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, made clear that not all state banking laws are pre-empted.

Jonathan Taylor, who argued the case for the homeowners, said in an email that the decision is a victory for consumers because it vindicates Congress determination in Dodd-Frank to rein in the kind of aggressive preemption of state consumer-financial laws that helped lead to the financial crisis.

Bank of America did not immediately comment on the decision.

(AP)
Iran opened a five-day registration period Thursday for hopefuls wanting to run in the June 28 presidential election to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month with seven others.

The election comes as Iran grapples with the aftermath of the May 19 crash, as well as heightened tensions between Tehran and the United States, and protests including those over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini that have swept the country.

While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, maintains final say over all matters of state, presidents in the past have bent the Islamic Republic of Iran toward greater interaction or increased hostility with the West.

The five-day period will see those between the ages of 40 to 75 with at least a masters degree register as potential candidates. All candidates ultimately must be approved by Irans 12-member Guardian Council, a panel of clerics and jurists ultimately overseen by Khamenei. That panel has never accepted a woman, for instance, nor anyone calling for radical change within the countrys governance.

Ahmad Vahidi, Irans interior minister, opened the registration period. The Interior Ministry, in charge of the countrys police, run Iranian elections with no substantial international observation.

These elections, like the parliamentary elections, will be held in complete safety and health, with good competition and wide participation of all dear people, Vahidi said.

Raisi, a protege of Khamenei, won Irans 2021 presidential election after the Guardian Council disqualified all of the candidates with the best chance to potentially challenge him. That vote saw the lowest turnout in Irans history for a presidential election. This years parliamentary vote saw an even-lower turnout amid widespread boycott calls.

That likely was a sign of voters discontent with both a hard-line cleric sanctioned by the U.S. in part over his involvement in mass executions in 1988, and Irans Shiite theocracy over four decades after its 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Who will run  and potentially be accepted  remains in question. The countrys acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, a previously behind-the-scenes bureaucrat, could be a front-runner, because hes already been seen in meetings with Khamenei. Also discussed as possible aspirants are former hard-line President Mohammad Ahmadinejad and former reformist President Mohammad Khatami  but whether theyd be allowed to run is another question.

Among those registering Thursday was Saeed Jalili, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator who ran in 2013 and registered in 2021 before withdrawing to support Raisi.

Today, we are in a historic opportunity, Jalili told journalists. If we miss this, we will fall behind the path of progress.

The five-day registration period will close on Tuesday. The Guardian Council is expected to issue its final list of candidates within 10 days afterwards. That will allow for a shortened two-week campaign before the vote in late June.

The new president will take office while the country now enriches uranium at nearly weapons-grade levels and hampers international inspections. Iran has armed Russia in its war on Ukraine, as well as launched a drone and missile attack on Israel amid the war in Gaza. Tehran also has continued arming proxy groups in the Middle East, like Yemens Houthi rebels and Lebanons Hezbollah militia.

Meanwhile, Irans economy has faced years of hardship over its collapsing rial currency. Widespread protests have swept the country, most recently over Aminis death following her arrest over allegedly not wearing her mandatory headscarf to the liking of authorities, A U.N. panel says the Iranian government is responsible for the physical violence that led to Aminis death.

Raisi is just the second Iranian president to die in office. In 1981, a bomb blast killed President Mohammad Ali Rajai in the chaotic days after the Islamic Revolution.

(AP)
Last week Agudath Israels Yahalom Division convened a special advocacy trip to Albany on behalf of the special needs community. The group comprised more than 25 parents, professionals, and advocates who spent the day in the Capitol meeting with lawmakers and government officials. Throughout the day parents shared their personal experiences with lawmakers who were clearly moved by the challenges faced by the special needs community.

Many issues were discussed with legislators including Agudahs opposition to a proposed amendment that would infringe on the due process protections for parents of students with disabilities, expanding access to OPWDD (Office of People with Developmental Disabilities) home disability services, centralizing the fingerprinting registry used to conduct background checks for Direct Service Providers, and mandating insurance companies to cover Dexcom sugar monitoring device for children with glycemic diseases.

Agudahs delegation met with Alyson Tarek, Assistant Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene, OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld, Senators Samra Brouk, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Bill Weber, as well as Assemblymembers Sam Berger, Chris Eachus, Simcha Eichenstein, Jodi Giglio, Aileen Gunther, Chantel Jackson, John W. McGowan, Karen McMahon, and David Weprin. They also met with staff members of Senators Simcha Felder, John Manion, and Roxanne J. Persaud.

It was inspiring to see so many passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable professionals, parents, and supporters giving up their time to advocate for this important cause, said Laura Rosenberg, a mother of a child with special needs. The government officials connected with us and took our issues seriously and we hope that our efforts will ensure that New York will continue to expand the critical supports and services for our children.


The White House is finalizing plans for a U.S.-Mexico border clampdown that would shut off asylum requests and automatically deny entrance to migrants once the number of people encountered by American border officials exceeded a new daily threshold, with President Joe Biden expected to sign an executive order as early as Tuesday, according to four people familiar with the matter.

The president has been weighing additional executive action since the collapse of a bipartisan border bill earlier this year. The number of illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border has declined for months, partly because of a stepped-up effort by Mexico. Still, immigration remains a top concern heading into the U.S. presidential election in November and Republicans are eager to hammer Biden on the issue.

The Democratic administrations effort would aim to head off any potential spike in crossings that could occur later in the year, as the fall election draws closer, when the weather cools and numbers tend to rise, two of the people. They were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing discussions and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The move would allow Biden, whose administration has taken smaller steps in recent weeks to discourage migration and speed up asylum processing, to say he has done all he can do to control the border numbers without help from Congress.

The talks were still fluid and the people stressed that no final decisions had been made.

The restrictions being considered are an aggressive attempt to ease the nations overwhelmed asylum system, along with a new effort to speed up the cases of migrants already in America and another meant to quicken processing for migrants with criminal records or those who would otherwise be eventually deemed ineligible for asylum in the United States.

The people told the AP that the administration was weighing some of the policies directly from a stalled bipartisan Senate border deal, including capping the number of encounters at an average of 4,000 per day over a week and whether that limit would include asylum-seekers coming to the border with appointments through U.S. Customs and Border Protections CBP One app. Right now, there are roughly 1,450 such appointments per day.

Two of the people said one option is that migrants who arrive after the border reaches a certain threshold could be removed automatically in a process similar to deportation and would not be able to return easily. Migrants were able to more easily return to the border if they were expelled under the pandemic-era policy known as Title 42. Under that arrangement, Mexico agreed to take back some non-Mexican nationalities, including migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Migrants, especially families, claiming asylum at the southern border are generally released into the U.S. to wait out their cases. But there are more than 2 million pending immigration court cases, and some people wait years for a court date while they live in limbo in the U.S.

Anyone can ask for asylum regardless of whether they arrive illegally at the border, but U.S. officials are increasingly pushing migrants to make appointments, use a legal pathway that avoids the costly and dangerous journey, or stay where they are and apply through outposts in Colombia, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

The Biden administration has grown ever more conservative on border issues as the president faces ceaseless criticism from Republicans and there are large numbers of migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico who are not easily returned, especially as global displacement grows from war, climate change and more.

The immigration authority that the administration has been looking to use is outlined in Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It gives a president broad leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the U.S. if it would be detrimental to the U.S. national interest.

Senate Republicans last week again blocked a bill that would have enshrined some of the same efforts into law. The vote was meant to underscore GOP resistance to the proposal even as Republicans have clamored for more restrictions and argued that Biden has not done enough to stem the flow of migrants entering into the U.S.

The bipartisan bill had been negotiated for months and appeared, for a moment anyway, to be heading toward passage. It was even endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council and its president Brandon Judd, an avowed supporter of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. But Trump, concerned about handing Democrats an election-year win, called on Republicans to tank it, and they did.

White House officials did not confirm the expected executive order.

White House spokesman Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said the administration continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system.

While congressional Republicans chose to stand in the way of additional border enforcement, President Biden will not stop fighting to deliver the resources that border and immigration personnel need to secure our border, he said.

Congress this year approved funding for a total of 41,500 detention beds and increased money for immigration enforcement and removal operations by $1.2 billion over what the White House had initially requested. That included $106 million in more funding for programs that monitor immigrants in the asylum system through phone apps and ankle bracelets, rather than through detention.

Those increases, negotiated after the collapse of the bipartisan deal, could pave the way for the administration to ratchet up immigration enforcement.

Yet unlike legislative action that is binding, anything Biden does through executive action can be challenged in the courts, and will almost certainly be, so it not clear whether  or if  the clampdown on asylum would begin. The administration was weighing other actions too, including faster and tougher enforcement of the asylum process.

The administration has generally paired proposed crackdowns with an expansion of legal paths elsewhere and was also planning to do so in the future, but not at the same time the new restrictions were announced, the people said.

(AP)
Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war on Friday, each sending back 75 POWs in the first such swap in the past three months, officials said. A few hours earlier and at the same location, the two sides also handed over bodies of their fallen soldiers.

The Ukrainian POWs, including four civilians, were returned on several buses that drove into the northern Sumy region. As they disembarked, they shouted joyfully and called their families to tell them they were home. Some knelt and kissed the ground while many wrapped themselves in yellow-blue flags and hugged one another, breaking into tears. Many appeared emaciated and poorly dressed.

The exchange of the 150 POWs in all was the fourth swap this year and the 52nd since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The United Arab Emirates said it helped negotiate this latest exchange.

The two sides have traded blame for what they say is a slowdown in the swaps.

Ukraine has in the past urged Russia to swap all for all and rallies calling for the release of POWs take place across Ukraine weekly. A Ukrainian official at the headquarters coordinating the exchanges, Vitalii Matviienko said that Ukraine is always ready.

Tatyana Moskalkova, Russias human rights ombudsperson, said earlier this week that Kyiv was making new artificial demands, without elaborating.

Among those who were returned home to Ukraine on Friday was Roman Onyschuk, an IT worker who joined Ukrainian forces as a volunteer at the start of the Russian invasion. He was captured in March 2022 in the Kharkiv region.

I just want to hear my wifes voice, my sons voice. I missed his three birthdays, he said. In the more than 800 days he spent in captivity, he never communicated with his family and he doesnt know what city they are in now, he said.

Its a little bit overwhelming, Onyschuk added.

With the exchanges, including Fridays, Ukraine has gotten back a total of 3,210 members of the Ukrainian military and civilians since the outbreak of the war, according to Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of POWs.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia disclose how many POWs there are in all.

Dmytro Kantypenko was captured on Snake Island in the Black Sea in the first days of the war. He was among those freed Friday and said he called his mother to tell her he was back in Ukraine.

Ill be home soon, he said, wiping away his tears. He learned that his wife had fled to Lithuania with their son.

The Russians woke him up in the middle of the night without any explanation, he said, giving him a short time to change his clothes before they were on their way. Kantypenko said they were tortured with electroshock shortly before the exchange, and his fellow POWs standing beside him confirmed that.

According to U.N. reports, the majority of Ukrainian POWs are subject to routine medical neglect, severe and systematic mistreatment, and even torture while in detention. There have also been isolated reports of abuse of Russian soldiers, mostly during capture or transit to internment sites.

At least one-third of Ukrainians who returned home suffered injuries, severe illnesses, and disabilities, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs. Among those returned Friday were 19 Ukrainian fighters from Snake island, 14 people captured at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and 10 fighters from the city of Mariupol that was captured by Russia.

Five women were among the returned Ukrainians, including Nataliia Manuilova, who was a cook in the Azov regiment and spent more than two years in captivity. The Russians took her from her home in Mariupol, pulling a bag over her head and tying her hands, she recounted.

I hate them. They took away two years of my beautiful life, she said, hugging her son on Friday. I cant believe hes grown up like this.

The POWs traveled through small villages before reaching Sumy, from where they were taken to hospitals for two weeks of rehabilitation. The buses moved past green fields with newly dug defense lines preparing for Russian attacks in the area following Moscows offensive in the neighboring Kharkiv region.

Ukrainians with blue and yellow flags took to the streets and loudly welcomed the POWs home.

Earlier in the day and at the same location, Ukraine and Russia also swapped bodies of their fallen soldiers  Ukraine returned 212 bodies and Russia 45.

Bohdan Okhrimenko, another official at the Ukrainian POWs offices, explained the sharp difference in numbers. This time, the negotiators agreed to bring back more of our heroes, he said.

The warring sides only meet when they swap their dead and POWs, which require considerable preparation and diplomacy.

Vitalii Matviienko, another Ukrainian official from the POW headquarters, said there were days when the exchanges didnt happen because the Russian side would change their mind at the last minute.

Since the outbreak of the war, Ukraine got back nearly 3,000 bodies, mostly of servicemen, according to Ukraines missing persons office. About 1,300 of them have been identified.

Sometimes it takes weeks before the bodies are identified and returned to their families for burial.

They havent returned home alive, but their memory allows us to continue fighting, said Okhrimenko. And it gives their families a possibility for proper burial.

(AP)
On behalf of the government of Ukraine, I express graditute to the Azerbaijani side for the comprehensive assistance provided to our country, said Yuriy Husyev, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Azerbaijan during a briefing held today, Azernews reports.

He said that his country is especially interested in expanding cooperation in the field of energy:

We hope that our cooperation, especially in the field of energy will further deepen. Azerbaijan has contributed USD 9 million to our energy system from 2022 till today. As a result of this, the compensation of problems emerged in the field of energy has been possible to some extent. Azerbaijan and Ukraine comfirm that they are interested in cooperation in all areas of the economy. In this regard, the export of fruits and vegetables from Azerbaijan to Ukaine has increased recently. From the first day, Azerbaijan has assisted thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. As a result of Azerbaijan's aid to the energy sector, it was possible to compensate the problems arising in the energy sector to a certain extent.

The ambassador emphasized that Official Kyiv supports Azerbaijan's hosting of the 29th session of the UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP29):

This issue was also in the center of focus at the meeting with your minister during the visit of our Minister of Ecology to Azerbaijan last week. Ukraine is especially interested in participating in the Middle Corridor project. I can say with certainty that the future expansion of cooperation in strategic areas is planned."
A court in Russia on Friday ordered a detained Russian American journalist to be held until at least Aug. 5, pending investigation and trial, a further step in the Kremlins crackdown on dissent and free speech.

Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor for the U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Tatar-Bashkir service, was taken into custody on Oct. 18 and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military. Later, she was also charged with spreading false information about the military.

A court in Tatarstan on Friday ordered her to remain behind bars at least until Aug. 5, according to OVD-Info, a Russian rights group that tracks political arrests.

Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen who lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters, could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to RFE/RL.

Russian authorities have intensified a crackdown on Kremlin critics and independent journalists after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, using legislation that effectively criminalized any public expression about the conflict that deviates from the Kremlin line.

Kurmasheva was the second U.S. journalist detained in Russia last year, after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested on espionage charges in March. Gershkovich and his employer have rejected the charges, and U.S. authorities designated him wrongfully detained. He has spent a year in custody.

Kurmasheva was initially stopped on June 2 on the way out of Kazan International Airport after traveling to Russia the previous month to visit her ailing mother. Officials confiscated Kurmashevas U.S. and Russian passports and fined her for failing to register her U.S. passport. She was waiting for her documents to be returned when she was arrested on other charges in October. RFE/RL has called for her release.

RFE/RL was told by Russian authorities in 2017 to register as a foreign agent, but it has challenged Moscows use of foreign agent laws in the European Court of Human Rights. The organization has been fined millions of dollars by Russia.

(AP)
An environmental activist was detained Saturday after sticking a protest sign to a Monet painting in Paris famed Orsay Museum.

It was the latest of several actions by protesters with the group Food Riposte to target artworks in France in calls for action to protect food supplies from further damage to the climate. The museum, known in French as the Musee dOrsay, is a top tourist destination and home to some of the worlds most-loved Impressionist works.

The activist targeted Poppy Field by Claude Monet, affixing a sticker that covered about half the painting with an apocalyptic, futuristic vision of the same scene. The group said its supposed to show what the field would look like in 2100, ravaged by flames and drought, if more action isnt taken against climate change.

The woman was detained pending investigation, according to Paris police.

It was unclear whether the incident damaged the painting. The museum did not respond to requests for comment.

(AP)
Irans hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registered Sunday as a possible candidate for the presidential election, seeking to regain the countrys top political position after a helicopter crash killed the nations president.

The populist former leaders registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In office, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was barred by authorities.

The firebrand, Holocaust-denying politicians return comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program, its arming of Russia in its war on Ukraine and its wide-reaching crackdowns on dissent. Meanwhile, Irans support of militia proxy forces throughout the wider Mideast have been in increased focus as Yemens Houthi rebels attack ships in the Red Sea over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Ahmadinejad is the most prominent candidate to register so far. Speaking after his registration, he vowed to seek constructive engagement with the world and improved economic relations with all nations.

The economic, political, cultural and security problems are beyond the situation in 2013, Ahmadinejad said, referring to the year he left the presidency after two terms.

After speaking to journalists in front of a bank of 50-odd microphones, Ahmadinejad said, his finger in the air: Long live the spring, long live Iran!

Before his arrival at Irans Interior Ministry, his supporters chanted and waved Iranian flags. They quickly surrounded Ahmadinejad, 67, shouting: Allahu Akbar!

He descended the stairs at the ministry, showing his passport as is custom to dozens of photographers and video journalists on hand for the registration process. As a woman processed his candidacy, he sat, turned to the journalists, nodding and smiling for the cameras. He was expected to give remarks after concluding his registration.

An election is planned June 28 to replace Khameneis hardline protege President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May along with seven other people.

Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, a conservative with strong ties to Irans former relatively moderate President Hassan Rouhani, has already registered, as has former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, who also ran in 2021.

Who else will seek to run remains in question. The countrys acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, previously a behind-the-scenes bureaucrat, could be the front runner because he has already been seen meeting with Khamenei. Also discussed as a possible aspirant is former reformist President Mohammad Khatami, but, as with Ahmadinejad, whether he would be allowed to run is another question.

The five-day registration period will close on Tuesday, and the Guardian Council is expected to issue its final list of candidates within 10 days. That will allow for a shortened two-week campaign before the vote in late June.

Ahmadinejad previously served two four-year terms from 2005 to 2013. Under Iranian law, he became eligible to run again after four years out of office, but he remains a polarizing figure even among fellow hardliners. His disputed re-election in 2009 sparked massive Green Movement protests and a sweeping crackdown in which thousands of people were detained and dozens were killed.

Abroad, he became a caricature of the Islamic Republics worst attributes, including denying the Holocaust and hinting Iran could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so.

But Ahmadinejad remains popular among the poor for his populist efforts and homebuilding programs. Since leaving office, hes raised his profile via social media and written widely publicized letters to world leaders. Hes also criticized government corruption, though his own administration faced graft allegations and two of his former vice presidents were jailed.

Khamenei warned Ahmadinejad in 2017 that his standing for office again would be a polarized situation that would be harmful for the county. Khamenei said nothing during Ahmadinejads 2021 attempt, when his candidacy was rejected by the 12-member Guardian Council, a panel of clerics and jurists ultimately overseen by Khamenei. That panel has never accepted a woman or anyone calling for radical change to the countrys governance.

That panel could reject Ahmadinejad again. However, the race to replace Raisi has yet to draw a candidate with clear, overwhelming support from Khamenei.

(AP)
Ukraine imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country on Sunday, a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure and claimed it made gains in the eastern Donetsk province.

The shutdowns were in place in all but three regions of Ukraine following Saturdays drone and missile attack on energy targets that injured at least 19 people.

Ukraines state-owned power grid operator Ukrenergo said the shutdowns affected both industrial and household consumers.

Sustained Russian attacks on Ukraines power grid in recent weeks have forced the government to institute nationwide rolling blackouts. Without adequate air defenses to counter assaults and allow for repairs, though, the shortages could still worsen as need spikes in late summer and the bitter-cold winter.

Among the most significant recent strikes were an April barrage that damaged Kyivs largest thermal power plant and a massive attack on May 8 that targeted power generation and transmission facilities in several regions.

Following Saturdays barrage, Ukraines air force said Sunday that air defenses had shot down all 25 drones launched overnight.

Russia claimed Sunday that it had taken control of the village of Umanske in the partially Russian-occupied Donetsk region.

Russias coordinated new offensive has centered on Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region, but seems to include testing Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk farther south, while also launching incursions in the northern Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

In Russia, six people were injured in shelling in the city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said Sunday. He also said that a local official, the deputy head of the Korochansky district, had been killed by detonation of ammunition. He gave no details.

In the neighboring Kursk region, three people were injured Sunday when an explosive device was dropped from a drone, according to acting regional head Alexey Smirnov.

Speaking at Asias premier security conference in Singapore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China on Sunday of helping Russia to disrupt an upcoming Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.

(AP)
A poll conducted by Morning Consult on Friday has shed light on how voters are responding to the historic guilty verdict against Donald Trump for falsifying business records. The polls findings indicate that a substantial number of Republicans and Independents believe Trump should withdraw from the presidential race, while a majority of registered voters approve of the jurys decision.

According to the poll, 54% of registered voters either strongly or somewhat approve of the guilty verdict, compared to 34% who disapprove. Notably, 49% of Independents and 15% of Republicans think Trump should end his campaign due to the conviction.

In a hypothetical one-on-one matchup with President Biden, the poll found the race to be effectively tied nationally, with Biden at 45% and Trump at 44%.

While a majority of voters agree with the guilty verdict, the poll revealed that 49% believe Trump should receive probation, whereas 44% think he should go to prison. Additionally, 68% of registered voters believe the punishment should be a fine.

The poll also exposed deep-seated distrust in the criminal justice system. 75% of Republican voters reported feeling less confident in the system following the verdict. Moreover, 77% of GOP voters and 43% of Independents believe the conviction was motivated by a desire to harm Trumps political career.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In a chaotic overnight incident in Queens, two police officers were shot, and a suspect was wounded, according to authorities.

The officers were investigating a series of robberies involving mopeds and scooters in East Elmhurst when they attempted to stop a person riding a moped the wrong way near 23rd Avenue and 82nd Street. The suspect fled on foot.

The officers pursued him for several blocks, and during the chase, the suspect fired at them, NYPD officials reported. One officer was struck in his bulletproof vest, while the other was hit in the leg.

Both officers were transported to a hospital and are expected to be released later Monday.

The suspect, identified as a 19-year-old Bernardo Castro Mata, who resides at a nearby migrant shelter, was shot in the right ankle. He was taken into custody and is receiving treatment at a hospital, where he is in stable condition. Sources say he is Venezuelan, and crossed the border at Eagle Pass.

A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Investigators revealed that the 19-year-old has no prior arrests in New York City but is a suspect in several robbery patterns in Queens. Police are currently investigating over 80 robbery patterns involving scooters and mopeds citywide, a significant increase from last year when there were no such cases.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Pro-Brexit, anti-immigration campaigner Nigel Farage stepped back into front-line British politics on Monday, announcing he will take the helm of the right-wing party Reform U.K. and run for Parliament in the July 4 election.

Farage said hell run in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in his eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons. The announcement came just days after Farage said he would not be a candidate because it was more important to support his ally Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election in November.

While Farage stands a chance of getting elected on July 4, he acknowledged that his larger goal is to lead the real opposition to a Labour Party government if the governing Conservative Party loses, as many expect.

Farage said he wanted to lead a political revolt  a turning of our backs on the political status quo.

Hes aiming to repeat the populist political pressure that pushed for, and then won, a 2016 referendum on taking the U.K. out of the European Union.

I cant turn my back on those millions of people who followed me, believed in me, Farage said. Ive changed my mind because I cant let down millions of people.

Farage also said he would take over as leader of Reform, successor to the Brexit Party. That role has been held since Reform was founded by Richard Tice, with Farage serving as honorary president.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks center-right Conservatives, who have been in office for 14 years, are battling a widespread sense that voters want change. On July 4 voters across the U.K. will elect lawmakers to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can command a Commons majority  either alone or in coalition  will become prime minister.

The favorite is Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who pledged Monday to keep the U.K.s nuclear weapons as he seeks to dispel criticisms that his center-left party is soft on defense..

His campaign is centered on his claim to have transformed the party since he replaced Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime opponent of nuclear weapons and critic of NATO, as Labour leader in 2020.

My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute, Starmer said Monday during a campaign appearance at a military museum in Bury, northwest England.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defense, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s, and both Labour and Conservative governments have consistently supported atomic weapons. Since the 1990s, Britains nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.

Starmer said a Labour government would build the four new nuclear submarines that the Conservatives have already committed to. He criticized the Conservatives for defense spending cuts that had given the U.K. the smallest army since the time of Napoleon, the French leader who fought Britain 200 years ago.

He said the world had entered a new age of insecurity and national security is the most important issue of our times.

The schism between pro- and anti-nuclear forces was long a fault-line in the Labour Party. It was Prime Minister Clement Attlees Labour government that developed atomic weapons in the years following World War II, making Britain the worlds third nuclear-armed state after the United States and the Soviet Union.

Starmer said his entire top team shared his commitment to the nuclear arsenal, even though several members, including deputy leader Angela Rayner and foreign affairs spokesman David Lammy, voted against renewing Trident in 2016.

He also pledged that a Labour government would increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product, though he has not set a deadline. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says his Conservatives will meet the target by 2030.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said Starmer had delivered another empty speech.

By refusing to commit to 2.5% defense spending by 2030 he has been unable to show the clear and bold leadership this country needs in uncertain times, Shapps said.

(AP)
Self-loathing Jewish Senator Bernie Sanders has announced he will boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus speech to a joint meeting of Congress, labeling him a war criminal who should not be given a platform.

Netanyahu was invited Friday by leaders from both parties, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress, Sanders said.

Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend.

Sanders has been a vocal critic of Israels military offensive against Hamas, arguing that it has broken international law and should not receive further US foreign aid. He has also asserted a strawman argument that Israel cannot destroy the entire people in Gaza  which it is very obviously not doing.

Netanyahu has accepted the invitation to address Congress, eager to present the truth about Israels just war to the American people and the world.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In a historic election over the weekend, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), once led by Nelson Mandela, lost its absolute majority for the first time since apartheid ended 30 years ago.

The blow to the ANC follows its outrageous claims against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it is committing genocide in Gaza and its threats to arrest its citizens who serve in the IDF.

In February 2024, MP Kenneth Meshoe attacked the ANC and predicted that the party will be cursed for cursing Israel. I want to remind the ANC today that Isaiah 54:17 says that no weapon that is formed against Israel shall prosper and every tongue that rises against it in judgment will be condemned, he said. ANC, you have gone too far and your judgment is imminent. When the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob said that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her, He was not joking but meant every word He said. You have invited the curse on yourself and youre going to get it!

Last month, a group of 160 lawyers said that South Africa was allegedly bribed by Iran to file the false claims against Israel at the ICJ in exchange for the Islamic Republic covering the partys debts. The lawyers sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that the ANC experienced a sudden and unexplained financial turnaround after it filed the case against Israel and demanded that an inquiry be launched under the anti-corruption Magnitsky Act.

The ANCs Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor flew to Tehran shortly after October 7th and according to Pandor, discussed Israeli apartheid. Additionally, ANC leaders hosted Hamas leaders on a visit to South Africa in December.

The ANC will now likely need to look for a coalition partner or partners to remain in the government and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second and final term. Parliament must meet to elect the South African president within 14 days after the election result is declared.

The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANCs majority and we have done that, said John Steenhuisen, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party.

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party, said that the ANCs entitlement of being the sole dominant party was over.

The way forward could be complicated for Africas most advanced economy, and theres no coalition on the table yet. The three main opposition parties and many more smaller ones were in the mix as the bargaining begins.

We can talk to anybody and everybody, ANC Chairman Gwede Mantashe said on national broadcaster SABC.

Steenhuisens Democratic Alliance received around 21% of the vote. The new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, who has turned against the ANC he once led, was third with just over 14% of the vote in the first election it has contested. The Economic Freedom Fighters was fourth with just over 9%.

DA has been the most critical opposition party for years and doesnt share the ANCs pro-Russia and pro-China foreign policy. South Africa takes over the presidency of the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations next year.

An ANC-DA coalition would be a marriage of two drunk people in Las Vegas. It will never work, Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the smaller Patriotic Alliance party, told South African media.

DA says an ANC-MK-EFF agreement would be a doomsday coalition given MK and EFF are made up of former ANC figures and would pursue the same failed policies.

The three opposition parties had a combined share that was bigger than the ANC, but they are highly unlikely to all work together. The DA was also part of a preelection agreement with other smaller parties to potentially form a coalition.

Amid it all, there was no sense of celebrations from ordinary South Africans, but rather the realization that a rocky political road was ahead. The Daily Maverick newspaper had a South African scratching his head with the words: What Does It Mean For Our Future? on its front page. The Die Burger newspaper led with an image of about a dozen political parties logos going into a meat grinder.

South African opposition parties were united in one thing  something had to change in the country of 62 million, which is Africas most developed but also one of the most unequal in the world.

The official unemployment rate is 32% and the poverty disproportionately affects Black people, who make up 80% of the population and have been the core of the ANCs support for years. The violent crime rate is also high.

The ANC has seen a steady decline in its support over the last 20 years, but by around three to five percentage points each election. It dropped 17 percentage points this time from the 57.5% it won in 2019.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem & AP)
Veteran Hollywood actor Michael Douglas met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Wednesday, following a visit to the Gaza border region, where he witnessed the devastating impact of the October 7 attacks.

Douglas, whose father Kirk Douglas was Jewish, expressed his solidarity with Israel, saying, Were just happy to be here in support of Israel, and to share with you the fact that America is definitely your ally as our president has shared with you. He also expressed hope for the successful outcome of negotiations and the safe return of hostages.

During his visit to Kibbutz Beer and the Supernova massacre site, Douglas was deeply moved by the atrocities committed by Hamas. He described the experience as very difficult and sensed a deep shock among the people he met.

In his meeting with President Herzog, Douglas was presented with a yellow hostage pin and a dog-tag necklace bearing the message Our heart is held captive in Gaza. He also expressed concern over the recent wave of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests on US college campuses, attributing the students views to brainwashing due to a lack of education and knowledge on the issue.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Industry Leaders Weigh in on How Generative AI Will Revolutionize Education

Artificial intelligence comes with great potential to enhance learning as well as the ability to address issues such as educator burnout and the limitations of standardized testing. But it also comes with some serious challenges, including ethical considerations and the need for personalized data.

In a lively panel discussion at the GenAI Summit 2024 in San Francisco, experts in artificial intelligence and education gathered to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in reshaping the classroom of the future. The discussion, titled "AI and Education: Building the Future Classroom," featured prominent voices in the field who shared insights on how AI technologies can enhance learning experiences and address longstanding educational challenges.

The session was led by Hamza Farooq, adjunct professor at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, lecturer for Stanford University Continuing Studies, and founder of traversal.ai. He pointed to what is widely seen as a significant shift from traditional classroom settings to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic forced everyone to attend online courses and complete their education remotely," Farooq said, setting the stage for a conversation on the future of education in the age of generative AI.

Bryan Talebi, CEO and co-founder of Ahura AI, emphasized the potential of AI to revolutionize education by enabling personalized learning experiences. "We invented technology that allows people to learn three to five times faster than traditional education methods," said Talebi, who has a background in building satellites at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "The role of teachers will shift towards focusing on the psychosocial development of students, while AI provides hyper-personalized teaching."

Yao Du, a clinical assistant professor in speech-language pathology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, shared her experience integrating AI tools into her curriculum. "I spent the summer teaching my students how to use ChatGPT for their assignments," she said. "It levels the playing field for all students and enhances productivity while maintaining ethical considerations around data privacy."

Derek Gong, the founder of CoursePals, a startup focused on education technology, and a Stanford master's student, discussed the practical applications of AI in education. "Our product integrates GPT with group chat to facilitate better interaction between professors and students," Gong explained. "AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing professors to focus on more intellectually rewarding aspects of teaching."

The panel also addressed concerns about AI's impact on employment. Talebi acknowledged the potential for significant job displacement but stressed the importance of retraining workers for the jobs of tomorrow. "We need to find a way to retrain one to two billion adults over the next five to six years," he said. "If we don't, we could face mass suffering, war, and civil unrest."

As the discussion concluded, the panelists agreed on the need for a balanced approach to AI integration in education, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human interaction. "AI is here to reinforce our learning and clinical services, not replace us," Du said.

The GenAI Summit's final session underscored the critical role of AI in shaping the future of education, promising a future where technology and human expertise coexist to create more effective and inclusive learning environments.

This year's GenAI Summit is the second annual event organized by GPT Dao, a global generative AI community. According to event organizers, this year's summit drew an estimated 10,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors. The list of exhibitors at this year's conference includes Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon. (A complete list is available on the conference website.)
An Israeli Jew was tragically killed in a fight that turned into a deadly shooting in Reno, Nevada, this past Wednesday. Police said they responded to Comstock Drive, where they found one man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has since been identified as Yeshayahu Dahan, a 39-year-old Israeli native who was residing in the United States. According to a report from BChadrei Chareidim, Yeshayahu zl had kindly invited a homeless man to live in his home. However, following multiple incidents, Yeshayahu asked the man to leave, but he refused. This led to a dispute and then an outright fight, during which the man shot and fatally injured the Israeli.

According to local media reports, the homeless man remained at the scene and cooperated with the police, who later determined that it was not a murder but an act of self-defense.

Dayans family subsequently arranged for the body to be repatriated to Israel for Kevurah, with the Levaya taking place on Sunday in Beit Shemesh.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Dozens of Charedi protesters blocked roads in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak on Sunday as Israels Supreme Court heard arguments in a landmark case challenging a controversial system of exemptions from military service granted to lomdei torah.

The court is looking at the legality of the exemptions, which have divided the country and threatened to collapse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus governing coalition. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Most Jewish men and women in Israel are required to serve mandatory military service at the age of 18. But Charedim have traditionally received exemptions if they are studying full-time in Yeshivos. These exemptions have infuriated the wider general public, especially as hundreds of soldiers have been killed in the war with Hamas.

During Sundays arguments, government lawyers told the judges that forcing Charedi men to enlist would tear Israeli society apart. The court suggested a target of enlisting 3,000 Charedi men a year  more than double the current levels but still less than 25% of their overall numbers.

In Jerusalem, Israeli police cleared protesters from roads, and forcefully removed those who briefly blocked the citys light rail. Demonstrators chanted to prison and not to the army.

In March, the court ordered an end to government subsidies for many Charedi men who do not serve in the army.

Netanyahu faces a court-ordered deadline of June 30 to pass a new law that would end the broad exemptions. But he depends on Charedi parties to prop up his government, and ending the exemptions could cause them to leave and trigger new elections.

(AP/YWN)
The IDF spokesperson said on Monday morning that Israels Arrow missile defense system intercepted a surface-to-surface air missile on the way to Israel from the Red Sea.

The missile, which was launched by the Houthis in Yemen, was headed toward Eilat, triggering sirens in the city.

The Houthis have fired several missiles and drones at Eilat since October 7th. All of them were shot down by Israels air defense sytems except for one long-range cruise missile that landed in an open area north of Eilat in March.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF has confirmed the deaths of four Israeli hostages who were being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The hostages, identified as Chaim Peri, 79, Amiram Cooper, 84, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Nadav Popplewell, 51, were believed to have been held together in the Khan Younis area and killed several months ago.

The military has not released details on the circumstances of their deaths, citing an ongoing investigation. The four hostages were among the 251 people abducted by Hamas on October 7, and their deaths bring the total number of confirmed deaths among the hostages to 41.

Peri, Cooper, and Metzger were abducted from Nir Oz on October 7, while Popplewell was taken hostage from Nirim. In December, Hamas released a propaganda video showing Peri, Cooper, and Metzger, and in March claimed that the three had been killed by Israeli strikes. Popplewell was seen in a separate propaganda video in May, apparently weeks after his death.

Hamas is still holding 120 hostages, including two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who are believed to be alive after entering the Gaza Strip on their own accord in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The terror group is also holding the bodies of fallen IDF soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, who were killed in 2014.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Of all the takeover battles on the table at present, there is none more significant to Britain than the proposed 3.6billion sell-off of International Distribution Services, the owner of the Royal Mail, to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

The passive way in which the board agreed to the deal and feeble undertakings made by Kretinsky is disgraceful.

Chairman Keith Williams and his team should step down and make way for a new slate of director more capable of running a vital utility in the interests of all stakeholders, including the consumers and posties.

The rush to get the deal done parallels the election timetable. Under normal circumstances, this is a transaction which would have commanded the full attention of the Commons Business Committee, with testimony from all the protagonists, including Kretinsky and his operations chief Roman Silha.

The fallout from such hearings, focusing on the fate of an institution serving the country for 508 years, would have been enough to kill it in its tracks.

Vital utility: Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's 3.6bn offer for Royal Mail-owner International Distribution Services has been approved by the company's board

The election has brought the workings of the Commons, Whitehall and the regulator Ofcom to a halt.

There are no such barriers to a City deal which is in danger of sneaking under the wire while government is otherwise engaged.

Such a sale, with a huge impact on the NHS and the operations of HMRC, should have commanded the attention of government and opposition.

Instead, there have been mealy mouthed words from the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and waffle about the UK need to attract overseas capital.

Ownership of the Royal Mail ought be an open goal for a prospective Labour government, partly funded by the unions.

Labours economic team, headed by Rachel Reeves and Jonathan Reynolds, have behaved like rabbits in the headlights, afraid perhaps of upsetting the notion that Keir Starmers party is business friendly.

Ownership of the Royal Mail should be a top issue in a campaign dominated by vacuous pledges.

Fashion fandango

A listing with a valuation of 50billion in London was always going to be irresistible to the City and Britains politicians.

So an initial public offering for Singapore-based fast fashion champion Shein always was likely to be embraced.

For the last several years, much of the traffic has been in the opposite direction with many executives seeking the get-rich-quick pay scales in the US.

Justifying high pay in London is more difficult as protests about the 8.2million package for Centrica chief executive Chris OShea demonstrates.

The issues about Shein are complex. Chairman Donald Tang and founder Chris Xu were always going to find a New York float a big ask.

A rabidly anti-Chinese mood in the US was a high hurdle. Even though Shein is based in Singapore, its engine is in the Peoples Republic and suspicions about working conditions run deep.

There can be no pretence that UK investors feel any less strongly about any of this. Boohoo found itself under heavy fire over conditions in its factories.

The Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 cast a harsh light on conditions there and led Primark among others to insist on higher building and factory standards.

Tang has made a big effort to court both government and Labour politicians, including shadow Business Secretary Reynolds.

There will be an intense glare on Shein, known for its cheap disposable fashion. But the UK pays scant attention to production of other goods made in China, ranging from electric vehicles to laptops. Picking and choosing is hypocritical.

Shein will provide a much needed confidence boost to an under-valued equity market.

Music stopped

One couldnt but notice the fulsome death notices for musical philanthropist Sir Ian Stoutzker.

He was the first investment banker I ever interviewed in the gung-ho days of the Barber boom of the 1970s.

He was among a quad of executives who ran the investment bank Keyser Ullmann, rescued by the Bank of England when the property bubble burst.

His career was resurrected during a stint at another financial group Dawnay Day which acquired remnants of Keysers operations.

Property booms and busts are an enduring feature of free market capitalism as the Chinese are learning.
GSK says it will appeal a US court ruling allowing more than 70,000 lawsuits to go forward, amid disputed claims its heartburn drug Zantac has links to cancer.

The FTSE 100 drugmaker told investors on Monday it will 'immediately seek an appeal' following Delaware judge Vivian Medinilla's decision, adding that the firm will 'vigorously defend itself against all claims'.

On Friday, Judge Medinilla ruled that scientific experts will be granted permission to present the case that GSK's drug Zantac may cause cancer.

On Friday, Judge Medinilla ruled that scientific experts will be granted permission to present the case that GSK's drug Zantac may cause cancer

GSK shares were down 8.92 per cent to 1,609p in Monday morning trading.

In a statement, Britain's second-largest pharmaceutical firm said: 'Following the 16 epidemiological studies looking at human data regarding the use of ranitidine, the scientific consensus is that there is no consistent or reliable evidence that ranitidine increases the risk of any cancer.

'Alongside immediately seeking an appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court, the company will file motions for dismissal pressing additional defenses, severance of cases, and proof-of-use by claimants; and, at the same time, the company will progress to trials of individual cases.'

Many retail giants, including Walgreens and Walmart, began withdrawing Zantac from the shelves in 2019 due to cancer fears.

This is because it was claimed that Zantac's active ingredient, ranitidine, under some conditions turns into a cancer-causing substance called NDMA.

The following year, the US Food and Drug Administration pulled the medicine from the market after finding it produced high volumes of NDMA when exposed to heat.

Although NDMA is present in low levels in water, researchers have discovered that the chemical can increase the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer when ingested in significant amounts.

Last month, a jury in Chicago agreed with GSK that Angela Valadez, 89, had not proven her colon cancer was at least in part the result of her Zantac use.

Valadez had alleged that her cancer was a result of taking over-the-counter Zantac and generic versions of it from 1995 to 2014.

Lawyers for Valadez had asked the jury to award 500million for her suffering. Mikal Watts, one of Valadezs attorneys, said he respected the verdict but was confident the companies would be held liable in future Zantac trials.
URA Holdings CEO Bernard Olivier and his colleagues, including chairman Edward Nealon, are veterans of the mining sector.

With gemstone success stories at Tanzanite One (T1) and experience at Bezant Resources, Olivier knows the industry on a granular level.

Nealon, meanwhile, founded and built Aquarius Platinum before moving on to Sylvania Platinum and was also in on the ground floor with T1.

Both are familiar with moving mining assets quickly along the value trail, which probably explains how they - and an experienced supporting cast - have been able to take a historic emerald operation from acquisition, through maiden JORC resource and to production in little over two years and on a budget of around 2million.

The mine is Gravelotte in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, around 50 kilometres from the world-famous Kruger National Park.

An open pit mine in Limpopo Province, South Africa

It was the largest operation of its kind during the 1960s and historically has yielded nearly 113 million carats.

It was sold to URA by Australia's Mangum Mining for an initial 100,00 in shares and payments of 100,000 for every five million carats mined up to a maximum of 1m.

The team didn't hang about after buying the asset. It compiled a JORC resource estimate for the Cobra and Discovery deposits that has identified around 29 million carats of contained emeralds, giving an initial life of mine of almost a decade.

To add a little sizzle, URA's team has also compiled a list of exploration targets that could add a further 168 million to 344 million carats to that total.

Instead of following the traditional process of feasibility studies, financing and building, URA has taken a fast-track and phased approach.

So, on a shoestring, the company sourced and installed crushing equipment, screens, conveyors and dewatering pumps along with an optical sorter  in other words, everything required to get into production.

It has been helped by the fact that Gravelotte is a historic mine with infrastructure such as civil works, water storage, accommodation, roads into the site, and, crucially, access to grid electricity, which lowers the capex as well as the day-to-day costs. Going forward, URA intends to invest future profits to expand and grow output.

With production underway, URA's first trial auction will take place in the second half. Olivier says he is currently putting the finishing touches to an agreement with a well-known auction house, formerly used by Gemfields, the preeminent source of coloured stones, and the owner of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, which has generated over $1 billion of sales since inception.

The URA CEO says Gemfields provides a template for what URA is trying to achieve as it effectively self-funded growth as it created its own market for ethically sourced emeralds.

'We are a lot smaller and have a way to go before we catch up Gemfields. But they, I would say, are who we'd like to emulate,' says Olivier.

Taking a closer look at the industry dynamics, the Gemval Aggregate Index shows a strong and healthy market for coloured gemstones that has decoupled from diamond values, which have effectively flat-lined for more than a decade now.

The Gemval Aggregate Index shows a strong and healthy market for coloured gemstones that

So, Anglo American's decision to offload De Beers diamond business, amid supply-side issues and the challenge from man-made alternatives, should not be conflated with the market for emeralds, rubies and sapphires, where the demand dynamics are governed by different and separate drivers, says Olivier.

He won't be drawn on the prospects for URA's first auction. That's because there are many imponderables: Mix and the quality of the lots, which can vary from sale to sale, and characteristics such as size, colour, clarity fashion and market demand all affect the outcome of an auction.

CEO Olivier explains: 'Prices can and will vary from the lower category to the top instances where $300-$400 a carat. At this point we don't know what we'll get, so there is no point in speculating.

'That's why I've been very careful not to do any forecasts on the first sales. You know, it's a very gradual process; it's about getting sales exposure. And as the auction house that we are working with said to me, you know, we should limit our expectations.'

Outside of South Africa, the mine developer has a Zambian strategic minerals project prospective for caesium, tantalum, niobium yttrium fluorine. Now that production is underway at Gravelotte, the asset is non-core, the URA CEO says.

'[Zambia] is really greenfield exploration so we are in discussions with some interested parties regarding a joint venture or something like that,' he explains.

'Our focus is very much the Gravelotte operation going into production and then expanding production.'

Core to any mining programme in South Africa is the black economic empowerment (BEE) legislation, which compels project owners to bring in indigenous investors.

With that in mind, a 26% share of Gravelotte has been ceded to local communities and black employees to ensure a good slug of the value created in the area is ploughed back.

'We truly can say it is a community-sponsored mining operation, and in my view, that's what it [BEE] is supposed to be all about,' says Olivier.

Having made rapid progress towards production and ultimately very quickly into the revenue generation phase, it is surprising that progress is yet to be recognised.

However, Olivier is unperturbed. Time and further progress towards revenue generation will help. It has some patient capital on the shareholder register having been able to attract institutional investment, including small-cap guru Gervais Williams' Premier Miton.

So what attracted these funds? 'I think the one thing that was singled out was management track record,' says Olivier.

'Tanzanite One was successful; Ed [Nealon] has done it in platinum. We were also able to get some of the key team from Tanzanite One, whom I have known for 15 or 20 years to join us. We have a small team, but a very experienced one.'


Shein is set to launch its 50billion stock market listing in London in the coming days despite concerns over working conditions at the Chinese firm.

The online fashion giant, which was set up in Nanjing but is now based in Singapore, could file papers as soon as this week in a major boost for the City.

London has been vying with New York for the blockbuster float which would see Shein soar straight into the blue-chip FTSE 100 index.

The Mail on Sunday revealed in April that London was the likely destination and the filing of a prospectus for regulatory approval would be the surest sign yet that the City has won out.

A listing valuing Shein at 50billion would be one of the biggest in the history of the London Stock Exchange.

The filing could occur as soon as this week, but the initial public offering (IPO) of its shares may not take place until later in the summer or in early autumn.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt  who is under pressure to bolster the City after amid concerns over its standing as a financial centre  has met with Shein chairman Donald Tang in recent weeks.

And Labour politicians  including business spokesman Jonathan Reynolds  have also held talks with the American businessman, who was born in Shanghai but moved to the US in 1982 aged 18.

Labour, who could form the next government after the election in July, are said to be very supportive of Shein picking London, according to The Times.

But potential investors are nervy because the company has been criticised for exploiting workers in China  as well as rapidly churning out products.

One report from advocacy group Public Eye last month revealed that some workers endure 75-hour weeks.

The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association has said it does not want London to become a listing place of last resort for companies with poor human rights records.

Boss James Alexander told The Mail: The Chancellor should be very clear with any company who thinks it can come here to dodge human rights laws or sustainability laws. This adds extra risk to our indexes, makes us more volatile and doesnt help the UK grow in the long term.

He wants ministers to send a message that the UK will not be bullied into taking companies that no other stock market will take.

Shein has seen its popularity swell in recent years and profits hit 1.6bn last year after it sold 35billion of clothing.

Young shoppers have been enticed away from rivals such as Boohoo and Asos thanks to ultra-cheap prices  including less than 3 for a top or 4 for a dress.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Shein has come under significant criticism for the huge volumes of cheap clothes it produces, the lack of transparency in its supply chain and its appropriation of other designers work. Given these concerns, investors could be wary if ESG is on their priority list.

Confirmation of listing may be election campaign fodder for the Conservatives, who are likely to say it demonstrates that government efforts in wooing firms to launch in London are paying off.

London has suffered from big names  including biotech firm Abcam and plumbing group Ferguson  ditching their listings and moving to the US. And it lost out when British chip designer Arm chose a 100billion float in New York.
A 63-year-old carnival worker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in a vehicle after they left the Northern Wisconsin State Fair grounds in July 2022 was sentenced Friday to serve five years in prison.

Craig McPherson, who has a Georgia address and family in Illinois, was charged in July 2022 in Chippewa County Court with sexual assault of a child under the age of 16 and second-degree sexual assault. He pleaded no contest on May 10 to child enticement and guilty to third-degree sexual assault as part of a plea agreement.

Judge Benjamin Lane ordered the prison sentence, along with four years of extended supervision. McPherson also is required to register as a sex offender and is required to pay $1,076 in court costs. He was given 684 days credit for time already served. Restitution will be addressed at a later time.

The victim spoke prior to sentencing, telling Lane about the pain and suffering shes experienced and that she has been diagnosed with PTSD and no longer has positive childhood memories of being at the fair.

In the past year and a half, Ive had difficulty in having trusting relationships, she said. I have anxiety. I never feel I am worth more than I am. I have difficulty with self-image. I also have difficulty focusing at school and getting my work done on time. I am unable to sleep without having nightmares.

The victims mother also spoke to Lane, saying: Ive had many emotional problems. My job as a mother has been to keep my children safe. And I realize I have failed at that. Over the past two years, Ive had guilt.

She said her daughter has been highly suicidal and no longer trusts men. She added this crime has cost them financially with counseling costs.

Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell told Lane the length of sentence was a joint recommendation. He noted it also protects the victim from the trauma of having to testify at trial.

Madison-based defense attorney Richard Jones told Lane that his client thought everything was OK and stressed this wasnt a case where clothes were ripped off against the victims will. However, his client understands that the victim is under-age and cannot consent to sex.

He takes full responsibility for all of it, Jones said.

McPherson spoke prior to sentencing and apologized to the victim and her mother and said he takes full responsibility.

When McPherson entered a plea, Lane revoked his $20,000 cash bond. He has been incarcerated since the assault nearly two years ago. The district attorneys office had requested the high cash bond because McPherson has no ties to Wisconsin and was set to leave the area with the carnival.

According to the criminal complaint and police reports, the 14-year-old girl and the girls 22-year-old sister left the fairgrounds together July 16, 2022, and drove to the Kwik Trip on the citys East Hill to purchase alcohol.

While the 22-year-old woman was in the store, McPherson is accused of climbing into the back seat of the vehicle and having sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old girl.

When police interviewed McPherson, he initially denied all events, including going into the back of the vehicle. However, video surveillance at the gas station showed he got in the back seat. In a subsequent interview, McPherson admitted to engaging in sexual activity with (the victim) but stated that (she) lied about her age.

The incident happened at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, and the girl reported the sexual assault about three hours later. The sisters are from a city near Chippewa Falls and did not know McPherson before the fair began.

McPherson has a criminal history in six different states, including an active warrant from Ohio in 2003 that was non-extraditable. His prior criminal record includes an aggravated arson conviction in 1988 and a rape charge from 1999, Chippewa County assistant district attorney Scott Zehr said.
Half of its population does not have access to electricity and the law still prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies, but Ethiopia could nevertheless become the future stronghold of bitcoin mining in Africa and a major player in the world.

In 2022, the Ethiopian government legalized cryptocurrency mining  the process of solving increasingly complex equations using computers to validate transactions in electronic currencies, including bitcoin. Two years later, around twenty companies set up their mining containers and supercomputers on the outskirts of the capital.

In February, Addis Ababa signed electricity supply agreements with twenty-one companies, including nineteen Chinese, so that they could be connected to the Ethiopian network. A boon for these bitcoin farms, which are desperately seeking new markets after being banned in China in 2021, then pushed out in other countries  notably Kazakhstan and Iceland  due to the energy crisis that these huge electricity consumers have worsened. Global bitcoin mining uses more energy in a year (121 terawatt hours) than a country like Argentina.

The completion of the great Renaissance Dam

The race to access sufficient electrical energy is intensifying around the world, explains Batyr Hydyrov, president of Uminers, which plans to install 24,000 machines in the Ethiopian capital by the fall. The overall slowdown in mining is due to the scarcity of installation sites and limited power capacity.  On these two points, Ethiopia has what it takes to establish itself as a future Eldorado for bitcoin miners.

After years of diplomatic battle with Sudan and Egypt, Ethiopia is on the verge of completing its Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, the largest in Africa (5,300 megawatts), which alone should double its electricity production. The Ethiopian authorities intend to use this surplus of green energy to power huge mining farms.

The latter are presented in Ethiopia as the tool which could, in the long term, become the main provider of foreign currencies ahead of coffee and gold. The country has been experiencing a serious economic crisis since the Tigray civil war (2020-2022). Since its exclusion from the American trade agreement AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) in January 2022, Ethiopia has faced the flight of foreign companies to its soil and a shortage of foreign currency.

The government is killing two birds with one stone, says Dawit Mengistu, the founder of the Ethiopian Blockchain network. At the same time, the purchase of licenses and electricity brings in dollars and, at the same time, we sell the energy that we do not use.  The Luxor Technologie firm estimates that Ethiopia has some 3,000 megawatts of surplus electricity.

An obsolete electricity network

This is enough for miners to monetize it, which will then allow other infrastructures to be developed, says Alessandro Cecere, one of the firms researchers. In addition to being plentiful, Ethiopian electricity is cheap  about a third cheaper than in Texas, the global stronghold of bitcoin mining.

The potential for electricity production in Ethiopia is unlimited, but the distribution is terrible, recognizes Kal Kassa, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur based in Addis Ababa, where power cuts are recurrent. At the end of March, an outage plunged the country into darkness for four hours.

Ethiopia loses up to 23% of its electricity due to the capacities of the transport networks or their obsolescence, the reliability and quality of the often aging distribution networks, according to a note from the general management of the French Treasury. To modernize the network, the World Bank granted Ethiopia a $523 million loan in April.

Moreover, Ethiopia benefits from a geographical advantage. Mining tools, which emit large amounts of heat, require a constant supply of electricity to cool them.

Addis Ababa is located above 2,000 meters above sea level and temperatures quickly drop below 20 degrees. So you save a lot of money because the computers cool almost on their own, estimates Kal Kassa, who considers that the activity could bring in nearly $2 billion each year to Ethiopia. According to him, the country has the capacity to host 5% of global mining activities within two years.

Unbeatable energy prices

Currently, almost all of the companies that have obtained a license are headquartered in China. It is obvious that there was a political agreement with the Chinese, confides, on condition of anonymity, a European investor who deployed his machines in Ethiopia under the license of a Chinese mining farm. Its the meeting between the Ethiopian governments interest in storing dollars and the interest of Chinese companies in finding a new base and low-cost energy, he summarizes.

Addis Ababa and Beijing have enjoyed close economic relations for decades. China holds three-quarters of Ethiopias bilateral debt after investing massively in the countrys infrastructure, notably the railway line linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti or in transmission lines linking the great Renaissance Dam on the Nile with the rest of the territory.

For Ethiopia, cryptocurrency mining, an extremely energy-intensive activity, is a risky bet because it could jeopardize its energy security, as was the case in Kazakhstan and Iceland, where the networks were regularly saturated by mining farms. bitcoins. It is up to Addis Ababa to decide whether mining revenues will be allocated to the goals of connecting millions of Ethiopians to electricity. Today, Ethiopia experiences the third largest energy access deficit in sub-Saharan Africa, with around half of the population still lacking access to reliable electricity, according to the World Bank.

As for bitcoin companies, if they say they are attracted by unbeatable energy prices, they will closely follow local regulations. Currently, only one social tax (3%) is imposed on minors. But the Ethiopian government is preparing to increase taxes. Africas second most populous country also presents political risk. Less than two years after the end of the Tigray war, almost half of Ethiopian territory remains inaccessible, plagued by insurgencies and instability.
Jalen Maurice Fitch might have gotten away with firing four shots at a moving car had he not left his cellphone and identification card at the scene.

Thats what prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony suggested earlier this year, and she was back in court on May 28 securing a multiyear prison sentence for the 24-year-old Albemarle County man with a history of shooting  and getting shot.

We have to fashion a sentence that is appropriate for the behavior, said Antony.

Fitch pleaded guilty in late March to four misdemeanor counts of discharging a firearm in the city of Charlottesville and two charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. While the guidelines created by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission indicate a range of seven months to 1 1/2 years behind bars would be appropriate, Antony urged a total of roughly three years due to Fitchs criminal record.

His history shows two prior firearms convictions, one for a shooting that backfired on him and another for a raid on his residence that turned up two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles and three handguns while he was on COVID-mandated electronic release from jail. He also has a marijuana distribution conviction and two convictions for assaulting a domestic partner.

Thats a significant concern for the commonwealth, Antony told the judge.

One of Fitchs priors stemmed from his alleged attempt, four years ago, to shoot another man standing outside the Sunshine Supermarket on Cherry Avenue in Charlottesville. Police blamed Fitch for initiating that April 2020 shooting, even though, taking a bullet in one leg, he was the only person injured in the incident.

By contrast, the shooting that brought Fitch to court on May 28 may not have injured anyone. At a March 26 hearing, when Fitch submitted his guilty pleas, the prosecutor described what happened on March 19, 2022.

Antony said police responded to a report of shots fired in the 700 block of Prospect Avenue and later obtained surveillance video that showed Fitch emerging from a residence and climbing into the front passenger side of a car before suddenly leaping out and firing at the same vehicle.

He can be seen shooting at the vehicle that is moving away from the building, said Antony.

She said that police recovered four bullet casings plus two other items that assisted their investigation: Fitchs cellphone and his Virginia state identification card. Antony said the video clearly shows Fitch inadvertently dropping the items during the incident.

Efforts to identify the driver Fitch was allegedly aiming at were less fruitful, since that man never came forward because he and Fitch, Antony said, were involved in an illegal transaction.

While several warrants for Fitchs arrest were issued shortly after the Prospect Avenue shooting, Fitch wasnt located by law enforcement until January of this year when he was spotted in lower Belmont as a passenger of a Chrysler 300 sedan bearing Florida tags. According to a police report, Fitch was toting a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun, which accounted for one of his new firearm convictions.

In court on May 28, Fitchs lawyer Bryan Jones focused on the Prospect Avenue shooting and urged a one-year jail sentence.

Had this case gone to trial, said Jones, our defense would have been self-defense.

Jones shared excerpts of some letters penned by a social worker and by family members attesting to Fitchs character despite losing his father to a lifetime of incarceration and losing his mother, when he was just 15, to cancer.

My brother Jalen is a lot of good things that the courts will never know or possibly get to see, wrote older sister Camae Lindsey. Jalen is a father to one, who is loving, caring, and gentle when it comes to his daughter.

Antony downplayed the fact that the letters didnt match the criminal history.

I dont discount anything in the letters, said Antony. We see that all the time.

Judge Claude Worrell seemed similarly unswayed by correspondence portraying Fitch as a gentle person inside his house.

The difference is that the behavior you exhibit outside the house is extremely dangerous, said Worrell. Its history that drives the courts sentence here.

In its 2023 annual report, released earlier this month, the Charlottesville Police Department revealed that it responds to an average of one call per day related to gunshots. Likewise, Worrell has wrestled with the proliferation of guns in the community. Last month, for instance, he pronounced himself stuck as he delayed the sentencing of a young man who admitted to being stupid for livestreaming himself handling an AR-15 on a playground.

No, sir, was Fitchs only statement on May 28 when Worrell asked he had anything to say before the sentence was imposed.

Worrell sentenced Fitch to an active term of one year on the two firearm felonies plus 48 months on the misdemeanors, with credit for time served.

With misdemeanor sentences typically getting reduced by half for jailhouse rule compliance and felonies requiring inmates to serve 85% of their time, Fitch could be released before the end of 2025. He is currently held at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Worrells sentence also calls for 10 years of good behavior, which means that as many as nine years of suspended jail time could be reimposed if Fitch were to violate another law.

Fitchs troubles dont end with Worrell, as he will likely soon face another judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court to face a pair of probation violation charges. A probation officer has asserted that he failed to comply with his terms by providing false home addresses and declining to seek employment. That court will also consider whether the new firearms convictions constitute a violation, and a scheduling hearing on those matters is set for June 3.
A quick lookout for the afternoon & early evening as we take another quick peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Haxxorz Attack Consequences STILL Hit Drivers

KC Scout camera outage causes disruption for 69 Highway drivers as construction continues As a major construction project is set to continue this weekend in Overland Park drivers who rely on the KC Scout Network for live images and highway warnings remain without guidance.

Summer Mantra: Drive Safely

One person is dead after four-car crash in Kansas City Saturday night The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a four-car. deadly crash that killed one person on I-70 and Manchester Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri Saturday night.

History Inside The Loop

Who was Barney Allis? And why is a 'forlorn' KC plaza named after this beloved man? He "came from nothing and he just excelled. It's the typical self-made man story."

Meet These Talented Hipsters

KC Soundcheck: The Greeting Committee The Greeting Committee was formed by four Overland Park high schoolers in 2014 and has since become one of Kansas City's most well-known and beloved indie bands. Their third studio album is coming out in June.

Latest Home Team Rally

Royals stage ninth-inning rally to defeat Padres 4-3 Nelson Velazquez hits a huge two-run triple.

Show-Me Butterfly Celebration

Missouri Department of Conservations encouraging people to do what they can to protect pollinators As spring turns into summer, Missourians are bound to see more pollinators out and about. Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging people to let them do their thing, and admire them and do what you can to help them.

Former Angel Enjoys Birthday Suit Family Time

Heidi Klum celebrates her 51st birthday in the NUDE as she suns herself by her pool... after birthday breakfast with her family The model marked her 51st birthday on Saturday.

Hedging White House

Some Democrats try to Biden-proof their 2024 campaigns for Congress Several Democratic lawmakers tell Axios the president's middling poll numbers to date have made distinguishing themselves from him a priority.

MAGA Considers Implications

Trump suggests there could be a 'breaking point' for the public if he is imprisoned after hush money conviction Former President Donald Trump on Sunday said he thinks there would be a "breaking point" for the public if he is sentenced to house arrest or imprisonment after he was found guilty on all counts in the criminal hush money trial against him.

GOP Stand By Democracy

Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton says he will accept 2024 election results Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Sunday said that he would accept the 2024 election results and would vote to certify the results in 2025, just as he did in 2020.

Holy Land Diplomacy Hopes To Avoid Disappointment

US expects Israel will accept Gaza ceasefire plan if Hamas does The White House believes Hamas has been weakened to a point that it cannot repeat the 7 October attack.

War In Europe Targets Far East

Zelenskyy urges top defense officials to attend upcoming summit on ending Russia's war on Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a group of top defense officials at Asia's premier security conference on Sunday to attend an upcoming conference on ending the Russian war on Ukraine.

Blame Game Theology?!?

Do Christians still harbor antisemitic beliefs? With antisemitism now being openly celebrated (and, in some cases, nurtured) on some American college campuses and Congress debating fresh antisemitism legislation, it is timely to examine to what extent the religious teachings that brought about these positive developments in the last 70 years are still resonating with America's Christians.

Taste Of Good Life In The Dotte

Vaile Mansion 'preserves' history with Strawberry Fest The Vaile Mansion Victorian Society hosted its annual Strawberry Festival on June 1 in the hopes of raising money to preserve and restore the mansion.

Katie's Sunday Roundup . . .

Morning rain chances have fizzled out, leaving a partially cloudy day ahead Sunday will have high temperatures around 83 degrees; Monday and Tuesday still come with storm chances.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Burjeel Holdings, a super-specialty healthcare services provider, has signed a joint venture framework agreement to create a joint venture (Al Kalma) with Keralty, a multinational health organisation based in Colombia. The alliance aims to enhance well-being throughout the value chain by promoting access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost. The agreement was signed in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Al Kalma, meaning 'united for health and well-being', will consolidate a unique value-based healthcare model with specialised primary care centres, health risk management, and a new range of integrated mental health services, expecting to reach nearly 30 million patients over the next decade.

The partnership combines the experience and knowledge of both groups for a rapid roll-out in the Middle East, with the potential to extend subsequently into North Africa. The joint venture will debut in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the shift in the Saudi healthcare market towards a primary healthcare model. The collaboration aims to extend services beyond the region by evaluating each market and executing the strategy on a country-by-country basis.

Track record

Keralty, with a track record of nearly five decades and operations in nine countries, including the US and Colombia, enters into this joint venture by leveraging the success of its healthcare model based on the prevention, detection, and management of health risks, as well as the control and care of diseases and dependency.

Burjeel Holdings, with a strong presence in the Middle East, offers the highest standards of care through an integrated network of hospitals, medical centres, and pharmacies, focusing on highly complex and specialised services.

The partnership announcement ceremony was attended by Mohammed Abdullah bin Khater Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Colombia, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, along with Joseba Grajales, President of Keralty and Dr Emilio Herrera, CHO of Keralty.

Grajales said: We are delighted to partner with Burjeel Holdings to extend our distinctive healthcare model to new regions. This model, successfully scaled from Colombia to numerous countries, is continuously enriched by our collective experiences. We provide valuable feedback across all our activities, achieving outstanding results in enhancing the health and well-being of millions who trust us. This success stems from our deep understanding of their health, social, and community needs.

Key milestone

Dr Vayalil commented: This partnership marks a significant milestone for us as we strive to provide better health for a diverse range of populations. Our unique model envisions comprehensive well-being, from prevention to control and care of disease in order to enhance services and patient outcomes on a local, personalised level. This approach will keep people healthier and out of hospitals, leading to a substantial shift in healthcare delivery.

The joint venture partnership will be operated through a newly formed holding company established in the Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction. Burjeel Holdings and Keralty will each hold an equal 50% shareholding. Further information, including details of the expansion plan, will be disclosed in due course.

Through Al Kalma, Burjeel and Keralty demonstrate their commitment to improving global health by providing access to quality healthcare and fostering well-being, sustainability, and efficiency. The agreement marks a significant collaboration between Colombia and the UAE, building on the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and aiming to benefit millions of people around the world.--TradeArabia News Service
In a significant political move, the President of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, declared a travel ban on Israeli passport holders following a cabinet recommendation.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the presidential office of the Maldives, a nation famed for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts.

Maldives Acts Decisively Amid Gaza Conflict

The decision comes in the wake of escalating conflict in Gaza. President Muizzu stated that the Maldivian government would amend its laws to enforce the ban. Additionally, a subcommittee will be established to monitor the implementation of these changes.

This development aligns with the Maldives' recent efforts to express solidarity with Palestine, including plans for a national rally and a fundraising campaign to support Palestinian people.

According to CNN, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded by advising Israeli citizens to reconsider travel to the Maldives. They highlighted potential difficulties in providing assistance to Israelis who might face emergencies in the Maldives.

Moreover, President Muizzu has taken proactive steps to support Palestine on other fronts. He plans to appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and has organized a fundraiser with UNRWA to aid Palestinian residents.

The slogan for the nationwide rally, "Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin," translates to "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine," further emphasizing the nation's support.

The Maldives' firm stance follows President Muizzu's condemnation of an Israeli airstrike on a displaced camp in Rafah, which resulted in significant casualties.

In a recent statement, President Muizzu called for an immediate ceasefire and stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.

This series of actions highlights the Maldives' active role in international humanitarian advocacy and its solidarity with Palestine during ongoing conflicts.

Related Article: Maldives Tourism Crisis Erupts as Officials Insult Modi, India Calls for Boycott

Maldives Boosts Sri Lanka's Tourism Numbers

Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in tourists from the Maldives, making it the second-largest source of tourists for the country in May. This boost comes amid ongoing controversies involving the visa processing contractor VFS Global, which has been accused of imposing undue fees.

In the first 30 days of May, Sri Lanka welcomed 108,656 tourists, marking a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. However, this was a decrease from the 148,867 tourists recorded in April. The Maldives contributed 7,984 visitors, surpassing the number of tourists from the UK.

The Economy Next revealed that the rise in tourism from the Maldives occurs alongside a dispute over visa fees charged by VFS Global. This issue has raised concerns about the bilateral visa exemption deal between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Currently, Maldivian visitors are charged fees by VFS Global, a move that contradicts the existing visa-free agreement. Sri Lankans fear similar charges could be applied to them under the VFS system, even though Maldives only requires them to fill out online disembarkation forms.

Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka's tourism sector continues to grow, with total arrivals topping 200,000 in the first quarter of the year.

Nonetheless, officials suggest that issues like the problematic VFS-managed website and mandatory minimum room rates might be hindering further growth in tourist arrivals.
Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has announced plans to install advanced turbulence detection technology on all its aircraft. The decision follows a severe turbulence incident involving Singapore Airlines, which resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality.

Emirates will also join the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Turbulence Aware Platform to enhance flight safety.

Emirates Enhances Safety with Innovative Technology

The luxury airline has already equipped 140 of its planes with this state-of-the-art technology. It will continue to fit all new aircraft entering its fleet, regardless of whether they are produced by Boeing or Airbus.

This initiative uses Ludo mPilot navigation software, which is recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing safety during flights.

This move by Emirates comes after an in-depth investigation into the Singapore Airlines incident, which was caused by a sudden updraft.

Travel and Tour World reported that this updraft led to a destabilization of the aircraft, with passengers experiencing severe jolts as the pilots and autopilot system struggled to stabilize the plane. Such incidents highlight the critical need for advanced technology to detect and manage unexpected severe turbulence.

By adopting this new technology, Emirates aims to significantly improve the safety of its passengers by preemptively identifying potential turbulence.

This proactive approach ensures that pilots have ample warning and can navigate more smoothly, thus minimizing the risk of injuries during sudden air disturbances.

With safety as a priority, Emirates is setting a high standard in the aviation industry. The implementation of this technology not only enhances the safety of Emirates' flights but also demonstrates the airline's commitment to passenger well-being and continuous improvement in operational safety standards.

Emirates Flight Hits Flamingos on Landing

An Emirates Boeing 777 struck a flock of protected flamingos, killing at least 36 birds, during its approach to Mumbai's international airport. The incident occurred on Monday as Flight EK-508 from Dubai was preparing to land with over 300 passengers on board.

The bird strike took place near the suburban Ghatkopar area, about six kilometers from the airport, at approximately 9:18 pm local time.

Despite the collision, the Emirates crew managed a routine landing, and all passengers disembarked safely. However, the aircraft sustained damage and was grounded the following day.

As per The Independent, following the accident, the site was found covered with remnants of the deceased birds, prompting local officials and wildlife activists to launch an investigation.

The Maharashtra Forest Department is involved in recovering the remains and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death for the flamingos.

Environmental concerns have been raised by activists who attribute the unusual flight path of the flamingos to disturbances at the nearby Thane Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, including newly installed power lines that may disorient the birds.

Emirates has confirmed cooperation with the authorities regarding the incident. The airline expressed regret over the loss of wildlife and assured that passenger and crew safety remains a priority.

The return flight EK509 to Dubai was canceled, and arrangements for affected passengers were made for the next day.
Nobody wants a holiday smothered in cliches and tourist traps, right? If you are searching for a spot to truly soak in the essence of Mexico, let's talk about Guanajuato. This city throws you into a vivid world far removed from the usual beach scene.

Guanajuato sits like a hidden gem amidst the buzz about Mexico's more frequented destinations.

Here, you can stroll down winding, cobbled lanes or sip coffee in small cafes that feel more European than Americanized. It is easy to fall in love with the local vibe, where no skyscrapers or global hotel chains dare to touch the sky.

Guanajuato is not swarming with crowds but instead invites you to discover its beauty at your own pace.

Timeless Streets

You walk on streets where every stone tells a story in Guanajuato, Mexico. The city's history dates back to 1554, making it a place rich with the past. You can explore ancient buildings and vibrant plazas that feel untouched by time.

Even the air you breathe seems seasoned with tales of yesteryears. Guanajuato respects its roots and provides a journey back in time with every step you take.

Authentic Flavors

Food in Guanajuato is as authentic as it gets. Forget about finding the usual fast-food chains; here, local eateries dominate the dining scene. From tantalizing street food to gourmet dishes, every meal is prepared with traditional methods that locals have perfected over centuries.

If you are tasting enchiladas mineras or sipping on a locally brewed cerveza, you taste Mexico in every bite. Dining here turns into an experience that goes beyond mere eating.

Related Article : This is Why Oaxaca, Mexico is the Best City Around the World

Artful Corners

Art thrives on the colorful streets of Guanajuato. The city is home to the famous Festival Cervantino, one of Latin America's largest arts festivals, and numerous galleries featuring local artists.

Murals and sculptures fill the city, turning every corner into a potential Instagram hotspot. You do not just view art; you live it here-even the local markets shimmer with handcrafted goods that showcase the artistic talent of its people.

Clever Commutes

Guanajuato has an ingenious solution to city traffic with its network of underground tunnels. Originally river channels, these tunnels have been transformed into thoroughfares, allowing for smooth and scenic commutes.

You can forget about the frustration of traffic jams and spend more time enjoying the city. The tunnels are a marvel of engineering and add to the city's unique character. This is urban planning with a twist that you will not see in many places around the world.

Safety First

Safety concerns can dampen any travel experience, but Guanajuato remains a beacon of safety amidst generalized concerns about travel in Mexico. The city has a community vibe that makes you feel welcomed and secure.

Police visibility and community policing ensure that visitors can enjoy the city without worry. Local residents are friendly and often eager to share their culture with visitors. Here, you are not just safe but part of the community.
Travelers are now blessed to discover the magnificence of Agra at unbeatable prices. The reputed website Tajmahaltours.com is introducing the most demanding travel opportunity the Taj Mahal Day trip from Delhi by superfast train and car.



(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - May 28th, 2024 - May 20, 2024, Monday, New Delhi, India- Travelers are now blessed to discover the magnificence of Agra at unbeatable prices. The reputed website Tajmahaltours.com is introducing the most demanding travel opportunity the Taj Mahal Day trip from Delhi by superfast train and car. Tajmahaltours.com website is governed by Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. showcasing exclusive offers on the same-day Taj Mahal tours that promise the most exciting travel experience for the customers even if they are falling short on time. The day trip to the Taj Mahal is a time-efficient way to experience the charm of this beautiful monument.

The tour begins with sightseeing in Delhi and then, customers will board the superfast train like Shatabdi or Gatimaan Express and return by car to ensure they travel smoothly. The journey through the fully air-conditioned and super-fast train brings the traveler experience of a lifetime. The process of booking also ensures convenience for travelers. The return journey by an air-conditioned car will add extra comfort to the journey. The day will start early and the travelers will indulge themselves in the local delicacy that has a touch of Mughal cuisine and flavors. Folks who are die-heart fans of love stories, beautiful architecture, and a serene environment will definitely love discovering Agras magnificence at an unbeatable price on this Taj Mahal day trip.

Ashish Bhasin, The Director of Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd., says while introducing this tour to its customers- The beauty of this marvelous monument is unbeatable and one should experience its magical aura at least once in their lifetime. People visiting India for the first time should visit the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. We have designed this same-day tour to ensure that travelers can make the most out of their escape even if they are in Delhi for a layover. The travelers will arrive in Agra to witness the Taj Mahal early and get a chance to witness its charm maybe at sunrise or sunset. The journey will be planned through the luxury super-fast train and return to Delhi by car. We also appoint a knowledgeable guide who speaks English and make travelers understand the significance of this monument of eternal love and uncover the tales of the love of an emperor for his empress. Furthermore, they can enjoy photography on the special request.

The fares of the train and car will be included in the trip. The entry fee will also be included in the total cost to avoid queuing and enhance their travel experience. If customers want to take some good pictures at the Taj Mahal, the travel planner will get permission on their behalf. This is the opportunity to be blessed to discover Agras magnificence and that is too at pocket-friendly cost.

About Tajmahaltours.com

Tajmahaltours.com is a dependable website owned by Culture Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. It displays many alternatives for the Taj Mahal tours tailored to suit the needs of travelers. The packages are curated in a way that lets the tourists catch the best glimpses of this monument during sunrise, sunset, or any time of the day. The prices are also affordable and also include discounts that ensure a fun-filled experience for the travelers. For more information, visit: tajmahaltours.com.

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This innovative platform aims to revolutionize the way travel agents manage and book air tickets, offering a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience.



(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - May 31st, 2024 -

Delhi, [31-5-24] - Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd., a leader in the travel and tourism industry, is excited to announce the launch of its state-of-the-art Air Ticket Portal designed specifically for travel agents. This innovative platform aims to revolutionize the way travel agents manage and book air tickets, offering a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience.

About the Portal

The new Air Ticket Portal from Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd. is designed to meet the changing demands of travel agents by giving them access to features and tools that will improve their company operations. The portal provides an extensive array of features that streamline the process of purchasing tickets, enabling agents to provide exceptional customer care.

Key Features

User-Friendly Interface: The portal's simple layout makes it possible for agents to browse it with ease and complete activities quickly, which helps them save time and shorten their learning curve.

Real-Time Updates: Agents can give their clients accurate and current options since they receive real-time updates on flight availability, costs, and timetables.

Competitive Pricing: Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd. makes sure agents can get the greatest bargains for their clients by providing competitive rates on a variety of airlines.

Advanced Search Filters: A representative can easily locate flights that fit particular requirements, like preferred airlines, flight durations, and layover periods, with the help of these advanced search options.

Secure Payment Options: The portal offers agents freedom and peace of mind while conducting transactions by supporting many secure payment ways.

All-inclusive Support: To guarantee a seamless and continuous booking process, our committed support staff is on hand around the clock to help agents with any questions or problems.

Benefits for Travel Agents

Enhanced Efficiency: Agents can manage more bookings in less time thanks to streamlined procedures and cutting-edge equipment.

Increased Customer Satisfaction: Agents may provide their clients with greater service and value if they have access to the most recent flight information and competitive pricing.

Business Growth: By drawing in and keeping more clients, the portal's features and assistance assist agents in expanding their clientele.

Why Choose Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd.

In the travel sector, Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd. has a track record of success. What distinguishes us from the competition is our dedication to quality, innovation, and client happiness. We hope to equip travel agents with the tools they need to thrive in a cutthroat industry with our new Air Ticket Portal.

Join Us Today

Travel agents looking to enhance their operations and provide superior service to their clients are invited to join the Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd. network. Sign up today and experience the difference our Air Ticket Portal can make in your business.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd.

J-4, First Floor, New Mahavir Nagar,

Phone: 7838652424, 011-35938412,9599653719,9643172424

Email: dom@fly24hrs.com, intl@fly24hrs.com

Website: https://fly24hrs.com/B2BLogin

About Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd.

Fly24hrs Holiday Pvt. Ltd. is a leading travel and tourism company based in Delhi, dedicated to providing exceptional travel services and solutions. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we strive to make travel experiences unforgettable for our clients.

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Cape Towns most loved hotel captures the essence of the Cape through elegant design and authentic experiences as it launches its reimagined spaces, unveiling a hospitality legacy.



(TRAVPR.COM) SOUTH AFRICA - June 3rd, 2024 - Nestled between mountains and sea, in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Cape Town, the President Hotel has revealed its beautifully refurbished rooms, the new Cove Wellness Spa and soon to be revamped Botany Cafe launching in July 2024.

"Mardre Meyer, Creative Director of Source Interior Brand Architecture (Source IBA), expressed enthusiasm about their role in the project, stating, "Always looking towards global lifestyle movements and how they apply in the local context, our studio could not have been more excited to be a part of the ongoing reinvention of The President Hotel  a true Cape Town icon."

The President has unveiled a beautifully revitalised sanctuary for guests to breathe, rest and restore whilst experiencing all that one of the most beautiful cities in the world has to offer. Guests can enjoy luxurious and contemporary style rooms, interleading family apartments and sophisticated suites that feature bespoke furniture pieces inspired by South Africas heritage, culture and craftmanship, all created exclusively for the hotel.

The interiors are a curated celebration of the Cape Towns diverse narrative with each floor representing a theme including oceans, fauna, flora, landscapes, culture in the city and surrounds. The focus of each space is the view and natural light with the material palette incorporating earthy tones, natural materials, and soft shapes, giving a resort-like sophistication with each themes colour palette embracing the beauty of natural surroundings  the deep blue of the oceans; vibrant green of flora and the maroon and pink hues of the sunrise.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Atlantic Ocean, showcasing spectacular views, the entire space encapsulates a memorable Mother City experience. Comfy occasional chairs with leather trims, spacious sleeper couches, dining tables with pitted base and three-legged details, organic shaped oak coffee tables, chairs with woven rope, organic mirrors, fluted lamp shades and bespoke rugs all weave a story to be told.

Committed to conscientious and sustainable luxury, conscious construction considerations were top of mind throughout the process to ensure commitment to the hotel's ongoing sustainability efforts. Some of these include handmade bin baskets from local unemployed community, the Healing Earth range of amenities, installation of local Snomaster bar fridges in all rooms with energy consumption less than 1 kWh/day.

Lead Project Designer Bianca Minnaar from Source IBA emphasised the hotel's unique setting, "Its prime location and gorgeous sweeping views make this property a true urban resort, so we aimed to introduce texture, calm and a sense of space into the guestrooms while pumping up the energy in the public spaces.

A whole host of exciting renovations are still coming to The President, as it undergoes a significant reinvestment into its guest spaces.

With Cape Town being one of the most beautiful cities in the world and considered the tourism capital of Africa, The President Hotels reimagination of spaces is a commitment to offering guests an authentic and exceptional experience. Were excited about the future and cant wait to welcome guests to Cape Towns most loved hotel, says Managing Director, Jeremy Clayton.

The President Hotel is South Africas largest independent hotel, celebrating over 257 years of hospitality and 26 years since the newly rebuilt hotel was opened by Nelson Mandela on 3 June.

For more information and to book your stay, visit www.presidenthotel.co.za.

END

Issued for The President Hotel by:

Zubeida Abrahams  FusionDesign

Cellphone number: 072 392 4107

Email : zubeida@fusiondesign.co.za





The President Hotel:

Contact: Fatima Anter Communications Manager

Contact number: 021 434 8111

Email : fatima@presidenthotel.co.za

Please find photo link to:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fo1qza99v0eqwr8ruyjdf/APAhUWBnZSbHbr1Invuhl-4?rlkey=4e1zxbxq2x3bgq09piqr0z43d&st=7y1do9hi&dl=0

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Laman Ismayilova

From May 31 to June 3, Digital Creative Weekend project is being implemented in Baku and Shusha, Azernews reports.

Within the framework of the project, the world final of the A-Hub Acceleration Program (2023) was organized in the Baku Crystal Hall on June 2 with the support of the Culture Ministry, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and New Space Open Innovation.

ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Salim M. Almalik sent a video message to the event participants.

In his speech, Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov noted that the Culture Ministry s implementing this project together with ICESCO.

"We are very happy that this platform has become a large-scale project. We will take new initiatives to develop this platform in the future," said Farid Jafarov.

Touching on the cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, the Deputy Minister said that until today, our country has had a fruitful cooperation with this institution.

"As an example, we can mention the declaration of Shusha, known as the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan, as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024. Being declared a cultural capital is a prestigious event. Tomorrow, you will see with your own eyes how this ancient city of ours contains Islamic culture," he said.

Advisor in ICESCO's Science and Technology, Dr. Muhammad Sharif expressed his Azerbaijan for its hospitality and wished success to the teams participating in the world final. Within the framework of the event, he expressed confidence that the project participants will get acquainted with the rich culture of Azerbaijan.

Leyla Tag?zadeh, the founder of "New Space Open Innovation", gave information about the project. It was noted that the project will support innovative development initiatives in ICESCO member countries from 2021, increase the interest of business subjects and young people in this field, and private creativity in the field of culture. is carried out for the purpose of coordinating business entities: "When we started this project 3 years ago, we could never have imagined that such a magnificent world final would be held in Azerbaijan today. More than 30 innovative teams from 11 countries - Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Tunisia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Libya, Senegal, Somalia, Egypt, Mali, Sudan - are participating in the world final. The total prize money of the final is 30 thousand US dollars.

After the speeches, the startup teams presented their ideas. The names of the winners will be announced at the award ceremony to be held on June 3 in Shusha.

A-Hub Accelerator is an initiative implemented with the cooperation of ICESCO and New Space Open Innovation. which is launched with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

This accelerator program supports creative and tech startups, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to bring their ideas to life.

The program, which started as a pilot project in 2021, currently operates in 20 countries.
Amazon Web Services announced that its long-planned AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region will go live in early 2025 as it makes good on its earlier pledge to invest more than 190 billion baht (US$5 billion) in Thailand by 2037.

AWS first announced plans to invest US$5 billion to build a new cloud region in Bangkok in October 2022, but gave no planned launch date at the time. Thursdays announcement, revealed in an AWS blog post, is the first time AWS has given a timeline for launching the new region.

AWS said the new region in Bangkok will add to existing AWS infrastructure in the country, including 10 Amazon CloudFront edge locations, AWS Outposts, and AWS Local Zones.

The new Bangkok region will be the fourth AWS region to launched in ASEAN after Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the latter of which is due to go live sometime this year. AWS said the Bangkok region will enable customers with data residency preferences to store data securely in Thailand, achieve lower latency, and serve demand for cloud services across Southeast Asia.

In a statement, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he welcomed AWSs US$5 billion investment in the new Bangkok region, saying it aligns with the governments Cloud First initiative that aims to position Thailand as a central hub for the digital economy in Southeast Asia.

The news follows Microsofts announcement last month that it would build its first data centre region in Thailand.

Microsoft didnt reveal how much money it would invest in the Thailand project. The same week, it said it would invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia and US$2.2 billion in Malaysia to build data centre regions in those countries.

According to a Reuters report in November 2023, a spokesperson for the PMs office said AWS, Google and Microsoft had committed to a combined US$8.46 billion in cloud investments in Thailand, including the US$5 billion pledged by AWS. Google first announced plans to build a cloud region in Thailand in August 2022.
The results of the Republican primary election graphically demonstrate, once again, how the closed primary, together with massive amounts of out-of-state dark money, ensures minority-controlled government in Idaho. It is no wonder that Dorothy Moons extremist branch of the GOP is doing everything possible to stop election reform.

If Idaho voters approve the Open Primaries Initiative on Nov. 5, the stranglehold she and her extremist allies have over the Republican Party will be forever broken. The Idaho Freedom Foundation will lose its grip on the Legislature. Reasonable, pragmatic Republicans will oust the divisive GOP culture warriors from positions of power. Every Idahoan will have an equal voice in choosing their leaders.

Ever since far-right extremists closed the Republican primary in 2011, they have been increasingly able to tighten their grip on seats in the Legislature. Thats why we see librarians, teachers, doctors, pregnant women needing emergency care, LGBTQ folks and others disliked by the extremists under nearly constant attack. Using hard-edged tactics and tainted campaign cash, they have been able to defeat traditional Republicans in the low-turnout primary, virtually ensuring success in the general election.

The culture warriors who won their primaries this year with just a small percentage of the registered voters in their district foretells another two years of frightening legislation. Dan Foreman, who supports private armed militias parading in public and who wants to deny abortions to rape and incest victims, won his race for the District 6 Senate seat with just 11.5% of the registered voters. In 2022 he won his seat with only 8.8%.

Christy Zito took the District 8 Senate seat from Geoff Schroeder, a remarkable Senator, with just 16.8% of registered voters. Zito is a Christian nationalist who supports library bans and guns in schools.
Graduation season is typically a time of celebration and accomplishment for college students, but for some, it has become a period of uncertainty and frustration.

Several students across various universities in the United States have had their degrees withheld due to their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. This disciplinary action has sparked a heated debate on the balance between free speech and university regulations.

Students in Limbo: The Immediate Impact

At the University of Chicago, Youssef Hasweh and three other students found themselves in a precarious situation. Just a week before graduation, Hasweh received an email informing him that his degree would not be conferred due to his participation in a protest encampment. "Four years and just a criminal record, nothing else," Hasweh lamented. The university cited disruptive conduct as the reason for withholding degrees, leaving these students in academic and professional limbo.

Devron Burks, a Vanderbilt University student, faced a similar fate. Following an occupation of an administration building, Burks was arrested and expelled. With their degree withheld and a job offer rescinded, Burks is grappling with the financial burden of student debt without the prospects that a completed degree typically offers. "Without my degree conferral, I can't move on with my life," Burks stated, highlighting the severe personal consequences of their activism.

READ MORE : Minister Of Education Thanks Global Student Movement For Supporting Justice In Gaza And The West Bank

The Universities' Stance: Disciplinary Measures and Justifications

Universities involved in these incidents have largely defended their actions by pointing to policies designed to maintain order and discipline. Harvard University, for instance, has postponed the degree conferral of several students involved in protests until at least 2026. While Harvard officials declined to comment on specific cases, they emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and non-disruptive academic environment.

Princeton University also withheld degrees from two seniors pending an investigation into a protest during an alumni event. Jennifer Morrill, a spokesperson for Princeton, noted that the university enforces viewpoint-neutral rules regarding the time, place, and manner of protests. "Significantly disrupting University operations and events is not permitted," Morrill explained, underscoring the institution's commitment to maintaining order while allowing for peaceful demonstrations.

Similarly, Columbia University and Barnard College have issued interim suspensions to over 30 students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The universities have yet to announce whether these suspensions will become permanent, leaving many students uncertain about their academic futures.

Balancing Free Speech and University Regulations

The actions taken by these universities have ignited a broader conversation about the rights of students to engage in political activism and the responsibilities of educational institutions to uphold order. Proponents of the students argue that these disciplinary measures are an overreach that stifles free speech and peaceful protest. "This was really sneaky of the school, and I think it reveals where they stand on free speech," said Syd Sanders, a Harvard student who helped organize a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

On the other hand, university officials argue that while they support free speech, they must also enforce rules to ensure that academic operations are not disrupted. New College in Florida, for example, defended its decision to consider withholding degrees from students who interrupted a commencement ceremony with chants of "free Palestine." "We support and protect the right of free speech while resolutely insisting upon civil discourse," the school stated.

The debate extends beyond individual institutions to a national conversation about the role of universities in political discourse. Critics of the disciplinary actions argue that universities should be spaces where students can freely express their political beliefs without fear of severe repercussions. However, supporters of the universities' actions contend that maintaining a structured and respectful environment is crucial for the academic mission.

The Future of Student Activism

As these students await the outcomes of their appeals and university investigations, their futures hang in the balance. The repercussions of their activism serve as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between free speech and institutional regulations. For students like Hasweh and Burks, the fight for their degrees is not just about academic achievement but also about standing up for their beliefs. "Even if I don't get my degree, I'd do it a thousand times over," Hasweh declared, reflecting the resolve of many student activists.

This ongoing conflict between student activism and university policies will likely continue to shape the landscape of higher education, challenging institutions to find a balance that respects both free expression and the need for orderly conduct. As more students engage in political activism, universities will need to navigate these tensions carefully, ensuring that they uphold their educational values while also respecting the rights of their students to voice their concerns.
The recent surge in student protests on U.S. campuses, sparked by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has placed a spotlight on the preparedness of college administrators to handle such activism.

As the academic year closes, the demonstrations that began at Columbia University and spread nationwide have prompted many institutions to reassess their policies on student conduct and free speech. With the potential for further protests in the fall, especially if the conflict persists, colleges are using the summer break to refine their strategies and ensure they are better equipped to manage the political and social challenges that lie ahead.

Summer Planning for College Administrators

As the academic year ends, college administrators across the United States are utilizing the summer break to prepare for the anticipated resurgence of student protests in the fall. This follows a wave of heightened student activism centered on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that swept campuses nationwide earlier this year. These protests, which began at Columbia University and quickly spread, highlighted critical issues of free speech, academic freedom, and the effectiveness of institutional policies on campus demonstrations.

Reflecting on their responses, administrators are identifying areas where their student conduct codes and disciplinary measures need improvement. During a recent Congressional hearing on campus antisemitism, Northwestern University President Michael Schill acknowledged the inadequacies of existing rules to address the nature and intensity of the protests. He announced plans to update Northwestern's student conduct code over the summer. Similarly, Rutgers University has established a task force to review its procedures around codes of conduct and ethics, with President Jonathan Holloway emphasizing the importance of involving the campus community in this process.

READ MORE : Columbia University Joins Others In Cancelling Main Commencement Amidst Campus Protests

Balancing Free Speech and Safety

As colleges brace for potential protests in the fall, balancing free speech with campus safety presents a significant challenge. Michael Harris, a professor of higher education at Southern Methodist University, noted that the recent protests served as a stress test for policies that had not been rigorously challenged in recent years. The Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 were the last significant wave of student activism, but they occurred under different circumstances, largely off-campus and during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have exposed deep divisions within campus communities, making it crucial for institutions to clearly articulate the parameters of acceptable conduct. Experts from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) advise college presidents to make clear statements outlining the broad protections for free speech under the First Amendment while distinguishing illegal conduct such as violence. Mary Griffin, senior program officer for FIRE, warned against overly restrictive speech codes, which often result in increased censorship, particularly during election years. She stressed the importance of crafting policies that allow for protest activities without disrupting campus life or hindering free speech. Clear, transparent regulations are essential to ensure that all parties understand the ground rules.

Preparing for a Busy Summer

Beyond addressing protest-related policies, college administrators face additional challenges, including compliance with new Title IX regulations set to take effect by August 1. These regulations, introduced by the Department of Education, aim to enhance protections for LGBTQ+ students. However, they have faced opposition from GOP governors in several states, complicating the implementation process for colleges in those regions.

Michael Harris expressed concerns about the capacity of administrative teams to manage both the revision of protest policies and the implementation of Title IX changes over the summer. He emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to the usual review and approval processes, cautioning against expedient measures that bypass thorough scrutiny. As administrators navigate these dual priorities, they are likely to draw lessons from the experiences of other institutions that faced significant disruptions during recent protests. By examining where policies fell short and studying successful strategies from peer institutions, colleges can better prepare for the upcoming academic year.

The summer break offers a crucial window for college administrators to refine their policies and plan for the next wave of student activism. By balancing free speech with campus safety, engaging the campus community in policy revisions, and addressing new regulatory requirements, institutions can create a more robust framework to support both student expression and a safe learning environment. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the response to future protests and ensuring that colleges are better equipped to handle the complexities of student activism in a politically charged climate.
In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in the rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among college students.

According to research from the Healthy Minds Study, the prevalence of PTSD among college students more than doubled from 3.4 percent in 2017 to 7.5 percent in 2022. This increase was particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of young adults.

Understanding PTSD in College Students

PTSD is a psychological disorder that may arise following exposure to a traumatic incident. According to the diagnostic criteria, traumatic events include "death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence." However, there has been debate among researchers about whether the disruptions experienced by college students during the pandemic should be classified as traumatic events.

Shannon E. Cusack, a psychologist who has studied PTSD in college students, highlighted this debate, noting that while the stressors may not fit the traditional definition of trauma, they can still cause symptoms consistent with a PTSD diagnosis. Cusack emphasized the importance of not dismissing these symptoms simply because the stressor does not fit the conventional criteria, highlighting the need for effective interventions and support for affected students.

READ MORE : Loneliness Linked To Severe Mental Health Issues Among College Students, New Report Finds

The Impact of Traumatic Events on College Students

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Pennsylvania State University has found that nearly 50 percent of students who attend on-campus counseling have experienced a traumatic event. This statistic underscores the prevalence of trauma among college students and the need for mental health resources to address these issues.

It is important to note that while many people experience traumatic events in their lives, most do not develop PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, the majority of traumatic events do not lead to the development of PTSD, indicating that individual factors and the availability of support and coping mechanisms play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Addressing PTSD Among College Students

The rising rates of PTSD among college students highlight the need for universities to prioritize mental health support and resources. Colleges and universities can take several steps to address this issue, including:

Increasing Access to Mental Health Services: Universities should ensure that students have access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy, to address PTSD and other mental health concerns. Raising Awareness and Providing Education: Colleges can raise awareness about PTSD and mental health issues among students, faculty, and staff. Providing education about the signs and symptoms of PTSD can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help. Creating a Supportive Campus Environment: Universities can create a supportive campus environment that promotes mental health and well-being. This can include offering mental health resources, creating support groups, and implementing policies that prioritize mental health. Training Staff and Faculty: Training staff and faculty to recognize the signs of PTSD and other mental health issues can help ensure that students receive the support they need.

By addressing PTSD among college students, universities can help ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
In a keynote interview at the Education Writers Association's national conference in Las Vegas, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona addressed allegations of misusing resources for the overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Despite criticisms from Congressional Republicans, Cardona remains resolute in his commitment to improving the FAFSA process and ensuring adequate support for student debt relief.

Addressing Allegations and Defending Priorities

During the interview, Cardona vehemently denied claims that resources meant for student debt relief were diverted to support the FAFSA overhaul. He emphasized the Department of Education's continuous dedication to enhancing the FAFSA system, acknowledging its longstanding need for updates. Cardona stated that they acknowledged the need for early delay and are continuously seeking ways to progress with the FAFSA overhaul. He refuted the claim that resources were diverted for this purpose.

The controversy surrounding the FAFSA rollout has been exacerbated by technical glitches and delays, prompting scrutiny from Congress and the media. However, Cardona's unwavering stance underscores his determination to address the challenges head-on and prioritize the needs of students seeking financial aid for higher education.

READ MORE : Delaware College Of Art And Design Closes Due To Financial Challenges And FAFSA Issues

Navigating the FAFSA Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Cardona and his Education Department have been grappling with the fallout from the botched launch of the new FAFSA, which has been plagued by technical issues and setbacks. Despite assurances from the department that the problems have been resolved, concerns linger among students and institutions alike.

The delayed FAFSA submission and completion rates, coupled with ongoing difficulties in accessing and completing the form, have raised significant apprehensions within the education community. Institutions fear that the FAFSA complications may deter students from pursuing higher education, as evidenced by the closure of institutions like the Delaware College of Art and Design citing "unexpected issues" with the FAFSA launch.

Cardona reiterated his commitment to addressing these challenges and expressed his expectations for a smoother FAFSA process moving forward. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, "We are not going to normalize 50 to 60 percent completion." Despite the setbacks, Cardona remains optimistic about the future of the FAFSA system, asserting that improvements will be ongoing to ensure better outcomes for students seeking financial assistance.

Charting a Path Forward: Reviewing and Reforming Federal Student Aid

In response to the FAFSA crisis and ongoing management challenges, Cardona announced a comprehensive review of the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), the agency responsible for overseeing the FAFSA project. The objective of this review is to modernize FSA and address operational inefficiencies to better serve students, borrowers, and families.

The plan includes a search for a new chief operating officer to lead FSA, with interim measures already in place to enhance agency execution and management. Additionally, the department intends to engage an independent consultant to provide recommendations for improving FSA's structure and processes. Measures such as restructuring reporting protocols and creating an innovation team underscore Cardona's commitment to fostering accountability and innovation within the federal student aid system.

As Cardona navigates the complexities of the FAFSA crisis and works towards reforming federal student aid, his leadership remains pivotal in shaping the future of higher education accessibility and affordability. Despite the challenges ahead, Cardona's steadfast dedication to students' welfare and equitable access to education serves as a beacon of hope in uncertain times.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's resolute stance amidst the FAFSA controversy underscores the importance of prioritizing students' needs and ensuring transparency and accountability within the federal education system. As efforts to reform FSA and enhance the FAFSA process continue, Cardona's leadership remains crucial in fostering a more inclusive and accessible higher education landscape for all.
June 3 2024

Two rival housebuilders are to collaborate on the delivery of over 3,000 homes on the outskirts of Stirling to get the delayed Durieshill Village project back on schedule.

After steering the project through the design and planning process Springfield Properties will sell parcels of the site to Barratt for the development of infrastructure.

Both builders will then commence the delivery of both private and affordable homes. To accommodate the planned community the existing Roman Road will have to be upgraded to cope with increased traffic together with improving the capacity of the local electrical grid and sewerage system.

Douglas McLeod, regional managing director for Barratt Developments Scotland, commented: The provision of quality homes in this underserved area will not only offer much needed choice to local home seekers, it will support local employment and create demand for new amenities and services too. This is why we are investing so significantly in crucial infrastructure to serve the area, as well as making provisions for schools, shops and community spaces.

Initial groundworks are due to begin later this year.
The Islamabad Police, following the directives of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, arrested one of the criminals involved in snatching of mobile phones from Saudi citizens in the F-8 Sector within 12 hours of the incident with the booty

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) The Islamabad Police, following the directives of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, arrested one of the criminals involved in snatching of mobile phones from Saudi citizens in the F-8 Sector within 12 hours of the incident with the booty.

The minister, who is in London on an official visit, called Inspector General of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi and directed him to arrest the accused.

The police recovered the two snatched phones from the accused who was traced through geo-fencing, CCTV cameras and accused through cameras and human intelligence.

The police were conducting raids to arrest his accomplices.

IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi along with Deputy Inspector General Ali Raza visited the Saudi Embassy and handed over the recovered mobile phones to the Saudi officials authorities.

Interior Minister Naqvi appreciated IGP Rizvi, DIG Ali Raza and their team for their swift action.

"The Capital Police deserve congratulations and appreciation for arresting the accused and recovering the mobile phones," the minister in in his message.

Mohsin Naqvi announced an award of certificate of appreciation for the police team concerned.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon Monday chaired a high-level meeting regarding dengue measures in the Federal capital, during which officials reported finding dengue larvae at 600 locations across the city in just one week.

The DC emphasized that controlling the spread of dengue required active participation from residents, said the ICT Administration's Spokesman.

The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing initiatives and campaigns aimed at eradicating the larvae.

Despite these efforts, one case of dengue was reported in the city last week.

The deputy commissioner stressed the importance of community involvement in keeping homes and surroundings clean to prevent the breeding of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

The health department also urged all citizens to play their part in this public health effort.

The district administration is taking various measures, but they highlighted that these steps would only be effective with the support and cooperation of the public.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said on Monday that under the guidance of two leadership and strong support from the people of both countries, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China would achieve complete success and become a milestone in the development of China-Pakistan relations.

The ambassador in an interview with APP, a day before the prime minister's five-day visit from June 4-8, 2024 to China, said that all preparatory works had entered the final stage, and discussions on Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were in full progress.

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Shehbaz will pay an official visit to China. This is his first visit to China after assuming the office this year.

Highlighting the components of the visit, he said the prime minister would meet and have talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zhao Leji. The leaders will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Pakistan relations and issues of mutual interest, and jointly draw up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. In addition to Beijing, the prime minister will visit Guangdong and Shaanxi.

"China stands ready to work with Pakistan through this visit to make greater progress in our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and take new steps in building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era," the envoy remarked.

Calling China and Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partners and ironclad friends, he said "Our friendship has stood the test of time and remained rock-solid andto use a Chinese expressionsteady as Mount Tai.

He said in recent years, both countries had close high-level exchanges, conducted fruitful and high-quality cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and maintained sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

Regarding CPEC, he said the landmark BRI project brought a total of US $25.4 billion in direct investment, 236000 jobs, 510km of highways, more than 8000 megawatts of electricity and 886km of core transmission network, generating a strong impetus to Pakistans economic and social development.

Under the second phase of CPEC, he said both countries would implement the important consensus reached by their leaders including the strengthening synergy of development strategies and policy coordination and accelerate progress on mega projects including upgradation of ML-1, the Gwadar Port and realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II. Moreover, the two countries will strengthen cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, new energy, information technology and other fields based on local conditions and further negotiate and promote trade liberalization.

"Looking forward to the second phase of CPEC, we are ready to work with Pakistan to inject new impetus into China-Pakistan cooperation with Chinas new development, and promote the in-depth integration of 5Cs (5 Corridors: growth corridor, livelihood-enhancing corridor, innovation corridor, green corridor and open corridor) with 5Es framework, to create an upgraded version of the CPEC and build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era."

He said that China was also ready to further promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the Pakistani side, to implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and make positive contributions to building an equal and orderly multi-polar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

About the launch of Pakistans lunar mission ICUBE-Q satellite with Chinese cooperation, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that since May this year, China-Pakistan aerospace cooperation has achieved frequent success.

A week after its launch, Pakistan's ICUBE-Q successfully transmitted images from lunar orbit, marking Pakistans inaugural step from zero to one in deep space exploration and making Pakistan one of the few members of the deep space club.

He said that on May 30, Pakistans multi-mission communication satellite, PakSat MM1, was again successfully launched from Chinas Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which was on its way to the geostationary orbit and would bring revolutionary changes to Pakistans telecommunications, the internet, and television landscape, contributing to Digital Pakistan.

"We will enhance cooperation and knowledge transfer in more down-to-earth sectors such as agriculture, new energy, and information technology, to promote the building of an upgraded version of CPEC, and constantly enrich the significance and practices of the China-Pakistan community with a shared future," he resolved.

Discussing the security cooperation and efforts to thwart the enemy's attempts to undermine peace, the envoy said that the Dasu terrorist attack on March 26 further necessitated a secure and stable environment for practical cooperation between China, Pakistan, and the CPEC.

"So far in 2024, Pakistani security forces have collectively conducted 13,135 intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators, during which 249 terrorists were eliminated while 396 were arrested. Pakistan also has made great sacrifices, with two officers and 60 soldiers sacrificing their precious lives," he said and highly appreciated Pakistan's great efforts to protect the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan over the years.

"Just as the foreign ministers of our two countries stressed... no attempt to undermine China-Pakistan cooperation will ever succeed...We hope and believe that Pakistan will continue to handle the follow-ups of the Dasu terrorist attack, step up efforts to combat terrorism, enhance the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects, and such kind of terrorist attack should never take place," he remarked.

He said China would work with Pakistan to thoroughly implement the Global Security Initiative, promote all-weather strategic cooperative partnership into a more secure new stage, strengthen counter-terrorism security cooperation and unswervingly safeguard the common security.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that China would also help Pakistan enhance its counter-terrorism capacity-building, jointly deal with the growing number of non-traditional security threats, and provide a reliable security guarantee for economic cooperation and common development between the two countries.

Commenting on the 75th anniversary of the founding of China, he said that during the period, the country had created two miracles - rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

"Facing a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, we adhere to the path of Chinese modernization, comprehensively promote high-quality development, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, transform and upgrade traditional industries, cultivate and strengthen emerging industries, and lay out the construction of future-oriented industries."

To a question, the ambassador said that the Pakistani governments 5Es framework not only met Pakistans current development needs, but also chimed with Chinas approach of promoting high-quality development through new quality productive forces, which indicated that bilateral cooperation would yield more fruitful results.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Three PML-N MNAs from Islamabad submitted applications to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, requesting a change in the election tribunal due to perceived partiality in the judge's attitude

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) Three PML-N MNAs from Islamabad submitted applications to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, requesting a change in the election tribunal due to perceived partiality in the judge's attitude.

Three PML-N MNAs from IslamabadDr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Raja Khurram Nawaz, and Anjum Aqeelvoiced concerns about the fairness of the current election tribunal.

In their application, they expressed apprehensions about receiving fair treatment, citing perceived bias and undue haste by the tribunal.

They contend that the tribunal's conduct undermines their right to a fair trial, a fundamental entitlement safeguarded by Article 4 of the Constitution, emphasizing that every Pakistani deserves impartial judicial proceedings.

Having emerged victorious in the 2024 general elections, the petitioners urged the tribunal to halt the processing of election petition No. 73 of 2024, emphasizing their demand for justice and impartiality in addressing these concerns.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has fixed June 4 for hearing the petitions filed by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Anjum Aqeel, and Khurram Nawaz seeking a tribunal change. Tomorrow, the commission will also review the request to move the case from the current tribunal, as indicated in its cause list.
The alert level for a Philippine volcano was raised on Monday after an "explosive eruption" sent a plume of ash, gas and rocks five kilometres (three miles) into the sky, the volcanology agency said

Manila, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) The alert level for a Philippine volcano was raised on Monday after an "explosive eruption" sent a plume of ash, gas and rocks five kilometres (three miles) into the sky, the volcanology agency said.

Mount Kanlaon on the central island of Negros erupted for six minutes shortly before 7:00 pm (1100 GMT), prompting warnings for nearby residents to wear facemasks due the threat of volcanic gases and falling ash.

"When it erupted we heard a thunder-like sound," Ethan Asentista-Khoo, 35, told AFP from his home in Pula village, about six kilometres from the volcano.

"There was like a fire on the mouth of the volcano, which lasted around one to two minutes. I didn't see any lava or rocks coming out."

The Philippines is located in the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" that hosts more than half of the world's volcanoes.

Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the archipelago nation.

"An explosive eruption... produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rapidly rose to 5,000 metres above the vent," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said, raising the alert level from one to two on a scale of zero to five.

It also observed "probable short" avalanches of volcanic ash, rock and gases, known as pyroclastic density currents, on Kanlaon's slopes.

Joe Alingasa, a rescue official in San Carlos municipality, said they planned to evacuate about 500 families from homes nearest the volcano "as soon as possible".

"We have deployed a team for the initial evacuation of our residents," Alingasa told AFP.

"We also took face masks because the residents reported a strong smell of sulphur in the area."

The volcanology agency said pilots should avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from a sudden eruption could be hazardous to their aircraft.

Eruptions can be deadly, with pyroclastic and lahar flows as well as ashfall posing hazards to communities surrounding the volcano.

Pyroclastic flows are a scalding mixture of rocks and ash that speed down a volcano's slopes, burning everything in their path.

Lahars are mammoth flows of volcanic debris deposited on the volcano's slopes and unleashed by heavy rain. They can bury villages.

Heavy ashfalls can collapse roofs of houses and gum up jet engines.

The most powerful volcanic explosion in the Philippines in recent years was the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo, about 100 kilometres from Manila, which killed more than 800 people.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Mexico City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico's first woman president by a landslide Sunday, preliminary official results showed, making history in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence.

Crowds of flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music in Mexico City's main square celebrating the ruling party candidate's victory.

The 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor, a scientist by training, won around 58-60 percent of votes, the National Electoral Institute announced after a quick count.

That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, and some 50 percentage points ahead of the only man running, long-shot centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez.

Voters had flocked to polling stations across the Latin American nation, despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by ultra-violent drug cartels.

Thousands of troops were deployed to protect voters, following a particularly bloody electoral process that has seen more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.

Earlier, Sheinbaum hailed what she called a "historic" election day.

After casting her ballot, she revealed she had not voted for herself but for a 93-year-old veteran leftist, Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her struggle.

"Long live democracy!" Sheinbaum declared.

After the polls closed, Galvez urged her followers to closely monitor the count.

"We are competing against authoritarianism and power and they are capable of anything," said the 61-year-old senator and businesswoman with Indigenous roots.

Mexican women going to the polls had cheered the prospect of a woman breaking the highest political glass ceiling in a country where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day.

"A female president will be a transformation for this country, and we hope that she does more for women," said Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner in Mexico City.

"Many women are subjugated by their partners. They're not allowed to leave home to work," she said.

Daniela Perez, 30, said that having a woman president would be "something historic," even though neither of the two main candidates was "totally feminist" in her view.

"We'll have to see their positions on improving women's rights, resolving the issue of femicides -- which have gone crazy -- supporting women more," added the logistics company manager.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people.

Sheinbaum owes much of her popularity to outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fellow leftist and mentor who has an approval rating of more than 60 percent but is only allowed to serve one term.

Reina Balbuena, a 50-year-old street food seller, said she voted for Sheinbaum because the ruling Morena party "has given a lot of support to older adults, to children."

In a nation where politics, crime and corruption are closely entangled, drug cartels went to extreme lengths to ensure that their preferred candidates win.

Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, authorities said, joining at least 25 other political hopefuls killed this election season, according to official figures.

In the central Mexican state of Puebla, two people died after unknown persons attacked polling stations to steal papers, a local government security source told AFP.

Voting was suspended in two municipalities in the southern state of Chiapas because of violence.

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the outgoing president's controversial "hugs not bullets" strategy of tackling crime at its roots.

Galvez vowed a tougher approach to cartel-related violence, declaring "Hugs for criminals are over."

More than 450,000 people have been murdered and tens of thousands have gone missing since the government deployed the army to fight drug trafficking in 2006.

The next president will also have to manage delicate relations with the neighboring United States, in particular the vexed issues of cross-border drug smuggling and migration.

As well as choosing a new president, Mexicans voted for members of Congress, several state governors, and myriad local officials -- a total of more than 20,000 positions.
Tokyo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) A strong magnitude 5.9 earthquake shook central Japan on Monday but there was no tsunami warning, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

The shallow jolt, which hit at 6:31 am (2131 GMT), was centred in the Noto Peninsula, where a devastating quake on January 1 killed more than 230 people.

Local officials said there were no immediate reports of damage but they were still collecting information, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Monday morning's earthquake was followed around 10 minutes later by a second, smaller magnitude-4.8 shake in the same area, the JMA said.

The operator of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in the region said it had suspended operations to check for damage, according to NHK.

The broadcaster warned that many buildings in the coastal Sea of Japan region might have been previously damaged in the powerful January earthquake and its aftershocks.

The January 1 quake destroyed and toppled buildings, caused fires and knocked out infrastructure on the Noto Peninsula just as families were celebrating New Year's Day.

Sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", Japan is one of the world's most tectonically active countries.

The archipelago, home to around 125 million people, experiences around 1,500 jolts every year and accounts for around 18 percent of the world's earthquakes.

The vast majority are mild, although the damage they cause varies according to their location and the depth below the Earth's surface at which they strike.
BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2024) A delegation of Pakistani youth recently visited Urumqi, Kashgar, and Atush in Xinjiang and engaged in in-depth exchanges with local people of all ethnic groups and experienced the actual situation of social stability, economic development, improvement of people's livelihood, religious harmony, cultural prosperity, and thriving tourism in Xinjiang.

"All ethnic groups in Xinjiang live in harmony and enjoy the beauty of various cultures. You can always see people dancing together happily, and I feel that the life of Xinjiang people is sweeter than honey," stated Hina Pervaiz Butt, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N.

The delegation visited several villages in Atush and learned about the development of rural tourism.

"The villages in Xinjiang are so beautiful; the villagers' courtyards are clean, neat, and well-decorated. I think people here are full of confidence in their future development. Xinjiang is developing rapidly with convenient transportation and well-developed city clusters," said Qasim Qamar, an official from Sindh Province, who visited Xinjiang eight years ago.

The delegation experienced the vitality of Xinjiang's high-quality economic development after visiting the Kashgar Comprehensive Free Trade Zone and Urban Planning Hall of Urumqi Cultural Center.

Covering 180 square kilometers, the Xinjiang pilot FTZ has been granted more autonomy to implement reforms and attract investments.

"China deems it necessary to contribute to building a golden channel between Asia and the West. Predictions suggest that the FTZ will create opportunities for Central Asia, West Asia, and South Asia. Pakistan, as the home of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and a close ally of China, is uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of the FTZ and Xinjiang, said Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, one of the delegation members and a political economist.

"The Chinese government is focusing on preserving culture, enhancing people's skills, and providing education in religious studies," Shakeel said during his visit to a state-of-the-art madrassa for the Muslim community in Urumqi.

After visiting an exhibition on the fight against terrorism and deradicalization in Xinjiang, members of the delegation expressed their support for Xinjiang's efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

"What we saw in Xinjiang is that people's livelihoods are improving, people are experiencing the benefits of the modernization drive, and Muslims and other communities live together peacefully. We would like to show the real and beautiful Xinjiang to more people," said Shakeel.

APP/asg
(UroToday.com) The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting held in Chicago, IL was host to a kidney and bladder cancers trials-in-progress poster session. Dr. Sumanta Pal presented the results of the randomized phase III STELLAR-304 trial evaluating the combination of zanzalintinib (XL092) plus nivolumab in patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC).

nccRCC accounts for ~25% of all renal tumors and is a heterogenous group, including papillary, chromophobe, collecting duct, medullary and translocation-associated, and unclassified histology renal tumors, with each showing a distinct presentation, clinical course, and treatment response. Given the rarity and heterogeneity of the disease, management of nccRCC is primarily based on results from phase II trials, subgroup analyses of RCC trials, meta-analyses, and treatments approved for clear cell RCC.

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sunitinib is a commonly used therapy based on the results of two randomized phase 2 studies that showed modest improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) versus everolimus for patients with nccRCC.1,2 Single-agent nivolumab (an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, ICI) has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with nccRCC; when combined with cabozantinib, a multi-targeted TKI, with promising clinical activity observed in patients with papillary, unclassified, or translocation-associated nccRCC.3,4

To date, no treatment for nccRCC has demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit versus sunitinib, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. Zanzalintinib (XL092) is a novel, oral, multi-targeted TKI of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), MET, and the TAM family of kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MER.

VEGFR, MET, and the TAM kinases are involved in tumor cell proliferation, neovascularization, and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Concomitant inhibition of VEGFR, MET, and the TAM kinases may prevent resistance to VEGFR inhibition. VEGFR, MET, and the TAM kinases are implicated in suppression of antitumor immunity. Inhibition of these kinases may promote an immune-permissive environment and enhance response to ICIs. Based on preclinical analyses, the combination of zanzalintinib and ICI exhibits greater tumor growth inhibition than single-agent therapy. In a phase 1 study, zanzalintinib plus an ICI showed promising antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced solid tumors including RCC.5

STELLAR-304 (NCT05678673) is a global, open-label, randomized, phase III trial that will enroll approximately 291 patients aged 18 years with histologically confirmed unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic nccRCC who have not received prior systemic anticancer therapy for advanced disease. Eligible patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive oral zanzalintinib plus intravenous nivolumab versus oral sunitinib.

The dual co-primary endpoints are progression-free survival and objective response rate. Secondary endpoints include:

Overall survival

Safety

Patients with papillary, unclassified, or translocation-associated histologic subtypes, with or without sarcomatoid features, are eligible for enrollment (Table 1). Patients with chromophobe, renal medullary carcinoma, or pure collecting duct histologic subtypes are excluded.

The study is currently enrolling patients across sites in Europe, South America, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Presented by: Sumanta K. Pal, MD, FASCO, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA

Written by: Rashid Sayyid, MD, MSc  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, IL between May 31st and June 4th.



References:
(UroToday.com) The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, IL was host to the Oral Abstract Session: Genitourinary Cancer-Kidney and Bladder. Dr. Camillo Porta discussed the Updated Outcomes from Phase III Trials in Bladder and Kidney Cancer.

Dr. Porta discussed the updated outcomes of three trials presented at the ASCO 2024 meeting following presentations from Drs. Charlene Mantia, Robert J. Motzer, and Matthew D. Galsky.

Abs. #4507  Partitioned overall survival (OS) over 4 years in CheckMate 9ER

Abs. #4508 The final OS analysis from the JAVELIN Renal 101

Abs. #4509  Characterization of complete responders from the CheckMate 901 trial

He began discussing the partitioned OS analysis from the CheckMate 9ER. To contextualize, Checkmate 9ER was a phase 3, randomized, open-label trial, that assigned patients with previously untreated clear-cell, advanced renal-cell carcinoma (aRCC) to receive either nivolumab plus cabozantinib or sunitinib. This study met its primary endopoint of progression-free survival and showed that the combination of nivolumab+cabozantinib doubled the median progression-free survival (16.6 vs 8.3 months) with sunitinib alone.1 The aim of this analysis was to evaluate treatment-free survival (TFS) based on the longer PFS and OS achieved with nivolumab+cabozantinib.1

In a recent survey from the Kidney Cancer Research Alliance (KCCure), aiming to understand how patients prioritize treatment selection and define treatment success, the possibility of discontinuing therapy, especially without significant toxicity, is a highly ranked outcome (see Figure below).2

The partitioned OS analysis identified five different survival states during the first four years of the CheckMate 9ER study. The investigators noted a modest advantage in treatment-free survival (TFS) for the IO+TKI combination compared to TKI monotherapy (6.9 months vs. 4.6 months, respectively). However, the TFS without toxicity was only 3 months, with patients receiving the IO+TKI combination compared to 2.3 months for those treated with sunitinib, which means only 0.7 months overall without toxicity. It's important to note that these findings are based on clinical trial data and may not fully reflect real-world outcomes, which are often more favorable. The figure below illustrates the median TFS among different survival states.

So how does this data compare to other available evidence? Dr. Porta presented a patient-level data analysis of patients from the CheckMate 214 study. This analysis showed that TFS was superior for the IO combination group vs. the Sunitinib group. The Overall TFS was 6.9 vs 3.1 months (intermediate/poor risk patients) and in the intention to treat population, the overall TFS was 7.8 vs 3.3 months. However, the TFS with TRAEs  Grade 2 was 3.0 vs 1.6 months in the IO combo vs. TKI alone, respectively and the TFS without TRAEs  Grade 2 was 3.9 vs 1.5 months.3 Similarly, in a partitioned OS analysis of the HCRN GU16-260 study-Cohort A, which is a phase II study of patients with clear-cell aRCC treated with first-line nivolumab monotherapy for up to 2 years followed by Salvage nivolumab/ipilimumab for up to 1 year. This partitioned analysis confirmed that TFS is longer with IO as compared to IO-TKI combinations, and that TFS was greatest in patients with favorable-risk disease.4 He went on to discuss a pooled analysis of 2,367 patients included in the Keynote-426, Javelin RENAL 101, and CheckMate 9ER studies. This study showed that TFS was modest and similar in the IO-TKI group vs the Sunitinib group (2.7 vs 2.9 months) and the TFS with toxicity was1.0 vs 0.6 months, and TFS without toxicity was 1.7 vs 2.3 months, respectively.5

To close his discussion on the partitioned OS analysis of the CheckMate 9ER study, Dr. Porta provided these key takeaways:

Partitioned OS analysis has been primarily utilized by regulatory authorities in cost-effectiveness analyses of oncological treatments.

It's imperative to incorporate this type of analysis into oncological clinical trials, ensuring that the results are thoroughly discussed with patients. (Time off treatment stands out as one of the most impactful outcomes for patients with aRCC.)

Despite the emergence of TFS as an essential patient-centered outcome in oncological clinical trials, it is unlikely that this endpoint would significantly influence the clinical decision-making process.

Despite the differences in TFS, he wouldnt choose Ipilimumab/Nivolumab over Nivolumab/Cabozantinib as the first-line treatment for aRCC.

The final OS analysis from JAVELIN Renal 101 took center stage as the second item on the agenda. This phase 3 trial focused on previously untreated patients with aRCC (any IMDC risk score), comparing avelumab plus axitinib with the standard-of-care at the time, sunitinib. The updated analysis presented the trial's results, including the final OS analysis at a median follow-up of 68 months. While OS analyses favored Avelumab + Axitinib over Sunitinib, the difference did not reach statistical significance (median OS 44.8 vs. 38.9 months, p=0.067). However, PFS was notably longer with Avelumab + Axitinib compared to Sunitinib (median PFS 13.9 vs. 8.5 months, p<0.0001).6

Dr. Porta chose to employ GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) as a framework for grading the quality of evidence, applying it to JAVELIN Renal 101. He highlighted several factors: for the OS analysis in the overall population, this study's risk of detection bias was not serious (single study, adequate comparator of therapy at the time of study design, BICR assessment, and use of RECIST version 1.1). However, it had a serious risk of detection/performance bias due to the open-label design, and the certainty was only moderate according to GRADE. Furthermore, for the PFS analysis, the risk of detection bias was not serious, and certainty was high. However, for TRAEs, the risk of detection bias and the risk of imprecision were serious, resulting in low certainty according to GRADE. Further details of his analysis are provided in the accompanying figure.

Dr. Porta then posed a question to the audience: Would you opt for a treatment in the first line setting for aRCC that doesn't improve OS, especially when you have four alternatives that do? He briefly discussed the results of the CheckMate 214 (7), KeyNote 426 (8), CheckMate 9ER,1 and CLEAR9 trials. All these trials, using different IO + TKI combinations or IO+IO combination,7 demonstrated improved OS when compared to sunitinib1,7,8 or everolimus9 alone in the treatment aRCC. The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines for aRCC are outlined below, highlighting recommended treatment options that have all demonstrated improvements in OS. In contrast, JAVELIN Renal 101, currently not endorsed by these guidelines for aRCC treatment, stands apart. Therefore, Dr. Porta concluded that he would continue to adhere to the ESMO guidelines, the algorithm for first-line treatment of aRCC according to ESMO is shown below.

The final item on the agenda was the study presented earlier by Dr. Galsky, which aimed to characterize complete responders and patients with lymph node-only metastasis from the CheckMate 901 trial. Dr Porta briefly discussed the CheckMate 901 study, this was a phase 3, multinational, open-label trial, that randomly assigned patients with previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma to nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin for up to six cycles, followed by nivolumab maintenance for a maximum of 2 years, or to receive gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) alone.10

In the CheckMate 901 study, 102 patients (16.8%) achieved a complete response (CR), 66 (10.8%) from the Nivolumab + GC group, and 36 (5.9%) from the GC alone group. Since lymph node-only patients enriched the whole CR group, further analyses were conducted on these patients. In patients with lymph-node only disease, Nivolumab + GC yielded higher overall response rates (+17.2%) and CR (+29.1%) rates, as well as significantly longer OS (+21.4 months) and PFS (+21.7 months), as compared with GC patients. However, CR were less likely to occur in patients with distant lymph nodes.

Dr. Porta further elaborated that lymph node-only metastatic disease in advanced urothelial carcinoma typically associates with favorable prognosis. These patients often experience prolonged disease-free survival and overall response rates with standard chemotherapy, with or without surgical consolidation.11 Therefore, it comes as no surprise that in the CheckMate 901 trial, patients with lymph node metastases only exhibited more complete responses, as well as longer OS and PFS when treated with Nivolumab + GC.

However, Dr. Porta noted that despite the promising results of the CheckMate 901 trial in the first-line setting of locally advanced/unresectable or advanced urothelial carcinoma, these findings were somewhat overshadowed by those of the EV-302 trial.12 This trial compared the combination of enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab (EV + P) versus platinum-based chemotherapy in previously untreated patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma, demonstrating unprecedented benefits in overall survival and overall response rates. In the graphic below, the OS of both the CheckMate 901 trial and the EV-302 trial is depicted. Importantly, the median OS for the treatment arm in both studies was 21.7 months vs. 31.5 months in CheckMate 901 and EV-302, respectively. Therefore, the question arises as to whether this lymph node-only subanalysis of the CheckMate 901 trial is sufficient to counterbalance the significant impact of the EV-302 study.

Dr. Porta highlighted that the combination of enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab (EV + P) also demonstrated remarkable efficacy in patients with lymph node-only disease. The objective response rate (ORR) was 77.5% in the EV + P arm compared to 53.4% in the control arm, and notably, the median overall survival (OS) was not reached in this subgroup. The ORR and complete response rate in the CheckMate 901 were 81.5% and 63.0% for Nivolumab+GC, respectively.

Moreover, identifying lymph node metastases can be challenging, as is assessing their response to treatment. The sensitivity of CT and MRI in detecting lymph node metastasis ranges between 40-50%. In this trial, CT was the imaging of choice suggested by the study protocol.

Bringing his presentation to a close, Dr. Porta highlighted his takeaways for the critical appraisal of the CheckMate 901 trial subanalysis of complete responders/LN+ only:

Lymph node-only disease is a favorable prognostic factor in advanced urothelial carcinoma patients. This is a disease setting where cure may potentially occur

To date, we do not have a standard of care for these patients

The combination of Nivolumab and GC appears to be effective in patients with lymph node-only advanced urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, with its fixed chemotherapy cycles and two-year immunotherapy duration, it offers a more patient-friendly approach compared to EV+P.

Nivolumab + GC should be considered as a potential standard treatment for patients with lymph node-only advanced urothelial carcinoma, particularly those with pelvic lymph node involvement, where downstaging is critical for proceeding with surgical consolidation.

Standardizing imaging protocols for lymph node-only disease is imperative for future trials in advanced urothelial carcinoma.

Presented by: Camillo Porta, MD, Full Professor of Medical Oncology at the A. Moro University of Bari in Italy

Written by: Julian Chavarriaga, MD  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @chavarriagaj on Twitter during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, Fri, May 31  Tues, June 4, 2024.

References:
(UroToday.com) The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, IL between May 31 and June 4 was host to the Poster Session: Genitourinary Cancer: Prostate, Testicular, and Penile. Dr. Wadih Issa presented the results of a retrospective study analyzing treatment outcomes for patients with Ga68-PSMA-PET prostate cancer with or without conventional imaging correlates.



Dr. Issa began his presentation by highlighting the significant burden of prostate cancer, ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality. While conventional imaging modalities like CT and bone scans are routinely used for prostate cancer staging, they often lack sensitivity and specificity in detecting early metastatic disease, leading to a considerable rate of false-negative findings. Conversely, PSMA PET/CT has demonstrated high sensitivity and has transformed both treatment and staging approaches. However, it has also introduced a new paradigm, delineating a molecularly advanced disease space characterized by PSMA positivity and conventional imaging negativity (PSMA+/CT-), resulting in stage migration. Uncertainty persists regarding treatment outcomes and optimal management strategies for patients within this molecularly advanced disease space. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze treatment outcomes for patients undergoing Ga68-PSMA-PET imaging

This was a single-center retrospective analysis including patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) who underwent PMSA PET imaging and received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). PSMA PET at their institution used Ga68 gozetotide/PSMA-11. Patients were stratified into two groups by whether a CT lesion correlates to a PSMA avid lesion (SUVmax >2.5):

PSMA+/CT-

PSMA+/CT+

The definition for CT- was lymph nodes measuring less than 1.5 cm and exhibiting faint or undetermined sclerosis or bone lesions without a corresponding CT correlate. Conversely, CT+ was defined by lymph nodes larger than 1.5 cm and the presence of sclerotic lesions on CT or a positive bone scan. Patients were stratified based on the presentation of metastasis into de novo or metachronous categories and by the treatment received, including ADT alone, ADT combined with androgen receptor targeted therapies (ARTT), and ADT in combination with Docetaxel as illustrated in the figure below.

The primary objectives were PSA progression-free survival (PFS) and time to castration-resistant (TTCR) disease between the two groups. The secondary objective was the time to castration-resistant disease in patients with PSMA+/CT- disease, based on exposure to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone or treatment intensification. The survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression to control for possible confounders.

A total of 159 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 104 received ADT, 44 (54%) in the PSMA+/CT- group compared to 64 (82%) in the PSMA+/CT+ group. Patients PSMA+/CT- group exhibited a lower median PSA level (1.1 vs. 15 ng/ml, p<0.001), a reduced incidence of de novo metastatic disease (37% vs. 59%, p=0.004), compared to the PSMA+/CT+ group.



PFS was significantly better for patients in the PSMA+/CT- group (p<0.01) compared to the PSMA+/CT+ group.



Similar the TTCR was significantly higher for patients in the PSMA+/CT- group (p<0.001) compared to the PSMA+/CT+ group.



The TTCR disease was also explored based on treatment (ADT monotherapy vs. ADT intensification with ARTT or Docetaxel) in patients with PSMA+/CT-. Interestingly, the TTCR did not show significant differences regardless of treatment intensification in this retrospective study.

In the closing remarks, these were the following key messages:

Patients with PSMA+CT- prostate cancer compared to patients with PSMA+/CT+ PC have better prognosis and outcomes in this retrospective cohort

Low rates of PSA progression and longer time to castration resistance was observed in patients with PSMA+CT-

Prospective trials such as EA8191/INDICATE (NCT04423211) are ongoing to evaluate the utility of ADT intensification in this new molecular stage of the disease (PSMA+CT)

Presented by: Wadih Issa, MD, Postdoctoral GU Oncology Research Fellow, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX

Written by: Julian Chavarriaga, MD  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @chavarriagaj on Twitter during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, IL between May 31st and June 4th.
Four state-owned lenders on Monday afternoon began selling gold bars to retail consumers at prices around 1.2% lower than market rates.

Agribank, BIDV, VietinBank and Vietcombank bought gold from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) for VND78.98 million (US$3,106.39) per tael and sold it to the market at less than VND80 million.

The current market rate stands at VND81 million.

A representative from one of the banks told VnExpress that the central bank permits lenders to sell gold at prices no more than VND 1 million above the buying price.

The banks have unlimited volume to sell to retail consumers but are prohibited from sell to organizations and businesses.

Vietnam gold price has been dropping in over a week and is now 13% higher than the global rate, a smaller margin compared to 23% a week ago.

Truong Van Phuoc, former chairman of the National Financial Supervisory Commission, said that selling gold bars through state-owned lenders is an effective measure by the central bank to help narrow the gap between domestic and global rates.

Saigon Jewelry Company gold bar price has plummeted by 12% from its all-time high of VND92 million (US$3,619.91) seen on May 10 to VND81 million ($3,185.84) Monday.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Hilbert Margol says he didn't look on himself as a hero when his U.S. Army artillery unit fought its way across Europe during World War II. But he will be feted in France as one of 60 American veterans of that conflict traveling to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

I know my brother and I never looked at it as we were any kind of heroes, nothing like that, Margol said recently of himself and his twin brother Howard, who served with him. It was just our time. That we were asked to serve. And we did.

The 100-year-old Margol, who lives in suburban Atlanta, is among the dwindling band of veterans of the conflict leaving Atlanta on Sunday on a chartered flight for Deauville, Normandy. The veterans will take part in parades, school visits and ceremonies  including the official June 6 commemoration of the landings by soldiers from across the United States, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations on five beaches.

Margol didn't land at D-Day, but the Jacksonville, Florida, native was among those that liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945.

The trip also includes high school and college students selected to escort the veterans and learn about their experiences.

Charter flights also took veterans from Atlanta to France in 2022 and 2023.

Andy Negra of Helen, Georgia, came ashore with the 6th Armored Division at Utah Beach on July 18, 1944, about six weeks after D-Day. Its his second trip back to France after also taking part in last year's flight.

Well to me, we fought for freedom, and we fought for peace, and we fought for a good life, Negra, a native of Avella, Pennsylvania, said in a recent interview.

The trip is being organized by Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, the Best Defense Foundation and the North American branch of French tire maker Michelin.

It is our privilege to celebrate and honor these heroes by flying them directly to Normandy and recognizing their incredible sacrifices and contributions to the world, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement.
Three years into the crisis in Burma, or Myanmar, the humanitarian situation continues to rapidly deteriorate. According to the United Nations, over the past 12 months, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has risen from 17.6 million to 18.6 million, while the number of the internally displaced has increased by two thirds, from 1.8 to 3 million. And its the young, the children, who have been hit the hardest.



Children in Myanmar are suffering from displacement, interrupted education, injury, food insecurity, and unexploded ordnances, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Permanent Representative at the UN.



Myanmars children face the brunt of the violence and will have to live with the consequences of this conflict for decades to come. And so, we must prioritize the protection of children in our approach. We must prioritize the protection of children. And we must put our full support behind those that are leading the way towards a more peaceful and more democratic future for Myanmar, especially young leaders and pro-democracy groups."



Recently, the Burmese military government implemented a 2010 conscription law, which the regime is reportedly using to draft thousands of Rohingya men and boys. This conscription takes advantage of a highly vulnerable community, and it will only foment fear, mistrust, and violence, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.



We must all call on the military and all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of all civilians and to allow unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law.



Finally, We are watching with growing alarm the worsening situation in Rakhine between the regimes military and the Arakha Army, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Just five months into 2024, the regime has conducted more airstrikes than in 2022 and 2023 combined.



Since the beginning of this year, Myanmars military regime has carried out nearly 1,000 air strikes across the country, averaging six strikes each day.  One out of five of the regimes airstrikes targets Rakhine State, with a third hitting civilians. And in the midst of this fighting, Rohingya communities once again bear the brunt of the violence.



The United States supports an inclusive dialogue to return Myanmar to the path of representative democracy in line with Resolution 2669, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Only through a comprehensive approach and global action will we find a peaceful and just conclusion to this horrific conflict at long last.
Chads female leaders and activists have strongly condemned what they say is their negligible representation in President Mahamat Idriss Deby's first civilian government after a three-year transition from military rule. The women voiced their concerns during a meeting in Chad's capital, N'djamena, on Monday.

Several dozen female activists and opposition members say they are upset with what they call Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby's decision to exclude them from political issues in his first civilian government.

The women who met in N'djamena on Monday, said Deby should have rejected the government appointed by new Prime Minister Allamaye Halina last week.

Halina was appointed by Deby to replace Succes Masra, who resigned after his defeat in Chad's May 6 presidential election. Masra was in office for four months.

Amina Tidjani Yaya is the coordinator of Voix De La Femme, or Women's Voice, a nongovernmental organization that advocates for the respect of women's rights and political participation.

She says female leaders and activists do not understand why Chad's new prime minister, Allamaye Halina, decided to reduce the number of female ministers from 12 during Chad's three-year transitional period to eight in the first civilian government he appointed May 27. Yaya says Chadian officials have not respected the resolution of the central African nations 2022 Inclusive and Sovereign National Dialogue, which states that more women should be appointed to government positions.

Chad's new government has 35 ministers. Twenty-three served in the previous administration before Deby was declared the winner of Chad's May 6 presidential election, ending three years of military transition, returning to constitutional order.

During his inauguration, Deby promised to involve opposition parties, youths and women in executing his immediate task, which he said is to reconcile differences among all Chadians and make the central African state a better place in which to live.

The female leaders and activists say increasing women's political participation would have been synonymous with improving respect for human rights, justice, the rule of law, governance and democracy. They say women constitute the majority of Chad's population and can have more influence than men in peacekeeping processes.

Female leaders say there have been tensions and conflicts involving armed groups who accused the new president of using the military to prolong his familys rule. Deby's family has had a firm grip on power since his father, Idriss Deby Ino, took over in a 1990 coup and died in April 2021 before the younger Deby took power.

The women say Deby should have involved more women in the current government because Chad is a signatory to the Maputo Protocol, a commitment by African nations through the African Union to ensure gender equality in political decision making.

Chad's government has not responded to the women's request for more representation in politics. But the central African states prime minister, after officially taking office on May 24, pleaded with all Chadians to resolve their differences and collaborate with the new government which he maintained will work for the well-being of all citizens.

Senoussi Hassana Abdoulaye, a jurist and lecturer at Chad's university of Ndjamena, told state TV on Monday that Deby and his new civilian government cannot be officially held responsible for reducing the number of female ministers because no law in Chad imposes gender equity in political appointments.

He says all women in Chad should register and massively take part as candidates and voters in local council and parliamentary elections that President Mahamat Idriss Deby says will take place before December of this year. He says if women succeed in having a majority of seats in parliament, they can enact laws that compel government officials to respect political equality between men and women.

In February, female leaders and activists from Burkina Faso, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Mali and Niger met in Ndjamena and said they want to be involved in the highest decision-making circles of the African military governments involved with political transitions.

The meeting, which took place under the theme African Women in Transitional Governments, reiterated that women constitute a majority of civilians in the six states, bear the brunt of violence from military takeovers and are highly underrepresented in decision-making circles.

The women promised to make their participation in transitional governance a subject of discussion during important events like their countries national days and international events organized by the United Nations and African Union.
The Islamabad High Court has overturned the conviction of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a case pertaining to mishandling state secrets.

In a short verbal statement witnessed by a VOA reporter Monday, two members of the high court announced the acquittals of Khan and Qureshi as it accepted their appeals against the convictions.

The decision in what is known as the cipher case comes after a special, lower court in January sentenced Khan and Qureshi to 10 years each in prison for making public the contents of a secret diplomatic cable sent by Pakistans then-ambassador to the United States.

The two men had argued the sham case was politically motivated and that the trial was conducted in an unfair manner.

Despite the high courts order, Khan and Qureshi are not expected to walk free. Khan, imprisoned since last August, is serving time for a conviction for an illicit marriage.

Qureshi remains under arrest, facing a list of charges regarding violence that erupted in May of last year after Khans supporters stormed military and government installations to protest the former prime ministers arrest.

Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, hailed Monday's verdict. Congratulating supporters on the much-needed legal relief, party leader Syed Zulfikar Bukhari said in a post on X that the states malafide attempt to establish IK [Imran Khan] and SMQ [Shah Mahmood Qureshi] as traitors goes into the dustbin.

In a hastily called press conference, the governments spokesperson for legal affairs, Aqeel Malik, said the prosecution might appeal the decision in the countrys top court.

If the prosecution feels that there was an error [in the judgment] or it should be challenged, it will decide whether to appeal [the verdict] in the Supreme Court, Malik said.

The court should have considered the national security implications of its decision, he added.

The cipher was not presented in the court at any stage.

Case history

In April 2022, Khan was expelled from power in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. He had served fewer than four years of a five-year term.

Since then, Khan has alleged that a secret diplomatic cable, or cipher, proves that Washington conspired with Pakistan's military and then-opposition leaders to remove him from office. The cable was sent by Asad Majeed Khan, then-Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S.

State authorities alleged Khan and his allies used the document for political purposes and that the former prime minister did not return the decoded copy of the classified diplomatic message to the foreign office.

The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, tried Khan and Qureshi in prison and sentenced both to a decade behind bars on January 30, before Pakistan held national elections February 8.

Cipher contents

In August 2023, American news outlet The Intercept published what it said was the text of the cipher.

The cable described a March 7, 2022 meeting between then-Ambassador Khan and Donald Lu, assistant secretary of state at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, in Washington.

According to the purported cable, State Department officials at the meeting encouraged the ambassador to tell Pakistan's powerful military that Islamabad could expect warmer relations if Khan were removed from office because of his neutrality on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Pakistani prime minister was in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, 2022, the day the invasion began, and did not condemn it.

"I think if the no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister succeeds, all will be forgiven in Washington because the Russia visit is being looked at as a decision by the Prime Minister.  Otherwise, I think it will be tough going ahead," the document quoted Lu as telling the Pakistani ambassador.

While the State Department has consistently rejected the allegation of orchestrating Khan's ouster, the department's spokesperson, Mathew Miller, conceded last year that the Biden administration was unhappy with Khan's overtures to Russia.

"We expressed concern privately to the government of Pakistan as we expressed concerns publicly about the visit of then-Prime Minister Khan to Moscow on the very day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We made that concern quite clear," Miller said at a regular press conference while responding to a question about The Intercept's reporting.

The Pakistani military and Khan's successors have also rejected his allegations.
Britain, France and Germany late on Monday submitted a resolution to the U.N. nuclear watchdog's board, censuring Iran over its lack of cooperation with the agency despite U.S. opposition, two diplomats said.

It was the latest of numerous diplomatic maneuvers by Western powers who fear Iran might be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon  a claim the Islamic Republic denies.

"The text has been formally tabled," one diplomatic source told AFP, with a second confirming the information.

The move to submit a motion against Iran was driven by an "urgency to react to the gravity of the situation," diplomats told AFP earlier.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to the high level of 60%, while it keeps accumulating large uranium stockpiles.

Uranium enriched to 60% is close to the levels of 90% needed for atomic weapons and well above the 3.67% used for nuclear power stations.

The board of governors passed the last such resolution criticizing Iran in November 2022, prompting Tehran to retaliate by stepping up its uranium enrichment activities.

At the opening of the meeting on Monday, IAEA head Rafael Grossi reiterated his concerns, saying: "It's unacceptable to talk about nuclear weapons, as some people do in Iran."

Referring to the limited oversight the agency now has on Tehran's nuclear program, Grossi warned that the current "knowledge gap ... is making it very difficult to go back to diplomacy."

At the last board meeting in March, European powers shelved their plans to confront Iran due to a lack of support from Washington.

The United States denies it is hampering European efforts to hold Tehran accountable but fears a censure could aggravate Middle East tensions ahead of U.S. presidential elections in November, diplomats say.

'Essential and urgent'

Cooperation between Iran and the IAEA has severely deteriorated in recent years, with the U.N. nuclear watchdog struggling for assurances that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful.

Diplomats say maintaining the current policy of inaction amid Iran's escalation is no longer tenable and the U.S. position could change ahead of the IAEA vote scheduled for later this week.

In May, Grossi visited Iran in a bid to improve cooperation, calling for "concrete results ... soon."

In the meantime, the death of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month has put negotiations on hold, with diplomats suggesting Tehran was using the accident as an excuse to stall.

Grossi, however, rejected that claim Monday, saying the pause was "not part of any delaying tactic" by Iran.

He added he was ready to "sit down with the new authorities" after Iran's presidential election on June 28.

The draft resolution obtained by AFP says it is "essential and urgent" that Tehran provides "technically credible explanations" for the presence of uranium particles found at two undeclared locations in Iran.

Furthermore, Iran has to "reverse its withdrawal of the designations of several experienced Agency inspectors," and "without delay" reconnect the cameras used to monitor nuclear activities.

The draft also notes the "concerns" surrounding "recent public statements made in Iran ... regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and possible changes to Iran's nuclear doctrine."

'Serious and effective response'

Iran has gradually broken away from its commitments under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015.

The landmark deal provided Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic program.

But it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States under then-president Donald Trump in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have failed.

"A showdown at the board reflects a wider impasse over Iran, with little diplomatic activity but increasing concern over a program that continues to expand in scale under limited international oversight," Naysan Rafati, an Iran analyst at the Crisis Group, told AFP.

Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned Saturday on X that if "some misguided European countries ... adopt a hostile stance towards Iran ... at the board, they will face a serious and effective response from our country."

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to the international organization in Vienna, wrote on X on Sunday that tabling an "anti-Iranian resolution" could risk "seriously deteriorating the situation."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert until leaving the government in 2022, was back before Congress on Monday, calling Republican allegations that he'd tried to cover up origins of the COVID-19 pandemic simply preposterous.

A GOP-led subcommittee has spent over a year probing the nation's response to the pandemic and whether U.S.-funded research in China may have played any role in how it started  yet found no evidence linking Fauci to wrongdoing.

He'd already been grilled behind closed doors, for 14 hours over two days in January. But Monday, Fauci testified voluntarily in public and on camera at a hearing that quickly deteriorated into partisan attacks.

Republicans repeated unproven accusations against the longtime National Institutes of Health scientist while Democrats apologized for Congress besmirching his name and bemoaned a missed opportunity to prepare for the next scary outbreak.

He is not a comic book super villain, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, adding that the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic had failed to prove a list of damaging allegations.

Fauci was the public face of the government's early COVID-19 response under then-President Donald Trump and later as an adviser to President Joe Biden. A trusted voice to millions, he also was the target of partisan anger and choked up Monday as he recalled death threats and other harassment of himself and his family, the threats he said continue. Police later escorted hecklers out of the hearing room.

The main issue: Many scientists believe the virus most likely emerged in nature and jumped from animals to people, probably at a wildlife market in Wuhan, the city in China where the outbreak began. Theres no new scientific information supporting that the virus might instead have leaked from a laboratory. A U.S. intelligence analysis says theres insufficient evidence to prove either way  and a recent Associated Press investigation found the Chinese government froze critical efforts to trace the source of the virus in the first weeks of the outbreak.

Fauci has long said publicly that he was open to both theories but that theres more evidence supporting COVID-19s natural origins, the way other deadly viruses including coronavirus cousins SARS and MERS jumped into people. It was a position he repeated Monday as Republican lawmakers questioned if he worked behind-the-scenes to squelch the lab-leak theory or even tried to influence intelligence agencies.

I have repeatedly stated that I have a completely open mind to either possibility and that if definitive evidence becomes available to validate or refute either theory, I will readily accept it, Fauci said. He later invoked a fictional secret agent, decrying a conspiracy theory that I was parachuting into the CIA like Jason Bourne and told the CIA that they should really not be talking about a lab leak.

Republicans also have accused Fauci of lying to Congress in denying that his agency funded gain of function research  the practice of enhancing a virus in a lab to study its potential real-world impact  at a lab in Wuhan.

NIH for years gave grants to a New York nonprofit called EcoHealth Alliance that used some of the funds to work with a Chinese lab studying coronaviruses commonly carried by bats. Last month, the government suspended EcoHealth's federal funding, citing its failure to properly monitor some of those experiments.

The definition of gain of function covers both general research and especially risky experiments to enhance the ability of potentially pandemic pathogens to spread or cause severe disease in humans. Fauci stressed he was using the risky experiment definition, saying "it would be molecularly impossible for the bat viruses studied with EcoHealths funds to be turned into the virus that caused the pandemic.

In an exchange with Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, a Republican from Virginia, Fauci acknowledged that the lab leak is still an open question since it's impossible to know if some other lab, not funded by NIH money, was doing risky research with coronaviruses.

Fauci did face a new set of questions about the credibility of NIHs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which he led for 38 years. Last month, the House panel revealed emails from an NIAID colleague about ways to evade public records laws, including by not discussing controversial pandemic issues in government email.

Fauci denounced the actions of that colleague and insisted that to the best of my knowledge I have never conducted official business via my personal email.

The pandemic's origins weren't the only hot topic. The House panel also blasted some public health measures taken to slow spread of the virus before COVID-19 vaccines, spurred by NIAID research, helped allow a return to normalcy. Ordering people to stay 6 feet apart meant many businesses, schools and churches couldn't stay open, and subcommittee chairman Rep. Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Ohio, called it a burdensome and arbitrary rule, noting that in his prior closed-door testimony Fauci had acknowledged it wasn't scientifically backed.

Fauci responded Monday that the 6-feet distancing wasn't his guideline but one created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before scientists had learned that the new virus was airborne, not spread simply by droplets emitted a certain distance.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili signed on Monday a contentious law that critics say curbs media freedom and will threaten Georgias chances of joining the European Union.

Papuashvili signed the bill into law after the Georgian Dream party-controlled legislature overrode President Salome Zourabichvilis veto of the bill.

Zourabichvili opposed the bill. She said the Georgian Dream party is jeopardizing Georgia's future and "hindering [the countrys] path toward becoming a full member of the free and democratic world."

The measure forces the media, nonprofit groups and nongovernmental organizations to register as foreign agents if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

The law has sparked weeks of protests. Opponents of the law say it is Russian-inspired and authoritarian, dubbing the measure "the Russian law" because it is similar to bills pushed through by the Kremlin to weaken independent news media, activists and nonprofit organizations.

Some journalists argue the laws goal is to discredit them and restrict speech ahead of the country's parliamentary elections in October.

But the government says the law is necessary to prevent foreign actors from attempting to destabilize Georgia. Papuashvili says the laws main purpose is to "increase the resistance of the political, economic and social systems of Georgia to external interference."

The EU said the proposed bill would weaken Tbilisi's two-year bid for EU membership, which is supported by 80% of the population, according to opinion polls.

European Council chief Charles Michel said last month the foreign agents bill "will bring Georgia further away from the EU and not closer."

The Dream party dropped a similar bill last year after a wave of anti-government demonstrations, during which police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in China, Hong Kong detained a performance artist.

Police detained Sanmu Chen on Monday on a street of Causeway Bay. The area is a busy shopping district of Hong Kong that is close to a park that once held a vigil annually to commemorate victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in China. The vigil in Victoria Park once brought tens of thousands of people out in remembrance each June 4. With the new security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, the crowds have disappeared.

Before officers approached him, reports say Chen mimed the action of drinking in front of a police van. He also appeared to write or draw in the air. Chen was detained last year on the same day when he chanted, Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Don't forget tomorrow is June 4.

Since last Tuesday, police have taken action against several individuals accused of seditious social media posts. One of the individuals arrested was Chow Hang-tung, an activist and organizer of the annual Victoria Park vigil. Chow is already serving an over 30-month sentence and has been detained since 2021.

The Tiananmen Square crackdown occurred when government troops fired on student-led pro-democracy protestors on June 4. Hundreds, possibly thousands, died.

The park vigil, once a commemoration of those deaths, has vanished after the 2020 national security law. Vigil organizers disbanded, and three of its former leaders were charged. Pro-Beijing groups are scheduled to host a carnival in the park this June 4.

Critics have stated that the end of the vigil has shown that the freedoms in Hong Kong have deteriorated since the British returned the former colony to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing and Hong Kong have stated that the new law restored stability following anti-government protests in 2019.

There have been other responses to the disappeared vigil. A Christian newspaper that typically releases content about the vigil ahead of the anniversary, published its front page mostly blank on Sunday in response to the issue. Stephen Chow, Hong Kongs Roman Catholic cardinal, wrote an article last week calling for forgiveness and subtly referencing the anniversary.

Perhaps it is through forgiveness that all parties can escape the finger-pointing and the painful mindset of I will never forgive, he wrote.

Others have communicated through coded references. Several police officers spent an hour at an independent bookstore and recorded customer names after staff had put a coded reference to June 4, 5.35 on the window, according to the stores Instagram.
Rays of sunlight slice through pools of crystal water as clusters of fish cast shadows on the limestone below. Arching over the emerald basin are walls of stalactites dripping down the cavern ceiling, which opens to a dense jungle.

These glowing sinkhole lakes  known as cenotes  are a part of one of Mexico's natural wonders: A fragile system of an estimated 10,000 subterranean caverns, rivers and lakes that wind almost surreptitiously beneath Mexico's southern Yucatan peninsula.

Now, construction of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's crown jewel project  the Maya Train  is rapidly destroying part of that hidden underground world, already under threat by development and mass tourism. As the caverns are thrust into the spotlight in the lead-up to the country's presidential elections, scientists and environmentalists warn that the train will mean long-term environmental ruin.

Deep in the jungle, the roar of heavy machinery cuts through the cave's gentle "drip, drip, drip." Just a few meters above, construction of the train line is in full swing. The caverns rumble as government workers use massive metal drills that bore into limestone, embedding an estimated 15,000 steel pillars into the caverns.

Engineer Guillermo DChristy looks upon the once immaculate cave, now coated with a layer of concrete and broken stalactites, icicle-shaped rock formations normally hanging from the roof of the cave. A mix of grief and anger is painted upon the face of DChristy, who has long studied the waters running through the caves.

"Pouring concrete into a cavern, directly into the aquifer, without any concern or care," DChristy said. "That's total ecocide."

A tourism boon, but at what cost?

For nearly 1,460 kilometers, (1,000 miles) the high-speed Maya Train will wind its way around Mexico's southern Yucatan Peninsula. When it's completed, it'll connect tourist hubs like Cancun and Playa del Carmen to dense jungle, remote communities and archaeological sites, drawing development and money into long-neglected rural swathes of the country.

The more than $30 billion train is among the keystone projects of Mexico's outgoing President Lopez Obrador, who has spent his six years in office portraying himself as a champion of the country's long-forgotten poor.

"The Maya Train will be our legacy of development for the southeast of Mexico," the president wrote in a post on the social platform X last year.

With Mexico holding elections on Sunday, the future of the train, and Lopez Obrador's legacy, is uncertain. Both leading candidates to replace him have made promises for a green agenda, but also supported the economic promises the train brings.

At issue is the path the train takes.

It was originally planned to run along the region's highway in more urban areas. But after waves of complaints by hotel owners, the government moved one of the final sections of the line deeper into the jungle, atop the most important cave system in the country. It's plowed down millions of trees, a chunk of the largest tropical forest in the Americas after the Amazon.

The caves contain one of the biggest aquifers in Mexico and act as the region's main water source, crucial at a time when the nation faces a deepening water crisis. In 2022, archaeologists also discovered some of the oldest human remains in North America within the caverns.

The area was once a reef nestled beneath the Caribbean Sea but changing sea levels pushed Mexico's southern peninsula out of the ocean as a mass of limestone. Water sculpted the porous stone into caves over millions of years.

It produced the open-face freshwater caverns, "cenotes," and underground rivers that are in equal parts awe-inspiring and delicate, explained Emiliano Monroy-Rios, a geologist at Northwestern University studying the region.

"These ecosystems are very, very fragile," Monroy-Rios said. "They are building upon a land that is like Gruyere cheese, full of caves and cavities of different sizes and at different depths."

Lopez Obrador promised his government would prevent damage to the Great Mayan Aquifer by elevating the sections of the train on thousands of hefty steel pillars buried deep into the ground.

But the populist leader was met with an uproar in late January when environmentalists and scientists posted videos showing government drills carving tunnels into the tops of caverns, implanting rows of 2-meter-wide (6-foot-wide) steel pillars.

Lopez Obrador responded angrily to the videos, calling them "staged" by his political enemies.

"These pseudo-environmentalists are liars," Lopez Obrador said in a news briefing. "Don't watch those videos because they're specialists in staging."

Associated Press journalists traveled to construction sites along the Maya Train route where Lopez Obrador denied causing any environmental damage. What they saw directly contradicted the president's claims.

Documenting destruction

DChristy treks through dense rainforest and clicks on his headlight as he climbs into a split in a rock.

The engineer and hydrological expert has spent 25 years roving the intricate cave system, tracking the quality of the waters. Like many of the people studying the mysteries of the ancient cave system, his once tame job was inadvertently turned turbulent with the rise of the train project.

Today, he wanders into a small section of the caverns known as Aktun Tuyul, less than an hour from the tourist city of Playa del Carmen. As the 58-year-old Mexican walks past layers of stalactites and steel pillars burrowing into the rock formations, the cave's darkness is broken by wagon wheel-sized holes drilled into the roof of the cave, where even more pillars will be implanted.

DChristy wades through waist-deep water, now turned a murky brown by corroded metal from the pillars and pushes his body through a narrow passage in the rock.

Sitting next to one of more than a dozen pillars embedded into this cavern, he pulls out a series of syringes and bottles, taking a sample of the water next to the metal.

"It clearly has a color characteristic of iron contamination," he said, holding up a syringe of foggy yellow water. "We're going to take a sample."

DChristy pours the water into a glass vial, mixing it with a chemical that turns it a deep blue, indicating the water contains traces of iron from the poles. Next to other pillars, he presses his ear to the metal, listening to globs of concrete pour into the hollow tube.

Across the cave system, stalactites broken off by vibrations from train construction litter the ground like rubble following an earthquake. In other caverns, the concrete filling the pillars has spilled out to coat the limestone ground.

While the long-term environmental consequences of the construction are unknown, what is certain is that it is transforming the entire ecosystem, said geologist Monroy-Rios.

"Just by drilling, before you even put in the pillars, you are killing an entire ecosystem that was in those caves" he said. "Why? Because now light is coming in, the gases within have changed, and there are very sensitive species that live in total darkness. They have already killed hundreds of millions" of organisms.

But the geologist's greatest concern continues to be that the morphing limestone upon which the train is built and caves underneath the pillars could cause a collapse of the line. Scientists have long warned of the risks of building on soluble rock like limestone.

Already, sections of highway in the Yucatan have warped or caved in, and the Maya Train has been marred by a series of accidents, including a March train derailment, which government officials blamed on a loose clamp set by contractors.

Further damage to the limestone could lead to another accident that could be deadly. If a cargo train derailed, it could cause an oil spill that could permanently devastate the aquifer, Monroy-Rios said.

'It will benefit us all'

Not everyone is opposed to the train running through the remote communities. Some see an unprecedented economic opportunity, a chance to help poor families earn money.

Maria Norma de los Angeles and her family have long lived off a modest flow of tourists in their community of Jacinto Pat, tucked in a stretch of jungle in the southern coastal state, Quintana Roo.

They offer temazcal baths, traditional Mayan steam rooms meant to purify and relax the body, and charge visiting foreigners to swim in a nearby cenote.

The family, like many along the train's path, was originally opposed to the project because they worried it would destroy the cenotes drawing tourists.

But their feelings about the train began to change when government officials contracted local people to build the track, De los Angeles said. They also promised to bring communities electricity, a sewage system and running water, and agreed to pay more for the land the train would pass over.

"It has its pros and its cons," De los Angeles said as her family gathered to kill a pig to eat for her father's birthday. "But there will be a moment when we see an economic spillover  I know that it will benefit us all."

That's the mentality of many Mexicans toward both the train and Lopez Obrador. Many are willing to overlook the controversies of the populist and his train, in favor of his charisma and the strong economy seen during his presidency.

The 70-year-old leader has connected with Mexico's long-invisible working class in a way few leaders have in recent history. Lopez Obrador's government has raised the minimum wage and provided cash handouts to older Mexicans and students. The government says more than 5 million people have been pulled out of poverty while Lopez Obrador was president.

Luruama de la Cruz, a California resident whose family comes from the local town of Leona Vicario, said she bought her father tickets to the train for his birthday because it was a dream of his.

"A dream made reality," De la Cruz says as she rode the train and took a video on her phone, meandering past passengers wearing "Maya Train" T-shirts and watching an interview between Lopez Obrador and Russian state media.

"Whenever you build something, something else is destroyed," she said, adding that family members worked on train construction. "This is for the good of the people."

A rush to build the track

Lopez Obrador has fast-tracked construction of the train to try to keep promises to complete it before June elections, something that has appeared all but impossible. The moves he's made have only deepened his ongoing clashes with the country's judiciary, further fueling criticisms that his government is undermining democratic institutions.

In a violation of Mexican law, the government didn't carry out a comprehensive study to assess the potential environmental impacts before starting construction. That's led to blindly plowing into caverns with no clue what's being damaged, scientists and independent lawyers say.

"Our president has little respect for the law. He's in a sort of tug of war for power and he does what he wants," said Claudia Aguilar, a lawyer at Mexico's Free School of Law.

When a judge ordered construction of the line be suspended until an adequate report of how the train would affect the caves was carried out, Lopez Obrador ignored the ruling, and the work continued.

At the same time, much of the project has been cloaked in secrecy as Lopez Obrador has charged Mexico's military with construction and blocked the release of information in the name of "national security."

While Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that unconstitutional, Lopez Obrador disregarded that ruling, too, saying it was to protect his project from "corrupt" critics.

When the AP requested an interview with leadership of the Maya Train project, spokesperson Mariana Galicia said they were "ordered that we cannot give interviews" but could respond to questions sent over email to "better control" the information shared. They did not respond to questions sent by email.

'Swimming in poop'

Meanwhile, thousands of passengers are already riding sections of the train that have been built. The atmosphere above is far-removed from the conflicts playing out around the caverns.

Hotels and clubs host raves and even music festivals in some of the cenotes, with one club boasting it "takes the relaxation and wellness experience to another level. Let yourself be enveloped by this sacred, timeless place."

Luxurious beach hotels and booming clubs packed with drunk, khaki-clad tourists dominate the coastal tourist city of Playa del Carmen. Once a Mayan settlement, the city is among many in the Yucatan Peninsula that in recent decades have been converted into a party hub for vacationing foreigners.

In the caves below, biologist Roberto Rojo paddles through a sea of trash.

Under the arching cavern roof, Rojo and a group of volunteers push a green kayak through a cenote, filling bulking bags of glass beer bottles, plastic tubes, metal grating, plastic Coca-Cola bottles, rotten wooden planks and even a printer.

"You don't even want to know what many of those things are," Rojo said.

It's a fate Rojo and many others worry may await hundreds of cenotes, caves and underground lakes and rivers along the new Maya Train line.

"It's not just the train, but everything the train brings with it  urban developments, hotel developments," said water expert DChristy. "Rather than solving a problem, they're coming in and making a big problem worse."

Millions of tourists a year flock to the region, affecting the entire underground as the industry guzzles water and sewage seeps through the earth and into the caves, killing fish and other wildlife. In 2022, authorities found that the water of more than a dozen of the caverns near the tourist city of Tulum was tainted with E. Coli bacteria.

Last year, the environmental organization Va Por La Tierra estimated that approximately 95% of the cenotes in Yucatan state  where the Maya Train cuts through  were already contaminated due to the lack of a sufficient sewage system. Scuba diving master Bernardette Carrion even told the AP that tourists admiring the splendor of the caves "are swimming in poop."

The underground system is connected to the sea, so waste trickles out to the ocean, where scientists say it feeds seaweed-like algae piling up on Caribbean coastlines, spurring on a slate of other environmental and health hazards.

Rojo and other volunteers created the organization known as "Urban Cenotes" in Playa del Carmen to clean the water system, cave by cave.

"We're trying to return the dignity that these spaces have had for thousands of years, that are now being turned into landfills, sewers and drains," Rojo said.

But it's an uphill battle for the hundreds of volunteers, and something they worry will become impossible as pollution expands into rural areas with the Maya Train, deepening ongoing pollution caused by pig farms and massive soy plantations.

Looking forward, they're uncertain about what will come as June elections ended Sunday night, with Lopez Obrador leaving office in the coming months. The leader will likely be replaced by either race front-runner and ally Claudia Sheinbaum or rival ex-Senator Xochitl Galvez.

Sheinbaum, an environmental scientist who leads the race by a comfortable margin, has portrayed herself as a champion for the environment, but has supported Lopez Obrador's fossil-fuel agenda and made few remarks about the environmental damage the train has wrought.

Little more than a week before Sundays presidential election, Sheinbaum said she was meeting with leaders of neighboring Guatemala and Belize in talks to extend the Maya Train to Central America.

Galvez, a Lopez Obrador opponent, has taken advantage of the controversy to tear into her adversaries, calling the train's damage "irreversible" and a "consequence of the negligence of the government because they didn't do any environmental impact studies." Months earlier, though, she said she would also continue with plans to extend the train.

Meanwhile, groups like Rojo's do everything they can to salvage an ecosystem that took millennia to form. They worry they might not have all that much time left.

"I'm not going to sit quietly and wait for the government to solve things," Rojo said. "The people who live in the Yucatan peninsula are on the verge of a water crisis."
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexicos new president, is the first woman to win a general election in North America.

Sheinbaum is from a Jewish family and is one of three children. During the 1930s, her grandparents fled Nazi aggression, leaving Bulgaria for Mexico.

As a student in the 1980s, Sheinbaum joined student protests against state intervention in education policies. She obtained a doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1995. To prepare her thesis, she spent some time at the University of California at Berkeley in the United States.

After her studies concluded, she began a career in teaching. She served on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel later shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, former vice president of the United States.

Sheinbaum, originally a climate scientist, joined the political scene in 2000 when she served as the environment chief for Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico Citys new mayor, who soon became her mentor. She focused on the acute pollution and transportation problems in the city. During his first presidential campaign in 2006, she was his chief spokesperson in an election that he narrowly lost.

In 2015, Sheinbaum was elected to run the largest borough in Mexico City, Tlalpan. After an elementary school collapsed and killed 19 children in a 2017 earthquake, she faced allegations of poor management.

She became Mexico Citys first female mayor in 2018, noted for strengthened security. The capitals murder rate dropped 50%. She was criticized in 2021 after a subway accident that left 26 dead was blamed on insufficient inspection and deferred maintenance. She denied that maintenance was the cause of the accident.

For more than two centuries, Mexico has been ruled chiefly by men. Mexican women have been able to vote since 1953, and no law has prevented them from holding public office. Women lead in some notable institutions, including the Senate, Supreme Court, and the National Electoral Institute. There are 10 female governors in the 32 states. Yet sexism and macho culture have remained pervasive, and men control the power in some of the Indigenous villages.

Mexican women also face femicide, a gender-based employment gap, and limited policy on sexual and reproductive rights. Up to 10 women are victims of femicide each day in Mexico, according to U.N. Women. In 2023, the number totaled 3,000. Thousands more have disappeared.

"We transform. We are warriors who open paths for other women," Sheinbaum said during the campaign.

Mexican women and girls also face teenage pregnancies, with 147,279 births form adolescents ages 15-19. In 2023, the Mexico Supreme Court ruled that national laws banning abortion are unconstitutional, but state-by-state legal work to remove all punishment is still in the works. Sheinbaum did not address abortion in her campaign.

The gender employment gap is also pervasive, with 76% of Mexican men and 47% of Mexican women being employed. Fifty-four percent of working women have informal jobs and spend almost 43 hours per week doing work for the household, according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness.

She has been criticized by feminists and activists for a lack of gender-related policies in her government and for excessive force against women during demonstrations.

During her presidency, Sheinbaum will also have to execute her campaign promises for increased social programs in spite of an election-year spending binge by former President Lopez Obrador that brought the budget deficit to its highest since the 1980s.

Sheinbaums administration will either have to maintain spending or risk damage to Mexicos creditworthiness.
Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, has won the Mexican presidency, becoming the countrys first female leader in its 200-year history.

Sheinbaum was the favored successor of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and vowed to continue in the direction set by the populist leftist leader. She said her two opponents, Xochitl Galvez and Jorge Alvarez Maynez, had both called her to concede her victory.

"I promise that I am not going to let you down," Sheinbaum said, greeting supporters in Mexico City's colonial-era main plaza, the Zocalo.

With nearly half the ballots from Sundays voting counted, the National Electoral Institute said Sheinbaum had between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, while Galvez had 26.6% to 28.6% and Maynez between 9.9% and 10.8%.

Sheinbaum's Morena Party was also projected to hold its majorities in both chambers of Congress.

With preelection polls showing the two leading candidates were women, it left little doubt that Mexico would make history on Sunday.

"I didn't make it alone," Sheinbaum said shortly after her victory was confirmed. "We've all made it, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters."

Sheinbaum will also be the first person with a Jewish heritage to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country, although she is not religiously observant, her campaign has said.

She will start her six-year term on October 1. Mexico's constitution does not allow for reelection, so Lopez Obradors presidency will end the day before.

In a statement, President Joe Biden congratulated Sheinbaum. I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries, he said.

Sheinbaum has said she believes the government has a strong role to play in addressing economic inequality and providing a sturdy social safety net, much like her political mentor, Lopez Obrador, had espoused.

Shortly after the electoral authoritys announcement of the ongoing vote count, Lopez Obrador said, "Of course, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum with all my respect who ended up the winner by a wide margin."

If her margin holds, it will surpass his landslide victory in 2018. Lopez Obrador and his Morena Party won the presidency after two unsuccessful tries with 53.2% of the vote, in a three-way race where the National Action Party took 22.3% and the Institutional Revolutionary Party took 16.5%.

Sheinbaum pledged to build a just and more prosperous nation that is fiscally responsible, without corruption and without impunity. She said the government would work on energy sovereignty and renewable energy.

Sheinbaum also said Mexico will have friendly relations with the United States.

But she will have to manage sometimes tense relations with the U.S., in particular the vexing issues of cross-border drug smuggling and migration.

Migration across the northern Mexican border into the U.S. is a key issue for many U.S. voters ahead of the November election between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump.

Sheinbaum is unlikely to engender the kind of unquestioning devotion that Lopez Obrador has enjoyed.

In the Zocalo, Sheinbaum's win did not draw the kind of cheering, jubilant crowds that greeted Lopez Obrador's victory in 2018. Her supporters were enthusiastic, but comparatively few in number.

Voters on Sunday also elected governors in nine of the country's 32 states and chose candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of mayorships and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen. The campaign was also marked by violence.

The elections were widely seen as a referendum on Lopez Obrador, a populist who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce drug cartel violence in Mexico. The Morena Party currently holds 23 of the 32 governorships and a simple majority of seats in both houses of Congress.

In a nation where politics, crime and corruption are closely entangled, ultra-violent drug cartels went to extreme lengths to ensure that their preferred candidates won.

Hours before polls opened on Sunday, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, authorities said, one of at least 25 other political hopefuls killed during the campaign, according to official figures.

The victims "are not here on this day, and that's very sad," Galvez told reporters while going to vote.

Galvez vowed a tougher approach to cartel-related violence, declaring "hugs for criminals are over."

More than 450,000 people have been murdered, and tens of thousands have gone missing since the government deployed the army to fight drug trafficking in 2006.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Despite years of debate and numerous proposals, the United States has accomplished next to nothing on immigration reform.

In recent years, attempts to modernize U.S. immigration law have been made through a series of legislative efforts; none has achieved a significant breakthrough.

We are nowhere and were not getting anywhere, according to the Brookings Institutions William Galston, a former Clinton White House aide for domestic policy.

Border legislation

Last October, Senate Republicans insisted additional aid for Ukraine must be tied to a bill addressing security at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The border legislation, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators, was rejected by most Senate Republicans and some Democrats in February when Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump objected to it.

Shortly after the February vote, Senator Chris Murphy initiated talks with other senators to draft a bill that could receive sufficient bipartisan support, hoping to overcome opposition from both Democrats and Republicans.

The resulting new bill, similar to the bill proposed in February, failed less than four days after it was introduced.

Senate Democrats have repeatedly sought to add elements of immigration reform to spending bills. In each instance, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that immigration measures do not belong in spending bills, which can pass the chamber with a simple majority vote.

Cornell University immigration law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr says immigration reform is dead for 2024.

For a variety of reasons, he said, adding immigration reform has always been hard to get through Congress.  Donald Trump wants to make immigration one of his key pillars of his campaign. So he basically killed the efforts in the Senate and the House earlier this year.

According to Yale-Loehr, the country will not have any possibility of immigration reform until 2025.

And even then, it will depend on who is the president and who controls the House and the Senate, he said.

Under the Trump administration, Republicans proposed immigration legislation focused on stricter enforcement and reducing legal immigration. One major proposal was the "RAISE Act," which aimed to cut legal immigration by half over 10 years. Another proposal was the "Secure and Succeed Act," which sought $25 billion for a border wall, increased border security and stricter visa controls. Both bills faced strong opposition and did not become law.

These efforts, Galston said, were not comprehensive immigration reform.

Look, the last time we had serious immigration reform was in 1986.  The border bill that was worked out in the Senate [last year] was only a piece, an important piece, but still only a piece of a much larger picture, he said.

Galston said the country missed its best recent opportunity for immigration reform in 2013.

The Senate proposed a comprehensive immigration reform bill known as the "Gang of Eight" bill, named after the bipartisan group of eight senators who crafted it.

This proposal created a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the country, provided they met certain requirements such as paying fines and back taxes, learning English and passing background checks. The bill also sought to strengthen border security, enhance the E-Verify system employers use to check workers' immigration status and expand visa programs for high-skilled and agricultural workers.

Despite passing the Senate with bipartisan support, the bill faced strong opposition in the House of Representatives, where many lawmakers argued that it did not do enough to secure the border and might encourage more illegal immigration.

Critics were also concerned about the potential costs and the impact on American jobs. As a result, the House did not bring the bill to a vote, and the effort to pass comprehensive immigration reform stalled.

The fact of the matter is that things have changed fundamentally since the last bill, which was almost 40 years ago, so we are trying to do immigration policy in the mid-2020s on the basis of legislation that was enacted in the mid-1980s, Galston said.

In the '80s, he said, asylum requests were not nearly as significant as they are now.

It was not even close. And thats just one example of changes in the situation on the ground that really do require legislative response, he added.

Yet Yale-Loehr does not see reforms happening anytime soon.

Because it's so complex," he said. "We have a broken immigration system. Courts have said that immigration law is as complex as our tax law. And just as it seems impossible for Congress to overhaul our tax system, I don't think any Congress is likely to be successful in trying to reform all of our broken immigration system.  But there are bits and pieces that Congress could pass as sort of a down payment.

Executive orders

All of the action on immigration coming out is coming out of the executive branch in the form of executive orders, Galston said.

Under the Trump administration, a number of significant changes were added to U.S. immigration policy, including restricting travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries; a "zero tolerance" policy for illegal border crossings, leading to the separation of thousands of children from their parents; and the effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Since taking office, President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders reversing Trump-era policies on immigration, including ending the travel bans, halting the construction of the border wall and preserving DACA, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the country as minors.

On his first day in office, Biden unveiled sweeping immigration reform legislation  the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which included a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The proposed bill did not go far in Congress.

Immigration and election

Immigration is one of the top issues in this U.S. presidential election, according to a Gallup poll released in April. Republican voters are more likely than Democrats and independents to consider immigration the most important issue. In the latest poll, 48% of Republicans, 8% of Democrats, and 25% of independents said immigration was the most important problem facing the country.

Ironically, the deadlock on immigration legislation has roots in the last major reform, Galston said.

The Reagan-era legislation was a compromise between Democrats and Republicans aiming to provide legal protections to millions of undocumented migrants while focusing on curbing illegal immigration. And while it worked to help people gain legal status, Galston said, it failed to effectively address the latter.

And it was on that basis that immigration [reform] was defeated during the Bush administration.  And then again during the Obama administration in 2013, which really represented our best chance  it was a bill that did a lot of good things and it was very tough on the southern border, he said.
An art performance at the event. (Photo: VNA)

During the event, an exhibition of paintings and art works, as well as folk games and quiz on Vietnamese history and traditions were held.

In addition, a seminar on the Russia-Vietnam relations in the new political situation was held with the participation of representatives from Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, scientists and businesses of the two countries, the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese Association in Russia, as well as PREU lecturers and students.

PREU Rector Ivan Lobanov said that the Vietnam Day not only contributes to reinforcing the relations between the two countries, but also affirms their close cooperation in education and training.

PREU is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in such economics majors as digital economy and green economy, and in exchange and collaboration among Russian and Vietnamese scholars, he said.

At the event, PREU and RV-Exim Solutions company signed a cooperation deal in student training.

In his greetings letter to Rector Lobanov on this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi affirmed that the Vietnam Day targets not only PREU lecturers and students but also Russians and Vietnamese. He praised the universitys traditional cooperation with Vietnam and its important role in strengthening education and training cooperation and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Participants also had a chance to enjoy art performances by Vietnamese and Russian students.

About 400 Vietnamese students are studying and conducting research at PREU, making it the Russian university hosting the highest number of students from the Southeast Asian nation./.
Police and relatives in majority-Muslim Pakistan reported Monday that a Christian man who was severely injured in a mob attack a week ago over disputed blasphemy allegations has died due to his injuries.

Nazir Masih, the 70-year-old victim, was receiving treatment for severe head injuries at a military-run hospital near the capital, Islamabad, after being rescued, along with family members, from angry protesters gathered outside his residence in the city of Sargodha on May 25. He underwent multiple surgeries but could not survive, a police official said.

The mob ransacked Masihs house and burned down his shoe shop, claiming he had desecrated Islams holy book, the Quran, allegations his relatives rejected as baseless.

Social media videos from Sargodha showed Christians carrying Masihs coffin through the street, shouting Praise to Jesus and Jesus is great. The coffin was covered in black fabric and had a small crucifix on it.

Christian community leaders lamented the latest mob lynching and urged the Pakistani government to ensure the protection of religious minorities and to punish those responsible for inciting mob violence in the name of religion over controversial blasphemy charges.



Yet again, hate has brought us to the place where we must ask questions, Bishop Asad Marshall, the president of the Church of Pakistan, said in a statement posted on X Monday.

The question is when will those who make a change and those who pursue justice seek truth and cry for a more just and fair world? When will those lives rise up for the sake of Pakistans own? Marshall asked. We lift our voices in lament, regret, solidarity, and for an honest plea for justice.

Police have arrested dozens of suspects in connection with the mob attack under Pakistans anti-terrorism law. They had also launched an investigation into the blasphemy charges against Masih.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, and mere allegations have led to mobs lynching dozens of suspects  even some in police custody. Insulting the Quran or Islamic beliefs is punishable by death under the country's blasphemy laws, though no one has ever been executed.

The Sargodha incident revived memories of one of the worst attacks on Christians in August 2023 in Jaranwala, another city in the central Punjab province, the countrys most populous.

That attack involved thousands of Muslim protesters attacking a Christian settlement and burning 21 churches as well as damaging more than 90 properties over allegations two Christian brothers had desecrated the Quran.

The violence prompted several Christian families to flee their homes. A subsequent police crackdown arrested scores of people, including the Christians accused of blasphemy.

Critics have long called for reforming the blasphemy laws, saying they are often misused to settle personal scores. Hundreds of suspects, mostly Muslims, are languishing in jails in Pakistan because external pressures deter judges from moving their trials forward.

"While the majority of those imprisoned for blasphemy were Muslim, religious minorities were disproportionately affected, the U.S. State Department noted in its recent annual report on human rights practices in Pakistan.

The report noted that Pakistani courts often failed to adhere to basic evidentiary standards in blasphemy cases. The U.S. report attributed the lack of adherence to fear of retaliation from religious groups if they acquitted blasphemy defendants, and most convicted persons spent years in jail before higher courts eventually overturned their convictions or ordered their release.
Puerto Rico Rep. Jesus Manuel Ortiz defeated Sen. Juan Zaragoza in a gubernatorial primary held Sunday by their Popular Democratic Party, which seeks a return to power in the upcoming general elections.

Zaragoza conceded defeat after obtaining 38% of the votes to his rival's 62%, even though only a little more than 60% of the votes had been counted.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi was still locked in a battle against Puerto Rico congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez in a primary held by the pro-statehood New Progressive Party. The two ran on the same ticket four years ago, but Gonzalez announced her plan to challenge Pierluisi in early December.

All candidates face disgruntled voters on an island still struggling with chronic power outages and awaiting completion of reconstruction projects following Hurricane Maria, which hit as a Category 4 storm in September 2017.

Other ongoing complaints include the difficulty of obtaining business permits, a fractured education system and the lack of access to capital markets after the local government emerged two years ago from the biggest U.S. municipal bankruptcy in history after announcing in 2015 that it was unable to pay its more than $70 billion public debt load.

The debt was accumulated by governments that overspent, overestimated revenue and borrowed millions despite a ballooning debt.

Running alongside Pierluisi for the position of congressional representative was Puerto Rico Sen. William Villafane, while senior U.S. naval military officer Elmer Roman, a former secretary of state for Puerto Rico, sought the position under Gonzalez.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico Sen. Juan Zaragoza, who was highly lauded for his work as the island's former treasury secretary, ran against Rep. Jesus Manuel Ortiz to be the main candidate for the Popular Democratic Party, which supports the island's status quo as a U.S. territory.

Attorney Pablo Jose Hernandez was running unopposed to be the party's candidate for resident commissioner, the first person in 20 years to seek that nomination.

Voting centers closed Sunday evening, with political pundits warning that voter turnout appeared low and that electronic voting machines did not properly work in some towns, although it was too early to determine the magnitude of the problem.

All candidates faced disgruntled voters on an island still struggling with chronic power outages and high electric bills as it awaits completion of reconstruction projects following Hurricane Maria, which hit as a Category 4 storm in September 2017.

Power outages were reported at more than a dozen voting centers, including one where Ortiz arrived to cast his vote, forcing officials to revert to a manual process. Heavy rains also pelted parts of the island, with flood warnings issued for nearly a dozen towns and cities.

Power outages remain such a big concern that the State Commission of Elections rented more than a dozen generators and a private power company identified 81 alternate voting sites with guaranteed electricity.

"It's been years since I last voted," said Benito Lopez, a 66-year-old retiree wearing a T-shirt that read, "The Island of Enchantment." He planned to cast a vote for a candidate he would not reveal "to see if there's any improvement and change."

Other voter complaints include the difficulty of obtaining business permits, a fractured education system, and the island's lack of access to capital markets after the local government emerged two years ago from the largest debt restructuring in U.S. history.

Meanwhile, more than $9 billion of debt owed by Puerto Rico's power company, the largest of any government agency, remains unresolved. A federal judge overseeing a bankruptcy-like process has yet to rule on a restructuring plan following bitter negotiations between the government and bondholders.

"They have broken Puerto Rico," said 79-year-old Cecilio Rodriguez of the current and previous administrations as he waited to cast his vote. "Economic development must be a priority."

For other voters, stopping the exodus of doctors from Puerto Rico and improving the U.S. territory's crumbling health system is a priority.

"The patients are the ones who have to stay here and endure this. It's not fair," said Dr. Alfredo Rivera Freytes, an anesthesiologist who left Puerto Rico for the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas because of the ongoing problems with the local health system.

He returned two years ago with plans to retire but found himself working again because of the need for anesthesiologists in Puerto Rico.

Ahead of the primaries, Pierluisi has touted record tourist numbers, ongoing hurricane reconstruction and growing economic development among his successes as he seeks re-election. He has pledged to prioritize projects targeting children and the island's growing elderly population, among other things.

An event marking the end of his campaign held a week before the primaries was headlined by former Gov. Ricardo Rossello, who resigned in August 2019 following nearly two weeks of massive protests touched off by a leak of crude and insulting chat messages between him and his top advisers.

His opponent, Gonzalez, did not hold a campaign closer. She has pledged to crack down on corruption, award more funds to agencies to help victims of violence amid a surge in killings of women, and stem an exodus of doctors and other medical workers to the U.S. mainland.

Meanwhile, Zaragoza has promised to prioritize climate change and renewable energy, decentralize the island's education department and improve access to health. His opponent, Ortiz, has pledged to improve the licensing process to retain doctors, simplify the island's tax system and revamp health care.

Puerto Rico's next governor will have to work alongside a federal control board that oversees the island's finances and was created after the government declared bankruptcy.

Ahead of Sunday's primaries, more than 4,900 inmates voted in prisons across the U.S. territory. The State Commission of Elections also has received and counted more than 122,000 early ballots.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa Sunday night announced official results that marked the start of a new era in the countrys politics.

Official results from Wednesdays historic election showed the governing African National Congress, ANC, had lost its absolute majority for the first time.

The ANC won 159 seats in the 400-member National Assembly -- about 40% of the vote -- a huge drop of 71 seats since winning 57% of the ballot in the last elections in 2019.

The chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mosotho Moepya, acknowledged the election had been fiercely contested.

"These elections were undoubtedly the most difficult and the most hotly contested," he said.However, he added that they were free and fair and represented the collective voice of the nation.

While the ANC still received the largest number of seats by far, it will now have to enter a coalition with opposition parties.

The business-friendly Democratic Alliance, or DA, took the second-largest share of the vote, with 87 seats.

It was followed with 58 seats for uMkhonto we Sizwe, or MK, a newly formed party led by former President Jacob Zuma. The radical left, Economic Freedom Fighters party, overtaken by upstart MK, came in fourth, with 39 seats. Smaller parties took the remaining seats.

Analysts say corruption, high unemployment and general failure to do more to improve the lives of poor Black South Africans was why many South Africans turned on the ANC, 30 years after it brought about the end of apartheid.

After Sundays announcement, President Cyril Ramaphosa took to the podium to accept the results.

Our people have spoken whether we like it or not .... Through their votes they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong, that our democracy is robust, and it is enduring."

Zumas MK said the day before the results announcement that it doesnt accept the results and wants a recount. Zuma intimated violence could ensue if it didnt get its way.

However, Defense Minister Thandi Modise told VOA at the results ceremony that she was not worried.

Well, we have not necessarily taken extra measures. We have begged all political parties to be calm. We hope that there will not be any necessity for any of us in the security sector to come in and interfere, she said.

The ANC now has 14 days in which to form a coalition government, so negotiations with the other parties will be getting underway.
Holding up childrens pictures sent from around the world, Alsu Kurmasheva draws strength from international support as she marks more than a year since she was separated from her two daughters who are back home in Prague.

It's a bittersweet reality for the jailed American-Russian journalist. The Prague-based journalist, who works for the Tatar-Bashkir Service of VOAs sister network Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has been in a Russian prison since October 2023.

Kurmasheva was informed Friday that her custody is extended until at least August 5.

Kurmasheva has largely been cut off from the world. Russia has denied U.S. consular visits, and RFE/RL says she has not been able to speak with her husband, Pavel Butorin, or their two children since her arrest.

But through her correspondence with other news outlets, a picture has emerged of Kurmshevas life inside a Russian cell.

When the journalist marked six months in custody this April, the Tatar-language newspaper Beznen Gaezhit, or Our Newspaper, published excerpts from one of her letters.

In it, Kurmsheva described conditions in the pre-trial detention facility in the city of Kazan, and how she spends her days.

In one section, she writes, I dont know what time it is; there are no clocks here, but surprisingly, you roughly still know what time it is.

It turns out, we know nothing about life in [prison], the journalist wrote, adding, "I didn't need this 'experience' either."

Kurmasheva had traveled to Russia in May 2023 to care for her mother. When she tried to return to Prague on June 2, 2023, authorities confiscated her travel documents. She has been charged with not registering her U.S. passport with authorities; failing to self-register as a foreign agent; and violating military censorship laws.

If convicted, she faces a combined sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Kurmasheva and her news network deny the charges. In her letter to Beznen Gaezhit, the journalist said she is not guilty  a fact, she added, that is obvious for everyone.

Russias Washington embassy did not respond to VOA requests for comment about Kurmashevas case.

The journalists letter reflected on the other women being held in the same detention facility.

There are very different people here. There are those who had the misfortune to pick up someones lost bank card, and those who don't pay child support. There are women who ran out of strength to endure their husband's beatings  and they responded. Now they are in confinement, she wrote.

There are also those who legally earned money, but someone thought it was too much and didn't like their activities. I met very intelligent, well-mannered girls  students.

Since being in prison, Kurmashevas health has deteriorated. Her medical concerns are an issue that she and her network have raised during court hearings.

RFE/RL President Stephen Capus said on Friday that Russian authorities are denying Kurmasheva adequate medical attention.

Culture preserved

Beyond reflecting on life inside a Russian prison, Kurmashevas letter to Beznen Gaezhit details her work teaching and promoting Tatar language and culture.

"For 25 years, I lived and taught children and teenagers the Tatar language. I promoted the art of Tatar designers abroad, helped organize concerts for Tatar performers, Kurmasheva wrote. For two decades, countless leaders of Tatarstan  doctors, teachers, and students came to the Czech Republic. I was able to help each one, giving advice and sincere wishes.

But, she added, "In one moment, all this turned into a crime.

Media watchdogs believe Kurmashevas arrest is linked to her journalism. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, notes that the RFE/RL Tatar-Bashkir Service reports on Russias war in Ukraine. Police in Kazan in August 2022 questioned several RFE/RL journalists about the networks coverage.

Additionally, CPJ said, Kurmasheva has reported on minority groups in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.

Kurmashevas husband on Friday shared a post on X about his wifes incarceration, and noted that since being detained, she has not been allowed a single phone call with her children.

Being reunited with her family, and putting the lengthy wrongful imprisonment behind her, appears top of mind in Kurmashevas letter to the Tatar media outlet.

"Sooner or later, I will get out of here, she writes. But, she asks, How will those who, by imprisoning me  a mother of two  separating us for a long time, live? How will they build their lives further?"

She adds, I am often asked if I will write a book about what I am experiencing now. No, I will not. My greatest wish is to get out of here alive and healthy.

Kurmasheva is one of two U.S. journalists currently imprisoned in Russia. The other, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, has been in pretrial detention for more than a year.
Somalia expects all Ethiopian troops to leave the country by the end of 2024 as the African Union Transition Mission mandate expires in December, according to Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali.

During a recent talk broadcast by a national media outlet, Ali said Ethiopian troops wont be part of the African Union forces being organized with international partners to secure key installations in Somalia for one year from January 2025.

Alis comments come amid concerns from Somali regional officials who say the absence of Ethiopian troops could benefit al-Shabab militants.

Ali also indicated that Mogadishus decision against keeping Ethiopian troops in the region is in response to a controversial January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.

Somaliland, the fragile nation's breakaway province in the far northwest of the country, has long claimed autonomy and governs from the city of Hargeisa. It has sought recognition since 1991, but the African Union's official policy opposes changes to colonially drawn borders.

The MOU grants Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in the breakaway region, allowing Ethiopia to build a naval base in return for diplomatic recognition.

Mogadishu vehemently rejects the MOU as a violation of national sovereignty.

Our position on ENDF's [Ethiopian National Defense Forces] role in the post-ATMIS mission is unequivocal, Ali posted on X. As long as Ethiopia persists in violating our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, we cannot and will not consider it an ally in advancing peace and security in the region.

Ethiopia currently has thousands of troops operating in Somalia, mainly in the three states of Southwest, Jubaland and Hirshabelle, far from Somaliland. Some of these troops operate as part of the ATMIS mission while others are in the country under bilateral security agreements.

Officials in the Jubaland State where Ethiopian troops are stationed expressed unease about Ali's announcement.

"This will only benefit Kharwarij, Jubaland Deputy President Mohamud Sayid Aden told VOAs Somali Service, using Mogadishus preferred term for al-Shabab militants.

Calling it an overall difficult situation, Aden added: Its not a matter that can be agreed upon by the stakeholders.

Southwest State of Somalia Security Minister Hassan Abdulkadir Mohamed told VOA that Southwest administration officials are happy with the presence of Ethiopian troops.

"If ATMIS are going to be removed from the country, it needs to be discussed and no one can make a unilateral decision, he said. Southwest is happy to have Ethiopian troops stay."

VOAs requests for comment on Alis statements from Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ethiopia Nebiyu Tedla were unsuccessful.

Some observers say Mogadishus position poses challenges for Somalia and the African Union.

I am not sure if this decision has been communicated officially to the AU for them to take the necessary actions, said prominent Horn of Africa security analyst Samira Gaid.

The AU has now the additional challenge of mediating between its member states on this post-ATMIS question, after it has been unable to do so on the MOU, she told VOAs Somali Service. So, this can be interpreted as an escalation after 6 months of the MOU being made public.

Gaid is also unsure if Mogadishu and AU officials will have time to arrange replacement forces.

The government alluded to existing TCCs [Troop Contributing Countries] taking on that responsibility, she said.

However, the likelihood of existing TCCs stepping in, organizing themselves in the remaining time, and operating in Bay and Bakool without clarity on the possible political challenges they would face  and clarity on the wider post-ATMIS questions of resourcing, mandate and numbers  remains to be seen.

Gaid also said national security and defense falls under Somalias federal jurisdiction, and that federal officials dont appear to have fully digested the potential repercussions of a sudden Ethiopian troop drawdown.

Both AU and Somali officials confirmed that 2,000 peacekeepers will leave the country this month, with 2,000 more departing by the end of September. That will leave some 9,500 remaining AU troops, which Somalia says will be part of the new mission launching in January.

The final troop numbers under the new mission could be as high as 12,000, according to an AU official who asked not to be named because discussions are ongoing. Somalia wants current TCCs  Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Djibouti  to remain in the new mission.
Trillions of cicadas that have burrowed underground for 13 and 17 years are now emerging in parts of the midwestern and southern United States. The southern states and the central U.S. are going to be the hardest hit, says Paula Shrewsbury, an entomologist at the University of Maryland. They will have trillions of cicadas. The 13-year cicadas, Brood XIX, are found in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and elsewhere in the Southeast. Brood XIII, the 17-year cicadas, emerged primarily in Illinois. Periodical cicadas, which stay underground for years and then emerge together, are only found in the United States. That's one of the big mysteries as to why these cicadas evolved really long life cycles, among the longest among all insects, says Floyd Shockley, an entomologist at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History, adding that it could be a reaction to radical temperature changes long ago. The last few ice ages, which would have happened after Magicicada evolved, may have forced them to have longer life cycles in order to survive periods of time when their host trees would have been impacted by glaciers, he says. Watch:

The cicadas spend their years underground as nymphs feeding on the sap from trees until it's time to rise, which occurs when the ground temperature reaches about 17 degrees Celsius [64 degrees Fahrenheit]. That first night, their only goal is to molt into the adult, Shockley says. It takes them several hours to complete this process. They usually start at dusk and do most of this at night to avoid predators. It's not a very effective strategy, but when you're coming out in the millions or hundreds of millions, you don't really have to worry too much about surviving  there's still plenty [of cicadas] for the reproductive phase. After a few days, the mating dance begins. The male cicadas gather in trees and start singing to attract the females, who will signal if they are interested. She will flick her wings, and he will mate her. And once she's mated, he inserts whats called a copulatory plug, which plugs the female so that other males can't mate her, Shrewsbury says. But then he gets to go on and find other females to mate with. Mating can last from a few hours to up to a day. Once mated, the females start creating slits in tree branch stems where they will lay 400 to 600 eggs before they die. All of the cicadas will live above ground for only four to six weeks, just long enough to mate and lay their eggs before a massive adult die-off. The eggs left behind hatch about six to eight weeks later. The hatched nymphs drop to the ground and burrow beneath the dirt to begin the cycle all over again.
Humanity has made strides tackling global warming but remains on track for a "ruinously high" rise in the Earth's temperature, the U.N.'s climate chief said as crucial negotiations began Monday.

Diplomats meet every June in Bonn to try and advance the stickiest points in climate negotiations so that political leaders can finalize agreements at the year-end COP summit.

At this year's Bonn talks, which run until June 13, the main issue is money  how much wealthy nations should pay to help low-income nations cope with climate change.

A new, longer-term goal for climate aid is supposed to be agreed by nearly 200 nations at the COP29 summit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, in November.

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, urged those attending the Bonn midyear talks "to make every hour here count."

"We cannot afford to reach Baku with too much work still to do," he told negotiators in the German city.

International diplomacy had avoided a scenario where the planet warmed by five degrees  a world in which "most of humanity likely couldn't survive," Stiell said.

"We are now headed for around 2.7 degrees. This is still ruinously high and there's a long and steep road ahead," he added.

Under the Paris agreement in 2015, nations agreed to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and to strive for a safer 1.5 C cap.

Incoming COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev said progress made at Bonn "will be the foundation stones of tangible results at COP29."

In 2009, wealthy nations most responsible for climate change to date agreed to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 for countries without the means to invest in clean energy and adapt to extreme weather.

They only met this target for the first time in 2022, two years past the deadline set. Donors have also been criticized for extending loans instead of grants.

The next round of financial pledges looks beyond 2025 but there is no consensus on how much should be raised, who should pay it, and where it should go first.

There has been pushback to calls for prosperous emerging economies like China and Gulf nations to chip in.

Some countries want the level of their climate action contingent on how much money is made available. Countries are supposed to submit their updated climate plans by early 2025.
The U.N. Security Council will hold a public meeting in mid-June on human rights in North Korea while South Korea holds the councils rotating presidency.

Some countries have some reservations about human rights issues being discussed in the Security Council, South Korean Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said in announcing the session on Monday. We know their logic.

Countries including Russia and China oppose human rights issues being discussed in the 15-nation council, which is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. They, and other like-minded countries, argue that human rights issues should be handled in designated U.N. fora, such as the Geneva-based Human Rights Council or the General Assembly committee that deals with rights issues.

They could call for a procedural vote to try to block the meeting, in which case at least nine of the councils 15 members would need to support the session.

Hwang told reporters at a news conference launching Seoul's June presidency that unlike other countries, North Koreas human rights situation is part of the councils official agenda.

This is unique to North Korea, and there are some good reasons for it, he said. The DPRK human rights and humanitarian situation is closely interlinked with North Koreas aggressive weapons  their aggressive WMD [weapons of mass destruction] and nuclear development.

DPRK is the abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The council was last publicly briefed on the issue on August 17, 2023, by U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk, who said that many of the severe and widespread rights violations in North Korea are directly linked to the regimes pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile technology.

In 2014, a U.N. Commission of Inquiry found that North Koreas rights violations had risen to the level of crimes against humanity and included murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape and enforced disappearance, among other crimes.

Relations between Seoul and Pyongyang have deteriorated in recent months. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he has given up on reunification with the South and designated it a foreign enemy state. He has also enshrined the countrys illicit nuclear program into its constitution.

Washington says North Korea is advancing its prohibited weapons program at an alarming rate and has launched more than 100 ballistic missiles since the beginning of 2022.

And in one of its more bizarre actions, last week Pyongyang sent balloons filled with trash and feces into the skies over South Korea, dropping them on busy streets.

Fed up, South Korea said Monday it will fully suspend a 2018 military agreement with the North that is aimed at lowering tensions. Seoul partially suspended the agreement last November to protest the launch of a North Korean spy satellite.
The United Nations said Monday that flash floods in Afghanistan, caused by extreme weather events related to climate change, are impacting tens of thousands of children, especially in northern and western provinces.

The impoverished South Asian country has experienced unusually heavy seasonal rainfall and flash flooding over the past month, affecting more than 100,000 people and resulting in loss and damage to houses, infrastructure, and the livelihoods of people in 32 out of 34 Afghan provinces.

The calamity has killed at least 350 people, including women and children, damaging close to 8,000 homes and displacing more than 5,000 families besides destroying crops and agricultural land, according to the U.N. Childrens Fund, or UNICEF.

The recent extreme weather in Afghanistan has all the hallmarks of the intensifying climate crisis  some of the affected areas experienced drought last year, the agency noted in a Monday statement.

It attributed the loss of lives and livelihoods and damage to infrastructure to an increase in the frequency and ferocity of extreme weather events in the country.

Aid agencies have cautioned that many flood survivors cannot make a living and have been left with no homes, no land, and no source of livelihood.

Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, urged the international community to redouble efforts and investments to support communities to alleviate and adapt to the impact of climate change on children.

The growing number and severity of extreme weather events will require UNICEF and other humanitarian actors to step in with even more rapid and large-scale humanitarian responses, Oyewale added.

He stressed the need for UNICEF and the humanitarian community to prepare themselves for a new reality of climate-related disasters in Afghanistan.

The war-ravaged country ranks 15th out of 163 countries in the Childrens Climate Risk Index. This means that not only are climate and environmental shocks and stresses prominent in the country, but children are particularly vulnerable to their effects compared with elsewhere in the world, UNICEF said.

The Save the Children charity has warned through a recent statement that about 6.5 million Afghan children are forecast to experience crisis-level hunger this year, citing the impact of floods, prolonged drought, and the return of hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans from neighboring Pakistan.

The World Food Program estimates that 3 million Afghan children are malnourished, and it can only reach one-third of them. The decline in international assistance has led to a rise in childrens admissions to malnutrition clinics in Afghanistan, the agency cautioned.

Afghanistan, one of the countries most at risk of global climate crisis, is among the least responsible for carbon emissions.

Afghan children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate and environmental shocks and stresses compared to elsewhere in the world, the statement said.

The return of the fundamentalist Taliban to power in Kabul in 2021 has led to the immediate termination of financial aid to the country, while international humanitarian assistance has recently also declined. This has worsened humanitarian conditions and pushed Afghanistans economy to the brink.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday downplayed the immediate prospects for a cease-fire in the war with Hamas in Gaza, saying that a deal proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden to halt the fighting and release militant-held hostages was a partial outline.

Netanyahu has long pushed for the elimination of Hamas in Gaza, but he said in a statement, "The claims that we have agreed to a cease-fire without our conditions being met are incorrect.

Biden outlined a new cease-fire deal in Gaza last week that included an initial halt in fighting and the release of some hostages held by Hamas.

Even as Israeli officials questioned the details of the truce proposal, its military announced that four more hostages captured by Hamas are now confirmed as dead, including three elderly men who pleaded in vain with their Hamas captors for their release.

U.S. officials are saying they believe that if Hamas agrees to the proposed truce, which it has yet to do, then Israel would also. An Israeli government spokesperson said that "the war will be stopped for the purpose of returning the hostages" after which discussions would follow on how to achieve the war's goal of eliminating Hamas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the proposal with Israeli officials, the State Department said late Sunday, saying the plan would advance Israels long-term security interests.

Blinken held separate calls with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet minister Benny Gantz, telling them that the cease-fire proposal would secure the release of all hostages and surge humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The secretary commended Israel for the proposal and emphasized that Hamas should take the deal without delay, Miller said about Blinkens call with Gantz. The top U.S. diplomat said the peace proposal also could unlock the possibility of calm along Israels border with Lebanon that would allow Israelis to return to their homes.

Earlier Sunday, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said if Hamas agrees to the proposed truce, the United States expects Israel will accept the plan.

Gallant said Sunday that Israel would not accept Hamas continuing to rule Gaza at any stage during the peace process and that it was examining alternatives to the Islamist group.

"While we conduct our important military actions, the defense establishment is simultaneously assessing a governing alternative to Hamas," Gallant said in a statement.

"We will isolate areas (in Gaza), remove Hamas operatives from these areas and introduce forces that will enable an alternative government to form  an alternative that threatens Hamas," Gallant said.

Gallant did not elaborate on possible alternatives.

Netanyahu declared Saturday that "Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."

Domestic divisions

Netanyahu faces a fractured right-wing coalition government and intense domestic pressure from opposing sides in his country on Israels plan for Gaza and Hamas.

Two right-wing members of his Cabinet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, threatened Saturday to bring down Netanyahus government if he agreed to Bidens proposal.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to take the deal and offered to support the prime minister if Ben Gvir and Smotrich bolted.

"I remind Netanyahu that he has our safety net for a hostage deal," Lapid said on the X platform, the former Twitter.

The families of the hostages pressed Israel and Hamas to agree to the deal. Tens of thousands of protesters rallied again Saturday in Tel Aviv for the return of the hostages.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Sunday he had told Netanyahu, ... I will give him and the government my full support for a deal which will see the release of the hostages."

"It is our inherent obligation to bring them home within the framework of a deal that preserves the security interests of the State of Israel," Herzog said in an address at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, meanwhile, said it "views positively" what Biden on Friday described as the Israeli plan.

However, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said Saturday in a Qatari television interview, "No agreement can be reached before the demand for the withdrawal of the occupation army and a cease-fire is met," calling for an end to the war and Israels full troop withdrawal from Gaza.

Time for the war to end

Biden said Friday the peace deal would involve an initial six-week cease-fire with a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of some hostages, while "a permanent end to hostilities" is negotiated through mediators.

"It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin," he said.

Netanyahu has insisted that according to the "exact outline proposed by Israel," the transition from one phase to the next was "conditional" and drafted to allow it to maintain its war aims.

Hamas launched a terror attack October 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people according to Israeli officials and taking roughly 250 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive have killed at least 36,400 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The death toll includes both civilians and combatants.

Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
PM Pham Minh Chinh addresses the ceremony in Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province, on June 2. (Photo: VNA)

Vu Dai Thang, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and head of the National Assembly deputies delegation of Quang Binh, said this land was present in the administrative structure of Van Lang, the first state in Vietnams history, under the name of Bo Viet Thuong. In 1604, after deciding to choose this area as the place for starting the territorial expansion to the South, Lord Nguyen Hoang merged administrative units under his rule and renamed the then Tien Binh into Quang Binh.

In his speech, PM Pham Minh Chinh stressed the strategic location of Quang Binh, which was a land of talents, an important area during many feudal dynasties, the start of Vietnams territory expansion to the South, and witnessed many ups and downs in history. It was also a confluence of many cultures in the country.

Highlighting the role of Quang Binh in the resistance wars against France and the US, he said the massive uprising in the province on July 15, 1949, with simultaneous military, political, and economic attacks on the French colonialists, contributed to the entire nations victory. Meanwhile, Quang Binh was the front of the North and the direct rear of the South in the fight against the US.

He hailed the provinces enormous achievements after nearly 50 years of national reunification, especially since its re-establishment 35 years ago, saying it has increasingly affirmed its important role and contributed more to national development.

Quang Binh holds considerable chances to make breakthroughs and secure fair development in the central region, with focuses on the service sector, tourism, clean industry, renewable energy, processing, manufacturing, and hi-tech, eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture, according to the Government leader.

PM Pham Minh Chinh asked the province to further tap into its distinctive potential, outstanding opportunities, competitive edges, and especially the cultural, historical, and human values.

In particular, he continued, efforts must be invested in building breakthrough mechanisms and policies to turn Quang Binh into a centre of nature tourism and a world-level attractive destination that capitalises on advantages of this kingdom of caves, so that tourism is truly a spearhead sector contributing to sustainable socio-economic development and benefiting the local community.

The PM asked the province to step up developing human resources, science - technology, and innovation, considering this as the shortest and most efficient path to fast and sustainable development.

He also ordered developing transport infrastructure, attracting more investment, facilitating trade, promoting digital transformation and green transition, developing circular, knowledge-based and sharing economy, and fostering energy, AI and semiconductor sectors as well as other emerging ones.

It is important to make use of the local seaport, airport, and international border gates to turn Quang Binh into an important trading hub in the central region, he noted.

In addition, PM Pham Minh Chinh demanded due attention be paid to ensuring social security, improving the quality of locals' material and spiritual lives, perfecting socio-economic infrastructure, better responding to natural disasters and climate change, and protecting the environment.

The leader also pointed out the need to enhance the corruption fight, the Party and political system building, and the formation of a lean, effective, and efficient administrative apparatus./.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan will attend a Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland on June 15, the White House said Monday in a statement.

Harris will travel to Switzerland to underscore Washingtons commitment to supporting Ukraines effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter, said the vice president's communications director, Kirsten Allen.

Harris will reaffirm U.S. support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression, the statement said.

The Kremlin has repeatedly said any talks around securing peace in Ukraine should involve Russia, which has not been invited to the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Philippines Monday for supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.



The Philippines announced it will participate in the peace conference hosted by Switzerland.

I am grateful to the Philippines for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for its clear position on Russia's aggression against our country, and for supporting important U.N. resolutions, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader was in Singapore on Sunday and told a security conference that China was helping Russian efforts disrupt the peace conference set for June 15-16 by pressuring leaders of other countries not to attend.

"These attempts to disrupt the summit are systematic and are unprecedentedly large in scale, which once again confirms that we are doing everything right," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.



Kuleba added that Russias efforts to sabotage the summit were focused on countries in Asia, Africa and South America.



Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the accusation on Monday, saying China believes that all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported.

China has been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia. Russia also has called Zelenskyys peace plan requiring Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territories a nonstarter.

Despite its proclaimed neutrality, Chinas trade with Russia has grown, allowing Moscow to weather Western economic sanctions.

Ukrainian, U.S. and other intelligence agencies also say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.

Monday attacks

Three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed Monday from Russian attacks in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, according to local authorities.

The official, Vadim Filashkin, announced on social media two aerial attacks 30 minutes apart that left several homes damaged.



In the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, one person was killed and two were wounded in a Russian rocket attack where Russian troops recently captured several villages, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on the Telegram app.

Syniehubov said the attack in the village of Slobozhanske also damaged a recreation center and houses.

Across the border in Russias Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone attack hit three villages, damaging power and communication lines. Another drone flew into an unused commercial building, causing an explosion, Gladkov said on Telegram.

A woman was killed by Ukrainian artillery fire in a Russian-held town in Donetsk, regional head Denis Pushilin said.

Three women were injured by Ukrainian attacks on the city of Donetsk and the nearby town of Makiivka, Pushilin added.

Ukraine allies

Italy will likely send a second round of air defense supplies to Ukraine, after Zelenskyys appeals for more military aid against Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians and the countrys energy infrastructure, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The system, also known as MAMBA, is the only European-made system that can intercept ballistic missiles.

It is a Franco-Italian battery that can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at once, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported Monday. It also wrote the government could greenlight the new supplies after a summit of leaders of the Group of Seven major democracies, which Italy will host June 13-15.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said Monday it would urge allies to give its troops more freedom to strike military targets inside Russia after the United States partially lifted restrictions on the use of some Western-supplied weapons.

Washington last week gave Ukraine limited permission to use Western-supplied weapons to strike some military targets on Russian territory as part of Kyiv's efforts to fend off attacks on its eastern Kharkiv region.

"It is not 100%, you know, clearance. It comes with some rules that need to be followed," Kuleba said at a news conference with his Estonian counterpart.

"We will continue to work with our allies on expanding the scope of its application," he added.

Ukraine's supporters are divided on the matter. Some fear that allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia could drag them closer to direct conflict with Moscow.

Switzerland's upper house of parliament voted down Monday a $5.58 billion aid contribution for Ukraine on the grounds that the plan breached borrowing restrictions in the neutral country.

The plan's defeat had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with legislators from the right particularly opposed to it.

Lawmakers argued the package was in violation of a so-called "debt brake" provision in Switzerland and rejected it two weeks before the Swiss government is due to host a high-level summit aimed at helping to bring peace to Ukraine. The aid for Ukraine was supposed to go for the reconstruction and repair of Ukraines infrastructure.

Switzerland has been under pressure from Western allies to do more to help Ukraine even as right-wing nationalist lawmakers press for the country to remain strictly neutral.

Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
If Hamas agrees to Israel's proposed truce on Gaza, the United States says it expects that Israel will accept the plan. Peace mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. have called on both sides to agree to a cease-fire and hostage release plan outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden Friday. Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Sunday about the possibility of being sentenced to jail next month after his conviction for falsifying business records. A new Netflix series made in India puts a historic red-light district in Pakistan in the spotlight. A nonprofit community of breast milk donors has formed in Uganda.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the Philippines will take part in a peace conference hosted by Switzerland this month, and he thanked the Philippines for its support.

After Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted Zelenskyy for talks at the presidential palace, Zelenskyy said on X that Ukraine plans to open an embassy in Manila this year.

I am grateful to the Philippines for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for its clear position on Russia's aggression against our country, and for supporting important UN resolutions, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader was in Singapore Sunday and told a security conference that China was helping Russian efforts to disrupt the peace conference set for June 15-16, with China pressuring leaders of other countries not to attend.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the accusation Monday, saying China believes that all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported.

China has been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited. Russia also has called Zelenskyys peace plan requiring Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territories a non-starter.

Despite its proclaimed neutrality, Chinas trade with Russia has grown, allowing Moscow to weather Western economic sanctions.

Ukrainian, U.S. and other intelligence agencies also say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.

Monday attacks

A Russian rocket attack killed one person and injured two others in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, the regional governor said Monday.

Oleg Synegubov said on Telegram the attack in the village of Slobozhanske also damaged a recreation center and houses.

Across the border in Russias Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone attack hit three villages, damaging power and communications lines. Another drone flew into an unused commercial building, causing an explosion, Gladkov said on Telegram.

Russias defense ministry also said Monday it shot down a Ukrainian drone over Belgorod.

Some material was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
By Kate Bartlett

JOHANNESBURG  The final results of a tumultuous South African election were declared late Sunday, confirming that the governing party lost its majority for the first time.

A former South African president once boasted that the African National Congress would rule "until Jesus comes back.

Theres a joke now doing the rounds in South Africa that Jesus must have returned, given the bashing the party took in general elections this week.

In a seismic political shift, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time, getting just 40 percent of the vote.

It was a chastened ANC when the partys secretary-general Fikile Mbalula made the first public remarks since the vote, acknowledging that there was nothing to celebrate but It is the will of the people, and that is what we must accept."

The African National Congress commends the people of South Africa for once again demonstrating the strength and vibrancy of our democracy. The results send a clear message to the ANC. We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them, we have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction, Mbalula said

Mbalula stressed that contrary to some reports the party would not be asking President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. In terms of who the ANC might now go into coalition with, he said they were engaging with other parties, without specifying.

David Everatt, a professor at Johannesburgs Wits School of Governance said he suspected almost everything was still on the table in terms of coalitions.

The party that got the second largest amount of votes, at over 21 percent, was the Democratic Alliance, or DA, which the business-minded would prefer to see in a coalition.

However, some in the ANC might balk at going into an alliance with them as they are seen as a white party, and prefer to go with a radical party like the Economic Freedom Fighters, he said.

The political arithmetic is being recalibrated almost hourlywell have final results by the end of today, being Sunday, and after that they have to horse-trade very quickly, because they dont have very long before we have to form, or they have to form, a government, he said.

One of the main upsets of the election was newly formed party uMkhonto weSizwe, or MK, led by former President Jacob Zuma. Coming in with around 14 percent of the votes, MK ate into some of the ANCs support.

Ironically it was Zuma who made the comment about the ANC governing until Jesus returns.

Zuma, 82, has an axe to grind with the ANC, after it forced him to resign from the presidency in 2018 amid corruption scandals.

On Saturday, the former ANC stalwart-turned-disrupter called for a delay in the official declaration of results, alleging rigging and demanding a re-count. He provided no proof for this claim, and the election on Wednesday has been widely praised as free and fair.

However Zuma intimated there could be violence if the announcement of official results went ahead as planned, said Everatt.

This is not a democrat, this is an autocrat who is threatening violence to try to get what he wants, he said.

However the electoral commission said while they were dealing with challenges to the vote, the announcement would go ahead Sunday night at a conference center in Johannesburg.

President Ramaphosa has confirmed his attendance.
President Biden has authorized Ukraine to conduct limited attacks inside Russia with American-made weapons, US officials said. Some US allies have already gone further. Britain weeks ago, allowed Ukraine to use its long-range Storm Shadow missile systems for strikes anywhere in Russia, and France and Germany have recently taken the same stance. The decision announced by President Biden is due in particular to the pressure exerted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to eliminate restrictions on the use of US weapons by Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was tasked with announcing Washingtons decision to the European Allies. Speaking at the European Union Council, he declared: According to international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defence. And the right to self-defence also includes striking legitimate military targets inside Russia.

At the same time, Poland announced its purchase of long-range missiles from the United States and declared that it was ready to host NATO nuclear weapons. Sweden did the same: as soon as it joined NATO, it stated that it was available to host US nuclear weapons in the event of war.

France has tested a new air-launched nuclear missile and has allocated 13% of its military budget to upgrading its nuclear weapons. Against which targets in Russia the long-range missiles supplied by the United States and other NATO countries to Ukraine are directed, is demonstrated by the news released by Kyiv that a Ukrainian drone targeted a second Russian long-range military radar. It is an early warning radar, designed to detect ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, and aircraft up to 10,000 km away.

The Ukrainian army cant be able to carry out such an attack deep into Russian territory on its own. The Ukrainian military is in growing difficulty, so much so that Kyiv has passed a law that allows recruiting common prisoners, including criminals, from prisons willing to go to the front in exchange for freedom. Furthermore, an attack of this type requires a military satellite network which Ukraine does not have. The ones carrying out attacks of this type against Russia are US forces and NATO forces under US command. Countries like Italy, which host US nuclear weapons, violating the Non-Proliferation Treaty, are therefore transformed into the front line of a nuclear confrontation with Russia, more dangerous than that of the Cold War.
Leah McSweeney in RHONY. Photo: Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Its getting real. Last year, former Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel suggested it was time for a reckoning in reality TV, calling for stars to unionize for better treatment. There may be no union yet, but there are plenty of lawsuits, and their complaints run the gamut from villain edits to one contestant being forced to bake a pie the day she had a stroke.

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Normandy Vamos claimed she and other contestants were not paid for spending up to 15 hours a day waiting at a hotel and that producers told her how to draess and act with the intention of making her a laughingstock during her viral audition. (A preliminary settlement is reportedly in the works.)

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The owners of the F/V Northwestern, a fishing boat, claimed the show lacked a plan for getting a crew member prompt medical care during the pandemic. (The production company and medical contractor have denied liability and negligence.)

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Jonathan Goodwin, a stuntman and contestant on the short-lived Americas Got Talent: Extreme, claimed he was crushed and burned by two exploding motor vehicles and rendered paraplegic because the show didnt have proper safety procedures. (The case is in mediation.) David Walliams, a Britains Got Talent judge, claimed he experienced psychiatric harm and financial loss when derogatory and sexually explicit comments he made about contestants in private were leaked. (The production company Fremantle said it apologized and reached an amicable resolution.)

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 Jeremy Hartwell claimed that the producers created inhumane working conditions; plied the cast with alcohol; deprived them of food, water, and sleep; and paid them less than minimum wage. (A class-action suit was settled for $1.4 million.)

 Renee Poche claimed the show took legal action against her for sharing that she was forced to spend time with a man she describes as a broke, unemployed, and violent drug addict. (A court ruled that the dispute had to be settled in private arbitration.)

 Tran Dang claimed she was sexually assaulted by her then-fiance and that producers didnt intervene and made her film a final scene with him. (The ex-fiance denied the allegations, while the shows creator said Dang never shared any concerns.)

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Jasmine Crestwell and Alex Rinks, former producers for the U.S. show, claimed they were fired for raising concerns about unsafe conditions and racial discrimination. They also alleged other producers pressured contestants to have sex and inappropriately discussed intimate footage of women islanders. (ITV America denied the allegations.)

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Mary Jayne Buckingham said producers prevented her from getting medical attention and pressured her to film on the day she had a stroke  because that episodes baking challenge was her specialty as a pie chef. (The case is in mediation.)

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Mindy and Paul King claimed contractors botched their house, leaving them with a dishwasher that caused a flood and a crushed gas line that made their stove unusable. (The construction company denied faulty workmanship; the production company also defended the work, and it claimed the Kings denied contractors access for repairs.)

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Daniel Curry, a segment producer and creative consultant for the show, said that production falsified an incident report to downplay his injuries after actor Johnny Knoxville chased and Tasered him on set, leaving him with a broken bone and torn ligament; that Knoxville and Eric Andre pressured him to keep quiet about what happened; and that he has since been blackballed from the industry. (Knoxville has yet to publicly comment.)

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 NeNe Leakes claimed that racially insensitive behavior was tolerated or even encouraged on the Atlanta franchise and that she was punished for speaking up about racist comments from co-star Kim Zolciak-Biermann. (She later dropped the suit with prejudice, which means she could file it again.)

 Marco Vega, who was hired as a butler on Ultimate Girls Trip, claimed producers encouraged Brandi Glanville and Phaedra Parks to get drunk and sexually harass him. (A show exec said Vega seemed to be having a good

time, and Bravo filed to dismiss the case.)

 Caroline Manzo said she was kissed, humped, and fondled without consent by Brandi Glanville on Ultimate Girls Trip, claiming that producers regularly get the cast drunk and encourage or allow sexual harassment. (Glanville denied wrongdoing, and Bravo is seeking to have the case dismissed.)

 Leah McSweeney said she was encouraged to drink and punished for not drinking as a recovering alcoholic on the New York City franchise; that it was implied shed be fired if she left filming to visit her dying grandmother; and that Andy Cohen fosters a rotted workplace culture by giving special treatment to Bravolebrities who use cocaine with him. (Cohen and Bravo denied the allegations and claimed casting decisions are protected by the First Amendment.)

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Joseph Abruzzo claimed the show defamed him by suggesting he had taken nudes, been physically abusive, and had a failing political career. He also said he was pressured into signing a document that stated he could be portrayed in a way he didnt like. (Producers denied this, and the case was ultimately sent to arbitration.)

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Paula Abdul said the production companies protected judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, whom she has accused of sexual assault and verbal harassment. She also said she faced workplace bullying and lower pay than male judges. (The companies settled with Abdul for an undisclosed amount; Lythgoe has denied the allegations, but her lawsuit against him is proceeding.)

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Faith Stowers claimed she was subjected to racial slurs and vicious assaults (including co-star Lala Kent once holding a knife to her neck) and that she was demoted to a volunteer position after speaking up. (Bravo has yet to publicly comment.)
Photo: Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images

Hope everyones having a great Pride Month! Shoutout to the gays. From Adele clapping back at a homophobic audience member to Kehlani turning Weho Pride into a pro-Palestine march, celebs around the world are out here making pride political. And some of the other ones are just happy to be there. Heres how this years celebs are making Pride femininomenal (or mascuninomenal, or theminominal), including a Nonsense outro and one half of everyones favorite queerbaity Bridgerton ship.

Amber Ruffin Comes Out

As a Mets fan! And as queer. I was like What?! Thats great!

Lady Whistledown Does Gay Pop

Nicola Coughlan turned a viral interview clip into a song benefiting LGBTQ+ charities. In Shoes More Shoes, she shouts out all the wee lesbians and girly pops. Near the end of the track, she muses, Have you ever noticed that transphobes have really shitty hair? Thats karma, bitch. Were sure self-appointed gay pop CEO JoJo Siwa would be proud.

Weve got a Gay Gummer

Meryl Streeps daughter Louisa Jacobson Gummer comes out in new Instagram post:



blessed to be entering the Joyful New era bb  pic.twitter.com/GBJ7RLe8Rn  Pop Base (@PopBase) June 24, 2024

Meryl Streeps daughter, Louisa Jacobson Gummer, came out on Instagram. blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb  she wrote. Whether its Louisa and her partner, or Meryl and Marty Short, love is love!

Bratz Summer

Bratz recreated Hillary Duffs iconic PSA about not saying thats gay (derogatory). And thats gay (complimentary)!

Leather Daddy Stitch

Stitch is leathered up as he dances to Troye Sivans Rush at Disneyland Pride. 



pic.twitter.com/wJrhdiwq2k  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 19, 2024

Once again Disneyland Pride Night comes through with the cuntiest fur characters this side of Anthrocon. Last year it was Clarabelle Cow sissying that walk. This year its Stitch all leatherd out.

Sandy Cohen is giving out free dad hugs

Kathryn Gallagher used her self-professed nepo baby status to make sure all the gays raised by The O.C.s Sandy Cohen (a.k.a. her dad Peter Gallagher) feel loved and accepted this pride.

Murray Hill is working through Pride. Showbiz!

Somebody Somewheres Murray Hill was profiled in the New York Times this Pride, showing off some of his latest projects. Hill is spending some of Pride Month location scouting for a show hes developing called Shorty Big Time, a lower stakes mystery procedural. Someone took somebodys teeth at the nursing home, and they call me in, he said of a potential plotline. Or the gay rodeos in town, and the chaps are missing. Just fun and campy. We need it. Things are rough out there.

Chappell Roan nixes White House Pride event

| @ChappppellRoans "My Kink Is Karma" speech at @GovBallNYC



"This is a response to the White House, who asked me to preform for Pride. We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, thats when Ill come." pic.twitter.com/OwQcCSCh5m  Chappell Roan Now (@ChappellRoanNow) June 9, 2024

At the Governors Ball June 9, Chappell Roan dedicated My Kink is Karma to the White House, who asked me to perform at Pride. We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all, she said. When you do that, thats when Ill come. Roan appeared to be alluding to Gaza, as she also said freedom for all especially means freedom for all oppressed in occupied territories.

The Doctor is OUT

Ncuti Gatwas 15th Doctor did a little kissin on a man  and during Pride Month, no less! Jonathan Groff guest starred as Rogue (not that one), and flirted/smooched the Doctor in a Bridgerton-esque episode. In the words of the Ninth Doctor, Fantastic!

Sabrina Carpenters Pride-themed Nonsense outro

At the Governors Ball, Sabrina Carpenter offered us this: Do I text him back its such a tough call/that wont fit inside me bro, Im dumb small/people who hate pride can suck my gov balls. Well forgive the slant rhyme for the allyship.

Troye Sivan commences gay tour

Troye Sivan released a fun gay album last year, called Something to Give Each Other, now, throughout Pride, Troye Sivan is running a fun, gay tour, that includes him singing on his knees into a microphone and dressing in drag. Fun! Hot! Gay!

Trixie Mattel gets her Sara Bellum on

You heard it hear, folks, the wind is homophobic.

Adele tells homophobia to shut up

Adele goes off on audience member who yelled Pride sucks at her concert tonight:



Did you come to my f*cking show and just say that Pride sucks? Are you f*cking stupid? Dont be so f*cking ridiculous. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, alright? pic.twitter.com/M3yl2mdzLV  Pop Base (@PopBase) June 2, 2024

At her Las Vegas residency, Adele shouted down a concertgoer who hollered Pride sucks! during her set. Did you come to my fucking show and just say that Pride sucks? she said. Are you fucking stupid?

Kehlani says Pride has always been political

Kehlani invited pro-Palestine demonstrators to march with them at West Hollywood Pride June 1. Its a continuation of the messaging of their latest single, Next 2 U, which also expressed strong solidarity with Palestine.

Feeling Jovani at Mighty Hoopla

@countessluann HAPPY PRIDE, BITCHES! See you this week in Dublin, Brighton, Manchester, and London - get the last tickets at countessluann.com   original sound - countessluann

Countess Luann performed at Mighty Hoopla in London, captioning a video of her performance HAPPY PRIDE, BITCHES!

Cressida Cowpers in love with a woman

Jessica Madsen, who plays Cressida Cowper on Bridgerton, reaffirmed her bi identity in a Pride post June 1. She was supported by the whole ton, including Julia Quinn. But does that mean Creloise will become canon???
BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A research team from China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a six-legged guide robot for visually impaired people that is expected to address the country's shortage of real guide dogs.

"We believe our robot will function as a 'pair of eyes' for visually impaired people," said Professor Gao Feng from the School of Mechanical Engineering in a press release on the university's official website on Thursday.

According to the China Association of Persons with Visual Disabilities, there are about 17.31 million visually impaired people in China. However, due to high breeding costs and long training periods, there are reportedly only over 400 guide dogs in service nationwide, which means only one guide dog is available for every 40,000 visually impaired individuals in China.

As a strong backup for the real guide dogs, the guide robot can accurately recognize the speech of blind people and respond in less than one second, walking at a maximum speed of three meters per second while maintaining a stable walking state with little noise, according to the press release.

The robot has visual environmental perception capabilities, allowing it to autonomously navigate to its destination, dynamically avoid obstacles, and recognize traffic lights.

Moreover, with the support of the internet, it can also serve as a home companion and an emergency responder for blind people, it said.

"The primary task of our robot is to establish effective communication with blind individuals to enable the robot to understand the user's intentions while maintaining coordinated movements," said Gao.

To achieve these goals, the robot adopts a multisensory perception system of "seeing, hearing, asking and touching." It combines natural language comprehension and speech recognition with force-feedback canes to enable the users to control the robot.

This robot also uses advanced machine learning algorithms, enabling it to automatically avoid static and dynamic obstacles with a high degree of stability and safety.

In addition, it is equipped with multiple sensors such as laser radar to improve the accuracy of perception in complex environments. This means it can walk smoothly on different types of terrain and guide the blind both indoors and outdoors with no need of internet, making it easier to use, more stable, and more reliable for blind individuals.

The guide robot is currently undergoing field testing. Throughout the research and development process, visually impaired individuals have been involved in offline demonstrations and tests, according to Gao.

"We have already received orders for 20 units and believe that it will soon be ready for the market," he said.

Editor: WXL
This recap was originally published on June 24, 2022, shortly after The Bear premiered its first season on Hulu. Were republishing to coincide with the episodes cable debut on FX.

If the second episode of The Bear wants to remind viewers of anything, its that appearances can be deceiving. Sure, the Original Beef might be getting its food, staff, and overall shit together but  bam!  in comes a very thorough health inspector who digs up some oil-soaked rags stuffed into an unsealed vent (very cool, by the way) and a pack of cigs near the stove. The eatery is slapped with the dreaded C health rating.

On the flip side, Carmys past swanky-food life may look cushy, as he served up $700 dinners plated with tweezers in a kitchen so gleamingly clean it looks like the face of the sun, but his boss  played by a ruthlessly shitty Joel McHale in a choice cameo spot  was a walking nightmare. He was just a bad dude in the kitchen  actively abusive, even telling Carmy that he should be dead. McHales white-coated demon is the human equivalent of battery acid. Hes good at what he does, it seems, but hes absolutely dead set on breaking down every single thing that dares get near him.

Still, back in Chicago, Carmy does seem to hold a sense of pride about where hes worked, dropping names like the French Laundry and Noma. (Thomas Keller, per all reports, is in real life not nearly as much of an asshole as McHales character.) Its unclear whether thats because hes proud of what he achieved food-wise or just that he actually survived it. Its clear that much of his family seemed dead set on helping Carmy make something of himself  Mikey wouldnt let him work at the restaurant, after all  so Im wondering if Carmys success is an unholy marriage of his love for food and his fear of letting anyone down.

Inside the Original Beef, it certainly seems like hes worried about the latter. His brother left him up to his eyes in debt, including fun break your knees mob debt we get to hear about from the amazing Oliver Platt. Sydney has a very professional-looking business plan that could help turn things around a little if anyone will listen to her, but first Carmy has to admit that hes in over his head.

It does seem like things could be going that way at the end of Hands, when a few tantalizing bits of optimism slip into view. First, after Richie is tasked with fixing the hole he clearly fucked up patching a few years ago, hes sent off to the hardware store with Sydney because he, like a number of other people who work at the restaurant, cant actually drive. (You really dont need to in Chicago, though it also rings true with both Richies character and what I know about some hospitality lifers that maybe his suspended license could have come after one too many DUIs.) Things go poorly at first, but ultimately they do seem to have at least a begrudging sense of mutual respect, though Sydney still shouldnt go placing any big bets on his kindness any time soon.

We also see Carmy making amends with his sisters boyfriend-slash-husband, played by a very fun Chris Witaske. Their guys who dont like to talk on the phone shtick is charming, and when Sugar actually gets on, we learn that she and her partner have been going to Al-Anon and are encouraging Carmy to do the same. She makes a valid point that chefs always say part of their job is about taking care of other people, but when do they make time to take care of themselves? (This is a very real issue, by the way. Chefs are notoriously hardworking and burnout is fast, high, and often drug- and alcohol-related.) Given that Al-Anon is the organization for people who were affected by the alcohol abuse of those around them, that gives us yet another layer of the onion to unpeel. Was this something the pair saw growing up? Are they going because of their brother, who we learn from this episode shot himself in the head four months ago? Or are all these pieces of a much larger tavern-style pie? Weve got six more episodes to find out.

We end the episode with both the reassurance that Sydney is sticking around, since Carmys apparently committed to doing what it takes to get her paid, and the realization that it was him, not Richie, who left the pack of smokes near the open flame. Whether hell ever own up to this is anyones guess, but it could act as a nice reminder that even as hes being held back by outside forces, he can occasionally screw up all by himself.

Hands isnt as frenetic and electric as the shows pilot, but in a way thats good. It would be hard to keep up that energy for the whole series, especially as the restaurant does seem to at least be on some long and winding path toward maybe, maybe, maybe getting its shit back together. Theres a suggestion of some sort of chicken piccata dish, and the Italian beef still looks fucking delicious in those close-up shots. If Carmy and Richie can somehow get their aviator-glassed uncle Cicero off their backs while simultaneously getting a better health grade, revamping their kitchen, and convincing people to come to an entirely average-looking Italian Beef stand somewhere in the grittier part of Chicagos River North, hey, maybe these crazy kids will have a fighting chance at success.

Small Bites:

 The fact that Richie has a 5-year-old daughter is very sweet, and that phone call went a long way toward humanizing his character. While were obviously annoyed that he found that note from Mikey to Carmy stuck behind the lockers and did nothing about it, we also get it. Mikey was his best friend, and wheres his note? Its not like Richie burned it or something. He just put it back. He knows its there, and hopefully Carmy will figure it out himself someday.

 I loved Sydneys description of the Original Beef as a place where the food is shitty, everyone acts shitty, and everything just feels shitty. Weve all been to those places, whether we like it or not, and frankly, sometimes theyre even more memorable than places that are actually perfectly nice.

 Much respect to Richie for his love of Arbys, even though there are barely any in Chicago, save a couple of weird spots in the Loop where I doubt hes going. Arbys is the perfect working-class fast-food restaurant, and it gets far more hate than it deserves. This is the hill I will die on. Come at me, haters.
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Recipes

What do you want to cook today?
by Xinhua writer Wang Xiaopeng

TIANJIN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- While checking WeChat Moments, I found a set of photos shared by Ryan Marc Shaw, a Chinese language enthusiast from the United States. After graduating from Tianjin Juilliard School, he is now exploring Yunnan Province in southwest China.

I had the privilege of meeting Ryan and his fellow classmates at their commencement ceremony on May 24 at the school's campus in the Binhai New Area in Tianjin Municipality, north China. The school held its commencement ceremony on the same date as the Juilliard School in New York, weeks ahead of most universities in China.

Dressed in caps and capes, the 30 students of the class of 2024 proudly received their Master's degrees at the ceremony. These bright young students hailed from 7 countries and regions, including America and Mexico.

The Tianjin Juilliard School is a historic collaboration between the renowned New York-based Juilliard School and its partners in Tianjin. In terms of its design, the school pays homage to the Juilliard School in New York. There are no walls surrounding the main building, which resembles a mysterious spacecraft sitting on the bank of the Haihe River.

Strolling around the lobby, I was surrounded by smiling graduates and their parents.

Among them was Diego Acosta, a flutist from Mexico, who continued his studies in Tianjin after finishing his undergraduate degree at a university in his home country.

"Here, every day is unique in its own way as a result of a very unique institution in the world where Eastern and Western aesthetic perspectives converge," Acosta said during his student speaker address.

He told me that he has enriched his flute performance by integrating the Changdi, a Chinese transverse flute often played in Chinese folk music or opera.

Several graduates showcased their artistic talents during interludes at the ceremony. I was particularly moved by the emotive strains of a violin played by Hyunyoung Lee, who hails from the Republic of Korea.

Dressed in a playful plum-pink costume on stage, Lee's masterful performance earned her an offer from a prestigious symphony orchestra in Guangzhou. It is opportunities like these, she said, that encouraged her to stay in China after graduation.

Not far from her was Shaw, the bass trombonist, arguably the most hilarious person I met that day. He sometimes mixed the local dialect into his conversation. He saw Tianjin Juilliard School as the perfect fit for him, as he hoped to expand his horizons and embrace diverse music and cultures to hone his trombone performance.

Shaw said he loves Chinese culture, including ancient architecture. He said one day he went for a run along the river and ran into a large statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin. Beside the statue, there is a temple that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Chinese history is rich, and its traditional culture has been integrated with modern elements, Shaw said.

Shaw's Chinese classmate Liu Yunbei, who wore a white Chinese traditional Qipao dress, also shined bright on the big stage that day.

The cellist was awarded the Joseph W. Polisi Prize for exemplifying Tianjin Juilliard's values of "artist as citizen" from Polisi, who is president emeritus and chief China officer of the Juilliard School and chairman of the board of directors of the Tianjin Juilliard School.

Having already obtained a master's degree in Instrumental and Orchestral Studies, she decided to pursue another master's degree in Instrumental and Chamber Music Studies at the school.

Liu is scheduled to participate in the Aspen Music Festival and School in the United States during the summer vacation. "I have the opportunity to be mentored by some masters and even perform with them," she said. "I will also bring some Chinese melodies to them."

Sitting under the glass ceiling of the main building, Polisi told me that in the Tianjin Juilliard School, Chinese students can create musical works with students from the United States and other countries and regions, which symbolizes the ability of human beings to get along with each other and to respect each other.

He said that the school is a fusion of two very rich cultures, likening it to a "catalyst" that provides new "ideas" for China-U.S. cooperation and exchanges.

Editor: WRX
Tickets for Gilbert OSullivans long-awaited return to Waterford sold out only 20 minutes after going on sale, ahead of his two upcoming gigs taking place at Theatre Royal this December.

The demand was so high that an extra gig in November was subsequently announced, which will go on sale this week.

A hometown performance is eagerly awaited, with the local musician announcing to the Waterford News & Star earlier this year that a show in Waterford was on the agenda.

He said: Thats the plan, it has to be. We are going to be doing two shows in Cork, two nights in Dublin in September and the plan is to come to Waterford, so that will happen.

OSullivan was recently granted the Freedom of Waterford, in recognition of his contribution to global popular culture through his music.

During the acceptance ceremony, he was described as a signal composer and performer from Waterford roots who has made an indelible mark on the world of modern music.

The Cork Road natives career has spanned 50 years. His first single success Nothing Rhymed was released in 1970 and almost overnight it achieved Top 10 status in the UK and Europe.

He subsequently achieved Top 10 singles and Number 1s around the world, including the classic Alone Again (Naturally), which topped the US charts and earned him three Grammy nominations.
In the upcoming elections, Waterford will see four new political parties on the ballot sheet, where each party has one candidate running on June 7, except The Irish People, which has three candidates; Michael McCarthy will contest for a seat in the Lismore district; Declan Power in Portlaw-Kilmacthomas and John D. Walsh in Waterford City East, all under The Irish People banner.

While The Irish People presents itself as a political party, it openly states that it "unites independent candidates under a shared banner". It adds, "Our aim is to enhance the electoral chances of individuals who share common principles but wish to maintain their independent voice in politics."

The Irish People Party has "core principles" that every independent must align with, however, it "doesn't bind its members to a strict party line".

The core principle for housing is, "house the Irish first, not the world"; the family principle includes elements of conservatism, stating, "family creation and support", and, most radically, the migration principle is defined as "sensible immigration, not open borders".

Taking a stance as such in relation to immigration, housing and family policies, The Irish People Party has been considered as one of the new political parties to emerge from the far-right wing.

Additionally, "Free Speech" is another where the independent, but affiliated, candidates agree that "talking and thinking should never be a crime", with some party candidates being linked with protests against immigration and LGBTQ+.
Of 79 Local Election candidates for Waterford, 18 of those candidates are running for Sinn Fein, with no other party meeting those candidate numbers but Independents making up 22 of the candidates.

Local issues

As housing and immigration still remain as voters' concerns, Sinn Fein Councillor Jim Griffin told the Waterford News & Star that other issues are being brought to his attention such as: footpath repairs; street lighting and speeding in housing estates.

"The majority of people is saying that road signage no longer exists. Nobody takes any notice of signage in this country anymore, and there has to be measures that actually work.

"There's a huge support for the national speed review, which is supposed to take place in quarter four of this year," said Cllr Griffin.

Voters' apprehension

With the emergence of new right-wing political parties in the Waterford elections, Cllr Griffin was asked if he thinks Sinn Fein will lose votes to these parties, particularly voters focusing on housing and immigration. Cllr Griffin responded: "I don't know if the polls are reflecting hearsay, but we're not seeing that on our on the doors when we're canvassing."

"I'm finding that people are saying to me, 'we just hope that Sinn Fein is not going to be another Fianna Fail or Fine Gael if you get into power," continued Cllr Griffin.

"'And the reason we're going to take this chance with Sinn Fein is because the other option is the same old' or, they have to go with some parties that might eventually be extremists.

"For that reason alone, I think we might get a bounce that no one else has seen because I think voters are a little bit afraid of what might happen if they don't vote for Sinn Fein, and they're so mad with the three main Government parties, they're a little bit apprehensive now," he concluded.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has married again, tying the knot for the fifth time at his California vineyard on Saturday.

The former Fox and News Corp chairman, 93, married 67-year-old Elena Zhukova after a short engagement. The pair started dating in 2023 and confirmed their plans to wed to the New York Times in March this year.

Rupert Murdoch, 93, at his wedding to 67-year-old Elena Zhukova. Credit: News Corp

Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, was introduced to Murdoch by his third wife Wendi Deng.

Moscow native Zhukova was previously married to billionaire Alexander Zhukov.
During his visit to Victoria, Houdini went out to Diggers Rest with the aim of achieving the first powered flight to occur in Australia. Competing against Houdini and his French Voisin biplane for that distinction was Lawrence Anderson, the patrician headmaster of Wesley College, whose machine was supplied by the Wright Brothers.

In 1910, Harry Houdini, the world-famous Hungarian-American escapologist, arrived in Melbourne on a world tour. In its day, this was a showbusiness event on a scale comparable in our time with someone like Taylor Swift .

Among several plot strands, the novel, which is written in the present tense, explores the complex relationship between Houdini and his wife Bess, who we learn gave up her own theatrical career to start a family and now yearns to once again tread the boards.

Houdinis sojourn in Melbourne begins with a staged leap from Princes Bridge into the murky waters of the Yarra River. As he struggles to untie himself underwater, Houdini believes he encounters the submerged corpse of a woman. Identifying the body becomes a fixation for the man whose showbusiness career is dedicated to cheating death.

Other key events in the novel include a secret (and fictitious) visit to Melbourne by the Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini, who is recovering from serious injuries caused by an automobile accident and at the same time battling a career slump that followed the disastrous debut of Madame Butterfly, a work now regarded as a masterpiece but which was savaged by the critics and had to be rewritten.

At the Hotel Metropole, an impressive building with an arcade that stood in Bourke Street until the 1970s, Puccini and Bess form an unlikely romantic friendship based on music. The composer, it seems, is seeking a muse, someone who will lead him to the leading character in his next opera. The heroine is always at the heart of my operas, Puccini tells Bess. And always she is flawed, adored, and doomed. Though perhaps not this time. I am not sure how it will end, if it ends. Minnie is elusive. I have hoped I can find her in Melbourne.
I have to admit to a degree of trepidation approaching this update of Patrick Hamiltons 1938 psychological thriller Gaslight, whose title has become shorthand for psychological manipulation so extreme the victim begins to doubt their own sanity.

I was concerned that Canadian playwrights Johanna Wright and Patty Jamieson would so crudely modernise the play and amplify and underline its relevance that it would become a post-Me Too lecture, as is routinely done on the big screen and in television series.

Gaslight stars Toby Schmitz and Geraldine Hakewill.

My foreboding proved totally unfounded as Wright and Jamieson have masterfully stripped down and freshened up Hamiltons play (as well as borrowing from George Cukors better-known 1944 movie version starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman) at the same time as maintaining its period integrity.

Indeed, I found myself marvelling at how the wonderfully talented cast totally managed to fully inhabit this story of an Edwardian household replete with stuffy, sanctimonious patriarch, his emotionally fragile wife and a pair of servants watching from the edges at the same time as maintaining a slight ironic distance from the action
I thought I was dead, she says. And if I had already died, and didnt exist, if I took my own life that it didnt matter, I was dead anyway. Loading Recently, Robb recalled his wife asking to hold hands to make sure I am real. Up to one in five Australian women experience depression and anxiety in the period before or after birth, and about one in 10 experience obsessive-compulsive disorder in the perinatal period, statistics from the Centre of Perinatal Excellence and the national perinatal mental health service PANDA show. Beeston was at the high end of the mental ill-health scale and writes that, though she has adored her now primary school-aged son from the beginning, in the early days of her illness she perceived him as a mythical creature.

Im on my way home from work when my baby turns into a dragon. We are standing at the lights of a busy intersection, waiting to cross the road, she writes. Its not the first time its happened. As well as hallucinations, Beeston was menaced by intrusive thoughts, something research shows happens to anywhere between 70 per cent and all new mothers  but is rarely discussed. Beeston, with Henry as a toddler, says the symptoms of post-natal psychosis are among the things women arent told before they become mothers. Almost all mothers will have an intrusive thought about something happening to their baby, like walking down the stairs and dropping the baby, or being on a balcony and the baby falling over, says Beeston. And then 50 per cent of mothers will experience an intrusive thought about actually harming their child, even though we know from a growing body of research that there is no correlation between mothers having these and actually harming their baby.

Such jarring thoughts are incredibly distressing, she says, but mothers are not told this is so common they are likely to experience it. Women need to be able to talk about this stuff, so theyre not suffering in silence, Beeston says. Loading You think, Theres something terribly wrong with me as a person, and its only something were starting to talk about now. It can be a sign of anxiety or depression [both of which she had while ill] but it can be something that just exists, as well. Beeston says that while she was in a mother-baby psychiatric ward she tried to find a book that could help her understand what can go on with emotions and the psyche due to perinatal mental ill-health, and that her book, Because Im not Myself You See, aims to fill the gap she identified. Though difficult to revisit a time when her mind was unmoored, Beeston says a joyful aspect of it has been the many grateful responses she has been receiving.

Women in other professions have written to me and said, I also work in a job where you feel you cant talk about what youre going through, says Beeston. I had a police officer contact me  Ive had messages from doctors, nurses, other health professionals. People just say I feel seen, or I thought it may not resonate with me [because Beestons illness was so severe] but I can see myself in some of the changes that come with the transition to motherhood. Beeston, with Henry, has helped develop a free app for mothers to track their mental health and wellbeing. Since her illness, Beeston has shifted her career, to work in research and creating online content for the Centre of Perinatal Excellence. She helped to create its free, parental mental health app, Ready to CoPE, which has had 32,000 downloads in its first six months and will be translated into 10 languages. CoPE chief executive Dr Nicole Highet said Beestons book would help other women finding the transition to motherhood challenging by building understanding that mental ill-health was not unusual and can be healed.

While only 1 to 3 per cent will experience postpartum psychosis like Beeston, many women feel isolated when they have perinatal anxiety or depression and dont feel they can discuss it. Loading One of the biggest challenges is that people feel so alone in their experiences, and that compounds what theyre going through, says Highet. Reading stories of other peoples experiences straight away makes them feel less alone and realise the importance of getting help. PANDA chief executive Julie Borninkhof said cultural norms about becoming a parent always being positive, as well as marketing and social media depictions of parenting, can create a skewed version of what to expect. We still hear from really functional parents who are experiencing significant distress, and theyre scared to share their story, Borninkhof said.

People still feel if they expose their vulnerability or express poor parenting theyre going to have their babies taken from them. A lot of it is based on phenomenon of women being able to self critique and think the worst of yourself  [but] weve seen a significant increase in people talking about perinatal mental health and emotional health during the perinatal period, and I am really heartened by that. On Monday, PANDA launched its new 24/7 chatbot, which directs those needing mental health support to specific services on its website so they can get support outside business hours. Borninkhof said the chatbot was designed to meet increasing demand for parental mental health support, and that 57 per cent of parents accessing PANDAs mental health checklist do so after helplines close, at 7.30pm. If you need help call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Lifeline 13 1114 or PANDA 1300 726 306.
Police have confirmed a 33-year-old man has been charged with murdering his mother, 61, in Byford on Sunday evening.

Police were called to a home on Gallipoli Avenue about 7.05pm after receiving reports a woman was seriously injured.

Police are still on the scene following the womans death. Credit: Sarah Smith

They later found the 61-year-old dead and her 33-year-old son missing.

They said the man left the scene in a silver Peugeot station wagon and two hours later was located travelling north on the Great Northern Highway, north of Bindoon.
International students studying in Western Australia are being targeted by virtual kidnapping scams, with victims ordered to fake their own kidnapping and demand a ransom of $215,000 from their families.

In March, the family of a 17-year-old student studying at a Perth university received recordings and images via WeChat of their son with visible injuries, his wrists and ankles bound by rope.

There have been four cases across WA since August 2023. Credit: WA Police/ iStock

The messages also demanded $215,000 be transferred to a Chinese bank account.

The parents demanded proof their son was safe, and a video chat ensued showing the 17-year-old with his hands behind his back and his mouth gagged.
If the Liberal Party were to create in a laboratory a perfect female candidate to avert the decline in its female vote, they could not Frankenstein-up a better example than Amelia Hamer.

The 31-year-old is an Oxford-educated former financier who happens to be a Liberal blue-blood  in fact, her great-uncle was a former Liberal premier. With a knighthood.

Whats more, Amelia Hamer was pre-selected for the seat of Kooyong fair and square, after former treasurer Josh Frydenberg lost the seat for the Liberals at the 2022 election. She worked her way there, via the carefully signposted route women are supposed to follow when they want to enter politics without the patronising imposition of quotas or targets: the meritocracy.

Amelia Hamer, not Josh Frydenberg. Credit: The Age

If one were a feminist or a cynic (or better still, both at once), one might drily ask: What could possibly go wrong? To which the answer comes: the Liberal Party, thats what.
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 It was a familiar routine in the Manhattan court where Donald Trump became a convicted criminal. Before entering the 15th-floor courtroom for his trial each morning, the former US president would take a few steps down the hallway to deliver remarks to the assembled media. As he turned and walked away, someone in the press pack would inevitably shout the obvious, unanswered question: Wheres Melania? The absence of the former first lady during the six-week trial of her husband of 19 years has left many observers asking the same thing. How much is she willing to put up for a man who betrayed and humiliated her? To what extent did she know about the porn star and the Playboy playmate at the centre of the hush-money conspiracy for which he has now been convicted? And now that Trump is officially a felon, will she appear by his side as he campaigns to unseat President Joe Biden? Asked how his wife was doing, Trump on Sunday insisted: Shes fine, but I think its very hard for her.

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She has to read all this crap, he said in a friendly interview on Fox and Friends. He has also used his conviction to paint himself as the victim of a rigged justice system and warned that jailing him could prove a breaking point for his supporters ahead of Novembers election. Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump Tower the day after a New York jury found him guilty. Credit: AP Im OK with it, Trump said, but added he was not sure the public would stand for it. But while Trump rails against the verdict, the former first lady has remained as elusive as ever. Last week, as Trumps legal team issued closing arguments in a futile bid to convince the jury of his innocence, three of the former presidents five children were seated behind him in the front row: Donald Jr, Eric and Tiffany Trump. Eric and his wife, Lara, the newly installed co-chair of the Republican National Committee, had been at the trial in the days prior, too  ever since TV presenters began commentating on his lack of family and friends during his first few weeks in court.

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And even Ivanka Trump, who was not at the trial and had previously announced her intention to step back from her fathers political life, broke her silence after he was found guilty of all 34 charges against him. I love you dad, she posted on Instagram, alongside a childhood photograph of the pair. Melania, however, was neither at the trial nor at Trumps post-verdict press conference  despite reports that she had arrived in New York from their home in Florida with their son, Barron, the day the verdict was handed down. Donald Trump and wife Melania with family members after the funeral for Ivana Trump in 2022. Credit: AP Her absence spared her the indignity of having to sit in a cold and dreary courtroom in Lower Manhattan as her husbands infidelities were laid bare, from his brief and unprotected sex with porn star Stormy Daniels, to his 10-month affair with former Playboy playmate of the year Karen McDougal, who says Trump told her he loved her all the time. It was that infidelity, after all, that led to the criminal conspiracy and falsified business records for which Trump has now been convicted, months after a civil jury in New York also found him liable of sexually assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The origin of that conspiracy started at a Trump Tower meeting in August 2015, between Trump, his lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, and tabloid king David Pecker, the publisher of the National Enquirer.

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It was two months after Trump and his wife famously came down the golden escalator at Trump Tower to announce he was running for president. As they sat in a room towering above Fifth Avenue, Pecker agreed to use his media empire to be the eyes and ears of the Republicans 2016 election campaign by publishing favourable stories about him, running damaging stories about his opponents, and silencing any stories about Trump and other women, in a practice known as catch and kill. When you put all three of these components together, this scheme cooked up by these men at this time could very well be what got president Trump elected, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court. Adult film actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Credit: AP Speaking about the verdict for the first time, Daniels told the UKs The Mirror tabloid that she was shocked at how quickly the jury found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records to disguise the $US130,000 ($196,000) she was paid to stop her from disclosing her 2006 tryst with the former reality-TV star. Loading Asked what kind of sentence he should receive, she replied: I think he should be sentenced to jail and some community service working for the less fortunate, or being the volunteer punching bag at a womens shelter.

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But Daniels wasnt the only woman paid off on Trumps behalf. McDougal was also given $US150,000 by Peckers company to bury a story about her relationship with Trump, which she says began in 2006  and which she would later discover had overlapped with the Daniels tryst. The former Playboy model didnt testify, but during the trial, posted a photo of her legs immersed in a bubble bath, with Ronan Farrows book, Catch and Kill. In an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper in 2018, she explained how the pair had met at a party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and hit it off instantly. There was a real relationship there, there were real feelings, she said. What everyone sees on TV, I didnt see in that man, because that man was very sweet, very kind and respectful, very loving, very caring  thats the man I saw. McDougal says her first date with Trump took place on his birthday in June 2006  three months after Barron was born  although it ended up on a sour note when he tried to pay her money after they had sex.

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From 20 to 24 May 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hosted a National Advanced Workshop on the Harmonized System and Commodity Classification in Abuja, Nigeria. The workshop was delivered by two WCO Experts within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union, in partnership with the GIZ and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation. The workshop is part of a comprehensive package of technical assistance to support the NCSs work on competency development on the Harmonized System (HS) and Rules of Origin with the aim to establish solid expertise base for the administration of advance rulings.

The workshop that was preceded by basic and intermediate training sessions over the last six months was attended by 24 officers from different Customs Offices across the country and from the Headquarters of the NCS. The objective of the workshop was to deliver an advanced training on theoretical and practical aspects of the HS in the areas of mineral products, chemicals, plastics, textiles, paper and paperboard, as well as to ensure that the participants understand the principles of classification of goods in the HS.

In her remarks at the opening ceremony of the workshop, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG C.K. NIAGWAN, representing the Comptroller General of Customs, thanked the EU and the WCO for their support in organising the training. She highlighted the importance of HS competencies in promoting revenue collection and trade facilitation.

Participants worked on a number of case studies where they classified specific products which presented complexities in classification. They also had the opportunity to practice on the identification of different types of textile fibres using various practical techniques. The discussions provided a great opportunity for NCS experts to solve some pending classification issues and challenges.

Taking into account the outcomes of the session, a further training of trainers workshop for the same officials is projected in the short term, under the 2024 workplan of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System for Africa.

For further information, please contact wcoHSAfrica@wcoomd.org
A serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army participated in Distinguished Visitors Day of the African Lion 2024 international military exercise held in Agadir, Morocco, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The exercise consisting of computer-assisted command-staff and live-fire stages accomplished various tasks on combat operations against terrorist groups.

It is worth mentioning that the main goal of the exercise held for the 20th time is to support regional peace, international security and stability.
Utah woman chooses career in healthcare after scan helps save sons life

June 3, 2024

OGDEN, Utah  Janine Hunsaker knows firsthand how the results of a medical scan can change lifes direction overnight.

Hunsakers youngest son, Brigham, was only two years old when diagnosed with a cancer called neuroblastoma. The family had noticed Brigham acting differently, stumbling or refusing to walk.

We took him to the hospital, he ended up getting an MRI and they found a tumor above his right lung, Hunsaker said. That changed the whole aspect of my future.

What followed was nearly three years of treatment, including surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Brigham was also diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder known as opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome, or OMAS, which affects the nervous system of about one in 1 million children.

My emotions were up and down, wondering, would he get better? Would this be our life for the next who-knows-how-many-years? Hunsaker said.

Two and half years after the tumor was found and partly removed, Hunsaker said it disappeared without a trace: Just a complete miracle.

The whole experience led Hunsaker to Weber State University with a goal to learn X-rays in the two-year Associate of Applied Science in Radiography program.

I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, I just didnt know the direction I wanted to take, she said. It was when my son got sick I realized  it was that pivotal moment  that this truly saves lives, and I can do that and help people.

From ultrasounds to mammography, Hunsaker was fascinated by the opportunities available in radiologic sciences  and how far technology has come in saving lives.

Everybody needs and wants answers, and thats what this career does, Hunsaker said. It took time and dedication to get into this program, but its been so rewarding,

Hunsaker said she gained close friendships, even with professors: They care about you as an individual, they know your name, they know whats going on in your life.

While immersed in the program, Brigham was thriving, but Hunsaker still faced challenges. For a time, she was going to school and raising five children alone because her husband had to take a job out of state.

There were times I wanted to give up. But I looked at my kids, I looked at my husband who has multiple degrees, and he did it, so why cant I? she said.

Professors noticed Hunsakers resilient spirit and provided support along the way.

Janine is one of those students who other students look up to, said Kim Parkinson, assistant professor of radiologic sciences. She worked hard to balance family and school, and shes also involved in her community.

Throughout her schooling, Hunsaker led support groups for mothers whose families are affected by cancer  all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

She graduated from Weber State in April and is already working as an X-ray technologist at an orthopedic clinic in Logan, and being trained at a nearby mammography clinic.

Theres a really high demand for X-ray techs, she said. For a two-year program, its one of the highest paying jobs you can get with an associates degree.

Hunsaker said her family, including Brigham, is proud of her accomplishments.

I think he doesnt realize exactly what Im doing, but I try to explain that I get to help people who helped him. He believes thats pretty cool.
Listowel Writers Week opened last week with a gala event, featuring the presentation of several prestigious literary awards, including the Single Poem Award, which was won by Ballina writer Finola Cahill for her poem The Death of a Foal.

President Micheal D. Higgins was among attendees and was presented with the John B. Keane Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to literature and poetry. President Higgins has been a supporter of the festival since its inception in the 1970s.

The Single Poem Award was re-introduced after a pause of some years and was adjudicated by T.S. Eliott nominee Victoria Kennefick and sponsored by the Royal Valentia Hotel. In her introduction, Dr Faye Boland said there had been a huge number of entries.

Finola, from Ballina, was the winner of the Waterford Poetry Prize in 2023, and in the past two years she was shortlisted for the Cuirt New Writing Prize, the Mairtin Crawford Short Story Award, the Fish Poetry Prize, the Bridport Poetry Prize, and others. Finola was one of 37 writers selected to participate in the 2023 Irish Writers Centre national mentoring programme and her place in the programme was generously funded by the Mayo Arts Office. She is currently working towards publishing her first collection, for which she has received an Agility Award from the Arts Council.
Social Democrats Castlebar local electoral area candidate Aidan Browne has vowed to be "aggressive" on the issues of housing and healthcare if elected to Mayo County Council.

The 33-year-old Lahardane native is hoping to be the first person from his area to be elected to the council since Frank Devaney in 1991.

Local representation is important but there are bigger and wider issues. Working around the town, I know the issues facing Castlebar in terms of housing and healthcare.

I am in my 30s. I cant go a week without talking to someone my own age about housing. If elected, I would be aggressive on social and affordable housing and aggressive on what land the council is picking up.

As a former carer for his grandmother, he said he has first-hand experience of the healthcare system and the challenges it brings to people everyday. Browne was also involved in a long-running and successful campaign to restore the GP service to Lahardane last year.

I know what it is like to be under the pressure of needing an ambulance or a doctor and I would be a strong advocate on this.

That is the benefit for me of being with the Social Democrats. They are the best party in the Dail bar none when it comes to healthcare.

Browne is the only Social Democrats candidate running across the countys six municipal districts. However, he said the party led by Holly Cairns is gaining momentum and making inroads in rural Ireland.

We might have been knocked in the past for not being in rural areas enough but were making a huge effort to have a presence here. We have people running for election across the western seaboard and were making a push to be a truly national party.

If you go to one of our conferences, it is full of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. We might not be the most brash but were very good at talking to and listening to people.

A lot of older people have told me on the doorsteps it is time younger people started to step up to be on Mayo County Council. I will be representing a generation if I am elected to the Council.

Browne said he feels he has the knowledge to hit the ground running should he be elected, as the holder of a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Limerick, adding that he would be a dedicated county councillor.

I would have no ambitions to run in the General Election. I want to get elected and be a councillor for five years and get the important projects done for Castlebar and my area. I want to get on with and do the actual job.
Fine Gael councillor Cyril Burke is seeking to maintain a proud family political tradition in this Friday's local elections.

The Castlebar area councillors grandfather and father were both county councillors while his brother Paddy Burke is the longest-serving Senator in the Seanad.

There is always an expectation there to do your best," he told the Western People. "You cannot let it slip. At the same time, I grew up around politics and understand it. Someone coming in fresh, it can take them a while to bed in and learn the trade, but I grew up in that environment. My father was a councillor, my grandfather became a councillor in 1914. While there might be a certain amount of pressure, when you are in there you want to do your best for your community and the people you represent. Its a rewarding job when you can get things done for people."

The Ballyglass native is backed by a strong rural base but that brings its own expectations and pressures.

Most of the issues in the town can be quite similar and the town itself is quite compact whereas the rural areas span back as far as Finney. There is a lot of ground to cover and a lot of communities to look after. The needs can be a bit more varied and things like LIS funding for roads is a huge issue in those areas."

You really have to get your work done over the five-year period. Of course, there are things that might escape you but people will let you know about it. People are forgiving and will give you the second chance but you better get it done then! Its so important to be loyal to your constituents."

He said the loss of town councils is bemoaned in some quarters but more rural areas in the Castlebar area have been boosted by General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding.

Its sometimes forgotten that its rural communities who come in and spend the money in the town and thats how the money is generated, said Cllr Burke. The money (GMA) has now been more evenly spread."

Through his work as an auctioneer, Cllr Burke is acutely aware of the housing issues in the county.

Rising costs have meant you dont have as many developers building houses. In the past, you had blocklayers and carpenters becoming developers and houses were being built in every village during the boom. In some ways, the media gave an awful ballyragging to developers and for that they got penalised badly by the banks and the Government. Now we are suffering the consequences of all of that because the fellas that were there went under or got out and only a handful survived. There are only three developers at best in Castlebar now, he stated.

Cllr Burke said he is proud of what has been achieved during his time in the council chamber. He pointed to the rapid development of towns like Balla.

A serious amount of work has been done in places like Balla, Belcarra Ballintubber, Ballyglass, Partry and Mayo Abbey, he stated.

Its fantastic how we have rejuvenated our rural areas."
An Taoiseach Simon Harris has described disruption to a canvassing event in Mayo last Sunday as "thuggery".

Mr Harris was in Mayo to officially open the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkway at Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club and also engaged in pre-election canvassing in Swinford, Castlebar and Westport.

During a canvass along Hopkins Road in Castlebar, Mr Harris, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and MEP Maria Walsh were followed by three members of the family of teacher Enoch Burke, who is currently in prison for contempt of court.

The members of the Burke family shouted at the group as they visited businesses and met locals. A small separate group also began to follow the Taoiseach and Minister McEntee through Castlebar. A planned media interview with the Taoiseach on Market Square was cancelled and moved to the grounds of Islandeady GAA club.

Similar scenes occurred in Westport later in the day when the Taoiseach and MEP Maria Walsh were canvassing at a Pride event.

Speaking in Islandeady, the Taoiseach said that the three members of the Burke family clearly dont understand how the Irish Constitution works.

We live in a country where the courts and the Government are separate and people need to abide by the rules of our court.

Thats a fundamental tenet of democracy, and it would be entirely inappropriate for me as Taoiseach to comment on a decision made in the court. Anybody who expects the Taoiseach to do that clearly doesnt understand how the Constitution of Ireland works.

He said protest has an important role in any democracy but there is a line between protest and attempts to significantly disrupt.

Referring to the second, smaller group, he said it had nothing to do with concerns over immigration.

This came from people engaged in thinly veiled thuggery, thats absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with migration policy. We should never conflate the two.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said a full investigation should be carried out after a Garda was hit and the Taoiseach was "pushed and jostled" while in Westport.

What happened in Mayo today was not protest. It was thuggery. The Taoiseach would like to thank An Garda Siochana for their professionalism.

A member of An Garda Siochana was hit during the scenes and the Taoiseach was pushed and jostled by a small number of people.

Although it was a very small number of people, todays behaviour cannot be accepted and should never be normalised and a full Garda investigation should be carried out.
A Castlebar councillor has called for a permanent dam to be installed along the Castlebar River to capture litter that is being washed up.

Fine Gael Cllr Ger Deere said a dam put in place to cope with a recent oil leak could have future environmental benefits.

Following the recent oil leak into the river in Castlebar, a temporary oil trap was installed in the town river at the back of Linenhall Street to halt the continuation of the spill. The oil leak thankfully has been cleared, but as a result of the temporary oil dam being put in place, its benefits in capturing litter as it flows along the river have been highlighted," he explained.

Cllr Deere, who is also vice-chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee, said the river is a tributary of the Moy, one of Europes premier fishing destinations, and needs to be protected.

Every year we collect thousands of plastic bottles and all types of litter which have travelled along the river that washes ashore on lands at Turlough. If a permanent dam was put in place at strategic locations along the Castlebar River, we would be able to gather the litter which is disposed of and dropped into the river."

Cllr Deere said a permanent dam could have real benefits.

I am now calling on Mayo County Council, in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW), to install more permanent and suitable dams, such as was used for this oil leak, at strategic locations along the Castlebar River to collect and prevent the large amount of litter which is washed up in Turlough, he stated.
A candidate for The National Party in the upcoming European elections has expressed concerns about reported proposals to locate international protection applicants at a hotel in Knock.

James Reynolds attended a public meeting in Knock last Tuesday evening, which was organised by Aontu candidate in Claremorris Paul Lawless. Lawless claimed plans are afoot to house "hundreds of asylum seekers" housed in the former Belmont Hotel, which has been derelict for many years.

Reynolds, who is contesting the Midlands North-West constituency, condemned the Governments policy on immigrants, characterising it as "a move driven by greed rather than genuine humanitarian concern".

The proposals to turn empty or disused hotels into centres for asylum seekers are purely to profit a greedy minority, Reynolds told attendees at the meeting.

Highlighting the communitys "limited capacity to absorb a large influx of asylum seekers", Reynolds pointed out the strain such a move would place on local services.

The community hasn't the capacity of services to take in that many. We have heard local residents here this evening tell of the difficulties they experience at the moment. Adding a large number of permanent residents will compound the problem. It is unfair on the asylum seekers and it is unfair on the local people, he stated.

Addressing the broader issue of undocumented asylum seekers, Reynolds called for stricter measures against airlines that transport individuals without proper documentation.

The airlines who bring in undocumented asylum seekers should be fined, and the asylum seekers should be returned to their country of origin, he said.

Reynolds reminded attendees that Ireland has "an opt-out clause on asylum policies under the Lisbon Treaty, similar to the UK's opt-out on adopting the single currency under the Maastricht Treaty".

Ireland is already struggling with limited healthcare, education, and social services. Adding a large number of asylum seekers without proper planning and support will only exacerbate these challenges, he said.

The National Party candidate urged the Government to reconsider its approach and seek alternative solutions that do not place undue burdens on small communities.

We need a balanced and community-focused approach to handling asylum seekers. The Government must find solutions that do not disrupt the lives of local residents or strain our limited resources, he emphasised.

Reynolds concluded his address by calling for unity and collective action among local residents. He said that if he is elected to the European Parliament he will advocate for policies that prioritise the needs and well-being of Irish citizens while ensuring fair and just treatment of asylum seekers.
Three sitting MEPs and ten other European election candidates in the Midlands-North-West constituency have declared their support for the reopening of the Sligo-Galway rail link.

Sitting MEPs Maria Walsh, Chris MacManus and Luke Ming Flanagan along with election candidates Senator Lisa Chambers, Peadar Toibin, Senator Pauline O'Reilly, Ciaran Mullooly, Niall Blaney TD, Saoirse McHugh, Fergal Landy, Michelle Smith, James Reynolds and Daniel Pocock have pledged to work for the reopening of the currently disused Sligo-Galway rail link and its redevelopment as an economic driver for the North West region.

A spokesperson for West on Track said that the support of the overwhelming majority of candidates in the Midlands North West constituency is indicative of the need for urgent infrastructural investment in the region.

It is very welcome that so many candidates of all parties and none can see the obvious opportunity that lies in the reconnection of Sligo and Galway by rail. The North West region was recently downgraded to a Lagging Region by the European Commission when its GDP per head of population fell to 71% of the European average and is now ranked 218th out of 234 in terms of infrastructural development with only 16 regions worse off in Europe. This shows just how urgently critical enabling infrastructure like the railway is needed for our region.

The recent successful application by the Government to reinstate the Athenry-Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor as part of the European Ten-T comprehensive network means that the next phase of the project can now qualify for up to 30% EU funding. We now need to have the vision and ambition to continue the project to Sligo. The line to Sligo can be renewed with just 1% of the current NDP transport budget. It is a major transport asset that can no longer be ignored or, worse still, thrown away, the spokesperson added.

Many of the MEPs and election candidates who are publicly declaring their support for the restoration of the railway also attended a recent regional development conference, held in the Radisson Hotel, Sligo, which heard calls for urgent infrastructural investment in the west including the completion of the final leg of the Western Rail Corridor project reconnecting Mayo to Sligo, once the planned Galway-Mayo section of the railway has been completed. The conference, entitled Delivering Regional Imbalance - The essential role of infrastructure, was attended by over 300 people.
Allentown, PA (18103)

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.
Connect

Join hundreds of Wisconsin lawyers, non-resident lawyers, judges, and legal professionals in one place, at one time. Visit with your colleagues in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere away from the interruptions of the typical workday.

Create a team of fellow practitioners you can turn to for guidance. Build and strengthen your connections. Talk with seasoned practitioners and renowned presenters. Visit the Legal Expo for the latest product and service updates from helpful Exhibitors.

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Stay nimble in the constantly evolving legal industry with outstanding educational sessions covering topics for every practice area and experience level.

Earn CLE, EPR, LAU, and LPM credits and CLM credits for WALA members. Benefit from world-class plenary presentations. Explore the challenges of the legal industry through insightful discussions. Reduce professional liability risks.

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Green Bay offers a unique blend of sports, nature, and culture. Visit Lambeau Field and explore the Packers Hall. Explore the city's scenic waterfront, including Lake Michigan, and discover the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Savor delicious cuisine and beverages and delve into its rich heritage at several museums and conference events.
Afretec Healthcare Summer School

When: Sunday, 09 June 2024 - Wednesday, 12 June 2024 Where: Online Event

Start time: 8:00 Enquiries: Learn more and register: https://auc-connect.aucegypt.edu/publicev/rsvp_boot?id=30010464

The American University in Cairo (AUC) will host the Afretec Healthcare Summer School from June 9-12, 2024.

The event will be in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University Africa and supported by the African Engineering and Technology Network, of which Wits University is a member. The summer school is a four-day workshop which will be held hybridly online and at AUC.

With healthcare in Africa rapidly advancing through digital technologies, AI, and telemedicine, the summer school aims to enhance collaboration. It will gather researchers, allied medical professionals, industry leaders, and government stakeholders to exchange insights, foster understanding of emerging concepts, and drive healthcare transformation across the continent.

Learn more and register: https://auc-connect.aucegypt.edu/publicev/rsvp_boot?id=300104646
Wits chairs national forum to tackle student finance issues

Ismail Soobader will chair the Board of the SA Student Finance Forum (SASFF  the Forum) until 2027.

The Forum aims to collectively address common problems and to find common solutions within the network of colleagues from student finance administration functions across Forum members.

The Forum is a registered non-profit comprising institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Currently, 26 universities and 52 TVET (technical and vocational education and training) colleges are members.

The Forum also works with private sector credit control and financial service providers and collection agencies.

Ismail Soobader and his team in the Wits Student Finance and Fees Office assist thousands of Wits students with their finance-related matters. The team encounter first-hand the pressures and frustrations that students face when it comes to academic financing.

Wits is the only university that works with its student body to ensure that students in debt still get to celebrate the milestone of graduation, with a concession to allow students with a debt of R15 000 or less to graduate, by signing an Acknowledgement of Debt, says Soobader.

When you look at the national student debt crisis, one can really commend Wits University for its interventions. I applaud the University for the strides it has made to help mitigate and to manage student debt.

In his capacity as Manager of the Student Finance and Fees Office, and now as Forum Chair, Soobader seeks best practice solutions to assist students and solve the student debt crisis.

Soobader has worked at Wits University for close to 20 years, in various finance roles. He is an MBA graduate with a passion for student finance and how all spheres of the higher education sector can work together to solve the current student financing crisis.

Amanda Kort, Senior Financial Manager in the Financial Accounting Office, says, We are so proud of Mr Soobader. Congratulations to him for flying the Wits flag and representing our office and institution at a national level. This new role will support Mr Soobaders continued commitment to the University and to finding student financing solutions.

Soobader is now serving a second term on the Forums Board, having previously served as Treasurer.
Ensure that you only buy reputable remedies and goods over the internet says PCC

This article is old - Published: Monday, Jun 3rd, 2024

Purchasing medicines, remedies, and similar products online has surged in popularity due to its convenience and extensive selection.

Whether its for prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, slimming aids, or skincare products, online shopping offers significant convenience and variety.

However, a new campaign launched in June by North Wales Police, in collaboration with Get Safe Online and North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, is advising consumers to be cautious.

Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online warned: Many websites selling such products are perfectly legitimate, but you should always be careful to make sure that this is the case for ones youre using, and also that what youre buying is not only suitable for your needs, but safe to use as well.

Get Safe Online is a leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety in the UK and is a service commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police to share helpful information and advice with the people of the area.

Tony Neate added: If you dont take these precautions, there are many potential risks  from using medicines that are incompatible with those youre already taking, to fake products that have no active ingredients or, worse still, contain harmful ingredients that could lead to illness or even fatality. This is in addition to visiting websites that could clone your payment card, misuse your personal information or infect your device with malware. Our campaign launching today seeks to provide advice for residents of North Wales, on how to buy medicines safely online.

DC Rachel Roberts, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer in North Wales Polices Economic Crime Unit commented: I would urge residents to be cautious about using remedies and medications bought online. Not only do these types of goods have no health benefits, they are also often made in unsanitary conditions and use ingredients that can be harmful to your health.

Additionally, we often find that once you have made a purchase from an unreputable company, your details will be added to various mailing lists offering all manner of fake health goods. In some cases, victims have also inadvertently signed up to a monthly subscription that is not made clear at the time of purchase.

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales said: Its said that your health is your wealth and this is true. We all want to stay as healthy as possible and a way to do this is by ensuring that you only buy reputable remedies and goods over the internet. But also, dont let concern for your health impact your wealth by falling prey to financial scams and economic fraud by unscrupulous criminals online. Id advise everyone to read the tips on avoiding unsuitable items and that way we can try and stay healthy and wise to these scams.

Top tips to stay safe

Advice for buying medicines safely online, include:

Buy prescription drugs only from sites that you can confirm are UK-based and registered by the General Pharmaceutical Council. The pharmacys website should also feature the name of the owner of the business; the address of the pharmacy at which the business is conducted; and the name of the Superintendent Pharmacist, where applicable.

Always consult an appropriate medical professional or registered pharmacist with any questions you have about a medical condition or how to treat it.

Do not be tempted into self-diagnosis, even if you have searched for a condition and its symptoms online.

For over-the-counter drugs, other remedies and similar products, it is safest to buy only from UK-based websites with a physical address (which you should check for authenticity). Before doing so, read independent reviews. Search the name and supplier of the product online together with keywords such as fake, counterfeit and dangerous. You could type the website address into our free, easy-to-use tool at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite

More generally to stay safe when buying online:

Never reply to, or click on links or attachments contained in, unsolicited or spam emails from companies you dont recognise.

Before entering payment card details on a website, ensure that the link is secure: there should be a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, which appears when you attempt to log in or register, and the web address should begin with https:// (the s stands for secure). This indicates only that the link between you and the website owner is secure, and not that the site itself is legitimate.

Double check all details of your purchase before confirming payment.

Remember that paying by credit card offers greater protection than with other methods in terms of fraud, guarantees and non-delivery. Check credit card and bank statements carefully after shopping to ensure that the correct amount has been debited, and also that no fraud has taken place as a result of the transaction.

Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you go online.

For more free, practical advice on staying safe online this summer, visit: www.getsafeonline.org

Or visit the North Wales Police website at: www.northwales.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud
The state of Germanys housing market is becoming increasingly catastrophic. Millions of households are struggling with exploding rents, while property sharks skim off record returns. Evictions and homelessness are on the rise due to the deliberate lack of affordable housing and social housing.

Protest against Deutsche Wohnen [Photo by Uwe Hicksch / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

This trend is particularly glaring in the German capital. The Housing Market Report 2024 published by Berlin Hyp AG and estate agent CBRE shows that rents have recently risen sharply throughout Berlin. The average basic rent was 13.60 per square metre in 2023, an increase of 19 percent on the previous year. A year earlier, the average basic rent was still 11.43 per square metre. The most expensive flats are in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district at 17.86, while even the cheapest in Marzahn-Hellersdorf now average 10.81 per square metre. There were particularly drastic increases during this period in the districts of Neukolln and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, at 23.5 and 23.2 percent respectively.

An analysis by property provider ImmoScout24 confirms this explosion in rents. At the end of 2022, the average price per square metre in Berlin was 12.05, rising by 18.7 percent to 14.30 one year later. Lukas Siebenkotten, president of the German Tenants Association, aptly summarises the current housing situation: Too few flats are being built, and the ones that are being built are not aimed at those who need them most urgently. He goes on to explain that everything legal is being utilised in terms of rent increases. As a result, households are forced to spend an ever larger proportion of their income on rental costs.

Students in particular are severely affected by the lack of affordable housing. This also has an impact on the choice of where to study. The decision is reduced to where you can afford to study, emphasised Beate Schucking, president of the German Student Union.

The poorest layers are affected by a blatant lack of social housing. Over the last 35 years, the number of social housing units has fallen from 1.8 million in 1989 to 1.08 million today. The study by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur zeitgemaes Bauen (ARGE) shows that around 800,000 flats costing up to 10 per square metre rent are needed in Germany. The PESTEL study commissioned by the Social Housing alliance assumes a deficit of 912,000 social housing units.

When the coalition government of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) took office, it announced that it would build 400,000 flats per year, at least 100,000 of which would be social housing. Last year, just 300,000 flats were built, 25,000 of which were social housing. The federal government officially spends just 2.5 billion on the construction of social housing, a sum which is downright ridiculous in view of the massive funds spent on internal and external rearmament.

The lack of affordable housing and exploding rents are resulting in an increasing number of evictions. Last year, evictions in Berlin rose by 22.7 percent compared to 2022. There were 1,931 evictions in 2022 and 2,369 a year later. The main cause of evictions is rent debt, which results in the landlord cancelling the tenancy agreement.

As a result, the number of homeless people is rising continuously. According to the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Wohnungslosenhilfe (BAGW), around 607,000 people were homeless in Germany in 2022. A further sharp increase is expected this year.

Rbb24 news recently reported on a dramatic case that is by no means an isolated incident. Manfred Moslehner, 84 years old, is currently facing eviction in the Berlin district of Reinickendorf. For the time being, he is allowed to stay in the house where he was born. The owner of his house, Am Steinberg Entwicklungsgesellschaft (development company), wants to modernise the building, which Manfred Moslehner has been trying to prevent for years. As a result, the owner has cancelled the tenancy. The district court in Wedding recently confirmed the cancellationall because the tenant is standing in the way of the profit line of the owner, who is being allowed to drastically increase the rent with a modernisation.

In order for Moslehner to be allowed to continue living in his flat for the time being, he had to deposit 4,300 as security with the district court, which could only be achieved through donations. The current tenancy agreement from 1978 stipulates a basic rent of 400. His monthly pension is just 1,000, but the modernisation would allow the owner to demand a monthly rent of 1,300. Manfred Moslehner explains his current situation: Im in a bad way, I feel at the end of my tether. I can hardly sleep at night and when I do, I have nightmares. As you get older, you dont have the energy for all this anymore, its just missing.

At the end of April, the coalition government adopted a national action plan against homelessness. According to this plan, there should be no more homelessness by 2030. For the most part, the action plan consists of hot air. At a federal and state level, the governments that have caused the problems with their policies have repeatedly made grandiose promises and launched projects which barely scratch the surface.

One example is the so-called Housing First project in several federal states such as Berlin. In 2021, the then state government of the SPD, Left Party and Greens adopted the Berlin Masterplan to Overcome Housing and Homelessness by 2030. The aim was to find housing for homeless people. During the project phase from 2018 to 2021, just 79 homeless people were placed in a flat.

This year, the Housing First project, involving six social organisations, will receive funding of 4.4 million. A total of just 250 homeless people are to be given a flat each year, out of the total of 35,000 homeless in Berlin.

At this snails pace, it would take 140 years to find accommodation for all the homeless, assuming no more people become homeless during this period. If the Senate were to tackle the problem seriously, around 5,000 homeless people would have to be placed in flats every year in order to eliminate homelessness in Berlin by 2030.

The capital city is a perfect example of how all established parties have deliberately brought about the catastrophic housing situation. Under the current Berlin Senate of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and SPD, led by Mayor Eberhard Diepgen (CDU), the subsidising of new social housing was discontinued in 1997 and several estates were exempted from the occupancy obligation in 1998. The Berlin Senate of the SPD and the Democratic Socialist Party (PDS), led by Klaus Wowereit (SPD), pulled the plug on funding for some of Berlins social housing in 2003, and in 2011 the Senate of the SPD and the Left Party enabled the early release of social housing ties.

In 2021, a majority of the Berlin population decided in the referendum Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & Co. to expropriate the property sharks, but the SPD, Greens and Left Party Senate has since then done everything in its power to prevent this. At the beginning of the year, the current CDU and SPD Senate ended a moratorium on terminations by state-owned housing associations, allowing rent increases of 2.9 percent per year.

All the establishment parties are solely committed to the interests of the property companies. At the same time, the social attacks resulting from the escalating demands for rearmament and war are making the situation much worse for more and more people.
Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks announcement of a snap general election for July 4 has sparked a mad scramble by Britians pseudo-left groups to line up behind calls for a victory for Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party.

The strident posturing of groups such as the Socialist Workers Party, Counterfire, the Socialist Party and the newly established Revolutionary Communist Party (formerly Socialist Appeal) as opponents of Starmers support for Israels genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza and his broader pro-business agenda has been stripped bare in a matter of days.

Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party (left), Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (right) and Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade arrival to meet Global Business Leaders in London, UK, November 27, 2023 [Photo by Keir Starmer Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Aside from a half-hearted call to back a few independents, most prominently expelled former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, some fielding of their own protest candidates, and disagreements over whether to also back George Galloways right-populist Workers Party of Britain, the universal message is: Grit your teeth! Vote Labour to get rid of the Tories, and prepare to fight once you have all put Starmer in office, with our blessing!

In all cases the pseudo-lefts political decision to back Labour is justified with the assertion that This is where the workers are at. There is no realistic alternative, etc.

The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) is calling for a Labour vote, except in a handful of constituencies where it is backing protest candidates based on the stated criteria that they must help build the movement over Palestine and break with Labours politics.

Even this is a political fraud. Almost all of the Independent candidates claim explicitly to stand in the Labour tradition, with the most high-profile group built around by Corbyn in Islington North. Known only as Collective, it also includes expelled former Labour MP Claudia Webbe and ex-African National Congress MP, Andrew Feinstein. Its leading lights do not call themselves a party because, until last week, Corbyn was campaigning to stand for Labour. Moreover the groups literature specifies realising Corbyns 2019 Labour election manifesto as their goala manifesto that accepts NATO membership and nuclear weapons, containing a handful of reforms so mild that they could be acceptable to the partys Blairite right-wing.

As for Corbyn, he has mouthed a few platitudes about Gaza and peace, while continuing to say nothing negative about Starmer or the Labour Party.

Jeremy Corbyn speaking at a rally in London, November 5, 2022

Aside from this circumscribed protest Gaza caveat, the SWP proclaims that the pleasure of a chance to dump the Tories sooner rather than later is only reduced by the awareness of what a Labour government led by Keir Starmer will be like.

The SWP even goes on to complain that The main threat to a Labour victory is that Starmer is so wooden, uninspiring and cautious that birds nest in his limbs and the voters stay at home. Labour wants a boring campaign because it offers no real alternative.

Starmer being boring and off-putting to potential Labour voters is highlighted above the fact that he is supporting genocide in Gaza.

Counterfire, a breakaway from the SWP, is the leading tendency in the Stop the War Coalition, and has been at the forefront of insisting on the slogan No Ceasefire, No Vote!

But now the election is underway, Stop the Wars convenor Lindsey German can barely summon the pretence of opposition. Once again millions of people are looking to Labour to get rid of the Tories, she writes, but here too are problems.

Listing these problems, aside from a title reference to Starmer being bland, begins with his having rewritten Jeremy Corbyns now sacred 2019 manifesto and dropping everything that remotely challenges the Tory agenda, which is once again afforded greater importance than his support for genocide in Gaza.

Lindsey German speaking at the rally against the Gaza genocide in London, November 2023

This will cost him votes in this election, to various protest candidates, but it will be extremely hard for most of these to win outright. Hopefully Jeremy Corbyn will succeed, and maybe one or two others.

In the end, all of the bluster of the past months is reduced to the hope that these protest votes will send strong signals to Starmer and to the ruling class generally that they cannot continue their international and domestic policies without a challenge. There follows a specific call to vote for several Labour MPs who have supported a ceasefire and end to arming Israel without endorsing Starmer. Which means, of course, calling for a Labour vote, as The stronger the left vote overall the better in aiding the struggles to come.

The Socialist Party stresses that we are heading towards a Starmer-led government. Millions will vote Labour because they see it as the best means to get rid of the Tories, and there will be huge relief when they are finally booted out.

It then also argues for a continued orientation to Labour beyond July 4, insisting that like any pro-capitalist government it can be forced to give concessions under mass pressure from the working class.

The primary vehicle for this mass working class pressure is the trade union movement, which the SP claims must take industrial action against Starmers Labour, as it has done against the Toriesa one-sentence apologia for the series of rotten betrayals of a strike movement that had the potential to derail the Tory government over a year ago.

It then bestows the role of political representatives of the working class to a bloc of workers MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and others, who could be elected and from day one force Starmer to at least look over his left shoulder.

To this end the SP urges the creation of a union-backed list of workers candidates to act as shop stewards in parliament, tasked with putting Starmer on notice and giving him 100 days to deliver.

The newly established Revolutionary Communist Party, like the Socialist Party, came out of the old Militant Tendency, which spent decades as an entry group in the Labour Party, insisting that it could become the vehicle for achieving socialism as a party based on the trade unions. The RCP now claims to have undergone a rapid growth in membership and to have transformed into an avowedly revolutionary tendency.

In reality it continues to insist that the working class is wedded to the Labour Party and that, as Rob Sewell wrote, the RCP will be delighted to see the back of the Tories, Roll on 4th July.

Rob Sewell [Photo: https://wellred-books.com/authors/rob-sewell/]

After again insisting that given the lack of a mass alternative, millions will turn towards Labour, Sewell offers as a battle-cry, The Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) says: get the Tories out. But we also say: no trust in a Starmer government!

The RCP states that We must build the revolutionary alternative to the Tories and Labour in the stormy period that lies ahead, but makes clear that the stormy period of opposing Labour only begins after Starmer is in Number 10.

On May 24, Sewell wrote by way of an apologia for his tendencys support for Labour, Given the short notice, the RCP will not be standing candidates in this election, which he decried as being in any case the lowest form of class struggle.

It was not until May 28 that the RCP had a slight change of heart, deciding to field just one candidate, Fiona Lali, because she secured a large audience after a spirited challenge to then Tory Home Secretary Suella Braverman on the right-wing GB TV News channel. This is described as its new bold revolutionary approach.

The essentially for-the-record nature of the opposition to Labour presented by these tendencies is firstly epitomised by their exclusive focus on the demand, No Ceasefire, No Vote. What this translates to in practice is a political betrayal of all those seeking an end to genocide in Gaza. It means that the pseudo-left can pose as opponents of Starmer when it comes to the mass murder of the Palestinians while still supporting his formation of a government that will continue backing Israel.

Moreover, the Labour lefts supported on this basis will dutifully take their positions on the government benches as loyal representatives of the party and the crimes it will commit against the British and international working class.

This is confirmed by the pseudo-lefts near blanket refusal to mention the NATO-provoked war against Russia in Ukraine, even after Sunak declared that this is a war election in which the main issue to be decided is how British imperialism takes forward NATOs offensive against Russia and China. Isolating Palestine from this war enables the pseudo-left to obscure the irreconcilably pro-imperialist character of Labour, Starmers party of NATO, and the fact that the majority of its nominal lefts are fully behind a conflict that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and which British, US, French and German imperialism are actively demanding is extended onto Russian territory.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer (lower right) mounts a tank during his visit to British armed forces deployed at the Tapa NATO Enhanced Forward Presence operating base in Estonia, December 21, 2023 [Photo by Keir Starmer/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Citing the likely majority of workers who will vote Labour solely out of hatred of the Tories as justification for actively supporting the election of a Starmer government is sophistry of the worst sort. The fact that workers feel it necessary to hold their nose and vote Labour is the political responsibility of the pseudo-left groups who have opposed the building of a revolutionary alternative and then backed whatever left element exists within the party and the trade unions as the natural leaders of the working class.

None of them will enjoy being reminded that, for five years, Corbyns leadership of Labour was hailed as the start of its possible transformation into a working-class party that they could all then join in the fight for socialism. Instead, Corbyn maintained the prescription on them all, even kicking some out of his campaign group, Momentum, as he capitulated before the Blairites on every issue of principle and allowed his own supporters to be witch-hunted out of the party accused of antisemitism.

Corbyn, who these parties all still venerate, is only standing as an independent because his entreaties for peace with the right-wing handed the party over to Starmer, who then expelled him. He didnt jump, he was pushed. Corbyns former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott remain in the party and firmly on the stump for Starmer.

Summing up the Corbyn experience in May 2021, the World Socialist Web Site explained:

Corbyns aim as Labour leader was to block the leftward movement of the working class and its younger generation and corral it behind the Labour Party. He spelled this out in 2015, immediately prior to being elected party leader, explaining that his aim was to prevent Labours Pasokificationa reference to the implosion of PASOK and other social democratic parties throughout Europe Under advisement from leading Stalinists and members of pseudo-left groups, he emphasised that the development of a new broad left in the UK must proceed through the Labour Party, not outside of it... The Socialist Party defined the Corbyn insurgency as an attempt to re-establish a new workers party, emphasising Labours connection with the trade unions as the collective voice of millions of workers The Socialist Workers Party called it proof of the rebirth of social democracy The wellspring that gave life to social democracy long ago still pours forth and will find a channel for expression if given the opportunity, whether that be in Syriza, Corbyn or another vessel. What politically animated such claims was opposition to the struggle to build a revolutionary leadership in the working class, by forces whose political origins are in the ranks of the Stalinist parties or as opponents of Trotskyism who had broken from the Fourth International decades previously.

In opposition, the WSWS stressed:

The rightward lurch of Labour and other social democratic parties, together with the transformation of the trade unions into adjuncts of corporate management and the state, is not merely due to bad leaders who can be replaced by better ones advocating left reformist policies. The globalisation of production and the integration of the world market has rendered bankrupt policies based on securing reforms without challenging capitalism and the repressive apparatus of the nation state. The old nationally-based labour bureaucracies and parties everywhere have responded in accordance with their history, pro-capitalist programmes and privileged class interests by repudiating reformism and openly embracing their role as guardians of the bourgeois order. The working class must now undertake to build a party whose programme corresponds to the realities of globally organised capitalist exploitation and the irreconcilable conflict between the capitalist class in every country and the international working classthe Socialist Equality Party in Britain and its sister parties within the International Committee of the Fourth International.

The SEP warned that the No Ceasefire, No Vote! campaign was a political dead end.

We also explained that the only tendency pledging to stand a national slate of candidates, Galloways Workers Party of Britain, was doing so by recruiting opportunist elementsmainly Muslim, from the Labour, Liberal Democrat, and even Tory Partyconcerned only with their own political future due to mass opposition to the Gaza genocide.

George Galloway speaking at a No2Nato rally, February 25, 2023 [Photo: screenshot of video/NO2NATO/YouTube]

Moreover, the programme of the party is a variant of right-wing populism, advanced as a return to traditional Labour values. This includes law-and order, pro-police rhetoric pitched as a condemnation of soft-hearted liberals, clamping down on migration through strong borders, especially targeting refugees, and a defence policy that, while opposing support for Israels war on the Palestinians and NATOs de facto war in Ukraine, still pledges that We will avoid war but we will also ensure that we are prepared for it Any threat to our country or our interests will be met with a highly effective military response.

Most importantly, the SEP rejected the call to sink political differences to bring about one big anti-Labour Gaza protest vote: This is only the latest desperate manifestation of the insistence by myriad pseudo-left tendencies that Labour can be pushed to the left by mass pressure, coupled with an offering of a possible new Labour-style party at some future point, formed through a political regroupment under the leadership of various left-talking ex-Labour Party and trade union bureaucrats

The SEP also rejects the lie of a lesser evil vote for Starmers party, or any Labour MP who might formally back a ceasefire. This, we warned, was a backdoor through which to continue support for Labourand we have been proved correct.

The task for the SEP and our small number of candidates during this election is to speak plainly and clearly to the most politically advanced workers, especially the young generation. To insist that the building of a new and genuinely socialist leadership must begin now, to draw the essential lessons from the decades of failure to push Labour to the left that came to a head under Corbyn, and to advance the programme on which this new leadership must be built.

Our appeal is for a rejection of the lie that Starmers Labour Party is all that can be expected as an alternative to Sunaks Tories. There is literally nothing to choose between them.

The SEP stands for the mobilisation of the British and international working class against the Gaza genocide, against war in Ukraine and the Middle East, to oppose all attacks on democratic rights and the destruction of workers living standards. It is time to join the SEP.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced May 30 that a third person, a Michigan dairy farm worker, was diagnosed with the H5N1 bird flu virus that has been spreading among US dairy herds over the last six to seven months. As of May 31, 2024, 69 herds have been impacted across nine states, according to the USDA. Health authorities are also monitoring 350 people who have been exposed, but only 40 farm workers have consented to testing.

The recently infected individual worked closely with the sickened cows. It was at a different farm from the previous case of H5N1 infection in Michigan, so the investigator attempted to assure the public that the virus was not spreading between people but through separate direct contacts with infected animals.

However, the symptoms exhibited by the most recent infection included respiratory ailments such as a sore throat and cough, which were not present in the first case in Texas and the second case in Michigan. These had only presented with conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, inflammation of the transparent membranes that line the eyelid and eyeball. Still, the fact that the Texas individual also had a positive nasal swab for H5N1 indicates the respiratory passages remain at risk, as has been confirmed by the recent finding.

A microscopic photo of H5N1 Bird Flu virus (gold). [Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

Dr. Rick Bright, a virologist and the former head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said in an opinion piece published in the New York Times, The virus is adapting in predictable ways that increase its risk to humans, reflecting our failure to contain it early on. The solutions to this brewing crisissuch as comprehensive testinghave been there all along, and theyre becoming only more important. If we keep ignoring the warning signs, we have only ourselves to blame.

The impetus for this stern warning stems from the continued pernicious laissez-faire attitude that characterizes the federal response to the growing threat posed by H5N1 bird flu. Serological studies to map out the extent of the outbreak both among humans and animal species are completely lacking.

Bright, who opposed the Trump administrations handling of the COVID pandemic, had made these same highly critical observations early on. Precisely because public health had been relegated to the back of the queue in terms of government efforts, the US has seen one of the highest death tolls among leading countries despite its unprecedented access to vaccinations. Many other countries that adopted policies of mass testing and quarantining to drive infections to zero have seen very low fatalities in their population by comparison.

Although the H5N1 virus was spreading among herds since December 2023, it was only in late March that the outbreak was detected. Yet the USDA has been slow to share viral sequences on public databases for researchers to analyze.

Testing and enforcing the appropriate use of PPEs among farm workers continues to lag severely. Given their proximity to these animals, they are not only at risk of infection, but function as a ready host for these viruses to acquire the right combination of genetic mutations to propel them into human populations.

As Bright noted, Undetected cases of H5N1 means that infected people may continue to spread the virus unknowingly. This is especially dangerous in farming communities where close contact with animals and other workers is common. Each missed case is a potential link in a chain of transmission that could lead to a wider outbreak.

Dr. Seema Lakdawala, an infectious disease specialist at Emory University, echoed Brights concerns when she told CNN, Given the high magnitude of interactions between people and dairy cows as well as with contaminated milking equipment, it is unsurprising that there are more human infections [infected cows have high viral concentrations in their milk]. Every time the virus is able to replicate in a person, there is the potential for the virus to adapt to humans and gain molecular features for replication in the respiratory tract and to spread person-to-person.

These developments come on the heels of a recent May 24 report by the CDC that the infection in the first Michigan farm worker revealed genetic changes that were not present in the Texas animal handler, underscoring how rapidly these viruses can shift their genetic makeup to adapt to new hosts.

The CDC wrote, These data indicate viruses detected in both cows and the two human cases maintain primarily avian genetic characteristics and lack changes that would make them better adapted to infect or transmit between humans. The genome of the human virus from Michigan did not have the PB2 E627K change detected in the virus from the Texas case but had one notable change (PB2 M631L) compared to the Texas case that is known to be associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts, and which has been detected in 99 percent of dairy cow sequences but only sporadically in birds [emphasis added]. This change has been identified as resulting in enhancement of virus replication and disease severity in mice during studies with avian influenza H10N7 viruses.

Given these developments, it bears citing the important work published in Science in 2012 by famed Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier and colleagues that led to the gain-of-function controversies and unprecedented pauses on funding such research in the United States. At the time, H5N1 had spread extensively across the globe, devastating the poultry industry in numerous countries. Also, more than 600 people had been infected since 2003, with a case fatality ratio above 60 percent. Although no person-to-person route of transmission had been detected, these concerns remained foremost in the minds of these researchers.

The authors wrote, The viruses that caused the major pandemics of the past century emerged upon reassortment (that is, genetic mixing) of animal and human influenza viruses. However, given that viruses from only four pandemics are available for analyses, we cannot exclude the possibility that a future pandemic may be triggered by a wholly avian virus without the requirement of reassortment.

After they had engineered bird flu strains that were contagious in ferrets, Fouchier said that approximately 10 serial passages of the virus from ferret to ferret led to the accumulation of as few as five mutations that allowed infected animals to transmit through the air to previously uninfected ferrets. He said at the time, We assume also in humans it would only take a low number of transmission events for these mutations to accumulate.

A prescient report published in October 2019 in the New York Times bemoaned the ending of a critical federally funded work called Predict whose aim was to identify dangerous animal viruses that could someday lead to outbreaks among humans. The United Nations had estimated that a new animal disease that could also affect people was being discovered every four months.

The Times wrote then:

Ending the program, experts fear, will leave the world more vulnerable to lethal pathogens like Ebola and MERS that emerge from unexpected places, such as bat-filled trees, gorilla carcasses, and camel barns. The program, known as Predict and run by the United States Agency for International Development, was inspired by the 2005 H5N1 bird flu scare. Launched 10 years ago, the project has cost about $207 million. The initiative has collected over 140,000 biological samples from animals and found over 1,000 new viruses, including a new strain of Ebola. Predict also trained about 5,000 people in 30 African and Asian countries, and has built or strengthened 60 medical research laboratories, mostly in poor countries.

However, precisely when a comprehensive international effort was required to stave off a potential outbreak with a novel pathogen that was predictable and preventable, the COVID pandemic was ushered in, producing what the World Socialist Web Site has called a trigger event in history.

Four years later, while the US government is finalizing a lucrative deal with Moderna to develop an mRNA pandemic bird flu vaccine for its stockpiles, the World Health Organization failed to deliver a pandemic preparedness draft accord in time to the 77th World Health Assembly, mainly because of the US political establishments objections to the stated agreement.

In a letter to President Joe Biden, a Republican-drafted critique claimed that the proposed WHO amendments would substantially increase the WHOs health emergency powers and constitute intolerable infringement upon US sovereignty.

They also warned that the proposal shredded intellectual property rights. In light of the callous vaccine nationalism that was the hallmark of the global response to COVID, under the complete breakdown of all international norms, these life-saving treatments are being weaponized against the population of the planet.
Indias most influential Maoist organizationthe Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberationis a founding member and integral part of the Congress Party-led opposition electoral bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

The CPI (M-L) Liberation claims the defeat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the hands of the INDIA alliance in the multi-phase general election which concludes this week is crucial to the defeat of fascism. In their Election Charter, Defeat BJP, Save Democracy! Vote for CPI (M-L), Elect INDIA candidates, the Maoists urge the people of India  to apply our constitutional power of the vote to end this reign of disaster and rebuild India as a robust democracy.

Should the post-election parliamentary arithmetic permit, the Maoists have pledged to do everything in their power to bring to office the big business Congress Party and the various right-wing ethno-nationalist, caste-ist and Stalinist parliamentary parties that are its INDIA alliance partners.

Led by the Congress, till recently the Indian bourgeoisies preferred party of national government, an INDIA government would be a right-wing capitalist regime. It would be entirely committed to implementing the Indian bourgeoisies class strategy of transforming India into a global power through the intensification of the exploitation of the working class and rural masses; and by clutching to the bedraggled coattails of US imperialism, as it wages war on Russia, oversees Israels genocidal assault on the Palestinians and strategically encircles and economically squeezes China.

A section of the platform at the Maoist CPI (M-L) Liberation's Feb. 2023 Patna "Save Democracy, Save India" rally. 2nd, 3rd and 4th from left, respectively; CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya; Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar; senior Congress Party leader Salman Khurshid [Photo: Liberation/CPI (M-L) Liberation]

At its founding in 1969, the 55th anniversary of which it celebrated in April, the CPI (M-L) advocated protracted peoples war against Indias then Congress Party-led capitalist government. It carried out armed attacks on leaders and cadre of the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the Communist Party of India (CPI), whose opportunist politics it denounced as social fascist.

We will have more to say about this politically bankrupt and retrograde perspective below. Suffice it to note here that the Maoists, like the CPI and CPM before them, have now thoroughly integrated themselves into the bourgeois political establishment. Like the traditional Stalinist parliamentary parties, the CPI (M-L) points to the crimes of Modi, his BJP and their fellow Hindu fascists not to summon the working class for class struggle, but to chain it to the parties and state institutions of the bourgeoisie.

For more than three decades, the principal rationale that the CPM, CPI and their Left Front have advanced for their systematic suppression of the class struggle has been the need to combat the BJP-led Hindu supremacist right. In the name of defeating the BJP, they have supported right-wing governments, most of them Congress Party-led at the Centre. In those states where they themselves have held office, they have pursued what they frankly admit are pro-investor, that is anti-working class, policies.

The end result is that the Hindu fascist menace has only grown. With the working class prevented from offering its own solution to the mounting capitalist crisis, the BJP and the RSS-led network of Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) organizations have been able to exploit and divert along reactionary communal lines the growing social anger and frustration among the petty bourgeoisie and sections of the toiling masses over chronic poverty, dilapidated public infrastructure, and ever-increasing social inequality.

In an editorial in the April 25, 2024 edition of its newspaper, Liberation, the CPI (M-L) urged Indias workers and toilers to make the reactionary electoral campaign of the Congress-led INDIA alliance a historic peoples movement to deliver a decisive blow to the fascist forces in power.

What a farce! The only campaign the Congress and its allies can wage is one aimed at hoodwinking the masses, and so it has been. Its campaign has been fronted by Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi, the son, grandson and great grandson of Indian prime ministers. It has combined phony populist appeals with denunciations of Modi from the right for supposedly failing to stand up to China.

The reactionary bourgeois forces that comprise the INDIA alliance are organically hostile to the Indian masses, to any genuine peoples movement. They view its struggles with trepidation and have shown time and again that they are ready to mobilize the full power of the capitalist state to suppress them.

A Congress Party-led coalition government along the very lines advocated by the Maoists held office for a decade beginning in 2004 and ending with Modis 2014 election victory. Far from saving democracy, the United Progressive Alliance government pushed forward with privatization, deregulation, and massive tax concessions to big business and the richfurther polarizing India between a tiny stratum of rich and ultra-rich and their upper middle-class agents and the brutally exploited toiling masses. It also forged the Indo-US global strategic partnership under which India has been transformed into a frontline state in Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China.

Deeply discredited by its many decades in power and especially its role in spearheading post-1991 pro-market, pro-investor reform and New Delhis global strategic partnership with US imperialism, the Congress Party has eagerly accepted the Maoists support.

The CPI (M-L) election campaign and Charter

After the traditional horse trading that is the stuff of Indian parliamentary politics, the INDIA alliance agreed to the CPI (M-L) standing four candidates under its bannerthree in Bihar, one of the most populous and fiercely contested states in the 2024 election, and one in neighbouring Jharkhand. In addition, the CPI-ML is independently contesting one Lok Sabha seat each in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Everywhere else, it is mustering votes for candidates of the INDIA alliance. In Maharashtra, this includes stumping for votes for the Uddhav Thackeray wing of the Shiv Senaa fascist Hindutva-espousing party, with a long record of inciting communal and ethnic violence. In West Bengal, the Maoists are urging their supporters to vote for the candidates of the ruling Trinamool Congress Party led by the anti-communist demagogue Mamata Banerjee on the grounds they are the best placed to defeat the BJP. The Trinamool Congress is nominally part of the INDIA alliance but rejected any seat-sharing with the Congress and the CPM-CPI led Left Front.

The CPI (M-L) Liberation election Charter was clearly drafted with a view to not embarrassing or offending its big business political allies. It excludes any mention of radical land reform, although historically this was a main Maoist battle-cry. Its 15 points outline timid democratic and social-welfare reforms, none of which would seriously impact on the wealth of the bourgeoisie, let alone call into question its stranglehold over socio-economic life or the capitalist profit imperative.

The Charter calls for a stop to all further privatization, increased social spending, reversal of some of the BJPs most egregious attacks on working people such as their anti-worker labour laws, an unspecified increase in corporate tax rates and a wealth and inheritance tax of 1 percent on the super-rich. Adoption of these and the other measures outlined in the Charter would the CPC (M-L) asserts, enable the India Alliance, of which were are a part, to meet peoples aspirations.

In keeping with its reactionary claim that the needs of Indias impoverished masses can be met through a reformed Indian capitalism, the Charter calls for for workers representation on company boardsa corporatist demand traditionally raised only by the most right-wing labour bureaucracies in the West.

Tellingly, the Charter makes no reference to ending the Indo-US Global Strategic Partnership. This under conditions where US imperialism is pursuing a global war that already has three main frontsagainst Russia in Eurasia, Iran and its allies in the Middle East and China in the Indo-Pacific. Through this partnership, and with the full complicity and support of the Congress Party, the Indian bourgeoisie has harnessed the Indian people to US imperialisms war drive, particularly against China. Beginning under the UPA government and especially during the past four years which have been punctuated by war and intensifying great-power conflict, New Delhi has forged an ever thicker web of bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral ties with Washington, and its chief Asia-Pacific allies, Japan and Australia.

The Charter is also silent on the vast amounts being squandered on expanding Indias military prowess, including on the development of a blue water navy and a triad nuclear-weapons capacity. Instead, the Maoists repeat the lie the BJP government occasionally puts out that India is pursuing, as it did during the Cold War, a Non-Alignment policy. This, the Charter affirms, should be retained and bolstered. At the same time, the CPI (M-L) expresses the pious wish that India adopt a foreign policy free from the interests and priorities of the United States-led western powers.

The Maoists played an important role in the creation of the INDIA bloc, acting as a facilitator and mediator between the rival bourgeois parties and their leaders. Today, however, they would prefer that the specifics of this be forgotten, since it sheds revealing light on just how deeply they are mired in the cesspool of Indian bourgeois politics.

On the sidelines of the CPI (M-L)s eleventh all-India congress held in Patna, Bihar, in Feb. 2023, the Maoists held an anti-BJP, Save democracy, Save India rally that brought together for the first time prominent leaders of a prospective grand opposition alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. A key element in this initiative was the invitation the CPI (M-L) issued to Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar.

For most of the previous 25 years, Nitish Kumar and his JD (U) had been close allies of the BJP, serving alongside it in governments in Bihar and at the Centre. But from time to time, they temporarily parted ways and the JD (U) chose to do so again in August 2022. The CPI (M-L) facilitated Nitish Kumars return to the democratic, secular opposition, and the Maoists were in his corner cheering him on when he convened the first meeting of what would become the INDIA alliance in Patna last June, and subsequently began sending out feelers to become its prime ministerial candidate.

Only to the Maoists chagrin, Nitish Kumar and his JD (U) suddenly bolted from the INDIA alliance in January and re-entered the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance leaving the Congress Party and its allies with egg on their faces. The Maoists were reduced to bleating about Nitish Kumars betrayal, as if one can reproach a Bengal tiger for being a carnivore.

To be continued ...
The campaign by the World Socialist Web Site for the release of 25-year-old Bogdan Syrotiuk, jailed by the Zelensky regime for opposing NATOs war on Russia, is winning support in Britain among workers, youth and other defenders of democratic rights.

Syrotiuka socialist opponent of both the Zelensky and Putin regimeswas arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine, the SBU, on April 25. He is a leading member of the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists (YGBL), a Trotskyist organisation fighting to unite the Russian and Ukrainian working class against the war.

Bogdan Syrotiuk in mid-April 2024.

We are publishing a selection of statements sent by WSWS readers in Britain over the weekend calling for Syrotiuks release.

Sandy McBurney, Glasgow, longtime activist and employment law solicitor: All socialists should speak out and call for the immediate release of Bogdan Syrotiuk unjustly held by the far-right Zelenski regime in Kyiv/Kiev.

Bogdan Syrotiuk's anti-war stance and his call for the unity of the working class of Ukraine and Russia to end the NATO-sponsored war is a call that should have the support of all partisans of the working class. The international working class has the power to stop the imperialist drive towards World War 3. All socialists must speak out now for the immediate release of Bogdan Syrotiuk.

Maxine Walker, London, campaigner for freedom for Julian Assange (personal capacity): I condemn the fascist Zelensky regime's arrest and imprisonment of young socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk. Zelensky has banned many socialist and opposition parties and relentlessly persecuted those who oppose the NATO proxy war in Ukraine. Democratic rights have been abolished and forcible conscription imposed.

This must be seen in the context of the NATO imperialists' drive to World War 3. Now they have authorised and are organising direct military attacks inside Russia with NATO

supplied weapons.

For the imperialists no truths are permissible as we have seen with the genocide in Gaza. The persecution and slow assassination of Julian Assange was an early warning of what was to come. A bonfire of our rights and world conflagration.

Dr. Chamin, a National Health Service anaesthetist wrote: I strongly condemn this disgraceful and foul arrest of Bogdan Syrotiuk, a leader of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists (YGBL) in Ukraine.

Dr. Chamin

His detainment will have a major impact on democracy, freedom to talk and express unbiased views. I vehemently condemn this action by the secret service of the Ukrainian regime. Bogdan must be released immediately!

Mike Martin, Sheffield, SEP supporter and retired Health and Safety Manager: That Bogdan Syrotiuk has been arrested and faces prosecution on the absurd charge of treason, testifies to the weakness and fragility of the regime which came to power with the aid of western imperialism. The EU, NATO and USA, allied to extreme nationalist elements, themselves the political followers of Stepan Bandera, Nazi supporting thugs who took part in countless massacres of Jews during World War II.

The aim of the USA and its allies is to dominate the entire Eurasian land mass and exploit its wealth of human and natural resources. To that end, provoking civil strife, oppressing Russian speaking regions it set the scene for the Odessa massacre in which around 50 opponents of the right-wing coup perished in a fire while trapped in the Trade Union building.

Russia, menaced by NATO expansion set to include Ukraine by decision at Bucharest in 2008, was provoked to intervene in support of Russian speaking areas, while NATO armed Ukraine and sought to drain Russia of materiel and manpower. There result has been Russia drawn into a widening conflict and around half a million dead Ukrainian solders, at least 100,000 Russian troops.

The seeds of the war, which became a proxy war and has the potential to turn into an all-out conflict, lie in the break-up of the Soviet Union, the loss of connections between branches of the economy and the collapse of the economic and political structures into the hands of rival oligarchs. The Russian and Ukrainian people are not natural enemies, far from it. They have common interests as working people and as part of the world working class. They will find new leaders, like comrade Bogdan, and settle accounts with the exploiters.

Unite the Russian and Ukrainian workers! Free Bogdan Syrotiuk!

John, South Yorkshire, former miner: To accuse Bogdan of treason is an absolute outrage. The war against Russia being fought in Ukraine is all about money and power. The elite get mega-rich from war. These people want wars to be able to sell their weapons and give them a foothold in countries to rape their natural resources in places like West Africa that has become a wasteland. Theyre like aliens in a science fiction film, descending with high tech weaponry to kill the weak, take the resources, and then leave. Theres no wars for democracy. Theres wars for money and natural resources, and thats it.

John

Zelensky will sing whatever song that America and Britain want him to sing. With these powers behind him, he knows that he and his family are set for life. With hundreds of thousands suffering, Zelensky doesnt care what happens to his people. He turns up to every political event and is hailed as a hero. Hes no hero to me.

The super rich will defend this social system with everything theyve got because they know its in their best interests. Theyll fight until someone elses dying breath.

The ruling class will take whatever steps necessary to prevent workers from opposing them. Theyll use the media to manipulate the court of public opinion. To beat the system, you need a revolutionnot a few, but millions of people.

Dr. Chris Porter, sociology lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University (personal capacity): 'The imprisonment and attempted silencing of Bogdan reveals the political disorientation of those who claim their support for the Ukrainian regime is about defending democracy or freedom.

Dr. Chris Porter, pictured by the statue of Friedrich Engels in Manchester

It also exposes a reactionary climate in which principled opposition to US-led imperialism and the fascistic forces it props up, is portrayed as support for whichever regime or leader is currently in the NATO crosshairs. Above all it shows that Ukrainian socialists orient themselves with an internationalist perspective, and not the nationalist dead-end offered by both the Zelensky and Putin regimes.'

An orchestra violinist who works in Norway: I support this campaign to free socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk, who has been imprisoned in Ukraine on charges of treason for writing anti-war articles on the World Socialist Web Site. Falsely accused of spreading Russian propaganda, Bogdan and the WSWS have in fact been consistent critics of the Russian government and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Bogdan was calling for unity of the working class in Ukraine and Russia; to end the war under a programme of world socialist revolution. This is his true crime in the eyes of the Ukrainian authorities. While they demand ever more sacrifices from a disillusioned, depleted population, Bogdans simple socialist message suddenly becomes too potent for them to ignore.

But Bogdans imprisonment only exposes the highly-undemocratic, dictatorial nature of the Ukrainian government. It is a wake-up call to youth and workers in other countries whose governments invariably support Zelenskys regime.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk and let his voice be heard!
A Senate committee hearing Wednesday revealed the extent to which the Labor government is blocking Palestinians from Gaza from entering Australia, while denying the few who do arrive from receiving the protections they are entitled as refugees.

Displaced Palestinians arrive in central Gaza after fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah in Deir al Balah, on May 9, 2024 [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana, File]

This expresses Labors commitment to a brutal, bipartisan border regime. It also underscores the governments ongoing support for the Israeli genocide and its own contribution to the brutalisation of Gazans, notwithstanding phony professions of humanitarian concern.

The information was not volunteered, but came out in the course of questioning of Home Affairs immigration officials Damian Kilner and Andrew Kiley, as well as Labors assistant foreign minister Tim Watts by independent Senator David Pocock and Greens MP David Shoebridge.

Home Affairs, it emerged, has denied the applications of 4,614 Palestinians for temporary visitor visas since October 7, almost twice as many as the 2,686 that have been approved. With getting out of Gaza extremely onerous, dangerous and expensive, just 1,044 of those with approvals have actually arrived in Australia.

The eligibility of Palestinians in Gaza with relatives in Australia for the temporary visitor scheme was announced last year by the Labor government. While fully backing Israels bombardment of the strip, which has now claimed at least 35,000 lives and constitutes an ethnic-cleansing operation, Labor has shed crocodile tears over the plight of civilians.

The visa scheme was part of a cynical public relations effort. Absurdly, it was extended on an equal basis to Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and to Israelis, though there is not a remote resemblance between conditions in besieged Gaza on the one hand, and Israeli cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on the other.

The subclass 600 visitor visa is manifestly inadequate for those fleeing Gaza. It is limited to a maximum of 12 months. Those who receive it are barred from working, from receiving government welfare and other basic rights such as public healthcare. They are, in other words, in a state of complete uncertainty and dependent entirely on family and non-government charity.

In March, awful stories were reported in the press of Gazans, who had been granted the 600 visa, receiving sudden notices of cancellation from Home Affairs. In some cases, the Palestinians affected were already in transit and faced the prospect of being completely stranded, unable to return to Gaza and blocked from forward travel to Australia.

A typical cancellation notice stated: The delegate considered you never intended a genuine stay temporarily in Australia and therefore the visa was granted based on circumstances that never existed.

This was absurd. It was obvious to everyone that Palestinians fleeing Gaza abroad would not be able to return, even if they wished to. The borders are closed. Much of the strip has now been leveled by the Israeli regime, with the majority of the population herded to the southernmost city of Rafah, which is now being bombarded and invaded too.

When the cancellations were reported, government ministers stated they were a matter for Home Affairs. Officials from that department vaguely indicated that the cancellations may have been the result of automated processes, and some of them were overturned.

The latest figures, however, revealing that thousands of Palestinians are being blocked from entering Australia make clear this is Labors deliberate policy. When questioned about the denials, immigration official Kilner could only state that those rejected had been deemed not to meet the requirements.

When Senator Pocock asked how many Palestinians had been granted humanitarian stay subclass 449 visas, which permit the recipient up to three years residency, Kiley bluntly responded: The answer is zero. That visa has not been made available to Palestinians. The visitor visa is the visa available to individuals.

Both Pocock and Shoebridge noted that the 449 visas, providing temporary refugee protection, had been extended to Ukrainians after the Russian invasion and to Afghans after the takeover of that country by the Taliban. In the case of Ukrainian refugees, they were permitted to enter the country on visitor visas, and then to apply for 449s. They were granted beginning in April, 2022, less than two months after the invasion.

Pocock and Shoebridge pointed to the double standards and demanded an explanation. Watts was unable to oblige. Adopting a belligerent tone, he declared: It might be hard to believe, but not everything we do is political. Not everything we do is about political judgement; I know thats hard for some parties to understand. Were trying to take a principled position here. What all of that means is entirely unclear.

The politics are obvious. The Labor government has enthusiastically supported the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, which was stoked and instigated by Washington with the aim of inflicting a defeat on Moscow. The granting of the 449s to Ukrainians is bound up with this pro-war position, while the denial of the same visa is connected to Labors backing for the Israeli annihilation of the Palestinian population.

That is hardly to suggest that Labor has any concern for the fate of ordinary Ukrainians. Those on the 449s, time limited to three years, also face considerable uncertainty as to whether they will receive a bridging visa.

More generally, Labors backing for the war, including contributing to Australias provision of more than a billion dollars in aid to the fascistic Kiev regime, most of it in weaponry, has helped to prolong and escalate a conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives.

In another demonstration of Labors ongoing alignment with the Zionist regime, the government joined hands with the Liberal-National Coalition last week to vote down a Greens motion recognising Palestinian statehood. It was again left to Watts to explain, this time asserting that the motion was procedural, and they were always voted down in the House of Representatives.

Such recognition would do nothing. The perspective of a two-state solution is in tatters, with Israel seeking to complete the displacement of Palestinians from historic Palestine. Even if a two-state solution were established, it would mean nothing more than a Palestinian Bantustan, governed by a corrupt ruling elite subservient to an inherently expansionist Zionist regime.

The vote was nevertheless of note in again pointing to the cynical character of Labors maneuvering and its attempts to deflect from its support for the genocide. Labor has denounced slogans for Palestinian liberation, such as From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, absurdly arguing that they imperil a two-state solution. But Labor is hostile to even that bankrupt and unviable non-solution, in keeping with its support for the far-right Israeli government.

On Friday, activists organised a day of action, which included protests outside the offices of Labor MPs, denouncing their role in the genocide. Some placed mock Palestinian corpses outside the offices and daubed their windows in paint, symbolising blood. This provoked a furious reaction from the Labor government. Its Foreign Minister Penny Wong, herself complicit in a genocide, accused the Greens of being complicitin protests against it.

The various developments last week again exposed the bankruptcy of the line peddled by the Greens, independents such as Pocock and an array of pseudo-left groups. All have asserted that Labor can be pressured, through moral appeals, to reverse its support for Israel and to adopt a humanitarian position in defence of the Palestinians.

That is not going to happen. The purpose of such arguments is to trap opposition behind the sclerotic parliamentary order and the Labor government itself.

In reality, Australias support for the genocide is inseparable from its involvement in the proxy war against Russia, and above all its frontline position in the US-led plans for a catastrophic war against China. That underscores the fact that a fight against the genocide requires the independent mobilisation of the working class against imperialist war, the government and the capitalist system that is hurtling towards disaster.
An ATACMS missile being launched from an M270 MLRS.

1. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) condemns the latest escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia, which is rapidly spiraling into full-scale war between nuclear-armed states. This is the most reckless decision ever taken by any American government. As for its European allies, their collaboration in this escalation is rivaled in its recklessness only by their catastrophic launching of World War I in 1914 and World War II in 1939. There are no red lines that the US ruling class and its imperialist allies will not cross. Even as they politically support and provide weaponry for the Israeli states genocide of more than 35,000 Gazans, they are taking actions in Ukraine that could result in a nuclear catastrophe that could destroy all life on the planet. The global capitalist system, whose insoluble global crisis is the underlying cause of genocide and war, is descending into barbarism.

2. On Friday, US President Joe Biden secretly authorized Ukraine, without even a public statement explaining the reasons for his actions, to carry out strikes using American long-range weapons on Russian territory near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. This was followed immediately by the announcement by Germany that it will do the same. Within 24 hours, Ukraine has already launched strikes on Russia using US-provided weapons. The decision has been taken in response to the military collapse of its Ukrainian proxy force, including in and around Kharkiv.

3. The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom have provided Ukraine with cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges of more than 300 miles. When fired from Ukrainian territory, these weapons are capable of hitting some of the largest cities in Russia, including Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov and Volgograd.

4. Not since the Nazis War of Annihilation against the Soviet Union during the Second World War and, in the case of the US, the post-1917 Revolution Civil War, have the imperialist powers directly targeted Russian territory. Such actions were not taken even at the height of the Cold War, as it was assumed that they would trigger full-scale nuclear war.

5. The US media is full of declarations that Russias publicly stated, official military doctrine of using nuclear weapons to respond to attacks on its territory is a bluff. The argument is that since Russia has not responded to US provocations in the past, NATO can keep crossing Russias red lines without consequences. Time to call Putins bluff, declared former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger in an article in CNN last week. Retired General Philip Breedlove, former Ambassador Michael McFaul, Stanford Professor Francis Fukuyama and dozens of former US officials wrote in a letter to the White House, Russias demonstrably empty threats are successfully deterring the United States.

6. The claim that Russias military doctrine is a bluff does not stand up to the most basic scrutiny. Just because the Russian government has not responded to NATO provocations in the past does not mean that it will not do so in the future. Could anyone doubt, for example, that if Russia or China decided to launch attacks on US territory and assert that the American government wouldnt dare to respond, it would be inevitable that the US would counterattack with overwhelming force?

7. There are very real reasons, from a military standpoint, why the Russian military would feel compelled to respond in kind to NATO attacks on its territory. Moreover, who is to say that Putin, in the midst of the crisis triggered by the NATO escalation, would not be replaced by a faction that is even more prepared to use military measures to retaliate against NATO?

8. Assertions by US officials that the Russian military will not retaliate if attacked are so flimsy that it is likely that these claims are not believed by those making them, and the actual goal is to provoke some form of drastic military action by the Russian government, which will in turn be used to justify a nuclear retaliation by the US.

9. In his 2021 book, The Strategy of Denial, Elbridge Colby, author of the 2018 US National Security Strategy, explains how vital it is for US propaganda to force the targets of the US military to fire the first shot and thereby be seen as the aggressors:

Perhaps the clearest and sometimes the most important way of making sure [an adversary] is seen this way is simply by ensuring that it is the one to strike first. Few human moral intuitions are more deeply rooted than that the one who started it is the aggressor and accordingly the one who presumptively owns a greater share of moral responsibility.

10. The Biden administration has taken this action without even bothering to make a public statement announcing it. The New York Times wrote on May 29: Officials concede [Biden] most likely will never announce [the move]: Instead, American artillery shells and missiles will just start landing on Russian military targets. An earlier article in the Times stated that the US had not allowed the strikes because of Mr. Bidens mandate to avoid World War III. But the consensus around that policy is fraying. At no point has the Biden administration explained why what is involved in Ukraine is of such monumental significance that it is prepared to risk a potentially civilization-ending nuclear war.

11. The NATO powers are playing Russian roulette with nuclear weapons. They are plunging headlong into war, without even suggesting the possibility of a negotiated settlement or an off-ramp to their brinkmanship.

12. The latest actions follow a definite pattern. Again and again, the Biden administration has crossed every red line it set out to limit US involvement in the war. In March 2022, Biden asserted, The idea that were going to send in offensive equipment and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews would mean World War Three. In May 2022, Biden stated in an op-ed in the New York Times, We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. In June 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron declared, We will not go to war with Russia, therefore it was agreed not to supply certain weaponsin particular, attack aircraft or tanks.

13. All of these red lines have been crossed by NATO. First, NATO sent armored vehicles, then main battle tanks, and then long-range missiles. NATO members then secretly deployed hundreds of troops inside Ukraine, all without informing their own citizens. After having declared that direct US involvement in the war in Ukraine would lead to World War III and Armageddon, Biden appears to have changed his mind, without ever having explained what led him to do so.

14. There is no question that the next step in the intensification of the war against Russia will be the introduction of tens of thousands of NATO forces into Ukraine. This further escalation will certainly be the subject of secret discussions at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C. in July. Snap elections in the UK have been called for July 4, in advance of the summit, to preempt growing opposition to war and create the political framework for a new stage in a European-wide war.

15. The escalation of the war in Ukraine, spearheaded by the Biden administration, is the most extreme manifestation of the decades-long global eruption of US imperialism in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In pursuit of their interests, the ruling elites are prepared to accept death and destruction on a massive scale. The same governments are funding, arming and politically supporting the Gaza genocide, which has already killed tens of thousands and is subjecting an entire population of over 2 million to starvation.

16. The subjugation of Russia is part of a broader global agenda aiming for not only the carve-up and subjugation of the former Soviet Union but ultimately China. The punitive sanctions that were meant to cripple Russia economically have failed to bring it to its knees largely because of large increases in trade with China and to a lesser extent arms from Iran and North Korea. The escalation against Russia therefore will entail a morphing of the conflict in Ukraine into a truly global war.

17. In addition to the geopolitical imperatives of imperialism, the Biden administration is driven by a far-reaching social, economic and political crisis for which the American ruling class has no answer. The US economy is sustained through rampant government spending on military rearmament and continuous bailouts of major corporations. The federal debt is doubling every decade and is being financed through currency debasement and debt monetization.

18. This is taking place in the context of a staggering political crisis and factional warfare in advance of the 2024 presidential elections. Donald Trump, the presumptive candidate for the Republican Party who is currently leading in polls, attempted to overturn the election in a fascistic coup three and a half years ago. There is broad popular opposition to both capitalist parties, amidst a deep social crisis and growing anger and outrage over the US-backing of Israels genocide in Gaza.

19. Similar conditions prevail in all the major capitalist countries. The ruling elites hope that war abroad will create conditions for the suppression of democratic rights in the name of war-time national unity. This atmosphere of crisis is breeding the resurgence of vile militarism and a type of internal violence that was previously associated only with fascistic regimes and military-police dictatorships.

20. For its part, the Putin regime has made miscalculation after miscalculation. There has never been anything remotely progressive in the Special Military Operation launched by the Kremlin in the interests of the venal Russian capitalist oligarchs who rose to power on the basis of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the privatization and plundering of the state assets nationalized in the aftermath of the 1917 October Revolution.

21. Putin launched the reactionary invasion of Ukraine in 2022 hoping to negotiate with his Western partners from a position of strength. But NATO has shown that it is completely uninterested in negotiation: The only outcome of the war acceptable to NATO is the military defeat of Russia and the carve-up of the Russian landmass in the manner of Yugoslavia. Based on its bankrupt nationalist perspective, the Putin government and the faction of the Russian oligarchy it represents are driven to ever more reckless and provocative military escalation of its own.

22. The global escalation of imperialist war is coupled with mass repression. In the United States, the government has criminalized protests against the Gaza genocide and carried out mass arrests of thousands of students and young people. The violence inflicted on the protests reflects the fear of the ruling elites of a broader movement in the working class, which will be forced to pay for the war in lives and the destruction of social programs.

23. In Ukraine, amid mounting opposition to the war and resistance to the draft, the Zelensky government has arrested the Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk on fraudulent charges of serving the interests of Russia. In fact, Bogdan is an intransigent opponent of the capitalist Putin regime and its invasion of Ukraine. The arrest of Bogdan reveals the extreme nervousness within the Zelensky regime and its NATO allies that opposition to the war is finding a growing response within the Ukrainian working class.

24. Ten years ago, in its statement, Socialism and the Fight Against Imperialist War, the ICFI warned:

The danger of a new world war arises out of the fundamental contradictions of the capitalist systembetween the development of a global economy and its division into antagonistic nation states, in which the private ownership of the means of production is rooted. This finds its most acute expression in the drive of US imperialism to dominate the Eurasian landmass, above all those areas from which it was excluded for decades by the Russian and Chinese revolutions. In the west, the US, in league with Germany, has orchestrated a fascist-led coup to bring Ukraine under its control. But its ambitions do not stop there. The ultimate objective is to dismember the Russian Federation, reducing it to a series of semi-colonies to open the way for the plunder of its vast natural resources. In the east, the Obama administrations pivot to Asia is aimed at encircling China and transforming it into a semi-colony. Here, the objective is to ensure domination of the cheap labour that is one of the key global sources of the surplus value extracted from the working class and the life-blood of the capitalist economy.

25. The past decade has confirmed this warning. Amidst the escalating open US-NATO war against Russia and the developing conflict with China, it is impossible to see world war as an exceptional event, but rather the expression of the basic driving forces of capitalism.

26. The same contradictions driving imperialism to the brink of nuclear war provide the objective basis for social revolution. The international working class is a massive social force, whose interests collide with capitalist exploitation and imperialist barbarism. The conspiratorial character of imperialist war planning reflects the fact that the ruling class itself is well aware that its policies do not have mass support.

27. Despite mass protests against the Gaza genocide, broader sections of the population are unaware of the rapidly escalating war with Russia. The ruling elites and their political affiliates, including the apparatus of the trade unions, are engaged in a systematic effort to prevent workers from understanding the gravity of the danger while subordinating the working class to imperialist war policy.

28. There is only one way that the spiral toward disaster can be avoided, and that is through the intervention of the working class to force an end to this war. This demand must be combined with a struggle to end Israels genocidal onslaught against Gaza. Workers must demand the immediate withdrawal of all US and NATO forces and weapons from Ukraine. It must likewise refuse all support for the reactionary nationalist policies of the Putin regime, which in no way represents a progressive alternative to the war policies of the imperialist powers.

29. The working class must use its power to stop this war, which is plummeting toward disaster. The mobilization of this power requires overcoming the gap between the advanced stage of the global political crisis and the present level of mass political consciousness. The solving of this historic problem requires the development of a Marxist-Trotskyist leadership and the revolutionary renewal of the international workers movement on the basis of socialist policies.

30. The International Committee of the Fourth International calls for the unity of workers in Russia, Ukraine, and all of the former Soviet Union with their brothers and sisters in Europe, Asia, and America in opposition to the capitalist system that is the root cause of war. The only way out of the unfolding disaster is though the struggle against capitalism and the victory of world socialist revolution.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, the WSWS and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) are holding an online public meeting, From Wayne State to University of Californiaindustrial workers must oppose protest crackdowns. Register for the meeting here.

Thousands of students across the country and world have participated in protests on college campuses against the US-backed genocide in Gaza. The Biden administration has led a bipartisan police crackdown on campuses, which has resulted in more than 3,000 arrests nationwide. Meanwhile, universities have carried out academic interim suspensions as part of a two-pronged strategy to exert the maximum pressure and make an example out of protestors.

A section of the picket line at University of California Santa Cruz, May 20, 2024

Interim suspensions are severe measures traditionally reserved for students who are a threat to the safety of others on campus. A student is academically suspended and immediately banned from all university property and facilities. Receiving an interim suspension often results in a domino effect that entails the loss of access to dorms, causing homelessness; loss of access to campus health centers and pharmacies; cutting off healthcare and prescription medication. In the case of foreign students their academic visas can be revoked, which may result in deportation since their immigration status is dependent upon being actively enrolled in a specific university.

The number of interim suspensions have skyrocketed in the last two months and are coupled with the denial of due process. While there have been dozens of campuses carrying out the punishing suspensions, there is a particular large concentration in the University of California system, where the crackdowns provoked strike action by academic workers. Walkouts are currently taking place at UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, and UCLA, with campuses in San Diego, Santa Barbara and Irvine joining the strike this week.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

Last month, UC San Diego began issuing interim suspensions to students for simply being seen at the encampments. According to the UCSD Guardian, student and Assistant Vice President of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Leticia Guzman, received notice of an interim suspension on May 2. The previous person who held that position, Cristian Fuentes Hernandez, received notice of interim suspension soon after, on May 5.

The email notifying them of their suspensions explained that the university had obtained information that they were present at the encampment that violates university policy, and that, The information described above, if true, provides cause to believe that your continued presence at UC San Diego is reasonably likely to lead to physical harm to any person or property, threats of violence, conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person, or other disruptive activity incompatible with the orderly operation of the campus.

The following day, on May 6, around 200 police officers aggressively raided the encampment using pepper spray and arresting more than 60 people, 40 of whom were students. In making clear their endorsement of this police crackdown, UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla said, UC San Diego encourages and allows peaceful protests, but this encampment violated campus policy and the law, and grew to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of the campus community.

Immediately following this attack, UCSD announced that every one of the 40 students that were arrested would face an automatic interim suspension, in addition to the other interim suspensions quietly handed out to students for simply being present at the encampment. In contrast, only 16 interim suspensions were handed out all of last year.

The 60 arrested faced charges of unlawful assembly, with 39 charged with unauthorized encroachment on public land, 34 charged with resisting arrest, 17 charged for violating UC San Diego curfew laws, and four with camping on university property.

Sukham Sidhu, with The Office of Student Advocacy at UC San Diego, told the Los Angeles Times, You very rarely see these interim suspension casesThe only times Ive seen it imposed are in cases of physical assault. Sidhu noted that a number of interim suspensions did not relate to any arrests. The very first one I heard about, the student was just seen entering the encampment and theres no evidence they stayed there When I heard they were interim suspended for that, I was like, What?!

Police beginning to clear students off the UCSD campus at about 8am local time.

University of California, Irvine (UCI)

On May 8, UCI issued their first round of interim suspensions that banned students from all campus facilities including housing. The suspension notices referred to generic violations of university policy such as disruption, but none of them contained any specific allegations about any individual students behavior, according to a letter issued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) last Friday to UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman.

The letter outlined the punitive issuance of interim suspension issued to students for having only administrative associations with clubs involved in the protests.

The University, on May 8, also imposed administrative holds upon recipients of the interim suspension notices for the student organizations, i.e., authorized signers for those organizations whose names appeared on student organization paperwork, casting doubt on their ability to continue in their academic programs and receive a degree until the holds are lifted.

On May 15, the UCI encampment was raided by police and more than 30 students and faculty were arrested. According to the ACLU letter, following this the University issued Penal Code  626.4 withdrawal of consent orders against some, but not all, of the more than 30 students, staff, and faculty who were arrested. Those orders banned students from returning to campus, including to their University housing, for either 7 or 14 days. On May 21, the University then issued another round of interim suspensions against students who were arrested on May 15, 2024.

Elliot Yu was among the dozens of UCI students arrested on May 15. In a video posted to the United Auto Workers (UAW) social media page, he described: For about six hours my wrists were cuffed in zip ties that were so tight they dug into my flesh and cut off circulation. My hands swelled up so much that when the police eventually tried to cut them off they struggled to fit the scissors in between my wrists and the cuffs.

Yu went on to describe his interim suspension, After I got out of jail I was told that I was banned from campus and my apartment. Since I live on campus, a campus ban acts as a same day eviction notice. Im not the only person who lost both their housing and the full function of their hands. This is only one example of how the UCs brutal response to peaceful protests has harmed hundreds of students and workers across the state.

The ACLU letter makes clear the interim suspensions are a dangerous attack on the democratic rights of students. Because the interim suspensions took effect prior to any hearing or other opportunity for students to respond to allegations against them, they fail to comport with the most basic due process requirements, the civil liberties organization states. This premature punishment is therefore likely to have a chilling effect on the exercise of free speech rights on campus.

The University compounded the potential chill when it decided to rely upon the criminal legal system in addition to its own disciplinary mechanisms, by initially subjecting some students who were present at a May 15 protest to Penal Code  626.4 withdrawal of consent orders that ban them from every area of campus including even their own University housing before interim suspensions were issued. Finally, we are concerned by reports that several students have received administrative holds merely because their names were on student organization paperwork, and not because there are any allegations against them specifically. If true, these holds are punishing students for their association with student organizations and the viewpoints expressed by those organizations, in violation of federal and state free speech protections.

UCs integration with the military intelligence apparatus

The assault on democratic rights is being directed by the Biden administration with the full support of the Republicans who are leading a witch-hunting campaign in the House Education Committee to smear protestors as antisemitic and pressuring officials to bring the full weight of the law against protesters. The universities have had no issue complying as the institutions serve the interests of Wall Street and are deeply integrated in the military intelligence apparatus.

The UC Regents and chancellors themselves represent administrators across all campuses who have longstanding and clear ties to military contractors, weapons manufacturers and intelligence agencies. Richard Leib, the current Chair of the UC Board of Regents, is a businessman with a long history in charter schools, consultancy, and military and intelligence agencies. He was an executive at US Public Technologies, which was acquired in 1999 by defense contractor Lockheed Martin, where he continued as an executive.

The UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering boasts the Contextual Robotics Institute, which is sponsored by Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, General Dynamics, SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command), Air Force Office of Scientific Research, US Army Research Laboratory, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), US Department of Defense, US Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Office of Naval Research and Lockheed Martin.

Pradeep Khosla, UCSDs chancellor, previously worked with DARPA on the Senior Advisory Group for Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systemsalso known as drones. In 2016, Khosla joined the executive board of Avigilon Corporation of Vancouver, a leading company using facial recognition and body movement technology to help police identify suspects.

In 2016, the UC Board of Regents, which at that time was led by Janet Napolitano, ex-chief of Homeland Security under Obama, sanctioned a secret spyware system capable of monitoring and collecting data from all individuals within the networks of the ten UC campuses and five medical centers throughout California.

At the time, the WSWS warned, Napolitano and the UCOP insist that the aggregated data [from the spyware system] will not be used for non-security purposes. However, it is not difficult to imagine a situation in which student protests and strikes for higher wages are easily categorized as security purposes by the UC administration. Additionally, the security policy makes an exception to disclose the personal data for those considered to be engaged in illegal activity.

The university system is a key player in the military intelligence apparatus and Wall Street. UCs deep connections to war abroad and repression at home explains why they have played such a central role in the political assault on free speech and democratic rights.

Student demands for university divestment from the US and Israeli war machines are certainly legitimate. But the fact remains that protests isolated to the campuses and appeals to the powers that be cannot stop the genocide in Gaza and the even more horrific wars for global domination by US imperialism, including with nuclear armed Russia and China.

For that the working class must directly intervene. The UC strike is an important step forward in the entry of the working class as political force to stop war and repression. But the strike is being sabotaged by the United Auto Workers bureaucracy, which is aligned with the Biden administration and is doing everything it can to isolate and wear down the UC strikers.

Academic workers, graduate, undergraduate students and faculty must build their own Rank-and-File Strike Committees to shut down the entire UC system, and appeal to all UAW members and all workers to carry out collective action to halt the assault on students and stop the war. This includes strike action by members of the UAW, the International Association of Machinists and unions at automotive, defense and other industrial factories.
Fatime Letifova

Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov arrived in the city of Minsk for a working visit at the invitation of Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko Azernews reports.

At the Minsk National Airport, the Azerbaijani Premier was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko and other officials.

As part of the visit, PM Ali Asadov will participate as a guest in the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and a plenary session on "Food Security of the Eurasian Economic Union".
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that a future Labour government would make Britains armed forces fit to fight, with the rumble of war rolling across our continent.

In a keynote speech on national security, answering Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Starmer addressed an audience including military veterans at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester. The museum traces the history of the Lancashire Fusiliers, which fought two battles against Russia in the Crimean war. Prior to entering Downing Street, Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Labours Tony Blairboth idolised by Starmervisited the museum.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, gives a speech to veterans and the press, joined on stage by John Healey, Shadow Defence Secretary, and Labours ex-military parliamentary candidates at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, June 3, 2024. [Photo by Keir Starmer/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Stood behind Starmer, between two Union Jacks on flagpoles, were Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey and 10 of the 14 Labour candidates who are ex-military figures. Several times in his speech and in the Q&A session, Starmer boasted this number was a record for the party.

The candidates, described by the LabourList blog as Keirs Army, are not only frontline soldiers but also high-ranking officers and members of the intelligence sector of the armed forces.

Louise Jones, a former army intelligence officer, was joined by Mike Tapp, another former army intelligence operator, who is standing in Dover. The constituencys previous, Conservative MPthe anti-immigration agitator Natalie Elphickehas just defected to Labour citing the partys pledge to crack down on immigrants.

Healey introduced Starmer by saying, It was a Labour government after the Second World War that established NATO and our independent UK nuclear deterrent. He confirmed that Labour will spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence to deal with the increasing threats. Labours first-year-in-office defence review would reinforce homeland protections and deter Russian aggression.

This was Starmers second speech on the issue of national security in the space of a week. In his first on May 27, titled Country First, Party Second, he stated that the very foundation of any good government is economic security, border security, national security The definition of service. Can you protect this country?

Starmer said Monday that the Tories [had] questioned this Labour Partys commitment to national security. And I will not let that stand.

He decried how We have the smallest army since the time of Napoleon, at a time when other countries are firmly on a war footing.

When the Berlin wall came down, Starmer understood this as An end of an era, but today the world is perhaps more dangerous and volatile than at any time since then.

Skipping over the events of the last 30 yearsincluding NATOs advance to Russias borders and the 2014 fascist-led, anti-Russian Maidan coup in KievStarmer declared, I didnt think that in my lifetime I would see Russian tanks entering a European country again.

In language similar to that used by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the steps of Downing Street in declaring this a war election, Starmer stated, The post-war era is over and a new age of insecurity has begun. Therefore, National security is the most important issue of our times and will become our solemn responsibility.

Referring to the nominally left leadership of the party under his predecessor Jeremy Corbynwho despite keeping Britains nuclear bombs as part of his 2017/2019 election manifestos said he did not personally want to order their useStarmer declared this was the reason why I saidfrom day one of my leadershipthat the Labour Party had to change. He added, With my changed Labour Party, national security will always come first.

As is standard with NATOs warmongering leaders, Starmer presented beefing up the armed forces as the job of peacemakers, declaring, So, even as we work tirelessly for peace, we have to be fit to fight.

Explaining Labours programme he said, This Labour Party is totally committed to the security of our nation. To our armed forces. And, importantly, to our nuclear deterrent.

He boasted how last month, I was the first Labour leader in 30 years who visited BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness and I saw the nuclear submarines being made.

Labours policy is that the nuclear deterrent is the foundation of any plan to keep Britain safeit is essential. Thats why Labour has announced a new triple-lock commitment to our nuclear deterrent. Well maintain Britains Continuous at Sea deterrent 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As prime minister he would, Deliver all the needed future upgrades and we will build four new nuclear submarines like the ones I saw in Barrow.

The cost of the upgrade is staggering, estimated at up to 170 billion, according to Tory defence procurement minister Philip Dunne.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, and John Healey, Shadow Defence Secretary, during their photo-op at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, June 3, 2024 [Photo by Keir Starmer/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Starmer said, I mean look at Ukraine now. Industrial capacity is an absolutely critical part of security, repeating, So with Labour, Britain will be fit to fight.

Having stated previously that Labour would lift military spending from its present 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 percentan increase in the tens of billions of poundsas economic conditions allowed, he said in this speech, Were absolutely committed to spending 2.5 percent of GDP on defence as soon as possible, because we know our security isnt just vital for our safety today, its absolutely central to our success for the future. A war economy was critical because, National security and economic security must go hand in hand.

A significant section of Starmers speech centred on the threat at home. Stating that he had met Ukrainian leader Zelensky in Kiev and made a pledge of unwavering British support in the face of Russian tyranny, he cautioned, But we have to be resolute, not just in our support for Ukraine but also, in this era, at home. Labour in office must face down malign actors who try to attack and weaken our nation, and not just through traditional warfare over air, land and sea, but with hybrid threatsto our energy supply, cyber security, information warfare.

Given the mass opposition to Starmer, who is seen by millions as leading a single party of war together with Sunak for his unwavering support for Israels genocide on the Palestinians, it is clear that anti-war protests and workers strikes will be branded as seeking to weaken our nation in a time of war.

Corbyn was removed as Labour leaderusing false accusations of antisemitismnot due to the few timid reforms he espoused, but because of his stated opposition to pressing the nuclear button and opposition to NATO. Soon after Corbyns taking office, a senior serving military figure said that if he came to power on such a policy a mutiny in the Armed Forces would be organised to remove him.

Ever since, every potential prime minister has been questioned as to whether they would authorise using nuclear weapons even at the cost of millions of lives. Trailing Starmers speech, the Guardian noted, We have reached the point in the election campaign cycle where the media are asking people if they would push the nuclear button.

True to form, the first question put to Starmer in the Q&A was from the BBC state broadcaster, whose reporter asked about his readiness to use nuclear weapons. Starmer replied, My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute Of course that means we have to be prepared to use it.

Asked what he thought of shadow cabinet members including shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and his deputy leader Angela Rayner having voted in 2016under Corbyns leadershipagainst renewing the Trident nuclear weapons arsenal, Starmer responded that he would be prime minister if elected, and his would be the hand poised over the nuclear button, not theirs.

Moreover, such views were old hat and had been banished from the vocabulary of his pro-war party. Starmer boasted, This is a changed Labour party and the most important thing is I voted in favour of a nuclear deterrent... I lead this party. Ive changed this party Ive got my whole shadow cabinet behind me on this.

Asked by the Telegraph, what was the number one threat to national security, Starmer replied, The number one threat to national security is not taking it seriously enough. Its not appreciating that it has to be the number one priority. The threats are obviously threats in relation to Russia, China, and the Middle East.
On April 2, a new Portuguese government took office, under Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the main party in the right-wing Democratic Alliance (AN) coalition. The AN won a plurality in the March 10 general elections, with 80 of the 230 deputies.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, left at the Ajuda palace in Lisbon, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. [AP Photo/Armando Franca]

This government promises to follow the policies of Antonio Costas previous Socialist Party (PS) government. It will continue austerity at home and back the imperialist bloc waging war in Ukraine against Russia and supporting Israel in the genocide in Gaza.

The first foreign leader invited to Portugal under the new government was Ukrainian President Zelensky. The new foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, was quick to deny that a genocide is unfolding in Gaza, claiming: Genocide presupposes the will to eliminate a people. It would be very unfair to say that Israel intends to eliminate the Palestinian people.

The far-right Chega party, which came third with 50 seats, did not receive any ministerial posts. For now, the PSD has rejected including Chega in the government. Fifty years after the 1974 Carnation Revolution overthrew the far-right regime of Antonio Salazar, amid explosive social anger in the working class, the PSD manifestly concluded that it was not immediately advisable or necessary to put the extreme right in power.

Montenegros minority government can count on the collaboration of the PS, which came second with 78 seats, with which it agreed to preside over the National Assembly on a rotating basis. The PS has said it is open, according to PS leader Pedro Nuno, to working with the executive to build an agreement that allows solutions to be found, and that both parties can forge pacts on matters in which there is a broad political and partisan consensus.

The PS formalized their support for the PSD government by abstaining from voting on censure motions presented by the Pabloite Left Bloc (BE) and the Communist Party of Portugal (PCP), during debate in parliament on the new governments programme.

Both BE and PCP are in deep crisis. In the March 10 elections, the BE obtained only five deputies, far from its all-time high of 19 in 2015 and 2019. The PCP had its worst result in history with only four deputies, even losing its representation in the Alentejo, a region that historically was a Stalinist electoral stronghold.

This is the product of the BEs and PCPs reactionary support for PS minority governments between 2015 and 2022. In 2015, the PS, Bloco and PCP signed an agreement called gerigonca (in Portuguese, something improvised or of inferior quality) by which Bloco and PCP pledged to vote for the PS on all fundamental issues.

Although this agreement ended in 2019, both forces kept supporting the PS government until 2021, when, amid a growing wave of strikes against the collapse in living standards, they decided not to vote in favour of the 2022 budgets to maintain the farce that they oppose austerity.

The gerigonca was a disaster for workers. It enshrined the European Union (EU) austerity measures imposed from 2008 onwards, slashed public services, imposed among the lowest wages in Europe, sent house prices soaring and managed the pandemic based on profits over lives. The subsequent PS government only continued the policies the PS had carried out in 2015-2019 with overt PCP and BE support.

Despite their posturing with a motion of censure against the PSD government, BE and PCP are again bowing to the PS by forming an agreement similar to the 2015 geringonca.

The BE held a series of meetings with the PS, the PCP and other pseudo-left forces, aiming, according to BE leader Marina Mortagua, to debate the elements of convergence, not only in the opposition to the right-wing government, but also in the construction of an alternative.

Aware of deep opposition to the PS in the working class, BE leaders are working hard to justify this decision with political lies. Manuel Afonso, a member of the BE national leadership, wrote an article asking whether getting closer to the PS would not mean turning our backs on those disillusioned with the socialist government and diluting the combative left in what was so vehemently rejected?

Without examining any other arguments, Afonso immediately answered his own question in the negative, stating: The temptation to make criticism of the PS the centre of the current tactics would result in total disorientation and de facto unity of action with the extreme right. He claimed that any left-wing party that did this would divorce itself from the most conscious and organised sections of the working class and youth.

This is nothing but a new attempt by the Bloco to deceive the workers. The accusation that opposition to the PS means support for neo-fascism is a lie that stands reality on its head. The PS has said it will make a pact with the right-wing PSD which, on the other hand, is open to seeking support in Chega. To align with the PS is to enter an anti-worker bloc with the right and the extreme right in a capitalist parliamentary dictatorship. That is where the BE aims to drag militant workers and youth.

In this strategy, the BE can count on the Stalinist PCPs collaboration. PCP General Secretary Paulo Raimundo already declared, We will be available for any concrete convergence.

After meeting with the PS, PCP and Bloco officials sent a similar message, claiming that Costas government preferred running a budget surplus to making public investments. Raimundo summed up this view, saying: there was a clear choice on the part of the PS not to respond to the countrys problems.

BEs Mortagua said, The PS, although it has growing surpluses, denies the response to important sectors.

PCP and Bloc are pro-capitalist parties, but forces deeply and historically allied to the PS. They promote illusions in a false, utopian perspective of pressuring the PS to get pro-worker policies in government or to oppose the PSD. They claim the problem with the last PS government was that, with its absolute majority, it did not need either the PCP or BE. The conclusion is that it is necessary to rebuild the gerigonca with the PS.

The gerigonca in 2015 sought to paralyze the working class by stabilizing the unpopular, imperialist PS government so it could attack the workers without any opposition. Now, the BE and PCP aim to subordinate the working class to the PS again, to block a movement against the new right-wing government, fascism, the Gaza genocide and the NATO imperialist war in Ukraine.

Nearly a million people demonstrated in Lisbon and other Portuguese cities on April 25, the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, recalling the 1974 demonstrations as the revolution began. They were driven by opposition to the new right-wing government and fascism, but also against the legacy of poverty of the previous PS government and the crimes of NATO imperialism. There are also continuing strikes by air traffic controllers, justice officials or telecommunications workers.

Bloco and PCP are aware of this ferment and will work to derail any struggle that may arise. Their reactionary policies are impoverishing the workers and opening the way for the fascists of Chega. The precondition to fight fascism, capitalism and imperialist war is for a critical mass of workers and youth to build a Marxist-Trotskyist party, based on the heritage of the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals (ICFI) struggle against Pabloism and Stalinism.
Americas first two revolutions, the American Revolution and the Civil War, offer serious dramatic possibilities for film and television. Their intrinsic interest arises from the fact that revolutions can destroy old, seemingly permanent social orderseven in America especially in America! To borrow the phrase from Tom Paine, revolutions contain in themselves the power to begin the world over again.

Despite the dramatic prospects for both, worthy historical treatments of the American Revolution have been far outnumbered by those of the Civil War, although those are mostly recent (for years, Hollywood studios avoided dramas about the Civil War, for fear of offending southern audiences or adopted a pro-Confederacy stance, as in Gone With the Wind, 1939).

Michael Douglas in Franklin

Lincoln (2012), Gettysburg (1993), Free State of Jones (2016), Glory (1989) and John Hustons much earlier The Red Badge of Courage (1951) spring to mind, though the list could be considerably longer.

One struggles to think of a single film or television program on the American Revolution that measures upthe HBO television series John Adams (2008) being something of an exception. Some chances have yet to be even taken. The promising script for a Paine biopic by the late Trevor Griffiths, These are the Times, still awaits its director. (Roland Emmerichs dreadful The Patriot is the exception that proves the rule.)

Why the struggle to capture cinematically the American Revolution? There is, first, the more general problem of putting the past to film, which requires a historically informed imagination. Filmmakers, when they turn to history, tend to impose their present on the pasti.e., the prejudices, politics and moods of the generally privileged layers of which they are a part. Squinting at historys foggy panes, they see only the reflection of their own, narrow social reality. Many movies about history are therefore better viewed as muddled allegories about the present.

If historical imagination is the issue, perhaps filmmakers special difficulty in imagining the era of the American Revolution owes to nationalist incredulity at the thought that the United States might never have existed. Yet no one in 1765, the year of the Stamp Act crisis, could have expected an anti-colonial rebellion and the birth of the first great, modern republic a decade later, much less its victory in the ensuing war against Great Britain, the worlds greatest power.

The dramatis personae of the American Revolution faced outcomes unknowable to themthat is to say, more than one possibility was contained in their time, and therefore, the concrete, historical reality in which they operated could yet be changed by human, social action. This, what Trotsky called the subjective factor in history, looms largest precisely in revolutions, which by their very nature mark ruptures in history. As David North has written of the greatest of all revolutions, the Russian Revolution of 1917, history must concern itself not simply with what happened, but alsoand this is far more importantwhy one or another thing happened or did not happen, and what might have happened.

Franklin, which appeared as a series on Apple TV in April and May, not only resists the temptation to treat the victory of the American Revolution as a foregone conclusion, the entire program is based on the premise that the revolution might yet fail if it does not win the support of the French Court of Louis XVI, which must put aside its own natural hostility to the republican cause (France was the very center of the monarchical-aristocratic world, after all) in order to strike at its ancient rival, Great Britain.

The dramatic tension in this situation is established from the series beginning. Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas) comes ashore in France in December 1776, with the war only a little more than a year oldand the American cause faltering badly. Washingtons forces, a written narrative tells us, have recently suffered ignominious defeat on Long Island. Franklin, a scientist of world renown, is greeted by the French as a celebrity. He shrewdly plays to his popularity as well as to French conceptions of wild America, donning his legendary fur cap to the delight of his aristocratic hosts.

Franklin is challenged to secure French diplomatic recognition and financial support and to outmaneuver efforts to thwart him by the British, who have recruited a spy in his inner circle, the physician Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays). Franklin was simultaneously monitored by French secret police. Historians have suggestedand the film leads us to believethat Franklin was aware of all the espionage, but used it to diplomatic advantage, letting the French and the British puzzle over the meaning of the intelligence that Franklin let them have. (It was not established that Bancroft was a spy until the release by the British foreign ministry of archives in the 1880s.)

Franklin must also handle the tempestuous and decidedly undiplomatic John Adamsbrilliantly played by British actor Eddie Marsansent by Congress to sideline the older man. And he must later deal with the frigid John Jay (Ed Stoppard), arrived in France to settle terms of peace after Washingtons final victory at Yorktown. Adams and Jay yield to Franklin, who winds up taking the lead in negotiations with both the French and the Britishskillfully playing off each other French fears of an Anglo-American rapprochement and separate peace, and British desperation to sideline the Franco-American alliance. Franklins efforts pay off, with Britain acceding to all key American demandsindependence, territory as far as the Mississippi River and fishing rights off the Newfoundland coast. It was an extraordinary achievement. Along with the better-known superlatives wreathing Franklins legend, he was probably the greatest of American diplomats.

The diplomatic struggle is the main thread of the series, based on the book by popular historian Stacy Schiff, A Grand Improvisation. The other element is Franklins life in France with his grandson, Temple Franklin (Noah Jupe), who has accompanied the older man as a secretary. A great deal of the dialogue is in French, delivered fluently by the quick-learning Temple, and haltingly and sometimes embarrassingly by Franklin. The cast includes a host of talented French actors, notably Thibault de Montalembert as Comte de Vergennes, Franklins main interlocutor at the court of Versailles.

Michael Douglas and Noah Jupe in Franklin

Franklins popularity wins him a place as an honored guest in Frances nobility, as well as the ardor of two ladiesthe composer Madame Anne-Louise Brillon (Ludivine Sagnier) who refers to Franklin as mon cher papa, and Madame Helvetius (Jeanne Balibar), who maintained Frances most renowned salon. Franklin revels in the female attention, as well as the drink and foodappetites richly attested to by the historical recordthough we are reminded here and there that he and Temple can never really join the nobility. Franklin was born of the mean sort, rising up from a runaway indentured servant to become one of the colonies richest men, and finally a gentleman, the lowest social ranking of the British aristocracy. Though she adores Franklin, Madame Brillon will not consent to allow her daughter to marry the commoner, Temple.

Temples struggles to secure entry into the nobility, and his simultaneous attraction and repulsion from French high society, absorb a good deal of the screen time, often rather tediously. Perhaps the series could have concluded in six episodes rather than eight. Nonetheless, the attention paid to Temples personal life does have the effect of showing the irrationality and obsolescence of the ancient regime, against which the American Revolution, objectively speaking, is in life-and-death combat, even if it is in a wartime alliance of expediency with Versailles.

Here and there the series hints that the revolutionary waves from the other side of the Atlantic will yet crash over France, particularly in the early episodes, which features the hero of two revolutions, the Marquis de Lafayette (Theodore Pellerin) as he prepares to join Washington and the Continental Army, and the revolutionary polymath Pierre Beaumarchais (Assad Bouab), author of the plays Le Barbier de Seville and Le Mariage de Figaro (the bases of great operas by Rossini and Mozart). It is pity that the series did not treat the famous embrace between Franklin and Voltaire at the French Academy of Sciences in 1778, an event attested to by Adams and Condorcet, among others.

We have written elsewhere on the career of Benjamin Franklin, certainly among the greatest figures of his era. Franklin was convincingly played by the late Tom Wilkinson in John Adams. Douglas Franklin is very different, but there is something at once realistic and timely in his performance. The actor captures the complexity of Franklins persona, and something as well of the great mans inner revolutionary core. Franklin wound up on the far left of the American revolution, similar in his democratic politics to Paine and Jefferson and hero to the republics young artisanal working classand the bete noire of the conservative Adams. When Franklin died in 1790, the series tells us at the end, the by-now revolutionary government in France declared three days of national mourning.

Whereas Franklin successfully imagines an important aspect of the American Revolution, Apple TVs Manhunt mauls an equally important subject related to the Civil War, the effort to apprehend the culprits in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in April 1865. Based on a book by James Swanson, a writer connected to the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute, Manhunt flashes back from the investigation, organized and led by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) to episodes with Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) still alive. The seventh and final episode, the series strongest, focuses on the trial of the accused.

One does not wish to blame the actorspresumably the directing and the script bear the responsibilitybut the characters are not at all historically believable. Stanton, the central character, was a figure of great historical importance as the chief organizer of the Union war effort. The series captures his sympathy for the slaves and his hatred of the slave-owing class. But the series foolishly chooses to imagine Stanton, a fascinating political figure, as a sort of gumshoe personally investigating clues and crime scenes. Manhunts Stanton is the stock character of the hardboiled, indefatigable cop or detective who always gets his man.

Lincoln is depicted as a sort of American Everyman just trying to have some fun after a lot of work. Come on! Take your wife out before she forgets your face!, the script has Lincoln say to Stanton before his assassination. No? All right Now I gotta spend the night with Mary's friends. You owe me one. In another episode, Lincoln suggests that he and Stanton visit a beach in California for a vacation. An absurdly anachronistic proposal on several levels.

The actor and assassin John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) is presented as a brooding, psychological mess, mainly driven by oedipal resentment over the greater fame enjoyed by his father and brother in the family of noted actors. The series cooks up an imagined conversation at the bar in Fords Theater, between Lincolns unwitting bodyguard and Booth before the assassination. You know, tomorrow, I'm gonna be more famous than anyone in my family, Booth says. I'm gonna be the most famous man in the whole world.

Lili Taylor and Hamish Linklater in Manhunt

Manhunt promotes a bizarre conspiracy theory as though it were fact. It posits that the plot to kill Lincoln was carried out, not out of revenge for emancipation of the slaves, but in retaliation for Lincoln ordering the assassination of Jefferson Davis! This, the series suggests, came because First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln (Lili Taylor) demanded that her husband find a way to quickly end the war. But both of you, I ask you, Mary Todd says to Lincoln and Stanton, Speaking for all mothers, find a way to win and end this war. Later Lincoln approaches Stanton. The following dialogue ensues:

Lincoln: She's also right.. There's only so much sacrifice American families should have to bearCan you estimate the shortest path to victory?... [L]et's just discuss it theoretically. Stanton: Theoretically the quickest way to win would be to remove the chief strategist behind their tactics. Lincoln: If Davis were removed, we could win because they would lose their mastermind. Stanton: Yes. Lincoln: What do the rules of engagement say about, uh, removing a sitting president? Stanton: Um, capture is... is frowned upon, but it is within the playbook. Lincoln: What about a more permanent removal by force?

Later, the series has Stanton burning pages from Booths diary because, we are led to believe, they would have implicated the White House.

The premise is absurd. War by assassination is the method of todays American ruling class. It was not the method of Lincoln, who grasped that the Civil War involved not the removal of this or that individual leader, but the defeat of the southern armies and, still more fundamentally, the destruction of slavery. In any case, it is not at all clear that Jefferson Davis leadership aided the Southon more than one occasion he interfered in military decisions to the detriment of the southern cause. Davis was certainly no mastermind.

Needless to say, the theory that Lincoln ordered extralegal killings has not been taken seriously by leading Civil War historians. Reached by this author for a comment, Lincoln biographer Richard Carwardine wrote, I am confident that Lincoln did not order Jefferson Davis assassination. The claim is phony: preposterous is le mot juste!
EXCLUSIVE: CNN has picked up Skys BAFTA-winning Lockerbie doc series from Louis Therouxs Mindhouse.

Lockerbie examines what was the deadliest terror attack on the U.S. before 9/11 on its 35th anniversary. The 1988 bombing of flight Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, led to the deaths of 270 people, 190 of whom were U.S. citizens. With access to victims families, investigators, intelligence officers and other key figures who had not spoken until now, the series follows the disaster from start to end and profiles who was responsible.

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Lockerbie was produced by Theroux, Nancy Strang and Arron Fellows Mindhouse in association with Sky Studios. Directed by John Dower, it beat off competition from another Sky show, Dublin Narcos, along with Channel 4s Evacuation and the BBCs Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland to scoop the BAFTA for Factual Series.

The team behind Lockerbie at the BAFTAs. Image: Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images.

Both Sky/Peacock and the BBC/Netflix are making limited drama series versions of the Lockerbie disaster, with the former starring Colin Firth and the latter Patrick J. Adams and Connor Swindells. Mindhouse, meanwhile, recently made a series about the 20th anniversary of the Columbia space shuttle disaster for CNN and the BBC, which is available to stream on Max.

The news caps off a good week for Mindhouse, which also sold another Sky doc, Tell Them You Love Me, to Netflix.

The feature explores the controversial affair between a married female professor and a non-verbal black man with cerebral palsy.

Mindhouses Fellows said: Were delighted that Lockerbie and Tell Them You Love Me are going to be available in the U.S. after such a brilliant response in the UK. We are increasingly developing and making documentaries and factual projects for the international market at Mindhouse, and we look forward to growing that aspect of the business.

Strang added: Were delighted to be embarking on another collaboration with CNN after Columbia: The Final Flight. The bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1988 was the biggest terrorist attack against America before 9/11, so it felt important that we found the right U.S. partner to work with to deliver this important story to an American audience.

Lockerbie is distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios. Tell Them You Love Me is sold by Kino Lorber in North America. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handle international sales excluding North America on behalf of Sky Studios.

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Idris Elba helps uncover the WWII soldiers of color who never got their due

This image released by National Geographic shows actor Francesco Di Rauso, portraying combat medic Waverly Woodson Jr., who served with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion on D-Day, in a scene from "Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color." (National Geographic via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  One of Idris Elbas grandfathers fought in World War II, but he doesn't know what he endured. No pictures or stories survive. That part of my familys history has been erased somewhat, says Elba.

That helped fuel the actor's push to narrate and executive produce the four-part National Geographic docuseries Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color," which premieres Monday, days ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allies landed on the coast of France, on June 6. Episodes will also later be available on Disney+ and Hulu.

More than 8 million people of color served with the Allies, and the series digs deep to focus on how some fared at D-Day, Dunkirk, Pearl Harbor and the Battle of the Bulge.

It tells the story of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to fight on the D-Day beaches, and Force K6, a little-known Indian regiment of mule handlers from the British army trying to evacuate at Dunkirk.

The series uses archival footage, descendant interviews, soldier journals and actor portrayals  a mix that Elba says he found visceral and moving.

It really did actually impact me just in the narration booth, watching the imagery, looking at the faces, wondering about my own personal connect. Could my grandfather be one of the people in one of the pieces? That was what I thought about. So, it did definitely resonate with me.

The series also highlights stories like that of Doris Miller, a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia who after the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor raced to an unattended anti-aircraft gun and fired at the planes until forced to abandon ship.

He had never been trained to use the gun because Black sailors serving in the segregated stewards branch of the Navy were not given the gunnery training received by white sailors. Miller's bravery earned him the Navy Cross.

It just feels like a privilege and an honor to be able to shed some light on their stories, says director Shianne Brown, who helmed the D-Day episode.

Her episode highlighted Waverly Woodson, Jr., a medic who was wounded by shrapnel during the landing but nevertheless spent the next 30 hours treating the wounded and the dying on Omaha Beach. He would note: "Theres no such thing as a color barrier in action.

Brown says that observation proved so powerful. If your leg has just been blown off, you need a medic to help you. At that moment, youre not going to say to Waverly, No, I dont want you to treat me.

Woodson is being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The announcement was made Monday by Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. Woodson died in 2005.

The series points out that many soldiers of color who fought the Nazis in Europe went home  the Indians back to British colonization and Black Americans to bitter racism  and began agitating for change because of what they'd witnessed and earned. Civil rights icon Medgar Evers, after all, was at D-Day.

A lot of these men and women never felt like they were human before going to Europe and then being treated like a normal human being by the white population, says Brown. I cant even imagine how that would have felt for them. Youve been fighting against Hitler and the Nazis and against fascism and hate, and you go home and you experience racial terror.

The filmmakers found very little footage of non-white soldiers in the archives and so were moved when they finally came across images of a Black unit marching in central England before D-Day or Black soldiers cheering the fall of the Nazis. It was just very odd to see a Black man in Nazi Germany, says Elba.

Elba urged the directors and editors to try to put the audience into the action, like the films Saving Private Ryan or Dunkirk. That meant filming recreations of bombings in villages in France, wading into the ocean with heavy gear and soldiers enduring beach strafing.

I was really encouraging of the filmmakers to really go for it, he says. Giving you a little glimpse of, from a fictional perspective, what it might have looked like and how heroic these soldiers were.

At the same time, the filmmakers wanted to show how horrible and frightening combat can be, the randomness of casualties and the agonizing wait before deployment.

We dont want to glorify whats going on, but we actually wanted to paint the heroism in a way that was relatable to the way weve seen films of this nature, Elba says.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
Jennifer Garner & Ben Afflecks Daughter Violet May Have Just Hinted About Whats in Store for College

Its clear that Jennifer Garner is the proudest mother to her and Ben Afflecks eldest daughter, Violet, especially after their eldest daughter just graduated high school. Garner has shown fans all of the emotions shes felt during this time, and amid all the posts from everyone celebrating Violets impressive accomplishment, eagle-eyed fans noticed something.

Per EOnline, her high schools public Instagram shared in a photo shared of multiple graduating students, including Violet. And in this pic, fans noticed that Violet was wearing a sweater with Yale written in white. So it seems Violet may be ready to head off to the Ivy League school, Yale!

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Now, her neither of her parents attended Yale, nor her stepparents (reportedly). Garner studied theater at Denison University, and her father, Affleck, went to the University of Vermont for Spanish, and later Occidental College for Middle Eastern affairs; where he reportedly graduated, per Patch.

As for her stepparents, Jennifer Lopez only attended one semester of New Yorks Baruch College, and Garners beau John Miller has gone to college, but we dont know where.

Congrats to Violet, and we hope she has an amazing time at this next step in her life!

Jennifer Garner and her daughter Violet. Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images.

For those who dont know, Garner and Affleck met on the set of the 2004 movie Daredevil. Within a year, they got engaged, and by June 2005, they were married. They welcomed three children together named Violet, born Dec 2005, Seraphina, born Jan 2009, and Samuel, born in Feb 2012.

However, in June 2015, after 10 years of marriage exactly, they announced they were divorcing and by Oct 2018, it was finalized; but they continue to co-parent their children.

Before you go, click here to see all the celebrity couples who met on set.



Kelly Preston, John Travolta

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John Oliver took a hit at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hindu nationalism and censorship on Sunday's edition of "Last Week Tonight."

The British-American comedian noted that India's election results will be announced on June 4 and it's almost a guarantee that Modi will remain in power. "One polling organization found he has an approval rating of 74%, more than any world leader they track," Oliver pointed out.

However, Oliver noted that this isn't the first time the show has covered Modi and his steady push to convert India, one of the largest countries in the world, into a Hindu nationalist state. Oliver said that Modi and his party have rejected "Indias history as a pluralistic nation and trying to push it toward becoming an explicitly Hindu one."

Moreover, the comedian highlighted there is a reason why Modi is very popular with his constituents. Oliver said he campaigned on "expanding access to sanitation and water facilities and has invested billions in a nationwide upgrade of the countrys roads, railways, airports, and seaports. On top of that, thereve been programs to alleviate poverty, for which some citizens thank him personally." But the biggest reason for Modi's success is his economic record. During his tenure, the country has "grown to become the worlds fifth-largest economy. Its almost twice as big as it was, and its stock market has grown threefold since he took office."

But there is a major caveat, Oliver noted, since India changed how it defines poverty to a measure that includes fewer people than before. "Right, anyone can get rid of 'all' poverty if you just change the definition of 'poor people' to something else, like, I dunno, 'fire hydrants' or 'opposite snakes,'" Oliver quipped.

The show also highlighted growing wealth gap between the country's rich and poor. "By some estimates, just one million people now control around 80% of Indias wealth. And as theyve gotten richer, much of the country has gotten poorer," Oliver said.

And as this wealth gap widens, criticizing Modi and his party has become increasingly difficult as censorship runs wild and Modi-aligned billionaires own some media companies, Oliver continued.

"Basically, if you criticize Modi, theres a pretty good chance things are going to get very unpleasant for you. And given that were here in America, Im honestly not too worried about Modis goons coming after me," Oliver joked.

"But on the off chance their reach does extend this far, you know what? F***ing try it. You want to try and shut us down for being critical? I dare you. Do you have any idea who I am? Im Bill f***ing Maher, and my show has been on forholy s**tover 20 years now, and if you want to take us down, take your best shot," he quipped.

Oliver mentioned that "Last Week Tonight" has been censored in India too. Crackdowns create "a clear chilling effect where media outlets may well be intimidated out of criticizing Modi. That could actually help explain why Hotstar, the platform we were on in 2020, mysteriously chose to block our episode criticizing Modi."

Additionally, Oliver spoke to the growing and troubling anti-Muslim sentiment in India amid rising Hindu nationalism. In one case, Modi opened a Hindu temple built on the site of a mosque that was demolished by a Hindu mob in the '90s, in a conflict that killed over 2,000 mostly Muslim people.

Oliver said "asking a British person, 'What should we do about India?' is a little bit dangerous, as we tend to have quite a lot of ideas, none of which should be listened to. But as an international community, it seems past time to stop the uncritical fawning praise of a man who is, to put it mildly, a deeply complicated figure."

However, he understands that "this episode is almost definitely not going to end up airing in India. And depending on what they do with the laws around YouTube, Im not totally sure whatll happen to it there, either. So if this show does get taken down, and if you have friends or family living in India whod like to see it, just encourage them to visit OppositeSnakes.com where theyll find tons of fascinating facts on opposite snakes, as well as a 25-minute video titled 'Opposite Snakes,' which is, in fact, this entire story."

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver airs on Sundays at 11 p.m. ET on Max.
The Scene

Ethiopian percussionist Mulatu Astatke  widely recognized as the father of Ethio-Jazz  wants the sub-genre he helped kickstart nearly 60 years ago to have a more prominent role on the world stage. And he is determined to make it happen.

Speaking to Semafor Africa on the sidelines of the Addis Jazz Festival at the historic Ghion Hotels Africa Jazz Village, Astatke, 80, says that the time has come for the world to understand the science behind a sound that is synonymous with Ethiopias unique recent history.

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Ethio-Jazz got started in the 1950s after the newly appointed director of Ethiopias National Opera, an Ethiopian-Armenian called Nerses Nalbandian, was commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie to compose music for the Ethiopian National Theatre. He ended up blending traditional Ethiopian music with Western classical instruments which created the foundation for Ethio-jazz.

The appeal of Ethio-Jazz lies in the way it manages to bring together different worlds, says Astatke, known for playing percussion instruments including the conga and vibraphone. In Ethio-Jazz you have the Ethiopian four modes on the bottom, laying traditional Ethiopian music composition, that Ethiopian flavor, and you add the world on top of that; thats the science of Ethio-Jazz.

Now he has a new project that aims to tell the stories of the scientists behind the creation of Ethiopias traditional musical instruments. It will, bring the traditional Ethiopian musicians, the , to the 21st Century, he says.

The appreciation for Ethio-Jazz should be extended to the scientists of Ethiopian music, says Astatke, Those who have created its traditional musical instruments. For Astatke, its important that Ethiopians get to love and understand these instruments like the krarr, the begena, and the kebeno as much as they appreciate saxophone, cello, or piano.

He says that its time to champion the people who came before him. Ethio-Jazz has reached Hollywood now, and now Im standing for those people who created me.

You have to be educated to know and appreciate art, music, and culture. He emphasizes, Africans have contributed so much culture into the world, and this has to be recognized, more than whats happening today.

Ethio-jazz is on the global stage today, but it wasnt an easy road getting it there traveling across Europe and North America he says. It wasnt an easy life. It took me 50 years to get it where it is today.
Love Island USA 2024: How to watch Season 6 with new host Ariana Madix

Love Island USA will be back TV on soon for Season 6 with a new host and cast.

The series is based on the U.K. show of the same name. "Love Island USA" Season 6 will follow the Islanders, or contestants, in Fiji as they couple up, compete in challenges and deal with whatever drama is thrown their way. Surprises are in store, such as an ex showing up at the villa or a hot new bombshell taking their partner's attention away.

Islanders have the option to stay with their partners or to recouple with someone new. They also must deal with votes from the audience that determine whether their journey to finding love will be cut short or not.

By the end, one couple will walk away with a cash prize of $100,000.

The "Love Island USA" Season 5 winners were Hannah Wright and Marco Donatelli, who coupled up as soon as Hannah arrived in the villa. The two stayed together to the finale despite Marcos ex  also named Hannah  showing up.

Heres how to watch Love Island USA Season 6.

Simu Liu's Arizona connection: he reveals his ties to AZ and why he wishes the Suns would get it together

Is there a Love Island USA this year?

Yes, Love Island USA and Peacock confirmed on their Instagram that a new season of the show will arrive this summer, complete with a new host.

When does 'Love Island US' start?

Love Island USA Season 6 starts on Tuesday, June 11.

Who is the host of Love Island Season 6?

Ariana Madix, shown in a guest appearance on Episode 8 of "Love Island USA" Season 5, is best known for starring on "Vanderpump Rules" and appearing on "Dancing with the Stars." Madix also played Roxie Hart in the beloved Broadway musical "Chicago."

Sarah Hyland, the previous host of Love Island USA, will be replaced in Season 6 by Ariana Madix from the reality series Vanderpump Rules.

Where can I watch Love Island USA Season 6?

You can watch Love Island USA Season 6 Episode 1 on Bravo on Thursday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. MST.

You can stream the show as it airs starting Tuesday, June 11, on Peacock. A Premium Monthly plan costs $5.99 or there is a special deal for a Premium Annual plan at $19.99 for one year. The Premium Plus plan, which is ad-free, costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 a year.

You can also catch up on Season 4 and 5 of Love Island USA on Peacock.

Love Island USA Season 5 winners

The winners of Love Island USA Season 5 were Hannah Wright and Marco Donatelli. The two coupled up as soon as Hannah arrived in the villa and stayed together to the finale despite bumps in the road like Marcos ex  also named Hannah  showing up.

Love Island 2024 cast

The cast for Love Island USA Season 6 has not yet been announced.

Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When does 'Love Island US' start? Where to watch Season 6
If theres anything to be gleaned about royal style, its that their clothing choices carry meaning. How could they not? When you think of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and even the current Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, more often than not, their sartorial decisions have given them a voiceor at the very least defined their personal brandin a job where they dont always get to speak up.

Samir Hussein/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

Thats part of the reason its so fun to keep such close tabs. Shopping interest aside, when a fan account clocks a royal family members style, it often provides an opportunity to derive hidden meaning behind what theyre wearing. Yes, occasionally, the choices are quite obviouslike when Kate chose a Sentaler coat (and Canadian-based designer) for a royal tour of Canadabut other times, the choices are subtle. (In the case of Diana alone, think of the significance behind pieces ranging from the black sheep sweater to the revenge dress.)

That brings us to Meghan Markle. Shes no longer a senior working member of the royal family, but as the Duchess of Sussex, her royal tiesand the eagle eye trained on her fashionremain. Shes also no stranger to making sartorial decisions where a line can be drawn. (Remember when she wore the husband shirt to an Invictus Games event with Prince Harry well ahead of announcing their engagement?)

Kola Sulaimon/Karwai Tang/Getty Images

This is exactly why a few recent ensembles caused meand many other royal experts and watchersto take note. First, a quick flash back to February when Meghan wore a coat called the Kensington for an Invictus Games kick-off event with Prince Harry in Whistler, Canada. Fast forward a few weeks to March when Meghan (and Harry) found themselves in San Antonio, Texas, for an Archewell-tied visit to an organization called the Welcome Project. Meghan chose a jacket called the Diana for that.

Finally, just this month while on a trip to Nigeria, again on behalf of the Invictus Games and alongside Prince Harry, Meghan wore a gorgeous maxi dress from designer Heidi Merrick that garnered quite a few headlines. Its name? The Windsor.

Now, the sartorial head-scratcher: Is Meghan intentionally nodding to her royal roots...or is this all just a coincidence?

Gareth Cattermole/Max Mumby/Getty Images

According to Bethan Holt, fashion director at the Telegraph and author of The Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style, coincidence? It is not. Meghan will be aware by now of the extra attention paid to her style choices and that it wont go unnoticed that she is wearing pieces that allude to Harrys royal background, she says. In a way, its a clever move because it provides a subtle reminder of the Sussexes royal links despite them very clearly carving their own path, but without being so obvious that its seen as cynical, like if she copied a Princess Diana outfit, for example.

Elizabeth Holmes, royal expert and author of HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, agrees. Upon hearing the style names of pieces Meghan has worn, I always smile, Holmes says. This is someone who is deeply familiar with the language of fashion, thanks to her days on screen working with a costume designer and as a very successful influencer covering fashion on her lifestyle blog the Tig. Meghan knows how this world worksand she has long before she joined the royal fold. (Cue a reference from Holmes to the aforementioned husband shirt.)

But given the fact that including messages in your clothing is a hallmark of royal dressing, what is Meghans message here? Can we infer any meaning from the effort to connect the dots back to her royal life, especially when the state of family relations currently isnt so great? Is it an olive branch perhaps?

Its important for Meghan and Harrys public profile and work that they continue to remind us of their royal past, Holt says. Fashion is a great tool for this.

Ultimately, its very smart, adds Holmes. I think this shows Meghan knows very well that her fashion is as much a talking point now as it was during her time as a senior working royal, she says. To add that extra layer of thought to itit helps draw attention to the work she and Harry are doing and it feels like a fun Easter Egg at a time when, thanks to Taylor Swift, the internet really loves that sort of thing.

With the launch of American Riviera Orchard on the horizon, I think its safe to assume theres more to come.

8 Times Meghan Markle Fabulously Inspired Her Own Style (from Wrap Coats to Leather Pencil Skirts)
SST: Death Flight is a 1977 American action thriller disaster film. It follows the first supersonic flight, which turns into a fearful and deadly experience when the dissatisfied engineer unleashes a lethal virus to cause destruction.

Heres how you can watch and stream SST: Death Flight via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.

Is SST: Death Flight available to watch via streaming?

Yes, SST: Death Flight is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

The film follows the first commercial supersonic flight from New York to Paris disrupted by a dissatisfied engineer named Les Phillips. The flight crew attempts to repair the breach, resulting in an explosive decompression process that ruptures a medical consignment of Senegal Flu. The jet breaks control while maneuvering, and the virus spreads in the plane, contaminating passengers. Meanwhile, France cancels the planes landing privileges, so the passengers decide not to land in London as well to avoid spreading the virus. The SST attempts to redirect to Senegal, the only country that has wrestled with the virus.

Directed by David Lowell Rich, the cast features Peter Graves, Lorne Greene, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strasberg, and Barbara Anderson.

Watch SST: Death Flight streaming via Amazon Prime Video

SST: Death Flight is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

The streaming platform offers a wide range of content to watch & stream. Popular titles to stream are Expats, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Deadloch, Outer Range, and Maxton Hall  The World Between Us.

You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps:

Go to Amazon Prime Video Select Sign in and Create your Amazon account Sign up for a Prime Video membership: $14.99 per month or $139 per year with an Amazon Prime membership

$8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership

Amazon Prime is the online retailers paid service that provides fast shipping and exclusive sales on products, so the membership that includes both this service and Prime Video is the companys most popular offering. However, you can also opt to subscribe to Prime Video separately.

SST: Death Flights official synopsis is as follows:

On its maiden flight, the crew of Americas first supersonic transport learns that it may not be able to land, due to an act of sabotage and a deadly flu onboard.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

Eric Interview: Benedict Cumberbatch & Gaby Hoffmann on Netflix Drama ComingSoon Editor-in-Chief Tyler Treese spoke with Eric stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Gaby Hoffmann about the Netflix series, which is now TV Tyler Treese 18 hours ago Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Release Date Set for Netflix Series Netflix has officially set the Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft release date, revealing when the animated series set TV Anthony Nash 2 days ago Goosebumps Season 2: Arjun Athalye, Stony Blyden, More Added to Disney+ Series The cast of the upcoming Goosebumps Season 2 continues to grow, with Disney announcing a handful of actors have joined the cast TV Anthony Nash 2 days ago Michael Keaton Found Beetlejuices Pop Culture Impact Off-Putting Thirty years later, Michael Keaton is going back to his poltergeist roots in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. We should enter this sequel Movies Carly Levy 2 days ago Read more

The post SST: Death Flight Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Amazon Prime Video appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
A Michigan man who went viral after a judge noticed him driving while he attended a virtual Zoom court hearing with a "suspended license" is being vindicated by an apparent clerical error.

Corey Harris, 44, attended the virtual hearing May 15 for charges related to an October traffic stop in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. A clip from the hearing spread like wildfire across the internet last week, with many in disbelief that Harris would drive with a suspended license right in front of Judge Cedric Simpson.

After noticing what Harris was doing, Simpson revoked his bond and ordered him to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that day. What Simpson and no one in the courtroom apparently knew was that another judge had rescinded Harris' license suspension in January 2022, according to Saginaw County court records obtained by USA TODAY on Monday.

Here's what we know.

A Michigan man in court for a suspended driver's license shocked a judge by joining his Zoom hearing while in his car driving.

Why didn't court know Harris' license had been reinstated?

Harris' license had been suspended during a now-settled child support case with Saginaw County Friend of the Court before it was ordered reinstated, court records show.

The reason Simpson and no one in the courtroom knew about the reinstatement is because the Michigan Secretary of State's office never received a clearance from the Saginaw County Friend of the Court, reported WXYZ-TV, which was the first outlet to track down the clerical error in court records.

Without clearance, the lift on Harris' license never officially went into effect, according to the Detroit-based TV station.

USA TODAY contacted the Michigan Secretary of State's office and Simpson's chambers but did not receive a response. The Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office, which represents Harris in the ongoing case, was closed when USA TODAY called.

'I don't even know why he would do that'

Simpson's ruling came as Harris was driving his wife to the doctor due to a worsening medical condition, WXYZ-TV reported.

"I don't even know why he would do that," Simpson can be heard saying about Harris in the now-viral video clip.

When Harris heard Simpson order him to jail, his mouth fell open.

WXYZ-TV interviewed Harris, asking him what was going through his mind during the now-viral hearing.

"What was I thinking? I was thinking about getting my wife medical help. That's what I was thinking," Harris told the TV station. "I wasn't thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license. I don't care about all that."

'It's very embarrassing'

Harris spent two days in jail after the hearing, abiding by Simpson's order and turning himself in. Although Harris did the time, he told WXYZ-TV that the license suspension was "supposed to have been lifted two years ago, but they didn't."

"It's very embarrassing," Harris said about the whole situation.

Khyla Craine, deputy legal director for the Michigan Secretary of State, told the station that the process to get a driver's license reinstated "can be complicated."

"Sometimes it is simple as we at the Secretary of State's office did not get a clearance from the court that everything was done, but something happened in the wires, and we needed to talk to the court to get the clearance and clean it up for the resident," Craine said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan man in viral Zoom court hearing had license suspension lifted
Residents of Stark and other Ohio counties along the historic Lincoln Highway will have wait a few more days to witness the iconic sight and sound of a 1924 Model T Ford.

A Model T's trip across the country was slated to bring it through Minerva, Canton, Massillon and Wooster Tuesday morning. However, the car is currently stuck in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, awaiting replacement parts to repair a piston knock.

The century-old automobile is being shown off as part of the 19-day "Sea to Sea in a Model T" event put on by the Museum of American Speed.

The event started Sunday in New York City and plans to finish its cross-country journey in San Francisco on June 20.

The Model T going across the country, a replica of the real 10 millionth unit sold, will resume its drive from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to Mansfield when it is repaired. Its path will see the Canton area when it reaches Tuscarawas Street.

Sea to Sea Model T coming through Canton

Bruce Dockstader plans to be in Stark to see the car.

"It's not every day that someone drives a Model T, and even fewer days does someone say they're driving a Model T from New York to San Francisco," Dockstader said. "They also have a very specific sound that when I hear it, I know a Model T is nearby."

A 1924 Ford Model T will make its way across Ohio Tuesday as part of the 19-day "Sea to Sea in a Model T" event put on by the Museum of American Speed. The vehicle, which represents the 10 millionth Model T made, will mark the Model T's trip 100 years ago along the Lincoln Highway, including parts of Minerva, Canton and Massillon as well as Wooster en route to San Francisco.

Dockstader, a 77-year-old Kent resident and car enthusiast, is a member of the Greater Akron Model T Club. He is making the drive down to Canton in his own Model T, a 1918 "Centerdoor" sedan. Dockstader's grandfather got the car in 1920 when he returned from service in WW I and drove it until it broke down in 1926, at which point it was hidden away in the family barn. Dockstader restored the car in 1964.

"I've been interested in old cars since I was old enough to take the key to the barn and sit in that car," Dockstader said. "Now I drive it around the world."

Dockstader is retired, but said working on and building cars keeps him busy. He has built a firetruck and a pickup out of spare parts in his free time using his doctorate degree in engineering from the University of Iowa. Getting old cars working is more fulfilling than just looking at them, Dockstader said.

"I like cars that drive, and the Model T Club is full of people that like to drive them," Dockstader said. "We don't have show cars, we have driving cars."

Dockstader said the Model T Club will gather at the bus terminal on Tuscarawas Street in Canton around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday to wait for the passing of the Model T.

"It's been a fun story to tell," Kelsey Bugjo, public relations and content marketing manager for Speedway Motors and the event's media inquiries contact, said. "A coast-to-coast trip in a Model T is special."

The Model T Ford's centurion legacy

The Model T was invented by Henry Ford with the intention of being a universal car affordable to all American families. It was first produced in 1908 and became one of the first mass-produced cars by Ford's invention of the assembly line, which produced Model T units until production ended in 1927. In that time, more than 15 million Model T automobiles were sold, according to Ford's website.

The cross-country journey in a Model T was started in 1924 to commemorate the production of the 10 millionth Model T Ford unit. This year's commemorative journey follows the same route along the Lincoln Highway.

The Museum of American Speed's 1924 Model T Ford was donated on loan by the family of the late Dr. Alan Hathaway. The Hathaway family completed the journey twice, commemorating the 50th and 75th respective anniversaries of the same unit.

Ford's Model T reflects a long lifespan of automobile innovation, possessing of many tenets Dockstader says remain a trademark of American driving.

"As I drive my old car down the road and look at modern ones, they're bigger and have more horsepower, but the core components are the same," he said. "At the end of the day, you have an engine that delivers transmission to the wheels that make the thing drive."

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 1924 Model T Ford to make century trip through Ohio on Lincoln Highway
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The Tyler Area Builders Association kicked off their 71st Parade of Homes on Sunday.

Volunteers help children with special needs fish at Lake Gladewater

Were showing the local trends that are going on this year and design aspects for everybody to get inspired and creative, founder and principal designer of Little Creek+Co. Brooke Droptini said.

















Until June 9, East Texans will get the chance to visit 29 new builds to get ideas for their own homes.

There is a lot of options out there, a lot of remodels going on, a lot of people are in just getting ideas for that, and so that really just gives them a really good showcase of everything to see it, Holland Homes builder Brian Holland said.

The parade features all kinds of styles and this year one home was completely furnished by the Goodwill Industries of East Texas.

It helps promote the trades and craftsmanship that we have right here in our local East Texas area, Droptini said.

One job my whole life: Tyler Mayor honors Caldwell Zoo employee with own day

Its also a great time to meet the people behind the build and get answers on the spot.

Being able to walk through and really just ask the detailed questions, what is that countertop material that youre using?, where can I source the tile that is in the hall,?' Droptini said.

A portion of the ticket cost also goes back to the community as donations to the Kingdom Life Academy and the North Tyler Academy.

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 KETK.com | FOX51.com.
When Isabelle Nieves wound up in the band class at Germantown Middle School in 2017, she didnt want to play the flute. As a matter of fact, she wasnt eager to play any instrument. Her mother had made her take piano lessons for a few years when she was in elementary school, and she had hated it.

But if youre going to be in a school band, youve got to play something, so Nieves decided she would pick the clarinet or trumpet. At least she was familiar with these. Students, however, got to select their instruments alphabetically; and by the time the teacher got to her last name, the flute was all that was left.

They say you dont choose your instrument; your instrument chooses you, she said.

Nieves couldnt help but wish she had been chosen by a different instrument. Playing the flute, she thought, would be horrible. It was difficult to carry, and she felt she looked weird holding it.

I was like, Man, this is really going to suck, she said.

Isabelle Nieves is a part of Prizm Ensemble, which is a music education program that trains young, underserved chamber music musicians grades six through twelve. She plays a few notes on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tenn.

Initially, Nieves struggled to play the flute and thought about quitting. But as time passed, her attitude changed. She got better and learned to read music. In seventh grade, she won an award at the schools band banquet, a major confidence booster. She started playing more difficult pieces and began to see all the creative possibilities the flute could offer.

She developed a love for the flute  and fostering that love was a Memphis nonprofit, PRIZM Ensemble.

Creating community with chamber music

Nieves is one of the many students in the Memphis area who has worked with the organization that looks to build a diverse community through chamber music  typically classical music performed by groups of three to nine people.

A major component of the organization is its two-week summer music camp, which is slated to run from June 3 to 15 and boasts seasoned, professional musicians as faculty. The camp draws a diverse group of sixth- through 12th-grade students from a wide variety of schools and neighborhoods  it has 102 participants this year  and gives them the opportunity to work closely with veteran musicians.

More: How a Memphis artist uses bobcats and ladybugs to help foster youth feel more at home

For students at the camp, which is held at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, the small ratio (the faculty-to-student ratio at the camp is 5:1) is a major benefit. Not all of them can afford private lessons and otherwise must learn how to play instruments in large school classes. Nieves was among the students who couldnt pay for private lessons; and when she started with PRIZM as a middle schooler, she didnt know how to read music.

PRIZM is very individualized, Nieves said. It's very small. Like you learn in smaller groups, whereas in a regular class setting, it's you have like 30, 40, 50 kids in one class all learning at one time.

Another PRIZM student, Anjali Jackson  who did take private lessons  also found her sight reading improve through the summer camp. And playing in the small chamber groups helped her get better at picking up on cues.

Im just better as a musician, she said. Its been really great.

Anjali Jackson is a part of Prizm Ensemble, which is a music education program that trains young, underserved chamber music musicians grades six through twelve. She plays a few notes on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tenn.

The camp isnt free; it costs $400 for both weeks and $200 for one week. But it offers an array of scholarships to make the offering more accessible. A major goal of the organization is to provide classical music exposure to people who might not otherwise receive it.

Were going to get the young kids whose parents know about the benefits of chamber music and classical music, said Gavin Wigginson, the executive director of PRIZM. But what about the young people who dont have that? So how do we present ourselves in such a way that were accessible, and that they can benefit from it?

Top performers

One benefit is the chance to see world-class musicians perform.

PRIZM has made a habit of bringing in top-tier performers for its International Chamber Music Festival, which goes hand-in-hand with the summer camp. This year, for example, its bringing in the Grammy award-winning chamber music quintet Imani Winds and the Dior Quartet, the quartet-in-residence at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

When PRIZM selects music groups like these, it keeps diversity in mind.

The nonprofit believes in bringing youth from different socioeconomic backgrounds together, and it wants the makeup of the summer camps faculty and student population to reflect the demographics of Memphis. In that same vein, it tries to bring in diverse groups of world-class musicians for the festival.

We invite students out to that so they can actually hear musicians playing, and the goal is to keep them not only engaged, in terms of building their skills, but helping them to experience chamber music, Wigginson said.

Flutist Isabelle Nieves and cellist Anjali Jackson are part of Prizm Ensemble, which is a music education program that trains young, underserved chamber music musicians grades six through twelve. They play a few notes on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tenn.

'All the important things for music'

PRIZM also offers a college and career prep workshop for its students  to help them prepare for auditions  and a winter workshop. It runs a program called PRIZM Connect, which involves bringing instruments and chamber groups into schools that dont have music programs, to give their students the chance to take up instruments.

And throughout the year, it gives its students opportunities to perform.

Nieves has taken advantage of these opportunities and she fondly remembered performing at LeMoyne-Owen College.

Community news: Shot and injured before prom, a Memphis community made sure this student wouldn't miss it

Her time with PRIZM is nearing its close. She started attending the summer camps in middle school and continued to attend them during her time at Germantown High School. But she recently graduated, and shes set to attend the University of Mississippi and study music education in the fall.

This upcoming summer camp will be her final one as a student. But she isnt likely to forget about PRIZM any time soon.

I learned fundamentals here. I learned different techniques that have helped me through auditions here, she said. Pretty much all the important things for music [Ive learned] since I've been here, have carried me through my music career.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis nonprofit PRIZM brings classical music to Shelby Co. youth
It's almost tomato time. Here are a CA tomato lover's picks for the best in the area

A haul of fresh tomatoes from the Agricenter International Farmers Market is exactly what the doctor ordered for the 2024 summer.

They're coming.

By the millions they'll burst forth from the ground in Tennessee, crawling upwards to the sky as their genetics have pre-programmed them to do for tens of thousands of years, their arrival in chorus with the change of seasons.

Are we talking about cicadas? No.

Tomatoes? Yes.

I've been obsessed with the annual hunt for the perfect tomato in the Memphis area for longer than I'd like to publicize. To me, the world stands still when I carve up thick slices of the often, but not exclusively, crimson red fruit. They are the star of summer in Tennessee, and whether you are content with a zhuzh of coarse salt or crafting an opulent dish where the 'mater is the star  it's essential to know where to go in the Memphis area for the world's most consumed agricultural gem.

Food news: Get ready, Caniacs! Raising Cane's is finally coming to the Mid-South

More: Memphis barbecue about to become one of Tennessee's official state foods

To that end, may I present a non-exhaustive guide to 'maters in Memphis, in no specific hierarchy.

Farmers markets

An obvious guess for finding fresh tomatoes, Memphis has multiple farmers markets, with the majority of them operating one, maybe two days a week. Smaller markets, like the Bartlett Station Farmers Market or the South Memphis Farmers Market, are fantastic for finding smaller family-run markets that have more direct oversight of their produce.

If you need a more regular source of tomatoes (or any other seasonal produce for that matter), hit up the faithful Agricenter International Farmers Market. which is open Monday through Saturday until Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

At the Agricenter, you'll find a range of tomatoes beyond the iconic Ripley tomato. Late May will feature heirlooms of every shade possible at multiple stalls. And, more niche finds like Jet Star and Brandywine tomatoes and heartier big boys like the Beefsteak, start to populate the market in full force by mid-June.

Sun-Gold Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes from Whitton Farms at the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market.

The fine folks at Choose 901 recently published an updated list of all farmers markets throughout Memphis.

Days and hours of operation vary by market and by season. Make sure to check individual hours for each market.

Jones Orchard

The Millington stalwart is slightly more synonymous with juicy peaches (also very, very excellent) but you can always count on securing a Ripleys, perfectly green tomatoes for your frying needs. The storefront component of the orchard always has some extra goodies on hand; please take my word for it and buy several fried hand pies if they're available.

Jones Orchard is a bit of a compound, and the market is located at 6850 Singleton Pkwy in Millington. They are open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Ripley tomato stands

Got a couple of hours to kill on a pretty day? Hop on Highway 51 and head north from Memphis for a bit and then pick a roadside shack, any roadside shack  the shabbier the better.

The town of Ripley is proud of their signature tomato, so much so they even devote an annual festival to it  the Lauderdale County Tomato Festival. Maybe it's all in my imagination, but I tend to think the best Ripley tomatoes are indeed found in Ripley, grown by folks who take enormous pride in their crop.

You'll also run across other prizes at said roadside shacks, possibly homemade lemonade.

The roadside stands are typically staffed most days all summer long, with hours varying by each location.

Emergency tomatoes at the Cupboard

There's no way I'm the only person who realizes at 6 p.m. on a Sunday that a Caprese salad is in order to stave off the "Sunday Scaries."

When the farmers markets are quiet, The Cupboard is up and running daily until 8 p.m., and they reliably have a stash of Ripley tomatoes for sale at the front register, no table service required.

But, if the spirit moves you, have a seat for one of the best meat-and-three meals this side of the Mississippi River.

The Cupboard is located at 1400 Union Ave. in Memphis and it is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Micaela Watts was a reporter and tomato enthusiast with The Commercial Appeal.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Where to find the best summer tomatoes in the Memphis area, Ripley
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.
Need a free meal? Here are summer food programs in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson

As the 2023-2024 school year concludes for many students across the Upstate, districts across the Upstate have recently announced free summer breakfast and lunch programs to help combat hunger, food deserts and limited nutritional resources for families in areas of need.

Food deserts appear in Greenville's Districts 17, 18, 19, and 25, the Greenville News has reported. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food deserts typically occur in places with smaller populations, higher rates of abandoned or vacant homes, lower incomes, and higher unemployment.

In late 2023, Spartanburg's southside residents lost a Piggly Wiggly grocery store, and in 2019 also lost a Save-A-Lot store, leaving many local residents without a grocery store within walking distance. In Anderson, homes surrounding downtown, along the Alphabet Streets or near East Whitner Street do not have much close access to affordable, nutritional food.

For those in-need of free breakfast and lunch nutrition service options in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, here are a list of programs happening July through August in the Upstate:

Greenville County food deserts

What to know: Panera Bread's 'Charged Lemonade' drink removed, list of Upstate restaurants

Where to find free breakfast and lunch options

Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services will partner in the Seamless Summer Food Service Program through June and July as 13 different school sites across the county will serve two meals a day during, Mondays through Thursdays, beginning June 3 through August 1.

All Children under 18 are eligible to participate in the program.

Principal Damon Qualls visits with students during lunch at Monaview Elementary School during the first day of the school year for Greenville County School District on Monday, August 15, 2022.

Breakfast will open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch will run 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the following schools:

Berea High

Blue Ridge High

Bryson Middle

Carolina High and Academy

Eastside High

Greenville Senior High

Greer Middle

Fountain Inn High

J.L. Mann High Academy

Southside High

Traveler's Rest High

Wade Hampton High

Woodmont High

Roper Mountain Science Center will host lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday starting on June 1 through July 27, and all Seamless Summer Food Service Program locations will be closed during the Fourth of July holiday.

For more information visit http://gcsfans.com, or call 864-355-3100.

Children in Greenville and Pickens counties will be offered free meals this summer.

Free breakfast and lunch options in Spartanburg

Spartanburg School District Seven is currently offering a free summer meal program for ages 18 and under provided by the US Department of Agriculture's Summer Meals Programs.

Here is a list of the participating sites taking place now through August:

Saint Paul Missionary  June 3 to August 10, breakfast: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch: 11 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.

PCA Piedmont Community Action  June 3 to July 26, breakfast: 8:15 a.m. to 9:04 a.m., lunch: 11:15 a.m. to noon

CC Woodson  June 3 to August 2, lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thornton Center  June 10 to July 24, lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dr. TK Gregg Community Center  June 3 to August 2, lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Macedonia Baptist Church  May 28 to August 2, breakfast: 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Willis Road YMCA  May 28 to August 2, lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Maranatha Ministries  June 3 to August 2, breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Una New Life  June 3 to August 2, breakfast: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Free breakfast and lunch in Anderson

Available through July 19

Centerville  breakfast: 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friendship Court Apartments  lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Glenview Middle School  breakfast: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Toxaway United Methodist  lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Welfare Baptist  breakfast: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Trinity Christian  breakfast: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grace Baptist  breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m., lunch 11 to 11:45 a.m.

List of additional locations open in Anderson:

Midway  available June 6 to July 17, breakfast: 9 to 9:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New Prospect  available May 28 to June 27, breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Robert Anderson Middle  available June 3 to June 27, breakfast: 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

TL Hanna High  available May 23 to July 19, breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Check back for more additional information, as this list will be updated

Did we miss any free food programs for children under the age of 18? Please reach out to ajackson@gannett.com with updated lists and site locations.

 A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Here are free summer meal programs in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson
PORTSMOUTH  The summer food drive Fill the Hall  run by the anti-hunger nonprofit Gather  is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday June 22 at The Music Hall.

Were putting the call out to the Seacoast community to help us make this the most successful food drive in our history! said Gather Executive Director Anne Hayes.

Donations can be dropped off at The Music Hall located at 28 Chestnut St. on June 22 from from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, more than 30 area restaurants are participating in a contest to collect the most donations. Be on the lookout for the We Helped Fill the Hall sticker in the window of your favorite local spot. Drop your donations in their bin.

The Fill The Hall organizing committee is ready for the 10th annual event accepting donations at The Music Hall Saturday, June 22, 2024.

On the top of the wish list are items like: snacks, peanut butter, juice boxes, canned tuna, rice, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, soup, personal care items, diapers and wipes. Monetary donations enable Gather to purchase fresh veggies, milk, fruit, and other perishable items are being accepted at gathernh.org/fill-the-hall2024.

History of Fill the Hall in Portsmouth

Gathers largest food drive was inspired by an effort that dates back 30 years to when community activist Denise Wheeler and former Gather board member Scott McKee began volunteering to raise money and awareness about childhood hunger relief with the national group known as Share Our Strength. Ten years ago, in a conversation about their efforts, a friend mentioned a Vermont town that filled up their local theater with food donations. That sparked the idea and Wheeler and McKee approached Gather and Monte Bohanan, who was marketing director at The Music Hall at the time. They both immediately signed on. The first Fill the Hall was a resounding success and it has expanded every year since. This years lead sponsor is Green & Co. Real Estate.

The Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle, urges everyone who can to participate; This collaboration is an excellent example of how we can help improve the lives of struggling families by making it easy for our neighbors to pitch in. Fill the Hall benefits Gathers Meals 4 Kids program, which operates during school vacations when children do not have access to free school meals. Gathers goal is to bridge these gaps and ensure that children have consistent access to nutritious food through the summer months. This year, Seacoast Outright joins the Gather-Music Hall collaboration with its advocacy and events for Pride celebration, also happening June 22. The Pride March starts at 1 p.m. on Pleasant Street.

Wheeler said, With volunteers and donors returning year after year, Fill the Hall has taken on a fun, spirited, community feel. It's a special day I look forward to every year because filling the hall fills my heart. It's a joy watching the city at its best - everyone coming together at our beautiful Music Hall to help the people at Gather continue the noble and important work of bringing free mobile markets to the neighborhoods around the Seacoast that need them most. There's a lot of new, creative energy from both The Music Hall and Gather staffs that will give Fill the Hall No. 10 a festive jolt.

McKee said he is proud of Portsmouth residents track record of support for the event, For 10 consecutive years, The Music Hall has collaborated with Gather to encourage the good people of the Greater Seacoast to fill every seat in the Hall with nutritious food or monetary donations for those struggling with food insecurity. Every year we are stunned by the overwhelming positive response. In these contentious times we need look no further than our own local communities to be reminded that kindness, compassion, and love are the hallmarks of the human condition for the vast majority of people. That is the true 10th anniversary gift of Fill The Hall.

Monte Bohanan, now director of communications and community engagement for the city of Portsmouth, said, No kid should dread summer vacation because they dont know where their next meal is coming from. My kids have grown up volunteering at Fill the Hall, and through this simple act, they've learned the impact they can make. We must show up, give when we can, build community through service, and pass these values to the next generation. It's amazing to see Fill the Hall continue to grow and thrive beyond all our expectations. As we stood on the stage that first year, Denise, Scott, and I agreed that if we filled the 150 seats in the center orchestra, wed call it a win. Our community stepped up, filling all 900 seats - and the stage - that year and every year since.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Gather's Fill the Hall food drive in Portsmouth seeks your help
Happy Birthday, Jill Biden: A Look at Her Style Moments Through the Years, From Sparkling in Sergio Hudson to Strapless in Reem Acra

Jill Bidens style has always maintained a sense of classic first lady elegance with a twist thanks to modern elements and contemporary designers. Over the course of the last several years, the FLOTUS has fashioned memorable looks by Sergio Hudson, Gabriela Hearst and so many more.

On Monday, she turned 73 years old. Ahead, take a look at the first ladys style through the years.

More from WWD

2009

Then-Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden attend the Southern Inaugural Ball celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

For the 2009 Southern Inaugural Ball celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Biden chose to fashion this strapless red gown by Reem Acra, which featured a flowing skirt.

2011

Jill Biden walks toward the East Room during a Mothers Day event May 6, 2011, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.

By the time she was second lady during the Obama administration, Biden showed how playful she could be with her fashion. For the 2011 Mothers Day event, she fashioned a pink dress with a hemline just above the knee with floral heels and a bold statement necklace.

2013

Then-Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden wave goodbye after dancing during the Commander-in-Chiefs Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

In January 2013, Biden and then-Vice President Joe Biden attended the Commander-in-Chiefs Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center celebrating the reelection of President Obama. For the ball, Jill Biden opted for a flowing, glossy blue gown with black waistband by Vera Wang.

2017

Save the Children Board Chair Jill Biden and Joe Biden attend the fifth annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on Oct. 18, 2017, in New York City.

2017 was the year Biden had more fun with her fashion. In the run-up to the 2020 election cycle, the future first lady fashioned this playful look by Gabriela Hearst, which featured forest green fringe detailing on the fabric and a belted waist, for the fifth annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at the American Museum of Natural History.

2020

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden wave to supporters via video teleconference after Biden delivered his acceptance speech on the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention from the Chase Center on Aug. 20, 2020.

When future President of the United States Joe Biden received the democratic presidential nomination in August 2020, Jill Biden joined the celebrations in this modern Christian Siriano dress. The look featured a soft purple hue that complemented Biden perfectly.

2021

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrive for his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

During the inauguration of President Joe Biden, Jill Biden chose to highlight a New York-based designer for her attire. She wore a custom-made wool tweed coat and dress in ocean blue by Markarian.

President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, left, Vice President Joseph Biden, second from right, and his wife Jill, right, are escorted by Major General Richard Rowe as they prepare to review the troops from the steps of the Capitol after Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in Washington. (AP Photo/Tannen Maury, Pool)

Vice President Joe Biden arrives with his wife Jill Biden at the Neighborhood Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden enter the Rose Garden of the White House for a ceremony honoring the 2009 Teacher of the Year in Washington, Tuesday, April 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

View Gallery

2024

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrive to greet Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto as they arrive for a State Dinner at the White House on May 23 in Washington, D.C.

For the White House State Dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto, Biden opted for a glittering sapphire gown courtesy of Sergio Hudson. The look featured silk elements as well as a bevy of blue sparkles.

Launch Gallery: Dr. Jill Biden's Style Through the Years

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Having grown up in a small logging town near Lincoln City, Brad Moehlmann had a passion for the outdoors from an early age. Now, he's working to share that enthusiasm with young students in Lane County.

Moehlmann, now a southern Oregon region forester for Weyerhaeuser, volunteers with career technical education programs at Sheldon High School and Thurston High School, guest speaking and coordinating field trips. His efforts to educate the next generation of foresters were recognized by Weyerhaeuser, which named him Volunteer of the Year in 2023.

Moehlmann said he was immersed in the lumber world from a young age, as his father owned a department store that sold gear to lumber workers.

"I was on the logging crew right after I graduated high school. I worked in one of the local mills," Moehlmann said. "I wanted to work outdoors, but I didn't really envision myself being in the timber industry. But forestry was something that just kind of drew me in."

Moehlmann said it was a natural fit. He earned his degree from Oregon State University and has worked as a forester in other parts of Oregon and Montana.

In April, Moehlmann brought a group of Sheldon High students to the Weyerhaeuser-engineered wood products mill in Eugene to tour the facility.

Finding a career in forestry

After trying different career paths within logging and forestry at OSU, Moehlmann got his first job as a forester with Georgia Pacific in 1995, where he planted about 2 million trees a year for the first five years.

In his 30-year career in forestry, Moehlmann estimated he's planted 12 million trees directly and over 35 million trees indirectly in his management position.

Moehlmann has now been with Weyerhaeuser for eight years and has been the southern Oregon region forester for the past three.

"A big part of my job is mentoring, younger foresters," Moehlmann said. "I've been doing this for 30 years. So I've seen quite a few things. My favorite part of the job, honestly, is mentoring and teaching. I'd like to say that, almost every day, I have a teaching moment with a forester. It just warms my heart. It's what I love to do."

Working with students

Before working with Lane County students, Moehlmann explored educational volunteering in other states.

While in Corvallis in the early 2000s, Moehlmann was involved in Camp Tadmor's middle school outdoor program, for several years.

In Montana, he also helped organize a student exposition, which Moehlmann compared to a big outdoor school, for fifth graders. The expo had different stations such as fish and wildlife, forest management, and fire prevention. In 2015, Moehlmann was the chair of the forestry expo, so he coordinated about 20 foresters to come as Instructors and made sure everything ran smoothly.

"That's where I think I really fell in love with working with kids and teaching them about forestry," Moehlmann said.

Students listen to a discussion held by Weyerhaeuser during Future Forestry Workers Career Day at the Oregon Logging Conference in Eugene Feb. 24, 2023.

Moehlmann has now been in the Eugene-Springfield area for eight years. He started getting involved with local high schools in 2022. After previous experience working with younger students, this was a change.

Elsa Arias Ninan, instructor and creator of the Forestry & Natural Resource Management CTE pathway at Sheldon High, reached out to Moehlmann shortly after creating the program in the fall of 2022. He has been involved with the program ever since.

Arias Ninan said the program has continued to grow, in part thanks to the support of Moehlmann and other community partners who volunteer to work with the students. In fall 2023, Arias Ninan said they had 60 students in the program. Under the CTE pathway, there are courses like forest management, conservation & restoration, and watershed, fisheries & wildlife.

Arias Ninan, who is a forest engineer by trade and worked in the Peruvian Forest Service for many years, knew she wanted to start a CTE course on forestry when she came to the U.S.

"Last spring we visited the mill in Cottage Grove, and (Moehlmann) came to my classes as a guest speaker," Arias Ninan said. "Now we have other different partners that support the program. CTE is work-based learning, so the students can learn how to use some skills."

Arias Ninan said having professionals visit her classes and give demonstrations shows the students their options.

At Thurston High, Moehlmann said he helped coordinate getting logs to their forestry program to use and donated seeds for their greenhouse that grows Douglas firs. Moehlmann has been working with Thurston since 2023.

"Another employee in our office has gone in twice now to give a presentation on harvest planning," Moehlmann said. "(I do) the classroom coordinating, getting different people involved with Weyerhaeuser in the schools, and it's getting more and more interest. Some of the younger employees are like, 'I want to be involved with high schoolers too.'"

Moehlmann added that working with students can have ups and downs. One group of students might be engaged and asking questions, while the next is silent, but Moehlmann said he's gotten better at making his presentations more engaging over the years.

"(Their engagement) fuels me to want to come back because of the interest," Moehlmann said. "I've gotten better at it just like showing cool videos or trying to adapt.

"Anytime I get those teaching moments or time to educate kids, it makes me feel good."

Showing students the pathway to a career

Moehlmann said there's a great need for more young people in the timber industry. He likes to show students all the places he's worked as a forester, Newport, Corvallis, Coos Bay and Montana, explaining that there's work in forestry across the country, or even outside the U.S.

"The CTE programs have really helped get kids interested, but in 2022 and 2023, we had to recruit hard for people and positions," Moehlmann said. "I think a lot of is just (people) not knowing what a career in forestry is."

Moehlmann said he wished the public was more aware of the replanting process that follows harvests. He said they plant twice as many trees as they harvest.

He added that there are common misconceptions that loggers run logging equipment through streams and cut hundreds of acres at a time, which are false. There are strict laws about how, when and where logging can happen, according to Moehlmann.

"We plant twice as many (trees) than we harvest," Moehlmann said. "We just don't plant trees and leave them. The law also requires that we have 200 trees per acre, free to grow by age six. So we have to continue to monitor our plantations to make sure they're following the law. We (at Weyerhaeuser) are targeting 250 trees per acre by age six, so we're always kind of going above and beyond what the rules require.

"We're always trying to stay ahead of the curve on sustainability and environmental."

Mario Reyes, plant manager at the Eugene Weyerhaeuser products mill, explained some common pathways for young people to get into a career in forestry and logging.

Reyes said there are a range of apprenticeships including maintenance apprenticeships, where they can learn about equipment breakdowns, computer programming, electrical maintenance and more.

He said there are programs through Lane Community Colleges, but there are no prerequisites to join.

"We've had a huge generation of team members that are here that are at we're approaching retirement," Reyes said. "We're really looking for young, new talent ... We're looking for people that want to have a place to grow with from a career, not a job."

Reyes said the COVID-19 pandemic took a significant hit on the industry and there has been a deficit of applicants.

"(These field trips) give people that community exposure to what we do just for who Weyerhaeuser is," Reyes said. "It gives young people an idea of 'What do I want to do when I get done at school? What are some things that I might be interested in?' That hopefully helps spark some thoughts."

Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Weyerhaeuser's Brad Moehlmann volunteers with Eugene students
ASHEVILLE - Hungry hikers and thirsty sightseers traversing the highest mountain in the East can now refuel on robust burgers, seasonal salads and freshly caught trout at a newly reopened park restaurant.

After being closed for nearly five years, the popular dining spot celebrated a grand opening May 31 with a new name, look, menu and management as the Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery.

New owners Melissa and Leigh Howell hope to carve their place into the history and heritage of Mount Mitchell State Park as the new operators of its high-elevation restaurant.

Whats exciting is that Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery will always have a place at Mount Mitchell, so we wanted to be a part of history as well as future history, Melissa Howell said.

Restauranteurs Leigh and Melissa Howell stand on the observation deck of their new restaurant, Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery, formerly Mount Mitchell State Park Restaurant, on May 31 in Mount Mitchell State Park. The restaurant held its grand opening May 31.

Mount Mitchell State Park  North Carolina's first state park, founded in 1915  is 30 miles northeast of Asheville in Yancey County off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet elevation, with a summit observation deck providing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Melissa Howell said the restaurant, managed by North Carolina State Parks, sits at an estimated 6,200 feet elevation. Ashevilles elevation is nearly 2,200 feet.

The Cafe & Eatery fills a dining need on the parkway. The nearest food options are nearly an hour away in Burnsville  where the couple also operate Pig & Grits restaurant.

Restaurant revisions

The park and its restaurant are open from May to October. The former restaurant was originally built in 1953, according to N.C. Parks spokesperson, Kris Anne Bonifacio. It closed in 2019 and didnt reopen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2021, the building was approved for construction and remained closed through the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

In March 2023, N.C. Parks spokesperson Katie Hall told the Citizen Times that renovations had been completed but the search for a concessionaire to operate the facility was ongoing.

Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery's "Mountain Reuben or Rachel", and their "Honey Dijon Chicken Salad Croissant" sit on display in the dining room of the restaurant after the grand opening Friday morning in Mount Mitchell State Park.

Melissa Howell and her veteran chef husband won the bid and opened the revamped and rebranded restaurant on May 1.

Leigh Howell has worked in regional restaurants and Melissa Howell, who has worked in the food service industry for 20 years, earned a masters certification in restaurant revenue management from Cornell University.

The Howells have also taken over operations of the state parks concession stand, The Summit Snack Shack.

Melissa said 20 employees were hired and trained in restaurant operations and about the state park by rangers to create the elevated guest experience.

She said their business is designed to support staff in finding their place in the hospitality industry. She said she plans to hire another 10 workers.

Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eaterys menu

The eatery still offers breathtaking dining room and patio views, with a newly curated menu of American and Appalachian fare.

Indoor dining and carryout services are offered. Although outdoor dining isn't provided, guests may recline and take in the scene.

The patio is comfortable with large Adirondack chairs where people can take a break from their hike and enjoy a beautiful view, Melissa said.

Adirondack chairs line the observation deck of Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery, formerly Mount Mitchell State Park Restaurant, on May 31 in Mount Mitchell State Park. The restaurant held its grand opening May 31.

The $2.7-million renovation project, funded by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust, included upgrades to the kitchen, restaurant interiors, the HVAC, new appliances, improved ADA accessibility, and an electric charging station in the parking area.

The Cafe's menu features handcrafted, made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads made with antibiotic-free, non-GMO proteins, local produce and artisan breads, including gluten-free.

Melissa said the restaurant is dedicated to the health of the land and upholding the state parks sustainability practices, including using biodegradable take-out containers and serving food "with clean label ingredients, meaning there are no unpronounceable in our words.

Menu items like the grilled and fried local trout are early hits at the restaurant.

Some dishes were named in honor of Mount Mitchell or local lore, like the Camp Alice chili named after a cook who was revered for serving the loggers in the early 1900s.

Elishas turkey and pimento melt and the 6684 burger round out the bestsellers.

Dishes range from $12-$25.

Visiting Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery

The Cafe is open daily from May to October, as well as the Summit Snack Shack, a concession stand that offers sundries, snacks and beverages.

The State Park is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. from June to August and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. in September and October.

Hours are subject to change due to weather conditions. Mount Mitchell has nearly 40 miles of hiking along its network of trails, including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, and allows camping and picnicking in designated areas.

Views from Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery, formerly Mount Mitchell State Park Restaurant, on May 31 in Mount Mitchell State Park. The restaurant held its grand opening May 31.

Mount Mitchells temperature is often lower than the surrounding towns and cities due to its higher elevation  on average, several degrees colder in the town of Burnsville and 10-15 degrees colder than in Asheville  so appropriate dress is advised.

For the latest weather conditions and park operations, visit ncparks.gov.

Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery

Where: 2388 N.C. 128, Burnsville at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 355.

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, May-August.

10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, September and October.

Info: Visit mountmitchellcafeandeatery.com and follow on Facebook and @mountmitchellce on Instagram. For more about Mount Mitchell State Park, visit ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park or call 828-675-4611.

Find jobs at mountmitchellcafeandeatery.com/careers. Wages begin at $16/hour.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Mount Mitchell Cafe & Eatery opens at state park with 'majestic' views
The mysteries of the Wild West  the Utah towns that were abandoned

At the mouth of Dragon Canyon, ruins of a once bustling mining town still remain.

The town  known as Silver City  was home to stores, hotels, restaurants, a post office and a saloon. Cowboy George Rust established the town in 1869 after discovering mines nearby. The towns economy centered around the mines and at its onset, some tents, a saloon and a blacksmith shop compromised the majority of the area.

A History of Juab County authored by Pearl D. Wilson tells the story well.

The silver mines proved fruitful. Residents built permanent establishments and homes. Though the town encountered difficulties with flooded mines and a 1902 fire, Jesse Knight built the Tintic Smelter. The town seemed to be on the up-and-up, but the smelter shut down after it couldnt compete with Salt Lake Valley operations. Knight built a mill, but that was lost to a fire. While Knight attempted to drain the flooded mines, it didnt pan out and the population dwindled.

Soon railroad operations in Silver City ceased and the town shuttered and became a ghost town.

Today, nobody lives within Silver Citys historic limits. Just a couple miles away, the city of Eureka is still populated. Around 700 people live in the town, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Though Eureka has survived to this day and its Main Street still has businesses and restaurants, other nearby towns, like Knightsville, had the same fate as Silver City.

Buildings are pictured on Main Street in Eureka on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Eureka differs from Silver City and Knightsville in that its a historic town, not a ghost town. People still live in there and you can visit by taking U.S. Highway 6. Eureka residents can purchase groceries at a couple local stores and if they need more substantial choices, they can drive to Santaquin. The towns home to three churches  Catholic, Methodist and Latter-day Saint. Theres also a local schooling system.

Spring City in Sanpete County is another example of a historic town thats not a ghost town. You have to drive a few miles off the highway to get there, but once you do, youll be greeted by a historic district that looks frozen in time. Theres a beautiful limestone Latter-day Saint chapel as well as a historic schoolhouse and bishops storehouse. Residents live inside the town and Main Street has a couple businesses you could frequent.

Ghost towns are different  theyre abandoned or barren. Sometimes there may be a handful of residents who still live in the area, but the town itself is generally disincorporated. In the case of Silver City, all that remains are building foundations and a cemetery. In Utah, ghost towns generally once were places where mining or agriculture was booming, but something happened to them.

Graves are pictured at the cemetery in Silver City on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The story is different for each town. Take Mosida as another example.

Mosidas relatively close to Silver City  its in between Saratoga Springs and Elberta by Utah Lake. Today its located on private property, and all that remains of the town is building foundations. The town was established in the 1910s and centered around grain and fruit trees. The Mosida Fruit Lands Company attracted workers and houses and a school and a post office was built.

But the town was short-lived. The agriculture struggled and the project of a town died out.

Though Mosida had a short history, the town of Thistle became a ghost town in recent history. Located in Spanish Fork Canyon, the town was established in 1878. It was a railroad town that swelled in population size as it became something of a train stop. The town had saloons, restaurants and a schoolhouse. It had hundreds of residents.

In 1983, residents scrambled to evacuate, as railroad workers and Utah officials saw an impending landslide.

The mountainscape crashed into the Spanish Fork River and the town was flooded. Remains of the town are mostly submerged into the ground and its now known as a ghost town. Many Utahns still remember when this happened.

These towns are mostly ruins at this point and dont look like the stereotype of a Western town. But the town of Grafton does.

If youve seen the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, then youve seen Grafton. Its near Zion National Park and has been used in other Western flicks as well. When Latter-day Saints came to southern Utah, they settled Grafton in 1859 with the intent of growing cotton.

Silt and flooding made it difficult for the residents to grow anything, and the population dwindled. By 1944, the remaining residents had left the town and the site is preserved. Unlike ghost towns where only foundations remain, buildings are still upright and have been restored to how its believed they would have originally looked.

Many of the aforementioned ghost towns had populations of only one or two thousand people at most, but not Frisco. Its just a few miles outside of Milford.

Frisco is another ghost town that once was a mining town. Beehive-shaped stone kilns and abandoned buildings still remain  the vestige of a Wild West town. By 1885, it had attracted 6,000 people due to its wealth of copper, gold, lead, silver and zinc.

The streets were lined with saloons and a local writer Charles Knight called it Dodge City, Tombstone, Sodom and Gomorrah, all rolled into one. Crime was rampant to the point where a lawman only known as Marshal Pearson came into the town to clean it up.

He allegedly told the lawless elements that he did not intend to make arrests, wrote Miriam B. Murphy. Instead, he planned to shoot on sight anyone he saw breaking the law. He supposedly killed six outlaws on his first night in town.

These and other ghost towns in the state tell bits and pieces of Utahs wide ranging history. If youre looking for a summer activity to do with your family, consider visiting a ghost town.

The ruins in Silver City on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
If you missed the recent show from the aurora borealis (or northern lights, as they're known in the northern hemisphere), fear not  we could be on the cusp of a repeat during the week starting June 3.

Although there are absolutely no guarantees, the part of the sun that caused a G5 geomagnetic storm (the strongest since 2003) last month has returned to face Earth. And the good news is that its still active.

According to NASA, the sunspot AR3697 (formerly known as AR3664) let rip an X-class solar flare, rated at X1.4, on May 29. Aurora is caused by the solar wind accelerating down the field lines of our planets magnetosphere  which is Earths armor against charged particles spewed into space by the sun.

A NASA photo of the sun releasing a solar flare

The solar wind and the aurora are caused by what astronomers call coronal mass ejections (CMEs), clouds of charged particles that can be shot into space from the sun in the wake of a solar flare.

However, when an active region faces Earth, a window of opportunity for aurora opens. The sun rotates every 27 days, so June 6 is exactly one sun cycle since May 10s display. As luck would have it, thats the date of the new moon, which means dark skies at night.

This means that, weather permitting, there could be opportunities to see and shoot the northern lights a few days either side of that date. Here's how to stay up to date on the potential opportunities and prepare to photograph them with a camera or phone...

5 steps for planning Northern Lights photos

1. Check the conditions

Who do you rely on to tell you that theres about to be a massive geomagnetic storm? Its social media  but you have to be so very careful. There's a lot of misinformation and cult-like social media accounts surrounding the aurora.

If you hear the words kill shot or any chat about the weakness of Earths magnetic field, run a mile. Rely only on solar physicists and expert aurora hunters who do this as a career and a passion.

Here are the best websites and X (formerly Twitter) feeds to follow for up-to-the-minute information about incoming space weather:

The best websites and apps

Two iPhones on a blue background showing the Aurora Watch app

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC): a constantly updated forecast of incoming geomagnetic activity

AuroraWatch UK website and app for Android and iOS : a free service in the UK that sends out daily alerts for when the aurora might be visible

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app for Android and iOS : app for push notifications on aurora opportunities and recommended viewing spots

The best social media accounts to follow

A laptop showing X (formerly Twitter) with a photo of the northern lights from Vincent Ledvina

Dr. Ryan French ( @RyanJFrench ): British Solar Astrophysicist at the National Solar Observatory and author of The Sun: Beginners Guide to Our Local Star.

Sara Housseal ( @SNHWx ), Operational Space Wx Forecaster & Meteorologist at Johns Hopkins University and a Masters Student at Millersville University.

Vincent Ledvina ( @Vincent_Ledvina ): The Aurora Guy, a northern lights photographer in Alaska and a Space Physics PhD student at the UAF Geophysical Institute.

A well as a reliable warning about incoming space weather, you'll also need a clear sky. If there are clouds, it makes no difference how strong the geomagnetic storm is  youll see nothing. So consult the best travel and weather apps , such as Windy , for the latest guidance.

2. Find the right location

Although hours of darkness are few at northern latitudes in the northern hemisphere, its wise to have somewhere in mind to drive to for midnight just in case a strong display of aurora is forecast.

A great place to consult before any other is the Find A Dark Place on the DarkSky website, which details all the certified International Dark Sky Places. These are protected land and night skies in 22 countries on six continents, from Arches National Park in Utah and Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania to Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand and Elan Valley in mid-Wales.

A laptop on a green and blue background showing the DarkSky website

However, you dont need to go somewhere with protected sky  anywhere about 40 miles from a city should have a reasonably dark sky. A light pollution map and GoStargazing are both useful for locating pockets of darkness.

Remember that it doesnt get dark until about midnight at mid-northern latitudes in June. That will make a difference by narrowing the window of opportunity nightly. For example, the aurora was spotted before midnight on May 10 in the UK. If a powerful geomagnetic storm strikes again this week in early June, its going to be after midnight that the aurora becomes visible.

3. Plan your shot

When the aurora appears in the skies above, it's tempting just to take a shot. Any shot, just to prove you saw it. That's completely understandable, but it's not how to take a memorable image of the aurora. Go look at any news articles about the aurora, and you'll find that most of them include landscapes or people. Or both.

If you have the luxury of time to think about where you might want to photograph the aurora, try to get something interesting in the foreground  such as the silhouette of a gnarly tree, a building or a lake (for reflections), or crowds of people watching the aurora.

Northern Lights taken with the Nikon Z6 II

Its wise to think about the direction of the aurora. Typically, they appear in an oval around the Arctic or Antarctic circles. If a geomagnetic storm is particularly strong, that oval stretches to more southerly latitudes in the northern hemisphere and two more northerly latitudes in the southern hemisphere.

That means the northern lights are typically seen in the northern sky, and the southern lights are in the southern sky. It's something to remember when planning a shot  and this is where planning apps like PhotoPills , The Photographer's Ephemeris and Planit Pro come in handy. However, the fact is that May 10s geomagnetic storm was so strong that the aurora was visible to the south in the northern parts of the U.K.

Northern Lights taken with the Nikon Z6 II

Dark skies arent everything. Aurora are captured using long exposures of a few seconds or more  depending on their brightness  so it is possible to image them in cities. Mays displays proved that. Its also true that post-production can be used to remove the unwanted effects of too much sky glare.

It may be that you actively want to photography the aurora in an unexpected place, such as a city. However, it's best to keep away from bright light sources, such as street lights, security lights and the always-on office lights of city centers. And that can be hard to do.

4. Gather your equipment

Yes, you can shoot the northern lights using a smartphone . Theyre ideal for making sure that what you can see is, in fact, an aurora and not a cloud. The fabulous reds and greens you see in images from May 10 look far more vibrant to a camera than to the human eye, which sees mostly grey.

A handheld smartphone will do in a pinch, and it's useful for checking that Aurora is present. But for a good, memorable shot, you still ideally need a tripod. That applies to both a smartphone and a manual mirrorless or DSLR camera.

Blood moon photograph phone

For the latter, use a wide-angle lens with as wide an aperture as possible (for example, a 14mm lens and an aperture of around f/2.8). A spare battery or two and a small head torch will also be useful.

5. Prep the best settings

The best settings for the aurora will depend not only sky conditions but also on what time of night they appear and how bright they are. However, you're looking at a long exposure of at least a few seconds and maybe as long as 20 seconds. Hence, the tripod.

Set the lens to infinity focus, shoot in raw and use a white balance of about 3500K to 4000K. Benchmark settings to begin your experiments would be ISO 800, a shutter speed of somewhere between 5 and 20 seconds (for a bright-dim aurora), at an aperture of f/2.8. Shoot in raw and post-process to bring out the color, though be wary of making the greens and reds too vibrant.

For smartphones, night mode is the best choice. If you can control the exposure, experiment with a few to 10 seconds. Its worth considering using one of the best camera apps like Halide or a dedicated astrophotography mode, like the one on Google Pixel phones.

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Furry Friends is set to host its annual Kitten Palooza, this coming weekend onwards. With June being National Adopt a Cat Month as well as the beginning of kitten season, the Oregon-based rescue will host the event every Saturday and Sunday. The weekly event will take place at PetSmart in Southwest Washington.

Rescue set to host Kitten Palooza at PetSmart every weekend in June

Weekends are about to get all the more fun for cat lovers. Furry Friends is set to bring its annual Kitten Palooza to Southwest Washington. June tends to be the month when most kittens are born and is marked as the beginning of the kitten season. With it also being National Adopt a Cat Month, now is the perfect time to provide a kitty with a forever home.

The Oregon rescues Kitten Palooza is the perfect opportunity to bring home a feline friend, per KATU. Besides, even if you dont plan to bring home a cat, the organization is also open to donations. With so many kittens being brought into the rescue, donating food, medicine, supplies, litter, or even money would help Furry Friends provide better care for the little ones. Furthermore, if people want to volunteer, they are more than welcome, as the rescue could use some extra help.

Other than Furry Friends Kitten Palooza, several other events are taking place around the United States to help encourage fostering and adopting kittens. On June 1, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control hosted a Kitten Shower in Indiana, per WPTA. The event was held in partnership with Black Forest Cat Cafe. This event was for feline enthusiasts to learn more about the organizations fostering program. They can also bring home a feline friend if they are open to adoption.

In another attempt to tackle the kitten season, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa has opened a kitten nursery. It can house as many as 270 kitties. Little ones under three weeks of age are kept in incubators, per KCCI. The slightly older kittens are also provided with kennels to learn to feed themselves. This ensures they gain weight steadily and grow up to be happy and healthy.

The post Oregon Rescue To Host Kitten Palooza Every Weekend in June appeared first on CatTime.
Phoenix airport lounges: Every one in Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 and how to get in free

After getting through security at the airport, you probably have some free time before your flight starts boarding.

But you dread long waits for food and coffee at the restaurants, and wonder whether you'll get to your gate in time to get a seat near a charging port.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport lounges offer a place where people can get away from the crowds, enjoy some food, and drink and charge their laptops or phones.

Every airport lounge in Phoenix offers different amenities, and each has a different set of requirements for who can get in. Some are exclusive to specific airlines, like American Airlines' Admirals Clubs, and require a certain level of status to enter. Others are open to certain credit card holders for free, or the general public for a fee.

Here's a guide to every lounge at the Phoenix airport Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.

New Phoenix airport terminal: Here's when it will be built and how big it will be

Phoenix airport lounges Terminal 3

Delta Sky Club

Where to find it: Near Gate F8.

Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets at nearly every seat. Staff can answer questions and assist with flight information.

Food: Complimentary beverages as well as premium wines, regional craft beers, spirits and signature cocktails for purchase. A seasonally inspired menu includes breakfast favorites and an all-day selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, regional specialties, snacks and desserts.

How to get in: The club is for members only. Day passes are not offered. Here's who can get in the Delta Sky Club:

An individual membership costs $695 a year or 69,500 miles. It provides unlimited access for the member only, though members can bring up to two guests for an additional fee per guest per visit.

An executive membership costs $1,495 a year or 149,500 miles. It provides unlimited access for the member and up to two guests per visit.

Delta One or Sky Team Premium Cabin passengers.

Delta Diamond Medallion members.

Sky Team Elite Plus (including Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion members).

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card members.

American Express Centurion Card and Platinum Card members.

Details: Open from 4:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. www.delta.com.

Escape Lounge  the Centurion Studio Partner

Where to find it: Between the E and F gates, next to Passage by Hudson and the Phoenix Airport Museum Gallery.

Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports at every seat. Guests have complimentary access to electronic magazines and newspapers via PressReader.

Food: The menu includes banana walnut muffins, a spinach egg bake and apple bread pudding at breakfast; spinach salads, turkey and Swiss sandwiches, and chicken marsala at lunch and dinner; and a selection of chef's choice cookies.

A view from inside the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix on Nov. 9, 2021.

How to get in: Escape Lounges are open to the public for a fee and open to American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card members for free. Access costs $40 per visit when booked online at least 24 hours in advance and $45 per visit at the door.

Details: Open 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m. escapelounges.com.

United Club

Where to find it: Near Gate E3.

Amenities: 122 seats, complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets. Gender-neutral restrooms are available, plus a Wellness Room for nursing parents and people seeking meditation or prayer. Staff can answer questions and assist with flight information. Service animals are allowed, but must be well-behaved.

Food: Soft drinks and most alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Buffet-style snacks include chicken sliders, chips and salsa, elote and cactus-shaped cookies.

People work and eat during the first day open for the United Club at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Sept. 27, 2022.

How to get in: Passengers who buy a day pass or United Club membership may use the lounge as long as they also have a same-day boarding pass for United Airlines. Here's who can get in:

A United Club membership costs $650 per year and allows access to the airline's 45 United Clubs worldwide. Members can bring up to two adult guests, or one adult guest and dependent children under age 21, as long as the guests are also flying with United.

One-time passes cost $59 and can be purchased on United's mobile app.

United Club Infinite credit card holders.

Details: Open 5 a.m.-11:30 p.m. www.united.com.

Phoenix airport lounges Terminal 4

American Airlines Admirals Clubs

Where to find them: There are three in Terminal 4: above Gates A7 and A9, between Gates A19 and A21 and above Gates B5 and B7.

Amenities: The lounges have business centers with computers and conference-style seating areas. There are chairs along the windows where you can watch planes. Some chairs have outlets for charging your devices. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Food: Complimentary buffet-style food, with drinks available in a full-service bar.

How to get in: Passengers who buy a day pass or have an Admirals Club membership can get in if they have a same-day boarding pass for a flight with American Airlines or other airlines in the Oneworld Alliance. In Phoenix, those include Alaska Airlines and British Airways. Here's who can get in:

Admirals Club members, including annual and lifetime members. Members can bring immediate family or up to two guests. Membership costs $850 per year.

Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard primary card members, ConciergeKey members and AirPass members with Admirals Club privileges.

First and business class passengers flying on most of American's international flights, or transcontinental and domestic flights ticketed as Flagship.

AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members flying on most of American's international routes.

Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

Citi AAdvantage Executive cardholders. The credit card has an annual fee of $595, but includes Admirals Club membership.

One-day passes cost $79.

Military with valid ID.

Details: The club at A7-A9 is open 6 a.m.-12:30 a.m. The club at A19-A21 is open 4 a.m.-8 p.m. The club at Concourse B is open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. www.aa.com.

Sky Harbor Airport parking: Complete guide to terminal, economy and off-site lots

Centurion Lounge

Where to find it: Across from Gate B21.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi; complimentary magazines and newspapers; printing, faxing and copy services; shower suite.

Food: The Centurion Lounge's menu features locally inspired cuisine designed by local chef Doug Robson of Gallo Blanco, one of The Arizona Republic's 100 essential metro Phoenix restaurants. Selections include Gallo Blanco flapjacks at breakfast and citrus-marinated pollo asado at lunch and dinner. Beverages include the Diamondback cocktail, made from Arizona Distilling Park Rye Whiskey, Laird's apple brandy and Green Chartreuse.

How to get in: These cardholders are eligible to use the Centurion Lounge:

American Express Platinum card.

American Express Business Platinum card.

American Express Corporate Platinum card.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card.

Centurion members.

Corporate Platinum and Centurion members can bring up to two guests per visit for free. All other members must pay $50 per person to bring a guest, or $30 per person to bring children from ages 2 to 17.

Details: Open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. thecenturionlounge.com.

Escape Lounge

Where to find it: Across from Gate B22.

Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports at every seat. Print, scan and copy services are offered. Guests have complimentary access to electronic magazines and newspapers via PressReader.

Food: The menu includes banana walnut muffins, a spinach egg bake and apple bread pudding at breakfast; spinach salads, turkey and Swiss sandwiches, and chicken marsala at lunch and dinner; and a selection of chef's choice cookies.

How to get in: Escape Lounges are open to the public for a fee and open to American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card members for free. Access costs $40 per visit when booked online at least 24 hours in advance and $45 per visit at the door.

Details: Open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. escapelounges.com.

Chase Sapphire Lounge (coming soon)

Where to find it: The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club will be in the high-numbered D gates, across from The Crystals @ Sky Harbor food hall. The lounge remains under construction.

Amenities: Chase Sapphire Lounge amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, spaces for working and relaxing, wellness areas, nursing rooms, family rooms and access to digital newspapers and magazines.

Food: What the menu at Phoenix will include is not yet known. Generally, Chase Sapphire Lounges feature menus by local chefs, craft cocktails, a wine list and local coffee selections.

How to get in: The Chase Sapphire Lounge will be open to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and Priority Pass members, plus people who purchase day passes. Passengers flying with any airline will be able to use the lounge.

Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card cardholders can access the lounge through their complimentary Priority Pass membership. Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardmembers may bring up to two guests per visit for free, and additional guests for $27. Children under 2 years old are free. Ritz-Carlton cardholders may bring unlimited guests at no charge.

Priority Pass members who don't have any of the above credit cards can access the lounge for free once per year.

Details: Hours to be announced. account.chase.com/sapphire-airport-lounge.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix airport lounges: Centurion, Chase, Sapphire, American
Of all the decisions faced during a trip to the grocery store  paper, plastic or reusable bags? self-checkout or human interaction?  one has emerged as the most contentious.

Where do you leave your cart at the end of the shopping trip? It's become a cart conundrum of sorts.

Leslie Dobson, a Los Angeles-based clinical and forensic psychologist, shared her answer in a video posted on TikTok and Instagram last week that's generated more than 11 million views as of Monday and a whole litany of backlash.

"I'm not returning my shopping cart and you can judge me all you want. I'm not getting my groceries into the car, getting my children into the car and then leaving them in the car to go return the cart. So if you're going to give me a dirty look, f off," Dobson said using an expletive.

The internet went off.

People accused her of being an "entitled mom" and called her "lazy." Others called her a "Karen" and some questioned why she doesn't take her kids with her to return the cart or lock the car with them inside while she puts the cart away.

"Oof this is embarrassing for you," a mother of two wrote on Instagram. "It's said that returning the cart is a litmus test of sorts, and girlie, you failed..."

Read more: Column: What would banning TikTok accomplish? Answer: Virtually nothing

But Dobson said the video didn't tell the whole story. She explained in an interview with The Times that she doesn't believe women should be shamed into returning their shopping carts if they don't feel the parking lot is safe for them or their children.

Dobson, who has children ages 3 and 7, said she knew the video would be provocative, but she didn't expect the wave of anger and judgment from people online. She's even received death threats, she said.

She hoped the initial post  and a follow-up video the next day  would get people talking about women prioritizing their own safety. She said her goal was to impart that women should not feel forced into an unsafe situation for themselves or their children to return a shopping cart.

"If you feel unsafe, the important thing is to trust your intuition and protect yourself and your loved ones versus a societal norm or a judgment that may come your way," she told The Times.

But people were downright apoplectic about the idea of Dobson leaving her cart unrestrained.

Several commenters on her video made reference to the "shopping cart theory," which proposes that a person's moral character and ability to self-govern can be determined by whether they return their shopping cart to its designated area or abandon it somewhere else in the parking lot.

Some online jumped to her defense, saying that by returning the buggies or leaving them in a designated corral they're taking jobs away from those tasked with bringing the carts back into the store.

The public response to the first video was so intense that Dobson followed up with another post on Friday to give some additional context about why she made the video.

"I want to give you some statistics," she said in the video. "Last year, 265 children were abducted in parking lots in America. Half of those were sexually assaulted. As a single mom returning your shopping cart you are prime for a predator to watch and grab you."

The nonprofit Kids and Car Safety reported that in the United States in 2022 at least 265 children were abducted during car thefts  the highest number in the 10 years of data collection provided on its website. In such circumstances, the person often doesn't realize a child is inside the vehicle when they drive off, according to the nonprofit.

Read more: Man arrested in theft of car with 4-year-old boy inside in Long Beach, triggering Amber Alert

The statistics provided by the nonprofit don't specify whether any children were sexually assaulted in such situations. The nonprofit Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reported that in 2016, Child Protective Services agencies found evidence that more than 57,000 children were victims of sexual abuse. But the majority of sexual abuse reported to law enforcement was committed by an acquaintance of the child or a family member, according to the nonprofit.

"It may not be hundreds of thousands of trafficked women or stolen cars, but I don't care," Dobson told The Times. "For me, if it's even one that we could have prevented why not? Over a shopping cart?"

Shopping cart shaming has been an online pastime for years.

The Instagram account "Cart Narcs" devotes itself to confronting people on video in parking lots across the country to call them out for failing to return their carts. Those who decline to trek their carts back to the corral run the risk of having a Cart Narc leave a magnet on their vehicle that reads "I don't return my shopping cart like a jerk."

Aside from times when she feels unsafe, does Dobson return her shopping cart?

"Always," she said with a laugh. "And I help others return their carts."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Small arrows, birds and stars adorn the tops of the soldiers hands and fingers.

Etched into her skin from the wrists up to her nail beds, the markings are no ordinary tattoos, but symbols of traditional tatau found among the people of the Polynesian island country Samoa.

Looking down at the body art, Army Capt. Isis Sake, 38, is reminded of the significance that each of the representations holds in her culture. After receiving approval, Sakes tatau now also serve as a symbol of her services acceptance of her traditional heritage.

One of the things that was a common question by other senior leaders was, Wait, thats not already approved? she said. This is such a huge part of the Samoan culture. So, its just educating and then really sharing the symbolism behind it.

In February, the Samoan officer became the first soldier to receive Army approval to possess such tattoos on her hands, a mark of recognition of the diverse communities that comprise the force and carry a calling for service.

(Jon Simkins/Staff)

Originally from Apia, Samoa  not to be confused with the nearby U.S. territory American Samoa  Sake moved to the United States with her family as a child. Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, she enlisted in the Army in 2008, quickly moving up the ranks before commissioning in June 2019.

Now an operations officer in support of the Armys office of the deputy chief of staff for personnel, Sake emphasized the many similarities between Army service and Samoan culture: Loyalty, duty, respect and courage.

Seeking to visualize that commitment to selfless service, and inspired by a reverence for her culture, in 2017 Sake obtained the Samoan tatau for women  known as malu  on her legs before adding the traditional tattoos to her hands in 2022.

(Jon Simkins/Staff)

Tattoos have long served more than a skin-deep purpose for troops, with many opting to showcase pride for their service, unit or occupational specialty through the body art medium.

Each of the services, however, maintain strict rules on what tattoos are or are not within standards, allowing for individual expression while also aiming to ensure a professional, uniform appearance.

The tattoos on Sakes legs were permitted, she said, but at the time of their fashioning those on her hands were not. But while some Army regulations continue to stick, others have been poked.

I was counseled, because theyre not authorized, Sake said of the hand tattoos, which triggered the process for her of asking for an exception to policy.

(Jon Simkins/Staff)

She noted that there are numerous others in the Army that have the tatau, just not on their hands, which she said typically only women get and which carries the added significance of being culturally identified as a weaver.

The first in her family to experience the sacred rite of passage, a birthright passed on by the chiefdom lines in Samoa, Sake received the needed blessing from her familial leaders to get her skin punctured with her initial tattoos in 2017. Those, as they do for other Samoan women, cover from the bottom of her knees to the top of her thighs.

It symbolizes the deep trust and honor that a family places in one of their daughters, she said, adding the tattoos also identify her as a leader in Samoan society. Its a commitment by the wearer to serve the family and to do their part to ensure that the Samoan way of life lives on.

A skilled tattoo artist, who came from one of only two Samoan families who pass on the responsibility from one generation to the next, traveled to Virginia to perform the tapping of the ink, a time-honored ritual that can still be quite creative.

The master tattooist  he goes off of energy, Sake said. So, you never know what youre gonna get. You give your body to the master tattooist, [and] your body is now a canvas.

(Jon Simkins/Staff)

The work can take hours. For Sake, it involved a painful, but rewarding day with a pair of five- to six-hour sessions.

The arduous process of receiving the tatau, meanwhile, is not traditionally a solitary venture, she emphasized. Sakes husband joined her for the experience by also receiving the traditional tatau for men, known as pea, which covers from the bottom of the knees to the waist.

Without tattoo guns one would find at a modern shop, the piece for Sakes husband took four days of 10- to 12-hour sessions to complete.

Others also attended the event, talking and listening to music as the designs were pierced into skin.

The healing process for Sake took around two to three weeks, she said, as well as a fair share of Aquaphor and anti-bacterial soap.

The same master tattooist returned to the U.S. to do her hands two years ago. The symbols themselves, added freeform without measurements, may look slightly different from person to person though each carries a distinctive meaning.

Arrows, known as vaeali represent support, illustrating for Sake her role as a mother to her family and community.

Stars, known as fetu, express wisdom.

And birds, known as faagogo, embody navigation and guidance.

They can go off, adventure, but they always find their way back home, she said.

And so, just like the Samoan culture, you can leave the island, but your culture is always going to be with you.
The swicy food trend has taken over supermarket shelves, from Walmart to Target.

Coming in all sorts of food items, including chips, popcorn, burgers, and ice cream, as well as drinks from brands like Starbucks and Coca-Cola, companies are hopping on the swicy trend by offering sweet and spicy versions of their most popular products.

The spicy trend is here to stay, food industry advisor Sally Lyons Wyatt of market research firm Circana explained to CNN. My whole motto for a couple of years has been, the hotter the better, because consumers gravitate to it. Traditionally, it was younger consumers that were driving this but now weve seen bold flavors being embraced by most age groups but the dominant are still younger consumers.

Younger generations  including Zillennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha  may have been driving up the demand for these hot new products with the best of both worlds, but the swicy trend hasnt emerged out of nowhere, its been a decade in the making. Swicy products have long dominated snack aisles at grocery stores. However, Lyons noted, But the proliferation of spiciness across different categories, like beverages, that part is relatively new.

In February, Coca-Cola, took the swicy trend beyond the confines of the snack category when it released its first new permanent soda flavor in years: Coca-Cola Spiced. Company research indicated an increase in consumer willingness to try a spiced beverage, bolder flavors and more complex flavor profiles, so the company decided to take a leap and try a swicy new twist on its beloved soda.

Meanwhile, Starbucks recently released a limited line of spring lemonade drinks imbued with spice in three different flavors: spicy dragonfruit, spicy pineapple, and spicy strawberry. Each flavor was reportedly inspired by the swicy trend, providing customers with their own spin on the popular sweet and spicy flavor profile.

These brands are not just trying to capitalize on the swicy trend, but turn it into a commercial mainstay with longevity.

Americans have made cult-favorites out of condiments like Sriracha and hot honey. But there certainly is an expanded appetite for spicy foods and flavors, one that is driven by wanting to explore unfamiliar ingredients and cuisines, Mintel foodservice analyst Varchasvi Singh explained. This enthusiasm isnt a fad, it is here to stay.

There has been a yearly nine percent increase in dollar sales for foods and beverages described as spicy, according to data collected by Circana. New data sets show that 11 percent of adults aged 25 to 34 reported that they enjoy bold flavors, a marked increase from four percent of the same demographic in 2019.
It took one man 60 years to build this castle in southern Colorado

DENVER (KDVR)  The stone structure along the San Isabel National Forest known as Bishop Castle started with a 15-year-old, an argument with an English teacher and a heavily wooded plot of land.

This history of the stone castle lies on the monuments website, where the Bishop family said it all started with a fight Jim Bishop had with an English teacher.

Teen buys plot of land

According to the Bishop family, the castles story truly started when Jim decided to drop out of high school following an argument with his teacher.

Youll never amount to anything, Jim Bishop! said the teacher to Jim, according to the Bishop family.

It wasnt until Jim went on a weekend bicycle trip where he found his next calling. When Jim discovered the plot of land in southern Colorado, he convinced his parents to sign the deal for him, as he was too young to do it himself.

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In 1959, Jim paid $450 for a two-and-a-half-acre piece of land after saving money from mowing lawns, delivering newspapers and working in the familys ornamental ironworks, said the Bishop family.

From a cabin to a castle

While the castle is equivalent to 16 stories, it didnt start that way.

As the story goes, the first 10 summers, Jim laid the groundwork for what was supposed to be the family cabin, according to Dan Bishop, Jims son.

It wasnt until 1969 when Jim decided to build a one-room stone cottage.

During the early stages of the cabin, Jims father helped with the advancement of the land and building the small stone cottage, that is, until locals put it in Jims head that the cabin in progress looked more like a castle.

It was originally started as a rock cottage, and you could come and see the rock work that he (Jims father) did. Definitely a different style of rock work in the very beginning. My grandpa was helping for about three years, and when people said it looked like a castle, my dad decided to add on to it, and my grandpa didnt want to have anything to do with it, said Dan.

While the cottage, which lies in the middle of the castle, was made with the help of Jims father, the family said the castle itself was built entirely by one man.

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado (Courtesy of Bishop Castle)

Jim did everything from taking rocks from the state highway to mixing mortar, according to the website. Jim dug holes up to 12 feet deep for foundations, milled timber into lumber, constructed arches from railroad ties and built scaffolding all with his own hands.

Despite the colored glass paneling and the multi-story stone walls, Dan said the hardest part for his father was collecting rocks. According to the family, he handled each stone in the castle around six times before putting it in its final place.

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After 60 years of building, Jim stopped working on the castle and now resides in a nursing home. But the castle isnt done just yet.

60 years later

As the castle stands, Dan considers his father the only one who built it, but Dan plans to get his hands on it this summer.

Dans favorite part of the castle is Roys Tower, which is named after his late brother who passed at five years old. Per his fathers plans, Dan will add some height to Roys Tower.

Jim also pictured the castle with a stone wall around the property. Dan said he will only get to it if he has time because just like his father, he plans on working on it alone.

While Jim is no longer in charge of the castle, Dan plans on keeping it the way it has always been.

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Entry to the castle in Rye has always been free, as the inspiration for the castle came from people visiting the property.

I plan on keeping it going the way it always has because it works, said Dan.

While the castle is free to enter, the Bishop family has a charity box that he uses to keep the castle up and running.

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.
HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD)  One of two people accused in the murder of a 79-year-old man in rural Barry County last week has been formally charged.

Brady West, 29, was arraigned Monday, the Barry County prosecutor confirmed.

West and another suspect each face open murder charges as fourth-time habitual offenders in the May 29 death of Jimmy Sykes. Its unclear when the second suspect may be arraigned.

Sykes, 79, of Battle Creek, was found dead in a driveway on Cloverdale Road west of North Avenue in rural Baltimore Township, southwest of the village of Nashville. The Barry County Sheriffs Office has not released information about how he died, how detectives identified the suspects or how Sykes may have known them.

Online Michigan Department of Corrections records show West previously served time after pleading no contest to sexually assaulting a person between the ages of 13 and 15. He was discharged from MDOCs custody in September 2022.

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.
Some 107 states and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Ukraine's global peace summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, said on June 3 on national television.

The peace summit will be held on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Ukraine hopes the summit will address several key areas, such as energy security, the exchange of captives, the return of deported children, global food security, and other topics.

Nykyforov added that the Philippines and Singapore, which Zelensky visited before the peace summit, will also attend the event.

Russia was not invited to the talks, but the Swiss hosts said that Moscow's representatives will have to take part in the process "sooner or later."

China will not attend Ukraine's summit in June as the terms it required to attend were not met.

In the wake of the news of China's absence, Zelensky accused Beijing of "working hard" to prevent countries from attending Ukraine's global peace summit.

Read also: Hungary undecided on peace summit participation due to Russias absence, Hungarian FM says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley speaks to participants during the state's first ever tribal-specific law enforcement training course on June 3, 2024, in Pierre. (Courtesy of Attorney General's Office)

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley speaks to participants during the state's first ever tribal-specific law enforcement training course on June 3, 2024, in Pierre. (Courtesy of Attorney General's Office)

The states first law enforcement certification course focusing on tribal policing began Monday in Pierre with 11 tribal trainees.

The recruits from the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate are joined by 12 trainees from non-tribal agencies in South Dakota for the 13-week course.

The course came about through a collaboration between Gov. Kristi Noem and Attorney General Marty Jackley. Its meant to offer training closer to home for tribal police, who typically get 13 weeks of basic training in New Mexico through the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Providing consistent training for tribal, state, sheriffs and city police better ensures public safety across South Dakota, Jackley said in a press release. The relationships and trust formed during the training is extremely valuable.

The 11 tribal recruits are two less than Jackleys office previously announced. In response to South Dakota Searchlight questions, Jackleys spokesman said two applications were denied due to eligibility issues.

Officers for tribal police departments already had the option to attend a regular basic training course in the state, but still had to complete another two weeks of training afterward with the BIA in New Mexico. The BIA has agreed to send trainers for the new course in South Dakota.

Other agencies helping with the training include the state Division of Criminal Investigation, Highway Patrol and Department of Game, Fish and Parks, along with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Dakota.

The course emerged amid long-running discussions of tribal law enforcement needs that grew more heated this winter when Noem began repeatedly alleging that tribal areas are especially vulnerable to Mexican cartel drugs and violence.

Some of Noems comments since her Jan. 31 speech on an invasion at the U.S.-Mexico border have drawn the ire of tribal leaders. The governor has asserted that some tribal leaders are personally benefiting from cartels.

Elected leaders in all nine South Dakota tribes have voted to ban Noem from their lands. The tribes have pointed to her comments about cartels, as well as allegations she made about Native American children lacking hope and having negligent parents.

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Photo by Sam Gellman Photography/Getty Images.

Although farm subsidies were originally intended to help family farms, they have become a tool for making the largest and wealthiest farms larger and wealthier. Those at the top work hard to preserve this system, and the small farms are left fighting for scraps.

Minnesotas Emerging Farmers Down Payment Assistance Program has attempted to better divide these scraps by prioritizing grants for first-time farm buyers who are veterans, urbanites, women, people of color, and other groups not conventionally associated with agriculture here.

This prioritization has led to litigation, and the circumstances surrounding that litigation show that turning small farm grants into another front in the culture war is exactly what corporate farms want in order to preserve their present status.

Some background:

In 2021 Minnesota farmers received $1.5 billion in federal subsidies, just over $1 billion of which came through commodity programs and crop insurance assistance.

The commodity programs subsidize farmers who grow large amounts of corn, soybeans and wheat, much of which does not get eaten by humans.

The crop insurance programs provide the biggest and most financially stable farms with a minimum payment for their crops, regardless of market fluctuations.

As a result, in 2021 the top 10% of Minnesota farms received nearly two-thirds of the money, with the top producers gaining hundreds of thousands of dollars each.

Meanwhile 40% of Minnesota farmers  mostly the small family farms and those who grow non-commodity crops or raise small amounts of livestock  received nothing at all.

The Minnesota Emerging Farmers Grant Assistance Program had a total budget of $1 million last year. Of the 176 applicants, 68 were granted $15,000 each to help with farm start-up costs, including land and equipment. The preferences to women, people of color, young people and urbanites was done in part to diversify the Minnesota farming community, which is 99% white and 75% male with an average age of 55. As farms increase in acreage, it becomes more likely that they will be operated by white males.

As a white male who grew up farming, Lance Nistler had low priority, and his lottery spot was pushed back far enough that he did not receive a grant. He filed a lawsuit in January and is being represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a California firm that often makes libertarian legal arguments.

Why would a California firm with two dozen Supreme Court wins be interested in representing a would-be small farmer in Minnesota pro-bono?

Because Nistler is being used as a pawn in a larger culture war game.

A hallmark of management capitalism has always been to keep the underlings fighting among themselves so they do not rise up and overtake you.

Nistler is the perfect example of small farmers being made to fight each other for table scraps while the big farmers feast. Funding all 176 applicants to the Minnesota Grant Program at $15,000 each would cost $2.64 million total  less than 0.18% of the federal subsidies Minnesota farmers receive. This would diversify the farming community, provide a much needed boost to small farms and farming hopefuls, and would have very little impact on the payments enjoyed by large farms.

Nistler is fighting for $15,000 against other people who cannot afford 40 acres, while farmers who own thousands of acres get upwards of $500,000 from the federal government every year.

With the current legal landscape and the weaponization of 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause against equity programs, however, Nistler will likely win his case.

Meanwhile, small farms will lose the war if something does not change.

Big farmers are getting bigger and their owners are getting richer in part because of disproportionate federal farm subsidies. Small farmers are fighting each other for scraps and  in Lance Nistlers case  attempting to dismantle equity programs to win pittances.

If just 1% of federal farm subsidy money was diverted to state grant programs such as the one Nistler is suing over, there would be no basis for his lawsuit and the Minnesota farming community would look forward to a more prosperous  and diverse  future.

The post The 14th Amendment wont save small farms appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
2 bystanders traumatized after being hit by gunfire at convenience store

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  Angry, traumatized and scared are the emotions an employee of a 7-Eleven is dealing with Sunday evening after her and her sons lives were put at risk in a shooting.

It happened when a confrontation not involving them escalated, ending with both of the innocent bystanders being shot.

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Police are still looking for the suspects in the shooting.

Nobody really prepares for something like this, Amber Mosley told FOX31.

She has trouble sleeping at night after what happened at the 7-Eleven on Hampden Avenue in Aurora at around 2 a.m. Friday.

I wasnt even supposed to be at that store, but the other stores were closed, we had no management, said Mosley.

She had only been working at the convenience store for less than two weeks when police said two suspects had a confrontation that started inside the store and moved outside.

Police said the argument escalated, and there was an exchange of gunfire, hitting Mosley and her 17-year-old son.

I didnt have anything to do with that situation at all, said Mosley. It had nothing to do with me.

She was hit in her left arm. She showed FOX31 the entry and exit wounds.

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Her son is recovering at UCHealth from a bullet wound to his stomach.

When he was in the critical stages after the shooting was the most scariest, it was like blood everywhere, she said.

With tears falling from her eyes, Mosley is still processing the situation.

They were all there at the time, said Mosley, referring to her five younger children.

Before this happened, I had an injury that no longer made me able to work. So, to be able to get a job and try to function, my kids were excited, said Mosley. They had been begging to come and see me. Im like, No youre in school. Now that they are out of school, it was the one time I let them come, and this happened to happen.

As she recovers from her injuries, her 9-year-old daughter Yaya describes how life has been difficult for her mother.

Its been a bit hard for my mom to do things, said Yaya. She cant feel her fingers and its been hard for her to lift up things  like earlier she accidentally hit her arm on the wall. Its hard seeing her in pain.

Her children are now traumatized by the terrifying situation.

I reached out to Aurora Mental Health Friday when I was released from the hospital to set up counseling that Im not prepared to handle with the children, said Mosley. Well just be in the hospital with my son who was shot, or home and a conversation will start. Like, we should have done this, or we should have done that. They shouldnt carry that kind of guilt; it wasnt their fault.

The family is already dealing with challenging times.

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Ive been managing with my five kids in a one-bedroom since January. So, that is my reality and what Im having to deal with, said Mosley.

She knows the situation could have ended much worse.

Im grateful for my relationship with God. Even with the chaos my life is in, Im grateful to be on this side of the dirt, said Mosley.

Mosley said her son was able to stand Sunday for the first time since the shooting.

The family has a long road to recovery, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help with unexpected medical costs.

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.
NEW YORK  Two NYPD cops were wounded in a shootout with a migrant teen on a scooter they stopped early Monday for riding the wrong way down a Queens one-way street, police said.

Officer Richard Yarusso, struck in his bullet-resistant vest, and Officer Christopher Abreu, hit in the leg were treated at Elmhurst Hospital and released about six hours later.

Yarusso was more concerned about his partner than his own wound as he used a tourniquet to slow the bleeding from Abreus leg, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, was struck in the right ankle when at least one officer opened fire and was taken to New-York Presbyterian Hospital Queens, where he was undergoing surgery. The gun he allegedly used to shoot the cops was recovered.

Castro Mata entered the U.S. illegally from Venezuela through Eagle Pass, Texas, last July and had been staying at a Ditmars Blvd. migrant shelter that used to be the Marriott LaGuardia Hotel, cops said.

This is a bullet hole, Mayor Adams said at a press conference at Elmhurst Hospital as he held up the vest worn by one of the officers. Because of this vest a young police officer is going home  senseless act of violence, a total disregard for life.

The officers, both 26 and assigned to the 115th Precincts Public Safety Team, were investigating an area robbery pattern involving crooks on mopeds and scooters. Thats when they spotted the suspect riding the wrong way on 82nd St. near 23rd Ave. in East Elmhurst about 1:40 a.m., NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said.

They tried to pull him over but the teen got off the scooter and ran off.

Our officers began a foot pursuit, which led for several blocks, Caban said. During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple rounds at our officers, who then returned fire.

At the shooting scene on 23rd Ave. near 89th St. blood stained the street as investigators took notes and processed evidence.

Caban, who with Mayor Adams visited the cops and their families at the hospital, said theyre in good spirits.

About 7:30 a.m., Yarusso helped wheeled his partner out of the hospital in a wheelchair to applause from fellow cops who lined the street to see both officers released.

Castro Mata has no prior arrests in the city but is a suspect in several Queens robbery patterns. One victim was a woman who was attacked, with her credit card stolen and later used in a smoke shop, cops said.

At the shelter where Castro Mata has been staying, another migrant said metal detectors would seemingly make it impossible to sneak a gun inside.

But outside who knows where he could have kept it, the migrant said. Were all immigrants. We came to work.

The patterns are part of a larger trend, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, noting that through June 1, hundreds of crimes including shootings, robberies and phone snatches have been linked to more than 80 patterns around the city.

There were 20 such know patterns operating during the same time last year  and none during the same time in 2022, he noted.

The wounded officers are very brave and courageous for what they did tonight, what theyve been doing to keep New Yorkers safe, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said.

Police have recovered 16,341 guns since the start of the Adams administration including 2,746 this year.

Every day New Yorkers are not wearing these, Adams said, referring to the vest.

The shooting is the first of an NYPD cop since Officer Jonathan Diller was killed in March as he tried to pull a gun suspect out of a car in Far Rockaway..
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified two other Minneapolis police officers who fired their weapons during the gunfight in which Officer Jamal Mitchell was killed on Thursday.

Officers Nick Kapinos and Luke Kittock, who have 10 and nine years of law enforcement experience respectively, engaged 35-year-old Mustafa Mohamed after Mohamed had shot and incapacitated Mitchell, according to a news release Sunday from the bureau about the preliminary investigation.

According to a bureau news release, Mitchell was the first officer to arrive at an apartment building on Blaisdell Avenue on reports of a shooting. Over the radio, Mitchell reported seeing two injured men in the street  Mohamed and a bystander who had been shot.

"Mitchell got out of his car and approached Mohamed, who was sitting next to a parked vehicle," the BCA release said. "Mitchell asked Mohamed if he was hurt and needed help. Without warning, Mohamed pulled out a handgun and shot Mitchell at close range. Mitchell fell to the ground, incapacitated."

When more officers arrived, they saw Mohamed shooting Mitchell repeatedly, according to the BCA.

Mohamed then shot at the other officers, who returned fire and struck him, the BCA said.

Mohamed died at the scene. Kittock was inured in the exchange but has since been released from the hospital. The bystander remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the news release.
A cormorant sits on a street lamp as the river Neckar has left its banks in Heidelberg, Germany, Monday, June 3, 2024. The death toll in floods across a large part of southern Germany has risen to two as the body of a missing woman was found. Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the flooded region on Monday and officials warned that water levels could rise further in some areas. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

BERLIN (AP)  The death toll in floods across a large part of southern Germany rose to four on Monday as three bodies were recovered from inundated basements. Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the flooded region and officials warned that water levels could rise further in some areas.

The body of a 43-year-old woman whom rescuers had been looking for since Sunday morning, was found in a basement in the Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen, police told German news agency dpa. A firefighter was found dead in nearby Pfaffenhofen on Sunday after an inflatable boat he and colleagues were using capsized.

Later Monday, police said the bodies of a man and a woman were found in a basement in Schorndorf, near Stuttgart, that had been flooded and then pumped dry.

Persistent heavy rain led to widespread flooding in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg over the weekend. The floods caused extensive transport disruption, with long-distance rail routes to Munich from the north and west out of action on Monday.

Scholz visited Reichertshofen, north of Munich, inspecting a sandbagged river bank and meeting regional officials including Markus Soder, Bavaria's governor.

Soder said that the situation remains critical and tense, with water receding in some places but new flooding and evacuations elsewhere. He noted that water levels are expected to rise in the city of Regensburg and further down the Danube.

Scholz said that this is not just one event like there have been for centuries, and that a succession of floods in recent times shows we cannot neglect the task of halting man-made climate change.
DENVER (KDVR)  Poudre Fire Authority said crews rescued two people who were in distress in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir on Sunday.

In a post on X, Poudre Fire said, Several groups of water recreators were separated when incredible winds caused unexpectedly large waves.

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Initial reports said up to eight people were missing or in the water.

Poudre Fire Authority said crews rescued two people who were in distress in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir on Sunday. (Poudre Fire Authority)

Poudre Fire Authority said crews rescued two people who were in distress in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir on Sunday. (Poudre Fire Authority)

Poudre Fire Authority said crews rescued two people who were in distress in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir on Sunday. (Poudre Fire Authority)

Poudre Fire Authority said crews rescued two people who were in distress in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir on Sunday. (Poudre Fire Authority)

PFA Rescue Boat 7 and a Larimer County Rangers boat were launched into the water for the search. PFA said crews combed through all of the bays on the west side of the reservoir until all of the people were found.

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Two people were in distress in the water and were rescued, PFA said. No one was taken to the hospital.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Two Republican candidates are running in the June 11 primary for 16th Circuit Solicitor, the top prosecutor for York and Union counties.

The candidates are incumbent Kevin Brackett and Tyler Bratton. There is no Democratic primary for solicitor.

Early voting began May 28, and runs through June 7. In South Carolina, any registered voter can vote in one party primary. Voters do not register by political party in South Carolina.

Check your registration, see your sample ballot and find where to vote at scvotes.gov.

For questions, contact the York County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 803-684-1242.

In preparation for the election, The Herald sent surveys to both candidates asking questions about their backgrounds and platforms.

Both candidates running for solicitor responded to The Heralds questionnaire. Their answers are below in alphabetical order by last name.

Kevin Brackett

Kevin Brackett, 16th circuit solicitor candidate

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024:

59

Campaign website or social media page:

www.brackettforsolicitor.com

Party affiliation and office youre seeking:

Republican candidate for 16th Circuit Solicitor

Occupation:

Solicitor

Education:

BA, International Studies and Juris Doctorate

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):

Solicitor, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Prosecutor in the 16th Circuit Solicitors Office since 1991; Board of York County Boys Home and Sexual Assault Resource Center, York County All On Board; active supporter of local charities including Safe Passage, Keystone, Childrens Attention Home, Boys and Girls Club and numerous others.

What is the most important issue facing prosecutors in handling criminal cases and seeking justice for victims and the public, while at the same time maintaining public trust in a fair judicial process?

For some time now I have been advocating for changes to how judges are selected in South Carolina. Currently the legislature hires, funds and can dismiss judges when they come up for reappointment. One branch of our government should not so thoroughly dominate another. The authority for selection should be divided between the Executive and Legislative branches and the citizenry should have the ability to remove underperforming judges in non-partisan, uncontested retention referendums.

How will you and your prosecutors work with law enforcement to seek successful prosecution of cases filed by police to enhance public safety?

I am proud of the record our office has established in this area over the last two decades. We have excellent relationships built on open and honest communication. Law enforcement involves our office early in major or complex cases. We always work together to identify all the relevant evidence available. We include law enforcement during the course of the prosecution so they can assist us and give input. All of this translates into a tremendous amount of trust between the agencies.

How can your office best be accountable and transparent to the public in handling cases that impact the public perception of a fair judicial system for all, such as officer involved shootings, police powers and use of force complaints, and public corruption allegations?

If the criminal justice system is to be respected by the citizens it protects it must be open and transparent to the greatest extent possible. When public officials are the subject of inquiry great care must be taken to ensure the public has access to not only the decisions made but the facts and evidence that justify those decisions and the applicable law. In any instance where the impartiality of the prosecutor can be reasonably questioned, cases should be assigned to another prosecutor.

Tyler Bratton

Tyler Bratton, 16th circuit solicitor candidate

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024:

37

Campaign website or social media page:

www.brattonforsolicitor.com

Party affiliation and office youre seeking:

Republican, Solicitor for the 16th Circuit

Occupation:

Public Defender

Education:

BA Clemson University, JD Charleston School of Law

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held):

No

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Member of the Board of Directors for Bethelwoods, Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church, member of a task force to educate school children on the criminal justice system in an effort to ensure they stay out of it in the future. Mental Health court liaison.

What is the most important issue facing prosecutors in handling criminal cases and seeking justice for victims and the public, while at the same time maintaining public trust in a fair judicial process?

The criminal justice system will crumble and fail without the communities belief that it works and is working for them. Therefore, communication and transparency with victims, police agencies, and the community is the most critical aspect of running a great Solicitors Office.

How will you and your prosecutors work with law enforcement to seek successful prosecution of cases filed by police to enhance public safety?

Communication and education. Law enforcement needs their voices heard before a case is disposed of in court. Their voices are important to understanding the gravity of the situation because they are the boots on the ground. Law enforcement also needs periodic education, with local examples if errors are made, on how to make a good case that prosecutors feel confident with winning at trial.

How can your office best be accountable and transparent to the public in handling cases that impact the public perception of a fair judicial system for all, such as officer involved shootings, police powers and use of force complaints, and public corruption allegations?

Availability, communication, and admitting mistakes while learning from them. Being available to talk to the public when they request a discussion. Communicating on why issues are handled like they are. Admitting mistakes when law enforcement or the Solicitors Office makes mistakes. There was only one perfect man to walk the earth and we are all called to try to be like him.
21-year-old dies after car runs off road and crashes into trees, South Carolina cops say

One person was killed Friday when a car ran off a road and crashed into multiple objects, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The Barnwell County Coroners Office said 21-year-old Barnwell resident Bryce Tolliver was the victim, WJBF reported.

The single-vehicle collision happened at about 7:40 p.m., according to Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway of the Highway Patrol.

Tolliver was driving a 2009 Chevrolet sedan west on Patterson Mill Road, Ridgeway said. Near the intersection with Cashew Drive the Chevy ran off the right side of the road, then overcorrected and swerved across all of the lanes and off the left side of Patterson Mill Road, according to Ridgeway.

The Chevy then crashed into an embankment and flipped before hitting multiple trees, Ridgeway said.

The coroners office said Tolliver was ejected from the car, WRDW reported.

Tolliver was airlifted to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia, where he died, according to Ridgeway.

No other injuries were reported.

There was no word if Tolliver was wearing a seat belt.

Information about what caused the Chevy to originally veer off the road was not available, but the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.

Through May 22, at least 357 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least seven people have died in Barnwell County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were five deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS said.
An aerial view shows high voltage power lines on May 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Twenty-one states are joining a push by President Joe Bidens administration to modernize the nations aging electric grid, which is under pressure from growing demand, a changing mix of power generation and severe weather. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Twenty-one states including Wisconsin are joining a push by the Biden administration to modernize Americas aging electric grid, which is under pressure from growing demand, a changing power generation mix that includes lots of wind and solar and severe weather.

The administration, which has set a goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035, announced Tuesday that the states had joined what it called the Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, which is intended to help drive grid adaptation quickly and cost-effectively to meet the challenges and opportunities that the power sector faces.

In exchange for federal technical and financial assistance opportunities, participating states will prioritize efforts that support the adoption of modern grid solutions to expand grid capacity and build modern grid capabilities on both new and existing transmission and distribution lines.

That means in part focusing on ways to get more out of existing transmission lines, since building new ones can take a decade or more in some cases.

There are technologies we can use to optimize the current infrastructure we have, said Verna Mandez, director of transmission at Advanced Energy United, a clean energy trade group.

Those include reconductoring existing lines to handle more juice as well as so-called grid-enhancing technologies, a suite of tools that include sensors, power-flow controls, software and hardware that can better deliver real-time weather data, among other technologies.

In many cases, those technologies have been adopted in other countries but uptake has lagged here, in part because utilities arent incentivized to adopt them and generally dont face consequences as a result of grid congestion, which costs electric customers billions of dollars each year.

Most transmission providers get more money when they build transmission projects, Mandez said.

The White House said in a news release that adopting newer technologies means that renewables and other clean sources of power can be integrated sooner and more cost-effectively than waiting for new transmission construction, which will address load growth challenges more rapidly, create good-paying jobs and lower Americans utility bills.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has also in several orders prodded utilities and grid operators to consider more use of grid-enhancing technologies.

And some states are taking action on their own. Virginia, which did not join the initiative announced Tuesday, passed legislation signed by GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin that requires utilities to consider grid-enhancing technologies in their planning. Last year, Montana passed legislation aimed at increasing use of advanced reconductoring. Minnesotas legislature also voted this month to add grid-enhancing technologies to the states transmission planning process and require some utilities to evaluate the tools for highly congested lines.

More tools than ever

To get a more reliable and cleaner electric grid, as well as accommodate electric demand thats growing for the first time in more than a decade, the U.S. needs lots of new transmission capacity, experts agree.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy found that almost all regions of the country would benefit from more transmission lines and a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study estimated that getting to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 could require anywhere from 1,400 to 10,100 miles of new high capacity transmission lines per year starting in 2026.

Thats why the Biden administration has been pushing hard to remove roadblocks to new transmission lines, which can take a decade or more to develop in some cases, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a landmark new rule on regional transmission planning and cost allocation. Last month the administration also announced a public-private partnership to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission lines over the next five years and the Department of Energy has identified 10 potential national interest electric transmission corridors, a designation that would help expedite the projects and give developers access to federal financing.

The power sector, which is responsible for a quarter of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, now has more tools than ever  including unprecedented financial support, efficient permitting, and long-term regulatory certainty  to reduce pollution and upgrade the grid to support more factories, electric vehicles and other growing sources of electricity demand, the White House said.

The states joining the effort are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The post 21 states join Biden administration in bid to modernize nations aging grid appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
An aerial view shows high voltage power lines on May 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Twenty-one states are joining a push by President Joe Bidens administration to modernize the nations aging electric grid, which is under pressure from growing demand, a changing mix of power generation and severe weather. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Twenty-one states are joining a push by the Biden administration to modernize Americas aging electric grid, which is under pressure from growing demand, a changing power generation mix that includes lots of wind and solar and severe weather.

The administration, which has set a goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035, announced Tuesday that the states had joined what it called the Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, which is intended to help drive grid adaptation quickly and cost-effectively to meet the challenges and opportunities that the power sector faces.

In exchange for federal technical and financial assistance opportunities, participating states will prioritize efforts that support the adoption of modern grid solutions to expand grid capacity and build modern grid capabilities on both new and existing transmission and distribution lines.

That means in part focusing on ways to get more out of existing transmission lines, since building new ones can take a decade or more in some cases.

There are technologies we can use to optimize the current infrastructure we have, said Verna Mandez, director of transmission at Advanced Energy United, a clean energy trade group.

Those include reconductoring existing lines to handle more juice as well as so-called grid-enhancing technologies, a suite of tools that include sensors, power-flow controls, software and hardware that can better deliver real-time weather data, among other technologies.

In many cases, those technologies have been adopted in other countries but uptake has lagged here, in part because utilities arent incentivized to adopt them and generally dont face consequences as a result of grid congestion, which costs electric customers billions of dollars each year.

Most transmission providers get more money when they build transmission projects, Mandez said.

The White House said in a news release that adopting newer technologies means that renewables and other clean sources of power can be integrated sooner and more cost-effectively than waiting for new transmission construction, which will address load growth challenges more rapidly, create good-paying jobs and lower Americans utility bills.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has also in several orders prodded utilities and grid operators to consider more use of grid-enhancing technologies.

And some states are taking action on their own. Virginia, which did not join the initiative announced Tuesday, passed legislation signed by GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin that requires utilities to consider grid-enhancing technologies in their planning. Last year, Montana passed legislation aimed at increasing use of advanced reconductoring. Minnesotas legislature also voted this month to add grid-enhancing technologies to the states transmission planning process and require some utilities to evaluate the tools for highly congested lines.

More tools than ever

To get a more reliable and cleaner electric grid, as well as accommodate electric demand thats growing for the first time in more than a decade, the U.S. needs lots of new transmission capacity, experts agree.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy found that almost all regions of the country would benefit from more transmission lines and a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study estimated that getting to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 could require anywhere from 1,400 to 10,100 miles of new high capacity transmission lines per year starting in 2026.

Thats why the Biden administration has been pushing hard to remove roadblocks to new transmission lines, which can take a decade or more to develop in some cases, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a landmark new rule on regional transmission planning and cost allocation. Last month the administration also announced a public-private partnership to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission lines over the next five years and the Department of Energy has identified 10 potential national interest electric transmission corridors, a designation that would help expedite the projects and give developers access to federal financing.

The power sector, which is responsible for a quarter of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, now has more tools than ever  including unprecedented financial support, efficient permitting, and long-term regulatory certainty  to reduce pollution and upgrade the grid to support more factories, electric vehicles and other growing sources of electricity demand, the White House said.

The states joining the effort are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The post 21 states join Biden administration in bid to modernize nations aging grid appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
3 Houston men charged in Polk Co. Publix car burglary after visiting to go to the beach, deputies say

3 Houston men charged in Polk Co. Publix car burglary after visiting to go to the beach, deputies say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Three men from Houston were arrested on Saturday in connection with a vehicle burglary at a Publix in Polk County after telling deputies that they traveled to Florida to go to the beach, according to officials.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office said Keshawn Jones, 24, Zevorage Scott, 26, and Troy Kyle, 24, were in a vehicle believed to have been involved in a burglary in the parking lot of Publix on US-98 North in the Lakeland area.

The suspect vehicle had a covered license plate, which one of them admitted was to avoid paying tolls, deputies said.

During interviews, all three men told detectives they didnt know anything about the burglary, and that they drove to Florida to go to the beach, deputies said.

Missing Lakeland man was murdered, Sheriff Grady Judd says

Thats right  they drove from Houstona coastal citythrough Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabamaall of which have coastlines, and drove to the middle of Florida to Polk Countywhere there is zero ocean front property, the Polk County Sheriffs Office wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

All three men were arrested and charged with burglary of conveyance, possession of burglary tools, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, deputies said, noting that additional charges were possible.

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.
Juneteenth, a celebration of Americas enslaved people learning of their freedom nearly 160 years ago, has only been a national holiday for three years, but Macons been marking the occasion for decades.

In 1983, George Muhammad organized the first Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Tattnall Square Park through the Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center, which is still at the helm with Torchlight Academy.

Over the last few years, more organizations have joined in planning the party, including Macon Black Culture, which is partnering with the legacy organizations for the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Parade down Cherry, Second and Poplar streets June 16.

Traditionally, Muhammads main festival falls on Fathers Day weekend, and his 32nd event is no different, despite the federal holiday falling on June 17.

Im not as focused on that, Muhammad told Macon-Bibb Countys Martin Luther King Jr. Board at its last meeting. We will definitely take advantage of that going forward.

For more than 30 years, he has honed in on raising consciousness of the observance, which the MLK Jr. board supports in its mission to support organizations and activities in line with Kings teachings.

What has been top of mind for Muhammad is raising awareness about June 19, or Juneteenth, the actual date slaves in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865.

Macon Black Cultures events culminate that day with a barbecue at Greenwood BBQ, recently opened by the organizations Nadiyah and Brandon Harris at 1087 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This years celebration kicks off Friday and Saturday with the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Reunion to celebrate the legacy of the neighborhood that birthed Little Richard before being split by Interstate 75.

Also this weekend, Macon Black Culture kicks off with a mixer at 6 p.m. at Niche at 385 Second St. and Saturdays Honors and Junior Debutante Presentation from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Tubman Museum. Tickets for that event are $25. For more information, call Nadiyah Harris at 404-394-9462.

Tracing history to its origins is the theme of activities Sunday, June 9, when Washington Memorial Library Archivist Muriel Jackson will lead a free workshop at 3 p.m. on the campus of St. Peter Catholic School in the Mother Mary Catherine Drexel Center.

That evening at 6 p.m. features a Nature Walk for Peace and Wisdom at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.

Thats something thats deemed to be an asset to ones holistic health, Muhammad said. To walk through the nature trail and just enjoy the beauty.

Muhammad said local historian Lonnie Davis will share a lot of untold stories from thea perspective of a leading outreach expert in interconnectivity of heritage of Black and native people.

Monday to Thursday, June 10-13, free Black History van tours will depart from Terminal Station at 6 p.m. Call 478-718-8067 to reserve a seat.

On June 11, Macon Black Culture hosts a Wellness Retreat, likely to be held in Rosa Parks Square at 7 p.m. Details have yet to be finalized, but information will be posted at maconblackculture.com.

Also during that week, Real Talk Hip Hop Arts in the Neighborhoods plan free interactive education sessions that will be announced at a later date. Call 714-866-8052 for information.

Those neighborhood meetings culminate Friday, June 14 for the 19th Annual Real Talk Hip Hop Summit at the Douglass Theatre from 10 a.m. until noon. The free summit will cover the impact of hip hop and explore a hands-on presentation of the original art forms.

Later that night, Macon Black Culture hosts a Black Party Fundraiser at Serenity at 427 Poplar St.

Muhammads involvement in the celebration crescendos with the Freedom Festival at Tattnall Square Park June 15 from 1-9 p.m. and June 16 from 3-9 p.m.

The event features historical exhibits, cultural arts, health and wellness activities, food and vendors.

The MacTown Groove Ensemble provides a live concert Saturday with Ajile Axams Dancical Productions African & Modern Dance Theatre in addition to Black Union Soldiers, Divine Nine Showcase and fashions. Organizers plan a fireworks show to end that Saturday evening.

The Fathers and Family Celebration June 16 honors the legacy of historic Black colleges and universities, HBCUs, presents a return of the Black Union Soldiers, more arts and educational activities, live music Gospel and Hip Hop music and wraps up with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanchez Latin Jazz with Little John Roberts.

This is the second year Macon Black Culture has partnered to present the Juneteenth parade that begins at 3 p.m. June 16 with the theme is Black Girl Magic to celebrate the accomplishments of African American female musicians, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Participants are encouraged to incorporate the theme into their parade plans.

Graduates also are invited to be in the parade for a $75 participation fee, which is the same for non-profit organizations. Other groups pay a $100 entry fee and car clubs with more than five vehicles will be charged $150.

There is no fee for school bands to enter, but applications must be emailed to MaconBlackCulture@gmail.com by Friday June 7. Entry forms are available at MaconJuneteenthParade.com.

Tuesday the 18th, Macon Black Culture holds a night of storytelling at Serenity beginning at 6 p.m.

The public also is invited to participate in the Black Business Crawl by supporting minority-owned establishments throughout the celebration.

While speaking to the MLK board, Muhammad pointed out there are a lot of people working together to create a multi-generational celebration for the community to come together in unity and enjoy.

Board Chair and Macon-Bibb Commissioner Elaine Lucas agrees it is important to reach young people and promote the legacy of Dr. King.

Im afraid were losing so much, she said.

Harris said many of the activities Macon Black Culture is adding to the celebration are designed to reach youth.

We definitely want the community to come together just in unity, in love, and just observing how important this holiday is and what it means to us, she said. We want to make sure that the younger generation continues the torch with education we definitely want to hit the younger audience because a lot of things get lost in translation.

 Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at fabian_lj@mercer.edu or 478-301-2976.
4 migrants die from heat stroke after trying to cross into US

4 migrants die from heat stroke after trying to cross into US

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Four migrants died last weekend due to heat stroke and dehydration after attempting to cross the border illegally in the El Paso Sector, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. CBP says agents responded to several emergencies last weekend involving people suffering from severe heat-related illnesses.

3 people suffer serious heat-related injuries in Sunland Park

Tragically, there have been four deaths due to heat stroke and dehydration during last weekend, underscoring the lethal risks associated with illegal border crossings during extreme weather conditions, CBP said.

According to Sunland Park Fire, they assisted Border Patrol with seven patients who were suffering from heat-related injuries over a three-day period from May 30 to June 1.

Three of those patients died, according to Sunland Park Fire.

CBP says the El Paso Sector is seeing an increase in heat and dehydration injuries and fatalities in migrants attempting to cross the border illegally as temperatures have risen above 100 degrees recently.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol is intensifying its efforts to prevent these tragedies through increased patrols and deployment of specialized Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Teams (BORSTAR). These BORSTAR teams are equipped with advanced technology, including drones and heat-sensing devices, to locate and assist distressed individuals more rapidly, CBP said.

CBP says more than 656 humanitarian rescues have been conducted in the El Paso Sector in Fiscal Year 2024.

CBP also says the community is encouraged to report any sightings of distressed individuals to appropriate authorities by calling 911.

The El Paso Sector also includes New Mexico.

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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The month of June marks more than two decades since five Nashvillians disappeared without a trace.

The trail has seemingly gone cold in many of the cases, but detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) are still looking for answers as another year goes by.

Next week, it will have been 24 years since authorities began investigating the disappearance of local historian Mayme Johnson. Some cases have been unsolved for even longer, with a few hitting nearly four decades this month.

Time can be on your side: Murfreesboro detectives revisit 14-year-old cold case

One of the oldest is that of Jennifer Wyant, a 21-year-old who vanished on June 28, 1980, not long after moving out from her parents house and starting her life on her own.

Even after so many years, the smallest tip could still be a vital clue. Below are five missing persons cases out of Nashville that are now over two decades old and any known information regarding the circumstances of their disappearances.

Ricky Franks: Missing since June 7, 1985

Ricky Lee Franks was 24 years old when he was last seen by his mother on June 7, 1985. He had been living in a group home in Dickson and, for an unknown reason, decided to travel back to Nashville, where his mother lived.

Ricky Franks (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

His mother was driving down Norvel Avenue when she happened to see Franks walking toward her house. Investigators said she stopped and had a brief conversation with him before continuing on to the store.

Police know Franks made it to the house because his stepbrother reported seeing him there. However, by the time his mother returned home from the store, Franks was gone.

TN Missing: Man disappears after leaving Dickson group home

Authorities said Franks only spent about 15 minutes at the home before leaving, but where he went is still unclear. Now, almost 39 years later, no one has seen or heard from Franks since.

In a 2022 interview, MNPD Cold Case Detective Matthew Filter told News 2, There is a possibility that Ricky could still be alive, as officials have received tips about possible sightings.

Franks is 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighed around 145 pounds at the time of his disappearance. He has dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

Marcus Rutledge: Missing since June 8, 1998

Tennessee State University student Marcus Rutledge was last seen at his apartment off Park Dale Drive on June 8, 1998. He was just 23 years old at the time.

Marcus Rutledge (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

His girlfriend reported him missing after she was unable to get ahold of him that day. According to police, his girlfriend went to his apartment to look for him and he was nowhere to be found. What she did find was somewhat unusual.

Rutledges dog was shut in the bathroom with no food and only the toilet to drink from  something that investigators said appeared to be uncharacteristic of his behavior.

TN Missing: TSU senior missing since 1998

Detectives had few leads in the case until July 1, 1998, when they found his car at an apartment complex on the west side of Nashville. However, nearly 26 years later, authorities are still trying to figure out exactly what happened to the missing college student.

Police believe foul play may have been involved. At the time of his disappearance, Rutledge was 6 feet tall, weighed around 190 pounds and had black hair and brown eyes.

Mayme Johnson: Missing since June 12, 2000

Mayme Hart Johnson was 85 years old when she seemingly vanished from the West Nashville apartment she shared with her son. When her son woke up around 6:30 a.m. on June 12, 2000, he initially didnt think much about her being gone.

Mayme Johnson (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

He told authorities Johnson would occasionally leave their apartment on Bosley Springs Road around that time. However, he started becoming concerned when she hadnt returned by lunchtime.

23-year-old mystery: Nashville historian leaves apartment never to be seen again

A maintenance employee recalled seeing Johnson around 6:30 a.m. that same morning, but police said she was never heard from again after that. Its thought that Johnson may have been in the early stages of Alzheimers Disease.

According to documents in the Tennessee State Library and Archives, Johnson was a teacher, home demonstration agent and local historian. A collection of her research notes pertaining to the history of Tennessee churches can still be found in the state archives.

It is unlikely that she would still be alive today at 109 years old, but investigators are continuing to look for answers in her disappearance. At the time, Johnson was 5-feet, 5-inches tall, weighed around 120 pounds and had gray and white hair with brown eyes.

Andre El: Missing since June 23, 1997

The last time anyone spoke to Andre El, a young Nashville father, was around June 23, 1997. A variety of circumstances have made the case one of the most mysterious and difficult to solve.

According to police, there was a large time gap between when El was reported missing and when his family last spoke to him. The official missing person report was filed nearly six months later on Jan. 4, 1998.

Andre El (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Els father and mother had already passed away by the time he disappeared, so the only family he had left was an uncle in Pennsylvania, an aunt in Georgia and the mother of Els young child, who also lived hundreds of miles away in Atlanta.

Nashville fathers mysterious disappearance goes unsolved for 25 years

At the time of his disappearance, El lived at an apartment complex at 2621 Airpark Drive in East Nashville. Its the same area where he is believed to have last been seen, but the details remain murky.

Detectives still arent sure who last saw El in person. Authorities suspect that his disappearance may have been linked to some type of criminal activity and have said that foul play is likely.

However, the scarcity of tips and the time gap before the missing person report was filed has made the case difficult to solve. El was 25 years old when he disappeared. He had black hair, brown eyes, weighed about 220 pounds and was 6 feet tall.

Jennifer Wyant: Missing since June 28, 1980

Jennifer Wyants disappearance is one of the oldest active missing persons cases in Nashville. She was 21 years old, had just moved out on her own and her friends told police Wyant was excited about life.

On Friday, June 27, 1980, Wyant went out to lunch with some coworkers and told them how she planned to go to a softball party over the weekend. However, she never showed up for work the following Monday  something that officials said was very unusual for her.

Unable to reach her, Wyants parents filed a missing person report that same day. During their investigation, detectives learned Wyant had attended the softball party on June 28 and went back to her apartment at 293 Tanglewood Court. Thats the last time anyone saw her.

New information in 1980 disappearance of Jennifer Wyant

Jennifer Wyant (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Investigators searched her apartment and said they found it undisturbed. Her new car, a black TransAm with a big gold bird on the hood, was also still parked in the parking lot.

Little was publicly known about the events following Wyants return home from the softball party until investigators released new information they had received from her neighbors in 2021.

Her neighbors reported hearing screaming that night. When they looked out the window, they said they saw four people forcing a woman into a dark four-door sedan. Police believe that woman was Wyant.

According to authorities, her neighbors reported that same information to a security guard at the apartment complex, but the security guard never notified police.

UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries 

It wouldnt be until Dec. 11, 1980, that detectives would find Wyants Tennesse drivers license nearly 15 miles away from her apartment on Blue Lake Road in Rutherford County. A housing complex was under construction in the area at the time.

Police brought dogs to search the area, but there was still no trace of Wyant. A motive for the alleged abduction is unknown, but investigators believe Wyant was targeted, and foul play is suspected in the case.

At the time of her disappearance, Wyant was 5-feet, 3-inches tall, weighed about 125 pounds and had brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is asked to contact the MNPD 615-862-8600 or the MNPDs Crime Stoppers Division at 615-742-CRIME.

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.
5 takeaways from the inaugural Las Cruces Schools' State of the District event

In its inaugural State of the District event, the Las Cruces Public School District acknowledged the success of the 2022/2023 school year and identified areas for improvement.

"Today I am extremely honored as I share with you the hard work that has been happening in Las Cruces Public Schools, both by our students and staff, highlight the accomplishments of our district sharing areas for growth and plans to refocus and redirect as we prepare for an amazing 2024/2025 school year," said Superintendent of Las Cruces Public Schools Ignacio Ruiz.

Here are five takeaways from the State of the District.

Hispanics make up majority of student population

Ruiz said Las Cruces Public Schools has a student population of 23,149 across its 40 schools.

Of those attending public schools in Las Cruces 79% are Hispanic. Further district data showed the next largest population is 16% is Caucasian.

The remaining student population is made up of Black, Asian, American Indian, Pacific Islander or students who identified as more than one race.

President of the Las Cruces Public School Board of Education Teresa Tenorio addressed those gathered at the inaugural State of the District event May 29, 2024 hosted by Las Cruces Public Schools.

Average student attendance hovers at 61%

Ruiz said that 39% of students were considered chronically absent, meaning they had missed more than 10% of school days.

Overall, Las Cruces student attendance was reported at 61%.

Las Cruces graduation rates above state average

Las Cruces High School students graduated at a rate above the New Mexico state average -76.2%- in the 2022/2023 school year.

Ruiz said Las Cruces Public Schools graduated 81.5% of it students.

"While our graduation rates have remained above the state average it is important to emphasis that student achievement data, such as reading and math proficiency test scores and graduation rates tell only part of the story in the state of the district," Ruiz said.

"There are many other factors that contribute to student success."

Watch the full State of the District event:

Improvement needed in math, literacy outcomes

Data from the New Mexico Public Education Department for 2022-2023 showed just 38% of Las Cruces public school students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 (state testing only includes students in these grades) were proficient in reading.

Of students included in that data, the least proficient by demographic were students with disabilities, who were in the foster care system or are English language learners, while military family students were the highest proficiency demographic.

As part of its work the past year, Las Cruces school adopted new core values as part of its strategic plan that includes commitment "to the success of every student." In its strategic plan, Las Cruces Schools said it would work to improve instructional outcomes for literacy and math; increase post secondary readiness; and attendance and graduation rates.

Virgin Galactic Astronaut Jamila Gilbert shares her spaceflight experience and discusses her background attending Las Cruces Public Schools in her hometown of Las Cruces at the inaugural State of the District event May 29, 2024 hosted by Las Cruces Public Schools.

Las Cruces teaching positions mostly full

Ruiz called the 1,656 staff members "the most dedicated educators in the country."

Cynthia Donnelly, with the LCPS Human Resources Division, reported a 97% fill rate for teachers throughout the school year.

Overall there are 4,827 people employed by Las Cruces Public Schools. Among them are 120 social workers/counselors, and a registered nurse at every school site.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @jussGREAT.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: 5 takeaways from Las Cruces' State of the District event


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Mexico witnessed a historic milestone on Sunday when Claudia Sheinbaum overwhelmingly won the presidential election, making her the first woman and person of Jewish descent to assume the role.

The former Mexico City mayor and Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist captured between 58.3% and 60.7% of the overall vote, beating out the National Action Partys Xochitl Galvez, and the Citizens Movements Jorge Alvarez Maynez by a landslide, per CNN.

I will become the first woman president of Mexico, Sheinbaum told reporters on Sunday shortly after electoral authorities announced that she had gained an irreversible lead, according to CBS. I dont make it alone. Weve all made it, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.

The 61-year-olds victory also marks a triumph for the ruling left-of-center Morena party and outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had enthusiastically named Sheinbaum as his favored successor.

Ahead, weve laid out five major things to know about Mexicos president-elect.

|1| She is the protegee of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.



Sheinbaums presidential bid rode the coattails of the incumbents massive popularity, with Lopez Obradorknown more colloquially as AMLOleaving office in September with a reported 60% approval rating. She has largely promised to continue down the path of her mentor, championing the social welfare programs that some view as responsible for reducing the countrys rate of poverty during his six-year tenure. Among these include a robust pension plan for seniors, scholarships for low-income students, and free fertilizers for small farm owners.



Lopez Obrador celebrated Sheinbaums win during a news conference on Monday. I feel very happy. We are finishing our term, I am going to retire, and with great satisfaction I will be able to say when I hand the flag over to Claudia: mission accomplished, he told reporters, according to the El Paso Times.

ALFREDO ESTRELLA - Getty Images

|2| She will face many hot-button issues left over from the previous administration.

Upon taking office, Sheinbaum will inherit a host of concerns left in the current administrations wake. One of the most pressing is the persisting violence inflicted by Mexicos various cartelsa problem that critics say the Lopez Obrador administration has failed to adequately address.

There is also the urgent matter of the migrant crisis, with many desperate to escape conflict and seek asylum in the U.S. fleeing from Mexicos northern border. With the U.S. facing its own presidential election this November, Sheinbaum will likely be working closely with whoever wins the vote for the Oval Office.

|3| She is a climate scientist.

Prior to her campaign, Sheinbaum was most well-known for serving as the mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023, co-authoring a Nobel Peace Prize-winning report on the mitigation of climate change, and working as Lopez Obradors environment secretary.

A scientist by trade, she earned her doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Indeed, she has spent much of her campaign distinguishing herself from her opponents by focusing on her science-driven backgroundeven as her predecessor faces backlash for directives that were deeply unpopular with those in the science community, such as policies that cut research funding and development projects that threatened the environment.

While she may have a close alliance with Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum has promised voters that she will carve out her own path ahead, too. This includes a robust climate platform that aims to have 50% of Mexicos electricity supplied via zero-carbon sources by the end of her term, as well as investing a whopping $13.6 billion into renewable energy and building up the nations mass transit systems, according to Bloomberg.

CARL DE SOUZA - Getty Images

|4| She is the daughter of Lithuanian and Bulgarian Jewish migrants.

While Sheinbaum ascends to the Mexican presidency in a country that is predominantly Catholic, she herself has a secular relationship to her heritage.

Of course I know where I come from, but my parents were atheists, she previously told the New York Times in 2020. I never belonged to the Jewish community. We grew up a little removed from that.

According to the Times, Sheinbaums parents are both the children of Jews who fled eastern Europe amid the rise of the Holocaust. Her father, Carlos Sheinbaum Yoselevitz, descends from Askhenazi Jewish parents who left Lithuania in the early 20th century. Her mother, Annie Pardo Cemo, comes from Sephardic Jewish parents who previously lived in Bulgaria prior to the Holocaust.

Sheinbaum herself was born in Mexico City.

|5| She wants to reconcile Mexico's climate of political polarization.

As political divisions continue to roil the country, Sheinbaum used her first speech as the president-elect to bridge the gap.

Even though the majority of the people backed our project, our duty will always be to look out for each and every Mexican, without distinctions, she said, according to the Associated Press. Even though there are many Mexicans who dont fully agree with our project, we must walk in peace and harmony.

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Throughout history, royals have been members of the LGBTQ community.

Manvendra Singh Gohil became the world's first openly gay prince when he came out in 2006.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin Lord Ivar Mountbatten came out as gay in September 2016.

"Red, White, and Royal Blue" isn't the only queer royal love story.

Many royals of the past had to keep their LGBTQ+ identities a secret. However, some modern royals like Prince Manvendra of India and Lord Ivar Mountbatten are breaking barriers by being out-and-proud members of the royal class.

Prince Manvendra has founded the Lakshya Trust, a nonprofit organization that focuses on HIV and AIDS prevention in India, as well as education, gender equity, and other philanthropic and social causes. He is also fighting to end the practice of conversion "therapy" in the country, which is still legal.

This Pride Month, here are six LGBTQ+ royals you may not have read about in your history books.

Princess Isabella of Parma exchanged hundreds of letters with her sister-in-law that implied the pair's relationship was more than friendly.

A portrait of Princess Isabella of Parma. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Princess Isabella of Parma, who lived between 1741 and 1763, never confirmed she was bisexual, and was even married to a man, Archduke Joseph of Austria. However, speculation remains about the royal's sexuality and whether she had a romantic relationship with her sister-in-law on her brother's side, Archduchess Maria Christina.

The pair exchanged letters "constantly" back and forth over the years, according to Making Queer History, and many of them are believed to be queer-coded or romantically affectionate in nature.

"I cannot tolerate this uncertainty, I can think of nothing but that I am madly in love," Princess Isabella reportedly wrote in one letter. "If only I knew why this is so, for you are so cruel that one should not love you, but I cannot help myself."

Her marriage was rumored to be an unhappy one, though she did give birth to their daughter. After two miscarriages, Princess Isabella was pregnant for a fourth time when she died from smallpox at the age of 21 in 1763.

After Maria's death in 1798, Isabella's letters with her were later shared by Maria's husband Prince Albert. Maria's own letters were reportedly destroyed.

Philippe I, the Duke of Orleans, was known and often criticized for dressing in women's clothing, and his homosexuality was commonly acknowledged.

Portrait of Louis Philippe I. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images

The younger brother of King Louis XIV, Philippe I was negatively described by the 17th-century memoirist Saint-Simon as effeminate and "always adorned like a woman." While the terms gay, queer, or even bisexual were rarely directly used to describe the royal, his relationships with men were well-documented, and homosexuality itself was common in royal-court life.

According to Retrospect Journal, it was said around the court that no woman could ever "enflame [Philippe's] heart." It is also widely accepted that Philippe I had a number of queer relationships, most notably with the Chevalier de Lorraine, to which his brother, the king, turned a blind eye.

Philippe did marry twice in his life. His first wife, Princess Henrietta of England, died of peritonitis caused by a perforated ulcer, though an investigation conducted by Saint-Simon alleged the Chevalier de Lorraine and the Marquis d'Effiat, another of Philippe's supposed lovers, had poisoned her, according to History Today.

According to Encyclopedia, Philippe later married Princess Palatine Elizabeth Charlotte, who slept in separate chambers and was generally forgiving of what she called "the Italian vice," a colloquial term for homosexuality in that era. Philippe died in 1701.

King Umberto II of Italy was married to Queen Marie-Jose of Belgium, but former ruler Mussolini's secret police kept dossiers on Umberto's male lovers.

King Umberto II of Italy. General Photographic Agency/Getty Images

King Umberto II reigned for only 34 days, from May 9, 1946, until June 12, 1946, after the fall of Mussolini. Shortly after he took the throne following the abdication of his father, King Victor Emmanuel III, Umberto was outed in the press as homosexual, NBC News reported. After the revelation, the Italian public voted to abolish the monarchy.

Umberto divorced his wife, with whom he shared four children, in 1946 and lived the remainder of his life in exile. He died in Geneva at 78 years old.

Prince Egon von Furstenberg, the second husband of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, was open about being bisexual.

Egon von Fuerstenberg in 1994. RICH/ullstein bild/Getty Images

The couple separated in 1973 and divorced a decade later after 20 years of marriage. After they separated, von Furstenberg told New York Magazine that he was bisexual and Diane had experimented with another woman during their marriage, but she didn't enjoy it. The designer later said that the publication of the article was the final straw in the dissolution of her marriage, according to InStyle.

A regular in New York City nightlife, nightclubs like the Flamingo and Studio 54 were among his favorite places to spend time. He also frequently partied on Fire Island, a known location for the LGBTQ+ community during the summer months.

"[Studio 54] was like a school of Southern Baptists next to what happened on Fire Island," he was quoted in WWD.

After his divorce from von Furstenberg, he married another woman, Lynn Marshall, in 1983.

The royal died in Rome in 2004 at the age of 57, leaving behind his wife, ex-wife Diane von Furstenberg, and their two children.

Lord Ivar Mountbatten is the first extended member of the British royal family to come out as gay.

Lord Ivar Mountbatten in 2014. David M. Benett/Getty Images

Lord Ivar Mountbatten, who is related to both Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, married his partner, James Coyle, in 2018, two years after coming out publicly as gay.

Mountbatten was previously married to Penny Mountbatten, a British philanthropist, from 1994 until 2011. She has since come out in support of her husband and even gave him away at his wedding to Coyle. The former couple's three daughters were also supportive of their father and his partner on their big day.

"Ivar is so much more relaxed these days," Penny told the Daily Mail in 2018. "He's so much kinder. He's become a great cook. I now call him Fanny Cradock. He probably wasn't even aware that by keeping his sexuality a secret it was really quite tormenting him. Now it's 'out' he's a completely different person. Everybody says they've never seen him happier."

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil became the first out gay prince in the world when he came out in 2006.

Crown Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil. Renee Nowytarger/Newspix/Getty Images

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, 58, publicly came out at 41 years old in a 2006 interview with a local newspaper, becoming the first openly gay royal in the country.

Until 2018, homosexuality was illegal in India under a colonial-era law that demanded up to life imprisonment for anyone committing sexual acts "against the order of nature."

"The day I came out, my effigies were burned. There were a lot of protests, people took to the streets and shouted slogans saying that I brought shame and humiliation to the royal family and to the culture of India. There were death threats and demands that I be stripped of my title," Gohil told Business Insider in April 2022.

Gohil said in the years before he came out publicly, he had been subject to cruel conversion therapy and electroshock treatments by his family.

Gohil is fighting to outlaw gay conversion therapy in India and fight the stigma against the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

"Now we have to fight for issues like same-sex marriage, right to inheritance, right to adoption. It's a never-ending cycle. I have to keep fighting," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
6 of the most beautiful places in the world, according to someone who's been to 107 countries

I've been to 107 countries and am lucky to have seen some of the most stunning places in the world.

Iceland and Slovenia are absolutely stunning.

Cape Town and Paro also have incredible views, especially from above.

When people find out how many countries I have visited, they always ask me which place is my favorite.

I find that hard to answer because it's like choosing your favorite child, and my "favorite" varies according to different criteria.

One way to rank a place is based on its natural beauty and landscape. Across my travels, I've found these six places to be the most beautiful.

And, according to data from the Global Tourism Organization, none of these places are or are in the most visited countries this year  so you might avoid some crowds by checking them out this summer.

If I had to name one city that stands out, it would be Cape Town in South Africa.

Cape Town looks beautiful from above, too. Johannes Mann/Getty Images

Anyone visiting Cape Town would be impressed by its natural beauty. Its landscape features forests, beaches, mountains, and the majestic Table Mountain that looms over the city and bay.

You can reach the top of Table Mountain by hiking or taking the far less strenuous cable car. Despite being fit, I chose the latter option, which allowed me to spend more time at the top.

The views overlooking the ocean are an Instagrammer's dream. For those who prefer to get a bird' s-eye view of Table Mountain, climbing the nearby Lions Head Mountain is also possible, though there is no cable-car option.

Slovenia is often overlooked by visitors to Europe.

Slovenia is filled with beauty. Peter Zelei Images/Getty Images

It's a shame more folks don't visit Slovenia, as it borders Italy and can be added to any Italian itinerary.

Although the postcard-perfect capital of Ljubljana is beautiful, a trip to Lake Bled shouldn't be missed. Set in the Julian Alps  only about 30 miles from the capital  the lake is the prettiest I have seen.

Standing on the north shore of the lake is the medieval Bled Castle, which makes the perfect backdrop for the lake. Photographers can utilize the lake's reflection to create an artistic masterpiece.

There's nothing like arriving in Paro, the capital of Bhutan.

Colorful flags can be seen throughout some hikes in Paro. Sabine Hortebusch/Getty Images

There is no more spectacular arrival to a country than that into Paro.

Paro's airport has one of the toughest runways in the world. It's in a valley surrounded by 18,000 mountains. Because it's a complicated place to land, fewer than 30 pilots worldwide can land there.

A few minutes before I landed there, the pilot asked us to look out the window and said we were passing Mount Everest. This allowed me to tick off a bucket-list item without climbing to the peak!

Devoid of busloads of tourists, Bhutan has a peaceful serenity that makes it even more beautiful. Although I didn't climb Everest, I did a five-hour hike to see the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Also known as Paro Taktsang, this temple complex was built in the late 17th century and hangs on the edge of a cliff over 10,000 feet above sea level.

My demanding hike started in Paro Valley and took me past serene temples adorned by colorful prayer flags  and my beautiful final destination made the journey well worth it.

If you like water, then you must visit Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason. MaxTopchij/Getty Images

Iceland has waterfalls, thermal lagoons, glaciers, and geysers.

I was fortunate to visit Iceland during summer when the sun never seemed to set, and I even wore sunglasses at midnight. The extra-long days allowed plenty of time to travel this small country and marvel at its natural attractions.

I broke records for the number of photos I posted on social media- earning lots of comments from jealous friends, but none can do the place justice.

Watching nature's fury shoot water hundreds of feet up (geysers) or hundreds of feet down (waterfalls) was mesmerizing and a reminder of our precious earth.

After a long day of exploring, there's nothing better place than a warm thermal bath in the famous Blue Lagoon.

El Salvador pleasantly surprised me with its beauty.

El Salvador is located in Central America. GlobalVision Communication / GlobalVision 360/Getty Images

El Salvador is small, but it has a lot to see, from volcanoes to beaches to ancient Mayan ruins.

I loved peacefully starting my days there by sipping fresh Salvadoran coffee while watching the sunrise over volcanoes. I also did a couple of volcano hikes, including the amazing Santa Ana, which offered majestic views over a bright-green crater lake.

I was fortunate to spend a night overlooking Lake Coatepeque, which can change from deep blue to glowing turquoise.

As an Australian, it would be remiss not to include my home country.

The Twelve Apostles are famous, but the rock formations are not all still standing. Manfred Gottschalk/Getty Images

Australia has no shortage of natural attractions, from coral reefs to rainforests to the culturally important Uluru Rock.

My favorite, however, is the Great Ocean Road along the Victorian coastline. It is an easy day trip from my hometown of Melbourne, and although I have driven this road many times, I have never tired of it.

The drive is one of the most stunning in the world, as the road clings to the coastline, offering panoramic views. Its highlight is the Twelve Apostles, a natural rock formation caused by thousands of years of erosion.

Read the original article on Business Insider
I-75 northbound closed in West Chester Township due to crash

A multi-vehicle crash closed Interstate 75 northbound in West Chester Township on Monday afternoon.

Interstate 75 northbound lanes are closed in West Chester Township due to a multi-vehicle crash.

The Ohio Department of Transportation's real-time traffic monitoring system OHGO says the lanes are blocked beyond Cincinnati-Dayton Road, which is Exit 21.

As many as five vehicles were involved, according to a township spokesperson. Injuries were reported but none appear to be severe at this point.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Multi-vehicle crash closes I-75 beyond Cincinnati-Dayton Road exit
8 things to know about our series, The Marked Man

Robert DuBoise walked out of prison in 2020 an exonerated man.

Hed been arrested at 18 for the rape and murder of 19-year-old Barbara Grams, a mall employee. After a surreal trial hinging on since-discredited bite mark evidence, DuBoise spent 37 years in prison, including a stint on death row.

In those years, he wrote and wrote, asking for someone, anyone, to take a look at his case. In 2018, the Innocence Project signed on.

The results of DNA testing in 2020 identified two men now linked to three homicides across Tampa Bay in the 1980s. They are persons of interest in other killings.

Here are some key takeaways from our series, The Marked Man.

1. Bad science sent DuBoise to prison.

The key evidence that clinched DuBoises murder conviction was a bite mark on Grams cheek.

Richard Souviron, a forensic dentist, testified that DuBoises teeth were a match. Souviron was a pioneer in the nascent field of bite mark analysis whod testified in the case of serial killer Ted Bundy.

Since then, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and other scientific research groups have concluded that bite mark analysis has little basis in science.

A 2009 report from the National Academy of Sciences found a lack of scientific support for the notion that dentists can match a bite mark to a specific biter. Another study found that dentists struggled in determining whether a particular mark was a bite mark at all.

No studies have ever demonstrated that the makeup of peoples teeth is unique, and human skin is considered too elastic and variable to faithfully capture a bite mark. While bite mark evidence is still admissible in trials, these findings upended bite mark analysis nationwide. The American Board of Forensic Odontology no longer allows its members to testify that a mark is a match or give statistical likelihoods like a million to one. The science just isnt there.

2. Real science got DuBoise out.

The evidence that ultimately secured DuBoises exoneration was stored on slides taken during a standard rape examination during Grams autopsy in 1983.

The slides sat in the local medical examiners office for decades. Their existence was unknown to investigators until the Hillsborough state attorneys office conviction review unit in 2020 examined DuBoises case and a detective suggested checking the morgue for evidence.

When tested, DNA on the slides did not match Robert DuBoise.

Further testing, unavailable at the time of DuBoises conviction, linked the results to two men  Amos Robinson and Abron Scott. They had no connection to DuBoise and were in prison for a different murder.

3. One of the men suspected of being Grams real killers pleaded guilty. The other awaits trial.

Scott and Robinson were charged in 2022 with Grams murder.

In 2023, Scott described to investigators his memory of the night Grams died 40 years earlier. He said he and Robinson crossed paths with her as they walked North Boulevard. Scott described watching, smoking a joint, as Robinson raped Grams and beat her with a wood board.

This spring, Scott pleaded guilty and got an additional life sentence. He has agreed to testify against Robinson, who faces a possible death sentence. Robinson has denied involvement.

Scott said he didnt know the young woman was dead until months later, when Robinson told him someone else  Robert DuBoise  had been arrested.

4. Robinson and Scott have surfaced in other murder investigations. Some remain unsolved.

The same day Scott and Robinson were indicted for the Grams murder, a grand jury charged them with another killing.

Linda Lansen, a 41-year-old mother, was found shot to death on July 11, 1983 in Town N Country. Her unsolved case was among several that received renewed attention after DuBoises exoneration helped point investigators toward Scott and Robinson.

Investigators in 2007 identified a fingerprint lifted from Lansens car window as belonging to Scott. But DNA testing at the time was unable to make a link, investigators said.

In 2021, testing identified DNA from Scott on a bloody towel at the murder scene and DNA from both men on Lansens body. Lansens daughter, Dessa Willson, who was 7 when her mother was killed, confronted Scott in court, saying she never believed this day would come.

You ruined my life, she told him. You basically took away my entire childhood.

Scott wept, asking for forgiveness.

5. The state and the city of Tampa both gave DuBoise compensation, but it wasnt easy.

Florida law provides compensation for people who have been exonerated  unless they have prior felony convictions.

DuBoise had a handful of teenage convictions for burglary and theft. To get the money, the Florida Legislature had to pass a bill to grant an exception. At stake was $1.85 million  $50,000 for each year he was wrongfully incarcerated. A legislative official examined the case, concluding that he was indeed innocent. He received his compensation in 2023.

Sponsor Sen. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) called the bill an act of legislative grace. She went on: I actually believe that we should be asking him for his grace, rather than him asking us for ours.

DuBoise sued the city of Tampa, the retired Tampa police detectives who arrested him, and the forensic dentist who matched his teeth to the victims wound.

The complaint accused the investigators of violating DuBoises rights to due process and the city of failing to properly train their officers. It claimed that detectives conspired with a dentist they could count on to make a match. The suit accused detectives of excluding evidence that could have helped DuBoise  chiefly that theyd pressured their jailhouse witness to deliver a confession tale they knew to be false.

DuBoises lawyers hired a policing expert who said the detectives overly relied on bite mark evidence and had tunnel vision after DuBoise became a suspect.

The retired detectives and the dentist all disputed in court that there was any evidence to support the claims.

The case reached a settlement in February, wherein the city agreed to pay DuBoise $14 million. The defendants admitted no wrongdoing.

6. A conviction review unit in Hillsborough County helped identify other wrongful convictions.

In 2018, the state attorneys office introduced a unit to re-investigate cases in which theyd secured a conviction against someone with a plausible claim of innocence.

The idea was that prosecutors, with easier access to evidence and witnesses, could quickly help right wrongs in the event a prisoner proved to truly not have committed the crime. Similar entities have been established in prosecutors offices nationwide.

The conviction review unit was instrumental in proving DuBoises innocence and within a year helped another wrongfully convicted man walk free. Tony Hopps spent 31 years incarcerated for a Tampa armed robbery before a review led to his conviction being overturned.

Hopps conviction rested on the recollection of the victims, whod been accosted by a gunman at their motel room on S Dale Mabry Highway. They selected Hopps image from a photo array. But the review found problems with the way the photos were assembled and shown. The gunman they recalled was muscular, with a mustache and no beard, but Hopps was described as skinny and bearded.

New witnesses corroborated Hopps alibi. The review concluded there was no valid evidence that Hopps committed the crime. He went free.

His case was similar to that of Cornelius Marion.

Marion also spent three decades in prison for a Tampa robbery that largely hinged on the victims selection of his image in a photo array. The Innocence Project of Florida hired an expert in eyewitness identification research who identified more than a dozen problems with the procedures used in Marions case.

Marion went free in February 2023.

7. Police investigations have advanced since Robert DuBoise was arrested.

In 1983, police investigations relied greatly on what detectives gathered by talking to people.

We were gumshoe guys, former Tampa police Detective K.E. Burke said in testimony during DuBoises federal lawsuit. We trod on the streets and we trod in the alleys and we trod places we could find information.

Investigative technology, like fingerprints, was not nearly as advanced as it is today. DNA testing did not exist. Today, cell phone signal analysis and ubiquitous surveillance videos frequently play a role in investigations.

The credibility of our criminal justice system requires scrupulous accuracy and adherence to the highest investigation standards, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement after the City Council approved the settlement in DuBoises lawsuit. She said the department had advanced light years.

DuBoise believes todays technology would have prevented him from being falsely accused.

All theyd have to do is ping my phone and theyd see I wasnt there, he said.

8. The Conviction Review Unit in Hillsborough looks different today.

The conviction review unit that discovered the evidence that helped exonerate DuBoise is in flux.

The attorney who most recently led the unit left the Hillsborough State Attorneys Office early this year. While interviewing new candidates, a senior attorney reviews petitions from people who claim to have been wrongfully convicted, a spokesperson said.

A creation of former State Attorney Andrew Warren, the units work has become less publicized since Warren was removed from office in 2022 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A state attorneys spokesperson said the departments procedures have not changed under Suzy Lopez, the longtime prosecutor appointed to replace Warren, citing the release of three prisoners under Lopez.

In 2023, for instance, the unit helped facilitate the release of Cornelius Marion, though only through a reduced sentence. Marions conviction remains on the books, as do the convictions of the two others who were freed.
UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: The Kansas Highway Patrol reports the 92-year-old man named Marion Paul Brenner has died as a result of his injuries.

CLAY COUNTY (KSNT)  On Sunday, a 92-year-old man from Randolph, Kansas was seriously injured after allegedly failing to yield and being hit in an intersection.

At 1:27 p.m., the 92-year-old was driving a Hyundai Sonata south on Utah Road. A 44-year-old man from Mankato, Kansas was driving a Ford F150 west on U24. The 92-year-old man failed to yield the right of way and was hit by the Ford F150 in the intersection, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) crash log.

Three occupants were listed in the Ford F150; two were juveniles whose information was protected. No other injuries were listed, according to the KHP crash log.

KUs Redwine joins K-Nation ahead of NCAA Outdoor Nationals

The 92-year-old was listed as not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

For more Kansas 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.

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 KSNT 27 News.
What has been eating sheep in Cumbria? Scientist is 99pc sure its a panther

A big cat was caught on trail camera in the Kent countryside in 2013, with experts identifying its neck muscle, ear shape and tail as not of a domestic feline - Dragonfly Films / SWNS

There is a 99 per cent chance that there is a panther living and eating livestock in Cumbria, a scientist has claimed.

Reports of a big cat in the UK countryside have long been the domain of cryptozoologists and amateur sleuths  but evidence suggests it could be more real than previously believed.

A sheep carcass was seen being eaten by a large animal in the Lake District in October 2023 and four swabs were wiped on the wounds, before being sent to Dr Robin Allaby, a biologist at the University of Warwick, for study.

With a lab dedicated to extracting modern environmental DNA from samples, the analysis revealed there to be two non-ovine sources of DNA on the ravaged sheep remains  one from a fox and one from the Panthera genus. This group of animals includes panthers, leopards, tigers and lions.

Dr Allaby has been conducting analysis of samples from suspected big cat attacks since 2011, and never has it yielded anything more exciting than a dog or fox.

I have remained somewhat open-minded and not overly invested in the big cat story, the scientist told The Telegraph.

As far as I was concerned, they may or may not exist, but I was happy to provide the testing service, which was clearly needed.

We spent those 13 years continually disappointing Rick Minter  who has long been involved in tracking sightings of big cats and trying to assemble evidence of their existence in the UK  with identifications of fox or dog. Until, that is, this sample from the Lake District in October last year.

The four swabs were analysed for mitochondrial DNA, a form of genetic material passed down from the mother, in order to determine what species it belonged to.

In this case, the DNA sequence is 100 per cent unequivocally of the Panthera genus, Dr Allaby told The Telegraph.

Analysis revealed there to be two non-ovine sources of DNA around the ravaged sheep remains  one from a fox and one from the Panthera genus - simon evans / Alamy Stock Photo

The scientist is unable to conclusively say it is from a panther because one letter of the DNA code is not correct, but he believes this may be caused by water reacting with the big cats DNA and altering the code.

This means that while the sequence is almost identical to panther (Panthera pardus), there is this one base difference which means scientifically that we must restrict ourselves to calling it as Panthera genus rather than the specific species, he said.

I find the data we have quite convincing. Im 99 per cent plus persuaded that our hit is genuine from a panther in Cumbria. What do I think ate the sheep? Panthera pardus, a panther.

It is usual for a scientific breakthrough is for investigations and analysis to be written up as a research article before being submitted for peer-review and potential publication in a scientific journal.

However, due to the lack of data, Dr Allaby is not planning to publish his findings until more investigations can be mounted.

I can understand that some would want more evidence before they are persuaded, he said. To build legitimacy, I think the obvious thing we need is more data.

The next steps involve looking for genetic signs of more than one panther in the countryside, which are related to one another. If found, this would imply the existence of a breeding colony of panthers and would be impossible to fake.

Outlining his future plans for exploring the existence of a British panther family, Dr Allaby said he is now going through more than a decade of frozen samples of suspected big cat attacks to see if we missed anything.

When we have enough samples, I would look to do much deeper sequencing  not just short sections of DNA but whole genomes if possible, he said.

This, he says, would be the threshold for a potential publication that would be universally acceptable and meet the high bar that folk understandably have.

The scientist also ruled out possible contamination or fakery of the sample, saying his lab has only once had panther DNA, back in 2020, and the area has since been cleaned with bleach numerous times.

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.
AMANDA  As the Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District Superintendent, Timothy Edwards is responsible for basically everything that goes on in the district.

"There's a lot of moving pieces, yeah," he said. "This is my first superintendency. I'm fortunate that the board is very supportive. They're very good at being forward thinking and looking at the resources we have and how we can better improve and set ourselves up for success for the future as far as personnel and facilities and things like that."

Amanda-Clearcreek Schools Superintendent Timothy Edwards stands outside of Amanda-Clearcreek Schools on May 16, 2024, in Amanda, Ohio.

Edwards took over as superintendent in 2022. Before that, he spent his education career in the Gallia County Local School District. The Gallipolis native was a teacher, principal and a central office administrator there.

MORE: Aces of Trades: Baltimore Police Chief Bret Rogers has a long history with the department

"It's been good," he said of his time here. "It's been very busy. There's a lot of pride and tradition that has come out of Amanda-Clearcreek and I was interested in being part of that. That's what interested me in coming up here."

Amanda-Clearcreek Schools Superintendent Timothy Edwards stands outside of Amanda-Clearcreek Schools on May 16, 2024, in Amanda, Ohio.

Edwards said he's also impressed with the local community.

"There's a lot of people in the community wanting to give back to the schools," he said. "That's neat to see. The community has been very welcoming ever since I came in and has been very supportive. I appreciate the community for doing that. I think we have a lot of great things in our future."

Edwards attended Morehead State University in Kentucky and Marshall University in West Virginia. He said he always wanted to be an educator.

"I was pretty sure I wanted to go into administration, too," Edwards said. "I thought that I would want to be a principal. When I took the position at central office and I was over federal programs for three years in Gallia County that gave me a really neat perspective of the more global scale of things and how all the pieces work together. That interested me in pursuing a superintendent's license and thought that was direction I might want to go."

Edwards said service is his guiding principle as an educator.

"As an educator, you have to want to be in a service field," he said. "You have to want to provide and give of yourself to the students and whatever that may be that students need to be successful. That's our job."

Away from work, Edwards and his wife, Mandy, like to travel, kayak, fish and hike.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter/X: JeffDBarron

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Amanda superintendent Timothy Edwards is impressed with community
2 arrested after shots fired at music event in Cherry Creek State Park

DENVER (KDVR)  The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said two men were arrested after shots were fired at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday.

Deputies responded to the disturbance near the swim beach at Cherry Creek State Park where the sheriffs office said someone fired shots into the air.

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It happened at around 6 p.m. during a music event, which the sheriffs office said hundreds of people were in attendance.

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said two men were arrested after shots were fired at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office)

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said two men were arrested after shots were fired at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office)

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said two men were arrested after shots were fired at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office)

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said two men were arrested after shots were fired at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday. (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office)

The crowd quickly dispersed and luckily, deputies said no one was injured.

Two men were taken into custody. No further information was 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 FOX31 Denver.
The Montgomery County Jail Coalition called for a state investigation into the jail to examine problems highlighted in a year-long newspaper investigation.

Follow-up story: Gov. Mike DeWine: Jail deaths should be investigated by an outside agency, not sheriffs

The investigation into Ohio jail deaths by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and other USA TODAY Network Ohio newspapers found there were 18 deaths in the Montgomery County Jail reported to the state between 2020 and 2023.

Montgomery County Jail employees hold Isaiah Trammell in a restraint chair and examine his injured head. The 19-year-old banged his head on the cell wall so hard that he knocked himself out. He died days later at a local hospital. His death was ruled a suicide.

Those deaths included Isaiah Trammell, a 19-year-old with autism spectrum disorder. Montgomery County Jail officers taunted and threatened Trammell, placed him in a concrete cell by himself and strapped him into a restraint chair two separate times while he begged for his medications and to call his family.

Isaiah would be alive today had he been treated with dignity and respect in the jail by staff concerned for his health and well-being. Instead of listening to his cries for medication he was laughed at and ignored. We need accountability for what happened to him, Yvonne Currington, a retired nurse and coalition member said in a news release.

The coalition is a group of organizations and activists working on jail reform.

Laura Bischoff and Erin Glynn are 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: Montgomery County Jail Coalition calls for a state investigation
Age has caught up with me, says D-Day veteran unable to go to Normandy

A D-Day veteran says he cannot make it to Normandy for this weeks 80th anniversary commemorations because age has finally caught up with me.

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year.

The King and Queen will be among those in attendance to remember the more than 156,000 Allied troops who landed on the shores of Normandy on June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in history.

But Mr Walker, who worked on board a destroyer which escorted troops to the shores of France, will not be making the journey.

Age has finally caught up with me, he told The Telegraph from his home in Essex.

It comes after a survey by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission found nearly half of young adults did not know what D-Day was, fuelling fears the sacrifices of former generations are being forgotten.

Mr Walker's daughter pins his medals on to his blazer - BELINDA JIAO

Mr Walker was just 17 years old in June 1943, when he joined the Royal Navy as an able seaman. He joined the crew of HMS Versatile, a destroyer, starting his career escorting Arctic convoys. Before long the ship was redeployed to the Solent to escort convoys across the Channel to Normandy.

Mr Walker remembers being called to the upper deck in June 1944, to be told by the captain that the ship was to start escorting troops to Europe, specifically Arromanches.

He recalled the sense excitement after his captain told the crew that nobody knows whats happening, because no one is going ashore and no one is coming onboard.

Mr Walker added: We escorted barges full of soldiers and tanks. As soon as we unloaded the barges we had to go back to England.

After the first landings, the ship returned to Portsmouth to bring back Rear Admiral William Tennant, who was in charge of the Mulberry Harbour construction  an engineering feat critical to the success of the D-Day invasion  which consisted of two portable harbours that enabled cargo to be rapidly unloaded on to the Normandy beaches.

The harbours also served to protect the undersea pipeline known as Operation Pluto. For two days straight Mr Walker did not sleep, as the crew operated on adrenaline, scanning the waters for submarines.

The significance of D-Day remains clear to him to this day. He said: If it wasnt for us old boys, we wouldnt be here today, would we?

Mr Walker joined the crew of HMS Versatile in 1943 - PIEMAGS/ARCHIVE/MILITARY/ALAMY

Although Mr Walker travelled to Normandy for the 65th, 70th and 75th commemorations, his health would not permit him to travel this year.

For many of the 50 veterans travelling to Normandy next week, it is likely to be the last time that they will make such a trip.

Mr Walker said: Age is, unfortunately, finally catching up with me. I have been very lucky to have visited Normandy several times in previous years to remember. However, this year I am unable to make the trip due to mobility and other health problems.

While he is disappointed not to be going to France, he is looking forward to attending the Royal British Legions UK National Service of Remembrance, at the National Memorial Arboretum on June 6. The service will be focused on the stories of Second World War veterans, told through first-person testimony, and will culminate in an act of remembrance and wreath-laying.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the RBL, said: The Royal British Legion is proud to be delivering a series of commemorative events across Normandy and the National Memorial Arboretum, which will honour the service and sacrifice of all those who served together to make the liberation of Europe possible.

These incredibly moving and poignant occasions will be our last opportunity to host a significant number of D-Day and Normandy veterans, as we invite world leaders and the nation to pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.

After the war, Mr Walker joined HMS Liverpool for one year, before pursuing a career as a successful greengrocer.

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Days after state agents found a Raleigh firefighters stash of illegal drugs at his and his wifes home, they returned to the address and found nearly $145,000 in cash and 950 LSD tabs, according to recently released court documents.

On May 15, state Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested Nicholas Benjamin Banister and his wife, Amanda, on a long list of drug charges, including trafficking cocaine, LSD and ecstasy they allegedly sold in the Glenwood South and downtown Raleigh areas.

Nicholas Banister faces about 46 drug charges and his wife faces 27, according to the Wake County jail website.

Since their arrest, the two have been held at the Wake County Detention Center after a judge set their bail at $4 million.

Banister, 35, a senior firefighter who had worked for the city of Raleigh since 2013, no longer works for the city, spokesperson Julia Milstead wrote in an email Monday. His last day of employment was May 28.

N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents began investigating the couple after a spontaneous source of information provided a menu of drugs that Nicholas Banister advertised for sale, including, cocaine, ketamine, LSD tabs and microdose spray, according to court documents related to the two searches of the Banisters home.

That same source gave Banister contact information for someone interested in buying drugs. Banister contacted that person, who was working with ALE as an undercover agent or a confidential informant. Court documents dont say which.

Meeting at downtown Raleigh food hall

Banister contacted and met with the undercover buyer at Morgan Street Food Hall in downtown Raleigh on April 18, according to court documents. The ALE buyer paid $400 for 3.5 grams of cocaine and a gram of ketamine, an anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. Ketamine was tied to actor Matthew Perrys October death.

Amanda Banister remained in the couples 2000 Toyota 4Runner. Banister indicated that his wife was his assistant and helped him package the drugs, the court documents state.

On May 1 the buyer used audio and video surveillance equipment to record the purchase of 3.5 grams of cocaine and an LSD microdose spray that offered about 100 hits, the documents state.

After a third May 8 drug deal, Bannister told the buyer he would be doing a decent re-up, which state agents interpreted to mean he was obtaining a large amount of illegal drugs, the court documents state.

ALE officers searched the couples Long Cove Court home in Raleighs Hedingham neighborhood around 3:45 p.m. May 15. They found over $69,000 in cash, multiple firearms and ammunition, the documents state. They also found 540 grams of ketamine and 7,666 grams of marijuana, to 3,038 doses of methamphetamine pills and 9,283 Xanax pills, among other drugs.

A rush to return to the couples home

On May 18 just before noon, ALE officials received a tip about the couple storing money in an HVAC floor vent. An hour later, investigators learned about a monitored jail telephone conversation between Amanda Banister and her mother. Amanda Banisters mother planned to visit in coming days, and Banister suggested she stay at the house.

Around 5 p.m. ALE agents searched the home a second time and found $144,760 in cash along with 10 brownies laced with marijuana and 953 tabs of LSD, according to court documents.

Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
Air defence and permission to strike Russia to collectively enable defence of Kharkiv  ISW

The Institute for the Study of War believes that providing Ukraine with air defence systems and lifting restrictions on targeting Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons will make it possible to defend the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The provision of Western air defence systems and the lifting of restrictions on attacking military targets in Russia with Western-supplied weapons are critical for Ukraine to defend the city of Kharkiv against Russian glide bombs and missile attacks.

About a dozen Western countries recently partially or fully lifted restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

Such policy changes will enable Ukrainian forces to use Western-supplied systems to target Russian firing points and bridgeheads in border areas and Russian airspace.

Ukrainian officials reported that the defenders had downed several Russian military aircraft in February 2024. Many of those aircraft had been launching glide bomb attacks towards the city of Avdiivka.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Russian forces would not succeed in occupying Kharkiv if Ukrainian forces received two Patriot air defence systems to deploy in the region.

Over the past few weeks, Russian military units have attacked the city of Kharkiv using glide bombs and striking with different types of missiles. However, two Patriot batteries in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast would have limited effectiveness in defending against Russian aerial attacks if they cannot fire on Russian aircraft in Russian airspace.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 2 June:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US and Singaporean officials and highlighted the upcoming Global Peace Summit during the International Institute for Strategic Studies' (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on 2 June.

The provision of Western air defence systems and the lifting of Western restrictions on Ukraine's ability to strike military targets on Russian territory with Western-provided weapons remain crucial for Ukraine to repel Russian glide bomb and missile strikes against Kharkiv City.

Ukrainian field commanders are reportedly compensating for training difficulties that mobilisation has exacerbated by training new personnel on the frontline.

Ukrainian field commanders' decisions to train newly-deployed personnel on the front before committing them to combat indicates that the overall quality of Ukrainian forces will likely remain higher than that of Russian forces in the near- to mid-term.

The New York Times (NYT) published an investigation on 2 June into the forced relocation and deportation of 46 Ukrainian children from a foster home in occupied Kherson Oblast during 2022.

The Telegraph reported on 1 June in a since-removed article that British officials ordered the United Kingdom's Security Service (MI5) to refocus its counterintelligence efforts towards Russian, People's Republic of China (PRC) and Iranian agents operating in the UK.

Russian war commentator Alexander Artamonov drew backlash from Kremlin-affiliated Russian propagandists for claiming that Ukrainians are "second-class citizens", contradicting the Kremlins false efforts to portray Ukrainian and Russian people as one nation.

Russian forces recently advanced near Vovchansk, Avdiivka, Donetsk City and Krynky.

Russia continues to indoctrinate Russian minors into military-political thinking to set conditions for long-term force generation.

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Akron officials are asking for assistance with finding the suspect responsible for Sunday morning's mass shooting in East Akron which left dozens injured and one 27-year-old man killed.

Here's what we know about the shooting, including the identity of the deceased victim as well as latest updates on the investigation:

What happened in the Akron shooting on Sunday?

Police responded to 911 calls shortly after midnight Sunday after reports of gunshots fired at a large gathering at Kelly and 8th avenues.

About two hours before the shooting, Akron officers were sent to the party to disperse the crowd of over 200 people. Some people left, but others came back around midnight shortly before the shooting.

When officers returned due to the shooting, they entered a chaotic scene. Many people were still at the scene, some who were shot and needed to be transported to local hospitals. Dozens of shell casings, as well as two guns, were found on Kelly Avenue between 7th and 8th avenues.

The evidence points to a drive-by shooting, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said at a press conference with Mayor Shammas Malik Sunday evening. A vehicle with an unknown number of occupants arrived at the party and opened fire at the party attendees.

Some of the partygoers may have also returned fire.

Who were the victims of the Akron mass shooting?

The Akron man killed during the shooting has been identified as LaTeris Cook, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.

Another 24 people were shot and treated at local hospitals including Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Akron City Hospital. Two people were in critical condition as of Sunday night.

These victims ranged in age from 19 to 43, and most were in their 30s, Harding said.

No arrests yet in Akron shooting; rewards offered

Mayor Shammas Malik speaks to the media at the Sunday, June 2 press conference regarding the early morning mass shooting on Kelly and 8th avenues.

Akron police have made no arrests as of Monday morning. There are no details on suspects yet.

Summit County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest. The U.S. Marshals Office is offering $7,500 and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offered a reward of $10,000, bringing the total to $22,500.

Residents can help investigators anonymously by calling the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490, Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS or texting your tips to TIPSCO at 274637.

What has been the reaction to the Akron mass shooting?

Police tape lays on the ground off of Kelly Avenue near 8th Avenue at the site of a mass shooting in Akron on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

The reaction to Akron's latest shooting has horrified local residents and officials of Northeast Ohio.

"Our hearts, love and support are with the individuals impacted by this horrific event," a Sunday night tweet from the Cleveland Cavaliers stated. "We also send our thoughts and prayers to their families, friends and the entire Akron community. These senseless acts of gun violence have no place in our community here in Northeast Ohio."

"Im grateful for the law enforcement officers who responded quickly to the scene, and I encourage anyone who may have any information to contact the authorities," U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, said in a statement to the media Sunday afternoon. "Our community must work together to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence."

What did Akron Mayor Shammas Malik say about the shooting?

"With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers," Mayor Shammas Malik and Harding said in a joint statement. "As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones."

How to find 24/7 mental health support after 'incredibly traumatic' Akron shooting

Akron Capt. Michael Miller described the shooting as "incredibly traumatic" for everyone involved and for the whole city.

"We want you to know resources are available if you need support or someone to talk to," he said in a news release.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis and needs help, you can call the Summit County crisis line at 330-434-9144 or call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The United Way of Summit and Medina's resource line is 211, which can connect individuals to a variety of programs including mental health support.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron mass shooting updates, police still searching for suspects
Alito flew an upside-down American flag. What if a liberal Supreme Court justice did that?

If theres one thing we know for certain its that conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alitos wife loves flags.

Absolutely adores the things, apparently. Shes the one he pointed the finger at after The New York Times reported on an upside-down American flag  a sign of distress co-opted by Jan. 6 insurrectionists  hanging outside the justices home following the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

Alito said his wife also hung an Appeal to Heaven flag  another symbol co-opted by Jan. 6 rioters and Christian nationalists  outside their New Jersey vacation home.

'My wife is fond of flying flags' is Alito's excuse for a pro-insurrection symbol

After Democratic lawmakers called on Alito to recuse himself from cases involving the Jan. 6 insurrection, he wrote: My wife is fond of flying flags. I am not. My wife was solely responsible for having flagpoles put up at our residence and our vacation home and has flown a wide variety of flags over the years.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, view the casket of the Rev. Billy Graham in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in 2018. Two flags connected to the Stop the Steal movement were seen flying at homes owned by the Alitos, according to reports in The New York Times. After Democratic lawmakers called on the justice to recuse himself from cases involving the 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, he wrote: My wife was solely responsible for having flagpoles put up at our residence and our vacation home and has flown a wide variety of flags over the years.

Cool! Aside from hoping Martha-Ann Alito is also fond of the bottom of the bus her husband threw her under, I wonder if conservative supporters of Alitos flag-losophy would be equally just fine with other Supreme Court justices hoisting flags of their own?

Would it also be OK for a liberal justice to fly a Black Lives Matter flag?

Say, for example, a Fox News reporter noticed a Black Lives Matter flag flying outside liberal Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons home.

I assume folks at that network as well as social-media-thirsty Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen. J.D. Vance and convicted felon/GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump would be just fine with that, right?

Trump the felon: Guilty Trump's press conference was a disaster. Republicans need to replace him  fast.

Theyd utter nary a peep. After all, we must respect our right to bear flags.

And if anyone on the right did take issue with it and Jackson explained her husband is a big fan of flags and hes the one who put it up, that would make everything OK, scandal-wise, right?

How about a Puerto Rican flag symbolizing resistance?

Suppose liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, whose parents were from Puerto Rico, had a black Puerto Rican flag  a symbol of resistance and grief  flying outside her vacation home. Thatd be all good, right?

And maybe someone reported on it and she explained that a family member staying with her had put it up and, like Alito with his wife, she just couldnt get the relative to take it down.

Im sure Fox News would be cool as a cucumber about a story like that.

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An upside-down US flag in a liberal justice's yard? The right would be up in arms.

Lets use a hypothetical thats more direct: Its 2016 and Trump was just elected president. A neighbor shows a New York Times reporter a photo of an upside-down American flag flying outside the home of liberal Justice Elena Kagan. Radical liberal groups across America had recently adopted the upside-down American flag to express their violent opposition to the new president.

Would Republicans let that one go without batting an eye? Would the right-wing media ecosystem calmly roll its eyes and move on?

No, everyone on the right would be apoplectic. Fox News headquarters would spontaneously combust from the ensuing rage.

But with Alito and his insurrection-curious wife and her unflagging flag enthusiasm, its no biggie.

Patriotic bridges: Gov. Ron DeSantis bravely saves Floridians from exposure to nonpatriotic bridges

Alito's flags matter. They represent a dark undercurrent in our politics.

After the flag stories broke, Democratic senators asked Chief Justice John Roberts to meet with them to discuss the scandal.

Roberts said no. Nothing to see here.

But theres definitely something to see here, folks. And if a liberal justice were raising ideological flags of any sort, Republicans would surely see the problem clear as day.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on X, formerly Twitter, @RexHuppke and Facebook facebook.com/RexIsAJerk.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alito's flag should be bigger scandal. What if a liberal did it?
Amanda Knox tweets ahead of new trial in same courtroom where I was reconvicted of a crime I didnt commit

Amanda Knox will return to court on Wednesday for wrongly accusing a Congolese man of murdering her roommate while the young women were exchange students in Italy (Associated Press)

Amanda Knox is set to return to a familiar Italian courtroom - this time to face slander allegations.

The 36-year-old American will return to court on Wednesday for wrongly accusing a Congolese bar owner of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher, while the young women were exchange students in Italy. The case featured multiple convictions, and appeals, and instantly became a high-profile case spreading across the globe.

On June 5th, I will walk into the very same courtroom where I was reconvicted of a crime I didnt commit, this time to defend myself yet again, she wrote in a post on X on Monday.

I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charges against me. Wish me luck.

On June 5th, I will walk into the very same courtroom where I was reconvicted of a crime I didn't commit, this time to defend myself yet again. I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charges against me. Wish me luck. Crepi il lupo!  Amanda Knox (@amandaknox) June 3, 2024

Amanda Knox is set to return to a familiar Italian courtroom - this time to face slander allegations. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Kerchers body was found with her throat slit on November 2, 2007, in her locked bedroom in an apartment she shared with Knox and two other roommates.

Knox, from Seattle, had recently arrived in Perugia, Italy, when she endured a long night of questioning over the murder, despite having only rudimentary Italian language skills.

She ended up accusing the owner of a bar where she worked part-time  Patrick Lumumba  of killing the 21-year-old British student.

In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights ruled the interrogation violated her rights because she was questioned without a lawyer or official translator.

In November 2023, Italys highest court threw out the slander conviction  the only remaining guilty verdict against Knox after the same court definitively threw out convictions for Kerchers murder against Knox and her and Sollecito nine years ago.

Knox accused the owner of a bar where she worked part-time  Patrick Lumumba  of killing 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher (AP)

That conviction, which endured multiple trials and appeals, has remained a legal stain against her, especially in Italy, as she pursues a new life in the US campaigning for judicial reform.

Knoxs 2007 accusation against Lumumba appeared in statements typed by police that she signed, but which have been ruled inadmissible in the new trial by Italys highest court.

She recanted the accusation in a four-page handwritten note in English penned the following afternoon  the only evidence the court can rule on. Despite her attempts at walking back the accusation, Lumumba was picked up for questioning and held in jail for nearly two weeks.

21-year old Meredith Kercher  who shared a room in Perugia, Italy, with Knox  was found dead in November 2007 (AP)

The slander conviction carried a three-year sentence, which Knox served during nearly four years of detention until a Perugia appeals court found her and Sollecito not guilty. After six years of flip-flop verdicts, Knox was definitively exonerated by Italys highest court of the murder in 2015.

Another man, Rudy Guede, was convicted in Kerchers murder in 2008.

Guede, whose DNA and footprints were found at the scene, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

He was released in 2021 after serving 13 years, and is currently being investigated for allegedly physically and sexually assaulting a former girlfriend since being freed.
One year anniversary of the death of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, in Rio de Janeiro

By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Two years after poachers murdered British journalist Dom Phillips in a remote corner of the Amazon, an NGO has been created in his memory to promote the protection of the rainforest he loved and its people, his widow said.

Phillips, 57, was working on a book on how to save the Amazon when he and his Brazilian travel partner were shot dead by illegal fishermen next to the Javari Valley, home to isolated tribes on the border with Peru.

"If people could see the beauty and potential of the Amazon, and the wisdom of its Indigenous people, they would naturally want to protect the Amazon biome," he'd say after his trips into the rainforest, according to his widow Alessandra Sampaio.

"The Dom Phillips Institute will be a platform to broadcast the voices of the Amazon people around the world, to give them visibility and also give them security," she said on Sunday.

Phillips, who wrote for the British newspaper The Guardian as well as the Washington Post, was traveling with Bruno Pereira, an expert on isolated Indigenous groups who was working to expose environmental crimes in the Javari Valley.

On June 5, 2022 they were shot dead on a river while leaving the area. Their dismembered bodies were located in the forest after a fisherman confessed involvement to police.

The Javari Valley is home to the world's largest number of isolated Indigenous communities, as well as cocaine-smuggling gangs and illegal hunting and fishing rackets.

Police said the murders were planned by a gang leader because Pereira was investigating and photographing illegal fishing, causing losses to the criminal group. Four people have been charged with homicide and concealment of bodies.

"The investigation is advancing well. I am confident that justice will be done," Sampaio said by telephone.

Beto Marubo, an Indigenous leader from the Javari Valley, said the NGO will continue the work of "a journalist who did his best to draw attention to the climate issue, the setbacks in environmental policies and the destruction of the Amazon".

A group of journalists collaborated to complete Phillips' unfinished book "How to Save the Amazon: Ask the People Who Know". It highlights the work of those who live there and shows how best to protect and regenerate the rainforest.

The book will be published in April 2025 by Manilla Press, an imprint of publisher Bonnier Books.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle; editing by Mark Heinrich)
(NewsNation)  Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara is making a strong, unambiguous pledge: We pledge never to forget Jamal, our brother.

OHara recounted to Nexstars NewsNation the events of May 30 that cost Officer Jamal Mitchell his life.

OHara says Mitchell was responding to a report of a shooting and came upon two men lying in the street, believing them to be the shooting victims.

As he was putting on medical gloves and asking the person if he was OK  he was very suddenly and callously assassinated, said OHara. He was shot and fell to the ground, incapacitated. The suspect continued to fire upon him.

1 dead, 24 injured after overnight shooting in Ohio

OHara said Mitchell, who joined the Minneapolis Police Department in February 2023, was exactly the kind of officer his department has been seeking since the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Officer Derek Chauvin and the upheaval that followed.

He chose Minneapolis. Jamal is from the East Coast like I am. (He) moved to Minnesota four years ago and became a police officer, said OHara. He chose to become a Minneapolis police officer post-2020 despite all the very broad criticism of this agency.

Officer Mitchells death Thursday came days after the fourth anniversary of Floyds killing, which sparked sometimes violent unrest across the country and forced a reckoning with police brutality and racism. Minneapolis became ground zero for the defund the police movement, and while that didnt succeed in eliminating the citys police department, the force remains well below full strength.

Minneapolis police department had 560 officers in March when it launched a $1 million recruiting campaign, down from more than 800 before the pandemic. Many retired or went on disability after Floyds death, claiming post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the unrest.

The Minneapolis Police Department on Saturday identified the suspected shooter as 35-year-old Mustafa Mohamed. He was shot and killed by another police officer, who was also wounded. A third man died in the shooting and four others were wounded.

2 dead, 7 injured after shooting at a bar in suburban Pittsburgh

Theres absolutely nothing Officer Mitchell could have done differently in that situation, said OHara. He did absolutely nothing wrong.

Mitchell, a father of four who was engaged to be married, will be honored not just for how he gave his life but for how he lived his life, he said.

He was the type of person who loved being a Minneapolis cop. He loved his co-workers. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his children. He is the very best of what we could possibly ask for in police officers today.

The chief noted that during his first week on the job, Mitchell ran into a burning house and saved an elderly couple.

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation of what its leader said was clearly an ambush. In an update Friday, the bureau said it is still working to establish a clear timeline of events.

The metro area has seen other recent deaths of first responders: In the suburb of Burnsville, two officers and a firefighter-paramedic were killed, and a third officer was wounded, while responding to a domestic violence call. Their funeral drew thousands of officers, paramedics and firefighters.

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.
Depending on which Israeli official you ask, Israel is either close to a total and complete win over Hamas in Gaza or in the middle of what will be a long, grinding year ahead. On April 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that we are one step away from victory after nearly eight long months of combat. Yet Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahus national security adviser, had an altogether different assessment of the situation this week: Were now in the fifth month of 2024, which means that this year we are expecting another seven months of fighting.

Whoever you believe, one thing is indisputable: Israel doesnt have a plan in Gaza. Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israels history, is winging it.

At first glance, this would seem like an odd statement to make. Israel, after all, has consistently stated that it has two objectives for this military campaign: defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

Yet those two objectives have proven to be irreconcilable. While Netanyahu argues that military pressure is crucial to getting the rest of the hostages released, the facts thus far have demonstrated otherwise. To Hamas, the hostages are bargaining chips meant to force Israel to end the war permanently and for good  something Netanyahu has ruled out.

Under its most extensive military pressure since the movement was founded more than thirty-five years ago, Hamas simply has no reason to hand over the hostages for anything short of an immediate, comprehensive and internationally-guaranteed ceasefire. Unless Netanyahu agrees to this, its hard to see a deal being struck.

As difficult as this issue is, the long-term challenge is even more daunting. To put it bluntly, Israels plans for how to manage Gaza after the war range between delusional to nonexistent.

Netanyahus first crack at a post-war proposal was a vision of what he would like to see rather than what is realistically possible. In that plan, Israel would maintain indefinite security control over Gaza while handing over the labourious work of civil affairs to Israeli-approved Palestinians with no links to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Yet this plan was basically laughed out of the room. No Palestinian will risk his or her life and reputation cooperating with an Israeli-authored scheme. Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, who will be counted on to finance reconstruction, wont participate in a plan that makes it easier for Israel to maintain a de-facto occupation over Gazas 2.4 million Palestinians.

The obvious question then arises: what next? Unfortunately for Israel, its choices are limited.

The first option could best be described as declare victory and go home. After destroying the last four Hamas battalions in the city of Rafah, Israeli troops could withdraw from Gaza entirely, ensure its border with Gaza was secure and continue the mowing the grass strategy it has executed for the previous decade and a half. When threats from Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza re-surface, Israel could take military action to neutralise them.

But in the grand scheme this is a conflict management strategy, not a long-term solution. None of the issues that have turned the Israeli-Palestinian dispute into one of the worlds longest will get addressed, let alone resolved. Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations would likely remain off the docket; Hamas would use an Israeli pullout to regenerate; and Israel would again find itself in a situation where military action is likely, if not imminent.

The second option is an Israeli military occupation of Gaza to keep Hamas as degraded as possible. Yet nobody but the most extreme members of Netanyahus ultranationalist cabinet would support this. On May 15, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ruled it out as long as he led the defense ministry. The Israeli military leadership wouldnt endorse it either, since an occupation would entail fighting a long-term insurgency as well as caring for the basic needs of more than two million people there. And the Biden administration wouldnt endorse it; even before Israeli troops began ground operations, President Biden was on record telling Israel that re-occupying Gaza would be a mistake.

The third option would be bringing the PA back into Gaza to administer the territory. This isnt a panacea. The PA is a notoriously corrupt institution and deeply unpopular in the eyes of the Palestinian public, which has long viewed it as a sub-contractor for Israel. PA President Mahmoud Abbas is as old as he is deplored, with only 14 per cent of Palestinians satisfied with him. There is also a legitimate question as to whether the PA has the capacity to administer Gaza given its sub-par record in the West Bank.

Even so, the last option is the best  or least bad  on the list. The PA at least possesses some experience in the basics of governing, and its really the only Palestinian alternative to Hamas today. Allowing the PA to control Gaza would give Israel the opportunity to disassociate itself from the enclave and is far more likely to bring Arab states onside in the process. Unfortunately, Netanyahu would rather see the PA wither than strengthen, which could increase US pressure on Israel to eventually resume negotiations on a Palestinian state.

Regardless of what Netanyahu decides to do, the United States needs to stay out of the Gaza maelstrom. While Washington is likely to have a role post-conflict, under no circumstances should the US military be deployed in Gaza to keep the peace or maintain order  either alone or as part of a multinational peacekeeping mission. Israel and the rest of the regions stakeholders need to take the lead here. The best the US can do is advise Israel not to make any more bad decisions.

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Amid Appeal Bid, Lyle Menendez Aims to Be 'Productive Person' While Behind Bars for Parents' Killing

From prison, Lyle Menendez spoke over the phone to an audience at CrimeCon in Nashville

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP Lyle Menendez

Lyle Menendezs fate is in the hands of the court, which is weighing a petition filed last year that could potentially free him and his brother, Erik. For now though, the man convicted of killing his parents in 1989 is just trying to better himself.

Speaking over the phone from prison, Lyle told a crowd at CrimeCon in Nashville what his life looks like behind bars and shared an update about his educational pursuits.

I get my bachelor's degree in sociology at UC Irvine, Lyle told the audience. It's the first time that a University of California university partnered with corrections to have a very small graduating class. I managed my way into it. So about 23 incarcerated guys will be graduating on June 20th, so it'll be exciting.

Lyle was interviewed at CrimeCon by Mark Geragos, his longtime attorney, and NewsNation correspondent Laura Ingle.

Related: Menendez Brother Explains Why He Didn't Accuse Parents of Abuse When He Initially Confessed to Killings

The Menendez brothers were convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty, who were shot to death in their Beverly Hills mansion. In 1996, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole, after a second trial. Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 at the time of the killings.

The brothers do not dispute that they shot their parents, but instead claimed that the killings were self-defense, alleging Jose had sexually abused hem for years and Kitty had enabled the abuse. Prosecutors argued the allegations of abuse were fabricated.

Recognizing he might never get out of prison, Lyle said he has been focusing on improving his life, which includes studying sociology.

I just decided even though I'm incarcerated and there isn't hope of freedom, I still have a chance to be a productive person and sort of feel like I'm proud of what I'm doing with my day, Lyle said. Education seemed like an obvious answer to that question.

He also said he is trying for a masters degree in urban planning, which he said fits in with work he has done to help redesign the prison yard, in a way that is less harsh and oppressive.

Not to make prison more fun and less a sentence, but to create a sense of community so that prisoners could learn to function in a sense of community, almost like a campus, and that they might be more open to changing their life, he said about the redesign.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Erik and Lyles attorney filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in Los Angeles Superior Court last year, reviewed by PEOPLE, citing evidence unearthed in a docuseries, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed.

The evidence put forward includes a claim by Menudo member Roy Rossello, who alleged that Jose, an executive for RCA Records, raped him.

The writ also included a letter that attorneys claim Erik sent to his cousin before the shooting detailing Joses alleged abuse.

Lyle finished the conversation with Geragos and Ingle by thanking everyone who had written to him and Erik.

We hope for the best, he told the audience.

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Read the original article on People.
Analysis: How did Mexico elect a female president before the United States? Not by accident

Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters early Monday in Mexico City after the National Electoral Institute announced she held an irreversible lead in the election. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Mexico has elected its first female president  a U.S.-educated climate scientist and former mayor whose landslide victory Sunday reflects both the continued dominance of the country's ruling party as well as the vast strides made by women in politics here.

That Mexico will have a female leader before the United States and the majority of the other countries in the world is no accident.

For years, Mexico has required political parties to ensure that female candidates make up at least 50% of all competitors in federal, state and municipal elections.

It has transformed politics: More than half of the members of Congress and nearly a third of governors are women, and women head the Supreme Court and the ministries of the interior, education, economy, public security and foreign relations.

Political scientists say female leaders have helped push some of Mexico's most progressive policies, including a federal law that gives domestic workers the right to social security and the decriminalization of abortion by several states before the Supreme Court ruled last year that it should be allowed nationwide.

Supporters of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum celebrate early Monday at the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square. (Marco Ugarte / Associated Press)

The election of Claudia Sheinbaum shatters the last glass ceiling in politics in a country where women were barred from voting until 1954, and where a culture of sexism and high rates of violence against women still prevail.

In 200 years of the Mexican republic, I have become the first woman president, Sheinbaum, 61, told supporters in her acceptance speech Sunday night, describing her win as a victory for all women.

"I did not arrive alone," she said. "We all arrived."

Read more: She's likely to be Mexico's next president. Can she save the country from cartel violence?

She is set to be sworn in Oct. 1, taking the helm of a prosperous but polarized nation plagued by widespread gang violence.

Sheinbaum has vowed to continue the path cut by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist widely known as AMLO who helped slash poverty by doubling the minimum wage and expanding the country's welfare system while giving extraordinary new powers to the military and failing to halt cartel violence.

She backs some of his most divisive proposals, including a series of constitutional changes that critics worry would erode democratic checks and balances.

Her extraordinary margin of victory  she won more than twice as many votes as her main competitor  was largely seen as a vote of confidence for Lopez Obrador and the party he founded, Morena.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador greets supporters in 2019 with then-Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

But how Sheinbaum will navigate his long shadow is already the central question of her presidency. Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire from politics, but many wonder whether he will find a way to remain in the fray that has animated his entire adult life.

Sheinbaum, for her part, has dismissed the implication that she will be the former president's puppet as sexist. Theres a hint of misogyny, of machismo there, she said in one interview.

Veteran Mexican journalist Jorge Zepeda Patterson suggested that Sheinbaum is up against a lot.

"The generals, the union leaders, the party leaders, the managers of the business chambers ... are not only men, they operate culturally with patriarchal codes," he wrote in the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

Read more: Mexico's presidential race is between two women. So why is everyone talking about one man?

Sheinbaum owes her political career to Lopez Obrador, who was mayor of Mexico City when he plucked the then-university professor out of academic obscurity and named her his secretary of environment.

He then encouraged successive electoral bids that catapulted Sheinbaum to his former post as the capital's mayor and, now, to succeed him as president.

Sheinbaums standard campaign stump speech routinely refers to her tutor in all things political as Mexicos greatest president ever. She borrows his slogan promising to "put the poor first."

Its hard to believe that Lopez Obrador will stay completely away from politics, said Lila Abed, acting director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington. But he will probably allow [Sheinbaum] to stake out her own stands on certain issues.

One is energy policy. Lopez Obrador has invested billions of dollars in refinery projects and in propping up the plodding state oil giant, Pemex.

When asked about how her policies may differ, Sheinbaum inevitably refers generally to her scientific background, which includes a doctorate in environmental engineering and four years of study at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California.

I am a scientist, I have always worked for renewable sources of energy, she said in an interview last year with the Los Angeles Times. I am a woman. I believe in scientific development as part of national progress.

Her adherence to science was evident from the early days of the pandemic as Lopez Obrador defied social distance recommendations and toured the country  pressing the flesh with admirers, hugging and kissing supporters and urging his compatriots to keep eating in restaurants.

Read more: Bullets before ballots: Dozens of Mexican candidates have been killed as cartels seek more control

Sheinbaum, who at the time was mayor of Mexico City, was one of several insiders credited with working behind the scenes to persuade the president to reverse course and embrace mask-wearing and more caution.

She urged people to wear masks, she closed the city and favored social distancing at a time when AMLO was saying the contrary, Abed said.

Experts said Sheinbaum is also likely to take a more pronounced stand than her predecessor on gender issues  an area that activists routinely accused Lopez Obrador of neglecting.

Their criticism has often extended to Sheinbaum as well, though she did speak out against violence against women and the grim statistic that an average of 10 women are killed every day.

In 2022, she pushed for the arrest and prosecution of the alleged killers in one of the countrys most high-profile cases: the slaying of Ariadna Fernanda Lopez Ruiz, whose battered body was found dumped on a highway outside the capital. Sheinbaum alleged a cover-up on the part of a state prosecutor, who was later charged in the case.

Early returns suggested that Sheinbaum captured a broader share of the vote than any candidate in decades.

As of Monday afternoon, she was winning with 59% of the vote compared with 28% for her closest rival, Xochitl Galvez Ruiz, a former senator on a ticket with a coalition of opposition parties largely united against Lopez Obrador.

With two women front-runners, it was clear for months that Mexico would elect a female president.

A supporter of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum awaits her arrival at the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, in the early hours of Monday after the election. (Matias Delacroix / Associated Press)

Many credited the work of activists that resulted in gender quotas, an effort that dates back to the country's transition to democracy.

After more than seven decades of domination by the Institutional Revolutionary Party, politicians began rewriting laws in the 1990s to make elections more fair. Feminist activists saw an opening.

Lawmakers first set a mandatory 30% quota for female candidates in the 2003 elections and later raised the threshold to 40% for the 2009 vote.

For a while, parties tried to evade the requirements, running women in losing districts or making backroom deals so female candidates would resign once elected and cede their positions to men.

Read more: Soldiers and civilians are dying as Mexican cartels embrace a terrifying new weapon: Land mines

In response, female politicians from across the ideological spectrum formed a coalition to push back , taking parties to court and pressing election officials to strengthen the quota rules.

Fewer than a third of the member states of the United Nations have ever had a female leader, according to a Pew Research Center analysis.

Jennifer Piscopo, a professor of gender and politics at the University of London who studies Mexico, said her research shows that having women in office shapes not only policy but culture.

"Even if all forms of gender equality are not solved, I think it matters that now there won't be any little girl in Mexico who thinks a woman can't be president," she said.

Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mexico's next president will have to boost tax take to pay for social programs

By Anthony Esposito and Noe Torres

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum will face the unenviable task of making good on campaign promises to boost social programs even after an election-year spending binge by her predecessor lifted the budget deficit to its highest since the 1980s.

After winning investors' confidence with tight spending policies for most of his term, leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador loosened the purse strings in his final year in office to finish flagship infrastructure projects and cover a surge in welfare programs for Mexico's poor. That boosted the deficit to 5.9% of gross domestic product in 2024, from 4.3% in prior years.

Those moves will force Sheinbaum's incoming administration to either hold the line on spending, or risk a hit to Mexico's creditworthiness.

Lopez Obrador's finance minister, Rogelio Ramirez de la O, is set to join Sheinbaum's cabinet for some time. "It gives a lot of peace of mind in terms of the economy, and that will smooth the transition," the outgoing president said.

The solution for Latin America's second-largest economy, according to economists, analysts, and former top government officials, is some form of tax overhaul which would boost government revenues  despite Mexico's next leader saying she has no plans to raise taxes.

Sheinbaum handily won Sunday's election on a platform to expand her predecessor's popular social programs, including increasing pensions for senior citizens and student scholarships.

MARKET JITTERS

In her victory speech, Sheinbaum promised to continue with Lopez Obrador's policy of "republican austerity", maintain financial and fiscal discipline, and respect the autonomy of the Bank of Mexico.

Despite those pledges, the election sent shockwaves through the market as the ruling Morena party and its coalition partners look primed for a congressional super-majority, which would make constitutional change easier and diminish checks and balances.

The final seat counts are still being tallied, but Mexico's peso fell as much as 4% against the dollar before recovering some losses and trading down 3% while Mexico's main stock index fell 3% on Monday.

In February, Lopez Obrador proposed sweeping constitutional reforms, including measures to overhaul the judiciary, electoral law, pensions, and environmental regulations.

"Some bills are perceived as leading to institutional erosion and weakening the current checks and balances, and several are not viewed as market friendly. With full control of the House, and for practical purposes likely the Senate as well, the probability that a significant part of this broad agenda is approved increased significantly," said Alberto Ramos, chief Latin America economist at Goldman Sachs.

NO FISCAL REFORM IN SIGHT

Sheinbaum, who will take office as Mexico's first woman president in October, has said she will look to cut red tape and improve the efficiency of tax collection at customs, among other proposals, but is not planning fiscal reform.

"I'm not thinking about a deep tax reform, I think there are still many opportunities for (tax) collection," Sheinbaum said days prior to the election at a televised forum.

Just the cost of pensions, servicing public debt and federal government transfers to support Mexican states accounted for more than half of the country's 9.07 trillion pesos ($535 billion) budget this year, while indebted state oil firm Pemex is no longer the cash cow it was for previous Mexican governments.

"The challenge is big," said former finance minister Ernesto Cordero. "If they want to finance their proposals and their way of seeing the country, they need to think about how they are going to do it."

Still, the possibility of a super majority could make the politically unpalatable changes needed to boost tax take easier to push through.

PRESSURED FROM ALL SIDES

With Mexico's public finances pressured from all sides and the current avenues for boosting much-needed tax take drying up, experts suggest changing the inefficient way properties and cars are taxed, tweaks to taxes on corporate profits, "green taxes," and royalties on Pemex.

"The idea of tax reform is a debate we should have," said political analyst Fernando Dworak. "Everyone is talking about what they are going to do, but nobody mentions how they are going to pay for it."

Neither does it look like economic growth will help plug any gap, with the Bank of Mexico projecting a lackluster 1.5% rise in GDP for next year.

The last fiscal reform dates back a decade, when former President Enrique Pena Nieto hiked taxes for the highest earners and new levies were imposed on soft drinks, junk food, and financial market profits.

During his administration Lopez Obrador managed to increase tax revenue by clamping down on evasion and forcing big corporations to settle tax disputes worth billions of dollars. That brought a 48% rise in tax revenue in nominal terms from 2018 through 2023, but experts warn it is not a repeatable policy.

"Six years ago there was room for savings on the spending side and improvements in the state's ability to collect taxes," said former Bank of Mexico deputy governor Gerardo Esquivel last month at a roundtable hosted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Now, Esquivel added, the new president will have to find different solutions to a worsening budget conundrum.

Mexico's tax take still lags far behind its peers, amounting to only 16.9% of GDP in 2022, far below the 34% average for member nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, of which Mexico is a member. Even more striking, Mexico was below the average of 21.5% among Latin America countries.

Political scientist Dworak cautioned that without the means to pay for an expansion of social program, the president-elect's promises are wishful thinking, something akin to "letters to Santa Claus."

($1 = 16.9636 Mexican pesos)

(This story has been refiled to delete a repeat of paragraph 4)

(Reporting by Anthony Esposito and Noe Torres; Editing by Christian Plumb, Lincoln Feast and Alistair Bell)
States Newsroom photo

Updated, 9:14 a.m., 6/4/24

Only one-fourth of draft Senate district voting plans were fairer than a previous, unconstitutional map from 2021, a coalition of Michigan advocates found in a new analysis.

Jamie Lyons-Eddy, executive director of the nonpartisan group Voters Not Politicians, said she expected more than three of the 12 maps to be fairer than the unconstitutional districts from 2021.

I think its absolutely possible to meet the federal requirements to provide more opportunity districts for historically marginalized communities, to respect communities of interest and its better on partisan fairness, Lyons-Eddy said.

Michigans congressional and state legislative voting districts are drawn up by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC), which is a relatively new process. Michigan voters approved a ballot initiative in 2018s midterm election to move the district redrawing responsibility away from legislators and to the new 13-member panel, which is composed of four Republicans, four Democrats and five independents.

Voters not Politicians organized the ballot initiative process in 2018, and still is a watchdog for the process.

Now the MICRC is attempting to redraw several state Senate districts around Detroit and the metro area  for a second time.

A federal court last year found 13 House and Senate maps, called the Linden map, around the Detroit area had to be redrawn because the plan violated the 14th Amendments equal protection clause, which protects access to voting. The court said the commission had diluted the power of Black voters in Detroit.

New House maps were approved by a federal court panel at the end of March and will be used for the 2024 election.

Both in the House and the Senate redraw, theyve been able to draw maps that do a considerably better job of giving historically marginalized communities an opportunity, a better opportunity to elect candidates of their choice, Lyons-Eddy said.

The court gave the MICRC more time to redo the Senate maps, as the upper chamber isnt up for reelection until 2026.

The MICRC submitted 12 new Senate draft redistricting maps near the end of May. The public comment and court deliberation process is expected to wrap up in late July.

Promote the Vote, a coalition of leaders from advocacy organizations around the state, independently scored the draft maps and found three were fairer than MICRCs final map from 2021, based on a set of criteria. Maps Heron (376), Szetela (404) and Kellom (403) were deemed fairer than the Linden map.

The main issue voting advocates are looking for is partisan fairness, or how skewed a district map is to either political party. Maps can be drawn to either favor or dilute certain demographics, and the scorecards try to identify the political influence the boundaries have over election results.

Map 404 (Top 12)

You want maps that lead to outcomes where the majority of votes gets the majority of seats, Lyons-Eddy said.

One way the redraw process tried to be more fair than the original process was by turning off population data relating to race, according to Lyons-Eddy. It is unconstitutional to draw maps based on race, but the commission also performs an analysis to make sure minority populations are fairly represented.

Promote the Vote used criteria that attempted to break up the Detroit metro area into districts that would represent the majority vote and not minimize the voices of the Black population in the area. Some of the total 12 maps did better on portions of the criteria than others, but only three were found to holistically accomplish the fairness mandate.

Promote the Vote also looked at how many municipalities and counties were broken up by Senate districts. It is better if the entirety of a jurisdiction is in one Senate district, according to the scorecards.

But Lyons-Eddy said no test is a silver bullet for judging fairness. She said it is important to look at all factors and how they play out in individual elections to determine if a districting pattern will represent constituents.

The Commission respects the right or any organization to develop metrics in evaluating the draft proposed maps or proposing a map to the Commission. However, the Commission is bound to follow the Court order in the Agee Case and the seven-ranked redistricting criteria outlined in Michigans constitution, said MICRC Executive Director Edward Woods III. We appreciate and respect the counsel and advice from our lawyers, mapping consultants, and experts for the Voting Rights Act and partisan fairness. It fared well for the Commission in the House map, and we believe it will do the same for the Senate map.

The next step for the 12 Senate draft maps is public comment. Public comments are scheduled Thursday online and in Detroit next week. The official public comment period will close June 21.

We would like to see the commission seriously consider and incorporate all public feedback and make sure they arrive at a final map that complies with the Voting Rights Act, that respects Michigans diverse communities of interest and gives voters partisan fairness across all districts, Lyons-Eddy said.

Map 403 (Top 12)

The post Analysis: Only 1/4 of Michigan Senate districts redrawn by MICRC are fairer than previous map appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Analysis of water source composition raises serious health concerns worldwide: 'Comparable results could be found across the globe'

A study showed dangerous "forever chemicals" have contaminated drinking water worldwide.

What's happening?

The paper, published in Nature Geoscience, found that these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances surpassed recommended levels in surface and groundwater and were especially prevalent in the United States, Europe, China, and Australia, CBS News reported.

What may be even more concerning than the elevated levels is that these hotspots correlate with the most tested areas. So, if testing increases in other places, it's possible "comparable results could be found across the globe," as CBS put it.

In April, the Biden-Harris administration announced it allocated $1 billion in additional funding to detect and treat PFAS-infested water. Similar legislation has long sprung up all over.

This was the first study to measure PFAS pollution across Earth.

Why is PFAS contamination important?

As Blue Marble reported, PFAS were known to harm marine wildlife as early as 1970. By the end of the decade, research showed that humans  especially those in PFAS manufacturing  were subject to the same toxic effects.

"Manufacturers knew that potentially damaging PFAS were accumulating in people's bloodstreams, but little was done to communicate that threat to the public  and by the turn of the century, the chemicals' spread was near-universal," according to the site. "In 2007, a U.S. study on members of the public found PFAS in more than 98% of blood samples."

The substances, called forever chemicals because they don't break down over time and can remain in our bodies and the environment for thousands of years if not longer, are used to make clothing, cookware, and firefighting foam, among countless other products.

Of the data from 45,000 water samples analyzed in the study, 69% contained PFAS levels that are not allowable in Canada. That mark was 32% for the U.S. and 6% for Europe.

"Many of our source waters are above PFAS regulatory limits," said Denis O'Carroll, a study author and professor at the University of New South Wales.

CBS reported O'Carroll was shocked to see that PFAS levels were so much higher than recommended  from above 5% to as high as 50%.

What's being done about PFAS?

Scientists and others continue to study forever chemicals because their effects are still unknown despite mounting evidence that they are at the very least problematic.

Avoiding PFAS entirely is likely impossible, but you can reduce your exposure by taking steps such as cooking at home, refraining from heating food in plastic packaging, and supporting PFAS-free brands.

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Republican Congressman Andy Barrs op-ed last Sunday taking the Biden Administration to task becomes even more fascinating when his strident foreign affairs philosophies are applied across a swath broader than the Middle East. One wonders whether Barrs conscience comes into play.

Barr wrote that Biden shouldnt criticize Israel publicly (which the president didnt do for six months despite 30,000 deaths of noncombatant Palestinians), shouldnt assert that Israeli forces have violated international law (which the administration did not assert), and shouldnt pause military aid to Israel (which hasnt been done: Barr thinks legal standards governing armed conflict are complex, but Bidens conditional red lines on aid isnt).

Yet consider these strident contentions in Barrs own words and ponder the hypocrisy:

Barr decries Bidens lack of steadfastness in supporting our allies, and warns that simplistic narratives  should not dictate U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. has a responsibility to support its allies unequivocally.

Unequivocally but not quickly, eh? Barr couldnt mean support like he and his fellow Republicans in Congress showed by delaying military aid to Israel for six months while the MAGA wing threatened their House Speaker if he included aid to Ukraine.

Ukraine, as in another ally of the United States, an ally that should receive unequivocal support?

And would lack of steadfastness in supporting our allies apply to, say, a threat to ignore Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Thats the pledge to deem an attack on any NATO country an attack on all NATO members.

Barrs partys presidential candidate, a now-convicted felon, crossed that line and went further, inviting Russian president Vladimir Putin to do whatever the hell you want to any NATO member in Europe who doesnt pay enough in military dues for NATO.

The NATO requirement for defensive spending as a share of a countrys Gross Domestic Product could be considered a complex formula: NATOs Web site tries to explain it in 1,024 words. Still, thank you Donald Trump, we can reduce it all to a simplistic narrative.

Bidens actions against Israel are a blatant betrayal of our ally, Barr wrote. Once we could have hoped Barr might find Trumps own stances a tad less supportive of allies than Barr thinks the United States should show.

But Barr has surrendered his spine, and this does shock the senses. In 2021, on the day of an attempted insurrection and attack on the U.S. Capitol, Barr was as threatened as anyone in Congress.

Hours later, police and national guard retook the building and legislators finished the work of certifying the election. Scores of Republicans, despite no evidence of mass voting illegality in any state, still refused to vote to certify the election.

Barr was not one of those Republicans. He did what was right: he voted to certify the election results that made Joseph Biden president, a necessary move to assure the peaceful transfer of power.

Barr clearly, howeverand probably rightfully sofeared backlash. Thus he wrote an incredible letter to his constituents, incredible in part because of its mass, 2,415 wordsthat would be a 10-page term paper for a college studentimploring his faithful to understand he had no other choice. In the missive, Barr analyzed the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as an originalist would, and the 1876 law clarifying the role of Congress (which still wasnt clear enough for all Republicans), and all but begging forgiveness. He said he had to vote his conscience.

With Trumps conversion of the GOP into a cult, Barr has read the writing on the wall and has thrown his lot in with the followers. After Trumps conviction by a New York jury 10 days ago, Barr, an attorney by education, called the prosecutor corrupt, and Trumps trial a sham  marked by outrageous and unconstitutional tactics. Barr knows this without having attended a day of the five-week trial.

Barrs parroting of the MAGA line shows hes taking no more chances: his conscience is on its own.

Larry Riley is a former newspaper columnist in Muncie, Ind., and journalism/writing instructor at Ball State University, now living in Georgetown.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump, now a convicted felon, vowed to launch an appeal based on many things he considered unfair during his New York trial, he said Friday in the lobby of Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.

Meanwhile Friday, legal and political analysts predicted he will spend little if any time in jail depending on the outcome of that appeal, fundraising among supportive Republicans appeared to surge and eight GOP members of the U.S. Senate pledged they will not support any Democratic priorities or nominations.

The reactions came as Americans continued to digest the news that on Thursday, a jury in Lower Manhattan found the Republican Partys presumed 2024 presidential nominee guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a felony in New York.

The roughly seven-week proceeding marked the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

Were going to be appealing this scam, Trump said at his late-morning press conference, referring to New York Justice Juan Merchan as a tyrant.

Over about 30 minutes of often misleading or false comments delivered in his familiar stream-of-consciousness style that jumped from topic to topic, Trump complained about aspects of the trial, said the case shouldnt have been prosecuted at all and made campaign-style appeals on immigration and crime.

Trump has centered his public relations defense on the idea that the prosecution was politically motivated, often blaming the Biden administration, and he repeated the theme throughout his Friday remarks.

If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone, he said.

President Joe Biden said Friday that Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself.

It was a state case, not a federal case. It was heard by a jury of 12 citizens, 12 Americans, 12 people like you, like millions of Americans whove served on juries. This jury was chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was a process that Donald Trumps attorney was part of, Biden said from the White House before delivering remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Biden said Trump now has the opportunity as he should to appeal, just like anyone else who is tried in the U.S.

Thats how the American system of justice works, Biden said. Its reckless, its dangerous, its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Jail time?

Trump told the crowd Friday morning he could spend 187 years in jail for being found guilty of falsifying business records. It was not clear how he arrived at that number.

Most observers of his trial and the New York justice system disagree with that estimate.

Merchan set Trumps sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. Eastern, just four days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the GOP will officially nominate Trump for president in Novembers election.

Trump is convicted of class E felonies, the lowest level felony in New York state, and each carries the possibility of probation to up to four years in prison.

Any incarceration sentence up to a year would be served in the citys Rikers Island jail or another local facility. Incarceration beyond that time frame would be served at a state facility.

If that jail sentence happens, it probably will be less than a year, said Norm Eisen, former White House special counsel in the Obama administration, who has been commenting on the indictment and trial for months.

Eisen spoke during a virtual press conference hosted by the Defend Democracy Project.

New York state law experts say Merchan may not be inclined to imprison a former, and possibly future, U.S. president. And, if he sentences Trump to any length of incarceration, it will likely be stayed  a temporary stop to the action pending appeal.

Trump could remain free on bail conditions set by the court, or no bail conditions, subject to a decision by the appeals court and potentially any other review if an appeals judge sends the case to the states highest court.

When there is a stay pending appeal, generally, the process is expedited more quickly than it would be if the defendant was at liberty and there was no stay. But even so, this is going to go beyond the election, said retired New York Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus at the press conference with Eisen.

Appeal strategy?

While Trump said Friday morning he plans to appeal the verdict based on many things, legal observers speculate his teams approach may come down to a few options.

In New York, falsifying a business record is illegal in the first degree when the intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.

While the jurors had to unanimously agree on an intent to commit another crime, they did not have to agree unanimously on what that underlying crime was, according to Merchans instructions to the jury prior to deliberations.

Merchan said jurors could consider three options for the other crime: violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act; falsification of other business records; or, violation of tax laws.

Obus said a non-frivolous argument that Trumps team might use is that one of those underlying crimes was a federal, not a state crime.

Thats the kind of argument that we might see on appeal  the argument being that New York courts dont have the authority to prosecute the case with that being the object crime because its a federal crime, Obus said. I dont think thatll be successful.

In addition to the challenge regarding federal election law, Shane T. Stansbury of Duke Law told States Newsroom in an interview Friday that he expects to see Trumps legal team challenge evidentiary issues.

For example, I would expect that the defense would make a claim that the salacious testimony by Stormy Daniels about the details of her sexual encounter with Donald Trump was unfairly prejudicial, Stansbury said.

Also, Trumps lawyers might challenge the judges decision to strike from defense attorney Todd Blanches closing statement a plea he made to the jury, asking them to not send Trump to prison.

The charge against Trump could, or could not, result in prison time.

You can imagine the defense saying that that correction may have prejudiced the jury. Now, I should say that those kinds of evidentiary issues are a much steeper climb for the defense, Stansbury said.

A legal expense

Trump remains under a gag order imposed by Merchan in March to keep the former president from further attacking court staff and potential witnesses online.

Trump violated the order 10 times, leading Merchan to fine him $9,000 on April 30, and again $1,000 on May 6.

During his comments Friday morning, Trump complained of having to pay thousands of dollars because of his nasty gag order.

Still, Trump spent several minutes during his remarks talking about one of the prosecutions star witnesses, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

According to testimony and document evidence presented during trial, Cohen wired $130,000 of his own money to porn star Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump then reimbursed Cohen the following year under the guise of legal expenses.

Prosecutors never should have brought the case accusing him of falsifying business records, Trump said.

The payments to Cohen were for Cohen to create a nondisclosure agreement with Daniels and secure her signature, which is legal, Trump said Friday. That was a legal service, and the payments were properly recorded that way, he said.

I paid a lawyer a legal expense, he said.

The whole thing is legal expense was marked down as legal expense, he said. Think of it: This is the crime that I committed that Im supposed to go to jail for 187 years for.

Trump, who wouldnt say Cohens name Friday because of the gag order, said Cohen was not a fixer as he is often described, but a lawyer in good standing.

By the way, this was a highly qualified lawyer, Trump said. Now Im not allowed to use his name because of the gag order. But, you know, hes a sleazebag. Everybody knows that. Took me a while to find out. But he was effective. He did work. But he wasnt a fixer. He was a lawyer.

Trump said he wanted to testify at his trial, but was advised not to by his lawyers.

Attacks on Biden

Trump pivoted nearly immediately after his remarks began to campaign-style attacks on Bidens administration and the anti-immigration positions that comprise Trumps most consistent policy message since his political career began in 2015.

He focused on immigrants from predominantly non-white countries and made false claims that many had been institutionalized in prison and mental hospitals.

Millions and millions of people are flowing in from all parts of the world, not just South America, from Africa, from Asia and from the Middle East, and theyre coming in from jails and prisons, and theyre coming in from mental institutions and insane asylums, he said. And we have a president and a group of fascists that dont want to do anything about it.

He also called crime rampant in New York. He added that Biden wanted to quadruple taxes and make it impossible for you to get a car, neither of which are based on Bidens actual policy positions.

In a statement, Biden campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler called Trumps remarks unhinged.

America just witnessed a confused, desperate, and defeated Donald Trump ramble about his own personal grievances and lie about the American justice system, leaving anyone watching with one obvious conclusion: This man cannot be president of the United States, Tyler wrote. Unhinged by his 2020 election loss and spiraling from his criminal convictions, Trump is consumed by his own thirst for revenge and retribution.

GOP convention in less than two months

The Republican National Convention begins July 15. The Republican National Committee, which called Thursdays verdict rigged, did not immediately respond to questions Friday about whether it will adjust plans in the event Trump is placed under any restrictions during his July 11 sentencing.

Trump encouraged supporters to continue backing his campaign as a response to the verdict, calling Nov. 5  Election Day  the most important day in the history of our country.

Throughout his remarks Friday, he touted an online poll conducted by J.L. Partners and published in the conservative British tabloid The Daily Mail on Friday that showed Trumps approval rating gained points after the verdict.

There were signs that showed Republican support, at least, consolidated even more behind Trump following the verdict.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign organization for U.S. Senate Republicans, said it had its highest fundraising day of the cycle Thursday, bringing in $360,000 in donations that the group directly attributed to the verdict in Manhattan.

Other official GOP channels, including the Republican National Committee social media accounts, echoed Trumps message that the former president was the victim of a political prosecution and predicted the conviction would push voters toward Trump.

Elected Republicans throughout the country continued Friday to almost universally reject the verdict and defend Trump.

A group of eight U.S. Senate Republicans  Mike Lee of Utah, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida and Roger Marshall of Kansas  signed a letter Friday pledging to increase their resistance to administration priorities in response to the verdict.

Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable, Lee said in a post to X. We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand.

The Biden administration and congressional Democrats played no role in the trial, which was in New York state court.

No one is above the law

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said that Thursdays verdict shows that no one is above the law.

Nadler was joined by Eisen, along with accountability advocates and historians, on a Friday webinar for the press hosted by watchdog group Public Citizen. Eisen participated in multiple press appearances Friday.

Nadler said that Republicans are attempting to sow distrust in the verdict, as the chair of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan of Ohio, has already sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requesting that he testify in a hearing before the panels Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee on June 13.

Nadler said he disagreed with Jordans decision to request testimony from the DA who prosecuted Trump.

Its a continuing attempt to bully the prosecutors into abandoning prosecutions and to tell the country the false story of persecution of the president (Trump) and to help undermine confidence in the criminal justice system, Nadler said.

Nadler said the New York trial was important because its likely going to be the only trial that finishes before the November elections. Trump faces two federal criminal cases, and another criminal case in Georgia.

It is very important for the American people to know, before an election, that theyre dealing with a convicted felon, Nadler said.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University who specializes in authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection, said during the virtual press conference that the trial was a demonstration of American democracy being upheld.

The fact this trial took place at all and was able to unfold in the professional way it did is a testament to the worth and functioning of our democracy, she said.

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The post An angry Trump pledges to appeal this scam conviction as Republicans vow resistance appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump, now a convicted felon, vowed to launch an appeal based on many things he considered unfair during his New York trial, he said Friday in the lobby of Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.

Meanwhile Friday, legal and political analysts predicted he will spend little if any time in jail depending on the outcome of that appeal, fundraising among supportive Republicans appeared to surge and eight GOP members of the U.S. Senate pledged they will not support any Democratic priorities or nominations.

The reactions came as Americans continued to digest the news that on Thursday, a jury in Lower Manhattan found the Republican Partys presumed 2024 presidential nominee guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a felony in New York.

The roughly seven-week proceeding marked the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

Were going to be appealing this scam, Trump said at his late-morning press conference, referring to New York Justice Juan Merchan as a tyrant.

Over about 30 minutes of often misleading or false comments delivered in his familiar stream-of-consciousness style that jumped from topic to topic, Trump complained about aspects of the trial, said the case shouldnt have been prosecuted at all and made campaign-style appeals on immigration and crime.

Thats how the American system of justice works. Its reckless, its dangerous, its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

 President Joe Biden

Trump has centered his public relations defense on the idea that the prosecution was politically motivated, often blaming the Biden administration, and he repeated the theme throughout his Friday remarks.

If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone, he said.

President Joe Biden said Friday that Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself.

It was a state case, not a federal case. It was heard by a jury of 12 citizens, 12 Americans, 12 people like you, like millions of Americans whove served on juries. This jury was chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was a process that Donald Trumps attorney was part of, Biden said from the White House before delivering remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Biden said Trump now has the opportunity as he should to appeal, just like anyone else who is tried in the U.S.

Thats how the American system of justice works, Biden said. Its reckless, its dangerous, its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Jail time?

Trump told the crowd Friday morning he could spend 187 years in jail for being found guilty of falsifying business records. It was not clear how he arrived at that number.

Most observers of his trial and the New York justice system disagree with that estimate.

Merchan set Trumps sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. Eastern, just four days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the GOP will officially nominate Trump for president in Novembers election.

Trump is convicted of class E felonies, the lowest level felony in New York state, and each carries the possibility of probation to up to four years in prison.

Any incarceration sentence up to a year would be served in the citys Rikers Island jail or another local facility. Incarceration beyond that time frame would be served at a state facility.

If that jail sentence happens, it probably will be less than a year, said Norm Eisen, former White House special counsel in the Obama administration, who has been commenting on the indictment and trial for months.

Eisen spoke during a virtual press conference hosted by the Defend Democracy Project.

New York state law experts say Merchan may not be inclined to imprison a former, and possibly future, U.S. president. And, if he sentences Trump to any length of incarceration, it will likely be stayed  a temporary stop to the action pending appeal.

Trump could remain free on bail conditions set by the court, or no bail conditions, subject to a decision by the appeals court and potentially any other review if an appeals judge sends the case to the states highest court.

When there is a stay pending appeal, generally, the process is expedited more quickly than it would be if the defendant was at liberty and there was no stay. But even so, this is going to go beyond the election, said retired New York Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus at the press conference with Eisen.

Appeal strategy?

While Trump said Friday morning he plans to appeal the verdict based on many things, legal observers speculate his teams approach may come down to a few options.

In New York, falsifying a business record is illegal in the first degree when the intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.

While the jurors had to unanimously agree on an intent to commit another crime, they did not have to agree unanimously on what that underlying crime was, according to Merchans instructions to the jury prior to deliberations.

Merchan said jurors could consider three options for the other crime: violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act; falsification of other business records; or, violation of tax laws.

Obus said a non-frivolous argument that Trumps team might use is that one of those underlying crimes was a federal, not a state crime.

Thats the kind of argument that we might see on appeal  the argument being that New York courts dont have the authority to prosecute the case with that being the object crime because its a federal crime, Obus said. I dont think thatll be successful.

In addition to the challenge regarding federal election law, Shane T. Stansbury of Duke Law told States Newsroom in an interview Friday that he expects to see Trumps legal team challenge evidentiary issues.

For example, I would expect that the defense would make a claim that the salacious testimony by Stormy Daniels about the details of her sexual encounter with Donald Trump was unfairly prejudicial, Stansbury said.

Also, Trumps lawyers might challenge the judges decision to strike from defense attorney Todd Blanches closing statement a plea he made to the jury, asking them to not send Trump to prison.

The charge against Trump could, or could not, result in prison time.

You can imagine the defense saying that that correction may have prejudiced the jury. Now, I should say that those kinds of evidentiary issues are a much steeper climb for the defense, Stansbury said.

A legal expense

Trump remains under a gag order imposed by Merchan in March to keep the former president from further attacking court staff and potential witnesses online.

Trump violated the order 10 times, leading Merchan to fine him $9,000 on April 30, and again $1,000 on May 6.

During his comments Friday morning, Trump complained of having to pay thousands of dollars because of his nasty gag order.

Still, Trump spent several minutes during his remarks talking about one of the prosecutions star witnesses, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

According to testimony and document evidence presented during trial, Cohen wired $130,000 of his own money to porn star Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump then reimbursed Cohen the following year under the guise of legal expenses.

Prosecutors never should have brought the case accusing him of falsifying business records, Trump said.

The payments to Cohen were for Cohen to create a nondisclosure agreement with Daniels and secure her signature, which is legal, Trump said Friday. That was a legal service, and the payments were properly recorded that way, he said.

I paid a lawyer a legal expense, he said.

The whole thing is legal expense was marked down as legal expense, he said. Think of it: This is the crime that I committed that Im supposed to go to jail for 187 years for.

Trump, who wouldnt say Cohens name Friday because of the gag order, said Cohen was not a fixer as he is often described, but a lawyer in good standing.

By the way, this was a highly qualified lawyer, Trump said. Now Im not allowed to use his name because of the gag order. But, you know, hes a sleazebag. Everybody knows that. Took me a while to find out. But he was effective. He did work. But he wasnt a fixer. He was a lawyer.

Trump said he wanted to testify at his trial, but was advised not to by his lawyers.

Attacks on Biden

Trump pivoted nearly immediately after his remarks began to campaign-style attacks on Bidens administration and the anti-immigration positions that comprise Trumps most consistent policy message since his political career began in 2015.

He focused on immigrants from predominantly non-white countries and made false claims that many had been institutionalized in prison and mental hospitals.

Millions and millions of people are flowing in from all parts of the world, not just South America, from Africa, from Asia and from the Middle East, and theyre coming in from jails and prisons, and theyre coming in from mental institutions and insane asylums, he said. And we have a president and a group of fascists that dont want to do anything about it.

He also called crime rampant in New York. He added that Biden wanted to quadruple taxes and make it impossible for you to get a car, neither of which are based on Bidens actual policy positions.

In a statement, Biden campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler called Trumps remarks unhinged.

America just witnessed a confused, desperate, and defeated Donald Trump ramble about his own personal grievances and lie about the American justice system, leaving anyone watching with one obvious conclusion: This man cannot be president of the United States, Tyler wrote. Unhinged by his 2020 election loss and spiraling from his criminal convictions, Trump is consumed by his own thirst for revenge and retribution.

GOP convention in less than two months

The Republican National Convention begins July 15. The Republican National Committee, which called Thursdays verdict rigged, did not immediately respond to questions Friday about whether it will adjust plans in the event Trump is placed under any restrictions during his July 11 sentencing.

Trump encouraged supporters to continue backing his campaign as a response to the verdict, calling Nov. 5  Election Day  the most important day in the history of our country.

Throughout his remarks Friday, he touted an online poll conducted by J.L. Partners and published in the conservative British tabloid The Daily Mail on Friday that showed Trumps approval rating gained points after the verdict.

Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn was one of eight Republican senators who signed a letter saying they will increase their resistance to Biden Administration proposals as a reaction to Trump's guilty verdict.

There were signs that showed Republican support, at least, consolidated even more behind Trump following the verdict.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign organization for U.S. Senate Republicans, said it had its highest fundraising day of the cycle Thursday, bringing in $360,000 in donations that the group directly attributed to the verdict in Manhattan.

Other official GOP channels, including the Republican National Committee social media accounts, echoed Trumps message that the former president was the victim of a political prosecution and predicted the conviction would push voters toward Trump.

Elected Republicans throughout the country continued Friday to almost universally reject the verdict and defend Trump.

A group of eight U.S. Senate Republicans  Mike Lee of Utah, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida and Roger Marshall of Kansas  signed a letter Friday pledging to increase their resistance to administration priorities in response to the verdict.

Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable, Lee said in a post to X. We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand.

The Biden administration and congressional Democrats played no role in the trial, which was in New York state court.

No one is above the law

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said that Thursdays verdict shows that no one is above the law.

Nadler was joined by Eisen, along with accountability advocates and historians, on a Friday webinar for the press hosted by watchdog group Public Citizen. Eisen participated in multiple press appearances Friday.

Nadler said that Republicans are attempting to sow distrust in the verdict, as the chair of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan of Ohio, has already sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requesting that he testify in a hearing before the panels Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee on June 13.

The fact this trial took place at all and was able to unfold in the professional way it did is a testament to the worth and functioning of our democracy.

 Ruth Ben-Ghiat, expert on authoritarianism

Nadler said he disagreed with Jordans decision to request testimony from the DA who prosecuted Trump.

Its a continuing attempt to bully the prosecutors into abandoning prosecutions and to tell the country the false story of persecution of the president (Trump) and to help undermine confidence in the criminal justice system, Nadler said.

Nadler said the New York trial was important because its likely going to be the only trial that finishes before the November elections. Trump faces two federal criminal cases, and another criminal case in Georgia.

It is very important for the American people to know, before an election, that theyre dealing with a convicted felon, Nadler said.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University who specializes in authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection, said during the virtual press conference that the trial was a demonstration of American democracy being upheld.

The fact this trial took place at all and was able to unfold in the professional way it did is a testament to the worth and functioning of our democracy, she said.

The post An angry Trump pledges to appeal this scam conviction as Republicans vow resistance appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president in 2024, speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump, now a convicted felon, vowed to launch an appeal based on many things he considered unfair during his New York trial, he said Friday in the lobby of Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.

Meanwhile Friday, legal and political analysts predicted he will spend little if any time in jail depending on the outcome of that appeal, fundraising among supportive Republicans appeared to surge and eight GOP members of the U.S. Senate pledged they will not support any Democratic priorities or nominations.

The reactions came as Americans continued to digest the news that on Thursday, a jury in Lower Manhattan found the Republican Partys presumed 2024 presidential nominee guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a felony in New York.

The roughly seven-week proceeding marked the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

Were going to be appealing this scam, Trump said at his late-morning press conference, referring to New York Justice Juan Merchan as a tyrant.

Over about 30 minutes of often misleading or false comments delivered in his familiar stream-of-consciousness style that jumped from topic to topic, Trump complained about aspects of the trial, said the case shouldnt have been prosecuted at all and made campaign-style appeals on immigration and crime.

Trump has centered his public relations defense on the idea that the prosecution was politically motivated, often blaming the Biden administration, and he repeated the theme throughout his Friday remarks.

If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone, he said.

President Joe Biden said Friday that Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself.

It was a state case, not a federal case. It was heard by a jury of 12 citizens, 12 Americans, 12 people like you, like millions of Americans whove served on juries. This jury was chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was a process that Donald Trumps attorney was part of, Biden said from the White House before delivering remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Biden said Trump now has the opportunity as he should to appeal, just like anyone else who is tried in the U.S.

Thats how the American system of justice works, Biden said. Its reckless, its dangerous, its irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Jail time?

Trump told the crowd Friday morning he could spend 187 years in jail for being found guilty of falsifying business records. It was not clear how he arrived at that number.

Most observers of his trial and the New York justice system disagree with that estimate.

Merchan set Trumps sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. Eastern, just four days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the GOP will officially nominate Trump for president in Novembers election.

Trump is convicted of class E felonies, the lowest level felony in New York state, and each carries the possibility of probation to up to four years in prison.

Any incarceration sentence up to a year would be served in the citys Rikers Island jail or another local facility. Incarceration beyond that time frame would be served at a state facility.

If that jail sentence happens, it probably will be less than a year, said Norm Eisen, former White House special counsel in the Obama administration, who has been commenting on the indictment and trial for months.

Eisen spoke during a virtual press conference hosted by the Defend Democracy Project.

New York state law experts say Merchan may not be inclined to imprison a former, and possibly future, U.S. president. And, if he sentences Trump to any length of incarceration, it will likely be stayed  a temporary stop to the action pending appeal.

Trump could remain free on bail conditions set by the court, or no bail conditions, subject to a decision by the appeals court and potentially any other review if an appeals judge sends the case to the states highest court.

When there is a stay pending appeal, generally, the process is expedited more quickly than it would be if the defendant was at liberty and there was no stay. But even so, this is going to go beyond the election, said retired New York Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus at the press conference with Eisen.

Appeal strategy?

While Trump said Friday morning he plans to appeal the verdict based on many things, legal observers speculate his teams approach may come down to a few options.

In New York, falsifying a business record is illegal in the first degree when the intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.

While the jurors had to unanimously agree on an intent to commit another crime, they did not have to agree unanimously on what that underlying crime was, according to Merchans instructions to the jury prior to deliberations.

Merchan said jurors could consider three options for the other crime: violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act; falsification of other business records; or, violation of tax laws.

Obus said a non-frivolous argument that Trumps team might use is that one of those underlying crimes was a federal, not a state crime.

Thats the kind of argument that we might see on appeal  the argument being that New York courts dont have the authority to prosecute the case with that being the object crime because its a federal crime, Obus said. I dont think thatll be successful.

In addition to the challenge regarding federal election law, Shane T. Stansbury of Duke Law told States Newsroom in an interview Friday that he expects to see Trumps legal team challenge evidentiary issues.

For example, I would expect that the defense would make a claim that the salacious testimony by Stormy Daniels about the details of her sexual encounter with Donald Trump was unfairly prejudicial, Stansbury said.

Also, Trumps lawyers might challenge the judges decision to strike from defense attorney Todd Blanches closing statement a plea he made to the jury, asking them to not send Trump to prison.

The charge against Trump could, or could not, result in prison time.

You can imagine the defense saying that that correction may have prejudiced the jury. Now, I should say that those kinds of evidentiary issues are a much steeper climb for the defense, Stansbury said.

A legal expense

Trump remains under a gag order imposed by Merchan in March to keep the former president from further attacking court staff and potential witnesses online.

Trump violated the order 10 times, leading Merchan to fine him $9,000 on April 30, and again $1,000 on May 6.

During his comments Friday morning, Trump complained of having to pay thousands of dollars because of his nasty gag order.

Still, Trump spent several minutes during his remarks talking about one of the prosecutions star witnesses, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

According to testimony and document evidence presented during trial, Cohen wired $130,000 of his own money to porn star Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump then reimbursed Cohen the following year under the guise of legal expenses.

Prosecutors never should have brought the case accusing him of falsifying business records, Trump said.

The payments to Cohen were for Cohen to create a nondisclosure agreement with Daniels and secure her signature, which is legal, Trump said Friday. That was a legal service, and the payments were properly recorded that way, he said.

I paid a lawyer a legal expense, he said.

The whole thing is legal expense was marked down as legal expense, he said. Think of it: This is the crime that I committed that Im supposed to go to jail for 187 years for.

Trump, who wouldnt say Cohens name Friday because of the gag order, said Cohen was not a fixer as he is often described, but a lawyer in good standing.

By the way, this was a highly qualified lawyer, Trump said. Now Im not allowed to use his name because of the gag order. But, you know, hes a sleazebag. Everybody knows that. Took me a while to find out. But he was effective. He did work. But he wasnt a fixer. He was a lawyer.

Trump said he wanted to testify at his trial, but was advised not to by his lawyers.

Attacks on Biden

Trump pivoted nearly immediately after his remarks began to campaign-style attacks on Bidens administration and the anti-immigration positions that comprise Trumps most consistent policy message since his political career began in 2015.

He focused on immigrants from predominantly non-white countries and made false claims that many had been institutionalized in prison and mental hospitals.

Millions and millions of people are flowing in from all parts of the world, not just South America, from Africa, from Asia and from the Middle East, and theyre coming in from jails and prisons, and theyre coming in from mental institutions and insane asylums, he said. And we have a president and a group of fascists that dont want to do anything about it.

He also called crime rampant in New York. He added that Biden wanted to quadruple taxes and make it impossible for you to get a car, neither of which are based on Bidens actual policy positions.

In a statement, Biden campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler called Trumps remarks unhinged.

America just witnessed a confused, desperate, and defeated Donald Trump ramble about his own personal grievances and lie about the American justice system, leaving anyone watching with one obvious conclusion: This man cannot be president of the United States, Tyler wrote. Unhinged by his 2020 election loss and spiraling from his criminal convictions, Trump is consumed by his own thirst for revenge and retribution.

GOP convention in less than two months

The Republican National Convention begins July 15. The Republican National Committee, which called Thursdays verdict rigged, did not immediately respond to questions Friday about whether it will adjust plans in the event Trump is placed under any restrictions during his July 11 sentencing.

Trump encouraged supporters to continue backing his campaign as a response to the verdict, calling Nov. 5  Election Day  the most important day in the history of our country.

Throughout his remarks Friday, he touted an online poll conducted by J.L. Partners and published in the conservative British tabloid The Daily Mail on Friday that showed Trumps approval rating gained points after the verdict.

There were signs that showed Republican support, at least, consolidated even more behind Trump following the verdict.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign organization for U.S. Senate Republicans, said it had its highest fundraising day of the cycle Thursday, bringing in $360,000 in donations that the group directly attributed to the verdict in Manhattan.

Other official GOP channels, including the Republican National Committee social media accounts, echoed Trumps message that the former president was the victim of a political prosecution and predicted the conviction would push voters toward Trump.

Elected Republicans throughout the country continued Friday to almost universally reject the verdict and defend Trump.

A group of eight U.S. Senate Republicans  Mike Lee of Utah, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida and Roger Marshall of Kansas  signed a letter Friday pledging to increase their resistance to administration priorities in response to the verdict.

Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable, Lee said in a post to X. We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand.

The Biden administration and congressional Democrats played no role in the trial, which was in New York state court.

No one is above the law

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said that Thursdays verdict shows that no one is above the law.

Nadler was joined by Eisen, along with accountability advocates and historians, on a Friday webinar for the press hosted by watchdog group Public Citizen. Eisen participated in multiple press appearances Friday.

Nadler said that Republicans are attempting to sow distrust in the verdict, as the chair of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan of Ohio, has already sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requesting that he testify in a hearing before the panels Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee on June 13.

Nadler said he disagreed with Jordans decision to request testimony from the DA who prosecuted Trump.

Its a continuing attempt to bully the prosecutors into abandoning prosecutions and to tell the country the false story of persecution of the president (Trump) and to help undermine confidence in the criminal justice system, Nadler said.

Nadler said the New York trial was important because its likely going to be the only trial that finishes before the November elections. Trump faces two federal criminal cases, and another criminal case in Georgia.

It is very important for the American people to know, before an election, that theyre dealing with a convicted felon, Nadler said.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University who specializes in authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection, said during the virtual press conference that the trial was a demonstration of American democracy being upheld.

The fact this trial took place at all and was able to unfold in the professional way it did is a testament to the worth and functioning of our democracy, she said.

The post An angry Trump pledges to appeal this scam conviction as Republicans vow resistance appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma animal proponents Animal Wellness Action and The Center for a Humane Economy came out with a release on Monday addressing the lack of influence in the latest legislative attempt to unwind Oklahomas voter-approved anti-cockfighting law.

The non-profit organizations say the anti-cockfighting law crashed and burned at the state capitol in 2024, with the 59th Legislative session officially ending last week.

The animal activist groups say, a pro-cockfighting bill, House Bill 3136, by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, failed even to get a hearing in the House.

Oklahomas push to weaken penalties for cockfighting is frustrating opponents of the bloodsport

Animal activists argue discussions about rolling back the penalty for cockfighting has led to some to attack law enforcement officers who try to enforce the law.

Two bills to decriminalize cockfighting carried over from last year, HB 2530 and Senate Bill 1006, stalled in the last session of the legislature.

Oklahoma lawmakers were right not to give the cockfighters the time of day this year at the state capitol, said Kevin Chambers, Oklahoma state director of Animal Wellness Action. Lawmakers didnt even have a hearing on any of their cockfighting decriminalization bills.

Oklahomans want cockfighting to be illegal, they want felony-level penalties for this cruelty, and they want the law actively enforced in every county, said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, which helped lead opposition to the legislation. Decriminalizing cockfighting was a colossally unpopular and wrong-headed idea.

Carter Co. Sheriff busts second cockfight within a year

According to a Sooner Survey released in late March, 2023, the animal activists leaders say, 87 percent of Oklahomans favor a ban on cockfighting. Even in the southeast (86%) and southwest (80%) we have uber-majorities wanting cockfighting to be illegal. In each of the five congressional districts in Oklahoma, at least 83% want cockfighting to be illegal and in no instance does support for legality exceed 12%, observed Pat McFerron, president of Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates and architect of the Sooner Survey.

Gov. Stitts cockfighting stance leads to animal groups signaling out of bounds

I appreciate all that youre doing worldwide to save this industry, Humphrey says in the video. You guys have got large farms; youve got buildings and industries. Many places, states, other countries have coliseums and all kinds of things dedicated to either showing or fighting chickens. And again, were just proud to join with you to try to protect your investment. Oklahoma State Rep. J.J. Humphrey welcome video comments for participants at an annual gathering of the World Association of Cockfighting Breeders

Animal activist say, it is a state and a federal felony to possess birds for fighting, and it is a federal felony to ship birds for fighting across state or national boundaries.

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.
Another chance to see the aurora? Predictions say this weekend could be good.

BOULDER, Colo.  Skygazers eager for their next chance to see the northern lights have a powerful ally on their side: a small group of space weather forecasters monitoring the sun for the next big solar explosion.

Last month's thrilling display of the aurora seen as far south as Florida was highly unusual. But experts say the next several years could see even bigger displays as the sun enters the height of its typical 11-year sunspot cycle.

And in a secure facility in Boulder, forecasters with the federal Space Weather Prediction Center are eagerly awaiting its next move. Inside the center, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, giant screens display images of the sun through various filters, from visible light to its powerful magnetic field and the solar flares constantly boiling off its surface.

"We're always just trying to figure out what's going to hit our little blue marble," senior forecaster Shawn Dahl said.

Satellite feeds and other data displayed at the federal Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder.

Extra-strong sunspots, which are often accompanied by the sun ejecting vast amounts of superheated plasma, can trigger auroras but also pose a danger to satellites, airplanes, GPS navigation and the power grid.

While people living near the poles  from Alaska, Iceland and Finland to New Zealand and Australia  often see the aurora during the winter, last month's display was unusual because it was visible in many places that don't typically see them, especially during late spring.

Experts say the typical viewing patterns are likely to continue, but the large sunspot makes it more likely another massive display could happen soon across vast swaths of the United States.

Typical aurora displays are forecast with only a few hours advance notice, but large ones like last month's were generated by a solar explosion that could be seen by forecasters days before it splashed across Earth's atmosphere.

Tapping into data from a constellation of satellites aimed at the sun, forecasters are again watching the sunspot group known as Region 3697, along with solar flares and what are known as coronal mass ejections  massive eruptions of plasma so strong they have their own magnetic fields.

Displayed as a gray disturbance on the sun's surface, it's hard to understand the region's scale: That sunspot cluster is 15 times larger than Earth. And the sun is 93 million miles away.

From 93 million miles to a field near you

Dahl said that while the center's forecasts are widely used by electric utilities, satellite operators and other large organizations, they are only now becoming familiar to ordinary people.

On May 10, as the aurora display was just about to begin, a nephew doing spring planting in North Dakota called to report the GPS on the tractor was off by 12 feet when it's usually accurate to a centimeter, Dahl said.

"This is the first time in my life I've gotten a space weather report from a family member," Dahl said. "I'm used to getting called, being asked: 'How much snow are we going to get? What's the threat from hail today?' And he's telling me the system was taking them in circles."

In last month's event, the impact from the plasma was so strong it temporarily shoved the Earth's magnetic field closer to the planet, causing some satellites to lose their orientation. Government-funded satellites are typically built to withstand solar storms and have multiple redundant navigation systems, but smaller, cheaper ones may not.

This image shows a solar flare, the bright flash of light on the right side of the sun, on Tuesday. The sun produced its biggest flare in nearly a decade Tuesday, just days after a severe solar storm pummeled Earth and created dazzling northern lights in places where auroras are not typically visible.

The Environmental Defense Fund, which earlier this year launched a methane tracking satellite from California, temporarily halted some calibration work on its $88 million device while the storm passed, said Peter Vedder, senior director of mission systems for MethaneSAT. Built in Colorado, the 770-pound satellite is still getting into its operating location about 360 miles above the Earth.

Though light from solar flares and coronal mass ejections reaches the Earth in about 8 minutes and charged particles known as protons arrive in 15 minutes, ejected particles may take two to four days to hit and be deflected by the Earth's magnetic field. Usually, auroras are most pronounced around the poles because of the shape of the Earth's magnetic field.

"You can't steer yourself around it, you can't fly around it. You have to design (the satellite) to be robust enough to handle it," Vedder said. "You tend to turn off some more sensitive electronics and wait it out for a day."

Messing with communications systems

Starlink, the Elon Musk company that has launched more than 4,000 satellites to provide worldwide internet service, said it had weathered the May storm without incident: "Starlink satellites are under a lot of pressure, but holding up so far," Musk posted on his social media platform, X, on May 11.

In 2022, 38 newly launched Starlink satellites burned up after a mild solar storm created unexpected conditions in the Earth's upper atmosphere. Starlink and forecasters at the prediction center in Boulder now work more closely to monitor potential disruptions, especially during satellite launches.

Starlink satellites orbit closer to Earth than many other satellites, and scientists discovered that solar storms can temporarily "thicken" that area, creating unanticipated drag.

Solar flares and coronal ejections also can affect long-distance power lines used to transmit electricity. Because solar storms jostle the Earth's magnetic field, they can create power surges that burn out transformers and other equipment.

Forecasters monitor satellite feeds and other data at the federal Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder.

In 1989, an estimated 6 million Canadians and northern New England residents lost power for nine hours as a result of solar-induced surges. With warning, utilities can take steps to reduce the damage, and one of the largest transmission groups recently installed a first-of-its-kind system to automatically protect its power lines.

The most powerful geomagnetic storm in history, 1859's Carrington Event, sparked auroras so bright they reportedly woke gold miners inside their tents in Australia, burned out telegraph equipment and lit the sky brighter than the full moon.

Solar storms also alter how radio waves travel through the atmosphere and can mess with radar and radio communications.

Dahl said commercial airliners often must take longer routes closer to the equator during solar storms so their radio communications with air traffic control officials remain reliable. And planes taking over-the-pole flights may have to detour to avoid heavier-than-usual radiation exposure.

Predicting space weather can be challenging

Leading up to and during the May storm, space weather forecasters held regular briefings with power utilities and other groups to answer questions, and six hours before the storm's "strong, sudden arrival" drove home warnings of just how powerful it would be.

"That gave them six hours of lead time, to say this is going to happen, be ready," Dahl said. "And they were ready. There were plenty of effects, they were busy ... and fortunately, as far as we know, they did not suffer any bulk system impact. "

In the future, Dahl said, space weather forecasters probably will play a role in safety considerations for space tourists and for NASA's efforts to return to the moon and send astronauts to Mars. He said upcoming science satellite launches will improve the center's space forecasts but noted how hard it can be to accurately forecast the weather on Earth.

"We're forecasting stuff from 93 million miles away, so it's very difficult. And our science is limited," Dahl said. "We can do a great job of predicting the probability that the flare will happen, and if so, what level it might get to, and the same with radiation storms, but we have no way of knowing that a flare is imminent. That science doesn't exist. We have to wait for them to happen."

Dahl, an amateur astronomer and night sky photographer who missed the May 10 display because he was working, said he's hopeful for a new display. Dahl also noted that sunspot activity is expected to increase for the next year, then ramp down again, giving skywatchers plenty of opportunities for more displays.

"We still haven't reached the peak," he said. "We're not even close to being done with this cycle yet."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aurora might shine again this weekend. Forecasters say it's possible.
The leading Mexican publication El Universal published an article by international politics and security specialist, Professor Talya Ishjan, entitled The Natural Resources of Discord: The New Chapter of French Neocolonialism.





Today.az presents the translation of the article with reference to Day.Az:





After scandalous failures in Africa that led to France's expulsion from countries such as Mali and Niger, France appears to be facing another major challenge in its overseas territories, particularly New Caledonia. We have become accustomed to the shameful level of double standards and hypocrisy of the Macron administration, known for its clumsy movements on the international stage. However, the situation in New Caledonia, the land of the Kanak people, is even more alarming and surprises even the most experienced analysts.





Historically a French colony, New Caledonia fought for its independence. In recent decades, agreements have been reached with the French government to avoid complete assimilation of the Kanak people and to ensure their proper participation in the political life of New Caledonia. However, the Macron administration decided to break these agreements by lifting restrictions on the voting rights of French migrants in the region, dramatically increasing the French majority on the islands to dominate the country's political agenda.





The move is reminiscent of previous scandals in African countries, where France's interest in remote regions is no coincidence. These small islands contain 30% of the world's nickel reserves, which is becoming increasingly important in current technological developments. This situation can be described by the famous French phrase "deja vu": once again France is suppressing a nation with vast natural resources and oppressing its indigenous population.





The bungling of French politicians and the misguided actions of the Macron administration quickly escalated the situation in New Caledonia, leading to mass protests and violence against demonstrators. The French response included the deployment of a contingent of 1,000 gendarmes and police, which only worsened tensions and resulted in five confirmed deaths, plunging the territory into a deep crisis. Surprisingly, the French interior minister openly accused Azerbaijan, a small republic in the South Caucasus thousands of kilometers away, of fomenting these unrest, accusing it of interfering in France's internal affairs.





Leaving aside the illogicality of a nuclear power and permanent member of the UN Security Council blaming a small state like Azerbaijan for destabilizing its outlying territories, we see a pattern of an emotional approach, very a la Macron, to foreign relations. France, which was once the official mediator in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, has shown its true intentions by supporting Armenia and its revanchist circles, openly attacking Azerbaijan for the liberation of its internationally recognized territories.





The French Senate even adopted a resolution calling on the government to recognize part of Azerbaijan as independent of it. The French executive, including Macron, has launched a campaign to discredit Azerbaijan in numerous forums, including the UN. These efforts failed miserably, leaving Paris increasingly disillusioned. France then openly declared its intention to help Armenia develop and update its military, with the French ambassador in the Armenian capital promising "the best weapons of the French military industry" for Armenia.





Azerbaijan's reaction was clear and adequate, strongly rejecting all accusations and rightly accusing France of double standards and interference. It is curious that some French legislators, supported by a strong Armenian diaspora in this country, absurdly called for sanctions against Azerbaijan for the liberation of its own territories.





It is important to note that Azerbaijan is the fifth largest supplier of natural gas to Europe, providing important energy to the east of the continent, which has been largely dependent on Russian gas. In addition, French energy giant Total has contracts with the Azerbaijani government for energy projects.





While France continues to teach other countries how to govern their territories, it faces serious problems of suppressing minorities and indigenous populations both in France and in its territories such as Corsica, where France, among other things, prohibits locals from speaking English. their native language, and in the cases of New Caledonia and French Polynesia, some of the few remaining examples of neo-colonialism.





After many years of the Macron administration, we have become accustomed to its failures on the international stage, despite desperate attempts to blame others for its own mistakes. It led to unprecedented rhetoric between the leaders of France and Italy, highlighting growing tensions as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to Macron's attacks by accusing him of betrayal amid disputes over immigration policy. Italy has criticized France for its approach to distributing migrants throughout Europe. This also damages the French image not only in the region but also in the world. How much more can France endure before facing even greater consequences from the Macron administration's rash decisions?
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The second inmate in the past week was found dead at the Oklahoma County Detention Center Sunday afternoon.

Detention officials announced that 49-year-old Jeremy Birchfield was found dead in his cell around 1:40 p.m.

Jeremy Birchfield.

| READ LOCAL NEWS > Teens beat up homeless man next to dumpster and remove Colostomy bag >

Detention Officers found Birchfield unresponsive and called for medical staff who tried to save his life. Eventually, he was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

Officials said that he was booked on May 31 by the Warr Acres Police Department and was being held on one count of Sexual Abuse of a Child under 12 with a $265,000 bond.

The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation and at this time it appears to be a suicide. As is standard protocol, all deaths are investigated as homicides until a final determination is made by the State Medical Examiners Office, ODOC stated in a press release Sunday.

James Lynn Jetton, Image courtesy Oklahoma County Detention Center

It was on May 28 that officials said they found another detainee inside their facility unresponsive who would later be found dead.

That man was James Jetton who had been booked on May 20 by Oklahoma City Police and was being held on a $4,000 bond for failing to appear in court on a 2022 third-degree burglary charge. His family had been notified.

| READ MORE HERE > Detention Center inmate dies after being found unresponsive >

The circumstances surrounding Jettons death are under investigation at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Marjorie Taylor Greene says Fauci should be jailed and rails against evil science at Covid hearing

Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci is facing questions from the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Monday  marking his first Congressional testimony as a non-government official since stepping down in 2022.

Dr Fauci led the USs response the Covid-19 pandemic, a role that earned him both praise and scrutiny alike. He is expected to face grilling from Congressional Republicans over the origins of the virus as well as transparency around government agency communications and records.

The former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is sitting for his first congressional testimony in almost two years.

The GOP-led subcommittee has requested access to Dr Faucis personal email and phone records after obtaining information, which, they say, calls into question whether he may have attempted to conceal some records.

Dr Fauci is appearing voluntarily on Monday. He has said that he has nothing to hide.

The divide between the Democrats and Republicans approach to the hearing is striking. One Democrat called this effort a waste of time while Republicans have pressed Fauci about conspiracies that have cropped up about the origins of Covid, including the lab leak theory and Faucis alleged cover up.

Key points

Fauci faces grilling by House Republicans over Covid-19 response

Rep Jamie Raskin slams Republicans for bowing to convicted felon Trump

Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene verbally berates Fauci

Hearing kicks off

15:16 , Kelly Rissman

Dr Fauci sits for his first Congressional testimony in two years  and his first time as a non-government official.

The hearing began at 10am.

Chair Brad Wenstrup is kicking off the meeting, asking Why did you allow your office to be unaccountable to the American people?

Whether intentional or not, you became so powerful, that any disagreements that the public had with you were hidden or censored on social....This is why many Americans became so angry. Because this was fundamentally un-American, Congressman Wenstrup said.

Ranking Member Raul Ruiz speaking

15:24 , Kelly Rissman

Ranking member, Democratic Congressman Raul Ruiz, is now speaking. He immediately offered support to Dr Fauci.

After setting the stage, discussing how Dr Fauci has been villified by Republicans, the ranking member said the select subcommittee has not possessed a shred of evidence to substantiate these extreme allegations against Dr Fauci for the last four years.

He then said, baselessly suggesting without evidence that these discrete instances of misconduct are equivalent to public health officials causing the pandemic is also a betrayal of public trust.

Congressman Ruiz said he hopes Congress can prioritize looking into solutions to better prepare us for the next pandemic rather than politicizing certain public health officials.

Fauci is not a comic book supervillain: Raskin

15:28 , Kelly Rissman

Dr Ruiz gave his remaining time to Democratic Rep Jamie Raskin.

The people who claimed the political big lie....bring you the medical big lie, making the outlandish claim that Dr Fauci was responsible for causing Covid-19.

Records show Dr Fauci is an honorable public servant and not a comic book supervillain.

Republican Rep lays into Fauci as head of NIAID

15:32 , Kelly Rissman

Republican Rep Morgan Griffith is now speaking.

It is hard to believe that all of this occurred without your knowledge or approval, he said, referring to alleged missing information.

Research shows how little oversight NIAID does of risky experiments involving potential pandemic pathogens, the Republican Congressman added.

Democrat vs GOP views of the hearing becomes clear

15:35 , Kelly Rissman

Democrat Kathy Castor said, This committee has wasted time and taxpayer money fueling conspiracy theoires and ignoring the importance of preparing for the next pandemic.

I regret that many of the conspiracies have smeared you, Dr Fauci, she added.

Her comments echoed those of Ranking Member Ruiz, who also called for his Congressional colleagues to focus on preparing for the next pandemic rather than focusing on political differences.

Its not too late for Republicans to join us, she said.

Fauci sworn in

15:43 , Kelly Rissman

Dr Fauci read his written statement.

Thank you for this opportunity to testify, he began. He said he has been at the NIH for 54 years and was director of the NIAID for 38 years.

He addressed certain issues that have been seriously distorted concerning me, the infectious disease expert continued.

He first mentioned the lab leak theory. The accusation being circulated that I influenced these scientists to change their minds with millions of dollars in grant money is absolutely false and simply preposterous, Dr Fauci said.

He then addressed the accusations that he allegedly tried to cover up the possibility that the virus originated from a lab.

The truth is exactly the opposite, he said matter-of-factly. He then read an email, adding, It is inconceivable that anvone who reads this e-mail could conclude that I was trying to cover up the possibility ofa laboratory leak. To the contrary, it demonstrates that I was advocating for a prompt and thorough examination ofthe data and a totally transparent process.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, takes his seat as he arrives for a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Subcommittee chair starts off fiery

15:50 , Kelly Rissman

Chair Brad Wenstrup fires off a series of questions about someone that Dr Fauci said he didnt know. Does it concern you that US taxpayer dollars would be going to someone who is a high-ranking PLA official?

Dr Fauci said he needed to know more information and said he repeated that he didnt recognize the name of the person who allegedly received the medical grant.

Wenstrup has repeatedly cut off Faucis responses to his questions.

Fauci directly knocks a conspiracy theory

15:59 , Kelly Rissman

Rep Ruiz said after reviewing nearly half a million pages of documents, listening to witnesses, they have come up empty handed for evidence of their extreme allegations that Dr Fauci lied about gain-of-function research and caused the Covid-19 pandemic.

He asked Dr Fauci if he was personally involved in the gain-of-function research. He responded that the research was done by experts below him.

No evidence provided to this select subcommittee demonstrates that the work performed under NIH funding, including at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led to the creation of Sars-CoV-2, Ruiz said.

Fauci talked about the evolution of a virus. Those studied at the Wuhan Institute are so far removed from Sars-CoV-2 that it is molecularly impossible for those viruses to have been made into Sars-CoV-2. Its a virological fact.

Raskin blasts Trump during hearing

16:02 , Kelly Rissman

Raskin: Faucis testimony along with the thousands of documents and dozens of closed-door testimony provided will dispel these hysterical claims and revealed that the people bowing down to a twice impeached convicted felon who told Americans to inject themselves with bleach pic.twitter.com/NIFCj9jhvi  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

Raskin refers to Trump again

16:09 , Kelly Rissman

Raskin directly asked, Im sure youve never been accused of starting a disease before. Is that right? Fauci agreed.

The Democratic Rep then addressed allegations that Fauci tried to cover up a lab leak before apologizing on behalf of his GOP colleagues for dragging his name through the mud.

They are treating you like a convicted felon. You probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said, referring to former president Donald Trump who was just found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Six-foot distance cleared up

16:21 , Kelly Rissman

Rep Castor said that these subcommittees are meant to bring light to certain matters but unfortuantely in this circumstance, this subcommittee has brought more heat than light.

For five months, Republicans sat on Dr Faucis interview with the subcommittee from January.

Although they had an opportunity to release it before then, but decided to release the transcript this past week. Republicans contorted and mischaracterized Dr Faucis words to gin up conspiracies about NIHs role and the lead-up to the pandemic. She gave Fauci an opportunity to clear up any parts of his 14-hour transcript that has been cherry-picked, as she put it.

He said the issue of the six-foot distance came from the CDC.

The transcript, released on May 31 despite the interview taking place months earlier, shows Dr Fauci explaining the six-foot distance recommendation saying, You know, I dont recall. It sort of just appeared. I dont recall, like, a discussion of whether it should be 5 or 6 or whatever. It was just that 6 foot is

On Monday, he clarified, What I meant by no science behind it was that there was no controlled trial comparing three feet versus 10 feet to six feet. It had little to do with me...no science behind it means there was no clinical trial.

Fauci confirms that after decades as an infectious disease expert, he has never been accused of starting a virus

16:30 , Kelly Rissman

Raskin: You were director of the national institute of infectious diseases for more than three decades, is that right?



Fauci: Thirty-eight+ years



Raskin: I assume you've never been accused of trying to start a disease before, is that right?



Fauci: Correct pic.twitter.com/4kDl1wF8ni  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

Credible death threats'

16:32 , Kelly Rissman

Rep Debbie Dingell asked about the threats Dr Fauci has received since the start of the pandemic.

Everything from harassment by emails, texts, letters of myself, my wife, my three daughters. There have been credible death threats leading to the arrest of two individuals...it has required my having protective services all the time, Fauci said.

It is very troublesome to me because they involve my wife and my three daughters, he added, seemingly choking up.

He said he still gets death threats today.

You deserve better....Im afraid that the treatment you have received will have far-reaching consequences for the future of science, particularly when done for the public good, Rep Dingell said.

I think this is a powerful disincentive for young people to want to go into public health and maybe even science and medicine in the public arena, Fauci said. He added that his colleagues who are less visible have also received threats.

Well, you dont have emails

16:41 , Kelly Rissman

Fauci pushed back on the idea that he tried to suppress the lab leak theory in an article.

Republican Rep Lesko asked if he was asked to suppress the lab leak theory. He rejected that idea, adding you said four or five things that were untrue.

We have emails to prove it, she said.

Fauci said, Well, you dont.

Democratic Rep Mfume then said No, we dont have it.

Rep Mfume blasts GOP colleague

16:48 , Kelly Rissman

Maryland Rep Mfume called out Rep Malliotakis about asking Fauci about the cruel animal tests.

Fauci said that he wasnt sure what that had to do with Covid. She called the experiments not very humane.

If I might on a point of personal privilege to the gentlewoman from New York who wanted to argue that we should be worrying about testing human medicines on animals. If this committee really wants to do something, lets talk about the most infamous biomedical research study in the United States: The Tuskegee study.

The vaccine

16:55 , Kelly Rissman

Democratic Rep Deborah Ross asked Dr Fauci about the vaccine  one of the most contested aspects of the pandemic response.

Fauci said the difference is profound in the number of hospitalizations and deaths for those who were vaccinated compared to those who were not.

The vaccine clearly saved many many lives, Fauci said.

Rep Ross asked about addressing misinformation. Thats difficult when you have a very energetic group of poeople spreaking mis and disinformation about vaccines, Fauci replied.

The six-foot rule comes up again

17:02 , Kelly Rissman

The GOP has repeatedly pressed Fauci about the six-foot distance recommendation imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier on Monday, Fauci explained that the six-foot rule came from the CDC.

Rep Joyce asked, what was your relationship with the CDC when you saw a regulation that was not based in the current science?

Fauci clarified that there wasnt a clinical trial that concluded that six feet was more effective than three or 10 feet.

The Congressman asked, This six-foot rule crippled businesses, it allowed children to stay at home and not learn...Did you not feel an obligation for something that just sort of appeared?

It was a CDC decision, Fauci said.

Joyce asked whether he publicly challenged the CDC? Fauci said its not appropriate to publicly challenge the CDC.

MTG refuses to call Dr Fauci a doctor

17:07 , Kelly Rissman

GOP Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene began her fiery testimony by holding up posters with dogs being tested on.

She called experiments on animals were disgusting and evil and accused Fauci of signing off on these allegeed experiments on dogs.

What do dogs have to do with anything we are here for today? Fauci asked.

Greene then asked him a question ending him as Mister Fauci. She added, Youre not Doctor. Youre Mister Fauci in these few minutes.

She then called for his license to be revoked and that he should be in prison!

Chair Wenstrup enforced rules of decorum after Greenes outburst.

She then took issue with the notion that GOP members worship Trump, but was interrupted by Chair Wenstrup yelling, Gentlelady will suspend!

Democrat apologizes for Rep Greenes remarks

17:16 , Kelly Rissman

Democratic Rep Garcia immediately apologized for Ms Greenes comments.

You are an American hero, he added.

In photos: Fauci voluntarily testifies

17:20 , Kelly Rissman

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

US Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene, Republican of Georgia, holds up an image of Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as she questions him during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Rep. Jamie Raskin speaks at a press conference ahead of Dr. Fauci's testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the U.S. Capitol ahead of hearing (Getty Images)

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, takes his seat as he arrives for a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

Raskin slams GOP for bowing to convicted felon Trump

17:24 , Kelly Rissman

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has slammed Republicans for bowing to convicted felon Donald Trump after he told Americans to inject bleach to cure Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic.

Dr Anthony Fauci was called to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemics hearing on Monday, as House Republicans have sought to scrutinize his role as one of the chief faces of the federal governments response to the pandemic.

Republicans have also baselessly floated the idea that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases funded so-called gain-of-function research that led to the spread of Covid-19.

Raskin instantly defended Dr Fauci from accusations that he had orchestrated the proliferation of Covid-19 while also attacking former president Trump and Republicans who bended to his will.

Raskin said that the hearing was meant to divert attention from the Trump administrations failures to save lives and compared it to the failure of the Oversight Committee to find wrongdoing by President Joe Biden during its bungled impeachment inquiry.

The investigation of Dr Fauci shows he is an honorable public servant who has devoted his entire career to the public health and the public interest and he is not a comic book super villain, he said.

Eric Garcia has the full story...

A look-back at when then-President Donald Trump urged Americans to use a disinfectant to treat Covid-19

17:33 , Kelly Rissman

In August 2020, Mr Trump suggested Americans inject disinfectant, like bleach, or use light to treat the virus that at the time was killing millions.

So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous  whether its ultraviolet or just a very powerful light  and I think you said that hasnt been checked because of the testing, Mr Trump said.

Turning to an official at the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, the then-president continued, And I think you said that hasnt been checked, but were going to test it?

And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, either through the skin or some other way.

He continued, I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning? As you see, it gets in the lungs, it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.

Fauci has repeatedly tried to debunk false claims

17:38 , Kelly Rissman

One such claim that came up multiple times during the hearing was that he had earned money from big pharma during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch one of these exchanges here:

Malliotakis: How much have you received in royalties from pharmaceutical companies since the pandemic began?



Fauci: Zero. pic.twitter.com/NvDEWHtaVn  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

Jim Jordan takes the floor

17:45 , Kelly Rissman

GOP Rep Jim Jordan asked why it was so important that virus was not started in a lab?

He read exchanges between Facebook executives and the White House before asking why the Biden administration was trying to hide the idea that Covid-19 was started in a lab.

Fauci asked what this line of questioning had to do with him, as he wasnt on those emails.

He then reiterated that Covids origins have not been determined. I kept an open mind, Fauci said, which Jordan repeated mockingly.

He disagreed that there was a push to downplay the lab leaks theory. Not on my part, Fauci said.

Really? Jordan pushed.

Look at the facts. Ive kept an open mind throughout the process, the expert retorted.

ICYMI: Heated moment erupts during Faucis testimony

17:49 , Kelly Rissman

Fauci: You said about four or five things that were just not true.



Lesko: Well, we have the e-mails to prove it.



Fauci: Well, you don't.



Mfume: No we don't have it. pic.twitter.com/8ZtTDUZY37  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

An open mind'

17:59 , Kelly Rissman

Oh absolutely, Fauci said about the idea that a lab leak could have caused the virus.

However, he explained, I feel like based on the data I have seen that the more likely, not definitive, but the more likely explanation is the spiollover from an animal reservoir. But since there has not been definitive proof one way or the other, we have to keep an open mind.

Fauci has repeatedly expressed that he is keeping an open mind as it comes the viruss origins.

I keep an open mind as to whether [the possible origin] could be a laboratory leak or .... from a natural occurence from an animal reservoir, he said in plain terms.

ICYMI: Fauci discusses the threats he has received since the pandemic

18:01 , Kelly Rissman

Dr. Anthony Fauci gets emotional discussing death threats and his family have received since the beginning of the COVID pandemic:



It is very troublesome to me, it is much more troublesome because they involve my wife and my three daughters. pic.twitter.com/jXTb8xO8Op  The Recount (@therecount) June 3, 2024

GOP members leave room: Report

18:08 , Kelly Rissman

Most of the Republican members have left the hearing, according to The Hill.

One of the GOPs committee staff members is currently questioning Dr Fauci, asking him questions with a calmness that has so far been unprecedented in this heated hearing.

WATCH: Marjorie Taylor Greene verbally berates Anthony Fauci during House Covid-19 hearing

18:15 , Kelly Rissman

Expertise on display

18:20 , Kelly Rissman

Dr Faucis expertise was on full display during Mondays hearing.

The infectious disease expert, despite being accused of essentially causing a global killer virus, remained composed as he debunked certain conspiracies brought by the GOP members of the subcommittee and stayed calm as he clarified some statements he made almost six months ago during a transcribed interview in January.

He did so largely using terms and examples that most laypeople can undertand.

Although he vehemently rejected some of the theories suggested by GOP members, he did not trip up on any misconstrued questions and instead opted to take 30 seconds, as he did in one instance, to fully explain the answer rather than relying on a distorted prompt. For example, when multiple Republican members asked about animal testing, he asked what this had to do with the current hearing.

Not only did he refrain from taking the bait and straying into politics and away from the topic at hand, but his knowledge of infectious disease was clear. He frequently referred to long-standing medical practices, like the one that prompted the six-foot distance rule suggested by the CDC, and current medical papers.

Democrats have no further questions

18:25 , Kelly Rissman

Their accusations are without evidence, Rep Ruiz said.

He called the baseless accusations wrong because not only does it stir up mistrust in the scientific fields, but it leads to threats against Dr Fauci and other public health officials.

Democrats didnt ask any further questions of Dr Fauci.

Hearing adjourned

18:32 , Kelly Rissman

The hearing is over.

Members will have five days to submit questions to Dr Fauci that he will respond to.

ICYMI: Jamie Raskin defends Anthony Fauci and swipes at Trump during House Covid-19 hearing

18:33 , Kelly Rissman

Democrat blasts GOP for bowing to convicted felon Trump at Fauci hearing

19:50 , Kelly Rissman

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has slammed Republicans for bowing to convicted felon Donald Trump after he told Americans to inject bleach to cure Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic.

Dr Anthony Fauci was called to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemics hearing on Monday, as House Republicans have sought to scrutinize his role as one of the chief faces of the federal governments response to the pandemic.

Republicans have also baselessly floated the idea that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases funded so-called gain-of-function research that led to the spread of Covid-19.

Raskin instantly defended Dr Fauci from accusations that he had orchestrated the proliferation of Covid-19 while also attacking former president Trump and Republicans who bended to his will.

Raskin said that the hearing was meant to divert attention from the Trump administrations failures to save lives and compared it to the failure of the Oversight Committee to find wrongdoing by President Joe Biden during its bungled impeachment inquiry.

The investigation of Dr Fauci shows he is an honorable public servant who has devoted his entire career to the public health and the public interest and he is not a comic book super villain, he said.

Eric Garcia has the full story...

Raskin slams GOP for bowing to convicted felon Trump and his Covid bleach claims

Fauci doesnt back down from stance after Rep Jordans taunting

19:53 , Kelly Rissman
Anti-Israel NJ House candidate who was denied access to 23 White House event believes hes on terror watchlist

Mohamed Khairullah -- an anti-Israel "Squad" member running in a Democratic primary Tuesday in northern New Jersey -- was denied security clearance to a White House event last year.

An anti-Israel Squad wannabe running in a New Jersey Democratic primary Tuesday was denied security clearance to a White House event last year, according to multiple reports

Mohamed Khairullah  who is running against veteran Rep. Bill Pascrell  was quoted in Politico as saying he believes he is on a terror watchlist with no due process to clear his name after he was denied entry to the event.

The report comes as Kairullah was also revealed to have also been arrested for aggravated assault in 2002 for allegedly attacking his then-wife, who filed a police complaint against him, according to police reports viewed by The Post. The domestic violence charge was later dropped.

Mohamed Khairullah was denied security clearance to a White House event last year, according to reports. Khairullah for Congress

Khairullah is mayor of Prospect Park, a town outside the city of Paterson, which has the largest population of Palestinian-Americans in the US.

The district also has a large Jewish population, particularly in the city of Passaic  making the Israel-Hamas war a burning issue in the race.

A Syrian native who moved here in 1980, Khairullah slammed Pascrell for voting for a $26.4 billion military aid package to Israel.

I have been a vocal critic of the Biden administrations handling of the Israeli aggression and daily massacres against the Palestinians in Gaza. I have been an outspoken advocate for immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Khairullah, the longest serving Muslim mayor in New Jersey, said in a statement at the time.

Mohamed Khairullah was quoted in Politico as saying he believes he is on a terror watchlist with no due process to clear his name after he was denied entry. Khairullah for Congress

I refuse to see our tax dollars go to fund genocide. It is unacceptable that our elected officials are prioritizing military aid over diplomatic solutions that could save lives.

Khairullah, also an assistant principal at Passaic County Tech-Vocational Schools, recently posted pictures on his instagram with embattled New York Squad Rep. Jamaal Bowman and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar  both critics of Israel.

Pascrell, 87, an Army vet who served as mayor of Paterson before his election to Congress in 1997, defended his vote to aid Israel.

Khairullah is mayor of Prospect Park, a town outside the city of Paterson, which has the largest population of Palestinian-Americans in the US. Khairullah For Congress

I voted in favor of fresh aid to Israel to protect itself and Israelis from terrorism, especially in light of Irans latest terror attack, he said. As President Biden reminded us, peace remains the most important goal. As we have been demanding, there must be a ceasefire and full release of remaining hostages now.

He also supported aid to Gaza but emphasized that a ceasefire and freed hostages is the only path to peace and two permanent states living in security.

Pro-Israel activists claim Khairullah has not condemned Hamas Oct.7 invasion of Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Khairullah is seen here with Rep. Ilhan Omar. mkhairullah2024/Instagram

I think he supports Hamas, said Rabbi Benjamin Kelsen.

Before announcing his run for Congress last Spring, Khairullah claimed he was being profiled after being denied access to Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr celebration at the White House, learning he was not cleared by the Secret Service.

He said he was unfairly placed on an FBI terror watch list.

He previously complained he was detained at JFK Airport and questioned about terrorism after returning from a trip to Turkey, claiming Muslim profiling.

Khairullah declined to comment.

Khairullah recently posted pictures with embattled New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman on his Instagram. mkhairullah2024/Instagram

Pascrell is favored to win, with strong backing from the Democratic establishment on both sides of the Hudson  with endorsements from House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn), Queens Rep.Gregory Meeks and Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Pascrell is co-chairman of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus.
How AP covered the D-Day landings and lost photographer Bede Irvin in the battle for Normandy

FILE - Carrying full equipment, American assault troops move onto a beachhead code-named Omaha Beach, on the northern coast of France on June 6, 1944, during the Allied invasion of the Normandy coast. The greatest armada ever assembled, nearly 7,000 ships and boats, supported by more than 11,000 planes, carried almost 133,000 troops across the Channel to establish toeholds on five heavily defended beaches stretched across 80 kilometers (50 miles) of Normandy coast. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded in the first 24 hours. (U.S. Army via AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  When Associated Press correspondent Don Whitehead arrived with other journalists in southern England to cover the Allies' imminent D-Day invasion of Normandy, a U.S. commander offered them a no-nonsense welcome.

Well do everything we can to help you get your stories and to take care of you. If youre wounded, well put you in a hospital. If youre killed, well bury you. So dont worry about anything," said Maj. Gen. Clarence R. Heubner of the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division.

It was early June 1944  just before the long-anticipated Normandy landings that ultimately liberated France from Nazi occupation and helped precipitate Nazi Germany's surrender 11 months later.

On D-Day morning, June 6, 1944, AP had reporters, artists and photographers in the air, on the choppy waters of the English Channel, in London, and at English departure ports and airfields. Veteran war correspondent Wes Gallagher  who would later run the entire Associated Press  directed AP's team from the headquarters in Portsmouth, England, of Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The greatest armada ever assembled  nearly 7,000 ships and boats, supported by more than 11,000 planes  carried almost 133,000 troops across the Channel to establish toeholds on five heavily defended beaches; they were code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword and stretched across 80 kilometers (50 miles) of Normandy coast. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded in the first 24 hours.

Having heard on German radio that the landings had begun, Gallagher hurried to the British Ministry of Information to await the official communique. It came just before 9 a.m. with this brief instruction: Gentlemen, you have exactly 33 minutes to prepare your dispatches.

At precisely 9:32 a.m., the doors opened and the journalists poured out to release their reports. Gallaghers FLASH appeared via teletype in the New York headquarters of AP just one minute later.

LONDONEISENHOWERS HEADQUARTERS ANNOUNCES ALLIES LAND IN FRANCE.

The 1,300-word story that followed began: Allied troops landed on the Normandy coast of France in tremendous strength by cloudy daylight today and stormed several miles inland with tanks and infantry in the grand assault which Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called a crusade in which we will accept nothing less than full victory.

As men on either side of him were killed, AP correspondent Roger Greene waded ashore on the eastern end of the landing front. Sheltering in a bomb crater, Greene pounded out the first AP report from the beachhead, with wind flicking sand into his typewriter keys and rattling the paper.

Hitlers Atlantic Wall cracked in the first hour under tempestuous Allied assault," he wrote.

On Omaha, the deadliest invasion beach, AP's Whitehead lost his bedroll and equipment and nearly his life as he landed with the 16th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division.

So many guys were getting killed that I stopped being afraid. I was resigned to being killed, too," he later recalled.

He witnessed German heavy machine-gun fire, mortar and artillery rounds raking landing craft and pinning down U.S. soldiers, vehicles and supplies that began to pile up on the beach at an alarming rate.

Whitehead never forgot the calmness of Col. George A. Taylor urging troops onward by yelling: Gentleman, were being killed on the beach. Lets go inland and be killed.

The Battle of Normandy was underway, with Allied forces pushing off the beaches and fighting their way inland in the following days and weeks. By June 30, the Allies had landed 850,000 soldiers, nearly 150,000 vehicles and more than half a million tons of supplies.

Casualties mounted on all sides and among French civilians. By the second half of August, with Paris being liberated, more than 225,000 Allied troops had been killed, wounded or were missing. On the German side, more than 240,000 had been killed or wounded and 200,000 captured.

The dead included 33-year-old AP photographer Bede Irvin, killed July 25 near the Normandy town of Saint Lo as he was photographing an Allied bombardment that went horribly wrong, with some of the bombers mistakenly dropping their payloads on their own forces.

As well as Irvin  hit by shrapnel as he was diving for the shelter of a roadside ditch  more than 100 American soldiers were killed and almost 500 others wounded, said Ben Brands, a historian with the American Battle Monuments Commission. It manages the the Normandy American Cemetery where Irvin is buried, overlooking Omaha Beach.

On Monday, colleagues from APs Paris bureau, covering the 80th anniversary of the landings, laid flowers at the foot of the white stone cross on his grave. Irvin's is one of 9,387 graves in what was the first American cemetery in Europe of World War II, set up two days after D-Day.

In its September 1944 edition, AP's in-house magazine said the native of Des Moines, Iowa, had until then survived some of the worst fighting in Normandy and had only one complaint  that he was not seeing enough action.

In a letter after his death to one of Irvin's AP colleagues, his widow, Kathryne, poured out her sorrow. Muriel Rambert, an ABMC guide at the cemetery, read out an extract Monday at his grave, after she'd used sand from Omaha Beach to highlight Irvin's name on his headstone and planted American and French flags in front of it.

There are so many hopes and plans between a husband and wife, she said, reading from the letter. Plans that won't for Bede and me ever come true.

___

Valerie Komor is AP's director of corporate archives. Associated Press writer John Leicester in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, contributed to this report.
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) is preparing to host its second annual CHAMP Camp next month.

The free camp will be held July 9 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds.

Man pleads guilty to Telford murder, sentenced to 35 years prison

CHAMP Camp gives rising sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students the chance to meet the sheriffs offices K-9 unit, criminal investigations division and SWAT team. Campers are treated to an up-close look at deputies equipment.

Theyll be able to see demonstrations of what theyre capable of doing, said student resource officer and K-9 handler Katy Pellien. We have many different canines that are capable of doing many different things, so theyll get to meet each one of them. Our SWAT unit, theyll be able to look at their equipment. Theyll have an opportunity to drive some of that equipment. And then the Criminal Investigations Unit or division will be out there as well, and theyll be able to see some of the things that they utilize.

CHAMP Camp is limited to 60 children, and applications must be submitted before June 7. Applications can be found online and must be filled out by guardians.

Its an opportunity for the kids to come out and meet all the deputies, all the school resource officers, everybody from different units, and kind of build that relationship with the school resource officers over the summer, Pellien said.

While the camp is free, community members who would like to support it can make donations to the Friends of the Washington County Sheriffs Office.

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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  An Arcadia man joins six other suspects from the Tampa Bay area, among two other Floridians, who were sentenced for several armed robberies while dressed as law enforcement officers, the Department of Justice announced Friday.

Darius Toot Hudson, 44, will spend the next 39 years and two months in federal prison, joining the eight other co-conspirators.

Florida teen forcefully enters home, stabs 2 victims during sleepover: deputies

Between December 2020 and April 2021, a group came together to commit armed robberies throughout Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough, and Lee counties, along with Georgia and Arizona.

The suspects would wear black clothing, gloves, and masks, with law enforcement insignia or vests reading Sheriff, to impersonate officers. According to the DOJ, they would also drive black SUVs equipped with lights.

During the robberies, they would wake victims and their families in the middle of the night and beat, pistol whip, threaten, and sometimes shoot them. Often, they would also be handcuffed.

2 killed after Polk County joyride turns deadly, deputies say

The DOJ said Hudson was identified as the man who brought a white backpack to store zip ties they would use on their victims.

Department of Justice

Department of Justice

Department of Justice

Hudson, the last to be sentenced to federal prison, joins his fellow co-conspirators:

Reginald Rudy Roberts, Jr., 24, of Lakeland : Sentenced to 41 years

Nathaniel Nate Keith Carr, 24, of Avon Park : Sentenced to 26 years, 6 months

Daniel D-Jack Jackson, 31, of Winter Haven: Sentenced to 22 years, 11 months

Chrishawn Baby Butler, 24, of Bartow: Sentenced to 20 years, 6 months

Jeremy Presto Bernard Hazelton, 28, of Bartow: Sentenced to 15 years, 8 months

OMarie Mari Danyell Hudson, 26, of Orlando: Sentenced to 11 years, 3 months

Jasmine Weber, 30, of Delton: Sentenced to 5 years

Elyana Cuban Bazail, 25, of Lakeland: Sentenced to 5 years

Hudson was found guilty on Jan. 22 and was sentenced Friday for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three separate Hobb Act robberies, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during the robberies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Kangju people lived in Central Asia (southern Kazakhstan) for nearly a millennia, but experts know very little about them.

A new discovery of artifacts, recovered from a 2,000-year-old burial mound, shows off this little-known societys sophistication and its deep connections to the ancient Silk Road.

Featuring a brass mirror from China and a Roman-style brooch, this treasure trove reveals the intimate evidence of the worlds first major attempt at globalization.

For around 800 years (from the 4th century BCE to the 4th century CE), a people group known as the Kangju flourished in what is now southern Kazakhstan. Despite this relatively long reign in Central Asia, the knowns of this ancient society are far outweighed by the unknowns. Experts know, for example, that the people had Indo-European origins, spoke an Eastern Iranian language, and likely practiced a semi-nomadic way of lifea common choice among people groups in Central Asian and the Eurasian steppe. Everything else has been slowly pieced together from pottery and other artifacts left behind for us to find.

Now, a new treasure trove of artifacts has been discovered in 2,000-year-old burial mounds in the ancient Kangju region. These items include jewelry, arrowheads, and a large bronze mirrorall of which speak to the Kangjus sophistication. Kazakhstan lies at the heart of what wouldve been the ancient Silk Road, and the items reflect the impact of this ancient-world globalization.

The mirror, for example, has been traced to the craftsmen of Chinas Han Dynasty, which reigned from 206 BCE to 220 CE. Similar mirrors have been found among the discarded detritus of other civilizations along the ancient Silk Road, likely meaning that the woman buried with the mirror was someone of considerable wealth or importance. However, China wasnt the Kangjus only trading partnerthe ancient people likely also traded with the Roman Empire and the Kushan Empire, another Central Asian power to the south.

To uncover these items, a team of experts from Ozbekali Zhanibekov Universitylocated in the city of Shymkent along the border with Uzbekistanand local government archaeologists traveled to three burial mounds in the oblast (administrative region) of Turkistan.

As is often the case when exploring ancient ruins, two of the mounds had already been plundered, likely during medieval times. But the third mound still had ancient wonders lying in wait. According to a press release translated from Kazakh language, experts also found other itemsincluding ornate earrings, a belt buckle, and a Roman broochthat once again emphasized the mounds advantageous position along the Silk Road.

The leader of this archeological expedition, Ozbekali Zhanibekov Universitys Aleksandr Podushkin, said that the Yangju were actually comprised of many different people, including the Asian Sarmatians, the Xiongnu, the Kangyu, and the subsequent Saki (who were, possibly, the famous Scythians). Podushkin has published some 90 articles related the peoples of southern Kazakhstan, and some of his previous work involved analyzing the religious beliefs of the Kangju from artifacts gathered from Ugam Valley, which is also located in the Turkistan region.

Now, these relics will travel to the capital city of Astana and be housed in the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As experts like Podushkin continue to find these hidden treasures, over time, the largely blurry image of this people group of Central Asia should slowly begin to come into focus.

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FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now)  Asian Americans have a dynamic presence in the western Maryland region.

Though schools may be out for the summer, the importance of education in their community does not take a break from the classroom.

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Avery Wan is the principal at the CCACC Academy.

I totally understand the importance of education, for immigrants especially, Wan said.

Intercultural exchange is important to student, Janice Hu, who is eager to begin her college experience in a few years.

I would like for people here to learn more about my culture and little bit more about other people, Hu said.

Elizabeth Chung heads a dynamic western Maryland-based non-profit bridging ties to schools around the county.

Education is the most important, in our area for Asian families, Chung said. Why do we want to come to America? Its really for the opportunity to have better education, to advance ourselves, to learn new skills.

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Chung said the Asian American community contributes to the prosperity of the region.

Economic advancement, IT, AI, health workers  all that we brought over here from where we came from and make the greatest contribution to America, Chung 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The bill's sponsors say ratepayer relief is needed as storms grow more severe and telecom services like the internet become less and less dispensable. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Assembly lawmakers on Monday will weigh a bill that would require utilities and telecommunications firms to return a portion of customers bills if outages block service for at least three consecutive days.

The measure, which will come before the Assemblys telecommunications committee, would require telecoms and utilities to prorate customer bills if outages suspend services for at least 72 hours. Lawmakers say the bill is needed amid increasingly severe storms and residents growing reliance on internet providers.

Its not just cable TV if your televisions out for X amount of period of time anymore, said bill sponsor Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer), the panels chairman. Your cable service is inclusive now of everything. It has your Wi-Fi and it has your phone system as well.

New Jersey is no stranger to severe storms. Even apart from historic ones like Hurricane Sandy  which stopped the flow of electricity to more than two million New Jersey ratepayers, in some cases for more than a week  serious storms have grown more regular over the last decade.

Six of the 10 most damaging storms to hit the eastern seaboard happened in the last 10 years, and nine occurred in the last 20.

Every storm is like youre on pins and needles around here, said bill sponsor Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Passaic). Thats just the reality. Its a reality I think we have to deal with, from the earthquake to the power outages to the rain and the damage that happens.

The proration is simple for telecom bills. Since such services are typically billed monthly, a provider could prorate the bill by reducing a customers bill proportionally to the service interruption. If a customer is billed $300 in a 30-day month and experiences an outage lasting six consecutive days, the bill would entitle them to a proration of $50.

DeAngelo said he expects state agencies to set forth the exact method for calculating outage-related discounts in regulations.

DeAngelo said he expected the measure to meet little opposition, noting its provisions were negotiated with stakeholders.

He added it would see some amendments, including one that would require customers to notify their telecom or utility provider of outages to have their bills prorated.

Rich Henning, president and CEO of the New Jersey Utilities Association, did not return an email seeking comment.

Things are expensive. Things are getting more expensive and people, especially those on fixed incomes or with lower incomes, theyre struggling to pay for something thats not being provided, DeAngelo said. It doesnt seem right or fair.

The post Assembly to weigh bill requiring prorated utility, telecom bills after lengthy outages appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
The Waldorf-Astoria. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

John Jacob Astor built his fortune in the fur business and New York real estate.

John Jacob Astor III and William Backhouse Astor Jr. cofounded the Waldorf-Astoria after a feud.

Modern Astor descendants have been politicians, philanthropists, and British royal associates.

Astoria, Queens. Astor Place. The Waldorf-Astoria. Even if you're not a New Yorker, you've heard of these iconic places. You also probably know they're named for one very powerful family: the Astors.

To this day, the Astors' money and influence still make waves in society.

So how do you build a dynasty like this one, with money that lasts for generations? Take a look at how the Astors made their fortune.

This story was originally published in April 2012. It was updated in July 2024.

The Astors came from nothing.

American fur trader and financier John Jacob Astor. Stock Montage/Stock Montage/Getty Images

Johann Jacob Astor worked as a butcher in Walldorf, southeastern Germany, Elizabeth Louisa Gebhard wrote in "The Life and Ventures of the Original John Jacob Astor." His ancestors are said to have been French Huguenots who'd fled to Germany after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which had granted protection to Protestants.

His son, John Jacob Astor, was born in Walldorf in 1763.

As a youngster, he worked for his father as a dairy salesman. He had three brothers, the eldest of whom, George, left home to work for an uncle in London who made musical instruments. Astor met up with him there after his 16th birthday.

John Jacob Astor built his fortune in the fur business and through buying and selling New York real estate.

A painting of John Jacob Astor. Interim Archives/Getty Images

After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, he immigrated to New York and took a job with a fur trader. By 1800, he'd built up his own fur business and was worth $250,000, or about $6.2 million in 2024, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Astor also bought and sold acres upon acres of land in and around New York City, including what is now Times Square.

In 1785, he married Sarah Todd. They had three children: Magdalena, John Jacob II, and William.

He was one of the wealthiest men in the US upon his death in 1848, according to the Library of Congress.

William Backhouse Astor continued his father's real-estate ventures and philanthropy.

William Backhouse Astor. Kean Collection/Getty Images

He continued to invest in real estate by building over 700 stores and residences in New York City, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

He also bequeathed thousands of dollars to St. Luke's Hospital on the Upper West Side and the Astor Library, which eventually became the New York Public Library.

William and his wife, Margaret, had seven children, the most prominent of which became John Jacob Astor III and William Backhouse Astor Jr.

Story continues

John Jacob Astor III. iStock/Getty Images Plus

William Jr. had some success as a developer in Florida. John Jacob Astor III, along with his wife Charlotte Gibbs, was a major philanthropist who founded the Children's Aid Society.

The iconic Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City was the result of a family feud between John III and William Jr.'s descendants.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 34th Street entrance. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

John III's son, William Waldorf Astor, built the 13-story Waldorf Hotel in 1893 on 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

Waldorf Astor's cousin and rival, John Jacob Astor IV, built a taller hotel next door four years later to outdo him.

Eventually, the two hotels were joined together with a marble corridor, resulting in the first Waldorf-Astoria.

The simmering tensions prompted William Waldorf Astor to move to London in 1891.

William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

There, he bought and restored the 125-acre Hever Castle in 1903, purchased the British newspaper The Observer in 1911, and obtained the rank of Viscount in 1917.

John IV perished in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

John Jacob Astor IV. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

His body was identified two weeks later by the initials stitched into his suit and his gold pocket watch. The watch sold at auction for $1.5 million in April.

Still, the Astors remained a force. In 1931, the modern Waldorf Astoria opened on Park Avenue and became legendary for its service.

The entrance to the Waldorf Astoria. Spencer Platt/Getty

The Waldorf Astoria has hosted US presidents, dignitaries, and countless celebrities.

In 2014, the historic hotel was purchased by Chinese insurance group Anbang for $1.95 billion. In 2017, it closed for renovations to convert 375 rooms into luxury condominiums called The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel is expected to reopen in 2025, GlobeSt reported.

Known for her charity work, Brooke Astor emerged as the matriarch of the American Astors.

Brooke Astor receives a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in recognition of her philanthropy. Susan Biddle/The The Washington Post via Getty Images

Astor was the great-great granddaughter, by marriage, of John Jacob Astor.

She donated over $195 million to hospitals, cultural institutions, and community service programs in New York City through the Vincent Astor Foundation, according to The New York Community Trust. President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her philanthropy in 1998.

Brooke Astor died in 2007 at age 105 and was the subject of a four-page obituary in The New York Times.

Her son Anthony Marshall, was convicted of stealing millions of dollars from her in 2009 and sentenced to prison.

The British side of the Astor family continued to hold positions of power, as well.

Nancy Astor. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, who was married to Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, became the first woman in the House of Commons in the chamber's history in 1919.

Her son, David Astor, rose to prominence as the longtime editor of The Observer and an anti-apartheid activist, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Modern members of the Astor family remain influential figures.

Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding day in 2011. Grace van Cutsem, left, was unamused by the loud crowds. Chris Ison/PA Images via Getty Images

William Astor, 4th Viscount of Astor, is a member of the House of Lords and the stepfather of Samantha Cameron, the former British first lady married to David Cameron.

John Jacob Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever, also sat in the House of Lords from 1986 until his retirement in 2022, according to the UK Parliament's official website.

William Waldorf Astor's great-great-granddaughter, Rose Astor, married Prince William's close friend, Hugh van Cutsem, in 2005. Their daughter, Grace van Cutsem, is perhaps best known as the young bridesmaid who appeared grumpy at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011, pictured above on the left.

Another great-great-grandchild of William Waldorf Astor, Harry Lopes, married Queen Camilla's daughter, Laura Parker-Bowles, in 2006.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Close up image of the sun's surface shows huge fiery looking tendrils reaching out from the surface of the sun as giant loops of plasma frolic above the solar surface.

Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has been keeping a watchful eye on sunspot AR3697 as it appears over the sun 's southeastern limb. The incredible footage, captured from his backyard in Arizona showcases the turbulent nature of the sunspot region in great detail.

"Unlike most celestial objects, the sun looks quite different from day to day, and is filled with exciting events like flares or coronal mass ejections. There's always something interesting to look at!" McCarthy told Space.com in an email.

The sunspot region, formerly known as AR3664, garnered the attention of media and skywatchers alike in recent weeks because, during its last transition across the solar disk, it sent a flurry of coronal mass ejections CMEs  expulsions of plasma and magnetic field  toward Earth. When these CMEs struck our planet's magnetosphere , a Category 5 geomagnetic storm (the most powerful class) was triggered, sparking auroras far beyond their normal ranges.

Related: That giant sunspot that supercharged auroras on Earth? It's back and may amp up the northern lights with June solar storms.

More unsettled space weather could be on the horizon as the sunspot region turns to face Earth in the coming days, and McCarthy has been documenting its return with daily timelapses and livestreams that he posts on X.

"This sunspot has a history of being highly active, and produced a number of flares and CMEs which are exciting to capture and track," McCarthy told Space.com in an email.

McCarthy first documented the sunspot region shortly after it fired off a colossal X-class solar flare , capturing the aftermath of the flare in remarkable detail.

"WOW! This is the same active region that caused those aurora a few weeks ago. Its finished rotating around the back of the sun and ready to cause some havoc again!" McCarthy wrote in a post on X.

During his third consecutive day of watching the historic sunspot as it began its journey back around to face Earth, McCarthy recorded plasma loops appearing to "dance" across the surface of the sun.

three side by side images show a close up view of the sun where it looks like large fiery tendrils are lashing out from the solar surface. A huge darker region on the surface marks the location of the sunspot region.

"This is a timelapse video I recorded over a period of roughly 90 minutes- you can watch how the sped-up plasma dances like flames. Except the "flames" are larger than Earth." McCarthy wrote on X.

A lot of hard work and planning goes into capturing such stunning views of our closest star. In a post on May 29, McCarthy gives us a sneak peek into the vast amount of processing that goes on behind the scenes.

"This is what it looks like when I manually align each tile of a solar mosaic. I do it manually because I get an intimate look at each panel- so I know if I need to go back and restack it." McCarthy wrote on X .

A large part of post-processing is removing atmospheric artifacts and adding color to increase the contrast and overall aesthetic of the image, according to McCarthy.

"Naturally the view through my telescope is red, but because of the nature of the highly filtered light I have to use a monochrome camera to capture it, thus color is added later," McCarthy told Space.com.

McCarthy has an impressive backyard set up which he has perfected over the years.

"My equipment is always ready to go, as I have built an observatory to house my solar telescope and have it ready at the push of a button," McCarthy told Space.com.

"Capturing the timelapse footage is simple, but it took a long time to learn how to do it effectively. That's where my years of experience have helped me!" McCarthy continued.

During McCarthy's fourth day of photographing the turbulent sunspot region, he captured more plasma loops twirling above the surface.

three side by side images show a close up view of the sun where it looks like large fiery tendrils are lashing out from the solar surface. A huge darker region on the surface marks the location of the sunspot region.

Related stories:

 How a giant sunspot unleashed solar storms that spawned global auroras that just dazzled us all

 We may have just witnessed some of the strongest auroras in 500 years

 Where and when to see the northern lights in 2024

"You can see the aftermath of a flare: loops of plasma guided by the magnetic field," McCarthy wrote in a post on X .

McCarthy frequently goes live on both X (@ajamesmccarthy) and Instagram (@cosmic_background) to show how the sun looks in real-time. He has been photographing the entire sun in detail every day with the hope of releasing one of his highest-quality images in print. To keep up to date with the latest print releases you can join McCarthy's mailing list.

As this sunspot rotates to face Earth, the likelihood of possible geomagnetic storms increases. In fact, any CME released from a sunspot region when it is facing Earth has a higher probability of hitting our planet.

The key dates for when the sunspot region will reach its location of optimum Earth connection is around June 4 to June 6, solar astrophysicist Ryan French previously reported for Space.com. "Any significant eruptions during this time have the best odds of producing a geomagnetic storm and enhanced auroras displays here on Earth," French continued.

We will certainly be keeping our eyes peeled for more explosive action from AR3697  and we certainly hope McCarthy will be doing the same.

I can't wait to see what else the sun has in store for us as solar activity continues to ramp up as we approach solar maximum , the peak period of solar activity during the sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle .
Atlanta police looking for woman accused of stealing King Charles Poodle from home

The Atlanta Police Department is looking for a woman accused of stealing a King Charles Poodle from a residence, officials say.

Police say they responded to a home on April 7 at 9 a.m. on Memorial Dr in reference to a larceny call.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When police arrived on scene, the victim said that her black and white King Charles Poodle was stolen from her yard.

Surveillance footage provided by the victim showed on April 6, at 6 p.m., an unidentified woman is seen walking on the victims property and taking the dog.

TRENDING STORIES:

The suspect is described as a black woman, with blonde hair, wearing all black.

Anyone with information on this case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at here, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL)  On Friday, the Auburn Police Department arrested a man on a warrant charging him with electronic solicitation of a child.

Eric Francois Williams-Bell, 26, of Union Springs, was taken into custody after a three-week-long investigation.

According to that investigation, a child was contacted for sexual purposes through an electronic device. The communication happened between May 7 and 8.

Williams-Bell was identified as the involved suspect. He was taken to Lee County Jail and held on a $30,000 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 WRBL.
Will you be AWOL in the upcoming elections?

(Stock photo)

Not voting in the presidential primary and general election is tantamount to an act of dereliction of duty, even desertion when it comes to defending and protecting our democratic republic.

At a bare minimum, it certainly can be considered cowardice and laziness.

Offended? We should be.

Being disappointed or disgusted with the candidates seeking our vote  either current or aspiring office holders  is often offered as reasons for not voting.

But are these really valid or legitimate excuses? Would these reasons be acceptable for not carrying out your duties in any position of responsibility that you hold?

This military comparison is quite fitting because America is engaged in a war  a civil war to determine how this country will be governed. Will we remain a country governed by democratic principles and rules of law or authoritarian and dictatorial rules?

Military forces have been, and continue to be engaged, and fighting wars with guns and bombs to determine an answer to that same question.

We as Americans are engaged in a war, albeit in an arena of dangerous words with misinformation and disinformation as weapons of war, waged by those in authority that we should be able to trust.

Our duty as soldiers of democracy is to do our part. That means we should remain engaged, provide support in ways that we can, and act with our vote.

So, what is the difference between being a nonvoter in a democracy and a deserter in the military?

They both represent dereliction of duty.

Also, characterizing it as cowardice and laziness seem especially fitting when we are facing some of the most important and consequential races in recent history.

Failing to vote is cowardice because it shows a lack of courage to take a stand, work, and vote for one party or the other and its candidates.

It is laziness because it shows a lack of energy to invest the time to understand the positions and differences among the choices in order to make an informed decision on election day.

Most polls taken today seek to assess several things about the upcoming presidential election: (1) the preferred candidate; (2) the most important issue; (3) whether the potential voter remains undecided; or (4) determining if they plan to vote at all.

While much attention is being focused on the undecided voters by prospective candidates and political pundits, more focus should be placed on the nonvoter.

Something needs to be done to prick the conscience of the nonvoter. Nonvoters have become comfortable being non-entities  not counted  relying on others to make the decision, often only to become chronic complainers.

There are growing reasons to be alarmed. There was a time when nonvoters would have been too ashamed to admit they did not vote or were not registered. But, today, many claim their non-participation with comfort and ease.

Casting a protest vote by writing in a non-candidate is another tactic being used seemingly being worn as a badge of honor, instead of seeing it as wasting their vote.

A host of pious boastings are offered: Neither candidate is competent. Both are bad for America. Politics and government are no longer effective and functioning in the best interest of the people. Congress is hopelessly deadlocked and doesnt get anything done.

While there may be some element of truth to all of the above, it is still no excuse for us not to do our part.

Brash, non-voting braggarts, dismayed or disillusioned  too many of us have become.

What a way to demonstrate being a proud American, thankful to those who made it possible, many by giving their lives for the democratic principles they fervently believed in, including the right to vote.

We just finished honoring them this past Memorial Day. We honor them each Veterans Day. Is it in name only? Is it only about laying wreaths, picnics and parades?

More and more, we are squandering the privilege to vote with no shame, no remorse, and no sense of obligation or responsibility. Very little connection is made between failing to vote and the quality of ones family life, the well-being of ones community, the quality of neighborhood schools, availability of jobs, and the buying power of a hard-earned dollar.

How will our democratic process survive if this downward spiral of non-voting continues? If fewer and fewer Americans vote, over time what kind of democracy will there be?

Many young people offer such frivolous reasons as politics is boring, irrelevant or uninteresting. Many older people hide behind cynicism, finding fault, placing blame as solace is found in self-righteous indignation and the ignoble position of being a nonvoter.

There are other presidential primary elections and other local elections that will occur, culminating with the general election in November. Candidates for these offices present clear and distinct choices. If you claim there is no difference between candidates for any of the campaigns, you are truly out of touch with your government and its future impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Voting is a small investment that yields decisive consequences for the quality of life in America, in your state, in your city, in your community, and the overall quality of our democratic process.

If the shoes of AWOL, spinelessness and being trifling dont fit you, then dont wear them. One must ask, however, If it were up to nonvoters, where would our governmental process be? Where would our country be?

The morning after any election of which you could have been a part, will your action have demonstrated you reported for duty or abdicated your responsibility?

Imagine what the outcome could be if we showed up for duty in record numbers?

This column contains excerpts from the authors upcoming book, USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating for a More Civilized Society, Book II: Patriotism and Politics.

The post Will you be AWOL in the upcoming elections? appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Will you be AWOL in the upcoming elections?

(Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Not voting in the presidential primary and general election is tantamount to an act of dereliction of duty, even desertion when it comes to defending and protecting our democratic republic.

At a bare minimum, it certainly can be considered cowardice and laziness.

Offended? We should be.

Being disappointed or disgusted with the candidates seeking our vote  either current or aspiring office holders  is often offered as reasons for not voting.

But are these really valid or legitimate excuses? Would these reasons be acceptable for not carrying out your duties in any position of responsibility that you hold?

This military comparison is quite fitting because America is engaged in a war  a civil war to determine how this country will be governed. Will we remain a country governed by democratic principles and rules of law or authoritarian and dictatorial rules?

Military forces have been, and continue to be engaged, and fighting wars with guns and bombs to determine an answer to that same question.

We as Americans are engaged in a war, albeit in an arena of dangerous words with misinformation and disinformation as weapons of war, waged by those in authority that we should be able to trust.

Our duty as soldiers of democracy is to do our part. That means we should remain engaged, provide support in ways that we can, and act with our vote.

So, what is the difference between being a nonvoter in a democracy and a deserter in the military?

They both represent dereliction of duty.

Also, characterizing it as cowardice and laziness seem especially fitting when we are facing some of the most important and consequential races in recent history.

Failing to vote is cowardice because it shows a lack of courage to take a stand, work, and vote for one party or the other and its candidates.

It is laziness because it shows a lack of energy to invest the time to understand the positions and differences among the choices in order to make an informed decision on election day.

Most polls taken today seek to assess several things about the upcoming presidential election: (1) the preferred candidate; (2) the most important issue; (3) whether the potential voter remains undecided; or (4) determining if they plan to vote at all.

While much attention is being focused on the undecided voters by prospective candidates and political pundits, more focus should be placed on the nonvoter.

Something needs to be done to prick the conscience of the nonvoter. Nonvoters have become comfortable being non-entities  not counted  relying on others to make the decision, often only to become chronic complainers.

There are growing reasons to be alarmed. There was a time when nonvoters would have been too ashamed to admit they did not vote or were not registered. But, today, many claim their non-participation with comfort and ease.

Casting a protest vote by writing in a non-candidate is another tactic being used seemingly being worn as a badge of honor, instead of seeing it as wasting their vote.

A host of pious boastings are offered: Neither candidate is competent. Both are bad for America. Politics and government are no longer effective and functioning in the best interest of the people. Congress is hopelessly deadlocked and doesnt get anything done.

While there may be some element of truth to all of the above, it is still no excuse for us not to do our part.

Brash, non-voting braggarts, dismayed or disillusioned  too many of us have become.

What a way to demonstrate being a proud American, thankful to those who made it possible, many by giving their lives for the democratic principles they fervently believed in, including the right to vote.

We just finished honoring them this past Memorial Day. We honor them each Veterans Day. Is it in name only? Is it only about laying wreaths, picnics and parades?

More and more, we are squandering the privilege to vote with no shame, no remorse, and no sense of obligation or responsibility. Very little connection is made between failing to vote and the quality of ones family life, the well-being of ones community, the quality of neighborhood schools, availability of jobs, and the buying power of a hard-earned dollar.

How will our democratic process survive if this downward spiral of non-voting continues? If fewer and fewer Americans vote, over time what kind of democracy will there be?

Many young people offer such frivolous reasons as politics is boring, irrelevant or uninteresting. Many older people hide behind cynicism, finding fault, placing blame as solace is found in self-righteous indignation and the ignoble position of being a nonvoter.

There are other presidential primary elections and other local elections that will occur, culminating with the general election in November. Candidates for these offices present clear and distinct choices. If you claim there is no difference between candidates for any of the campaigns, you are truly out of touch with your government and its future impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Voting is a small investment that yields decisive consequences for the quality of life in America, in your state, in your city, in your community, and the overall quality of our democratic process.

If the shoes of AWOL, spinelessness and being trifling dont fit you, then dont wear them. One must ask, however, If it were up to nonvoters, where would our governmental process be? Where would our country be?

The morning after any election of which you could have been a part, will your action have demonstrated you reported for duty or abdicated your responsibility?

Imagine what the outcome could be if we showed up for duty in record numbers?

This column was first published by the Missouri Independent, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network. It contains excerpts from the authors upcoming book, USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating for a More Civilized Society, Book II: Patriotism and Politics.

The post Will you be AWOL in the upcoming elections? appeared first on NC Newsline.
Ban on import of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products implemented in Lithuania

Lithuania has imposed a restriction on the import of agricultural items and animal nutrition from Russia and Belarus, effective as of this week.

Source: Delfi, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The prohibited commodities list is divided into 24 categories, including live animals, meat and offal, fish, milk and dairy products, eggs, natural honey, non-animal products, plants, vegetables, fruits, coffee and spices, grain, cereals, oil, beverages, tobacco, and others.

In addition, Lithuania prohibits the import of several plant-based products from Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, starting 3 June, there has been a prohibition on the import of finished products, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as meat, fish, sugar, and confectionery.

The list excludes agricultural goods that are not imported from alternative sources (such as mushrooms, berries, and plant materials for weaving).

At the same time, the Lithuanian government did not ban the movement of these commodities within the country.

Earlier, Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture Kestutis Navickas stated that the EU should impose limitations on all agricultural products imported from Russia, including grain.

Previously, the EU Council resolved to impose "prohibitive" charges on grain products imported from Russia and Belarus.

The ruling says that charges on cereals, oilseeds, and processed products from Russia and Belarus would be raised to the point where they will no longer be imported.

Ukraine has long urged the EU to entirely ban Russian agricultural imports. During an EU leaders' summit on 21 March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy branded it "dishonest" that Russian food products were being supplied to Europe while Ukrainian grain was being dumped on tarmac or railway tracks.

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Wildlife officials in Texas shot and killed nearly 250 white-tailed deer, most of which had so-called "zombie deer disease", following a years-long battle with a rancher.

Officials with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told USA TODAY state agents used rifles and pistols Thursday to eradicate the animals infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious and fatal degenerate deer-specific infection.

The depopulation took place at the 1,500-acre RW Trophy Ranch in Terrell, a city about 33 miles east of Dallas, to stop what state officials called the largest known (CWD) outbreak the state of Texas "has ever seen."

The ranch, in Hunt County, is owned by Robert Williams, a more than 35-year veteran rancher, along with his daughter, Maree Lou Williams.

The killings began in daylight, Lerrin Johnson, a state wildlife press officer, said Monday, and after the sun set, the carcasses were taken to a biohazard waste dump in Waco, more than 100 miles away.

"This is a task we never take lightly and that is always a last resort, but that has proven the most prudent and standard practice for managing prion diseases in wildlife," TPWD released in a statement to USA TODAY.

Distribution of chronic wasting disease in North America as of May 2024.

In early 2022, Williams sued the state in an attempt to prevent the eradication of the animals he had a permit to breed, records show. He lost the case in court earlier this year.

Under Texas law, people can obtain a deer-breeder permit for white tailed deer, but they are wild animals and cannot be legally owned.

USA TODAY has reached out to Williams.

A warning for hunters: 'Zombie deer disease' spreads to another state

What is chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious disease specific to deer, moose, reindeer and elk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is fatal and there is no vaccine.

Two white-tail deer bounce through a meadow in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts. Officials in Texas killed nearly 250 white-tail deer in June 2024 over concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease.

First identified in a captive deer at a Colorado research facility in 1967, the first wild deer case emerged in 1981.

As of early May, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, it had been detected in deer in 34 states and five Canadian provinces.

CDC: Deer meat didn't cause hunters' deaths; concerns about chronic wasting disease remain

Can humans contract chronic wasting disease?

There have been no cases of chronic wasting disease in people to date, the CDC says. But it is still investigating the potential risks and advises people not to eat meat from animals that test positive for the disease.

Since 2012, the wildlife agency has reported 795 case of CWD, the most recent in a white-tailed deer on May 16.

"If CWD is not contained and controlled, the implications of the disease for Texas and its multi-billion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management, and real estate economies could be significant," TPWD said.

A years-long legal battle to save his herd

According to TPWD, in early 2021, one of the deer on Williams' ranch contracted CWD.

Soon more deer tested positive for the disease and the state initiated a kill-order for the deer which, court papers show, Williams rejected.

In January 2022, the rancher  who had a permit to breed deer  filled suit against the TPWD and Texas Animal Health Commission in an effort to fight the depopulation order.

The state's attorneys argued the case should be tossed because, under Texas law, the public owns all white-tailed deer in the state including those held by private breeders.

The lawsuit made its way to the Texas Supreme Court after the Houston 14th Court of Appeals upheld the state's decision earlier this year. The high court ruled, eradicating the deer did not violate Williams property rights.

Prevalence of 'zombie deer' disease grows in US.

RW Trophy Ranch numbers as reported by the state:

When CWD was first detected in March 2021, RW Trophy Ranch reported 637 deer in its herd inventory, according to state officials. Of the 352 deer that died in the facility and have been tested for CWD since the initial detection, 254 tested positive with a prevalence rate of 72% by May 28th, officials said.

"Nearly 90 percent of samples collected this year tested positive or suspect positive," Johnson said Monday. "RW Trophy Ranch was losing an average 2 percent of its deer herd each week. In addition,12 deer also tested positive on release sites either near or associated with RW Trophy Ranch."

Samples from the depopulation were still being processed at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory on Monday, and state officials said, results were not expected for several weeks.

Anthony Fauci livestream: Watch former advisor testify to House over COVID-19 response

What are symptoms of chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease in animals is termed the "zombie deer disease" as it leads to the following symptoms:

Lack of coordination

Weight loss

Listlessness

Drooling

Stumbling

Lack of fear of people

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hundreds of 'zombie' deer with CWD killed on Texas' RW Trophy Ranch
BBC under fire over D-Day mapping blunder on Antiques Roadshow

Antiques Roadshow confused Weymouth with Poole and placed it 30 miles to the east on its maps during its special D-Day episode - BBC

The BBC has come under fire for a D-Day mapping blunder on the Antiques Roadshow.

On Sunday nights episode, a series of maps flashed on the screen which showed the south coast ports where thousands of Allied troops embarked for Operation Overlord.

Although it was in Weymouth, Dorset, where more than 100,000 men were staged ahead of the invasion of Normandy, the BBC confused the Georgian harbour town with Poole and placed it 30 miles to the east on its maps.

The BBC also relocated Amsterdam 50 miles south to where Rotterdam is on another map.

The map relocated Amsterdam 50 miles south to where Rotterdam is on another map - BBC

Viewers took to social media to express their frustrations at the mistakes.

One posted on social media: Excuse me, Fiona Bruce, but where exactly is Weymouth?

I was stunned that something so basic could be got so wrong; on such an important episode of one of their flagship programmes.

Some poor researcher is probably getting the hairdryer treatment right now; how embarrassing.

Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce travelled to Normandy for Sunday night's show - BBC

Another view said: Although Poole and Weymouth are in the same county, they are miles apart.

Weymouth was a major embarkation point for the Americans, who went to Omaha Beach, and it should not have been overlooked like this.

Its a good job that those who planned D-Day didnt make such basic errors on their mapping.

Bernard Holt123 posted on X: @BBCAntiquesRoadshow Whos in charge of pinning your maps? Weymouth is way off accurate.

The BBC has been approached for comment.

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Beijing takes decisive measures after accusing MI6 of recruiting married couple to spy on China

Beijing said MI6 directed the couple, known as Wang and Zhou, to return to China to collect intelligence - georgeclerk/E+

China has accused the Secret Intelligence Service of recruiting a couple who worked for the countrys central government to spy for the UK.

The Ministry of State Security said in a post on its official WeChat account that MI6 operatives had convinced a man surnamed Wang, who worked in a core confidential role in the central state apparatus, to defect, along with his wife, surnamed Zhou.

Major espionage case

Recently, after careful investigation, the national security organs uncovered a major espionage case in which the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) instigated a couple, Wang and Zhou, who were staff members of a central state agency of China, to defect, it said.

The accusations came after months of mutual espionage allegations between Beijing and Western powers.

The ministry said British spies began cultivating Wang after he began a course of study in the UK in 2015, arranging dinners and tours for him in order to understand his character weaknesses, interests and demands.

After learning that Wang had a strong desire for money, it then approached him to provide well-paid consulting services that came to involve the internal workings of central state agencies, the ministry said.

Wife Zhou coerced

MI6 personnel later revealed their identities to Wang and directed him to return to China to collect intelligence, convincing him to coerce Zhou into doing the same.

The ministry said it had gathered evidence and taken decisive measures against Wang, adding that the case was under further investigation.

The statement gave no details of Wang or Zhous current occupations in China, the nature of the information they provided, or their whereabouts.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was approached for comment.

China and Western powers have long traded accusations of spying but only recently started to disclose details of alleged individual cases.

Last month, British police said Matthew Trickett, who had been charged with helping the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong to gather intelligence in the UK, had been found dead in unexplained circumstances.

And in April, German authorities arrested four people on suspicion of spying for China, in the same week that British police charged two men with passing sensitive information to Beijing between 2021 and last year.

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.
Belgium, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, is urging EU governments to consider starting a procedure to deprive Hungary, which takes over the presidency next month, of its voting rights.

Source: Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib in an interview with Politico, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Lahbib called for a no-confidence motion against Budapest under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, an extreme step that could lead to the suspension of the country's voting rights in the EU.

"We have a Europe that is making difficult headway, with unfortunately some states  one state in particular  increasingly adopting a transactional, blocking and veto attitude," the foreign minister said.

"I think we need to have the courage to make decisions: go right to the end of Article 7, activate Article 7 right to the end, which provides for the end of the right of veto," the minister added.

The European Parliament launched the first stage of the Article 7 procedure against Hungary in 2018, but the process reached a deadlock.

The next stage of this procedure is often referred to as the "nuclear option", as it involves the most severe political sanction the EU can impose on a member state - the suspension of voting rights in EU decision-making.

Hungary is set to take over the EU Council presidency in July, giving Budapest more power to set the agenda and priorities for the six-month period, even though Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to obstruct EU decisions on critical issues.

"This is a moment of truth. Either we face up to our responsibilities, which requires political courage and willpower. Or we put in place mechanisms that dont work. And so we have to choose," Lahbib said.

"If we go all the way with this mechanism, it must work. If it doesnt work, we have to reform it. Thats the future of the European Union," she stressed.

Budapest has consistently slowed down EU aid to Ukraine or refused to provide it at all since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The European Parliament and Germany have questioned Budapest's ability to lead the EU Council from 1 July, but, according to Lahbib, Belgium insisted that Hungary should fulfil its duties until the end of the term.

"Its also a reminder that being a member of the European Union means respecting values, having rights, having access to funds, being part of the single market, respecting the values of freedom, freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary," the foreign minister said.

"That is why Hungary is now under the Article 7 procedure and increasingly isolated," she added.

After Brussels closed a similar case against Poland last month, Hungary became the only EU country to be subject to sanctions proceedings.

A spokesman for the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU said: "Hungarys main concern now is to keep the EU out of the war in our neighbourhood. If war reaches the EU, then Article 7 will be the least of our problems."

Background:



Last week, sources said, Hungary blocked the approval of the draft negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU at a meeting of EU ambassadors over the issue of minority rights.

The Financial Times has recently reported that Hungary has blocked the EU's approval of the allocation of proceeds from frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons for Ukraine.

In addition, media reports indicated that Hungary threatened to disrupt EU sanctions against Russian liquefied natural gas exports.

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Biden administration invests over $70M in US solar factories: 'Boosts innovation, drives down costs for families, and delivers jobs across the nation'

The White House just supercharged America's solar future with a game-changing $71 million investment.

This cash infusion will create jobs, slash energy costs, and help build a cleaner future for all, according to Clean Technica.

On Monday, the Department of Energy announced this major funding boost to grow the nation's solar manufacturing muscle from coast to coast. The money, which includes $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will go toward filling in critical gaps in the domestic solar supply chain.

The investment will strengthen U.S. production of key solar components like silicon wafers and cells that convert sunlight to electricity. It will also fuel research into exciting innovations like solar panels built right into our buildings and solar-powered farms.

All of this will help make solar energy, already the cheapest electricity source, even more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans.

In short, this puts money back in your pocket while helping to protect the one planet we've got. Manufacturing more solar parts here at home will create good-paying jobs, drive down energy bills, and cut the carbon pollution overheating our world. You'll be able to tap into cleaner, cheaper power while knowing you're part of the solution.

The Biden-Harris Administration understands that fighting atmospheric pollution means investing in American workers and innovations. And they're putting our tax dollars where their mouth is. This $71 million down payment is just part of their broader push to achieve a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.

By boosting solar energy, the cheapest and fastest-growing power source, the Administration is working to benefit the communities that need it most. Their Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the gains from climate and clean energy investments to underserved areas burdened by pollution. It's about making sure the sun shines brightly for everyone.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building an American-made solar supply chain that boosts innovation, drives down costs for families, and delivers jobs across the nation," said U.S. secretary of energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

"Thanks to historic funding and actions from the President's clean energy agenda, we're able to deploy more solar power  the cheapest form of energy  to millions more Americans with panels stamped 'made in the U.S.A.'"

So while $71 million may sound like a lot, it's really a small price to pay for a healthier planet, a thriving economy, and more cash in our pockets.

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The cases of 102,550 migrants were dismissed or removed from records - CHRISTOPHER LEE/BLOOMBERG

Joe Bidens administration is quietly offering mass amnesty to hundreds of thousands of migrants, an investigation has found, as the president faces a backlash ahead of the election.

More than 350,000 asylum cases have been closed by the US government since 2022 for applicants who do not have a criminal record and are not seen as national security threats, the New York Post found.

Although this means no official decision on asylum status has been made, it allows migrants to stay indefinitely in the US without fear of deportation.

Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge who works for the Centre for Immigration Studies think tank, said: This is just a massive amnesty under the guise of prosecutorial discretion.

Youre basically allowing people who dont have a right to be in the United States to be here indefinitely.

The move appears to stem from a 2022 memo sent by a legal adviser with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who instructed prosecutors to allow cases to be dismissed for migrants not deemed national security threats.

That year, 36,000 people were listed for deportation, 32,000 were awarded asylum, and 102,550 had their cases dismissed or removed from records  10 times the number in 2014.

It comes as the US grapples with a backlog of some 3.5 million unprocessed asylum claims. Some applicants have been waiting years for their claims to be decided.

Figures from Syracuse University show that more than three-quarters of asylum seekers have been allowed to remain in the US since Mr Biden took office  around half a million people.

Only migrants without criminal records are eligible to have their case dismissed, but ICE officials who spoke to the New York Post said it meant a protracted deportation process for those who subsequently broke the law.

If the migrants commit crimes after the dismissal, ICE will have to start all over and issue a new Notice to Appear in court and start the clock all over again, one person said.

Another official said this happens all the time, while a third claimed it was starting to increase.

Hector Quiroga, a Washington-based immigration lawyer, noted that those whose cases were dismissed could not receive benefits or a work permit.

Migrants can, however, reapply for asylum or seek other forms of legal status in the US.

For clients with horrible cases where they are unlikely to meet the bar for a successful claim, thats better than having a deportation order, Mr Quiroga added.

Mr Biden is seeking to address the publics concerns over illegal immigration, which is expected to be a key issue at the forthcoming presidential election in November.

On Tuesday, he is expected to sign an executive order that would allow him to seal the US border with Mexico if illegal crossings surge to a daily average of 2,500 crossings over the course of a week.

Several people familiar with the discussions said the border lockdown would be lifted once that number declines to 1,500. The move would not affect other activities, such as trade.

In theory, the order could mean that the border is closed to migrants seeking asylum almost immediately, because daily figures are currently above the 2,500 mark.

Legislation that set a cap at 5,000 illegal crossings per day faltered in Congress earlier this year amid opposition from Republicans and Democrats.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has repeatedly sought to pummel Mr Biden on border security and illegal migration.

Donald Trump has used the death of Laken Riley to front his immigration reform after she was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant - ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP

Last month, he claimed that the US President was responsible for a border bloodbath that was destroying the country.

Every town is now a border town because Joe Biden has brought the carnage and chaos and killing from all over world and dumped it straight into our backyards, he said.

He has also sought to pin the blame on Mr Biden for the death of Laken Riley, whose name became a rallying cry for Republicans when an illegal migrant from Venezuela was charged with beating her to death in February.

Mr Trump claimed the 22-year-old nursing student would be alive today if Joe Biden had not willfully and maliciously eviscerated the borders of the United States and set loose thousands and thousands of dangerous criminals into our country.

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President Bidens reelection campaign on Monday announced plans to launch new organizing efforts and a paid media blitz aimed at attracting LGBTQ voters during Pride Month.

The campaign plans to have a presence at more than 200 Pride events in 23 states, including each of the battleground states that will decide Novembers election, according to a news release. The campaigns LGBTQ voter initiative, Out for Biden-Harris, will work with LGBTQ clubs, caucuses, councils and grassroots networks across the country to mobilize voters and leverage the administrations relationships with influential LGBTQ rights advocates.

At the end of the month, Biden and first lady Jill Biden, who kicked off Pride Month with an appearance at Pittsburghs annual Pride festival on Sunday, will host an LGBTQ fundraising event in New York City.

Thanks to the tireless work of LGBTQ+ organizers, our community has made enormous strides to equality, and thanks to President Biden, we havent just undone the harm imposed by Trump, weve taken more action than ever to expand rights and freedoms for every single American, said Sam Alleman, the Biden-Harris campaigns national LGBTQ+ engagement director. All of that progress is on the line this November.

Biden, who frequently touts himself and his administration as the most pro-LGBTQ in history, expanded during his first term federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and condemned violence and threats made against the community. In 2022, Biden signed legislation safeguarding marriage equality.

But the president has fallen short on some promises made to LGBTQ voters, including a pledge to safeguard access to gender-affirming health care as more Republican-led states move to ban treatment for minors.

On the other hand, former President Trump has promised to enact at least a dozen policies targeting transgender rights if he is reelected, including a nationwide ban on transgender student-athletes competing in accordance with their gender identity and a federal law that recognizes only two genders. He has also vowed to punish health care providers who administer gender-affirming medical care to minors and roll back new transgender student protections on day one of his presidency.

Trump as president barred transgender individuals from serving openly in the military, gutted Obama-era nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and rejected requests from U.S. embassies to fly rainbow flags during Pride Month. But hes still been able to rally LGBTQ conservatives to his side: His run in 2020 was endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ advocacy group.

Recent polling suggests the former president leads Biden in key battleground states and maintains a slight 1.1 percentage point advantage nationally, based on The Hill/Decision Desk HQs average of 725 polls pitting the two against each other. Nearly 70 percent of LGBTQ likely voters surveyed in January by the LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD said they preferred Biden over Trump.

In the same survey, more than half of voters said they would not vote for a candidate that supports restricting transgender rights.

LGBTQ voters played a key role in Bidens victory in 2020, a Washington Post analysis found. More than 7 percent of U.S. adults in a March Gallup poll said they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual, including more than 20 percent of Americans aged 18-25.

But while LGBTQ voters are more likely to support Democrats in elections, not all of them are set on voting for Biden this year. The Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBTQ advocacy group, in May committed $15 million to help reelect the president, noting that roughly a third of equality voters  who prioritize LGBTQ rights at the ballot box  are at risk of not voting.

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President Biden on Monday congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum for her historic win after she was elected the first female president of Mexico.

I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries. I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples, Biden said in a statement.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, is the first woman and the first Jewish person to be president of Mexico. She beat the opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez and Jorge Alvarez Maynez to win Sunday.

She will begin her six-year term Oct. 1.

Biden on Monday lauded Mexico for its democratic election, which he called a win as well.

I also congratulate the Mexican people for conducting a nationwide successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at the local, state, and federal levels, the president said.

Sheinbaum is the hand-picked successor to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She is a leftist and has spoken against economic inequality and supports government intervention through policies that strengthen the social safety net.

Biden met with Lopez Obrador in November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco. The two leaders also spoke on the phone in April and agreed to implement a plan to reduce border crossings.

Her transition period is likely to be a tumultuous one in U.S.-Mexico relations, as the Biden administration has relied heavily on Lopez Obradors heavy handed migration enforcement to depress migrant encounters at the Southwest border.

The Biden administration is set to unveil a new crackdown on asylum on Tuesday, a move timed to come after the Mexican election that would make or break Lopez Obradors legacy.

The Biden administration conspicuously avoided any criticism of the electoral process or of democratic backsliding in Mexico, even as the opposition accused Lopez Obrador of putting his thumb on the scale throughout the campaign.

Sheinbaum campaigned on absolute continuity of the popular incumbents policies, and is likely to maintain his non-confrontational approach to organized crime, which has freed Mexicos National Guard to engage in migration enforcement.

A surge in migration before November could seriously jeopardize Bidens chances of reelection.

But other controversies loom between the two countries, which have the worlds largest bilateral trading relationship.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade is up for review in 2026, and controversies over Mexicos energy policies and corn import restrictions are bubbling, with the potential to rise as disputes early in Sheinbaums presidency.

She will also have to contend with a troublesome fiscal deficit of nearly 6 percent of GDP, in part a result of Lopez Obradors penchant for massive infrastructure pet projects and direct cash transfer social assistance programs.

This story was updated at 12:22 p.m.

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Biden to crack down on migrant crossings with order allowing him to halt new asylum claims

Migrants on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border engage in a confrontation with Texas National Guard troops (AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden will unveil an executive order aimed at curbing illegal border crossings that will allow him to shut down the US asylum process when crossings pass a certain daily threshold.

The White House is set to roll out Bidens border action at an event on Tuesday that is expected to feature elected officials from border states and cities whove been bearing the brunt of migration along the US-Mexico border.

The plan is understood to include language that would give Biden the ability to order a halt to the processing of new asylum claims if more than 2,500 illegal crossings occur in one day. The pause in asylum claims would automatically be rescinded when illegal crossings dropped to 1,500 per day or lower.

Bidens order is centered around a provision that was central to a compromise framework hammered out by Republican and Democratic negotiators in the Senate earlier this year. That legislative push died after former President Donald Trump pushed Republicans to oppose efforts to address illegal immigration during the presidential election.

Members of the former presidents party have openly fretted that the GOPs presumed nominee is handing Democrats a political victory with the move.

Im extremely disappointed in the very strange maneuvering by many on the right to torpedo a potential border reform bill. Thats what we all ran on doing, border-state Republican Dan Crenshaw said in February. If we have a bill that, on net, significantly decreases illegal immigration, and we sabotage that, that is inconsistent with what we told our voters we would do.

It would be a pretty unacceptable dereliction of your duty.

Migrants on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border engage in a confrontation with Texas National Guard troops (AFP via Getty Images)

James Lankford, a Republican directly involved in negotiating the Senate immigration compromise framework, was unhappy with his party as well.

The key aspect of this, again, is, are we as Republicans going to have press conferences and complain the border is bad and then intentionally leave it open? he asked on Fox News. The answer turned out to be yes.

The compromise framework had been supported throughout its short lifespan by Biden and the White House, angering some of the presidents progressive supporters. Some Democrats in the House and Senate have argued that such restrictions on asylum should not be put into place before other measures, including a pathway to citizenship for DREAM Act recipients, are put into law. But those progressive priorities, while supported by a majority of Democrats and once supported by some of the same Republicans who now echo Trumps rhetoric, seem out of reach given the current realities in the House and Senate.

The ex-president has ramped up aggressive, sometimes dehumanising rhetoric about both immigrants and his political opponents as the election season has progressed. At a rally in New Hampshire in December, the former president told his supporters that immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country. Separately, at a rally in Dayton, Ohio in March, he told supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases.

Biden has long resisted using executive action to enact more restrictive immigration policies, citing the limited authority granted presidents absent new laws enacted by Congress, and the White House is looking to place blame for the delay on the GOPs intragisence.

A White House spokesperson told The Independent that House and Senate Republicans do not care about securing the border or fixing Americas broken immigration system because theyd have voted for the bipartisan border package if they did.

Instead, they put partisan politics ahead of our countrys national security. While Congressional Republicans chose to stand in the way of additional border enforcement, President Biden will not stop fighting to deliver the resources that border and immigration personnel need to secure our border. As we have said before, the Administration continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system, they said.

With additional reporting by agencies
US Vice President Harris and Security Advisor Sullivan to represent US at Peace Summit

US Vice President Kamala Harris and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the US at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland on 15-16 June.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the White House

Details: Reportedly, during her visit to Switzerland Harris will stress the commitment of the US President's Administration to "supporting Ukraines effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter".

"The Vice President will reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will join the Vice President in representing the United States at the Summit," the White House added.

Ukraine was hoping until the last moment that the summit would be attended by US President Joe Biden, who will be busy with pre-election events in California at the time.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin would be relieved by Bidens absence at the summit.

In total, 107 countries and organisations have confirmed their participation in the summit.

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Biden shares birthday message to Jill as Hunter heads to court: You are the rock of our family

Biden shares birthday message to Jill as Hunter heads to court: You are the rock of our family

President Biden is wishing Jill Biden a happy birthday, dubbing the first lady the rock of their family.

The community college professor and wife of the commander in chief marked her 73rd birthday Monday.

In a message posted on social platform X, the president wrote: Happy birthday to the love of my life, the life of my love, and the rock of our family.

I love you, Jilly, he said.

In a separate post on his White House account, Biden said he was so proud to be Jill Bidens husband.

But the first lady kicked off her birthday in a venue hardly equipped for a celebration: a Delaware courthouse. The first lady was seen arriving Monday at the court in Wilmington where Hunter Biden is poised to go on trial on federal gun charges.

Happy birthday, Hunter Biden told her as they waited for jury selection to begin, according to The Washington Post.

I got you a special event, he quipped, which reportedly prompted laughter from both of them.

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Insights from CNN, The New York Times, and Puck

The News

US President Joe Bidens son Hunters trial on federal gun charges began on Monday in Delaware federal court. Hunter Biden has pled not guilty after a tentative plea deal to avoid trial fell through in 2023.

Prosecutors alleged Hunter lied on an application to buy a gun in 2018 when asked about his substance use history. Hunter has previously written that he was addicted to crack at the time. Hunter is also facing tax-related charges in California; that trial is slated for later this year.

Hunters trial comes days after former president and current presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to unfairly influence the 2016 presidential election.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Hunter Bidens charges raise specter of political interference

Sources: CNN, NBC, Reuters, The New York Times

Hunter Biden has maintained he has been unfairly targeted by his fathers political opponents. After his initial indictment on the charges, Hunters lawyer told CNN that Republican politicians had succeeded in pressuring this US attorney to do something to vindicate their political position. But the judge overseeing the case rejected those claims and said there is no evidence for them. More broadly, legal experts have said the charges he faces are rarely brought unless the individual has also been charged with a violent crime, which Hunter has not. But just because a charge is rare, that doesnt mean it is improper, another expert said.

Republicans seek opportunities to drag down Biden

Sources: The Associated Press, Spectrum News, The New York Times

Republicans have used Hunter Bidens history as an anchor to try to drag down his father, the Associated Press noted, and the trial offers fresh opportunity to do so again. If Hunter is convicted, some political analysts said voters might see his father as guilty by association. If hes acquitted, Republicans could allege the justice system is corrupt, a common allegation in the wake of Trumps conviction. Republicans have sought political angles on Hunters gun charges before: Before it fell apart in 2023, his tentative plea deal was a source of ire for some GOP lawmakers, who alleged without evidence it was a sweetheart deal thanks to preferential treatment from the Justice Department.

Biden allies are worried trial could pose distraction

Sources: The Associated Press, The New York Times, Puck

As Bidens reelection campaign ramps up, allies of the president are concerned that the trial could prove a distraction. People close to the president told the New York Times that Hunters legal problems are at the top of Bidens personal list of concerns. If it were possible for Hunter to take a plea deal, some legal experts told the Times, he should to avoid what will likely be a painful and embarrassing trial. On the other side, Republicans are desperately hoping that Hunters trial will help neutralize, or at least distract from Trumps felony convictions, Tara Palmeri wrote for Puck.
Biden's absence at Peace Summit does not mean decrease in support for Ukraine  White House

John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, has stated that the participation of US Vice President Harris in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland instead of President Biden does not mean a lower level of US support for Ukraine.

Source: Kirby at an online briefing on 3 June; European Pravda with reference to news agency Ukrinform

Details: Kirby stated that "there hasnt been any single leader around the world who has supported Ukraine more and more stridently than Joe Biden".

Kirby stressed that the US being represented at the conference in Switzerland by Vice President Kamala Harris shows that American support for Ukraine remains unchanged.

The advisor also said there is no other nation which has done as much for Ukraine and its ability to fight back against Russia as the United States, adding that the US supports the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Earlier the White House announced that the US will be represented by Vice President Harris and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Ukraine was hoping until the last moment that the summit would be attended by US President Joe Biden, who will be busy with pre-election events in California at the time.

In total, 107 countries and organisations have confirmed their participation in the summit.

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Biker killed after losing control of motorcycle in Brown County

BROWN COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A biker was killed after losing control of his motorcycle in Brown County.

Joseph Raymond Ogle, 48, of San Angelo, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on County Road 105 south of Grosvenor just after 2:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a crash report from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The report reveals Ogle was traveling sound down the road when he braked while approaching a sharp turn, causing his rear wheel to skid. He then lost control of the bike, which rolled over onto its side and ejected him upon impact.

Ogle was the only person involved in this crash.

No further information has been released.

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A measure to create a statewide office to assist under-resourced public defenders stalled in the Illinois General Assembly this spring, but the bills backers say they will try again when the legislature reconvenes in the fall.

We are going to try to filter as many new ideas or as many new perspectives through the committee process as possible so that we have a really good bill when its all said and done, state Rep. Dave Vella, a Rockford Democrat and former Winnebago County assistant public defender, said Monday.

Vella filed a bill last month aimed at addressing the lack of public defense resources in rural areas, many of which dont have public defenders offices, and resolving disparities in resources provided to county prosecutors and public defenders. In Cook Countys 2024 budget, for example, the public defenders office got about $102 million while about $205 million was set aside for the states attorneys office.

One major issue remains funding, Vella acknowledged. The $53.1 billion state budget that awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzkers signature appropriates $10 million to the state Supreme Court for county public defenders, the same as in the current budget. Advocates say far more is needed for a statewide public defender office to be effective..

Champaign County Public Defender Elisabeth Pollock said the states public defenders have been meeting for months about what a new statewide office should look like and agreed that $10 million isnt enough for a statewide office to succeed.

There has really been kind of a historical underinvestment in the public defense sector, in general, Pollock said.

Vellas bill was an offshoot of legislation filed in April by Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat. Public defenders did not support that bill because it was an initiative of the Illinois Supreme Court, raising concerns about whether the statewide public defenders office would be free of interference from the judiciary.

Vella said his bill aims to address that concern by taking away the power of chief county judges to choose public defenders, as they do in most Illinois counties  in Cook County the board president appoints the public defender  because obviously the whole point of this thing is to give autonomy to the public defenders.

We are committed to this. I think its a very important investment in the state, Harmon said May 26 moments after the Senate adjourned for the spring. That said, when youre trying to help someone and they tell you youre not helping them the right way, it makes me think maybe we step back and work even more closely with our public defenders over the summer to see what we can do better.

The state Supreme Courts administrative office for Illinois courts said in a statement on its website that it supports any outcome that ensures every indigent defendant across our state has access to effective assistance of counsel and every public defender has the resources needed to fulfill the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates a defendants right to counsel.

Under Vellas legislation, a statewide public defender would be nominated by a group created by and composed of public defenders in the state. The state Supreme Court would then approve a nominated candidate to a two-year term by majority vote.

When the term is up, a newly-formed state public defender commission composed of 11 members would select a state public defender for a six-year term. The governor would select four of the commission members, the state Supreme Court would choose three and the four state legislative leaders, two from each party, would each get one.

Commission members would be required to have experience defending indigent clients, and cannot have been paid as a judge, elected official, prosecutor, judicial officer or police official within two years of joining the commission.

The legislation would also create a process for the statewide public defender office to nominate candidates for the county-level public defender positions, and the new commission would make the appointments.

DuPage County Public Defender Jeff York believes the new legislation alleviates a lot of the concerns that he and other public defenders had compared to the initial legislation but he feels a term-limit provision in Vellas bill for certain county public defenders needs further discussion.

My fear is that the decisions that you would make running an office, youre not looking at the long term. Youre like, well, I only have a year left,' said York. The decisions you make may not be best for the office and ultimately not as good for the clients.

The statewide public defenders office would also provide training to county-level public defenders and support with the assistance of attorneys, expert witnesses, investigators, administrative staff, and social service staff and maintain a panel of private attorneys to represent indigent clients, according to the bill.

The legislation would allow any two counties within the same judicial circuit to combine public defenders offices. Now, in certain situations, two adjoining counties can share a public defender.

Advocates have pointed to a report from the Sixth Amendment Center, which was commissioned a few years ago by the state Supreme Court, which said that as of 2021, Illinois was among just seven states that dont have a state commission, state agency or state officer with oversight of trial-level public defense services in adult criminal cases.

The report, which focused on nine counties, noted the state had no oversight structure to assess whether each county had a sufficient number of lawyers with the appropriate training and resources to provide effective counsel at every stage of an indigent clients case.

Vella said a measure such as the one hes sponsoring is long overdue.

All this really does is it puts the public defenders at an even keel with the states attorneys, which is the whole point of the process, said Vella. Public defenders are at an extreme disadvantage and if we dont want people wrongly convicted, we need to give them as much as we can.
A woman checks the Facebook page of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi, India. Credit - Manish SwarupAP Photo

In early May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the podium at a political rally in Madhya Pradesh and launched an attack on the opposition party while campaigning in this years election, where a seven-phase voting period concluded on June 1. Observing that India was at a turning point in history, Modi told voters they would have to choose carefully between Vote Jihad a term repeatedly used by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters to describe votes from Muslimsand Ram Rajya, which translates to governance under Ram, referring to the Hindu deity.

The term Vote Jihad first entered the Indian public sphere after a local opposition politician, Maria Alam, used it while campaigning in the state of Uttar Pradesh a month earlier, where she asked the minority community to Vote Jihad to defeat the BJP. The local police charged Alam with civil disobedience for trying to seek votes based on religion, but the ruling party nevertheless latched onto the term to criticize leaders from opposition parties like the Congress Partywho ran in the election by forming an alliance called INDIAand to amplify divisive rhetoric between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

So frequent was the BJPs use of the term that a new report published May 31 by The London Story (TLS), an Indian diaspora-led nonprofit foundation based in the Netherlands, documented at least 21 instances in March and 33 in April where the BJPs Facebook page, which has 19 million followers, along with other affiliated accounts, posted claims that Muslims are waging Vote Jihad in this years election. In one example, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a militant Hindu nationalist organization with several verified accounts on Facebook and over 100,000 followers, posted a recorded press statement where the spokesperson referred to Indian Muslims as Jihadis and blamed them for allegedly committing Vote Jihad.

Read More: As India Votes, Modis Party Misleads Online

The group says these efforts are part of a sustained disinformation campaign designed to disenfranchise Indias 200 million Muslim voters. We looked at how the BJP uses disinformation narratives around jihad to rationalize policymaking, Ritumbra Manuvie, the Executive Director of TLS, tells TIME. This is an imminent danger because we have seen how similar instances have led to actual disenfranchisement in the past.



But these instances are just the tip of the iceberg. Indias 970 million eligible voters include over 750 million active internet users, a sharp 43% increase in users since the last general elections in 2019, according to the Economic Times, which cites data from the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and KANTAR. That includes 314 million users on Facebook, 362 million on Instagram, and 535 million on WhatsAppall of which are owned by Meta.

Across all platforms, Islamophobic narratives and other hate speech spread by pro-BJP pages, have become a ubiquitous part of Indian election campaigns as political parties and their leaders seek to directly connect with their followers, notes Usha M Rodrigues, a professor at the Charles Sturt University. As a result, misinformation, manipulated messages, malicious claims, and AI-enabled fabrications are being circulated online with impunity, Rodrigues writes.

Since the BJP first came to power in 2014, disinformation on social media has played an important role in election campaigns. For example, the 2014 election was dubbed the Twitter election, while the 2019 election was called the WhatsApp election. This year, election campaigning moved beyond X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp to include YouTube and other short-video channels, according to a study by Oxford University. The BJP was dominant in using the platforms as a key route to connect with voters, while other parties have simply not responded to the challenge of developing strong digital and offline campaign organizations, the studys authors write.

Rampant electoral disinformation

A recent investigation by Civil Watch International and Eko, a corporate accountability organization, found that Facebook had approved adverts containing known slurs towards Muslims such as lets burn this vermin and Hindu blood is spilling, these invaders must be burned, as well as Hindu supremacist language and disinformation about political leaders. In February, Meta pledged to prevent the spread of AI-generated or manipulated content on its platforms during the Indian election, but all the approved adverts featured AI-manipulated images, which Metas systems failed to detect.

In response, Meta told TIME that while it removes severe forms of misinformation and content that violates platform policies, it does not fact-check politicians due to our commitment to free expression and the belief that political speech is heavily scrutinized in mature democracies with a free press, according to a company spokesperson. In the last decade, India's press freedom has declined significantly, dropping to 161 out of 180 countries surveyed in the World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders in 2023.

Read More: YouTube Approved Ads Promoting Disinformation on Indias Election

The BJP and its supporters arent the only ones using social media platforms to gain votes this election; others have also harnessed AI and WhatsApp to engage voters. AI-generated content including campaign videos impersonating political candidates (in some cases, even dead politicians), personalized audio messages, and automated calls steadily reached voters smartphones. Notably, two AI-generated deepfake videos of Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan criticizing the prime minister and asking people to vote for the opposition Congress went viral at the start of the election and drew half a million views. Despite two police investigations, similar videos are still floating online.

And with nearly 400 million Indians forming WhatsApps largest user base in the world, the messaging platform has been the primary source of political news and information for voters since the last election in 2019. This year, political parties and campaign teams once again reached out to potential voters by enrolling them in WhatsApp groups and constantly circulating a stream of election-related messages. Disinformation and hate speech are rampant, while the grey market of personal information fuels targeted propaganda, noted a report by the Mozilla Foundation.

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Little accountability, widespread effects

The proliferation of electoral disinformation in India is usually governed through overlapping laws and regulations, as well as content moderation policies designed by the platforms themselves. While Indias Information Technology Act usually governs online platforms, the Election Commission of India specifically regulates communications during elections. In light of recent reports on the rampant spread of disinformation in the 2024 elections, the ECI has issued instructions to officials across India to be proactive in debunking fake news on social media.

Yet, as noted by the Mozilla Foundation, the ECI has not been effective in regulating the use of social media or messaging platforms during the elections, particularly in ensuring that platforms were compliant with its established voluntary code of ethics.

Similarly, the policies established by messaging platforms to monitor the spread of hate speech and disinformation have limited effectiveness. Manuvie from TLS told TIME that META responded to the groups concerns by saying that such posts did not warrant removal as they pass the Rabat Principle, a Plan of Action developed and adopted by experts at the U.N.s Office of the High Commissioner to prevent violence and discrimination through open dialogue, rather than censorship.

But Manuvie warns that free speech, particularly in the form of hate speech and jihad narratives, can also have dangerous long-term effects like institutionalized violence against Muslims, as well as result in regulatory and state legislative actions. For example, the spread of love jihad narrativesa conspiracy that Muslim men seduce Hindu women to convert them to Islam on X has contributed to widespread Hindu-nationalist support for criminalizing interfaith marriage, with several states in northern India passing laws to that effect. Several instances of state-sanctioned violence against Muslims married to Hindus have also been documented in the past few years.

These divisive narratives are being allowed and used by political parties for their election campaigns, but they clearly violate the ECIs Model Code of Conduct, says Manuvie. More than that, she continues, they are contributing to segregation in Indian society by dehumanizing, caricaturing, and demonizing Muslims during the elections.

Write to Astha Rajvanshi at astha.rajvanshi@time.com.
A Minneapolis police officer lost his life in what appears to be an ambush during a response to a shooting last week.

On Thursday (May 30), Minneapolis Police Department responded to reports of a double shooting on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South. Officer Jamal Mitchell reportedly saw two men with injuries in the street, including 35-year-old Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed. The other person was an unidentified bystander suffering from a gunshot wound.

Mitchell approached Mohamed, who was sitting next to a parked vehicle. Mitchell asked Mohamed if he was hurt and needed help, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said in a statement.

Without warning, Mohamed pulled out a handgun and shot Mitchell at close range. Mitchell fell to the ground, incapacitated, the statement reads.

Officers received and exchanged gunfire as soon as they arrived, according to Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell during a news conference. Mitchell was transported to HCMC hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Another officer received non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting.

Though first aid was administered to Mohamed, he was ultimately pronounced dead on the scene.



Mitchell was honored with a procession Sunday, during which the 36-year-olds coffin was draped in an American flag and taken from the medical examiners office to Estes Funeral Home.

His name deserves to be honored and remembered forever, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated.



Earlier today the Minneapolis Police Department held a solemn and dignified procession to honor and transport Officer Jamal Mitchell to a funeral home in North Minneapolis. When the details of the memorial service are finalized we will share them with the public. pic.twitter.com/yolqbm2AyX  Minneapolis Police (@MinneapolisPD) June 2, 2024

He was here to protect and serve, and what I can promise everybody, especially the family, is that Jamal Mitchells name will not just be remembered today, and for these next several months, [but that] that name will live on in Minneapolis forever as a courageous hero.



On Sunday, the Minneapolis Police Department released a statement on X. Earlier today the Minneapolis Police Department held a solemn and dignified procession to honor and transport Officer Jamal Mitchell to a funeral home in North Minneapolis, they said.

When the details of the memorial service are finalized we will share them with the public. Mitchell was a Connecticut native and moved to Minnesota almost five years ago. He was a father to three children, ages 9, 7 and 5, whom he was raising with his girlfriend.

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U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is pledging to block Senate business, mainly items dealing with White House initiatives. (Photo: John Partipilo)

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is pledging to block Senate business, mainly items dealing with White House initiatives. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Blaming President Joe Biden for the 34-count conviction of former President Donald Trump, Sen. Marsha Blackburn is pledging to block Senate business, mainly items dealing with White House initiatives.

Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, joined seven other senators in signing a letter accusing the Biden White House of making a mockery of the rule of law and altering the nations politics in un-American ways by orchestrating the judicial proceeding.

Trump was convicted last week on 34 counts of breaking New York business laws in connection with a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election.As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart, the letter says. It is also signed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.

The senators promised not to allow increases in non-security funding or a spending bill that funds partisan lawfare. They also said they would block political and judicial appointments as well as attempts to expedite Democratic bills unrelated to the American peoples safety.

Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, who is running against Blackburn this year, said Monday the pledge is beneath the dignity of a U.S. senator.







The post Blackburn pledges to block Senate business in wake of Trump conviction appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
(Bloomberg) -- A pledge by Britains Labour opposition to build 1.5 million homes in five years would be a Herculean task and very difficult to pull off, according to Tony Blairs housing guru.

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Kate Barker  who led a 2004 review into housing supply for the government of then-Prime Minister Blair  warned the party that its not that easy just to turn the taps on again. She noted worker shortages and planning issues make building difficult.

The former Bank of Englands rate-setter remarks highlight doubts about measures Labour says it would take to ease the housing crisis quickly after years of misfiring efforts to boost supply.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to overhaul Britains burdensome and slow planning system to build more houses and placate younger voters, who are overwhelmingly backing his party ahead of the election on July 4.

However, the Conservative government has struggled to meet its 2019 manifesto pledge to build 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s. A recent poll by YouGov suggested that fewer than 10% of Britons under 50 are backing the Tories, who are on course for a heavy defeat.

Somehow youre going to have to have found the people to build them and got the planning through, so this is a really Herculean task, Barker said in an online event for the think tank Radix Big Tent.

Some 20 years on from her influential review for Blairs government, Barker is leading a commission on housing shortages for Radix.

Housebuilding has failed to keep up with rampant demand in recent decades, meaning many younger Britons struggle to get a foot on the property ladder. The shortages have been exacerbated by insufficient housebuilding colliding with a rapidly rising population, often fueled by high levels of immigration.

The government has fallen well short of its housebuilding aim from the 2019 election, adding 234,400 homes to the countrys supply in 2022-23, according to government figures.

Barker said it is very disappointing to see the scale of the housing crisis 20 years on from her report, pointing to the impact of the financial crisis on efforts to boost supply. Her review had urged the government boost housebuilding to bring house prices more in line with the EU average.

Coming out of the crisis, the collapse in the construction industry had had all sorts of effects because these skills and the abilities to find sites, to make sites work, doesnt just happen overnight, she said. It really took a long time for the industry to get back on its feet.

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Metro Police officers near the Nashville's Covenant School after a mass shooting on March 27, 2023. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Two families are suing Gov. Bill Lee and the Williamson County School District, saying their middle school kids were arrested, strip-searched, put in solitary confinement, sent to alternative school and then subjected to months of home visits by social workers and probation officers after school officials misinterpreted conversations between peers as threats of mass violence.

The lawsuit by families of a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy arrested at school and expelled in separate and unrelated incidents said neither were guilty of making such threats.

Instead, the suit claims, what happened to the kids was an overreaction by school officials who, in one instance, said they regretfully had to follow new rules the governor signed into law last year.

You can blame Governor Bill Lee, Page Middle School principal Eric Lifsey told the parents of the 14-year-old boy accused of saying he would bring guns to school and had a bomb at home, according to the lawsuit. We dont think of you as a threat. That was never the case.

The boy, identified as B.N., denies making those claims; he said his only mention of guns was when he told friends about a lunchtime conversation hed had with another boy who had described the firearms his grandfather owned.

This was an overreach and misapplication of the law, which resulted in a denial of their constitutional rights Larry Crain, an attorney representing the families, said last week.

Crain believes that more students have been wrongly punished and could join the suit.

Were finding out there were other students who were similarly affected, he said.

A spokesperson for Williamson County Schools declined to comment on pending litigation and could not immediately provide data on the number of students disciplined for making mass violence threats. Lees spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit is challenging the way Williamson County education officials enforced the 2023 zero tolerance law, which requires districts to expel students for one year if they have been found to have made threats of mass violence.

The law defines the threats as speech that a reasonable person could conclude would lead to serious bodily injury or the death of two or more people.

In the instance of the 13-year-old  a student and cheerleader at Fairview Middle School identified in court papers as H.M.  school administrators cited a message she sent in a school email group chat that said On Thursday, we will kill all the Mexicos.

You can blame Governor Bill Lee. We dont think of you as a threat. That was never the case.

 Eric Lifsey, vice-principal, Page Middle School

A full transcript of the group chat, later obtained by her mother, showed other girls on the chat teased H.M. for looking Mexican.

Then one friend asked, what are you doing Thursday.

H.M. responded in jest, on Thursday we kill all the Mexicos, the lawsuit said.

For her message, H.M. was arrested at school, brought to the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center, forced to undergo a strip search, take a shower while a camera was trained on her and placed in a cell where she was questioned by officials who asked if she had ever had sex, an abortion or suicidal thoughts,the lawsuit said.

At one point the 8th grader became ill and vomited, but when she knocked on the door of her cell no one came to help, the suit said.

It would be more than 24 hours before her parents were allowed to see her, the lawsuit said.

Afterwards, the juvenile court process resulted in an order to evaluate H.M. for mental illness and retardation and she was offered a choice of voluntary or involuntary commitment to determine if she was competent to stand trial.

Earlier this year, lawmakers approved legislation setting stricter penalties for threatening to commit mass violence on school properties or school-related events, making them a felony. Lee signed the measure into law on May 1.

Youth advocates warned the cumulative effect of the recent laws will lead to more kids being needlessly subjected to expulsions and months-long interventions that upend their lives.

These punitive measures represent legislative overreaction to highly publicized school shootings, said Zoe Jamail, policy coordinator with Disability Rights Tennessee.

We have to find a solution to school threats that responds with reason, rather than reacts out of fear, and keeps students and teachers safe without unnecessarily disrupting the education and lives of young people and exposing them to the justice system, which as this case illustrates, has detrimental and life changing consequences.

Mass Violence Threats challenge

The post You can blame Gov. Bill Lee; lawsuit says new law wrongly punishing Tennessee middle school kids appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Embattled New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez has officially filed paperwork to appear on the November general election ballot as an independent, weeks after the veteran Democrat lost a primary challenge amid an ongoing corruption scandal.

Menendez collected the 800 signatures required to support his candidacy as an independent against a Republican nominee and the man who bested him in the Democratic primary, Representative Andy Kim, according to reports.

Menendez actually collected more than 2,000 signatures, according to the New Jersey Globe, which will be delivered to the New Jersey state Division of Elections in Trenton.

He is unable to deliver them personally because he is currently required to attend his trial in the Southern District of New York. Menendez is fighting bribery and other corruption-related charges, including allegations that he unlawfully operated as a foreign agent of the Egyptian and Qatari governments while serving as chair or ranking member of the Senates foreign relations committee.

The indictment against him was unsealed in September last year. It alleges that he accepted bribes in trade for influencing US policy to benefit Egypt and Qatar and provided sensitive US government information to Egypt.

FBI agents who searched the senators home in 2022 found more than $400,000 worth of gold bars and large sums of cash hidden among his belongings. Menendez wife, Nadine, and two New Jersey businessmen also face charges over the alleged scheme.

The senators trial is expected to continue through the end of this month, and he has until August 16 to decide whether he wants to go through with the election campaign or pull his name from consideration.

Kim, a popular House Democrat who gained a measure of prominence after he was photographed cleaning up debris from the January 6 attack on the Capitol, has warned that Menendezs independent bid could split the Democratic vote and hand the seat to the GOP.

But it is understood that Menendezs decision to get into the race is driven less by a desire to retain his senate seat as it is by a quirk in federal campaign finance law that lets him raise money for his legal defense.
Donald Trumps campaign and the Trump Organization paid off nine witnesses called to testify in criminal cases against Trump, an explosive new report from ProPublica reveals. Witnesses who testified in defense of Trump for his numerous criminal cases received massive raises, new jobs, cushy severance packages, and more, all conveniently coinciding with being called to testify or after providing testimony favorable to Trumpand the excuses from Team Trump couldnt be weaker.

Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, told ProPublica witness tampering is often difficult to prove because the gimmick is often not done explicitly. But the trend could assist prosecutors in their efforts to call into question the credibility of witnesses testifying in Trumps defense for his innumerable legal battles.

In response to queries by ProPublica, team Trump claimed the nine witnesses who all saw big raises and flashy new jobs simply took on more work. The campaign also insisted Trump, who notoriously insists on controlling every facet of his organizations, has no say in who gets promoted or how much theyre paid. The president is not involved in the decision-making process, a Trump campaign official told ProPublica. I would argue Trump doesnt know what were paid.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trumps campaign, questionably asserted in a statement to ProPublica that the 2024 Trump campaign is the most well-run and professional operation in political history. Cheung continued, Any false assertion that were engaging in any type of behavior that may be regarded as tampering is absurd and completely fake. ProPublica also reports the outlet received a cease-and-desist from David Warrington, Trumps attorney, against publishing its findings, promising that President Trump will evaluate all legal remedies. According to ProPublicas findings, those legal remedies seem to conveniently trend toward doling out big payments to people called to testify on Trumps behalf.

According to records reviewed by ProPublica, monthly payments from Trumps campaign to Trump lawyer Boris Epshteyns companywhich appears to be just a one-man showmore than doubled after Trump was indictedjumping from $26,000 a month to $53,500 a month. The Trump campaign told ProPublica the increase was due to Epshteyns workload increasing, even though Epshteyn has continued taking contracts for other campaigns and landed a job as a managing director at a financial securities firm elsewhere.

Susie Wiles, senior adviser to Trumps 2024 campaign who allegedly witnessed Trump showing off classified documents, also saw a big bump in pay after being called to a grand jury and before Trumps indictment in that case. Her pay jumped from $25,000 a month to $30,000 a month and her consulting firm received a hefty $75,000, according to ProPublica. Team Trump claims payments to the consulting firm were simply backpay and her raise was because she redid her contract. Her daughter Caroline was hired by the Trump campaign a few months later, receiving a salary of $222,000 and becoming the fourth-highest-paid campaign staffer. Caroline told ProPublica she got the job because I earned it, telling ProPublica, I dont think it has anything to do with Susie, referring to her mother. Meanwhile, her mother stated she directly hired her nepobaby daughter and that Trump had no influence in that decision.

Dan Scavino, a political adviser and Trumps former chief of staff, was given a seat on Truth Socials board, Trumps social media company. His appointment landed between him being subpoenaed and giving testimony to Congress about Trumps role in the January 6 Capitol riot. Scavino also received a $600,000 retention bonus and a $4 million executive promissory note paid in shares at some point, according to ProPublica. Conveniently, Scavinos testimony around the Capitol riot produced no significant new information, according to ProPublica.

Allen Weisselberg, a retired Trump Organization chief financial officer who was recently convicted of lying for Trump, received a $2 million severance agreement four months after New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump for real estate fraud. The agreement included a clause preventing Weisselberg from cooperating with investigators unless forced to do so. According to court records, prosecutors in Trumps hush-money trial raised the agreement for why they wouldnt call him to testify, noting, The agreement seems to preclude us from talking to him or him talking to us at the risk of losing $750,000 of outstanding severance pay.

Witness payoffs are nothing new for team Trump, which has a history of campaign staff getting convicted for federal witness tampering: Roger Stone, Trumps 2016 campaign adviser, directed a witness to lie to a Senate committee. Paul Manafort, Trumps campaign manager, was convicted for colluding with Russia after previously being convicted for witness tampering. Trump pardoned both, as well as Jared Kushners father, in his final days in office.
BOONSBORO, Md. (DC News Now)  Boonsboro High School students were dismissed early on Monday because of a hazardous materials incident.

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) officials said that around 10 a.m., students and staff were evacuated to the stadium. Officials said that hazardous materials leaked in the building when the air conditioning unit was being serviced.

Family of parole agent killed says he was kindred spirit

(Steven Cohen/DC News Now)

(Steven Cohen/DC News Now)

(Steven Cohen/DC News Now)

(Steven Cohen/DC News Now)

Students were later evacuated from the stadium and moved to Boonsboro Elementary and Middle schools.

WCPS officials said that the high school dismissed students from the other schools at 11:15 a.m.

Its an inhalation hazard. It is an asphyxiant. Most of it dissipated right away, but we wanted to be sure it wasnt going to be a hazard in the school, said Boonsboro Deputy Fire Chief George Myer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
DENVER (KDVR)  A 57-year-old Boulder man was found guilty of criminal charges related to mass-mailing fraud schemes, according to a release by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Robert Reger of Boulder was found guilty alongside David Lytle, 64, of Leawood, Kansas. The two were a former senior executive and a former sales manager of Epsilon Data Management LLC.

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Epsilon resolved its criminal liability through a deferred prosecution agreement in 2021 and paid $150 million in penalties and victim compensation. According to the release, $122 million has been returned to more than 200,000 victims of fraud schemes for which the company provided data.

The scheme

According to the release, evidence was presented at trial showing that Reger and Lytle were key participants in a scheme that sold targeted lists of consumers and their addresses to people perpetuating fraud schemes over 10 years.

The two committed the crimes while working at data broker Epsilon, which the release said used transactional data collected from marketing clients to predict new responsive buyers by using algorithms and a large database of U.S. households.

The jury found that the two knew their scheme was giving data to fraudster clients.

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Evidence was shown at the trial that the two used Epsilon algorithms to predict lists of consumers  mainly elderly and vulnerable people  most likely to respond to scam letters promising large prizes and other schemes.

Reger worked at Epsilon from 2005 to 2017. He built and led a sales unit, the Direct to Consumer Unit, which was engaged in fraud, according to the release. When he left the company he was the senior vice president overseeing the unit.

Lytle worked at Epsilon from 2012 to 2018 as a business development manager and recruited clients for the Direct to Consumer Unit. According to the release, he was responsible for signing up many of the clients engaged in fraud.

The two were found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail or wire fraud, as well as seven counts of mail fraud. Reger was also found guilty of six counts of wire fraud and Lytle was found guilty of 12 counts of wire fraud.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30. Both Reger and Lytle face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count.

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Kathleen Marker, executive director for the organization, said Braided Haven would focus on providing resources, stability and housing for LGBTQ+ teenagers. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)

Kathleen Marker, executive director for the organization, said Braided Haven would focus on providing resources, stability and housing for LGBTQ+ teenagers. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The idea for Braided Haven began in 2019, when a transgender teenager was kicked out of their home after coming out to their parents.

Darin Stephens and his husband, Brian Laird, were approached by their pastor at First Congregational Church, Tobias Schlingensiepen, after a high school counselor notified Schlingensiepen about the students situation.

The two took the student in and began researching available support options and services, such as health care and counseling.

There was no one organization that was kind of trying to help these individuals, Stephens said.

Stephens, along with Braided Haven executive director Kathleen Marker, discussed the inception of the organization for the Kansas Reflector podcast.

I said to Brian, Weve got to help,  Stephens said. Weve got to figure out how can we create an organization that as these individuals are being told by their parents, Youre no longer welcome in our home, that we provide an inclusive environment, we provide an environment that they feel safe, they feel loved, and they feel connected with individuals who are trying to help and care for them.

Stephens, Schlingensiepen and Laird, all board members of the organization, began researching and gathering in other community partners as the idea for both a shelter and drop-in service center coalesced. Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat, was elected to the Kansas House in 2022.

The need for a shelter has grown more apparent in recent years as the Legislature passed wave after wave of anti-trans bills, and politicians go on hunts against rainbow drawings and rail against LGBTQ+ identities. This year, Republican lawmakers threatened to pull Kansas PBS funding over an LGBTQ+ documentary and tried to pass a law banning transgender youths from accessing gender-affirming care. In May, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach sued President Joe Bidens administration over federal protections for LGBTQ+ students.

These issues are not new, Marker said. Theyve been around forever. But what we do know is that with all of this rhetoric thats going on, that means kids who are transitioning, or who want to transition, are also getting all of that negativity and misinformation.  Thats why it is so important to do this now.

Braided Heavens drop-in center where LGBTQ+ people can access education, job training and service referrals, will open in July with a summer program geared toward high schoolers, and potentially middle schoolers.

Its a safe haven, Stephens said. Its a community where you can be who you are, and feel comfortable with that and feel love and support of others.

Logistics and licensing for the eight-bed shelter have proven more challenging, although assistance from a City of Topeka grant has helped. Marker estimated the house would be operational by fall, and would start with the 16-18 age group.

The organization also is requesting credentials from the Department for Children and Families to allow for foster care referrals.

Markers vision for the shelter is as a short-term home  either for a week or two, or a longer period as teenagers receive case management and mentoring.

The ultimate goal would be to get them reconnected with their families, but thats not always going to be the case, Marker said. So in some scenarios, if that is not safe for them and not where they need to be, we want to help them build that resilience and actually have the services that they need to be able to start their life independently with the support that they need.

Stephens said the teenager who inspired the idea for the Braided Haven is now living independently and glad to know their situation was the catalyst to help others.

This started out of that conversation across the table, Stephens said. In their mind, they were in a difficult period, but they now see, Hey, this is what came out of my difficult period. Youre gonna be able to help a lot of people. 

The post Braided Haven, a Topeka center and shelter for LGBTQ+ teens, to start services in July appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Accusations on oil sales to Israel are unfounded, Azerbaijan's SOCAR Turkiye said, commenting on the accusations, Trend reports.

Recently, due to the ongoing geopolitical changes in the region, SOCAR Turkiye and its affiliated companies have been targeted by subversive groups through both social media and physical actions.

These groups have been spreading provocative messages on social media, making baseless claims that our company engages in crude oil trade with Israel, and physically attacking our company premises, thereby endangering the safety of our employees. The escalating provocations against our headquarters building in Istanbul on March 12, May 29, May 31, and June 2, as well as the Bursaqaz office building in Bursa on May 24, pose a serious threat to the lives of our staff.

We conduct all our operations in accordance with international business agreements and the vision set forth by our head office, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). In this context, allegations that SOCAR is currently selling crude oil to Israel are unfounded and are deliberately intended to mislead public opinion.

The global oil market has its own complexities, and the sale of crude oil is carried out through trading companies. Supplying companies, including SOCAR, do not have the ability to control or dictate the destination and usage of the crude oil once it is sold. SOCAR, like other oil companies, sells its products through trading relationships with relevant trading companies. Therefore, it is impossible for us to control or interfere with the final destination and usage of the crude oil supplied by SOCAR.

The investments and collaboration efforts of SOCAR Turkiye are rooted in the robust bonds of brotherhood and friendship between Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as the strategic alliance and mutual interests of our people. Over the 16 years of our presence in Turkiye, we have emerged as the largest foreign investor and the leading integrated industrial group in the country, with investments totaling approximately $18.3 billion. Our strategic megaprojects, such as STAR and TANAP in the oil and gas sector, have significantly contributed to Turkiye's economic landscape. These endeavors have also created direct employment opportunities for over five thousand six hundred individuals and indirectly supported more than ten thousand employees across various cities.

Our efforts to enhance our existing investments in Turkiye through new ventures are ongoing. Our contribution to alleviating the current energy deficit largely hinges on the economic value and employment opportunities we generate, as well as the numerous social responsibility initiatives we undertake. We are dedicated to the social welfare of the regions where we operate. Since the onset of the tragic earthquake, we have stood in solidarity with the Turkish people, providing both free fuel support and delivering essential supplies to the affected areas, a commitment we continue to uphold. Moreover, we are offering educational assistance to tens of thousands of students through the establishment of 11 schools across various cities in Turkiye. Demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility, we persist in our endeavors in education, environmental conservation, and community engagement.

While we vehemently reject baseless allegations put forth by certain provocateurs, we urge against placing reliance on these statements and actions aimed at manipulating public opinion and tarnishing our longstanding fraternal ties. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the shared interests and prosperity of the Turkish and Azerbaijani people. As encapsulated by our company slogan, "Stronger together," the company stated.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun speaks at a January governor's forum. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

In a Monday morning release, the Republican gubernatorial nominee and sitting U.S. Sen. Mike Braun indicated that he would participate in two general election debates slated for October.

As a Main Street Entrepreneur, I believe in competition and a spirited discussion about the issues facing Hoosiers, and thats why I have once again agreed to two statewide debates that can be viewed across the state, said Braun in a statement. I look forward to these two debates and other campaign stops where my Lt. Governor nominee Julie McGuire and I will discuss our Freedom and Opportunity Agenda to improve our schools, reduce crime, and lower the cost of healthcare for Hoosiers.

The first debate will occur on Fox 59/CBS 4 Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 followed by a WISH-TV debate on Thursday, Oct. 3. Those two stations also hosted primary debates, relying on company criteria to winnow down the crowded Republican field.

Those same qualifications, if applied to the 2024 general election, could potentially disqualify a third-party candidate like Libertarian Donald Rainwater, who won an historic 11.4% of the general election vote in the 2020 gubernatorial election.

According to the criteria for Fox 59/CBS 4, a statewide candidate must receive 5% in a primary test poll question  or 10% for a general election poll  and must report at least $100,000 in contributions, one-quarter of which must be from Hoosier residents.

Brauns release explicitly acknowledges a Democrat opponent but doesnt mention Rainwater or a Libertarian opponent. Former Superintendent for Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, who previously ran for office as a Republican, is on the Democratic ticket.

In a statement, Rainwater confirmed that he had been invited to participate in the Oct. 3 debate with WISH-TV and expect(ed) to be invited to the Oct. 1 debate.

Since I placed 2nd in vote totals in 33 of Indianas 92 counties in 2020 and also received over 20% of the vote in 17 counties, I cannot imagine a legitimate reason why I would not be included in the gubernatorial debates in 2024, Rainwater said. I am a duly nominated candidate on the November 5, 2024 ballot and I do not believe that there should be any other criteria to qualify for a statewide gubernatorial debate.

McCormick didnt immediately responded to a request for comment.

Also notable in Brauns release is the exclusion of the Indiana Debate Commission, which has historically hosted general election debates for gubernatorial candidates. The six-way April primary debate was heavily criticized by candidates and the public alike.

Notably, the Indiana Debate Commissions 2020 general election debate included Rainwater because it includes anyone who qualifies for the ballot.

Brauns campaign said it would only participate in the two TV station debates.

This story has been updated to include comments from Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Donald Rainwater.

The post Braun to participate in two general election debates appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Some brewers argue Iowa THC rules misinterpret new hemp law, could mean end of some drinks

Iowa's plan to enforce a new law regulating consumable hemp products has spurred pushback from brewers and retailers who say proposed rules could bar a wider range of drink products than the law intended.

The law, House File 2605, imposes potency limits and a minimum age of 21 to purchase the products. It was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds May 17 despite her "concerns" about the bill, citing a need to "protect minors from dangerous and intoxicating products."

Scott and Whitney Selig of Lua Brewing created Climbing Kites, a cannabis-infused sparkling water.

Under the law, a consumable hemp product can contain no more than 4 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per serving, and no more than 10 mg per container. THC is a psychoactive ingredient that gives you the high feeling when consumed.

However, in proposed rules written by the Department of Health and Human Services, every "closed-container beverage" will be defined as one serving per container  meaning every beverage with a potency of more than 4 mg of total THC would be banned from sale.

"Any beverage with > 4 mg total THC will be prohibited and denied on a registrant's proposed product list," the department wrote in a memo outlining frequently asked questions and rules sent to interested parties on May 24 and obtained by the Register.

Iowa-based brewers argue that's not what the law intended, and they warned that the rules could mean major cuts to their products. One major manufacturer said if a resolution was not reached, it would consider legal action.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment about the memo and draft rules.

Breweries could see major cuts to THC drink lines under rules

Those proposed rules would result in significant cuts to the drink lineups of several Iowa-based brewers. Climbing Kites, the THC-infused drinks sold by Lua Brewing and Big Grove Brewery, would be "dramatically impacted" by the new rules, CEO Dave Moore wrote in an email to the Register.

"Only one of our products would be compliant, and we would lose products that account for about 80% of our sales," Moore wrote. "We would also have a very large inventory of finished goods and packaging materials that would no longer be usable. This ruling would have severe financial implications to our business."

Lua Brewing's "Climbing Kites" sparkling water is seen inside a cooler at the Despensary, 221 4th St., on Friday, September 29, 2023 in Des Moines.

Field Day Brewing Co. in North Liberty, which sells the Day Dreamer THC-infused drink, would see a similar hit to its inventory, director of operations Dan Caraher told the Register. And the company's previous plans to reduce higher-potency products to comply with the letter of the law could now also be prohibited.

"Once (the law) came out, we were going to reduce our 15 (mg drinks) down to 10," Caraher said. "And we ordered labels for all of that. And then  this proposal came out."

In a May 28 email to sales partners, Caraher said the company was seeing a "major influx of purchase orders" for higher-strength cans as consumers stock up ahead of July 1, when the law takes effect. And he wrote that the company was planning to convert one of its product lines to 4 mg permanently, if the new rules do hold.

"It's kind of going against the statute and singling out beverages, so to speak," Caraher said.

More: Iowa brewers say Iowa regulation of THC products helpful, though imperfect

Climbing Kites CEO hopeful for resolution but doesn't rule out legal action

Breweries have been in contact with HHS since the release of the draft rules, but it remains to be seen whether changes are made.

Moore, of Climbing Kites, said he was optimistic that businesses and the state could reach a "sensible conclusion" on the rules, but he did not rule out a potential lawsuit.

"If we cant find an amicable resolution that allows businesses to continue operating within the parameters set forth in the statute, we will take legal action as a last resort to protect our interests," Moore wrote. "Again, we believe that we can work this out with HHS and the state without going through a legal process."

Galen Bacharier covers the Statehouse & politics for the Register. Reach him at gbacharier@registermedia.com or (573) 219-7440, and follow him on Twitter @galenbacharier.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's new hemp law: Draft rules would limit all drinks at 4 mg THC
(Bloomberg) -- Brigitte Bierlein, who emphasized equality after becoming Austrias first female chancellor in an interim mandate following the so-called Ibiza scandal that rocked the countrys political elite, has died. She was 74.

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Her death was announced on Monday by Chancellor Karl Nehammer in a post on X. She died after a short, severe illness, the Constitutional Court said on its website.

As president of the Constitutional Court, Bierlein was named head of an interim government in June 2019 after Sebastian Kurz was ousted as chancellor in a vote of confidence. She took over the nations most powerful job amid an unprecedented political crisis triggered by a video of the nationalist vice chancellor, Heinz-Christian Strache, discussing corrupt practices on the Spanish island resort of Ibiza.

Bierlein prioritized equality within Austrias male-dominated political establishment by appointing women to half of her cabinet. When Kurz returned to power at the beginning of 2020, he followed that example in a new coalition government between his conservative Peoples Party and the Greens.

Coming generations will see her as a shining example for self-determination, equality and breaking through glass ceilings, Nehammer said.

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British hostage killed in Gaza after being held by Hamas terrorists

Nadav Popplewell, 51, was one of four hostages confirmed to have died in captivity - Ayelet Svatitzky

One of the last two British-Israeli hostages held by Hamas has been confirmed by Israel to have been killed in Gaza.

Israel confirmed on Monday that Nadav Popplewell, 51, was one of four hostages confirmed to have died in captivity alongside Chaim Peri, 80, Yoram Metzger, 80, and Amiram Cooper, 84.

Popplewell was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim with his mother, Hannah Peri, 79, on Oct 7, the day Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israel.

Ms Peri was released in November as part of a temporary ceasefire which saw some of the 250 hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, but Mr Popplewell remained captive.

Poster portrait of hostage Nadav Popplewell whose death has been confirmed - Jack Guez/Getty Images

Hamas released footage of him in May with a black eye and reading from a script. Shortly after, the terror group announced he had died of wounds sustained during an Israeli air strike.

According to new intelligence, his and the other three deaths have now been confirmed, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman said.

We estimate the four of them were killed together in the area of (the southern Gaza city) Khan Younis a number of months ago while being held by Hamas terrorists. At the time IDF forces were operating in Khan Younis, Mr Hagari said.

Chaim Peri, 80, was confirmed to have been killed - Hostages Families Forum Headquarters/AP

The death of Amiram Cooper, 84, was also confirmed by Israel

Yoram Metzger, 80, also died in captivity in Gaza - Hostages Families Forum Headquarters/AP

Of the more than 250 people abducted on Oct 7, about 120 remain in Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Many have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.

Still thought to be held is British-Israeli Emily Damari, 27, taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The last message received by her was at 10am on Oct 7 saying gunmen were shooting around her apartment.

Last month, her mother spoke of her fear at what might be happening to her daughter.

Speaking at the Israeli parliament, Mandy Damari, who is originally from Bristol but moved to Israel 30 years ago, said just the thought of what is happening to her now in the terror tunnels of Gaza is enough to break you out in a cold sweat. It stops you from sleeping at night.

A statement from the families on Monday said the latest news should shake every citizen in the state of Israel and lead every leader to profound soul searching  The Israeli government must send out a negotiating delegation this evening and return all 124 hostages both living and murdered, to their homes. It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect.

They blamed the deaths of the captives on the governments reluctance to accept a ceasefire.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A new hospital is set to be built in Fredonia thanks to a $74 million grant from New York State, local politicians announced Monday.

Construction was given the green light for the new Brooks Hospital, which will replace the current 80-year-old facility in Dunkirk. The current 170,000-square-foot hospital holds 65 beds, but only about 18 to 20 are occupied at a time on average, according to a release from State Senator George Borrello. The current hospital currently operates at a deficit of over $20 million a year.

The new hospital will include 15 medical and surgical beds, four surgical suites, two procedural rooms and a helipad, among other amenities. Construction will begin soon, and the hospital is scheduled to open in 2027.

The new project has been in the works since 2016 when Brooks-TLC was awarded a $57 million grant that included both state and federal funds to build a new hospital and to convert TLC Lakeshore into an Ambulatory Destination Center that specialized in chemical dependency.

The project was held up by disagreements over the location of the new hospital, the closure of Lakeshore in 2020 and the pandemic.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the project will modernize medicine in Fredonia and northern Chautauqua County as a whole. Local leaders project that the improvements of the new hospital will bring the $20 million deficit closer to break-even status.

No community should have a healthcare desert, Hochul said. You should not have a situation where you need to drive 45 minutes to get to the nearest hospital.

The new hospital will be under the services of Kaleida Health, which operates seven other hospitals in Western New York and northern Pennsylvania, including Buffalo General Medical Center and Oishei Childrens Hospital.

This way, Brooks joins the largest healthcare network in Western New York, Hochul said. If someone needs specialty care they can go to Buffalo General, they can go to childrens hospital and the transfer will be absolutely seamless.

This is a historic moment for our community and a proud one for all of us who have led the charge to bring a new hospital for our community, Borrello said in a news release. This will be a game changer for our local healthcare landscape and a quality-of-life asset that will boost the appeal of our area for employers, families, and seniors.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
HARRISON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Buffalo National River is requesting information on an assault that occurred at one of the parks campgrounds, according to a social media post.

The park said the assault occurred at the Blue Hole Campground at around 6 p.m. on May 27.

Costs of chainsaws, generators may be reimbursable for those in Arkansas affected by storms, FEMA says

The victim, identified as a 43-year-old woman suffered significant injuries, according to the post.

Buffalo National River says if you were at the campground on that day, or if you have information that could help, contact the park.

If you have relevant information the park says to call the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009, email them nps_isb@nps.gov, or visit the NPS website to submit a tip.

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.
Burgum votes to use state funds on electric vehicle study

A free vehicle charging station is ready for electric vehicles in North Dakota's Lake Metigoshe State Park on May 24, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

Weeks after Gov. Doug Burgum bashed electric vehicles, the North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved funding to study EV infrastructure.

In April, the commission asked for more information from the Energy and Environmental Resource Center after it requested $375,000 for a multi-state plan.

Charlie Gorecki, CEO of the Energy and Environmental Resource Center, returned to the commission last week for its May meeting.

Charles Gorecki, CEO of the Energy and Environmental Resource Center, speaks March 1, 2024, in Grand Forks to the North Dakota Petroleum Council. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

Burgum on Tuesday continued to criticize federal policy on EVs but did vote in favor of the funding along with the commissions other members, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

The $375,000 is a 20% match to a $1.5 million federal grant from the Department of Energy for the Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resilience Plan.

The states share comes from its Renewable Energy Fund.

Federal funding also is helping pay for electric school buses for some North Dakota schools.

Gorecki said EERC, which is based at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, is leading the project, which also includes Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota.

All the money would be spent in North Dakota, Gorecki said.

Gorecki said the regional plan would be a way to assess Burgums concerns about EVs not working in the cold and the resilience of the regions electric grid.

Weather is absolutely one of the aspects of the plan, Gorecki said.

He said information is needed to plan for extreme cold and storms that can hinder EV travel. We cant have cars stalled out all over across our state, Gorecki said.

It will also look at how EVs affect energy demand, especially at peak times. It would look at the possibility of needing to curtail energy output at charging stations during high demand times.

Burgum said We need to protect ourselves from really bad policy ideas.

The post Burgum votes to use state funds on electric vehicle study appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
Burkina Faso named most neglected crisis for second year in a row

Burkina Faso has been named the worlds most neglected displacement crisis by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) for the second year.

In its annual report, released Monday, the NRC said the West African country saw a record-high 707,000 new displacements in 2023, driven by escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Nine out of the 10 most neglected crises outlined in the report were in Africa, with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Mali, and Niger holding the second to fifth positions respectively.

The NRC said in a press release Monday its criteria for neglected displacement crises are: lack of humanitarian funding, lack of media attention, and a lack of international political and diplomatic initiatives compared to the number of people in need.

The NCR report said 2023 saw a record-breaking shortfall in aid budgets of around $32 billion, leaving more than half of humanitarian needs worldwide unmet.

Neglect now the new normal

The report said media coverage of the displacement crisis in Burkina Faso and international political engagement with the crisis were negligible in 2023, adding that only 37% of requested humanitarian funding had been received by the country, leaving a significant gap in aid.

The utter neglect of displaced people has become the new normal, said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of NRC.

The local political and military elites disregard the suffering they cause, and the world is neither shocked nor compelled to act by stories of desperation and record-breaking statistics. We need a global reboot of solidarity and a refocus on where needs are greatest.

The report added that media coverage in Burkina Faso also declined as access became more difficult for both journalists and humanitarian organisations.

Burkina Faso is currently under military rule after a junta staged a coup detat in July 2022. Its junta, headed by acting president Captain Ibrahim Traore, has prioritized security due to the multiple lives claimed by attacks.

But in April this year, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report found that more than 200 people were killed by the countrys military in a campaign against civilians accused of collaborating with armed groups, alleging these could amount to war crimes.

Burkina Faso said it firmly rejects and condemns such unfounded accusations, in a government press release.

The countrys media regulatory body, the Superior Council for Communication, announced in the following days it was temporarily suspending broadcasting and access to websites of some western news organizations including the French TV5 Monde and Le Monde, the Guardian, as well as BBC Africa and VOA.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remained one of the most neglected crises for the eighth consecutive year, with around 6.9 million people displaced by the end of 2023, mainly in the eastern provinces, the report said.

A lack of aid forced people to resort to negative coping mechanisms, including exchanging sexual favors for food, money, and other survival needs, the report stated.

Sudan came in at number ten. Although the war which broke out in April last year has resulted in a death toll in the tens of thousands, more than eight million people internally displaced and nearly 25 million people in need of aid, the NRC remarked the crisis has been grossly neglected.

Recurrent attacks

Violence-related deaths in Burkina Faso doubled in 2023, according to the NRC. The country faces recurrent attacks often blamed on terrorists.

In February last year, the murder of two Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) aid workers led the organization to suspend activities in the region. By the end of the year, up to two million people were trapped in 36 blockaded towns, with over 40,000 facing catastrophic food insecurity, according to the report.

A displaced mother in northern Burkina Faso, Asseta, shared her struggle with NRC researchers: When we have nothing to cook, I pick leaves and boil them in water, she said, as quoted in the organizations release.



Egeland emphasized the growing difficulty in reaching those in need due to dangerous roads and the prohibitively expensive minimal air services.

Donors and humanitarians must prioritize areas that are out-of-sight to ensure they do not become out-of-mind, he urged.

The NRC says around 6.3 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2024, with over two million remaining internally displaced.

Hundreds of civilians have already been killed in attacks this year, including around 170 in three villages in March, and approximately 30 in separate mosque and church attacks in February.

The NRCs report noted that many neglected crises are interconnected, with ripple effects beyond borders affecting neighboring countries and sometimes causing broader regional impacts.

Competition over resources between refugees and local communities, driven by a lack of funds, can also cause tension.

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Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak reappointed multiple Burlington leaders to their positions last week, including Police Chief Jon Murad.

Murad's reappointment was something Mulvaney-Stanak didn't directly comment on during her campaign and who would fill that position during her mayorship had been a question.

Mulvaney-Stanak announced her decision in a memo to city councilors May 30, ahead of various City Council meetings the week of June 3. All reappointments are for one-year terms, staffing fiscal 2025 with many familiar faces, but also many vacancies.

In the memo, Mulvaney-Stanak said she has "consulted with the applicable Boards and Commissions, who have offered input and recommendations."

Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad talks to media and the public via livestream at a press conference on Nov. 13, 2023, about a double homicide in Burlington. Mayor Miro Weinberger, right, also expressed his concerns about public safety in Burlington and ways the city is addressing gun violence.

Who was reappointed

The reappointments include:

Assistant City Attorney Assistant Grand Juror Kimberlee Sturtevant.

Assistant City Attorney Grand Juror Hayley McClenahan.Who

Assistant City Attorney Second Constable Erik Ramakrishnan.

Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad.

Executive Director of Burlington City Arts Doreen Kraft.

General Manager of Burlington Electric Darren Springer.

Director of the Office of Business and Workforce Development and Executive Director of the Church Street Marketplace Third Constable Kara Alnasrawi.

Chief Innovation Officer Fourth Constable Scot Barker.

Director of Permitting and Inspections Constable William Ward.

Chief Engineer, Burlington Fire Department Emergency Management and Civil Defense Director Michael LaChance.

Chief of the Burlington Police Department Jon Murad.

Director, Fletcher Free Library Mary Dankor.

Director of Aviation for Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport Nicolas Longo.

Director of Public Works Chapin Spencer.

City Engineer Laura Wheelock.

Director of Community & Economic Development Office Brian Pine.

Director of Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Cindi Wight.

Harbor Master Erin Moreau.

Pound Keeper Wade Labrecque.

Two-year reappointment of City Assessor Joe Turner.

Some positions remain vacant

The city attorney position has been vacant for two years. In her memo, Mulvaney-Stanak said her team "immediately began the process of finding a permanent city attorney" and hopes to have candidates soon.

Director of Human Resources Kerin Durfee and Planning Director Meagan Tuttle will both step down at the end of June. Both positions will be filled by an interim director. Senior Planner Charles Dillard will serve as Interim Planning Director, effective July 1. The administration will name an Interim Director of HR in the coming weeks. A search is underway to permanently fill both openings.

One position that will remain unfilled is the racial equity, inclusion and belonging director. Former director Kim Carson is resigning following a medical leave and has accepted a position in North Carolina. Mulvaney-Stanak announced she will leave the position vacant and appoint an interim director for fiscal 2025 as they "re-envision the goals and structure of the office."

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Police chief, other city leaders reappointed by Burlington VT mayor
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, Trend reports.

During their conversation, they fondly recalled their previous meeting.

They discussed the preparations for COP29 in Azerbaijan and expressed satisfaction with the effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and the International Energy Agency. The successful steps taken towards developing green energy in Azerbaijan were noted, along with the country's contribution to the energy security of the European Union.

The meeting also explored prospects for further cooperation.
A resident walks along a flooded street in the town center in Reichertshofen. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Authorities in Upper Bavaria ordered residents in houses along the Amper river near Moosburg to leave their homes on Monday after a dam burst, municipal officials said.

About a dozen people had to leave their homes on Monday. An asylum-seekers' hostel had to be evacuated on Sunday.

According to district officials, water levels of the Amper river reached record highs on Monday.

On Monday morning, the water level at Inkofen was 3.98 metres; The previous high from 1994 was 3.66 metres.

Officials said that the very high water level will persist for some time. The water is not expected to go down until Tuesday morning at the earliest.

Helpers try to free a road on the Mindel from flooding with an excavator. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
A witness said one of the residents had attempted to use a microwave to warm a sandwich in packaging containing foil, which then "burst into flames"

Getty A microwave fire in South Carolina has left one person dead

A 67-year-old woman died following a South Carolina house fire that authorities believe started with a "microwave mistake" inside the home.

Crews responded to the scene on Kolb Road in southwest Sumter County at 8:37 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 23, to find smoke billowing from the home and someone outside screaming for help, according to a news release from the county sheriffs office.

One of the homes two residents reportedly managed to escape and directed the deputy to a window [where] they believed the other resident remained.

The victim, identified by the SCSO as Thommie Ruth Jackson, was removed from the home and transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter. She ultimately did not survive.

Related: Mom Rescues 2 of Her Kids from House Fire, But Dies After Going Back to Save 1-Year-Old Son

Jackson lived in the home on Kolb Road with her sister prior to the deadly blaze, according to the SCSO.

A witness said one of the residents had attempted to use a microwave to warm a sandwich in packaging containing foil, which then "burst into flames."

Authorities attempted to rescue Jackson, but thick smoke made it impossible to enter the home.

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Fire officials determined the cause of the fire was related to placing an aluminum foil wrapper inside the microwave. The fire has been ruled accidental.

Authorities also said poor living conditions inside the home made it difficult to put out the fire and helped it to spread.

Jacksons official cause of death is pending autopsy results from the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, according to the SCSO.

Related: 4-Year-Old Boy Died Days After House Fire That Killed Dad, Who Ran Back Inside to Save Him

Items containing metal, including plates, cups, tin foil or metal twist ties, should not be put into a microwave, according to the National Institute of Healths Fire Marshal.

In the event of a microwave fire, the NIH Fire Marshal recommends unplugging the unit and leaving its door closed in addition to calling the local fire department.



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Read the original article on People.
Hundreds of emergency responders on Monday continued battling a 14,000-acre wildfire east of San Francisco that has injured two firefighters and triggered evacuations ahead of high temperatures forecast for this week.

The Corral Fire started Saturday afternoon near the city of Tracy in San Joaquin County, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fueled by high winds, the blaze spread across hundreds of acres of tall grass, prompting authorities to order evacuations and deploy hundreds of firefighters and other emergency responders to the remote area.

As of Monday morning, 75% of the fire has been contained, and it has burned about 22 square miles, CalFire said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The Corral Fire started on Saturday, June 1, 2024 southwest of Tracy and quickly grew driven by wind gusts in the East Bay.

Officials said the fire broke out on property maintained by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a federal lab about 40 miles southeast of downtown Oakland that conducts experiments on nuclear reactions, lasers, atomic structure and molecular biology. The lab's proximity to the fire did not immediately pose a threat, authorities said.

On Sunday, authorities had downgraded evacuation orders to evacuation warnings and requested residents "remain vigilant and prepared for potential changes."

Fire impacts water system, officials issue warning

Meanwhile, roads were closed to nonresidents in some areas, and some residents were asked to boil their tap water.

Citing a water outage, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water and the San Joaquin County Health Department on Sunday urged residents in the CSA 16 Par Country Estates Water System, which serves more than 50 properties, "to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution."

"DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST," the warning said. "Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness."

The Corral Fire started on Saturday, June 1, 2024 southwest of Tracy and quickly grew driven by wind gusts in the East Bay.

San Joaquin Valley faces excessive heat warning

More than 475 emergency personnel are involved in the emergency response, which has involved more than 40 fire engines, 16 bulldozers and dozens of crews. Air tankers from around the country are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, CalFire said.

On Sunday evening, authorities said favorable weather conditions helped firefighters make progress in constructing and maintaining control lines. But the favorable weather may not last long.

The National Weather Service warned excessive heat will bear down this week across a vast stretch of central California, including the San Joaquin Valley. The advisory, which will be in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, warns of "dangerous hot conditions," with temperatures of 95 to 108 degrees possible.

"This level of heat risk means that there will likely be little to no overnight relief for those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration," the weather service said. "Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

Contributing: Jorge L. Ortiz and Trevor Hughes

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Corral wildfire burns in California with hotter weather in forecast
This photo released by the The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows the Corral Fire burning on Sunday, June 2, 2024, near Tracy, Calif. (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via AP)

California's largest wildfire so far this year was significantly surrounded Monday after blackening a swath of hilly grasslands between San Francisco Bay and the Central Valley.

The Corral Fire was 75% contained after scorching more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) during the weekend, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. One home was destroyed and two firefighters were injured.

The wind-driven fire erupted Saturday afternoon on land managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, one of the country's key centers for nuclear weapons science and technology. The cause was under investigation.

Thousands of people in the area, including parts of the San Joaquin County city of Tracy, were ordered to leave for evacuation centers Saturday. Evacuation orders were lifted when improved weather allowed firefighters to make progress against the flames.

The wildfire presented no threat to any laboratory facilities or operations, Lawrence Livermore spokesperson Paul Rhien said in a statement to The Associated Press early Sunday.

California has had back-to-back wet years that ended drought but spawned vegetation growth. Cal Fire's outlook for 2024 noted that increasing dryness from mid-May to June would potentially lead to more small fires and a chance of larger fires depending on wind. The Corral Fire is by far the largest of more than 1,200 wildfires so far this year.

The progress against the Corral Fire comes just ahead of a predicted major heat wave. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerously hot conditions throughout the Central Valley from Tuesday through Thursday.

Though this fire is nearly contained, in general, fire burns hotter when the weather is hotter, said Jacob Bendix, professor emeritus in the geography and the environment department at Syracuse University. He added that high winds can carry embers across freeways. Drought contributes to dangerous fire seasons, but paradoxically, wetter years can too.

The flip side of that is that moisture allows for growth as well, he said. In some places, a wet winter that causes vegetation to flourish can ultimately exacerbate the following fire season when all those plants dry out and become fuel.

That's what happened in drought-stricken Osteen, Florida this weekend when a brush fire ran toward houses; multiple fire departments had to assist the forest service with the blaze, said Volusia County fire department's battalion chief Scott Smoak. That fire is now 95% contained but warmer temperatures than usual for this time of year are a concern, he said, because they further dry out the fuels that built up during an unseasonably wet winter.

He encouraged locals to exercise extreme caution when burning anything and to avoid throwing cigarettes out windows or parking on grass. The conditions we have, were trying to eliminate any potential for other fires to start, he said.

Elsewhere in the country, at higher elevations, there tend to be fewer fires when the snowpack melts gradually over the course of the summer, but with higher temperatures overall due to climate change, more of that snow tends to fall as rain and the snowpack that does build up melts earlier. That, too, has been an issue in past years, Bendix said.

___

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California man sentenced in Oklahoma for leading officers on pursuit, possessing nearly 50 pounds of meth

SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  A California man was sentenced in Oklahoma on Friday for possessing nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine and leading officers on a pursuit, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Marco Antonio Naranjo-Aguilar, 30, of Sacramento, was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On January 20, 2022, Naranjo-Aguilar led officers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 40 in Sequoyah County.

Pocola man gets 22 years for sexually abusing minor

When he was apprehended and arrested, law enforcement seized around 50 pounds of meth from his vehicle, the release said.

He pleaded guilty to the charge on January 9, 2023.

The charge came from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Naranjo-Aguilar will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals pending transportation to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence, according to the release.

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.
The city of Del Mar, California announced Sunday that it was closing all its beaches for swimming and surfing after a shark bit a competitive swimmer near shore.

Authorities said the unidentified man, 46, was participating in a group training swim at 9 a.m. when he was bitten by the animal on the torso, left arm and left hand.

He suffered injuries that are significant but not believed to be life-threatening, the city said in a press release.

There was a lot of bleeding, so they determined it was likely an arterial wound in the left hand and wrist area, Del Mars Chief Lifeguard and Community Services Director Jonathan Edelbrock told The San Diego Union-Tribune. He had significant injuries to his torso for sure.

Edelbrock added that authorities believe the animal was a juvenile white shark that was close to eight feet long.

It was the citys first shark encounter in 2024the last attack happened on Nov. 4, according to the Union-Tribune, which reported that a 50-year-old woman was bitten in the leg while swimming with a friend, suffering minor injuries.

The Del Mar beach closure is expected to remain in effect for at least 48 hoursuntil 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, speaks on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives during a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska. (James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)

Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, speaks on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives during a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska. (James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)

Longtime Republican Sen. Click Bishop of Fairbanks will not seek re-election this year and has indicated he is considering a run for governor in 2026.

Bishops decision highlights a wave of legislative retirements that will reshape the look of the state House and Senate and could decide who controls each part of the Legislature.

Included in the wave are Reps. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, Laddie Shaw, R-Anchorage and Jennie Armstrong, D-Anchorage.

Reps. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, Tom McKay, R-Anchorage, and Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, have announced they will not seek re-election and are running for the state Senate, which opens their House seats to competition.

In a written statement published May 29, Bishop announced that he would not run for re-election to the Senate but said, My family and I are not done with public service. There is still a determination inside me to fix our current path of rising energy costs and the loss of our working-age population. It is clear that addressing those issues requires taking on a bigger role than serving in the legislature.

Gov. Mike Dunleavys term expires in 2026, and the state Constitution prohibits him from running for a third term. Bishop has been frequently mentioned in the Capitol as a possible replacement.

Im sorry to see him not running, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, But of course, I think theres a chance he may run for governor in two years. And probably  if he intends to do that  he needs to not be in the Senate and get out and around the state and get better known.

Bishop was a member of the Senates bipartisan supermajority, which included 17 of the Senates 20 members. Nine members of the supermajority are either not up for election this year or are running unopposed, and several additional members are heavily favored to win re-election..

Because 11 legislators are needed to maintain a majority, Bishops retirement wont swing control of the Senate, even if he were replaced by a non-coalition-minded lawmaker.

On the same day as Bishops announcement, Ortiz announced his decision to not seek re-election, partially due to health reasons. The announcement was first published by the Ketchikan Daily News.

Ortiz is still listed as a candidate by the Alaska Division of Elections, but said on Sunday that he likely will withdraw before the late-June deadline to do so. While his decision is not 100% final, he said he is very unlikely to change his mind.

Ortiz said he was advised to retire by his medical provider, who was advised by a specialist that if Ortiz wanted to prevent a chronic condition from developing, he should reduce the stress in his life.

It was a hard decision, he said. I regret that I wont be able to stay in the fight to advance some of the bigger interests that I have  solid education funding, advancing improvement on the Marine Highway System, I think the arguments for defined benefits for public employees, all those things are really important to me. And I feel the most regret in that I wont be around to have a direct role in how those eventually move forward.

Ortiz said that at this time, he isnt endorsing any of the three candidates vying to replace him.

Those are Republican Jeremy Bynum and nonpartisans Grant Echohawk and Agnes Moran.

I know that all three candidates have a base of support, at least in the community of Ketchikan. And itll be interesting to see how that all unfolds, Ortiz said.

As a legislator, Ortiz has preferred to caucus with the Houses predominantly Democratic minority. But his district tends to vote for Republican presidential candidates, and because Alaskans tend to match their legislative votes with their presidential ones, his seat is likely to swing Republican, giving a boost to the predominantly Republican House majority caucus.

The area leans conservative  or at least Republican  and so we have hopes that Jeremy will do well, said Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla.

In south Anchorage, Shaws retirement has encouraged a four-way race in House District 9, with three Republicans and one nonpartisan candidate registered.

Tilton said shes sorry to see him go, and that shell be watching that race closely, as well as the race in House District 36, where Cronk declined re-election in order to run for Bishops Senate seat.

Six candidates have filed to run for Cronks seat in the House, making it the most competitive legislative race this year, as judged by the number of candidates.

It was real quiet, and then all of a sudden, there were a whole lot of folks who got involved, Tilton said.

In Anchorage, Armstrong won election to the House in 2022 but said earlier this year that she would not run for a second term. She declined to speak publicly about the reasons for her decision.

Democratic candidate Carolyn Hall ran unopposed for the seat until nonpartisan candidate Nick Moe registered as a second option shortly before Saturdays entry deadline.

The deadline for candidates to withdraw from the August primary election is June 29, and the election is Aug. 20.

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Cannons and machine guns are being tested as drone-killers in 2 wars

Cannons and machine guns are being tested as drone-killers in 2 wars

Israel is considering mounting rotary cannons on armored vehicles to shoot down drones.

Israel may put the Vulcan cannon used on F-16s on an armored personnel carrier.

Ukraine uses autocannons and heavy machine guns to target incoming drones.

Ukraine and Israel are exploring cost-effective ways of countering drones as they both face repeated attacks from their determined adversaries.

Israel is exploring the feasibility of mounting the six-barrel M61 Vulcan cannons found on American fighter jets atop armored vehicles deployed in the country's northern border regions with Lebanon. Iran-backed Hezbollah has tripled the number of drone strikes against north Israel in the past three months, forcing Israel to seek an effective counter without resorting to missiles.

Israel has one of the world's most advanced air defense networks but is still having trouble countering these drones. The M61 may prove a viable, cost-effective solution for point defense of armored columns and ground troops.

Ukraine is at the forefront of drone defenses. Its troops have devised a novel solution for countering Russia's Iran-supplied Shahed drones. Kyiv is using a vast network of sensors to detect Russia's low-flying drones and passing targeting data to heavy machine guns and flak cannons mounted on vehicles throughout the country that then attempt to shoot them down.

There are similarities between Ukraine's strategy and Israel's new approach, said Federico Borsari, a defense expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

"In principle, yes, this effort resembles what Ukraine has done with the creation of mobile anti-drone teams with heavy machine guns, powerful searchlights, and other sensors to counter Shaheds and other low-altitude slow-flying drones," Borsari told Business Insider.

"This type of capability  which is relatively simple in nature  will be relevant for the counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) task in the future but is not the only one, and it will be integrated into a broader set of other capabilities," Borsari said.

A Ukrainian rapid response anti-aircraft defense group tracks down Russian drones on March 31, 2024 in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. Zinchenko/Getty Images

Ukraine needs a cost-effective solution to defeat the thousands of Russian one-way drone attacks that have forced Kyiv to expend large quantities of its expensive air defense missiles to shoot down. German-supplied Gepards, a cannon design dating back to the 1960s, have proven highly effective in countering Russia's drones and are a cheaper solution than more modern air defenses like the NASAMS; each NASAMS missile costs about $1 million. However, Ukraine faces severe difficulties acquiring more ammunition for the Gepard automatic cannons.

"I think the Israelis are likely seeing what does and does not work in Ukraine  the key is to create an effective and relatively cheap defense against incoming drones, and Ukrainians are one of the leading developers in that area right now," Samuel Bendett, an expert in unmanned and robotic military systems at the Center for Naval Analyses, told Business Insider.

"Another aspect to consider is that such weapons may work against specific drone types but not others," Bendett said.

CEPA's Borsari believes the M61 cannon could be an "interesting solution" for countering certain drones.

"In principle, its use in both fixed and mobile applications is not new and is conceptually similar to many other anti-aircraft guns that have been used for counter-drone purposes in Ukraine," Borsari said.

"The integration with radar or electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) tracking sensors can certainly improve its accuracy, but this weapon is still intended for close-range C-UAS missions," Borsari added. "The radar-guided Phalanx close-in weapons system, for example, has been in use for decades by the navies of the US and other countries."

The M61 is carried by jet fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F/A-18 Hornet that can fire the 20mm rounds at targets up to nearly two miles away. It has the power and rate of fire to destroy incoming drones, but its cost-effectiveness turns on how many rounds it must shoot to do so.

"The longer the burst, the higher the cost per interception due to the use of more rounds," Borsari said, noting it costs $180,000 to fire the M61 for one minute, during which time it can fire 6,000 rounds.

"Furthermore, engaging faster drones could be difficult," Borsari said. "There are now short-range ground-launched missiles and guided rockets meant for C-UAS that cost around $40,000 each, along with reusable ones equipped with a high-power microwave payload (Coyote Block-3) to defeat swarms at short range."

"So, in general, the M61 can be a solution, but it's not the only one."

Israel previously integrated M168 Vulcan cannons and FIM-92 Stinger missiles on its Machbet short-range air defense system, which it developed in the 1990s based on the American M113 armored personnel carrier to defend infantry from air attack. Its present evaluation of the M61 may be the first step to developing something similar to deal with low-flying drones.

Interestingly, an unmanned Israeli M113 was reportedly sighted in southern Gaza in recent days.

Borsari believes the M113 is one type of vehicle that can be "repurposed" as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to defeat drones.

"Soon, UGVs will certainly be used in the C-UAS configuration and be progressively integrated into maneuver formations, although they won't necessarily be the standard mobile air defense capability," Borsari said.

"Rather, they will be part of a diverse and layered set of capabilities for C-UAS attached to ground formations, some crewed, some uncrewed, and equipped with different effectors  both kinetic and non-kinetic  including heavy automatic guns, short-range missiles, directed energy like high-power microwave, and electronic warfare."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The Tajik delegation toured Azerbaijan Air Force military units and educational institutions as part of the 2024 bilateral cooperation plan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

Representatives from the air forces of the two nations met as part of the deal.

The attendees were briefed on the Air Force's history and participation in the 2020 second Karabakh war, unmanned aerial vehicle use, and other mutual interests at the conference.

The Azerbaijan Army showed the Tajik guests around its arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles and briefed them on their technical and tactical features.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Caring for your loved ones is the nursing home industrys business, not its concern

The nursing home industry is battling over the Biden administration's proposed minimum staffing rule. (Stock photo via Getty Images)

The Biden administration recently finalized a rule that would require nursing homes in America to have a minimum level of staff on duty at all times.

As advocates for consumers in nursing homes and other settings for over 18 years, we see the rule as necessary, achievable, and long overdue. It will allow nursing home residents to be better served and lead better lives.

The nursing home industry has chosen to go to war over it, using all the ammunition they have to convince governors (including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds) and congressional members to assist them in either killing the rule or perpetually delaying it. Theyve also filed suit in federal court to block it.

We marvel that opponents of the rule choose to ignore decades of research (and common sense) showing that residents are safer and healthier when there are more staff keeping their eyes on them, helping them, talking with and comforting them. Ignoring those facts is proof of what many have come to believe about far too many in the industry: caring for your loved ones is their business, not their concern.

Heres what the industry (leaders of the American Health Care Association and Leading Age, the for-profit and non-profit sectors of the nursing home industry) is saying about the rule, and our response:

 The rule is unconscionable. Whats unconscionable is the nursing home industrys failure to police itself; allowing far too many of our friends, neighbors and loved ones to be treated inhumanely, to be neglected and abused, and to die due to inadequate numbers of, or poorly trained, staff.

The new goal is unattainable. Not true. Over 50% of facilities in Iowa and across the nation already meet the minimum standard. Many more would if the industry promoted and adopted the best practices of facilities that are better staffed and provide better care.

Finding needed staff will be impossible. The industry could address this problem by looking at the reasons tens of thousands of nurses and direct care workers have left, and continue to leave, their nursing home jobs.

Remember during the COVID crisis when these employees were called heroes? If they were treated as such with competitive pay, benefits, training, career pathways, manageable workloads and a workplace culture that respected them, many whove left would return, fewer current staff would leave, and new recruits would come on board.

We cant afford to implement the rule. An estimated 100 billion in tax dollars flow to nursing homes in the nation every year; well over $800 million of that goes to Iowa facilities.

Theres plenty of money in the system; its just being used for the wrong things.

Examples: Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on the high costs of turnover  over 50% of nursing home staff leave annually. More millions are spent to pay exorbitant fees to temporary agencies for staff to fill-in for those who have left. Untold millions of dollars are spent on excessive salaries for industry executives and lobbyists, for stock buy-backs and profit for investors. Millions more will be spent to tie the staffing rule up in the courts.

Facilities will be forced to close. Closures were occurring long before this new staffing rule. Theyve closed, and will continue to, not solely due to staff shortages, but because owners and investors arent happy with the profits being generated, there arent enough residents to justify keeping them open, people are choosing to live in assisted living facilities rather than nursing homes, and because individuals want to be served in their own homes and communities vs. an institutional setting.

 Its a one-size-fits-all approach that wont work. The rule is a bare minimum standard that facilities are free to, and should, exceed. Child care centers have minimum staff requirements. So do airlines. The standards exist to ensure those they serve will be safe. Nursing home residents deserve no less.

If the industry is successful in killing the proposal in the courts or with the aid of boosters among governors and members of Congress (to whom they donate lots of campaign cash), where does that leave us? With more years of the status quo; with too many facilities operating with too few staff and providing inadequate, if not horrendous, care.

Thats unacceptable, and shame on the nursing home industry and its supporters for asking the public to accept it.

The post Caring for your loved ones is the nursing home industrys business, not its concern appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
A Corpus Christi police officer has died from injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle in the line of duty.

Corpus Christi police on Saturday, June 1, announced the death of Vicente Ortiz, a senior officer with the department. Ortiz died from injuries sustained from a vehicle accident while working as a police motorcycle escort. He worked with the department for 15 years.

Vicente Ortiz, a senior officer and 15-year veteran of the Corpus Christi Police Department, succumbed to injuries on Saturday morning, June 1, the department announced on its Facebook page.

"It is with tremendous sorrow that we inform the community of the passing of Senior Officer Vicente Ortiz," the police statement said. "We mourn the loss of a great husband, father, son, brother, friend and co-worker."

The officer had been in the hospital for 11 days following a crash that happened on May 21 at the intersection of Kostoryz Road and Sacky Drive, police said.

The incident happened at about 1:36 p.m. that day. Ortiz was traveling south on Kostoryz Road, riding as part of a Corpus Christi motors unit that was conducting traffic control during a funeral procession, when the other driver, headed east on Sacky Drive, attempted to turn north on Kostoryz Road, striking the officer. Ortiz sustained non-life-threatening wounds and was transported to a local hospital, police said.

Police Lt. Eryca Gonzalez said the driver who struck the motorcycle was cited for failing to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, along with interference with a funeral procession.

The accident is still being investigated, and traffic investigators are working to determine whether charges will be upgraded and filed with the District Attorney's office, she said.

A GoFundMe page was created for the officer on May 24 to support his family while Ortiz was in the hospital. More than $21,700 has been raised.

Ortiz leaves behind his wife and two children.

The officer's death happened almost exactly one month after the fatal shooting of CCPD officer Kyle Hicks on April 20. Hicks was shot while responding to a call of domestic disturbance and shots fired at the Summer House Apartments on the citys Southside at 12:30 a.m. that Saturday. He was transported to a local hospital and stayed in critical condition until the announcement of his death on April 25. The suspect, Colten Foster, died in custody when an assisting officer shot him.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 2,250 police officers have died in Texas while working in the line of duty. Most of these deaths - 1,194 - are due to gunfire, while six have been accidental.

More: Recent Corpus Christi motorcycle crashes leave 3 dead, officer injured

More: Man dies after motorcycle crash on SPID early Friday morning

More: CCPD officer Kyle Hicks dies from injuries sustained in the line of duty

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: CCPD officer dies from injuries sustained riding motorcycle
Centre County United Way director resigns, will become leader of another local nonprofit

Paula Williams will be leaving her role as executive director of Centre County United Way this month to lead one of its partner agencies, Centre Volunteers in Medicine, according to a CCUW press release.

Williams, a Penn State alumna, joined CCUW as its director 15 months ago, in February 2023. She succeeded former director Leanne Lenz, who stepped down in October 2022 after about a year in the role.

When announcing her resignation in a Monday press release from CCUW, Williams said the past year had been an amazing experience and she looked forward to continuing to work alongside CCUW in her new role.

I have been able to see first-hand how important United Way is to our community, and I value the work being done by the staff and the support of donors, she said.

In her time as CCUW director, Williams led the charge on achieving its mission of improving the lives of Centre County residents, taking part in annual fundraisers like Over the Edge at Beaver Stadium and the annual Day of Caring.

The nonprofit works alongside 25 national and countywide organizations, including Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM), which provides free medical care, assistance and medication to uninsured Centre County residents.

Williams, whose resignation from CCUW is effective June 21, will take over as CVIMs executive director July 15, filling a vacancy that opened up when former director Cheryl White retired in December. White had led the clinic for 13 years, part of which included a $10 million capital campaign for a new facility that opened last year.

Prior to her time at CCUW, Williams lived in New Mexico and held leadership roles with local and statewide chapters of nonprofits Habitat for Humanity, Komen for the Cure and Ronald McDonald House Charities. She also worked as an administrator at Albuquerque Academy, a private middle and high school.

The executive team will share more information about the next phase of CCUW leadership as it becomes available, according to the release.
The Army is investigating how pornographic content aired during a video livestream of a special forces training change of command ceremony on Thursday.

During the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Liberty, North Carolina the group broadcast the event live on Facebook.

As the ceremony took place the video feed switched to show a nude man masturbating, according to various social media postings, including those shared to the U.S. Army subreddit.

The identity of the man in the video was not disclosed, nor is it clear if the person was a military member or if the footage was from another source.

A slap on the wrist for two soldiers who shared nude photos of a third

The center provided the following statement to Army Times today:

The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School is aware of an incident that occurred during the live stream of our 1st Special Warfare Training Groups Change of Command ceremony on May 30. We take this matter seriously and are reviewing our procedures to mitigate future situations. The incident is currently under investigation by CIDs Cyber Crimes Unit.

Brig. Gen. William P. Yarborough, U.S. Army Special Warfare Center Commander, met with President John F. Kennedy during the Presidents October 12, 1961, visit to Fort Bragg, NC. This inspired the statue of the two men that stands outside Kennedy Hall on the center's campus. (Army)

The website Task & Purpose reported on this event and the Armys investigation on Saturday.

In an email sent to the centers soldiers and civilians on the same day as the ceremony obtained by Army Times and other media outlets, Brig. Gen. Guillaume Will Beaurpere offered an apology for those who observed the highly inappropriate content and any impact it had on viewers.

We take this matter seriously and addressed the SWCS enterprise with an email sharing resources available for those who were impacted by the incident, center spokeswoman Elvia Kelly told Army Times in an email today. Due to the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The school also encouraged anyone negatively affected by the incident to reach out to the Armys Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention program.

This isnt the first time in recent years that a sexual controversy has found its way to units on Fort Liberty.

In a 2020 incident, the official Twitter account of Fort Liberty, then Fort Bragg, posted a string of explicit tweets of a sexual nature. An Army spokesman at the time told Task & Purpose that an account administrator later identified himself as the source of the graphic tweets.
The Pope Francis Center's new housing campus in Detroit's Core City has opened its doors and residents are expected to arrive later this month.

On Monday, city and state officials joined Father Tim McCabe, president and CEO of the Pope Francis Center, and Ford's CEO Jim Farley for a ribbon-cutting of the $40 million project designed to help people transition from the streets into housing. The Bridge Housing Campus is a culmination of best practices from across the country to address chronic homelessness, under one roof, brought right to Detroit.

"We're going to change the reality here in the city," McCabe said in the facility's new gymnasium. "We're going to change the conversation around what it means to be homeless. ... That's what we're going to do in here and we do that with radical compassion and love  that's the secret sauce."

The Bridge Housing Campus, located at 2915 West Hancock St., has been under construction since 2022, but in the works for nine years.

"It started out of loss and out of heartache," McCabe said. There was a time, a week before Christmas, when the Pope Francis Center lost guests it worked with, including four who overdosed from fentanyl and those who died because they didn't have access to proper medical care.

The Pope Francis Center opens the doors on its game-changing Bridge Housing Campus in Detroit on Monday, June 3, 2024.

McCabe has said he hopes the project will spur a national conversation around the causes and solutions to homelessness, especially as the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether cities can fine and arrest people for sleeping outdoors when there are no shelter beds available.

In 2022, there were 200 people who were homeless on the streets of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park, according to a one-night tally conducted by the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND) in January. Last year, those experiencing unsheltered homelessness were not counted but there were 1,280 people living in shelters or other housing programs. Data for this year's count  meant to provide a snapshot of homelessness in a community and help determine needs and federal funding for programs and services  is not yet available.

Michigan saw an 8% increase in the number of people facing homelessness, up to 32,589 in 2022 from 30,113 the year before, according to the latest statewide report.

"In Detroit, just because you're homeless, doesnt mean you're voiceless," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.

What's inside the housing campus

McCabe explored 27 different programs treating people facing chronic homelessness. The result: a sprawling 60,000-square-foot campus that reflects the result of that research, alongside feedback from clients and service providers.

Inside the lobby, there is a "hot room," which heats up to 145 degrees to disinfect blankets and clothing as people move in. That was inspired by a shelter in California. Hallways are wide for those dealing with mental illnesses for whom small spaces cause anxiety. Even the colors inside the building are meant to be calming.

A heated sidewalk can fit about 13 people, offering a reprieve for those whose trauma is so severe they are unable to come inside. That idea came about after McCabe toured shelters in Orange County and San Antonio with misters and fans to keep people cool and he thought Detroit needed something similar, but for cold weather.

The campus, which sits on 5.3 acres of once vacant land, has 40 studio apartments that, for now, will be for single men experiencing homelessness and an eight-bed respite center for those discharged from the hospital.

Residents will also have access to wraparound services on-site including social workers, addiction specialists, a psychiatrist and job preparation and financial literacy trainings. They will have a barber shop, library, computer lab, art room and a meditation space.

The complex  apart from the residential area  will be open to the broader community. The Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center will operate a free health clinic with a doctor, nursing staff and a dental wing for anyone in the neighborhood.

This outdoor warming area and sleeping space for the homeless includes overhead heating elements and heated sidewalks at the new Pope Francis Center Bridge Housing Campus on Detroit's west side on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Community members can use the classrooms, commercial kitchen and gymnasium, which, during severe weather, can house extra cots for those who need a reprieve from the elements. Residents can learn how to cook food and work in a kitchen, building skills for potential employment, McCabe said. People will also be able to drop off clothing and furniture at a donation center.

"Today represents all of our collective commitment to ensuring that every individual  regardless of the circumstances  has the opportunity to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential," Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield said.

When residents will arrive

The Pope Francis Center will first prioritize people the nonprofit sees at its downtown location. Staffers are working to determine who will be among the first group of residents slated to move in late June, though that may change depending on how long the selection process takes, according to a news release. The broader campus will be available for the rest of the community once residents arrive. The expected stay is between 90 to 120 days. Housing specialists will help residents identify permanent homes and navigate the challenges that arise even after a person is selected to receive a housing subsidy.

The Pope Francis Center received a majority of the funding for the Bridge Housing Campus from the California-based Julia Burke Foundation. Other funders include Ford Motor Co., J. Addison and Marion M. Bartush Family Foundation, Lear Corp., Magna International, Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Piston Group, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.

"The hard work begins now to change people's lives forever," Farley said.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, left, speaks to Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley during a ribbon-cutting at the Pope Francis Center Bridge Housing Campus in Detroit on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said the center provides a pathway to health, wealth, stability and opportunity.

"This is the result of a set of choices that were made by people. This is the result of effort and hard work. This is the result of empathy and understanding and this is the result of people saying that we do not have to accept that there are people who live in this city, in this community, in this region and in this state who do not have a home," he said.

Regular Pope Francis Center services at the nonprofit's downtown Detroit location at 438 Saint Antoine St. are expected to continue after the Core City campus opens. The day center provides two meals, laundry and shower facilities, medical, dental and legal clinics and help finding housing, and sees up to 250 people a day.

Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New housing campus for homeless opens in Detroit's Core City
Charges Against Couple Accused After Baby's Death Were Dropped Following DA's Incendiary TV Interview: Here's Why

Fremont County District Attorneys comments led to dismissed charges against a Colorado couple accused of crimes after the death of a 10-month-old baby

KRDO Linda Stanley

Comments made by a Colorado district attorney during a 2023 television interview led a judge to dismiss charges against a couple who'd been charged in connection with the death a 10-month-old baby, according to multiple reports.

CBS News, the Canon City Daily Record and NBC News affiliate 9 News reported a judge's ruling that Fremont County District Attorney Linda Stanley violated the couples rights by speaking with the media about the case because her comments potentially tainted the jury pool.

William Jacobs was accused of murdering Brook Crawfords baby and was previously charged with first-degree murder in May 2023, according to 9 News. Crawford was charged with child abuse causing injury and child abuse causing serious bodily injury.

Prosecutors alleged that Jacobs shook the child, which they claimed caused the child's death.

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However, once the DAs comments were aired on Colorado Springs news station KRDO-TV in August 2023, a motion to drop the charges was filed.

PEOPLE reached out to the Fremont County Clerks Office, and the office had no comment.

In the August 2023 interview, the district attorney made inflammatory comments about Jacobs and Crawford and the alleged murder. "I'm going to be very blunt here. He has zero investment in this child. Zero. He's watching that so he can get laid. That's it," she said. "And have a place to sleep. I'm sorry to be that blunt, but honest to God, that's what's going on."

"I had just had so many buzzers going off when they said the boyfriend was watching him," Stanley also said at the time. "There was a whole lot of things indicative of a prior incident with that baby."

Google Maps Fremont County Courthouse



Stanley also claimed that the couple found the child to be a pain in the a--.

District Court Judge Kaitlin B. Turner wrote in an order on Wednesday, May 29, that Stanleys actions involving the case reflect knowing and intentional outrageous government conduct." Turner held that Stanley had infringed upon the defendants right to due process and a fair trial, meaning that dismissing the charges constituted an appropriate remedy."

Stanley's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Related: Cause of Death Revealed for Suzanne Morphew Years After She Vanished on Mother's Day Bike Ride

Per 9 News, Turner said in the court order dismissing the case that Stanleys comments included her vituperative, sensational and inflammatory opinions of Mr. Jacobs character, his credibility, his reputation and his criminal record."



A complaint was previously filed in April 2023 from the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel against the district prosecutors, including Stanley, which claimed that the prosecutors violated ethics with pretrial publicity failure to turn over evidence in a timely manner in connection with the Suzanne Morphew case, per CBS News.



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Family of Black motorist Ricky Cobb II wants DOJ to investigate after charges dropped against trooper who fatally shot him

The criminal charges against a Minnesota state trooper who fatally shot a Black motorist during a traffic stop in Minneapolis last year are being dropped, the lead prosecutor announced Sunday, sparking fierce criticism from the victims family, who said they were outraged and want federal officials to investigate.

I have made the decision that our office will no longer pursue charges against Minnesota State Trooper Londregan for the killing of Mr. Cobb, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in an open letter to the community.

Trooper Ryan Londregan was charged in January with second-degree murder and other charges in the July 2023 fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II, a Black man who was pulled over in his vehicle on I-94 for not having his taillights on at night.

Londregan, who is White, ordered Cobb to get out of his car after determining he was wanted in a neighboring county. Cobb refused and was shot during a physical altercation when Londregan and another trooper attempted to enter the vehicle and grab Cobb.

Londregan was charged with second-degree murder in January, but Moriarty said Monday she did not believe prosecutors could convict him at trial.

Make no mistake, Ricky Cobb was the victim in this case. Ricky Cobb should be alive today, she said in a news conference.

Family and activists for Ricky Cobb II stand with a sign saying "Justice for Ricky Cobb II" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. - Trisha Ahmed/AP

The county attorney said their confidence in being able to get a conviction changed after new information emerged last week. Moriarty said they learned Londregan planned to argue he fired because he thought Cobb was attempting to take the troopers gun away from him.

The video doesnt prove that, and it doesnt disprove what Londregan says, Moriarty said at the news conference.

In addition, Londregans trainer provided a declaration saying he didnt train the trooper to refrain from pulling people out of a running car, Moriarty wrote in her letter.

She said Monday she feared a judge would dismiss the case before it got to trial. We do not believe we would have even made it to the jury, Moriarty said.

Moriarty said her office had produced a 60-page report on the case, but it cannot be released without a judges approval. This was one of the hardest decisions Ive ever made, she said.

The reversal comes a month after Moriarty hired a DC-based private law firm to handle the case, saying her office was understaffed.

Londregans attorney Peter Wold praised the decision to drop charges. A new set of lawyers from the prosecution took a look at the case and reached the appropriate conclusion. It should have happened months ago, he told CNN on Monday.

Londregans defense was provided by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. In a statement, executive director Brian Peters said, Trooper Londregan should have never been charged, and we are glad this political case is over. Enough is enough.

Family to ask Justice Department to investigate Minnesota State Patrol

In a Tuesday news conference, family attorney Bakari Sellers apologized to Cobbs family, saying he led them to have faith in how local prosecutors would handle the case, but said that faith was misplaced and we stand here today frustrated, we stand here today  outraged.

Sellers said Cobbs family was notified by the county attorneys office Sunday afternoon, and were told to hurry down to a meeting that day, where prosecutors shared their decision.

Sellers said they are now working on drafting a letter asking federal officials  including the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division  to investigate the shooting and the Minnesota State Patrol.

I believe that every citizen of Minnesota should be concerned now knowing that these officers go out on the streets, put themselves in danger, and do so untrained, the attorney said, standing alongside Cobbs family members.

All of us standing up here today, we want more African Americans to be a part of law enforcement, we want our law enforcement to be trained, we want law enforcement to be prayed for, and most importantly, we want them to be able to go out and do their job and come home safely every night, Sellers said.

But what we also want is for individuals like Ricky Cobb II, whose only crime was apparently not having his tail light on at night, to be able to come home as well.

Cobbs mother, who also spoke during Tuesdays news conference, described him as an excellent son, a father who had aspirations, and she pleaded: Make it make sense.

In an earlier statement this week, family attorneys said they were disappointed in the county attorneys decision but not surprised because like many, we have come to expect the absence of justice and accountability when Black lives are lost in this country.

Apparently, all you have to do to get away with murder is to bully the prosecutors enough and the charges will just go away. The people dont believe the excuses and neither do we, attorneys Sellers, Harry Daniels and F. Clayton Tyler previously said in a Monday statement.

Cobbs family filed a federal lawsuit in April against Londregan and the other trooper involved in the incident. Londregan filed a motion last month asking a judge to dismiss the suit.

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ST. LOUIS  Last week, the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office filed charges against a St. Louis man for a fatal shooting earlier this year in the citys Dutchtown neighborhood.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the shooting happened around 8:40 p.m. on February 3, in the 3300 block of Gasconade Street, on the southside of Marquette Park.

Officers found the victim, later identified as Shanchez Jordan, dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head. Jordan was 40.

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Investigators said Jordan had received a phone call about a meeting, which lured him to the area. They claim the call came from Anton D. Moores phone.

Police found a .380 ACP caliber cartridge case at the murder scene. Investigators claim that gun was linked to a different shooting linked to Moore, who is a previously convicted felon.

Moore, 32, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Moore is already in jail, with pending cases for unlawful possession of a firearm and first-degree domestic assault. A circuit court judge denied setting a bond for Moore.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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But don't fear: According to the FDA, the produce involved are 'unlikely' to be in the marketplace.

Getty Images

Fresh Start Produce Sales  a company out of Florida that specializes in "bell peppers, cabbage, squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, and variety peppers"  is recalling its whole cucumbers due to an increased risk of Salmonella.

On Saturday, June 1, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published its report stating that the whole cucumbers were shipped from May 17 through May 21 to various states and retailers.

"The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons  directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia," the FDA's report noted.



The FDA stated that the recalled cucumbers are "approximately 1.52.0 inches in diameter and 59 inches long," noting that "mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall."



Related: What to Do if You Think You've Eaten Recalled Food

According to the FDA, the cucumbers involved in the recall are "unlikely" to be in the marketplace. However, if you happen to have purchased one of the recalled cucumbers, the FDA urges you to destroy it or discard it immediately. Consumers can also return to the place of purchase for a refund.

As part of this recall, the FDA announced it's "conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation." The ongoing investigation, USA Today explained, is part of an outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections, which have sickened more than 140 people in undisclosed locations.

As for what happens if you contract Salmonella, the FDA explained that in otherwise healthy adults, Salmonella often causes "fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain." However, it added that in "rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis."

Related: What's the Difference Between 'Sell By,' 'Use By,' and 'Best By' Dates?

The Mayo Clinic also noted that in some people, Salmonella has no symptoms, but most will develop some systems within eight to 72 hours after exposure.

However, the administration noted that the situation is a bit more dire for those with weakened immune systems, young children, frail or elderly people, so these groups or their caregivers need to remain more vigilant.



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Representatives of 26 Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations (NGOs) sent an open letter to 26 US congressmen, Trend reports.

The letter was signed by a number of representatives, including those of NGOs in the organizing committee of COP29.

Will be updated
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) will soon celebrate the reopening of its historic 1926 Allan Herschel carousel at its new home.

The carousel came into the Zoos possession in 1937, and getting to the carousel was originally a hike to the top of the zoo before it was moved to its second spot near the Rocky Mountain goats. It was stored away in July 2023 to make way for a new road just west of the current main road into the zoo.

CMZoo said once the historic road is gone, the zoo can expand its giraffe habitat and a new South America exhibit.

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

CMZoo said the carousels new home will be between Grizzly Grill and the Lodge at Moose Lake. The carousel is designed to be taken apart and moved and despite weighing seven tons, the carousel can be broken down in eight hours using basic hand tools.

Its not like carousels you see at traveling fairs these days, which just fold up and go, says Dave Ruhl, executive vice president at CMZoo. It is designed to be taken apart, piece by piece, by hand. We are dedicated to maintaining this carousel because it has been with our community for so long, so were very careful when we do it.

Construction on the carousels new home started in January 2024 and at the end of May passed code and safety inspections and is expected to reopen in early June.

To celebrate the return of the carousel, CMZoo is giving away frequent rider cards to 200 lucky active zoo members. Members need to enter to win by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 and winners will be notified by email on Thursday, June 13.

CMZoo said that while the location was being built, the carousel was being given some much-needed care.

We work with a carousel horse expert in Larkspur who repaired cracks and touched up paint on the horses and carriages, Dave says. Most of the horses have been restored, and they look great. We also got the carousel organ refurbished, so it works again for the first time in around five years. We cant wait for everyone to see it!

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Insights from Foreign Affairs, Prospect Magazine, and The Economist

The News

China has accused UK spy agency M16 of recruiting two Chinese citizens, and said that the couple, who worked in a central state agency, passed Chinese state secrets to MI6 for several years in exchange for hotel rooms, trips, and financial incentives.

Its the latest in a series of accusations by Beijing regarding British intelligence operations  and vice versa. In January, China accused the UK of recruiting someone who led a foreign consultancy to work for M16, while British officials have warned that Chinese spies are increasingly active in the UK, and a UK parliamentary researcher who worked on China policy and another individual were arrested in March on suspicion of spying for China.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

United States on spy recruitment drive in China

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs

The US has ramped up its own efforts to recruit spies in China, after Beijing arrested or executed almost two dozen suspected American spies in the early 2010s, The Wall Street Journal reported. Chinas crackdown left the US with no real insight into leadership plans and intentions in China at all, a former senior intelligence official told the Journal. The CIA has doubled its China budget in the last three years, and ramped up satellite and electronic surveillance. While China remains a difficult place to recruit, the US intelligence community could do more to analyze data and open-source information coming out of China, a former CIA official and expert on Chinas intelligence activities wrote in Foreign Affairs.

Counter-espionage tactics double as propaganda

Sources: BBC, The Economist, The Jamestown Foundation, CNN

The recent volley of espionage allegations between China and the West signals a typically hidden power play bursting into the open, wrote the BBCs security correspondent. Chinas Ministry of State Security launched an unusually public anti-espionage channel on WeChat last summer, which has featured comics, warnings, and advice on how to avoid becoming a target. The ministrys warnings also serve as a vector for distributing propaganda, The Jamestown Foundation argued. Chinas intelligence community has traditionally held a low profile, and the decision to raise it may have come from Beijings intelligence chief. He has been saying for years that new media are important to guide public opinion on the partys political-legal and national security work, an expert told CNN.

Attempts to root out espionage may have chilling effect

Sources: Prospect Magazine , The New York Times, ACLU

Over-zealous allegations of espionage risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater if expertise is mistaken for something more insidious, a former China researcher who was blacklisted by the UK wrote in Prospect Magazine. In the US, some Asian American diplomats and national security officials told The New York Times they were banned from working in China due to fears of foreign influence. Because of the stigma around China, Chinese Americans are more likely to be put in a box even if their associations are innocent in nature, a former FBI counterintelligence analyst told the Times. In 2022, an Asian-American scientist won a $1.8 million settlement after officials accused her of spying for China, the charges were eventually dropped.
China will take the mantle of world superpower from the United States  if Russia wins in Ukraine

For seven days The Telegraph is running a series of exclusive essays from international commentators imagining the consequences if Russia were successful in its war. The full list of essays so far can be found below.

China and its alliance with other opponents of the West is the most serious challenge to world peace and prosperity since the Second World War.

If Putin achieved his objective of annexing Ukraine  subjugating its people to ruthless tyranny  the responsibility for this would substantially rest with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) support. And it would benefit President Xi most of all.

It is hard to predict how global conflict between the current liberal and authoritarian orders would develop following a triumph for the latter in Ukraine. This stems in part from the normative roles played by Xi, Putin, and the leaders of North Korea and Iran, whose sense of risk and benefit is unknowable.

Nevertheless, some aspects of China under Xis autocracy, both internally and in its foreign relations, are well-established and likely to persist. For one, China would likely see victory for Putin as a major leap towards its desired revision of the world order. But not necessarily in the way one might think.

Hitherto, many Western commentators have clung to the notion that China seeks to reform rather than overthrow the international rules-based order established post-1945 represented by institutions like the UN. They are wrong: The revisionist nature of Xis vision of a China-led new era would move to the fore if Ukraine fell, and profoundly.

This was the clear message of Xis farewell words to Putin in Moscow in March 2023: changes are happening that have not been seen for 100 years; we are driving these together. Putin agreed. Xi was signalling a joint assault on liberal norms; indeed, one of the most obvious impacts of the war has been to show the fragility of bodies like the UN, with Russia and Chinas veto effectively giving Moscow a blank cheque to get away, quite literally, with murder.

This said, the background to their expedient sharing of revisionist goals is not straightforward. The CCP are neuralgic about losing autonomy through association with any external forces. Forced by realpolitik necessity to align with Putin just before the invasion, CCP pragmatism has turned his error to Chinas advantage, driving hard bargains for importing game-changing amounts of Russian energy while watching the West and Russia exhaust each other. Prolonged frozen conflict remains Beijings favoured outcome.

But even if Putin wins outright, crucially Xis plans for China as leader of a new world order include no place at the high table for Putin emboldened by victory in Ukraine, let alone turning belligerent eyes on the Baltics, Poland and Central Europe. The CCP hopes for revived growth as Russias main energy market, but is committed to remaining clear of reciprocal dependency.

Putin, for his part, is already visibly needy for Xis long-delayed agreement on Power of Siberia 2, a gas pipeline to China via Mongolia. He reportedly intends to pitch Beijing shortly for another via Kazakhstan.

A second "Power of Siberia" pipeline is desperately needed by Putin

This urgency from Moscow suits Xis book. He is unlikely to throw Putin more such strategic lifelines, victory in Ukraine notwithstanding. Ultimately, Beijing seeks direct strategic control of the Manchu Empires former territory in Eastern Siberia, potentially capable of meeting Chinas entire energy needs for several decades and shifting the balance of power on the Western Pacific rim dramatically in Chinas favour. Paying whatever he asks to prop up Putins declining empire does not serve Xis strategic turn.

Internally, the CCP regards economic advantage as subordinate to Party interests, which are currently focused on military and political rivalry with the West. Chinas current surge in nuclear weapons production is a key part of Xis new era agenda, intended to challenge Western nuclear supremacy, but also to neutralise threats from India and Russia. In the heightened international tensions that would inevitably follow Russian victory in Ukraine, Chinas wider efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and influence world-wide are likely to increase.

Beijing would further exploit policy disarray and divisions that contributed to Western failure to defend Ukraine effectively. In such a context, it is hard to predict whether Chinas deliberate role in the debacle would renew Western resolve to impose harsher sanctions against China as well as Russia.

China is currently building up resilience against such an eventuality. Sanctions de-risking, gold-hoarding and other moves to decouple from Western dependencies (including the US dollar) should not be read as simply filling a war-chest to support the invasion of Taiwan  these policies are also strategic foundations for revisionist Chinese imperium over a new world order centred on Asia, BRICs and the Global South.

Xi Jinping attended the BRICS summit in Johannesburg last year

All this said, in considering how China would act and fare if Putin wins, we should not underestimate the challenges Xis ambitions would encounter. The Chinese economy is increasingly weak, with Xis policy response to date markedly ineffectual. Stagnant growth and the risk of deflation ought to deter Xi from his current spending spree on arming and organising for potential hostilities in the Taiwan Straits.

So far, no moderation in rhetoric or substance is apparent. But with or without enhanced sanctions pressures, the collapse of free Ukraine would likely have a widespread negative impact on global trade, including Chinas links to important Western markets. Reduced profits from dealing with the West cannot readily be made up by China changing horses in favour of the developing world. In particular, Xi would continue to court support wherever in Europe he could generate it.

Current headwinds, in short, would not abate. Xis efforts to grip the domestic economy over the last decade are unlikely to fare any better in the short to medium term, particularly if Ukraine comes back under Russian control. Facing external opprobrium and regime-threatening economic instability at home, ruthless authoritarians can be tempted to rally nationalist sentiment behind a military adventure.

Xi Jinping has increased his military posturing over Taiwan

If his unknown personal risk assessment still compels caution, Xi might hold back from a diversionary assault on Taiwan. But with one free state newly sacrificed to tyranny, there will also be drivers in favour of calling the Wests bluff.

At the very least we may expect increased coercive pressure, military posturing and nationalist rhetoric, not only over Taiwan  with its growing danger of lethal miscalculation in the Pacific  but across other increasingly contested global space. Behind the immediate tragedy of Putins bloody adventure, Xis China will remain the chief agent of global insecurity. The UK, its allies and partners must give this reality the attention it demands.

Other essays in the What If Putin Wins? series:

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China on Monday accused Britain of recruiting a married couple employed by the Chinese central government to spy for its MI6 intelligence service, as the two countries trade allegations of espionage.

In a statement, Chinas civilian spy agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), said it had recently cracked a major espionage case involving MI6, in which it uncovered two important moles planted by the British side within our ranks.

The allegation comes just weeks after British police charged three people with spying for Hong Kongs intelligence service, following charges laid in April against two other people accused of spying for China, including a former researcher for a prominent lawmaker in the ruling Conservative Party.

Those charges in the United Kingdom came after Chinas MSS said in January it had detained the head of a foreign consultancy who had allegedly spied for MI6.

Under Xi Jinping, Chinas most authoritarian leader in decades, the countrys notoriously secretive spy agency has drastically raised its public profile and broadened its remit. From a shadowy organization without any discernable public face, the MSS has been transformed into a highly visible presence in public life.

Over the last six months the MSS has made regular public declarations of dismantling foreign spying operations, claims which are impossible to verify given their nature but paint the agency in a positive light and provide regular reminders to Chinese citizens to be wary.

In its latest statement Monday, the MSS detailed its allegations against the married couple.

It said an alleged spy, identified by his surname Wang, was working at a position with access to core confidential information in an unnamed central state organ.

In 2015, Wangs application to study in the UK under an exchange program was swiftly approved because MI6 valued his access, according to the MSS.

While studying in Britain, Wang was allegedly invited to meals and tours arranged by MI6 to understand his character weaknesses and personal interests, MSS said.

After finding out Wang had a strong desire for money, the British spy agency used an alumnus to lure him into a part-time consulting opportunity with high remuneration, MSS said.

The British side started with open research projects and gradually moved into core internal matters of our central state agencies, paying him a fee significantly higher than normal consulting rates. Although Wang was somewhat wary of this, he continued to provide so-called consulting services to the British side under the lure of large sums of money, the MSS statement said.

After a while, MI6 personnel approached Wang to work for the British government with promises of higher monetary rewards and security guarantees, the MSS alleged.

Wang allegedly agreed to the terms and received espionage training before he was told to return to China to gather intelligence, the statement said.

The MSS claimed MI6 also repeatedly urged Wang to persuade his wife  who worked at a core government agency  to join the espionage, offering to double the money. Despite his initial hesitation, Wang and his wife, surnamed Zhou, eventually agreed, MSS alleged.

The case is under further investigation, according to MSS.

CNN has asked for comment from Britains Foreign Office, which handles media enquiries for the Secret Intelligence Service, the official name for MI6.

In August last year, the MSS made its social media debut: it launched an official account on WeChat, Chinas most popular social app, with a rallying call for all members of society to join its fight against foreign infiltration. Its posts regularly rack up hundreds of thousands of views and are widely shared by state media outlets.

According to the MSS, foreign spies are omnipresent and infiltrating everything  from mapping apps to weather stations. The ministry has previously posted details of what it claims are espionage activities carried out by Western spy agencies, and detailed how Chinese nationals studying or working abroad have allegedly been recruited by the CIA.

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China lands a spacecraft on the far side of the moon

A Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the far side of the moon this weekend, marking a major achievement for the country and a growing 21st-century space race with the U.S.

The Change-6 lunar probe  named after the Chinese mythical moon goddess  landed at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning Beijing time in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a large crater. The probe is set to collect rock and soil samples from the surface that could provide valuable insights into how the lesser-explored far side of the moon compares to the near side.

The mission involves many engineering innovations, high risks and great difficulty, the China National Space Administration said in a statement. The payloads carried by the Change-6 lander will work as planned and carry out scientific exploration missions.

Using a small robotic shovel and drill, the probe will collect about 4 pounds of surface material that will be launched into lunar orbit with a small rocket booster and picked up by an orbiting craft.

No other country has landed a probe on the far side of the moon, and the Change-6 is Chinas second. Missions to the far side of the moon are especially difficult because of communication challenges and the deep craters pockmarking it.

The probe launched early last month, with the mission expected to last about another month. Two other spacecraft have reached the moon so far this year, one Japanese and one from U.S. startup Intuitive Machines.

Change-6 is the sixth moon exploration for China, as the country heavily invests in space exploration. The country also operates its own crewed space station in rivalry with the International Space Station, and says it will place astronauts on the moon by 2030.

That mission would make it the second nation to place astronauts on the moon after the U.S. No person has set foot on the moon since 1972, though NASA has plans to go back in 2026 at the earliest.

The American-led Artemis missions are planned to rely on significant support from private space companies and are in partnership with the Canadian, European and Japanese space agencies.

Boeings Starliner program, the companys first step into private spaceflight, has faced repeated delays in attempts to launch its first craft this month.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BEIJING (Reuters) -China held its stance on three disputed islands in the Gulf on Monday despite Tehran's anger at Beijing for describing the Iran-controlled islands as a matter to be resolved with the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement last week, China expressed support for the efforts of the UAE to reach a "peaceful solution" to the issue of the islands - the Greater Tunb, the Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

The islands, claimed by the UAE and Iran, have been held by Tehran since 1971 after the withdrawal of British forces from the Gulf.

In a rare show of anger toward its biggest trading partner, the Iranian foreign ministry on Sunday summoned the Chinese ambassador to Iran to protest China's "repeated support" for the UAE's "baseless claims".

"Considering the strategic cooperation between Tehran and Beijing, it is expected that the Chinese government will revise its stance on this matter," the Iranian foreign ministry said.

China's foreign ministry on Monday repeated its call for Iran and the UAE to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, describing China's stance on the matter as "consistent".

"The relevant contents of the China-UAE Joint Statement are consistent with China's position," said Mao Ning at a regular press briefing when asked about Iran's protest, offering no revision of Beijing's stance.

She added that China and Iran had a strong relationship, and that China attached great importance to the development of their strategic partnership.

China angered Iran in December 2022 when it issued a joint statement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that called for efforts to resolve the issue of the three islands.

That statement went on to stress the need to "ensure the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme", which was not mentioned in the latest statement with the UAE.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ryan Woo; Editing by Ros Russell and Alex Richardson)
Chinese officials have responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement that Russia and China are attempting to undermine Ukraines Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Source: The Guardian, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Asked about the impending event in Switzerland in mid-June, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stated that Beijing has never "fanned fire or fuelled the flames" of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

At the same time, China acknowledges that all initiatives to encourage peaceful measures in this war are legitimate, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman added.

According to Mao, China prioritises its relationship with Ukraine and remains its greatest trade partner. He also added that China's position on the peace conference is "open and transparent".

"We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties," Mao said.

On Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of supporting efforts to deter the leaders from attending the summit in Switzerland.

"Regrettably, Russia, using Chinese influence on the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit," Zelenskyy said.

"It is unfortunate that such a big, independent, powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin," Zelensky added.

On Friday 31 May, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland did not match all of Beijing's standards for such an event, making it unlikely to be presented there.

China has close ties with Russia and refrains from criticising its invasion of Ukraine. Western governments have repeatedly accused the Chinese government of helping Russia wage war. At the same time, China offered its assistance in a peaceful settlement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the leaders of the US and China to personally participate in the Peace Summit.

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FILE PHOTO: The Chang'e 6 lunar probe and the Long March-5 Y8 carrier rocket combination sit atop the launch pad at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan province

By Eduardo Baptista

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe looks set to begin its historic journey back to Earth from the moon's far side after collecting samples that scientists expect will help answer key questions about the early evolution of the solar system.

Chang'e-6, named after the mythical Chinese moon goddess, was launched on May 3 from the southern Chinese island province of Hainan.

The fully robotic probe landed on Sunday in a previously unexplored location in a gigantic impact crater called the South-Pole Aitken Basin, on the side of the moon that permanently faces away from Earth.

China's previous Chang'e mission collected samples from the moon's near side in December 2020, restarting global lunar material retrieval efforts after a gap of 44 years.

The uncrewed Luna 24 mission launched by the former Soviet Union in 1976 collected 170.1 grams (6 ounces) of samples from Mare Crisium, or "Sea of Crises", on the near side of the moon.

Between 1969 and 1972, six Apollo missions, all crewed, collected 2,200 samples weighing a total of 382 kilogrammes, also from the side of the moon facing Earth.

James Carpenter, head of the European Space Agency's lunar science office, said the samples collected by the Apollo missions from the moon's near side suggested the South-Pole Aitken Basin on the far side was caused by an epoch of extremely heavy bombardment of the solar system, Earth and moon.

"This is a really core event in the history of the whole solar system, but there is some controversy about whether it happened or not," he said.

"To understand that, you need to anchor those events, and that's going to be done with samples from the lunar far side from the South-Pole Aitken Basin."

SMALL WINDOW

After landing, Chang'e-6 had a 14-hour window to drill, excavate, and seal 2 kg of material, with the goal of being the first probe to bring back such samples from the moon's far side. This compares to the 21-hour window Chang'e-5 had in 2020.

"Once it gets dark, once the sun goes over the horizon, the mission has to end, so there is a limited time window between landing, getting those samples, and getting off the surface again, so it's quite an exciting mission because it has to be done quickly," Carpenter said.

While China said it had improved the efficiency of its digging and drilling machines compared with 2020, the mission could still encounter snags at the sampling phase.

Chang'e-5 returned 1.73 kg of lunar samples, rather than the planned 2 kg, as the drill was only able to create a hole 1 metre (3.28 feet) deep, rather than 2 metres, after encountering impenetrable layers beneath the surface.

The Chang'e-6 samples will be transferred and sealed on a rocket booster atop the lander, which will launch back into space, dock with another spacecraft in lunar orbit and transfer the samples.

A landing in China's Inner Mongolia is expected around June 25.

Throughout the probe's journey, payloads from Italian, French, and Pakistani research institutes, as well as the European Space Agency, will collect data on questions pertaining to space and the moon, highlighting the growing international weight of China's space programme, which is competing with the United States to build a lunar outpost in the next decade.

Carpenter said there was "extremely strong" collaboration between European and Chinese scientists in analysing the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e-5, and he hoped this would be repeated for Chang'e-6.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Insights from Tai Sounds, Activist Fengsuo Zhou, and The Diplomat

The News

Tuesday will mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre which occurred on June 4, 1989, when Chinese authorities opened fire on thousands of pro-democracy students and activists, solidifying the Chinese Communist Partys grip on the country.

China has long censored any mentions of the massacre or illusions to it, but elsewhere around the globe, activists and survivors celebrate the memory of the pro-democracy movement.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Chinas global reputation still damaged 35 years later

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Tai Sounds

The international fallout immediately after Tiananmen was a one-time shock for China, a researcher told The Wall Street Journal, but the countrys subsequent slide toward authoritarianism and transnational repression under Xi Jinping has created a systematic, progressive, long-term falloff in its global reputation, especially in the West. China was still a relatively poor country in 1989 and needed to repair its global reputation, Taiwan-based news outlet Tai Sounds argued, but now, Beijing no longer needs to tread delicately around the June 4 massacre, and has ramped up attempts to suppress memories of the attack.

Survivors highlight small protests and crackdowns across China

Sources: The Guardian, Activist Fengsuo Zhou

While the Tiananmen demonstrations were the epicenter of Chinas pro-democracy movement, this year, survivors are sharing memories of the dozens of other protests and crackdowns across Chinese cities. It was precisely because the movement spread nationwide it became much more frightening to the government and one reason why it needed to have a show of force said one Australia-based sociologist, but these smaller protests are at even greater risk of being forgotten, wrote The Guardians Beijing bureau chief Lily Kuo. The student resistance in cities like Chengdu was fierce and the suppression was the most brutal, recalled June 4 survivor Fengsuo Zhou.

Hong Kong looks to crack down on Tiananmen commemorations

Sources: South China Morning Post, The Diplomat

In Hong Kong  once the only city in China where activists could openly commemorate June 4 victims  new national security laws forbid large-scale vigils. The city has deployed hundreds of undercover police officers to monitor events commemorating Tiananmen, the South China Morning Post reported, and eight people have been arrested over the last week for posting social media content related to the massacre. One of those arrested includes Chow Hang-tung, a prominent human rights lawyer already serving time for separate national security violations. Chows courage and resolve in the face of this repression exemplify Hong Kongers collective determination to fight back, The Diplomat wrote.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Ukraine appreciates the humanitarian aid from Azerbaijan, the newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Husyev said during a press conference held in Baku today, Trend reports.

"We are grateful to the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan for their support with energy equipment. Undoubtedly, we highly value this aid; it is essential for us, and we look forward to further expanding cooperation. Our energy ministers discussed this issue during a phone conversation a few weeks ago.

This winter, we received transformer equipment and cables worth $7.6 million, allocated by order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Overall, from 2022 to the present, the volume of humanitarian aid received from Azerbaijan in the energy sector has amounted to nearly $9 million," he pointed out.

During the press conference, the ambassador also expressed special gratitude to the citizens of Azerbaijan.

"I especially want to thank the citizens of Azerbaijan who provided generators purchased with their own funds. Thanks to them, many Ukrainians were able to survive power outages," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
June 3 (UPI) -- Police responded to an area near the University of Cincinnati on Monday morning to investigate a possible tiger sighting.

The Cincinnati Police Department confirmed officers searched near the school and the Cincinnati Zoo after a call from a member of the public, but they did not find any signs of big cat activity and no further sightings were reported.

"We did receive a call for a possible sighting of something that resembled a tiger," police spokesperson Jonathan Cunningham told USA Today. "Our officers did check the area with nothing found."

The Cincinnati Zoo confirmed both of its resident tigers were present and accounted for.

"Our tigers are safe and sound and at the zoo," said Michelle Curley, the zoo's communications director.
Washington Financial Bank on East Wiley Avenue in the City of Washington was robbed in broad daylight Monday, according to police.

Investigators say the robbery happened around 9:30 a.m., which shocked customers.

I feel very bad for the person that that happened to and the people that were in the bank. Im sure that was very scary, said bank customer Amber Sloan, who visited the bank later in the day to use the ATM.

Investigators say the man responsible for the theft was captured on video surveillance wearing a hood and mask.

He allegedly handed a threatening note to a teller, demanding cash.

He was not believed to be armed.

I feel bad for anybody whose life is threatened over money, Sloan said. Have we really gotten to that point as a society where people go into banks and threaten other peoples lives over money?

According to police, the thief got away with a small amount of cash, but no one was hurt.

The bank shut down for the rest of the day, other than its drive-through ATM.

You hear it all the time. Its happening everywhere, you know. Doesnt really surprise me, said ATM customer Scott Stevens.

Detectives say theyve already received a number of tips from the community.

Bank customers are hopeful police are able to hold the robber accountable.

I hope that the police are able to catch anybody that commits a crime. We have to do better as a society. We have to do better, Sloan said.

If you have any information that could help investigators, youre asked to contact City of Washington Police.

The bank is expected to reopen as normal on Tuesday.

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Claudia Sheinbaum secured a landslide victory and will become the first female president of Mexico, according to official projections Monday.

The 61-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City took at least 58.3 percent of the vote, according to early results, a lead of almost 30 points over her main competitor, businesswoman Xochitl Galvez. Sheinbaum, a leftist, will also become the first person with Jewish heritage to lead the predominantly Catholic country when she takes over from her mentor and Mexicos incumbent President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in October.

How Brothers Trip of a Lifetime to Mexican Paradise Turned Deadly

Mexicos ruling coalition was also on course to potentially seal a two-thirds supermajority in both houses of Congress which would allow it to pass constitutional reforms without requiring the support of the opposition.

For the first time in the 200 years of the republic I will become the first woman president of Mexico, Sheinbaum told cheering supporters after her victory became apparent. She also promised: I am not going to let you down.

Sheinbaum campaigned on promises to continue the advances made by Lopez Obrador in helping the poorest people in Mexican society. He gained massive popularity by doubling the minimum wage and reducing unemployment but faced criticism for failing to tackle violence throughout the country.

We have demonstrated that Mexico is a democratic country with peaceful elections, Sheinbaum said in her victory speech, though dozens of candidates were murdered in what has been described as the bloodiest election in Mexico in modern times. Some 37 candidates were assassinated before Sundays vote, according to a Reuters count, with a reported 828 further non-lethal attacks on candidates.

Sheinbaum previously served as the first female mayor of Mexico City. She held the post between 2018 and 2023, when she stepped down in order to seek the presidency.

The granddaughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the Holocaust, Sheinbaums parents were both scientists and she holds a doctorate in energy engineering. Sheinbaum had a career in academia before entering politics which included being part of a panel of United Nations climate scientists who shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.

When she takes office on Oct. 1, Sheinbaum will face a series of serious challenges beyond Mexicos problems around cartel violence.

They include negotiating with the U.S. over migrants crossing Mexicos northern borderconversations which could become more tense if Donald Trump wins his own presidential election in November, with the Republican promising to launch the largest deportation operation in American history if he returns to the White House.

Sheinbaum will also have to tackle shortages of water and electricity, as well as dealing with the state-owned oil company Pemex which is mired in enormous debts which have strained public finances.

Today is a day of glory because the people of Mexico freely and democratically decided that Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first female president in 200 years of independent life of our Republic, Lopez Obrador wrote in a social media post celebrating his successors victory. Congratulations to all of us who have the joy of living in these stellar times of pride and transformation.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A "groundbreaking achievement" is just one of the phrases used to describe Claudia Sheinbaum's ascension to Mexico's presidential seat.

The member of the left-wing political party's presidential win will go down in history, but it also raises questions about her image outside her political mentor, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Claudia Sheinbaum has made waves as the first woman and the first Jewish person to be elected to lead Mexico, one of the world's largest predominantly Catholic countries.

Inside Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidential Election

MEGA

Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, won her fellow citizens's hearts with her campaign to continue Lopez Obrador's legacy. She obtained a landslide victory in what the authorities described as the largest election in Mexico's history.

Sheinbaum reportedly won with at least 58.3% of the votes, according to preliminary results, while her closest competitor, Xochitl Galvez, had at least 26.6%.

The other woman vying for the highest seat failed to show Mexicans she could lead them without Lopez Obrador's legacy. Days before Sheinbaum's victory, Galvez noted in an interview that "an anti-system vote" against Lopez Obrador could support her campaign.

However, several Mexicans seemed unsure that the parties backing her were not tied to a system of corruption and incompetence.

Carlos Bravo Regidor, a political analyst based in Mexico City, reflected on her loss in a candid statement, per The New York Times, saying:

"Xochitl Galvez has been unable to represent change because the parties backing her embody the establishment. Most Mexicans want a continuity of the change brought by Lopez Obrador."

Is Sheinbaum's Victory Tied To President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador?

MEGA

During his tenure, President Lopez Obrador supported millions of Mexicans by lifting them out of poverty and doubling the minimum wage. He reshaped Mexican politics, earning the love and respect of his people as well as criticisms for failing the nation.

Lopez Obrador faced backlash for failing to control rampant cartel violence, destroying the nation's health system, and frequently undercutting democratic institutions. However, his beloved image helped secure Sheinbaum's ascension as his successor.

Gloria Maria Rodriguez, a 78-year-old woman from Tabasco, proudly celebrated Sheinbaum's victory. "We love her; we want her to work like Obrador. We want a president like Obrador," she declared.

Rodriguez wasn't alone, as many Mexican voters saw Sheinbaum as an agent of institutionalizing the changes brought about by her mentor. During the campaign, she supported many of Lopez Obrador's most controversial policies.

This includes a slate of constitutional changes that critics claimed would severely undermine democratic checks and balances. However, backing her mentor's ideas did not make Sheinbaum his puppet.

The President-elect Has An Image Outside Her Predecessor

Gracias, gracias, gracias; no les voy a fallar. Vamos a avanzar con el Segundo Piso de la Cuarta Transformacion. pic.twitter.com/vwXlA7w54X  Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) June 3, 2024

Earlier this year, the speculations about Sheinbaum's close relationship with Lopez Obrador forced the president-elect to address the situation. She assured the public that she had her own thoughts outside her mentor's wishes, saying:

"There's this idea, because a lot of columnists say it, that I don't have a personality. That President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador tells me what to do, that when I get to the presidency, he's going to be calling me on the phone every day."

Sheinbaum doubled down on her plan to support Mexicans in a statement after her historic win. She reaffirmed her party's commitment to democracy and celebrated her victory as that of her people. She said:

"For the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first female president of Mexico. And as I have said on other occasions, I do not arrive alone. We all arrived with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters, and our granddaughters."

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

Sheinbaum was born into a Jewish family and followed her parents' footsteps in the field of science. She studied physics and then energy engineering before pursuing research for her doctoral degree at the University of California, Berkeley.

Despite her scientific success, Sheinbaum's desire to leave a positive mark on Mexico's history outweighed her accomplishments. Her parents had instilled in her their passion for politics, pushing the 61-year-old to student activism.

She often credited her parents' involvement in the 1968 student protests as an inspiration for her political growth. Sheinbaum's passion eventually transitioned to a political career under Lopez Obrador's wing, per Al Jazeera.

More About Sheinbaum's Political Career

Gracias hoy al pueblo de Mexico, este es su triunfo, este 2 de junio nuevamente hicimos historia. Viva la Cuarta Transformacion! Viva Mexico! pic.twitter.com/RyD8N8Impw  Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) June 3, 2024

Sheinbaum revealed that she and Lopez Obrador often participated in the same protests and activist work in a campaign video about her life. However, they officially met in 2000, a week after he was elected mayor of Mexico City.

Shortly after, Lopez Obrador proposed Sheinbaum become the secretary of the environment, and she happily accepted. While campaigning on her mentor's behalf, she also forged her own academic and political career.

In 2018, she became the first woman elected to lead Mexico City and resigned from the post in June 2023 to receive her party's presidential nomination. Now, she is the first woman and Jewish person to become her country's highest official.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Climate change made the recent flooding that devastated southern Brazil twice as likely, a team of international scientists said on Monday, adding that the heavy rains were also intensified by the natural El Nino phenomenon.

More than 170 people were killed and nearly 580,000 displaced after storms and floods battered Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul last month, with local authorities describing it as the worst disaster in the region's history.

Even in the current climate, experts from the World Weather Attribution group said, the heavy rainfall that submerged entire towns and destroyed critical infrastructure was an "extremely rare" event expected to occur only once every 100 to 250 years. But it would have been even rarer without the effects of burning fossil fuel, the group said.

By combining weather observations with results from climate models, the scientists estimated that climate change had made the event in southern Brazil twice as likely and around 6% to 9% more intense.

"The climate in Brazil has already changed," said Lincoln Alves, a researcher at Brazil's space research center INPE. "This attribution study confirms that human activities have contributed to more intense and frequent extreme events, highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate change."

The El Nino phenomenon, which contributes to higher temperatures in many parts of the world and boosts rainfall and flood risk in parts of the Americas, also played a part in the recent disaster, the scientists noted.

The study estimated El Nino increased the probability of the event by a factor of 2 to 5, while making the rainfall 3% to 10% more intense.

Failure of critical infrastructure, deforestation and the rapid urbanization of cities such as Rio Grande do Sul's capital Porto Alegre, home to 1.3 million people, helped to amplify the effects of the disaster, the scientists added.

Regina Rodrigues, a researcher at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, said well-maintained flood protection infrastructure and appropriated urban planning are necessary to minimize the impact of "such extreme events".

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
This years closed Republican primary could be the last of its kind in South Dakota

A Sioux Falls resident votes in the city and school board election at Southern Hills United Methodist Church on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Tuesdays primary election could be the last of its kind in South Dakota. In November, voters will consider Constitutional Amendment H which, if approved, would drastically change the way primaries are conducted in this state.

Amendment H would open the primaries to all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation or the lack of party affiliation. All candidates would be on the ballot during the primary, with the top winners advancing to the November election. The advancing candidates could be from different parties or from the same party.

The open primaries change would apply to races for governor, the Legislature, U.S. Senate and House and elected county offices. As an example, in the case of the race for governor, the top two candidates would advance to the fall election. In the case of the South Dakota State House, where two candidates are elected in most districts, four candidates would advance.

The best part of Amendment H is that it opens the primary system to all registered voters, not just those affiliated with a political party. This is particularly important in the case of the Republican Party, which is dominant in South Dakota. Often positions are filled in Pierre and at the county level during the Republican Party primary if there are no independent or Democratic Party challengers.

It just doesnt seem right that taxpayers should get the privilege of paying for a primary and then be shut out of it if they dont belong to that party. The Democratic Party opens its primary to independents, but voters are locked out of the Republican Party primary unless they belong to the GOP.

It just doesnt seem right that taxpayers should get the privilege of paying for a primary and then be shut out of it if they dont belong to that party.

As Amendment H heads for the fall election, the states Democratic Party has decided to remain neutral on the issue. Some Republicans are dead set against it.

We are 110% opposed to the idea, South Dakota Republican Party Chair John Wiik told South Dakota Searchlight. Its our job in the Republican Party to put out the best candidates and decide whos going to represent us on the general election ballot.

Wiiks big talk would be easier to take seriously if he could back it up with some money to pay for his partys share of the primary. Or, if the primary isnt to his liking anymore, the Republicans could caucus or make their candidate selections at a convention. Primaries arent the only way to choose candidates.

Its odd that Wiik is 110% opposed to Amendment H because, based on the current primary, it looks like Republicans would benefit the most from the change. Republicans have the most to gain from the proposed system because they are fielding far more candidates than Democrats.

Legislative primary challenges are a growth industry in the Republican Party with 44 taking place across the state this June. Democrats have one Senate primary. With the Democrats dearth of candidates, they may have been better off talking one of those candidates into changing districts.

According to the Secretary of States website, Republicans are fielding more than 150 legislative candidates in the primary and the general election. Democrats have just over 50. If voters approve of Amendment H and that 3 to 1 candidate advantage holds true in the next election, there will be far more Republican choices for voters than Democratic choices.

This year, Democrats made their best effort in recent history to attract candidates. They still fell far short of filling the ballot with 19 candidates for the 35-member Senate and 33 candidates for the 70-member House. Its hard to believe this new system would hurt the Republican Party given that theyre fielding so many more candidates than Democrats.

Some citizens may be happy with keeping most of the old system and just constitutionally mandating that the primaries be open to all registered voters. It only seems fair that people who pay for an election get to take part in it.

This fall, South Dakota voters will have to decide if they like the other big change in Amendment H, advancing the top primary candidates with the most votes to the fall election regardless of party affiliation.

2024 South Dakota voter guide

Primary election

Date: June 4.

Voter registration: Closed (deadline was May 20).

Early/absentee voting: Underway.

General election

Date: Nov. 5.

Voter registration deadline: Oct. 21.

Early/absentee voting: Begins Sept. 20.

Voter information

Register: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx.

Vote early: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/absentee-voting.aspx.

Find your polling place and sample ballot: https://vip.sdsos.gov/VIPLogin.aspx.

Candidate list: https://vip.sdsos.gov/candidatelist.aspx?eid=651.

Ballot questions: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2024/2024-ballot-questions.aspx.

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The post This years closed Republican primary could be the last of its kind in South Dakota appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Georgia's leaders continue to pass up heavy federal subsidies to expand Medicaid coverage to provide access to health care to low-income residents. the_burtons/Getty Images

Nearly half a million Georgians  small business owners, farmers, veterans, and part-time, hourly, and gig workers  cannot afford private health insurance but earn just above the threshold to qualify for Medicaid.

Closing this coverage gap is not just good health care policy, it is also good economic policy. It helps not just those in need of coverage; it benefits all Georgians. Our states business leaders recognize that closing this gap is critical if we want a healthier, more productive workforce and want to ensure the long-term economic vitality of our state.

New research finds that closing the coverage gap would spur more than 51,000 new jobs. New jobs in outpatient and inpatient care, as you might expect, but even more new jobs outside of health care in fields such as construction, retail trade, administrative and support services, and restaurant services. Georgia households would see an average annual increase of nearly $900 in personal income when the coverage gap is closed  a statewide total increase of $3.6 billion in the pockets of Georgians. Georgias middle class would grow and strengthen.

The research by Regional Economic Models Inc., commissioned by the Georgia Health Initiative, projects that closing the coverage gap would stimulate significant new consumer spending and new investment in Georgias economy. As a result, the states economic output would increase by $9.4 billion and our gross domestic product by $5.5 billion in the first three years. And the benefits would extend to every part of our state. Rural Georgians are estimated to receive as much as one-sixth of the states total economic benefits  a projected gain of more than 5,600 new jobs and $477 million in additional personal income.

Closing the coverage gap is also critical for our ailing rural hospitals, which provide essential community services. Nine rural Georgia hospitals have closed since 2010, and as many as 18 more are now struggling and in danger of closing or dramatically reducing services. When a rural hospital shuts it doors, county residents are forced to travel hours to access care, and the community loses an important employer.

Closing the coverage gap will provide more reliable reimbursements for rural hospitals, so they can remain financially stable. It will also incentivize more primary care providers and specialty doctors to provide services in rural parts of our state, as many counties dont have a single doctor who is a pediatrician or obstetrician.

When people lack access to preventative care and treatment for chronic conditions, their health suffers, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. Without insurance, Georgians delay seeking medical attention until their conditions escalate, resulting in more severe illnesses that require longer absences from work. This not only harms individuals and families but also strains our workplaces and drives up health costs for everyone.

Closing the coverage gap is fiscally responsible. It would bring home $3.6 billion of our federal tax dollars rather than sending them to other states. Washington would pay 90% of the cost of closing the coverage gap plus provide a $550 million bonus for each of two years. State savings in child welfare and law enforcement would also result.

Seventy-six percent of Georgians, including 63% of independents and a majority of Republicans, support closing the coverage gap. Still, at the end of its session in March, the Georgia General Assembly voted to create a commission for further study. We are pleased that the issue remains active but urge legislators to plan now for bold action in the next session, not another report that goes nowhere. The economy of our state demands no less.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is an outlier among the states largest public school districts: Its graduation rate continues to decline from a peak in 2016 as others improve.

CMS officials arent too concerned.

Last year, the four-year graduation rate for CMS students was lower than the rates at four other large, metropolitan school districts in the state, according to N.C. Department of Public Instruction data.

Here's our latest accountability reporting

Reality Check reflects the Charlotte Observers commitment to holding those in power accountable. Here are three of our stories from this week:

 Fate of damaged Charlotte house where shootout killed four officers remains murky

 CMS wants rules if NC private schools get new voucher money

 Huntersville wants people to pay by the hour if records requests take too long. Is it legal?

Fewer than 83% of CMS students graduated on time last year, the lowest percentage since the 2012-13 school year, data show. Its also about seven percentage points less than its recent peak in 2016, when 89.6% of CMS students graduated after four years.

Data isnt yet available for seniors receiving their diplomas now.

Meanwhile, the four-year graduation rate for Wake County Schools, the states largest district, is trending in the opposite direction, topping 89% each of the past five years, according to a Charlotte Observer analysis. In Guilford County Schools, the third largest district in the state, the graduation rate was 91% in 2023-2024. And the trend is repeated in Cumberland and Forsyth counties: public school system graduation rates are generally improving.

The state averaged a high school graduation rate of 87% last year.

The last time CMSs grad rate topped the state average was in 2017, when CMS had a grad rate of 89%, while the state average was 87%.

The graduation rate for 2024 hasnt been released yet, but rates will probably take a dip all around the state, due to so many students having to repeat their freshman year post-pandemic. One in six high school freshmen in North Carolina did not advance to tenth grade after the 2020-21 school year.

As for CMS, school board members say theyre confident new leadership under Superintendent Crystal Hill will change the trend. And a district statement to The Charlotte Observer called efforts to turn things around intentional and robust.

Causes behind CMS graduation rate drop

Providence High School graduates throw their mortarboards into the air moments after officially graduating High School on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Bojangles Coliseum.

Graduation rates in CMS took a big dip after 2017 partly because the state changed the rules.

Prior to 2018, high school students who fell behind and switched schools didnt count toward either schools tally. A school receiving a student in the middle of their high school career shouldnt be held accountable for getting that teen across the finish line on time, according to the states reasoning. But from 2018 on, the school where a student completes senior year must count that student in its total, even if they just spent one year there.

However, these new rules applied to the whole state, and while other districts saw a graduation rate decrease, CMS was the only district among the five biggest that took a steep decline.

In 2019, the district also saw an end to Project LIFT, a six-year, $55-million program to improve student performance and close the achievement gap in several of Charlottes lowest-performing schools. It produced some promising results, including increasing the graduation rate at West Charlotte High School by 30%.

A major cause of dropouts nationwide is chronic absenteeism  an issue CMS is familiar with. A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% of school days or more.

Its a state issue and a national issue right now that really got highlighted during the pandemic, said Gina Zhang, research and data analysis manager for MyFutureNC, a nonprofit education advocacy group.

In CMS, the chronic absenteeism rate was in-line with the state average at 31%.

Dropouts tend to have a truancy issue, said Arthur Griffin, a Mecklenburg County commissioner and former CMS school board chair. They miss school, and then they dont do well in classes, and then they eventually withdraw.

Griffin wants district leaders to analyze which students tend to drop out and then put interventions in place to support those students.

We can fix this problem, but we need to take the time to look at the anatomy of a dropout, he said.

In CMS, Hispanic students, many of whom are English language learners, have a graduation rate of 71%  around 12% below the district average  and that population of students is rapidly increasing. At the end of 2023, Hispanic students accounted for 31% of the districts total enrollment.

Language can be a real barrier for a lot of Hispanic students since, even though they grow up here, some of them may not speak English at home, said Zhang. They often are second language learners or may have some other challenges like being disabled or economically disadvantaged. So these mixed factors can make it more difficult for these students to perform at the same level as peers who dont have these barriers.

Whats next

Efforts to increase the graduation rate in CMS have been intentional and robust this school year, a district spokesperson told the Observer.

It includes increased student progress monitoring and more support for school counselors.

Next year, the district plans to add quarterly student progress monitoring and increased graduation support for multilingual students.

CMS Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin said the downward trend in graduation rates over the past few years is slight enough that its not a major concern.

It hasnt been a drastic change, though it has been a slight decline, he said.

Hes confident that the rate will improve under the districts new superintendent.

I think that with the leadership we have in place now, there are strategies to improve the graduation rate across the board for all of our students, Rankin told the Observer.

Griffin isnt so sure.

The trend is troubling, he said. Were losing far too many of our students to dropping out in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, but more specifically, there doesnt appear to be a system of accountability.

Griffin pointed to the fact that raising the graduation rate is not explicitly part of the districts new goals going into effect in October.

I dont know if they even have a graduation rate standard since thats not part of their goals, he said.

What are CMS goals?

One of the districts new goals is to increase the percent of rising seniors on track to graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed. The other three goals address literacy and math scores.

Rankin contends that the graduation rate also will improve by improving student outcomes overall.

Its my job as a board member to monitor our progress throughout the year and make sure were staying aligned with our strategic plan, Rankin said. Im sure if we do those things in an effective manner that we will see an increase in our graduation rate and our student outcomes as well.

Superintendent Crystal Hill indicated at a board meeting last month CMS will improve its performance monitoring efforts next school year by assessing progress of various student demographic groups. This may help the district identify needs and, hopefully, close a persistent achievement gap in test scores between Black and Latino students and their peers.

CMS also increased monitoring of high schoolers performance in general this year, including assessing how high school students are performing prior to the end-of-course exam. That already occurs for elementary and middle schoolers.

Hill will announce her five-year strategic plan in mid-June.

The Observer made multiple requests to speak with district leadership, but CMS said no one was available for an interview.
By Alimat Aliyeva

The National Security Council (NSC) of South Korea will consider a draft on the complete termination of the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, Azernews reports.

According to the draft, the agreement will be terminated until trust between Seoul and Pyongyang is restored.

It is noted that at today's meeting of the National Security Council, it was decided to include consideration of the bill in the agenda of tomorrow's meeting.

The Inter-Korean Agreement (September 19, 2018) provides for measures to reduce tension in the military sphere, including the establishment of buffer zones in border areas. In November 2023, South Korea announced a partial refusal to comply with the terms of this agreement. The reason for this decision was the launch of reconnaissance satellites by the DPRK.

On May 31, South Korea's Unification Ministry warned that it would take "unbearably" painful measures against North Korea if it continued to commit provocations. The authorities are considering the possibility of conducting a "psychological war" against the DPRK, which includes broadcasting loudspeakers along the border and sending leaflets critical of the North Korean regime.

On May 28, May 29 and June 2, the DPRK sent balloons with garbage and manure towards South Korea. 260 balloons have crossed the border all the time. The Deputy Minister of Defense of the DPRK, Kim Gang Il, stated that balloons with garbage were launched after propaganda materials from South Korea were found on the territory of the DPRK.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has approved two documents signed with Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

The head of state has approved the "Agreement between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan on mutual recognition of qualification diplomas of crew members of sea vessels," signed on March 11, 2024, in Baku.

President Ilham Aliyev also approved the Protocol on amendments to the Agreement between the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of education dated April 3, 2017, signed on March 11, 2024 in Baku.
CHICAGO (NewsNation)  Several universities across the country are doling out discipline after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, including institutions withholding or threatening to withhold the diplomas of seniors who participated in demonstrations.

The institutions said they are withholding the documents until disciplinary investigations are completed.

Although many Israel-Hamas war protests on college campuses were peaceful, hundreds of students were arrested across the country.

University of Chicago refuses diplomas

Four students were refused their diplomas at the University of Chicago, prompting dozens of students to walk out of the commencement ceremony, booing and chanting.

University of Chicago graduate Yousef Haswa said he received an email just days before graduation informing him that he wouldnt receive his diploma. A university official said his disruptive conduct would require further review.

Netanyahu aide: Bidens Gaza plan not a good deal but Israel accepts it

In response, Haswa threw his robe to the ground along with his Odyssey Scholar medal, calling his diploma refusal a pointless punishment.

My diploma doesnt matter when there are people in Palestine and Gaza that will never walk a stage again, Haswa said.

Thousands of students and staff have signed a petition calling for the university to grant the degrees to the four students. Several Chicago City Council members have also signed a letter with the same demands.

Other universities withhold degrees

On the West Coast, the University of California, Los Angeles is reportedly threatening to discipline and withhold degrees from at least 55 students who participated in protests on campus.

UCLA administrators pointed to the student conduct code, which addresses prohibited behavior.

Students may be held accountable for committing or attempting to commit a violation of this Code or for assisting, facilitating, or participating in the planning of an act that violates this Code (or an act that would be in violation of this Code if it were carried out by a student), the code reads.

At Harvard University, more than a dozen students were denied diplomas over the weekend. About a thousand people walked out of the commencement speech standing in solidarity.

Israel describes a permanent cease-fire in Gaza as a nonstarter

According to USA Today, these students may not get their degrees until 2026.

Princeton University has reportedly withheld diplomas from two of their seniors. Additional reports say degrees will also be withheld at Vanderbilt and Columbia University pending investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed a bill Friday setting up a voting program for inmates held in county jails, a first-of-its-kind effort expanding the ability to vote to those in local custody.

The law requires counties to designate an employee to coordinate voting access for those in custody, including at least one day of in-person voting. People convicted of felonies are not eligible to vote in Colorado, though those who were convicted of a misdemeanor or are awaiting trial are eligible.

At least 61 voting sites will be set up in county facilities across the state for the November election, the Colorado secretary of states office said.

State Sen. Julie Gonzales (D), who sponsored the bill, told NBC News that the initiative is intended to solve previous logistical challenges that prevented many inmates from voting.

In Colorado, we really pride ourselves on our gold star election system, Gonzales said. Yet we realized that there was a group of individuals who werent able to fully access the ballot.

Just eight jails nationwide allow inmates to easily cast ballots, according to the Prison Policy Institute, including two facilities in Denver. The Denver program began in 2020, with more than 150 inmates voting in that election.

While activists have pushed for years to encourage states to allow inmates to vote after they are released, few efforts have been made to advocate for voting by those behind bars. An estimated half million people are in custody awaiting trial nationwide, according to Justice Department data as of 2022.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence.

Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence in Evergreen. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence in Evergreen. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence in Evergreen. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence in Evergreen. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the rescue Saturday when a bear cub got stuck in a wire fence in Evergreen. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

When officers responded, the mother bear was in a tree nearby and unable to help free her cub.

Thats where we step in to lend a hand, CPW said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

So, officers shot a tranquilizer at the mother so that they could help the cub without worrying about her.

The real reason to keep wildlife wild and leave wildlife alone

Colorado Parks and Wildlife posted videos of the rescue on X. The mother bear could be seen in the tree nearby while officers were cutting away the wire fencing. They used a catchpole to make sure the cub was not hurt during the process.

The rescue has to happen fast, CPW said. The cub isnt making happy sounds, but soon it will be free and much better.

Officers were able to release the cub and back away just as the mother bear was waking up.

Why bears in Colorado like trash

To make sure the mother bear and her cub dont come back to the dangerous fencing, CPW said K-9 Officer Samson helped haze them away from the area.

Bear reports dont always end well

This story had a happy ending, where both bears were able to walk away from this unharmed. However, when bears end up in peoples yards, it doesnt always end this well.

How to keep bears away from homes in Colorado

If they think its in the best interest of the bear and the people, they may relocate that bear, said Brenda Lee, founder of the Colorado Bear Coalition.

Despite it sometimes being necessary, Lee said, relocation of the bear is not ideal since they are usually placed in a new area where there could be other bears that could be a threat to them.

Especially a mama with cubs, there could be male bears that are going to go after her cubs, Lee said.

If the bear comes back and still continues to be a nuisance, this means they are now a threat to people and themselves.

Thats considered a second strike, and they will be killed, Lee said.

To avoid relocation in the first place, Lee said communities should focus on removing incentives for them to venture into their yards or urban areas. This includes stowing all food and trash, including bird feeders.

With bird feeders, we really recommend pulling those bird feeders in from April to October. And finding plants, fruit-bearing plants, that birds can eat, and bears dont like, Lee said.

Lee said despite misconceptions that bears only feed at night, they are opportunists and will feed whenever they can. This even includes hummingbird feeders.

While Lee noted peoples attachments to watching their favorite birds coming to their feeders, she said using plants rather than store-bought seed can have similar benefits and viewing opportunities.

Hibernation is ending: The bears are back in town

We dont need to artificially feed birds, Lee said. So, how can we do that in a more natural way that fits their biology better, so its not like putting out junk food for them that could potentially cause them problems? Especially with hummingbirds, they can get bacteria from the hummingbird feeders if theyre not washed often enough.

Other things you can do to keep bears away include using electric fencing around chicken coops or bee hives, which she said are really effective at keeping the bears at bay.

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 Platte Basin in Colorado now experiences 25 more fire weather days per year compared to 1973, a recent analysis by Climate Central found.

The analysis used temperature, humidity and wind speed data from over 400 weather stations in the contiguous U.S. for the past five decades. Its results show wildfire seasons in the West are getting longer and more intense.

As fire weather becomes more prevalent, there are more days when extreme conditions can blow up small blazes into big ones or fuel the growth of large wildfires, the report says.

In Colorado, the top 20 largest wildfires happened this century, and four of the five largest wildfires happened since 2018, according to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

In Colorado, the top 20 largest wildfires occurred this century, and four of the five largest wildfires occurred since 2018, according to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

A warming climate combined with more people moving to fire-prone areas can lead to hefty costs.

According to the state, Without mitigation efforts and actions to slow the rate of climate change, the damage from wildfires to buildings and the cost of fire suppression alone is anticipated to cost the state $440 million annually by 2050.

A warming climate

The CSU climate change report shows theres high confidence that temperature in Colorado has been increasing, a trend that is strongly linked to the overall human influence on climate and recent global warming.

And according to projections, this warming will continue. By 2050, an average year will likely be as warm as the very warmest years on record through 2022."

As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, but that doesnt necessarily mean that it will, Assistant State Climatologist Becky Bolinger said.

A warmer atmosphere, just like a bigger bottle, can hold more water. But if you take the water in one bottle and put it in a bigger one, there's a smaller percentage of water in the larger bottle than the original one. Likewise, if the moisture received on a warmer atmosphere is the same, the relative humidity will go down, Bolinger said.

A warmer and drier climate combined with high wind speeds are the ingredients that increase wildfire risk.

While theres high confidence on temperature and humidity trends, theres more uncertainty on wind trends.

One of the defining changes weve seen is that on the eastern plains  we are finding more windy days in a La Nina spring," Bolinger said. " I dont think thats a trend with climate change. We just happen to be in a more dominant La Nina cycle.

Even if stronger wind observed might be part of the Earths natural climate variability, Bolinger still thinks the major driver increasing wildfire risk is human-caused climate change.

Fires, of course, are multifaceted

Last year, Troy Wixson, a Ph.D. candidate in statistics at CSU, and Dan Cooley, a professor in the statistics department, published a study on how wildfire risk has changed under our current climate.

We were motivated to do something local because we lived through the 2020 fire season and a question on peoples minds certainly was how different are things now? Cooley said.

Their study calculated the daily fire weather index, which includes temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation, at Grand Lake.

It doesnt have anything to do with whether a fire starts or not. But this index is all about if a fire were to start, how bad could it get? Wixson said.

What they found is that the probability to have a fire season like the one seen in 2020 is four to 10 times higher now than what it was under the climate of the past.

As a member of this community, its concerning. I think fire risk is much greater than it was 50 years ago.  And theres no reason to think that it wont be even greater 50 years from now, Cooley said.

This study assessed climate conditions, but fires, of course, are multifaceted, Cooley said. Things like management are the other piece that may make dealing with fires now harder than it was before.

The economics of wildfires

In 1935, the U.S. Forest Service implemented the 10 a.m. rule. The policy mandated that fires had to be put out by 10 a.m. the day after they were discovered. Without this natural disturbance, forests grow more dense and less diverse.

The Coloradoan previously reported about forest pests continuing to spread in Colorado. Reduced precipitation and higher temperatures stress trees and weaken their defenses; combined with denser forests, this allows pests to spread quickly.

Read more: From the mountain pine beetle to emerald ash borer, Colorado forest pests spread in 2023

So, we do want to have fire, but we dont want the fires to threaten the communities, Emergency Services Director at the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Justin Whitesell said.

Whitesell said the sheriffs office works with the Forest Service and other agencies to do prescribed fires when its safe to do so. Another approach toward reducing fuels is to do it mechanically through forest thinning.

Those are some of the ways we try to balance suppressing all the fires but also trying to maintain healthy ecosystems, which is not always easy, Whitesell said.

Joseph Wilson calls out before felling a tree at the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch with a Larimer County Conservation Corps crew on Aug. 3, 2023, near Red Feather Lakes. The work was part of a project led by Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed with the help of partners, including Larimer County Conservation Corps. Thinning forests on private and public land is one of the main pre-fire mitigation tools being used in hopes of reducing future wildfire severity.

Since the 1980s, federal firefighting suppression costs have increased by an order of magnitude. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Forest Service and Department of the Interior agencies spent about $3.5 billion on suppression in 2022 compared to about $240 million in 1985.

Had we not suppressed fires as much in the past, there would probably be less fuels on the forest floor today, said Jude Bayham, an associate professor at CSUs department of agricultural and resource economics.

But its hard to really know the counterfactual. Its hard to know exactly what it would have been like had we not suppressed fire, Bayham said.

Fire suppression early on was aimed to preserve valuable timber and without the suppression there would have probably been economic losses to that industry as well as human losses, Bayham said.

Today, property losses are one of the clear economic impacts of wildfires, but there are other areas being studied.

There is emerging evidence now that workers are less productive, especially workers that are spending most of their time outside exposed to high levels of air pollution, Bayham said. ... So those costs combined with the health costs of just smoke exposure are quite high just because they affect so many people.

A new reality

As climate change fuels wildfire risk, the approach toward managing it before, during and after fires is also changing.

Whitesell, who was born and raised in Fort Collins, started firefighting with the sheriffs office in 1995 and said hes seen some of these changes.

For example, theres been an effort to bring more full-time employees. Before, the fire season was from April to October, and they relied on part-time firefighters.

But now we have fires year-round that threaten homes or threaten the safety of the public, Whitesell said.

The state has also seen an increase in population and now more people live in fire-prone areas.

The amount of people that moved into the hills have exacerbated having to protect the communities. And then the fires have also gotten, and I hate to say bigger, but they have gotten bigger recently, Whitesell said. Back in the early 1800s the fires used to be bigger, but there were no people there. So its this weird combination of people and fire.

In this Aug. 11, 2023, file photo, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests lands in the Cameron Peak Fire burn area in Northern Colorado remain completely singed. Recent events, like the High Park and Cameron Peak fires, burned so intensely that few living seed sources remain to regenerate the forest.

This means that large evacuations have become more common. Thousands of people were evacuated during the Cameron Peak Fire, which burned through more than 200,000 acres and is the largest in Colorados history.

Bigger and more intense flaming fronts are also harder to tackle with hand crews. Additional equipment, like dozers and aircrafts, is needed to manage them.

But Whitesell said they are not just focused on the response side; they are also ramping efforts on the preparedness side.

Larimer County has five cameras that are to help look for smoke, but we are also working with CSU right now trying to bring in additional fire cameras that use artificial intelligence to help detect fires before they get big, Whitesell said.

Beyond the new use of technology, other efforts include evacuation training with municipalities, home assessments with landowners and HOAs, and getting grants to help communities do mitigation work.

Read more: 'We need to have well-trained responders': Colorado pilots prepare for wildfire season

Bayham said the Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation Program is designed to provide resources to communities to offset costs of things like forest thinning.

The 2024-2025 request for applications will open late this summer and around $7.2 million in funding will be available, according to the agencys website.

A lot of resources go to protecting homes, and when theres more people moving to places that need protection, the Forest Service and other agencies bear some of that cost, Bayham said.

With climate change and more extreme fire behavior, current strategies are not as effective as they are under mild conditions.

There shouldnt be this expectation that the Forest Service or CAL FIRE, depending on where you live, is necessarily going to be able to save your home, Bayham said.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado wildfire seasons are getting longer as climate changes
NEW YORK  Students at Columbia University dismantled a third pro-Palestinian encampment overnight Sunday, before cops entered campus to document vandalism at the Morningside Heights institutions latest tent city.

The 48-hour camp, which coincided with reunion weekend, called on Columbia alumni to withhold donations from the university until it divests from Israel. Students staged their protest on the same lawns where, several weeks earlier, they had sparked a national campus movement against the war in Gaza.

We will be back, the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine wrote on social media.

As we begin our summer of disruption, we call on all students and the wider community to do the same. Every single university in Gaza has been destroyed. There is no business as usual during a genocide, the post continued.

Some of the tents students pitched were removed Friday. About two dozen protesters were left as organizers voluntarily ended the demonstration, according to the student newspaper Columbia Spectator. University officials had summoned police to clear two larger encampments and an occupied campus building, Hamilton Hall, where protesters said they sustained injuries during the April 30 raid.

After protesters left, cops documented vandalism of large, white tents that had been set up for alumni weekend. There were no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.

A protester spray-painted tents with graffiti: Well be back b*tches and REVOLT FOR RAFAH beside an inverted triangle, a pro-Palestinian symbol, photos show.

After the protestors departed their encampment, Public Safety escorted members of the NYPD to take a record of the vandalism that occurred, a Columbia spokesperson wrote in a statement. As part of their investigation of a complaint of criminal mischief, the NYPD photographed and documented damage, including of graffiti spray-painted on the tent, which was owned by an outside vendor.

The spokesperson added that Columbia is moving forward with the disciplinary process for students who participated in the latest encampment.

As the reunion came to a close, more than 2,200 Columbia alumni signed onto a petition to withhold all financial, programmatic, and academic support. Some attended an alternative reunion, where ticket proceeds went toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, among other groups.

Fewer students remain on campus than during the spring semester, as Columbia enters its third week of the summer term. Campus access is restricted to Columbia ID-holders.
The leaders of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee have crafted dueling bills to tackle a shared interest: how to address foreign money in U.S. politics.

Its one of the few areas of common ground for Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who have railed against foreign influence in politics almost as much as theyve taken shots at each other.

But their two bills diverge in their approach, each drawing inspiration from their respective investigations into the Biden and Trump families.

Raskin name-checked former President Trump in rolling out a bill that adds penalties for those who fail to meet their constitutional obligation to seek Congresss blessing to take foreign government money.

And while Comer mentioned no names when he released bipartisan legislation he sponsored with Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), portions of the bill read like a roadmap of his investigation into the Biden family. The bill would require presidents to disclose foreign earnings of any kind made to the president and their immediate family.

Either bill would represent a serious advancement in addressing foreign money in politics.

But drumming up support for both bills could be a tough sell in a committee where clashes are commonplace  even as a few lawmakers say theyd consider crossing the aisle to support the other sides bill.

I think that they could be complimentary. I dont see them as necessarily competing bills, said Danielle Caputo, an attorney with the Campaign Legal Center, adding that both would aid in transparency around foreign spending tied to U.S. politicians.

Both of these bills would be a step in the right direction.

Comer and Raskin quietly worked on their bills for months before their recent rollouts.

But their back-to-back introduction suggests theres some competitive spirit at play.

Raskin introduced his bill the night before Comers, telling The Wall Street Journal, When I heard that Chairman Comer was putting out his bill, I thought it would be a good time to put out our proposal.

Comers bill focuses more on disclosure, forcing the president and vice president to detail both their own foreign income and that of their immediate relatives. It would also require sharing their tax returns once the pair is in office.

It also includes measures inspired by Comers investigation into the Biden family, requiring presidents to disclose any loans made with family members as well as documentation of any family travel on Air Force One or Air Force Two by relatives hitching a ride and whether they were doing so for business purposes.

Raskins bill follows a report from committee Democrats earlier this year that documented nearly $8 million spent by foreign governments at Trump businesses while he was in office. Trump did not seek permission from Congress for his businesses to accept the money.

His legislation would expand the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, applying its limitation on accepting foreign government money to a wider pool of elected officials, as well as some top White House roles. It also extends the clauses requirements for two years after those officials leave their posts.

That would address conduct from Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, who after leaving the White House signed a $2 billion investment deal with a fund controlled by the Saudi royal family.

It also adds both civil and criminal penalties for those found to be skirting the law.

Neither leader, however, expressed much interest in supporting their colleagues legislation.

For a bill to really become a law, it has to be bipartisan, Comer said, noting his work with Porter, a lawmaker he has regularly praised during committee hearings for her willingness to work with him on the issue.

Raskins bill, he said, wasnt designed to [be bipartisan]. It was designed to be a stunt. And thats all he is. He just does stunts. This is a sincere effort by Porter and myself to fix a problem that both parties admit has existed for a long time.

Raskin was similarly hesitant to support Comers legislation, calling it weak and purely a disclosure bill.

It doesnt really do anything. Its cosmetic. It should apply to candidates; it should apply to people who are running so that the public knows whether theyve been collecting money from foreign governments or other kinds of special interests, the Maryland Democrat said, nodding to Trumps failure across three presidential bids to release his tax returns.

I dont have any particular problem with it because its a teeny bit more disclosure. If he were to open it up to candidates, then thats something I could definitely look at signing, Raskin added.

Stuck in the middle is Porter, who is a co-sponsor on Raskins legislation as well.

I see no reason not to support all thoughtful efforts in this area, she told The Hill.

But she sees her bill with Comer as being both more substantive and having a better chance at being fast tracked through the legislative process.

The bill that Mr. Comer and I have developed is much broader. It covers not just foreign payments. It covers loans, it covers gifts, it covers conflicts of interest, it covers travel on official aircraft and it covers tax returns, she said.

She and Comer have also committed to accepting amendments during markup, something Porter said could make it a vehicle for other top ethics issues  anything from congressional stock trading to a different rule on foreign payments.

Porter said she and Comer intentionally crafted the bill to ensure it would only need to be reviewed by the Oversight Committee, while the criminal penalties included in Raskins effort could require review elsewhere.

Mr. Raskins bill is punitive. Its to send people to prison, she said.

Our bill is about restoring trust in government and trying to get people not to do these things in the first place.

There are Oversight members on both sides of the aisle who said theyd consider supporting each piece of legislation.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) praised Porter as someone who has done a really good job of taking on corporate power and power in general, saying he was reviewing her bill with Comer.

And Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said hes not a fan of foreign money in politics, adding that he would consider supporting Raskins bill because he doesnt give a rip who sponsors the bill.

He expressed doubt, however, that the sponsors share that sentiment.

I think we can put them all together. They might try to put them all in one bill and do that kind of thing and sing Kumbaya. But  theyre both pretty alpha male types, Burchett said.

I suspect theyre both wanting their own bill.

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 former command senior chief of the littoral combat ship Manchesters gold crew pleaded guilty at a court-martial in March to charges that she installed an unauthorized Wi-Fi system aboard the ship and then lied about it to superiors, according to records obtained by Navy Times.

Before her trial, Naval Surface Force Pacific, or SURFPAC, quietly relieved then-Senior Chief Grisel Marrero from her leadership position aboard Manchester in September, due to a loss of confidence, the command said in a statement.

Marrero, whose online biography indicates a background in Navy intelligence, declined comment for this report. SURFPAC officials also declined to discuss further specifics of the case.

She was sentenced to reduction in rank to E-7 in March, according to a trial summary obtained by Navy Times.

US Navy receives 12th littoral combat ship, the Manchester

Marrero wasnt the only high-level relief aboard Manchesters gold crew last year.

The Navy also ousted the second-in-command of the ships gold crew, Cmdr. Matthew Yokeley, in May 2023. The reliefs of Marrero and Yokeley were not related, according to SURFPAC, which declined to provide further details regarding the reasons for Yokeleys ouster.

At a special court-martial earlier this year, Marrero pleaded guilty to willful dereliction of duty charge specifications.

According to her charge sheet, Marrero failed to safeguard the Manchester against operational security risks when she set up the secret Wi-Fi.

Such Wi-Fi systems are generally banned aboard Navy ships because of cybersecurity concerns.

Marrero willfully coordinated the procurement, installation and use of an unauthorized and unapproved Wi-Fi system onboard the ship between March 2023 and August 2023, according to her charge sheet.

Charge sheets state that she willfully failed to share a commanding officers suggestion box comment from a crew member about the Wi-Fi system with the then-commanding officer of the Manchesters gold crew in June 2023.

She pleaded not guilty to an obstruction of justice charge, but was found guilty at trial, according to the trial summary record.

That charge involved an incident near Naval Base Guam in August 2023, where Marrero altered a data usage image on a chiefs mess Starlink account to reflect less data usage, which she did to influence or impede pending criminal or disciplinary actions against another Navy member whose name is redacted on the charge sheet copy provided to Navy Times.

Starlink provides broadband internet access to remote locations via an array of satellites.

SURFPAC spokesman Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson told Navy Times that other sailors were also disciplined in connection to the unauthorized Wi-Fi, but he declined to provide further details.

Marrero also pleaded guilty to two false official statement charge specifications that involved her telling the CO that there was no Wi-Fi aboard the Manchester, according to her trial summary.

Marrero is currently assigned to Naval Surface Forces.

The Manchester was in or around San Diego, Hawaii and Guam at the time of Marreros crimes.
NEW PHILADELPHIA  Commissioners have approved an agreement with Roswell to construct, own and maintain a sewer system in the village.

Beaverdam Creek can be seen flowing at the Barnhill Rd NE crossing in the Village of Roswell in Union Township in this T-R file photo. Commissioners recently voted to construct, own and operate a sewer system in the village.

It was the latest step in a years long process to address sewer problems in Roswell.

More on project: Pricey project: Roswell turns to county for help with failing septic systems, new project

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency conducted multiple tests of the water in Beaverdam Creek in 2013, 2016 and 2018. Water samples were well in excess of public health standards for E. coli. The contamination has been traced to failing septic systems in the village. There are septic systems that are connected directly to the storm water system that goes directly to the creek. Since the village doesn't have the funding to build a sewage treatment plant, it has asked the county to take on the project.

Michael Jones, director of the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District, told commissioners that his agency is in the final stages of acquiring a $1 million grant from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that could be used to pay for the design phase of the project and also for a portion of the construction.

"There's still a lot of funding that we will have to find to fully fund this project," he said. "I think we're looking at probably somewhere between a $4 million and $5 million project here. It's a pretty significant undertaking, but this is the first step in getting this moving forward."

Project could take three to five years to complete

He estimated that it could take at least a year for design, permitting and easement acquisition. Completion of the project could be three to five years away.

"I think this is an opportunity for us to be able to clean up an area that has been watched by the EPA," said Commissioner Chris Abbuhl.

In 2021, Roswell council voted down a resolution that would have allowed the county sewer district to proceed with planning and engineering of a sanitary sewer system. Later that year, council reversed that vote.

"They're going to have to do something," Abbuhl said of the village. "The EPA has been watching them. They're just fortunate that there has not been action taken to force them into it because there's no way they have the means to be able do it. The county was willing to step up and help assist with this, and they voted it down."

Jones said he is not sure what the project will cost residents of Roswell.

Roswell Mayor Mitch Belknap said the agreement with the county received unanimous support from council.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: County commissioners approve agreement to operate Roswell sewer system
The Texas Democrat, who lost her bid for Houston mayor in December, is a breast cancer survivor with three decades of congressional experience

Joshua Roberts/Getty Sheila Jackson Lee

Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee revealed that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, June 2.

Jackson Lee, 74, released a statement announcing her medical diagnosis and warning her constituents that she will miss some days of work as she undergoes treatment.

"My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year," the Democratic congresswoman wrote in a statement.

"I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease," she continued, noting that "the road ahead will not be easy."

Related: Congresswoman and Mom of 2 Speaks Candidly About Her Incurable Brain Disease: 'I'm Too Young for This' (Exclusive)

Jemal Countess/Getty Sheila Jackson Lee

Jackson Lee, who represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, told her constituents that its been an "honor" to serve them throughout her 30-year tenure and warned them of her potential upcoming absence.

"As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect," she expressed.

Jackson Lee shared that she is working with congressional leadership to ensure that she can continue to "serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people."

"By Gods grace, I will be back to full strength soon," she added.

Related: Congressman Donald Payne Jr. Dead at 65: 'A Steadfast Champion for the People of New Jersey'

In 2012, Jackson Lee was diagnosed with breast cancer, later announcing that she was cancer-free after undergoing treatment.

I look forward to having many more years to enjoy my family, friends and to serve our community and nation. I now intend to be an even more vigorous advocate and supporter for cancer research and improved care," she wrote at the time, according to Politico.

Related: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Diagnosed with 'Very Treatable Blood Cancer

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Sheila Jackson Lee

While running for mayor of Houston in 2023, Jackson Lee was embroiled in controversy after a recording leaked of her berating a staff member using vulgar language.

"To anyone who has listened to this recording with concern, I am regretful and hope you will judge me not by something trotted out by a political opponent, that worked to exploit this, and backed by extreme Republican supporters on the very day that polls open but from what I've delivered to Houstonians over my years of public service," the congresswoman wrote in a statement addressing the scandal.

Ultimately, Jackson Lee was defeated by Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire.

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.

Jackson Lee joined Congress nearly 30 years ago, in 1995, and has consistently tackled LGBTQ+ rights and racial issues throughout her tenure. Last month, the senior House member reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2024 to reduce deaths related to police violence.

"This bill will finally hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct and separate them from the majority of those endowed with the ethic of just and equitable public safety. It will also improve training, practices, and transparency to rebuild the broken trust of the communities they serve," she said in a statement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has received US Department of State Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including post-conflict regional peace efforts and bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan.

Bayramov informed Bono that increased contacts between officials from both countries positively impact the development of relations, underscoring the importance of reciprocal visits in this regard.

The US side was briefed on the post-conflict regional circumstances, ongoing Azerbaijani-Armenian peace negotiations, and peace agenda developments.

Bayramov highlighted that the recent agreement achieved by the delimitation commissions, including the return of four Azerbaijani villages occupied by Armenia, underscores the value of bilateral negotiations in fostering regional peace and trust.

The constructive discussions held on May 1011, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, were also emphasized as evidence of the effectiveness of the bilateral peace process.

Senior Advisor Bono expressed optimism about the future of peacekeeping efforts in light of recent developments in the region. He reiterated the US' commitment to supporting and contributing to the negotiation process.

The meeting also covered other matters of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Connected Communities: What to know about controversial plan to remake Cincinnati's zoning

Cincinnati's controversial plan to overhaul its zoning code, known as Connected Communities, aims to offer a sweeping solution to the city's housing shortage.

Years in the making, the proposal goes to its second of three public votes Tuesday at city council's Equitable Growth & Housing Committee. The meeting follows the May 17th planning commission meeting, which drew a big audience in person at City Hall and ended in a 6-0 vote to pass the legislation. Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, who is part of the the seven-member commission, abstained.

If the proposal passes the committee vote Tuesday, it could go to a full council vote Wednesday.

What's the controversy?

More than 300 people wrote letters to the city in support of the plan, according to public documents reviewed by The Enquirer.

But citizens in recent public meetings say they don't like it. And an Enquirer survey found that the city's influential neighborhood community councils have major qualms and feel left out.

Despite the city's two-year long engagement process, Cincinnati residents argue there's not been enough information provided.

They're worried about new housing without parking.

They fear single-family homes will be demolished for multi-family buildings.

They're concerned more renters will move into single-family areas and won't invest in the neighborhood.

They say they already feel burdened by failing infrastructure like sewers, flooding and lack of street paving.

And in neighborhoods where there's already concern about absentee landlords, this plan could allow for more.

Over 50% of Cincinnati's community councils that answered The Enquirer's survey formally oppose the plan and 42% are still unsure. There's even a petition signed by over 300 residents across more than 30 neighborhoods calling for a pause on the vote and more time to review the 150-page draft legislation, released on April 11.

None of these concerns are things to worry about, city officials said. All of these issues have been taken into consideration by the planning department. Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris, the legislation's champion, said this is a long-needed update of the zoning code that simply allows for more density like all big cities.

More: Listen to That's So Cincinnati Connected Communities zoning remake 'a return to Cincinnati's very dense past'

So what's the truth?

The one thing that consistently comes up from residents is: What will happen to my street? However, because the plan ultimately depends on a developer wanting to build, there's no way to know the answer. And that has stoked the fear that city officials are now hearing.

"There is no substantial proof that developers are going to lower rents, nor will they care about the complexion of our neighborhoods," said survey respondent Pricilla Elgersma, a Mount Washington Community Council board member.

The Enquirer took a deep look into the proposal and held conversations on Connected Communities with Harris, Mayor Aftab Pureval and neighborhood leaders. Here's our explainer on the plan.

What is Connected Communities?

The proposed legislation, Connected Communities, calls for zoning changes 1/4-mile around neighborhood business districts and 1/2-mile along Hamilton Avenue and Reading Road. It also aims to spur development directly along Glenway Avenue, Harrison Avenue, Gilbert Avenue and Madison Road.

Simply put, it's a zoning code change targeted at adding what the city calls "middle housing" to neighborhood business districts and the streets closest to them, and along transit corridors. Middle housing, everything from duplexes to rowhomes to small mixed-use buildings, exists in Cincinnati already, but city officials and planners argue the city needs more.

And, without this housing, they say, the city can't grow.

For developers, this change would mean they can construct buildings with more units and less parking without having to ask the city for permission. Right now, the rules favor single-family homes, and if a developer wants to do something different, it takes months of zoning requests and hearings.

This is great for developers because it lessens the lag time for development and helps keep construction costs low. But if you live there, that same lengthy process gives the citizen plenty of time to understand what's being built and provide feedback. Citizens following the possible change aren't against the idea of shortening the process, they just don't want it to go away altogether.

What Pureval and Harris say

Mayor Aftab Pureval speaks during the Visit Cincy annual meeting at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.

Pureval and Harris understand why there's pushback and they think they're prepared for it.

"This is really, really hard," Pureval said. "The reason why we are in this position where we have the highest rent increases in the nation is because we have not substantially touched our zoning for a very long time."

Even with the opposition, Harris and Pureval expect the plan to pass in city council in early June and they don't want a delay.

Pureval sees the opposition as resistance to change, not necessarily the plan itself.

"They want their neighborhoods to be the way they are today," Pureval said. "And change is very difficult. But if we are to take significant strides on making sure that people have access to housing at different price points throughout the city, then we have to make these hard decisions. We need action right now."

What community councils say

Hyde Park Square, pictured, Monday, May 13, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Cincinnati's over 40 community councils serve as the link between the local government and the individual neighborhoods that make up the Queen City. All volunteer-based, they regularly deal with zoning issues related to development projects in their areas. But according to The Enquirer's survey, over 70% of Cincinnati's community councils claim that the city's planning department or an elected official never formally contacted them about the proposed legislation.

The city disputes this and says they did reach out multiple ways: There was email outreach by the planning department and the mayor, open Zoom meetings with the mayor, invitations to in-person engagement sessions at recreation centers, and detailed presentations to Invest in Neighborhoods, a nonprofit that works with community councils. They called the amount of engagement they did "unprecedented."

One thing the city didn't do? Formally present Connected Communities to community councils without being asked. "That's an unreasonable expectation for [them] to have," Harris told The Enquirer. Yet that's what people wanted.

So far, no community councils fully endorse it. This reflects the conversations held at recent public meetings by the city's planning department. Some neighborhoods are arguing for an opt-in approach to Connected Communities. Why not, they ask, allow for zoning changes in areas that want increased density or more housing?

Even high-density neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and Clifton aren't convinced this will work. Years of investment in both areas have led to rising rents and home prices, problems with parking, and in some cases, displacement.

Mike Cheetham, president of the Mount Lookout Community Council, put it this way to The Enquirer: "Why has there been little to no direct engagement with community councils during this process? Our residents crave information on this proposal." He added, "A formal presentation from a city representative with a Q&A would have gone a long way."

Roselawn Community Council President Annie Ruth Napier said: "The process of engaging our community is faulty."

Who supports the plan?

This doesn't mean there isn't support for Connected Communities. Many of the city's community development corporations, including HomeBase, which advocates for them, outright support the plan. So does Metro, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, Habitat for Humanity, the University of Cincinnati, UC Health, Cincinnati Children's and the American Planning Association, among others.

Plenty of average residents back it, too.

Madisonville resident Kerry Devery wrote a letter in support, saying the change is "necessary" and "long overdue."

"If something like Connected Communities had passed 10 to 20 years ago the current affordability crisis would not be as severe as it is now," Devery said.

Logan Stryker of Clifton Heights wrote: "Time to drag Cincinnati, kicking and screaming, into the present."

Everyone else is doing it

Experts say overly restrictive zoning laws from the mid-century have contributed to a national decrease in housing construction. Like in many American cities, in Cincinnati it's illegal to build anything but detached single-family homes in most of the city.

That's why other cities are trying to implement major zoning changes to address their housing shortages. Since 2017, over 130 municipalities have tried  many successfully  to overhaul their zoning codes, according to the University of California at Berkeley. Columbus is doing it (and on a similar timeline to Cincinnati's), and so is Louisville and Pittsburgh.

Minneapolis was one of the first metropolitan areas to push major zoning reform  and took it as far as ending single-family zoning altogether. According to recent research done by the Pew Charitable Trusts, from 2017 to 2022, Minneapolis added 12% to its overall housing stock and the majority of residential units built were in apartment complexes with 20 or more units. Rents also rose just 1% in those five years.

But a recent national study done by the Urban Institute revealed that cities that enacted major land-use reform increasing density between 2000 and 2019 saw an average 0.8% increase in their housing stock three to nine years after passage. The majority of those units were reserved for people with above-area-median incomes. According to census data, the median Cincinnati household brings in $48,000 annually.

Seeing the benefits of Connected Communities will take more time than that. "This is a decade vision," Harris said.

Where will people park?

One of the biggest criticisms is the plan's elimination of parking requirements for developers. Opponents worry that will mean new residents will be forced to park on the street or in existing surface lots. But Connected Communities still allows developers to build parking in many cases, if they want. There's just no minimum requirement for spaces.

What's not *technically* included

Even opponents of this plan agree the city's 100-year-old zoning code should be updated. It's often cited as one of the reasons why Cincinnati is so segregated. Mayor Pureval touts Connected Communities as a way to increase affordability throughout Cincinnati's neighborhoods and reduce concentrated poverty.

Affordable housing

Peebles Apartments, a new affordable housing complex opening this year in Walnut Hills, rises on Gilbert Avenue just outside the historic business district.

Unlike in other cities, the plan purposefully leaves out affordable housing solutions.

Instead, this plan doubles down on ensuring developments that received Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, also called LIHTC, are processed more smoothly and quickly. But right now, the city is under investigation by the federal housing department for the alleged misuse of federal funds to steer low-income projects to poor, Black neighborhoods. Areas like the West End worry Connected Communities will only exacerbate the issue.

Pureval and Harris say federal oversight provided by the LIHTC program is more than the city could do on a project-by-project basis.

In late May, Cincinnati's chapter of the NAACP came out against Connected Communities, saying the plan should incentivize the creation of more affordable housing and prohibit displacement.

"This Connected Communities plan doesn't increase equity for Black people, people of color, or any low-income residents," Joe Mallory said. "[The city is] not thinking about what people need. They are thinking about these developers and their return on investment and bringing money into the city. You're only providing opportunities for developers to build more high-end, upscale housing units."

Homeownership, demolition protections

By making room for more middle housing such as rowhomes or duplexes in formerly single family-zoned areas, Cincinnati can address its housing supply issue.

It also doesn't include direct plans for increasing homeownership, something that comes up regularly at city council meetings. Cincinnati is a city of 62% renters. Citizens think Connected Communities is largely about adding more renters because developers can build more units if they target renters. The city disagrees.

City officials claim Connected Communities will help boost homeownership because it includes a plan to legalize the construction of rowhomes in certain single-family-zoned districts. This type of middle housing is meant for first-time buyers, the mayor said.

"So by providing greater incentives for maintaining existing housing and by legalizing different kinds of housing, we are doing everything we can from a policy perspective to avoid unnecessary tear downs."

Accountability

The city of Cincinnati is in litigation with groups considered to be predatory landlords such as VineBrook Homes, which owns a plethora of houses in West Price Hill.

The legislation doesn't feature any requirements that would hold landlords accountable for using quality materials or requiring continued upkeep. These are issues the city are fighting against in lawsuits with out-of-town investors such as Texas-based VineBrook Homes. It's these problems residents are concerned about, particularly West Siders, and are seeking to have addressed before they happen.

The mayor has answer for this, too. He wants more development there so the market can grow.

The city further addresses this concern  along with questions about overwhelmed infrastructure  in a new comprehensive FAQ available on the Connected Communities website.

And one last thing...

At the very end of the ordinance (yes, we read it), there are multiple small provisions including making outdoor dining permits more accessible, allowing daycares to be built in single-family areas, and enforcing leash laws.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is Cincinnati's Connected Communities zoning plan?
Sandy Hook denier Alex Jones has been handed a lifeline by a judge after he broke down in tears on his conspiracy-laden Infowars show, claiming that federal authorities were trying to shut it down.

On Monday, US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez issued a ruling allowing Jones to keep operations up and running for the next two weeks while the court decides whether his assets should be liquidated.

Jones was previously sued by the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims for pushing a conspiracy theory that the massacre was a hoax. A judge ultimately ordered him to pay $1.5bn in compensation to the families.

The ruling led to Jones and his company Free Speech Systems filing for bankruptcy reorganization and he has so far failed to pay out any of the sum, claiming he was officially out of money.

On Sunday, the Sandy Hook families filed an emergency motion to plunge the company into liquidation.

But, the bankruptcy judge in Houston, granted Jones more time, giving him until June 14 to keep his business up and running.

The judge is expected to rule on whether or not to liquidate the company then.

The decision comes after Jones, 50, went on a PR rampage over the weekend, holding what he described as emergency broadcasts and openly sobbing on his show.

Alex Jones openly sobbed on his Infowars show (@RealAlexJones/Twitter)

On the shows, Jones alleged, without any evidence, that the Deep State was trying to shut him down after federal agents supposedly received secret federal files that alleged he was committing crimes that were handed over to the Justice Department.

He alleged he had to sleep in the shows Dallas studio the night before to prevent it from being padlocked, hours before the web version of his network, in an article, claimed the same.

I love this crew, Jones said about 15 minutes into the final hour of the X broadcast, where he called members of the unspecified federal agencies supposedly stalking him p**sies and a**holes.

Im so pissed off, he said, starting to sob. Im trying to cry as a fake thing, but I am so sick of these people, he added.

All were trying to do is save America, and theyre f**king us over, over and over again.

And its just so sick  its sick, its sick. I want to leave  because its going to be over, folks.

He went on to say that he would come back bigger than ever, before adding, But my baby, Im watching them rape it.

Fuck Alex Jones. Anyone supporting that piece of shit after what he did to the parents of the Sandy Hook victims is subhuman garbage. He lost the trial, can't pay the courts back - hasn't paid a dime to the families. Let him rot.

Fucking worthless crybaby hot air bag of shit. pic.twitter.com/eKT4XFkXSN  Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) June 2, 2024

Infowars continues to be up and running as of Tuesday morning and no reports of federal agents near the studios premises have been received.

However, Jones  who is bankrupt due to his lies about Sandy Hook  told Newsweek that he spotted guards looking at me weird at the entrance of the Infowars building in Downtown Dallas, and believed his company was going to be shut down.

In a post on X over the weekend, Jones however appeared to admit that he wasnt sure if the shut down was actually happening.

Theres a 50 percent chance this is happening right now, Jones wrote on X.

They want us shut down because in bankruptcy and what was happening we have a path with the judge to continue on for years, and the judge has signaled that.

Different groups involved in the bankruptcy that will be exposed soon have literally made a move to shut this place down and end my show.

Beyond lying about the Sandy Hook massacre, the right-wing extremist has faced criticism in the past for playing an amped-up version of himself not only on the air but in public, with his lawyers previously claiming he is a performance artist who is merely playing a character on his Infowars show.

Hes playing a character, his attorney, Randall Wilhite, said at a pretrial hearing where Joness ex-girlfriend Kelly Jones attempted  successfully  to get custody of their three children. He is a performance artist.

Kelly obtained custody of the kids after citing her husbands unstable character and possibly illegal remarks.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A construction worker at Benson Polytechnic High School suffered an injury on site that led to her death two days later, Portland Fire and Rescue confirmed to KOIN 6 on Monday.

PF&R said Samantha Sam Deschenes was taken to the hospital after getting trapped under a fork lift around 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30. The battalion chief reported the worker had a medical event either on the way to the ER or while within the ER that led to her death on Saturday.

Landslide blocks Highway 101 along Oregon Coast

Authorities have not yet released specifics on the deadly injury. Ironworkers Local Union 29 said the occupational safety and health administration will investigate her death and what led to the jobsite accident.

I feel bad for their families, you know, Harry Razzaghi, who works near the construction site, said. Theyre out there doing a job and their life got put at risk.

Anderson Construction shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News:

It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the death of one of our valued team members at the Benson High School construction project. Samantha Sam Deschenes passed away on Saturday. She had been working on the Benson High School project for the past year, and a member of Local 29 Ironworkers for the last three years.

The contracting company said work at the site will be on pause while they focus on providing mental health support to their team and helping Deschenes family during this loss. The Ironworkers USA Credit Union has created a funding page to make donations.

Deschenes family declined to speak with KOIN 6 News, but public testimony submitted last month offered a glimpse into the passion she had for the job she died doing.

Writing in support of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, she said that her dream to rebuild would be an opportunity to provide for her son as a single mother.

There is no measure to how important safety is, she said. To be able to look at it and tell my son, Mom built that, would be a part of my legacy.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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.
The Georgia Court of Appeals has set a date to hear the Trump legal teams appeal to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case. Oral arguments are set to begin in Octoberall but guaranteeing to delay the election racketeering trial until past the election and well into 2025.

Tweet Screenshot: Anna Bower

In mid-March, Judge Scott McAfee ruled that Willis could continue to prosecute the case, so long as she cut ties with her special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, with whom she was accused of having an improper relationship. Two weeks later, Trump and eight of his 18 co-defendants in the case filed an application with the Georgia Court of Appeals asking it to reconsider McAfees decision, and last month, the court agreed to hear the case.

With Williss status on the fraud case pushed late in the year, the odds of the trial even beginning before the election in November have shrunk to zero. Its a success for the convicted felon and Republican presidential candidate, whose legal strategy in the many cases against him has been to delay them so they cant affect his chances of winning back the presidency.

Between this delay, Judge Aileen Cannon stalling Trumps classified documents trial, and the Supreme Courts examination of presidential immunity, Trumps conviction on 34 felony charges in his hush-money trial may be the only legal consequences he faces for a long time. Even though sentencing is set to be decided in July in that case, Trump still can appeal the conviction and push his sentence further down the road.



If hes elected president, the convicted felon plans to recruit his Republican allies to make it illegal to prosecute him for the crimes he commits, forever. He also wants to go after everyone who has tried to hold him accountable before the law.



It seems that, except for his hush-money trial conviction, what started out as a perilous year for Trump is looking better and better as his other legal cases get delayed and he evades further consequences. The only avenue for accountability may be for Trump to be soundly defeated In five months.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Artem Sytnyk, the deputy head of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention, left his post on June 3, the agency announced.

Sytnyk had served in his post since May 2022 and was overseeing several key areas of the agency's responsibilities, including cooperation with law enforcement agencies and financial monitoring of officials.

The agency's statement did not provide a reason for Sytnyk's departure from his post.

"The National Agency thanks Artem Serhiiovych for his contribution to the development of the National Agency and the entire anti-corruption infrastructure of Ukraine," the statement read.

The agency is one of Ukraine's key anti-corruption bodies. Its responsibilities include monitoring the property and financial activities of public officials.

The agency also runs databases connected to Russia's full-scale war, such as the "International War Sponsors" list that identifies foreign companies conducting business with Moscow.

Viktor Pavlushchyk was appointed as the agency's new head in February.

Read also: Government formally appoints Pavlushchyk as corruption prevention agency chief

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In a delightful encounter along a beach in Wales, marine enthusiasts were treated to a rare sighting of a curled octopus. The captivating footage, captured by Ciara Taylor, a project assistant for the Marine Conservation Society, has sparked excitement among rockpoolers and conservationists alike.

Taylor was honing her marine identification skills when fellow beachcombers alerted her to the presence of mysterious tentacles peeking out from beneath a rock. "We couldn't believe it," she exclaimed. "The octopus emerged and began its slow crawl back toward the sea. It's a vivid reminder of the stunning wildlife we have here in North Wales and underscores the importance of protecting it."

When the octopus first emerged, it was a pale, almost translucent color. (Image credit: Marine Conservation Society/TMX)

The creature turned bright orange within seconds and then made its way back into the ocean. (Image credit: Marine Conservation Society/TMX)

The video reveals the octopus's white tentacles gradually unfurling from their rocky hiding place. As if performing a magical transformation, the creature swiftly changes color, adopting a vibrant orange hue, and navigates across the rugged terrain of rocks and seaweed.

Fortunately, the intrepid cephalopod made it safely back into the sea, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness the spectacle.

The Marine Conservation Society's Seasearch program, which relies on contributions from rockpoolers, snorkelers, and divers, reported an intriguing trend in octopus numbers during 2022. While curled octopuses are commonly found in the area, the data revealed an unexpected surge in common octopus sightings. Angus Jackson, Seasearch Data Officer, explained, "We typically receive only a handful of records for curled octopuses each year. However, last summer and autumn, we observed an unprecedented boom in common octopus populations-a phenomenon not seen for several decades."

In 2023, Seasearch continued to receive more records of common octopuses than usual, although the numbers didn't match the remarkable surge of the previous year. Scientists speculate that environmental conditions may play a crucial role in these fluctuations. Given that octopuses have relatively short lifespans-usually not exceeding a year-it's possible that changing oceanic factors influenced their abundance.

As curiosity about marine life grows, the Marine Conservation Society encourages more people to participate in their Seasearch program. By documenting trends and sharing observations, citizen scientists contribute valuable data that helps researchers understand our ever-evolving seas. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a casual beachcomber, joining Seasearch provides a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the deep and contribute to marine conservation efforts.

So next time you're exploring the shoreline, keep an eye out for those elusive octopuses-they might just reveal secrets hidden beneath the waves!
The Biden administration recently published a comprehensive Title IX rule that constricts due process protections for students accused of sexual misconduct and reinterprets sex discrimination to reach sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. Many in the media have portrayed the controversy over this rule as a conflict between cultural conservatives and progressives.

That story is true, but there is another story as well. It demonstrates how, as Congress weakened, the administrative state grew stronger over the last century and fanned the flames of cultural conflict.

And it may yet become a story about the importance of constitutional doctrines that protect individual liberty by limiting the powers of the administrative state. The nondelegation doctrine and the major questions doctrine are two legal principles that can both serve as swords against an overreaching civil rights bureaucracy.

How the new Title IX rule harms individual liberty.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination by federal funding recipients. The Congress that enacted it was mainly concerned with opening up academic and professional opportunities to women who had been excluded from them for no reason other than sex. It was not concerned with preventing sexual misconduct on campusmany more colleges were single-sex than are today, and others still observed strict rules limiting male and female interaction. Many of these rules seem paternalistic or silly by 2024 standards, but they did limit opportunities for sexual misconduct.

Neither was Congress in 1972 really concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity as we think about them today. It is hard to understate how different public opinion about sexual orientation issues was in the 1970s compared with today. For example, an initiative to ban gay teachers in public schools made it onto the ballot in liberal California in 1978 but failed in large part because Ronald Reagan spoke out against it.

Similarly, the concept of having a gender identity different from biological sex scarcely existed. The word transgender did not appear in dictionaries or news articles from this time; the word did not appear in the New York Times until 1986. Reasonable people can and do have different views on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. But whatever the right legal and policy answers are, it is implausible that Congress intended to settle them definitively in 1972. And that is relevant to the separation of powers doctrines that could apply to coming legal challenges.

In the 1980s, the Supreme Court interpreted Title IXs statutory cousinTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex and other forms of discrimination in employmentto outlaw sexual harassment at work. A few years later, the Supreme Court interpreted Title IX to also ban sexual harassment by funding recipients when a funding recipient acts with deliberate indifference to known acts of harassment when it is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victims access to an educational opportunity or benefit. In 2001, the Department of Education implemented this ruling with detailed guidance, elaborating on how schools should enforce this prohibition.

Title IX was always a strange reed to support a comprehensive regulatory regime on sexual misconduct. Imagine asking 1,000 Americans unfamiliar with Title IXs intricacies why sexual misconduct is wrong. Nearly all would speak about the importance of values like consent and autonomy. Very few would say anything about sexual harassment being wrong because it can prevent victims from accessing educational or professional opportunities. Indeed, some scholars have suggested that sexual harassment is better addressed by tort law that allows victims to seek redress from individual wrongdoers.

A bit over a decade after the 2001 guidance, the Obama administration issued new sexual harassment guidancevia a Dear Colleague letter that skirted the normal rulemaking process and went beyond the 2000 document. Critics charged that it created due process problems for accused students and would lead to infringements of First Amendment rights. In 2020, following a formal rulemaking process, President Trumps Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued a rule that corrected many of these problems.

President Biden campaigned on promises that he would repeal the DeVos Title IX rule, and he has delivered. Unfortunately, the new rule restores much of the problematic Obama guidance that deprived students of due process: It eliminates the rights of student respondents in sexual misconduct cases to live hearings, to inspect evidence against them, and to have counsel present. Schools may use a single investigator to serve essentially as both a prosecutor and judge in Title IX cases and they can launch Title IX investigations without a formal written complaint.

Those Obama-era due process deficits had a real-world impact. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression counted more than 600 lawsuits by students accused of sexual misconduct under these rules. The tale of Brandon at a community college in California, recounted by progressive attorney and advocate Alexandra Brodsky, is typical. He was found responsible for sexual assault based on the findings of a single investigator without a hearing. Although Brodsky has dedicated her career to helping victims of sexual misconduct, she described being genuinely shocked by its lack of detail and level of analysis. Eventually Brandon cleared his name, but only after hiring a lawyer at his personal expense.

The rule also defines hostile environment harassment broadly, departing from the Supreme Courts holding that harassment must be severe and pervasive to severe or pervasive. Because sexual harassment law as it pertains to schools and workplaces has been interpreted to reach at least some pure speech (as well as expressive conduct), there is a long-recognized tension between the First Amendment and Title IXs prohibition on harassment. Although the Supreme Court has never definitively spoken on this issue, the requirement that harassment be severe, persuasive, and objectively offensive is, as the Department of Education found when promulgating the 2020 amendments, a critical safeguard ensuring that harassment law comports with First Amendment protections.

Abundant anecdotes, going back decades, indicate that funding recipients have often cracked down on protected speech to avoid hostile environment liability. Take, for example, the plight of Laura Kipnis, a film and gender studies professor at Northwestern University. She published an essay in The Chronicle of Higher Education called Sexual Paranoia Strikes Academe, claiming that, In the post-Title IX landscape, sexual panic rules and that if you wanted to produce a pacified, cowering citizenry, this would be the method. Although such speech is protected by the First Amendment, Kipnis underwent multiple Title IX investigations that dragged out for months before she was finally cleared of wrongdoing. A Yale University undergraduate faced a Title IX investigation because of a paper he wrote criticizing Platos tripartite theory of the soul.

The Biden rule also interprets Title IX to cover sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. It relies on Bostock v. Clayton County, a Title VII employment discrimination case, which held that an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII because sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in such situations. Although Bostock explicitly reserved questions about accommodations for transgender students regarding sex-segregated bathrooms, locker rooms, and dress codes, the Title IX rule basically requires funding recipients to grant these accommodations.

Because the new rule expressly applies Title IX for the first time to sexual orientation and gender identity, potential for First Amendment violations increases. Some universities have already failed to uphold First Amendment principles to controversial speech in this area. For example, Michael Stannard, a professor in Californias State Center Community College District, faced an investigation because he said that studies showed children do better if they are raised by both biological parents. Another California community college professor and Stannards co-plaintiff, David Richardson, faced a Title IX investigation because he satirically listed Do-Re-Mi as his pronouns on his Zoom profile.

Concerning as all these developments are, separation of powers principles can protect individuals from the Department of Educations overreach. Two examples are the nondelegation and major questions doctrines.

How the nondelegation doctrine can protect individual liberty.

The Constitution vests all legislative power in Congress. Agencies that enforce laws will inevitably fill in some minor gaps left by the legislature, but this gap-filling authority does not allow agencies to invent new rights or duties only vaguely hinted at by authorizing statutes. If a statute really is broad enough to grant an agency power to make up new obligations, then Congress has improperly delegated its legislative authority (what is known as the nondelegation doctrine).

The Constitutions framers believed that a republica government of the peoplewould be more likely to enact just laws than a regime administered by a ruling class of ministers. Not only should all power be derived from the people, as James Madison wrote in Federalist No. 37, but that those entrusted with it should ultimately be kept in dependence on the people.

The nondelegation doctrine protects individual liberty by prohibiting Congress from delegating its lawmaking authority to administrative agencies. It requires that Congress must lay down an intelligible principle to which regulated parties must conform. If a law is so vague that it does not lay down an intelligible principle and essentially gives an agency a blank check, then Congress has unlawfully delegated its power.

The nondelegation doctrines finest moment came in the 1930s, when the Supreme Court struck down two New Deal regulatory codes as violations. But it is far from dead. In Gundy v. United States (2019), all justices agreed that the nondelegation doctrine would apply if the statute at issue gave the Department of Justice the unguided and unchecked authority that petitioner Gundy said it did. Gundy lost ultimately because a plurality of justices interpreted the statute to give the Department of Justice more limited authority. In other words, the justices disagreed on how to read this particular law, but not on the background separation of powers principles that apply to grants of virtually unlimited authority.

Does Title IX pose nondelegation problems? Reading sex broadly enough to encompass gender identity and sexual orientation, as Oklahomas lawsuit challenging the rule claims, would significantly shift lawmaking power away from Congress to the Department of Education. It would also likely (further) limit speech and expression. Applying nondelegation here will help safeguard individual rights from administrative power grabs.

The major questions doctrine and Title IX.

The major questions doctrine evolved in response to the problem of agencies asserting highly consequential power beyond what Congress could reasonably be understood to have granted. A major question is present when an agency purports to discover an unheralded power representing a transformative expansion in its regulatory authority in the vague language of a long-extant statute.

When a statute authorizes a federal agency to act, an important interpretive question is: Did Congress authorize that agency to act? In some such cases, the history and breadth of the authority that the agency has asserted and the assertions economic and political significance provide a reason to hesitate before concluding that Congress intended to confer such authority.

Agencies have only those powers given to them by Congress, and enabling legislation is, as the Supreme Court has put it, generally not an open book to which an agency can add pages and change the plot line. Or, said another way: Congress generally does not hide elephants in mouseholes.

Like the nondelegation doctrine, the major questions doctrine protects individual liberty. Requiring Congress to speak clearly when legislating on questions of economic and political significance prevents agency overreach and the incursions on individual freedom that come from agencies overreaching.

Does the new Title IX rule speak to major questions? For decades, Title IX was understood not interpreted to cover sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination; OCR first mentioned the possibility obliquely in a 2010 guidance on harassment. It did not fully articulate this policy position for a few more years, in an informal 2014 Questions and Answers document and in a 2015 letter to a transgender advocate. When a new presidential administration arrived in 2017, it changed course and stopped interpreting Title IX to cover these forms of discrimination. This history suggests a major question is present.

The rule is also politically significant. State and local legislation about sexual orientation and gender identity questions has been controversial and hotly debated across the country. It is hard to see how a federal rule requiring funding recipients to treat individuals in line with their gender identity could be viewed as politically insignificant.

Swords against agency overreach.

The Department of Educations new Title IX rule poses numerous potential problems for individual freedom. It will deny due process to students accused of sexual misconduct and will also harm free speech and expression on campus. That the rule now extends to sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination will only compound the already extant tension between Title IX sexual harassment law and the First Amendment.

But the separation of powers doctrines that exist to protect individual liberty may serve as swords against agency overreach. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed on these grounds; if they are successful, they can protect student freedoms from Department of Education bureaucrats.

Reasonable people can and do have different opinions on how to respond to sexual misconduct and sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. But its not the Department of Educations job to settle these debates unilaterally. The Constitution requires that these issues be decided within Congress, our most democratic branch.

Read more at The Dispatch

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CPD: Man missing from West Side may need medical attention

CHICAGO  A search continues for a missing 47-year-old man who police say may be in need of medical attention.

According to Chicago police, Marshall Washington is missing from the 300 block of North Central Avenue, in the citys South Austin neighborhood, and has not been contacted since Monday, May 27.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers say Washington, who has brown eyes and stands 6-foot-2, weighs around 216 pounds.

A photo provided by Chicago police also shows Washington with a beard, however, it is unclear if he had one at the time of his disappearance.

47-year-old Marshall Washington is missing from the 300 block of North Central Avenue, in the city's South Austin neighborhood, and has not been contacted since Monday, May 27.

Police say the missing man was last seen wearing all-black clothing.

Authorities say Washington may need medical attention but did not provide further details.

Police notified the public about the missing mans disappearance in a news release sent out on Thursday afternoon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 47-year-old Marshall Washington is asked to contact the CPD Area 4 Detective Division at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. In Istanbul, a group known as "A Thousand Youth for Palestine" attacked the SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan) office building in Turkiye.

Members of the group, which has been running a months-long campaign on Turkish social media, spreading false accusations against Azerbaijan with claims like "SOCAR is selling oil to Israel!" gathered in front of the SOCAR office in Istanbul. They attempted to break the front door, and when unsuccessful, they splattered red paint on it. The police intervened and apprehended 10 individuals from the group.

This incident is not isolated but rather the culmination of a sustained campaign against Azerbaijan, particularly targeting SOCAR, orchestrated by certain groups in Turkiye over recent months. It's been revealed that the attack was premeditated and organized by entrenched Iranian-backed factions in Turkiye. These same groups have been actively spreading misinformation against Azerbaijan on Turkish social media platforms under the guise of "SOCAR is selling oil to Israel!" slogan.

The indisputable fact remains: SOCAR does not engage in selling oil to Israel.

SOCAR sells Azerbaijani oil to buyers, typically trading companies, in the global oil market. Generally, oil companies sell their products to trading entities, and they do not have control over where these traders sell the oil.

It's evident that the aim of this misinformation, as part of a nefarious plot against Azerbaijan, is to target SOCAR deliberately, tarnish the longstanding friendship between Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and undermine Azerbaijan's reputation in the public opinion of Turkiye.

Until 2024, SOCAR has made its most substantial investments in Turkiye, totaling $18.3 billion over 15 years. Consequently, SOCAR stands as the largest foreign direct investor in the country.

The absurdity of attacks on a company of such economic significance in Turkiye, not only by political factions but even by the most fringe movements or groups, is apparent. However, with the involvement of pro-Iranian elements in the country, the situation takes on a different complexion.

There are evident efforts to undermine the closer relations, enduring unity, and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, particularly aiming to portray our country as "anti-Muslim." Despite appearing simplistic at first glance, the cunning of the clandestine orchestrators behind these actions is palpable.

Among the participants who gathered for a rally outside the SOCAR office in Istanbul was a reporter who is a French citizen. The representative from the French media arrived prior to the demonstration by the pro-Iranian group "A Thousand Youth for Palestine," indicating prior knowledge of the events to unfold.

A noteworthy scenario unfolded: a pro-Iranian group planned a rally against SOCAR, with announcements circulating on social media platforms well in advance, stating that the rally would occur on May 31 at 15:00 local time.

On the surface, the presence of the reporters may seem innocuous; having come across the information on the group's social media profiles, he proceeded to the location of the rally. However, what's significant is that the rally commenced much earlier than the announced time, and the French reporter accompanied the group leaders to the site of the action. Subsequently, there was a live broadcast from the scene and postings on social media, all aimed at portraying the existence of widespread "protests" and animosity toward Azerbaijani-Israeli relations in Turkiye.

The implementation of this orchestrated action, part of France's hybrid war against Azerbaijan, by a pro-Iranian group in Turkiye, underscores how radicalism, intolerance, and ethnic and religious hatred are manipulated for geopolitical ends by Paris.

Regarding Azerbaijan's comprehensive partnership with Israel, our nation's ties with other countries are primarily founded on our national interests. Azerbaijan has consistently emphasized that its cooperation with any nation is not aimed at antagonizing third parties.

Regrettably, there are still individuals who fail to grasp why Azerbaijan rejects threats, blackmail, and staged actions like the recent incident in Istanbul.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rowena He poses for a photograph after the play "May 35th," whose title is a roundabout way to refer to June 4, in London, Thursday, May 30, 2024. As the 35th anniversary of Beijing's Tiananmen Square crackdown neared, Rowena He, a prominent scholar of the bloody chapter of modern China, was busy flying between the United States, Britain and Canada to give a series of talks. Each was aimed at speaking out for those who cannot. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

HONG KONG (AP)  As the 35th anniversary of Beijings Tiananmen Square crackdown neared, Rowena He, a prominent scholar of that bloody chapter of modern China's history, was busy flying between the United States, Britain and Canada to give a series of talks. Each was aimed at speaking out for those who cannot.

The 1989 crackdown, in which government troops opened fire on student-led pro-democracy protesters, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, dead, remains a taboo subject in mainland China. In Hong Kong, once a beacon of commemorative freedom, the massive June 4 annual vigil that mourned the victims for decades has vanished, a casualty of the citys clampdown on dissidents following huge anti-government protests in 2019.

He was still reeling from the loss of her academic position after Hong Kong authorities last year rejected her visa renewal, widely seen as a sign of the financial hubs decline in intellectual freedom. Despite the exhausting schedule of talks, the former protester in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou in 1989 viewed this as her duty.

We cannot light the candles in Hong Kong anymore. So we would light it everywhere, globally, she said.

As Beijings toughened political stance effectively extinguished any large-scale commemorations within its borders, overseas commemorative events have grown increasingly crucial for preserving memories of the Tiananmen crackdown. Over the past few years, a growing number of talks, rallies, exhibitions and plays on the subject have emerged in the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia and Taiwan.

These activities foster hope and counteract the aggressive efforts to erase reminders of the crackdown, particularly those seen in Hong Kong. In 2021, the citys police charged three leaders of the group that organized the vigil with subversion under a 2020 sweeping national security law that has all but wiped out public dissent. Later, the group voted to disband. Tiananmen-related statues were also removed from universities.

Last week, under a new, home-grown security law, Hong Kong police arrested seven people on suspicion of alleged sedition over their posting of social media content about commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown. A Christian newspaper, which typically publishes content related to the event ahead of its anniversary, left its front page mostly blank. It said it could only turn words into blank squares and white space to respond to the current situation.

On Tuesday, the park that used to hold the vigil will be occupied by a carnival held by pro-Beijing groups.

However, attempts to silence commemorative efforts have failed to erase the harrowing memories from the minds of a generation of liberal-minded Chinese in the years after tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing to break up weeks of student-led protests that had spread to other cities and were seen as a threat to Communist Party rule.

He, who was 17 years old at the time, recalls that protesters like her took to the streets out of love for their country. When the crackdown happened, she spent the entire night in front of her TV, unable to sleep. After she returned to school, she was required to recite the official narrative  that the government had successfully quelled a riot  in order to pass her exams.

I never killed anyone. But I lived with that survivors guilt all those years, she said.

To preserve memories of the event, a museum dedicated to the Tiananmen crackdown opened in New York last June. It features exhibits such as a blood-stained shirt and a tent used by student protesters.

A similar museum operated by vigil organizers was shuttered in Hong Kong in 2021.

As of early May, its board chair Wang Dan, also a leading former student leader of the Tiananmen protests, estimated the New York museum attracted about 1,000 people, including Chinese immigrants, U.S. citizens and Hong Kongers. To expand its audience, Wang said he plans to organize temporary exhibitions on university campuses in the U.S., and possibly in other countries over the longer term.

He said overseas memorial events are crucial because mainland Chinese and Hong Kongers can see overseas memorial activities online.

It can have an effect in mainland China because young people there all know how to use VPNs to circumvent internet censorship, he said.

Aline Sierp, a professor of European history and memory studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, said overseas commemorative activities allow the memories to travel and endure, providing access for other people and future generations.

But she said it can be a double-edged sword because adapting the memories to new places might risk fragmenting or de-contextualizing them in the future.

Alison Landsberg, a memory studies scholar at George Mason University in Virginia, said that overseas efforts carry the potential to inspire people from other places who are facing their own challenges in the pursuit of democracy.

To carry the memories forward, film and television dramas can be powerful tools for people to take on memories of events through which they didnt live, she said.

She said overseas theater productions about the crackdown, which began last year in Taiwan and continued in London this year, have a greater possibility of making those connections and potentially reaching a broader audience.

When you have a dramatic narrative, you have the capacity to bring the viewer into the story in a kind of intimate way, Landsberg said.

Last week, members of an audience at a London theater were visibly moved, some to tears, after watching the play May 35th, a title that subtly references the June 4 crackdown.

The play, produced by Lit Ming-wai, part of the Hong Kong diaspora who moved to the U.K. after the enactment of the 2020 security law, tells the story of an elderly couple who wish to properly mourn their son who died in 1989.

Its director, Kim Pearce, who was born in the U.K. in the 1980s, said the tragedy had resonated with her from a young age and she was once moved to tears when she read the poem Tiananmen by James Fenton. Working on this project, she said, has further deepened her connection to the stories.

British theater-goer Sue Thomas, 64, also found the play deeply moving. Particularly as a parent myself now, which I wasnt then, which sort of made me think of it in a much more sort of heartfelt way, she said.

At the theater, He, the scholar, served as one of the post-show speakers, sharing her struggles and the motivations behind her work with the audience. She said the play was so powerful that it made her relive the trauma of the past 35 years, leaving her in tears and causing her to lose her contact lenses.

It shows how much suffering people had to endure all these years, she said. If theres anything we can do, I hope that we would bring the younger generation to understand this.

___

Ji reported from London.
Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

2100 block of Amy Lyn Avenue  Theft of Property

A cell phone worth $500 was reported stolen.

1400 block of Jeanette Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim was assaulted by her boyfriend.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

A report was taken for credit card abuse.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

A report for Fraud was taken.

2700 block of E Lake Road  Violation of Bond/Protective Order

A report was taken for protective order violation.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Theft of Service

An Abilene business owner reported a customer refused to pay for $581 worth of services rendered.

800 block of EN 15th Street  Assault

A victim reported a suspect assaulted him last night after an argument.

800 block of Connecticut  Assault Family Violence

A report for assault was taken on Dyess AFB.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Warrant

A suspect was arrested for theft in north Abilene.

4300 block of S Clack Street  Assault

A report for assault was taken in south Abilene.

5300 block of Pueblo Drive  Assault Family Violence

Assault family violence was reported in south Abilene.

2000 block of Barrow Street  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence.

2200 block of Vogel Avenue  Assault

A victim reported she was assaulted by a known suspect.

200 block of Arnold Boulevard  Assault Family Violence

An arrest was made for assault family violence in south Abilene.

4500 block of N 1st Street  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

An aggravated assault report was taken in north Abilene.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault.

400 block of Meander Street  Theft of Property

A victim reported jewelry and a bowl was stolen.

2700 block of N 12th Street  Theft of Property

Cash and a wallet was reported stolen from an elderly victim.

700 block of Ross Avenue  Assault

A victim reported he was assaulted after calling his neighbors wife multiple names.

6200 block of Highway 83/84  Assault Hospital Staff

A nurse and security officer were assaulted by a known suspect at a hospital.

5700 block of Clipper Drive  Assault Family Violence

An assault was reported in south Abilene.

1400 block of E Overland Trail  Assault Family Violence

A suspect was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend.

4400 block of Carrie Ann Lane  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

A pregnant victim reported she was strangled and punched in the face and stomach multiple times.

2300 block of Crown Plaza  Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled

An injury to elderly arrest was made in south Abilene. The victim did wish to pursue charges.

600 block of Plymouth Rock Road  Assault Family Violence

Two assault family violence arrests were made after a call for service in north Abilene.

2300 block of Bishop Road  Theft of Property

1000 block of N Willis Street  Criminal Mischief

A report was taken for criminal mischief.

1000 block of N Willis Street  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

An aggravated assault report was taken.

1100 block of Corsicana Avenue  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

Police responded to a random shooting at an Abilene park. A mother and son were shot at, and the son did sustain a gunshot wound.

700 block of Ross Avenue Criminal Mischief

A suspect was seen damaging property to a neighboring residence in south Abilene.

3300 block of Torrey Pine  Burglary of Vehicle

An unknown suspect entered three unlocked vehicles and took property.

2000 block of Bel Air Drive  Theft of Property

A knife and firearm were reported stolen.

400 block of N Crockett Drive  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her boyfriend assaulted her earlier in the day.

3000 block of S 14th Street  Criminal Trespass

Police responded to a criminal trespass in progress where a suspect was arrested.

2700 block of Southwest Drive  Assault

A victim reported he was assaulted by a known and unknown suspect at his residence.

00 block of Fairway Oaks Boulevard  Burglary of Vehicle

A victim reported his laptop worth $1,200 was stolen in south Abilene.

00 block of Fairway Oaks Boulevard  Burglary of Vehicle

A victim reported property was stolen from her vehicle.

2000 block of Green Street  Criminal Trespass Habitation

A homeowner reported a suspect was inside his residence without permission.

1500 block of Orange Street  Criminal Mischief

A victim reported her ex-boyfriend broke a window to her north Abilene home.

500 block of Ambler Avenue  Burglary of Vehicle

A victim reported several items were stolen during a vehicle burglary.

3300 block of S 3rd Street  Theft of Property

Jewelry worth $6,000 was reported stolen.

Arrests

Misty Ordway  Warrant

Willie Nelson  Warrant

Coty Farley  Driving While Intoxicated

Noah Garcia  Warrant

Antonio Mendoza  Warrant, Theft of Property

Vincent Asciutto  Warrant

Jared Reed  Assault Family Violence

Joseph Ceballos  Warrant

Jeremy Bennett  Public Intoxication

Gabriella Hernandez  Warrant

Randy Humphrey  Possession of Controlled Substance

Geormel Bouka-Gbede  Assault Family Violence

Allen Hernandez  Warrant, Resist Arrest, No Seatbelt

Selena Esparza-Garcia  Warrant, Resist Arrest Search or Transport, Escape for Custody, Interfer with Public Duties, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Fleeing Police Officer

Albaro Baez  Driving While Intoxicated/Open Alcohol Container

Gilberto Saucedo  Warrant

Christopher Jenkins  Warrant

Joseph Gutierrez  Warrant

John Gonzales  Warrant

Leagen Lackey  Assault Family Violence

Chayton Lackey  Assault Family Violence

Leroy Enriquez  Assault Family Violence

Jose Torres Estrada  Assault Family Violence

Tijana Scott- Public Intoxication

Michael Llerandi  Public Intoxication

Decedric Randle  Driving While Intoxicated

William Pence  Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled

Angelo Garcia  Driving While Intoxicated

Marquis Blake  Assault Family Violence

Jazzmine Jones  Resist Arrest Search or Transport, Assault Family Violence, Failure to Identify

Terry Rodriguez  Warrant, Failure to Identify

Aaron Martinez  Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Identify

Christopher Brunson  Evading Arrest Detention

Rolando Sanchez  Criminal Trespass

Damien Ussery  Theft of Property, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possession of Controlled Substance, Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

Tracy Keele  Public Intoxication

Alexander Perez  Criminal Trespass Habitation

Moses Saucedo  Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, DWLI

Sonny Palacios  Discharge Firearm in Certain Municipalities

Justin Seaton  Warrant

Frances Sangwin  Public Intoxication

Lorenzo Vasquez  Unlawful Carrying of Weapon, Theft of Firearm

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The receipt of American ATACMS ballistic missiles with a range of 300 km means that Ukraine can now hit any target in Russian-occupied Crimea with deadly force, writes The Economist.

Source: The Economist

Quote: "(US President Joe  ed.) Biden has still to lift his ban on hitting targets elsewhere in Russia. What Ukraine could have achieved if it no longer had to fight with its hand tied behind its back is evidenced by the effectiveness of its campaign in Crimea.

According to Ben Hodges, a former commander of American forces in Europe and a senior adviser to NATO on logistics, the Ukrainians are systematically in the process of making Ukraine uninhabitable for Russian forces."

Details: The Economist emphasises that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has invested huge amounts of money in military infrastructure in Crimea, and now it is under threat.

UK strategist Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman says Crimea is a weak point for Russia  it has too much to defend there, so this is "the best way for Ukraine to put real pressure on Mr Putin in order to extract concessions in the future."

Nico Lange, a former adviser to the German defence ministry, agrees with Freedman's thoughts, pointing out that Crimea is "Russias most vital asset, but it is also very vulnerable."

The Economist emphasises that Ukraine is trying to make Crimea a liability for Putin, not an asset. The goal is to isolate the peninsula, "strangle" it as a logistics centre, and thus drive Russian air and sea forces away from the south of Ukraine.

The Economist notes that Ukraine has already demonstrated the ability of Franco-British Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles, as well as its own naval drones, to target Russian warships, in particular the large Ropucha landing ships, which are used as military transport vessels and most of which have been destroyed.

The Economist also emphasises that Ukrainian drones and missiles may have disabled up to half of the once formidable Black Sea Fleet. The rest of the Russian fleet has been forced to relocate from Sevastopol to the port of Novorossiysk, located more than 300 km away on the Russian mainland. Novorossiysk itself was attacked by sea and air drones on 17 May. At that time, a railway station, power plant, and the naval base were damaged.

"But now Ukraine is using a deadly combination of ATACMS and increasingly sophisticated drones to systematically degrade Russian air defences in Crimea, hit air-bases from which Russian interceptors fly and strike critical logistics and economic targets. Sir Lawrence says that the focus on crippling Russias air-defence network may also be part of the preparation for the imminent arrival of the first batches of f-16 fighter jets from Europe," writes The Economist.

The publication mentions the strikes on Dzhankoi airbase in the north-east of Crimea on 17 April, when helicopters, an S-400 battery and a command-and-control centre were damaged, and on Belbek airfield near Sevastopol on 15 May, when Ukrainian forces destroyed four aircraft, as well as an S-400 air defence radar and at least two launchers.

"The following evening Belbek was hit again, an indication that Ukraine has at its disposal rather more than the 100 or so ATACMS thought to have been donated," the Economist writes.

On 30 May, two Russian patrol boats were destroyed and two transport ferries near the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge were damaged as a result of separate drone strikes.

"Significantly, Russias much-vaunted and very expensive S-400 air-defence system has been found wanting. Mr Lange says the Ukrainians are using decoy drones to make the Russians light up their radars and reveal their positions. The targeting data is immediately fed to the ATACMS launch crews. Within six minutes the missiles, virtually undetectable because of their speed and low radar cross-section, are hitting their targets. General Hodges notes that the S-400s are also vulnerable to sabotage by Ukrainian special forces operating inside Crimea. Each battery costs about US$200 million, and they are not easily replaceable," the publication writes.

General Hodges says Russian troops have "no place to hide". With the help of satellite and aerial reconnaissance provided by NATO allies, their in-depth knowledge of the territory and covert forces on the ground, nothing can move in Crimea without the Ukrainians having knowledge of it. With the arrival of the ATACMS system and the improvements in its own drones, every square metre of the peninsula is within reach, including time-sensitive targets such as convoys of aircraft and equipment moving along roads or railways.

General Hodges is also confident that the Ukrainians will "take down the Kerch Bridge when they are ready."

However, destroying a new, improved railway line running along the Azov Sea from Russias Rostov through the southern Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Berdiansk to Crimea could be potentially more difficult.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Defence Forces of Ukraine's South, believes that the railway along the land corridor is a recognition from the Russian occupiers that the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge is destined to be destroyed.

"They are looking for a way to hedge their bets because they are aware that sooner or later, they will have a problem," Pletenchuk said.

The Economist notes that the first test of the strategic success of the Ukrainian campaign in Crimea may be this summer, when Russian holidaymakers usually go through the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge to the peninsula's resorts. If holidaymakers decide not to go to the peninsula, it will be a bad sign for Putin.

This is because Crimea depends mainly on the tourism industry, and last year, the number of bookings decreased by almost half.

"Crimea has been turned from being a prestige project to a drain on Russian resources," says Ben Barry of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

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(WHNT)  Crisis Services of North Alabama (CSNA) is in its 25th year of helping individuals and families who are in crisis.

CSNA has a partnership with the United Way of Madison County in which they both manage the areas 211 services. However, the nonprofit also offers crisis counseling services through its 24/7 HELPline, (256) 716-1000.

Anti-drug nonprofit plans to expand to four more counties

The HELPline connects people in an emotional crisis, or those who just need to talk out an issue, with a trained, trauma-informed counselor.

It also connects people in need with secure emergency shelter from domestic violence and forensic nurse examiners, who gather evidence and document injuries for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

As a nonprofit, CSNA does not charge anything for any of its services, which means fundraising plays a huge part in keeping everything up and running.

In addition to the organizations annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, CSNA will host a new fundraiser this year.

CSNA will host Posh Putt-Putt at Hound & Harvest in Huntsville on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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In addition to nine putt-putt holes set up for people to play, there will also be a red carpet welcome including a glass of bubbly, food, a cash bar, music, door prizes, and trophies.

Organizers say what makes it posh is the suggested dress code: fancy but quirky; a tongue-in-cheek kind of posh.

Its not mandatory, and they say even flashy sunglasses or a hot pink feather boa will work.

Right now, tickets are being sold in groups of four for $375 total. To purchase tickets, click here.

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Check your fridge!

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

Cucumber season is finally here, and I'll be slicing them all summer for crunchy sandwiches, refreshing salads, and spicy noodles. It's my favorite vegetableif you ever run into me, ask me for 50 ideas for how to enjoy them, and I'll rattle them off for you.

Before you get too excited, check your fridge because there is a cucumber recall. On May 31, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. voluntarily recalled whole cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on June 1. It said, "The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation."

The recalled cucumbers were shipped between May 17 and May 21 to distribution centers that service grocery stores, restaurants, and wholesalers in 14 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to two inches in diameter, and five to nine inches long. The company noted that mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that may be fatal for young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system. Signs of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. The FDA reported no confirmed illnesses related to this recall; however, the investigation is ongoing.



What To Do If You Have the Recalled Products at Home

The FDA's report states that the recalled cucumbers are unlikely to be available for sale. Fresh Start Produce Sales has notified its customers about the recall and requested that they be discarded.

If you believe you have the recalled cucumbers at home, you should not eat them. Discard them and wash your hands immediately. Salmonella can survive in the refrigerator and freezer, so if you believe you stored the potentially contaminated cucumbers that were part of the recall in your fridge, follow the FDA's guide for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.

If you have questions, contact the company at 1-888-364-2993 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.
Cucumbers shipped to Ohio recalled over possible salmonella contamination

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is urging produce shoppers to check their refrigerators for cucumbers sold in Ohio and 13 other states.

According to a notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Delray, Florida company is recalling cucumbers shipped from May 17 to May 21 over possible salmonella contamination.

The recall includes dark green cucumbers approximately 1.52.0 inches in diameter, and 59 inches long, the FDA states. The items were shipped in bulk to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors. The recall does not affect mini or English cucumbers.

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(Photos of the cucumbers from the FDA)

(Photos of the cucumbers from the FDA)

(Photos of the cucumbers from the FDA)

Salmonella symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, salmonella can result in severe illness. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria.

While the FDA notes on its site that it is unlikely these cucumbers reached store shelves, customers should still check with retailers or the place of purchase to determine where the produce was originally obtained. Any items in the recall should not be consumed and should be destroyed and discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

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Consumers can contact Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. at 1-888-364-2993, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other states included in the recall include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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The Czech government launched a pilot project to help Ukrainian refugees return home if they wish to do so, Radio Prague International reported on June 2.

Under this project, Ukrainians living in Czechia under temporary protection will receive compensation for bus or ambulance transport.

Over 4.2 million people who fled Ukraine due to Russia's war have been granted temporary protection by the EU as of spring, with over 360,000 of them living in Czechia.

Prague's initiative would be in effect from June until November and cover bus tickets for up to 400 people and ambulance transport for another 30.

The Czech government approved the project in mid-May as part of an effort to motivate Ukrainian refugees to return home.

Magda Faltova, the director of the Czech NGO Association for Integration and Migration, welcomed the initiative in a comment for Prague Radio but said that only a small fraction of refugees are likely to use it, namely those with limited funds or suffering health problems.

Surveys show that the number of Ukrainian refugees living in Czechia who wish to return home is dropping as the full-scale war continues. According to the People in Need NGO, the majority of the refugees found employment, and less than half of them considered going back to Ukraine as of February.

These numbers are in line with the situation in Germany and Poland, the two countries hosting the highest number of Ukrainian refugees.

This represents a growing challenge to Ukraine's demographic situation, as the country's population dropped from 41 million in 2021 to around 35 million in 2023, namely due to residents fleeing abroad.

Read also: Demographic disaster: Ukraines biggest post-war threat

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Whatd I get the cops called on me for?: Florida woman finds escaped inmate in her car

Whatd I get the cops called on me for?: Florida woman finds escaped inmate in her car

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida woman endured a frightening experience last week when she found an escaped inmate in her vehicle.

Shortly after 4:40 a.m., the Lady Lake Police Department was called to 385 Carriage Lane for reports of a vehicle burglary in progress on May 26.

The woman told dispatchers she heard the passenger alarm go off in her BMW. She went to her car and opened the passenger door, and the inmateidentified as Jesse Hall, 31grabbed her arm.

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She was able to break free and ran back into her home, arming herself before authorities arrived at the scene, the arrest affidavit said.

Officers found Hall near the BMW and he fled on foot. He was eventually caught and surrendered while being held at gunpoint.

While searching [Hall] for weapons, a small key fob-like Taser was located on his person, the affidavit said. The victim then exited her residence, hysterically crying.

Officials said the key fob belonged to the woman.

Body camera footage shows the moment Hall was arrested. He ran away but ended up lying down in the middle of a road.

Whatd I get the cops called on me for? he asked an officer.

The woman told officials it was normal for her neighbors cats to set off the car alarm, which is why she went outside to check it.

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Police searched the car and found a black Nokia cellphone, which did not belong to the victim. Hall told officials the phone was his. According to the affidavit, it received several calls from someone named Joe DiBlasi.

Hall said his friend Joe dropped him off to see a woman who lives in the neighborhood and some stuff went down.

Stuff went down. Thats why I was in the car. Look at the cameras from [redacted]s house, the escaped inmate said.

Hall initially told authorities his name was Jess Hillman, which produced no records. His fingerprints were scanned, confirming his identity as Jesse James Hall. Police then discovered the 31-year-old was wanted after escaping an Orlando prison on May 22.

According to police, Hall was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2019 for two counts of grand theft auto and several other drug-related offenses.

Hall was taken to Lake County Jail, where he was being held without bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
D-Day vets hailed as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary

DEAUVILLE AIRPORT, France  To our forever heroes: Thank you  those words inscribed by French schoolchildren on a big poster greeted dozens of U.S. World War II veterans, many in their 100s, as they arrived on Monday in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Frances first lady Brigitte Macron and top French officials met the 48 veterans from around the U.S. as they arrived at the Deauville-Normandy Airport on board a special flight from Atlanta, on a trip organized by the non-profit Best Defense Foundation.

Parachute jump over Normandy kicks off D-Day 80th anniversary

Children from local schools held up the poster, and sang the French and U.S. national anthems.

Welcome to France, Brigitte Macron said, speaking in English, expressing her deepest respect and deepest love to the veterans.

You fought for our freedom. You have always decided to educate the younger generation so that we never forget. Thank you for your commitment, thank you for the sacrifices you have made.

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Among the veterans was Jake Larson, a 101-year-old American best known on social media under the name Papa Jake, He joined the national guard when he was 15 for the money and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

I am the luckiest man in the world, Larson said as he arrived in Normandy for D-Day commemorations. Papa Jake has more than 800,000 followers on TikTok.

After the landing, Larson remembers that he slept close to a comrade who had put his rifle by their side.

In the morning, when we got up, he picked up his rifle from my litter where I was going to sleep and it fell in two. A piece of shrapnel came down and hit the rifle and broke it in two, he said.

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Bob Gibson, 100, was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was sent to Britain. On June 6, 1944, Bob and his unit landed on Utah Beach in the second wave of Allied landings.

He remembers it like it happened yesterday. Upon arriving at the Deauville airport, he said, I want to see the beach again.

The veterans will take part in parades, school visits and ceremonies  including the official June 6 commemoration of the landings by soldiers from across the United States, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations on five beaches.

The trip also includes high school and college students selected to escort the veterans and learn about their experiences. Charter flights also took veterans from Atlanta to France in 2022 and 2023.

On Sunday, the group of veterans, donning customized jackets commemorating the anniversary, arrived at the Atlanta airport to the clapping and cheering from the flight crew and the Dutchtown High School marching band from Hampton, Georgia. The veterans were then guided through the airport to their terminal in a parade headed by the marching band.

Sharon Johnson and Jeff Amy in Atlanta contributed to this report.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of COP29 Samir Nuriyev has met with International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Nuriyev provided comprehensive details about Azerbaijan's preparations for COP29.

Birol, expressing satisfaction with his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev and the fruitful discussions on COP29, conveyed his organization's readiness to support the success of the event.

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 Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN)  A Daleville man accused of having sexual relations with a child under 10 who was caught in the Tuskegee National Forest has been transported back to Dale County to face his charges.

Colt Lecuyer was booked into the Dale County Jail at 7:31 p.m. Sunday. He is charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy and is being held with no bond.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum says on Friday, May 31, his department received a call from a resident in Level Plains who witnessed Lecuyer, 33, of Daleville, having sexual contact with a child under the age of 10 in the back of his vehicle. When police arrived on the scene, they said Lecuyer, who is a registered sex offender and a federal supervised release inmate, fled the scene in his truck.

Later on Friday, an Auburn police officer says he spotted Lecuyers abandoned vehicle in the parking lot of an Auburn Walmart. Officials searched the vehicles location, but Lecuyer was located. The abandoned vehicle was taken back to Dale County for evidence.

On Sunday, June 2, investigators say they learned that Lecuyer was on foot in the Tuskegee National Forest near the Lee and Macon County line. Multiple units were called in and after tracking the suspect for four miles, Lecuyer was taken into custody in a wooded area off County Road 57 in Macon County.

Individuals like Lecuyer, who wish to prey on young children have no place in our society. He is a convicted sex offender so this wasnt his 1st time victimizing a young child but I pray that its his last. I applaud the efforts of those in law enforcement who made it their mission this weekend to put him back behind bars where he belongs! Mason Bynum, Dale County Sheriff

Lecuyer was held in the Macon County Jail until Dale County Deputies could transport him to the Dale County Jail.

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Danish Ambassador holds discussions with top authority of Kyiv Regional Military Administration about collaborative initiatives for Kyiv Oblast

During a meeting between Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, and Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, the Danish Ambassador to Ukraine, priority projects for the Kyiv region were discussed.



The talks focused on enhancing regional security by acquiring more military equipment for anti-aircraft units. Other topics included the need for reconstruction in the region, for housing, schools, and hospitals.



"All children should be able to study and attend daycare. And this is impossible without well-equipped shelters, Kravchenko said.



The parties talked about the importance of improving healthcare with more medical equipment, and establishing a rehabilitation center for both military personnel and civilians.



"Here we need additional medical equipment to provide affordable, timely, and high-quality services, regardless of which settlement in Kyiv region a person lives in," Kravchenko noted.



The discussion also highlighted the significance of foreign investments in boosting Ukrainian business and creating new jobs.



Kravchenko expressed gratitude for Denmark's continued support, noting their recent allocation of 250 million Danish kroner for Ukraine's most vulnerable populations.



Denmark has been a strong ally of Ukraine since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022.



According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), which tracks international aid for Ukraine, Denmark is the fourth largest provider of military aid to Kyiv, committing around 4.7 billion euros ($5.1 billion) as of February 2024.

At 1.3% of GDP, Denmark is the second largest provider of military aid in terms of percentage of GDP.

Read also: Zelensky meets with Singapores president to discuss bilateral relations

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Startling new data indicates that Los Angeles County is the least prepared county in the United States when it comes to climate disasters.

Researchers with homeowners insurance resource claimguide.org analyzed data from more than 3,000 counties across all 50 states to determine just how prepared they are for natural disasters according to FEMAs National Risk Index and the NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information.

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There were a record-setting 28 separate billion-dollar disaster events across the country last year, claimguide.org said, citing NOAA data; the total cost of disaster relief for 2023  the most recent complete year on record  was $92.9 billion.

In the past decade, 180 separate billion-dollar climate disasters have cost more than $1.25 trillion nationwide, researchers said. The cost of all 383 events which have taken place between 1980 and 2024 exceeds $2.72 trillion.

Los Angeles County firefighters look on as the Woolsey Fire explodes behind a house in the West Hills neighborhood on Nov. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Obviously, several states are more prone to natural disasters than others; both Texas and Florida, which have seen some of the strongest hurricanes in American history, have shelled out more than $200 billion in damages over the last decade.

In third place is California; the Golden State has a 10-year climate cost of just under $200 billion, and between 2014 and 2024, there were 155 disaster declarations throughout the state, more than double that of the next state, Florida, who issued 42 disaster declarations.

Gusty winds, big warm-up in Southern California forecast

In addition, California topped the list of states that will likely lose the most in a given year due to natural disasters, with an expected annual loss of $16.3 billion.

Louisiana, also a hurricane hotspot, ranked not far behind California as the fourth-least natural disaster-prepared state in the U.S.

A small stream runs through the dried, cracked earth of a former wetland near Tulelake, Calif., on June 9, 2021. (Nathan Howard/Associated Press)

Analysis of FEMA data on county preparedness was based on three metrics: community resilience (the ability of a community to anticipate hazards, adapt to changing conditions and recover rapidly); social vulnerability (which includes high poverty, overcrowded households and lack of vehicle access) and the overall inherent risk of natural disasters in the given area.

According to these metrics of preparedness, four of the five most at-risk counties in America for natural disasters are right here in California, including the top spot: Southern Californias very own L.A. County.

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Los Angeles County has an exceedingly low community resilience score (19.67 out of a possible 100) which is one of the lowest among counties with at least 200,000 or more people, claimguide.org said, citing FEMA data. In terms of overall risk, Los Angeles County scores 100 out of 100, making it the riskiest locale in the nationthe countys expected annual loss to weather and natural disasters is $3,916,212,454, which is the highest in the nation.

In second place is the only non-California county in the top five: Harris County, Texas, which encompasses the Houston area. Residents there have an even lower community resilience score (12.73 out of 100) than L.A. County; the citys risk score of 99.97 out of 100 and vulnerability score of 89.53 out of 100 also ranked among the worst in America.

This Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, 1:10 p.m. EDT satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Hilary, right, off Mexico's Pacific coast. Scientists figure a natural El Nino, human-caused climate change, a stubborn heat dome over the nations midsection and other factors cooked up Hilarys record-breaking slosh into California and Nevada. (NOAA via AP)

Returning back to SoCal, Riverside County is home to many socially vulnerable people after a natural disaster, according to FEMA data cited by claimguide.org. In addition, RivCos community resilience rating (27.43/100) and very high risk rating make it the third-least prepared county for a natural disaster in the U.S.

Moving north, San Bernardino County is Americas fourth-least prepared county; despite FEMA giving the area a relatively high community resilience score of 42.11 out of 100, the increased risk of heatwaves, fires and floods all lead to an expected financial burden of over $1.1 billion.

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Rounding out the top five is Alameda County in Northern California, where the risk score of 99.91 out of 100 is among the highest in the nation.

A table with the top 20 most at-risk counties in America can be viewed below:

Rank County State Risk score Community resilience score Social vulnerability score Expected annual loss 1. Los Angeles California 100 19.67 85.84 $3,916,212,454 2. Harris Texas 99.97 12.73 89.53 $2,220,152,081 3. Riverside California 99.94 27.43 82.97 $1,190,667,489 4. San Bernardino California 99.90 42.11 90.58 $1,137,542,458 5. Alameda California 99.87 83.48 51.5 $1,212,128,362 6. Santa Clara California 99.84 68.94 37.14 $1,219,166,643 7. Miami-Dade Florida 99.81 37.11 90.07 $959,496,229 8. Orange California 99.78 15.44 56.21 $989,276,586 9. Broward Florida 99.75 44.84 78.26 $943,686,696 10. Palm Beach Florida 99.71 23.65 78.84 $905,373,060 11. San Diego California 99.68 17.03 69.89 $799,862,388 12. King Washington 99.65 78.36 37.43 $774,696,344 13. Cook Illinois 99.62 72.57 80.04 $592,490,917 14. Contra Costa California 99.59 75.02 47.36 $596,515,813 15. Hillsborough Florida 99.55 40.90 79.06 $533,355,773 16. Galveston Texas 99.52 90.36 73.52 $496,002,488 17. Lee Florida 99.49 9.17 72.09 $448,543,023 18. Charleston S. Carolina 99.46 92.71 45.19 $477,153,556 19. Ventura California 99.43 47.04 60.73 $395,627,536 20. Santa Barbara California 99.40 47.93 83.64 $381,123,805

The full report from claimguide.org can be read here.

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News Center 7 broke the news that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly will hold its spring session in Dayton.

On Monday, state and local leaders made the formal announcement and described the events impact.

The Dayton Peace Accords that brought peace to the Balkans and Bosnia in 1995 will come full circle for its 30th anniversary.

Next year in 2025 we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords by hosting the NATO parliamentary assemblys spring session right here in Dayton, Ohio. Congressman Mike Turner (R-Dayton) said.

Turner is the head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO parliamentary assembly.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: EXCLUSIVE: NATO bringing Parliamentary Assembly to Dayton in 2025

He said the group representing over 50 nations will deliberate in Dayton for three days next Memorial Day weekend.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the state would proudly take part.

NATO has been really all about freedom. Its been all about democratic countries. It has started off, of course, protecting Western Europe, DeWine said.

Local leaders stressed the economic impact of 600 people coming to the community, staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, and taking in museums and historic sites with a focus on downtown Dayton.

Dayton City Commissioner Chris Shaw said the city looks forward to showing off all it offers.

We are going to shine a bright light on Dayton and were not going to let you down, Shaw said.

Turner said its important for the world to see the heartland of America in a city thats proud of its role in aviation and international peace.
(Bloomberg) -- The Washington-based lobbying group J.A. Green & Co., known for its tech-heavy client roster including Palantir Technologies Inc. and Space Exploration Technologies Inc., is raising $100 million for a venture capital fund alongside investment firm Anzu Partners.

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The new Anzu-Green Critical Technologies Fund will aim to back technology startups that support national security  including in artificial intelligence, quantum science and renewable energy, the companies said.

We have good insights, said Jeff A. Green, a managing partner of the new fund and founder of the lobbying firm. Now we are spinning that out to the fund.

The Anzu-Green fund represents an unusual foray into venture capital for a DC lobbying shop, even as the fund focuses on the increasingly popular realm of defense technology. The growth of startups like Palantir and Elon Musks SpaceX into multibillion-dollar defense contractors helped pushed venture investing in defense, aerospace and related sectors to record levels in 2023. Other startups focusing on defense have stepped up their DC outreach in recent years.

Scale AI, which is helping the Pentagon test and evaluate generative AI, was valued by private investors at nearly $14 billion earlier this month. And Anduril Industries Inc. recently won a major contract to develop an unmanned fighter jet for the US Air Force.

Read More: Pursuing American Dynamism, Andreessen Horowitz Ups Its Game in DC

Anzu-Green will focus on early startups, with a preference for those already bringing in revenue. Two of Anzus leaders, Managing Partners David Seldin and Whitney Haring-Smith, will help vet potential deals and serve alongside Green and also serve as managing partners of the new fund. Anzu, which works in both VC and private equity, has more than $1 billion under management.

Green said he wants to help portfolio startups identify grants and other non-dilutive funding while navigating the notoriously difficult journey to win regular government business  similar to the services he offers clients like Palantir, which brings in most of its revenue from government agencies, including the Defense Department in the US.

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Lifeguards in California's town of Del Mar closed sections of its beaches on Sunday following a shark attack. Photo courtesy of City of Del Mar/release

June 2 (UPI) -- Del Mar officials closed the California town's beaches to swimming and suffering on Sunday after a man was attacked by a shark earlier that morning.

The 46-year-old man was bite in the torso, left arm and hand, the city said in a statement, saying the attack occurred at 9 a.m. Sunday about 100 yards off the shore from the Beach Safety Center at 17th Street.

He was swimming with a group of a dozen people who meet regularly at the beach to train when the attack occurred, it said.

The city described the man's injuries as "significant" but not life-threatening. He was transported by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

In response, lifeguards have posted signs along Del Mar beaches informing the public that they are closed for 1 mile in both directions from where the attack occurred.

The closure is expected to be in place until 9 a.m. Tuesday, it said.
Delaware ranked worst in US in hospital patient safety in new Leapfrog report. Here's why

Patient safety in Delaware hospitals is once again under scrutiny following the latest report from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit that scores hospitals twice a year based on public data and surveys.

As in past years, no Delaware hospitals have earned A's, sinking the First State to the bottom of the overall national rankings. Only five other states and Washington, D.C., failed to earn a single A.

"The fact that we have zero (A's in Delaware) just shows that there needs to be some more improvement," said Katie Stewart, director of Health Care Ratings at Leapfrog. "It starts with a commitment from leadership to put patients first and to make patient safety a priority."

The ambulance entrance at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes May 1, 2024.

The grades come from a comparison of scores across five categories: infections, problems with surgery, safety problems, practices to prevent errors, and doctors, nurses and hospital staff. Each of these is then broken down into individual components.

A lack of A's doesn't mean a lack of improvement, though.

TidalHealth Nanticoke, ChristianaCare's Wilmington Hospital and ChristianaCare's Christiana Hospital all improved from C's to B's in the latest ranking  a change that Stewart said was "really encouraging."

Bayhealth Hospital Sussex Campus maintained its B rating, while Bayhealth Kent Campus and Saint Francis Hospital maintained their C ratings.

ChristianaCare signage and segment of the hospital is featured at Ogletown Stanton Road in Christiana on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

Only Beebe Healthcare saw a lower grade from the previous ratings, dropping from a C to a D.

According to Leapfrog, Beebe performs worse than average when it comes to kidney failure after surgeries, post-surgical complications, bed sores, handwashing, specially trained doctors in the ICU and staff working together to prevent errors.

Beebe Healthcare Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive Dr. Paul Sierzenski said that while the hospital "recognize(s) the value of independent surveys and take every opportunity for improvement seriously," it does not feel that Leapfrog's score is reflective of their "commitment, standards, and current performance in patient care and safety."

At the same time, Sierzenski said the hospital is making an effort to improve its Leapfrog score moving forward.

"We are not satisfied with this score and are committed to continuous improvement," Sierzenski said.

Questions, concerns from healthcare organizations

Beebe Healthcare is not the only Delaware organization to question the accuracy of the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

Delaware Healthcare Association President and CEO Brian Frazee said the organization, on behalf of all member hospitals, "continue(s) to have concerns about Leapfrog's methodology."

DHA has raised similar concerns in previous years, pointing to the vast difference between Leapfrog's sub-par ratings of Delaware's hospitals and those of other groups like U.S. News and World Report, which ranked Delaware's hospital quality as No. 2 in the nation.

TidalHealth Nanticoke hospital in Seaford.

Stewart said these differences in ratings likely had less to do with inaccuracy on Leapfrog's part and more to do with the different metrics that the various organizations use to create their rankings. Leapfrog's grades are based solely on patient safety, Stewart said, whereas other ratings may take criteria like reputation.

She said it's important not to base one's decision on where to go for healthcare on just one rating system, "just like you wouldn't look at one website when you go to buy a car."

"We think having more information for consumers is good, especially when it comes to safety," Stewart said.

What should you do with the scores?

Stewart said the goal of the hospital safety grades is to help patients make informed decisions about where they receive care. People should try to visit hospitals with higher scores whenever possible, according to Stewart. And if you aren't able to choose for whatever reason, the results of the grades may still be helpful.

Stewart said it's important to look at the specific areas where the hospital ranked lower and, if they're something applicable to your reason for visiting, use that to guide for a conversation with your provider. She also recommended bringing a family member or friend along to help advocate for you.

The Leapfrog Group has more detailed suggestions about how to talk to your doctor about safety on its website.

To view all of the latest Hospital Safety Grade reports, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware ranked worst in US in hospital patient safety, report says
The trial of Richard Allen, charged with four counts of murder in the 2017 deaths of Delphi teens Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German, is likely to have a whopping price tag: At least $2.1 million.

The Carroll County Council set aside the money from the general fund to pay for the case, according to County Auditor Beth Myers.

Nearly $185,840 has gone to the Carroll County Prosecutor's Office, which had to hire staff to help with the case.

As of April, nearly twice as much  about $360,780  has been spent on Allen's defense.

But the bulk of the county's expenses will go to house, feed, transport and entertain the panel of jurors who will be selected from Allen County. The juros will be transported to Carroll County for the trail and sequester for roughly a month as the trial unfolds in court.

Carroll County officials have largely declined to comment about the case, but Circuit Court Judge Vickie Carmichael in Clark County said the hefty cost is not surprising.

In 2020, Carmichael presided over another high-profile trial involving a man who killed his ex-girlfriend and ate parts of her body. Like in the Delphi case, jurors in the cannibalism case of Joseph Oberhansley had to be selected from another county and then sequestered in Clark County for about two weeks until the trial was over.

Evidence leak, suicide, Odinists: Inside 'bizarre' Delphi murders case

The cost of hotel rooms alone  one for each of the 12 jurors and four alternates  drove up the cost quickly, Carmichael said. Jurors' meals either had to be catered or court staff took them to restaurants. And because they didn't have access to their phones and other devices for two weeks, court staff took them on weekend field trips to keep them occupied. They went to the Louisville Zoo, Derby Dinner Playhouse and Churchill Downs horse racing complex. They visited a cave and a winery, too.

The cost to the county, including expenses during the first trial that ended in a mistrial in 2019, was a little over $1 million, Carmichael said. That number does not include salaries of court staff and sheriff's deputies who had to oversee the jurors 24/7, as well as expenses by the prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Delphi murder suspect Richard M. Allen on Monday, May 6, 2024, when he was booked into the jail at Allen County, Indiana.

The same type of expenses are likely to be incurred in the Delphi case.

Carmichael said sequestering jurors in the Oberhansley case was necessary regardless of where the trial was held because of the amount of media attention it attracted. And trying him in Clark County with jurors who lived hundreds of miles away made the most logistical sense.

"If we'd held the trial in another county, we would've had to bring all the witnesses there, which would've been a bit of an expense," she said. "Just logistically, how do you do all that."

Richard Allen's defense: Libby and Abby killed in Odinism ritual sacrifice

Allen is set to face a jury in October. His trial was previously scheduled in May, but was postponed due to concerns from Allen's attorneys that they would not have adequate time to present their case.

There are several pending issues that need to be resolved before the case goes to trial. One of which is whether Special Judge Frances Gull, who was appointed to the case by the Indiana Supreme Court after the previous presiding judge recused himself. The case has been marred by controversies and messy legal fights. Most recently, Allen's attorneys, again, asked Gull to disqualify herself from the case, arguing she has shown bias against the defense team.

Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The Delphi case of Richard Allen could cost Carroll County $2.1 million
A Delray Beach-based nonprofit organization that works to protect, restore and manage regional biodiversity will collaborate with the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach on its redevelopment of Phipps Ocean Park.

The Institute for Regional Conservation, which conducts conservation research and action throughout South Florida and the Caribbean, will help develop programming for the park's planned Coastal Restoration Center.

A propagation and nursery facility for native plants, the center will serve as the headquarters for IRC's "Restoring the Gold Coast" program, an initiative launched in 2019 that aims to restore the native plants and animals of southeastern Florida's coastal ecosystems.

It will be one of the featured programs that the Preservation Foundation is rolling out at the center to further community engagement and educational opportunities for children and adults, said George Gann, chief conservation strategist at IRC.

By restoring native habitats and ecosystems, we not only enhance the natural beauty of Phipps Ocean Park, but also strengthen its ability to withstand the impacts of severe storms and climate change," Gann said in a statement. "This collaboration with the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach exemplifies our shared commitment to preserving and restoring the ecological integrity of our coastal landscapes for the benefit of both present and future generations."

Amanda Skier, CEO of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, which is spearheading the $33 million overhaul of Phipps Ocean Park, welcomed The Institute for Regional Conservation as a partner in the Coastal Restoration Center's programming.

The Institute for Regional Conservation will collaborate with the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach to develop programming for the new Coastal Restoration Center at Phipps Ocean Park, as shown in this rendering.

The Restoring the Gold Coast program includes activities such as restoration events; workshops; lessons on climate change and restoring the environment; and dune adoption.

The IRC is a leader in ecological restoration, and our goal in collaborating with them is to amplify the success of their Restoring the Gold Coast program through the Coastal Restoration Center at Phipps Ocean Park, Skier said. Our partnership will ensure that Palm Beach benefits from the best practices developed by this groundbreaking program and achieves a more resilient coastline as a result.

When complete, the Coastal Restoration Center (CRC) will sit in a 2,000-square-foot open-air slat house, with an additional 500 square feet for office space, Skier said. In addition to offering the Restoring the Gold Coast program, the center also will provide a variety of children's programming focused on nature and the environment.

"Schoolchildren will be able to come and learn about environmental education," Skier said. "We're going to have active restoration sites within the park that they'll be able to plant plants that we have grown in the nursery, and then they can come back and visit them with their families and watch them grow."

The center also will aid residents who want to restore the beach dunes behind their homes, Skier said. Residents will be able to use plants grown there.

"One of the reasons why this nursery is so important is that a lot of the plants that are needed for a healthy beach dune ecosystem are not readily available in the nursery trade because they're not yet seen as financially viable," she said. "So basically, growers grow what they know is going to sell. How do we meet that gap as we increase customer demand for different species of native plants? The goal of the CRC is to grow those plants and make them available to people so that they catch on and become more popular."

The center will contain an office for three full-time employees, including new botanical curator Keith Buttry.

Buttry, who was named to the position in March, is a horticulturist and educator who owns Neglected Plants, a local company dedicated to the conservation and planting of plants native to Florida.

Anne and Christopher Flowers underwrote the Coastal Restoration Center for $2 million, Skier said. They are among 11 "landmark" donors who have given $1 million or more to the park. Additionally, 20 major donors gave between $250,000 and $1 million, and 65 community donors gave between $5,000 and $250,000.

Construction on the park will begin this month and is expected to take 15 months to complete.

Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach nonprofit announces collaboration on Phipps Park redo
Rep Sheila Jackson Lee speaks in support of Democratic gun control measures in Washington DC on June 2 2022. The congress member has been diagnosed with cancer (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Democratic Rep Sheila Jackson Lee has revealed that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The 74-year-old Texas congresswoman released a statement on X on Sunday night announcing that she is currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.

Jackson Lee said that her diagnosis means she will likely be occasionally absent from Congress but vowed that her office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect.

I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease, she said.

The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.

She added: Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine.

Jackson Lee has represented Texas Congressional District 18  which includes Houston  for three decades, after first being elected to Congress in 1995.

Rep Sheila Jackson Lee speaks in support of Democratic gun control measures in Washington DC on June 2 2022. The congress member has been diagnosed with cancer (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

This March, she won the Democratic primary election after facing her toughest challenger to date: former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards.

Her primary win came months after a failed bid to become Houstons next mayor in December. The 74-year-old congresswoman lost out to Democratic state Senator John Whitmire.

In Congress, Jackson Lee currently serves on the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs  Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024

Her diagnosis marks the latest health issue among House lawmakers at a time when Republicans are clinging onto a slim majority.

In late 2022, congressman Jamie Raskin announced that he had been diagnosed with a serious but curable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was undergoing chemotherapy.

Then in August 2023, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced that he was being treated for blood cancer.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 3. The 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA) will convene in Baku, focusing on the theme "Green Horizons for the Turkic World: Role of Parliaments in Achieving a Green Agenda," Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiarov said at the briefing, Trend reports.

The 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA) on the theme Green Horizons for the Turkic World: Role of Parliaments in Achieving a Green Agenda will be held in Baku on June 6, 2024, he said.

According to him, a parliamentary delegation headed by Chairman of Parliament Yerlan Koshanov will take part in the event from Kazakhstan.

Smadiarov noted that following the meeting, it is planned to adopt the Baku Declaration and a number of other documents and reports of the TURKPA.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) listens to comments before the NAACP Detroit branch Fight for Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit, on May 19. Paul Sancya via Associated Press

Freshman Democrat Shri Thanedar may have a much easier time getting reelected this year after initiating a challenge that disqualified his chief rival from the primary ballot for his Detroit-based U.S. House seat.

Thanedars opponent, Adam Hollier, suspended his campaign over the weekend, less than two weeks after the clerk in Detroits Wayne County found that Hollier hadnt submitted enough valid signatures to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot. Michigans secretary of state on Thursday declined to overturn the decision.

Unfortunately, during the critical signature gathering process, I took my eye off the ball. I put my trust in someone who not only let me down, but let down tens of thousands of voters in this district who deserve a representative who shows up and fights for them, Hollier said in a statement to HuffPost.

Thanedar still faces three Democratic challengers in August, but none seem as formidable as Hollier, a former member of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers cabinet. While its rare for political figures to come out against incumbents from their own parties, Hollier had endorsements from former Detroit Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

On Thursday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan endorsed Detroit City Councilman Mary Waters in the primary, the latest sign that Thanedar has struggled to build relationships with key district leaders during his year and a half in office.

A chemist and entrepreneur who emigrated from India at age 24, Thanedar self-funded his 2022 campaign for Congress and has already loaned his 2024 campaign over $3.3 million.

Thanedar faces questions over whether hes an effective representative for his majority Black district. His detractors say hes overly self-promotional and cite high turnover among his staff  criticisms that Thanedar argues are untrue and politically motivated. They also cite the fact that Detroit, one of the countrys largest majority Black cities, does not have a Black representative for the first time in 70 years.

The freshman representative has also gotten blowback for his unwavering support for Israel amid its war on Gaza.

But House Democratic leaders, who try to downplay races that might make the party look weak, have gotten behind Thanedar, calling him a common-sense legislator whom they vigorously endorse.

In a statement Sunday to the Detroit News, Thanedar said he couldnt stay silent after examining Holliers petitions and spotting false signatures. Thanedars April complaint to Wayne County officials kicked off the review that ultimately resulted in Holliers disqualification.

No one is above the law, whether you are supported by the wealthy or the powerful. When I saw hundreds of fraudulent and out of the district signatures that his campaign submitted, I could not sit still and made a challenge to uphold the integrity of the election process, Thanedar said.

Its not unusual, at least in Michigan, for paid circulators to dupe candidates. Though Hollier said Thanedars challenge was made in bad faith, he admitted the person contracted for the job submitted false signatures.

Thanedar this month downplayed the threat Hollier posed to his reelection and told HuffPost he looks forward to continuing to serve in office.

Ive been doing good work, he told HuffPost. Ive been in constant contact with my constituents. I have a huge amount of support, and I think they will support me regardless.

Arthur Delaney contributed reporting.

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Academic workers at UCLA on strike last week. Their union, UAW 4811, alleges that its workers' rights have been violated by UC's actions during pro-Palestinian protests and encampment crackdowns. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

For the second time, the state labor board has declined to order an immediate halt to the UC academic workers strike, which has resulted in canceled classes, blocked parking garages and disrupted coursework for thousands at a crucial time of the year when students take finals.

The state's Public Employment Relations Board ruled Monday that the university, in its legal filings, had not met the high legal standard of showing "irreparable harm" required for the labor board to approve an injunction. The walkout has included University of California campuses in Santa Cruz, Davis and Los Angeles. The strike expanded Monday to UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego and is scheduled to spread Wednesday to UC Irvine.

"By direction of the board, the request for injunctive relief in the above-entitled matter is denied without prejudice, sufficient grounds therefore not having been demonstrated," wrote J. Felix De La Torre, general counsel for the employment board, announcing Monday's decision to both parties.

United Auto Workers Local 4811 represents 48,000 graduate teaching assistants, researchers and other academic workers at UCs 10 campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Unionized workers lead discussion groups, grade papers, conduct research and administer exams, among other responsibilities.

The ruling does not resolve the question of whether the strike is legal. That broader issue will be settled through a slower process that would likely outlast the strike. The two sides also are in mediation, which has the potential to end the strike, through a settlement, prior to its scheduled conclusion on June 30.

Read more: How pro-Palestinian protests led to a massive UC strike, injecting new fuel into antiwar activism

In a statement Monday, UC's vice president of labor relations expressed disappointment that the strike would go on. The statement said UC would shift its legal fight to state court.

We are disappointed that the state agency dedicated to the oversight of public employment could not take decisive and immediate action to end this unlawful strike  a decision that harms UCs students who are nearing the end of their academic year, said Melissa Matella, UC's associate vice president for systemwide labor relations.

"Now that UC has exhausted the PERB process for injunctive relief, UC will move to state court and is hopeful for quick and decisive action so that our students can end their quarter with their focus on academics," Matella said.

Union president Rafael Jaime said in a statement that the state labor board "has once again upheld the law. Its time for UC to face reality."

"We said last week that if UC did not make progress in addressing the serious unfair labor practices, as many as three more campuses could be called to stand up. UC instead chose another week of legal saber-rattling," Jaime said, adding that officials should "stop wasting time and public resources on legal maneuvers. We stand ready to reach resolution  where is UC?"

Jaime said that by going to state court, UC had "decided to ignore the authority" of the labor board and is "continuing to insist that the rules do not apply to it.

On May 23, the labor board issued a complaint against the union based on UC's allegation that the walkout is illegal because of a "no strike" clause in the union's contract.

On Monday, the board also issued a complaint against UC, based on the union's allegation that the university violated its workers' rights in shutting down pro-Palestinian protests.

The complaints set in motion processes under which both sides will make their cases. Both involve slow-moving deliberations, with each side having until mid- to late June to submit paperwork.

The university had sought a quicker route, requesting an injunction to halt the strike, saying the walkout was causing harm "that can never be undone."

"At just UC Santa Cruz, UCLA and UC Davis, over 9,000 UAW members teach over 5,130 ... undergraduate classes, seminars, discussion sections, and laboratory sections. These classes have literally hundreds of thousands of students enrolled in them  students who have paid tuition for a full quarters worth of instruction, and in many cases whose grades and academic futures rely on the completing [of] their courses," UC said in its filing requesting the injunction.

John Logan, a professor in the department of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said the labor boards decision will put UC officials under intense pressure  both from within the university and external political pressure  to negotiate with the union to end the strike.

UAW 4811 went on strike last month after alleging its members' free speech rights were violated by UCs actions during pro-Palestinian encampment crackdowns, among other charges.

Read more: UC worker strike to hit UCLA, Davis next. A looming question: Is this walkout legal?

Police on Friday morning entered the UC Santa Cruz campus, ordering protesters to disperse. Such police actions at other campuses have been a basis for the union's claims that workers' rights have been violated  and that these alleged violations amount to an unfair labor practice, providing legal justification for the current walkout.

As with any strike, the purpose has been to apply pressure on the institution by disrupting business as usual. In the view of UAW 4811, the work stoppage is a standard, legally protected union activity.

Also on May 23, the state's labor board  which oversees labor-management relations and actions  ruled that the strike could continue, while also allowing the university to submit additional evidence in an attempt to meet the high legal standard necessary for outside intervention.

The strikers lay blame for disruptions on the university for events leading up to the strike as well as the delay in its resolution.

While unions typically strike over pay and benefits, this walkout has been far different because of the intertwining of political issues beyond standard contract matters.

Read more: Kaffiyehs and pickets: UCLA, UC Davis workers strike over treatment at pro-Palestinian protests

Academic workers on strike at UCLA, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz chanted last week about "workers' rights under attack," referring to pro-Palestinian union members who were arrested and suspended after recent protests. Some on the picket line wore kaffiyehs, traditional scarves used to express solidarity with Palestinians.

Others waved Palestinian flags, shouting "free Palestine," and pressed union demands that UC divest from ties to Israel and the war in Gaza and grant all protesters amnesty from campus discipline.

"Stop the charges, cut the ties! Workers stand with Palestine," shouted union members as they rallied Monday at UC Santa Barbara. In San Diego, a late-morning union rally took place by Geisel Library.

Another union demand is for the researchers it represents to receive transitional funding so they can opt out from funding sources tied to the military or oppression of Palestinians. That would include those working for departments that were given portions of the $333 million UC received last year from the Department of Defense.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Denver man is facing several charges after the Larimer County Sheriffs Office said he tried to run over a deputy, crashed his car, injured his passengers and killed a dog.

The Larimer County Sheriffs Office said the incident happened just after midnight on May 18 near Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 56 in Johnstown.

A deputy saw a car without a license plate and initiated a traffic stop, according to the sheriffs office. However, investigators say the driver of the gray sedan sped away from the deputy at speeds over 100 mph west on U.S. 56.

Milliken police officer shoots, injures suspect reportedly armed with knife

According to the sheriffs office, another deputy was preparing to use tire spikes as the suspect approached 1st Street and Mountain Avenue in Berthoud, and the suspect swerved toward the deputy who had to find cover to avoid being hit.

At that point, the sheriffs office said the suspect swerved again and ended up rolling the sedan. The sedan landed on and totaled a sheriffs office K-9 vehicle.

When the vehicle came to a stop, deputies removed the driver and two adult passengers from the car. The driver was identified as 38-year-old Van Radley, who the sheriffs office said attempted to provide a false name. All three people were taken to a hospital after sustaining injuries in the crash.

Deputies said a dog inside the suspects car died in the crash. No officers or bystanders were injured.

This shocking act of reckless violence threatened the lives of community members and first responders and, sadly, claimed the life of an innocent animal, said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. We cannot continue to allow dangerous offenders to cause harm without consequence.

The sheriffs office said Radley had an existing misdemeanor traffic warrant and a felony parole hold warrant in Weld County.

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Once he was released from the hospital, Radley was booked into the Weld County Jail on the following charges:

First-degree attempted murder after deliberation

First-degree attempted murder  Extreme indifference

Second-degree kidnapping

Vehicular eluding with injury

Aggravated cruelty to animals

Vehicular assault  Reckless

False reporting of identity to law enforcement

Two counts of aggravated driving with license revoked (Class 1 Traffic)

Reckless driving (Class 2 Traffic)

Radley was issued a $75,000 cash bond in Weld County court.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Despite some building afternoon clouds on Sunday, temperatures in Denver weather and along the Front Range still managed to reach the warm 80s.

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Those summer-like temperatures will be sticking around for the week ahead and could even reach the 90s for the first time this year. According to Pinpoint Weather, Colorados Most Accurate Forecast, the work week will be dry followed by thunderstorm chances heading into next weekend.

Weather tonight: Some clouds and cool

Any thunderstorms across Colorado will end with the setting sun. Some clouds will stick around making for partly to mostly cloudy skies.

The wind will be a little breezy and coming from the south. Temperatures will be in the cool 40s in the mountains and even a few chilly 30s possible. It will be comfortable across the eastern plains and in metro Denver with overnight lows in the low to mid 50s.

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Weather tomorrow: Some sunshine and warm again

There will be a mix of sunshine and clouds on Monday. It will be dry across eastern Colorado and Denver.

There will be some rain showers arriving in the Colorado mountains by the afternoon. Temperatures will be warm again with most places reaching the 70s to 90s.

Rocky Mountain Showdown: CU vs CSU game gets prime time on network TV

Looking ahead: A dry stretch followed by weekend storms

The warm temperatures along with the dry conditions will stay in place through Thursday. Denver has the potential to reach 90 degrees for the first time this year on Wednesday.

Rain chances will increase by the weekend with both Saturday and Sunday having the best chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be slowly cooling as the clouds and rain take over.

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.
Man dies by suicide during SWAT response on Flagstaff Road in Boulder

DENVER (KDVR)  Deputies in Boulder say a man died by suicide after SWAT and others responded to a call at a parking lot on Flagstaff Road for a report of a man with a gun.

The Boulder County Sheriffs Office told FOX31 they received a call at about 10:26 a.m. Monday about a gunshot near the 2100 block of Flagstaff Road. When deputies arrived, they made contact with a suspect who barricaded himself inside a car.

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Deputies spent several hours negotiating with the suspect, but around 4:15 p.m., the agency said he died by suicide.

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Deputies are negotiating with a barricaded suspect on Flagstaff Road in Boulder. (Boulder County Sheriffs Office

Deputies are negotiating with a barricaded suspect on Flagstaff Road in Boulder. (Boulder County Sheriffs Office

A road closure was in place from the bottom of Flagstaff Mountain up to the 2200 block of Flagstaff Road, but it reopened around 6 p.m. Trails on Flagstaff Mountain were also closed.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the national free support line available any time, any day by calling 988. Also, Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals at any time of any day; call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255.

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  President Joe Biden will appear on Ohios November ballot and foreign donations are now banned from issue elections in the state after Gov. Mike DeWine signed two bills into law Sunday.

The bills, House Bill 1 and House Bill 2, were generated from a special session of Ohios General Assembly called by DeWine to resolve putting Biden on the ballot.

Trump says hes OK with prospect of jail time, house arrest after hush money conviction

House Bill 2, sponsored by Rep. David Dobos (R-Columbus), delays Ohios deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice-presidential candidate to the states Secretary of States office for this years November election.

Some legislators sought to introduce a long-term fix to the ballot issue, but instead passed the one-time change, something it has done for previous presidential elections.

The issue was broached after it was discovered the National Democratic Convention would not be held until after Ohios deadline. The law moved that deadline from 90 days before Nov. 8 to 65 days, allowing the Democratic nominating convention to proceed as scheduled.

House Bill 1, sponsored by Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), now bans foreign nationals from donating to the states voter-led issue initiatives, like potential upcoming initiatives pushing a redistricting amendment and a minimum wage initiative.

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Democrats cite HB1 as the Republicans attempt to stifle such initiatives by creating an air of fear toward initiative organizers, while Republicans argued that only ballot initiatives that rely on foreign money will be affected.

There are many countries around the world that are not our friend, and we believe that Ohioans should decide ballot questions only by money that comes from other Americans, Seitz said last week.

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.
Students at Dine College leave the Ned Hatathlie Center at the schools Tsailie, Arizona, campus. (Photo courtesy Dine College)

Navajo students interested in studying the fundamentals of Navajo Nation law can now do so closer to home, as Dine College and Arizona State University are joining forces to offer a new Bachelor of Arts in Navajo Law.

We wanted to have a program that would meet students where they are, said Stacy Leeds, dean of the Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University.

The new bachelors law program, which will launch at Dine College in the fall, is the first of its kind collaboration between a tribal college and a top public law school.

The inception of the BA in Navajo Law program predates the pandemic, born out of the pressing need for legal professionals deeply versed in Navajo fundamental law, federal and state statutes, and Navajo Nation legal frameworks, Patrick Blackwater, dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences at Dine College, said in a press release.

Dine College said the curriculum will cover various aspects of the legal system, including regulations, policy development, the judicial structure, and formal and informal legal methodologies.

This program is meticulously crafted to furnish students with a holistic comprehension of legal fundamentals, empowering them to pursue impactful careers as legal scholars, advocates, policymakers, and educators within the legal sphere, Blackwater added.

The new program will offer students an immersive, hands-on learning experience, according to Dine College, and it will emphasize the practical application of laws and the nuanced navigation of legal landscapes.

Our mission is to furnish students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical acumen to effectively apply laws and legal processes within the Navajo Nation and beyond, Dine College President Charles Roessel said in a written statement. This program serves as a beacon of hope, a testament to our steadfast commitment to advancing justice and sovereignty through education.

Leeds said both schools worked together to develop the bachelors program curriculum, and Dine College examined what courses they may have had that would qualify for this type of program.

Each university will be working with people who have practiced law on the Navajo Nation, Leeds said.

She said that the programs are also looking to include community input because they want to ensure that the students are getting the best experiences and are on their best path if they are going to take the Navajo bar.

It really was a collaborative effort, and well continue to have it be a collaborative effort moving forward, Leeds said.

Leeds told the Mirror that the bachelors degree program offered at Dine College in collaboration with ASU is designed for undergraduate students fresh out of high school, starting an undergrad degree or transferring schools.

Students in the bachelors program will get their undergraduate degree entirely at Dine College. When they complete the program, they can quickly enter the workforce or continue their education in the graduate programs available at ASU.

If the bachelors degree is all the education the student wishes to pursue, Leeds said they will be prepared to be legal professionals, hopefully on the Navajo Nation.

But alongside the new bachelors program, Leeds said that ASU now offers graduate-level Master of Legal Studies and the Master of Laws degrees in tribal policy, law, and government, with an emphasis on Navajo law.

When they finish that masters degree program, they would be equipped to take the Navajo Bar and pass that and be an advocate there on the reservation, Leeds said.

The ASU law school has a long-standing partnership with the Navajo Nation, including recruiting and retaining Navajo students within ASU Laws Juris Doctor program, which features an Indian law certificate program.

From the bachelors program to ASUs juris doctor program, there are now four interrelated degree programs available to Indigenous students that maximize their opportunities in education.

According to ASU, the degree programs will collectively increase the number of legal professionals licensed to practice law on and around the Navajo Nation.

Leeds said they focused on Navajo Nation law because its legal system is special. The tribe has been able to retain traditional law and legal systems.

Its very impressive, Leeds said because, over the last century, the Navajo Nation has held on to those foundational laws while many other tribes have not had the same experience.

She said that is why it was important for the Navajo Nation to take the lead on their collaboration with the ASU law school, which provides a way for the tribe to continue to retain and grow their body of laws significantly.

Being able to bring a legal program to Dine College has been discussed for several years, Leeds said, and she recalls participating in the discussion in 2019 before she started working at ASU, which is why shes happy to see it come to fruition.

I really think that this model that weve mapped out could really be replicated with other tribes and other universities, Leeds said. Its a great model for making sure that you have a real comprehensive approach to legal education, that its not limited to a few people who are lucky enough to get an opportunity to go to an American law school.

Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. Follow Arizona Mirror on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Dine College, ASU collaborate on Navajo Law Program appeared first on Source New Mexico.
WALES (WJW)  A couple in Wales was recently sentenced to jail for repeatedly walking out on large restaurant tabs along with shoplifting, the South Wales Police reported.

Ann and Bernard McDonagh ran up huge bills at restaurants which they had no intention of paying, according to police, which reportedly affected multiple businesses in Swansea Citys bottom line.

Ann and Bernard McDonagh clearly felt that the law did not apply to them. This sentencing shows that it does, Inspector Andrew Hedley said in a statement.

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The two had pleaded guilty to charges at the beginning of May, with Ann sentenced to a year in prison and Bernard sentenced to eight months. Ann received more time for also shoplifting from multiple stores like Tommy Hilfiger and for obstructing a police officer.

Multiple British outlets revealed the couples restaurant bills totaled more than $1,200, using fake names and birthdays while dining out.

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Their scam was simple, according to RTE: order high-priced drinks and food while dining out with their children, then claim they had to get funds from a nearby ATM to cover the bill while leaving their kids at the table. Their kids were taught to run off after a little while.

During the sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas reportedly said involving their children was ruthlessly exploitive.

Why some Social Security recipients may not receive a payment in June

You were not going to these places to feed you and your family, it was criminality for criminalitys sake  to see if you could get away with it, Judge Paul Thomas said, per RTE.

Bernards lawyer said his client was deeply embarrassed and ashamed.

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.
On June 3, Azerbaijan's national carrier AZAL successfully operated its first flight en route Baku-Bucharest-Baku.

The Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft was traditionally greeted with a water salute.

A ceremonial event was held in Bucharest to mark the occasion of the airline's first flight. The event was attended by Gudsi Osmanov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Romania; Vasile Soare, the Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan; Shtefan-Radu Oprea, Romania's Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism; Ioana Podosu, Director General of the General Directorate of Tourism of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Kenan Gasimov, Head of Administration at State Tourism Agency; Javanshir Bayramov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau; Chingiz Mursalov, Head of the Sales and Partnership Department of Azerbaijan Airlines; Kamran Gajar, Representative for the European region of the Sales and Partnership Department of Azerbaijan Airlines, as well as other officials.

In their speeches, the participants emphasized the importance of launching the direct Baku-Bucharest-Baku flight in strengthening the ties between Azerbaijan and Romania and in promoting mutual tourism exchange. Azerbaijan is taking extensive measures to promote the country as a tourist destination, which includes the development of tourism at the state level.

It was noted that the introduction of direct flights will make Azerbaijan more accessible to Romanian tourists, positively impacting the tourist flow between the two countries. The development of these connections will help strengthen the friendly relations between the people of both nations.

Flights en route Baku-Bucharest-Baku will be operated twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. To view the flight schedule and purchase air tickets, please visit the airline's official website at www.azal.az or use AZAL mobile application.
Its official, if anyone still had any doubts.

There is no Republican Party in Idaho, with adherence to classic principles of conservatism and any general notion of decency.

There is only the Donald Trump Party, full of sycophants to a megalomaniac. People who 10 years ago had GOP governance on their minds  which they sometimes used to think for themselves  now have only fealty to Trump as their No. 1 objective.

Trump was found guilty last week on all 34 counts with which he was charged in New York in a hush-money case.

The criminal justice system worked.

A jury of 12 citizens convicted him for falsifying business records. That came after a grand jury  also made up of citizens  indicted him.

None of those panels included Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, Democratic politicians or Department of Justice members, just everyday New Yorkers doing their civic duty.

The verdict was the result of the U.S. justice system simply operating as it is supposed to. This is the same system that Republicans laud when it works for them, and they immediately forget all those times theyve bragged about the importance of the rule of law and how they belong to the party of law and order.

(The Capitol riot of Jan. 6 on behalf of Trump dispelled forever the idea that the GOP values law and order.)

But just as Donald Trumps sycophants have gone along with Trumps tearing down of one democratic institution  our elections  they now go along with tearing down another one: our justice system.

Its sad that those we at one time considered respectable, reasonable, intelligent people, leaders of the Idaho Republican Party  Idaho Gov. Brad Little, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson  have caved to the Trump cult.

Frankly, the reaction of these Republican politicians and leaders is nothing short of embarrassing and disgraceful  while also being predictable.

Little posted on social media that the American people will deliver the only verdict that matters in November.

Thats right, Idahos sitting governor proclaimed that felony convictions and the law dont matter.

Simpson and Crapo trotted out the right-wing talking points of a weaponized judicial system and a politically motivated case.

Mind you, in the good old days of a reasonable Republican Party, both Crapo and Simpson opposed Trump, recognizing his coarse, toxic brand of politics.

Crapos statement that the case could open the floodgates of possible prosecution based on an individuals mere existence was ridiculous. Nowhere in the indictment did we see a felony charge of existence.

As for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, as a former prosecuting attorney, he surely must appreciate and honor our legal system, trial by jury, the courts and those who sit on the bench, right? Wrong. He appreciates the opportunity to bow to Trump.

As a former prosecutor, I learned early the importance of our constitutional right to the due process of law. Due process is simply basic fairness. ... New Yorks mock trial did not attempt even an appearance of fairness.

No mention of the jury, which deliberated and decided the case.

Trump did receive due process.

For a former prosecutor to suggest that Trump didnt and then compare the United States justice system to third world countries just illustrates that these statements are politically motivated, that Risch is afraid of drawing the ire of the cultists who now blindly follow Trump, the man who once said he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone and his followers would still support him.

Indeed.

At this point, Idahos Republican leaders are just defenders of an indefensible man, willing to declare that respect for a trials outcome and the U.S justice system is optional.

Jury verdicts in criminal trials? Those dont matter.

The Donald Trump Party has spoken.

Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe and newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser.
"The court ultimately found the 'divisive concepts' laws to be fatally vague in three ways." (Getty Images)

The recent decision by New Hampshires federal district court in Local 8027 v. Edelblut, striking down the states divisive concepts laws, should not have been a surprise. As Judge Paul Barbadoro explained in his written opinion, the laws simply could not be squared with the basic tenets of due process.

The amended anti-discrimination and education laws, enacted in 2021, sought to regulate the teaching of what the Legislature referred to as divisive concepts relating to race and gender. Such concepts included the superiority of one person over another based upon either persons race, gender, sexual orientation, or other inherent characteristic. Educators brought suit, challenging the laws on free speech and due process grounds  and it was on the shoals of the latter that the laws ran aground.

As applied to laws that purport to ban certain activity or conduct, due process requires, at a minimum, notice to individuals of the specific actions or conduct the state is seeking to prohibit. When faced with a challenge based upon vagueness, courts ask whether the law at issue is framed in language so imprecise that, as Judge Barbadoro put it, persons of average intelligence would have no choice but to guess at its meaning and modes of application. A correlative problem is the extent to which imprecise statutory language may lead to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement  in other words, whether a vaguely worded statute gives law enforcement too much discretion to define violations of the law.

As Judge Barbadoro noted, the problem of vagueness is exacerbated when the law in question concerns expressive activity. This was the case with the divisive concepts laws. Uncertain meanings, the U.S. Supreme Court stated more than half a century ago in Terminiello v. Chicago, inevitably lead citizens to steer far wider of the unlawful zone than if boundaries of the forbidden areas were clearly marked. Vague rules, the court continued, lead to the kind of self-censorship that is inimical to our democracy.

The possibility of self-censorship was more pronounced in Local 8027 in light of the potential consequences for a teacher alleged to have taught one of the restricted concepts. Among other possibilities, the state could seek to have their teaching credentials revoked  an outcome potentially more serious than certain criminal sanctions.

The court ultimately found the divisive concepts laws to be fatally vague in three ways: first, they did not provide fair notice as to the concepts that teachers could not teach. Second, the laws did not specify when a classroom discussion that implicated a prohibited concept would violate the law. Finally, the laws did not provide the guidance necessary for teachers to determine when their speech outside the workplace would fall within the statutory prohibitions.

The New Hampshire Bulletin reported that, in response to the ruling in Local 8027, lawmakers said they would redouble efforts to enact a new law, one that presumably would address the due process deficiencies in the laws just struck down.

Setting aside the utility of divisive concepts as a political issue, designing a law that satisfies due process may not be an easy task. Part of the problem, as Judge Barbadoro recognized, is that the Legislature sought to eliminate the teaching of divisive concepts obliquely and not directly, casting its goal as an anti-discrimination effort. That approach may have been due to the majoritys inability to reach agreement on what specific concepts it believed should be prohibited from classroom teaching and discussion.

At a certain level, this case recalls another effort at state censorship. In Texas v. Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court held that states cannot prohibit the expressive activity of burning the United States flag in order to promote preservation of the flag as a symbol of national unity. As the court put it, [t]he way to preserve the flags special role is not to punish those who feel differently [about that role]. It is to persuade them that they are wrong.

So too here: The way to preserve whatever values one believes may be threatened by divisive concepts regarding race and gender is not to ban even the mention of such concepts, but to engage opponents in debates about them in the marketplace of ideas.

The post Divisive concepts case correctly decided appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Doctors are warning Congress about the potential link between suicide risk for veterans and moldy living conditions for military service members and their families.

For nearly two years, we have reported on military families around the country sounding alarms about mold in military housing. Multiple Congressional investigations and watchdog reports have shed light on concerns about mold in privatized military housing and barracks housing operated by the Defense Department.

Ive had many patients with mold-related illness who were military service members, or probably veterans by the time they saw me, and they had lived in military housing, said Dr. David Ross, a neuropsychiatrist and brain injury specialist. Its about 20 percent of my practice, patients with mold-related illness.

Our Washington News Bureau spoke with Dr. Ross and Dr. Andrew Heyman, an integrative medicine doctor, as they came to Capitol Hill with members of the Behavioral International Economic Development (BIED) Society to meet with Senate staffers. The focus of the meeting was on highlighting potential connections between suicide risk and moldy homes.

My work and research has evolved and focused on people who have been affected by water damaged buildings. This is an area of medicine that is typically ignored or not looked at very formally. In fact, I think its one of the greatest failures in primary care and public health, said Dr. Heyman. We started sort of considering well, how does this contribute to veteran suicide and is there a link? My belief is there likely is one to some degree This is really important and no ones talking about it.

The doctors shared the slides they said they provided to staffers for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers office with our Washington News Bureau. The doctors argue mold-related illness is a risk factor for suicide in large part because of how it can affect the brain.

We asked Dr. Ross to explain the impact on the brain when a person has exposure to a moldy home.

Some people can live in the home and have no problem, and other people in the same family in the same home could have terrible problems, said Dr. Ross. You [could] get a long list of problems including cognitive problems like impaired memory, concentration, attention, mood problems like depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue.

The doctors said they want Congress to invest in studying this problem more so we can have the data needed to better understand the potential links.

We need to collect more data. We need to show first and foremost, who is at risk and in what particular ways, and then we can start asking questions, well what do we do about it? said Dr. Heyman. Awareness has to be raised.

We reached out to Leader Schumers office for comment about the meeting but have not heard back. The doctors said they have another meeting scheduled with a key House committee later this year.

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The United States doesn't fully meet the definition of a banana republicwe don't have an economy dependent on resources, like bananas. But in terms of unstable politics in which government officials misuse powers and the courts to punish foes, the U.S. resembles that term more every day. The concluded hush-money trial of former (future?) President Donald Trump is a case in point.

A Convoluted Case With Political Ramifications

"President Donald Trump was convicted yesterday of allegedly altering business records to conceal his alleged payment of money to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, in order to influence the 2016 presidential election," Northwestern University law professor Steven Calabresi wrote June 1. "But, altering business records under New York State law is only a crime if it is done to conceal the violation of some other law. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged that the documents were allegedly falsely altered to conceal a contribution of money in violation of federal campaign finance laws or in pursuance of winning the 2016 election by defrauding the voters of information they had a right to know. Neither argument passes First Amendment scrutiny."

By no means do all legal experts agree with Calabresi. But as Politico noted last year, the charges hit "a wall of skepticism  including from left-leaning legal experts, liberal pundits and some of Trump's Republican detractors." Reason's Jacob Sullum considers the charges "dubious" and marred by "logically impossible claims."

Obviously, a Manhattan jury disagreed on its way to finding Trump guilty on 34 counts. But pursuing a former president who is the leading opponent to the incumbent White House resident via what even The New York Times called a "rarely used strategy" fuels suspicions that the target was less Trump's crimes, whatever they were, than his candidacy. Many Americans agree.

Unimpressed Americans

"A plurality of Americans, 50%, think former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict on all 34 counts in his hush money trial was correct," an ABC News/Ipsos poll found over the weekend. "Forty-seven percent of Americans said they think the charges against Trump in this case were politically motivated."

What's notable is that, post-conviction, these numbers barely budged from the 48 percent who originally approved of the charges and the 47 percent who said they were politically motivated in an ABC News/Ipsos poll last year. Public sentiment doesn't look like it's going anywhere from here.

"Perceptions of Donald Trump (and Joe Biden) are statistically unchanged from before the verdict was announced, suggesting minimal changes in how Americans feel about the two presidential candidates," adds Ipsos.

That's not surprising given the number of Americans who assumed from the beginning that the New York prosecution was motivated by partisan animus. The verdict, let's remember, came down the same week the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held in a lawsuit against New York regulators that "the NRA plausibly alleged that respondent violated the First Amendment by coercing regulated entities to terminate their business relationships with the NRA in order to punish or suppress gun-promotion advocacy." That clears the NRA's case to proceed against those officials for using their power to punish political opponents.

It also comes in an environment in which even many of Donald Trump's supporters take it as a given that he's a crook, but don't see that as a problem. In April, 59 percent of respondents told Pew Research pollsters that they're "not too or not at all confident" that Trump will act ethically in office. In March, while the percentage of respondents telling New York Times/Siena College pollsters they think Trump committed "serious federal crimes" declined from last year, it still stood at 53 percent.

But whatever was prosecuted in Manhattan looks more like throwing enough charges to see what sticks than "serious federal crimes." And Biden is underwater himself in public opinion of his ethics, beating only Trump's rock-bottom numbers, according to Gallup.

Get Ready for Retaliation

Beyond short-term political gamesmanship, the larger risk is that we're normalizing by-any-means-necessary lawfare by those in power to kneecap opponents. It's a game that anybody can play, though we'll all be losers in the end.

"In order to prevent the case against Trump from assuming a permanent place in the American political system, Republicans will have to bring charges against Democratic officers, even presidents," University of California, Berkeley, law professor John Yoo, who served in George W. Bush's administration, urges.

He'll likely find a receptive audience in the form of Trump himself, who has never been shy about using government power against enemies. He encouraged his supporters' "lock her up" chant against 2016 presidential opponent Hillary Clinton, promised last year to act as an agent of "retribution" if returned to office, and vowed in November to "root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country."

Donald Trump is not a turn-the-other cheek kind of guy, and more than willing to weaponize the state. On this road to banana republic status, each major political faction seems eager for the journey.

"Prosecuting current or past top officials accused of illegal conduct seems like an obvious decision for a democracy  everyone should be held accountable and subject to the rule of law," James D. Long, Morgan Wack, and Victor Menaldo of the University of Washington's political science department cautioned in 2022. "But there are consequences to prosecutions of these officials  not just for them, but for their countries. If the prosecution of past leaders is brought by a political rival, it can lead to a cycle of prosecutorial retaliation."

I expect we're going to see exactly that in the U.S. It's a regular feature of some other countries' political systems. Costa Rica, for example, more or less offers prosecutions as parting gifts to its former heads of state. It's still a lovely country. And the bananas there are delicious.

An unstable political system in which laws and regulations are weaponized by the powerful against opponents isn't the end of the world. But it delegitimizes the system, turns courtroom proceedings into an expected part of the election process, and poses serious legal dangers for dissenters.

By no means are all Americans sympathetic to the GOP. But we may all be banana republicans now.

The post Does Donald Trump's Conviction in New York Make Us Banana Republicans? appeared first on Reason.com.
What does Finland and Swedens membership to NATO mean for race to arm the Arctic?

What does Finland and Swedens membership to NATO mean for race to arm the Arctic?

Russia has had the military advantage in the Arctic for decades but NATO hopes that Sweden and Finlands recent accession could help the military alliance catch up quickly.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Moscow has significant long-range defence capabilities that certainly challenge NATO in the Arctic. Eight of the 11 submarines Russia has that are capable of launching long-range nuclear weapons are based in the Arctic Kola Peninsula, according to a report from Reuters and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Russia is ahead of the rest of the Arctic countries in terms of the militarisation of the region, a research associate at the Arctic Institute, Nima Khorrami, told Euronews. Yet, NATO is closing this gap, he added.

As key players in the Arctic Circle, Sweden and Finland have been developing their military and defence capabilities against the threats presented by neighbouring Russia there. Their accession into NATO  in March 2024 for Stockholm and April 2023 for Helsinki  means seven of the eight members of the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic, are in the military alliance. These include Canada, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod visit the Black Ridge Viewing site in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, May 20, 2021. - AP

NATO has yet to draft a plan to include its two newest members in its Arctic strategy but Russia finds itself at a disadvantage as a result of the seven Arctic states NATO membership, Khorrami said.

This membership enables them to develop shared threat perceptions in the Arctic, which, in turn, facilitates better and quicker coordination, he added. NATO can enhance its stance and deploy its resources more swiftly, thereby becoming a significant security presence in the Arctic.

Sweden, Finland: two assets for NATO in the Arctic

Sweden and Finland have developed important Arctic capabilities, Sophie Arts, the programme officer for the German Marshall Fund for the United States, told Euronews. Stockholm has been increasing its defence budget and thinking about how to escalate its personnel numbers due to Russias threat in the region, Arts said. Before they had even joined NATO, the two countries had been working with allies such as Norway for their development in the Arctic, she added.

In 2022, Sweden, Finland, and Norway signed a defence cooperation agreement with a special focus on the Arctic. Under the deal, the countries agreed to strengthen joint operational processes in the Far North and further allow their Armed Forces to cooperate.

The Arctic region of Sweden has been key for Europes development. The state-owned mining company LKAB is responsible for about 80 per cent of the iron ore in Europe. Sweden also has the EUs only orbital satellite launch complex, Esrange, which brings the European bloc closer to competing in the space race between the United States, China, and Russia. Sweden is creating a major data centre hub in the northern part of the country. Facebook has had a data centre in Lulea since 2017.

Yet, one of NATOs main challenges moving forward is the lack of situational awareness in the Arctic that leaves the alliance exposed to potential threats, Arts said. One of the big questions is how NATO can integrate its forces and defence plans across different theatres and domains to make sure it creates a 360 security approach, she said.

NATO vigilant against Russian and Chinese threats in Arctic

In October 2023, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, warned against the imminent threat posed by Russia and China in the Arctic region and urged the alliance to remain vigilant for unexpected rival moves.

The increased competition and militarisation in the Arctic region, especially by Russia and China, is concerning. The melting ice in the Arctic is creating new sea routes that would facilitate the movement of large vessels and shorten navigation times. We cannot be naive and ignore the potentially nefarious intentions of some actors in the region, Admiral Bauer said during the Arctic Circle Assembly.

In addition to Russias threats, China has been seeking influence in the Far North. Beijing has called itself a near-Arctic state and has been cozying up to Moscow to expand its access. The allies announced last year a partnership to promote development in the Northern Sea Route, which is one of the primary shipping lanes in the Arctic.

China and Russia have also launched joint natural gas production projects in the Arctic, giving Beijings liquefied natural gas (LNG) giant market a new gas source. In 2022, warships from the two countries conducted a joint exercise in the Bering Sea, which separates Alaska and Russia.

In October of that year, Norway raised its military alert level.

For Liselotte Odgaard, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Finland and Swedens accession into NATO will benefit the Baltic Sea more than the Arctic. Due to geographical factors, other countries such as Norway and Denmark have legitimate patrolling responsibilities in areas where Russians could expand their influence.

The Russian nuclear missiles that are stationed in the Arctic, will most likely be fired through Greenlandic airspace because theres such little surveillance of that airspace. Meaning Denmark should have more surveillance capabilities, Odgaard told Euronews.

According to Odgaard, no NATO country has ice-strengthened ships with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine capabilities. Russias nuclear submarines, which are able to launch an attack that reaches North America, can travel from the Barents Sea to Greenland without being detected. This leaves big gaps in NATOs defence posture, Odgaard said.
When does new Sacramento movie starring Michael Cera come out? Heres what we know

A movie featuring iconic Sacramento locations is premiering this week at the Tribeca film festival in New York.

Sacramento stars Kristen Stewart, Maya Erskine and Michael Cera.

Michael Angarano, who directed and co-wrote the movie, also stars in the film.

The film follows Ricky, an energetic and free-spirited young man who convinces Glenn, his long-time friend whos settled into domestic life, to go on an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento, according to a description on movie website IMDb.com.

Sacramento is scheduled to premiere on Saturday at OKX Theater in New York City.

Parts of the film were shot at well-known locations around the capital city, including Old Sacramento, Gunthers Ice Cream, R Street Corridor, downtown Sacramento and East Sacramento.

Gunthers Ice Cream, photographed in 2023, has been a Curtis Park staple since 1949.

Will Sacramento movie play in local theaters?

As of Friday, Sacramento was not listed online as playing at any Sacramento-area movie theaters.

A spokesperson for the film had not responded to requests for comment about plans for local or nationwide theater distribution as of Friday.

Earlier this year, Tribeca Enterprises, the company that owns the film festival, announced it is launching a film distribution company,

Tribeca Films will distribute films on streaming services such as The Roku Channel, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

The company plans to acquire 25 films per year, it said in a news release.

As of April 11, it had already acquired eight movies, sourced from various film festivals, the release said.
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL)  Seventeen people in Southwest Virginia were indicted by a grand jury after allegedly stealing more than $300,000 in pandemic unemployment funds.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Western District of Virginia reported the following people were charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, fraud in connection with emergency benefits and conspiring to commit mail fraud after an investigation into a pandemic unemployment benefit scheme:

Josef Ludwig Brown

Crystal Samantha Shaw

Jonathan Scott Webb

Christopher Kirk Webb

Stephanie Amber Barton

Haleigh McKenzie Wolfe

Terrence Brooks Vilacha

Cara Camille Bailey

Jessica Dawn Lester

Brian Edward Addair

Russell Eric Stiltner

Joseph Frederick Hass

Daniel Wayne Horton

Justin Warren Meadows

Jason Dale Worley

Jeramy Blake Farmer

Clinton Michael Altizer

In March 2022, Brown, Jonathan Webb and Shaw began their scheme to steal money intended for legitimate victims of the severely impacted Virginia economy, court documents stated.

KPD: Subject in custody after residents received call to shelter in place

The trio reportedly gathered birth dates, social security numbers and other identification information of friends and acquaintances incarcerated at Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority in Haysi and filled out pandemic unemployment claim forms for the inmates online.

According to court documents, co-conspirators fall into two categories: inmates at the Haysi Regional Jail who passed information to the trio and their friends/acquaintances.

Each co-conspirator listed in this indictment conveyed his/her PII (Personal Identity Information) to Shaw, directly or indirectly through other co-conspirators, for the purpose of filing a fraudulent claim for pandemic unemployment benefits, court documents stated.

Shaw reportedly filed at least 21 fraudulent claims or recertification of eligibility for pandemic unemployment benefits.

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In total, the defendants allegedly stole $341,205 of pandemic relief funds, the DOJ release stated.

The Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery conducted the investigation. The Dickenson County Sheriffs Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Virginia Employment Commission assisted in the 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Donald Trump Claims Hush Money Trial Has Been 'Tough' On Wife Melania: 'It's Very Hard For Her'

Donald Trump has opened up about the negative toll his New York hush money trial has taken on his family, particularly his wife, Melania Trump.

Trump shared that the trial, in which he has now been found guilty, has been "very hard" on the former First Lady, providing a stark contrast to the stoic public image she had projected all along.

Donald Trump became the first ex-president to be convicted of a felony crime, but his lead counsel, Todd Blanche, has revealed that they plan to appeal the verdict as soon as possible.

Donald Trump Says Hush Money Trial Has Been 'Very Hard' On Melania

MEGA

During an interview on Fox, the former president revealed that his New York hush money trial has been stressful for his wife, Melania, as the legal proceedings wrapped up last week.

Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts for falsifying company records to cover up a hush money payment made to former adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign.

He had denied the accusations, claiming that the case was a "witch hunt" that was politically motivated.

Speaking about the effect of his trial on Melania, Trump said, "She's fine, but I think it's very hard for her," adding that "in many ways, it's tougher on them [his family] than it is on me."

He also told the news outlet that he has no issues going to jail, but he is "not sure the public would stand for it."

"I think it would be tough for the public to take," he said, per BBC. "You know, at a certain point, there's a breaking point."

How Did Melania Trump React To Her Husband's Guilty Verdict?

MEGA

One of Melania's former aides claimed that Trump's guilty verdict would not come as a surprise to her.

During an appearance on CNN, the former advisor to Melania, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, lifted the lid on how the former first lady may have reacted to her husband's guilty verdict in the New York hush money trial.

"Melania knew exactly who she married. She knew that this was a transactional marriage. She became a top model. He became a loving, doting father, and it set them up for their win for the White House," Wolkoff told the news outlet, per the Daily Mail.

In the days before the verdict, Trump's wife had remained silent about the case, with Wolkoff predicting that she was "telling him exactly how she feels" with her attitude.

Melania Trump Reportedly 'Believes' The Guilty Verdict Is 'A Political Assassination'

MEGA

According to a political source who spoke to People magazine, Melania will likely not address her husband's guilty verdict in order to avoid drawing attention to herself and her son, Barron Trump.

"Melania believes this is a political assassination, but she knows exactly who she married," the source shared, going on to add that "for this reason, she has chosen to stay away from media attention to protect herself and her son Barron."

Another political source told the news outlet that it "is very unlikely she will say much about this unless the comment would be about a political witch hunt, which she definitely believes to be true."

"She will probably always be mad at him for many of the things he does," the source added. "But since she has carved out a life that does not include him all of the time, she is able to deal with it."

Donald Trump Was Allegedly 'Bothered' By His Wife's Lack Of Support

MEGA

Melania was notably absent from all court sessions during Trump's trial, leading many to think their relationship had been in trouble.

Another aide to the former first lady shared that the ex-president was "absolutely" bothered that his wife and his daughter, Ivanka, chose to distance themselves throughout the legal battle.

Speaking on CNN last Wednesday, the ex-Trump official Stephanie Grisham claimed that the presumptive Republican party nominee was perturbed by Melania and Ivanka's lack of support due to both of them not showing up in court.

"Absolutely, I know it bothers him. That kind of thing would bother him. If Mrs. Trump wasn't at some event and it was really noted, he would definitely bring it up with her," she said. "So I'm sure in this context, it's definitely really bothering him."

Grisham went on to note that she believes Ivanka chose to stay away from the courtroom to keep the case away from her children and that both women are thinking of their own optics" by staying away.

Three of his other children, Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany, attended at least once to show support to their father.

Donald Trump Will Not Give Up His 2024 Hopes

MEGA

The billionaire politician is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11. If convicted, he faces a potential four-year jail term for each count, although it's expected to run concurrently instead of consecutively.

However, that possibility may not change anything as Trump is bent on continuing his fight for the White House.

According to the BBC, one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba, said the former president is a "victim of political, selective prosecution," and even if he's jailed, he'll still be contesting the November elections.

"We have seen some corruption in this country that frankly has never been seen before in our judicial system," Habba said. "It is very real, it is not posturing by any means, it is 100% a problem that this country is going to have to handle and get a grapple on in November."

She continued, "He is running for president, nothing will change there. The people that need him in this country, because frankly, it's more important than anything anybody else thinks."

"Our people are speaking loudly, they're donating, they're small donors, and they are standing up because they are afraid because we cannot have this happen to us," the legal counsel added.
Donald Trump Denied That He'd Ever Said, "Lock Her Up"  Which Is Obviously A Lie

Donald Trump Denied That He'd Ever Said, "Lock Her Up"  Which Is Obviously A Lie

Convicted felon and former president Donald Trump lied about using the phrase, "Lock her up."

Handout / Getty Images

The chant rattled into the public consciousness in 2016 during the Republican National Convention, where it was largely aimed at then-nominee Hillary Clinton over her private server emails (she has been cleared by the State Department and twice by the FBI).

Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Initially, Trump said that he "didn't like the phrase" and tried to distance himself from it. However, on Jul. 29, 2016 (mere days later), he said, Ive been saying lets just beat her on November 8th. But you know what, Im starting to agree with you."

Peter Foley / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Of course, the phrase is coming back into the minds of some after Trump was found guilty last week of 34 felony charges of falsifying business documents. It is possible that Trump will go to prison, though, as the first former president to have a felony conviction, this is an unprecedented moment.

Pool / Getty Images

During a Fox & Friends "interview," Fox Newss Will Cain said to Trump, You famously said, regarding Hillary Clinton, Lock her up. You declined to do that as president." Trump replied, "I beat her. Its easier when you win. And they always said lock her up, and I felt  and I could have done it, but I felt it would have been a terrible thing. And then this happened to me."

Spencer Platt / Getty Images

So I may feel differently. I can't tell you. I'm not sure I can answer the question. Hillary Clinton  I didnt say lock her up, but the people said lock her up, lock her up, Trump continued. Then, we won. And I say  and I said pretty openly, I said, all right, come on, just relax, lets go, weve got to make our country great.

Trump also insisted that he had the "country together" and "everybody was doing better" before "the China virus," which is false. Pool / Getty Images

So here are just some moments where Trump did, indeed, want Hillary to be locked up:

1.On Oct. 10, 2016, the crowd in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania started chanting, "Lock her up!" Trump replied, "Lock her up is right."

Dominick Reuter / AFP via Getty Images

2.On Oct. 14, 2016, at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump said of Clinton, "For what she's done, they should lock her up, they should. It's disgraceful."

Sara D. Davis / Getty Images

3.Four years later, on Jan. 9, 2020, in Toledo, Ohio, Trump said, "Crooked Hilary, you should lock her up."

Brittany Greeson / Getty Images

4.On Jun. 23, 2020, Trump said in Phoenix, Arizona, "Lock them up. Yeah. Lock them up."

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

5.On Oct. 16, 2020, Trump said at a rally in Macon, Georgia, "Lock up the Bidens, lock up Hillary. Lock them up."

Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images

You get the idea.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. An annual summarizing meeting with the DEEP delegation was held in Baku within NATO's "Defense Education Enhancement Programme," Trend reports via the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan.

The meeting discussed the development of the educational system at the National Defense University (NDU), the exchange of last year's experience, as well as the topics of the international scientific conference to be organized by the university on October 710 of the current year.

The meetings held at the National Defense Universitys educational institutions were attended by local and foreign experts in the field of education and representatives of the university.

The delegation commended the innovations implemented in the field of education at the National Defense University and had a detailed exchange of views on the prospects for further cooperation.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Donald Trump Reveals How Melania Reacted To His Conviction In The Hush Money Trial

Former President Donald Trump said his wife, Melania Trump, is doing fine after a jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in his criminal hush money trial in New York last week.

In an interview with Fox & Friends Weekend that aired Sunday, the former president spoke about how his family is processing the news of his conviction.

I think in many ways its tougher on them than it is on me, he said. Theyre good people, all of them, everyone, everyone. I have a wonderful wife who has to listen to this stuff all the time. They do that for this reason.

Trump added that while the former first lady has taken the news in stride, its still tough for her.

Shes fine, but I think its very hard for her, he said. I mean, shes fine, but you know she has to read all this crap.

Trump has decried his conviction and pledged to appeal it.

While other family members, including Ivanka Trump, who had previously stayed silent about the proceedings, came out with a supportive message for her father following his guilty verdict, Melania Trump has not made any public statements or posts on her personal social media accounts since Thursday.

The trial centers around a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election to keep quiet about her story about their alleged affair. Trump denies the affair.

The proceedings brought up embarrassing details about the former president and his relationship with his wife.

Michael Cohen, the former presidents personal lawyer and fixer, who was the prosecutions star witness, told the court Trump wasnt concerned about how his wife would react to Daniels going public with her story.

He wasnt thinking about Melania, Cohen said. This was all about the campaign.

Meanwhile, Daniels told the court her affair with Trump started shortly after Melania Trump gave birth to the couples son, Barron.

Daniels also recalled Donald Trump told her at the time that he and Melania Trump slept in separate bedrooms.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror published Sunday, Daniels urged Melanie Trump to leave the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

I dont know what their agreement may or may not be, but Melania needs to leave him, Daniels said. Not because of what he did with me or other women but because he is a convicted felon.

Melania Trump has kept a low profile since the end of her husbands administration, making rare public appearances as Donald Trump campaigns for the White House. She also did not show up at the Manhattan courthouse during the trial, even as other family members and allies joined Trump in court.

However, The New York Times reported Melania Trump privately called the trial a disgrace amounting to election interference.

Donald Trumps sentencing hearing has been set for July 11.

Related...
Donna Hodge gets state OK as next president of Fitchburg State University

FITCHBURG  Donna Souder Hodge, an administrator at Colorado State University Pueblo, will be the 12th president of Fitchburg State University.

Hodge's selection last month by the school's Board of Trustees was approved Monday by the state Board of Higher Education, according to the school.

Hodge will be the first woman to head Fitchburg State, which dates to 1894. She will succeed Richard S. Lapidus, who is stepping down at the end of June after nine years as president.

Hodge is currently vice president of operations and advancement at Colorado State Pueblo, which is one of three campuses in the Colorado State University system.

I am excited to join the Fitchburg State community and support its vital mission, Hodge said in statement from Fitchburg. As I witnessed firsthand during my time on campus, Fitchburg State has been a cornerstone of the city and region for 130 years. I look forward to working with the talented team of faculty, librarians, staff and administrators to support our students as they pursue their educational and personal goals, and I am honored to help the university chart its future path.

Hodge has a doctorate in rhetoric from Texas Woman's University. She has graduate and undergraduate degrees from Texas A&M.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Donna Hodge gets state OK as next president of Fitchburg State University
"I don't see any of that": Experts pour cold water on Trump's hope that Supreme Court will save him

Former President Donald Trump faces steep odds on his likely years-long battle to appeal last week's criminal conviction, legal experts told Salon.

Trump on Sunday complained about his upcoming sentencing date, which is scheduled days before the Republican National Convention, writing on Truth Social that the "Supreme Court MUST DECIDE."

"There's an uphill battle, both in the state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court," Manoj Mate, a professor of law at DePaul University College of Law who focuses on constitutional law, told Salon.

The Manhattan jury convicted Trump last week of all 34 felony counts of falsification of business records. Prosecutors alleged that Trump disguised $130,000 in hush money as a legal expense as part of a scheme to keep information about alleged extramarital sex from voters and unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.

Salon has spoken to numerous legal experts about Trump's potential pathway to the Supreme Court  which he could conceivably reach after exhausting his appeal options in the state of New York.

At the state level, Mate said Trump could argue that adult film star Stormy Daniels' testimony was prejudicial or that the judge made some "clear error" in the jury instructions.

"They have to establish that there was some clear error on the part of the judge on some decisions in terms of allowing the D.A. to prosecute the case in this certain way, to allow certain testimony, including the Daniels' testimony," Mate said.

But Mate said Judge Juan Merchan was "cautious" in how he handled requests by defense and prosecution alike.

"You have to find some type of clear error or find some type of misconduct, which I think is very unlikely," Mate said. "Based on everything we've seen, I think Judge Merchan was very cautious."

At the Supreme Court, some experts said Trump could take issue with how prosecutors brought the case in the first place.

Prosecutors alleged that Trump intended to commit, aid or conceal a violation of state election law section 17-152.

That statute "provides that any two or more persons who conspire to promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means means and which conspiracy is acted upon by one or more of the parties thereto, shall be guilty of conspiracy to promote or prevent an election."

Merchan said jurors could consider three unlawful means under New York's election law conspiracy statute: a violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act, falsification of other business records or violation of tax laws.

"We haven't seen this type of exact case play out," Mate said. "A lot of this is sort of novel. And I think on appeal, we're going to see this litigated and again."

Rick Hasen, a professor of law at UCLA, said that it's unclear if "federal election law violations could be the basis for prosecution in state court."

Trump could also bring about due process complaints, according to Hasen.

But when it comes to whether his legal arguments could hold sway in state appellate court or the Supreme Court, multiple experts said they see either zero or slim chance that Trump could come out victorious after years of appeals.

"It is generally very tough to get Supreme Court review," Hasen said. "Because it is Trump, it would certainly get more attention. I think the due process arguments are somewhat stronger than the campaign finance arguments, but both are relative long shots."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Election and campaign finance lawyer Jerry Goldfeder said the law is quite clear, and that so were Merchan's jury instructions.

"I don't see any of that being successful," said Goldfeder, who is director of Fordham Law School's Voting Rights and Democracy Project, and a longtime legal counsel for mayors, governors and presidential candidate. "The prosecution made out a very solid case."

"The statute says you cannot influence an election by unlawful means," Goldfeder said. "Unlawful means could be violations of state law or violations of federal law."

Goldfeder said he doesn't see any plausible constitutional issues that Trump could raise.

Professor Bennett Gershman, a professor who teaches constitutional law and criminal procedure at Pace University, said there is "no federal question" for the Supreme Court to take up.

"To be sure, the federal election law did come up in the judges instructions as a basis for the jury to raise the false records to a felony, but we dont know  and we will never know because jury deliberations are secret  whether that law mattered to the jury, or whether several other legal options triggered the felony convictions," Gershman said. "Federal law may have been an abstract and unnecessary issue in the case."

He added: "Only when the federal question is an 'adequate and independent' basis for the judgment  in other words, the federal question was the reason for the result or contributed significantly to the result - does a federal court have jurisdiction. In this case there is obviously no clear  or even implicit  basis for the jurys verdict."

Early on in the Manhattan proceedings, Trump tried to move the case to the federal court  but that request was denied.

Robert Peck, president of the D.C. law firm Center for Constitutional Litigation, pointed out that a federal judge ruled that federal election law did not preempt New York's statute or the prosecution of the former president.

Trump initially appealed the decision and then agreed to dismiss the appeal.

"There is an adequate state ground for the prosecution and that forecloses Supreme Court jurisdiction on that issue," Peck said.
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts to get new principal for 2024-25, DCPS announces

Riverside High School Principal Timothy Feagins speaks before a regular season high school football game on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Feagins was named the new principal of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts on Monday.

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will have a new leader next year.

The current principal of Riverside High School, Timothy Feagins, will take over the position next year, according to a Duval County Public Schools announcement on Monday.

Tina Wilson, who served as principal of Douglas Anderson for three years, will transition to a new leadership district role to serve students with disabilities and their families, DCPS Interim Superintendent Dana Kriznar said.

"Ms. Wilson leaves Douglas Anderson as a highly accomplished principal. She came to the school with the challenge of addressing racial and cultural issues and then found herself leading the school through another period of crisis," said Kriznar.

Five teachers were removed from Douglas Anderson classrooms in just the last year and a half, with two teachers criminally charged.

Longtime vocal teacher Jeffery Clayton was arrested in March 2023 and pleaded guilty in April to charges of sexual misconduct with a student.

Chris Allen-Black, another teacher at Douglas Anderson, was arrested in February after he was accused of exposing himself at a Disney World hotel. Allen-Black's arrest prompted the district to issue an apology to parents after he remained in the classroom for 45 days.

More changes at DCPS: Turning page on hard year, Duval School Board picks SW Florida superintendent to run schools

School closings stirs debate: Feedback meetings on Duval school closing ideas start with pushback from Beaches neighbors

The incidents at Douglas Anderson caught the attention of state lawmakers, including Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz and Florida Senator Clay Yarborough. Both lawmakers called for accountability from the school district, with Diaz calling the handling of Allen-Black's arrest "unacceptable."

In a response to Diaz, Kriznar pointed out six actions the district took to address necessary changes to ensure student safety.

"While the work has been difficult in the context of the issues with which you are all familiar, it has been a great honor and a tremendous growth experience for me to be in this role during this season," Wilson said in a statement to parents and staff on Monday.

According to Wilson, Douglas Anderson saw an increase in math, English language arts and science proficiency rates along with a 100 percent graduation rate under her leadership.

"I believe strongly that a proven, student-focused leader is exactly what Douglas Anderson requires for its next chapter," Kriznar said.

Feagins served as the leader of Riverside High School during its renaming from Robert E. Lee High School and also acted as the principal of Landon Middle School, where he "initially established himself as a highly capable school leader," Kriznar said.

The district said it plans to schedule an opportunity for community members to meet Feagins, though did not provide a timeframe for when that would be.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Duval Schools names Timothy Feagins new principal at Douglas Anderson
Back-to-back storms will swing through the Midwest and Northeast this week, the second of which will bring more downpours and disruptions starting at midweek. AccuWeather meteorologists say another shift in the weather pattern is in the offing in the wake of the second storm.

The first storm moved through Tuesday night producing a few clouds and spotty shower and thunderstorm activity in the central and southern Appalachians, the Piedmont and the mid-Atlantic.

The second storm will be a bigger rainfall producer than the previous system for the central Appalachians, mid-Atlantic and parts of the Southeast. It's much more likely to produce downpours intense enough to lead to street and highway flooding in some cases from Wednesday to Thursday.

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The drenching downpours may hold off in New York City until late Wednesday night and may not reach Boston until Thursday. However, locations such as Philadelphia may be in the downpour zone by Wednesday evening, and people in Washington, D.C., may be dodging rain episodes at any time on Wednesday. Atlanta will be even be subject to general showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday.

Dry air in New England will initially resist showers. Still, even in this region, moisture will eventually prevail, and showers with spotty thunderstorms will prevail later this week.

Showers and thunderstorms may struggle to occur in much of the southeastern corner of the U.S., including the Florida Peninsula, most days this week.

The system moving eastward at midweek will likely be strong enough to set off locally severe thunderstorms with gusty winds from the eastern Great Lakes to the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and perhaps some of the western slopes of the Appalachians.

Following midweek downpours from the Appalachians and Piedmont areas to the mid-Atlantic and southern and western New England, a batch of unusually cool air will pivot southeastward across the Great Lakes to much of the Northeast later this week and this weekend.

The air coming in will produce temperature departures of 5-15 degrees below the historical average for early June. It will replace highs in the 70s to near 80 in the mountains and the 80s to near 90 in coastal areas, with highs mainly in the 60s to low 70s in the mountains and the 70s to near 80 in coastal areas.

Billowing clouds, showers and spotty thunderstorms are expected to accompany the cooldown. Most of the shower activity will be from the midday hours to the early evening, as the sun will drive them.

In some cases, the more robust showers can evolve into thundershowers with small hail and gusty winds.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Dozens of United Airlines passengers report feeling sick on flight to Houston; officials hint at possible cause

(NEXSTAR)  Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight from Vancouver to Houston reported feeling ill upon arrival Friday afternoon, prompting to the airline to take the plane out of service for a deep cleaning, a United spokesperson confirmed.

A total of 25 passengers were sickened, Martee Black, a spokesperson for the Houston Fire Department, told Nexstar. Three were treated on the scene at George Bush Intercontinental airport, according to the Houston Airport System; the rest elected to continue on their journey or head home.

Public health officers from CDCs Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board, a spokesperson for the CDC wrote in an emailed statement obtained by Nexstar.

Most of the sickened passengers had only mild GI symptoms, the CDC added, and none were exhibiting a fever.

No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up, the CDC wrote. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.

Cucumbers shipped to 14 states recalled over possible salmonella contamination

Black, of the Houston Fire Department, said the sickened passengers were previously on a cruise together. (Around 75 of the United passengers, total, were on that same cruise, HFD said.) United Airlines, in its statement, also indicated that at least several of the sickened passengers had been on the same cruise prior to boarding the flight in Vancouver.

Neither the HFD, nor United, said which cruise the passengers may have taken.

United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation, an airline spokesperson said. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.

Cases of norovirus on cruise ships, meanwhile, have been reported on several different cruise lines in recent months, sickening hundreds of passengers, according to the CDC.

Outbreaks of norovirus are said to be the most frequent cause of stomach bugs on cruise ships, the CDC notes, though cruises are a relatively rare setting for such outbreaks, accounting for only about 1% in the U.S., the agency says. (Theyre more frequently reported in health care facilities, restaurants and child care centers.) Still, such outbreaks can be especially challenging to control on cruise vessels because of passengers sharing recreational and dining spaces, the CDC 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 Queen City News.
Authorities suspect DUI after a motorist driving the wrong way on the Capital City Freeway crashed head-on into a vehicle Sunday, killing a female passenger and injuring the driver.

The crash happened just after 9 a.m. on the northbound lanes of the freeway just before the off-ramp for Exposition Boulevard, said Officer Justin Fetterly, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrols North Sacramento office.

The driver of a Toyota Corolla, driven by a man in his 30s, entered the freeway going the wrong direction and collided with a Nissan Altima with two occupants. The force of the crash launched the Corolla into the concrete center divide of the freeway.

The driver of the Altima, a man in his his late 20s according to Fetterly, was hospitalized with injuries. His passenger, identified by the Sacramento County Coroners Office as Cheryl Ann Nicholle Reed, 30, of Sacramento, was killed in the crash.

The Corolla driver then escaped the crash scene on foot, Fetterly said. CHP officers caught up to the man after he hid out in a hotel lobby on nearby Tribute Road. Authorities sent the man to the hospital for injuries suffered in the crash and he was expected to be booked into Sacramento County Main Jail once medically cleared, Fetterly said.

While the investigation into the crash was ongoing, Fetterly said, officers suspect the driver of the Corolla was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) stands ready to collaborate closely with Azerbaijan to ensure COP29 is a successful and impactful event, advancing our shared goals of sustainability and climate action, Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, Director, Regional Head of the Caucasus for the EBRD, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"Our team in Baku, but also those spread across our different countries will be supporting Azerbaijan in leveraging the opportunity presented by the conference to mobilize green finance on a national, regional, and global scale," he said.

Drakinos pointed out that Azerbaijans role in advancing climate action and sustainability goals is becoming increasingly significant.

"The country has taken a pole position in the Caucasus when it comes to deploying utility-scale solar and wind energy generation capacity, and the EBRD has been instrumental in facilitating this. As the largest institutional investor in Azerbaijan, and the climate finance leader in the region, we are a natural partner for Azerbaijans ambitious decarbonization agenda," the official noted.

The EBRD rep reminded that the bank recently financed the first utility-scale privately owned wind power plant in the Absheron and Khizi regions, following investment in the first utility-scale solar power plant in Garadagh last year.

"Were also enhancing energy efficiency in Ganja under our flagship Green Cities program. On the policy front, our collaboration on renewable energy auctions has led to the planned development of a solar power plant project in Garadagh. We now want to help carry this momentum forward and we believe that COP29 is a great opportunity," Drakinos said.

EBRD's role in renewable energy auctions launch in Azerbaijan

He further noted that the EBRD has been supporting Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy in developing a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure the success of the renewable energy auctions launch.

"We support auctions because, through competition and transparent procedures, beneficiary countries get the best possible prices from international quality bidders. To ensure the success and effectiveness of these auctions, the EBRD has been supporting the Ministry of Energy in developing a robust legal and regulatory framework. This includes contributions to the new Renewable Energy Law, which provides the necessary foundation for competitive bidding processes. Our experience in supporting similar auctions in countries like Uzbekistan, Albania, and Serbia has shown that such frameworks are very successful in mobilizing private sector financing and high-quality project delivery," he said.

According to Drakinos, the launch of the first renewable energy auction for a solar power plant in Garadagh represents a significant milestone in the country's journey towards decarbonization and sustainable energy development, "a game-changer for Azerbaijans green energy agenda".

"The primary objective of these auctions is to attract private investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects, increasing the renewable energy share of Azerbaijans installed electricity generation capacity. By helping foster a competitive and transparent procurement process, we aim to help ensure that the best projects are selected, driving both innovation and efficiency in the sector," he elaborated.

The EBRD official also spoke about the outcomes of such auctions. "They are designed to diversify Azerbaijans energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and helping the country meet its international climate commitments. This is particularly relevant now as the country prepares to host the COP29 climate conference in Baku later this year. Investments in renewables will also stimulate economic growth and diversification by creating jobs and encouraging technological advancements within the energy sector. We remain dedicated to supporting Azerbaijans renewable energy ambitions and look forward to continuing our collaboration in this transformative journey".

Promoting connectivity through the Middle Corridor

Further speaking, Alkis Drakinos highlighted the bank's support provided for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or the so-called Middle Corridor. As such, the bank may consider supporting additional projects along the route.

"Being a demand-driven institution, the EBRD will consider supporting additional projects along the Middle Corridor provided these projects are bankable and meet our required governance, transparency, environmental, and procurement standards. Eligible projects in support of this project addressing either transit, trade, and energy potential or infrastructure gaps in the same sectors may be forwarded to the EBRD for consideration by any among the three South Caucasus countries as well as from Central Asia," he said.

According to Drakinos, over the years, the EBRD has been supporting projects promoting connectivity among all its 38 countries of operations. "Connectivity is in fact a priority theme in most of our Country Strategies. I personally align myself with those that see connectivity as a key driver for economic growth and prosperity as well as a means of increasing the understanding and cooperation among countries and peoples," he said, adding that the South Caucasus plays particularly important role in this process.

"I am fully aware of the strategic importance of the South Caucasus region in increasing substantially international trade across sectors including renewable energy, playing a catalytic role as a bridge connecting Asia with Europe as well as within the South Caucasus region countries. More particularly, Azerbaijans geographical location, infrastructure networks, economic resilience, natural resources wealth, and renewables potential, position the country in the epicenter of the Middle Corridor," Drakinos pointed out.

The EBRD rep further added that, to date, the bank has supported Azerbaijans transit potential along the Middle Corridor by signing a financial package of 38.7 million euros for ASCO shipping company, to finance the acquisition of two vessels that will be navigating through the Black Sea trading food commodities from South America towards Central Asia through Georgias ports in the Back Sea, and then via trucks or trains to the port of Baku crossing the Caspian until their final destination.

Considering future Southern Gas Corridor financing

Discussing the potential financing for the future expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), Drakinos mentioned that the bank might consider participating in the initiative.

"Azerbaijan has been a long-standing partner of the EBRD for three decades. In the past, the EBRD supported the SGC through financing its key components. We understand that the capacity of the SGC is expandable, and should a decision be made to pursue this expansion by the Azerbaijani authorities if approached, we could consider engaging with the project," he said.

The EBRD, as a transition bank, views climate mitigation and adaptation as essential transition processes, Drakinos noted. "Given this perspective, we acknowledge the challenges faced by hard-to-abate sectors in our countries. Therefore, we recognize a limited scope for fossil fuel investments, only if they can accelerate decarbonization".

He pointed out that to finance the project, it must align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the banks stance on fossil fuels. "This includes strict adherence to criteria designed to mitigate the risk of carbon lock-in and promote low-carbon gas transportation. Potentially, any future cooperation on the SGC would perhaps need to demonstrate the capacity to transport low-carbon gases and ensure future-proofing of the infrastructure to accommodate these requirements," Drakinos explained.

"The EBRD is committed to ensuring that any investments we support contribute to a sustainable and low-carbon future. This means that projects like the expansion of the SGC must not only meet current energy needs but also be aligned with future demands for cleaner energy. By integrating these principles, we aim to support Azerbaijan in its efforts to achieve a swift and resilient energy transition," the official added.

EBRD's new Country Strategy for Azerbaijan

Supporting Azerbaijan's future economic diversification through strengthening sectors outside oil and gas and fossil fuels remains one of the foremost priorities for the EBRD, Drakinos pointed out.

"To date the EBRD has supported Azerbaijans economic development by investing in 190 projects of 3.8 billion euros in value. Most of this funding has been oriented towards Azerbaijans sustainable infrastructure including in the energy sector. Our yearly level of investments has been varying in tandem with demand for bankable projects from Azerbaijans private sector and the state sector," he said.

According to Drakinos, the bank is interested in boosting its share of private sector operations. "I can expect that in the coming years, investments in support of private sector development including through our growing network of partner banks, the Middle Corridor, and facing the global challenge of climate change mainly through power generation from renewable resources and subsequent improvements on the national grid, will be at large our areas of operational focus".

"In all our operations we will continue supporting green transition, inclusion, and digitalization in line with our own priorities and strategic direction as an institution. The above operational directions will be outlined in our forthcoming Country Strategy for Azerbaijan that will cover the period 2024  2029," he noted.

The EBRD rep also pointed out that the bank is in discussions with the Azerbaijani authorities and the private sector about the Country Strategy priority themes.

"We expect to complete the process and submit the Country Strategy to our shareholders for their approval later in 2024," he added.

In conclusion, Drakinos added that the 30 year-long partnership of EBRD with Azerbaijan is currently at a positive juncture steered by frequent high-level meetings fostering a forward-looking and further improving cooperation on agreed strategic directions.

"For the mid- to long-term, our partnership with Azerbaijan will be at large captured by our forthcoming Country Strategy for Azerbaijan 2024-2029. Priority themes in the Strategy will include fostering reform towards private sector development, improved governance, and commercialisation of SOE policies, supporting investment and reform to address regional challenges such as the success of the Middle Corridor as well as global challenges such as climate change. In this context, immediate future cooperation already includes support for the success of COP29 this coming November in Baku," Alkis Vryenios Drakinos concluded.
The city of Chicago is nearing budget season. All signs point to the budget hole being substantial.

Thats not stopping Mayor Brandon Johnson from proposing a sidewalk snow removal program for four 1.5-square-mile city zones beginning next winter. On its face, the cost of this pilot  up to $3.5 million in the coming fiscal year  seems modest. But, as 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn effectively argues, that cost is likely to mushroom into the tens or even hundreds of millions if all Chicagoans come to expect the city to remove snow not just from the streets but from their sidewalks as well.

In a city where a poor blizzard response at least partly determined the outcome of a mayoral election 45 years ago, theres a reason Chicago mayors havent decided to provide sidewalk snow removal service before now, and its not that the notion didnt occur to them. The cost is exorbitant.

The perfect-world argument for sidewalk snow removal, of course, is compelling. Senior citizens and the disabled effectively can be trapped in their homes when enough snow falls. The impact can range from inconvenient to dangerous. If an elderly resident cant get medicine or food over a significant stretch of time, for example, that goes beyond mere inconvenience.

We think a public-service campaign calling on Chicagoans to shovel the walks of their elderly or disabled neighbors would be an excellent start. Aldermen might even organize such groups of volunteers in their wards. There was a time in this city when helping older neighbors dig out was commonplace and when middle schoolers looking to make a few bucks would walk door to door and offer their services.

Perhaps that time is quaintly past. If so, thats a shame.

Still, if Johnson and his progressive City Council allies are intent on providing this service citywide, there are far cheaper ways to do it than setting up a distinct bureau and covering the costs of equipment, salaries, benefits, pensions and insurance, etc. Quinn himself has developed a model.

For a decade now, Quinn has offered snow removal service to senior citizens in his ward. It began as a loosely organized group of 10 snow shovelers and has grown to incorporate deliberate planning, some heavy equipment and far more personnel. There are 760 households on the list, which is updated each autumn as winter approaches. The cost of providing the service ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 each winter, he tells us. He funds it in part through his aldermanic budget and with 13th Ward Democratic funds.

It takes work, but Quinn says its rewarding. I spend a lot of time working on routes each fall, he says. I think our staff loves the program. We take pride in it. The program has created a unique relationship with our constituents.

Heres a thought, aldermen. Take a page from your colleagues book and run your own ward snow removal programs. Chicago has 50 aldermen  a far larger City Council than any major city in America. Thats an absurdly high number, but a silver lining to such waste and inefficiency is that aldermen can attend to constituent services in a way that, say, a New York City council member cannot.

One might even argue, as Quinn did to us, that the city could augment aldermanic service budgets by, say, $75,000 per ward for snow removal purposes. That would require aldermen to chip in another $75,000 or so from their annual allowance, which tops $200,000. Such an approach would have city taxpayers shelling out another $3.8 million annually, about the same amount as the pilot program aldermen are being asked to approve, and would provide citywide service for seniors  theoretically, at least  at a fraction of the cost for city government to do it. Aldermen would be providing jobs to residents of their ward to boot, always a surefire vote-getter. Voters could respond to any incompetence or corruption in the time-honored, democratic way: by electing a new alderman.

This City Hall is having enough trouble doing the basics like keeping the streets safe and clean. Adding a logistically challenging and costly mandate to its responsibilities is a bad idea.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Editorial: Hemp can get you high. Illinois needs to better protect its minors.

At the National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago a few weeks ago, attendees flocked to a booth handing out samples of a flavored seltzer with a kick. Wynk was drawing crowds not just by offering a refreshing drink, but also the promise of what it describes as a light, bubbly buzz from a psychoactive ingredient.

Wynk contains a form of THC derived from the hemp plant, which as of today is legal to sell at bars, gas stations, vape shops and other outlets prohibited by law from selling THC made of marijuana  which adults can purchase legally in Illinois only at regulated, taxed dispensaries.

The mind-bending seltzer is among a slew of hemp-derived, buzz-inducing soft drinks, beers, vapes and other products that have hit the market since federal lawmakers seeking to promote hemp farming opened the door for them in the 2018 farm bill.

As the Tribune reported on May 23, the Illinois General Assembly has been considering legislation that initially proposed outlawing products made with hemp-derived THC for two years, supposedly to buy time for formulating rules. A newer version of the legislation would allow the sale of THC products made from hemp, but only at outlets licensed to sell marijuana.

The proposed legislation has prompted an outcry from craft brewers, retailers and others who have jumped on the hemp bandwagon. They say the rules would hurt businesses employing many Illinois residents, which is likely true. They want regulations that would enable them to continue selling their products outside licensed dispensaries, while restricting sales to those 21 and older, requiring testing of the products for purity and strength, and imposing new taxes on them.

We believe its imperative for Illinois lawmakers to act.

These intoxicating products are available with practically no government oversight or required safety testing, and in some cases not even age restrictions.

We see room for additional compromise with the hemp dealers, and were mindful that anti-hemp legislation could face a serious legal challenge. But one way or another, the state must assert control. So it was disappointing to see the General Assembly take off on break before settling the issue. The cop-out in Springfield means the free-for-all is likely to continue through the summer.

This page has supported decriminalizing marijuana while taking a skeptical view of the THC bonanza underway in Illinois and elsewhere. Evidence shows that making these products legally available for recreation has significantly increased their use, including among those under 21.

Related Articles

The booming business amounts to a vast public-health experiment, with unknown long-term consequences for everything from mental stability to cardiovascular fitness. The widespread sale of hemp-based intoxicants is a good example of government inadvertently paving the way for products that could be hurting people.

In its natural state, hemp contains only a tiny amount of THC. After Congress got into the act, however, producers quickly learned how to concentrate the compound into a form strong enough to make its users high. In the process, pesticides, heavy metals, solvents and other contaminants also can get concentrated into it as well. That affects not only intoxicating THC products, but also buzz-free CBD made from hemp, a related product that, based on scant evidence, some producers tout as a healthy supplement.

While companies like Wynk pay for third-party testing akin to the regime followed by compliant marijuana dealers, not every hemp merchant is as responsible. That has led to reports of tainted products without adequate labeling being marketed to minors.

Another concern is that dosages can vary sharply. A recent study in the Journal of Toxicology revealed that many hemp products are being sold with THC levels that do not match the claims on their labels, and in some cases exceed the amount of THC allowed to be sold per package under Illinois marijuana laws.

As of now, there is nothing to stop unscrupulous hemp dealers from pumping out products that contribute to emergency-room visits and car accidents. And if youre waiting for Congress to reverse its mistake in its next Farm Bill, you may have a long wait: The 2018 legislation was extended until September, a year past its scheduled expiration. Given the pending election and the dysfunction in Washington, it would be no surprise if nothing new gets approved until 2025 or thereafter.

Even as were urging state lawmakers to act, we recognize that many adult consumers enjoy hemp products and want them to be made available. But Illinois needs sensible rules to protect the public interest and especially public health.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Now that some of the most vocal opponents to the much-needed Venice Dell homeless and low-income housing development in Venice have lost their lawsuit to block the project, will this be the last hurdle it has to face in a long and unnecessary obstacle course set by Los Angeles city officials?

It should be.

Read more: Editorial: When will L.A leaders stop getting in the way of a Venice homeless housing project?

For more than a year, the project was slowed down because city agencies stopped working with the developers, Venice Community Housing and Hollywood Community Housing Corp., as they tried to finish contracts and parking garage designs, obtain permission to start relocating and compensating tenants in a four-unit building on the project site, and to get the necessary development approvals from the California Coastal Commission.

The 140-unit building, with four units for staff and the other 136 divided evenly between apartments for homeless people and apartments for lower-income individuals, will sit on a city-owned parking lot near the coast. This is one of those rare open swaths of land that city officials dream of using for homeless and affordable housing. The project was approved twice by the City Council, first in 2021 then in 2022, and the two nonprofits have an official development agreement.

Read more: Editorial: Homeless people need housing everywhere. Including down the street from your house

But last year, Becky Dennison, the executive director of Venice Community Housing, said that city officials in the Bureau of Engineering and the Department of Transportation told her the city attorneys office had instructed them to stop working with her. And they did, delaying critical work needed to move the project forward.

The office of City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto, who was on record opposing this project before she was elected and took office in late 2022, began looking for excuses to derail it  all of which have been rebutted by the developers attorneys.

Now that the lawsuit against the city and developers has been rejected, it's time for the city to stop stalling. Superior Court Judge Richard L. Fruin, Jr. ruled against the claims brought by the Coalition for Safe Coastal Development, the most substantial one being that the development shouldn't have been granted an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act's reporting requirements. The judge found the project properly used a state law that allows exemptions for supportive housing projects in the city of Los Angeles that get certain state or local funds.

Read more: Editorial: Here's how Los Angeles can help prevent people from falling into homelessness

Another lawsuit that claims the city improperly transferred the land is expected to go to court soon. But it seems unlikely to go far since the land has not technically been transferred to the developers yet and that process wont start until some time closer to construction.

City officials have finally run out of excuses to stop working with the developers on moving the project along.

This project has already spent years in development. It's frustrating enough that building affordable housing often requires years of cobbling together financing and approvals. It's infuriating that any official in the city of Los Angeles would add to that timeline by putting off the work they need to do so it can get built.

Read more: Opinion: A job can't always lift someone out of homelessness. What more is needed?

Mayor Karen Bass has said she is determined to get homeless people inside and supports the development of more affordable housing. Yet she has waffled on her commitment to this project, saying last fall that she was in favor of some kind of affordable housing there but deferred to Traci Park, the council member whose district includes Venice and has long been opposed to the current project.

She must do better than that. There is very little affordable housing in Venice, and this project is desperately needed. If Bass truly wants affordable and homeless housing built in the city  and she has made every indication that this is her goal  she will have to push back against community groups and some City Council members who simply dont want it in certain places and will roll out endless excuses.

It's time for Bass and other city officials to not just stop slow-walking this project. They should put it on the fast track.



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.
The once (and perhaps future) leader of the free world could soon be locked behind steel bars, convicted of 34 felony charges that describe a financial conspiracy to hush talk of an affair with a porn star.

This is the same president who has been found liable for sexual assault. Who, when attempting to meddle in the outcome of an election that was legitimate beyond doubt, left a trail of incriminating breadcrumbs that would be visible from orbit. Who has bragged, on tape, of forcible sexual encounters with women.

This is the man who hoodwinked, teased and encouraged his followers as they were storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

And yet, this is also the man who seems to hold the Republican Party by the throat. His loyal voters seem bent on rewarding Donald Trumps criminal behavior with the presidency. Polls show that the jurys guilty verdict will actually make some voters more likely to vote for Trump.

America, what the hell?

Time to stand

The leadership of the worlds oldest and greatest democracy is at stake. And if Trump keeps just half of the incendiary promises hes made over the last few months, this nations future hangs in the balance, particularly its justice system.

Americas only hope is that Republican leaders and voters (including those who have fled the GOP in disgust) come to their senses and demand a change.

They have a broad base on which to stand. Across Central Florida, the state and the nation, Republicans continue to serve in public office with prudence, accountability, humility and honor. How can those GOP leaders reconcile the high standards to which they hold themselves with Trumps rampant disregard for decency and the law?

But many of those leaders are incinerating their credibility on the altar of Trump. Nearly every Republican who has spoken out or tweeted since the Trump verdict has parroted his ridiculous lie that hes the innocent victim of political persecution. Floridas top three leaders  Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio  have debased themselves and their offices by smearing the New York court officials who tried Trump, and the valiant jurors who convicted him.

That brutal blindness is infecting GOP leadership from the top down. And its led to a culture where Democrats appear ineffectual and weak  unable to effectively counter the barrage of often-baseless accusations flung their way.

A tawdry plot

Trumps 34 convictions rest on a tawdry plot to suppress porn star Stormy Daniels account of a one-night stand he initiated in a Lake Tahoe hotel room while his third wife was at home with their infant son. He casually broke law after law, pretending that $130,000 in hush money was a legitimate, tax-deductible legal expense.

At the time, supporters were thought to be reeling from disclosure of an Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump boasted of grabbing women by the genitals and other acts of sexual aggression. The 2016 election was close, and Trump didnt think he could afford another sex scandal.

How naive that seems in retrospect. His loyalists passed off the adultery with barely a yawn. It was the details of the coverup that dragged him to justice under New York law.

Inside that courtroom, presided over with meticulous integrity by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, the legal process played out as it should. Citizens dont get to pick and choose which laws to obey. The laws Trump broke are essential to fair conduct of commerce and the dutiful payment of taxes.

The seven men and five women who convicted him are heroes whose lives could be in danger if they become known.

They may well be the last to pass judgment before Novembers elections. Other criminal trials, on election interference charges in Georgia and Washington, and classified-document charges in Florida stemming from top secret documents found at Trumps south Florida, have been stalled by legal maneuvering and political interference.

Will those jurors clear, unanimous verdict make any impact on the delegates who will assemble for the Republican National Convention four days after Trumps scheduled July 11 sentencing?

Dont hold your breath.

The last word

A political party with any respect for a history as noble as the GOPs  a political party still loyal to the Constitution  would find a way to reject Trump and come up with another nominee deserving of the whole nations respect. The number of such people is not large, but neither is it zero.

We can think of numerous alternatives who could take the mantle of nominee with honor: Mitt Romney, Chris Christie, Jeff Flake. Chris Sununu and of course, Jeb Bush. This is all wishful thinking, of course.

But the entire electorate  all the American people  will have the last word on who will occupy the White House next January, and to what extent it matters that one candidate is now a convicted criminal.

____

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writer Martin Dyckman and Anderson. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com.
Sonya Thomass journey from parent to education advocate is paved with her own tears, tears she cried as she realized the youngest of her four children was struggling in school.

Despite his consistently respectable report cards and positive remarks from his teachers (he was and is, Thomas says, a good kid), Thomas sensed that something was awry. Her motherly instinct led her to transfer him to a new school for the seventh grade, and it was then that her nagging fears coalesced into a dire reality. Her son was still good and prepared for class and always on task. But he was also a middle schooler reading on a second-grade level.

In 2018, Thomas co-founded Nashville P.R.O.P.E.L., an advocacy group designed to equip parents, like herself, with the tools and information needed to help their children navigate the public education system. PROPEL stands for Parents Requiring Our Public Education System to Lead, the organizations website reads. Our children are brilliant and deserving of a world-class education. Our current public education system has failed generations of Black and Brown families so its up to us to change it.

Since then, the work has been constant, though it remains unfinished. Thomas is unequivocal about this. When we speak, she makes frequent reference to a literacy crisisone that is currently impacting students across the country, including here in Nashville. But while the focus is typically on the fact that the majority of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools are reading below grade level, Thomass most recent focus is whether teachers and schools are effectively communicating this information to parents.

PROPEL takes on 'hidden' literacy crisis in Nashville

Recently, Thomas and I discussed her work, as well as a white paper released by PROPEL on Wednesday. In Nashvilles Hidden Literacy Crisis: What Parents are Doing About It, she makes the knowledge gap clear: Because of positive report cards, 78% of the Nashville parents who were surveyed believe their kids are reading at grade level.

Sonya Thomas speaks during the student-focused public education funding town hall meeting on October 27, 2021, in Hendersonville, Tenn. This is the first of eight state-led town hall meetings to discuss revising the state's education funding formula.

Meanwhile, data reveals that only 28.5% of students across MNPSand only 19.6% of Black studentsare.

I do this work because I never want another parent to feel the way I felt when I realized my son was not getting the education he needed and he deserved, she said. When parents are in the know, they take action. I believe parents arent taking action because they just dont know.

Editor's note: Below find excerpts from an interview between Andrea Williams and Sonya Thomas.

Andrea Williams; Your paper mentions the history of reading injustice. Please explain what that is and why its currently relevant.

Sonya Thomas: Reading injustice for Black people in America goes back to the days of enslavement. Where it was once a crime for Black Americans to learn how to read, today we see the same systemic injustice in schools where Black children are often lowest performing in reading and math. I see the genius in all children so, in my mind, it's not that our children can't learn to read. It's that a system that was set in motion long ago doesn't value us. At PROPEL, we know that literacy truly means liberation for our families. Its life-changing, and thats why were so focused on it.

After generations of failure, Nashville should focus on District 1 schools improvements

AW: And part of the solution, you believe, is letting parents know as early as possible that theyre kids are struggling.

ST: Schools know whether a child can read in kindergarten through second grade. There is no need to wait until TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) identifies whether a child can read on grade level when we have school level data available.

If your child is learning to play an instrument, you dont wait until the recital to learn whether or not the instruction worked and that child has learned to play. Your child is getting regular instruction on how to play that instrument and you are likely getting regular reports on how your child is performing. Parents should get that information about their child when it comes to reading, and the public should know if children are reading at grade level prior to third grade when the state data is made public. We need those reports to be parent-facing, where parents understand what is going on with their child in real time.

Sonya Thomas speaks during the Dismissed: Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Tennessean at the Nashville Public Library Bordeaux Branch Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.

AW: Why does the public need this information?

ST: 78% of parents dont believe theres a reading crisis, and we have less than 30% of kids reading on grade level, so theres a lot of misrepresentation around literacy in Nashville. Theres a misrepresentation among the parents and the general population, otherwise wed be burning the city down, knowing all these kids cant read.

AW: Why do you think theres such a lack of transparency toward parents from MNPS?

ST: No one will fight harder for a childs right to read than their parent. But there is a belief gap about what parents are capable of. The system doesn't believe parents have the capability to understand. There is some intentional and unintentional data-hoarding going on. The district has done a lot of good work to comply with state literacy laws  theyve adopted great assessments that accurately measure students literacy progress at least three times per year, but that information is inconsistently shared with parents. They are an afterthought. What I mean by that is: Often reports are sent home via "backpack express. The reports may or may not make it home, and if they do make it home, there is no instruction on how to read the results. Also, reports are typically not parent-facing, and report cards are not standards-based, which is why there is a massive gap in reality between grades and actual skills. Thats why our report calls this a hidden crisis. Its largely hidden from parents.

But when [PROPEL] took matters into our own hands and assessed kids directly, outside of the classroom, and then helped parents interpret the results, we saw something very different. We saw parents rise up and take action.

People gather to protest a school voucher bill, corporate tax loopholes and the grocery tax at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

AW: During the school voucher debate that dominated the most recent legislative session, we routinely heard that most public-school parents are happy with their schools. Do you think thats true? If not, where is the disconnect? Are they simply failing to ask all parents, including the ones your work with via Nashville PROPEL.

ST: Our poll indicated what we already suspectedthat literacy is, in fact, a school choice issue. Parents in our poll reported that literacy is a huge factor in choosing a school. It matters to our parents. But I believe the parents who typically get asked about their satisfaction with their school are not the parents Nashville PROPEL serves. Until recently, Ive never received an offer to participate in a poll.

It's clear parents want to choose a public school that meets their childs needs

Our parents are almost always left out of these important conversations and continue to get decisions made for us instead of with us. So, yes, white and affluent parents are very happy with their public schools and our poll supports this. However, there is a significant satisfaction gap between white parents and Black and brown parents. This is why we made sure our poll elevated the voices of Nashvilles most marginalized familiesthose furthest from literacy opportunities.

Nashville PROPEL (Parents Requiring Our Public Education System to Lead) hosted a Nashville School Board District 1 candidates forum at Corinthians Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 26, 2024.

You cited some recommendations in your paper that can help alleviate some of these literacy issues, including additional report card comments alongside a childs letter grade. Are you hopeful that MNPS will follow these suggestions? What is your plan to encourage them to do so?

Yes, I am hopeful MNPS will honor these recommendations because it's in the best interest of children, and the school, for parents to be in the know. Many districts across the country and the state are already adopting these measures. Tennessee has one of the best literacy laws in the country, and parents deserve to have all the information in order to know if these new measures are really working for their children. My plan is to activate parents. We believe these are small changes that could lead to major increases in achievement. It's the right thing to do; it's the easy thing to do; and it just makes sense to do itwith a sense of urgency. I dont think this is too much to ask.

Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society. Email her at adwilliams@tennessean.com or follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @AndreaWillWrite.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Literacy crisis in Nashville: Many Black parents unhappy with MNPS
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA)  An Effingham man is facing charges of possessing child pornography that could send him to prison for up to 70 years.

The Illinois Attorney Generals Office announced that it had charged Landin Miller, 22, with 10 counts of felony possession of child pornography. Each count carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

Trio of suspects rob Rantoul business at gunpoint: Crime Stoppers

Officials from the Attorney Generals Office said their investigators, along with Effingham Police officers, searched Millers home on May 30. When that search revealed evidence of child pornography, Miller was arrested. He remains in custody at the Effingham County Jail.

This inter-agency cooperation underscores the dedication of the Effingham Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General to protect our communities, and in this case, those most vulnerable: our children, said Effinghams Lieutenant Detective Tom Webb. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of working together across jurisdictions to effectively combat crime and deliver justice. The professionalism of the ICAC Task Force is greatly appreciated, and we were privileged to provide assistance. Our commitment to safeguarding our neighborhoods remains resolute, and we will continue to utilize all resources available to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law.

Springfield teens arrested, charged with illegal gun possession

The Attorney Generals Office will co-prosecute the case along with the Effingham County States Attorneys Office.

Survivors of child exploitation and abuse face a lifetime of healing from the trauma they experience, said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. My office will continue to collaborate with states attorneys and law enforcement agencies to hold individuals who prey on and exploit young children accountable.

The Attorney Generals Office, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, one of 61 across the country that forms a network of more than 185 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The ICAC Task Forces investigate child exploitation crimes, receiving tips that have steadily increased in number over the last several years.

Since 2006, the Illinois ICAC Task Force has been involved in more than 2,100 arrests of sexual predators.

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.
The most reliably moderate among us have often been the most politically delusional during the Donald Trump era. Thats bad for the health and future of our democracy.

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah is the embodiment of that reality. His reaction to Trump becoming the first former president convicted of felonies is indicative of moderation blinding otherwise reasonable people.

Issac Bailey

Too many Trump fans are sycophants who trust the system when they get their way, declare it rigged when they dont. Far too many liberals believe conservative is synonymous with corrupt and vile. Neither of them can see clearly, though only Trump fans have resorted to violence after losing. We saw evidence of that on Jan. 6, 2021. Hard-left liberals have become protectors of democracy, if only by happenstance.

Moderates are desperate to see the world the way they want it to be, though the world changed under their feet, under all our feet, the moment millions of Americans began embracing Trump as he slowly came down that golden escalator in 2015.

Romney was the lone Republican to vote to remove Trump from office in February 2020, becoming the first person to do so against a member of his own party in such proceedings. North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr joined Romney and five other Republican senators to convict Trump during the second impeachment trial, which was held after the Jan. 6 violent insurrection attempt on our Capitol.

Had more Republican senators joined them, Trump would be barred from holding office. Instead, hes on the cusp of being the standard bearer for the family values party a third consecutive time and has a good chance of being sent back to the White House.

During the first impeachment, it was obvious Trump illegally used the power of the presidency to pressure Ukraine to open an investigation into his top rival, making Romneys vote a genuine act of political courage. Romney was quickly and harshly attacked by the GOP and effectively blackballed by a party for which he has long been a loyal member. That happened even though Trumps actions were more egregious than Richard Nixons during Watergate, an incident Republicans rightly deemed to be so un-American they forced a Republican president to resign.

And yet, in the wake of Trump joining the ranks of those with criminal records, Romney reverted to old ways, a last gasp to find a middle path that often hasnt existed during the Trump era. After a couple of days of silence, this is what he told The Atlantic writer McKay Coppins: (Alvin) Bragg should have settled the case against Trump, as would have been the normal procedure. But he made a political decision.

There was no such option  because Trump wouldnt allow it. A settlement requires a defendant to admit guilt. Trump has never admitted guilt. He is unlikely to ever admit guilt, about anything. Most everyone knows hes lying about not having an illicit affair with porn actress Stormy Daniels or supposedly not directing his then-lawyer Michael Cohen  a man who spent a year in prison for his actions  to cover it up.

Had Trump simply told the truth, the Manhattan prosecutors office would have had an option to lower the charges from felonies to misdemeanors, saving N.Y. taxpayers and the country from having to deal with the circus that accompanied the weeks-long trial.

Ask your nearest prosecutor.

Ask a parent.

Heck, ask a 5-year-old hoping to regain Legos after a tantrum.

An admission of wrongdoing and showing remorse are necessary to settle a criminal case before trial, secure parole after conviction, as well as for a teenager who took the car for a joyride trying to reduce punishment to two weeks from possibly the rest of her life.

Every rational, reasonable person knows this. Romney knows this. But in the Trump era, far too many otherwise reasonable people have struggled to accept that fact.

Its either Trump or truth. Each of us must choose. The future of our democracy depends on it.

Issac Bailey is a McClatchy opinion writer based in South Carolina.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Independent School District has named a new principal at Zach White Elementary School.

Sophia Fierro, who most recently served as a principal in Ysleta ISD, was named the new principal at Zach White, EPISD said.

Mrs. Fierro is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience. During her tenure, she has served as a bilingual teacher, instructional specialist, coordinator, and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as a principal in the Ysleta Independent School District, according to a news release sent out by El Paso ISD.

Fierro received a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at El Paso and a masters degree in educational administration from Lamar University.

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.
Elderly woman killed after suspect steals vehicle, crashes into building near DC US Attorney's Office: Police

Elderly woman killed after suspect steals vehicle, crashes into building near DC US Attorney's Office: Police

An elderly woman was killed after a suspect stole the vehicle she was a passenger in and then crashed into a building in Washington, D.C., police said.

The carjacking was reported at Washington Hospital Center Monday afternoon, police said. The elderly victim was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The driver had exited the vehicle upon arriving at the hospital when the suspect stole it, police said. The driver reported the vehicle stolen with their elderly parent still inside, police said.

A short time later, an officer on patrol observed the vehicle crash into a building at Sixth and D streets, near the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office downtown, police said. The female suspect attempted to flee the scene but the officer captured and arrested her, police said.

PHOTO: Police respond to a crash involving a stolen vehicle in Washington, D.C., June 3, 2024. (WJLA)

The elderly victim was found unconscious and transported from the scene in life-threatening condition but was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Police determined the crashed vehicle was the one involved in the original carjacking.

MORE: Vehicle crashes into White House gate, killing driver; Secret Service says 'no threat'

Police said they are consulting with the U.S. Attorney's Office regarding charges.

The incident remains under investigation.

The names of the carjacking victims and suspect have not been released.

The D.C. Fire Department said in a statement that there was only superficial damage to the exterior of the building involved in the crash.

Elderly woman killed after suspect steals vehicle, crashes into building near DC US Attorney's Office: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Gordon Birrell, bps executive vice president, production and operations, is paying a 3-day planned working visit to Baku to attend the 29th Baku Energy Week and Forum, a source at bp told Trend.

Gordons visit program starts tomorrow with the opening of the Energy Week where he will be joined by Gary Jones, bps regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye, and members of bps regional leadership team.

"On bps stand, Gordon and Gary will present Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli's extraordinary life journey. They will highlight the work bp is doing to maximize ultimate reserves recovery using a wide range of technology. They will also provide an update on the other bp-operated projects in the region including the giant Shah Deniz gas field development project where production from the last of the five subsea flanks - the East North flank, has just started up," bp said.

Gordons visit program also includes a series of external meetings, business priorities discussions with bps regional leadership, and planned engagement with the media.
Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal were speaking to a crowd of business leaders in 2013 about creating their first company when the conversation seemed to go off script. Originally from South Africa, Kimbal said the brothers lacked lawful immigration status when they began the business in the U.S.

In fact, when they did fund us, they realized that we were illegal immigrants, Kimbal said, according to a recording of the interview from the Milken Institute Global Conference.

Id say it was a gray area, Elon replied with a laugh.

Eleven years later, Elon was back at the Milken Institute last month in Beverly Hills, talking once again about immigration. This time, he described the southern border as a scene out of the zombie apocalypse and said the legal immigration process is long and Kafkaesque.

Im a big believer in immigration, but to have unvetted immigration at large scale is a recipe for disaster, Musk said at the conference. So I'm in favor of greatly expediting legal immigration but having a secure southern border.

Read more: San Diego is now the top border region for migrant arrivals

Musk, the most financially successful immigrant in the U.S. and the third-richest person in the world, has frequently repeated his view that it is difficult to immigrate to the U.S. legally but trivial and fast to enter illegally. What he leaves out: Seeking asylum is a legal right under national and international law, regardless of how a person arrives on U.S. soil.

But as the election year ramps up and Republicans make border security a major theme of their campaigns, Musk's comments about immigration have grown increasingly extreme. The chief executive of SpaceX and Tesla, who purchased the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, has sometimes used his giant microphone to elevate racist conspiracies and spread misinformation about immigration law.

Musk's business manager did not respond to a request for comment, nor did representatives for SpaceX and Tesla. X does not have a department that responds to news media inquiries.

While Musks views are clear, whats murkier is his influence. Some see him as an influential opinion maker with the power to shape policy and sway voters, while others dismiss him as a social media bomb thrower mainly heard within a conservative echo chamber.

If you havent heard it already, Im sure youre going to see members of Congress citing Elon Musk and pointing to his tweets, and thats a scary concept, said Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-San Pedro), who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

She says she believes Musk is influential with her Republican colleagues who are "always looking for new anti-immigrant talking points."

Polling shows immigration is a top issue for voters. For the third month in a row, it was named by respondents to an open-ended April Gallup poll as the most important problem facing the U.S.

Read more: Border security could sway some California Democrats  and control of Congress

The November election that's shaping up as a rematch between President Biden and former President Trump will be the first presidential contest since Musk bought X  a site Trump had been banned from for inciting violence before Musk reinstated his account last year.

Musk used the platform to come to Trump's defense last week after the former president was criminally convicted for falsifying records in a hush money scheme. "Great damage was done today to the public's faith in the American legal system," Musk wrote on X, calling Trump's crime a "trivial matter."

After meeting with Trump in March, Musk told former CNN anchor Don Lemon that he's "leaning away" from Biden, but doesn't plan to endorse Trump yet. He also said he won't donate to any presidential campaign.

Campaign contribution records show Musk regularly donated to both Republicans and Democrats through 2020. That includes a handful of donations to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said his relationship with Musk dates back to his time as San Francisco mayor but that they've never discussed immigration.

I think people have formed very strong opinions on this topic, Newsom said. I don't know that he's influencing that debate in a disproportionate way. Not one human being has ever said, Hey, did you see Elons thing about immigration?

How Musk talks about immigration on X

Last year Musk visited the Eagle Pass, Texas, border , meeting with local politicians and law enforcement to get what he called an unfiltered view of the situation.

He also helped spread viral reports falsely claiming the Biden administration had secretly flown hundreds of thousands of migrants into the U.S. to reduce border arrivals.

This administration is both importing voters and creating a national security threat from unvetted illegal immigrants, Musk wrote March 5 on X . It is highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11.

But the migrants in question fly commercial under a program created by the Biden administration, exercising the presidents authority to temporarily admit people for humanitarian reasons. The program allows up to 30,000 vetted people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela lawfully relocate to the U.S. each month and obtain work permits if they have a financial sponsor.

Contrary to Musks claim that the administration is looking for Democratic voters, those arriving under the program have no pathway to citizenship. The claim gives fuel to extremist ideologies such as great replacement theory , the racist conspiracy that theres a plot to reduce the population of white people.

Elon Musk, wearing a black Stetson hat, livestreams while visiting the southern border in September in Eagle Pass, Texas. Musk toured the border along the bank of the Rio Grande with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas). (John Moore / Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Musk targeted a controversial bill in the California Legislature that would help immigrants with serious or violent felony convictions fight deportation using state funds. Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) pulled the bill after Republicans slammed it on social media, garnering the attention of Musk, who wrote about it on X : When is enough enough?

In February, shortly after a bipartisan group of senators released details of a border security bill that had gone through lengthy negotiations, Musk again echoed great replacement theory, writing on X : The long-term goal of the so-called 'Border Security' bill is enabling illegals to vote! It will do the total opposite of securing the border.

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) shot back.

No, its not focused on trying to be able to get more illegals to vote, Lankford said on CNN. "Thats absurd.

Musk's immigration journey

Theres a particular irony in Musk attacking the program that allows limited arrivals for humanitarian reasons while simultaneously saying he favors legal immigration, said Ahilan Arulanantham, a lawyer, professor and co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA. The program offers would-be migrants a lawful pathway to reach the U.S. and reduced arrivals at the border from the beneficiary countries.

That shows a very deep confusion about a fairly basic point about immigration law and the way the policy works, Arulanantham said. Musks lack of criticism of a similar program for Ukrainians illustrates the undercurrent of racism accompanying attacks on the program for Latin American migrants, he added.

Musk amplifying false claims is counterproductive to rational immigration policy, Arulanantham said.

Every voice adds to the pile, and the louder the voice, the marginally greater the addition to the pile, Arulanantham said. He is a very loud voice.

Read more: Elon Musk visits Israel to meet top leaders as accusations of antisemitism on X grow

David Kaye, a UC Irvine law professor who studies platform moderation, said Musks promotion of misleading or false statements, including those about immigrants, is concerning because he can influence conversations on X in a way no one else can.

Theres already a pretty robust kind of alarmist approach to immigration, so Musk might only add a little bit of fuel to a pretty big fire, Kaye said. But the fact is hes got a ton of followers. To the extent he promotes disinformation, I think thats a cause for concern for the United States having fair and fact-driven debates over immigration.

Musk's own immigration story is described in the biography Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson. Musk left South Africa in 1989 for Canada, where his mother had relatives, Isaacson wrote. While in college he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania and, after graduating, enrolled at Stanford but immediately requested a deferral.

He and his brother Kimbal had invented an interactive network directory service, like a precursor to Google Maps.

Just before pitching the idea to a venture company, Kimbal was stopped by U.S. border officials at the airport on his way back from a trip to Toronto who looked in his luggage and saw the pitch deck, business cards and other documents for the company. Because he did not have a U.S. work visa, they wouldnt let him board the plane, Isaacson writes in the book. So a friend picked him up and drove him into the U.S. after telling another border agent that they were seeing the David Letterman show.

After finalizing the investment, the firm found immigration lawyers to help the Musk brothers get work visas, according to Isaacson.

Once Musk married his first wife, he became eligible for U.S. citizenship, and took the oath in 2002 at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds.

Read more: Video: Elon Musk biographer explains the book's complicated motivations

Musks recent commentary on immigration and other political issues appears to be a reversal from his views a decade ago, said Nu Wexler, who has worked in policy communications at tech companies and for congressional Democrats.

Wexler recalled when Musk left Fwd.us , the political action organization spearheaded by Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg in 2013 to advocate for immigration reform. Musk left because Fwd.us backed conservative lawmakers who wanted immigration reform but supported oil drilling and other policies that went against Musk's environmental priorities.

I agreed to support Fwd.us because there is a genuine need to reform immigration. However, this should not be done at the expense of other important causes, Musk told the news site AllThingsD at the time.

When Zuckerberg created Fwd.us, it made smart business sense for tech executives to make the business case for immigration reform, Wexler said. Now, immigration is a more divisive issue and executives on the left are less willing to dive into politics.

At some point he decided that being the main character was helpful personal branding, Wexler said of Musk. I don't know if hes going to change minds on immigration, although he might be able to fire up the base."

Alex Conant, a GOP consultant and partner at the public affairs firm Firehouse Strategies, said Musk's influence could grow if Trump wins the election. If an immigration bill were to take shape at that point, Musks endorsement or rejection could shape the debate, he said.

Thats the sort of scenario where all the sudden he might have some power, he said.

There appears to be growing evidence for that possibility. Trump and Musk have discussed a possible advisory role for the billionaire, the Wall Street Journal reported last week. If Trump reclaims the White House, Musk could provide formal input on border security policies.

Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Embattled Rudy Giuliani celebrates his 80th birthday surrounded by family, friends at NYC restaurant

Embattled ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani celebrated his 80th birthday Friday night with family and close friends from his days at City Hall  a marked departure from a previous bash earlier this month.

Fridays celebration at Amata restaurant on Manhattans East Side was far less dramatic than the party held for Rudy on May 17 in Palm Beach, Fla.  when he was served a legal notice of his Arizona indictment for allegedly being involved in a plot to overturn the 2020 election in favor of ex-President Donald Trump.

I dont know how he does it  God bless him, a close pal who attended Fridays event said of Giuliani, noting the legal and financial woes that have engulfed New York Citys ex-Hizzoner.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani at his 80th birthday party with his son Andrew and granddaughter Grace. Photo provided to the NY Post

I was happy with what I saw. It wasnt the Palm Beach crowd. It was strictly family and old friends, the source said of last weeks gig.

Giulianis son, Andrew, was at his dads soiree Friday along with Rudys granddaughter Grace, daughter Caroline and daughter-in-law Zivile Rezgyte.

The former mayors lawyers  Barry Kamins and Arthur Aidala  were also there.

It was an honor to be with the mayor and celebrate his accomplishments, said Tom Von Essen, who was the city fire commissioner under Giuliani during the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

Other attendees included former Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, ex-Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik and City Hall aide Robert Harding.

But other former City Hall aides  turned off by Rudys actions and antics in recent years including disputing the results of the 2020 presidential election  did not attend.

Giuliani celebrated with family and friends from his days in City Hall at Amata restaurant in Manhattan. amatanyc/Instagram

WABC radio owner John Catsimatidis recently bounced Giuliani from the air for failing to heed station policies.

Rudy is going through a rough time, an attendee said.

Giuliani said it was a fabulous affair, arranged by longtime confidante Anthony Carbonetti.

Rudys business partner, Maria Ryan, presented a montage of his early life  with pictures from when he was child through his years as the Manhattan US attorney and as mayor.

Giulianis granddaughter Grace helped him blow out the candles on his birthday cake. Photo provided to the NY Post

Everyone had a great time. My spirits for what Im going through is terrific, Giuliani told The Post on Sunday.

My granddaughter Grace was the star of the night.

Andrew Giuliani agreed of his daughter.

Grace has the Giuliani blood. She gave Pop Pop a big kiss. She blew out the candles with Pop Pop, he said.

He joked that Grace has the charm without the rambunctiousness he displayed at his fathers side as a child during Rudys inaugural address as mayor.

Giuliani was served with legal papers at a party in Palm Beach last month. X @AZAGMayes

Former President Donald Trump, whom Giuliani had served as a legal adviser, beamed in a video he filmed with supporters to wish Rudy a happy birthday.

Trumps greeting came a day after he was convicted of felony criminal charges at his hush-money trial in Manhattan court.

As for Guilianis troubles, he has filed for bankruptcy while appealing a defamation suit in which he was ordered to pay $148 million to two Atlanta election workers he falsely accused of ballot fraud involving the 2020 election.

Giuliani and Roger Stone having a conversation for his 80th birthday. Obtained by the New York Post

He also has been indicted for alleged election tampering in Georgia  under the same racketeering laws he used to take down Mafia bosses as a federal prosecutor.

He has denied wrongdoing in each of the cases.

Im fighting back, Giuliani said.

He said his pal, Trump, is fighting back, too.

The trial decimated 800 years of Anglo-American law, Giuliani claimed of Trumps hush-money case.
The emerging world leader in climate tech could soon be Massachusetts, experts say

Massachusetts could soon become the new leader in climate and environment technology, as the race to find solutions for sustainability and emissions mitigation heats up around the world.

A $1 billion proposal for Massachusetts to become a global leader in climate technology by Gov. Maura Healey and the emergence of environmental startups and think tanks are among the reasons why The Bay State may emerge as the nation's climate solution hub in the near future.

MORE: 'It's a real thing': Drivers and passengers report motion sickness in EVs

But the foundations for seeing environmental initiatives from their inception to public market have long existed in Massachusetts, home to some of the most prestigious research institutions and scientific discoveries in the world, as well as existing infrastructure that allows production to be achieved much faster, according to experts in the state.

Climate tech is any technology and any type of company that's working to fight against climate change -- from solar power, offshore wind, hydropower, as well as fusion and decarbonization of existing processes such as construction -- Massachusetts Secretary of Development Yvonne Hao told ABC News.

California and New York often receive the majority of accolades when it comes to climate solutions. There is currently competition among Boston, New York, Texas, California, Europe and Asia in the climate tech domain, Jim Matheson, a professor at the Harvard Business School and expert in climate tech innovation, told ABC News.

Massachusetts is currently No. 3 in the country for the number of climate tech solutions -- 340, compared to 1,607 in California and 661 in New York, according to Powerhouse, an environmental solutions firm.

PHOTO: Sparkcharge, a Boston-based startup, created the world's first mobile EV charging network. (Sparkcharge)

What makes Massachusetts unique is it has a proven track record of taking what is learned in the lab and applying it to real life, Lindi von Mutius, director of Harvard University's Climate Action Accelerator, an environmental solutions hub, told ABC News. This is especially true when it comes to life sciences innovation, which already has extensive infrastructure in place that can also be applied to climate technology, von Mutius said. Advances in sickle cell studies, research in cell gene therapy and the Moderna Covid vaccine all came out of Massachusetts, Hao said.

"I think we have a really great place where we've already proven leadership in one area of tech, innovation and cutting-edge financing for that innovation," von Mutius said,

MORE: Controversial methods to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight gain traction as global temperatures rise

A successful tech venture requires what is known as "the capital triangle," Matheson said: intellectual capital -- Massachusetts is home to places like Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; human capital -- the individuals running the company; and financial capital -- the funds needed to get the startups off the ground.

The ideas and entrepreneurial talent coming out of universities and laboratories around the Boston, Cambridge and New England area combined with financial capital that supports companies from their very early stages all the way to deployment into the public markets, Matheson said.

"The modern venture capital industry started in Boston," he said, adding that the proximity to New York and Washington, D.C., allows for even more investment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

PHOTO: In this Aug. 26, 2023, file photo, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus is shown in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

The biggest difference between Silicon Valley and Boston is the latter's ability to produce "real, physical things," opposed to software, Matheson said. Rather than the booms and busts of big tech, climate solutions require longer cycles.

Gov. Healey is "wicked competitive," which is aiding her ambitious climate agenda, Hao said. Healey's $1 billion proposal aims to catalyze the economic growth around climate tech by using the successes in life sciences as a template and applying it to climate tech innovation, Hao told ABC News.

MORE: These geoengineering technologies could help combat the climate crisis, scientists say

The proposal includes return on investments that pay back "multiple-fold," tax incentives, job creation at a "competitive scale" and an operating budget for the Clean Energy Center, which will ensure the installation of EV charging stations and rollout of green electricity in the future, Hao said.

"We want to be excellent and we want to solve big, hard problems that are important for the world," Hao said.

PHOTO: City of Boston. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

A startup called Boston Metal is creating decarbonized steel, the traditional production of which is extremely damaging to the environment and one of the biggest contributions to greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector.

Sparkcharge, also based in Boston, is a startup that created the world's first mobile EV charging network, an idea borne over a lack of charging stations throughout the U.S., Joshua Aviv, founder of Sparkcharge, told ABC News.

Since its inception in 2018, Sparkcharge has developed a fast charger that could charge an electric vehicle without any connection to the grid, Aviv said.

MORE: Why green hydrogen is the renewable energy source to watch

Sparkcharge is the brainchild of Greentown Labs, the countrys largest incubator for climate tech, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, Julia Travaglini, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Greentown Labs, told ABC News.

Greentown Labs was founded in 2011 among four startups in the MIT ecosystem, making Massachusetts a natural home for the company, Travaglini said.

"Massachusetts is home to more than 80 different academic institutions across the state," she said. "We're really this sort of like nexus and melting pot of all the pieces you need to catalyze its climate community."

PHOTO: In this Oct. 19, 2018, file photo, the Beauport Hotel is shown with sweeping waterfront ocean views and wind turbines behind in Gloucester, Massachusetts. (Tim Graham/Getty Images, FILE)

Highlighting the economic potential for climate tech will be a main focus at Boston's inaugural climate conference, titled ClimaTech, taking place from Monday through Wednesday.

"We really wanted to have a gathering of people who are focused on the economic growth aspect around the actual innovation and technology and startups," Hao said. "How do we solve these big, hard problems in climate tech, but at the same time grow startups and grow jobs and actually help create this acceleration of economic growth from it?"

Global warming is the most existential crisis of our times, the experts said. The competition among the global leaders in innovation will likely lead to more impactful results, Matheson said.

"It's great that there's competition between the states if that means that there are more people working on climate change," von Mutius said.

The emerging world leader in climate tech could soon be Massachusetts, experts say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
EMPORIA (KSNT)  The Emporia Police Department (EPD) arrested two people following a reported stabbing over the weekend.

The EPD announced in a press release that police were called around 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 to an apartment in the 1100 block of Congress Street. Law enforcement responding to the scene found there was a dispute between several neighbors.

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A man found at the scene was suffering from a non-life-threatening stab wound to his back. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

New cameras track drivers in Shawnee Co. neighborhood

Police arrested two Emporia residents, an 18-year-old and 45-year-old, in connection to the stabbing incident. They were arrested on the following charges:

18-year-old Aggravated battery Felony interference with law enforcement Disorderly conduct

45-year-old Felony interference with law enforcement Disorderly conduct



For more crime 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.
End of the line: Machine politics is on the ballot in New Jersey this week

New Jerseyans are about to find out whether the Democratic political machines that have dominated the states politics for decades are truly powerful operations or just paper tigers.

Tuesdays primary election will be the first time in recent history where party-backed Democratic candidates do not start with an advantage the moment voters look at their ballots. The vaunted county line ballot design is at least temporarily dead thanks to a lawsuit by Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Andy Kim  if only for Democrats.

The old system grouped party-backed candidates together in an easy-to-tick-off row or column from the highest office in the land to the lowest. This year, Democratic candidates will be grouped together not by party endorsement, but by office  the same way all other states do. (The Republican primary still has the county line in most places this year.)

Now, if Democratic machines want to dominate primaries like in past elections, theyll have to rely more on fundraising, organizational skills and the vast networks of volunteers made possible in part by patronage networks.

I was never intimidated by the loss of the line. I stand behind the belief that organization and good candidates is what gets you victories, said Democratic State Chair LeRoy Jones Jr., who also chairs the Democratic Party in Essex County  long one of the premier Democratic machines in the state.

The most high profile tests will come down to a few contests where well-funded candidates with name recognition are running against candidates with traditional Democratic support. Much of the attention is on a couple competitive Democratic House primaries, most notably that of first-term Rep. Rob Menendez, son of indicted Sen. Bob Menendez.

But perhaps the race that will most acutely test the power of a Democratic machine is a local, not federal, one.

In Passaic County, the January suicide of Sheriff Richard Berdnick in a Clifton restaurant not only shocked local politicos but forced them into a new campaign they were not anticipating. The Passaic County Democratic Committee backed Thomas Adamo, the sheriffs office chief of law enforcement.

But Jerry Speziale, the Paterson public safety director and a former Democratic sheriff, is also seeking the office. He previously left that sheriff's position on bad terms with the party by leaving during an election season to take a job at the Port Authority when Republican Gov. Chris Christie had sway over it.

Speziales years as an elected official and top cop have given him some name recognition, and hes been able to raise almost more money  in part by transferring almost half a million unused dollars from his 2010 campaign fund to his new campaign. And Speziale is running with a full slate of county commissioner candidates, which could bring his allies close to control of the county if he sweeps them all in.

Some high-profile politicians from in and out of the county have taken sides in this proxy war. Gov. Phil Murphy, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. and others are backing Adamo.

If Speziale wins and hes back there, its going to be a huge change for Passaic County, said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2025 whos backing Speziale. And if he wins any of those commissioner seats because hes running three candidates, its going to be a clear indication the power structure in New Jersey is extremely vulnerable if you have a well-funded and organized candidate in opposition.

Speziale did not return a phone call seeking comment. Adamo, longtime veteran of the sheriffs office, in a phone interview said I dont really feel like Im the underdog and that Speziales name recognition is outdated or for negative reasons if people take a minute to look into it.

The power of the Democratic establishment will also be tested in some key congressional races.

In the urban 8th congressional district, the bulk of the Democratic party machinery has lined up behind Rep. Rob Menendez against Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. Even though Democrats dropped support for his fathers reelection, the younger Menendez is backed by the Democratic establishment in all three counties that make up the district: Hudson, Essex and Union. Kyle Jasey, a real estate businessperson and son of former Assemblymember Mila Jasey, is also running.

In the suburban 3rd Congressional District  the seat Kim is vacating  five Democratic candidates are running, but the two most high-profile contenders are longtime Assemblymembers and former running mates Herb Conaway and Carol Murphy. Conaway is backed by the South Jersey Democratic machine, one of the most powerful in the state, though both came up through that system. Also running are Sara Schoengood, Joe Cohn and Brian Schkeeper. Kim has stayed neutral in the race.

And Democrats wont have the line to help fend off a challenge to President Joe Bidens delegate slate. An effort spearheaded by the Democratic Socialists of America got an alternative slate of uncommitted delegates on the ballot in most New Jersey counties with the slogan Justice for Palestine, permanent ceasefire now.

Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University who runs its well-regarded poll, said that has the potential to turn out a lot of voters who dont necessarily vote in primaries otherwise.

Turnout in New Jersey primaries is typically abysmal. Thats not a knock on voters, because typically New Jersey primaries have no competition. So if youre voting, youre the one whos acting irrationally, Cassino said.

Turnout in the 2023 primaries, which featured state legislative races at the top of the ticket, was just 15 percent.

The line, Cassino said, has helped reinforce the lack of competitive races by discouraging otherwise-qualified potential candidates who dont have the party backing.

That didnt change this year, because Judge Zahid Quarishis decision to strike down the line came after the deadline for candidates to file to run in the primary. The line could still survive because the bigger court fight is ongoing. But if the line dies for good, the Democratic establishment will likely have to cope with even more challenges heading towards the 2025 gubernatorial primary.

Ive seen no evidence that these machines still know how to turn people out for a primary, Cassino said.
Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as Mexicos first female president.

The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City was elected with between 58 per cent and 60 per cent of the vote in Sundays election, staving off competition from her rival, Xochitl Galvez.

Sheinbaum will replace her mentor, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on 1 October.

Her election comes more than 70 years after women in Mexico were first given the vote, with her victory described by experts as a testament to how far the country known for its macho culture has come.

However, although this years election has been hailed as a triumph for women, it was also one of the most violent in modern history, marked by the murders of 38 candidates.

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

Sheinbaum, whose Jewish maternal grandparents immigrated to Mexico from Bulgaria to flee the Nazis, worked as an energy scientist before entering into politics.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, who were also scientists, Sheinbaum studied physics before going on to receive a doctorate in energy engineering.

She spent years at a renowned research lab in California studying Mexican energy consumption patterns and became an expert on climate change, serving on the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as Mexicos first female president (AP)

She went on to become secretary of the environment for Mexico City under Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who was mayor of the capital at the time.

In 2018 she became the first female mayor of Mexico City, a post she held until 2023, when she stepped down to run for president.

As a former ballet dancer, Sheinbaum has described herself as obsessive and disciplined. She has also earned a reputation for being a demanding boss, according to the New York Times.

Five officials who have worked with Sheinbaum told the paper she was quick to anger at times and would yell at her subordinates in front of large groups. While Sheinbaum has declined to comment on the accusation, her supporters have claimed some people merely reacted badly to a woman in charge.

People say it in a critical way: Shes tough, said Soledad Aragon, a former member of Sheinbaums cabinet. What do you want, someone soft in charge of the city?

Despite her tough reputation, she has also been described as reserved and somewhat aloof. Two dozen people who have worked with or know Sheinbaum told the New York Times she rarely boasts of her own achievements or talks about her personal life.

But some say her professorial demeanor could pose a challenge for her in a political climate defined by her former boss Lopez Obrador, who built up his support base by relying on the force of his personality. She needs him, said Carlos Heredia, a Mexican political analyst.

She doesnt have the charisma, she doesnt have the popularity, she doesnt have the political stamina of her own, so she needs to borrow that from Lopez Obrador, Heredia told the New York Times.

But in the face of critcism, her election has been described as a sea change for women in Mexico.

No matter what else happens in her political career or where her six years in power lead her, she will always be the woman who managed to break the glass ceiling in Mexican politics, the BBCs Mexico and Central America correspondent, Will Grant, wrote. Given the countrys deeply ingrained patriarchy and entrenched machismo, that is no small feat.

Meanwhile, Edelmira Montiel, 87, told Reuters that she was grateful to be alive to see a woman elected to the top office. Before, we couldnt even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed and I get to live it, she said.

But while her victory is being celebrated as a sign of modernisation in the country, it comes after an election that was marred by violence, with up to 38 candidates murdered, according to surveys.

Her primary challenge in office will now be tackling organised crime and cartel violence after Lopez Obradors term reportedly saw more murders than any other administration in Mexicos modern history.

What are her policies?

Sheinbaum has said she hopes to reduce the murder rate from 23.3 homicides for every 100,000 residents to about 19.4 per 100,000 by 2027, bringing Mexico on par with Brazil.

However, she has provided little detail on how she plans to do so, vowing only to continue Lopez Obradors policy of addressing the drivers of violence instead of waging war on the criminal groups.

Her campaign mainly centered around her promise of continuity, pledging to build the second floor of the Fourth Transformation  that is, the political project of her ally, Lopez Obrador.

Sheinbaum with outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AP)

The Fourth Transformation or 4T is a social agenda of universal pensions, student grants and family stipends which have been hugely popular across Mexico, with the programme lifting an estimated five million people from poverty throughout the country, according to the BBC, although there is still widespread deprivation in many regions.

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue all of Lopez Obradors policies that form part of the agenda, including a universal pension for the elderly and a programme that pays young people to apprentice.

The essence of this transformation is to separate economic power from political power, she told the BBC. Economic power has its path, but government must be directed towards the poor in Mexico.

It means more rights, a welfare state, education, health, access to housing, and that a living wage is a right, not a privilege, she added. That is the difference between neoliberalism and our model, which we call Mexican Humanism.

Throughout the campaign, Sheinbaum was criticized by her second-place rival Xochitl Galvez for her similarity to Lopez Obrador, saying that she would not be her own woman and would live under her mentors authoritarian shadow.

But Sheinbaum dismissed this accusation. I will govern with the same principles as Mr Lopez Obrador, and thats a good thing for Mexicans, she told the BBC.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso ISD and the El Paso High Feeder Pattern celebrated the opening of the Wiggs Family Resource Center on Monday, June 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour, according to the school district.

The El Paso ISD Community Schools program serves families with resources such as food, hygiene products, toiletries, household items and clothing. The program also connects them with community agencies for additional support, according to the school district.

Items the center is in currently seeking include: city bus passes for students; hygiene/toiletry supplies; cleaning/laundry supplies; mens work boots; canned goods and food items; kitchen supplies; diapers, formula and wipes; furniture; uniforms; and shoes and clothes, the school district said.

The school district says the center is housed in a portable outside the campus.

Our center gives families and students a place to get some of their basic needs met, said Lisa Guzman, family and community liaison at Wiggs. We hope our services help students not have to worry about their next meal and allow them to focus on school.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) announced on Monday, June 3, that a woman has been found guilty in a jail fentanyl distribution case.

Wendy Sanchez, 44, was charged on Jan. 9, 2024, with Distribution of Controlled Substances, Unlawful possession of a Controlled Substance, and possession of contraband in the second degree.

In Dec. 2023, El Paso County Jail received information about the potential presence of Fentanyl at the El Paso County Jail. Deputies were able to locate and recover the drugs before they were ingested.

EPSO detectives reviewed hours of video from inside the ward and were successful in identifying Sanchez as the individual responsible for passing the suspected Fentanyl pill to another woman.

This is another example of our efforts to reduce the introduction of illicit drugs into the jail, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. If you are in custody and are found to possess dangerous drugs in our facility, we will hold you fully accountable under the law.

On Wednesday, May 15, Sanchez pleaded guilty to the distribution of a controlled substance and was sentenced to six years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

I thank my staff, particularly Detectives Adorador and Margurite, who worked diligently to investigate this case, Roybal added. At the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, we are committed to keeping citizens in our community, whether in jail on our streets or in our neighborhoods, 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
A victim of Jeffrey Epstein is suing a licensed psychiatrist who worked for the late sex-trafficker and allegedly treated his victims, claiming the wealthy doctor controlled her and raped her for years, new legal filings show.

In the lawsuit filed by an anonymous victim, Henry Jarecki, 91, is accused of participating in Epsteins sex ring and of sexually abusing the creepy financiers victims himself.

The details contained in Jane Doe 11s lawsuit paint a twisted picture of an aging doctor who controlled a young foreign model and forced her into sex with other menrepeatedly assaulting her from 2011 through 2014.

While Jarecki was elderly, his sexual desires were frequent and depraved, the complaint states, adding that the psychiatrist showed Doe pills that he said were testosterone pills that kept his sexual drive equal to that of a 25-year-old.

As Jane Doe 11 began showing more signs of depression and stress, Jarecki increased the sexual torture and control of her, the suit alleges.

Does complaint claims Jarecki raped her dozens of times in New York and trafficked her to his private Caribbean island.

The doctors lawyer, Sarita Kedia, told the Wall Street Journal Does claims will be shown to be entirely false and baseless and that Dr. Jarecki never engaged in any abusive conduct with the complainant or any other person.

Kedia shared the same statement with The Daily Beast, ignoring questions about Jareckis trips on Epsteins private jet.

We are proud of our clients bravery and the courage she has shown in filing this litigation, said Sigrid McCawley, who is representing Doe, in a statement to The Daily Beast.

Brad Edwards, another lawyer for Doe, told the Journal that he hoped more women would come forward with information on Jarecki: Justice is only achieved through courage and the cooperation of survivors and witnesses.

Flight records reviewed by The Daily Beast show Jarecki traveled on Epsteins plane from New Jersey to Santa Fe, New Mexico in March 2001a trip that included AI pioneer Marvin Minsky, whom Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre has accused of sexual abuse.

That trip also included a GM and VR, presumably referring to Epsteins accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell and Virginia Roberts. Days later, the group traveled to West Palm Beach.

In June 2002, Jarecki joined Epsteins entourage on a trip from New York to Paris. Other passengers included French hair stylist Frederic Fekkai and his son, French model scout Jean-Luc Brunel (also accused of abusing Epstein victims), and Jarecki and his filmmaker son, Nicholas Jarecki.

According to the lawsuit, Jarecki is a wealthy entrepreneur and longtime friend and confidant of Epstein who shared a mutual interest in the exploitation and sexual abuse of young women. The psychiatrist, the filing adds, frequently visited Epsteins Manhattan mansion and traveled on his private plane.

One 2014 profile in the New Haven Register described the German-born multi-hyphenate doctors fortunes, describing him as a movie and Broadway theatrical producer, Caribbean resort operator, environmentalist and philanthropist.

The newspaper noted that Jarecki and his wife own two islands in the British Virgin Islands, developing one of them, Guana, into a nature preserve and resort. Jarecki, who made millions in metals trading, also co-founded MovieFone with his son, Andrew, before selling it to AOL for $388 million in 1999.

Does lawsuit is the first time anyone has publicly accused Jarecki of wrongdoing in connection to Epsteins scheme.

Jarecki was to serve Epsteins purposes above the clients to avoid unwanted attention on Epsteins sexual abuse of these young women, the suit claims.

Jarecki also understood that the females Epstein was sending were under Epsteins control and Jarecki could himself attempt to sexually abuse them without risk of being reported, the filing states, adding that some women were particularly vulnerable because of their employment or immigration status.

Doe came to the U.S. around 2010 through a well-known modeling agency and was trying to obtain a work visa. Another model directed her to Epstein, claiming he had modeling industry connections and could help her career and immigration issues.

Within days, Jane Doe 11 met with Epstein at his mansion in the Upper East Side, where he promised to help her with her modeling career, acting, and even pay for her college, so long as she listened to him and followed his express instructions, the lawsuit says. Almost immediately, Epstein began sexually abusing Jane Doe 11 and then controlling her life.

Soon after, Epstein arranged for Doe to see Jarecki, who was then about 78 years old.

Does suit alleges that the doctor instructed her to write out any negative thing that ever happened to her and kept a hard copyinformation hed later use to control her.

During this first consultation, Jarecki told Jane Doe 11 that he had something that could make her happy right away, the filing states. However, instead of prescribing her medication, Jarecki presented her with an expensive wristwatch.

Jarecki, the suit says, pressured Doe into taking a tour of his home, then raped her after luring her into his bedroom.

Doe believed Epstein had absolute power and control over her life and freedom in the U.S., and after she informed the money-manager of what Jarecki had done, he allegedly ordered her to continue seeing the psychiatrist.

At their next appointment, the complaint says, Jarecki claimed he could save her from Epstein and that she must have a commercial relationship with him.

Jarecki then began to sexually abuse and traffic Doe, the lawsuit states, giving her gifts and promising to buy her an apartment so long as she behaved.

He allegedly arranged for Doe to move into a Gramercy Park apartment and to be at his beck and callor face punishment. Doe felt and believes that she was under constant surveillance by Jarecki, the complaint alleges.

The psychiatrist, Doe claims, could apparently access the buildings cameras to track her movements and gave her a bedtime of 10 p.m. If he saw her light on, Jarecki would call her and demand for her to go to sleep.

Jarecki would coerce Doe into sex, the lawsuit claims, and if she tried to resist his orders, he would remind her that rent on her apartment was $5,700.

Eventually, Jarecki would force Doe to have sex with other men in front of him.

He also allegedly warned herin front of his own wife, Gloriathat shed have to start engaging in threesomes with him and another young woman.

If you are difficult with me, and refuse to be with one ugly old man, I will ship you back to Epstein so he can send you to more ugly old men, and you wont be able to do anything about it with your immigration problems, Jarecki allegedly warned Doe.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Azerbaijan's East Zangezur economic region is set to hold its inaugural auction to allocate subsoil land plots for exploitation, the State Agency for the Use of Mineral Resources told Trend.

The event is being organized at the initiative of the State Agency for the Use of Mineral Resources, with the auction scheduled to take place on June 12 in Aghali village, Zangilan district.

Limestone deposits such as "Ahmadli" in the Lachin district and "Hajili" in the Gubadli district will be auctioned. Individuals and legal entities involved in mining activities can apply for participation through the State Agency's "single window" at the Baku SME House (38C Ziya Bunyadov avenue).

The deadline for document submission is June 5.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Erie County Council paid $83,875 to settle employee complaint. It was never made public.

In the fall of 2022, Erie County Council resolved an employee complaint by paying $83,875 in a settlement agreement that was kept out of public view.

The payment came from the countys general fund, but it was never voted on by council, acknowledged in a public meeting or documented in councils agenda or meeting minutes  all of which point to a potential violation of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, which requires that all public expenditures be disclosed.

Council refused to provide the Erie Times-News with a copy of the settlement agreement, which, according to the state Office of Open Records, is subject to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

Erie County Council is shown here in council chambers on April 12, 2023. From left are council members Ellen Schauerman, former Councilwoman Mary Rennie, former Councilman Brian Shank, Terry Scutella, Andre Horton and Charlie Bayle.

Council Solicitor Tom Talarico said the subject of the settlement dealt with an "internal, personnel matter" and that the settlement agreement specifically bound the parties to a promise of confidentiality.

However, the state Office of Open Records maintains that a settlement agreement must be provided if a valid Right-to-Know request is made, and any language stating otherwise in the agreement has no effect."

"The Right-to-Know Law itself expressly provides public access to settlement agreements, and agencies cannot contract away the requirements of the Right-to-Know Law," said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

"The agency doesnt have to reveal the nature of their investigation, but they do have to provide access to the settlement agreement and vote to approve it at a public meeting."

What is known about the settlement?

The settlement involved former Deputy County Clerk Nicole Inan, who filed a complaint against council with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2022, according to legal and financial documents obtained by the Erie Times-News.

The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces laws against job discrimination and harassment.

The Erie Times-News attempted to learn about the complaint by submitting a Right-to-Know request for the settlement agreement in November 2022. The request was denied by council, which argued the agreement was shielded from the public by a mediation privilege.

The Erie Times-News filed an appeal with the state Office of Open Records, which ruled that councils agreement of confidentiality was not enforceable under the Right-To-Know Law and that council had failed to prove that the mediation privilege applied to Inans settlement.

Council appealed this ruling to the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, which led to a court hearing this past October. Inan did not participate in the appeal and did not appear at the hearing. The case remains pending before the court.

Former County Councilman Brian Shank, who was council chairman at the time of the settlement, testified at the hearing that Inans complaint was a dispute concerning her employment.

He testified that the complaint did not pertain to the best of (his) knowledge to her attempt to become the full-time county clerk, a position she applied for but did not get.

How was the settlement reached?

Shank said the complaint was resolved at a virtual mediation conference around August or September 2022.

Shank said council and Talarico participated via Zoom from the caucus room in the Erie County Courthouse. Inan and her Erie-based lawyer, Anthony Logue, participated virtually from another location, as did EEOC mediator Patrick Malley.

Former Erie County Council Chairman Brian Shank

Shank said the conference concluded with all parties agreeing to a settlement amount. The settlement agreement was signed in September 2022.

A month later, on Oct. 20, 2022, Talarico sent a letter to Shank, advising him to sign a general release form to release council of any liability for the alleged EEOC charges.

Talarico also advised then-County Clerk Julie Slomski in the letter to prepare two checks  one for $75,487.50, for Inan, and the other, for $8,387.50, for Logue.

The two checks were dated Nov. 8, 2022, and were signed by Erie County Executive Brenton Davis and Director of Finance Paul Lichtenwalter.

Erie County Public Information Officer Chris Carroll said the administration was not involved in the settlement negotiations and could not comment on how council arrived at the agreement.

"Once a fully executed agreement was sent to the administration, we were legally obligated to remit payment in accordance with the terms of the agreement," Carroll said.

Talarico declined to comment on why the settlement was not covered by council's liability insurance.

Why wasnt the settlement made public?

In his testimony, Shank said council didnt take a public vote on the expenditure as per the advisement of our solicitor.

Talarico told the Erie Times-News that, as part of the settlement, and at the request of the mediator, the parties agreed to protect Inans privacy by holding the proceedings in confidence.

That includes no indication of the payment on the county government's online Open Budget/Spending tool, which allows the public to view all the countys finances.

Talarico maintained that the subject of the settlement proceedings was not for public consumption, nor was it violative of the Sunshine Act.

This is consistent with the Sunshine Act, which exempts '  deliberations of official actions which  would  lead to the disclosure of information or confidentiality protected by law, including matter related to the investigation of possible or certain violations of the law and quasi-judicial deliberations,' he said.

Melewsky said Talarico's response refers to laws that affirmatively require confidentiality like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or other confidentiality statute.

"A settlement is a contract, and agreeing to a contract is 'official action' under the Sunshine Act required to occur at a public meeting," she said. "Theres no exception that allows official action to occur outside a public meeting."

If the board didnt authorize the settlement in a public meeting, it is a potential Sunshine Act issue, she added.

Is this unusual?

Settlement agreements involving public entities are not generally approved in secret.

For example, the Millcreek School Board in April unanimously approved a settlement agreement that paid $87,500 to a former administrator who had filed an EEOC complaint. The Millcreek School Board approved the deal at its public committee-of-the-whole meeting, which can be viewed on YouTube.

While the school board president and the attorney for the complainant declined to comment on the settlement due to a confidentiality clause, a copy of the agreement was attached to the publicly available meeting agenda.

Melewsky said a settlement is an employment-related contract and is an "expressly public record under the Right-to-Know Law."

The Right-to-Know Law is not a confidentiality statute, it is a public access law, and it expressly requires public access to settlements, she said.

Logue did not return calls placed to his office.

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Council never disclosed payment to settle employee dispute
Erin Carey (Courtesy photo)

Over the last several decades, North Carolina has been transformed from a largely rural state covered with forests and farms into an ever more urban place plastered with vast swaths of concrete and asphalt.

And its in light of this reality that Gov. Roy Coopers recent decision to veto a transportation bill approved by the legislature that would have opened the door to expanded highway tree cutting to allow more room for billboards has been lauded by environmental advocates. Of course, sustaining gubernatorial vetoes is tough these days in the Republican-dominated legislature, and recently NC Newsline caught up with Erin Carey of the North Carolina Chapter of the Sierra Club to learn more about the substance of the bill and its prospects going forward.

The post Erin Carey of the NC Sierra Club on a controversial bill that earned the governors veto appeared first on NC Newsline.
Estonia to donate power unit from its power plant to Kyiv, Ukraine's Foreign Minister says

Estonia will transfer a power unit from the Auvere power plant and electric motors to Ukraine.

Source: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kuleba expressed gratitude to Estonia for its decisive actions in helping the Ukrainian energy system overcome the aftermath of the destruction caused by Russian missiles.

"The decision to transfer a power unit belonging to the Auvere power plant to Ukraine, as well as to send high-power electric motors to Ukraine, is extremely important and an example for others," Kuleba said.

The Ukrainian minister added that one such power unit is capable of providing a reliable power supply for 150,000 Ukrainians.

"This is really effective help," he said, adding that it is not easy to deliver this power unit in terms of logistics, but "help is on the way."

Background: Last week, the Swedish government announced that it would allocate SEK 650 million (over US$61 million) to Ukraine to support Ukraine's energy system.

On 21 May, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock examined one of Ukraine's largest thermal power plants that had been destroyed by a Russian missile strike.

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When everyone's met a Biden in Delaware, how hard will it be to find a jury?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that potential jury members for this federal trial were drawn from across Delaware, not just New Castle County, as the trial is in federal court.

There's a jokey saying in some circles here in Delaware, which points out the ubiquitousness of President Joe Biden in the First State: "If you haven't met Joe Biden, you're not really a Delawarean."

In the nearly 55 years since the glad-handing politician first ran for office as a New Castle County councilman, no other Delawarean has been more visible as he climbed to the highest office in the land.

And, most likely, none have met or taken photographs with as many fellow Delawareans as the omnipresent former senator and vice president, especially in New Castle County.

He's been everywhere over the years from official events as fundraisers and campaign stops to more everyday spots like Pep Boys, worshiping at St. Joseph on the Brandywine or his taking in his grandchildren's flag football games.

Throw in his educator wife (and first lady) Jill, four children and seven grandchildren, it can sometimes feel harder not to have met a Biden than to have had an interaction with one as a Delawarean.

Starting today, that dynamic will likely be on display in a downtown Wilmington federal courtroom as jury selection begins in the trial of Biden's son Hunter over a trio of gun charges.

Potential jurors won't be asked if they have had any interaction with the Biden family, according to the court's proposed voir dire in the case, but they will be asked about any connections to the Bidens.

"Are you, any member of your immediate family, or close friends acquaintances with Robert Hunter Biden or any member of his family?" reads the seventh of 47 questions listed on the jury selection document.

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, greets guests during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn on April 01, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

"Good luck getting that jury," cracks Dori Jacobson, a Greenville resident who lives not far from President Biden's residence.

While a "yes" answer to the jury question would likely not mean an automatic dismissal, depending on the circumstances, it would lead to more questioning, including asking whether the juror believes they could be impartial.

They know the Bidens and say they couldn't be impartial

Karen Miller of Wilmington is among those who wouldn't make the cut if jury duty landed her in the downtown Wilmington courtroom for Hunter Biden's trial.

And it's not just because the former AstraZeneca director has a selfie with President Biden or has spotted him having dinner at Wilmington's Piccolina Toscana or shopping at Greenville's Janssen's Market. "They're just kind of everywhere," she notes.

It's due to the fact Miller, who ran the pharmaceutical company's Breast Cancer Awareness Month program, has been involved with Jill Biden's fundraisers for the Biden Breast Health Initiative, the non-profit she founded in 1993.

Not only was Miller at Biden breast health fundraisers held at spots such as Wilmington's Chez Nicole Hair and Nail Salon or Greenville's BBC Tavern and Grill, but she has visited Delaware's most famous couple at their Greenville home and the U.S. Naval Observatory, the official residence of the vice president, when Biden was serving under President Barack Obama.

While Miller makes clear she "can't say they go out to dinner together," she knows them well enough that she "would have to pass" on serving on the jury.

"I feel bad for [Hunter Biden] being in the shadow of your dead brother and the leader of the free world," she says, referring to the death of Beau Biden nine years ago from brain cancer. "Anything you do is going to be put under a microscope. I think he's troubled and you can't have any privacy with your troubles and just keep it a family matter."

President Joe Biden takes a selfie with supporters after speaking about the PACT Act, which expands coverage for veterans exposed to toxic substances, at a YMCA in Nashua, New Hampshire, on May 21, 2024.

She thinks it's good that the jury selection process doesn't automatically strike any New Castle County resident who has simply met a Biden family member: "I mean, it's not like we're Manhattan."

Perhaps Newark's Nakishia Williams Bailey doesn't know the Bidens quite as well as Miller, but she too says she couldn't be impartial if she landed before a judge in the case.

Her father, Wilson Williams, knew Biden from his 39-year career at Chrysler's Newark Assembly plant, where he also held local and national office in the United Auto Workers union.

That connection  and total happenstance  led to Biden being a guest speaker at a Thanksgiving comedy fundraiser in 2015 at Penn Cinema Riverfront 14 + IMAX in Wilmington, run by Bailey's Events by Nakishia.

Wilson spotted Biden leaving a film in the halls of the movie theater, the pair had a chat and when Biden heard about the fundraiser, he asked if he could pop in and say a few words.

Soon, the stand-up comedy program took an unplanned break and the Vice President of the United States appeared. Standing in front of the theater, he gave a nearly 15-minute of-the-cuff speech at the event, which raised money for the Sunday Breakfast Mission and Food Bank of Delaware.

Biden has also attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Day prayer breakfast she helps organize each year in New Castle County and she, too, bumps into him by coincidence, including once at a Walgreens pharmacy.

All that adds up to her not being able to be objective in this case, says Bailey, a human resources manager, before adding, "And I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of folks like that."

Trial expected to run through next week

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika is overseeing Hunter Biden's trial, which kicks off today and will bring plenty of national media attention to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building.

In a twist highlighting the tight-knit nature of this tiny state, the courthouse is named for the former U.S. senator that then-underdog Biden surprisingly beat in 1972 to begin his career in Washington, D.C.

The trial is expected to continue through next week.

Prosecutors claim Hunter Biden broke federal law by reportedly lying about his addiction to drugs when he bought a gun in New Castle County in 2018.

President Joe Biden greets supporters and volunteers during a campaign event at Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia on May 18, 2024.

The indictment against Hunter Biden charges him with knowingly deceiving a firearms dealer by buying a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver on Oct. 12, 2018. He is charged with falsely filling out a federal form denying he was addicted to any narcotics. He is also charged with knowingly possessing the revolver despite the restrictions against people addicted to drugs owning firearms.

Hunter Biden has acknowledged he was struggling with addiction at the time.

He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted  five years for the false statement to the dealer, 10 years for the false statement on the federal form and 10 years for possession of the firearm  but actual sentences typically are shorter than the maximum, according to the Justice Department.

They've met a Biden and say they could be impartial

Not everyone who has met President Biden over the years believes they couldn't be impartial. In fact, having an interaction or some knowledge of the family could help give a juror more insight, says Greenville's Jacobson.

Jacobson lives off Barley Mill Road, less than a mile from President Biden's home, and has not only spotted him in the wild, she ended up on the national news the day she took a photograph with him.

It happened on Election Day in 2020, the day the nation was choosing between Biden and President Donald Trump to lead the country. Jacobson and her partner Jon Tumler just happened to be voting at Alexis I. du Pont High School in Greenville when they bumped into the future president.

They asked if they could take a photograph with him and ended up getting a hug along with the photo, footage of which ended up on cable news.

It wasn't the first time they saw their famous neighbor or his wife around, having seen them in Greenville spots such as menswear retailer Jos. A Bank and the Whimsy Boutique gift shop.

"I could be totally impartial and I think to be eliminated from the jury because you're acquainted with the Biden family would be unfair," she says. "If you're acquainted with them, you know their character. So like it or not, you actually may be able to balance things out in a way that others could not.

HUNTER BIDEN IN COURT Hunter Biden appears in Wilmington court ahead of looming gun trial. Here's what happened

DELAWARE'S SHORT-LIVED TOUR DE TRUMP Do you remember when the president best known for biking in Delaware was Trump not Biden?

"There are a lot of people who don't know the Bidens and think ill of them. But if they knew them, they at least might be more impartial."

How hard is it to not have met a Biden in Delaware?

A transplant to the area, Gretchen Huyler lives in Avondale, Pennsylvania, and doesn't cross the state line too often. Even so, she ended up meeting President Biden in 2016 at the Hockessin Fourth of July parade. Her twin daughters, Brynn and Kate, now 15, even walked away with a selfie with the then-vice president.

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that day to attend the parade just after the family flew home from Disney World. Once there, the U.S. Secret Service also appeared and that's when the meeting occurred.

"Our claim to fame," she jokes, noting all the comments the photograph got from friends and family back home in northeast Pennsylvania. "They thought it was cool, but I don't think they realize how much of a rock star he is in this area."

When Wilmington's Bill Pegram saw Delaware's "rock star" leaving a Greenville coffee shop in 2019 with a cup of coffee, he stopped his truck in the middle of the parking lot to get a shake his hand.

Pegram was wearing an infantry tank top, since his son is a U.S. Army veteran. The two talked about the Army a bit and Pegram mentioned that his father Richard was a World War II veteran, having served in the South Pacific for three years.

The then-former vice president asked if Pegram's father was still alive and when he learned he was, Biden told him to get his then 95-year-old father on the phone.

"He thanked him for his service and made my father's day," Pegram recalls. "Politics aside, anyone who would call my dad and thank him like that  I have to give a little appreciation to him."

With that past encounter, Pegram still believes he could be impartial and fairly judge Hunter Biden if he were on the jury.

"I only met him once. It's not like we're family friends or anything," he says. "And I think [President Biden] would expect me to be impartial. I just think that's his ethics."

Xerxes Wilson contributed to this report. Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hunter Biden gun trial: How hard will it be to find impartial jury?
Everything you read about D-Day is a load of rubbish, I was there

Normandy veteran George Chandler, 99, is not a fan of books on the D-Day landings - Andrew Matthews/pa

A D-Day veteran has described the books written about the Normandy Landings as rubbish, and said he has never forgotten the horrors of war.

George Chandler, 99, served on board a British motor torpedo boat as part of a flotilla that provided an escort for the US army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches in June 1944.

Mr Chandler, whose flotilla returned to Newhaven in East Sussex each night for refuelling and rearming before returning across the Channel for about three months straight during the conflict, was critical of D-Day accounts he has read over the years.

He said: Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute c, its a load of old rubbish.

I was there, how can I forget it? Its a very sad memory because I watched young American rangers not shot, slaughtered.

And they were young. I was 19 at the time, these kids were younger than me when I was there and I saw them shot.

Mr Chandler was among 40 veterans who gathered at Southwick House in Hampshire on Monday  the place where General Dwight Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, established his headquarters for the invasion.

Chosen because of its proximity to Portsmouth and to the underground naval command headquarters dug into the cliffs, Southwick House had been requisitioned for the Royal Navys navigation school earlier in the war.

Mondays event was thought to be the largest meeting of surviving D-Day veterans this year, as some are not well enough to make the journey to Normandy for the 80th anniversary.

While many of the veterans will travel to Normandy on Tuesday morning, others will remain in the UK to attend the national commemorative event in Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Marie Scott, who worked on the switchboard in the tunnels under Fort Southwick in Portsmouth - Jonathan Brady/PA

Other veterans at the gathering on Monday included Marie Scott, now 97, who was 17 when she served with the Womens Royal Naval Service at Fort Southwick as a switchboard operator, using a machine connected to the landing forces in France.

Her job was to pass messages from the troops on the beaches to the leaders of Operation Overlord, Gen Eisenhower and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.

Ms Scott  who was awarded the Legion dHonneur, Frances highest order of merit, in recognition of her contribution to the liberation of the country  described how she could hear the reality of the battle taking place.

She said: I was a little bemused when I first heard it, then I thought to myself, Oh, you know, this is war.

You could hear everything, machine gun fire, cannon fire, bombs dropping, men shouting, the general chaos.

The majority of those who attended the gathering at Southwick House travelled courtesy of the Royal British Legion, the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

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Joel Gingery, an ex-jujitsu instructor, enters the courtroom for sentencing on a rape conviction, Monday, June 3, 2024, at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

A jujitsu instructor and former Navy Seal convicted of raping one of his teenage students at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach where he worked as a nurse was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison.

Joel Gingery, 58, was found guilty March 27 of two counts of sexual battery after a jury deliberated for about two-and-a-half hours.

Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn sentenced Gingery to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years' sex offender probation; he must register as a sex offender.

Blackburn noted that she had received a number of letters from family and friends testifying to Gingery's character and community service besides the testimony in court.

Blackburn said that one of the people who testified said Gingery did not pose a threat to anyone. But the judge said that on the night of the rape, Gingery posed a threat to his victim. She said Gingery chose to sexually batter the teen and took away her choice.

Blackburn then sentenced Gingery to 15 years in prison on the first count followed by five years on the second count. Gingery received credit for 71 days time-served in jail.

In her argument, Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz said Gingery "manipulated" and "groomed" the student, who was 16 when she started lessons and 18 when she was raped in 2022. Schwartz noted the large age difference between Gingery and the teenager. She said that Gingery was supposed to be the young woman's instructor and a mentor, but instead betrayed that position.

Rather than nurture that relationship in the spirit of teaching, learning and building physical strength and mental competence, Joel Gingery orchestrated that relationship to his advantage until the 18-year-old girl, barely a woman, was ripe for manipulation, exhibiting an unwavering trust in him, Schwartz said.

Schwartz read a statement from the victim, who now lives in another state. In the statement, the woman said she could not bear to testify during the hearing. Schwartz read that the woman said she could not continue in the sport she loved without leaving the gym in tears. She said whenever she was pinned by someone during practice it would remind her of trauma she endured because of Gingery. She said that in addition to the sport she loved, Gingery also took her virginity.

Joel Gingery, an ex-jujitsu instructor, listens to his supporters' statements during his rape conviction sentencing, Monday, June 3, 2024, at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Schwartz asked the judge to give Gingery the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison  15 years on each count consecutively.

Defense attorneys Jessica Damoth and Michael Lambert represented Gingery. Damoth argued for the minimum recommended sentence of just over 15 years.

Gingery's friends and family filled the courtroom. Several of his supporters took the stand, including his girlfriend, Jessie Grace, who testified about Gingery's character, saying he was a former Navy Seal who always strived to help people.

Grace and Gingery had operated Trident Jiu Jitsu in Ormond Beach until his arrest.

Joel Gingery's girlfriend, Jessie Grace, speaks during Gingery's sentencing on a rape conviction, Monday, June 3, 2024, as Judge Elizabeth Blackburn looks on at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Grace, who described herself as Gingery's life partner, testified she had seen Gingery in situations with young women who had felt extremely comfortable with him.

I love him with all my heart, Grace said. And I have never seen anything other than a protector from him.

She said over the past 10 years she had seen him change peoples lives for the better.

I see him in every situation and hes a wonderful man, Grace said.

Gingery declined to make a statement before the judge pronounced the sentence.

Gingery, wearing the routine orange jail jumpsuit and handcuffs, appeared to show no reaction as he was fingerprinted and led out of the courtroom.

Martial arts instructor charged in student's rape

Gingery was employed by the University of Florida as a nurse anesthetist who was working at Halifax Health Medical Center when he was arrested after being accused of raping the young woman in 2022. Gingery was terminated as a UF employee on Sept. 24, 2022, and his access to Halifax was revoked.

The woman testified at trial that she was 18 on Aug. 21, 2022, when she got a call from Gingery asking her to meet him at Halifax Health Medical Center. She said she thought it was to discuss Gingery sponsoring her financially in jujitsu competitions. The woman started attending Gingery's Trident Jiu Jitsu school when she was 16.

Gingery testified that he and the teen had consensual sex. He described leading the teen to the on-call room at the hospital and latching and blocking the door so no one would walk in. He said she started hugging him and they started kissing and engaging in consensual sexual acts.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ex-jujitsu instructor gets 20 years for raping Florida student
China's major animation festival bustles with 9 mln visits

Xinhua) 08:46, June 03, 2024

HANGZHOU, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) wrapped up in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Sunday, drawing over 9 million online and offline visitors.

During the five-day event, 233,000 visitors attended activities at the main and secondary venues, and the value of on-site deals and intended contract agreements totaled 1.28 billion yuan (about 180 million U.S. dollars).

According to the organizers, 2,156 companies and institutions from 52 countries and regions participated in this year's CICAF, attracting 3,072 business representatives and showcasing 147,000 exhibits from across the globe.

The festival featured various activities, including an international animation game business conference, a cosplay event and a voice actor contest.

Organized by the National Radio and Television Administration, China Media Group and the Zhejiang provincial government, the festival has been held annually in Hangzhou, one of the animation hubs in China, since 2005.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The 3rd National Cybersecurity Forum took place in Baku, organized by the Association of Cybersecurity Organizations of Azerbaijan, with the main partnership of Azerconnect Group, the leading ICT company in Azerbaijan.

During the opening ceremony of the event, Dovlat Dovlatov, Deputy CEO of Azerconnect Group, elaborated on the company's advanced experience in fortifying the cybersecurity ecosystem. The forum featured a presentation on Azerconnect Group's initiative aimed at enhancing its Security Operations Center. Additionally, comprehensive insights were provided into the company's efforts to train local professionals within cybersecurity field.

At the forum, state institutions, private companies, and business representatives came together for important discussions on critical topics such as information infrastructure security, cybersecurity education, human resources, and the formation of a cyber diaspora.

Notably, Azerconnect Group, being one of the largest employers in the field of ICT, is a member of the Association of Cybersecurity Organizations of Azerbaijan.

Azerconnect Group is a company that provides services in the dynamically developing ICT and high technologies fields of Azerbaijan. Azerconnect Group is part of NEQSOL Holding, an international group of companies operating in various countries across the energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, and construction industries.
WILMINGTON, Delaware  When Hunter Biden goes on trial this week on federal gun charges, some of the witnesses against him will be his exes.

Prosecutors have indicated they may call three women who used to be romantically involved with the presidents son, including his ex-wife.

Those women, prosecutors believe, can help prove that Biden was addicted to drugs at the time of his alleged crimes in October 2018. Special counsel David Weiss charged Biden last fall with illegally possessing a gun as a drug user and lying about his drug addiction when he bought the gun.

In court, the witnesses will serve a straightforward evidentiary purpose. But beyond the Wilmington courthouse, their testimony could reverberate in other ways by airing embarrassing and painful details about the Biden family.

Bidens defense team, meanwhile, has its own slate of witnesses prepared. One is an expert who will try to undermine the physical evidence the prosecution plans to offer. And the defense also could call a politically fraught witness of their own: Hunter Biden himself.

The trial, which begins Monday with jury selection, is expected to last three to six days. Heres a look at some of the important figures who might take the stand for each side.



Hallie Biden

A key witness whom prosecutors have indicated they plan to call is Hallie Biden, the widow of the presidents other son, Beau. According to prosecutors, she will testify that Hunter Biden stayed at her home in the fall of 2018 and that she and her children found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession multiple times.

Hallie and Hunter Biden became romantically involved after Beau died of brain cancer on May 30, 2015. Their relationship generated substantial tabloid attention.

Hallie Bidens testimony will likely be her most detailed public discussion of her relationship with her deceased husbands brother and his addiction.

Kathleen Buhle

Prosecutors also plan to call Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Hunter Biden from 1993 to 2017 and has three daughters with him. Throughout 2018, according to prosecutors, Buhle would search Bidens car because she did not want their children in a vehicle with drugs. She found drugs or drug paraphernalia about 12 times, prosecutors said in a court filing.

Buhles testimony could include details of the problems that his addiction caused to his family. It wont be her first time opening up about her marriage. In 2022, she wrote a book, If We Break: A Memoir of Marriage, Addiction, and Healing.

Zoe Kestan

Another woman who was romantically involved with Hunter Biden, identified by prosecutors as Witness 2 and by The New York Post as Zoe Kestan, is slated to testify. According to prosecutors, she will say that she saw Biden using crack every 20 minutes except when he slept.

Michael Coyer

Michael Coyer is a forensics expert who has served as a research director at various forensic toxicology laboratories. Bidens defense team wants to call him to testify about a key piece of evidence prosecutors are expected to present: the discovery of cocaine residue on the pouch in which Bidens gun was allegedly found. The pouch was found in a trash can behind a grocery store less than two weeks after Biden is said to have purchased the gun.

Coyer is expected to testify that there is no way to know when the residue got onto the pouch and that it is not possible to determine who used or left the residue, according to a court filing from Bidens lawyers.

Ronald Palimere

Bidens lead lawyer, Abbe Lowell, indicated during a May 24 pretrial conference that he has a series of questions for Ronald Palimere, the owner of StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply, the Delaware gun store where Biden allegedly purchased the gun.

Lowell said he expects to question Palimere about how and when the federal gun purchase form was filled out  and whether Biden really completed the entire form himself. Two of Bidens three felony charges stem from allegations that he lied about his drug use on that form. But Bidens defense team has noted that there are two versions of the form associated with Bidens purchase. First, theres a copy that Palimere emailed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms shortly after Biden is said to have bought the gun. Next, theres the actual hard copy of the form, which someone altered by adding a note about Bidens vehicle registration.

Lowell also signaled that he plans to question Palimeres employee Gordon Cleveland, who is said to have sold the gun to Biden.

Hunter Biden

Biden could take the stand in his own defense  a prospect that his team said remained a possibility at the May 24 pretrial conference. If he testified, he could describe what he has called his struggle with addiction and his efforts to redeem himself. And he could provide his own account of what happened at the gun shop in October 2018.

Prosecutors would surely cross-examine him aggressively. And they have signaled that if he does take the stand, they want to question him about a separate criminal case he faces in California charging that he deliberately failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes over four years. That case is slated to go to trial in September.

John Morgan, a major Democratic donor and attorney, told POLITICO that Biden is not a shrinking violet, and that there would be a high risk that Biden would turn combative if he took the stand. If that happened, he could lose any jury sympathy  meaning it probably wouldnt be worth the risk.

Hailey Fuchs contributed to this report.
Insights from TIME, The Washington Post, MIT Technology Review

The News

Pharmaceutical giants Moderna and Merck announced promising results from a clinical trial testing a combined treatment of an mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy for skin cancer. Melanoma patients who received monthly mRNA vaccines and Mercks Keytruda immunotherapy had lower chances of cancer recurrence and spread, as well as higher survival rates, than those who received Keytruda alone.

The vaccines use messenger RNA  essential molecules that help convert the information in DNA to proteins  to expose the body to virus or cancer proteins and trigger an immune response.

The results are the latest boost for mRNA vaccines, which were first used to prevent COVID-19, and come amid a flurry of approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration for mRNA vaccines, including for the respiratory illness RSV.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

COVID-19 put mRNA vaccine development into hyperdrive

Sources: MIT Technology Review, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Conversation

Scientists had been working on mRNA-based treatments and vaccines for decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an astonishingly fast turnaround in developing and deploying the vaccines, MIT Technology Review noted. COVID-19 was a brand-new virus, so it opened the way to apply these newer methods, an immunology professor at Johns Hopkins University said, initiating rapid vaccine development. Since mRNA drugs are easily programmable, biotech companies like Moderna are now developing mRNA vaccines for malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, Zika, and various cancers.





Modern-Merck trial results hold promise for cancer immunotherapy

Sources: TIME, The Guardian, BBC

The mRNA jab can be personalized to activate an anti-tumor response based upon the patients unique cancer mutations, making it far cleverer in some senses than a vaccine, Heather Shaw, the national coordinating investigator for the melanoma trials, said. So far, trial results suggest mRNA technology will change cancer treatment in the years ahead, the president of Moderna told TIME, noting that triggered immune responses and longer survival rates could mean that they have effectively eliminated tumor cells. Efforts are already underway for 200 patients in the US and Europe to receive personalized cancer vaccine trials, which may help thousands, if not millions of people, so that they can have hope, one patient told the BBC.

Access to mRNA technology is contentious

Sources: The Washington Post, Politico, Reuters

In order to remedy vaccine apartheid that made the Global South reliant on the North, the World Health Organization created the mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub, building mRNA research laboratories in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa, Senegal and Tunisia to target diseases such as tuberculosis, rift valley fever and leishmaniasis. Ultimately, it is in everyones best interest if more places can find solutions to their own regional problems, one virologist commented in The Washington Post. While Moderna has promised to not enforce its coronavirus patents, which would help other countries catch up, in some places like China the preference is for domestic mRNA vaccine development.
Fact Check: Lockheed Martin Supposedly Adopted a Company Pride Flag with 'Fighter Jet' Design. Here Are the Facts

Claim:

An image shared online in early June 2024 authentically shows a "fighter jet" Pride flag design adopted by Lockheed Martin.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

A Lockheed Martin spokeswoman told Snopes the company has not adopted an official Pride flag.

On June 1, 2024, an X user posted an image purportedly showing aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin's official Pride flag.

The image contained the features seen in the Progress Pride flag but the diagonal stripes were edited to resemble a fighter jet. Lockheed Martin's name and logo were also included in the bottom-right corner of the design.

Happy Pride Month yall!! pic.twitter.com/FUCGZksCtb  John Ridge   (@John_A_Ridge) June 2, 2024

However, the company said the image does not represent an official company flag, nor has Lockheed Martin adopted any kind of Pride flag.

Similar posts appeared elsewhere in early June 2024, such as on X and Facebook. Together, they had amassed more than 265,000 views at the time of this writing.

The image was also posted on Reddit in March 2024 and December 2023, X in November 2023, and Instagram in September 2023, where it included the Transformers Decepticon logo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxtigWVviVS/

Some social media users were left wondering whether it was real , while others hated it or branded it ridiculous.

Another X user said the flag would "ruffle some feathers."

This will ruffle some feathers  TheHoff-Fella   (@JolokiaTheSpicy) June 2, 2024

However, a spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin's U.S. team told Snopes via email the image was "not an official company flag," and said that the company doesn't have an official Pride flag.

Asked whether the image possibly showed an unofficial Lockheed Martin Pride flag that could have, for example, been flown on behalf of the company at a Pride event, the spokeswoman added: "Not to our knowledge."

Snopes found no evidence the aerospace and defense company had adopted the image as its Pride flag. Searching for "pride" among news stories on Lockheed Martin's website produced no proof the company had adopted the image. Likewise, the company's news releases mentioning "pride" did not include the image.

Alleged Pride flags have circulated online on numerous occasions. Snopes addressed a false claim about a "new Pride flag" in May 2024, and in June 2023 we looked into claims about a flag for "minor-attracted persons."

Sources:

'16 Years of PRIDE Business Resource Group'. Lockheed Martin, https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/16-years-of-pride-business-resource-group.html. Accessed 3 June 2024.

'Getting Real for PRIDE Month'. Lockheed Martin, https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2022/getting-real-for-pride-month.html. Accessed 3 June 2024.

Insignia - Transformers Wiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Insignia. Accessed 3 June 2024.

Kasprak, Alex. 'New LGBTQ+ Pride Flag?' Snopes, 7 May 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/newest-pride-flag/.

LaMagdeleine, Izz Scott. 'Do "Minor-Attracted Persons" Use a "MAPs Pride Flag" To Represent Themselves?' Snopes, 10 June 2023, https://www.snopes.com//articles/464807/minor-attracted-persons-flag/.

'Lockheed Martin News and Events'. Lockheed Martin, https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news.html. Accessed 3 June 2024.

Lockheed Martin Pride Flag - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?q=lockheed+martin+pride+flag&sca_esv=a7dd94b2e88221ce&prmd=invmbtz&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0vtux_b-GAxXiYEEAHcRDDMkQ0pQJegQIBhAC&biw=1280&bih=593&dpr=1.5. Accessed 3 June 2024.

'Tamara Finds Her Voice as a Transgender Employee'. Lockheed Martin, https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/tamara-finds-her-voice-as-a-transgender-employee-.html. Accessed 3 June 2024.

'The Progress Pride Flag  V&A'. Victoria and Albert Museum, https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-progress-pride-flag. Accessed 3 June 2024.
Claim:

On the final full day of his administration, then-U.S. President Donald Trump awarded Dr. Anthony Fauci with a presidential commendation for his "exceptional efforts on Operation Warp Speed," the administration's project to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

Rating:

Rating: True

Ahead of Dr. Anthony Fauci's June 3, 2024, appearance before the U.S, House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested, in an interview with podcaster Tim Pool, that he would prosecute the scientist for lying to Congress.

In that same interview, Trump also stated that "Fauci wasn't a big player" in his administration, and that "Biden made him the king of everything." Fauci was the former longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and was appointed to the White House Coronavirus Task Force launched by the Trump administration.

In response, journalists, politicians, and social media users skeptical of Trump's now rigid disavowal of Fauci began sharing the claim that, on his last full day in office, then-President Trump awarded the scientist with a presidential commendation:

On his next to last day as president, Trump awarded Dr. Fauci a medal of commendation. https://t.co/BXcBbR5Sn1 pic.twitter.com/Gf9h12uGlz  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) May 29, 2024

The claim is true. On Jan. 19, 2021, according to an archived White House press release, Trump awarded presidential commendations to 52 individuals "in recognition of their exceptional efforts on Operation Warp Speed"  the federal project to develop COVID-19 vaccines. Fauci was among those on this list:

Today, President Donald J. Trump awarded Presidential Commendations to the below individuals in recognition of their exceptional efforts on Operation Warp Speed: General Mark Milley Secretary Alex Azar Jared Kushner Dr. Moncef Slaoui General Gustave Perna Dr. Deborah Birx Dr. Anthony Fauci 

In a September 2023 interview on SiriusXM's "The Megyn Kelly Show," Kelly asked Trump why he awarded Fauci with a commendation. "I don't know who gave him the commendation," Trump responded. "I really don't know who gave him the commendation. Someone probably handed him a commendation."

As reported by CNN, two former Trump Administration officials pushed back on the claim that such a commendation would have been awarded without the president's approval:

"A commendation of this nature would require presidential sign-off. They go through staff secretary for approval and then the president would need to approve," Alyssa Farah Griffin, who was Trump's White House communications director before her resignation in late 2020, said in a text.  Stephanie Grisham, who served as Trump's White House press secretary and communications director in 2019 and 2020 and then as first lady Melania Trump's chief of staff into 2021, said in a message: "In my experience nothing like that would ever go out w/o his knowing. Esp(ecially) if an announcement was released."

Regardless of his own personal recollection of his final days as president, there is, in fact, a record of Trump awarding a presidential commendation to Fauci on Jan. 19, 2021. As such, the claim is True.

Sources:

"DeSantis Rips Trump for Claiming Not to Know Who Gave Fauci Presidential Commendation: 'Is This the Immaculate Commendation?' | CNN Politics." CNN, 14 Sept. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/14/politics/desantis-trump-fauci-commendation-covid/index.html.

"Live Updates: Anthony Fauci Goes before House Covid-19 Panel over Coronavirus Origins." CNN, 3 June 2024, https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/anthony-fauci-covid-origins-hearing-06-03-24/index.html.

President Trump Awards Presidential Commendations to Operation Warp Speed Team  The White House. https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/president-trump-awards-presidential-commendations-operation-warp-speed-team/. Accessed 3 June 2024.

Timcast IRL. President Trump Talks Immigration & War WIth Tim Pool w/ Trump & Kash Patel | Timcast IRL. 2024. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHrGC_-vCWA.


Factbox-Key facts about the Allied landings at Normandy on D-Day

PARIS (Reuters) -American, British, Canadian and French leaders will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.

Here are some facts about the Allies' D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. The assault marked a decisive stage in the liberation of Europe from German forces in World War Two.

* Before D-Day, the Allies staged Operation Fortitude, which persuaded the Germans the landings would not take place in Normandy but in Pas-de-Calais, to the east. Dummy tanks, landing craft and planes were set up in eastern England.

* D-Day began in full on June 6, 1944, and was the assault phase of the Allied invasion of mainland Europe, or Operation Overlord. The Allied Supreme Commander was U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower. It should have started a day earlier but was postponed by 24 hours due to bad weather.

* In total, 156,115 Allied troops either landed by sea, onto beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, or were airdropped behind German coastal defences. They included 83,115 British and Canadian troops and 73,000 U.S. troops, according to the United States European Command.

The Allies took approximately 10,250 casualties on D-Day - a number that includes killed, wounded and missing servicemen, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. About 4,440 were killed.

German casualties are unknown but are estimated at between 4,000 and 9,000.

* Soldiers participating in the Normandy landings came from the United States, Britain, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Luxembourg, Greece, Czechoslovakia, New Zealand and Australia. Some 177 French commandos also took part.

* The landings and associated operations were codenamed Neptune and aimed to establish beachheads in northwest France.

* Nearly 7,000 ships and landing craft - of which 1,213 were naval warships - were deployed in Neptune and attacked German land and naval positions, landing troops and creating two artificial harbours which were towed across the Channel.

* Neptune officially ceased on June 30, 1944, by which time 850,279 men, 148,803 vehicles and 570,505 tons of supplies had been landed.

(Editing by Richard Lough and Andrew Heavens)
Ukraine's Zelenskiy in the Philippines to meet with Marcos

KYIV (Reuters) - Switzerland will host a summit on June 15-16 that aims to build broad international support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's peace proposals, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, but Moscow has not been invited.

With Russia's invasion well into its third year and Kyiv's forces under increased pressure on the frontlines, Zelenskiy hopes to put Ukraine's plight firmly back in the diplomatic spotlight after months of heavy global focus on the Gaza war.

The summit, which will take place at an Alpine resort near Lucerne, is intended to create a framework for lasting peace and a roadmap for Russia's eventual participation in the process.

Russia has dismissed the initiative as a waste of time. China, which has moved closer to Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, has said it will also not attend the summit, to Kyiv's disappointment.

WHO IS COMING?

Zelenskiy's office said that 107 countries and international organisations had confirmed by early June their participation, including Ukraine's Western allies and countries from South America, Africa and the Middle East. Kyiv has sent invitations to some 160 capitals and organisations in total.

Ukraine's main ally the United States will be represented but has not said whether President Joe Biden will attend. Zelenskiy has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delighted if Biden misses the summit.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the summit would be "absolutely futile" without Russia's participation.

Kyiv decided against inviting Russia because it does not trust Moscow, whose invasion has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, uprooted millions more and devastated Ukrainian towns and cities. Russian forces currently control about 18% of Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has said Moscow could be invited to a future summit to discuss an end to its invasion, but on Kyiv's terms.

Zelenskiy, who had lobbied China hard to take part, accused Beijing this week of helping Moscow to undermine the summit. China's Foreign Ministry denied the accusation.

WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED

Serhiy Nikiforov, the presidential spokesperson, said the talks, building on Zelenskiy's 10-point peace formula, would prioritise three key themes - food security, nuclear safety and the release of all prisoners and deportees.

"Precisely these three points have potential to unite countries with different views," Nikiforov told Ukrainian TV.

Zelenskiy first announced his 10-point peace formula at a summit of the Group of 20 major economies in November 2022. It also includes restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, a total withdrawal of Russian troops and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

Kyiv expects a communique on the results of the summit to be issued.

OTHER PEACE INITIATIVES

The first talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in the early days of Russia's invasion. The delegations met in Belarus and then in March, 2022 in Istanbul, but broke down.

During 2022 and 2023 separate peace initiatives were announced by China, the Vatican and a group of African countries, but also to no avail.

In September, 2022 Zelenskiy signed a decree banning any talks with Putin. Ukrainian officials have stood by their position that peace talks with Russia will only be possible when Moscow withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Family thanks first responders for bringing Trissie into the world

A Kings Mountain family recently met with people they credit with saving a babys life.

Shannon and Bruce Messer hadnt anticipated a baby. In fact Shannon was unaware she was pregnant until the night she went into labor, according to her stepfather, Chad Gunter Sr.

Though it was a dire situation, emergency workers from the 911 operator to those who came to the Messers home, helped with the birth of little Trissie Lee Messer.

Trissie was born in August, at least two months premature and weighing 2 pounds and 8 ounces. She was airlifted from the hospital in Kings Mountain to Charlotte where she spent over 100 days in ICU.

According to her grandfather, she is now 14 pounds and is a healthy and beautiful little girl.

On May 21, the grateful family met with the Cleveland County EMS team and thanked them with a special cake and certificates for their part in saving the babys life.

According to Gunter, the team consisted of telecommunicator Ben Green, paramedics Michael Harris, Rhett Ballard and Jerron Daves, EMT Leann Mullinax and Seargent Jeremiah Allen.

"The team was very thankful, as people coming to meet with them is a rarity, Gunter said. They said they hardly ever hear of an outcome after care transfers away from them. I encourage anyone that receives service from hard-working first responders to show appreciation, as it is a surprisingly thankless profession.

Trissie is now home with her parents and her two older siblings.

The Messer family recently thanks first responders.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Family thanks first responders for bringing Trissie into the world
Zara Aleena has been described as 'the rock' of her family, before her assault and murder in June 2022 - Metropolitan Police/PA

Zara Aleenas family is tortured by the thought that her death was preventable, an inquest has heard.

Jordan McSweeney killed the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked home from a night out in Ilford, east London, early on June 26 2022.

McSweeney was handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 38 years, at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting Aleenas murder and sexual assault. In November 2023, he won a Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence.

Farah Naz, Aleenas aunt, told the jury at East London Coroners Court in Walthamstow on Monday that the family was tortured by thoughts that her death was preventable and that our state system that we entrusted failed our Zara, failed us.

She added that her nieces murder highlighted the crumbling justice system that is meant to protect all of us, especially women and girls.

Ms Naz said: Since her death we have been campaigning so that our daughters, sisters, friends can be safe and protected as Zara never was. This is Zaras legacy.

Zara Aleena's family is 'tortured' by the thought that her 'death was preventable' - Jeff Gilbert

In a pen portrait, Ms Naz became emotional as she told the jury of her nieces sparkling eyes and curly jet black hair and glorious laughter.

Ms Naz said Aleena was a carer for her mother and grandmother, the rock of our family and it was the proudest moment for all of us when she was offered a job as a legal assistant at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Ms Naz said Aleena wasnt just surviving, she was thriving, adding: Zara walked everywhere and one night she walked home from an evening out with a friend, she was sexually assaulted and murdered. She was 35 years old.

She believed that a woman should be allowed to walk home, and her dreams, her future was brutally taken.

McSweeney had been released from prison on licence on June 17 2022 and, after breaching the conditions, a decision was made to recall him to prison on June 24 2022.

On Monday, area coroner Nadia Persaud said the purpose of the inquest is to consider the circumstance by which Zara came by her death, which will include whether any actions or omissions of state bodies contributed to her death.

Jordan McSweeney was handed a life sentence in December 2022 but later won a bid to reduce the minimum term - Metropolitan Police/PA

The jury was told that McSweeney was 29 at the time of the attack and had received his first custodial sentence at the age of 13, with much of his adult years spent in prison or in the community under licence.

Kim Thornden-Edwards, chief probation officer for England and Wales, said during her evidence that the Probation Service accepts that McSweeney should have been considered as high risk from 2021.

Put to her by the coroner that it was considered that McSweeneys risk should have been high from 2021, Ms Thornden-Edwards said: I dont have an issue with HMIPs assessment that at the time Jordan McSweeney was high risk.

What I would say is that the assessment of Jordan McSweeney has some complexities and nuances to it.

She added: The majority of his offending history is acquisitive, burglaries and thefts.

The inquest continues.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, has visited the International Specialized Exhibition - Belagro 2024, in Minsk as part of his working visit to Belarus, Trend reports.

Asadov and heads of government from Eurasian Economic Union member states have acquainted themselves with the exhibition. It features an extensive array of agro-industrial products, contemporary agricultural machinery and equipment, and progressive developments in crop, livestock, and poultry farming.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani prime minister delivered a speech at the Eurasian Economic Union's plenary session on Food Security.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 3, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 3, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on NC Newsline.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 3, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 3, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks, and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages, and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Dr. Anthony Fauci prepares to testify June 30, 2020, at a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
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Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 03: Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Subcommittee is holding a hearing on the findings from a fifteen month Republican-led probe of former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci and the COVID-19 pandemic's origins. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci on Monday defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email, in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Wuhan Institute subgrant

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under a National Institutes of Health subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but he didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission, was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Death threats

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified. It is very troublesome to me.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, caused the hearing to grind to a halt during her questioning, refusing to address Fauci as a medical doctor and instead calling him Mr. Fauci.

Greene also alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 03, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

WASHINGTON  Dr. Anthony Fauci defended his decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, testifying before Congress about his work on the virus as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during two presidencies.

House Republicans who called the hearing grilled Fauci during the contentious three-hour session about the origins of COVID-19, which killed more than 1 million Americans, as well as Faucis role in the response. It was the first time Fauci, 83, who also served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, had appeared before Congress since leaving government employment in 2022.

Fauci repeatedly said he didnt conduct official business using personal email in response to allegations he did so to avoid oversight. He also said he has kept an open mind about the origins of the virus, and explained to members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic why guidance shifted so much during the first several months of the pandemic.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change, Fauci said. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

As things evolve and change and you get more information, it is important that you use the scientific process to gain that information and perhaps change the way you think of things, change your guidelines and change your recommendation, Fauci added.

Republicans on the panel repeatedly asked Fauci about how the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China received grant funding from the U.S. government, as well as whether it, or another lab, could have created COVID-19. That theory is counter to another that the virus emerged from a spillover event at an outdoor food market.

Fauci testified that it was impossible the viruses being studied at the Wuhan Institute under an NIH subgrant could have led to COVID-19, but didnt rule out it coming from elsewhere.

I cannot account, nor can anyone account, for other things that might be going on in China, which is the reason why I have always said and will say now, I keep an open mind as to what the origin is, Fauci said. But the one thing I know for sure, is that the viruses that were funded by the NIH, phylogenetically could not be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

Fauci added that the $120,000 grant that was sent to another organization before being sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was a small piece of the budget.

If they were going to do something on the side, they have plenty of other money to do it. They wouldnt necessarily have to use a $120,000 NIH grant to do it, Fauci said.

The NIH subaward to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, he testified, funded research on the surveillance of and the possibility of emerging infections.

I would not characterize it as dangerous gain-of-function research, Fauci said. Ive already testified to that effect, a couple of times.

Politicians have used multiple, often shifting, definitions for gain-of-function research during the last few years. The American Society for Microbiology writes in a two-page explainer that it is used in research to alter the function of an organism in such a way that it is able to do more than it used to do.

Saving lives

Actions taken during the first several months of the pandemic were essential to saving lives, Fauci testified. Those steps included encouraging people to socially distance, to wear masks and to obtain the vaccine once it was approved.

Fauci said that had public health officials just let the virus work its way through the country without any precautions or safety measures, there very likely would have been another million people (who) would have died.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine, he said, was communicated as it came in, including particulars about whether it would stop the spread of the virus entirely or whether it predominantly worked by limiting severe illness and hospitalizations.

The issue is particularly complicated, Fauci said, because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout, data showed the shot did prevent infection and subsequently, obviously, transmission.

However, its important to point out, something that we did not know early on that became evident as the months went by, is that the durability of protection against infection, and hence transmission was relatively limited  whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, Fauci testified.

We did not know that in the beginning, he added. In the beginning it was felt that, in fact, it did prevent infection and thus transmission. But that was proven, as time went by, to not be a durable effect.

Republican members on the subcommittee, as well as those sitting in from other committees, repeatedly asked Fauci about allegations that he avoided using his government email address to circumvent requests for those communications under the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

Fauci vehemently denied the accusations, saying he never conducted official business using his personal email.

Not a comic book supervillain

Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell asked Fauci during the hearing about threats he and his family have faced during the last few years, especially as misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 have spread.

There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals. And credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, Fauci testified.

Fauci and his wife and three daughters have received harassing emails, text messages and letters. Fauci said people targeting his family for his public health work makes him feel terrible.

Its required my having protective services, essentially all the time, Fauci testified.

One of the most critical Republicans on the panel, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, alleged that Fauci should be in jail, though she didnt present any evidence of actual crimes, nor has any police department or law enforcement agency charged him with a crime.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, of which the subcommittee is a part, said repeated GOP-led investigations into Faucis conduct show he is an honorable public servant, who has devoted his entire career to the public health in the public interest. And he is not a comic book super villain.

Raskin later apologized to Fauci for several GOP lawmakers treating him like a convicted felon, before seemingly referencing that former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is a convicted felon.

Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration, Raskin said. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons.

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Nevada Current.
A hearing in the House Oversight Committee once again devolved into chaos as Republican lawmakers attempted to pillory former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci over his involvement in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fauci was summoned before the committee on Monday, where Republicans grilled him over the effectiveness of social distancing measures, his relationship with major pharmaceutical companies, and a slew of pandemic-era conspiracies.

Never one to miss an opportunity to perform for C-SPANs cameras, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) refused to address Fauci as a doctor, refused to allow him to answer questions, and said the veteran civil servant deserves to be in prison.

Mr. Fauci, because youre not Doctor [Fauci], youre Mr. Fauci in my few minutes, Greene said.

After Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Mass.) raised a point of order, arguing Greenes refusal to address Dr. Fauci by his title constituted a violation of the committees rules, the Georgia congresswoman said Fauci does not deserve to have a license. As a matter of fact it should be revoked and he belongs in prison.

Greene: Mr. Fauci. Youre not a doctor. Youre Mr. Fauci.



Fauci:..



Greene: I dont need your answer. He doesnt deserve to have a license. He belongs in prison! pic.twitter.com/BaGacYZ1vT  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) then ordered Greene to suspend and to refer to Fauci according to his appropriate title. The verbal back and forth came just weeks after Greene derailed an Oversight Committee hearing by attacking the appearance of another congresswoman.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Fla.) apologized to Fauci on behalf of Democrats on the committee for Greenes antics. This might be the most insane hearing Ive attended, Garcia said, pointing out that both his mother, a health care worker, and his stepfather died of Covid-19. I lost both of my parents during the pandemic, so I take this very personally, especially when other members of this body  who are tasked to be responsible and actually help the American people  attack medical professionals like you, he said.

In his own remarks to the committee, Raskin called out Republicans hostility towards Fauci. They are treating you like a convicted felon. Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon, Raskin said. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons, he added, noting the sycophantic ire with which Greene and other Republican lawmakers reacted to the criminal conviction of former President Donald Trump last week.

Raskin: They are treating you like a convicted felon. Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons pic.twitter.com/FHgTJMEjUB  Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2024

Whenever Fauci was actually allowed to respond to questions from Republican lawmakers, he took the opportunity to push back on many of the conspiracies about his role in the pandemic.

When asked if he received any royalties from Big Pharma since 2021, Fauci responded that hes made zero dollars in pandemic royalties. I got $122 for a monoclonal antibody I created 27 years ago, Fauci added, clarifying that the decades-old research was unrelated to the pandemic.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) attempted to press Fauci over claims that Covid-19 originated from a research laboratory, or the so-called lab leak theory.

I dont think the concept of there being a lab leak is inherently a conspiracy theory, Fauci responded. What is conspiracy is the kind of distortions of that particular subject, like it was a lab leak and I was parachuted into the CIA like Jason Bourne and told the CIA they shouldnt be talking about a lab leak.

Fauci: "I don't think the concept of there being a lab leak is inherently a conspiracy theory. What is conspiracy is the kind of distortions like it was a lab leak and I was parachuted into the CIA like Jason Bourne and told the CIA they shouldnt be talking about a lab leak." pic.twitter.com/sRWyMYQHho  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) June 3, 2024

Fauci also addressed continued concerns about his safety given the slew of conspiracies pushed by prominent Republicans about his involvement in the pandemic response.

Do you continue to get threats today? Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) asked.

I do, Fauci responded. Every time somebody gets up and says Im responsible for the deaths of people throughout the world.

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As former Rep. George Santos federal fraud case moves closer to a trial later this year, federal prosecutors are calling on a judge to reject the expelled lawmakers attempts to spike a number of identity theft charges against him.

Santos legal team last month moved to dismiss three of the 23 counts against him, arguing that the aggravated identity theft charges he faces run afoul of a recent Supreme Court decision, and that hes not accused of stealing donors credit card information, but rather of overcharging their cards without permission.

All of the credit cards were voluntarily sent to Santos campaign and his campaign was authorized to charge the cards for a specified amount, his attorneys wrote.

On Friday, federal prosecutors called Santos arguments meritless, contending that the 2023 Supreme Court decision, which narrows the use of aggravated identity theft charges, doesnt apply to his case.

Prosecutors allege that Santos didnt just overcharge the cards, he used other peoples personal info to make it look like different people were making the various charges, thus allowing him to charge the same credit cards multiple times for campaign contributions without appearing to exceed campaign contribution limits.

Santos entered into plea negotiations with prosecutors late last year, but those talks havent borne fruit, and both sides are preparing for a possible Sept. 9 trial date in federal court on Long Island.

Santos, who lied about nearly every aspect of his life during his successful run for office in 2022  including his education, religion, family history, professional experience and property ownership.  was booted from Congress in December in a 311-113 vote.

He faces multiple fraud and identity theft charges, including allegations he stole peoples identities and made unauthorized charges on campaign donors credit cards to buy designer clothes and pay personal debts.
President Macron will reportedly seek to depict himself as the "true heir to Charles de Gaulle" - EBRAHIM NOROOZI/AP

Emmanuel Macron has been accused of requisitioning D-Day with wall-to-wall media appearances in a bid to save his party from humiliation in the European elections.

Likening the French president to Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, Olivier Faure, the head of the Socialist Party, criticised Mr Macrons plan to deliver three speeches on consecutive days.

So on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it will be Fidel Macron on all the channels to commemorate and express himself without a contradiction at 8pm  in short, to campaign at a time when no one will be able to respond to him, he said.

On Thursday, with just three days to go before the ballot for the European Parliament, Mr Macron will issue a prime-time televised address evening to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings and the push to liberate France from Nazi occupation. He is due to mention the situation in Europe, as well as Gaza and Ukraine.

Then, on Friday, he will make a speech in Bayeux in which, as France Inter radio put it, he will seek to depict himself as the true heir to Charles de Gaulle on the eve of a media blackout at the end of official campaigning before the elections.

He will then receive Joe Biden for the US presidents first state visit to France, with the aim of further bolstering his credentials as an international statesman.

Complaints to watchdog

The announcement of the June 6 address on Frances top TV channels, as well as the Friday speech, sparked outrage from rivals on the Left and Right, who said they would file a complaint to Frances broadcast watchdog, Arcom.

The head of the Leftist France Unbowed candidate list, Manon Aubry, confirmed on radio network RTL that her party would be taking the matter to Arcom, and demanded the length of the speech be deducted from European Macron candidate Valerie Hayers allotted airtime.

Eric Ciotti, head of the conservative Republicans party, said he would also be filing a complaint.

In a teaser regarding the upcoming D-Day ceremonies, Mr Macron made clear nods to the campaign, notably by saying: 2024 will go down in memory as marking the renaissance of our nation. Renaissance is the name of his party.

Trailing in the polls

Mr Macron is facing a drubbing in the EU ballot with the latest Ipsos poll placing Ms Hayer on 16 per cent, half the score of Marine Le Pens hard-Right National Rally, on 33 per cent, whose campaign leader Jordan Bardella has framed the election as a referendum on the French president.

The Macron campaign is also at risk of being overtaken by Socialist-backed ex-commentator Raphael Glucksmann, on 14.5 per cent of voting intentions.

The survey forecast that voter turnout would fall to 47 per cent compared to 50 per cent in 2019.

According to Le Monde, there is internal debate over whether Mr Macrons participation, even distant, in the election campaign, is a help or handicap. His face has been removed from campaign posters in favour of his popular prime minister, Gabriel Attal.

Whenever we hand out a tract with Emmanuel Macrons face on it, we get turned away with the response, Oh no, not him!, one Parisian campaign volunteer told the newspaper.

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Firefighters gain ground on Blue 2 Fire as evacuation orders change in Lincoln County

Containment of a lightning caused fire near Ruidoso was reported over the weekend as more than 7,000 acres burned as of Sunday, according to the New Mexico State Forestry Division.

The Blue 2 wildfire ignited May 16 in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, eight miles north of Ruidoso. On June 3, the fire was reported as 54% contained by the state Forestry Division an agency of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) in a Sunday news release.

Seventeen crews, 33 engines, eight helicopters, six bulldozers and 10 water tenders were part of the firefighting operations.

By Saturday the portion of the fire burning on Solider Mountain had been fully contained and firefighters remained in the area to ensure that fire lines were holding as ground crews focused on mop up efforts, according to the news release.

More: Moser Fire near Cloudcroft burns more than 100 acres

Evacuation levels for Lincoln County residents change

At 4 p.m. Sunday, evacuation alerts shifted and remained an utmost of importance for residents visitors in and around the fire area, according to a press release from the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services.

Evacuation alerts are Ready, Set, Go! The alerts are managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and ask people to be Ready to prepare and understand. Set presents a situational awareness of when fire nears and Go when a wildfire starts, according to the State Forestry website.

The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest and Alto communities are no longer in the Ready status, according to the Office of Emergency Management.

The Cora Dutton, Ranchmans Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are in a Ready status.

An updated map shows evacuation updates for the Blue 2 fire burning near Ruidoso.

The Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande and Nogal Canyon communities are in Set status. All Go evacuations have been lifted, according to the Office of Emergency Management press release.

Camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted due to firefighting activities.

Hot weather with rain chances forecast this week

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque forecasted sunny skies all week with highs ranging from 84 to 89 in the Ruidoso area.

Rain chances were forecast for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the Ruidoso area by the NWS.

New Mexico State Forestry noted with warm and dry conditions there is potential for more smoke.

Barring any significant fire growth, only periods of light smoke should be seen around Bonito and Capitan, cited State Forestrys press release.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Firefighters work on containment of Blue 2 fire
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have held discussions on strategies to enhance the stability of the financial sector, Trend reports.

CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov met with the IMF's Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) mission headed by Julian Chow.

The outcomes of the FSAP mission constituted the primary focus of the meeting.

Furthermore, discussions were held as part of the program to exchange views on identifying new avenues for enhancing the resilience of the financial sector.

To note, Azerbaijan became a member of the IMF on September 18, 1992. Since 2006, the Azerbaijani government has refrained from borrowing from the IMF, and collaboration has been maintained through consultations under Article IV of the Fund's charter and technical missions on key macroeconomic policy areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Among the many Allied military units storming the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, was the 16th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Armys 1st Infantry Division. Its members faced a particularly daunting task: As part of the first wave of the largest amphibious assault in history, the regiment was assigned to clear the Omaha Beach landing sectors code-named Easy Red and Fox Green.

This was no ordinary assault. Omaha would become the most deadly of the five D-Day landing beaches, as the U.S., U.K. and allied nations attacked Nazi-occupied France in World War II. The liberation of Europe hung in the balance.

As the regiments members sat down to a steak dinner the night before the invasion, they no doubt thought about the legacy of their unit. As a military and oral historian, I researched this particular regiments service in Vietnam and became fascinated by its earlier history as well.

The 16th Infantry had fought in the Indian Wars, chased Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, fought in the Battle of San Juan Hill that made Theodore Roosevelt a national hero, and saluted Revolutionary War commander Marquis de Lafayette at his tomb in Paris as the U.S. entered World War I. By D-Day, the regiment had already participated in the World War II invasions of North Africa and Italy in 1942 and 1943.

The regiment was so well thought of by the American public that when author F. Scott Fitzgerald created his infamous antihero Jay Gatsby in 1925s The Great Gatsby, the title character was described as a veteran of the 16th Infantry.

That steak dinner the night before D-Day, recalled Charles Hangsterfer, then a captain in the 16th Regiment, was just like they would give a convicted murderer his last meal on the evening of his execution.

A map of the plans for D-Day landings shows the 16th Regiments assignment on the eastern side of Omaha Beach, in Normandy, France. Archives New Zealand via Flickr, CC BY

A dangerous attack

The invasion plan had called for heavy bombardment from warships and airplanes to weaken the German defenses, and for amphibious tanks  which could travel through shallow water and on land  to support the infantry as they hit the beaches.

But as dawn broke on June 6, 1944, bad weather intervened. Low clouds meant the bombardments largely missed their targets. Rough seas  swells between 3 and 6 feet, and 25 mph winds  swamped most of the tanks.

The troops themselves were seasick from the pitching and rolling of the small boats they were using to get to the beaches from larger ships offshore, and learned upon landing that their arrival was later than expected, and often far from its intended destination.

Ted Lombarski, a sergeant in the 16ths F Company, recalled:

We were the first wave to hit the beach, Companies E and F of the 16th Infantry. Almost all the tanks that had gone in before us were sunk. The tank crews had a rough time, and so did the navy personnel who drove us in.  As we went in, we knew that the air force had dropped their bombs too far inland and that the navy shelling had done likewise. The first wave went through hell that day.

As they approached Omaha Beach, the men of the 16th Infantry Regiment were met with a wall of enemy fire. The bullets and shrapnel made the ocean appear to be boiling, according to an oral history of the regiment.

The landing craft didnt go as far toward the shore as the soldiers had hoped, Capt. Everett Booth recalled:

They didnt get us very close to the beach, Ill tell you.  We ran off into water about chest high. We were met with machine-gun bullets hitting all over the water.  The enemy was riddling the beach with machine-gun fire.

And Lombarski recounted:

Being in that first wave was like committing suicide. If you exposed yourself, you were dead.

Burdened with weapons, ammunition, equipment and heavy packs, many soldiers were overcome by the sea and drowned. Those who made it to the beach found themselves up against the 352nd Infantry Division of the Nazi army, a unit with significant combat experience against the Soviets in Eastern Europe.

Wounded members of the 16th Infantry Regiment wait for evacuation from the beach on D-Day. National Archives

Heavy casualties

Despite the heavy losses and powerful German defense, as the day wore on it became clear that the 16th Infantry Regiment had secured a foothold on Omaha Beach. The soldiers fought through concrete and wooden obstacles the Nazis had placed on the beach, destroyed machine-gun emplacements and cleared enemy troops from key locations one by one.

There was no shortage of heroes that day  there were almost too many to count. Two of the four Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for actions on June 6 went to men of the 16th. At the beginning of the morning, 1st Lt. Jimmie Montieth exposed himself to enemy fire numerous times, including leading tanks through a minefield. He led his troops off the beach, organizing the various companies to hold the enemy positions gained by the 16th. Just hours later, he was killed in a German counterattack.

Technician 5th Class John Pinder Jr., though wounded multiple times, made several trips into the fire-riddled surf to collect communications equipment. He helped establish radio contact with his commanders offshore before succumbing to his wounds.

They were among the nearly 1,000 casualties of the 16th Infantry killed, wounded or missing on D-Day. Despite these heavy losses  roughly one-third of the units troops  the regiments relentless assault began to break through the German defenses, allowing the follow-up forces to push farther and farther inland. Victory was not guaranteed, but it was at hand.

Their courage and sacrifice were honored in a July 2, 1944, ceremony at a chateau 15 miles inland from the beach. The regiment had earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the invasion. During the presentation, Allied commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower told the regiment:

Im not going to make a long speech, but this simple little ceremony gives me an opportunity to come over here and, through you, say thanks. You are one of the finest regiments in our army. I know your record from the day you landed in North Africa and through Sicily. I am beginning to think that your regiment is a sort of Praetorian Guard, which goes along with me and gives me luck.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Joseph Harris Carpenter, University of Texas at Arlington.

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Joseph Harris Carpenter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Five deported students from the Novopetriv orphanage were brought back to Mykolaiv on 2 June.

Source: Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: At the time of the invasion, there were 15 children in the Novopetriv orphanage. They were supposed to be taken out through the "green corridor", but the Russians broke the agreement and deported them to their territory a few months later.

Quote: "In March 2022, the institution was occupied, and in July 2022, Russian military personnel forcibly took children and staff to Kherson Oblast and from there to Krasnodar Krai in Russia. In November of the same year, the children and their accompanying persons were taken from Russia to Georgia," Vitalii Kim said.

Children brought back to Ukraine after deportation will live in families

Photo: Mykolaiv Oblast State Administration

Four of the children will go to new families upon their homecoming, and a 17-year-old girl will start studying at a vocational lyceum [specialised secondary school] in September.

"I thank everyone who helped bring the boys and girls home. I thank everyone who has been looking for a new family for them. Special thanks and respect to the legal guardians who took responsibility for them. It is incredibly brave and important," Vitalii Kim added.

Background:

Thirteen more children illegally taken by Russia have recently been brought back to Ukraine.

Also, 24-year-old policewoman Mariana Checheliuk from Mariupol has finally been liberated as part of the 52nd POW swap. She had been in captivity for more than two years.

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Jeronimo A. Duran, 33, faces charges of murder and child abuse in connection with the death of his daughter, Melody Alana Rose Duran

Broward Sheriff's Office Jeronimo A. Duran

Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions.

A Florida father was arrested after authorities allege he killed his 2-year-old daughter.

On May 28, Jeronimo A. Duran, 33, was booked into the Broward County Jail on charges of murder and child abuse, online court records show. He is being held on no bond and has pleaded not guilty.

Durans arrest came after officers responded to a home around 9:42 a.m. on May 28 on a report of an injured child, according to a press release shared by the Pembroke Pines Police Department. When authorities arrived, they found a 2-year-old girl bleeding profusely from her neck. First responders rendered aid before bringing the girl to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Durans arrest report, which was reviewed by PEOPLE, details the moments before the girl was found. Just before 7:30 a.m. that day, Duran picked up his daughter  whose name is redacted in the public arrest report  from his ex-girlfriend's house and brought her to the home he shares with his grandmother.

When Duran's grandmother returned home from an appointment around 9:30 a.m., she allegedly discovered him in the kitchen lying on top of the girl, with the two facing each other, according to the report. She reportedly asked him what he was doing and told him to get off. Duran pushed his body off the girl and the grandmother allegedly saw that she was blue in color and discolored, leading her to call 911 in another area of the home.

CBS Miami/Youtube Police at the scene.



When the grandmother returned to the kitchen, she allegedly saw Duran kneeling over the girl, who was bleeding, according to the arrest report. The grandmother then "ran to her room as she did not want to observe anything further, while Duran stayed in the kitchen and remained silent, the report states.

Duran's stepfather arrived at the home and gave the girl CPR before first responders arrived and rendered aid. A responding police officer reported that the girl had a slit across her throat, according to the arrest report. At the scene, detectives recovered a stainless blade black handle steak knife on the kitchen floor that had blood on the handle and blade. The report also states that the kitchen floor was covered in blood.

Duran, who allegedly had blood all over his body and clothing, was taken into custody by police at the home. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that he suffers from mental illness and had previously been committed to a facility under the states Baker Act, the report states, referencing a law allowing involuntary mental health examination and commitment.

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According to the arrest report, Duran claimed he stopped taking his antidepressant two weeks ago and began smoking marijuana, including on the day of the alleged murder. He allegedly confessed to choking his daughter until she was unconscious and claimed that when his grandmother left the kitchen, he sliced the girls throat with a kitchen knife, the report states.

According to court documents obtained by NBC Miami, the mother of Durans daughter moved out of their home in March 2023 after alleging Duran was erratic, aggressive, violent and dangerous. The daughter was identified as Melody Alana Rose Duran.

Duran and the mother of his daughter were in a custody dispute, but a parenting plan approved by a judge allowed him to care for his daughter unsupervised, per the documents obtained by NBC Miami. The mother opposed the agreement, claiming Duran was previously forcibly admitted to mental health facilities under the Baker Act, stopped taking his medication, and had a history of hearing voices to end his life, some while the child was with him alone," according to the outlet.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Duran's attorney David A. Frankel wrote, "Jeronimo has suffered with severe mental illness his entire life. What happened and why may never be known. In a world of tragedy, this is especially tragic."

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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Florida plummets in ranking of LGBTQ+ safety, but is it the worst on this list?

The beginning of June marks the start of Pride Month across the globe. However, many might be noticing fewer festivities, rainbow-colored merchandise and even less of a sense of security  especially in Florida.

Home security and safety blog SafeHome.org released their annual report of the best and worst states for LGBTQ+ safety, noting hate crimes have risen and more anti-LGBTQ+ bills were passed last year.

Experts ranked the 50 states on a composite safety score comprising a law score and a hate crime score. A law score was calculated based on pro- and anti-equality laws in each state. A hate crime score was also calculated based on an analysis of the incidence of hate crimes against any group falling within the LGBTQ+ umbrella.

Florida has dominated headlines when it comes to LGBTQ+ legislation over the last few years, seeing controversy especially with the dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bill. In May 2023, the Human Rights Campaign joined the NAACP and other civil rights groups in issuing travel or relocation warnings for the state.

With that, the Sunshine State is found toward the bottom of Home Safe's ranking, but how low did the state go this year?

How did Florida drop from 35 to 49 for LGBTQ+ safety?

Florida saw a score of 48% on SafeHome.org's ranking, earning the second slot on the list for states with the worst LGBTQ+ safety. Experts said the state has one of the worst legal environments and ranked dead last in participation rates for law enforcement agency crime reporting.

Last year, Florida was the 15th worst state in the ranking; however due newer and harsher legislation, it's overall safety score plummeted.

"In recent years, Floridas so-called Dont Say Gay law has received significant media attention, with much scrutiny surrounding its attempts to prevent students and teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity. A settlement reached in early 2024 clarified some of the specifics around the law that was passed in 2022 and remains in place today," SafeHome.org said.

Florida 'anti-LGBTQ+' bills and laws

The American Civil Liberties Union tracked a record-breaking 510 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that were introduced in state legislatures across the United States last year.

Here's a look at the legislation that has been introduced in Florida and what happened, according to the Trevor Project:

Do LGBTQ+ members feel safe in Florida?

In a survey last summer, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) found that 80% of transgender or nonbinary Floridians either want to move away or have already made plans to do so. It also highlighted that 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ Floridians share the same sentiments.

In their own words, HRC shared quotes from respondents, some writing they felt they were losing their basic rights and ability to exist in public spaces.

More: Culture laws have families considering Florida exit for more LGBTQ-friendly places

However, the study also highlighted those who wanted to stay and fight in their home state. It showed that 11.7% LGBTQ+ adults, and 6.5% transgender and non-binary adults, were committed to fighting back against gender affirming care bans, through voting out and speaking out against politicians who enacted these bans.

"I spoke on the Capitol steps but this is what we do  we fight, we don't stand down, we stand up because we know the power of staying vigilant," drag queen Latrice Royale told the USA TODAY Network-Florida when asked in an interview about LGBTQ+ activism in home state.

Which state beat Florida for title of 'worst state for LGBTQ safety'?

A protester holds a transgender pride flag in downtown Sioux Falls with the American, South Dakota and Sioux Falls flags flying in the near distance. They were with more than three dozen protestors who stood at Van Eps Park as part of a "Protect Trans Kids rally" in Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2022 in support of transgender rights, and in opposition to three bills filed in the South Dakota Legislature that protesters said are anti-transgender.

According to SafeHome.org, South Dakota was deemed the worst state for the community's quality of life and safety. It was one of the nine states to earn an "F" rating from the experts.

"Its legal landscape is more prone to anti-equality than pro-equality, and has a relatively high rate of reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people. The few protections South Dakota offers to LGBTQ+ folks include non-discrimination laws regarding admission to colleges and universities, anti-cyberbullying protections, and laws prohibiting discrimination in surrogate parenting," SafeHome.org said.

The state is home to the second-fewest same-sex couples per capita, ranking in front of only its neighbor, North Dakota.

See the 10 worst states for the LGBTQ+ safety:

South Dakota Florida Wyoming Ohio Alabama West Virginia Arizona Kentucky Mississippi Indiana

What is the best state for LGBTQ+ safety?

Rhode Island saw a perfect score for LGBTQ+ safety, with SafeHome.org highlighting its numerous laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights and its low incidence of hate crimes.

It was one of only six states where every law enforcement agency reported crime data, and one of seven states that earned an A+, A, or A- in the safety analysis. It has some of the most comprehensive laws in the country regarding LGBTQ+ health, safety, and family planning, including:

Foster care non-discrimination laws, which protect LGBTQ+ people wishing to participate in the foster care system as parents

Mandatory reporting of hate crime statistics

Anti-bullying youth laws, with explicit protections for LGBTQ+ youth

Laws that include transgender healthcare in state Medicaid programs

Additionally, Rhode Island is home to the 12th-highest percentage of same-sex couples and was among the first 15 states to legalize gay marriage, which it did in 2013.

See the top 10 worst states for the LGBTQ+ safety:

Rhode Island

New Hampshire

Delaware

Alaska

Hawaii

Maine

Virginia

New Mexico

Nevada

Connecticut

How do other studies rank LGBTQ+ quality of life in Florida?

Gay advocacy group Out Leadership is set to release their annual index that gauges the business climate for gay and transgender people state by state, mapping out where they can live and work with the least discrimination and hardship.

While they haven't publicly released the entire list yet, Florida was not in a great spot to begin with. Last year, Florida ranked 31 on Out Leadership's list, dropping two spots from the year prior.

"The impact of these laws, whether they're passed or not, goes far beyond what we measure," CEO of Out Leadership Todd Sears said.

USA TODAY reported New York was the highest-ranking state in LGBTQ+ equality for the fourth year in a row for their new study, scoring 93.67 out of a possible 100 points. Arkansas was the lowest-ranking state for the second straight year, scoring an all-time low of 27 points.

Is it safe to attend Pride Month events this year? Authorities issue warnings

Federal authorities have issued a public service warning that foreign terrorist groups could potentially target LGBTQ events during Pride Month.

The statement from the FBI and Homeland Security didn't mention any specific threats or say any specific event may be targeted. U.S. officials noted certain foreign groups have previously promoted anti-LGBTQ ideals and targeted LGBTQ events for attacks.

We continue to work with our partners to evaluate the threat environment, provide updates to the American public, and protect our homeland," a DHS official told USA TODAY, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name. "We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement.

If you suspect a threat to an area or specific event, please notify local law enforcement immediately. You can call 911 in the case of emergency, or dial the Naples Police nonemergency line at (239) 213-4844.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida laws, hate crimes put it near-last in LGBTQ+ safety
Following 3-hour standoff, Fond du Lac Police arrest suspect accused of threatening to kill someone after an argument

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in Fond du Lac arrested a man after a nearly three-hour standoff in an apartment.

The Fond du Lac Police Department posted on its Facebook page about an incident that happened Sunday evening. On June 2 around 6:45 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man who allegedly pointed a gun at another person.

The man reportedly threatened to kill him following an argument in an apartment complex on Donohue Court. The man with the gun, identified as a 44-year-old, reportedly ran off on foot and returned to his apartment before police arrived.

Officers then started to negotiate with the suspect via telephone. The man reportedly refused to leave the apartment and allegedly had two children inside. He reportedly did not allow the children to leave.

Two Coleman residents dead after crash in Marinette County, inattentive driving appeared to be a factor

Around 10 p.m., authorities entered the apartment using an explosive breach tactical technique. The two children were safely removed from the apartment, according to authorities.

The suspect allegedly resisted when officers tried to take him into custody. He was eventually secured and there were no reported injuries.

Officials say that the suspect was booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail on multiple charges.

No additional information was provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer gestures during an Aug. 16, 2023, news conference at the newspaper office. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)

Ive had it.

Nearly 10 months after law enforcement officials raided the Marion County Record and two private residences, officials have yet to tell us the results of their investigations. Thats nearly a full year since a flagrant assault on free speech in Kansas, one signed off on by a list of city, county and state officials. True, a handful of individuals implicated in the scandal have left their roles in the intervening time. Lawsuits have been filed.

But we have not heard from those in charge. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, perhaps realizing it had been compromised by involvement in the raid, passed the entire affair over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. They originally said results would come in April. Were at the beginning of June, and those results still havent come.

On Thursday, the CBI told me that its follow-up work (requested by special prosecutors) will take three more weeks, at a minimum.

You may want to check back with me in late June or follow-up with the special prosecutors in Kansas, wrote Rob Low, CBI strategic communications director.

I could well be proved wrong in my take on the situation. Perhaps next month we will see Marion County Record journalists officially cleared  as they should have been in August  and appropriate charges leveled against those who broke the public trust. Perhaps justice finally will be done.

Count me skeptical. Officials sure appear to have dragged out this investigation, perhaps hoping that the attention of the press and public will turn elsewhere.

Fat chance.

Im still watching, and Im incensed. With each day that passes, I fear more and more that investigators have concerned themselves more with saving face than pursuing justice. Because lets be clear about one thing: The raids on Aug. 11, 2023, involved multiple law enforcement agencies, on multiple levels of Kansas government. Read Kansas Reflector editor Shermans Smith blistering account from November about how they either eagerly agreed with attempts to crush free speech or averted their eyes.

Thats not a good look. Not for Marion, not for Marion County and certainly not for the KBI.

I have held my tongue these many months, weighing in from time to time but overall content to allow my coworkers on the news side to do their jobs in tracking the story. Lawrence media lawyer Max Kautsch wrote about the delay in March. I wanted to wait until results.

The results havent come.

In the meantime, Marion County Record editor and publisher Eric Meyer has kept printing his newspaper. Both Police Chief Gideon Cody and restaurateur Keri Newell have departed, depriving the news media of two colorful personalities driving the entire affair. Colorado agents have conducted interviews and apparently collected 10,000 pages of documents, all in service to special prosecutors Barry Wilkerson and Marc Bennett.

Those who have followed this case from the beginning could be forgiven for wondering if the case truly possesses so many layers of depth or complexity. The contours of the situation have been clear since the first few days. All you had to do was call Meyer, and he would be more than happy to lay it out for you.

At this point, the delays serve only to undermine faith in the Kansas justice system.

Perhaps officials want to make themselves appear less culpable in chilling free expression not only in Kansas but across the entire United States. Nevertheless, they have done so, and the stain they left on the states democratic fabric wont come out so easily.

At a minimum, officials must clear the staff of the Record. They did nothing wrong. Having the threat of prosecution looming over them these many months should shock and appall everyone. They simply did their jobs, and the abuse done to them by the system has yet to be remedied.

It took the Warren Commission 300 days to investigate the assassination of John Kennedy. It now appears it will take at least 314 days to investigate what happened in our newsroom, Meyer told me last week via email. Meanwhile, we are allowed to swing in the wind, constantly having to worry that we might be arrested at any moment on baseless allegations  reiterated repeatedly in court filings by the city and the county  that we somehow violated a law in a way disputed by every responsible authority in the western hemisphere, including the keeper of the records we supposedly stole.

The one and only time anyone from any law enforcement agency talked to me or obtained evidence from me was Dec. 8, 2023  half a year ago  when I was interviewed for about an hour by two CBI agents. We have repeatedly expressed our willingness to provide any additional information anyone might desire. We have absolutely nothing to hide. But no one appears to want to hear from us. What, precisely, it is that they are investigating is unknown.

Im angry. You should be angry, too. The fact that officials in Marion County and the KBI and the CBI dont appear to share that outrage at a brazen miscarriage of justice should sicken and appall every Kansan. We deserve better. Meyer and his reporters deserve better.

Our First Amendment rights, those shared by both journalists and the entire American public, deserve better.

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 Foot-dragging in Marion raid investigation should fill public with dread appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have deliberated on prospective areas of collaboration and technical support, Chairman of CBA Taleh Kazimov said on X, Trend reports.

According to the publication, a meeting was held with Anna Bordon, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission for Azerbaijan, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The discussions revolved around the country's macroeconomic indicators and development prospects.

"During the meeting, we exchanged perspectives on the advancements made in achieving monetary policy objectives, enhancing monetary policy transmission, and refining the monetary policy framework. Additionally, we explored future areas of collaboration and technical assistance," the publication states.

To note, Azerbaijan became a member of the IMF on September 18, 1992. Since 2006, the Azerbaijani government has refrained from borrowing from the IMF, and cooperation has been conducted through consultations on Article IV of the Fund's charter and technical missions focusing on key macroeconomic policy directions.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Former Palisades Park administrator files another suit against the borough. Here's why

PALISADES PARK  A fired employee is suing the borough for public records that include emails from the mayor after the town blamed a "computer glitch" for not responding.

Former Borough Administrator Dave Lorenzo, who was suspended last year and later terminated, requested Mayor Chong "Paul" Kim's emails from November 2023 to January 2024 with specific keywords that included budget, budget hearing, layoffs, firings and new hire through the Open Public Records Act or OPRA. The request was made in January.

The same request also asked for any communications not limited to email, text, memorandums or notes, from the mayor, the town's Chief Financial Officer Won Paul Lee, the police director and Council members Stephanie Jang, and Sang Lee that included subjects including the 2023 and 2024 budgets, hirings, firings, surplus and tax increase.

Lorenzo filed a second OPRA request a few days later asking for all meeting minutes from the governing body including closed session meetings where employee Sophia Jang was acting clerk and all meeting minutes prepared by her and any recordings relevant to those meetings from October 2022 through Jan. 26, 2024.

Lorenzo, who is also a Palisades Park resident, is currently suing the borough through federal court for retaliation and discrimination.

More: Palisades Park clerk's resignation letter accuses mayor of intimidation, sexual harassment

Two months after the requests, then-borough clerk Gina Kim responded by email asking for an extension until April 11.

"Although the Borough of Palisades Park is a smaller municipality with limited resources to respond tovoluminous requests, the Borough always strives to timely respond to all requests as soon as possible," Kim wrote in her email that was copied in the lawsuit. "If the Borough anticipates that a request will entail extensive disruption of operations, or the impossibility to fully respond within a certain timeframe, it duly requests a reasonable extensionfor legitimate reasons."

Former Palisades Park Borough Administrator David Lorenzo photographed during a Borough Council meeting on Monday, May 23, 2022.

However, on April 29, deputy clerk Sophia Jang emailed saying due to a "computer glitch" they were unable to locate many of the emails in the OPRA requests and asked Lorenzo to resend his OPRA requests.

"The Borough and its Records Custodian repeatedly failed to provide the public records requested by Mr. Lorenzo. This followed Mr. Lorenzo granting several extensions of time to accommodate the Boroughs 'technical issues,'" Lorenzo's attorney Richard Malagiere said. "Ultimately, the failure of transparency and openness by the Borough compelled Mr. Lorenzo to bring the instant action under the Open Public Records Act to force production of the sought-after public documents."

More: Palisades Park's failure to pay bills disrupts services, but mayor says that's not so

Borough attorney Allan Roth said the borough was not served the OPRA lawsuit yet and can't comment on documents not yet received or reviewed.

Lorenzo said he hasn't received the emails and documents he requested to date. The lawsuit is looking for copies of the requested public records, award of costs and attorney fees, and any further relief the court may deem just.

OPRA Law under fire

Changes to the Open Public Records Law are on Gov. Phil Murphy's desk, despite public outcry.

If he signs the bill, it would implement stricter requirements on how to request documents including texts and emails, including specific accounts, times, topics and titles.

One of the most controversial parts of the bill, known as the fee-shifting provision, remains after lengthy public sessions. This provision previously required public record custodians who had not, according to a judge, properly provided records to pay the requesters' attorney fees.

The bill eliminates the attorney fee requirement but does allow for judges to decide that fees are warranted if the denial was unreasonable, if the agency acted in bad faith, or knowingly and willfully violated the law.

It also includes language that would allow for a court to issue a protective order limiting the number and scope of requests the requester may make if they sought records with the intent to substantially interrupt the performance of government function.

The legislation was first enacted in 2002 and requires local, county and state government entities to provide the public with access to government records in New Jersey.

Reporter Katie Sobko contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former Palisades Park administrator files another suit
An Indianapolis property manager and real estate flipper who was the subject of an IndyStar investigation in 2018 and pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in 2022 is being sued by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita for allegedly continuing to defraud real estate investors.

The lawsuit filed May 30 alleges Herbert Whalen "continued to engage in the management of property for investors despite lacking a real estate broker license, as required by law, and hiding prior convictions," according to a statement from Rokita's office.

Bert Whalen

The announcement comes two days before Whalen was scheduled to be sentenced in a New Jersey federal court on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000  or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense, whichever is more.

Whalen pleaded guilty to the fraud charge in 2022. The sentencing date was pushed back Monday afternoon to August 14, according to online court records.

John Tompkins, who represents Whalen in the New Jersey case, did not immediately respond for a request for comment.

Whalen, according to the AG's statement, continued illegal activities "following a guilty plea relating to a 2018 conspiracy to defraud real estate investors in the Oceanpointe Investments scheme ... using a series of LLCs and the fictitious name 'Herb Francis.'" Also named are several limited liability corporations with ties to Whalen.

Our office has made it clear that when you break the law, we will hold you accountable, Rokita said in the statement. Real estate investors and tenants should be able to trust that their property managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their investments and their homes.

Whalen and one of his former partners, former "Fox & Friends Weekend" host Clayton Morris, were accused in 2020 by then-Attorney General Curtis Hill of violating Indiana's deceptive sales and home loan acts in real estate deals involving more than 150 properties in Marion County. The status of that case remains unclear. Rokita's office did not immediately respond to a request for an update on the earlier case.

Rokita's statement laid out Whalen's alleged new misconduct  much of it similar to what was reported by IndyStar in 2018 and 2019  that prompted the latest lawsuit: "The 2018 guilty plea followed Whalens perpetrating of a scheme to obtain money from victim real estate investors by misrepresenting and concealing the poor condition of properties he managed as owner of a company called Oceanpointe. As part of the scam, Whalen arranged for investors to purchase dilapidated properties with the promise that after repairs and rehabilitations were completed, and tenants rented the properties, investors would receive copies of the leases and begin to receive rent payments as their return on investment.

"In reality, many Oceanpointe properties were not repaired and rehabilitated, and were not ready for occupancy. To conceal this fact from victim investors, Whalen and others directed Oceanpointe employees to draft fake leases, making it appear to investors that Oceanpointe properties were rented when, in fact, the properties remained vacant."

Whalen allegedly used a fake name, according to the lawsuit, "to conceal his identity and utilized various LLCs to provide property management services. None of the entities created by Whalen and his recently departed wife Natalie Bastin maintain broker licenses." Bastin reportedly died in December.

Rokita has asked for a jury trial to cover the "costs of prosecution, and other damages against the defendants for multiple violations of the Home Loan Practices Act."

The AG's statement touted the work of his staff, including Deputy Attorney General Chase Haller, Section Chief for the Homeowner Protection Unit, for work on the case.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bert Whalen facing new real estate fraud allegations from AG's office
Donald Trump, fuming over his new status as a convicted felon, has been blaming Joe Biden for orchestrating his New York trial, claiming he sought to eliminate a political rival even though the charges were brought by an independently elected local prosecutor.

Political and legal analysts were quick to pile on Trump's false claim, including one of his former lawyers.

"Joe Biden or anyone from his Justice Department have absolutely zero to do with the Manhattan District Attorney," said attorney Joe Tacopina, who was due to represent Trump in his trial but quit the defense team before proceedings began. "They have no jurisdiction over him, they have no context with him, they have no control, certainly, over him, so to say Joe Biden brought this case is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard."

Tacopina, appearing on Rev. Al Sharpton's "PoliticsNation" show on MSNBC, disagreed with the host at times. Sharpton argued that Trump's conviction showed that the jury believed the case against him was sound, but Tacopina suggested that jurors were never going to give the former president "the benefit of the doubt," given how unpopular Trump is in the city. Still, he conceded, the jurors' unanimous vote to convict "validates the Manhattan District Attorney's prosecution to a degree," and negates the claim of a "political witch-hunt of Joe Biden," who "did not know who these jurors were."

Despite the flimsiness of Trump's accusation, a slew of his allies have echoed the claims, with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.,, angrily condemning Joe Biden's alleged use of "the justice system against a political opponent." A group of Republican senators is also pledging to block any non-security-related legislative activity in the Senate in protest of the jury's verdict.

However, when Trump lawyer Will Scharf took his case to ABC's George Stephanopoulos, he was quickly shut down.

"I vehemently disagree that President Biden and his political allies arent up to their necks in this prosecution," Scharf maintained.

Theres no evidence of that, Stephanopoulos interjected. Sir, Im not gonna let you continue to say that. Theres just zero evidence of that.

Trump and his allies' rhetoric has been followed by MAGA supporters making violent threats against Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the jurors and anyone they see as culpable for the Republican candidate's conviction.

"Who'll ever want to be a juror again?" Tacopina noted, warning that such threats cut to the heart of the American justice system.
ST. MARIE-DU-MONT, France (KDVR)  What do you do when you meet a hero?

If youre Colorado Army soldier Andreo Navarro-Acosta, you ask for a photo and smile wide, standing next to Stephen Melnikoff, 104, who survived the Normandy invasion.

D-Day veterans with Denver charity cross English Channel to Normandy, as they did 80 years ago

The two had a chance encounter in a small village near Utah Beach on Sunday. Navarro-Acosta is stationed at Fort Carson. He had no idea his special assignment to participate in D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy, France, meant hed actually get to meet a D-Day hero.

Its truly an amazing feeling, actually, because we represent the Army, and to see someone like him just makes me feel truly blessed to be a part of this organization, Navarro-Acosta told Melnikoff.

Well, thanks for saying that, buddy. If anything, thank you, sir, because youre protecting me and us, Melnikoff replied.

Amid the actual U.S. Army soldiers like Navarro-Acosta, and the thousands of pretend Army soldiers whove descended on Normandy to reenact, relive and remember the D-Day invasion, the reactions to a real live D-Day survivor are always the same  awe and amazement.

One man brought a printed photo of Melnikoffs Army enlistment photo for him to sign.

This picture has floated around the place forever. Thats a picture of me when Im probably 23 years old, Melnikoff said, showing off the photo to a crowd of history buffs.

Normandy today: American D-Day imprint runs deep

Another tourist brought Melnikoff a specially-brewed D-Day anniversary beer.

Since 1944, when this part of France was liberated from the Germans in World War II, the week of June 6 has seemed like a holiday. Up till now, theyve always had D-Day survivors to celebrate with. That may not be the case a few years from now.

Thats why a Denver-based veterans charity, The Greatest Generations Foundation, paid for veterans like Melnikoff to return to the battlefields of Normandy one last time.

And Navarro-Acosta couldnt be happier theyre here.

We wouldnt be here today without you guys, he told Melnikoff.

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 city of Fort Worth has given a green light for a conservative group to use a city community center for an event Saturday about how to protect kids from LGBT ideology and the social contagion of transgenderism.

The city canceled the groups reservation for a similar event in April.

Latinos United for Conservative Action is hosting the event, called Protect Kids, which will also include discussion of the dangers of pornography, according to a flier promoting the event. The event is being cosponsored by Tarrant County Citizens Defending Freedom, and the Texas Coalition for Children.

The April event was canceled due to an incomplete application, concerns about safety, and possible violations of the Parks and Recreation Departments non-discrimination policy, a city spokesperson said in an May 30 blog post.

By accepting facility rental reservations, the City of Fort Worth does not condone or endorse the content of facility rentals, the spokesperson said.

The April events cancellation drew concerns from some including Mayor Mattie Parker that the city was restricting free speech.

Parker blamed the cancellation on unclear city policy and inattention to detail, while adding that shed instructed city management to clean up the facility reservation process.

That review is currently underway, according to a spokesperson for Parker.

An interfaith group called Justice Network Of Tarrant County is critical of the citys decision to allow the Saturday event. In a letter to the mayor and City Council, the members call the event a blatant attempt to heighten fear and spew inaccurate and dangerous information about the transgender community.

Justice Network of Tarrant County includes more than 20 organizations and 350 faith leaders and others.

This can only put the lives of transgender folks, whose safety and security are constantly at risk, in more imminent danger, the letter said. The right to free speech must be weighed against the catastrophic harm that words can do  especially when these words are false, inflammatory, and ignorant.

Aaron Rocha, a Latinos United spokesperson, said their event was about providing education for those concerned with what they see as the influence of the LGBTQ+ community.
Four people detained in Czechia after attacking Ukrainian volunteers

The Czech police have detained four people in connection with an attack on volunteers of the Prague Maidan initiative who were raising funds for Ukraine in Prague.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Czech police

Details: Law enforcers say that the four people were detained in the Prague airport.

In connection with the incident, the investigators initiated a criminal case. The detainees are suspected of committing several criminal offences.

"Since the investigation of this case is underway, we are not going to provide any additional information concerning it," the police stated.

Background:

On 1 June Russian-speaking foreigners attacked volunteers of the Prague Maidan initiative who were raising funds in support of Ukraine.

Last year the Czech police started investigating an attack in the Prague 1 district of the capital, where a man was attacked allegedly because the perpetrators confused him for a Ukrainian.

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Four found dead after a murder-suicide in Kendall area home, police say. What we know

The bodies of four people were found inside of a Southwest Miami-Dade home Sunday afternoon after an apparent murder-suicide, police say.







While responding to a call for a wellness check, officers uncovered the remains of two men and two women at a house on the 4500 block of Southwest 137th Court in Kendale Lakes, Miami-Dade police spokesperson Det. Angel Rodriguez told reporters.

One of the men, believed to be around 60 years old, was found in a room by himself with a gun, Rodriguez added. The preliminary investigation suggests the man killed the three other people, whose bodies were scattered inside the home, before turning the gun on himself.

Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, though Rodriguez said specific familial ties havent been confirmed. A relative told NBC6 that he went to the home after not hearing from his 85-year-old stepmother for about three days. Upon arrival, he found his stepmother, her ex-husband, her son and her sons wife dead.

Police have yet to release the names of those killed in the murder-suicide.

Miami-Dade police detectives investigate a murder-suicide at a home in Kendale Lakes on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Rodriguez confirmed that one of the women killed was a hospice patient in her 80s. The age of the second woman is unclear, though the man killed was around 80 years old.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is owned by Mercedes Morato and Jesus Regueira, Miami-Dade property records indicate. They purchased the house in 1993.

Rodriguez said police will continue investigating the deaths at the home through Sunday night.

We always stress to the community the importance of mental health. its a part of our overall well-being, Rodriguez underscored. Please, if you are in a position where you are not feeling well or need someone to talk to, there are plenty of services within the county.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Ukraine will take an active part in COP29 in Azerbaijan, the newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Husyev said during a press conference held in Baku today, Trend reports.

"Ukraine welcomes the election of Azerbaijan as the host country for the 29th session of the Conference on Climate Change (COP29), which will take place this year. Hosting such a large-scale global event in Azerbaijan demonstrates the increasing role of Azerbaijan in the international community.

This was discussed during the visit of the Ukrainian Minister of Ecology, which took place last week. Negotiations were held with the Minister of Ecology of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which the details of holding COP29 in Baku were discussed. Ukraine intends to actively participate in this event," he also said.

Husyev mentioned that Ukraine and Azerbaijan have strategic goals for implementing large-scale projects in the energy sector.

"Cooperation with Azerbaijan has strategic goals aimed at implementing large-scale projects in the energy sector. In particular, Ukraine's prospective participation in the Southern Gas Corridor is an important direction. We have broad opportunities in the field of green energy and cooperation in this industry," he added.

To note, 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.

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France's far right may win big in the EU elections. That's worrying for migrants, Macron and Ukraine

Leader of the French far-right National Rally Marine Le Pen, left and lead candidate of the party for the upcoming European election Jordan Bardella attend a political meeting on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

PARIS (AP)  French far-right leader Marine Le Pen isnt on the ballot at the weekends European Parliament election, but shes likely to emerge as one of its biggest winners.

Polls expect her National Rally party to be the top vote-getter in France, trouncing President Emmanuel Macrons moderate pro-business party. And across Europe, the anti-immigration, nationalist ideas Le Pen has long championed are gaining ground.

The June 6-9 elections in all 27 EU countries will shift the makeup of the European Parliament and policy-making in the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, likely further toward the right and far right. And that could boost Le Pen's chances of winning Frances presidency in 2027, a long-time dream.

The National Rallys lead European Parliament candidate Jordan Bardella is riding high on promises to limit free movement of migrants within the EU's open borders, ease up EU pressure on Russia and dial back EU climate rules.

We stand by the idea of rethinking the European model around the idea of nations. Macrons Europe is a model of the past, Bardella said at a Paris rally Sunday.

Macrons pro-EU movement meanwhile is flailing, and its chief candidate Valerie Hayer has struggled to make a mark. Thats troubling for Macron as he tries to lead Europe-wide efforts to defend Ukraine and boost the EUs own defenses and industry.

More popular Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is now joining Hayer at rallies, warning voters that hard-fought post-war European unity  and democracy itself - is under threat by rising authoritarianism.

Europe is mortal, because war knocks on our door as bombs are being dropped on Ukraine, on democracy, on our values, and because we know that if Russia wins it wont stop there, Attal said at a rally last week.

He said Europe knows "it cant rely on the U.S. eternally and needs to protect itself ... because challenges are multiplying, climate change, big tech, AI, and we can only face them together, the 27 of us.

While EU voters are choosing members of the European Parliament, many are making decisions based on national concerns  and in France, many are expected to use their ballots to express frustration with Macrons management of the economy, the farm sector, or security in a country about to host the high-risk Paris Olympics.

On the left, polls show a surprising resurgence of Frances Socialist Party behind its lead candidate, Raphael Glucksmann, who pledges more ambitious climate policy and protections for European businesses and workers.

Macron sidelined Frances once-powerful Socialists and mainstream conservative Republicans when he rose to power in 2017 by staking out a middle ground. But frustration among left-wing voters with Macrons toughening security and immigration policies, and with the staunch pro-Palestinian stance of the influential far-left France Unbowed party, has driven some back toward the traditional Socialists.

Russia's president, Gulf leaders and other oil powers can cut supplies of gas or oil, but they cant prevent the wind from blowing in (the French Atlantic town of) Saint-Nazaire and the sun from shining in Marseille. We will earn our freedom back by completing the environmental transformation, Glucksmann told followers last week.

His fans include office workers like Sebastien Miret, 34.

We want a more feminist, more socially conscious, fairer, more environmentalist Europe, and were going to fight to the end to see these ideas win,'' he said at a Socialist campaign event. He's tired of the match between Macron and the far-right. Weve seen it too many times. Its time to move on.

Still, it's Le Pen  runner-up to Macron in the last two presidential elections  who is expected to benefit the most from Frances protest vote, even more so than her party did in the last EU elections in 2019.

In the working-class northern France town of Henin-Beaumont, 19-year-old first-time voter Theo Boulogne urged Le Pen to run again for president in 2027, while 76-year-old retiree Gerard Criquelette praised her and Bardella, saying, They both listen to the people.''

Le Pen, whose father and party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen was repeatedly convicted of racism and anti-semitism, no longer calls for extreme measures like quitting the EU and the euro. Instead, she aims to weaken the EU's powers from within.

"Across Europe, national parties are rising up not to destroy the European Union, but to build a European alliance of nations capable of facing up to the industrial, environmental, migratory and technological challenges of the 21st century, Le Pen told party followers. Across France and across Europe, we are winning the battle.''

___

Oleg Cetinic and Alex Turnbull in Paris, and Philippe Marion in Henin-Beaumont, contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of global elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/global-elections/
Woman shot to death in Frayser, police say

Woman shot to death in Frayser, police say

UPDATE: In MPDs initial report, they stated the victim was a man. The story has been updated following their correction.

**

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A shooting in Frayser left a woman dead Monday morning, according to Memphis Police.

Officers responded to a shooting in the 3900 block of Balfour Street a little before 6 a.m.

We heard gunfire behind us going Boom! Boom! Boom, a neighbor recalled to WREG Then it switched to Tah! Tah! Tah!

A woman was found shot; she was pronounced dead on the scene.

Fatal hit-and-run latest accident on dangerous Frayser street

There were several rounds of ammunition shells found and the mother was shot down the street from her house, Senior Pastor Ricky Floyd said.

Pursuit of God Transformation Center is two blocks away from where the shooting happened.

Senior Pastor Floyd said when he heard the shots, he rushed to the scene.

I was led to the mothers oldest son  18-years-old, Floyd said. What do you say to a son who has just lost his mother?

This latest tragedy comes after back-to-back shootings in Frayser.

Last Tuesday, over the course of a few hours, a man was killed and four others were hurt in shootings across the area.

Mother, boyfriend charged in death of baby

Three days later, a man was shot nine times while driving overnight.

Now, another family is left to pick up the pieces left behind by more violence.

A mother, a wife, a niece, a daughter in our community and there are lives that will be affected forever because of this.

MPD says this remains 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 WREG.com.
An LSU Shreveport professor says the administrations attempts to fire him are an attack on his First Amendment right to free speech. University administrators contend the professor has become disruptive to the point its interfering with how they run the campus.

Brian Salvatore, a tenured chemistry professor and longtime LSU Shreveport Faculty Senate member, found himself the target of a human relations investigation after fellow senators complained language Salvatore used in separate correspondence with them was intimidating and threatening.

Salvatore said the reason behind his attempted ouster involves his reminders to the Faculty Senate when they violate the states public meetings law.

At the core of the issue is that Salvatores speech has affected the efficiency of the university by disrupting Faculty Senate meetings, Provost Helen Taylor said at an on-campus termination hearing Monday.

The campus of LSU-Shreveport.

This isnt about freedom of speech. This is about the disruption of shared governance, Taylor said at the hearing, who added that when shared governance breaks down, the administration doesnt have the means to run the university.

The shared governance model of higher education delegates certain powers, primarily those dealing with academics, to faculty. Most universities divulge little authority to faculty senates.

We got to the point where shared governance was unsustainable, Taylor added.

In September 2023, LSU Shreveport Staff Senate President Matthew Culpepper reported Salvatore to human resources after a phone call in which Salvatore informed Culpepper his group was not in compliance with public meetings law. Salvatore informed Culpepper he would go to the state attorney general if the group did not comply with the law. Culpepper took Salvatores remark as a threat, but Salvatore contends he was trying to protect the university.

Louisianas open meetings law protects citizens right to know what public bodies are doing. Faculty and staff believe their senates are vital to the functioning of a university but are at times reluctant to comply with the law. Several attorneys general  the public official designated by law to handle public meetings compliance  has opened investigations into violations by faculty senates. Courts can invalidate actions made during meetings of public bodies when they do not comply with the law.

In October, Salvatore had a similar conversation with Faculty Senate President Cassandra Williams. He warned Williams that, as an assistant professor who had not yet been awarded tenure, violating the open meetings law could harm her prospects for earning it.

Williams reported Salvatore to human resources, alleging he was threatening to negatively influence her tenure process. Williams is in a different college than Salvatore, meaning he would play no role in granting her tenure.

The university subsequently opened an investigation into Salvatore related to these warnings, finding Salvatores choice of language and accusatory tone were intimidating and threatening.

Helen Wise, who presented the universitys case as Mondays hearing, pointed to an October 2023 Faculty Senate meeting in which Salvatore nominated himself for secretary but couldnt get any of his colleagues to second the nomination. Thats proof Salvatore had little support among his colleagues, Wise said.

Salvatore was deep into his second term on the faculty senate, indicating he had support from the math and science professors in his department whom he represented in the senate.

Wise charged that Salvatore created a toxic environment in the senate, pointing to a letter sent on behalf of several School of Liberal Arts department chairs to Faculty Senate leaders. The letter said liberal arts senators were considering resigning unless the working environment in the senate improved.

Salvatore pointed out the letter did not mention him or anything he did or say, arguing it was a stretch to attribute the adverse conditions to his actions without evidence.

The administrations presentation at Mondays hearing painted Salvatore as an irritating presence in the senate but did not provide proof of how he prevented the university from operating efficiently.

LSU Professor Kevin Cope, a longtime officer of the Louisiana Conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a professional organization dedicated to academic freedom on university campuses, said faculty senates, one of the branches of shared governance, are vital to the running of any university. He doesnt believe the LSU Shreveport administration shares that value.

It is true in my opinion that faculty governance is important to the running of the university, Cope said in an interview. The LSU-S administration has always played down faculty governance and been openly hostile to it.

Most of the charges against Salvatore were unrelated to his role as a faculty senator, something Timothy Shaughnessy, chair of the hearing committee, pointed out. Instead, they were about statements Salvatore contends are protected speech  speech the administration finds objectionable.

Salvatore is an outspoken environmental advocate. Much of his advocacy has centered on open-air burn pits at the Clean Harbors waste disposal facility in Colfax, advocacy that Wise praised.

This is not about Dr. Salvatores efforts on the environment or his good work at Camp Minden, Wise said, referring to Salvatores focus on the disposal of military ammunition from Camp Minden at Clean Harbors Colfax.

Administrators said allegations Salvatore levied against the university regarding its use of Clean Harbors disposal services were false and defamatory.

In one social media post, Salvatore alleged then-university Chancellor Larry Clark was sending campus hazardous waste to be burned at Clean Harbors Colfax, blaming Clark for the negative health consequences of neighbors. In another post, Salvatore said Clark sends waste to Clean Harbors without specifying a location.

Salvatore deleted the first post when informed the university did not send waste to Colfax but left the other one up. He claims the LSU System has a waste disposal contract with Clean Harbors, and he said he saw a Clean Harbors truck on the LSU-Shreveport campus.

In response to other charges alleging false statements, Salvatore argued he has reason to believe he was telling the truth.

The faculty hearing panel will consider the evidence and make a recommendation regarding Salvatores employment to LSU-S Chancellor Robert Smith. LSU System President William Tate and its board of supervisors must also sign off on Smiths decision.

Cope said even if any of the 13 charges against Salvatore were proven true, they would not be enough to justify firing a tenured professor. Cope noted the LSU System is under two AAUP censures, which are given to universities in violation of principles of academic freedom or tenure.

Firing Salvatore puts the system at risk of being issued a first of its kind third censure, Cope said. That status could potentially harm the universitys ability to attract faculty.

 The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Free speech at issue in move to fire tenured LSU Shreveport professor
By Elizabeth Pineau

SAINT-LO, France (Reuters) - Marie-Therese Legallois was seven and sitting in school when her teacher suddenly told her class that Allied troops had landed a few miles away on the beaches of Normandy.

"The teacher said, 'You must return home because the landing is happening,'" said Legallois, now 87, using the French term Debarquement for what is now known across the English-speaking world as D-Day.

As veterans and world leaders prepare to gather in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of that event, her mind goes back to her and her sister heading back on foot to their home in the village of Conde-sur-Vire and meeting their father half way.

"I can see myself running to him, happy to see him, and I told him: 'There is no more school, because the great upheaval is happening!'"

She remembers being sent away to stay with an aunt as fighting raged after the landings, and returning to find her village in ruins.

On July 18, a bomb fell near her parents' farm, killing seven people but sparing her family.

The city of Saint-Lo, where she now lives, was almost entirely destroyed in bombardments. It took Allied forces about a month to liberate it.

One happier image. She remembers American soldiers "very cheerful, arriving in truck-loads and throwing candy and chewing gum at us". Chewing gum was a novelty to Legallois and her friends.

Now a retired social worker, Legallois follows D-Day news and films closely, and cuts out articles from the newspapers.

Because of her health, she will not be able to go out in Saint-Lo herself on Wednesday and watch President Emmanuel Macron take part in the commemorations. But she plans to follow it all on TV.

And she hopes to join the more modest celebration in Conde-sur-Vire on July 5 to mark the liberation of her childhood home.

"It reminds us that we were occupied for four years and were liberated by the Americans," she says. "But I always have a bit of sadness to see that the war continues, in Ukraine or elsewhere."

(Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A woman used her employment at Fresno County to allegedly steal over $97,000 in funds that were supposed to be for EBT recipients, according to the Fresno County District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors say 40-year-old Desiree Henriette Ortiz used her position with the Department of Social Services to access EBT recipient information to steal funds from their accounts. The Fresno County District Attorneys Office announced Monday that charges have been filed against Ortiz.

The DA says Ortiz carried out the theft by using the information that she had stolen to change the passwords to the accounts and subsequently used the funds in those accounts for her benefit. She was cited on May 31.

Officials say the estimated total amount lost due to the reimbursement of stolen benefits was $97,375.05. The investigation into Ortizs actions began after an internal audit by the Fresno County Department of Social Services.

If convicted of all charges and allegations, Ortiz faces a maximum of 11 years and 8 months in local custody.

Fresno County has been approached for comment in response to the charges being filed.

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.
A Friday afternoon crash just south of Baird left one deceased at the scene and one transported to a hospital after a failure to stop at a stop sign, according to a media release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The crash occurred just after 3:30p.m. Friday 12 miles south of Baird in Callahan County.

'Failed to stop'

Wylie Howard Parker III, 21, of Troy, Ohio, was driving north on US Highway 283. He was driving a Kia Optima sedan at the time.

A fatal crash occurred Friday in the Big Country.

Parker failed to stop at a stop sign and yield to another vehicle, according to allegations in the DPS press release.

The other vehicle was a 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by 82-year-old James William Apple of Cross Plains. At the time, Apple was traveling east on State Highway 36 and subsequently struck Parker's car on the driver's side.

The posted speed limit was 75, and it was a clear and dry afternoon in the Big Country.

While both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, Parker was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Tom Rumfield, according to the press release.

Apple was transported via air to Hendrick Medical Center, according to the DPS. He was "in critical condition with incapacitating injuries."

The state of Texas has not had a day without a highway fatality since Nov. 7, 2000, according to Jill Christie, a traffic safety specialist with the TxDOT Abilene District.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Friday crash claims another life in the Big Country
Fritz Berggren, a U.S. foreign service officer who for years has drawn the scrutiny of lawmakers, Jewish diplomats and seniorState Department officials over a racist and antisemitic blog he publishes, said in a video posted to his website on Friday that he no longer works at the State Department.



At BloodAndFaith.com, Berggren frequently castigates Jews, Blacks, the LGBTQ community and immigrants, and uses biblical language to describe his vision of a Christian white ethno-state in America.



On Friday, Berggren said that his career as a foreign service officer has ended after more than 15 years in the diplomatic corps. This was at the demands of the Department of State, Berggren said at the start of the nine-minute video, titled The End of the Beginning. Berggren added that he was pushed out. A State Department spokesperson confirmed to Jewish Insider on Monday that Berggren is no longer employed at the department but declined to share additional details.



Since Politico revealed Berggrens ties to the blog in February 2021, State Department officials have declined to discuss the details of his employment. The department confirmed as recently as March that he was still employed at Foggy Bottom.



In the video, Berggren spoke in a conspiratorial tone, blaming a shadowy cabal for ending his tenure at State. He heavily hinted that he placed the blame on Jews  and compared himself to Jesus Christ in the process.



Ive been pushed out of the Department of State. I was no longer welcome. It was a cabal of people with great strong allies, and they are called  you know what theyre called. I dont need to tell you that. I get tired of hearing that myself. I know you do, Berggren said. I played by the rules. But the rules dont apply to me. These are the hypocrites that Christ warned you about. Jesus Christ played by the rules, he didnt break the law. The Jews condemned him to death anyway.



He said he has filed appeals of the decision, to no avail, claiming that the State Department told him earlier this year that he had until May 31 to act a certain way or risk firing, but he did not say what the departments demands included. Berggren alleged in the video that he was being targeted because of his Christian faith.



If you are a Christian in America and you say things that Jesus Christ said, you can be forced out of your employment, even though youre a tenured whatever, government bureaucrat essentially is what I was, and theres no recourse for that, Berggren said.



Last year, the then-president of the Foreign Service union told Jewish Insider that Berggrens continued employment presented a threat to fellow department employees.



If youre a federal employee, are you able to say things that contradict the basic principles and values of your employment? We feel very strongly that you cant, Ambassador Eric Rubin, who served as president of the American Foreign Service Association until he retired last fall, told JI in June 2023. Its not OK to say that Jews and non-white people are subhumans. Its not OK to say that there needs to be an insurrection against the federal government.



Berggren previously worked with Afghan immigrants and in Bahrain, but his recent placements have mostly remained unknown.





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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The meeting between Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol in Baku centered on green energy and the upcoming COP29 agenda, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan.

"The meeting covered Azerbaijan's renewable energy trajectory, including the development concept for Karabakh, Eastern Zangezur, and Nakhchivan as green energy zones, as well as the establishment of Caspian-Black Sea-Europe and Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe green energy export corridors. Discussions also revolved around grid reinforcement, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy into the energy system. In this context, the significance of supporting initiatives and fostering global cooperation in energy storage systems, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, and energy efficiency was highlighted," the press release stated.

In terms of COP29, Azerbaijan's collaborative efforts with the IEA on the energy agenda were endorsed.

"The meeting also addressed global oil and gas market dynamics and factors influencing gas demand in Europe. Recognizing Azerbaijan's role as a dependable energy partner for Europe, Fatih Birol expressed gratitude to the country for its assistance in supplying gas during challenging energy supply periods. Participants assessed opportunities for increased gas exports to Europe in the context of evolving attitudes towards fossil fuels," the information conveyed.

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 Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Booking photos from the Fulton County conspiracy case charging Donald Trump and allies with trying to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results. Photos from Fulton County Sheriff's Office

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The Fulton County 2020 presidential election interference case is pressing ahead with court hearings taking place for several of former President Donald Trumps co-defendants in the sweeping racketeering case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee presided over proceedings last week involving a state lawmaker, a former Kanye West publicist and the ex-director of Black Voices for Trump, who have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they conspired to overturn Trumps loss in Georgias 2020 election.

The hearings were the latest indication that normal court proceedings will continue in state court while the Georgia Court of Appeals is considering a motion to remove District Attorney Fani Willis from the case against Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants.

Attorneys for Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still, a Norcross Republican, argued on May 29 that several criminal charges against him should be tossed out due to flaws in the indictment.

Still has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts that include forgery and making false statements and writings connected to a Dec. 14, 2020 meeting where he served as a Republican alternative elector who voted to declare Trump the winner in Georgias presidential contest.

State prosecutors contend that Still was one of 16 GOP alternative electors who illegally impersonated a public officer in an attempt to circumvent the legally certified results declaring Joe Biden the winner in Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes.

A motion from Still argues that the indictment defining his role as public officer who forged false electoral certification documents is too ambiguous in state law.

Still began his first term in the legislature in January. The former Georgia Republican Party finance chairman was nominated as an elector nine months prior to the November 2020 election.

His attorneys argue that Still was acting on the advice of attorneys connected to Trump and the Republican Party who said the alternate slate of electors was necessary in case a court ruled in favor of lawsuits filed by the Georgia GOP chairman and Trump challenging Georgias election results. Trumps multiple court challenges were all rejected or withdrawn.

Stills lawyer, Thomas Beaver, said the meeting was videotaped, took place during an early afternoon inside the Georgia Capitol and was attended by various state Republican Party officials, attorneys working on behalf of the GOP and Trump and others.

One can disagree with their politics, but it is hard to imagine a gathering of more solid citizens, if you will, than the ones who were assembled in that room that my client was present in that day, Beaver said. Its not exactly the rounding up of the usual suspects for the commission of a crime or a fraud.

Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten argued that the appellate courts have used a threshold to define certain terms based on what they mean to someone of average intelligence.

Public officer isnt some complex arcane term. Its something that I think most people would understand the meaning of, Wooten said.

On Aug. 14, a Fulton grand jury indicted Trump and 18 other defendants on charges alleging that the former president, several members of the former presidents inner circle, and other supporters were involved in a multi-state conspiracy to interfere with the 2020 election.

Prosecutors have struck plea deals with four codefendants, including attorneys Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro, and Sidney Powell and Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall.

Stills hearing leads the Georgia Recorders latest installment of the Fulton 19 case roundup.

Trump New York conviction turns up attention in Georgia

An interesting twist in the Fulton saga occurred Thursday when Trump was found guilty of 34 hush-money charges in a New York court.

There are questions regarding how Trumps felony conviction in New York could affect pending trials in Georgia and three other jurisdictions, but legal pundits note that Trump could face stronger legal consequences if he is found guilty in one of the other cases.

In January, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Wills filed a motion seeking to begin Trumps trial and that of his co-defendants in August.

Trumps attorneys have sought to delay trials in the nations capital and Georgia until after the November presidential election when Trump is expected to face President Biden in a rematch of the 2020 campaign.

Several other defendants have challenged that timeline, and the odds against a trial starting this year became even longer when a state appeals court agreed May 9 to review McAfees decision to reject a motion to disqualify Willis from the case after she admitted to a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor she hired to lead the probe.

Floyd wants to recount 2020 ballots

McAfee agreed last week to give the lawyer for Harrison Floyd until July before he holds the next hearing to consider the subpoena request to inspect a trove of election records. Floyd was the former head of Black Voices for Trump who is accused of intimidating Fulton County poll workers targeted by the former presidents supporters who falsely claimed they conspired to overturn Bidens win in Georgia.

Former Kanye West publicist Kutti, Floyd, and Chicago pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee are accused by Fulton prosecutors of attempting to illegally coerce former county election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss into falsely admitting they counted fraudulent ballots in the 2020 election.

The three defendants face multiple counts that include the overarching racketeering and conspiracy offense, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, and influencing witnesses.

McAfee granted Floyds attorneys more time Tuesday to amend a subpoena with more specifics in order to streamline the production of evidence.

Floyd claims he should not have been charged in the racketeering case because his concerns about voter fraud and questions about the election results were legitimate and remain unresolved despited state election officials conducting multiple recounts and audits certifying Bidens victory. The Maryland resident wants access to more than 500,000 Fulton County voter ballots from 2020 so he can try to prove discrepancies with the official election results.

Floyds lawyer Tuesday expressed frustration with the Fulton District Attorneys office for not providing more information regarding the legal facts surrounding Floyds charges.

Fulton prosecutors countered that the current subpoena is so broad that it would require thousands of staff hours to complete.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has said he found no evidence of fraud in the 2020 contest that included three separate counts of the ballots and investigating several hundred claims of voting fraud.

Floyd was the only defendant out of the 19 charged in the sweeping racketeering case who spent time in custody following the Aug. 14 grand jury indictments.

Social media alerts publicist of Fulton hearing

Tuesdays Superior Court hearing wrapped up with Kutti announcing via Zoom video streaming that shes hired new counsel to represent her.

Kutti informed McAfee that she was unaware that Tuesdays proceeding was taking place until she began receiving a string of notifications on X, formerly known as Twitter, which alerted her that a status hearing was scheduled that afternoon.

Kutti said she has hired Albany attorney George Donaldson, who becomes the fourth lawyer defending Kuttt in the case. The three previous attorneys Darryl Cohen, Steve Greenberg, and Joshua Herman withdrew from the case in December. The lawyers did not provide a reason for leaving the case when they filed their motion.

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Booking photos from the Fulton County conspiracy case charging Donald Trump and allies with trying to overturn Georgias 2020 election results. (Photos from Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

The Fulton County 2020 presidential election interference case is pressing ahead with court hearings taking place for several of former President Donald Trumps co-defendants in the sweeping racketeering case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee presided over proceedings last week involving a state lawmaker, a former Kanye West publicist and the ex-director of Black Voices for Trump, who have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they conspired to overturn Trumps loss in Georgias 2020 election.

The hearings were the latest indication that normal court proceedings will continue in state court while the Georgia Court of Appeals is considering a motion to remove District Attorney Fani Willis from the case against Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants.

Attorneys for Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still, a Norcross Republican, argued on May 29 that several criminal charges against him should be tossed out due to flaws in the indictment.

Still has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts that include forgery and making false statements and writings connected to a Dec. 14, 2020, meeting at which he served as a Republican alternative elector who voted to declare Trump the winner in Georgias presidential contest.

State prosecutors contend that Still was one of 16 GOP alternative electors who illegally impersonated a public officer in an attempt to circumvent the legally certified results declaring Joe Biden the winner in Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes.

A motion from Still argues that the indictment defining his role as public officer who forged false electoral certification documents is too ambiguous in state law.

Still began his first term in the legislature in January. The former Georgia Republican Party finance chairman was nominated as an elector nine months prior to the November 2020 election.

His attorneys argue that Still was acting on the advice of attorneys connected to Trump and the Republican Party who said the alternate slate of electors was necessary in case a court ruled in favor of lawsuits filed by the Georgia GOP chairman and Trump challenging Georgias election results. Trumps multiple court challenges were all rejected or withdrawn.

Stills lawyer, Thomas Beaver, said the meeting was videotaped, took place during an early afternoon inside the Georgia Capitol, and was attended by various state Republican Party officials, attorneys working on behalf of the GOP and Trump and others.

One can disagree with their politics, but it is hard to imagine a gathering of more solid citizens, if you will, than the ones who were assembled in that room that my client was present in that day, Beaver said. Its not exactly the rounding up of the usual suspects for the commission of a crime or a fraud.

Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten argued that the appellate courts have used a threshold to define certain terms based on what they mean to someone of average intelligence.

On Aug. 14, a Fulton grand jury indicted Trump and 18 other defendants on charges alleging that the former president, several members of the former presidents inner circle, and other supporters were involved in a multi-state conspiracy to interfere with the 2020 election.

Prosecutors have struck plea deals with four codefendants, including attorneys Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro, and Sidney Powell and Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall.

Trump New York conviction turns up attention in Georgia

An interesting twist in the Fulton saga occurred Thursday when Trump was found guilty of 34 hush-money charges in a New York court.

There are questions regarding how Trumps felony conviction in New York could affect pending trials in Georgia and three other jurisdictions, but legal pundits note that Trump could face stronger legal consequences if he is found guilty in one of the other cases.

In January, Wills filed a motion seeking to begin Trumps trial and that of his co-defendants in August.

Trumps attorneys have sought to delay trials in the nations capital and Georgia until after the November presidential election, when Trump is expected to face President Biden in a rematch of the 2020 campaign.

Several other defendants have challenged that timeline, and the odds against a trial starting this year became even longer when a state appeals court agreed May 9 to review McAfees decision to reject a motion to disqualify Willis from the case after she admitted to a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor she hired to lead the probe.

Floyd wants to recount 2020 ballots

McAfee agreed last week to give the lawyer for Harrison Floyd until July before he holds the next hearing to consider the subpoena request to inspect a trove of election records. Floyd was the former head of Black Voices for Trump who is accused of intimidating Fulton County poll workers targeted by the former presidents supporters who falsely claimed they conspired to overturn Bidens win in Georgia.

Former Kanye West publicist Trevian Kutti, Floyd, and Chicago pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee are accused by Fulton prosecutors of attempting to illegally coerce former county election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss into falsely admitting they counted fraudulent ballots in the 2020 election.

The three defendants face multiple counts that include the overarching racketeering and conspiracy offense, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, and influencing witnesses.

McAfee granted Floyds attorneys more time Tuesday to amend a subpoena with more specifics in order to streamline the production of evidence.

Floyd claims he should not have been charged in the racketeering case because his concerns about voter fraud and questions about the election results were legitimate and remain unresolved despite state election officials conducting multiple recounts and audits certifying Bidens victory. The Maryland resident wants access to more than 500,000 Fulton County voter ballots from 2020 so he can try to prove discrepancies with the official election results.

Floyds lawyer Tuesday expressed frustration with the Fulton District Attorneys Office for not providing more information regarding the legal facts surrounding Floyds charges.

Fulton prosecutors countered that the current subpoena is so broad that it would require thousands of staff hours to complete.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has said he found no evidence of fraud in the 2020 contest that included three separate counts of the ballots and investigating several hundred claims of voting fraud.

Floyd was the only defendant out of the 19 charged in the sweeping racketeering case who spent time in custody following the Aug. 14 grand jury indictments.

Social media alerts publicist of Fulton hearing

Tuesdays Superior Court hearing wrapped up with Kutti announcing via Zoom video streaming that shes hired new counsel to represent her.

Kutti informed McAfee that she was unaware that Tuesdays proceeding was taking place until she began receiving a string of notifications on X, formerly known as Twitter, which alerted her that a status hearing was scheduled that afternoon.

Kutti said she has hired Albany, Georgia, attorney George Donaldson, who becomes the fourth lawyer defending Kutti in the case. The three previous attorneys Darryl Cohen, Steve Greenberg, and Joshua Herman withdrew in December. The lawyers did not provide a reason for leaving the case when they filed their motion.

This story first appeared in the Georgia Recorder, a member with the Phoenix of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.

The post Fulton 19 update: Lawmaker wants case tossed, Yeezys ex-publicist changes counsel appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
A friend of Officer Alden Elliot is helping to give back to the families who lost their husbands, fathers, and loved ones in the line of duty.

Officer Alden Elliot was one of four officers who lost their lives while working a U.S. Marshals Fugitive task force in April at an officer-involved shooting on Galway Drive in Charlotte.

Now, his friends and the community have a chance to provide support to their loved ones just as they did for the general public everyday while on duty.

Anyone who wants to contribute can now head to a website and buy a T-shirt and have the proceeds go to those families of the fallen officers.

The T-shirts read Never Forgotten on the front and each officers name surrounded by their respected emblems on the back.

A friend of Alden Elliott, one of the four law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in April, sent me this.



They are selling these shirts to raise money for the families of the fallen officers. Here is the link: https://t.co/vmL46EC3LM pic.twitter.com/1iNkXfXNcs  Hunter Saenz (@Hunt_Saenz) June 2, 2024

The online storefront will be open from June 1 to June 28 for anyone interested.

To head to the website click this link.

(PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Investigator Alden Elliott laid to rest in Catawba County)
A Georgia mother faces cruelty to children charges after doctors diagnosed a 1-year-old boy with two brain bleeds.

Columbus police have charged Emily Henry in connection to the child abuse case.

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Police said they were first alerted by Georgia Department of Family and Children Services on May 3.

Investigators say a 1-year-old boy was admitted to Piedmont Columbus Regional. He was later taken to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta where doctors diagnosed him with brain bleeds.

Investigators did not say what caused the boys brain bleeds, but said Henry was aware of her sons symptoms days before he was admitted to the hospital. Police have not given the boys current condition.

The delay in seeking medical attention, which was initiated by third parties rather than the primary caretaker, was deemed neglectful, police said.

Officers arrested and booked Henry into the Muscogee County Jail. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

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GA ex-daycare worker accused of abusing multiple victims under 11 months old

A 61-year-old woman was arrested in connection to abuse allegations at a Georgia daycare.

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According to the Columbus Police Department, officers were following allegations of abuse at Childcare Network on University Avenue.

Police arrested Pamela Marie Cook, 61, an employee after an investigation led by the Special Victims Unit.

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Officials said they investigated three incidents involving victims under 11 months old. Investigators said they established probable cause for criminal negligence in handling children at the location on University Avenue.

Columbus authorities said the investigation supported criminal charges in two of the three cases.

CPD said Cook quit her job before the investigations were completed.

On Thursday, she was booked into the Muscogee County Jail with three counts of simple battery.

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Gavin Newsom stays mum on Donald Trump conviction, uses the opportunity to fundraise

Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

NEWSOM, MUM ON TRUMP CONVICTION, USES OCCASION TO FUNDRAISE

Via Vik Jolly...

While Gavin Newsoms office did not comment on former President Donald Trumps conviction in the hush-money trial, the California governor used Trumps nearly $35 million post verdicts campaign fundraising haul to urge voters to give to President Joe Bidens re-election campaign.

In an email sent Friday morning by a political action committee affiliated with Newsom with a subject line that read A dangerous moment for Joe Biden, the governor reminded supporters about a federal fundraising deadline that day.

The Friday night deadline alone was reason to donate.

I dont need to tell you about Donald Trumps conviction yesterday, the governor said in the email. But here is what you may not know: after the jury announced its verdict, Donald Trump raised $35 million from supporters who want to see him re-elected. All in less than 24 hours. And this on the heels of out-raising Joe Biden last month, as well.

Calling it an absolutely critical moment for those who want to see Biden re-elected to get involved, the governor urged action.

We are going to look back at this moment as a major inflection point in this race, Newsom wrote.

Newsoms Campaign for Democracy PAC showed a total of $10.1 million raised by the quarter ending March 31, with nearly $3.8 million received in individual contributions during that period.

The governor and his supporters are using three fundraising committees, including the Campaign for Democracy PAC, according to data from OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog group, and the Federal Election Commission.

WHAT ARE THE HAPPIEST COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA?

Via Nicole Nixon...

Two capital region counties are among the top five happiest in California, according to a researcher from the World Happiness Report who analyzed a decades worth of data on the topic.

Placer and Yolo counties rank third and fourth, respectively, in annual Gallup surveys that ask residents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of one to 10. Alpine County ranked the highest, though it is considered an outlier due to its small population and a tiny sample size. Marin County ranked second and San Luis Obispo County was fifth.

The main question, and theres sort of an elegant simplicity to it, is literally on a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with your life these days? said Jan De Neve, editor of the World Happiness report and Director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University, who analyzed the data.

As a whole, California averaged a wellbeing index of 7.09, slightly higher than the national average of 7.07.

Health policy, education policy, mobility, policing, you name it. All of it ultimately impacts quality of life experience, De Neve said.

Gallup stopped collecting the data in 2018 but other, more recent datasets suggest Californians and Americans report lower levels of life satisfaction these days. Thats driven largely by high levels of youth unhappiness, De Neve said.

Happiness of Americas youth is off a cliff and its driven down the overall ranking of the United States for wellbeing in a global context, he said.

In other words, Americans aged 60 and older would rank tenth happiest compared to their peers in other countries. Those under 30 would rank 62nd, between the Dominican Republic and Peru.

De Neve presented his research at the second hearing of the Assemblys Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes, created and chaired by former Speaker Anthony Rendon.

Rendon is termed out of the legislature at the end of the year and acknowledged he wont be around to implement findings or recommendations from his committee.

Its about raising consciousness, he said, noting that some colleagues take it seriously and some people dont think its as relevant.

As for his own happiness, Rendon rated it a seven out of ten  a marked improvement since the committees first hearing in March, when he said it was a two.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

When Trump was first elected he changed the rules. If he didnt agree with media = fake news, if he lost an election = election fraud, If he is on trial = sham trial. Blame, blame, he takes no responsibility. It is a sad day in America when people accept this.

- Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, via X.

Best of The Bee:

California inmates fight wildfires  but if prisons cant supply enough crews, whats next? Via Maya Miller .

Why California Sen. Alex Padilla broke from Democrats to block immigration, border bill, via Nicole Nixon .

California voters will be asked for billions to fund climate, school facilities, lawmaker says, via Lindsey Holden .

70 years after landmark ruling, Californias Black schoolchildren still face steep obstacles, via Darrell Smith .

California Republican lawmaker attacks colleagues, gets booted from committee. Again. Via Andrew Sheeler.
By Mahmoud Issa

JABALIA, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Palestinian Umm Mohammed Khrouat says she would rather live in a tent than the school where she is forced to shelter with her five children in northern Gaza, so bad are the conditions after nearly eight months of war.

"There is no hygiene, or water," said Umm Mohammed, baking bread in a makeshift oven at the school in Jabalia refugee camp, a recent theatre of Israeli military operations in the war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Her family, which fled their home in nearby Beit Hanoun early in the war, have been forced to flee the school multiple times, most recently last month when Israeli forces renewed operations in the area, Umm Mohammed said.

She said they fled according to Israeli orders.

"We have no other choice. They say it is a safe area, but no area is safe," she said. "The situation is difficult, I wish they would (let us) return to Beit Hanoun. We would return to Beit Hanoun and live in tents."

Israel has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas attacked southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and abducting about another 250, according to Israeli tallies.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to Gaza health officials.

Israel declared an end to its most recent operation in Jabalia on May 31, saying the military had destroyed 10 km (6.2 miles) of tunnels and several weapons production sites in days of fighting that included more than 200 airstrikes.

During the operation, troops also located the bodies of seven hostages, Israel said.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), has described images from Jabalia as horrific. Thousands of displaced people had no choice but to live amid the rubble and in destroyed UNRWA facilities, he said in a June 1 post on X.

Umm Mohammed's family returned to find a scene of destruction at the school, the walls of which were blackened by fire

"The childrens clothes were burnt. There is nothing. Everything was burnt. The cement ... has melted," her husband, Bilal Khrouat, said at the school, where he said 15 families were living in one room.

He is desperate for potable water.

"I have one kidney. What should we do?" he said. "The water is not enough for drinking, food (cooking) or bathing."

"There is nothing left. We couldnt stay in Beit Hanoun, we couldnt stay in Jabalia camp, and we couldnt stay in Gaza (city). There is no shelter. There is nothing, where should we go?" he said.

(Writing by Tom Perry, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Get ready for the revenge of the Oxford PPE (philosophy, politics and economics) graduates. The generalists who have been running the British state for decades can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Peter Thiel, the multi-billionaire co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, says the era of the maths wizard is over.

Thiel envisages a brutal jobs apocalypse where AI culls more maths experts than it will word people. He calls this a long-overdue rebalancing of our society.

But hold your horses.

Thiel must be referring to an AI that hasnt been invented yet, for one of the smartest ones we have today has been advising us to eat a rock a day to improve our health and assuring us that cats have been to the moon. This came from Googles AI Overviews enhancement, an experiment it scaled back on Friday.

If anything, todays generative AI is even worse at solving mathematical challenges than it is at delivering wisdom. On five-digit multiplication, OpenAIs GPT4 gets it right less than 7pc of the time. Dont delete that calculator app just yet.

Peter Thiel has predicted that AI will bring about a jobs apocalypse - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg

Now lets examine Thiels proposition more closely. Have we really been living through a Tyranny of the Numerate, from which we need to be liberated? He cites Silicon Valley as an example of a maths-dominated culture, but its never been true of the British state.

Our administrative class prefers all-rounders to run the Civil Service, and thats what it gets: generalist is by far the most popular track of the recently revived Civil Service Fast Stream programme.

Generalists go far in politics too: prime ministers holding a PPE degree from Oxford include Wilson, Heath and Cameron, and we will soon have Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband, also both PPEs, in charge of the important numbers.

According to research by the Institute for Government, less than a quarter of newly recruited civil servants (23pc) have a Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree, although 44pc of students graduate having completed a Stem subject.

And you may wonder where that 23pc is working.

Theres an absolute dearth of maths skills in the Treasury, one civil servant there told me. We need to know numbers and interrogate numbers, but its a horror show.

Maths skills certainly werent evident when Laura Trott, the chief secretary to the Treasury, appeared on the Today programme recently and insisted debt would decline. It was actually forecast to increase, Evan Davis pointed out.

Stem graduates are notorious for asking awkward and annoying questions, like how exactly will this keep the lights on?. This disrupts the smooth consensus that Whitehall likes in a room, and that it seems to value above all else.

Dominic Cummings recognised this as a structural weakness of Whitehall and tried to shake things up. He famously called for misfits and weirdos to apply. He didnt last long.

Dominic Cummings' attempts to shake up the Civil Service were short-lived - James Manning/PA Wire

Stem graduates can make more money in the private sector, so are entitled to ask why they should help save the state from one of its self-inflicted disasters.

Recent changes in recruitment have made things even worse, and almost seemed designed to keep them away. A new situational judgement (CSJT) test has been introduced, an exercise which invites the candidate to defuse hypothetical workplace dramas. You can try it yourself online.

One distinguished Cambridge masters graduate I know did just that, and found himself in the bottom 5pc of scores. I took it again several times, with a top psychologist, and we still came in the lowest 15pc.

These tests value soft skills over hard ones, including numerical ones, Jordan Urban, of the Institute for Government, points out. Its an obvious barrier to maths and engineering types, reckons another Westminster researcher.

The MoD has lost discrimination cases brought by outstanding civil servants who were thwarted by such tests, but Whitehall perseveres.

Not surprisingly then, first-preference applications to the science and engineering Fast Stream tracks crashed between 2020 and 2023, down 78pc  twice the fall seen in humanities applications.

The head of the Civil Service, Simon Case, said last year that half of the Fast Stream intake are Stem graduates. But insiders say its only been able to claim that by moving the goalposts.

They have reached it by expanding the definition of Stem to include economics, and some other kind of humanity or social science degree which has quantitative elements to it, one source tells me.

This revelation alone should be a minor scandal.

Another trick Whitehall likes is embracing more amorphous skills like digital, rather than engineering, computer science and maths, all of which require rigour and deep knowledge.

Theyve done one-day courses in AI, or Big Data, scoffs one Whitehall source, so of course they are all experts now.

The rise and fall of the Government Digital Service illustrates the peril of taking self-styled digital wizards at face value. For a few years it blazed a trail in Whitehall, but ultimately over-promised and under-delivered, and had to hire hundreds of contractors to do the hard graft.

The labels builder and maker are beginning to work the same way: self-certifications that sound impressive, but mean little.

And for all his success in Silicon Valley, it must be noted that Thiel himself holds a law degree. No wonder technical types, scientists and mathematicians suspect a conspiracy to keep them out.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Oman is exploring the possibility of partnering with Azerbaijan to develop IT product and service ecosystem, President of StrategEast Center Anatoly Motkin said during the Comex 2024 forum held in Muscat on May 2730, Trend reports.

"Oman is interested in receiving high-quality digital services and is considering the possibility of involving Central Asian countries, particularly Azerbaijan, in the development of the country's product and service ecosystem.

Oman is aware of and greatly appreciates the contribution that Caucasian nations may offer to raising IT industry skills. I am sure that this marks the start of a fruitful and extended IT collaboration between Central Asia and the Gulf area," the president of StrategEast pointed out.

Furthermore, participants from Azerbaijan emphasized the promise of a technological partnership between the country and Oman.

"Working together will allow us to develop the economy, improve trade, and create new opportunities for investment and the expansion of technological startups. This will benefit both countries and the entire region," commented the Azerbaijani participants in Comex 2024.

To note, StrategEast is a leading independent institution working to develop Eurasia's digital economy in collaboration with international financial institutions, development agencies, global technology companies and Eurasian governments.

StrategEast is a leading independent institution working to develop Eurasias digital economy and has offices in the US, Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Former President Donald Trumps appeal to remove the prosecutor in his Georgia election racketeering case has been scheduled for October 4, strongly suggesting the case will not be tried before the Nov. 5 election.

"There's no chance for trial before the election," said Ashleigh Merchant, the lawyer who launched the disqualification issue by filing the motion to disqualify Willis on behalf of her client Michael Roman, a former Trump 2020 campaign official who is one of Trump's co-defendants.

Trump sought to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case because she had a romantic relationship and traveled with a prosecutor she hired to help manage the case, Nathan Wade.

Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee rebuked Willis in March for a "tremendous lapse in judgment" but ruled she could remain on the case if Wade withdrew. Wade quit the same day.

Former President Donald Trump attends the fight between Cesar Almeida (red gloves) and Roman Kopylov (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center.

But Trump has continued to argue Willis had a conflict of interest paying Wade in six figures and benefitting from the travel.

The Georgia Court of Appeals docketed the case Monday without setting a precise date for arguments.

McAfee hasnt set a date for the trial. But when Willis proposed an August start to the trial that could last five months, McAfee said it would be difficult problematic to overlap with the election.

Even if an appeals decision were reached immediately, it is highly unlikely the trial could begin before the election.

Trump and 14 co-defendants are charged with trying to steal the 2020 election by asking public officials to overturn the election results that President Joe Biden won and recruiting alternate Republican electors to support Trump instead of Biden.

Four co-defendants have pleaded guilty. But Trump and co-defendants including his former campaign lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows have pleaded not guilty.

Post-election delay virtually certain: Experts

Clark Cunningham, a professor of law and ethics at Georgia State University College of Law, said the docketing makes it virtually impossible for the trial to proceed before the November election, even if presiding Judge Scott McAfee continues to allow both sides to do some preparatory work while the appeal of Willis' disqualification is underway.

I think the only thing that could save this case from not going to trial until after the election, possibly, would be for the district attorney to do as I had suggested back in January, which is to take a temporary leave of absence, Cunningham told USA TODAY. Whether that would at this stage moot the appeal is a little bit hard to say, especially since Trump and other defendants have argued that the entire DAs office should be disqualified.

Its very unfortunate, in my opinion, that the district attorney didn't avoid this problem when it first came up, like she could have done, Cunningham said.

Other experts, however, have warned that if Willis recused herself from this case, it might endanger the trial altogether by raising the prospect that the whole DA's office could be disqualified.

"It would basically concede that there was a conflict that she needed to step away from and that her office's power has been tainted by that," Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University law professor, told USA TODAY in March.

"We can't comment at this time," Willis' spokesman Jeff DiSantis told USA TODAY.

Chris Timmons, former prosecutor in neighboring Cobb County, agreed that the scheduling of oral arguments in the case for October makes a pre-election trial impossible.

It will likely take some months for the appellate court to hear arguments about whether Willis, and potentially the entire DAs office, should be disqualified, and then render a decision, Timmons said.

Also, McAfee has said he would allow some trial preparations to begin while the appeal is being heard. But the prosecution  and especially the defense  likely will require much more than that to get ready for such a complex prosecution case.

And while Timmons said he thinks McAfee technically could even allow the trial to go forward before the appellate court rules, it's unlikely he'll want to try this case while the prosecutor issue is still up in the air.

Steven Sadow, one of Trumps lawyers, said he looked forward to presenting arguments to appeals Judges Trenton Brown, Todd Markel and Ben Land about why this case should be dismissed. Sadow argued Willis should be disqualified because of the odor of mendacity in violation of the Georgia rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Georgia racketeering case in court in October
An appeals court in Georgia has scheduled a hearing on Donald Trumps renewed push to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from trying the former president and his allies in a wide-ranging election interference case.

A panel of appellate court judges will hear their appeal on October 4  one month and one day before the presidential election.

The judge overseeing the election interference case against the former president and his co-defendants has allowed Willis to stay on the case, following lengthy court hearings in March to determine whether she financially benefited from hiring a special prosecutor with whom she was once romantically involved.

Trump and his co-defendants then appealed that decision, and it has landed on the court calendar on October 4.

Judges Trent Brown, Todd Markle and Benjamin Land are expected to hear the case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee hasnt paused pretrial proceedings in the initial case, but the case will not be going to trial until this issue is resolved  meaning, theres no chance that the trial to determine if Trump interfered in the 2020 election will reach a verdict before the next one.

Ms Willis and now-former special prosecutor Nathan Wade acknowledged their prior relationship but repeatedly testified that they started dating after he was hired, split their expenses, and that the relationship ended last summer before an indictment.

Judge McAfees decision offered her a choice: she can remove herself from the case, along with her entire office, or Mr Wade can step aside. Hours later, Mr Wade submitted his letter of resignation.

The case against the former president and five of his co-defendants surrounds an alleged pressure campaign to solicit state officials to violate their oaths of office and subvert Georgias election results to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss in the state.

They are accused of mounting a so-called fake elector scheme to falsely assert his victory in a state he lost to Joe Biden, seizing voting machines, intimidating election workers, and pushing the states top election official to find votes he would need to win.

All have pleaded not guilty.

Four of Mr Trumps original co-defendants in the Fulton County case  including attorneys Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell  pleaded guilty last year after reaching plea deals with prosecutors.

This is a developing story
The speaker of the Georgian parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, signed a controversial "foreign agents" bill into law, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Georgian service reported on June 3.

Papuashvili made the announcement during a briefing at the parliament building.

President Salome Zourabichvili initially vetoed the bill, which 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.

The Georgian parliament, dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, bypassed the president's veto on May 28 with 84 lawmakers voting in support.

The legislation will partially enter into force later on June 3 after its publication, RFE/RL writes.

Within two months, relevant bodies must adopt by-laws, and the Justice Ministry and the National Public Registry Agency must carry out "preliminary logistical and other measures to implement this law."

NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their income from abroad, based on 2023 data, must register with the authorities within a month as "foreign agents."

The law allows the authorities to monitor such organizations and obtain required information like personal data.

The legislation was heavily criticized by both domestic opposition and abroad. Its reintroduction into the parliament in April led to massive protests, with the police reportedly stepping in against the demonstrators with rubber bullets and water cannons.

Washington and Brussels have denounced the bill as incompatible with Western values, and voices within the EU called for freezing Georgia's membership candidate status if the law is implemented.

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.
Khvicha Gvirjishvili, a Georgian volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine, was killed near Kharkiv, civil rights activist Giga Makarashvili said on June 3.

The news was also verified by Vano Nadiradze, a Georgian commander of volunteer fighters in Ukraine.

Makarashvili said he had spoken with Gvirjishvili just two days before.

No details about Gvirjishvili's death were provided.

Last month, two Georgian volunteer soldiers fighting for Ukraine were killed in combat near Avdiivka.

In comments to The Kyiv Independent in February, the Georgian Legion, one of the leading groups of Georgian volunteer fighters, said that at least 59 Georgian fighters had been killed in battle since the beginning of the full-scale war.

More casualties among their ranks have been reported since then.

Read also: Georgians likely rank first among foreign fighters killed fighting for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A streetcar bearing commemorating the world-famous German-language writer Franz Kafka, drives through Prague. To mark the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death, the German-Czech Future Fund is supporting cross-border projects that deal with the life and work of the German-Jewish writer. Michael Heitmann/dpa

To mark the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death, the German-Czech Future Fund is supporting cross-border projects that deal with the life and work of the German-Jewish writer.

Interested parties from Germany and the Czech Republic can apply for funding until the end of this month, a spokeswoman said in Prague on Monday.

Not only literary events are possible, but also school and youth encounters, exhibitions, music or theatre performances, workshops and interactive projects. The projects must be realized by the end of the year.

The German-Czech Future Fund was founded in 1997 to contribute to cross-border understanding. It is jointly financed by the governments of Germany and the Czech Republic.

Numerous projects have already been authorized. The University of Wuppertal and the Prague Academy of Sciences are organizing a three-day academic conference on Kafka's relationship to modernity.

Under the motto "Kafka goes on holiday," secondary school pupils from Teplice and Bremerhaven will visit places related to the writer's life and work.

The German-Czech cabaret "Das Thema" has prepared a performance entitled "Kafka has left the building," which can be seen at Prague's Theatre on the Balustrade (Divadlo na Zabradli) on June 6.

Another project aims to present Kafka's life and work to the general public in fifteen lectures in Prague coffee houses.

A Kafka festival with discussions, readings, music, theatre and film is taking place in Frydlant in northern Bohemia.

Born in Prague, Franz Kafka died of tuberculosis in Kierling near Vienna on June 3, 1924.

With his novel fragments "The Trial," "The Castle" and "The Man Who Disappeared" as well as his stories, the German-Jewish writer created works that are undisputedly part of world literature today.
View of the crime scene after a knife attack in the city centre in Mannheim, Germany, on Friday. A police officer who was among the six injured in the attack died Sunday, authorities said. Photo by Ronald Wittek/EPA-EFE

June 2 (UPI) -- A German police officer who was among the half dozen people injured in a mass stabbing attack in Mannheim on Friday has died of his injuries, authorities said Sunday.

The officer was identified as a 29-year-old man.

He had been stabbed several times in the head and neck Friday by a knife-wielding assailant who seriously injured at total of six people Friday at the market square in Mannheim before being shot by police.

The unidentified officer was immediately operated on following the attack and had been placed in an artificial coma, but died Sunday afternoon from his injuries.

"We mourn the loss of a police officer who gave his life for our safety," the Mannheim Police Department said in a statement.

Authorities said the attack began at about 11:35 a.m. local time Friday, targeting a rally in support of Buergerbewegung Pax Europa, a far-right, anti-hijab movement in Germany.

Video of the incident posted online shows a man with the knife frantically and seemingly randomly attacking people in the square, including a police officer who is seen kneeling upon a man amid the chaos.

The attack came to an end with a responding police officer shooting the assailant.

The attacker has since been identified by local police as a 25-year-old Afghan native who has lived in Germany since 2014. He is married, has two children and lives with his family in Heppenheim, which is located about 19 miles northeast of Mannheim.

Police said Saturday that the suspect remained in hospital and was incapable of being interrogated.

An arrest warrant for attempted murder has been issued for the suspect, authorities said before the officer had died.

The other victims of the stabbing were all men aged 25, 36, 42, 54 and 59. Three of them are German, one is a German-Kazakh citizen and the fifth was an Iraqi citizen.

As of Saturday, only the 25-year-old has been discharged from the hospital. The condition of a 54-year-old who suffered life-threatening injuries has also improved and he is expected to survive, according to officials.

The suspect's house was searched Friday night and electronic devices were seized, authorities said.
Germany admits Ukrainian forces may use Patriot systems to down aircraft over Russia

German Major General Christian Freuding, head of the Bundeswehrs Situation Centre for Ukraine, has not ruled out the possibility that Ukraine could use Patriot missile systems to shoot down aircraft over Russian territory.

Source: European Pravda, citing German TV news service Tagesschau

Quote: "It is entirely conceivable that the Patriot systems will now also be deployed in Kharkiv Oblast and used over Russian territory. They are perfectly suited for combating Russian aircraft that drop horrific glide bombs."

Details: At the same time, the general emphasised that the tactical use of these systems is the sole responsibility of the Ukrainian military.

Background:

On 31 May, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius characterised Berlin's decision to enable Ukraine to employ German weaponry against Russian military facilities as a "strategic adaptation to the changing situation".

The German government had earlier stated that they were authorising Ukraine to utilise the weaponry provided by Germany for assaults on Russian military facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation in the context of the Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

According to the European Commission, Ukraine has the right to defend itself from armed aggression under international law, including striking military targets on Russian territory.

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Mexican presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo gives a message to her supporters to celebrate her victory after receiving the preliminary election results of Mexico's general election. The 61-year-old led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, the national electoral institute said on Monday. Carlos Tischler/eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The German government has congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum on her victory in the presidential election in Mexico.

A Foreign Office spokesman said in Berlin on Monday that Germany would be "very happy to work closely with the future government and will also seek to establish contact in the near future."

"We are of course looking forward to expanding relations in all areas and look forward to shaping this together with the new Mexican government," the spokesperson added.

Germany and Mexico have traditionally had good relations.

Sheinbaum led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, Mexico's national electoral institute said on Monday. Her rivals have conceded.

Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico's first female president, succeeding incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
A NATO flag flies in the wind during the "National Guardian 2024" exercise as part of the "Quadriga" series of Bundeswehr exercises at the Oberlausitz military training area. Robert Michael/dpa

Some 60 fighter jets and other combat aircraft are set top participate in NATO tactical air force exercises at a German airbase from Monday.

Around 1,100 soldiers from 11 NATO countries plus Austria and Switzerland are taking part in the Tiger Meet manoeuvres in Jagel, in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.

The drills are set to run until June 14.

The squadron in Jagel is also due to mark its 30th anniversary as part of the NATO manoeuvre.

The exercise aims to intensify cooperation with partner nations and share aeronautical and technical expertise, according to the German army.

Each day, the host nation issues a fictitious scenario that becomes increasingly complex as the exercise progresses, the Bundeswehr said.

The gathering is one of the largest exercises for joint air warfare operations in Europe and offers particularly valuable experience for the participating aircrews, the army added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 3. Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have discussed priorities for further cooperation within the framework of the Country Partnership Strategy of Kazakhstan and ADB for 20232027, Trend reports.

Discussions took place during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Nurlan Baibazarov and Utsav Kumar, ADB's Country Director for Kazakhstan, and Eugenue Zhukov, the Director General of the Central and West Asia Regional Department.

According to Baibazarov, Kazakhstan is ready to further expand cooperation with ADB.

"Our nation seeks cooperative energy, green economy, transport and logistics, and water resources management projects. Our Kazakh expert exchange program is very significant," he said.

In turn, Eugenue Zhukov noted that the Asian Development Bank has been cooperating with Kazakhstan for 30 years as a key partner.

"The organization invests, develops public-private partnerships, and provides expertise to boost the economy. Support for climate change mitigation and decarbonization is a priority," Zhukov said.

In addition, during the meeting, the current status of the ongoing project for the construction of the Karaganda Multidisciplinary University Hospital was reviewed, and ADBs participation in the reconstruction of the Kyzylorda  Zhezkazgan road was also discussed.

At the end of the meeting, Baibazarov instructed government agencies to speed up procedures for the effective implementation of projects, and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to discuss ADBs participation in the process of modernizing the countrys water infrastructure.

To note, Kazakhstan joined the ADB in 1994. ADB has since committed about $7 billion in loans to the government and private sector, grants, and technical assistance.

Regional cooperation and integration initiatives under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program remain an integral part of ADB operations in Kazakhstan, which is chairing the program this year.
Gilgo Beach murders suspect to be indicted on new charge, sources say

GLIGO BEACH, N.Y. -- Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann will be indicted on a new murder charge this week, sources tell CBS New York.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said a court proceeding in the Gilgo Beach case was scheduled for Thursday.

"Obviously this is an ongoing investigation," said Tierney. "There were a number of necessary investigative steps that were taken, we've pointed out just some of them. Thursday, you will see the fruits of that investigation."

Specific details about the charge have not yet been released.

In May, investigators made a surprise visit to the Heuermann home on Long Island in search of new evidence.

"They were just in the basement, looking in the basement. That's all they were looking at," said Etienne de Villiers, Heuermann's neighbor in Massapequa Park.

Previous searches of Heuermann's property led to scores of weapons and smart devices allegedly used to contact and research sex workers, according to court documents.

In April, investigators on the Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force were seen scouring the Manorville Pine Barrens.

Heuermann's attorney declined to comment on the upcoming court proceeding.

Gilgo Beach murders investigation

Heuermann, an architect working in Manhattan, has been held without bail since his arrest in July 2023 for the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, whose bodies were found in shallow graves near Gilgo Beach in 2010.

He was charged in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, in 2024.

Heuermann pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The remains of 11 people were discovered in the Gilgo Beach area between 1996 and 2011.

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Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann to be charged in 5th Long Island slay, report says

NEW YORK  Days after authorities searched his home again, Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann has been indicted in connection with a fifth slay on Long Island, according to a report.

Heuermann, 60, could be back in court as early as Tuesday on a new indictment charging him with the persons death, according to Newsday.

Heuermann has already pleaded not guilty in the deaths of four women  Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello and Maureen Brainard-Barnes  whose remains were found near each other along a stretch of Ocean Parkway known as Gilgo Beach between late fall 2010 and early spring 2011.

A representative for Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Heuermanns lawyer Michael Brown could not be reached for comment.

It was not immediately clear what new charges Heuermann faces, but they involve the death of another victim, according to Newsday.

The new indictment comes within weeks of a search by Gilgo Beach Task Force investigators in an area of Manorville where the partial remains of two victims  Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack  were found more than two decades ago.

Just days ago, investigators were back at Heuermanns Massapequa Park home executing a new search warrant connected to the case.

Police were seen removing a large rectangular object covered in blue cloth and loading it onto the back of a truck parked in the driveway.

In 2010 and 2011, the bodies of 11 people were found on and near Gilgo Beach. Heuermann has not, until now, been linked to any of the other seven victims

Cops said it was a Long Island pimp  and pizza crust DNA  that steered investigators toward Heuermann, a husband and father who had been living quietly in the Nassau County town of Massapequa Park and commuting to Manhattan, where he worked as an architect.

The pimp described the suspects vehicle to authorities, giving them details about a green Chevrolet Avalanche during a spring 2022 meeting with investigators.

Cops also retrieved DNA from a pizza crust found in a Manhattan trash can near Heuermanns work office and matched it with a hair found on Watermans body.

Heuermann has been in custody since his arrest last July and no trial date has been set.
Vandals spray-painted obscenities and anti-Israel graffiti across the entrance to the Goodman Acker law firm in Southfield early Monday, using wording that leaders of the firm said was antisemitic targeting the firm's senior partner Jordan Acker, a Jewish member of the University of Michigan board of regents.

Red and black paint covered the firms sign with phrases that included "Free Palestine," "Divest now," "F*** You Acker" and "UM Kills." The vandals also left red handprints on the doors.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the incident in a statement Monday that said: "Violence, vandalism, threats and intimidation are unacceptable, and what we saw today in Southfield is abhorrent. We must remain united in calling out hatred of any kind and continue working together toward peace in Michigan.

Southfield police Chief Elvin Barren said his department was investigating the incident as hate crime. Barren spoke on Monday afternoon, joining a gathering of the firm's partners, including Acker, along with community leaders, to denounce the graffiti.

Anti-Israel graffiti covers the sign Monday outside of Southfield law firm Goodman Acker.

The law firm's co-founder, Barry Goodman, termed it "a clear attempt to intimidate" Jews and supporters of Israel, saying pro-Palestinian protesters were welcome to peacefully stand on the sidewalk in front of the firm's offices "but not this." Although founded by Jewish lawyers, Goodman Acker today has ownership that includes Muslim and Christian partners, Goodman said. He is a member of the Democratic National Committee and an active fundraiser for Democrats in Michigan.

The graffiti is "not legitimate political discourse," Goodman said, adding: "They did this in the middle of the night and then they ran away." Jordan Acker expressed thanks to those who have sent him messages of support, including other members of the U-M Board of regents.

"Make no mistake  singling out a Jewish board member is antisemitism, pure and simple," Acker said. "This is the exact type of thing that happened to Jewish businesses under Nazi Germany. This is how it started there." He said several contractors had offered to power-wash away the offensive wording at no cost, "just because they are as upset as we are."

State Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, joined members of the law firm on the spray-painted steps to condemn the grafitti.

"There are wars going on all over the world right now, but the focus in America is on Gaza. Why? People who say all Zionists deserve to die, that Israel should be eliminated  this is antisemitism," Moss said, adding: "But I want to say, Southfield is a place of outstanding diversity. We celebrate all of our people."

Southfield Mayor Ken Siver said the graffiti amounted to something far more serious than political expression.

"This city will not stand for terrorist acts, and that's exactly what this is," Siver said. "We stand with our Jewish community against this kind of violence. Working with our police, we will do all we can to bring the people who did this to justice."

Southfield police Chief Elvin Barren speaks Monday afternoon about anti-Israel grafitti spray-painted on a law firms offices, as employees and community leaders stand nearby. The vandalism occurred at 1:45 am on June 3, 2024, Barren said.

In October, Hamas  which is categorized as a terrorist group by the United States  led an attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 and abducting 251 hostages, including children and elderly persons, and taking them to the Gaza Strip, according to wire service reports.

Israel struck back militarily, seeking to free the hostages freed and destroy Hamas' military capability, while causing the deaths of more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United Nations. In the past few months, pro-Palestinian protests have been breaking out, particularly on university campuses nationwide, as the United States seeks a truce to hostilities in the Middle East.

In Southfield, police said surveillance videos showed that four people arrived at the law firm's offices at about 1:45 a.m. on Monday and left the grafitti. The wording "UM Kills" sprayed on the sidewalk connects U-M Regent Acker with a campus encampment at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where pro-Palestinian protesters have demanded that the university divest its endowment monies from Israeli companies. U-M officials have said that the amount of that investment is a tiny fraction of the millions of dollars of the endowment's global investments.

Protesters set up an encampment in April at the University of Michigan, calling for divesting from Israeli businesses as a reaction to Israel's military actions in Gaza.

More: With no cease-fire in Gaza, Muslims like me struggle with guilt and rage this Ramadan | Opinion

Last month, students interrupted commencement events at Michigan Stadium with a protest. Graduating students wore keffiyehs, a Palestinian scarf with a black-and-white pattern, and waved flags during the ceremony.

The encampment eventually was broken up in a predawn public safety action, after demonstrators reportedly began stepping up pressure by using increasingly graphic tactics, such as placing fake body bags on the lawn of a school official.

In recent months, the Michigan State Police stepped up security efforts as threats and protests escalated against religious sites and groups, "and they will continue to work with leaders in Michigan's Arab-American, Jewish, and Muslim communities," said a statement on Monday from the governor's office.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Goodman Acker law firm in Southfield vandalized with graffiti
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was reprimanded by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), the chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, for refusing to recognize Anthony Fauci as a doctor while questioning him.

Fauci, who became the face of the administrations COVID-19 response while serving as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified before the GOP-led committee on Monday for the first time since retiring.

During Greenes turn to question him, the Georgia Republican refused to call Fauci doctor and instead referred to him as Mr. Fauci.

Do you think thats appropriate? Do the American people deserve to be abused like that, Mr. Fauci, because youre not Dr., youre Mr. Fauci in my few minutes, she said, before adding, No, I dont need your answer.

She was pressing him on schools requiring children to wear masks during the pandemic and the 6-feet social distancing guidelines put in place in many public spaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) quickly objected, asking, Just in terms of the rules of decorum, are we allowed to deny that a doctor is a doctor just because we dont want him to be a doctor?

Yes, because in my time, that man does not deserve to have a license. As a matter of fact, it should be revoked, and he belongs in jail, Greene responded.

Wenstrup then reprimanded Greene, saying loudly that the gentlelady will suspend and instructing her to recognize Fauci as a doctor.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) also said it was unacceptable for Greene not to address Fauci with the appropriate title.

Its completely unacceptable to deny Dr. Fauci, whos here, a respected member of the medical community, his title. And thats actually a personal attack on his character, he said.

This prompted Greene to say that Fauci was not respected and to double down on not addressing Fauci as doctor. Wenstrup then urged all members of the committee to adhere to the rules of decorum and to be mindful of their remarks.

Greene concluded her questioning by calling for a criminal referral against Fauci for crimes against humanity.

You know what this committee should be doing? We should be recommending you to be prosecuted. We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity. You belong in prison, Dr. Fauci, Greene said, without allowing time for Fauci to respond.

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House Republicans are proposing a cut of about 11 percent to the State Department budget, in a proposal released Monday for the main funding bill for the department.

The spending cuts target efforts to address climate change and promote LGBTQ visibility and inclusivity. They decrease international spending on refugee and migration crises, and cut funding for the United Nations and international programs  in particular womens health related to family planning and education about abortion.

This bill prioritizes our national security and reduces wasteful spending, House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said in a statement.

The cuts also eliminate at least 33 special envoys and special representatives  individual appointments that are viewed as important to elevate and address a specific policy issue. Among the canceled 33 appointments are the special presidential envoy for climate; special envoy for racial equity and justice; special envoy to advance the human rights of LGBTQ persons; special envoy for international labor affairs, and the special representative for Palestinian affairs.

Other spending cuts take aim at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which is the umbrella group of five branches of media outlets that broadcast in countries with restrictions on the free press. This includes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; the Voice of America; the Middle East Broadcasting Network; and Radio Free Asia; the Office of Cuba broadcasting. USAGM also oversees the Open Technology Fund, which promotes uncensored access to the internet.

Other spending cuts affect the Peace Corps, global health programs and democracy-building initiatives.

Democrats rejected the argument that the spending cuts improve U.S. national security.

I am appalled by the extreme cuts and policy riders Republicans have proposed for 2025, said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), the ranking member for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

For the sake of our national security, womens health globally, and our response to the climate crisis, Republicans must abandon this reckless and partisan path and join Democrats at the table to govern.

The spending cut puts the State Departments operating budget at almost $52 billion per year, slashing $7.6 billion from 2024 spending levels.

The proposal is also nearly 20 percent less than the request issued by President Biden, who requested a budget of nearly $64 billion.

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As the bell rings, I find myself transported to a secondary school somewhere in France outside a classroom in the shoes of Julia, a 16-year-old schoolgirl.

That lesson was so boring, yawns Yanis, my best friend, who I swivel around to greet as he walks into view, along with classmates Ines and Enzo.

It turns out there is a party the following evening and I have an admirer  a certain Lucas  who pops by to say hell be coming too. See you there, Julia, he pointedly adds.

Why dont you go out with him? Hes really into you, laughs Ines as he saunters off.

No need to blush, Julia. Youd better go for it otherwise I will.

It is an unsettling experience for a 53-year-old male journalist with a teenage daughter to be placed in the shoes of a 16-year-old victim of school bullying.

That sense of discomfort is further multiplied when the ordeal is fully immersive using virtual reality headsets with 360-degree vision.

Created by a Lyon-based psychological risk training startup called Reverto, the 12-minute film called sans repit (no respite) was shot on a budget of 80,000 (68,000), took six months to write and involved seven actors and 30 extras.

It comes as president Emmanuel Macrons government has pledged a massive crackdown on bullying in recent months. His prime minister, Gabrial Attal, has championed the cause as he was a victim.

Henry Samuel watches the film

While the 2-D version has been made available to various educational authorities in France, the immersive one has been tried on only four secondary schools before being rolled out more widely.

Trapped in my young female avatar, I find myself the following evening at the house party downing vodka. Lucas comes over and starts to flirt while Ines fumes in the background.

A few days later in a class on Greek democracy, Yanis mocks Ines for being jealous and then warns me in a whisper: Shes really got it in for you.

Two weeks later, a concerned female friend asks if Im all right. Lucas isnt responding to your messages? Whats going on? Did you sleep together?

Then Yanis rushes in. Julia, did you see what they put on your profile? Theyve taken a womans nude body and added your head. This is really bad. You didnt give Ines your passwords, did you?

Ines and her gang appear. Is she a good lay, your girlfriend? she laughs.

This is serious. Lets get the supervisor, suggests Yanis. I do nothing.

Co-founders of R'Volution, Laurent Renaul, left, and Cedric Santiago - HENRY SAMUEL FOR THE TELEGRAPH

Two days later, my mother knocks on my bedroom door and asks whether everything is all right  Were here if you need us  when I see that Ines has created a new Whatsapp group called Julia the whore.

Then I receive a message from Lucas. I want to see you, meet me in the park tomorrow.

Elated, I turn up but its a trap laid by my classroom tormentors who film the scene as Enzo taunts me.

The film goes viral at school the next day.

Then the social media lynching begins. Ill never hang out with you again. Sad case. Youre nothing but a slag. You should go and hide far away! Or better still, go kill yourself, that would work.

At this point, an adult voice cuts in. This has to stop now.

What follows is a questionnaire on what constitutes classroom and cyber-bullying and a reminder that in France it is punishable in the case of suicide by a maximum 10-year prison term and 150,000 fine, even for minors.

Pupils are advised that if anything resembling bullying occurs, they should contact a parent, a friend, a counsellor, confidant or freephone number, because the sooner you start talking about it, the easier it will be.

Beyond victims, witnesses play a vital role in breaking the circle of harassment, pupils are told.

Lenaic Cadet, a doctor in cognitive psychology and director of research and development at Reverto, said: The aim is to generate empathy among secondary school pupils, for whom it is sometimes difficult to understand bullying without having experienced it first-hand.

At the end of the film, they can say: I had a virtual reality experience and I was bullied.

RVolution, a virtual reality training company, then added the immersive conditions via their headsets.

Scene from the anti-bullying film

Such is the emotional impact that some pupils who step into Julias shoes cry out during the experience and there is an escape button for ex-victims of bullying if they feel it is triggering traumatic feelings.

I almost cried, said one 15-year-old pupil, Tidian at the Lycee Sonia-Delaunay in Seine-et-Marne, south of Paris, which tested the film. I wasnt expecting it to be so immersive. It was hard to put myself in Julias shoes and not be able to act or speak, just suffer the attacks, he told Le Parisien, which was allowed to attend.

It cited Timothee, another pupil, as saying: Ive already been a victim of school bullying. I remembered how painful it was to see my friends talking about me behind my back, the rumours and so on. One things for sure: when we saw this film, we had just one wish: to defend her. We realise that we have to put an end to all this.

I watched the film at RVolutions offices in Seine-Port, south of Paris. As its title suggests, the film offers no way to respond to the virtual bullying onslaught. Its a frustratingly passive experience, but thats the point.

Cedric Santiago, co-founder of RVolution, said: Im a father and a few years ago, one of my daughters was bullied. Like a lot of people, I felt helpless. At first, she didnt know who to turn to and neither did we. That prompted this project.

He and co-founder Laurent Renault, say the film helps pupils open up. Weve seen pupils suddenly realise that they are the victims of bullying as they tick all of the boxes.

As for the harceleurs (stalkers), young people often dont realise that what they are doing constitutes bullying. The problem is one photo quickly gets relayed by dozens of others and it gets out of hand.

We want to act quickly

Its proponents say the film can help turn the tables on bullies, as it is often the victims who end up leaving the school to escape such treatment.

Its the same in the companies we have worked in using immersive films on sexual or moral harassment. The victims usually leave. Thats changing, said Mr Renault.

Cecile Chanoz, headmistress of the Lycee in Cesson, said: This year, weve had just one case of bullying at school, which was followed by the permanent expulsion of the bully. What we want is to be able to act quickly, even before it takes hold.

Bullying affects up to a million pupils in France each year, according to parliamentary figures. About 40 per cent of secondary school pupils, 23 per cent of middle school pupils and 37 per cent of primary school pupils report having been victims of harassment by classmates.

Following the suicide of a 13-year-old girl in northern France, the government last year promised to create a new anti-bullying plan with a raft of measures including referring serious bullying cases directly to prosecutors and compulsory empathy courses.

Under the plan, repeat bullies risk having their mobile phones permanently confiscated on the orders of a juvenile court, while the government pledged to create anti-bullying brigades within each regional school authority.

Mr Attal said a collective electric shock was required so that fear and shame change sides.

He added: Every pupil in France has the right to happiness. Less bullying means more happiness.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt says that Oklahoma's 2024 legislative session was productive, but added he was disappointed by the Senates rejection of his appointees for several cabinet secretary positions and other roles.

Stitt held a news conference the day after the legislature wrapped up its business and adjourned on Thursday.

The governor's nominations for several cabinet positions were rejected by the Senate, including Dr. Corey Finch (Secretary of Health and Mental Health), Dr. Deborah Shropshire (Secretary of Human Services), Heather Jenks (Department of Commerce director), Leigh Gaddis (Wildlife Commission), Audrey Katigan (Oklahoma Library Board), Susan Bergen (OSU/A&M Board of Regents) and Alex Gray (State Board of Education).

The unfilled positions leave six cabinet secretary positions open.

Basically, theyre fired from their jobs, he said.

More: Immigration, graduation and a tax cut: 10 of the biggest bills this legislative session

Passage of grocery tax cut was a high point, governor says

However, the governor said that overall, the legislative session was productive, and lawmakers were able to pass priority bills.

Cutting the state's portion of the grocery tax was a point of celebration for Stitt, who set that as one of his goals at the beginning of his term as governor.

He listed as other priority bills include the Womens Bill of Rights, establishing a new law that defines sex as the natural persons biological sex at birth. Supporters of HB 1449 said it allows the state to establish distinctions between sexes when related to important government objectives like biology, privacy, safety or fairness.

However, an opponent, Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, told the news outlet Oklahoma Voice she objects that the bill is named the Womens Bill of Rights because the bill does nothing to increase her freedoms and does not give her bodily autonomy or the right to make her own health care decisions. She said it also doesnt guarantee that women will receive equal pay for the same work as men.

More: State lawmakers override five gubernatorial vetoes as session ends

Stitt was also happy with the framework to create a future business court, which he said will help Oklahoma be the nation's most business friendly state.

That is going to help our economy. Thats going to help education, healthcare, infrastructure, he said. Its going to help our state grow. Its going to help wages increase.

Stitt said the court system that resulted in a conviction of former President Donald Trump on Thursday would cause a huge long tail of businesses to flee New York.

I want to make sure that our businesses know that [theyre] protected in the state of Oklahoma from out of control weaponization of district attorneys, attorney generals, he said.

Stitt said he was satisfied with the felony reclassifications that were passed this session, and signed the bill Friday. Stitt commended Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, and Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa for the legislation.

HB 1792 categorizes all felonies into classes according to the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Reclassification Councils recommendations, according to a House press release. The legislation sorts more than 2,000 felonies into 14 different categories based on the severity of the crime. It also aligns sentence ranges with current practices based on data from judicial sentencing orders, not actual time served. The measure sets standard sentencing ranges and minimum time served requirements for Class C and D felonies, with the severity of these sentences increasing after repeat offenses, the release said.

Stitt said he was also proud of the Choosing Childbirth Act, which clarifies that private entities like crisis pregnancy centers and private organizations can be reimbursed by the Department of Health for listed services such as obstetric ultrasounds, mental health and substance abuse services, among others.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How was the Oklahoma legislative session in 2024? Productive, Stitt says
Money doesnt grow on trees, but for one New York couple it emerges from the filthy gunk at the bottom of a city pond.

James Kane and Barbie Agostini were magnet fishing  using a cable to toss a powerful magnet into a body of water  in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on Friday when they hooked something big.

They yanked up their haul and discovered their magnet had grabbed onto a safe - with bundles of $100 bills inside. The soggy, but intact, bills were a new $100,000 fortune for the couple.

We pulled out and it was two stacks of freaking hundreds, Kane told NY1.

James Kane yanks a safe out of a body of water in New York using a powerful magnet attached to a cable. Mr Kane and his magnet fishing partner Barbie Agostini found $100,000 in a safe they pulled from a body of water in a Queens park (screengrab/NY1 News/Lets Get Magnetic YouTube)

Kane said they had previously found other old safes, but said that they were typically empty or contained plastic bags and the disintegrated remains of money.

The couple said they contacted the NYPD about the safe once they realized it was stuffed with cash. The police ran a check and confirmed the safe was not connected to any crimes and told the couple they were clear to keep their findings.

I couldnt believe it, Agostini said. I lost it.

Kane told NY1 that the couple started magnet fishing during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said it allowed them to go on treasure hunts without having to invest in expensive equipment like sonar or dredging gear.

We call it the poor mans treasure hunting, he told the station.

Past magnet fishing trips had earned the couple guns, World War II era grenades, an in-tact motorcycle, foreign coins and jewelry.

The couple documents their magnet fishing trips on their YouTube Channel Lets Get Magnetic.

Magnet fishing as a hobby blew up during the pandemic, and some have kept with the activity even after lockdown ended. As a result, some odd and unexpected things have been yanked up out of the depths.

Last month, a magnet fisher in New Orleans found a human skull that had been padlocked to an exercise dumbbell, CBS News reported.

In March, unexploded bombs were pulled up by magnet fishermen in the Charles River in Massachusetts in two separate incidents, according to CBS Boston.
Group says it intends to sue US agencies for failing to assess Georgia plant's environmental impact

FILE - A factory building is under construction at Hyundai's first U.S. plant for manufacturing electric vehicles, Oct. 25, 2023, in Ellabell, Ga. On Monday, June 3, 2024, a Georgia conservation group filed notice of its intent to sue two U.S. government agencies, saying they failed to properly assess the environmental impacts of the $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant Hyundai is building outside Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum, File)

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  A Georgia conservation group Monday filed notice of its intent to sue two U.S. government agencies, saying they failed to properly assess the environmental impacts of the $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant Hyundai is building outside Savannah.

The Ogeechee Riverkeeper accuses the Army Corps of Engineers of issuing a permit to fill or dredge wetlands on the plant site using outdated data that failed to consider the project's final scale. And it says the agency wrongly assumed the project would have a negligible impact on the region's groundwater supply.

The environmental group also says the U.S. Treasury Department dispersed millions of dollars in infrastructure funding that benefitted the project without performing required environmental reviews.

Any activities related to this project should be immediately halted until these crucial steps are properly completed, said a letter addressed to the agencies' leaders by Donald D.J. Stack, an attorney representing the conservation group.

Hyundai Motor Group broke ground in 2022 on its first U.S. factory devoted to building electric vehicles and the batteries that power them. The South Korean automaker has said it hopes to begin production before the end of this year in Bryan County west of Savannah.

Ultimately, Hyundai plans to have 8,000 workers producing 300,000 EVs per year at the Georgia site, making it the largest economic development project the state has ever tackled. The plant site sprawls across more than 2,900 acres (1,170 hectares).

Spokespersons for Hyundai and the two federal agencies named in the environmental group's letter did not immediately respond to email messages seeking comment Monday evening.

The letter says the group plans to file suit after 60 days if construction of the Hyundai plant isn't halted while the Army Corps and Treasury Department perform updated environmental reviews.

When we find out that permit applicants withhold important information in an application and the permitting agency hasnt done their due diligence, we will call them out and use the law to hold them accountable, Damon Mullis, the riverkeeper group's executive director, said in a statement.

The group's letter says the Army Corps granted the project's permit in 2022 largely using information from a 2019 application submitted by a local agency before there was a deal with Hyundai to build in Georgia. It says the project grew by more than 500 acres (202 hectares) in that period.

The riverkeeper group's letter also says the Army Corps severely underestimated impacts to the area's water supply. It says agency granted a permit without information on how much water the plant would use, wrongly assuming a negligible impact that Bryan County's local water system could accommodate.

However, Georgia environmental regulators are now considering permit applications for four wells in a neighboring county that would allow the Hyundai plant to withdraw a combined 6.5 million gallons of water per day. They would come from the groundwater aquifer thats the regions main source of drinking water.

The riverkeeper group says the Treasury Department violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to perform an environmental review before dispersing an estimated $240 million to help pay for water and wastewaters infrastructure improvements benefitting the Hyundai plant. It says the funding came from a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package Congress approved in 2021.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two teens who were known members of a criminal street gang were arrested Friday in Porterville, according to the Porterville Police Department.

Police say at 4:30 p.m. detectives with the Porterville Police Department spotted two male juveniles in the 100 block of South Beverly Street. According to police, both juveniles were known members of a criminal street gang and were on county probation for prior weapons violations.

When detectives attempted to contact the two teens, one fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Police say one of the juveniles was found to have a loaded handgun, which was determined to be stolen out of the city of Visalia. The other juvenile police say attempted to discard a backpack as he fled. The backpack was located and contained a loaded pistol magazine.

Detectives say they conducted a probation compliance check at one of the juveniles homes, located in the 500 block of Wellington Place. Detectives found cocaine within the residence, which was easily accessible to a young child who was present at the residence, according to police.

Both juveniles were arrested and booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

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By hand or machine: Tabulator bans go to voters in three South Dakota counties Tuesday

Voters come to collect their ballots from poll workers on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Sioux Falls School District in Sioux Falls.

On Tuesday, when voters in three counties decide whether to ban tabulator machines in future elections, it will be the culmination of a statewide citizen groups multi-year movement to switch South Dakota elections to hand counting.

The votes  in Gregory, Haakon and Tripp counties  were forced by citizen-initiated petitions. Proponents of the ban claim that tabulator machines lack transparency, that election officials are breaking a state law that dictates where ballots can be counted, and that hand counting ballots is cheaper than machine counting. County auditors  the elected officials who oversee local elections  say machine counting is accurate, transparent and more efficient, and they worry a switch to hand counting could be more expensive.

Whatever the outcome, members of the South Dakota Canvassing Group plan to continue their push for hand counting.

Theres a fire going here and will not be going out soon, said Steve McCance, one of the lead petitioners for the Gregory County ballot question.

The nonprofit organization is part of a nationwide movement that started after the 2020 election, motivated in part by claims that the election was stolen from former president Donald Trump. Trump filed more than 60 lawsuits contesting either the election or the way it was administered. None of the cases succeeded, and hes currently under criminal prosecution for allegedly attempting to subvert the election.

Polling by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy shows that 67% of South Dakota voters accept the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, but only 20% are very confident that American election results reflect the will of the people.

Robert Tate, one of Tripp Countys lead petitioners, said its important that Americans have confidence in elections.

If we elect an elected official and hes not doing a good job, then we complain about him for four years and then we can vote him out, Tate said. But if we dont have confidence in our elections and then our governor or our president isnt doing a good job, we complain about how they stole the election. We dont want that. Thats not good. 

Several tabulator ban petitions were circulated at the county level across the state earlier this year, with some counties  including Lawrence, McPherson and Charles Mix counties  rejecting them. Officials in some counties said the petitions could conflict with federal election requirements, according to their legal counsel.

Push for hand counting focused on transparency

Aside from concerns about accuracy, South Dakota Canvassing President Jessica Pollema said the group is dedicated to transparency.

The elections belong to the people, but theyve been contracted out to a third party thats blacked out an audit trail. People dont trust that, Pollema said. Once theres full transparency, people will possibly be able to trust the system again.

South Dakota county auditors contract with Election Systems and Software, known as ES&S, a national company based in Omaha, to lease and operate tabulator machines. The company doesnt sign an oath, Pollema said, and the groups members have not been able to audit the system themselves through public records requests.

Tate said he and other members of South Dakota Canvassing asked for cast vote records and were told they did not exist. Activists nationwide requested such records.

A cast vote record is the electronic representation of how a voter voted (without personally identifying information), which is not a public record in the state and is only able to be produced with certain software in a few counties, officials said.

Will Adler is the associate director of the Elections Project with the Bipartisan Policy Center, which advocates for election policy reform approved by a task force of election officials aiming to make elections more secure, fair and trustworthy.

Adler said allowing cast vote records and images of marked ballots to be public records would improve transparency a lot. Two bills introduced during the 2024 legislative session that would have made cast vote records public  one introduced by the Secretary of States Office and one by Sen. Tom Piscke, R-Dell Rapids  failed to pass out of committee.

In general, thats a more promising avenue to move towards that would allow members of the public to understand why they can trust the tabulations, Adler said.

State law allows for several forms of transparency in elections, including the use of poll watchers to observe the election process and public test runs of tabulators before each election to check for accuracy. Petitioners in Tripp County held a hand counting seminar the same day as the countys tabulator test on May 30.

In 2023, the South Dakota Legislature addressed transparency by passing a bill to require post-election audits. County auditors must randomly audit at least 5% of ballots cast in voting precincts after the primary and general elections. South Dakota was one of the last few states to implement audits.

Some counties have decided to audit more than the required 5% after the primary, including Tripp, Haakon and Gregory counties.

Adler said post-election audits are a step in the right direction, though he said some other states are implementing risk limiting audits, which can change the audit amount based on the closeness of the race.

This allows you to have really high confidence in a really efficient way and leveraging that human insight, Adler said. That allows you to have quick tabulation and quick comprehensive audits.

Petitioners, auditors differ on cost estimates

In Haakon County, Auditor Stacy Pinney and the county states attorney estimates hand counting could cost more.

I plan and prepare for the worst, but I work for the best outcome, Pinney said.

The worst case scenario, for Pinney, is that it could take up to 15 hours for paid election workers to count the ballots, making mistakes and having to recount. County commissioners set election worker rates at the beginning of an election year. Precinct workers are required to be paid, according to state law.

The three county auditors estimated budgets for machine counting vs. hand counting vary, depending on how long it could take workers to count ballots. At their quickest possible pace, hand counting would be cheapest, though auditors dont expect that.

Honestly, we know it would never take just an hour, said Tripp County Auditor Barb DeSersa. Some precincts are larger than others, so its hard to judge how many hours it would take. It also depends on the voter turnout.

South Dakota implemented machine tabulators in the early 2000s. Mark Nelson, one of the lead petitioners in Haakon County, was an election worker over 40 years ago and said hand counting back then wasnt that difficult.

But even if it is more expensive to hand count, that money stays within the county by paying residents rather than an out-of-state corporation, said South Dakota Canvassings Pollema.

Pollema said hand counting can be cheaper, especially if using a specific kind of tally sheet that her group has determined can be used to count 250 ballots per hour with up to 11 races on one ballot with a trained team.

Adler said that even if auditors used the tally sheet South Dakota Canvassing Group is proposing, hand counting could still have a higher risk of error and costs.

Regardless of how you implement it, the fact is humans are extremely bad at repetitive tasks like counting ballots, Adler said, referencing studies on human error in different industries. I think theres just no way around it.

Tripp County hand counted ballots for the 2022 election. DeSersa was awake for 40 hours straight between Election Day and the day after, with a significant amount of that time supervising hand-counters. Several races had to be recounted, sometimes three or four times that night.

Group alleges elected officials breaking law

Pollema and petitioners also claim that ballots must be counted within the precinct boundaries where they were cast, and doing otherwise is unlawful. But that statute only refers to hand counting ballots, not tabulating, said Sara Frankenstein, a Rapid City lawyer who specializes in election law.

With the advent of automatic tabulating systems, we have a chapter in our South Dakota code that governs when those machines are used, Frankenstein said, referencing a statute regarding the auditor setting up a central counting location (which is usually the courthouse or the county administration building) and keeping the process open to the public.

Frankenstein said the allegations are reckless.

Ballots absolutely can and are required to be taken to the central location the county auditor deems, Frankenstein said, referring to elections that include tabulator machines. So they arent doing anything illegal by following those very laws.

Whether the bans pass or not, South Dakota Canvassing will continue pushing for hand-counted elections, attending state Board of Elections meetings and supporting legislative efforts that align with their values, Pollema said.

The people need to have the government under their watchful eye. Thats why were in this mess, Pollema said. Weve been a little apathetic to our approach of watching our government. Now the people realize whats going on and have decided to participate at all levels.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Voters in these 3 South Dakota counties will decide on tabulator bans
By hand or machine: Tabulator bans go to voters in three counties Tuesday

Workers count ballots using a tabulator during the Sioux Falls city and school board election on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Workers count ballots using a tabulator during the Sioux Falls city and school board election on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

On Tuesday, when voters in three counties decide whether to ban tabulator machines in future elections, it will be the culmination of a statewide citizen groups multi-year movement to switch South Dakota elections to hand counting.

The votes  in Gregory, Haakon and Tripp counties  were forced by citizen-initiated petitions. Proponents of the ban claim that tabulator machines lack transparency, that election officials are breaking a state law that dictates where ballots can be counted, and that hand counting ballots is cheaper than machine counting. County auditors  the elected officials who oversee local elections  say machine counting is accurate, transparent and more efficient, and they worry a switch to hand counting could be more expensive.

Whatever the outcome, members of the South Dakota Canvassing Group plan to continue their push for hand counting.

Theres a fire going here and will not be going out soon, said Steve McCance, one of the lead petitioners for the Gregory County ballot question.

The nonprofit organization is part of a nationwide movement that started after the 2020 election, motivated in part by claims that the election was stolen from former president Donald Trump. Trump filed more than 60 lawsuits contesting either the election or the way it was administered. None of the cases succeeded, and hes currently under criminal prosecution for allegedly attempting to subvert the election.

Polling by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy shows that 67% of South Dakota voters accept the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, but only 20% are very confident that American election results reflect the will of the people.

Tabulator scans ballots during the Sioux Falls city and school board election on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Robert Tate, one of Tripp Countys lead petitioners, said its important that Americans have confidence in elections.

If we elect an elected official and hes not doing a good job, then we complain about him for four years and then we can vote him out, Tate said. But if we dont have confidence in our elections and then our governor or our president isnt doing a good job, we complain about how they stole the election. We dont want that. Thats not good. 

Several tabulator ban petitions were circulated at the county level across the state earlier this year, with some counties  including Lawrence, McPherson and Charles Mix counties  rejecting them. Officials in some counties said the petitions could conflict with federal election requirements, according to their legal counsel.

Push for hand counting focused on transparency

Aside from concerns about accuracy, South Dakota Canvassing President Jessica Pollema said the group is dedicated to transparency.

The elections belong to the people, but theyve been contracted out to a third party thats blacked out an audit trail. People dont trust that, Pollema said. Once theres full transparency, people will possibly be able to trust the system again.

South Dakotans participate in a hand counting demonstration. (Photo courtesy of South Dakota Canvassing Group)

South Dakota county auditors contract with Election Systems and Software, known as ES&S, a national company based in Omaha, to lease and operate tabulator machines. The company doesnt sign an oath, Pollema said, and the groups members have not been able to audit the system themselves through public records requests.

Tate said he and other members of South Dakota Canvassing asked for cast vote records and were told they did not exist. Activists nationwide requested such records.

A cast vote record is the electronic representation of how a voter voted (without personally identifying information), which is not a public record in the state and is only able to be produced with certain software in a few counties, officials said.

Will Adler is the associate director of the Elections Project with the Bipartisan Policy Center, which advocates for election policy reform approved by a task force of election officials aiming to make elections more secure, fair and trustworthy.

Adler said allowing cast vote records and images of marked ballots to be public records would improve transparency a lot. Two bills introduced during the 2024 legislative session that would have made cast vote records public  one introduced by the Secretary of States Office and one by Sen. Tom Piscke, R-Dell Rapids  failed to pass out of committee.

In general, thats a more promising avenue to move towards that would allow members of the public to understand why they can trust the tabulations, Adler said.

State law allows for several forms of transparency in elections, including the use of poll watchers to observe the election process and public test runs of tabulators before each election to check for accuracy. Petitioners in Tripp County held a hand counting seminar the same day as the countys tabulator test on May 30.

Poll watcher Rick Weible observes the counting of ballots during the Sioux Falls city and school board election on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

In 2023, the South Dakota Legislature addressed transparency by passing a bill to require post-election audits. County auditors must randomly audit at least 5% of ballots cast in voting precincts after the primary and general elections. South Dakota was one of the last few states to implement audits.

Some counties have decided to audit more than the required 5% after the primary, including Tripp, Haakon and Gregory counties.

Adler said post-election audits are a step in the right direction, though he said some other states are implementing risk limiting audits, which can change the audit amount based on the closeness of the race.

This allows you to have really high confidence in a really efficient way and leveraging that human insight, Adler said. That allows you to have quick tabulation and quick comprehensive audits.

Petitioners, auditors differ on cost estimates

In Haakon County, Auditor Stacy Pinney and the county states attorney estimates hand counting could cost more.

I plan and prepare for the worst, but I work for the best outcome, Pinney said.

The worst case scenario, for Pinney, is that it could take up to 15 hours for paid election workers to count the ballots, making mistakes and having to recount. County commissioners set election worker rates at the beginning of an election year. Precinct workers are required to be paid, according to state law.

The three county auditors estimated budgets for machine counting vs. hand counting vary, depending on how long it could take workers to count ballots. At their quickest possible pace, hand counting would be cheapest, though auditors dont expect that.

Honestly, we know it would never take just an hour, said Tripp County Auditor Barb DeSersa. Some precincts are larger than others, so its hard to judge how many hours it would take. It also depends on the voter turnout.

South Dakota implemented machine tabulators in the early 2000s. Mark Nelson, one of the lead petitioners in Haakon County, was an election worker over 40 years ago and said hand counting back then wasnt that difficult.

But even if it is more expensive to hand count, that money stays within the county by paying residents rather than an out-of-state corporation, said South Dakota Canvassings Pollema.

Pollema said hand counting can be cheaper, especially if using a specific kind of tally sheet that her group has determined can be used to count 250 ballots per hour with up to 11 races on one ballot with a trained team.

Adler said that even if auditors used the tally sheet South Dakota Canvassing Group is proposing, hand counting could still have a higher risk of error and costs.

Regardless of how you implement it, the fact is humans are extremely bad at repetitive tasks like counting ballots, Adler said, referencing studies on human error in different industries. I think theres just no way around it.

Tripp County hand counted ballots for the 2022 election. DeSersa was awake for 40 hours straight between Election Day and the day after, with a significant amount of that time supervising hand-counters. Several races had to be recounted, sometimes three or four times that night.

Group alleges elected officials breaking law

Pollema and petitioners also claim that ballots must be counted within the precinct boundaries where they were cast, and doing otherwise is unlawful. But that statute only refers to hand counting ballots, not tabulating, said Sara Frankenstein, a Rapid City lawyer who specializes in election law.

South Dakotans participate in a hand counting demonstration. (Photo courtesy of South Dakota Canvassing Group)

With the advent of automatic tabulating systems, we have a chapter in our South Dakota code that governs when those machines are used, Frankenstein said, referencing a statute regarding the auditor setting up a central counting location (which is usually the courthouse or the county administration building) and keeping the process open to the public.

Frankenstein said the allegations are reckless.

Ballots absolutely can and are required to be taken to the central location the county auditor deems, Frankenstein said, referring to elections that include tabulator machines. So they arent doing anything illegal by following those very laws.

Whether the bans pass or not, South Dakota Canvassing will continue pushing for hand-counted elections, attending state Board of Elections meetings and supporting legislative efforts that align with their values, Pollema said.

The people need to have the government under their watchful eye. Thats why were in this mess, Pollema said. Weve been a little apathetic to our approach of watching our government. Now the people realize whats going on and have decided to participate at all levels.

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The post By hand or machine: Tabulator bans go to voters in three counties Tuesday appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Another month of tours of historic B Reactor on the Hanford nuclear site will be offered before tours close at least through 2025.

Once construction starts, possibly as soon as August, tours will not be possible.

Decisions on tours are being made month by month, with the most recent decision made Monday June 3 to extend tours through July.

At the start of the 2024 tour season, the Department of Energy was only certain that tours would be offered through June.

Almost all seats on June tours have been claimed, and seats on July tours could go fast. The tours will be offered every day in July except Sundays, with tours starting at 8:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

To register, go to manhattanprojectbreactor.hanford.gov. Those without internet access may contact the tour center at 2000 Logston Blvd., Richland, by calling 509-376-1647.

Buses for the tours leave the Richland visitor center for a drive to the reactor near the Columbia River and then about two hours are spent within the reactor. Tours take about four hours total.

A tour guide speaks to visitors at the front face of Hanfords B Reactor at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

Tours are open to all ages and nationalities. They are free, and donations are not accepted.

The law that created the park in 2015 gave DOE the authority to accept donations, including money, in kind goods or labor, but that authority has not yet been passed down from the energy secretary to DOEs national park locations, including Hanford.

A decision on whether tours will be offered in August is scheduled to be announced July 1 and a decision on whether tours may be offered in September could be announced on Aug. 5.

Historic B Reactor

B Reactor was built in less than a year as the Allies raced to develop an atomic bomb before Nazi Germany.

The reactor produced the plutonium used to fuel the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, the Trinity Test in New Mexico, as moviegoers have seen re-enacted in Oppenheimer.

Hanfords B Reactor, the worlds first full-scale production reactor, is shown from the air in 1944.

B Reactor also produced plutonium for the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, Aug. 9, 1945, just weeks after the Trinity Test. Japan surrendered Aug. 15, 1945, ending World War II.

There was nothing like B Reactor before it was built and nothing has been the same since, DOE officials have said.

It launched the Atomic Age, including the atomic weapons build-up of the Cold War. It also signaled a new way to make clean energy and created the field of nuclear medicine and the nuclear technology industry.

Visitors to B Reactor now can walk through the reactor that looks much as it did during WWII.

They can gaze up at the towering face of the reactor where fuel was loaded for the first time in 1944, and they can sit at the controls that started up the reactor for the first time in 1945. Those gathered in the control room were unsure if a reactor would produce plutonium or would create a runaway chain reaction that would blow the planet up.

B Reactor planned work

Supporters of B Reactor worked for more than a decade to get Congressional appropriations to allow DOE to assess the condition of B Reactor and make repairs.

DOE co-manages the national park with the National Park Service and continues to own the reactor and provides public access.

A tour guide speaks to visitors at the front face of Hanfords B Reactor at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

Planned projects for this year and 2025 include:

 The roof will be replaced after leaks were detected, including at the front face of the reactor and the control room. The leaky roof is the issue that started concerns about the reactor buildings condition.

 Mortar will be replaced between the reactors exterior concrete masonry blocks.

In some places as the building was expanded or was repaired, grout rather than mortar was used. That grout will be drilled out and replaced with mortar that will seal out water and help with building stability.

 The WWII era electrical system for operating the reactor will be replaced with a smaller, more energy efficient and easier-to-maintain system appropriate for maintaining the facility and providing public access long term.

 A semi-permanent restroom will be added outside the reactor.

While the reactor is closed to tours for repairs, an online, virtual tour of B Reactor is planned that will include updates on progress on work at B Reactor.

Pre-war historic Hanford tours

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park also offers seasonal tours telling the history of life before early residents and settlers were forced to leave their farms, homes and businesses to make way for the top-secret production of plutonium.

The tour includes a look at the few buildings remaining from the farms and orchards along the Columbia River and the small towns of Hanford and White Bluffs.

Buildings include the stone Bruggemann Warehouse, the remains of the 1916 Hanford High School, the tiny First Bank of White Bluffs and the 1908 Hanford Irrigation District Pump House.

As B Reactor tours close for construction work, the pre-war Hanford tours are expected to add a stop outside B Reactor.

School children enter Hanfords historic B Reactor at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park on a tour.

The pre-Manhattan Project tours, which take about four hours, include bus transportation and a short walking tour at each site.

To register for tours through September go to tours.hanford.gov/HistoricTours or call the visitor center at 509-376-1647. Almost all tour seats for June are already claimed.

The shell of Hanford High School is part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The federal government seized the communities of Hanford, White Bluffs and Richland during World War II.
(FOUNTAIN, Colo.)  The Hanover Fire Department in Fountain reported that Station 2 caught on fire on the afternoon of Sunday, June 2, causing major damage.

According to the Fire Department, the station sustained major damage, and two trucks were lost, along with other equipment.

Courtesy: Hanover Fire Department

Courtesy: Hanover Fire Department

Courtesy: Hanover Fire Department

Courtesy: Hanover Fire Department

Courtesy: Hanover Fire Department

This fire comes right after the department had announced a breakfast on Sunday, June 9, at Station 1, where they would be welcoming the community to spend time with them and enjoy a country breakfast. The Fire Department has stated that the fire will not affect the breakfast.

The Hanover Fire Department extended thanks to all of the agencies who responded to assist on the fire.

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.
Heres what is happening to the old Harbor General Store building in downtown Gig Harbor

Commencement Bank is moving into the old Harbor General Store building in downtown Gig Harbor.

The banks chief executive officer, John E. Manolides, told the Gateway they expect to open the new branch this summer.

Were thinking we should be able to be in there in the next two, three months, Manolides said May 28. Its not a big remodel, by any means, but it takes a while to get the flooring and that kind of stuff, furniture.

The bank announced the opening of a branch at 3006 Judson St., Suite 101, last year in Gig Harbor.

Commencement Bank plans to close the Judson location when it moves into the Harbor General Store space at 7804 Pioneer Way.

Commencement Bank is moving into the old Harbor General Store building in downtown Gig Harbor.

The fact that it has a drive-thru is really appealing, and it has great parking right in front, Manolides said.

When the bank isnt open, after hours and on weekends, the goal is to open that parking to the public for free, he said.

Its kind of hard to park downtown sometimes, so we want to have that be available, he said.

The bank is headquartered in Tacoma and has locations in Olympia, Auburn and Enumclaw.

Gig Harbor is just a natural extension for us, he said.

Commencement Bank is moving into the old Harbor General Store building in downtown Gig Harbor.

The bank was one of 10 headquartered in Pierce County when it opened in 2006. Now there are only two banks headquartered in Pierce County, Manolides said: Commencement and Sound Banking Co. in Lakewood.

Were excited to bring a locally headquartered bank into downtown Gig Harbor, he said.

The Harbor General store opened in 2015 and closed suddenly in March 2023.

We are sad to say goodbye to our staff and our customers, the owners of the grocery store and cafe, Stephanie and Coby Sagle, wrote in a social media post March 6, 2023. The time has come for our family to spend more time together, slow down our pace of life and transition into another adventure.

The downtown QFC closed several years prior, the Gateway reported.

The owners of the Harbor General Store announced its sudden closure March 6, 2023. The market opened in 2015 in downtown Gig Harbor.
Harris to attend Ukraine peace summit after Zelensky urged Biden to go

Vice President Harris will travel to Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged President Biden to attend.

Harris will participate in the summit June 15 in Lucerne, where she is set to underscore the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to supporting Ukraines effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter, her office announced Monday.

She will be joined by national security adviser Jake Sullivan to represent the United States at the summit.

While in Switzerland, she will also reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression, her office said.

Zelensky last week urged Biden to attend, Reuters reported, appealing for him and Chinese President Xi Jinping to please, show your leadership in advancing the peace.

Biden will be in Los Angeles June 15 for a high-dollar fundraiser with former President Obama. The fundraiser will include Hollywood actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

National security communications official John Kirby defended Bidens decision to not attend the summit himself, saying the president has been steadfast in his support for Ukraine while House Republicans faced a long stalemate before passing military help for Ukraine in April.

There hasnt been a single leader around the world who has supported Ukraine more and more stridently than Joe Biden, Kirby said.

Were sending the vice president of the United States and the national security adviser to this particular peace summit again, because of our desire to be represented around that table  that alone is high level, very serious representation by the United States, he added.

The president has several days of international travel planned in June.

Before traveling to Los Angeles, Biden will be in Italy for the Group of Seven summit. This week, Biden is set to travel to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Updated at 12:19 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 The Hill.
Hawaiis election season is here. What to expect from House, mayoral races

Hawaiis 2024 election season is well underway, with few surprises. There are no competitive races at the federal level, and well-known incumbents like Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Prosecutor Steve Alm, both running in nonpartisan races, face minimal opposition.

Blangiardis handling of the citys rail project and his strong communication skills contribute to his solid position. Similarly, Alms name recognition and uncontroversial tenure, along with his stance against recreational marijuana legalization and efforts to combat crime in Waikiki, fortify his position.

Normally, these races on Oahu are seriously fought, but in this case, there has yet to be any serious competitors, said Colin Moore, a public policy expert at the University of Hawaii in Manoa.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (left of surfboard) posing for photos during a Cirque Du Soleil announcement with Outrigger Resorts Hotels in April 2023

More: Hawaii voters to decide on marriage law authority and judicial appointment process

Key Primary Races

The Democratic primary on Aug. 10 will feature a rematch between state House Speaker Scott Saiki and Kim Coco Iwamoto in the Ala Moana-Kakaako-Downtown district. Saiki narrowly defeated Iwamoto in the 2022 primary by 161 votes, setting the stage for another closely contested race that could impact House leadership.

I think there will be few races across the state that will get as much attention as this one, Moore notes. This is a seat that Scott Saiki has held onto, but its been very close in the past.

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki will face a tough test this fall as he seeks reelection.

The outcome could reshape House leadership following a legislative session that the more moderate Saiki deemed incredibly productive. However, according to Moore, Iwamoto could successfully connect with progressive voters in a district with many new residents.

Another House primary race generating buzz pits state Representative Trish La Chica, D-Waipio-Mililani, against political newcomer and fellow Democrat Ken Inouye, son of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

La Chica, 37, and vice chair of the state House Education Committee has focused on issues important to students, parents, and educators in Central Oahu, aiming to secure a better future for her community.

Ken Inouye, 59, an assistant to the vice chancellor at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, is emphasizing his efforts and connecting with voters door-to-door. Hes campaigned on issues such as the cost of living and the future of retirees and the younger generation.

More: Acquittal in Honolulu bribery case sparks debate over campaign contributions

Big Island Mayoral Race

The 2024 Hawaii County mayoral race, a nonpartisan contest where candidates run unaffiliated with any political parties, intensifies as incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth seeks reelection by emphasizing his efforts to reduce property taxes, address homelessness, and advance major public works. Roth highlights his community-focused problem-solving approach.

Challenging Roth is former Bay Clinic CEO Kimo Alameda, endorsed by the Hawaii Ironworkers Union Local 625. Alamedas campaign focuses on improving healthcare access and supporting the islands aging population, leveraging his extensive public health and administrative experience.

Hilo native Breeani Kobayashi also enters the race, bringing notable community involvement and leadership. Kobayashis platform aims to distribute resources more equitably and address the high cost of living. The race, which includes Hilo pastor Junior Tupai, is expected to see more candidates before the June 4 filing deadline.

Broader Implications

The U.S. presidential general election on Nov. 5 will feature a bitter rematch between the Democratic incumbent, President Joe Biden, and GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. However, Hawaiis historical preference for Democratic candidates suggests this race may not significantly impact voter turnout in the state. In the last U.S. presidential election in 2020, more than 579,000 people turned in a ballota record for the number of people who have voted in a Hawaii election, according to the Associated Press.

Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hawaii's 2024 elections shaped by major mayoral, county elections
North Carolinas public universities are charting a new path without diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Last month, the University of North Carolina Systems Board of Governors voted to end DEI programs at all schools in the system. Channel 9s Almiya White learned the change could have a serious impact on historically Black colleges and universities.

I think all of us are scrambling, Charlotte City Councilman James Mitchell said.

How do we maintain our success? And keeping that diverse population at a public university as well as excelling at our public universities?

RELATED: UNC Board of Governors repeals DEI funding

Those are questions many are grappling with. What will universities, particularly HBCUs, look like with the new DEI policy?

Mitchell is thinking about his alma mater, North Carolina Central University, where hes currently a member of the board of trustees.

This is about getting rid of DEI, he said. And so, when you open up and go down this slippery slope, it raises the question: Whats next?

I think that HBCUs for the most part will be hit harder, said Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the president of Johnson C. Smith University.

JCSU is a private university, meaning their DEI policies are safe. But Kinloch said theres a misconception that DEI policies are not needed at HBCUs.

There are also some people who believe that we get it right on our campuses because, well, we serve and service Black people and people of color, Kinloch said.

She predicts the change in DEI policy will make it harder for all public colleges to recruit incoming freshman.

ALSO READ: UNC System policy could dissolve diversity staff positions

This decision I believe, will impact who applies to what schools, Kinloch said.

Its still unclear exactly how the new DEI policy will change campus operations. But Kinloch worries HBCUs, which are chronically underfunded, could feel the financial burden more.

If the state tells you that you will not be committed to DEI, that you will not have diversity, equity and inclusion offices, then what do you do? she asked.

Dr. Kinloch and Councilman Mitchell both believe the 2019 DEI policy, which required diversity and inclusion services and officers, was not given a fair shot.

Are we sending the message that we are successful, and we need to stop? Or we sit and we need to go in another direction, Mitchell said. So, Id like to get that baseline information and kind of identify, you know, what was the issue?

Changes are expected to be in place by next school year and institutions must certify their compliance on or before Sept. 1.

(WATCH BELOW: UNC Charlotte protesters march to chancellors house)
A hearing has been set for late this year to hear alleged South Carolina ethics charges against former Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, and the co-author of her admittedly plagiarized book on the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial says he is "ready and willing" to testify.

The S.C. Ethics Commission released this week that on May 16 it had determined there is "probable cause" to conduct a hearing on two separate ethics complaints involving Hill, who recently resigned from public office in the midst of these ethics violation allegations and in the wake of two active state police investigations.

Becky Hill yells down to the attorney general Alan Wilson as he thanks her during a press conference after Alex Murdaugh was found guilty on all four counts at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post and Courier/Pool

Following allegations that Hill tampered with the jury during the internationally publicized, six-week Murdaugh murder trial  allegations that did not result in a new trial for Murdaugh  Hill is still facing accusations that she used her public office for financial gain and that she misused public money.

The hearing on those ethics charges is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the S.C. Ethics Commission Hearing Room located at 201 Executive Center Drive, Suite 150, Columbia, S.C.

Neither Hill nor her attorney Justin Bamberg responded to messages seeking comment.

Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, at left, is flanked by attorney Justin Bamberg as she announced her resignation from office recently in Walterboro.

Neil Gordon, who co-authored the now controversial and "unpublished" book on the Spring 2023 Murdaugh murder trial, Behind The Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, with Hill, released a media statement Thursday saying that he and his wife, Melissa, had previously spoken with ethics commission investigators for several hours about the accusations, adding that, "This morning, the lead investigator informed us we may be called to testify at the December hearing. We are ready and willing to do so if called."

Many of the ethics allegations involve the materials associated with that book, and Hill's promotions of it. Gordon has since donated much of his profits from the book to charities.

The Dec. 19 hearing will be conducted much like any criminal trial. Hill has the right to be represented by an attorney, to call witnesses or cross-examine witnesses, and to present or refute evidence.

A prehearing conference may be scheduled before this hearing to allow for an exchange of witness lists and evidence exhibits, and to hear any pleadings or motions.

If Hill is found guilty of ethics violations during the hearing, she can be fined a civil penalty of up to $2,000 and/or ordered to pay restitution.

If the Ethics Commission believes that criminal activity occurred, such as breach of trust, Hill would be subject to prosecution by the S.C. Attorney General's Office.

According to the Ethics Commission website, misdemeanors may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both. Felonies like bribery, for example, incur fines of up to $10,000 and10 years in prison, or both.

With her staff behind her and her attorney Justin Bamberg at her side, embattled Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, at far left, resigned from office recently.

Who filed the complaints against Becky Hill, and what is alleged?

One complaint was filed by Arthur L. Simmons III on June 28, 2023. Simmons is reportedly a law enforcement officer in Beaufort County but it is unclear what his connection is to Hill or her office.

The Ethics Commission found probable cause in this complaint and two counts of violations are included in the Notice of Hearing.

The first count alleges "use or disclosure of confidential information for financial gain" and accuses Hill of providing an individual with a photograph of an inmate in the Colleton County Courthouse holding cell (most likely Murdaugh) to promote the sale of a book.

The second count alleges "use of official position for financial gain" and accuses Hill of filming a promotional segment for her book with the Walterboro Chamber of Commerce president in her office at the Colleton County Courthouse.

A second complaint was filed by former Colleton County Deputy Clerk of Court Laura Hayes on July 14, 2023.

The Ethics Commission found probable cause in this complaint and issued a 22-page Notice of Hearing that includes 74 counts of ethics violation allegations that include "use of official position for financial gain," "use of official position for financial gain for business with which associated," and "use or disclosure of confidential information for financial gain."

These counts allege that Hill:

Directed multiple bonuses to herself from federal IV-D child support funds;

Used the Colleton County Courthouse facilities to promote her book;

Negotiated the use of the Colleton County Courthouse facilities by other parties in order to promote her book;

Authorized checks to businesses she was associated with;

Provided an inmate photograph to promote the sale of her book;

Directed multiple checks to reimburse herself for food and gifts that she gave to courthouse employees and employees of the local solicitor's office, as well as for meals for herself, guests and vendors; and for courthouse supplies and office decorations, in violation of the law;

Directed checks to reimburse herself for purchases that included birthday meals for staff, Valentine's Day gifts for jurors, Mothers Day and Fathers Day gifts for staff, alcoholic beverages, dog food, dog bones, a dog bed and picnic tables, in violation of the law.

In early April, following Hill's resignation from office in March, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed a temporary replacement to fill her seat until the next General Election in November.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Becky Hill ethics hearing set; co-author 'ready and willing' to testify
A heat dome will send temperatures into the triple-digits across the West as fires burn

Daily temperature records will tumble as sizzling early season heat from a summerlike heat dome sends thermometers skyrocketing into the triple digits in parts of California and the West this week.

The official start of summer is just a few weeks away, but it will feel like July in much of the West as temperatures climb 20 degrees or more above average, the highest temperatures of the year so far for many locations.

Excessive heat warnings are in effect for more than 17 million people in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona this week. The warnings are the most extreme form of heat alert issued by the National Weather Service and are used when widespread, dangerous heat is expected.

The soaring temperatures are being caused by a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that parks over an area, traps air and heats it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. The resulting heat becomes more intense the longer a heat dome lasts.

TELL US: Worried about affording air conditioning this summer? Share your story

Dangerous heat will get underway Tuesday afternoon in parts of California and expand its reach into more of the Southwest by Wednesday and as a heat dome parks over the West. It will then reach the Pacific Northwest by late-week. The most extreme heat will avoid major population centers along the coast, but Los Angeles will still be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than normal this week.

Temperatures will soar into the upper 90s and low 100s Tuesday in Californias Central Valley  including where the Corral Fire is burning near Tracy.

Sacramento is forecast to hit triple digits Tuesday for the first time this year. Californias capital typically hits this threshold in early June, but last year it didnt happen until the end of the month.

Triple-digit temperatures will become widespread in the Central Valley Wednesday and stick around into the weekend. Conditions will also sizzle in Southern Californias desert regions.

Death Valley, the hottest place in the world, is likely to reach a high temperature of at least 120 degrees by Thursday. Even the brutal desert landscape doesnt typically get this hot until mid-to-late June.

The Southwest will start to bake by Wednesday as temperatures in parts of southern Arizona and far southern Nevada approach 110 degrees.

Phoenix will likely have hit 110 degrees for the first time this year by Thursday even though the city doesnt typically encounter these temperatures until mid-June. High temperatures are forecast to climb into the low 110s in Las Vegas, more than three weeks earlier than the city typically exceeds this threshold.

The early summerlike heat will threaten daily high temperature records across a significant portion of the West this week.

Phoenix; Las Vegas; Flagstaff, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; and Fresno, California, are just a handful of cities where the days high temperature record could fall.

By Friday, records could be broken in parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Colorado as heat expands north and east.

Fire danger will also rise while the heat is at its peak.

Sizzling temperatures and low levels of humidity will dry out short-fuse fuels such as grasses and brush, making them more prone to burn. Breezy winds will develop at times, especially in California into midweek. The combination of these factors will make it easier for fires to ignite and spread.

Corral Fire blazing in Californias Central Valley

The Corral Fire has consumed more than 14,000 acres of land in Californias San Joaquin county since it ignited south of Tracy Saturday afternoon.

Residents were ordered to evacuate over the weekend as the fire  initially fueled by gusty winds and dry, hot conditions  threatened communities.

Firefighters gained an upper hand as winds eased Sunday and Monday and the blaze was 90% contained by Tuesday morning, according to CAL Fire.

Evacuation warnings were lifted Monday evening as containment increased, according to CAL Fire. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and be ready for potential changes to the fire risk level.

A structure and vehicles burn during the Corral Fire, west of Tracy, California, Saturday, June 1. - Kent PorterKent Porter/The Press Democrat/AP

Two Alameda County firefighters were injured while responding to the fire, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira told CNN early Sunday morning. They had minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, Silveira said.

A section of I-580 was closed in both directions over the weekend as the fires thick smoke enveloped the roadway. All lanes were reopened Sunday night, according to the California Department of Transportation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to CAL Fire.

Gusty winds up to 30 mph are possible Tuesday, which could complicate ongoing containment efforts. Temperatures will also surge well into the 90s from Tuesday through the weekend. An excessive heat warning is in effect for the region from Tuesday through Thursday.

Note: The CNN Original Series Violent Earth with Liev Schreiber explores harrowing weather events such as wildfires that are increasingly frequent in our changing climate. It airs on Sundays at 9pm ET/PT.

CNNs Jillian Sykes and Dalia Faheid contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A trash can and a sign opposing the landfill at the end of a driveway

New Hampshire has enough current landfill capacity to last until 2034. (Amanda Gokee | New Hampshire Bulletin)

When Rep. David Rochefort drives into Concord two or three times a week for his work at the Legislature, he sees trucks full of out-of-state trash heading north.

About half of the waste dumped into New Hampshires six active landfills  located in Bethlehem, Lebanon, Rochester, Conway, Success, and Nashua  comes from other New England states.

A host of bills this session  several sponsored by Rochefort, a Littleton Republican  sought to address the heaps of trash being imported into the state and pump the brakes on new landfill development. The House passed all but one with overwhelming bipartisan support, only for the Senate to shoot down the proposals.

Tom Tower, vice president of North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, said the Senate has for years killed solid waste reform and landfill legislation.

Solid waste reform is a critical need in the state of New Hampshire, Tower said, because presently Massachusetts and other New England states use New Hampshire as its dumping ground.

The spurned legislation comes at an important point for landfills in the Granite State. The Department of Environmental Services is revising its landfill rules, some of which Rochefort described as ridiculously lax. In Dalton, Vermont-based Casella Waste Systems is trying to build a 147-acre landfill near Forest Lake. And in Bethlehem, that same company won a recent legal battle to expand its landfill there.

Rochefort said he gets many messages from his constituents on the landfill issues.

One-hundred percent of the messages are, What the heck is the state doing? Rochefort said. This is out of control. We dont want New Hampshire to be a dump.

One proposal, House Bill 1632, would have prevented newly permitted solid waste facilities from accepting more than 15 percent of their waste from out of state. It was approved by a unanimous voice vote in the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture and on the House floor, Rochefort said, but died in the Senate.

When other states bring their trash to New Hampshire, they bring their pollution with them.

For every ton of trash that is imported, it generates also a ton of leachate, Tower said, referring to the liquids that fester in or pass through landfills, especially after rain. That leachate contains toxic chemicals.

Another measure, House Bill 1145, would have required new landfills to be owned by the state. In this public-private partnership, New Hampshire would have owned the land and leased out the operations to a company. This would make it easier for the state to limit the quantities and types of trash coming from out of state, Rochefort said, without running astray of the Interstate Commerce Act.

This isnt an entirely new concept in New Hampshire. For instance, Rochefort said, the state owns Mount Sunapee and leases it out to a ski company.

The Senate sent this bill to interim study, where it may be considered further before the next legislative session.

The one landfill measure that wasnt supported by the House was House Bill 1132, which asked that brownfield sites  areas that have been developed before  be considered as alternative places to put landfills in the public benefit requirement analysis for a site.

The last glimmer of hope for action on trash this session came from efforts to put a moratorium on new landfill permits. House Bill 1620 would have barred the DES from issuing permits for new landfills until 2028.

New Hampshire has enough current landfill capacity to last until 2034, according to a 2021-2022 review by DES, so supporters of the legislation argued a pause six years before that would leave adequate time to carve out more room for refuge if needed.

The proposal was approved by the House and shot down by the Senate, but its fate didnt end there. The legislation was tacked onto another measure, Senate Bill 134, in hopes of keeping it alive long enough to go to a committee of conference to negotiate with senators. But, again, the Senate voted it down.

Its unfortunate because, you know, the people of New Hampshire want some resolution to this, Rochefort said. And the Senate is just kind of sitting on their hands.

Despite the losses this session, Rochefort called it a monumental year for the landfill bills because of the overwhelming support in the House. He thinks the consensus-building in his chamber is a marker of progress to come.

Every time we have an opportunity to have a hearing and listen to the experts, theres one more person that says, Oh, yeah, I get it, he said. The light bulb goes off.

The post What the heck is the state doing? NH Senate kills action on landfills. appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Here's what could happen next if MPS Superintendent Keith Posley loses his job

Amid troubles facing Milwaukee Public Schools, Superintendent Keith Posley could be fired, or face other disciplinary action, at a school board meeting Monday night.

The district is under scrutiny for failing to submit timely financial reports to the state, jeopardizing the funding it receives.

MPS' federal Head Start funding was also suspended last month after officials said they discovered incidents of maltreatment, physical abuse, verbal abuse and lack of supervision in the district's programs.

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley, left, sits across from Milwaukee School Board members at a meeting in January.

Milwaukee School Board members are scheduled to discuss Posley's job at a 5:30 p.m. meeting at the district's central office, which also includes a public hearing on the district's proposed budget.

Here's what to know in advance of the meeting.

Can the school board fire Keith Posley?

Board members can dismiss Posley with a two-thirds vote, under state statute, for a misdemeanor in office, incompetency, or inattention to the duties of the office.

If they go that route, state law requires board members to hold a hearing, with five days notice to Posley, before taking action. Posley would have the option to bring in a lawyer and witnesses. It's unclear whether board members have already given such a notice to Posley. Board Vice President Jilly Gokalgandhi, who has been the main board member communicating with media on the topic, has said she can't comment on personnel matters.

Additionally, Posleys contract notes that board members can end the contract any time if they find he hasnt made adequate progress toward the districts goals.

What happens next if Keith Posley is fired?

If Posley is fired, the board will elect a new superintendent. Sometimes school boards pick an interim superintendent while they conduct a broader search.

Most recent superintendents have come from within MPS ranks. Posley had been the districts chief of school administration when board members made him superintendent in 2018. Darienne Driver, who held the position from 2014-2018, had been the districts chief innovation officer.

MPS did recruit an outsider in 2010. With superintendent finalists hailing from across the country, board members chose Gregory Thornton who had been a superintendent in Pennsylvania.

The previous two superintendents, William Andrekopoulos and Spence Korte, had been district principals.

How did previous superintendents leave MPS?

Many previous superintendents have resigned amid tension with board members.

Before Driver resigned in 2018, she was criticized for giving $100,000 in raises to 23 central office administrators without notifying board members. She had also failed to tell the board about a federal civil rights investigation into racial disparities in MPS suspension and expulsion rates until the district entered a settlement agreement.

Thornton left the job in 2014 to take a higher paying superintendent position in Baltimore. Andrekopoulos retired from the position in 2010.

The previous three superintendents reportedly resigned due to conflict with board members.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: If MPS Superintendent Keith Posley loses his job, what happens next?
Here's the pitch deck my tween made me to get an iPhone

Here's the pitch deck my tween made me to get an iPhone

When my daughter was in 7th grade she made a presentation to get an iPhone or iPod.

It didn't change my mind, and she didn't get one.

She's now 16 and finally has her own phone, along with her younger sister.

"You know, my life is so much better this year, and do you know why that is?" my 16-year-old daughter asked my husband and me as we sat around the dinner table recently.

I raised my eyebrows at her, knowing what was coming next.

"It's my phone!" she exclaimed. "My life got so much better with my phone; I don't know why you made me wait so long!"

Here's the thing: I was  and am  firmly in the "mean mom" camp of a parent who delayed giving my teenage daughters smartphones. I didn't have any arbitrary, set-in-stone rules about when they would get smartphones, but for various reasons, my oldest daughter did not get a full smartphone until she entered high school.

There were many reasons she didn't get one earlier

I could list some of the reasons. My kids attended a very small, private school during their elementary years before transferring to a public school, so phones weren't the norm. She became a teenager during the pandemic and did virtual school for two years, so she was home with me and there was no real need for a phone. Her father works at the same school she now attends, so again, there wasn't a huge, pressing need for me to have a way to contact her  but overall, I didn't see a need to rush into changing all of our lives by opening Pandora's box of a smartphone.

My daughter is the oldest of five children, and I knew that once I introduced smartphones to my kids, it would set a precedent for the rest. Plus, there was no going back, so I wasn't in a hurry.

She made a presentation to try to convince me

That didn't stop my daughter from constantly pleading and begging for a phone. In 7th grade, she even designed a downright impressive infographic to convince me to get her a phone or at least an iPod (which some of her friends from her old school had at the time).

The author's daughter put together a presentation of why she should get an iPhone or iPod. Courtesy of the author

"Knowing my mom, I thought if I seemed professional about it and could write a whole presentation about it, they would cave," my daughter said of her decision to make the infographic. And I have to admit, she was professional with her presentation, hitting some major aspects of phone ownership, including:

A valid reason for communicating with friends that the phone would provide

Her role as a phone owner

An offer to help fund the phone with her own money

Having ownership of something as the oldest with more responsibilities on her shoulders

Although I was deeply impressed with her infographic, it didn't make me change my mind. I didn't feel that her need to fit in was greater than my wish to preserve the advantages of a phone-free childhood for as long as possible.

When I talk to my daughter now, I do feel some regret that she felt left out from her peers without a phone, especially because she went through the very difficult process of transferring from a small private school to a much larger public school, where she knew only a few other students.

She got a phone when she was in high school

Eventually, I decided that it was time for my daughter to get a phone, largely because she was in high school and had joined a varsity sport, and I felt that she and I were both ready to navigate this new step together.

To make things horribly unfair for her, I also got her sister  who is two years younger  a phone at the same time. Again, I had my reasons for that, in wanting them to be able to talk to each other, sports, school resuming, and, of course, the family plan appeal.

I will fully admit that my oldest daughter got the full "eldest daughter" treatment by waiting longer than her sister.

The author's daughter eventually got an iPhone in high school. Courtesy of the author

I can't say with 100% confidence that I made the right decision about delaying phones for our family  if such a thing as a "right" decision exists at all in parenting  but I followed my gut as best I could, and I still feel firmly that a phone-free existence can be a gift in many ways.

Today, my daughter is thrilled to be connected with a phone, but she also admits that there are some drawbacks to life with a phone. "With social media, sometimes I feel like I have to answer on Snapchat or compare myself with other girls," she told me.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MADISON - Line 5 has become a hot button topic for Wisconsin.

Enbridge Energy, a Canadian oil company, is working to reroute the controversial pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation, after their permission to be on the land ran out over 10 years ago. The reroute has been in the works for 10 years, yet the project isn't yet fully permitted.

Here's where things currently stand with Enbridge's Line 5 reroute project, and who's involved in permitting.

What is Line 5 used for?

Line 5 transports 545,000 barrels a day of light crude oil, light synthetic crude oil and natural gas liquids from western Canada through Wisconsin and Michigan and into eastern Canada. The products the 645-mile-long pipeline carries are used to make transportation fuels, as well as fuel used to heat homes and businesses.

The underground pipe is 30 inches in diameter and has been in operation since 1953.

The relocated pipeline will cross 186 waterways and requires the conversion of some wetlands, as well as the permanent and temporary fill of other wetlands along the route. The reroute of the line is expected to cost about $450 million and employ about 700 union workers from Wisconsin and beyond.

The reroute will cross 300 properties where owners granted Enbridge permission, though the company planned originally to invoke eminent domain. It withdrew its application to take land from unwilling owners in August 2020.

More: Controversy, legal fights over Line 5 pipeline keep it in the news. We break the issues down.

Who decides if the project moves forward?

The DNR is responsible for issuing a number of permits for Line 5. Enbridge will need wetland fill permits, Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits, a state endangered resources review and a review for the project's impact on historic and cultural resources.

The DNR is still in the process of putting together a formal Environmental Impact Statement, according to information from the agency, after releasing a draft in December 2021 and holding public hearings. No date has been set for the release of the statement at this point.

The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of permitting for discharges that could occur in waters of the United States; the reconstructed pipeline will cross or go under many such waters. The agency is also in charge of reviewing the effects of the project on historic properties in consultation with the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and the State Historic Preservation Office, according to information from the Wisconsin DNR.

The Corps will also review proposed impact on federally listed endangered species, the compliance of the project with tribal water quality standards and the consistency with the state coastal management program.

In May, the Army Corps released a draft of its environmental impact analysis, which looks largely at impacts to water bodies and areas in which the project may have impacts on the habitat of endangered species such as the gray wolf.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration sets performance standards for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of pipelines, and will do so for Line 5.

The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will review the project for its compliance with its own water quality standards for downstream waters within the Bad River Reservation, according to the DNR.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will also issue permits for road crossing.

Enbridge may also need permits, approvals or reviews from local governments within the reroute footprint as well.

Where do things stand with the Bad River Band lawsuit?

The Bad River Band in 2019 filed a lawsuit to remove the pipeline after right-of-way easements between the tribe and the company expired in 2013. The pipeline operates on about 12 miles of reservation land.

Tribal officials no longer wanted Enbridge to operate the pipeline on tribal lands and fear that a rupture would pose grave environmental damage.

The case has stretched on for years since its filing.

In 2023, a federal judge told Enbridge that it needed to remove its pipeline from the reservation within three years, a decision both the Bad River Band and the oil giant appealed. In February of this year, the court heard oral arguments on whether the company can continue to transport oil on the reservation with an expired easement, and the federal government broke its silence, coming down in favor of both sides of the argument. The U.S. Department of Justice also placed some of the issues at the center of the debate back to the district courts.

The U.S. DOJ did not ask Enbridge to shut down the pipeline, as the process to get the reroute permitted continues.

Why exactly is Line 5 in need of a reroute?

The reroute is needed because the easements that Enbridge had from the Bad River Band expired in 2013 and were not renewed, meaning that the tribe could seek the pipeline's removal.

The proposed reroute would be 41.2 miles of pipeline that would go around the reservation, but would still lie within the watershed that impacts the lands of the tribe.

How does Line 5 affect Lake Michigan?

Line 5 runs for 4.5 miles across the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, between Lakes Michigan and Huron.

Great Lakes tribes and environmental groups worry that the portion of the line underneath the Straits has aged to the point where it could put the lakes at risk for an oil spill, due to the location and strength of the currents.

The line was already damaged in 2018, when a ship's anchor struck it. In 2020, another strike from an anchor damaged supports on the pipeline, causing a temporary shutdown.

Enbridge has proposed building a replacement tunnel for the portion under the Straits. The project would replace the existing dual pipelines, which lie on the lakebed exposed to the elements and other risks like anchor strikes, with a single pipeline that will be housed in a tunnel bored through rock and buried beneath the lakebed.

The controversial replacement project has received two key permits from Michigan state agencies, which are being challenged by environmental groups and tribes. It is awaiting one more from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

More: Michigan Public Service Commission approves Enbridge Line 5 permit for tunnel under Straits of Mackinac

Has Line 5 ever leaked before?

Line 5 has leaked 35 times in its roughly 70-year tenure and released a total of more than 1.13 million gallons of oil into the environment, according to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration database.

Who is Enbridge Energy?

Enbridge Energy, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, owns the Line 5 oil pipeline, which has been in operation since 1953. Enbridge is North America's largest pipeline company, transporting about 125 million gallons of crude oil and liquids every day.

What comes next?

Two hearings will be held on the draft environmental impact analysis on June 4 in Ashland. The morning session will go from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second session will go from 4 to 8 p.m.

The hearings will be held at the Northwood Technical College, 2100 Beaser Ave., Ashland

Parking is expected to be limited, and a lottery will be held to select those able to speak at the hearing. More information is available at www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

Written comment will also be accepted. Here's how you can make your voice heard:

Drop off at the Information table during the June 4 hearing. Paper will be available to those who are not chosen for the lottery.

Comment can be submitted by mail. It must be postmarked no later than July 5, 2024. Send comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, Regulatory Division, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E1500, St. Paul, MN55101-1678

Email by 11:59 pm Central Time on July 5, 2024, to: CEMVP-WiL5R-CDD-Comments@usace.army.mil.

Spokesperson Juli Kellner said Enbridge applauds the opportunity to comment.

"The hearing and associated comment period present additional opportunity for the public to weigh in on what has already been a lengthy four-year process involving public input, consultation, and numerous studies," she said in an email.

Enbridge will need to await the decisions of the ongoing court case, as well as all of the local, state and federal permits it will need to begin construction. There is no estimation as to when construction could begin, or when it would be completed.

"The project will move forward with construction once all necessary permits are received," Kellner said.

More: Great Lakes tribes teach 'water is life. But theyre forced to fight for a voice in safeguarding it.

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The latest on Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline reroute in Wisconsin
Senior Journee Dean waved keychains and other free swag at her classmates, urging them to check out their on campus branch of SAFE Credit Union. Dean and other student branch workers spent their lunch period answering their peers questions about the basics of personal finance, like how to start budgeting and why they should have an emergency savings fund. They ultimately convinced several students to sign up for their first ever bank accounts.

The operational Cordova High School branch is staffed by student interns like Dean and is designed for students to take care of their banking needs at school. Kids can open accounts and make deposits at the branch, but the most valuable part of the location may be as a resource center where students can go to learn about personal finance from their peers.

Many students who approached the tent admitted they knew very little about anything money-related and that this was their first exposure to banking. When asked how much she knew about money, sophomore Brianna Antiychuk pinched her finger and thumb together and said barely.

I would like to know more, Anatiychuk said, holding a blank application for a debit card. I want more resources to tell me what Im supposed to do.

Anatiychuk said that learning about personal finance is difficult because her family doesnt have a lot of money, and shes not alone  Cordova High School serves a high number of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and students of color, two groups that have historically been excluded from financial institutions. Latino and Black households represent 64% of the countrys unbanked and 47% of its underbanked households. Being unbanked can further the cycle of poverty by forcing people to rely on alternative financial services with predatory interest rates, like payday loans. They also lack access to credit building opportunities, which can disadvantage them when trying to purchase a car, take out a mortgage or rent an apartment.

Latoya DeLong, left, a member engagement specialist for SAFE Credit Union, helps Rancho Cordova High School student Justice Johnson Patterson, right, open a savings account as student Danielle Yeater, center, participates in the schools personal finance program on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The wealth gap in California is wider than in most other states, and studies show that providing financial literacy education in school can result in a higher rate of fiscally responsible actions, including avoiding high risk loans, beginning a retirement plan and effectively budgeting.

In California, there are two initiatives aiming to implement financial literacy as a high school graduation requirement that are gaining steam this year. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, penned AB 2927, which recently reached the Senate floor after a unanimous approval from the Assembly. If the bill doesnt pan out, the question will go to voters via a ballot measure in the 2024 election.

As the prospect of teaching financial literacy in all California high schools becomes more likely, some are skeptical that adding yet another graduation requirement will be implemented in a way that wont be disruptive to other statewide educational goals. These opponents to the initiative may believe in the merit of financial education, but suggest alternative means of offering those lessons  like through other required courses or through a program like the one at Cordova High School.

Financial education at Cordova High School

Between her school work and internship with SAFE, student Journee Dean also operates her own businesses on the side: one selling custom floral arrangements and the other custom graduation stoles. The latter received a $7,000 order from a group in Southern California, a decent chunk of change for a high school entrepreneur.

Dean credits her business teacher, Ryan Scott, for not only providing the tools to manage her business, but for teaching her how to manage her money responsibly. She has established an emergency savings account and is now saving to fund her college career.

This program has made me see things in a different way, Dean said. So when I take my next step into life, I feel like I know more than the average person my age would.

Dean and the other students staffing the on campus SAFE credit union branch are seniors in their final year of the Business Technology Academy, a four-year Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway unique to Cordova High School. Scott was instrumental in creating the program  coming off a career in business and marketing, Scott made it his prerogative to revamp the existing program into something that prepares kids professionally and personally in the world of money.

The program is multifaceted, focusing on much more than just personal finance  the four courses cover communications, marketing and entrepreneurship with the goal of preparing students for a career out of high school. Scott said that a big portion of the lessons include elements that encourage students to be conscious consumers. For example, he teaches the marketing class from the perspective of both the marketer and consumer so that students are aware of the ways that advertisers attempt to manipulate them.

Students in the pathway had overwhelmingly positive reviews, crediting it for their newfound approach to fiscal responsibility in their own lives. Many students in the program reported that they had established an emergency fund, started a line of credit and spent money less frivolously than before they entered the program. They were strongly in favor of a financial literacy graduation requirement. So is Scott.

Its been my platform for almost three decades that they need to know how business works, because were all in business, Scott said. I hope it passes for the sake of our future students, because unfortunately I only see 180 students, and theres obviously a lot more than that in the state of California.

Should financial literacy just be offered or should it be a mandatory course?

If financial literacy is voted in by Californians in the 2024 election or approved through legislation, the course will only cover a fraction of what Cordovas CTE pathway does given that the requirement will only be one semester.

Heather J. Hough, executive director of Policy Analysis for California Education, was one of many concerned with the prospect of asking voters to play policy expert. She argued that passing another blanket requirement for California high-schoolers could exacerbate existing problems, like the statewide teacher shortage, and further restrict districts as they try to create course offerings that keep students attending class.

If we over-constrain schools in requiring the types of courses they teach, it can make it difficult for them to be flexible to meet student needs, Hough said.

But right now, school districts have the flexibility to implement the programs that would best serve their student population and keep them attending school amid an attendance crisis.

One solution she floated was for school districts to integrate financial literacy into other courses, like electives or CTE programs. For example, an automotive technology CTE pathway could integrate financial literacy and business management into that curriculum. This method could ensure that students who are interested in the subject matter will have the option to take the class and would reduce the complication of integrating a new mandatory course in student schedules.

But CTE programs are more expensive than standard high school classes  they often require specialized equipment, smaller class sizes and additional staff hours to coordinate field trips and other career exploration activities. More specialization generally means fewer students served.

Offering personal finance as an elective may not be as expensive as a full blown CTE program, but proponents for a statewide financial literacy requirement say that students may not be incentivized to enroll in these courses because of the pressure to take classes that are attractive to colleges. They also say that its important for every student to receive that instruction so they are all on an equal playing field.

Tim Ranzetta, lead proponent for the state ballot measure, argues that integrating financial literacy into another class dilutes the content of both subjects, turning two good classes into one mediocre one.

I think theres a reason that 17 other states in just the last three years implemented a standalone one semester course, Ranzetta said. Theres a lot of topics in this course and in order to be taught well, it has to be comprehensive in nature.

The benefit for a California student taking a one-semester personal finance course, according to 2024 report, is $127,000 in their lifetime, or an average of $2,100 a year across 60 years. The figure represents reduced credit, student loan and insurance costs alongside larger retirement assets.

In the end, legislators (or voters) must decide if the benefits of teaching financial literacy to every high school student outweighs the potential costs of implementation.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 3. Lithuania is interested in using the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Egidijus Navikas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Kazakhstan, said during a meeting with the head of the executive power of the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan, Nurdaulet Kilybai, Trend reports.

"Kazakhstan and Lithuania have mutually interesting aspects of cooperation, not only economically but also socio-culturally. The indicators of foreign trade partnership between the two states are growing every year, but the geopolitical situation is changing the development strategies of many countries. Thus, Lithuania needs alternative logistics routes. In this regard, we are interested in the Trans-Caspian corridor and the prospects of the seaports of Aktau and Kuryk," he said.

In turn, Kilybai noted that the powerful transit, transport, and logistics potential of the international route connecting Europe and Asia can become an effective tool in expanding cooperation between Lithuania and the Mangystau region.

"Today, the cargo transportation capacity of the seaports of Aktau and Kuryk is 21.2 million tons per year," Kilybai said.

The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor.

The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe.

The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes.
Ukrainian troops have used US-supplied Himars missiles to destroy an advanced air defence system inside Russia, as the Kremlin warned Washington it could suffer fatal consequences for backing the cross-border attacks.

Several missiles are understood to have hit an air defence installation in the Russian town of Belgorod that was equipped with S-300/400 surface-to-air missiles.

Photos of the aftermath of the attack, which is believed to have happened on Sunday, show vehicles on fire and billowing out smoke.

On Monday, Sergei Ryabkov, Moscows deputy foreign minister, said that the US would face fatal consequences if it allowed Ukraine to use American weapons for attacks inside Russia.

The US has so far allowed Kyiv to hit targets within Russia only if they pose an immediate threat to Ukrainian forces.

Its not clear if the strike on Belgorod breaches the limits the US has imposed on the weapons, but Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has requested permission to use US munitions for long range strikes.

On Monday, those wishes were echoed by Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister, who told his Estonian counterpart Ukraine was pressing its allies on expanding the scope of its application.

It is not 100 per cent, you know, clearance. It comes with some rules that need to be followed, he said at a press conference.

Dont underestimate the rebuff

Ukraine has argued that in not allowing it to fire long range weapons into Russia, its allies are hamstringing its defence.

Mr Zelensky said: So they have these weapons there and they do not remove them because they know that Ukraine cannot target them with Western weaponry even if they fire against us.

Ukraines supporters fear striking inside Russia will drag them closer to direct conflict with Moscow.

Mr Ryabkov warned the US to take a more serious approach to conflict, risking miscalculation if they dont.

I urge these figures [in the US] ... to spend some of their time, which they apparently spend on some kind of video games, judging by the lightness of their approach, on studying what was said in detail by Putin, Mr Ryabkov said.

I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive, he added.

Vladimir Putin said the West would be directly involved in any use of its weapons by Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, because such attacks would require its satellite, intelligence and military help.

Attacks over the border have stepped up dramatically in recent weeks after Russian forces launched a renewed ground offensive into Ukraines north-east.

Ukraine has responded with attacks of its own. Among the most recent was one with drones that destroyed a convoy of 15 Russian trucks, according to footage recorded by the brigades involved in the attack.

On Monday, Mr Kuleba said Russia was trying to dissuade countries from participating in a Ukraine peace summit to be held in Switzerland later this month.

He said Russia was aiming to discredit the summit publicly, convince countries not to participate and urge those intent on going to send low-level representatives.

04:25 PM BST

Todays live coverage has ended

Todays live coverage has ended. Heres a round-up of the days events:

Russia barred more British establishment figures in latest round of sanctions.

Images surfaced of a Ukrainian Himars strike within Belgorod, Russia.

China denied pressuring countries not to attend Swiss peace summit.

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, landed in Guinea on a visit thought to be an attempt to increase Russian influence in Africa.

03:55 PM BST

Pictured: Ukraines foreign minister visits fallen soldier memorial with Estonian counterpart

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, speaks to Margus Tsahkna, his Estonian counterpart, after placing flowers at a memorial for fallen soldiers - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

03:26 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian medics provide treatment to wounded soldier

Medics provide treatment to injured Ukrainian serviceman Vitalii at a stabilisation point, June 2 - Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

03:20 PM BST

Russia bars more British establishment figures in latest sanctions

Russia has added a number of British establishment figures to its list of people banned from entering the country.

Though the names of those sanctioned have not been published, Russias foreign ministry said it included journalists, politicians and experts.

Moscow said the decision was made due to the individuals hostile actions, and urged Britain to stop its support for Ukraine.

02:39 PM BST

Ukraine kills 1 after shelling civilian areas in Belgorod, Russia says

The Ukrainian military shelled several towns and villages across the Belgorod region, killing one and injuring 13 others, according to the districts governor.

A munition detonated in the Korocha district, as a result of which one person was killed and three were injured, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Belgorod governor, said in a post on his Telegram channel.

Mr Gladgov added that residential buildings and infrastructure sites were damaged during the strike.

02:05 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian veterans compete to join Invictus Games

Ukrainian veterans on wheelchairs sing national anthem prior to the qualifying competition to join the national basketball team for the Invictus Games - ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP

Ukrainian veterans compete to join their national basketball team for the Invictus Games - ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP

01:49 PM BST

Russian strike in Donetsk kills 2, including 12-year-old boy

A double Russian strike killed two people, including a 12-year-old boy, in the village of Mykhailivka in Donetsk, the regions governor reported.

Tomorrow, Ukraine will commemorate the Day of Remembrance of Children who died due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and today another name was added to this sad list, Vadym Filashkin, the regional governor, said.

According to Ukrainian media, the Russian military hit the town early on Monday with a guided aerial bomb before repeating the strike an hour and a half later. At least five buildings were reported to have been damaged.

01:35 PM BST

Pictured: A woman passes by an exhibition in Kyiv showing destroyed Russian vehicles

A woman passes by an exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles in central Kyiv, June 3, 2024 - Gleb Garanich/REUTERS

12:50 PM BST

Pictured: Destruction in Vovchansk after heavy fighting

Drone footage shows ruined city of Vovchansk after heavy fighting - United Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine "Lyut"/REUTERS

12:48 PM BST

Pictured: Himars strike on air defence system in Belgorod, Russia

Aftermath of a Himars strike on a Russian air defence system in Belgorod

Vehicles on fire after Himars strike in Belgorod

11:39 AM BST

Russian FM in Guinea to boost Moscows influence in Africa

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, has arrived in Guinea as Moscow continues to try to boost its influence in Africa.

TASS, the Russian state-run news agency, reported that Guinea would be the first stop as part of a larger African tour, but did not specify which other countries Lavrov intends to visit.

In July, Vladimir Putin invited African leaders to a summit in St Petersburg where he said they agreed to promote a multipolar world.

Russia has expanded its reach in central African countries in recent years, particularly in the Sahel region, and is understood to be now looking to coastal nations such as Guinea.

11:14 AM BST

Zelensky says Trump risks being loser president

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Donald Trump risks being a loser president if he wins the next US election and gives Ukraine a bad peace deal.

The Ukrainian president said that he had not yet developed a strategy for what to do if Mr Trump retakes the White House. However, in an interview with the Guardian, he revealed that Boris Johnson had offered to approach Trump on his behalf.

Should Trump win, he is expected to cut off or reduce military support to Kyiv.

09:46 AM BST

1.5 million men register with Ukrainian conscription office

1.5 million military-age Ukrainian men have registered their personal data for potential conscription, Ukraines defence ministry said.

The announcement came after a new mobilisation law was enacted in May that gave draft-eligible men 60 days to update their personal data so that the military could find them.

The ministry also said that 14,000 Ukrainian men living abroad had registered for service.

Ukraine suspended consular services for military-aged Ukrainian men living abroad in April. However, draft-eligible men are now able to apply for the services if they provide a document confirming that they are registered with the military.

09:32 AM BST

Zelensky will attend G7 summit

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, will attend the upcoming G7 summit in Italy, his spokesman said.

On the agenda for the summit is the issue of using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.

Sergiy Nikiforov, the presidents spokesman, could not confirm whether Mr Zelensky would attend in person or online but said that there is no doubt that he will be there.

09:16 AM BST

China denies pressuring countries not to attend Swiss peace summit

China has denied Volodymyr Zelenskys accusation that it was acting as an instrument of Russia by pressuring other countries not to attend a Swiss-organised peace summit on the war in Ukraine.

Chinas position is open and transparent, and there is absolutely no instance of us putting pressure on other countries, Beijings foreign ministry said in a statement.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian president said Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit.

The conference is scheduled to be held in Switzerland in mid-June. Swiss authorities had hoped China would attend, but China said it would not do so without Russia being present.

08:43 AM BST

Civilian killed in Russian missile strike in Kharkiv

An overnight Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv district of Ukraine killed one and injured two, the regions governor said.

According to the official, the strike hit the town of Zmiiv, which is located around 26 miles south of the city of Kharkiv.

Kharkiv and the surrounding area has come under increased bombardment in recent weeks after Russia launched a new offensive in the area in early May.

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HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico (KTSM)  The Legacy of Liberty Airshow at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico returned on Sunday, June 2, and welcomed thousands of people to enjoy the free event.

People were treated to aerial maneuver demonstrations from some of the finest aerobatic pilots and show featured military aircraft from past decades to the present, such as the F-16 fighter jet.

Catching a glimpse of heaven while flying with Air Force Thunderbirds

The highlight of the event, of course, was the aerial demonstration by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds. The squadron put on an immaculate display of the F-16 Fighter Falcon.

The Thunderbirds represent the top 1 percent of the Air Force and serve as ambassadors for both the service and the nation as a whole.

People were also able to enjoy static displays of military aircraft like the F-16 Viper fighter jets and the MQ-9 Reaper aircrafts from Holloman.

On display, as well, was one of the Air Forces latest fighter jets, the F-35, which was flown in from the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona by an Alamogordo resident, whos following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

Capt. Steel Shoaf & Retired Lt. Col. Thomas Shoaf

Air Force F-35 Fighter Jet

Thats all credit to my dad because thats the whole reason I got into this in the first place, said Air Force Capt. Steel Shoaf, who lived a majority of his life in Alamogordo. I grew up around this. Theres nothing else I really ever wanted to do. So getting to grow up around it, I was lucky to have an in to it, know what was going on, and what I needed to do to be successful in this career field.

Im second generation connected to Holloman Air Force Base, said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Shoaf. My son Steel, also known as Mac, is third generation. My father came through what was then Alamogordo Army Airfield in 1943, en route to Italy as a B-24 belly gunner. So weve got a long history.

Capt. Steel Shoaf spoke on the significance of the airshow, and the opportunities created by opening the Air Force base to the public, besides the fun and enjoyment of the aerial demonstrations.

Showing younger people, people in high school, in any community, that this is something you can do. Myself, being from this community specifically, people can come talk to me, talk about what you need to do to accomplish this. And definitely the Air Force is a place where we want to get as many people out trying to be pilots, trying to be fighter pilots, the younger Shoaf said.

Earlier in the week, both pilots, father and son, shared a special moment.

Friday was unique. I flew in, so we were able to luckily meet up in the airspace, Capt. Shoaf said. He was flying a T-38 and he had a wingman for that. And then I came out here with another F-35. We got to do some tactics, fought each other two vs. two in the air, and then we came back to Holloman as a four-ship all together. So definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for that.

The free event is held every other year, and also features food vendors and interactive displays from the military and other organizations.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Jefferson Davis was president of the Confederate States of America, a white supremacist government, from 1861 to 1865. Since 1901, Alabama has marked Jefferson Davis' Birthday as a state holiday on the first Monday in June. (Netterville Briggs via Getty Images)

Even Jim Crow Alabama couldnt muster any enthusiasm for Jefferson Davis.

When an Alabama House representative filed a bill in 1900 to make his birthday a holiday, the Birmingham Post-Herald called it an event which the general public does not remember and has no wish to be reminded of.

Vast numbers of Southerners do not place their faith in Jefferson Davis as a figure in history, and very few of them do so much as remember him except when they see his name in the newspapers, the newspaper said.

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The bill passed despite  or because of  this inertia, a few months before white planters in the Black Belt committed massive fraud to deprive Black Alabamians of their constitutional rights.

And so Alabama offices are closed Monday to honor a man who, along with other members of his class, went to war to ensure that some Americans had the legal status of animals.

Which is the only reason we would ever remember him. Because as a person, Jefferson Davis isnt that interesting.

That doesnt mean hes unimportant or insignificant. All government leaders influence events and leave an archive for historians to analyze.

But it says a lot about Davis as a historical character that Lost Cause propaganda, which shamelessly jammed halos on murderers, struggled to transform the leaden soul of the Confederate president into a golden legend.

You can put him on a pedestal, like Abraham Lincoln, but the marble will have a lot more life and warmth than Davis ever did.

And the arcs of their lives are much different. Lincoln rose out of poverty  one of our few presidents to do so  and showed a capacity to grow and change throughout his life. His writing carries profound reflections on faith and democracy in a style that at its best echoes Shakespeare and John Bunyan. He could laugh at stories, and himself.

That was beneath the dignity of Davis, a replacement-level oligarch. His older brother set him up on a plantation and loaned him money to purchase enslaved human beings. He ended up holding hundreds of men, women and children against their will and was happy to murder his fellow countrymen to keep them there. He made deeply racist statements, often rooted in religion, to justify this oppression.

All of this, plus leading a white supremacist state, is enough to consign Davis to villainy. But dont forget that Davis was bad at his job. He was hypersensitive to slights; showed no aptitude for finance and promoted generals who did not deserve the honors. (Davis made Braxton Bragg  maybe the worst general of the Civil War and certainly the most unpleasant  his military adviser.)

After the war, he published a 1,500-page book about his failures that relentlessly complained about Black Americans having a brief share in their governance and ended with a statement that the deaths of over 620,000 men showed secession to be impracticable, but this did not prove it to be wrong.

Its an embarrassment that we honor this racist traitor a week after remembering all the Americans who died in this nations wars. Davis helped dig many of those graves.

In some ways, I understand why Davis holiday survives any efforts to get rid of it. The Confederate president created a mold for Southern politicians.

A man who emerges from privilege, whose entire public life focuses on fortifying its boundaries.

A man who rises thanks to an unbending alliance with power, not any innate political talent.

A man who sees cruelty and uses his office to explain it as divinely ordained.

A man who demands a respect he refuses to extend to others.

Its familiar. But its not worth celebrating.

Its doubly embarrassing that we commemorate Davis when we cant make Juneteenth  honoring American perseverance amid American horror  a state holiday. There are many, many Alabamians who passed through that ordeal more worthy of remembrance. Like Martha Bradley of Mount Meigs, who told an interviewer in the 1930s about abuse she had witnessed and endured, and her own resistance (which once included attacking an overseer with a hoe).

In recent years, weve found more places in the state to remember the people worth remembering, like Birminghams civil rights district and Montgomerys memorials to the victims of slavery and lynching.

Unfortunately, we also have the First White House of the Confederacy, where Jefferson Davis lived briefly in 1861. Our state government not only bought the house in 1920 but moved it from its original location to a spot near the Alabama State Capitol.

It was a thin gilding of heritage that couldnt cover the hollow malevolence of Davis. But it reflected the values of a regime that violently upheld the feudal arrangements of contemporary Alabama.

And as long as Alabama continues to honor Davis and other white supremacists, it will tell the world that its values havent really changed.

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Homicide detectives take over after man shot and killed in Oak Park, Sacramento police say

A man died after a shooting Sunday evening in Oak Park, Sacramento police said.

Officers were called just before 7 p.m. to the 3400 block of 33rd Street, four blocks south of McClatchy Park, after a caller reported a person had been shot in a residential area.

The man, suffering from at least one gunshot wound, was taken to a hospital by Sacramento firefighters. He was later pronounced dead, police said. The shooting victims identity was expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office.

A homicide investigation was ongoing, said police spokesman Officer Cody Tapley.

No other details were provided and police did not disclose any suspects in the shooting.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Hospitals of Providence (HoP) is joining the fight to provide healthy food options for children during the summer.

Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive is a friendly competition among all HoP campuses to collect as many servings of cereal as possible, according to the news release by HoP.

The drive began on Monday, June 3 and ends on Friday, June 14 and HoP is encouraging their staff and the community to raise over 400,000 servings of cereal this year.

According to HoP, all cereal donations will be be given to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.

Cereal donations can be delivered at any HoP campus and monetary donations can be made online here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The family name may be tainted, and the gold bars and the boots and jackets stuffed with cash seized as federal evidence, but Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) may yet bequeath an inheritance to his only son: a permanent seat in Congress, courtesy of the money-fueled political machine the senator himself once steered.

Nobody The Daily Beast spoke with in Hudson County, which constitutes the core of New Jerseys Eighth Congressional District and lies directly across the water from Manhattan, denied that the senator installed now-Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) in the House in 2022and in the very seat the patriarch himself held from 1993 until 2006. This unceremonious anointment involved shoving other prospective candidates aside by securing the support of the countys Democratic organization, which itself meant locking down endorsements from the 12 mayors who control nearly all politics in the area.

Rep.-Elect Robert Menendez, son of Rep. Bob Menendez, speaks at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee on November 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

One of those mayors was Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, who aspires to unseat the senators namesake in Tuesdays Democratic primary. And he now recounts the endorsement request two years ago as little more than a shakedown.

I was sitting in a meeting, a routine office meeting, and I was pulled aside and told that Robert Menendez, not Bob but Rob, was running for Congress and was going to be calling me, it's my recollection, in the next 20 minutes or so to ask for my endorsement, Bhalla said in an interview with The Daily Beast, describing how his aide conveyed the urgency of the call. He was told by the gentleman let the mayor know that Senator Menendez is going to be on speakerphone. The senator is going to be listening when his son asks for an endorsement.

Bhalla said he interpreted this as a tacit threat that the elder Menendez might obstruct Hobokens access to federal grants. The senator, who waged a public political war against the mayor of nearby Jersey City only a few years before, did not respond to a request for comment that The Daily Beast sent to his office.

The younger Menendezs team did not make the scion available for an interview, despite an initial indication from his campaign manager that they would. But the first-term congressman did not dispute Bhallas account of the call at a recent debate.

Whats indisputable is that much has changed since 2022. In September, the Department of Justice indicted the senator and his wife for allegedly taking bribesfat envelopes of cash and slabs of gold, plus a luxury car and household itemsin exchange for using his post to meddle not only in state matters but international ones. The senator and his associates maintain their innocence.

Meeeanwhile, a lawsuit filed by Rep. Andy Kim, who is running to replace Menendez Sr. in the upper chamber, brought about at least a temporary end to the states notorious county line: a special ballot row where local political machines could line up their favored candidates, giving them a massive advantage among low-information voters. Bhalla was among those who filed an amicus brief in support of Kim's litigation.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez arrives at federal court on May 21, 2024 in New York City. Menendez is accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a car to help three businessmen and the Egyptian government, and is charged with acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Despite these events, and even with the elder Menendezs freedom hanging before a Manhattan court as polls open, multiple sourcesincluding a few supporting Bhallatold The Daily Beast that the senators son stands a strong chance of triumphing on Tuesday and further entrenching himself in D.C. And thats because the congressman has retained the support of the county Democratic organization, particularly in his dads hometown of Union City, where Mayor Brian Stack runs what is considered the strongest voter turnout operation in the state.

The organizations strengthand its vulnerabilitieshelps explain why so many Democrats locally and across New Jersey stood by the senator for years, even as his reputation blackened and he narrowly survived a prior bribery trial. Why the organization, and most of Bhallas fellow mayors, have stuck now with him is another question.

"The confluence of the municipal and county government, plus the federal government bringing funds inthat's the machine, said Bhalla-backing local lawyer and activist Hector Oseguera, highlighting the flow of cash from public coffers to private contractors and then into political war chestsand possibly into a few personal pockets along the way.

Oseguera, who unsuccessfully sought the House seat himself in 2020, noted that the elder Menendez himself served as the county organizations chairman two decades ago, and that he has remained intensely active in local affairs while securing hundreds of millions in tax dollars for New Jersey at the national level. He also recalled a remark the senator made last fall, after the county organization bowed to an even more powerful Democrat, Gov. Phil Murphy, and endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy last November in her since-aborted bid for the Senate.

I know where all the skeletons in the closets are, I know who all the players are in and out of government, the senator raged in a statement, vowing to win re-election with or without his old friends support. He is now seeking another term as an independent, despite the criminal charges.

Oseguera and other Bhalla allies The Daily Beast consulted pointed out that the Hudson County Democratic organization endorsed the younger Menendez for re-election just two weeks after these remarks. They additionally highlighted that Menendez-supporting North Bergen Mayor Nick Saccowho served as a state lawmakerreceived a federal subpoena last year regarding legislation of interest to the senator and to one of the businessmen accused of bribing him. Stack, who also sits in the statehouse, was a co-sponsor of the bill, and both men have been named as potential witnesses in the senators trial.

Stack did not respond to repeated calls and text messages for comment. Sacco, for his part, denied having had any contact with the feds past the subpoena 12 months ago. He instead pointed to the congressmans success in bringing back funds for local infrastructure projects as the reason for his endorsement.

The senator at one time served as the chairman of the county party, he knows of secrets that I could only dream of being able to put in a book I would write, said County Commissioner Bill ODea, who supports Rep. Menendezs re-election. "A fictional book, though, of course.

But ODea denied the indicted lawmakers comments had any impact on his own endorsement, which he attributed to the congressmans strong constituent services. Further, he said he doubted they influenced any mayors choice. Other sources close to the county organization proposed motives ranging from abiding respect for the senator, to sentimental affection for the son, to fear of alienating Latino voterswho make up a plurality of the House districts population, and a majority in several towns that still have largely white political leadership.

What ODea and Oseguera agreed on was that the backing of Stack and Sacco and the rest of the establishment grants the incumbent congressman a tremendous edge. Both predicted that, in a low-turnout primary, the machine will churn out its supporters in the thousands: municipal workers and senior citizens, particularly out of the much-diminished but hyper-engaged Cuban-American community from which the Menendez family hails.

If there is hope for Bhalla, it lies in Jersey City and Hoboken, enclaves that have attracted educated and affluent Manhattan expats for whom the Menendez brand has been poisoned and the old guard holds little sway.

But even in these locales, the machine has shown its power. Multiple members of the Hoboken City Council have endorsed Rep. Menendez. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, the only other powerful Menendez enemy in the district, has remained neutral. Fulop hopes to capture the governors mansion in next years election, and the support of the local Democratic establishment could prove crucial to these ambitions.

For his part, Menendez Jr. has sought to minimize his links to his embattled dadliterally shrinking the family name on campaign signs and making sure to appear on the ballot as Rob rather than Robert. Still, several of his top campaign staffers are longtime operatives for his father, and the senators New Millennium political action committee gave $10,000 to the congressmans campaign in late November.

But insiders agreed that Bhalla is an imperfect messenger for a good government-oriented campaign. Although he emerged from a reformist faction 15 years ago, the Hoboken politician had in recent years grown cozier with his colleagues in other parts of the county, and the organization allowed him to handpick a candidate for a coveted state legislature seat.

Further, The Daily Beast discovered in October that Hoboken was among several north Jersey municipalities that had pandemic-era testing arrangements with Fusion Diagnostics, the lab that employed the senators co-conspirator wife. The Fusion position now forms part of the governments case against the power couple.

A Hoboken administrator told The Daily Beast that Fusion was the partner entity to another vendor Jersey City had recommended, and that Bhallas team terminated its relationship with both companies once they failed to deliver timely results.

Thats not the only dealing with Jersey City that has caused Bhalla trouble. A former Hoboken health official has accused Bhalla of accommodating a cannabis dispensary that could financially benefit Fulops wife in exchange for a contract Jersey City awarded Bhallas law firm.

Bhalla has denied wrongdoing while simultaneously denouncing his accuser for alleged corrupt conduct and political motivations.

These allegations three weeks before an election is kind of laughable, Bhalla said.

Menendez Jr. has seized on the controversy to cast the mayor as the true mascot for shady backroom politics. But longtimers The Daily Beast spoke to doubted the dueling recriminations would impact the final tally at all.

"This is the thing with the New Jersey Democrats, and it's been for a long time: people assume anyone who runs for office is corrupt, one party insider told The Daily Beast, requesting anonymity to speak bluntly. You're never going to win an election running around saying the other guy is corrupt and he's a bad guy. They already believe he's a bad guy. People are gonna vote for who theyre gonna vote for.

But since Bhalla has broken the code of courtesy among the mayors by challenging Menendez, several sources predicted thatif he fails on Tuesdaythe county Democratic operation will recruit and fund a candidate next year to oust him from Hoboken City Hall.

After all, if those who interfered in the machines functions went unpunished, the operation would risk breaking down and losing influence in the state relative to similar Democratic organizations in Newark and South Jersey. Less influence would mean a reduced role in electing future governors and senators, and that would mean fewer dollars pouring down from the upper echelons of government.

Bhalla told The Daily Beast that hes focused on the present election to the House and nothing more. Still, he argued that even if he loses, the people of the district have already won a small victory by getting a say in who represents them in Congress at all.

This election was not a coronation like we had two years ago. The congressman had to earn his victory if he wins, the mayor said. That there was an election was a healthy sign for democracy in New Jersey.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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On Monday, former President Donald Trump vented about being found guilty in New York of 34 counts of falsifying business records and suggested that the U.S. Supreme Court step in to prevent Judge Juan Merchan from sentencing him in the case.

The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE! Trump wrote.

While the high court is unlikely to intervene in the sentencing of the former president found guilty by a jury in a state court proceeding, it is expected to issue a ruling at any time on whether the principle of presidential immunity protects Trump from prosecution in the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.

But whatever the court decides, the ruling will affect not only that criminal case, but at least two of the others he is facing as well. Heres why:

Jan. 6 election interference

In April, the high court heard oral arguments on the presidential immunity question after a federal appeals court upheld Judge Tanya Chutkans ruling that Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election were not part of his official presidential duties.

Chutkan has paused the Jan. 6 election interference case until the Supreme Court issues its ruling. If the court rules in Trumps favor, agreeing that former presidents are protected from criminal prosecution unless first impeached and convicted by Congress, the trial will not move forward. If the justices rule in the governments favor, the case could conceivably go to trial before the 2024 presidential election.

Based on the questions from the justices, most legal analysts believe that the court will not give Trump blanket protection from prosecution, but could issue a ruling that would require another court to examine each of the charges against Trump to try to clarify whether his behavior, such spreading false claims about the outcome of the election, should be characterized as an official act.

If that happens, the start date of the trial could be pushed back until after the 2024 election. Thats significant because if Trump is reelected, he could direct his attorney general to simply drop the case against him.

Georgia election interference

Trump and 14 others face felony charges in Fulton County, Georgia, stemming from their efforts to overturn the 2020 election in that battleground state, and if the Supreme Court were to rule in Trumps favor on presidential immunity, his lawyers would quickly press Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee to drop the 10 felony counts against him.

In January, Trump filed a court motion with McAfee to dismiss the state charges on the grounds that past Supreme Court precedent "shields President Trump from criminal prosecution for acts within the 'outer perimeter' of his official duties."

Proceedings in the trial are currently on hold as McAfee awaits the Supreme Courts ruling on immunity and Trumps lawyers pursue an appeal of McAfees decision to allow Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case despite allegations of misconduct. On Monday, the Georgia appeals court scheduled the case to be heard in October.

A Supreme Court ruling on the immunity question that goes even partially in Trumps favor would result in a new round of court challenges from Trumps lawyers that would almost certainly drag the case into 2024 or 2025.

Classified documents

At the core of Trumps defense in the classified documents case is his contention that, because he was president when he decided to send boxes containing classified documents to his Florida home, he cant be prosecuted for doing so. In February, Trumps lawyers asked Judge Aileen Cannon to drop all 40 felony counts brought by Smith on those grounds.

Cannon, a Trump appointee, has already delayed the trial so that it would very likely begin after the presidential election.

Should the Supreme Court rule that presidential immunity protects Trump from prosecution, the classified documents case could be quashed before a trial begins.
Humans May Be Able to Grow New Teeth Within Just 6 Years

While bones can regrow themselves when they break, teeth arent so lucky, and that leads to millions of people worldwide suffering from some form of edentulism, a.k.a. toothlessness.

Now, Japanese researchers are moving a promising, tooth-regrowing medicine into human trialsthe first patients will be receiving the drug intravenously in September of this year.

If the trial is successful, the researchers hope the drug will become available for all forms of toothlessness sometime around 2030.

The average adult human body contains 206 bonesthe hardened mixtures of calcium, minerals, and collagen that provide the biological scaffolding that walks us through our day. While we may not think of them much, bones are incredibly resilient. But if they do break, they have this nifty trick of regrowing themselves.

Teeth, however, are not bones. Although theyre made of some of the same stuff and are the hardest material in the human body (thanks to its protective layer of enamel), they lack the crucial ability to heal and regrow themselves. But that may not always be the case. Japanese researchers are moving forward with an experimental drug that promises to regrow human teeth, and human trials are set to begin in September.

We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence, Katsu Takahashi, the head of dentistry at the medical research institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, told The Mainichi. While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that peoples expectations for tooth growth are high.

This development follows years of study around a particularly antibody named Uterine sensitizationassociated gene-1 (USAG-1), which has been shown to inhibit the growth of teeth in ferrets and mice. Back in 2021, scientists from the Kyoto Universitywho will also be involved in future human trialsdiscovered a monoclonal antibody (a technique usually used in fighting cancer) that disrupted the interaction between USAG-1 and molecules known as bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP.

We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough, Kyoto Universitys Katsu Takahashi, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement at the time. Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans.

Now, scientists will see just how similar, because humans will soon undergo a similar trial in September of this year. Lasting 11 months, this study will focus on 30 males between the ages of 30 and 64each missing at least one tooth. The drug will be administered intravenously to prove its effectiveness and safety, and luckily, no side effects have been reported in previous animal studies.

If all goes well, Kitano Hospital will administer the treatment to patients between the ages of 2 to 7 who are missing at least four teeth, with the end goal of having a tooth-regrowing medicine available by the year 2030. While these treatments are currently focused on patients with congenital tooth deficiency, Takahashi hopes the treatment will be available for anyone whos lost a tooth.



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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 3. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with the World Trade Organization (WTO), President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with the Director General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Trend reports.

"Kazakhstan attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with the World Trade Organization. We are confident that, under your leadership, the international multilateral trading system will undergo a profound transformation aimed at eliminating existing trade barriers and creating a level playing field. Your visit to Almaty is extremely important. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for your close cooperation. It was a great responsibility and honor for Kazakhstan to chair the 12th Ministerial Conference, during which WTO members were able to make important decisions on reforming the Organization," he said.

According to Tokayev, the volume of Kazakhstans foreign trade has increased by 53 percent over the past 3 years.

"Despite growing global protectionism and trade restrictions, Kazakhstan is seeking to strengthen its position as an open economy. Currently, our country trades with 180 countries. Over the past 3 years, the volume of Kazakhstans foreign trade has increased by 53 percent, reaching $160 billion," he noted.

In turn, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highly appreciated the contribution that Kazakhstan, as chairman of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, made in making key decisions in the field of international trade.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover was $139.8 billion from January through December 2023, up 3.2 percent from 2022.

At the same time, exports totaled $78.6 billion (in nominal terms, 7 percent less than the same time in 2022), and imports grew by 20.1 percent, totaling $61.1 billion.
May Bartola leaves the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday after voting in historic presidential election. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

Hundreds of Mexican nationals lined up outside the Consulate General of Mexico's office in Los Angeles on Sunday to cast ballots in an election that will likely see the first female president chosen in the country's history.

People began lining up as early as 4 a.m. to cast their ballots at the consulate office in the 2400 block of West 6th Street, near MacArthur Park. The area was packed with street vendors selling tacos, fruit and ice cream and people erupted in cheers every time a voter emerged from inside after casting their ballot.

Draped in Mexican flags, many people waited patiently as mariachi music blasted from the park across the street, eager to participate in a historic decision they said would change Mexico's political landscape. Similar scenes played out at Mexican consulates around the country on Sunday.

Lines of people who have waited to vote are seen outside the Mexican Consulate on Sunday. Irma Selene Hernandez Atondo waits to vote outside the Mexican Consulate. Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times Antonio Guerrero poses for a portrait while waiting to vote outside the Mexican Consulate. Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times

We want to be a part of the tide that ends corruption, said voter Antonio Garcia, who had a Mexican flag draped around his neck. The last six years, we have seen a lot of changes in Mexico that have worsened the status of the country.

Garcia, who has been in the country for 22 years, said he called his mother in Tijuana this morning, and she said she was ready to vote. He also received texts from his sister asking if he was traveling to the consulate.

Candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, President Andres Manual Lopez Obradors protege and the former mayor of Mexico City, is heavily favored to win the election  in large part because she has vowed to advance his signature projects, including welfare programs and efforts to reform the judiciary.

Obrador is not on the ballot, but Sunday's vote is widely viewed as a referendum on the popular but polarizing president known for pulling millions of Mexicans out of poverty while weakening some of the countrys key institutions, emboldening the military and failing to stem an epidemic of brutal gang violence.

Lines of people who have waited since the early morning hours to vote are seen outside the Mexican Consulate on Sunday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

Sheinbaum's chief opponent, Xochitl Galvez, an entrepreneur and former senator who represents an opposition coalition, has sought to tap into resentment among the middle and upper classes against the current president, who is known widely by his initials, AMLO.

Sundays election is the largest in Mexicos history. Along with a new president, voters will choose 128 senators, 500 congressional deputies, eight governors and the mayor of Mexico City, along with thousands of local officials. Mexican presidents serve a single six-year term.

Meanwhile, Laura Torres, who arrived at the consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday with Garcia and a group from Oxnard, said they had waited six hours to vote and would wait another six if necessary. The group plans to vote for Sheinbaum.

We are here to support Mexico. The last six-year term has been much better than before, Torres said about the election. We are very happy to vote, even if it is here in another that is not ours. We are proud.

Valeria Jauregui, left, and Carolina Montemayor, right, pose for a portrait while waiting to vote outside the Mexican Consulate on Sunday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

Valeria Jauregui and Carolina Montemayor, both 21 years old, are performing arts students at the AMDA College of the Performing Arts, studying abroad from Monterrey, Mexico. They were in line to vote for Galvez.

Its important for us as young people to do so because we are the future of the country, Jauregui said. The country is in a fragile state, and getting involved and raising our voices is what we can do.

Both students said they are voting for Galvez instead of Sheinbaum because they believe a change from the Morena party is much needed, and they feel that the Morena leadership "is not working."

Arriving at 6 a.m., the students thought they would finish voting in a few hours and head over to get breakfast, but they remained in line well past noon. Nonetheless, they were excited to be voting for the countrys first female president and to be part of history.

Lines of people who have waited since the early morning hours to vote are seen outside the Mexican Consulate on Sunday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

A female president is progress for the country, hopefully for the good of the country, Montemayor said. We are in a feminist movement that will definitely influence some changes.

Staff writers Patrick J. McDonnell and Kate Linthicum contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hungary has not decided whether to take part in Ukraine's global peace summit as "not all sides of the war" will be present at the event, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on June 2 in an interview with Belarusian state-owned TV channel ONT.

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.

In mid-May, Hungary vetoed a resolution in the Council of Europe to officially recognize and support President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace formula.

Hungary respects Switzerland's efforts to achieve peace but doubts whether the summit makes sense if "there aren't both parties to the war" present, according to the minister.

"If both sides of the war are not represented, I think it is a legitimate question whether the whole summit makes sense in terms of the ultimate goal, which is to seek peace," Szijjarto said

"We (Hungary) believe that the peace summit has real meaning and gives the greatest hope for peace if both sides are at the table."

Read also: Zelensky accuses China of working hard to stop countries attending global peace summit

Szijjarto added that Budapest "has nothing to do with the war" despite different attitudes among other European countries.

"They (other European states) tend to feel that they are also at war with Russia. We do not feel that way. I mean, Russia has not attacked us. We are not at war. Ukraine is not fighting for us," the minister said.

The peace summit will be held on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Ukraine hopes the summit will address several key areas, such as energy security, the exchange of captives, the return of deported children, global food security, and other topics.

Russia was not invited to the talks, but the Swiss hosts said that Moscow's representatives will have to take part in the process "sooner or later."

Kyiv has warned that Russia is attempting to disrupt the summit.

Read also: Media: Saudi Arabia plans to snub Ukraines global peace summit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Hungary unlikely to participate in Ukraine's Peace Summit due to Russia's absence

In an interview with pro-government Belarusian television channel ONT, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed doubts about his country's participation in the Peace Summit in Switzerland, citing Russia's absence as the reason.

Source: Belarusian state-owned news agency BelTA, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Hungarian minister explained that Budapest is hesitant, because Russia will not be represented at the summit.

Quote: "We respect Switzerland's efforts to promote peace. We deeply respect their position. However, the question remains: does a peace conference make sense if warring parties are not present? So if not all parties are represented, I believe it's a reasonable question whether the entire conference makes sense in terms of the ultimate purpose, which is the promotion of peace," Szijjarto said.

He believes that a peace conference only makes sense "if both sides are present at the negotiating table".

Background:

On Friday 31 May, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland did not match all of Beijing's standards for such an event, making it unlikely to be presented there.

On Sunday 2 June, Zelenskyy accused China of supporting efforts to deter the leaders from attending the summit in Switzerland.

In response, Beijing asserted they have never "fanned fire or fuelled the flames" of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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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

A climate activist taking part in a hunger strike in Berlin has been taken to hospital, according to the campaign "Starve until you are honest."

Wolfgang Metzeler-Kick, 49, was taken to the German Armed Forces' hospital, the campaign announced on Monday evening.

He has been on hunger strike for 89 days and a team of doctors looking after him recently said his life was seriously at risk.

Several campaign activists have been on hunger strike in Berlin for weeks and some of them are in a serious state of health.

The activists want German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to issue a government statement on the climate crisis saying that the "continued existence of human civilization is extremely endangered by the climate crisis."

The activists are also asking Scholz to acknowledge the problem, and that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is already too high and that there is no CO2 budget left.

The campaign also disseminated quotes from Metzeler-Kick that had been prepared in case he was taken to hospital.

"Obviously, the government is more willing to let us starving people die than to speak scientific facts," he said. The hunger strikers and their supporters called for non-violent protests.

Scholz recently appealed to the participants in the climate hunger strike to call off their action. That was his wish, he said at a public discussion organized by the Thuringer Allgemeine newspaper. Scholz did not address the activists' demands in detail.

The activists are living in a tent camp at the Economy Ministry. Metzeler-Kick from Munich began its action on March 7, with the others joining in gradually.
Hunter Biden goes on trial for federal gun charges. Heres what to know

Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges began with jury selection on Monday.

The first day of the trial, which is expected to last between three and six days, saw First Lady Jill Biden and half-sister Ashley Biden join the son of the president at the courthouse.

The 54-year-old is facing charges that he lied on a form to purchase a firearm, stating that he was not a drug user when he allegedly was frequently using crack cocaine.

Heres what you need to know.

The prosecutions case

Prosecutors will rely on Hunter Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply store in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

While Biden didnt mention buying a firearm in his memoir, Beautiful Things, he did outline his drug use. Prosecutors have called the book incriminating.

The prosecution has suggested that they possibly plan on attempting to prove that Biden used illegal drugs by pointing to text messageshe sent at the time.

Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A number of those text messages came from an iCloud account, that prosecutors got access to via a subpoena, and others were sourced from a laptop that Biden is reported to have left at a repair shop and never returned to collect.

Biden and some in his orbit have stated for years that material from the laptop cannot be presumed to be authentic. Operatives backing former president Donald Trump have publicized material from the laptop as part of their attacks on President Biden.

Allies of Hunter Biden have said that some of the material shared from the laptop has been altered or distorted and they have also never confirmed that Hunter Biden ever dropped anything off at a repair shop.

But prosecutors have said that they have confirmed the authenticity of large parts of the laptops content by checking texts and emails with the people Hunter Biden sent them to.

On 22 May, a filing by the prosecution stated that Hunter Biden has not provided any evidence or information that shows that his laptop contains false information, and the governments evidence shows the opposite  the defendants laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit), and it contains significant evidence of the defendants guilt.

The witnesses

The prosecution has said they may call as many as a dozen witnesses, according to The Washington Post.

They have indicated that they may call three of Bidens former partners  Kathleen Buhle, who he married in 1993 and divorced in 2017; Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden; and a woman named as Zoe Kasten, according to Politico.

In the book, Biden referred to his romantic relationship with his brothers widow Hallie as an affair built on need, hope, frailty, and doom.

First Lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the opening day of the trial of Hunter Biden on Monday (REUTERS)

The three former partners are all expected to say in testimony that Biden was using crack cocaine around the time that he purchased the gun.

Hallie Biden may also speak about the actual gun. She allegedly found it and threw it away behind a grocery store amid concerns that Hunter Biden may turn it upon himself.

Other possible witnesses include the shop owner who sold Biden the firearm in 2018 and several experts. Bidens defense attorney, Abbel Lowell, didnt rule out Biden himself appearing on the stand but its not customary for defendants to testify at their own trials.

The defense

Following his indictment, Biden filed a number of motions to dismiss the charges, including arguing that the prosecution was selective and vindictive as well as claiming that the gun law that hes alleged to have violated goes against the Second Amendment.

The trial judge Maryellen Noreika rejected those motions, saying that Biden could appeal after the end of the trial.

Bidens defense has since filed motions regarding what evidence can be included. During the final hearing before the trial, Lowell indicated that the defense may question if Biden filled out the form to buy the firearm himself, where hes alleged to have lied about being a drug user.

Ashley Biden arrives at Hunter Biden's trial at federal court on June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware (AP)

There are two versions of the form  the shop owner emailed one to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms after the purchase and one was obtained from the shop a number of years after the sale. The form was updated by an individual at the shop to add information regarding Bidens Delaware vehicle registration.

Lowell suggested this shows that the process was not conducted as expected, making it possible that it wasnt Biden who checked the box to say he was not a drug user. The defense may also argue that Biden was in denial regarding his drug use when he purchased the firearm.

The possible sentence

Judge Noreika will have a wide selection of possible sentences to choose from if Biden is convicted, ranging from probation to what the Department of Justice has said is the maximum sentence  a quarter of a century behind bars. But the latter remains unlikely.

New York criminal defense lawyer Peter Tilem told Politico that federal sentencing guidelines for defendants in situations similar to Bidens recommend prison terms of at least 15 months.

The defense would also argue that in the years since the alleged crime took place, Biden has significantly improved his life. But Biden could remain out on bail during any appeals process.
As Hunter Biden goes to trial on gun charges, here's how his attorneys plan to defend a 'simple case'

Federal prosecutors pursuing a conviction of President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden on three felony gun charges have characterized their upcoming trial as "a simple case" -- and the facts presented in charging documents certainly appear to support that claim.

According to special counsel David Weiss' office, in October of 2018, Hunter Biden knowingly lied on a federal form about his drug use in order to procure a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver -- conduct that, at face value, would constitute a federal crime. He is charged with two counts related to false statements in purchasing the firearm and a third count of illegally obtaining a firearm while addicted to drugs.

But Hunter Biden's legal team believes it can throw a wrench in Weiss' tidy narrative. At a recent pretrial hearing, an attorney for Biden suggested the firearm form at the heart of the case was "much more complicated than [the] special counsel indicates it is."

MORE: Special counsel plans to use infamous laptop as evidence in Hunter Biden's firearm trial

Jury selection for the trial is set to begin on Monday. And if 12 Delaware residents accept the government's story, the president's only living son could face a prison sentence.

The task of fighting that outcome falls to Abbe Lowell, a veteran defense attorney who has represented several other high-profile figures, including Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

How Lowell plans to fight the charges remains somewhat unclear. He has signaled to U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika that the contours of his case would depend in large part on how prosecutors proceed at trial.

But in court records and at pretrial hearings, he has offered some tea leaves -- and suggested he will attempt to cast doubt on some of the government's most crucial evidence and witnesses.

'Tampered' or 'annotated'?

Lowell has, for example, latched onto revelations in court that two copies exist of the federal gun form at the heart of the case, called an ATF Form 4473. A shop employee created the original document when Hunter Biden purchased the firearm in 2018. It lists Biden's passport as the ID he presented to the shop employee.

Years later, however, a copy was made. The copy included a handwritten note, "DE Vehicle Registration," on a line left blank for "Supplemental Government Issued Documentation." Store employees did so in 2021 to rectify a requirement that gun buyers present a form of ID that includes an address, which passports do not.

Lowell contends that gun store employees "tampered with" the document, and that it raises questions about "who wrote what on the form, and when."

Weiss' office has said the gun shop employees merely "annotated" the document. But they took Lowell's argument seriously enough to re-interview the gun store owner, Ronald Palimere, on May 16.

During the interview, according to notes filed on the case docket, Palimere said Hunter Biden's legal tribulations were becoming "a big scandal and there was intense attention on the incident," and that employees at the store "were all scared to death."

Palimere "felt it was necessary to annotate the Form 4473 because he felt they were going to get in trouble just for going up against Biden," according to the notes.

PHOTO: Hunter Biden departs the House Rayburn Office Building following a surprise appearance at a House Oversight Committee markup and meeting on Capitol Hill, Jan. 10, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters, FILE)

If jurors are persuaded by Lowell's tack, the argument could undermine the credibility of some key government witnesses -- the people who sold Biden the gun -- and potentially create a reasonable doubt that Hunter Biden was the one who actually checked that box.

At least two gun store employees, including Palimere, are expected to testify at the trial.

The definition of 'is'

Lowell may also advance the argument that Hunter Biden may have been confused by the language on the ATF Form 4473. The box he checked "no" asked of the buyer, "Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to" various narcotics.

"The issue here is Mr. Biden's understanding of the question, which asks in the present tense if he 'is' a user or addict," Lowell wrote in court papers.

"The terms 'user' or 'addict' are not defined on the form and were not explained to him," he continued. "Someone like Mr. Biden, who had just completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and lived with a sober companion after that, could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict."

MORE: Special counsel in Hunter Biden case plans to call his ex-wife, brother's widow as witnesses in upcoming trial

Finally, Lowell has raised "an issue of chain of custody" with a leather pouch that allegedly held the revolver Hunter Biden purchased. In court documents filed earlier this year, prosecutors said this pouch had cocaine residue on it.

After purchasing the firearm in 2018, Hunter Biden possessed it for less than two weeks before his then-romantic partner, Hallie Biden  who is also the widow of his brother, Beau  discovered the weapon and the pouch, discarded them in a dumpster.

The gun was soon recovered by the authorities, but the pouch was not tested for drug residue until five years later, in 2023. Lowell said at the pretrial hearing that he wants to question witnesses about what happened to the pouch during those five years when it was in police custody to see if it was "tampered with."

One of the witnesses Lowell plans to call for the defense is a chemical residue expert.

The government's case

Prosecutors hope these arguments fall flat, and that jurors rely on the voluminous evidence they plan to present to find Hunter Biden guilty of committing the three felony charges he faces.

Prosecutors seem poised to use Hunter Biden's own words against him -- excerpts from his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," and text messages he exchanged around the time of the gun purchase -- to demonstrate that he was in fact a drug user when he filled out the ATF Form 4473 and procured the weapon.

In one text message prosecutors included in court filings, Hunter Biden wrote two days after allegedly purchasing the gun: "I was sleeping on a car smoking crack on 4th Street and Rodney," referring to an intersection in Wilmington.

Weiss' office also plans to show jurors the original ATF Form 4473, in which Biden represented that "he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance" -- despite allegedly knowing it not to be true.

Prosecutors indicated that they plan to call as many as 12 witnesses, including Hallie Biden and Hunter Biden's ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle.

MORE: Judge denies Hunter Biden's attempt to dismiss federal gun charges

Lowell has not yet decided whether Hunter Biden will testify in his own defense.

The trial begins on Monday and is expected to last two to three weeks. If he's found guilty, Biden could face a prison sentence of up to 25 years, though legal experts suggest that, as a first-time and nonviolent offender, he would not likely serve time.

Weiss' office also charged Hunter Biden in December with nine felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from his failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes for three years during a time when he was in the throes of addiction. The back taxes and penalties were eventually paid in full by a third party, identified by ABC News as Hunter Biden's attorney and confidant, Kevin Morris. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial in that case was scheduled to begin on June 20 in California, but Lowell successfully petitioned the judge to postpone it until Sept. 5 -- raising the likelihood that a jury could be deliberating whether to convict the presidents son on several felony counts in the waning weeks of the 2024 election.

As Hunter Biden goes to trial on gun charges, here's how his attorneys plan to defend a 'simple case' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WILMINGTON, Delaware  As Hunter Biden walks into court Monday to go on trial, hell pass a familiar sight: a large photo of his father, sporting a reassuring grin.

The photo  hanging prominently in the lobby of a federal courthouse in dilapidated downtown Wilmington  is a vivid reminder of how the presidents political career and now his sons legal travails both run through this struggling port city.

For years, Hunter Biden has drawn scrutiny for his links to controversial Ukrainian, Chinese and Romanian business ventures. Congressional Republicans and former President Donald Trump have accused him of influence-peddling and corruption.



But the trial  which opens Monday morning with jury selection  isnt about any of that. Instead, its focus is extraordinarily narrow: Biden will face three criminal counts for allegedly buying a gun while in the throes of addiction to crack cocaine.

The trial, which is expected to last between three and six days, will dramatize some of the worst moments in Bidens life. Two witnesses who may testify against him are the mothers of five of the presidents grandchildren. It will be the culmination of years of legal trouble for Biden  and will be a source of pain for the president, who has long told associates that he is deeply concerned about his sons criminal exposure, including that it could jeopardize his sons sobriety.

Heres a guide to how we got here and what comes next.

Whos Hunter?

As the son of a U.S. senator, Hunter Biden was raised on politics like farm kids raised on sweet corn, he wrote in his memoir, Beautiful Things. In 1993, he married Kathleen Buhle, whom he met while they both were working in Oregon with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. They have three adult daughters.

Biden graduated from Yale Law School in 1996 and, over the following years, worked as a lawyer and lobbyist. In Beautiful Things, he said he was a functional alcoholic within a few years of graduation.



His brother, Beau, died of cancer in 2015. He left behind a widow, Hallie Biden, and two children. After Beau's death, according to the memoir, Bidens substance abuse spiraled. He abused a host of drugs and became particularly dependent on crack cocaine. Buhle told him in 2015 that she would seek a divorce, and he later struck up a romance with his brothers widow.

It was an affair built on need, hope, frailty, and doom, he wrote. The relationship didnt last, and Biden wrote that a tabloid frenzy fueled its downfall.

Paparazzi tailed us nonstop, he wrote. Our relationship wasnt just out in the open around Wilmington. It was on seventy-eight front pages around the world, from Thailand to the Czech Republic to Cincinnati.

In 2019, after meeting a South African filmmaker named Melissa Cohen, he got sober. The two married and had a son, named Beau.

A criminal probe

In late 2018, as Biden was in the throes of addiction, a criminal investigator at the IRS started investigating him. IRS agents scrutinized his profligate lifestyle and unusual finances. Within months, the FBI was also investigating him. Investigators took a broad look at Bidens life. It was clear he had a drug problem. They also found evidence indicating he had bought a gun.

On Dec. 9, 2020  just weeks after his father defeated Donald Trump in the presidential race  he confirmed publicly that his tax affairs were under investigation.

Two and a half years later, Bidens criminal jeopardy appeared to be nearing an end. On June 20, 2023, his lawyers announced that they had reached a plea deal to end the probe. Biden would plead guilty to tax violations and enter a diversion agreement intended to result in the eventual withdrawal of a gun charge. In exchange, the Justice Department would not prosecute him for other crimes, and Biden would be able to avoid any prison time. Republicans called it a sweetheart deal.

It didnt last. A month later, Biden and the prosecutors appeared in the Wilmington courthouse for a hearing they hoped would lock in the deal. But instead, Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, grilled prosecutors and the defense about the deals structure, enforcement and immunity protection. Instead of green-lighting the agreement, she sent both parties back to the negotiating table to clarify its language.



Those efforts failed. Then, on Aug. 11, Attorney General Merrick Garland made David Weiss  the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware supervising the probe  a special counsel. That designation gave Weiss greater independence to charge Biden anywhere in the country.

On Sept. 14, Weisss team charged Biden with three crimes: unlawfully possessing a gun as a drug user, lying on a federal form when he bought the gun and making a false statement about information required to be collected by a federally licensed gun dealer. Three months later, the special counsel brought a separate criminal case in Los Angeles charging Biden with tax crimes; that case is scheduled to go to trial in September.

The case against Hunter

The prosecutors helming the gun case, Derek Hines and Leo Wise, will lean heavily on Bidens memoir to show he was a drug user on Oct. 12, 2018, when they say he bought a handgun from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington. Biden didnt discuss a gun purchase in his memoir, but he gave a detailed account of his drug abuse. Prosecutors have called it his incriminating book and cited his description of drug abuse in 2018 around the time he allegedly bought the gun.

They have also said they may call three of Bidens exes: Buhle, Hallie Biden and a third woman identified as Zoe Kasten. All three are expected to testify that Biden used crack cocaine around the time of the gun purchase. Hallie Biden may also testify about the gun itself; she is said to have found it and thrown it away behind a grocery store because she feared Biden would turn it on himself.

Prosecutors have also signaled they plan to prove Biden used illegal drugs by citing text messages he sent. Some of those messages come from an iCloud account they subpoenaed. Others come from a laptop Biden is said to have abandoned at a computer repair shop. Biden and his allies have maintained for years that material gleaned from the laptop  which pro-Trump operatives have distributed and published  cannot be presumed authentic. They have said some content attributed to it is altered or distorted. And they have never confirmed that the presidents son left anything at a computer store.

Prosecutors, however, have said they have confirmed the authenticity of much of the laptops contents by verifying texts and emails with the people Biden sent them to. They have said they will use it at the trial, and they have criticized Bidens claims that its contents were distorted by bad actors.

He has not provided any evidence or information that shows that his laptop contains false information, and the governments evidence shows the opposite  the defendants laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit) and it contains significant evidence of the defendants guilt, reads a May 22 filing from the prosecution.

The case for Hunter

Bidens defense plan is murkier. After his indictment, he filed multiple motions to dismiss the charges, arguing that he faced a selective and vindictive prosecution and that the gun law he allegedly broke violates the Second Amendment. Noreika rejected those motions. Biden appealed to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and prosecutors argued the move  called an interlocutory appeal  wasnt permitted. Appellate judges agreed and told Biden he could appeal again after the trial ended.

In the weeks since then, Bidens defense team and prosecutors filed motions arm-wrestling over what evidence and arguments would be allowed at the trial. At the last hearing before the trial, Lowell signaled that the defense may raise questions about whether Biden himself actually filled out the whole gun-purchasing form on which he allegedly lied about his drug use.

Two versions of the form exist: one the gun store owner emailed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms shortly after the gun sale; and a second, which law enforcement obtained from the gun store several years later. Someone at the gun store updated the form after it was sent to ATF to add a line about Bidens Delaware vehicle registration. Lowell indicated that this shows the process surrounding the forms signing wasnt typical and that it could indicate someone other than Biden himself checked the box claiming he was not a drug user.

Bidens team is also poised to argue he was in denial about his addiction on the day of the gun purchase.

Biden himself may also testify, his team has suggested. Its a move that could be unwise, according to lawyer and Democratic mega-donor John Morgan.

Hunter is not a shrinking violet, lets start with that, he said. What can happen to defendants is they can become combative under cross examination because youre sitting there selling your story, Im an addict, and then all of a sudden, theyre like We dont care, and then it becomes really adversarial, and ... they almost forget theyre on the stand. They start fighting, and then thats when the sympathy for the addiction goes away.

After the trial

If the jury of 12 Delawareans acquits Biden, he still wont be out of the woods. He and his team will immediately pivot to the tax trial in Los Angeles, scheduled to begin Sept. 5. Hines and Wise are also prosecuting that case.

If hes convicted in the gun case, a sentencing hearing will follow a few months after the verdict. Noreika would have wide latitude at sentencing and could give Biden a sentence as mild as probation. But she could also sentence him to several years in prison. The Justice Department has said his maximum sentence would be 25 years, but that is unlikely.

Peter Tilem, a Manhattan criminal defense lawyer who has handled numerous gun cases, said he expects a conviction would lead to some jail time. Federal sentencing guidelines for defendants in Bidens situation  no prior convictions or arrests and no accusations of misusing the gun  recommend at least 15 months in prison, Tilem said. And he noted that a significant amount of time  nearly six years  lapsed between the date of the purchase and the trial. Bidens lawyers would almost certainly argue at a potential sentencing that hes changed his life since then. They would emphasize his sobriety, marriage and commitment to family. The judge, meanwhile, would also give significant weight to whatever prosecutors recommend.

The question is, how much does the Justice Department have their heart into prosecuting the Commander-in-Chiefs son, essentially their bosss son? he said. How much is the Justice Department looking for blood?

Before serving any prison time, however, Biden would almost certainly appeal on a host of grounds, including the Second Amendment argument he already made to Noreika. Tilem said theres a very good chance he would be out on bail as his appeals were litigated.

Outside the courtroom

The politics surrounding Bidens trial will be messy for everyone involved.

For national Democratic operatives and lawmakers, Hunter Biden has long been a source of discomfort and distaste. The White Houses allies mobilized when House Republicans launched an impeachment probe trying to link the president to his sons peccadilloes. But no such efforts have continued in the lead-up to his trial. A common talking point from congressional Democrats has been that no one is above the law, including Hunter Biden. But bad-mouthing Biden is fraught, as the president has been crystal clear that he loves and supports his only surviving son.

Republicans, meanwhile, face a different conundrum. Their beef is with the prosecutors for neglecting to charge Biden with influence-peddling for his work linked to China and Ukraine. Its a topic on which theyve been consistent and vociferous. But its not exactly a turn-out-the-vote line. Bidens argument for an expansive view of the Second Amendment, meanwhile, is also tricky for them to rebut  though its equally discomfiting for national Democrats, who see tightening gun laws as a fruitful issue in the 2024 presidential election.
Less than a week after a New York jury convicted former President Donald Trump, another historic trial is set to begin in Wilmington, Delaware. Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges is scheduled to start on Monday, June 3, the first criminal trial of the child of a sitting U.S. President. Hes charged with three felony firearm offenses stemming from a gun purchase in 2018, during a period he has said he was struggling with drug addiction.

Hes pleaded not guilty.

The trial is expected to last for up to two weeks and comes at a moment when his father President Joe Biden is locked in a close race for the presidency with Trump, who was found guilty of 34 felony counts in a Manhattan fraud case.

Heres what to know about the Hunter Biden trial.

What are the charges?

The Justice Department has charged Hunter Biden with unlawfully purchasing a revolver while using illicit drugs and lying on both a federal form and to a firearms dealer about his drug use when he purchased the weapon in October 2018. He has publicly admitted that he was struggling with a crack cocaine addiction during that period.

All my energy revolved around smoking drugs and making arrangements to buy drugs  feeding the beast, he wrote in his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyers have filed several motions to dismiss the case. During the trial, federal prosecutors are planning to present photos, testimony, and messages to show that Hunter Biden was using illegal drugs at the time he purchased a Colt Cobra 38SPL and failed to disclose that on the gun purchase form, as is required by federal law.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors will need to prove to jurors that Hunter Biden knowingly made a false statement on the federal form, that the statement was meant to deceive the salesman on a fact material to the sale, and that he knew he was an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances.

Hunter Bidens lawyers have suggested they may argue in court that he had recently finished rehab and may not have considered himself a drug user at the time he purchased the revolver. The terms user or addict are not defined on the form and were not explained to him, Abbe Lowell, the primary defense attorney for Hunter Biden, wrote in court documents filed in May. Someone, like Mr. Biden who had just completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and lived with a sober companion after that, could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict.

The gun charges were brought after a years-long investigation by Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. Weiss initially began investigating Hunter Bidens tax affairs in December 2020, weeks after Joe Biden won the 2020 election. According to The Washington Post, federal agents had given the U.S. Attorney in Delaware information that Hunter Biden reportedly answered no to a question on a gun purchase form in 2018 asking if he was using illicit drugs.

What penalties could Hunter Biden face?

If convicted on all three counts, Hunter Biden faces a maximum punishment of 25 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. However, its rare for defendants to get a maximum sentence when they are first-time offenders like the Presidents son.

By law, lying on a Firearms Transaction Record is a felony and a conviction on that charge could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years for each count. Unlawfully purchasing a revolver while using illicit drugs carries a maximum prison sentence of up to five years. But legal experts say its atypical for prosecutors to bring charges on the infraction. Some defendants in past similar cases didnt face jail time at all.

Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika in Delaware will decide sentencing if Hunter Biden is convicted by the jury, which consists of 12 residents of New Castle County.

Was there a plea deal for these charges?

Hunter Biden had previously reached an agreement with the Justice Department to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges in a separate case and avoid prosecution on the gun charge if he was willing to submit to probation, enter a diversion program, remain drug-free for 24 months, and agree to never own a firearm again. But that deal fell apart in court in July 2023 after Judge Noreika balked at signing off on the plea deal.

Congressional Republicans at the time had blasted the Justice Department for its efforts to pursue the plea deal with Hunter Biden, with Rep. James Comer, Republican of Kentucky and the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, calling it a slap on the wrist that revealed a two-tiered system of justice.

What about the laptop?

Messages stored on Hunter Bidens laptop after he bought the revolver could come up at trial. Emails and photos from his laptop were spread online after he allegedly dropped it off at a Delaware repair shop and the hard drive was allegedly acquired by Trump loyalist Rudy Giuliani.

Hunter Bidens legal team intend to raise questions about the authenticity of the files from the laptop in the trial, but prosecutors have said theres no evidence the data was compromised. In one of the text messages that prosecutors plan to use as evidence, according to court filings, Hunter Biden allegedly wrote that he was waiting for his dealer named Mookie the day after he purchased the gun. The following day Hunter Biden allegedly wrote, I was sleeping on a car smoking crack on 4th Street and Rodney.

What else is Hunter Biden being investigated for?

In addition to the three counts in Delaware, Hunter Biden is also facing federal tax charges in Los Angeles for allegedly failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes in income from foreign businesses during the years hes acknowledged being addicted to drugs. He was charged in December by a federal grand jury in California with evasion of a tax assessment, failure to file and pay taxes, and filing a false or fraudulent tax return. He has pleaded not guilty.

That case is set to go to trial in September, during the home stretch of the campaign season for his father.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
The jury has been selected in Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware.

Opening statements are expected to begin on Tuesday. One juror who used to play squash with the late Beau Biden was dismissed as he said he couldnt be impartial.

A gun owner with previous convictions was removed from the process after he said he would not be able to be impartial in a case regarding someone who was prohibited from owning a gun for something they did in their past.

The son of President Joe Biden stands accused of having bought a handgun on 12 October 2018 while being an active user of crack cocaine.

The prosecutors will be relying on Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

While Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, didnt mention buying a firearm in his memoir Beautiful Things, he did outline his drug use. Prosecutors have called the book incriminating.

Key Points

Statement from President Joe Biden

Jill Biden turns up to support Hunter at his gun trial in Delaware

PHOTOS: Biden family members arrive at court on opening day of trial

Jury selection process begins

Hunter Biden dealt major blow to case on eve of federal gun trial

Jury selected, opening statements expected tomorrow

21:26 , Gustaf Kilander

The jury has been selected in Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware.

Opening statements are expected to begin on Tuesday. One juror who used to play squash with the late Beau Biden was dismissed as he said he couldnt be impartial.

A gun owner with previous convictions was removed from the process after he said he would not be able to be impartial in a case regarding someone who was prohibited from owning a gun for something they did in their past.

The witnesses

21:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The prosecution has said they may call as many as a dozen witnesses, according to The Washington Post.

They have indicated that they may call three of Bidens former partners  Kathleen Buhle, whom he married in 1993 and divorced in 2017, Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, and a woman named as Zoe Kasten, according to Politico.

In the book, Biden referred to his relationship with his brothers widow as an affair built on need, hope, frailty, and doom.

The three former partners are all expected to say in testimony that Biden was using crack cocaine around the time that he purchased the gun.

Hallie Biden may also speak about the actual gun, she allegedly found it and threw it away behind a grocery store amid concerns that Hunter Biden may turn it upon himself.

Other possible witnesses include the shop owner who sold Biden the firearm in 2018 and several experts. Bidens defense attorney Abbel Lowell didnt rule out Biden himself appearing on the stand but its not customary for defendants to testify at their own trials.

Prospective jurors in Hunter Biden's firearms case questioned on gun rights, addiction

20:30 , Claudia Lauer, Michael Kunzelman, Colleen Long, Randall Chase

A federal gun case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter opened Monday with jury selection, following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close the 2024 election. First lady Jill Biden was seated in the front row of the courtroom, in a show of support for her son.

In a statement, the president said he has boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, he said, adding that would have no further comment on the case. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

Prospective jurors in Hunter Biden's firearms case questioned on gun rights, addiction

Family and friends support Hunter Biden as trial begins with jury selection

20:09 , Gustaf Kilander

Hunter Biden was surrounded by family in the courtroom on Monday.

First Lady Jill Biden attended the proceedings for the first few hours, he walked with his wife Melissa Cohen.

His uncle, Jack Owens, was also seen in the courtroom, according to The Washington Post. Also seen was son-in-law Peter Neal, former Joe Biden aide Fran Person, and friend Kevin Morris, a lawyer who has paid some of his legal fees.

Hunter Biden was also spotted hugging family friend Ricky Smith.

34 jurors qualified so far

19:44 , Gustaf Kilander

Thirty-four jurors have qualified for the jury pool, CNN noted. Another two are needed to move on to the next phase, during which the prosecution is allowed to strike a number of jurors without having to give a reason.

The process ends when theres a jury of 12 as well as four alternates. The judge has indicated that opening statements will begin on Tuesday.

First court sketches released in Hunter Biden gun trial

19:34 , Gustaf Kilander

NEW: Inside Hunter Bidens criminal trial on gun charges.



Jury selection is underway in a Delaware courthouse.



First Lady Jill Biden is seated in the audience.



Sketches: Bill Hennessy pic.twitter.com/LImhg6d1ex  MSNBC (@MSNBC) June 3, 2024

The prosecutions case

19:30 , Gustaf Kilander

The prosecutors will be relying on Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

While Biden didnt mention buying a firearm in his memoir, Beautiful Things, he did outline his drug use. Prosecutors have called the book incriminating.

The prosecution has noted that they possibly plan on attempting to prove that Biden used illegal drugs by pointing to texts he sent at the time.

A number of those text messages came from an iCloud account they got access to via a subpoena and others were sourced from a laptop that Biden is reported to have left at a repair shop and never returned to collect.

Biden and some in his orbit have stated for years that material from the laptop cannot be presumed to be authentic. Operatives backing former president Donald Trump have publicized material from the laptop as part of their attacks on Joe Biden.

Allies of Hunter Biden have said that some of the material shared from the laptop has been altered or distorted and they have also never confirmed that Hunter Biden ever dropped anything off at a repair shop.

But prosecutors have said that they have confirmed the authenticity of large parts of the laptops content by checking texts and emails with the people Hunter Biden sent them to.

On 22 May, a filing by the prosecution stated that Hunter Biden has not provided any evidence or information that shows that his laptop contains false information, and the governments evidence shows the opposite  the defendants laptop is real (it will be introduced as a trial exhibit), and it contains significant evidence of the defendants guilt.

Hunter Biden is not running for president'

19:10 , Gustaf Kilander

Congressional Democrats rejected comparisons between Hunter Bidens case and that of former President Donald Trump.

Hunter Biden is not running for president. President Donald Trumps running for president, Rep Jamie Raskin of Maryland said, according to CNN.

Democrats are not out there saying that Hunter Bidens trial is a farce, its a fraud, its rigged. Were not attacking the justice system, he added.

They do that because of the extraordinary cognitive dissonance that a party  which claims to be representing religious piety  has wrapped itself around in an adjudicated sexual assailant and fraudster who just got convicted by a jury of his peers for paying $130,000 in hush money to a porn star right after his fifth child was born, Raskin said. Thats where their party is.

Few prospective jurors with deeper knowledge of case

18:50 , Gustaf Kilander

Shortly before 12.30pm, the judge had gone through 35 prospective jurors, including an ex-bartender, a substitute teacher, and a retired postmaster, according to The Washington Post.

Many of the prospective jurors said they had heard about the case or read headlines about it but hadnt garnered any deeper knowledge.

The judge has been striking people who say they cant be impartial regardless of the reason.

The attorneys on both sides will subsequently be able to strike jurors they want removed from the process.

VIDEO: Jury selection begins in Hunter Biden's gun case

18:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Juror remembers hearing about failed plea deal

18:12 , Gustaf Kilander

A potential juror and retiree said he had heard about Hunter Bidens attempted plea deal, which fell apart under scrutiny from the overseeing judge.

There was an agreement for a negotiated plea. A lot of people were screaming and yelling about it, the potential juror said, according to CNN.

And then, boom, they decided to stop it, he added.

Neither the prosecution nor the defense objected to him being eligible to serve on the jury. The potential juror also said one of his nephews had struggled with addiction: He was a mess  better now.

The possible sentence

17:50 , Gustaf Kilander

Judge Maryellen Noreika will have a wide selection of possible sentences if Biden is convicted, ranging from probation to what the Department of Justice has said is the maximum sentence  a quarter of a century behind bars. But the latter remains unlikely.

New York criminal defense lawyer Peter Tilem told Politico that federal sentencing guidelines for defendants in situations similar to Bidens recommend prison terms of at least 15 months. The defense would also argue that in the years since the alleged crime took place, Biden has significantly improved his life.

Biden could remain out on bail during any appeals process.

Trumps hush money case referenced during jury selection

17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Interesting exchange just now during jury selection in Hunter Biden trial



Prospective juror is called into courtroom. Hes a former police officer who says hes acquainted with Dr Jill Biden and has met President Biden at events



Under questioning, there are some revelations   Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 3, 2024

Prospective juror is an RNC donor too. And hes answers yes when asked if he believes some prosecutions and law enforcement investigations are political



Then H Bidens defense begins to pepper potential juror with questions



(More)  Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) June 3, 2024

Who is the judge in Hunter Bidens federal gun trial?

17:10 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden is now on trial in Wilmington, Delaware, for gun-related federal charges  and its a Donald Trump appointee overseeing his case.

District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, 57, was initially assigned to the case, brought by special counsel David Weiss, back in June 2023.

At the time, the presidents son was expected to take a plea deal after striking an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to lesser tax charges and avoid the gun charges altogether.

But the federal judge was thrust into the spotlight when she suddenly rejected the deal in the 11th hour  calling it not standard.

Judge Noreikas decision caused Bidens cases to be split, leading to a three-count indictment on gun-related charges in Delaware and a nine-count indictment on federal tax charges in Los Angeles.

Now, the judge continues to preside over Bidens case in Delaware where he is accused of lying about his previous drug use on a federal firearm purchasing form.

Who is the judge in Hunter Bidens federal gun trial?

VIDEO: How Hunter Biden has come to face jurors on federal gun charges

16:50 , Gustaf Kilander

About 250 prospective jurors to become jury of 12

16:33 , Gustaf Kilander

About 250 Delawareans have been called for jury duty, the judge said, according to CNN. That large group will be broken down into a final tally of 12 jurors and four alternates.

Prospective jurors will be asked if they can remain impartial regardless of their thoughts on the election in November and if they can keep an open mind regarding Hunter Biden even if they have been able to vote for Joe Biden in the state.

The president was first elected senator in the state in 1971 and has since been up for election in the state as a candidate for vice president and president.

Questions include Do you believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted in this case because his father is the President of the United States? as well as if hes not being prosecuted for other crimes because his father is the President?

VIDEO: Jury selection to begin in Hunter Biden federal gun trial

16:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Questioning of individual jurors

16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The jury selection process moved on to questioning of individual jurors, with one woman who volunteered for Hillary Clinton in 2008 being asked if she could remain impartial.

She said she didnt see any relation between the politics, according to CNN. She told the judge that she would be fair.

VIDEO: Jury selection begins in Hunter Biden's gun trial

15:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Jury selection process begins

15:29 , Gustaf Kilander

The jury selection process began with prospective jurors filling out a questionnaire. The judge then asked some follow-up questions to those who answered yes to some of the questions.

The questions for the jurors so far have been about their personal schedules, opinions on gun ownership, and any possible history of drug addiction in their families, according to The Washington Post.

A gun owner with previous convictions was removed from the process after he said he would not be able to be impartial in a case regarding someone who was prohibited from owning a gun for something they did in their past.

One potential juror said she feels US gun laws arent strong enough, but added that she could be impartial. The lawyers said they were unsure if she should be allowed on the jury.

Hunter Biden dealt major blow to case on eve of federal gun trial

15:15 , Rachel Sharp

Hunter Biden has been dealt a major blow to his defense on the eve of his criminal trial on federal gun charges.

In a historic moment for America, the embattled son of the president is set to go on trial today on charges that he illegally bought a gun in 2018 while in the throes of drug addiction.

Jury selection will begin on Monday morning in federal court in Delaware, with the trial expected to last three to five days.

Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But Biden already looks set to face an uphill battle in the case following a series of 11th-hour rulings handed down by the judge on Sunday night.

In the rulings, US District Judge Maryellen Noreika blocked Bidens legal team from presenting both a key piece of evidence and testimony from a key expert witness to jurors at his trial.

Hunter Biden dealt major blow to case on eve of federal gun trial

PHOTOS: Biden family members arrive at court on opening day of trial

15:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the opening day of the trial of Hunter Biden (REUTERS)

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, on the opening day of his trial on criminal gun charges (REUTERS)

Ashley Biden arrives ahead of Hunter Biden's trial at federal court, Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington (AP)

Happy Birthday: Hunter shares joke with first lady in court

14:54 , Gustaf Kilander

Quite the moment captured by @mviser at the start of Hunter Bidens trial today pic.twitter.com/lLpRWwIhjU  Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) June 3, 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden

14:53 , Gustaf Kilander

I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunters resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I dont and wont comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.

Joe Biden

Jill Biden turns up to support Hunter at his gun trial in Delaware

14:52 , Gustaf Kilander

First Lady Jill Biden turned up for Hunter Bidens trial in Delaware on Monday on charges that he purchased a firearm while allegedly being an active drug user.

The trial began with jury selection on Monday and is expected to last between three and six days.

The prosecutors will be relying on Bidens memoir to make the case that he was a drug user when he bought a handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington on 12 October 2018.

Jill Biden turns up to support Hunter at his gun trial in Delaware

14:51 , Gustaf Kilander

Welcome to The Independents liveblog on Hunter Bidens federal gun trial.
Hunter Biden trial: the evidence linking crack cocaine to a handgun in the bin

When Hunter Biden bought a revolver from a Delaware gun shop in October 2018, he could scarcely have imagined the six-year legal battle and political storm it would create.

This week, the US presidents son, 54, will finally face trial over charges that he lied about being addicted to illegal drugs when buying a gun, in a case that has rattled its way to the top of the US government.

The prosecution case, led by David Weiss, the department of justices special prosecutor, will make use of some florid evidence collected from Mr Bidens phone and extracts from his bombshell 2021 book.

A key question to be answered in front of a 12-strong jury, selected on Monday, is whether Mr Biden was using illegal drugs at the time he bought the Colt revolver. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver bought by Hunter Biden in 2018

A form released by prosecutors shows Mr Biden did indeed tick no to a question asking whether he was an unlawful user or addicted to illegal drugs.

By his own admission, 2018 was a tumultuous time for Mr Biden who had lost his brother, Beau Biden, 46, to brain cancer three years earlier.

He has admitted regularly meeting prostitutes, taking an array of illegal substances and experiencing mental health problems in the same period.

The former lawyer wrote in Beautiful Things, his memoir, that he had become addicted to crack cocaine after his brothers death in 2015.

The book will form part of Mr Weisss case, which will also involve extended discussion of text messages between Mr Biden and his girlfriend.

In the two days after he purchased the revolver on Oct 12, prosecutors say he sent messages to his partner on Oct 13 and 14 about buying drugs in Delaware.

Eleven days after he bought the gun, his girlfriend discarded it into a skip, believing it was a risk to his safety.

In messages disclosed in prosecution documents, he wrote:

In further messages over the next two months, he told others:

At the time, his father Joe Biden was preparing to launch a bid for the White House in the 2020 election where he would defeat Donald Trump.

Republicans have sought to weaponise the two cases against him (including a trial for tax evasion in California scheduled for later in 2024) and the alleged involvement of his father in his Ukrainian business dealings. He denies the tax charges.

Some hope that two colourful cases and a congressional inquiry led by Jim Jordan, the GOP inquisitor, will be enough to minimise the impact of Mr Trumps own legal battles in 2024.

Hunter Biden has remained close to his father and stepmother, Jill Biden, appearing with the couple for annual diary events such as the White House Easter Egg Roll.

On Monday, Mrs Biden turned up to watch the jury selection at the federal district court in Wilmington, Delaware.

Mr Bidens defence team is set to argue that he has been unfairly targeted by the Department of Justice, which took the unusual step of appointing a special counsel to investigate him in August 2023.

Earlier in 2023, Mr Biden was offered a plea deal that would have seen him admit to two tax evasion misdemeanours and avoid punishment for the gun charge.

The deal had been partly designed to avoid well-publicised trials during his fathers re-election campaign, but it fell apart after the two legal teams and judge could not agree on the terms of his legal immunity.

Instead, the trial is set to become a two-week circus that Republicans will use to make political points about his father, just a week after the Trump verdicts produced some good headlines for the Biden administration.

The trial continues.

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Hunter Biden trial off to fast start, with a jury picked in just a day

WILMINGTON, Delaware  Hunter Bidens trial is moving fast.

After just one day of proceedings, Judge Maryellen Noreika swore in a panel of 12 ordinary-but-eclectic Delawareans, plus four alternate jurors, to determine whether the presidents son is guilty of illegally buying a gun while using drugs.

Jury selection in politically sensitive and high-profile cases can stretch for days. But on Monday, the entire group was locked in, paving the way for opening statements to begin Tuesday.

The panel is a cross-section of the state. It includes jurors with friends or family who have struggled with substance abuse  which is at the heart of the criminal case against Biden. And, in a dynamic that may help the tabloid-dogged son of the president, several said they were not fans of the news media.



Jurors will convene at the Wilmington federal courthouse, named after J. Caleb Boggs  a former Delaware senator who lost his 1972 reelection bid to a young challenger named Joe Biden.

Prospective jurors fielded questions about their backgrounds and beliefs from Noreika, Bidens lead defense lawyer Abbe Lowell, and Justice Department prosecutor Derek Hines, who works under special counsel David Weiss. Lowell and Hines rarely asked more than a question or two.

Asked about their media habits  an important consideration in the high-profile case  jurors cited a wide range of sources. One said she primarily got her news from her father and X. Another cited YouTube. A third said she makes a point to avoid news, at least at work.

They have the news on all day, but I put airpods in my ears so I dont have to listen to it, she said. Its depressing.

Most jurors did not reveal their occupations during jury selection.

The jurors expressed a variety of views on guns. The subject is relevant because Biden is charged with illegally owning a gun as a drug user and with lying about his drug use on a government form he filled out when he bought the weapon. One juror is licensed to carry concealed weapons and owns multiple. Another, whose home was burglarized, also owns a gun. A third said she believes people who use marijuana should not be barred from owning guns  because she views it as less dangerous than narcotics. Another said drug users shouldnt be able to own guns, but that former users should have that right.

The defendants national notoriety and his familys local ties complicated jury selection. Some candidates were excused because they said their familiarity with Hunter Bidens public travails could affect their impartiality. Others said they had met people close to the First Family.

As soon as I read who it was against, I kind of laughed, said one potential juror. Like, oh great!

She was promptly excused.

Another candidate said her husband had been close friends with Beau Biden, Hunters older brother who died of cancer in 2015.

Beau was a friend of the family, and a very good man, she said, visibly emotional. We miss him.

She was also excused.

A third contender, who was removed during the peremptory challenge process, donated to a candidate who ran against Beau Biden for Delaware attorney general.

And another  also removed from the pool by a peremptory challenge  said that in the presidents home state it was impossible to avoid news about the Biden family.

I live in Delaware, he said. You cant swing a cat without hearing something.
Hunter Biden's Criminal Trial Kicks Off in Delaware: Here's What to Know About the Federal Gun Charges

The Department of Justice brought three felony charges against the president's son, related to his purchase and brief possession of a firearm in 2018

RYAN COLLERD/AFP via Getty Images Hunter Biden arrives at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Del., on June 3, 2024, accompanied by wife Melissa Cohen Biden

Hunter Biden's federal criminal trial begins in Delaware on Monday, June 3, less than one week after Donald Trump became the first U.S. president convicted of crimes.

The president's son, 54, was indicted by his father's Department of Justice in September. He is charged with three felony counts related to his purchase and brief possession of a firearm in 2018, while he was allegedly using illicit drugs.

A child of a sitting American president has never faced a criminal trial before  a milestone made more dramatic in the context of federal charges.



Related: White House Says President Biden Will Not Pardon Hunter in the Event of a Conviction

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images The J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, where Hunter Biden's federal gun trial began on June 3, 2024

Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss began investigating Hunter in 2018, during Trump's presidency. Weiss was asked to continue the investigation after Joe Biden was elected, and in August 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland boosted Weiss to special counsel status.

In September, a federal grand jury in Wilmington, Del., approved a three-count indictment against Hunter related to his possession of a firearm.

Two counts allege that Hunter lied on forms in order to obtain a revolver in 2018, by stating that he wasn't using illegal drugs at the time. A third count alleges that Hunter, who has been open about his addiction issues, possessed the revolver while using a narcotic.

According to the indictment, Hunter owned the gun for 11 days before his girlfriend threw it in a dumpster, citing concerns about his mental health.

Related: Hunter Bidens Daughter Naomi Slams Jesse Watters Ugly Comments About How Joe Biden Parents: Crosses the Line

AP Photo/Susan Walsh Hunter Biden leaves St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Saturday, June 1

Trump-appointed District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who is presiding over Hunter's case, summoned 250 Delaware residents to report for jury duty on Monday. In the end, 12 of them will be seated on the jury and four will be selected as alternates.

The trial is expected to last one to two weeks, and if jurors ultimately convict Hunter, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Hunter also faces nine federal tax charges related to alleged tax evasion, which could result in a 17-year prison sentence if he's convicted. A trial for the tax case is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this fall.



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Read the original article on People.
Hunter Biden's family shows up for jury selection. Who is Melissa Cohen Biden?

For the Bidens, family has always been a priority.

That was evidenced as Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen, accompanied him into the federal courthouse in downtown Wilmington on Monday ahead of his trial.

Soon after, his sister, Ashley Biden, entered the courthouse, as did his stepmother and first lady Jill Biden. All sat directly behind Hunter in the courtroom Monday morning as jury selection began.

Hunter Biden gun trial live updates: Here is the latest from the Delaware courtroom

Who is Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen?

Hunter Biden is currently married to Melissa Cohen, a 38-year-old South African filmmaker.

Hunter Biden enters the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, in the morning before jury selection begins in USA v. Robert Hunter Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

He met her in May 2019 and less than a week later, he proposed.

The Biden family was not at the wedding. Hunter told The New Yorker of his father's support for the marriage.

I called my dad and said that we just got married. He was on speaker, and he said to her, 'Thank you for giving my son the courage to love again.'

And he said to me, 'Honey, I knew that when you found love again that I'd get you back. ... And my reply was, I said, 'Dad, I always had love. And the only thing that allowed me to see it was the fact that you never gave up on me, you always believed in me.'"

Who is Hunter Biden's ex-wife?

Kathleen Buhle was married to Hunter Biden from 1993 to 2017. Together, they have three children: Naomi, Finnegan and Maisey.

In 2022, Buhle published "If We Break: A Memoir of Marriage, Addiction, and Healing," which details parts of her life with Hunter, including Hunter's struggles with addiction.

Hunter and Kathleen Biden (left) accompany Hunter's father, Vice President Joe Biden, and wife Jill at Arlington National Cemetery for the burial of Sen. Edward Kennedy on Aug. 29, 2009, in Arlington, Virginia.

Buhle remains a likely witness for the prosecution in Hunter Biden's felony firearms trial.

What role does Beau Biden's widow, Hallie Biden, play?

The trial focuses on  and really all started with  an odd incident involving Hunter Biden and Hallie Biden at a Delaware grocery store in October 2018.

It was there, at Janssen's Market, that Hallie Biden threw away Hunter Biden's gun after she searched his vehicle and found it in the center console.

Hunter Biden was dating Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother, Beau, at the time. The two started seeing each other in 2016.

Hallie Biden is expected to testify about this incident and what transpired.

Hunter Biden's parents supported the couple in their relationship. In 2017, they said, "We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have (our) full and complete support and we are happy for them.

Some reporting for this story has been compiled from Delaware Online/The News Journal archives.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Who is Hunter Biden's wife? Melissa Cohen, Jill Biden attends trial
Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive at the US federal district court in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday.

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive at the US federal district court in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday. Photograph: Michael Reynolds/EPA

A jury was seated on Monday in the federal gun case against the presidents son, Hunter Biden. The legal proceedings seriously complicate Joe Bidens re-election campaign while handing political grist to Republicans searching for a distracting issue in the wake of Donald Trumps 34-count conviction last week.

In a show of support, Jill Biden, the first lady, also arrived at the federal courthouse in Delaware where her stepson is facing trial. In a statement, the president said that as a father he has boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

By the end of the day, 12 jurors and four alternates had been selected, with opening statements expected to begin on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun in 2018, while in the throes of addiction. He has pleaded not guilty.

In theory, he could face a hefty jail sentence, but it is widely seen as highly unlikely.

I am the president, but I am also a dad, Biden said, noting that he would not comment further on the case. The presidents youngest and only surviving son, Hunter Biden, has long struggled with drug addiction and a troubled private life, which is now at the center of the federal case.

Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today, said Biden, known for his reputation as a close family man. Hunters resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us.

The presidents son has acknowledged being addicted to crack cocaine during that period in 2018, but his lawyers have said he didnt break the law. In his memoir Beautiful Things, he described becoming consumed by drugs and alcohol after his older brother, Beau, died in 2015 at age 46 from brain cancer. The brothers were very close, having survived a car crash when they were young that killed their mother and baby sister.

Related: Hunter Biden gun trial to begin next month after judge denies bid to delay

Hunter Biden has said he has been sober since 2019. But prosecutors intend to use his memoir to make the case that he knew he was addicted to drugs when he denied it on the form that every person must fill out when buying a gun.

Hunter Biden, spent the weekend with his family in Delaware, attending church and riding bikes with his father.

Republicans will no doubt be motivated by Trumps host of legal travails. The former president seen as a lock to be the partys 2024 nominee was found guilty last week of falsifying business records linked to hush-money payments to the adult film actor Stormy Daniels to cover up an affair that was seen as potentially harming his 2016 election prospects. Like Hunter Biden, Trump could face jail, though that also is seen as unlikely.

The timing of the trial is unfortunate for Democrats, who are seeking to highlight Trumps historic first of being the only US president to become a felon. But the case could also undermine one of Republicans key lines of attack against the guilty verdict returned by a New York jury last week: that Biden has weaponized the criminal justice system against Trump, a claim that lacks evidence.

However, the Hunter Biden trial is expected to delve into potentially embarrassing family details.

David C Weiss, special counsel overseeing the prosecution, has signaled he will call Hunter Bidens ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, to the stand. Prosecutors also may call Hallie Biden, the widow of Joe Bidens son Beau. Hallie Biden was dating Hunter Biden when he bought a handgun in 2018.

In the Delaware courtroom, the pool of prospective jurors was winnowed with questions that tested jurors knowledge of the case, their views on gun ownership and whether they or anyone close to them had struggled with abuse or addiction, the AP reported.
Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks during a press conference at the Agency headquarters in Vienna. Dean Calma/IAEA/dpa

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi warned on Monday of a wave of nuclear proliferation if Iran builds a nuclear weapon.

"Many countries have said that if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, they will do the same. I think we have heard it very clearly from many countries," Grossi said on the sidelines of an IAEA conference in Vienna.

"We have to avoid an aggravation of the erosion of the non-proliferation regime. This is very important, and I think my Iranian counterparts know it. I think adding nuclear weapons to the cauldron of the Middle East is a very bad idea," he said.

Grossi called for cooperation with Iran to try to prevent this. He called on Iran to show greater transparency on its nuclear programme and noted that Saudi Arabia had indicated that it would react accordingly to an Iranian nuclear weapon.

While official Iranian policy does not provide for acquiring a nuclear weapon, several representatives have recently raised concerns with comments on a possible change to this doctrine and on Iran's capabilities with respect to building a nuclear weapon.

Grossi has repeatedly noted that Iran is enriching uranium to near-weapons level.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom have worked to draft a possible resolution to be put to the IAEA board of governors' meeting this week that would react to Tehran's failure to cooperate with IAEA inspectors.

Iran has denied access to experienced inspectors and is not providing information on formerly secret nuclear plants where traces of nuclear material were found.
UPDATE, 6/3/24, 10:45 a.m.: The IPSO reports that Richard has been found safe.

ORIGINAL STORY: IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) The Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office is working to locate 36-year-old Shawna Richard.

She was last seen on Saturday, June 1, around noon, at her familys home in 6800 block of Fremin Road.

Authorities describe Richard as 5 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last spotted wearing white shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information on Richards whereabouts is urged to contact IPSO at 337-369-3711 or submit a tip on the Iberia Sheriffs App.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 3. The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, will visit Belarus on a working trip from June 34, Trend reports.

The Cabinet of Ministers reports that Japarov will take part in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council's regular meeting while there. He also has appointments to visit the "Belagro-2024" international specialized exhibition and take part in the plenary session on "Food Security of the Eurasian Economic Union".

The regular meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will address more than 10 issues, including the Eurasian Development Bank's efforts to expand trade and economic ties among EAEU member states through investment activities, as well as the annual report of the Eurasian Economic Commission on the state of competition in cross-border markets and measures taken to curb violations of common competition rules in 2023.
IDF confirms deaths of 4 men taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7

People in April walk past photos of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza by Hamas in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. Hama kidnapped about 240 hostages on Oct. 7 and killed about 1,200 individuals, but it is unclear how many of the roughly 130 remaining hostages remain alive. File Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- The Israeli military on Monday confirmed the deaths of four men taken hostage by the terrorist organization Hamas in the Oct. 7 attacks.

Amiram Cooper, age 84, Haim Perry and Yoram Metzger, both 80, and Nadav Popplewell, age 51 and from Nirim close to the Gaza Strip, were abducted in the Oct. 7 attack by Iran's proxy militia Hamas "and killed a few months ago while they were held hostage by Hamas in Gaza," the Israeli Defense Forces said on X Monday afternoon local time.

Cooper's wife, Nurit, age 79, was held captive for 17 days by Hamas before her October 23 release. Amiram Cooper is survived by his wife, three children and nine grandchildren.

Popplewell's brother Roee was killed on October 7, and their mother, Hannah Perry, was released on November 24.

Metzger is survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren.

Israeli hostage families and supporters hold photos of loved ones in April held captive by Hamas at a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem office. Israel's government, "must send out a negotiating delegation this evening and return all 124 hostages, both living and murdered, to their homes. It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect," The Hostages & Missing Families Forum said Monday. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI

"Our hearts go out to their families," the IDF posted on social media.

Their bodies are still being held in captivity by Hamas and families have been notified, the IDF said. But the actual causes of death are still unknown.

The Hostages & Missing Families Forum on Monday afternoon said this painful news should shake every citizen in the State of Israel and lead every leader to profound soul-searching as they made a demand for Israel to approve the Netanyahu deal immediately! Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI

An IDF spokesperson said the four hostages were killed during a period when Israeli Defense Forces were carrying out military operations in the area.

Hama kidnapped about 240 hostages on Oct. 7 and killed about 1,200 individuals, but it is unclear how many of the roughly 130 remaining hostages remain alive.

Perry, Metzger and Cooper had appeared in a video released in December by Hamas.

"May their memory be a blessing," Israel's Foreign Ministry said on X around the same time.

The Hostages & Missing Families Forum on Monday afternoon said this "painful news should shake every citizen in the State of Israel and lead every leader to profound soul-searching" as they made a demand for Israel to "approve the Netanyahu deal immediately!"

The Israeli government, they posted on X, "must send out a negotiating delegation this evening and return all 124 hostages, both living and murdered, to their homes. It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect."

"Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals," the Forum wrote.
I'm a British mom living in the US. In the UK kids get a shorter summer break and have mandatory uniforms.

I'm a British mom living in the US. In the UK kids get a shorter summer break and have mandatory uniforms.

I'm British, and my kids go to school in the US, where we live.

There are notable differences between the education system in America and my native UK.

I envy the British version because it is much easier for children  and their parents.

When my British friends ask what it's like to educate my kids in the US, the first issue they raise is the risk of school shootings.

Last year, no fewer than 21 people died, and 42 were injured in incidents of gun violence in and around American schools.

In contrast, the last school shooting in the UK  when a gunman murdered 16 elementary students and a teacher  happened in 1996. As a result, the public called for tighter gun controls, which the British government enforced.

My friends' next question is often related to academic achievement.

In 2018  the most recent year the research was performed  the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked the overall knowledge and skills of British 15-year-olds as 13th in the world in reading, literacy, mathematics, and science.

The same assessment found that 15-year-olds in the US were ranked 25th globally.

It's difficult to compare public school systems forensically because of the countries' vastly different populations and government infrastructures.

However, feedback from my British friends has convinced me that the setup in the UK is more user-friendly for kids and parents.

Here are three key reasons.

Kids in the UK start school as young as 4

By law, children in the UK enter the publicly-funded British school system as young as 4.

Most begin full-time classes in "reception"  the first step on the educational ladder  in the September after their 4th birthday. Research has consistently shown that early childhood education helps kids develop academically and socially.

It also relieves a huge financial burden on working parents, who no longer have to pay babysitters or nursery schools for private childcare.

The age at which American parents are mandated to send their children to school depends on the state. In New York, for example, they are only obliged to attend by law after first grade.

School breaks are better spread out in the UK

My friends in the UK can't believe my kids have an entire 10-week summer break from school.

"What on earth do you do with them for 10 weeks?" my daughter's godmother once asked. She grimaced when I told her we fork over thousands of dollars for day and sleep-away camps.

Almost every child in Britain gets a six-week summer break, two weeks at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. There is usually a one-week "half-term" in February, May, and October.

Responding to parents' complaints about the length of the standard summer break, some education authorities reduced it to five as an experiment. The extra week was added to the May half-term, giving kids 10 days off instead of five in the Spring.

Kids wear uniform

Most government-run schools in the UK require students to wear a school uniform. The protocols contrast those in the US, where most public school kids can wear what they want to class  albeit within reason.

As a mom whose teens can waste hours picking an outfit to wear every morning, I'd like uniforms to be compulsory nationwide. I'm tired of the endless arguments over what clothes are "appropriate" or not.

Meanwhile, I shudder when I hear about "elite" cliques of high schoolers dressed head to toe in Lululemon. I can't bear to think of a kid being bullied because they're wearing something from Old Navy instead.

A friend said her kids wear what they want for a few designated days on the UK school calendar, such as the last day of term. "The stress of competitive dressing is high-octane," she said.

Uniforms are not only levelers but also support the idea of a community or team. Kids look more put together in a uniform, and it's good training for entering a profession.

Do you have a powerful story highlighting the differences between education in the US and other countries? If you'd like to share it with Business Insider, please send details to jridley@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Patients with bowel cancer type often need to undergo chemotherapy plus radiation, followed by surgery, however a new drug is showing "unprecedented results" in battling this disease. Joerg Carstensen/dpa

An immunotherapy drug could spare bowel cancer patients the need for surgery after results showed it was effective in 100% of cases.

Jemperli (also called dostarlimab) from British pharmaceutical company GSK showed unprecedented results, the firm said, with no evidence of disease in all patients treated.

Everyone on the drug had locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) rectal cancer, a form of bowel cancer, according to data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago.

The data showed all 42 patients in a trial led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in the US had a complete response to treatment, with no evidence of tumours on scans. The first 24 patients have been followed up so far for 26.3 months on average.

"The data showing no evidence of disease in 42 patients is remarkable," Hesham Abdullah, a senior vice president at GSK, said.

"These results bring us one step closer to understanding the potential of dostarlimab in this curative-intent setting for patients with dMMR locally advanced rectal cancer.

"We look forward to evaluating dostarlimab in certain colorectal cancers in our ongoing AZUR-1 and AZUR-2 registrational studies."

The current standard of care for patients with this type of cancer is chemotherapy plus radiation, followed by surgery.

Andrea Cercek, principal investigator for the phase II study, said the new treatment showed durable complete tumour regression without the need for life-altering treatment such as chemotherapy and surgery.

As a clinician, Ive seen firsthand the debilitating impact of standard treatment of dMMR rectal cancer and am thrilled about the potential of dostarlimab in these patients.
Dominic Bugatto for Business Insider

On a mild Houston day in March 2021, Judge Marvin Isgur prepared to oversee the only case on his docket that morning. It was a motion to recuse his longtime colleague on the bench, David Jones, from a case involving a bankrupt engineering company.

Motions are the bread and butter of the US court system, and litigants use recusal motions to request a new judge if they have concerns about a conflict of interest or bias. An independent judge hears the arguments and decides if there is enough evidence to grant the motion, requiring the assigned judge to step aside.

On this day, the circumstances were anything but usual. The motion, filed months earlier, had just been updated with a shocking allegation: Jones was in a "romantic relationship" with attorney Elizabeth Freeman, his former clerk and then a lawyer at Jackson Walker, a Texas firm that often appeared before Jones and Isgur in the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court, where the pair of judges handled the most high-profile cases.

Michael Van Deelen, the plaintiff in a shareholder case against executives of the engineering company McDermott International, wrote that he'd received a document in the mail alleging the relationship. The note went further, saying that Freeman was the "strategic link" between Jackson Walker attorneys, including Matthew Cavenaugh, and cases handled by Jones.

Freeman and Cavenaugh were both well known to Isgur. Freeman had clerked for Jones for six years, and later joined a special committee the two judges created as they centralized large bankruptcy cases under their control. Cavenaugh was a former Isgur clerk. And yet Isgur had chosen himself when Jones asked him to assign a judge to decide the recusal.

His choice wasn't all that surprising given their 30-year relationship. As law partners, Isgur and Jones had formed a lifelong bond, and as bankruptcy judges, they had created an ambitious, if controversial, machine for attracting cases to the Southern District.

"It's a very special and close relationship that came from being a mentor to a best friend to a colleague," a member of the Houston bar said at a December 2023 hearing, "and created something very big and special in this district."

An excerpt from an October 2023 lawsuit that would set off a crisis in the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court. Courtesy of Michael Van Deelen

Van Deelen's motion threatened to unravel it all, exposing grave conflicts of interest and a tight network of informal communications that allowed lawyers, including Freeman, to leverage their access to bring in more cases, building their firm's clout and revenue. "Judge Jones's secret relationship with Ms. Freeman," the US Trustee wrote in a November filing, "created an unlevel 'playing field' for every party in interest in every case Jackson Walker had before Judge Jones."

Story continues

Several Houston attorneys said they considered Isgur a brilliant judge whose response to the recusal motion was out of character. Over nearly 20 years on the bench, during which he had overseen thousands of cases, he developed a history for being a stickler on questions of ethics.

In 2014, he issued an order removing an attorney who'd worked at his former firm, W. Steve Smith, from his duties overseeing a bankruptcy estate after Smith had sought reimbursement from the estate for around $3,500 for a three-day personal stay prior to an oral argument in New Orleans.

In 2015, Isgur joined another judge to initiate an investigation into another trustee for what they considered improprieties surrounding a creditor payment plan  even though a former chief judge had described the approach as a longstanding practice. In at least two other cases, Isgur has personally questioned witnesses he called himself  including, once, Jones, while he was appearing before Isgur as an attorney.

Bankruptcy judges have broad discretion, what the author Michael Lewis has called "sensational powers," to decide what evidence to allow in a case. And yet in the Jones recusal case, the aggressive Isgur was nowhere to be seen.

First, he ordered the motion and the anonymously authored document sealed. Then, over the course of the roughly 40-minute long hearing, he refused to admit the anonymous note into evidence. He did not call to the stand either Freeman or Cavenaugh, though he knew them both well. And when Van Deelen asked for time to depose witnesses about the allegations, Isgur shut that down, his tone giving off a sense of frustration.

"No, your motion for a continuance is denied," according to audio of the judge's remarks. "I'm not going to let you take a deposition about the contents of an anonymous letter. That would be totally outrageous." Minutes later, Isgur denied the motion for recusal. A US district court judge later denied Van Deelen's appeal, agreeing that the note had no evidentiary value.

The matter may have been largely forgotten, one of any number of denials handed down every day throughout the United States court system.

But the anonymous note resurfaced two and a half years later when Van Deelen filed a lawsuit against Jones, alleging retaliation, this time relying on evidence that Jones and Freeman owned a home together, as Business Insider was the first to report. (Jones has filed a motion to dismiss in that case, which remains pending.)

Over the next 10 days, Jones admitted he and Freeman were in a romantic relationship, earned a rare public rebuke from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and resigned.

It was as if a meteor had hit one of the country's most influential bankruptcy courts. His resignation led 3,500 cases to be reassigned and sparked the Department of Justice to demand Jackson Walker give back nearly $23 million in fees it had earned in cases that Jones had overseen. The Southern District juggernaut, which had pulled in scores of massive cases and enriched the Houston bankruptcy bar, was over.

But Isgur remained unscathed. In her written rebuke of Jones, the Fifth Circuit chief judge took care to note that "on information and belief, the judge who ruled on the motion to recuse was unaware" that Jones and Freeman were romantic partners. But an extensive document trail, social media posts, and nearly a dozen sources inside Houston's legal community suggest that narrative is implausible.

Freeman's attorney, Tom Kirkendall, declined to comment on her behalf. Isgur did not respond to requests for comment sent through his staff. Jones' attorney, Gary Cruciani, did not respond to requests for comment.

In October 2023, the Fifth Circuit Court rebuked Judge David Jones but said that his longtime colleague, Judge Marvin Isgur, had been "unaware" of Jones' inappropriate relationship. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

"Typically, best friends know the identities of their friends' long-term romantic partners," Nancy Rapoport, an influential legal ethicist and professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law, wrote in a paper about the ethical questions surrounding Jones' relationship. "But only Judge Isgur knows what he knew or didn't know about the relationship."

In fact, the rise of the Southern District was inseparable from the close relationships between Jones and Isgur, Jones and Freeman, and the firm where Freeman was a partner, Jackson Walker. The Fifth Circuit found that "substantial" money was involved.

'I love him like a father'

Isgur and Jones first began working together in 1993, when Isgur and Kirkendall, then his law partner, hired Jones out of the University of Houston law school as an associate, Jones said in a February 2022 interview for an American Bankruptcy Institute podcast. Jones was being pursued by a much larger firm, he told someone at the time, when Isgur and Kirkendall persuaded him to join their small litigation boutique. Both men spoke at Jones' wedding reception at Brennan's, the venerable Houston restaurant, according to someone who attended.

It would prove to be his most influential professional relationship. "They took me in, taught me how to think, how to write, and how to be a lawyer," Jones said of Isgur and Kirkendall in March 2023 when he accepted a lifetime achievement award from Emory Law School. Isgur was chosen to introduce him.

For years, Isgur and Jones lived a short distance away from each other in a wealthy enclave on Houston's west side. Jones would go sailing on Galveston Bay with Isgur on his boat. The two men often ate together at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, according to two people familiar with their habits. One of the sources said they were frequently joined at these dinners by their wives.

By some measures, the two men made an odd pair. The elder judge was a Houston native, a member of the influential Winograd real estate family, and a nondrinker. He wore his receding hair cropped close and wire-rimmed glasses that gave him the authority of a man steeped in the law. Behind the bench, he was always in control. Jones, on the other hand, was voluble and audacious. A North Carolina native estranged from his father, Jones liked sharing a drink with members of the Houston bar. As a judge, he would sometimes berate litigants and attorneys in his court, and he liked to boast about how, as an attorney, he had pushed the boundaries of the law.

Yet over the years, their relationship blossomed into something almost familial. "I love him like a father," Jones once said of Isgur. In introducing Jones at the Emory event, Isgur called him his "stubborn adopted son."

"There is no better feeling than when a parent watches his child surpass him in capability and achievement," Isgur said. "I am so proud."

Isgur's only actual child, Sarah, is a conservative lawyer known for her close relationships with Supreme Court justices and her three years in the Trump administration. Most recently, she's made a name hosting a must-listen legal podcast, Advisory Opinions, in which she has repeatedly explored questions of judicial ethics.

When Jones appeared on the podcast in 2020, their dynamic was warm. Sarah called him a "family friend," and Jones congratulated Isgur on her pregnancy. Several years earlier, when Sarah got married in the federal courthouse, her father officiated and Jones and his then wife were in attendance, according to one wedding guest.

After Isgur became a bankruptcy judge, appointed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2004, Jones joined Porter Hedges, a Houston law firm whose 1981 founding made it a relative newcomer to the city's legal scene. Porter Hedges' scrappy status gave Jones the freedom to further develop into an aggressive litigator, making his name representing trustees charged with selling off assets in Chapter 7 bankruptcies.

Legal records suggest that Jones may have first crossed paths with Freeman in 2002, when he was still in private practice with Isgur; that year, she represented a creditor and Jones a trustee in the same bankruptcy case. Over four days in March 2008, each attorney was assigned to a case the other had already been working on for months. By the following year, Freeman had joined Porter Hedges as a partner to work with Jones in the bankruptcy practice, according to a person who knew them at the time. Her husband had recently joined Porter Hedges, too.

At Porter Hedges, Jones and Freeman worked closely together. In several pleadings from that time, they appear on the same signature block, indicating that they were jointly handling a case.

A 2022 tamale party was attended by Jones (in the gray cap) and his former clerk  and secret romantic partner  Elizabeth Freeman (in the Keystone T-shirt at left). Facebook

It's unclear when Jones and Freeman first became romantically involved, but Porter Hedges appeared to take a more liberal stance on interoffice romance than many Big Law firms did at the time. John Higgins, a senior partner, started dating Whitney Ables when they worked together at Porter; they were later married in a ceremony Jones officiated. Josh Wolfshohl also met his wife Amy Lucas while they were working together there; both remain at the firm. And Porter hired Freeman even though her husband was already a partner there.

Isgur, during his time on the bench, had encouraged Jones to consider becoming a bankruptcy judge. When Judge Wesley Steen retired from the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court in 2011, Jones got his chance, and applied to the Fifth Circuit  whose judges appoint bankruptcy judges in the circuit  to fill Steen's seat. Jones would again become a close colleague of his mentor.

Isgur moved quickly to get Jones hearing cases, swearing him in at a private ceremony in advance of the official investiture, a small gathering he hosted in his courtroom on the fourth floor of Houston's federal courthouse. About two dozen people were there, according to two people who attended, including Freeman. She was tasked with taking pictures, and at one point, her emotions overcame her and she teared up, according to one of the attendees.

By then, Freeman had already decided to leave her job at Porter Hedges, where she was poised to earn handsomely by taking over casework from Jones. That year, partners at Houston's law firms earned on average nearly $800,000, according to one compensation survey. Instead, she took up a position as Jones' permanent clerk, likely making closer to $100,000 in a role she would hold for the next six years. The following year, her husband moved to dissolve their marriage, according to Harris County records.

"When I heard she went and became his law clerk, I thought that's a surprise. I would not have expected that to be a typical career path for Liz," said a former colleague of theirs at Porter Hedges. "When I heard that they were eventually found to be cohabitating, it didn't surprise me."

Just months after Freeman began her clerkship, Jones too got divorced.

"I probably should have talked with, at that time, my wife  now my ex-wife  about that decision, because that's obviously a huge change," Jones told Reuters in 2020. "I just decided that it was something that I was going to do and if I was going to do it, I was going to devote the same energy into being a judge that I did into being a lawyer." He suggested in another interview that the couple experienced tension over the decrease in his pay.

Jones kept the house he had shared with his wife, and sometime later, Freeman moved in with him, according to one person aware of the arrangement. The real estate photos Jones used later to sell the home showed what looked like a boy's bedroom, even though Freeman was the only one in the couple with kids, and a closet that held women's clothing.

In 2017, Jones purchased a house in a gentrifying neighborhood in northwest Houston, not far from his previous home. He and Freeman toured the home together, and Jones ultimately paid $985,000 in cash, Bloomberg reported in April. Real estate records show that they came to jointly own it.

Whether Isgur visited Jones at the homes he shared with Freeman is unclear, but the elder judge would have witnessed the dynamic between the pair over the six years they all worked closely together at the Houston courthouse.

"They set up the special panel because they are great judges, and they are great arbiters of the law, and then to say they don't have the same sensibility with the people they have lunch with beggars disbelief," said Bruce Markell, a former federal bankruptcy judge in Nevada who now teaches law at Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law. "It's not like Isgur didn't know her. Whether he knew about the relationship or not I don't know, but it would be difficult for me to think that Isgur was taken completely by surprise by the allegations."

A plan to grow the Houston court

When Jones joined the bankruptcy court for the Southern District of Texas, Delaware and New York dominated as the venue of choice for major corporate bankruptcies. But Jones and Isgur came up with a plan to make Houston a magnet.

Corporate bankruptcies are big business. For decades, the process has been used by companies with too much debt and not enough cash to find fresh footing  and over time, it's become one of the most lucrative areas of law. Top attorneys can make up to $2,500 an hour in bankruptcy cases, the kind of money that can warp a system. In recent decades, bankruptcy forum shopping has become rampant, with firms filing in whatever federal district they like, just by showing a local address there. Sometimes a PO Box is enough. So lawyers tend to congregate where they find corporate-friendly judges who have a reputation for quickly moving companies through the process and signing off on lawyers' fees.

While Delaware and New York dominated as the venues of choice for major bankruptcies, millions of dollars flowed into the coffers of local law firms. The judges became their own power centers, with every decision affecting the paychecks of local lawyers and the fortunes of their firms: Decide against the debtor and their law firm might seek a different venue for their next client.

Houston judges had tried to break into the upper ranks before, without success. Judge William Greendyke promised attorneys in 2000 that the judges' "war on fees is over," according to Lynn LoPucki's book Courting Failure. A year later, Houston-based Enron still chose New York for its spectacular bankruptcy.

Diagram: Business Insider; Photos: Reuters; LinkedIn; Facebook

In 2016, Jones and Isgur began to hatch a more ambitious plan to make Houston welcoming. Success would mean more money for the men and women of the local bankruptcy bar, and more power and prestige for the Southern District of Texas. They created a special panel for complex cases, changing Southern District rules so extremely large or complex Chapter 11 bankruptcies  including, now, those involving at least $200 million in debt  would get an unusual degree of predictability. Even though the Judicial Conference, which sets policy for the federal courts, had long supported the random assignment of federal judges in order to deter judge-shopping, the new Southern District scheme would assign every complex case to just one of two judges: Jones or Isgur.

"Overnight, bankruptcy lawyers that typically worked on large, complex cases before any one of 3 or 4 sitting bankruptcy judges," Jackson Walker wrote in a court filing last month, "now would be practicing almost exclusively (and routinely) before 1 of 2 bankruptcy judges."

It was an effort, the firm said, to "make procedures more transparent and predictable."

In fact, the two men sought to achieve an extraordinary degree of consistency across their two dockets and would often discuss each other's cases, according to someone who heard it directly from Jones. The two men would walk back and forth to each other's chambers on the courthouse's fourth floor. "We talk every day, multiple times, whether he wants to or not," Jones said in his remarks last year at Emory. "I can't imagine him not being right down the hall."

The judges threw open the doors to the bankruptcy bar, creating a committee of bankruptcy attorneys to advise the judges on industry best practices. Among the founding members were Patricia Tomasco, then a partner at Jackson Walker; Christopher Lopez, an attorney at Weil, Gotshal & Manges who would go on to become a Southern District judge; and Greendyke, who had by then retired as a judge.

Another reform was to promise attorneys for major corporations concierge access to court officials to expedite scheduling and process matters. Jones assigned his case manager, Albert Alonzo, a government-issued cell phone and told him to answer it whenever it rang. Jones would call him in the middle of the night to test his resolve and Alonzo always answered, the judge told Reuters in 2020.

"He is the public's way to talk with me," Jones told the Texas Lawbook in 2020. "He has tremendous scheduling authority. He's great at customer service."

As they worked together, the two men grew close. Jones said he spent time with Alonzo's family during the holidays and at least once he and Freeman attended Alonzo's annual tamale-making party together, according to a social media post.

A close circle of lawyers around Jones

Isgur was known to avoid spending time with Houston's bankruptcy bar outside of the courthouse or official conferences. But just down the hall, Jones routinely blurred the boundaries between his professional and personal lives, becoming friends with a group of attorneys who often appeared before him.

Jones had issued an order in 2016 arguing against "unspoken practices, or disparate treatment" even as he was offering special access, in a variety of ways, for this small network of lawyers.

According to two attorneys close to Jones' circle, a small group of lawyers would often hang around Jones' chambers, which he decorated with framed news articles about him. One, a 2020 Houston Chronicle profile, was headlined: "Meet the judge who saved the Texas bankruptcy practice." (After that article came out, someone taped up a piece of paper outside the fourth floor elevators with the word "savior" and an arrow pointing to Jones' courtroom, a third attorney recalls.)

The locked entrance to his chambers became such a revolving door that when Van Deelen pressed the buzzer in October 2023, intending to hand his retaliation lawsuit to Jones, he was let in with no questions asked, he said. Alonzo once posted that a lawyer close to Jones, Susan Tran Adams, stopped by with coffee and empanadas.

On his frequent visits to Jones' chambers, Isgur likely saw the crowd, which often included Freeman. Two attorneys specifically recall Isgur entering Jones' chambers while other lawyers were present.

Jones said he and some of the lawyers formed a cooking team that would enter local barbecue and chili competitions, and several in the group recently started a nonprofit together. Social media posts over the years of informal gatherings show Jones, Freeman, and Alonzo hamming it up with other lawyers.

The following year, a Houston bankruptcy attorney invited a group of lawyers, including Jackson Walker attorneys Matt Cavenaugh, Veronica Polnick, and Genevieve Graham, as well as Freeman, then running her own practice, to a party for Jones, according to someone who was told about the party.

An October 2022 cookout featured multiple members of the Houston bar, including Jones (back row, gray hair) and Jackson Walker attorneys Veronica Polnick (back row, sunglasses on forehead), Genevieve Graham (squatting center with red cup), and Freeman (sitting center with red sneakers). Facebook

At the root of many of these friendships was a drop-in evidence class Jones began to lead for Houston lawyers soon after he joined the bench. The free class started small and invite-only, but after several years grew to number 40 or 50 students, according to someone who attended.

Regulars included attorneys who worked at, or would later join, Jackson Walker, according to emails, such as Polnick, Graham, and Cavenaugh. According to a recent Jackson Walker legal filing, "other bankruptcy judges and prominent local practitioners attended the classes" as well.

"They were well attended," said another Houston bankruptcy attorney. "I attended a couple, and you could really see the young attorneys clicking."

Jones clicked with them, too. "There are several young lawyers that are present tonight that I first met in a weekly class that I teach in my courtroom on most Wednesdays," Jones said in his prepared remarks for the Emory event last year. "It also turned out that the class was as much of a learning session for me as it was a teaching session. Not only did we become better professionals together, we became friends."

Jones officiated the marriages of at least two lawyers who attended those classes: Tran and Graham.

The class was effectively yet another Jones strategy for attracting bankruptcy filings to the Southern District  and a way for members of the Houston bar to explore tactics they might later deploy in Jones' court.

The classes were sometimes also a ticket to career advancement. At least one young law graduate, Christina Morrison, used the classes to successfully audition for a clerkship with Jones.

Isgur was well aware of the tight legal community around Jones' evidence class. He told the assembled crowd at Emory how "young lawyers show up weekly  dozens of them  to learn trial tactics and bankruptcy from David."

After I tried and failed to find an opportunity to introduce myself to Isgur at the courthouse, I visited Isgur's home in April, hoping to find out how the judge was currently feeling about his adopted son and to ask when he first became aware of Jones' relationship with Freeman.

A woman who appeared to be his wife answered, keeping the door closed and speaking through a side window of the stately brick home. "Get the hell away from us," she said, after I identified myself as a journalist. When I turned to leave, the woman noticed that my hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She commented on the style, and when I turned back to face her, she began to mock me, moving her hips in a side-to-side dance. "Do you want to wear a skirt or earrings? Are you trans?"

As her voice rose, she hurled an expletive and screamed, "Get off the property!"

Rumors of a romantic relationship

Jones and Isgur's efforts soon began to attract hundreds of filings to the district. Big names showed up: Neiman Marcus and J.C. Penney, then Chesapeake Energy.

Tomasco, the Jackson Walker partner who was a member of the complex cases committee, had already been doing her part to build up the court and drum up business for her firm by flying to New York in a campaign to convince the Big Law bankruptcy attorneys to bring their cases south. But the flow of cases only escalated after Freeman left her clerkship, in May 2018, and joined the firm.

Freeman quickly became known as someone who bristled over complying with protocols and failed to loop her colleagues in on critical communications.

She and Cavenaugh set up a business agreement that, according to two of their professional contacts, appeared to be premised on Freeman's tight relationship with Jones paying off. Though Freeman hadn't worked at a law firm in six years, Cavenaugh and Freeman agreed to split the origination income they got for bringing in new cases, according to the two sources, who were told about the arrangement. Like anyone exiting public service, Freeman hadn't done marketing in years. If she hadn't delivered, it could have meant a substantial compensation loss for Cavenaugh. Instead, according to a November Jackson Walker filing, Freeman enjoyed "quick and substantial success."

"Sharing origination fees is common in the industry, and it is well known that sharing is part of our culture at Jackson Walker," firm spokesperson Jim Wilkinson said by email. "We quite often share origination fees among attorneys irrespective of location and there is nothing out of the ordinary with our compensation practices."

Already, the rumors about Jones and Freeman's romantic relationship were frequent enough that at least one attorney confronted Jones about it; Jones responded by denying the relationship.

"I would see them going to lunch together," said the former colleague from Porter Hedges. "It's not unusual for judges and their clerks to go to lunch together but we typically think of a federal judge's law clerk in bankruptcy or district court as a substantially younger person relatively recently out of school. The optics were different."

Now, Jackson Walker had a partner with a direct line to the leading judge of the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court. Business boomed. During Jones' career on the bench, two firms, Kirkland & Ellis and Jackson Walker, represented the most debtors with confirmed Chapter 11 plans, according to data provider Lex Machina. And Kirkland & Ellis  whose attorneys were invited to Jones' evidence class as special guests at least twice, according to emails  often relied on Jackson Walker as its local counsel.

Between 2012 and 2017, before Freeman left for Jackson Walker, just 27 companies with liabilities of $100 million or more filed their bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas, according to BankruptcyData. From 2018 through 2023 that number more than quadrupled to 148. During the three years ending in 2023, Jones and Isgur together handled nearly a third of all bankruptcy cases with liabilities over $1 billion.

Jackson Walker was involved in a large number of them, with Freeman, as the US Trustee said, creating an "unlevel 'playing field.'"

The Trustee Program has filed several motions to force the law firm to disgorge a total of nearly $23 million in what it called "tainted" fees collected in cases involving Jackson Walker that were heard by Jones as far back as 2018. More than $2 million of those fees were personally collected by Freeman.

As a clerk, Freeman was present while Jones and Isgur were concocting the idea of the complex cases committee. As a Jackson Walker attorney, she became a formal member. But Freeman continued to act as if she were an insider. When Tomasco, for example, asked the committee members in a December 27, 2021, email if the court's hybrid hearing schedule would change, Freeman responded, according to correspondence BI obtained through a public records request. "It will continue until further notice," she wrote from her Jackson Walker address.

By this point, Isgur had become one of the busiest bankruptcy judges in the country. Jackson Walker attorneys including Cavenaugh and Freeman were frequently appearing in front of him.

And companies were now aggressively venue shopping in the Southern District of Texas.

Bankruptcy rules require a company to be based in the district for 180 days. But court filings in the 2023 bankruptcy of the biopharmaceutical company Sorrento show that Jackson Walker attorney Veronica Polnick  another former Jones clerk  visited a UPS Store on the outskirts of Houston to open a mailbox less than 10 hours before the company filed for bankruptcy.

That UPS store soon became the principal place of business for other Jackson Walker clients, according to legal filings: medical technology firm Surgalign Spine Technologies, sweet treat subscription company Candy Club LLC, and industrial food startup AppHarvest Products, all with mailboxes registered by Polnick  in one instance for a case filed by Cavenaugh.

So much bankruptcy business was coming into Houston that attorneys there were getting bold.

In April 2022, the bankruptcy bar met for a conference at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, a chance for attorneys to get continuing education credits  and face time with judges. A panel titled "Judges Panel  Ask Anything You Want!" at the end of the three-day event gave attorneys an open forum to ask questions of Jones, Isgur, and the other bankruptcy judges of the Southern District of Texas.

As Cavenaugh roamed the room with the mic, one attorney spoke up, saying clients had reported that other attorneys were suggesting they had a special connection with the judges of the Southern District. The attorney asked the judges how lawyers should respond the next time they heard something about these attorneys' special status, according to someone in attendance.

Jones, in prefacing a noncommittal answer, suggested that the question was likely directed at him, the source recalled.

By then, Cavenaugh and Jackson Walker were aware of the allegations of a Jones-Freeman relationship, according to documents the firm later filed in court. Van Deelen had received the explosive anonymous note 13 months before, and an email he sent to Cavenaugh right after receiving it had sparked an apparently cursory internal Jackson Walker investigation.

Freeman admitted that she and Jones had been in a relationship, but said it had ended, according to a draft letter the firm's then-general counsel wrote in August 2021 to an outside ethics consultant. "Elizabeth has confirmed that there is no current romantic relationship between herself and Judge Jones and that none is expected going forward. According to Elizabeth, there has been no romantic relationship since prior to the time in March 2020 when COVID caused so many of us to shift to remote work and virtual-only meetings. Judge Jones and Elizabeth each own their own homes; they do not and have not lived together."

The letter also described Freeman's critical role bringing in new business to the firm since she had joined in 2018. "Jackson Walker's debtor practice grew very substantially during this time, including cases in which we took an expansive local counsel role, with Kirkland Ellis acting as lead counsel, and cases in which we were lead debtor's counsel. Much of this work was in cases before either Judge Isgur or Judge Jones. This success was a team effort, involving other bankruptcy partners as well, but Elizabeth's leadership and contribution were recognized as integral."

The letter said Jackson Walker had requested that Freeman stop working on cases once they'd been filed with Jones for a two-year cooling off period from the date Freeman claimed their romance had ended. While the firm understood "that a close personal relationship remains" between Freeman and Jones, the letter said, "no further details were sought at that time."

Jackson Walker later learned Freeman hadn't been truthful. The firm's counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright  Greendyke, the former bankruptcy judge  said in a November pleading that in 2022 Jackson Walker had "learned, quite by accident, that Ms. Freeman's denial was possibly false or at least no longer true. When confronted again she initially denied the relationship but later on admitted to a current romantic relationship."

When Freeman retained counsel, she chose someone with close ties to her romantic partner: Tom Kirkendall, Jones' first boss in the legal profession and someone who described Isgur to Business Insider as "a wonderful law partner of mine for over 10 years" and "a dear friend." (Kirkendall declined to comment on other aspects of this story.)

Later that year, Jones called Cavenaugh to his chambers after a hearing and "insinuated" that he was "unhappy" with the firm's push to disclose the relationship, the firm said in another filing. Instead, Jackson Walker said, Jones handed Cavenaugh a piece of paper with a proposed disclosure that listed a "close personal relationship" with Freeman sandwiched between references to a "social friendship" with Polnick and with Graham. Jackson Walker, Jones insisted, "needs to make this happen," instructing the firm to file the disclosure in all future cases before him, according to the filing.

Finding the language "potentially misleading or untruthful," Jackson Walker said it negotiated Freeman's departure instead; she left the firm in December 2022 to set up her own practice.

But Jackson Walker appeared to keep knowledge of the relationship to itself. The firm's attorneys continued to recommend Freeman for legal work on cases before the Southern District.

"Jackson Walker has a strong and proven culture of ethics and integrity, and when we learned about this issue, we acted responsibly," Wilkinson, a spokesperson for the firm, said by email. "Our firm has been transparent, and our fulsome public filings speak for themselves."

Conflicts of interest appeared immediately. Within weeks, Freeman, serving as contract attorney to bond issuer GWG Holdings Inc., whose bankruptcy case was being handled by Jackson Walker, told Judge Isgur she took "some comfort" knowing that Jones was serving as mediator in the case, according to a December 16, 2022, transcript. During the mediation, in which Freeman participated, Jones suggested naming an independent trustee, according to public remarks by Mike Warner, a lawyer involved in the case.

Freeman was ultimately chosen by the creditors to oversee the wind-down trust in that case, a role expected to earn her $100,000 a month. Neither Jones, nor Jackson Walker, nor Freeman disclosed the relationship.

Containing the fallout

After the romantic relationship became public last October and Jones resigned, Isgur found himself once again at the center of a recusal matter. The estate of a creditor in 4E Brands, a manufacturer of hand sanitizer, whose bankruptcy case was transferred from Jones to Isgur, argued in October that Isgur was too close to Jones to rule on the case independently. The US Trustee, which oversees federal bankruptcy cases, supported the motion, arguing the case should never have been heard by Jones in the first place.

Yet in an apparent attempt to contain the fallout from Jones' ethics implosion, the Southern District's chief bankruptcy judge, Eduardo Rodriguez, ruled against the creditor. Isgur can continue to hear the case, he ruled, writing in the December 2023 opinion that lawyers for the creditor "failed to demonstrate much other than that former Judge Jones and Judge Isgur are close friends." (The creditor has filed an appeal.)

Rodriguez wrote that the estate had provided no evidence Isgur had "extrajudicial knowledge" of Jones' relationship or showed a "high degree of antagonism" in denying Van Deelen's March 2021 recusal motion  despite the magnitude of Isgur's missed opportunity.

In the Sorrento case, a litigant filed in February to remove the case from the Southern District of Texas. Again, the US Trustee lent its support, calling Sorrento's PO Box maneuver "a case of forum shopping and venue manipulation taken to a new and unprecedented extreme." Again, a Southern District judge shut it down. This time, Judge Lopez  a member of the complex cases committee turned judge  denied the motion. (Lopez had replaced Isgur when Isgur stepped down from the complex cases panel at the end of 2022; Isgur returned to the panel as Lopez's partner after Jones resigned in disgrace.)

The Southern District has stuck to the model Jones created, of sending every complex case to a panel of two judges, flouting new guidance issued by the Judicial Conference of the US in March that further promotes random case assignment to limit "the ability of litigants to effectively choose judges in certain cases by where they file a lawsuit."

Effectively choosing judges, and knowing with a high degree of clarity how those judges would rule, was the very essence of the Jones machine.

Meanwhile, the US Trustee's motions seeking to disgorge nearly $23 million in fees Jackson Walker collected in 33 cases in front of Jones has been bottled up. Those cases have been combined into a single proceeding, overseen at this stage by Rodriguez. That consolidation delays or even prevents what many would like: an impartial judge from outside the district hearing the cases and putting key players in the machine under oath.

The US Trustee began taking discovery on May 15, according to a scheduling order, but a settlement could halt that process and eliminate the risk that Cavenaugh, Freeman, Jones, or even Isgur would have to testify.

That might be fine with the Fifth Circuit.

Earlier this year, the circuit judges chose Alfredo Perez, a retired Weil, Gotshal & Manges bankruptcy attorney, to replace Jones. The pick was widely interpreted as a sign that the Fifth Circuit had come to enjoy Houston's recent success and didn't want it to end with Jones' career. Isgur told Bloomberg recently that he plans to give up handling complex cases, which would clear the way for Perez to take over. Former chief Southern District judge Richard Schmidt told Bloomberg that Perez's experience handling large cases would be a "godsend" for the district. "I can't imagine a better selection given the circumstances," he said.

Meanwhile, according to Debtwire, the Southern District of Texas' popularity has plunged. Through May 4, only 10% of the large Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings this year tracked by the data provider have been filed in the district, less than half what it was last year.

That's well short of Delaware's current share  39%.

Additional reporting: Jack Newsham.

Read the original article on Business Insider
On a mild Houston day in March 2021, Judge Marvin Isgur prepared to oversee the only case on his docket that morning. It was a motion to recuse his longtime colleague on the bench, David Jones, from a case involving a bankrupt engineering company.

Motions are the bread and butter of the US court system, and litigants use recusal motions to request a new judge if they have concerns about a conflict of interest or bias. An independent judge hears the arguments and decides if there is enough evidence to grant the motion, requiring the assigned judge to step aside.

On this day, the circumstances were anything but usual. The motion, filed months earlier, had just been updated with a shocking allegation: Jones was in a "romantic relationship" with attorney Elizabeth Freeman, his former clerk and then a lawyer at Jackson Walker, a Texas firm that often appeared before Jones and Isgur in the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court, where the pair of judges handled the most high-profile cases.

Michael Van Deelen, the plaintiff in a shareholder case against executives of the engineering company McDermott International, wrote that he'd received a document in the mail alleging the relationship. The note went further, saying that Freeman was the "strategic link" between Jackson Walker attorneys, including Matthew Cavenaugh, and cases handled by Jones.

Freeman and Cavenaugh were both well known to Isgur. Freeman had clerked for Jones for six years, and later joined a special committee the two judges created as they centralized large bankruptcy cases under their control. Cavenaugh was a former Isgur clerk. And yet Isgur had chosen himself when Jones asked him to assign a judge to decide the recusal.

His choice wasn't all that surprising given their 30-year relationship. As law partners, Isgur and Jones had formed a lifelong bond, and as bankruptcy judges, they had created an ambitious, if controversial, machine for attracting cases to the Southern District.

"It's a very special and close relationship that came from being a mentor to a best friend to a colleague," a member of the Houston bar said at a December 2023 hearing, "and created something very big and special in this district."

An excerpt from an October 2023 lawsuit that would set off a crisis in the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court. Courtesy of Michael Van Deelen

Van Deelen's motion threatened to unravel it all, exposing grave conflicts of interest and a tight network of informal communications that allowed lawyers, including Freeman, to leverage their access to bring in more cases, building their firm's clout and revenue. "Judge Jones's secret relationship with Ms. Freeman," the US Trustee wrote in a November filing, "created an unlevel 'playing field' for every party in interest in every case Jackson Walker had before Judge Jones."

Several Houston attorneys said they considered Isgur a brilliant judge whose response to the recusal motion was out of character. Over nearly 20 years on the bench, during which he had overseen thousands of cases, he developed a history for being a stickler on questions of ethics.

In 2014, he issued an order removing an attorney who'd worked at his former firm, W. Steve Smith, from his duties overseeing a bankruptcy estate after Smith had sought reimbursement from the estate for around $3,500 for a three-day personal stay prior to an oral argument in New Orleans.

In 2015, Isgur joined another judge to initiate an investigation into another trustee for what they considered improprieties surrounding a creditor payment plan  even though a former chief judge had described the approach as a longstanding practice. In at least two other cases, Isgur has personally questioned witnesses he called himself  including, once, Jones, while he was appearing before Isgur as an attorney.

Bankruptcy judges have broad discretion, what the author Michael Lewis has called "sensational powers," to decide what evidence to allow in a case. And yet in the Jones recusal case, the aggressive Isgur was nowhere to be seen.

First, he ordered the motion and the anonymously authored document sealed. Then, over the course of the roughly 40-minute long hearing, he refused to admit the anonymous note into evidence. He did not call to the stand either Freeman or Cavenaugh, though he knew them both well. And when Van Deelen asked for time to depose witnesses about the allegations, Isgur shut that down, his tone giving off a sense of frustration.

"No, your motion for a continuance is denied," according to audio of the judge's remarks. "I'm not going to let you take a deposition about the contents of an anonymous letter. That would be totally outrageous." Minutes later, Isgur denied the motion for recusal. A US district court judge later denied Van Deelen's appeal, agreeing that the note had no evidentiary value.

The matter may have been largely forgotten, one of any number of denials handed down every day throughout the United States court system.

But the anonymous note resurfaced two and a half years later when Van Deelen filed a lawsuit against Jones, alleging retaliation, this time relying on evidence that Jones and Freeman owned a home together, as Business Insider was the first to report. (Jones has filed a motion to dismiss in that case, which remains pending.)

Over the next 10 days, Jones admitted he and Freeman were in a romantic relationship, earned a rare public rebuke from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and resigned.

It was as if a meteor had hit one of the country's most influential bankruptcy courts. His resignation led 3,500 cases to be reassigned and sparked the Department of Justice to demand Jackson Walker give back nearly $23 million in fees it had earned in cases that Jones had overseen. The Southern District juggernaut, which had pulled in scores of massive cases and enriched the Houston bankruptcy bar, was over.

But Isgur remained unscathed. In her written rebuke of Jones, the Fifth Circuit chief judge took care to note that "on information and belief, the judge who ruled on the motion to recuse was unaware" that Jones and Freeman were romantic partners. But an extensive document trail, social media posts, and nearly a dozen sources inside Houston's legal community suggest that narrative is implausible.

Freeman's attorney, Tom Kirkendall, declined to comment on her behalf. Isgur did not respond to requests for comment sent through his staff. Jones' attorney, Gary Cruciani, did not respond to requests for comment.

In October 2023, the Fifth Circuit Court rebuked Judge David Jones but said that his longtime colleague, Judge Marvin Isgur, had been "unaware" of Jones' inappropriate relationship. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

"Typically, best friends know the identities of their friends' long-term romantic partners," Nancy Rapoport, an influential legal ethicist and professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law, wrote in a paper about the ethical questions surrounding Jones' relationship. "But only Judge Isgur knows what he knew or didn't know about the relationship."

In fact, the rise of the Southern District was inseparable from the close relationships between Jones and Isgur, Jones and Freeman, and the firm where Freeman was a partner, Jackson Walker. The Fifth Circuit found that "substantial" money was involved.

'I love him like a father'

Isgur and Jones first began working together in 1993, when Isgur and Kirkendall, then his law partner, hired Jones out of the University of Houston law school as an associate, Jones said in a February 2022 interview for an American Bankruptcy Institute podcast. Jones was being pursued by a much larger firm, he told someone at the time, when Isgur and Kirkendall persuaded him to join their small litigation boutique. Both men spoke at Jones' wedding reception at Brennan's, the venerable Houston restaurant, according to someone who attended.

It would prove to be his most influential professional relationship. "They took me in, taught me how to think, how to write, and how to be a lawyer," Jones said of Isgur and Kirkendall in March 2023 when he accepted a lifetime achievement award from Emory Law School. Isgur was chosen to introduce him.

For years, Isgur and Jones lived a short distance away from each other in a wealthy enclave on Houston's west side. Jones would go sailing on Galveston Bay with Isgur on his boat. The two men often ate together at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, according to two people familiar with their habits. One of the sources said they were frequently joined at these dinners by their wives.

By some measures, the two men made an odd pair. The elder judge was a Houston native, a member of the influential Winograd real estate family, and a nondrinker. He wore his receding hair cropped close and wire-rimmed glasses that gave him the authority of a man steeped in the law. Behind the bench, he was always in control. Jones, on the other hand, was voluble and audacious. A North Carolina native estranged from his father, Jones liked sharing a drink with members of the Houston bar. As a judge, he would sometimes berate litigants and attorneys in his court, and he liked to boast about how, as an attorney, he had pushed the boundaries of the law.

Yet over the years, their relationship blossomed into something almost familial. "I love him like a father," Jones once said of Isgur. In introducing Jones at the Emory event, Isgur called him his "stubborn adopted son."

"There is no better feeling than when a parent watches his child surpass him in capability and achievement," Isgur said. "I am so proud."

Isgur's only actual child, Sarah, is a conservative lawyer known for her close relationships with Supreme Court justices and her three years in the Trump administration. Most recently, she's made a name hosting a must-listen legal podcast, Advisory Opinions, in which she has repeatedly explored questions of judicial ethics.

When Jones appeared on the podcast in 2020, their dynamic was warm. Sarah called him a "family friend," and Jones congratulated Isgur on her pregnancy. Several years earlier, when Sarah got married in the federal courthouse, her father officiated and Jones and his then wife were in attendance, according to one wedding guest.

After Isgur became a bankruptcy judge, appointed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2004, Jones joined Porter Hedges, a Houston law firm whose 1981 founding made it a relative newcomer to the city's legal scene. Porter Hedges' scrappy status gave Jones the freedom to further develop into an aggressive litigator, making his name representing trustees charged with selling off assets in Chapter 7 bankruptcies.

Legal records suggest that Jones may have first crossed paths with Freeman in 2002, when he was still in private practice with Isgur; that year, she represented a creditor and Jones a trustee in the same bankruptcy case. Over four days in March 2008, each attorney was assigned to a case the other had already been working on for months. By the following year, Freeman had joined Porter Hedges as a partner to work with Jones in the bankruptcy practice, according to a person who knew them at the time. Her husband had recently joined Porter Hedges, too.

At Porter Hedges, Jones and Freeman worked closely together. In several pleadings from that time, they appear on the same signature block, indicating that they were jointly handling a case.

A 2022 tamale party was attended by Jones (in the gray cap) and his former clerk  and secret romantic partner  Elizabeth Freeman (in the Keystone T-shirt at left). Facebook

It's unclear when Jones and Freeman first became romantically involved, but Porter Hedges appeared to take a more liberal stance on interoffice romance than many Big Law firms did at the time. John Higgins, a senior partner, started dating Whitney Ables when they worked together at Porter; they were later married in a ceremony Jones officiated. Josh Wolfshohl also met his wife Amy Lucas while they were working together there; both remain at the firm. And Porter hired Freeman even though her husband was already a partner there.

Isgur, during his time on the bench, had encouraged Jones to consider becoming a bankruptcy judge. When Judge Wesley Steen retired from the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court in 2011, Jones got his chance, and applied to the Fifth Circuit  whose judges appoint bankruptcy judges in the circuit  to fill Steen's seat. Jones would again become a close colleague of his mentor.

Isgur moved quickly to get Jones hearing cases, swearing him in at a private ceremony in advance of the official investiture, a small gathering he hosted in his courtroom on the fourth floor of Houston's federal courthouse. About two dozen people were there, according to two people who attended, including Freeman. She was tasked with taking pictures, and at one point, her emotions overcame her and she teared up, according to one of the attendees.

By then, Freeman had already decided to leave her job at Porter Hedges, where she was poised to earn handsomely by taking over casework from Jones. That year, partners at Houston's law firms earned on average nearly $800,000, according to one compensation survey. Instead, she took up a position as Jones' permanent clerk, likely making closer to $100,000 in a role she would hold for the next six years. The following year, her husband moved to dissolve their marriage, according to Harris County records.

"When I heard she went and became his law clerk, I thought that's a surprise. I would not have expected that to be a typical career path for Liz," said a former colleague of theirs at Porter Hedges. "When I heard that they were eventually found to be cohabitating, it didn't surprise me."

Just months after Freeman began her clerkship, Jones too got divorced.

"I probably should have talked with, at that time, my wife  now my ex-wife  about that decision, because that's obviously a huge change," Jones told Reuters in 2020. "I just decided that it was something that I was going to do and if I was going to do it, I was going to devote the same energy into being a judge that I did into being a lawyer." He suggested in another interview that the couple experienced tension over the decrease in his pay.

Jones kept the house he had shared with his wife, and sometime later, Freeman moved in with him, according to one person aware of the arrangement. The real estate photos Jones used later to sell the home showed what looked like a boy's bedroom, even though Freeman was the only one in the couple with kids, and a closet that held women's clothing.

In 2017, Jones purchased a house in a gentrifying neighborhood in northwest Houston, not far from his previous home. He and Freeman toured the home together, and Jones ultimately paid $985,000 in cash, Bloomberg reported in April. Real estate records show that they came to jointly own it.

Whether Isgur visited Jones at the homes he shared with Freeman is unclear, but the elder judge would have witnessed the dynamic between the pair over the six years they all worked closely together at the Houston courthouse.

"They set up the special panel because they are great judges, and they are great arbiters of the law, and then to say they don't have the same sensibility with the people they have lunch with beggars disbelief," said Bruce Markell, a former federal bankruptcy judge in Nevada who now teaches law at Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law. "It's not like Isgur didn't know her. Whether he knew about the relationship or not I don't know, but it would be difficult for me to think that Isgur was taken completely by surprise by the allegations."

A plan to grow the Houston court

When Jones joined the bankruptcy court for the Southern District of Texas, Delaware and New York dominated as the venue of choice for major corporate bankruptcies. But Jones and Isgur came up with a plan to make Houston a magnet.

Corporate bankruptcies are big business. For decades, the process has been used by companies with too much debt and not enough cash to find fresh footing  and over time, it's become one of the most lucrative areas of law. Top attorneys can make up to $2,500 an hour in bankruptcy cases, the kind of money that can warp a system. In recent decades, bankruptcy forum shopping has become rampant, with firms filing in whatever federal district they like, just by showing a local address there. Sometimes a PO Box is enough. So lawyers tend to congregate where they find corporate-friendly judges who have a reputation for quickly moving companies through the process and signing off on lawyers' fees.

While Delaware and New York dominated as the venues of choice for major bankruptcies, millions of dollars flowed into the coffers of local law firms. The judges became their own power centers, with every decision affecting the paychecks of local lawyers and the fortunes of their firms: Decide against the debtor and their law firm might seek a different venue for their next client.

Houston judges had tried to break into the upper ranks before, without success. Judge William Greendyke promised attorneys in 2000 that the judges' "war on fees is over," according to Lynn LoPucki's book Courting Failure. A year later, Houston-based Enron still chose New York for its spectacular bankruptcy.

Diagram: Business Insider; Photos: Reuters; LinkedIn; Facebook

In 2016, Jones and Isgur began to hatch a more ambitious plan to make Houston welcoming. Success would mean more money for the men and women of the local bankruptcy bar, and more power and prestige for the Southern District of Texas. They created a special panel for complex cases, changing Southern District rules so extremely large or complex Chapter 11 bankruptcies  including, now, those involving at least $200 million in debt  would get an unusual degree of predictability. Even though the Judicial Conference, which sets policy for the federal courts, had long supported the random assignment of federal judges in order to deter judge-shopping, the new Southern District scheme would assign every complex case to just one of two judges: Jones or Isgur.

"Overnight, bankruptcy lawyers that typically worked on large, complex cases before any one of 3 or 4 sitting bankruptcy judges," Jackson Walker wrote in a court filing last month, "now would be practicing almost exclusively (and routinely) before 1 of 2 bankruptcy judges."

It was an effort, the firm said, to "make procedures more transparent and predictable."

In fact, the two men sought to achieve an extraordinary degree of consistency across their two dockets and would often discuss each other's cases, according to someone who heard it directly from Jones. The two men would walk back and forth to each other's chambers on the courthouse's fourth floor. "We talk every day, multiple times, whether he wants to or not," Jones said in his remarks last year at Emory. "I can't imagine him not being right down the hall."

The judges threw open the doors to the bankruptcy bar, creating a committee of bankruptcy attorneys to advise the judges on industry best practices. Among the founding members were Patricia Tomasco, then a partner at Jackson Walker; Christopher Lopez, an attorney at Weil, Gotshal & Manges who would go on to become a Southern District judge; and Greendyke, who had by then retired as a judge.

Another reform was to promise attorneys for major corporations concierge access to court officials to expedite scheduling and process matters. Jones assigned his case manager, Albert Alonzo, a government-issued cell phone and told him to answer it whenever it rang. Jones would call him in the middle of the night to test his resolve and Alonzo always answered, the judge told Reuters in 2020.

"He is the public's way to talk with me," Jones told the Texas Lawbook in 2020. "He has tremendous scheduling authority. He's great at customer service."

As they worked together, the two men grew close. Jones said he spent time with Alonzo's family during the holidays and at least once he and Freeman attended Alonzo's annual tamale-making party together, according to a social media post.

A close circle of lawyers around Jones

Isgur was known to avoid spending time with Houston's bankruptcy bar outside of the courthouse or official conferences. But just down the hall, Jones routinely blurred the boundaries between his professional and personal lives, becoming friends with a group of attorneys who often appeared before him.

Jones had issued an order in 2016 arguing against "unspoken practices, or disparate treatment" even as he was offering special access, in a variety of ways, for this small network of lawyers.

According to two attorneys close to Jones' circle, a small group of lawyers would often hang around Jones' chambers, which he decorated with framed news articles about him. One, a 2020 Houston Chronicle profile, was headlined: "Meet the judge who saved the Texas bankruptcy practice." (After that article came out, someone taped up a piece of paper outside the fourth floor elevators with the word "savior" and an arrow pointing to Jones' courtroom, a third attorney recalls.)

The locked entrance to his chambers became such a revolving door that when Van Deelen pressed the buzzer in October 2023, intending to hand his retaliation lawsuit to Jones, he was let in with no questions asked, he said. Alonzo once posted that a lawyer close to Jones, Susan Tran Adams, stopped by with coffee and empanadas.

On his frequent visits to Jones' chambers, Isgur likely saw the crowd, which often included Freeman. Two attorneys specifically recall Isgur entering Jones' chambers while other lawyers were present.

Jones said he and some of the lawyers formed a cooking team that would enter local barbecue and chili competitions, and several in the group recently started a nonprofit together. Social media posts over the years of informal gatherings show Jones, Freeman, and Alonzo hamming it up with other lawyers.

The following year, a Houston bankruptcy attorney invited a group of lawyers, including Jackson Walker attorneys Matt Cavenaugh, Veronica Polnick, and Genevieve Graham, as well as Freeman, then running her own practice, to a party for Jones, according to someone who was told about the party.

An October 2022 cookout featured multiple members of the Houston bar, including Jones (back row, gray hair) and Jackson Walker attorneys Veronica Polnick (back row, sunglasses on forehead), Genevieve Graham (squatting center with red cup), and Freeman (sitting center with red sneakers). Facebook

At the root of many of these friendships was a drop-in evidence class Jones began to lead for Houston lawyers soon after he joined the bench. The free class started small and invite-only, but after several years grew to number 40 or 50 students, according to someone who attended.

Regulars included attorneys who worked at, or would later join, Jackson Walker, according to emails, such as Polnick, Graham, and Cavenaugh. According to a recent Jackson Walker legal filing, "other bankruptcy judges and prominent local practitioners attended the classes" as well.

"They were well attended," said another Houston bankruptcy attorney. "I attended a couple, and you could really see the young attorneys clicking."

Jones clicked with them, too. "There are several young lawyers that are present tonight that I first met in a weekly class that I teach in my courtroom on most Wednesdays," Jones said in his prepared remarks for the Emory event last year. "It also turned out that the class was as much of a learning session for me as it was a teaching session. Not only did we become better professionals together, we became friends."

Jones officiated the marriages of at least two lawyers who attended those classes: Tran and Graham.

The class was effectively yet another Jones strategy for attracting bankruptcy filings to the Southern District  and a way for members of the Houston bar to explore tactics they might later deploy in Jones' court.

The classes were sometimes also a ticket to career advancement. At least one young law graduate, Christina Morrison, used the classes to successfully audition for a clerkship with Jones.

Isgur was well aware of the tight legal community around Jones' evidence class. He told the assembled crowd at Emory how "young lawyers show up weekly  dozens of them  to learn trial tactics and bankruptcy from David."

After I tried and failed to find an opportunity to introduce myself to Isgur at the courthouse, I visited Isgur's home in April, hoping to find out how the judge was currently feeling about his adopted son and to ask when he first became aware of Jones' relationship with Freeman.

A woman who appeared to be his wife answered, keeping the door closed and speaking through a side window of the stately brick home. "Get the hell away from us," she said, after I identified myself as a journalist. When I turned to leave, the woman noticed that my hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She commented on the style, and when I turned back to face her, she began to mock me, moving her hips in a side-to-side dance. "Do you want to wear a skirt or earrings? Are you trans?"

As her voice rose, she hurled an expletive and screamed, "Get off the property!"

Rumors of a romantic relationship

Jones and Isgur's efforts soon began to attract hundreds of filings to the district. Big names showed up: Neiman Marcus and J.C. Penney, then Chesapeake Energy.

Tomasco, the Jackson Walker partner who was a member of the complex cases committee, had already been doing her part to build up the court and drum up business for her firm by flying to New York in a campaign to convince the Big Law bankruptcy attorneys to bring their cases south. But the flow of cases only escalated after Freeman left her clerkship, in May 2018, and joined the firm.

Freeman quickly became known as someone who bristled over complying with protocols and failed to loop her colleagues in on critical communications.

She and Cavenaugh set up a business agreement that, according to two of their professional contacts, appeared to be premised on Freeman's tight relationship with Jones paying off. Though Freeman hadn't worked at a law firm in six years, Cavenaugh and Freeman agreed to split the origination income they got for bringing in new cases, according to the two sources, who were told about the arrangement. Like anyone exiting public service, Freeman hadn't done marketing in years. If she hadn't delivered, it could have meant a substantial compensation loss for Cavenaugh. Instead, according to a November Jackson Walker filing, Freeman enjoyed "quick and substantial success."

"Sharing origination fees is common in the industry, and it is well known that sharing is part of our culture at Jackson Walker," firm spokesperson Jim Wilkinson said by email. "We quite often share origination fees among attorneys irrespective of location and there is nothing out of the ordinary with our compensation practices."

Already, the rumors about Jones and Freeman's romantic relationship were frequent enough that at least one attorney confronted Jones about it; Jones responded by denying the relationship.

"I would see them going to lunch together," said the former colleague from Porter Hedges. "It's not unusual for judges and their clerks to go to lunch together but we typically think of a federal judge's law clerk in bankruptcy or district court as a substantially younger person relatively recently out of school. The optics were different."

Now, Jackson Walker had a partner with a direct line to the leading judge of the Southern District of Texas bankruptcy court. Business boomed. During Jones' career on the bench, two firms, Kirkland & Ellis and Jackson Walker, represented the most debtors with confirmed Chapter 11 plans, according to data provider Lex Machina. And Kirkland & Ellis  whose attorneys were invited to Jones' evidence class as special guests at least twice, according to emails  often relied on Jackson Walker as its local counsel.

Between 2012 and 2017, before Freeman left for Jackson Walker, just 27 companies with liabilities of $100 million or more filed their bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas, according to BankruptcyData. From 2018 through 2023 that number more than quadrupled to 148. During the three years ending in 2023, Jones and Isgur together handled nearly a third of all bankruptcy cases with liabilities over $1 billion.

Jackson Walker was involved in a large number of them, with Freeman, as the US Trustee said, creating an "unlevel 'playing field.'"

The Trustee Program has filed several motions to force the law firm to disgorge a total of nearly $23 million in what it called "tainted" fees collected in cases involving Jackson Walker that were heard by Jones as far back as 2018. More than $2 million of those fees were personally collected by Freeman.

As a clerk, Freeman was present while Jones and Isgur were concocting the idea of the complex cases committee. As a Jackson Walker attorney, she became a formal member. But Freeman continued to act as if she were an insider. When Tomasco, for example, asked the committee members in a December 27, 2021, email if the court's hybrid hearing schedule would change, Freeman responded, according to correspondence BI obtained through a public records request. "It will continue until further notice," she wrote from her Jackson Walker address.

By this point, Isgur had become one of the busiest bankruptcy judges in the country. Jackson Walker attorneys including Cavenaugh and Freeman were frequently appearing in front of him.

And companies were now aggressively venue shopping in the Southern District of Texas.

Bankruptcy rules require a company to be based in the district for 180 days. But court filings in the 2023 bankruptcy of the biopharmaceutical company Sorrento show that Jackson Walker attorney Veronica Polnick  another former Jones clerk  visited a UPS Store on the outskirts of Houston to open a mailbox less than 10 hours before the company filed for bankruptcy.

That UPS store soon became the principal place of business for other Jackson Walker clients, according to legal filings: medical technology firm Surgalign Spine Technologies, sweet treat subscription company Candy Club LLC, and industrial food startup AppHarvest Products, all with mailboxes registered by Polnick  in one instance for a case filed by Cavenaugh.

So much bankruptcy business was coming into Houston that attorneys there were getting bold.

In April 2022, the bankruptcy bar met for a conference at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, a chance for attorneys to get continuing education credits  and face time with judges. A panel titled "Judges Panel  Ask Anything You Want!" at the end of the three-day event gave attorneys an open forum to ask questions of Jones, Isgur, and the other bankruptcy judges of the Southern District of Texas.

As Cavenaugh roamed the room with the mic, one attorney spoke up, saying clients had reported that other attorneys were suggesting they had a special connection with the judges of the Southern District. The attorney asked the judges how lawyers should respond the next time they heard something about these attorneys' special status, according to someone in attendance.

Jones, in prefacing a noncommittal answer, suggested that the question was likely directed at him, the source recalled.

By then, Cavenaugh and Jackson Walker were aware of the allegations of a Jones-Freeman relationship, according to documents the firm later filed in court. Van Deelen had received the explosive anonymous note 13 months before, and an email he sent to Cavenaugh right after receiving it had sparked an apparently cursory internal Jackson Walker investigation.

Freeman admitted that she and Jones had been in a relationship, but said it had ended, according to a draft letter the firm's then-general counsel wrote in August 2021 to an outside ethics consultant. "Elizabeth has confirmed that there is no current romantic relationship between herself and Judge Jones and that none is expected going forward. According to Elizabeth, there has been no romantic relationship since prior to the time in March 2020 when COVID caused so many of us to shift to remote work and virtual-only meetings. Judge Jones and Elizabeth each own their own homes; they do not and have not lived together."

The letter also described Freeman's critical role bringing in new business to the firm since she had joined in 2018. "Jackson Walker's debtor practice grew very substantially during this time, including cases in which we took an expansive local counsel role, with Kirkland Ellis acting as lead counsel, and cases in which we were lead debtor's counsel. Much of this work was in cases before either Judge Isgur or Judge Jones. This success was a team effort, involving other bankruptcy partners as well, but Elizabeth's leadership and contribution were recognized as integral."

The letter said Jackson Walker had requested that Freeman stop working on cases once they'd been filed with Jones for a two-year cooling off period from the date Freeman claimed their romance had ended. While the firm understood "that a close personal relationship remains" between Freeman and Jones, the letter said, "no further details were sought at that time."

Jackson Walker later learned Freeman hadn't been truthful. The firm's counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright  Greendyke, the former bankruptcy judge  said in a November pleading that in 2022 Jackson Walker had "learned, quite by accident, that Ms. Freeman's denial was possibly false or at least no longer true. When confronted again she initially denied the relationship but later on admitted to a current romantic relationship."

When Freeman retained counsel, she chose someone with close ties to her romantic partner: Tom Kirkendall, Jones' first boss in the legal profession and someone who described Isgur to Business Insider as "a wonderful law partner of mine for over 10 years" and "a dear friend." (Kirkendall declined to comment on other aspects of this story.)

Later that year, Jones called Cavenaugh to his chambers after a hearing and "insinuated" that he was "unhappy" with the firm's push to disclose the relationship, the firm said in another filing. Instead, Jackson Walker said, Jones handed Cavenaugh a piece of paper with a proposed disclosure that listed a "close personal relationship" with Freeman sandwiched between references to a "social friendship" with Polnick and with Graham. Jackson Walker, Jones insisted, "needs to make this happen," instructing the firm to file the disclosure in all future cases before him, according to the filing.

Finding the language "potentially misleading or untruthful," Jackson Walker said it negotiated Freeman's departure instead; she left the firm in December 2022 to set up her own practice.

But Jackson Walker appeared to keep knowledge of the relationship to itself. The firm's attorneys continued to recommend Freeman for legal work on cases before the Southern District.

"Jackson Walker has a strong and proven culture of ethics and integrity, and when we learned about this issue, we acted responsibly," Wilkinson, a spokesperson for the firm, said by email. "Our firm has been transparent, and our fulsome public filings speak for themselves."

Conflicts of interest appeared immediately. Within weeks, Freeman, serving as contract attorney to bond issuer GWG Holdings Inc., whose bankruptcy case was being handled by Jackson Walker, told Judge Isgur she took "some comfort" knowing that Jones was serving as mediator in the case, according to a December 16, 2022, transcript. During the mediation, in which Freeman participated, Jones suggested naming an independent trustee, according to public remarks by Mike Warner, a lawyer involved in the case.

Freeman was ultimately chosen by the creditors to oversee the wind-down trust in that case, a role expected to earn her $100,000 a month. Neither Jones, nor Jackson Walker, nor Freeman disclosed the relationship.

Containing the fallout

After the romantic relationship became public last October and Jones resigned, Isgur found himself once again at the center of a recusal matter. The estate of a creditor in 4E Brands, a manufacturer of hand sanitizer, whose bankruptcy case was transferred from Jones to Isgur, argued in October that Isgur was too close to Jones to rule on the case independently. The US Trustee, which oversees federal bankruptcy cases, supported the motion, arguing the case should never have been heard by Jones in the first place.

Yet in an apparent attempt to contain the fallout from Jones' ethics implosion, the Southern District's chief bankruptcy judge, Eduardo Rodriguez, ruled against the creditor. Isgur can continue to hear the case, he ruled, writing in the December 2023 opinion that lawyers for the creditor "failed to demonstrate much other than that former Judge Jones and Judge Isgur are close friends." (The creditor has filed an appeal.)

Rodriguez wrote that the estate had provided no evidence Isgur had "extrajudicial knowledge" of Jones' relationship or showed a "high degree of antagonism" in denying Van Deelen's March 2021 recusal motion  despite the magnitude of Isgur's missed opportunity.

In the Sorrento case, a litigant filed in February to remove the case from the Southern District of Texas. Again, the US Trustee lent its support, calling Sorrento's PO Box maneuver "a case of forum shopping and venue manipulation taken to a new and unprecedented extreme." Again, a Southern District judge shut it down. This time, Judge Lopez  a member of the complex cases committee turned judge  denied the motion. (Lopez had replaced Isgur when Isgur stepped down from the complex cases panel at the end of 2022; Isgur returned to the panel as Lopez's partner after Jones resigned in disgrace.)

The Southern District has stuck to the model Jones created, of sending every complex case to a panel of two judges, flouting new guidance issued by the Judicial Conference of the US in March that further promotes random case assignment to limit "the ability of litigants to effectively choose judges in certain cases by where they file a lawsuit."

Effectively choosing judges, and knowing with a high degree of clarity how those judges would rule, was the very essence of the Jones machine.

Meanwhile, the US Trustee's motions seeking to disgorge nearly $23 million in fees Jackson Walker collected in 33 cases in front of Jones has been bottled up. Those cases have been combined into a single proceeding, overseen at this stage by Rodriguez. That consolidation delays or even prevents what many would like: an impartial judge from outside the district hearing the cases and putting key players in the machine under oath.

The US Trustee began taking discovery on May 15, according to a scheduling order, but a settlement could halt that process and eliminate the risk that Cavenaugh, Freeman, Jones, or even Isgur would have to testify.

That might be fine with the Fifth Circuit.

Earlier this year, the circuit judges chose Alfredo Perez, a retired Weil, Gotshal & Manges bankruptcy attorney, to replace Jones. The pick was widely interpreted as a sign that the Fifth Circuit had come to enjoy Houston's recent success and didn't want it to end with Jones' career. Isgur told Bloomberg recently that he plans to give up handling complex cases, which would clear the way for Perez to take over. Former chief Southern District judge Richard Schmidt told Bloomberg that Perez's experience handling large cases would be a "godsend" for the district. "I can't imagine a better selection given the circumstances," he said.

Meanwhile, according to Debtwire, the Southern District of Texas' popularity has plunged. Through May 4, only 10% of the large Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings this year tracked by the data provider have been filed in the district, less than half what it was last year.

That's well short of Delaware's current share  39%.

Additional reporting: Jack Newsham.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Indiana Science of Reading Teacher Training: More Than Most States, But Not All

The 80 hours of science of reading training Indiana has mandated for teachers, criticized by some educators as too long and unnecessary, is more than many states, but fewer than others.

Indiana, like all 38 states that have adopted the phonics-based approach of teaching reading, has to navigate several challenges to put it in classrooms quickly. Its not always a smooth change in any state, particularly since veteran teachers must toss aside lessons they have used for years and rapidly learn new approaches.

Indiana legislators, who voted last year to order the shift to science of reading, say the change is urgent and training must be done well to reverse the states declining reading scores that had fallen even before the pandemic.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

Tempers flared at the May state board of education meeting where teachers criticized the 80 hours of science of reading training required for all preschool through fifth grade teachers as excessive and burdensome.

Other complaints about a lack of training slots and unwieldy training schedules that added fuel to teacher frustration are easing, as more slots and more flexibility of training times are coming soon.

Indianas 80-hour training requirement is on the high end compared to other states. Its almost four times as long as in neighboring Ohio, for example. But its also far from the highest. A few states, like North and South Carolina, are requiring twice as much.

Robert Morris, a teacher in the Duneland school district, told the state board in early May, the 80 hours of training training is unnecessarily rigorous and time consuming,

While no knowledge is a waste, it does seem excessive as a requirement, Morris said as part of a crowd urged to attend by the Indiana State Teachers Association, the states main teachers union.

Dianna Reed, secretary of ISTA, told the board the mandated training has compounded existing challenges of teacher burnout and retention.

Colleagues have expressed they would rather let their licenses lapse at the next renewal date, than be subjected to more hoops and mandates to prove their worth, she said. We are already experiencing a shortage of qualified educators and these new requirements do not signal to our teachers that their education degrees obtainedare valued.

Teachers also complained that the $1,200 stipend the state is offering as compensation for the training amounts to $15 an hour  what retail and fast food jobs pay.

Related

For Stronger Readers in Third Grade, Start Building Knowledge in Preschool

Jeff Raatz, chairman of the Indiana Senate Committee on Education and Career Development did not respond to questions from The 74 about why the legislature chose 80 hours as its mandate.

Robert Behning, chair of the Indiana House Committee on Education, defended requiring 80 hours, noting it is just one of several steps Indiana is taking to improve literacy.

We want to be the best, he said.

Behning said 80 hours may seem like a lot, but the states not requiring completion until 2027 and only when teachers are renewing their teaching licenses. Teachers whose licenses renew later will have more time.

Behning also said Indiana already requires 90 hours of coursework each time a teacher renews their license. Because Indiana is prioritizing reading, he said, the state will count the 80 hours of science of reading training as fulfilling that entire requirement, saving teachers 10 hours.

I dont find it unreasonable when were giving them the length of time that theyre being given to do it plus, since were counting it for relicensure, he said.

Setting teacher training in the science of reading for already-practicing teachers isnt easy. Training time, compensation, and online vs. in-person sessions differ greatly by state.

State law in Arizona and Wisconsin requires less than 50 hours of training for current teachers as they shift to the science of reading, while Florida requires 60 hours, according to experts that track reading laws.

Tennessee also requires 60 hours of training, split between online and in-person.

Some require even less. Neighboring Ohio as well as Washington, D.C., each recently announced that teachers must do 25 hours or fewer of online training as part of the shift.

But some states require more than Indiana.

North Carolina, whose legislature ordered a shift to science of reading in 2021, requires all teachers of kindergarten through fifth grade to do the two year, 160-hour

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) lessons from Lexia Learning that many educators consider the gold standard program in science of reading methods.

South Carolina also just approved in March full LETRS training for all K-3 teachers. That decision openly copies Mississippi, which also gave LETRS training to all K-3 teachers starting in 2013, as one of several pieces of the so-called Mississippi Miracle shift in teaching reading that led to significant score increases.

The Indiana Department of Education did not reply to questions from The 74 about how many teachers need science of reading training, but by some accounts the states universities have not been training teachers in reading well.

The National Council on Teacher Quality last year found that while schools like Ball State and Marian University- Indianapolis taught aspiring teachers all the elements of good reading instruction, most didnt. It graded multiple Indiana University campuses, including Bloomngton with a D or F.

Indiana ranks among the worst in the nation for the average number of components of reading its programs adequately address, the councils national Teacher Prep Review concluded.

Related

To Hold Back Struggling Readers or Not: Indiana & Ohio Take Different Paths

While Indiana is requiring universities to change what they teach, the Indiana Department of Education has hired Massachusetts-based Keys to Literacy to provide free training for up to 9,000 teachers to help them adjust their teaching.

Right now, Keys offers training split between 40 hours of asynchronous online classes  those teachers can take any time  and 40 hours of synchronous classes where teachers must join up to 200 others online with an instructor at selected times. That requirement drew criticism from teachers who said it imposes a schedule on time they prepare for classes or have family plans.

When Keys to Literacy opened up new training slots in April, those filled immediately, leaving many teachers thinking they were shut out of a chance at free training. Some worried theyd be stuck paying for other training on their own.

But the legislature removed the synchronous training requirement effective July 1, so teachers can take online training any time that fits their schedule after then.

Jenner and Keys have also opened up fall and spring 2025 sessions, which make more slots and times available.

How the state will pay for extra slots or extra teachers has not been resolved, but Behning said the legislature should easily approve money when it builds a new state budget next year, if needed.

The July 1 end of the synchronous training requirement has tradeoffs, however, in how effective the training can be. Officials of Lexia, Keys and The New Teacher Project, another science of reading provider to several states, say research of all online learning shows that some time with a live instructor brings better results, as teachers saw when they taught online during the pandemic.

Back-and-forth interaction with an instructor and other students is also valuable as teachers start to take the theories behind reading and start finding ways to use them in daily lessons.
Indiana University Provost Rahul Shrivastav, right, talks with Executive Director of Indiana University Dining Rahul Shrivastav in the provost's office Feb. 24, 2022.

Indiana University faculty members say a provost-led initiative to bring in renowned senior professors to IUs faculty has been poorly executed, is falling behind schedule and is causing widespread dissatisfaction in multiple departments.

The Faculty 100 initiative, led by IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav, aims to bring on 100 senior-level tenure-track faculty, especially those contributing research in vital scientific fields like artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, to Bloomingtons campus.

The initiative, planned to last for two to three years, is in its second year. While faculty within their respective departments can make requests or recommendations for hires, interviews and hiring ultimately rests with the provost's office.

The Faculty 100 initiative was touted as an investment in IUs Research 1 status and as a means of meeting the growing demand for an IU Bloomington education as IUs student enrollment skyrockets.

But for professors in departments that have seen faculty numbers decline steadily in recent decades, as budget limitations stifle rehiring, the initiative feels tone-deaf.

I think theres a very strong sense that its out of touch, said David Fisher, an emeritus professor of mathematics who now teaches at Rice University.

Professors from several departments said faculty positions have declined over the past decade as professors retire and new junior talent is rarely hired on. Fisher said in his time at IU, from 2005 to 2022, the number of tenure-track professors in the mathematics department went from 46 to 39.

So to say youre creating 100 new positions, its like, Can we have those seven back first? Fisher said. Administrators like to announce big, fancy initiatives, but in the context of the research shortage that IU has had recently, its not great.

Faculty say hiring initiative is opaque, undemocratic

Dylan Thurston, a professor of mathematics at IU, said the Faculty 100 initiative seems more focused on the optics of who it brings to IU than it is on a prospective professors ability to integrate into the faculty.

I find it disturbingly cynical, like its just focused on revenue to the exclusion of any sort of academic or educational mission, Thurston said.

Faculty members say the initiative is also increasingly opaque and removed from the departments receiving new professors. David Polly, chair of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department, said in the first year of the initiative, department faculty were asked to make recommendations for prospective faculty and were looped into the hiring process.

This year, Polly says, the decision seems to be entirely in the hands of the provost.

Its not actually being carried out by the department, and its kind of behind this black box to the department, Polly said. People are very concerned that theyre not having control over whos invited to interviews, and setting up the interview so people get a good sense of the candidate, and the candidate gets a good sense of them.

Polly said conversations between prospective candidates and department faculty are typically a key part of recruitment. He said the lack of departmental involvement in the Faculty 100 initiative has caused tensions for departments who have new hires installed by the provost.

The people who are in the fields are usually the ones who are able to convince somebody that were a good place, Polly said. So that kind of marketing is now absent from the recruiting process.

Faculty say initiative is behind schedule for recruitment

Hundreds of Indiana University faculty wait to enter the IU Auditorium on May 9, 2022. Current faculty are criticizing a provost-led initiative to recruit top-tier tenure track professors to the Bloomington campus called Faculty 100.

As Faculty 100 enters its third year, professors say the initiative is falling behind schedule.

Phase one of the initiative, which began in 2022, sought to bring on 25 tenure-track faculty. Polly said he believed only eight to 10 professors were hired during phase one.

Digital archives of IUs website show that in 2023, the provosts office planned to get to 100 with phase two. By early 2024, however, the website removed mentions of getting to 100 and said instead 10 tenured/tenure track faculty searches are actively underway.

Ive heard fewer than 12 offers have been made in the second year, Polly said. And ordinarily, if we make an offer in my department to someone whos a senior researcher, I would say six, seven, eight times out of 10, its declined.

Elizabeth Housworth, a professor of mathematics, said job interviews in STEM fields typically occur in the fall, whereas Faculty 100 initiatives are occurring in the spring and summer.

No normal hiring process in any of the sciences interviews in May, Housworth said. The interview schedule is off kilter with the normal interview schedule.

A crowd of students, faculty and community members join chants calling for the resignation of Indiana University President Pamela Whitten and Provost Rahul Shrivastav during a protest outside of Bryan Hall on Monday, April 29, 2024.

In addition to the irregular schedule, Fisher believes the attention IU has received in the national media for controversies like the Dunn Meadow protests and the vote of no confidence against Pamela Whitten and Shrivastav have made it difficult to recruit top faculty.

When it makes national news that theres an issue at IU, and enough gets unearthed, I think it would give just about anyone pause about coming, Fisher said. I know faculty who are leaving or planning on retiring early. And life is complicated; Pamela Whitten isnt the only factor. But it does have an impact.

Polly says while he and his fellow department chairs in the sciences were initially optimistic about the Faculty 100 initiative, hes grown increasingly concerned the program isnt an appropriate use of IUs budget, and would like to see funds more equitably distributed for hiring junior faculty across the department.

The practical side of it is its an incredibly expensive thing to do, Polly said. And when the provost is asked, he says people can still do other hiring, but the reality is the provost has taken so much budget away from ordinary use that we dont have money left to hire.

Fisher says a focus on recruiting established, high-ranking faculty is typically a hallmark of well-funded, prestigious institutions like Ivy League schools, and worries the initiative doesnt translate to a large Research 1 university like IU.

For Harvard and Princeton and Yale, you can do that, because theres a lot of prestige associated with those jobs, and theres a lot of money to make really attractive offers, Fisher said. At a place like IU, I dont think you can run the business that way, and the Faculty 100 is them pretending that they can.

Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. Follow him on Twitter/X at @brianwritesnews.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana University's Faculty 100 initiative recruitment, budget problems
Indicted New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez Filing to Run for Reelection as an Independent

The once-esteemed Democrat reportedly will file nominating petitions in the middle of his federal corruption trial to seek reelection to a fourth Senate term

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez plans to run for reelection amid his criminal trial on federal bribery, extortion and fraud charges.

The New Jersey Globe, NBC News and ABC News report that Menendez will file nominating petitions in Trenton on Monday, June 3, to seek reelection for a fourth term  this time as an independent.

Menendez "has no campaign staff and is managing his own race," according to The Globe.

Related: Sen. Bob Menendez Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Bribery and Corruption Charges

The longtime Democrat and his wife, Nadine, were indicted in September following an investigation into their business dealings with three men who have ties to Egypt's government.

Both the senator, 69, and Nadine, 56, pleaded not guilty to the charges laid out in a 39-page indictment, which alleges that the couple accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bribes in exchange for protecting the three businessmen  Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes  and to "benefit" the government of Egypt.

Prosecutors have argued that some of those bribes came in the form of gold bars, luxury vehicles, and envelopes stuffed with cash.

"Over $480,000 in cash  much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe  was discovered in the home, along with over $70,000 in Nadine Menendez's safe deposit box," the indictment alleges.

Related: Sen. Bob Menendez, Wife Charged with Bribery After Allegedly Accepting 'Cash, Gold, a Luxury Vehicle' and More

The indictment further alleges that the senator "provided sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt," and "improperly advised and pressured an official at the United States Department of Agriculture for the purpose of protecting a business monopoly" granted to one of the businessmen, Hana, by the country of Egypt.

The couple are charged with three counts: conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.

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Menendez, who was first elected to the Senate in 2006, previously served as a U.S. congressman, state senator, state representative, and the mayor of Union City, N.J.

By running as an independent, Menendez will avoid facing a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who announced that he would run for the Senate seat as a Democrat just days after the indictment was unsealed.

Menendez's trial began in May and is expected to continue over the next few weeks.

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Read the original article on People.
High school graduation is usually a joyous, celebratory moment for students and their families. Yet, for some Indigenous students, it has become a time of stress over what students are allowed to wear at graduation ceremonies.

Students, like Jennie Rocha from Clovis, were told they could not wear Indigenous regalia customized by their tribal family members. Another student from Hanford was told she could not wear a hand-beaded cap because the district didnt allow for decorations on students caps.

In the week leading up to Tuesdays ceremonies, families have had to defend before school districts their students choices, because state law does allow for cultural and religious accessories to be worn, including Indigenous regalia. After families objected and pointed to state law, the districts changed their positions.

Having experienced a similar situation in the past, Jennies father, Ray Rocha, said he was not going to let his daughters and other students rights be denied. He took action, researched their rights and presented his case until his daughter was allowed to wear her stole.

Its a victory for other people involved that are going through (it), he said. Besides the support from local and state organizations, Rocha also received direct support from his Comanche Tribes chairman, who was willing to travel from Oklahoma to Clovis to validate his daughters graduation stole.

What I went through  Im happy for it  but it was a lot. It was a long, emotional fight, Rocha said. It shouldnt have happened this way.

Indigenous Justice, a statewide nonprofit group that defends and protects Indigenous rights, has been helping families who have been challenged by their school districts, initially not allowing them to wear Indigenous regalia.

An update to the California Education Code in 2019 explicitly protects students rights to wear traditional tribal regalia or objects with cultural or religious significance as an adornment at school graduation ceremonies. These include but are not limited to beaded mortarboards, eagle feathers on graduation caps, traditional moccasins, leggings, basket caps, or leis, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California.

The Bee talked to two families who faced rejection from their school districts  when they requested for their students to wear Indigenous cultural accessories made or customized by their families  and about the outcomes of their cases.

Graduating seniors including Christian Titman, wearing a feather at the end of the line, bottom center, enter Lamonica Stadium for Clovis Highs graduation ceremony.

Clovis questioned tribal authenticity of handmade stole

Jennie Rochas father, Ray Rocha, said Cloviss school district wasnt allowing his daughter to wear a stole gifted by the Comanche Tribe because it had graduate 2024 wording in uppercase. Rocha also said it wasnt the first time his children were not being allowed to represent their culture and heritage at graduation.

Jennies older brother, Christian, graduated in 2019, Rocha said. Then, Christian also received a stole from the Comanche Nation, but the Rocha family didnt know about the updated protections in the Education Code, and accepted the districts rejection.

He graduated without wearing one, Ray Rocha said, and if I would have fought like I should have, he would end up wearing it at graduation.

However, after pressure on social media and news reports on local TV stations, Clovis Unified appeared to change its stance and allow Rocha, a Clovis North High School student, to wear her Comanche stole.

Jennie Rocha, a Clovis North senior with Indigenous heritage, poses with the stole the Comanche Nation gifted her for graduating in 2024. Clovis Unified School District initially did not allow Rocha to wear the stole, questioning if the lettering GRADUATE 2024 was related to Comanche culture. After discussing with the district and defending their rights, the Rocha family is proud Jennie will be able to attend her graduation on June 4 with her stole.

Kelly Avants, spokesperson for Clovis Unified School District, said students wanting to wear cultural or religious regalia at graduation must submit a request so the district can evaluate and ensure that the item requested meets the Education Codes criteria.

Avants said the family initially submitted a request for Rocha to wear cultural regalia and the district had approved part of it  a cord, Avants said  but the district, questioned some customization on the stole that did not appear to be related to a culture.

Avants didnt clarify what the customization in question was.

In Rochas case, she will be allowed to wear her regalia once the district receives confirmation from the tribe that the stole as it was submitted to us is part of their traditional regalia, Avants said on Thursday afternoon.

The Bee asked Avants if it was the district who requested the family to provide validation from the Comanche Nation, claiming the stole as a cultural item. Though the district requires a request for cultural or religious regalia, she said it was the family who offered it to the district.

We have now been told that affirmation is on its way from the tribe in question and the family has been informed that once that affirmation is received, the stole will be approved, Avants said.

Clovis Unified has this process to consistently respond to requests from students who represent different religions and cultures in the district.

We do have a graduation ceremony dress code that focuses on presenting the graduating class as a unified group in their final moments as high school students, Avants added. That dress code does not allow personalization or adornment of graduation robes or caps outside of what is allowed for in the Education Code.

Clovis High senior Christian Titman holds his graduation tassel with a hawk feather, after a hearing at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse. He wants to wear an eagle feather during graduation ceremonies.

Before the 2019 Education Code protections were enacted, the ACLU of Northern California filed a legal complaint against Clovis Unified after they didnt allow a senior to wear an eagle feather during his graduation ceremony. The case was settled, reaching an agreement, allowing the student to wear the feather, a day before he was scheduled to walk across the stage.

A director with Indigenous Justice, Ashley Rojas said Clovis Unifieds rigid graduation requirements made the district attempt to overstep their authority when requesting the Rocha family to alter the stole Jennie was gifted by the Comanche Nation.

Rojas said because some Indigenous tribes arent federally recognized, some culturally and religious items are hand-crafted at home and not all tribes have an established council or authority figure that could issue such a validation, school districts should not be requiring or asking students to verify or confirm if their Indigenous regalia is authentic.

That is an encroachment on their rights as indigenous peoples, Rojas said.

Hanford said beaded cap would be distracting

Favianna Berrys daughter is Indigenous; her fathers family is part of the Confederated Tribes of Warmer Springs in Oregon.

Family members wanted to decorate a piece of Berrys daughters graduation outfit to celebrate her finishing high school. Berry said she asked her daughters school, Hanford Online Charter High School, if she could get her daughters cap as soon as possible so it could be sent to Oregon for it to be decorated by her Indigenous family.

Berry said they agreed and were okay with her daughter sporting tribal regalia on graduation day, and a counselor even told her they couldnt wait to see the cap once it was decorated.

After the hand-beaded cap came back to Hanford, Berry said the situation changed.

Everybody was okay with it, she said, but when we brought back the cap to the school, they said no decorating caps.

After speaking with Hanford Joint Union High School Districts Superintendent Victor Rosa, Berry said she was told that her daughter wearing the beaded cap could encourage other students to decorate their caps, which wasnt allowed. If her daughter were to show up at graduation with the fully-beaded cap, then she would not be allowed to walk the stage to receive her diploma, Berry said.

Berry said she was told by the district that they were only allowing Indigenous students to wear a feather and/or beaded tassel.

Thats just picking and choosing out of the state law, Berry said. Youre not honoring the whole situation, youre just picking and choosing what you want to honor.

This cap was hand-beaded by members of the Warm Springs Tribe in Oregon and family members of a 16-year-old Hanford Online Charter High Schools senior. The school district, Hanford Joint Union High School District, initially didnt let the student wear the cap until it authorized all senior class students to decorate their caps too.

The Education Codes protections also mean that a school district can rarely restrict students from wearing cultural accessories, the ACLU states.

The only time a school may be able to limit a students right is if they can prove the item is likely to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with the graduation ceremony, the ACLU of North and South California state in their Tribal Regalia Toolkit.

However, the ACLU also clarifies that a school cant restrict a students ability to wear tribal regalia, or any object of cultural or religious significance, because they are concerned the object might encourage students to violate school policies or engage in illegal activities.

On Friday afternoon, Superintendent Victor Rosa told The Bee that all Hanford Joint Union High School Districts seniors are now allowed to decorate their caps for this years graduation ceremonies and future ones to come.

In a call with The Bee on Friday afternoon, Rosa acknowledged telling Berry that her daughters beaded cap would be distracting and would encourage other students to break the schools policy last week. He said the district knows of a local tribe that beads a one-inch margin on caps, but not the entire mortar board like Berrys daughters.

We had just never encountered a Native American tribe other than what were used to working with here that did any beading to the level of what this tribe did, he said. It was just a new experience for us and something that we hadnt addressed in our policy.

The last time the district allowed decorated mortar boards at graduations was in 1999, Rosa said, because students then were decorating their caps with inappropriate symbols that were distracting and offensive. Since then, the California Education Code update in 2019 changed statewide regalia decoration laws for Indigenous people.

We hadnt caught on to the part of beating the entire cap, Rosa said. We only allowed for a portion of the tassel. So, obviously, thats whats changed now.
A 21-year-old woman from Rhode Island who injured her leg while hiking was rescued from a mountain train in New Hampshire over the weekend.

Cassandra Simpson, 21, of Richmond, Rhode Island was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Conway following her rescue with injuries to her left leg, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Law Enforcement Division said in a statement Monday.

A preliminary investigation found that Simpson had slept in the Mount Kearsarge fire tower on Friday night.

Hours later, at 6:28 a.m. Saturday, New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified of an injured hiker on Mount Kearsarge North Trail.

Simpson had been hiking down the mountain Saturday morning when she injured her left leg, officials said.

At 7:44 a.m. Saturday, conservation officers arrived at the trailhead and began hiking up towards Simpson, and met her at 8:53 a.m. Crews placed Simpson in a litter and carried down the trail.

Nearly three hours later, officers and volunteers from Lakes Region Search and Rescue and Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue helped Simpson reach the trailhead at 11:39 a.m., and she was taken to the hospital.

State officials, in praising Simpson for her preparedness which helped crews locate her, urged the public to be prepared when going for a hike in case of an emergency.

Cassandra was a well prepared hiker with all the essential gear for a safe hike. Her preparedness aided her ability to remain comfortable and safe while waiting for rescuers to reach her location, New Hampshire Fish and Game officials said in their statement.

Mount Kearsarge is located in Wilmot and Warner, northwest of Concord and east of Mount Sunapee.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. Over the next two days, the court will evaluate 250 prospective jurors by asking them questions related to politics, guns and drug addiction, and select 12, with four alternate options. | Matt Slocum

Appearing in a federal court in Wilmington, Del., for jury selection Monday, Hunter Biden, appeared attentive in his dark suit and orange-color rimmed glasses as he heard jurors respond to questions.

Over the next two days, the court will evaluate 250 prospective jurors by asking them questions related to politics, guns and drug addiction, and select 12, with four alternate options, as NBC News reported.

First lady Jill Biden was also seen in the front row wearing a purple suit, huddled alongside Ashley Biden and Melissa Cohen. According to The Washington Post, Hunter Biden greeted the first lady with a joke about her 73rd birthday.

Happy birthday, he said. I got you a special event. The pair laughed.

This was the start of the felony gun trial that could have a far-reaching impact on Hunter Bidens father President Joe Bidens reelection campaign.

According to the indictment released in September 2023, Hunter Biden bought a Colt Cobra revolver on Oct. 12, 2018, and knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement, intended and likely to deceive that dealer with respect to a fact material to the lawfulness of the sale of the firearm  certifying he was not an unlawful user of, and addicted to, any stimulant, narcotic drug, and any other controlled substance, when in fact, as he knew, that statement was false and fictitious.

As the Deseret News reported, special counsel David C. Weiss charged Hunter Biden with three felony counts. The first two are related to him lying on the form about his drug use. The third count is related to him holding the revolver in his possession for 11 days while tampering with illicit drugs. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.

President Biden issued a statement Monday morning: I am the president, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

Hunters resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean, the statement said. As the president, I dont and wont comment on pending federal cases, but as a dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.

On Saturday, before noon, the president and Hunter Biden were reportedly seen riding their bikes at a trail near Rehoboth Beach, where the Biden family has a beach house. Later that day, the father and son were seen leaving the St. Edmonds Catholic Church, as People Magazine reported. President Biden and the first lady had arrived at the Delaware beach on Thursday, the ninth anniversary of son Beau Bidens death, the familys oldest son who died in 2015 of brain cancer.

In the past, when President Biden was asked to comment on his sons alleged crimes, he defended Hunter Biden. Once, he adamantly declared his son has done nothing wrong, in an interview in May 2023.

I trust him. I have faith in him, and it impacts my presidency by making me feel proud of him, the president added.

Some Republicans, like Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia, said this trial is more serious than the case against former President Donald Trump.

Unlike the case against Trump, no legal sorcery was required: lying about drug use on a background check is pretty clear cut, Collins said, as Fox News reported, before questioning whether Democrats will accept a guilty verdict. Will Dems stick to the no one is above the law talkers? Collins said. Is Hunter the sacrificial lamb to make it look like they are playing fair?

Trump was found guilty on Thursday of falsifying business records. But Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia pushed back Monday, saying the two trials are not comparable.

Hunter Biden was not elected official and surely not the president of the United States, and is not comparable to the multiple crimes that clearly Donald Trump has committed, Garcia said.

I think that we all agree that Hunters made some mistakes, he continued. Hes got to be held accountable, so I dont think it has anything to do with the election for president.

According to Politico, the prosecution is expected to call a dozen witnesses, including several women Hunter Biden was romantically involved with. This includes Hallie Biden, who was romantically linked to Hunter Biden after her husband Beau Biden died. She is expected to testify about Hunter Bidens frequent drug use and stints in rehab.

Kathleen Buhle, Hunter Bidens ex-wife, will discuss checking Hunter Bidens car and finding drugs or paraphernalia on a dozen other occasions. She and the presidents son share three daughters and were married from 1993 to 2017. A few years ago, Buhle authored a tell-all, If We Break: A Memoir of Marriage, Addiction and Healing. Politico reported the third woman is Zoe Kestan, who will also testify about Hunter Bidens frequent drug use.

Prosecutors plan on reading portions from Bidens 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things, to the jury during trial, as the Deseret News reported last week. Biden describes his struggle with drug abuse and alcoholism in the memoir.

The defense will give Hunter Biden the floor to tell his account of the gun purchase made in October 2018.
Investigator: Swift searched dating sites 280 times after wife reported missing

WEAKLEY COUNTY, TENN.  The trial of David Swift, the man accused of murdering his former wife Karen Swift in Dyer County, Tennessee in 2011, is entering its second week.

Before the jury was called in, Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Joel Wade, who specializes in cyber crimes, testified a search of David Swifts laptop.

Special Agent Wade showed that Swift searched dating sites, primarily Match.com, around 280 times within a short time after Karen was reported missing, and while the search was still intense for the missing mother of four.

It starts at October 10th, 2011 and goes to November 14, which is when we took possession of it (David Swifts laptop), Wade said.

Trial begins for David Swift, accused in wifes 2011 death

Defense Attorney Daniel Taylor argued and objected to allowing the testimony, saying visiting the sites does not have bearing and does not prove David Swift murdered his wife.

It doesnt establish motive, Taylor said. It doesnt establish anything other  its irrelevant and I object to it.

Assistant District Attorney Tim Boxx contends the viewing of the sites shortly after Karen was reported missing shows David Swift already knew his wife was not coming back, and searching the sites showed that.

The inference is Your Honor, that within 24 hours of his wife going missing, he is hot and heavy on the dating sites, Boxx said. He knows shes not coming back.

Judge Mark Hayes ruled testimony regarding the dating site visits was not admissible.

The Jury was called in and was allowed to hear limited testimony from Agent Joel Wade about other content found on Swifts laptop including a picture of a tattoo and other images the state contends Swift downloaded from Karens cell phone the morning of October 30.

Swift murder trial, Day 4: Tire expert claims Karen Swifts tire was intentionally flattened

Last week, an expert in tire technology testified the screw found in the flat tire on Karens SUV appeared to have been intentionally screwed in and the tire appeared to have been intentionally deflated before the vehicle was found abandoned near the womans Dyer County home.

On Friday, DNA analysts testified that no DNA other than Karen Swifts was found in her fingernail clippings or on the underwear she was wearing when she was found dead on December 10, 2011.

The state rested its case, but Swifts attorney quickly moved for an acquittal.

The evidence is insufficient to show pre-meditation to support first or second-degree murder, Taylor said. We submit the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction in this case.

District Attorney Danny Goodman told the judge that there were a number of inconsistencies in David Swifts statements to investigators. He noted the tire experts testimony, the testimony of Karens cell phone pings near where her body was found, and the question of Swifts knee injury being pre-planned.

Goodman also said that Swift used bleach to clean up blood in the garage where the state says he killed his wife.

In the end, Judge Mark Hayes denied the motion for acquittal.

In the Courts view, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence to submit this matter to the jury for determination, Hayes said.

It is unknown if David Swift will testify.

The defense has called witnesses Monday afternoon to refute testimony by the state, but it is unclear how many they will call.

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(Bloomberg) -- The United Nations atomic watchdog warned Iran against inflammatory rhetoric after some politicians in the country said engineers could quickly militarize its nuclear program if instructed to do so.

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Recent statements by current and former Iranian officials that its official nuclear doctrine, which prohibits the development of a bomb, could be revised are in focus at the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting this week in Vienna.

Any decision to withdraw from the international agreement regarding Irans nuclear capabilities and build a weapon could spark a regional arms race and dramatically increase tensions between the Islamic Republic and the West.

Many countries have said if Iran gets nuclear weapons, they will do the same, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. Adding nuclear weapons to the cauldron of the Middle East is a very bad idea.

Last month a senior lawmaker and a former foreign minister in Iran told state media the country could change its stance on nuclear weapons if Israel attacks its nuclear infrastructure. The comments were made after Iran and Israel almost went to war in April, when Tehran directly attacked the Jewish state with missiles for the first time.

Read More: Understanding the Dangerous Israel-Iran Conflict: QuickTake

Diplomats are weighing whether to pass a resolution of censure condemning Iran for the statements, and for stonewalling an IAEA probe into uranium particles detected at an undeclared location. Efforts to renew cooperation with the agency were disrupted by the death of Irans president and foreign minister in a helicopter accident last month.

I spoke with the acting foreign minister a few days ago and I dont have any doubt Iran will continue working with the IAEA, said Grossi, referring to a May 31 conversation with Ali Bagheri Kani, appointed to lead Irans Foreign Ministry until a new government is formed.

The war in Gaza and recent missile strikes between Israel and Iran, which backs Hamas, have added urgency to the IAEAs years-long search to uncover the scope of Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

While the IAEA carries out daily inspections of declared atomic facilities, suspicions linger over whether Iranian engineers could be concealing work used for military purposes. Tehran has blocked the agencys investigation into uranium detected at undeclared locations.

The US issued an ultimatum to Iran at the IAEAs last meeting: cooperate or face censure, which could lead to a referral to the UN Security Council. Some European countries already wanted to dial up the pressure at the last IAEA meeting in March.

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Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf became the speaker of the parliament following a series of unsuccessful presidential bids - Majid Asgaripour/Reuters

A former Iranian Revolutionary Guard general who ordered live rounds to be used against student protesters has entered the presidential race as authorities try to squeeze moderates out of the election.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, an ex-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air forces, will be among the candidates to succeed president Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash last month.

Ghalibaf became the speaker of the parliament following a series of unsuccessful presidential bids and a 12-year tenure as the mayor of Tehran.

He is also widely known for his controversial past as an IRGC general. He supported a violent crackdown on Iranian university students in 1999 and ordered live gunfire to be used against students during his tenure as the countrys police chief in 2003.

The IRGC is a branch of the Iranian armed forces established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has grown increasingly influential as hardliners have become more powerful in Iran.

The IRGC has spread Iranian influence abroad and has been accused of carrying out assassinations and attacks on foreign soil, including in Britain.

Appoint from the armed forces

A snap election is set for June 28, and efforts are under way to give the presidential seat to a commander from the IRGC for the first time, according to current members of the IRGC and confirmed by former Iranian officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Telegraph.

There are ongoing high-level efforts within the establishment to appoint someone from the armed forces, a member of the IRGC said.

Senior figures at the IRGC have been evaluating their choices from among both former and current commanders over the past two weeks.

Its very likely that the regime will pave the way for Ghalibaf, a former official at Irans interior ministry told The Telegraph from Tehran, who requested anonymity as it is taboo and risky to publicly discuss leadership changes.

Outside the leaders office has been very busy in recent days.

Dehghan is playing a big role in making sure the next president comes from the IRGC, he said, referring to Hossein Dehghan, another influential commander of the IRGC, former defence minister and Khameneis military adviser.

People close to him are on the move outside the leaders office and are contacting everyone they know to influence the leader and the Guardian Council, the official added.

Wreckage of Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter at the crash site on a mountain in north-western Iran - West Asia News Agency/Reuters

Iranian candidates running for any election must be vetted and approved by the 12-member Guardian Council. Six of them are directly appointed by the Supreme Leader, while the remaining six are nominated by the head of the judiciary and approved by the parliament. The head of the judiciary is directly appointed by Ali Khamenei.

Commanders of the IRGC are also said to be trying to block the bid of a hardliner they believe is too fundamentalist.

The candidacy of Saeed Jalili, a staunch opponent of the 2015 nuclear deal with the West, has prompted commanders to contact individuals within Khameneis office to block his bid.

Commanders are trying to prevent Jalili, who they believe is too hardline and will exacerbate the situation, a member of the IRGC told The Telegraph.

Mr Jalili served as Irans chief nuclear negotiator from 2007 to 2013, leading Tehrans nuclear talks that led to no conclusion.

The Telegraph has obtained a letter circulating among Iranian fundamentalists, urging Mr Jalili to run for the presidency.

We, a group of your supporters from Iran, invite you to participate in the upcoming presidential elections, the letter reads.

In the 2021 presidential elections, he endorsed Raisi, after withdrawing just days before election day.

He is one of Ayatollah Khameneis two representatives on the supreme national security council and a member of the expediency discernment council, an administrative body whose members are directly appointed by the Supreme Leader.

I wanted to continue negotiating while advancing the nuclear programme, Mr Jalili told a group of students recently. They would ask us to stop our nuclear programme, and I would reply, why? It is our right and it will not happen.

Close relations with Khamenei

Mr Jalili joined the Islamic Republic in 1989 after securing a job in the foreign ministry. He lost one of his legs during the Iran-Iraq War and maintains close relations with Ayatollah Khamenei.

People close to Ghalibaf are worried and do not want a Jalili-led administration and are contacting everyone they know to block Jalili, the former interior ministry official said.

The death of Raisi, known as the Butcher of Tehran after being held responsible for thousands of dissidents deaths comes at a tense moment for the Middle East. The prospect of an Iranian president from the IRGC is likely to escalate the tensions.

The region is grappling with the consequences of a mushrooming war that has galvanised Iran-backed militant groups, which are controlled by the IRGC, to exchange fire with the Israeli military or engage in attacks that have sent ripple effects across the globe.

Raisi won Irans closely stage-managed last presidential election in 2021.

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with the Families of the Late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions, who were killed in a helicopter crash. -/Iranian Supreme Leader's Office/dpa

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has once again praised Islamist groups for their conflict with Israel.

"An army that claims to be one of the strongest in the world has failed in its own country," Khamenei told thousands of supporters in Tehran on Monday.

The Gaza conflict has put the "Zionist regime on a path that will only end in decay and destruction," he added.

Khamenei made the comments during a speech to mark the 35th anniversary of the death of Iran's revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The speech was held in Khomeini's mausoleum in the south of the capital.

Separately, Iran's acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, visited Lebanon.

His predecessor Hossein Amirabdollahian, who was killed in a helicopter crash in May alongside president Ebrahim Raisi, made several trips to Beirut during the current conflict to meet leaders from the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Iran has provided financial and diplomatic backing for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 people and captured 250 hostages during the devastating October 7 attacks in Israel.

Israel responded with an ongoing invasion of Gaza which has provoked international outrage due to its massive humanitarian toll. The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza says more than 36,400 people have been killed in the Israeli operation.

Israel and Iran have been at odds since the 1979 revolution in Tehran brought the current Islamist regime to power.

The two countries have repeatedly come close to war, with both sides launching drone and missile attacks in May.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, on Monday announced he would run for president to succeed Ebrahim Raisi who died last month in a helicopter crash, state media reported.

Qalibaf, who has unsuccessfully contested two presidential races and dropped out of a third to avoid splitting the hardline vote, signed up to run in the June 28 election despite being re-elected as parliament speaker last week.

"If I don't present myself as a candidate, the work that we have started in the last few years to solve the people's economic problems and which is reaching fruition, would not be completed," Qalibaf told reporters.

Qalibaf registered as a candidate on the last day of a five-day registration period on Monday. The cleric-led Guardian Council will vet candidates hoping to run for the presidency. Moderate politicians have accused the 12-member body of disqualifying the rivals of hardline candidates, who are expected to dominate the race.

A lack of choice on the ballot, combined with rising discontent over an array of political, social and economic crises, could dent turnout and thus the legitimacy of Iran's theocratic system of government.

Moderate former first vice-president Eashaq Jahagiri also registered on Monday. Other well-known figures who have signed up include hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and former parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative and ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

An election official told reporters on Monday that 59 hopefuls had signed up by midday.

Within Iran's complex mix of clerical rulers and elected officials, Khamenei has the final say on all state matters such as nuclear and foreign policies. But the president will be in charge of tackling deepening economic hardship.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Ros Russell)
Michael Sturzenberger, a prominent critic of Islam, received surgery for wounds to his face and leg after the stabbing attack

A Right-wing activist targeted by an Afghan terrorist in a stabbing rampage has blamed political Islam for growing violence in Germany.

In his first public remarks since the stabbing, Michael Sturzenberger, 59, also paid tribute to the police officer who died while subduing the attacker.

My thoughts are with his family and his police colleagues, who could always rely on him, as has been reported. He did his best in Mannheim on Friday, Mr Sturzenberger said.

He was the victim of a brutal, ruthless killer who apparently, due to his ideology, saw the police as his enemy. Because they defend the free, democratic constitutional state that he wants to abolish... political Islam is the greatest threat to our security and freedom.

Mr Sturzenberger was stabbed in the face and leg during the attack in Mannheim on Friday morning, as the attacker, identified by police as Sulaiman A, a 25-year-old Afghan citizen, lashed out with a knife.

The assailant then stabbed a German police officer in the neck. Named by German media as Rouven L, 29, the officer fell into a coma and succumbed to his wounds in hospital over the weekend.

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has condemned the terrible attack and called for the perpetrator to be severely punished.

I am deeply saddened that the brave police officer succumbed to his serious injuries after the terrible attack in Mannheim, he wrote in a post on social media on Sunday.

German police officers in Mannheim remember their colleague who died after a stabbing incident there two days earlier - MICHAEL PROBST

His commitment to the security of us all deserves the highest recognition. In these bitter hours, my thoughts are with his family and all those who mourn him, he added.

Mr Sturzenberger had been taking part in a rally organised by the Citizens Movement Pax Europa when the attack, which was captured by a bystander on video, unfolded.

The controversial blogger was formerly a spokesman for the Christian Social Union, the sister party of the Christian Democratic Union in Bavaria.

He has been on the radar of German security services for about a decade, owing to convictions for inciting hatred and insulting police.

Mr Sturzenberger has been fined for calling Islam a cancer in a blog post but was then acquitted, and he was prosecuted successfully for claiming at a rally that all Muslims were potentially terrorists.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 3. Xing Long Corporation from China's Xinjiang plans to build an industrial park in Kyrgyzstan and establish bonded warehouses in both countries, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan, a corresponding memorandum of understanding has been signed between the corporation and the ministry.

These measures are expected to attract mutual investments, stimulate industrial modernization, and foster innovation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Nazarbek Malaev noted that the Kyrgyz side welcomes the intention to build an industrial park in Kyrgyzstan and is ready to provide all necessary support for the implementation of this project. He also proposed the opening of joint industrial enterprises in the country to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.

To note, Xing Long Corporation owns the Xing Long Industrial Park in Urumqi, which covers an area of over 300,000 square meters and hosts more than 200 large and medium-sized companies. The annual tax contribution exceeds 100 million yuan, and the number of employees is over 6,000.
Islington Creek, New Franklin air quality tests good, but could be better

PORTSMOUTH  The state Department of Environmental Services has released a report on the results from air quality monitoring done at the CSX rail yard  located near Portsmouths Islington Creek neighborhood and New Franklin School.

Four monitors collected several months of data for analysis by state officials and measured particulate matter concentrations in the air, commonly referred to as PM2.5, according to the report.

While overall concentrations of PM2.5 measured throughout the study were in the Good range  short variations did occur, suggesting the influence of nearby emission sources, according to the recently completed report by N.H. DES officials.

There were three air quality monitors placed near the CSX rail yard around the citys Foundry Place parking garage, and one at New Franklin School, according to the report.

The report noted that idling trains were observed parked alongside Islington Creek neighborhoods by N.H. DES staff and heavy automotive traffic occurred at times during the study period, which ran from the winter of 2021 to the spring of 2022."

Older trains creating more pollution

Islington Creek neighborhood leader says idling trains brining noiose and fumes are still an issue in this Portsmouth neighborhood.

The train engines observed in the area near Islington Creek consisted of older, more polluting models that are often used in railroad switchyards, state officials said in the report.

The report stated that the influence of these train emissions on measured PM2.5 concentrations is strongly suspected, but unconfirmed due to lack of train records and observations during periods of higher PM2.5 concentration measurements.

Islington Creek residents have complained to city leaders for several years about the smell of and noise from idling trains in the CSX rail yard, which used to be owned by Pan Am Railways.

N.H. DES conducted the study on behalf of the city, while consulting with the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire.

Are trains hurting Portsmouth air quality?

The goal of the study was to investigate hyper-local levels of fine particulate matter (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter, commonly referred to as PM2.5) in the area around the CSX railyard in the Islington Creek neighborhood of Portsmouth, state officials said in the report. In particular, EPA and the city of Portsmouth wanted to know if idling trains were affecting air quality in neighboring areas.

City officials also wanted to know if traffic emissions were affecting the New Franklin School, according to the report.

New Franklin School is located near both I-95 and Route 1.

A potential concern is that odors reported at the school are coming primarily from diesel exhaust and could perhaps be causing health impacts, state officials said in the report.

The state health officials explained even though the measured PM2.5 concentrations did not exceed the federal health standards, odors can be present at significantly lower concentrations.

How to reduce diesel exhaust odors

Interstate 95 is one layer of trees away from the New Franklin School playground in Portsmouth, as seen Thursday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Diesel exhaust has a strong distinct metallic odor that can be especially irritating, particularly in areas such as residential neighborhoods and playgrounds, state officials said about the results they documented near the Islington Creek neighborhood from the rail yard. To reduce irritation from odors, it may be advantageous to attempt to work with the railroad on possible mitigation strategies.

Those include, state officials suggested, restricting idling locomotives to a designated area within the switch yard away from residential areas and using newer lower-emitting locomotives or auxiliary power unit (APU) technology.

In terms of the New Franklin results, the report concluded that average PM2.5 concentrations stayed well below federal health standards.

However, some PM2.5 concentration patterns observed in the data were consistent with periodic odor complaints from school staff, according to the report.

Again, the presence of odors does not necessarily imply that other health concerns exist, based on current federal standards, state officials said. However, odors can distract from school learning. Further, especially sensitive students could experience some breathing difficulties, such as aggravating asthma when PM2.5 concentrations in the area are highest, even if they are still below health standards.

N.H. DES suggested school staff could address nuisance odors by upgrading the school air handling system to include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and carbon filtration.

N.H. DES and EPA officials also recommend that buses and cars waiting for students outside the school are not left idling.

Mayor Deaglan McEachern believes it makes sense to move toward better and better standards for air quality, even though the N.H. DES tests showed air quality is good in both locations.

Trying to act on the recommendations made by health officials also is a good idea, he said.

We should do whatever we can to make sure were making all efforts to improve air quality, especially in neighborhoods and especially in schools, McEachern said Friday.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Air quality by Portsmouth railyard, school is good but could be better
A Demonstrator holds sign during a protest calling for the release of the hostages from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, outside of the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Four more hostages kidnapped on Oct. 7 were declared dead by the Israeli military  including three older men seen in a Hamas video begging to be released. Monday's announcement heightens pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a U.S. cease-fire proposal that could secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza and end the eight-month war.

About 80 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive, alongside the remains of 43 others. In the days since President Joe Biden announced the cease-fire proposal Friday, Israel has seen some of its largest protests calling on the government to bring them home. Although Biden said the proposal was Israeli, the Israeli leadership has appeared to distance itself from the plan, vowing to keep conducting military operations against Hamas until the militant group is destroyed.

All four of the men declared dead Monday night  Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri  were kidnapped and taken into Gaza still alive, according to the Hostages Forum, a grassroots group representing the families of the hostages.

It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect, the group said following the announcement. Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals. The group called on the government to immediately approve the new cease-fire plan.

Hundreds of people, including relatives of the captives, gathered outside Israel's Defense Ministry and military headquarters in central Tel Aviv late Monday, calling for a deal. Smaller protests took place across the country.

About 100 captives were released during a weeklong exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in November. Three of the men declared dead Monday had female relatives who were released during the exchange.

Israels military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the four hostages were killed while they were together, during the armys operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. He said the four were killed months ago, but that recent operations allowed the military to gather enough intelligence to confirm the deaths.

Their bodies are still being held by Hamas, and the cause of death was not immediately known. Hamas claimed in May that the other hostage pronounced deceased, Nadav Popplewell, died after being wounded in an Israeli airstrike, but provided no evidence. Popplewell was over 50.

We are checking all of the options. There are a lot of questions," Hagari said.

Cooper, Metzger and Peri were all age 80 or older. They appeared in a video in December released by Hamas under the title, Dont let us grow old here. In the video, the three men appear gaunt, wearing thin white T-shirts.

We are the generation who built the foundation for the state of Israel, Peri said, noting that all the men had chronic illnesses. We do not understand why we have been abandoned here.

Cooper was an economist and one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, according to the hostages forum. Metzger helped to found the kibbutz winery and Peri built the community's art gallery and sculpture garden.

Nir Oz was among the hardest-hit towns near the border with Gaza during the Hamas attack Oct. 7, when Palestinian militants stormed Israel, killing some 1,200 people and hauling around 250 hostages back to Gaza.

The news late Monday came after an announcement earlier in the day that the body of a presumed hostage, Dolev Yehud, 35, was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants had attacked on Oct. 7. Yehud was thought to be among scores of hostages held in Gaza until Monday, when the military announced the discovery of his body and said he had been killed in the initial attack.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israel has been expanding its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion of Rafah has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Lawmakers and officials are pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept President Bidens ceasefire proposal. This comes as Netanyahu was recently invited to address Congress.

The U.S. is optimistic about the plan with officials saying this deal could offer a roadmap toward a permanent ceasefire.

President Biden announced a three-part plan that could lead to a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby says the goal is to get through phase one.

Initial hostages, you get some calm, you get some more humanitarian assistance, maybe up to 600 trucks, and then the two sides can start talking about phase two, said Kirby.

Netanyahu called a permanent ceasefire a non-starter but thousands of demonstrators in Tel Aviv are demanding the prime minister to embrace the deal.

The United Nations relief and work agency announced that more than one million Palestinians have fled Rafah since Israel issued evacuation orders.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told NBCs Meet the Press that this is the best shot.

To bring the hostages home to end the conflict in Gaza to allow for adjusting lasting peace, said Jeffries.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was excited for Netanyahu to address Congress and will take steps to sanction the International Criminal Court after it put out arrest warrants on Israeli officials.

The abuse is of the international criminal court. The ICC cannot be allowed to go forward, said Johnson.

Hamas officials welcomed the proposal but have not provided an official response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Thick smoke billows following an Israeli rocket attack on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Dhaira. Marwan Naamani/dpa

Israeli drones hit areas deep inside Lebanon on Monday, killing one person and wounding another, in retaliation for launches by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement from southern Lebanon into northern Israel.

Israeli drones targeted a car in the town of Kawthariyat al-Rez in Sidon district and a motorbike in al-Naqoura.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said one person was killed and another was injured in the Naqoura strike.

The Israeli army confirmed the strikes and said its warplanes struck the area of Tyre in southern Lebanon and "eliminated the terrorist Ali Hussein Sabra."

The army said Sabra was involved in efforts to equip and enhance Hezbollahs Aerial Defence Unit, in reference to the drone launches by the movement.

It added that they also struck Hezbollah's infrastructure and several military compounds used by the Hezbollah aerial defence in the area of Qotrani in southern Lebanon.

A Lebanese security source described the situation in southern Lebanon Monday as "real war grounds."

Hezbollah in a statement said in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and "in response to the assassination carried out by the Israeli enemy this afternoon ... the Islamic Resistance [Hezbollah] launched an air attack with a squadron of assault drones on the new [Israeli] leadership headquarters" in northern Israel.

The pro-Iranian movement claimed direct hits.

Meanwhile, Israel's heavy shelling caused several fires in fields in the Western Bekaa region and southern Lebanon.

The escalation came as acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani arrived in Beirut and held talks with Lebanese officials.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The top Israeli court heard responses by the state on Sunday to challenges against exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews from military conscription, a long-standing source of friction with more secular citizens now inflamed by the long Gaza war.

In the name of equality, the Supreme Court in 2018 voided a law waiving the call-up for ultra-Orthodox men who want to study in seminaries instead. Parliament failed to come up with an alternative arrangement, and a government-ordered stay on a mandatory mobilisation of ultra-Orthodox expired in March.

That has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambling to agree with ultra-Orthodox coalition partners on a military service compromise that might preempt any Supreme Court ruling that Israel's fasted-growing minority must be forcibly drafted.

"We're not on quiet waters. We are at war, and the need (for military personnel) cries out," one of nine justices hearing the case, Noam Solberg, told a government lawyer who argued that it was still too early for an ultra-Orthodox mass-conscription.

With fighting against Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza and related violence on the Lebanese border exacting the highest troop casualties in decades, many Israelis resent their fellow citizens being spared their share of the risk.

The ultra-Orthodox claim the right to study in seminaries instead of serving in uniform for the standard three years. Some say their pious lifestyles would clash with military mores, while others voice ideological opposition to the liberal state.

The ultra-Orthodox make up 13% of Israel's population, a figure expected to reach 19% by 2035 due to their high birth rates. Economists argue that the draft exemption keeps some of them unnecessarily in seminaries and out of the workforce.

The government's lawyer, Doron Taubman, said it placed a high priority on increasing ultra-Orthodox enlistment.

"But it is also mindful of the enormous difficulty the community sees in the drafting of seminary students, both due to the cardinal fear of their lifestyle being compromised and the fear of Bible study being compromised," he told the court.

It was not immediately clear when the court might rule in the case, whose first hearings took place in February.

(Writing by Dan Williams; editing by Giles Elgood)
Israel is not ready to consider a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip until its conditions have been met, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, contrary to earlier reports from the United States.

"The claims that we have agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met are incorrect," Netanyahu stated following a meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden unexpectedly presented details of a draft deal in three phases that Israel had ostensibly agreed to. The first phase foresaw a full and unconditional ceasefire for six weeks along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip.

A group of hostages held by Hamas would then be released, including women, the aged and the injured. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis would be released in return, according to Biden.

The second phase would see a permanent end to the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages, followed by a final phase in which a start would be made to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu responded on Saturday by saying that Israel's conditions for an end to the war had not changed. These included the total destruction of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.

Speaking in a video message on Monday, he said the Israeli government was working in countless ways to secure the return of the hostages and that his thoughts were with them, their families and their suffering.
(Bloomberg) -- Giancarlo Giorgettis future as Italian finance minister is at the center of mounting speculation in Rome about a prospective post-election reshuffle of Premier Giorgia Melonis coalition.

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A government reset looks increasingly likely if this weekends vote for the European Parliament upends the balance of power in Italy, people familiar with the matter said  even though Meloni has pledged to keep her team unchanged until 2027.

Giorgetti meanwhile has privately told allies that he doesnt want to take the blame when Brussels comes calling for action to repair the public finances after the election, the people said, declining to be identified because such discussions are confidential.

Newspaper La Repubblica reported on Monday that Giorgetti was preparing Treasury staff for his exit and that he was considering taking a European Union job. A spokesperson for the minister denied that report. Giorgetti himself told newswire Ansa he isnt planning on going to Brussels.

If it were to happen, the ministers departure would make his job the first casualty of the newly worsened fiscal outlook for Italy that officials unveiled in April, when they acknowledged that a path of stable debt had now shifted to one where borrowings are set to increase for years to come.

A big win for Melonis Brothers of Italy party in the election, coupled with a loss for the League, of which Giorgetti is a member, could be one element paving the way for his exit.

The speculation shows how the government is approaching a turning point after putting off a reckoning on Italys deteriorating debt profile until after the ballot.

The premier herself has signaled no intention to back away from expensive promises to voters, including a tax cut on wages worth a combined total of 10 billion ($10.8 billion).

Under Giorgetti, an accountant by training who served as a minister under the prior government of Mario Draghi, Italy has pursued a policy of fiscal restraint accompanied by some loosening.

That bold approach appeared to pay off last year, when the country saw its debt fall more than expected, while Moodys Ratings removed its threat of a downgrade to junk. Earlier in 2024, the spread of Italian bonds over German equivalents  a measure of risk in the region  fell to a two year low.

But Italys public finance outlook has now worsened considerably under the stress of higher borrowing costs and the legacy of a pandemic-era home-renovation incentive known as superbonus. While the government took action to limit its scope, the cost is now set to bloat the countrys deficits for years.

Debt as a percentage of gross domestic product is now set to rise from 137% to reach just short of 145% by 2029, according to the International Monetary Fund. Italy will overtake Greece to have the regions biggest pile of borrowings within three years, Scope Ratings says.

With the countrys deficit set to exceed the EUs red line of 3% until at least 2026, pressure from Brussels will soon increase.

That leaves Giorgetti increasingly squeezed between a rock and a hard place, as he seeks enough cash to pay for Melonis pledges while trying to limit the fiscal damage.

Just last week, Bank of Italy Governor Fabio Panetta underscored the challenge, warning that careful choices are needed, especially on the expenditure side.

Giorgettis exit would change the narrative of stability that the premier has prioritized for Italy. Last month, Meloni told a conference she was looking to keep her government for the entire length of her mandate, which is five years.

Ive never thought of a reshuffle  on the contrary, one of the objectives Ive set for myself is to get to five years with the government Ive named, she said.

In truth, Giorgettis time in office so far has already put him close to the average length of tenure for his predecessors as finance minister in this current century.

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FILE PHOTO: Soldiers present an anti-missile system SAMP/T by Thales at an international military fair in Kielce

ROME (Reuters) -Italy will send a second SAMP/T air defence system to Ukraine, its foreign minister said in a radio interview on Monday, responding to Kyiv's pleas for greater help to fend off Russian missile attacks.

The system, also known as MAMBA, is a Franco-Italian battery that can track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at once. It is the only European-made system that can intercept ballistic missiles.

Rome and Paris jointly delivered a first system in 2023, but in recent months Ukraine has repeatedly called on partners to provide more help with air defence as it faces an increasing barrage of attacks on cities and energy infrastructure.

"It is known that we will send SAMP/T, which is an instrument of air defence, therefore of protection, that Ukraine itself asked us for," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told state broadcaster Rai, confirming earlier media reports.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Italy has approved eight support packages to the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Tajani said the SAMP/T will be part of a ninth package under preparation, but did not give a time frame for delivery.

All shipments have so far been covered by official secrecy and the government has never made public the exact list of weapons it has sent to Ukraine.

A source close to the matter told Reuters earlier that Italy would likely ship to Ukraine a SAMP/T system which is currently deployed in Kuwait, but is soon due to return to Italy.

Corriere della Sera newspaper reported on Monday that the government could green light the new supplies after a summit of leaders of the Group of Seven major democracies, which Italy will host on June 13-15.

G7 foreign ministers pledged in April to provide more air defence help to Ukraine during a meeting Italy hosted on the island of Capri, saying they were committed to saving lives and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Crispian Balmer, Mark Potter and Bill Berkrot)
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, June 3. Formula Sveta (The Formul of Light), a Russian company, has expressed interest in collaborating on the development of the mining industry in Guliston city in Tajikistan's Sughd region, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the chairman of the Sughd, this statement emerged during a meeting between the region's chairman, Rajabboy Ahmadzada, and the management of the Russian company, represented by Sergey Isakov, along with Li Kuang Dao, the chairman of the board of directors of Orient Investment JSC, an international investment fund. The meeting was held in Khujand.

During the discussion, the Sughd leader highlighted existing opportunities in the region and explored investment prospects across various sectors of the economy, with a specific focus on mining industry development.

In response, the management of the Russian company expressed interest in revitalizing the operations of the Adrasmon mining enterprise in Guliston.

Plans include the introduction of modern equipment and technological lines to achieve this objective, ultimately aiming to fully restore the enterprise's capacity upon project implementation.

Formula Sveta primarily engages in efficient activities within the mining industry, as well as in the production of electrical tools and equipment, boasting a broad scope of operations.
Italy will send Ukraine a second SAMP/T battery, the only European-made air defense system that can intercept ballistic missiles, the country's foreign minister said on June 3.

Speaking in an interview with RaiRadio 1, Antonio Tajani said it was "an instrument of air defense, therefore of protection, that Ukraine itself asked us for."

He did not say when the system would arrive in Ukraine.

Ukraine has asked international partners to deliver more air defense in the wake of an increase in Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure since March, and devastating aerial attacks in Kharkiv Oblast.

Previously, France and Italy jointly supplied Ukraine with a SAMP/T system back in 2023.

A source close told Reuters that the latest SAMP/T system would be one that is currently deployed in Kuwait but is soon due to return back to Italy.

Last month the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers promised to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Attacks earlier this year against Ukraine's energy infrastructure destroyed several thermal power plants across the country, including the key power Trypillia plant, the main electricity supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts.

The G7 ministers condemned these strikes and welcomed the launch of the Register of Damage caused by Russia's war against Ukraine.

"Russia must pay for the damage and devastation it is causing," the statement read.

Read also: Defense Minister Umerov: Russia attacked Ukraine with 10,000 guided bombs this year

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Italy will supply Ukraine with the second Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system in response to Kyivs request to help it defend itself from Russian missile attacks, Reuters reports with reference to an informed source.

Source: European Pravda with reference Reuters

Details: Reports have emerged that Italy is planning to supply Ukraine with a SAMP/T system which is currently located in Kuwait. The source has not specified the time frame for the delivery.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported on 3 June that the air defence system will be supplied within the 8th military aid package for Ukraine, which is to be approved by Italian PM Giorgia Melonis government following the G7 summit in the middle of June.

"Trusted sources state that the executive authorities have informed Washington and Kyiv about this decision through diplomatic channels, and that the allies thanked Rome for its active contribution into Ukraines defence," the article says.

Ukraine received the first SAMP/T system, also known as MAMBA, in 2023. This Franco-Italian system is capable of tracking dozens of targets and intercepting 10 at a time. It is also the only EU-produced system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Media reports earlier confirmed Italy's intention to supply Ukraine with another military aid package.

All supplies are officially classified, and the Italian government has never published the exact list of weapons it had sent to Ukraine.

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JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  Police in Jacksonville are investigating a Monday afternoon shooting that left a 5-year-old child injured and officers searching for two suspects.

Authorities say the shooting happened just after noon near the intersection of North Bailey Boulevard and Poplar Street, just a few blocks north of Main Street.

Heavy police presence at this home in Jacksonville on N. Bailey. Waiting on police to confirm, but appears to be a shooting. We saw several casings in the street. @KARK4News @FOX16News pic.twitter.com/cm7OVsTOgZ  Jessica Ranck (@JessicaRanckTV) June 3, 2024

Later Monday afternoon Jacksonville Police Department officials stated officers found the child with non-life-threatening injuries when they arrived at the scene, adding that the 5-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

North Little Rock police make arrest in Sunday afternoon shooting

Investigators said they have identified a red convertible Ford Mustang as a suspect vehicle connected to this case.

Image courtesy Jacksonville Police Department

Authorities initially only identified 22-year-old Kyriel Williams as the passenger in the suspect car. Later Monday afternoon, investigators released the identity of the suspected driver, 28-year-old Terry Rhodes Jr.

Kyriel Williams (Image courtesy Jacksonville Police Department)

Terry Rhodes Jr. (Image courtesy Jacksonville Police Department)

Police say both Williams and Rhodes are considered to be armed and dangerous.

Arkansas State Police, Rockport police investigating after two bodies found in Hot Spring County home

Officials with the Jacksonville Police Department are asking for the public to avoid the area as officers continue their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the location of the suspected vehicle, Rhodes or Williams, or with information on the shooting, is asked to call the JPD Criminal Investigation Division at 501-985-2802. Please reference report # 24-02820.

This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A victim is hurt after a Jacksonville shooting early Sunday morning.

Jacksonville Police were dispatched to the area of East Beecher Avenue and South Mauvaisterre Street just before 5 a.m. Meanwhile, West Central Dispatch was informed of a gunshot victim that had just arrived at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital from the scene.

Two Champaign men injured in early morning shooting, police investigating

An initial investigation suggests that the shooter and the victim know each other, though the victim was uncooperative in identifying the suspect, police said. They added that the incident appears to be isolated.

The victim is currently in stable condition.

The Jacksonville Police Department urges anyone with more information to reach out.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A prominent 91-year-old psychiatrist who was once close friends with Jeffrey Epstein was sued on Monday by a onetime model who said he enabled the late financier's sex trafficking, and turned her into his "modern-day sex slave."

In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the plaintiff, using a pseudonym Jane Doe 11, said Henry Jarecki raped her repeatedly starting in 2011, after Epstein referred her for mental health treatment following his own sexual abuses.

Doe also said Jarecki was Epstein's "go-to" doctor for treating young women experiencing depression, shared victims' confidential medical information with Epstein, and shielded Epstein from law enforcement.

"The allegations will be shown to be entirely false and baseless," said Sarita Kedia, a lawyer for Jarecki. "Dr. Jarecki never engaged in any abusive conduct with the complainant or any other person."

Doe's civil lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for sexual battery, emotional distress, and violating the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 at age 66 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Jarecki, of Rye, New York, is the latest of many people sued over their ties to the registered sex offender.

He is a longtime Yale University faculty member whose works include the book "Modern Psychiatric Treatment."

Jarecki also became wealthy trading commodities, and from selling MovieFone, which he co-founded with his son, to America Online for about $388 million in stock in 1999.

While Jarecki was in Epstein's public address book, Monday's lawsuit appears to be the first over their relationship.

'BEST DOCTOR IN NEW YORK CITY'

Monday's complaint said Doe came to the United States in 2010, seeking a visa to work a model, when another model told her that Epstein could help her career.

She said Epstein sent her to Jarecki after she became depressed, calling him "the best doctor in New York City."

But instead of helping, Jarecki allegedly promised to "save" Doe from Epstein, pushing her to move into an apartment he could monitor from his own bedroom around the corner in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood.

Doe said Jarecki, then in his late 70s, began using the apartment to force her into sex, threatening her work status or to return her to Epstein if she failed to comply.

She also said Jarecki ordered her to go to bed at 10 p.m., calling her to demand she sleep if he saw the light on at 10:15, and expressed displeasure when she didn't smile enough.

The complaint accused Jarecki of "raping Jane Doe 11 by force on dozens of occasions in New York," and trafficking her to his private Caribbean island where he sexually abused her.

Others sued over their ties to Epstein include former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. A U.S. appeals court is considering whether to overturn her conviction and 20-year prison sentence for aiding Epstein's sex trafficking.

Brad Edwards, a lawyer for Doe and more than 200 other Epstein accusers, declined to elaborate on Monday's lawsuit but said "we want other survivors to know that it is safe to come forward."

The case is Doe v Jarecki, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-04208.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park lodge. (Kentucky State Parks)

George Ella Lyon

A foundation dedicated to continuing a former Kentucky poet laureates legacy is renewing a literary workshop in Northeastern Kentucky.

The Jesse Stuart Foundation will host the Jack Ellis Writers Workshop at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park June 21-22. Several instructors, including George Ella Lyon  another Eastern Kentucky native and poet laureate  will lead participants in more than a dozen breakout sessions on topics such as crime and fiction writing, poetry, research for writing and publishing processes.

Writing, first of all, is for you, Lyon said in a statement. Its really a tool for understanding yourself and helping yourself. Your voice matters. You have stories to tell that nobody else could tell. You look at the world in a way that no one has ever looked at it before.

Lyon, who has authored poetry collections, adult novels, novels for young people and dozens of childrens picture books and more, is a poet, writer, teacher, musician, storyteller and social activist with Appalachian roots and a global reach, the foundation said.

Jesse Stuart (Jesse Stuart Foundation)

James Gifford, CEO and senior editor of the foundation, said Lyon was selected for the workshop because she is one of Kentuckys best known literary figures.

Shes an effective presenter and an energetic presenter, and just a genuinely nice person who is very popular with the general public and also the more literate public, Gifford said.

The other instructors include Gifford, Stan Bumgardner, Victor M. Depta, Brenda Evans, Keith R. Kappes, Wayne Onkst, Edwina Pendarvis and Christina St. Clair. More information about them, as well as information about registering for the workshop and agenda, can be found at jsfbooks.com/writers-workshop.

Participants are chosen on a first-come basis. Those selected will pay a $50 registration fee on the first day of the workshop.

Headquartered in Ashland, the Jesse Stuart Foundation was founded by Stuart and his wife, Naomi Deane Stuart, in 1979. Stuart led a similar writers workshop at Murray State University between 1969 and 1977. The foundation now serves as a regional publisher and bookseller of Stuarts works as well as those by other Kentucky and Appalachian authors.

Gifford said the foundation is an institutional extension of Jesse Stuarts life and work and seeks to promote literacy and learning as part of its mission. This workshop is a natural extension of that.

We wanted to do it as a service to the people of Ashland and Greenup and Northeastern Kentucky, but we also wanted to do it because it was basically an extension of things that Stuart had done during his lifetime, Gifford said.

The post Jesse Stuart Foundation continues writing workshop at Greenbo Lake June 21-22 appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
The annual Israel Day Parade hit midtown Sunday with a massive show of support for the Jewish state amid heavy NYPD security  as marchers repeatedly called for Hamas terrorists to release Israeli hostages.

I wake up every morning and think we lost all people of my family, said Sharon Sharabi, whose brothers are among the hostages held by Hamas.

We are feeling that the people of America sympathize with us and the NYPD [are] here with us, Sharabi said. Its a really good feeling, that its very safe here.

People march on Fifth avenue as they participate in the annual Israel Day Parade on June 2, 2024 in New York City. AFP via Getty Images

Jewish pride was in display in midtown Sunday at the annual Israel Day Parade, which took place under a heavy NYPD presence amid recent rises in antisemitism. Stephen Yang

A member of the New York City Fire Department holds an Israeli flag during the annual Israel Day Parade. AP

Sundays Big Apple celebration of Israel went off despite a tense climate of antisemitism looming over the five boroughs in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state by Hamas.

I came out to support my dear and beloved country and to show that were never going to back down, said Jacob, a 21-year-old student at the Staten Island Hebrew Academy, who braved the heightened police security to cheer on the marchers.

Its horrific, he said of antisemitism in the city. You gotta look over your shoulder and live in fear.

Brooklyn resident Rita Malikima said the mood in the city scares her, but she felt compelled to show up for the parade to support fellow Jews.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during the annual Israel Day Parade. AP

Israel Katz Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel was also in attendance at the parade. Stephen Yang

Pols, officials and residents alike oined in calling for Hamas terrorists to release Israeli prisoners held in the Gaza Strip. LP Media

The families of Omer Neutra, 22 who is being held hostage and Itay Chen, 19, who was killed by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack are seen above with their pictures. LP Media

The NYPD heightened security for the parade, ordering police officers to arrest anyone who got past security perimeters for trespassing. Stephen Yang

If we dont speak up we can come back to the holocaust in Germany in the 1940s, Malikima, 52, told The Post. I think the more we support and the more we speak out the more people will understand that Israel has the right to exist and the right to defend themselves.

Anti-Israeli turmoil has marred the city since the Oct. 7 sneak a attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, which sparked a massive offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

The war has riled up anti-Israeli sentiment and has led to massive  and often violent  protests and pro-Palestinian encampments on college campuses in the Big Apple and throughout the nation.

Despite the recent spike in antisemitism, Jewish New Yorkers celebrated Sunday at the annual Israel Day Parade. Stephen Yang

Participants are seen above during the Israel Day Parade in New York City. Michael Nagle

The NYPD heightened security for the parade, ordering police officers to arrest anyone who got past security perimeters for trespassing  while avoiding any busts that went against free speech rights.

Prior to the march, US Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) held a presser with other officials calling for Hamas to release Israeli prisoners who remained held by terrorists since the Oct. 7 attack.

Put the pressure on Hamas where it belongs to bring these American citizens home, he said.

With the congressman was the family of Sgt. Itay Chen, a member of the Israeli Defense Forces, and 22-year-old Omer Neutra, who were both captured and held by Hamas on Oct. 7.

As New Yorkers we stand together, Itays father, Ruby Chen, told reporters. And what we need now from our fellow New Yorkers is to stand by us and stand with us and support all thats been said here.

NYC mayor Eric Adams with Russian-Israeli singer Eden Golan were spotted at the parade. Stephen Yang

We need this to end. Were just family folks, we just want our kids back. And on October 7th this was also an attack on the United States, the elder Chen said.

Other relatives of Hamas hostages echoed the pleas for their release.

For eight months my little brothers, my two little brothers, have been held hostage by Hamas, said Liran Berman. Now its been more than 150 days with no new information about them.

People attend the 2024 Israel Day parade in Manhattan. Stephen Yang

But we know in our hears that they are okay and that they will be okay.

Noam Safir said his grandfather, Shlomo Mantzur, is the oldest hostage.

The past four months have been exhausting, he told The Post. Weve tried to get any piece of information we can get and we still have nothing.

But Safir, like others at the parade, have a message for those being held.

Stay hopeful, he said. Well get you back and youll be home soon.
First lady Jill Biden arrived Monday morning at a Delaware courthouse where her son, Hunter Biden, is set to go on trial on federal gun charges.

President Biden and the first lady spent Sunday night in Wilmington, where Hunter Bidens trial is taking place. The Bidens have a residence in Wilmington and frequently travel there on the weekends. Hunter Biden was spotted at the White House last Friday and traveled with the family to Delaware ahead of his trial.

The president was not expected to attend, as he and the White House have tried to maintain a distance from the legal proceedings involving his son. But the president has previously said hes proud of Hunter for dealing with his drug addiction issues and said Hunter did nothing wrong.

Monday is also Jill Bidens 73rd birthday.

In addition to the first lady, Hunters sister, Ashley Biden, was spotted entering the courthouse in Wilmington.

Hunter Biden, 54, is facing charges for lying on a federal form when he bought a gun in 2018. He wrote on the form that he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time.

He has been open about his addiction, detailing his struggles in his 2021 memoir.

Republicans have repeatedly used Hunter Biden as a target for political attacks, attempting to tie his business dealings directly to President Biden to paint the entire family as corrupt. But those efforts have failed to turn up substantive evidence of wrongdoing, derailing an impeachment inquiry in the House over the past year.

The Biden trial is set to begin just days after a jury in New York City found former President Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign.

Democrats have pointed to the prosecution of Hunter Biden to rebut claims from Trump and his allies that the Justice Department is being weaponized against Republicans.

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.
Jill Biden and Daughter Ashley Attend Start of Hunter's Federal Trial, Which Falls on First Lady's Birthday

Hunter, 54, faces three felony counts related to illegal gun possession. While President Joe Biden did not attend jury selection, he released a statement expressing love for his son as proceedings began

RYAN COLLERD/AFP via Getty Images First lady Jill Biden arrives at the Wilmington federal courthouse on June 3 for the first day of Hunter Biden's criminal trial

Hunter Biden's loved ones joined him at the Wilmington, Del., federal courthouse on Monday, June 3, to offer moral support as he goes on trial for three felony firearm charges.

Hunter's younger sister, Ashley Biden, arrived first, shortly after 8 a.m. local time. Hunter came minutes later, approaching the building hand in hand with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

Dr. Jill Biden, whose 73rd birthday falls on Monday, then arrived with her Secret Service detail, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of a member of the first family answering to criminal charges.

Related: Hunter Biden's Criminal Trial Kicks Off in Delaware: Here's What to Know About the Federal Gun Charges

The first lady raised Hunter as her own after his mother, Neilia Hunter Biden, died in a 1972 car accident. Jill and Joe Biden later had Ashley, who is Hunter's half-sister.

AP Photo/Matt Slocum Ashley Biden arrives at the Wilmington federal courthouse on June 3, 2024, to support Hunter during his first criminal trial

President Biden, who spent time with Hunter in Rehoboth Beach over the weekend, was scheduled to depart Wilmington on Monday rather than stay through the first day of trial with other family members.

But even as he aimed to maintain business as usual, the president shared a rare public statement about his only surviving son as the jury selection process began.

"I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," President Biden said on Monday morning. "Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean."

"As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support," he continued.

Related: Joe Biden Spent Weekend with Son Hunter Before Start of Federal Gun Trial, Riding Bikes and Attending Church

RYAN COLLERD/AFP via Getty Images Hunter Biden arrives for the first day of his federal gun trial on June 3, 2024, accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden

Hunter was charged by his father's Department of Justice in September with three felony counts related to illegal firearm possession.

The first two counts allege that Hunter lied on forms in order to obtain a revolver in 2018, by stating that he wasn't using illegal drugs at the time. A third count alleges that Hunter, who has been open about his addiction issues, possessed the revolver while using a narcotic.

According to the indictment, Hunter owned the gun for 11 days before his girlfriend threw it in a dumpster, citing concerns about his mental health.

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Once 12 jurors and four alternates are selected, the trial will move into opening statements. It is expected to last one to two weeks, and if the jury ultimately convicts Hunter, he faces up to 25 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.

Hunter was separately indicted in California on nine federal tax charges related to alleged tax evasion, which could result in a 17-year prison sentence if he's convicted. A trial for the tax case is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this fall.



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A jury of six men and six women were impaneled in Hunter Bidens trial on federal gun charges on Monday, just hours after jury selection in the high-profile case kicked off in a Delaware courtroom.

The jurors were sworn in at 4:20 p.m., according to NBC News. A further four women were chosen as alternate jurors. The majority of the panel are Black, CNN reported.

After court was adjourned for the day, Hunter left the federal courthouse alongside wife Melissa Cohen Biden.

Opening statements in the case were set to begin on Tuesday morning, with the governments first witness being an FBI agent who worked on the investigation.

Hunter, the first child of a sitting president to face a felony trial, is fighting three charges related to lying on a federal gun form. He is accused of lying to a licensed firearms dealer and making a false claim on a federal gun purchase form by saying he was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance. He is also alleged to have kept the gun illegally for 11 days.

If convicted, he could theoretically face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, according to the DOJ, though the department notes that actual sentences are typically more lenient than possible maximum sentences.

Jury selection had proceeded at a clip earlier on Monday, with 47 potential jurors selected for the jury pool by late afternoon.

At least two prospective jurors were dismissed after mentioning they had been friendly with Hunters elder brother, the late Beau Biden.

Beau and I played a squash tournament together, one told the court, NBC News reported. Another, a woman, explained that Wilmington was a small place, according to the network.

Beau was a friend of the family, she added. We miss him.

Some of the jurors selected for the final panel said they were gun owners or had relatives who owned guns. One, a middle-aged Black man, told the court that he believed the Second Amendment is very important, according to NBC News.

Also at play will be the jurors views on substance abuse, with the case potentially hinging on the definition of addiction and whether Hunter had actively been using drugs on specific days in 2018.

Several of the selected jurors had told the court that theyd had a loved one struggle with substance abuse, according to ABC News. Juror No. 11 said her childhood best friend had died of a drug overdose, while Juror No. 12 explained that his older brother, with whom he is no longer close, has been to rehab multiple times for PCP and heroin use. Another, Juror No. 8, has a brother who was arrested for drug possession.

At least part of the proceedings on Monday were attended by Hunters family members, including his wife Melissa Cohen, sister Ashley Biden, and stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, who was celebrating her 73rd birthday Monday.

Happy birthday, Hunter said as he greeted Jill in the courtroom, according to The Washington Post, adding: I got you a special event. They both reportedly laughed at the joke.

Hunters father, President Joe Biden, was not expected to attend the proceedings, though he did release a statement about his boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

I am the president, but I am also a Dad, he said. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

RFK Jr. Super Pac Chair to Publish Memoir by Hunter Bidens Baby Mama

Hunters history-making trial opens just four days after his fathers likely rival in the upcoming presidential election, Donald Trump, was convicted on 34 felony counts in his own landmark trial in Manhattan.

Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records in order to hide a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels that was designed to protect his 2016 presidential campaign from being damaged by the emergence of Daniels claims of having an extramarital romp with Trump a decade earlier.

Hunters trial came after the collapse of a deal with prosecutors last year that would have seen him plead guilty to tax charges and enter into a pretrial diversion program on the gun charges. After the deal unraveled, Justice Department special counsel David Weiss brought two prosecutions against Hunter.

In addition to the gun case, Hunter is set to face a second trial on tax charges in September in California.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, June 3. Turkmenistan's State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange will receive information services, Trend reports.

According to an official source, this proposal was proposed to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhammedov by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for the Trade Complex and Textile Industry, Batyr Atdaev during a government meeting.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the exchange, in accordance with the requirements of the time, is taking appropriate steps to sell products produced in the country on foreign markets, control prices for imported and exported goods, as well as the widespread introduction of advanced technologies and a digital system in order to help increase the export potential of domestic producers.

Stressing the need to keep prices of imported and exported goods under control, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov supported the proposal to provide information services to the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan, giving the Deputy Prime Minister a number of instructions in this regard.

Meanwhile, the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange was established in Turkmenistan on July 29, 1994, which is the most important body of state regulation for export-import operations of goods.
President Joe Biden expressed boundless love for his son Hunter as the younger Bidens federal gun trial began Monday.

The rare public statement on the criminal case came as first lady Jill Biden also showed support for her son by appearing at the Delaware courtroom where jury selection began.

Hunter Biden faces three felony charges stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase. It was during a period when Hunter, now 54, has said he was struggling with drug addiction. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case represents the first prosecution in U.S. history of the child of a sitting president, and comes just days after Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges in New York City, becoming the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.

In a statement Monday, President Biden made it clear he did not want to comment on the charges faced by his son, and that he was speaking in a personal capacity as a father.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, Joe Biden said. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunters resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean.

The statement continued: As the President, I dont and wont comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, joined by his wife Melissa Cohen Biden. RYAN COLLERD via Getty Images

The first lady, flanked by Secret Service agents, arrived at the Delaware courthouse about 15 minutes after her son. Hunter Bidens sister, Ashley Biden, was also there to support him. Hunter spent the weekend with his parents at their home in Wilmington, Delaware, where the president remained until he left later Monday for a campaign event in Connecticut.

The president has spoken often about how tragedy has touched his family. His oldest son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 of brain cancer. Joe Bidens first wife, Neilia Hunter Biden, and their 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident in 1972.

Hunter Biden is also pleading not guilty in a separate trial in California later this year over accusations that he evaded $1.4 million in taxes. Amid claims from Hunters attorneys that he is being unfairly targeted, a plea deal that could have avoided both cases going to court fell apart in July.

First lady Jill Biden arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building for the trial of her son Hunter. RYAN COLLERD via Getty Images

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

Related...
Joe Biden and his wife Jill praised Hunter Biden's 'resilience in the face of adversity' - OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP VIA GETTY

Joe Biden has declared his love and support for his son Hunter on the first day of his trial for illegal possession of a firearm, as Jill Biden attended the court to watch jury selection.

Hunter Biden, 54, is facing federal charges after allegedly lying about his use of illegal drugs at the time he bought a revolver from a Delaware gun store in October 2018.

Mrs Biden appeared at the federal district court in Wilmington, Delaware, to witness the beginning of the trial, which took place on her birthday. She is Hunter Bidens stepmother.

Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden arrive at the court in Wilmington, Delaware - KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS

Despite the political risk of his sons trial during the US election campaign, the president also released a statement declaring that he and his wife Jill had confidence in him and respect for his strength over the case.

Hunters resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us, he wrote.

A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean.

As the president, I dont and wont comment on pending federal cases, but as a dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him and respect for his strength.

Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.

Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's stepmother, attended the court to watch jury selection - JOE LAMBERTI/BLOOMBERG

Hunter Biden says he has been sober since 2019 and denies the charges of illegally buying a firearm. He says he has been unfairly targeted by the Department of Justice in an abnormal prosecution.

The gun case could carry a custodial sentence if he is convicted, although experts believe a financial penalty is more likely.

The case is one of two federal actions against him that are scheduled to be heard this year. A second trial for alleged tax evasion is set to be heard in California.

Abbe Lowell, the former lawyers attorney, said earlier this year: If Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought.

Republicans have attempted to use Hunter Bidens legal woes as a counterbalance to the trials of Donald Trump, one of which concluded last week in New York with his convictions for 34 felonies.

Some congressional Republicans have also launched an investigation into his business dealings in Ukraine, which they claim his father was involved with. No concrete evidence for that allegation has yet been produced.

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The Biden family enjoyed quality time in Delaware before Hunter was due in court for an unprecedented trial on Monday, June 3. Hunter's felony charges carry the potential of 25 years in prison

SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images President Joe Biden, 81, and Hunter Biden, 54, ride their bikes in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on June 1

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden spent the weekend in Delaware with loved ones ahead of Hunters federal gun trial, which began Monday, June 3, in Wilmington.

The president's son is charged with three felony counts relating to illegal gun possession, and faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if convicted.

Related: All About Joe Biden's 4 Children

AP Photo/Susan Walsh Joe Biden rides just ahead of his son, Hunter Biden, at Gordons Pond State Park on June 1

Just before noon on Saturday, June 1, President Biden, 81, and Hunter, 54, rode their bikes along the Gordons Pond trail near Rehoboth Beach, where the family has a home. The president waved at people who had gathered, and a group of cyclists trailed behind the Secret Service detail.

Later that day, the father and son were seen exiting a service at St. Edmonds Catholic Church together.

Related: Joe and Jill Biden Spent Easter Weekend with Grandkids Before Opening White House for Easter Egg Roll

AP Photo/Susan Walsh Hunter Biden leaves St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on June 1

President Biden has kept a distance from his son's federal gun charges, citing the ongoing criminal case  but on Monday morning, as he prepared to leave Wilmington en route to campaign events, he released a statement expressing love for his only surviving son.

"I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," President Biden said. "Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean."

"As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support," he continued.

Related: Hunter Bidens Daughter Naomi Slams Jesse Watters Ugly Comments About How Joe Biden Parents: Crosses the Line

Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024

Though President Biden did not attend the trial on Monday, first lady Jill Biden and first daughter Ashley Biden showed up at the Wilmington federal courthouse to watch the jury selection process.

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Hunter faces three charges in his federal gun case. Two counts allege that Hunter signed a form stating he was not "an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug or any other controlled substance," despite openly talking about his struggles with addiction, when he purchased a revolver in October 2018.

The third count alleges that Hunter was in possession of the revolver for 11 days while using an illicit drug, before his girlfriend threw it in a dumpster.

RYAN COLLERD/AFP via Getty Images Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building for day one of Hunter's criminal trial on June 3

In September 2023, Hunter was indicted by a federal grand jury in Delaware, following a five-year investigation conducted by federal prosecutors, the FBI and the IRS. In October, Hunter pleaded not guilty. This is the first time a child of a sitting president has faced a criminal trial.

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In addition to the firearms-related charges, Hunter will be tried in Los Angeles for nine federal tax charges, which will take place this fall. If convicted in that case, he could face up to 17 years in prison.



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Journalists of Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster, have identified one of the Russians who abused Ukrainian prisoners of war and received confirmation from him that it was him on the video.

Source: Suspilne

Details: Journalists of the Suspilne investigative team have identified the Russian who filmed the video of the torturing of Ukrainian prisoners of war. He is 32-year-old Alexei "Bars" Kiprin from St. Petersburg. He has a wife, Nataliya, and a young son.

The journalists noted that the man has been posting photos of himself wearing military uniform on social media and noting that he has been "guarding Russia since 2014". He also served in the so-called LPR police (LPR is the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic).

Suspilne's sources indicated that Kiprin currently serves with the Shtorm assault group of the 153rd Tank Regiment of the 47th Guards Tank Division of the 1st Tank Army.

The investigators contacted the Russian on WhatsApp to get confirmation that it was him in the video.

"The man, thinking he was corresponding with a Russian propagandist, wrote: "The anthem was sung badly. They were slapped and transferred to a prisoner-of-war camp. Usually, during a mop-up, there is no time to evacuate your own people; there are captives here."

Background:

On 2 June, Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliaments Human Rights Commissioner, contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN, following the recent release of a video showing the abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war that is believed to have been filmed on the Kharkiv front.

On 3 June, the prosecutor's office opened an investigation into the abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war captured by the Russians on the Kharkiv front. The investigation indicates that the video shows Russian soldiers hurting Ukrainian soldiers and mimicking an execution by firing an assault rifle near the head of one of the prisoners of war. In addition, the video shows the Russians applying psychological pressure against the Ukrainian defenders, forcing them to sing the USSR anthem.

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JTA asking for community feedback on upgrading bus stops in Northwest Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority wants to get ideas and feedback for renovating bus stops.

JTA plans to upgrade 111 bus stops in Northwest Jacksonville with better lighting, bike racks, and information systems.

There will be four community meetings:

Monday, June 3: 12 p.m.-2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5: 12 p.m.-2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

All the meetings will be held at the Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville.

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The federal judge overseeing Hunter Bidens gun trial dealt his defense two setbacks Sunday, on the eve of jury selection, by blocking one of his expert witnesses and excluding a key piece of evidence the presidents son hoped to use.

The rulings from Judge Maryellen Noreika resolved some of the sticking points that were still simmering before the trial begins Monday. Taken together, these decisions could make a tough case for Hunter Biden even more challenging to win. President Joe Bidens son has pleaded not guilty to illegally buying and owning a gun while abusing illicit drugs.

Noreika granted a request from special counsel David Weiss to block one of Hunter Bidens expert witnesses from testifying. The defense had lined up a Columbia University-based psychiatrist who wouldve tried to poke holes in prosecutors assertions that Hunter Biden knew he was an addict in 2018 when he bought the gun that led to his indictment.

The inadequacy of Defendants expert disclosure for Dr. (Elie) Aoun leaves the government in the dark as to what his opinions about the facts of this case will be, thus rendering the government unable to prepare for trial, Noreika wrote in her ruling.

The judge also blocked Hunter Bidens lawyers from using what they thought was a key piece of exculpatory evidence: an altered version of the federal firearms form he filled out when he bought the gun in 2018 that was tweaked in 2021 by the gun store employees.

Hunter Bidens lawyers recently argued in court that they wanted to use the doctored form to undermine the credibility of the employees, who are slated to testify on behalf of the prosecutors. They also claimed it showed prosecutors were politically biased.

But Noreika ruled the altered version of the form was irrelevant and inadmissible, and she went on to blast Hunter Bidens team for pushing conspiratorial theories and unsupported rhetoric about the motivations of the Wilmington gun store employees.

Any probative value it arguably has is substantially outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of issues, and misleading the jury, she wrote, further adding that any attempts by the defense to use the altered form to demonstrate the employees alleged political bias would have been unduly prejudicial and invites (jury) nullification.

Only the original form  known as ATF Form 4473  will be shown to the jury.

On that form, Hunter Biden is accused of falsely swearing that he wasnt using or addicted to drugs, which allowed him to purchase the gun. Prosecutors contend he was still addicted to crack cocaine at that time, as he has described in his memoir.

Jury selection for the trial is slated to begin Monday morning in Wilmington.

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NEW BRUNSWICK  A Superior Court judge has ruled that bodycam footage of Spotswood Mayor Jackie Palmer allegedly making racist comments to police during a meeting in her office will not be publicly released.

Gannett, the publisher of MyCentralJersey.com and the Home News Tribune, and Spotswood resident Steve Wronko had requested the footage through the state's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) after Spotswood Police Officer Richard Sasso, president of the Spotswood PBA, filed a Superior Court lawsuit on Jan. 15 against Palmer and the borough, alleging violations of the state's Whistleblower Law and other charges.

The recordings, Sasso argues in his lawsuit, illustrate Palmer's "antagonism" toward police and possible inappropriate "racially charged" comments she made in the meeting on April 28, 2022.

"Transparency is important here," said CJ Griffin, Gannett's attorney, after Superior Court Judge Michael Toto released the decision. "We argued all along that the public deserves to see the exact words and context of what the Mayor said, as opposed to the allegations in Sassos complaint, as well as how the police behaved and any violations of law that they committed."

Griffin said no decision has been made whether Toto's decision will be appealed.

"We are still weighing our options regarding an appeal," Griffin said.

Palmer has declined to comment on the judge's decision.

Jacqueline Palmer

In the 53-page decision released on May 29, Toto ruled that the footage was not a government record as defined under OPRA nor a public record under the common law right of access.

At the heart of the case is a recording made in the course of two April 2022 incidents when police were called to deal with a Black resident allegedly causing a disturbance at the municipal building.

More: 'Never seen a mess like this': NJ police chiefs blast Spotswood administration

While all the parties agree that the officers violated policy by not informing the mayor that she was being recorded, the legal fight over the 30-minute recording centers on whether it met the exemptions for release under OPRA.

In a May hearing, Toto said the public's right to have access to a document is "not absolute" and a legal analysis is necessary before a decision is made whether the material could be released.

In the ruling, Toto wrote that "it is also reasonable to believe the mayor (Palmer) relied on the confidentiality of statements made between herself and the police command staff during a meeting requested by the chief and held by her office."

But Griffin argued that Palmer "had no reasonable expectation that anything she said to them would be confidential."

Toto decided that while he agreed there is a "diminished expectation of privacy granted to public officials, but that does not mean the mayor has no expectation of privacy."

Griffin had also argued that the footage should be made public because it was a continuation of the investigation into the prior events on April 22, 2022 and earlier on April 28, 2022.

But Toto did not find "the meeting in the mayor's office to be a continuation of earlier events, nor does a meeting with command staff qualify as a call for service."

The footage, the judge wrote, "contains more than the mayors alleged inappropriate comments" and includes "confidential information, police procedures and other safety concerns."

Toto wrote that the footage "could harm more than just the mayor's reputation."

Though Toto stated the relationship between Palmer and the police department is "problematic," the argument for the footage's release "does not negate privacy concerns."

"It is evident that transparency does not supersede other well-established confidentiality concerns," Toto wrote.

"It is objectively reasonable that the mayor, having members of the police command in her office, expected the contests of that meeting would remain private," the judge wrote.

Even if the footage were to be released, Toto wrote, the discussion of attorney-client privileges, police protocols and procedures would be redacted, leaving "only a limited amount of the video would be available for public disclosure, severely diminishing the accuracy of the factual nature and context of the recordings. "

That, Toto wrote, "could chill agency decision-making and conceivably impact future policies and departmental policies."

Toto also noted that the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office's Bias Unit had investigated the allegations against Palmer and no charges were brought.

The judge wrote that after reviewing the unredacted footage and other material, he "is satisfied that the investigation was adequate."

Though the public has a right to know what happened between the mayor and police department so residents can draw their opinions based on "a complete record," Toto wrote, "ultimately this is not about the relationship between the mayor and the police. The issue is whether the BWC (body-worn camera) recording is a public record."

Although the judge found "there is a pattern of contentious disputes between the mayor and the Spotswood Police Department, this Court does not find that those allegations are enough to overcome the confidentiality concerns."

The judge also wrote that the footage is being retained because of an Internal Affairs investigation, "which triggers its own confidentiality exceptions."

The judge noted that "most of the information will likely come to light throughout the civil litigation process" of Sasso's lawsuit.

What triggered the chain of events leading to this decision is the April 22, 2022 incident in which Sasso alleges Palmer became irate when police did not remove a Black man from the municipal building.

In the lawsuit, Sasso alleges that in his investigation of the "racially charged" April 22 , 2022 incident, he interviewed the Black resident who told him that he was approached several times by "a clearly aggravated" Palmer.

Sasso alleges that in surveillance he reviewed he saw Palmer "being extremely antagonistic" and telling the resident he had to listen to her because she "is the mayor."

The surveillance also shows Palmer ignoring a police captain's advice to stay in her office rather than approach the man, Sasso alleges.

When the resident returned to the municipal building six days later, police were dispatched to the building because unnamed municipal employees felt unsafe because the resident was there, the suit contends, and they asked for police escorts to their offices.

But, during that time, the suit says, Palmer went on a "verbal tirade" because the man was not removed from the building.

The mayor allegedly said, "everyone is going to get an (expletive) chewing because if I (expletive) call downstairs and say get this (expletive) guy out of here," according to the lawsuit.

"I don't give a (expletive) if (expletive) Spotswood is on fire, there's got to be someone downstairs that can two foot this (expletive) stairs to find out what's happening," the lawsuit quotes the mayor.

After police called the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office to confirm the resident could not be ejected from the building because it would a violation of his civil rights if he were not committing a criminal act, Palmer was informed on the direction from the authority that oversees all police departments in the county, the suit says.

But Palmer became "immediately hostile" and made "inappropriate comments, " Sasso alleges, including "we need to control the perception of what's happening" and "I don't need BLM and the KKK fighting on our front steps over this."

The suit alleges that Palmer had the municipal administration initiate an Internal Affairs investigation into the police officers who were present because their bodycams recorded Palmer's comments.

That was done, Sasso said, as a legal strategy to block any potential OPRA requests for video footage during the incident. One of the officers has left the department.

The litigation over the bodycam footage is part of a thicket of legal action involving the Spotswood Police Department and the borough.

In March Palmer suspended Chief Phillip Corbisiero and Acting Capt. Nicholas Mayo Jr., the two top-ranking officers in the Spotswood Police Department, and has threatened to fire them. In turn both officers have filed suit against the borough.

In January, Corbisiero filed a $2.5 million tort claim against the borough, claiming he has been subjected to a hostile work environment, harassment, retaliation, age discrimination and defamation by Palmer, Business Administrator Brandon Umba and Assistant Business Administrator John Scrivanic, a retired Tinton Falls police chief.

Corbisiero alleges that he has been targeted for filing a lawsuit in 2020 with former Police Chief Michael Zarro alleging they were victims of age discrimination and whistleblowing retaliation against former Mayor Ed Seely and former Business Administrator Dawn McDonald. Zarro received an out-of-court settlement for $350,000 and Corbisiero received $120,000.

In 2020, Mayo, along with fellow officers John Fedak and Edward Schapley, sued the borough, Seeley and McDonald alleging civil rights violations, harassment and retaliation. That case is scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 15 in Middlesex County Superior Court.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Judge blocks release of 'racially charged' Spotswood bodycam footage
Judge Cannon gifts Trump another two weeks to come up with an argument against a gag order

Judge Aileen Cannon has received flak for her plodding pace in the lead up to Donald Trump's classified documents trial, but that has not stopped her from granting the former president's lawyers another two weeks to prepare an argument against special counsel Jack Smith's request for a gag order.

Smith filed his own motion on May 24, arguing that Trump's false claims that President Joe Biden ordered the FBI officers who searched his home to use deadly force amounted to a "dangerous campaign to smear law enforcement."

Despite the FBI clarifying that the agents followed the same standard protocol they used while searching Biden's house in Delaware, Trump's Republican allies parroted his statements in often inflammatory language.

"The Biden DOJ and FBI were planning to assassinate Pres Trump and gave the green light," tweeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. "I made sure that he knew."

Cannon has now ordered the Trump defense team to file a response to Smith's request for a gag order by June 14, a date that marks roughly a year since she was selected to hear the case.

"Clearly, Judge Cannon doesnt seem to be worried about the safety of the law enforcement officers that have targets on their backs courtesy of Donald Trumps spreading of lies about the MAL search warrant," tweeted lawyer and MSNBC host Katie Phang.

The Trump-appointed judge has been criticized for indulging nearly every request Trump's lawyers have made, no matter how far-fetched, and procrastinating on decisions for months. So daunting was the backlog of unresolved legal issues that, four weeks ago, Cannon postponed the trial indefinitely.

In doing so, Cannon has given Trump what he wanted: a delay of the trial until after Election Day. If he wins in November, the former president could have the case thrown out.

In his New York trial, where he was last week convicted of 34 felonies, the former president was blocked by a court-imposed gag order from attacking jurors, witnesses, and the judge's family. Trump violated the order no fewer than 10 times, prompting him to increasingly rely on surrogates to express his thoughts out loud.
Defense attorney John Freeman (standing) questioning AG investigator Howard Shock (seated, facing Freeman). | Screenshot

One might be forgiven for thinking that Howard Shock, a special agent investigator with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, was the one on trial Monday as the exam continued in Ingham County District Court for six of the 15 people facing felony charges for submitting false electoral votes for former President Donald Trump in 2020.

On the stand for a fifth day, Shock spent nearly seven hours under a withering fire of defense questions, as well as criticism from the bench, about his competency and how he carried out the investigation. More importantly, the defense questioning sought to cast doubt that their clients, who are charged with a variety of felonies including conspiracy to commit election law forgery, knowingly broke the law when they signed the documents, which is a required element for conviction under that charge.

Leading the attack was John Freeman, the attorney representing defendant Marian Sheridan. Freeman questioned the motivation behind the investigation that delved into exactly what happened on Dec. 14, 2020, when the defendants met at the Michigan Republican Party headquarters in Lansing and signed a number of documents the prosecution contends were forgeries designed to illegally assign Michigans electoral votes to Trump.

The attorney general of the state of Michigan, Dana Nessel, thats your boss, fair to say? Freeman asked Shock.

Yes, he replied.

This is a politically driven department that you work for, isnt it? pressed Freeman, who asked Shock when was the last time he briefed Nessel, a Democrat, on the case.

While Assistant Attorney General LaDonna Logan objected, arguing that the question lacked relevance to the case, Judge Kristen Simmons overruled the objection and expressed what appeared to be frustration with Shocks inability to answer defense questions.

I think its glaring that we have a concern in this courtroom about the investigation and his ability to put forth information from that investigation. I took the bench after 9 oclock and twice within that hour, Ive had to break for him to refresh his recollection on his investigation, said Simmons. Were not getting a great presentation. And so I can understand why the questions are now starting to [ask] how this investigation went about. Because if youre not presenting your investigation well, we now need to understand what happened during this investigation.

Freeman then went directly after Shocks competency as an investigator, noting his lack of experience in handling cases with more than 10 defendants, but was the lone investigator assigned by the AGs office to this case.

In your experience, is it fair to say that the amount of resources that are devoted to an investigation are directly proportional to the perceived seriousness of the investigation? he asked Shock, who agreed that was true.

Freeman then noted that originally there had been three investigators, but once the warrants in the case were signed, Shock began working alone.

Does that sound like a real search for the truth that the resources are continuing to get whittled down and whittled down? asked Freeman. Theres actually more assistant attorney generals assigned to the case presenting it in court than there are people like you actually continuing to investigate, fair to say?

Yes, Shock said.

The questioning then turned to a series of emails between Sheridan and Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro that began on Dec. 10, 2020, four days before the defendants met and signed the documents at the heart of the prosecution. Shock had previously testified that Chesebro emailed a certificate alleging the former president won Michigans 16 electoral votes to Sheridan.

Chesebro has admitted to orchestrating a multi-state fake elector plot to present fake elector documents in favor of a Trump presidency, and pleaded guilty last October to a felony count in Georgia as part of that plot. He is also an unindicted co-conspirator in the Michigan case, along with Trump, and several others, including Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis and Rudy Giuliani; Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows; and Chris Velasco, who worked for Trumps campaign in Michigan.

Prosecutors contend the email exchange, which was provided by Chesebro during a four-hour interview last December, included Sheridan writing We did it!, after trying to deliver the documents and that demonstrated the electors knew their attempt was to falsely portray Trump as the winner of Michigans electoral votes despite the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifying Joe Bidens 154,000-vote win more than two weeks earlier.

Under cross-examination Monday, Freeman asked Shock about portions of the exchange that occurred after she emailed We did it! but were not mentioned last week, including just minutes later where she mentions receiving the Dominion report from Antrim County, referring to a since-discredited report issued in December 2020 by Allied Security Operations Group on the election in northern Michigans Antrim County, which falsely claimed that voting machines had a 68% error rate, an allegation that Trump repeated on Twitter.

Getting into the head of Marian Sheridan, she knows that theres something going on in Antrim County, askee Freeman. And presumably, the other electors are aware of that because they all are talking in the basement [of GOP headquarters in Lansing]?

When Shock agreed, Freeman followed up by asking whether any email evidence came from sources other than Chesebro.

Your only evidence of email traffic comes from Chesebro himself  who you refer to as an unindicted co-conspirator  someone whos actually pled guilty in the state of Georgia connected to the election.  Thats who youre putting your eggs in, his basket?

Freeman then referred to Shocks testimony last week in which he said that there were no statements that the electors were being told what to do on Dec. 14, which Shock confirmed.

Thats a lie, said Freeman.

I was looking for specific information about what they were told to do, responded Shock.

Well, we just went through the Chesebro emails, and in those Chesebro emails, there were very specific instructions on what they were to do, correct? asked Freeman.

Yeah, said Shock.

So when you said the electors were never told what to do, that was untruthful last week, wasnt it?

No, sir, said Shock.

Freeman then turned to comments made by Nessel last week to The Detroit News in which she said she was concerned that its taking so long for any of these cases involving the 2020 election to get to a point where were actually seeing criminal trials.

When Logan objected that it wasnt relevant, Simmons overruled her.

The court strongly disagrees that her opinion doesnt matter, because shes the one bringing the case, and you are acting as her agent here today, said Simmons. I think theres a difference between the subjective facts derived by evidence and opinion.

The day closed with Freeman getting Shock to admit on the record that the defendants intent to commit a crime was not an absolute given.

Fair to say that you found quite a bit since you swore to the complaint that suggests that these electors had no criminal intent. Thats fair to say, isnt it? he asked.

Yes, said Shock.

Logan will get a chance to present at least two additional prosecution witnesses Tuesday, when the exam continues for Sheridan, Rook, Kenneth Thompson, William Choate, Clifford Frost and Mayra Rodriguez.

However, Simmons made the unusual announcement that Shock, the prosecutions key witness and sole investigator, is likely to return to the stand  as a defense witness.

Three other defendants, Stanley Grot, Timothy King and Kent Vandwerwood, had their cases continued to later dates, while six others had their exams held last month after Simmons split the defendants into two groups.

The hearings will result in her ruling whether or not prosecutors have enough evidence to send the case to trial.

The post Judge and defense attorneys criticize investigator in Michigan 2020 fake electors case appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Judge for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen explains why she won't step down from case

DELPHI, Ind.  It was a swing and a miss for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen's third attempt to get Special Judge Frances Gull to disqualify herself from the case.

Gull's order filed May 31 became public Monday when it was published online.

Flowers next to Monon High Bridge in memory of Liberty German and Abigail Williams Tuesday, February 21, 2017, on the Monon High Bridge Trail just east of Delphi. German, 14, and Williams, 13, were hiking the Delphi Historic Trails the afternoon of February 13, but did not show up when relatives arrived later to pick them up.

"Defendant's Second Verified Motion to Disqualify Judge And Request For Findings Of Fact And Conclusions Of Law Upon Denial Of This Request, If This Court Denies This Request is denied," Gull wrote in the last sentence of the order.

Allen's attorneys first filed for Gull to disqualify herself on Oct. 25. They filed a second motion on Jan. 28, and a third motion May 17. The latter is what Monday's order addresses, but is described as the "defendant's second verified motion ... ."

Allen's attorneys in his civil case at the Indiana Supreme Court also asked the high court to remove Gull. The justices denied that request.

Police arrested Allen on Oct. 26, 2022, on suspicion that he lured Libby German and Abby Williams off of the trails around the Monon High Bridge east of Delphi, led them to a spot on the north bank, where he killed them, according to prosecutors.

Two counts of murder in the commission of a felony were filed Oct. 28, 2022. Since early November 2022, Allen has been in protective custody in solitary confinement inside maximum security state prisons. In January, two additional charges of murder were filed. If convicted, Allen can only be sentenced on two murder charges.

Delphi murder suspect Richard M. Allen on Monday, May 6, 2024, when he was booked into the jail at Allen County, Indiana.

Gull specifically addresses several of Allen's allegations in the order denying the request for her to step down from the case.

As to defense claims about the public's trust of the court in Allen's trial, now scheduled for October, Gull wrote: "Defendant complains that public confidence in this case has eroded. As counsel should know, criminal cases are tried in a Court of law, not in the court of public opinion.

"An independent judiciary requires that judges decide cases according to the law and facts without regard to public clamor or fear of criticism."

The high-profile case also resulted in threats to Gull and the court, the judge noted: "The Court continues to receive ex parte communications from the public criticizing the Court both personally and professionally, and threatening the Court with bodily harm and injury. The Court continues to provide these communications to the parties.

"The Court cannot be swayed by inappropriate and ridiculous outside influences."

As for the Allen's attorneys claiming that the court didn't allow enough time for their defense in the previously planned trial for last month, Gull wrote they had plenty of opportunity to request more time. It wasn't until the May 7 pretrial status hearing that Allen's attorneys claimed they wouldn't have enough time to present their defense, forcing Gull to move the trial to October.

"Had Counsel notified the Court within days of receiving the March 7, 2024, Court Order setting the case for speedy trial May 13-31, 2024, that the time allotted on the calendar was insufficient, the Court would have immediately rectified the situation and extended the trial ...," Gull wrote.

One by one, Gull addressed several other issues raised by Allen's attorneys in her order.

Allen's attorneys and various media outlets have asked for cameras in the courtroom to record the proceedings. That's not going to happen.

Gull noted, "The Court did allow cameras in the Allen Superior Court at the hearing conducted on October 19, 2023. The hearing was not conducted, and the media outlet providing pool coverage did not comply with the Court's directives regarding coverage and broadcasting of the proceedings.

"The Court lost confidence in the ability of the media to cover hearings appropriately. The Court has issued adverse rulings against the defendant, as well as against the State of Indiana."

As for all the defense's concerns about bias by the court, Gull wrote, "Adverse rulings do not support a reasonable basis for questioning the Court's impartiality, nor are they grounds for disqualification, they are just adverse rulings."

Allen's trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15 and run through Nov. 15.

The jury will be selected from Allen County residents, who will be transported to Delphi and sequestered for the length of the trial, which will be held in Delphi in Carroll County.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Judge for Delphi murder suspect denies motion for her to step down
Juror in Feeding Our Future case excused after being offered bags of cash to acquit

Diana E. Murphy federal courthouse is shown in Minneapolis Friday, May 17, 2024. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer.

A juror in the Feeding Our Future case was excused Monday morning after prosecutors said an unidentified individual went to the jurors house on Sunday night and offered a bag containing $120,000 in cash and another bag if she voted for acquittal.

The bribery allegation comes during closing arguments and right before the jury was to begin deliberations on the guilt of seven defendants accused of fraudulently getting reimbursed $49 million in federal funds by vastly inflating the number of meals served to children at 50 locations across Minnesota during the pandemic. Prosecutors say they used the reimbursement money to buy luxury cars, houses, jewelry and property overseas  and very little food.

With the jury out of the courtroom, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said in open court that a woman in a Mazda drove to the jurors home in Spring Lake Park, left a bag of cash with her father-in-law and said therell be another bag tomorrow if she voted to acquit the seven defendants.

Thompson said the juror wasnt home at the time the money was left with her father-in-law. She called 911 and the money was left at her home until the FBI could retrieve it Monday.

This is outrageous behavior, Thompson said in court. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.

Thompson asked that the 12 jurors and six alternates be sequestered for the remainder of the trial, and suggested defendants be held until a verdict.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ordered the defendants to put their cell phones in airplane mode until the prosecution could get a search warrant to have them confiscated and searched. Another magistrate judge would likely decide on that.

The defendants were ordered not to leave the courthouse Monday, and Brasel questioned each juror individually about whether theyd been contacted or questioned by anyone about the case during the trial, including over the weekend. None of the others were, they said.

Even the defense attorneys were frazzled by the stunning turn of events.

Its a troubling and upsetting accusation, defense attorney Andrew Birrell said in court.

The defendants  Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Said Shafii Farah, Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin and Hayat Mohmed Nur  are the first to go on trial out of 70 people charged in the massive federal case so far. Federal prosecutors have said it was the nations largest pandemic relief fraud, in which $250 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding was misused.

The post Juror in Feeding Our Future case excused after being offered bags of cash to acquit appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
A juror was dismissed from a Minnesota fraud trial on Monday after reporting that a stranger had dropped off a bag of $120,000 in cash at her home and promised her more if she would vote to acquit the seven defendants, who are charged with stealing more than $40 million from the federal government during the pandemic.

This is completely beyond the pale, a prosecutor said in court on Monday, according to the Sahan Journal. This is outrageous behavior. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.

The juror, a 23-year-old woman, was not home at the time of the apparent bribery attempt on Sunday night. Instead, her father-in-law met the stranger, who told him that the bag was for Juror 52, according to the prosecutor, U.S. Assistant Attorney Joe Thompson.

The stranger added, Tell her there will be another bag for her if she votes to acquit, Thompson told the court.

The juror called the police when she arrived home and learned what had happened. The bag of cash was turned over to the FBI.

The seven defendants in the case are the first batch of more than 70 people charged in the alleged scam to go on trial. While pretending to help feed low-income children through a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future, prosecutors allege, the conspirators instead splurged on luxury cars, jewelry, and international properties. More than $250 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds are alleged to have been mishandled.

At least 18 other defendants had already pleaded guilty as of Monday, according to the Associated Press.

The 23-year-old juror was not in court on Monday, and U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel said she had been excused.

Given the attempted jury tampering, Thompson asked that the remaining jurors and their alternates be sequestered until the end of the trial. After interviewing the jurors individually to ensure no one else had been contacted about the case, Brasel said that she would move to sequester the jury.

I dont do it lightly, the judge said, the AP reported. But I want to ensure a fair trial.

She also ordered the defendants to put their cell phones in airplane mode until the prosecution could get a search warrant to have them confiscated, according to the Minnesota Reformer.

But even the defendants lawyers seemed taken aback by the development. Its a troubling and upsetting accusation, one said in court on Monday.

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Juror in Minnesota federal case excused after being offered bags of cash to acquit

Diana E. Murphy federal courthouse is shown in Minneapolis on May 17. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

A juror in the Feeding Our Future case was excused Monday morning after prosecutors said an unidentified individual went to the jurors house on Sunday night and offered a bag containing $120,000 in cash and another bag if she voted for acquittal.

The bribery allegation comes during closing arguments and right before the jury was to begin deliberations on the guilt of seven defendants accused of fraudulently getting reimbursed $49 million in federal funds by vastly inflating the number of meals served to children at 50 locations across Minnesota during the pandemic. Prosecutors say they used the reimbursement money to buy luxury cars, houses, jewelry and property overseas  and very little food.

With the juror out of the courtroom, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said in open court that a woman in a Mazda drove to the jurors home in Spring Lake Park, left a bag of cash with her father-in-law and said therell be another bag tomorrow if she voted to acquit the seven defendants.

Thompson said the juror wasnt home at the time the money was left with her father-in-law. She called 911 and the money was left at her home until the FBI could retrieve it Monday.

This is outrageous behavior, Thompson said in court. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.

Thompson asked that the 12 jurors and six alternates be sequestered for the remainder of the trial, and suggested defendants be held until a verdict.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ordered the defendants to put their cell phones in airplane mode until the prosecution could get a search warrant to have them confiscated and searched. Another magistrate judge would likely decide on that.

The defendants were ordered not to leave the courthouse Monday, and Brasel questioned each juror individually about whether theyd been contacted or questioned by anyone about the case during the trial, including over the weekend. None of the others were, they said.

Even the defense attorneys were frazzled by the stunning turn of events.

Its a troubling and upsetting accusation, defense attorney Andrew Birrell said in court.

The defendants  Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Said Shafii Farah, Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin and Hayat Mohmed Nur  are the first to go on trial out of 70 people charged in the massive federal case so far. Federal prosecutors have said it was the nations largest pandemic relief fraud, in which $250 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding was misused.

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The post Juror in Minnesota federal case excused after being offered bags of cash to acquit appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
Jury selected in Hunter Bidens gun trial: What to know

Jury selected in Hunter Bidens gun trial: What to know

Twelve jurors and four alternates were selected in the first of what could be two federal criminal trials involving Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, according to The Associated Press.

The panel of Delaware residents was selected after just one day, where prospective jurors were questioned over their views on gun rights, political prosecutions and whether the defendants father could influence their ability to be fair and impartial.

Hunter Biden will stand trial on federal gun charges involving his purchase of a firearm in 2018. Federal prosecutors contend the presidents son made false statements regarding his use of illegal drugs when obtaining the gun and then unlawfully possessed it for 11 days.

He has pleaded not guilty, and Monday kicked off the first-ever criminal trial of a sitting U.S. presidents child.

Heres what to expect as Hunter Bidens trial gets underway.

Opening statements expected Tuesday

Attorneys for Hunter Biden and the Justice Department could give their opening statements as soon as Tuesday, where both sides will present jurors with their theory of the case.

Prosecutors are expected to claim that Hunter Biden lied when he checked no on a federal gun purchase form questioning whether he was an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance.

But Hunter Bidens attorneys have suggested that the presidents son may have thought he was telling the truth, contending that he did not view himself as a drug addict when filling out the form.

The issue here is Mr. Bidens understanding of the question, which asks in the present tense if he is a user or addict, his attorney, Abbe Lowell, wrote in court filings. The terms user or addict are not defined on the form and were not explained to him.

Someone, like Mr. Biden who had just completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and lived with a sober companion after that, could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict, he continued.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks.

Who could testify

Prosecutors witness list includes three women who were romantically involved with Hunter Biden and are expected to testify about his drug use. They are not identified by name in court filings, but descriptions make some of their identities clear.

The first woman is Kathleen Buhle, Hunter Bidens ex-wife who has three kids with the defendant.

The second is Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden, Hunters late brother who died of brain cancer. Hallie, who had been romantically involved with Hunter after Beaus death, trashed the revolver at the center of the case in a Wilmington supermarket trash can when Hunter Biden was staying at her home.

The other womans identity remains unclear.

Beyond the three women, prosecutors revealed in court papers they intend to call the gun shop employee who sold the revolver and watched Hunter Biden fill out the background check form.

The list also includes a former Delaware police officer who recovered the firearm and a brown leather pouch from the trash can.

Prosecutors indicated they plan to call two experts: a chemist who will opine a powdery substance allegedly found on the pouch was cocaine, and a drug enforcement officer who will opine about coded messages that Hunter Biden sent.

Court filings show that prosecutors also expect to also rely on Hunter Bidens text messages, bank records and excerpts from his memoir and audiobook.

What are the charges

The presidents son faces three felony charges in the case.

Hunter Biden faces two charges that accuse him of lying on a federal background check form when he purchased a Colt Cobra .38 special revolver from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply, a gun store located in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 12, 2018.

The defendant marked a box indicating he was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance or an addict, and the government alleges he was both at the time, citing use of crack cocaine.

The third and final charge accuses Hunter Biden of unlawfully possessing the firearm. He possessed it for 11 days, until the gun was discarded in a supermarket trash can.

If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 25 years imprisonment and $750,000 in fines.

Special counsel David Weisss charges are separate from Hunter Bidens other case in California, where he faces nine charges for allegedly failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes and filing false returns.

The president is not accused of wrongdoing in either case.

Biden family signals support

Several members of the Biden family showed up at the Delaware courthouse where the first day of Hunter Bidens trial was underway.

First lady Jill Biden arrived Monday morning, and Hunter Bidens sister, Ashley Biden, was also in attendance.

Though President Biden did not appear at the Delaware courthouse  and said he would not comment on the federal trial  he issued a rare statement of support.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, the president said in the statement. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.

The president is expected to depart for a foreign trip to Europe to mark D-Day in France this week. He is then headed to Italy next week for the Group of Seven summit, so he is likely to miss the bulk of his sons trial in the U.S.

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.
Jury selection for Hunter Biden's federal gun charge trial is set to get underway on Monday. Photo by Al Drago/UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- Hunter Biden's federal gun trial got underway on Monday in Delaware with the jury selection of six men and six women who were sworn in later in the afternoon.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika issued preliminary jury instructions later in afternoon, and confirmed opening statements will begin the next day on Tuesday morning at J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington near Philadelphia.

The jury of 12, which now includes six men and six women, are majority Black members, according to reports. There are four alternate jurors.

Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts in connection with possessing a firearm while he was admittedly using and addicted at the time to drugs.

One juror, a women, reportedly said she lost "many friends" to drug addiction while the jury's majority also relayed similar life experiences.

U.S. President Joe Biden (C), first lady Dr. Jill Biden (L), Hunter Biden (R) and family return to the White House on March 31 after spending the Easter Weekend at Camp David. The first lady was in attendance Monday at the start of Hunter Biden's trial in Wilmington. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

Other jurors are identified as gun owners, one who supposedly believes people who smoke marijuana should still be allowed to own firearms, others who disagree and who have a variety of other opinions on guns.

The other jurors include a female Secret Service retiree whose husband was a uniformed police officer, a man whose father was killed by a gun, and a number of jurors who say family and friends have suffered from addiction in its various forms.

First lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's stepmother, was in attendance for the start of Monday's trial.

Potential Hunter Biden jurors were called in groups of 50 until they seated the 12 who the court felt had proved could be impartial during a trial of the president's son presided over by Noreika,

This comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump's conviction on 34 counts related to falsifying records to facilitate hush-money payments in New York with both trials facing extra scrutiny in the shadow of an election year.

It marks the first time in American history that an ex-president has ever been criminally convicted in a court of law, and the first time the child of a sitting president was ever put on trial during their father's presidency and all in the middle of a presidential election.

Court filings show that jurors were asked if their "views regarding the 2024 election or of any of the candidates for president in any way prevent you from being a fair and impartial juror in this case?" and if they believe Biden is being prosecuted "because his father is the president of the United States and a candidate for president."

The White House issued a statement addressing the start of the trial.

"I am the president but I am also a dad. Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today," Biden said. "Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean."

Hunter Biden's lawyers said the charges violate a previous diversion agreement, which they argue is still legally binding. However, Noreika has rejected numerous motions by attorneys to get the charges dismissed.

Special counsel David Weiss, an appointee of Trump, brought the charges after he was named by Attorney General Merrick Garland, a Biden-appointee, to investigate last year. Biden's attorneys contended that Weiss "buckled under political pressure" after a plea deal crumbled last year.

"The charges in this case are not trumped up or because of former President Trump," prosecutors said, according to CBS News. "They are instead a result of the defendant's own choices and were brought in spite of, not because of, any outside noise made by politicians."

Prosecutors plan to call Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, and Hallie Biden, widow of his late brother Beau Biden to testify against him. They are also expected to use excerpts from Biden's memoir Beautiful Things to support their case.

Norieka on Sunday refused a request by Biden's lawyers to admit a second version of the purchase form he used to buy the gun into evidence.
Its just the 1st week of hurricane season. So why is Jim Cantore already on the MS Coast?

When you live in a state like Mississippi where hurricanes can uproot your life in a matter of hours, you know that its never a good sign when Jim Cantore shows up in your town.

The Weather Channel meteorologist has a massive following and has garnered celebrity over the last few decades, as he is known for reporting from the areas where impact from a hurricane is expected to be the most severe.

He famously rode out Hurricane Katrina in 2005 at the Armed Forces Retirement Home on the beach in Gulfport, and relived the memory in a 2015 Biloxi Sun Herald interview.

Jim Cantore

Cantore was back on the Mississippi Coast on Saturday, the first day of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

He posted a video of an empty cup dancing from the humidity atop a table in Bay St. Louis. The video prompted people on Facebook and Instagram to question Cantore about why he was on the Gulf Coast. It also happened to be raining that day.

But not to worry  Cantore was hanging out with a famous storm chaser, rather than chasing a storm himself.

Josh Morgerman is known across the world as iCyclone, and has chased hurricanes and other storms to the corners of the Earth.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Morgerman began renting a beach cottage in Bay St. Louis and made that his home base during hurricane season.

Now, hes calling the Mississippi Coast home for good.

Morgerman built a custom home that looks like a New Orleans shotgun from the street, but is constructed to withstand the most powerful of hurricanes, he said.

The storm chaser opened his home to the community and his posse of weather expert friends on Saturday. Lawmakers, movers and shakers and other storm celebrities attended the house showing, which included music, food and cocktails.

Its not easy to find Morgerman or Cantore when hurricanes loom, as both travel across the U.S. in most instances. But they both may be close to New Orleans more than usual this year, as forecasters are predicting that 2024 may be one of the most active hurricane seasons in history.
U.S. President Joe Biden (L) and Vice President Kamala Harris (R) campaign at Girard College on Wednesday, during which they launched "Black Voters for Biden-Harris" in Philadelphia. Harris will take Biden's place at the upcoming peace summit in Lucerne, Switzerland. Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- Later this month, Vice President Kamala Harris will go to Switzerland to take part in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, according to the White House.

At the June 15 international peace summit at Burgenstock Resort in Lucerne, Switzerland, Harris is expected to highlight the U.S. commitment to "supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace," which the White House says is "based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter."

The U.S. delegation at the summit will include the vice president and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. That same day, President Joe Biden is slated to be at a pricey Los Angeles fundraiser with former President Barack Obama and actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

The summit, one in a series of comprehensives discussions, will immediately follow the 50th G7 summit that is set to take place in Borgo Egnazia in Italy's southern Puglia region between June 13 and 15.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously urged President Joe Biden, himself, to visit Switzerland as Zelensky made an appeal for Biden and China's President Xi Jinping to "please, show your leadership in advancing the peace."

The U.S. delegation at the summit will include the vice president and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan (C) as President Joe Biden is slated to be at a pricey Los Angeles fundraiser that same day with former President Barack Obama and actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts. File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI

But in Switzerland, Harris will "reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression," the White House said.

"I believe that the peace summit needs President Biden, and other leaders need President Biden because they will look at the U.S.'s reaction," Zelensky said May 18.

"I believe that the peace summit needs President Biden, and other leaders need President Biden because they will look at the U.S.s reaction," Zelensky said May 18. File Photo By Yuri Gripas/UPI

National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby defended Biden's reason not to attend the June 15 summit, saying how amid a Republican stalemate in Congress to provide military aid to Ukraine, Biden has been strong in his support for the Ukrainian people.

The White House' announcement Monday comes as Biden is set to be in France in a few days time for the first time as president to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where he will greet veterans and family members of those who landed on June 6, 1944, during the Allied invasion at Normandy's Omaha and Utah beaches to liberate France and Europe from Nazi Germany.

National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby defended Bidens reason not to attend the June 15 summit, saying that amid a Republican stalemate in Congress to provide military aid to Ukraine, Biden has been strong in his support for the Ukranian people. Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI

"There hasn't been a single leader around the world who has supported Ukraine more and more stridently than Joe Biden," Kirby said, adding that America's first woman vice president and Sullivan were going to Lucerne "because of our desire to be represented around that table."

On Monday, Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said on X it was "pleased with the participation of" Harris for the upcoming summit.

"No matter who represents the United States at this summit," Kirby said Monday, "It can't be said that the United States has in any way walked away from supporting Ukraine."
In warning against lifting the ban on kangaroo ownership without a permit, the Animal Welfare Institute said, Kangaroos, whose kicks can kill a human, have escaped from U.S. homes multiple times, requiring extended police chases to recapture them. Here, western grey kangaroo males kick one another during a fight for mating rights. The male kangaroo uses its strong tail as support so he can kick his opponent with his hind legs. (Lea Scaddan | Getty Images)

You can continue pronouncing Concord however you like and use adhesive rodent traps, but brass knuckles remain illegal and youll still need a permit to adopt a kangaroo.

Each was the subject of legislation filed this year. As was ending daylight saving time in New Hampshire if Congress gives states the green light, an effort that failed. And unlike some states, every bill among the nearly 1,000 filed by lawmakers got at least one public hearing.

Heres how the under-the-radar bills shook out.

Rep. Eric Gallagher, a Concord Democrat, wanted state law to require that New Hampshire and the capital be pronounced according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. Lawmakers disagreed and rewrote his bill to clean up statutory language governing professional licensing.

A bipartisan bill that sought to put an end to glue traps for rodents had the support of at least the 142 people who submitted testimony urging lawmakers to pass it. They included a Stoddard woman who submitted a three-page, single-spaced letter arguing  adhesive-based rodent traps are INHUMANE, INDISCRIMINATE, and INEFFECTIVE. Lawmakers rejected the bill.

As they have before, lawmakers also killed a bill that would have legalized the possession and use of brass knuckles and blackjacks. In the Live Free or Die state, such a prohibition runs contrary to the states belief in self ownership and the ability to defend oneself, a Pembroke man told lawmakers.

There are dozens of animals Granite Staters cant own without a permit. Kangaroos, monkeys, raccoons, and skunks will remain on the list, along with wolverines and hyenas. Lawmakers sided with opponents in rejecting a bill from Republicans seeking to lift the permit requirements.

Much of the opposition came from out of state, including this from Animal Welfare Institute: Kangaroos, whose kicks can kill a human, have escaped from U.S. homes multiple times, requiring extended police chases to recapture them.

Lawmakers didnt say no to everything. Youll be able to carry your alcohol from the hotel lounge to your room under a bill thats passed both chambers. Should the governor sign it, there will be limits: one drink per each guest in a room who is at least 21.

The post Kangaroo ownership, rodent traps, brass knuckles. The bills you may have missed. appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wants Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft held in contempt of court for certifying a measure forcing Kansas City to pay more for its police on the August ballot instead of the November date ordered by the Missouri Supreme Court.

Lucas argues in court filings that Ashcroft, a Republican running for governor, acted in direct defiance of the state Supreme Court when he certified the measure for Aug. 6. The mayor wants the court to block Ashcrofts decision so the election can be held in November.

Should the secretary of state proceed on his current track, he will be defying this Courts orders and depriving this Court of its authority under the law, attorneys for Lucas wrote in the Friday court filing. But the secretary is not above the law, and he ought not be permitted to defy it.

Lucas filing comes after the state Supreme Court in April tossed the results of a 2022 vote in which Missourians overwhelmingly approved the measure, called Amendment 4. The court ordered that a new election would be held on Nov. 5.

But Republican Gov. Mike Parson rejected that date last week and sent a proclamation to Ashcrofts office that moved the election date to Aug. 6. Ashcrofts office then certified the measure for August.

Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is defending Ashcroft in the case, argued that the court should dismiss Lucas filing. Parson, Bailey argued, was within his powers to move the election date and Ashcroft was executing that decision.

The Secretary of State has not taken, and will not take any unlawful action, Bailey said in a response on Saturday. He is executing his nondiscretionary duties pursuant to Governor Parsons lawful exercise of constitutional authority to set or move the date of an election on a constitutional amendment.

The legal wrangling is the latest in a string of court battles between Lucas and Missouri officials over the measure forcing Kansas City to spend more on its police.

It comes as Kansas City, which is more diverse and progressive than the rest of the state, remains the only city in Missouri that does not directly control its police force. A five-member board of police commissioners oversees the department. The governor appoints four while Lucas fills the remaining spot.

The proposed constitutional amendment would require Kansas City to increase the amount of general revenue it spends on its police department from 20% to 25%. The measure has faced intense criticism from Kansas City officials who argue voters across the state shouldnt decide how a municipality makes public safety decisions.

The state Supreme Courts April decision to toss the election results came after more than 63% of Missouri voters approved the measure in November 2022.

The ruling was unprecedented and marked a major victory for Lucas, who sued over the ballot question last year arguing that voters were misled at the ballot box. A majority of the court agreed.

Judge Paul C. Wilson wrote in the April opinion that the financial estimates on the ballot question voters saw in 2022 failed to concisely and accurately advise voters of its impact on Kansas City.

The state Supreme Court ordered a do-over election in November with a new, more accurate ballot question. However, Lucas is also pushing the court to amend a portion of the new ballot question.

Lucas argues that the question ordered by the court implies that it would allow a state law passed by Missouri lawmakers forcing Kansas City to spend more on police to retroactively take effect.

Removing that language, Lucas argued, would eliminate any suggestion that the Supreme Court has decided whether the ballot measure would allow that state law to be enforced.

The state Supreme Court could rule on Lucas motions as early as Tuesday, which is when the court is scheduled to release its next hand-down of decisions.
Kansas City police said Tuesday that Talla Diop was located safe, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Phil DiMartino.

Police in Kansas City are seeking the publics help in locating a missing and endangered 15-year-old boy.

Diop was last seen around noon on Friday near the 1000 block of E. 26th Street wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and pink Croc sandals, according to a news release.

He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Diop has health issues and needs to take daily medications, according to DiMartino, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. His family is concerned for his safety and well-being.

Anyone with information should call the Missouri Police Department Missing Persons Unit at 816-234-5043 or 911.
Sen. Jerry Moran asked for more accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs, joining fellow lawmakers in an letter outlining potential changes. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas GOP Sen. Jerry Moran is among a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers demanding more accountability from the Department of Veterans Affairs as fresh details emerge in the improper distribution of millions of dollars to senior-level personnel.

In September of 2023, the department acknowledged funds set aside for employee retention and recruitment were given to ineligible senior executives. A new detailed report released May 9 showed that added up to $10.8 million of the benefits, known as Critical Skills Incentive payments, went to 182 senior executive employees, ranging from approximately $39,000 to over $100,000 per person.

According to the report, the VA later canceled the payments, notified Congress and had the VA Office of Inspector General review the handout. The inspector generals office found breakdowns in leadership, a lack of transparency and communication and failure to detect legal issues all led to the improper payments, the report states.

Moran joined forces with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, and 11 other lawmakers Thursday to speak against the Department of Veteran Affairs flagrant misuse of recruitment and retention incentives.

Following the first report in 2023, House and Senate lawmakers on VA-focused committees, including Moran, sent a letter demanding more due diligence, oversight and planning from the department.

The 2024 letter sent to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough followed similar lines.

VAs flagrant misuse of recruitment and retention incentives intended to improve the provision of health care and benefits for veterans by bolstering VAs front-line workforce is unacceptable and deeply concerning, wrote the senators in a letter. The use of this important authority to instead increase the salaries of executives in VACO is unethical, a violation of VA policy, and in direct opposition to the intent of Congress.

Critical Skill Incentives were established through the 2022 PACT Act, which helped veterans exposed to burn pits and other harmful chemicals receive healthcare and compensation. The benefits are meant to attract highly-skilled employees to strengthen the VA workforce.

The majority of erroneous bonus recipients, 81%, were senior executive service employees at the Veterans Health Administration. The rest of the recipients were Veterans Benefits Administration executives.

While Congress will continue to conduct vigorous oversight and enforce Congressional intent in these and all matters, accountable leadership cannot be legislated, the senators wrote. In an effort to regain the publics trust, VA must take aggressive steps to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the enterprise.

Fellow Sens. Patty Murray, John Boozman, Sherrod Brown, Bill Cassidy, Richard Blumenthal, Thom Tillis, Mazie Hirono, Kevin Cramer, Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema and Angus King signed onto the letter.

The post Kansas Moran joins bipartisan group of senators denouncing improper payments to VA officials appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
Kansas officials agree to settle discrimination claim by former DCF employee for $4,000

A former child protection specialist accused the Department for Children and Families of firing her three days after she asked to work remotely. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly and top legislative leaders agreed Monday to pay $4,000 to settle a lawsuit with a former state employee who said she was fired because of a disability.

The payment was authorized during a secret meeting of state officials, but the Kansas Department of Administration provided a copy of the resolution after the meeting concluded.

Janet Grant, who worked as a child protection specialist for the Kansas Department of Children and Families for two months in 2021, filed a federal lawsuit in April 2023. Grants lawsuit accused the agency of firing her without cause three days after she asked to work from home to accommodate her substantial mental health needs.

The state, in court filings, denied any discrimination or violations of federal law.

Grant asked for $300,000 in damages but agreed to settle the case in early May, according to court records.

On Monday, the State Finance Council met at the request of the Kansas Attorney Generals Office to consider the settlement agreement. The State Finance Council, a nine-member panel that includes the governor and top Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature, is responsible for distribution of state funds.

Council members met with the AGs staff behind closed doors to consider the settlement agreement before appearing briefly before the public to take action  without explaining what they were voting on.

Mr. Speaker, would you consider making a motion to approve the resolution? Kelly said.

Sure. Madam governor, I move that we approve the resolution, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican.

The State Finance Council, when dealing with lawsuit settlements, typically operates under the cover of darkness. However, the Kelly administration for several years has made resolutions available at the request of journalists.

The resolution shows the state is willing to pay Grant $4,000 from a tort claims fund in exchange for dropping her federal lawsuit. The settlement agreement is subject to approval by a federal judge.

The post Kansas officials agree to settle discrimination claim by former DCF employee for $4,000 appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
The Karen Read murder trial will resume Monday after a three-day break last week.

Read, 44, of Mansfield, is accused of striking OKeefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowbank outside 34 Fairview Road in Canton in January 2022 after a night of drinking. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder.

The defenses theory is that OKeefe was actually beaten up inside the Albert home and dragged outside in a snowstorm and that the Albert family is at the center of an effort to frame Read.

The niece and nephew of late John OKeefe were called to the stand Tuesday, the last day trial was held, testifying that Read and their uncle had many disagreements and arguments during their relationship.

OKeefes nephew testified that he witnessed OKeefe and Read have lots of disagreements and arguments, including during trips to Florida and Aruba.

Doctor Justin Rice revealed that when OKeefe got to the emergency room, he had no pulse and his body temperature was 80 degrees.

Doctor Rice said OKeefe had superficial abrasions on his right forearm.

Rice also took blood from Karen Read when she was brought in for a mental health evaluation.

A Massachusetts State Police toxicologist says he used that blood drawn to retroactively calculate that Read would have been drunk at the time the prosecution alleges she struck OKeefe.

The Sun Chronicle reports state police investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and cellphone experts could be called this week.

Quick copy over of some of my handwritten notes from the testimony of 2 minor children



MINOR 1 (M1) teen boy

-M1 says he witnessed lots of disagreements and arguments

-M1 on KR she was nice sometimes, most of the time

-M1: ADA Lally asks how KR would act if she was upset,  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) May 28, 2024

In week 3 of trial, Laura Sullivan, a longtime friend of OKeefe, testified that Read became enraged with OKeefe during the Aruba trip, accusing him of kissing her sister, Marietta Sullivan, weeks before his death.

OKeefes niece described her uncles relationship with Read as good at the beginning but bad at the end. She also recalled the Aruba vacation, testifying that there was yelling in the room at the resort.

Trial is set to resume Monday morning at 9.

Hos long to die in cold: Defense highlights Google search for hypothermia in Karen Read trial

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An officer with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department lost his law enforcement license after a video showed the officer appearing high while on duty last year.

According to court documents, in January 2023, Officer James Shepherd was called to an apartment complex over a custody dispute. While responding to the call, someone at the residence believed Shepherd was acting odd and started recording a video of him.

KCPD stresses gun safety after childs accidental shooting

The video, which surfaced on social media on Jan. 22, showed Shepherd steadying himself against a railing on a wall, making strange gestures with his hands, blinking a lot and slurring his words.

In the background, someone can even be heard indicating Shepherd was high, court documents said.

KCKPD said Shepherds behavior was investigated, and due to insufficient evidence, all criminal charges were declined.

However, the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers scheduled an interview with Shepherd to determine whether he was suitable to serve in law enforcement, specifically to evaluate if Shepherd used any prescription-only drug that could affect his skill or judgment while on duty.

Shepherd agreed to an interview with Commission Investigator George Brown, and then subsequently rescheduled, according to court records. Before rescheduling, Shepherds attorney said he would not attend any Commission interviews, and ultimately, it was determined that he did not cooperate with the investigation.

Failure to provide accurate information and/or cooperate in the interview for the Commissions investigation resulted in the revocation of a Shepherds law enforcement officers certification, court documents said.

Kansas City, Kansas, police provided the following statement:

Officer Shepherd separated from the Department on May 21, 2024, and had been on leave since July 2023. He has not worked in a law enforcement capacity with the Department since that time.

After Officer Shepherd was cleared of wrongdoing regarding a January 6, 2023 call for service, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department conducted an investigation into a separate incident. The Department reported those findings to both CPOST and the Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office. Upon review, the District Attorney declined to prosecute. The KCKPD forwards officer-involved investigations related to major policy violations and criminal allegations to CPOST for review.

During the CPOST review process, Officer Shepherd failed to attend a necessary commission interview to determine his continued suitability for law enforcement certification. His failure to attend the interview resulted in his commission being revoked on May 9, 2024.

This case sparks an important conversation about public accountability for law enforcement and police officers.

In an interview with FOX4 news in January 2023, Co-Founder and President of Justice for Wyandotte Nikki Richardson said, Whos to say how many more houses they would have went to before someone pulled out their phone and had a sergeant called?

City of Leawood starts curbside storm debris pickup on Monday

It cant always be on civilians out at the ready to catch police misconduct. At some point, that has to be done internally.

She continued, This speaks to the larger conversation about concerns within police culture across the nation. There was clearly another officer that was there that was fit to be there, and there was an officer who wasnt.

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.
Our Kiel district has increased ACT test scores for four consecutive years. Here's how we did it.

Dr. Brad Ebert

In Wisconsin, the ACT test is used as a measuring instrument to determine if students are ready for post-high school education, including two- and four-year colleges, technical schools and other institutions. This is done by testing students at the end of their 11th-grade year in math, reading, writing, English, English language arts, science and STEM.

School districts across the state continuously plan for and discuss ways to improve student achievement as it relates to this measuring tool.

In Wisconsin, the ACT test is required to be administered to all students, which is not the case in every state.

In Kiel Area School District, this means students at Kiel High School, Kiel eSchool, Kiel Greater Options program, as well as students with disabilities and unique needs are all tested in mid-March.

Four years ago, Kiel Area School District staff, including teachers, administrators, managerial staff and school board members, were faced with a question many school districts in the state face: How does a school district reverse a downward trend in ACT scores?

The answer to this question has multiple levels and multiple layers.

Kiel Area School District revised its strategic plan with learning goals focused on student achievement, which encompassed the ACT test.

The most recent strategic plan was upgraded with input from teachers, support staff, community members, parents, board members and students. The plan called for an improved testing culture, revised learning targets, targeted test preparation, data collection and review, grade-level challenges, practice tests and analysis, incentives, individual goal meetings with students, and handwritten notes to students from staff, all in an attempt to improve student achievement.

More: Spotlight on Kiel Schools: Celebrating the district's success, from athletics to academics and beyond

Kiel school board members Tammie Stahl, Tony Johannes, Stuart Long, Karin Wille, Dan Meyer and Jim Bajczyk, as well as a number of other past board members, were encouraging, provided resources, approved professional development opportunities, and trusted and took care of their staff and showed support; all critical to improvement.

Because of the aforementioned work, the Kiel Area School District is recognizing and celebrating the hard work of its students (see data trends below), but is also recognizing the efforts of teachers, support staff and administrators, including those who support the mental health of students, feed students, supervise students, show up to events to support students, and are positive and encouraging of all students and the school district.

Because of this effort, Kiel Area School District has seen marked improvement over the last four years.

Following are the overall positive ACT trend scores for the Kiel Area School District:

Cumulative final scores trend:

2020-2021: 17.8

2021-2022: 19.3

2022-2023: 19.9

2023-2024: 20.3

Math trend:

2020-2021: 17.3

2021-2022: 18.7

2022-2023: 19.4

2023-2024: 20.1

Science trend:

2020-2021: 19.2

2021-2022: 20.6

2022-2023: 20.4

2023-2024: 21.1

Reading trend:

2020-2021: 18.3

2021-2022: 19.6

2022-2023: 19.9

2023-2024: 20.1

Writing trend:

2020-2021: 5.4

2021-2022: 5.5

2022-2023: 6.4

2023-2024: 6.7

English Language Arts:

2020-2021: 16.0

2021-2022: 17.1

2022-2023: 19.1

2023-2024: 19.3

In addition to these positive trends, Seth Allen, a Kiel High School student, scored a perfect 36 on the test, which is accomplished by only one fourth of 1% of all students taking the test.

Dr. Brad Ebert is the district administrator for the Kiel Area School District. Follow the district on X: @Kielareaschools.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Kiel school district in Wisconsin: How it increased ACT test scores


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The 12 back-to-back explosions at the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii in 2018 might be in a new category of volcanic eruption.

Pressurized magmatic gas forced gas and rock to erupt in this rare event akin to a stomp-rocket toy.

Experts hope understanding past explosionsa process known as hindcastingmay help them better predict future events.

Stomp rockets are supposed to be fun. Finding that volcanic eruptions can now go off just like a stomp rocket... well... that isnt so dandy. Research into the 2018 Kilauea eruptiona series of 12 back-to-back eruptions in Hawaiishows that not only was the event out of the norm when it comes to volcanic eruptions, it may have created its own category.

A typical volcanic eruption involves either rising magma, vaporized groundwater, or some combination of the two working together to create an explosion. But the Hawaiian event didnt fit any of these scenarios. In a research paper published in Nature Geoscience, a group of researchers discovered that theres a new category. Call it the stomp-rocket eruption.

The stomp is this whole kilometer-thick chunk of rock dropping down, pressuring the pocket, and then forcing material directly up, Josh Crozier, the lead researcher working on the project while earning a doctorate degree at the University of Oregon, said in a statement. The rocket part was the gas and rock erupting from the volcano. Twelve times.

Crozier said that the scientific intrigue surfaced when data showed that the eruptive material contained very little fresh magma. As researchers studied the situationa process known as hindcasting in the volcanic worldthere was also no evidence for significant groundwater in the volcanic event. And with the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory blanketing Kilauea with scientific instruments, there was plenty of data to mine.

A cool thing about these eruptions is that there were a bunch of them in sequence that were remarkably similar; thats relatively unusual, said Leif Karlstrom, volcanologist at the University of Oregon, Typically, volcanic eruptions dont happen with as much regularity.

All that data added up to a pretty good view of what was going on inside Kilauea. The team said that before each explosion at the summit, magma was slowly draining from an underground reservoir, feeding lava flows up to 24 miles away. As the reservoir depleted, the ground around itthe crater within the caldera at the volcanos summitsuddenly collapsed.

The collapse sparked an increase in the pressure of the reservoir, pushing a pocket of magmatic gas and debris at the top of the reservoir out of a vent in the Kilauea crater. Thats where the stomp-rocket toy analogy comes into play. The rock dropping down created a pressurized the pocket that pushed the pressure through a 6.2-mile underground tunnel and forced the debris and gas material up.

The scientists note that while this is the first time theyve specifically monitored this exact stomp-rocket-style eruption, a caldera collapse is common enough that this scenario likely occurs elsewhere.

It points to new ways for us to observe eruptions and to combine sensor measurements with computer simulations to better assess hazards from eruptions, Joe Dufek, volcanologist at the University of Oregon, said in a statement.

It also provides a fresh way to look at a popular childs toy.

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King Charles accepts position of SPCK Group's royal patron, a royal tradition from 1695. ABOVE: King Charles archive portrait from 2019.

King Charles III is set to continue a royal tradition that dates back centuries.

In a pause from his recent trend of breaking the royal family's customs and protocol, the 75-year-old monarch has agreed to become the royal patron of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK Group), per a press release shared by the longstanding charity.

The "royal patronage," as dubbed by SPCK Group, was previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II and can be traced back well past the king's mother and to Queen Anne in 1695.

"Links between the Society and the Crown go back to the time of Queen Anne who in 1695, while still a Princess, subscribed 44 to support Thomas Bray's scheme for sending books to encourage learning and religion in the American colonies," per information shared on the organization's official website. "This project led to the foundation of the SPCK a few years later."

The website also notes that the charity has been active since 1698 and "distributed over 30 million books and has provided the means for translating the Book of Common Prayer into more than 200 languages," making SPCK Group the third-oldest English publisher still in operation.

"We are deeply honoured that His Majesty, King Charles, has become our new royal patron, retaining the historic connection between SPCK Group and the royal family that we, as an organisation, cherish," said Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group in a statement. "We were privileged to have the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II as our patron, as well as to have had links to the royal family since the 17th Century, and we are excited to renew this relationship through the patronage of King Charles in 2024 and beyond."

Charles' new role with SPCK comes just days after the monarch accepted another patronage once held by another royal family member, meaning, even after having to postpone a few engagements, this summer is going to be a busy one for the king, despite his presumed ongoing treatment of an unspecified type of cancer he was diagnosed with earlier this year.

Next: King Charles Ruffles Feathers With Landmark Change at Windsor Castle
Heres What to Know About the Cucumber Recall

Dark green cucumbers seen in a carton. Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling these cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states from May 17 through May 21 over salmonella concerns. Credit - FDA

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states from May 17 through May 21 because they may have been contaminated with salmonella.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice from the Florida-based company Saturday. The company said in the press release that the recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, with a diameter of about 1.5 to 2 inches and a length of about 5 to 9 inches, according to Fresh Start Produce Sales. Neither mini cucumbers nor English cucumbers are included in the recall.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria, Fresh Start Produce Sales said in the press release. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

Read More: Youre Not Imagining It: Food Recalls Are Getting More Common. Heres Why

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to the company. Healthy people infected with the bacteria can develop fevers, diarrheawhich could be bloodynausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In rare situations, salmonella can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses, such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis, according to Fresh Start Produce Sales.

The company said that its unlikely that the recalled cucumbers are in the marketplace. Even still, the company advised anyone with the recalled cucumbers not to eat it but to destroy it, throw it away, or return it to the place where they purchased it for a refund. The company also suggested that people check with their retailer to find out whether the recalled cucumbers were sold there.

Fresh Start Produces Sales has already notified customers who received the recalled cucumbers directly from the company and asked them to remove it from their shelves.

Customers with questions about the recall can contact Fresh Start Produce Sales at 1-888-364-2993.

Get alerts on the biggest breaking news stories here

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Labours private school policy is a catastrophe in the making. Yvette Coopers inability to explain what would happen to the children forced out of private education is merely the most recent example of the party being unable to explain the point of the policy in any terms other than simple spite.

Its a familiar story. Too often, Labour supporters phrase support for VAT on independent school fees as a matter of fairness; real terms funding per pupil has fallen in the state sector, so the private sector must pay.

What an extraordinary example of doublethink. A policy that is condemned for one sector of education  reducing expenditure on schools  suddenly becomes justified if it is applied to another sector. It is apparently wrong to deliver a financial hammer blow to one sector of education, but suddenly it becomes acceptable if delivered to schools Labour does not like.

Yet this policy poses a deeper threat to democracy. All the political blarney in the world cannot hide the fact that the imposition of VAT on school fees will deny many more people the ability to choose the school their child attends. Throughout history, totalitarian regimes have sought to control education. Labour Party policy is tantamount to saying that parents have no choice in the education offered their children.

In their world, the choice of school their children attend is not the parents choice at all, but the choice of the state. You may like or you may hate independent schools. What you cannot deny is that they offer choice to parents who do not like what the state offers.

The Labour claim that it does not wish to do away with independent schools denies its history, and asks the middle-ground of UK voters to accept that the attack on independent schools is not Sir Keir Starmers sop to his hard-left  a purely political decision designed to bring left-wingers inside the tent, and nothing to do with a parents freedom to choose the education their child receives.

But it is hard to deny that the success of independent schools is an embarrassment to Labour, a reminder of what can be achieved if only enough money is allocated to education, and what can be achieved if providers listen to what parents want, instead of telling them what they need.

The only justification for Labours animosity to independent schools is that the opportunity to send a child to such a school is limited by income. Their response is to make it even harder for parents on average incomes to send their children to independent schools. Under the VAT rule, independent education will become even more elitist and available only to the super-rich. This policy is not only the politics of envy. It is something far more dangerous, ironically akin to what we have seen from Putin: dont argue with those who oppose you, destroy and silence them.

The sadness of it all is that there is another way. The London Academy of Excellence is a state 6th Form College that has achieved everything a Labour government could wish for in state education. With an entry policy that discriminates unashamedly in favour of local applicants from a disadvantaged area, it sends high numbers of its pupils every year to Oxford or Cambridge, and many of the rest to Russell Group universities. It has done so hugely aided by the co-operation of a group of independent schools, including Eton.

Why cannot Labour see that co-operation with the independent sector is a far better way forward for the children of the UK and their parents than seeking to kill it?

Martin Stephen is a former High Master of St Pauls School and was a Governor of the London Academy of Excellence from its foundation in 2011 to 2023

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Populist campaigner Nigel Farage makes an about-face and says he will run in the UK election

Nigel Farage speaks during a press conference to announce that he will become the new leader of Reform UK and that he will stand as the parliamentary candidate for Clacton, Essex, at The Glaziers Hall in London, Monday June 3, 2024. while on the General Election campaign trail. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP)  Pro-Brexit, anti-immigration campaigner Nigel Farage stepped back into front-line British politics on Monday, announcing he will take the helm of the right-wing party Reform U.K. and run for Parliament in the July 4 election.

Farage said he'll run in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in his eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons. His seven previous tries all failed.

The announcement, a headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, came just days after Farage said he would not be a candidate because it was more important to support his ally Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election in November.

While Farage stands some chance of defeating Clacton's Conservative incumbent and getting elected on July 4, he acknowledged that his larger goal is to lead the real opposition to a Labour Party government if the governing Conservative Party loses, as many expect.

Farage said he wanted to lead a "political revolt ... a turning of our backs on the political status quo.

He's aiming to repeat the populist political pressure that pushed for, and then won, a 2016 referendum on taking the U.K. out of the European Union.

I can't turn my back on those millions of people who followed me, believed in me, Farage said. I've changed my mind because I can't let down millions of people.

In a bullish announcement speech, Farage, who served as a member of the European Parliament for more than 20 years until Brexit, stuck to his familiar script of decrying career politicians, out-of-touch elites and mass immigration.

The 60-year-old politician also said he would take over as leader of Reform, successor to the Brexit Party. That role has been held since Reform was founded by Richard Tice, with Farage serving as honorary president and charismatic figurehead.

The center-right Conservatives, who have been in office for 14 years, are battling a widespread sense that voters want change. On July 4 voters across the U.K. will elect lawmakers to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can command a Commons majority  either alone or in coalition  will become prime minister.

The favorite is Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who pledged Monday to keep the U.K.s nuclear weapons as he seeks to dispel criticisms that his center-left party is soft on defense..

His campaign is centered on his claim to have transformed the party since he replaced Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime opponent of nuclear weapons and critic of NATO, as Labour leader in 2020.

My commitment to the nuclear deterrent is absolute, Starmer said Monday during a campaign appearance at a military museum in Bury, northwest England.

Nobody who aspires to be prime minister would set out the circumstances in which it would be used. That would be irresponsible, but it is there as part of a vital part of our defense, so of course we would have to be prepared to use it, he said.

Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s, and both Labour and Conservative governments have consistently supported atomic weapons. Since the 1990s, Britains nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.

Starmer said his entire top team shared his commitment to the nuclear arsenal, even though several members, including deputy leader Angela Rayner and foreign affairs spokesman David Lammy, voted against renewing Trident in 2016.

Starmer said a Labour government would build the four new nuclear submarines that the Conservatives have already committed to.

He also pledged that a Labour government would increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product, though he has not set a deadline. Sunak says his Conservatives will meet the target by 2030.

Britains first-past-the-post electoral system  in which the candidate with the highest number of votes in each area wins  makes it unlikely that Reform could win many seats. But the party could contribute to Conservatives' defeat in some areas.

Farage has said he is modelling his strategy on Canadas Reform Party, which helped push that countrys Conservatives to the verge of wipeout in a 1993 election before reshaping Canadian conservative politics.

The U.K. Conservatives, trailing in the polls, have focused their campaign on shoring up its vote by targeting older voters and social conservatives  the groups most likely to defect to Reform. Conservative campaign promises include a boost to the state pension and a plan to make all 18-year-olds undertake a year of civilian or military national service.

The Conservative Party said in a statement that Farage knows that Reform wont win any seats, but he doesnt seem to care that a vote for Reform only helps Labour. Hes doing exactly what Keir Starmer wants him to do.
Labour has been warned that its plan to clamp down on zero-hours contracts could cause economically damaging unintended consequences for businesses.

Hospitality and leisure bosses said the ban risked saddling them with needless paperwork that would make it harder to hire and expand.

Stephen Burns, the chief executive of Hollywood Bowl, which runs 10 pin-bowling alleys, said a clampdown could make it harder for businesses such as his to attract staff.

He said: Im not a fan [of the policy]. Theres quite a lot of businesses like ours that are very seasonal, and rely heavily on team members who want that flexibility rather than forced hours that people that cannot or cant then commit to.

Labour has promised to ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, as part of a package of promises on workers rights offered up ahead of the election, which Labour has dubbed a new deal for working people.

Business chiefs worry that a clampdown could make it harder for them to attract staff to seasonal industries, such as leisure, hospitality and retail.

Bosses have been meeting with unions and Labour representatives over recent months to discuss the policy, which is one of Labours key pledges on workers rights, ahead of the general election in July.

Mr Burns said: At the minute, its really easy for somebody to start working, we ask them what hours they would like to work, and then we build our rotas around that by having the ability to have quite a few people on the books during those periods.

When youve got contracts, you then lose that ability and you lose all the flexibility. And then you get all of these people who youve had to set up on a full-time contract or contracted hours, that you know are going to work for you for three weeks over the October period. So a huge amount of extra workload.

Around 1.1 million people in Britain are currently on zero-hours contracts in the UK, according to recent research by The Work Foundation at Lancaster University  roughly 3.4pc of the British workforce.

Advocates argue they offer flexibility, allowing people to pick and choose when they work to suit them.

However, critics claim the contracts offer insecure employment.

Labour does not plan to outlaw zero-hours contracts completely, and will allow companies to offer employees a choice to remain on zero-hours in a bid to make sure seasonal workers are not unduly affected.

However, this in turn has left it open to criticism from union bosses this could leave scope for abuse by rogue employers.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, which represents pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, said: The key will be to make sure that the detail of the policy is right.

Nobody wants to impose burdens on businesses that would cut across good employment practices.

A Labour spokesman said: Businesses will still be able hire seasonally and workers will be free to stay on a variable contract if thats what works best for them  but we wont put up with one-sided flexibility.

Labour will make work pay. We will tackle insecure work by banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, giving workers the right to have a contract that reflects the number of hours they regularly work.

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Attorney for Kari Lake, Kurt Olsen argues her election challenge appeal case in front of Arizona's District Two Court of Appeals in Tucson on May 2, 2024. Screenshot courtesy of the Arizona Court of Appeals.

As Republican Kari Lake continues her campaign for U.S. Senate, the lawyers who represented the Republican in her failed effort to overturn the results of the 2022 election for Arizona governor are both facing court discipline.

Presiding Disciplinary Judge Margaret Downie has already found that both attorneys who worked on the election challenge trial and appeals  Washington, D.C., employment attorney Kurt Olsen and Scottsdale divorce lawyer Bryan Blehm  violated their ethical obligations during the proceedings.

Theyre both accused of submitting information they knew was false to the Arizona Supreme Court. During the appeals of Lakes election challenges, they told the court that it was an undisputed fact that more than 35,000 illegal ballots were inserted into the count in the 2022 general election in Maricopa County.

But they provided no evidence of their claim, and the state and county have repeatedly denied that it happened, so both attorneys were ordered by the states high court last year to pay $2,000 in sanctions for making false factual statements to the Court.

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Olsen argued in filings to Downie that it wasnt he and Blehm who misled the court with false statements, but Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, when she said Maricopa County would know if anyone tried to mix illegal ballots in with legitimate ones.

Hobbs and the county contended, and the court ultimately agreed, that Olsen came to the conclusion that 35,000 illegal ballots were cast by erroneously comparing an estimate of the number of ballots that arrived to be counted on election night 2022 with the official count.

Olsen faces the possibility of additional discipline for his part in another Lake lawsuit that she and then-candidate for Arizona Secretary of State Mark Finchem filed in spring 2022 in an attempt to stop Maricopa and Pima counties from using electronic tabulators to count ballots in the November 2022 election.

The two candidates claimed that the electronic tabulators were hackable and asked the courts to place an injunction on their use ahead of the November 2022 election. Arizona law requires their use.

In August 2022, U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi threw out the tabulator case and issued a scathing ruling, saying that Lake and Finchems claims amounted to mere conjectural allegations of potential injuries. He later ordered $122,000 in sanctions against the attorneys in the case.

In October 2023, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals concurred with Tuchis decision to throw out the case, agreeing that it was frivolous.

In the fall of 2023, the State Bar of Arizona began investigating Olsen, Blehm and Minnesota attorney Andrew Parker, who also represented Lake and Finchem in the tabulator case, for violating their ethical obligations as attorneys practicing law in the Grand Canyon State.

Finchem and Lake tried to bring the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court this spring, but the court rejected their request.

Because Olsen is licensed to practice law in Maryland, and was admitted to practice in Arizona only in these specific cases, the harshest possible punishment he faces is a formal reprimand, according to Arizona State Bar spokesman Joe Hengemuehler.

Marylands Attorney Grievance Counsel did not respond to a request from the Arizona Mirror inquiring whether a formal reprimand in Arizona would impact his ability to practice law in Maryland.

In preparing to defend himself in both disciplinary cases against him, Olsen attempted to subpoena evidence from both the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, as well as the Arizona Senate, including thumb drives that the county provided to the Senate for its partisan review of the 2020 election results.

Both entities fought the subpoenas, although the Senate said in a letter that it supported Olsens right to obtain access to the evidence but thought that the county  as the owner of the evidence  should supply it.

The Senate is troubled by the increasing weaponization of judicial, criminal, and bar disciplinary processes for political retribution, and fully supports Mr. Olsens right to access documents and information that are necessary to his defense, Phoenix election attorney Kory Langhofer wrote on behalf of the Arizona Senate in a Feb. 23 letter to the Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee.

The county objected to the subpoena, claiming the information that Olsen sought was irrelevant to the Bar complaint against him and had already been litigated at trial. Downie ultimately agreed with the county and quashed both of the subpoenas.

The Bar on April 24 asked Downie to make a judgment in the case based on Olsens misrepresentation of the facts of the case and the law to the district court, when he falsely said that Arizonas tabulators were connected to the internet. They are prohibited from being connected to the internet, and the Senates audit of the 2020 election in Maricopa County confirmed the tabulators were never online.

The Bar also asked the judge to consider Olsens argument that banning the use of tabulators in Maricopa and Pima counties in the 2022 election would cause little, if any, harm to Defendants when that is obviously not the case. Nearly all of the ballots voted in those counties are counted using tabulators and the majority of the election leaders in the state have continually argued that a hand count would be costly, inaccurate and a logistical nightmare.

In his arguments in the tabulator case, Olsen even used the Senates so-called audit as a proof-of-concept (for hand counting ballots) and a superior alternative to relying on corruptible electronic voting systems.

Senior Counsel for the Bar, Hunter Perlmeter argued adamantly against Olsens assertion about the audit.

The Cyber Ninjas (the firm that conducted the audit) counted only two contests (of more than 60 on each ballot), it took them more than three months, it cost millions of dollars, they claim that they went bankrupt as a result, and the hand count results were so problematic, the Arizona Senate was forced to purchase paper-counting machines in an attempt to reconcile the hand counts botched numbers, Perlmeter wrote.

He added that the bungled audit was actually proof of why ordering a hand count six months before a midterm election was undoable.

(Olsens) conduct caused actual harm by attacking the integrity of Arizona voting systems based on a distorted view of the applicable facts and law that undermined public confidence in the system, and burdened the defendants and the court in addressing Respondents claims, Perlmeter wrote. (Olsen) also sought relief that could have imposed substantially greater injury on the defendants and the public.

Downie issued a partial judgment in the election results challenge case on April 30, agreeing with the Bar that Olsen had failed to abide by ethical rules for lawyers in Arizona. She has not yet issued a judgment in the tabulator case, but hearings in the case are set for June 25-June 27.

A hearing for Olsen and the Bar to plead their cases when it comes to discipline recommendations for the election challenge case is set for July 30.

Blehm, Olsens co-counsel in that case, skipped out on his own such hearing on May 21 and then later posted a video of himself gesturing to the Bar with his middle finger. The Bar asked for the court to suspend his law license for six months and one day, but Downie has not yet made a decision on what kind of discipline he will face.

***UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect that hearings in the tabulator case are set for June 25-June 27.

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A 29-second video appears to show Lakeland police officers repeatedly punching and striking a 16-year-old male, while holding him by his hair, during an arrest have sparked community concerns.

Despite calls for transparency, Lakeland officials have declined to release body camera footage from a viral arrest of a 16-year-old teen.

Terry Coney, president of the NAACP Lakeland branch, asked Lakeland commissioners to consider releasing the full body camera footage from two Lakeland Police Department officers who appear to repeatedly punch a 16-year-old Black teen in a viral video.

"All I ask, and all I think the community asks, is to be as transparent as possible," he said at Monday morning's commission meeting.

Coney said he has received multiple phone calls and countless texts since a video went viral last week. The NAACP president reviewed the video less than 24 hours after its posting, and said he's had conversations with Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor and Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz about it.

"I appreciate your comments and the tone of them," Mutz said on Monday. "Our goal is to provide the time is for the internal investigation that honors those [police officers'] rights and we will make a statement through the city as soon as that is done. Until then, we want to follow due process."

What's happened so far?

Lakeland Police Department responded to a call on Memorial Day reporting there were several people in the pool at Caroline Apartments, 1906 Griffin Road, who did not live in the apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers said a 16-year-old boy declined to give his apartment number, and the officers verbally trespassed him from the property.

The officers said the 16-year-old boy continued to ignore repeated warnings to leave the property, stating "I don't have to talk to you," according to a police affidavit.

A bystander's 29-second video was posted May 28 on Facebook showing the boy standing in the corner of the room with two officers in front and to the side of him. One of the officers can be seen repeatedly punching the teen in the upper torso and head region as the boy's arms flail. The officer standing nearest the camera can be seen grabbing the teen, who is bent over, by his hair around the 7-second mark.

One of the Lakeland officers takes a step forward around 15 seconds into the video, winds back and appears to punch the teen in the face while the other remains a short distance away with a taser aimed at the teen's chest.

The teen responds by raising both his arms, open palm slapping at the officer as he backs away and then lowering his arms, appearing to shield his face and chest at the 17-second mark. The same officer steps forward and appears to punch the teen's head and face at the 18-second mark before sound indicates a taser was deployed.

Following the viral video, Taylor has called for an administrative review of the arrest. The police chief has declined to speak with The Ledger, citing an inability to speak about an ongoing investigation.

Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc., the Poor and Minority Justice Association and others called for a rally in front of the police department's headquarters on North Massachusetts Avenue on Saturday.

"We're standing here and we are going to fight for justice, protesting," Pastor Clayton Cowart, leader of the Poor and Minority Justice Association, said in a Facebook video. "We are standing here together in unity to demand change."

Tension, questions raised by recent events

Recent events between Lakeland Police Department and the community have heightened the tension around the 16-year-old teen's arrest.

A little over a week before the video emerged, the State Attorney's Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit dropped all charges against Antwan Glover. Glover, 37, had faced three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of resisting arrest with violence.

The Lakeland Police Departments Street Crimes Unit stopped Glover on Dec. 18, 2022, on West Ninth Street for allegedly not wearing a seatbelt, and officers then saw marijuana inside his car, according to an arrest affidavit. Officers eventually pulled Glover from the vehicle and forced him to the street before handcuffing him.

Two videos of Glover's arrest, later posted online, showed an officer punching Glover in the head and upper torso while Glovers hands, with open palms, appeared to be held by his face.

The State Attorney's Office determined in July 2023 the four officers in Glover's arrest would not face criminal charges, stating the partial video circulating was "a misleading representation of the entire incident."

State Attorney Brian Haas made clear in the July letter that Glover's own actions justified the officers' use of force  seemingly at odds with the decision to later drop his charges.

What are LPD's standards?

The NAACP Lakeland Branch put out a statement on Facebook following the Memorial Day arrest.

"We strongly condemn the use of physical force by these professionally trained officers against this unarmed young man," read the organization's statement.

Coney said city officials need to take a deeper look at the de-escalation training Lakeland's officers receive. He said Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden released body cam footage shortly after a deputy shot and killed an active-duty U.S. Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The video was heavily redacted according to a statement from Fortson's family, as reported by USA Today. Last week, the Okaloosa department fired the deputy, Eddie Duran.

In response to questions about options other than physical force, LPD spokesperson Officer Stephanie Kerr said all officers are issued an aerosol deterrent, such as pepper spray or mace. However, Kerr said the decision is left up to the individual officer on whether they wish to carry the aerosol deterrent provided.

The Ledger has reached out to the police chief for an interview regarding the police department's policy on protective action, or use of force, and further details on what de-escalation training is provided.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland won't yet release body camera footage of teen's viral arrest
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM)  A Lancaster County man was arrested early Monday morning after multiple shots were fired.

Lancaster City Police say shortly after midnight officers responded to the 300 block of S. Christian Street for shots fired.

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Officers found multiple shell casings and found surveillance footage of a suspect walking in the area.

Officers spotted the suspect on the 400 block of Howard Ave. and say, after initially complying with police, the suspect fled.

Military aircraft expected over Central Pennsylvania communities; Heres why

Police say the suspect, Warren Parker, fled into a nearby home and was later taken into custody in the back of the residence.

Police say Parker had a loaded 9mm Glock with several rounds of ammunition missing in the magazine.

Motorcyclist killed in Lancaster County crash identified

Parker is facing charges including fleeing to avoid apprehension, evading arrest, discharge of firearms, and firearms not to be carried without a license.

Parker, of Lititz, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 11.

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 Louisiana Senate will have to make a decision about whether to confirm Gov. Jeff Landry's controversial appointment to the Office of Juvenile Justice Monday. (Photo by Julie O'Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

In the final hours of the annual legislative session, the Louisiana Senate will decide whether to approve Gov. Jeff Landrys controversial pick to run the states juvenile justice office and youth prisons.



Senators will meet in private Monday to debate hundreds of government appointees. Those nominated can only keep their jobs if a majority of senators vote to confirm them.

Landrys decision to select Kenneth Kenny Loftin to be deputy secretary of the Office of Juvenile Justice has been contentious since it was first made in February. The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus almost immediately asked the governor to withdraw his nomination after it was announced.

I am absolutely not voting for him, Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, said Sunday. I will not be part of that.

For decades, Loftin ran the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta, the subject of a lengthy news investigation concerning child abuse at the hands of the facilitys staff. The article ran in an October 2022 edition of The New York Times.



Loftin was not accused of any direct abuse, but much of the alleged violence described in the article happened when he led the facility. The Times reported 42 people held at Ware over a 25-year period said they were sexually abused by Ware staff. Loftin oversaw the facility from its opening in 1993 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023.

Loftin did not return a call or text message to his phone Sunday. During a public hearing in a Senate committee last month, he said the people who detailed the alleged abuse in The Times article were lying.



So they made it up? Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, asked Loftin during the hearing about women who brought forward the Ware accusations.

Yes. They made it up, Loftin replied.

Troubled by Loftins response to the accusations, Barrow sought to unseal court documents and other reports related to Ware ahead of Mondays confirmation hearing. She said she received some Ware records and had Senate staff review them over the past week, but they were heavily redacted.

The additional information about Ware didnt dissuade Barrow from objecting to Loftins nomination, she said.

Landry is putting pressure on senators to confirm Loftin. who has met one-on-one with some legislators in an effort to earn their favor. The governors office has also circulated a list of endorsements for Loftin, mostly from community leaders in north Louisiana.

Those backing Loftin with formal statements include Bossier City Marshal Jim Whitman and former state pardon and parole board member Jim Wise. Loftin served with Wise on the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole for former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Mark Stewart, a nationally recognized juvenile justice expert, is also publicly sticking up for Loftin.



Mr. Loftin is just a good person and a good leader, Stewart said in an interview last week.



Decades ago, Stewart helped transform the Missouri juvenile justice system from a punitive program to a therapeutic model dubbed the Missouri model. His approach grew into the gold standard for juvenile justice services and was applied across the country, including in Louisiana.

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Stewart has advised Louisiana officials on juvenile justice services for 25 years and through the terms of five governors, he said. His organization, Missouri Youth Services Institute, began working at Ware over a decade ago, he said.

We saw no indication of any kind of poor treatment or abuse at Ware, Stewart said. When staff didnt treat incarcerated children at the facility well, Loftin dismissed those workers.

Theres a special place in hell for people who overlook kids who are being mistreated, Stewart said.

Last week, Loftin met privately with the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, which vets appointees for the full Senate ahead of confirmation votes.



Loftin brought three women who used to work for him at Ware to the meeting to serve as character witnesses. They were expected to defend Loftins professionalism, but were never called upon to speak, according to Brent Littlefield, a political advisor to Landry.



Landry also reached out to Barrow personally two weeks ago to advocate for Loftin, the senator said. Barrow still isnt convinced Loftin is the right person for the job, given the allegations in The Times report.



If you are the leader, the buck stops with you. You are responsible, she said.

Barrow could take the rare step of making her colleagues take a vote to confirm Loftin publicly, although she said she isnt sure how many other senators are willing to join her in opposing the governors choice. Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about his appointment, but many are uncomfortable going against Landrys wishes, she said.



Ive been somewhat disappointed with the responses Ive gotten from other senators, she said.



The confirmation process is typically secretive. Communication between the governors office and senators over nominees for confirmation is explicitly kept confidential under the law. Most of the debate about whom to confirm also takes place behind closed doors.



On Monday morning, the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee will send a list of hundreds of appointees the committee recommends for confirmation to the full Senate. The Senate will then discuss who to keep on the list during a private, executive session.

Usually, senators vote to confirm the list of appointees en masse, though they can pull someone out of the group and ask for an independent vote on the individual. Its unusual for a senator to take that step, however.



If a nominee fails to get confirmed, its typically because the senator who represents them personally objects to their appointment. The Senate has a custom of deferring to an appointees home senator about whether their confirmation should go forward.



Loftins personal senator is Sen. Alan Seabaugh, a conservative Republican from Shreveport who is close to Landry. So far, Seabaugh has declined to say whether he supports Loftins confirmation.

The post Landrys controversial juvenile justice leader goes up for Senate vote Monday appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The law firm that was the site of an April shooting, which left two people and the shooter dead, closed for business Monday, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Dennis Prince, 57, was killed alongside his wife, Ashley Prince, 30, during a child custody hearing in Dennis Princes Summerlin law office on April 8. Joe Houston II, 77, another attorney, was at the hearing representing his son, Dylan Houston, in his custody dispute with Ashley Prince. During the deposition, Joe Houston shot and killed the Princes before killing himself.

The Prince Law Group ceased operation on Monday, five years after its founding, a notice on its website said.

With heavy hearts, we are closing the Prince Law Group following the tragic death of its founder, Dennis M. Prince, the post said. We opened the Prince Law Group on June 3, 2019, exactly five years ago to the day. While we hoped to continue Denniss legacy, we simply could not persevere without him. It has been our pleasure to represent so many deserving clients over the past five years.

Ashley and Dennis Prince. (KLAS)

The April 8 deposition involved a years-long custody dispute involving Dylan Houston and Ashley Princes two young children.

The Prince Law Group employed several attorneys, including Dennis Princes son.

A special thanks to the attorneys and staff of Prince Law Group who have made the success of the firm possible, the post said Monday. In spite of this tragedy, they have showed bravery and resilience beyond measure. We are forever grateful for their hard work and dedication in bringing the firm to an honorable close. Rest in Peace, Dennis. While we will always miss you, your legacy will live on and we will never forget you.

Following Dennis Princes death, Colin Cavanaugh, an attorney in the firm, took over all cases, a district court ruling said. It was unclear what would happen to the firms cases moving forward.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Irans stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, including that enriched up to 60 percent, said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, Trend reports.

"Regarding the issue of Irans nuclear program, you have my latest report on Verification and monitoring in Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015). You will note that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, including that enriched up to 60 percent. The Agency has lost continuity of knowledge concerning the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate," he said, as he addressed the board of governors.

Grossi pointed out that it has been more than three years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol and, therefore, it is also over three years since the IAEA was able to conduct complementary access in Iran.

"There has been no progress in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues. Iran has not provided the Agency with technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at Varamin and Turquzabad or informed the Agency of the current location(s) of the nuclear material and/or of contaminated equipment," the IAEA chief added.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Metro police arrested a woman whom they believe was part of a so-called grandparent scam, where callers are targeting older adults, saying their grandchildren are in jail and need money.

Scarleth Jordan Diaz faces felony charges of theft, exporting an older or vulnerable person and attempted theft, records said.

At the time of her arrest on May 25, Las Vegas Metro police detectives suspected Jordan Diaz was involved in at least 15 different events where a person would call an older person, claiming a family member  often a grandchild  needed money to post bail or for an attorney, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

As part of the scheme, the caller would tell the older person that their grandchild was incarcerated and needed the money, documents said. The caller then uses a rideshare service to pick up the money.

On May 25, a person called police saying another person had called his mother saying her grandson was in jail and he needed $7,000, documents said. The grandson was never in jail.

In a second call, the older woman received a call saying her grandson was in jail and a lawyer needed $9,000, documents said.

The caller arranged an Uber to take her to the nearest bank, documents said. The woman then got into the Uber and went to the bank to withdraw $7,500, documents said. The woman then gave another driver a package of cash.

The woman received another call later in the day for more money, police said. She then called her son, believing she fell victim to a scam.

Police then set up a sting operation, they said, finding Jordan Diaz during the handoff process. While in custody, Jordan Diaz told police she keeps some of the money for herself and transfers the rest, officers said. Jordan

Diaz also reportedly told police she believed the money was for car rentals, documents said.

Police arrested several other people in the scheme, though their names were redacted in court documents.

The FBI warns grandparents and grandchildren to limit their social media posts and keep them private, so scammers cannot exploit the relationship.

Thanks to the internet and social networking sites, a criminal can sometimes uncover personal information about their targets, which makes the impersonations more believable, the FBI warns online. For example, the actual grandson may mention on his social networking site that hes a photographer who often travels to Mexico. When contacting the grandparents, the phony grandson will say hes calling from Mexico, where someone stole his camera equipment and passport.

Complaints can filed with the FBI at IC3.gov.

A booking photo 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.
The Latest | Four more Israeli hostages declared dead, and Palestinians seek to join genocide case

Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building owned by the Akel family in Bureij refugee camp, at al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israel's military confirmed the deaths of four more hostages held by Hamas  including three men in their 80s who were seen in a Hamas video begging for their release. Around 80 hostages captured on Oct. 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.

Monday's announcement came days after U.S. President Joe Biden announced that Israel has offered Hamas a deal to release all the hostages in Gaza and potentially end the war. Biden says the militant group is sufficiently depleted, however Israeli leaders say destroying Hamas will require more military operations in Gaza, raising doubts about the cease-fire efforts.

At the top U.N. court, Palestinian officials asked Monday to join South Africas case accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel faces growing international criticism over the huge cost in civilian lives and the widespread destruction caused by the nearly eight-month war. Israel strongly denies the accusations of genocide.

Israel's expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah  once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations  has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and abducted about 250.

Currently:

 Israel declares four hostages are dead in Gaza, including three older men who appeared in video.

 Biden says Hamas is sufficiently depleted. Israeli leaders disagree, casting doubts over cease-fire.

 U.S. call for a cease-fire in Gaza puts Netanyahu at a legacy-shaping crossroads.

 The Israeli army says it investigates itself. Where do those investigations stand?

 Israel seeks a  governing alternative  to Hamas in Gaza. Its been tried and failed before.

 Israel maintains a shadowy hospital in the desert for Gaza detainees. Critics allege mistreatment.

 Condemnations mount over Israeli proposal to label U.N. aid agency a terrorist group.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Here's the latest:

YEMEN'S HOUTHI REBELS CLAIM TO HAVE FIRED BALLASTIC MISSILE AT ISRAEL

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Yemens Houthi rebels claimed late Monday to have made a direct strike at Israel.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a prerecorded message that the Houthis launched a ballistic missile.

Earlier Monday, the Israeli military said it shot down a surface-to-surface missile fired toward southern Israel from the Red Sea.

There were no reports of casualties or damage in Mondays incident, which set off air raid sirens in the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat.

The Iran-backed Houthis have repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea, portraying their actions as a blockade of Israel in support of the Palestinians. But most of the ships that have been targeted have no known ties to Israel.

U.S. SEEKS BACKING AT SECURITY COUNCIL FOR GAZA PLAN OUTLINED BY PRESIDENT BIDEN

UNITED NATIONS  The United States is seeking support from the U.N. Security Council for the three-phase Gaza plan announced by President Joe Biden that would start with a six-week cease-fire and the release of some hostages and lead to an end to the nearly eight-month war and reconstruction.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. circulated a draft resolution Monday to the 14 other council members that would back the proposal.

Numerous leaders and governments, including in the region, have endorsed this plan and we call on the Security Council to join them in calling for implementation of this deal without delay and without further conditions, she said in a statement.

The brief draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, would welcome the May 31 deal announced by Biden and call on Hamas to accept it fully and implement its terms without delay and without condition. Hamas has said it views the proposal positively.

The proposed resolution makes no mention of Israeli acceptance of the deal.

When Biden made the announcement he called it an Israeli offer that includes an enduring cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages it is holding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his hardline governing partners Monday that the proposal announced by Biden would meet Israels goal of destroying Hamas, according to local media. The ultranationalists have threatened to bring down his government if Netanyahu agrees to a deal that doesnt eliminate Hamas.

Biden said the first phase of the proposed deal would last for six weeks and include a full and complete cease-fire, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, the release of some hostages including women, the elderly and the wounded in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in humanitarian assistance.

In the second phase, all remaining living hostages would be released including soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. Biden said if Hamas lives up to its commitments, the temporary cease-fire would become a cessation of hostilities permanently.

The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

UNITED NATIONS GIVES GRIM UPDATE OF CONDITIONS IN GAZA, SAYING IT'S BEYOND CRISIS LEVELS

UNITED NATIONS  U.N. humanitarian officials are calling public health concerns in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah beyond crisis levels, where thousands of Palestinians have fled from Israeli attacks in Gaza's south, and local officials are calling several areas in northern Gaza disaster zones.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported Monday that Israel is bombarding much of the Gaza Strip from the air, sea and land. It said aid operations are severely hindered by Israel's ground operations and fighting, especially in Rafah.

The office, known as OCHA, said about one million Palestinians who sought safety in Rafah have now fled the Israeli attacks. U.N. and other organizations operating there also had to take flight, OHCA said, including the SOS Childrens Village, the only shelter in Gaza for children without parents, which was forced to relocate to central Gaza with limited tents and no room for any more kids.

Andrea De Domenico, head of OCHAs office for the Palestinian territories who returned Friday from three weeks in Gaza, told U.N. reporters from Jerusalem on Monday that destruction and hunger are rampant and the space for Palestinians to flee fighting is narrowing, stressing that nowhere in Gaza is safe. He said OCHA estimates that about 100,000 Palestinians are still in Rafah city.

For those who fled, he said, living conditions are progressively eroding the social fabric of the community in Gaza, as Palestinians struggle to survive without electricity, often without shelter, and very little food which they try to heat using plastic and garbage as fuel.

De Domenico said, the rule of the strongest is becoming the only rule that is prevailing, giving as an example two brothers fighting over a can of chickpeas, and now not talking to each other.

OCHA said the Emergency Committee for North Gaza municipalities has declared Jabaliya town, Jabaliya refugee camp, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun as disaster zones.

De Domenico pointed to the ongoing breakdown of law and order saying two days ago, 70% of the goods picked up by a convoy of trucks on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing were looted, I think by criminals but also by desperate people.

POLICE IN SAN FRANCISCO ARREST PRO-PALESTINIAN DEMONSTRATORS IN BUILDING THAT HOUSES ISRAELI CONSULATE

SAN FRANCISCO  Police in San Francisco arrested pro-Palestinian demonstrators who occupied the lobby of a building that houses the Israeli Consulate on Monday.

It was not immediately clear how many arrests were made but an Associated Press journalist saw police arresting at least a dozen people.

A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators entered the building and occupied it for several hours Monday. The protesters posted signs on the front doors of the building calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest Marco Sermoneta said the protesters arrived around 9 a.m. at the Financial Districts high-rise but didnt enter the consulates offices. He said his office was telling people that they might need to change their appointments.

G7 COUNTRIES FULLY ENDORSE BIDEN'S GAZA CEASE-FIRE PLAN

ROME  The Group of Seven industrialized nations has fully endorsed a cease-fire proposal announced by the United States to try to end Israels war in Gaza, and has called on Hamas to accept it.

In a statement released by the Italian presidency Monday, the G7 urged countries with influence over Hamas to ensure that it accepts the deal.

U.S. President Joe Biden detailed the three-phase deal on Friday, which calls for a full and complete cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In the statement, the G7 said its leaders fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive deal that Biden outlined. They reaffirmed support for a credible pathway to peace and a two-state solution.

We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so, the statement said.

ISRAEL SAYS 4 HOSTAGES FOUND DEAD, INCLUDING 3 OLDER MEN WHO APPEARED IN A HAMAS VIDEO BEGGING FOR THEIR RELEASE

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military on Monday confirmed the deaths of four more hostages held by Hamas  including three older men seen in a Hamas video begging for their release.

The three men, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Haim Peri, were all age 80 or older. Looking weak and wary, they appeared in a video in December released by Hamas under the title, Dont let us grow old here.

The fourth hostage was identified as Nadav Popplewell.

Israels military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the four men died together in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis when Israel was operating there. The cause of death was not immediately known.

We are checking all of the options, Hagari said. There are a lot of questions.

Israel carried out a major offensive in Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold, early this year.

Hamas claimed in May that Popplewell had died after being wounded in an Israeli airstrike, but provided no evidence.

PALESTINIAN OFFICIALS APPLY TO JOIN SOUTH AFRICA'S CASE AT THE TOP U.N. COURT ACCUSING ISRAEL OF GENOCIDE

THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Palestinian officials have applied at the top U.N. court for permission to join South Africas case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The request published Monday says that Israels ongoing military operation is part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map.

The request to the International Court of Justice was made on behalf of the State of Palestine and signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi. South Africa filed its case with the International Court of Justice late last year accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza.

Israel denies it is committing genocide.

The court has issued three preliminary orders in the case calling on Israel to do all it can to prevent deaths in the enclave, ramp up humanitarian aid and, most recently, halt its offensive in Rafah.

It is unclear how long the courts judges will take to rule on the request. If granted, Palestinian officials will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.

ISRAELI RAID IN NORTHERN WEST BANK KILLS 2 PALESTINIANS, AUTHORITIES SAY

JERUSALEM  Palestinian authorities said Israeli forces fatally shot two men during a raid in the northern occupied West Bank on Monday.

According to Israeli police, the raid was in the northern city of Nablus and an exchange of fire took place between security forces and militants near the Balata refugee camp.

The Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs said the two slain men were in their 20s. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a militant group active in the area, identified one of the slain men as one of its fighters.

Violence has flared in the Israeli-occupied territory since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out in October. Israeli forces launched a multi-day raid into Jenin, another city in the West Bank has long been a bastion of armed struggle against Israels occupation.

Since the war in Gaza began, over 500 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, some in gun battles with Israeli forces, and others shot dead for posing no apparent threat.

FIVE KEY ARAB NATIONS VOICE SUPPORT FOR TALKS ON GAZA CEASE-FIRE AND HOSTAGE RELEASE DEAL

AMMAN, Jordan  Five key Arab nations say they support efforts to negotiate a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that would lead to freeing hostages and detainees as well as bringing enough humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates held a virtual meeting Monday. In a statement from Jordan, they emphasized dealing seriously and positively with U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal. The deal offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the Islamic militant group, quieting the northern border with Lebanon and potentially advancing a historic agreement for Israel to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia.

The minsters called for the complete withdrawal of Israel's military from the Gaza Strip and starting reconstruction in war-ravaged Gaza, with a framework for reaching a two-state solution with specific timings and binding guarantees.

Qatar and Egypt, along with the U.S., have been mediating the cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

2 MEMBERS OF LEBANONS HEZBOLLAH GROUP APPARENTLY KILLED IN AN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE

BEIRUT  The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Monday that two of its members were killed, announcing the names a few hours after a deadly Israeli drone strike on a car in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said its air force targeted an official with Hezbollahs air defense units identifying him as Ali Hussein Sabra. Hezbollah identified one of the two killed with the same name without giving any details about his work within the group.

The strike came two days after Hezbollah shot down an Israeli Hermes 900 Kochav, a medium-altitude and long-endurance drone that can carry four anti-tank guided missiles.

Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks, after Israel launched its offensive into the key southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Israeli drone strikes have killed dozens of Hezbollah members since exchanges of fire began on Oct. 8, a day after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began.

Since then, more than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon, most of them Hezbollah members. The dead also include more than 70 civilians and non-combatants. On the Israeli side, at least 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed.

MAN DETAINED IN ROMANIA AFTER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING THE ISRAELI EMBASSY WITH A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL

BUCHAREST, Romania  A foreign citizen has been detained in Romanias capital after allegedly attacking the entrance of the Israeli Embassy with a Molotov cocktail. The attack caused a small fire but no casualties, local media and police reported.

A 34-year-old man was apprehended by antiterrorism officers from the Romanian Intelligence Service before police arrived at the scene, police in Bucharest said, adding that the suspect allegedly also tried to set himself on fire.

A police spokesperson told local news channel Digi24 that the incident was motivated by personal grievances and not by the international context of Israels ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Police said that investigations are underway to establish the circumstances of the incident.

NETANYAHU REPORTEDLY SAYS A CEASE-FIRE PROPOSAL WOULD MEET GOAL OF ELIMINATING HAMAS

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has not backed down from his goal of destroying Hamas and told his hard-line governing partners that a cease-fire proposal pushed by U.S. President Joe Biden would meet that goal, or else Israel would return to war, according to local media.

Netanyahu has faced a backlash from ultranationalists in his coalition who have threatened to bring down his government if he agrees to a deal that would end the war in Gaza without eliminating Hamas.

Biden last week announced what he called an Israeli offer that includes an enduring cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages it is holding. The outline released by the Biden administration does not explicitly talk of removing Hamas from governing Gaza or eliminating it. But in a speech Friday, Biden said Israels 8-month-old offensive had degraded the militants to a point where they could no longer carry out an Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu told the parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that there are certain gaps in Bidens announcement. Biden spoke about the outline but not all of the details, he said during the closed-door session, according to Israeli media. He said that in the Biden plan, there are built-in measures to ensure all sides are upholding the deal before it progresses to the next stage.

We reserve the right to return to war, Netanyahu told the committee, according to the media reports.
Lauren Boebert left squirming after she is confronted over Beetlejuice saga during Republican debate

Lauren Boebert pushes back during a Republican debate on Friday after confronted over the Beetlejuice scandal (9 News / screengrab)

Colorado Republicans got a front row seat on Friday to watch congresswoman Lauren Boebert own up to her scandalous night at the theater last fall during a fiery GOP debate.

After a slew of controversial public incidents, Ms Boebert is trying to remain in Congress by switching from her seat in Colorados third district to its more conservative fourth district where a spot has opened up after GOP Rep. Ken Bucks retirement.

The Colorado primary takes place on June 25.

Ms Boebert was kicked out of Denver theater during a production of the musical Beetlejuice last September after vaping, singing, taking flash photos, and groping her date in the dark venue. At first she denied the incident - until video surveillance was released.

Boebert appeared in Denver on Friday with six other GOP candidates  state Rep Richard Holtorf, state Rep Mike Lynch, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, Logan County CommissionerJerry Sonnenberg and finance executive Peter Yu  for a televised debate.

During the debate, a moderator asked whether Boebert wanted to talk about the theater thing. Ms Boebert said she has owned up to my night out in Denver.

She added: Ive gone on that public apology tourbut Im not going to continue to live life in shame and be beat up by this.

The moderator, 9News Denver anchor Kyle Clark, then suggested that her apology wasnt enough.

Did you apologize to Ms Boebert apologize for your behavior that went on with you and your dateor did you apologize to lying to voters and for the disrespect you showed to service workers that night? he asked

Becoming visibly irked, Boebert shot back: I dont believe there was disrespect. There were things that were taken out of context. Its been reported that I flipped someone off and I did not. So I think its been mischaracterized.

The Colorado Republican then accused Clark of releasing the footage and showing the public a very private moment.

Certainly, Clark replied, as Boebert tried to talk over him. It was very important to figure out whether you were telling the truth or whether a public agency was lying about your conduct. Either way was very important for folks to find out.

The Independent has contacted Boeberts office for comment on the debate.

Last month, Boebert was heckled by protesters chanting Beetlejuice when she visited George Washington Universitys campus amid pro-Gaza protests.

In December 2023, the GOP firebrand announced she planned to run for election in a different district. At the time, she called the decision a fresh start following a pretty difficult year for me and my family. Her move came after she narrowly defeated her Democratic rival in 2022.

A month after her announcement, a straw poll with eight competitors revealed the Colorado congresswoman finishing in fifth place, earning just 12 out of the 117 votes cast.

A more recent poll revealed that Boeberts district switch may not have been a favorable move. In May, a poll revealed that Democratic candidate Ian McCorkle was leading Boebert 41 per cent to 27 per cent.
Getty Images

As Democrats won a majority in the House and Senate and retained control of the governors office in 2022, the partys trifecta carried forward decades of unfulfilled legislative goals.

With the first Democratic trifecta in 40 years sworn in at the start of 2023, Democratic lawmakers took on years of pent-up policy with a slim two-seat majority in the House and Senate. Though efforts such as repealing Michigans Right to Work laws and creating red flag laws previously failed to gain traction under Republican leadership, Democrats were able to move the needle on multiple long-held priorities.

In her Whats Next Address last August, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared her policy priorities for the remainder of 2023. The list mostly focused on health, energy, the economy and democracy as she called on lawmakers to pass policies addressing prescription drug affordability, reproductive rights, clean energy siting, and paid family leave, among other efforts.

Last May, state Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) each introduced policies  Senate Bills 332 and 333 and House Bills 4574 and 4575  that would provide workers around the state with up to 15 weeks of paid leave, which would be paid for through contributions by both employers and employees.

While many of Whitmers priorities have gained at least some traction within the Legislature, the paid family leave policies have stagnated in committee, as both packages have yet to receive a hearing.

Following the governors speech, a leaked memo from Michigan House Republicans blasted Scotts proposal as a summer break for adults.

In an email House Republican spokesperson Jeremiah Ward later told the Advance that Republicans supported paid family leave for those tending to family and medical needs, but that the proposal was poorly written and would burden workers and small businesses with a new tax while allowing some people to take advantage of an important benefit.

On May 15, about a year since both policies were referred to committee, the Michigan Paid Leave For All Coalition, sent a letter to Senate Housing and Human Services Committee Chair Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and House Labor Committee Chair Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) calling for action on the bills.

The coalition  whose members include Mothering Justice, the Michigan League for Public Policy and Detroit Disability Power alongside other community, labor and health access groups  letter was also sent to the governor, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), and members of the Senate Housing and Human Services and House Labor Committees.

Haadsma told the Advance that Democratic leadership hadnt shown any interest in having Scotts bills presented before the end of June, remaining focused on the state budget.

There are many pent up issues wed like to take up. [Were] waiting for a signal from leadership to proceed, Haadsma said, noting it was unlikely the committee would take up the policies before members of the House adjourn for the summer.

When asked about the possibility of Geiss package receiving a hearing in the Senate, Irwin told the Advance there had been discussions about how to move the policy forward, and that money was placed into the state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 to conduct an actuarial analysis of what it would cost for the state to adopt the proposed system for family leave.

At the Moms First Summit in New York earlier this month, Whitmer reaffirmed her support for family leave and discussed her experience caring for her mother who had brain cancer, while also serving in the Legislature and raising a newborn child, Bridge Michigan reported.

Danielle Atkinson, the national executive director and founder of Mothering Justice, an organization seeking to empower mothers of color in advocating for policy change said its important for laws and policies to reflect the way people live.

Not having paid leave means not being able to care for yourself first and foremost. It means taking into consideration how youre going to pay rent, if youre going to be able to afford the medication that you need to be well, Atkinson said.

Youre having to consider whether or not you can make ends meet while youre making other decisions. And sometimes its these things that were talking about around cancer diagnosis or taking care of someone with dementia, and then sometimes its about welcoming a new child to your family. But unfortunately, our laws and our policies havent kept up with what we need as a society, Atkinson said.

While everybody gets sick, not everybody has time to get well, Atkinson said. Having paid family leave would help level the playing field and create equity for those who otherwise would not be able to afford to take time off work, she said.

In her August address, Whitmer noted that 77% of Michigan families do not have access to paid family and medical leave.

Recent polling commissioned by Mothering Justice and conducted by Mitchell Research Communications Inc. found 63% of likely voters were in favor of a paid family leave. Half of the voters polled felt it was important for the governor to sign the legislation in the 2024 calendar year.

The benefits of having a paid family leave policy in the state would also extend to those who dont directly receive it, Atkinson said, detailing a conversation she had with a stay-at-home mother, whose husband benefitted from General Motors recent extension of its paid leave policy.

Shes like, You know, Im able to breathe; Im able to take a break; Im able to take a sick day from being a stay-at-home mom because my husband has this benefit. So it is so important not only for the ones who are receiving it, but for the community that is being supported by that individual, Atkinson said.

The proposed paid family leave policies also take into account that family goes beyond blood, Atkinson said.

Additionally, the poll found that 46% of voters would be more likely to stay and work in Michigan if the state adopted a paid family and medical leave program.

As the Whitmer administration looks to grow Michigans economy and make the state an attractive place to raise a family, Atkinson said policymakers cant be nearsighted.

We have to think what people will be considering after college in different stages of their lives in different caregiving positions and roles, she said. If were going to be a state that leads economically we have to be a state thats leading for workers and the people in the workforce.

The post As lawmakers cross off Whitmers priorities, paid family leave efforts sit stagnant appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Former President Trumps conviction in his New York hush money trial is poised to dominate the conversation on Capitol Hill this week, when lawmakers return to Washington and face questions about the guilty verdict and how they think it will affect the presidential election and down-ballot races as the calendar inches closer to November.

A handful of vulnerable House Republicans has remained mum on the former presidents conviction, while other GOP lawmakers are vowing action in response to the conviction  two dynamics that will take center stage when lawmakers in both chambers make their way to the Capitol on Monday.

Also this week, Anthony Fauci is set to testify before a House panel, marking the first time in nearly two years that he will appear publicly before lawmakers. The hearing  focused on the U.S.s COVID-19 response  could get fiery because Republicans vow to grill the public health expert, who has become a boogeyman on the right.

On the House floor, lawmakers will consider legislation to sanction International Criminal Court officials after the ICC requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli and Hamas leaders. The lower chamber will also vote on the first of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal 2025.

On the other side of the Capitol, senators will vote on a bill to protect access to contraceptives as Democrats seek to highlight reproductive rights in the lead-up to the November elections.

Trump conviction to dominate conversation

Lawmakers are sure to face questions about Trumps 34 guilty verdicts when they arrive at the Capitol on Monday, which marks the first day many will come face-to-face with reporters since a 12-person jury voted to convict the former president for falsifying business records in the case, which was centered on a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels.

The members most sought out will likely be a group of vulnerable House Republicans who have yet to comment on Trumps conviction. The GOP lawmakers hail from districts President Biden won in 2020, a dynamic that makes their reaction to the guilty verdict more complicated as they vie for reelection in November.

That GOP list includes California Reps. Mike Garcia, Michelle Steel, David Valadao, John Duarte and Young Kim, in addition to Reps. Tom Kean Jr. (N.J.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) and David Schweikert (Ariz.). They did not respond to The Hills requests for comment last week.

As the GOP groups silence persists, the House Democrats campaign arm is beginning to go after the front-line Republicans, upping the pressure as they leave people wondering when  and how  they will respond to the historic conviction.

If these shameless, self-serving GOP representatives cared a single bit about law and order in California, theyd be condemning this 34-time convicted felon instead of endorsing him to be President of the United States, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Dan Gottlieb said in a statement, name-checking many of the California lawmakers who have remained silent.

The vast majority of the Republican Party, meanwhile, has continued to hammer away at the guilty charges, labeling the process that led to the conviction politically motivated and criticizing the prosecutions star witness, Michael Cohen, as untrustworthy.

Top Republicans have signaled that their outrage will translate into action on Capitol Hill in the near future. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) announced last week he will demand Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and another top prosecutor who worked on the hush money case appear for a June 13 hearing.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday said the purpose of that event is to investigate what these prosecutors are doing at the state and federal level to use politics, you know, political retribution in the court system to go after political opponents, federal officials like Donald Trump.

We have to fight back, and we will, with everything in our arsenal, he added during a Fox News Sunday interview. But we do that within the confines of the rule of law. We believe in our institutions.

House GOP set to grill Fauci

House Republicans are set to grill Anthony Fauci during a high-profile hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic this week, which will mark the first time since September 2022 that the public health expert has testified publicly.

The hearing, before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, is slated for 10 a.m. EDT Monday.

The event comes after Fauci  who stepped down as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the end of 2022, after nearly 40 years in the post  sat for two closed-door interviews with the panel in January, during which Republicans pressed him on the lab-leak theory of the COVID-19 origins and the six-foot social distancing guidelines, among other topics.

The panel released those transcripts Friday, ahead of Mondays hearing.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), the chair of the panel, said he is interested in asking Fauci about his role in the response to the pandemic and the origins of COVID-19. Republicans are also expected to ask Fauci about allegations that a NIAID official evaded public records laws to conceal records related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retirement from public service does not excuse Dr. Fauci from accountability to the American people, Wenstrup said in a statement last week.

House to vote on ICC sanctions legislation, appropriations bill

The House this week is slated to vote on a bill to sanction the ICC after its chief prosecutor filed arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli and Hamas leaders last month, a move that sparked widespread bipartisan outrage in Washington.

The measure  led by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas)  calls for imposing sanctions on ICC officials who engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies.

The sanctions would include blocking U.S. property transactions for individuals, deeming them inadmissible to the U.S. and revoking any visas they have.

If the ICC insists on targeting Israel, a democracy defending itself against evil, the U.S. must stand against them and ensure there are consequences for these international bureaucrats, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) wrote in a floor lookout Sunday night.

The vote is sure to fracture the Democratic Caucus, which has been split on the ICCs move. Pro-Israel Democrats have slammed it, accusing the officials of drawing a false equivalency between Israel and Hamas, while pro-Palestinians liberals  who are up in arms over the mounting humanitarian deaths in the Gaza strip  have called for the courts independence to be respected.

Adding to the internal politics, the White House last week said it was opposed to sanctioning the ICC, complicating bipartisan negotiations that had been ongoing for days.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan filed the arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the leaders of Hamas last month, arguing they bear criminal responsibility for a handful of war crimes, such as starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and extermination as a crime against humanity.

ICC judges will not determine whether to grant the warrants.

The House this week is also set to vote on the first appropriations bill for fiscal 2025, kicking off floor consideration of government funding measures ahead of the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline.

The legislation  one of 12 appropriations bills  funds military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The House Appropriations Committee advanced the measure in a 34-25 vote last month.

Senate to vote on bill protecting right to contraception

The Senate this week will vote on a bill to protect access to contraception as Democrats look to lean in on the issue of reproductive rights ahead of the November elections.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced in a Dear Colleague letter on Sunday that the upper chamber would vote on the legislation  titled the Right to Contraception Act  on Wednesday.

The vote comes ahead of the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that struck down Roe v. Wade  the case that established a constitutional right to abortion  sending the question of abortion rights to the states.

The contraception legislation is unlikely to clear the Senate, where the 60-vote filibuster exists. But the vote will give Democrats an opportunity to put Republicans on the record on reproductive rights, and help fuel abortion-rights messaging on the campaign trail ahead of November.

Democrats have been clear we will not stand for these attacks and we will fight to preserve reproductive freedoms, Schumer said in his Sunday letter.

The hard-right MAGA Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade opened the floodgates for Republicans to force their anti-reproductive freedom, anti-women agenda down the throats of all Americans, he added.

Consideration of the contraception bill comes after Schumer teed up a messaging vote last month on the bipartisan border deal, which a group of senators unveiled earlier this year. Republicans ultimately blocked the measure, which meant to give vulnerable Senate Democrats an opportunity to cast a vote on the record in favor of cracking down on the situation at the southern border, a matter emerging as a key campaign issue this cycle.

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Lawmakers want modest pension adjustments to help retirees. Not so fast, general treasurer says

Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa has cautioned lawmakers against tinkering with the 2012 pension overhaul to appease state retirees, saying the state's bond rating is on the line. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

It didnt take long for Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa to wave a cautionary flag on lawmakers proposed changes to the state pension system.

Less than one hour after the House Committee on Finance approved a revised fiscal 2025 budget Friday night, Diossa took to X to respond to recommended revisions in retiree benefits and pension funding ratios. While Diossa stopped short of opposing the changes, he highlighted the debt and increased liability for the beleaguered pension fund, which could hurt the states borrowing capacity in the future.

In discussions with the states fiscal advisor and actuary my office has been cautioned that increases in liability, combined with additional debt service, could potentially have an impact on the states bond rating in the future, Diossa said in a statement on X.

Treasurer Diossa responds to proposed pension changes in FY25 budget. pic.twitter.com/zmCqdy12TI  Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa (@RITreasury) June 1, 2024

Diossa in an interview Monday night said he supported lawmakers proposals, but wanted to make sure they were aware of the long-term impact on the states financial stability.

If we are going to adopt these changes, we have to fund them every year, Diossa said. That is where I am most concerned, the long-term of it. We can fund it next year, and the year after, but we have to stay the course.

The revised $13.9 billion budget proposal unveiled and given first passage by a panel of House lawmakers Friday includes a nod to retired state workers and teachers, whose cost-of-living (COLA) increases were abruptly halted in 2012. The pension overhaul proved unpopular among retirees and active workers paying into the state pension system, yet has shown effectiveness in shoring up the troubled pension system. Over the last 12 years since reforms were enacted, the taxpayer burden has been slashed in half while the dangerously unfunded liability has shrunk and the states credit rating has improved.

The goal of the 2012 reforms was to reach 80% funding  considered a sign of relative stability  at which time suspended COLAs would be brought back to life. As of June 30, 2023, the system was 62.8% funded, with analysts projecting the state system would reach the 80% benchmark by 2030 under existing policies.

Yet lawmakers want to help struggling retirees now, offering a scaled-down version of full COLA reinstatement, which if applied retroactively, would come with a $169 million price tag, according to a February report by a panel tasked with studying the topic.

Instead, the revised fiscal 2025 budget proposal offers COLAs to the 19,000 retirees who stopped working before the 2012 reforms. It also reduces the target funding ratio at which time COLAs would be universally revived from 80% funding to 75% funding. When the pension fund would reach 75% funding was not specified.

Other, more minor changes include tweaking how benefits are calculated. The annual retirement benefits would reflect the average of the top three years of earnings instead of five. The pay retired teachers can earn without losing benefits would increase from $18,000 a year to $25,000. Additionally, the same retirement benefits available for local public safety workers would be extended to state public safety employees.

Lawmakers budget plan also preserves Gov. Dan McKees proposal to raise the exemption on taxable retirement income from $20,000 to $50,000.

Together, these amendments come with a $27.5 million state cost in fiscal 2025, with $20.6 million coming from the states general revenues under the revised budget, according to House fiscal staff analysis.

Theres also a $15 million required local contribution from cities and towns that participate in the state pension system.

Most alarming for Diossa is the projected $417 million increase in the pension shortfall, which cuts the funding ratio by 2%, according to actuarial figures shared in his social media post.

The pension liability remains a primary source of financial weakness in state credit ratings, as noted in the February report issued by the states Pension Advisory Working Group. The report did not include a position for or against any changes to the state pension system.

If we dont fund these benefit changes, this could have an impact on our bond rating, Diossa said Monday. The importance of having a strong bond rating, which we have had for many years, is it gives us the opportunity to go out for projects at much cheaper borrowing costs.

More sweeping pension changes could be added to the fiscal 2025 budget when the full House of Representatives takes up the spending plan on June 7. Diossa said he had no objections as long as lawmakers also include the funding to pay for it.

Working group co-chairs George Nee, president of AFL-CIO, and Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday.

McKees office did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment Monday.

Updated to include comments from General Treasurer James Diossa.

The post Lawmakers want modest pension adjustments to help retirees. Not so fast, general treasurer says appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
The Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

A state law requiring secrecy in court filings violates the Missouri Constitutions requirement for open courts and imposes steep new costs on litigants, especially those pursuing appeals, a lawsuit filed last week argues.

The lawsuit, filed in Cole County by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, two attorneys and William Freivogel, editor of the Gateway Journalism Review, asks for the courts to overturn the law, passed during the 2023 legislative session.

Along with violating Missourians rights to courts that are open, the lawsuit alleges that the law violates First Amendment free speech protections in the U.S. Constitution and sections of the Missouri Constitution limiting lawmakers powers to expand bills beyond their original scope.

Under the law and rules implementing it, every reference to a witness or victim in every case filing must be censored or the attorney filing it risks sanctions.

For example, court records cannot even name the victim of a murder case  even though murder is a terrible crime of great interest to every Missouri community and citizen, the lawsuit states. This makes it difficult for citizens and the media to fully follow and understand criminal cases of great interest. And there is no privacy interest for redacting murder victims names, because homicide victims, being deceased, have no personal privacy interest.

Removing those names can be time consuming and  when lawyers charge hundreds of dollars per hour  expensive, said Dave Roland, one of the attorneys working on the case.

The rules put additional burdens on prosecutors, defense attorneys and counsel in civil cases to scour their filings for possible violations, Roland said. The task is multiplied many times when preparing cases for an appeal, he said, because a party seeking to overturn a lower court ruling must file a complete copy of the court record  including transcripts of trials and other hearings  with all the prohibited information removed.

Transcripts are already expensive, Roland said.

Depending on the length of the trial you know, the cost can vary, he said. If you have a one day trial, it may only be a couple of hundred dollars for the transcript. If youve got a multi-week trial, then it could be thousands of dollars.

The two attorneys who are parties to the case, Michael Gross and Nina McDonnell, have turned down clients because of the additional cost and time

For example, Plaintiff McDonnell recently refused an employment discrimination direct appeal from a 12-day trial because redacting the transcripts would have required time the potential client could not afford, and the firm could not absorb, the lawsuit states.

Rolands co-counsels on the case include former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Wolff, who with Roland will represent Freivogel and the two attorneys, and Mike Nepple, Mark Sableman and Justin Mulligan of Thompson Coburn, representing the broadcasters.

In October, writing for Gateway Journalism Review, Sableman called Missouri the State of Unnamed Persons.

The new law hurts the public by hiding information, makes it difficult for attorneys outside the case to evaluate it and leaves people interested in a case unsure about how it was handled, he wrote.

Even judges writing appellate opinions must follow the rules and leave out any individual identifiers, he noted.

You cant tell if Expert Witness in one case had been found to lack credibility in a previous case, Sableman wrote You cant tell if Officer D.V. in State v. Smith was found guilty of misconduct in another case. If you know and care about a particular case, you cant tell if the witnesses you know about were called to testify or considered by the court.

The broadcasters association joined the lawsuit because court records are a staple of news reporting, said Chad Mahoney, executive director of the association.

You have to have the facts and the context to give people the whole truth, Mahoney said. And now a lot of the context, according to what were hearing from some of our member newsrooms, is lost, making it very difficult for them to inform the public about whats going on.

The lawsuit not only asks the court to throw out the law requiring censorship of court documents, it also argues that the bill in its entirety violates procedural rules in the constitution for passing bills.

Under those rules, a bill changing court operating rules established by the Missouri Supreme Court must be a law limited to the purpose. In addition, bills cannot be amended to change their original purpose and must deal with one subject clearly expressed in its title.

The bill that included the court censorship language began in the Senate as a four-page bill changing the dates in one section of state law concerning when a fund to support court automation expires, with a title stating it was about court automation.

When it left the Senate, it was five pages long and included a pay raise for court reporters. The title stated it was about court operations.

When it returned from the House, it was 54 pages long, it altered 29 sections of state statutes and the title stated it was about judicial proceedings. There are at least five provisions that have nothing to do with the courts, the lawsuit states.

State Rep. Rudy Veit, a Wardsville Republican, shepherded the bill through the House. He could not be reached Monday for comment on the lawsuit.

The provision was added on the House floor by state Rep. Justin Hicks, a Lake St. Louis Republican. Hicks could not be reached Monday for comment.

Hicks, a candidate for the GOP nomination to Congress in the 3rd District, has used the courts repeatedly to bury embarrassing information about his past. In 2021, he persuaded a St. Louis County judge to seal the records from a 2010 domestic violence case when a woman accused Hicks, then 17, of choking her.

A consent order signed by Hicks barred him from contact with the woman for a year.

When a potential candidate for Hickss House seat published copies of the order and other material from the case online, Hicks sued him and accused him of publishing private information. After initially sealing the case, St. Charles County Circuit Judge W. Christopher McDonough opened it, saying there was no compelling justification to keep it closed. The case has since been dismissed.

Because the lawsuit has just been filed, there has been no response from the state. But because the attorney generals office, which will have to defend the law, has already been troubled by violations in its own court filings, Roland hopes for a quick resolution.

It is possible, and this is me being optimistic, that the attorney generals office may recognize that theyve got a significant constitutional problem on their hands, Roland said.

In a pending appeal of a $23 million award to HHS Technologies over a breach of contract claim with the state Medicaid system, Baileys office had to file the same set of documents three times to get the redactions right, the Kansas City Star reported.

This illustrates the problem, Roland said. If the attorney generals office is going to get dinged for failing to make proper redactions, it illustrates the problem.

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The post Lawsuit claims new Missouri court secrecy law is unconstitutional appeared first on Missouri Independent.
An absentee ballots for the April 7 election. (Photo by Henry Redman)

A lawsuit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) could make Wisconsins absentee voting process more complicated while adding work for clerks just months before this years presidential election.

The lawsuit, filed in Marinette County court, asks that Judge James Morrison rule that voters who request an absentee ballot through MyVote, the states online voting portal, must also include a signed copy of their request when they send in their completed ballot in order for their vote to count.

State law allows for absentee ballot requests to be made by email. When a voter requests a ballot through MyVote, the system fills out a ballot request form and sends it by email to the voters municipal clerk.

The lawsuit was brought by Amberg resident Thomas Oldenburg. Oldenburgs attorneys have previously been involved in attacks on the states election systems. One, Kevin Scott, represented former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman in a case seeking to jail the mayors of Madison and Green Bay. The other attorney, Daniel Eastman, asked a federal judge to overturn Wisconsins 2020 election results.

In addition to the added step in requesting and returning an absentee ballot online, the lawsuit asks that Morrison prevent clerks from sending out absentee ballot envelopes that use a design recently approved by the WEC.

The first part of the lawsuit is based on a section of the absentee statutes that states voters dont need to provide a signature when making an absentee request electronically but they shall return with the voted ballot a copy of the request bearing an original signature of the elector. The lawsuit argues that unless a voter prints out the form created by MyVote when they make the request, their vote shouldnt count.

The suit states that this step would give municipal clerks assurance that the ballot is being returned by the qualified voter who requested it.

Morrison has previously ruled against the WEC, deciding last month to issue a temporary injunction that prohibits Marinette Countys municipal clerks from using the WECs redesigned absentee ballot envelope.

The envelope redesign was approved by the commission last year with the aim of having the same envelope meet the statutory criteria for people voting absentee in-person and by mail. The lawsuit claims that the envelopes should be banned because they include a line that states I requested this ballot and this is the original or a copy of that request.

The lawsuit argues that the envelope is not the original or a copy of the ballot request so voters are being asked to lie when they fill out the form.

In a response filed last week, the WEC urged Morrison to dismiss the lawsuit, stating the requested relief would risk disenfranchising tens or even hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin voters in upcoming elections, which would be a stunningly undemocratic result.

The commission also adds that Oldenburg doesnt have legal standing to bring a lawsuit over a quibble with one line of language on a WEC form while requesting massive changes to the states absentee system just before municipal clerks June 27 deadline to begin mailing ballots for the August primary elections.

Mike Haas, the Dane County Clerk and former administrator of the WEC, told Wisconsin Watch that the lawsuit is part of a trend in which people are using the judicial system to attack Wisconsins elections over technicalities, saying the litigation seems to be part of an ongoing effort to make what are now technical requirements into substantive hurdles for absentee voters.

The post Lawsuit could add additional steps to Wisconsin absentee voting appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Chilling home security footage obtained by the Fox 8 I-Team shows the terrifying moments where a mass shooting began on Akrons East side (as seen in the player above). In total 25 people were shot; one man is dead and two of those injured are in critical condition.

Condolences with the victims family and friends, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said Sunday. My heart goes out to the young man whose life was senselessly cut short, and to everyone who was injured.

Akron police say the shooting happened outside of a large gathering with hundreds of people in attendance at a resident near the intersection of 8th Avenue and Kelly Avenue.

20-year-old mans body recovered at Edgewater Park: CLE fire department

Before the shooting began, police were called to the residence for loud noise and fireworks. Police dispersed the crowd, but later the party restarted. Right around midnight the shooting began.

The scene was littered with spent shell casings, mostly pistol caliber rounds, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said. We recovered two handguns at the scene based on the layout of the spent shell casing, it appears consistent with someone driving by shooting out of a car.

The Fox 8 I-Team confirms that a 27-year-old man died during the shooting. A total of 15 patients were taken to Summa Hospital, 14 with non-life-threatening injuries, one in critical condition.

Another person is in critical condition at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital and 8 more victims are being treated for their injuries after being shot.

Bow, bow, bow, bow non-stop, for three to four minutes, East Akron resident Charnella Roberts said.

For somebody to have a party that big with all these people around here and everybody shooting? Everybody was shooting from what they saying online, Roberts said. So, I dont know. Akron needs to get a grip on everything. Parents need to get a grip on their kids. Old, young, middle aged, whatever  killing each other  this is not it. We need to stop. Stop.

Across town, 40 pastors gathered at the First Apostolic Faith Church to stand together against gun violence and support their community.

I dont know that Ive ever seen a crime scene such as this with so many people involved, Providence Baptist Church Pastor Vincent Peterson said.

Peterson views the entire situation as heartbreaking but says collectively the churches will work to support the victims of this shooting by pooling resources. But he calls on the community to help put an end to senseless gun violence.

Lay your guns down, before your guns lay you down, he said.

I-Team: 2 shot in Sandusky; search is on for suspect

The Akron police said its early in the investigation, but it has no suspect information. Detectives are speaking to victims at the hospital as they can. To aid the investigation, the city is asking the public to come forward with information to help solve this crime. An updated reward of $22,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

To everyone who was present at the party at the time of the shooting, we need you to speak with police, Malik said. You have an obligation to speak with police and help us solve this case. As he said, even the smallest detail can help us find the answer to this case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of the following:

The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS.

Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.

Malik understands that residents nearby may be reluctant to provide tips to police due to fear of retaliation but advises residents that its more important to get these violent offenders arrested for their heinous crimes, protecting their neighborhoods and innocent people from future crimes.

Remaining anonymous is viewed as a key toward ensuring you are not retaliated against.

Malik said the suspects responsible for the shooting will be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law and anyone who retaliates will also be prosecuted to the furthest extent.

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.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A Town Creek man was killed after being attacked by dogs, according to the sheriffs office.

The Lawrence County Sheriffs Office said that deputies responded to a call about a dog attack at a home on the 200 block of County Road 264 in Town Creek around 3:30 p.m. on June 2.

DeKalb County man arrested, stolen property recovered

When deputies arrived they found Willard Norton, 83, by his front door. He was receiving medical care, but was unresponsive.

Norton was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. The Lawrence County Coroner Scott Norwood has ordered an autopsy by the Alabama Department of Forensic Science.

Nortons family tells News 19 the man survived four heart attacks and beat cancer, only to die in what they believe was an avoidable dog attack.

Several grandchildren were at Nortons home Monday afternoon. They tell News 19 their family has had a handful of dangerous encounters with the dogs before Nortons death.

Its been an ongoing problem for more than a year, one granddaughter said. He tried to handle it civilly, talked to them, wrote letters, this was all avoidable.

Nortons granddaughter says he took pride in his property and he was tending to his rosebush in the front yard when he was attacked. They say he likely struggled to the front door.

Nortons grandchildren say he was the glue that held their family together. The 83-year-old had 9 grandchildren and nearly a dozen great-grandchildren.

He didnt miss any sports event for any of them, said Andrew Tate.

LCSO said the two dogs were taken to the Lawrence County Animal Shelter by Animal Control. Another large dog could be seen and heard barking in the window of the neighbors home Monday afternoon.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Lawrence County District Attorneys Office will determine the charges against the dogs owners.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. There has been no progress in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues regarding Iran's nuclear program, said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, as he addressed the board of governors, Trend reports.

"Iran has not provided the Agency with technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at Varamin and Turquzabad or informed the IAEA of the current location(s) of the nuclear material and/or of contaminated equipment," he said.

Grossi also noted that Iran still is not implementing modified Code 3.1, having stated it had suspended such implementation.

"These outstanding safeguards issues stem from Irans obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and need to be resolved for the agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Irans nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. Further public statements made in Iran regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and possible changes to Irans nuclear doctrine only increase my concerns about the correctness and completeness of Irans safeguards declarations," the IAEA chief added.

Meanwhile, in March 2023, an agreement was reached between Iran and the IAEA, and a statement on the agreement was made. According to the agreement, Iran's cooperation with the IAEA is within the framework of the Convention on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and safeguards, and the parties are to cooperate on allegations of the existence of enriched uranium substances in connection with Iran's nuclear program.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron police have leads but no arrests for a mass shooting on the citys east side that took place early Sunday morning.

Several 911 callers reported shots being fired just after midnight in the area of Kelly and 8th Avenues, police said Sunday.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In total 25 people were shot; a 27-year-old man was killed and two were critically injured.

The Summit County Medical Examiner identified the victim Monday as Lateris Cook, 27.

Witnesses describe a chaotic scene with rapid gunfire and more than a hundred people running for their lives.

Akron police tell FOX 8 that detectives with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are examining shell casings to determine if the weapons involved were used in any previous shootings.

20-year-old mans body recovered at Edgewater Park

The day started with a birthday party, which grew throughout Saturday evening. Witnesses estimate there were 200 people there. Around 10 p.m., police were called to break up the crowd over noise and nuisance complaints. But the party resumed and just after midnight there were gunshots.

(WJW photo)

(WJW photo)

Its ridiculous out here. Somebody have a party that big with all these people around and everybody shooting? Everybody was shooting,said Neighbor Charnella Roberts, who also described the madness. Bow, bow, bow, bow, bow, bow, bow. Non-stop, for three to four minutes.

Home security footage obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team shows the terrifying moments as the shooting began.

Akron Police Chief Brian Harding, who was sworn in on Tuesday, said officers recovered two weapons at the scene but evidence shows there were multiple guns involved. He believes someone fired from a vehicle and people in the crowd returned fire.

There are multiple different shell casings at the scene so there were multiple firearms that were used, said Chief Harding.

These jobs may not exist in 50 years

Investigators are considering that this could have been gang-related. The police chief and mayor are concerned about retaliation.

Mayor Shammas Malik called on witnesses to find the courage to share what they know.

To everyone who was present at the party at the time of the shooting. We need you to speak with police. You have an obligation to speak with police and help us solve this case, said Malik.

Anyone with information can do so anonymously. The reward for information leading to the person or people responsible is up to $22,500.

Mayor Malik stressed, The number one way that we can create safety with regard to this specific incident is holding someone accountable for it and making sure that this does not give rise to a chain of violence that continues across this summer.

And, Charnella Roberts is begging the people in her community, Old, young, middle-aged, whatever, killing each other. This is not it. We need to stop. Stop!

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of the following:

The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS

Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637

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.
A view shows a damaged building amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Houla village near the border with Israel

A view shows a damaged building amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Houla village near the border with Israel

BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon's Hezbollah said on Monday it had launched a squadron of drones towards the headquarters of the Israeli military's Galilee formation in an intensification of cross-border violence between the two adversaries.

While Hezbollah has previously launched drones at Israel during hostilities that began in October, it marked the first time the Iran-backed group had announced firing a squadron of them.

The hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have rumbled on in parallel with the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, raising concern about the risk of a bigger conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Hezbollah also said it had launched dozens of Katyusha rockets towards Israeli targets in the occupied Golan Heights.

Air raid sirens sounded numerous times across northern Israel, sending residents running for shelter. The Israeli military said it had intercepted one drone from Lebanon carrying explosives, and at least two others fell in northern Israel.

Continuous rocket and drone launches since Sunday have set off massive wild fires in Israel's north.

The military also said it carried out strikes against Hezbollah compounds and one of its operatives.

Hezbollah said it had fired the explosive drone squadron in response to what it described as an assassination carried out by Israel in the Zrariyeh area some 25 km (15 miles) from the border, where security sources in Lebanon said a Hezbollah member was killed in an Israeli drone strike.

The group also said it had launched drones on Sunday towards Liman in northern Israel.

Also on Sunday, a drone launched by Hezbollah fell in the Israeli coastal city of Nahariya, causing a fire but no injuries, Israel's military and local media reported.

Lebanon's southern border has seen an uptick in hostilities in recent days, with both the Israeli military and Hezbollah striking locations outside the border strip where the exchanges of fire have been concentrated, and with increased intensity.

On Sunday, Israeli strikes killed two civilian men from the town of Houla, where they had stayed throughout the conflict to herd their cattle, security sources and townspeople told Reuters. They were buried on Monday in their hometown.

Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut on Monday, according to residents.

(Reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut, Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Dan Williams, Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Peter Graff, Timothy Heritage, William Maclean)
He left 2 people behind after running from a Kennewick crash. Heres how he was caught

The suspect in a dramatic hit-and-run was discovered in an unexpected place  allegedly trying to steal items from a Kennewick department store.

Tyler W. Harris, 39, had been on the run from police for nearly a week after leaving two people seriously injured after crashing into a semi at the intersection of Clearwater Avenue and Highway 395.

A Loss Prevention Officer at Macys Womens and Childrens store at the Columbia Center Mall spotted Harris trying to take items on Saturday, Trooper Chris Thorson told the Tri-City Herald.

The officer stopped him from leaving the store and reported the shoplifting about 5:50 p.m. State patrol then responded to arrest him on suspicion of vehicular assault.

Harris made his first appearance in Benton County Superior Court on Monday. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

Harris has previous run-ins with the law, including a 2023 conviction for having a stolen car and a 2022 conviction for destroying property. Neither of the felonies resulted in lengthy sentences.

Highway 395 crash

Kennewick police had tried to pursue Harris, whose drivers license is suspended, several times in the hours leading up to the chase, according to court documents. Its unclear what prompted the earlier attempts to chase him.

It appears the car had been stolen from Mattawa, according to court documents.

Harris was headed east on Clearwater Avenue when he ran the stop light and hit a semi in the intersection about 4 a.m. on May 27, according to the Washington State Patrol. The collision spun the car around, and threw one of the occupants out.

Kennewick police arrived shortly after the crash, and found two occupants outside of the Honda.

Angelina M. Cullen, 32, of Kennewick, was taken to Trios Southridge Hospital in Kennewick. The other passenger, Michael D. Sparks, 51, of Kennewick, was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

Cullen had several internal injuries from the crash.

After his arrest, Harris spoke with Washington State Patrol detectives. He said he believed the car belonged to his friend Antonio.

While he didnt initially want to talk about the collision, he later said, I didnt mean to.

He also said a female friend was the driver, according to court documents. But he later admitted to driving the car faster than the 35 mph speed limit on Clearwater Avenue.

Mr. Harris stated he had been chased by KPD earlier in the night and prior to the this incident and he stated, They knew I was not going to stop, Detective Ryan Sauve said as part of his affidavit for the 72-hour hold.

Mr. Harris stated his license is suspended and (he) did not want to go to jail because his license was suspended,
The man Minneapolis police say killed Officer Jamal Mitchell last week stood in a federal courtroom nearly a decade ago as the judge who was sentencing him on a felony gun charge pushed him to reckon with his crimes.

"I am taking full responsibility for my actions, and I hope to learn from my mistakes," Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed told U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank at the time, according to a court transcript.

Last week, police say, Mohamed fatally shot Mitchell on a Whittier neighborhood street, the first Minneapolis officer killed on the job in more than two decades. Mohamed, 35, who was then shot and killed by another officer, had by that point spent more than half his life in and out of serious trouble with the law, according to court records.

At the time of his death, two warrants were active for the arrest of Mohamed in connection with charges that he possessed a gun on a downtown Minneapolis street in the summer of 2022, in violation of the terms of his sentences for burglaries in 2006 and 2007.

It was April 2015 when Mohamed faced Frank in the federal courtroom in St. Paul. He was being sentenced for felony possession of a stolen gun while in an Eden Prairie apartment garage.

Frank outlined Mohamed's crimes up to that point, among them the two felony-level burglaries and a charge in Tennessee for being part of a child sex trafficking ring, a case ultimately dismissed against him and others. The judge then encouraged Mohamed to take advantage of the educational and substance abuse treatment opportunities at his disposal in the federal prison system.

That's when Mohamed apologized. He hoped to learn from his mistakes, he said, adding: "Thank you, that is all."

Frank responded: "For reasons I don't quite understand, I don't think we have been able to reach you," with the various convictions and sentences, at times lenient, imposed up to that point.

Frank gave Mohamed an eight-year sentence. He was set free in May 2020 and put on supervised release. In August 2022, he was arrested again with a gun at 12th and Hennepin Avenues, according to pending state charges. While out on a non-cash bond, the warrants were issued after Mohamed failed to appear for a hearing.

Now less than two years later, according to Minneapolis police and the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Mohamed was near the scene of last week's double shooting in a Blaisdell Avenue apartment. Moments later, he died outside from police gunfire in response to him repeatedly shooting Mitchell  the officer who was trying to help Mohamed.

Mustafa Mohamed's earlier crimes

Hennepin County court records show that Mohamed has been committing crimes beginning at least as young as 17, when he was convicted of auto theft. Before becoming an adult at 18, he was convicted again, this time for tampering with a vehicle.

A week after turning 18 in October 2006, Mohamed and two others slipped into a south Minneapolis woman's ground-level apartment through an open window. The woman was knocked to the ground before they fled in a van.

Mohamed pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary, and Judge William Koch chose to set aside a four-year sentence and put him on probation, a punishment that Frank seven years later called a "sweetheart deal."

In May 2008, Mohamed violated the terms of his probation, when he broke into an O'Reilly Auto Parts store on E. Lake Street late at night and removed two cash drawers and a safe bolted to the office floor. He pleaded guilty and received a 1-year sentence from Koch that ran concurrent with the prison time revived for violating terms of his probation for the apartment break-in.
To the editor: Thank you for sharing calculations that show how California utilities are about to wreck conservation efforts and rip off customers with this new electricity billing scheme. ("California is changing how big power companies charge for electricity. What to expect on your bill," May 16)

It is unconscionable but not surprising that our government continues to encourage utilities to steal from customers. It is beyond belief that any official in California supports a business model that discourages conservation like this one does, by charging most customers a flat fee but reducing per-kilowatt hour charges.

It is more clear than ever that capitalism is an enemy responsible for much of the suffering in our world. As long as we meekly allow those in power to pursue their own greed and interests, the planet will continue to die and all life will suffer irreparable damage.

The Times routinely reports on the success Californians have already had conserving electricity and water. It is long overdue that the companies and government officials impeding this progress change course, radically and immediately.

Daniel Loftin, Long Beach

..

To the editor: I own and live in a two-bedroom town house in a small, common-interest development. I am one of the "low-energy" users whose electric bills will increase with the $24.15 flat monthly fee.

I now pay less than the $241.50 per month calculated for users who will "break even" under the new system, so I will pay more even if the per-kilowatt hour rates decrease by 8% or 10%.

You report that Southern California Edison and other utilities suggest saving electricity by grilling food outdoors instead of turning on the stove. So, save on electricity by using a barbecue on the balcony. Great idea.

Oh, wait. The fire code prohibits the use of charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. California law permits only electric grills on balconies in multi-family dwellings. Go figure.

Georgette Herget, El Segundo

..

To the editor: Let me get this straight.

Energy hogs will now be encouraged to waste even more electricity, while people who installed rooftop solar (ignored in your article) will have to pay the new $24.15 monthly fee, even though they contribute power to the grid.

Did Gov. Gavin Newsom brag about this in his recent climate speech at the Vatican?

Hal Drake, Santa Barbara

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Protect the arts at Penn State





The just opened new Palmer Museum of Art is and will be into the future a wonderful resource for all. As stated in the speeches at the opening, the arts bring an opportunity to investigate who we are and who we are becoming. The arts provide an emotional and aesthetic experience in their own unique language. Matthew Schuyler, the president of the board of trustees, stated that he was a statistics major but it was the experience with the arts at Penn State that he found most meaningful.

While the speeches were grand, the cuts that are being made across the universitys curriculum in the performing arts, the visual arts, and in all of the liberal arts creates great concern.

Let us hope that the speeches made at the opening of the new Palmer dont ring hollow in the future.

David Werner, State College

Support candidates who protect voting rights

Im a poll worker, like thousands of other Pennsylvanians. All day long we help voters vote on Election Day. We check them in, answer questions, explain how to mark ballots, and exchange spoiled ballots that are incorrectly marked for new ones.

On Election Day, I clock in at an understaffed precinct in my county at 5:30 a.m. and work until 9 p.m., with no time to get to my home precinct to cast my own vote. I therefore vote by mail. But if those who dislike mail-in-ballots have their way, I could be disenfranchised, along with other civic-minded citizens  such as, firefighters, seniors, shut-ins, nurses, military members, and more  who simply cant get to their polling place on Election Day.

The Centre County Republican Party unsuccessfully sued the county commissioners for accepting 95 mail-in-ballots (out of 8,494) that had inconsequential errors with outer envelope dates. This delayed certification of the Centre County primary election until May 28, making Centre County the last county in Pennsylvania to certify our vote.

These date errors have nothing to do with my legitimate right to vote, or my ability to choose my representatives. But if Republicans have their way, Id have no recourse to correct an incomplete or transposed date, unlike the hundreds of voters I help on Election Day.

This is unequal treatment under the law.

As you think about who to support in upcoming elections, please choose candidates who pledge to guard every eligible citizens right to vote.

Kathleen OConnell, Lemont

Hypocrisy in carpetbagging cries

As President Reagan said to Jimmy Carter, here you go again. Democrats and their political hacks are pretty good at the proverbial OK for me, but not for thee. I wrote this info about carpetbagging when Dr. Oz was running for the U.S. Senate.

First off, Dave McCormick is not a carpetbagger  I suggest researching the derivation of the word. McCormick was born in PA, is a Bloomsburg high school graduate and is simply returning to his roots.

Secondly, consider these better examples of political carpetbagging: Hillary Clinton was the First Lady for 11 years in Arkansas, then got elected to the U.S. Senate from NY; Robert Kennedy, of the Massachusetts Kennedy family, was known as the Senator from MA, who lived in Virginia and represented the people of NY. Mitt Romney, a RINO, was raised in MI, served four yeas as governor of MA, relocated to Utah where he got elected to the Utah Senate. And, Bernie Sanders was born in Brooklyn, NY, before, dare I say? Carpetbagging to Vermont.

Oh! How sweet it is to dwell in hypocrisy!

Ken Criste, Ferguson Township
A young tulip poplar tree, a direct descendant of the Liberty Tree in Boston, was planted at the Presque Isle Gateway Friday morning, anticipating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

The Liberty Tree project aims to plant a Liberty Tree, where the Sons of Liberty often gathered to discuss opposition to British rule in the colonies, in all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. The tulip poplar, planted near West Sixth Street and Peninsula Drive, is the first to be planted on one of the Commonwealth's state parks.

Tim Wachter, attorney at Knox Law and one of the commissioners for America250PA, said that by celebrating what is good in the commonwealth, the public will grow more energized about the future. During his remarks, he asked the audience, What will our children be saying at the 300th anniversary?

Guests and public officials gather for the planting of a young Liberty Tree, center, at the Presque Isle Gateway in Millcreek Township.

For Jon DeMarco, Executive Director of the Presque Isle Partnership, planting the liberty tree at Presque Isle was fitting.

Tim Wachter, attorney at Knox Law and a commissioner for America250PA, describes the significance of planting a young Liberty Tree, background, at the Presque Isle Gateway in Millcreek Township on Friday. The tulip poplar, planted near West Sixth Street and Peninsula Drive, is the first Liberty Tree to be planted on one of the Commonwealth's state parks. The project is supported by Pennsylvania Freemasons, right.

Our state parks are a symbol of our freedom, he said. Any time of the day, 365 days a year, you can immerse yourself in a national natural landmark.

America250PA launch: Three PA governors encourage Erie to celebrate history as nation's 250th birthday nears

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Liberty Tree planted to mark US 250th anniversary
Pavlo Kushnirov was among the Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the eastern city of Bakhmut with the 114th territorial defense brigade on a sunny day last winter when Russian shelling changed his life forever.

For two days our unit was under heavy bombardment from Russian artillery and drones. That morning  on 5 December  the shells found me, the 43-year-old bearded soldier, who now uses a wheelchair, told CNN in Berlin, as he pointed to where his legs should be. Instead, there are two stumps: One of his legs is amputated just below the knee joint, the other is amputated above the knee.

Fellow Ukrainian soldier Vitaliy Sayko-Kazakov, 42, served in the 19th Separate Rifle Battalion in Chervonopopivka, on the front line where Ukraines Luhansk and Donetsk regions meet. His left leg was torn off during a battle with Russian forces on July 1 last year. I immediately put a tourniquet on myself and luckily remained conscious. On adrenaline, I guess, I saved myself, he said. His right leg sustained serious injuries with an open fracture and eventually had to be amputated in Lviv, he told CNN earlier this month in Berlin. For three months he was confined to his hospital bed.

Russias war against Ukraine has killed tens of thousands and left even more with lost limbs and other life-altering injuries since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. German officials estimate there are between 30,000 and 50,000 Ukrainian amputees as a result of the conflict.

Obtaining adequate prosthetic limbs and care is tough inside Ukraine. Now a German non-governmental organization is working to bring wounded Ukrainian soldiers to Berlin so they can be fitted with custom-made artificial limbs and given treatment that will allow them to lead as normal a life as possible.

Kushnirov and Sayko-Kazakov are among the first of 60 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers who will receive treatment in Germany, thanks to the Berlin-based NGO Life Bridge Ukraine. They hope to start what they see as a new life soon. My doctor called and said there was an opportunity to go abroad for me to receive prosthetics. So, I said OK, Vitaliy said. Once there were hundreds of us, now there are thousands of people like me.

Orthopedic technicians work with Vitaliy Sayko-Kazakov, seated center, and Pavlo Kushnirov, right, who are among the first of 60 injured Ukrainian soldiers who will receive specialist treatment in Berlin.

Limbs amputated quickly to save lives

Marko Gansl, from German health care company Seeger, is among five orthopedic technicians in Berlin who build custom-made prostheses for the soldiers. When CNN visited the wounded soldiers in their accommodation center for the first time, Gansl was assessing the new patients.

Bending over Kushnirovs leg stumps, he softly felt along them. Are you in pain? he asked. Kushnirov shook his head as a translator relayed the question. Let me know if anything hurts, Gansl said, taking out a tape to measure the stumps. He and other orthopedic technicians assessed the condition of Kushnirovs limbs.

Battlefield conditions in Ukraine mean limbs must often be amputated quickly to save soldiers lives. The severity of the amputations often leave the survivors with stumps that wont allow for the fitting of regular-sized prosthetics, said Gansl. And of course we are dealing here with completely different requirements (than what orthopedic technicians are used to in Germany).

It will be relatively easy to provide a prosthesis for Kushnirovs right leg, Gansl said. However, his left leg will be more difficult to treat because it was amputated above the knee.

Pavlo Kushnirov, left, is seen while serving in the Ukrainian military before losing his legs in a Russian attack last December. - Pavlo Kushnirov

Gansl moved on to inspect the next patient: 27-year-old Valerii Omelchenko, who was drafted into the war three months after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I was on duty defending my country on November 23 last year when a Russian drone flew over me and a grenade exploded right in front of me, he told CNN.

I jumped away and pulled my legs into my chest to protect myself from the explosion which I knew was coming. But look at my legs, they are injured badly.

Sitting in a wheelchair with his left leg amputated and the other one badly bruised and shattered, Omelchenko added: But at least I am still alive.

Keen to save his damaged leg, doctors in Germany kept it in a metal frame, or external fixator, at first while it healed. That has just been removed and he will be fitted with a prosthesis on the other leg soon.

Valerii Omelchenko, pictured during his time serving in the Donetsk area of Ukraine, was badly injured by a Russian grenade in November. - Valerii Omelchenko

A bridge between two capitals

Janine von Wolfersdorff, a Berlin-based financial expert who became involved in humanitarian aid work in Ukraine after Russias full-scale invasion, is the initiator of Life Bridge Ukraine, a project which is being run in partnership between the German and Ukrainian capitals. Under its auspices, experts in workshops in Berlin will make new limbs and teach the 60 patients chosen for treatment how to walk and move again.

Von Wolfersdorff traveled to Ukraine herself with a medical team to assess some of the most seriously injured soldiers. Its a challenge to find the right patients in Ukraine. There are so many complex cases. At the same time, there are too few orthopedic technicians in Ukraine to provide all war victims with fast, adequate and good care, she told CNN.

We want to give Ukrainian war-wounded soldiers a new life  and simultaneously want to train six Ukrainians for three months here in Berlin, who will learn to build very good quality prosthetics so that they can do it themselves in Kyiv.

Von Wolfersdorff is collaborating closely with Kyivs Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Berlins Governing Mayor Kai Wegner on the project, hoping that a prosthetics center will be opened in Kyiv later this year. Ultimately, her group wants to open further prosthetics centres in other Ukrainian cities as well. The trainees learn here first-hand when a stump may need another amputation, another surgery, when a scar needs to be attended to again, and other issues that arise during this very complex process, Von Wolfersdorff said.

Orthopedic technician Marko Gansl examines Valerii Omelchenko for a prosthetic fitting on his left leg. His right leg was kept in a metal frame while it healed. - Chris Stern/CNN

CNN met with Ukrainian trainee Volodymyr Havrylov in the Seeger workshop. It takes time to train to do it correctly and get every detail right, he said. In the past few weeks, he has learnt that surgeons need to make a good stump. The better the stump is, the easier for us to make a stump receiver. Each patient requires a different treatment, Havrylov said, explaining that sometimes the limb is too short, sometimes it is long  sometimes there is not enough space for the fitting. Sometimes patients still have pain somewhere. Oftentimes there are other medical conditions that could influence the fitting of prosthetic limbs.

Havrylov said he wants to learn as much as possible from the Germans and maybe even get better at it so that we can open our center in Kyiv and help there. Unfortunately, there will be more people with injuries. We need good workshops to provide our Ukrainians with a good life. We need to bring them back into society.

Life Bridge Ukraine has collected around $600,000 in donations for the project, including for the care of the soldiers in Berlin. It is a long process of recuperation, Von Wolfersdorff said. We seek a holistic treatment approach: In addition to a lot of physiotherapy, patients are offered psychological help, as well as nutritional advice, to reintegrate themselves into as normal as possible a life.

Completely new way of learning to walk

A few weeks later, CNN joined Kushnirov and Sayko-Kazakov for their first fittings in Seegers Berlin workshop. Vitaliy looked at his new artificial limbs and smiled. These are my two legs, he said, pointing at his new prosthetic limbs. One and two. We are going to fit them today.

With the help of the medical and orthopedic technician teams Sayko-Kazakov took his first steps using them. These are cool feet. Really fine work.

For Kushnirov, the initial fitting was trickier because of the artificial knee joint on one limb. Unfortunately walking will be more difficult for him, Gansl explained. It is a completely new way of learning how to walk.

Kushnirov knows his rehabilitation process will take time, but he is determined to keep trying. Its a shame I am losing so much time getting rehabilitated and I know it will still take me a lot of time. But of course, my life will improve, he said. But its hard to say what life will be like after my prosthetics fittings. I know it will be different.

Vitaliy Sayko-Kazakov intends to help the war effort however he can when he returns to Ukraine. "The war is not yet over. Our work is not yet finished," he said. - Heiko Laschitzki

Sayko-Kazakov, Kushnirov and the other soldiers with new artificial limbs will receive a lot of training on how to move again in the coming weeks in Berlin. Any final adjustments that are needed will be made before they receive their permanent prosthetic fittings and leave to be cared for back home in Ukraine.

It is a lot of fun working together with our highly motivated patients and Ukrainian trainees, we see so much progress, Gansl said. However, there will be challenges ahead for these soldiers even with their final artificial limbs. Prosthetic fittings need to be adjusted again and again. It is a lifelong process, he said. After all, bodies change. Just as we occasionally put on weight over Christmas or lose weight when exercising, a stump does not grow with you.

Both Sayko-Kazakov and Kushnirov are determined to return to Ukraine soon, walking comfortably with their new artificial limbs. They say they are ready to support their units back home as they fight to fend off Russian forces.

The war is not yet over. Our work is not yet finished, Sayko-Kazakov said. I often think of the guys who worked with me at the front line. So many lost their lives. So many I carried out on my shoulders. It hurts. When we go back, we can be useful on the home front, for example assembling drones.

Kushnirov acknowledges his limitations . I know I wont be able to walk again just like others do. I wont be able to fight at the front line anymore, he said, but there are a lot of other things I can do: I could operate a drone or take care of repair and maintenance works. Wherever I can help, I will do so. I will continue to fight for Ukraine.

CNNs Claudia Otto and Chris Stern contributed to this report.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has urged the Iranian government to resume talks with the IAEA nuclear experts, Trend reports.

"I deeply regret that Iran has yet to reverse its decision to withdraw the designations for several experienced IAEA inspectors. Nevertheless, I welcome Irans agreement that the Joint Statement continues to provide a framework for cooperation with the Agency and for addressing the outstanding issues and call upon Iran to implement the Joint Statement through serious engagement with the Agencys concrete proposals," Grossi said as he addressed the board of governors.

The IAEA chief reminded of his travels to Tehran in early May, where he met with the late Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami. "I shared with them some concrete proposals to reinvigorate the implementation of the Joint Statement of 4 March 2023".

"I reiterate to the new government of Iran my call for, and disposition to continue with, the high-level dialogue and ensuing technical exchanges commenced as a result of the meetings with the late FM and the current acting FM Ali Bagheri Kani on 6 and 7 May in Tehran and Esfahan. During subsequent communication with Minister Kani, we agreed to pursue further efforts as discussed in Tehran in early May," he added.
Limestone Cove Volunteer Fire Dept. seeking publics help after break-in

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)The Limestone Cove Volunteer Fire Department is seeking the publics help after a break-in at the department.

According to a department social media post, the building was vandalized, and items were stolen.

The post states, We do think that the incident occurred due to the success of yesterdays fundraiser.

News Channel 11 has reached out to the Unicoi County Sheriffs Department for more 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
CHICAGO  The Lincoln Park Zoo announced Monday they had to euthanize a lion cub over the weekend.

17-month-old Lomelok, an African lion cub, garnered attention and the hearts of zoogoers as he navigated a spinal birth defect, a statement from the zoo said.

(O)n June 1 that Animal Care and veterinary staff made the difficult but responsible decision to euthanize Lomelok, the statement said.

The zoo said the cub had mobility challenges since he was a few weeks old.

Previous Coverage: Lincoln Park Zoo lion cub with mobility issue undergoes tests for cause

According to the statement, As he continued to grow, Lomelok showed increased rear limb concerns and reduced activity levels which were evaluated by veterinarians, a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, and more. Following these extensive diagnostic measures, Lomelok was diagnosed with a narrowing of the channels in which nerves travel.

Lomelok underwent surgery in March and the zoo said his recovery had been slow and steady.

However, after many weeks of progress, medical intervention and physical therapy, it was clear Lomelok was still not thriving as a young lion cub should. When he presented with a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery and long recovery in isolation, the difficult decision was made to say goodbye to Lomelok, the statement said.

Previous Story: 3 new lion cubs at Lincoln Park Zoo get first wellness visit

Lomeloks name means sweet in the Maa language, and that was the best way to describe him. There are no words to articulate how deeply he will be missed, Curator of Mammals Cassy Kutilek said in the statement.

The zoo said Lomelok was known for his laid-back personality, both figuratively and literally, as one of his favorite things to do was lay upside down and show his white belly fur.

Lincoln Park Zoo grieves this loss with our community, the statement 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 WGN-TV.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will deliver a press briefing aboard Air Force One on a short flight from Delaware Air National Guard Base to White Plains, N.Y. President Biden is heading to Greenwich, Conn., this evening for a campaign reception.

Biden is reportedly planning to sign an executive order that could temporarily block the entry of migrants at the southern U.S. border based on the number of daily encounters. The move marks a new direction for the White House, which has previously advocated, unsuccessfully, for congressional action on the issue.

The briefing is scheduled to start at 5:25 p.m. EDT.

The audio will stream through the embedded YouTube player above.

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.
Milwaukee Public Schools is under scrutiny for failing to submit timely financial reports to the state, jeopardizing funding the district receives from the state.

Some of these reports are overdue by more than eight months. At a meeting Monday night, Milwaukee School Board members could fire Superintendent Keith Posley or take other disciplinary action against him, according to a meeting notice updated Friday evening. Board members could conduct a closed-door meeting about Posley's job at the board meeting.

This comes just two weeks after MPS' federal Head Start funding was suspended after officials said they discovered incidents of maltreatment, physical abuse, verbal abuse and lack of supervision in the district's programs. It also comes after Milwaukee voters narrowly passed a referendum in April that will increase property taxes to prevent major budget cuts in the district. Here's what Wisconsin lawmakers had to say about the issue.

How Gov. Tony Evers responded

On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers said he's waiting for more information before judging whether Posley should lose his job.

In a statement, communications director for the governor's office Britt Cudaback said Evers and his office have been in contact with MPS and the Department of Public Instruction and are urging them to work together to reach a resolution quickly and avoid further financial impacts.

"MPS is our state's largest public school district and no one  Republican lawmakers included  should be rooting for the failure of a district that serves thousands of Wisconsin's kids or seizing this moment to bank political talking points," Cudaback said. "Gov. Evers is focused on our kids and minimizing any impacts on them, which should be everyone's focus right now."

Some community members have called for Posley to resign, or for school board members to fire him. City and state officials have also weighed in on the issue.

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley speaks as part of the Milwaukee Public Schools trades fair at the Milwaukee Tool offices in downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023.

Some Milwaukee officials call for changes in MPS

Alderman Lamont Westmoreland of Milwaukee's 5th District said in a statement Friday that he is "disgusted and embarrassed" by the "ongoing failures" within MPS and that the district needs to change the way it's structured and operates. He said local- or state-level government oversight over the district is "clearly needed."

"MPS holds the power to shape the present and future of Milwaukee, and they must excel in every area they can control," Westmoreland's statement said. "There is absolutely no room for error. This is not a slight against the dedicated and amazing staff they have; it is a condemnation of the system's structure and certain key decision-makers within the system."

On Monday, Westmoreland issued an additional joint statement with Alderman Scott Spiker of Milwaukee's 13th District, calling MPS's financial mismanagement "disappointing," "distressing" and "maddening."

"[W]hile we all wait for the financial division of MPS Central Administration to get their act together, every single solitary school district in the state waits as well," the statement said. "The Department of Public Instruction cannot calculate how much state funding will be going to any of them until the Financial Powers-That-Be at MPS deign to tell them what is going on with that school district's financials."

Westmoreland and Spiker criticized MPS' financial team for using taxpayer funds to hire an outside consultant to "tell them what their own books say" and the electorate for being "barely ... bothered to show up" to vote in spring elections when school board members are on the ballot. The statement also criticized Evers' office for failing to share MPS' financial reporting problems with voters before the April 2 election.

5th District Alderman Lamont Westmoreland speaks before Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnsons State of the City address at Western Building Products, Inc. on Milwaukee's northwest side, in Milwaukee on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson declined to weigh in Monday. "Thats a question for the school board," Mayor's Office spokesman Jeff Fleming said in an email regarding Posley's employment. "The Mayor looks forward to working with whomever the board chooses to lead the district."

Executive director of City Forward Collective Colleston Morgan Jr. also issued a statement. Morgan said he was "dismayed  though not surprised" that the financial reporting concerns he said CFC has been "voicing since the beginning of the year" have now come to light.

"School Board members last night voted to delay approving next year's budget, called a public hearing on Monday evening, and pledged to quickly create a plan to bring the district back into compliance with state financial reporting laws," Morgan's Friday statement said. "These are appropriate first steps, but they are woefully insufficient to rebuild public trust and confidence in the district."

He urged DPI, MPS and school board members to provide the public with a "full and transparent" timeline of reporting violations and an explanation as to why these violations were withheld from the public during MPS' district referendum campaign. Additionally, Morgan supported an independent forensic audit with a full public report.

Teachers union seeks more communication from board

The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, the union that represents MPS staff, sent a letter to school board members Monday acknowledging the board is "working through a difficult situation that must be remedied quickly."

The union stressed the importance of fixing immediate reporting delays and finishing the audit. The union also wants to see reforms "in the Department of Finance to prevent serious errors in the future and to restore confidence in MPS finances."

The union said delaying passage of the budget has put tentative agreements with MTEA and other labor organizations "in limbo" and has left current and prospective employees feeling uncertain about wages.

"The Board and Administration need to communicate effectively with families and workers going forward," reads the letter signed by MTEA President Ingrid Walker-Henry.

The union also asked the board for more clarity about the short-term leadership of MPS, noting there are "matters that must be resolved on an ongoing basis, especially at the end of a school year."

MMAC says larger change is needed

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce issued a statement late Monday afternoon, saying "families, taxpayers and other stakeholders shouldnt be distracted from the larger issue at hand  fundamental change is necessary to rescue our students."

MMAC was the top spender in opposition to the district's referendum, which was narrowly approved by voters in April.

"Disclosing significant financial reporting and compliance issues two months following the passage of a 30% tax increase is unacceptable and almost certainly would have changed the outcome of the referendum," MMAC said.

MMAC proposed suspending the property tax increase and conducting an "independent and fully comprehensive" audit. The group said the community should consider a "more accountable governance structure" giving the mayor authority to appoint some school board members.

Republicans weigh in on MPS financial reporting controversy

Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) also issued a statement Friday calling for an independent audit to be made public and criticizing MPS' financial mismanagement following the passage of the referendum.

"A few short weeks ago, the district asked for and received hundreds of millions of dollars from Milwaukee taxpayers. It claimed those funds were essential for continued operation, yet now we learn that there is obvious and significant mismanagement in the most basic functions of the district," Hutton said. The Board and Superintendent should be held accountable for the misuse of taxpayer funds and must be responsive to the residents who are now paying those taxes."

Conservative radio personality Dan O'Donnell speaks at a rally for President Donald Trump at American Serb Hall on West Oklahoma Avenue Saturday in Milwaukee.

On The Dan O'Donnell Show on Monday, conservative talk radio host Dan O'Donnell said multiple sources told him Posley and MPS CFO Martha Kreitzman will "almost certainly" be fired tonight. O'Donnell called MPS a "deeply troubled institution" and "quite possibly the worst institution public or private in the state of Wisconsin." He suggested breaking up MPS into smaller districts or giving "every single student" a school choice voucher.

More: MPS could have funding suspended after failing to submit financial reports to state

More: Here's what could happen next if MPS Superintendent Keith Posley loses his job

Journal Sentinel reporter Rory Linnane contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How Wisconsin governor, lawmakers reacted to MPS issues, Keith Posley
Donald Trump stands convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Thats a class E felony. New York State sentencing guidelines say the punishment for committing a class E felony shall be fixed by the court, and shall not exceed four years. If the convicted felon is not (as Trump is not) a second or persistent felony offender, then the judge may impose a definite sentence of imprisonment and fix a term of one year or less.

The guidelines make no exception for former presidents. At Trumps July 11 sentencing, Justice Juan M. Merchan should send Donald Trump to jail. I say jail because in New York State, sentences less than one year are served in jail, not prison. Trump can pursue the appeals process from his jail cell, as would anyone else.

My recommendation goes against what appears to be the rough consensus in the legal community. Typically this is not the kind of case where you would expect a first-time white-collar offender to receive a sentence of incarceration, Andrew Weinstein, a New York defense attorney, told Reuters Luc Cohen. Six legal experts advised Reuters that felony falsification of business records did not typically get first offenders jail time. When Weinstein represented such a client 15 years ago, the man got three years probation.

Statistical evidence supports this conclusion. During the decade preceding Trumps April 2023 indictment, the Manhattan district attorney brought 437 cases that included a felony charge for falsifying business records, according to a court filing. Manhattan criminal court records cited by Reuters Cohen show that four defendants who pleaded guilty in that period were sentenced to a year or less in prison. Thats less than 1 percent. Three of these four, unlike Trump, were also charged with other crimes, including fraud and grand larceny. The fourth was sentenced to one year of intermittent imprisonment, which meant he entered prison every Monday evening and left every Wednesday morning.

For another survey, Norm Eisen, who was counsel for the first Trump impeachment trial, cast a wider net, reviewing nearly 10,000 cases since 2015 all over New York state. As with the smaller Manhattan sample, Eisens 10,000 cases statewide typically involved additional charges. So Eisen confined his review to those cases where falsifying business records was the most serious charge. The proportion of convictions in such cases that yielded prison time, he found, was not 1 percent but 10 percent. But that still meant that in 90 percent of cases similar to Trumps, the conviction did not send the guilty party to prison.

Why, then, do I argue that Justice Merchan should send Trump to jail? Because Merchan wont base his sentence solely on the similarity of Trumps case to previous cases. Hell also consider the many differences, and these are substantial.

The most obvious difference is that Trump did not plead guilty. That puts him in a different category from the four Manhattan defendants out of 437 who did jail time. Judges typically sentence defendants who plead not guilty more harshly than defendants who plead guilty.

Another significant difference is that Trump disrupted the trial proceedings at every opportunity. The judge had to impose a gag order barring Trump from discussing witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, family members of District Attorney Alvin Bragg, or members of Merchans own family. Its pretty unlikely that defendants in those earlier cases incurred comparable prohibitions from the judge. Its even more unlikely that these earlier defendants were found by the court to have violated gag orders 10 times, as Trump was. The $10,000 in fines that Trump paid did little to silence him, and at one point Merchan threatened to jail him for contempt of court. In the end, Merchan did not. Now that Trumps a convicted felon, this misbehavior is reason enough to impose a jail sentence.

Daniel Richman, a law professor at Columbia and onetime federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, told me he doesnt expect Trump to serve jail time. But in an ordinary case, he conceded, judges dont take kindly to defendants who show contempt for the process. Doing so, Richman said, would argue strongly for coming down hard on someone.

Another consideration is that Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen spent more than a year at the Otisville Federal Correctional Institution as inmate 86067-054, then another year and a half under house arrest, for his own role in Trumps hush-money transaction. Granted, Cohen was sent to jail not only for violating campaign law but also for tax evasion and making false statements to a bank. But it was Cohens covert payment to Stormy Daniels that brought prosecutors to his door.

Compared to Trump, Cohen was a less culpable person in terms of this crime, Andrew Weissmann, a law professor at New York University (and former lead prosecutor in Robert Muellers special counsel investigation), told me. Trump was the leader of the charged crime. This was all done for him. Also unlike Trump, Weissmann pointed out, Cohen pleaded guilty (as Trump did not) and cooperated with the Mueller investigation (which Trump did only kinda-sorta). In addition, Cohen expressed remorse for his role in this crime. Trump, needless to say, has not, and indeed has done quite the opposite, insisting on his innocence, calling Merchan corrupt and conflicted, and much more.

Multiple news accounts have cited Trumps age (hell be 78 at sentencing) as a reason not to send him to jail. Its unusual, apparently, for 78-year-olds who falsify documents in the first degree to get jail time. This thinking requires updating. We also used to think it inadvisable for people older than 75 to run for president. The primary voters have spoken otherwise. If Trump is spry enough to serve a second term, hes spry enough to do hard time.

News accounts have also noted that first offenders who falsify documents in the first degree seldom get jail time. Let us pause for a moment to appreciate how remarkable it is that a sociopath like Trump reached the advanced age of 77 before he received his first felony conviction. Bravo, Mr. President! That said, Trump has been pronounced a lawbreaker in too many previous civil proceedings to count. Just this year, Trump was found guilty of sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll in one such proceeding and defrauding banks in another. This second ruling is especially relevant to the hush-money case, given the common theme of deception. Fraud is a persistent refrain in anti-Trump litigation; seven years ago, youll recall, Trump paid $25 million to settle fraud claims against his bogus Trump University. Do you seriously expect Justice Merchan not to connect these dots? Past history and character, Eisen wrote, are legitimate matters for a sentencing judge to take into consideration, and in Trumps case these cry out for jail time.

A final difference is the stakes. In those previous instances where New York state defendants falsified business records, the motive was theft, which is bad. Trumps falsifications played out on a much larger stage. This crime, Eisen has observed, could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Merchan has described it, an attempt to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Trumps defenders say the New York criminal case was brought for political reasons. Of course it was! Trumps falsifications may have put him in the White House! That makes Braggs decision to proceed with the case more defensible, not less.

Trump should go to jail not because of the ways what he did resembled previous offenses but because of the gaudy and appallingly singular ways they did not. In this as in so many other areas, Trump ventures where others dare not, then complains when the boom comes down that hes being treated differently. Hes treated differently because he is different. He behaves worse than others do, and that misbehavior affects many more people. Thats why some voters love him, and others hate him. And its why he needs to spend time in jail.

I think Merchan should give Trump six months. That way, should he win the 2024 election, Trump can be out by Inauguration Day. As I noted previously, in New York state a sentence of less than one year is served in jail, not prison. In New York City, the jail felons get sent towhite collar as well as violent criminalsis Rikers Island. Im fine with that. If its good enough for Trumps former chief financial adviser Alan Weisselberg, age 76, whos got three months left to go there on his five-month Rikers sentence, its good enough for the boss. Lets give them some quality time together.
Rex Heuermann in court with his attorney on Nov. 15, 2023. - Credit: James Carbone/Newsday/AP Photo

Suspected Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann is expected to be indicted on a new murder charge later this week, CBS News reports.

No details about the charge or victim were given, though the new indictment is expected to be officially brought on Thursday, June 6. The news comes just over a week after police were clocked executing a search warrant at Heuermanns home in Massapequa Park, New York. Back in April, police also conducted a new search in Manorville, where the partial remains of two of Heuermanns alleged victims were first found 20 years ago.

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Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 and charged with murdering three of the so-called Gilgo Four victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. Charges pertaining to the fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, were brought in January of this year. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him.

A lawyer for Heuermann did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment on the reports of the impending new charge.

Its possible the new charge against Heuermann will expand the case against him beyond the Gilgo Four. The remains of 11 bodies were discovered on the coast of Long Islands Gilgo Beach between 1996 and 2011, but police focused on four victims  all sex workers at the time of their deaths and wrapped similarly in burlap  whom they believed were killed by the same person.

The case remained cold for over a decade, with investigators finally zeroing in on Heuermann as a suspect in 2022. The breakthrough came after investigators discovered that Heuermann had once owned a Chevrolet Avalanche, the same car model a witness had mentioned seeing in connection to the Costello murder. After that, police were able to connect a series of burner phones and email addresses to Heuermann, alleging he used these to contact sex workers. One burner account provided investigators with a trove of evidence, including internet searches related to sex workers, sadistic, torture-related pornography and child pornography, as well as over 200 searches related to the unsolved Long Island serial killer case.

The final piece of evidence that preceded Heuermanns arrest came from a discarded pizza crust. Investigators used it to obtain DNA evidence, which they matched to a male hair found in the burlap sack that contained Watermans remains.

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BATON ROUGE  The Legislature gave its final approval Sunday to $48 billion in budget bills, restoring funding for a $2,000 stipend for teachers but cutting spending on early childhood education programs.

The House had previously cut the level of the teacher stipends. But the Senate restored the full amount that Gov. Jeff Landry had proposed, and the House voted Sunday to concur.

Gov. Jeff Landry will consider the budget approved by the Legislature.

It had seemed recently that the Legislature would maintain the current funding of $24 million a year for early childhood programs, which are credited with helping to set children up for future success.

But the Senate voted Friday to cut $9 million from that amount, and the House agreed to that on Sunday.

The votes came as lawmakers completed their version of the state budget for fiscal 2025, which starts on July 1. The budget now goes to Landry for his consideration.

These restoration of the stipends  one-time payments of $2,000 to K-12 teachers at public schools and $1,000 to support staff members  came after the states Revenue Estimating Conference increased its tax-revenue estimates, potentially giving lawmakers up to $197 million more money to spend in this fiscal year and $88 million more next year.

However, lawmakers can only spend about $86 million of that money this year, because there is a constitutionally imposed spending limit that lawmakers did not agree to breach.

The additional revenue in the forecasts came from larger corporate and severance tax collections than expected and higher interest earnings on investments.

Lawmakers also voted to move $717 million from a state trust fund for revenue stabilization to increase spending on transportation projects, maintenance of facilities on college campuses and public safety efforts.

The House and the Senate could not agree on the details of a $209 million budget bill for the judiciary, including possible raises for judges. A conference committee of House and Senate members will need to decide on that before the session ends on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Louisiana Legislature approves $48 billion in budget bills
BATON ROUGE  The Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a stripped-down version of one of Gov. Jeff Landrys biggest priorities  a move toward education savings accounts that could provide state money to parents who want to send their children to private schools.

Senators voted 23-14 to concur with House changes to a bill that would authorize education officials to consider the accounts. But the compromise version would delay the implementation of the plan and make it easier for the Legislature to scale back the funding.

State officials and private experts had estimated that Landrys original plan eventually would have cost taxpayers $300 million to $500 million a year. Some lawmakers were concerned about the cost since the state will lose several hundred million in revenue when part of the state sales tax expires next year.

The compromise version of the bill calls on state education officials to study existing educational resources to determine the need for a savings plan and then work with lawmakers on funding levels. Landry, a Republican, is expected to sign the bill.

Sen. Rick Edmonds proposed a compromise on creating state-funded educational savings accounts.

He also is expected to sign education bills related to cultural debates. Bills to limit the use of alternative pronouns and discussions of gender, and to require schools to post the 10 Commandments in classrooms, also won final passage in the Legislature this week.

Landrys original plan for the education savings accounts was included in House Bill 745, which passed the House and was shelved after running into opposition in the Senate.

Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, had proposed a similar plan in Senate Bill 313 and then overhauled it through a set of amendments that called for the study, which would be completed by Dec. 1.

That will give us the data that were looking for, to make certain that we're moving forward correctly, Edmonds said. A lot of that data I think brings a lot of comfort to folks.

The study will be conducted by the Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. They will determine the need for a savings account program and develop any rules and regulations.

The delay also will give legislators more time to see what happens to state revenues and decide how much money to devote to the plan.

Landrys proposal also ran into opposition from school officials in rural parishes, including some that do not have many private schools. Opponents were concerned that giving parents $5,000 to $7,500 a year for each child who attended private school would divert funds from public education.

The House concurred 60-31 Thursday with Senate amendments placed on House Bill 121, which would prevent teachers from calling students by names or pronouns that do not match their birth certificate.

Parents would be able to give written consent for their child to be called by a different name. However, under the amendments passed in the Senate on Wednesday, teachers would not be required to address a student by their preferred name or pronoun.

The amendments also removed the provision in the original bill that parents could request a transfer for their student if a teacher refused to call them by their preferred name or pronoun.

Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, argued that the bill is necessary to keep schools neutral in culture wars.

If a he asks to be called she and the parents come in and sign the written permission, then the teacher can call him a she, but the school district is not going to adopt a policy that requires the school or the teacher to ask, Seabaugh said.

Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, opposed the bill, saying it targets a vulnerable population and does not improve educational outcomes. Other opponents have voiced similar concerns.

The Senate also voted 28-7 this week to pass House Bill 122, sending it to the governors desk as well. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, would prohibit teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 public schools.

Opponents also called the bill unnecessary and vague. They expressed concern that it would be harmful to student-teacher relationships and classroom discussion.

The House voted 79-16 to concur with Senate amendments and pass House Bill 71 on to the governor. The amended bill, also sponsored by Horton, would require the 10 Commandments to be displayed in classrooms in public schools and nonpublic schools and colleges that receive state funds.

This bill just simply seeks to have a display of God's law in the classroom for children to see what he says is right and what he says is wrong, Horton said. Critics said the bill would violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Other lawmakers attempted to add amendments that would require other religious texts to be displayed as well, but they were rejected.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Louisiana Senate approves scaled down education savings accounts
The Louisiana Senate has agreed to confirm Kenny Loftin to run Louisiana's youth prisons. Democrats had expressed concerns about Loftin getting the job. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

After months of expressing reservations over Gov. Jeff Landrys pick to run the states juvenile justice services, the Louisiana Senate voted to confirm the controversial appointment on the final day of its regular lawmaking session Monday.



Senators endorsed Kenneth Kenny Loftin in his job as deputy secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice. He was one of hundreds of appointees they approved en masse in a single vote before adjourning the session.



No senators objected publicly to Loftin being confirmed, but almost all of the discussion over job appointments takes place in private.

Several senators also declined to speak with reporters about Loftins confirmation. They said they were told to keep those discussions confidential. Loftin also did not respond to a request for comment sent to his cell phone.



For decades, Loftin ran the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta, a facility that was the subject of a lengthy news investigation alleging abuse at the hands of its staff. The article ran in an October 2022 edition of The New York Times.

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Loftin was not accused of any direct abuse, but much of the alleged violence described in the article happened when he led the facility.

The Times reported 42 people held at Ware over a 25-year period said they were sexually abused by Ware staff. Loftin oversaw the facility from its opening in 1993 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023.

At a hearing last month, Loftin said the people who had described the alleged abuse at Ware in the article were lying.

So they made it up? Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, asked Loftin during a hearing about women who brought forward the Ware accusations.

Yes. They made it up, Loftin replied.

The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus had asked Landry to withdraw Loftins nomination in February, citing the allegations raised in The Times report.

But Landry doubled down on Loftin and leaned on senators to approve his confirmation in recent weeks. He set up personal meetings between legislators and Loftin ahead of the confirmation vote. The governor also circulated written statements in support of Loftin from local north Louisiana community leaders.



Those backing Loftin with formal statements include Bossier City Marshal Jim Whitman and former state pardon and parole board member Jim Wise. Loftin served with Wise on the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole for former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Mark Stewart, a nationally recognized juvenile justice expert, also vouched for Loftin with senators. Stewart is responsible for creating the Missouri model of juvenile justice, widely considered the gold standard for a therapeutic approach.

Stewart has advised Louisiana officials on juvenile justice services for 25 years and through the terms of five governors, he said. His organization, Missouri Youth Services Institute, began working at Ware over a decade ago, he said.

We saw no indication of any kind of poor treatment or abuse at Ware, Stewart said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, had been among the most vocal about her opposition to Loftin running the juvenile justice system.

Barrow missed the vote on Loftin and other nominees due to the death of a close family friend and Senate staff member, but said in an interview she would not have been willing to vote for any list of appointees that included Loftin anyway.

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The post Gov. Landrys controversial juvenile justice leader gains Senate confirmation appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
An aerial shot of The Greenbrier, a West Virginia resort where a Koch-funded group has hosted more than a dozen federal judges for educational retreats. Steve Helber via Associated Press

Buried in the April 2022 ruling that struck down the Biden administrations mask mandate was a section that was unusual for a court decision.

The outcome itself was far from surprising. Places all over the country were dropping local mask requirements, and the judge hearing this case  a challenge to the federal mandate to mask on planes and other public transportation  was a conservative Trump appointee, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle for the Middle District of Florida. Mizelle ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions mask requirement overstepped the agencys legal authority.

What was eye-catching was her explanation of why. In her ruling, Mizelle wrote she had consulted the Corpus of Historical American English, an academic search engine that returns examples of how words and phrases are used in select historical texts. Mizelle searched sanitation, a crucial word in the 1944 statute that authorizes the CDC to issue disease-prevention rules, and found it generally was used to describe the act of making something clean. Wearing a mask, she wrote, cleans nothing.

Searching large linguistic databases is a relatively new approach to judicial analysis called legal corpus linguistics. Although it has gained in popularity over the last decade, it is barely discussed outside of an enthusiastic group of right-wing conservative legal scholars. Which raises the question: How did this niche concept wind up driving such a consequential decision in the countrys health policy?

Now, new disclosures seen by HuffPost shed some light. Just weeks before she issued the ruling, Mizelle had discreetly attended an all-expenses-paid luxury trip from a conservative group whose primary mission is to persuade more federal judges to adopt the use of corpus linguistics. For five days, Mizelle and more than a dozen other federal judges listened to the leading proponents of corpus linguistics in the comfort of The Greenbrier, an ostentatious resort spread out over 11,000 acres of West Virginia hillside.

The newly formed group that picked up the tab, the Judicial Education Institute, received more than $1 million in startup funding from the billionaire libertarian Charles Kochs network and DonorsTrust, a nonprofit that has funneled millions in anonymous donations to right-wing causes and has been dubbed the dark money ATM of the conservative movement.

Trump appointed Mizelle to the federal bench in late 2020 over objections from the American Bar Association that she had not been practicing law long enough to be qualified. A search of her other rulings found she had never previously applied corpus linguistics.

Neither Mizelle nor the Judicial Education Institute responded to requests for comment.

In response to the new disclosure, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who chairs the subcommittee on federal courts and oversight, called for more disclosure surrounding when judges attend ideological educational retreats.

The multi-pronged billionaire-funded scheme to influence the judiciary includes flying amenable judges to luxury resorts to bathe them in the latest fantastical right-wing legal theories, he said in a statement to HuffPost. At the very least, the public ought to know when judges are attending lavish seminars promoting the agenda of partisan special interests. The Judicial Conference should take a close look at tightening its rules to ensure transparency around such junkets.

Legal corpus linguistics is not inherently ideological. Nevertheless, as the right-wing legal movement increasingly insists that courts must interpret the law based on history and tradition, conservatives have seized on corpus linguistics as a useful source of legitimacy.

History, as described by the conservatives who dominate the federal courts these days, has an uncanny way of mirroring the political beliefs of the modern GOP on issues like gun laws, school prayer, organized labor and abortion rights. Corpus linguistics, the thinking goes, with its air of big data, offers a potential retort to the accusations that judges are simply cherry-picking their view of the past.

But skeptics argue that its just as easy for an ideologically motivated judge to cherry-pick results from a search engine.

A lot of what legal corpus work tends to do is allow you to pick and choose your history, Anya Bernstein, a professor studying legal interpretation at the University of Connecticut School of Law who has written critically of legal corpus linguistics, told HuffPost in March. You pick and choose your corpus, you pick and choose what youre putting into the software, you pick and choose your results.

Corpus linguistics have popped up sporadically over the years, including in opinions written by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Thomas former clerk, Thomas Lee, is one of the concepts original pioneers.

But Mizelles ruling, and the resulting sea change in public health, may be the most resounding proof-of-concept to date.

Although legal scholars protested the ruling as odd  one professor interviewed by NPR said she probably wouldnt accept that level of analysis from a law student  almost immediately, the Biden administration announced it would not enforce the mask mandate while it appealed her decision. An appeals court later declared her ruling moot because the administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency and made no moves to enforce another mask mandate.

HuffPost first revealed the existence of these luxury trips and the Judicial Education Institutes conservative political ties in March. When it launched in 2022, the group convened more than two dozen judges at The Greenbrier and at the exclusive ski resort of Deer Valley, Utah.

The story renewed scrutiny on the lack of rules to prevent overtly ideological groups from rewarding federal judges or trying to influence by mixing legal education with lavish accommodations and travel.

With The Greenbrier and Deer Valley, theyre indoctrinating judges  by taking them to fancy, fancy, fancy resorts so that they can learn what theyre supposed to do, Whitehouse said while discussing the story on MSNBCs The Last Word.

Now, in addition to the groups influence on the decision that brought an end to the mask mandate, new disclosures reveal the group has continued to convene federal judges at prime vacation destinations.

Last summer, at least a half-dozen judges flew with the group to Orlando, Florida. This February, the group returned to The Greenbrier, where it held its inaugural retreat in 2022.

The group also held two conferences in Washington, D.C., in March of 2023 and March of this year. Disclosures say DonorsTrust provided funding for both the February 2024 Greenbrier retreat and the March 2024 D.C. retreat.
The bad faith non-citizen voting bills being proposed by Republicans in state legislatures around the country serve to bolster the voter fraud myth Trump is poised to push if he loses in the fall  but the bills themselves may also disenfranchise actual eligible voters if passed.

Ahead of the 2024 election, Republican state lawmakers are mirroring an ongoing national campaign thats been pushed by Donald Trump and his allies in recent weeks: proposing laws that perpetuate the false narrative that non-citizens have been and will continue to vote in federal elections.

These bills, however, not only threaten to create a general sense of distrust in the election system,  they also threaten to potentially disenfranchise voters ahead of November by creating additional bureaucratic hurdles for eligible voters or by requiring election officials to rely on outdated voter data to determine citizenship.

These state level efforts come against the backdrop of a larger national effort spearheaded by Trump, the RNC, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other Republican representatives and election deniers to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a redundant bill making it illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.

The push is mostly a messaging effort: It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote and its something that rarely happens in U.S. elections.

Its all kind of driven by the same political motivation to reduce trust in elections, to cast doubt on the integrity of the process and to demonize immigrants as the kind of source of the flaws perceived or real or not in our electoral system, director of voting advocacy and partnerships at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, Jonathan Diaz, said in an interview with TPM.

Since 2020, according to reporting from Voting Rights Lab, nine states have successfully enacted laws to prevent non citizens from voting, and similar legislation is currently active in sixteen states.

A state level law that tries to accomplish the same things as the SAVE Act will have a very real impact on voters in that state, added Diaz. They have the potential to erect barriers that will make it harder, if not impossible for certain people, eligible voters in those states, to register and vote.

Most recently, North Carolina Republicans introduced a non-citizen voting bill that, if passed, would change the wording of the state constitution to read: Only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and possessing the qualifications set out in this Article, shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people of the State.

Nadine Gibson, political science professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, described the change as having anti-immigrant undertones.

I think its like a dog whistle to anti-immigrant sentiments, Gibson told the local StarNews.

In New Hampshire, GOP lawmakers are pushing for legislation requiring documentary proof of citizenship. The proposed bill would require proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in New Hampshire  it would also remove crucial exceptions to the states voter identification law.

When a state like New Hampshire proposes eliminating certain options like the affidavit for voters who dont have the right paperwork but are nevertheless eligible, that has the potential to exclude significant segments of the electorate from participating in the election, Diaz said.

And in Indiana, a similar bill passed by the legislature this year, is also designed to prevent non citizens from voting. The legislation creates proof of residency requirements for new registrants registering in-person and requires election officials to confirm citizenship status by comparing the statewide voter registration system with DMV data. But this means any normal data entry errors or discrepancies in possibly outdated data from the DMV could result in eligible voters being wrongly disenfranchised.

Its also a lot more paperwork for those seeking to register, Ron Hayduk, political science professor at San Francisco State University, noted in conversation with TPM.

Folks dont readily have such documents on hand or would not be able to obtain them in a timely manner to provide such proof, and that would therefore end up disenfranchising eligible voters, he said.

Big picture, these types of laws send a disenfranchising message to voters, Andrew Garber, counsel within the Brennan Centers Voting Rights and Elections Program, told TPM.

It can create voter intimidation, especially for voters who are naturalized citizens and who are eligible to vote, but may still identify with an immigrant community and may feel that they could get in trouble when in reality they have every right to vote, Garber said.

And, as Diaz points out, these laws give local election administrators a lot of discretion in terms of how they are enforced, which increases the risk of racial profiling.

It really opens up the door to racial profiling, and to certain voters being subject to additional scrutiny and requirements and investigation just because of how they look or sound or what their last name is, he said.
A New York City couple known on social media for their magnet fishing exploits in local waterways says they recently reeled in an unexpected find: a safe holding two stacks of waterlogged hundred dollar bills.

James Kane and Barbie Agostini, who have chronicled a variety of magnet fishing discoveries on their YouTube channel, told Spectrum News NY1 on Saturday that after reeling in a muddy safe from a Queens pond on Friday, they were shocked to find stacks of hundred dollar bills estimated to be worth $100,000.

"I said 'Babe, This is not possible, Holy 'some profanity' ... and we pulled it out and it was like two stacks of freaking hundreds," Kane told the station. "Big stacks."

Video showed the couple's muddy discovery  along with partially disintegrated hundred dollar bills inside.

In these still images from video, magnet fisher James Kane displays the part of the contents of a safe he pulled out of a pond, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, in the Queens borough of New York, Friday May 31, 2024. / Credit: James Kane and Barb Agostini @LetsGetMagnetic / AP

Kane, who said the couple previously found many old safes, said he assumed he'd only find empty plastic bags that typically held money  and was stunned to find actual cash inside.

Agostini said she thought Kane was joking when he announced the contents of the safe.

"Once I seen the actual dollars  and the security ribbons, I lost it," she said.

Kane said they contacted the NYPD because he thought there may be some "legalities" involved. Because the owner of the safe, which was likely stolen, could not be identified, Kane and Agostini said police allowed them to keep the saturated stash.

"I guess the finders keepers rule has worked for us," Kane said.

Unfortunately, the bills were "soaking wet" and "pretty much destroyed," Kane said.

An NYPD spokesperson said in an email to CBS News: "As a general matter, found property valued at ten dollars or more is required to be reported to, and deposited with, the police. In this instance, the value and authenticity of the alleged currency could not be determined due to the severely disintegrated condition of the property."

Kane told the Associated Press that he and Agostini plan to take their money to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington to redeem it, but he cocneded many of the bills will likely be too damaged to cash in.

Kane told NY1 that he and Agostini started magnet fishing because they were bored during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We call it the poor man's treasure hunting," he told the station.

Kane said they've reeled in everything from World War II grenades and 19th century guns to a motorcycle and a purse holding foreign coins, pearls and gold jewels. Their YouTube channel chronicling their adventures has more than 4,000 subscribers and about 1.4 million views.

"I have seen and worked with other magnet fishers that can hit a spot for three months, and I'll come along and throw the same magnet and get and find something that they've been trying to get the entire time," he told the AP. "I personally can't explain that."

People fishing with magnets have made other surprising discoveries in recent months. In May, a magnet fisher reeled in a human skull padlocked to an exercise dumbbell out of a New Orleans waterway.

In April, someone using a magnet to fish for metal objects in a Georgia creek pulled up a rifle as well as some lost belongings of a couple who were killed in the same area nearly a decade ago.

In March, magnet fishermen pulled an unexploded ordnance from the Charles River in Massachusetts. Just a few days before that, another one was found in the same area, CBS News Boston reported.

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Maine Democrats participated in the party convention on May 31 and June 1 in Bangor. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Maine Democrats unveiled and adopted their 2024 party platform over the weekend, pledging to safeguard democracy, defend reproductive health rights, push for more affordable housing and combat the growing threat of climate change, among other stances.

The platform was presented at the partys convention in Bangor, where participants heard from political leaders and mobilized supporters for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.

The party agreed to six amendments to the platform on issues ranging from tribal sovereignty, substance use and prison reform. However, Democrats opted against 11 other proposed alterations, including a provision that called for ending U.S. aid to Israel until that country declares a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and withdraws from Palestinian territory.

Several Maine-based organizations demonstrated at the partys convention Friday in protest of the U.S. backing of Israels war in Gaza.

In their finalized platform, Maine Democrats include a range of political and policy principles. One emphasis is the need to protect democracy. Within that section, the platform states that insurrection is disqualifying, a reference to President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol in which his supporters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The platform also states that it is our duty to condemn and prosecute those willing to storm the halls of Congress by force or who otherwise disrupt that transfer of power.

On the subject of elections, Maine Democrats also back universal voting rights and fair electoral districts free from political gerrymandering.

Another focus is constitutional rights for women, including the right to reproductive freedom  a major emphasis for Democrats around the country following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The party platform states that amendments should be passed to the state and national constitutions to prevent governmental interference with any individuals decision relative to their own reproductive health.

The partys platform also cites the need to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, eliminate gender pay gaps, and end violence against women.

On health policy, the state party says it supports universal health care, gender-affirming care, increasing rural access to services, and an expansion of public health programs.

As amended, the platform also recognizes substance use disorder as a health crisis and states that Democrats unequivocally support expanded access to evidence-based treatment and assistance for recovery which includes but is not limited to harm reduction.

When it comes to housing affordability, a major challenge facing the state, Democrats say they will work to guarantee that no Mainer will die from a lack of secure, safe, and affordable housing. That means advocating for affordable housing development along with tenant protections and preventing homelessness through supporting the housing first model, among other policies.

Another significant issue is climate change, which the party says poses an existential threat to the state. The platform pledges Democrats support for the implementation and continual improvement of Maines climate action plan, green energy expansion and transforming transportation to make it more sustainable. The party also states that Maine should seek energy independence, create a diverse renewable energy apparatus, protect the states natural resources and safeguard against storm damage.

The party platform addresses the issue of education as well, saying that Democrats support safe and inclusive schools and comprehensive teaching and discussion of all subjects in a course of study guided by informed educators and uncorrupted by political agendas  a likely reference to the increased right-wing pushback against public school curriculums.

However, two education-related amendments failed to pass. One proposed for the party to ensure all Mainers have access to affordable, low-cost, or free higher education, including four-year colleges, community colleges, and technical schools. The other proposal called for the continuation of a program providing two years of free community college to Maine graduates and support for efforts to reduce the debt burden on Maine students.

The platform outlines a number of other core values, including welcoming immigrants, supporting racial justice, backing LGBTQ rights, pushing for fair sentencing and alternatives to incarceration  including in the juvenile justice system  and recognizing tribal sovereignty (a plank that was amended slightly to explicitly recognize the sovereignty of the Wabanaki Nations).

Along with those tenets, the platform contains many other principles, such as support for labor rights and equitable wages and helping veterans and older Mainers. However, a proposed amendment to the veterans section that would have acknowledged the sizeable portion of Maine veteran suicides that take place with firearms and sought to support firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts was not adopted.

The presentation and adoption of the Maine Democrats core values comes after Maine Republicans unveiled their platform in late April. The Maine GOP platform included a wide range of conservative stances, such as provisions opposing gender-based education, abortion and marriage equality and pushing to create more stringent requirements for voting.

Emma Davis contributed to this report.

The post Maine Democratic Party platform doubles down on support for reproductive, LGBTQ rights appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
The Maldives announced plans to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean island nation, known for being a luxury travel destination, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Facebook post that it is advising Israeli citizens to avoid traveling to the country, and for any Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives to leave, "since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help."

Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu (C) along with his supporters take part in an election campaign rally on the eve of the country's parliamentary election, in Male on April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mohamed Afrah / AFP)

More: No one traveled to this island 50 years ago. Now it's one of the hottest destinations.

Mohamed Muizzu, president of the predominantly Muslim country, previously condemned Israel over its recent strike on Rafah in southern Gaza, which led to the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians.

Along with the Israeli passport ban, the Maldives president announced on Sunday the creation of a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs, a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinians and a nationwide rally under the translated slogan "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine."

"Together with the Government and people of Maldives, I call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence and unhindered humanitarian access," Muizzu wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, last week.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maldives to ban Israelis from entering its country amid war in Gaza
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. A total of 59 people have been registered to participate in the presidential election in Iran, the representative of the country's electoral headquarters, Mohsen Eslami said during today's briefing in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to him, currently, 213 people have applied to the electoral headquarters for the registration of candidacy for the election.

Eslami mentioned that today 86 people applied to the electoral headquarters for registration, of whom 22 (one woman and 21 men) were registered.

He emphasized that today is the last day of candidacy registration, and this term will not be extended.

To note, the special presidential election in Iran will be held on June 28.

Candidates for president may be those who are between the ages of 40 and 75, have held important positions in the nation's state administration for at least four years, and possess a minimum of a master's degree in science.

Due to the May 19 helicopter disaster that killed President Ebrahim Raisi and eight others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several state officials, Iran is holding its 14th presidential election.

The Iranian President and the entire accompanying delegation were confirmed dead.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Insights from The Jerusalem Post, Bloomberg, and Politico

The News

The Maldives government plans to ban Israelis from the country, as public anger has risen in the Indian Ocean country over the war in Gaza.

The Maldives president has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports, a spokesperson said Sunday. The country was visited by almost 11,000 Israelis last year.

Israels foreign ministry recommended that its citizens not travel to the Maldives, and advised those in the country to consider leaving.

Its the latest diplomatic snub for Israel over its military campaign in Gaza. Elsewhere, Turkey banned imports and exports from Israel, several European countries have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state, and key partners in the Middle East have recalled their ambassadors in the wake of the war.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Israel is increasingly isolated

Sources: BBC, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post

Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally in recent months. Both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, where Israel could once rely on a US veto, have called for a ceasefire. An International Criminal Court prosecutors request for the organization to issue arrest warrants for senior members of the Israeli leadership has led some countries, including Germany, to say they would arrest and deport Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if asked to do so by the court. The world is pitted against Israel in a way we havent seen before, The Jerusalem Post wrote in an editorial.

International pressure may mute domestic criticism

Sources: Pew Research Center, The Conversation, Bloomberg

The international pressure on Israel has had a dramatic economic and diplomatic fallout, but it does not appear to have had a significant impact on how Israelis perceive the war or their leaders. More than 70% of Israelis think that the countrys war in Gaza has been the right response or has not gone far enough, a recent Pew survey found. The heightened international pressure will likely produce a domestic circle-the-wagons effect and mute much of the internal criticism of Netanyahu, an expert wrote in The Conversation. In May, Netanyahus popularity rose above his main political rivals for the first time since the war against Hamas began, Bloomberg reported.

Israel has so far avoided crossing US red lines

Sources: CNN, Politico, The Wall Street Journal

US President Joe Bidens red line  the moment when Israels military actions in Rafah would prompt him to halt US weapons shipments  has remained elusive and vague, CNN reported. The White House has said that a recent deadly Israeli strike on a refugee camp in Rafah, which drew international outrage, did not cross Bidens red line. Israels strategy of launching more precise attacks on Rafah might placate Biden, a US administration official told CNN, but will likely continue to harm civilians in Gaza. After discussions with the US, Israel has canceled its plan for a larger operation in Rafah, and has used smaller munitions to avoid crossing Bidens red line, The Wall Street Journal reported.
(Correction: This story has been updated to show that the defendant is facing the possibility of 25 years in prison when sentenced.)

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man could spend 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping a woman from her driveway on George Urban Boulevard.

Early in the morning on March 2, a 26-year-old victim was taken from her driveway on George Urban Boulevard after getting out of her car, the Erie County District Attorneys office said. She had been returning from a bar in downtown Buffalo.

The suspect, identified as Abel Gebrehawaria, 24, attacked her and dragged her towards a parked SUV on the street, according to the DAs office.

Im being kidnapped: Cheektowaga woman recounts terrifying moments of almost being taken from her driveway

After Gebrehawaria allegedly pushed the victim into the back seat of the vehicle and started driving away, the woman was able to grab the steering wheel and caused the vehicle to drive onto the curb, the DAs office said.

The woman told News 4 she ran from the vehicle and the driver sped off.

Gebrehawaria, a Buffalo resident who was not previously known to Cheektowaga police, was later indicted on a charge of second-degree kidnapping.

This is an extremely rare occurrence, Acting District Attorney Michael Keane previously said of the case.

In addition to the possibility of prison, Gebrehawaria could also spend five years under post-release supervision when hes sentenced on August 23. He is currently free on a previously posted $250,000 bond.

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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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Man airlifted after being knocked off jet ski in Laton

Man airlifted after being knocked off jet ski in Laton

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A man was airlifted to a hospital after being knocked off his jet ski in Laton Sunday evening, according to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies say just before 7 p.m. a man was riding a jet ski along the Kings River by the Laton-Kingston Park when he collided with an object.

Investigators say the force of the impact knocked him off the jet ski and he floated about a quarter of a mile down the river. Good Samaritans witnessed the incident and quickly brought him to shore.

Deputies say fire personnel were already on scene and able to get him up and stabilized.

The victim was in his early to mid-20s and had suffered a laceration to his head, according to detectives. His condition was critical enough to be airlifted to a local hospital.

Deputies say the man was wearing a life jacket and emphasized the importance of wearing one as people make their way into waterways as temperatures rise. A boating unit was able to recover the mans jet ski.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol are a factor in this incident.

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
(FOX40.COM)  A man who carried a gun in Downtown Sacramento was arrested on Saturday night after he was accused of threatening visitors, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Around 6:32 p.m., SPD responded to reports of an individual armed with a firearm at the 2000 block of Q Street. Upon arrival, officers said they secured the area and gathered information about the suspects description and whereabouts. Police said a man who matched the description exited a nearby business.

Northern California wildfire burns over 14,000 acres, evacuation order still in effect

A search of the building he came from led to the discovery of a gun hidden in the bathroom, according to SPD. Joshua Hernandez, 27, was arrested and booked in jail for firearms-related charges after he was medically cleared.

In addition to Hernandez, several others were arrested at the scene. Alex Boswell, 37, was arrested for alleged possession of narcotics and a firearm. While officers detained Hernandez, SPD said a 27-year-old woman attempted to stop them from arresting him and was also taken to jail for alleged obstruction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Man arrested for attempted murder after shots fired at Putnam County deputies

PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is facing attempted murder charges after a Putnam County welfare check turned into a shooting Saturday afternoon.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said northbound and southbound lanes were closed on State Route 56 at the intersection with State Route 24/Nashville Highway due to police activity reported just before 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, authorities were called to a home on Highway 56 for a welfare check. When they arrived at the scene, shots were reportedly fired out the front window at the deputies.

After more deputies responded to the scene and established a perimeter, Sheriff Eddie Farris arrived and managed to negotiate the individuals surrender, officials said.

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Authorities told News 2 that Danny K. Roberts was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder. He is currently being held without bond.

No additional details have been released about this incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Man arrested after running from police while carrying gun in Pittsburghs Arlington neighborhood

A man is facing charges for running from police while carrying a gun in Arlington over the weekend.

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, five males were seen walking in the 2400 block of S. 18th Street just after 11:30 p.m. on June 1.

Detectives talked with one of the males who was walking with an open liquor container. He refused to stop and speak with them when asked, dropped the liquor bottle and ran.

Police said detectives caught up with the man, later identified as Deandre Basking-Turner, and recovered a gun with an extended magazine and laser attachment from his waistband.

A second gun with a loaded magazine and laser attachment were found in a garbage bag.

Basking-Turner, 18, was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license, evading arrest or detention on foot, open container, possession and underage drinking. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail.

Two other males from the group were detained at the scene, police said. Theres no word on if they are facing charges.

The investigation is ongoing in regard to the second firearm, police said.

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DRAPER, Utah (ABC4)  A Utah man has been found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder after a fatal 2022 shooting at a Draper Airbnb.

Daniel Martinez, 20, was convicted by a jury on May 31. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 18. He faces 25 years to life in the Utah State Prison.

According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Martinez and a friend attended a house party at an Airbnb in Draper on April 3, 2022. As the party was being broken up, Martinez and his friend were throwing and shattering beer bottles in the street.

When Martinez was confronted by the victim, later identified as Austin Powell, 27, to stop breaking the bottles the two got into a verbal argument. In a press release, Gill said Martinez started skipping and hopping around while firing bullets toward Powell and his car.

Man hospitalized on life support after road rage incident in Lehi

Powell was struck and pronounced dead on the scene. Another victim who was in Powells car, later identified as Jonathan Fuentes, 21, was struck and taken to the hospital. Fuentes died due to his wound later the same day.

In a statement, Gill said the jury made the right call in convicting Martinez for his part in the shooting and thanked the work of state prosecutors and law enforcement.

The actions by the defendant were callous and brazen. Two people had their lives extinguished much too early, said Gill. Mr. Martinez showed complete disregard for the sanctity of human life and the safety of others when he shot at an occupied vehicle.

Another suspect in the shooting, Ashtyn Ortega, 20, was convicted of second-degree felony manslaughter and first-degree felony discharge of a firearm in April 2023. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of five years and up to life in prison and ordered to pay a restitution of $28,730.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man was pulled from Chatfield Reservoir on Sunday and taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Several agencies responded, and South Metro Fire Rescue first reported the incident to the public at 4:42 p.m.

Colorados U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary urges boaters to be safe this summer

Two divers with SMFR searched underwater while the Dive31 fire truck assisted with sonar from above.

At 5:34 p.m., SMFR provided an update saying the person was found and removed from the water, and CPR was in progress on the shore. A few minutes later, SMFR said the man was being taken to a hospital in critical condition.

A man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after rescue crews got him out of the water and did CPR on the shore of Chatfield Reservoir Sunday afternoon. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

A man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after rescue crews got him out of the water and did CPR on the shore of Chatfield Reservoir Sunday afternoon. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

A man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after rescue crews got him out of the water and did CPR on the shore of Chatfield Reservoir Sunday afternoon. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

A man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after rescue crews got him out of the water and did CPR on the shore of Chatfield Reservoir Sunday afternoon. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Getting on the water? Park rangers warn about life jackets, boating impaired

Later that day, the man was pronounced dead.

The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said it would investigate the circumstances, however, it appears to be nothing more than a tragic accident.

South Metro Fire Rescue, West Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office all responded to assist in the rescue.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The National Kanak and Socialist Liberation Front (Front de liberation nationale kanak et socialiste, FLNKS) has sent a letter to three senior officials entrusted by the French state with a mediation and working mission, Trend reports.

Despite numerous discussions and calls to ease controls on main roads, FLNKS highlights ongoing difficulties.

In the letter, FLNKS, along with nationalist parties and the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT) party, demand clear assurance from the French president that the Versailles Congress will not be convened and that the proposed constitutional reform regarding the electoral body will be scrapped.

FLNKS emphasizes that this is the only way to restore peace and resume discussions on the institutional future of New Caledonia.

Pro-independence advocates criticize Emmanuel Macron for not clearly expressing his views during his visit to New Caledonia on May 23. They highlight Macron's promise not to alter the electoral corpus but express dissatisfaction with the lack of a definitive guarantee regarding the withdrawal of the proposed text. FLNKS stresses that this lack of assurance creates misunderstandings and unrest among activists.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Man dies, woman hospitalized after crashing into a tree in northwest Atlanta

Police are investigating a deadly crash in northwest Atlanta.

Police said on Sunday, at approximately 6:37 a.m., officers responded to the I-75 Northbound Expressway Northwest and Moores Mill Road Northwest about a crash.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers arrived at the scene to find a Toyota Corolla with a 24-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman in the passenger seat.

The 24-year-old driver was thrown from the car and pronounced dead on scene.

The passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed that the driver was going north on the I-75 Expressway when he left the expressway and sped onto the Moores Mill Road exit, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

TRENDING STORIES:

The driver hit a tree before coming to a final rest in a grass area outside of the roadway.

Police are still investigating.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Man drove away with infant after wielding knife at ex-girlfriend, Sacramento deputies say

A 33-year-old Sacramento man was arrested Sunday after sheriffs deputies said he drove away with his child while making threats and wielding a knife at his ex-girlfriend.

The woman and the child were walking to their vehicle after grocery shopping at a south Sacramento store. A 33-year-old man, who fathered the infant, unexpectedly approached both of them, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office.

The woman agreed to give her ex-boyfriend a ride when the suspect allegedly pulled a knife out and began to threaten the victim, the Sheriffs Office said.

The woman pulled over in a parking lot and ran away to get help. Thats when the suspect climbed into the drivers seat and drove away, deputies said.

By chance, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District personnel saw the man drive away while in the parking lot and began to follow him.

Firefighters alerted the Sheriffs Office of the incident before the man pulled over in a park and ran away, the Sheriffs Office said. Deputies searched the area and couldnt find the suspect; firefighters rescued and returned the infant to its mother.

The next day, deputies were called about a suspicious vehicle near El Paraiso Avenue and Sampson Boulevard in the Lemon Hill area. When investigators approached the driver, he ran away and began jumping over fences in a residential neighborhood, the Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies established a perimeter as they realized the suspect was the same person who allegedly drove away with the baby, the Sheriffs Office said. The man was found inside a van by deputies and K-9 officer Jack.

The 33-year-old man faces assault with a deadly weapon and resisting or obstructing a police officer charges. He also faces a probation violation stemming from a separate case, according to jail records.

The suspect is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.
Man guilty of DUI, reckless driving in crash that tore off BNSF officers leg

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The driver of a pickup that authorities say swerved through lanes at 100 mph before hitting a motorcycle  ripping off the riders leg  was found guilty Monday of reckless driving and multiple drunken driving-related charges.

Jacob Lee Bookout was convicted of four felony counts and a misdemeanor in the April 1, 2023, crash that injured Bryan Clark, who was a BNSF Railway officer at the time.

Coroners office identifies 2 bodies found in Truxtun Avenue canal

Sentencing is scheduled June 26.

Clark lost not only his leg but three fingers after the pickup slammed into his motorcycle while traveling west on Panama Lane at Ashe Road. He survived and has undergone multiple surgeries.

After the initial crash, the pickup flew into eastbound lanes and struck a fire hydrant before hitting a building.

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Bookout had a blood-alcohol content of 0.12%, prosecutor Kacie Barrier said. THC and hydrocodone were also found in his system.

Bookouts public defender, Thomas J. Pope, argued at trial authorities were against his client from the start because Clark was a law enforcement officer. He said that colored how they viewed the evidence.

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 KGET 17.
LEHI, Utah (ABC4)  One man has been hospitalized and remains on life support after being struck unconscious during a road rage incident in Lehi on Sunday, June 2.

Police say the victim, who has only been identified as a 38-year-old man, was found unconscious in the roadway near 1300 West Main Street in Lehi just before 2 p.m. Police said the victim was bleeding from the head and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Investigators say video footage and witness statements point to a road rage incident instigated by the suspect, identified as John Williams, 43, of Highland.

Police did not specify the details of what started the alleged road rage, however, police believe Williams followed the victim eastbound on Main Street. The two reportedly got out of their cars at the same time and got into a physical fight.

Both parties exchanged a few punches, a police report reads. The victim sustained a hit to the head, causing them to go unconscious and fall onto the roadway. No physical injuries were found on Mr. Williams.

The victims two children, aged 8 and 10, were reportedly with him at the time of the incident.

Utah files lawsuit against TikTok over virtual strip clubs

Williams was detained by the Lehi Police Department and booked into the Utah County Jail. He faces a felony charge of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Utah legislators passed a law earlier this year making for harsher punishments for road rage crimes, including the suspension or revocation of the instigators drivers license if convicted. The new law would also allow for law enforcement to impound the instigators car.

The new law does not go into effect until July 1, 2024.

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.
Man jumps into Georgia lake to get away from deputies

A Floyd County man was arrested after he allegedly jumped into a lake to escape police.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

It happened early last month near Floyd Springs Road in Armuchee, Georgia.

Floyd County deputies said Ray Ellis Carver Jr., grabbed a woman by her shirt, scaring her.

Authorities said Carver then willfully jumped into a lake to get away from deputies.

TRENDING STORIES:

Carver was facing a felony aggravated stalking charge because he violated a condition of his bond to have no contact with the victim.

Hes now charged with obstruction for jumping into the lake and simply battery.

Carver was booked into the Floyd County Jail.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Man offers woman a ride home, then shes forced to jump from moving car, OR cops say

A woman jumped from a moving car after a man offered to give her a ride home but refused to let her leave, Oregon police say.

The 47-year-old woman told police a man pulled up in his car beside her, offering her a ride home, early on Friday, May 31, the Portland Police Bureau said in a June 1 news release.

When they arrived, the woman opened the car door to leave, but the man accelerated the car and she couldnt exit, police said.

As the woman fought with the man, he punched her in the face, police said.

After driving several blocks, the woman jumped from the moving car, police said.

Though she was hurt from the fall, police said she was able to run away.

Home surveillance video obtained by KATU News shows the woman banging on the door of a home, pleading for help.

Hes trying to abduct me, the woman can be heard saying while talking on the phone, the TV station reported.

Officers arrived and found the woman hiding in a driveway, police said.

By this time, police said the suspect, identified as Ra Fet, 25, had already fled.

A short time later, an officer spotted Fets car and pulled him over, according to police.

The woman was treated on scene for cuts and bruises, police said.

Fet was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, fourth-degree assault and reckless driving, according to police.

He is being held without bail, online jail records show.

Quick thinking at gas station saves woman kidnapped by fake Uber driver, AZ cops say

Dangerous man tries kidnapping several women over three days in Texas, police say

Accused kidnapper tries to rape 19-year-old, then dumps body in field, CA officials say
Man sentenced to 60 years in prison for 2022 fatal shooting

Editors note: The above video shows KXAN News top morning headlines from Monday, June 3, 2024.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A man was sentenced to 60 years in prison for a fatal shooting that happened in north Austin in 2022.

According to court documents, a jury found Yongyoon Kim, 33, guilty of two counts of murder, which is a first-degree felony.

Kim has a jail credit of 859 days, or a little over two years, according to court documents. His 60-year and 50-year sentences will run concurrently.

Austin police identified Nathan Limoge, 28, and Christopher Rivers, 38, as the victims of the shooting.

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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego police are investigating after an altercation in Sherman Heights on Sunday escalated, leaving a man with multiple stab wounds.

The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of 25th Street and Imperial Avenue when two men, a 50-year-old and a 37-year-old, got into an argument, according to SDPD.

At that time, the 37-year-old tried to walk away when the 50-year-old tried to punch him from behind. The 37-year-old then pulled a knife and sliced at the victim several times before fleeing, SDPD said.

Driver strikes two people after running red light in Pacific Beach: police

The 50-year-old victim sustained several non-life-threatening stab wounds, according to authorities. He was transported to nearby hospital for treatment.

The suspect was later taken into custody at 13th Street and National Avenue. Their identity has not been disclosed.

An investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact SDPD 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After flagging down police, a man was arrested for allegedly stabbing another man moments earlier in downtown Portland early Saturday morning.



According to PPB, a man  identified as 41-year-old Basir Noorzai  grabbed the attention of an officer near Southwest 4th Avenue and Main Street just after midnight, claiming he was being chased by three other men.

Portland woman jumps from car, man faces kidnapping, sex abuse

However, officers reportedly found out one of the men chasing Noorzai had been stabbed by him during an earlier fight on the waterfront near the Hawthorne Bridge.

Noorzai then tried to run from police with the knife in his possession, but was soon arrested for assault, unlawful use of a weapon and a parole violation.

The stabbing victim then went to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, authorities say.

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.
A man was attacked by a shark about 100 yards from shore during a group swim in southern California, local officials have said.

Beaches have been shut in the city of Del Mar in San Diego County after the attack at around 9 a.m. on Sunday morning, the city said in a press release.

The 46-year-old victim, who has not been named, was part of a group of about a dozen ocean swimmers who train regularly in Del Mar.

He was bitten on the torso, left arm and hand, and was able to get to shore with help from his fellow swimmers, CNN reported.

The man was taken by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, the city said.

Jon Edelbrock, community services director and chief lifeguard for the city, told FOX 5 San Diego the man was in a stable condition, adding: Were very happy and feel fortunate that hes doing well.

Lifeguards have since closed a two-mile stretch of the beach. The waters will remain out-of-bounds until 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Florida Museum of Natural Historys international shark attack file says there have been 20 unprovoked shark attacks recorded in San Diego County since 1926.

A section of Del Mar Beach is closed until Tuesday am after a shark attacks a swimmer. Experts say there are currently 4 sharks detected in the area. @fox5sandiego@CSULBsharklabpic.twitter.com/PGAJxiNp7i  ELIZABETH ALVAREZ (@ealvareznews) June 3, 2024

Related...
The return of Crimea and Donbas to Ukraine is not the right time. The lost Ukrainian territories will eventually return to us, but not by military means.

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This opinion was expressed by the famous Ukrainian writer Vasyl Shklyar. In an interview with OBOZ.UA, the writer noted that now - "in such harsh military circumstances" - we need to set ourselves realistic goals, not "engage in dreaming."

"I've already said it, but I'll repeat it: we shouldn't set such super-tasks," says Vasyl Shklyar, "We should really proceed from the circumstances that are developing. We should not engage in dreaming during the war, because in such harsh military circumstances it is dangerous. We need to set ourselves realistic expectations."

"For example, the first goal of our struggle should be to regain the territories we have lost, starting in 2022. As for Donbas and Crimea, I said long before the full-scale invasion that we need to build an attractive, successful Ukraine within our real borders. And during the geopolitical fractures that will inevitably occur in the 21st century, we will be able to annex all other Ukrainian territories. But on our own terms, not on someone else's," the writer continues.

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Earlier, in his interviews, Vasyl Shklyar repeatedly noted that in the distant 90s he foresaw the inevitable participation of Donbas and Crimea in the split of Ukraine. In his opinion, after the declaration of independence, it was necessary to promote and integrate Ukrainian culture more actively in these regions.

"I suggested back then that we give up Crimea and Donbas because I knew that a violent confrontation could not be avoided. I am not a supporter of Ukraine from the Syan to the Don, and I believe that Ukraine needs those territories where the Ukrainian spirit prevails. In the 21st century, the country's territory should not be measured only in square kilometers," Shklyar said sharply during the war.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ukrainian writer and politician Vasyl Shklyar said that Ukraine does not need Crimea.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
NOTASULGA, Ala. (WRBL)  A Dothan man wanted for an alleged felony sexual assault in Dale County was tracked to east Alabama, where he was taken into custody by the Macon County Sheriff after a multi-agency manhunt.

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, at approximately 10:25 a.m., detectives received credible information indicating that Colt Bryan Lecuyer, a 33-year-old white male from Dothan, Alabama, was in the area. At approximately 3:30 p.m., officials received information from a concerned citizen about Lecuyers possible whereabouts. The information provided aided authorities in successfully apprehending Lecuyer near the 3000 block of County Road 57, Notasulga, Alabama.

Lecuyer was taken into custody by ADOC/ALEA law enforcement officials and transported to Macon County Detention without further incident. The operation was led by the Macon County Sheriffs Office, ADOC K9 Team, (ALEA) SWAT, SBI, Aviation Division, Auburn Police Department Patrol Division, FBI, and Dale County Sheriff.

LPD now offering cash reward for info. leading to a man wanted on several sexual abuse charges arrest

The collaboration exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement agencies working together to ensure the safety and security of our communities, said Sheriff Andre Brunson. The use of Southern Linc communication technology played a crucial role in bridging communication gaps between the involved agencies, facilitating seamless coordination throughout the operation.

According to criminal records, Lecuyer is a registered sex offender. In 2012, he was convicted of enticing a child for immoral purposes (attempted). WRBL is working to gather more information on the allegations Lecuyer faces in Dale County.

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.
Manatee County officials announce burn ban due to drought conditions. What to know

Manatee County officials have enacted a burn ban amid ongoing drought conditions in the Bradenton area.

In an emergency meeting Monday morning, the Manatee County Commission voted to ban outdoor burning, which includes fireworks, sparklers and campfires.

The burn ban comes after talks with the Fire Chiefs Association and the Department of Forestry.

According to a news release, the ban includes any item that contains an explosive compound. County officials say certain uses are still allowed:

Outdoor grilling by a responsible adult

Any land-clearing that has been authorized by the Florida Forest Service

Permitted fireworks displays

Flares discharged over the Gulf of Mexico

The burn ban will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 10, unless county officials decide to extend it.
Retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.)  a longtime conservative Democrat who announced last week he is registering as an independent  reiterated Monday that he has no plans to run for office this cycle, but said he would not entirely rule out the prospect of a future bid for public office.

I am not running, Manchin said in an interview on West Virginia MetroNewss Talkline about his plans in 2024.

On a future run, however, Manchin added, Ive never closed doors.

You dont know what the political arena is going to have. You dont know whats going to happen in this toxic political world. So Ive never shut down any options whatsoever, Manchin said. But I have no intentions of running for any political office, elected office.

The retiring senator last week shot down speculation that he would enter the gubernatorial race in West Virginia and voiced support for Steve Williams, the Democratic nominee for the seat.

Manchin, who previously served for six years as West Virginias governor, was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in the deep-red state in 2010. Since then, Manchin bucked the party on numerous occasions before he officially left it last week.

Manchin had mentioned in the past that he was considered registering as an independent  a move that would theoretically open up ballot access free from party constraints. He suggested thats not why he switched registrations.

Ive always been independent, Manchin said in the interview. You know, Ive never been wedded to any party.

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.
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin said Monday hes not running for any office after registering as an independent over the Memorial Day recess, but he didnt completely rule out the possibility.

Im not running for any office, political office. Ive been very clear about that, the senator told CNNs Manu Raju, insisting that his decision to become an independent had nothing to do with running for Senate or governor ahead of the August 1 filing deadline.

But pressed on whether he was closing the door on a future run, he added, I have not  I never leave any, you never leave any political opportunity and walk away from that, so you always have options, because life is full of surprises. But I have no intention of running for political office.

Manchin, whose announcement last year that he wasnt seeking reelection was a political gift to Republicans hoping to flip the Senate, noted that he had informed President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of his decision to leave the party before he did so.

The retiring senator said that he decided to become an independent now so he could have time under [his] belt with the label before he leaves the Senate, noting that having the letter D by his name had become toxic in his home state, which President Donald Trump carried by nearly 40 points in 2020.

Its hard to go back home with the brands being so toxic as they are. My states flipped so much as it has, even having a D brand  knowing that Joe is just Joe Manchin from West Virginia, they dont look at me as a Democrat or a Republican  but on that, by having a D brand, they still label you and it makes it a little bit more challenging to get through, he said.

Ive been thinking and planning this for a long time. I thought the time was right, now as Im going to transition into private life, I wanted to make sure I could be an honest broker. And say Oh, he just did it because youre moving into something else. No, I did it while Im still a senator.

Manchin said it would be easier for him to focus on his post-Senate goals as an independent, like empowering the middle of the political spectrum.

Lets open up some of these primaries in these states, let people have better candidates to choose from. Were getting kind of a controlled movement to where the primaries are controlled to the point that when you get to the general election, youre choices arent what you might want, whether they be on the national level from president all the way down, he argued.

Manchin, who still plans to caucus with Democrats in the Senate, said his colleagues were only surprised it took this long, and that the president understood why he was making this choice.

I explained the dynamics of my state and the people I represent do not connect today with the Democratic Party and especially the policies of the National Democrat Party, he said.

The senator said hes still not prepared to say if hell support Biden in November and that hes hoping he can push the president more toward the political center.

I havent gotten involved in the presidential election to this point. There will be a time, theres plenty of time, he said. Right now I want to see, I want to see the Joe Biden Ive known for 37 years come back to where the Joe Biden had started from: always in the center, center-left, maybe, but always in the center to make a deal. I think hes been pulled too far by his staff to the far left. And Im hoping and praying I can push him back.

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Luke Tuttle collects signatures at the Minnehaha County Administration Building on April 18, 2024 for an initiated measure that would let voters decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Luke Tuttle collects signatures at the Minnehaha County Administration Building on April 18, 2024, for an initiated measure that would let voters decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

A petition that would legalize adult recreational marijuana use in South Dakota has enough signatures from registered voters to be placed on the Nov. 5 ballot, according to the South Dakota Secretary of States Office.

The office made the announcement Monday, triggering a 30-day window for challenges to the petitions validity.

Its the sixth statewide ballot measure to qualify for the general election, pending potential challenges. Four of the measures are citizen-initiated and two were placed on the ballot by the Legislature.

The marijuana ballot measure would allow people 21 and older to possess, grow, ingest and distribute marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia, with some restrictions. Among those are a possession limit of 2 ounces and a maximum number of six plants per person or 12 per household.

Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana. South Dakota voters approved it in 2020, along with the legalization of medical marijuana. But the recreational portion of that ballot measure was challenged in court and invalidated, while medical marijuana legalization proceeded.

The new measure needed 17,508 signatures from South Dakota registered voters to qualify for the ballot. Based on a random sample, the Secretary of States Office estimated that petitioners collected 22,558 valid signatures.

Ballot question status update

Measures placed on the Nov. 5 ballot by the Legislature:

An amendment to the state constitution updating references to certain officeholders and people (replacing male-specific pronouns with neutral language).

An amendment to the state constitution authorizing the state to impose work requirements on certain people who are eligible for expanded Medicaid.

Citizen-proposed measures validated for the ballot, pending potential challenges:

An initiated measure prohibiting state sales taxes on items sold for human consumption, specifically targeting state sales taxes on groceries.

An initiated amendment to the state constitution re-establishing abortion rights.

An initiated amendment to the state constitution establishing open primary elections.

An initiated measure legalizing adult recreational use, possession and distribution of marijuana.

Petition still in circulation:

A proposed referendum of a new law regulating carbon dioxide pipelines (the deadline to submit referendum petitions is June 25).

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The post Marijuana legalization measure validated for Nov. 5 election appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Mariana Checheliuk, a 24-year-old police officer who has recently been liberated from Russian captivity, has shared a story about her beloved, who was with her at Azovstal steelworks.

Vladyslav Andrianov is a fighter with the Azov Brigade and Mariana's beloved, still in Russian captivity. He survived the terrorist attack in Olenivka POW camp in July 2022, but last year, the Russians "sentenced" him to 25 years in prison.

"My husband, the other half of my broken heart. He survived the terrorist attack in Olenivka. He bravely defended Mariupol. Now, he is serving 25 years in Russian captivity. If I had the opportunity to be in captivity instead of you, I would not hesitate to stay there," Mariana said.

    Instagram ,  '  (@tvoya.yaa)

Mariana went through Russian captivity with a black thread instead of a ring  it gave her the strength to live, love and keep her beloved in her heart.

Mariana went through captivity with a black thread instead of a ring.

Photo: Mariana Checheliuk on Instagram

"You fought bravely for us to live freely in our country. You are unbreakable, brave, courageous. When I was in captivity, I had a dream that when I came back, you would meet me from captivity.

For the past two years, I've been hoping that you were already home. This is a big blow to my heart... Hold on, my love, we will bring you back soon, and your suffering will be over. We will get back to the happy life that was so abruptly cut short by the war," Mariana wrote.

Background:

In May 2022, Mariana Checheliuk, a 22-year-old National Police investigator from Mariupol, was captured by the Russians when she tried to evacuate from the city with her sister. The Russians did not let the girl through the "filtration" and held her captive for more than two years.

At first, she was taken to the Donetsk pre-trial detention centre. Later, she was held in a POW camp in Olenivka and then in a prison in Taganrog, Russia.

In January 2024, Mariana's mother, Nataliia Checheliuk, spoke about the horrific torture her daughter suffered in captivity, which made her very ill.

Mariana was brought home on 31 May as part of the 52nd POW swap, along with 74 other Ukrainians. The released persons include members of Ukraine's Armed Forces and the National Guard, border guards, and four civilians. This exchange included 10 Azovstal defenders, including one Azov servicewoman.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to 'defund' the entire state of New York over the Trump verdict

Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to 'defund' the entire state of New York over the Trump verdict

A New York jury Thursday found Trump guilty of 34 felony charges.

Now Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to cut off all federal funding to the state as punishment.

It almost certainly won't happen  but don't be shocked if other GOPers get on board with the idea.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to cut off all federal funding to the US's fourth-most-populous state.

The Georgia Republican said she would push House Speaker Mike Johnson to "defund" the state of New York after former President Donald Trump was convicted Thursday of 34 felony charges related to "hush money" payments he made to the porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

She made the remarks Saturday during an interview with Steve Bannon on the TV channel Real America's Voice.

"I think the American people have turned a corner after they watched that conviction come down in New York, to the point where it's like, you know what? Screw New York," Greene said. "New York doesn't deserve a damn penny. We shouldn't fund them one single dime."

Home to 19.6 million people, the state benefited from $383 billion in federal spending in fiscal year 2022, according to a report from the state's comptroller.

The state of New York convicted Pres Trump on FAKE felony charges but did not convict and released an illegal alien monster who came to Georgia and killed Laken Riley!



Republicans should not give a penny to New York until they stop their two-tiered justice system and drop the pic.twitter.com/ESByvEWZNm  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) June 1, 2024

It's safe to say that Greene's push won't become reality. The Georgia congresswoman has little formal power in the House, as her recent push to oust Johnson demonstrated.

Plus, her GOP colleagues from New York  many of whom are relying on the federal funding they've secured to make their cases for reelection  aren't going to stand for it.

There's also an obvious contradiction to Greene's push: Georgia, her state, is home to one of the four criminal cases against Trump.

The congresswoman has touted the federal funding she's brought back to her district in the past  despite voting against the bill that provided it  and it's difficult to imagine her pushing for all federal funds to be cut off to Georgia.

But Greene's radical brand of politics is still influential among certain corners of the right, and other hard-right Republicans could embrace similar positions amid anger over the Trump conviction.

Correction: June 3, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the size of New York relative to other states. New York is the fourth-most-populous state, not the second most populous.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Loyal customers shared their love for Mary Mahoneys Old French House on social media over the weekend after the restaurant pleaded guilty to a felony charge of conspiring to defraud customers by passing off foreign seafood as Gulf fresh fish.

Mahoneys and co-owner Anthony Tony Cvitanovich are set for sentencing Sept. 12. Mahoneys has agreed to forfeit $1.35 million and could be subject to five years probation on the charge of conspiring with others to misbrand fish. Mahoneys was represented at the plea hearing in federal court by co-owner Eileen Mahoney Ezell. Cvitanovich faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to mislabeling fish.

Three unidentified co-conspirators listed in the federal charges have yet to be identified: A Biloxi seafood wholesaler and retailer, and two of its current or former employees.

Supporters of the iconic Mahoneys, recognized nationally for its Southern hospitality, unique atmosphere and, yes, Gulf seafood, took to Facebook over the weekend to gush about the meals and good times they have enjoyed there. While some commenters chastised Mahoneys for deceiving the public, positive posts on Facebook outweighed their comments.

Someone posted on the Biloxi Main Street page: Some of the greatest times in life are spent at Mary Mahoneys Old French House! The food is excellent coastal cuisine. The service is unequaled. BUT its the ambiance that is totally unique and unlike any other place in the world!

Facebook commenters mostly praise Mahoneys

Co-owner Bobby Mahoney, who makes the rounds daily in the dining rooms of Mahoneys historic building to greet customers and tell corny jokes, said Monday that the Mahoney and Cvitanovich families appreciate the support. The normally loquacious Mahoney said he is unable to say more at this time.

His and Eileen Mahoneys mother, Mary Mahoney, and her brother Andrew Cvitanovich, father of Anthony, founded the restaurant in 1964. Mahoneys recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Given the restaurants iconic status, the Mississippi Coast was collectively shocked when the charges against Mahoney and Cvitanovich were unsealed Thursday.

From as early as 2002 until November 2019, Mahoneys conspired with the unidentified Biloxi seafood business and two of its employees to misbrand fish from India, Africa and South America as Gulf snapper or redfish, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi has charged.

Judging from Facebook comments, many customers were willing to overlook the crimes. Mahoneys is a fine dining tradition for many Coast families.

A woman identified as Debbie Batia wrote: Mary Mahoneys has been & will always be The Crapo & Batia Familys favorite restaurant for all occasions- Birthdays- Anniversaries- Rehearsal Dinners - Bridal Showers - Weve had them there over the years  We love Yall!!

Said Facebook user Jamie Rhodes: All this talk about my favorite restaurant sure is making me HUNGRY. I cant wait to get home and support my FAVORITE restaurant on the coast, Mary Mahoneys.

Ricky Mathews, former Sun Herald publisher and now host of The Ricky Mathews Show on SuperTalk FM, offered one of the few critical commentaries about what happened at Mahoneys:

As a community, we must hold businesses accountable for their actions and demand transparency and honesty in all aspects of their operations, his post said, in part. Mary Mahoneys has a long road ahead to regain the trust of its customers, and its crucial that they take this opportunity to make things right and rebuild their reputation.
It's been over 80 years since the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that schoolchildren can't be forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance. One Maryland elementary school, however, has yet to get the memo.

According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a First Amendment nonprofit, Twin Ridge Elementary School officials sent an email on April 26 informing staff that state law requires "all students and teachers are required 'to stand and face the flag and while standing give an approved salute and recite in unison the pledge of allegiance.'"

But the email failed to note that there is a clear exception to this requirement encoded in state lawnot to mention a decades-old Supreme Court ruling. Maryland law explicitly states that "any student or teacher who wishes to be excused from the requirements" of the pledge law would be excused.

"While non-participation may upset others who believe the pledge is an important expressive act, that reaction cannot overcome the First Amendment's protection of those who decide to abstain," Stephanie Jablonsky, a senior program officer at FIRE, wrote in a legal letter to the school last week. "Peaceful refusal to endorse a specified viewpoint cannot be grounds for punishment. The same holds for teachers and staff."

FIRE has called on Twin Ridge Elementary to "correct its April 26 directive and notify staff of their rights and their students' rights" to not recite the pledge.

Unfortunately, this is far from the first time that public schools have attempted to force students and staff to say the Pledge of Allegiance in recent years.

In 2018, officials in a Texas school district settled with a student who was expelled for refusing to stand for the pledge. But before the case was over, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton publicly took the school's side and attempted to intervene on their behalf in the federal case.

"School children cannot unilaterally refuse to participate in the pledge," Attorney General Paxton said in a press release at the time. "Requiring the pledge to be recited at the start of every school day has the laudable result of fostering respect for our flag and a patriotic love of our country."

Other government officials have been more than happy to help schools unconstitutionally force students to say the pledge.

Last year, the Arizona House of Representatives passed a bill that aimed to force students to recite the pledge daily. While the bill contained a provision allowing parents to permit children to sit out, itillegallydid not allow children to make that decision themselves.

"We stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day on this floor. What's good for us is good for the children," Rep. Barbara Parker (RMesa), a sponsor of the bill, said during a hearing.

The post Maryland Elementary School Tries To Force Students To Say The Pledge appeared first on Reason.com.
Kyivstar mobile operator has started sending SMS messages to its subscribers about the disconnection of 3G. The reason for this is the company's intention to develop a 4G network.

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This was reported by MZU-Mobile Communications of Ukraine, an independent community of mobile technologies in Ukraine. They noted that another reason for Kyivstar's refusal to use 3G is its desire to introduce new technologies.

Kyivstar has started sending SMS about 3G disconnection. Kyivstar plans to stop supporting 3G to further develop its 4G network and introduce new technologies. We will inform you about the date of 3G shutdown in advance," the company said in a statement.

How to use the mobile Internet after 3G shutdown

At the same time, it is emphasized that in order to continue using high-speed mobile Internet and communication after the 3G shutdown, you should turn on 4G/LTE on your smartphone. Instructions for Android:

select "Settings";

in the settings, select "Connections";

then  "Mobile networks";

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then  "Network type";

select the network mode with "4G" or "LTE" in the description.

For IOS:

go to Settings;

select "Cellular data";

activate "Cellular data", after which the network available for the phone will be automatically pulled up.

Kyivstar numbers start with a new code 077

Earlier, Kyivstar received permission to use the destination network code 77 (+380 77). This means that the operator's numbers will start with 077. However, the existing numbers will not be affected by the innovation.

According to MZU-Mobile Communications of Ukraine, an independent community of mobile technologies in Ukraine, Kyivstar says that the additional code will help it prevent a shortage of free numbers. After all, "the remaining free numbering resource is not enough to meet the needs of subscribers in the next two years."

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Kyivstar currently uses 5 national codes for its mobile network. These are:

67;

68;

96;

97;

98.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Kyivstar subscribers can also check what they pay the operator for. They can find out all the information about their tariff in several ways. In particular, by texting *100*01*2.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Maryland State Police said it is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened on Monday morning.

Police said that just after 3:00 a.m., they responded to the area of northbound Interstate 95 at Maryland Route 198 for the report of a crash involving a motorcycle.

Officials said the motorcycle and a car were traveling in the merge lanes of north I-95 to MD 198 when the motorcycle hit the rear of the car.

Pedestrian hit by car in Montgomery County

The operator of the motorcycle was identified as 21-year-old Johny Carrasco of Silver Spring.

Carrasco died at the scene.

No other injuries were reported at the scene.

Northbound I-95 was closed for over an hour for the crash investigation.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Mayors office says large pipe arrived Sunday, signaling possible end to water line breaks

Water lines continue breaking on Sunday, exacerbating the water crisis in Atlanta.

Its been such a headache. This has been going on since Friday, said Taylor McKissock.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

McKissocks water was off again Sunday evening, while workers repaired a small break outside his home in northwest Atlanta.

At the same time, crews in Midtown received a key piece of pipe that the Mayors Office said is key to fixing the most problematic break.

It happened at 11th Street and West Peachtree Street.

A large waterline broke there Friday afternoon, according to Atlanta Watershed Management. It was the second major line to break that day.

The first was in Vine City where multiple large lines intersect. The breaks forced the city to place more than 200 neighborhoods under a boil water advisory.

To see if youre in one of those neighborhoods, click here.

Several Atlanta Fire and Rescue stations handed out cases of water to those impacted over the weekend.

Crews fixed the large break at Joseph E. Boone Blvd. in Vine City Saturday evening.

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That night, Mayor Andre Dickens declared a state of emergency to allow Atlanta Watershed Management to bypass city purchasing protocol and buy parts faster.

The following night, the large piece of pipeline needed to fix the Midtown break arrived.

People with no running water question if more smaller breaks are inevitable as crews begin to restore pressure to the 80-year-old pipeline system.

I feel like all the older pipes are starting to give way which is very problematic, said McKissock. I dont feel this is the end of anything too soon.

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Being a woman in Mexico is toughif not dangerous. Women earn 16% less than men, and the gender gap in labor force participation is one of the highest in Latin America. But perhaps the most shocking statistic is that every hour, at least one woman disappears, and every day, 11 women die violently.

Few would imagine that this same country has just elected a female President. Claudia Sheinbaum, former mayor of Mexico City and loyal successor to the left-wing incumbent, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), has come out on top following the June 2 vote.

The question is how in the world this happened. In a county where 90% of Mexicans harbor negative biases against women, and 58% hold such biases specifically against female politicians, tens of millions have voted for women. That includes not just Sheinbaum but Xochitl Galvez, a senator and businesswoman, who the opposition rallied behind.

This is no small puzzle. Mexicos negative biases against female leaders nearly double those of the U.S. or Canada. Yet, Mexico has become the first North American nation to elect a female leader. The results are still streaming in, but Mexico is also expected to boast the fourth largest contingent of congresswomen in the world and to have women governing nearly half of its 32 states.

The empowerment of women in Mexican politics did not occur haphazardly. It stemmed from a deliberate, albeit gradual, construction of a legal framework fostering gender paritymost notably through mandatory gender quotas. It all started in 1996 when a law recommending that at least 30% of candidates should be female was passed. In 2002, a congress that was 84% male made it mandatory, but with the big exception that voters could elect men in primaries. That was what took us to court to demand that the exception be eliminated, Silvia Hernandez, the only Mexican female that has been senator for three terms, told me about the lawsuit Mexican women launched in response. Many more women accompanied the process. In 2011, the court ruled in their favor.

Things moved fast from then. Mexico went from having 26% congresswomen in 2011, to 42% in 2015, and 48% just ahead of the Sunday vote. And that is not all. The expected success of women at the governor-level is no doubt helped by Mexican electoral authorities mandating that more than half or each partys gubernatorial candidates be female, and that they not be fielded in areas where their party is expected to fare poorly.

Yet voters wonder whether a President Sheinbaum will make things better for Mexican women. There is some hope. She has outlined a bold vision for creating a national care system to establish nurseries, nursing homes, and sick care facilities to alleviate the burden of unpaid care work, which is primarily carried out by women.

Still, recent history has demonstrated that female leadership does not always translate into better policies for women. According to my own research, Mexicos women legislators consistently support federal budgets that underfund the amount of money allocated to gender equality programs.

Sheinbaums rise to power excites many women who will identify with a female leader. Yet AMLO did not have a good relationship with the feminist organizations that criticized him. The fear is that Sheinbaum doesnt have it either.

Claudia Sheinbaum greets her supporters on the day of the last presidential debate at the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center in Mexico City on May 19, 2024. Quetzalli Nicte-HaReuters

Concerns also linger over how Mexican voters might respond to a President Sheinbaum, especially when she inevitably makes errors, as all politicians do. Studies indicate that female leaders often endure harsher backlash than their male counterparts, a phenomenon exacerbated in Mexico by prevailing societal sexism. Being a female President wont be easy. A survey by Enkoll in February found that a third of Mexicans feel the country is not prepared for one, and 14% openly say they would prefer a man in the job.

That sexism has and will come from women. During the campaign, opposition parties astutely dog whistled at latent Mexican sexism. In the first presidential debate, Galvez nicknamed Sheinbaum the ice lady, casting her as cold and heartlessa direct affront to societal expectations that women be warm and nurturing. In another debate, Sheinbaum was criticized by Galvez on her choice of attire, implying that her lack of religiosity rendered her unfit for office. A famous female Mexican intellectual, Guadalupe Loaeza, also criticized her curly hair ahead of the vote, arguing it was evidence that Sheinbaum was an envious little girl.

Outside of politics, Sheinbaum will have to contend with pundits who have frequently called her AMLOs clon, protege, favorite subordinate, spoiled girl, or little flower. These critics assume that she is being manipulated or controlled by AMLO, rather than, what is more probably happening, which is that Sheinbaum is part of a political movement that is broadly popular and whose policies have been successful in attracting voters. It is only strategic to continue advancing this popular program.

She is also frequently accused of being arrogant due to her disciplined and sober personality, as well as her ability to dodge difficult questions from the press. I have no doubt that in a male politician, these traits would likely be hailed as signs of professionalism and power, Marta Lamas, a recognized feminist and professor from Mexicos National Autonomous University, told me. In Sheinbaums case, they morph into liabilities, inviting accusations of haughtiness and conceit.

Sheinbaum is a capable politician in her own right. She won Morenas primary against four men and had previously won two elections. As mayor of Mexico City, she demonstrated the ability to distance herself from AMLO in areas that she deemed relevant. Unlike him, she wore a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheaded major clean energy projects, and avoided the militarization of state police.

Polls ahead of the vote showed that Sheinbaums campaign was supported by more women than men. But in a country where being a woman is so difficult, support will only last if she delivers as President. The feminist struggle to put women in power does not end with Sheinbaums victory. The most important challenge is translating gender equality into reality. Success wont come easily.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD)  A Pride Month event taking place at Hackley Public Library this week will feature local LGBTQ+ authors.

The event, hosted in collaboration with Muskegon Pride, will take place Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will get the chance to hear from three LGBTQ+ authors: Stephen Schmidt, Bob Switzer and Davis Gerencer.

Switzers writing was featured in Coming Out Together, a collection of stories from the LGBTQ community. Schmidt wrote Comes the Phoenix, and Gerencer wrote Dreaming to Live and Living to Dream. The authors will take questions from the audience.

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This event showcases different stories, different experiences in life and how we can all kind of learn from each other, said Mallory Metzger, the marketing and community engagement coordinator at Hackley Public Library.

She said Muskegon Pride is a fantastic organization to collaborate with.

They bring so much to the table and they have such a great message, she said. We are just thrilled to be able to partner with them and bring this amazing free event for everyone to enjoy  getting to know local authors, getting to hear their stories, their inspirations, what inspires them, just all growing together.

LIST: Pride month events in West Michigan 2024

Event organizers ask those interested to register to gauge attendance, but its not required.

Hackley Public Library also kicked off its summer reading program Monday. Now through Aug. 3, Muskegon residents are encouraged to read in order to earn prizes.

It is great for everyone, all ages can participate, Metzger said. If you sign up and track your reading and activities, you can earn prizes as you go, plus have the chance to enter for grand prizes.  Its something that you can do by yourself or together as a family or with friends, so its really fun and casual and something for everyone.

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.
Indicted Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey filed for reelection Monday as an independent.

His decision to file as an independent, first reported by The New Jersey Globe, comes the day before a New Jersey primary in which three Democrats and four Republicans are vying for their parties nominations for the seat he currently holds.

Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges and is on trial in New York City, had announced in March that he would not run for a fourth full term as a Democrat, but left open the possibility of an independent bid if exonerated. He faces a Tuesday deadline to file as an independent. New Jerseys deadline for independent candidates to withdraw from the ballot is August 16.

His presence in the race could make the Senate contest in New Jersey more unpredictable, with control of the chamber hanging in the balance. Democrats hold a narrow majority but face a difficult election map this fall.

It displeases me to have to go this route, thanks to overzealous prosecutors, but I will do what must be done to continue to uphold my oath of office for my constituents, Menendez said in a statement Monday evening.

As I have said before; I have committed no crime. I am more confident than ever that New Jerseyans and the rest of the American public will see me exonerated of what I am being accused of, and I will be re-elected to the Senate once again, he continued.

Rep. Andy Kim, the Democratic front-runner in Tuesdays primary, criticized what he said were Menendezs self-interested motives.

Americans are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of whats right for the country, Kim said in a statement. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isnt running for the people of New Jersey, hes doing it for himself. Its beyond time for change and Im stepping up to restore integrity back into the U.S. Senate.

Menendezs federal corruption trial is in its fourth week. The senator, New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, and Menendezs wife, Nadine, are accused of engaging in a bribery scheme and acting as foreign agents for the Egyptian government. All four have pleaded not guilty.

The trial has featured hundreds of text messages, emails, images and voicemails sent between the senator, Nadine Menendez, Hana and an array of friends and business associates with alleged roles in the bribery scheme.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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Embattled Sen. Bob Menendezs (D-N.J.) son is running for his political life as his scandal-plagued father threatens to drag him down in his bid for reelection.

Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) is running for another term representing New Jerseys 8th Congressional District, a solidly liberal area where the winner of the primary will almost certainly win the general election in November.

But the younger Menendez is facing a formidable primary challenge Tuesday from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, which comes amid growing scrutiny over the congressmans relationship with his father, who has been charged with bribery.

The entanglements of Sen. Menendez are the reason why this is even a race in the first place, said New Jersey-based Democratic strategist Henry de Koninck. That is the elephant in the room, and the race could very much play out as a referendum on Sen. Menendez, which would obviously make for an electoral challenge for the congressman.

Rob Menendez was first elected to represent the district in 2022 after longtime incumbent Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.) announced he would not seek reelection. He was serving at the time as the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, having been appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy (D), and quickly picked up endorsements from most major Democrats in the state, including the governor and top state Legislature leaders.

Menendez faced minimal opposition in the Democratic primary and easily won the general election.

But he is facing a much tougher challenge this time while running in the shadow of his fathers ongoing criminal trial on charges of bribery, obstruction of justice and other counts. Prosecutors allege that the senator and his wife accepted bribes in exchange for various favors for three businessmen and for acting as an agent of the Egyptian government, along with other offenses.

The senator and his wife have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The younger Menendez is not involved in the allegations facing his father, but the case has still caused significant electoral difficulties for him over allegations his detractors have made that nepotism is the reason he currently holds his seat.

Bhalla has made those allegations a focal point of his campaign.

This is a gentleman who was handpicked by party bosses to be your next congressman, Bhalla said about Menendez in a debate they participated in last week. Do you want somebody who was handpicked by party bosses, or do you want someone whos been in the district, has earned accomplishments and whos has worked for the people honestly through his career? Thats me.

Menendez has emphasized his connections to the district, being a lifelong resident of the area, and the work he has done in Congress to serve his constituents in response.

I believe when you look at our track record of delivering for this district, you will agree that weve earned another two years in Congress, he said during the debate, referencing his offices constituent services and millions in funding provided to the district for infrastructure projects.

While the candidates do differ somewhat on certain policy issues, such as the war between Israel and Hamas and health care, strategists said the race seems to hinge more on questions of ethics and qualifications to serve the district.

This is a referendum on Bob Menendez and to what extent his son is going to be held responsible for his alleged transgressions, de Koninck said.

Both the congressman and Bhalla have done what they can to establish their progressive bona fides and establish that record, but thats not what will determine the outcome, he continued.

Polling has been limited in the race, but signs indicate it could go either way.

While one poll from the winter associated with Menendezs campaign showed the incumbent ahead by more than 20 points, another associated with Bhallas campaign placed him up just 3 points. And an April poll from a super PAC supporting Bhalla showed the mayor ahead by 5, though almost a third were undecided.

Both candidates have raised significant totals to fund their campaigns, with Bhalla slightly outraising Menendez with $2 million to the incumbents more than $1.6 million.

The Hill has reached out to the Menendez and Bhalla campaigns for comment.

One other key factor that may at least contribute to the race being a toss-up is a new ballot design rolling out for use in New Jerseys Democratic primaries for the first time in decades. After a federal judge struck down the longtime ballot design that gave candidates who received party leaders endorsements preferential placement on the ballot, candidates are now grouped together only by the office they are running for.

That could be a boon for Bhalla, with Menendez having secured most key endorsements from state Democrats who have backed candidates in the contest. That includes the county parties for Essex, Hudson and Union counties, the ones that make up the district.

The governor also campaigned with the congressman over the weekend.

But the impacts of ballots without the county line could be difficult to predict.

Democratic strategist Brendan Gill noted that candidates can still run with ballot slogans making clear they have the support of party leaders, and elected leaders still have the ability to move large blocks of votes for a candidate they support.

This is an interesting district, because its hard to tell, based on the polling, because you have the last vestiges of, in certain parts of this district, institutional machine organizations, he said.

Theres parts of this district that, even without lines, are still led by party leaders that have very strong followings and very strong organizations, Gill said.

The primary also features a third candidate: businessman Kyle Jasey, the son of a former state assemblywoman.

Jasey told The Hill that he believes the controversy around Sen. Menendez will be the defining issue in the race, though some policy issues like the Israel-Hamas war will play a factor.

But Jasey also noted some controversy surrounding Bhalla over his work as an attorney and tenure as mayor that has arisen during the race.

The New Jersey Supreme Court censured Bhalla in 2018 over unethical conduct for not setting aside money for a former employees retirement account. And this year, a former Hoboken official filed a lawsuit against Bhalla alleging that as mayor he sought to have an approval for one cannabis dispensary location voided in favor of another location owned by another mayors wife in exchange for legal work.

Menendez has seized on the accusations and called on Bhalla to release all communications related to the situation, while Bhalla has called the lawsuit pure utter nonsense and questioned the credibility of the former official who filed.

I think its exactly the kind of thing that people hate about politics here and that theyre sick of, Jasey said, regarding the allegations against Bhalla.

Democratic strategist Laura Matos said the decision will ultimately be made on whom constituents believe will serve them the best. As the only congressional district in New Jersey that is majority Hispanic and only one that has a Hispanic House member, performing well with this demographic is essential for the candidates.

In the April poll, Bhalla had a narrow lead with this group, with 31 percent support to Menendezs 27 percent and Jaseys 10 percent.

It is kind of the dawn of a new day for Democrats in New Jersey, Matos said. And whats changed is the way the ballot looks, but its still required for candidates to put in the work and talk to constituents, develop relationships in the communities that they seek to represent and educate the voters and work to earn the votes of those that they seek to represent.

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.
Kerry Elmberger drops off her ballot at a drive-thru drop box near the Mesa County Central Services building in Grand Junction, Nov. 3, 2020. (Barton Glasser for Colorado Newsline)

In an effort to restore trust with the local community, Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbie Gross is promoting transparency and increasing security measures to ensure fair elections for the county that made national headlines following the 2020 presidential election.

Mesa County voters elected Gross, a Republican, in 2022 to replace former Clerk Tina Peters, who was indicted in March 2022 by a grand jury on seven felony charges and three misdemeanors related to her attempts to prove election fraud in Mesa County. Peters has perpetuated the debunked notion that there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election and that former President Donald Trump won.

The clerks office is in charge of elections, the department of motor vehicles, clerk services for the board of county commissioners, and county recording. As a former employee in the clerks office, Gross said its been a comfortable role for her to jump into. This year will be the first presidential election in the county since Peters indictment.

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Gross initially started at the clerks office in 2007 and worked in a variety of roles before she left in early 2019. Before she was elected to be clerk, she worked for the Mesa County treasurer as deputy public trustee and treasurer technician.

Her predecessor faces three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one count of criminal impersonation and one count of identity theft. An election denier, Peters is alleged to have participated in a scheme to breach secure equipment in her own elections office in 2021 in an attempt to find evidence that Colorados voting system was rigged.

Peters indictment recounts that she allowed an unauthorized person into the room during an election system software update conducted by the Colorado secretary of states office. After that update, system passwords and other sensitive information were posted online.

Claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent or compromised have been debunked by elections officials, experts, media investigations, law enforcement and the courts.

To Gross, the clerks office in Mesa County has always run accurate and safe elections.

I think what happened in 2021 was an internal breach, and its one that we took seriously, Gross said. She said she hasnt seen any evidence proving that something went wrong with the 2020 election: I look for the facts versus speculation and I havent seen anything that would overturn that election.

Fraud does sometimes happen during an election, Gross said, and when it does, its caught and reported to the district attorney. She said violations of voting law could be unintentional, like if a parent tries to submit a ballot for their child who is away at college. Regardless, she said fraudulent ballots are caught and not included in vote counts.

I have to account for every single ballot that comes to my front doors, and if Im off by one or two votes and it doesnt match, I have to be able to explain why it doesnt match, Gross said.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said Gross is incredibly bright and is working hard to rebuild trust in her communitys elections.

Mainly, its just by doing things the right way every day, Crane said. Its just getting back to that level of normality that I think Bobbie and her team are doing a great job of each day trying to rebuild that trust.

Crane said based on what hes heard from the community in Mesa County, it didnt take long for people to realize that Peters had no idea what she was talking about.

Gross has implemented increased security measures including an enhanced camera system around the room that contains the secure election equipment that was involved in the Peters breach. Only certain staff members can access the room by scanning their badges, and Gross gets alert to her phone and email any time someone enters the secure room.

If it goes off at two oclock in the morning, obviously that would raise a red flag for me, versus during our normal business hours from 8 to 5, Gross said.

Staff  Gross included  are also only permitted to enter the secure room in pairs, she said. Any member of the public who comes into the clerks office for a tour must sign in and out of the building, Gross said.

We understand that the best way to create trust with our election system is to make them as transparent as possible, and to ensure that the public is involved in supporting that process, Gross said. Multiple times each year, we hold open houses where people could come in, they can see the equipment, they can ask questions.

Gross said holding tours and open houses during a live election allows people to see how the ballots are counted and how workers ensure they have the same number of vote counts as they do ballots tabulated.

Weve had people that said, Hey, I didnt know thats how it was done, and thank you for showing us that, Gross said. Sometimes peoples perception is not reality when it comes to elections, so I always invite people to come in, learn our process and go to the source. If you have questions about elections, go to the people that conduct your elections, because theyre going to be the ones that know what to do and how its processed.

The clerks office also conducts a test of all the election equipment before an election, a process that is also open to the public, Gross said. A bipartisan team will come in to submit test ballots, which are then hand-counted and tabulated to ensure everything is accurate.

Jan Moorman, president of the League of Women Voters of Mesa County, said her organization has always had confidence in the elections systems and processes in the county, even during Peters tenure. Before Gross took office, she said meeting with Director of Elections Brandi Bantz and Elections Manager Stephanie Wenholz helped maintain their confidence in the countys election systems.

The difference is that now, LWV has a partnership with the clerks office as they both aim to protect election integrity.

We feel that we have a partner in a position thats very important, Moorman said about Gross. Its not that trust has increased, its more that fear has been removed.

Bantz and Wenholz together received the Michele M. Burton Excellence in Election Service award from the CCCA for their work overseeing elections and combating misinformation in Mesa County while Peters remained in office.

Many of her members regularly attend civic and community events, and Moorman said Gross is always in attendance to represent her office and speak to the integrity of the elections system.

Shes not just sitting there hoping that the word gets out, Moorman said. I dont know where she finds the time  she seems to be at every event that I go to.

Gross said she intends to put all of the countys ballot images online so that any member of the public can do their own hand count and compare their results to the cast vote records. Her office did this for the 2021 coordinated election results with the support of Mesa County Commissioners in March 2023.

Hand counting is very expensive, so to conduct it after the election, it does take a lot of resources and a lot of taxpayer dollars, Gross said. For those people that really are interested in it, Ill put them online, well make sure that they can hand count it.

Gross said employees across all divisions of the clerks office understand and respect the election processes and feel supported in their work. She said theres always some skepticism when an election comes around, which is why she wants to maintain transparency and continue to invite the public to see how her office runs elections.

Staff go through regular security training, which Gross said is especially important given the growing presence of artificial intelligence. She also started to keep Narcan, an opioid overdose antidote, in the elections office after elections officials in other states received letters contaminated with fentanyl.

Gross said Mesa Countys ballot processing equipment is not connected to the internet in any way, but the voter registration database elections staff need to access is connected to the internet. Staff are also encouraged to report anything that seems unusual or suspicious to ensure elections judges and voters remain safe.

Our team loves elections. We just really love the process of it, Gross said. We try to stay out of the political aspect of it and just focus on the process of elections and make sure that were doing what we can to make sure people can vote.

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U.S. President Joe Biden will not attend the Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland on June 15-16. Washington will be represented at the event by Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

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This is stated in a statement by the administration of the American leader. So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the event.

"The vice president will emphasize the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine's efforts to secure a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter," the White House said in a statement.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Lucerne with Kamala Harris. The two will represent the United States at the summit.

Earlier, it was reported that US President Joe Biden would skip the Ukrainian Peace Summit in Switzerland because the event will coincide with a fundraiser for Biden's election campaign in California, which he is holding with a number of Hollywood stars and with the participation of former President Barack Obama.

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In late May, White House spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre confirmed that the US delegation would participate in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. The US Presidential Administration emphasized that whoever represents Washington at this event will not change the level of support for Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he would like to see Biden at the Peace Summit in Switzerland. If he ignores the summit in Switzerland, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will "give him a standing ovation."

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 The UN will take part in the Peace Summit in Switzerland. This became known following a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

 India will participate in the Peace Summit. It has not yet been announced who will represent New Delhi.

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 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has decided not to participate in the Global Peace Summit on Ukraine, which will be held in June in Switzerland. This is due to the fact that the countries of the so-called Global South have reservations about the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

 Zelenskyy invited Argentine President Javier Milea to participate in the first peace summit in Ukraine. The event will take place in June 2024 in Switzerland.

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Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters at the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, after the National Electoral Institute announced she held an irreversible lead in the election, early Monday, June 3, 2024. Sheinbaum won the election in a landslide victory. | Marco Ugarte

Claudia Sheinbaum won Mexicos presidential election on Sunday in a landslide victory.

Sheinbaum is expected to have won around 60% of the vote, The Associated Press reported. Her opposition, Xochitl Galvez, another female candidate, won 26.6% to 28.6% of the vote and Jorge Alvarez Maynez won nearly 10% of the vote per preliminary results.

For the first time in the 200 years of the republic I will become the first woman president of Mexico, Sheinbaum said in a speech Monday morning, per The Guardian We imagine a plural, diverse and democratic Mexico. Our duty is and will always be to look after each and every Mexican, without distinction.

She added, per CNN, Even though many Mexicans do not fully agree with our project, we will have to walk in peace and harmony to continue building a fair and more prosperous Mexico.

Sheinbaums victory marks the end of the most violent campaign in Mexicos history, the Deseret News previously reported. Either 32 or 34 candidates have been murdered since September 2023, with a dozen having been kidnapped and hundreds of campaign officials targeted with violence.

Her six-year term as president is set to begin on Oct. 1.

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City is a lifelong progressive and climate scientist. Shes also the first Jewish person to win the presidency, in addition to being the first woman elected. Her maternal grandparents fled Europe during the Holocaust and emigrated to Mexico, where Sheinbaum was born in 1962.

During college, she protested the privatization of education in Mexico, setting the stage for her foray into national politics, per CNN. She got a masters degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and in 2000, Mexicos current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appointed her environment secretary of Mexico City before her tenure as the citys mayor.

She left mayoral office in favor of studying energy with the International Panel on Climate Change and, with her team, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She returned to politics in 2015 and was elected head of the Tlalpan district of Mexico City, the first woman to do so, CNN reported. In 2018, she also became the first woman reelected to run Mexico City. She stepped down in 2023 to launch her campaign for the presidency.

She aligned herself with Lopez Obrador, helping her win over his supporters. Sheinbaum promised to maintain his social policies, including a continuation of funding for the elderly and single mothers and shoring up infrastructure.

Sheinbaums campaign also outlined plans to create a national care system of childcare facilities Time magazine reported. She also seeks to expand the militarys role in areas typically reserved for civil society, such as domestic security, per The Guardian.
Claudia Sheinbaum was elected the country's first female president after a bloody election campaign that saw 37 candidates assassinated.

Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as Mexico's first female president Sunday following the deadliest election campaign in the country's modern history.

More than three dozen candidates were assassinated, including a local government candidate in central Puebla state who was killed on Friday, increasing the total number of those killed to 37 ahead of Sundays vote, according to data from security consultancy Integralia obtained by Reuters.

Across the country, there were more than 20,000 positions to fill and 70,000 candidates vying for the spots.

 Why is this election so important?

One of the top issues in this years presidential contest was violent crime. Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has had to account for a persistently high murder rate, with his opposition arguing for change.

Security analyst David Saucedo told the Associated Press that drug cartels will likely try to force voters to support their favored candidates.

Cartels are becoming increasingly dangerous  theyre now well-armed and politically influential. According to a report translated by NPR, more than 30,000 people are murdered each year in Mexico, compared to roughly 18,500 in the U.S. in 2023.

 Why does it matter for the U.S.?

This Mexican election came during the same year as the U.S. presidential election, a concurrence that only happens every 12 years. Its a tumultuous time for the relationship between the two countries. Mexico became the top trading partner for the U.S. last year, and both countries are trying to figure out how to deal with the worsening illegal drug trade.

A motorcyclist passes under a line of campaign signs in Xochimilco, Mexico, on May 31. (Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images)

Another major issue for voters this year was Mexicos migration policies on both its southern and northern borders. The National Migration Institute (INM) recorded a 77% increase in migrant arrivals from 2022 to 2023, according to CNN.

In December, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that would allow officials in that state to detain and report people suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. The law is currently blocked by a U.S. federal court, and the current Mexican government said it will only discuss immigration issues with federal officials. Both leading presidential candidates support Mexico's stance.

 What has happened to the murdered candidates?

Jorge Huerta Cabrera, a candidate running for a council seat in the town of Izucar de Matamoros, was shot and killed at a political rally on Friday, according to the state prosecutors office. On Wednesday, mayoral candidate Jose Alfredo Cabrera Barrientos was gunned down during his closing campaign speech. He was among the 560 candidates and election officials given security guards by the government because of persistent threats.

Altogether, 37 candidates have been assassinated this election season  and thats not counting failed assassination attempts, Reuters reported. Integralia counted 828 nonlethal attacks on political candidates during the current election campaign.

 Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president?

Sheinbaum, a member of the ruling party, was widely expected to win Sunday's vote and become Mexico's first female president  a major step for a country well-known for its macho culture. The 61-year-old is a former Mexico City mayor and climate scientist.

Sheinbaum has long been an ally of the incumbent president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who won in a landslide in 2018. They share principles and even campaign slogans at times.

Her main opponent was former Senator Xochitl Galvez, who is also 61. Galvez criticized incumbent Lopez Obrador for his hugs not bullets policy of avoiding confrontation with drug cartels, who have gained control of large parts of Mexico.

Claudia Sheinbaum, left, and Xochitl Galvez, at the last presidential debate in Mexico City on May 19. (Quetzalli Nicte-Ha/Reuters)

A third contender, 38-year-old Jorge Alvarez Maynez, trailed far behind the two women in the polls. The former deputy of the Congress of the Union gained international attention in May when a stage collapsed due to heavy winds at his campaign event in San Pedro Garza Garcia, killing nine people and injuring at least 121.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Hours after declaring victory, Mexicos newly elected president, the first woman to win the job, faced a market meltdown Monday and a tough path toward reconciling a country deeply divided by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Claudia Sheinbaum has promised to continue the political course set by her populist predecessor despite widespread discontent with persistent cartel violence, the weakening of democratic institutions and fears among investors that an already hostile environment might become much worse.

Hours after the election results were announced, the Mexican peso dropped over 4% in value to close at 17.71 to $1, and the Mexican stock exchange took a dive to close off 6%.

Gabriela Siller, director of analysis at Nuevo Leon-based Banco Base, noted that Sheinbaum's victory, along with an apparent super-majority in Congress for her Morena party, raised fears.

It opened the possibility of changes in the Constitution, which alters, or better put, deteriorates the risk balance of Mexico, causing capital to leave the country, Siller said.

The strong peso  which has gained steadily against the dollar on the back of increased remittances in the last year  was something Lopez Obrador counted as his own achievement. But analysts have suggested for some time the Mexican currency is over-valued.

With words like capital flight and black Monday flying around financial markets, quick action to calm markets was urgently needed. But Sheinbaum's team's immediate reaction appeared muddled; they announced  and then quickly canceled  plans for her to hold a news conference.

Lopez Obrador appeared determined Monday to push through his highly divisive constitutional changes  many of which opponents fear will fatally weaken Mexicos democracy  before he leaves office on Sept. 30.

The Morena party that Lopez Obrador founded and in which he remains far more personally popular than Sheinbaum, appeared to be on track to win the two-thirds majority needed to change the Constitution. Lopez Obrador has already laid out 20 constitutional changes he plans to submit, including the elimination of independent oversight agencies and stricter limits on private investment.

That worries foreign investors. Lopez Obrador has already cracked down on private and foreign investment in the energy sector, and now wants to ban new industrial sites in any area of Mexico suffering water stress  essentially the whole, economically vibrant north of the country.

But other political provisions also worry and divide Mexicans.

Story continues

The climate of political polarization has gotten worse during the current administration, Moodys Analytics Director Alfredo Coutino wrote in a report Monday. The country is significantly divided and will require the new presidents political leadership to restore national unity.

Sheinbaum appeared conscious of the need to heal divisions, but it was unclear how she might go about achieving it.

Even though the majority of the people backed our project, our duty will always be to look out for each and every Mexican, without distinctions, the president-elect said in her victory speech after long-delayed initial vote counts gave her a crushing margin of victory, higher even than the one Lopez Obrador won in 2018.

With about 78% of votes counted, Sheinbaum had some 59% of votes, about twice as many as her nearest competitor Xochitl Galvez, who got around 28%.

For the moment, Lopez Obrador struck a note more celebratory than vengeful, though throughout most of his six-year term he has piled far more contempt on journalists and opponents than on the countrys drug cartels, which he has not confronted.

This is something really historic, Lopez Obrador said of the election of the first woman to Mexico's presidency. We are living through exceptional, extraordinary, glorious times.

U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement congratulating Sheinbaum on her historic election, and saying, I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries.

Sheinbaum quickly replied in a statement that "I am convinced that we will continue to collaborate in benefit of our peoples and our countries, as the neighbors, partners and friends that we are, with the respect that our sovereignties deserve.

The bilateral relationship has been complicated by Lopez Obrador's refusal to acknowledge that Mexican cartels produce the synthetic opioid fentanyl that kills tens of thousands of Americans annually. Under his administration, however, Mexico has proved more than willing to try to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S. border, a valuable contribution for the Biden administration.

It is not clear whether Mexico's anti-drug cooperation  which suffered under Lopez Obrador  will improve under Sheinbaum. Lopez Obrador repeated his pledge Monday to allow Sheinbaum room to govern, without trying to rule from behind the scenes after he leaves office.

He also suggested he might give Sheinbaum some latitude to change his proposals for constitutional reforms  though without promising anything.

We have to reach an agreement with Claudia on these bills, he said. I don't want to impose anything.

He went on to list the historic names for the times, from the 1500s to the 1930s, when Mexican leaders tried to rule from behind the scenes.

I do not aspire to be a moral leader, a maximum boss, a 'caudillo,' nor much less a cacique, he said, using a pre-Hispanic term for a life-long autocratic leader.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, has vowed to continue Lopez Obrador's policies, and in her victory speech Monday gave little sign of how she will make her own mark on the presidency. Her cool temper offers a sharp contrast in style with Lopez Obrador's folksy populism, and a break with Mexicos male-dominated political culture.

It was an election that guaranteed Mexico would make history. The two leading candidates were women, and Sheinbaum is also the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

Sara Rios, 76, a retired literature professor at Mexicos National Autonomous University, expressed confidence Sheinbaum will reconcile the country.

The only way that we move forward is by working together, Rios said. She is going to work to bring peace to the country, and is going to manage to advance, but it is a slow process.

On Monday, however, Lopez Obrador, showed little appetite for reconciliation with one of his favorite targets for criticism  the middle class  saying that at a polling place in a middle-income neighborhood he had heard very classist remarks, very angry, let's hope they get over it ... little by little.

The elections were widely seen as a referendum on Lopez Obrador, who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce cartel violence in Mexico. The 61-year-old Sheinbaum is unlikely to enjoy the kind of unquestioning devotion that Lopez Obrador has.

In Mexico Citys main plaza, the Zocalo, Sheinbaums lead did not draw the cheering crowds that greeted Lopez Obradors victory in 2018.

Fernando Fernandez, a 28-year-old chef, joined the relatively small gathering hoping for a Sheinbaum victory, but he acknowledged there were problems.

You vote for Claudia out of conviction, for AMLO, Fernandez said, referring to Lopez Obrador by his initials, as most Mexicans do.

But his highest hope is that Sheinbaum can improve what AMLO couldnt do, the price of gasoline, crime and drug trafficking, which he didnt combat even though he had the power.

Sheinbaum stressed the long struggle it took for a woman to reach the presidency.

I do not arrive alone," she said. We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.

___

AP reporter Zeke Miller contributed from Washington.
Mexico elects first female president  but will that improve the lot of countrys women?

Mexico will have its first woman president following a landmark vote on June 2, 2024.

After an election period marred by violence, ruling Morena party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor, emerged as the victor with about 60% of the vote  a larger share of the vote than her mentor and predecessor, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, won in 2018. Sheinbaum beat rival Xochitl Galvez, a senator for the center-right National Action Party, who trailed with less than 30% of the vote.

Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, Sheinbaum said: For the first time in the 200 years of the republic I will become the first woman president of Mexico.

But as scholars who study politics and gender in Mexico, we know that optics are one thing, actual power another. Seventy years after women won the right to vote in Mexico, is the country moving any closer to making changes that would give women real equality?

Uneven fight for gender equality

Women now represent half of Congress, after electoral reforms nearly a decade ago mandated gender parity in nominations to Mexicos legislatures. And two women, Ana Lilia Rivera and Marcela Guerra Castillo, occupy the top posts in both chambers of Congress. Meanwhile, Norma Lucia Pina is the first woman to serve as chief justice of Mexicos Supreme Court. Preliminary election night results also favor Sheinbaums Morena party, giving them a supermajority in Congress. As such, Sheinbaum will very likely have ample support for a feminist political agenda should she pursue one.

But electing women to high office doesnt necessarily shift power in meaningful ways. Its what experts on women in politics call descriptive representation  when political leaders resemble a group of voters but fail to set policies designed to protect them. In contrast, substantive representation occurs when officials enact laws that truly benefit the groups that they claim to represent.

Scholars who study the difference between the two, including Sonia Alvarez, Mala Htun and Jennifer Piscopo, have found that wins in public spheres, such as the right to vote or hold office, have rarely led to progress for women in private spaces  such as the right to reproductive freedom or protections against domestic violence.

Members of feminist organizations demonstrate on Sept. 28, 2023, in Mexico City in favor of the decriminalization of abortion. Silvana Flores/AFP via Getty Images

In other words, Mexico may have surpassed many countries, including the U.S., in promoting women to political leadership positions, but it still hasnt shed its stigma of machismo and its history of authoritarianism.

In the 1990s, a resurgent feminist movement throughout Latin America led to major breakthroughs in womens rights. By the end of the decade, many countries had passed legislation against gender-based violence and reforms requiring gender quotas in party nomination lists. In the past 17 years, seven women have been elected president across Central and South America.

Yet the fight for gender equality has advanced unevenly. Mexico is a country still rattled by high rates of femicide. Government data shows that, on average, 10 women and girls are killed every day by partners or family members.

Government accused of harassment

A big question now is whether Sheinbaum will be able to address the issue of gender violence, which her predecessors failed to do.

Any skepticism surrounding the willingness of Sheinbaums government to implement a truly feminist agenda would be justified: Her campaign theme was one of continuity, and she has hesitated, to date, to deviate much, if at all, from Lopez Obradors agenda.

Under Lopez Obrador, Morena was accused of downplaying the extent of the femicide crisis, with at least one critic claiming that Lopez Obrador was the first president to outright deny the violence.

Rather, Lopez Obrador used his daily mananera news conference to issue verbal assaults against women in office, including Sheinbaums defeated rival, Galvez. In July 2023, the independent National Electoral Institute found Lopez Obrador guilty of targeting Galvez in derogatory statements related to her gender.

Lopez Obrador also denounced Pina, the Supreme Court chief justice, in what Mexicos National Association of Judges has described as hate speech and the federal judiciary condemned as gender-based violence and hatred against her. His statements at a rally in March incited his followers to burn Pina in effigy, prompting critics to suggest that such attacks dont simply reflect Lopez Obradors distaste for checks and balances but aim to undermine women in positions of power.

Mexicos patronage politics

Observers see Sheinbaum as Lopez Obradors handpicked successor: He publicly endorsed her, and she has vowed to continue his fourth transformation, a campaign promise to end government corruption and reduce poverty thats had mixed results.

Sheinbaums record as mayor of Mexico City is equally mixed. She has publicly described herself as a feminist and has criticized state prosecutors for covering up the killing of Ariadna Lopez, a 27-year-old woman. At the same time, Sheinbaum attempted to criminalize participants of a mass protest over the thousands of women whove disappeared in recent years, claiming that these demonstrations were violent.

Political scientists have shown that even when the faces of politics change, the operatives behind the scenes can stay the same  especially in Mexico, where political parties are mired in patronage politics  when party leaders reward loyalty by deciding who gets to run for office and who gets to keep their jobs when the government is handed over to a new administration.

Sheinbaum will likely still be beholden to the Morena coalition and will rely to a large degree on Lopez Obrador to help push through her policies.

A feminist future?

On the campaign trail, Sheinbaum, along with her rival, Galvez, championed women and shared their experiences as women.

But in the closing stages of the campaign, neither Sheinbaum nor Galvez offered much more than the historic first argument to potential voters. As a result, the extension of womens rights under the new government remains uncertain.

Aside from front-line politics, womens rights in Mexico have moved forward when leaders have committed to substantive change.

Notably, Mexicos Supreme Court under Pina has declared all federal and state laws prohibiting abortion unconstitutional. When Pina took office, she promised to take on womens rights in her agenda. So far, shes delivered.

If Sheinbaum hopes to have similar success, shell need to follow Pinas lead by centering her platforms on the issues that most affect women in their day-to-day lives, beginning with rising femicide rates. Women may be gaining political power in Mexico, but the question now is whether theyll use it to fight for the women they represent.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Nov. 13, 2023.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Xavier Medina Vidal, University of Texas at Arlington and Christopher Chambers-Ju, University of Texas at Arlington.

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Mexico Elects First Woman President Following Historic Campaign: 'We Will Have to Walk in Peace'

Claudia Sheinbaum beat Xochitl Galvez in a presidential election on Sunday, June 2, becoming Mexico's first woman leader

Carlos Tischler/Eyepix Group/LightRocket via Getty Claudia Sheinbaum delivers a campaign speech in the final days of Mexico's presidential race on May 29, 2024

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexico's first woman president

Sheinbaum, 61, beat another 61-year-old woman, former Sen. Xochitl Galvez, in the presidential election held on Sunday

For the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first female president of Mexico, Sheinbaum said

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexico's first woman president, following a historic campaign season that saw two women leading the pack.

Sheinbaum, 61, beat former Sen. Xochitl Galvez, also 61, in the presidential election held on Sunday, June 2. A little-known third candidate, a man representing a much smaller party, trailed far behind throughout the campaign.

According to The New York Times and The Guardian, Sheinbaum won at least 58% of the vote in the landmark election. Galvez received at least 26.6% of the vote, while the male candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez, 38, received at least 9.9%.

For the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first female president of Mexico, Sheinbaum said, per The NY Times. And as I have said on other occasions, I do not arrive alone. We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.

She added that she would work to build a diverse and democratic Mexico, per NBC News.

Our duty is and will always be to look after every single Mexican without distinction," she told supporters in a speech, reported CNN. "So even though many Mexicans do not fully agree with our project, we will have to walk in peace and harmony to continue building a fair and more prosperous Mexico."



Toya Sarno Jordan/Bloomberg via Getty Claudia Sheinbaum

Related: Mexican President Shares Photo of What He Says Is a Mayan Elf: 'Everything Is Mystical'

Sheinbaum represents Mexico's left-wing Morena party, which was founded by sitting President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She resigned as the mayor of Mexico City last summer to run for higher office and had been leading the more conservative Galvez in polls for months, according to the Associated Press.

A handpicked successor of President Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum is expected to continue his populist policies.

Per Foreign Policy, some of Sheinbaum's campaign promises include furthering President Lopez Obrador's infrastructure projects and supporting minimum wage increases implemented during his presidency.

While much of the Morena party's platform has been received well by Mexican citizens, some have warned that Lopez Obrador's  and now Sheinbaum's  support of a controversial Constitutional reform could undermine the nation's democratic institutions if passed by the Congress.

Carlos Tischler/Eyepix Group/LightRocket via Getty Claudia Sheinbaum delivers a campaign speech in the final days of Mexico's presidential race on May 29, 2024

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The nonpartisan Wilson Center emphasized that proposed reforms such as electing Supreme Court members, eliminating independent regulatory agencies, militarizing police, and putting electoral authority under control of the president all threaten the nation's democracy.

Galvez, a former entrepreneur, said in an interview with Expansion Politica  which was translated by Mexico News Daily  that her first goal, if she were elected president, would have been to recover confidence in the country with the rule of law.

Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Xochitl Galvez

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Violence was also a major issue in the 2024 presidential election, with the country seeing over 164,000 homicides in the six years that Lopez Obrador was president. Galvez strongly opposed the former president's policy of "hugs not bullets" when it came to confronting drug cartels.

Per Mexico News Daily, she would've also paused tax reform initiatives until the government could inspire confidence from its constituents that public resources and funds were being managed well.

The third candidate in the race, Alvarez Maynez of the Citizen Movement party, was a former federal congressman who hoped to win the young adult vote, but ultimately failed to gain major traction, per the AP.

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(KRON)  Mexico made history this weekend in electing the first woman president in the nations more than 200 years of independence. Claudia Sheinbaum, a 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor, will also be the countrys first Jewish president.

Sheinbaum, a lifelong leftist who is a close ally of the countrys current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, also has a Bay Area connection. Sheinbaum has a background as a climate scientist and a Ph.D. in energy engineering.

Heat advisories issued for Bay Area cities this week

During the 1990s, she spent four years at Berkeley Lab as a researcher.

At the time, she was a doctoral student in engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. According to Berkeley Lab, she worked in the labs Energy Technologies Area, where she analyzed energy use in buildings and the Mexican transportation sector.

She was also a contributing author to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Her science background, it seems, informs her politics, where she is regarded as taking a data-driven approach to governance.

I believe in science, she said in a 2023 interview with the Associated Press.

Observers say that grounding showed itself in Sheinbaums actions as mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her city of some 9 million people took a different approach from what Lopez Obrador espoused at the national level.

While the federal government was downplaying the importance of coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing regimen. Sheinbaum set limits on businesses hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading, even though Lopez Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy.

Sheinbaum will begin her single six-year term on Oct. 1. Mexicos constitution does not allow presidents to be reelected.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, the nations first woman president and first Jewish president, has a background in environmental policy that includes work for the Nobel-winning United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Sheinbaum earned a masters degree and Ph.D. in energy engineering before serving as secretary of the environment for Mexico City under then-Head of Government Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, now the outgoing president, from 2000 to 2006. After leaving that role, she worked as a researcher at the IPCC and is listed as coauthor on its 2007 and 2014 assessments.

On the campaign trail, Sheinbaum supported the transition to renewables, but also emphasized the need to maintain fossil fuel infrastructure. At a campaign event in Mexico City, she said state-owned oil company Pemex has to face climate change head on and enter other markets and not just in oil and gas, which are indispensable, but also in permitting entry into renewable energy sources.

She has called for investing more than $13 billion in renewables but has also vowed to continue anti-privatization policies enacted under Obrador that would likely block American investment into the countrys energy sector.

Sheinbaum is seen as a close ally and protege of Obrador, but her work on climate change and her support for renewables is in contrast with the Obrador administrations advocacy for expansion of fossil fuels. Obrador has sought to increase Mexicos energy independence through oil and gas development, telling a crowd at the opening of a refinery in 2022 that Mexico has ignored the sirens song, the voices that predicted, in good faith, perhaps, the end of the oil age and the massive arrival of electric cars and renewable energies.

Obrador, a center-left populist, has framed his advocacy of fossil fuels in economic nationalist terms, seeking to roll back neoliberal policies that increasingly opened the countrys oil production to private investors.

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By David Alire Garcia

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Claudia Sheinbaum basked in the glow of a thumping presidential win late Sunday, thanking supporters who gathered at the capital's iconic Zocalo plaza shortly after 1 a.m. to applaud Mexico's first female president.

For months, the physicist-turned-Mexico City mayor was the clear frontrunner in the contest to succeed popular outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, her mentor and principle political benefactor over nearly a quarter century.

Sheinbaum now faces the task of forging her own path, including the delicate balancing act of advancing the leftist Lopez Obrador's state-centric economic polices, especially over natural resources such as oil and minerals, while also making progress on issues seen as his weak points like the environment and crime.

The standard-bearer of the ruling MORENA party will also face a ballooning budget deficit, complicating her own spending plans.

Preliminary results from the INE electoral authority showed Sheinbaum leading her main opposition rival, Xochitl Galvez, by about 60% to 28%.

"I'm emotional and I feel grateful," said the 61-year-old, who will also make history as the first president of Jewish heritage to lead the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country.

"And I won't let you down," she added with a broad smile.

Sheinbaum's triumph caps an unlikely four-decade climb that has taken the daughter of activist academics to the pinnacle of power in the Spanish-speaking world's most populous nation, for decades known as a socially conservative bastion with a macho culture.

"It took way too many years to get here," said Francisco Labastida, a veteran Mexican politician with the once-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, who was the presidential runner-up in 2000.

Labastida said he was especially proud that Mexico had achieved the feat before its northern neighbor, the United States, which has never had a woman president.

Sheinbaum's ability to separate herself from Lopez Obrador once she takes office in October is "the great unknown," added Labastida, since the famously stubborn leader would likely try to impose his own vision despite his pledge to retire to his ranch in tropical southern Mexico.

The makeup of the new Congress will also be crucial, with MORENA and its allies securing a two-thirds majority in the lower house, while their seats in the Senate appear to be just shy of the threshold needed to amend the constitution unopposed, according to the latest INE results.

Both Sheinbaum and Lopez Obrador have proposed controversial reforms, such as a possible overhaul to the judiciary with Supreme Court judges elected by popular vote, which would require a two-thirds majority to enact.

MAKING HISTORY AGAIN

Six years ago, Sheinbaum made history as Mexico City's first elected woman mayor. Until she stepped down last year to run for president, Sheinbaum was known as a data-driven manager, winning plaudits for reducing the megacity's homicide rate by half, by boosting security spending on an expanded police force with higher salaries.

She has pledged to replicate the strategy across Mexico, where powerful drug cartels exert widespread influence.

But Sheinbaum will be confronted with a wide budget deficit, which is set to end 2024 at nearly 6% of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund.

The incoming leader nonetheless has pledged to build on Lopez Obrador's social spending largesse, which has included expanded old-age pensions and youth scholarships.

While she has expressed an interest in attracting private investment to grow renewable energy projects, she has also pledged to ensure the dominance of Mexico's state-owned oil and power companies while swearing off any privatizations.

In 1995, Sheinbaum earned her doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and then pursued a teaching and academic career, including a stint on the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which later shared a Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

She launched her political career in 2000, when Lopez Obrador, then-Mexico City's newly elected mayor, tapped her to be his environmental chief, tasked with improving the smoggy capital's air quality, highways and public transport.

Sheinbaum served as the chief spokesperson for Lopez Obrador's first campaign for president in 2006, which he narrowly lost.

In 2015, she was elected to run Mexico City's largest borough, Tlalpan, and became the capital's mayor three years later, the same year her mentor's third bid for the presidency ended in a landslide victory.

Paula Sofia Vazquez, a Mexico City-based political analyst, suggested that Sheinbaum's command over the country's military would provide an early test, since Lopez Obrador has greatly expanded the remit of the armed forces to key economic policies including major transport and building projects.

"It seems to me that's a challenge no male president would face," she said, arguing that the military's culture can tend toward misogyny.

Vazquez singled out at least one more factor that would likely make Sheinbaum's job even harder.

"Empathy is required from women. Women are required to have a certain sensitivity towards problems that men are not required to have," she said. "Results are demanded from men, while women are required to show results but also a human touch."

(Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Alex Richardson and Jonathan Oatis)
The Russian-Chinese "Power of Siberia 2" project is facing difficulties due to China's tough demands. Now China wants to buy gas from Russia at its domestic prices, which makes such supplies unprofitable for "Gazprom". As a result, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping failed to agree on the construction of the "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline.

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This underscores Russia's growing dependence on China in economic matters after the invasion of Ukraine, the Financial Times reports. The newspaper emphasizes that failure to agree on the terms of the project could be a serious blow to Gazprom, which has already suffered significant financial losses and depends on this gas pipeline for its survival.

According to the newspaper, Russia's attempts to conclude a major gas pipeline deal with China have already reached a deadlock due to Beijing's "unreasonable" demands on price and supply volumes. China has requested a price close to Russia's heavily subsidized domestic prices and is committed to buying only a small part of the pipeline's planned annual capacity of 50 billion cubic meters of gas. This poses significant financial and economic challenges for Gazprom, which relies on this project as the key to its survival.

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The publication notes that Beijing's tough stance on "Power of Siberia 2" emphasizes Vladimir Putin's growing dependence on Chinese leader Xi Jinping in economic matters. In particular, approving the construction of this gas pipeline could change Gazprom's sorry state by linking the Chinese market to gas fields in western Russia that once supplied Europe. However, now that Gazprom's exports to Europe have fallen from 230 billion cubic meters per year to only 22 billion cubic meters in 2023, dependence on the Chinese market has become critical.

The impasse on the "Power of Siberia 2" deal led to Alexey Miller, the head of Gazprom, not going to Beijing with Putin. Instead, he traveled to Iran, even though his presence at the talks with China would have been extremely important. According to Tetyana Mitrova of the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, Miller's absence from the talks was "highly symbolic" and emphasizes the complexity of the situation in which Gazprom finds itself.

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According to Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia and Eurasia Center in Berlin, Russia's inability to conclude a deal emphasizes that the war in Ukraine has made China a senior partner in relations between the two countries. China's need for imported gas by 2030 will be around 250 bcm, up from less than 170 bcm in 2023. However, by 2040, the gap between China's import demand and existing commitments will reach 150 bcm, meaning that Gazprom will have to accept China's terms, as Russia has no alternative land routes for gas exports.

China already pays Russia less for gas than its other suppliers. According to CGEP researchers, the average price is $4.4 per million British thermal units, compared to $10 for Myanmar and $5 for Uzbekistan. In the same years, Russia exported gas to Europe at a price of about $10 per million BTU. Thus, China receives significant economic benefits, which further complicates negotiations with Russia.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.

On May 24, 2019, Jennifer Dulos mysteriously vanished after dropping her children at school. After an extensive search, authorities found her vehicle near Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut, and initiated an investigation. Several reports suggested that police found blood stains in the garage of her home, which indicated that someone had assaulted her. Months after her vanishing, investigators arrested Dulos husband, Fotis Dulos, and his live-in girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, for Dulos murder. Although police dismissed all charges against Fotis after his suicide, Troconis went to trial and received a guilty verdict.

According to ABC News, Jennifer Dulos dropped off her children at school and was never seen again. The outlet mentioned that the authorities searched her house and found blood stains and blood splatter in Dulos garage. Almost a month later, police apprehended Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis for tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. At the time, they pleaded not guilty. However, court documents showed that police found blood on Fotis clothes that were dumped in a trash can.

In January 2020, police charged Fotis Dulos with capital murder, murder, and kidnapping. Meanwhile, ABC News stated that the authorities charged Michelle Troconis with conspiracy to murder. They also charged one more person with similar charges. However, the case became even more bizarre when Fotis died from suicide in January 2020. As a result, all criminal charges against Fotis were dropped, but Troconis still went to trial. Her trial lasted for 27 days, and after three days of deliberation, the court found her guilty.

According to NBC News, in June 2024, the court sentenced her to 20 years in prison. The publication mentioned that Michelle Troconis will spend 14-and-a-half years in jail. After that, she will serve five years of probation. As of now, Troconis is waiting to be transferred to a prison.

Did they ever find Jennifer Dulos?

Police initiated a search operation after Jennifer Dulos friends contacted police and filed a missing report. According to FOX61 News, her friends filed a complaint after they hadnt heard from her for almost 10 hours. Moreover, she missed most of her appointments on that day. The outlet stated that investigators went to Dulos house to check on her. However, they couldnt find her. A few moments later, police discovered her car near Waveny Park in New Canaan. Subsequently, they found a surveillance video that allegedly showed Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis stuffing garbage bags in different trash cans.

The discovery of blood in Jennifer Dulos vehicle prompted authorities to initiate a thorough investigation. Almost a week later, in June 2019, police arrested Fotis and Troconis for tampering with the evidence and hindering prosecution. However, the court released both on $500,000 bond each. A few months later, police arrested Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis again and charged them in the murder case of Jennifer Dulos. Per NBC News, they denied all the charges against them.

According to the arrest warrant obtained by ABC News, Fotis Dulos killed her and bound her with zip ties, placing her inside her car before cleaning the garage. He was later charged with capital murder, murder, and kidnapping. Three weeks later, authorities found Fotis unresponsive body at his residence in Farmington, Connecticut. The police went to check on him after he didnt show up for a court appearance. The accused was brought to a hospital for treatment and then flown to a medical center in New York, where he died on January 30, 2020.

Reports then suggested that Fotis Dulos wrote a suicide note, claiming that he didnt kill his wife, Jennifer Dulos. Citing the note, ABC News stated, I refuse to spend even an hour more in jail for something I had NOTHING to do with. He also claimed that Michelle Troconis had nothing to do with the murder as well. Although the court dismissed all charges against Fotis, Troconis went to trial in January 2024. At the trials start, the prosecution showed bodycam footage of police visiting Dulos home. In the same month, a Connecticut court declared Jennifer Dulos dead four years after her disappearance, per People Magazine. Police never found Jennifer Dulos or her remains.

During the trial, the surveillance videos were shown to the jury to prove how Fotis Dulos and Michelle Troconis were responsible for Jennifer Dulos murder. CBS News reported that investigators also showed Jennifer Dulos clothing dumped by Fotis after the slaying. Moreover, they showed the conversation that took place between Troconis and the police during the interrogation. During the interrogation, Troconis said, I have no idea where Jennifer is, and thats 100%. I just know that I went as the stupid girlfriend to help him out, because he told me, Come and clean the house, and I did.

In their closing arguments, the prosecution noted that Troconis involvement in the murder was not a coincidence. The prosecution added, Is it just a coincidence that the defendant travels with Dulos to Hartford as he disposes of the evidence on the same day? Meanwhile, the defense claimed that the prosecution based their entire case on speculation. After seeing a lot of evidence and listening to witnesses, the jury deliberated for more than 2-and-a-half-days before delivering a guilty verdict.

In June 2024, Michelle Troconis received a 20-year sentence on the charges of committing murder, tampering with evidence, and hindering prosecution.

Lifetime released a movie based on Jennifer Dulos case in 2021. Titled Gone Mom, the film starred Annabeth Gish, Warren Christie, and Michelle Morgan in pivotal roles.

The post Is Michelle Troconis in Prison for Jennifer Dulos Murder? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Migrant who shot 2 police officers in Queens crossed into US illegally: NYPD

Migrant who shot 2 police officers in Queens crossed into US illegally: NYPD

EAST ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11)  The man accused of shooting two police officers in Queens early Monday is a migrant who entered the U.S. illegally last year, according to the NYPD.

Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, originally from Venezuela. Castro-Mata allegedly drove a scooter the wrong way down a one-way street in East Elmhurst when the officers tried to pull him over, according to the NYPD.

He ditched the scooter and ran before opening fire, shooting officers Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu, police said.

Heres what we know about Castro-Mata so far.

More Crime News

Castro-Mata crossed into the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas, last July, according to NYPD Det. Joseph Kenny. He is currently staying at a migrant shelter located at 90-10 Ditmars Blvd. in East Elmhurst.

Castro-Mata has no prior arrests in New York City, but he is suspected in several robberies involving motorized scooters, Kenny said. Police believe Castro-Mata did not operate alone, and is part of a crew using scooters to commit crimes, according to the NYPD.

Woman fatally slashed on the neck in the Bronx: NYPD

Were looking at him for several other robbery patterns in the Queens area where he does have other co-defendants, Kenny said during a briefing Monday morning.

In one incident, Castro-Mata is suspected of attacking a woman and stealing her credit card, according to the NYPD. The credit card was later used at a Queens smoke shop.

Give me money: Police searching for serial robber in New York City

Castro-Mata was also shot during the shootout with the officers, police said. He underwent surgery on his ankle Monday morning at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.

The gun Castro-Mata allegedly used in the shooting was illegal, according to the NYPD. It was recovered at the scene.

The officers who were shot were expected to be OK, police said. Both officers were treated and released from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst on Monday morning.

Charges are pending against Castro-Mata, according to the NYPD.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. 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.
Matt and Alicia Jackson tell PEOPLE that they've been through numerous custody challenges with their twin sons and their daughter

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Matthew and Alicia Jackson with their twin sons in 2023 (left), Matthew and Alicia Jackson with Wyatt, Walker and Everly

Matthew and Alicia Jackson were elated to be new parents when concern about an injury in one of their twin boys led them to seek medical attention

Walker and Wyatt, just 5 weeks old, were both examined and found to have injuries that led to allegations of child abuse against Matt and Alicia

The Jacksons continue to fight to bring their now-toddler sons home

A new mom looking for reassurance that her son was okay ended up in a scenario that would be any parent's worst nightmare.

Matthew and Alicia Jackson were thrilled to become first-time parents to twin boys after a years-long road to starting their family. The couple welcomed sons Wyatt and Walker on Nov. 29, 2022, in Tacoma, Washington. Matthew was serving in the Navy's active-duty submarine force and had recently been promoted to chief.

"My husband and I struggled for years trying to get pregnant. We were ecstatic when it happened. We were told we couldn't have them naturally because we had tried for so long," she tells PEOPLE exclusively.

The spouses welcomed "relatively healthy" twins and were prepared to embark on a trip east, where Matt would now be stationed. They enjoyed some early weeks with the twins, with help from Alicia's mom, before their move. Right before they left, the boys were checked out by a doctor. At that point, the twins had "three newborn appointments, including an outpatient circumcision."

With a clean bill of health, the family of four started their move. On their way to Connecticut, they planned on stopping in Tennessee to spend Christmas with Matt's family. It was there that everything would change for the family.

"We left the state of Washington around two weeks after they were born," Alicia recalls. "In those early weeks, we were just adjusting to life with babies. We never had babies before so having two was a lot, but we were able to figure it out and my parents were there to help us navigate those first few weeks."



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Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Wyatt and Walker

Related: Mom Takes Baby to E.R. for Mystery Bump, Then Spends 550 Days Trying to Get Daughter Back (Exclusive)

"We stopped in Tennesee so my in-laws could meet the twins and we could spend Christmas and New Year's with them. They were excited and it was nice to have my mother-in-law, who's a nurse for 30 years, helping me with the babies. Everybody was just enjoying Christmas together."

Alicia stayed with her in-laws when Matt had to return to Washington and check out of his command. Shortly after he came back, the pair had a concerning situation with Walker.

"My husband was changing Walker and he heard a pop. He immediately came back out into the living room and he looked concerned," she recalls. Matt explained what happened and the new parents looked over their little boy. Though Walker cried initially, he had settled back to sleep, so the two decided to reassess in the morning.

"We didn't want to rush him to the emergency room in the middle of the night, with both boys, if it wasn't anything that we wouldnt have to be super concerned for," she says.

The next day, they took the boys to an outpatient emergency room to get Walker checked out after noticing he wasn't using his arm the way he normally would. From there, they were sent to the Niswonger Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center.

Alicia and Matt consented to "full evaluations," which included blood work, x-rays and a CAT scan.

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Walker

"We were told he had a fractured humerus bone," Alicia says. "We were concerned. We asked if anything else came up in the blood test. The hospital started doing a full NAT workup, which is for non-accidental trauma."

Soon after, the couple had their first encounter with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS). They also asked to have an evaluation of Wyatt done while they took statements from Matt, Alicia and Matt's parents.

"Then they came back with Wyatt's x-rays, and they said everything looked normal. They said he didn't have any fractures, but they were concerned that he had bruising up by his neck," she says, noting they suggested the possibility it was a birth mark and noted other instances on his body.

After some time, the family was told that the twins were being kept overnight for observation.

"They made me stay in one room with one of my sons, Walker, and then my husband stayed in another room with our son Wyatt," she says. "Both me and my husband were not allowed to be unsupervised with our children, so a nurse had to stay overnight with us in one of the rooms and then my mother-in-law was allowed to supervise my husband with our other son in the other room."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Wyatt

The couple could feel "our alarm bells going off," but they were more concerned about getting answers for their son. The couple spent that night, into the next day, "really scared."

"I was afraid for myself, for my kids, for my husband. To be in a position where you're already in an unfamiliar place with your babies when one of them is already injured is very difficult. You just want to be there to hold and care for your children, and here you are being looked at as you're hurting them in one way or another," she shares.

"It's horrible. It's your worst nightmare come to life, where you go and you ask for help and you do the right thing. You asked for them to do full evaluations. You're concerned for what could potentially happen or be happening to your child, and somebody is sitting there looking at you, thinking that you might have hurt them."

At first, Alicia and Matthew were told they would be able to leave with the twins after their bloodwork came back normal. They were awaiting a CPS meeting to, as they understood, resolve the situation. Until then, they couldn't have "unsupervised contact" with the twins, says Alicia.

When they met with CPS, the couple was asked to consent to Matt's parents being their "supervisors" with the children until CPS finished their process. The family agreed to this, as well as follow-up x-rays for the twins to ensure proper healing. They communicated that Matt would have to check into his duty station in Connecticut, where Alicia's family resides. They were discharged and CPS followed up with a home check at Matt's parents' home.

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Walker and Wyatt at 3 months

"They took pictures, not only of the home but of our kids, as they had in the hospital. They took more, stripped them down and everything."

"It seemed strange to me, but with my background in social work, I also understand the need to be thorough. I understand that there are people out there that really do hurt babies. I understand that children, in general, are hurt and I understand the processes and procedures exist and they are important. But at this point going to this extent, just seemed really unnecessary."

The family said that they would meet with CPS the next day, but they were awoken during the night and asked to return to the hospital immediately after discovering what they believed to be healing injuries in Wyatt's x-rays.



"It's like three or four in the morning, they call my phone and say the hospital's been trying to get in contact. They said that they had somebody else reread the x-rays and explained that on Wyatt, the twin that didn't have any injuries, they had found old healing and healed fractures in his posterior and ribs," she says. "They also thought they saw lesions in his tibia and fibia, where he might have been yanked. They said if we didn't bring him back to the hospital immediately, they were going to come and take both the boys away."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Twins Walker and Wyatt

"It was against every bit of my maternal instincts. I was all over the place. I wanted to know how they could have missed something before because that was my first cue that something was up. I didn't trust the hospital instantly at that point because how all of a sudden are mystery injuries appearing?"

Considering the circumstances, Alicia and Matt advocated for a second opinion, which raised the tension. They eventually met with a CPS investigator who said they were of the belief this was not accidental. Alicia said she was "questioning everything" at that moment.

"These terrible things are running through my head. Every bit of myself runs through who my children have been around and at any point, had I left them alone with anybody? Was it during a procedure, when they had their circumcisions? Every bit of my heart was broken."

After a long day, CPS confirmed they were taking the twins.

"I didn't have any chance to say goodbye to my other son. They went to my in-laws house and took him from there. They took my son Wyatt from me at the hospital and said that we would get information soon. We didn't get paperwork. Nothing. They just came and took him."

The couple felt "terrified and traumatized" by the moment. Alicia compares trying to make sense of the situation to "psychological warfare," noting, "You're hurting for your children. You just want to comfort them, but you can't."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Matt and Alicia Jackson with their sons

The concerned parents sprung into action, pulling the boys' medical records and getting a lawyer. It would be 13 days until they saw their sons again. In that time, they also spoke to a CPS investigator who tried to assure Alicia that the matter would be resolved soon. At their preliminary hearing, however, the judge determined CPS had enough evidence for the case to move forward.

"I was only able to see the boys for one two-hour visit per week, and it was with the foster parents supervising," she says. "It was allowed for both of us, but my husband had to come up and report for duty in Connecticut to his military station. It was just me and kind of awkward, but the family that my kids were placed with, they're good people, you know? They're very understanding and they let me mother my children when I was with them and care for them."

Alicia was grateful the family was "very understanding of our situation and they weren't judgmental." But that didn't change the fact that it was extremely difficult.

"You're seeing your children, your two infant babies, leaving with somebody who is not you. Its a whole experience that I don't sometimes know how to put into words, but at least I knew they were safe. I felt comfortable with the people, but at the same time, it was terrible."

With her kids in foster care, Alicia started to work her network to find out what options were available to them. Through a contact at the Department of Children's Services in Connecticut, Alicia found out her parents could qualify to become foster parents and take custody of the twins.

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Twins' first 4th of July

"That friend let us know about an expedited order to get the twins to Connecticut and out of Tennessee foster care. My dad works for the state of Connecticut and my mom's a school bus driver for special needs, so we knew for sure that they would both be qualified to take the kids. They had a safe home, so we were trying to do everything we could to get them here."

On Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023, the judge approved the twins' move to Connecticut with Alicia's parents after weeks of back and forth. Though that was one small victory, there were still many battles ahead. The two had to wait until April 2023 for a court date.

"We were reaching out to anybody we could get information from in the meantime. I contacted the Navy  we asked them for assistance to get second opinions; they have their own medical services and hospitals that do their own testing. We began defending, building a case to get our kids back," Alicia says.

"I also contacted the Family Justice Resource Center out of Illinois, who assigned me an advocate. The advocate got me in touch with a forensic nurse, who reviewed everything and had actually been through a very similar situation as ours. Now, she goes out of her way to help other families and to look over medical files and help them find the right medical experts to look at the cases and do unbiased reviews and blind reviews so that families like ours can get answers."

Doing that work made Alicia "excited" to get into court. She felt "pretty confident" things would improve, up until she learned the judge wouldn't be hearing the case at all.

"The judge came up onto the virtual platform and said that he was told that the assistant district attorney was going to be bringing our case to a grand jury. He said that we might be indicted, so he was refusing to hear our case while we had pending criminal charges," she recalls.



Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Alicia Jackson and her sons

The criminal charges were news to Matt and Alicia, who were "furious" at the turn of events.

"We were led to believe this would be our time to be able to defend ourselves and to bring evidence against what these claims were. They said the next date we would be able to even talk again was going to be July of 2023."

Being away from her infant twins for four months wasn't easy, even with the ability to visit with them. Once they were in Connecticut, there were still issues to settle, like the "complicated" matter of visitation, where both states had to weigh in.

"At first, when the boys got here, we were only allowed to see them for two supervised visits a week for two hours," she explains. After things were settled between the two states, the family's social worker was able to secure visitation "four days a week."

"It was two weekdays, Tuesday and Thursday, with split hours. It was like four in the morning and three in the afternoon. And then on the weekends, we had eight hours on Saturday and Sunday. So it was a pretty liberal visitation schedule," she says.

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Alicia and Matthew Jackson pose with their sons

Alicia and Matt were concerned about their futures and what the charges against them would mean. While they sought out more information about the grand jury process, they also worked on finding answers that could explain their children's injuries.

"We found out the twins had low copper, low seroplasm, things that have to do with bone deficiencies. X-rays show they had vitamin D deficiencies in utero, which also causes fragile bones. They had a lack of fetal movement, which I had to be hospitalized in my third trimester for, which can cause weak bones, on top of the fact they are twins  so it's looking at it as two separate single pregnancies instead of one pregnancy."

In the criminal matter, the couple asked their new legal team to present the medical evidence. They ran into a number of roadblocks, and months went by with hold-ups in both the custody and criminal matters.

"As more time went by, the Tennessee Department of Children Services asked us to complete a bunch of parenting assessments and psychological assessments. They asked us to do parenting classes and so we went to the Navy and were like, Listen, this is what they want us to do. We have no problem, can you please help us? "

The Navy helped the couple find the right professionals for each task they needed to accomplish, and as they completed assessments, "everything came back perfectly."

"They said we're really good parents. We had strong, healthy bonds with our children, even considering the situation. They could see the mountains that we've been climbing over to keep them in our lives."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Walker on his first birthday

They also got a medical breakthrough as they were able to meet with Dr. Michael Hollick out of Boston University.

"Dr. Hollick reviewed our case and said we were good candidates to be evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We got approval to take the twins up to Boston. It was myself, my husband, my mom and my dad. We went, and my mom and I were diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos and the twins were both said to have it as well, acquiring it from me and my mom," she shares.

The diagnosis was "an affirmation" for the twin mom, who knew there had to be an underlying reason for her sons' injuries.

"To hear from another highly qualified expert that this indeed was not abuse, that this was that my children had a genetic disorder, that they had Ehlers-Danlos, was a relief," Alicia says, noting she was also "concerned that they were being neglected in ways, because people werent looking at the medical diagnosis."

"They were looking at somebody else when really it's underlying medical issues that are not being addressed. To have Dr. Hollick actually address it, validate it and write up a report, I was extremely relieved."

Alicia sought solutions and support for the twins as they awaited development in either case. The couple also prioritized enjoying the time they could with the boys and while doing so, they leaned on each other and their community for support.

"Our families and our community have come out and been extremely supported. It's been an outpouring, especially from Parents Behind the Pinwheels and Fractured Families. Those communities were so supportive as I shared our story."

Parents Behind the Pinwheels helps families like the Jacksons go public with their stories in hopes of raising awareness and making change. Fractured Families helps to raise awareness, support and advocate for families falsely accused.

"As I got to know people, I realized there were so many other people that wanted to help. Our community came together in an outpouring of support. We have connected with several churches. So many people have really come together, and it's been nothing short of amazing to have the support that we've had."

In April 2023, Alicia found out she was pregnant with a baby girl. While she was "really excited" about becoming a mom of three, Alicia admits, "I was so scared because of what happened to the boys. But I'm also very faith-based, and for this to happen after what we went through to have my kids was a miracle."

"As weird of a situation as it has been for us to raise my boys with them being at my parents and us having to parent them this way, I can tell you, we are grateful that we have had the ability to do it at all," she says, acknowledging how many families have limited visitation in foster care. "We're very grateful and very blessed that we've been able to do it this way."

As they waited for the birth of their baby girl, the family had concerns. They worried about how, if at all, CPS would intervene, as well as how Ehlers-Danlos might impact her birth.

"I had to make sure that I got tested for all my levels, things that aren't normally tested for routinely. It was challenging, but it was beautiful, too, because when you're going through something like this, you have to take it moment by moment and really appreciate every second you have with your children."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Wyatt on his first birthday

Matt and Alicia's daughter, Everly, was born on Dec. 26, 2023.



"When she was born, it was amazing. It was perfect. It was everything I hoped for, even being in the back of my mind having a little bit of anxiety, not quite knowing if CPS was going to show up at my door. They were very aware, and we told them that we were having this baby. So when they didn't come up to the hospital, when they didn't show up at our door initially, we were relieved. We thought, 'Everything's fine and they knew that we're not these terrible abusers.' "

A week after Everly's birth, the pair took Everly to the hospital to check on a heart defect. Following the visit, DCF showed up at the family home to do a wellness check. The DCF representative called her supervisor to deliver her assessment, but came back with heartbreaking news.

"She comes back inside after speaking with her supervisor and says, We need to take custody of your daughter,' " Alicia recalls, leading her to "break down."

"The Connecticut attorney we hired in case we'd need her for our daughter said it was very possible that the Connecticut DCS might try to file what's called a predictive neglect. It's because we have an open case in another state with our children that hasn't been resolved. We called her and she said it would be taken care of."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Matthew Jackson holds twin sons Wyatt and Walker as Alicia holds daughter Everly

Alicia and Matt were able to have Alicia's parents take Everly, who got to stay with her brothers while matters were resolved.

"Three days passed without a judge signing an order that would keep my daughter in their custody. They get 72 hours to sign, but it didn't happen, so my daughter had to immediately be returned home," she explains.

Next, the family had a court date to discuss matters pertaining to the newborn. After presenting the medical evidence they had, Connecticut DCS decided that they were willing to allow for protective supervision. Alicia explains, "The judge agreed to allow Everly to continue staying home, as she should be, with them checking in."

Matt and Alicia ultimately were indicted on child abuse and neglect charges in September 2023. The juvenile court also asked for a status hearing on custody of the boys that month. That date got bumped to March 2024 and ultimately was canceled. Alicia notes that DCF was continuing visits to the house to check on Everly, which concluded just weeks ago.

"The charges against me have been dropped and completely expunged from my record," Alicia says. "Despite the medical evidence, however, they wanted Matt to stipulate to causing Walkers humerus fracture, whether it was accidental or non-accidental. They wanted him to agree to a best-interest plea. So he had to agree that the humerus fracture occurred while in his care and custody."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Wyatt

The Class E felony against Matt is deferred, which means it won't become part of his record as long as he successfully completes his two years of probation. At that time, his record will also be expunged.

"We went back and forth on trying to decide if we could continue fighting this, but financially, it would have taken everything we had. We couldn't let go of our home and means we have to care for our children. Our lawyers said it was best for us to take this deal. We could get our children back, and this could eventually all be dropped from our records," Alicia explains.

For Matt, the requirements of this process are "really hard and very stressful."



"I sink into a depression because it's unjust. It's not right," the father of three says. "I feel like I had to make a decision that was really difficult just so that it could be better for my family, so that we could eventually be together versus going broke and not having each other."

Matt continues, "I told my wife and everybody else, I was on the submarine that hit the underwater mountain and I feel like I'd rather do that again than go through this. I wouldnt ever wish this on anybody because it's just horrible."

The military father is also concerned about possible career impacts, as he was preparing to be administratively discharged due to injury.

"This could get in the way. It could ruin the last 13 years of me serving my country. I could not get anything just because of this."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Walker

Always looking to the bright side, Matt and Alicia believe they are in the final stages of ending this nightmare.

"Tennessee has bowed out. Matt's probation is out of Connecticut. The hope is the boys can come home on what Everly came home on, which is protective supervision," Alicia explains. "So they would come home and DCF would come out to do home checks for a few months until they can hopefully finally exit from our lives forever."

They're looking forward to enjoying every moment with the now 18-month-old twins.

"The boys are running! They went from just barely taking their steps to walking, running and trying to climb on things. They've gotten all their teeth. They love being big brothers and showing their little sister all the things that she's going to learn," the proud mom shares.

"I try to create the most normal relationship for my children and for my daughter to spend time with her brothers, because they're getting older now. They know who Mom, Dad and Everly are, so we're trying to help them understand that, hopefully, one day, theyll get to come home with us."

As a mom, Alicia believes she's "gone through all the emotions that a person could" navigating this journey.

"I've gone through the anger. I've gone through the regret, the heartache, the longing to be with my kids," she says, going on to note how she's also privileged in her situation.

"I've had community support, and people have fundraised like $8,000 to help our family, which I think is incredible. That's a big thing for me. We've been able to share birthdays and holidays with our boys and we're so fortunate because I know there are a lot of families right now that aren't able to do that with their children," Alicia notes.

"I'm grateful to at least have one of my babies home and hopefully have the other two very soon. And as somebody who has been there through the fire, I would say, I think it's my job to help other families that are going through this and make awareness to what's going on, and to try to make changes on the legislative front. I think it all starts with people who have been personally affected."

Courtesy of Matthew and Alicia Jackson Alicia and Matthew Jackson with Wyatt, Walker and Everly

Alicia hopes that by sharing her family's story, they will inspire others to advocate for their kids whenever they may need to.

"Document everything and remember you are your child's greatest advocate. If they tell you they can't get to the bottom of it, find somebody who will. There are people who are willing to listen and professionals who are willing to do the right thing and help. You'll find answers to the things that you're concerned about if you keep searching. Find those people and lean into that because that will get you through anything."

Today, Alicia and Matt are enjoying every milestone along the way to their happy ending.



"Last week was the first time I had ever been alone with all three of my children. It was the answer to so many desperate, broken-hearted prayers," she says. "I am thankful that our family is slowly but surely healing and moving forward after all that we have endured. I think, eventually, we will be whole again."

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DENVER (KDVR)  A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department.

The police department posted about the situation on Facebook. Officers were originally called about a suspicious person near Milliken Elementary School at 100 Broad St. at 1:24 a.m.

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An officer spoke with the male suspect on the phone before arriving at the scene. The suspect allegedly made multiple threatening statements toward police.

Once on scene, a Milliken officer contacted the suspect who was identified as Colin Brixius. The police department said Brixius immediately began running at the officer with a large knife.

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Police said the officer yelled at Brixius to stop before deploying his Taser. According to Milliken police, the Taser was ineffective, and Brixius continued to charge at the officer with the knife.

Milliken police said the officer was forced to fire his duty weapon.

Brixius was taken to a local hospital with gunshot wounds, but police said he is expected to survive. He will later be taken to the Weld County Jail and is facing several felony charges including felony menacing, attempted first-degree assault, and attempted first-degree murder.

Cathy Slaugh showed FOX31s Vicente Arenas a hole in her fence, which she said was from the shooting.

A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department. (KDVR)

A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department. (KDVR)

A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department. (KDVR)

A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department. (KDVR)

A suspect reportedly armed with a knife near an elementary school in Milliken was shot by a police officer overnight Monday, according to the Milliken Police Department. (KDVR)

It scares me. Milliken, its always been a nice, quiet, pretty much quiet town. And, you know, Im not used to that. Thats more like living in the city, she said.

The 19th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team will handle the investigation.

Brixius father said he knew there was something wrong and tried to get his son mental health help. He also said its a reminder to watch your loved ones.

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.
Paulina Gutierrez's nomination to serve as the new Election Commission executive director gained the backing of the Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee Monday at City Hall.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson's appointee to lead the city Election Commission through the fall's critical presidential election gained the recommendation of a key Common Council committee Monday.

Johnson announced May 6 that he was replacing Executive Director Claire Woodall with her deputy, Paulina Gutierrez.

Her nomination is subject to Common Council confirmation, and Monday's meeting before the Judiciary and Legislation Committee was the first step in that process. The Common Council meets June 11.

"I am focused on the future," Gutierrez told the committee. "We have lots of work ahead of us to prepare for November. I am committed to Milwaukee and to our mission, which is to ensure that elections are administered in a fair, transparent, equitable and accessible manner in order to instill voter confidence in the democratic process."

All eyes will again be on Wisconsin's largest city and its vote-counting operation in the Nov. 5 election that is expected to again pit former President Donald Trump against President Joe Biden.

Trump, the Republican Party's presumptive nominee, has continued to falsely claim that Milwaukee voters in 2020 cast "illegal votes." That year, Trump lost the swing state to Biden by about 21,000 votes after the state had elected Trump by a similar margin just four years earlier.

Gutierrez was appointed deputy director of the city Election Commission in early 2023. She had previously worked for the state Department of Corrections as a legislative advisor and the city in various roles.

During the meeting, Ald. Scott Spiker asked Gutierrez about being "too green for such a momentous election," saying that her predecessor had served for a long time and led the commission through the presidential election during the coronavirus pandemic.

In response, Gutierrez said that not only had she been second-in-command at the Election Commission for a year and a half, but that former and current election officials are "just a phone call away."

In recent weeks, Woodall and the city reached a separation agreement in which Woodall will remain with the city in an advisory position through early August but will work outside the office and not communicate with staff besides Gutierrez about election processes.

Milwaukee Election Commission deputy director Paulina Gutierrez calls out for the last count of the ballots from the 2023 Wisconsin spring general election. Gutierrez has been nominated to become executive director of the commission.

As part of the agreement, Woodall agreed to release any legal claims against the city and both sides agreed not to disparage each other for two years.

The separation agreement notes the "importance of a smooth transition of leadership before the upcoming 2024 presidential election."

Gutierrez said that to prepare for the election, she would hit the ground running and hopes to name a deputy director soon. She also said that, after the shift in leadership at the commission, she is working with the city's Employee Assistance Program to "develop the synergy and cadence" needed to run the election.

"Elections are not run by just one person but by a group of people," Gutierrez said. "I'm very lucky for the staff that I have, who are committed to running elections. ... So, I am confident in their abilities, and in places where I need assistance, I know where to go to get those resources."

Gutierrez told the Journal Sentinel that she has been speaking to elections professionals both in Wisconsin and nationally who have provided her with insight, tools and examples.

Spiker did not ask Gutierrez about the mayor's decision to change Election Commission leadership.

Paulina Gutierrez, appointed by Mayor Cavalier Johnson to serve as the new Election Commission executive director, is seen before the Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee on Monday.

Spiker asked Gutierrez about her "activism," saying she is "very passionate about issues that affect our community" and pressing her about whether she had any concerns that some might see that as a problem as she administers elections.

Gutierrez said her activism was focused on creating peace in the community and resulted from growing up in Milwaukee in an area of "extreme violence" in the 1990s.

"A peace builder builds peace through bureaucracy, through systems, through giving everyone a fair chance at something  that's activism to me," she said.

That's particularly important to her as a child of immigrants, and leading the Election Commission will allow her to put that philosophy to work, she said.

Afterward, Gutierrez told the Journal Sentinel that growing up around gang violence on the near south side helped guide her career, much of which was spent in criminal justice.

She described herself as an advocate for helping people make their voices heard. That included in past positions helping residents determine who to call when they were experiencing issues with crime, whether law enforcement or another entity.

Gutierrez listed among the biggest challenges the July 30 election and July 2 primary for the 4th Senate District seat vacated by former state Sen. Lena Taylor, who resigned to become a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge.

She also pointed to poll worker recruitment for the November election, saying about 1,300 people needed to be recruited and trained. She said she was feeling good about recruitment for the November election, when many people are motivated to work the polls.

"One of my priorities is making sure we have written procedures and that we create a sustainable model and system within elections that people can pick up a manual and get to work," she said.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Tristan Hernandez can be reached at thernandez@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee committee backs new Election Commission executive director
Mayor Cavalier Johnson declined to weigh in Monday on whether Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley should keep his job following revelations that the school district jeopardized millions of dollars in funding by missing financial reporting deadlines and erroneously reporting costs for the 2022-23 school year.

"Thats a question for the school board," Mayor's Office spokesman Jeff Fleming said in an email regarding Posley's employment. "The Mayor looks forward to working with whomever the board chooses to lead the district."

Fleming's emailed comments came ahead of a Monday night school board meeting at which the Posley could be fired or face other disciplinary action.

State officials are threatening to suspend funding to MPS after the district failed to submit required financial reports, some of which were due to the state Department of Public Instruction more than eight months ago. In addition, MPS errors in reported costs for the 2022-23 school year will likely result in a "significant reduction" in state general aid payments to the state's largest school district, according to DPI.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson speaks during his inauguration in the City Hall Rotunda at Milwaukee City Hall in Milwaukee on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The revelations of financial mismanagement come after Milwaukee voters narrowly approved in a referendum in April raising property taxes to allow MPS to gain an additional $140 million for the next school year, then increase to $252 million annually by the 2027-28 school year.

During his inaugural address in April, Johnson pledged to be more involved in ensuring the success of the city's students by paying closer attention to policy, priorities and resource deployment and taking part in strategic discussions.

Fleming said Johnson wants to make sure "primary attention remains on the students of MPS. Administrative and financial problems must not interfere with success in the classrooms."

The goal, Fleming said, is to get the resources MPS students need, including resolving the reporting issues so state resources are not withheld.

"At this stage it would be premature to conclude MPS will be without the funds," Fleming wrote. "The Mayors conversations with those involved has prioritized establishing a path to avoid the worst outcomes, and he has offered his assistance in reaching that goal."

Fleming said Johnson had "substantive" conversations with Posley and State Superintendent Jill Underly in recent days and anticipates those will continue.

Earlier Monday, Johnson's nominee to be his top lobbyist called the situation at MPS "fast-developing" during a meeting of the Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee.

"My understanding is the mayor has no current position on the situation," nominee Jordan Primakow told the committee when asked about MPS. "Obviously, it's been a very fast-developing situation at MPS."

Primakow said he would want to work on a related legislative package this summer and that his job is to advocate in Madison for the positions that the mayor and council direct.

The Mayor's Office's comments stood in contrast to those of two members of the Common Council who slammed MPS, DPI and others.

Alds. Scott Spiker and Lamont Westmoreland in a statement called the revelations "disappointing," "distressing" and "maddening."

"As a result of MPSs financial mismanagement, the State is threatening to suspend funding for the largest school district (by far) in Wisconsin," they said. "(Apparently, the district expects their overworked teachers to do their jobs for free?!) This comes on the heels of the duly-elected school board and their appointed administration successfully asking for the largest infusion of local taxpayer dollars in district history."

They chastised the district, too, for needing to hire an outside financial consultant to help make a corrective action plan to complete missing reports and meet future deadlines.

And they said Gov. Tony Evers' office should have told voters about MPS's financial reporting problems before the referendum vote.

Rory Linnane of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this story.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mayor Cavalier Johnson doesn't weigh in on MPS superintendent's future
Those who buy guns for people prohibited from owning them will face more serious consequences in a safety measure highlighted Monday by Gov. Tim Walz at a ceremonial signing at St. Paul police headquarters.

The bill also bans binary triggers and requires additional reporting to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) regarding gun trafficking and seizures. The laws were part of a giant bill passed by the Legislature in the waning hours of the session late last month, so Walz had already formally signed it.

Walz called the provisions a "step in the right direction" and blunted criticism from gun enthusiasts by saying, "Nothing that's been passed impedes your right to own a firearm in any way. It makes it harder for folks who shouldn't have them."

The ceremonial signing came just days after the ambush and fatal shooting of Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell by a convicted felon. Two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter were fatally shot in February by a man who was not allowed to own guns; his girlfriend purchased them for him.

DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson and Reps. Kaela Berg of Burnsville and Kelly Moller of Shoreview attended the signing, along with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Eagan Police Chief Roger New, who is also the president of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and St. Paul Assistant Chief Paul Ford.

"While Minnesotans worry about gun violence, gun manufacturers continue to look for loopholes in our laws to make weapons even deadlier, and by doing so are creating more gun violence in our cities and our neighborhoods," Gustafson said.

She acknowledged that some don't like the term "gun violence" because it targets the guns rather than the people who use them to commit crimes. "But our country has a unique relationship and deadly history with firearms and we don't make our community safer by ignoring these facts. Every day 120 people in the United States are killed with guns," she said.

The straw purchaser provision increased the crime from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. It also expanded the definition to include all firearms, not just pistols and military-style assault rifles as the old law did. A Star Tribune review of more than two dozen such cases charged since 2014 found that a majority involve women connected to an intimate partner, close friend or relative who leaned on them to get their guns. And many of their cases reveal backdrops of trauma or domestic violence.

Carter talked about how the shooting last week "cut right to our hearts" and noted that after mass shootings gun supporters say, "don't politicize this."

"Maybe if this was the first heartbreak we'd ever felt," Carter said, adding that mass gun violence continues to happen "over and over and over," including, he noted, at St. Paul's Truck Park bar in October 2021.

He talked about a "moral mandate" to do more, to go "upstream" with prevention and intervention efforts.

St. Paul, for example, already has a safe storage ordinance for guns and ammunition. The measure penalizes those who leave a firearm in a vehicle or other location where unauthorized people could take it.

The 2024 Legislature considered a safe storage bill, but the Senate, controlled 34-33 by DFLers, was unable to pass it. Republicans were joined by Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, in opposition.

During floor debates on the new measures, opponents spoke about the new laws turning law-abiding citizens into criminals. Many of those who argued against safe storage measures talked about the need for easy access to firearms in their homes for self-protection.

The binary trigger ban takes effect Jan. 1. Binary triggers allow two shots to be fired with one pull and release of the trigger.

Walz and others said the measures passed in 2024 built on the work of 2023.

Last year, the DFL-controlled Legislature passed a red-flag warning law, allowing for intervention when someone with a gun appears to be a danger to themselves or others. The earlier bill included expanded background checks for private transfers and gun show sales and increased the penalty from 10 to 20 years for illegally possessing a machine gun, trigger activator or conversion kit that can turn a semiautomatic firearm into an automatic.
State health leaders and members of Minnesotas tribal communities gathered on the Minnesota Capitol steps on Wednesday morning to celebrate a brand new Office of American Indian Health within the Minnesota Department of Health. (photo/KTTC)

State health leaders and members of Minnesotas tribal communities gathered on the steps of the Minnesota Capitol last Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a new Office of American Indian Health within the Minnesota Department of Health.

We need an Office of American Indian Health because its incredibly important not just to our community, but to the entire future of the state on Mne Sota Makace as a while, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said in a press release.

The new office aims to address and balance health outcomes for the states Indigenous population. The program is designed to collaborate directly with tribal leaders both within Minnesotas 11 tribal nations and with urban Native organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique health needs of Native Americans.

Its rare for states to have an office like this, and were proud to be leading the way here in Minnesota, MDH Director Kris Rhodes said in a press release. Our team includes grant funding program planners as well as administrative financial and communications expertise. We will soon be adding additional staff in the areas of policy and data and research.

This new office will facilitate targeted data collection and implement grant programs specifically for Native Minnesotans. Advocates believe this will enable the state to make better investments and improve the lives of Indigenous people across Minnesota.

Leaders have announced that the program will receive $9 million in federal and state funding for fiscal year 2024. Those involved with the office hope it will serve as a long-term resource to mitigate healthcare disparities faced by Native Minnesotans.

We can stop saying that were a state with some of the best healthcarebut not for everybody; with some of the best health outcomesbut not for everybody, MDH Commissioner Brooke Cunningham said in a press release.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Missed the planet parade this morning? Dont worry, experts share dates for more alignments soon

If you happened to look out at the sky between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., you might have spotted some extra sparkly dots twinkling above.

Only those weren't just some extra special stars, those were planets forming a "planetary parade."

Early risers were treated to the alignment of six planets on Monday. Of the six, only four planets were considered visible with the naked eye  Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. You would've need a telescope to see Uranus or Neptune.

If you missed the morning celestial festivities, you're in luck. There's a chance to see this exact alignment later this month, with experts saying it will be a better view. Plus, there's another alignment coming this year.

What is a planetary alignment?

A graphic from Star Walk depicting the upcoming "planet parade" on June 3.

According to the astronomy app, Star Walk, a planetary alignment happens when a planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time.

This alignment happens as the planets slowly catch up to one another over time when orbiting the sun. NASA says because they are all traveling along the same path, the ecliptic, as they pass Earth, it appears as though they are aligned.

There are several types of planetary alignments, which are also known informally as a planetary parade. They include:

Mini planetary alignment  3 planets.

Small planetary alignment  4 planets.

Large planetary alignment  5 or 6 planets

Great, or full, planetary alignment  all solar system planets

Missed it? Don't sweat it, NASA debunked visibility of 'planet parade' anyway

Astronomers provide a realistic depiction of what skywatchers could see June 3, 2024 during a "planetary parade" in which six planets  Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn  will align during the predawn hours. Many of the planets, however, won't be visible due to their proximity to the sun.

As part of its annual monthly skywatching tips, NASA mentioned that the parade of planets would be difficult for most to watch or even catch a glimpse of.

"Some online sources have shared excitement about a 'parade of planets' visible in the morning sky in early June (June 3 in particular). In reality, only two of the six planets supposedly on display  Saturn and Mars  will actually be visible," according to a statement from NASA, adding that Jupiter and Mercury won't likely be visible because they'll be at or below the horizon in morning twilight.

Without a telescope, Uranus and Neptune are far too away for the naked eye to see, NASA said, especially as the morning sky brightens.

Can you see June's planet parade on other nights?

Yes! In fact, you might get an even better show later this month.

"To me, the closest thing to a planet parade is June 29th, when youll have Saturn, the third-quarter Moon, Mars, and Jupiter arrayed across the sky at dawn," Preston Dyches, a public engagement specialist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory told USA TODAY.

USA TODAY notes many will not only get a better view of the planetary parade if they wait until June 29, but they'll be able to gaze at the stars on Friday night into Saturday morning, instead of having to view it during the work week.

"If you're patient and you wait until the end of the month, these planets will move farther away from the sun higher up in the early morning sky," Andrew Fazekas, the communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders, says. "So, that you will get an easier chance to pick them out in the sky.

When is the next planetary alignment? Look toward end of summer

Star Walk predicts the next planet parade will be in Aug. 28 of this year. Similarly to June, August will see six planets  Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune  align in the night sky.

Here's when StarWalk.space predicts the next six- and 7-planetary alignments will happen:

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

Aug. 29, 2025: Six planets  Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

Contributing: John Tufts and Janet Loehrke, Indianapolis Star

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: June planet parade: You can see planets later this month. Here's when
Germany has allowed the Ukrainian Defense Forces to use Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, transferred by Berlin, to attack the aircraft of the Russian occupation forces. This refers to the downing of military aircraft of the aggressor country within the areas bordering Kharkiv region.

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This was stated by Major General Christian Freuding, head of the working group for the coordination of assistance to Ukraine at the German Ministry of Defense, Tagesschau reports. According to him, theoretically, within the framework of the permission granted by Germany to strike Russia, Ukraine can shoot down the occupiers' aircraft in Russian airspace with German Patriot.

"It is quite possible that Patriot systems will now also be used in the Kharkiv area, they are perfect for fighting Russian aircraft that can drop terrible barrage bombs," he said.

However, Freuding emphasized that the tactical use of the systems is the sole responsibility of the Ukrainian military.

"You can use them within the framework of international law. We have great confidence that the Ukrainians will not only comply with it, but will do so with great tactical skill and will succeed," he said.

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It should be noted that on May 31, it became known that the German government had authorized Ukraine to attack targets in Russia with German weapons. However, this applies only to the Russian territory bordering the Kharkiv region of our country.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the government's decision to allow Ukraine to use German weapons against military targets in Russia a good one. According to him, this decision was due to strategic adaptation to the changing situation.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  After little-to-no updates, suspended searches and numerous headlines published across the metro, the infamous alligator that disappeared from a Kansas City middle school was found alive after more than a week.

KC Pet Project called to middle school for missing alligator

The 2-year-old American alligator, now known as Alex, was part of an impromptu petting zoo exhibit at Lakeview Middle School in the Northland on Thursday, May 23. While serving as a special guest at the school, the alligator vanished without a trace.

However, the mystery ended on Monday morning when a member of Lakeviews custodial staff found Alex outside the back door to the middle school, the Park Hill School District said.

Now, after his 11-day excursion, Alex sits at the KC Pet Project where he undergoes tests to determine the state of his health and well-being.

When Alex disappeared, Eric Smith, the alligators owner and operator of Thorni Ridge Exotics Mobile Petting Zoo, felt there was more to the story than just a runaway gator. He filed a theft report with the Kansas City Police Department, believing someone had taken Alex because his animal enclosures are tough to escape.

KCK police officer loses license after appearing high on video

Now, Smith says he is awaiting a call from the organization and animal control after not being allowed to take Alex home due to veterinary restrictions.

Even though Alexs disappearance affected Smith over the last 11 days, he was not the only one worried about the little gator.

Kansas City residents, animal advocates and animal control organizations searched for the 14-inch reptile, hoping they would find it safe. While participating in the petting zoo, Alexs mouth was taped shut to ensure the safety of students and staff. This, however, left him vulnerable to predators after his escape.

Alex, the 2-year-old American alligator that went missing on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at a north Kansas City middle school petting zoo, was found and rescued on Monday, June 3, 2024 by the KC Pet Project in Kansas City, Missouri.

A KC Pet Project worker holds Alex the 2-year-old American alligator after he went missing for 11 days from a north Kansas City middle school on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

A 14-inch alligator vanished from a petting zoo at Lakeview Middle School on Thursday morning.

According to Tori Fugate, a spokesperson for KC Pet Project, a main concern wasnt with predators, though. It was people.

(The school) is right off 64th Street. Theres a grocery store across the street. Theres a lot of traffic. Were concerned the animal is going to be hit by a car, unfortunately, Fugate said.

To add to the concern, as animal control officers searched for the missing alligator, it was revealed that the school district did not obtain an animal shows permit from the KC Pet Projects Animal Services Division for the petting zoo, which is required per Chapter 14 of the city code.

Two-headed snake comes to the Kansas City metro Saturday

Fugate said this could mean a citation for the school district, but this has not been confirmed or denied by the school or city.

The district did, however, comment on Alexs rescue, saying, We are grateful for our communitys support in being aware of the missing alligator and even helping to look for it in some instances. We are glad the alligator was found safely.

As more information is released about Alexs condition and his disappearance, FOX4 will update this story with the latest details.

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.
MISSING: Columbus Police searching for a man last seen on Jefferson Drive

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police are searching for a missing man and asking for additional public help to find him.

The police department says 44-year-old Lorenzo Calo was last seen on May 27 on Jefferson Drive around 7:30 p.m. Police said he wore a red, white, and blue shirt and blue jeans while driving a white 2006 Ford Expedition with the Alabama Tag 57FB568 at the time of his disappearance.

Columbus Police urges anyone with information regarding Calos possible whereabouts to contact 911, CPDs Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3165 or Detective K. Maymi at 706-225-4173.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4)  The body of a missing Spanish Fork man was found on Saturday just east of Spanish Fork City, according to a press release from city officials.

The man  identified as Joshua Clarke  had been missing since March 13, 2024, according to Lt. Cory Slaymaker with the Spanish Fork Police Department.

LEARN MORE: What should you do if someone goes missing?

Officials said a family member was searching in the mountain area of Spanish Fork Peak, and was using a drone. When conducting their search, they found what they believed to be the body of Joshua Clarke.

Joshua Clarke (Courtesy of Spanish Fork Police)

Clarkes body was recovered from the area with the help of a Department of Public Safety Helicopter and a Utah County Sheriffs Search and Rescue team. The body was then sent to the Utah State Medical Examiner, where an autopsy and positive identification were performed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clarke family during this difficult time, Slaymaker said in the release. We thank all the volunteers who have assisted with searches over the past couple of months in an attempt to locate Joshua Clarke.

What to do when speaking to law enforcement about a missing person

More than 600,000 people go missing each year in the United States, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if someone you know goes missing.

Utah officials suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number and what the officers say.

When working with local law enforcement to report a missing person, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to:

Full name or nicknames.

Recent photos.

Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared.

Gender/sex.

Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos).

Date of disappearance.

Medical conditions.

Last known location.

Social media accounts.

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.
Former chairman of the Mississippi Parole Board Steve Pickett in this file photo speaking to lawmakers during a joint hearing of the House Corrections and Judiciary B Committees about the current Mississippi Department of Corrections issues Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. (Eric J. Shelton for Mississippi Today)

This story was originally published by Mississippi Today.

This is the first of a year-long look at Mississippis parole system.

At 17, James Williams III shot and killed his father and stepmother in south Jackson, stuffed their bodies into plastic containers and dumped them in the woods in a different county.

In 2023 after hed served nearly 20 years of a life sentence, Mississippis Parole Board freed him, two years after the previous board denied his request. He was 38 years old.

The decision came as a shock to family members of his victims, lawmakers and members of law enforcement who called on the Parole Board without success to reverse its decision.

Williams parole also caught the attention of advocates helping those who have served longer behind bars and been denied parole multiple times, despite similarly participating in rehabilitative, educational and spiritual programs to show that theyve changed.

You can all have all the facts there and hear two or three different versions and accounts of the situations and when you see that someone has actually taken advantage of stuff, [and] is not the same person they were, Parole Board Jeffery Belk said in an interview to explain how the board makes decisions.

Despite making all the same efforts as Williams, thousands of people have remained in prison instead of receiving parole. The parole grant rate that averaged 62% between 2013 and 2021 fell to 35% in 2022 when Belk and new members joined the Parole Board, according to data from the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

At the same time, the board has held fewer hearings since 2022 and is using more and longer setoffs, the period between parole hearings.

Among those denied parole is 65-year-old Anita Krecic, in prison since 1989 for her role in the murder of Highway Patrol Trooper David Bruce Ladner in Harrison County, for which she has maintained she was present for but did not participate. The troopers shooter, Krecics boyfriend Tracy Alan Hansen, was executed over 20 years ago.

Krecic stopped using drugs in prison, enrolled in college-level classes and took vocational courses like computer repair.

The Parole Board denied her release in 2022  the 10th time since she became parole eligible. Her next hearing is sometime in 2030, according to court records. She will then be nearly 70 years old.

I have a cabinet full of (records of) people who are honestly trying and are trying to do better and do better, said Mitzi Magleby, an advocate working with Krecic and other incarcerated people to navigate the parole process.

Magleby is among advocates, family members and incarcerated people who see these disparate decisions as a sign that Mississippis parole system is broken.

Inconsistencies with who is paroled, the use of long setoffs and infrequent use of other forms of medical or compassionate release keep people inside, contributing to the growth of Mississippis prison population. Logistical issues create a bottleneck of those who could be released but cant partly due to a lack of caseworkers and plans they generate, which are a required part of parole.

Even after release, they encounter a supervision system with a high number of vacancies and the many challenges of reentry, including a lack of transitional housing.

A 2023 Prison Policy Initiative report that looked at parole outcomes across 27 states found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in parole grant rates. But, while the average change in rates from 2019 to 2022 was a 14% decrease, Mississippis was 45%.

Additionally, the review found that the number of parole hearings and overall releases decreased in most states in the past five years.

Mississippi halted new prison admissions and saw its prison population fall early in the pandemic, but the population has returned to pre-pandemic levels as the Parole Board has scaled back releases.

Researchers at the Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at the University of Minnesota studing parole release and revocation across the country also found that parole grant rates plummeted in 2022.

COVID caused a massive change to the makeup of the prison population, said Robina research director Julia Laskorunsky. To me, it makes sense most states would have a higher denial rate following COVID and it would rebound back to the norm.

But in Mississippi, it hasnt.

Parole is the main way people are released from the Mississippi prison system, accounting for over 60% of all releases since at least 2017, according to a 2021 report by the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review.

Between 2013 and 2023, the board granted parole to over 52,000 people, averaging about 4,700 people each year, according to a review of MDOC parole data.

Nearly 6,000 people were paroled in 2016, a high during the 10-year period.

Looking at the success (of peoples rehabilitation) is the primary job, said Steve Pickett, who served as Parole Board chair from 2013-2021.

A parole grant is the first step. Typically, the wait time between parole and release is two weeks.

More than 95% of the over 56,000 people granted parole within the past decade had a nonviolent charge as their primary offense, such as drug possession, burglary and felony DUI, according to MDOC data.

Those with a primary nonviolent offense also made up the bulk of parole denials because there are more people incarcerated for nonviolent and drug crimes compared to violent and sex crimes. There are also less crimes defined as violent compared to nonviolent crimes.

However, homicide remains the most common primary charge among the 31,000 denied parole  nearly 12% of all denial outcomes, according to MDOC data.

Former chairman of the Mississippi Parole Board Steve Pickett in this file photo speaking to lawmakers during a joint hearing of the House Corrections and Judiciary B Committees about the current Mississippi Department of Corrections issues Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.

As an integral part of the criminal justice system, Pickett said the board can serve as a release valve when the prison population is overwhelmed and it acts as a group of social workers and judges to determine whether a person can be freed.

When he retired, the prison population had fallen below 17,000, mostly in response to MDOC freezing the transfer of people from county jails during the early days of the pandemic. By the end of 2022, the population returned to pre-pandemic levels above 19,000.

The decades low of about 2,150 people granted parole came in 2022, when the boards chairman and membership changed, the data shows.

Were not a numbers-driven board, Belk said, noting that he stepped into the role without an agenda. Ive made that very clear in the past several years.

He became chairman on the heels of a wave of parole grants and criminal justice reforms designed to increase parole eligibility for an estimated 5,700 additional inmates.

People wondered why the new iteration of the board wasnt paroling as many people compared to previous years. Belk said the board is trying to exercise better due diligence to grant parole, which he said includes having all available information about a person and their case and completed and substantive case plans from MDOC.

No, we actually took the time to review and try to get these systems and processes in place to where people can be set up for success, he said.

When denying parole, the board typically uses setoff periods, the length of time between hearings.

In 2022, 1,404 people were set off to the end of their sentence  the highest in the 10-year period. Belk said most of the people the board has set off to duration are those with short sentences who were expected to be released within weeks, months or years, as opposed to decades.

The board also decides whether to revoke parole for those found to violate the terms of their release, especially after arrest or conviction of a new crime.

The year Belk became chairman, the board revoked parole for over 2,100 people, a 90% increase from 2021, when the board revoked parole for closer to 1,100 people, according to MDOC data.

The board continued parole for more than 1,000 people for back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021. The new board continued parole for less than 100 people in 2022 and in 2023, according to MDOC data.

About two-thirds of Missisisppis prison population is now eligible for parole, partly because of legislation passed in the last two decades.

Those convicted of nonviolent offenses or drug offenses were already eligible after serving 25% or 10 years of their sentence. Reforms passed in 2021 expanded parole eligibility to those convicted of violent offenses, with most needing to serve at least half or 20 years of their sentence or 60% or 25 years for specific crimes such as carjacking.

Criminal justice groups from both political parties that support the reforms say nearly all of the 2,150 people who became eligible for parole under Senate Bill 2795 did not return to prison on a new sentence within the first two years of their release, according to an analysis by FWD.us, a bipartisan criminal justice and immigration advocacy group.

This year, the governor signed into law a bill that extends the parole eligibility reforms for two more years.

Despite the successes, advocates have said the law is not being fully used. FWD.us said the impact of expanding parole in 2021 was short-lived because it was not fully implemented, according to a report released ahead of the recent legislative session.

The Parole Board plays an essential role in ensuring the states parole law is fully implemented, said Mississippi State Director Alesha Judkins in a statement.

Once parole eligible, a individual applies for consideration. Four months ahead of their eligibility date, the board gathers information to make a determination, such as the circumstances of their crime, previous criminal record, conduct during incarceration and participation in prison programming.

The board also approves a persons case plan and sees whether they will have family or community support or a job lined up after prison.

If someone has done what they are supposed to do and taken advantage of the different opportunities at MDOC, its kind of what have you done to make yourself parolable? Belk said.

What have you done to set yourself up for success?

Parole Board Chairman Jeffrey Belk discusses the role of the board in an interview with the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting.

But success is subjective, in the eyes of the board. People have come to their parole hearings with multiple certificates of courses and programs they have completed, but Belk said the board didnt always see them as meaningful.

Although he couldnt substantiate the allegation, he said some program instructors would sign all the certificates and hand them out at the beginning of a course instead of teaching, which showed that some of the programs lacked credibility.

Most of the time it was a participation trophy, said Belk, who spoke anecdotally about what the board has been told by MDOC staff and innates during parole and revocation hearings.

Under Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain, Belk said courses are now being taught and documented in a standardized way, giving the board a piece of mind that inmates are learning and growing by participating in them.

Parole hearings are more often a file review completed in the boards Jackson office. The person up for parole can attend the hearing via live video, including if they have legal representation and if a hearing is requested, but most do not attend.

In 2021, PEER released a report that painted what Belk saw as a picture of an agency in disarray. The report found the board held untimely hearings and was not effectively using presumptive parole for nonviolent offenders who have met certain requirements and doesnt require a hearing.

A followup PEER report in June 2023 found the board was holding timely hearings but still wsnt effectively using presumptive parole or keeping meeting minutes. Belk said the board is working with MDOC to get systems, policies and procedures in place for presumptive parole to operate, which it hasnt since it was made law in 2014.

The (MDOC) commissioner uses the phrase Its like a caterpillar crawl out. I use the phrase Its like trying to push a string, he said about getting things in order.

Once presumptive parole is running, Belk said the board will have more time to focus on considering parole for violent offenders, including those sentenced to life with the possibility of parole before 1995.

Wanda Bertram, spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative, said research shows that people convicted of life sentences, even serious violent offenses and sexual offenses, have the lowest recidivism rates and, along with the elderly, are least likely to return to prison.

As counterintuitive as it seems, that is good policy to focus on lifers, she said.

Belk said the board tries to see the nuances in each individual case or each time a person comes up for parole, which can be multiple times before release.

Sometimes, people are good talkers and charmers with a prepared speech about how much they have changed during incarceration, so Belk said the board has to distinguish between fact and fiction, action and words.

There are people who decided they no longer wanted to be the version of themselves who were convicted and sentenced. They have completed high school equivalent and college degrees, found religion, learned a trade  sometimes all three.

When they talk about what theyve done, Belk said you can tell theyve changed, or they say they are at peace and content with whatever decision the board makes about their parole.

That brings back the discussion of James Williams III, and before him, Frederick Bell.

In 2022, the board voted to parole Frederick Bell, who was convicted of shooting 21-year-old Robert Bert Bell (no relation) during a 1991 store robbery in Grenada County. He had originally been sentenced to death, but was resentenced to life with parole eligibility.

In prison, Bell served as a mentor, teacher and pastor.

The decision shocked Bert Bells family, who said they had been attending Parole Board hearings since 2015 to oppose his release. Gene Bell, Berts younger brother, said the board previously said it wouldnt parole Frederick Bell and would give him a longer setoff period until his next hearing.

Under state law, the board cant deny someone parole based solely on victim opposition.

But the board delayed Bells September 2022 release, and the next month it rescinded his parole and gave him a two-year setoff. He remains at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.

In a 2023 report, the Prison Policy Initiative cited Bells approved and rescinded release as an example of how political dynamics can influence how parole is used and applied.

James Williams III, convicted of killing his father and stepmother, is seen in this photo from his graduation from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelors degree in Christian Ministry.

Last year, the board approved parole for Williams, convicted of murdering his father, James Jr., and stepmother, Cindy Lassiter Mangum, in 2002.

Williams was originally not eligible for release but was resentenced due to U.S. Supreme Court decisions limiting life without parole for those who committed crimes when they were under the age of 18. The first time he came up for parole in 2021, he was denied, Pickett said.

The next year when he was up for parole again, Jake Howard, his attorney, told Mississippi Todays Jerry Mitchell, that Williams was an exceptional candidate for parole who had been part of MDOCs faith-based programs since 2008, tutored other students, became a field minister and served as a minister of music at a Parchman church.

The victims family and lawmakers opposed Williams release, raising concerns about public safety. This time, the opposition held no sway. Williams was released in May 2023.

Several months after his release, Williams was arrested in Rankin County for driving under the influence. He went before the board again, and had his parole revoked. To date, he is incarcerated at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl.

Looking back, Belk said the Bell and Williams cases were high profile and there was debate over what the facts of the case were, which he saw play out on social media and through interviews family members and lawmakers gave.

I was not going to go on the [Paul] Gallo show to comment to the media and make a bad situation worse, he said.

Belk declined to comment further about the mens cases, including why the board decided to keep Bell in prison but not Williams.

Generally, if someone is parole eligible, the law directs the board to consider them, regardless of their convicted offenses. That means the board cant lump all the violent offenders together and refuse to grant them parole, Belk said.

But that doesnt mean the board has to release everyone, he said. Commonalities in convictions and completion of programming doesnt always justify parol, Belk said. Neither does someones age or how long they have been in prison.

Just because someone has made a life change, it doesnt necessarily mean they need to be back on the streets either, Belk said.

Both Belk and Pickett said there are situations where the board agrees someone would never be ready for parole, typically when the indivdual committed an egregious crime, like Luke Woodham, who was convicted for killing his mother and two classmates in the 1997 Pearl High School shooting and became parole eligible while Pickett served on the board.

Some of those people who are now seeking parole may have a clear behavioral record and built good relationships with prison staff, but Belk said then you look into their cases.

The horrific details of what theyve done, borderline sadistic, he said.

It can be heartbreaking to see a victim or family emotionally scarred years or decades after losing someone, and theyre asking the board not to grant parole. Belk said he has had to explain that the individuals have met parole requirements, earned good time or completed their sentence.

Pickett said even though people may be asking for different outcomes, he can see a family or parents love for their child, whether that person was a crime victim or the incarcerated person.

An open door is the best policy so that nobody thinks an injustice is being done, and it leads to trust in the system because if youre at last able to get a fair hearing, even if you dont like the outcome, he said.

Magleby, the parole advocate, also sees how people grow and change, but doesnt understand how people who appear to be good candidates for release  a clear institutional record, jobs and housing lined up  have been denied parole.

Julia Norman, the newest member of the parole board, said during her February 2023 confirmation hearing that the board can vote to deny parole if they feel that the person received a sentence that was too short.

Pickett, the former chairman, said the boards job is not to resentence or determine if someone wasnt sentenced long enough. Belk said declining to parole someone and using setoffs is not a form of resentencing.

Magleby said the Parole Board has always been tough, but the former board seemed more fair and open to rehabilitation.

She has no ill will towards Williams and the fact he was paroled, but she cant help but think he got that opportunity over others who have been incarcerated for longer and have also made use of opportunities in prison to make themselves parolable.

And why not them? Magleby asked.

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The Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis, home of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).

A United States District Court judge in St. Louis heard arguments Monday morning on whether the federal government can continue with a student-debt-forgiveness plan due to begin next month.

The lawsuit, filed last month by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, seeks to block an income-driven repayment plan for borrowers proposed by President Joe Bidens administration.

Missouri Solicitor General Josh Divine argued in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri Monday morning that the repayment plan, dubbed the SAVE Plan, was never authorized by Congress.

Divine is representing Missouri along with Republican attorneys general from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma.

The defendants have asserted authority to redistribute $500 billion from teachers, farmers, nurses and truckers to those who havent paid off their student loans yet, he said at the conclusion of his argument. Congress simply did not give the president or the secretary (of education) authority to make a massive, monumental policy.

Judge John Ross said it would take him a couple of weeks to craft an order. If Bailey gets his way, the court will block the federal government from approving additional borrowers for the SAVE Plan. Those who have already applied would not be affected, which U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Steven Petri said Monday was news to (him).

Baileys office blocked implementation of the Biden administrations first attempt at loan forgiveness in a lawsuit settled by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2023. He has threatened to file suit against the latest plan for loan forgiveness announced by the federal government in April.

The SAVE plan, an acronym for Saving on a Valuable Education, sets monthly payments based on income, with some borrowers having monthly payments waived. Those who borrowed less than $12,000 and have been paying for more than 10 years may have their debt canceled, with an additional year for each $1,000 additional borrowed.

The first forgiveness plan used the HEROES Act, which provides relief in time of emergency, to authorize $10,000 and $20,000 payments to borrowers. The HEROES Act was a central part of the Supreme Court case. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the ruling that, the (HEROES Act allows the Secretary to waive or modify existing statutory or regulatory provisions applicable to financial assistance programs under the Education Act, not to rewrite that statute from the ground up.

The SAVE plan, however, relies on the Higher Education Act. Petri described it as an amendment to an existing plan.

The law prescribes an income-driven repayment plan paid over an extended period of time prescribed by the Secretary, not to exceed 25 years. The wording of not to exceed 25 years was a central point in Mondays arguments.

Divine said that while the federal government is using the wording as permission to forgive loans, he argued that the Secretary of Education should set rates that complete payment by 25 years.

The text expressly requires repayment,  he said, emphasizing the label of SAVE as a repayment plan.

Ross questioned this by saying that Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), a program that waives outstanding student debt after 10 years working in public service, is also named a repayment plan.

Divine said enrollees in PSLF make payments and must repay entirely unless you satisfy the elements needed to obtain forgiveness.

Petri said the Higher Education Act must be considered in full.

We think that the full statutory language, taken as a whole, not only authorized in this plan but provides clear congressional authorization, he said.

While the authorizing law has changed between the Supreme Court ruling and Mondays arguments, Divine said the reason Missouri has standing in the case remains. He told the judge it was the same exact theory of standing argued last year, saying that the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) will be harmed if the plan goes into effect.

MOHELA doesnt just process loans, it owns loans and it earns interest on those loans, Divine said.

MOHELA is a quasi-governmental nonprofit. It did not consent to being part of the lawsuit that ended up before the Supreme Court, and internal communications released by loan-forgiveness activists show employees apprehension in being named.

MOHELA stands to lose $987 million if the plan is enacted in July, Divine argued.

U.S. Department of Justice attorney Simon Jerome said there are problems with that number, like the federal contract for many of these loans is expiring.

He also pointed to MOHELAs request to downsize its portfolio by up to 1.5 million borrowers.

And 1.5 million is quite a bit larger than the 81,000 accounts slated for forgiveness under the SAVE Plan, Jerome said.

Ross asked if the SAVE Plan might be removing borrowers in addition to MOHELAs request.

The department is committed to removing up to 1.5 million, Jerome said. There is room to right-size it.

When loan payments resumed in the fall, MOHELA borrowers submitted complaints, like not receiving bills that led to them missing payment. As a result, the Department of Education fined MOHELA $7.2 million for servicer failures.

With fewer accounts to service, Jerome said, MOHELA can get back on its feet.

These potential benefits, arent they all speculative? Ross asked.

Jerome said the department used a lot of data in its estimation.

Divine also spoke about another entity he argues would be harmed, mentioning the Bank of North Dakotas program refinancing federal loans. He said customers would not be likely to refinance with the bank after the SAVE Plan offers $0 payments and forgiveness.

You dont have to be an economist to understand that free money is appealing, he said.

Jerome said this argument was speculative.

For all of the Bank of North Dakota borrowers, I havent seen a single affidavit, havent seen a single statement from a borrower (promising to consolidate), he said.

He looked at the banks website, he said, and noticed that it did not represent itself as a competitor with the federal government.

Jerome, additionally, told the judge he thought all the states should have to prove harm for the case to continue. In the previous Supreme Court case, just MOHELAs harm was enough.

The timing of the case, which was filed in April months after the rule was proposed, will also come into consideration as there is a question of whether the attorney generals office is too late.

Divine said the timing should be allowed because the office is only trying to proactively stop the program, rather than revoking loan forgiveness that has already occurred.

Ross asked him if hes declaring imminent harm, why he didnt file earlier.

Divine doesnt read the Federal Register daily, he said, so he didnt know about the rule until February.

Divine was part of a negotiated rulemaking committee on federal student loan relief from October to December, before removing himself from the committee. The committee was crafting the rule announced in April but discussed the SAVE plan, according to meeting transcripts.

Both the judge and Petri mentioned the State of Missouris involvement in negotiated rulemaking committees. MOHELAs Director Business Development & Government Relations Will Shaffner was part of the previous round of negotiated rulemaking in 2021-2022.

I think any timing issue is a problem of (Missouris) own making, Petri said.

He said the delay should undermine an assertion of irreparable harm.

MOHELA did not respond to a request for comment.

Article has been updated to correct Divines estimate of the SAVE Plans cost to taxpayers.

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Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, answers questions about his legislation expanding MOScholars during a press conference in January. His bill was expanded and signed into law by the end of this year's legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

During Missouris 2024 legislative session, 338 bills addressing education were filed: a mix of proposals to change curriculum, increase funding, boost oversight and others.

The House appeared poised to expedite more K-12 legislation by forming a Special Committee on Education Reform in addition to its usual Elementary and Secondary Education Committee.

Chair of the existing education committee Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia, told The Independent that the beginning of session was hot and heavy for his bill dubbed open enrollment.

The bill, which sought to allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts that opt in to the program, passed the House for the fourth year in a row.

But soon, it was radio silence, as he describes it, for his bill.

Pollitts bill, like many others, died behind closed doors as lawmakers negotiated what would become just two education bills signed into law this year.

The vehicle

One of the themes among the few hundred bills filed on education was the expansion of tax-credit scholarships for private schools, a program called MOScholars in Missouri.

MOScholars allows taxpayers to donate up to half of their tax burden to scholarship-distributing nonprofits and get a refund come tax time. The nonprofits, who report to the State Treasurers Office, give the money to private schools they partner with. Currently, the program is only in the states most populated areas.

Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Republican from Manchester, proposed to open MOScholars statewide and allow wealthier families to qualify for the scholarships. He also sought to raise the cap on tax credits for the program.

When his bill made it to the Senate floor, Democrats held a lengthy filibuster, and negotiations began. The closed-door deal brought the originally 12-page bill to over 150 pages.

Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, was a key negotiator for Senate Democrats. She told The Independent that large education changes in Missouri seem to require an omnibus bill, and her job was about balancing policies her caucus favored with changes others demanded.

I think as a result of this law, what our schools are capable of and the support we are giving our teachers will hopefully be better as a result of some of the changes weve made, she said.

Her priority was changing the formula that funds public schools. A provision added in negotiations will change a multiplier in the formula to slowly switch from funding based on just attendance to splitting between attendance and enrollment. A study commissioned by the states education department last year recommended an enrollment-based funding model.

The change to 50% attendance and 50% enrollment is estimated to bring an additional $47 million annually to public education, according to the fiscal note.

I am sure there were great bills that tackled smaller problems, Arthur said. But in terms of really trying to address some of the major issues, these were the right provisions to do that.

Priorities

Pollitt was part of the negotiations, too. Although he has spent years refining his open-enrollment legislation, he knew it wouldnt make it onto Koenigs bill. He said his bill wasnt a priority on either side of the aisle.

The side of the aisle that Im on wanted educational choice that was more extensive than open enrollment, and the other side of the aisle didnt want any school choice necessarily, he said.

He said Senate Democrats could stomach the expansion of MOScholars, since it was already available in Democratic areas, but wouldnt sit down for a new program in their areas like he was proposing. Arthur confirmed this to be true, adding that the new laws expansion of charter schools into Boone County was unfavorable but was a long-time priority for Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden  a Republican from Columbia who has announced his retirement from state politics.

When the House was ready to debate Koenigs bill on the floor (now loaded with the caucuses priorities), movement on other K-12 education bills stopped. Some of the bills didnt move because they were completely incorporated into the larger education package, but others lacked support.

In order to move that big bill, there was a lot of political capital spent on that, Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican, told The Independent.

She attempted to place her educational priority onto the bill after Senate leaders had completed negotiations and distributed the thick stacks of the legislation.

Her bill sought to remove school accreditation authority from the states education department by allowing school districts to use nationally recognized accrediting agencies instead. It also proposed replacing the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP test, with a summative assessment that meets federal requirements.

The legislation received bipartisan support in committee and passed unanimously, but the committees vote was never reported on the Senate floor  a step required to come up for debate.

When she attempted to add it as an amendment to Koenigs bill post-negotiations, she was advised against unbalancing the education package.

Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, told her the bill was highly negotiated. He had filed a bill that also sought to change the way school accreditation is done in Missouri, though his approach focused on performance and growth scores. His proposal would focus more on standardized testing, whereas Carters had a decentralized approach.

This is a highly crafted, highly balanced, fine-tuned piece of legislation, Trent said on the Senate floor. Inserting it like this in the 11th hour risks derailing this very important piece of legislation in a way that I dont believe is fair to the underlying bill sponsor and everyone involved in the process.

He indicated that he had an amendment to Carters legislation, and she withdrew her bill.

Arthur said she didnt see enough support behind Carters bill, so it wasnt likely to pass.

Both Carter and Pollitt are planning to refile their legislation.

Arthur, who has termed out of the Senate, said she recommends watching how new laws affect education before passing more large changes.

(Koenigs bill) is a major education omnibus bill, and it contains a lot of provisions that can shape and reshape education in Missouri, she said. I would recommend that the legislature let those things get fully implemented and see how theyre working before moving forward with anything else as substantial.

The post Missouri education package establishes long-time priorities, stomping smaller bills appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Missouri State Capitol building in Jefferson City (Getty Images).

Missouri lawmakers gave counties a dose of much-needed clarity in May when they passed a bill aimed at clarifying a 2023 law that lets counties pass a senior property tax freeze, aimed at those 62 and older.

The law passed last year gave counties the power to freeze property tax rates for Missourians who were eligible for Social Security. But the law left room for interpretation  and confusion. For instance, it didnt include an outline for how counties should go about the freeze or who would qualify.

Counties werent sure how to interpret eligible for Social Security. Did that mean 62 and older? What about people on pensions, like retired teachers or railroad workers? Were they out of luck?

Some counties thought an annual application would be required, and others wanted to put a cap on home values eligible for the tax break.

As a result, only the states larger counties have been bold enough to pass the freeze. Jackson, Platte and Clay counties passed the freeze in the Kansas City area, while St. Louis, St. Charles and Greene counties have passed the freeze in other parts of the state.

In the meantime, smaller counties took a wait-and-see approach  seeing what the General Assembly might yet do and measuring the potential impact on what a freeze would mean for libraries and school and fire districts.

Lawmakers answered some of those questions this year with a bill sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Platte County Republican who backed the original bill giving counties the power to freeze rates for seniors.

They also conceded that the freeze law would likely need future updates. But Luetkemeyer, pointing to legislative gridlock, suggested that lawmakers delay making more changes to the bill because it was already so far along in the process.

The clarification bill has yet to be signed by Gov. Mike Parson.

What answers does the bill provide for Missouris senior tax freeze?

Counties were largely unsure which property owners could qualify for the freeze. Initially, the bill said that Missourians eligible for Social Security would be able to receive the freeze.

But counties were afraid to open themselves up to lawsuits depending on how they interpreted that language. So lawmakers clarified that part of the bill by changing the language to Missourians 62 and older.

The senior property tax freeze came amid property tax assessments that shocked many Missourians. The 2024 bill also clarified that the freeze wouldnt work in reverse. If the assessed value of property dropped, so would the tax bill even if the owner had benefited from the freeze.

The bill also makes clear homeowners who are behind on their property taxes wont be eligible for the freeze until they catch up payments. It also clarifies that if homeowners make improvements that raise the assessed value of their home, their rate will be increased to reflect those improvements.

Previous language also allowed for county residents to petition to pass the freeze if local officials dont enact it. The new bill would let counties go back and tweak their programs without voter approval.

It also gives counties full control over how to tailor their property tax freezes.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Missouri and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The post Missouri lawmakers clarify confusion to let more counties freeze property taxes for seniors appeared first on Missouri Independent.
A Republican candidate for Missouri governor said on Monday that, if elected, he would pardon Eric DeValkenaere, the first white Kansas City Police Department officer ever convicted of killing a Black man.

Today I make this promise in my first week as governor, I will pardon Eric DeValkenaere, Sen. Bill Eigel from Weldon Spring said in a statement. I will not stand idly by as our streets are overtaken with crime and corrupt prosecutors go after the men and women in uniform. Eric should be home with his wife and three children, not rotting in prison.

The campaign promise comes as Eigel faces a tightly contested Republican primary for governor against Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. While Eigel appears to have gone the furthest among the candidates in his promise to free DeValkenaere, Ashcroft and Kehoe have also indicated a willingness to entertain a pardon.

Eigels statement comes just days after Ashcroft was asked at an event hosted by KCMO Talk Radios Pete Mundo whether he would pardon DeValkenaere.

Ill definitely consider it and Ill look at any information they want to bring to me, Ashcroft responded, according to an audio recording of his comments obtained by The Star.

Kehoe also weighed in on the case during a radio interview with Mundo in February, saying DeValkenaere needs to be home with his kids, not in prison.

Kehoes campaign pointed to that interview in a statement to The Star on Monday, saying Kehoe has a long history of supporting the DeValkenaere family and has already been on the record for being in support of bringing Eric home to his wife and children.

Although other candidates in this race claim to back law enforcement with strong statements, Kehoe is the only one with a record of backing men and women in law enforcement, said Gabrielle Picard, Kehoes campaign spokesperson, pointing to his endorsements from the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police and the Missouri State Troopers Association.

DeValkenaeres supporters have mounted a public campaign for his pardon. Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who terms out of office this year, has also openly entertained the possibility of clemency but has not yet announced a decision on whether he will commute his sentence.

The former police detectives case has been a cause celebre of sorts for Republicans who have attempted to frame his conviction as political. However, numerous courts have upheld his 2021 conviction and any commutation of his sentence is almost certain to provoke an explosive backlash in Kansas City.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, criticized Eigel in a statement on Monday saying that politicians should be focusing on issues such as building the economy and supporting working families.

Bill Eigel and other extremists are a joke who are trying to gain attention by dividing Missourians, she said. Ill spend my time working on solutions to actually make our communities safer.

DeValkenaere is currently serving a six-year sentence for fatally shooting 26-year-old Cameron Lamb in 2019. DeValkenaere shot Lamb as Lamb was backing his pickup truck into his garage.

The former KCPD detective has maintained his innocence following his conviction on charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in 2021. He remained free while he appealed his sentence, but reported to prison after the Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction in October.

The Missouri Supreme Court in March declined to take up DeValkenaeres case, effectively ending his appeals process in state courts and putting any chance of ending his sentence in the hands of a Missouri governor.

DeValkenaere is being held in a prison outside of Missouri for his safety. Parson did not include DeValkenaere in his offices list of pardons and commutations released last week.

Missouri governors have the power to delay, reduce, or eliminate the punishment of state-level crimes under the Missouri Constitution. Parson has used the clemency power far more than his modern predecessors, issuing more than 600 pardons in the past three years  more than any other Missouri governor since the 1940s, according to the Associated Press.

DeValkanaeres family made a formal clemency request with Parsons in October. Shortly after Eigels announcement on Monday, DeValkenaeres wife, Sarah, thanked him on social media for weighing in on the case.

Thank you so much for supporting Eric, Sarah DeValkenaere wrote on X, formerly Twitter. This was a political prosecution and a complete miscarriage of justice.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  The Mobile County Sheriffs Office is asking the public to help in finding a teen who has been missing since May 17.

According to an MCSO Facebook post, 17-year-old Jinsey Ackermann was last seen in the area of Dogwood Circle on May 17.

He passed away doing what he loved; Local fisherman dies at sea

Jinsey Ackermann (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency)

The Alabama Law Enforcement missing person release described Ackermann as a white female with brown hair and hazel eyes who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.

She may be traveling to Grand Bay, Alabama, or Pascagoula, Mississippi, areas the ALEA release noted.

Anyone with information on Ackermanns whereabouts is asked to contact the Mobile County Sheriffs Office at 251-574-8633.

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.
Modesto talent show highlights abilities of those who once lived on the streets

Art Englin, once homeless, took to the stage at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto on Friday, dressed in black with a fedora on his head and a silver glove on his right hand.

The Michael Jackson impersonators performance of Man in the Mirror drew a standing ovation from an audience of 100 or so people about halfway through his performance, with many remaining on their feet to clap in time to the music.

Englin, 38, was one of 11 performers in the Downtown Streets Team Modestos second annual DSTs Got Talent. The nonprofit provides homeless people with volunteer work picking up trash on city streets and in parks and help with jobs, housing and other services.

Art Englin performs the Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror during the Downtown Streets Team talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

It means so much, Englin said after the show. This is something Ive been wanting to do since my childhood. Being able to showcase it to my peers and my friends and my team members means so much, and just the reaction, it got me speechless.

DST Modesto has helped a little more than 300 people since it started in February 2019, including 153 with housing and 82 with jobs. Team members also have picked up 1.9 million pounds of trash in five years. But the key to its success is that DST creates a space where team members can find their humanity and a sense of purpose.

Members of the Downtown Streets Team cheer for team member Art Englin as he performs in the talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

The worse thing is the isolation and people looking down on you for the most part, said Robert Hensley about his 18 years of homelessness before he joined Downtown Streets Team. People think you are nothing, you are trash.

Hensley, who was in the audience Friday, said that is no longer true since he joined DST Modesto.

You change your life around cause someone actually cares and shows you the other side of how to live besides being homeless, he said. ... It helps you want to do better in the community and just everywhere. I have to have that. If I dont, then you know, I kinda feel like nobody cares.

Hensley, 37, his fiancee, Lenee Counts, and their infant daughter found housing in December through DST. He is now an alumni of the program and earns $16.50 an hour leading volunteer teams.

Robert Hensley watches performances with his five-month-old daughter Layona during the Downtown Streets Team talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

He has applied for a job with the citys abatement team, which cleans up homeless encampments. Hensley said he has been drug free for a year and four months and Counts for a year and two months. She also is a program alumni.

DST Modesto case manager Katie Serrano came up with the talent show. Our idea was just to get people out of survival mode, to showcase that they are people with talents, she said. We wanted to give them a stage to really show everybody who they really are.

The performers included a woman who sang Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid, another woman who performed tricks with her dog, and DST case manager Jason Salas telling jokes.

I told my child the other day, he was refusing to take a nap, Salas told the audience. I told him thats a violation, against the law. Thats resisting a rest.

The three talent show judges included Mayor Sue Zwahlen, who told audience members how much joy being with teams members brings her. The judges did not pick a winner but held up signs encouraging the performers. All of the performers received medals at the end of the show.

Downtown Streets Team CEO Julie Gardner, left, Modesto Mayor Sue Zwhalen and Brad Hahn serve as judges and hold up signs encouraging the performers during the DSTs talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

DST Modesto is part of a network of teams that operates in 20 Northern California cities, primarily in the Bay Area. The city has been a big supporter of DST Modesto and provides most of its annual budget. The city has provided DST Modesto with $3.4 million since its February 2019 start.

DST Modesto started with 25 volunteer team members in 2019. It now has two teams of 25 that pick up trash in downtown and along major thoroughfares including McHenry Avenue, and a team of 18 that cleans up city parks. It also employs seven DST alumni who lead the teams.

Team members earn a $50 basic needs stipend weekly for attending success meetings on Wednesdays and workshops on Thursdays. Team members share their victories at meetings like making a doctors appointment or getting a drivers license. The workshops include such topics as finding and keeping a job.

But the workshops can also focus on fun. A recent workshop was on cupcake decorating and arts and crafts.

Rebecca Kaplow performs accompanied by her dog Little Girl during the Downtown Streets Team talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

Downtown Streets Team talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.

Chris Thomason performs a martial arts routine during the Downtown Streets Team talent show at the Martin G. Petersen Events Center in downtown Modesto, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2024.
Hungary has not yet decided whether it will participate in the Peace Summit to end the war in Ukraine, which will take place in Switzerland. The country argues that it is not at war and that Russia "did not attack" it. In addition, Budapest would like to see "both sides of the conflict at the negotiating table."

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Such a cynical statement was made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in an interview with the Belarusian media outlet ONT. According to him, Budapest doubts whether this event will yield results since the aggressor country was not invited.

"If both sides of the war are not represented, I think it is a legitimate question whether the whole conference makes sense in terms of the ultimate goal, namely the pursuit of peace. Therefore, we believe that a peace conference has real meaning and gives the greatest hope for peace if both sides are sitting at the table," Szijjarto said.

The foreign minister added that Hungary, unlike other European Union states, does not consider the war in Ukraine to be "its war." Russia, he added, did not attack Hungary, and Hungary is not at war with Russia.

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Moreover, Szijjarto does not believe that Ukraine, by defending its freedom and territorial integrity, is protecting Europe from war.

"Russia did not attack us. We are not at war. Ukraine is not fighting for us. If we had been attacked, it would have been a different situation, but we were not attacked, just like other EU states," he said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier Szijjarto said that NATO's plan for Ukraine could cause a world war, but Hungary is not going to fight. This is how he characterized the Alliance's plan to create a multi-year fund to support Ukraine.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Mom of Alpharetta woman found dead says she was moments from picking daughter up when she vanished

The mother of an Alpharetta woman whose remains were found in Tennessee said she was headed to pick her daughter up when she vanished.

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Maury-Ange Martinez, 20, vanished last August. She was reported missing in Gwinnett County but was later seen in Cobb County. Her remains were found earlier this month in a wooded area in Chattanooga.

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Channel 2s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was across the street from the Rockledge Apartment Complex in Cobb County where Martinez was last seen alive.

Newell spoke to Martinezs mom, Anita Darling, who said she never stopped searching for her daughter.

The last time Darling heard Martinezs voice, she was minutes away from her.

I was nine minutes out and she called me from a number I didnt recognize and said that she knew this person and they were taking her back to where she needed to be, Darling said. Exactly 10 p.m. that night was the last time she read my text. Very strange

Police said that now, their focus is on who may have concealed Martinezs death. Theyve identified several persons of interest.

Police said Martinez was reported missing in Gwinnett County, but then investigators tracked her to Cherokee County. She was last seen alive in Cobb County.

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Darling said it was a relief when her remains were found.

Shes not, you know, having things done to her, Darling said. Shes not being tortured. So there was this strange relief of that.

Darling said she loved creating moments with the most important people in her life.

She loved fashion and color and photography, just making people feel good, Darling said. I know that something happened to her. Her sisters deserve to know and I deserve to know. Step up and say something.

Authorities are considering the investigation one of concealing a death. The Hamilton County Medical Examiner in Tennessee will determine Martinezs cause and manner of death.

Several persons of interest have been identified.

IN OTHER NEWS:
A photo of someone getting drinking water from a faucet.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established drinking water standards for six types of toxic substances known as PFAS. (Photo: Getty Images)

As NC Newsline environmental investigative reporter Lisa Sorg has reported on numerous occasions in recent years, one of the biggest and most daunting environmental challenges facing 21st Century North Carolina involves a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  more commonly known as PFAS.

There are thousands of types of PFAS and many have been proven to cause serious human health harms  including testicular, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancers, low birth weight, reproductive disorders, depressed immune responses and high cholesterol.

PFAS are widespread in the environment, because they dont degrade  a characteristic that has earned them the nickname forever chemicals. They are used in hundreds of consumer products  such as pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and other grease-, water-, and stain-resistant materials. Firefighting foam is another important source of PFAS pollution.

One of the most notorious modern-day examples of PFAS pollution took place in recent years in southeastern North Carolina, where a facility owned by a company known as Chemours released huge quantities of a forever chemical known as GenX into local air and water over an extended period. Experts believe that the contamination has adversely impacted the drinking water of more than 800,000 people. Thousands of homes in several southeastern counties were ultimately provided with alternate sources of drinking water as the result of a consent order between the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Chemours.

As with so many types of chemical pollutants, getting an ultra-precise bead on PFAS  the best tools for measuring and monitoring them, their impacts and levels of toxicity, how to effect cleanups  is complex and sometimes controversial. To their credit, however, federal and state environmental officials have gotten serious in recent years about tackling the PFAS problem.

In April of this year, after years of study, the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced the establishment of the first-ever federal regulations for six types of toxic PFAS in drinking water, including GenX. Soon after, in conjunction with this effort, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality proposed new rules to limit PFAS in the surface and groundwaters that flow into that drinking water.

At present, however, those proposed state rules have been frozen in their tracks as the result of opposition from at least two members of the state Environmental Management Commission, which must sign off on such new rules. According to a May 26 story in the Port City Daily, at least three appointees to the commission may have a conflict of interest with respect to PFAS regulations.

In response to the blockade, the Cooper administration has come out fighting  both by directly tying the blockade to Republican appointees to the commission and by issuing a declaration recognizing June 3-7 PFAS Awareness Week.

Key PFAS numbers:

1938  year the first of the perfluorinated compounds  a precursor to Teflon  was invented by a DuPont chemist

1950s  timeframe during which PFAs made their commercial debut

Nearly 15,000  number of types of PFAS in the world today

41,828  number of industrial and municipal sites in the U.S. suspected or known to be using PFAS

97  percentage of Americans estimated to have PFAS in their bloodstreams

45  estimated percentage of U.S. tap water that contains at least some PFAS

2,000,000  estimated number of North Carolinians who rely upon groundwater for their drinking water

600-plus  number of wildlife species at risk of harm from PFAS

6  number of toxic PFAS impacted by new federal regulations

4 parts per trillion  new EPA drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS. The limit is 10 ppt for GenX, PFNA and PFHxS.

0.001 ppt  based on the EPAs toxicology studies, DEQ is recommending maximum PFAS groundwater levels ranging from 0.001 ppt for PFOA, 0.7 ppt for PFOS and 20 ppt for GenX. Less stringent levels  2,000 to 7,000 ppt  would apply to several other types.

At least 3  number of Environmental Management Commission members (including the chair) who own stock in companies that have either directly lobbied against PFAS and 1,4-dioxane regulation or pay lobbying dues to organizations that lobby on their behalf, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the American Chemistry Council, according to the Port City Daily.

July 10  next scheduled meeting of the commission

650  number of North Carolina water systems on which DEQ has thus far conducted tests for PFAs contamination

More than 300  number in which levels exceed the new EPA standards

$100,000,000  amount the Cooper administration is calling on the General Assembly to appropriate to help communities meet the new EPA standards

Sources: U.S. EPA, North Carolina DEQ, the Environmental Working Group, EarthJustice.org, the Port City Daily, Office of Gov. Roy Cooper

The post Monday numbers for PFAS Awareness Week in North Carolina appeared first on NC Newsline.
Montana Sen. Steve Daines speaks to reporters after being elected to Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate on Nov. 16, 2022. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana is blocking the nomination of a lawyer who, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first Native American to serve as a federal judge in the state.

Daines objected to the White Houses nomination of Danna Jackson, a tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo, Montana, because the Biden administration did not consult with him prior to her nomination, Rachel Dumke, a spokesperson for Daines, said in an email to States Newsroom.

Daines did not return his blue slip on Jacksons nomination to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The slip is given to senators of the same state as a federal judicial nominee so they can express an opinion about the nomination.

In the Senate, its a long-standing tradition for both senators to agree on a judicial nominee before moving forward with the confirmation process.

Daines objection to Jacksons nomination was first reported by Bloomberg Law.

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, Dumke said.

However, the White House pushed back on Daines objections.

Daines team interviewed Jackson six months ago, but Daines refused to meet with her, White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in an email to States Newsroom.

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.

Nominated in April

The White House announced her nomination on April 24. Jackson did not appear during Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearings on May 22.

A spokesperson for the committee deferred to the White House and Daines office on Jacksons consultation process, as thats between them.

Jackson did not respond Thursday to a voice mail message left with the legal office for the Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Judicial nominees usually do not talk to the media.

Following her nomination, Jackson had the support of Montanas Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

As a born-and-raised Montanan, her extensive experience at every level of Montanas legal system makes her well qualified to serve our state and Im looking forward to getting her nomination across the finish line with bipartisan support in the Senate, Tester said in a statement in late April.

Legal experience

Jackson previously worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior as a senior counselor to the director of the Bureau of Land Management.

She also worked as the chief legal counsel at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in Helena, Montana, and as an assistant U.S. attorney and tribal liaison in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Montana.

According to her biography from the White House, Jackson also worked as a counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP from 2005 to 2010, after serving as a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate from 2002 to 2005 and a staff attorney at the National Indian Gaming Commission from 2000 to 2002.

She received her bachelors degree and law degree from the University of Montana.

The Biden administration has worked to boost a diverse judiciary bench, appointing 201 federal judges as of last week.

There are four federal judges who are Native American and two who identify as partly Native American, according to the American Bar Association. Those judges represent four-tenths of 1% of federal judges, according to the ABA.

But there is still more work to be done, and President Biden remains steadfast in his commitment to nominate and appoint individuals who have excelled in their professional careers, who reflect the communities they serve, and who apply the law impartially and without favoritism, the White House said in a statement following the milestone of a 200th federal judge confirmation.

The post Montana senator holds up nomination of states first Native American federal judge appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
More money for higher ed campuses, more power for governor in 2024 session

The sun shines brightly on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, above the University of New Orleans entrance sign on Lakeshore Drive.

The sun shines brightly on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, above the University of New Orleans entrance sign on Lakeshore Drive. (Photo by Matthew Perschall)

Louisianas colleges and universities are walking away from the 2024 legislative session with more cash for infrastructure and research and new governance changes that could introduce more politics in higher education.

Higher education scored several wins in the session that ends Monday in the form of extra cash and the Legislature shying away from ultra-conservative proposals that have been adopted in other states to curb academic freedom.

For decades we have needed comprehensive solutions to tackle higher educations $2 (billion) deferred maintenance challenge, improve retirement options for faculty and staff, and reasonably differentiate tuition for high-cost programs, Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed said in a statement. I am proud that, in this Legislative Session, each of those critical needs has been addressed.

But lost fights foretell rough seas for higher education in the coming years.

Budget boost

The biggest budget win for higher education is the creation of a new fund to fix a lengthy list of crumbling infrastructure on state campuses.

The Legislature passed House Bill 940 by Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, which would provide money for maintenance work without going through the annual state construction budget. Lawmakers deposited an initial $75 million in cash to kick start a seven- to 10-year program to address approximately $2 billion in deferred maintenance.

In addition to money provided for regular expenses for the states four college systems, the Legislature also appropriated millions for research, faculty recruitment and new construction. Other legislative earmarks, such as $250,000 for new uniforms for the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band, were tucked into a supplemental appropriations bill that lawmakers use to dole out small amounts for projects in their districts.

Retirement win

In perhaps the biggest victory for higher education this year, the Legislature passed a bill that would provide more lucrative retirement savings options to thousands of state college and university employees.

House Bill 31 by Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, easily passed both chambers. It would allow participants in the optional plan of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) hired before July 31, 2020, to switch to a defined benefit plan.

More than 6,000 public college and university faculty and staff members have enrolled in the states portable or optional retirement plan, which allows them to take their accrued benefits with them if they choose to leave Louisiana for another job. In exchange for that portability, employees lose out on more lucrative benefits available through a fixed, pension-style retirement plan offered to most state employees.

Under Freibergs bill, a university employee who switches to the defined benefit plan would start at year zero for the purposes of retirement. That means their benefit calculations would be based on their switchover date, not when their employment began, although they would retain contributions to their optional retirement plans.

Over the past two decades, lawmakers have rejected similar proposals on eight separate occasions. Six times the bill never made it out of committee.

Governor in governance

A new bill to allow the governor to directly appoint the chairs of nearly 150 boards and commissions, including the chairs of the five higher education boards, easily passed.

In its original state, the bill wouldve allowed the governor to directly hire university system presidents as well, but that language was stripped out.

Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican who supports the bill, has said it is about higher education.

This fight is all about universities, Landry said in an April interview with WAFB-TV. The people of this state are ready for these universities to start taking some responsibility for putting out students that are graduating with degrees that they cant even get a job for.

Critics have raised concern that giving the governor further power over the states five higher education boards could have an impact on college and university accreditation, a fundamental need for the functioning of a school that allows it to access federal funds.

Governors already appoint members of the four university and college system boards of supervisors and the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in Louisiana. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the accrediting body for Louisiana universities, requires that governing boards for its accredited schools remain free from undue external influence.

Giving the governor the ability to appoint higher education board chairs could impact accreditation if the governor seeks to use that power to influence the operations of a college or university.

Tuition autonomy

Colleges and universities will soon have the long-sought power to change tuition costs without legislative approval. But it comes with a caveat: The four governing boards can decrease tuition and fees for any program but can only increase tuition for graduate programs and high-cost undergraduate programs.

House Bill 862 by Rep. Jason Hughes, D-New Orleans, will allow boards for Louisianas four university systems to set differential tuition for any graduate, professional or high-cost undergraduate programs. The bill would also give the boards complete control over mandatory fees.

Differential tuition is an amount charged on top of base tuition for more expensive academic programs, such as lab-heavy curricula in science or engineering. The Board of Regents, the state oversight board for all higher education, would identify which programs are considered high-cost.

Louisiana currently requires a two-thirds of the Legislature to sign off on any tuition changes at its public colleges and universities. Most other states leave this decision up to higher education management boards.

Hughes bill does not allow university systems to raise fees and differential tuition more than 10% every two years. It will not have an impact on the cost of TOPS, which provides state-funded tuition aid to many Louisiana students, as the amount of the award is no longer directly tied to the cost of tuition.

Action on diversity deferred

A proposal designed to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), critical race theory and race-based affirmative action stalled in committee, though it is likely to come back next year after the author, Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, irons out details with higher education leaders.

The Legislature did pass House Bill 904, by Rep. Emily Chenevert, R-Baton Rouge, which requires school-level reports on all DEI personnel, programs and spending at all Louisiana K-12 schools, colleges and universities.

Attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion are often premised on the idea that such programs bloat college budgets and increase student debt, in addition to conflicting with conservative viewpoints. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis requested a similar report in 2022. A review of this report by the Chronicle of Higher Education found no institution devoted more than 1% of its budget on DEI undertakings, with some spending as little as $9,000.

Louisiana schools fall far below Florida in spending in practically every area.

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Post-prison education

The powerful, conservative business lobby came together with progressive groups, advocates for incarcerated people, good government groups and higher education leaders to advocate for a bill that would have extended state-funded student aid for high-demand workforce programs to people convicted of violent crimes.

But that wasnt enough to stop ultra-conservative Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia from stopping the bill in its tracks.

At Miguezs insistence, House Bill 728 by Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge, passed without assistance for formerly incarcerated people. In its current state, it lowers the age eligibility for the M.J. Foster Promise Program to help students pursue associate degrees and short-term credentials in high-demand occupations from 21 to 17.

Proponents of the original version of the bill have said education is an important tool for reducing recidivism. The Louisiana Association for Business and Industry voiced its support to provide access to vocational training for the formerly incarcerated.

The post More money for higher ed campuses, more power for governor in 2024 session appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
More people left British military than joined last year, official figures show

Just over 11,000 people signed up to the Armed Forces in the past year - but 15,000 left - Andrew Milligan/PA

Thousands more people left the military than joined up last year, official figures show.

More than 15,000 full-time personnel quit the Armed Forces in the past 12 months, according to Ministry of Defence data, while just over 11,000 signed up.

Out of the 15,729 troops who left the forces, 8,101 chose to do so early, prompting accusations of a Conservative-made recruitment crisis.

Last week, separate statistics showed the number of British troops was below 73,000 for the first time since the Napoleonic era as all three military services struggle to retain personnel.

John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, has criticised the standard of accommodation offered to military personnel and their families - Alina Smutko/Reuters

John Healey, Labours shadow defence secretary, said: The Conservative-made recruitment crisis is just one example of their failure in defence for 14 years.

Tory ministers have corroded the nations contract with those who serve. Personnel living in damp and mouldy housing, morale falling to record lows, and retention rates dropping.

Its time for change with Labour. We will ensure Britain is better defended.

Poor housing

Labour analysis also found that the number of military homes branded non-decent, the worst rating given by the Ministry of Defence, has risen to 2,000.

This means more than four per cent of all military homes are now rated non-decent, the highest number and proportion since 2017.

The homes in question are likely to fail to meet statutory minimum housing standards while lacking reasonably modern services and facilities.

A third of all military personnel are thought to be living in the lowest quality of defence accommodation, with Labour warning of broken boilers, black mould, leaky roofs and endless waits for repairs.

The Conservative Party is pushing security and defence as a major issue ahead of next months general election, with Rishi Sunak arguing only his government can protect Britain in a more dangerous world.

Labour has responded by branding itself the party of Nato and insisting it has changed significantly since 2019 when Sir Keir Starmers predecessor Jeremy Corbyn refused to rule out scrapping Trident, Britains nuclear defence system.

Sir Keir has declined to match Mr Sunaks pledge to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030, insisting a Labour government will reach the same figure but only when the economic circumstances allow.

A Labour government would hold a strategic defence review in its first year, which would focus on protecting Britain from Russian air strikes and cyber attacks.

Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary said: In this increasingly more dangerous world, the choice at this election could not be clearer.

Stick with the Conservatives, who are increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, supporting Ukraine with 7.6 billion in military assistance, and are delivering the full renewal of our nuclear deterrent.

Or go back to square one with Keir Starmer, whose own deputy leader has cast doubt on the future of our nuclear deterrent, showing that the claims made today by Keir Starmer about the changed Labour Party, who can now be trusted to keep us safe, are a lie.

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More USPS workers facing dog attacks. Here are the cities with the most bites

U.S. Postal Service workers are facing a growing number of dog attacks, with 5,800 letter carriers suffering bites last year, according to the USPS.

"Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury," said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness, in a news release to highlight a promotional campaign running this week to draw attention to the problem.

By state, California saw the greatest number of incidents in which dogs bit mail delivery personnel last year, with 727 cases, up from 675 in 2022. Texas ranked No. 2, with 411 incidents, followed by Ohio (359), Pennsylvania (334) and Illinois (316). New York, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan and Missouri round up the top 10 states.

National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign / Credit: U.S. Postal Service

Here are the top 20 U.S. cities for dog attacks in 2023, according to the USPS, along with the number of individual incidents:

Los Angeles (65)Houston (56)Chicago (48)St. Louis (46)Cleveland (44)San Diego (41)Dallas (39)Cincinnati (38)Philadelphia (34)Columbus, Ohio (33)Kansas City, Mo. (32)Indianapolis (30)Memphis, Tenn. (29)Louisville, Ky. (28)Minneapolis (27)Albuquerque, N.M. (26)San Antonio (26)Sacramento, Calif. (26)Milwaukee (23)Dayton, Ohio (23)Dog owners can face legal repercussions

The potential harm can include a financial bite for dog owners, the USPS cautioned. The average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555, according to the postal service, citing information from the Insurance Information Institute.

"When a postal employee suffers an injury, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee," USPS stated in a news release.

To avoid a canine confrontation, letter carriers are trained to:

Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yardNever startle a dogKeep their eyes on any dogNever assume a dog will not biteNever attempt to pet or feed a dogPlace their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping





But if a dog does attack, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and use repellent, if necessary.

Most people know roughly when their letter carrier arrives each day, so secure your dog inside the house, behind a fence or on a lease beforehand to minimize the potential danger, the USPS advised. Dog owners should also not have children take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog might then view the postal worker as a threat to the child, it added.

If dangerous dog issues are not resolved, owners can be required to rent a post office box to get mail.

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The biggest number of combat clashes have occurred on the Pokrovsk front during the day as Ukrainian defenders repel Russian attempts to break through.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 22:30 on 2 June

Details: A total of 60 combat clashes have taken place over the past day.

The Russians launched four missile strikes using two missiles, 33 airstrikes using 46 guided bombs and 351 attacks by kamikaze drones. They also fired almost 2,500 times at the positions of Ukrainian troops with various types of weapons.

On the Kharkiv front, two combat clashes have occurred since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacked near the settlements of Lyptsi and Starytsia

The General Staff noted that the situation is under control, Ukrainian soldiers are actively engaged and inflicting losses on the Russians.

On the Kupiansk front, six combat clashes occurred. Ukrainian defenders repelled all Russian attacks near the settlements of Druzheliubivka and Nevske.

On the Lyman front, the Russians tried to advance toward the village of Terny and Serebrianka Forest four times. Ukrainian defenders repelled three attacks and another clash is ongoing near Terny. The Russians have not succeeded. Ukraines Defence Forces have not lost any positions.

On the Siversk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian assaults near the settlements of Vyimka and Rozdolivka. The situation near the village of Rozdolivka remains tense, with fighting ongoing.

On the Kramatorsk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attempts to break into Ukrainian defences near the settlements of Kalynivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka. No positions or territories were lost.

On the Pokrovsk front, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 17 Russian attacks. The Ukrainians are thwarting Russian attempts to break through. Russia concentrated its activity near the settlements of Novooleksandrivka and Sokil. Fighting is still ongoing near the village of Sokil. Ukrainian defenders are taking active measures to prevent the Russians from advancing.

On the Kurakhove front, six combat clashes occurred, five of which were successfully repelled by Ukrainian soldiers. Fighting is ongoing near the city of Krasnohorivka.

On the Vremivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled three Russian attacks toward the village of Staromaiorske. The situation is under control.

On the Orikhiv front, the Russians unsuccessfully tried to advance toward the village of Mala Tokmachka.

On the Prydniprovske front, Ukrainian soldiers fiercely repelled five Russian attacks near the village of Krynky on the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

No significant changes have been recorded on other fronts.

Ukraine's Air Force and Rocket Forces and Artillery struck 18 areas where Russian personnel were concentrated, two command posts, three artillery systems, two air defence systems and a Russian electronic warfare system.

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Over the past two decades, the Supreme Court has been captured by dark-money interests, and justices are reshaping our laws and society according to their reactionary, far-right vision. Its a problem that would only be compounded with a second Donald Trump administration pursuing an extreme, right-wing policy agenda.

Trumps judicial adviser, Leonard Leo, who helped select three Supreme Court justices, can take pride in his work. His network, which recently received a historic $1.6 billion infusion, spent millions to confirm those justices, and works to influence both the justices caseload and their decisions. Leo recently marveled at his work  and the opportunity at hand.

We have a great Overton window in the next couple of decades to really try to create a free society, Leo said about the Supreme Court. And I think we should take full advantage of it.

Yes, the deck is stacked. Right-wing extremists can impose their ideological and religious views on the rest of us  at will. The justices have their lifetime appointments, and a lucrative reward system: Benefactors provide them with private jet rides and superyacht trips, buy their homes, supply them with teaching side hustles, and occasionally even steer consulting payments to their spouses. The notion of accountability is a foreign one; the justices can fly flags at their homes associated with efforts to overturn the 2020 election and Christian nationalism. Their spouses can try to overturn elections. Americans are losing faith in the Supreme Court, but it doesnt matter. The justices have hard power  no one is going to stop them.

The conservative Supreme Court supermajority has already ended federal protections for abortion rights in the Dobbs case, invalidated many gun regulations, and limited federal regulators power to curb carbon emissions and protect our drinking water. It has found that businesses can deny services to LGBTQ+ customers (based on fake grounds), pushed prayer into public schools, demanded states subsidize private religious schools, ended college affirmative action policies, and blocked President Joe Bidens student loan forgiveness plan.

This term, justices chose to hear cases pushing the following conservative goals: limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone; allowing states to bar hospitals from providing emergency abortion care; allowing domestic abusers to have guns; preemptively blocking Congress from instituting a wealth tax; limiting challenges to racial gerrymanders designed to disenfranchise African Americans; overturning a bedrock administrative law doctrine that says judges should defer to the executive branchs interpretations of laws passed by Congress, putting environmental, labor, and employment rules at risk; and opening up long-standing federal regulations to new challenges.

What were seeing with this term of the Roberts Court is they are hand-picking these cases to advance the program that theyve been implementing for years now, which really reached a pitched moment in the Dobbs case, but which continues  theyre not done rewriting our rights and limiting our rights, says Lisa Graves, executive director of the progressive watchdog group True North Research.

Hammering home how corrupt an institution it is, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case seeking to legalize gratuities for politicians. The case involves an Indiana mayor who steered two government contracts to a garbage truck company, which then paid him $13,000. At oral arguments, justices debated whether the $13,000 thank-you payment is too similar to taking a teacher to the Cheesecake Factory to constitute bribery. The high court has consistently narrowed the definition of corruption in recent years, but this case, coming amid the courts unprecedented ethics controversies, is brazen.

And then theres the courts shameless advocacy for Donald Trump, who assembled this monstrosity. In the first case, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot keep Trump off their ballots under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits insurrectionists from serving in office. The courts decision to hear the second Trump case  over his facially ridiculous, dangerous claim to having expansive immunity in perpetuity for acts he committed as president  delayed his federal criminal trial for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and had his team literally popping champagne, as a lawyer close to Donald Trump told Rolling Stone at the time.

In the wake of Trumps New York hush-money trial, conservative lawmakers are now calling on the Supreme Court to overturn his criminal conviction. Although the case would first need to go through New York appellate courts, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) argued the Supreme Court should step in. Trump similarly wrote on Truth Social, The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE!

Republicans know the prospect of a second Trump term is too good for the Supreme Court to pass up. Imagine what the justices could accomplish in partnership with Trump and his MAGA devotees, who are obsessed with rolling back reproductive rights, civil rights, and environmental regulations  and, above all, punishing their enemies.

The potential for destruction would be immense. The justices and their dark-money allies are ready to seize their opportunity and take full advantage of it.

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Mother of airman killed by Florida deputy says his firing, alone, won't cut it

Chantemekki Fortson, mother of slain Roger Fortson, a U.S. Air Force senior airman, speaks during a news conference with attorney Ben Crump, left, on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

ATLANTA (AP)  The mother of an Air Force airman who was fatally shot in the doorway to his home by a Florida sheriff's deputy said Monday that the deputy's firing was not justice for her son's killing.

Chantemekki Fortson spoke at a news conference in Atlanta accompanied by her attorney, Ben Crump, who said the firing of Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran was a step forward, but that Duran should also be charged in Senior Airman Roger Fortson's killing.

Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran on Friday, about a month after he shot and killed Roger Fortson while responding to a domestic violence call and being directed to Fortsons apartment.

In addition to saying Duran's firing isn't enough, Chantemekki Fortson said it should have happened much sooner.

Lets be clear, that is not justice," she said of the firing. Thats you thinking youre throwing me a bone and I'm OK with it. I'm not OK with it. Im not OK with it.

Duran shot Fortson, 23, multiple times on May 3, two seconds after he opened his door while legally holding a handgun pointed down, the deputy's body camera footage shows. Fortson was Black. Duran, 39, is Hispanic.

A sheriffs internal affairs investigation released Friday concluded that, Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputys use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable. Outside law enforcement experts have also said that an officer cannot shoot only because a possible suspect is holding a gun if there is no threat.

Duran has not replied to repeated voicemails left at a number listed as his. His lawyer, John Whitaker, also hasn't responded to repeated phone messages seeking comment.

According to the internal affairs report, Duran told investigators that when Fortson opened the door, he saw aggression in the airmans eyes. He said he fired because, Im standing there thinking Im about to get shot, Im about to die.

It is him or me at this point and I need to, I need to act as opposed to react, he told investigators.

Duran's personnel records released by the sheriff's office showed that four days before the shooting, he asked to be shifted from full-time to part-time duty because of unspecified family hardships.

He returned to the sheriff's office 11 months before the shooting. He previously worked there from 2019 to 2021 and left because his wife, a registered nurse, had been transferred to a Naval hospital in another area.

Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at nearby Hurlburt Field as a special missions aviator serving on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

Duran had been dispatched to Fortson's apartment complex after a manager reported a domestic disturbance. The manager directed Duran to Fortson's fourth-floor unit, though he lived alone and had no guests that afternoon. He was playing a video game while talking with his girlfriend on a video call when the deputy knocked. She told investigators that she and Fortson had not been arguing.

When Duran arrived outside Fortsons door, he stood silently for 20 seconds and listened, but no voices inside are heard on his body camera.

He pounded on the door but didnt identify himself, then moved to the side of the door, about 5 feet away (1.5 meters). He told investigators that he feared the person inside might fire through the door or open the door and push him over the rail and to the ground about 40 feet (12 meters) below.

He waited 15 seconds before pounding on the door again. This time he yelled, Sheriffs office  open the door! He again moved to the side. A muffled voice can be heard on the video  Duran said he heard someone cursing at the police.

Less then 10 seconds later, Duran moved back in front of the door and pounded again, announcing himself once more.

Fortsons girlfriend told investigators that the airman asked who was there but did not get a response. She said Fortson told her he was not going to answer the door because no one comes to his apartment. She said neither of them heard the deputy yell that he was with the sheriffs office.

After the third knock, she said Fortson told her, Im gonna go grab my gun because I dont know who that is.

When Fortson opened the door holding his gun pointed at the ground, Duran said Step back, and then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor.

Only then did the deputy yell, Drop the gun!

___

Spencer reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Mother of airman killed by Florida deputy says firing is not justice

ATLANTA  The mother of an Air Force airman who was fatally shot in the doorway of his home by a Florida sheriffs deputy said Monday that the deputys firing was not justice for her sons killing.

Chantemekki Fortson spoke at a news conference in Atlanta accompanied by her attorney, Ben Crump, who said the firing of Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran was a step forward, but that Duran should also be charged in Senior Airman Roger Fortsons killing.

Florida sheriffs office fires deputy who fatally shot senior airman

Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran on Friday, about a month after he shot and killed Roger Fortson while responding to a domestic violence call and being directed to Fortsons apartment.

In addition to saying Durans firing isnt enough, Chantemekki Fortson said it should have happened much sooner.

Lets be clear, that is not justice, she said of the firing. Thats you thinking youre throwing me a bone and Im OK with it. Im not OK with it. Im not OK with it.

Lawyer: Deputy who fatally shot Florida airman had wrong apartment

Duran shot Fortson, 23, multiple times on May 3, two seconds after he opened his door while legally holding a handgun pointed down, the deputys body camera footage shows. Fortson was Black. Duran, 39, is Hispanic.

A sheriffs internal affairs investigation released Friday concluded that, Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputys use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable. Outside law enforcement experts have also said that an officer cannot shoot only because a possible suspect is holding a gun if there is no threat.

Duran has not replied to repeated voicemails left at a number listed as his. His lawyer, John Whitaker, also hasnt responded to repeated phone messages seeking comment.

According to the internal affairs report, Duran told investigators that when Fortson opened the door, he saw aggression in the airmans eyes. He said he fired because, Im standing there thinking Im about to get shot, Im about to die.

It is him or me at this point and I need to, I need to act as opposed to react, he told investigators.

Durans personnel records released by the sheriffs office showed that four days before the shooting, he asked to be shifted from full-time to part-time duty because of unspecified family hardships.

He returned to the sheriffs office 11 months before the shooting. He previously worked there from 2019 to 2021 and left because his wife, a registered nurse, had been transferred to a Naval hospital in another area.

Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at nearby Hurlburt Field as a special missions aviator serving on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

Bodycam footage shows deputy shot airman seconds after opening door

Duran had been dispatched to Fortsons apartment complex after a manager reported a domestic disturbance. The manager directed Duran to Fortsons fourth-floor unit, though he lived alone and had no guests that afternoon. He was playing a video game while talking with his girlfriend on a video call when the deputy knocked. She told investigators that she and Fortson had not been arguing.

When Duran arrived outside Fortsons door, he stood silently for 20 seconds and listened, but no voices inside are heard on his body camera.

He pounded on the door but didnt identify himself, then moved to the side of the door, about 5 feet away. He told investigators that he feared the person inside might fire through the door or open the door and push him over the rail and to the ground about 40 feet below.

He waited 15 seconds before pounding on the door again. This time he yelled, Sheriffs office  open the door! He again moved to the side. A muffled voice can be heard on the video  Duran said he heard someone cursing at the police.

Less then 10 seconds later, Duran moved back in front of the door and pounded again, announcing himself once more.

Fortsons girlfriend told investigators that the airman asked who was there but did not get a response. She said Fortson told her he was not going to answer the door because no one comes to his apartment. She said neither of them heard the deputy yell that he was with the sheriffs office.

After the third knock, she said Fortson told her, Im gonna go grab my gun because I dont know who that is.

When Fortson opened the door holding his gun pointed at the ground, Duran said Step back, and then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor.

Only then did the deputy yell, Drop the gun!

Spencer reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin discussed three key issues at his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. These included the Power of Siberia 2 agreement, the refusal to participate in a conference organized by Ukraine in Geneva, and the expansion of Chinese banks in Russia.

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However, negotiations on the gas pipeline are stuck because of China's price demands. This was reported by the Financial Times.

Moscow believes that Beijing's demands on price and supply volumes are unreasonable. According to the British newspaper, China wants to receive gas at prices close to Russian domestic prices, which are heavily subsidized. In addition, China wants to buy only a part of the planned capacity of the pipeline, which is 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

The FT's sources pointed out that Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller was not part of the Russian delegation during Putin's visit to Beijing. According to the newspaper, in an unpublished report by a major Russian bank, the Power of Siberia-2 was excluded from the baseline forecast for Gazprom, which led to a decrease in the company's expected profit by almost 15% in 2029, when the bank forecasts that the pipeline should start operating.

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The FT also reports that China and Russia are discussing the possibility of financing trade in components for the Russian defense industry with the participation of one or more Chinese banks, which could trigger US sanctions.

Washington accuses Beijing of supporting Russia's military-industrial base through the supply of machine tools, semiconductors, and other dual-use goods. China denies these accusations, calling its trade relations with Russia "normal."

In addition, the FT notes that on May 31, China announced that it would skip the Ukraine summit in Geneva. According to the newspaper, the deal on the Siberian Power-2 remains uncertain, and the proposed cooperation with Chinese banks will be less than Russia expected.

The Kremlin and Chinese authorities did not respond to the FT's requests for comment, and Gazprom declined to comment.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern about China's support for Russia's actions in the war against Ukraine. At the same time, he warned that such a position could result in Beijing losing cooperation with Western countries.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Tennessee woman and her boyfriend were arrested and charged with the death of a 14-month-old baby, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations.

On Monday morning, Sara Earnestine Durrance, 18, and Zachary Taylor Gray, 20, were taken into custody in Carroll County in connection to the death of Durrances child, Shiloh.

Reports say that on Sunday, TBI special agents joined deputies with the Carroll County Sheriffs Office in investigating a report that a child had been brought to a local hospital with severe injuries.

Oxford, MS man arrested, charged with rape

Shiloh Durrance was transported to a Nashville hospital where she reportedly died from her injuries on Monday morning.

Her mother, Sara Durrance is charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect. Zachary Gray is charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect, as well as one count of criminal homicide.

Both suspects were booked into the Carroll County jail. Durrance is being held on a $100,000 bond and Gray is being held without 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 WREG.com.
Mother of gunned down Airman says she keeps hoping its a dream

The mother of a Georgia Airman wants the deputy who killed him to face criminal charges.

A Florida sheriff fired the deputy, but Roger Fortsons family said thats not enough.

Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes spoke one-on-one Monday with the airmans mother, Meka Fortson

She told Fernandes that Roger went straight into the Air Force following high school and his mom remembers worrying about her son being deployed to Kuwait.

She never thought an American sheriffs deputy would end her sons life.

I still keep hoping its a dream, Meka Fortson said.

For the last month, she said she has isolated herself from the world holding on tight to her sons memory.

Its not just her family mourning Senior Airman Roger Fortson. She said several people in metro Atlanta are missing him and she learned at her sons funeral, that many in the Air Force are grieving the patriot.

There were thousands of people saying well never get another Roger, Meka Fortson said.

RELATED NEWS:

She said when Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden fired deputy Eddie Duran on Friday, a month after he shot and killed her son in the doorway of his Florida apartment that was a step in the right direction.

They need to take the credentials, take the pension, Meka Fortson said.

Fernandes reached out to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ask about criminal charges they said the investigation is ongoing.

The internal investigation that led up to the termination of now former deputy Duran is separate.

Thats not justice for me. Its so many lies in that report, Meka Fortson said.

The report says there was noise coming from the airmans apartment and when the deputy checked with the front office, a worker said There had been recent unreported disturbances at or around the same apartment.

The airmans mother said thats not true, her son was quiet, kept to himself, and was told by staff he was a model tenant.

She said Sheriff Aden needs to hold another news conference.

So go back on the podium and disgrace your deputy like you did my child, Meka Fortson said.

Fortson said shes been quiet for a month waiting for authorities to do the right thing.

In her opinion, they havent, even though the entire shooting was caught on police body camera.

RELATED NEWS:




CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A mother and her live-in boyfriend were arrested Monday morning in connection with the death of their 14-month-old daughter.

Authorities said on Sunday, June 2, special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) joined deputies with the Carroll County Sheriffs Office in an investigation regarding a report that a toddler was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries.

Police padlock Nashville market for disrupting quality of life following history of crime

The toddler, identified as Shiloh Durrance, was then taken to a Nashville hospital. She died from her injuries on Monday, June 3, according to investigators.

On Monday, TBI agents said they arrested the toddlers mother, 18-year-old Sara Durrance, and her live-in boyfriend, 20-year-old Zachary Gray, both of Hollow Rock, in connection with Shilohs death.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Durrance has been charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect, while Gray was charged with one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect, as well as one count of criminal homicide.

Both were booked into the Carroll County Jail. Durrance is being held on a $100,000 bond and Gray is being held without 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 WKRN News 2.
CHICAGO  A 40-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a vehicle making a U-turn on the citys Far North Side, according to police.

The crash happened around 10:34 p.m. Sunday in the 6600 block of North Sheridan in Rogers Park.

Police said the man was driving a motorcycle when he struck a car that was making a U-turn. He was transported to Saint Francis Hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Good Samaritan shot while attempting to stop carjacking on West Side

A woman in the vehicle was transported to the same hospital in good condition.

No other injuries were reporting. Major Accidents Unit is investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Motorists who venture onto Manhattan streets at 60th and below get hit with a new toll come June 30.

Thats the day the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys new congestion pricing plan goes into effect, assuming legal challenges dont interfere.

The MTA and Gov. Kathy Hochul have touted congestion pricing as a way to reduce traffic on the citys busiest streets and clean the air, while nudging more commuters towards public transportation.

Its expected to generate some $1 billion in tolls for the MTA, which continues to struggle with post-pandemic dips in ridership. Some 700,000 vehicles pass through the citys Central Business District every day.

The MTA will host six public webinars beginning next week, with a question-and-answer session to follow.

For a schedule, go here.

And to watch an MTA video that explains congestion pricing, go here.

In the meantime, here are some answers to likely questions about the new plan.

How much will it cost me to drive into New York City?

That depends on the time of day youre traveling and the type of vehicle youre driving.

Passenger and small commercial vehicles with E-ZPass pay $15 during the peak period and $3.75 overnight. Peak period runs from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. One charge per day.

Motorcycles pay $7.50 during the peak and $1.75 overnight. Trucks and buses $24 during the peak and $6 overnight. Large and multi-unit trucks $36 during the peak and $9 overnight.

For a full toll schedule, go here.

Are discounts available?

There will be discounts for emergency vehicles, buses and low-income drivers. And there will be exemption plans for the disabled as well as organizations that transport those with disabilities. For a full list, go to new.mta.info/tolls/congestion-relief-zone.

Where is the congestion pricing zone?

Local streets and avenues south of and including 60th Street. The FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street are excluded.

Bronx: Can Bronx commuters solve Metro-North's ridership woes? Railroad's leader is betting on it

Do drivers from the lower Hudson Valley get a break?

No.

But earlier this month, the MTA announced that residents of Orange and Rockland counties will get a 25% discount when they park at Metro-Norths North White Plains garage for Harlem Line trains into Grand Central Terminal.

The New York Waterways ferry from Haverstraw to Ossining approaches the dock in Haverstraw.

And for the first time, the railroad will offer weekend service on the Haverstraw-Ossining ferry, which links riders who live west of the Hudson River to Manhattan-bound trains.

Penn Station: Westchester, Bronx commuters could see faster transit with Penn Access Project. Here's how

The move came after lower Hudson Valley lawmakers complained their constituents were not being offered the 10% discount passengers who ride the commuter rails within the five boroughs of New York City have been promised.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day thinks its nice the MTA expanded ferry service to weekends but says service should be expanded on weekdays.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day greets well wishers before delivering the State of the County address at the Rockland County Health Complex in Pomona, March 26, 2024.

Rockland County commuters have very few public transit options to the city, and the current ferry services extremely limited peak only weekday schedule simply doesnt work for folks who need to travel later in the morning, midday, early afternoon or later at night, Day said this month.

And he said parking for residents should be free.

Riders: Metro-North's core riders have vanished, railroad wonders if they'll ever return

Are there legal challenges against congestion pricing?

Yes. Challenges by the state of New Jersey, trucking groups and others are pending.

In March, Rockland County sued the MTA in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

The lawsuit claims the congestion pricing plan is an illegal tax that discriminates against some 4,000 Rockland County residents who commute into the Central Business District each day.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Congestion pricing: 5 burning questions about timing, cost, discounts
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is setting out on a new MAGA crusade: defunding the state of New York to avenge Donald Trump.

Greene* has proposed cutting the Empire State off from federal funding in a bid to punish residents after 12 jurors convicted Trump on Thursday. The extremely unlikely initiative would cut off access to federal resources for education, housing, law enforcement, veterans benefits, and other social needs.

But thats not Greenes only Trump-saving effort. The Georgia Republican also wants Congress to step in to prevent special counsel Jack Smith from prosecuting Trump in the federal election interference case and the classified documents trial.

The first step: pressure House Speaker Mike Johnsonwhom Greene tried and failed to force out of Congress just last monthto lead the charge.

The speaker of the House is one of the most powerful people in the country, Greene said last week. We control the budget, we control the power of the purse. If Speaker Johnson supports Trump like he claims, he should stop the special counsel, Jack Smith, and he should be using the power of the purse to hold New York accountable for the sham convictions against President Trump. The entire thing is political, its outrageous, and our country has completely turned a corner.

While Johnson is unlikely to be on board with defunding an entire state, he has made clear he disagrees with the ruling. Johnson called on the Supreme Court to intervene, indicating that he thought some of the justices were deeply concerned about the trial outcome.

I think that the justices on the courtI know many of them personallyI think they are deeply concerned about that, as we are, Johnson told Fox & Friends on Friday. So I think theyll set this straight.

Trump has 30 days to appeal the conviction, according to New York penal law. Appealing the case would most likely turn into a referendum on the judge that oversaw it, Judge Juan Merchan, who endured Trumps mud-slinging throughout the seven-week trial primarily over a gag order, which prevented Trump from attacking witnesses, jurors, and courtroom staffs familybut did not prevent him from hurling vitriol at Merchan.

Trump could potentially push the state case to federal courts if he were reelected as president, but doing so would be incredibly unlikely unless he had already exhausted all other avenues via the appeals process, which could take years.

*This article originally misstated that Representative Mike Lawler supported Greenes plan.
Maria Rivas Cruz looks through a scrapbook of memories from her more than a decade-long relationship with Raymond Olivares, who died last year after being struck by a speeding car. The photo she holds shows them celebrating buying a house together. (LAUREN JUSTICE FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS)

LOS ANGELES  The party was winding down. Its young hosts, Maria Rivas Cruz and her fiance, Raymond Olivares, had accompanied friends to their car to bid them farewell. As the couple crossed a four-lane main road back to the home they had just bought, Rivas Cruz and Olivares were struck by a car fleeing an illegal street race. The driver was going 70 in a 40-mph zone.

Despite years of pleading for a two-lane road, lower speed limits, safety islands, and more marked crosswalks, residents say the county had done little to address speeding in this unincorporated pocket of southeastern Los Angeles. Since 2012, this half-mile stretch of Avalon Boulevard had logged 396 crashes, injuring 170 and killing three.

Olivares, 27, a civil engineer for the city of Los Angeles, became the fourth fatality when he was hurled across the street, hit by a second car, and instantly killed. Rivas Cruz was transported to a hospital, where she remained in a coma for two weeks. Once awake, the elementary school teacher underwent a series of reconstructive surgeries to repair her arm, jaw, and legs.

In the aftermath of the February 2023 crash, the county installed protective steel posts midway across the street. But residents, who had sought a platformed center divider and speed cameras, said that wasnt enough.

Its just a band-aid on a cut. This is supposed to solve it, but it doesnt, and that is what hurts, said Rivas Cruz, who now at age 28 walks with a cane and lives with chronic pain. I go to sleep, and Im like, Its just a dream, its just a dream. And its not.

The nations road system covers 4 million miles and is governed by a patchwork of federal, state, and local jurisdictions that often operate in silos, making systemic change difficult and expensive. But amid the highest number of pedestrians killed in decades, localities are pushing to control how speed limits are set and for more accountability on road design. This spring, New York and Michigan passed laws allowing local jurisdictions to lower speed limits. In Los Angeles, voters approved a measure that forces the city to act on its own safety improvement plan, mandating that the car-loving metropolis redesign streets, add bike lanes, and protect cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians.

Road fatalities in Washington

Deaths on Washingtons roadways have climbed steadily since 2019, rising from 538 to 810 last year, according to Washington Traffic Safety Commission statistics.

Nearly 3,000 of the roughly 6,000 deaths recorded on the states streets and highways between 2014 and 2023 involved impaired drivers and around 1,800 involved speeding.

Still, theres plenty of political resistance to speed enforcement. In Californias Statehouse, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) proposed requiring GPS-equipped smart devices in new cars and trucks to prevent excessive speeding. But after pushback, the state lawmaker watered down his bill to require all vehicles sold in the state starting in 2032 to have only warning systems that alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph.

Although the Biden administration is championing Vision Zero  its commitment to zero traffic deaths  and injecting more than $20 billion in funding for transportation safety programs through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, road safety advocates and some lawmakers argue that the country is still far from making streets and vehicles safe, or slowing drivers down.

We are not showing the political will to use the proven safety tools that exist, said Leah Shahum, founder of Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit organization advancing Vision Zero in communities across the country.

Still a Crisis

The need for safer roads took on urgency during the covid pandemic. Fatalities rose even as lockdown mandates emptied streets. In 2022, more than 42,500 people died on American roads, and at least 7,522 pedestrians were fatally struck  the highest tally of pedestrian deaths in more than four decades.

Experts cite several reasons for the decline in road safety. During the lockdowns, reckless driving increased while traffic enforcement declined. SUVs and trucks have become larger and heavier, thus deadlier when they hit a pedestrian. Other factors persist as streets remain wide to accommodate vehicles, and in some states speed limits have gradually increased.

Early estimates of motor vehicle fatalities show a slight decrease from 2022 to 2023, but pedestrian fatalities are still notably above pre-pandemic numbers. Its an encouraging start, but the numbers still constitute a crisis, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote in February of roadway deaths.

The Biden administration has directed $15.6 billion to road safety until 2026 and $5 billion in local grants to prevent roadway deaths and injuries. Under the U.S. Department of Transportations new vulnerable road user rule, states with 15% or more deaths involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists compared with all road deaths must match federal dollars in their safety improvement spending.

Road safety advocates argue the federal government missed an opportunity to eliminate outdated standards for setting speed limits when it revised traffic guidelines last year. The agency could have eliminated guidance recommending setting speed limits at or below how fast 85% of drivers travel on uncongested roads. Critics contend that whats known as the 85th percentile rule encourages traffic engineers to set speed limits at levels unsafe for pedestrians.

But the Federal Highway Administration wrote in a statement that while the 85th percentile is the typical method, engineers rarely rely solely on this rule. It also noted that states and some local agencies have their own criteria for setting speed limits.

In response, grassroots efforts to curtail speeding have sprouted across communities. In April, Michigan passed legislation granting local governments authority to round down when setting speed limits.

And after four years of lobbying, New York state passed Sammys Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was killed by a driver in Brooklyn in 2013. The law, which will take effect in June, allows New York City to lower its speed limits to 20 mph in designated areas.

With this legislation, I hope we can learn more childrens names because of their accomplishments, their personalities, and their spirit  not their final moments, said Sammys mother, Amy Cohen.

Push for Pedestrian Safety

Advocates would also like the federal government to factor in pedestrian safety on the five-star vehicle safety rating scale. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a separate pass/fail test that would be posted only on the agencys website, not on labels consumers would see at the dealership.

Automakers like BMW questioned the effectiveness of a program testing pedestrian protections in vehicles arguing that in European countries that adopted such a regulation, its not been clear whether it led to fewer deaths and injuries. According to the campaign finance site Open Secrets, automakers spent about $49 million lobbying in 2023 compared with $2.2 million spent by advocates for highway and auto safety.

The federal government has the biggest punch when it comes to requiring improved vehicle safety design, said Wiener, the California state lawmaker.

Although Wiener modified his proposal to restrict excessive speeding, he has advanced companion legislation that would require Caltrans, the state transportation agency, to make improvements such as adding crosswalks and curb extensions on state-owned surface streets to better serve pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.

When that bill was heard in a committee, opponents, including engineering firms and contractors, cautioned it would remove flexibility and hamper the states ability to deliver a safe and efficient transportation system. Lawmakers have until Aug. 31 to act on his bills.

In Los Angeles, hope for change arrived in March when voters passed Measure HLA, which requires the city to invest $3.1 billion in road safety over the next decade. Rivas Cruzs house, however, sits eight blocks outside the jurisdiction of the city initiative.

Its been more than a year since the crash, but Rivas Cruz finds reminders everywhere: in the mirror, when she looks at the scars left on her face after several surgeries. When she walks on the street that still lacks the infrastructure that would have protected her and Raymond.

Stories of pedestrians killed in this Latino working-class neighborhood are too common, said Rivas Cruz. In September, she attended a memorial of a 14-year-old who was killed by a reckless driver.

Theres so much death going on, the Los Angeles Unified School District teacher said from her mothers living room on a spring afternoon. The representatives have failed us. Raymond and I were giving back to the community. He was a civil engineer working for the city, and Im a LAUSD teacher. Where is our help?

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing.

The post So much death: Lawmakers around U.S. weigh stricter speed limits, safer roads for pedestrians appeared first on Washington State Standard.
HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Sheriff reports that a North Carolina man wanted for crimes in two states has been arrested after a multi-state high-speed chase that ended in Henry County.

The sheriff says around 12:24 a.m. on Sunday, 30-year-old Devron Jacqua Dillard of Ruffin NC was allegedly leading North Carolinas Eden Police Department on a high-speed chase on Highway 87 in a 2005 Ford Explorer. As the pursuit approached the Virginia state line, officers informed deputies with the Henry County Sheriffs office that Dilliard was wanted and allegedly possessed illegal drugs in his vehicle.

Police chase ends with shots fired in Montgomery County

Dillard then entered Henry County and was allegedly observed by HCSO deputies driving north on Morehead Ave at speeds exceeding 100 mph. A traffic stop was attempted, but Dillard allegedly refused to comply and continued to flee from deputies at high speeds.

The chase continued toward the intersection of Morehead Avenue and Greensboro Road, where Dillard attempted to turn south onto Greensboro Rd. However, due to the continued risk to public safety from Dillards alleged reckless driving, deputies performed a Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver or PIT maneuver. This caused Dilliard to lose control of his vehicle and hit a guardrail, ending the vehicle pursuit.

Rather than surrender to law enforcement, Dillard then allegedly broke the window of his vehicle, climbed out, and fled on foot. He was quickly taken into custody by deputies without further incident.

While being arrested, deputies allegedly found cocaine and crack cocaine in his possession.

RPD investigating shooting on Williamson Road NW

In Henry County, Dillard has been arrested and charged with the following:

Felony Eluding.

Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance.

Fleeing Law Enforcement Officer.

It was also learned that Dillard had eight outstanding warrants from the Danville Police Department. Eden Police Department will also be issuing charges against Dillard. He was held without bond.

If anyone has any information regarding the incident, please contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751. You can also call the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2500.00 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.

WFXR News will update you with more information as it 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 WFXRtv.
Jaquan Porter, 25, says that at a time when he "worried about surviving more than being a kid" Kentucky's juvenile justice system brought structure to his life. He also says the system failed him on multiple levels and that he was later diagnosed with anxiety and other mental health conditions. Porter says having a mentor when he was a teenager would have helped him. (Photo provided)

A state law taking effect next month will require more kids charged with violent offenses to be held in Kentuckys troubled juvenile jails  at a time when all eight of the youth detention centers are under federal investigation for possible abuses.

That worries Devine Carama, who directs the One Lexington program to tackle gun violence in Fayette County.

In no other system would you allow that, said Carama. If theres an investigation thats this deep and wide, and its coming from a federal perspective, I dont think the time is (right) to implement policy that puts more young people into the system.

Cortney Downs

(Photo provided).

Cortney Downs, chief equity officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates, agrees that it doesnt make sense to place more children in a system thats troubled enough for the federal government to be investigating it.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced last month that it is investigating Kentuckys Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for possible excessive use of force, prolonged and punitive isolation, inadequate protection from violence and sexual abuse, as well as whether mental health and educational services are available to juveniles in eight detention centers and one youth development center.

The federal investigation follows reports in recent years of understaffing and violence, including a riot in the Adair Youth Detention Center during which a girl in state custody was allegedly sexually assaulted and a report that employees were attacked at a youth detention center in Warren County. State Auditor Allison Ball in January issued a report that raised multiple concerns including the use of isolation, tasers and chemical agents against juveniles.

Black youth are overrepresented in Kentuckys juvenile justice system, the Lantern has reported.

Downs also worries about another new state law that will allow more minors to be tried as adults and that could increase the number of juveniles in detention.

These facilities are still understaffed, she said. And so if youre bringing in more kids, but you dont have more staff to supervise these kids, manage these kids, we could potentially just continue seeing more of the same issues that we have been seeing.

Sen. Danny Carroll (LRC Public Information)

The mandatory 48-hour hold for some accused juveniles was approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023 as part of broader juvenile justice legislation. Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, tried to delay its implementation this year in a bill that did not pass.

As a result, the state must soon detain juveniles who, under the previous law, could have been deemed eligible for release to their families while awaiting a detention hearing.

Morgan Hall, a spokesperson for the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, said the federal investigation does not alter current state law.

The system has increased employees from 315 to 458 in the last year in preparation for the juvenile population bump, though Hall said it is difficult to anticipate the potential impact in population numbers right now.

The department is also actively recruiting licensed clinical social workers to provide required mental health assessments for those coming into the system charged with violent crimes, Hall said.

The Beshear administration remains focused on creating safe and secure facilities while making the investments needed to support our at-risk youth in mental health treatment, alternatives to detention, second chance opportunities, education, and employee training, Hall said.

Apples and oranges

Through One Lexington, Carama works with youth who are considered high risk for entering a cycle of violence. Risk factors, identified by school officials, include poverty, food insecurity or having come from a background of violence or a fatherless home. Those children are then partnered with a peer mentor who can give them a sense of community and fill gaps in their lives.

Homicides and nonfatal shootings dropped significantly in Lexington in 2023, the Herald-Leader reported. The decline in violent crime was widespread across the country; still, Lexington officials attribute at least part of the drop in shootings to One Lexingtons work.

Devine Carama heads up One Lexington, where he works with youth and the broader community to end the cycle of violence. (Photo provided).

Having a mentor like One Lexington offers would have helped Louisvilles Jaquan Porter who was 14, he says, when he was arrested and incarcerated for robbery. He feels his childhood lacked guidance.

Porter stayed in the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) system until he was 17. In his alternative program, staff dropped him off at school in a van and picked him up at the end of the day. Now 25, he just got his drivers license and high school diploma, and plans to start college this fall.

Hes well on his way to building the life he wants, but he feels like formative teenage years were robbed from him by a system he says failed him on multiple levels.

Porter isnt proud of his actions as a young teenager, but, at the time, he said, he didnt see a way around it.

The Louisville boy needed food and clothes. So, he stole.

I had to worry about survival, he said. When I was 14, I was worried about surviving more than being a kid.

I was teaching myself while learning, he said. While DJJ provided his life with some structure, he said, he left feeling alone again and not equipped to handle the real world.

They're not passing down pistols as family heirlooms (in the) East End in Lexington. It's trauma that's being passed down.

 Devine Carama, director One Lexington

Carama says Kentucky should develop juvenile justice policy from a trauma-informed perspective.

When I go to Frankfort, I hear a lot of lawmakers talk about their upbringing, he said. I hear a lot of people reference gun culture in rural areas and use that to compare some of these kids who are growing up in urban areas and I think those are two mistakes. Because, one, its apples and oranges.

Gun culture in the country and city are totally different, Carama said.

In rural areas, theyre passing down pistols as family heirlooms. There is wildlife in their immediate surroundings to where hunting is a sport, a family tradition, Carama said. Theyre not passing down pistols as family heirlooms (in the) East End in Lexington. Its trauma thats being passed down. There is no hunting thats happening in the west end of Louisville.

The rate of firearm deaths among Kentucky youth and adolescents was already higher than the national rate when it increased 42% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.

Before the pandemic, 2017-2019, there were 3.3 firearm deaths per 100,000 Kentucky kids. From 2020-2022, that increased to 4.7.

Nationally, the rate increased from 2.4 per 100,000 kids in 2019 to 3.5 in 2022.

Stigma feeds the cycle

One Lexington is starting to see more second-generation youth who get involved in gun violence, Carama said. Sometimes that looks like a 5-year-old whose parent was shot growing into a teenager who turns to crime.

I think its the way trauma works, Carama said. Some people who experience a trauma try to avoid a similar fate at all costs. Others lean into what they know, he said. A lot of times, you become the very thing that has destroyed you and your family.

One way to break the cycle, Carama said, is to destigmatize mental health issues.

There is a physical and mental health lack of access in some communities, he said. And: Theres a stigma in brown and Black communities when it comes to mental health.

I had to worry about survival. When I was 14, I was worried about surviving more than being a kid.

 Jaquan Porter

Prevention and early intervention are critical, Downs with KYA said. The research has consistently said that the younger a child is when they get locked up or get involved with the justice system, the more likely they are to recidivate later in life, Downs explained.

Negative impacts of incarceration include missing out on educational or career opportunities, she said.

Making sure people dont view mental health with a stigmatized lens and making sure they have resources to work on their minds are key to breaking cycles of violence, Carama said.

Jaquan Porter (Photo provided)

Porter says he was diagnosed with several mental health issues, including anxiety, after his incarceration.

While in the system, I didnt have (anyone) to call on, he said. It built up so much trauma to my life.

Even now, its difficult for him to look at the justice system positively, he said. How can I depend on someone when they already let me down?

Significant negative impacts

Its going to take a while to finish the Justice Department investigation and develop and implement an improvement plan, Downs said. Meanwhile, more juveniles will be entering a system thats failing them with significant negative impacts on kids, on their mental health.

Im glad that . . . something is potentially going to be done and that theres going to be some oversight, Downs said. But its also just disappointing that things have been able to deteriorate as much as they have to the point where this is even needed.

Porter now works with REFORM Louisville, a group within KYA that works to improve options for young people and advocate for good juvenile policy. He works with several community organizations to offer youth mentorship he lacked.

Anythings possible, he said. I went from having literally nothing to having a whole lot. I pushed myself. I self-motivatedI never stopped, I never gave up.

Devine Carama leads a ally at the Lyric Theatre in Lexingtons East End. (Photo provided).

The post Multiplying trauma: Kentucky set to add more kids to its troubled juvenile jails appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
The aggressor country Russia has "sentenced" Vladyslav Andrianov, a defender of Mariupol from Azov, to 25 years in prison. The Ukrainian soldier is the boyfriend of police officer Mariana Checheliuk, who was released from Russian captivity on May 31.

ADVERTISIMENT

Checheliuk herself told about this on her account on the social network Tik-Tok, posting a video. They were together in the bunkers of Azovstal before the defenders of Mariupol received an order to leave the plant.

Mariana said that Vladyslav survived the terrorist attack that Russia organized in the colony in Olenivka. She noted that she will fight to get Russia to release her beloved.

ADVERTISIMENT

"My husband, the other half of my broken heart. He survived the terrorist attack in Olenivka. He bravely defended Mariupol. Now he is serving 25 years in Russian captivity," she wrote.

"In captivity, I had a dream that when I returned, you would meet me from captivity. For two years I believed that you were already home. It was a big blow to my heart when I learned that you were gone... Hold on, my love, soon we will bring you back and your suffering will be over. We will return to the happy life that was so abruptly cut short by the war," the girl wrote.

ADVERTISIMENT

Russian propaganda outlets wrote that Vladyslav Andrianov's trial was held in the fake "DPR" on November 22, 2023. Russian criminals sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

As a reminder, Russia held Mariana Checheliuk in captivity for two years. The girl's family did not have time to leave Mariupol before the massive enemy shelling, so Mariana and her sister Alina lived in the shelter of Azovstal.

ADVERTISIMENT

Representatives of the UN and the Red Cross promised to take civilians from Azovstal to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. Instead, they were taken to a Russian-occupied village, directly to be filtered by the invaders.

The parents managed to get Alina out, but the Russians sent Mariana to a detention center in Donetsk. Then the girl was sent to a penal colony in Olenivka and then transferred to prisons in Taganrog and Volgograd.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Jaquan Porter, 25, says that at a time when he worried about surviving more than being a kid Kentuckys juvenile justice system brought structure to his life. He also says the system failed him on multiple levels and that he was later diagnosed with anxiety and other mental health conditions. Porter says having a mentor when he was a teenager would have helped him. (Photo provided)

A state law taking effect next month will require more kids charged with violent offenses to be held in Kentuckys troubled juvenile jails  at a time when all eight of the youth detention centers are under federal investigation for possible abuses.

That worries Devine Carama, who directs the One Lexington program to tackle gun violence in Fayette County.

In no other system would you allow that, said Carama. If theres an investigation thats this deep and wide, and its coming from a federal perspective, I dont think the time is (right) to implement policy that puts more young people into the system.

Cortney Downs

(Photo provided).

Cortney Downs, chief equity officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates, agrees that it doesnt make sense to place more children in a system thats troubled enough for the federal government to be investigating it.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced last month that it is investigating Kentuckys Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for possible excessive use of force, prolonged and punitive isolation, inadequate protection from violence and sexual abuse, as well as whether mental health and educational services are available to juveniles in eight detention centers and one youth development center.

The federal investigation follows reports in recent years of understaffing and violence, including a riot in the Adair Youth Detention Center during which a girl in state custody was allegedly sexually assaulted and a report that employees were attacked at a youth detention center in Warren County. State Auditor Allison Ball in January issued a report that raised multiple concerns including the use of isolation, tasers and chemical agents against juveniles.

Black youth are overrepresented in Kentuckys juvenile justice system, the Lantern has reported.

Downs also worries about another new state law that will allow more minors to be tried as adults and that could increase the number of juveniles in detention.

These facilities are still understaffed, she said. And so if youre bringing in more kids, but you dont have more staff to supervise these kids, manage these kids, we could potentially just continue seeing more of the same issues that we have been seeing.

Sen. Danny Carroll (LRC Public Information)

The mandatory 48-hour hold for some accused juveniles was approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023 as part of broader juvenile justice legislation. Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, tried to delay its implementation this year in a bill that did not pass.

As a result, the state must soon detain juveniles who, under the previous law, could have been deemed eligible for release to their families while awaiting a detention hearing.

Morgan Hall, a spokesperson for the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, said the federal investigation does not alter current state law.

The system has increased employees from 315 to 458 in the last year in preparation for the juvenile population bump, though Hall said it is difficult to anticipate the potential impact in population numbers right now.

The department is also actively recruiting licensed clinical social workers to provide required mental health assessments for those coming into the system charged with violent crimes, Hall said.

The Beshear administration remains focused on creating safe and secure facilities while making the investments needed to support our at-risk youth in mental health treatment, alternatives to detention, second chance opportunities, education, and employee training, Hall said.

Apples and oranges

Through One Lexington, Carama works with youth who are considered high risk for entering a cycle of violence. Risk factors, identified by school officials, include poverty, food insecurity or having come from a background of violence or a fatherless home. Those children are then partnered with a peer mentor who can give them a sense of community and fill gaps in their lives.

Homicides and nonfatal shootings dropped significantly in Lexington in 2023, the Herald-Leader reported. The decline in violent crime was widespread across the country; still, Lexington officials attribute at least part of the drop in shootings to One Lexingtons work.

Devine Carama heads up One Lexington, where he works with youth and the broader community to end the cycle of violence. (Photo provided).

Having a mentor like One Lexington offers would have helped Louisvilles Jaquan Porter who was 14, he says, when he was arrested and incarcerated for robbery. He feels his childhood lacked guidance.

Porter stayed in the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) system until he was 17. In his alternative program, staff dropped him off at school in a van and picked him up at the end of the day. Now 25, he just got his drivers license and high school diploma, and plans to start college this fall.

Hes well on his way to building the life he wants, but he feels like formative teenage years were robbed from him by a system he says failed him on multiple levels.

Porter isnt proud of his actions as a young teenager, but, at the time, he said, he didnt see a way around it.

The Louisville boy needed food and clothes. So, he stole.

I had to worry about survival, he said. When I was 14, I was worried about surviving more than being a kid.

I was teaching myself while learning, he said. While DJJ provided his life with some structure, he said, he left feeling alone again and not equipped to handle the real world.

Theyre not passing down pistols as family heirlooms (in the) East End in Lexington. Its trauma thats being passed down.

 Devine Carama, director One Lexington

Carama says Kentucky should develop juvenile justice policy from a trauma-informed perspective.

When I go to Frankfort, I hear a lot of lawmakers talk about their upbringing, he said. I hear a lot of people reference gun culture in rural areas and use that to compare some of these kids who are growing up in urban areas and I think those are two mistakes. Because, one, its apples and oranges.

Gun culture in the country and city are totally different, Carama said.

In rural areas, theyre passing down pistols as family heirlooms. There is wildlife in their immediate surroundings to where hunting is a sport, a family tradition, Carama said. Theyre not passing down pistols as family heirlooms (in the) East End in Lexington. Its trauma thats being passed down. There is no hunting thats happening in the west end of Louisville.

The rate of firearm deaths among Kentucky youth and adolescents was already higher than the national rate when it increased 42% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.

Before the pandemic, 2017-2019, there were 3.3 firearm deaths per 100,000 Kentucky kids. From 2020-2022, that increased to 4.7.

Nationally, the rate increased from 2.4 per 100,000 kids in 2019 to 3.5 in 2022.

Stigma feeds the cycle

One Lexington is starting to see more second-generation youth who get involved in gun violence, Carama said. Sometimes that looks like a 5-year-old whose parent was shot growing into a teenager who turns to crime.

I think its the way trauma works, Carama said. Some people who experience a trauma try to avoid a similar fate at all costs. Others lean into what they know, he said. A lot of times, you become the very thing that has destroyed you and your family.

One way to break the cycle, Carama said, is to destigmatize mental health issues.

There is a physical and mental health lack of access in some communities, he said. And: Theres a stigma in brown and Black communities when it comes to mental health.

I had to worry about survival. When I was 14, I was worried about surviving more than being a kid.

 Jaquan Porter

Prevention and early intervention are critical, Downs with KYA said. The research has consistently said that the younger a child is when they get locked up or get involved with the justice system, the more likely they are to recidivate later in life, Downs explained.

Negative impacts of incarceration include missing out on educational or career opportunities, she said.

Making sure people dont view mental health with a stigmatized lens and making sure they have resources to work on their minds are key to breaking cycles of violence, Carama said.

Jaquan Porter (Photo provided)

Porter says he was diagnosed with several mental health issues, including anxiety, after his incarceration.

While in the system, I didnt have (anyone) to call on, he said. It built up so much trauma to my life.

Even now, its difficult for him to look at the justice system positively, he said. How can I depend on someone when they already let me down?

Significant negative impacts

Its going to take a while to finish the Justice Department investigation and develop and implement an improvement plan, Downs said. Meanwhile, more juveniles will be entering a system thats failing them with significant negative impacts on kids, on their mental health.

Im glad that . . . something is potentially going to be done and that theres going to be some oversight, Downs said. But its also just disappointing that things have been able to deteriorate as much as they have to the point where this is even needed.

Porter now works with REFORM Louisville, a group within KYA that works to improve options for young people and advocate for good juvenile policy. He works with several community organizations to offer youth mentorship he lacked.

Anythings possible, he said. I went from having literally nothing to having a whole lot. I pushed myself. I self-motivatedI never stopped, I never gave up.

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MINNEAPOLIS  Murder and manslaughter charges against a White Minnesota state trooper who shot and killed a Black man during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 last summer have been dropped, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Sunday.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed a notice of dismissal of charges against Ryan Londregan in the shooting death of 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II due to "several new pieces of evidence that would make it impossible for the State to prove that Mr. Londregan's actions were not an authorized use of force by a peace officer."



Last month, Londregan, 27, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter. He remains on paid leave while the Minnesota State Patrol conducts a critical incident review.

The evidence that led to the dismissal

Moriarty and the prosecution team met with a use of force expert and later determined the state could no longer meet its burden of proof, her office said.

The county attorney cites two pieces of evidence that would "make it impossible" for the state to prove Londregan's actions were not justified.

Ricky Cobb II / Credit: Cobb Family

First, during an open court hearing on April 29, the defense revealed the substance of Londregan's prospective testimony, claiming Londregan saw Cobb reach for Londregan's firearm just before he shot him.

Additionally, a state patrol trainer had claimed that he never instructed officers to refrain from shooting into a moving vehicle during an extraction, even though it is the best practice.

In a press conference on Monday morning, Moriarty said her office believes the judge would have granted a motion of acquittal by the defense if the trial went forward.



"It was frustrating to learn of this evidence so far into the case because the defense had so many opportunities to provide us with it," Moriarty said.



She called the move to drop charges "one of the hardest decisions I've ever made."



"It was on the one hand not so hard legally, but people in our community and Ricky Cobb's family shouldn't have to listen to me or any prosecutor once again talk about the same legal barriers that prevent accountability time after time after time," she said.



The county attorney also denied that last week's shooting death of Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell was a factor in her decision.

"Make no mistake, Ricky Cobb was the victim in this case. Ricky Cobb should be alive today," Moriarty said.

She said the trial was fueled politically and her team faced threatening attacks throughout the process.

Gov. Walz says he was set to take Moriarty off the case, again



Walz called the dismissal "the right decision" in an unrelated press conference on Monday morning. He was also asked if had considered reassigning the case from Moriarty to the state attorney's office, a move he made in April 2023 in the Zaria McKeever murder case.



"At some point had this decision not been made, then yes, we would have done that," Walz said. "I also say that I don't take it lightly. I think that is the wrong, it should not be that way, but there's a safety net in there to allow an egregious situation like this to be corrected. And yes, we would have used that."

Gov. Tim Walz and County Attorney Mary Moriarty / Credit: WCCO

A spokesperson for Moriarty's office stated on Monday afternoon that while they heard rumors about Walz's potential intervention this weekend, it had no bearing on the decision to drop charges.

Cobb's family reacts

Moriarty said she and others in her office met with Cobb's family before publicly announcing the charges would be dropped. On Monday, attorneys representing Cobb's family released this statement:

While we are disappointed, we are not surprised because, like many, we have come to expect the absence of justice and accountability when Black lives are lost in this country. In fact, the state of Minnesota has repeatedly demonstrated that Black lives simply are not valued whether it's Daunte Demetrius Wright, Philando Castile or Ricky Cobb II.



The simple fact is that, regardless of how many absurd excuses Trooper Londregan gives to try and absolve himself, he shot and killed Ricky Cobb II at point blank range without any justification and, instead of prosecuting him for murder, the County Attorney's Office has bowed to political pressure to drop the charges. Apparently, all you have to do to get away with murder is to bully the prosecutors enough and the charges will just go away.



The people don't believe the excuses and neither do we.

Nyra Fields-Miller, Cobb's mother, said she thought there would be accountability.

"[Prosecutors] smiled in my face and had a dagger in my back all along," Fields-Miller said. "I am so upset, disappointed and mad. My heart breaks every day."

Londregan's attorney: "It's about g*d***** time"

In response to the charges being dropped, Londregan's attorney, Chris Madel said on Sunday, "It's about g*d***** time."

Madel held a press conference of his own on Monday, where he called Moriarty's conference from earlier in the day "unhinged and delusional." He argued the evidence the prosecution cited wasn't new and charges shouldn't have happened in the first place.

"I thank God I'm not a cop. I certainly thank God that I'm not a cop in Hennepin County and have to answer to the likes of Mary Moriarty," Madel said.

Ryan Londregan / Credit: WCCO

Madel also shared some of Londregan's resume, including several recognitions for DWI enforcement and his outstanding rookie award.

"What I heard over and over again today is I am so sorry for the Cobb family! How about someone being a little bit sorry for what Ryan Londregan had to go through!" he said.

Law enforcement reaction

Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, released a statement on Sunday where she said her troopers "are in a line of work that is increasingly difficult and dangerous  but also more important than ever."

"The use of force that took Ricky Cobb II's life unfolded in a fraction of a second. We acknowledge the loss felt by Mr. Cobb's family. We also recognize the immense toll this incident has taken on our troopers and staff," Bogojevic said.

Moriarty had previously been accused of ignoring an expert's opinion on Londregan's use of deadly force. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), the largest police organization in the state, even requested that Walz hand over the case to the attorney general.

"Open season on law enforcement needs to end  on the streets and in the courtroom," MPPOA Executive Director Brian Peters said in response to the charges being dropped. "Trooper Londregan should have never been charged, and we are glad this political case is over. Enough is enough."

Outside legal team offers recommendations for moving forward

In late April, Moriarty's office assembled a new prosecution team, entering into a contract with a Washington D.C.-based law firm. The move to hire an outside legal counsel was also met with criticism.

The special prosecutors hired for the case also developed a report that includes an analysis of the impact of the new evidence and recommendations for the state patrol, including requiring "prompt and complete" cooperation by law enforcement personnel during in-custody death investigations, a state patrol investigation to determine if policy and training changes are needed, an increase in de-escalation training for troopers and an amendment to its use of force policy.

Moriarty said she will stay committed to advocating for these changes.

/ Credit: WCCO

Details of the shooting

On the morning of July 31, 2023, two troopers pulled Cobb over for not having his taillights on. They soon discovered he was wanted by Ramsey County law enforcement for violating a no-contact order in a domestic case.

Body camera footage captured by the troopers showed them demanding Cobb exit his vehicle. He refused and began driving away when a trooper tried to unbuckle his seat belt. That's when Londregan fired two rounds into Cobb's torso.

Cobb's vehicle continued to move, causing two of the troopers to fall to the ground. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and Cobb was found dead inside.

A federal lawsuit filed by Cobb's family claims Londregan and Brett Seide unreasonably seized Cobb by ordering him out of the car without explaining if he was under arrest, and by reaching into the car and grabbing him in an attempt to "forcibly remove him." The troopers also used "unnecessary, excessive, and deadly force" on Cobb, the lawsuit said.

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The Muscogee County School District has joined a class-action lawsuit against the worlds major social media companies, alleging that their marketing practices make the platforms addictive, harming students and costing the school district.

The MCSD board voted during last months meeting to approve the recommendation from superintendent David Lewis to authorize Kansas City, Missouri, law firm Wagstaff & Cartmell and four other co-counsels, including Atlanta-based Hall Booth Smith, which has an office in Columbus, to represent the school district in litigation against Facebook, Meta, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Google, as well as other possible defendants.

Social media usage has been shown to be detrimental to the mental health and well-being of teenagers, and is often a platform for bullying and other negative peer to peer interactions, the MCSD administration wrote for the agenda items background and rationale. Because of this, there is staff time expended for disciplinary and counseling services related to issues that start online and then impact the learning environment.

The Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service has issued an Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health which is a growing concern about the effects of social media on youth mental health.  This lawsuit is to not only hold these companies accountable but also obtain funding for prevention education and mental health services.

How MCSD board members voted

Six of the nine MCSD board members voted yes: chairwoman Pat Hugley Green of District 1, countywide representative Kia Chambers, Naomi Buckner of District 4, Mark Cantrell of District 6, Pat Frey of District 7 and Margot Schley of District 8. Nickie Tillery of District 2 and Vanessa Jackson of District 3 abstained.

Vice chairwoman Laurie McRae of District 5 was out of town on a family vacation and absent from that meeting, so her vote wasnt recorded, but she spoke against the recommendation during the boards work session.

McRae told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email, Since we are now a party to the lawsuit, I cannot publicly say why I was against it, but my opposition and concerns were expressed during the work session, and I would not have voted for it.

During the May 13 work session, McRae said, I have a lot of reservations about this. I would like to see more evidence.  I think its hard to sue a company we use for communication purposes. We foster the use of this to tell our students and to tell our staff a lot of updates and communication. We also dont really take their phones away at school, so its kind of hard to blame them for the fact that theyre addicted if were not taking them away.

McRae said she understands joining the lawsuit doesnt cost MCSD, but the administration will have to spend time gathering evidence the lawyers need to support the claim.

I also think then we get into confidentiality issues as to the information were now providing to a lawsuit about our students and their behavior and their emotional status, she said. Theres a lot, a lot of reasons I think this is a bad idea.

The issue is about whether social media companies should have some type of regulation and accountability, restricting the age of their users, Green said during the work session.

We cant do anything about whats happening in the home before they come to school, Buckner said then. But what we can do is something that impacts the school.

During the May 20 meeting, board attorney Greg Ellington of Hall Booth Smith said he confirmed with the lead counsel that student identities wont be publicly revealed in the lawsuit.

This is dealing with disaggregated data, he said.

Tillery made a motion to delay the vote until June to allow time for more questions to be answered. Chambers asked Ellington whether MCSD could join the lawsuit later.

Time is of the essence, Ellington replied, noting the lawyers expect a ruling that would constitute a cut-off for plaintiffs at the end of June. MCSD would have to join the lawsuit before a settlement or a judgment to be entitled to compensation, he said.

Tillerys motion to delay the vote failed.

The Ledger-Enquirer emailed each board member May 31 to ask them to explain their vote or abstention. Buckner is the only one who responded before publication.

Social media directly or indirectly impacts children everywhere through seduction or lack of controlling, Buckner wrote. By joining the social media law suit, Muscogee County takes a position against currently operating social media and can potentially gain financially. In addition, there seems to be no disadvantage in joining the suit.

How much money is MCSD seeking?

No dollar amount for possible compensation was mentioned during the boards discussion, nor is it noted in the attorney-client engagement agreement.

In an emailed interview, Ellington told the Ledger-Enquirer on Monday, MCSD is seeking fair and just compensation for the costs imposed on MCSD by the defendants.

According to the agreement, MCSD will be required to pay legal fees and expenses from only money recovered through judgment or settlement in this litigation, not from school district funds. The attorney fees will total 33% of the recovered amount and will be divided among the law firms as follows:

MCSD is one of approximately 1,000 school districts that have joined this lawsuit nationwide, including DeKalb, Clayton and Marietta in Georgia, Ellington said.

MCSDs evidence against social media companies

Asked what is the evidence that MCSD has been harmed by these social media companies, Ellington listed the following:

School counselors. The number of school counselors needed to provide mental-health services to MCSD students has increased substantially with the increased use of social media over the last 15 years, Ellington said.

Bullying. When an MCSD student is bullied by another student, the school district can be required to intervene, even when it happens off campus, Ellington said.

Fighting. Because social media algorithms try to maximize screen time, Ellington said, videos of fights between students can be put at the top of a feed, and companies such as YouTube and TikTok frequently pay young people for content that gets substantial screen time or views. All of which can create a culture where students may start filming, or even encourage, a school fight instead of trying to stop the fight or immediately reporting the fight to an adult, he said.

Swatting or anonymous threats of macro violence. These threats can result in school closures, or increased absenteeism, and generally disrupt the learning process, Ellington said. Social media algorithms allow such threats and can perpetuate them, he said.

Threats of micro violence from or against a student. Social media algorithms can result in dozens, if not hundreds, of fellow students seeing such a threat before it is addressed by the authorities and properly addressed, increasing the harms of such threat, Ellington said.

Ellington offered the May 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General to support MCSDs claim. The report cites a longitudinal study of U.S. adolescents ages 12-15 that found those who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes including symptoms of depression and anxiety.

But the surgeon general also notes that a study shows a majority of adolescents report that social media helps them feel more accepted (58%), like they have people who can support them through tough times (67%), like they have a place to show their creative side (71%), and more connected to whats going on in their friends lives (80%).

Ellington concluded, The algorithm used by the social media companies is highly addictive, with research showing it is as addictive as many of the other things that have faced similar lawsuits and/or been highly regulated. Rarely in recent history has a society allowed such an addictive product to be used by children, and we are just beginning to understand the consequences.
Is there a bigger LGBTQ+ ally than Nancy Pelosi?

Think about it. She ran for office from a congressional district in San Francisco primarily to help do more in terms of funding and help for HIV/AIDS patients. Since then, she rose through the ranks of the U.S. House leadership, becoming Speaker in 2007  arguably the most powerful and successful speaker in American history. During her entire career, she has always had the backs of LGBTQ+ people. Always. Its hard to think of anyone in history who has done more for our community than Madame Speaker.

Celebrating Pride means not only celebrating queer history but those who made queer history happen. Pelosi no doubt has been a key ally in progressing LGBTQ+ rights. From marriage equality to anti-discrimination laws, shes been a pivotal influencer.

Well, my first Pride Parade as a member of Congress, we walked. And we got a lot of press because this was well over 35 years ago and not many members of Congress were in gay pride parades at that time, Pelosi told The Advocate. I got calls from all over, with people saying, You stood with us. It meant so much for people beyond San Francisco, and the joy that I had marching with my constituents and taking pride. It was one of my first interactions as a member of Congress, and it was done in a very major way with the community that hardship attached to it. It wasnt just pride, of course it came with the HIV/AIDS crisis.

For Pelosi being so supportive and so vocal about her support for our community came with a price tag, though.

I lost some friends over it. You know, people would say, I'm not coming to your house if you're having gay people help with your cooking or anything, and I said, Even if I dont have anyone helping me with my cooking, I dont want you to come.

Pelosi said that during this time, as she has always done, she hosted various groups of constituents in her home, and she wanted to send a particular message when she hosted one of those events. I said to my friends in the gay community, stand with me at the food table, so when the guests are there, I want them to see both of us dipping into the dip with our chips at the same. It was small, but at the time, it was quite a big gesture.

Related: Nancy Pelosi has a lot to say about drag, San Francisco, and the GOP

One big gesture that Pelosi helped support was when the AIDS Quilt was first displayed on the National Mall. I told Pelosi about my own experience of seeing it in October of 1987. I was running down the Mall, off to the side so no one would assume I was gay by being close to it. I stopped at one point and approached it, and saw the beauty, but also the tears that were being shed.

I jogged away, hid behind a nearby tree, and I began to sob.

I get emotional every time I think about it, Pelsoi shared.

She added that there were practical constraints with hosting something that size in that location.

When the idea surfaced, I asserted myself arrogantly as a new member of Congress, not realizing what our limitations were. I just inserted myself to say that we should add the quilt on the Mall, and the Park Service said no, it's going to kill the grass, she said.

Pelosi said thats when legendary AIDS activist Cleve Jones , who conceived the AIDS quilt, offered an idea. He said that hed have our volunteers pick up the quilt every 20 minutes if thats what was required to save the grass, Pelso recalled. And thats what happened, and when the helicopters flew over the Mall with the beautiful quilt all spread out we knew we had something spectacular because it was not only beautiful, but it also told the stories of so many people who lost their loved ones to HIV AIDS.

For this year, the pioneering lawmaker already has plans. Pelosi said that among other events, she will be attending the Annual Pride Brunch in San Francisco. In its 26th year, the brunch is traditionally held on Pride Saturday, the day before the march, and benefits the Positive Resource Center or PRC, a non-profit organization that helps those affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues.

It used to be just some of us coming together for breakfast. And now it's turned into a big event, and really so much a part of the whole experience for us, and it benefits such a worthy cause, she said.

Pelosi said that while Pride season is a wonderful time to be with family and friends and pay tribute to the community and its history, there was something more urgent on her mind.

We need to make sure people understand that we have a chance, in this election, to pass the Equality Act. Again, she explained.

She said that in a matter of months, the opportunity could exist to finally get this piece of legislation enacted into law.

We need to vote. I know people hear that all the time, but for the community, its crucial. We need to make sure that Hakeem Jeffries will be Speaker of the House, and we hopefully hold the Senate and the White House, and then the path should be clear to make the Equality Act a reality.

Pelosi pointed out that the Equality Act was one of four LGBTQ+ goals she set out to achieve when she first became Speaker.

One was the hate crimes legislation. Two was to end discrimination in the workplace. Three was the repeal of don't ask, don't tell. And four was to codify gay marriage, she explained. t While three out of four were won, one goal remains.

Under her leadership, the Equality Act was passed in the House in February of 2021, but failed to get the required 60 votes in the Senate. We almost got it, but now we have a chance to make it happen, and that's what I think about as we go into Pride weekend, making that last goal a reality, finally.

President Joe Biden awarded Pelosi the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May. Along with her was an ally in the fight against hate crimes.

Related: Judy Shepard, Nancy Pelosi, and queer scientist Jane Rigby among Medal of Freedom honorees

It was special for me, because Judy Shepard also received it, and she helped us pass the hate crimes legislation, she said.

Pelosi knows that hate still exists, and in fact has become prominent because of the extreme right wing of the Republican Party.

They are trying to stir up trouble, and its most unfortunate. So, when we talk about winning elections, it will help answer some of these problems, and stave off some of their negativism, she said.

Pelosi explained thats why she flies the trans flag at her offices.

Its a constant reminder that we have more to do. I normally have a US American flag, a California flag, a San Francisco flag, and a rainbow flag but I also have a trans flag outside my office.

Thats when I had an idea for Pelosi: Might I suggest that you give Mrs. Alito a call and offer her some suggestions on what flags she should be flying?

After a laugh, Pelosi responded, Thats unbelievable, isnt it? And that fact that he's not recusing himself from anything that has to do with January 6. Can you imagine?

When it was time to say goodbye, Pelosi wished me a happy Pride. I know Ive said this before to you, but The Advocate has been very important to me over all these years. And, you have been so important in helping the community make progress since as far back as I can remember.

Pelosi is too realistic, and perceptive, to understand the fight isnt over.

Progress has been made, she said, but you know as well as I do that there's still more work that needs to be done. Pride is one of my favorite times of the year, and one of the reasons is that the community has been an intellectual resource, an emotional resource, and a political resource just in every way. It's been a joy to work with, and I take great pride in that.
Napa police report missing man, air operations called in to help with search

(KRON)  A motorcyclist was reported missing and last seen on Friday, the Napa Police Department said on social media. James Alan Millimaki was last seen at his Napa home around 3 p.m. on May 31.

As of Sunday night, Millimaki is still missing. Napa police said air operations have now assisted in the search.

Millimaki is described as a white man who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 170 pounds. He has blue eyes and short brown hair, according to NPD. Millimaki was last seen wearing a number 469 helmet, a black leather jacket and blue Levis jeans.

Fires reported across multiple homes in San Jose neighborhood

Millimaki was last seen riding a black and yellow Suzuki DRZ-400 motorcycle (pictured below). Its California license plate is 23X1669. He may be headed to the Lake Berryessa area, NPD said.

(Napa Police Department)

Anyone with information on Millimakis whereabouts is asked to contact NPD at 707-257-9223.

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.
NASA has set a new launch date for its first astronaut-crewed flight into space on Boeing's Starliner after scrubbing Saturday afternoon's launch just minutes before it was due to begin.

On Sunday, the agency announced that NASAs Boeing Crew Flight Test Mission teams are preparing to support a launch at 10:52 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 5, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The space agency said the Saturday launch was scrubbed "due to the computer ground launch sequencer not loading into the correct operational configuration after proceeding into terminal count."

United Launch Alliance, which manufactures and operates the rockets that launch the spacecraft into orbit, worked overnight and on Sunday to assess the ground support equipment at the launch pad that encountered issues during the countdown and scrubbed the June 1 launch attempt.

The ULA team identified an issue with a single ground power supply within one of the three redundant chassis that provides power to a subset of computer cards controlling various system functions, including the card responsible for the stable replenishment topping valves for the Centaur upper stage. All three of these chassis are required to enter the terminal phase of the launch countdown to ensure crew safety.

On Sunday, the chassis containing the faulty ground power unit was removed, visually inspected, and replaced with a spare chassis.

No signs of physical damage were observed. A full failure analysis of the power unit will be performed to better understand the root cause. Meanwhile, ULA has completed functional checkouts of the new chassis and the cards, and all hardware is performing normally.

PHOTO: A handout photo made available by NASA shows a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft at Space Launch Complex 41, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, on May 30, 2024. (Joel Kowsky/EPA via Shutterstock)

The Starliner is now set to take an approximately 24-hour journey to the International Space Station.

The spacecraft can carry seven people, but this test drive will only have two NASA astronauts: Barry Wilmore, 61, and Sunita Williams, 58.

PHOTO: The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft sits to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on May 31, 2024. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images)

Williams and Wilmore are expected to spend one week aboard the ISS and will be evaluating the spacecraft and its systems.

Upon re-entry, the Starliner will deploy parachutes and an airbag system, landing the astronauts in the western U.S.

MORE: NASA announces new launch date for Boeing's Starliner astronaut-crewed mission after several delays

If the mission is successful, NASA could certify the Starliner to perform routine missions to and from the ISS. NASA has primarily been using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to transport crew and cargo to the ISS.

The missions are part of NASA's larger Commercial Crew Program, which uses American rockets and spacecraft to send astronauts and cargo to the ISS with the hope of helping NASA prepare for the upcoming missions to the moon and Mars.

MORE: Black astronauts say 90-year-old Ed Dwight's 1st trip to space was 'justice'

Saturday's attempt was just the latest Starliner launch to get delayed.

The launch was tentatively scheduled for May 6, but was scrubbed after a problem with an oxygen valve on a rocket from United Launch Alliance. A new date was set for May 25, but a small helium leak was discovered in the service module, which contains support systems and instruments for operating a spacecraft.

NASA awarded Boeing a $4.2 billion contract to develop Starliner, but a decade later, the company has lost nearly $1.5 billion because of the delays.

NASA sets new launch date for Boeing Starliner's 1st astronaut-crewed flight after delays originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Eurofighter fighter jets stand on the airfield of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann" during the NATO "Tiger Meet" air force training exercises. The international exercise in Jagel, features around 60 fighter jets and helicopters from 11 NATO countries, along with participants from Switzerland and Austria. Marcus Brandt/dpa

The "Tiger Meet" air defence manoeuvre has begun in the airspace over northern Germany, with aircraft and personnel from 11 NATO members plus non-NATO countries Switzerland and Austria taking part.

"The first aircraft have been in the air since 9 am (0700 GMT)," a spokesman for Jagel airbase in the state of Schleswig-Holstein told dpa. Around 60 combat jets and helicopters from other countries along, with some 1,100 additional troops, are joining the German air force on the manoeuvre.

Storms in the south of the country on Friday had impacted the original flight plans on Friday, the spokesman said. "But they have all arrived," he added. The first exercises were held during the morning, with further take-offs scheduled for the afternoon.

No night flights are planned for the days ahead, and flight movements will be limited over the weekends. Germany's tactical 51 "Immelmann" airwing is holding the exercise for the third time after previous exercises in 2004 and 2014.

Amateur enthusiasts filmed the flights on Monday, with up to 1,500 expected to join two "spotter days" on Friday and June 10. The aircraft are traditionally fitted with special paint or foil for the exercise.

Fighter jets taxi over the airfield of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann" during the NATO "Tiger Meet" air force training exercises. The international exercise in Jagel, features around 60 fighter jets and helicopters from 11 NATO countries, along with participants from Switzerland and Austria. Marcus Brandt/dpa

A fighter jet takes off from the airfield of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann" during the NATO "Tiger Meet" air force training exercises. The international exercise in Jagel, features around 60 fighter jets and helicopters from 11 NATO countries, along with participants from Switzerland and Austria. Marcus Brandt/dpa
A number of NATO members have relaxed restrictions on Ukraine using their weapons to strike Russia.

The US and its allies have moved recently to allow Ukraine to hit targets across the border.

The policy changes could help Ukraine repel Russian glide-bomb strikes in and around Kharkiv city.

A handful of NATO countries have lifted the restrictions on Ukraine using their weapons to strike military targets inside Russia, giving Kyiv's forces new battlefield options that could help them defeat the highly destructive glide bombs they have so far struggled to stop.

Ukraine had long been barred from using Western-provided weapons to strike beyond its borders, as many of its partners  including the US  were concerned that allowing Kyiv to do so would lead Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict even further.

Western positions on this issue have softened in the wake of Russia's ongoing offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, which began last month. Ukrainian officials argued the restrictions essentially prevented Kyiv from stopping the onslaught by giving Moscow space from which it could mass troops and launch glide bombs with impunity.

Multiple NATO countries have now either partially or completely lifted their restrictions. Facing increasing pressure from Ukraine and its European partners, the US finally changed its long-held stance last week, allowing Kyiv to strike inside Russia  but only in the area near the Kharkiv region.

Ukrainian gunners firing at Russian positions in the Kharkiv region. Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images

Conflict analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank said "the provision of Western air-defense systems and the lifting of Western restrictions on Ukraine's ability to strike military targets in Russian territory with Western-provided weapons remain crucial for Ukraine to repel Russian glide bomb and missile strikes against Kharkiv City."

"These policy changes will allow Ukrainian forces to use Western-provided systems to strike Russian firing and staging areas in Russia's border areas and airspace," the analysts wrote in a June 2 assessment.

They said Ukraine's demonstrated ability to down Moscow's warplanes in front-line areas in past battles suggests Kyiv can likely find success again and protect Kharkiv city and the greater region from glide-bomb strikes launched from Russian airspace.

Glide bombs have been a threat to Ukrainian forces throughout much of the war, but they have proven to be a significant problem in recent weeks as Russia used them to pound Kharkiv city and the surrounding area. Russian aircraft can launch these standoff weapons from the safety of their own airspace and out of the reach of Ukraine's air-defense systems.

Law enforcement officers stand outside a supermarket after it was hit with two Russian glide bombs in Kharkiv on May 25. Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The only ways for Ukraine to defend troops and civilians from these bombs is to intercept the Russian aircraft before a launch or strike them on the ground. Kyiv has largely been unable to do this, but the policy changes  and the additional air-defense capabilities from the West  could help give the country more reach and resources to engage the threat.

"Ideally, launch aircraft would be caught on the ground, but as a fallback, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system like Patriot  with a range of around 100 miles (depending on the target)  could be pushed closer to the front line to shoot down Russian aircraft before release," Matthew Savill, the director of military sciences at RUSI, wrote in new commentary.

He said that these "so-called 'SAMbushes' involve removing launchers from around infrastructure and putting them at greater risk of attack, but pose a challenge to Russian aircraft which currently fire from airspace where they believe themselves to be safe."

Experts like Savill, however, have warned that the policy changes are not necessarily a silver bullet for Ukraine, and deep-strike capabilities alone won't be enough to win the war.

Gunners from Ukraine's 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade fire at a Russian position in the Kharkiv region in April. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

The Biden administration's relaxing of its policy also comes with its limitations. Ukraine can only conduct cross-border strikes in Russian territory right around the Kharkiv region, and it is still barred from conducting longer-range strikes with its most powerful US-provided missiles. Kyiv must instead rely on American-provided rockets and artillery.

Washington's guidance is "specifically focused on Ukraine's defense against military targets that are just over the border, and targets that Russia is using to physically launch offensives against Ukraine proper," White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday.

The US policy prohibiting Ukraine from using its supply of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems, also known as ATACMS, or conducting long-range strikes inside Russia "has not changed," Kirby added.

US officials have stressed that Washington could still make further adjustments to its policy, but it's ultimately dependent on evolutions on the battlefield. Whether the Biden administration will become even more lenient with its restrictions  following in the footsteps of some of its European allies  remains to be seen.

An M142 HIMARS launches a rocket on Russian position in December. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Speaking in Prague on Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the "hallmark" of American support for Ukraine has been to "adapt and adjust as necessary to meet what's actually going on on the battlefield, to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs when it needs it, to do that deliberately and effectively."

"That's exactly what we're doing in response to what we've now seen in and around the Kharkiv region," Blinken told reporters. "Going forward, we'll continue to do what we've been doing."

Ukraine has already taken advantage of the new policy. On Monday, for instance, Kyiv reportedly used rockets fired from its US-provided M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, to strike Russian air-defense assets in the Belgorod region, which is just over the border from Kharkiv.

According to media reports and open-source intelligence accounts, Ukraine struck Russian S-300/S-400 air-defense systems that have been repurposed for surface-to-surface applications and have been used in attacks around Kharkiv.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NATO plans to offer Ukraine a security package when the alliance convenes its annual summit this summer in Washington, though its expected to stop short of accepting the nations long-standing request for membership amid Russias invasion.

In addition to unveiling the package in July, an estimated 32 countries are finalizing a series of bilateral agreements to support Ukraine ahead of the summit, with 13 finalized so far, according to Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Allies will be putting forward a whole package of deliverables that will serve as a bridge to their membership inside the alliance, Smith said at a Defense Writers Group roundtable on Monday. Part of the package will be the language we use to describe Ukraines membership aspirations in the declaration itself.

Part of it will be an institutionalization of some of the bilateral support thats currently being provided [to] Ukraine, and tucking it under NATO command. Part of it will be working to identify new resources for our friends in Ukraine, and ensuring that we send a signal to Moscow that the NATO alliance isnt going anywhere, Smith added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for fast-tracked accession into the alliance shortly after Russias full-scale invasion in 2022  a request NATO rebuffed at last years summit in Lithuania. Instead, NATO offered Ukraine a multiyear assistance package meant to bolster its defenses and help it transition away from Soviet-era equipment.

Ukrainian entry into NATO would allow Kyiv to invoke the alliances collective defense clause, potentially triggering a broader regional conflict with Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden said last year that the war with Russia would have to end before Ukraine enters the alliance.

Still, during an April visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg vowed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

The work we are undertaking now puts you on an irreversible path towards NATO membership, so that when the time is right, Ukraine can become a NATO member straightaway, Stoltenberg said.

Some defense companies from the NATO bloc have expressed interest in co-producing certain military capabilities like unmanned systems. The U.S. in May announced a $2 billion Foreign Military Financing package largely geared toward helping Ukraine grow its defense-industrial base.

This is coming from, in large part, European or Canadian or American companies that are looking at co-production opportunities, Smith told Defense News.

Regional plans

Smith noted the July summit, which marks NATOs 75th anniversary, will also focus on the regional defense and deterrence plans for northern, central and southern Europe, which the alliance formally agreed to during last years summit.

Its going to mean a major shift across the alliance in how countries invest, procure, work together to implement and execute those regional plans, the diplomat said.

The plans are partially aimed at guiding NATO members when they make military procurement decisions to ensure theyre buying the right capabilities. For instance, a country could be responsible for three core tasks within a regional plan and would be expected to make procurement decisions accordingly.

Its ultimately up to them on how to spend the resources, but they have to answer to the regional plans, Smith said.

She argued that the regional plans will also help reassure defense manufacturers that NATO intends to keep procuring larger amounts of ammunition and other materiel over the long term, encouraging them to ramp up production.

Its not a signed contract, but helping them see what the requirements will be across the alliance thats tagged to these regional plans will certainly assure them that the demand signals will not just be over the next 12 months, but the demand signals to industry will be for the better part of a decade, she said.

The summit will also focus on burden-sharing. Smith expects that slightly more than 20 countries will spend at least 2% of their respective gross domestic product on defense  a goal set by the alliance.

We have to make sure that we keep pushing and get every member of the alliance to lay out a plan to get to the 2% within the next few years, Smith said. And I think 99% of the allies have a plan in place.
NC in presidential campaign spotlight as VP Harris makes plans to visit again

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to return to Charlotte on June 12 in her fourth stop on a nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour.

The tour has taken her to Atlanta, Milwaukee and Detroit and has allowed Harris to highlight how the Biden administration says it has built economic opportunities, supported communities and delivered historic investments.

President Biden and I are committed to creating an economy in which every person has the freedom to thrive, Harris said when the tour launched in April. That is why we have taken historic steps to advance economic opportunity by increasing access to capital, investing in small businesses, addressing housing costs, forgiving student loans and medical debt, investing in infrastructure, and championing additional policies that put money in peoples pockets and build wealth. Our economic approach has delivered great progress, and we will continue to invest in you, your family, and your future.

Harris visit marks her fifth to North Carolina since 2024 began and her 13th trip to the Tar Heel State since being sworn into office.

She last visited Charlotte in April to announce $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants. President Joe Biden and Harris made a rare joint appearance in March in Raleigh.

North Carolina is considered a battleground state, despite President Barack Obama being the only Democrat to win since 1976. In 2020, Trump defeated Biden by a narrow 1.3% in North Carolina, as Biden went on to win the nationwide vote.

Biden, Harris and their surrogates have made a concerted effort to focus on North Carolina during the 2024 campaign as they try to flip the state blue. Early on, the campaign saw North Carolina as a state to target. Two weeks ago, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison visited Eastern North Carolina, where he focused on rural and Black voters and opened two field offices.

The state also got a visit from former President Donald Trump last week when he attended the Coca-Cola 600 race.

Trump last week was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

The Biden campaign and the administration have largely shied away from discussing Trumps latest court battles.
NC school goes all out to celebrate a students golden achievement at Spelling Bee

The love that elite speller Ananya Rao Prassanna got on Monday was arguably sweeter than all the national attention the 13-year-old Cary student has received over the past week.

Around 800 of Prassannas classmates lined up along Davis Drive Middle Schools driveway on Monday morning to cheer her third-place finish at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Prassanna came close on Thursday to becoming the first North Carolinian to win the Spelling Bee since 1970.

We just want to say Ananya, congratulations, Davis Drive Middle Principal Michael Hokenberg said during the ceremony. Thank you so much for representing Davis Drive Middle, Wake County Public Schools. It was a wonderful week. Were so proud of you.

The school presented Prassanna with a banner and a No. 3 Davis Drive Middle jersey as the band played Happy.

In recognition of all the support Davis Drive has given, Prassannas parents gave her Bee medal to temporarily display in the schools trophy case.

Davis Drive Middle School seventh-grader Ananya Rao Prassanna poses with her Scripps National Spelling Bee medals following a celebration honoring her third-place finish in the competition on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Cary, N.C.

Prassanna said she felt the school had her back during the entire Spelling Bee. Teachers and friends helped her keep up on her schoolwork and watched the competition in class.

Hokenberg drove up to the Bee, held just outside Washington D.C., when his flight was delayed due to tornado warnings.

Im just so grateful because Ive never really had this big of a community support me that much before, Prassanna told reporters on Monday.

Davis Drive Middle School seventh-grader Ananya Rao Prassanna smiles as she is greeted by Principal Michael Hokenberg during a celebration on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Cary, N.C. honoring Prassannas third-place finish in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

I tried my best

Last weeks epic performance was the culmination of years of hard work. She spent three to four hours a day on weekdays and five to six hours a day on weekends studying for the Bee.

Prassanna had made the Bee quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023. Her goal was to advance to the semifinals this year.

But Prassanna quickly advanced among the 245 spellers this year to get to the nationally televised finals. She became a fan favorite with her smile and exclamation of joy after successfully spelling each word.

Davis Drive Middle School seventh-grader Ananya Rao Prassanna reacts while riding past hundreds of her classmates gathered in celebration on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Cary, N.C. to honor Prassannas third-place finish in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

As other spellers among the elite eight fell, Prassanna was still standing among the final three contestants.

I seriously thought I was going to win it because it was a fair playing field, Prassanna said. Everyone was at the same level of proficiency. I just feel like I tried my best on my words, but Im just so glad that I made it this far in seventh grade.

Davis Drive Middle School seventh-grader Ananya Rao Prassanna receives a hug from Assistant Principal Anna Best during a celebration on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Cary, N.C. honoring Prassannas third-place finish in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Will she return to Bee?

Prassanna is eligible to return to the Bee next year as an eighth-grade student. But shes not committing to it yet.

Prassanna says there are other things shed like to pursue such as starting a Spelling Bee club at school and exploring more science classes. Her father, Prassanna Rao Rajgopal, says shes also interested in tutoring students at the adjoining Davis Drive Elementary School.

Hundreds of Davis Drive Middle School students cheer as seventh-grader Ananya Rao Prassanna and her family arrive at the school on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Cary, N.C. Prassanna placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

I just dont want to be hyped too much and not make it that far, Prassanna said. But I feel like 3rd place is a very good farewell to spelling. I think thats a golden achievement, and Im glad I left it there.
Nearly 300 mail carriers were bit by dogs in NY in 2023, USPS finds

(KTLA)  Nearly 300 mail carriers were bit by dogs in New York in 2023, but it wasnt nearly close to the most dangerous state by dog bites  California.

According to the United States Postal Service, Los Angeles leads the nation in dog bites against mail carriers. In 2023, the city had 65 reported dog attacks against postal service workers, taking the top spot over Houston, which had 56. L.A. was second on last years list.

And while no New York cities landed in the top 10, the state ranked the sixth-most dangerous for mail carriers when it comes to dog bites. Across New York, 296 mail carriers were bitten last year. In 2022, 321 mail carriers were bit by dogs in New York.

For New York state, the most dog bites happened in Buffalo.

The list of top 30 cities can be found below:

City State 2023 Rank LOS ANGELES CA 65 1 HOUSTON TX 56 2 CHICAGO IL 48 3 ST. LOUIS MO 46 4 CLEVELAND OH 44 5 SAN DIEGO CA 41 6 DALLAS TX 39 7 CINCINNATI OH 38 8 PHILADELPHIA PA 34 9 COLUMBUS OH 33 10 KANSAS CITY MO 32 11 INDIANAPOLIS IN 30 12 MEMPHIS TN 29 13 LOUISVILLE KY 28 14 MINNEAPOLIS MN 27 15 ALBUQUERQUE NM 26 16 SAN ANTONIO TX 26 16 SACRAMENTO CA 26 16 MILWAUKEE WI 23 17 DAYTON OH 23 17 FORT WORTH TX 23 17 MIAMI FL 21 18 DENVER CO 21 18 OMAHA NE 21 18 BUFFALO NY 20 19 SAN FRANCISCO CA 20 19 LONG BEACH CA 19 20 TULSA OK 19 20 PORTLAND OR 19 20 DETROIT MI 19 20

The list of top 10 states can be found below:

State 2023 2022 CA 727 675 TX 411 404 OH 359 311 PA 334 313 IL 316 245 NY 296 321 FL 193 220 NC 185 146 MI 183 206 MO 180 166

The report comes as the USPS starts a weeklong initiative beginning June 2 to spread awareness about mail carrier safety to dog owners.

Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury, said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness. The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.

Adoptable Dodger dogs get tour of Dodger Stadium

According to the USPS, mail carriers are trained on what to do when dogs are in the area.

Some of those lessons include making non-threatening noises to alert a dog of their presence, avoiding startling a dog, refraining from petting or feeding a dog and placing a foot against a swinging door to keep a dog from getting out.

The USPS advised dog owners to lock their animals behind a gate or fence when postal workers arrive at the house or to keep them leashed during walks.

Even though a customers dog is friendly to most people, it can always have a bad day, letter carrier Tara Snyder stated in the report. I know, from experience, even when a dog is in the house, customers need to make sure their door is secure so their dog cant push it open and bite the letter carrier.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Attorney General Mike Hilgers speaks during a news conference in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and 22 of his counterparts from conservative states filed a comment Monday with the U.S. Department of Energy, hinting at possible legal action if the regulator follows through with new energy-efficiency standards on stoves, cooktops and ovens.

Hilgers is the latest Republican to question Biden administration efforts to reduce indoor-air emissions and power consumption of indoor cooking. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., and others made videos when a previous version of the rule appeared to target natural gas stove emissions.

The original 2023 rule was resubmitted in 2024 with less restrictive revisions. The first proposal would have forced changes to more than nine in 10 gas stoves sold. The new proposal would let all but 3% of gas stoves sold stay on the market. But American appliance manufacturers object to the new rule, too.

Cost vs. health

Whirlpool and other manufacturers, along with Hilgers and the other attorneys general, argue the proposed rule change still would make new stoves and cooktops more expensive over time, by requiring the newer versions to be more energy efficient, regardless of the cost or consumer preference for the changes.

The Energy Department points to research indicating that emissions from gas stoves can contribute to respiratory issues, including asthma, and emphasizes potential for savings from utility costs. President Joe Biden has also prioritized reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

The Biden administration continues its stringent regulations on household appliances, Hilgers said. Raising the cost of kitchen appliances could impact hardworking Nebraskans already facing economic challenges. It is as out of touch as it is legally dubious.

Much of the potential legal challenge could hinge on a section of federal law that requires the Energy Department to consider the economic impact of any new rule. The attorneys general filed their letter this week as part of the formal rulemaking comment process, legal experts said.

Process questions

A core argument they made is that the feds should not be circumventing the typical commenting process for proposed rules. They argue the public should have more of a chance to weigh in on a potential rule change that affects appliances common in American homes.

The Department of Energy should follow the normal procedures and allow consumers to voice their concerns before imposing its stringent new rules on stoves and ovens, Hilgers said.

The Natural Resources Defense Council and other environmental advocates have argued the potential health benefits of making cooking cleaner and less energy-dependent. They also pointed to potential cancer risks from gas emissions. They did not oppose or object to the streamlined rule-making.

The 23 that signed are either led by Republicans or have an elected GOP attorney general: Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, New Hampshire, Montana, and Idaho.

Letter

The post Nebraska, 22 other states oppose proposed federal rule on stoves, cooktops, ovens appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
In the 2024 election season, the legal right to abortion is front and center for many voters across the U.S. and the political spectrum. In Nebraska, three ballot initiatives are being considered: one for a total abortion ban, and two for specific abortion-access windows in the state constitution, with limits set at 12 and 24 weeks

After the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the Cornhusker State lawmakers passed a 12-week abortion ban with expectations for rape, incest, and the health of the parent in 2023, paring down the states previous 20-week ban. Now, anti-abortion and reproductive rights advocacy groups are rushing to enshrine their values in the state constitution before next years legislative session.

One petition being circulated by Protect Our Rights, a coalition of local reproductive health rights groups, would enshrine the right to abortion when it is needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, as well extend abortion access up to fetal viability.

Nothing about this new effort changes our plans and our goal. We are staying focused on getting our initiative in front of voters so that Nebraskans can make their own decisions about pregnancy and abortion with compassion and privacy, without political interference, Protect Our Rights campaign manager Allie Berry said in an email statement.

An anti-abortion campaign is aiming to enshrine Nebraskas current 12-week ban in the state constitution in opposition to the Protect Our Rights initiative. Since its launch in March, Protect Women and Children has received backing from conservative lawmakers in the state, including U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, who donated $500,000 to the petition. Representatives from the campaign did not respond to interview requests for this story.

Six weeks before the signature deadline, a third campaign joined two others to put a complete abortion ban in the state constitution. The Choose Life Now initiative aims to ban all abortions without exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the parent. Rose Kohl, a sponsor, launched the campaign in response to other initiatives, believing they dont go far enough to prevent abortions.

Nebraska lawmakers could soon pass a budget bill defunding health clinics that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood.

We want to protect the life of the mother in every case, and there are already constitutional protections for mothers lives, Kohl said. We want to see the babies live, and thats going to be a beautiful day when life is protected and respected.

To earn a spot on the ballot, each initiative must collect signatures from roughly 123,000, or 10% of the states registered voters, by July 3. They must also garner signatures from 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of Nebraskas 93 counties.

Nebraska joins the national wave of abortion petitions

Putting abortion access up for voters to decide isnt new. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, multiple states have put total abortion bans in place. In contrast, voters in six states, including Ohio, Kansas and Kentucky, have chosen to place protections for abortion access in their constitutions.

In this election, a slate of states will see abortion on the ballot, including Colorado, Florida, Maryland and South Dakota. Alongside Nebraska, there are potential abortion-related petitions attempting to get on the ballot, including in Arizona, Arkansas and Missouri.

Mary Ziegler, a professor at the University of California-Davis School of Law and historian of the U.S. abortion debate, said the petition challenge in Nebraska is unique. She pointed to how abortion-related ballot initiatives in other states determined whether there should be a constitutional right to abortion. At the same time, Nebraskas petitions seek to establish a specific window for abortion access.

Why this matters for anti-abortion groups nationwide is if they can get the 12-week ceiling amendment passed, that might be a way to kind of stop the bleeding on the ballot initiative front for anti-abortion groups who have been really struggling, Ziegler said. If it works in Nebraska, you may see it rolled out in other states, as well.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska's abortion laws debate gets 3 ballot initiatives: Elections
LGBTQ+ people often have a distrust of police that can prevent them from reporting hate crimes or incidents against them. The rising rate of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in Los Angeles has prompted calls for a public health emergency from community members and elected officials alike. Solving the problem requires a hard look at policing and the criminal justice systems inability to cure the root of the hatred, according to activists and law enforcement.

Detective Orlando Martinez has served the Los Angeles Police Department for nearly 24 years and as a hate crimes coordinator since April 2018. He told The Advocate that without changes to how the justice system handles people who commit hate crimes, the problem will persist.

The public health emergency is a good idea in theory, but it wouldn't change anything, Martinez said.

Because in California, we dont view criminal sentences as punishment, he added. Without rehabilitation programs, nothing is going to change. So throwing resources at a problem without teaching [the suspects] on why being biased is not a good thing, I dont think there will be any change other than a bunch of money spent.

In June 2022, the Los Angeles City Council voted to expand access to hate crime reporting following a report from the LAPDs Deputy Chief Blake Chow and Capri Maddox, general manager of the citys Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department that found several glaring errors in the way hate crime data was reported.

One issue was the lack of data sharing between police and other agencies, which is partly addressed in the data from the LACCHR used in this series. But overall, mistrust of police was identified as the primary barrier to reporting hate, the report found. This is particularly the case for immigrant populations and LGBTQ groups.

Martinez didnt deny this. Because of our past conduct in law enforcement, and the government, theres this built-in distrust of us, which to be frank, weve earned, he said.

He added that the Department aims to encourage more reports by showing victims and their communities that the LAPD will take responses seriously, or, in essence, that were not the LAPD we were 30 years ago, now we give a shit.

Resources for rehabilitation

The rising rate of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in Los Angeles has prompted calls for a public health emergency from community members and elected officials alike.

Designating hate crimes in L.A. County as a public health emergency could spur an influx of money to examine the root cause of the issue and provide services for vulnerable communities, L.A. County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis previously told The Advocate .

A state of emergency on LGBTQ+ hate crimes would require our County to prioritize this, and make sure that we have a coordinated response and that therell be some action items, Solis said.

I think it is starting to happen, she said, pointing to the work of the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR), which provided data for these reports and is working to better understand the historical context of hate crimes in LA.

But Detective Martinez noted that we dont have a statewide program for bias-motivated offenders. There is also no penal code for hate incidents.

Martinez added that some suspects might view their prison sentence for a hate crime as more reason to vilify the community they attacked in the first place. When that person gets out in a year, are they going to see the error of their ways [or] are they going to be more angry at the transgender community because they got caught? Martinez questioned. I think our resources should go to programs where we catch offenders before they become offenders.

The need for dialogue

How do you find hate before it manifests itself?

One way could be outreach programs to facilitate moderated conversations between the local transgender community and their neighbors in an attempt to craft some bridge of understanding.

In Los Angeles, the approach would have to be different by region. In areas that are historically queer-friendly and have more visible LGBTQ+ people including Hollywood, West Hollywood, parts of Long Beach, Silver Lake, or Downtown L.A., the LAPD and LACCHR confirmed there are likely to be more hate crimes.





A neighborhood element would be key, since besides public places (42.3 percent), 30 percent of the 2,833 hate crimes recorded in L.A. County by the LACCHR from 2003-2022 happened at a persons residence.



Thats what everyone thinks of as a classic hate crime, in a neighborhood where youll have gay bashings, said Marshall Wong, principal data analyst for the LACCHR. But what we found is that in some years there are as many cases that occur at peoples residences. And thats something that very few people think about because most people assume if you are safe nowhere else its in the privacy of your own home.

Wong added: Im guessing its [perpetrated] more by neighbors, or people in the neighborhood they encounter on a regular basis. He noted, Weve read a lot of reports of trans women who were attacked in front of or nearby where they live, because there were street people who would see them, or gang members on a regular basis, and would always make comments and then act on it.

So perhaps a community organization would be able to get a gang member and a transgender woman to understand each other through constructive dialogue in a highly supervised and safe setting. But that would take resources that dont yet exist in a city already straining to address the growing public health burdens of drug abuse, homelessness, and mental illness.

If created, the program could act as behavioral therapy for suspects, Martinez said.

Before they commit the crime, or if they do, [say] hey, this is somebody from that community, theyre not much different, he suggested.

Police claim hate crimes are the highest priority

According to the LAPD, hate incidents are the highest priority classification of crime, requiring investigation and follow-up within at least 10 days of the report date. The LAPD is also obligated to inform victims of their legal rights and facilitate support by connecting them to other resources.

If the criteria for a hate crime are present, the LAPD must inform the Los Angeles District Attorney.





The L.A. County Sheriffs Department declined to comment on this story.



But this isnt always how it happens. Bamby Salcedo, a transgender activist and founder of TransLatina Coalition, said the police have often told the community they are at fault for experiencing a crime. We dont necessarily believe in the police because the police arent the people who are ultimately going to support us the way that we need to be supported, she said.

How officers are trained is a key component of how hate crimes are policed. The LAPD recently updated its department manual on hate crimes in November 2023, and Martinez claimed it doesnt allow its just under 9,000 officers to deviate from the policy. If an officer does so with malice, they can be made to attend more training, cited for misconduct, suspended, or fired. And if the deviation is somehow not intentional, the officer will be sent to further training.

The way we treated people 30 years ago. Thats what the community expects now, even if they havent had a [police] interaction, so were paying for the sins of our fathers, Martinez said. Were not perfect, but were much better than we were and were working towards working with people instead of just with ourselves.

Martinez is responsible for updating the LAPDs guidelines and training officers on how to respond to hate crimes. California State Attorney General Rob Bontas offices 2021 guidelines on hate crime prosecution require bias against a protected identity must be a cause in fact of the offense, and a substantial factor in the crime if there are other motives.

But thats unclear, Martinez said. The law says that it must be a substantial factor. But it doesn't tell us what a substantial factor is, he said. So when I took over we decided as a department that if there's any factor, we're going to classify it as a hate crime.

Martinez noted that this could be one reason why hate crime data appears so recently elevated  because the LAPDs current position is that even if theres evidence showing that 1 percent of the reason was because of bias, were making it a hate crime.

The LAPD publishes monthly reports on citywide hate crimes and hate incidents, which are non-criminal acts of prejudice. While crimes in L.A. against LGBTQ+ people and the transgender community were flat year-over-year in March 2024, there was a 50 percent increase in hate incidents against both transgender people and the larger LGBTQ+ community.

When looking back historically, the rate of violence is equal between transgender men and women: Of the 246 hate crimes against trans women recorded from 2003-2022 in L.A. County, 95 percent were violent. There were 25 hate crimes perpetrated against transgender men across L.A. County from 2003-2022, and all of them were violent.





Challenges in prosecuting non-violent hate crimes

Hate crimes without violence are especially difficult to prosecute. These are often perpetrated against nonhuman victims, like an organization or business that is pro-LGBTQ.

L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto prosecutes nonviolent hate crimes at a city level and said that I am limited to the prosecution of misdemeanors, which are typically property crimes.

About 31% of the hate crime investigations referred to the City Attorneys office by the LAPD were based on alleged bias related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, according to Feldstein Soto. The L.A. City Attorneys office helped 958 crime victims who self-identified as LGBTQ+ from 2019 to 2022. Of those 133 people, or about 13.9 percent, were victims of hate crimes.

Feldstein Soto did say she thought hate crimes were underreported, partly because it is something that many people shrug off, and it isnt until theres been a repeated series of sometimes escalating aggressions that it winds up getting reported, and were lucky if it gets reported before it escalates into a felony.

She noted, hate speech is not a crime in this country. Therefore a hate crime is a little bit like what Justice Potter once said about pornography  I know it when I see it.

If you or someone you know was a victim of a hate crime, you can report it to your state or local police, or anonymously to the FBI. Or reach the U.S. Justice Department resource center for hate crime victims at 1-855-484-2846.

LAPD hate crime hotlines can be reached here .

Editor's note: This story is one in a series for The Advocate investigating the public health impact hate crimes have on LGBTQ+ residents of Los Angeles and the country. It was produced in part by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalisms data fellowship program, which provided training and funding.


Editors note: This story has been updated to remove incorrect information from a source about the date of Netanyahus address.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday said no date has been set for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, noting that an earlier proposed date falls on a Jewish holiday.

We had a proposed date, but it conflicts with a Jewish holiday, Johnson said. So were trying to get this done in the next couple of weeks and that theres a sense of urgency on our side and the prime minister so I hope we get it done quick.

He added, We have a couple of different options that were looking at in mind and well figure it out.

The Hill and several other outlets had earlier reported the June 13 date, which falls on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, citing a source familiar.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu also confirmed to The Hill that no date has been set.

The top four congressional leaders on Friday formally invited Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress, which the longtime Israeli leader accepted. In a post on the social platform X, Netanyahu said he was thrilled about the opportunity to speak to lawmakers.

The speech will mark the culmination of a months-long conversation about whether Netanyahu would address Congress as Israels war against Hamas continues.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) first floated the idea in March, but the timeline was pushed back as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) held off on signing the invitation for weeks. In a floor speech in March, Schumer called for new elections in Israel and argued that Netanyahu had lost his way, prompting opposition from the Israeli leader, Republicans and some Democrats.

Netanyahus address is already sparking intense ire among progressive lawmakers, who are up in arms over the increasing number of humanitarian deaths in the Gaza Strip. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Saturday that he would skip the Israeli leaders speech, calling Netanyahu a war criminal.

Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend, Sanders said in a statement.

The speech will come less than one month after the International Criminal Courts (ICC) chief prosecutor requested arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and leaders of Hamas, alleging that they bear criminal responsibility for a number of war crimes.

Updated at 7:03 p.m.

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Families and supporters of the hostages taken by Hamas, protest after they received a notice that 4 Israeli hostages were killed in Gaza Strip. Four hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip died some months ago in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari has revealed Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israel is not ready to consider a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip until its conditions have been met, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, contrary to earlier reports from the United States.

"The claims that we have agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met are incorrect," Netanyahu stated following a meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden unexpectedly presented details of a draft deal in three phases that Israel had ostensibly agreed to. The first phase foresaw a full and unconditional ceasefire for six weeks along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip.

A group of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas would then be released, including women, the elder and the injured. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis would be released in return, according to Biden.

The second phase would see a permanent end to the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages, followed by a final phase in which a start would be made to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu responded on Saturday by saying that Israel's conditions for an end to the war had not changed. These included the total destruction of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.

Speaking in a video message on Monday, Netanyahu said the Israeli government was working in countless ways to secure the return of the hostages and that his thoughts were with them, their families and their suffering.

Biden says deal still on

The offer now on the table represents the best chance for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with Hamas presenting the only obstacle, Biden said after a phone call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

"The president confirmed Israel's readiness to move forward with the terms that have now been offered to Hamas," the White House said in a statement.

Biden had emphasized that the offer was the best possible opportunity for an agreement, "and that Hamas' ongoing refusal to release hostages would only prolong the conflict and deny relief to the people of Gaza," it said.

Biden had urged Tamim to "use all appropriate measures to secure Hamas acceptance of the deal and affirmed that Hamas is now the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza," the White House said.

Asked about Netanyahu's insistence that there would be no ceasefire until all Israeli demands had been met, US National Security Council communications coordinator John Kirby said he would not comment on Netanyahu's comments or why he had made them.

"All I can tell you is this proposal is an Israeli proposal. It is the result of intense diplomacy between our two teams. The president characterized it accurately, and now it's up to Hamas to accept it," Kirby said.

G7 backs Biden's deal

The leaders of the Group of Seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7) "fully endorse" the agreement presented by Biden as it would lead to "an enduring end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured," according to a statement published by the Italian G7 presidency on Monday evening.

"We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so," the statement said.

Fate of four hostages confirmed

Four hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip died some months ago in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari has revealed.

The four men, the youngest of whom was 51 and the eldest 84, died under unknown circumstances, Hagari said.

In December, Hamas published a video showing three of the men, and in March it reported that they had been killed in attacks mounted by Israeli forces. The IDF said it now has had independent confirmation of their deaths.

Fears are rising in Israel that many of the 124 hostages still unaccounted for may have died.

Attack on Israel's southernmost city

Israel's military on Monday said its air defence system intercepted a surface-to-surface missile fired towards the southern port city of Eilat.

The IDF said sirens sounded in Eilat, but no casualties were reported. The missile came from the direction of the Red Sea, it added.

The Times of Israel newspaper said the attack likely came from Yemen's Houthi militia, which is allied directly with Iran and the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah movement.

The Houthis have been attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea for months since Israel's invasion of Gaza, which came in response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

The rebel Houthi group has also repeatedly fired rockets at Israel, calling for an end to Israel's operations in Gaza.
Timing for Netanyahu address to Congress uncertain after floated date is ruled out

A date for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress remains uncertain after one date initially floated was ruled out because it fell on a Jewish holiday.

A US congressional leadership aide initially said Monday that Netanyahu was scheduled to speak on June 13, which falls on Shavuot. It also coincides with President Joe Bidens visit to Italy for a Group of 7 summit.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said congressional leaders are looking at various options for Netanyahu to address Congress in light of the scheduling issue.

We are trying to get this done in the next couple of weeks, and there is a sense of urgency on our side and the prime ministers, so I hope we can get it done, the Louisiana Republican told reporters Monday evening.

Johnson added, We have a couple different options we are looking at  his staff and mine  so we will figure it out.

A source familiar with the planning of the visit said Netanyahu is likely to come to Washington in July to address Congress.

The top four congressional Republican and Democratic leaders extended the invitation to Netanyahu last week, but it wasnt clear at the time whether the prime ministers visit to Washington would also include a meeting at the White House.

Scheduling the speech while Biden is on another continent would have skirted that question. Biden is planning to attend a summit of Group of 7 leaders in Puglia, Italy, which runs from June 13 to 15. The dates have been set for several months.

Biden and Netanyahu have spoken by phone regularly since the October 7 attacks by Hamas that set off the current grinding conflict in Gaza, and they last met in person when the president flew to Tel Aviv in the days immediately following the attack.

The leaders relationship, however, has become strained over Israels war plans and over efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering in the Palestinian enclave.

The decision this year to invite Netanyahu to speak to a joint meeting of Congress was not met with unanimous approval among Democrats, some of whom have vowed to boycott the speech. The war in Gaza has divided Democrats; many in the party say Netanyahu has become an obstacle to peace.

Even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called earlier this year for new elections in Israel, with the implication Netanyahu leave power. But the New York Democrat nonetheless signed on to the letter inviting the prime minister to speak to Congress.

We join the State of Israel in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive and its leaders jeopardize regional stability, stated the letter from Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Last week, Biden laid out an Israeli proposal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a ceasefire, hoping to break a logjam in the stalled negotiations.

The move, which was unusual in the level of detail being revealed about another governments proposal, seemed designed to put Netanyahu on the spot to either support the framework or reject what Biden said was the Israeli governments own plan.

Israel has declined to formally endorse the proposal, however, and Netanyahu told the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that the claim that we agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met is not true. He appeared to be referring to the permanent ceasefire outlined in the second phase of the Israeli proposal.

Speaking to reporters Monday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby repeated Bidens assertion that the proposal the president spelled out was an Israeli plan.

Were comfortable that it represents fairly and honestly an Israeli proposal  a very forward-leaning Israeli proposal, and were confident that Hamas needs to take it, he said.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs MJ Lee contributed to this report.

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So what was the emergency exactly? As he went on it appeared that the crisis he had come to address was the state of politics itself. He, Nigel Farage, was the only person who could save ordinary Britons from this parade of charlatans who pretended to have their interests at heart when they actually had no understanding of them at all. That is what everybody he met in his visitations to their ordinary streets in their ordinary towns told them. Only he could speak for them. So he would, after all, enter the race not only as a candidate but as leader of the party, reversing his earlier decision to devote himself to ensuring a Trump election victory.

Could this change of heart have had anything to do with the fact that Reform was doing better than might have been hoped in opinion polling? No, this was his moral duty: to offer some hope to those millions of abandoned ordinary Britons who pleaded for his return.

What was it precisely that he was offering? First, and most plausibly, relief from the boredom. He was certainly right to claim that there has been a rejection of the political class of a kind we had not seen in modern times: that people had simply tuned out of this campaign. Nobodys listening. (That might, in fact, be the reason why the polls are not moving.) His solution is the one that every populist proposes: a a different kind of politics which in this case seems to consist of blaming all the problems of the country on migration and warning against sectarian politics when your own words are likely to stoke it. There was an obvious implication that mass immigration was undermining national identity: that it devalued the life of what he called ordinary Britons, by which he obviously meant working class people. There was clearly an appeal to traditional Labour voters as well as disillusioned Tories.

What was needed urgently was a political revolt against the status quo. The voters were tuning out because they were in despair over a country in which nothing worked  not the NHS or the public services or government itself. So what was his proposed solution to this hopeless situation? What was the magic key which no other party or leader had managed to devise to free ordinary Britons from this living death? Answer: economic growth.

Well, yes. Thats what everybody believes. But how is that to be achieved? Where is the plan? What are the fiscal or monetary measures that Reform UK would provide which have escaped the notice of every other party in the country? Is it just putting a stop to immigration that will somehow accomplish this miraculous transformation of our economic fate? Or will the Farage personality alone be enough to bring about a change in national mood so dramatic that it will increase productivity and growth? Clearly, the intention is to win enough votes  and maybe even seats  so as to constitute an alternative parliamentary opposition that might replace the exhausted Conservative Party. Its a credible objective but this performance was less impressive than I had expected. There were no original ideas and no serious policy proposals. It looked like little more than a hasty, opportunistic lunge.

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JERSEY SHORE, N.J. (PIX11)  The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has launched its Secure the Shore initiative to prevent criminal activity along the Jersey Shore.

The initiative comes after the boardwalk in Wildwood was closed and crowds got out of hand in Seaside Heights.

Jersey Shore towns look at security after incidents over Memorial Day weekend

The director of the agency, Laurie Doran, talks about the initiative on PIX11 Morning News.

Watch the video player for more on this story.

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.
Mexico has a new president. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, 61, is the first woman to win a presidential election in the 200 years since the countrys independence. It was a historic election day in many ways. With a turnout close to 61%, the successor of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador achieved between 58.6% and 60.7% of the vote, according to the quick count, a mathematical extrapolation based on voting records collected throughout the country that usually yields accurate results. The percentage obtained by Sheinbaum exceeds the 53% achieved by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in 2018, quite an achievement for a candidate with less political charisma. Many questioned whether a sexist country like Mexico was ready to have a female president. The results at the ballot box proved that it is.

As the polls tenaciously predicted, the presidents successor has won by more than 30 points over her opponent from the conservative wing, Xochitl Galvez, who achieved between 26% and 28%. The candidate of the opposition coalition  which included the two traditional parties, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and National Action Party (PAN), together with the minority Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD)  was not able to overcome the wave of support by voters who decided to give Lopez Obradors National Regeneration Movement (Morena) party a second term. Galvez congratulated Sheinbaum on her win, saying it was a historic milestone that Mexico has a female president for the first time, but also warning that she will continue to defend her policies going out into the streets as many times as necessary.

The third candidate in the presidential race, Jorge Alvarez Maynez  who was running for the Citizen Movement party, a group with unclear ideological leanings  won around 10% of the vote.

Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City, after the early results were announced. Monica Gonzalez Islas

Mexicans have recognized the results, the convictions and the will of our project, said Sheinbaum after midnight, in her first speech after learning of the victory. Mexico has shown that it is a democratic country with peaceful elections, she added. She then thanked the calls from her opponents ackowledging her victory. And she congratulated herself for being the first woman to reach the presidency: I do not arrive alone, all of us women have arrived here, she said. She promised to govern for each and every citizen. We will have to walk in peace and harmony for a more prosperous and just country.

It is an overwhelming victory. Sheinbaum announced that Morena and its allies from the Labor Party and the Greens won a qualified majority in Congress and probably in the Senate too, which will give her almost omnipotent power. And not just her. The outgoing president, Lopez Obrador, will have one month between the formation of Congress on September 1 and the end of his term on October 1 to approve pending reforms, for which two thirds of the Chambers are required, since they imply constitutional reforms.

Claudia Sheinbaum celebrates in Mexico City. Christian Palma

Lopez Obrador himself was the first to congratulate his successor. In a video, he described Sheinbaum as the winner by a wide margin, the first female president of Mexico and possibly, he said, the presidential candidate who has won the most votes in Mexicos history. I congratulate all Mexicans, the name of Mexico is flying high, he said.

Some time earlier (the results were announced around midnight), congratulations had already begun to arrive from the presidents of other Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, as well as from the president of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro.

The PRI has become the fourth-strongest political force, a major blow to what was once the only party in Mexico. The group has been steadily losing support in each election, although it is holding its own despite the continuous predictions that it will be wiped off the political map. In the last few months, many PRI senators left the party and during the campaign, it also suffered some significant losses, with some members moving to other parties. The Greens  whose reputation among the public is as bad as the PRIs  have, however, done better in Congress. The Citizens Movement was expected to gain ground and take over the PRIs meager presence, but this has not been the case. The old politics  as described by the Citizens Movement  managed to hold its ground.

In Sundays election, also at stake were the governorships of eight states and the assemblies of the 32 states, as well as the composition of the federal legislative chambers and the mayoralities of all of Mexico. In total, more than 20,000 public offices were up for grabs. Out of a census of 98 million voters, 15 million were of voting age for the first time. Mexico City was won by the leftist candidate Clara Brugada, who won between nine and 12 points over her rival, PAN candidate Santiago Taboada. The race in the capital was more uncertain, with the two candidates expected to tie. This was not the case. Given Brugadas wide lead, Taboada has no margin to challenge the results in the courts, as he promised to do if he lost by a margin of less than five points.

Sheinbaum, a university activist in her youth, holds a PhD in energy engineering and served as the head of the government of Mexico City before aspiring to the presidency. Her victory awards a second term for Morena, the party she helped found. With no major shocks on election day and in spite of the violence that has marred the campaign, with 37 candidates murdered, Mexicans have made their choice clear. Gone are the years in which the PRI and PAN alternated power. Sheinbaum will be, in fact, the first person to reach the presidency without having previously been in the PAN or PRI. It is clear that Morena is here to stay and has changed Mexicos political landscape.

The popularity of Lopez Obrador, who retains a 60% approval rating at the end of his term, boosted Sheinbaums candidacy. The closing of her campaign, in Mexico Citys Zocalo, the capitals main square, felt more like a victory party as her followers heralded the elections expected result. The opposition turned the elections into a referendum against Lopez Obrador, a dangerous strategy which, in the end, proved to be unsuccessful. The conservative candidate, Xochitl Galvez, began her campaign with a moderate tone, insisting that she did not intend to destroy Lopez Obradors legacy but rather improve it by keeping what has thus far worked and improving what hasnt. But in the last few weeks of the campaign, her message veered towards portraying Mexico as being on the brink of a political apocalypse and at risk of losing its democracy. Needless to say, it was not well received by the people, who instead chose to give six more years to a left-leaning administration whose motto continues to be For the benefit of all, starting with the poor.

Xochilt Galvez recognizing Claudia Sheinbaum's victory on June 3. Roberto Antillon

Millions of families have seen their economic conditions improve in the last six years through higher retirement pensions, scholarships for students, disability benefits, and a minimum wage that has increased by an average of 20% per year, well above the Consumer Price Index (CPI), something unseen in previous administrations. In a country still heavily impoverished, these advances made possible by the Lopez Obrador administration have carried the party to a second term: many poor people felt connected to and seen by their government like never before.

Mexicos economic boom has outweighed concerns about violence in the country. In February, a historical record in foreign direct investment was announced, with more than $36 billion in 2023. Remittances sent by migrants to their families have also been shattering records, helping drive the local economy. Mexico has surpassed China to become the main exporter to the United States, its major trading partner. Nearshoring  the relocation of U.S. companies to Mexican territory  also promises to unleash a flood of new jobs.

Lopez Obradors irrefutable victory in 2018  he won 53% of the vote  left the opposition reeling for a good part of the six-year term, they were leaderless and without a plan. It was only in July of last year that a smiling, spirited woman, wearing flowery huipiles  traditional Mexican blouses  and riding a bicycle renewed the spirits and hopes of the traditional parties. Galvez, a self-made businesswoman and engineer from humble, rural origins, managed to push aside a whole generation of discredited leaders, who had led both the PRI and PAN astray, and win over the opposition.

The PAN and the PRI, lifelong intimate enemies, were forced to renew their alliance and share a single candidate in order to have a fighting chance in Sundays election. But they did not find strength in union. On the contrary, Galvez has had to fight against the interference of the parties and the public blunders of their leaders. She, who boasts of her ideological independence, needed them to conquer votes on the ground and at the same time repudiated them when they put spokes in her wheels. The first of the three presidential debates left a bitter taste in her mouth. She felt that they were leaving her with no air to breathe and she put her foot down: I am going to be me and if they want me as I am, then great. She fought to the end, but to no avail.

Mexico was expecting a female president, the ballot box just had to decide which one. Now the votes are in: Claudia Sheinbaum will take the reins of the country from October 1, when Lopez Obrador will hand her the presidential sash.

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Parties involved in confidential negotiations say progress is slow to resolve a lawsuit alleging that New Jerseys public schools are segregated because of residency laws that send children to schools in their ZIP code.

After entering mediation late last year and extending it once, the plaintiffs say they need at least two more months, if not more, to arrive at a solution and avoid entering a long and expensive trial.

That solution, still being crafted, has the potential to transform how children are matched with schools in New Jersey, where for decades municipalities have exercised local control over 600-odd school districts of varying sizes and vastly differing demographics.

Story continues below photo gallery

Plaintiffs consisting of minor children and their guardians, Black and Latino social justice organizations including the NAACP and Latino Action Network, two school districts at the Jersey Shore and the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey sued the state Department of Education in 2018 on the grounds that Black, Hispanic and low-income students suffer the worst impacts of unofficial, or de-facto segregation by income and race in public K-12 schools.

In October 2023, Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy issued a ruling in the suit, LAN v. New Jersey, that agreed with many, but not all, of the plaintiffs charges. Lougy ruled that the state had indeed failed to remedy segregation in schools, but he stopped short of saying the state had violated laws and did not order changes to its residency statute.

The parties agreed to enter confidential mediation in November, supervised by retired state Supreme Court judge Barry Albin. Mediation was set to end in February, but the parties asked for an extension until April.

Now, they have asked for another extension through July.

'Significant, good faith discussions'

Lawrence Lustberg, the attorney for the plaintiffs, suggested in a letter to the courts that the groups are making headway. The parties regularly confer with each other and with the mediator between sessions, and they have had significant, good-faith discussions in furtherance of a possible resolution, he wrote in April.

Solutions could include expanding inter-district choice, which permits students to attend school in a municipality they do not reside in, as well as magnet and public charter schools.

"However, given the broad scope of this mediation  which will address both liability and remedy  and the significance and tremendous complexity of the issues to be resolved, the parties will require a number of additional mediation sessions before potentially reaching a resolution," Lustberg wrote.

Lawrence Lustberg, the attorney for the plaintiffs, suggested in a letter to the courts that the groups are making headway.

"The parties continue to believe that mediation is likely to resolve this matter more expeditiously than litigation" and "may save the people of New Jersey and the courts of this state from years of time-consuming, expensive, high-profile litigation ... with significant fiscal consequences," Lustberg wrote in his letter.

Discussions could extend through the summer, said civil rights advocate Vivian Cox Fraser, president of the Urban League of Essex County, a Newark-based nonprofit and one of the plaintiffs. She did not comment on the content of the discussions because they are confidential, but was optimistic.

More: NJ school segregation lawsuit parties want more time to negotiate before trial. Here's why

We're not at the point of agreement yet, but I'm hopeful that we can reach one, said Fraser, who was bused to a district different from her own in 1971 as a middle schooler in Washington, D.C. The stakes are high... we're one of the most diverse states demographically and yet also one of the most segregated states" in terms of schools.

"We have to get to the point where it's not a zero-sum game  where I get what my child needs and somebody else fails, she said.

The challenge the parties face is to find a solution that appeals to New Jersey's many suburban school districts and their residents.

Vivian Cox Fraser

New Jersey is suburban. How do we appeal to suburbanites?" Fraser said. "How do we make that case? I believe it can't be that you win at the expense of somebody."

An attractive solution could address segregation while also saving taxpayer dollars, Fraser suggested.

Everybody wants to preserve their own enclaves and there's something nice about that, she said. But administration and curriculum development at the early elementary levels could also be easily shared between towns without affecting academic standards, she said.

Even the small high schools in some wealthy towns do not offer the wide range of elective courses that large, regionalized high schools do, she said.

If you didn't have so many districts, you could save on cost and still provide a great education, she said. Regionalizing and combining school districts are viewed by many as a cost-saving solution that achieves more diverse schools. A potential solution that makes schools more diverse across municipalities and reduces tax burdens could appeal to New Jerseyans, Fraser suggested, referring to the states high property taxes.

People are asking, 'Why am I spending this high portion of my income on taxes?' " I think the issue is going to come to a head and maybe this lawsuit is what brings it there, she said.

Charter schools as a possible alternative

The New Jersey Public Charter School Association did not comment on the mediation itself, but said it was "encouraged by the mediation efforts to date and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that more families have access to diverse learning environments for their children."

"The main culprit for the lack of racially diverse public schools in New Jersey is segregated housing patterns," said the organization's president, Harry Lee.

Charter schools operate predominantly in the state's urban districts, with several in Newark and Trenton, where the majority of students are low-income, and Black or Hispanic. A key feature is that they permit enrolled students to attend schools outside their ZIP codes. Lougy's ruling favored charter schools, saying they did not exacerbate segregation.

"The public charter school law allows families to cross municipal boundaries and we should be leveraging the current statute to significantly increase the number of diverse public schools for children throughout New Jersey," Lee said in a statement.

The Office of the Attorney General, representing the state in the negotiations, did not comment on the progress of mediation.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Negotiators optimistic over NJ school segregation talks
'No one else seemed to care': Patients reach out to Public Investigator about medical billing issues with Ascension, insurers

In November 2022, Thiensville resident Kate Nelson saw her doctor at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's in Grafton for an annual wellness visit.

A benefit of her Medicare plan, these visits are covered as long as additional tests and services aren't performed. None were, according to Nelson and her husband, who also attended.

A year later, the 71-year-old unexpectedly received a $648 bill.

Her husband, Steve Nelson, said he didnt expect it would take more than one phone call to clear up the miscommunication. But each time he called, he couldnt make any progress.

Steve Nelson calls Ascension billing services for an update on a medical bill sent to his wife, Katie Nelson.

The person that you almost always get is someone who has neither the knowledge to know how to answer my question, nor the ability to change it, he said.

Every month, they would get the same bill in the mail. Each time, Steve Nelson would call Ascension to say the charges were incorrect.

The last person I talked to at Ascension said, Well, for now, ignore this bill. Just ignore it while we process it, Steve Nelson said.

Ascension never explained what they needed to "process," he said. In March, after disputing the charge for five months, the Nelsons reached out to Public Investigator.

Reporters sent the bill to Ascension on April 1. Four days later, Steve Nelson got a call that the bill was dropped.

"Ascension called Katie this a.m.," Steve Nelson wrote in an email to Public Investigator. "One of the charges was coded wrong, the other was submitted by someone 'not credentialed.' Bottom line, the bill has been cancelled! Whew! Kudos to you ladies, and many, many thanks!"

The Nelsons' story is among dozens of emails and calls Public Investigator received from Ascension patients after publishing a story about a Milwaukee couple who spent months fighting a medical bill for a checkup. Most involved Medicare users or older adults, and all cited difficulties communicating with Ascension customer service regarding billing errors.

All patients who contacted Public Investigator experienced these issues months before Ascension fell victim to a ransomware attack this May.

Steve and Katie Nelson look through the stack of bills that have been mailed to them from Ascension.

In a statement, an Ascension Wisconsin spokesperson said Ascension is "committed to ensuring that all patients receive fair and accurate billing" and is continually improving its customer service. That includes ongoing customer service training and expanding access to customer service through "a variety of digital platforms."

The spokesperson also acknowledged the complexity of medical billing, caused by widely varying reimbursement and coverage policies across all kinds of insurance companies. Ascension resolves 85% of all billing inquiries during the first phone call, the spokesperson said.

Ascension declined to comment on specific patients' cases, even though the patients were willing to give the health care system permission to discuss their situations. However, Ascension agreed to investigate the cases included in this story.

Many older adults feel they're not listened to or taken seriously due to their age, said Emily Petersen, policy and advocacy manager for older adult services at the Milwaukee County Health department. She said navigating incorrect or confusing medical bills is a common problem.

"That is why this type of advocacy is so important and why federal law requires advocacy for older adults," Petersen said, "because these types of things are very prevalent."

Medicare can cause confusion between annual wellness visits and annual physical exams

In January, Milwaukee resident Carol Hioki, 68, visited the Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Family Health Center on North Avenue for her annual wellness visit, which Medicare had covered for her in the past.

But to her surprise, Hioki received two notices in the mail that said she owed $187.61 for her appointment.

Her routine visit turned into two months of calls to customer service.

When Hioki called the clinic, she said employees directed her to the billing departments of Ascension and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, which employs physicians at the clinic.

Froedtert reviewed the charges and, two weeks later, called to insist they were valid, according to Hioki.

Meanwhile, Ascension's billing department said it would review the charges and get back to Hioki within 10 business days, but Hioki said they never called back.

Hioki contacted Public Investigator in February.

In early March, about two weeks after Public Investigator contacted Ascension about her bill, Hioki got a call from Ascension that all charges had been dropped.

But her relief was short-lived. Later that month, Hioki said Ascension left her a voicemail that said based on "additional information," her visit was not considered an annual Medicare wellness visit. Her bill was reinstated.

The Ascension representative said Hioki would receive a letter with more details, but Hioki said she hasn't received it yet.

When Public Investigator asked the Medical College of Wisconsin why Hioki's bill was reinstated, a spokesperson said Hioki's procedure was considered a routine physical exam, not a Medicare annual wellness visit.

"The physician's documentation specifically included a note that the patient would need to schedule the (annual wellness visit) for a future date," said the Medical College of Wisconsin spokesperson. "As such, it was determined that the billing is accurate for this date of service."

In a statement, Ascension acknowledged that routine physical exams and Medicare annual wellness visits are often confused.

The annual wellness visit is covered by Medicare and is meant to focus on questions about one's wellbeing and lifestyle and does not include a physical exam. On the other hand, routine physicals are hands-on examinations meant to address questions or symptoms, and must be paid for out of pocket.

"Medicare Annual Wellness Visits and physical exams are best scheduled for the same day, with the wellness visit occurring first," the Ascension spokesperson said. "We encourage patients to clarify whether theyre scheduling a Medicare Wellness Visit or a physical exam when making their appointments."

However, when Public Investigator relayed this to Hioki, she said her doctor didn't tell her this information.

"I went in for a scheduled Medicare annual wellness visit, and that is what should have been performed," Hioki said. "I was not notified what was being performed that took priority over my reason for the appointment and did not give consent to whatever was going on."

Ascension sends Cudahy woman's physical therapy bill to collections agency

Linda Figueroa was walking through the Cudahy Middle School library in June 2022 when she tripped and fell on her shoulder, fracturing her collarbone. The injury landed the 71-year-old student services specialist in an arm sling for six months.

Instead of surgery, Figueroa opted for physical therapy at Ascension Hospital in Oak Creek.

According to her employer, the School District of Cudahy, the physical therapy sessions would be covered by United Heartland, a worker's compensation organization based in Michigan.

But in February of last year, a $304 bill landed in Figueroa's mailbox.

Linda Figueroa sorts through the several pages paperwork, email correspondence and bills from Ascension at her home in Cudahy on April 30.

For weeks, she said she called Ascension to clarify that her charges should be sent to United Heartland. Each time, she said she spoke to a different representative, which meant she had to re-explain her case.

Figueroa continued to receive bills for the next ten months, until December 2023, when Ascension notified her the bill would be sent to a collection agency if not paid immediately.

When Figueroa talked to United Heartland that month, a claims manager there said the organization had already sent Ascension her documentation and was waiting on Ascension to send back an invoice. Until the organization got the invoice, it couldn't pay the bill, United Heartland told Figueroa.

By January, Figueroa's bill had been sent to Frost-Arnett Company, a Kentucky-based collections agency.

The following month, United Heartland told Figueroa it could reimburse her "100%" if she paid the collections bill out of pocket. Instead, she contacted Public Investigator for help.

"Yes, I could pay it, but I don't know how many people have said, 'Oh, I will pay it,' and never get the money back," Figueroa said.

A medical bill sent to Linda Figueroa laid out on the table at her home in Cudahy.

United Heartland did not respond to a phone call and email requesting comment in February and March.

Ascension declined to comment on Figueroa's case without a patient privacy release form. But just days after Figueroa submitted the form to allow Ascension to discuss her case with reporters, she logged into her account to find that her bill was $0.

At the time, Figueroa said she didn't know why. She had not heard any update from Ascension or United Heartland.

On April 18, a few weeks after her balance was zeroed out, Figueroa received an email from United Heartland stating it paid the bill.

Figueroa said she was relieved to have Public Investigator's help in resolving the situation.

"No one else seemed to care or help for well over a year," she said. "The lack of help and customer service with Ascension billing and United Heartland has been eye-opening. I do hope that if anyone is unfortunate to go through this experience, your article will help."

Linda Figueroa is one of several Ascension patients to complain about confusing or incorrect billing from Ascension.

Tetanus vaccine appointment results in unexpected bill

Last April, at his doctor's recommendation, 78-year-old Robert Wezek received a tetanus and diphtheria booster vaccine at Ascension Wisconsin Health Center on Rawson Avenue in Franklin.

The appointment went as expected. However, since then, Wezek has received four notices stating that he owes $124 for the visit.

His insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, was billed for three different medical codes related to the vaccination and its administration. UnitedHealthcare agreed to pay only for the administration of the vaccine, but not for other costs.

When Wezek called Ascension's billing department to understand his charges, he was repeatedly left frustrated and without answers. Wezek said he called dozens of times without success.

"It's just ridiculous," he said.

In December, about eight months since his appointment, Ascension told Wezek that his previous request to review his bill was denied due to lack of information and asked Wezek for more details. The company told him it would review the bill again in seven to 10 days.

Regardless, in a letter reviewed by Public Investigator, Ascension said his bill would be sent to collections.

Adding to the confusion, the Ascension Medical Group on Rawson Avenue announced plans to close in early June.

After Public Investigator contacted Wezek's insurance company and Ascension in April, representatives from the two companies called him to tell him they were reviewing his case.

"No one has returned information to me about whether they dropped the case or not. But it's been four months now," Wezek said. "As long as I don't hear anything from Ascension or hear anything from the collection agency, I'm satisfied."

Health insurance for older adults is confusing, but there are people who can help

As the policy and advocacy manager for older adult services at the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, Petersen helps older adults navigate programs like Medicare.

Petersen said Medicare causes confusion not only for patients, but also for medical providers and their staff. People have to keep up with the differences between a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare "does not make it easy to understand what is going on," she said.

"Every single year, they change what the codes are, what you're billing for, what is eligible to be billed for under Medicare, and it's very confusing," said Petersen.

The lengthy process to dispute a medical bill error doesn't help, she added.

"Whether that's the hospital or through the Medicare appeals process, that process takes a very, very long time," Petersen said.

Married couple Steve and Katie Nelson have been disputing their Ascension medical bill for over a year after what was supposed to be a free annual wellness check covered by Medicare.

Navigating issues related to medical bills and Medicare require a lot of self-advocacy, Petersen said, so no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid of asking for help.

Milwaukee County residents who are 60 and older can use the program SeniorLAW, which provides free legal assistance related to Medicare, Medicaid, social security insurance programs, and more. Petersen also recommends using the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) website to locate nearby Medicare counseling resources.

Older adults can also go to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website to find an elder benefits specialist near them. Not only will a specialist investigate an incorrect medical bill charge, but they can also help people sign up for Medicare and choose the right plan for them, she said.

Petersen said the most important thing people can do is hold on to all documentation from their health insurance and medical provider. Clients can sign a release to allow elder benefits specialists to help them collect these documents on their behalf.

"I know people get scared that they might have missed something," Petersen said, "and it can be confusing to know: What is an actual document from your doctor, and what is just junk mail?"

Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at tfowlkes@gannett.com.

About Public Investigator

Public Investigator

Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to watchdog@journalsentinel.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ascension agrees to investigate 4 patients' medical billing complaints
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Monday rejected Rebecca Grossman's bid to overturn her murder convictions in the killing of two young brothers in a Westlake Village crosswalk, saying the facts and circumstances presented at trial justified the verdict.

Judge Joseph Brandolino upheld the decision in the September 2020 murders of Mark and Jacob Iskander, saying the evidence was "sufficient to support implied malice beyond a reasonable doubt."

He found that Grossman knew her actions were a danger to human life and she acted with conscious disregard, factors required under the law for vehicular murder convictions.

After a six-week trial filled with drama and emotion, a jury of nine men and three women found Grossman guilty in February of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and one count of hit and run in the deaths of the Iskander brothers, ages 11 and 8.

Brandolino said the "totality of evidence" of Grossman's actions before and after the fatal collision  including her drinking, speeding and leaving the scene  supported the verdict.

The judge noted that she drank at a Westlake Village restaurant and at a friend's home, and based on her blood alcohol level, had likely drunk more than two drinks and then drove under "slight impairment."

Read more: Rebecca Grossman's lawyers file motion for new trial, seek to overturn murder conviction

She sped at 73 mph to 81 mph in a residential neighborhood on Triunfo Canyon Road that had a posted 45-mph limit, the judge said. And she was closely following the vehicle of Scott Erickson, her then-boyfriend, before the crash as the two raced home.

Brandolino also said that Grossman left the scene. Her SUV stopped three-tenths of a mile from the marked crosswalk where the boys were struck after the vehicle was powered down by its safety system.

The judge also noted how Grossman had "received a warning that speed could kill" when she was given a speeding ticket from a California Highway Patrol officer in 2013.

Read more: Judge finds potential conflict with lawyer representing Rebecca Grossman and prosecutor, but resolves issue with waiver

James Spertus, Grossman's new lead attorney, who was hired after her conviction, argued there was no evidence presented at trial to support implied malice, which is needed for the murder charges.

"She doesn't have a malignant heart," Spertus told the judge. "Ms. Grossman didn't want to go fast and not care. ... It is a tragedy, not a murder.

This has been an incredibly tragic case, Spertus continued.

But when the lawyer told the court that Mrs. Grossman suffers every day, his words prompted audible disgust from onlookers, many of whom have loyally supported the Iskanders.

Spertus also argued that testimony related to Grossman's 2013 speeding ticket should not have been admitted, saying it was a weak attempt by the prosecution to show implied malice. He said the warning that Officer Robert Leffler purportedly gave Grossman when he ticketed her doing 93 mph on the 101 Freeway was insufficient.

Spertus argued that while prosecutors had promised the officer would specifically say he had given a warning to Grossman that "speed kills," he actually testified that, in general, he gave that warning to all drivers. The prosecution's argument  that the warning indicated that if she continued to speed in the future, it would be "in conscious disregard for human life"  was misleading, he said.

"You were misled in allowing certain evidence in," Spertus told Brandolino of the officer's testimony.

Brandolino, however, countered that the testimony was not exacted as proffered, but it was not that far from what he believed was going to be said.

Read more: D.A. removes Rebecca Grossman's prosecutors, outraging parents of murdered boys

Spertus also tried unsuccessfully to argue that Grossman was not read her rights during nearly an hour of waiting in a police car after the crash and as such, her statements during that period were inadmissible.

But Brandolino said the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Center was never in custody during that time and a deputy placed her in a sheriff's cruiser for her safety.

The judge also rejected the defense's request for a new trial based on a plethora of other arguments involving expert testimony and crime lab testing methods.

Grossman, who appeared in court wearing a brown jail shirt and pants, is slated to be sentenced June 10. She faces 34 years to life in prison.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In February 2024, The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO in Hendersonville, North Carolina made the announcement that their 'virgin' stingray named Charlotte was miraculously pregnant and expecting within a few months. Stingrays are normally pregnant for 3-4 months before having their pups, and fans have been waiting for Charlotte to deliver. On Thursday, May 30th, the aquarium made the announcement on Facebook that Charlotte has a rare reproductive disease, and fans were left wondering if she was really pregnant in the first place.

Daily Mail shared the update as well on June 1st, stating that the condition of her pregnancy and pup (the aquarium shared an ultrasound confirming there was only one pup) wasn't mentioned by the aquarium. The aquarium stated they are focusing on Charlotte's health and wellbeing, leaving us all wondering, what is really going on?

Daily Mail commenters left nearly 500 comments about the news, and they weren't buying that the aquarium was being honest about the pregnancy in the first place. @Taradlifestyle shared "They knew about this way back when they had told her team either she was pregnant or had a disease so the team ran with the pregnancy." @Cassi Crane added, "Still not convinced she was even pregnant. I'm thinking it was a tumor or similar the entire time." Another commenter was angry, "So they were lying for attention. Thats low Team ECCO."

Related: Kite Surfer in Australia Has Once-In-A-Lifetime Encounter With Stingray

Was Charlotte the Stingray Really Pregnant?

Team ECCO initially claimed that Charlotte was pregnant due to a very rare process called parthenogenesis. The stingray's eggs develop on their own without fertilization and create a clone of the mother. Team ECCO claimed that their female bamboo shark has undergone the process 14 times. They also stated this process is much more common in sharks than stingrays, and called Charlotte's pregnancy A once in a bluest of blue moons experience."

The Raleigh News & Observer shared on Monday, June 3rd that aquarium owners confirmed that Charlotte is not pregnant, and that experts arent sure if she ever was. The Raleigh reported that Brenda Ramer, owner of the aquarium, told News 13 that "Vets have diagnosed Charlotte with diapause, a suspended state of pregnancy in animals where an early-stage embryo refrains from implanting in a mothers uterus, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine."

After the aquarium shared their update on Facebook last week, they had to turn off comments on the post because people were claiming the whole thing was a hoax. I cant control what people think. Ramer said. I can only tell you what we know for certain. Ive never been a liar. This was not a scam. People have their own thoughts.

Whether she was pregnant or not, here's to hoping Charlotte makes a speedy recovery very soon.

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Daphne Wang is a current junior at North Hagerstown High School involved in the International Baccalaureate program, her schools Key Club, and the academic quiz team. But on top of Wangs busy schedule, she has just been elected to serve on the Washington County Board of Education as the 2024-2025 student representative.

As the student representative, which is a yearlong non-voting position held by a high school student, Wang, 16, hopes to build a foundation for future students holding the position by creating a stronger countywide community and increasing transportation availability.

"I am only here for a year, so I want to build a foundation, Wang said.

Daphne Wang, the new student representative for the Washington County Board of Education.

Although she has been elected by the Washington County Association of Student Councils, Wang said she did not fully understand what the student representative did on the school board until this year. She is the State Legislative Affairs co-coordinator for the Maryland Student Councils Association and met student representatives from different counties in Maryland.

I was flabbergasted, Wang recalled. These students get to represent their peers across the county, they get to talk to so many people, and they get to meet so many people.

When Wang first learned about the position, she said it opened [her] eyes to the disparities we see across counties in Maryland. These disparities are something she wants other students to understand.

Around Maryland: Vehicle registration fees are set to rise this summer

To begin building the foundation and importance of the student member of the board position, Wang wants to help other students understand the position and its impact on students throughout the county and the state.

As a first step, Wang wants to begin to foster a community both within the individual schools and between the many schools in the county. Wang said that right now, she feels like there are caged-in school communities, and she hopes to promote a cohesive county identity between all schools in Washington County.

Along with promoting county unity, Wang thinks one of the biggest issues facing students is a lack of transportation, something she hopes to change.

Track and field: 2024 Washington County high school leaders

Wang said that she got into student council freshman year because she would tag along to meetings with a friend who she carpooled with. However, she said she quickly found how rewarding student government could be and decided to continue following her passion for student government. She is now the student government vice president.

However, with all her after-school activities, Wang needed transportation home. While she has a license now, she used to have to organize carpools to get home since her parents work full-time.

Wang hopes to work with the school board to add more transportation options for students throughout the county who want to get involved in their schools.

Graham Snyder was the student representative for the Washington County Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year. He also was from North High and focused on increasing mental health resources in schools as well as affordable and accessible drivers' education classes for students.

Wangs first board meeting will be on July 16.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: North Hagerstown High's Daphne Wang voted to board of education
South Korea on Monday announced it will suspend a military deal signed with North Korea in order to punish Kim Jong Uns regime for sending waves of balloons carrying garbage and excrement over the border.

Almost 1,000 balloons floated southward across the fortified border dividing the Korean peninsula since Thursday, according to South Koreas Yonhap News Agency, prompting a furious response from Seoul, which vowed to take unbearable retaliatory measures on Sunday. North Korea announced it would stop sending the balloons hours after the threat over the weekend, but the South is now poised to take punitive action regardless.

South Koreas National Security Council said it would suspend a 2018 inter-Korean agreement that had aimed to reduce tensions along the border. The presidential council said it would seek cabinet approval to suspend the agreement Tuesday and noted that the suspension would allow South Koreas military to conduct drills close to the border.

Man Who Started North Korea Balloon Fight Plots Revenge for Poop Attack

The deal will remain suspended until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored, the presidential office said.

The pact emerged after months of summit talks between the two nations in 2018, but it has been on the brink of collapse since North Korea launched a spy satellite in November. South Korea partly suspended the agreement by resuming surveillance flights on the border, and Pyongyang further hastened the deals demise with artillery fire drills close to its western sea border with the South in January.

While the pact required both sides to end hostile acts toward each other, it did not explicitly ban civilian leafleting, according to the Associated Press. That means activists in South Korea had been able to continue sending balloons over the border into the North carrying anti-regime leaflets and USB sticks containing world news, provoking fury in Pyongyang.

North Korea Accused of Launching Floating Poop Balloon Attack

The balloons from the North started arriving in the South last week after Kim Kang Il, North Koreas vice defense minister, accused Seoul of scattering leaflets and various dirty things near border area and promised to take tit-for-tat action in response.

On Sunday, he said North Korea had scattered 15 tons of wastepaper, favorite toy of the human scum, over the border areas of South Korea. Kim Kang Il said Pyongyang would now halt the campaign as the South now had enough experience of how unpleasant the balloons are and how much effort it takes to clean them up.

If the South continues with its own balloons, he added, we will correspond to it by intensively scattering wastepaper and rubbish hundred times the amount of scattered leaflets and the number of cases, as we have already warned.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Norway's top general says NATO has two to three years to prepare for confrontation with Russia

The head of the Norwegian Armed Forces, General Eirik Kristoffersen, believes that the North Atlantic Alliance's window of opportunities to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia has shrunk to two to three years.

Source: European Pravda citing an interview with Bloomberg

Details: Christoffersen noted that NATO had previously given Russia up to ten years to restore its military capabilities, depleted by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Quote: "At one point someone said itll take 10 years but I think were back to less than 10 years because of the industrial base that is now running in Russia. It will take some time, which gives us a window now for the next two to three years to rebuild our forces, to rebuild our stocks at the same times as we are supporting Ukraine."

Details: The commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces noted that Russia's positions near his country's borders have not changed significantly over the past year, and this allows Oslo to fulfil the requirements for strengthening defence capabilities agreed upon within NATO.

"So we can fulfil those plans and those decisions with content in the next years but we need to speed up. We need to do it in two to three years to make sure that we are ready for whatever might happen," he stressed.

A number of European NATO countries have been raising concerns about the risk of Russian aggression in the near future.

For example, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in January that the Alliance should prepare for a Russian attack on a NATO country within 5-8 years.

Polish President Andrzej Duda is also concerned that Russia may soon have the military capability to attack NATO as early as 2026-27.

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Hes not just someone who got hit by a car, hes my son: Sacramento hit-and-run victim may not survive

Editors note: The family said the victim was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m. on June 2.



(FOX40.COM)  The man who was left critically injured after a hit-and-run car crash in Sacramento is not expected to survive, according to his family.

The victim, identified by his mother and stepdad as 32-year-old Tyler West Vandehei, was walking near 16th Street when he was struck by a vehicle around 1 a.m. on May 31. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police said they arrested the driver several hours after he fled the scene.

Sacramento hit-and-run suspect who left pedestrian in critical condition arrested

Its going to be fatal, said Erik Spence, stepdad, on Sunday. He has a skull fracture and abrasions all over his body. The doctors said his prognosis isnt good.

Spence said he and his wife received a phone call from law enforcement at 3:30 a.m. on May 31.

Man armed with gun threatens Downtown Sacramento visitors

They told us we needed to get to the hospital because Tyler was probably going to die, Spence said.

Shortly after, the couple said they hopped on a plane from their home in Washington and flew to U.C. Davis Medical Center.

Im heartbroken, said Vandeheis mom, Deborah West. He wasnt just someone who got hit by a car. Hes my son. Hes a brother. Hes a grandson.

West said that Vandehei struggled with housing after being let go from a job and thinks that may have been the reason he was outside so early in the morning. She said as a single man, he didnt have the same resources available as a teenager or person with a child, but he was optimistic about getting back on his feet.

I have so many questions, West said. I just want to know the circumstances surrounding his death so that we can have closure.

West said her son has a family who loves him. His brother, sisters and parents created a GoFundMe to help with his medical and potential funeral expenses.

He was a kind and giving person who would help anyone even if he had nothing, West said.

Vandeheis family said they are planning to take him off life support on Monday because doctors said he doesnt have any measurable neurological function. They find some solace in knowing he is an organ donor.

At 16, he chose to be an organ donor when he first got his license, West said. This is a wish that I want to honor for him. Something good can come from such a tragic situation.

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.
Getty Images photo of voters in line.

Will any of Donald Trumps many potential deal-breakers break the deal for citizens still undecided about whom to vote for in November? The economy, which most Americans perceive negatively, may become the biggest deal-breaker of all  but for Joe Biden, not Trump.

Facing an incredibly important presidential election, many Americans, myself included, worry about the future of this country. Our primary concern is the continuing threat to democracy, truth and core American values posed by Trump and his lickspittle allies in and out of Congress.

In this never-ending nightmare, I beat my head against the wall wondering how millions and millions of Americans can ignore the blaring warning signs announcing exactly what to expect if Trump wins, and, alternately, what to expect if he loses and  to the surprise of exactly no one  refuses to concede. If you think his and his allies unhinged response after his hush-money conviction was alarming, brace yourself for their reaction if he loses in November.

Since 2016, Trump has committed what for any other candidate in any other era would be deal-breaker after deal-breaker after deal-breaker. Even his frequent fact-challenged hate-posts on social media would be enough to scuttle the campaign of nearly any other candidate. But, finally, after the 2020 election, it appeared he had gone too far. Surely, inciting a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn a legal election would be the final straw for Americans already exhausted by years of Trumpian drama.

Nope.

But what about all those felony crimes hes facing in federal and state courts? What about his new status as a convicted felon after the recent trial in New York?

While its too early to tell how that conviction on 34 felony counts will affect Trumps support, his poll numbers leading up to the trial hadnt been dented by his multiple pending criminal cases or the civil cases already decided against him. With all that legal smoke billowing around this man, its a miracle that his electoral prospects havent expired from smoke inhalation.

MY MISTAKE AND THAT OF MANY like-minded worriers is forgetting James Carvilles famous injunction to the Bill Clinton campaign in 1992 when Clinton successfully sought to unseat President George H.W. Bush. Carville, then a strategist for the Clinton campaign, told campaign volunteers to remember three things:

The economy, stupid. Change vs. more of the same. Dont forget health care.

While No. 2 remains relevant in this election and No. 3 less so, history has preserved the first rule in stone: If voters perceive a poor economy, theyll hold it against the current president no matter whos at fault. Sure, the U.S. economy by many measures is doing well, and President Biden doesnt get enough credit for navigating the U.S. through a difficult pandemic/post-pandemic economy without a feared recession coming to pass. Yet, those fact-based arguments tend to dissolve in the face of household budgets struggling to stay in the black.

For many Americans on the fence about the upcoming election, one trip to the grocery store is enough to shove them off the fence and right into the lap of the former president. All those $4.99 products that just a year ago were selling for $2.99, and gadzooks, a watermelon quarter going for $6.99 at the local Kroger!

High grocery prices, stubbornly high gas prices  still around $3.59 a gallon in much of Ohio as of this writing  and other painful cost increases can blur perspectives on the aforementioned Trump deal-breakers. Sure, our democracy is under threat, Trump is a lying, lawless scoundrel potentially facing years in prison, and hes an unrepentant authoritarian to boot. But dammit, what about two bucks for an avocado?!

THE TRUTH IS THAT MANY of the Americans who will decide this election dont breathlessly follow the latest news reports. What they see at the grocery store, gas station, car dealer, monthly rent, and in their paychecks is a lot more compelling than the news bulletins that they half hear while going about their daily lives. A young breadwinner making $14 an hour and no benefits working the counter at an auto-parts store will pay a lot closer attention to immediate economic factors than talking heads wringing their hands about the future of democracy.

If called out for being Trump supporters, they might just respond (with a strong dose of selective/repressive memory), I dont like him but I sure miss his economy.

And face it, after years of Trumpian drama, many Americans have become jaded. His latest outrage is just, well, his latest outrage, and nothing he can do surprises anybody anymore.

The November 2024 presidential election will put James Carvilles rule to the test. How badly can the presidential challenger behave before that bad behavior overcomes day-to-day economic stressors and sends that candidate home?

In a commentary posted on May 23, Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief David DeWitt pondered a similar question about the state of Ohios grossly dysfunctional politics.

In his blistering op-ed, Ohio Statehouse Republicans Stand Determined to Prove How Toxic Gerrymandering Is, DeWitt asked how corrupt, extreme, irresponsible and abusive must the gerrymandered Republican-dominated Ohio Statehouse get before the states voters finally say enough.

Different issues, to be sure, between presidential and Ohio state politics, but both situations do set up a defining test for voters. In the case of the presidential election, will they stand up for democracy, decency, truth and historic American principles, or will they follow the path of least resistance  got to do something about those high prices!  and let democracy fall by the wayside?

Whatever the answer, one things not in doubt: Well find out soon enough.

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The post In November, will economic stress trump the future of American democracy? appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
November trial set for fate of abandoned hotel by the Falls

It appears an abandoned, multi-story hotel near the Falls on Central Freeway is not going anywhere soon.

The city of Wichita Falls is attempting to take the property through the power of eminent domain, but the owner is resisting and has requested a jury trial on the matter.

Thirtieth District Court Judge Jeff McKnight has put the issue on a jury trial docket for Nov. 18, but the case could be pushed forward even more.

As the former Sheraton Hotel on Central Freeway fell into disrepair, police were often called to the scene on reports on vandals and transients, and on one occasion had to rescue juveniles from the building. Police activity at the hotel is shown in this July 27, 2023, Times Record News file photo.

A pretrial hearing is set for Nov. 14.

The hotel, built as a Sheraton in 1985, has been vacant since about 2012 and has become a hangout for vandals and trespassers. It was built in the floodway of the Wichita River and has flooded several times.

The city took action in 2023 to use eminent domain to acquire the derelict property after negotiations to buy it fell through.

A special panel determined in April that $750,000 would be a fair price for the dilapidated property, which is valued at $1.5 million on tax rolls.

The owner, Rajendra Patel of Oklahoma, claimed the city had no right to take the property and that the amount awarded by the panel was "grossly inadequate." He requested and was granted a jury trial.

Patel has not attended any of the court sessions.

He has incurred 233 Class C misdemeanor warrants related to code violations on the property and faces arrest and $299,818 in accumulated fines, according to Municipal Court records.

Assistant City Manager Paul Menzies has said the city would demolish the building and turn the property into park land.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: November trial set for fate of abandoned hotel by the Falls
The relationship between Ukraine and its NATO allies has followed a pattern of tug-of-war that has left Kyiv desperate. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, limitations imposed by the Atlantic Alliance powers in the military field for fear of an escalation of the war beyond Ukraine have been overcome by the government of Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Every major decision, from the delivery of German Leopard tanks to U.S. F-16 fighters, has been preceded by lengthy negotiations. Now, one of the major red lines that had been in place since the beginning of Western support for the invaded country has been removed: the use of NATO weaponry against military targets on Russian soil.

The Russian offensive launched on May 10 north of the city of Kharkiv has again underlined the need for Ukraine to use NATO-supplied missiles and artillery against targets on the other side of the border. The Kremlin concentrates its artillery positions, missile systems, aviation and drone units operating against Ukraine in the Russian province of Belgorod, bordering the invaded territory north of Kharkiv.

Kyiv had been pressing its partners since early May to give the go-ahead for the use of its weaponry against targets inside Russia. After resounding refusals, last week saw a succession of messages of support from powers such as France and Germany, and finally, on Thursday, from the United States. The U.S. and Ukrainian press reported that President Joe Biden had secretly given authorization for artillery, anti-aircraft systems and Himars medium-range missiles supplied by Washington to strike Russian military targets across the border from the Ukrainian provinces of Kharkiv and Sumi. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the decision on Friday at a press conference during a NATO meeting in Prague.

Key to the change in the U.S. position  which has been very gradual but gained momentum as the damage caused by the delay in Congress to renew military aid to the invaded country became clear  was Blinkens own visit to Kyiv two weeks ago, during which the head of U.S. diplomacy was able to see first-hand Ukraines military needs. But, as the U.S. accelerates its production of ammunition to send to Kyiv and explores ways to speed up arms deliveries, Biden continues to prohibit its long-range ATACMS missiles from being used against Russian territory.

This poses a new barrier that Kyiv will try to circumvent. Zelenskiy stated last week that Moscow is massing thousands of troops 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the border to redouble pressure on the Kharkiv front. Petro Chernik, a colonel in the Ukrainian army, assured Espresso media on May 28 that the only way to hit this concentration of troops is precisely with ATACMS, loaded with cluster munitions. Blinken, asked about this in Prague, said that his government will adapt and adjust its position if necessary. A catch-all position that Washington has reiterated time and again. We want to make sure that were proceeding deliberately as well as effectively, the secretary of state added.

The White Houses decision is the minimum to help Ukraine in a difficult situation in its northeast, in the Kharkiv area, notes John Herbst of the Center for Eurasia at the Atlantic Council think tank. It removes, the analyst continues, a major obstacle in Ukraines efforts to defend civilians in Kharkiv and to stop the Russian offensive. This half-hearted step is better than nothing, continues the former U.S. ambassador to Kyiv, but it does not send the necessary message to the Kremlin about U.S. resolve in the war.

Nuclear threat

Each green light in favor of Ukraine has been accompanied by threats from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on May 29 of serious consequences if NATO missiles are used against Russia: In Europe, especially in small countries, they should be aware of what they are playing with.

Russia has been very adept at exploiting U.S. and German fears of unconventional escalation. Russian nuclear threats have delayed and limited crucial aid to Ukraine, Mikola Bielieskov, a researcher at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, an agency under the Ukrainian presidency, told EL PAIS. Another of the episodes in this pressure game was the authorization given by Berlin in January 2023 for the transfer of Leopard tanks to the Ukrainian army. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had for weeks refused the supply of these armored vehicles on the grounds that it would be a provocation to Russia.

Scholz continues to rule out sending German Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine for fear of a direct conflict with Russia, although other states did end up providing them after more than a year of Kyivs insistence: the UK and France have been supplying their Storm Shadow/Scalp rockets since 2023 and the U.S., since this spring, the ATACMS. Unlike these countries, Germany does not have the deterrent of nuclear weapons in its arsenal.

Every decision, a year late

Every decision to which we, then later everyone together, comes to is late by around one year, Zelenskiy told Reuters on May 20. A case in point is the F-16 fighters. Being of U.S. production, the delivery of these aircraft requires prior authorization from Washington. For almost a year, the transfer of F-16s was denied, citing the difficult training of pilots, the complexity of supplying components and the possibility that the Ukrainian Air Force would use them to attack inside Russia. Biden finally gave his approval in August 2023. The first six aircraft, donated by Denmark, are expected to enter combat this summer.

The delivery of the 90 F-16s Ukraine will receive from Denmark, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands will be important in the countrys defense, but former Armed Forces of Ukraine commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi acknowledged last November that these aircraft would be at least a year too late to be decisive because the enemy has had time to establish a powerful network of anti-aircraft systems in the battle theater.

Ukraine is also testing the limits of its allies. Armored infantry vehicles supplied by the U.S. and Poland were used in the May 2023 incursion into Russian territory by Russian paramilitary groups opposed to Putin. In the operation, which was coordinated by the Ukrainian intelligence services, Belgian and Czech assault rifles were also used, as well as Swedish anti-tank rockets. This caused unease in the aforementioned countries, but more friction came over the use of a U.S. Patriot anti-aircraft missile, donated by Germany, to shoot down a Russian plane in enemy territory, the German newspaper Bild reported on May 28. Berlin and Washington threatened to stop supplying more Patriot systems, according to the newspaper. Pentagon sources assured The New York Times last February that another Patriot missile destroyed a military cargo plane in the Russian province of Belgorod.

There are U.S. red lines that have also disappeared in the face of Kyivs disregard for them. Ukrainian intelligence services have been periodically attacking Russian oil industry facilities with drone bombs since January. This offensive has intensified despite the U.S. government publicly and privately asking Zelenskiy to stop because it jeopardizes the stability of global fuel prices. Biden was similarly opposed in the early months of 2022 to Ukraine attacking Russian targets on the Crimean Peninsula, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, but his position shifted in August of that year after finding, again, that the defending army was doing so without seeking permission. Now even ATACMS are being launched toward Crimea, such as in an attack against a ferry in the Kerch Strait that was destroyed on May 30 with one of these missiles.

Zelenskiy has already put on the table the next item that will test the limits of Kyivs allies: the request for NATO aircraft and anti-aircraft defenses to intercept Russian missiles and drones from Poland and Romania. Bielieskov confirms that Ukraine would like to see other red lines removed, such as the receipt of U.S. intelligence on the location of military targets on Russian soil  something the White House refuses to provide  or the entry into action of NATO troops, as French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed. But the most important barrier, Bielieskov adds, will remain that Ukraine is not yet part of NATO: As long as this is not possible, there will always be red lines.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  NYCHA is now accepting applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental aid for low-income families.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program administrated by NYCHA. Section 8 rental vouchers help low-income families afford rent when searching for housing in the private market.

How to improve your chances to win affordable housing in NYC

People can now apply online to join the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Programs waitlist in New York City. The application period will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 9.

For more information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and eligibility requirements, click here.

After the application period ends, a total of 200,000 applications will be randomly selected through a lottery to join the waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Applicants will be notified when the waitlist has been established. People will be able to check the status of their applications by logging into NYCHAs Self Service Portal.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
EAST ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11)  The two NYPD officers shot in Queens early Monday morning were released from the hospital to applause from fellow officers.

The officers, identified as Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu, were chasing down a suspect when he opened fire, according to the NYPD. Yarusso was shot near his stomach, but saved by his bulletproof vest.

Abreu was shot in the leg, police said.

Both are expected to make a full recovery after their release from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Police identified the shooter as 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, who is believed to be involved in several robberies in Queens.

Bystander shot on Upper East Side subway: NYPD

The two officers are young  one has worked five years on the job, while the other has two years, according to the NYPD. Their colleagues say their bravery was displayed, and that they have bright futures ahead of them on the force.

The one police officer shot in the vest was more concerned about his partner saving his life, getting a tourniquet out, Police Benevolence Association President Patrick Hendry said during a press conference. Thats what partners do in the NYPD. They save each others lives. And thats what happened here today.

Woman fatally slashed on the neck in the Bronx: NYPD

Both officers are in good spirits following their release, the NYPD told PIX11 News.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. 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.
Dr. Rachel Jensen (photo: Clayton Henkel)

This month marks the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs ruling that ended the constitutional right to abortion care. Its also been just over one-year since the Republican-controlled General Assembly in North Carolinas enacted our states 12-week abortion ban.

Abortion access will likely be a critical issue for some voters this year, and its already having an impact on the medical community. Doctors are reassessing residency programs especially in states where there are strict abortion bans. While other doctors not in the obstetrics field  are questioning what they can and cant tell their pregnant patients, based on North Carolinas abortion restrictions.

Recently, News & Views producer Clayton Henkel sat down with Dr. Rachel Jensen, a North Carolina OB/GYN and abortion provider, to discuss how North Carolinas restrictive new law has changed her training over the past year, the care shes able to provide to her patients, and her hopes for the November election.

The post OB/GYN Dr. Rachel Jensen on how abortion restrictions have changed healthcare, medical training appeared first on NC Newsline.
Before Orange County voters approved a half-penny sales tax for school construction more than two decades ago, the countys public schools relied heavily on portable classrooms to handle growing enrollment, and many older buildings suffered from leaky roofs, balky air conditioners, peeling paint and even rodents.

One former principal said she used to bake cookies for maintenance workers, hoping to convince the overworked staff to make fixes on her campus.

The sales tax, first approved by voters in 2002 and renewed in 2014, was a game changer for Orange County Public Schools, giving it money to overhaul 136 older campuses and build 65 new ones in fast-growing areas.

In the light-filled cafeteria of Edgewater High School  a school founded in 1952 but thanks to sales tax money now housed in modern campus that opened in 2011  OCPS leaders on Monday made a public bid for voters to again vote yes on the tax. It will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Without that continuation, we will be $4 billion short, said Teresa Jacobs, chair of the Orange County School Board, as she and Superintendent Maria Vazquez delivered a State of the Schools address to community leaders.

Central Floridas largest school district needs to spend nearly $9 billion in the next 10 years to build 15 new schools in the Apopka, Horizon West and Lake Nona areas, where residential growth is crowding existing campuses, and to upgrade older buildings, including replacing roofs, air-conditioning systems and technology. Without the sales tax, it can expect to bring in only about half of that amount, officials said.

It is critical that we are able to renew the sales tax, Vazquez said after the meeting, attended by business, community, law enforcement and school leaders.

In early May, the school district estimated it would be short $2.7 billion but updated that figure to $4 billion to include needed work on more schools, officials said.

To date, Oranges tax has been popular with voters, passing with 59% of the vote in 2002 and then 64% in 2014.

Dick Batchelor, the former state lawmaker and consultant who led the public campaign to pass the tax initiatives, attended the event and said he expected the tax would pass this year, too. The new campuses visible across Orange County are the best argument for voters saying yes again, he said.

That gives them the confidence that the school board is doing what it says it is doing, he added.

The average age of an OCPS campus was 32 years before the sales tax passed. It is 13 years now.

A video shown during the event included before and after photos of campuses that have been redone with sales tax money and included an interview with a former principal who remembered seeing mice on her rundown campus and baking cookies for maintenance workers in hopes theyd paint and make other repairs.

The video also showed older photos of Edgewater High, where before renovations a chunk of the auditorium ceiling fell in, the bleachers in the gym stopped retracting and outdoor walkways had been leaking for years.

Jacobs, a mother of four, said she remembered that her childrens school in MetroWest and many others were mazes of portables and covered walkways before tax-funded renovations.

The number of portable classrooms in use on OCPS campuses has dropped from more than 3,600 in 2001 to fewer than 1,500 this year, officials said

If the voters say yes again, the local sales tax would remain at 6.5%, a half-cent above the state-required 6%.

As the state stopped providing much money for school construction and maintenance, many Florida school districts have looked to pass local sales taxes to fill the gaps. Voters in neighboring Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties, among others, have agreed in recent years to pay more in sales tax to help build or overhaul schools in their communities.

The sales tax currently pays for more than 45% of OCPS capital funding, with local property taxes covering about 42% and impact fees paid by developers of new homes providing about 10%, according to OCPS 2023-24 budget.

In 2008, the state stopped providing utility tax revenue to school districts that had been targeted for school construction. In 2019, OCPS got its last $2.25 million in utility tax money that could be used for school maintenance.

Even with the half-penny voters approved, the sales tax in Orange is lower than that in Osceola or Seminole. More than half is paid by tourists or others who do not live in the county, officials said.
In our Reality Check stories, Wichita Eagle journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Story idea? tips@wichitaeagle.com.

As accusations of a botched emergency response surfaced after 22-year-old Paoly Bedeski died in a northeast Wichita apartment fire, officials vowed to investigate the Oct. 13 blaze.

The county and city agreed to split the costs of an independent audit that would critically examine the public safety agencies involved  Sedgwick County 911 and the Wichita Fire Department  and how Bedeski, the first caller to alert 911 of the fire, died in her bathtub waiting for help to arrive.

The analysis of the Brookhollow Apartment fire was authorized in December with the expectation that it would take several months to select a vendor and several more for a report to be issued. Since then, little has been said about what progress is being made.

The Eagle wanted to determine whether a vendor has been selected to perform the audit and when the public can expect to read the investigative findings.

County chooses Jensen Hughes

With little fanfare, the County Commission approved the board of bids and contracts recommendation on May 8 to select Jensen Hughes to conduct the audit. That is the same Baltimore-based public safety consulting firm that issued a blistering report last year on the internal culture of the Wichita Police Department in the aftermath of a racist text message scandal.

Sedgwick County plans to pay the firm $190,000 and bill the city for half of the costs. The contract with Jensen Hughes was finalized on May 31.

The county expects a report to be issued within roughly 90 days, meaning the earliest the audit could be completed is in September. That report must include a comprehensive review and analysis of Emergency Communications and Fire Department operations, training, policy, procedures, common practices, and actual performance regarding the fatal apartment complex fire incident.

911 and the fire department are instructed to turn over all documents and data relevant to the Brookhollow Apartment fire response, as are Sedgwick County EMS, Wichita police and the county coroners office. Consultants will also have the ability to independently interview all public employees involved in the incident.

Jensen Hughes was selected from a pool of four applicants by a panel that included the city and countys purchasing directors, Assistant County Manager Rusty Leeds, Assistant City Manager Donte Martin, and representatives from both the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council and Wichita States Public Policy and Management Center.

The winning proposal was the most expensive of those submitted  $190,000 compared to $128,000 from FireWise Consulting Limited, $121,965 for Federal Engineering and $107,273 for Mission Critical Partners.

Basically, this was a proposal instead of a bid. We werent looking strictly at who had the best price but the best solution, County Purchasing Director Joe Thomas said during the May 2 bid board meeting. When these were reviewed, as we mentioned earlier, Federal Engineering and Jensen Hughes both rose to the top of having what we were looking for, which is complete objective analysis in both operations in emergency communications and the fire department.

Supporting documents dont show much about what each firm offered to do differently. Jensen Hughes submission does list computational fire modeling as a possible service that could be provided at an additional cost. Fire modeling is a mathematical approach to mapping the spread of fires within a building from their point of origin.

We are only proceeding with the primary scope of services for the amount of $190,000 and have not exercised the option to utilize computational fire modeling, county spokesperson Nicole Gibbs said.

Fire investigators have still not determined how the blaze began at the Central and Rock apartment complex early on Oct. 13.

Costly miscommunication

Bedeski called 911 at 3:58 a.m. In audio of the harrowing call, she can be heard telling the dispatcher her apartment is on fire and repeating her unit number. Help me, please, she pleaded before the line went dead.

Wichita Eagle  Paoly Bedeski Call To Sedgwick County 911

Wichita firefighters arrived on the scene 14 seconds after Bedeskis 911 call ended but they didnt find her for another 20 minutes. Records show the dispatcher did not tell firefighters a woman was trapped inside Apartment 306 over the radio or through the computer-aided dispatch system.

At a news conference in November, Wichita fire union President Ted Bush said firefighters are trained to conduct third-floor search and rescue operations like the one that could have saved Bedeski in two and a half minutes.

County dispatchers also waited more than 17 minutes to sound the second alarm that firefighters requested within seconds of arriving on the scene. That alarm would have brought more crews and supplies to the scene.

These failures cost Paoly her life, the Bedeski family said in a statement that pointed to the slow alarm and failure to notify firefighters that Paoly was trapped.

In a separate news conference, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Director Elora Forshee said the vital information was lost in communication during the brief 911 call.

Unfortunately, the information about Miss Bedeski calling from Apartment No. 306 was not intelligibly heard or understood on the phone from the dispatcher. There was not any understanding or assumption that she was trapped.

The dispatcher did not use the playback function on the computer-aided dispatch system or the cell phone GPS coordinates to determine Bedeskis location as calls from other Brookhollow Apartment residents began to flood 911, Forshee later confirmed.

She said 911 employees were required to review training materials on how to properly issue a second alarm after the Brookhollow tragedy.

The fire union called for Forshee to be relieved of her duties in the aftermath of the fatal incident, as did 15 former 911 employees who published an open letter alleging inadequate training and a toxic work culture under her leadership.

So far, County Commissioners and the county manager have remained publicly supportive of Forshee. Commissioners approving the audit were adamant that the analysis also thoroughly examine city firefighters handling of the incident.

Im on fire!: County reviews 911 call after Wichita Fire Department flags concerns

Mistakes are being made: Former employees call for removal of 911 director

Sedgwick County approves outside probe into what went wrong in fatal Wichita apartment fire

Sedgwick County 911 had GPS coordinates for Paoly Bedeski but didnt tell firefighters

We need to dance for her: Paoly Bedeski remembered for her compassion, love of life

These failures cost Paoly her life. Family seeks 911 changes after fatal fire

Devastating errors: Wichita firefighters union calls for investigation in fatal fire
CNNs Kasie Hunt questioned New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Donald Trump supporter-turned-critic-turned-supporter-again, on whether hes comfortable voting for the former president despite the fact that hes been convicted.

Oh, sure! As  apparently, according to the polls  most of America is, said Sununu in an appearance on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday.

Sununu  who described himself as a Trump guy through and through in 2019  has transformed into a frequent critic of the former president in recent years, describing him as not a real Republican, crazy and previously calling on the GOP to find another candidate for 2024.

Sununu, who backed former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley before hopping onto the Trump train in March, told Hunt that the reality is the former presidents guilty verdict isnt really moving peoples decisions on how to vote.

But do you find it troubling, at all? Hunt later asked about Trumps conviction.

Look, I dont want my nominee to be convicted of anything, of course, and I worked as hard as anybody other than maybe Nikki Haley, of course, to make sure he wasnt the nominee because I think we had a lot better choices, he said.

But he is going to be the Republican nominee of the party.

Hunt would later flip to a clip of Haley from February, in which she declared that theres no way Americans would vote for a convicted criminal before asking Sununu if he thinks shes wrong.

Uh, yeah, apparently. Apparently, we were both wrong on that one, said Sununu, who told CNNs Kaitlan Collins last year that Trump should drop out if he was convicted (although he was referring to the classified documents case).

He continued, And I think the issue there, its not just that hes convicted ... But when you look at what happened, what the extent the prosecution had to go to line up these dominoes, to bring a conviction on charges that had never been brought against anybody in the state of New York ever.

Related...
An Ohio man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.

>>Medics transport 2 to hospital after crash in Greene County

Jerrell Harrison, 23, was arrested last September and pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.

He sold hundreds of grams of methamphetamine to undercover agents in January and February 2023 and the drugs field tested at 99% and 100% purity, according to court documents.

Harrison also discussed owning over 20 firearms and offered to sell them and also produced a loaded handgun.

He stated in recordings that he carried his baby because one of his trap houses got shot up and he had to return fire.

Harrison also offered to sell Block switches to undercover agents and added he could sell them fentanyl for $1,000 an ounce, the best price in the city.
Shes an artist turned anthropologist  with an eye to the future.

As a kid I was into dance and then art, Anna Willow said. But I was always also an avid reader and thoughtful observer. I always loved animals and nature. It took me some time to develop a clear career path. I wanted to be an artist, then work in environmental education, and then in the end anthropology chose me, rather than me choosing it.

Today, Willow is a professor of anthropology at The Ohio State University at Marion.

More: Ohio State Marion applauded for Marion Microfarm Project efforts

I teach classes, supervise graduate students, conduct ethnographic research and publish books and articles, she said.

When I discovered the anthropological way of seeing the world, she added, it seemed like it had always been my way. I just didnt have the words for it yet. I didnt necessarily think Id become a professor, but I did have several family members in academia, so it didnt seem out of the ordinary.

Anna Willow has taught anthropology at The Ohio State University at Marion since 2009.

Her educational journey

Willow was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Milwaukee. She graduated from high school there in 1994, then studied at the San Francisco Art Institute.

I enjoyed living in California, but I decided to return to Wisconsin to pursue a more academic major," Willow said. "I transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison my junior year, where I majored in anthropology and minored in environmental studies.

I emerged from my undergraduate degree wanting more than anything to have a positive influence on the global environment," she said. "I didnt set out to pursue that goal within academia, but I enjoyed graduate school and was good at it. I love that as an anthropologist I got to see other ways of living and thinking and realize that we arent locked into the cultural patterns we see today. Another world is possible. I also love the combination of teaching and research that being a professor make possible.

Ann Willow began her professional career in environmental education.

Willow earned her first masters degree from the University of Michigan in natural resources and environment, with a focus on environmental behavior.

After that, she said, I returned to the University of Wisconsin for my PhD studies. I ended up with a second masters degree along the way. I finished my degree in 2008.

I thought I would pursue a career in environmental education after my first masters degree, she added, and I did do this for a while. I led nature hikes and taught kids to spot and identify birds and pond life. Unfortunately, I couldnt even pay my student loans on a naturalists salary, which is unfortunate given how essential this kind of work is for the future of the world.

Willow started in 2009 at Ohio State Marion, where Leslie Beyer-Hermsen is the assistant dean.

When I think of Anna, I think of advocacy and activism, Beyer-Hermsen said. She encourages our students to explore whats important to them and to actively engage and make a difference in their communities. Shes encouraging and positive, while at the same time not shying away from asking the tough questions, which results in our students stepping up to the task and excelling.

I came here because I wanted the stability of a tenure track job, instead of moving around for multiple postdocs and visiting positions," Willow said. "I would like to think that my lifes path is far from over. Im excited to see what new research projects and new courses I develop in the years still to come.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs  whether theyre unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at news@marionstar.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Anna Willow and her path to teaching anthropology at Ohio State Marion
Ohio zoo says all tigers accounted for following reports of tiger spotted near University campus

The Cincinnati Zoo says that all tigers are accounted for after police received reports of a tiger spotted Monday morning.

Cincinnati Police launched a search early Monday morning after receiving calls reported a tiger was possibly on the loose in the Clifton area, Fox 19 reported.

The report came in around 3 a.m., but no tiger has been spotted since.

>> 1 dead, 1 hurt in wrong-way crash on Ronald Reagan Highway

While officers were searching the area, the Cincinnati Zoo did tell them that both their tigers were accounted for, Cincinnati based TV station WLWT reported.

Our tigers are safe and sound and at the Zoo! Cincinnati Zoo Communications Director Michelle Curley told our news partners at WCPO.

Fox 19 reported that multiple officers from Cincinnati Police and the University of Cincinnati responded to Burnet Woods off Burnet Woods Drive and Brookline Ave, as well as areas along Martin Luther King Drive and Crosley Tower.

The search appears to have been called off or at least significantly reduced.
















In an image from a YouTube video, Benjamen Burlew talks about his experience on Jan. 6, 2021, outside the U.S. Capitol.

An Army veteran from Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Washington, D.C., police officer outside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

Benjamen Scott Burlew, 44, admitted that he grabbed the officer and "attempted to pull him into the crowd of rioters" around 1:15 p.m. shortly before the Capitol was breached.

Law enforcement officers had formed a defensive line behind metal barricades. Burlew pointed at the line and yelled, "Let's get that mother------ right there," before grabbing the officer, according to a written statement of the offense.

He pleaded guilty Thursday to the felony offense of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers. His sentencing was set for Sept. 20 in federal court in Washington, D.C.

The maximum punishment is eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Burlew was arrested on Aug. 19, 2021, on accusations he assaulted a news photographer during the riot. The first tip about Burlew came from "a group of internet sleuths," the FBI said. Accusations of assaulting a police officer and causing a civil disorder came later.

In this image from an Instagram video, a rioter watches a news photographer fall after throwing him over a terrace wall outside the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021. The FBI alleged the assailant was Benjamen Scott Burlew.

The photographer was with The Associated Press and was wearing identification. Some of those outside the Capitol mistook him for an Antifa activist because he was dressed in black, videos show. Burlew can be seen in a video grabbing and shoving the photographer and then pushing him forcefully over a low wall, the FBI reported.

Burlew is from Miami, in far northeast Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

He was facing eight counts. Under a plea agreement, he admitted to only the assault count involving the officer. The other counts will be dropped at his sentencing. He has agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Burlew underwent a mental health evaluation in November 2022 after his attorney raised concerns about his sanity at the time of the offense. Burlew served as a ranger in the U.S. Army and suffered a traumatic brain injury while on active duty, the attorney said.

After the evaluation, his case was set for jury trial in 2023. He did not show up for a pretrial conference, and a warrant was issued on Dec. 1 for his arrest. The FBI caught him May 13 in Tulsa.

Thousands marched on the Capitol on Jan. 6. 2021, after then-President Donald Trump spoke at the "Save America" rally and urged them to fight like hell.

Rioters overwhelmed Capitol police to breach the building, delaying the formal counting of the Electoral College votes that had Joe Biden winning the presidential election.

In a news release about the guilty plea, the Justice Department said more than 1,400 individuals have been charged "for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol." Eleven were Oklahomans at the time of the riot.

The most recent charge against an Oklahoman was filed May 13.

Matthew Titus Allen, 43, of Castle, faces four misdemeanor counts in federal court in Washington. D.C.

Allen admitted to going to Washington, D.C., with his wife to support Trump in January 2021, an FBI agent reported. He admitted he attended the rally, heard Trump speak, then went to the U.S. Capitol and walked inside.

Surveillance video shows he was inside the Capitol for around 44 minutes, according to the FBI.

An attorney who represented him at his initial court appearance in Tulsa told the Tulsa World negotiations were underway toward a plea agreement.

There were no physical crimes of damage or any threats or any menacing activity at all on his behalf  not one bit, the attorney, Tracy Tiernan, said. The evidence that Im receiving appears to be him just kind of meandering through the grounds.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma man admits assaulting police officer during US Capitol riot
Claudia Sheinbaums resounding victory in Mexicos presidential election on Sunday has triggered a wave of reaction on the world stage. Leaders and politicians from Latin America, the United States and Europe congratulated the representative of the governing Morena party even before the official data from the preliminary count was released by the National Electoral Institute (INE), which confirmed Sheinbaums victory around midnight. The winner took an average of 59.5% of the votes, representing a 30-point lead over her main opponent, Xochitl Galvez. Sheinbaum will be the first female president of Mexico and of North America, a historic milestone that has been applauded by former and current world leaders.

Latin Americas leftist parties have extended a particularly warm welcome to the new Mexican leader, whose party was created a decade ago by the outgoing president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, celebrated Sheinbaums victory in a post on social media: Mexico elected a progressive to be the first woman president in its history. It is a victory for the Mexican people and their democracy. Congratulations to my friend Claudia Sheinbaum, together we will work to see a Latin America that stands united and progressing together.

A few hours earlier, Colombias vice-president, Francia Marquez, had been one of the first politicians to extend a congratulatory message on social media: It is with great satisfaction that we received the results of presidential elections in Mexico, which represent renewed hope for the region. We congratulate and send hugs to Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexicos first woman president. The bonds of freedom and justice that tie our people together go back to historic leaders such as General Jorge Orlando Melo and Benito Juarez. We look forward to a very successful six years, working together to cement change towards social justice in Mexico and the entire region, she posted on X.

Argentinas former president Alberto Fernandez also expressed satisfaction at Sheinbaums victory. I have had the privilege of being able to embrace the person who will be the next president of this dear country, our dear Claudia Sheinbaum. A progressive woman will continue the enormous task initiated by my dear Lopez Obrador. Latin American is celebrating, he posted. A few hours later, another former president of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, congratulated Sheinbaum and Morena.

The president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro, also issued a public congratulation and revealed that she had already been in touch with Sheinbaum by telephone to discuss working in a coordinated manner for the good of Latin America and the Caribbean. As the first woman president of Honduras, I extend my sincere congratulations to the first woman president-elect of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, for having managed a resounding victory hand in hand with the people of Mexico and our friend Lopez Obrador.

The president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo, posted: Mexico elected its first woman president. Celebrating with her is a people that is strengthened by democracy and the hope of a better future. He also said that he had telephoned the winner to discuss collaboration options. Remember that in Guatemala you have an ally that is ready to work together with you towards solidarity, respect for life and general prosperity for our people.
New Oklahoma laws will change credit requirements for students to graduate from high school. The state Legislature didn't approve other bills, including a measure that would have allowed schools to hire chaplains, before concluding the 2024 session last week. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Bills that create new high school credit requirements are now law while others that would have permitted school chaplains and banned corporal punishment are dead.

The 2024 legislative session ended on Thursday, marking the final opportunity for lawmakers to send bills to the governors desk.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a measure to add a mandatory fourth math credit to graduate from public high schools, starting with the graduating class of 2030. State lawmakers passed House Bill 3278 despite criticisms that it demotes world languages to a non-required credit.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, pictured Friday at the state Capitol, signed multiple bills altering Oklahoma high school credit requirements. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Stitt also signed legislation that alters K-12 financial literacy courses. HB 2158 adds to the list of required financial literacy topics students must learn before graduation, including retirement accounts, credit scores and mortgage loans.

It also limits the eligible years to take a financial literacy credit to the final three years of high school. The previous law allowed students to earn it any time between seventh and 12th grade.

Once HB 3792 takes effect July 1, Oklahoma will offer tuition-free scholarships to students with disabilities.

The law creates the Oklahoma Access and Achievement Program. Students with intellectual disabilities can tap into the Oklahomas Promise scholarship fund to cover their tuition to college or another qualified post-secondary program if their families earn no more than $100,000 a year. The household income limit increases to $200,000 if the student was adopted.

Legislation that would prohibit corporal punishment of students with disabilities failed in the Oklahoma Legislature, again.

HB 1028 first made headlines in 2023 when the House voted it down and then reversed course amid public outcry. The full Senate never voted on the bill last year.

This time, the Senate passed an amended version of the measure after a passionate debate and sent it to the House, where it died without being heard.

Oklahomas school chaplain bill, Senate Bill 36, did not get a final hearing in the Senate before the deadline. The measure would have allowed public schools to hire religious chaplains or welcome them as volunteers to counsel students, as long as they didnt attempt to proselytize.

The bill faced bipartisan opposition. Democrats were the most vocal, criticizing the bill as an effort to introduce religion into the public school system.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, addresses the House chamber on May 22. House lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement with the Senate for a bill that would have given the speaker and Senate pro tem appointment power to the Oklahoma State Board of Education. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Despite initial momentum, a bill that would have expanded the Oklahoma State Board of Education with seats appointed by House speaker and Senate pro tem did not survive.

The House and Senate were unable to agree on a final version of HB 2562 in the final weeks of session. The Senate passed an amendment in late April that removed any mention of legislative appointments to the board, and the bill died in conference committee. Currently, only the governor has appointment power to the state Board of Education.

A bill that would strictly limit use of virtual school days reached the end of the road in April because it never got a hearing on the House floor.

SB 1768 would have permitted traditional in-person school districts to use virtual instruction days only in cases of inclement weather, staff illnesses or building maintenance issues. A House committee amendment added staff professional development days to the list of eligible reasons.

With the failure of HB 3329, Oklahoma schools wont be required to provide free menstrual products in middle and high school bathrooms. The bill passed the state House but never made it out of committee in the Senate.

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The post Oklahoma enacts changes to high school credits. School chaplain bill fails. appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
One fatality among thousands of wounded: how stabilisation point in Vovchansk works

The Border of Steel Brigade of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service (SBGS) has been deployed to the town of Vovchansk (Kharkiv Oblast) for over six months. During this time, the medics have assisted more than 1,000 wounded soldiers.

Source: SBGS, speaking about the work of the stabilisation point, located just 5 km from the battlefield.

Details: Despite the proximity to the front line, about 3,000 civilians remained in Vovchansk. Therefore, doctors have provided medical care not only to soldiers but also to local residents for six months.

Read also: Russia attacks Vovchansk. Animal evacuation through the eyes of a volunteer. Photo report

It was not only about injuries and wounds but also about treating chronic and acute diseases of various organs.

"The activities were carried out in extremely difficult conditions, as we were constantly under enemy fire control. The invaders used not only long-range weapons but also UAVs to control the airspace.

We were working mostly at night. During the day, we couldn't even come out of the shelter to see the sunlight," says Vasyl Mosons, a surgeon with the Border of Steel SBGS brigade.

The doctors of the mobile brigade also examined the wounded and performed tourniquet conversions, saving the limbs of dozens of soldiers.

The work of the Vovchansk stabilisation point

"We have treated over a thousand soldiers, and all of them made it. They went through all the stages of evacuation, treatment, and rehabilitation and came back to the front," the doctor said.

Mosons added that the stabilisation point had only recorded one fatality in six months of work in the difficult area of the front.

The team has mobile equipment that allows them to assess the condition of the wounded under all criteria and choose the right treatment strategy.

Background: Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, a combat medic from the Hospitallers volunteer battalion, was killed in action on the Kharkiv front on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. She died just two days short of her 26th birthday.

Read also: An interview with Iryna Tsybukh, combat medic, 1998-2024

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One Man Is Dead and Another Is Missing After Their Raft Capsizes in Colorado River

The Grand County Sheriff's Office said that the two men are believed to not have been wearing floatation devices at the time their raft flipped

Getty The Colorado River in Gore Canyon

One person has died and another is missing after they went rafting on the Colorado River.

According to a press release from the Grand County Sheriff's Office obtained by PEOPLE, three people including a 56-year-old man from the Denver area, a 61-year-old man and an unnamed third person set out on a rafting trip near Yarmony Rapid, southwest of the rural town of Kremmling, Colo., on Saturday, June 1.

Grand County officials received a 911 text at around 3:40 p.m., stating that one of the men wasn't breathing after the raft capsized, the press release added. Officials from a number of agencies responded to the report, including personnel from the Grand County Search and Rescue, Grand County Sheriffs Office, Eagle County Sheriffs Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and several others.

Facebook The location of the accident, per the Grand County Sheriff's Office

Related: Minor Found Dead in Colorado River After Their Boat Capsized During Rafting Trip

According to the Sheriff's Office, the unnamed 56-year-old man received CPR from first responders when they arrived, and was later pronounced dead. The cause and manner of his death will be released "when appropriate," the office said.

According to the press release, authorities used data from a Garmin device  a company that makes digital sport watches and other activity trackers  to determine that there had been a rafting accident.

The 61-year-old man  whose identity will be released "pending notification of his immediate family," the Sheriff's Office said  went missing after the raft capsized. The office said that various crews, including personnel in rafts, on the ground nearby, driving railroad vehicles and using Unmanned Aerial Systems (or drones) searched for the man after the 911 report, but he has yet to be found.

Related: National Park Service Searching for Missing Man Who May Have Gone Down Colorado River in Self Made Raft

The third person was able to make it to the shore safely, the Sheriff's Office said in its release. Authorities also added that they believe the rafters were not wearing personal floatation devices, such as life vests, at the time of the accident.



According to a report from The Colorado Sun, searchers said that the raft had flipped over in whitewater flowing around 3,200 cubic-feet-per-second, a medium-to-fast measure of the Colorado River's speed.

The Colorado Sun also reported that this is not the first fatality of the rafting season in Colorado this year. Just last week, on May 30, the Larimer County Sheriffs Office reported that a woman died after her raft hit a bridge pylon near the Greyrock Trailhead, more than 100 miles away from Yarmony Rapid.

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.

According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website, all whitewater rafters, as well as those setting out on kayaking or canoeing trips, should always wear a properly-fitted life vest, wear helmets when visiting class IV or higher white water areas and "be aware of the limitations of yourself, your party and your equipment."

"Never forget the power of the river, and know the section of river you are boating," the CPW advises.



BLM River Rangers will continue the search for the missing man on Sunday, the Sheriff's Office said.

"Anyone rafting in the area is encouraged to be vigilant and call or text 911 with any additional information or sightings," the Sheriff's Office added.

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Parts of the Midwest and South are gripped in the spring/summer of cicadas, cicadapocalypse, cicada-geddonwhatever you want to call this rare double-brood emergence. One family outside of Chicago is chirping with excitement after they found a cicada sporting a rare mutation. These noisy bugs normally have very distinctive red eyes, but this specimen sported blueish-gray peepers. The specimen is a female Magicicada cassini. It is the first blue-eyed cicada added to Chicagos Field Museum over 100 year-old cicada collection. I have been in Chicago for five periodical Cicada emergences of our BroodXIII, and this is the first blue-eyed cicada I have seen, Field Museum collections assistant Jim Louderman said in a statement. I have also seen two emergences of Brood X in Indiana and two emergences of Brood XIX in Central Illinois. These rare insect emergences are always infertile and can not have offspring, which is why they remain so rare. A lateral view of this rare blue-eyed cicada. CREDIT: Daniel Le, Field Museum This rare genetic mutilation is considered a one in a million, occurrence. It was found in late May by four-year-old Jack Bailey from Wheaton, Illinois. My 4-year-old son, Jack, has been in heaven since they started emerging and has taken to collecting a lot of them, mom Greta Bailey told The Field Museum. My daughter, Caroline, looked into his collection bucket and saw the blue-eyed one. She brought it inside and showed it to me. I thought it was cool and unique and had not heard that blue-eyed cicadas even existed. I took a few pictures and Caroline let it go. Well, after telling my family about it, we came to find out how rare they are and were kicking ourselves for not keeping it. Later, Caroline and her twin sister Addison took out some flashlights and searched for the funky eyed cicada where it had been released. They were able to find it again and made sure to keep it safe. Greta then got in touch with the Field Museum about adding it to their collection. [Related: The Brood X cicadas are coming, and you should eat them. Heres how.] During the Brood X emergence in 2021, there were some rumors that blue-eyed cicadas were worth a lot of money. However, this was debunked. Even blue-eyed cicadas are short lived, so it has since died and has been added to the museums behind-the-scenes collections of insects. This library of life on earth allows scientists to study various specimens. Since blue-eyed cicadas are very rare, a team at the Field will try to sequence its DNA to learn more about the genes giving it its distinctive eyes. It will also be on display during Meet a Scientist events throughout the spring and summer that are cicada-themed. Any citizen scientists lucky enough to spot one of these blue-eyed cicadas are encouraged to photograph and upload it to the Cicada Safari app (on Apple and Google) and iNaturalist. [Related: This gnarly fungus makes cicadas hypersexual.] Since earlier this spring, trillions of chirpy periodical cicadas have emerged from under the ground in a rare double emergence event. These specific types of cicadas crawl out from below the ground every 13 or 17 years and can make as much noise as a jet engine. This type of overlap is also incredibly rare and has not occurred since 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president and had just purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. During these emergences, cicadas come up from underground to mate for several weeks and then die. The males send out their mating song by vibrating the small flaps on their abdomen called tymbals. Females will respond by flicking their wings. Eggs will be laid in trees and the hatchlings will burrow under the ground, beginning the whole process over again.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  One person and six dogs were rescued from a burning Vancouver house Sunday afternoon, a blaze that required 17 firefighters to douse.

The home in the 4600 block of NE 47th caught fire at around 2 p.m., the Vancouver Fire Department said in a release. Smoke was pouring from the garage and attic when fire crews arrived.

One person was already outside, but told fire crews one other person was still inside. Firefighters rushed in to find that person carrying two of the six dogs.

Man stops officer, arrested for allegedly stabbing another man in downtown Portland

The firefighters put out the flames within 10 minutes, officials said.

Medical crews checked the people for smoke inhalation and took them to a local hospital for treatment. Theyre expected to recover.

One person and 6 dogs were rescued from this burning home in the 4600 block of NE 47th in Vancouver, June 2, 2024 (VFD)

One person and 6 dogs were rescued from this burning home in the 4600 block of NE 47th in Vancouver, June 2, 2024 (VFD)

One person and 6 dogs were rescued from this burning home in the 4600 block of NE 47th in Vancouver, June 2, 2024 (VFD)

One person and 6 dogs were rescued from this burning home in the 4600 block of NE 47th in Vancouver, June 2, 2024 (VFD)

The Red Cross arrived to help those displaced by the fire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Officials remind people to get out of the house immediately once a fire begins.

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.
One person with life-threatening injuries after shooting near 32nd, Indiana

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One person has been seriously injured after a shooting in Kansas City on Sunday evening.

According to Kansas City police, one person suffered life-threatening injuries after a shooting near 32nd & Indiana.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Details about what led up to the shooting and suspect information are currently unknown.

This is a developing story that will be updated 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A c. 1868 portrait of Harriet Tubman. The creation of the Underground Railroad, which Tubman conducted, reflected the refusal of abolitionists to enable oppression. (Sait Serkan Gurbuz / Associated Press)

Refusal is a powerful political act. Acting in defense of themselves, Black people and Black women in particular have consistently refused the terms of oppression, discrimination and dehumanization. Refusal is a forceful no, packed full of energy and meaning. We refuse is similar to Black colloquialisms such as nah, nope, not today, Satan or my personal favorite: Oh helllllllll no.

Resistance is how one responds to white supremacy; refusal is why. In America, we tend to focus more on how resistance is manifested or performed. Not nearly enough emphasis is placed on why resistance is so crucial to the American story.

My great-grandmother Arnesta helps tell that story. In 1915, Arnesta was 9 years old in rural Alabama when she stepped on a rusty nail. Not long after, infection set in and Arnesta became very ill. She most likely suffered from tetanus, which can be deadly if untreated. Her mother, Mary, was frantic.

Read more: Opinion: Want to fight Trump's lies? Consider these lessons from Black educators

Mary took Arnesta to the only doctor she knew, a white man who lived in a big house on the other side of town. The doctor agreed to help Arnesta, but on one condition  that after he healed her, she would have to live in his home and work for his family for the rest of her life. Slavery had been abolished 50 years prior, yet the doctor felt entitled to Arnestas life and labor in perpetuity.

For a Black girl living during one of the worst periods of race relations in America, these were the detestable but sadly predictable terms of engagement. Built into the deal the doctor offered was a lifetime of servitude and perhaps worse  a far cry from the physicians oath to first do no harm. Mary was panic-stricken. Not wanting to lose her daughter and only child to death, she agreed.

Thankfully, my great-great-great-grandmother, who was formerly enslaved, intervened. She refused the doctors unconscionable offer, picked up her ailing granddaughter and took her home. There, she administered every natural remedy at her disposal. Arnesta survived, but for the rest of her life she walked with a limp. This story to me has always summed up the power of white supremacy: Choose a life of bondage or refuse and limp. What has shaped me is not the doctors proposal but my ancestors refusal. Her response was not no, but never  a response that denied white supremacy its authority.

Refusal establishes boundaries and has defined unacceptable human interactions as those denying dignity, respect and decency. It is not apathy or cynicism, but an insistence on fully lived human experience. It is not forgoing ones vote or checking out on the world. Refusal requires activism through traditional or creative methods, the kinds acknowledged and celebrated by LGBTQ+ communities in June, the month of Pride, and by Black Americans on Juneteenth, to champion freedom for everyone.

Read more: Opinion: Here's what celebrations of Juneteenth shouldn't be missing

Such activism has created countless programs that fed, educated, healed and cared for Black communities. Many pivotal steps to end slavery were acts of refusal: The Underground Railroad was created because abolitionists refused to be complicit in oppression and abuse. Black leaders and white allies formed protection societies and published newspapers, pamphlets and personal narratives to set an abolitionist national agenda based on intellectual, rhetorical, political and physical refusal. When some 250,000 Black soldiers fought during the Civil War, they were refusing slavery on American soil.

In a similar spirit, during the 1960s and 70s, the Black Panther Party refused second-class citizenship, creating national breakfast programs, health clinics, ambulance services, legal aid, schools and care programs to reject the void of public services available to Black Americans. In a period of racial and political unrest, the Black Power movement centered on joy and solidarity, invoking hope, happiness and kinship as a shield against the demoralizing and degenerative effects of racism. James Browns Say It Loud, Im Black and Im Proud was a refusal to let white supremacy determine what is beautiful, inspirational or good.

Although it can be enacted by an individual, at its heart, refusal is collective. Thats why the sentiment behind the phrase we refuse persists among subjugated people. It has been a key refrain in Black feminist and Native American politics, reiterating that oppressed people can and should refuse to be made invisible, silenced or denied. From the slave ships coming to the New World, through slavery, segregation and persistent structural racism, Black people have always fought back.

And Black culture refuses to be defined by oppression. Refusal has been our anthem, a way of being, present in the novelty and genius of our vernacular, in the newspapers and literature we created to tell our stories in the face of attempts to deny us literacy. Its present in the drum, banjo and bass permeating our music that refuses to be replicated or erased, in the vocals that refuse to be timid or diluted. It is even present in our traditions of forgiveness and hospitality in societies that are often unwelcoming to us.

The revolutionary culture, art and community that have grown from these traditions are proof that like my ancestors, we can carve out a new trail and reject the choice between life in bondage or a limp. Now and forever, we can refuse and insist on creating our own destinies.

Kellie Carter Jackson is chair of Africana studies at Wellesley College and author of  We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance ,  from which this piece is adapted. On X/Twitter: @kcarterjackson

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Editors Note: Editors Note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is the host of SiriusXM radios daily program, The Dean Obeidallah Show. Follow him on Threads. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN.

Former President Donald Trump is a convicted felon. That new reality means Trump is even more desperate and dangerous. If Trump had been acquitted or even if there had been a hung jury, Trump could have believed he truly was the Teflon Don who would never be held accountable.

Dean Obeidallah - CNN

That is no longer the reality. Rather, Trumps seeming invincibility is waning like that of the person first called the Teflon Don, mobster John Gotti, who earned that moniker after avoiding criminal convictions in prior cases. Gottis Teflon, though, ended in 1992 after a jury found him guilty in a case where a former close associate testified against him. Gotti was sentenced to life in prison, where he died in 2002.

In a Fox News interview aired Sunday, the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee first responded to a question about the prospect of being incarcerated with a sense of bravado, saying, Im OK with it.

But then after a little more back-and-forth, Trump  who is still clearly processing his new status as a convicted felon  alarmingly commented about the potential of being sentenced to jail, saying, I dont know that the public would stand it, you know? He continued, I think it would be tough for the public to take.

Trump then added, ominously, At a certain point, theres a breaking point.

In response to Trumps breaking point comment, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California stated bluntly on CNNs State of the Union that this is clearly Donald Trump once again inciting violence. Schiff  who has been a vocal Trump critic for years  is right.

This is a far more alarming comment than what Trump said after the verdict on Thursday, when he slammed the case as a a rigged, disgraceful trial. Or on Friday, when he held a press conference where he repeated the rigged line while again peddling a series of lies about the trial  including that President Joe Biden somehow orchestrated the New York County prosecution.

Trump is apparently beginning to understand that he could face prison time given each of the 34 felonies he was convicted of carries up to a four-year prison sentence (with a maximum of 20 years possible on all counts). Even Trumps own lawyer Todd Blanche told The Associated Press that while it would be extraordinary to send Trump to jail, it was not out of the question given this is a very highly publicized case, along with other factors such as Trumps pending federal and Georgia charges. (And that might not be the worst thing for candidate Trump, with the Republican National Committee saying that he raised $70 million in the first 48 hours after the verdict.)

Adding to the concerns about supporters inciting or committing violence to avenge Trump are comments from Trumps allies since the verdict.

For example, after the verdict, Laura Loomer  a close Trump ally who flew with Trump on his plane to an Iowa rally earlier in the year  called for Democrats to get the death penalty. Newsmax host Carl Higbie, on his Friday show that airs on the very pro-Trump television network, slammed the tyrants responsible for prosecuting Trump and then warned that Democrats are pushing the party that owns 90% of the guns.

In addition, some Trump supporters online have been posting threats and trying to find out the identities of the jurors who convicted Trump in order to exact revenge. Some of the comments from Proud Boys chapters included a declaration of war and called for supporters to fight to save your nation.

Keep in mind, Trumps earlier attacks on the judge presiding over his New York criminal case resulted in violent threats against Justice Juan Merchan. Will Trumps smears of the verdict and his breaking point language escalate those threats and even potentially lead to violence from Trumps supporters? We saw that very scenario play out when Trump demonized the FBI for searching his home in August 2022. One of Trumps supporters who vowed to not tolerate the Mar-a-Lago search attacked an FBI field office, resulting in his death.

Or will Trump follow his January 6 playbook in an effort to prevent being sentenced to prison? For example, after Trump repeatedly called the 2020 election rigged, he summoned supporters to come to Washington, DC, for a big protest that will be wild on Jan. 6, 2021, which led to the attack on the Capitol designed to stop the certification of Bidens election win. Will Trump encourage protests outside of the New York courthouse on July 11, when hes scheduled to be sentenced?

Its unclear what Trump will do  or how his supporters may choose to react. But one thing is certain: Trump now understands he is no longer Teflon and that he could end up in prison.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Claudia Sheinbaum went to her voting center on Sunday and marked her ballot with the name of Ifigenia Martinez, the first Mexican woman to graduate from Harvard University with a masters degree and doctorate and one of the first women to reach a position of responsibility in Mexicos public administration. Martinez  one of the most influential women in Mexico  is also founder of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) and a senator in Congress.

Sheinbaums symbolic vote was a nod to the women who have forged the path for women to win their political rights. A tortuous path full of violence and blood, in which despite the achievements achieved so far, there are still problems with gender equality, the economic independence of women, sexist violence and femicides. The big question now is whether the fact that Sheinbaum has been elected Mexicos first female president will translate into more political rights and protection for women in Mexico, where 11 women are murdered a day.

Martinezs is a name that weighs heavily in the history of the battle for womens rights. She was committed to social movements, as seen on the night of September 17, 1968, when the Mexican army stormed National Autonomous University of Mexicos (UNAM) University City, and Martinez  then director of the UNAM School of Economics  did not hesitate to defend the autonomy of the largest educational institution in Latin America. Martinez was detained and locked up in a Mexico City police cell, near Plaza Tlaxcoaque, which was infamous as a torture center.

The story is an example of the courage of a woman who paved the way for other women to occupy positions of power in Mexico, a deeply sexist country. Although Sheinbaum is the first woman to lead Mexico, other women have also dared to break the glass ceiling. The first of them was the human rights defender Rosario Ibarra de Piedra, who presented her presidential candidacy for the Workers Revolutionary Party (PRT) in 1982. In 1994, Cecilia Soto became the second woman to run for president. She was followed by Marcela Lombardo Otero, Patricia Mercado, Josefina Vazquez Mota and Margarita Zavala, who ended up stepping aside before the 2018 elections. This year, Sheinbaum and Xochilt Galvez joined that list.

The first great political achievement: the right to vote

The first great political achievement of women occurred, albeit belatedly, in October 1953, when, under the mandate of president Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, the constitutional reform recognizing womens right to vote and be elected to public office was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

The milestone, however, was not free of controversy and violence. In the national elections of July 3, 1955, women went to the polls for the first time to cast their vote; However, although in the legal framework womens political rights had been recognized, many of them suffered a severe degree of family repression that prevented them from going to vote, much less participating in the public sphere of power, states the History of the Political-Electoral Rights of Women in Mexico, published by the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF).

Womens fight for the vote began a century earlier. The battle is linked to the French intellectual Laureana Wright, who first claimed womens suffrage at the end of the 19th century in what is considered the first Mexican feminist newspaper: Las Violetas del Anahuac. The beginning of feminism in Mexico can be dated to the appearance of this type of magazines made by women for women, although they are elite women, who have access to education and certain economic resources, which allows them to develop these activities, explains Jessica Mendez, who has Ph.D. and Masters Degree in Modern and Contemporary History.

A woman casts her vote in the 1958 election in Mexico City. Lopez (INAH)

The beginning of the suffragette movement

Mendez explains that the feminist movement achieved greater weight during the Mexican Revolution, with the proliferation of so-called clubs that opposed the reelection of Portfirio Diaz, a campaign launched by Francisco Madero. They were exclusively womens clubs that supported Maderos activities, and in their meetings one of their demands was that their right to vote be recognized. They actively participated like any other citizen, but without having the recognition of their political and civil rights, says the academic.

This is, she adds, the beginning of the suffragette movement in Mexico, which developed in the 1920s from various womens groups. They differ in terms of their political positioning, but they agree that the right to vote is a central demand, because they identify that political participation will allow them to promote other series of rights, because the vote gives them the status of citizens, says Mendez.

Hermila Galindos name is linked to the suffragette movement. Her personal story is also an example of the violence and prejudices that women faced (and continue to face) in their demand for political participation. Galindo directed the magazine La Mujer Moderna (The Modern Woman), which tried to campaign for womens rights, mainly in access to education.

Galindo faced patriarchal political power in 1917, when she called for women to be allowed to vote in the Constituent Congress of Queretaro, a request that was denied. In response, she decided to run to be a federal deputy, which sparked public contempt. She was reviled by newspapers and other politicians, including her fellow constitutionalists, says the TEPJF article. Despite this contempt, Galindo participated in the March 1917 elections, although she did not win. She conceded defeat, but also denounced irregularities and the attacks [nowadays political violence] that she suffered before, during and after the day, states the TEPJF.

But Mexican women did not allow themselves to be defeated by these setbacks. In January 1916, the First Feminist Congress was organized in Yucatan, one of the most conservative states in Mexico, and a year later the Family Relations Law was approved, which established that men and women had equal rights within the home, although it did not explicitly grant political rights to women. It was almost a decade later, in 1925, that authorities in Chiapas, a state in the southeast of the country, granted women over 18 the same political rights as their male counterparts. Suffragette Elvia Carrillo ran for public office and was elected, but state authorities did not recognize her victory, as suffrage and the right to hold elective office were still restricted to men. In 1936, in the state of Veracruz, Maria Tinoco and Enriqueta de Pulgarin ran as local deputies taking advantage of a legal loophole, and a year later, president Lazaro Cardenas, promoted a reform of Article 34 of the Mexican Constitution. It was, however, never enacted or published in the official journal.

Women wait to vote in the 1958 presidential election in Mexico. Revista Hoy (INAH)

In 1946, that the Chamber of Deputies approved an initiative to allow women to participate on equal terms in municipal elections, but it wasnt until 1953 that women obtained the right to vote.

The struggle of women for their political rights intensified in the new democratic era. Thanks to pressure from civil society organizations, the Parity Law was approved in 2014, mandating 50% gender parity in candidate nominations. And in 2019 a constitutional reform was approved to ensure gender parity in federal positions, both at the state and municipal level, as well as in the legislative and judicial branches.

Patriarchy in politics

Mexican women who want to run for public or popularly elected positions still face obstacles. Mendez points to the cast of the so-called Juanitas, women who were nominated by political parties in order to comply with gender quotas, but forced to resign from their positions once the election was won. A man would then take their place. We see that, even when the law is in place, there are certain gaps, legal loopholes, that leave womens rights unprotected, says the academic.

The differences are more noticeable in inland Mexico and among Indigenous populations. There, women must confront the practices and customs that govern their communities and that generally ignore what is established in federal laws. We have made a lot of progress in regulations. Article 2 of the Constitution establishes that even in localities in which the use and custom or methods of traditional political systems for the appointment of public positions are recognized, there must be parity, but the reality is that there is a lot of patriarchy in these communities, especially in the state of Oaxaca, where an extension has even been requested to push back the application of these regulations, says Adriana Baez, an academic at the UNAM Faculty of Political and Social Sciences.

Womens problems are not only political, adds Baez. Of course it is important that we are in positions of power, but it is more important that they let us participate equitably in decision-making. We are also interested in making progress on issues such as equal pay and addressing different types of violence against women. Mendez, for her part, points to other urgent needs such as expanding shelters for women who suffer gender violence, guaranteeing food pensions and achieving womens economic independence. She warns: Undoubtedly the election of a woman is an important achievement in the representation of women in the public sphere, but there is still a long way to go to achieve equality.

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Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, the Kremlin has sought to play the nuclear card  both to frighten Ukraine and to deter the West from assisting. Kyiv and its partners cannot ignore Moscows nuclear threats, but they should understand that the Russian leadership does not want a nuclear war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to cast a nuclear shadow over Russias full-scale invasion from the beginning. Three days after Russian troops crossed Ukraines borders in the north, east, and south, Putin said he had put Russian nuclear forces on special combat readiness. The U.S. Defense Department later observed that it had seen no change in the status of Russian nuclear forces.

The Kremlins most recent attempt to play the nuclear card came on May 6. The Russian Defense Ministry announced it would hold an exercise involving non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons in Russias Southern Military District near the Ukrainian border. The Russian military has routinely conducted such nuclear exercises; the only difference was that they announced it in advance this time.

Read also: Opinion: Why South Africas election matters for Ukraine

Putins sidekick in Minsk, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, joined the act on May 7, announcing Belarusian nuclear exercises. These weapons cannot be used without Moscow's authorization. Their deployment to Belarus was largely a political gesture, as they cant cover targets that Moscow couldnt already strike from bases in Russia or its Kaliningrad exclave.

The nuclear card has induced some caution in the West but not as much as the Kremlin hoped. It has kept NATO combat forces out of the fight, but those forces were never on offer anyway. Beyond that, the threats have slowed, but not stopped, Western decisions to provide more sophisticated arms to Ukraine. Ukraine has received long-range ATACMS and will get F-16 fighter jets later this year. Prohibitions on using Western-provided arms to strike targets in Russia are clearly eroding.

Putins nuclear threats peaked in September 2022. After the Kremlin supposedly annexed parts of Ukraines Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, Putin claimed Russia would defend our land with all the forces and resources we have. Analysts interpreted all the forces as including nuclear arms.

Russian military vehicles, including a Yars nuclear missile complex, arrive at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, for Russia's Victory Day military parade. Russia's Victory Day, which takes place annually on May 9, commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images)

Those threats did not have the desired effect. Kyiv, who regards this war as existential, continued to attack Russian forces in the four oblasts that Putin claimed as part of Russia. Western officials threatened severe consequences for any Russian nuclear use and continued the flow of arms to Ukraine, leaving the specifics of those consequences for Moscow to puzzle out. China joined others in criticizing the nuclear gamesmanship.

The Kremlin seemed to grasp this, particularly the negative reactions from Beijing and other key capitals, and quickly ratcheted down the rhetoric. In late October 2022, Putin denied any threat to use nuclear weapons and blamed the West for trying to tarnish Russias reputation.

The following week, in early November, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement on the inadmissibility of nuclear war, reiterating that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. Later that month, Russia joined in a G20 statement noting that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

Putin has since then remained relatively sober regarding nuclear threats. Russian television propagandists have not followed suit, often indulging in fantasies about nuclear attacks on Europe without considering the potential repercussions for Russia. A former Russian official told me last fall that, when it comes to nuclear rhetoric, the West should focus its attention solely on Putin.

Read also: Opinion: The global implications of Georgias political crisis

Its challenging to overlook nuclear threats when they come from the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, whether overt or implied. However, its essential to remember that Putin does not want a nuclear war. Such a conflict would open a Pandoras box filled with unpredictable, nasty, and potentially catastrophic consequences  including for Russia. By suggesting that Putin is more ready than Ukraine or the West to risk such a war, he seeks to intimidate them. They can choose not to be intimidated.

The rhetoric coming from Moscow raises one other concern: it makes it hard to recognize and interpret a future genuine nuclear signal. While Putin may be the one to whom attention should be paid, should we dismiss Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, who regularly muses about nuclear weapons, as he did most recently on May 31?

If the situation escalates to the point where the Kremlin genuinely considers nuclear use, we would want it to send a clear signal. While Western leaders might not back down, its crucial that they correctly understand the stakes. The problem now is that, with all the nuclear rhetoric in Moscow, such a signal could get lost in the noise. This should be a concern for both the Kremlin and the West.

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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Rep. E. Werner Reschke, R-Malin, works on the House floor at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

A southern Oregon lawmakers comments on a podcast suggesting non-Christians arent qualified to hold elected office didnt violate legislative rules around a safe and respectful workplace, a House panel determined Monday.

The House Committee on Conduct voted 3-1 that Rep. E. Werner Reschke, R-Malin, didnt violate House rules when he told a conservative Christian podcast host that people want Christians, not atheists, Muslims or materialists, in government. Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, joined Republican Reps. Kevin Mannix of Salem and Ed Diehl of Stayton in voting to clear Reschke, while Rep. Thuy Tran, D-Portland, voted against.

Reschke did not respond Monday to a request for comment.

The investigation into Reschke stemmed from comments he made on a conservative Christian talk show in January that were reported by OPB. During a conversation with former Arkansas lawmaker Jason Rapert, Reschke said he was inspired to run for office because of men including George Washington, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

You look at men and the struggles that they faced and the faith that they had, and those are the type of people that you want in government making tough decisions during tough times, he said. You dont want a materialist, you dont want an atheist, you dont want a Muslim, you dont want, you want somebody who understands what truth is and understands the nature of man, the nature of government and the nature of God.

Democratic leaders condemned his comments and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments that newly appointed state Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, had expressed on his campaign website. On the final day of the legislative session, members of civil rights groups and state Rep. Tom Andersen, D-Salem, gathered outside the Capitol to protest Reschkes and Yunkers comments.

Rep. Reschkes comment was offensive, and it will impact my working environment and it will affect my interactions with him.

 Rep. Thuy Tran, D-Portland

Meanwhile, an attorney with Jackson Lewis, a Portland law firm, was quietly investigating whether Reschkes comments violated legislative rules meant to ensure the Capitol is a safe and respectful workplace. Two people who attorney Sarah Ryan described as mandatory reporters said they had been approached by others with concerns about Reschkes comments, including that at least one person who didnt want to be identified felt that Reschkes comments adversely impacted their work at the Capitol.

Legislative rules require state representatives, senators and nonpartisan supervisors to report any behavior that could violate the Capitols workplace policies. Legislative Equity Officer Bor Yang hired Ryan to investigate the reports, as well as a separate complaint about a July 2022 invitation from Reschke to a prayer vigil that was interpreted as threatening to LGBTQ+ individuals. Ryan quickly dismissed that complaint, saying there was no indication it affected anyone at the Capitol.

She spoke to a dozen people about his comments about Muslims and atheists and found that two were concerned about how Reschkes comments would affect their work at the Capitol. One was troubled by years-old tweets Reschke had made about Muslims, and another individual feared that Reschke viewed them as lesser.

Most of the people that I interviewed were at least initially offended by the comments that were made by Representative Reschke, Ryan said. Some had one-on-one conversations with the representative and were satisfied with his explanation, but there were only two people who indicated that the comments had an impact on their work at the Capitol.

Tran, who is Buddhist, said she absolutely sees an effect from Reschkes words.

Rep. Reschkes comment was offensive, and it will impact my working environment and it will affect my interactions with him, she said.

Lessons for all of us

Kropf said the comments were clearly disrespectful to Muslims and atheists, but that the Legislatures workplace harassment rules arent clear on what conduct outside of the Capitol should or shouldnt be allowed. He personally believed Reschkes comments, made as a state representative on a podcast, were related to his work in the Legislature, but he said he understood how Mannix and Diehl could reach a different conclusion.

I hope that he has been  I think he has been  reflective and appreciative of the impact those words have had and the work that he has to do to continue to restore trust, Kropf said. Theres lessons for all of us to learn in this. To me, what this reinforces is that we can be guided by our faith, we can be guided by our beliefs, but we can also be respectful of the faith and the beliefs of others and how that they guide them in our governance for our state.

Mannix echoed that he believed Reschke has reflected on the comments, and that he hopes Yang will consider those comments as she prepares training for legislators to follow. Reschke did not address the committee and did not respond to a call or emailed questions about the decision or any reflection.

Diehl said he was concerned that legislative workplace rules could become so broad that they stifle lawmakers abilities to express themselves and discuss legislation.

Were looking at something that wasnt even said in the building, he said. It was said completely outside the building. It wasnt even directed at any particular individual, and were here having a discussion on it.

The post Oregon House panel: Reschkes comments about non-Christians didnt break rules appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Oregon State University in Corvallis is one of the most expensive public four-years in the state to attend. The university, along with the six other public universities in the Oregon, is raising tuition for students next year. (Courtesy of Oregon State University)

The Oregon Legislature continues to spend far less on higher education than other states, according to a new report, leading to some of the highest costs of attendance among universities in the West.

Oregon is ranked 44th in the nation for public funding of higher education and 37th in the nation for per-pupil funding, according to the latest annual State Higher Education Finance report from the Colorado-based State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. Oregons Higher Education Coordinating Commission is a member of the association.

The report compared state-by-state funding data from the 2022-23 fiscal year. While higher education investment in Oregon has increased in recent years, it has not been enough to make up for more than a decade of underfunding and of relying heavily on student tuition to cover rising costs, said Ben Cannon, executive director of the commission.

Cannon and university presidents have repeatedly asked the Legislature for more higher education dollars and a model of funding that balances state investment with tuition revenue.

We are continuing to rely on students to balance our budgets, Cannon said in testimony to a legislative ways and means subcommittee last year.

Unreliable revenue source

Enrollment declines across Oregons seven public universities and 17 community colleges over the last five to 10 years have been more than twice the national average, the report found, making tuition an unreliable source of funding.

Over the next 10 years, or whatever portion of that 10 years Im around for, I will hope to partner with the Legislature to restore the public in our public system of higher education, Cannon told the members of the subcommittee.

Per-pupil investment in Oregons public higher education system was more than $2,500 less than the national average last year, according to the higher education finance report. In Oregon during the 2022-23 school year, the state invested about $8,400 per full-time enrolled student each year. The national average that year was more than $11,000 per student. State investments in financial aid for middle and low-income students have increased in the last decade, but still fall behind national averages. Washington invests twice as much funding in scholarships for such students compared to Oregon.

You have a situation in Oregon right now, where the vast majority of Oregons public university presidents are from outside of the state and were shocked, said Eastern Oregon University President Kelly Ryan, who took over in 2023. Were shocked at what we found. And were also in wonderment about how were supposed to get our work done in such a drastically underfunded environment.

Ryan had to cut 8.4% of the universitys budget for the 2023-24 school year  about $5 million.

They (the Legislature) acknowledge were really important to building a tax base, building a workforce, but its hard for us to stay front and center, she said.

Decade of disinvestment

Oregons higher education funding model has relied since the 2008 recession more heavily than many other states on raising tuition to cover rising operating costs, with funding since then cut in half.

A whole lot of students took on a whole lot of debt in order to help the state keep its Corrections (Department), Human Services (Department) and K-12 systems afloat during the worst recession anyone had seen in their living memories, Cannon told the Legislature.

Oregons public universities and colleges now derive 32% more of their revenue from tuition than most public higher education institutions in the country, the report found. Between 2013 and 2023, revenue growth from student tuition in Oregon increased 23%. The national average for tuition revenue growth was 1.5% during the same period.

Every one of Oregons seven public universities is increasing tuition in the upcoming school year, and has done so just about every year for the past 10 years. Average tuition at those schools today is about 26% higher than it was a decade ago. The rising costs of housing around Oregons universities have also driven up costs and affordability concerns, Cannon said.

A state that invests relatively little is going to have institutions that are likely going to have relatively high tuition, and thats absolutely what this report illustrates, he told the Capital Chronicle.

The post Oregon lags most states in public higher education funding, report finds appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  New Orleans police are on the hunt to find an alligator spotted near the French Quarter.

In a post on social media, New Orleans Police Department officers said the reptile was last seen on May 30 at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Dauphine Street.

Two men found shot to death inside Avondale home

Officers say they are working with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries to search for a man who is possibly in possession of the three-foot-long gator.

(Courtesy: New Orleans Police Department)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Police Department)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Police Department)

(Courtesy: New Orleans Police Department)

Anyone with information on the location of the gator or the person of interest is asked to call Wildlife Agent Jimmie Daniel at 985-666-9506.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man was arrested and accused of rape after an incident in Oxford, Mississippi last week, according to the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office.

On May 29, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Criminal Investigation Unit was notified about a reported sexual assault from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

The sheriffs office says an investigation regarding the alleged assault was opened.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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After completing the investigation, an arrest warrant on the charge of Rape-Assault was issued for 47-year-old Cory Lemond Smith of Oxford, Miss.

Smith reportedly turned himself into the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office on May 31.

He is being held at the Lafayette County Detention Center where his bond has been set at $100,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SHIPPINGPORT  Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health are encouraging residents around the Beaver Valley Power Station to take advantage of an upcoming opportunity to replace expiring potassium iodide tablets.

According to the state organization, tablets will be offered for free at several locations around the state, as many of the supplies distributed by public health agencies are scheduled to expire soon. Locally, residents living near the nuclear power plant in Beaver County can pick up their free supply of potassium iodide tablets from the Beaver Valley Mall's Center at the Mall from 2 to 7 p.m. June 12.

Potassium iodide tablets, or KI,

Ensuring medications on hand are kept up to date is an important part of protecting your health, said Acting Secretary of Health Debra Bogen. Radiological emergencies are rare, but it is important for potentially affected Pennsylvanians to have unexpired tablets on hand.

According to the department, the tablets will be available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the states four active nuclear power plants by visiting the distribution center at the Beaver Valley Mall or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH. Residents can also exchange expiring products, allowing for safe disposal of the tablets.

No appointments are needed to pick up tablets or exchange them at the June 12 event.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Department of Health giving out new KI tablets for free on June 12
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, gestures as he speaks to the members of the media at his residence in Lahore

By Asif Shahzad and Ariba Shahid

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A high court in Pakistan overturned jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's conviction on charges of leaking state secrets, his lawyer and his party said on Monday, but Khan will remain in prison for now due to a conviction in another case.

Khan, 71, had been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a lower court on charges of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington in 2022. He has been in jail since August last year.

He had challenged the conviction in Islamabad High Court, which said in an order on Monday that, an "instant appeal is allowed", adding Imran Khan was acquitted of the charges.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Khan's foreign minister during his tenure from 2018-2022, was also acquitted of the charges, in what is a major victory for the jailed leader.

"Thank God, the sentence is overturned," a spokesman for legal affairs from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, Naeem Panjutha, said in a post on the X social media platform shortly after the Islamabad High Court announced its decision.

Khan has said the classified cable was proof of a conspiracy by the Pakistan military and U.S. government to topple his government in 2022 after he visited Moscow just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Washington and Pakistan's military deny that accusation.

The state secrets case was one of four in which Khan was convicted just ahead of Pakistan's national election in February. In two other of those cases the sentences have since been suspended while he appeals.

But despite Monday's acquittal, Khan, a former cricket star, will remain in prison serving a seven-year sentence over another case relating to his marriage to his third wife, Bushra Khan, also known as Bushra Bibi, which contravened Islamic traditions.

A ruling on the couple's appeal against the sentence was postponed last week and the proceedings transferred to another court after a judge recused himself following an accusation of bias made by Bibi's former husband, according to Khan's lawyers.

"We will celebrate this victory," another one of his lawyers, Ali Zafar, said in a TV interview, adding that the other cases faced by Khan would result in acquittals too.

'HUGE VICTORY'

"It's a huge political and legal victory," journalist and political analyst Mazhar Abbas told Reuters, but cautioned that it would be premature to say that Khan would be released anytime soon.

Khan is also named as an accused in several other cases, including charges of inciting violence against the state.

He has been at odds with the country's powerful military, accusing it of targeting him and his party. The military denies this and has called for Khan and his supporters to be tried for attacking state installations during violent protests against Khan's initial arrest last year.

Khan and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was banned from contesting the February election, but candidates backed by the jailed leader still won the most seats. They did not have the numbers to form a government, which was instead led by an alliance of his rivals led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The government, which says Khan broke clauses of the state secrets law by revealing contents of a secret diplomatic cable, said prosecutors were awaiting the detailed decision before deciding if they would appeal against the acquittal in the Supreme Court.

"It is a fact that a national security document was used for political purposes," government spokesman for legal issues Aqeel Malik said in a press conference after the decision, adding that the government would not compromise on national security.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad; additional reporting by Islamabad Bureau; editing by Sudipto Ganguly, Bernadette Baum and Alex Richardson)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A woman from New Port Richey was arrested for DUI after she was involved with two crashes on Sunday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Kathleen Ann Horner, 67, was initially involved in a crash on SR-52 near Pine Forest Drive, which injured the other driver, a Miami woman.

A motorcyclist struck the back of Horners PT Cruiser and went airborne, FHP said. The 62-year-old Hudson man was thrown into the inside lane, where he was struck by a 16-year-old driver.

The motorcyclist died at the site of the crash. Horner and the teen driver suffered minor injuries. The Miami woman was taken to the hospital.

FHP later arrested Horner, who was accused of driving under the influence at the time of the crashes. Troopers said she provided a breath alcohol sample at the jail that read 0.166.

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Hunter Biden, 54, has a date with his past: his descent into a hell of drugs and alcohol left him with unfinished business. On Monday, he will become the first son of a sitting U.S. president to go on trial. This week, Hunter Biden will be tried on three gun-related charges that carry a maximum sentence of 25 years. The prosecutor accuses him of lying on two forms where he stated that he was free of addictions when he bought a .38-caliber revolver in October 2018 and of possessing and illegally obtained firearm for a few days. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. The trial begins on Monday in Wilmington (Delaware) in a country still reeling from former president Donald Trumps conviction on 34 felonies in New York.

No one is above the law, said President Biden on Friday in his first statement about the jurys verdict against his predecessor. Neither is his own son. In a twist of fate, the building where the trial is being held is named after J. Caleb Boggs, the Republican senator whose seat was taken in the 1972 election by a young and promising 29-year-old Democratic politician. That politician, Joe Biden, is the tenant of the White House more than half a century later.

Republicans have regarded Hunter Biden as the presidents weak point for years. Although their attempts to link the president to kickbacks and influence peddling connected to his sons businesses have failed miserably (the FBI informant who accused the Bidens of a bribery scheme is now being prosecuted for perjury), Trumps party has repeatedly politicized the legal problems of Hunter Biden, who is also facing a second trial in a California court involving tax crimes.

Mondays trial begins with jury selection and is expected to last about two weeks. For the president, it is a political and personal blow. Despite the possible cost at the polls, Joe Biden continues to support his son and makes public appearances with him constantly, including this past weekend.

After years of being investigated by a prosecutor appointed by Donald Trump, David Weiss, Hunter Biden initially admitted to the illegal purchase and possession of the firearm as part of a plea deal with prosecutors that involved lesser penalties for the tax crimes and shelving the firearm case. In exchange, he had to stay away from drugs for two years and give up having a firearm in the future.

It is a common deal in cases in which the accused has undergone rehabilitation and has no prior criminal record. The plea deal, however, was derailed at the last minute. Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by Trump, rejected it due to the different interpretation between the prosecution and the defense, as well as pressure from the Republicans. Attorney General Merrick Garland gave special counsel powers to Weiss, who ultimately decided to press charges.

The crimes of which Hunter Biden is accused carry maximum sentences of up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000, but it is not common for sentences as high as this to be imposed in such a case. At the first hearing of the case, the judge highlighted their nature as maximum penalties: a higher one cannot be imposed, but a lower one can.

To achieve a conviction on the two gun-related charges, prosecutors must convince the 12 jurors, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Hunter Biden knowingly made false statements to a federally licensed gun dealer and on his federal firearms application, and that the lie was relevant for the sale to be closed. For the weapon possession charge, they must prove that Biden was aware that he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance and still knowingly possessed a firearm.

On October 12, 2018, Hunter Biden walked into the StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply, a firearms store off Highway 202, north of Wilmington, Delaware. Their display cases are filled with pistols, rifles and semi-automatic rifles. Joe Bidens son decided to buy a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver, caliber 38. To do so, he filled out Form 4473, an application with several pages of small print. Question 11.e asked him to answer whether he was an illegal user or addict of any stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance. Hunter Biden checked the No box. A footnote warned that he was prohibited from purchasing a gun if he marked yes, and that making a false statement in this regard was a crime. Hunter Biden purchased the revolver. The gun ended up 11 days later in a trash can at a Greenville supermarket, about a 10-minute drive from the gun store.

The presidents son acknowledged in his memoirs that he was struggling with a crack addiction at the time, but his lawyers maintain that he did not break the law and that any other non-violent criminal with no prior record would not have been charged. Bidens defense has claimed that he had completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and may have believed he was clean when he checked the No box on the form.

The prosecution is considering calling Hunter Bidens ex-wife and the widow of his brother Beau Biden, with whom he later had a relationship, as witnesses to testify about his addiction. The defense will try to discredit the prosecutions evidence. Interestingly, like Trump, Hunter Biden maintains that he is the target of political persecution. The defendant alleged that he had been selectively accused for political purposes because he is the son of the president, who is also a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections on November 5. The judge rejected that argument and refused to shelve the case.
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run on Highway 99 in Stanislaus County, CHP says

A male pedestrian was killed on Highway 99 on Monday morning after being struck multiple times by at least one vehicle in Turlock, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The person killed had not been identified as of late Monday morning.

The man was found on the east part of the West Main Street on-ramp just before 5 a.m. Monday, the CHP said.

He appeared to have been struck or run over by at least one vehicle, and one witness said she saw a vehicle run him over as he was lying on the ground, according to the CHPs collision summary. No driver who struck the man reported it.

Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is encouraged to call Modesto Area CHP at 209-545-7440.
Pentagon contracts reveal US prep for multinational force in Haiti, down to toothbrushes and WiFi

As preparations accelerate for a multinational security force to deploy to Haiti, federal contract opportunities from the US Department of Defense detail the minutiae of US involvement in planning for the mission.

The Multinational Security Support mission, widely referred to as the MSS, aims to bolster local police in combatting the gangs currently overrunning Haitis capital Port-au-Prince. After several delays, the Kenya-led mission is expected to arrive in the Caribbean nation in the coming weeks.

The US has championed the mission, offering to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and resources, though drawing a line at boots on the ground. Recent contract opportunities posted to a US General Services Administration website by the Defense Department (DOD) illustrate how closely the US is involved in kitting out the multinational security force  from security for their still-under-construction base to toothbrushes and internet.

On Tuesday May 21, the Defense Department published a contract opportunity for commercial internet service providers capable of supporting about 1,400 users in Haiti, according to the website.

Contract opportunities published the same day also advertise opportunities for vendors to provide sundry itemsshampoo, toothbrushes, lotions, and other itemsand bedding for 1,300 people in Haiti.

As conditions for the mission come together, US security contractors are already on the ground in Haiti, about 150 people as of now, a source familiar with the operation told CNN.

A posting on the same website also shows that the DOD awarded a $30 million contract to GardaWorld Federal Services LLC for private security and protection services in Haiti for contractors preparing the mission base.

GardaWorld, a Canadian company which provides logistical, medical, and security services to government and commercial clients, told CNN that they were contracted to provide these services at the housing site.

The firm has previously been involved with protecting US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistana role that is the subject of ongoing litigation initially brought by a former employee, Justin Fahn, who alleges in a whistleblower lawsuit the company misled the US about its employees training.

GardaWorld denies these claims in court records, and a spokesperson for the company told CNN that it is employing highly trained security professionals to guard the facility in Haiti.

Beyond the contract information made publicly available in the sam.gov platform, we would not have additional details to provide at this time, a Pentagon spokesperson said when reached for comment by CNN.

A long-delayed mission

Gang violence has wreaked havoc in Haiti, stifling civilians access to food, water, and fuel. Armed groups control large swathes of Haitis capital city and forced the international airport in Port au Prince to shut down; after nearly three months, commercial flights resumed in mid-May.

The MSS base is expected to be located close to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in capital city Port-au-Prince. Satellite imagery captured on May 20 by Maxar Technologies, obtained by CNN, shows a significant construction close to the airport since mid-May. The expansion appears to include at least five new structures and newly cleared land at the eastern end of the tarmac.

Satellite imagery captured on May 20 by Maxar Technologies, obtained by CNN, shows a significant construction close to the airport since mid-May. - Maxar Technologies

US President Joe Biden has said that he is working with Congress to provide $300 million for the mission and an additional $60 million for equipment to the country.

Theres going to be US forces not on the ground, but were going to supply logistics, intelligence, and equipment. Matter of fact, some equipment has already arrived, Biden said last week during a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto.

In response to a question later in the briefing, Biden also sought to explain why the US isnt putting boots on the ground.

For the United States to deploy forces in the hemisphere just raises all kinds of questions that can be easily misrepresented about what were trying to do we want to do everything we can without once again looking like America is stepping over, deciding this is what must be done, Biden said.

According to documents seen by CNN, the mission will be helmed by a Kenyan police commissioner and a Jamaican police lieutenant, with other top posts filled by Kenyan staff. The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica have also promised to contribute personnel to the mission.

May 23 was the informal deadline for a contingent to be on the ground, but the initial deployment was delayed last week after a Kenyan delegation assessed that equipment on the ground was insufficient, according to sources in Haiti and DC. Sources said a primary concern for the Kenyan assessors  including several high-ranking police commanders  was whether there would be helicopters at the ready for medical evacuation.

The MSS was authorized last year by the United Nations Security Council to assist Haitian National Police in fighting gang violence and provide stability in the Caribbean country, following a request for military intervention by its government. Police unions and law enforcement sources in Haiti have however complained about a lack of clear planning for how they will coordinate with the foreign force.

CNN has reached out to the Haitian National Police for comment on the delay of the mission and logistical preparations for Haiti.

CNNs Caitlin Hu, Kylie Atwood, Natasha Bertrand, Haley Britzky and Jennifer Hansler contributed reporting from New York and Washington, DC.

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Racial, ethnic and self-identified sexual minorities possess more negative views of campus police compared with nonminorities.

Thats the key finding from a new study in which we analyzed data from approximately 400 undergraduate students to assess being stopped by campus police. We also looked at perceptions of campus police more generally. Eighty-two percent of our sample identified as non-Hispanic white, 31% identified as being male, and 64% identified as being heterosexual.

We found few differences between students with and without a history of being stopped by campus police.

Why it matters

We believe our findings highlight how the racial bias experienced by minority communities in police investigations has spilled over into the views of all police figures, including campus police.

The fact that we found few differences between students with and without a history of being stopped by police is telling. To a certain extent, it could suggest that minority students in our study are being treated fairly by campus police. However, if this is the case, then it remains unclear why we still found that minority students report more negative views of campus police.

It is here where we believe that the history and ongoing racism in law enforcement could be playing a role. It is possible that the skepticism of law enforcement more generally gets carried onto campus by students. This is especially true among minorities who historically have been unfairly treated by the police.

It could also be that widespread, systemic racism  not only in the criminal justice system but also in institutions of higher education  plays a role. There are racial and ethnic biases that exist in higher education, such as stereotyping and unfair grading practices. Therefore, it may not be unreasonable for students to assume that such biases may exist among campus police.

What still isnt known

More studies are needed to tease out why and how students have varying perceptions of campus police. We also encourage future studies to assess whether the patterns observed in our sample are present on other campuses. Our findings can only speak to one university in the Northeast region of the U.S., so their broad applicability is limited. With that being said, we controlled for several background characteristics  including arrest history  in hopes of best capturing what influences campus police contact and perceptions.

Our overall goal with this research is to better understand dynamics between people and figures of authority. Improving our understanding in this area will guide us toward a solution to address todays conflicts.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Christopher R. Dennison, University at Buffalo; Jessica Finkeldey, State University of New York at Fredonia, and Nicholas Tucker Reyes, University at Buffalo.

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A man died Monday morning after he was hit by a car near Matthews, police said. The driver in the case has been charged.

It happened Monday around 8:15 a.m. on McKee Road at Hampstead Pond Lane in south Charlotte. The car stayed at the scene.

ALSO READ: Silver Line to Matthews left out of Charlottes new light rail plan

Paramedics said they took one person to a Charlotte hospital with life-threatening injuries. Around 10 a.m., the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the victim had died. He was identified Wednesday as 75-year-old Mehmet Bagci.

The Matthews Police Department said McKee Road was closed in both directions while they investigated.

>> Channel 9s LIVE traffic map

Police believe the driver, 41-year-old Olga Igorevna Dadalko, was making a left turn onto McKee Road when she didnt stop for a stop sign. CMPD said she hit Bagci as he was crossing McKee Road.

Neither Dadalko or her passenger were hurt.

Dadalko will be charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, investigators said.

(WATCH BELOW: 2 hurt when truck crashes into north Charlotte church, MEDIC says)
Planning begins for trail from Hugo to Marine on St. Croix. Where should it run?

Washington County officials are seeking input on plans on a new northern regional trail that will connect Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, Big Marine Park Reserve, William OBrien State Park and downtown Marine on St. Croix.

Plans call for the multi-use east-west trail  called the Glacial Hills Regional Trail  to run about 12 miles, from Hugo to Marine on St. Croix, and connect to the planned Gateway State Trail extension, said Connor Schaefer, senior planner for Washington County.

County parks officials will share proposed route alignment options and visuals at an in-person open house from 4 to 6 p.m. June 17 at Marine on St. Croix Village Hall; there will be no formal presentation.

Officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also will be in attendance to share the progress of the Gateway State Trail extension and listen to feedback about alignments and future community connections.

After the open house, materials from the event will be available on the Glacial Hills Regional Trails project website, where people can leave comments from June 17 to June 30.

Plans for the trail are in the beginning stages, and there is no opening date or cost estimate yet, Schaefer said. He said he expects the trail to be paid for through a mix of federal, state and county funds.

Gateway Trail extension

Plans for a new three-mile extension of the Gateway Trail got a major boost last year when the project received $2.68 million in Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources funding.

The Gateway Trail currently runs 19 miles  from St. Paul to Pine Point Park in Stillwater Township  and attracts an estimated 125,000 users a year.

The new funding will cover one mile of trail extension from downtown Scandia  the trailhead will be located behind Meisters Bar and Grill  to Oakhill Road, where there will be a tunnel going under Oakhill, said Rachel Henzen, parks and trails area supervisor for the Minnesota DNR. The money also will cover a realignment of Oakhill Road to accommodate the new tunnel, she said.

Henzen and other DNR officials are still working on finalizing design plans, and date of completion has yet to be determined.

The DNR has purchased the land rights to build the trail from William OBrien State Park to Scandia. Eventually, the Gateway Trail will connect Pine Point Regional Park and William OBrien, but the land for that section has not yet been purchased, Henzen said.

We are working with the local units of government to determine route through William OBrien and south of William OBrien State Park, Henzen said. Thats a work in progress.

Eventually, the Gateway State Trail extension and the Glacial Hills Regional Trail will cross, Henzen said, and state and county officials are working to determine that connection.

Users will one day be able to take a trail from St. Paul to Scandia and/or Marine on St. Croix, Henzen said. Theres going to be some pretty amazing opportunities in that area with bike trails definitely, she said.

Related Articles

Glacial Hills and Gateway Extension information

Glacial Hills Regional Trail: Project updates will be posted on the countys website at co.washington.mn.us/GlacialHills. For more information about the trail, contact Connor Schaefer at 651-430-4303 or connor.schaefer@co.washington.mn.us.

Gateway Extension: Questions can be forwarded to Nathan Moe at 651-259-5601 or nathan.moe@state.mn.us.
POCOLA, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Pocola man was sentenced on Friday for sexually abusing a minor, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Patrick Kelley, 46, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for one count of abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

During the summer of 2021, Kelley sexually abused a minor, according to the release.

The release said Kelley admitted to creating and transporting sexually explicit depictions of two minors between 2015 and 2021 as part of his plea.

He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 10, 2023.

Oklahoma man sentenced for involuntary manslaughter in connection with fatal crash

The charge arose from investigations done by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the District 16 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in Le Flore County.

This sentence should serve as another clear warning to those who prey on children: we will leverage all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute you, United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said in the release. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations and District 16 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force for their work in bringing this defendant to justice.

Kelley will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals pending transportation to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence, according to the release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  June is Pride Month, and some communities in northeastern Pennsylvania are wasting no time to celebrate it.

The Fourth Annual Pocono Pride Festival was held Sunday in the heart of Monroe County.

Live music, good weather, and great vibes.

Thats how people at Pocono Pride Festival in Stroudsburg describe this event.

One woman who came with her fiance says what brings her back year after year is the atmosphere.

Yeah theres a lot more booths this year and theres a lot of really cool small businesses with little like stickers and pins and stuff, said Stroudsburg resident Katie Heinen.

A positive and safe atmosphere is something organizers of this event strive to do.

The best part today is the community, everyone comes out, they dresses, they dress, how they feel comfortable, and theres just so much love in the air, said Pocono Pride Festival co-founder Erik Diemer.

This event is also a way to help boost local businesses in downtown Stroudsburg.

PennDOT announces upcoming lane restrictions on I-81

We designed this event to not involve Main Street as much as possible so that way our normal merchants on Main Street, still have normal access to do normal business, and the Pocono Pride Coalition offered a free vendor space to all of the businesses within our footprint, Diemer explained.

A common theme throughout the festival is spreading love and thats what Trixy Valentine is here to do.

Im here to give inspiration, visibility representation, and make sure people feel loved, Drag Performer Trixy Valentine said.

Valentine says such things as this festival show the community is taking a step in the right direction.

It honestly just means that were progressing and doing what needs to show were queer and were here and we aint going anywhere, Valentine stated.

Its a great time and people should come next year, Heinen added.

Pocono Pride Festival is held on the first Sunday of June each year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
A point of pride. First known public school mariachi band in Kentucky is in Lexington

During Fridays graduation for Bryan Station High School, people heard a performance of Cielito Lindo by Mariachi Escudo de Bryan Station, which Fayette school district officials describe as Kentuckys only known high school Mariachi band.

These students did an incredible job, and its an example of our ongoing work to expand access to a wide array of diverse arts opportunities for our students, Fayette Public Schools Board Chairman Tyler Murphy said on a Facebook post.

With some community members upset because some school councils are cutting arts programs, Murphy said in an April post that in last years budget cycle, the school board made an additional $1. 4 million investment in visual and performing arts at the district level.

In the 2022 fiscal year cycle, district-level expenditures in fine arts amounted to $347,315, he said.

At a November school board meeting, Fayette schools Director of Fine Arts Katherine Lowther, said a direct and clear result of that investment was the mariachi band.

She introduced Nathan Bailey and Genaro Rascon, who were co-teaching two sections of World Music/Mariachi in both Spanish and English at Bryan Station High School.

Their group, described as the first known student Mariachi ensemble in Kentucky, recorded a performance of Canta, Canta, Canta (Sing, Sing, Sing) for the board.

Rascon told the school board its a point of pride that Bryan Station High school was the first public school in Kentucky to offer a mariachi band program.

Rascon said its always been his mission as an educator to put Mexican folk music in line with such fine art categories as orchestra and jazz.

Mariachi, Rascon said, is a multidisciplinary art.

Its live performance, its theater, its language arts because its in Spanish. Its a use of math and science, he said.

Rascon said mariachi has been taught traditionally in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

He said the band has received multiple requests for live performances and other Fayette schools are interested in a mariachi band program

Rascon said Bryan Station High Schools mariachi band wants to perform at national mariachi school conferences.

Half of the students in the mariachi band are traditional band and orchestra students who have been playing for years, he said.

The other half have never touched an instrument or read music before they joined the mariachi band and have only been performing for a few months.

School board member Marilyn Clark asked Rascon whether the program could be offered to younger students.

I would absolutely love to have middle school or elementary school programs ... down the road, Rascon said.
Donald Trump has turned his problems with the law into a cash cow. Barely a few minutes after a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts over falsifying business records, his campaigns online donation platform crashed. The avalanche of money overwhelmed the system. In 24 hours, the campaign received $53 million. Along with contributions from individuals, the former president has been recovering the support of the big billionaires who turned their backs on him after the assault on the U.S. Capitol. Now they are supporting him again despite his legal woes.

As soon as he left the courthouse on Thursday, after a brief two-minute address, Trump headed to a fundraising event on Manhattans posh Upper East Side. Among the attendees was the co-founder and CEO of the Blackstone group, Steve Schwarzman, one of the most important figures on Wall Street, who has an estimated fortune of $41 billion. Schwarzman is one of the businessmen who distanced himself from Trump after the assault on the Capitol on January 6, recognized Bidens victory and called for a peaceful transfer of power. But now he is criticizing President Joe Bidens economic, immigration and foreign policies. I am planning to vote for change and support Donald Trump for president, he said in a recent statement.

Many billionaires care more about Trumps promised tax cuts for the wealthy and big business than about the former presidents honesty and democratic commitment. Others, like Schwarzman himself, are Jewish donors who are backing Trump because they believe him to be a stronger supporter of Israel and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Yet others have subscribed to Trumps thesis that he is the victim of political persecution to justify supporting a convicted felon.

This verdict will have less than zero impact on my support, Omeed Malik, president of 1789 Capital and a Republican donor, who was a co-host of a Trump fundraiser at the prestigious The Pierre hotel two weeks ago, told Bloomberg. Malik described the hush-money trial in New York as the weaponization of the legal system. At the event at the Pierre Hotel, located on Fifth Avenue, across from Central Park  on the same sidewalk as Trump Tower  Wall Street billionaires handed down their own verdict, according to Bloomberg: even If the jury found the former president guilty, Trump would still be their choice for the White House.

The democratic commitment of Americans is not as deep as we think. The proof is businesspeople. On January 7, 2021 they were saying they would never fund or support someone like Trump, but today they are giving him money, just in case he wins, Steven Levitsky, a professor of political science at Harvard and author of How Democracies Die, told EL PAIS last week.

The second-richest man in the world, Elon Musk, with a fortune valued at more than $200 billion, also came out in defense of Trump after hearing the jurys verdict: Great damage was done today to the publics faith in the American legal system. If a former president can be criminally convicted over such a trivial matter  motivated by politics, rather than justice  then anyone is at risk of a similar fate, he posted on X. The last part of this message is almost identical to what Trump said at his press conference at the Trump Tower on Friday.

Both business magnates have also gone from distancing themselves from one another, to freely communicating. Trump indeed is considering Musk for an advisory position in the White House if he wins the election.

After the assault on the Capitol, billionaire Nelson Peltz, the founding partner of Trian Partners, said: I voted for him in this past election, November. Today, Im sorry I did that. After that public apologies, Peltz announced last March that he will vote for Trump again  despite the fact that Trumps authoritarian drift has intensified, and that the former president continues to call the rioters arrested for the assault on the Capitol hostages.

The founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, Bill Ackman, retweeted several pro-Trump messages after the verdict was announced, including a long message from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which began: Todays verdict represents the culmination of a legal process that has been bent to the political will of the actors involved: a leftist prosecutor, a partisan judge and a jury reflective of one of the most liberal enclaves in America  all in an effort to get Donald Trump.

Ackman  a Jewish businessman who was very vocal against the pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses and contributed to the fall of the Harvard president  supported Nikki Haley in the primaries but is preparing to openly express his support for Trump, according to a report in the Financial Times.

And the Israeli-born Miriam Adelson, widow of the casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a top Republican donor, plans to play a major role in funding Preserve America, a pro-Trump political action committee founded during Trumps 2020 re-election campaign, according to Politico. The PAC is now being reconstituted with the purpose of helping Trumps candidacy for the November presidential elections, and it plans to raise more than $90 million  the amount that the Adelsons donated four years ago, making them among the biggest donors of the Trump campaign. Adelson preferred to stay out of the Republican primary battle.

Tech investors David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya are hosting a Silicon Valley fundraiser for Trump on June 6. As soon as the verdict was announced, Sacks posted: There is now only one issue in this election: whether the American people will stand for the USA becoming a Banana Republic.

Although Trump receives many donations from the partys rank and file, the growing support from billionaires has helped his campaign to raise around $76 million in April, the first month in which the Trump fundraising efforts surpassed Bidens, which raised $51 million. Trump raised more than $50 million at a single event with billionaires earlier that month.

In another recent event organized by his super PAC at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps mansion in Palm Beach (Florida), the former president asked oil company executives to contribute $1 billion to his campaign. Several Democratic senators opened an investigation into the event following reports that Trump had asked for donations in exchange for rolling back environmental regulations, speeding up permit and lease approvals, and preserving or improving the tax benefits for the oil and gas industry if he returns the White House. The senators sent letters with information requests to the directors of companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Occidental and Cheniere, among others. Such an obvious policies-for-money transaction reeks of cronyism and corruption, the letters state.

Trump has no qualms when it comes to asking for money. According to The Washington Post, at the May meeting at The Pierre Hotel, Trump told the group of billionaires in attendance that a businessman had recently offered a million dollars to his presidential campaign and wanted to have lunch with him. Im not having lunch, Trump said he responded. Youve got to make it $25 million.

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Point-in-Time Count reveals drop in homeless numbers, over 850 still live in the High Desert

The latest Point-in-Time Count revealed the homeless population in San Bernardino County grew by only 1% over the last year compared to 26% last year and 6.6% a year before that.

The Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, also revealed a combined total of 858 people encountering homeless in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year, according to county data.

San Bernardino County's Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, revealed a combined total of 858 homeless people living in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year.

The small increase of homeless individuals countywide is a good indication that the county and its city and community partners are building momentum in their efforts to move residents off the streets, county officials claim.

A count of people experiencing homelessness in the county was taken by 550 community volunteers. The count categorized people as sheltered, in transitional housing, or unsheltered.

This years count showed the countys homeless population grew by 42 total individuals, from 4,195 to 4,237.

Homeless numbers doubled from 2,118 individuals in 2018 to 4,255 in 2024, the survey reported.

The survey also revealed a 3.1% decrease in the number of sheltered homeless individuals, defined as those who were in a public or private shelter that provided temporary living arrangements at the time of the count.

The total number of unsheltered homeless individuals counted this year in the county represents an increase of 79 individuals, or 2.6%, compared to the 2023 count.

San Bernardino County's Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, revealed a combined total of 858 homeless people living in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year.

High Desert homeless

In the High Desert, Victorville topped this years homeless list with 611 people, a decrease of four people over last year.

Barstow reported 113 homeless, a substantial decrease of 41 people compared to last year.

Hesperia had 67 homeless individuals, an increase of three, while Apple Valley recorded 31, a decrease of four people.

Adelanto counted 29 unhoused people, a decrease of six people, and Phelan/Pinon Hills recorded seven homeless people, an increase of three.

San Bernardino County's Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, revealed a combined total of 858 homeless people living in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year.

Flattening homeless numbers

This data shows a flattening of our homeless numbers, which is a promising sign that we are heading in the right direction, said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, who along with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., serves on the Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee. We are investing in projects like Kern Street and Pacific Village to provide essential services like substance use treatment and recuperative care beds. These efforts are crucial for improving the health and well-being of our community.

In San Bernardino County, the cities with the most homeless individuals were San Bernardino with 1,417, Victorville with 611, Colton with 348, Fontana with 301, Redlands with 213, Ontario with 197 and Barstow with 113.

San Bernardino County's Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, revealed a combined total of 858 homeless people living in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year.

Tackling the homeless situation

In December, Victorville city officials celebrated the grand opening of its Wellness Center, which welcomed nearly 90 unhoused clients that month.

The facility is the first low-barrier, non-congregate emergency shelter to offer interim housing and wraparound support services with a medical and recuperative care clinic on-site.

This is a haven of hope, healing and opportunity that will break the cycle of homelessness and improve the quality of life for so many in our community, City Manager Keith Metzler told those in attendance.

Metzler added that the city needed to address the whole spectrum of issues that lead to homelessness and to provide all necessary support services. With a $28 million Homekey Grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the city was able to bring its vision to reality.

San Bernardino County's Point in Time Count, conducted on January 25, revealed a combined total of 858 homeless people living in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Phelan/Pinon Hills, and Victorville. A decrease of 41 people over last year.

In September 2023, Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe initiated the formation of the ad hoc committee under the direction of the county's Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke.

The purpose of the ad hoc committee was to delve deeper into the root causes of homelessness and provide recommendations to the board of supervisors on policies, strategies, and collaborative opportunities that could be adopted to address the issue, county officials stated.

Earlier in 2023, the Board of Supervisors allocated $72.7 million towards a Homelessness Spending Plan, with an additional $20 million in funding reserved for bridging the gaps in current projects.

This was in addition to the county's Department of Behavioral Healths efforts in securing nearly $89 million in grant funding for the establishment or expansion of facilities and beds.

Victorville city officials, in December 2023, cut the ribbon on its Wellness Center, dubbed a haven of hope for the homeless. That month, nearly 90 clients moved into the facility located north of the railroad tracks and near the Mojave River.

A joint effort

The homeless count and subpopulation survey was a joint effort of the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services and the Institute for Urban Initiatives.

There were 24 cities and towns that contributed staff time and office space for the training and deployment of volunteers and 24 law enforcement agencies that provided their time, knowledge and expertise regarding the locations of homeless persons.

There were several non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, homeless providers and county departments that also helped with the process.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him online on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Point-in-Time Count reveals decrease in High Desert homeless population
Poland has arrested 18 people accused of planning sabotage in favour of Russia and Belarus since December

On 3 June, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said that since December, the country has arrested 18 people accused of conducting hostile activities or planning sabotage actions on behalf of Russia and Belarus, including assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Source: European Pravda with reference to AP

Details: Siemoniak said the 10 people arrested since December had been directly involved in planning various forms of sabotage across Poland.

Polish authorities have linked some recent arson attacks or attempted arson attacks to the activities of Russian agents. The Internal Security Agency reported that those arrested in recent months include citizens of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.

In April, a Pole was arrested as he was prepared to spy for Russian military intelligence as part of an alleged plot to assassinate President Zelenskyy, Polish prosecutors said.

The man was looking for contact with Russians directly involved in the war in Ukraine and was supposed to pass on detailed information about the strategic Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in southeastern Poland, close to the border with Ukraine.

Siemoniak said the acts of sabotage were apparently part of a wider plan that also included cyberattacks, pushing migrants in Belarus to cross the border into Poland, and threatening the country's security.

"We have no doubt that the people who are ready to threaten the lives, health and property of Polish citizens are acting on the orders of a foreign state, Russia," Siemoniak said.

Background:

On 30 May, it became known that three people had been detained in Poland and charged with sabotage and working for foreign intelligence services.

As reported by The New York Times, Russian secret services are extending the scale of their European sabotage operations aimed at disrupting the supply of military aid to Ukraine.

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Poland to spend almost $760 million to improve digital security following suspected Russian cyberattack

Poland will allocate more than 3 billion zlotys ($759 million) to create a "cyber shield" in the wake of a recent suspected Russian cyberattack on a state-run media outlet, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said on June 3.

A message appeared on the website of the Polish Press Agency (PAP) on May 31 claiming that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had ordered a "partial mobilization" to begin in July. Gawkowski and other Polish officials then said the message was false and that it was likely the work of a Russian-backed disinformation campaign.

Gawkowski told the Polsat news agency that the goal of the likely Russian-backed operation was to spread "disinformation before the (upcoming EU parliamentary) elections" and "paralyze society."

"Today, Poland is on the front line of the cyber fight against Russia," Gawkowski said at a press conference on June 3.

"(Russia) has one goalto destabilize the situation and ensure that the forces supporting the breakup of the EU can benefit," Gawkowski added.

Russia has denied responsibility for the cyberattack on PAP and refuted the assertion that it is trying to destabilize Poland or the EU.

Read also: European IT Coalition raises 58 million euros for Ukraines IT, cybersecurity defense capabilities

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Suspect accused of shooting woman in the chest after Brockton house party held without bail

Police in Brockton have identified the suspect in connection with a woman shot in the chest, early Sunday morning.

Brockton police responded to the home on Falconer Avenue on Sunday morning for reports of a woman shot in the chest.

Jonathan Alves, 27, was arrested and is being charged with assault & battery with a dangerous weapon, assault & battery, assault to murder, and several other weapons charges.

At his arraignment on Monday, prosecutors said Alves was at a house party and a group of women got into a fight outside, which escalated. Prosecutors said Alves is the boyfriend of one of the women involved.

He said Im not letting no one fight my [expletive] and then engaged in the fight himself, punching the witness three times, said the Commonwealth.

According to the prosecution, a witness said he reached into his waistband and pulled out a black handgun with a long magazine as she ducked behind a car. Then she heard gunshots.

Her friend, the victim indicated I think Ive been shot and fell to the ground holding her chest, she said.

Brockton Fire and Ambulance personnel treated the victim at the scene before transporting her to a hospital in Boston.

Two others were also arrested in connection with the shooting.

26-year-old Naldo Barbosa faces unlawful possession of ammunition charge, and 42-year-old Aylson Correia Castro faces unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm with an FID Card.

I heard gunfire, multiple shots multiple, multiple shots back and forth, said John Pennio, who lives on Falconer Ave in Brockton.

Alves defense attorney said a witness was shown one photo and asked if it was the suspect.

The identification procedure is incredibly tainted and is going to result in a lack of specific identification for purposes of that photo, said James Murphy, Defense Attorney.

Monday a judge ordered Alves to be held until a dangerousness hearing Thursday and have his bail revoked for violating the bail terms from a previous case.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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ST. LOUIS  Three men were shot in St. Louis Citys Dutchtown neighborhood late Sunday evening.

The shooting occurred prior to 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of South Grand Boulevard and Klocke Street.

Two victims arrived at a local hospital on their own. The third victim went in an ambulance.

No other information has been disclosed as of the initial publication of this story.

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SANTAN, Ariz. (AP)  The Gila River Indian Community has issued a temporary ban on dances after a tribal police officer was fatally shot and another wounded while responding to a reported disturbance at a Santan home, tribal officials said Sunday.

Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the tribe south of Phoenix, said a special meeting of community councils leaders was held Saturday night.

The council approved a temporary moratorium on all permitted and non-permitted dances in the community, effective immediately, along with enhanced penalties for trespassing and disorderly conduct, he said.

Mother of man killed by Albuquerque Police Department speaks out  but not against officers

The Phoenix FBI is investigating the fatal shooting, but it has not released many details.

The Arizona Republic reported that the shooting occurred at a teenagers birthday party in Santan, located in one of the tribal communitys seven districts.

Joshua Briese, who had been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and had not completed field training, responded to the scene along with another tribal police officer around 2 a.m. Saturday on a 911 disturbance call involving a large crowd.

Police said multiple gunshots were fired and both officers were struck, with four other people wounded.

Briese was declared dead at a hospital, and the other officer, whose name hasnt been released yet, was listed in serious but stable condition, according to police.

One of the four people wounded later died, police said. The names of the victims werent immediately available Sunday.

Briese, 23, was the son of a former sheriffs deputy in Montana who also died in the line of duty.

A look at the secret tunnel under the Sunport

The Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post that David Briese was killed in a November 2006 car crash.

News reports said David Briese was responding at the time to a backup call for an officer who was dealing with a combative impaired driver in Billings, Montana.

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Police padlock Nashville market for disrupting quality of life following history of crime

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department padlocked a market early Monday morning for disrupting the quality of life in the area, officials said.

At 6:20 a.m., the police department posted about the raid on X  formerly known as Twitter  stating that they were raiding and padlocking Star Market located in the 1600 of block of Buchanan Street.

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According to officials, the market was padlocked due to a prolonged disruption of quality of life in the area. Those known to frequent the area and around the store are regularly involved in fights, shootings, assaults, drug use, and other criminal activities, officials said.

In August 2022, representatives with the MNPD and District Attorneys Office reportedly met with the markets owners to make them aware of the activity occurring at the store. During the meeting, the owners allegedly promised that they would take steps to fix the issues.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

However, police said neighbors complaints about the store and calls to police department continued. In fact, more than 60 documented police responses and interventions were recorded since the initial meeting in 2022, police said.

According to an affidavit that was submitted by a MNPD detective, nearly 430 instances of police responses were related to Star Market from Jan. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2024.

Authorities said the business was padlocked following a court ordered action under Tennessees public nuisance law.

Two of the markets owners are in custody on several charges, which includes money laundering, organized retail crime, and attempted theft of property. Bolis Boktor, 44, and Basem Fareg, 43 were identified in an MNPD press release as the market owners charged. Atef Abdelmaseh, 51, was also identified as an operator of the market.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

The District Attorneys Office partnered with the MNPD to request the court order. Star Market will remain closed pending a hearing before a Davidson County Judge, which is expected to happen on Thursday, June 6.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at F&B Market early Monday morning. The market is located at 3900 Clarksville Pike, and is owned by the same people who own Star Market.

An MNPD press release stated that an investigation on F&B Market began in late 2023. That investigation revealed that the owners, on multiple occasions, would willingly buy merchandise represented to them as stolen for pennies on the dollar before reselling the same items. Among the stolen products that were resold were Tide Pods, candy bars, Rogaine and others.

Bolis Boktor (Source: MNPD)

Basem Farag (Source: MNPD)

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Police trainer who took own life after developing PTSD let down by Met

Police trainer who took own life after developing PTSD 'let down by Met'

A police trainer who took her own life after developing PTSD following the Grenfell Tower fire was let down by the Metropolitan Police, a coroner has found.

Nicola Nikki Forster, 45, a safety training officer at Hendon Police College in north London, was found dead by her partner at her home in Bedfordshire in September 2022.

Central Bedfordshire Coroners Court previously heard that she had been suffering from anxiety and depression.

Concluding an inquest into her death at the same court on Monday, Emma Whitting, the coroner, said line management decisions had contributed to a further significant deterioration in Forsters mental health.

Ms Whitting also found Forster could have been referred to occupational health for support and counselling at an earlier stage.

Out to get her

Forster had said to colleagues that her line manager, Insp Hayley Webb, was out to get her and that she failed to act on requests for an occupational health referral, the inquest was previously told.

She had told colleagues in text messages that Insp Webb was a bully who was gunning for her.

The coroner said the worsening of Forsters mental health was exacerbated by the actions of her employer.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Ms Whitting said: It is clear to the court that the Metropolitan Police service [MPS] were aware of Nikkis mental health history and vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the MPS knew or could have discovered that her PTSD was work-related.

Following Nikkis decline in her mental health, there were opportunities for Nikki to have been referred to OH at an earlier stage for support and counselling.

Line management decisions regarding Nikki reflected a focus on managing upwards and were supported by the senior leadership team; these were at the expense of Nikkis personal and occupational welfare which contributed to a further significant deterioration in her mental health and, ultimately, to her death.

Tipped over the edge

Forsters mental health declined from autumn 2021, when she found herself under increasing pressure at work and had lost access to counselling, the inquest heard.

An occupational health referral was discussed with Insp Webb in November 2021 but was not progressed until May 2022, when she was also issued with informal management action.

During an absence review on July 20 2022, Forster told a welfare officer that receiving a not performing grade on her recent performance review had tipped her over the edge, the court heard.

Forster, who was born in Stockton-on-Tees, had been signed off from work approximately three months before her death, and was on medication prescribed by her GP.

Insp Webb told the senior leadership team on Sept 6 2022 that Forsters PTSD was not work-related and should not attract favourable discretion, and her pay should not be extended as a result, the inquest heard.

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Polish protesters to resume blockade of trucks from Ukraine at one checkpoint

Polish farmers intend to block truck traffic at the Rava-Ruska checkpoint beginning on Tuesday 4 June, and ending in the afternoon of Thursday 6 June.

Source: State Customs Service of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "Polish farmers intend to block the freight section at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint from 10:00 on 4 June (Kyiv time) until the afternoon of 6 June," the report said.

As a result, all truck movement from Ukraine is expected to come to a halt.

The Polish side will let through no more than 24 trucks each day (two passes of 12 cars each) and up to 4 automobiles per hour carrying humanitarian goods towards the Ukrainian border.

Background: On 29 April at 10:00, the lorry traffic resumed at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint, after the Polish farmers stopped blocking the movement of trucks.

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With the presidential election less than six months away, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will soon unveil their platforms and begin rallying voters around their agendas for 2025 and beyond. And while K12 education typically spends little time in the national spotlight, the campaign will bring far greater clarity to the candidates positions on contentious issues like school choice, standardized testing and civil rights protections for students.

But research suggests that both men might be wise to play their cards close to the vest. According to a paper released this spring, presidents who weighed in on education policy debates between 2009 and 2021  such as COVID-era school closures or the adoption of Common Core  tended to polarize the public much more than galvanize them. Only when endorsing proposals that cut directly against the traditional position of their parties do they succeed in generating overall public support, the authors write.

The findings seem to counsel caution in an election year, particularly with attitudes on national politics diverging as widely and consistently as they have in the history of polling. They also raise challenging questions about whether federal leadership on K12 schools can be viable in the absence of the bipartisan consensus that largely favored school reform in the 1990s and 2000s. If not, state-level actors like governors and legislators may be left in the drivers seat for the foreseeable future.

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The difference in positive evaluations of teachers' unions is of approximately the same magnitude as the partisan gap on legal abortion under any circumstances. David Houston, George Mason University

David Houston, a professor of education policy at George Mason University and the papers lead author, said the gulf separating Democrats and Republicans on education questions resembles some of the biggest divides in the American cultural landscape.

We really disagree on a lot of education issues, and that trend has accelerated over the last decade, he said. The difference in positive evaluations of teachers unions is of approximately the same magnitude as the partisan gap on legal abortion under any circumstances.

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If the politics of education has taken on some of the acrimony surrounding other issues, it represents a break with historical patterns. Schools have traditionally been insulated from national trends by their unique governance structure, with elected boards attracting little public attention as they decide questions of funding and curriculum. When presidents have entered the fray  as in the case of school desegregation in the 1950s, or the push to pass the No Child Left Behind law in the early 2000s  they have encountered resistance, but seldom failed entirely.

Morgan Polikoff, a professor of education at the University of Southern California, agreed that the past decade has brought heightened partisanship. Yet he also voiced hope that future presidents, perhaps including some now occupying state-level office, could notch greater education policy successes than Washington has seen recently.

I could imagine having national leaders who were charismatic and had powerful views about the role of federal education policy again. We just don't have them currently, and we didn't have them in the previous administration. Morgan Polikoff, University of Southern California

I could imagine having national leaders who were charismatic and had powerful views about the role of federal education policy again, said Polikoff. We just dont have them currently, and we didnt have them in the previous administration.

The Obama exception

To estimate the influence of high-profile politicians like the current and former presidents, Houston built his study on public opinion research dating back to 2007.

The annual Education Next poll, developed and administered by researchers at Harvard, is one of the only measures that regularly surveys the public on their attitudes toward education topics. The paper relies on responses drawn from five separate editions of the poll, which included questions on topics like school choice, merit pay for teachers, and allowing illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition to attend public universities. (Houston, who formerly served as Education Nexts survey director, has previously used similar data to show that general opinions on schools are becoming more partisan with time.)

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What Do Americans Think of School Choice? Depends on How You Ask the Question

I look at questions that have been asked in the exact same way, or nearly the exact same way, over the course of at least 10 years, he said. Regardless of the imperfections of the survey questions  and every survey question has imperfections  those are true over time, so we can capture trends.

Before giving their own views of 18 policy proposals, a random assortment of participants were first primed by hearing the incumbent presidents opinions on them. Because respondents included Democrats, Republicans, and independents, Houston was able to measure their reaction to hearing that a highly visible figure of either the same or opposing party had opined on a particular policy.

The overall result of receiving a partisan cue  effectively becoming aware of the presidents endorsement, regardless of ones own political preferences  was statistically insignificant, moving respondents attitudes by just .02 points on a five-point scale. But that average accounts for larger effects that moved Democrats and Republicans in opposite directions: If someone learned that a president of his own party favored a specific education policy, they warmed to it by an average of .37 points. If a president of the opposite party was revealed to favor a policy, whether school vouchers or universal pre-K, the respondent moved away from that proposal by .32 points.

In other words, voters carefully weigh what high-profile figures like U.S. presidents say about schools. But their pronouncements tend to be counterproductive, splitting the public along partisan lines.

Recent history offers some support for the papers hypothesis. For example, multiple studies of school districts behavior during the pandemic found that their local partisanship, much more so than the prevalence of COVID in the surrounding area, was highly associated with whether they heeded President Trumps 2020 exhortation to open schools for in-person learning.

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Politics, Not Science, is Driving School Reopening Decisions to a Really Dangerous Degree, Research Suggests

Notably, one subset of results actually showed the opposite effect, bringing both sides somewhat closer to one another. When a president backs policies that are not traditionally associated with their party and its backers  the key example being Barack Obama, whose endorsement of charter schools, merit pay and higher academic standards were revealed to partisans in three separate polls  it actually depolarizes responses: Democrats moved .28 points toward the previously unfavored proposals, while Republicans moved in the opposite direction by .14 points.

Charles Barone, the vice president of K12 policy for the pressure group Democrats for Education Reform, said his own observations of voters during the Obama era largely dovetailed with the studys conclusions.

Obamas support for education reform, and particularly charter schools, did help with Democrats, Barone said. We saw higher poll numbers among Democrats on issues like charters after Obama came out in favor of them.

Elusive common ground

Education observers generally agreed that polarization around schools has clearly escalated since the Obama administration, and that many everyday voters rely heavily on their party leaders to form judgments on policy initiatives theyre unfamiliar with.

But while Polikoff agreed that the receding center ground represented a huge problem for those attempting to improve the way schools deliver education, he added that President Bidens most recent predecessors might have been particularly good at exercising partisan energies.

President George W. Bush, with Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, held office when bipartisan support for education reform reached its peak. (Getty Images)

You wouldnt necessarily want to extrapolate from these two presidents to all of them, he said. Obama and Trump, if nothing else, were very visible and almost ubiquitous in ways that other presidents might not be  and that state and local leaders, who are actually influencing these policies  are not.

State leadership may provide some cause for optimism as well. While rancorous fights over school closures and contentious classroom material have won headlines in recent years, long-awaited support from both parties has also led to efforts to incorporate the science of reading in early literacy instruction. And in further illustration of Houstons findings, a slew of Republican governors have taken the opportunity to lift teacher salaries, winning popular approval in part by embracing a stance that is most often associated with Democrats.

Related

Why Are So Many Republicans Raising Teacher Salaries?

Margaret Spellings, formerly the U.S. Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, now serves as the CEO of the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center. An enthusiastic proponent of No Child Left Behind-style education reform, she said she was struck by the vacuum of federal leadership and cohesion that now prevails in Washington.

I wish someone would tell me what the Biden K12 policy is. There is none. And the Trump administration was just about vouchers.  Margaret Spellings, Bipartisan Policy Center

In her office, she said, she still keeps mementos of the laws passage, which was supported by mammoth margins in both the U.S. House and Senate. That occurred during the administration of a much more unifying president  Bush was riding sky-high approval ratings in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and NCLB was seen as a major bipartisan compromise  but the victory reflected what political will and energy could accomplish, she added

I wish someone would tell me what the Biden K12 policy is, Spellings said. There is none. And the Trump administration was just about vouchers. But I havent given up on bipartisanship, period, or I wouldnt be doing the job Im doing.
The fact that the Encyclopedia Britannica, that traditional repository of knowledge, updated Donald Trumps biography on Thursday in a matter of minutes to include his status as a convicted felon, indicates that, beyond the fleeting and bombastic media headlines, what happened that day in a Manhattan criminal court made history. In fact it is still the first page of a tale that begins with an abyss of unpredictable consequences for the politics, the laws and even the basic existence of the country.

It will take a whole new frame of mind to address the eventuality that a candidate convicted by a court of law (but who will probably not go to jail) can not only run in elections without undermining his own representativeness  exemplarity is another matter, but Trump has never been exactly an edifying figure but even stands a chance of winning them. Wounded in his self-esteem by the verdict of the jury, which declared him guilty of the 34 charges against him for falsifying business records to cover up a bribe to the porn actress Stormy Daniels for electoral purposes, Trump feels free of constraints to undertake his flight forward, until he becomes strong again, if the polls are kind, inside the White House.

It does not look like he will have a difficult time, and it is not only because of his advantage over the Democratic candidate Joe Biden according to different polls, especially in some pivotal or swing states that could decide the election in November. It is also due to the closing of ranks around him of billionaires willing to finance his campaign  like everything in the United States, the result of an election depends largely on money  and the thousands of small, anonymous donors who in just a few hours contributed almost $35 million to Trumps campaign machine after the verdict was announced. Almost 30% contributed for the first time to the main Republican fundraising site, WinRed. That Wall Street opened higher on Friday, apparently immune to the political earthquake, was another very clear sign that the Republican will have the upper hand from now until November.

If during the six weeks of the trial, by virtue of the gag order imposed by the judge to prevent him from criticizing witnesses, a tamed version of Trump was on display, albeit with reservations, since he was twice found in contempt of court, now nothing is preventing him from giving free rein to his rage and his thirst for revenge. These are not exactly arguments typical of a campaign program, but they are factors that mobilize voters in a political scenario definitively dominated, today more than ever, by emotions.

Furthermore, by portraying himself as politically persecuted, he has more freedom to complain. The fact that, in his words, the trial was rigged also allows him to recover the term he used to denounce the alleged 2020 election fraud.

No one dares to predict how the verdict will affect the outcome of the November election, but one thing is clear: if there was any lingering doubt that Trump was the leader of all Republicans, it is no longer there. The first consequence has been the undisguised judicial interference by part of the legislature, in a new political upheaval to further inflame an already vicious campaign.

Republican Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, urged the Supreme Court to step in to overturn the verdict, saying he knows some of the judges personally and believes they are deeply concerned. If it sounds like blackmail, thats because it is. Also on Friday, the chairman of a House Judiciary subcommittee, fellow Republican Jim Jordan, demanded that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who headed the case, and prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, who led the prosecution in the trial, be called in on June 13 to explain Trumps unprecedented political persecution.

Front pages of major American newspapers, with the word "guilty" in the headline. Mike Segar (REUTERS)

Meanwhile, eight Republican senators, including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, announced that they will boycott legislative activity, opposing any non-defense spending bill and stopping any Democratic initiative, after considering, without evidence, that Trump has been the victim of a political process. The current composition of the upper house is 49 Republicans and 51 Democrats.

If institutions are used to serve the interests of an individual, there is a heightened risk of appropriation of pillars of the system such as the judiciary. This trend was clearer than ever at Trumps appearance on Friday in New York, where what was on display was not so much the image of a citizen condemned by justice, but that of an aggrieved presidential candidate, who took refuge behind the logo of his campaign. The values that suit ones interests are appropriated; those that do not, such as an adverse judicial decision, are delegitimized in this supermarket of values that American politics seems to have become since Trumps term in office (2017-2021). Politics, in short, is being dragged through the mud.

Destroy the judicial system

The political fabric has been practically torn to shreds, some observers warn. The historian Tim Naftali, a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs, warned on X that the U.S. has entered new political and legal territory as a nation. Donald Trump will now force every GOP candidate to trash our judicial system. There will be a chorus of poison likely worse than what we heard before Jan. 6th. Should he win, hed have a more toxic mandate than in 17, Naftali posted on X on Thursday.

Fridays speech, delivered from Trump Tower in Manhattan, was in theory Trumps official reaction to the verdict, but in practice it was a hodgepodge of topics  from the challenges posed by China to the arrival of migrants  and Trump did not provide any proposals, not even any ideas, just the usual fearmongering: the invasion by foreign criminals, the United States as a corrupt country, with corrupt elections; the external debt; the record levels of terrorists entering the country, in short, the open borders caused by the Democratic administration. It was nothing that he has not said before, sometimes on a daily basis as he entered and left the court building during the trial. It was the vocabulary of populism.

Considering the New York trial very unfair  and therefore, the justice system illegitimate  is yet another notch in a rhetoric that is well-rooted in the right-wing media ecosystem. Everyone knows what hes talking about, because hes been planting these lines of attack for weeks and weeks, since before this trial even began, maintains Abby Philips analysis on CNN. We have yet to see Trump pivot to a message for a broader electorate, just from a political perspective, but I suspect we wont see him do it, because, from his point of view, what hes doing works, he doesnt need to change.

An NPR public radio poll confirmed on Thursday, a few hours before the jurys decision was announced, that 17% of registered voters would support Trump even more strongly if he were found guilty. The outcome of the trial will not influence the vote of the majority of registered voters: two-thirds of those surveyed said that a guilty verdict would not change their choice on the ballot in any way. Three-quarters said the same for a not guilty verdict. Only a small percentage of votes, especially among independents, could change direction after learning that Trump is guilty.

The day after the verdict was the starting point for Trumps revenge, staged a few meters from the golden escalator that, like the television star he was then, he descended in 2016 to officially announce his candidacy for the presidency. His 33-minute tirade on Friday was broadcast live on the news, although some channels chose to interrupt the connection when he issued falsehoods and attacks against the judge, prosecutors and President Joe Biden. Vowing to appeal the verdict, calling his fight existential for the Constitution and for the country, he said: Im doing something for our Constitution. Its very important, far beyond me, an unequivocal rallying point for the deep patriotism of Americans. There is now only one issue in this election: whether the American people will stand for the USA becoming a Banana Republic, tweeted tech entrepreneur David Sacks.

Republicans are trying to channel the judicial frenzy into fundraising and their sworn commitment to oust Biden from the White House in November. The existential dimension of the verdict is on the table, in the foreground: This wont stop Trump. Hell win the election if hes not killed first. But it does mark the end of the fairest justice system in the world, tweeted Tucker Carlson, a propagandist for the most extreme wing of republicanism.

Among the immediate moves by Republicans is the possible opening of criminal investigations against Democrats in Georgia and Florida for conspiring to interfere in the elections by impeaching Trump. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan D.A. who led the investigation, is a well-known Democrat, hence Trumps refrain that the judicial offensive against him is politically motivated and that the case in New York was a rigged trial.

Trump will be confirmed as the Republican candidate for the White House at his partys national convention, to be held in mid-July in Milwaukee. Technically, the party could still elect someone else, but no one is willing to bet a single cent on such an eventuality because Trumps electoral machine is unbeatable, as demonstrated by his cash register, which has not stopped accumulating money after the four indictments and the guilty verdict. The media coverage of his trials has multiplied his public exposure compared to the Biden campaign, which is much more discreet and which has not entered the fray until the very last minute of his rivals legal problems.

The emotions inoculated in the 2016 campaign have already borne fruit. Judging by the reactions to Trumps guilty verdict, there seems to be no way to bridle them, or at least bind them to an electoral program with standard promises. The miracle worker Trump has managed to stir up the sound and the fury: the lack of expectations of millions of people given over to the desperation of alcohol or opiates  the so-called deaths of despair conceptualized a decade ago by the economists Angus Deaton and Anne Case; the paradoxical class struggle of Hispanics who arrived one day as immigrants, like those in the Bronx, and now ask Trump to close the borders to new arrivals and clean the streets of foreigners. Anger always trickles top to bottom, and Trump knows it.

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One of Tokyos most popular tourist neighborhoods is making a move to curb bad behavior  by taking alcohol indoors.

The measure, which is expected to take effect in October, will see drinking alcohol forbidden on streets or public places in Shibuya from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20.

Shibuya City, which is a self-governed district within Tokyo, can make its own local regulations.

Mayor Ken Hasebe recently told journalists: We have been stepping up patrols and other efforts over the last year, but we have had people say, Well, the rules say you can drink, dont they? By establishing the rule, we would like to convey the districts intentions, including during patrols  we would prefer people to enjoy their drinks inside restaurants.

This news may not come as a surprise to local residents.

Last fall, Shibuya banned Halloween-related activities in the district, with alcohol cited as a main reason behind the prohibition. That included a ban on drinking alcohol outside of bars and restaurants. Mayor Hasebe says that local businesses supported the regulations in October 2023 and were behind the push to make them permanent.

The damage caused by overtourism has become serious, resulting in property damage caused by drinking in the street, altercations with local residents, and littering of large amounts of empty cans and bottles, the city said in a statement last October.

Shibuya is home to some of the capitals most popular attractions, including the Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park and the Shibuya scramble, believed to be the worlds busiest intersection.

Japan has struggled to cope with overtourism since fully reopening post-pandemic. More than three million visitors visited the country in both April and May of this year, with the trend likely to continue through the summer.

Educating visitors on the local culture has been a large component of dealing with the influx of international tourists.

In the historic city of Kyoto, where its possible to spot geisha and their apprentices (maiko) around the ancient alleyways, locals have tried to find ways to deter foreigners from harassing the women as they make their way to and from work.

Kyotos official tourism office has put up posters and distributed pamphlets about different social customs in Japan, from how to use toilets to whether to tip. The advice also extends to geisha, with visitors asked not to touch the women, pull on their kimonos, or take their photos without permission.

Local Gion residents have also taken some measures themselves, such as blocking off private alleys.

Despite those measures, though, geisha paparazzi and other nuisance tourists still cause conflict between visitors and locals.

CNNs Xiaofei Xu contributed reporting.

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Port of Baltimores main channel should fully reopen soon. Heres what needs to happen first.

Crews in the Patapsco River are still cutting and lifting large chunks of what remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge as they clear the way to restore the full 700-foot-wide channel into the Port of Baltimore.

While larger vessels have recently been able to transit cargo into and out of the port through a limited-access channel, heavier lifts are needed to restore traffic back to normal.

The Army Corps of Engineers now expects to have the full federal channel open by June 10 at the latest, a slightly later target than their original timeline of late May.

Millions of pounds of steel and concrete from the bridge were still sitting in the river at the end of May. The later estimate  based on surveys completed after crews moved the Dali, the freighter that hit the Key Bridge on March 26  accounts for the complexity of the cutting and rigging, ensuring safety measures are in place and the possibility of inclement weather, the Army Corps said.

Heres what needs to happen before the full channel reopens.

Some heavy lifting

The largest roadblock for salvage crews is the 10 million-pound span of the Key Bridge that had pinned down the Dali for 55 days.

Only about a third of what remains of Section 4, the large pieces of steel truss that collapsed on top of the ship and remain in the water, is visible above the water line, said Cynthia Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District.

Crews are getting that section of truss out by cutting it into three pieces to be pulled out using the massive Chesapeake 1000 crane. The first piece, a 140-ton section of steel, was lifted out May 24. Crews were cutting off the second piece from the third and final section Friday.

The weather, which has previously muddied salvage plans, is expected to cooperate for only a little while. After a mostly sunny weekend, the National Weather Service is forecasting a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in Dundalk on Monday. Tuesday is expected to be partly sunny, but chances of showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday night all the way through Friday.

Picking up remaining scraps

Once those three large sections are out of the way, crews will still have to pull excess steel and roadbed out of the water, including wreckage below the mud line, according to Mitchell.

In addition to what broke up and fell into the Patapsco River on March 26, several smaller pieces of steel also were flung into the water when crews used explosives to break apart the piece of truss lying on top of the Dalis bow.

Gus, a massive hydraulic salvage grab that arrived in Baltimore in April to help with salvage operations, excels at scooping up debris.

The Dutch-made set of four claws is built to hold up to 1,000 metric tons, according to its manufacturer, The Grab Specialist. When the claws came to Baltimore from Galveston, Texas, in late April, a spokesperson for Key Bridge Response Unified Command said they were expected to be a vital part of subsurface debris removal operations.

The claws were notably used during salvage operations for the Golden Ray, a roll-on/roll-off cargo ship that capsized near Georgia in 2019 while on its way to the Port of Baltimore. The 200-ton hydraulic grab was able to pick up 20 vehicles at a time.

Mechanical dredge buckets also are being used to conduct obstruction removal in the wreckage area, Mitchell said. The dredging is needed to pick up an estimated total of 60,000 to 70,000 cubic yards of displaced material  sediment and debris  from the federal channel, she said. Debris will go to a solid waste facility, and the remaining material will be mixed with cement and taken by dump trucks to disposal sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Final checks

Before reopening the full channel, crews will conduct final surveys to ensure theres no more problematic debris.

Unified Command crews have been conducting dive surveys combined with sonar imagery throughout their response to assess the mangled wreckage, some of which has sunk below the mud line.

Teams will have to conduct more surveys to identify any remaining wreckage hot spots and ensure no steel is left behind before the full channel is reopened, Mitchell said.

Will the port be ready?

As crews continue to clear debris from the channel, the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruption Task Force has been preparing for the Port of Baltimore to return to full operations.

The task force  established in 2021 to monitor and address supply chain challenges  met numerous times following the collapse of the bridge to coordinate the administrations response to the closure of the port and its impact on the supply chain.

In a National Economic Council meeting Thursday, agencies worked to proactively identify any preexisting logistical or operational challenges shippers, businesses and ocean carriers might be facing before the ports reopening.

Officials from the departments of agriculture and transportation discussed coordination efforts with port operators and food producers as shipping routes and schedules shift back to Baltimore. As shipping activity increases, transportation officials, truckers and port operators have been in collaboration to ensure that the port, along with the surrounding Baltimore area, are ready for increased traffic, according to a news release from the White House.

Thursdays meeting follows Gov. Wes Moores meeting with President Joe Biden in late May to discuss progress in fully reopening the federal channel after the Dali was moved back to port.

Biden has underscored his commitment to assisting Baltimore in its recovery and clearing of the channel. With the recent clearing of debris, the first container ship since the collapse is expected to arrive during the first week of June.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) and Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) announced on Monday, June 3 the launch of direct admissions for District 2 seniors.

Starting with the class of 2024, high school seniors from Harrison High School, Sierra High School, Career Readiness Academy, and Aspire Online Academy will be accepted directly into PPSC and CSU Pueblo without a traditional application.

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The Direct Admissions program is a game-changer for our students, said Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel. It not only streamlines the college admission process but also provides financial support through the Promise Programs. This initiative empowers our graduates to dream big and achieve their goals, knowing they have the backing of their community and local institutions.

The Direct Admissions program lets students transition smoothly from high school to college. It also compounds with Promise programs offered through PPSC and CSU Pueblo, if students are eligible they may be able to cover most of their tuition or full tuition cost.

Graduates from District 2 who are eligible for the D2 Promise Program at PPSC are guaranteed full tuition, feed, and required textbooks for up to three years or 60 credit hours. Students in the program must remain in good standing and have graduated from a District 2 high school. They must have also attended the school for a minimum of one year and be enrolled at PPSC within three semesters, or 16 months, after high school graduation.

Students who have a minimum GPA of 2.3 may also be eligible for the Colorado Promise program, a program that covers any tuition expenses not addressed by financial aid.

The Colorado program is renewable for up to four years for first-year students and two years for transfer students who maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.0 GPA. To be eligible, students must also be Colorado residents, first-time college students, or a transfer with a gross family income of up to $70,000.

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Mexico is on the cusp of electing their first-ever female president, and U.S. President Joe Biden was among the first to congratulate her on Monday.

In a statement, Biden expressed how much he looked forward to collaborating with Claudia Sheinbaum, a 61-year-old climate scientist who previously served as the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023.

Southern California police seize more than 200 pounds of meth from Airbnb rental

I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries, Bidens statement read. I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples.

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, center, arrives at her closing campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Mexico's general election is set for June 2. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Biden also congratulated the Mexican people for conducting a nationwide successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at local, state and federal levels.

Sheinbaum, who will become Mexicos 66th president when she is sworn in, will succeed current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has led Mexico since 2018.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Milei's surprising devotion to Judaism and Israel provokes tension in Argentina and beyond

FILE- Argentine President Javier Milei prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, Feb. 6, 2024. Although born and raised Roman Catholic, Milei has increasingly shown public interest in Judaism and even expressed intentions to convert. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)  At the base of the sacred Western Wall in Jerusalems Old City, President Javier Milei of Argentina appeared to be in a spiritual trance.

With head and hands pressed against the ancient stone, he prayed with the Orthodox rabbi who introduced him to Judaism three years ago. Although born and raised Roman Catholic, Milei has increasingly shown public interest in Judaism and even expressed intentions to convert.

Stepping back from the wall, Milei broke down. He hugged Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish close, sobbing onto his shoulder.

In that moment, I felt proud that we have such a determined leader, with such deep spiritual values, Wahnish told The Associated Press in a recent interview, recalling their state trip to Israel in February.

For many Argentines, that pride was fraught with peril.

Breaking decades of policy precedent, Milei has gone further in his support of right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government than perhaps any other world leader as Israel faces growing isolation over its bombardment and invasion of Gaza that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.

His posture could not stand in starker contrast to most of Latin America  where Bolivia and Colombia have severed ties with Israel and at least five regional countries, most recently Brazil, have pulled ambassadors from Tel Aviv.

Among great nations that should be pillars of the free world, I see indifference in some and fear in others about standing on the side of truth, Milei told Jewish community leaders at an event last month commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. It was a veiled swipe at Western powers  including the United States  for criticizing Israeli military conduct.

The crowd leapt to its feet in applause.

The president's supporters insist his newfound Jewish fervor has no bearing on his foreign policy. But Milei's infatuation with Judaism and outspoken support for Israel has generated fears and exposed fissures within Argentinas Jewish community, among the biggest in the world, and roiled relations with its neighbors.

Argentine Jews remain deeply scarred by a pair of lethal bombings targeting Israel's embassy in 1992 and the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association, a community center known by its Spanish acronym AMIA, in 1994. Authorities allege Iran plotted the attacks and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group carried them out. No one has been held responsible. Argentina's investigation has been mired in controversy.

Milei has a messianic mind, and this is quite dangerous, said Diana Malamud, whose husband was among the 85 people killed in the AMIA attack. His policies can not only stoke conflicts at the international level ... but also generate anti-Semitism within our country."

Milei's curiosity about Judaism began as a kind of penitence in 2021, when he faced accusations of harboring pro-Nazi sympathies and wanted to prove in speech that he bore no animus toward Jews. He connected with Sephardic leader Rabbi Wahnish to have a chat that was supposed to last 10 minutes and ended two hours later, Wahnish said.

As Milei evolved from TV pundit to anarcho-capitalist president, Wahnish guided him through the study of Torah. Seeking common ground between his vision of radical libertarianism and the prophecy of the Old Testament, Milei's casual interest morphed into a regular religious practice.

Wahnish, recently appointed Argentina's ambassador to Israel, declined to comment on Milei's conversion.

In Judaism and Moses, Milei sees a cultural and spiritual revolution toward freedom, Wahnish said. Since childhood, he added, Milei felt Moses was his idol, his hero.

Milei, who owns four clones of his dead dog Conan, has never been the most conventional occupant of Argentina's highest office. Still, his foray into Judaism has come as a particular surprise.

On the campaign trail, Milei quoted the Torah, made multiple Brooklyn pilgrimages to the tomb of influential Hasidic leader Menachem Mendel Schneerson and sounded the shofar, the rams-horn trumpet blasted during the Jewish High Holy Days, to close his electoral campaign.

Ahead of Mileis victory, nearly 4,000 Argentine Jewish intellectuals signed a petition voicing concern over Mileis political use of Judaism.

Its perverse ... to use the shofar, which is played during religious ceremonies, to announce himself, said Pablo Gorodneff, secretary-general of the progressive Argentine Jewish Appeal group. It makes me very frustrated, very sad.

As fighting raged in Gaza, Milei flew to Israel for his first foreign visit and praised Netanyahu without reservation. Following in the footsteps of former U.S. President Donald Trump, he pledged to move Argentinas Embassy from a beachfront bastion near Tel Aviv to the contested capital of Jerusalem  aggravating an emotional issue at the heart of the conflict. Netanyahu called Milei a great friend." Hamas called him a partner of the Zionist occupier.

Last month, Milei's government upended Argentinas traditional recognition of Palestinian statehood, joining the U.S. and Israel to vote against Palestinian membership at the U.N.

His foreign policy shift has thrilled Jewish community leaders, but also left them on edge.

If Mileis supposed defense of Israel is an attack on Palestinian rights, it puts the Jewish community in Argentina at risk, said Hector Shalom, director of Argentina's Anne Frank Center. The decades of impunity for past attacks show our vulnerability."

The 1994 bombing, Argentina's most notorious cold case, still spreads unease. After Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, the mood in the Jewish community went from worried to alarmed.

Jewish high schools requested that students stop wearing their uniforms, so as not to identify as Jewish. Authorities jacked up security at synagogues. Two bomb scares emptied out the AMIA building.

Security levels have always been high but now there is a much greater sensitivity, said Amos Linetzky, head of AMIA.

Government officials have also grown anxious, lashing out at Iran and warning that the Israel-Hamas war has stoked the embers of Islamic militancy and blown them all the way to Latin America.

Upon news of the first Iranian assault on Israeli territory April 14, local media reported Milei's pro-Israel stance had made him a target. He cut his state visit to Denmark short and flew home to convene a crisis committee alongside the Israeli ambassador.

Milei's hardline security minister, Patricia Bullrich, singled out left-wing neighbors Bolivia and Chile as Islamist hotbeds, ordering reinforcements to Argentina's northern border.

We are on high alert, Bullrich said, alleging that Bolivia  which last year struck a defense agreement with Iran  teems with Iranian Revolutionary Guard operatives. Politically correct messages like calling for peace are not Argentinas position."

Without providing evidence, Bullrich also claimed that Chile  home to the largest Palestinian population outside the Arab world  hosts Hezbollah.

The accusations, decried as baseless by Bolivia and Chile, prompted both governments to pull their ambassadors from Buenos Aires.

On Saturday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member group describing itself as the collective voice of the Muslim world, issued a furious denunciation of what it described as Mileis anti-Islamic rhetoric.

For years, U.S. and Argentine intelligence services have subjected the Triple Frontier, where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet, to intense surveillance, scouring the large population of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants for Islamist sympathies.

One of the things I dont think gets enough attention is how long Hezbollah has had a presence in our hemisphere, Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee this spring.

Washington claims Hezbollah funds its activities through drug traffickers in the area. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned dozens of individuals in South America over alleged ties to Hezbollah, most recently last fall. Authorities have reported thwarting attacks, with Israel's Mossad spy agency helping Brazil arrest alleged Hezbollah recruits last November.

Hezbollah denies running operations in the region.

What would Hezbollah want with Latin America? the group's spokesperson, Rana Sahili, asked the AP. She accused Milei of playing loose with facts to score points in a political game.

Experts say the true threat lies somewhere in the middle.

Some say Hezbollah's presence in Latin America is a complete fabrication, while others say the group uses the region as a base and we're doomed, said Fernando Brancoli at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Neither is correct."
President Volodymyr Zelensky will participate in the Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Italy that will take place between June 13 and 15, Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, confirmed on June 3 on national television.

Nykyforov did not specify whether the president would join in person or remotely.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed on June 2 that Zelensky will attend the event in Apulia, a southern region of Italy, also without saying if the president will arrive in person.

"There is no doubt about it (Zelensky's participation). The G7 are our main partners. We will talk to them about the key topics of our relations, including dialogues in bilateral formats with the G7 states," Nykyforov said.

Zelensky plans to discuss further U.S. defense assistance for Ukraine, the development of the Western fighter jet coalition, and the next steps to speed up the delivery of the F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.

The parties will also focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defense, Nykyforov added.

Another key topic for the summit will be a plan to use profits from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The G7 finance ministers on May 25 announced "progress" but no concrete deal on how to use future income from such assets to help Ukraine.

Read also: Very good meeting with US defense secretary in Singapore, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
It's Pride Month. Kentucky ranks among worst, least welcoming states for LGBTQ+ people

The Fairness Campaign had its annual rally for LGBTQ rights in the rotunda of the Kentucky State Capitol. Feb. 15, 2023

It's Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. But some states in the U.S. are more welcoming than others.

Out Leadership, a gay advocacy group, recently created a map to depict where gay and transgender people face the least or most amount of discrimination and hardship in the nation.

According to USA TODAY, Out Leadership has conducted the LGBTQ+ business climate index for six consecutive years, and all 50 states saw a drop in averages in the past two. By looking at the current treatment of LGBTQ+ people, such as governing policies and prevalent community attitudes, the organization was able to identify the best and worst spots for the gay and transgender community.

Pride Month June 2024 It's Pride Month! Here are 14 ways to celebrate with events in the Louisville area

Here's what we know.

Best and worst states for gay, transgender people

New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut were at the top of the index with little to no discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons, while Arkansas received the lowest score. The average across all 50 states was 62.77 out of 100, compared to 63.48 in 2023 and 64.61 in 2022.

New York had the highest 2024 score of 93.67 while Arkansas scored 27, an all-time low in index history.

Kentucky among least welcoming states for LGBTQ+ community

Kentucky, along with many states in the South like Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, is considered of high risk for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Pride Month 2024: KY one of least welcoming states for LGBTQ+ community
Our patriotic loyalty to our republic requires us to reject misinformation from even our preferred candidates for office that would suggest that either voter fraud or voter suppression is driving election outcomes. (Getty Images)

A major presidential candidate convicted of 34 felonies uses the verdict to bolster his campaign. Accusations of bullying over candidate debates. Intra-party battles between moderate and extreme wings of the party. Sitting governors booed and physical altercations at state and national party conventions.

It must be primary election season in America.

In many states, voters will soon be casting ballots to nominate candidates for office, and some have already done so. As voters, election officials and policymakers fulfill their civic duty in the coming months, this principle should drive how we discuss elections: The secure and fair elections that are a foundation of American self-government require high levels of trust and confidence from the public.

With the 2024 presidential race being a reprise of the 2020 election, this election year seems bound to raise many important questions about voting and election policy. In addition, some states will debate how they nominate candidates for office to run in the general election. All will consider in some fashion how to maintain the best balance of convenience, security and trustworthiness in voting.

What should be top of mind for all of us the proper way to respond to attacks on the integrity of election outcomes from losing candidates or their campaigns, and how best to support election officials who face undue criticism and even personal threats against their lives.

Sutherland Institute, where I work, recently began a yearlong exploration of these questions at the Election Trust Forum: an event co-sponsored by the Gary Herbert Institute of Public Policy at Utah Valley University and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. This event and an ongoing stream of research, analysis and commentary throughout this election cycle represent a commitment to relentlessly pursue the answers to important voting and election policy questions.

One thing is certain: The power of average voters to choose their leaders through secure elections that evoke public confidence is what gives legitimacy to our self-governing republic. For elected officials who have taken an oath to support and defend the United States, this means that promoting public trust in secure elections is a solemn public duty. For citizens and voters, this means that promoting public trust in secure elections is both a civic duty and a matter of enlightened self-interest in maintaining the power of the people manifested through voting.

Of course, if our preferred candidate loses an election and blames it on fraud or vote suppression, it is natural to wonder if they are right. But in every state across the country voting is protected by dozens of layers of security that make widespread voter fraud practically impossible. Voting today is also more convenient and accessible than it has ever been.

This means that our patriotic loyalty to our republic requires us to reject misinformation from even our preferred candidates for office that would suggest that either voter fraud or voter suppression is driving election outcomes.

Of course, election policies and processes can always be improved. For instance, when I recently put the question of how we build or restore public trust in elections to MIT election researcher and professor Charles Stewart, he noted that the research clearly indicates that trust grows when voters have a positive experience with voting. This suggests that any negative experiences in voting in a primary election may be doing the opposite.

While political insiders obsess about the latest legal drama in the presidential race, we ought to be focused on issues of greater import, like seeking to improve elections and election security measures. As we do so, we must remember that the need to maintain and renew the health of our constitutional republic and American democracy demands a recognition that our elections are already fundamentally secure and trustworthy.

The post This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
(Getty Images)

A major presidential candidate convicted of 34 felonies uses the verdict to bolster his campaign. Accusations of bullying over candidate debates. Intra-party battles between moderate and extreme wings of the party. Sitting governors booed and physical altercations at state and national party conventions.

It must be primary election season in America.

In many states, voters will soon be casting ballots to nominate candidates for office, and some have already done so. As voters, election officials and policymakers fulfill their civic duty in the coming months, this principle should drive how we discuss elections: The secure and fair elections that are a foundation of American self-government require high levels of trust and confidence from the public.

With the 2024 presidential race being a reprise of the 2020 election, this election year seems bound to raise many important questions about voting and election policy. In addition, some states will debate how they nominate candidates for office to run in the general election. All will consider in some fashion how to maintain the best balance of convenience, security and trustworthiness in voting.

What should be top of mind for all of us the proper way to respond to attacks on the integrity of election outcomes from losing candidates or their campaigns, and how best to support election officials who face undue criticism and even personal threats against their lives.

Sutherland Institute, where I work, recently began a yearlong exploration of these questions at the Election Trust Forum: an event co-sponsored by the Gary Herbert Institute of Public Policy at Utah Valley University and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. This event and an ongoing stream of research, analysis and commentary throughout this election cycle represent a commitment to relentlessly pursue the answers to important voting and election policy questions.

One thing is certain: The power of average voters to choose their leaders through secure elections that evoke public confidence is what gives legitimacy to our self-governing republic. For elected officials who have taken an oath to support and defend the United States, this means that promoting public trust in secure elections is a solemn public duty. For citizens and voters, this means that promoting public trust in secure elections is both a civic duty and a matter of enlightened self-interest in maintaining the power of the people manifested through voting.

Of course, if our preferred candidate loses an election and blames it on fraud or vote suppression, it is natural to wonder if they are right. But in every state across the country voting is protected by dozens of layers of security that make widespread voter fraud practically impossible. Voting today is also more convenient and accessible than it has ever been.

This means that our patriotic loyalty to our republic requires us to reject misinformation from even our preferred candidates for office that would suggest that either voter fraud or voter suppression is driving election outcomes.

Of course, election policies and processes can always be improved. For instance, when I recently put the question of how we build or restore public trust in elections to MIT election researcher and professor Charles Stewart, he noted that the research clearly indicates that trust grows when voters have a positive experience with voting. This suggests that any negative experiences in voting in a primary election may be doing the opposite.

While political insiders obsess about the latest legal drama in the presidential race, we ought to be focused on issues of greater import, like seeking to improve elections and election security measures. As we do so, we must remember that the need to maintain and renew the health of our constitutional republic and American democracy demands a recognition that our elections are already fundamentally secure and trustworthy.

This article was first published by the Utah News Dispatch, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. Follow Utah News Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

The post This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust appeared first on Washington State Standard.
A SOBERING SCANDAL

The victims | Timeline | Inside the scam | Arizona's failure | Rebuilding trust

Willie Mariano admits he was inebriated, close to blacking out, as he wandered the streets of Gallup, New Mexico, one day in November 2022.

Around 5 p.m., he approached south Second Street near an Alon gas station, walking with others who had also been drinking. Someone they didn't recognize pulled up in a vehicle and started talking about a sobriety program, handing out cards and brochures.

Just like a lot of people, I was out in Gallup, and was just in my addiction still, Mariano, who is Navajo, would say later. I was walking the streets where there are a lot of alcoholics and a vehicle pulled up next to me.

Not in the right frame of mind, and unaware of the fraudulent sober living homes that would soon blow up into a statewide scandal, Mariano listened as the driver offered to take him to a program in Phoenix. He thought it sounded legitimate.

I was intoxicated when he picked me up, Mariano said. I guess I agreed to go along with him. I thought when he was talking about Phoenix that he was talking about a treatment center called Phoenix. I didnt think he was going to drive me across the state line 500 miles away.

It was the beginning of Marianos 10-month ordeal, one that would become wrapped up in a sprawling scam that has exploited tribal members from communities across Arizona and in neighboring states.

Timeline: How Arizona's Medicaid program became a vehicle for fraud

The scope of the fraud is breathtaking. It unleashed a humanitarian crisis that targeted people at their most vulnerable, many of them Native Americans who were far from home. The victims were promised help that never came, isolated from their families and friends who feared they were missing or dead. They were lied to, threatened, blackmailed. They were given alcohol and drugs at their weakest moments.

How many people fell victim is difficult to measure because many fled or found their way home again, but the stories people tell suggest that thousands of people were taken in, and some never made it out.

Months of investigation have highlighted the loopholes in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System American Indian Health Program, loopholes that have cost the state about $2.3 billion, according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. It has also left vulnerable tribal members like Mariano on the streets and in need of help.

I didnt know anything about the situation that was going on, said Mariano, who at the time had recently lost his mother. I hadnt met anyone that told me that people were getting picked up and taken to Phoenix. Picking up someone who is obviously intoxicated and driving them 500 miles away was weird to me when I woke up the next day.

Mariano couldn't recall many details of the journey into Phoenix with the stranger and the other passengers picked up by the driver. When he awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar house called Johann and Company, dressed in clothes he didn't remember putting on.

Mariano, who is from the New Mexico side of the Navajo Nation, recalled that within the house, there were fellow Navajo residents along with members from other tribes, such as various Pueblos. As quickly as he came to, he was whisked away to complete paperwork with the Department of Economic Services and to enroll in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.

I dont have AHCCCS, because Im from New Mexico. I had New Mexico insurance, Mariano said. (The driver) took me right away to the DES office and had me apply for AHCCCS and food stamps. They wanted all my information, birth date, and Social Security. When we got to DES, he filled out the forms for me and just had me sign it. I was confused.

Trapped in a center with no way to get home

The fraudulent facilities had no issue in billing or enrolling people into AHCCCS, investigations found. A 4-year-old was billed for alcohol-related treatment she wasn't getting, Mayes revealed last May. Stories also have emerged of dead people billed through AHCCCS.

The treatment center was a new experience for Mariano, leaving him unsure about the process and what to expect. Opting to remain silent, he went along with it, assuming it was the proper procedure, admitting later that he was naive.

But when he faced delays in getting approved for food stamps, those in charge threatened to kick him out of the house.

Mariano knew he lacked the means to return home if thrown out. Though he stayed in touch with his family, they lacked the resources to retrieve him from so far away.

I had no way of going home, Mariano said. I didnt want to put my family out because my family doesn't have the kind of money to just come down to Phoenix to get me. I was just trying to stay safe and try to stay in the home.

These vulnerabilities made it easy for scammers to trap Mariano and others in a perpetual cycle of seeking out the homes as a refuge from the unfamiliar streets, whether brought in by force or coercion. People reported that they were bribed or given things to keep them there, ensuring continued payments from state agencies as scammers billed for treatment.

They were buying us things to bribe us into staying, Mariano said. They were buying us clothes, putting things in the house that we could use. I was thinking, 'This doesnt look right, you're getting us when we aren't in the right state of mind, or getting us when we are intoxicated.' I met a lot of people that were being supplied alcohol and stuff.

As time passed, Mariano became more vocal and started speaking up for himself. Thats when the threats escalated from the person who ran the house, a man who went by Kaleb Reid, who seemed to know he wasnt very close with his family.

He (Reid) walked up to my face and threatened me, Mariano said. It kind of scared me. He made it seem like, No one cares about you. We can do something to you. After that first threat, I kept getting threats over and over again.

Forced to attend 'classes' all day

Mariano said one Saturday after he'd settled in, he was taken to a building that was once a restaurant. He was enrolled in an intensive outpatient program there, an arrangement he found peculiar. The program, he recalls, was called Samia Psychiatry.

Making Mariano and others completely dependent on the captors was a strategic move to keep everyone from leaving and to continue to make money off them by enrolling them in these classes, authorities would later say. Those living in the houses werent allowed to have jobs, and so most, if not all, were broke. Their only job was to attend all-day classes.

They were making us go to these classes every day, he said. They were pressuring us and saying if we didnt go to the classes, then they werent going to get paid for that day, even if we were sick.

Mariano described being confined in a small building with more than 200 people from various sober living facilities across metro Phoenix. All of them were Native Americans. The classes consumed all of their time, and some of the people brought in were also intoxicated.

When we were at the building for classes they made us go to counselors, because everything they made us do they were billing us for it, Mariano said. Sometimes we would see three counselors a day.

Mariano and others tried calling other houses, but the homes were usually full because of an influx of individuals in a similar situation. Trying to leave was nearly impossible, he said.

Breaking free, on a bus back to Gallup

Word of the fraudulent sober living homes started circulating on social media, catching Mariano's attention. He recalled scrolling through TikTok and encountering videos where people warned others about deceitful sober living facilities that were targeting members of the Indigenous community.

Everything that they were describing was exactly the situation we were in, Mariano recalled. So I brought it up.

The person in charge of the home denied that their program was a scam, and eventually, clients began to find out how much money the providers were getting to house each of them, and they started to demand a cut.

The clients that were demanding money were getting kicked out of houses or getting threatened, Mariano said.

As the scam became more widely known, some of the fraudulent centers shut down. The facility in Mesa where Mariano had been staying closed, and its residents were taken to another location south of Chandler. Once they got there, they were stuck.

Eventually we started talking to the guy who was running it, and the more of us that approached him about the issue, thats when he finally gave in, Mariano said. That day he decided to send us home because he didnt want to deal with us anymore.

Mariano recalls that he and others were put on a bus one night in September 2023 about 11 p.m., getting back to Gallup the next morning about 4 a.m., waiting around until his family could pick him up.

Reva Stewart is a Navajo woman who brought attention to the fraudulent sober homes and has continued outreach to help displaced Native Americans find their way home.

Working to hold wrongdoers accountable

Reva Stewart carefully reviews obituaries to locate missing individuals. She's found that many families of those taken to these homes often are not informed of their loved one's passing. Stewart has noticed a pattern where scammers take advantage, appropriating the identities of the deceased before abandoning their bodies.

It's not clear how many victims have been caught up in the scam, and even more disturbing is it's not known how many have died in them.

"I do know one person who ended up dying of a fentanyl overdose," Mariano said. "We were wondering what happened to the guy, and one of the girls who knew him told us that his body was out in the open for a couple hours before they did anything. But afterwards, I don't know what they did with the body. I don't know if the family was contacted."

To address the issue, Stewart is trying to figure out how to obtain DNA samples from those who have died, aiming to match them with reported missing persons. She wonders if the numerous unnamed people in the Maricopa County cemetery could be among those who died in fraudulent care homes. Stewart is also certain that there has been human trafficking of people who have been taken out of the state.

"A lot of these homes will take the body to the park or morgue directly," she said. "They don't ask for paramedics or anybody to come to these homes. These people are scammers; they know what to do."

Stewart was among the two women who first publicly exposed the entire fraudulent living home scheme during a legislative Ad Hoc Committee for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in November 2022. It was around the same period that Mariano was picked up in Gallup and taken to Mesa.

Since then, Stewart has continued to assist victims in finding their way home. In December, she estimated that she and her group, Stolen People, Stolen Benefits, have helped more than 500 people from Arizona and other states get home. Stewart said all the work she and her group have been doing has been more than what tribal and state governments have done, and they've done it on their own dime.

"What happened to that help?" Stewart said. "What happened to the government and Operation Rainbow Bridge saying, 'We are going to help our people,' or any tribal government for that matter? Everybody was stepping up at that time saying, 'We need to help our people,' now they are trying to get us to sweep it under the rug. My goal is, I will keep this out there until someone listens."

Reva Stewart and Coleen Chatter speak at a 2022 hearing held by the Arizona House Ad Hoc Committee held on the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

Stewart, along with others, has since formed a nonprofit to continue working on assisting victims in need of help. The group is called Turtle Island Women Warriors. People can donate to the group or report or verify a sober living home on this group's website.

"I will keep this out in the media until we get accountability," Stewart said.

'I didn't know where else to go'

The actions of these living facilities went beyond defrauding Medicaid and siphoning off more than $2 billion from Arizona taxpayers. They also preyed on a vulnerable demographic, people grappling with addiction, who believed these facilities were legitimate sanctuaries to aid in their sobriety.

Many of them came from tribal communities that lacked the financial means or resources to establish centers of their own to combat addiction, mental health issues and homelessness.

For me, I really wanted to change and get help for myself, Tesla Benally said. "I have a lot of trauma now. I was wondering where I was going to get the help that I needed. I was like, 'Here is another home. Here is another place. Theyre just going to kick me out.

Benally's journey is a poignant tale of resilience and determination. Before becoming a behavioral health technician and crossing paths with Mariano, she, too, sought resources and a path to overcome her addiction. Caught in the cycle of fraudulent homes, she endured living in between 11-15 of them in less than two years, with some stays lasting no more than two days. Her experience underscores the prevalence of these homes and how easily accessible they were at the peak of the scam.

I didnt know where else to go. I was homeless, Benally said. I feel like that is how it is for a lot of Natives, because we dont have anywhere to go and if we go home, we arent getting the help we need.

Tesla Benally sought help for her addiction and fell victim to the sober living homes scam. She is now in recovery and working at Native American Treatment and Recovery Center in Phoenix.

Unlike Mariano, Benally sought out a sober living home that could accommodate her and her children. She called a place she had googled and got a spot in the program. Once she arrived in Phoenix from the Navajo Nation, she said she met representatives from the home off of 12th Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix.

I went into the van with them, and they took me all the way to the west side near the Cardinals stadium, Benally said.

As they drove, the person transporting Benally told her she could have her own house where her kids could live, and that the program had bought more homes to expand its operations.

It was too good to be true, remembers Benally. But I was loving it. I was in a brand new house with brand new beds.

But when Benally caught COVID-19, she had to send for her dad, Kee Benally, who also battled with addiction, to watch her children because she didn't trust those in charge to care for her kids. The people running the facility drove out to Navajo to pick Kee up the next day. Eventually, both father and daughter worked on their sobriety together.

Tesla Benally, a behavioral health technician at Native American Treatment and Recovery Center in Phoenix, says the structure, life skills and coping skills that she sought for her recovery were not offered at the fraudulent sober living homes where she was a resident. Instead, residents just watched TV, she says.

Kee later relapsed and was told to leave along with Benally and her kids. From that point on, it was about survival and finding shelter. It was horrible for Benally and her dad, but it turned out to be good for predatory sober living homes waiting for the chance to snatch up new vulnerable clientele.

I just left, and that's how I started going to those group homes, Benally said. After that, I just became like, Hey, I need a group to go to, and then wed find one. I would be like, Heres another group home. I just got to keep my bags packed and when something goes wrong, Im going to have to find a new home. I got used to that lifestyle.

Hitting rock bottom, finding a way out

Kee, once a counselor at a rehab center and a Marine veteran who was in Operation Desert Storm, died in April 2022. Benally, who was pregnant at the time, said her father's military service and his upbringing in an unkind household where he endured childhood molestation had greatly affected his mental health and overall well-being.

I think he had a lot of trauma from being in the war," she said. "He was in the Desert Storm. And he got addicted to opioids while he was there, so he was a heroin addict. I feel my dad never healed that inner child part of him.

She was fully aware of the underhanded practices carried out by these facilities, including the fraudulent billing of AHCCCS using the personal information of dead people. Her late grandfather's information was also caught up in the fraud, as the homes had been illicitly charging his AHCCCS. She revealed they had also asked Benally to provide her children's Social Security numbers.

After her dad's passing, Benally went into depression, and a week before her son was born, she relapsed again. While her children are in the care of the Department of Child Safety, she said she has been working toward sobriety and reunification. She sees DCS intervening as a blessing in disguise, allowing her to put the focus on getting clean, especially after dealing with fraudulent homes.

"I am going through DCS for my depression," Benally said. "After losing my dad I went through a really bad time, and when I had my son I had postpartum, so I had a relapse a week before I had my son. If DCS didn't intervene in my life, I wouldn't be who I am right now in this moment."

Behavioral health technician Tesla Benally says Native American Treatment and Recovery Center in Phoenix is a reputable rehab program that is run by Indigenous people with a focus on traditional ways.

She has progressed so much that she was asked if she would consider training as a behavioral health technician, an opportunity she took. Just as her dad once did, she became something of a counselor to those battling an addiction.

My dad used to be a counselor at a rehab, she said. Being the daughter that I am, I took a lot of his paperwork with me after he passed away, and I started reading it. A lot of it was Native American-based.

Raised Christian, she said she was taught that the traditional way of thinking and believing was wrong. While living in the fraudulent homes, she said she disliked how those operating the establishments forced their own beliefs and teachings on her and others. She has since embraced her traditional path and has seen more of an improvement for herself and those she has helped, like Mariano, whom she first met when she was a client at the facility they are currently at.

Hes seen me as a client and progressed into a BHT, said Benally about Mariano. We were both taught to go to church and that was the only thing that will help us. But when he came here, he started to learn about his traditional ways and that helped him find his spirituality. No one is going to help Natives but a Native American. Natives are sacred people, but they don't see that within themselves."

Being stuck between a rock and a hard place

Allen Sakiestewa experienced a mental breakdown after the loss of his younger brother to alcohol. He found himself living in a fraudulent sober living facility in Florence named Flowing Spring.

You don't know whats next and I didn't want to be homeless. So that's the main reason why I didn't want to leave, and at the same time I wanted to get help, said Sakiestewa, who is Hopi and from Moenkopi. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

During months of probing into the deceitful sober living residences, the focus has primarily been on the state's financial losses and neighborhoods targeted by facilities nestled in the suburbs. But the plight of people like Benally and Mariano, who became reliant on these homes for survival, has not received the same attention.

Like Benally, Sakiestewa's quest for assistance highlighted the ease of access to these facilities and how simple it was for people to obtain a spot within the program. Sakiestewa said he should have been suspicious when he learned that the facility was exclusively for Native Americans. Despite hearing about the scams and closures of such establishments while in the hospital, he didn't give it much consideration at the time.

I stayed there for a little over a month, he said. They said they had treatment, but all we did was watch YouTube videos to do exercises. We didn't leave the house, they gave us coloring books and they said that was therapy for us.

Living in Flowing Spring and then in another home in Laveen proved problematic because clients were prone to getting inebriated. In Flowing Spring, he had a roommate who brought in alcohol, and since he wouldn't confess it was his, both men were thrown out.

Before this, Sakiestewa recalled being told that the facility would provide a food menu for clients, which turned out to be false. Instead, his mother arranged for groceries to be delivered from Walmart, which he shared with other residents since they also lacked food and funds.

After his expulsion, he found himself in Laveen, in a place that a friend had told him about. It turned out to be a dreadful experience. One evening, fellow residents went to a park to go drinking, resulting in one man suffering from alcohol poisoning. Fortunately, a woman discovered him in the park and called for an ambulance. After three days in the hospital, the man survived and was returned to the residence. This was happening as Sakiestewa arrived.

I had to call my probation officer and tell her, 'It's the same thing,' Sakiestewa said. Just coloring in books. Its not even helping.

He was able to find a legitimate sober living home that helped him immensely, and after finishing with that program he was able to find another legitimate facility where he continued to receive the help to stay on the right path. Sakiestewa is an electrician and now has a steady job and continues to stay sober.

Recruiting others: 'He would call it marketing'

Although the scam operators were primarily non-Native, it didn't exclude other tribal members from helping the homes gain clients.

"The guy who ran our house, he would actually try to bribe us and say, 'I'll pay you to go back to the Rez and pick up more people,'" Mariano said. "He would call it marketing."

Benally, Mariano and Sakiestewa all have said that they have known of other Indigenous individuals paid to help recruit other Natives into homes.

"Some of these group homes got Natives to help them," Benally said. "They won't speak up, though. They knew all the wrong things that were happening, but they were still on their side."

The fraudulent homes are still operating and people continue to find themselves on the street as authorities shut down one facility after another, leaving victims to fend for themselves on the streets and find a way home.

"Even now, when we are walking down the street at the bus stop, they still approach us," Mariano said. "They are still around. When they see me they ask, 'Are you in a treatment center? Would you like to get help?'

"I just say, 'No.'"

Report AHCCCS provider fraud

If you want to report suspected fraud by a medical provider, please call the number below:

In Arizona: 602-417-4045

Toll Free Outside of Arizona Only: 888-ITS-NOT-OK or 888-487-6686





Report AHCCCS member fraud

If you want to report suspected fraud by an AHCCCS member, please call the number below:

In Arizona: 602-417-4193

Toll Free Outside of Arizona Only: 888-ITS-NOT-OK or 888-487-6686

Arlyssa Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Arizona drug rehab operators trapped victims in sober living scam
FILE - Trooper Ryan Londregan walks hand-in-hand with his wife to his first court appearance to answer to murder and manslaughter charges in the killing of Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop last summer, Jan. 29, 2024, at the Hennepin Public Safety Facility in Minneapolis. Prosecutors plan to dismiss murder and manslaughter charges against Londregan, who fatally shot Cobb as he tried to pull away from a traffic stop, saying the unexpected decision comes in response to recent statements from the trooper's attorney and new analysis of video from the scene. (Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP, File)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Prosecutors plan to dismiss murder and manslaughter charges against a white Minnesota state trooper who fatally shot Ricky Cobb II, a Black motorist, as Cobb tried to pull away from a traffic stop, saying the decision comes in response to recent statements from the trooper's attorney and new analysis of video from the scene.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed a notice to dismiss the charges after Trooper Ryan Londregan's defense team revealed prospective testimony during an April court hearing that the trooper believed Cobb was reaching for a firearm  and that a Minnesota State Patrol trainer said he never instructed officers to refrain from shooting into a moving vehicle.

The evidence would have made it impossible for prosecutors to prove that Londregans actions were not an authorized use of force by a peace officer, the county attorney's office said in a statement released Sunday.

Referring to the decision to drop the charges, Londregans attorney, Chris Madel, told the Star Tribune, Its about goddamn time. Thats going to be about my only on the record comment.

Bakari Sellers, an attorney representing Cobbs family, told the Star Tribune the family was disappointed with prosecutors.

They got bullied. Theres no other way around it, Sellers said.

Londregan, 27, pleaded not guilty May 15 in the death of Cobb, and his trial was set to begin Sept. 9.

Troopers pulled the 33-year-old Cobb over on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis last July 31 because the lights were out on his car. They then found that the Spring Lake Park man was wanted for violating a protection order in neighboring Ramsey County. Londregan shot Cobb twice as Cobb tried to drive away after troopers ordered him to get out of his car.

Prosecutors and a law enforcement expert reviewed footage from the scene and found that, as Londregans partner clung to the passengers door, Cobb moved his hand upward. Cobb did have a gun in the vehicle. Moriarty told the Star Tribune there is still no evidence he intended to grab it but that the defense team's statements caused prosecutors to reconsider the evidence through a new lens.

They could have told us that before we charged it, they could have told us that at any time, she said. And that is information that we would have considered  and obviously have considered.

Law enforcement and Republican leaders had been calling on Democratic Gov. Tim Walz to take the case away from Moriarty, a former public defender who was elected on a platform of police accountability following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer in 2020, and turn it over to Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison. Walz had expressed concern about the direction of the case but had not acted.

Cobbs family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in April, alleging that the stop and the shooting were unjustified.

Moriarty plans to hold a news conference Monday morning to discuss her decision to dismiss the charges in more detail.
BOSTON  The federal government opposed former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia IIs request for early release from prison in a motion filed in federal court last week.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Tobin and Dustin Chao pulled no punches in their filing, even referring to the classic movie "The Maltese Falcon."

Correia, who is serving a six-year prison sentence in FCI Ashland in Kentucky, filed a request first with the prison warden. After getting no response within 30 days from the Bureau of Prisons, he submitted to the federal court last month a motion seeking compassionate release, and citing extraordinary and compelling circumstances, facts that were unknown to the court at trial and sentencing.

Mayor Jasiel Correia gives his victory speech after losing the recall vote but winning the recall election on Tuesday, at Barrett's Waterfront in Fall River, March 12, 2019.

In an 18-day trial in May 2021, a federal jury found Correia guilty of nine counts of wire fraud, four counts of extortion conspiracy, four counts of extortion and four counts of tax fraud. Correia defrauded several investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a now-defunct smartphone app he helped created, SnoOwl, and as mayor demanded bribes from marijuana vendors in exchange for letters of non-opposition. Prosecutors said Correia used the money to fund a "lavish lifestyle," spending it on cars, luxury items, expensive travel, student loan repayments and more.

Federal Judge Douglas P. Woodlock later acquitted him on most wire fraud convictions and all tax fraud convictions, but let stand his extortion convictions. Correia was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison.

Extraordinary extortion claims: Convicted ex-mayor Jasiel Correia wants out of prison

Correia unsuccessfully appealed the convictions.

In the early-release motion, Correia, who has hired four attorneys since the FBI began to investigate him in 2016, is apparently representing himself.

Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II talks about SnoOwl and his side of the indictment in this Herald News file photo from his Oct. 16, 2018 press conference.

Correia blames defense attorney Kevin Reddington

In their opposition motion, filed May 30, prosecutors wrote that the five claims presented in Correias filing essentially fall into two categories.

The first is 'I am unhappy with my first defense counsel' category (four claims). The second is the 'I am unhappy other co-conspirators didnt go to jail' category (one claim). None of these claims on their own, or collectively, are extraordinary or compelling, wrote the federal prosecutors.

Correia's bid for early release accuses his trial defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, of agreeing to merge the SnoOwl fraud and the marijuana extortion cases without his consent; of failing to repay SnoOwl investors as Correia directed him to; of extorting Correia's family and Correia himself; and of not investigating the source of the marijuana bribes, again as Correia alleged hed directed.

Reddington has publicly denied all the accusations.

Correia's filing includes sworn and notarized affidavits in support of his claims from his wife, Jenny Correia, mother, Maria Correia, his father, Jasiel Correia, and his sister, Alexandra Correia.

Kevin Reddington: What we know about the attorney representing the former Fall River mayor

Then-Mayor Jasiel Correia walks down South Main Street, waving to a cheering crowd during the Fall River Children's Holiday Parade on Dec. 1, 2018.

Prosecutors take apart Jasiel Correia's claims

The prosecutors dispute all Correias claims, including Correia's claim of ignorance about merging the SnoOwl and extortion charges into one trial, citing a myriad of pre-trial conferences that addressed this issue.

They also dispute the claim that Reddington failed to help Correia repay over $300,000 to SnoOwl investors before trial. They note that federal prosecutors rejected Reddington's repayment offer.

In a puzzling move, Correia's court filing even included correspondence from Reddington in January 2019 to former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Hafer, requesting a meeting to discuss repaying the investors.

Prosecutors said Correia's claim that Reddington attempted to extort him wasnt credible, and relies upon nothing more than hearsay upon hearsay gussied up in affidavits from the defendants wife, sister, and parents, where the source of the hearsay is apparently none other than the defendant himself.

Timeline: Tracing Jasiel Correia's fall: From entrepreneur & mayor, to convicted corruption kingpin

Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II enters John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse in September.

Where did all the bribe money go?

Prosecutors referenced a classic film noir regarding Correias claims that he repeatedly told Reddington to investigate the source of the bribes he was accused of receiving.

Defendant Correias claim that [Reddington] did not sufficiently investigate the source of cash bribes is the ludicrous equivalent of Brigid OShaughnessy hiring Sam Spade to find out who murdered Spades partner, Miles Archer, wrote prosecutors.

Thats a reference to the 1941 movie "The Maltese Falcon," where the femme fatale OShaughnessy hires private eye Spade investigate a murder, but she herself is the actual murderer.

As the jury verdict made plain in May 2021, it was defendant Correia  not [Reddington]  who had the most knowledge with respect to the source of the cash bribes, wrote prosecutors.

Fall River businessman David Hebert, the last defendant in the Jasiel Correia corruption case to be sentenced, leaves the John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston after his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 after pleading guilty to several counts of bribery and extortion.

Prosecutors say everyone knew co-defendants would get no prison time

Federal prosecutors also debunked Correias claim that the federal government attempted to hide from the judge that Correia would be the only one of his co-defendants to receive prison time.

In fact, they noted, cooperating witnesses and co-defendants Tony Costa and Hildegard Camara were sentenced by Woodlock before Correias sentencing. David Hebert, another cooperating co-defendant, was sentenced later and received no prison time, but that should have been anticipated, said prosecutors.

Fourth co-defendant Gen Andrade did not testify against Correia and did not receive a prison sentence.

Argue Correias claims do not rise to compassionate release

Prosecutors argue that the compassionate release provision is meant for prisoners with serious medical circumstances, advancing age or a victim of serious sexual or physical abuse. They said Correia has not met those criteria and that his request should be denied.

Defendant Correia sullied and sold the Fall River mayors office for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, all while under indictment for fleecing his friends and associates for tens of thousands of dollars through his failed startup company, SnoOwl. He was and remains unrepentant of his crimes, and, if released now, would serve less than half of his six-year sentence. Such an outcome would not properly reflect the seriousness of his offenses or provide adequate deterrence to similar criminal conduct, wrote prosecutors.

Kevin Reddington, who represented former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia at his trial, arrives at the courthouse ahead of Correia's sentencing hearing.

Reddington wants to face Correia in court

After Correia filed his motion for release on May 16, Reddington was quick to respond, calling his former client a liar.

The veteran defense attorney denied attempting to extort Correia and his family for 20% of SnoOwl, saying "20% of nothing is nothing.

Reddington said he wants to meet Correia in court to address the allegations the ex-mayor made against him.

Well see where it goes, said Reddington.

As of early Monday, no hearing has been scheduled to address Correias request for early release.

According to BOP online inmate locator, he is set for release on Aug. 30, 2026.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Prosecutors oppose ex-mayor Jasiel Correia's request for early release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Prosecutors have asked for the man accused of setting fire to High Noon Restaurant in Old Town to remain in custody through his trial.

Stevie Maestas, 65, was arrested on Friday for the fire at the restaurant on May 21. He is charged with arson. Officials used security footage from the restaurant to link Maestas to the fire.

Story continues below

Prosecutors requested that Maestas stay in custody due to his past criminal history and concerns about him returning to the establishment on San Felipe Street NW to watch the fires progress.

A court hearing on the pretrial detention motion has not been set yet. High Noon Restaurant posted on social media that they would be closed for several weeks to recover from the fire. According to court documents, the damage from the fire was estimated to be $20,0000.

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.
1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed

Protesters gathered outside the University of Pittsburghs Cathedral of Learning just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Some tents were set up on the lawn outside of the Cathedral.

At 7:21 p.m. Pitt Police said the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union would be closed until further notice. They also believe traffic will be impacted near Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Blvd.

Protesters say they stand with the people of Palestine.

People are demanding an end to genocide, and in this country, were demanding an end to U.S. Military aid to Israel, said Kate Daher, who supports the demonstration.

We defend and support their work. We want them to be able to talk to the chancellor, and Joan Gabel should be here. Theyve done this before, shes ignoring them, Daher said.

One person was detained at the protest while Channel 11 was at the scene.

We got the criminal complaint for Donald Johnson, who, Pitt police say was preventing officers from doing their duties by using his body as a barrier as protesters were running cases of water toward the encampment. Police said they do not have a permit for food or water.

Donald Johnson

Protesters are calling for the University of Pittsburgh to sever any ties with Israel or companies promoting the Israel-Hamas War.

Even in the off-season, even when the majority of Pitt students are not here, we are able to mobilize this massive force, so we want the administration to be absolutely sure that we will not relent. We will continue to struggle until our demands are met, said a supporter of the encampment, who didnt want to be identified.

View the document below for a full list of demands from the protesters.

6 2 24 Press Release by john.blinn828 on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

A smaller group of people touting the flag of Israel and an American flag also arrived at the scene.

The war began on Oct. 7 after Hamas attacked Israels Southern border and around 1,200 people were killed. Over 36,430 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israels offensive, the Gaza Health Ministry reports. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

A very large police presence has been monitoring the situation. Channel 11 has reached out to Pitt police for further comment and has not heard back.

Early Monday morning, a Pitt spokesman sent the following statement:

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on June 2, two demonstrations taking place in Oakland converged on the Cathedral of Learning lawn. The group of demonstrators quickly erected wooden barricades, fencing, and other structures with tents inside. Due to the number of protestors present, University of Pittsburgh Police are working with the City of Pittsburgh Police, Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Carnegie Mellon University and Carlow University. We continue to monitor the situation and, as of 11 p.m., one arrest has been made on-site by the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. The person arrested was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction and is not affiliated with the University.

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(BCN)  A group of protesters are at the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco on Monday morning, calling for an end to attacks on Gaza. The protesters posted photos on social media shortly after 9 a.m., from inside the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest.

Police said late Monday morning that they will begin arresting protesters soon. About 70 protesters are inside the first floor of the building. Police said about 70 people were arrested.

Mexicos first female president has Bay Area connection

The photos show protesters with banners that read Zionism Kills and Committing a genocide makes Jews less safe; Not in my name! Video posted on X shows protesters inside the building chanting Long live the intifada! San Francisco police released a short statement, saying Officers arrived on scene and are currently handling a protest and possible trespassers who are related to the protest. At this time there are no arrests related to the protest.

The consulate is located at 456 Montgomery St # 2100, in the citys Financial District. Representatives of the consulate were not immediately available for comment.

According to SFMTA, the outbound 1 California bus will be rerouted due to the protest.

KRON4 reached out to the Israeli Consulate for comment and received the following statement from Consul General Marco Sermoneta:

We are appalled, but not surprised, at the attempt by a handful of pro-Hamas rioters to violently compromise our ability to operate as a diplomatic mission. They will not succeed. The people who entered the lobby of the building where the Consulate is situated are the same people who have celebrated the rape, maiming, burning alive, and murder of hundreds of Israelis barely a day after October 7th. Since then, these mobs have been making campuses across the Bay Area inhospitable and even dangerous to Jews, and turning city council meetings into despicable spectacles of antisemitism and mass-atrocity denial. We thank SFPD for their rapid response and will continue to ensure that we provide all services as usual.

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.
The University of Pittsburgh Chancellor issued a statement regarding a protest that shut down the Cathedral of Learning on Sunday evening.

On Sunday, protesters told Channel 11 they stand with the people of Palestine and are calling for the University of Pittsburgh to sever any ties with Israel or companies promoting the Israel-Hamas War. One person was arrested during the protest.

>>> 1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed

Chancellor Joan Gabel says two groups of protesters moved to the Cathedral of Learning to create an encampment Sunday evening after holding events on Schenley Park and Zulema Street. One person was arrested during the protest.

The carefully coordinated group protesters numbered between 150 and 200, including young children, came to the area with power tools, 2-by-6 pieces of wood and chain link fencing, Gabel said. They build a fenced enclosure around an area the group is calling the Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

Gabel says the protest leaders, who are demanding meetings, are not students, and their affiliations are with organizations not connected to the university, despite originally claiming to be a group of autonomous students supported by Pitt Divest from Apartheid.

The protesters reportedly defaced the Cathedral of Learning, including placing materials in a revolving doorway with what appeared to be the intent to ignite those materials. The Frick Fine Arts Building was also defaced with antisemitic graffiti, and a weapon thrown through a window.

Now more than ever, we want to express our commitment to free expression and critical inquiry as core to our mission and key to a vibrant university environment. The University of Pittsburgh is grounded in the spirit of discourse and dialogue, while ensuring all voices can be expressed in a safe way, Gabel said. However, we have no illusions that the efforts of this group last night are directed toward free expression. They are markedly different from the largely peaceful protest in Schenley Plaza in April. Rather, what we saw last night, and continue to see, are attempts to destroy property at the historical core of our campus, as well as accompanying action that in no way elevates open inquiry or allows for peaceful advocacy.

>>> Pittsburghs Police chief praises peaceful protests

Most protesters have left the encampment Sunday night. But, Gabel asks people to avoid the area if possible.

The Cathedral is open for people who present a Pitt ID at the entrance facing the Heinz Memorial Chapel. The rest of campus is operating normally.

Click here to see the status of campus operations.

Read Gabels full statement below:

Dear Pitt students, faculty and staff,

Im writing with some unsettling news. Last evening, two groups of protesters believed to be unaffiliated with the University, after holding respective events in Schenley Park and at Zulema Street, merged and moved to encamp on the Cathedral of Learning lawn near Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard. Numbering between 150 and 200, the carefully coordinated group, in possession of power tools, 2-by-6 pieces of wood, and chain-linked fence, built a complete fenced enclosure around an area that the group is calling the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. The protesters originally claimed to be a group of autonomous students supported by Pitt Divest from Apartheid, which is not a registered student organization and is not affiliated with the University in any capacity. Now, a group of self-proclaimed leaders is emerging and insisting on meetings. None of these leaders are students, and their affiliations are with organizations that also have no connection to the University. Several of the protesters brought young children into the barricaded area, and the Cathedral of Learning has been defaced, including the placing of materials in the revolving doorway nearest the encampment with what appeared to be the intent to ignite those materials. The exterior of the Frick Fine Arts Building was also defaced with antisemitic graffiti, and a weapon was thrown through a window.

Now more than ever, we want to express our commitment to free expression and critical inquiry as core to our mission and key to a vibrant university environment. The University of Pittsburgh is grounded in the spirit of discourse and dialogue, while ensuring all voices can be expressed in a safe way. However, we have no illusions that the efforts of this group last night are directed toward free expression. They are markedly different from the largely peaceful protest in Schenley Plaza in April. Rather, what we saw last night, and continue to see, are attempts to destroy property at the historical core of our campus, as well as accompanying action that in no way elevates open inquiry or allows for peaceful advocacy.

Our senior leadership team remains committed to meeting with students, faculty and staff to hear concerns. Since last night, many of the protesters have left on their own, and there are no longer any children on site. Ultimately, our goal is a peaceful resolution.

In the meantime, for information and updates on the status of campus operations, please refer to emergency.pitt.edu. The Cathedral is open to those who present a Pitt ID at the entrance facing Heinz Memorial Chapel. If you have flexibility, please avoid the area. The rest of campus is operating normally. The University may also send ENS notifications to share information on urgent issues. If you are not subscribed to receive these notifications via text, you can sign up online. Resources are available 24/7 through the University Counseling Center for students and LifeSolutions for faculty and staff. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to use them, and we will share additional resources and information as more become available.

Sincerely,

Joan Gabel

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Some providers will offer low-cost internet even as federal program ends, White House says

A teenage student. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  With Friday marking the official last day of the pandemic-era Affordable Connectivity Program, the Biden administration spotlighted commitments from over a dozen internet service providers to offer plans at $30 or less to low-income households through 2024.

This comes as Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the short-term program had to end due to a lack of funding, which both she and President Joe Biden are continuing to urge Congress to restore.

For over 23 million households, the Affordable Connectivity Program has provided up to $30 in monthly discounts on internet bills for eligible families and as much as $75 a month for those on qualifying tribal lands.

The (Affordable Connectivity Program) filled an important gap that provider low-income programs, state and local affordability programs, and the Lifeline program cannot fully address, Rosenworcel wrote in letters to congressional leaders on Thursday.

Millions of ACP households nationwide, and households that may be eligible but have not yet enrolled, are looking to Congress to provide the funding needed to keep the ACP up and running.

Separately, the Lifeline program provides a $9.25 monthly broadband service benefit for eligible households, according to the FCC.

But the commission said this is not an ACP replacement, and that not all ACP households will qualify for Lifeline, and by statute, many ACP providers are not eligible to participate in the Lifeline program.

Rosenworcel has sent monthly letters to congressional leaders outlining the need for additional funding to keep the low-cost internet program running.

Her additional letters on Thursday went to the chairs and ranking members of House and Senate appropriations panels, including Reps. David Joyce of Ohio and Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee.

Rosenworcel also sent another round of letters to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Ted Cruz of Texas, and the chair and ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Frank Pallone of New Jersey.

In her most recent letter, Rosenworcel said it was regrettable that the FCC must end the most successful broadband affordability program in our Nations history.

She highlighted some of the possible impacts of the program ending for many military families and millions of households with school-aged children enrolled in the program.

Additionally, Rosenworcel said the end of ACP will also impact approximately 3.4 million rural households and over 300,000 households in Tribal areas.

Meanwhile, the administration said over a dozen providers committed to offering their current ACP subscribers and other eligible households a high-speed internet plan for $30 per month or less, with no fees and data caps, until the end of 2024.

The providers include: Allo Fiber; Altafiber (and Hawaiian Telcom); Astound Broadband; AT&T; Comcast; Cox; IdeaTek; Mediacom; MLGC; Optimum; Spectrum (Charter Communications); Starry; Verizon; and Vermont Telephone Company, per the administration, which noted that, together, the providers cover up to 10 million households enrolled in the program.

In October, Biden asked Congress for $6 billion in a supplemental funding request to keep the ACP funding running through the end of 2024.

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The post Some providers will offer low-cost internet even as federal program ends, White House says appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
The public is about to discover just how dangerous Starmers centrists really are

The face of Labour's future: A new generation of alt-centrists, including Georgia Gould, look set to steer the next Labour government - David Mirzoeff/PA

Is it already over, as Nigel Farage said? Are the only two matters yet to be settled in British politics the scale of Labours looming majority and the future of the imploded Right? If so, it is terrifying to ponder just how little robust scrutiny Sir Keir Starmers party has faced over its real plans for Britain.

The Diane Abbott row resulted in some speculation that a Labour government could usher in a Corbynite Trojan Horse, razing the economy and paralysing Starmers agenda on everything from immigration to defence. But with many of the Corbynites purged, the country is in danger of overlooking a far more foundational threat.

For all their claims to stand for moderate Labour politics, the alt-centrists who may soon be running the country are no less fanatical than the far-Left. It is not fringe calls for nuclear disarmament we should fear. It is a mainstream radical centrist bid to inflict generational retribution on the Boomers, empower the state, and turn magical thinking into Britains guiding doctrine.

There is something gratingly familiar about Labours new moderates, at least on the surface. Their political scent  sterile, bleachy, intermingled with a stale whiff of spreadsheet activism  is redolent of New Labours. And yet the ne(po)-Blairite spads, think-tank chiefs and Harvard fellows being quietly parachuted into safe seats are emphatically different  and perhaps even more dangerous  than their predecessors.

It is not so much that Blairism is back, rather than its shell has been exhumed to host a radically millennial new spirit. It is hubristic, confrontational, and twisted with guilt.

While the far-Left has spent the last few years foaming over structural racism and the imminence of eco-collapse, a section of the centre-Left has been plotting a class war on the Boomers. One of the instigators has been Torsten Bell, head of the Resolution Foundation think tank, who has secured a safe Welsh seat.

Bell appears to have taken up the cause with vim since working on Resolutions Intergenerational Commission, a policy project that in partnership with the CBI and trade unions churned out endless reports seemingly blaming boomers for all societys ills. In particular, he has been absorbed in the task of crafting concrete wealth tax policies that wont scare the horses, such as tightening up inheritance tax, slashing pensions relief and capping ISAs.

The obsession with boomer wealth is telling. Old, rich Brexiteers have become a cathartic outlet for the Lefts pent-up, bourgeois self-loathing, now that they must internalise their contempt for Red Wall deplorables.

The obsession with rich pensioners also smacks of a consolation target for a movement that remains too aligned with big business to wage an authentic war on rentier capitalism. A party truly keen to end stagnation might show more interest in Britains transition towards risk-averse blob capitalism, the corporations making more money from rents on assets like intellectual property than from production. But, apparently, it suits the reformed party of big business better to rage against middle-class people with second homes.

Another striking aspect of neo-Blairism is its belief in the magical powers of the state. It regards New Labours faith in extracting the manna of free market capitalism and redistributing it to the needy as a cataclysmic doctrinal error that brought about not just the financial crash but an upswell of populist derangement, not to mention the twin Tory disasters of austerity and Brexit. They think that, in order for social democratic centrism to reclaim its hegemony, it must return to its core tenets of robust state intervention in the economy and aggressively pro-equality policymaking.

Perhaps no figure embodies this paradigm shift better than the up-and-coming Labour candidate, who is even now being tipped to succeed Starmer as leader, Georgia Gould.

The daughter of New Labour architect, the late Lord Gould, and leader of Camden Council, she seems to share her late fathers enthusiasm for forging inclusive new coalitions. And yet, while he understood from his suburban upbringing that, in a world in which people want to advance themselves with better houses, better holidays, better lives, government should respect the imperatives of the market, Georgia Gould has gravitated to the teachings of the celebrity Left-wing economist Mariana Mazzucato.

The latter argues that todays challenges demand the creation of a muscular, mission-driven state, inspired by John F Kennedys Apollo Program which put a man on the moon. Georgia Goulds Camden Council has been a testing ground for Mazzucatos mission-driven vision, and it is expected that Starmer will scale it up on a national scale.

At a time when Labour should be making tough choices about cutting back the state, Mazzucato-ism is a recipe for grotesque spending on white elephants. Its demands for mechanisms of accountability and cross-departmental collaboration invite an explosion of state managerialism on a scale unseen for decades.

It is not just the rising stars but the bruisers at the helm of the Neo-Blairist revival that give cause for alarm. Starmers chief of staff, Sue Gray, might well turn out to be one of the most underestimated ideologues in politics. People dismiss her as a mere backroom operator, but she has already shown her hand.

Having become practised at bashing the heads of rival factions within Whitehall, and perhaps also moved by the reconciliation politics that followed the Troubles, she recently suggested rolling out citizens assemblies to tackle difficult issues.

Other aides are fixated with Bidenomics. This despite the fact that Britain is flat broke and lacks the scale, currency strength, infrastructure and sheer resources to waste on green industrial ventures.

The magical thinking of the neo-Blairites bleeds into every aspect of their politics. They appear convinced it is possible to negotiate a new deal with the EU without having to make painful concessions. They seem to think that a modest reduction can stem the backlash against mass migration, and that it is possible to diplomatically solve the small boats crisis without confronting the flaws in international law.

Blairism rested on an superstitious faith in the alchemical mixing of forces: capitalism and socialism, private and public power. Neo-Blairism is cruder, nastier, more absurd  cakeism mixed with a dash of war against the old.

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Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi (D) was upset in a primary election Sunday, defeated by Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R). Both candidates represent the islands pro-statehood party.

The result finalizes an acrimonious split between Pierluisi and Gonzalez-Colon, four years after they ran together on the same ticket. The relationship between the islands two highest offices quickly soured when Gonzalez-Colon announced her challenge to Pierluisi last year.

What happened is very painful, and I didnt expect it, but let no one think that Im going to slow down in the remainder of this four-year period, Pierluisi said late Sunday as he congratulated Gonzalez-Colon.

She received about 56 percent of the vote to Pierluisis 44 percent, The Associated Press reported. She will be the New Progressive Partys first female candidate for the governorship.

Positions do not belong to politicians  they belong to the people, Gonzalez-Colon said during a speech shortly after Pierluisi conceded. I commit to being on the streets, to listen to people.

Gonzalez-Colon serves in the House as Puerto Ricos only nonvoting representative. Her pick to succeed her, Elmer Roman, trails Pierluisis candidate, Puerto Rico Sen. William Villafane Ramos by about 6 percentage points, with thousands of votes left to count early Monday.

The Popular Democratic Party, the islands pro-commonwealth party, selected Puerto Rico Rep. Jesus Manuel Ortiz to be its gubernatorial candidate. The party will mount an attempt to return to power this fall after last holding the office in 2017.

The election was marked by some chaos, with the territory election commission website crashing, delaying vote counts. Severe weather also knocked out power across parts of the island and caused landslides.

Puerto Rico still feels the impacts of 2017s Hurricane Maria and multiple powerful storms since, which have severely weakened its power systems and infrastructure. The island also faces a shortage of doctors and other skilled professionals.

Gonzalez-Colon campaigned on stemming the exodus of doctors, cracking down on corruption and working against violence against women.

Thats one of the reasons why Im aspiring to governorship, because I believe that we should not get used to not having electricity, we should not get used to not having water, she said early Sunday.

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QUAPAW, Okla.  Quapaw Nation leaders testified in front of congressional leaders  in hopes of settling a multi-billion dollar settlement over damaged lands.

According to a statement by Quapaw Chairwoman Wena Supernaw  not long after the Quapaw Nation reservation was established  mining became prevalent.

Supernaw says more than 50 percent of that lead and zinc was used to defend the United States during World War 1.

She also says from 1917 to 1947 more than 20 billion dollars of ore was extracted from Quapaw lands.

Supernaw says the land is still damaged to this day.

Thats why shes asking federal authorities to rule in favor of the tribe in the Thomas Charles Bear versus the United States case.

If theyve already got an understanding of the issues the way that congressman called us. Thats the kind of information that were really trying to share to help expedite and accelerate that process in any way that we possibly can. We did achieve what appeared to be really good support, good questions from the subcommittee. So that was really rewarding, said Wena Supernaw, Quapaw Nation Chairwoman.

If the tribe wins the settlement it would receive 137 and a half million dollars in payments.

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JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (PIX11)  Its the second oldest and second largest Pride parade in New York, and this year, it fell on the second day of Pride Month. On Sunday, the 32nd annual New Queens Pride Parade and multicultural festival stepped out in Jackson Heights.

It was the largest turnout ever, according to officials. More than 65,000 people participated in this joyous celebration on 37th Avenue.

Were in the worlds borough, and that diversity shines through at the Queens parade, David Kilmnick, president of the LGBT Network and the parades organizer, told PIX11 News. So many people are enjoying themselves that we stay packed until the show is over at 6 p.m.

More Queens News

There were LGBTQ cheerleaders in a group called Cheer New York as well as the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band and so many others.

It was all about inclusivity and support, as two sisters from Brooklyn told PIX11 News.

This is the best thing ever, everyone supporting. I love supporting myself, one sister said.

I love supporting my sister; my sisters gay, the other sister said.

Another couple, Emma and Rolondo, chimed in together.

There is so much positive energy, great music, fun, so much going on, and everyone is having a good time, they said.

Up on the stage, all the LGBT groups that performed were local. This was a day to celebrate honestly who you are.

We can be who we are without hiding behind closed doors, and we have love and acceptance, which is very important, especially in these days and times, Talea Wufka, an LGBT advocate, told PIX11 News.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DUBAI (Reuters) - The Rafah border crossing critical to aid deliveries into Gaza from Egypt cannot operate again unless Israel relinquishes control and hands it back to Palestinians on the Gaza side, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Monday.

Last month, Israel seized Gaza's entire border with Egypt including the crossing during its offensive against Hamas in the city of Rafah. The crossing also represents the only lifeline to the outside world for the 2.3 million population in the Israeli-besieged territory.

"It is difficult for the Rafah crossing to continue operating without a Palestinian administration," Shoukry told a press conference with his Spanish counterpart in Madrid.

Shoukry said the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty remained "a solid base for security and stability in the region and everyone must consider and take measures responsibly to preserve this important treaty".

His comments came amid rising tensions after the death of an Egyptian soldier last week in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces who Egyptian security sources said crossed a boundary line while pursuing and killing several Palestinians.

Two Egyptian security sources said a meeting on Sunday of U.S., Egyptian and Israeli officials was positive despite there being no agreement on reopening of the crossing. Egypt's delegation at the meeting said it would be open to European monitors at the border to oversee its operation by Palestinian authorities if Palestinian authorities agreed to resume work.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday Israeli forces were seeking to destroy tunnels between Gaza and Egypt used by Hamas to smuggle in weapons, or possibly as a means to escape the war. Egypt has denied the existence of such tunnels.

Under their peace treaty, Egypt and Israel have cooperated closely on security issues around the borders between Israel, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Gaza. They jointly upheld a blockade of Gaza after Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007.

Shoukry also called for Hamas and Israel to accept the current proposal for a Gaza ceasefire presented by U.S. President Joe Biden, saying that Hamas' initial comments were positive. "We are now waiting for the Israeli response," he said.

An aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel had accepted the framework deal for winding down the Gaza war, but described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

(Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Clauda Tanios; editing by Aidan Lewis and Mark Heinrich)
Rebel Wilson says it's 'total nonsense' that only gay actors should portray gay characters

Rebel Wilson says it's 'total nonsense' that only gay actors should portray gay characters

Rebel Wilson criticizes limiting actors to roles based on their sexuality.

Wilson discussed the topic on BBC's Desert Island Discs, calling such views "total nonsense."

Wilson also addressed alleged mistreatment by Sacha Baron Cohen on the set of "The Brothers Grimsby."

Rebel Wilson is sounding off on the always hot-button topic in Hollywood of whether your gender or sexual representation should dictate the characters you play on screen.

In the latest episode of BBC's Desert Island Discs, she said it was "total nonsense" to think that gay actors can only play gay characters.

The topic came up early in the episode when host Lauren Laverne asked the "Pitch Perfect" star if she felt there was a different standard for the kinds of jokes women comics make versus men.

"I don't think there's a different standard, it's more this thing that if you are something, you are now allowed to joke about it," Wilson said at the 3:30 mark. "If you are overweight, you can say [those] jokes."

Laverne then asked if that was a good thing.

"I think that's hard," said Wilson, who came out as gay in June 2022 and shares a child with fiancee Ramona Agruma. "It's going into this territory of like saying, 'Well, only straight actors can play straight roles and gay actors can play gay roles,' which I think is total nonsense."

"I think you should be able to play any role that you want," she continued. "But I always think, in comedy, your job is to always flirt with that line of what's acceptable. Sometimes you do step over it, but at the end of the day, you are trying to entertain people. People won't be entertained if people are always being safe and protective, you're not going to get good comedy from that."

Rebel Wilson and Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Brothers Grimsby." Sony Pictures Releasing

Later in the episode, the "Bridesmaids" star spoke about her claims in her new memoir, "Rebel Rising," that she was mistreated by Sacha Baron Cohen on the set of the 2016 comedy "The Brothers Grimsby." (Baron Cohen has denied Wilson's claims; the allegation was redacted from the UK version of the memoir.)

Wilson called working on the movie her "worst professional experience."

"I stayed in a situation and had things said to me and stuff that I should have left," she continued at the 33:40 mark. "The me now would be strong enough, but back then I just didn't have enough self-esteem to leave, and I thought I'd be labeled as unprofessional if I left."

Asked if she feels better having brought that experience to light, Wilson said it was a "final release of the emotions" to tell the story in her memoir.

"If it can help a few people out there then it's worth it," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the past year, legal changes have clarified the circumstances in which abortion can be used to treat emergency pregnancy complications, while simultaneously restricting minors' access to birth control. Credit: Montinique Monroe for The Texas Tribune

More than a year after the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade, Texas continues to be the largest state in the nation to ban nearly all abortions. But some questions and changes to abortion and birth control access have arisen since then.

[She was told her twin sons wouldnt survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway.]

Following many reports of patients facing denials or delays for medical emergencies in which an abortion is needed, state lawmakers have affirmed protections for medical professionals who exercise reasonable judgment to treat ectopic pregnancies and when a patients water breaks too early for the fetus to survive outside of the womb.

Meanwhile, a federal court ruling has limited birth control access for minors at federally funded Title X clinics, which now require parental consent for a minor to be prescribed birth control.

Heres where reproductive health care currently stands in Texas. This story may be updated if there is relevant news and changes.

What does abortion access look like in Texas?

It is still illegal to perform an abortion in Texas, including by dispensing or mailing the abortion-inducing medications mifepristone and misoprostol, in most circumstances. Texas laws have narrow exceptions only to save the life or prevent substantial impairment of major bodily functionof a pregnant patient.

State laws do not criminalize the person who has an abortion. Some Texans have found ways to get abortions by traveling to other states or Mexico, or self-managing abortions at home by getting medications through international nonprofits, such as Aid Access, or online stores.

What counts as a medical emergency in Texas?

State law says treatments for miscarriages, known as spontaneous abortions in medicine, and ectopic pregnancies, in which a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus and becomes unviable, do not count as illegal abortions. However, there were several reports of medical providers delaying medical care for these conditions due to confusion or the threat of jail time and six-figure fines for medical professionals.

In response, state lawmakers passed a law that now gives a legal defense to health care providers who exercise reasonable judgment in providing medical treatment for an ectopic pregnancy at any location or a previable premature rupture of membranes, which is when a pregnant patients amniotic fluid breaks before a fetus is determined to be able to survive outside of the uterus.

Viability  or when a fetus can survive outside of the uterus  depends on each pregnancy and various factors, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The group recommends that patients who experience a premature water break be counseled about the risks of continuing or terminating the pregnancy. This should also include information about the realistic potential outcomes for the fetus. Risks associated with a premature rupture of membranes include infection, placental abruption and umbilical cord accidents.

State law also says the Texas Medical Board cannot take disciplinary action against a physician for providing such treatment, and that pharmacies and pharmacists who provide medication ordered by a physician in these circumstances also have a defense.

Texas abortion laws, however, dont make an exception for lethal fetal abnormalities, forcing some pregnant patients to carry pregnancies to term even if they are not expected to have viable outcomes.

A group of Texas women who said they were denied medically necessary abortions sued the state of Texas in 2023 seeking to clarify the law. The Texas Supreme Court rejected the lawsuit in 2024, ruling that the medical exceptions in the law were broad enough to withstand constitutional challenge. In the unanimous ruling, the court said the state would first have to prove that no reasonable physician would have concluded that an abortion was the right call in order to bring a case against a physician.

What court cases could affect abortion access?

Abortion medication: A federal judge in Amarillo revoked the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone  an abortion-inducing medication  after a lawsuit by a group of anti-abortion doctors. But the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the drug to remain on the market until the case is resolved. Mifepristone, used along with misoprostol, is the most common way Americans terminate their pregnancies. Numerous studies have shown mifepristone to be safe and effective, and its recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organization. It was approved by the FDA in 2000.

Abortion funds: Abortion funds in Texas  nonprofit groups that help people pay for abortions and out-of-state travel  have resumed their efforts after a federal judge indicated that they likely cannot be criminally charged for helping people travel out of state to terminate their pregnancies.

Aiding in abortions: A man in Galveston is suing his ex-wifes friends for helping her obtain abortion-inducing medication. The women have countersued, arguing he knew his ex-wife had the pills and did nothing to stop her. Both cases are still pending.

A federal judge in Texas struck down Biden administration guidance requiring hospitals to provide medically necessary abortions under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, after a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton also sued over guidance to pharmacies that reminded them of their obligation to fill prescriptions for abortion-inducing drugs. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in January 2024.

What does contraception access look like in Texas?

Adults in Texas still have access to a range of birth control and reproductive health care services through most health insurance plans and government-funded programs. Most health insurance plans must provide contraception options and family planning counseling at no out-of-pocket cost. State programs and federally-funded Title X clinics also provide contraception for those who are uninsured or undocumented.

However, most minors need parental permission to be prescribed birth control in Texas. Federal Title X clinics used to provide confidential contraception to minors, but after a recent court ruling in an ongoing lawsuit, those clinics now require parental consent as well. Minors can still access testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy tests, condoms and counseling without parental consent at these clinics. Minors on Medicaid, or who are emancipated, can consent for themselves to get prescribed birth control.

The emergency contraception known as Plan B is still available over-the-counter in stores and, in some cases, through federally-funded clinics and public health departments. Ella, another emergency contraception pill that works up to five days after sex, requires a prescription, but it can also be prescribed and ordered online through an online pharmacy.

The Food and Drug Administration also recently approved the daily contraceptive pill Opill for sale without a prescription. It is expected to become available in stores and online in early 2024, according to its manufacturers.

You can read more about birth control access in Texas in our guide.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has pancreatic cancer, she confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service, the statement read.

As a member of Congress, Ive been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage.

My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis for pancreatic cancer, Jackson Lee said. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs  Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024

The news comes just months after the 74-year-old, who represents Texas 18th District, defeated former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards in a March primary, one of her tightest races to date.

Jackson Lee has been a serving member of Congress for the past 30 years. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Jackson told her constituents that as she undergoes treatment for the cancer, she will likely be occasionally absent from Congress, but said that she plans to continue working.

I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people, the statement said.

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will occasionally be absent from Congress while she undergoes treatment, the lawmaker said in a statement on Sunday night.

My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service, Jackson Lee wrote on X, formerly Twitter. As a member of Congress, Ive been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed.

Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage, she continued.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs  Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024

Jackson Lee, 74, is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and was first elected to the House in 1994. She said that, while the road ahead will not be easy, she is confident in the treatment plan developed by her doctors.

She previously had breast cancer, but fully recovered in 2012.

The lawmaker said her treatment will cause her to miss some sessions, but she plans to work with congressional leadership to ensure she is present for votes that are critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.

By Gods grace, I will be back at full strength soon, Jackson Lee wrote. Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine.

Related...
Traffic flows up and down Interstate 77 as the Columbia, S.C., skyline is seen in the distance on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (File/Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  Charleston and Columbia are among the nations 15 deadliest metro areas for pedestrians, according to a recent report.

The Charleston-North Charleston metro region comes in at ninth, while Columbia is tied for 12th in the latest report titled Dangerous by Design, published by the urban planning nonprofit Smart Growth America.

Across the country, pedestrian deaths increased 75% from 2010 to 2022, with cities across the Southeast and Southwest still the deadliest.

In 2022, 7,522 people nationwide were fatally struck while walking, a 40-year high, according to the 2024 report by the Washington, D.C., nonprofit.

This epidemic continues to grow worse because our nations streets are dangerous by design, designed primarily to move cars quickly at the expense of keeping everyone safe, the report reads.

Memphis took the top spot in the ranking of 101 metro areas, with 5.14 deaths per 100,000 residents. (The 2024 rankings are based on a yearly average for the five-year period from 2018 to 2022.)

Charleston and Columbia shared very similar fatality numbers:

 In the Charleston metro area, 147 pedestrians were killed over the five-year period, a rate of 3.66 per 100,000 people. Thats up from 97 pedestrians fatally struck in the prior five years.

 In Columbia, 144 were killed, a rate of 3.46. Thats up from 94 pedestrians killed from 2013 through 2017.

Three other South Carolina metro areas ranked in the top 50.

The Greenville-Anderson area came in at 28th, while the Augusta, Georgia, area that includes parts of Aiken County ranked 44th; and the Charlotte metro area that extends into South Carolina came in at 47th.

By comparison, Atlanta ranked 29th; the Washington, D.C., metro area that extends into Virginia and Maryland tied with Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at 59th; San Francisco 63rd; and the New York City metro area  which includes nearby parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania  tied with Chicago at 73rd.

The report praised Detroit, Michigan (ranked 53rd), and Buffalo, New York (tied with Boston at 94th), for bringing down pedestrian deaths through the use of speed bumps and more bike and pedestrian friendly intersections, among other things.

Let us know what you think...

The post Report: Charleston, Columbia among nations deadliest cities for pedestrians appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2024 - 17:36 | All, Japan

Uber Technologies Inc.'s top executive urged Japan to allow rideshare drivers to work independently, rather than obliging them to work under taxi companies, under a scheme meant to address labor shortages in the local industry.

"There would be a lot more people willing to become rideshare drivers if they could work flexibly as independent contractors," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said at a press conference in Tokyo, adding that the Japanese version of ride-sharing has been slow to take off since a ban on such services was only partially lifted in April.

Although Khosrowshahi said the reforms were "a significant step forward in improving transport options for Japanese people and extending earning opportunities for drivers," he called for increased flexibility and the elimination of restrictions such as set time schedules and areas of operation.

He also said Uber will enter the Japanese market if the government completely lifts the ban on rideshare services and allows non-taxi firms to participate.

Under the current system, which was introduced to address a nationwide shortage of taxi drivers, taxi firms can employ and manage standard license holders to offer rideshare services with their private vehicles under certain conditions.

Amid persistent safety concerns, Khosrowshahi said that safety is a priority while stressing that it is one of the top reasons customers in other markets choose Uber due to its incorporation of technology features and partnerships.

Khosrowshahi said that the proposed improvements would additionally "allow Japan to ensure more convenient and affordable transportation options for its people" and welcome foreign tourists, as well as contribute to revitalizing the economy.

His comments come as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday instructed relevant ministers to proceed with discussions on the complete removal of the ban on ride-hailing services.

Related coverage:

Japan OKs ride-hailing services in Tokyo, Kyoto areas

Japan launches ride-hailing services in Tokyo, other areas to follow

FOCUS: Local gov'ts hope new ride-hailing services will give economy a lift
Republican factions fighting for control of the party in Tuesdays primary election

Voters sit at the booths to work on their ballots on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Sioux Falls School District in Sioux Falls.

Most of the action in Tuesdays South Dakota primary election is in Republican legislative races, where a fight for control of the party has drawn in players ranging from upstart challengers to fundraising groups affiliated with members of Congress.

There are 44 Republican legislative primary races across the state, and only one Democratic legislative primary. Winners will go on to represent the party in the Nov. 5 general election, when all 105 seats in the Legislature will be up for grabs.

Republicans currently hold all but 11 of those seats, and their grip on the majority is not in doubt. But the partys direction could be influenced by Tuesdays results, many of which will be the final result. Among 35 districts, 16 of them lack general election contests for House seats and 20 lack general election contests for Senate seats, due to candidates running unopposed or one of the parties (mostly Democrats) failing to field a candidate. In other words, in some districts, the primary election is the de facto general election.

One of the Republicans trying to influence the primary results is Toby Doeden, who considered challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson but decided against it. Doeden has since launched Dakota First Action, a political action committee aiming to remove fake Republicans and their whole crony crowd from the state House of Representatives, replacing them with America First candidates, according to Doeden.

Then well take the Senate and governors office, Doeden said, referring to future elections.

Doeden contributed $100,000 of his own money to the committee and reported it as a donation, according to a campaign finance report. After online commenters pointed out the $10,000 limit on individual contributions to political action committees, Doeden said the contribution should have been reported as a loan, not a donation.

Pat Powers, a Republican blogger, has filed an affidavit alleging Doeden is flagrantly violating campaign finance laws. Powers also published correspondence from Attorney General Marty Jackley indicating that Jackleys office is investigating.

As of the last filing deadline, Doedens committee had spent $25,000 on data acquisition, and recently sent text messages to District 25 voters alleging a Republican candidate he dislikes is a liberal in disguise.

Representative Scott Odenbach leans over to talk with Representative Randy Gross during the first day of the legislative session on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

Another political action committee seeking to challenge the Republican establishment in Pierre is Spearfish Republican Rep. Scott Odenbachs Liberty Tree. It spent $58,000 ahead of the primary.

Former executive director of Rapid City Catholic Social Services Jim Kinyons Protecting SD Kids donated $37,000 to similar candidates, as did anti-abortion activists South Dakota Right to Life PAC, spending $11,600. The PAC is affiliated with the nonprofit South Dakota Right to Life, which includes Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, Rep. Fred Deutsch, R-Watertown, Sen. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, and former representative and current candidate Spencer Gosch on its board.

None of the money spent by those committees went to Republican candidates currently serving in legislative leadership positions.

Former Republican state senator Tom Dempster, of Sioux Falls, warns that confrontational politics within the party will contribute to further divides in an already divided country.

We have way too many candidates on the fringe that want people to rally around them because they simply want to upset the system, Dempster said. Its just the opposite of what our democracy needs today. We need people who know how to handle conflict and pull people together.

Tom Dempster speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Levitt at the Falls in June 2019.

The kinds of candidates Dempster favors are receiving help in the primary from longtime Republican state lawmaker Lee Schoenbeck, of Watertown, who isnt seeking reelection. He founded a political action committee in 2021, South Dakota Strong. The committee spent $46,000 on nine candidates ahead of this primary, according to its campaign finance report.

Schoenbeck said todays Republican party consists of two different groups of people.

There are the normal Republicans, and there are these strange individuals who are not conservative. Theyre just unusual, Schoenbeck said. But they turn out big in primary elections. So, if normal, regular-thinking conservative folks dont vote in this primary, the highly unusual folks will win.

Mort PAC, run by House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, spent $48,271 to help some of the same candidates. It received $10,000 from Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds Peter Norbeck Leadership PAC and $10,000 from Republican U.S. Sen. John Thunes Heartland Values PAC.

Dusty PAC, managed by supporters of U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, donated $25,750 to many of the same candidates and more.

Dakota Legacy PAC, run by Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, took a similar approach, giving $16,700 to candidates and spending $10,000 on advertising. The committee also received $10,000 apiece from Thunes and Rounds PACs.

Following are summaries of some races that people on both sides of the Republican divide say theyre watching closely.

House of Representatives

In state House of Representatives primaries, the top two vote-getters from each party advance to the general election, where they will vie for two House seats in each legislative district.

District 18 (Clay, Yankton counties): Incumbents Mike Stevens and Julie Auch, and challenger John Marquardt, all of Yankton.

Auch received money from South Dakota Right to Life PAC and a 91.7% scorecard rating from South Dakota Citizens for Liberty, a group that says it advocates for limited government. Stevens received money from Dusty PAC and a 33.3% rating on the Citizens for Liberty scorecard.

Meanwhile, Auch received a D rating from a scorecard published by the Republican blogger Powers, the Real Conservative Scorecard, and Stevens received a B+ rating.

Yankton County Commission Chairman Marquardt received donations from Mort PAC and Dusty PAC.

District 13 (Lincoln, Minnehaha counties): Incumbent Tony Venhuizen and challengers Brad Jankord, John Hughes and Penny BayBridge, all of Sioux Falls. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the two Republican primary winners will win the two House seats.

Venhuizen formerly served as chief of staff for Governors Kristi Noem and Dennis Daugaard and has been involved in Republican state politics for many years.

Jankord received donations from Dusty PAC, Mort PAC, former Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Venhuizen and others, totaling over $60,000.

Hughes has received funding from Odenbachs Liberty Tree, South Dakota Right to Life PAC, Protecting SD Kids and others, totaling over $40,000.

BayBridge took in $4,703 from various individuals.

With Venhuizen taking in over $100,000, plus the fundraising by other candidates, the districts primary election is the most expensive South Dakota Searchlight found.

District 9 (Minnehaha County): Incumbent Bethany Soye, of Sioux Falls, and challengers Kristi Golden, Daryl Christensen and Tesa Schwans, all of Hartford.

Soye has a 97.5% Citizens for Liberty rating and contributions from Liberty Tree, South Dakota Right to Life PAC and Protecting SD Kids. She was given a D rating on the Real Conservative Scorecard.

Schwans received donations from South Dakota Right to Life PAC, Protecting SD Kids and Liberty Tree.

Golden received donations from Dusty PAC and Mort PAC, and Christensen received donations from Venhuizen and Daugaard.

District 2 (Minnehaha County): Incumbents John Sjaarda, of Valley Springs, and David Kull, of Brandon, face challenger Jake Schoenbeck, of Sioux Falls. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the two Republican primary winners will win the two House seats.

Sjaarda has an 87.5% Citizens for Liberty rating and contributions from Liberty Tree and Protecting SD Kids. Schoenbeck is the son of longtime legislative leader Lee Schoenbeck (who isnt seeking reelection). South Dakota Strong gave Jake Schoenbeck $5,000. He also received contributions from Mort PAC and Dusty PAC.

Kull has an A rating on the Real Conservative Scorecard and received donations from Dusty PAC and Mort PAC.

District 21 (Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory and Tripp counties): Incumbent Marty Overweg, of New Holland, and challengers Lee Qualm, of Platte, and Jim Halverson, of Winner. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the two Republican primary winners will win the two House seats.

Overweg has a 97.5% Citizens for Liberty rating and contributions from Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC. Qualm, a former legislator, also has Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC contributions, plus an endorsement from Dakota First Action.

Halverson, whose daughter is involved with U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnsons reelection campaign, received donations from Dusty PAC and Mort PAC.

District 23 (Brown, Campbell, Edmunds, Faulk, Hand, McPherson, Potter, Walworth counties): Incumbents Scott Moore, of Ipswich, and Majority Whip James Wangsness, of Miller, and challenger Spencer Gosch. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the two Republican primary winners will win the two House seats.

Gosch previously served as speaker of the House. He received contributions from Protect SD Kids, Liberty Tree and a PAC affiliated with the South Dakota Freedom Caucus, whose members sometimes clash with Republican legislative leaders.

Wangsness has an A+ rating on the Real Conservative Scorecard and received contributions from Dusty PAC and Mort PAC.

Moores pre-primary finance report includes donations from Dusty PAC, Protecting SD Kids and the South Dakota Freedom Caucus PAC.

Senate

In state Senate primaries, only the top vote-getter from each party advances to the general election to vie for one Senate seat in each legislative district.

District 16 (Lincoln, Turner, Union counties): Kevin Jensen vs. Eric Hohman, both of Canton. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Jensen, a current state representative, is term-limited in the House. He has an 83.3% Citizens for Liberty rating and a contribution from Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC.

Hohmans campaign has received contributions from Lee Schoenbecks South Dakota Strong PAC, Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtrees Dakota Legacy PAC and the Dusty PAC.

District 3 (Brown County): Carl Perry vs. Katherine Washnok, both of Aberdeen. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Current state representative Perry is attempting a switch to the Senate against Brown County Republican Chair Washnok.

Washnok says she grew up in the state Republican Party. She has a contribution from Dakota Legacy PAC and Dusty PAC.

Perry has a 75% SD Citizens for Liberty rating, a Dakota First Action endorsement, and checks from Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC.

District 30 (Custer, Fall River, Pennington counties): Incumbent Julie Frye-Mueller, of Rapid City, vs. Amber Hulse, of Hot Springs, and Forrest Foster, of Rapid City.

Frye-Mueller is one of two Republicans with a 100% rating from Citizens for Liberty. The state Senate censured Frye-Mueller in 2023. She had allegedly verbally harassed a Legislative Research Council staffer, including criticism of the staffers decision to have her baby vaccinated.

Hulse is a lawyer and former Miss South Dakota who worked as an intern in President Donald Trumps administration. She received a donation from Dusty PAC.

Foster received $1,600 ahead of the primary, including $1,000 from himself.

District 8 (Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner counties): Incumbent Casey Crabtree, of Madison, vs. Rick Weible, of Elkton. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Crabtree is the Senate majority leader and reports taking in about $69,000 on his pre-primary finance report. He has a 31.8% rating from Citizens for Liberty.

Weible is a leader in attempts to get rid of vote-counting machines and force hand-counting. He received a donation from the South Dakota Freedom Caucus and took in $6,000 total.

District 4 (Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin and Roberts counties): Fred Deutsch, of Florence, vs. Stephanie Sauder, of Bryant. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

With term limits forcing John Wiik out of the Senate, current representatives Deutsch and Sauder are seeking the open seat.

Deutsch has a 66.7% Citizens for Liberty rating and received donations from South Dakota Right to Life PAC, Protecting SD Kids and Dusty PAC. Sauder has a 43.5% Citizens for Liberty rating and contributions from South Dakota Strong and Dusty PAC.

District 35 (Pennington): Incumbent Mike Walsh, of Box Elder, vs. challengers Greg Blanc and Curtis Nupen, both of Rapid City. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Walsh was appointed to an open seat this year by Gov. Kristi Noem. He has a contribution from South Dakota Strong. Blanc has contributions from Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC. Nupen gave himself $6,000.

District 34 (Pennington): Jason Green vs. Taffy Howard, both of Rapid City.

With incumbent Michael Diedrich not seeking reelection, former legislator Howard is seeking a return to the Legislature. She is a former primary challenger to U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, whom she described as insufficiently conservative. She has contributions from Liberty Tree, South Dakota Right to Life PAC and Protecting SD Kids, and a Dakota First Action endorsement.

Green is endorsed by outgoing Sen. Diedrich and received donations from Dusty PAC and Lee Schoenbeck.

District 25 (Minnehaha and Moody counties): Incumbent Tom Pischke, of Dell Rapids, vs. challenger Jordan Youngberg, of Colman.

Pischke has an 80.7% rating from Citizens for Liberty, a contribution from Liberty Tree and a Dakota First Action endorsement. He made statewide news for being banned from the House during the last days of the most recent legislative session for a breach of decorum.

Youngberg, a former legislator, has contributions from South Dakota Strong and Dusty PAC.

District 17 (Clay and Union counties): Incumbent Sydney Davis, of Burbank, vs. Jeffrey Church, of Vermillion. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Church has contributions from Liberty Tree and Protecting SD Kids, and is highlighting Davis 20% Citizens for Liberty rating in his campaign material. Davis has donations from Dusty PAC and others totaling about $39,000.

District 9 (Minnehaha County): Joy Hohn, a vocal opponent of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, faces off with former representative Mark Willadsen. There is no Democratic or independent candidate, which means the Republican primary winner wins the seat.

Doedens Dakota First Action endorsed Hohn, and she has donations from Liberty Tree and South Dakota Right to Life PAC.

Willadsen has donations from Dusty PAC, former Gov. Daugaard, and former speaker of the state House, Mark Mickelson.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Republican factions fighting for control of the party in primary election
We are starting to see a lot of reporting about Donald Trump's promises to wreak revenge on his enemies should he get back into power next year. Some of us have been focusing on this for years because Trump made "vengeance is mine" his credo going back decades. He's never made a secret of it. He even gave a speech at the Christian right's flagship Liberty University before he ever ran for president and gave them two pieces of advice. First, always get a prenup and second, "get even":

I always say don't let people take advantage  this goes for a country, too, by the way  don't let people take advantage. Get even. And you know, if nothing else, others will see that and they're going to say, You know, I'm going to let Jim Smith or Sarah Malone, I'm going to let them alone because they're tough customers.

Years before that he told an audience in Colorado, "If someone screws you, screw them back 10 times harder. At least they're going to leave you alone, and at least you'll feel good. I believe in screwing people when they screw you." In his book "Think Big," Trump wrote:

I love getting even when I get screwed by someone. ... Always get even. When you are in business you need to get even with people who screw you. You need to screw them back 15 times harder. You do it not only to get the person who messed with you but also to show the others who are watching what will happen to them if they mess with you. If someone attacks you, do not hesitate. Go for the jugular.

He famously declared "I am your retribution" at CPAC in March of 2023 and last December, he proudly posted a word cloud with "revenge" as the word most closely associated with him.

It is a defining characteristic that he has never tried to hide until recently. So when he spouts this sanctimonious line (that probably came from a GOP professional like Kellyanne Conway) "my revenge will be success" it's obvious that he doesn't mean it. In fact, he can hardly spit it out. On Fox News on Sunday, he was squirming with discomfort when it came up:

Trump says Americans who dont support him are evil and he wants to seek revenge on them by sending his Justice Department after them pic.twitter.com/zVFvnjCOwf  Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) June 2, 2024

For the record, he said "lock her up" many, many times at his rallies and never once tried to stop his crowds from chanting it.

The Guardian reported that the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington did an exhaustive study of his threats to exact revenge on his political opponents and perceived enemies in law enforcement:

The presumptive Republican nominee has threatened to use the federal government to go after Biden during a second Trump administration 25 times since the start of 2023, the study found. These threats include FBI raids, investigations, indictments and even jail time. He has also threatened or suggested that the FBI and justice department should take action against senators, judges, members of Bidens family and even non-governmental organisations.

Why would anyone expect anything different from the man who posts, IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU!

The new immunity claim he and his legal team have hatched for the Jan. 6 case adds another wrinkle to his threats. In a recent Time Magazine interview, Trump said that unless the Supreme Court gives him immunity for his crimes, if he wins he is going after Joe Biden. It's a very cute construct

President Trump, isnt going after your political opponents what they do in a banana republic? Trump: Thats whats happening now. Yeah. [...] Well, sir, just to be clear Trump: Wait a minute, I haven't had a chance to do it to them. I would be inclined not to do it. I don't want to do it to them. But a lot of that's going to have to do with the Supreme Court. Look, we are going in another two weeks to the Supreme Court. And they're going to make a ruling on presidential immunity. If they said that a president doesn't get immunity, then Biden, I am sure, will be prosecuted for all of his crimes, because he's committed many crimes... Sir Trump: Allowing all of this stuff. If a president doesn't have immunity. So when you asked me that question, it depends on what the Supreme Court does.

It really would be a win-win for him. If he gets immunity and he loses, at least he's off the hook on all the federal charges. (He and his legal advisers all think he'll be bailed out on appeal in the state charges in New York and that the Georgia case is dead on arrival.) If he gets immunity and wins he'll find other ways to get his revenge using his loyal MAGA executive branch. They've already shown a willingness to go after family members, for instance. If he doesn't get immunity and wins, he'll just direct his attorney general to dismiss the federal cases and devote himself to destroying his enemies using the full power of the federal government.

The only scenario that guarantees accountability for the federal crimes stemming from Jan. 6 and theft of classified documents, is if the Supreme Court denies his immunity claim and he loses the election. We live in hope but I wouldn't count on it coming down that way.

If he does manage to make it to the White House again, his allies are all on board:

"We're going to come after you. Whether it's criminally or civilly, we'll figure that out," [Kash] Patel, a National Security Council and Defense Department official during the Trump administration, told Steve Bannon on his podcast. We will go out and find the conspirators  not just in government, but in the media. Yes, were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections," he said,

Mike Davis is a man often discussed as a potential attorney general or White House counsel in a new Trump administration:

Dear Republicans:



If your response to Bidens Republic-ending lawfare against Trump is:



1. we must respect the process



and/or



2. we are too principled to retaliate



Please do two things:



1. fuck off



2. leave the party



You are too weak, stupid, and dangerous to keep around.   Mike Davis  (@mrddmia) May 31, 2024

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We already observed the lackeys trekking to the Manhattan courthouse to show fealty to Trump during his trial. Now that he's been convicted, the MAGA caucus in the Senate is staging a full-blown tantrum and refusing to allow any legislation until well ... nobody knows exactly:

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, circulated his own letter in which he suggested it was the White House that made a mockery of the rule of law and altered politics in un-American ways. He and other senators threatened to stall Senate business until Republicans take action. Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable, Lee said.

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Oh., is demanding that Manhattan DAs Alvin Bragg and Matthew Colangelo appear before his "weaponization of the federal government" committee to explain their "political prosecution." The whole GOP establishment has lined up behind Trump to degrade the jury system, the rule of law and any form of accountability for Trump's crimes.

Jason Stanley, a professor at Yale and the author of How Fascism Works told the Associated Press that history is full of examples of people not believing the rhetoric of authoritarians.

Believe what they say, he said. Hes literally telling you hes going to use the apparatus of the state to target his political opponents.

Trump says a lot of foolish things and half the time he doesn't know what he's talking about. But when it comes to his lifelong thirst for vengeance there is no doubt that he means it. And he is now backed by the vast majority of elected Republicans who are clearly slavering at the prospect of taking down their political enemies. They will do it.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Totalitarian Unanimity

I alternate between mocking the shattered remnant of the Republican Party and soberly treating it like foreshadowing of what Trump wants to do to America. Both are true.

A proud party of self-avowed institutionalists reduced to dressing like their cult leader, excusing his crimes, minimizing his criminal conviction, and engaging in elaborate displays of abject loyalty to him.

If there was one abiding theme in the 72 hours after Trumps first criminal conviction, it was the harshly enforced rallying around the felon by Republicans, a dynamic Chris Hayes called totalitarian unanimity:

The lesson they learned is if you enforce this totalitarian unanimity, you can keep chugging along. And it is a wildly dangerous lesson. Because they will do this no matter what he does, and no matter how bad it gets, says @chrislhayes on the GOP banding together to back Trump. pic.twitter.com/z60e930dVF  All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) June 1, 2024

Ive written before about how the Republican Party is a useful microcosm for what Trump wants to do to America. Almost every repugnant thing that Trump has done to the country writ large followed a corresponding move he had done to the GOP. So as much as it warrants mockery and derision, the Republican Party serves as a warning, a wake-up call, an object lesson in what re-electing Trump will look like. Be warned.

Trump Dont Care About A GOP Senate Majority

If keeping the pressure on Republicans not to waver in their support of the now-convicted Donald Trump means sacrificing the GOPs best chance of regaining a majority in the Senate, then so be it:

Kasie: Does the RNC support Hogan for Senate?



Lara Trump: I don't support what he just said there. He doesn't deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party at this point. And quite frankly, anybody in America pic.twitter.com/npj9qRuokM  Acyn (@Acyn) June 2, 2024

Clever!

HuffPos Jennifer Bendery has compiled the compleat list of all the Republicans calling for Donald Trump to withdraw from the presidential race following his conviction on 34 felony counts.

What Republicans Are Defending

Roger Parloff has a very useful reminder that the scheme that Donald Trump had going with the National Enquirer during the 2016 GOP presidential primary targeted some of the same Republicans that are defending Trump so vocally now.

The Democratic Messaging Wars

Brian Beutler: Democrats Need To Join The Fight Over The Trump Verdict Now

In the almost 48 hours since a New York jury returned its verdict against Donald Trump, many liberals who are normally sanguine about the Democratic Partys approach to partisan combat have found themselves astonished by what theyve seen. As their response has taken shape, Democrats have revealed fundamental disunity over how and even whether to exploit the fact that their principal opponent is a convicted felon.

Josh Marshall: Dont Expect Your Campaign Case to Make Itself For You

Sometimes  actually most of the time  the big obstacle to effective communication is not boiling down and simply saying what it is you mean. You try to be too clever, to pull your punches to calibrate some imagined balance. Donald Trump is a liar, a cheat and a fraud who doesnt care a wit about you, or anyone else but himself. Hes a convicted felon. Every time he faces consequences for his own actions he claims its someone elses fault. Whenever he loses, the process is rigged against him. We all know that person. And we all know we cant trust that person.

Dan Pfeiffer: Why Dems Shouldnt be Shy about Trumps Conviction

The message is that Donald Trump is a danger to democracy, and he is running for president to help himself, avoid legal accountability, and punish his enemies. The fact that he was convicted of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to interfere in an election seems more than a little relevant.

A Lifetime Without Accountability

Philip Bump: Trump insists his trial was rigged  just like everything else

Mike Johnson Tries To Walk Back His SCOTUS Remarks

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Friday called for the Supreme Court to intervene in the Trump conviction in New York and suggested hed talked some of the justices personally about it. Here he is trying to walk that back Sunday:

Mike Johnson on Fox News Sunday tries to walk back his comments suggesting he has inside info about SCOTUS justices being "deeply concerned" about Trump's conviction, saying "of course I haven't had conversations with the justices. I just know their character, their personality" pic.twitter.com/hKOuZuDcZU  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 2, 2024

Aileen Cannon Has Only One Speed: Slooow!

After being smacked down by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon the first time, Special Counsel Jack Smith reupped a motion Friday to modify the conditions of Donald Trumps pre-trial release in the Mar-a-Lago case by barring him from continuing to make his bogus attacks on federal law enforcement.

Cannon didnt smack Smith around this time, but she once again drew out the case by setting a somnambulant briefing schedule: Trump has until June 14 to respond, and Smith has until June 21 to reply.

2,000 Mules Producer Apologizes

The producer of the Dinesh DSouza 2020 election conspiracy film 2,000 Mules will cease its distribution and remove it from its platforms apparently as part of a settlement of a defamation lawsuit brought by a Georgia man whom the film falsely depicts as illegally voting.

Rudys Woes

The D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility has recommended that Rudy Giuliani be disbarred for his role in the Trump effort to overturn the 2020 election. Fridays recommendation is the final step before the D.C. Court of Appeals hears arguments ahead of deciding whether to disbar him, NBC News reported.

NYT: A 9/11 Charity Provides a Financial Safety Net to a Giuliani Firm

Good Read

NYT: Faith-Based Groups That Assist Migrants Become Targets of Extremists

The Hunter Biden Gun Trial Begins Today

The federal trial of Hunter Biden by Special Prosecutor David Weiss for lying on a form to purchase a gun when he said he wasnt using drugs at a time when he was in the throes of addiction begins today in Delaware.

Ill say it again for those in the back: This is a case the feds dont usually bring as a standalone charge, the investigation originated in the darkest days of the Trump DOJ, and some weird shit happened that ended up scotching a plea agreement in this matter.

Otherwise, nothing to see here.

Political Miscellany

Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama, died Friday at age 86.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), 74, announced that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The soon-to-retire Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has left the Democratic Party to become an independent.

Kilauea Is Erupting Again

After a few hours of increased seismicity at shallow depths, a new lava flow emerged overnight at Kilauea in a place on the volcano that, until now, hadnt seen eruptive activity since 1974.

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
Dr. Anthony Fauci faced intense scrutiny from House Republicans at a hearing on Monday as lawmakers continue to investigate his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and examine theories of the origin of the virus.

Fauci previously proclaimed that he had "nothing to hide" and came before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic voluntarily. The more than three-hour hearing marked the first time he's publicly testified since he left the federal government at the end of 2022 after five decades of service.

Fauci's appearance on Capitol Hill comes amid a contentious election cycle, with Republicans continuing to hammer him on his response to the virus -- everything from mask mandates to vaccine guidelines and origin possibilities.

"Americans were aggressively bullied, shamed and silenced for merely questioning or debating issues such as social distancing, masks, vaccines or the origins of COVID," chairman Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, said in opening remarks.

Fauci addressed those issues, and adamantly defended himself from Republican attacks, calling certain matters "seriously distorted."

PHOTO: Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, takes his seat as he arrives for a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: COVID-19 timeline: How the deadly virus and the world's response have evolved over 4 years

Democrats, led by ranking member Raul Ruiz, sought to focus on moving forward -- and accused Republicans of using Fauci as a scapegoat for mistakes made during the early days of the pandemic by former President Donald Trump.

"After 15 months, the select subcommittee does not possess a shred of evidence to substantiate these extreme allegations Republicans have levied against Dr. Fauci for nearly four years," Ruiz said.

Tensions boiled over when Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Fauci's most passionate detractors, said his license should be revoked and he should be imprisoned. She was stopped by chair Rep. Wenstrup, a fellow Republican, because of a lack of decorum. Democrats defended Fauci in the aftermath, with Rep. Robert Garcia calling Greene's comments "completely irresponsible."

Here are several key takeaways from the hearing.

Fauci pushes back on GOP claims about origins of the virus

Fauci forcefully denied GOP accusations that he meddled in research about the pandemic's origins, including claims that he tried to sway scientists away from the possibility the virus came from a lab.

"The accusation being circulated that I influenced the scientists to change their minds by bribing them with millions of dollars in grant money is absolutely false, and simply preposterous," he said.

"The second issue is a false accusation that I tried to cover up the possibility that the virus originated from a lab. In fact, the truth is exactly the opposite," he added, proceeding to read an email in which he encouraged scientists to report their data to authorities.

PHOTO: Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, June 3, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Fauci also rejected that National Institutes of Health funding led to research that ultimately created COVID-19, as some Republicans have floated. Fauci said the viruses studied under grants provided by the agency were "phylogenetically so different, they could not possibly be the precursor of SARS-CoV-2."

He acknowledged that didn't rule out the theory of a lab leak as the pandemic's origin, but said it did eliminate the possibility that NIH funding was knowingly tied to it.

"None of us can know everything that's going on in China, or in Wuhan, or what have you. And that's the reason why I say today  I keep an open mind as to what the origin is," Fauci said, though he maintained that he thinks the data leans more toward a "natural occurrence from an animal reservoir."

Fauci distances himself from adviser caught using private email

Committee Republicans repeatedly pressed Fauci about a recent development they say warrants further scrutiny: an email exchange between a former NIAID senior adviser and an executive of a controversial virus research organization where the adviser claims Fauci's private Gmail account could be utilized to evade public records requests and future public scrutiny. Ahead of the hearing, they requested access to Fauci's personal email account and cellphone records.

Fauci rejected suggestions he used his private email in his official capacity, and both denounced and distanced himself from the adviser's actions.

"Let me state for the record that to the best of my knowledge I have never conducted official business via my personal email," Fauci said.

Records show that the colleague, Dr. David Morens, used his private Gmail account to shield information from the public's reach, including to send EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak official government documents and a heads-up about information that would become public through a request pertaining to EcoHealth Alliance grant materials and COVID-19 research.

PHOTO: Dr. David Morens speaks during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing on Capitol Hill on May 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, FILE)

Considering Morens was a close adviser to Fauci, Republicans on the subcommittee expressed concern that Fauci had knowledge of his conduct and questioned whether Fauci potentially engaged in any misconduct himself.

Fauci told lawmakers he "knew nothing" of Morens' actions with Daszak or EcoHealth, denounced Morens' behavior as inappropriate and asserted Morens was not "an adviser to me on institute policy or other substantive issues."

Fauci reflects on social distancing, mask and vaccine mandates

On other issues regarding pandemic policy, like the decision to recommend 6 feet of social distancing or for schools to close down, Fauci was reflective but maintained that the virus was a constantly moving target and the science that was available on the novel virus was often limited.

"I think the things that we did in the beginning were in the context of the horrible situation of 4,000 to 5,000 deaths a day. But that doesn't mean that you don't go back and look and say everything we do at that point and the duration for which we did it -- was that appropriate? And do we need to be examined?" Fauci said.

In closed-door transcribed interviews with the committee earlier this year, Fauci told lawmakers the 6-foot guidance "sort of just appeared"-- prompting rebuke from Republicans who claimed it wasn't based on science.

PHOTO: Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) speaks at a hearing with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Capitol Hill on July 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, FILE)

Fauci sought to clarify on Monday that the 6-foot guidance came from the CDC and was based on droplet research, telling lawmakers: "It had little to do with me since I didn't make the recommendation and my saying 'there was no science behind it' meant there was no clinical trial behind that."

Though asked if social distancing requirements and other public health measures to reduce transmission saves lives, Fauci said "definitely."

Staff counsel for the committee also pressed Fauci if, going forward, there should be a better process for thinking about the possible unintended consequences of public health measures. His response was "absolutely."

Fauci chokes up discussing death threats against his family

Fauci, 83, served for decades as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, acting as a scientific check to Trump during the pandemic and later as President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor before retiring in 2022.

MORE: As Dr. Anthony Fauci leaves public service, he fears health misinformation

He previously spoke out about the death threats he received due to his outsized and public role from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, he said those threats continue and became emotional while answering questions about the impact on his family.

"It is very troublesome to me. It is much more troublesome because they've involved my wife and my three daughters," he said, his voice beginning to waver.

"At this moment, how do you feel?" pushed Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell.

"Terrible," Fauci replied.

Key takeaways: Fauci defends against GOP claims on COVID origins, response originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Dr Fauci, a longtime public health official who became a household name as part of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, has now returned hom to recover after being diagnosed with West Nile virus (Getty Images)

House Republicans had a chance to move the news cycle on from a Manhatten jury finding former president Donald Trump, their nominee for the White House, guilty on 34 counts.

Instead, they wound up humiliating themselves on national television during a truly unhinged House hearing with retired Covid-19 czar, Dr Anthony Fauci.

With half of Americans supporting the Trump guilty verdict, Republicans needed a moment that was more than a circus, serving red meat to their right-wing base, but one that made them palatable to moderates and undecided voters.

This hearing could have been a chance to show voters that they cared about good governance and accountability. Instead, it resembled the chaos of Merrick Garlands contempt of Congress markup last month, which included Marjorie Taylor Greene mocking Representative Jasmine Crocketts fake eyelashes  and Crockett responding with a bleach blonde bad-built butch body retort that will live on infamy.

Somehow, Republicans on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic managed to outdo even that debacle. As soon as she was up for questioning, Greene berated Fauci, refusing to call him a doctor, insisting he belongs in prison, and accusing the National Institutes of Health of funding medical experiments on beagles.

You know what this committee should be doing? We should be recommending you to be prosecuted. We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity, she screeched. You belong in prison, Dr. Fauci!

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia personally apologized for Greenes off-the-rails behavior saying it might be the most insane hearing Ive actually attended!

But the hearing was nothing but an attempted distraction from the start.

The GOP has tried time and again to push theories that Dr Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases who became a ubiquitous presence during the early days of the pandemic, was somehow responsible for the proliferation of the virus.

Republicans have tried to put a respectable face on their investigation, enlisting Ohio Republican Brad Wenstrup, a retiring podiatrist, as their chairman. Unlike some of his brasher colleagues, it was sometimes hard to make out what he was saying to Fauci and his fellow Republicans on the dais.

But that did not matter. The hearing was always bound to feature conspiracy theorists, cranks and charlatans. Naturally, people showed up in shirts that said Got Ivermectin - the horse dewormer that anti-vaxxers erroneously claimed treated Covid. Others wore shirts with the likeness of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan 6 rioter who was fatally shot by an officer shot as she tried to breach the Capitol doors. When Fauci arrived, attendees heckled him, saying he was responsible for their loved ones deaths.

Republicans did not seem interested in Faucis answers, prefering to use their time to grandstand. At no point was this more apparent than when Fauci asked Oversight Committe Chairman James Comer if he could finish the answer. Comer shot back: No, because Ive got a lot of questions.

Wenstrup and others, including Representative Michael Cloud of Texas, asked about the efficacy of vaccines. Meanwhile, Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the Judiciary Committee who failed to become Speaker last year, spent most of his time asking rapid-fire questions and giving Fauci little to no time to respond.

Of course, Republicans needed fireworks with Fauci to justify creating a whole subcommittee on Covid-19 and its origins. But without damning evidence, it didnt work.

Greene was not the only Republican who asked Fauci about experiments on dogs. New Yorks Nicole Malliotakis, who bills herself as more moderate than Greene, also asked the doctor about dog experiments as well as royalty payments for developing treatments, as if to imply there was a conflict of interest. (Fauci has previously said he donates royalty payments.)

Of course, Republicans antics just gave Democrats room to mock their colleagues, with Representative Jamie Raskin noting the GOP are treating you, Dr. Fauci, like a convicted felon.

They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons, he quipped.

Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat who led the Florida Division of Emergency Management during the pandemic under Governor Ron DeSantis, also took shots at Republicans.

Colleagues on this body said you should be charged and found guilty. Of course, the only one thats happened to is your former boss, he said to Fauci.
All residents accounted for in aftermath of Paterson fire as building is demolished

All residents have been accounted for following a seven-alarm fire that broke out Sunday morning in Paterson, officials said.

One man was initially believed to be missing in the aftermath of the blaze, but he was later found, Mayor Andre Sayegh announced.

"I should say I'm encouraged to inform you that he is accounted for and is alive, so that's the good news," Sayegh said.

The fire, which erupted early Sunday, prompted a massive response from local fire departments. While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the damage to several buildings was extensive.

A massive seven alarm fire destroyed a building on the corner of Broadway and Straight Street in Paterson, NJ. The fire started in the early morning hours on Sunday.

The mayor noted that there are no fundraisers planned at this time, but the city will seek ways to support affected small businesses.

On Monday demolition had begun on the building.

Paterson officials said the fire displaced more than a dozen residents of the building's second-floor apartments, but none suffered any injuries. Eleven of the building's residents were provided "emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs" in the early morning hours by New Jersey Red Cross members, organization officials said in a statement.

Nearby fire departments from Hawthorne and Prospect Park responded to the scene and reported the fire reached seven alarms, officials said. Ladder trucks were seen focusing on the flat roof of the brick building.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ fire: All residents now accounted for
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on June 3 "it's difficult to envisage" restarting the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant while fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues.

Speaking at a news conference during a meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors, Rafael Grossi said Moscow is not planning to decommission the facility and "the idea, of course, they have is to restart at some point."

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest nuclear power station in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of using the plant as a launch site for drone and artillery attacks on the Ukrainian-controlled opposite bank of the Dnipro River, presenting a serious security hazard.

Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

Grossi said there was a "need to have a discussion" about restarting the plant, but stressed there were several important steps to take before this would be possible.

"In terms of what needs to happen ... there shouldn't be any bombing or any activity of this type," he said in comments reported by Reuters.

"Then there should be a more stable assurance of external power supply. This requires repairs, important repairs of existing lines, which at the moment, and because of the military activity, are very difficult to envisage."

Ukraine's nuclear energy agency, Energoatom, said last month that the plant should be handed over to Ukrainian control in order to avoid a nuclear disaster.

"Russian (forces) continue to create an extremely dangerous situation" at the plant, said Energoatom President Petro Kotin.

"In order to prevent the development of worst-case scenarios, the station must be returned to the control of the legitimate operator  Energoatom as soon as possible."

Energoatom said that the plant has experienced eight complete blackouts and one partial shutdown since the beginning of the full-scale war.

Read also: Explainer: 38 years after Chornobyl, Ukraine relies on nuclear for more than half its energy production

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A courtroom is expected to be assigned in mid-June for the retrial of the man accused of the brutal attack on Cari Anderson nearly 27 years ago.

Michael Allen Fontes had a hearing Monday in which June 17 was set as the next date to check on courtroom availability. Hes charged with attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, kidnapping to commit robbery and rape.

In a trial that ended in September, jurors acquitted Fontes of sodomy but couldnt reach verdicts on the other counts.

Fontes, 50, is accused of attacking Anderson after she left a bar on Nov. 23, 1997, and leaving her for dead behind Golden Empire Transits maintenance yard off Golden State Highway and F Street. A GET employee found Anderson naked and unconscious hours later. There was extensive bruising to her face and body, and her throat had been slit.

Anderson survived but suffered permanent injuries. She died in late 2021.

In 2019, investigators took the suspects DNA profile and uploaded it to a genealogy database. Further investigation showed Fontes DNA matched the profile, according to police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Opinion editor's note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom.



It isn't clear, amid a sudden swirl of developments, what all contributed to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's unexpected decision Sunday to dismiss murder and manslaughter charges against state trooper Ryan Londregan, but the outcome is the right one.

The case, following the shooting death of motorist Ricky Cobb II by Londregan during a traffic stop last summer, has been plagued with troubling questions and credibility concerns throughout. For that reason, even after the dismissal, a review of how it was handled is in order.

A quick review of the history:

In July 2023, Cobb was stopped by troopers on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis because his taillights were out. Officers learned during the stop that he was wanted by Ramsey County officials for violating a no-contact order in a domestic case.

Body camera footage of the encounter showed troopers demanding that Cobb, who is Black, get out of his vehicle. He failed to do so and began driving away when one officer tried to unbuckle his seat belt through the driver side window. That's when Londregan, who is white, fired the fatal shots at Cobb. Cobb's vehicle continued to move, causing two troopers to fall to the ground.

The emphasis on Cobb's and Londregan's respective races is unfortunate but unavoidable in the tense broader context of police-community relations following the murder of George Floyd and other police-involved shootings in recent years. A perceived need to challenge racial injustice was a factor that led to Moriarty's election as county attorney in 2022.

Moriarty initially charged the 27-year-old Londregan with murder and manslaughter, but on Sunday she announced she was dismissing those charges. She said that decision came about because of a prosecution expert's new analysis of video from the scene and recent statements by Londregan's defense attorney. She said that during earlier court hearings the defense team had not raised the legal claim that the trooper fired because he believed Cobb was reaching for his gun and that the other troopers' lives were in danger.

She cited the expert, who said that the video reveals "horrible, horrible, horrible" tactics displayed by the troopers but shows that Londregan used lawful force in the moment because he "could have shot to prevent great bodily harm or death" to his partner.

Yet on Monday, Gov. Tim Walz  who has publicly criticized Moriarty's handling of the case  revealed he had planned to use his legal authority to remove Moriarty from the prosecution.

In our view, the key evidence is in the video. It's unchanged from when it was first made public, so it's difficult to discern why it would make a difference now. Attorney and legal consultant Joe Tamborino, who is not involved in the case but has been following it, agreed that the interpretation reached now could have been made in the beginning.

At the time the charges were first filed, a bipartisan group of Minnesota's congressional representatives had called for the case to be reassigned, with Democratic Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips joining the four Republicans in the delegation. And state Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would study the issues even though he serves as a representative of state agencies, which he has acknowledged could pose a conflict of interest.

Gov. Tim Walz also had publicly questioned Moriarty's handling of the case but had not yet moved to remove it from her. On Monday, he said he would have done so soon.

Members of the public will be left to speculate whether such pressure led to Moriarty's decision. A Hennepin County Attorney's Office spokesman said Monday in a statement that Moriarty had become "aware of credible rumors about the governor potentially intervening in the case" but that "these rumors did not impact the decision" to dismiss.

As the Star Tribune Editorial Board noted previously, the controversy surrounding key evidence in the case remains troubling, and the multiple concerns that have been raised about disclosure merit further review. Tamburino said that the governor and attorney general could convene a grand jury to review the handling of the case.

Whatever procedure is used, the state  through Walz and Ellison  has the authority to investigate how the case was handled and ought to do so.
By Toma Mochizuki, KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2024 - 21:02 | All, Japan, World

The grandson of physicist Robert Oppenheimer, who helped develop the U.S. atomic bombs used against Japan at the end of World War II, underscored the need for dialogue between major nuclear states during a visit to Tokyo on Monday.

Charles Oppenheimer emphasized his opposition to nuclear weapons at a press conference at the Japan National Press Club, noting that amid heightening geopolitical tensions, the world is "entering a new phase of more danger than ever before."

The 49-year-old said there was a need to increase communication and collaboration, especially among the United States, China and Russia, and called on Japan to facilitate cooperation for dialogue.

His message comes amid growing concerns over the potential use of nuclear weapons in Russia's war in Ukraine and by North Korea, which has been repeatedly launching missiles.

He also advocated for the greater use of nuclear energy to combat climate change, saying that the scientific knowledge should be used to create common ground.

"We can use the same science and technology to save the world rather than destroy it," Oppenheimer said.

On Saturday, during his first-ever visit to Hiroshima, Oppenheimer met with some hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, including 84-year-old Hiroshi Harada, who used to serve as the director of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Robert Oppenheimer, called the "father of the atomic bomb," did not visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki during his 1960 trip to Japan on the advice of his Japanese hosts, according to his grandson.

"I feel grateful that I had the experience to be able to go there on a quiet trip and have one-on-one conversations with people," he said. "I know he wanted to do that but couldn't do it."

Related coverage:

"Oppenheimer" wins best picture at U.S. Academy Awards

"Oppenheimer" film coming to theaters in Japan in 2024
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is using every tool at his disposal to get to the first debate with President Biden and former President Trump, though he faces a rocky path to qualify before June 27.

Kennedy has filed a complaint against the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and is barreling forward with his ballot access campaign, which could help him meet one of the necessary thresholds to make the stage. But he has other hurdles ahead of him, including meeting the steep polling requirements set by CNN.

Still, observers acknowledge the independent candidate could make the cut, however unlikely that may be.

Its unclear whether or not Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will make the debate stage in June, but it would be unprecedented in the modern era, said Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist and chief communications officer of MoveOn, a progressive organization focused on keeping Kennedy and other third-party candidates out of office.

The cable network has laid out goal posts requiring contenders to get 15 percent of support in four national polls and appear as declared candidates in enough places to total 270 electoral votes, the minimum number needed to win the presidency.

On Wednesday, Kennedy filed a complaint with the FEC and against Bidens and Trumps campaigns  a sign that hes starting to hedge his bets in case he comes up short. The complaint alleges that he is not being offered the same opportunity to debate and that the stated requirements breach existing election rules. He has pointed out that the Democratic and Republican nominees have not yet technically met the ballot benchmarks either.

By demanding our campaign meet different criteria to participate in the debate than Presidents Biden and Trump, CNNs debate violates FEC law and is a large prohibited corporate contribution to both the Biden and Trump campaigns, Kennedy wrote.

Lorenzo Holloway, an attorney working on the pro-Kennedy effort, accused the television network, without elaborating, of colluding with his party rivals to keep the environmental lawyer off the stage.

The violations occurred when, based on the available evidence, CNN colluded with the Biden committee and the Trump committee to schedule and did schedule a debate with criteria that were designed to result in the selection of certain pre-chosen participants, namely Biden and Trump, Holloway argued in a letter filed this week on behalf of the campaign.

Junior is obviously gung-ho and the ballot-access lawyers are [going to] be looking for any openings or leverage to get him on those ballots ASAP, said a source familiar with Kennedys campaign strategy.

After becoming an independent in October, Kennedy has been petitioning across the country to count as a bona fide candidate in the general election. This week, he added New York to a list of 16 states where his campaign says he has met or exceeded the number of petitions to be on the ballot, rounding out other places including key battlegrounds Michigan and Nevada. Some states, like Texas and California, have already verified Kennedys status on the ballot, while others have not.

The Hill and Decision Desk HQ, which are keeping a running tally of states where Kennedy has announced ballot access, have confirmed four of the states on the list.

Some Kennedy allies are frustrated at what they see is a double standard for Biden and Trump in contrast to how third-party candidates are treated this cycle. They believe both the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee are working to prop up their nominees and exclude another viable contender.

Still, some project that Kennedy can bypass the expected logistical hurdles, noting his successes so far in alternative messaging, fundraising and other barometers for a campaigns traction, including a substantial ground game that has paid organizers making the rounds on his behalf.

Biden, the source close to Kennedys campaign speculated, views debating him as a clear and present danger to his own White House prospects.

The June event is one of two lined up in which Trump and Biden are expected to participate, followed by an ABC-sanctioned debate in early September. Its unclear whether Kennedy has already started preparing for what operatives say is an arduous but critical part of putting on a strong performance. Typically, candidates engage in several mock debates to test-run scenarios and mitigate the chance of surprise attacks. Some bring in aides and advisers to essentially cosplay their rivals, teasing out a variety of lines and vulnerabilities ahead of the main event.

Its an insanely extensive process, said Michael Starr Hopkins, a Democratic strategist and commentator who helped with debate prep during the 2020 cycle.

With just weeks before the much-anticipated sparfest, Kennedy would ordinarily already be involved in prep work if he were planning to appear live.

Ive seen candidates not take it seriously and they paid the price, Starr Hopkins said. You can make and break a campaign with a good debate performance. He should be running murder boards daily, coming up with messaging goals for pre- and post-debate, as well as figuring out what his media and surrogate strategy will be.

Debates arent just two hours, he added. Theres a lot that goes into amplifying the message and creating moments.

The Kennedy campaign did not respond to The Hills request for comment about whether he has been practicing.

Democrats, who have seen Kennedy as a growing threat to a second Biden term, are hoping he doesnt even get to the level of live TV. Many have encouraged Biden to debate Trump in front of the public before voting starts and dont see Kennedy playing into it. Instead, theyre focused on what they hope will be a one-on-one between the current president and the former one  especially after Trump is now the first convicted felon to be the partys presumptive presidential nominee.

Kennedy has as much of a chance of being the next president of the United States as my labrador retriever, quipped Doug Gordon, co-founder of UpShift Strategies, a Democratic consultancy. Having him on stage would be a disservice to voters and would be nothing more than a distraction.

CNN is right to keep him off stage and focus on candidates who can win, he said.

The polling metric is more straightforward than the delegate tally. Kennedy has cleared the percentage entry point in three out of the required four surveys that CNN deems acceptable for the Atlanta event: Quinnipiac University, where he earns 16 percent; Marquette Law School, where he totaled 17 percent; and CNN/SRS, which also shows him at 16 percent. He will need to add another poll by the deadline.

Some strategists speculate that Kennedy could have an edge in states with higher concentrations of independent or younger voters, important constituencies with which he has polled well. But its an open question whether hell be able to qualify for another national survey in time.

Kennedys allies, for their part, argue the political establishment has an incentive to keep the independent off the debate stage.

They will do any and everything to rat-f Bobby from getting a podium, the source close to Kennedy 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.
Officials say heating Dayspring, Richland Countys assisted living facility, should get quite a bit more efficient this coming winter after its 40-year-old boilers are replaced.

County commissioners opened bids on Thursday for the replacement project, which will be paid for with federal Community Development Block Grant funds and money set aside in the Dayspring budget.

Our boilers are 40 years old so were getting to the end of their abilities, and we would rather replace them before they completely poop out simply because I cant go a winter at Dayspring with no heaters for my disabled and elderly people, Dayspring Director Michelle Swank said. The original thought was that we need two boilers, but after the engineer looked at our situation and said that you really want three so they can rotate and not put a strain on them.

The 40-year-old boilers at Dayspring will be replaced this summer with the help from some federal funding.

Dayspring now houses 55 residents with a capacity for 63 in the three-story facility that was built in 1925.

The county received four bids with the apparent low bid of $240,880 coming from Standard Plumbing and Heating of Mansfield. The other bids were $251,485 from Cavalry Mechanical LLC, of Columbia Station; $274,130 from CW Mechanical and Plumbing, of Norwalk; and $284,493 from Shakley Mechanical, of Ashland.

The Dayspring project received a $110,000 award from the countys block grant 2023 program year allocation to help cover the replacement costs.

Additional funding for senior programs

In other business Thursday, commissioners approved an additional subgrant agreement with the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging to allow the agency to receive an additional $5,709 from the Ohio Department of Agings Healthy Aging Grant program. The original subgrant agreement approved in December allocated $389,366 from the Healthy Aging program, which the Ohio Legislature created to promote healthy senior living through activities such as housing, transportation, food assistance and social isolation.

Area agency officials said the funds would be spent to enhance and sustain activities such as congregate meal programs at the Hawkins Center and The Ohio State University Mansfield campus, help with rent assistance, utility bills, internet access and digital literacy. They also will help enhance senior volunteer programs and expand wellness programs that previously were limited.

Commissioners also approved a $12,045 change order for Design Build Solutions of Cleveland for a roofing project at the Child Support Enforcement Agency building. The change covers added cost to remove and properly dispose of asbestos that was found during the project.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County commissioners open Dayspring boiler replacement bids
FILE PHOTO: An asylum seeker from Uganda covers his face with a paper bag in order to protect his identity as he marches with the LGBT Asylum Support Task Force during the Gay Pride Parade in Boston

KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's sexual minorities face escalating human rights violations, with over 1000 cases recorded in the last nine months involving arrests, torture and house evictions among others, according to a report by a pressure group.

Members of Uganda's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community have faced increasing rights violations since early last year when Uganda's parliament started considering an anti-homosexuality law.

The legislation, called the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) was eventually enacted in May last year.

Under the law among other tough penalties same-sex intercourse is punishable by life in prison while so called aggravated homosexuality attracts a death sentence.

In a report marking one year since AHA was passed, the Convening for Equality (CFE), a sexual minorities pressure group, said at least 1,253 human rights violation were recorded between September and May.

That represents an increase from 306 violations that were recorded between January and August last year.

Violations were committed by both state and non-state actors and included torture, family rejections, physical assaults, evictions, arbitrary arrests, sexual assaults and extortion.

"Known and/or perceived LGBTQ+ persons were arrested, tortured, beaten, exposed, including evictions and banishment, blackmail, loss of employment, and health service disruptions," the report said.

"This was sustained by frequent fake and false news shared on different platforms and a sustained campaign to paint LGBTQ+ persons ... as persons who are out there to recruit children into homosexuality."

A Reuters call to a police spokesperson for comment went unanswered.

AHA drew widespread condemnation from the West and has triggered sanctions against Uganda and individual leaders.

The World Bank halted all new lending while the U.S. ejected Uganda from a preferential trade deal and has also imposed sanctions against unnamed individuals for violating rights of minorities.

In an April ruling on a case challenging the law, Uganda's constitutional court refused to annul the law although it voided a few sections that it said violated rights to health and property.

(Editing by Louise Heavens)
The rise and fall of Jamey Noel  and the top Indiana Republicans he knew along the way

Among Jamey Noel's notable connections with top Hoosier Republicans are Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, as well as former U.S. Reps. Mike Sodrel and Trey Hollingsworth. (Photos from Noel's social media accounts and Howey Politics Indiana. Photo illustration by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The list of Hoosier politicos with ties to former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel spreads deep and wide.

The past Republican chair for both Clark County and the 9th Congressional District has been a sort of gatekeeper for southern Indiana political hopefuls over the last decade, but his influence extends across the state.

Among his notable relationships, Noel held close ties to former Gov. Mike Pence, who appointed him to serve on the now defunct Homeland Security Foundation. On a personal invite from Pence, hed eventually attend former President Donald Trumps inauguration in Washington, D.C.

As a member of the Indiana State Republican Party Committee, Noel was among those tasked with selecting a gubernatorial candidate to replace the future vice president on the ballot in 2016. He then went on to lead the campaign for the partys pick  current Gov. Eric Holcomb  and was appointed to the governors transition team after Holcombs victory. In 2020, Noel was tapped again to serve as chairman of Holcombs reelection bid, which resulted in a second gubernatorial term.

Entangled with Noel, as well, are former U.S. Reps. Mike Sodrel and Trey Hollingsworth, plus dozens of state lawmakers and other elected officials.

Last November, those prominent connections fell to the wayside, however, when a corruption and fraud investigation led by the Indiana State Police  centered on Noel  came to a head.

To date, he faces more than two dozen felony charges  six more were filed Monday morning  including theft, ghost employment, official misconduct and tax evasion involving more than $4 million in questionable spending

Noels wife, Misty, and their daughter, Kasey, have also been charged. All have pleaded not guilty.

Investigators believe the family spent millions of taxpayer dollars on cars, planes, vacations, clothing and other luxury purchases. More than $50,000 was supposedly spent on cigars alone, as well as $183,000 on custom suits.

At least 40 cars have been confiscated by law enforcement, including a bevy of classics, such as two 1970 Plymouth Superbirds, a 1959 Corvette and 1966 and 1968 Chargers, according to search warrant returns.

Court documents further claim Noel used a jail commissary fund to bankroll a close friend for consulting work. Hes also accused of running a vehicle transfer scheme, in which he sold vehicles from the sheriffs office or his companies to himself for $1  or for nothing at all. Other times, he sold them and pocketed the money, according to police.

Legal filings allege, too, that Noel received millions of dollars worth of military surplus equipment during his time as Clark County sheriff and sold at least some of it for personal gain.

The investigation additionally uncovered that Noel used public funds to pay child support payments for a child he fathered with a former local councilwoman. And, per documents, he charged $180,000 for tuition and rent for two daughters on an nonprofit credit card.

The state polices investigation  one of the largest in the agencys history  is ongoing.

Noel is currently in the Scott County Jail, where hes serving a 60-day sentence after being held in contempt of court for not following conditions of his pre-trial release.

But in the months since the criminal investigation erupted, commotion around Noels fall from grace seems to be staying south.

In interviews with the Indiana Capital Chronicle, more than a dozen people who know Noel  including former law enforcement colleagues, local officials and those who orbited in his powerful political circles  repeatedly described him as controlling and insulated.

Mostly silent, though, are some of Indianas top politicians and leaders in the state capital. Multiple Republican officeholders and party officials declined to speak or did not reply to interview requests.

The extent of the alleged corruption, and the web, and the family  its just such a gripping story. Im quite surprised that we havent heard more, said Gregory Shufeldt, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis. This is not just a candidate using campaign money for something else. This is all sorts of problems, at a greater degree than I think were used to when were thinking of typical campaign or government misuse of funds.

Who is Jamey Noel?

Noel, now 53 years old, has lived in Clark County for nearly his entire life.

The small river town of Jeffersonville, the county seat, is more connected to nearby Louisville than Indianapolis. Located along the Interstate 65 corridor, its a fusion spot of northern and southern culture, and the areas rich gambling history has also made it a hotbed for organized crime and corruption for more than a century.

After graduating with an associates degree from Indiana University Southeast, Noel joined the fire crew at the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant and worked part-time in the countys probation office in the early 1990s. He went on to serve as a state trooper for 22 years before embarking on a campaign for county sheriff in 2014.

Downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Pence, then Indianas governor, made multiple campaign stops to help garner support for Noel.

His eventual success marked the first time a GOP candidate was elected to the countys top law enforcement office in decades. In the years following, numerous county and precinct offices in the historically Democratic district flipped red, too  thanks in large part to Noels control over local party politics.

His game plan centered around the precinct committees  that was major to his strategy to getting who he wanted in office, said Shawn Bostock, who lives in Harrison County and previously worked under Noel as a firefighter. Your precinct committeemen are actually the most powerful seats  they organize the executive structure of your county party. (Noel) knew that, and he gained a lot of power by focusing on who got put in those seats.

In addition to his law enforcement experience, Noel co-founded the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association  also known as New Chapel EMS  an ambulance and emergency medical services company that long held contracts with Clark County, the city of Clarksville and portions of Floyd County. Some local officials are now seeking to void those contracts, including in Floyd County, where New Chapel services ended last month.

A powerful, well-connected Republican

Noels ascension within the GOPs ranks dates back to 2009, when he was elected as head of the Clark County Republican Party. In 2014, 2016 and 2018, the role gave him a seat within the state GOPs central committee, where he helped draft the Indiana Republican Partys platform.

In 2011, Noel was also selected to serve as the 9th Congressional District chair. And by 2016, he was additionally chosen by Indiana Republican Party leaders to play a key role in nominating the partys presidential nominee at the GOP national convention. As a delegate, he pledged support for Donald Trump.

Jamey Noel pictured alongside Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, former governor and vice president Mike Pence, and former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan. (Photos from Noels social media accounts. Photo illustration by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

In the interim, Noel was key to helping numerous candidates gain access to Republican ballots and see success at the polls. That is, to run as a Republican in Clark County or the 9th District, candidates had to get approval from Noel.

In 2016, for example, Noel gave Hollingsworth  a transplant from Tennessee  the greenlight only after he signed a loyalty pledge promising not to run as a third-party candidate should he not win the nomination in the primary.

Noel also poured more than $100,000 into GOP campaigns between 2008 and 2022, according to state and federal campaign finance records. Among his contributions were at least $33,622 to Holcomb across his campaigns for both U.S. Senate and governor; $7,650 to Sodrels multiple congressional runs; $7,400 to Hollingsworth; $4,600 to U.S. Sen. Todd Young; $1,950 to Pence; and $2,900 to current GOP congresswoman Erin Houchin.

In 2022, Sodrel used the address for a pole barn owned by Noel  containing many of the classic cars later discovered by police to run for Congress. Sodrel claimed to live inside the barn, which he described as a friends bachelor pad.

Despite their close relationship, Noel never held a position within Holcombs administration. Still, its not clear whether the governor accepted non-nominal travel, gifts or otherwise from Noel  which could have been paid for with stolen taxpayer dollars.

Holcomb declined the Capital Chronicles multiple interview requests and did not answer specific questions about what he might have accepted from Noel, knowingly or not.

Over the years, Jamey Noel and I devoted much time and energy to growing the Republican Party and the principles it stands from a local, state and national perspective, the governor said in a written statement, his only response to the Capital Chronicles questions. Those efforts brought us together on many occasions at various campaign and official events, the most recent being the 2022 State of the State. At no time, did he utter one unethical word to me nor was I aware of the accusations hes now facing in court. To say the least, I was shocked, stunned and surprised. Beyond that, I wont be commenting further as I will let the legal process play out.

Shufeldt, at the University of Indianapolis, said definitive evidence implicating Holcomb or other Hoosier GOP officials would need to come to light for there to be political implications, however.

We arent seeing the sort of party loyalty, doubling down, rejecting these allegations that you might see at a national level.  This is Republicans pursuing corruption among their own, Shufeldt said. But I dont see there being political or legal implications (for other politicians), unless theres another shoe to drop  that other people were aware of this, that they consented to this.

Unless the governor or other kinds of leaders in the Republican Party were aware of this, there arent any sincere or real electoral consequences, he continued. The next sheriff is going to be a Republican, the state senators, the state rep, the member of Congress  all of these people are still going to be Republicans.

Noels downfall  and what comes next

The Indiana State Police investigation into Noel started in June 2023, when authorities believe he instructed Clark County jail employees to work on his personal and rental properties, in addition to running errands for him while working on county time and being compensated with public funds, court documents show.

Also putting investigators on alert was Noels vast automobile collection, which police said included 133 vehicles. Those were registered to the Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department and New Chapel EMS, but further reviews of those vehicles showed several were inconsistent with a not-for-profit fire department and EMS business. Among them are multiple Cadillacs, Chevrolet Camaros and Chevrolet Corvettes.

Noel has also been accused of unlawfully purchasing a Cessna airplane, which he reportedly used for frequent trips to Florida and Cuba.

The Clark County Judicial Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which houses the jail and the sheriffs where Jamey Noel formerly worked. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

In November 2023, following an August raid on his Jeffersonville home by state police, Noel was arrested and charged with 15 state felonies. Ten additional felony charges were filed in February. Another six felonies were filed Monday  five additional counts of theft and one count of money laundering.

According to court documents, investigators found thousands of dollars in cash, more than 130 vehicles, evidence of ghost employment and questionable use of public funds.

Noel paid an all-cash bail of $75,000 and managed to stay out of jail until a special judge in the criminal case threw him behind bars after a theatrical hearing in April, yelling at Noel in court and slamming his gavel so hard it broke.

The former sheriffs 60-day contempt sentence is set to end next week. His criminal trial is currently scheduled to begin Nov. 6, one day after the 2024 general election.

Last month, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita additionally lodged two civil cases in an effort to force Noel to pay back the state agencies he allegedly took public funds from to pay for personal spending.

In one lawsuit, Rokita said Noel should be required to reimburse the Clark County jail commissary fund more than $900,000 for funds misappropriated, diverted, or misapplied, which were cited in an audit report filed by the State Board of Accounts in February.

Rokita also requested a restraining order that would temporarily restrict Noel from selling real estate properties, stocks and bonds, vehicles, firearms, clothing and jewelry while the attorney generals legal challenges are pending.

A Clark Circuit Court judge has since requested the Indiana Supreme Court to appoint a special judge to oversee both cases.

In the meantime, Mac Spainhour, a retired conservation officer who ran against Noel in 2014, said the Clark County community is looking for more statewide attention to come to the case.

Whether it be Jamey Noel or anyone else, I feel bad for Clark County residents who, in the long run, will ultimately be the ones hurt the most, Spainhour said. In a big city, this might get lost in the bureaucracy, but in smaller communities, the hurt is felt far more.

This story has been updated to include six new felony charges filed against Noel on June 3, after publication. It has also been updated to include campaign contributions made by Noel to U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin.

This is the first in a series of Indiana Capital Chronicle stories on Jamey Noel. To submit tips for further reporting, send an email to info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.

The post The rise and fall of Jamey Noel  and the top Indiana Republicans he knew along the way appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
The family of Roger Fortson, the airman from Atlanta who was killed by a Florida deputy, will address the deputys recent firing on Monday.

The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office fired Deputy Eddie Duran on Friday after an internal investigation found the use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable and therefore violated agency policy.

Fortsons family and their attorney, Ben Crump, will hold a news conference at 10 a.m.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Crump said that Fortson was on FaceTime with his girlfriend when he heard an aggressive knock on the door and retrieved his legally owned gun. When he opened the door, the deputy shot him several times.

On Friday, Crump issued the following statement in response to Durans termination:

The firing of the officer who shot and killed Roger Fortson is a step forward, but it is not full justice for Roger and his family. The actions of this deputy were not just negligent, they were criminal. As weve stated from the beginning, and as echoed today by Sheriff Aden, Roger was an exceptional airman who did absolutely nothing to warrant being gunned down in his own home.

According to the sheriffs office, the deputy confirmed Mr. Fortson did not physically resist him in any way, and the investigation concluded that Mr. Forston did not point the gun in the former deputys direction.

This tragic incident should have never occurred, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said. The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortsons actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.

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KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2024 - 22:07 | Japan, All, World

A Chinese national who has already left Japan is suspected of spray-painting the word "toilet" in English on a stone pillar at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo last week, investigative sources said Monday.

The graffiti was discovered on a pillar bearing the name of the shrine near its entrance on early Saturday morning. Two pieces of paper with the messages "People of the world, unite" and "But not you guys" in Chinese were also found near a guardian lion-dog statue on the premises.

The man is suspected of damaging property by vandalizing the pillar around 10 p.m. last Friday, before leaving Japan the following day, the sources said.

A video was posted on Chinese social media showing the man, who introduced himself as "Iron Head," appearing to urinate on the stone pillar and then spray-painting the word "toilet" in red.

At the start of the video he voiced his opposition to the discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific, saying "faced with the Japanese government's permission to discharge nuclear wastewater, can't we do anything?"

"No, I will give them some color to see," he added.

Tokyo police believe that other individuals, including the person filming, were also involved, and are investigating the connection between the graffiti and the paper messages, which could constitute a violation of the minor offenses act as they were plastered without authorization.

One piece of paper was found attached to the base of a guardian lion-dog statue, and the other had fallen to the ground after having possibly come unstuck. A passerby called the police after discovering them around 7 p.m. Saturday.

Yasukuni has been a source of diplomatic friction with China and other Asian countries as Japan's wartime leaders, convicted as war criminals in a post-World War II international tribunal, are among the more than 2.4 million war dead honored at the shrine.

"We would like to once again urge our citizens to observe local laws and express (personal views) rationally when abroad," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at press conference Monday in Beijing.

But she added that Yasukuni "is a symbol of Japan's militaristic aggression," and called on Japan to reflect on its history to "earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions."
PORT ORCHARD  Traffic around Bethel Road, Lincoln Avenue and Mitchell Road will be slowed this summer as the city begins work to build the first of two roundabouts in the Bethel corridor.

Work for the Lincoln-Mitchell roundabout began last week, the City of Port Orchard announced. Before building the roundabout, Puget Sound Energy will underground power and communications and will mobilize and start traffic control at the intersection while doing the work. Lincoln Avenue between Bethel Road and Mitchell Road will be closed during that time.

Two single-lane roundabouts are designed to improve the traffic at Lincoln Avenue, Mitchell Road and Bethel Road in Port Orchard.

The roundabout construction will start as early as June 17, after school is out of session at South Kitsap High School. There will be a detour beginning in late June and the goal is to have the road back in service before the Labor Day weekend, the city said in an announcement.

Roundabouts are considered safer and reduce collisions compared with intersections with stoplights and stop signs.

The total cost for the Lincoln-Mitchell roundabout is $1,474,000 and the city was awarded a $916,000 grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for the project, Port Orchard mayor Rob Putaansuu said.

As for the roundabout at the intersection of Bethel Road and Lincoln Avenue, construction may begin next year, contingent on the city obtaining all necessary environmental permits, the mayor said.

More: One roundabout  and possibly another  coming to Bethel Road corridor

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Construction begins for Bethel Avenue corridor roundabout work
Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

Former Fillmore minister pleads guilty in online sex case

Barry Don Fike

A former Fillmore minister pleaded guilty last week to sending harmful matter to a child and arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose.

Barry Don Fike, 68, was arrested last July after he allegedly began communicating online with a subject he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. The conversations were sexual in nature and Fike shared explicit photos of himself with the subject, who was actually an undercover officer, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said in a news release issued Friday.

Fike was a minister at Fillmore Church of Christ and previously taught at Oaks Christian High School and Pepperdine University, according to the DA's release.

The chatroom Fike used did not have safety features in place to verify a persons age or to monitor the communication, the news release said.

The defendant, identified as a resident of Fillmore, is scheduled to be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 15 in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court in Ventura.

4 charged in illegal gambling operation in Simi Valley

Four suspects were charged in May 2024 in connection with an alleged illegal gambling operation in Simi Valley.

Four individuals have been charged with felonies connected to an illicit gambling operation run out of a residence in Simi Valley, authorities announced late last week.

The defendants were charged by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office with three counts of pimping, three counts of pandering and one count of bookmaking. Two of them face an additional charge for money laundering. Each count carries a special allegation that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication and professionalism. They have all pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that the defendants ran a sophisticated poker operation out of a residence in Simi Valley known as The Villa. They are accused of arranging commercial sex services at the location and taxing the women who provided those services.

The defendants live in Simi Valley and Los Angeles, according to the DA's Office.

Simi Valley police said they began investigating a residence in town suspected to be the site of an illegal gambling operation along with drug sales and other criminal activity after receiving information last August. They ultimately found the location was hosting illegal gambling and prostitution and providing illegal narcotics, according to a statement from the Simi Valley Police Department

On May 28, the department served search warrants in the 1800 block of Marcella Street on the city's southeast side, at two other residences in Simi Valley and three residences in the city of Los Angeles. They arrested five people on suspicion of various crimes related to the operation and cited 40 others on suspicion of misdemeanor illegal gambling.

These items may be updated.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Fillmore man to be sentenced in chatroom case, gambling charges filed
Q: I dont know what the Washington State law is, but I watched a police program, state and city unknown, that said a child of 6 years old can be left unattended in a locked car if not more than 15 minutes. Is that true?

A: The rules vary from state to state, but it certainly wasnt Washington. Our state doesnt have a broad prohibition on leaving kids unattended in cars. Yes, you read that right. We have a couple laws for limited situations, and Ill get to the details of those shortly, but if youre not going to a bar or leaving the engine running, (and it feels uncomfortable to write this) its currently legal.

Now Ill admit that Im out of my depth on this question. Im a traffic safety nerd; I focus on high-risk driving behaviors like speed, impairment, and distraction, and the impacts they have on road users. If you can prove my previous statement wrong, Id welcome that. However, Im pretty sure Im right based on a bill thats been proposed in the last two legislative sessions.

Currently, there are two laws regarding leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. One: It is a misdemeanor to leave a child under the age of 16 unattended in a parked vehicle in a public place with the motor running. Side note: This law was written in 1961 so theres no consideration as to what it might mean for electric cars. Two: It is a misdemeanor to leave a child under age 12 unattended by an adult while such person enters a tavern or other premises where vinous, spirituous, or malt liquors are dispensed for consumption on the premises. Side note- This law was written in 1951, when we referred to drinking establishments as taverns and said things like, vinous and spirituous.

If you think those two laws leave a giant gap for unsafe behavior, at least some legislators agree with you. A bill was proposed in the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions that would make it a misdemeanor to knowingly leave a child under the age of nine unattended by an adult in a parked vehicle.

For now, were living with the two laws I mentioned above. In an effort to be thorough, I checked the laws about reckless endangerment and criminal mistreatment, but even though leaving a baby in a car for an hour while grocery shopping is a bad idea, it doesnt appear to meet the standards for those laws.

We dont have to wait for a law to make the right choice about a childs safety. Maybe a good guideline would be (and now Im really out of my depth giving parenting advice), dont leave your child alone in a situation where if a problem arises they cant solve it without you. For example, if a 14-year-old is alone in a car on a sunny day, they can roll down the window or open the door if they get too warm. A sleeping 1-year-old in a car seat is trapped. Fortunately, hot car deaths are rare in Washington (six in the last 25 years). But if youre a parent looking for something to worry about, there were 44 car thefts with kids in the car in 25 years (none of them fatal, but all certainly terrifying for the parents.)

And if were comparing tragedies, last year 27 kids in Washington died as passengers in traffic crashes. Deciding not to leave a child in a parked car is important, but even more important is what the driver does after they put the car in gear.
Rural Texas nursing program aims to help recruit and retain nurses

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A new state program is trying to help address the nursing shortage in rural Texas communities.

On Monday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced applications are open for the Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program (RNRR).

This comes a few weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott announced $17 million in grant funding awarded to rural hospitals by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

In rural Texas, we have a lot of challenges. We have most elderly population, said Commissioner Miller. We have the highest uninsured population. We have the two vocations that are most accident prone: farming and oil field work.

Abbott: $17M in grant funding awarded to rural hospitals

The nurse program provides eligible health care facilities with the money to incentivize nurses to work in rural areas of Texas, according to a news release.

Eligible facilities must do the following:

Employ nurses

Provide direct patient care to its community as a whole

Accept Medicare/Medicaid patients

Stay within a rural Texas county with a population of 68,000 or less

What does the program offer?

The program helps rural health care facilities provide $15,000 in stipend assistance to nurses who agree to work or continue to work at their facility.

Access to medical care is crucial for rural Texans. With the implementation of RNRR, qualifying rural healthcare facilities will be able to attract and retain needed staff to provide quality care, the news release said.

An awarded facility can give that money to a nurse who is currently employed or will be employed and agrees to work full-time for a minimum of three years.

Applications are due June 27. The release said the award is competitive and TDA cannot review completed applications before the deadline.

Staff are available to answer questions until 5 p.m. June 27, the release said.

Rural staffing shortages

Staffing concerns are an ongoing issue that rural communities have dealt with for years.

There are 4 million rural Texans. Sometimes those areas of the state are an afterthought. John Henderson, CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals

Nearly 170 new doctors join Austins healthcare workforce, addressing physician shortage

Henderson said sometimes its hard to recruit and retain a good clinical workforce.

Not just with physicians, but also with nurses, respiratory therapists, and lab technicians, Henderson said.

Ultimately, Henderson said a lot of it comes down to money.

Even if they offer competitive pay packages, sometimes they cant match the bonus and incentives that some of the urban systems can provide, Henderson said.

This program adds to a growing list of resources for rural hospitals. Henderson said he already knows of hospitals that are interested in applying.

This, they think, will help put them over the top with regard to those recruitment efforts, Henderson 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 KXAN Austin.
The Russian government abducted 46 children from Kherson Children's Home, a state-run foster home for institutionalized children with special needs, in April 2022, the New York Times (NYT) said in its investigation published on June 2.

At least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and less than 400 have been brought home, according to the Ukrainian government's Children of War database.

The staff of the foster home hid the children, who were infants and toddlers, and some had serious disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, in the church's basement when the full-scale invasion started in February 2022.

On April 25, 2022, Russian officials found the children and transported them 180 miles (290 kilometers) from their home to Crimea, filming propaganda videos, the NYT reported.

A man with the monicker "Navigator" reportedly visited the foster home repeatedly and ordered the children's relocation from the church. The NYT identified him as Igor Kastyukevich, a member of the Russian parliament for Vladimir Putin's United Russia party.

"What happened to them next, legal experts say, may amount to a war crime," the investigation said.

All 46 children were transported to the city of Simferopol in Russian-occupied Crimea. The children were also divided between two facilities. One of them was Yolochka, whose staff had previously been investigated for negligence.

Read also: Why does everyone have 2 legs but me? Children learn to live with prosthetics after being injured by Russias war

Russian authorities gave the Ukrainian children Russian birth certificates and social security numbers and translated their names into Russian. The children also received Russian citizenship, which made them eligible for adoption and permanent placement with Russian families, the outlet wrote.

Later, profiles of the abducted children began to appear on a Russian federal adoption website. Twenty-two profiles were published without mentioning the birth country, Ukraine. The children were listed as from Crimea.

At least two children were placed with Russian families, the NYT said, citing child services in Crimea.

Seven children from Kherson Children's Home have been brought back to Ukraine with the assistance of Ukrainian authorities and third-party Qatari mediators. Other children remain in Russian custody, according to the NYT.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17, 2023, over the deportation of Ukrainian children.

Putin previously praised Lvova-Belova for her work overseeing the deportation of Ukrainian children, portraying it as a so-called "humanitarian effort" to "protect Russian citizens."

Read also: How thousands of Ukrainian children cope with losing parents to war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The leak of internal documents has revealed the activities of the Russian state-supported legal defence foundation Pravfond, which has spent millions of euros on propaganda in 48 countries in Europe and around the world.

Source: The Guardian with reference to the documents of the foundation, European intelligence services and Danish public broadcaster DR

Details: It is noted that internal documents of the Fund for Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad (Pravfond) show that the fund finances propaganda websites targeting Europeans, and helped pay for the legal defence of convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout and the murderer of Chechen commander Vadim Krasikov.

In addition, the documents confirm that the Pravfond has appointed a number of former intelligence officers to head its operations in European countries.

The Guardian wrote that publicly available data also showed that local partners of Pravfond had received millions in state subsidies from a number of European countries where the foundation had local branches.

"[It raises] questions about the use of public funds and national security concerns just days before elections to the European parliament," the Guardian wrote.

More than 40 Pravfond documents show that there are several former intelligence agents among the organisation's leadership.

Among them are Vladimir Pozdorovkin, an agent of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service and supervisor of Pravfond's activities in Northern Europe and the Baltic States, and Anatoly Sorokin, also an agent for the same service and supervisor of Pravfond's department for the Middle East, Moldova and Transnistria.

The head of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, which is listed in official documents as the "project implementer" of Pravfond, is Sergei Panteleyev, who was sanctioned in the EU as an employee of a Russian military intelligence unit specialising in psychological warfare operations.

In 2020, the Estonian intelligence services called Pravfond a "pseudo-legal protection system" that "in reality is an influence operations fund" and said that the Russian security service, the FSB, uses the group to recruit agents abroad, in particular among supporters of the occupation of Crimea.

Pravfond was established in 2012 by a presidential decree with the support of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo, which manages foreign aid. Alexandr Udaltsov, who has been under EU sanctions since 2023 for "supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," was appointed as the foundation's director.

The documents show that Pravfond has spent hundreds of thousands of euros to support several websites that aimed to fight Russophobia and promote the protection of the Russian language in Europe. It also directed money to a number of "fringe publications" across Europe.

In addition, the documents showed that Pravfond had financed the activities of golos.eu, an online portal mainly critical of the Ukrainian government, particularly President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Yuriy Andriychenko, the deputy editor of golos.eu, denied that the website received money from Pravfond or had ties to Russia.

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Russia knows Putin's Crimea bridge is 'doomed,' Ukrainian official says

Russia knows Putin's Crimea bridge is 'doomed,' Ukrainian official says

Russia knows Putin's Crimea bridge is "doomed," a Ukrainian official told The Economist.

Dmitry Pletenchuk said Russia is using a new railway because it knows the bridge is in trouble.

Ukraine has long threatened to destroy the bridge and could use US-supplied long-range ATACMS.

Russia knows its Crimea bridge is doomed, which is forcing it to rely on a new railway for its military, according to a Ukrainian official.

Dmitry Pletenchuk, a spokesman for Ukraine's southern military command, made the statement to The Economist on Sunday.

It came after the US supplied long-range ATACMS to Ukraine, putting higher-value targets, including Crimea's Kerch Bridge, in Ukraine's crosshairs.

The new Army Tactical Missile Systems have a range of 300 kilometers.

Russia stopped using the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to occupied Crimea via rail and road, to transport military hardware sometime between February and mid-April, experts from the open-source intelligence organization Molfar said last month, based on satellite imagery.

Instead, Russia has upgraded a railway route that stretches from the Russian city of Rostov, along the Azov Sea, passing through the occupied Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Berdiansk, and ending in Crimea, per The Economist.

"The railway along the land corridor is recognition on the part of the Russian occupiers that the Crimean Bridge is doomed," Pletenchuk told the outlet.

"They are looking for a way to hedge their bets because they are aware that sooner or later, they will have a problem," he added.

Long-range ATACMS could be a game changer in Ukraine's quest to retake Crimea, The Economist reported.

Russia illegally annexed the peninsula in 2014.

Ukrainian forces used a long-range ATACMS to devastating effect in an attack that took out more than 100 Russian soldiers in Luhansk last month, according to OSINT and military analysts, showcasing their range and power.

And they have the potential to make Crimea "militarily worthless" to Russia, Philip Karber, a military analyst with expertise on Ukraine, told Radio Free Europe in April.

Ukraine has long threatened to make the Crimea bridge inoperable.

Last October, the UK's Ministry of Defence said that the bridge would be a "significant security burden" for Russia going forward. And Oleksii Neizhpapa, the commander of Ukraine's navy, has pledged to destroy it by the end of this year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia loses 1,270 soldiers and 47 artillery systems over past day

Stock photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Russian forces have lost 1,270 soldiers, 14 tanks, 22 armoured combat vehicles and 47 artillery systems over the past 24 hours.

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 3 June 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

511,130 (+1,270) military personnel;

7,779 (+14) tanks;

15,002 (+22) armoured combat vehicles;

13,280 (+47) artillery systems;

1,090 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems;

824 (+3) air defence systems;

357 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

326 (+0) helicopters;

10,739 (+40) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,268 (+0) cruise missiles;

27 (+0) ships and boats;

1 (+0) submarines;

18,159 (+67) vehicles and tankers;

2,199 (+4) special vehicles and other equipment.

The data is being confirmed.

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By Maya Kaneko, KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2024 - 08:45 | World, All, Japan

As Japan seeks to boost defense cooperation with the Philippines amid a Manila-Beijing territorial row that has escalated tensions in the South China Sea, experts are counseling Tokyo to take a cautious approach as the region balances the competing agendas of China and the United States.

The recent intensification of hostility between the Philippines and China in the disputed waters was highlighted at this year's Asia Security Summit, where Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rapped Beijing for its "illegal, coercive actions" and argued strongly for the protection of the rules-based order in his speech.

Japan has joined U.S.-led efforts to bolster defense ties with the Philippines, in a move seen as pushing back against China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Beijing claims almost the entire area of the resource-rich South China Sea and has ongoing territorial rows with fellow littoral states, including Vietnam and Malaysia.

Manila asserts its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, and it started to call parts of the sea within the country's exclusive economic zone "the West Philippine Sea" in 2012.

Tokyo's pursuit of greater security cooperation with Manila and other regional countries is welcome as Southeast Asian nations need partner diversity, not just aligning with either the United States or China, said Evan Laksmana, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the host of the Singapore gathering.

Tokyo has taken part in joint maritime exercises with the Philippines, the United States and Australia in the South China Sea. In April, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held the first-ever trilateral summit with Marcos and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington.

In July, Japan and the Philippines will likely sign an agreement allowing their defense forces to train in each other's territories during a meeting involving the two nations' foreign and defense ministers, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

In addition to Japan, other alternative security partners for the region include South Korea, Australia, France and Britain.

But Japan is unique because it has a "strategic capital" built around pragmatic cooperation and economic engagement over decades in Southeast Asia, the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Laksmana pointed out.

He warned some of that strategic capital can be eroded if Japan is "seen as just an extension of the United States" and "overtly playing geopolitical cards" when the region is very sensitive about polarizing moves.

"Japan has a great potential because of its long strategic capital, but if it does not play its cards right, I think it could be seen as Japan engaging in security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries as part of its competition against China," Laksmana said.

"If that is perceived as a problem, then I think it may not be successful," he added.

China has huge economic clout in the region and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations maintains the principle of neutrality toward major powers, refraining from taking sides amid the intensifying rivalry between Beijing and Washington.

Some ASEAN countries like Cambodia and Laos, this year's chair, are seen as pro-Beijing. Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have territorial disputes with China, but tensions are less intense compared with Manila's.

Marcos' controversial predecessor Rodrigo Duterte appeased China and did not take a clear stance in opposition to its territorial advances in the South China Sea.

ASEAN and China have long been drafting a code of conduct to prevent confrontations in the South China Sea, but negotiations have stalled due partly to distrust generated by Beijing's harassment of other claimant states, said Tomotaka Shoji, director of the Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies.

Shoji said the Philippines under Marcos's leadership has sought alternative measures to ASEAN's approach amid a lack of progress on the code of conduct negotiations, namely aligning with the United States and its allies to keep China in check.

Saya Kiba, associate professor at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, indicated the Marcos government's "transparency initiative" to expose China's harassment toward Philippine vessels in the South China Sea has succeeded in gaining more international support for Manila's position.

The initiative launched last year allows journalists to board Philippine vessels and report pictures and videos of incidents.

Since the policy started, more than a dozen European countries have expressed their support, despite their geographical distance, for a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, she said.

Beijing has rejected the court's decision and continued its military buildup in the area.

Kiba said Japan can help the Philippines enhance its maritime security capabilities through the provision of additional patrol ships and surveillance technology. It can also back Manila's transparency strategy to gain more support for its sovereignty in line with the 2016 ruling.

However, she said Manila "does not want to be seen as clinging to the United States" in the same way as other ASEAN member states that do not take sides with Beijing or Washington are viewed.

In his keynote speech at the conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Marcos said both China and the United States are important in the region, referring to Beijing's "determining influence" over its economic evolution and "the stabilizing presence of America" that is "crucial to regional peace."

Although moves by the United States and Japan to deepen security cooperation with the Philippines have triggered speculation that they may seek Manila's support in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the Southeast Asian country has refrained from making mention of its stance in such a contingency, she said.

"The Philippines upholds the one-China principle and the general public does not support their country being dragged" into a Taiwan emergency, Kiba said.

Marcos said the Filipino people have "a long history of fraternal bonds with the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait" and urged "all parties to exercise restraint on the issue."

Shoji also said when Japan joins efforts to counter China's maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, it should be careful not to "give China a reason to take a bold action" in the East China Sea, where Beijing regularly sends vessels near the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku Islands to press its territorial claim.

For instance, Beijing reportedly regarded Tokyo's participation in the U.S. freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea as a "red line" that must not be crossed, he said. Japan has not joined those operations to avoid friction with neighboring countries.

"Japan should pay attention to the situations both in the South and East China seas to strike a balance and craft its strategies," Shoji said.

Related coverage:

China raps U.S. for aiding Taiwan, escalating tensions

U.S. defense chief warns of China's aggression, calls for dialogue

Japan, South Korea agree on preventive measures for radar lock-ons
Insights from ProPublica, the Financial Times, and the Wilson Center

The News

Russian internet trolls launched a disinformation campaign to discredit this summers Olympic Games in Paris and spread fears of terrorism at the event, according to a Microsoft report released on Sunday.

The efforts included a feature-length film called , which used an AI-generated voiceover impersonating the actor Tom Cruise. Its the latest in a string of reports about Russian disinformation targeting Europe: Also on Sunday, The Guardian reported that leaked internal documents from a Moscow-backed legal defense fund showed the financing of propaganda websites aimed at Europeans, while The Washington Post revealed that leaders of an online news site aimed at Americans received money from both Russian and Iranian media outlets.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Europe is struggling to keep up with Russian disinformation

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations, Reuters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently identified Russian disinformation as one of the biggest threats to European democracy. But so far Europes response has been patchy and uncoordinated despite Russia ramping up its campaigns ahead of the European Parliament election this week, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations argued. But the EUs anti-disinformation task force StratCom operates on a shoestring budget and is under-resourced for the fight, two EU officials told Reuters.

Russian disinformation is becoming more sophisticated

Source: NPR, ProPublica, Financial Times, Atlantic Council, and the Wilson Center

A recent report by OpenAI found that bad actors were using AI tools to manipulate the public without much success. However, Russia has graduated from running often clumsy troll farms like its infamous Internet Research Agency to pursuing subtler techniques aimed at sowing doubt: Russia is taking elements of reality in these [propaganda] campaigns and then warping them to create a different impression, one of Germanys most senior diplomats told the Financial Times. Russia combines reporting of real events with disinformation so that both versions of events appear to hold merit, a report by the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab found. Disinformation operations in West Africa, for example, once seemed obviously bogus but now recruit local African political players and influencers to reframe legitimate grievances in ways favorable to Russia, the Wilson Center argued.
SINGAPORE  Just weeks after Russian forces broke through the front lines near Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, the offensive has started to steady, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

That activity continues, but its slowed a bit, he said.

Defense officials in the West had expected the attack for weeks before it arrived on May 10. That day, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a think tank that maps the front lines, Russia made tactically significant gains. In the fighting that followed, Moscow broke through Ukrainian defenses outside the city, which sits little more than two dozen miles from the border.

Since then the offensive has lost momentum for two reasons, Austin argued.

The first is that Russia is hitting firmer Ukrainian lines, which Kyiv rushed to prepare while awaiting the attack.

And the second is a recent policy change from the administration. To this point in the war, the U.S. hasnt allowed Ukraine to fire American-provided weapons into Russia, fearing escalation. That recently changed, in large part because Russia was using the policy to its advantage and stationing its forces just outside Ukrainian reach.

Ukraine can now hit Russian positions preparing to attack across the border and use American kit to do so.

If someones shooting at you, then certainly this gives them the opportunity to counter-fire, Austin said.

The rules havent totally changed. Ukraine only has permission to shoot across the border around Kharkiv and cant use longer range weapons to hit inside Russia.

Our policy with respect to long-range strike into Russia has not changed, Austin said.

His comments came at a press conference after the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asias largest defense summit. While there, Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, who addressed the crowd and later discussed the policy change in front of reporters.

Is that sufficient, no, Zelenskyy said.

While thankful for the change, he argued that there are still too many airfields in Russia that can safely launch attacks into Ukraine. To wit, Moscow has been pounding Kharkiv and other cities with glide bombs, or dumb bombs tweaked to be more precise. These are notoriously difficult to intercept, and many are dropped from aircraft based farther into Russia than the Kharkiv region.

Still, speaking with Defense News earlier in the conference, Estonias Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said he doubted Russia will be able to take the city.

But thats little comfort to Ukraine, Pevkur said. The new offensive has pinned more Ukrainian soldiers to one part of a sprawling 600-mile front.

The end goal, from the Ukrainian point of view, is the same, Pevkur said.
A Russian attack against the village of Tomyna Balka in Kherson Oblast on June 3 injured a man aged around 70, the regional military administration said.

The victim suffered a concussion, back injury, and blast and head injuries, the statement read. He was provided medical assistance on the spot.

No further details were provided at the moment.

Tomyna Balka lies a few kilometers north of the Dnipro River delta across the Russian-occupied territories of Kherson Oblast and around 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of the regional center, Kherson.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River during a counteroffensive in the fall of 2022.

Russian troops were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths, as well as large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure.

The attacks against Kherson Oblast on June 2 injured two residents of Bilozerka, officials said.

Read also: Russia launches large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, damaging energy infrastructure

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editor's note: The article was updated at 10 a.m. local time on June 3 with additional information from the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office and at 2 p.m. local time with an updated casualty figure by the Kherson Oblast Military Administration.

Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed at least one civilian and injured at least 13, regional authorities reported on June 3.

In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian missile attack hit a recreational center in the Slobozhanske community shortly after midnight on June 3, killing one man and injuring a man and a woman, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The facility was located in the village of Dachne, which lies around 30 (18-19 miles) kilometers south of Kharkiv, according to the regional prosecutor's office.

The victims included a 45-year-old resident of Donetsk Oblast killed and two injured employees of the center, the prosecutors said. Russia likely carried out the attack with S-300 missiles.

Two more people were injured on June 2 in the Borivska Andriivka village and two others in the Staryi Saltiv settlement on the same day, the governor said.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks over the past day injured five people: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

Russian attacks against Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast on June 2 injured a 54-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, both of whom were hospitalized, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration said.

Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Russian troop losses hit record high in May, Ukraine claims

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A Russian propaganda operation was meant to present pro-Kremlin oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk to the international public as a potential replacement for President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Washington Post (WP) reported on June 3, citing undisclosed officials and documents.

The outlet linked the campaign to the Voice of Europe website, identified by European authorities as a tool of Russian propaganda and influence in the EU, and to The Other Ukraine project, a Russia-based disinformation platform that was meant to present itself as a "Ukrainian government in exile."

Medvedchuk, who was long thought to be Russian President Vladimir Putin's right-hand man in Ukraine, was detained and exchanged with Russia in a prisoner swap in 2022.

The former Ukrainian politician was then reportedly involved in a number of pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda operations aimed both against Ukraine and Western countries.

In January 2023, the Kremlin's first deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko, oversaw the launch of The Other Ukraine project, which was meant to promote Medvedchuk as the head of the "exile government," the WP reported.

The platform has been reiterating common propaganda points, accusing Ukraine of "satanism" and "Nazism" while presenting itself as a "party of peace."

Voice of Europe, reportedly established as a pro-Russian propaganda network in Prague in March of that year, was initially connected to Kiriyenko's operation, according to the WP.

Prague revealed back in March 2024 that Medvedchuk was overseeing the operations of Voice of Europe, which was reportedly used to disseminate pro-Moscow narratives and pay Kremlin-friendly politicians in the EU.

The goals of these operations included presenting Medvedchuk as a viable replacement for Zelensky and "an alternative to possible nuclear war" in the eyes of European opinion leaders but also to boost Medvedchuk's support within Ukraine itself, the WP wrote.

Medvedchuk has been sanctioned by Ukraine, the U.K., the U.S., the EU, and other countries. Czechia's crackdown led to investigations of Russian influence across Europe and implicated several politicians, namely in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in allegedly receiving money from Russia.

Read also: How Czechia busted Russian propaganda network targeting European elections

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces attacked the Mykhailivka village in Donetsk Oblast on June 3, killing two people and injuring one, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

One of those killed was a 12-year-old boy, according to Filashkin.

Mykhailivka is located in the Pokrovsk district, which sits close to the front line of Donetsk Oblast. Russian troops gained a foothold at the district's border back in April.

The Russian military carried out the strike in the morning with a guided aerial bomb. An hour and a half later, Russian forces repeated the attack.

At least five buildings were damaged.

"Tomorrow (June 4), Ukraine will commemorate the Day of Remembrance of Children who died due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and today another name was added to this sad list," the governor said.

Donetsk Oblast is subject to intense Russian attacks on a daily basis, often more than 2,000 strikes per day.

Russian attacks over the past day injured five people in Donetsk Oblast: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian women stage rare protest demanding return of their loved ones fighting in Ukraine

A group of women kneel outside the Russian defence ministry in Moscow, demanding their mobilised partners be brought home from Ukraine - AFP

 group of Russian women have staged a small but rare protest outside the defence ministry in Moscow to demand the return of mobilised soldiers from the front in Ukraine.

For months, different groups of Russian women have organised sporadic demonstrations to exert pressure on authorities to return their husbands, sons and brothers who were mobilised after a decree by president Vladimir Putin in September 2022.

One of the women at yesterdays protest, who gave her name as Paulina, said that the group of 18 women had gathered to appeal personally to Andrei Belousov, the newly appointed defence minister.

Paulina, who said she was 20 years old and had a husband fighting in Ukraine, said the women want Mr Belousov to impose strict limits on how long soldiers can serve before they must rotate out of active duty.

The protests are sensitive for the authorities, given that the Kremlin presents what it calls the special military operation in Ukraine as having the overwhelming support of the Russian people.

In February, dozens of reporters, including a video journalist, were briefly detained while covering a demonstration by a group called Way Home.

Paulina said her group was not affiliated to Way Home, which Moscow last week designated a foreign agent, a term which carries connotations of spying.

She said none of the 18 women were arrested and ministry officials failed to speak to them.

Pictures and videos published on the Telegram app showed women holding signs with slogans including Please bring Papa home. Several had brought along their school-aged children and toddlers in pushchairs.

The protest showcases the anger and despair that has gripped some soldiers families as the war in Ukraine grinds on into its third year, with no end in sight.

Putin mobilised 300,000 reservists in September 2022 in an unpopular move that he claims will not be repeated because hundreds of thousands more have signed up voluntarily as contract soldiers.

Putin has vowed that Russian troops  who are currently advancing on some front lines  will not stop until they meet the goals of the special military operation.

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CHICAGO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- An overnight shooting left one dead and at least 26 others injured in Akron in the U.S. state of Ohio, local media reported.

The shooting, which happened after midnight, killed a 27-year-old man, and injured 26 others, who were sent to an area hospital later.

Police have recovered a gun and dozens of bullet casings at the scene.

No suspect has been arrested so far and the cause of the shooting remains unclear, police said.

Over 180 mass shootings have occurred in the United States in 2024 so far, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed. 
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that Russian troops have intensified their attacks on the Orikhiv front, specifically near the settlement of Mala Tokmachka. They have launched seven attacks there during the day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 19:00 on 3 June

Details: The Russians have launched 102 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian forces all along the line of combat since the beginning of the day.

On the Kharkiv front four combat clashes have occurred. The fighting is ongoing near the city of Vovchansk. The Russians are launching airstrikes on the north of Kharkiv Oblast using guided aerial bombs. As of now the Russians have launched at least 10 attacks using guided aerial bombs from the direction of the Russian settlements of Belgorod and Shchebekino.

Quote: "On the Kupiansk front Russian forces tried to break through Ukrainian defences 15 times. Two combat clashes are still ongoing.

On the Siversk front the number of Russian assault actions has increased to 21 since the beginning of the day. Ten are still ongoing near the settlements

On the Pokrovsk front 11 combat clashes are ongoing. A total number of clashes has risen to 35. Irreversible losses of the enemy on this front are almost 290 persons killed and injured. Four armoured fighting vehicles, four artillery systems and six vehicles were destroyed. Two infantry fighting vehicles, one artillery system and one vehicle were damaged. The enemy is using guided aerial bombs on this front. The settlements of Kostiantynivka and Mykhailivka on the Kurakhove front, as well as Zolota Nyva on the Vremivka front, are being bombarded with guided aerial bombs."

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russia agree that restarting the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is neither feasible nor safe in the current conditions.

Source: IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during a press conference in Vienna, writes Ukrinform

Quote: "Regarding Kaliningrad, I will not claim that Russia wishes to restart [the ZNPP] and that I am working to prevent them from doing so. That would be unfair and incorrect. However, there was clearly information and signs indicating they wanted to do this. So I had an immediate reaction to this. I said, Well, OK. Okay, what's your plan here? Is there a timeframe?

So I believe the technical discussion allowed us to understand that they [Russians] truly intend to use this station, but they recognise, let's say, that we concur, or have the same point of view, that at present it would be impracticable and possibly even harmful," Grossi emphasised, commenting on his meeting on 28 May in Kaliningrad with the Russian delegation.

He added that the discussions in Kaliningrad should not be characterised "as a formal agreement".

"It was a technical discussion, but only in the sense that under the existing conditions, a restart  whether progressive, or simultaneous, or of only some units  would have been inappropriate. The reasons for this are, first and foremost, the ongoing military actions in the region. Second, the situation around the external energy supply," said General Director Grossi.

According to him, Russia now understands the "inexpediency" of restarting the ZNPP.

"I think that the conclusion, and I was glad to note that this is the only conclusion of the Russian management, is that under the current circumstances it [restarting the ZNPP] would be inappropriate. The idea is to restart it at some point, of course. They do not plan to decommission this nuclear power plant," he concluded.

Grossi also stated that there would have to be no military action in the vicinity of the ZNPP to do this, and the plant needs a reliable external power supply and to undergo necessary repairs.

Background:

Putin has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Russia plans to "restart" the ZNPP.

The necessary repairs and inspections are not being conducted in full at the ZNPP because the staff hired by the Russians are not competent to carry them out.

There are no licensed personnel at the Russian-occupied ZNPP who are capable of restarting it properly, and incompetent actions by Russian specialists at the power plant could lead to a nuclear incident.

Energoatom, Ukraines nuclear energy generating company, asserted the Russians will be prevented from restarting the station by the loss of the Kakhovka reservoir, the absence of power networks, and the lack of suitable personnel.

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Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has given US intelligence agencies a rare opportunity to recruit Kremlin insiders angry about the war.

Source: CNN

Details: The current recruitment operation is far from being a state secret. The CIA has posted videos in Russian on social media that appeal to the patriotism of Russians who have access to information that could be useful to the United States.

The videos contain step-by-step instructions for potential Russian informants on how to avoid detection by Russian services by using virtual private networks (VPNs) and the Tor web browser to communicate with the CIA anonymously and with encryption via the Dark Web.

"That business is the exchange of information that the asset or agent would provide for something that they want. We want people who have some sense of what [Russian] leaders priorities are  what theyre trying to accomplish," said David McCloskey, former CIA officer and author of the book Moscow X.

"Disaffection creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us. Were very much open for business," said CIA Director Bill Burns last year during a speech in the United Kingdom.

Burns said on 19 April in a speech at Goodwin University in Connecticut that the CIA videos had been very productive. He said that it had made his Russian counterpart extremely angry, at least. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to ridicule the CIA video, pointing out that they should have posted it on VKontakte [Russian social media] instead of Twitter (X) if they wanted more Russians to see it.

The FBI has launched a similar effort to recruit Russian government sources in the US, including targeting social media ads to phones registered near the Russian Embassy in Washington.

"This direct appeal is an unusual approach, but one which could prove effective in reaching a Russian populace with few options to express their discontent. Russians angry with the Kremlins state-sanctioned corruption and abuse, with no way to act openly, are left with few alternatives other than finding external support," said Douglas London, a former CIA station chief posted abroad.

More than 30 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world has returned to a period of great power conflict. In his latest book, chief national security analyst Jim Sciutto describes this as "a definitive break between the post-Cold War era and an entirely new and uncertain one."

"You have to know your enemy. If you dont, you can scare your enemy into doing something that neither of you wants to see happen," said CNN presidential historian Tim Naftali.

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Rust prosecutors are attempting to compel Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to testify against Alec Baldwin during his trial in July.

Both the rookie armorer and the 30 Rock actor had been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Earlier this year, it took a jury less than three hours to find the armorer guilty. The judge sentenced her to the state maximum of 18 months behind bars.

However, now that she is in state custody, Rust prosecutors want a judge to force armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed into testifying against Alec Baldwin.

Prosecutors Ask Judge To Force Jailed Rust Armorer To Testify Against Alec Baldwin

MEGA

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, on June 3, prosecutors for the state of New Mexico filed a motion to compel Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to testify against Alec Baldwin during his trial in July.

Special prosecutors Kari T. Morrissey and Erlinda O. Johnson noted that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is listed on Baldwins witness list, and on the states witness list by proxy, as the State has served the right to call all witnesses named by the defendants legal team.

The State Wants To Be Able To Cross-Examine Hannah Gutierrez-Reed

MEGA

During her pretrial interview on May 14, 2024, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed asserted her Fifth Amendment privilege to all substantive questions. According to this latest filing from the prosecution, Presumably Defendant Baldwin named Ms. Gutierrez as a witness so his counsel can obtain potentially exculpatory information from Ms. Gutierrez that is relevant to the issue of proximate cause.

The filing goes on to say, If Ms. Gutierrez is not compelled to testify by the Court, [] the State would be unable to cross-examine Ms. Gutierrez about her statements and the State would also be unable to present testimony from Ms. Gutierrez that is inculpatory to Defendant Baldwin.

Upon information and belief, the prosecution believes that Ms. Gutierrez would testify that Mr. Baldwin was inattentive during the firearms training session she conducted with him, Mr. Baldwin indicated an apparent willingness to participate in additional training the following day with his holster but failed to do so.

'Rust' Prosecutors List What Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Is 'Likely' To Testify

MEGA

The documents go on to say that Ms. Gutierrez would testify to what her firearms training with Mr. Baldwin consisted of, she would testify that Mr. Baldwin was a producer and had the freedom to do whatever he wanted and the other producers had to reel him in all the time.

Mr. Baldwin would become upset and have emotional fits, Mr. Baldwin was not supposed to be cocking the gun or pulling the trigger during the rehearsal when the gun went off, Mr. Baldwin would frequently rush her when she was loading/unloading weapons and that there were two other actors on the set of Rust that regularly conducted their own safety checks of their guns, the filing goes on to say.

Ms. Gutierrez would also likely testify that actors are not supposed to point their guns at crew members and that she offered Mr. Baldwin an inert gun to rehearse with just before the shooting of Ms. Hutchins but either Baldwin and/or Halls demanded the real gun be provided, the document continues, referring to first assistant director David Halls. Halls pled guilty to a charge of negligent use of a firearm and was sentenced to six months of probation.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Is Not Being Offered Any Benefit For Her Testimony Against Alec Baldwin

MEGA

Lead prosecutor Kari Morrissey goes on to state that the State of New Mexico is not offering the armorer any benefit for her testimony against Mr. Baldwin. The grant of use immunity would only protect Ms. Gutierrez from her statements during the Baldwin trial being used against her should her appeal be successful, and the State would be unable to use any of her statements to pursue other future charges against Ms. Gutierrez based on her testimony, Morrissey wrote.

Although defense counsel Sara Clark opposed the motion, Morrissey claims that The defendants opposition to this motion is a clear indicator that the defendant intends that only exculpatory testimony from Ms. Gutierrez be presented to the jury and that the exculpatory testimony take place in a vacuum. The jury should hear all relevant testimony from Ms. Gutierrez.

Alec Baldwin's trial is scheduled to begin on July 9, 2024. If he is found guilty, he faces up to 18 months behind bars and approximately $5,000 in fines.
Instead of admitting that the principal at C.K. McClatchy High School made an error when she punished the teacher and students of the newspaper class, the Sacramento City Unified School District keeps doubling down and lawyering up.

The high schools newspaper adviser, Samantha Archuleta, says she is still on administrative leave, pending review by the school district for  well, some secret reason that no one quite knows, including Archuleta.

Opinion

Before she told me she couldnt comment publicly anymore on the advice of her lawyer, Archuleta said she believed her forced suspension in early May had everything to do with a controversial quote the student journalists published in The Prospector, the schools student newspaper, a few weeks earlier.

In its spring edition printed on April 25, The Prospector published a feature titled What did you say? and promised to reveal some of the weirdest stuff overheard on campus. The newspaper reported that a student overheard a classmate say: Hitlers got some good ideas.

This situation could have been a lesson for the students in careful writing and editing. Instead, theyre learning an entirely different lesson: Beware of school administrators.

Instead of holding an open and thoughtful discussion of campus climate, the district retaliated against a teacher who stood up for press freedom, said David Loy, Legal Director at the First Amendment Coalition.

Last week, the First Amendment Coalition, ACLU of Northern California, Student Press Law Center and the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative sent a letter to Lisa Allen, the superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District. In a five-page document, they protested the districts treatment of Archuleta and urged that she be reinstated to her position. To ignore this would put the school district at risk of incurring significant exposure to liability for statutory and constitutional violations, the letter said.

On May 7, soon after Ms. Archuleta spoke to the press and defended the students rights under California law to have published this statement, the district placed Ms. Archuleta on leave and told her that she was under investigation, they wrote. Without condoning the content of this statement, our organizations have strong concerns that the districts actions violated California law and the First Amendment.

Instead of addressing the environment at the school that produced such a quote, McClatchy Principal Andrea Egan and the Sac City Unified School District killed the messenger. Archuleta was suddenly placed on administrative leave, and two journalism students told me that they were made to feel intimidated and harassed by the adults who should be protecting them.

In an opinion piece published in The Bee, the president of the Sacramento City Unified Board of Education wrote that it is SCUSD policy to never comment publicly on personnel matters out of respect for the privacy of our valued staff. While holding firm to our policy, we will share that no action has been taken against an employee or student because of the original comments printed in The Prospector.

I dont believe them, and I dont think you should either.

Without condoning the content of the quote, we are troubled by the districts response to it, said Chessie Thacher, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Northern California. The First Amendment and California law prohibit such censorship and retaliatory treatment.

The McClatchy and SCUSD administrations response to the situation continues to be a textbook example of how not to run a high school journalism program.

Teacher suspended without cause

Archuleta shared with me the language district officials have used to describe the reason for her suspension from her duties, including: Expressing insensitive comments toward students and staff, sharing confidential student information, failure to maintain a harassment-free class environment and a lack of good judgment in the execution of professional duties. But since receiving these missives last month, Archuleta has not been contacted by administrators.

Removing the adviser was clearly an effort to control what the students publish, said Steve ODonoghue, director of the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative. Under California law, student speech that only makes people uncomfortable is not sufficient disruption to justify censorship. To punish a faculty adviser for defending the rights of student editors sends a clear message that their editorial freedom is in danger.

Its also telling that Archuletas most recent in-class evaluation from earlier this year (written and signed off on by Principal Egan, no less), provided to me by Archuleta, gave her the highest possible marks. It is a glowing review, and it included no suggested improvements to her classroom or teaching style as of March 2024.

It seems not only to me; but also to many others including Loy, Thatcher and ODonoghue, that the school district is hiding behind its confidentiality policies to retaliate and punish Archuleta. The school districts punitive actions against the journalism teacher are egregious and heavy-handed. While they directed Archulata to a lawyer, its surprising and concerning that the local teachers union, the Sacramento City Teachers Association, has not publicly defended Archuleta.

But at least Archuleta is an adult who can handle a lousy employer. The teenage students in the newspaper class are being hung out to dry and completely forgotten by the very adults who should be protecting them.

Faculty allegedly bullying students

I talked to two of the seniors in the newspaper class at C.K. McClatchy, and neither of them (nor their families) wanted to have their names published  mostly because theyre terrified of potential backlash from the school.

But on the condition of anonymity, they told me that they felt punished by the principal and bullied by school faculty members. They said they did not have access to their assignments for weeks. Additionally, anything they write now must be approved by their new teacher  a textbook example of prior restraint. Californias Education Code guarantees that students retain editorial control over student newspapers  not school faculty and not administrators.

Journalists report sensitive, troubling and controversial material every day. The media  yes, even student media  should not be held responsible for the ideologies of the people they quote.

Students say school is hell

The students I spoke to said the bullying and harassment theyve experienced  mostly from members of the school staff, including a school counselor  in the last few weeks have been hell, but that they are ready to graduate on June 11 and put the school behind them at last.

If any student feels they have been subjected to harassment or mistreated by a school staff member, they should report it immediately so it can be properly investigated, wrote district spokesman Brian Heap in an email. If, for any reason, a student prefers not to speak with Principal Egan, there are four other assistant principals they can speak with on campus.

At such a high school, thats a bit like complaining to the prison guards about the quality of care. No wonder these students are eagerly counting down the days to graduation next week. If only Archuleta had that option.
(FOX40.COM)  A man died on Sunday evening after a shooting took place in Sacramento, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Police said the shooting happened in near the Oak Park area on 33rd Street around 7 p.m.

Hes not just someone who got hit by a car, hes my son: Hit-and-run victim may not survive

Sacramento police officers said they received a call about the shooting and found a man with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where would later be declared dead by medical staff.

The incident is under investigation and no suspect information has been released at this time.

Police said the area where the shooting took place is cordoned off and those who normally drive through the area should seek a different route.

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.
The family of slain college student Sade Robinson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Maxwell Anderson, the Milwaukee man who is charged with killing and dismembering her during a first date.

In a 30-page petition filed Monday in Milwaukee, Robinson's estate and her mother, Sheena Scarbrough, are seeking damages from Anderson for emotional distress.

They also want the proceeds from the sale earlier this month of Anderson's house, and to bar him from profiting from the "notoriety earned from slaying Ms. Robinson and destroying her family," the lawsuit reads. The home sold in May for $195,000, according to a Wisconsin Department of Revenue online record.

"He knew or should have known that his actions would cause the death of Sade Robinson, and that as a direct result of his actions Sade Robinson would suffer immense pain and that her mother and sister would suffer in an indescribable way for the remainder of their lives at the loss of Sade Robinson and the visual site (sic) of seeing her bodies (sic) remains located over time in decaying decomposed pieces," Verona E. Swanigan, a Little Rock, Arkansas, attorney who is representing the Robinson family, wrote in the lawsuit.

Sade Carleena Robinson

Anderson, 33, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson in the April 2 death of Robinson, 19. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The plaintiffs allege in the lawsuit Robinson was killed at Anderson's South 39th Street home. They said Anderson's family later went to the property and threw away items inside the residence, then moved forward with selling it in an effort "to conceal and hide evidence."

Details in the lawsuit concerning Robinson's disappearance and gruesome death largely mirrored those of a criminal complaint that was made public shortly after the first parts of her body emerged from the Lake Michigan shoreline in Cudahy.

DNA testing also was done on a severed arm that was found a shoreline in Waukegan, Illinois in mid-May. Results for that DNA test have not been shared publicly yet.

Without providing evidence, the lawsuit alleges a finger was found outside the property shortly after Anderson's home was sold. But authorities say that was not the case.

Sheriff's spokesman James Burnett said the assertion about a finger discovered on the property wasn't true

(Left) Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, and (right) Carlos Robinson, father of Sade Robinson, hold doves to be release in memory Sade Robinson at her public memorial service on Friday May 10, 2024 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

Robinson's family alleged in the lawsuit Anderson has a history of violence that included a conviction for a 2019 battery/disorderly conduct charge. He was ordered to pay $7,414.92 in restitution in that matter.

Her family also argued Anderson has "stolen away their child's body, future achievements, enjoyment of life and beauty, while simultaneously destroying her mother, father, sisters (sic) right to enjoy her presence, engage in her support, rejoice in her graduation and future achievements, even properly grieve her death and bury her body."

Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, is consoled by an individual as she arrives to the public memorial services for Sade Robinson on Friday May 10, 2024 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

Anthony D. Cotton, the Waukesha attorney who is representing Anderson in his criminal case, could not be reached for comment Monday. Attempts to reach Ian Vance-Curzan, the prosecutor in Anderson's homicide case, also were unsuccessful.

Anderson has been unable to post the $5 million bond for his release, and has remained in the jail since his April 4 arrest.

Anderson is due to be back in court Wednesday for a hearing in his criminal case. The hearing will focus on a request by Anderson for access to a laptop with discovery evidence loaded onto it.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sade Robinson's family files civil suit against Maxwell Anderson
The Scoop

Hadi Matar, the man accused of nearly fatally stabbing British-American writer Salman Rushdie, is negotiating a plea agreement with both US state and federal prosecutors that could shed light on whether a foreign government or terrorist organization was involved in the attack, officials involved in the case told Semafor.

Matar is scheduled to go on trial for attempted murder this September in a western New York courthouse not far from the Chautauqua Institution where Rushdie was assaulted while giving a speech in August 2022 at a summer cultural festival. But federal prosecutors from the US Attorneys Office are separately investigating whether Matar, 26, was part of a broader conspiracy to assassinate the writer, according to lawyers and US officials involved in the case. The revolutionary founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, issued a fatwa, or religious decree, in 1989, calling for Rushdies death on the grounds that his novel, , was blasphemous against Islam.

The Department of Justice has yet to file a separate terrorism charge against Matar, but his legal team is anticipating one and has been ramping up efforts in recent months to reach a comprehensive settlement with both state and federal prosecutors in a bid to reduce his overall prison sentence, the officials said. Such an agreement could provide answers to whether an outside actor was involved in the attack.

There have been some efforts to try to resolve the matter thats been promoted by the defense. There is some potential for that, well see, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt, whos prosecuting the murder case, told Semafor. But from my standpoint, it has always beenyou really want to convict one way or the other on the top charge. Were going to advocate for the maximum sentence available under our laws.

Matars attorney, Nathaniel Barone, signaled his clients desire to reach a comprehensive settlement during a May 10 legal proceeding at the Chautauqua County courthouse. Theyre looking at it from a whole different perspective, Barone said of the federal governments investigation into the attack on Rushdie, and why the public defender is interested in a settlement. Any statute youre dealing with federally could be terrorist-based, and the exposure is much more significant for my client than the state charges.

Schmidt said hes conferring with Rushdie about whether the Booker Prize winner would accept a plea deal with Matar. But the writer hasnt given a firm answer yet. The DA said hes currently planning to seek the maximum sentence for Matar at trial, which would likely range between 25 to 32 years. But a complex negotiation would likely be needed with federal prosecutors to calculate how any terrorism-related charge would weigh on Matars sentencing.

Im not sure where hes at. I think, you know, its obviously very emotional, Schmidt said of Rushdie. Hes sort of considering his options. A representative for Rushdie didnt respond to Semafors request for comment.

Schmidt said its unclear what Matar could provide federal prosecutors as part of an agreement. He pleaded innocent in 2022 to the charge of attempted murder in the second degree. Neither the DoJ or FBI have commented on the result of the federal investigation or if theyve found ties between the attack on Rushdie and foreign actors.





Jays view

The impending trial of Matar has generated only sporadic media attention, surprising given Rushdies public profile and the geopolitical implications of the attack. But if Matar reaches plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors, particularly on terrorism-related charges, this could change significantly.

The DAs primary piece of evidence, Schmidt says, is video footage from the Chautauqua Institution that shows Matar rushing the stage on August 12, 2022 and stabbing Rushdie ten times in his face, hand and upper body. Matar also allegedly attacked the events moderator, Henry Reese. But the issue federal investigators are trying to establish is whether Matar acted as a lone wolf or received orders or material support from others  potentially Iran or Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that Tehran arms and finances.

Court records and press reports portray Matar as a disgruntled youth who hated school, worked at a discount store, and failed in his efforts at becoming a professional boxer. His Lebanese-American father left for Lebanon when Matar was young. People who met Matar described him as a recluse who could simply have taken inspiration from the teachings of Khomenei and his fatwa against Rushdie.

But the picture Matars mother painted of her son reads like the textbook case of radicalization. Silvana Fardos told the New York Times that Matar traveled to Lebanon in 2018  presumably to stay with his father in the southern town of Yaroun  and came back a totally changed person, deeply religious in the Shiite Muslim faith and a supporter of Irans Islamic revolution. I have nothing to say to him, Fardos told the paper.

Federal authorities are investigating whether Matar received military training by Hezbollah  or received instructions pertaining to Rushdie  during his visits to Yaroun, which sits astride Lebanons border with Israel, according to US and Arab officials. Any deal Matars lawyers cut with the US Attorneys Office would almost certainly need to address any interactions he had with Hezbollah in the years leading up to the attack. Police found a fake drivers license on Matar after his arrest that bore the name of Hezbollahs top military commander, Imad Mugniyah, who was assassinated in 2008, allegedly by the CIA.

Irans possible role in the 2022 attack is also something federal investigators are probing, according to these officials. Tehran denied any involvement in the weeks after the attack, even though Iranian religious leaders praised Matar for seeking to carry out the fatwa. An Islamic organization  the Foundation to Implement Imam Khomeinis Fatwas  offered him 1,000 square meters of agricultural land as a reward.

Even if Tehran played no operational role in the attack on Rushdie, federal prosecutors could argue Iranian officials and foundations were guilty of incitement. The State Department sanctioned Irans 15 Khordad Foundation in October 2022 for issuing bounties on Rushdie, including one for $3.3 million in 2012.

The View From Salman Rushdie

Rushdie published in April a 214-page account of the attack, called . In the memoir, the writer describes his belief at the time that Khomeneis fatwa was a relic of the past. Rushdie had resumed leading a largely normal life in New York after decades of hiding in the UK, he says. And very little security accompanied his appearance at the Chautauqua Institution amphitheater on the morning of August 12, 2022.

Rushdie recounts seeing a masked man charging the stage at Chautauqua just as a discussion  ironically, on the need to provide international artists with safe spaces  commences. So my first thought when I saw this murderous shape rushing towards me was: So its you. Here you are, Rushdie writes.

The author devotes a chapter to imagining a one-on-one discussion with Matar, whom he refers to simply as A. Rushdie pushes his would-be assassin during a mock interview on his motivations for attempting murder. But he never outright asks A. if he was trained by foreign terrorists or had received instructions from Tehran. Im trying to understand you, Rushdie says to the imagined A. Why were you so ready to ruin your life? Your life. Not mine.

Rushdie also describes difficult discussions with his legal team about the possibility Matar could reach this plea agreement with state and federal prosecutors. Rushdie contemplates the possibility that Matar could be freed while the 76-year-old writer is still alive. This guy is very young, he concludes. I dont want him walking the streets when hes forty-something, looking for me.





Notable

Semafor broke in March how the FBI is hunting for a senior Iranian intelligence operative who the US believes is plotting to assassinate current and former American officials.

A journalist at an anti-Iranian regime television channel was stabbed three times in London in April. British security forces had warned the channel, Iran International, that Tehran was targeting its staff.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A San Angelo woman wanted by the San Angelo Police Department for property theft has been arrested after weeks of searching, according to the inmate roster for the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office.

41-year-old Candice Campbell was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center at 6:52 a.m. on Monday, June 3. She is charged with theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000, and she has a bond set at $25,000.

The SAPD asked for the publics assistance in apprehending Campbell on May 16, stating that there was a warrant out for her arrest.

San Angelo man dead following weekend motorcycle crash

Jail records filed in Tom Green County state that Campbell was charged with the offense on December 21, 2023. This puts 165 days between the day she was charged and the day she was arrested.

Records also indicate that Campbell has been arrested on charges of property theft multiple times throughout the years, with her earliest documented arrest for the offense happening in August 2004.

The Texas Penal Code identifies theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 as a state jail felony. Unless other criteria are met, the punishment for a state jail felony is confinement for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

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.
ULAN BATOR, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia and Belarus have signed several cooperation documents, said the Mongolian presidential office on its website on Monday.

More than 10 documents were signed in the presence of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and his visiting Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko.

These documents encompass an agreement on friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, a roadmap focusing on agricultural cooperation, and agreements related to the mutual recognition of driver's licenses and educational certificates or academic degrees.

Additionally, there are agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in tourism, economy, environment, light industry, and other sectors.

Lukashenko arrived in Ulan Bator on Saturday for a four-day state visit, accompanied by his high-ranking political and economic delegation.

The state visit holds particular significance as it marks the first visit by a Belarusian president to Mongolia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. 
SC Democrat resolute in bid for Senate after crash killed her husband, who was seeking a House seat

Eric Childs, Democratic candidate for an Upstate state House seat, speaks against a bill banning certain kinds of medical care for transgender youth on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Childs died in a vehicle crash on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Screenshot of SCETV legislative livestream)

A mother of four is continuing her run for an Upstate Senate seat after her husband, a candidate for the South Carolina House, died in a crash Friday.

John Eric Childs, 39, of Pelzer, was the sole Democrat running for the Anderson County seat held by freshman GOP Rep. April Cromer. By law, the state Democratic Party could reopen filing so there is a Democrat on the ballot in November, though it was unclear Monday whether that would happen.

Childs wife, Jessicka Spearman, announced on social media that shes devastated but more determined than ever to continue her bid to unseat Sen. Richard Cash, R-Powdersville, in November. Neither Spearman, the only Democrat in that race, nor Cash has a primary contest next week.

He believed fervently in a South Carolina where everyone could be free, prosperous, and happy, which is why he was running, Spearman posted on Saturday. His commitment to our family and the families of South Carolina has reignited my determination to run for and win a seat in the South Carolina state Senate, carrying forward Erics legacy of service and compassion.

The crash occurred at Augusta and Lickville roads in Pelzer about 2:50 a.m. according to information from the Greenville County coroners office.

Childs, who worked in security, was an Army combat veteran who was deployed to Iraq. Childs and Spearman have four children, including a transgender son.

In an opinion piece published in The State on May 16  two weeks before he died  Childs asked Gov. Henry McMaster to veto legislation banning doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or gender-transitioning hormone therapy to transgender youth under the age of 18.

While in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I never lost sight of why I was there  to defend the freedoms we hold dear, he wrote in the opinion piece. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my next fight would be against my own government as it takes steps to deprive me of my parental rights and my childs ability to live the American Dream.

McMaster signed the bill into law, as he said he would, on May 21.

As the bill was moving through the House, Childs spoke against the then-proposal at a public hearing in January. And on a recent podcast, Childs said his opposition to that new law is what prompted him to seek office.

I was happy working in retail, blue collar work, doing security and raising my kids with my wife, and it was the legislators of this state that brought me out of my comfort zone, he said on that podcast in late May. And Im going to come out swinging because Im not looking to lose.

Childs was running to face the winner of a primary between Cromer, a member of the hardline Freedom Caucus, and her Republican challenger Kyle White in the staunchly GOP district. Both Cromer and White expressed their sympathy for his family on social media after the news broke over the weekend.

Spearman is challenging Cash, one of the Legislatures most fervent abortion foes, who first won his seat in a 2017 special election.

According to state law, when a candidate dies or withdraws in a race with one or two candidates, the state party can choose to re-open the race even after the filing deadline has passed. A spokesperson for the state Democratic Party could not be immediately reached for comment Monday.

A GoFundMe page has been established for the family. No information was available regarding a service.

The post SC Democrat resolute in bid for Senate after crash killed her husband, who was seeking a House seat appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Germny's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C), walks next to Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soeder (L), during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Sven Hoppe/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser have arrived in the southern German region of Upper Bavaria which is grappling with heavy flooding.

Together with Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soder, they aim to gain an impression of the situation on the ground in the market town of Reichertshofen, which was flooded by masses of water the day before.

Speaking to local politicians, Faeser expressed her shock at the death of a firefighter in a flood operation: "It's really terrible what happened," she said on Monday. "It shows just how dangerous these operations are."

Faeser said she was impressed by how well the emergency services worked together.

Her impression was "that lessons have been learnt from the Ahr Valley, that coordination and cooperation work much better," she said, referring to heavy flooding in Germany's Ahr valley in July 2021, in which over 180 people were killed and many thousands lost their homes.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (front 4th L), Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder (front 3rd L), and Germany's Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (front 2nd L) stand behind a barrier made of sandbags during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (1st row 4th L), Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder (1st row 3rd L), Germany's Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (1st row 2nd L) stand behind a barrier of filled sandbags during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Peter Kneffel/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L), Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder (2nd L), Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (L), Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (front L) stand behind a barrier of filled sandbags during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Sven Hoppe/dpa
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L), Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder (2nd L), Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (L), Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (front L) stand behind a barrier of filled sandbags during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Sven Hoppe/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the southern German region of Upper Bavaria which is grappling with heavy flooding as rescue workers continue to search for the missing.

Together with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soder, the chancellor wanted to gain an impression of the situation on the ground in the market town of Reichertshofen, which was flooded by masses of water the day before.

Scholz promises solidarity

Scholz assured those affected of his solidarity. Solidarity is "what we need most as people," he said during his visit to the region.

"We will do everything we can, including with the possibilities offered by the federal government, to ensure that help can be provided more quickly."

Speaking to local politicians, Faeser expressed her shock at the death of a firefighter in a flood operation: "It's really terrible what happened," she said on Monday. "It shows just how dangerous these operations are."

Faeser added she was impressed by how well the emergency services worked together.

Her impression was "that lessons have been learnt from the Ahr Valley, that coordination and cooperation work much better," she said, referring to heavy flooding in Germany's Ahr valley in July 2021, in which over 180 people were killed and many thousands lost their homes.

Body of missing woman found

Rescue workers have discovered a body in the cellar of a house in the southern German state of Bavaria, which was badly affected by flooding.

It was a missing 43-year-old woman who had been searched for since Sunday, a police spokesman said on Monday.

One firefighter was killed on Sunday after his rubber dinghy capsized in the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, which lies some 40 kilometres north of Munich.

The firefighter still missing had been on a rubber dinghy near the Bavarian municipality of Offingen, some 100 kilometres north-west of Munich, when the boat capsized early on Sunday morning. Four other rescue workers on board were able to pull themselves to safety.

Rescue forces continue to search for the firefighter who went missing during a rescue operation. "The search will continue," a police spokesman said on Monday morning.

More rain expected

Heavy rains and flooding across two states caused disruption throughout the weekend and more rain was set to come, the weather service said.

Thousands of people were evacuated over the past days and more were set to leave their homes as southern Germany was pounded by severe rainfall causing rivers to swell.

Tens of thousands of emergency services have been in constant action as of Friday evening, particularly in the Upper Bavaria and Swabia regions, building sandbag dams, pumping water, cordoning off danger zones and rescuing people from flooded homes.

Several villages along the Danube and Schmutter rivers were evacuated as an official pointed to concerns about a dam on Sunday evening.

Early on Monday, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) lifted all existing severe weather warnings but said that showers with the potential for heavy rain were still expected in some areas, particularly in southern Germany.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) and Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soeder (L) talk during a site visit to Reichertshofen in Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Peter Kneffel/dpa

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (1st row 4th L), Bavarian Minister President Markus Soeder (1st row 3rd L), Germany's Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (1st row 2nd L) stand behind a barrier made of sandbags during a site inspection in Reichertshofen, Upper Bavaria, which was hit by flooding. Peter Kneffel/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited an area of Bavaria hit by severe flooding to demonstrate his support for those affected  and potentially tap into some positive optics ahead of Sundays European Parliament election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Scholzs trip Monday to Reichertshofen north of Munich came after Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens already traveled to the flood region on Sunday. Habeck is Scholzs deputy in the three-party ruling coalition and could challenge the Social Democrat for the chancellery at the next election due in the fall of next year.

Clad in a dark raincoat, blue jeans and knee-length rubber boots, Scholz told reporters its important to recognize that extreme weather events that may previously have occurred once a century were now happening much more frequently. He linked them to harmful climate change he said was caused by humans.

This is also an indication that somethings going on, added the Social Democrat, speaking alongside Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavaria Premier Markus Soeder of the conservative Christian Social Union.

We cannot allow ourselves to ignore the task of halting man-made climate change, Scholz said. This is also a warning which we must take away from this event, this catastrophe.

The nations latest flooding emergency comes nearly three years after intense rainfall caused devastation in Germany and neighboring countries in July 2021  a few months before the national ballot that propelled Scholz to power.

More than 240 people were killed across the region and some 170 in Germany alone, with cleanup and reconstruction costing tens of billions of euros.

It would become another example of how the contrasting reactions of politicians to a natural disaster influenced the outcome of an election in Europes biggest economy.

The chancellor candidate for the ruling conservative CDU/CSU alliance, Armin Laschet, was caught on camera chuckling during a speech by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, forcing retiring Chancellor Angela Merkel into damage control.

Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media and seen as helping Scholzs SPD erase a big deficit in the polls to pull off an unlikely victory.

In 2002, SPD Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder got what was possibly a decisive boost from a visit to eastern Germany, where the Elbe river had flooded after torrential rainfall.

Schroeder showed leadership in rubber boots, one commentator wrote. His conservative challenger, former Bavarian Premier Edmund Stoiber, stayed away from the disaster area and ultimately failed to topple Schroeder from power despite leading by as many as eight percentage points.

Scholz pledged Monday that the federal government will do all it can to ensure help for those affected by the flooding can be provided quickly.

We will also continue to promote the practice of solidarity that we have in Germany, he said. We have done this in many, many places, and we will do the same here. Thats the way it should be, and thats Germany.

As of 2:30 p.m. in Berlin, Deutscher Wetterdienst, the countrys meteorological service, was forecasting more heavy rainfall in the south, as well as severe thunderstorms in south-east Bavaria.

(Updates with detail on weather outlook in final paragraph)

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Scientists alarmed after discovering microplastics in human testes: 'The impact on the younger generation might be more concerning'

Scientists were alarmed after discovering microplastics in human testes, as they believe the tiny particles could be linked to declining sperm counts in men.

What's happening?

Researchers examined 23 human and 47 canine testes, and they found that every organ contained microplastics. Human samples, ranging from ages 16 to 88, had nearly three times more microplastics than canine samples.

However, scientists discovered that human testes from individuals over 55 years old had a smaller concentration of particle accumulation.

The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, notes that polyethylene, or PE, was the most common particle, followed by polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PE and PVC are in a wide variety of everyday products, including plastic food packaging, containers, and shower curtains.

A separate 2023 study found microplastics in six human testes and 30 semen samples.

Why is this important?

While this isn't the first study to examine the connection between microplastics and reproductive health, University of New Mexico professor Xiaozhong Yu, one of the latest study's authors, told the Guardian that the results were surprising and concerning.

"At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system," Yu said. "When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans."

Yu also highlighted the fact that there is more plastic in our environment than ever before. According to the UN Environment Programme, humans produce more than 440 tons of plastic waste every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or as litter, releasing toxins into our environment.

"The impact on the younger generation might be more concerning," Yu said, explaining to the Guardian that chemicals in PVC can cause endocrine disruption and may disrupt the development of sperm cells.

Microplastics are just about everywhere, even in rainwater and the air. Other studies have discovered microplastics in human placentas, the lungs of living people, and in urine samples.

The exact impacts of microplastics on human health are still under investigation, but researchers believe they may be causing significant harm, also linking them to cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and dementia, among other things.

What's being done about this?

Scientists called for more extensive and diverse studies to further examine the impact of microplastics on the human reproductive system. In the meantime, researchers have been developing various solutions to eliminate microplastics from our environment.

For example, startup Cleaner Seas Group designed a microfiber filter to capture microplastics released while doing laundry, while scientists in South Korea created a water filtration system that was able to remove most pollutants in seconds. Other promising research has revealed that probiotics may mitigate the harmful impact of toxins.

Limiting your use of plastic can also reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in the material. There are plenty of plastic-free alternatives for everyday products, including durable, long-lasting metal razors, reusable lunch bags, and shampoo bars.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Residents of the Mindel try to protect their homes from the flood with sandbags. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

Rescue forces continue to search for a firefighter who went missing during an operation to rescue residents from the severe floods that have roiled parts of southern Germany over the weekend.

"The search will continue," a police spokesman said on Monday morning.

Heavy rains and flooding across two states caused disruption throughout the weekend and more rain was set to come, the weather service said.

Thousands of people were evacuated over the past days and more were set to leave their homes as southern Germany was pounded by severe rainfall causing rivers to swell.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit the affected region on Monday.

Tens of thousands of emergency services have been in constant action as of Friday evening, particularly in the Upper Bavaria and Swabia regions, building sandbag dams, pumping water, cordoning off danger zones and rescuing people from flooded homes.

One firefighter was killed on Sunday after his rubber dinghy capsized in the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, which lies some 40 kilometres north of Munich.

The firefighter still missing had been on a rubber dinghy near the Bavarian municipality of Offingen, some 100 kilometres north-west of Munich, when the boat capsized early on Sunday morning. Four other rescue workers on board were able to pull themselves to safety.

A woman in the Bavarian town of Schrobenhausen was also still missing on Monday morning.

Several villages along the Danube and Schmutter rivers were evacuated as an official pointed to concerns about a dam on Sunday evening.

Early on Monday, the German Meteorological Service (DWD) lifted all existing severe weather warnings but said that showers with the potential for heavy rain were still expected in some areas, particularly in southern Germany.

Helpers try to free a road on the Mindel from flooding with an excavator. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

A woman stands in a conservatory in front of her garden, which has been flooded by the Mindel. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
FILE - Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., speaks about a bill to establish federal protections for IVF during a press event on Capitol Hill, Feb. 27, 2024, in Washington. Senate Democrats are making a renewed push to show their support for ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization. Duckworth, who has used the fertility treatment to have her two children, released the legislation Monday, June 3, 2024, part of an election-year effort to spotlight Republican resistance to protecting reproductive care. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Senate Democrats are making a renewed push to show their support for ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization, releasing legislation Monday that is part of an election-year effort to spotlight Republican resistance to protecting reproductive care.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat who has used fertility treatment to have her two children, introduced a bill called the Right to IVF ACT, which would also make it more accessible through insurance as well as for military members and veterans. Although a pair of Senate Republicans have advanced their own proposal that would discourage states from banning IVF treatment, neither bill is expected to gain the significant bipartisan support that would be necessary to pass Congress.

Instead, Democrats are trying this month to show how Republicans are mostly unwilling to support legislation creating federal protections for reproductive care. It's a similar strategy that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, used in the run-up to the 2022 election after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion.

This will be one of the most important issues in the presidential campaign, and make no mistake about it, Joe Biden is fully for womens reproductive rights. Donald Trump has opposed them time and time again, Schumer said at an event in his home state last week.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, questions on reproductive care have mostly been turned over to individual states. For a time earlier this year, several clinics in Alabama suspended IVF treatment after the state's Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. The state later enacted a law providing legal protections for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care like IVF and contraception.

Schumer also intends to force a procedural vote this week on a separate bill that would guarantee the right to contraception, but Republicans are expected to mostly oppose that measure as well. Still, the push puts Republicans on record with their views on an issue that is expected to be on the top of voters' minds when they vote this fall.

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said in an interview last month that he was working on a policy to regulate access to contraceptives  then denied the comments just hours later on social media, saying he has never and will never advocate for restricting birth control and other contraceptives.

Since the Supreme Court tilted towards conservatives and overturned the nationwide right to abortion two years ago, Republicans have largely opposed telling states what to do, even if it means that reproductive care is restricted in some places. Congressional Republicans have almost all declared that they personally supported IVF, but have resisted legislation that would ensure nationwide access to the fertility treatment.

GOP lawmakers have also been careful not to interfere with abortion opponents' ability to advance state laws that grant an embryo or fetus the same rights as a person. Sens. Katie Britt of Alabama and Ted Cruz of Texas have advanced a proposal that would threaten to withhold federal Medicaid funding from any state that would enact an outright ban on IVF treatment.

When she introduced the bill last month, Britt said in a statement, IVF is pro-family, and Im proud to strongly support continued nationwide access to this pathway to parenthood for the millions of American couples facing infertility.

Still, some hard-right Republicans have opposed expanding access to IVF. After the Department of Veterans Affairs announced in March that it would provide fertility services to veterans who are unmarried or in same-sex marriages, four Republicans in the deeply conservative House Freedom Caucus released a letter opposing the move and saying the treatment was morally dubious and should not be subsidized by the American taxpayer.

Schumer has said Democrats intend to spend a significant amount of time talking about reproductive rights this month. As part of that push, Duckworth, alongside fellow Democrats Sens. Patty Murray of Washington and Cory Booker of New Jersey, introduced the legislation that packages four previous bills on IVF together.

The bill would make it a right to use IVF and other reproductive technology, as well as make it more accessible by requiring employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments. Military members and veterans would also gain more access to fertility counseling and treatments.

Struggling with infertility is painful enough  every American deserves the right to access the treatment and tools they need to build the family of their dreams without the fear of being prosecuted for murder or manslaughter," Duckworth said in a statement.

But the political dynamics around reproductive care left practically no chance of finding bipartisan agreement on legislation. Republicans raised concerns about the bills implications for other reproductive technology and Cruz, who is running for reelection in Texas, quickly criticized the Democratic proposal as deliberately overbroad.

This is an issue of consensus, he said. The Democrats dont want consensus. They want to play politics.
Jacob Zuma's MK party not only wants to take over white-owned land, it also wants much of the private sector, including the mines and private schools - Bloomberg /Waldo Swiegers

Seizing white-owned farms and nationalising all mines are among the demands of minority parties jostling for position in an unprecedented coalition after South Africas elections.

Frantic coalition talks began on Monday after the ruling African National Congress lost its majority in a humbling election.

Two of the political parties vying for power  former president Jacob Zumas uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK), and the Leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema  have staked out radical demands in return for seats in a coalition government.

But the EFF is demanding a further price  the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

It comes after the ruling ANC ended up with only 40.2 per cent of the vote in last weeks election, the first time it has lost its majority since the end of apartheid.

Some in the ANC leadership appear to be willing to work with the EFF and MK, but Mr Ramaphosa is refusing to stand aside.

The Leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, have staked out radical demands in return for seats in a coalition government - Bloomberg/Waldo Swiegers

At a media briefing on Sunday, several party leaders emphasised that Mr Ramaphosas position was not up for debate until the partys next congress in three years time.

Mr Zumas MK party not only wants to take over white-owned land, but also much of the private sector, including the mines and private schools.

Mr Malema, who is also seen as a possible kingmaker, runs a party that has also pledged to nationalise the countrys gold and platinum mines and seize land from white farmers.

Mr Ramaphosa and some of his allies have indicated they prefer the calmer waters of some form of agreement with the pro-business centrist parties, the white-led Democratic Alliance (DA) and the small but influential Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated he is willing to do a deal with the pro-business centrist parties, the white-led Democratic Alliance (DA) and the small but influential Zulu based Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) - Shutterstock /Jemal Countess

We need stability, the ANCs secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, told the media on Sunday.

Reaching agreement after a fairly bitter campaign in which the ANC and DA regularly exchanged insults would be difficult, insiders say, with many senior DA members as opposed to a deal as some in the ANC.

Officials in all the major parties have been discussing coalition options informally for some months, not least because recent coalitions at municipal level have often failed.

Coalitions havent worked, Mr Mbalula said on Sunday, despite raising the possibility of a government of national unity, of the kind Nelson Mandela led in 1994.

One insider said that there was an alternative, a confidence and supply agreement along the lines applied in Canada.

Under that arrangement the ANC would continue to govern alone, while the opposition would undertake to oppose any votes of no-confidence and to support appropriate legislation to keep the government running.

In return they would receive top positions in parliament, including that of speaker and chairs of major parliamentary committees.

These parties have only 14 days to put together enough of an agreement so that they can vote in a new president. If they fail to meet this deadline South Africa would face a second election.

Even under a confidence and supply agreement, there will be political fallout among both the agreeing parties and those left outside.

In a long informal and unexpected briefing on Saturday night, disgraced former president Zuma demanded that South Africas independent Electoral Commission delay announcing results of the election to allow for what he called a revote, which some interpreted as a recount.

Mr Zuma is due to go on trial again for a long-delayed case over alleged corruption over an arms deal more than 20 years ago.

The ANC lost control, for the first time, of three provinces, which include the drivers of the South African economy, Gauteng, which includes Johannesburg, and KwaZulu-Natal, which includes Durban, Africas busiest port.

With the Western Cape, which includes Cape Town, firmly remaining in the hands of the DA, the ANC has now lost power in all South Africas major economic centres.

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Can Sen. Jack Reed get RI funds for the Washington Bridge? Here's what he's brought back so far.

What do a new sewer line in Lincoln, a fellowship program for emerging artists at AS220, a meal delivery program for homebound Blackstone Valley residents and a research study on "automatic squid jigging" have in common?

Funding from U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

Thanks to his seniority in the Senate and his role on powerful committees, the Jamestown Democrat routinely adds millions in earmarks for Rhode Island to the federal budget each year. And that's just one of the ways he uses his influence.

A new $150 million National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration marine operations center, for instance, likely wouldn't be under construction in Middletown if it weren't for his years of lobbying and ability to get the Secretary of the Navy on the phone when the plan encountered red tape.

State leaders now have an unusually large ask for the federal government: Hundreds of million of dollars to rebuild the Washington Bridge. And much hinges on the decades of pull that Reed has been building.

U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, left, and Jack Reed flank U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as they talk to reporters after the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic groundbreaking in Newport on May 6.

How it started

As a relative newcomer to Washington in the 1990s, Reed took on what could have been a quixotic cause: Trying to convince Congress to upgrade the old freight rail lines the Navy left behind at Quonset Point.

As a junior member of the House of Representatives, he had little sway with the powerful Appropriations Committee, which held the purse strings. But he lobbied its members relentlessly, to the point where they'd say, "Here comes Quonset Point and the rail" when they saw him approaching, he recalled in a recent interview with Political Scene.

"Once you've broken through like that, you start getting a little bit of progress," he said.

Reed also learned that the chair of the subcommittee overseeing transportation spending, U.S. Rep. Bob Carr, was a descendant of Caleb Carr, who served as a Colonial governor of Rhode Island in the 1600s. He convinced the Michigan Democrat to hold a hearing in Rhode Island, then brought him to see the old Carr family homestead in Jamestown.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed talks about the Prudence Island Lighthouse during a ceremony on Saturday to transfer ownership to the Prudence Conservancy.

Carr ultimately proved "critical in getting us the money," Reed said. Over the course of six years, Congress dedicated a total of $55 million to the Rhode Island Freight Rail Improvement Project.

Thanks to those upgrades, cars manufactured overseas and brought to Quonset by ship can now be triple-stacked in rail cars and transported practically anywhere in the country. That helped quadruple the number of vehicles that are imported each year, according to Reed's office.

Today, the port sees hundreds of thousands of cars a year, making it one of the nation's leading importers of automobiles. And Reed, whose doggedness paid off, is now one of the lawmakers who controls the purse strings.

Where does Reed get his power?

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Reed holds a highly coveted position that gives him considerable power to direct federal funds to Rhode Island.

Sen. Jack Reed, D-RI, stands in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

He also chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services  a "powerful combination," according Wendy Schiller, a professor of political science at Brown University.

Nearly every member of Congress needs something from one or both of those committees, Schiller pointed out. As a result, "There is a lot of opportunity not only to bring home federal dollars and defense contracts, but also to trade with other members of the Senate and House on other issues that matter to Rhode Island, like housing or transportation."

Senators also derive influence from their seniority, and from building trust with colleagues over time, Schiller wrote in an email. Reed has both those bases covered: He entered the Senate in 1997 and now ranks sixth in seniority. And he's trusted by both Democrats and Republicans in the chamber, Schiller observed.

There are limits to that power, of course. When Congress decides how to divide up funds between all 50 states, other factors play a bigger role than "how much a powerful senator is looking out for the needs of their individual state," noted Adam Myers, a professor of political science at Providence College.

But senators who sit on the appropriations committee do get to help shape the formulas that are used to determine how much funding goes to each state, which "certainly do have an impact," Myers wrote in an email.

Referencing the musical "Hamilton," Reed's spokesman, Chip Unruh, categorized the appropriations committee as "the room where it happens."

That proved critical during the pandemic, when Reed was part of a working group that hashed out the details of a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, Unruh said. Aided by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, he pushed for a "small state minimum" that established a baseline level of funding that each state would receive, regardless of population.

As a result, Rhode Island received $1.25 billion through the CARES Act and $1.67 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act. That's more than we would have received if each state's slice of the pie had been based solely on population, Reed said.

On a visit to Kosovo, Sen. Jack Reed visits with Rhode Island National Guard aviators from Company C (Medevac), 1-126th Aviation Battalion.

Adding up the earmarks

One way to measure Reed's influence is through congressional earmarks, which lawmakers insert in federal spending bills in order to fund projects back home.

According to a Roll Call analysis, Rhode Island receives more Senate earmarks per capita than all but a handful of other states. We ranked fifth nationwide in fiscal year 2023 before falling slightly to ninth place in fiscal year 2024.

Another way of looking at it: If the hundreds of millions of dollars were divided up equally among each Rhode Island resident, you'd have received a check for $165 in FY 2023 and another for $140 in FY 2024. (Reed obtained a $46 million earmark for the Quonset air base in FY 2023, which is why that year's total was higher.)

A considerable number of those earmarks were obtained by U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a fellow Democrat. Rhode Island's two congressmen also secured some earmarks of their own, which aren't counted in the tally.

But a close look shows that the overwhelming majority of earmarks had Reed's fingerprints on them.

Citizens Against Government Waste, an organization that opposes so-called "pork-barrel spending," maintains the only comprehensive database of congressional earmarks. In FY 2023, that data shows, Rhode Island received 138 earmarks. Reed was responsible for sponsoring or co-sponsoring 104 of them.

He was the sole sponsor of 53 earmarks adding up to $103 million, which represented more than half of the $197 million that Rhode Island's congressional delegation brought home.

None of that is a huge surprise, given his seniority and Senate Appropriations Committee seat.

Back in 2008, a study by two College of the Holy Cross professors found that for each additional year a state's senior senator remained in office, their congressional earmarks increased by $4.48 per resident.

And a recent report from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that members of the appropriations committee had 86% of their earmark requests approved in FY 2023, while other lawmakers had only a 60% success rate.

Some influence harder to measure

It's impossible to quantify how much federal money Reed is responsible for steering to Rhode Island altogether  even his office couldn't pinpoint an accurate figure.

And earmarks are only part of the picture: There are other, subtler ways that senators can help fund projects in their home states.

Sen. Jack Reed speaks to a constituent on Prudence Island before a new fire engine is christened with water on Saturday.

For instance, Reed is a senior member of the appropriations subcommittee overseeing transportation and was previously its chair. As it happens, that subcommittee created a program to fund bridge repairs.

States with a high percentage of bridges in poor condition, such as Rhode Island, get top priority. Coincidentally or not, Rhode Island has received more funding than any state since the program's inception.

"You cant say, 'This is just for Rhode Island'," Unruh said. "But you can do it in such a way that it's going to be beneficial to Rhode Island, and other states in similar situations."

Reed and Unruh were also both quick to point out that getting anything done in the Senate requires building consensus  which often means that no one individual can take all the credit.

Take the NOAA operations hub that's leaving Virginia for a new home at Naval Station Newport and bringing hundreds of new jobs to Rhode Island.

It probably doesn't hurt that NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which, of course, is now headed by former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo. But it's also true that Reed spent close to a decade making the case that this was the best place for the new facility.

Unsurprisingly, the idea faced pushback from Virginia's delegation, so part of the battle was convincing NOAA officials that "politically, it could be done," Reed said.

There were also bureaucratic hurdles. One of the key issues, Reed recalled, "was getting the Navy to grant NOAA permission to build the docks the way NOAA likes to build them, not the way the Navy builds them."

He ended up taking that fight all the way to the Secretary of the Navy, who eventually approved NOAA's construction plan for the docks.

As with the Quonset freight rail project, persistence paid off. Another factor, Reed acknowledged, is "being in positions where I have a lot of dealings with the Secretary of the Navy, so it would not be unusual for me to call them up and say, 'Can you help us on this one?'"

What's next?

Reed is 74, and while that's young by Senate standards, it would also be completely understandable if he chose to retire rather than run for another six-year term in 2026.

"I work every day like I'm running again in '26," he said when asked about his plans. "'26, '32, '38. I work every day to run again."

When he does step down, will Rhode Island lose out on the federal largesse that the state has come to rely on?

"No," Reed responded. "We've always had a very strong delegation."

Myers, the Providence College professor, has a slightly different take: Reed's retirement "would certainly be a loss for Rhode Island in terms of our political heft on Capitol Hill."

As a small state, he pointed out, we rely on our senators to advance our interests much more than our delegation in the House of Representatives, where larger states have more representation. And our two congressman "are both very new and thus at the bottom of the pack in terms of seniority."

For now, however, the more pressing question is whether Reed can use his clout to get the federal government to come up with hundreds of millions of dollars for the Washington Bridge.

"I'm entering this effort just like every other effort," he said. "You work as hard as you can the first day, and then harder every other day after that."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Sen. Jack Reed has brought millions, maybe billions, to RI. Here's how.
Sen. Bob Menendez, facing federal corruption charges, has previously said he would seek reelection in November as an independent if the charges against him are not sustained. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Sen. Bob Menendez filed to run for reelection as an independent candidate Monday as he continues to face trial on federal charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

Leaving court Monday afternoon, Menendez said hes going to remind New Jersey voters what weve done over the last 18 years.

I look forward to proving our innocence, he said. I intend to remind New Jerseyans who have only heard over the last year  falsehoods about what my record is.

New Jerseys senior senator enters the race as a longshot despite holding the seat for nearly two decades, but that he entered is no surprise.

Menendez in March announced he would not seek reelection as a Democrat, arguing the charges against him would preclude a campaign based on issues. At the time, he said he may seek the seat as an independent if the charges against him were not sustained.

The senators trial entered its fourth week on Monday. Tuesday is the deadline for third-party candidates to file their nominating petitions. Menendez filed 2,465 petitions, according to the New Jersey Secretary of States office (he is required to submit at least 800).

Menendezs entry into the race was criticized by one of the leading candidates to replace him, Rep. Andy Kim (D-03).

Americans are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of whats right for the country. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isnt running for the people of New Jersey, hes doing it for himself. Its beyond time for change and Im stepping up to restore integrity back into the U.S. Senate, Kim said.

State Sen. Mike Testa (R-Cumberland), chair of Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaws Senate campaign, lobbed insults at Menendez and Kim, saying Menendezs decision to enter the race gives the GOP its best chance to win this seat in more than 50 years. Voters in New Jersey last elected a Republican to the Senate in 1972.

New Jersey voters deserve a change from the Democrat career politicians like Bob Menendez and Andy Kim whove failed to deliver anything for New Jersey families for too long, Testa said.

Menendez faces a narrow path to victory. Though Democratic primary voters stuck with him after his first corruption trial ended with a hung jury in 2017, he won renomination the following year with only 62% of the vote.

Lisa McCormick, a perennial candidate who ran no creditable campaign, took 38% of the vote in what was broadly seen as a rebuke of the incumbent, and polls suggest New Jerseyans regard for their senior senator has only waned in the interim.

A Monmouth University Poll released in March found New Jerseyans disapproved of Menendezs job performance 74%-16%, a new nadir, and 63% told pollsters he should resign. Three-quarters said he was probably guilty of the charges he faces.

Sophie Nieto-Munoz contributed to this story.

The post Sen. Menendez files to seek reelection as his corruption trial enters fourth week appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
TOKYO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has voiced concern about aggressive U.S. leadership and its unyielding stances which had been perpetuating global discord, cautioning that the world might be heading toward war if the U.S. continues to antagonize Russia, Nikkei Asia reported.

In an interview on the sidelines of Nikkei's Future of Asia forum in Tokyo, Mahathir said Americans have not learned any lessons from past wars, the Japanese newspaper website said on Saturday.

"The U.S. regards anybody who challenges them as the enemy, which is why we have problems involving the U.S. with Iran, Russia and China. The U.S. is not tolerant. People cannot be 100 percent exactly like you. We accept the differences," Mahathir said.

Mahathir argued that the U.S. has long sought to maintain its dominant position on the global stage since the end of the Cold War, viewing the rise of other nations, especially China, as a direct threat, said the report.

Mahathir emphasized that China rose to become the world's second-largest economy because it has "the capacity to grow and be No. 1," a development not welcomed by Americans.

The senior statesman also criticized Western powers amid growing global tensions, especially since the onset of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict last October, the report said.

"A lot of injustices are committed, but the U.S. and Europe view these injustices as issues that don't concern them. They don't try to stop Israel from committing all kinds of crimes," he said.

Noting that the U.S. is the world's biggest arms trader and continually produces new weapons, Mahathir claimed it is in Americans' interest to see wars fought elsewhere, Nikkei Asia said.

"There is this belief in the West that to have peace, prepare for war, but that is wrong. Preparing for war ensures war because to make money from selling weapons, people must fight," he said. 
Sen. Bob Menendez, facing federal corruption charges, has previously said he would seek reelection in November as an independent if the charges against him are not sustained. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Sen. Bob Menendez filed to run for reelection as an independent candidate Monday as he continues to face trial on federal charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

Leaving court Monday afternoon, Menendez said hes going to remind New Jersey voters what weve done over the last 18 years.

I look forward to proving our innocence, he said. I intend to remind New Jerseyans who have only heard over the last year  falsehoods about what my record is.

New Jerseys senior senator enters the race as a longshot despite holding the seat for nearly two decades, but that he entered is no surprise.

Menendez in March announced he would not seek reelection as a Democrat, arguing the charges against him would preclude a campaign based on issues. At the time, he said he might seek the seat as an independent if the charges against him were not sustained.

The senators trial entered its fourth week on Monday. Tuesday is the deadline for third-party candidates to file their nominating petitions. Menendez filed 2,465 petitions, according to the New Jersey Secretary of States Office (he is required to submit at least 800).

Menendezs entry into the race was criticized by one of the leading candidates to replace him, Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J.

Americans are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of whats right for the country. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isnt running for the people of New Jersey, hes doing it for himself. Its beyond time for change and Im stepping up to restore integrity back into the U.S. Senate, Kim said.

Republican State Sen. Mike Testa, chair of Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaws Senate campaign, lobbed insults at Menendez and Kim, saying Menendezs decision to enter the race gives the GOP its best chance to win this seat in more than 50 years. Voters in New Jersey last elected a Republican to the Senate in 1972.

New Jersey voters deserve a change from the Democrat career politicians like Bob Menendez and Andy Kim whove failed to deliver anything for New Jersey families for too long, Testa said.

Menendez faces a narrow path to victory. Though Democratic primary voters stuck with him after his first corruption trial ended with a hung jury in 2017, he won renomination the following year with only 62% of the vote.

Lisa McCormick, a perennial candidate who ran no creditable campaign, took 38% of the vote in what was broadly seen as a rebuke of the incumbent, and polls suggest New Jerseyans regard for their senior senator has only waned in the interim.

A Monmouth University Poll released in March found New Jerseyans disapproved of Menendezs job performance 74%-16%, a new nadir, and 63% told pollsters he should resign. Three-quarters said he was probably guilty of the charges he faces.

New Jersey Monitor reporter Sophie Nieto-Munoz contributed to this story.

This article first appeared in the New Jersey Monitor, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

The post Sen. Menendez files to seek reelection as his corruption trial enters fourth week appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Senate Democrats on introduced a legislative package Monday aimed at protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), part of an election year push to focus on reproductive rights and get Republicans on the record opposing those efforts.

The Right to IVF Act, sponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), is a package of four bills that would both establish a nationwide right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology, as well as lower the costs of IVF treatment to make it more affordable.

The package includes the Access to Family Building Act, the Veteran Families Health Services Act, the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act and the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act.

All four have been previously introduced, though only Duckworths Access to Family Building Act made it to the Senate floor, where Republicans blocked an attempt to pass it by unanimous consent.

In the nearly two years since the Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade, our nation has seen the horrific consequences of Republicans anti-science, anti-woman crusade that has put IVF at risk for millions of Americans who rely on it to start or grow their family, Duckworth said in a statement.

Duckworth tried to pass her bill in February, but Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) objected, dismissing the bill as an overreach full of poison pills that would go far beyond ensuring legal access to IVF.

Democrats are hammering Republicans over reproductive rights ahead of Novembers elections, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is planning to focus on the issue this month ahead of the third anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

They are going on offense over access to abortion, contraception and IVF, looking to hold Republicans feet to the fire and force them to answer uncomfortable questions about the full impact of strict anti-abortion policies and their belief in fetal personhood.

To date, 13 states have introduced fetal personhood bills that would affect the legality of IVF.

Access to IVF took center stage this winter when Alabamas Supreme Court ruled embryos are children, and thus are protected by the states wrongful death statute.

The decision was met with immediate backlash from both sides of the aisle. Many Republicans raced to distance themselves from the ruling, saying they fully support IVF, and the GOP Senate campaign arm called on candidates to reject attempts to regulate access to the procedure.

But Republicans have largely avoided detailing how clinics should handle unimplanted, viable embryos, as many seem to agree that embryos are children with equal rights.

In late May, Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Katie Britt (Ala), staunch anti-abortion Republicans, introduced a bill they said is aimed at protecting IVF.

The legislation would bar states from receiving Medicaid funding if they implement a ban on IVF. Cruz and Britt also said the legislation would ensure IVF is fully protected by federal law, though it does not create a right to IVF.

The bill creates an incentive for politicians not to pass legislation banning IVF, but it wouldnt stop a court from restricting the procedure, like what happened in Alabama.

Unlike GOP legislation that would not protect IVF and is only a PR tool for Republicans to hide their extremism, our Right to IVF Act would actually protect Americans from attempts to restrict IVF and would allow more people to access these vital services at a lower cost, Murray said.

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Three Senate Democrats are renewing their push to protect access to in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments in new legislation released Monday morning.

The Right to IVF Act is a package of bills that Sens. Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Patty Murray (Wash.) and Cory Booker (N.J.) have already introduced this session. The legislation would establish a statutory right to access IVF and protect providers from criminalization, as well as expand IVF insurance coverage and make the care more affordable for families. It also includes IVF protections and extended access for veterans and service members.

The Democrats rolled four of their bills into one to revive the conversation around IVF and hopefully have a better shot at passing the legislation. Most of the bills were blocked by Republicans or did not make it out of committee. The new bill includes the Access to Family Building Act, the Veteran Families Health Services Act, the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act, and the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act.

Struggling with infertility is painful enough  every American deserves the right to access the treatment and tools they need to build the family of their dreams without the fear of being prosecuted for murder or manslaughter, Duckworth, who had her two children through IVF, said in a statement.

Im proud to unveil this sweeping legislative package with my colleagues that would actually protect the freedom to receive or provide IVF nationwide, she added, while making these treatments more affordable and accessible for the millions of American families  including military families and Veterans  who are experiencing infertility across the country.

Both Duckworth and Murray have long championed access to fertility treatments and other assisted reproductive technologies, introducing bills in the last few years to protect reproductive health care as access dwindles in the wake of the Supreme Court decision that repealed Roe v. Wade. Senate Republicans have blocked every IVF bill Democrats have brought to the floor, including Duckworths Access to Family Building Act in February.

Access to IVF took center stage earlier this year when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos should be defined as children  forcing several clinics to pause treatments and threatening care throughout the state. Although many Republicans have supported abortion bans that would also criminalize IVF, the party floundered for weeks after the widely unpopular Alabama ruling.

Recently, GOP Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Katie Britt (Ala.) introduced legislation that they claim would protect IVF by barring states from receiving Medicaid funding if they implement a ban on IVF. Cruz and Britt also claimed the legislation would create a federal right to IVF, although the bill does not do that. Critics of the bill believe the legislation could motivate states to reject Medicaid funding.

Unlike GOP legislation that would not protect IVF and is only a PR tool for Republicans to hide their extremism, our Right to IVF Act would actually protect Americans from attempts to restrict IVF and would allow more people to access these vital services at a lower cost, Murray said in a statement.

Duckworth, Murray and Booker are likely to get support from Democrats in the Senate, but will have a much harder fight with their GOP colleagues. Republicans will likely throw their weight behind Cruzs and Britts bill now that there is competing fertility legislation.

In February, Duckworth tried to pass by unanimous consent her Access to Family Building Act, included in the Right to IVF package, but Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) objected, dismissing the bill as a vast overreach.

The Right To IVF Act is the legislation we need to remove barriers and make it easier  not harder  for people to build their families, Barbara Collura, president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, said in a statement. Lawmakers have proposed a viable solution to permanently safeguard access to IVF in the face of legislative threats, and address the longstanding access issue of this needed medical treatment by closing the gap through comprehensive insurance coverage. Moreover, this law would increase access to care for our servicemembers and veterans, who have long struggled to have this procedure covered through their healthcare benefits.

Related...
The bill package advanced Monday contains unemployment fixes to problems spotted during the pandemic, Labor Commissioner Rob Asaro-Angelo said. (Getty Images)

A Senate panel approved a raft of changes to the states unemployment system that would expand eligibility for university students, bar the mandatory return of some overpayments, and expand awards for those caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Labor Commissioner Rob Asaro-Angelo described the bill, which the Senate Labor Committee approved in a bipartisan 4-1 vote, as a solution to some of the problems officials identified in the unemployment system during the pandemic, when runaway jobless claims drained the states unemployment fund.

Through our learnings the past few years, weve identified legislative changes to our system that will further improve its accessibility and overall functionality, Asaro-Angelo told the panel.

The bills advancement comes about two weeks after labor officials unveiled a new application for unemployment benefits that they say will make applying for benefits easier. That change, too, was driven by problems the system faced during the pandemic.

Foremost among the proposed changes in the bill that advanced Monday is a provision that would bar the state from denying unemployment claims because the claimant is a full-time university student or attends certain job training programs.

It would also remove provisions requiring students to earn sufficient wages to receive unemployment benefits. That removal would also fix a technical error in state law; legislators struck the provisions definition of sufficient wages from the books more than 20 years ago.

Under the current policy, if you are a student working to put yourself through school and lose your job, you will then be at a much greater risk of dropping out as you will no longer have the income to support your schooling, Asaro-Angelo said. This policy has kept thousands of hard-working student applicants from receiving benefits they had earned.

The proposed eligibility expansion drew opposition from some business groups who feared it would raise rates on businesses that hire college students.

Our only concern is what this does to the rates and how this impacts small businesses if this does indeed cause rates to go up, said Eileen Kean, state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Somebody carrying 12 credits should have the chance to collect if they are unemployed during the school semester.

In New Jersey, unemployment rates are set based on the general health of the unemployment fund  its poor but healing after being drained by pandemic joblessness  and a ratio of an individual business use of unemployment benefits to unemployment taxes paid.

That means, all other things being the same, a business that hires college students but does not retain them between semesters  or that terminates their employment  could pay more under the bill if those workers were only ineligible because of their status as a student and their benefits are enough to shift a businesses position in unemployment tax tables.

Bill sponsor Sen. Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) dismissed those concerns.

I believe that is not a valid concern, he told the New Jersey Monitor. I think the potential costs are de minimus.

Other provisions would require the commissioner of labor to waive recovery of overpayments to unemployment claimants upon their request if the overpayment happened as a result of employer or government error, or when state unemployment officials find recovery would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

The provision, which would also bar clawbacks when a claimant is dead or cannot work because of a disability, does not apply in cases of fraud.

The legislation would also allow filers to claim adults with disabilities as dependents so long as the disability began before they turned 22 years old.

The bill passed along with three other employment-related measures.

One would add labor unions to a list of topics that employers are barred from requiring their workers to attend meetings on, expanding an existing prohibition that already includes religion and other political matters.

Supporters said the provision would prevent union-busting meetings.

Really, what the bill addresses is the coercive nature of some of those meetings, said Eric Richard, legislative affairs director for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO.

Kean, who noted Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a similar bill last month over concerns about its constitutionality, warned it could run afoul of an employers free speech protections. New Jerseys bill, which is substantively similar, does not limit what employers can say. It only prevents them from requiring employees to attend certain meetings.

Another bill calls for the state to siphon a fraction  0.02 percentage points  of New Jerseys 0.3825% unemployment tax for workers to pay for the administration of jobless benefits.

The last bill would allow the labor commissioner to directly appoint three additional members to a board that reviews final unemployment appeals. If such temporary appointments are made, the board would split into two three-member panels to weigh appeals.

Asaro-Angelo said the provision would be needed when demand for unemployment benefits is high.

At its most basic, during a time of heightened claim activity, were able to hire more claims adjudicators, more phone staff, he said. The appeal tribunal can hire more appeals specialists, but the Board of Review  which is the top level of appeal  because they have the word board in their name, they are treated like every other board and commission in the state.

The post Senate panel moves to expand unemployment eligibility for college students appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
Senior US Treasury official heads to Rome for talks on debt, Russian assets

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department's top international official will meet with Italian officials in Rome this week to discuss Russia's frozen assets ahead of the G7 leaders summit, and speak on developing country debt issues at a Vatican-led event, a Treasury spokesperson said on Monday.

Undersecretary for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh will travel to Rome on June 3-6 for events focused on a range of issues, including high debt levels and food security, the spokesperson said.

The visit will occur a week before Group of Seven leaders are due to meet in southern Italy, where they hope to reach agreement on a plan to monetize some $300 billion in Russian assets frozen by Western powers after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. has been pushing its G7 partners - Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada - to embrace a loan backed by the income from the frozen assets that could provide Kyiv with as much as $50 billion in near-term funding. The loan has emerged as the top option after G7 countries failed to agree on seizing the assets outright.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen last month told reporters the plan has broad support but there is "quite a bit of work to be done" to make it a reality. The 27-member European Union also needs to endorse it, she said.

The loan has emerged as the top option after G7 countries failed to agree on seizing the assets outright.

Shambaugh will have bilateral discussions with Italian finance ministry and central bank officials to discuss the Russian sovereign assets, cross-border payments, and additional G7 presidency priorities, the spokesperson said.

On Tuesday, Shambaugh will speak with leaders of the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization about U.S. priorities on food security. He will also take part in a livestreamed fireside chat hosted by IFAD.

On Friday, Shambaugh will address a symposium organized by the Vatican and Columbia University, deepening his call for more concerted efforts by major economies to support developing countries struggling with high debt burdens.

Pope Francis is slated to address the symposium, a source familiar with the plans said.

Shambaugh in April warned emerging official creditors - the biggest of which is China - against free-riding on loans and grants to debt-laden developing countries by other countries and institutions while throttling back their own lending.

He said there was a longstanding historical precedent among Western creditors to engage in refinancings or reprofilings for borrowers and not to pull out when the going got rough.

Shambaugh said decisive, coordinated action was needed by all official bilateral creditors to address the worsening financial challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries and to speed up debt relief when needed.

Many developing countries faced "alarming tradeoffs" due to falling inflows of official bilateral and private funds at a time when debt service payments were also rising, he said.

The U.S. Treasury official's comments reflect growing frustration among Western countries and debtor nations about Beijing's foot-dragging on debt restructuring efforts and the slow pace of debt relief deals.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Paul Simao)
For decades there have been intentional efforts during the month of April, designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, for people to talk more openly about the occurrence of sexual violence. During this month, advocates educate the public about ways to support victims and survivors and what changes are needed to better hold perpetrators accountable.

As the executive director of the Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence, this April I joined advocates and volunteers from the states 25 accredited victim service providers to talk about the everyday realities of sexual violence. However, talking about the issues and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence does not do enough to move forward our critical goal of preventing the impacts of sexual assault on individuals, families, and each of our communities. What can we do, not only during April, but for the rest of the year?

It can be too easy to forget that when someone is sexually assaulted, the impact of that trauma is not felt only by that person. While certainly the victim experiences a depth of trauma that is often hard to describe in a way that others can fathom, by focusing only on the individual person as being impacted we often leave the responsibility of preventing or stopping sexual violence to that one person as well.

The impact of sexual violence can have ripple effects through many aspects of our lives, and can even have an impact on generations of people who are connected to the original victim of the assault.

A family secret revealed

Take for example, an intergenerational impact of sexual violence that happened in my family many years ago. In 2002, as a graduate student at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, I was assigned a project standard at the time for social workers to explore the generational behavior patterns in their own family, by mapping out a genogram. This family tree-like exercise led me to interview various members of my family to lay out a map of who was born when, who was related to whom, and who navigated social problems such as alcoholism or depression.

During this exercise, some inconsistencies for the date of my grandparents wedding came to the forefront. Sparing you the details of the family discussions that ensued, I learned that my grandparents had concealed the actual date of their marriage to protect the fact that my grandmother had been sexually assaulted as a teenager, which resulted in the pregnancy and birth of my uncle before her marriage to my grandfather.

This assignment had blown the lid right off a family secret that had brought my grandmother immense shame and pain. In this case, once the information came to light, we had many critical conversations, ultimately leading to clarity, grace and healing. The ripple effect of my grandmothers assault was significant, but not only for her.

This is one of the reasons why I am motivated to declare that the time has come to work towards the prevention of sexual violence in the first place. This years them for Sexual Assault Awareness Month was Building Connected Communities, which focused on the prevention of sexual assault and sexual violence by highlighting how community-level interventions can reduce harm and prevent sexual violence. While I am deeply grateful for the progress made in the intervention systems  such as law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts, and health care  the work in Kansas to address sexual violence must place prevention as a priority.

We know prevention is a critical piece of the solution because we see this in the data. According to the 2023 Kansas Bureau of Investigation statistics on sexual violence, more than 78% of sexual assaults committed in Kansas were committed by someone who knew the victim. While random acts of sexual violence exist as a risk, overwhelmingly, sexual violence perpetrators target people in their own families, social circles or communities. They often work to gain their trust, isolate the victim and then keep them from feeling safe enough to report.

Involve men and boys to change culture

So, how do we prevent sexual violence, if this is the reality? For starters, we face the fact that we have relied upon strategies that focus on the individual response to sexual violence as a sole means of prevention, and this is not enough to broadly end sexual violence. Individual strategies, such as teaching self-defense or providing alcohol education courses, can be effective, but only in reducing the risk on a small scale. We must add layers of prevention, including community-level approaches to make a wider societal impact.

One community level approach that has been identified for many years, yet seems to struggle to gain mainstream traction, is mobilizing men and boys. For one, men and boys are also victimized sexually, and like all sexual violence, these incidents are severely underreported. Second, encouraging men and boys who are not primary victims to become allies can prevent sexual violence by reducing the acceptability of sexual violence as a societal norm.

Prevention means recognizing difficult truths about how different factors in our community impact whether someone will be targeted for sexual violence. Predators look for vulnerabilities. They consider factors such as lack of education, financial hardship, lack of safe and stable housing, social inequities, power differentials, a lack of believability and a lack of robust social supports for their targets. A predator uses this knowledge to gain access to victims, abuse them, and then leverage those factors to flip the script so that the victims are to blame.

But we can change this. By creating stronger individual, community and societal safety nets, we can collectively build the protective factors that can counteract the maneuvers of those who are causing harm. Building connected communities is not just a catchy slogan, nor is it a call to action only for the month of April. The public health approach provides a road map to significant reductions, and by my belief, the elimination of sexual violence in all Kansas communities. These strategies should get the appropriate resources to do so.

The Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence is committed to expanding this work, in partnership with our member programs and allied professionals. Our organization is expanding training and technical assistance for those who want to join us in this mission. We invite all Kansans to build connected communities by contacting their local sexual assault victim service provider or our agency to create a future where sexual violence is only a relic of the past.

Michelle McCormick is executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Sexual assaults are now commonplace at Young Farmers social events, the editor of Farmers Weekly has claimed.

Writing in the latest edition of the industry magazine, Abi Kay said men in farming did not appear to be held accountable for their actions compared with other parts of society.

She said she had asked young women on TikTok, the social media platform: What happens at Young Farmers? to which she was told: Sex, drugs, alcohol.

Ms Kay wrote: What I found was that girls attending such events have learned to expect that they will be grabbed and groped. It has become part and parcel of the culture.

The kind of incidents that were described to me as commonplace are, in fact, classed as sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Worse still, several of the women said while they would have an issue with this behaviour outside young farmers events, they did not see it as problematic at these events, because they had a different set of rules, she said.

This is certainly not the image the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs [NFYFC] would want to portray, she added.

Not held to account

Young Farmers, which has approximately 23,000 members around the UK, promises to support young people in agriculture and the countryside and also helps them enjoy a dynamic social life.

Ms Kay said issues around the treatment of women in the industry were first drawn to her attention when she noticed slogan T-shirts being worn at a Young Farmers event held in Blackpool, Lancashire, earlier this month.

The slogans included I can run faster horny than you can scared and For the sporting birds I can tighten the choke.

She said she also saw photographs of girls at the event with slut written on their arms.

She continued in the article: It is still astonishing that many farming women expect the men in their communities to display a lower standard of behaviour than other men.

They are not being held accountable in the same way.

It is hard to believe that this behaviour, at industry entry-level, will not have long-lasting consequences.

A spokesman for the NFYFC told Farmers Weekly: NFYFC is deeply saddened to learn that cases of sexual harassment or assault which have occurred at events/activities held by the YFC at a national, county or club level have not been reported.

Behaviour of this nature is unacceptable in YFC and all reported cases are always treated extremely seriously by NFYFC.

The safety and safeguarding of our members is paramount and NFYFC is committed to ensuring every member is safe while taking part in those activities.

NFYFC has robust safeguarding policies, training and procedures in place.

YFC members who have been affected by an incident at a YFC event should report it to their club or county designated safeguarding officer, or to the NFYFC safeguarding team.

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The man was hospitalized and his injuries are "not believed to be life-threatening," per the city of Del Mar

Hayne Palmour IV/Shutterstock Beach closure sign in Del Mar, Calif. on June 2, 2024

A 46-year-old man in California was hospitalized with injuries "not believed to be life-threatening" after a shark bit him during a group swim on the morning of Sunday, June 2.

According to a press release posted by the city of Del Mar, the apparent shark attack took place around 9 a.m. local time and 100 yards offshore from the city's Beach Safety Center at 17th Street. At the time, the victim was training with around a dozen swimmers who meet up regularly.

An ambulance transported him to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was treated for his injuries, which "included bites to the torso, left arm and hand." The injuries were considered "significant but not believed to be life-threatening," per city officials.

Beaches within one mile in either direction of the encounter were later closed for both swimming and surfing. The closures, which remain in effect through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, were in accordance with protocols from the California Marine Safety Chiefs Association and the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, the city said.



Related: Florida Named as Shark Attack Capital of the World  with U.S. Waters the Global No. 1 for Bites

Hayne Palmour IV/Shutterstock Woman watches lifeguards pass by on a boat in Del Mar, Calif.

Jon Edelbrock, Del Mar's community services director and chief lifeguard, told CNN that the victim's friends helped him get to the shore and that he was left with "obvious injuries from the incident that required surgery, mostly large lacerations."



Researchers from the Shark Lab later found that the man was most likely bitten by a juvenile white shark after taking water samples and analyzing the man's wetsuit for potential DNA, director Chris Lowe told the outlet.



Lowe added that researchers are hoping to eventually use a tool that will allow them to determine if the shark involved can be located in the area later on, and also shared that shark bites were rare in the area.

Whats interesting is that weve been monitoring that site because its known as a juvenile aggregation site, he told CNN. Weve tagged over 60 sharks there over the years and theyre detected routinely. We detected four today.

Sharks are known to avoid people, but every once in a while, they make mistakes, the director added. Its possible the shark involved in this incident was literally just passing through and hadnt had a chance to encounter people.

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According to NBC News, which cited information from the National Data Buoy Center, the attack happened during relatively normal conditions for June  which featured 3-foot waves at a 64-degree water temperature.

Citing the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File, the outlet also reported that two unprovoked shark attacks took place in California in 2023, one of which was fatal. The data also showed that Del Mar's San Diego County had 20 unprovoked attack incidents since 1926 and led the state.



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A stretch of beach in Del Mar was closed after a swimmer was attacked Sunday morning. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune )

A 46-year-old man  a member of a group of ocean swimmers who regularly train in the waters north of San Diego  was attacked by a shark Sunday morning in Del Mar, prompting officials in the beach city to block water access until later in the week.

The attack happened around 9 a.m. Sunday off 17th Street in Del Mar, city officials said in a statement.

The victim, who was bitten in the torso, left arm and hand, was transported to a hospital, officials said, where he was being treated for injuries they described as significant but not likely life-threatening.

Read more: Great white sharks more common off California coast than previously thought, study says

After the attack, lifeguards began posting signs barring swimmers and surfers from getting into the water at beaches within one mile in either direction from where the incident happened.

The water closure, officials said, will stay in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Last week, surfers and swimmers were barred from entering the water at another Southern California beach following what officials described as aggressive shark behavior.

In that attack, which happened over Memorial Day weekend in San Clemente, a shark knocked a surfer from their board.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DAMASCUS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes after midnight Monday killed 12 pro-Iranian militias in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The militias, consisting of Syrian and non-Syrian nationals, have a significant presence in the area surrounding the city of Aleppo, it said.

The attack hit several sites in the countryside of Aleppo, mainly in the town of Hayyan northwest of Aleppo. Several explosions were heard across the city.

The observatory noted that the attack comes as part of an escalation of Israeli attacks on positions held by the Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian militias in Syria since last month.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed that several individuals were killed in the Israeli aggression targeting points near Aleppo. 
She had sex with student while teaching at high school in Puyallup. Heres her sentence

A 31-year-old former Puyallup Christian high school teacher was sentenced Friday to six months of house arrest for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Lindsey M. Westerfield pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor for having sex with a student in spring 2019 while she was employed at Cascade Christian High School. According to court documents, Puyallup detectives began investigating her that year, but the case stalled until 2022 when investigators learned Westerfield was seeking employment on the states charter school commission, and the victim disclosed new details to authorities.

As part of her sentence, Westerfield will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and must undergo related treatment for four years and six months. She was ordered to have no contact with the victim and is barred from holding any position with supervision of minors under age 13.

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Timothy Ashcraft handed down the punishment as part of a 54-month suspended sentence. Westerfield had no prior criminal convictions.

Two of the sexual encounters Westerfield was charged with occurred after the now-23-year-old victims 18th birthday, according to court documents. State law prohibits sexual conduct between students under 21 and school employees who are at least five years older.

Westerfield resigned from her position with Cascade Christian Schools shortly after the Puyallup Police Department began investigating the allegations in summer 2019. According to charging documents, family friends of the defendant told police that her husband made comments about Westerfield having a relationship with a student.

The teacher and student communicated on Snapchat and met up at each others houses and in parking garages, once on the night of the high schools junior-senior ball, records state. None of their encounters occurred on school grounds.

When detectives first contacted the student, who was then 18, he reported he had an emotional relationship with Westerfield but declined to talk about any sexual activity.

The investigation remained open for more than three years before the student provided further information. During that time, the students father told police the relationship had started up and ended multiple times. At one point, the victim dropped out of college to get a job to support Westerfield.

In August 2022, an investigator from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction contacted Puyallup police after learning Westerfield was trying to get a job with the state Charter School Commission, which authorizes charter schools statewide. Three months later, the OSPI investigator told Puyallup police that Westerfield had surrendered her education license and been fired.

A Puyallup detective contacted the victims father the day they learned Westerfield had been fired. The father said his son, who was back in college studying psychology, might be willing to provide more details about Westerfield. In an interview with detectives, the student described multiple sexual encounters with Westerfield and the steps they took to keep their meetings secret, such as turning off their phones so no one could see their location.

He said he was pretty horrified looking back, realizing how a parent or other school officials would view the relationship. He said he blocked communications with Westerfield after ending the relationship in fall 2020.

Its school. Its not a dating pool, youre there to learn. Youre vulnerable, your mind still has so much to learn and develop, he said. Thats the whole point of school.
She is set to be Mexicos first female president. But who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

Known as la Doctora for her glittering academic credentials, Claudia Sheinbaum is a physicist with a doctorate in energy engineering, the former mayor of one of the worlds most populous cities, and was part of the United Nations panel of climate scientists that received a Nobel Peace Prize.

And on Sunday, she became the first woman, and the first Jewish person, to be elected president of Mexico.

Sheinbaum won around 60% of the vote in the largest election in Mexicos history, marking a historic achievement in a mostly Catholic country known for its deeply patriarchal culture.

The 61-year-old is set to replace the outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, her longtime ally whose social welfare programs lifted many Mexicans out of poverty, making their leftist Morena party favorite in the polls.

Our duty is and will always be to look after every single Mexican without distinction, Sheinbaum said in a speech early Monday morning. Even though many Mexicans do not fully agree with our project, we will have to walk in peace and harmony to continue building a fair and more prosperous Mexico.

After her maternal grandparents emigrated from Europe to escape the Holocaust, Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962  a city she would go on to serve in various roles across decades.

While studying for her undergraduate degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), she became immersed in student politics, protesting against the privatization of public education. After graduating, she studied energy engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where she became fluent in English and earned a Masters degree, before returning to UNAM for doctoral studies.

Sheinbaum entered politics in 2000, when she was appointed environment secretary of Mexico City by Obrador, then the head of the citys government.

After leaving the role in 2006, Sheinbaum committed herself to the study of energy, joining the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and becoming part of the team that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

In 2015, she became the first woman elected head of the Tlalpan district of Mexico City, serving until 2017. The next year, she was elected head of the government of the whole city  again, the first woman to do so  only stepping down in June 2023 to embark on her run for president.

Sheinbaum has two children and one grandchild. Her partner, Jesus Maria Tarriba, whom she met at university while both were studying physics, is a financial risk specialist at the Bank of Mexico.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (right) raises the hand of Claudia Sheinbaum (left), after her swearing-in ceremony as Mexico City mayor on December 5, 2018. - Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images

What challenges lie ahead?

Had the constitution allowed it, Mexico would likely have re-elected Obrador, one of those rare politicians who  like FDR and JFK  is known simply by his initials, AMLO. After riding the wave of AMLOs popularity, some have questioned whether Sheinbaum will be able to distance herself sufficiently from her longtime ally.

One of Sheinbaums biographers, journalist Jorge Zepeda, has argued that, once in office, Sheinbaum will likely unfurl her own platform gradually: she will first act as the faithful disciple of the leader, before offering glimpses of her own program, taking care not to stoke instability in the movements base.

But Zepeda has also noted clear differences between the two leaders. In an article for the Spanish daily El Pais, Zepeda recalled asking Sheinbaum what sets her apart from other politicians. Im someone who makes decisions based on the data, she told him.

By contrast, Zepeda claimed Obrador could sacrifice data for party loyalty. If (a piece of) data gets in the way, another piece is chosen, he said, whereas Sheinbaum allows herself to be guided by the science.

Obrador will leave office with broad support and an impressive record of alleviating poverty, but his premiership was marred by his hugs, not bullets policy of not confronting cartels, allowing violence to spiral.

Violence has loomed large in this election, the bloodiest in Mexicos history. Dozens of political candidates and applicants have been killed by criminal organizations trying to influence those coming into power.

Mexicos homicide rate is among the highest in the world, and more than 100,000 people remain missing in the country. It also remains a dangerous place to be a woman, with sky-high femicide rates for the region  with figures showing around 10 women are murdered every day.

Sheinbaum will have to act quickly on Mexicos organized crime and security issues, said Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Its stunning that the governing party could win re-election by a landslide as it seems given the sweeping violence, the thing is the opposition didnt seem to put together a much more credible set of proposals about what they would do, Freeman said.

Sheinbaum comes with a team from her time as Mexico City mayor that has a proven record on improving security but it remains to be seen if she can replicate that on a national scale, Freeman said.

US-Mexico relations

Both Mexico and the US are holding elections in 2024, something that happens only once every 12 years  and comes at a time of transition in the relationship between the two countries.

Sheinbaum will assume office just a month before Americans head to the polls in November, where immigration is a top issue on the ballot for Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Mexico is a key US ally on a range of issues, from trade to cracking down on drug trafficking to managing migration. Current and former US officials have frequently described the relationship between President Joe Biden and Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as friendly and professional  and anticipate a productive relationship with Mexicos next president.

But Mexicos election also comes at a critical time for the Biden administration.

In recent months, the US has relied heavily on Mexico to step up immigration enforcement and help stem the flow of migration to the US southern border. The election in Mexico has raised uncertainty in the minds of some Biden officials about what, if anything, will change with a key partner when it comes to border cooperation.

One of the considerations in rolling out a new border executive action was doing so after Mexicos election. The administration will likely need buy-in and assistance from Mexico to execute the order.

Officials expect that a new administration in Mexico would likely continue cooperating with the US on migration given years of partnership, but its unclear how migrants  and especially, smugglers  might plot their next moves in a moment of government transition.

This story has been updated.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Rey Rodriguez, Laura Paddison, Jack Guy, Fidel Gutierrez, Krupskaia Alis, Aditi Sangal, Karen Esquivel and Carmen Sanchez contributed reporting.

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Sheboygan Area School District to receive up to $100K for school bus replacement

A student waits on North 14th Street near Sheridan School while a school bus drives up Sept. 1, 2020, in Sheboygan.

SHEBOYGAN  The Sheboygan Area School District is among two dozen Wisconsin school districts to receive funding to replace old buses.

The funding is part of the Environmental Protection Agencys Clean School Bus Program, a project created to help schools replace existing buses linked with asthma and other harmful health conditions with electric, propane and compressed natural gas buses.

Nationally, the program provides $5 billion in school bus replacement funding over the course of five years.

SASD contracts with Prigge's School Bus Service to provide students school bus transportation and partnered with the service to apply for the funding. The program will provide $25,000 to each diesel bus that is replaced in the district, up to $100,000.

Summer road construction: More road work begins June 3 in Sheboygan. Here's where and what to know.

"We applaud Prigge's School Bus Service for continually looking for ways to update its fleet with low-emission buses," said Mark Boehlke, SASD assistant superintendent of business services.

"A quarter of Prigge's buses are already propane-powered, and these types of improvements contribute to cleaner air for our students and community," Boehlke added.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, announced the 24 Wisconsin school districts receiving the funding Thursday. Between the districts, nearly $23 million will be used to upgrade Wisconsin buses.

Clean school buses are a win-win for the Wisconsin school districts and taxpayers who are saving money and for Wisconsin kids and communities who are breathing cleaner air, Baldwin said in the news release announcing the funds.

In addition to SASD, Milwaukee School District, Beloit School District and Marion School District are among the group of Wisconsin districts receiving funding.

Urban Middle School traffic study: Installation of traffic lights among recommendations of traffic impact study for proposed Urban Middle School relocation

Have a story tip or public interest concern? Contact Sam Bailey at sgbailey@gannett.com or 573-256-9937. To stay up to date on her stories and other news, follow her on X (Twitter) @SamarahBailey.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan school district nets EPA Clean School Bus Program funds
Sheinbaum to become Mexico's first female president as rivals concede

Mexico's Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum takes part in her final rally on the Zocalo on the last day of campaigning before the parliamentary elections on June 2. Jair Cabrera Torres/dpa

Left-wing government candidate Claudia Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico's first female president after her rivals conceded in an election marred by political violence.

"I would like to thank the millions of Mexican women and men who voted for us on this historic day," said Sheinbaum, as supporters gathered in Mexico City to celebrate with fireworks.

The 61-year-old led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, the national electoral institute said on Monday.

Her main rival Xochitl Galvez came in second with around 29%, the authority said, with Jorge Alvarez Maynez from the Citizens' Movement in third on 10.6%. Full results are expected on Wednesday.

Galvez and Alvarez called Sheinbaum to congratulate her on her victory, the president-elect told the press. The former mayor of Mexico City is set to take office on October 1.

Incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also congratulated Sheinbaum in a video message. "With all my affection and respect, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum. She will be the first female president of Mexico in the 200-year history of the republic," he said.

Lopez Obrador, who could not run for a second six-year term under the country's constitution, had endorsed the 61-year-old Sheinbaum as his successor in the left-wing Morena party.

Earlier, the announcement of preliminary results had been postponed several times.

"They are lying as always," wrote Galvez on X before the first results were released.

Galvez, a businesswoman, computer engineer and former senator, was backed by the broad centrist opposition alliance Strength and Heart for Mexico, formed by the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

Alongside the presidency, Mexicans voted to fill all seats in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, as well as regional and municipal posts, making it an election day of historic proportions.

In total, more than 20,000 offices were up for grabs, including governorships in eight of the 31 federal states and in the capital district.

Election officials said Sheinbaum's Morena party was also ahead in parliamentary elections.

Almost 100 million citizens were entitled to vote in the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country.

The campaign period was overshadowed by political violence, with at least 34 candidates killed since September, according to data from the Integralia consultancy firm. Officials say criminal groups warring for influence in some regions were behind many of the attacks.

At least three people were killed in violent incidents at separate polling stations in the states of Puebla, Mexico and in the outskirts of Monterrey on election day, according to media reports.

In the central state of Puebla, a polling station in the municipality of Tlapanala was unable to open after the ballots had been stolen, according to the electoral authority.

Voting had to be interrupted due to violence in the town of Coyomeapan, while in the cities of Chicomuselo and Pantelho in the southern state of Chiapas, the elections were completely suspended due to the violence of the drug cartels in the region.
Sheinbaum to become Mexico's first female president as rivals concede

Mexican presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo gives a message to her supporters to celebrate her victory after receiving the preliminary election results of Mexico's general election. The 61-year-old led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, the national electoral institute said on Monday. Carlos Tischler/eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Left-wing government candidate Claudia Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico's first female president after her rivals conceded in an election marred by political violence.

"I would like to thank the millions of Mexican women and men who voted for us on this historic day," said Sheinbaum, as supporters gathered in Mexico City to celebrate with fireworks.

The 61-year-old led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, the national electoral institute said on Monday.

Her main rival Xochitl Galvez came in second with around 29%, the authority said, with Jorge Alvarez Maynez from the Citizens' Movement in third on 10.6%. Full results are expected on Wednesday.

Galvez and Alvarez called Sheinbaum to congratulate her on her victory, the president-elect told the press. The former mayor of Mexico City is set to take office on October 1.

Incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also congratulated Sheinbaum in a video message. "With all my affection and respect, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum. She will be the first female president of Mexico in the 200-year history of the republic," he said.

Lopez Obrador, who could not run for a second six-year term under the country's constitution, had endorsed the 61-year-old Sheinbaum as his successor in the left-wing Morena party.

Earlier, the announcement of preliminary results had been postponed several times.

"They are lying as always," Galvez wrote on X before the first results were released.

Galvez, a businesswoman, computer engineer and former senator, was backed by the broad centrist opposition alliance Strength and Heart for Mexico, formed by the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

Alongside the presidency, Mexicans voted to fill all seats in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, as well as regional and municipal posts, making it an election day of historic proportions.

In total, more than 20,000 offices were up for grabs, including governorships in eight of the 31 federal states and in the capital district.

Election officials said Sheinbaum's Morena party was also ahead in parliamentary elections.

Almost 100 million citizens were entitled to vote in the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country.

The campaign period was overshadowed by political violence, with at least 34 candidates killed since September, according to data from the Integralia consultancy firm. Officials say criminal groups warring for influence in some regions were behind many of the attacks.

At least three people were killed in violent incidents at separate polling stations in the states of Puebla, Mexico and in the outskirts of Monterrey on election day, according to media reports.

In the central state of Puebla, a polling station in the municipality of Tlapanala was unable to open after the ballots had been stolen, according to the electoral authority.

Voting had to be interrupted due to violence in the town of Coyomeapan, while in the cities of Chicomuselo and Pantelho in the southern state of Chiapas, the elections were completely suspended due to the violence of the drug cartels in the region.

US President Joe Biden congratulated Sheinbaum on her "historic" election.

"I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

Biden also congratulated the Mexican people for conducting a successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at the local, state and federal levels.

He expressed his commitment to advancing the values of both nations to benefit of their peoples.

The German government also congratulated Sheinbaum.

A Foreign Office spokesman said in Berlin on Monday that Germany would be "very happy to work closely with the future government and will also seek to establish contact in the near future."

"We are of course looking forward to expanding relations in all areas and look forward to shaping this together with the new Mexican government," the spokesman added.

Germany and Mexico have traditionally had good relations.

Mexican presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo gives a message to her supporters to celebrate her victory after receiving the preliminary election results of Mexico's general election. The 61-year-old led on 57.9% of the vote with around two-thirds of ballots counted, the national electoral institute said on Monday. Carlos Tischler/eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Mexico's Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum takes part in her final rally on the Zocalo on the last day of campaigning before the parliamentary elections on June 2. Jair Cabrera Torres/dpa
Shelter for homeless veterans to close. Will they get the help they need elsewhere?

An emergency shelter that offers transitional housing for unhoused veterans in Tacoma is planning to close its doors this summer, and staff are worried the vets might not get the support they need at other shelters.

The camp that offered beds to veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD and other mental health afflictions is sending folks to shelters and transitional housing across the region.

This closing is going to hurt homeless veterans, FOB Hopes executive director Tammy Creley told The News Tribune.

Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hope is run by and for veterans. Their camp at Pacific Avenue and South 82nd Street consists of roughly 25 ice fishing tents lined up together with pop-up tents to cover areas used to eat and relax. According to Creley, it housed veterans as young as 22 and as old as 78.

FOB Hope is set up to look and feel like a forward operating base the residents would have used while serving in the military. While it has served veterans in need for two years, its contract with the City of Tacoma is set to expire at the end of July. The gravel lot where it stands will be reclaimed by Tacoma Public Utilities.

City of Tacoma spokesperson Maria Lee said the closure of FOB Hope is consistent with the citys homelessness strategy, which reduces the number of funded units over time in conjunction with expanding housing capacity and increasing Permanent Supportive Housing availability.

This location has been time-limited from the outset in terms of use of property, but is also ideal for standdown as we believe the needs of the unique population served in this location can be addressed effectively by other resources in the community, Lee wrote in an email to The News Tribune.

According to Lee, veteran status is not a barrier to entry to any shelters in Tacoma, and people with veteran status are welcome to access any shelter as long as they meet the other requirements of any location. Veterans are also able to be specifically served by the Orting Veterans Village and through Supportive Services for Veteran Families programming through Catholic Community Services.

The City is meeting weekly with the staff at FOB Hope to ensure every resident transitions successfully, she said.

According to Pierce County, 8% of the thousands of people living in shelters and on the streets were veterans in 2023 and 2024.

FOB Hope case worker Nikkie Niquette said that the countys Point In Time count likely undercounts the number of homeless veterans.

When asked why such a proportion of the homeless population is veterans, Niquette said distrust.

Niquette described a distrust of the government that some vets feel has failed to take care of them and let them know the resources available to them. Many veterans feel unappreciated by the citizenry they fought for, Niquette added.

Niquette used the example of Vietnam veterans who returned to the states and were met with disdain from people who resented the militarys involvement in a controversial war.

They have blocked themselves out of society, Niquette said. I dont know many veterans that havent had trouble adjusting  even I do sometimes.

Creley said the shelter is uniquely positioned to serve homeless veterans because of the training and experience of the staff, many of whom have served in the military, including Niquette.

Creley said that many of the homeless veterans that stay at FOB Hope are combat veterans suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues related to their service.

Creley said that PTSD can cause veterans to get defensive and aggressive, sometimes leading to outbursts. They are behaviors that other shelters often do not tolerate, but at FOB Hope the staff is experienced and trained in how to help folks cope and work through their PTSD episodes.

We know what it is and how to react, Niquette said staff can recognize the symptoms before a PTSD episode and can help de-escalate before they happen.

FOB Hope also allows veterans to bring their pets, and couples can stay at the shelter  two things that other shelters often do not allow.

FOB Hope brings everybody in, said Niquette. And we wont give up on them.

Much of the work they do involves relationship building. Niquette said many veterans feel lonely while returning to civilian life after having constant camaraderie overseas. They return with trauma, guilt and emotions. They self-medicate with drugs to dull the trauma they carry with them after serving their country, according to Niquette.

They have their own set of barriers, Creley told The News Tribune. No veteran should be homeless in the country they served.

Creley said staff help veterans navigate the healthcare and housing resources available to them through Veterans Affairs (VA) - as many of them dont even know they are eligible for certain benefits and programs.

Ahead of the closure of FOB Hope, Creley promised that no veteran living there would be put back on to the streets. Of the roughly 25 tents that housed veterans, 14 remained occupied as of May 29, with many moved to a similar veterans village in Orting and to Aspen Court, a transitional housing facility in Tacoma.

Staff at FOB Hope is worried they will not receive the same specialized support they received at FOB Hope.

Creley does not blame the city for the closure of FOB Hopes. Their two-year contract with the city for $852,994 has expired, and it is understood that the city has some budgeting shortfalls. Although the shelter will close, Creley is hoping to keep all the staff employed as outreach specialists. They are currently applying for outreach grants with the city, Pierce County and King County to address the needs of homeless veterans in the region.
Westminster man issued summons after shooting himself in thigh

DENVER (KDVR)  The Boulder County Sheriffs Office said a man was issued a summons after he negligently discharged a pistol he was handling and shot his own leg.

Around 2 p.m. Sunday, dispatchers received a 911 text reporting that a man had shot himself near Bunce School Road in Boulder County.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Later, officials learned that a 44-year-old man from Westminster shot a pistol he was holding and struck himself in the upper thigh.

He was camping with family members who used a belt as a makeshift tourniquet to stop the heavy bleeding, the sheriffs office said.

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The family got the man in a car and started driving. They were met by crews with the Allenspark Fire Protection District who were looking for them on Highway 7 (South St. Vrain Road) west of Lyons.

The man was then taken to a nearby hospital by the Lyons Fire Department and was in stable condition.

As the Boulder County Sheriffs Office was investigating, it was determined that alcohol played a role in the negligent discharge. The sheriffs office said the man was issued a summons.

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.
Sherrie Tussler, a fierce and tireless advocate for the poor and hungry, has led Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force food bank since 1997.

Wednesday, on her 65th birthday, she will step aside from the organization she helped grow into a powerhouse. In retiring, Tussler trades life as one of Milwaukee's most prominent nonprofit executives  she was at the helm of everything from Thanksgiving turkey donation drives to news conferences condemning injustices  for home remodeling projects, walks with her dog and time with her two children.

Before joining Hunger Task Force as its chief executive officer, Tussler led Milwaukee's Hope House homeless shelter and worked as a crisis and sexual assault counselor. Over her career, she gained a reputation as someone unafraid to call out people in power for failures and inefficiencies, and as someone who thought creatively to solve problems. She brought to the forefront the city's most marginalized and invisible residents, and convinced donors to care about them.

Sherrie Tussler, the Hunger Task Force's retiring CEO, advocated for the city's most marginalized and invisible residents, and convinced donors to care about them.

It's an impressive career, but it wasn't what she dreamed of doing as a young person. Tussler wanted to be a high school art teacher. She laughs now thinking about it.

"I probably would've lasted as an art teacher for a few years before I needed to be the principal," she said. "Then, I don't think I was really in touch with my desire to be in a leadership role."

In an interview with the Journal Sentinel, she said she is proudest of the 208-acre Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin, where a half million pounds of fruits and vegetables are grown each year to supplement the food bank's offerings.

Associate director Matt King will take over as CEO, and Tussler will be on hand to advise as needed. But she's looking forward to doing the "Sherrie stuff" she didn't have time for during the pandemic, "before I get too old to have fun."

"The timing is really right," she said. "There's enough money in the bank here at the Hunger Task Force. We've had such strong relationships with donors. Our volunteers are all back and working real hard. Everything's in place. And so it should be reasonably easy to continue this tradition."

Tussler remains proud of the fact that Hunger Task Force is "free and local." That is, it's independent and no one has to pay for donations of food, unlike at other food banks nationally, which often provide food to pantries at a cost. It's thanks to the generosity of donors that the nonprofit could continue that model, Tussler said.

"Together, we made a huge difference here in Milwaukee, and we should and can continue to do so," she said.

Tussler's responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

More: 'We're not prepared': SDC's sudden closure leaves people scrambling for alternatives

Whats something you never expected to learn when you started at Hunger Task Force?

I didn't understand how powerful food is. Sometimes now I tell people that food is power. Some people have food, and some people don't, and it literally is an issue of inequity, and people should consider the circumstances under which we all live  in a place where we would allow some people to go without a basic need like food while we ourselves eat very, very well.

Reno Wright, advocacy director, and Sherrie Tussler, CEO, prepare an emergency food box at the Hunger Task Force on May 24 in Milwaukee.

I knew that Hunger Task Force was an advocacy organization, and I wanted to be an advocate and work to end hunger. But I didn't realize what an uphill battle it really was going to be, and what kind of systems changes would be required to just allow kids to have access to three meals a day. It's a lot more complicated than just collecting food and giving it to people.

How has the landscape of poverty and hunger changed in Milwaukee since 1997?

It's interesting you would bring it up. But I would think that we would probably go further back than '97. I graduated high school in 1977, and you didn't have to have a degree to get a job that paid a living wage. If you graduated straight from high school and got a job  mostly in manufacturing  you would make not just a living wage, but you could buy a house, you could get a car, you could have children without worry. All with a high school diploma.

And in the early 1980s, things just started to change. We had a horrible recession. We were struggling like none other. And a lot of manufacturing jobs left not just our area, but our country. And those living wage jobs were gone, and suddenly people were homeless and hungry. That was when we created sort of the landscape of food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters that we consider to be normal today. They were not normal. There wasn't a job for a food bank director when I graduated high school.

Do you think the issue of hunger has only gotten worse over your career?

I think it's hard to characterize that. Is it worse? Is it better? Is it the same? I would say we have grown to accept that in North America people can go without adequate food and shelter. That was an affront to our thinking when I was in high school. There was the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, there was the Sojourner Truth hubs for victims of domestic violence, but there weren't a half dozen shelters. People weren't sleeping in park-and-rides or underneath bridges. That just wasn't acceptable. And now I think that people walk around every day thinking there's always going to be some homeless or hungry people somewhere.

What has been your strategy in getting people in power to care about hunger and take action?

I always think of myself as the person in the room that, maybe, people in power failed to invite. If we're talking about homelessness, we should talk to homeless people. If we want to talk about childhood hunger, we should sit in a room full of children. As decision-makers and leaders, we often just have these conversations above or outside of a space where the people who are impacted are involved.

Sometimes I'm in a room, and I'm the only person who's going to speak out about what is wrong on behalf of the people that they didn't invite. So it can be difficult at times, but you just have to stand up and say, 'Here's the deal, people: This is what you haven't thought of.' Or, maybe, 'We should stop making decisions that are not including the people that need to be included.'

More: For low-income seniors, getting healthy food is a challenge. Hunger Task Force uses DoorDash to help.

How have you remained in touch with the people experiencing hunger and homelessness as a leader?

You just go out. I always say, if you want to know something, go look at it, go see it. So you go to a homeless shelter, you go underneath the bridge, you go to the children's classroom, you go to the distribution of food for the seniors. You've just got to go see stuff. I don't think we'd have near the ills that we have in our community if more people just took the time to go look at things themselves and formed their own opinions.

Youve dedicated your life to those on the margins. What fuels you? What makes you get up every day to do this work?

I think that I've always had a sense of justice and purpose. My father was a very strong-willed person who dedicated his life to service. He was not only a letter carrier, but he was the fire chief in our small town of Sturtevant. There was always something that we were involved with in the community. I think I had a sense of being involved with people.

One of my early jobs was first as a crisis counselor, and then later as a sexual assault counselor. (Once,) the crisis counselor's pager went off because a sexual assault counselor's pager didn't work, and I got called in to work in an emergency room. I had never seen or done anything like that before, but I was on call, so I went in. The business of empowering women inside of that emergency room who have been sexually assaulted, giving them back the power to say yes or no  someone had just taken away their consent and injured them in ways I can't even describe. And then you would say, 'What do you want to do? What do you need, and how can I help you get there? Let's let's sit down and just talk.'

I did that work for about eight years. That experience in particular really radicalized my thinking around what it means to be victimized, and how taking away someone else's consent in order to be in control over them is just horrifically wrong. Then apply that to things like homelessness or hunger, and you realize that people don't want to be homeless, people don't want to be hungry. You have to work with them, and through them, to get them to realize their strength, their worth and their rights.

Which change over your career are you the proudest to have seen through?

I think it's probably the (Hunger Task Force) Farm. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's 208 acres of gorgeous farmland, and we grow food for people in need, and we give it to them for free. So that project all by itself was just sort of a happenstance and an opportunity.

It was at a point in my career where we had enough resources where we could say yes to things instead of planning and grant writing and wondering if we'd ever get there. There's so many nonprofits with great ideas, but they don't have the juice to get it done. We were just at that point where we had enough juice to get it done. And it was so cool to be able to say yes.

When you bring that food to a food pantry, or a food distribution site, people are like, 'Wow, this is so gorgeous. Thank you for growing this food for me.'

More: With the end of universal free lunch in most Wisconsin school districts, what options remain?

Now in 2024, do you see lingering effects of the pandemic on the people you serve?

During COVID, people on FoodShare were lucky because they got additional emergency benefits given to them. If you think about how many people went on FoodShare during COVID, everybody suddenly knew someone on FoodShare. Maybe your brother lost his job. Maybe it was your coworker, maybe it was your child who finally got help buying food. And they not only got help, but they got amazing help  so much help that our food pantry numbers actually decreased. People took a vacation from poverty, and they could go to the grocery store and buy their own food.

So now the the fallout from that is, lots of people got jobs and got better and don't need FoodShare anymore Yay. But a lot of people who got that assistance  people who are differently abled, older adults, families with children who still need that aid  are now back to being dependent on a food pantry because the aid was pulled back to its previous levels (as low as $23 dollars a month). So you spend a lot of time explaining to people why the government doesn't make any sense.

Twenty-three dollars a month, just imagine what that's going to buy you. Especially for older adults and the differently abled, their incomes are set. They get a cost of living increase, and they get their $23 in FoodShare. But housing costs keep going up. Food costs are out of control. It's got to be near-impossible to make it.

More: Support for food insecurity rose during the pandemic, but Wisconsin families now left with patchwork of solutions to hunger

Sherrie Tussler, her brother John Tussler, left, and neighbor Reggie Butts pose for a photo at the Merrill Park house at 3405 W. St. Paul Ave. that Sherrie Tussler restored with the help of her brother and others. The house has been sold.

Rehabbing houses is a hobby of yours, and you just sold the 1890 Merrill Park house you remodeled. Whats next for you on that front?

A year ago about this time, I went down to Racine. I was going to the beach. I'm driving down the street, and there's a yard where they haven't mowed the grass, but it's early June. And I thought, that house is for sale! So I bought that house.

And it was awful. It was disgusting and gross and dirty inside, and funky, 1940s, not-my-style kind of house. I bought it back in August and we gutted it, and we're putting it back together. So that's where I live now. In about two weeks I'm going to start working on my patio out front.

When you said you were retiring, what did your two kids say?

'It's about time.' My youngest has been telling me to retire for years. I gave up a lot of kid time, mom time. It's hard working at a place that is so intense at the holidays. November's a really hard month here. The kids, they see their mom working that hard, and coming home late  they're done with it, I'm done with it.

What do you hope your legacy is in Milwaukee?

I would say that it should be one of hard work, honesty, perseverance. Those things pay off. Compassion for people. The ability to look someone in their eyes and bring a sense of dignity and comfort to them is something we should all do with each other. 'She worked hard. She did the right thing.'

In the months since you announced you were retiring, have people reached out?

There have been complete strangers that have written cards to me. It's really cool. And they tell me something that I didn't know about them, that at some point I touched them. I saved a whole pack of them because I thought, when I get bored, I'll read all these interesting cards from strangers.

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Hunger Task Force Sherrie Tussler reflects on retirement
HARBIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese court on Monday sentenced Fu Zhongwei, former head of the standing committee of the municipal people's congress of Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes.

The court ruled that between 2003 and 2022, Fu took advantage of his various positions in the province to help others in matters concerning business operations, case handling and job transfers, and in return illegally accepted money and gifts worth more than 64.7 million yuan (about 9.1 million U.S. dollars).

Fu was also fined 5 million yuan, and his illegal gains were confiscated and turned over to the state treasury, according to the verdict. 
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A shoplifter is accused of stabbing a security guard during a confrontation in a Manhattan Duane Reade on Saturday, police said.

Shadeed Walker, 26, allegedly attacked the 21-year-old guard during a fight in the store at 900 Eighth Ave. near 53rd Street at around 4 p.m., according to the NYPD. The worker was stabbed with a knife multiple times in the arm and body, police said. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Walker was arrested shortly after the attack and charged with assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon and menacing, authorities said.

2 NYPD officers shot in Queens: police

Walker pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Saturday, according to court records. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $225,000 bond. His attorney could not immediately be reached Monday.

Felony assaults have increased more than 4% this year compared to 2023, according to the latest NYPD data. There have been 9,755 felony assaults in 2024, up from 9,363 last year.

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.
Slate of Fox Valley candidates for Wisconsin Senate and Assembly races comes into focus

This story was produced as part of the NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab, a consortium of six news outlets covering northeastern Wisconsin.

APPLETON  The slate of candidates for the fall elections in Wisconsin came into focus Monday and included former Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert's return to politics.

The partisan elections cover the offices of the U.S. president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Wisconsin Senate (even-numbered districts) and Wisconsin Assembly. County offices such as district attorney, clerk, register of deeds and treasurer also are at stake.

The state Senate and Assembly races will reflect new electoral maps that were signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The maps were designed to more evenly divide the legislative districts between Democrats and Republicans and weaken advantages granted to Republicans by district maps passed in 2011.

Here is the list of candidates for the greater Fox Cities area. The deadline to file nomination papers was 5 p.m. Monday.

6th Congressional District (two-year term)

8th Congressional District (two-year term)

The candidates will appear on the ballot twice  once for a special election to serve out the remaining two months of Mike Gallagher's term and once for the regularly scheduled election.

Gallagher, R-Green Bay, departed in April and didn't seek reelection.

The winner of the special election will serve until Jan. 3, after which the winner of the regularly scheduled election will serve a two-year term.

Democrat: Kristin Lyerly

Republicans: Andre Jacque, Roger Roth and Tony Wied. A primary election will be held Aug. 13 to narrow the field to one candidate.







See the new state Senate districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Senate districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin Senate District 2 (four-year term)

The district covers Little Chute and a portion of Kaukauna along its southern border and stretches north covering Seymour, Clintonville and Shawano.

Democrat: Kelly Peterson

Republican: Eric Wimberger, who currently represents District 30

Incumbent Robert Cowles, R-Allouez, who has served since 1987, didn't seek reelection.

Wisconsin Senate District 18 (four-year term)

The district takes in the cities of Appleton, Menasha, Neenah and Oshkosh.

Democrat: Kristin Alfheim

Republicans: Anthony Phillips and Blong Yang. A primary election will be held Aug. 13 to narrow the field to one candidate.

Incumbent Dan Feyen, R-Fond du Lac, is seeking reelection to the Senate in District 20 after the new maps drew him out of District 18.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Assembly District 2

The district covers Kimberly, parts of Kaukauna, Wrightstown, Denmark, Mishicot and Reedsville.

Assembly District 3

The district encompasses Calumet County and parts of Manitowoc County.

Democrat: Jason Schmitz

Republican: Incumbent Ron Tusler

Assembly District 5

The district covers parts of Outagamie and Brown counties.

Democrat: Greg Sampson

Republican: Incumbent Joy Goeben

Assembly District 52

The district is concentrated around Appleton. The boundaries resemble District 57 under the previous maps.

Democrat: Lee Snodgrass, who currently represents District 57

Republican: Chad Cooke

Incumbent Jerry O'Connor will seek reelection to the Assembly in District 60.

Assembly District 53

The district covers Neenah and Menasha.

Former Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert entered the race, returning to political life after a two-year break. He served as as mayor from 2014 to 2022. Before that, Kaufert served 24 years as representative of Assembly District 55.

Democrat: Duane Shukoski

Republican: Dean Kaufert

Incumbent Michael Schraa will seek reelection to the Assembly in District 55.

Assembly District 54

The district is centered on Oshkosh and extends west along the north shore of Lake Butte des Morts.

Democrat: Incumbent Lori Palmeri

Republican: Tim Paterson

Assembly District 55

The district covers areas of Grand Chute, Fox Crossing, Winneconne and Omro.

Democrat: Kyle Kehoe

Republicans: Incumbent Nate Gustafson and Michael Schraa, who is the incumbent in District 53.

Assembly District 56

The district covers sections of Outagamie and Waupaca counties, including Black Creek, Hortonville and New London.

Calumet County clerk (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Beth Hauser

Calumet County district attorney (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Nathan Haberman

Calumet County register of deeds (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Tami Alten

Calumet County treasurer (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Mike Schlaak

Outagamie County clerk (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Kelly Gerrits

Incumbent Jeff King didn't seek reelection.

Outagamie County district attorney (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Mindy Tempelis

Outagamie County register of deeds (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Sarah Van Camp

Outagamie County treasurer (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Rochelle Oskey

Winnebago County clerk (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Julie Barthels

Winnebago County district attorney (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Eric Sparr

Winnebago County register of deeds (four-year term)

Democrat: Christopher Larson

Republican: Paul Esslinger and Susan Snyder. A primary election will be held Aug. 13 to narrow the field to one candidate.

Incumbent Natalie Strohmeyer didn't seek reelection.

Winnebago County treasurer (four-year term)

Democrat: None

Republican: Incumbent Amber Hoppa

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.

This story is part of the NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab's fifth series, covering issues important to voters in the region. The lab is a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations: the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Appleton Post-Crescent, FoxValley365, The Press Times, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Watch. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bays Journalism Department is an educational partner. Microsoft is providing financial support to the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to fund the initiative. The mission of the lab is to collaborate to identify and fill information gaps to help residents explore ways to improve their communities and lives  and strengthen democracy.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Slate of candidates now set for Wisconsin Senate and Assembly races
A Slovak citizen who fought on the side of the Russian occupying army has been captured in the combat zone in Ukraine.

Source: Aktuality, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Video of the captured Slovak was published by Ukrainian journalist, director and volunteer Oleksandr Kachura.

The man in the video introduced himself as Jaroslav Galajcik and said he was a citizen of the Slovak Republic.

Asked how he found himself in Ukraine, the man replied briefly that he had been captured by Ukrainian forces.

Kachura told Aktuality that he had an opportunity to talk to a captured man for about half an hour. The man was captured near the city of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast.

"Some of his fellow soldiers who were with him were killed before reaching the point they were heading to. He was a medic and had to evacuate the injured. Having suffered a contusion, he headed for our positions where he found empty trenches. He took cover there but a drone struck the trench, and he suffered another contusion. He kept walking but instead of reaching Russian positions, he reached ours," Kachura explained.

It is so far unknown when the Slovak man arrived in the combat zone. Before that he allegedly was in the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast where he used to assist in loading train cars.

Kachura stated that the man claimed he had not participated in combat actions, even though he was a contractor. He allegedly let the Russians recruit him into an international unit where he served along with Indians, Nepali and Mongols.

He does not want to return to Russia, preferring to serve his sentence in a Slovak prison for fighting in a foreign army.

In Slovakia, unauthorised recruitment is punished with a prison sentence from two to eight years.

"He was the only Slovak in his unit. The only EU citizen. He was accused of being a spy. I honestly did not expect this. This was the first time I spoke with a captured Slovak," Kachura revealed.

Journalists of Aktuality found a Facebook profile which may belong to the captured Slovak citizen.

The profile mainly contains mentions of Hinduism, and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, was chosen as his place of residence.

There were a lot of mentions of esotericism and meditation in the list of his hobbies.

It is so far unknown whether Ukrainian security services have contacted the Slovak side in connection with the man's detention.

The Slovak embassy in Kyiv so far has not been informed about the detention of the Slovak citizen. The journalists promised to turn to the Slovak Foreign Ministry.

Background:

Recently, the UK intelligence reported that Russia has been sending to its war against Ukraine certain people who were earlier supposed to be deployed in Africa.

In March, a former member of the Wagner PMC, who was headed to Transnistria, was not allowed to enter Moldova.

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A Palestinian flag flies next to a Slovenian, center, and a European Union flag, right, at the government building in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Thursday, May 30, 2024. Slovenias government has endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state and sent it to parliament for approval. Prime Minister Robert Golob's ruling liberal coalition has a comfortable majority in the 90-member assembly and the vote should be formality. The decision by the Slovenian government on Thursday comes just two days after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state. It was a move that was slammed by Israel. (AP Photo)

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP)  The main opposition party in Slovenia on Monday filed a motion demanding a referendum on the government decision to recognize a Palestinian state, which could delay the formal recognition vote in parliament.

Slovenia's government last week endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state and sent the proposal to parliament for a final approval. This was due on Tuesday but parliament could now postpone it up to 30 days.

Slovenias move came just days after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state, which was condemned by Israel.

The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party demanded a so-called consultative referendum on the recognition bid, arguing that the citizens should have a say on such an important issue that could have serious consequences for Slovenia.

The SDS party leader Janez Jansa said the move by the liberal government gives support to the terrorist organization Hamas.

The ruling coalition of Prime Minister Robert Golob holds a comfortable majority in Slovenia's 90-member assembly. Lawmakers must approve the recognition of the Palestinian state for the decision to take effect.

Parliament is expected to reject the SDS motion for the holding of the consultative referendum.

Jansa's SDS is biggest opposition party in Slovenia. The party's referendum motion comes just days before the European parliamentary elections which will be held in Slovenia on June 9.

Slovenia first began the recognition process in early May, but said it would wait until the situation in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza improved. Golob said he was speeding up the process in reaction to Israels latest attacks on Rafah, which have caused more than 1 million Palestinians to flee.

More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state  more than two-thirds of the United Nations.

Israel launched the assault 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 since killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians.
(Getty Images)

Too few public defenders and too many cases are stressing the criminal justice system in Washington, with counties struggling to ensure people accused of crimes, but unable to afford a lawyer, receive counsel as they are constitutionally guaranteed.

In less populated counties where finding private attorneys to fill the role can be difficult, cases are getting delayed or dismissed, leaving defendants and victims in the lurch.

Public defenders, prosecutors, judges and local government officials agree on the problem. But they disagree on whether shrinking public defender caseloads is the best immediate solution, as members of a Senate panel heard during a work session last week.

The crisis is that the accused are going unrepresented, in criminal and in civil cases, throughout the state because of the shortage of public defenders, Jason Schwarz, director of the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense, told the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

Without changes in the public defense system, the crisis will get worse, and more people will go unrepresented and their rights violated, he said. The victim here in this delay is not public defenders, its the defendants and the victims of crime who are subject to delays.

Recruiting and retaining public defenders is a struggle, especially in rural counties, as experienced barristers retire and newer hires bail for better-paying, less stressful jobs elsewhere, said Larry Jefferson, director of the states Office of Public Defense.

We have justice by geography. Depending on what county you live in determines your access to a public defender, he said.

A proposal from the Washington State Bar Association to ease pressure on public defenders by reducing caseloads is encountering concerns from prosecutors, judges, and lawmakers on potential costs and unintended consequences.

Under standards adopted by the state Supreme Court in 2012, a full-time public defense attorney or assigned counsel should have no more than 150 felony cases a year.

Last year, the American Bar Association, the National Center for State Courts and the RAND Justice Policy Program released the National Public Defense Workload Study that concluded public defenders should handle far fewer.

Washingtons high court asked the state bar association to weigh in on whether the cap needs adjusting. What the association is recommending is new maximums of 47 felony cases or 120 misdemeanor cases in a year, depending on ones primary area of practice. This reduction would be phased in over three years.

These standards I dont believe are obtainable. I dont think they are going to happen, said state Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, a former judge. What I think is going to happen is more cases will be dismissed and that is going to hurt our society as a whole.

Derek Young, interim executive director for the Washington State Association of Counties, didnt quibble with the need. He voiced concern about potential legal repercussions if standards are unmet.

What I hear with these standards is they are not goals. [But] they say must. And what I hear is a cause of action when we dont meet them, he said. It wont be counties only holding the bags when the cause of action comes, it will be the state of Washington as well.

Schwarz and Jefferson said workload is at the heart of this crisis and new caseload standards seek to address it in a way that will assure defendants receive counsel that is effective.

This is the solution. These standards are hard for people to swallow because they are expensive, Schwarz said. Without changes, the crisis will get worse.

Facing a costly reality

The U.S. Constitution and the Washington state Constitution guarantee court-appointed counsel for indigent defendants facing criminal prosecutions.

In Washington, the state picks up the tab for civil commitment actions where people are sent to psychiatric hospitals, representing parents in cases involving child custody, and handling appeals of indigent defendants, according to the suit.

Counties are left to cover legal defense costs for poor defendants in criminal prosecutions. Its eating up larger chunks of local government budgets as cases multiply, and get more complex and time-consuming.

This past year counties tried unsuccessfully to secure more aid through litigation and legislation.

They sued the state last fall, alleging inadequate state funding leaves counties unable to provide constitutionally adequate defense services for indigent individuals. But a Thurston County Superior Court judge dismissed the lawsuit in March.

Lawmakers did allot $1 million to increase the ranks of public defenders, including encouraging recent law school graduates or law students who are eligible to practice as legal interns to work in rural areas where the lack of counsel is most pronounced.

Adopting new caseload standards will be pricey. More lawyers, and legal staff must be hired. Complying with new standards could double or triple expenses of counties with a city official telling senators the added cost for the state could average $150 million a year more.

We are not here to argue against these caseload standards. They were developed by people who know what they are talking about, Young, with the counties association, said during the committee meeting. We do need to face reality on what those costs are.

Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, the committee chair, said the workforce issues are real and the challenge for the Legislature is clear.

It is May. Hopefully this gives everybody enough time to really come together and figure out how we will move forward, she said.

The post Can smaller caseloads help Washington fill its public defender ranks? appeared first on Washington State Standard.
ST. LOUIS  The manager of a Smoothie King store in Florissant is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the store over a lengthy period.

According to the Florissant Police Departments probable cause statement, the owner of the Smoothie King discovered in February that no cash deposits had been made for several months.

Police claim Ashley Schroeder, the employee responsible for making the deposits on behalf of the store, was keeping the cash for herself.

Residents claim bizarre post office excuses for undelivered mail

Schroeder eventually turned herself in and admitted stealing the deposits instead of taking them to the bank.

Police claim Schroeder said she used the money to buy drugs because she was addicted to methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Schroeder with one count of stealing  $25,000 or more. Schroeder was issued a summons to appear in court on July 10.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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FILE PHOTO: Ethiopian and Somali government soldiers line-up before embarking on a joint patrol in areas south east of Dusamareeb

By Giulia Paravicini

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Somalia will expel thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed in the country to help with security by the end of the year unless Addis Ababa scraps a disputed port deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, a senior Somali official said on Monday.

Security experts and foreign diplomats said the move risks further destabilising Somalia as local forces would be unable to fill the security vacuum, which would likely be exploited by fighters from al Shabaab, an affiliate of al Qaeda.

At least 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers are stationed in the Horn of Africa country as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission (ATMIS) fighting al Shabaab, which controls large portions of Somalia, while an estimated 5,000-7,000 are stationed in several regions under a bilateral agreement.

Relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa nosedived earlier this year after landlocked Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland - a part of Somalia which claims independence and has had effective autonomy since 1991, but has failed to win international recognition.

Ethiopia offered Somaliland possible recognition in exchange for being allowed to set up a naval base and commercial port  a move Mogadishu has called illegal.

"If they do not repeal the (agreement) before the end of June, or when the new mandate of the mission is decided, all Ethiopian troops, ATMIS and bilateral, will have to go," Somalia's national security adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali told Reuters by phone.

"Ethiopia cannot be an ally and at the same time an aggressor."

Spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) did not respond to requests for comment.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which is mandated by the U.N. Security Council, is due to fully withdraw and hand over security responsibilities to the Somali state by the end of 2024.

But the Somali government has requested several times for the withdrawal of troops to be slowed down, citing setbacks on the battlefield. The troops come from Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.

A new, smaller peacekeeping mission is expected to be announced by the end of June, with Somalia requesting that Ethiopia not be among the troop contributing countries, according to AU and African diplomats familiar with the plan.

"Given the current political climate, it will not possible to have ENDF be part of AU-led mission," Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs Ali Omar told Reuters.

(Reporting by Giulia Paravicini; Editing by Hereward Holland, William Maclean)
Sorry for throwing grenades in your cellar. The unusual fate of the first house liberated in D-Day beach landings

Their target was an elegant, two-story villa sitting solitary on a misty beach. No houses stood nearby, just minefields, military pillboxes and enemy machine gun posts.

It was D-Day, and on that overcast morning on June 6, 1944, 10 boats filled with Canadian troops crossed the English Channels choppy waters to head for the 1,500 yard stretch of Normandy coastline where the house was located.

These soldiers small part in the worlds largest seaborne invasion was to capture the coastal town of Bernieres-sur-Mer. Seizing the villa would be a key objective. Aerial photographs had led them to falsely believe that it was a railway station. Regardless of what it was, allied war planners wanted to use it as a lookout toward the sea once the beach was captured.

Canadian soldiers from 9th Brigade are seen landing at Juno Beach on D-Day. The house in the center managed to survive the battle. - Imperial War Museum/AFP/Getty Images

To get there, the troops would have to cross the open beach. It would be an assault landing, with almost nowhere to hide.

The troops hit the shore at 7:15 a.m. and were met by unrelenting machine gun and mortar fire. Within 20 minutes, the soldiers that had managed to survive the initial onslaught reached the villa and expelled the German troops inside. It was, in all likelihood, the first house to be liberated after the beach landings during Operation Overlord.

The cost was extreme. About 100 Canadians died on that beach in the first few minutes of the battle.

The villa, though riddled with bullet holes and other battle scars, was intact.

Eighty years later, the half-timbered home remains. It is called La Maison de Canadiens in French, or Canada House in English, and it is now a memorial dedicated to the Canadians who gave their lives to liberate France thanks to the work of one French couple.

Opening the door to strangers

The half-timbered home that many Canadian soldiers saw has been refurbished, but still looks much like it did on D-Day. - Joshua Berlinger/CNN

After Nicole and Herve Hoffer married in 1975 and then had children, they began spending more time at the familys vacation home Bernieres-sur-Mer. Nicole noticed that people walking by on the boardwalk between the house and the beach often stopped to take photographs of the building. She asked her husband why, but he didnt know.

The villa was constructed in 1928 by a Parisian man who wanted his two children to have vacation homes of their own. So he built two adjoining houses, with one side for his daughter and another for his son. Herve Hoffers grandparents purchased the daughters side in 1936.

The Hoffers knew that the house had been occupied by the Germans in 1942 and then returned to their family five years later, luckily relatively intact. Countless other homes had been destroyed by the allied bombardment during the Battle of Normandy.

But why people kept photographing their house was a mystery. So the Hoffers began inquiring, and many of the people taking pictures turned out to be Canadian veterans on a pilgrimage back to where they landed on D-Day. The couple would invite them inside for a beer, a glass of Calvados  an apple brandy native to Normandy  or a meal, over which former soldiers shared their stories.

Nicole Hoffer has for decades opened the doors to her summer home to Canadian veterans returning to Juno Beach. - Joshua Berlinger/CNN

Even in my own family, Ive been criticized  how could I open the door to strangers? Nicole Hoffer said. Id say, well, if the foreigners hadnt come, you might not be here today. They brought us freedom, many at the risk of their lives.

The Hoffers typically found the first moments of an encounter particularly moving. As veterans sat down for the first time, theyd look out the window as if they were in a film that had taken a decades-long pause, Nicole Hoffer said. Then they would share stories that even their families and friends had never heard.

With each meeting, the story of the Hoffer family vacation home emerged, piece by piece.

The family learned that when Canadian troops landed at H-Hour, the beginning of the amphibious assault, the Germans that were inside the home fired at them from a machine gun mounted on a bench and aimed outside the front window. Many of the soldiers who were not gunned down hid behind a beach wall near the home, from which they were able to regroup and expel the German troops from the house.

Many soldiers who return, Nicole Hoffer said, are surprised to find the wall gone, buried by sand over the years. The house, however, still looks mostly the same.

A summer home filled with war memories

The Hoffers have collected countless souvenirs over the years, including a cross (center) that one veteran discovered during the war. - Joshua Berlinger/CNN

The Hoffers found that as veterans kept coming back over the years, more and more began to bring souvenirs for them, so many that their summer home is now effectively doubles as a museum. Their guestbook has collected hundreds  if not thousands  of signatures from veterans and their families returning to Juno Beach. One signer, Ernie Kells, even apologized for tossing grenades into their basement to flush out German troops.

Donated medals, flags, paintings and other keepsakes adorn the walls, including a cross featuring a Jesus icon whose arm had apparently been blown off while in a soldiers pocket. The man had found the cross intact in a nearby house, and shrapnel that hit it may have saved his life. Years later, on his death bed, the man had asked his family to return the cross to the Hoffers home.

In the house, you find a lot of memories, she said.

Their guestbook is filled with hundreds of entries, including that of one soldier who tossed grenades into their cellar. - Joshua Berlinger/CNN

The Hoffers eventually began hosting their own ceremony to honor Canadas fallen soldiers. About a week before June 6, they light a paraffin lantern and leave it burning on the balcony. Then on the evening of the anniversary, bagpipers play as the lamp is tossed into the sea, while guests place flowers and crosses where the water meets the sand.

Herve Hoffer was responsible for throwing the lamp himself until his sudden death in 2017, To honor his memory, Nicole Hoffer has opened the house to even more veterans than when he was alive.

Now theres trips, entire buses who come and ask if we can open the house, she said.

For the 80th anniversary of D-Day this year, Hoffer is expecting a larger crowd. Not only will there be the usual contingent of visitors to her home, but the west side of the house will open to the public for the first time since being purchased by the local government. It is hosting an exhibit featuring the testimony of French men and women who lived through D-Day as children.

Photographs of the landing at Juno Beach are displayed on the wall next to Canada House. - Joshua Berlinger/CNN

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Two months ago, I had my third-scariest experience ever. Among terrifying moments where my life or someone elses flashed before my eyes, what happened that Thursday morning is topped only by what happened the Sunday morning I was attacked by burglars in my apartment in Buenos Aires and what happened the Tuesday morning I watched the second tower of the World Trade Center crumble to the ground in slow motion while walking down Avenue of the Americas in New York City. (Mornings can be rough in my world.)

As with 9/11, I didnt fear for myself during the latest frightful episode. Unlike 9/11, though, it wasnt about countless strangers perishing in real time several miles away but the person Im closest to, the man I go to bed with every night, fainting right in front of me.

My husband has suffered from recurring lower back pain for most of his adult life. Over the last three years, its tended to recur like clockwork every six months, leaving him mostly bedridden for no more than a week each time. On January 20, however, the agony was worse than usual. It became so excruciating that my husband passed out with his eyes open  at least thats what the EMT told us later. It looked like he was having a seizure.

I called 911 and two EMTs arrived, checked his vitals, hooked him up to an IV drip, put him on a stretcher, carried him downstairs, loaded him into an ambulance, and rushed him to the emergency room at Lenox Hill Hospital. Aside from routine blood work and an EKG, no tests were taken, and no diagnosis was made. The ER doctor prescribed him three different painkillers and recommended several days of bed rest. About a week and a half passed before my husband started to walk like his old self again. He continued to improve until February 15, when a relapse during our belated Valentines Day dinner sent him back to bed.

This time, we decided it was best for him to see an orthopedic surgeon who would hopefully pinpoint the source of his recurring back issues rather than just treat the symptoms. Two X-rays later, we had a name for what has supposedly been ailing him for years: spondylolisthesis. The doctor prescribed three different medications for the pain and referred him to a physical therapist to help strengthen his core and control the condition.

Related: Dr Feelbad and the Raging Hypochondriac

And thus began our descent into a hellish vortex of bad medicine that has included a careless physical therapist who ended up injuring my husband and setting back his recovery and an orthopedic surgeon who excels at spouting medical jargon and writing prescriptions but is less skilled at offering medical care  as in, he has yet to convince me that he actually cares about how my husband is feeling.

With people like this in his corner, its no wonder my husbands situation has improved only incrementally through several further relapses. At his follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon two weeks after the first appointment, the doctor ordered an MRI, shoving us further into the legal pyramid scheme  US healthcare  that, for decades, has been making insurance companies and the medical community rich while sending many of the rest of us to early graves.

Throughout the bureaucratic nightmare, Ive been thinking a lot about Beverly Hills 90210 actress Shannen Doherty, who is currently living with stage 4 breast cancer. She has talked about how she initially put off getting herself checked out due to a management snafu that, for a time, left her uninsured. According to a 2015 suit filed by Doherty against her former management company Tanner Mainstain, had she been insured and able to visit her doctor, the cancer could potentially have been stopped, thus obviating the need for the future treatment (including mastectomy and chemotherapy). If a big Hollywood star cant get access to timely health care in the US when she needs it most, what hope do the rest of us have?

On March 10, eight days after we scheduled the MRI for March 21, eviCore healthcare, which had been authorized by our insurance company, Aetna, to review our request for pre-certification, sent us a letter denying coverage. According to eviCore healthcare:

This request cannot be approved because: Imaging requires six weeks of provider directed treatment to be completed. Supported treatments include (but are not limited to) drugs for swelling or pain, an in office workout (physical therapy), and/or oral or injected steroids. This must have been completed in the past three months without improved symptoms.

Basically, we had two choices: 1) We could pay for the full cost of the MRI and get a precise and complete diagnosis that possibly might lead to more effective treatment and help us sidestep the expense of physical therapy. The MRI could also spot any other issues that the initial X-rays didnt pick up, preventing further complications down the road. 2) We could pay for two PT sessions a week for six weeks, at $142.74 a pop, since Aetna pays only a small fraction of our medical expenses until we reach the $4,000 deductible. Then wed get our pre-certification, which still wouldnt necessarily protect us from a hefty MRI bill. Either option would require us to spend well over $1,000. Incidentally, we received the denial notice from eviCore on the same day that we received a $508.78 bill for the first appointment with the orthopedic surgeon.

I havent felt so powerless against the system since my return to the US three years ago after 13 years of living abroad. Im back in the supposed land of the free, yet Americans who cant afford to pay the full cost of medical care  a group that apparently includes rich Hollywood stars like Shannen Doherty  arent really free at all. In order for most of us to have affordable access to health insurance, most of us have to tie ourselves to an employer, a guild, or a management company, and even then, we are left with massive medical bills. The US healthcare system has been designed so that those at the top of the pyramid, insurance companies and healthcare providers, get richer, while at the bottom, the sick get sicker.

Related: Confessions of a Nomadic Hypochondriac

I should have been more appreciative of the affordable healthcare everyone had access to during my 13 years living in various countries outside the US. I saw a heart specialist and a psychiatrist at a private practice in Serbia who treated my panic disorder for less than the cost of that first appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. They were also able to do what no expensive doctor in the US had been able to do: They got my anxiety under control.

In Ukraine, I had my first colonoscopy and an endoscopy, and I was treated for the gastritis they diagnosed afterward, all for less than $1,000. In Romania, I spent several hours in the ER of a public hospital where blood work was taken and I was connected to an IV drip of alprazolam. Total cost: $0.

While living abroad, I was impressed by both the low cost and the high efficacy of the medical treatment I generally received. In Sydney, my primary care physician ordered an MRI because of my chronic migraines, and pre-certification was nearly instant. My out-of-pocket cost: $0.

In Prague, a doctor gave me an injection for excruciating back pain. I walked out of the hospital pain free after paying a bill that was around $30. In Postonja, Slovenia, I went to see a doctor across the street from my hotel in the middle of the night because of a sore throat. He examined me and assured me it was just a minor malady that would go away on its own (which it did by the next morning). When I offered to pay, he smiled and said, Its on me.

That would never happen in the United States, a place where being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after passing out at home with your eyes open doesnt guarantee coverage for an MRI because you havent spent enough money yet. Im not sure theres any place on earth that feels safe and un-scary right now, but if we survive global warming and the latest threat of World War III, most Americans still will be at the mercy of a healthcare system that doesnt care if we live or die, as long as someone gets paid.

This post originally appeared on Medium and is edited and republished with author's permission. Read more of Jeremy Heligar's work on Medium.
* A new round of industrial upgrading featuring "new quality productive forces" is ongoing in the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai.

* The adoption of advanced technologies is transforming traditional factories, while large-scale scientific facilities and high-quality incubators has lowered the difficulty of turning ideas into commercially viable applications.

* A roadmap has been drawn to foster new quality productive forces, namely encouraging innovation to begin with, cultivating emerging industries and optimizing production factors to realize deepened industrial upgrading.

SHANGHAI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- In the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, a new round of industrial upgrading is in progress, as the country moves to foster strategic emerging industries and technological innovation -- in other words, the "new quality productive forces."

From large-scale scientific facilities and high-quality incubators to robots, automobiles and biomedicine, the concept of new quality productive forces has penetrated all aspects of the production process in Shanghai, making production more efficient and people's lives better.

This undated file photo shows a digital factory for passenger vehicles under Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua)

NEW FACTORIES

The adoption of advanced technologies such as robots, artificial intelligence, industrial internet and big data is transforming traditional factory environments. The outdated impression of factories with roaring machines and loud conversations is steadily fading away.

Shanghai is the first city in China to count robot density, the number of robots per 10,000 employees. By 2025, the robot density in key industries in Shanghai will reach 500 units.

At a factory of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation with over 400 robots, a new car rolls off the production line roughly every 70 seconds.

With the help of image recognition technology, the body assembly robot can accurately find the corresponding engines of different models from the stack. At the same time, the wheel installation robot can complete the assembly of a car's four wheels by itself.

Every 12 minutes, a "Made in the Yangtze River Delta" robot rolls off the production line at Shanghai STEP Robotics Corporation, with all the parts sourced from Shanghai and Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.

The scenes of robots making robots not only exist in fiction, but have become a reality.

What comes into view at the Shanghai-based JAKA Robotics factory are rows of big and small robots with various functions: applying glue to Bluetooth headphones, welding for automobiles, cleaning super large astronomical devices ...

"Based on AI and big data, our robots' intelligent perception, trajectory planning, operational accuracy and interaction ability are constantly optimized," said Li Mingyang, chairman of JAKA.

This photo taken on May 22, 2024 shows a "light-out" factory of Baosteel in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

Walking into the cold-rolling workshop at Baosteel in Shanghai is like entering a dark steel jungle.

The "AI brain" supports the main control room with only three operators. Robots have replaced manual work in the workshop, so the lights are often turned off to save energy. Even automotive panels that require high process complexity can still be smoothly produced with almost no lighting.

This photo taken on May 27, 2024 shows an interior view of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

NEW BOOSTERS

Transforming business ideas into commercially viable applications has never been more achievable than it is today in Shanghai, thanks to large-scale scientific facilities and high-quality incubators.

The Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) has the ability to illuminate the microscopic world, which is like providing a pair of "intelligent eyes" for scientific research.

With 34 beamlines and 46 experimental stations, the SSRF has served more than 47,000 users from nearly 800 institutes and over 4,500 research teams across the country and supported users in completing more than 20,000 experimental projects, according to the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Shanghai boasts 20 large-scale scientific facilities that are either built, under construction, or planned. The world's largest and most comprehensive photon science facility cluster has already taken shape.

If large scientific facilities provide "super tools" for scientific and technological innovation to achieve breakthroughs from 0 to 1, then high-quality incubation and acceleration institutions help innovation results achieve a leap from 1 to 10.

Data showed that over 20 foundation models have been registered and launched in Shanghai. The Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, known as the first stop for foundation model startups to establish themselves in Shanghai, has witnessed the flourishing of nearly 70 relevant companies, heralding a round of AI revolution.

This photo taken on May 23, 2024 shows an exterior view of the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

NEW SCENARIOS

In fields of high-end equipment, smart terminals, biomedicine, aerospace and other industries, "future" has always been the key word in the high-quality development of Shanghai.

Adopting the latest technologies from the SSRF, Ruijin Hospital Proton Therapy Center has treated over 100 patients using China's first domestically developed proton therapy system.

This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows a rotating mechanism of a proton therapy facility at Ruijin Hospital Proton Therapy Center in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

United Imaging, a Shanghai-based private enterprise founded in 2011, has developed a series of medical imaging and radiotherapy products and life science instruments, and can provide medical digitization and medical artificial intelligence solutions.

The cruise industry, with a long industrial chain and a high degree of internationalization, is often called "the golden industry that floats." Over 1,000 domestic and foreign manufacturers were involved in the building of Adora Magic City, China's first domestically built large cruise ship.

Since its maiden voyage, Adora Magic City has completed 34 journeys and received nearly 150,000 tourists. In the meantime, China's second homegrown large cruise ship entered a shipyard in Shanghai for final assembly. Though boasting a larger size, the construction efficiency of the new ship has accelerated by 20 percent. It is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

This photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows the cruise ship Adora Magic City in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

The municipal government told Xinhua that a roadmap has been explored and generally followed to foster new quality productive forces, namely encouraging scientific and technological innovation to begin with, cultivating emerging industries and optimizing production factors to realize deepened industrial upgrading.

(Video reporter: Di Chun; Video editors: Hong Ling, Zhao Xiaoqing, Wu Yao) 
A South Carolina woman was killed Sunday in an early-morning crash, according to the Berkeley County Coroners Office.

Kelli Johnson, a 30-year-old Bonneau resident, died in what Coroner Darnell Hartwell called an accident.

The two-vehicle collision happened at about 1:55 a.m. on U.S. 52 North, said Master Trooper Gary Miller of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Johnson was driving a 2020 Hyundai SUV east on U.S. 52, according to Miller. Near the intersection with Caprine Lane a 2014 Dodge SUV that was heading west on U.S. 52 crossed the center line into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with the Hyundai, Miller said.

Johnson died at the scene, according to Hartwell.

Miller said neither a passenger in the Hyundai nor the Dodge driver were hurt, and no other injuries were reported.

There was no word if anyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt.

Information about what caused the Dodge to veer into oncoming traffic was not available, but the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroners office.

Through May 22, at least 357 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 11 people have died in Berkeley County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 60 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS said.
United Nations Security Council meeting on Middle East and Palestine at the United Nations Headquarters in New York

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - South Korea plans to convene in mid-June a public United Nations Security Council meeting on human rights abuses in North Korea, Seoul's U.N. envoy said on Monday, a move that is likely to anger Pyongyang and face opposition from Russia and China.

The 15-member council last met on the issue in August 2023, its first public discussion since 2017. China opposed it then - saying the council should not discuss human rights issues - but did not try to block the meeting due to a lack of support.

The U.N. Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security. China and Russia argue that the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council is the appropriate venue for discussions on human rights.

South Korea's U.N. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang said he hoped there would significant support among council members to hold a meeting, noting that the issue of human rights in North Korea - whose formal name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) - is formally on the Security Council's agenda.

"The DPRK human rights and humanitarian situation is closely interlinked with North Korea's aggressive WMD nuclear development," he told reporters, using the acronym for "weapons of mass destruction, as South Korea assumed the Security Council presidency for June.

The North Korean, Russian and Chinese U.N. missions in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

North Korea has repeatedly rejected accusations of abuses and blames sanctions for a dire humanitarian situation. Since 2006 it has been under U.N. sanctions over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, but there are aid exemptions.

Between 2014 and 2017 the Security Council held annual public meetings on human rights abuses in North Korea. The council held annual formal meetings behind closed doors on the issue between 2020-2022

A landmark 2014 U.N. report on North Korean human rights concluded that North Korean security chiefs - and possibly leader Kim Jong Un himself - should face justice for overseeing a state-controlled system of Nazi-style atrocities. The United States sanctioned Kim in 2016 for human rights abuses.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a reception dinner held in Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, the eve of the Korea-Africa Summit. -/YNA/dpa

South Korea is to suspend a 2018 joint military agreement with North Korea amid rising tensions in the region, the National Security Council (NSC) decided on Monday.

The NSC had decided to suspend the agreement "until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored," the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol announced. A proposal on the suspension is to be put to the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Suspension of the agreement, which was terminated by North Korea in November, will allow military exercises near the demarcation line separating the two countries to resume, according to the information provided. The exercises had been cut back under the agreement.

In September 2018, the two sides agreed a series of measures as part of a temporary rapprochement aimed at avoiding incidents along the heavily defended border.

The launch of a North Korean spy satellite led Seoul to partially suspend the agreement in November. Pyongyang responded by stating it would withdraw entirely.

Monday's decision by the NSC follows a warning from South Korea after North Korean balloons carrying refuse were sent over the border. The South Korean military also accused North Korea of jamming the GPS satellite navigation system in the border region for five days in a row.

Pyongyang described its balloons as a response to propaganda flyers sent over the border by South Korean organizations. It said on Sunday that it planned to halt the balloon campaign temporarily.
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)  The Southeast Health has hired a new interventional neurologist, a doctor trained to diagnose or treat neurological disorders using minimally invasive techniques.

Dothans newest neurologist, Dr. Damon E. Patterson, earned his BA in Pre-Med and Interactive Media Design with honors from the University of Tennessee and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Tennessees College of Medicine in Memphis.

Before arriving in Dothan, he completed a residency program at the University of Tennessees Medical Center in Knoxville, and then a three-year residency in Neurology at UAB. He was then trained in Neurointerventional Surgery at UAB and Vascular Neurology in New York, at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Patterson comes to the Southeast with over 10 years in Louisianas Neuroscience Center of Acadiana and its Lafayette General Medical Center/Ochsner as director of Stroke and Neurointervention.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Southern California police seize more than 200 pounds of meth from Airbnb rental

Police in Alhambra say they seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine from an Airbnb rental home.

In a post made to social media on Sunday morning, the Alhambra Police Department said cleaning crews found the illegal drugs located inside boxes in a residence on the 1400 block of Ethel Avenue. After the crews reported the findings, officers seized about 235 pounds of methamphetamine from the boxes.

RING camera footage showed suspects using a Uhaul moving van to transport the drugs. While officers were at that scene, the van returned to the home before quickly making a U-turn when they saw police.

Officers eventually caught the two suspects and arrested them on suspicion of transporting narcotics, police said.

In a statement to KTLA 5 News on Monday, Airbnb said it was cooperating with the investigation.

The reported criminal activity has no place on Airbnb and we have removed a booking guest from the platform as investigations continue, the company said. Our team is working closely with the host to provide support, and we stand ready to assist the Alhambra Police Department with their investigations.

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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Firefighters in Southern California are working to contain a growing vegetation fire that has spread across the U.S.-Mexico border.

One of many that have broken out throughout California just this weekend, the wildfire  dubbed the Border 53 Fire  has continued to grow in size since it started Saturday afternoon.

California firefighters continue battling wind-driven wildfire east of San Francisco

As you can see in Cal Fires incident map below, the vegetation fire that began at 12:35 p.m. Saturday in Buttewig Canyon on the south slope of Otay Mountain has now spread across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Cal Fire is reporting the fire is now 400 acres and 60% contained, with about 250 acres burning on the U.S. side of the border as of Monday evening. This is up from 80 acres Saturday, 100 acres Sunday morning and 250 acres Sunday night.

Cal Fire Public Information Officer Brent Pascua told FOX 5 Sunday night the fire is 150 acres on the Mexican side.

Border 53 Fire (Photo: Cal Fire)

Firefighting air tankers from throughout California have been flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters from the Viejas Fire Department and Cal Fire have been working on increasing containment throughout the day Sunday, and say fire activity was lower Saturday night because there was more humidity in the air from the marine layer.

As of Monday, the wildfire remained at 250 acres on the U.S. side, however firefighters have been able to contain it to around 60%.

Cal Fire suspending residential burn permits in San Diego County amid dry conditions

A total of 60 fire personnel have been assigned to battle this fire, according to Cal Fire.

The cause and circumstances leading up to the fire have not been determined at this time and remains under investigation. Real-time updates can be found here.

This wildfire is just one of several in California currently. Cal Fires incident page shows all the active wildfires through the state  Boyd Fire in Tulare County (36 acres), Corral Fire in San Joaquin County (14,168 acres), Park Fire in Riverside County (13 acres), Red Fire in Kern County (98 acres) and West Fire in Santa Barbara County (478 acres).

So far in 2024, there have been 1,253 wildfires across the state, with 13,790 acres burned and four structures destroyed.

Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Raymond C. Pierce (Photo courtesy of the Southern Education Foundation)

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts unanimous ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Education that ended the legal segregation of American public schools.

Today, however, despite much progress on many fronts, resistance to racial integration in education remains stubbornly persistent and sadly, this is the case here in North Carolina, where the data show that many, many schools remain hugely and destructively segregated. So where does this leave us and what steps do leaders need to take to get things back on track? Recently NC Newsline caught up with the President of one of the nations leading education research organizations  Raymond c. Pierce of the Southern Education Foundation  to get his assessment.

The post Southern Education Foundation president Raymond C. Pierce on racial segregation in public schools appeared first on NC Newsline.
Southwest Airlines is back in court over firing of flight attendant with anti-abortion views

FILE - Southwest Airlines plane prepares to land at Midway International Airport, Feb. 12, 2023, in Chicago. Southwest Airlines is back in court over firing a flight attendant with anti-abortion views. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Whether a flight attendant was fired for her religious beliefs or for improper conduct when she sent graphic anti-abortion material and disparaging messages to a union leader was at the heart of appeals court arguments Monday, as Southwest Airlines and the union sought to reverse an $800,000 award to the woman.

The case also involves an earlier judge's contempt order requiring three of the airline's attorneys to undergo religious liberty training from a conservative advocacy group.

Three judges with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Monday. Appellate Judge Corey Wilson closely questioned attorneys on both sides of the lawsuit, filed by flight attendant Charlene Carter against the airline and her union.

Wilson said the key question in the case was how an employer should balance allowing actions such as Carters messages, while also not creating a hostile workplace for other employees.

Southwest argues it broke no laws firing Carter because she violated company rules requiring civility in the workplace by sending hostile and graphic anti-abortion messages to the union leader, who was a fellow flight attendant.

Wilson questioned whether Carter was treated fairly when the airline looked at her Facebook feed and found the material deemed objectionable.

Shay Dvoretzky, an attorney for Southwest, said the airline only looked at Carter's social media because she had used Facebook to send the anti-abortion messages.

According to court documents, Carter called the coworker and union leader despicable for attending the 2017 Womens March in Washington, D.C., which featured calls for protecting abortion rights.

Carter's attorneys argue in briefs that she made clear to management she sent the material because she was a Christian and an opponent of abortion. They say firing her violated federal law shielding employees from religious-based discrimination and that Southwest management and the union, which complained about Carter's messages, should be held liable for her firing.

The judge asked Carters attorney whether any worker should be allowed to get away with harassing coworkers as long as its cloaked in religious conduct or religious practice.

Monday's arguments did not address another aspect of the appeal  a contempt order requiring religious law training for three Southwest attorneys.

The airline argues the training violates First Amendment speech rights of the attorneys.

Lawyers for Carter say the type of training ordered is a commonplace civil contempt sanction. They deny it impinges on the airlines free speech rights.

The contempt order was issued after U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr, a Trump nominee who joined the bench in 2019, ordered the airline to tell flight attendants that under federal law, it may not discriminate against Southwest flight attendants for their religious practices and beliefs.

Instead, the Dallas-based airline told employees that it does not discriminate, and told flight attendants to follow the airline policy it cited in firing Carter.

Starr found Southwest in contempt in August for the way it explained the case to flight attendants. He ordered Southwest to pay Carters most recent legal costs and he dictated a statement for Southwest to relay to employees. He ordered the three lawyers to complete at least eight hours of religious liberty training from the Alliance Defending Freedom, which offers training on compliance with federal law prohibiting religious discrimination in the workplace.

The conservative group has played a high-profile role in multiple legal fights. They include defending a baker and a website designer who didnt want to work on same-sex marriage projects, efforts to limit transgender rights and a challenge to longstanding federal approval of a medication used in the most common way to end a pregnancy.

The initial monetary award against Southwest and the union was $5.1 million, the bulk to be paid by Southwest. The judge, citing federal limits on punitive damages, later reduced it to about $800,000, including $450,000 in damages and back pay from Southwest, $300,000 in damages from the union and about $60,000 in interest.

___

The story has been updated to correct the amount of the award to $800,000, from $8 million. The summary has been corrected to show that arguments were Monday.
ST. CLOUD  The first shipment of the Inspiration Mock Orbiter arrived Monday morning in St. Cloud.

At approximately 7:30 a.m., two trucks brought parts to the public works building in St. Cloud. Later on this summer, a fleet of 10 trucks are expected to make their way from Florida to Minnesota, LVX System founder Felicity John Pederson told the St. Cloud Times. Mondays shipments contained smaller pieces, and the large body is expected to arrive in mid-June.

Currently, the future location for the project is up in the air.

Pederson, who is the organizer behind bringing the shuttle to St. Cloud, said he saw a potential site downtown, but is doubtful the spaceship will fit. He said conversations are still underway to find a permanent location for the shuttle. Pederson said the shuttle will be located behind the public works building for the time being.

I looked at Eighth Avenue, and they wanted to choose it, but I said, I don't see how this can fit here. The shuttles too big, Pederson said. If you want to make it into a spaceport, you would literally be covering St. Mary's Church  that's not a good idea.

Mayor Dave Kleis previously told the St. Cloud Times he would like to see the spaceship located downtown. The hope was to bring economic development to the citys central hub with low foot traffic.

Our highest priority (for our city and the region) right now is economic development in the downtown, so what better way to do that than to put in an attraction there?" Kleis previously said.

The first shipment bringing Inspiration Mock Orbiter arrived in St. Cloud Monday morning.

Once the shuttle is in place, Pederson said the idea is to create a virtual reality experience to show what it could be like on other planets. This idea comes after failed conversations with the children's museum.

"This thing is gonna be so realistic in reality from fiction, and nobody's going to Saturn anytime soon," Pederson said. "(It's like) an airline selling you a ticket to places they can't take you."

Corey Schmidt covers local government for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Parts of Inspiration Mock Orbiter space shuttle arrive in St. Cloud
A precocious puppy found himself in a bit of a pickle Sunday after he became trapped in a storm drain in a senior living community in Sparta, according to township first responders.

Hubbell, who appears to be a white, tan and grey poodle mix, was rescued with help of Sparta Township Fire Department firefighters after he was reported trapped around 7 p.m. in Knoll Heights Village. Hubbell, who by no means is a smaller dog, found his way into a drainage pipe, "but was unable to find his way back out," the fire department said in a post on Facebook.

Members of the Sparta Township Fire Department helped rescue a dog that was stuck in a storm drain on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

With help from the police, nearby residents, and with some coaxing by his owners, Hubbell was successfully rescued from the drain, which required some digging due to built-up debris.

Hubbell was uninjured and was all-smiles in photos posted by the fire department Sunday evening post-rescue, although he appeared a bit disheveled and a bit muddy.

Members of the Sparta Township Fire Department helped rescue a dog that was stuck in a storm drain on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

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"We're happy to report that other than needing a bath, he'll be just fine," the department stated.

Lori Comstock can be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Sparta NJ firefighters help rescue dog stuck in storm drain
NAIROBI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Climate change has increased the threats against endangered wild animals in Kenya, further putting them at the risk of extinction, a government official has said.

Soipan Tuya, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said black rhinos are among the wild animals facing great danger from climate change as their population declines.

Over the years, the animals' population has been falling, mainly due to poaching, with conservationists stepping up efforts to fence game parks to protect them.

Despite the fencing, however, climate change effects like frequent heavy rains and drought pose even a bigger threat to the survival of the animals, Tuya said.

"We will keep on fencing the ecosystem where the wild animals live, but we must remember that climate change is the biggest threat," she said on Sunday in Kajiado County, during the Rhino Charge, an event through which conservationists raise funds to protect the black rhino.

The Kenyan government is carrying out a campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 to improve wildlife ecosystems and counter climate change, Tuya said.

Black rhinos are categorized as severely endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, there are about 1,000 black rhinos in Kenya, which seeks to boost the number to 2,000 by the year 2037. 
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Springdale man pleaded guilty on Thursday to helping solicit a minor to join a gang among other charges, according to court documents.

Rogelio Ramirez, 29 (Courtesy: Washington County Jail)

Rogelio Ramirez, 29, pleaded guilty to soliciting or recruiting a minor to join or remain a member of a criminal gang, a felony, and misdemeanor charges of possessing an instrument of crime and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

He was sentenced to six years in prison with two years suspended and fined $2,000.

Springdale man pleads guilty, sentenced for recruiting minor to join gang

Ramirez was arrested on July 24. Instagram messages found on his phone showed he had actively recruited multiple juveniles into a gang from schools across Northwest Arkansas.

Investigators identified at least 10 minors that Ramirez had been recruiting and believe he was either the leader or held a leadership position in the Savage Locos street gang.

An affidavit said Ramirez made a statement that referenced the minors who were in the gang, were in it until they died and they could not leave.

Rogelios brother, Marco Ramirez, 21, was sentenced to 20 years with 10 years suspended in April for his involvement in the Savage Locos gang.

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.
St. Petersburg tradition American Stage in the Park might not come back

American Stage in the Park, a St. Petersburg tradition for nearly four decades, is in jeopardy of going away.

Every year, the American Stage team builds a stage at Demens Landing Park on the downtown waterfront to present a musical. During the production of Disneys Beauty and the Beast this spring, it was announced that next years park production would be Hair. But beyond that, according to a news release, the theater companys park production hangs in the balance.

Starting in July, the Save the Park fundraiser will begin. The goal of the campaign is to alleviate financial worries and position the company for the future.

American Stage said it isnt in danger of closing. But the release cited rising costs and dwindling attendance as reasons why it needs help.

In a letter to the community, producing artistic director Helen R. Murray described how the staff must secure rentals, permits, cranes, storage, materials and hire labor for the outdoor productions.

Murray said that while the production is the companys biggest moneymaker, its also its most expensive to produce and doesnt pay for itself. Ticket prices have gone up in recent years.

The annual cost of the park show now hovers at approximately $600,000-$650,000, she said in the release. The most we have ever earned from park has been $445,000. In a bad year we lose about $350,000. In a good year, like we had with Beauty and the Beast, we lost about $160,000.

American Stage is still feeling the effects of the pandemic, Murray said.

We have not been immune to the post-pandemic struggles. Lower attendance, lower donation income, and lower grant income coupled with rising labor costs, higher union rates, growing materials costs, and sky-high royalty and rental amounts have put American Stage in a precarious position, she said.

The company doesnt want to raise ticket prices to levels that would make it too expensive for the majority of the community to attend, Murray said in the release.

We weigh all of these realities with the most glaring truth  the constant cash burn has put American Stage into a critical moment. Something has to give.

Details about the fundraiser are still to come. For more information, email the development team at development@americanstage.org.
A State College man was accused Monday of dumping his dead roommates body in a stolen trash can and leaving it at a property he believed was abandoned.

Christopher L. Hampton, 50, was charged with three misdemeanors after the man was found at a College Township property in December 2022. Neither the mans name nor age was released.

He was not charged for causing the mans drug overdose death, but a State College police detective wrote in an affidavit of probable cause that Hampton took several days to consider what to do with his body after a trip to Ohio.

Hampton told investigators the man fell during a stop at a gas station near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border and was injured. They returned to a home on the 100 block of West South Hills Avenue in State College, where Hampton said he left him in the driveway wrapped in a carpet for a few days while he decided what to do, police wrote.

A woman told officers Hampton texted her a bloody photo of the unconscious man on the drive back with a message that said I think he died, police wrote. The woman said the man was dead by the time Hampton returned.

She was aware the man remained in her garage for several days while Hampton decided how best to dispose of the body, police wrote. She also discussed several ideas with Hampton, police wrote.

The woman has not been charged. Borough police Lt. Chad Hamilton said the investigation is ongoing.

Hampton admitted to stealing a borough-issued trash can, dumping the man inside it and wheeling it to a building on the 300 block of Oakhurst Lane, police wrote. He said he put the man in the can by himself and showed detectives where he put it, police wrote.

A forensic pathologist said the man died of a drug overdose, which included fentanyl, methamphetamine and a powerful animal tranquilizer called xylazine. There were no signs of injury or trauma that could have caused the mans death, police wrote.

Hampton was charged with abuse of a corpse, theft and receiving stolen property. District Judge Gregory Koehle set bail at $10,000. Hampton has been incarcerated since last month at the Centre County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges.

Centre County Deputy Public Defender Patrick Klena, who represents Hampton on the unrelated charges, said Monday he has not yet been appointed to represent him on the newest charges.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12.
A state entity that once cultivated ties between Oklahoma and Israel will be reestablished if the governor adds his signature to a bill approved in the waning hours of the 2024 legislative session.

Senate Bill 729, authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, in the House and Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, in the Senate, would reestablish the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Commission with the goal of promoting trade, joint action on policy issues, exchanges, economic support and other efforts that would benefit both Oklahoma and Israel.

McBride said he is a Christian who has always been a big supporter of Israel so he was excited when the measure was one of the last bills the Senate approved before they adjourned on Thursday. The bill was approved in April by the House.

"This is one of my most important pieces of legislation I wanted to get through," McBride said on Friday.

He said he has traveled to Israel numerous times and had been there about a month before the Hamas attack on the Middle Eastern country on Oct. 7, 2023. The legislator said he looked for ways to strengthen the ties between Oklahoma and Israel as a way to show support for Israel but also nurture already existing economic partnerships.

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He said he envisioned the commission helping the state better facilitate economic exchange with Israel, which he described as an "important trade partner."

McBride said the bill would not establish a brick and mortar office in Jerusalem, but it would allow for the state to contract with an organization in Jerusalem that would explore potential economic partnerships and other projects between Oklahoma and Israel.

Mark McBride, R-Moore, serves District 53 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Cleveland County.

Edie Roodman, executive director of the nonprofit Oklahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE), said the Chickasaw Nation has agreed to give a matching $20,000 grant that would help fund a state contract with EDI, an Israeli organization that represents countries and some American states wishing to establish partnerships with Israel.

SB 729 would be composed of nine members who would not be required to be in Israel. The members of the commission would be appointed by the Senate president pro tem, speaker of the House and the governor. The members must be a representative of an Oklahoma college or university, the Israeli American community, or an Oklahoma industry or trade industry engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Israel.

Longtime connections

Roodman said she was "overjoyed" when McBride contacted her to tell her he was working to reestablish the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Commission. Roodman served as executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City for 25 years before taking the helm of OKIE in 2018 so she said was aware of the strong connections that have been made between Oklahoma and Israel over the years.

She said then-Gov. David Walters signed a memorandum of understanding between the Oklahoma and Israel after he returned from visiting Israel in 1992. She said Oklahoma, during Gov. Frank Keating's administration, took another step toward strengthening ties with Israel by starting the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Commission.

Roodman said Keating set up the funding mechanism for the commission under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. She said the commission was active for about 10 years until its funding was terminated due to state budget cuts during Gov. Mary Fallin's tenure.

Former Oklahoma first lady Cathy Keating and husband, former Gov. Frank Keating, present a scarf to Edie Roodman, executive director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange, on Oct. 17 during A Night to Stand With Israel at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

Roodman said she was cautiously optimistic that Gov. Kevin Stitt would sign SB 729 into law because he has been a strong supporter of Israel.

Friday, Stitt said he didn't know the details of the the bill after he was asked if he supported the measure. But, the governor voiced his longstanding support for Israel. The elected leader showed that support when he visited Israel in November 2023, amid the war between Israel and Hamas. Stitt and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with Israeli leaders, notably Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Roodman said several people had talked about reviving the de-funded commission over the years, but it never happened. She said McBride asked to discuss the possibility with her, but she thought the process to restart the commission would be too time consuming for the legislator, particularly because the 2024 legislative session was his last due to term limits.

"It was McBride's leadership," Roodman said. "He was just bound and determined to make it happen, and I could not be more grateful."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lawmakers see trade boost with revival of Oklahoma-Israel commission
Vanida Phrathep is shown with her daughter Scarlette at a family event at Beautiful Beginnings in Providence in April 2024. (Courtesy of Vanida Phrathep)

The poet Emily Dickinson once wrote, To wait an hour/is long.

How about two months? Thats how long Vanida Phrathep, a Providence mother of three, sat on proverbial pins and needles, wondering if her then 4-year-old son Noah would get into state-funded pre-K.

Its the waiting that was really anxiety-provoking, Phrathep said in a recent phone interview.

Her angst was due in part to the states method of assigning free seats for its pre-K program: A randomized lottery.

The word lottery implies something like a scratch ticket, whose foiled surface favors no one in particular. But since its debut 15 years ago, the RI Pre-K lottery has been not so much a gamble as it is a system engineered to educate the states youngest in economically and socially diverse environments.

When parents apply for state-funded pre-K, the application states the lottery is not income dependent. But how students are chosen is not left entirely to chance. Add in the fact that state-funded pre-K is not the only way to educate your 4-year-old, and you begin to see the densely layered landscape that is early childhood education in Rhode Island.

Theres many, many people who are confused, said Leanne Barrett, policy analyst at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, which helped fund the research and design behind the pre-K program.

Even lawmakers have trouble understanding it.

There are some families that do have the income to potentially go somewhere else, Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, said at an April 3 Senate Committee hearing. Hows that fair?

Barrett told the senator that the lotterys available seats are meant to reflect the economic makeup of a communitys children. In other words, if 80% of a citys population falls within or below a certain income, then in a classroom with 10 free seats, eight would go to kids from that income bracket. The other two would go to kids with income over that amount. The kids are still chosen randomly from their respective pools. But families with different incomes arent in direct competition.

The state-run pre-K lottery opened this year on April 26 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 24. As of May 31, more than 2,500 applications had been received for the upcoming school year, according to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), which oversees the lottery and RI Pre-K.

Both public pre-kindergarten programs and Head Start, the federal early education program for lower-income children that began in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, boost low-income preschoolers kindergarten skills. Researchers have found marginal improvements in literacy and significant improvements in math when the pre-K students reached kindergarten. Self-regulation skills, or how children manage their behavior, went basically unchanged.

But Head Start programs have never been adequately funded at the state or federal level to provide for everyone eligible, so families must apply and be accepted. State-funded pre-K can fill in gaps for families who have more money than Head Start allows, but cant pay for pre-K on their own.

Gov. Dan McKees proposed budget for fiscal 2025 includes $30 million for early childhood education, up from $22.9 million in fiscal 2024. The $7.1 million increase would mean increasing the number of RI Pre-K seats from 2,800 now to 3,000 for next year, putting the state closer to its goal of securing 5,000 pre-K seats by 2028  a goal announced in 2022.

In 2023, of the 2,364 children enrolled in RI Pre-K, 1,807, or 76%, were low-income, according to the KIDS COUNT 2024 Factbook. The other 557 kids, or 24%, were higher-income  a distinction, Barrett noted, that is not synonymous with being rich.

I have to get my kids in preschool

Phrathep knew pre-K would be as valuable for her youngest son Noah, now 7, and daughter Scarlette as it had for her eldest son, Jaidan, now 23, who attended preschool years ago. At the time, Phrathep was enrolled at Rhode Island College (RIC), which offered students who were parents affordable pre-K at the Cooperative Preschool on its campus.

Jaidan Phrathep is a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island who now works as a caseworker and wants to pursue a masters degree. But as a toddler, Phrathep said her son had communication issues.

I could understand him because I was his mom. But then nobody else really could, Phrathep said.

Phrathep worked and went to school during her sons early years, so her parents would babysit him. Her father is fluent in English, and her mother could speak some. But at home, Phratheps parents enjoyed the comfort of speaking Lao, their native tongue. Phrathep wondered if her son was encountering a language barrier, or if he had a learning disability.

Once he got into preschool, he developed his language skills, Phrathep said. He learned all his letters and numbers, he was writing his name, he was writing words. So just seeing that, I was like, I have to get my kids in preschool. I would have been devastated if they didnt get in anywhere.

Parents seeking a RI Pre-K seat are asked for a few details  like their childs name, date of birth and address, as well as monthly household income  then their shortlist for three schools they would like their child to attend. Phrathep picked Providences Beautiful Beginnings for Noah and Scarlette, praising the staffs attentiveness, care and rapport with families. Both Noah and Scarlette were able to attend Beautiful Beginnings as their mother hoped.

I dont really remember my other choices to be honest, Phrathep said. Because I was so set on Beautiful Beginnings.

Ali Weber and her 2 -year-old daughter Audrey play in the Bell Room of the Rhode Island State House during the Strolling Thunder advocacy event on May 9, 2024. Weber says she is willing to enter the RI Pre-K lottery after Audreys fourth birthday next year. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Where families live matters

RI Pre-K has expanded steadily since its debut in 2009, primarily funded with state money, said Barrett, in a Zoom call on May 1 focused on early childhood education organized by the RIght from the Start campaign, a policy initiative of the child advocacy coalition which includes KIDS COUNT.

RIght from the Start launched a campaign early in the legislative session calling for support for early educator staffing, child care assistance, Head Start and pre-K expansion and paid family leave. The campaign included a May 9 advocacy day during which parents, kids and strollers marched to Capitol Hill.

Weve seen other parts of our system decline or be stagnant, Barrett said. We have lost $46 million in state general revenue funding for the child care assistance program, and we now serve less than half the number of children that we served 20 years ago.

Victor Morente, an education department spokesperson, estimated that 10,000 children statewide would be old enough to qualify for eligibility for the 2024-2025 school year. In practice, many of those kids cant actually apply for the lottery, since only 21 of Rhode Islands 39 communities participate in the program. Unlike some states which offer 3-year-olds free education, Rhode Island requires a child to be age 4 by Sept. 1. Kids must also reside in the community where the pre-K provider is based.

At an April 3 meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, Chair Sen. Sandra Cano introduced bill S2519, and identified a common bump in the lottery process for this much-demanded service. The Pawtucket Democrat said her daughter attended early childhood programs at Progreso Latino but couldnt attend RI Pre-K in the same school because the family was not based in Central Falls. Education officials testifying that night told Cano such a process already existed, and that Canos daughter should have been able to matriculate from day care to pre-K.

I also have other constituents that went through that. That just doesnt happen, Cano said, and added that her problem eventually did get fixed. I had to fight and call, but obviously I know how to do thatBut parents dont know how to do this.

Canos bill would clarify the matriculation process for kids graduating into state pre-K. Cano revised the bill and its updated version  now sans a stipulation regarding economically disadvantaged kids  passed committee on May 8. After a successful 34-0 Senate floor vote on May 16, Canos bill now heads to the House Committee on Finance. Its not yet scheduled for a hearing as of Friday, May 31.

Barrett is a frequent presence at the State House and testified on Canos bill at the April 3 hearing. Barrett is also an encyclopedic source of knowledge on issues affecting Rhode Islands youngest citizens. But figuring out the structure of Rhode Island Pre-K can be a Herculean task even for a pro like herself.

Everything in my world is extremely complex. This is the most complex, Barrett said in a recent interview.

Canos attempt at legislating clarity around pre-K seats had the right intentions, Barrett told lawmakers, but the bills language was at times very confusing  a claim Barrett also leveled at the education departments delivery of its own policies. The department has been very flexible, Barrett said.

But also: I do think the communication problems are severe, she added.

Head Start and RI Pre-K: Whats the difference?

Early childhood education is so complex at least partially because of its funding, Barrett said. Rhode Island Pre-K shares some coffers with Head Start. The states braided funding approach began about three years ago, tying together the longstanding Head Start and the much newer RI Pre-K.

But this is where things can get confusing: Some RI Pre-K classroom seats are housed in Head Start agencies.

About 40% of RI Pre-K classrooms now are in Head Start agencies. Sometimes, kids can be enrolled in both programs. There were 285 kids dually enrolled in both Head Start and RI Pre-K in 2023, according to the KIDS COUNT Factbook.

In some cases, they run separate classrooms next to each other: One thats labeled RI Pre-K and one thats labeled Head Start, Barrett said. Other providers combine the two together.

Those are only two possible arrangements. At Over the Rainbow Learning Centers in Johnston and Providence, co-owners and sisters Veronica Manfredi and Minerva Waldron offer pre-kindergarten for kids ages 3 through 5. But the state-funded students arent in the same classrooms as parents who pay out of pocket.

Our state pre-K is strictly for 4-year-olds that only come from the lottery, Manfredi said. They cannot be mixed [with other kids].

Once he got into preschool, he developed his language skills. He learned all his letters and numbers, he was writing his name, he was writing words. So just seeing that, I was like, I have to get my kids in preschool.

 Vanida Phrathep, a Providence mother of three, recalling her eldest sons success as a preschooler

Overall, Barrett said 70% of kids are in a community-based classroom thats not operated by a public school, whether they attend RI Pre-K or Head Start, with both programs considered high-quality.

Yet in Rhode Island, Head Start enrollment has started to decline as RI Pre-K has grown.

Im a big fan of Head Start, but its only been focused on the lowest income kids. And because of that, politically its challenging to provide very high quality services for only part of the population, Barrett said.

Rhode Islands state pre-K currently meets all 10 benchmarks set by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University.

Honestly, its amazing that Rhode Island does as well as it does in Head Start and pre-K, said W. Steven Barnett, an early childhood education expert and the institutes founder and senior director, who participated in the RIght from the Start Zoom call. The quality is pretty high. I think its not sustainable, without more at that level in the future with expansion, without also putting in more money per kid.

The options, Barnett said, are serving fewer kids, or significantly increasing investment to serve more kids. But even creative forms of investment like braided funding can lead to problems. Barnett gave an example of North Carolina, which is farther down this road and then started on this path a lot sooner than Rhode Island in terms of blended and braided funding.

The number of preschoolers enrolling in Head Start has dropped while the state-funded RI Pre-K program continued to expand. (RI KIDS COUNT)

There were places where 85% of the eligible children were being served, Barnett said. In other counties, 15% of the eligible children were being served. And it all came back to what kind of other resources did they have to blend and braid. Some places had a lot and other places didnt.

State pre-K, then, might be like a Trojan Horse  a way to deliver quality services regardless of income but in a package ostensibly designed as welfare. If so, then Bill S2843 by Sen. Hanna Gallo, a Cranston Democrat and longtime member of the Senate Committee on Education, is more like a battering ram, getting straight to the point of expanding education for all of Rhode Islands youngest. The three-pronged approach calls for investment in RI Pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start for all of Rhode Islands 3- and 4-year-olds.

Like Canos pre-K bill, Gallos was introduced before committee on April 3 and then revised. The Senate OKd its amended version with a 29-5 floor vote on May 16, and it now goes to the House Committee on Finance. A companion House bill by Rep. Joseph McNamara, a Warwick Democrat, has not seen any action since an April 30 committee hearing.

The inclusion of 3-year-olds in state pre-K would be wonderful, Johnston child care provider Manfredi said. I think they (legislators) need to open more doors for families that dont usually qualify for the state voucher and dont usually make the lottery because of their income.

Gallos bill also aims to address the lesser-known wage gap between pre-K and kindergarten teachers. Community-based RI Pre-K teachers make $28,000 less than a kindergarten teacher, Barrett said, and Head Start teachers make $32,000 less than kindergarten teachers.

The average kindergarten teacher in Rhode Island made $83,080 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preschool and child care administrators made around $53,900. And while the Bureau doesnt specify Head Start workers, it cites an average annual income of $34,550 for child care workers.

Barnett said that as state pre-K programs grow, so do teacher salaries. Novice teachers are cheaper when a program starts out. But at some point their experience will necessitate higher wages. Growing provider costs have been compounded by a changing market, Barnett added.

Post-pandemic, the low end of the job market has come under a lot of pay pressure, he said. If pre-K providers can work for more money at a big box store, their passion for education might be outpaced by the reality of need.

That contrasts the beginnings of RI Pre-K. Instituted right at the tail end of the Great Recession, a 2008 exploratory committee was formed to find new ways to educate the states preschoolers amid federally-slashed budgets for social services. Also, teachers needed work.

At that time, it was easy to find empty classrooms, qualified teachers willing to work for sub-kindergarten teacher wages, and lots of children who didnt qualify for anything else, and families who could not afford child care or Pre-K, wrote KIDS COUNTs Barrett.

The post State-funded preschool in Rhode Island is a maze. But one engineered with a purpose. appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Israeli soldiers stand on top of tanks in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Palestinian officials have applied at the top U.N. court for permission to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The request published Monday alleges that Israel's ongoing military operation is part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map. The request to the International Court of Justice was made on behalf of the State of Palestine and signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi.

South Africa filed its case with the world court late last year accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide in its military operation to crush Hamas triggered by the deadly Oct. 7 attacks.

Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The court has issued three preliminary orders in the case calling on Israel to do all it can to prevent deaths in the enclave, ramp up humanitarian aid and, most recently, halt its offensive in Rafah.

It is unclear how long the court's judges will take to rule on the request. If granted, Palestinian officials will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.

In their request, the Palestinians said they are directly affected by South Africa's case against Israel.

The Israeli onslaught has obliterated and damaged, beyond recognition, Gazas hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops, and infrastructure, as part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map, the request says.

The request adds that, Israel is violating the courts orders and continuing with its genocidal acts including deliberately and systematically impeding humanitarian aid, resulting in an intentionally engineered situation of starvation and a creeping famine that is increasingly imminent.

The Palestinians have been to the court before. In 2018, The Palestinian Authority filed a case asking its judges to order Washington to remove the relocated U.S. embassy from Jerusalem. The case followed the decision of the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv.

That case remains before the court, where cases can take years to resolve.

The International Court of Justice rules in cases between states. The United Nations General Assembly voted last month to give Palestine some new rights and privileges, but it reaffirmed that it remains a non-member observer state without full U.N. membership and the right to vote in the General Assembly or at any of its conferences.

The United States has made clear that it will block Palestinian membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel resolve key issues, including security, boundaries and the future of Jerusalem, and lead to a two-state solution.
More than 10,000 Oklahomans soon will have free access to courses on learning how to use artificial intelligence, officials say.

In announcing the plan on May 30, Gov. Kevin Stitt and a Google executive said the goal is to help Oklahomas workforce learn how to use AI to be more efficient in their day-to-day tasks, such as drafting emails, creating presentations, brainstorming ideas, and others. They said the Sooner State is one of the first in the nation to be offered the tools without cost.

The enrollment site for the new program can be found at https://oklahoma.gov/omes/learnai.html.

Stitt said the AI initiative aligns with his effort to build a workforce ready for the future.

Gov. Kevin Stitt announces the rollout of an AI workforce development initiative Thursday at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City. The governor said the goal is to help Oklahomas workforce learn how to use AI to be more efficient in their day-to-day tasks.

Were always trying to get career techs and were trying to train and get people reengaged in the workforce, especially when people think that maybe the workforce is passing by with technology, he said. Its exciting to see Google investing in this type of thing."

More: To drive Oklahomas economy, leaders must embrace responsible artificial intelligence

Stitt said the AI tools would help state agencies be more efficient, create smaller government, help people with their jobs and provide more service to Oklahomans. He said he has had every state agency identify an AI expert to champion the technology across state government. In his weekly presser on Friday, he said he'd talk to the IT team to see if a chief artificial intelligence officer was needed.

Technology is truly reshaping every aspect of our lives right now, and our workforce has to adapt to this transition, he said.

Gov. Kevin Stitt announces the rollout of an AI workforce development initiative Thursday.

Andrew Silvestri, head of community engagement for Google, said the growth potential for AI was enormous. He said AI isnt intended to replace jobs, but rather to complement them and make them more efficient and effective on a daily basis.

More: Oklahoma schools, universities incorporate AI as state grapples with emerging technology

Oklahomans also can participate in the Google certificate program, "Grow with Google," established in 2022, said John Suter, Oklahoma's secretary of operations and government efficiency.

That program offers online self-paced learning and the opportunity to earn a certificate in digital marketing and e-commerce, data analytics, UX design, project management, IT support, cyber security and IT automation with coding program Python. The program also helps with interviews, career counseling and job boards and wraparound support. Adult citizens and state employees are eligible to enroll. State employees simply need supervisor approval to participate, Google officials said.

Andrew Silvestri, head of community engagement for Google, speaks Thursday after Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the rollout of an AI workforce development initiative.

Suter said more than 16,000 jobs were posted in Oklahoma that require specialized skills such as IT support, cybersecurity and user experience (UX) design. Without rapid reskilling or upskilling, those jobs will continue to go unfilled, he said. So far, 85% of Google certificate graduates in Oklahoma report they secured gainful employment, he added.

Speaking at the program announcement was a three-time Google Certificate graduate, Tayvon Lewis, a senior analyst at Aetna, part of CVS Health. Lewis said he used the AI skills he learned to become a music producer and developed a website ranked No. 1 by Google for the hottest beats online. He said one of his instrumentals was used in an episode of "Law and Order."

This experience highlighted how essential these skills are for the future success of the next generation, and it made me realize these skills could also empower those who are most vulnerable in our communities, Lewis said.

AI and Oklahoma's workforce development initiative

By executive order in 2023, Stitt created a Task Force on Emerging Technologies, which was given three months to study the responsible deployment of AI and Generative AI.

Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs trained to do complex actions that usually require human brain power, according to Google. It can summarize notes, analyze spreadsheets, create presentations among other tasks.

One of the task force's directives was determining how to educate, train and teaching current and future workers how to use AI skills, the governor said.

John Suter, secretary of operations and government efficiency and state chief operating officer, speaks Thursday after Gov. Kevin Stitt's announcement about the rollout of an AI workforce development initiative.

The 11-person task force produced a report in December that outlined six areas where AI could be beneficial and which industries might be best suited for AI use, including public administration, health care, transportation, environment and energy, public engagement, infrastructure maintenance and economic growth.

It also outlined responsible use of AI, including respect for human rights, accountability and public participation and oversight, noting that agencies that use AI technologies must be able to explain decisions and processes undertaken by AI systems.

The report advised creating a role of chief artificial intelligence officer, who would be responsible for overseeing the states use of AI, promoting AI innovation and managing risks.

More: Google all in on AI and Gemini: How it will affect your Google searches

In January, Stitt announced final recommendations from the task force and said Oklahoma could be the AI capital of the nation if it takes full advantage of the technology.

AI also has the potential to help us steward taxpayer dollars in a more responsible way by cutting redundant positions and replacing some positions with AI technology, the governor said. In Oklahoma, 21% of the workforce is employed by federal, state or local governments while the ideal percentage would be closer to 13%. Artificial intelligence creates possibilities for more efficient employment and government services."

Tayvon Lewis speaks Thursday after Gov. Kevin Stitt's announcement.

Beyond the introductory "Grow with Google" program, the company also offers an online course called "Google Essentials," which offers training on conversational AI tools, text-to-image generators, prompt engineering and other productivity improving tools, officials said. The cost of the course is $49 and requires no degree or experience, they said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahomans get free access to Google AI Essentials to upskill careers
Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. Lieber will leave her role as the Senate majority leader and become co-chair of the joint budget committee. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

State Sen. Kate Lieber is giving up her job as the Senate majority leader to become co-chair of the Legislatures joint budget committee.

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, said Monday that Lieber, D-Beaverton, will be the next Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Lieber will replace Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, who is exiting the high-profile post to focus on her run for state treasurer.

The committee plays a key part in reviewing and finalizing budget proposals before they go to the full Senate and House for votes. Oregon uses a two-year budget cycle, and the Legislature will approve the next two-year budget during the long session in 2025.

The change takes effect on July 15 for both Steiner and Lieber. Senate Democrats have not announced a timeline or scheduled a meeting yet to replace Lieber as Senate majority leader.

I am excited to take on this new challenge on behalf of the people of Oregon, and this was not an easy decision to make, Lieber said in a statement. I have big shoes to fill. Senator Steiner is an incredible leader and a highly-effective steward of Oregonians tax dollars. Our state is in a stronger financial position in no small part due to her tenure as co-chair of Ways and Means.

In a statement, Wagner praised Steiner for her role as the co-chair for the past six years and said Liebers work in guiding behavioral health investments in the last session makes her a natural fit.

She is a thoughtful legislator who cares about making sure all sides and perspectives are taken into consideration before a final decision is made, Wagner said.

Liebers profile has been high since she became the Senate majority leader in November 2022. In the 2023 legislative session, she frequently spoke on behalf of Democrats during the GOP-led walkout in the Senate. She is currently the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response. In that role, she helped guide the Legislatures work on House Bill 4002, which is a response to the states fentanyl addiction crisis.

The post State Senate majority leader steps down, takes budget-writing job appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
State trooper cites driver for over 100 mph on I-75 in Warren County

A driver was recently cited for over 100 mph on Interstate 75 in Warren County.

>>1 trapped after crash in Greene County

An Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) trooper from the Lebanon Post pulled over a driver for going 124 mph in a 65-mph speed zone on I-75 in Warren County during the Memorial Day weekend.

OHSP posted a photo on its social media page.

There have been over 10,000 speed-related crashes on Ohio roads this year, OHSP said.

State troopers are encouraging drivers to, Slow down.
Smoke and fire are seen after Lebanese rocket attacks in forests near Kiryat Shmona, Israel on June 3, 2024.

Two members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were killed, and another was wounded on Monday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources said.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the Israeli positions of al-Zaoura, al-Motella, Kiryat Shmona, and Khallet Wardah, accurately hitting their targets. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

BEIRUT, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Two members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were killed, and another was wounded on Monday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources said.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli drone attacked a car near the city of Sidon with four air-to-surface missiles, burning the car and killing its driver. The victim, identified as Ali Hussein Sabra, was a local official of Hezbollah.

In a separate incident, an Israeli drone fired three air-to-surface missiles at a motorcycle in the town of Naqoura, burning the motorcycle, killing its driver, and wounding another person.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the Israeli positions of al-Zaoura, al-Motella, Kiryat Shmona, and Khallet Wardah, accurately hitting their targets.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

Smoke and fire are seen after Lebanese rocket attacks in forests near Kiryat Shmona, Israel on June 3, 2024.

Two members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were killed, and another was wounded on Monday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources said.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the Israeli positions of al-Zaoura, al-Motella, Kiryat Shmona, and Khallet Wardah, accurately hitting their targets. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Smoke and fire are seen after Lebanese rocket attacks in forests near Kiryat Shmona, Israel on June 3, 2024.

Two members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah were killed, and another was wounded on Monday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources said.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the Israeli positions of al-Zaoura, al-Motella, Kiryat Shmona, and Khallet Wardah, accurately hitting their targets. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

As states pass laws mandating more information, experts warn of privacy concerns. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

Donald Trump (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

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The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, [the agency] should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

Editors note: This story has been updated to include comments from Heartbeat International.

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

A pregnancy ultrasound scan. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states.

At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand HIPAA, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

Survey bill advances in New Hampshire

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International did not respond to a request for comment.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

Kansas patients asked about factors in abortion decision

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career.

Patient cannot provide for the child.

Patient already has enough, or too many, children.

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children.

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child.

The pregnancy is a result of rape.

The pregnancy is the result of incest.

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health.

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health.

The child would have a disability.

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important.

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer.

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed.

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women.

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months.

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable.

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect.

The method of the abortion performed.

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Source New Mexico.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. Photo via Getty Images

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

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In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST

The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST
States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant. (Getty Images)

Years before the Dobbs decision, providers like Dr. Kylie Cooper were already uncomfortable with some of the reporting requirements for abortion procedures in states where they practiced.

Cooper was a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for several years in Idaho before she reluctantly left the state in 2023 because of the near-total abortion ban that is now in place. But when abortion was still legal, she was required to fill out a form and submit it to the state with information about the patient and the procedure, including the physicians name and when it occurred. While the law said that the information would be aggregated and could not identify individual patients, Cooper never felt sure about how it would be used or how secure the data would be kept.

It was supposed to be anonymous, but they asked for patient identifiers on it, so I was like, Could this get tracked back to them? she said.

In April, TIME magazine interviewed former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, about his goals in office if he is elected. He was asked whether he would be comfortable with states monitoring womens pregnancies to determine whether someone may have received an abortion despite a ban. Trump responded that it didnt matter if he was comfortable with it or not, because the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowed states to dictate abortion policy.

Although it was posed as a hypothetical and limited to states with abortion bans, there are efforts underway at the legislative and congressional levels  and in the blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration  to track abortion and pregnancy data. Some have already become law, and some are pending in the U.S. Congress, including a bill that would mandate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect more abortion data from all 50 states. At the same time, there are renewed concerns about deceptive practices around data privacy at crisis pregnancy centers nationwide, which are receiving large infusions of taxpayer dollars from some state governments such as Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas.

I dont think most people recognize the way that we are currently being surveilled in our health care system, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for a policy advocacy organization called State Innovation Exchange. People need to be talking to their providers about what information is shared, how its shared, and start reading the forms.

Patients misunderstand how protective HIPAA is, researcher says

Carmel Shachar, a Harvard law professor with research experience in data privacy and health policy, said people typically think of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  better known as HIPAA  as fully protective of medical records, but thats not the reality.

HIPAA is protective of whats in your medical records, but its a little more like Swiss cheese than I think people understand. There are a lot of exceptions, Shachar said.

Two of the big exceptions are for law enforcement, when it is conducting an investigation, and the other is for public health reporting, she said. Public health data reports can be positive in terms of understanding whats happening in hospitals and clinics, but on the law enforcement end, the exception in the law could be used by state governments with anti-abortion laws to prosecute those seeking and facilitating care in other states. Thats the loophole that President Joe Bidens administration sought to close with a recent rule that was enacted after the Dobbs decision to address patient privacy specifically around procedures related to reproductive care. It does not allow law enforcement to seek those records for that particular type of care if it was obtained in a state where it was legal.

But that hasnt stopped one attorney in Texas from trying. Jonathan Mitchell, the states former solicitor general, has filed two petitions seeking legal action against women he says traveled out of state to obtain an abortion. Courts are still considering whether he can proceed with depositions against those women.

Meanwhile, 17 Democratic-led states  including Maine  and Washington, D.C., have passed laws protecting providers and patients from out-of-state investigations for reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Governors in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have also issued executive orders declaring that state agencies wont cooperate in extraditions or investigations involving reproductive care.

Shachar said some laws are also made under the guise of public health reporting when theyre more about political tactics.

One example is a recent law passed in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected abortion bans in a 2022 referendum. Lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto at the end of April to pass House Bill 2749, which Kansans for Life asked a legislator to introduce. It requires providers to ask patients for the most important factor in their decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kansans for Life is the same group that led the failed referendum.

On May 20, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood Great Plains announced it is challenging the law in court, adding it to an ongoing case from 2023, according to Kansas Reflector.

Although the bill says a patient can decline to answer the questions, Center for Reproductive Rights staff attorney Alice Wang said that isnt enough, because it doesnt require the provider to tell the patient they dont have to answer. Especially now that patients are coming to Kansas for an abortion from states where the procedure is banned and criminalized, Wang said, the bill is designed to intimidate providers in particular, since they are the ones subject to criminal penalties, not the pregnant person.

When patients are confronted with these questions, then that raises questions of what this deeply personal information is going to be used for in an atmosphere where anti-abortion extremists have already threatened to come after activities that should be perfectly legal, she said.

The list of reasons includes whether the patient already has enough, or too many, children, whether they cannot provide for another child, that the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest or that it threatens their health to be pregnant. The data must be reported biannually to the legislature.

Shachar said the reporting of abortion procedures is not in itself shocking, but asking for reasons why is alarming.

It feels like its trying to lay the groundwork to separate out good or permissible abortions from bad abortions, she said.

One of the reasons listed is that The child would have a disability, but there is no reason in the list for a pregnancy with a fatal or severe life-limiting fetal anomaly. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action often refer to severe fetal abnormalities as disabilities, even if the patient chose to continue the pregnancy and the infant died hours after birth.

According to the legislation passed into law in Kansas, except in cases of medical emergencies, every patient is to be asked what the most important factor was in their decision to terminate a pregnancy from a list of the following:

Having a baby would interfere with the patients education, employment or career

Patient cannot provide for the child

Patient already has enough, or too many, children

Patients husband is abusive to patient or their children

Patients husband or partner wants them to have an abortion

Patient does not have adequate support to raise a child

The pregnancy is a result of rape

The pregnancy is the result of incest

The pregnancy threatens the patients physical health

The pregnancy threatens the patients emotional or mental health

The child would have a disability

If the patient declines to answer, that response would be recorded. Each biannual report shall include:

Number of times each reason listed was described as most important

Number of times a patient was asked about the reasons listed and declined to answer

Patients age, marital status at the time of the abortion, country of residency, race and highest level of education completed

Whether in the month before the abortion the patient received services, financial assistance (excluding financial assistance for the abortion), or other assistance from a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant women

Whether the patient reported experiencing domestic violence in the past 12 months

Whether the patient is living in a place they consider to be safe, stable and affordable

Whether the patient made a report of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect

The method of the abortion performed

Abortion survey bill advances in New Hampshire legislature

While Kansas law is one of the most recent, it is not a new concept. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 states already require providers to gather information about a patients reason for seeking an abortion, with varying degrees of specificity. Many of those states now have near-total abortion bans or six-week bans, which is before many people know they are pregnant.

In Oklahoma, before its ban went into effect, reporting requirements included a list of 40 reasons that could be identified, whereas the Kansas list is 11 reasons. Seven other states that asked for reasons in their reporting requirements now have a near-total abortion ban or severe restrictions, including Arizona and Florida.

A similar reporting bill is advancing in the New Hampshire legislature, where abortion is still broadly legal, and another failed to pass in the Michigan legislature in 2023. In Indiana  a state with a near-total ban  an anti-abortion group is suing the state to make abortion records public information.

Another misunderstanding of HIPAA, according to Shachar, is that people cant be identified through public health information as long as enough data points are removed.

That theory is totally wrong, she said.

She pointed to a story from 1997, one year after HIPAA became law, when a computer scientist named Latanya Sweeney was able to identify the medical records of the governor of Massachusetts at the time even though the dataset she was working from had been de-identified.

It makes it more difficult to figure out who were talking about, but it doesnt make it impossible, especially if someone is motivated to re-identify the data, Shachar said.

Heritage Foundation outlines steps to federal abortion regulation

There are also national policy advocates prescribing the next actions to take in the fight over abortion rights. A document produced by conservative interest group the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025 details a wish list of priorities and approaches for many sectors of the federal government to be carried out by the next Republican president. The document, called Mandate for Leadership, The Conservative Promise is 920 pages and references abortion nearly 200 times.

Project 2025s advisory board includes staff from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that represented the clients at the center of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to restrict access to mifepristone, part of a two-step drug regimen to terminate a pregnancy. The firms senior counsel, Erik Baptist, is listed as a contributor to the document.

The board also includes anti-abortion groups such as the Family Research Council, the Family Policy Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. As part of its overall guidance, the document calls for the next Republican president to remove all references to abortion and reproductive health and appears to suggest a nationwide abortion ban.

Driver, senior director of reproductive rights for State Innovation Exchange, said Project 2025 is the foundation for the recent state-level legislation.

It would be naive to think this was not a design behind those with Project 2025, Driver said. Even if theres not this conservative federal administration that comes, were already seeing Project 2025 elements and have for a long time at the state level.

The plan states that federal abortion reporting data is woefully inadequate. California, Maryland and New Hampshire, where abortion access is broadly legal, do not submit abortion data to the federal government at all. The plans authors contend all 50 states must mandatorily report to ensure reliable public health and policy.

Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism, (the agency) should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mothers state of residence, and by what method, the plan states.

Project 2025 suggests rescinding HIPAA rule regarding abortion investigations

Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman introduced a bill in Congress in January 2023  about nine months after the Heritage Foundation established Project 2025  that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fulfill those data-tracking plans. Its titled the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023, and contains the exact language used in Project 2025s outline. The bill has 29 co-sponsors and the support of the anti-abortion organizations on Project 2025s advisory board. It has not advanced in the Subcommittee on Health. In a statement, Norman said current data collection severely underestimates the number of abortions taking place and tax dollars are being allocated to family planning programs without clear data.

Mandatory factors for reporting would include the pregnant persons age, race, ethnicity and state of residence, the abortion method type, the persons marital status, and the number of times they have been pregnant, including the number of previous live births, induced abortions and miscarriages.

Those factors  except for the number of previous abortions and miscarriages, which was less common  have been part of the data the CDC collected for many years, but the reporting was voluntary. Whats new is that the required data would also have to indicate whether the child survived the abortion. The agency head could also add questions at any time, according to the bill text. All states would have to report this data or lose federal Medicaid funding for family planning services.

The documents authors also call for the federal government to rescind the HIPAA rule protecting those who seek abortion procedures in legal states from law enforcement action. Project 2025 calls the rule a politicized statement in favor of abortion and against Dobbs.

Crisis pregnancy centers imply they are subject to HIPAA law, but most are not

Amid the passage of new laws like the one in Kansas, an organization called the Campaign for Accountability filed complaints in April with attorneys general claiming that crisis pregnancy centers in five states  Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington  are using deceptive language about HIPAA. Crisis pregnancy centers are often formed as nonprofit organizations with a stated mission to support pregnant women who are unexpectedly pregnant and a goal of dissuading them from seeking an abortion. Many of the centers have been criticized for promoting or providing false information related to abortion, such as claims that having an abortion increases a persons risk of cancer or future fertility issues, or that the abortion pill is dangerous.

The centers almost always offer their services for free, which means they do not bill insurance providers and are therefore not subject to penalties under the federal HIPAA law for disclosing a patients health information. However, some of the centers claim on their websites that they are required by law to keep health information protected.

One of the clinics named in a complaint filed with the attorney generals office in Pennsylvania uses the same type of language in the notice of privacy practices portion of the website. There are links to the federal HIPAA informational page, with one reference stating a person can file a complaint with the HIPAA office if they feel their data privacy was violated. Another section states the organization is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information with a link to the HIPAA website.

The Pennsylvania clinic is part of a network of crisis pregnancy centers called Heartbeat International, one of two organizations targeted by the complaints, with Care Net being the second. Heartbeat has more than 2,000 affiliates in the U.S., and Care Net has 1,200.

Heartbeat International told States Newsroom in an email that while the organization could not speak for individual affiliates, all affiliates in the network adopt a commitment to hold client information in strict and absolute confidence and is only disclosed when required by law or when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.

Pregnancy help centers provide that protection to their clients, even when the law does not explicitly require them to do so, said Andrea Trudden, vice president of communications for Heartbeat International. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to pregnancy help centers, and the forms women sign before receiving services provide them legal protection of their confidential information. Pregnancy, abortion, STDs/STIs, and other circumstances that might bring a woman to a pregnancy help center or abortion facility should be handled with the greatest confidentiality.

Trudden added that the Next Level CMS system uses the same software platforms used by hospitals and doctors offices nationwide.

Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, said some of the centers state they can disclose health information for moral reasons. Heartbeat International also maintains a data management system called Next Level CMS for all of its centers, which it says follows privacy standards according to HIPAA law.

Our fear is that the data collected at these centers are laddering up to much more sophisticated operations, Kuppersmith said. Every single woman who is thinking about going to one of these places because it seems like a friendly place should know that their personal health information is not required by any federal medical law to be protected, and they should be enormously careful what information they give to these places.

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States need to keep PFAS forever chemicals out of the water. It wont be cheap.

Jackson Quinn brings PFAS water samples into a temperature-controlled room at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati in April. In the coming years, states will need to enforce new federal rules that require drinking water systems to test for PFAS and clean up their water if contamination is found. Photo by Joshua A. Bickel/Associated Press.

In recent years, Michigan has spent tens of millions of dollars to limit residents exposure to the harmful forever chemicals called PFAS. And some cities there have spent millions of their own to filter contaminated drinking water or connect to new, less-polluted sources.

Weve made significant investments to get up to speed, said Abigail Hendershott, executive director of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, which serves as a coordinating group for the states testing, cleanup and public education efforts. Theres still a good chunk of the country that hasnt taken on anything.

Thats about to change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued new standards for PFAS levels in drinking water, giving water systems three years to conduct testing, and another two years to install treatment systems if contaminants are detected. State officials and utilities say its going to be difficult and costly to meet the requirements.

This is going to take a lot more investment at the state level, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, a group that convenes leaders in state health and environmental agencies. It creates a big workload for everybody.

PFAS chemicals, many invented and manufactured by Maplewood-based 3M, are widespread, found in a host of everyday products and industrial uses, and they dont break down naturally, meaning they stay in human bodies and the environment indefinitely. Exposure has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, decrease fertility, cause metabolic disorders and damage the immune system.

To date, 11 states have set limits for PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in drinking water. Several others have pending rules or levels that require public notice. While the federal rule builds on those efforts, it also sets limits that are stricter than the state-issued rules.

We really have looked to the states as leaders in setting standards and doing some of the foundational science, said Zach Schafer, director of policy and special projects for the EPAs Office of Water. The state agencies are the ones who will be playing the point role [in implementing the national rule].

Schafer said the agency estimates that 6% to 10% of water systems nationwide will need to take steps to reduce PFAS contamination, at a cost averaging $1.5 billion per year over an 80-year span.

Public health advocates say the EPAs rule is an important step to ensure all Americans have access to safe water. They say state actions show that such efforts can work.

But some state regulators and water suppliers  even in states that already have their own rules  say the strict thresholds and timelines imposed by the feds will be difficult for many utilities to achieve. While the Biden administration has dedicated billions in funding to help clean up water supplies, experts say the costs will far exceed the available money.

Its going to have a significant impact nationally on water rates and affordability of water, said Chris Moody, regulatory technical manager with the American Water Works Association, a group that includes more than 4,000 utilities.

An estimate, conducted on behalf of the association, pegs the national cost of cleaning up contaminated water at nearly $4 billion each year. The report found that some households could face thousands of dollars in increased rates to cover the costs of treatment.

Theres a lot of concern

New Jersey in 2018 became the first state to issue standards for PFAS in drinking water. While the states regulations given New Jersey a head start, officials say they still have a difficult task ahead to meet the stricter thresholds.

When we bring in the EPA number, the number of noncompliant systems goes up dramatically, said Shawn LaTourette, the states commissioner of environmental protection. Theres a lot of concern about cost and implementation.

LaTourette said state leaders are working to analyze which water systems may fall out of compliance when the federal thresholds take effect. And hes calling on lawmakers to provide more money to communities that cant afford the upgrades.

In Washington state, utilities have begun testing for PFAS under state standards passed by regulators in 2021. Officials say that roughly 2% of the water systems tested so far arent in compliance, but that number would jump to 10% when factoring in the stricter federal limits. State leaders say theyll be able to grandfather in the data theyve been collecting to meet EPAs testing requirements.

The agency may ask state lawmakers for a substantial increase in staffing to implement the new rules, said Mike Means, capacity development and policy manager with the Washington State Department of Health.

Michigan has had its drinking water standards for PFAS since 2020. Hendershott said state officials are well prepared to incorporate the EPAs thresholds. But the strict new limits could quadruple the number of water systems that fall out of compliance.

Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States, an alliance of environmental health groups focused on toxic chemicals, said state efforts were key to bringing about the federal rule.

They created the urgency for the feds to bring these standards, she said. States that already have regulatory standards absolutely are in a better position.

Its very expensive

While many states have not enacted their own standards, some have conducted testing or taken other steps to address residents exposure.

Missouri has been testing water systems for PFAS for more than a decade and created maps to notify residents of potential exposure. Of the 400 systems its sampled, 11 may have trouble complying with the EPA rule, said Eric Medlock, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency aims to bring on a chemist and laboratory equipment to conduct more testing in-house.

Medlock expressed concern that the federal limits are so strict that theyre near the threshold of what can be detected.

When you get down to these really low detection levels that are right at the regulatory limit, that poses a problem, he said. Were going to have to enforce and regulate what EPA proposed. It is going to be an issue.

Medlock and others noted that states will face longer-term issues with the storage of the waste products filtered from the water, which carry their own PFAS contamination risk.

The infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 includes $5 billion over five years to help communities treat PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

More funding for cleanup may come from state lawsuits filed against chemical manufacturers. Thirty attorneys general have filed litigation against polluters, and Minnesota settled its case against 3M Company for $850 million. But leaders say such settlements arent a predictable funding source.

In addition to the upfront cost of installing treatment systems, utilities face ongoing expenses, such as replacing filters and disposing of waste, that are less likely to benefit from federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, some water system leaders say the federal compliance timelines may not be long enough.

It takes time to design and build a major capital project, said Erica Brown, chief policy and strategy officer for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, a policy group that advocates for public water utilities. Its not one of those things that you say, You have to do this, and next year, and you can just turn it on.

And some officials fear the drinking water limits could lead to more state regulations on wastewater plants and other entities whose discharges may affect drinking water sources.

It seems like its going to be problematic, because [treatment] is very expensive, said Sharon Green, manager of legislative and regulatory programs with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, an agency whose members operate 11 wastewater treatment plants.

Both state regulators and regulated utilities say state leaders need a broader approach to the PFAS problem than just treating the water that comes out of the tap. Officials need to stop pollution at the source, regulate industrial operations and limit products that contain the chemicals.

If we keep it out of the river in the first place,  [the utility] doesnt have to spend millions of dollars for treatment, said Jean Zhuang, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, an advocacy group focused on the South.

While Southern states have not adopted drinking water standards for PFAS, Zhuang said South Carolinas requirement that polluters disclose their discharges of PFAS is a good model to begin cutting off contamination sources.

As states face down the expenses of fixing the PFAS problem, some advocates also want them to remember the public health costs of inaction.

People will ultimately be consuming less of these chemicals and getting sick less often, said Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, a public health advocacy nonprofit.

Like Minnesota Reformer, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan)

My wife and I  married 43 years now  are retired. Both of us grew up in the Midwest, descendants of poor immigrants. We both worked at jobs for our entire adult lives. So did our parents. We raised a daughter, who is also married, and who has also worked since she was a teenager. We pay our debts and pay our taxes.

Because we oppose his political ambitions, Donald Trump calls us vermin.

Were not perfect, but we try to be good neighbors. We shovel the snow from our sidewalk and say howdy to people who walk past. We try to keep our yard clean. We take plates of Christmas goodies to our neighbors during the holidays and put up lights in our front yard every year. We wish folks a Merry Christmas, but we also understand that not everyone celebrates the same holidays that we do.

We do our best. We try to drive with courtesy. We contribute to charity when were able, though we wish we could do more. Were members of a church, and both of us serve on committees there. I spent a year as chair of our church council.

Donald Trump calls us vermin.

We dont believe politicians have the right to lie to us. We dont believe they have the right to turn Americans against each other, or to preach hate. We dont believe politicians really love America if they embrace extremism and promote political violence. We cant understand why a man who wants to be our president would show disrespect for the sacrifices of men and women whove served our country in wartime.

We fly the flag on national holidays. When our daughter was in high school, we took her on a trip to Washington, D.C., visiting the Capitol, the Smithsonian, memorials to Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, FDR, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. We visited the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

And Donald Trump says were vermin.

We try to patronize local businesses and support local jobs. We deal fairly and honestly with people the best we can.

We believe in justice, truth, fidelity, kindness, honor, loyalty, patience, liberty, self-restraint, humility and hope.

But Donald Trump calls us vermin.

We believe America is filled with greatness and the potential for more greatness. But that greatness didnt happen by itself. It took hard work, courage, enterprise, and devotion to principles. It didnt come from a misguided belief that we were always perfect. It came from having the courage and capacity to change things for the better  to get rid of slavery, to stop denying the vote to women, to create Social Security and Medicare for the elderly things like that.

We believe in these things, and Donald Trump calls us vermin.

Building this country took a belief in the future  among people who were born here and people who came here by choice. Together, they defended our nation, grew our food, cleaned our motel rooms, built our homes, healed our sick, educated our children, and stood up for what is right.

We believe that leaders  at least in America  must seek to serve the people, and not to be worshipped or feared. We believe a president should never aim to enrich himself through the office. We believe leaders  in America, anyway  must instill loyalty, not to themselves, but to the country and the Constitution. We believe no president should deliberately violate his (or her) oath of office.

We are loyal Americans. But Donald Trump  who wants to be our president  calls us vermin.

Paulson lives in Billings.

The post And still he calls us vermin appeared first on Daily Montanan.
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China has established a special fund to offer financial support for the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), a large-scale afforestation project, amid the country's continuous efforts to fight desertification and restore the ecological environment, according to a circular made public on Monday.

A total of 12 billion yuan (about 1.7 billion U.S. dollars) has been earmarked from this year's central budget for the program, and subsequent funds will be allocated in accordance with needs in the following years, said a statement on the website of the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

Apart from the fund, other measures dedicated to supporting the program include strengthening existing fiscal funding support, channeling social funds into the program, and implementing preferential tax policies, said the circular jointly released by the MOF and the National Development and Reform Commission.

According to the circular, efforts will be made to promote the control of desertification in three key areas, namely, the areas near the meandering bends of the Yellow River, two sandy lands of Horqin and Hunshandake, and the Hexi Corridor-Taklimakan Desert region.

Launched in 1978, the TSFP consists of afforestation in northwest, north and northeast China. Over the years, China has made constant efforts to shore up the ecological barrier in northern China.

At the end of May, during a research trip to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng urged efforts to fight desertification in the eastern part of the program.

The vice premier stressed the need to focus on key projects, promote the use of effective desert control methods in accordance with local conditions, consolidate and expand the desert control outcomes, and advance ecological industries. 
Stormy Daniels breaks her media silence and says Melania should leave Donald Trump

Stormy Daniels has said Melania Trump should leave her former-president husband.

Donald Trump was found guilty of all 34 felony counts related to a hush-money payment to Daniels.

Daniels said he should go to prison or become a "volunteer punching bag at a women's shelter."

Stormy Daniels has said Melania Trump should leave Donald Trump, breaking the media silence she'd held since the former president was convicted on Thursday.

"I don't know what their agreement may or may not be, but Melania needs to leave him. Not because of what he did with me or other women but because he is a convicted felon," the adult-film star said in an interview with The Mirror published over the weekend.

On Thursday, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment made to Daniels, who says she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, didn't mince her words about Trump in the interview.

"It's been proven he is abusive; he was found liable for sexual assault and tax fraud and is now a criminal," Daniels told The Mirror. "He's neither Teflon Don nor Teflon Con anymore."

Representatives for Trump didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

While Trump has appeared defiant in the face of his growing legal problems, staffers say he's often afraid of Melania Trump's reactions to them.

The Washington Post reporter Mary Jordan wrote in her book "The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump" that when Trump's infamous "Access Hollywood" tape was released in 2016, he took two hours before finally deciding to see his wife, according to an excerpt.

In November 2022, Trump's former aide Kellyanne Conway testified to the House panel investigating the Capitol riot that Melania Trump was the only person Trump feared.

"He listens to many of us, but he reserves fear for one person, Melania Trump," Conway said.

The former president told Fox News' "Fox & Friends" in a pre-taped interview that aired Sunday that the Manhattan trial had taken a toll on his wife.

"She's fine, but I think it's very hard for her. I mean, she's fine, but she has to read all this crap," Trump said.

FOX & FRIENDS: How's Melania doing?



TRUMP: She's fine, but I think it's very hard for her. I mean, she's fine, but she has to read all this crap. pic.twitter.com/T8KZXEnvXC  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 2, 2024

Thursday's conviction makes Trump the first former US president to become a felon.

Trump could face a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison, though legal experts say he's unlikely to spend any time behind bars.

"I think he should be sentenced to jail and some community service working for the less fortunate or being the volunteer punching bag at a women's shelter," Daniels told The Mirror.

Trump's recent conviction doesn't seem to have dampened his appeal to his supporters, who continue to view him as the GOP's best shot at retaking the White House in November.

In fact, the Trump campaign's fundraising page crashed less than an hour after he was convicted on Thursday. The page was restored about half an hour later.

"The American people see through Crooked Joe Biden's rigged show trial," Trump's campaign team said in a post on X. "So many Americans were moved to donate to President Trump's campaign that the WinRed pages went down."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Subway has announced the return of a fan favorite item after a months-long disappearance from stores: the foot-long chocolate chip cookie.

The American fast food chain shared on Wednesday, May 29 that the Footlong Cookie is now available to purchase in Subway stores and on the app for $5. The announcement comes more than four months after the oversized chocolate chip cookie made its debut on the Subway Sidekicks menu in January.

However, the Footlong Cookie disappeared from Subways menu shortly after due to overwhelming demand.

The Footlong Cookie has delighted millions of Americans since their first bites in January, sparking unprecedented demand over the last several months, said Paul Fabre, senior vice president of culinary and innovation at Subway, in a press release. Subway worked diligently to rush additional Footlong Cookie supply to satisfy cookie cravings at a great value and serve up a footlong dose of happiness this summer.

The 12-inch-long chocolate chip cookie, which is served warm, initially hit Subway stores alongside a Cinnabon foot-long churro and a foot-long soft pretzel from Auntie Annes. Subway said it has sold more than five million Footlong Cookies since its roll out.

Customers can order the Footlong Cookie in Subway stores across the US, as well as Subways website, app, and third-party services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Subway  initially founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965  is known for specializing in submarine sandwiches and wraps. On April 30, the chain was acquired by Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital for a reported $9.55bn. In announcing the deals close, Subway said the purchase came on the heels of three years of sales growth and positive global net restaurant growth for the first time since 2016.

Roark Capital is also invested in several other US fast food brands, including Subways competitor, Jimmy Johns.

In August last year, Subway launched a free sandwiches for life contest for anyone willing to change their name to Subway. The winner who would legally change their name would be given free stacked meat and double-cheese subs for the rest of their life.

The company said that all fees associated with changing the winners name would be covered by Subway, but the winner must consent to a background check and provide proof they changed their name within four months of being picked. Then, they were to receive $50,000 in Subway gift cards.
Wayne County Commissioners recognized the retirement of Commissioner Sue Smail on Wednesday.

Smail attempted to hold back the tears as she addressed those in the room one final time, "It's been an honor to serve Wayne County. It's going to be hard leaving, but I just want to thank all of you."

Smail served as a County Commissioner since July 20, 2016. Her official retirement ceremony is Friday at the Wayne County Administration Building.

Wayne County Commissioner Sue Smail will retire May 31.

Smail's replacement, Dave McMillen, was appointed in a resolution by the commissioners Wednesday. McMillen, a Plain Township trustee who lives in Shreve, operates a family farm and also works as a trades teacher for West Holmes High School.

"I'm very excited to step in to this role," he said. "This is a high honor for me. And I have some big shoes to fill."

More: Commissioners recognize May as Mental Health Month, laud work of professionals in field

Additional commissioner activity

On Wednesday, the County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing May as Fraud Awareness Month in Wayne County.

Approved a resolution for a donation of a ballistic vest/body armor to the Holmes County Adult Probation Department on Behalf of the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department.

Approved a resolution to award a contract to Aexcel Corporation (7373 Production Drive, Mentor) for white and yellow traffic paint for the Wayne County engineer at a total cost of $110,825.

Approved a resolution adding an amendment to the Healthy Aging Grant from the state of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Aging. As County Job & Family Department Service head Rich Owens noted, "The state of Ohio is constantly monitoring the Healthy Aging Grant regarding how counties are spending money. And they rewarded us an extra $4,905. We have to serve people over the age of 60, and help seniors understand technology and the pitfalls of abuse and fraud. A certain amount has to be spent on housing, food, and the rest has to be spent on other things."

Approved a resolution granting authorizing County Administrator Patrick Herron to open the process for requesting bids for testing services for the construction and renovation/expansion process of the Wayne County Detention Center.

Approved a resolution granting authorization to the Wayne County prosecuting attorney to file a grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, for the Fiscal Year 2025 Stop Violence Against Women Act Grant Program. The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services is making funds available for the county prosecutor's office employing a domestic violence and sex offense assistant prosecuting attorney. The prosecutor's office is asking for $60,000 in grant funding and a local match equivalent to 25%, or $15,000.

Approved a resolution for a replat and renumbering of original lot 17, 19, 28 and 29 for the Wirt and Brenneman Plat owned by Paul & Irene Brenneman and Lloyd & Rea Wirt on Millersburg Road in Franklin Township.

Approved multiple housekeeping items over the previous two weeks, including the collection of county bills and county home bills, fund transfers, personnel changes, special event expenses, travel and training costs, and organizational membership sign-ups.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Sue Smail retires from Wayne County Commissioners after 8 years
Will this summer be sweltering in Illinois? What forecasters, Farmers Almanac expect

The first official day of summer arrives with the solstice June 20, and warmer weather is already hitting the metro-east.

Meteorological summer in the greater St. Louis region typically runs June through August, Jared Maples, meteorologist with the National Weather Service St. Louis office, said in a recent interview with the News-Democrat. July and August are generally the hottest months, and its not unusual for temperatures to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit some days.

Belleville sees average temperatures between 64.5 and 87.3 degrees in June, 67.8 to 90.2 degrees in July and 65.3 to 89.1 degrees in August, according to data from the NWS.

This spring has seen a particularly active weather pattern across the region. The NWS St. Louis office had issued the third-greatest number of severe weather warnings in the U.S. at one point in May, second only to two Oklahoma offices.

But what will this summer be like? Heres what NWS meteorologists forecast, along with a seasonal prediction from the Farmers Almanac.

Summer forecast from the National Weather Service

Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis area have roughly a 33 to 40% chance of seeing above-normal temperatures this summer, according to the NWS seasonal temperature outlook.

We are favored to be warmer than normal, Maples said. Those chances or probabilities arent on the higher end, but they are leaning in that favor.

Drier weather tends to bring warmer temperatures, while precipitation can lead to thunderstorms and potentially severe weather. Its unclear whether the St. Louis region will experience above- or below-normal rainfall this summer, but farther south in Illinois, the NWS forecasts a slight chance of above-normal precipitation.

Meteorological summer begins on June 1. By next week we're expecting temperatures to warm into the mid 80s to near 90 degrees, feeling a lot more like summer. Daily thunderstorm chances will accompany the warm weather. pic.twitter.com/HOr6QzU0Rg  NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) May 31, 2024

Belleville sees an average of 4.62 inches of precipitation each June, 4.03 inches in July and 3.92 inches in August, the NWS reports.

El Nino typically causes warmer weather in the winter, but Maples said the difference isnt as noticeable in the summertime. The El Nino pattern is expected to end by June, the forecaster continued, so it likely wont affect this summers weather too much.

Farmers Almanac prediction

The Farmers Almanac predicts muggy, stormy weather in Illinois and nearby and warm, seasonably stormy conditions in Missouri and surrounding states.

The almanac also reports this years summer solstice will be the earliest start in 128 years and says this summer could bring the hottest temperatures in recorded history.

The Farmers Almanac makes predictions based on a mysterious formula that considers factors such as planetary positioning, sunspot activity and tidal action of the moon.

The only person who knows the exact formula is the Farmers Almanac weather prognosticator who goes by the pseudonym of Caleb Weatherbee, the organizations website says. To protect this proprietary formula, the editors of the Farmers Almanac prefer to keep both Calebs true identity and the formula a closely guarded brand secret.

The almanac has provided extended forecasts since 1818, according to its website.

Do you have a question about weather in Illinois for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
(Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak is considering hardening his Conservative Partys position on the European Convention on Human Rights, as disastrous polling and Brexit architect Nigel Farages decision to stand for Reform UK in the general election leave the premiers ruling party facing a potential wipe out.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Senior Tory party officials have sounded out ministers on the more moderate wing of the party over whether they could support a tougher stance on Britains membership of the human rights pact, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named discussing policy thats not finalized.

The ECHR is blamed by right-wingers in the Conservative Party for preventing a harsher crackdown on asylum-seekers arriving in the UK. In that respect, the pact has emerged as the latest bugbear of Brexiteers disappointed that leaving the European Union has not resulted in a drop in net migration.

But there is disagreement among cabinet ministers over how hard to go. Some Conservative advisers are calling for Sunak to commit to working with European partners to reform the convention, or failing that, leave it. Other Tories have previously called for a referendum on Britains membership of the ECHR.

Many on the moderate side of the party  including several Cabinet ministers  oppose leaving the body.

The Conservatives are searching for game-changing policies after they failed to shrink the wide poll lead enjoyed by Keir Starmers opposition Labour Partys in the first 12 days of the campaign. YouGov modeling on Monday showed Labour heading for a 194-seat majority in the House of Commons, with the Tories losing more than 200 seats.

Many Conservatives are worried about the threat posed on the right by Reform, and Farages announcement on Monday that hell take over that partys leadership as well as standing for election in the seat of Clacton on the east coast of England will bring those concerns into sharper focus. The Farage angle makes Sunaks decision on the ECHR more salient.

The Tories had already been live to the threat posed by Reform, rolling out policy pledges seemingly designed to appeal to right-wing voters who might be tempted by the insurgent party. They include promising to bring back national service for teenagers, a tax guarantee for pensioners and a plan to rewrite the Equality Act to change the definition of sex to biological sex.

Right-wingers have blamed the ECHR for the UK governments failure to stop small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel, and some have tried to paint it as a bogeyman for various problems in British politics, in an echo of tactics used by the Brexit campaign to leave the European Union. Outgoing Reform leader Ricard Tice on Monday said this years vote is and must be the immigration election.

Sunak himself has suggested hed be willing to leave the ECHR, claiming that enacting his flagship migration policy to deport migrants to Rwanda was more important than being a party to the convention. Thats despite the deportation flights to Rwanda being blocked by the British courts.

The Tories are also involved in a row with civil servants over plans to announce more migrant returns agreements with other countries during the election campaign, the people familiar with the matter said. The civil service in Britain is bound by impartiality and rules that prevent it from becoming involved in political matters, especially during election campaigns.

A move to the right on the ECHR would fit with the Tory campaign strategy of going after their core vote of older people, 2019 Conservative voters, and those considering backing the right-wing Reform Party. A Tory aide said Farages return was a disaster for the party, fearing it made it harder for Sunak to win votes back from Reform.

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Sunnyside High graduate on the path to becoming a medical doctor; UC Merced is next step

Sunnyside High School grad Mariela Lozano Bustos wants to make the biggest impact in my community by going into the medical field.

Her goal is to become a family pediatrician.

Lozano Bustos, a student in the Sunnyside Doctors Academy program, was admitted to the eight-year San Joaquin Valley PRIME+ Baccalaureate-to-MD pathway, a partnership among UC Merced, UCSF School of Medicine and UCSF Fresno.

Lozano Bustos, who was born and raised in Fresno, was among thousands of applicants and one of the 15 students to be admitted for the second cohort of the program that focuses on high school students who are committed to pursuing a medical career and are dedicated to serving the San Joaquin Valleys unique needs.

Im proud of her because not many students get that opportunity, said school counselor Esmeralda Escoto. Shes one of those few students that got that chance. And I just hope that shes able to serve the community here in Fresno because we need doctors,

The 18-year-old valedictorian has been in the Doctors Academy program for six years, starting in seventh grade with the Junior Doctors Academy at Kings Canyon Middle School.

The program was an opportunity to help out my community, she said.

Ive grown up in Fresno all my life, seeing the different types of disparities that a lot of racial groups face, Lozano Bustos said.

She recalls an incident with her then 3-year-old younger sister who was prescribed the wrong dose of medication that worsened her condition. That  and seeing her parents struggles with transportation to get to the hospital  inspired her to become a doctor.

Mariela Lozano, 18, second from right, is a graduate of Sunnyside Highs Doctors Academy. Photographed with her family Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Fresno. Family members left to right, sister Ashley Lozano, 10, Wendy Lozano, 20, mother Rosa Lozano and father Guimel Lozano.

Having to deal with that and that pain I saw in my parents eyes really inspired me to want to make a difference, to make sure that other physicians dont make the same mistakes in order not to inflict any pain on other families, Lozano Bustos said.

Taking a risk

Lozano Bustos, who is graduating with a 4.09 GPA, is one of the Dell Scholars receiving a $20,000 scholarship at her school, which provides students with academic, financial and emotional support to navigate college.

Lozano Bustos said she first had Fresno State in mind since it is local and allow her to stay closer to her family and current job to save up for medical school.

I didnt really think of (UC) Merced as an option, she said.

But when one of the SJV PRIME coordinators came to speak to students in the doctors academy program, she asked herself why not apply.

What are the chances I get it? Like, why not? she said, adding that she was shocked when she made it to the interview process. I didnt think Id even make it to that level.

And then came the email that she was in the program.

It was then that she had to think about her future, stay in Fresno or take the risk of going to Merced.

Lozano Bustos took the risk on the eight-year program.

It also opens the door for more opportunities that I wouldnt have had in Fresno State, she said.

Lozano Bustos is excited about the new medical education building being built at UC Merced.

They said that 2027 is when were going to start using the building, she said. And thats before I graduate college, which would be in 2028. So, Im going to get to use that facility and everything. So, Im excited for that and for new opportunities and to meet new people.

Lozano Bustos is planning on majoring in public health at UC Merced.

Mariela Lozano, 18, is a graduate of Sunnyside Highs Doctors Academy. Photographed Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Fresno.

She is excited about having a conditional acceptance spot for the UCSF School of Medicine right out of high school. For medical school students in the cohort will stay in the Valley going to UCSF Fresno instead of the UCSF Medical School in San Francisco.

Im very appreciative and grateful for that. I had the opportunity and Im just going to live up to that to that expectation, Lozano Bustos said, adding she plans to practice medicine in the Valley. Staying local is my goal.

Lozano Bustos said as a future doctor in the area being bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish will make a difference when it comes to dealing with language barriers for Latinos.

Ojo: The Latino student enrollment at UC Merced is 52.4%, according to University of California data.
In last months South Carolina case, Alexander v. NAACP, the U.S. Supreme Court continued to press the Republican crusade against pluralistic democracy. Earl Warren and Thurgood Marshall (and Julius Chambers) weep.

In 2013  without textual, historical or precedential justification  the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the crucial preclearance requirements of the iconic federal Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder. Chief Justice John Roberts famously declared things have changed dramatically in the American South. Discriminatory evasions of federal decrees are rare.

North Carolina Republican leaders rejoiced, claiming now we can go with the full bill  as they enacted one of the most restrictive and discriminatory voting provisions in the modern era.

Gene Nichol

Next, in the North Carolina case, Rucho v. Common Cause (2019), the federal high court decreed, for the first time, that political gerrymandering cases cannot be heard in federal tribunals. Roberts and his colleagues effectively embraced what the nations leading election law scholar deemed the most brazen and egregious gerrymanders in American history. Justice Elena Kagan noted in dissent that North Carolinas districting decisions debased and dishonored our democracy, turning upside down the core idea that government power derives from the people. Tar Heel Republicans took her words as a compliment.

And now, in the South Carolina decision, the Supreme Court has dramatically expanded the Rucho loophole. Justice Samuel Alito, that Dobbs-writing, upside-down-flag flying, friend of democracy, authored a predictable 6-3 partisan ruling making it decidedly more difficult to prove race discrimination cases. As UCLAs Rick Hasen put it: Justice Alito...has once again come up with a legal framework that makes it easier for Republican states to engage in redistricting to help white Republicans maximize their political power. Justice Clarence Thomas would have gone even further  making racial gerrymandering permissible across the board.

After Rucho, of course, partisan gerrymandering is permitted while racial gerrymandering is theoretically banned. But, for Alito, these doctrinal lines collide when race and partisan preference are highly correlated. Therefore, when a legislature asserts partisan justification for its efforts, courts must exercise extraordinary caution in determining claims of race. Such charges assert offensive and demeaning conduct and must, accordingly, be heavily presumed against  reflecting due respect for the judgment of state legislators.

Alito therefore demanded what the dissenting justices deemed new rules of evidence to burden plaintiffs in racial gerrymandering cases. No surprise there.

This is familiar terrain in North Carolina. We know the mantra  were not discriminating against voters because theyre Black, were discriminating against them because theyre Democrats. Our hands are clean.

Does anyone in North Carolina actually think, with the Alito-led majority, that you can separate race and politics in the Tar Heel state? Really? If the (usually) all white Republican caucuses of the N.C. General Assembly  who repeatedly over the last dozen years have enacted statutes designed to limit the electoral, political and dignitary rights of African Americans (or so the courts tell us)  establish voting regulations, are they racial or merely political?

Now, not only is political cheating okay, but we must create a safety zone for political conniving which correlates highly with race. This is said to be necessary lest our lawmakers be accused of offensive and demeaning conduct. Snowflake grievance written into law. Better to exclude Black voters from the polity than hurt the feelings of white lawmakers.

Oddly, the bolstered Alexander case presumptions create an incentive in favor of heavily racialized political parties. If a party looks and behaves like a racialized entity, it will be easier to claim, or to defend, its districting plans as merely partisan, not racial. Maybe thats the theory.

Contributing columnist Gene Nichol is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Four days after three Gresham firefighters were injured in a duplex fire, one remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Firefighter Spencer Tejedas is tentatively scheduled for surgery on Monday after rushing into the burning home at Southeast 182nd Avenue and Madison Way with two of his crew members.

Construction worker dies from injury at Benson Polytechnic High School, fire crews say

They were not surprised that he went in without the protection of a hose line because he thought there was a child in that duplex, Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis previously told KOIN 6 News.

The firefighters had been told a child with disabilities was trapped inside a bedroom. However, when the three entered the duplex, the teen was safely outside the home.

Two of the injured firefighters were treated and released from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, but officials said Tejedas suffered severe burns on almost half of his body and was moved to the Oregon Burn Center for treatment.

One lane open after landslide covers Highway 101 on Oregon Coast

Described as dedicated and driven, Tejedas has worked with Gresham Fire since November 2020. Gresham Fire said their hearts go out to his family and they are asking the public to respect their privacy.

Friends have set up a GoFundMe to aid in Tejedas recovery.

KOIN 6 News will continue to closely track Tejedas condition as this story develops.

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.
People attend the "Bi Sheng Forum for Cooperation in the Printing Industry -- Drupa Dialogue", a side event of 2024 Drupa exhibition, in Dusseldorf, Germany, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

DUSSELDORF, Germany, June 2 (Xinhua) -- With their dynamic growth and leading strengths in digital innovation, Chinese printing companies have been in the spotlight at the ongoing 2024 Drupa exhibition, the world's leading print technology event.

Drupa, broadly dubbed the "Olympics of the printing industry," is recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious international exhibition in the printing industry.

During the "Bi Sheng Forum for Cooperation in the Printing Industry -- Drupa Dialogue," a side event of this year's exhibition, Marius Berlemann, regional head of Messe Dusseldorf for Asia, marveled at the dynamic growth and digital strides of Chinese companies in the global printing landscape.

The forum is named after Bi Sheng, an 11th-century Chinese scientist who made baked clay into movable characters for type-setting printing, thus accomplishing a major revolution in printing history.

In an interview with Xinhua, Berlemann said China has laid the foundation at a very early stage to be a driver of innovation on the world stage, and "it continued until today."

"Now, China has embraced its role as an innovator, not just a production force, but taking up the role as being an innovator in the global printing industry," Berlemann said.

Highlighting China's growing influence, Berlemann said "for me, three aspects define China's contribution: efficiency, innovation, and value. China skillfully combines all these elements."

"China is the most dynamic market and the biggest single market worldwide with the highest growth rate. It also has a fast-growing demand for digitalization," said Dr. David Schmedding, board member and president for global sales and services of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.

"Heidelberg has a series of landing strategies in China as well as the local organizational set-up so that products can adapt to a wide range of customer needs and the service is fast and flexible. We are doing all this to support the digital transformation of our customers in China," he said.

Li Ang, managing director of BindEx Machinery Co., Ltd., shared at the forum with Xinhua the company's longstanding engagement in global cooperation since 2004.

"Now, building on decades of international collaboration, we are focusing more on 'going global,'" Li said.

"Our hardware products have been sold in multiple countries and regions ... which not only serve as our entry point into local markets, but also facilitate the international expansion of our software digital solutions, as many customers have also begun using the software features included with the hardware devices," he added.

Li said his company has established model smart factories in several cities across China. "With this year's Drupa exhibition, we plan to promote our digital factory solutions to more countries."

"In the present context of achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals, exploring a digitally intelligent development path for the printing industry in this new era will not only foster sustainable growth within the sector but also invigorate cultural heritage and its ongoing development," Li said.

The Drupa 2024, from May 28 to June 7, has attracted over 1,600 exhibitors, with more than 440 hailing from China. Such substantial presence demonstrates the growing influence and participation of Chinese companies in the global printing landscape.

Artron Art Group Chairman Wan Jie told Xinhua that as a cultural enterprise grounded in printing and centered on digitalization, Artron has been serving global artists, museums, and auction houses for over 30 years, becoming one of the top art printing companies worldwide.

"We not only provide high-quality services to well-known cultural institutions and museums domestically and abroad but also leverage digitalization to empower art printing, having created the world's largest database of Chinese art to promote the application of art data," he said.

"Artron, as both a participant and beneficiary of the global digitalization process, continues to strengthen its influence on the world stage," Wan added. 

People attend the "Bi Sheng Forum for Cooperation in the Printing Industry -- Drupa Dialogue", a side event of 2024 Drupa exhibition, in Dusseldorf, Germany, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
Suspect with a felony warrant arrested in Yesler Terrace

On Friday, Seattle Police arrested a suspect with a felony warrant in the Yesler Terrace neighborhood of Seattle.

Around 11:14 p.m., officers patrolling the 1000 block of South Jackson Street found the suspect and arrested him.

The 31-year-old suspect had a gun with an extended magazine and over 100 rounds of ammunition, police said.

According to police, the suspect also had burglary tools and suspected stolen property.

The suspect was booked into King County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Detectives of the Gun Violence Reduction Unit lead the investigation and may bring additional charges.
Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach Serial Killer, is already accused of murdering four women

Rex Heuermann

The suspected "Gilgo Beach Serial Killer" is expected to be indicted on a fifth murder charge, according to multiple news reports, which cite sources.

Rex Heuermann, 59, was previously charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Megan Waterman and Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

NBC New York, Fox News and Newsday report that Heuermann is expected to be indicted Thursday on a murder charge connected to a fifth victim who has not been identified.

Brainard-Barnes, Waterman, Costello and Barthelemy were working as escorts at the time of their deaths and were reported missing between 2007 and 2010, PEOPLE previously reported. Their remains were all found in an area on Gilgo Beach in Long Island, N.Y., in December 2010. It is unclear where the remains of the fifth alleged victim were found.

Related: Police Reveal Reaction of Rex Heuermann's Family After His Arrest in Long Island Serial Killer Case

According to Newsday, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney previously said that an additional six sets of remains were found near Gilgo Beach in 2011 and the investigation into those remains continues.

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.

Heuermann  an architect from Massapequa Park, N.Y.  was arrested July 13, 2023, near his office building in Manhattan. He was a married father of two at the time of his arrest.

Related: Suspected Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann Charged with 4th Gilgo Beach Killing

Prosecutors previously claimed that Heuermann committed the murders when his now-estranged wife and children were out of town, according to court documents previously obtained by PEOPLE.

That his family was away gave him "unfettered time to execute his plans for each victim without any fear that his family would uncover or learn of his involvement in these crimes," prosecutors said in the court documents.

Heuermann previously pleaded not guilty to murder in the deaths of Barthelemy, Costello and Waterman.



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Read the original article on People.
The Swiss Council of States (the upper house of parliament) has expectedly rejected a proposal to provide 5 billion Swiss francs (about US$5.5 billion) in aid to Ukraine at a meeting on 3 June.

Source: European Pravda citing SRF

Details: The aid to Ukraine was part of a larger package worth 15 billion francs (about US$16.7 billion), which lawmakers proposed to spend on defence. However, it was opposed by most parties, especially the right-wing, due to violations of debt rules.

The package approved by the security committee of the Council of States provided for the additional financial needs of the Swiss army in the period 2025-2030 in the amount of 10.1 billion francs (about US$11.3 billion). Another 5 billion Swiss francs were proposed to be used to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Ultimately, the Council of States rejected the bill by a majority of 28 votes to 15. Instead, lawmakers decided to consider the proposal to increase funding for the army separately.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland's allies have been urging it to provide Ukraine with assistance, including military assistance, although right-wing political forces have been demanding strict neutrality.

Background:

Earlier, a group of activists supported by the far-right Swiss People's Party collected signatures for a referendum on the country's neutral status, which could undermine the country's sanctions against Russia.

Meanwhile, in April, Switzerland announced that it was planning to strengthen Ukraine's economic development and long-term reconstruction over the next twelve years and will allocate 5 billion for this purpose.

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Switzerland's upper house of parliament has rejected a 5 billion Swiss franc ($5.58 billion) aid plan for Ukraine, over concerns it would breach the neutral country's borrowing restrictions, it was reported on June 3.

The aid was part of a wider 15 billion Swiss franc plan that also contained 10.1 billion francs for the Swiss military but had faced opposition from lawmakers on the right and was expected to be defeated, despite being backed by a Swiss parliamentary committee on April 25.

Twenty-eight lawmakers voted against and 15 voted in favor, Reuters reports.

Switzerland's Federal Council announced the plans in April, saying the funds would be allocated to support Ukraine's economic development and reconstruction.

The package was supported by lawmakers from both center-right and center-left parties.

While refusing to supply Kyiv with military aid on account of its long-term neutrality policy, Switzerland has provided economic and humanitarian support worth over $3 billion.

Switzerland also hosted the 2022 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, which laid down principles for Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery.

Switzerland is also set to host the global peace summit on June 16-17 in Lucerne.

The country is also reportedly ramping up efforts to prevent companies and individuals from using the country to circumvent sanctions imposed against Russia.

Read also: Swiss volunteer injured in Russian attack on Vovchansk

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland's upper house of parliament on Monday rejected a 5 billion Swiss franc ($5.58 billion) aid contribution for Ukraine contained in a broader financial package on the grounds that the plan breached borrowing restrictions in the neutral country.

With 28 against and 15 in favor, lawmakers voted down the 15 billion franc package, which also included 10.1 billion francs in additional funding for the country's armed forces.

The plan's defeat had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, with legislators from the right particularly opposed to it.

Lawmakers argued the package was in violation of a so-called "debt brake" provision in Switzerland, and rejected it two weeks before the Swiss government is due to host a high-level summit aimed at helping to bring peace to Ukraine.

The package, which a separate parliamentary committee had backed in April, was conceived as an extraordinary contribution towards the security of Switzerland and "peace in Europe" because of the war being waged by Russia against Ukraine.

Switzerland has been under pressure from Western allies to do more to help Ukraine even as right-wing nationalist lawmakers press for the country to remain strictly neutral.

The aid for Ukraine was intended to support the reconstruction and repair of everyday infrastructure in the country.

($1 = 0.8967 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Paul Simao)
A tale of two Adamses: Inside the power struggle between NYCs mayor and the City Council speaker

They may share a name, but theyre no happy family.

Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams grew up together, walked the same Queens high school hallways and even saw their mothers die within a year of both climbing atop the summit of New York City politics.

But the long-standing relationship between the no-relation Adamses has devolved into a bitter power struggle, according to more than a dozen sources with knowledge of the fallout who spoke with The Post.

The relationship between Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has turned into a power struggle, sources told The Post. Brigitte Stelzer

This thing with the Council is not going to go away and its going to get even more snippier, one Democratic operative said.

There are going to be more and more headlines.

Fierce feuds and bratty back-and-forths between the respective Adams factions in City Hall and the Council have become increasingly frequent and public.

Just last week, New Yorkers watched the two bizarrely hold dueling meetings over a bill that would expand lawmakers oversight over mayoral appointees.

On the mayors side, insiders say administration officials feel threatened by loud, leftie members of the Council who have been emboldened under the speaker and are actively working against his reelection.

Adrienne Adams speaking at a press conference asking for more pre-K education funding from Mayor Adams budget on May 22, 2024. Robert Miller

Inmates are running the asylum, a Democratic Council source said about the Council.

The speaker, for her part, feels disrespected by the mayor who repeatedly touts their relationship in public but privately flip-flops on promises and has staffers who operate in a chaotic and petty manner, sources said.

I think what started out as some legitimate difference over policy differences has devolved into a fight over power and tribal grievances, another Dem strategist said.

My amazing friend

To hear Eric Adams tell it, the two have always been close.

When Hizzoner took a swagger-filled victory lap on his first 100 days as mayor in 2022, he touted the partnership with his amazing friend Adrienne Adams.

We were high school students together, he told her. You and I both lost our mommies this last year. Theyre looking down on us and theyre telling us, You got this, baby. You got this. I thank you so much. Adams & Adams Law Firm is going to bring us through this.

While both went to Bayside High School, they didnt run in the same circles, sources said.

The mayor and City Council speaker both went to the same high school. Steven Hirsch

Its a complete joke, one Council source said. They were not good friends in high school.

For all we know they didnt get along in high school, another source said. These two people took two totally different life paths, got here and have some prejudgments about each other.

Eric Adams, by his own telling, was a less-than-stellar student and had a formative brutal run-in with the NYPD.

He eventually became one of New Yorks Finest and rose through its ranks to become a prominent captain who founded the 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care advocacy group.

After he left the force in 1996, he served as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president before he was elected New York Citys second black mayor.

Adrienne Adams had a lower-key rise through politics, cutting her teeth on a Queens community board before she was elected to the Council in 2017.

Mayor Adams touted his relationship with his amazing friend Adrienne Adams after taking office. Paul Martinka

From there, her profile grew to the point that she was one of two top candidates in 2021 to succeed then-outgoing Speaker Corey Johnson  a race that sources told The Post sowed the seeds of the current clash.

A widening rift

The rift began before Eric Adams even became mayor.

The then-mayor-elects unsuccessful backing of Francisco Moya, a lawmaker from Queens, in the 2021 speaker race was seen as meddling by some Council members, multiple City Hall insiders said.

There is still resentment with the mayors political team over the speakers race, one source said.

Eric Adams backed Francisco Moya in the 2021 City Council speaker race. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

The rupture widened when Eric Adams and Adrienne Adams sat down a few months later in 2022 to hash out their first budget, which shrank school funding by $215 million  a deal that sparked outrage from teachers and prompted lawmakers to walk back their support.

Council members claimed they were shocked, the insider said. They started pointing fingers at the administration. It was a turning point.

Contentious budget battles only escalated with the migrant crisis, which the mayor said would cost the city $12 billion  a number the Council disputed  as he pushed a spate of sweeping spending cuts.

Council members in 2023 overrode Eric Adams veto of a housing voucher plan, then sought to join a lawsuit looking to force him to comply with the reforms they enacted.

Council Speaker Adams celebrating after the City Council voted to override Mayor Adams veto of the How Many Stops bill. Matthew McDermott

They also slapped down his veto of the How Many Stops Act, a controversial bill that would make the NYPD record all street stops.

As they geared up to override that veto in January, the dispute devolved into a petty seating spat when a mayoral aide tried to swipe chairs from reporters at a Council news conference.

Council members who sided with the speaker during the vote suddenly found themselves uninvited from public events with the mayor, sources said.

Then when City Hall tried to crack down on communications between Big Apple agencies and elected officials in April, Adrienne Adams flat out told Council members to not fill out the requested form.

The administration feels that progressive critics of the mayors have been roused under the speaker, including Councilmember Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn), who was at the center of several contentious exchanges with City Hall staffers in and out of chambers.

Adrienne Adams number two and a former ally of the mayor, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala (D-Manhattan/Bronx), attacked him publicly, calling him a slumlord, which City Hall felt was out of line.

The spat escalated last week when the mayors top liaison with the Council, Tiffany Raspberry, turned her back on the speaker at a hearing and stormed out of chambers, insiders said.

No one expected it to be this level, the vitriol, especially her, especially when he [Eric Adams] is out there saying, I love you, the first Dem operative said. Everybody sees through it. Its unfortunate.

Its like sorta siblings, trying to figure out who started it but I think they are both messing it up, another source quipped.

They just need to have a peace treaty.

Both the mayor and the speaker declined to be interviewed.

Eric Adams top spokesman told The Post he didnt agree with the premise of the story, claiming the two have a strong, long-standing relationship.

A spokesman for Mayor Adams claimed the two have a strong, long-standing relationship. Robert Miller

The vast majority of the time, they agree, but like anyone, even if they disagree from time to time, they know how to look past the noise and Get Stuff Done for New Yorkers, Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy said.

A Council spokesperson said lawmakers have constructively worked with agencies and offices of this administration that are more focused on governing including on housing, zoning and other legislative priorities.

Speaker Adams leads the Council based on the democratic principles of inclusion and reaching consensus on sound public policies regardless of who proposed them, instead of relying on partisanship or demagoguery, said Shirley Limongi, deputy communications director for Adrienne Adams.

Additional reporting by Carl Campanile
Taunton school crossing guard off the job after altercation

A crossing guard with Taunton Public Schools is off the job after a physical altercation Monday morning.

A spokesperson with Taunton Public Schools would not specify if the altercation involved a student, parent or staff member but confirmed police are investigating the incident.

As a result of this incident, the crossing guard has been terminated, effective immediately, and is no longer an employee of Taunton Public Schools, a school spokesperson told Boston 25.

Boston 25 has reached out to the Taunton Police Department for more info.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Massachusetts elementary school teacher was placed on paid administrative leave after two incidents the district described as disproportionately traumatic for students of color, including a mock slave auction.

Gregory Martineau, superintendent of Southboroughs school district, wrote to parents last week that the incidents occurred in a fifth-grade class in January and April.

During a class lesson about the trianglular slave trade, the unnamed teacher impromptu asked two Black students to stand in front of the class as the class discussed their physical attributes in a mock slave auction.

Holding a mock slave auction is unacceptable and violates the Districts core values, Martineau wrote. Simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate, and these teaching methods are not to be used.

In a second incident this year, the teacher used the N-word in discussions about a book, even though the book itself did not contain the slur, Martineau said.

After concerned parents met with the teacher, the teacher then called out a student who complained of the behavior in front of the entire class.

The teacher was placed on administrative leave early last month, and an investigation is ongoing, Martineau said.

I apologize for the events that took place in The Public Schools of Southborough, he wrote. I acknowledge that there were missteps in this process that further complicated the situation. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring students are in safe and supportive learning environments.

The district, about a half-hour west of Boston, is 63 percent white and 3 percent Black, according to the district profile.

Meghan Cifuentes, whose son was in the class, told WBUR that she learned of the incidents when her son told her that the teacher said a bad word in class.

Never was I expecting the N-word to come out of his mouth, Cifuentes said. If youre going to use that word with 10- and 11 year-olds, there needs to be a heavy discussion of what the word is, why it was used and what it means  just some background information.

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TOKYO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Japan's transport ministry said Monday that it will conduct on-site inspections at Toyota Motor's headquarters over improper vehicle certifications, which also involve other major Japanese automakers.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said it received reports of fraudulent activities related to the certification applications required for mass production of vehicles from five motor companies, including Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki.

According to the ministry, Toyota submitted falsified data and made unauthorized modifications to test vehicles in safety tests for three current production models and four in the past.

In accordance with the Road Transport Vehicle Act, the ministry will conduct on-site inspections at Toyota's headquarters in Aichi prefecture starting on Tuesday.

Toyota disclosed that its chairman Akio Toyoda will hold a press conference later in the day to address the matter, as local media reports revealed that an internal investigation at Toyota is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Mazda has been implicated in falsifying test results for two current models, and Yamaha for one. Similar issues have been found at Honda and Suzuki, involving falsified test reports. These companies will also be subject to on-site inspections.

The transport ministry has ordered Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha to halt the shipment of six vehicle models currently in production.

Just months earlier, Toyota group's wholly owned subsidiaries Daihatsu and Toyota Industries Corporation halted productions due to a series of irregularities including data fabrication, following which the transport ministry requested 85 companies, including finished vehicle manufacturers, to look into problems over the past decade. 
Texas legislators want to help property owners deal with squatters. But the changes could affect tenants.

Terri Boyette, a homeowner in Mesquite, poses for a photo after testifying on squatting before the Senate Committee on Local Government on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Austin. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune

During a hearing at the Texas Capitol last month, property owners shared the horror stories theyve experienced with people who refused to leave their properties.

Terri Boyette said she left her home in Dallas for a few weeks last year to deal with a family issue in Florida and came back to find that someone had broken into her house and stayed there. She filed for eviction and tried to follow the legal process on her own to save money but ended up hiring a lawyer because it became too taxing. It took her seven months to regain control over her home. The house was damaged and shes still trying to get her insurance company to pay for the repairs.

A couple from San Antonio, Abram Mendez and Yudith Matthews, said a contractor who was supposed to remodel their house stayed there and refused to leave. Even though the couple said they could prove they owned the property, the man lived at the house for more than three months.

Texas senators called the May 15 hearing to review state laws related to squatters, or people who illegally occupy a property. They said the law should help property owners kick out unwanted occupants more easily.

Its unclear how widespread the problem is. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, showed a mix of news reports on similar cases at the beginning of the hearing and said the magnitude of it is shocking but acknowledged there isnt any official state data. Stuart Campbell, a lawyer with the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, said it is not a big scale problem at all and questioned whether the issue should be a priority for legislators.

Its extremely rare, he said, and added that cases like these have gained attention recently after going viral on social media.

State Sens. Angela Paxton, R- McKinney, Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, and Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, listen to testimony about laws relating to squatters during the Texas Senate Committee on Local Government on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Austin. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune

While lawmakers didnt say what proposals they might pursue during next years legislative session to address the issue, laws that were recently passed in states like Florida or Georgia were mentioned as potential models. Housing experts say such changes could end up weakening tenants rights at a time when evictions have been climbing above pre-pandemic levels.

Heres what you need to know about Texas laws regarding squatters, the recourses available for property owners and occupants, and what changes lawmakers might pursue next year.

Who is a squatter?

Texas laws dont have a specific definition of who is considered a squatter, said Stuart Campbell, a lawyer with the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center.

Rusty Adams, a research attorney at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, described a squatter during the hearing as, Someone who settles on property without any legal claim or title.

What happens when theres a dispute over the ownership or occupancy of a property?

Property owners have to file for eviction when they want to remove someone from their property.

Adams said law enforcement may remove a trespasser, but if the person claims to have a right to be there  like claiming to have ownership of the property or a valid rent agreement  they have to stop the process until a court can confirm it.

When can an occupant claim ownership over a property?

While people who illegally enter a house dont have specific rights in Texas, Adams explained some people who have lived in a place for years may be able to claim ownership of the property through a process called adverse possession.

People can make an adverse possession claim in the following circumstances:

If they have at least some documents to support their ownership claim and have lived at that property for at least three consecutive years.

If they dont have any documents, they can still make a claim if they have paid taxes on the property and lived there for at least five consecutive years.

If they dont have any documents or have paid any taxes, they can make a claim if they have cultivated or made improvements on the land, the property is no bigger than 160 acres and they have lived there for at least 10 consecutive years.

During the hearing, Bettencourt and Adams said changing the rules for adverse possession claims was not their focus, since these laws are not meant to protect trespassers.

What happens after an eviction is filed?

Texas laws require landlords to notify renters three days before filing for eviction. The case then must go to court between 10 and 21 days after the petition is filed and at least six days after the citation was served.

When property owners claim there was a forcible entry, owners can file for eviction immediately after giving the occupant an oral or written notice to vacate. The process would go through a similar timeline as with a tenant eviction before reaching the trial phase. It could take longer depending on the courts waiting list, or if the occupant requests a jury or seeks legal counsel. If the court sides with the property owner, the occupant has six days to vacate the property and to decide whether they want to appeal, which would extend the legal process.

Adams said eviction laws fall short when property owners are dealing with trespassers.

When property owners are facing an occupant who doesn't want to leave, they have to prove to the court they own that place. Even if they do, the eviction process can still face other delays. An occupant could falsely claim to be a tenant, or they could have acted in good faith if they unknowingly signed a fraudulent lease with a fake landlord.

The eviction laws, as they are written, are designed for getting tenants out of property. I know we have some people who are purported tenants, and we may have some way to deal with that. But [when dealing with] a pure trespasser these laws are not working because they put the burden on the property owner to show that this person doesnt have to be there, Adams said.

What changes do state lawmakers want to make?

The Senate Committee on Local Government called for the May 15 hearing to review existing laws, expedite the process for removing squatters and strengthen the rights of property owners.

I don't know what theory of leftist-progressive-socialist reality started this, but it is going to end when this bill is passed in Texas, Bettencourt said.

However, lawmakers didnt propose any specific changes during the hearing. Some solutions proposed by attorneys who testified were to create new guidance to help law enforcement officers when dealing with trespassers, as well as new standards to determine whether a person has a right to be on a property and remove them if they dont. They also suggested expediting the eviction process in certain cases, creating criminal penalties for trespassers and helping property owners recoup any financial losses.

New laws passed in Florida and Georgia this year were mentioned as possible models.

In Florida, a property owner now only needs to provide a statement saying an occupant is not authorized to be there and proof of ownership for an eviction to move forward. Doing so will allow law enforcement to vacate any occupants immediately. The occupant may file a civil suit after that and, if they show they were wrongfully removed, they may regain access to the property and recover costs and damages involved with the eviction.

Georgia created a new timeline for occupants to show they have a right to be on a property. They now have three business days after receiving a citation to present proof like a lease or rental agreement. If they do, the case must go before a court within a week.

The law also created nonjury trials for evictions and added monetary relief to make up for any losses property owners might incur.

How could changes impact Texas tenants?

According to Texas Housers, while federal and state protections were able to temporarily halt the rising tide of evictions during the height of the pandemic, the end of those protections led to a rise in eviction rates in 2022 and 2023. Eviction numbers are now higher than they were before the pandemic.

The legal rights and protections conferred to tenants in Texas during eviction proceedings are limited compared to other states, according to a report of the Keep Harris Housed Coalition.

Beyond the formal legal process, tenant households experience evictions regularly through a myriad of landlord intimidation tactics, the report said. It is illegal to cut off utilities, restrict entry with a padlock, or change door locks and deny a tenant re-entry into their unit, but landlords frequently use these tactics to encourage the tenant to leave the property without a court order or force tenants to go into debt to gain entry into their home.

Making changes in eviction Texans laws could further limit tenant rights, Campbell said. Changing the time or manner in which a landlord must give notice to an occupant before evicting them could result in treating tenants and trespassers the same way.

Evictions traumatize children, impoverish families, and diminish their ability to gain secure, stable housing in the future  and they happen disproportionately to Black, Latinx, and immigrant communities, Texas Housers says.

The organization has advocated for offering tenants more access to legal counsel, which it says is a proven, cost-effective and essential resource for tenants facing eviction. Across the country, 83% of landlords have attorneys but only 4% of tenants do, according to the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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Last week, in a widely watched case, the Texas Supreme Court rejected the claims of Amanda Zurawski and her fellow plaintiffs that they had suffered injuries after being denied emergency access to abortion due to lack of clarity in the states abortion ban. Zurawski v. State of Texas has offered an important model for lawyers seeking to chip away at sweeping state bans and even eventually undermine Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Now the state Supreme Courts decision offers a preview of conservatives response to the medical tragedies that have been all too common after Dobbs: to blame physicians and hint that the life of the fetus ultimately counts as much as or more than that of the pregnant patient.

From the beginning, Zurawski had significance for patients outside Texas. Republicans have been increasingly hostile to abortion exceptions since 2022, demanding that sexual assault victims report to law enforcement when such exemptions do exist, dropping rape and incest exemptions altogether in many other states, and going so far as to require physicians to prove their innocence rather than necessitating that prosecutors prove their guilt. Nevertheless, exceptions are critical to the post-Dobbs regime: They are popular with voters and offer the hopein reality the illusionthat abortion bans do not operate as harshly as we may expect.

The Zurawski litigation illuminated how exceptions fail patients in the real world. Physicians, afraid of harsh sentences up to life in prison, turn away even those they feel confident will qualify under exceptions. The exemptions, by their own terms, do not apply to any number of serious medical complications or fetal conditions incompatible with life. The Zurawski plaintiffs argued that Texas law should cover these circumstances and that if the opposite was true, it was unconstitutional.

Although this did not succeed in Texas, Zurawski created a blueprint for litigation in other states. It also kicked off a political nightmare for Republicans. Earlier this year, when Kate Cox, a Texas woman who learned that her fetus had trisomy 18, a condition that usually proves fatal within the first year, the states Supreme Court denied her petition for an abortion. In the aftermath, Republicans were flummoxed about how to respond.

The Texas Supreme Court offered Republicans one way to address the emergencies Dobbs has produced. The court began by limiting physicians discretion about when to intervene. The plaintiffs in Zurawski argued that physicians require protection when they believe in good faith that they need to protect the life or health of their patients. The court disagreed, suggesting that the standard was whether a reasonable physician would believe a particular procedure to be lifesaving.

On the surface, this doesnt sound so bad. Who doesnt want doctors to have to act reasonably? But determining how sick a patient must be is never straightforwardand is all the more complicated when the wrong answer will be determined after the fact by a prosecutor and the physicians with whom they consult, and when guessing wrong will result in a penalty of up to life in prison.

The courts message was that physicians were the problem. They had misunderstood what the court portrayed as a perfectly clear law. Doctors were the ones who had refused to act reasonably and denied help to the patients that the court thought were deserving, like Amanda Zurawski herself. Texas had stressed the same argument throughout litigation in the case.

Republicans may well borrow the same strategy. If Americans dont like the new reality that Dobbs has brought on, the party will argue, the GOP is not to blame. It is all the doctors fault. This allows conservatives to have it both ways: They frightenor, in the case of Kate Coxs doctor, blockphysicians who might be willing to offer reasonable care, then blame the physicians for failing to care for their patients.

The courts interpretation of the state constitution was just as revealing. The plaintiffs had argued that Texas ban discriminated on the basis of sex because only some persons are capable of pregnancy. The court rejected this argument, drawing both on Dobbs and on claims that have emerged in cases about transgender youth. Regulating abortion, the court reasoned, was no different from regulating gender-affirming careit was a rule governing a specific medical procedure, not discrimination on the basis of sex.

What about the right to life? The Dobbs case held that U.S. citizens have 14th Amendment rights only when that liberty was deeply rooted in history and tradition. Is there a federal or state right to access abortion to avoid death or serious bodily harm? As Reva Siegel and I have written elsewhere, there seems to be historical evidence to support this argument. And the political case for such a right is strong too. If courts say that there is no constitutional limit on state abortion banseven if patients bleed to deaththat will raise yet more grave questions about what Dobbs permits.

The Texas Supreme Court did not rule out the idea that the state constitution recognizes a right to life for the patientor deny that high courts in other conservative states had identified a right to lifesaving abortions. But if there was such a right, the court noted, it would account for the lives of pregnant women experiencing life-threatening complications while also valuing and protecting unborn life. In other words, the court suggested, fetuses too have rights to life, and that means that the state has every right to deny treatment to pregnant patients in an effort to prioritize the well-being of unborn ones. Texas may not yet have written fetal personhoodthe idea that fetuses are rights-holding peopleinto its constitutional law in clear terms, but the idea of fetal rights has already affected the lives of pregnant patients in the state.

Voters dont seem to like the idea that fetal rights trump patients rights. The Texas Supreme Court has suggested that judges, not voters, may be the ones who decide the question.

But even in dictating what happens to pregnant patients across the state, other Republicans will join the court in pointing the finger at the doctors charged with implementing draconian bans. The law entrusts physicians, the court explained, with the profound weight of the recommendation to end the life of a child.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to make things worse for pregnant patients later this month, when it hands down a ruling on whether the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act preempts an Idaho ban with very narrow emergency exceptions. None of this makes Zurawski a waste. It may not have changed the reality on the ground for patients in Texas, but it did tell an important story about the kind of America Dobbs has createdand it delivered voters a reminder that they still have the power to change it.
A pair of Texas professors figured out that their female students have sex and, boy, they do not like it. So now the philosophy professor and finance professor are suing for the right to punish their students who, outside of class, have abortions.

"Pregnancy is not a disease, and elective abortions are not 'health care,'" University of Texas at Austin professor Daniel Bonevac sneers in a federal court filing with professor John Hatfield. Instead, Bonevac writes, because pregnancy is the result of "voluntary and consensual sexual intercourse," students should not be allowed time off to get abortions. If the students disobey and miss class for abortion care, the filing continues, the professors should be allowed to flunk students. Additionally, Bonevac asserts that he has a right to refuse to employ a teaching assistant who has had an abortion, calling such women "criminals."

The sexual hang-ups of abortion opponents are rarely far from the surface, but even by those low standards, the unjustified male grievance on display in this new Texas lawsuit is a doozy. At issue are federal regulations, called Title IX, first signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972. They currently bar publicly funded schools from discriminating on the basis of sex or gender. This means that schools cannot penalize students for health care based on sex. As a male student would be granted leave if he had to travel for surgery, so must a female student, the federal statute requires. The two men argue that granting students an excused absence in such cases violates their First Amendment rights.

Even though the plaintiffs suing for the right to flunk female students for abortion include boilerplate arguments in which they feign concern that abortion is "killing," the legal filing makes it clear that what really outrages Bonevac and Hatfield is that Title IX prevents them from controlling the private lives of students. Along with their anger about abortion, they grouse about not being allowed to punish students "for being homosexual or transgender." They also argue they should be able to penalize teaching assistants for "cross-dressing," by which they appear to mean allowing trans women to wear skirts.

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As Jessica Valenti at Abortion, Every Day wrote, the language of the legal complaint is "downright petulant." The picture painted is of two men obsessed with controlling student lives based on what they're packing inside their underwear. It should be common sense that college students should be graded on their performance in class, not whether or not their professor resents their sex life or sexual identity. Alas, because the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Texas banned abortion, it's created a pretext for every busybody who wants to spend less time grading papers and more time working himself into an angry froth over the imagined sexual exploits of his students.

Even though Bonevac and Hatfield work in Austin, Texas, they filed their lawsuit 486 miles away in Amarillo, Texas. The reason for this is not mysterious: Donald Trump-appointed judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. The right-wing judge has a long and frankly unhinged history of screeching at top volume about the evils of "sexual revolutionaries." (Yes, that does sound like a compliment, but he doesn't mean it as such.) It takes very little to draw Kacsmaryk's sexualized condemnation. Premarital sex, for instance, makes one a "sexual revolutionary." Using contraception within marriage also makes one an irredeemable pervert. In his legal writings, Kacsmaryk is very clear that sex is only for procreation within marriage, and anything outside of that should draw legal sanction. He has not weighed in on whether there should be restrictions on what sexual positions are legally permissible within the procreation-only marital sex, but give him time.

Unfortunately, the Dobbs decision, which ended abortion rights, didn't just empower professors who are overly preoccupied with the sex lives of undergraduates. Texas has swiftly turned into a case study in how abortion bans aren't really about "life" at all, but about giving abusive misogynists a whole new set of tools to use in controlling women. As Melissa Gira Grant at the New Republic wrote earlier this month, domestic "[a]busers have noticed and taken advantage" of how abortion bans mean the "legal system itself" is now "an instrument of abuse." Operators at domestic violence hotlines have seen a surge in calls from victims whose abusers who "use state anti-abortion laws to intimidate and threaten partners" who have had or are considering an abortion.

One would think the Republicans who wrote the abortion bans might want to distance themselves from terrible men using the laws as leverage to force women into sexual relationships. Instead, Republicans are embracing the cause of men who believe coercion is an acceptable substitute for romance. Jonathan Mitchell, the former Texas solicitor general who wrote one of the two major Texas abortion bans, has been representing men who don't even bother to hide that they are motivated by a belief that women simply don't have a right to say no to them.

We've covered the first case, of Marcus Silva, extensively at Salon. Court filings accuse Silva of extensive abuse of his ex-wife, including getting drunk at her work party and calling her misogynist names in front of colleagues. Her friends document how he reportedly knew his ex-wife was going to abort a pregnancy, but didn't try to stop her. Instead, he wanted to use her abortion as leverage. Text messages show him threatening to turn her and her friends into the law after her abortion unless she returned to do his laundry and have sex with him. Mitchell is representing Silva in a lawsuit against his ex-wife's friends for "aiding and abetting" an abortion that made it easier for her to leave him.

Turns out Mitchell is quickly creating a cottage industry of using the Texas law to help men harass ex-girlfriends. As the Texas Tribune reported earlier this month, Mitchell is representing two more men who want to use legal action to punish their ex-girlfriends for traveling out of state to get a legal abortion. In one case, the woman's lawyers argued it was part of a "scheme to harass an ex-girlfriend who has moved on from her relationship with him." Even if Mitchell never moves to sue the women, their providers, or their friends who helped, by filing legal motions, a legal expert told the Tribune, Mitchell can put "the woman in front of a court reporter and force her to answer questions." Making a woman sit through humiliating questioning at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend is clearly a punishment in and of itself. And, again, for using her legal and moral right to terminate an unwanted relationship.

In the decades after Roe v. Wade, the Christian right insisted stridently that their opposition to abortion was about "protecting life," and was not about restoring male dominance over women. That this was a lie was always evident to those willing to look even a centimeter below the surface. These same forces also organized against sex education and affordable contraception, both far more effective at preventing abortion than abortion bans. But in the aftermath of Dobbs, there can be no doubt. After red states started banning abortion, the abortion rate rose, fitting the pattern seen in other countries with severe abortion restrictions, because anti-abortion states also tend to be hostile to pregnancy prevention.

These series of legal maneuvers in Texas further flesh out what's really going on here. Nosy right-wing professors and angry ex-boyfriends are not, despite their feeble protestations to the contrary, just really into babies. For people who actually care about children, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities that aid real kids who need food to eat and opportunities to grow. Instead, the throughline is anger at women, whether students in their classrooms or ex-girlfriends who don't return their calls, for living their lives outside of the control of the men who feel entitled to dominate them.
Texas Rangers on the hunt for female suspected of shooting man

The Texas Rangers and the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office are seeking help to find a female suspect wanted in connection with an attempted murder investigation after a man was shot Friday in Mitchell County.

'Statewide broadcast issued'

On Friday just after 10:30a.m., Mitchell County dispatch received a 911 call "regarding a male victim who had been shot," according to a Texas Department of Public Safety press release. The call originated from Interstate Highway 20 at milepost 224 within Mitchell County.

Texas Rangers' star.

The victim was later identified as Kristopher Adams, 47, of Azle, according to the DPS. He "sustained a single gunshot wound and was in stable condition, communicating with law enforcement."

Adams was then transported to Lubbock for medical treatment.

Based on information from Adams, "a statewide broadcast was issued to alert law enforcement to help locate a possible Hispanic female with brown-black hair and tattoos on the right forearm," according to the DPS.

She was apparently last seen "wearing a blue shirt, black shorts, and a gray sweatshirt" and was seen in a black 2012 GMC Yukon with Texas license plate SXF2364.

The Texas Rangers are working with the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office in the investigation.

"The search for the suspect is still ongoing," DPS Sgt. March Couch said Monday.

Anyone with any information to help locate the suspect or known to have witnessed this event is urged to contact the Mitchell County Sheriffs Office at 325-728-5261.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Texas Rangers on the hunt for an attempted murder suspect
Farage may be standing as an MP again but it won't be the biggest challenge he's ever faced after surviving a plane crash

Nigel Farage had a close brush with death when a light aircraft he was in crashed at Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield, near Brackley, in 2010. (Getty)

Nigel Farage has announced he will stand as a Reform MP in the upcoming general election in what is the latest drama in his long political career.

The announcement comes after Farage, who is also taking over from Richard Tice as leader of Reform UK, stoked speculation by writing on social media on Monday morning: I will be making an emergency General Election announcement at 4pm today.

The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader, who finished third in the most recent series of ITV's 'I'm A Celebrity' last year, has seen his own fair share of real-life drama, including a brush with death when his light aircraft crashed as he campaigned for votes during the 2010 general election.

On the day of the 2010 election, a small plane Farage was flying in crashed after its Ukip promotion banner got entangled in the plane's tail fin.

Farage has described the moments in the run-up to the crash, which left him with several injuries. (Getty)

Farage has now opened up about the crash when questioned by housemates while in the jungle, telling them he was being an idiot by flying a pro-Brexit banner.

Recalling his injuries, he said: I dont recall being unconscious, but I do recall the explosion, the plane flipping over, being stuck in there, everything broken every rib front and back, split sternum, punctured lung it was bad.

Farage said he discharged himself from hospital because he got bored, adding: When bad things happen to you in life youve got to make a decision. Have I been unlucky, have I been lucky?

Nigel Farage endured several trials on Im A Celebrity. (ITV)

He previously said the experience had galvanised him, saying: "I think it's made me more 'me' than I was before, to be honest. Even more fatalistic. Even more convinced it's not a dress rehearsal. Even more driven than I was before. And I am driven."

It wasn't the first personal drama Farage had experienced either.

In his early 20s, he was run over in Orpington, Kent, after a night in the pub, suffering severe injuries and was later diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Nigel Farage took part in I'm A Celebrity last year. (ITV)

Accounts of the crash have described how Farage, wearing his trademark pinstripe suit, had chartered the plane which was pulling the banner.

But the banner affected the plane, sparking a mayday call as it plummeted towards the ground, crashing at 80mph.

Farage suffered fractured vertebrae and ribs, as well as a fractured sternum, and needed surgery on his spine, while the pilot of the plane was also seriously injured.

Speaking on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2019, Farage admitted: "It's not a great memory" and described going through stages of "denial", followed by a "terror", then a "strange resignation" that he may die.

Farage thought he was going to die in the crash in 2010. (Getty)

'Nobody will ever know I survived'

"I did have a vision of what it was going to be like," he said. "I sort of imagined a bang on the head and blackness and that was it - it was almost a premonition of what it might be."

He said after the crash, as he lay in the wreckage, he remembered thinking: "We're covered in fuel... this blimin' thing is going to burn and nobody will ever know I survived the crash."

Farage added that while he considered texting his family, he did not want his messages to "haunt" them if he did die, and also did not want to distract the pilot as he battled to regain control of the plane.

"For once in my life the right thing to do was to sit there and say absolutely nothing," he added.
Thousands of Mexican nationals in Chicago turn out to vote, some waiting over 10 hours

Thousands of Mexican nationals in Chicago turn out to vote, some waiting over 10 hours

Way before 5 a.m. people eager to cast a vote for the Mexican presidential election began to form a line outside the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. By noon, thousands of people took over South Ashland Avenue, forcing police to close off streets and set up barricades to control the lines.

For the first time, Mexican nationals could cast a vote in person at consular offices around the world, in a historic election where the country is set to elect its first woman president. Voters will decide whether Claudia Sheinbaum, aligned with the left-wing party Morena, or Xochitl Galvez, with the center-right party PAN, will succeed Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist and creator of the Morena movement.

With only nine voting booths at the Mexican Consulate, the process was lengthy and frustrating for some in Chicago  some waiting more than 10 hours  but they were excited and committed to voting.

For some Mexican immigrants, the opportunity to vote in person from Chicago encouraged them to vote, many for the first time ever. Others said electing the first female president inspired them to wait in line despite the lack of coordination.

We want to vote, we want to vote, dozens chanted as the lines stalled and the sun hit their faces. While 1,317 Mexican nationals registered to vote in person in Chicago, there were only 1,500 available electronic ballots on a first-come, first-served basis for those who did not register but who had a valid Mexican voters identification card, according to the National Electoral Institute, or INE.

In all, 10,560 Mexicans in the Chicago area registered to vote in person, online and through the mail, making Chicago the city with the second-highest number of Mexican nationals registered to vote in the United States, said Eduardo Puga of the National Electoral Institute.

The latest census data indicates that 1 in 5 Chicagoans identify as Mexican. People from all over the Chicago area, suburbs and nearby states who did not register traveled to the Mexican Consulate in Chicago hoping to get a chance to access one of the 1,500 electronic ballots. Hundreds were expected to be left out.

They (INE) underestimated our power, our presence in Chicago, said Edith Cortez, who is from Guerrero, Mexico. She has been living in Wood Dale for 34 years, but one day she wants to return to Mexico, she said. Though she was frustrated after more than six hours waiting in line to vote, she refused to leave.

It makes me proud to see so many Mexicans here willing to vote, Cortez said. This shows how hungry we are for a change in our country; we must unite, after all, weve been forced out of our country into the United States by former politicians.

A woman president opens the door to create a domino effect of changes in a country that has been so deeply correlated with a macho culture, Cortez said.

We are progressing, regardless of which candidate wins, were going in the right direction, she said, referring to Sheinbaum, who has remained the front-runner for the majority of the campaign, and her opponent, Xochitl Galvez. A third, less popular candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez of Citizens Movement, is also running.

Voters will also have a say in nine gubernatorial races, including the states of Chiapas, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatan and Mexico City, 128 senators of the republic, and all 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies.

Lopez Obrador, a populist colloquially known as AMLO, finishes his term as one of the most popular and controversial leaders in modern history after taking the reins from established major parties in Mexico.

Sheinbaum, a scientist and former Mexico City mayor, is representing Morena, the countrys current ruling party. Her opponent, Galvez, is a former senator representing a coalition of the National Action Party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the Party of the Democratic Revolution.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue current policies of expanding social programs for the countrys low-income and working class. Meanwhile, Galvez has promised to quell violence and corruption, harshly criticizing AMLOs failed policies to stop cartel violence.

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 Mexicos electoral agency and expand the militarys responsibilities in civilian life have eroded Mexican democracy. The opposition has responded with large protests.

Lopez Obrador is considered Sheinbaums mentor, and if she is elected, it would cement his legacy and show that his Morena party can survive beyond his presidency.

After waiting in line for more than six hours, two brothers, Daniel Pena Salgado, 77, and Angel Pena Salgado, 83, gave up and stepped out of the line.

We are disappointed, said Angel Pena Salgado. We vote for every single election; its important to vote, its our responsibility. The two, however, did not register and could no longer handle waiting in line without eating or sitting down.

Daniel Pena Salgado, who prefers Sheinbaum, said he was looking forward to seeing a woman in power in Mexico. This is the year of the woman, he said.

I have faith that everything will work out, said Angel Pena Salgado.

Unlike the two brothers, Juana Salgado, 77 and her son Carlos Salmeron, 55, were able to vote after waiting in line for a little over eight hours. They drove from Blue Island and were in line by 5 a.m. To them, a woman president in Mexico sets a role model for the rest of the world because gender shouldnt matter to determine a persons capability to lead, Salgado said.

Salgado said that she votes in every presidential election, and she wanted to make sure to be a part of history.

We deserve it, we work hard, Salgado said. Es una chulada.

Its beautiful.

Many Mexican nationals living in Chicago have deep roots in Mexico. Most have family living in Mexico and religiously send money back home, forming part of the more than $63 billion in remittances sent to Mexico in 2023  with most of the money arriving from the United States  according to Banxico, Mexicos central bank.

They say voting is a way of honoring their roots and protecting their capital because they intend to go back or live in both the United States and Mexico. For those who are undocumented and cannot travel back to Mexico, voting gives them a say in the future of the country they love, where they send money and a place they still consider home.

Several members of the Illinois Latino Caucus traveled to Mexico City to attend a watch party for Sheinbaum after members of her team invited them.

State Sen. Karina Villa said the candidates team had been working to get people in the Chicago area to go out and vote.

North America is having the first-ever female president, and that is really significant. This is electrifying, Villa said on a phone call from Mexico.

Villa, whose parents were Mexican immigrants, said of the winner: They must take a look at the folks living in the U.S.

The number of people that showed up to vote today shows the power of Mexicans in Chicago, she said.

The power Villa refers to is in numbers and money, she said. Mexico is the United States No. 1 trading partner, said Jaime di Paulo, who is president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

So the business conversation is very important and how each candidate plans to deal with it, Di Paulo said.

To Di Paulo, Galvez is the candidate who has provided more information about how to improve trade or support small-business relationships between the two countries.

But having the first Mexican woman president is the most exciting part of this years elections for Di Paulo.

That is going to shut a lot of people down in terms of labeling Mexico a machista culture. I think that Mexico is doing the right thing, whoever wins, Di Paulo said. Its a proud day to be Mexican, Mexican American.

By 7 p.m., the lines still wrapped around the blocks that surrounded the Mexican Consulate even though voting had been closed. Some registered voters had waited more than 12 hours and did not get to vote. Angry and defeated, some started leaving the grounds.
Way before 5 a.m. people eager to cast a vote for the Mexican presidential election began to form a line outside the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. By noon, thousands of people took over South Ashland Avenue, forcing police to close off streets and set up barricades to control the lines.

For the first time, Mexican nationals could cast a vote in person at consular offices around the world, in a historic election where the country is set to elect its first woman president. Voters will decide whether Claudia Sheinbaum, aligned with the left-wing party Morena, or Xochitl Galvez, with the center-right party PAN, will succeed Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist and creator of the Morena movement.

With only nine voting booths at the Mexican Consulate, the process was lengthy and frustrating for some in Chicago  some waiting more than 10 hours  but they were excited and committed to voting.

For some Mexican immigrants, the opportunity to vote in person from Chicago encouraged them to vote, many for the first time ever. Others said electing the first female president inspired them to wait in line despite the lack of coordination.

We want to vote, we want to vote, dozens chanted as the lines stalled and the sun hit their faces. While 1,317 Mexican nationals registered to vote in person in Chicago, there were only 1,500 available electronic ballots on a first-come, first-served basis for those who did not register but who had a valid Mexican voters identification card, according to the National Electoral Institute, or INE.

In all, 10,560 Mexicans in the Chicago area registered to vote in person, online and through the mail, making Chicago the city with the second-highest number of Mexican nationals registered to vote in the United States, said Eduardo Puga of the National Electoral Institute.

The latest census data indicates that 1 in 5 Chicagoans identify as Mexican. People from all over the Chicago area, suburbs and nearby states who did not register traveled to the Mexican Consulate in Chicago hoping to get a chance to access one of the 1,500 electronic ballots. Hundreds were expected to be left out.

They (INE) underestimated our power, our presence in Chicago, said Edith Cortez, who is from Guerrero, Mexico. She has been living in Wood Dale for 34 years, but one day she wants to return to Mexico, she said. Though she was frustrated after more than six hours waiting in line to vote, she refused to leave.

It makes me proud to see so many Mexicans here willing to vote, Cortez said. This shows how hungry we are for a change in our country; we must unite, after all, weve been forced out of our country into the United States by former politicians.

A woman president opens the door to create a domino effect of changes in a country that has been so deeply correlated with a macho culture, Cortez said.

We are progressing, regardless of which candidate wins, were going in the right direction, she said, referring to Sheinbaum, who has remained the front-runner for the majority of the campaign, and her opponent, Xochitl Galvez. A third, less popular candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez of Citizens Movement, is also running.

Voters will also have a say in nine gubernatorial races, including the states of Chiapas, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatan and Mexico City, 128 senators of the republic, and all 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies.

Lopez Obrador, a populist colloquially known as AMLO, finishes his term as one of the most popular and controversial leaders in modern history after taking the reins from established major parties in Mexico.

Sheinbaum, a scientist and former Mexico City mayor, is representing Morena, the countrys current ruling party. Her opponent, Galvez, is a former senator representing a coalition of the National Action Party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the Party of the Democratic Revolution.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue current policies of expanding social programs for the countrys low-income and working class. Meanwhile, Galvez has promised to quell violence and corruption, harshly criticizing AMLOs failed policies to stop cartel violence.

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 Mexicos electoral agency and expand the militarys responsibilities in civilian life have eroded Mexican democracy. The opposition has responded with large protests.

Lopez Obrador is considered Sheinbaums mentor, and if she is elected, it would cement his legacy and show that his Morena party can survive beyond his presidency.

After waiting in line for more than six hours, two brothers, Daniel Pena Salgado, 77, and Angel Pena Salgado, 83, gave up and stepped out of the line.

We are disappointed, said Angel Pena Salgado. We vote for every single election; its important to vote, its our responsibility. The two, however, did not register and could no longer handle waiting in line without eating or sitting down.

Daniel Pena Salgado, who prefers Sheinbaum, said he was looking forward to seeing a woman in power in Mexico. This is the year of the woman, he said.

I have faith that everything will work out, said Angel Pena Salgado.

Unlike the two brothers, Juana Salgado, 77 and her son Carlos Salmeron, 55, were able to vote after waiting in line for a little over eight hours. They drove from Blue Island and were in line by 5 a.m. To them, a woman president in Mexico sets a role model for the rest of the world because gender shouldnt matter to determine a persons capability to lead, Salgado said.

Salgado said that she votes in every presidential election, and she wanted to make sure to be a part of history.

We deserve it, we work hard, Salgado said. Es una chulada.

Its beautiful.

Many Mexican nationals living in Chicago have deep roots in Mexico. Most have family living in Mexico and religiously send money back home, forming part of the more than $63 billion in remittances sent to Mexico in 2023  with most of the money arriving from the United States  according to Banxico, Mexicos central bank.

They say voting is a way of honoring their roots and protecting their capital because they intend to go back or live in both the United States and Mexico. For those who are undocumented and cannot travel back to Mexico, voting gives them a say in the future of the country they love, where they send money and a place they still consider home.

Several members of the Illinois Latino Caucus traveled to Mexico City to attend a watch party for Sheinbaum after members of her team invited them.

State Sen. Karina Villa said the candidates team had been working to get people in the Chicago area to go out and vote.

North America is having the first-ever female president, and that is really significant. This is electrifying, Villa said on a phone call from Mexico.

Villa, whose parents were Mexican immigrants, said of the winner: They must take a look at the folks living in the U.S.

The number of people that showed up to vote today shows the power of Mexicans in Chicago, she said.

The power Villa refers to is in numbers and money, she said. Mexico is the United States No. 1 trading partner, said Jaime di Paulo, who is president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

So the business conversation is very important and how each candidate plans to deal with it, Di Paulo said.

To Di Paulo, Galvez is the candidate who has provided more information about how to improve trade or support small-business relationships between the two countries.

But having the first Mexican woman president is the most exciting part of this years elections for Di Paulo.

That is going to shut a lot of people down in terms of labeling Mexico a machista culture. I think that Mexico is doing the right thing, whoever wins, Di Paulo said. Its a proud day to be Mexican, Mexican American.

By 7 p.m., the lines still wrapped around the blocks that surrounded the Mexican Consulate even though voting had been closed. Some registered voters had waited more than 12 hours and did not get to vote. Angry and defeated, some started leaving the grounds.

____
PROVIDENCE  Crucial services for crime victims are in jeopardy, advocates say, unless state lawmakers provide $2 million in funding.

More than 20 nonprofit organizations are together urging the General Assembly to provide emergency funding for support services for victims based on a 40% cut in federal funding nationwide.

The cuts take effect Oct. 1.

Weve been on a downward spiral for the last several years  This problem is larger than Sojourner House, Vanessa Volz, executive director of the Sojourner House, said.

Wed love to see the State of Rhode Island step up  I would say the state has a responsibility to help victims, Volz continued.

Millions cut from services for crime victims

A total of $700 million is being slashed from Victims of Crime Act funding across the nation.

Created in the mid-1980s, the Crime Victims Fund is a federal program that relies on fines and penalties imposed on federal defendants convicted at trial. The money is used to provide social services and compensation to crime victims at no taxpayer cost.

Domestic violence is a community issue and it deserves a community response, said Lucy Rios, interim director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

What Rhode Island programs are at risk?

VOCA funding is used to provide services in Rhode Island such as:

Street outreach

Trauma services

Emergency shelter

Transitional housing

Therapy

Law-enforcement advocacy

Grief counseling

Protective services

Safety planning

A confidential 24-hour statewide helpline and more.

It threatens really essential programs, said Lucy Rios, executive director for the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The 24-hour statewide helpline is one of the services at risk, according to Rios.

The helpline is really a key program for us, she said. Without additional funding, the line might not be staffed around the clock, leaving crime victims without much-needed connection and help at their most afraid and vulnerable, she said.

Nonprofits are filling a need in the community, Rios said.

Lisa Pina-Warren, director of intervention services at the Nonviolence Institute, emphasized that the people who will suffer are children, elderly people, victims of sexual assault and other crimes. She lamented that advocacy groups have already faced cuts over the last several years.

"We've done the best we can to make sure victims have the services they need," Pina-Warren said.

She noted that as the groups gathered at the State House for a news conference late last month, there was a home invasion in Providence that left three people terrified to be in their home. One was shot by the intruders in the unprovoked attack. The institute provided the victims with money to stay in a hotel.

"If we didn't have [VOCA] funding, we wouldn't have been able to do that," Pina-Warren said.

She forecast that if state lawmakers don't supplement the funding, there will be an increase in homelessness, retaliation, substance abuse and violence.

"Where are the victims in this state going to go?" she said.

Go deeper: How victim funding has changed over time

VOCA money has been used to provide services to victims of violent crimes, including survivors of child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and trauma.

Cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreases in transitional housing and other housing support. Agencies had to forfeit leases, reducing capacity as they struggled to avoid evicting other clients during the housing and economic crisis, the group said in a letter to state lawmakers.

Before 2015, the Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office regularly received around $2 million in grant money for victims services each year  an amount that remained relatively stable and was distributed to agencies in the form of VOCA grants. The available money increased for a period due to several large criminal settlements, reaching a height in 2018 when Rhode Island received more than $11 million, according to the state police. Since then, the financial assistance has plummeted.

Volz warned that without bolstered funding, the state will bear the brunt, with increased traffic at emergency rooms and police departments.

We know time is ticking. We have this week. Were just hopeful, Rios said.

Rios urged Rhode Islanders to reach out to their legislators to advocate for the emergency money.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Advocates say crime victim services threatened by funding cut
KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A historic caravanserai dating back 500 years is being repaired in central Afghanistan's Bamyan province, local media outlet reported Monday.

"This caravanserai will be reconstructed as its original model, and 3.5 million U.S. dollars have been allocated for its construction. It will be completed within three to four years," local media TOLOnews quoted provincial director of information and culture Safiullah Raed as saying.

The ancient site covers an area of 450,000 square meters in Bamyan City, the provincial capital of Bamyan province.

The birthplace of giant Buddhas, Bamyan with its countless historical monuments and beautiful landscape including Band-e-Amir lake is a popular destination for tourists over the past two and half years. 
SOBER LIVING INVESTIGATION

The victims | Timeline | Inside the scam | Arizona's failure (coming soon) | Rebuilding trust (coming soon)

A massive crisis of Medicaid fraud that occurred in Arizona likely started around 2019 and had two groups of victims: taxpayers who were bilked of more than $2 billion, and patients who were promised treatment for substance use disorders but instead got substandard care or no care at all. Some even got drugs and alcohol to keep them unwell so that fraudsters could continue housing them and billing for phony treatment.

The fraud primarily preyed on people enrolled in the American Indian Health Program. Federal officials say it's the largest case of Medicaid fraud to target a single demographic population in recent U.S. history.

Oct. 1, 2018

Arizona's Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, makes a change that means thousands more people enrolled in the American Indian Health Program are eligible to get all their health care services through the program, including behavioral health coverage for issues like addiction. Under that program, providers directly bill AHCCCS for whatever they charge for individual services.

January 2019

Fraud schemes involving phony behavioral health programs in metro Phoenix appear to start. They operate by using people, often Indigenous people, as currency to overbill Medicaid, in some cases in excess of $1,000 per patient per day. The overbilling is for drug and alcohol treatment that is often either subpar or never provided.

Promises, bribes, threats: How victims of Arizona substance abuse treatment scams were targeted

Fall 2019

Native American Connections, a large behavioral health provider, notices billing problems for some people in intensive outpatient treatment for substance use disorder who often arrive in groups via white vans and have coverage through the American Indian Health Program.

Animation of white vans approach and leave Native Health clinic

March 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, AHCCCS pauses several administrative requirements, including provider registration fees and onsite visits, that could allow nefarious activity to continue undetected.

Animation of AHCCCS oversight being strained during COVID

September 2021

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich indicts 13 people plus various entities on fraud, conspiracy and other related charges that are later connected to the American Indian Health Program.

October 2022

The Phoenix Indian Medical Center becomes aware of "suspicious activity related to residential treatment and sober living programs."

November 2022

There's a rise in people reported missing from tribal communities who are being found at drug and alcohol treatment centers in Phoenix, a legislative committee is told. One Navajo lawmaker says it amounts to human trafficking.

Jan. 2, 2023

As she attends the inauguration ceremonies for Gov. Katie Hobbs, Carmen Heredia, the newly appointed leader of AHCCCS, hears about the sober living scam from Diana "DeDe" Yazzie Devine, CEO of Native American Connections.

Jan. 5, 2023

The FBI posts an online notice asking to speak to anybody recruited to live and receive treatment from behavioral health group homes in Phoenix, the first public sign of federal law enforcements involvement.

March 15, 2023

Attorney General Kris Mayes indicts eight people on 25 charges related to fraudulent schemes against AHCCCS in connection with the sober living fraud.

May 16, 2023

The scandal gains the spotlight at the highest level of state government. Hobbs and Mayes hold a news conference about the scam and say it has bilked hundreds of millions from Arizona taxpayers; 102 providers are suspended from AHCCCS.

June 28, 2023

AHCCCS says it will no longer accept requests for enrollment into the American Indian Health Program over the phone.

Sept. 21, 2023

In Tucson, the Ocotillo Apartments and Hotel shutters, leaving more than 200 people seeking addiction treatment homeless. AHCCCS was investigating the facilitys operators for fraud; police say they were investigating sex trafficking there.

Animation of motel apartments turned sober living home closing.

Jan. 25, 2024

The cost of the scandal continues to grow. During a meeting at the Arizona Legislature, one lawmaker says the fraud may have cost taxpayers more than $2 billion.

Animation of coins with COVID-19 on one side and $ on the other.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona sober living scandal: Fake rehab homes were centers of scandal
TIOGA COUNTY, Pa. (WETM) The Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Sheriffs Office is warning the public about yet another phone scam.

According to a post on the Tioga County PA Sheriffs Office Facebook page, the sheriffs office recently received a call from a concerned citizen about a scam phone call. The scammer claimed that they were a lieutenant calling about a jury trial and jury duty. Sheriff Frank Levindoski is using this as an opportunity to give Tioga County residents tips about what they should do if they suspect that they are the intended victim of a scam call.

No one should ever give personal information over the phone when receiving a call unless they personally know the caller. Levindoski emphasizes not to provide your credit card information, social security number, date of birth, drivers license number, or banking information to anyone.

Schuyler County property owners being targeted by property tax scam

Additionally, no government agency will ever ask for or accept gift card payments. If a caller asks you to purchase gift cards and give them the numbers as some sort of payment, its a scam.

If you suspect that youre on the phone with a scammer, hang up immediately without providing any more information to the caller. You should also note the number of the caller, but keep in mind that scammers can spoof phone numbers.

If youre worried that a suspicious call could be legitimate, call the agency back by dialing the number provided by its official website or another reliable source. If you live in Tioga County and are concerned that you could be wanted or that the sheriffs office might be trying to call you for another reason, call the Tioga County Sheriffs Office at 570-724-3491.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Donald Trumps brazen pitch to 20 fossil-fuel heads for $1bn to aid his presidential campaign in return for promises of lucrative tax and regulatory favors is the definition of corruption, a top Democrat investigating the issue has said.

It certainly meets the definition of corruption as the founding fathers would have used the term, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said in an interview about Trumps audacious $1bn request for big checks to top fossil-fuel executives that took place in April at his Mar-a-Lago club.

Whitehouse added: The quid pro quo  so called  is so very evident  I cant think of anything that matches this either in terms of the size of the bribe requested, or the brazenness of the linkages.

Related: Trump attends Houston lunch to ask oil bosses for more campaign cash

Whitehouse and his fellow Democrat Ron Wyden have launched a joint inquiry, as chairs of the Senate budget and finance panels respectively, into Trumps quid-pro-quo-style fundraising, which already seems to have helped spur tens of millions in checks for a Trump Super Pac from oil and gas leaders at a 22 May Houston event.

The two senators have written to eight big-oil chief executives and the head of the industrys lobbying group seeking details about the Mar-a- Lago meeting, as has representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the oversight and accountability committee, who has begun a parallel investigation into the pay-to-play schemes that Trump touted to big oil leaders.

Amplifying those concerns, former Federal Election Commission general counsel Larry Noble said that Trumps unusually aggressive money pitch violates the letter and spirit of campaign-finance laws, and a veteran Republican consultant called it blatant pay to play.

In a separate fossil-fuel inquiry, Raskin and Whitehouse released a joint report in April into long-running big-oil disinformation campaigns to undercut the enormous threats posed by global warming, which Trump has falsely labelled a hoax, and last week urged the justice department to investigate big-oil tactics to deceive the public.

Trump boasts a lengthy record of rejecting scientific evidence about the links between fossil-fuel usage and climate change: he has pushed a litany of bogus climate claims, including that windmills cause cancer and that electric cars are bad for the environment, while promising to end tax breaks for EVs if he wins this fall.

Further, in a major rebuke to environmental advocates and international efforts to curb global warming, Trump in 2017 announced the US was pulling out of the Paris agreement to limit climate change, a much-criticized move that Joe Biden reversed.

Trumps drill, baby, drill mantra and his deep animosity toward alternative energy sources have been part of his fundraising pitches to oil and gas moguls, triggering alarm about the dangers of another Trump presidency.

The totality of  Trump, the fossil-fuel industry and a [conservative thinktank] Heritage Foundation blueprint advocate will put a dagger through efforts to avoid catastrophic warming, said Joe Romm, a senior research fellow at the University of Pennsylvanias Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media.

Trump promises to undo every constraint on global warming. Trump has pushed more lies and disinformation about climate change than anyone ever has.

Other climate scholars say Trumps climate denialism is the culmination of years of fossil-fuel propaganda.

Trump is an apotheosis of decades of denial, not only on the part of the fossil-fuel industry, but also by other industry allies, including now-certain billionaires, to deny the reality of the harms of unregulated, or very poorly regulated, capitalism, said Naomi Oreskes, the co-author of Merchants of Doubt and a Harvard historian of science. Donald Trump is the reductio ad absurdum of this rewriting of history, culminating in the big lie that he won the 2020 election.

Trumps strong embrace of climate-change denialism and his pro-big-oil policies were underscored by his aggressive $1bn pitch at Mar-a-Lago, which drew CEOs from giants such as Chevron and ExxonMobil, and the fracking multibillionaire Harold Hamm, the founder of Continental Resources, as the Washington Post first reported.

Hamm, an early Trump backer in 2016 and 2020 who took months before helping Trumps current presidential bid, joined with two other industry CEOs to host a Super Pac bash in Houston that reportedly raised $40m on 22 May from attendees who paid at least $250,000 each to hear Trump promise more fracking and more pipelines if he wins.

Trumps full-court press for fossil-fuel funds and political backing was palpable at an industry conference in North Dakota earlier in May, where Hamm surprised attendees by announcing Trump would join them via a video which featured bogus claims about the health of energy companies and the economy.

Under Crooked Joe Biden, the American energy industry is under siege, its under crisis. [Biden] has made clear that he wants to abolish your industry and, with it, destroy our economy and send us into a new dark age of blackouts, poverty and de-industrialization, said Trump.

The spotlight on Trumps ardent pursuit of oil and gas donations comes after Biden championed major new regulatory, tax and spending measures to reduce global warming in a sharp break with Trump policies past and present.

Ironically, even as Biden succeeded in accelerating spending for green energy, and imposed new regulations on fracking on US lands and a moratorium on natural gas exports, oil and gas production in the US reached new highs in 2023 and major companies notched healthy profits.

Still, the oil and gas industry has been ponying up funds for Trumps campaign faster than it did in 2020, according to the nonpartisan OpenSecrets group, which tracks money in politics.

The oil and gas industry has donated $7.3m to Trumps campaign thus far, or more than three times the amount it gave at this point in 2020, OpenSecrets data shows.

Further, some industry titans have donated six- and seven-figure checks to a Trump Super Pac. Texas oilman and multibillionaire Tim Dunn gave $5m to Trumps Make America Great Again Pac this year, and Hamm kicked in at least $200,000 last fall.

Campaign-finance watchdogs and some Republican veterans are dismayed by Trumps fundraising tactics.

Trump views everything as a transaction, so Im not surprised, said ex-GOP representative Dave Trott. Any other politician who made these statements would be deemed dead on arrival because theyd be viewed as corrupt.

Campaign-finance experts see other dangers in Trumps heavy-handed fundraising appeals, which he links to favors.

When wealthy special interests, like the oil and gas industry, have special access to candidates, and mechanisms to give them enough money to control their policy choices, everyday voters suffer, said Shanna Ports, the Campaign Legal Centers senior legal counsel for campaign finance.

Trumps request to oil executives is a troubling illustration of the quid pro quo corruption and pay-to-play-style politics that federal campaign laws are meant to prevent. Federal law includes strict contribution limits and bans corporate contributions precisely so candidates do not trade policy favors for campaign cash.

Ports stressed that candidates are forbidden from soliciting contributions that would break these laws  a prohibition that Trump may have violated.

Likewise, Noble, the former Federal Election Commission general counsel, said Trumps appeals for massive donations from oil and gas bigwigs [are] pretty blatantly offering policy favors in exchange for large contributions.

Little wonder, then, that top Senate and House Democrats are inquiring into whether Trumps bald $1bn ask of big oil moguls broke campaign finance laws, as well as big oils long track record of spreading disinformation about global warming.

In Whitehouse and Raskins joint letter to the US attorney general, Merrick Garland, urging the DoJ to investigate big oils history of climate change disinformation, they drew parallels with the tobacco industrys years of disinformation about the dangers smoking poses to human health.

The DoJ is well situated to pursue further investigation and take any appropriate legal action, as it has in similar cases involving the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries, they wrote.

Looking ahead to the November election, climate change experts predict another Trump presidency would decimate efforts to curb global warming.

If Trump is elected and does what he has been saying and the fossil fuel industry wants, that would be the ruin of the United States and the world, Romm, of the University of Pennsylvania, warned.

Trump wants to roll back the ambitious climate change steps and spending that the Biden administration has initiated, Romm added, saying: We have dawdled a very long time on climate change. We need very sharp reductions. We cant afford four years focused on raising emissions.
The top Republicans on the House and Senate education panels are accusing the Department of Education of hindering a government investigation into the botched rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, say the department is illegally obstructing the Government Accountability Offices (GAO) probe into the matter, demanding it immediately comply with the agencys record requests.

GAO is investigating the FAFSA rollout at our request, and by stonewalling, the Department is interfering with our ability to carry out our constitutionally-mandated oversight responsibilities, the lawmakers said in a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

The lawmakers say the department has not turned over documents that were requested by the GAO, stymieing efforts to complete the probe this summer.

The Republicans called for an investigation after the FAFSA rollout had numerous delays, ranging from technical problems with the site to issues with how the Education Department was calculating student aid. The problems have caused lower than average completion of the applications, with invested parties scrambling to get the numbers back on track before the new school year starts.

The Departments ongoing failure to comply with GAOs requests is unacceptable. GAO is a part of the Legislative Branch, and by preventing GAO from doing its job, the Department is interfering with our efforts to address concerns with FAFSA and pursue transparency and accountability on behalf of the American people, the letter read.

Foxx and Cassidy are demanding Cardona turn over the requested information to the GAO, as well as to them, by Friday.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said officials have received the letter.

The Department remains committed to continuing to respond to GAOs extensive requests as quickly as possible while also remaining focused on the ongoing work for this critical program, the spokesperson said.

Updated at 12:35 p.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 12-year-old girl was last seen June 3, 2023, in the 1200 block of Continental Court, off Ocala Road near San Luis Mission Park.

Lori Paige went missing a year ago. Now, more than ever, police say help from the community is "critical."

"In all cases, somebody knows something," Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said in a Monday morning interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. "Somebody has that critical piece of information that is going to break this case open and bring Lori home."

The 12-year-old girl was last seen June 3, 2023, in the 1200 block of Continental Court, off Ocala Road near San Luis Mission Park. Investigators originally said no foul play was suspected in the case and that Lori was originally believed to have run away voluntarily, but Revell said detectives are keeping an open mind to all possibilities.

"Our detectives are relentless when it comes to these types of cases," he said. "They're just not going to give up. They're not going to stop."

Detectives have been following up on every lead, he said, but there are unique circumstances that make it harder to find Lori than other missing children, who are usually found within a day or two, Revell explained:

The Tallahassee Police Department is asking the community for help finding 12-year-old Lori Paige who has been missing for 8 months.

Lori's family dynamic complicates the case because her family is spread out across three different states  Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.

She also hadn't lived in Tallahassee for more than a year at the time she went missing. That means there wasn't a lot of time for her to develop friends and patterns that are important in finding missing people.

And she went missing in the summer, so there is no pattern of how she went to school or who she hung out with.

But most challenging of all is Lori's lack of a digital footprint.

The missing 12-year-old doesn't have her phone with her, and she doesn't have social media, which is unusual these days because "all of our kids are heavily involved in social media and their phones," he said, so she can't be tracked through her phone or social media interactions.

Multiple outside agencies were brought in to review TPD's efforts with a "fine-tooth comb" to make sure there weren't any holes in the investigation, Revell said.

The FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Team Adam, a group of retired law enforcement officers who consult with law enforcement agencies on missing children cases, found TPD's investigation to be completely thorough, he said.

In February, TPD paired up with the Tallahassee Fire Department to conduct a grid search at San Luis Mission Park, one of multiple different searches the law enforcement agency conducted over the last year.

Revell said detectives have also gone door-to-door in the three different states where Lori has kin, and have searched with cadaver dogs. "I feel very confident we've done everything we can do," Revell said, stressing it's still an ongoing investigation.

Detectives still are asking for people to come forward with any piece of information because "many, many times you're looking for all this stuff, and it's something that's totally out in left field," he said.

"No matter how insignificant you think that piece of information is, please call us and let us know," Revell said.

Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Police Chief Revell on search for 12-year-old Lori Paige
Jury selection in the trial for a former metro Atlanta police officer accused of murdering a 16-year-old will continue after the suspect declined a plea deal.

Susana Morales, 16, vanished in July 2022 after visiting a friends house. Her body was found dumped in the woods nearly 20 miles away in Feb. 2023. Investigators say former Doraville officer Miles Bryant kidnapped and murdered Morales.

Bryant worked both as a Doraville police officer and courtesy officer at the apartment complex where the teen was last seen.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2s Tom Regan was at the Gwinnett County Justice Center on Monday, where both sides went through potential jurors to pick 12 and several alternates.

Bryant was initially charged with concealing a death. His charges were later upgraded to murder. An indictment also charged Bryant with criminal attempt to commit rape in addition to his existing charges of murder, kidnapping and more.

He turned down the opportunity to take a plea deal.

You have the decision now to take that risk, and go to trial, have the judge sentence you if youre convicted, a prosecutor said.

The other option was to accept responsibility now and ask the court for a lesser sentence with the possibility of parole.

Bryant said he understood his options.

RELATED STORIES:

Prosecutors and defense attorneys questioned potential jurors on a wide variety of topics including how they felt about police officers, have they or someone they knew been the victim of a sexual assault and whether they could be impartial in weighing evidence.

The former cop is also accused of falsely reporting that his vehicle had been broken into and his gun stolen.

Jury selection is expected to continue on Tuesday.

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The trial for the Milwaukee man charged with killing Cashay Henderson has begun

The trial of the Milwaukee man accused in the March 2023 slaying of Cashay Henderson, a Black transgender woman, is expected to begin Monday.

Prosecutors charged Cordell M. Howze, 32, with first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon days after Henderson's body was found in her burned-out apartment on Milwaukee's north side.

Court records show the Neenah man pleaded not guilty to the charges that same month. He later tried to plead guilty by reason of insanity, but court records show the plea was rejected last July.

Jury selection was slated to get underway Monday morning in Circuit Judge David Swanson's courtroom.

Howze is represented by Milwaukee attorney Stephen A. Sargent.

Who was Cashay Henderson?

Cashay Henderson was found dead Feb. 26, 2023. Her death was part of a disturbing string of killings in 2022 and 2023 involving Black transgender women that shook Milwaukees LGBTQ+ community.

Henderson was a Chicago native who for years was active in a support group for Black transgender women.

Family remembered her in a March 2023 interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as an outgoing, dominant personality who was constantly on the move and making friends.

What happened to Cashay Henderson?

Firefighters discovered Henderson inside her apartment near 29th and Villard with gunshot wounds while responding to a fire.

Jaxon Seeger displays photos of transgender women and lgbt individuals who have died by homicide, during the vigil for Cashay Henderson.

Investigators located a gasoline can in the living room and determined the cause of the fire was arson. An autopsy showed that Henderson died of gunshot wounds.

She had been shot twice.

Surveillance cameras recorded footage Howze in the area near Henderson's apartment at the time of the killing, according to a criminal complaint.

Howze had been in custody at the Winnebago County Jail for about a month before Henderson's death for violating terms of his extended supervision from a prior felony conviction. He was jailed Jan. 28, one day after allegedly fleeing police, according to the jail and online court records.

Howze was released Feb. 24, two days before Hendersons death and three days before Winnebago County prosecutors filed charges against him in connection with the January fleeing incident.

Growing gun violence, mass shootings problem in the US

Henderson's death was part of a saddening trend involving Black transgender women

According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 32 transgender or gender non-conforming person have died by homicide in the U.S. in 2023. The majority of those victims are Black and Latina transgender women.

Other Black transgender women in Milwaukee have lost their lives.

Brazil Johnson, a graduate of both Rufus King High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College, was found fatally shot near North Teutonia and West Garfield avenues on June 15, 2022. No arrests have been made in her death. The FBI in January released an image of a person they believe may have information in the killing.

Chyna Long grew up in Milwaukee and attended Washington High School, but was living in Chicago the last eight years.

She had been visiting Milwaukee to comfort her father over the death of his brother when she was killed Oct. 8, 2023. Antonio S. Currin, 29, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with her death.

An Aug. 26 trial date has been scheduled.

Last week, Clayton Hubbird pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide on the day his trial was to begin in the death of Regina "Mya" Allen, another Black transgender woman. Allen was just days from her 36th birthday when she was shot outside her apartment Aug. 29, 2022 in Milwaukees Avenues West neighborhood.

Hubbird, 33, will be sentenced July 29.

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: Trial begins for Milwaukee man charged with killing Cashay Henderson
The day after a jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts, Donald Trump accelerated his attacks on the judge in the trial, Juan Merchan, calling him a devil.

That was just the latest rhetoric Trump has used against the jurist  superlatives that would make you think that Merchan was a mix of Pontius Pilate and Mills Lane.

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In fact, many journalists who covered the trial say that he was stern, even-keeled and professional.

But it will be difficult for the public to see for themselves how the judge acted. The Trump trial was not allowed to be televised or broadcast in any way, despite the stakes and the historical importance, and despite the rather predictable post-verdict battle to define exactly what happened in the courtroom.

As one prominent correspondent put it, There is no visual record of what is going on. People can fill in the blanks.

New York courts generally prohibit cameras in the courtroom and, save for short moments when still photographers were allowed to take shots of Trump before each days proceedings began, there was little deviation from the restrictions.

Journalists instead clattered away with close-to-real-time texts and tweets of what was transpiring in the courtroom, with cable news networks dividing their screens with scroll of the developments. The court itself posted transcripts each day.

But advocates for cameras, along with plenty in the media, say that such comprehensive coverage was still no replacement for witnessing the nuance, vocal inflections and tone coming from the courtroom. One claim from some commentators on the right  that the judge sustained no objections from Trumps attorneys through the course of the trial  could have been more easily refuted.

Anchors at times made sure to remind viewers of the prohibition on televised coverage for such a historic event. Moments after the verdict was read, CNNs Jake Tapper told viewers, We do not have cameras in the courtroom because New York still thinks it is the year 1732.

NBC News correspondent and MSNBC anchor Katy Tur, who was inside the courtroom when the verdict was read, said that as much as reporters captured the tone and mood of the proceedings, it doesnt get to what it was really like inside that courtroom.

Its harder to assign nefarious purpose when you see someones face, you see how they are behaving in court, she said. Its hard to say that the judge was biased and the judge had it out for Donald Trump when you could see with your own eyes the way that Judge Juan Merchan conducted himself in court, the way that he sat over the trial.

She said that she found Merchans manner to be so respectful and so professional.

It would be valuable for the American public to see it so that when they are getting spun by whoevers trying to tell them that the court system is rigged that they can have actual hard evidence of the way the trial worked, Tur said.

Technically, there were cameras in the courtroom, but for the purpose of providing a closed-circuit feed of the proceedings to an overflow room of reporters.

CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa, who also was at the Manhattan courthouse through the trial, said that it would have been better in some respects for the audience to have the same access to the feed that the journalists did. Im always a proponent of providing more information to people about public affairs. But the court did not allow the feed to go out to the public.

What that meant, he said, is that it was even more important for reporters to take detailed notes and provide accurate reporting, these old school things come to the fore now as vital for this campaign and for American democracy.  Now as the trial fades into the distance, its going to be more important for journalists who covered it every day, like we did at CBS, to be vigilant in reminding people about exactly what happened, especially if there are points of the trial that become contentious.

As an example, Costa cited one of the more dramatic moments, when defense witness Bob Costello irritated Merchan. When the judge sustained the prosecutions objections, Merchan called out Costello for adding verbal and visual sarcastic asides. Merchan stopped the proceedings, dismissed the jury and at one point cleared the courtroom to warn Costello that his behavior was contemptuous.

When that happened, Costa said, Theres a nuance in how you describe it and theres a nuance in how you report it. This wasnt a professional wrestling episode. This was a tense moment in a courtroom in lower Manhattan. Theres a difference there in terms of the theatrical value of it, and at the end of the day, whats important is the substance of the moment, which was pretty meaningless in the scope of the trial.

University of Utah Law Professor RonNell Andersen Jones praised the creative solutions that reporters turned to in covering the proceedings, along with much of the legal analysis..

The press corps seems to appreciate that it has to try to paint a richer picture of this first-of-its-kind trial, she wrote via email. But in a divisive time, when there are so few shared sources of trusted news, this inevitably leads to competing narratives and intra-media battles about even the basic characterization of some courtroom facts.

She noted that cameras also may have helped the public decide for themselves on claims made by Trumps detractors  that he was sleeping at many points during the proceedings  or if the former president merely had his eyes closed. (That said, televised coverage wouldnt make any difference for the spread of another claim, a rumor of Trumps gaseousness).

If wed heard some of the testimony for ourselves, we could have drawn our own conclusions about whether the witnesses sounded credible or trial participants showed disrespect for the proceedings, Andersen Jones wrote. We would have had a sense of the defendant in his role as defendant, beyond the press-conference format outside the courtroom that came to dominate much of the news.

A rationale for restricting camera access continues to be that the Trump trial may very well have become too sensationalized and too much of a circus. The specter of the O.J. Simpson trial, which became a daily soap opera for much of the viewing public and late night fodder for talk show hosts, still lingers 30 years later.

There is still the judicial mindset that those involved will play for the cameras  a not-too-far-fetched worry given some of the players involved in the Trump case  and campaigns certainly would have seized certain moments for commercial spots for questionable context. Witnesses could face a backlash in a highly polarized environment. A judges worry is always that a juror would be identified, or that the presence of cameras would somehow present an unpredictable variable to skew their decision.

Advocates for cameras, however, say that there is enough experience with cameras in courtrooms that judges have learned how to curb and avoid disruptions, while technology has improved to make the presence of television less intrusive. The Minnesota judge presiding over Derek Chauvins trial for the murder of George Floyd allowed for camera access but audio only for those testifying.

Prohibiting cameras really takes away a great opportunity for the public to see and hear what is happening and to see that the process is more than fair, said Theodore Boutrous Jr., the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner who is among the attorneys representing media outlets as they seek camera coverage of Trumps D.C. trial on charges that he conspired to remain in power after the 2020 election. Those proceedings are on hold as the Supreme Court decides whether Trump had presidential immunity.

Boutrous noted that federal appellate courts allow for cameras for oral arguments, while the Supreme Court features live audio.

During the Trump hush money trial proceedings, the visuals that much of the public saw were courtroom drawings and the regular statements made by the former president in the courthouse hallway. Trump seemed to relish the chance to rail against the proceedings multiple times during the day, as prosecutors declined to provide a counter argument. That left him to claim that Merchans gag order unfairly restricted his free speech rights; a number of legal commentators, however, said that the judge showed restraint in merely fining Trump as he ruled that he violated the restrictions 10 different times.

Televised coverage, Boutrous said, would not only defeat the misinformation about how the trial proceeded, but it would allow people to see how the justice system worked.

The stakes are even higher for the former presidents January 6th case, with the issues having to do not with falsified business records but American democracy. Trumps team has supported allowing televised coverage in order to ensure that the American public can see the bare truth of this case; prosecutors warn that it was Trumps effort to try his case in the court of public opinion and would turn the proceedings into a media event. The latter is likely, cameras or not.

With a long tradition in federal district courts against the broadcasting proceedings, theres every reason to expect that the next Trump show wont be televised.

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I tried Starbucks' new boba-inspired summer drinks. They looked stunning, but one was really lacking in flavor, and I wouldn't pick them over real boba.

I tried Starbucks' new boba-inspired summer drinks. They looked stunning, but one was really lacking in flavor, and I wouldn't pick them over real boba.

Starbucks has rolled out a line of boba-inspired Refresher drinks in the US.

The blue beverages all include raspberry-flavored popping pearls and its new Summer-Berry Refreshers mixture.

The drinks looked very attractive, although the coconut-milk-based beverage was lacking in flavor.

Starbucks has rolled out its first-ever line of boba-inspired drinks in the US as part of its summer menu.

The three new iced beverages were released in May, two and a half years after Starbucks said it was conducting a limited test of beverages "made with coffee pearls."

The new drinks, which all have lengthy names, are the Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, the Summer Skies Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage, and the Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverage.

The drink all consist of raspberry-flavored popping pearls and a summer berries Refreshers mixture designed to taste of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Unlike many boba beverages, which use black, oolong, or green tea as a base, none of Starbucks' drinks actually contain tea.

I tried two of the drinks  here's what I thought.

Starbucks has been advertising the drinks with the tagline "summer at first sip."

Starbucks has released a line of boba-inspired drinks. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Signs for the drinks emphasize the contrast between the bright blue liquid and the pinkish-red pearls. Starbucks says that the line constitutes its first blue-colored drinks.

Starbucks says that the line constitutes its first blue-colored drinks. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Source: Starbucks

In reality, the drinks weren't quite as brightly colored as they appeared in the ads. All the stores I visited advertised just two of the three drinks from the range on their menu boards  the milky Summer Skies drink and the lemonade-based drink.

I tried the Summer Skies Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage and the Summer-Berry Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers Beverage. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The Summer-Berry Lemonade is made by combining the new Refresher with lemonade, popping pearls, and ice. The drink looked very attractive, and the contrast between the blue and red was striking.

The Summer-Berry Lemonade was beautifully colored. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The drink tasted quite tart and tangy. "This tastes like a childhood Popsicle more than anything," my friend said.

I thought the lemonade drink tasted quite tart and tangy. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The other drink I got, the Summer Skies Drink, is made from the new Refresher, coconut milk, popping pearls, and ice. The pearls looked more distinctive in this drink, though the liquid was a much more subtle shade of blue.

The Summer Skies Drink was a much paler shade of blue because of the coconut milk. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I'm not a big fan of coconut, so I was skeptical at first, but you couldn't taste the coconut at all. However, the milk also diluted the flavor of the Refresher, and overall the drink had a very mild, creamy taste. "It tastes like a mild Herbal Essences shampoo," my friend said.

You couldn't taste the coconut in the drink. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The popping pearls helped give the drink the flavor it needed, though. I was surprised by how strongly the pearls tasted of raspberry.

The popping pearls had a strong raspberry flavor. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Boba is often made from chewy tapioca pearls, created using starch from the roots of cassava plants, but Starbucks uses popping pearls instead, which release a burst of flavor when they explode in your mouth.

Starbucks opted for popping pearls rather than chewy ones. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The pearls were quite irregularly sized, which surprised me. Though they were all perfectly round, some were much bigger than the others.

The pearls were irregularly sized. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The drinks were served with a very wide straw, which meant that the pearls didn't get stuck in it  a common issue I've had with boba. You can see here that the straw is wider than the pearls.

The drinks were served with a very wide straw so that the pearls didn't get stuck. Grace Dean/Business Insider

My 16-ounce drinks were each served with two scoops of the pearls, which seemed like a good ratio. However, as is the nature of boba, the pearls sunk to the bottom of the cup and I ended up with a lot leftover once all the liquid had been drunk.

The pearls sunk to the bottom of the cup. Grace Dean/Business Insider

At the location I visited in Nashville, Tennessee, both drinks cost $7.05 for a grande (a 16-ounce drink), including tax. Starbucks' website shows that you can also customize other beverages by adding a scoop of pearls for $1.25.

Both drinks cost $7.05 for a grande. Spencer Platt/Getty

Starbucks said in a release that it "drew inspiration from drinks around the world, especially East Asian beverages with boba or pearls that have been popular for decades."

Starbucks had considered using fruit pieces in the drinks, but decided on popping pearls because they were "even bolder." Starbucks

Source: Starbucks

Did Starbucks' drinks look good? Yes. Did they taste good? Somewhat. But would I choose to go back to Starbucks for boba? Probably not. Dedicated boba stores offer a huge variety of flavors and toppings  my go-to is taro milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls  and you can customize your drink to your heart's desire.

Would I choose to go back to Starbucks for boba? Probably not. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Read the original article on Business Insider
VILNIUS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government on Monday greenlighted most of a Defense Fund package, which would allow an increase in the country's defense funding to 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the coming years.

The package, unveiled by the finance ministry in May, will now go to the parliament.

Among the measures, the ministry proposed increasing the corporate tax rate by 1 percent to bolster defense funds from the current 15 percent. Additionally, a quarter of the package entails adjustments to excise duties, including price hikes on alcohol and tobacco over three years, besides introducing a 6 percent "defense component" per liter on all fuel types.

The ministry also proposed borrowing via defense bonds and notes from individuals and entities, capped at a 2 percent borrowing cost.

Further, it proposed to allocate 25 million euros (27.1 million U.S. dollars) from local municipalities' residential income tax share to civil protection. The Defense Fund encompasses the existing temporary bank solidarity levy, extended for another year.

According to the finance ministry, if ratified by the parliament, the changes could yield an additional state budget revenue of 297.8 million euros (322.9 million dollars) in 2025, 421.2 million euros (456.8 million dollars) in 2026, and 436.5 million euros (473.5 million dollars) in 2027. 
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Three people were charged after allegedly throwing a brick through a camper window and attempting to set it on fire.

According to the Washington County Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO), deputies responded to a home on Clarks Creek Road on May 3. The victim told investigators he had found his camper sustained fire damage the night before.

KPD: Subject in custody after residents received call to shelter in place

The WCSO reports the campers window was broken and the mini blinds of it were charred. A brick was found in a grocery bag inside the camper, along with a partially burned deck of cards and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.

The sheriffs office states the following suspects were arrested:

Ian Barnes, 21 of Johnson City  Arson

Danielle Payne, 23 of Johnson City  Conspiracy to commit a felony

Madison Williams, 23 of Jonesborough  Conspiracy to commit a felony

Williams texted a friend of the victim early on May 3 to tell them the camper was on fire, and the victim was informed afterward.

Deputies reportedly spoke with Williams, who said she drove Barnes and Payne to the camper the night of May 2 so they could vandalize the camper.

Williams identified herself and Payne as ex-girlfriends of the victim.

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Crime Watch

According to a news release from the WCSO, Barnes slashed the tires on the camper and the victims vehicle before throwing the brick through the window. All three suspects then allegedly went to a convenience store to by a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and a lighter.

The trio attempted to light the bag and bottle of alcohol but were only able to light the blinds, the sheriffs office reports.

The suspects were all arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center. Barnes made a $10,000 bond and Payne and Williams each made $2,500 bonds. A trial in the case is scheduled to start June 26.

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.
Troopers arrest man accused of DUI crash that injured 1-year-old, 2 others

The Florida Highway Patrol said a man has been arrested and is suspected of driving under the influence in a Brevard County crash that injured 3 people, including a 1-year-old child.

Troopers said the crash happened Friday around 11:15 p.m. on Interstate 95 in Melbourne.

Investigators said the Lexus driver did not slow down as it approached the Toyota. The report stated the Toyota was going over 100 miles per hour in a 70-mile-per-hour zone.

According to an arrest report, the Lexus then rear-ended the Toyota, causing the Toyota to run off the road and begin to overturn, hitting a traffic sign.

Read: 7 people injured after crash involving bus, Orlando police say

FHP said the driver, who troopers identified as Thomas Roberts Jr., had bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and slurred speech when they interviewed him.

After a series of sobriety tests, Roberts Jr. was arrested and accused of driving under the influence.

The 1-year-old child was taken by helicopter to Arnold Palmer Hospital and was last reported as alert and stable.

Read: Police: Person dies after a Marion County crash

A second passenger was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center with a trauma status.

The woman suffered a head injury, a broken clavicle and a broken leg, FHP said.

Another passenger was taken to Viera Hospital for their injuries.

Roberts Jr. was taken to the Brevard County Jail and faces several DUI charges.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
LaGRANGE, Ga. (WRBL)  Troup County School Systems (TCSS) search for its next Superintendent ended last Thursday during a Board of Education meeting.

TCSS said Dr. Rachel B. Hazel was chosen by the Board of Education (BOE) and will replace Dr. Brian T. Shumate, who plans to retire sometime in June. TCSS will hold a public meet and greet with Dr. Hazel on Monday, July 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Services Center located at 100 N. Davis Rd. LaGrange, Georgia.

The search for Dr. Shumates replacement began in February of this year. TCSS said the board partnered with executive recruitment and development firm McPherson & Jacobson, LLC to gather and assess potential applicants. This is the same firm used to hire Dr. Shumate in 2019.

According to the school system, there were 33 applicants from the local and national level. Of those applicants, four were chosen to participate in day-long in-person interviews and feedback sessions with parents, teachers, TCSS admins, community stakeholders, and the Board of Education. Dr. Hazel emerged as the sole finalist for the position on May, 16.

After a mandatory 14-day waiting period the BOE made its final decision during a special meeting Thursday, May 30. Per the BOE, Dr. Hazel will become active superintendent on July 1.

Currently, Dr. Hazel is serving as the the Deputy Superintendent for Volusia County Schools in DeLand, Florida. She is a Coweta County native, and graduated Pike County High School before getting her Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education focusing on Mental Disabilities from the University of Central Florida.

She then went on to get her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University, and Doctorate Degree in Executive Leadership from the University of Central Florida.

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Trump attorney: Melanias absence at husbands trial not for lack of love and support

Former President Trumps lead defense attorney in his recent criminal trial said Melania Trump not appearing in court doesnt reveal a lack of love and support.

Their son was finishing school in Florida, Todd Blanche told David Oscar Markuss For the Defense podcast, which aired Sunday.

Melania Trump did not attend any of the seven-week trial. Three of Trumps kids  Donald Trump Jr., Tiffany Trump and Eric Trump  sat in on some days, as did Lara Trump, Erics wife.

Blanche said he never discussed  and didnt want to  whether the first lady would attend with his client.

I dont think that the lack of presence should be interpreted as a lack of love and support. Its just lack of presence, he added during the podcast interview.

Last week, Trump was convicted on all 34 counts for covering up a hush money payment in New York business records with the intent to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.

The jurys verdict marked the first-ever criminal conviction of a former U.S. president, and Trumps sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Trump in a Sunday interview said the trial and conviction had been hard on his wife, particularly because of the salacious manner of the testimony. He accused prosecutors of doing this intentionally.

The sit-down with Markus, whom Blanche said he considers a friend, was the latest in the Trump attorneys postverdict media tour. Blanche again vowed to appeal the conviction.

During the interview, the duo revealed that Markus suggested one of the most memorable lines that made it into Blanches closing argument, when the attorney attacked prosecutors star witness, Michael Cohen.

Blanche asked the 12 New Yorkers on the jury if they were familiar with the acronym GOAT, meaning Greatest of All Time, name-dropping athletes Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

Michael Cohen is the GLOAT. Hes literally the Greatest Liar of All Time, Blanche continued.

Markus asked Blanche on the podcast, did the jury react to the line, did they like it?



I think they did like it, the MVP of liars too. I was trying to personalize it more to them, Blanche responded.

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Ignore the teeth gnashing and champagne popping; Donald Trumps guilty verdict in his hush money trial is the decision that decided almost nothing.

Trump is a felon now, and, barring a successful appeal, forever. But while that may be notable to Wikipedia editors, it shouldnt be especially significant to anyone else. What will prove monumental over the long term is not this preposterous moment in history, but the lessons Americans learn  or dont learn  from it.

If Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs case was a clean killshot, Democrats might have legitimate reason to celebrate an inevitable impending victory over their tormentor-in-chief. But the unmistakable political stench around Trumps conviction  the only one likely to come down before Novembers election  will prevent it from effectively ending the presidential race.

After campaigning on his ability and desire to prosecute Donald Trump, Bragg directed his team to scour the penal code for a workable theory of getting around the statute of limitations for Trumps alleged offenses.

In other words: a partisan prosecutor used taxpayer resources to implement his interpretation of the law, using the power of the state to target not just an individual, but the opposing partys candidate for president. This perverse abuse of power rendered the trial that followed it a perverse miscarriage of justice well before the verdict compounded that mistake.

While polls show that voters are reluctant to make a convicted felon president, the extenuating circumstances in this case  as well as Joe Bidens putrid record and inability to run a vigorous campaign  are likely to soften this sentiment. Trump is the furthest thing from a saint, but a zombie conviction in deep-blue New York under nakedly political circumstances will be taken differently than a pre-election conviction for endangering the lives of Americans in the classified documents, or inspiring the January 6 Capitol riot would have been.

There may be no doubt that Trump was prepared to decry the wolf of political persecution had he been found guilty in any of the cases against him, but its to his advantage that in this instance, the wolf is real. As wrongheaded as the events that led to Trumps conviction are, however, some of his most slavish defenders have managed to overstate their case.

Trumps adoring future daughter-in-in law, Kimberly Guilfoyle suggested that what happened to him could happen to anyone. Tucker Carlson lamented the United States descent into the Third World while floating the possibility that Trump might be assassinated next.

One Right-wing media executive, The Federalists Sean Davis, even called on Republicans to begin drawing up lists of Democrats to imprison in retaliation. What happened to Trump  and again, there is an appeals process he is sure to take full advantage of  could not happen to anyone for one blindingly obvious reason: most people arent guilty of the underlying behaviour.

Trump did have an affair with a porn star shortly after his wife gave birth to his child before paying her for her silence amidst his 2016 campaign for president. Thats not illegal, but it is reprehensible, and his employment of Michael Cohen, of all people, to carry out the cover up exposed him legally.

None of that excuses whats been done to him, but it does reinforce the plain truth that Trumps manifold and manifest character flaws played a part in bringing us all to this point.

Moreover, Trump is hardly the first individual to be unjustly prosecuted and punished in the United States. People used to be lynched for their skin colour. Entire organisations still exist today to free incarcerated innocents. If those injustices didnt make America a Third World country, neither does this. The American justice system remains the envy of the world; that doesnt mean its perfect  it never was!

Partisans are determined to use the Trump verdict to advance their own narrow, shortsighted, parochial agenda in the lead-up to Novembers election. For those who still put the long-term interests of the country above party, though, the most important questions are yet to be answered.

Will the responsible Left, after years of prattling on about the importance of norms and principles (both real and fabricated) take a hard look at itself in the mirror after this? Or will it double down on what it now sees as a tried-and-true strategy, making prophets out of Trumps most hysterical acolytes?

And will the Right, after years of championing a narcissistic reprobate, consider the consequences of his actions on himself and the country? Or will it double down on its insistence that when it comes to the Donald, fair is foul and foul is fair?

Perhaps its time Americas political class took a moment away from scrutinising the verdict to consider its own sins.

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Former President Trump highlighted Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbans support for him Sunday in the wake of his conviction in the New York hush money criminal case last week.

In a social media post Sunday evening, Trump posted a screenshot of Orbans message on the social platform X.

Ive known President @realDonaldTrump to be a man of honour, Orban wrote on X early Friday morning, following the conviction. As President, he always put America first, he commanded respect around the world and used this respect to build peace.

Let the people make their verdict this November! Orban wrote, echoing Trumps sentiment following the conviction news. Keep on fighting, Mr. President!

Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a scheme to hide potentially damaging information from the American public ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Trumps legal team has vowed to appeal the verdict.

Orban  who has long had a close relationship with factions of the U.S. political right  joined other Republican allies of the former presidents in defending the presumptive 2024 GOP nominee for president.

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Donald Trump says he wants the Supreme Court to intervene in his upcoming sentencing on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

The Sentencing for not having done anything wrong will be, conveniently for the Fascists, 4 days before the Republican National Convention, Trump wrote Sunday night on Truth Social, complaining that Judge Juan Merchan was an Acting Local Judge, appointed by the Democrats, who is HIGHLY CONFLICTED to make a decision which will determine the future of our Nation.

The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE! Trump added in an appeal to the nations highest court.

Trump makes it explicit: he wants the US Supreme Court to somehow prevent his sentencing in New York. pic.twitter.com/khV9owT0sc  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) June 2, 2024

Trump is expected to appeal the verdict, but it would first need to make it through the criminal appeals process in New York before it could be elevated to the Supreme Court.

On Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News that he believed the Supreme Court should step in on the verdict, implying that he may have spoken with some of the justices about Trumps legal issues. I think that the justices on the court  I know many of them personally  I think they are deeply concerned about that, as we are. So I think theyll set this straight, Johnson said. This will be overturned, guys, theres no question about it, its just going to take some time to do it.

The Supreme Court  which includes three conservative justices appointed by Trump  is currently weighing a challenge to one of Trumps federal indictments that could grant him widespread immunity from prosecution.

On Thursday, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from a 2016 hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniel ahead of the election. Merchan scheduled sentencing for July 11, just a few days before Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the GOPs 2024 presidential candidate at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Since his conviction, Trump has hinted at the possibility of violence from his supporters. Im not sure the public would stand for it, Trump said during a Sunday Fox News interview. I think itd be tough for the public to take. At a certain point, theres a breaking point.

"I don't know that the public would stand for it  I think it would be tough for the public to take. At a certain point there's a breaking point"  Trump to Fox & Friends on the prospect he's sentenced to jail time pic.twitter.com/qEcB7tw1jH  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 2, 2024

Im OK with it, Trump added on the prospect of jail time. I saw one of my lawyers the other day on television saying, Oh no, you dont want to do that to the president. I said, You dont beg for anything.

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Trump superfans MAGA-themed RV, decked out with ex-presidents posters, is wrecked in NYC crash

The RV famous for being decorated from top to bottom in Donald Trump posters was wrecked when it crashed into a Staten Island utility pole Sunday.

The incident happened just before noon near Hylan Boulevard and Reid Avenue, law-enforcement sources told The Post  with images of the aftermath showing the Trump-themed vehicle in utter ruin as first responders arrived at the scene.

The left side of the vehicle was completely destroyed, with the crash peeling open the front-side passenger door as the seat was seen poking out of the RV.

An RV known for being decorated in Donald Trump posters crashed into a pole in Staten Island on Sunday. White

The left side of the vehicle was left a wreck, with many of its posters torn off. White

The front windshields were also cracked by the impact, and many of the Trump posters on the RV were torn off and littered on the ground along with the metal debris.

A tow truck eventually arrived to move the vehicle out of the intersection.

Officials said two people were in the RV at the time of the crash, a male and female, but they were not immediately identified. The male suffered minor injuries, police said.

The RV is known to travel to MAGA events across the country to sell Donald Trump merchandise. White

The wrecked vehicle was eventually towed away. White

The vehicle is known to belong to Donna Eiden and her husband Rocky Granata, who sell Trump-themed souvenirs from their RV as they travel in it to MAGA rallies across the country.

Their RV is easily spotted no matter where it goes, as its covered with bumper stickers, flags and decals featuring Trump and pro-Republican slogans while also touting more vulgar decorations, such as a sign that reads, Fk Joe Biden.

Officials did not immediately confirm if Eiden and Granata were the people in the RV at the time of the crash.

The vehicle is known to belong to Donna Eiden and her husband Rocky Granata. Matthew McDermott

Sundays incident is not the first time the RV was involved in a car accident.

In 2019, Granata was driving the vehicle when it broke down on a New Jersey highway, with a car slamming into his RV and pushing the vehicle and killing Anne Lovallo, 56, who had stopped to help Granata.
Former President Trump on Sunday called on the Supreme Court to act ahead of his July sentencing after he was found guilty on 34 felony counts in his New York City hush money trial last week.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, complained that his sentencing in the New York case is scheduled four days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the GOP is set to formally nominate him for president.

The former president also used the post to attack Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who brought the charges against him, and Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial, and argued it was unfair those two will make a decision which will determine the future of our Nation.

The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE! Trump posted.

Trump last week became the first former U.S. president to become a convicted felon after a jury of 12 New Yorkers found him guilty on all counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign.

He could face jail time, though first-time offenders on charges like Trumps are rarely incarcerated. Bragg declined to say whether prosecutors will seek jail time for the former president, insisting prosecutors would speak through their court filings in coming weeks.

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. He has said he will appeal the guilty verdict, which would go to a higher New York court.

The U.S. Supreme Court is already weighing a separate case in which the former president has argued he should be immune from prosecution over his actions after the 2020 election, when he tried to subvert the results.

If the conservative-majority court agrees with Trump on that case, many of his other pending criminal indictments could unwind. Even if the court does not go that far, its decision could delay actions in several of Trumps cases beyond the November election.

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BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) to play its role as a national strategic sci-tech force and make new contributions to the country's great self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent to the CAE on the 30th anniversary of its founding.

Xi extended warm congratulations and sincere greetings to academicians of the CAE and other engineering technology workers on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi said that over the past 30 years, the CAE, under the strong leadership of the Party, has united academicians and engineering technology workers to promote the development of engineering technology, overcome sci-tech difficulties and build major national projects and equipment, thus making important contributions to promoting China's innovation and progress in engineering technology as well as high-quality economic and social development.

Xi emphasized that engineering technology is an important engine driving the development of human society. He expressed the hope that the CAE, at a new starting point, will play its role as a national strategic sci-tech force, lead the innovation of engineering technology, accelerate breakthroughs in key and core technologies, and strengthen its function as a high-end national think tank.

Xi also called on the CAE to make more contributions to realizing the country's great sci-tech self-reliance and strength and building a strong country in science and technology.

The CAE held an academician symposium on Monday in Beijing. At the symposium, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang read out the congratulatory letter from Xi before delivering a speech.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called on the CAE to firmly grasp the strategic opportunities of the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, solve major engineering technology problems, promote the industrial application of sci-tech innovations, and better serve the development of new quality productive forces.

He urged the CAE to strengthen the research on "bottleneck" technologies and strive to make more breakthroughs in key fields in accordance with the country's urgent needs and long-term requirements.

Ding also called for strengthening forward-looking and targeted strategic research to support the decision-making of the central authorities.

The CAE was founded on June 3, 1994. 

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reads out a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping and delivers a speech at an academician symposium held by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
The guilty verdict rendered against former President Trump is bringing moderate Republicans and longtime Trump skeptics to his side in a way that Trumps campaign has failed to do for months.

Longtime Trump critics, including Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and moderate Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), among others, are rallying to Trumps defense after the verdict  and other Trump-leery Republicans including Nikki Haley are expected to do so as well.

Haley, who said last week she would vote for Trump over President Biden, has so far stayed quiet about Trumps conviction, but prominent Republicans, even some of his biggest critics, say the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) was fundamentally unfair.

McConnell said after the verdict the charges never should have been brought in the first place and predicted the conviction will be overturned on appeal.

And Collins said Bragg had blurred the lines between the judicial system and the electoral system by running for the district attorneys office on a pledge to prosecute Trump.

This decision has the same dramatic effect across the country like President Clintons impeachment. They are very different scenarios, but both caused a massive rally effect. With Clinton it was Democrats, and now with Trump its Republicans who believe there is judicial overreach, said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist and former senior Senate and House leadership aide.

Bonjean said McConnells surprise defense of Trump is a signal to the other traditional, mainstream Republicans to rally behind the former president.

Hes giving establishment Republicans permission to be supportive of Trump going into November, he said.

Senate Republicans in particular recognize their hopes of winning back the majority are riding on Trumps performance in battleground states. This leaves them little choice but to close ranks as Trump faces a possible jail term when he is scheduled to be sentenced shortly before the GOP nominating convention in mid-July.

Bonjean said McConnells show of support for Trump is making sure that Republican challengers in battleground states are fully supported from the top of the ticket with Trump.

Even former Vice President Mike Pence, who has refused to endorse his former boss, called the verdict an outrage.

The conviction of former President Trump on politically motivated charges is an outrage and disservice to the nation, Pence told Fox News Digital.

No one is above the law, but our courts must not become a tool to be used against political opponents, he said, echoing talking points used by Trumps allies claiming weaponization of the Justice Department.

Ford OConnell, a GOP strategist, said the verdict is going to have a unifying effect on the party.

You can do two things simultaneously, say, Hey, Im not a big fan of Trump, but at the same time, this is completely wrong, he said.

OConnell said the more than $30 million the Trump campaign raised after the announcement of the verdict is a good indicator of the unifying effect it would have on what we call base Republican voters, regular Republican voters.

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll of voters across six battleground states found that 49 percent of respondents did not think Trump would get a fair trial in New York, while 45 percent thought he would.

An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll conducted before the verdict came out and published Thursday showed that 25 percent of Republican respondents said they would be more likely to vote for Trump if a jury found him guilty.

The same poll found that 67 percent of surveyed voters nationwide said they would not vote differently in November if Trump were found guilty.

GOP senators had predicted before the verdict that a guilty finding could energize GOP voters behind Trump and put Democrats on the defensive.

He might win in a landslide, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said last month about the political impact of a guilty verdict on Trumps chances in the general election. It looks so awful.

Paul noted that New Yorks statute of limitations had expired on Trumps falsification of business records, which forced Bragg to combine them with campaign finance violations to bring his case forward.

The Trump campaign announced that it raised $34.8 million in the first six hours after the jury announced its guilty verdict.

Trump pollster Jim McLaughlin said Trump skeptics such as McConnell, Collins and Pence are rallying behind the former president because they are genuinely offended by the conviction over conduct the general public has known about for years.

Whats happened is, people realize this is wrong. Its flat-out wrong, he said, citing legal scholars such as Jonathan Turley and Alan Dershowitz who have strongly criticized Braggs case.

Turley, a law professor at the George Washington University, predicted on social media the conviction would be reversed on appeal.

And Dershowitz, a Harvard Law professor emeritus, warned Friday on Fox News that Trumps conviction would begin a war of weaponization of the criminal justice system.

McLaughlin downplayed the significant share of Republican primary votes against Trump in states such as Indiana and Nebraska that were cast after Haley dropped out of the presidential race in early March.

I think that whole thing is overrated; Im not really worried about Nikki Haley voters. Look at all the surveys that came out before all this: Trumps getting 90 percent-plus of the Republican vote, and one of the reasons hes doing as well as hes doing is because he gets more of his Republican partisans than Biden gets of the Democrats, he said. Hes got his Republican base locked down. He gets 90-percent plus of the Republican vote.

Some GOP senators acknowledge, however, that a criminal conviction could further alienate independent voters, especially college-educated and suburban women who moved away from Trump and the GOP in the 2020 presidential and 2022 midterm elections.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who said in March she couldnt support Trump for president, said Friday the party would have a better chance of winning back the White House with another nominee.

A Republican nominee without this baggage would have a clear path to victory, she posted on the social platform X.

Murkowski said it was a shame the presidential election has focused on personalities and legal problems rather than a debate about policies that would lift up Americans.

These distractions have given the Biden campaign a free pass as the focus has shifted from Bidens indefensible record and the damage his policies have done to Alaska and our nations economy to Trumps legal drama, she lamented.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who is running for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, was one of the few Republicans with a significant national profile to break with fellow Republicans who have blasted Braggs case and the jurys verdict.

At this dangerously divided moment in our history, all leaders  regardless of party  must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship, Hogan said Thursday. We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.

But that prompted an angry backlash from Trumps camp, warning that could spell trouble for Republicans in November.

You just ended your campaign, Trump adviser Chris LaCivita wrote on X, reposting Hogans comments.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told The Hill before the verdict came out that a conviction would not likely dent Trumps support among GOP voters.

I dont think it will have any impact on his support at all, in part because people have already processed that. They know about the relationship with Stormy Daniels, they know about the payment, theres been nothing particularly new thats come out at trial, Romney said. What the jury does one way or another probably wont make any difference in terms of President Trumps support.

When I was running [in the Massachusetts Senate race] against [then-Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.)] in 1994  people were saying, You need to bring up Mary Jo Kopechne, he said, referring to the woman who died in a car crash while Kennedy was at the wheel in 1969.

People have already thought that through and made a decision and have moved on. Once people have made that decision, raising it again does nothing but irritate them, he said.

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Eight U.S. Republican senators, including Floridas Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, say they wont vote to confirm any of President Joe Bidens nominations for federal judges in retaliation for a New York jury finding Donald Trump guilty of falsifying business records to hide hush-money payments to a porn star.

Their declaration, issued Friday after the Manhattan jurys verdict against Trump, could spell doom for Bidens nomination of a widely respected Coral Gables attorney, Detra Shaw-Wilder, as a federal judge in Miami.

If Rubio and Scott stick to their threatened blockade, the nomination is dead, regardless of how qualified the candidate is, said top South Florida white-collar defense attorney Jon Sale, who has served on federal nominating commissions in South Florida.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Even before Trumps 34-count guilty verdict came out Thursday, both Rubio and Scott told the Miami Herald they were not moving forward with Bidens nomination of Shaw-Wilder, claiming the White House had not properly consulted with them before announcing her appointment in late March.

READ MORE: Floridas GOP senators hold up Bidens nomination of top lawyer for federal judge

A senior Biden administration official countered that Floridas two Republican senators were informed that the Democratic president intended to choose Shaw-Wilder in the weeks before he announced her nomination.

In their declaration publicized on social media Friday, Rubio, Scott and six other Senate GOP conservatives accused the White House of making a mockery of the rule of law and altering politics in un-American ways as they condemned the New York prosecution of former president Trump, who is expected to be the Republican nominee to face Biden in the November election.

Although the New York case was prosecuted by the Manhattan district attorneys office  not the U.S. Department of Justice  the eight GOP senators said they were unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart.

To that end, we will not ... vote to confirm this administrations political and judicial appointees, the Senate Republican conferences May 31 declaration stated.

The six senators who aligned with Rubio and Scott were Mike Lee, R-Utah; J.D. Vance, R-Ohio; Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama; Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri; Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee; and Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.

Since the eight issued their declaration, two more Senate conservatives have joined the threatened blockade  Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin  and others are expected to pledge to it.

Blue slip for senators to object

While the Republicans represent a narrow minority in the Senate, each senator has the power to veto a presidents nomination for U.S. district court judge in his or her home state by refusing to issue a blue slip for the candidate. The blue slip, a custom over the past century, must be issued by the home-state senators before the Senate Judiciary Committee can hold a confirmation hearing and the Senate can vote.

As long as the Democrats are going to accept the blue-slip [custom], the Republican home-state senators are going to be able to block Bidens nominations for district court judges in their states, Sale said Monday. The Democrats dont want to give up that [custom] because one day they may not have a majority in the Senate and they will want to use the blue slip, too.

During an interview last week with the Herald before Trumps conviction in New York, Scott suggested that he might be willing to find a way forward with Shaw-Wilders nomination if the White House considers her and other candidates  not only for the vacancy in Miami but for other openings on the federal bench in the Middle District of Florida. That district includes the Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville regions.

According to people familiar with Shaw-Wilders nomination, the White House has indicated to the senators that it is open to a negotiated package of federal judicial nominees that would include her for the opening in Miami and a candidate for the Middle District.

University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias, an expert in judicial nominations, said the Republican Senate conferences threatened confirmation blockade looks ominous for Florida and other states with two Republican senators.

They intend to vote no on all of these district court nominations, and that will have important implications for Florida and other red states, Tobias told the Herald, pointing out that vacancies create more case work for fewer judges.

But Tobias said its possible a deal could be struck between the White House and Floridas senators that might pave the way for Shaw-Wilders nomination to survive in Miami  if the Biden administration can give Rubio and Scott a choice for a federal judge in the Middle District.

Its going to be tough to turn this around for Shaw-Wilder, Tobias said. But I have seen how flexible the White House can be on district court nominations.

Three others confirmed as South Florida federal judges

In late February, the U.S. Senate confirmed three candidates, all former U.S. prosecutors with Ivy League credentials, as federal judges in the Southern District of Florida  including the nephew of Rubios biggest donor in his GOP bid for president in 2016.

One nominee was Jacqueline Becerra, who grew up in Hialeah, and is a graduate of the University of Miami and Yale University Law School. She was a magistrate judge in Miami and previously worked as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorneys office and as a partner with the Greenberg Traurig law firm.

Another was Melissa Damian, who worked in the U.S. attorneys office before serving as a U.S. magistrate judge in Miami. Damian, a graduate of Princeton University and UM law school, clerked early in her career for former U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro.

And the third was David Leibowitz, who obtained his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and then served in the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan before working as general counsel for his uncles auto empire, Braman Motors, based in Miami. His uncle, Norman Braman, gave millions of dollars to Rubios campaign for president in 2016.

The blocking of Shaw-Wilders nomination has upset her backers, who cut across the political spectrum and include some members of the conservative Federalist Society. Some have questioned how these three federal judicial nominees from South Florida sailed through the Senate earlier this year and how hers has run aground.

Shaw-Wilder, a 54-year-old Miami native, received her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and her bachelors degree from the University of Florida, before joining the Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton law firm in Coral Gables in 1994. She became a partner in 2002 and later served as managing partner of the firm.

Miami Democratic Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who has championed Shaw-Wilders nomination, said she feels personally responsible for the appointment of Detra Shaw-Wilder to the bench. Wilson pointed out that the late U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke, who died last year after serving in Miami as the first African-American woman appointed to the federal bench in Florida, asked the congresswoman to promise that she will make sure that a Black woman replaces me.

Prominent Miami attorney Joseph Klock, a Democrat who represented then-Republican Secretary of State Katherine Harris in Floridas presidential election dispute between George W. Bush and Al Gore, said Shaw-Wilder is eminently qualified to be a federal judge in Miami.

While he condemned the prosecution of Trump in the hush-money case in Manhattan, he said that his trial is not a sound reason for Rubio, Scott and the other Senate Republicans to threaten a blockade of her nomination or others by the Biden administration.

For starters, its been pending since March before Trumps trial began in New York, he said. Why dont they just get it done and give Scott what he wants [for a federal judge] in the Middle District?

Klock, like others in Miamis legal and political circles, said Shaw-Wilders confirmation would be a proper tribute to Marcia Cooke, one of the finest judges we have ever had in the Southern District.
In Trump vs. Biden, vote for the best presidential candidate. Our future depends on it.

As Americans, it's in our power to choose our next president, and our duty is to do it wisely, a guest columnist writes. Shown are former President Donald Trump, at left, and President Joe Biden, at right.

Each generation is faced with its own moment in destiny. The upcoming presidential election is ours.

This election is pivotal in U.S. history. It is truly about the future of our democracy. One candidate, President Joe Biden, is committed to democratic principles; the other, former President Donald Trump, is not.

The Founders knew the success of this democratic experiment depended on just, measured and benevolent leaders willing to uphold the principles upon which the republic was founded.

When asked upon ratification of the Constitution what form of government do we have, Benjamin Franklin responded, A republic, if you can keep it.

Can we unite and vote for the presidential candidate who respects our principles and the rule of law? We must get beyond exhausting rhetoric and political party to cast our votes for our future.

All presidents before Trump respected and revered our democracy. By his own words and acts, he has demonstrated he does not. He reveres strong autocrats and supported a violent insurrection to retain power he abused. He seeks power again and he believes he can divide us to win. If he does, there are no guarantees this democracy will survive.

There are consequential moments in history requiring courage and wisdom. Our responsibility as Americans is to preserve this democracy. Nothing less.

Our republic was forged by revolution creating a democracy. A form of government unheard of in history. The world thought it would fail. The following generations endured civil war, the Great Depression, World War II and other challenging times, always emerging stronger and united.

Jim Young's take: Republicans must vote for Biden in November. Keep Trump out of the Oval Office.

The president of the United States of America has immense power leading the most powerful nation in the world. This requires a person without self-interest and with a steady hand on the rudder. A leader who must embrace the significant responsibilities at home and abroad in an unsafe world. The office is about the welfare of the people. Presidents serve at our will. Not for themselves. Our power is to choose a president. Our duty is to do it wisely.

Which candidate is best suited to lead? Measure these men by character and core leadership principles: integrity, character and qualities of humility, empathy, integrity, courage and accountability in governing above self-interest.

At an inflection point, our generation is called to defend democracy from divisions within. In his farewell address, George Washington warned of putting the agendas and self-interested views of political parties over individual choice. We must vote as Americans first.

More from Busey: How you vote determines whether your officials will put you or their self-interest first

The Founders gave us a republic. The decision for its future rests in our choice between two men of extreme difference. Trump presents, as some say, a clear and present danger to our republic.

It is our obligation to choose wisely. Vote for the best man as a leader within the truest definition, respecting democracy and willing to defend it. This choice is our rendezvous with destiny.

Phil G. Busey Sr.

Phil G. Busey Sr. is founder and chairman of DRG and The Busey Group of Cos.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Voting for Biden is picking democracy. Trump is a danger
Last September, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung caused a kerfuffle by mistakenly reporting that the former president had bought a Glock 19 pistol decorated with his portrait during a visit to a gun dealer in Summerville, South Carolina. At the time, Trump faced four criminal indictments, which would have made him guilty of several federal feloniesthe purchase itself, plus two more felonies related to falsely presenting himself as an eligible buyerif he had actually completed the transaction that Cheung described. Now that a New York jury has convicted Trump of 34 felonies involving falsification of business records, he is barred from possessing firearms as well as buying them.

Trump, who had a concealed carry permit, owned at least two handguns prior to his conviction: a Heckler & Koch HK45 pistol and a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. As the New York Post notes, Trump will now have to surrender those guns and any others he has acquired or transfer them to someone (such as one of his sons) who is legally allowed to own firearms. The fact that Trump, a self-described "very strong person on the Second Amendment," has lost the right to keep and bear arms may add to the delight of opponents who welcomed his conviction. But however you feel about Trump, this detail is a reminder that federal law arbitrarily strips people of their Second Amendment rights for reasons that have nothing to do with public safety.

Leaving aside the shaky legal reasoning that allowed New York prosecutors to convert a hush payment into 34 felonies, falsification of business records, even to aid or conceal "another crime," is not the sort of offense that marks someone as apt to injure or kill people with a gun. 18 USC 922(g)(1), which prohibits receipt or possession of a firearm by anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year of incarceration, is "wildly overinclusive," UCLA law professor Adam Winkler notes, because it encompasses many people with no history of violence.

"Many felonies are not violent in the least, raising no particular suspicion that the convict is a threat to public safety," Winkler writes. "Perjury, securities law violations, embezzlement, obstruction of justice, and a host of other felonies do not indicate a propensity for dangerousness. It is hard to imagine how banning Martha Stewart or Enron's Andrew Fastow from possessing a gun furthers public safety."

The same goes for Trump. Even if you buy the dubious "election fraud" narrative that a New York jury evidently accepted, disguising a hush-money reimbursement as payment for legal services puts Trump in the same boat as white-collar offenders such as Stewart and Fastow. Notwithstanding Trump's joke that he "could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody" without losing any votes, that is not the sort of crime that even his most vociferous opponents think he is likely to commit.

History "demonstrates that legislatures have the power to prohibit dangerous people from possessing guns," Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in a 2019 dissent as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. "But that power extends only to people who are dangerous." In that case, Barrett concluded that a mail fraud conviction did not justify permanently depriving a defendant of the right to arms.

Three years later, Barrett joined the majority opinion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which clarified the constitutional test for gun control laws. "When the Second Amendment's plain text covers an individual's conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority. "To justify its regulation, the government may not simply posit that the regulation promotes an important interest. Rather, the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation. Only if a firearm regulation is consistent with this Nation's historical tradition may a court conclude that the individual's conduct falls outside the Second Amendment's 'unqualified command.'"

Applying that test in the 2023 case Range v. Attorney General, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit restored the gun rights of a Pennsylvania man who had been convicted of food stamp fraud. Although that crime was a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law and did not result in any jail time, it was notionally punishable by up to five years in prison, which triggered Section 922(g)(1).

Similarly, Trump may not end up serving any time in New York even if his appeals are unsuccessful. But the fact that first-degree falsification of business records is punishable by up to four years in prison is enough to make him a "prohibited person" under Section 922(g)(1).

The 3rd Circuit concluded that the Second Amendment requires more to deprive someone of his gun rights. "At root, the Government's claim that only 'law-abiding, responsible citizens' are protected by the Second Amendment devolves authority to legislators to decide whom to exclude from 'the people,'" it said. "We reject that approach because such 'extreme deference gives legislatures unreviewable power to manipulate the Second Amendment by choosing a label.'"

The appeals court was quoting 3rd Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, who joined the majority opinion in Range. In a 2020 dissent, Bibas argued that the blanket ban created by Section 922(g)(1) "conflicts with the historical limits on the Second Amendment," which "protect us from felons, but only if they are dangerous." Because "the felony label is arbitrary and manipulable," he noted, many of today's felonies "are far less serious than those at common law." Like Barrett, he emphasized that "the historical touchstone is danger."

Applying Range later that year in Williams v. Garland, U.S. District Judge John Milton Younge ruled that it was inconsistent with the Second Amendment to disarm a Philadelphia man who had been convicted of driving under the influence. Although that offense was a misdemeanor, it triggered Section 922(g) because it was punishable by up to five years in prison.

The policy embodied in that provision is relatively recent. The original prohibition, established by the Federal Firearms Act of 1938, applied only to violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. In 1961, Congress expanded the ban to cover nonviolent crimes punishable by more than a year in prison.

Even the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which maintains that the Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual right to arms, has expressed concern about the breadth of the current "prohibited person" categories. Those provisions "too often are not evidence-based, reinforce negative stereotypes, and raise significant equal protection, due process, and privacy issues," the ACLU's deputy legal director, Louise Melling, observed in 2018. One reason progessives should be concerned about those issues: African Americans are especially likely to be disqualified under Section 922(g)(1), even if they have never committed a violent crime, because they are especially likely to have felony records.

Last year, in an Oklahoma case involving the federal ban on gun possession by cannabis consumers, U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick highlighted the danger of giving legislators wide discretion to decide which Americans deserve Second Amendment rights. "Imagine a world" where a state "could make mowing one's lawn a felony so that it could then strip all its newly deemed 'felons' of their right to possess a firearm," he said.

Wyrick posed that very hypothetical to the government's lawyers. "Remarkably," he said, "when presented with this lawn-mowing hypothetical argument, and asked if such an approach would be consistent with the Second Amendment, the United States said 'yes.' So, in the federal government's view, a state or the federal government could deem anything at all a felony and then strip those convicted of that felonyno matter how innocuous the conductof their fundamental right to possess a firearm."

The post Trump's Conviction Requires Him To Surrender His Guns. Civil Libertarians Should Be Troubled. appeared first on Reason.com.
Convicted felon Donald Trump recently shared a video on his Truth Social disinformation platform that celebrated the rise of a unified Trump Reich if he takes power as the countrys first dictator. The imagery, language, and narrative of the video evoke the rise of the Nazis and Adolf Hitler. As is their tactic, Trump's campaign claimed that sharing the "unified Reich" video was an error." They left the video on the Truth Social disinformation site for hours before deleting it.

Hitlers Third Reich was supposed to last at least 1,000 years. In reality, it only lasted 12 years. With World War II and the Holocaust, Hitler and the Nazis tried to turn Europe and the world into a necropolis  and they almost succeeded.

In a new essay at The New Republic, Greg Sargent, who is one of the indispensable guides to the Age of Trump, shared these insights about the propaganda video:

The video promoted by Trumps feed contained the words unifying Reich, which were a tad too explicitly evocative of Nazism, requiring his disavowal. But the bigger story is unmistakable: Trump and his allies are testing how far they can push forward with a dizzying barrage of propaganda tropes and policy threats that are at least as perniciously fasc-ish as that video, and often far more so. And if Trump can get elected in spite of all that, they will likely claim a mandate for full-blown authoritarian rule.

Of the many examples that I and others have extensively documented, Trump admires Adolf Hitler and other tyrants. Trump is directly channeling Adolf Hitler and his book Mein Kampf with his threats and promises to purify the blood of the nation by removing the human vermin. Trump has plans to create a nationwide concentration system to deport millions of non-white migrants, refugees, and other undocumented residents. Trump and his agents repeatedly threaten and fantasize about killing and imprisoning his and the MAGA movements perceived enemies and other members of the opposition. As detailed in Agenda 47 and Project 2025, a second Trump regime will try to end multiracial pluralistic democracy and replace it with a type of fake democracy that functions like a dictatorship.

After his felony conviction for election interference and hush-money payments last Thursday, Trump will only amplify these threats and dangerous behavior as he and his propagandists attempt to rile up Trump's MAGA followers, and he wallows in and seethes with thoughts (and acts) of revenge and destruction.

In a news conference about Trump's verdict and the trial, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was asked if he feared retribution from Donald Trump. Bragg did his job as a public servant by holding the corrupt ex-president accountable like any other person under the law. That Bragg must now fear for his safety (and that of his family) is something one would expect to see in a banana republic and autocracy or some other failed state. Not in what is supposed to be the world's leading democracy. Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump's hush-money trial, has already been targeted by assassination threats. The jurors in Trump's hush-money case are also in danger.

At CNN, Stephen Collison described Trump's demeanor and energy perfectly, writing:

Donald Trumps first act on becoming a convicted criminal was to launch a raging new attack on the rule of law, laying bare the gravity of the choice awaiting Americas voters. In one sense, Trumps conviction on all counts in his first criminal trial affirmed the principle on which the United States is founded  that everyone is equal and that no one, not even a billionaire and former and possibly future president, enjoys impunity. But Trumps authoritarian outburst minutes after the guilty verdict in New York and a race by top Republicans to join his assault on the justice system underscore how threatened those bedrock values now are. This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be November 5, by the people, and they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here, Trump said minutes after a jury foreperson announced he was guilty on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to an adult film star. After returning to Trump Tower and greeting supporters with a clenched fist, Trump issued a written statement that made clear that he views his own fate and the nations as indistinguishable  a familiar hallmark of a dictatorial leader. Im a very innocent man, and its okay, Im fighting for our country. Im fighting for our Constitution. Our whole country is being rigged right now, Trump wrote.

President Biden condemned Donald Trumps campaign for sharing the Trump Reich video. At a campaign event, the president said,  A unified Reich." Thats not the language of an American president. Thats not the language of any American. Thats the language of Hitlers Germany. The three evening network news programs also discussed the propaganda video and were suitably critical of it.

In a very important essay at The Philadelphia Inquirer, William Bunch offered this corrective about the debate surrounding the real meaning of the Trump Reich propaganda video: "It was somewhat amazing to watch the furious debate online and on cable news this week over the weird incident in which small text about a unified Reich found its way into a Trump promo video the ex-and-wannabe president posted on Truth Social. The perplexing part, for me, is that this was discussed as some kind of Sherlock-Holmes-magnifying-glass a-ha moment, revealing Trumps secret plan for Nazi-style rule. Folks, he is screaming his plan out loud at his rallies! The Trump deportation scheme is really Trumps blueprint for dictatorship.

Public opinion polls continue to show that a large percentage of Americans do not understand (or just refuse to accept) the imminent and growing threat that Donald Trump, the MAGA people, and the larger fascist movement represent not just to that abstract thing called democracy but to their day-to-day lives and freedom and safety. Authoritarians and fascists (in whatever form they may take) are experts at exhausting the public to make them pliable and subservient. Once in that condition, many members of the public will yearn for the type of order and direction that a strongman like Trump or Hungary's Viktor Orban or Vladimir Putin (or a tyrant like Hitler) promises a beleaguered and broken public.

When such leaders and their agents flood the zone with human waste (disinformation, misinformation, lies, threats, and other forms of distraction and emotional and intellectual abuse and conditioning) the public is put into a condition where they can no longer discern truth from lies and fictions. And even when it is clear what the facts and truth are, the mass public no longer cares anyway. In the age of the internet and social media this type of propaganda campaign and psyop is much more powerful than even master Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels could have imagined in the 1940s and 1930s.

In a recent interview about the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and its parallels with Donald Trump and the rise of American neofascism, historian Timothy Ryback offers these chilling examples:

I used to cite a quote by Hans Frank, Hitler's private lawyer, who designed the legal strategy for destroying democracy through the democratic process. Before he was hanged at Nuremberg, he said that the Fuhrer [a tyrant] was only possible in 1933. He said [Germans] were too far beyond the monarchy to go back, but only a half a generation into a democracy. So, we didn't have democratic values. Nazis came when the German people could not escape into the past nor into the future. In the late 1980s, I used the U.S. as an example saying, Weimar Germany had 12-13 years of democracy, America has 200-plus years of living in democratic values. The notion of America ever seeing these kinds of issues was beyond comprehension for me. But there are parallels, and they became evermore striking and almost terrifying. Hitler [had] fierce determination and strong ability to endure endless ridicule in the press to to ignore every reality possible. Some of the similarities are in rhetoric. Hitler said if he ever came to office, "heads will roll." In the run-up to the 1932 election, he told his followers, "Be there, it's going to be wild." Hitler said when he was [finally] in the chancellery, "People laughed at me for 13 years; no one is laughing now."

Ryback continues:

One parallel I saw was the polarization in the press. When you read the Weimar press, you see that Hitler is failing every week; there's some scandal and there's something that 's going to be the end of Hitler's political ascendancy. There's a cartoon in January 1933  one week before he is appointed chancellor  of Hitler standing in a Hamlet pose in the graveyard of National Socialism, where all the headstones are broken swastika crosses. A man named Alfred Hugenberg controlled a media network that fed news to 1600 local newspapers across the country. He was very conservative, antisemitic, and anti-democratic. He developed a strategy that he called Katastrophenpolitik, the politics of catastrophe, bringing what we would "wedge issues," and putting them on the public agenda. He would flood the media landscape with fake news. For example, under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was burdened with war debts. He put these stories out that the German government was taking German teenagers and selling them into slavery abroad to pay off German war debts  a complete invention. But it got out there and it became a debated issue.

Even more troubling is how similar, and now proven to be very prescient warnings, have been made for many decades. Yet, the gatekeepers and other opinion leaders and elites who shape American life and society continue to act flummoxed and shocked by the Age of Trump and the dictator in waiting who is now tied with President Biden in the early 2024 polls.

During a 1986 appearance on the CNN show Crossfire," Frank Zappa warned about the rise of the Christian Right in America.

The biggest threat to America today is not communism, it's moving America toward a fascist theocracy, and everything that's happened during the Regan administration is steering us right down that pipe. [...] When you have a government that prefers a certain moral code derived from a certain religion and that moral code turns into legislation to suit one certain religious point of view, and if that code happens to be very very right wing, almost toward Attila the Hun.

Zappas warnings were prescient as seen in how the Christian dominionists and other right-wing Christian theocrats are some of the most enthusiastic and loyal supporters of Trumpism and todays Republican Party and larger anti-democracy movement. Why? Because under such a regime, they will be made the official state religion and possess the power to marginalize and oppress any other groups who do not subscribe to their doctrines.

During a discussion on the Retreat from Equality panel which was convened in 1987 as part of the Sag Harbor Initiative series of town hall meetings and public forums, Kurt Vonnegut warned that: How are we going to treat each other when the trouble comes? . I think you know what Weimar was the prelude to. And if the excrement is going to hit the air conditioning the Nazi thing will start here. 

In 2018, I had the very special honor and privilege to speak with and learn from Professor Edgar Feuchtwanger about his personal experiences with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, and its echoes in the Age of Trump and the global democracy crisis. As a child, he lived down the street from Adolf Hitler. My questions are in bold:

In Europe there are now Nazis and others of that type marching in the streets. In the United States there are neo-Nazis and white supremacists running amok and killing people. Did you ever think you would see such a thing again in your lifetime? No. I dont know whether its just bad as it was then, but it isnt good, lets put it that way. It is almost unbelievable. You were an eight-year-old Jewish child living across the street from Hitler. We knew of course that Hitler was a bad thing for us, we knew that, but we didnt know that he was going to turn the world upside down and kill people by the millions. We just didnt know how quickly. One cant anticipate a thing like that. Many Germans thought that Hitler and the Nazis were a joke, a hot flash of sorts who would eventually go away. They thought nothing would come of it all because the Germans are a "good people". This is the sort of mistake that people like my father made. He couldnt really believe that it would go like this so he didnt do the right thing. He should have got out much sooner. Looking at the world today what worries or frightens you? What scares me is that theres so many people around who think they can contract out. Its like they dont care, they dont mind, and those are the people who elect people like Hitler and Trump for that matter. I think people who think they can just forget about it, who think they can contract out of the fate of the world as it were, scare me.

I have been thinking about my conversation with Professor Feuchtwanger a lot these last few months.

The American people and their responsible leaders who believe in democracy have a choice to make. They can learn from history and stop the Age of Trump (Donald Trump the man is less of a problem than what he represents and has empowered) and the ascendance of American neofascism with its increasingly Hitlerian intent (which includes the violence, pain, and destruction) or they can pretend that somehow everything will magically be okay because somehow, in their minds at least, it always has been. Such individual, collective, and social immaturity is how we arrived at such a bad place and on the precipice of a Trump Reich.
As Texans rebuild their storm-shattered homes and businesses, many of the workers they call will be immigrants. Some will be undocumented. Under a second Donald Trump presidency, they might not be here to help. Reviving threats from 2016, the former president has pledged to deport the countrys estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants. He has called for deploying the National Guard, local law enforcement and perhaps the military to carry out deportations, and flirted with the idea of building detention camps.

This fantasy will appeal to many voters. Illegal immigration ranks among Americans top concerns, with record numbers of unauthorized immigrants apprehended at the southern border in the last two years. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott has vaulted to the heights of Republican politics, thanks to the costly, optics-intensive Operation Lone Star.

But mass deportations would have grave consequences for Texas. Immigrants  authorized and unauthorized, highly educated and low-skilled  are critical to our workforce. In February 2024, the nonprofit Every Texan reported that for every 1,000 workers, Texas immigrants and asylum seekers add $2.6 million to state and local taxes in their first year of eligibility. Once they get work permits, new immigrants in Texas earned an average of $20,000 in their first year, rising to $29,000 by their fifth year.

The Texas construction industry depends heavily on immigrants, including undocumented workers, who compensate for labor shortages.

Undocumented workers also bring a net cost benefit, researcher Jose Ivan Rodriguez-Sanchez found in a 2020 report for the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Fully calculating cost and benefits for immigration, direct and indirect, is a complex task. But, Rodriguez-Sanchez found, in 2018 workers from Texas' estimated 1.6 million undocumented residents made up 8.2 percent of the state workforce. These immigrants generated costs such as education, medical care and incarceration. But their unemployment rate was 5.7%, and overall, the revenue they brought to Texas exceeded what Texas spent on them for public services, with an estimated net benefit of $420.9 million in fiscal year 2018. For every dollar spent on public services for undocumented immigrants, undocumented immigrants provided Texas with $1.21 in fiscal revenue.

These immigrants are deeply enmeshed in Texas culture. Nationally, an estimated 62 percent of unauthorized immigrants have lived in this country for at least 10 years. In 2018, 1.4 million U.S. citizens in Texas were living with at least one relative who was undocumented.

Long-settled populations with deep roots in the United States

This is a long-settled population with deep roots in the United States, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. People with U.S.-born children, who have been in their workplaces for many years, who have opened businesses and employ workers including U.S. workers, who have homes, including loans.

Mass removal of workers would devastate Texas businesses, especially restaurants and building companies. The construction industry is perhaps the most dependent on undocumented workers, said author Loren Steffy, an expert on Texas immigrants and the construction industry. Commercial builders, he explained, must ask unions to supply the workers they need. But unions frequently dont have enough workers to offer. Contractors then may use other workers, typically turning for this to labor brokers  who tend to supply workers who are undocumented.

Yet business owners rarely publicize these dilemmas. The ferocious political rhetoric surrounding immigration is too threatening. One exception: Houston construction subcontractor Stan Marek, with whom Steffy coauthored a book. One of Mareks common-sense proposals: an ID system giving undocumented workers tamper-proof IDs that permit them to work only for employers who pay payroll taxes and withhold federal income tax from employee paychecks. This would also allow employers to invest in training.

Texas businesses must be able to honestly disclose their labor needs

For real changes in policy, though, Texas business must openly air its needs. This could start with more robust activism from a state-level consortium of Texas business interests that rely on immigrant workers and clients, national business immigration advocate Laura Reiff said. The group should include leaders from agriculture, high tech, health care, restaurants, higher education and construction. This is especially urgent because migration itself has transformed. At the Texas/Mexico border, a migration flow once dominated by male workers from Mexico now includes large shares of families and unaccompanied children, many of them seeking asylum. In 2023, 51 percent arrived from beyond Mexico and Central America. Texas and the nation need a new, hemispheric approach to adapt our society  and our businesses  to these immense changes.

Texans rightly want to update the immigration system. But as the Editorial Board has noted before, turning the border into a military front doesnt do that.

Nor does Trumps fantastical deportation plan, which could cost the equivalent of 30 percent of the 2024 Pentagon budget. That's before the recession that would likely be triggered from removing so many workers from the economy. Instead, businesses deserve lawmakers who respect their labor needs. Communities need leaders who will honor their families and institutions. And Texas needs workers who are decently treated and decently paid and who can keep Texas growing, storm after storm.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trump's pledge to deport millions of immigrants would upend Texas
If it was a sign from God, it was a little on the nose.

A trailer decked out in MAGA merch that reportedly belongs to two Trump superfans was totaled in a traffic accident on Staten Island on Sunday, with the vehicle crashing into a utility pole just hours before a rally for the former president was set to kick off nearby.

A video of the aftermath taken by a bystander shows the damaged bus at rest on the street, Trust Jesus and Lets Go Brandon posters littered around its shattered windscreen.

It was parked by the CVS and it just rolled down, a witness can be heard saying in the video. Nobody was in it.

Holy crap, another person replies, adding that it was a freaking miracle no one was hurt.

This right after Trump gets declared guilty, the person continued. Unbelievable. If ever you needed a metaphor.

Trump Bus Accident Recovery https://t.co/C9FNIxHytm  Damian Cross (@DamianCr0ss) June 2, 2024

On Thursday, the former president was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a Manhattan criminal courthousea mere 25-minute ferry ride away from the scene of the crash. He is set to be sentenced on July 11.

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that the crash occurred just before noon, and that two peoplea man and a womanhad been inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The man suffered minor injuries upon impact, police said.

Though its occupants were not immediately identified, the Post reported that the bus was known to belong to Donna Eiden and Rocky Granata, a Pennsylvania couple who criss-cross the country to hawk pro-Trump merchandise at his rallies.

If they make [it] for Trump, we pretty much have it, Eiden told the newspaper last month.

Trump bus crashes into a light pole today on the way to Staten Island rally for Trump. pic.twitter.com/sLR3hAu3Vu  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 2, 2024

The pair of MAGA diehards have traveled to 42 states and more than 100 Trump rallies, according to MLive.com.

The former president was not expected to grace Sundays rally in Staten Island, but Rudy Giuliani advertised the event on social media, saying he would be there. A poster he shared indicated that other right-wing celebrities like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), champion boxer Cara Castronuova, and creative patriot Scott LoBaido would also be in attendance.

Wear MAGA hats & gear! Bring signs & flags! the poster read.

But where will fans get their merch now?

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Yang Kening, a former senior political advisor in southwest China's Sichuan Province, has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said in a statement on Monday.

Yang's case was handed over to the procuratorial authority following the conclusion of a National Commission of Supervision investigation, the SPP statement said.

Yang was formerly a member of the leading Communist Party of China (CPC) members group of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice chairperson of the committee.

In November 2023, China's top graft-busting body announced that Yang had been placed under investigation for suspected severe violations of discipline and laws.

In May, the agency announced that Yang had been expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office. 
FILE- Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler, second left, speaks with members of his delegation during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers session at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Turkey's defense minister says plans by U.S.-backed Kurdish groups to hold local elections in northern Syria are unacceptable" and a threat to Turkey's national security. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Plans by U.S.-backed Kurdish groups to conduct local elections in northern Syria are unacceptable and a threat to Turkeys national security, Turkeys defense minister said Monday.

Turkey considers the move as a step by Syrian Kurdish groups toward the creation of a separate Kurdish entity across its borders. Ankara accuses the Syrian Kurdish groups of ties to a banned Kurdish militant organization.

In a written reply to questions from The Associated Press, Yasar Guler reiterated Turkeys commitment to establishing a secure corridor along its borders with Syria and Iraq to counter the threat posed by Kurdish militants.

A Kurdish-led autonomous administration that controls northern and eastern parts of Syria has announced plans to hold municipal elections June 11. The vote to choose mayors will be held in the provinces of Hassakeh, Raqqa, Deir el-Zour and the eastern part of Aleppo province.

It is not possible to accept such a situation, Guler said. The so-called election efforts that threaten the territorial integrity of Syria will negatively affect peace and tranquility in the region."

We will not allow any fait accompli that is to the detriment of our national security and the territorial integrity of our neighbors, he added. He did not elaborate on what action Turkey could take if the Kurdish groups proceed with the elections.

Turkey has launched a series of major cross-border operations into Syria since 2016 to drive away a Kurdish militia group, known as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, from its border and now controls parts of northern Syria.

Turkish jets, drones and artillery now regularly target suspected militants in northern Syria, and in northern Iraq, where the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, has a foothold.

The PKK, which has led a decades long insurgency against Turkey, is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its Western allies. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since the 1980s.

Guler told the AP that 63% of Turkeys border with Syria border was currently under control.

We are fully determined to create a 30-40 kilometer (19-24 miles) deep security corridor along our borders with Iraq and Syria," Guler said. "Our aim is to eliminate the attacks and threats by members of the terrorist organization from the other side of the border against our citizens and troops.

Turkey was now carrying out continuous and comprehensive operations against the PKK, instead of launching offensives like it did in the past, which he said were limited in terms of targets and time."

Guler also hailed greater security cooperation from Baghdad, which earlier in the year issued a ban on the PKK, although it stopped short of designating it a terrorist organization.

For the first time, Iraq sees the PKK as not only Turkeys problem but also its own problem, Guler said. We expect it to be declared a terror organization at the shortest time possible.

Touching on efforts by Turkey to modernize its air force, Guler said Turkey and the U.S. were closer to concluding the procedures for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, following the Turkish governments ratification of Swedens membership in NATO.

Turkey requested to buy the F-16s in 2020 after its expulsion from the U.S.-led F-35 stealth jet program over its purchase of Russias S-400 missile defense system.

Guler said talks with the United States over Turkeys potential return to the F-35 project were continuing but he ruled out any possibility of Turkey disposing of the S-400s.

It is out of the question for the S-400s, which we procured within the scope of our countrys long-range regional air and missile defense system needs, to be given to another country, Guler said.

Turkey is also engaged in talks with the United Kingdom and Spain to buy Eurofighters jets, although Germany has objected to the sale.

It is unacceptable for us to be subjected to export restrictions by our allies, Guler said. These restrictions not only affect us, but also the capability and defense investment targets that NATO has set for the allies.

He said the initial batch of 20 of Turkeys indigenous TF-X Kaan fighter jets, which completed its second test flight last month, would be integrated into the Turkish air force between 2027 and 2029.
Two civilians, including 12-year-old boy, killed in Russian bombardment of Mykhailivka, Donetsk Oblast  photo

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Mykhailivka. Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Two people have been killed and one injured in the Russian bombardment of Mykhailivka in Novohrodivka hromada (Donetsk Oblast). [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Vadym Filashkin, the Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on social media; Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: Filashkin reported that Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on the village on the morning of 3 June and repeated the attack an hour and a half later. At least five houses have been damaged.

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Mykhailivka.

Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

A boy, 12, is among the fatalities.

Quote from Filashkin: "Tomorrow, Ukraine will mark the Day of Remembrance of Children who have been killed in the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine  and today, another name has been added to this tragic list."

Update: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office has provided more details.

The investigation has found that Russian forces struck Mykhailivka in Novohrodivka hromada at 11:20 on 3 June 2024, likely dropping a UMPB D-30SN bomb on civilians. A woman, 84, has been killed in the attack.

The Russians targeted the settlement again at 12:40. This time, they used Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems. A Smerch projectile hit the territory of a residential area, claiming the life of a 12-year-old boy and leaving his 43-year-old mother injured.

Several households in the village have been damaged.

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A tribal police officer and a civilian were killed in a shooting at the Gila River Indian Community, near Phoenix, Arizona, in the early morning of June 1. Tribal police are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations to better understand what happened, according to a statement from the Gila River Police Department.

At 2 am on Saturday morning, Gila River tribal police officers responded to an incident at a home in Santan, District 4 in the Gila River Indian community. There was a large crowd of people, and multiple gunshots were fired, according to the Gila River Police Department. According to the tribal governor, the gathering was a community dance.

Six people were shot during the incident, including two police officers. One of the officers, Joshua Briese, died at the hospital as a result of his injuries, according to police. Briese has been with the department for less than a year and was still in field training.

The second person, an unidentified community member, also died at the hospital. The remaining three individuals are being treated for their conditions, according to police. The second officer remains in serious but stable condition after surgery.

The Gila River Police Department is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations to conduct a joint investigation of the incident. They are encouraging witnesses of the incident to contact the Gila River Police Department at (520) 562-7144 as soon as possible.

In response to the fatal shooting, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis issued a moratorium on dances within the community.

For the health and safety of the community it is appropriate to place a moratorium on permitted and non-permitted dances within the exterior boundaries of the reservation, the moratorium reads.

Lewis said in a statement that the tribe is coordinating closely with law enforcement to make sure we have a comprehensive understanding of what happened here.

I know I speak for our entire community when I say that we grieve for our fallen and injured police officers and every community member touched by such tragic violence, he wrote. Nothing cuts deeper than a life cut short.

National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro, tribal chaiman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, called for a moment of silence at the organizations mid-year convention in Cherokee, North Carolina on Monday morning on honor of those who lost their lives.







About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Two more bodies found in flooded cellar in south-western Germany

An excavator removes broken wood from the Schussen river. The Schussen had flooded parts of Meckenbeuren. Felix Kastle/dpa

Two more bodies have been found in a flooded cellar in Baden-Wurttemberg state in south-western Germany, which has been affected by heavy rain and flooding.

Firefighters recovered the two bodies after pumping water from a flooded cellar in the town of Schorndorf in Rems-Murr district, police told dpa in Stuttgart on Monday.

The exact circumstances of the deaths are still unclear.

In a statement, police described the deceased as a man and a woman. However, the identities of the two have not been confirmed.

A criminal investigation has been launched.

The Rems-Murr district was particularly affected by the flooding in south-western Germany.

Flooding there had unexpectedly worsened overnight.

Residents in the affected communities in the district had been evacuated as a precautionary measure early Monday.

Earlier, workers discovered the body of a missing 43-year-old woman in the cellar of a house in Bavaria.

Heavy rains and flooding across Baden-Wurttemberg and neighbouring Bavaria caused disruption throughout the weekend, causing thousands of people to leave their homes.

A helper works on a muddy road after a storm. Bernd Weibrod/dpa

A car is washed up at the entrance of a church community center after it was destroyed following a storm. Bernd Weibrod/dpa
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a critical tool for the arid West. Can it keep up with climate change?

Saline brine and salt sediments on Owens Lake in February in Lone Pine, Calif. Winter storms have helped to revive Owens Lake more than a century after its inflows were diverted to the Los Angeles Aqueduct. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Known for its glowing swaths of yellow, orange and red, the U.S. Drought Monitor has warned farmers, residents and officials throughout the nation of impending water scarcity every week since 1999.

Backed by data on soil moisture, temperature, snow cover, meltwater runoff, reservoir levels and more, the map has become an essential instrument for determining the outlook of water supplies, declaring drought emergencies and deciding where and when government aid should be distributed, among other things.

But this critical diagnostic tool is also struggling to keep pace with climate change as longer and more persistent dry spells plague the American West and take an increasing toll on groundwater reserves and the Colorado River, according to a recent study published in the journal AGU Advances.

One problem, researchers say, is that the monitor was launched just as one of the driest periods in the history of the Southwest began, and it has never been adjusted for the region's growing aridity.

"The product is essential, but it is also undoubtedly, in my opinion, being influenced by climate change," said Justin Mankin, one of the study's authors and an associate professor of geography at Dartmouth. "And we in the drought community need to have a conversation about what it looks like to think about drought monitoring in the context of an aridifying climate."

The monitor does provide an accurate and reliable snapshot of what's happening in the climate system at a given moment, including a mixture of global warming and La Nina conditions that contribute to drought conditions in the American Southwest, the study found.

But its introduction happened to coincide with the start of a multi-decadal period of dryness in the West, including the region's driest 22 years in at least the last 1,200 years, sometimes referred to as a megadrought.

During that period, some parts of California experienced exceptional drought  the worst of five possible categories  nine times more often than they should have, according to the drought monitor's probability. The areas were in that category 18% of the time  or for a period of nearly four years  compared with the normal benchmark of 2%, the study found.

The findings raise questions about how the familiar assessment can best address long-term trends, and whether a product designed for periodic anomalies can accurately capture a much larger, slower-moving crisis.

"Those trends ... stress the theoretical guidelines of the product itself, and I would argue undermine its utility as a decision-maker," said Mankin, who was also the former co-lead of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Drought Task Force.

Read more: There's no drought anywhere in California: How long that's expected to last, and why

Indeed, the monitor is more than just a measure of dryness. It is used to inform social and economic policies, including decisions regarding state and local emergency drought declarations, federal funds for farmers and agribusinesses, and other disaster-related aid.

The Farm Services Agency, for instance, uses the Drought Monitor's weekly updates to dole out certain assistance programs such as emergency haying and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. The Internal Revenue Service uses it for some livestock-related tax deferrals, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses it to determine eligibility for low-interest loans.

But resources triggered by exceptional conditions can quickly run dry if those conditions stretch for months or even years on end, said Jason Smerdon, another of the study's authors and a climate scientist at the Columbia Climate School.

"It's an emergency, but a different kind of emergency," Smerdon said. "If it's going to be dark red all the time, then short-term relief aid to address the challenge is not really the way to think about it. It's an emergency of a much longer, persistent nature that I think takes different planning and different relief."

Experts who work on the Drought Monitor said they're open to the feedback, and also acknowledged that the tool has its limitations.

"The Drought Monitor was never intended to be a climate change indicator  it was meant to be a real-time assessment of drought conditions," said Mark Svoboda, director of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which produces the monitor in partnership with NOAA and the USDA.

The monitor uses a "convergence of evidence" approach that pulls in data from dozens of indicators each week, including measurements of precipitation, soil moisture, snowpack, snow water equivalents, streamflows, evapotranspiration, and groundwater and reservoir levels, he said. That means they're somewhat beholden to the limitations of those tools as well.

The Los Angeles Aqueduct flows through the Owens Valley in June 2023, in Lone Pine, Calif. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Before its publication each Thursday, more than 400 experts around the country review a draft of the update and weigh in on its findings. It's rare for such a product to have so much input, and also adds a bit of art to the science, according to Svoboda, who co-founded the Drought Monitor in 1999 and was author of it for 17 years.

But the problem today is that it's not yet known whether the West's megadrought represents a permanent climactic shift that could warrant a recalibration of the tools, or whether there may still be wetter days ahead, he said. In regions that are already arid to begin with, who decides when small shifts in moisture pass a tipping point into a new era?

"We've seen these multi-decadal droughts where we've seen a flip back to a wetter regime after that," Svoboda said. "So the real challenge right now, 20 years in, because of climate change, is, are we not ever going to see the flip back? Therefore, do we classify and switch into a more arid climate in a given region? That's the real hundred-billion-dollar question, and our indicators right now  none of them are going to address that, because we're not a prediction tool."

Read more: L.A.'s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?

The good news is the monitor is generally adept at standardizing its classifications for regional variations, such as how an "exceptional" drought might have vastly different implications in California versus a place such as Vermont, Smerdon said.

But the weekly snapshot is also "not sufficient for thinking about where we're going and what we're doing in light of the increasing water pressures we're going to experience in the West," he said.

For instance, Southern California was never classified in exceptional drought during the 23-year study period, the researchers found  despite the fact that millions of people in and around Los Angeles had been placed under their strictest-ever water restrictions amid the state's three driest years on record.

What's more, the Drought Monitor currently shows most of California and the Southwest are out of the worst stages of drought following two recent wet winters. But groundwater supplies are still depleted, and the Colorado River has not fully recovered from two-plus decades of dryness, with Lake Mead still only measuring about 35% of capacity.

The Colorado River flows along the California-Arizona state line on April 3, 2023. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

"Those are the central banks for the water economy of the West, but you look at the map and that is not featured there in any kind of substantive way," Mankin said.

Svoboda said the current readings in the Colorado River region represent a "double-edged sword." It's unlikely that Lake Mead will ever reach full capacity again, but to continue to reflect that on the Drought Monitor would leave the map there indefinitely red.

"The challenge is always, you don't want to cry wolf too soon, but you certainly don't want to wait until the wolf's eating you, either," he said of declaring a drought. "And when you're coming out of drought, the same applies. Impacts of drought can linger."

Other tools, such as reservoir monitors from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources, are better equipped to measure water scarcity and supplies in the region than the Drought Monitor, he added.

Read more: Extreme heat, drought will permanently scar California and its social fabric

But there are potential ways to help the tool evolve with the changing climate, including expanding its baseline to include wetter periods before the onset of the current megadrought, which would help even out the bell curve and reduce the frequency of extremes, the researchers said.

Tacking on a new "super-exceptional" category might also help with its calibration. It's a move that has already been proposed for other worsening climate events, such as a new "Category 6" for hurricanes.

However, there are limits to that solution when it comes to drought, which is hard-bound by finite amounts of water, as opposed to hurricanes, which have no upper limit of strength, the researchers said.

Svoboda said similarly that the Drought Monitor is constrained by limited records in many of the products it relies on. What's more, adjusting the "normal" would also mean that all the surrounding policies  such as relief from the Farm Services Agency  would have to change as well.

Such issues don't necessarily indicate flaws with the monitor, but rather underscore the need for a variety of tools, both he and the researchers said. The U.S. Drought Monitor shouldn't be the be-all and end-all for decision-making, and should continue be paired with reservoir observations, snow surveys and other measurements to form a complete picture.

Mankin said he hopes the study can shine a light on the need for long-term adaptation  and the increased possibility that California and other states will be in drought much more frequently than they once were.

However, he and Smerdon stressed that the study should not undermine the value of the Drought Monitor  or the work of those who keep it updated week after week.

"Monitoring drought and maintaining a sense of how hydroclimate is fluctuating across the United States is really important, and it really has been a game-changer to have it as a resource and for planning," Smerdon said. "I just think it has to evolve. We have to think about what a tool like the Drought Monitor means under a climate that's changing."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Antony Fauci (pictured 2022) appeared before a U.S. House committee Monday, during which he received intense grilling from Republicans. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of the federal handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, appeared before a U.S. House committee Monday, during which he received intense grilling from Republicans, including a member who refused to call him doctor.

Fauci was the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases until 2022 after serving from 1984, including under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. He also was their top medical adviser.

During the hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic response, including the vaccine development as well as mandates, and the origins of the virus, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., refused to address Fauci as a doctor when questioning him about COVID-era rules and how much he has earned from pharmaceutical companies.

"Do you think that's appropriate? Do the American people deserve to be abused like that, Mr. Fauci?" Greene asked Fauci. "Because you're not a doctor, you're Mr. Fauci in my few minutes."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser to the president of United States, (pictured 2022) was the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases until 2022. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

As he was about to answer, Greene said: "I don't need your answer."

Democratic members of the subcommittee issued "points of order" based on Greene's statements.

Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee hearing in 2022. On Monday in D.C., Fauci said the United States needs to better prepare for another pandemic. "I am still disappointed" about current plans, he said. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Greene said that Fauci "does not deserve to have a license."

And, she said: "You know what this committee should be doing? We should be recommending you to be prosecuted. We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity. You belong in prison, Dr. Fauci."

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, the chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, reprimanded Greene for refusing to recognize Fauci as a doctor.

Fauci faced other grilling from Republicans as Democrats defended his work as a scientist. During the hearing, House members mostly made statements and didn't offer much of an opportunity for Fauci to testify.

In January, Fauci appeared for 14 hours behind closed doors. Transcripts were released Monday.

On Monday, the House panel revealed emails that some Republicans believe were made by an NIH staffer regarding evading public records laws, including by not discussing controversial issues on government email.

In opening remarks, Fauci said, "To the best of my knowledge, I have never conducted official business via my personal email."

A U.S. intelligence analysis says there's insufficient evidence to prove the virus emerged at a wildlife market in Wuhan, China, or in a lab.

Fauci has maintained he was open to both stances.

"I have repeatedly stated that I have a completely open mind to either possibility and that if definitive evidence becomes available to validate or refute either theory, I will ready accept it," he said in an opening statement.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked about the NIAID grant awarded to a Chinese lab.

"Does that have anything to do with that downplaying of the lab leak theory?" Jordan said.

"No, nothing," Fauci said.

"Do you agree that there was a push to downplay the lab leak theory?" Jordan replied.

"Not on my part," Fauci said.

"Really?" Rep. Jordan asked. "I think most of the country would find that amazing."

Fauci said the United States needs to better prepare for another pandemic. "I am still disappointed" about plans, he said.

Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who served as the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management early in the pandemic, said states weren't prepared.

Fauci agreed.

"I think one of the things that was really a problem with the response was the degree of divisiveness that we had in the country about a lack of a coherent response where we were having people, for reasons that had nothing to do with public health or science, refusing to adhere to public health intervention measures," Fauci said.

Moskowitz then described the divisiveness.

"Dr. Fauci, you talked about how, you know, we live in partisan times, a lot of misinformation. And you know, colleagues in this body said, you know, you should be charged and found guilty. Of course, the only one that that's happened to is your former boss," Moskowitz said. "But, you know, the question I have is when you saw a lot of that disinformation, whether it was, you know, we can use a disinfectant to do, like a cleaning or do light in the body or that, you know, China's working super hard. President Xi has got it contained. All of this stuff that was being put out. Were you concerned? You know, what was your feeling at that time? Working in the administration, seeing that come from the podium?"

Fauci replied: "Well, I was very frustrated by that. It was very clear I was put in a very difficult position that I didn't like of having to contradict publicly the president of the United States. I took no great pleasure in that, but I felt it was my responsibility to tell the truth."

Fauci said he received threats.

"Everything from harassments from emails, texts, letters of myself, my wife, my three daughters," Fauci said. "There have been credible death threats leading to the arrest of two individuals -- and credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me. And it's required my having protective services essentially all the time."

"It was my responsibility to tell the truth."

Ranking member Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., thanked Fauci for his testimony and for his decades of service to the nation in dealing with epidemics and pandemics.

"Over the past four years you have been personally targeted by extreme narratives of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. government's response to it," Ruiz said. "These extreme narratives have been the bedrock of this subcommittees Republican-led probe and have been undermined by what's been found through interviews and by thousands of documents that have been reviewed."

Wenstrup, the committee chairman talked about moving forward.

"I think what I'm most concerned about as we go forward as a country and from our agencies is that we can be trusted and that we are better in our messaging and talk about clarity," Wenstrup said.
A panel of United Nations experts specializing in an equitable international order, racism, poverty, physical and mental health, human trafficking, modern slavery and extra-judicial killings urged all countries that have not already done so to recognize Palestine as a state. Pool Photo by Eduardo Munoz/UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- A panel of United Nations experts on Monday called on all nations to recognize Palestine as a state, in line with the 146 countries that have already done so, and use all their political and diplomatic leverage to bring about an immediate cease-fire.

Recognition constituted an "important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggles and suffering towards freedom and independence," the experts were quoted as saying in a U.N. Humans Rights Office news release.

Palestine, they said, must be granted "full self-determination, including the ability to exist, determine their destiny and develop freely as a people with safety and security."

"This is a pre-condition for lasting peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East -- beginning with the immediate declaration of a cease-fire in Gaza and no further military incursions into Rafah," said the panel of 26 experts in fields ranging from democracy, human rights to safe drinking water, sanitation and education to the rights of internally displaced people, indigenous people and the use of mercenaries.

The group defined "State of Palestine" as being the state formally declared by the Palestine Liberation Organization Nov. 15, 1988, that claims sovereignty over parts of historic Palestine occupied by Israel in the 1967 war -- the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

The experts hailed the joint move last week by Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognize Palestinian statehood with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling it an "historic" shift with the sole aim of "achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

"The recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice with the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people: it is also an urgent need," Sanchez said.

"It is the only way towards the only possible solution to achieve a future of peace: that of a Palestinian State that coexists alongside the State of Israel in peace and security."

The three European countries' decision came two weeks after the U.N. General Assembly voted 143-9 in favor of Palestine's bid to become a full member of the United Nations.

Decisions by the General Assembly, however, are not binding.

"Even though the prospect of lasting peace and an end to occupation has remained elusive since the Oslo Accords more than 30 years ago, a political solution should not be considered foregone," the experts said.

"A two-state solution remains the only internationally agreed path to peace and security for both Palestine and Israel and a way out of generational cycles of violence and resentment."

The panel also backed a bid by the International Criminal Court's top prosecutor seeking warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and three top Hamas leaders on war crimes and crimes against humanity allegations, calling it "a promise of accountability and an end to impunity in the occupied Palestinian territory."

They also urged member states to refrain from verbal attacks and efforts to intimidate the ICC and the International Court of Justice in the wake of the rows sparked by the arrest warrants bid and the ICJ's May 24 ruling ordering Israel to halt its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"These courts must operate without foreign interference and threats, to uphold the promise of global justice and individual accountability for all victims of the conflict," they wrote.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts announces the results of the vote on the second article of impeachment during impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol on February 5, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Senate Television via Getty Images)

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. told leading Democrats on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee last week he will not meet with them to discuss the courts code of ethics, following revelations of displays of politically oriented flags at the homes of Justice Samuel Alito.

Individual justices will continue to decide their own recusals, Roberts wrote to Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, a Democrat of Illinois, and Subcommittee on the Federal Courts Chair Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, in a letter obtained by States Newsroom.

Durbin and Whitehouse had asked Roberts a week earlier to force Alito to recuse himself from upcoming decisions related to the 2020 election and to meet to discuss proposals to strengthen Supreme Court ethics rules.

I must respectfully decline your request for a meeting, Roberts wrote in the two-paragraph letter dated Thursday. Separation of powers concerns and the importance of preserving judicial independence counsel against such appearances.

Justices rarely meet with legislators, particularly those who have expressed an interest in matters before the court, Roberts wrote.

Meeting with members of only one party would be especially problematic, he said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Durbin rejected Roberts reasoning, saying Durbin only sought to address the lack of public confidence in the court.

The Chief Justice is wrong to say that simply meeting with members of Congress to discuss the Supreme Courts ethics crisis threatens the separation of powers or judicial independence, the spokesperson wrote.

Due to the Chief Justices intransigence, Chair Durbin will continue his efforts to pass legislation establishing an enforceable code of conduct for all nine Supreme Court justices  regardless of which President appointed them.

Immediately take appropriate steps

Durbin and Whitehouse wrote to Roberts on May 23, asking him to immediately take appropriate steps to ensure that Justice Alito will recuse himself in any cases related to the 2020 presidential election and January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Flags at two Alito homes appeared to promote former President Donald Trumps baseless claims that his loss in the 2020 election was the result of a rigged election. That claim spurred the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

A May 22 New York Times report documented that a flag at Alitos Virginia home flew upside down in the weeks following the 2020 election. Alito told the Times that his wife displayed that flag in reaction to a neighborhood dispute.

A New Jersey vacation home belonging to the Alitos was photographed in the summer of 2023 flying an Appeal to Heaven flag, which bears that slogan above a simple pine tree design. The second flag was also first reported in the New York Times.

Both flags were carried by rioters during the Capitol attack, raising questions for Durbin and Whitehouse about Alitos ability to be objective in cases concerning former President Donald Trumps role in the attack.

The court heard oral arguments last month in a case about whether presidential immunity shielded Trump from prosecution on federal charges he sought to overturn the legitimate election results.

The Democratic senators specified that the case was one from which Alito should recuse himself.

Roberts letter said Alito had written to the committee himself on that issue. That letter was not immediately available Thursday.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Academic workers at UC San Diego hit the picket line on Monday, joining strikes at other universities in the system over their response to pro-Palestinian protests.

The strike, which was authorized in a vote by the unionized academic workers last month, began at UC Santa Cruz before spreading to UCLA and UC Davis on Friday.

UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara are also expected to join the strike this week, according to United Auto Workers 4811, the union representing the workers. A total of over 40,000 academic workers are members of the union that is now on strike, with 8,000 at UCSD.

The strike at UCSD comes nearly a month after dozens of people were arrested when campus administration brought in law enforcement to dismantle a Gaza Solidarity encampment, calling for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza and on the university to divest from Israel.

Police arrest 80 at Israel-Hamas war protest at UC Santa Cruz, school says

Video of the scene captured by protestors and FOX 5/KUSI shows the use of batons and pepper spray against demonstrators, while officers who appeared to have been snipers were positioned at nearby rooftops. At least two people sustained minor injuries in the process.

In the weeks after, student activists mounted several other demonstrations against what they described as a violent response to a non-violent protest. It has also drawn calls from faculty and other members of the campus community for Chancellor Pradeep Khoslas resignation.

The union says the dismantling of the encampment, as well as efforts to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests at other UC campuses, violates the academic workers contracts. A number of faculty have been among those arrested as a result of these enforcement actions.

At this time, it is unclear how long the strike may go on and what kinds of impacts it will have on campus operations at UCSD.

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.
Tony Radakin, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, has stated that he is hugely confident Ukraine will win the war.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Sky News

Details: Admiral Radakin, known for his optimistic point of view, insists that Russia is "failing" in Ukraine, even despite a new Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast where Russian forces have captured some territory because of Ukraine's lack of ammunition and personnel.

"Russia is making tactical advances on land," Radakin said.

"But you've got to then step back a little. If you go back to March 2022, Russia had taken about 17% of Ukraine's territory. Today it's got 11%. So Russia is still in deficit," he added.

Asked whether he was sure that Ukraine would win, Admiral Radakin replied that he is "hugely confident".

"By the end of June, Russia will have lost 500,000 people  killed and wounded. We are already past 800 days for a war that Putin anticipated to be three days long. This is tough for Ukraine, but we have to maintain our support," the commander stressed.

Admiral Radakin gave this interview before the US and other allies publicly supported Ukraine in its use of Western armament to strike military targets in Russia.

Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, confirmed that Ukraine had received permission from Western states to use the weapons supplied by them to launch attacks on Russia, and noted that Kyiv would seek the expansion of the scope of this permission.

The White House specified that Ukraine is allowed to launch attacks on the border area of not only Kharkiv but also Sumy Oblast. This permission does not concern ATACMS long-range missiles.

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by Xinhua writers Wang Xiaopeng, Zhang Yuqi and Wang Hao

TIANJIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- After serving as president of the New York-based Juilliard School for 34 years, American music educator Joseph W. Polisi decided it was time for a change, and he set his sights on China.

In June 2018, he became the Juilliard School's chief China officer, coordinating the establishment of Tianjin Juilliard School, a historic collaboration between the renowned U.S. school and its partners in China.

On May 24 this year, Polisi, also Juilliard's president emeritus and chairman of the board of directors of Tianjin Juilliard, sent congratulatory greetings to all 30 master's graduates from seven countries and regions, including China and the United States, at their commencement ceremony in Tianjin Juilliard.

JUILLIARD IN TIANJIN

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Polisi firmly believes that the people of China and the United States can understand each other better when they work, study and play together.

He likens Tianjin Juilliard to a "catalyst" that provides new "ideas" for China-U.S. cooperation and exchanges.

The school's campus was inaugurated in the Binhai New Area in Tianjin Municipality in October 2021. However, a program connecting China and the United States like this has been in his mind for decades.

"China has always been part of my thinking," he said. Ever since he was an undergraduate student, he has been interested in China, its people, history, tradition and cuisine.

After he became president of the Juilliard School in 1984, he felt the compelling need to "really make a difference" by having something permanent in China. The Tianjin Juilliard School is the result of this vision.

He said that in China, Juilliard found its ideal partners who valued the Juilliard experience and were willing to work together to realize a very elaborate dream. Tianjin's proximity to Beijing and the convenience of the high-speed rail network were also factors to consider.

Tianjin Juilliard offers selective, audition-based programs at both pre-college and graduate levels. The graduate school teaches modules in English and offers a U.S.-accredited master's degree from the Juilliard School in New York.

In the main building of the campus, there is a project called "Juilliard Imagination" that provides an interactive musical experience for people of all ages.

It has become a very interesting source of activity for the Chinese people and attracts many international visitors, Polisi said, noting that in the 21st century, artists have the responsibility to reach out to the community and interact with people to help them realize the significance of art for society.

Tianjin Juilliard has set up the Joseph W. Polisi Prize for students exemplifying the school's values of "artist as citizen."

In September last year, Polisi was awarded the Lifetime Honorary Prize at China's inaugural Orchid Awards in recognition of his contributions and achievements in Sino-U.S. music exchange and education over the years.

On May 20, he donated his prize money to the Tianjin Juilliard School Education Development Foundation to support the Tianjin Juilliard School.

"A GREAT PLACE TO COME"

Polisi first visited China in 1987, leading the Juilliard Orchestra on a performance tour in various cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

"The change between 1987 and 2024 is so extraordinary that it's hard to describe," he said, noting the remarkable development of both major cities and smaller ones. He explained that during his first trip to China, he saw thousands of bicycles in large cities but "now, you see thousands of automobiles."

He said exchanges between China and the United States as well as other Western countries have grown exponentially over the past 37 years.

Recalling his first visit to the Great Wall in Beijing, Polisi said he was taken aback by how steep it was since he had assumed it was flat.

He toured China with the Juilliard Orchestra again in 2008 as a part of a pre-Olympic event. "We love the Chinese audience," he said, adding their enthusiasm could be felt by musicians on stage.

On his previous trips to China, he would perform and move on, but now he spends more time whenever he is in the country and has made many friends here.

He often travels by high-speed train in this vast country and he describes his experience as "extraordinary." "In the United States, we are enviable of that transportation level."

Polisi said he had always respected Chinese culture, adding that mutual respect is crucial in cultural and people-to-people exchanges. "You can't play in an orchestra, you can't play in a chamber group effectively, at least unless you respect your colleagues."

Born into a musical family in New York City in 1947, Polisi plays the bassoon. Among the many traditional Chinese instruments, he enjoys listening to the erhu and the pipa.

He said that the differences between Eastern and Western instruments are merely cultural since they are "designed for a certain type of music" and "the important thing is that each of the sounds is unique to itself."

"The realization of the Tianjin Juilliard School is a blending of two very rich cultures," Polisi said. "I'm very proud of that."

He said he learned a lot while developing this program. "But I think what I've learned most, or it's been reinforced at least, is the very high level of creativity, of imagination, of energy, of work ethic that exists in China," he added. "It's quite exemplary."

"I think that type of creativity allows the country to flourish," Polisi said.

He has invited many of his friends in the United States to visit China. "Once you are here, there are wonderful places to stay, and the food and the geography and the history and the people," he said. "It's a great place to come." 
UK military chief confident Ukraine will win the war, but allies must 'maintain support'

The U.K. military chief, Admiral Antony Radakin, is "hugely confident" that Ukraine will eventually win the full-scale war despite Russia's recent tactical advances, he said in an interview with Sky News published on June 3.

Moscow launched a new offensive on May 10 in the north of Kharkiv Oblast. By the end of the month, Kyiv said that Russian advance in the sector had been halted and Ukrainian troops were conducting counterattacks.

Radakin insisted that Russia is "failing" despite the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast and Ukrainian forces' issues with personnel and ammunition shortages.

"Russia is making tactical advances on land," Radakin said.

"But you have got to then step back a little. If you go back to March 2022, Russia had taken about 17% of Ukraine's territory. Today it's got 11%. So, Russia is still in deficit."

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

Answering the question of whether Ukraine prevails in this war, Radakin said he is "hugely confident" it will.

"By the end of June, Russia will have lost 500,000 people  killed and wounded. We are already past 800 days for a war that (Vladimir) Putin anticipated to be three days long. This is tough for Ukraine, but we have to maintain our support."

The head of the U.K. military also said that the Russian leader does not want a war with NATO or a nuclear war.

"We have enormous overmatch because of the strength of NATO," Radakin added, recalling how Western allies downed the vast majority of the drones and missiles during the April Iran attack against Israel.

Iran launched more than 100 ballistic missiles, nearly 200 drones, and tens of cruise missiles, according to Radakin.

"I do not think our potential adversaries would have been able to respond in the way that you saw on the evening of April 13," the U.K. military chief said.

"I think the U.S. leadership and the proficiency that we have with our allies is at a level above our potential foes," he added, referring to Moscow and Beijing.

Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain intends to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda on July 24, a government lawyer said on Monday, although the hotly contested scheme is dependent on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party winning the upcoming election.

Sending asylum seekers who have arrived in Britain without permission to Rwanda is one of Sunak's flagship policies, but legal and parliamentary obstacles have meant it has never got off the ground.

Sunak has said the deportation flights will not leave before the July 4 election but has promised if he wins they would begin soon after. The opposition Labour Party, leading by about 20 points in opinion polls, has pledged to scrap the plan if elected.

In documents submitted to the London High Court as part of a challenge to the policy by charity Asylum Aid, government lawyers said the intention was "to effect removals with a flight to Rwanda on 23 July 2024 (and not before)."

However, government lawyer Edward Brown later told the court that an "operational update" from the Home Office (interior ministry) said the first flight would in fact leave on July 24.

The scheme - first drawn up by one of Sunak's predecessors, Boris Johnson, in 2022 - aims to deter asylum seekers making the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats from France.

Last November, the UK Supreme Court declared the policy unlawful, prompting Sunak to sign a new treaty with the East African country and to pass new legislation to override this.

Asylum Aid's lawyer Charlotte Kilroy said the date earmarked for the flight was "news to us". The judge, Martin Chamberlain, remarked: "This is all going to be subject to the outcome of the general election, but we obviously cannot make any predictions about that."

The numbers of asylum seekers crossing the Channel has risen to record numbers this year, with more than 10,000 people arriving so far, after numbers fell by a third in 2023.

(Reporting by Michael Holden and Sam Tobin. Editing by Andrew MacAskill and Ros Russell)
There are increasing signs that Ukraine may be successfully pushing back the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, at least in some areas.

Speaking during a national telethon, Yurii Fedorenko, the commander of a drone company within the Ukrainian 92nd Mechanized Brigade, said that Ukraines position had begun to get better in the war-torn region.

We are improving our position. Work is underway to knock the enemy out of occupied positions. In addition, to destroy its reserves, equipment, and other means with which it is trying to operate. In particular, on the territory of the Russian Federation, Fedorenko said.

While statements of this kind from Ukrainian commanders are one thing, its telling that there are also accounts from the Russian side that things are not all going to plan in Moscows latest offensive.

In an interview, a Russian soldier captured in the north of the Kharkiv region describes his unit being reduced from 300 troops to just nine in the space of a few days. Based on his account, huge losses and confusion are the order of the day in some Russian units, at least.

https://www.twitter.com/PStyle0ne1/status/1797263067308302483

The major decision by the United States late last week to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons in counter-fire efforts within Russia's borders appears to be having an effect already. In particular, guided artillery rockets are being used to target Russian units headed toward the Kharkiv region before they even cross the border.

https://www.twitter.com/JayinKyiv/status/1797137547404906945/ https://www.twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1797442101875020189

Elsewhere, Russian forces are still making progress in the region.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces are now especially active near Lyptsi, close to the border with Russia. While there were recent reports that the Russian offensive might be losing momentum in this area, it now appears that operations have resumed again.

https://www.twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1796577755360112996

The Latest

More details are coming to light of the significant shift in Washingtons policy on Ukraine that saw the decision made to allow Kyiv to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russian borders.

The potential loss of Kharkiv to Russian forces was a key factor in the turnaround, according to a story in Politico based on interviews with 18 senior U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials and lawmakers.

If Russia were to take Kharkiv, it would have a significant opening to take over other crucial areas in eastern Ukraine, the article summarizes. It would also undermine Bidens bet on Kyiv  one hes propped up with billions of dollars worth of weapons and other aid. If there was one battle Biden could be convinced to say yes rather than no, it was Kharkiv.

The same article reveals just how much work went into engineering this policy change, including months of behind-the-scenes planning just to get a proposal that President Joe Biden could look at.

Ultimately, however, the scope of the change is somewhat limited, argues security columnist Colby Badhwar, who notes that U.S.-supplied 155mm artillery ammunition was already being used by Ukraine to strike targets in Russia, apparently with tacit U.S. approval.

The change in policy will potentially allow for a broader range of weapons to hit a broader range of targets, but still in an extremely limited capacity, Badhwar notes.

https://www.twitter.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1796656154539372710

Nevertheless, the effects of the policy change are apparently already being seen in the conflict.

Photos posted to social media claim to show the remnants of U.S.-supplied Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems ( GMLRS ) fired against targets in Russian territory by Ukraine. The fragments in question are said to have been found in the Belgorod region of Russia, which borders Ukraine.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1796919517030818044

It cant be confirmed whether or not the following photo also relates directly to Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil, but it shows expended launch pods of the kind used in HIMARS and MLRS, apparently in the Kharkiv region. The collection of 54 spent pods seen here would equate to a (maximum) total of 324 GMLRS rockets, although unguided rockets are also fired via the pods.

https://www.twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1797334968059805912

The U.S. policy shift has also led to other Ukrainian allies following suit.

The Netherlands, for example, has become the latest country to declare that it will allow the F-16 fighters that its supplying Kyiv to be used to strike military targets on Russian territory.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1797549371766276532

Ukrainian long-range strikes that arent quite as they seem are the subject of the next tweet. According to this, Russians accused Ukraine of hitting a market in the town of Shebekino in the Belgorod region. However, it now seems that the civilian casualties and damage to the market may have been caused by the unintended detonation of a Russian Iskander short-range ballistic missile, or at least due to the missile system being deployed there when Ukraine hit it.

https://www.twitter.com/PStyle0ne1/status/1797189395486785755

There have been several recent indications that the mood in the Russian media may be turning, at least to some degree, as the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region apparently runs into difficulties.

In particular, as pro-Kremlin military blogger Alexander Kots notes, the Ukrainian forces no longer suffer from such an acute shortage of artillery ammunition, which had been a serious issue just a few weeks ago.

The enemy does not have a lack of shells anymore, Kots writes. They also operate a wide range of FPVs [first-person-view drones]. There is a gradual fortification at the reached borders, and we are slowly moving into active defense because if we try to go further, we will simply lose a large number of our people. And we see that judging by the behavior of the enemy, it is preparing a serious counteroffensive blow in the Kharkiv direction.

https://www.twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1797250445804441901

While talk of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region is surely premature, it reflects the fact that the pro-Kremlin media is at least preparing its audience for more possible setbacks to come, rather than simply trumpeting Russian successes on the battlefield.

https://www.twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1797307089968152614

Also notable is the fact that Kots is not the only Russian analyst currently bringing attention to the particular threat posed by Ukrainian drones. Recent comments from Russias Project Archangel, a volunteer effort to get more drones into the hands of Russian soldiers, also paint a worrisome picture for the Kremlins force.

How are things now? Frankly, they suck.

Project Archangel identified drones as a key factor behind Ukrainian forces slowing down and stopping our offensives in one area or another.

The same source describes Ukrainian forces using three to four (presumably FPV-type) drones for each Russian soldier in an assault group when repelling an attack, with between six and 10 drones assigned to attack each Russian tank or armored fighting vehicle.

Project Archangel also laments the lack of electronic countermeasures available to the Russians to defeat Ukrainian drones, or even to pinpoint the frequencies on which they operate. This means that Russian soldiers frequently have to try and buy their own electronic warfare equipment.

https://www.twitter.com/sambendett/status/1797282302478758113

Not surprisingly, much focus has been put on Ukraine expanding its long-range strikes using U.S.-supplied weapons into Russia proper. In the meantime, Ukrainian forces continue to pummel targets within Russian-controlled territory, including in the eastern Donetsk region.

A recent such strike by a Ukrainian High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems ( HIMARS ) reportedly targeted the city of Soledar. The city itself has already been almost totally destroyed but seems to have been used as a base for a Russian mechanized brigade. Reports suggest the HIMARS strike destroyed a variety of Russian military vehicles and also led to the deaths of seven soldiers from a repair company, four from a tank company, and two members of the military police.

https://www.twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1797313552027382059

Meanwhile, Ukraine still eyes various prized targets in Russian-occupied Crimea, of which the strategic Kerch Bridge is one of the biggest and most valuable.

In response to the threat posed by strikes by Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels and uncrewed underwater vessels, the Kerch Bridge is being offered increased protection, with larger and more numerous booms placed in the water around it. According to estimates, each section of the boom is now around 300 feet long. At the latest count, nine booms have been put in place. This is in addition to sunken barges and other obstacles that aim to protect the prized span.

https://www.twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1796963977773060359

We now have what is likely our best view of the new-generation LMUR anti-armor missile carried by a Russian Ka-52M Hokum attack helicopter. The missile is seen mounted on the starboard stub wing of the Ka-52M; it can also be carried by the Mi-28NM Havoc. You can read more about the missile in our previous in-depth coverage .

https://www.twitter.com/MrFrantarelli/status/1796988666880921842

The limitations of U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks in Ukrainian hands continue to be discussed.

In a recent interview with CNN, Ukrainian soldiers air their complaints about the tank, 31 of which have been supplied.

Another crew member, Dnipro, described the Abrams as the number one target on the battlefield. Without defense, the crew doesnt survive on the battlefield, he said.

While there have been recent reports suggesting that Ukraine has withdrawn these tanks from the front lines, officials from the 47th Mechanized Brigade who spoke to CNN indicate that all surviving Abrams are still deployed on the eastern front.

The Abrams might have been something of a disappointment to at least some of the crews operating it. But the same can be leveled at the hastily adapted turtle tanks in use with Russia since around mid-April.

The video below is said to have been taken a few weeks ago during an assault in the Novomykhailivka area in the Donetsk region. The footage appears to show the turtle tanks being used as assault guns, firing ahead of them and proceeding in a straight line. As at least one Russian military blogger notes , this is far from the combination of mobility, speed, and firepower that one would expect from conventional tank warfare.

The result, somewhat predictably, was the failure of the assault.

https://www.twitter.com/RALee85/status/1796588111075725779

Another Russian military blogger argues that the failure of the turtle tank can, to a large degree, be attributed to the arrival of new artillery ammunition, after U.S. and European defense aid packages for Ukraine were finally cleared.

The turtle tank  also known to the Russians as the barnyard tank is somewhat protected against FPV drone strikes, the blogger opines, especially when it combines a protective carapace with an electronic warfare jammer. However, the same design is essentially defenseless against well-placed artillery strikes.

https://www.twitter.com/AleksandrX13/status/1797311101039792260

While turtle tanks continue to take hits on the battlefield, so too do other Russian vehicles, with especially unfortunate results for any infantry who might be using them for transport.

As we have explored before , the risks posed by anti-tank mines and other threats that might penetrate the hull armor means that Russian troops frequently ride into battle on top of armored vehicles. This is in addition to having to move more troops than the vehicles can host internally. The disadvantages of this approach are all too clear to see in the next video.

https://www.twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1797168688845471795

If any troops were riding in this Ukrainian MaxxPro armored car, they certainly would have fared much better. Despite withering fire from the enemy, the MaxxPro is seen returning from the fight in one piece, reportedly somewhere near Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.

https://www.twitter.com/TOGAjano21/status/1796502780359909885

Among the trademark anti-armor weapons used by Ukraine is the U.S.-made Javelin shoulder-launched missile.

While the effects of the missile have been well documented, much more unusual is the chance to see the shaped-charge warhead, including the conical copper part that ensures it can penetrate enemy armor.

https://www.twitter.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1796874878336803210

Taking apart any kind of munition is something that should only be done by experts. The two Russians in the following video took the ill-advised decision to disassemble an improvised Ukrainian munition delivered by drone in a glass jar. They show off a laser-cut fragmentation disc but seem to be unaware of the risks involved, bearing in mind these munitions are frequently fitted with anti-tamper devices.

https://www.twitter.com/GrandpaRoy2/status/1796945649331851389

The regular TWZ roundup of drone warfare in Ukraine follows next.

The first example, showing a successful Ukrainian drone strike, is especially interesting as it depicts a very modern Russian self-propelled artillery piece involved in the war. The 2S43 Malva is said to be from the 9th Artillery Brigade and was knocked out by a drone strike in the Belgorod region, within Russian borders.

https://www.twitter.com/OSINTua/status/1797290108745380190

A Russian drone strike is seen next, reportedly involving one of the widely used Lancet loitering munitions. The target was a Ukrainian shelter at Kharkiv International Airport, in the region of the same name. Russian accounts claim that the shelter was covering a Buk surface-to-air missile system. On this occasion, it seems the Lancet didnt manage to penetrate the protection.

https://www.twitter.com/WarVehicle/status/1796815015896654059

More videos are beginning to emerge from the conflict showing air-to-air drone engagements.

This example purports to show a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Orlan reconnaissance drone, in an incident said to be from several weeks ago. Videos such as this are certainly causing alarm among Russian military bloggers, with predictions that a full-fledged anti-drone complex based on an FPV drone is only a matter of time.

Another of the very many contenders for most expertly placed FPV drones in the next video. Here, the Ukrainian drone operator takes advantage of the opportunity presented by a small window to attack a group of Russian soldiers said to be sheltering upstairs.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1796927908771946673

Next up, another piece of Russian self-propelled artillery falls victim to a Ukrainian FPV drone. This example is a 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer, which is attacked from behind, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.

https://www.twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1796570671243231693

More fortunate by far were the Russian soldiers seen in the next video. Despite being attacked by four Ukrainian FPV drones in the space of just a few minutes, it appears that all managed to survive the onslaught.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1796827039049154928

Drone developments continue apace on the ground, too. For example, Russia has presented the following uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) together with bold claims that its the first ground-based FPV kamikaze vehicle of its kind, anywhere in the world.

https://www.twitter.com/clashreport/status/1796926844333125718

Ground-based FPV kamikaze drones are likely to be seen in growing numbers going forward, but for the time being, UGVs are mainly being used for logistics work. This official Russian Ministry of Defense video shows a UGV being used to transport supplies. The drone is said to have a range of around 25 miles.

https://www.twitter.com/RALee85/status/1797390368750645471

Another small Russian combat UGV is seen in the next video, reportedly being used to deploy anti-tank mines somewhere near Robotyne, in the Zaporizhzhia region.

https://www.twitter.com/sambendett/status/1796282733230219393

Finally, from drones to drone hunters, and a new development for the Ukrainian mobile defense units, tasked with shooting down Russian drones. This innovation allows a soldier to take aim with their heavy machine gun from the rear platform of a pickup truck, all the while enjoying a higher level of comfort of a deluxe office chair.

https://www.twitter.com/UkraineNewsLive/status/1797140428258431193

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Video and images have emerged on social media claiming to show the destruction of an S-400 or S-300 surface-to-air (SAM) system in Belgorod, Russia, by an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS . The attack on the SAM, located about 30 miles north of the border, comes just days after the Biden administration approved the use of U.S.-donated weapons like HIMARS on Russian soil to disrupt the ongoing offensive pushing toward Kharkiv .

The video and images were first posted by the Russian Spy Dossier Telegram channel on Monday. The 10-second video, shot next to a Russian air defense transporter, shows flames and smoke rising in the distance. While it is unclear from the video what is burning, additional images give greater detail of what was hit.

Three images posted by Spy Dossier show damaged S-400 or S-300 components, some still in flames.

A burning Russian SAM transporter. Via Telegram

A smoldering Russian SAM launcher. Via Telegram

Damaged and destroyed Russian SAM components. Via Telegram

The video and images are undated, but Spy Dossier said the attack was carried out Sunday.

Those images do not show any remnants of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions, which have a range of about 50 miles.

The War Zone could not independently verify that HIMARS-launched GMLRS were involved in this attack, although that would be a top weapon of choice based on what we know about the range and target type. It would also fit with the White House's new policy of being able to use U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia near the Kharkiv region against direct threats to Ukraine, including long-range weapon systems.

The Pentagon deferred questions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which has not yet released a statement. However, Spy Dossier, other Russian Telegram channels and Ukrainian media reported that the attacks were carried about by GMLRS. Russia's deputy foreign minister did not name any specific system, but warned against the use of U.S. weapons inside Russia.

The video shows the result of the defeat of the S-300/400 air defense system in the Belgorod region, Spy Dossier reported. The strike was carried out using the HIMARS MLRS.

There was a claimed attack on a Russian surface-to-air missile system about 30 miles north of the border in Belgorod Oblast. Google Earth image

Friends, we have received bad news from the Belgorod region, the Russian Kremlin Secrets Telegram channel reported on Monday. There's an enemy blow. Two S-400 air defense systems were seriously damaged. The strike was carried out using Western-style weapons. Preliminary - HIMARS.

According to our information, the installations were used to strike Kharkiv and other populated areas in the border zone, Kremlin Secrets added. Also, unfortunately, the radar and a lot of auxiliary equipment were lost. Please note that we have checked the information about the incident in detail. Our interlocutors claim that after the attack on the air defense systems, one of the conscripts is listed as missing. Two officers died.

The SAM system was staffed by Russian conscripts, Kremlin Secrets reported.

Belgorod has come under attack before, an aide to Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said, according to Kremlin Secrets. And now that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have received permission to hit us with Western weapons, they will come more often.

The attack engendered an angry response from Moscow.

We warn American politicians against their miscalculations, which could have fatal consequences," said Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Monday, according to Reuters . "For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the resistance they may receive. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly spoken out on this topic.

As we have frequently noted , Ukraine has prioritized striking these SAM systems for two main reasons. The first is to degrade Russian air defenses , making it easier to strike targets. These long-range air defense systems threaten Ukrainian aircraft and standoff weapons operations over a radius of up to 250 miles , depending on the variant. In addition, with the fight very heated right across the border from where this system is located, it threatens Ukrainian aircraft that launch glide bombs and other strikes across the lines.

The second is that Russia has been using missiles fired by these systems as long-range strike weapons, including firing into Kharkiv . You can read all about this secondary application of these systems here .

This particular system, being so close to the border, also sits between Ukrainian-held territory and a key aerial conduit for long-range one-way attack drones that have been constantly striking into Russia as far away as Moscow. Belgorod Oblast, where the SAM was hit, is already the top targeted area for Ukrainian drones. Taking out this system would help increase the survivability of those drones. Now that Western weapons are being allowed to be used against targets in this region of Russia, cruise missiles that could be employed will also be threatened by these SAM systems.

With F-16s arriving in Ukraine soon, an even more intense integrated suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses campaign is likely to be waged so that those jets can be as effective as possible in the conflict.

Regardless, the initial attack on Russian soil using U.S.-donated munitions apparently took place on Saturday, also in Belgorod Oblast.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces used the American Himars MLRS for the first time to shell the Belgorod region, the Russian Belgorod No. 1 Telegram channel reported on Sunday. The Ministry of Defense reported that 23 HIMARS shells were shot down over the territory of the Russian Federation over the past 24 hours. Exactly how many were in our region is unknown, but one of the shells was found in Shebekino.

That channel, however, did not produce any evidence of a GMLRS strike. The War Zone could not independently verify that strike or whether any of the GMLRS munitions were intercepted.

A warehouse in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, Russia was attacked by a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Munition, according to the No. 1 Belgorod Telegram channel. Via Telegram

The first images of GMLRS remnants in Belgorod appeared on June 1 in an attack said to have been launched the day before, just hours after Biden authorized their use in Russia.

The first video of purported HIMARS launches into Russia began to emerge on social media on May 31.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said while he was grateful for the ability to use HIMARS inside Russia near Kharkiv, weapons with greater range should be allowed to hit military airfields deeper into the invading nation.

So far, this broadening of permissions for U.S.-supplied weapons use seems to be already impacting the intense situation in Kharkiv positively for Ukraine.

On Monday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, including from The War Zone, that nothing is set in stone as far as future use of U.S. donated munitions.

While the U.S. prohibition on Ukraine using [ Army Tactical Missile System ] ATACMS or long-range strikes inside of Russia "has not changed for now, Kirby left the door open for future adjustments of that policy.

"As you well know, every step of this war, as the as the war has evolved, as the battlefield conditions have changed, we have evolved, and we have changed our support to Ukraine," Kirby said. "I wouldn't expect that general approach is going to be any different. In coming weeks and months, we'll see more things [sent to Ukraine]."

Future decisions on what donated U.S. weapons Ukraine can use inside Russia and how far into that country will depend on a number of factors, including how Russia's offensives in Ukraine progress. While there has been angry rhetoric out of Moscow, so far, there has been no discernible change in actual policy or force posture toward the U.S. and NATO.

Author's note: Tyler Rogoway contributed to this report.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Key updates on June 3:

US Vice President Kamala Harris will attend global peace summit

Russian strike in Donetsk Oblast kills 2, including 12-year-old boy

UK military chief confident Ukraine will win the war, but allies must 'maintain support'

Restarting Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'difficult to envisage' during war, says IAEA chief

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 1, injure 13 over past day

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the upcoming global peace summit to be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland, the White House said on June 3.

The announcement comes a few days after it was reported President Joe Biden would likely miss the event as it clashes with a campaign fundraiser he is set to attend alongside, among others, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel. The White House's statement effectively confirmed that Biden would not be attending.

"The Vice President will underscore the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to supporting Ukraines effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter," the White House said in a statement.

"The Vice President will reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression."

The statement also said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would be attending.

Reports that Biden would not attend the event prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 28 to say his absence would "only be met by an applause by (Vladimir) Putin, a personal, standing applause by Putin."

"I believe that the peace summit needs President Biden, and other leaders need President Biden because they will look at the U.S.s reaction," Zelensky said.

Saudi Arabia does not plan to be present at the event because Russia will not be there, it was reported on June 2, despite the country hosting an international summit on the peace formula in August 2023.

On June 2, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Hungary has not decided whether to take part in the peace summit as "not all sides of the war" will be present at the event.

Zelensky has accused Russia of "blackmailing some leaders and trying to block the participation of some countries."

The peace summit will be held on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Ukraine hopes the summit will address several key areas, such as energy security, the exchange of captives, the return of deported children, global food security, and other topics.

Some 107 states and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Ukraine's global peace summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, said on June 3 on national television.

Elsewhere on June 3, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to an accusation from Zelensky on June 3, pushing back on Zelensky's claims that China is trying to sabotage the upcoming global peace summit.

The previous day, Zelensky accused China of "working hard" to prevent countries from participating in the summit, which is scheduled to be held in Switzerland on June 15-16.

China has never "fanned fire or fueled the flames" of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Mao said.

"We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties," she added, saying that China's position on the summit has been "open and transparent."

China allegedly declined an invitation to participate in the summit as the terms it required to attend were not met, Reuters reported on May 31, citing several sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Read also: Hungary undecided on peace summit participation due to Russias absence, Hungarian FM says

Russian strike in Donetsk Oblast kills 2, including 12-year-old boy

Russian forces attacked the village of Mykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast on June 3, killing two people and injuring one, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

One of those killed was a 12-year-old boy, according to Filashkin.

Mykhailivka is located in the Pokrovsk district, which sits close to the front line of Donetsk Oblast. Russian troops gained a foothold at the district's border back in April.

The Russian military carried out the strike in the morning with a guided aerial bomb. An hour and a half later, Russian forces repeated the attack.

At least five buildings were damaged.

"Tomorrow (June 4), Ukraine will commemorate the Day of Remembrance of Children who died due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and today another name was added to this sad list," the governor said.

Donetsk Oblast is subject to intense Russian attacks on a daily basis, often more than 2,000 strikes per day.

Russian attacks over the past day injured five people in Donetsk Oblast: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

UK military chief confident Ukraine will win the war, but allies must 'maintain support'

The U.K. military chief, Admiral Antony Radakin, is "hugely confident" that Ukraine will eventually win the full-scale war despite Russia's recent tactical advances, he said in an interview with Sky News published on June 3.

Moscow launched a new offensive on May 10 in the north of Kharkiv Oblast. By the end of the month, Kyiv said that Russian advance in the sector had been halted and Ukrainian troops were conducting counterattacks.

Radakin insisted that Russia is "failing" despite the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast and Ukrainian forces' issues with personnel and ammunition shortages.

"Russia is making tactical advances on land," Radakin said.

"But you have got to then step back a little. If you go back to March 2022, Russia had taken about 17% of Ukraine's territory. Today it's got 11%. So, Russia is still in deficit."

Answering the question of whether Ukraine prevails in this war, Radakin said he is "hugely confident" it will.

"By the end of June, Russia will have lost 500,000 people  killed and wounded. We are already past 800 days for a war that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin anticipated to be three days long. This is tough for Ukraine, but we have to maintain our support."

The head of the U.K. military also said that the Russian leader does not want a war with NATO or a nuclear war.

"We have enormous overmatch because of the strength of NATO," Radakin added, recalling how Western allies downed the vast majority of the drones and missiles during the Iranian attack against Israel in April.

Iran launched more than 100 ballistic missiles, nearly 200 drones, and tens of cruise missiles, according to Radakin.

"I do not think our potential adversaries would have been able to respond in the way that you saw on the evening of April 13," the U.K. military chief said.

"I think the U.S. leadership and the proficiency that we have with our allies is at a level above our potential foes," he added, referring to Moscow and Beijing.

Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses

Restarting Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'difficult to envisage' during war, says IAEA chief

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on June 3 "it's difficult to envisage" restarting the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant while fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues.

Speaking at a news conference during a meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors, Rafael Grossi said Moscow is not planning to decommission the facility and "the idea, of course, they have is to restart (it) at some point."

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest nuclear power station in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of using the plant as a launch site for drone and artillery attacks on the Ukrainian-controlled opposite bank of the Dnipro River, presenting a serious security hazard.

Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

Grossi said there was a "need to have a discussion" about restarting the plant, but stressed there were several important steps to take before this would be possible.

"In terms of what needs to happen...there shouldn't be any bombing or any activity of this type," he said in comments reported by Reuters.

"Then there should be a more stable assurance of external power supply. This requires repairs, important repairs of existing lines, which at the moment, and because of the military activity, are very difficult to envisage."

Ukraine's nuclear energy agency, Energoatom, said last month that the plant should be handed over to Ukrainian control in order to avoid a nuclear disaster.

"Russian (forces) continue to create an extremely dangerous situation" at the plant, said Energoatom President Petro Kotin.

"In order to prevent the development of worst-case scenarios, the station must be returned to the control of the legitimate operator  Energoatom as soon as possible."

Energoatom said that the plant has experienced eight complete blackouts and one partial shutdown since the beginning of the full-scale war.

Read also: Explainer: 38 years after Chornobyl, Ukraine relies on nuclear for more than half its energy production

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 1, injure 13 over past day

Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day killed at least one civilian and injured at least 13, regional authorities reported on June 3.

In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian missile attack hit a recreational center in the Slobozhanske community shortly after midnight on June 3, killing one man and injuring a man and a woman, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The facility was located in the village of Dachne, which lies around 30 (18-19 miles) kilometers south of Kharkiv, according to the regional prosecutor's office.

The victims included a 45-year-old resident of Donetsk Oblast killed and two injured employees of the center, the prosecutors said. Russia likely carried out the attack with S-300 missiles.

Two more people were injured on June 2 in the Borivska Andriivka village and two others in the Staryi Saltiv settlement on the same day, the governor said.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks over the past day injured five people: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

Russian attacks against Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast on June 2 injured a 54-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, both of whom were hospitalized, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration said.

Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Russian troop losses hit record high in May, Ukraine claims

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Insights from Politico, Reuters, Kyiv Independent, and The Washington Post

The News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of trying to sabotage a planned peace summit in Switzerland on June 15-16, designed to act as a forum for discussing endgames for Russias war in Ukraine.

In a news conference Sunday, Zelenskyy claimed Russia was using China as a proxy to disrupt the peace summit, and said China had tried to discourage other countries from attending, but did not detail which countries or what China had allegedly done.

Chinas foreign ministry said it maintains a neutral stance, and on Friday, China signaled it would not attend the peace summit. More than 100 countries plan to attend the summit, the Kyiv Independent noted, and its hoped they will develop a peace plan that calls for the total withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Russia has not been invited to attend the talks.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Comments offer a rare criticism of Beijing

Source: Politico

Zelenskyy had shied away from criticizing Beijing directly, instead putting his effort into attempting to woo Chinese leader Xi Jinping. But the Ukrainian president may have reached his limit. He has alleged that intelligence shows China has provided material support to Russia, despite Xis promises to the contrary. Broadly, interactions between Beijing and Kyiv have faltered: Many times we have wanted to meet Chinese representatives, Zelenskyy said on Sunday. Unfortunately Ukraine does not have any powerful connections with China because China does not want it.

Zelenskyy looks to the rest of Asia for support

Source: The Washington Post

The Ukrainian president made his remarks on China during a surprise trip to Singapore, seemingly in an attempt to gin up regional support ahead of the peace conference. Zelenskyy has a track record of success in gaining support from Western governments for weapons and other aid, but in Asia, he is angling for diplomatic help, foreign affairs columnist Ishaan Tharoor noted in The Washington Post. Zelenskyy likely faces an uphill battle in convincing Asian states to rally for Ukraine, Tharoor argued. Ukraines cause has failed to generate in Asia the same sort of emotional, existential angst that it has in much of the West.

China will be missed at peace summit

Sources: Reuters, Kyiv Independent

Beijing had previously rejected an invitation to attend the summit, arguing that the terms it required had not been met. It wanted both Ukraine and Russia to recognize the summit, and wanted all proposals to be given equal consideration, Reuters reported. Russia has not been invited to attend the talks. China has always insisted that an international peace conference should be endorsed by both Russia and Ukraine, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. That position is unchanged, and China will be notably absent from whatever resolution might come out of the summit. Beijing, which has a no-limits partnership with Moscow, had called for equal participation in the summit and declined the invite because Russia was not invited.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that 126 combat clashes took place on the contact line over the past day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 23:00 on 3 June

Quote: "Rocket Forces and Artillery from the Defence Forces hit five clusters of enemy personnel, four air defence systems and one artillery system over the course of the day.

During the day, the Russian occupiers launched two missile attacks on the territory of Ukraine using six missiles and 37 air strikes using 51 UAVs, and launched 359 kamikaze drones. In addition, the occupiers fired over 2,100 times at the positions of our troops and settlements using various types of weapons."

Details: It is known that on the Kharkiv front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions six times in the areas of Lyptsi and Vovchansk.

On the Kupiansk front, a tense atmosphere remains in the areas of Berestove and Stelmakhivka. The Russians' intention to advance towards Synkivka, Nevske and Terny failed. The situation is under the Ukrainian Defence Forces control.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Russians have lost 61 people in this area over the past 24 hours. Two vehicles have been destroyed and one tank, two artillery systems and one air defence system have been damaged.

Quote: "The General Staff reported that the Siversk front remains one of the most tense. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers have made 24 attempts to break into the combat formations of our units in the areas of Bilohorivka, Rozdolivka, Ivano-Dariivka, Verkhniokamianske and Vyimka. Fifteen attacks have already been repelled by our defenders, and nine combat clashes are still ongoing. The defence forces are taking measures to stabilise the situation.

Over the past day, the Russians suffered 91 casualties in terms of those killed and wounded. Ukrainian troops also destroyed two tanks, an armoured combat vehicle, an artillery system and two electronic warfare systems.

Since the beginning of the day on the Kramatorsk front, Russian forces have attacked our positions five times in the areas of Kalynivka, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka. The situation is tense. The defence forces are taking measures to stabilise the situation in this area."

Details: On the Pokrovsk front, Russians attacked our positions 35 times in the areas of Zelene Pole, Novooleksandrivka, Novopokrovsk, Novoselivka Persha, Kalynove, Netailove and Nevelske. Ukrainian defence forces repelled 26 attacks.

On the Kurakhove front, 10 Russian attempts to approach our positions in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Vodiane were unsuccessful.

On the Orikhove front, the situation has not changed significantly, with fighting continuing in the area of Mala Tokmachka.

On the Prydniprovske front, Russian forces continue to try to push our defenders back from Krynky. Three Russian assaults failed.

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BAGHDAD, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Shiite militia in Iraq on Monday claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a site in Haifa in northern Israel.

The militia, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, said in an online statement that its fighters launched at dawn a drone attack on "a vital site in Haifa," without providing further details about the targeted location or any resulting casualties.

The militia stressed that the attack was carried out "in solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip," vowing to continue its attacks on "the enemy's strongholds."

It came just one day after the militia claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a site in Eilat in southern Israel.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has launched multiple attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets in the region. 
A Ukrainian commander said new troops are trained so badly they have to learn basic skills on the front lines like shooting a gun

Front-line Ukrainian units getting new troops told the Post they have a massive training problem.

They said commanders have to re-teach soldiers on the front basic skills like firing their weapons.

Some said Ukrainian training centers also don't have bullets and grenades for new recruits.

Ukrainian soldiers say their reinforcements are arriving on the front lines without fundamental skills such as assembling rifles and firing their weapons, The Washington Post reported.

The outlet spoke to commanders and newly deployed troops on the front, who said their units must re-train soldiers being sent from the rear.

The report, published Sunday, underscores concerns that have been voiced for months by Ukrainian units, who say they're running out of experienced troops as the war drags on.

As Ukraine rotates men from rear posts to relieve its front-line fighters, some fresh arrivals aren't meeting their commanders' basic requirements, per the Post. Notably, these aren't even the newly conscripted men Kyiv has been aggressively drafting in the last few months.

One officer of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, identified by his call sign Schmidt, told the Post that some of his new men didn't know how to assemble or disassemble their rifles.

"We are just wasting a lot of time here on basic training," said Schmidt, per The Post. He added that he required new arrivals to train in their first week by firing about 1,500 bullets daily.

The 93rd Mechanized Brigade has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the war, including the battles for Bakhmut, Kharkiv, and Adviivka.

A Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunner of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade Kholodny Yar holds a cat from his position in the direction of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region in February. ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

The Post reports that the new men in Schmidt's unit will likely be deployed near the devastated city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. One newly arrived soldier, identified by call sign Val of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, told the outlet he was assigned to the front line with a day's notice.

Another soldier from the 42nd Mechanized Brigade in Kharkiv told the outlet that "everything is learned on the spot."

As for new recruits, Ukraine's training centers are barely equipped to provide soldiers with basic training, per the Post.

One instructor told the outlet that some facilities don't have enough Soviet-caliber bullets and only allow trainees to shoot about 20 rounds before training ends. The officer was not named because he did not have the authority to speak about his tenure at the facility.

"There are no grenades for throwing in training centers, and there are no grenade launcher rounds in the training center," he told the Post.

"We don't have a proper training system in place," he added.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense press team did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

Why the world cares about Ukraine's training

The West has been highly concerned about training for Ukraine's troops. Kyiv recently started receiving a stalled tranche of US military equipment and weaponry, but dwindling manpower is undermining that.

As Ukraine desperately tries to shore up the gaps in its military, member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization  such as the Baltic States and France  have hinted at plans to officially deploy military trainers in Ukraine to prepare the new waves of troops.

Russia and pro-Kremlin pundits have blasted such a move as an escalation by NATO that would cross a red line. Meanwhile, Moscow's economy is on a war footing, recruiting new troops rapidly and putting its defense manufacturing industry into overdrive.

Its ability to resupply the battlefield with troops and equipment has led some analysts to believe it can withstand heavy losses for years.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is struggling to both find and train new men to keep up with Russia, especially with its rear vulnerable to long-range Russian strikes.

Without safe areas to conduct training, Kyiv may have little choice but to send personnel to NATO states  even more so when it comes to Ukrainian operators learning how to use new Western-supplied equipment.

The UK hosts trainings for Ukrainian troops under its Operation Interflex program. HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

"There is a difficult tradeoff to make between pulling experienced soldiers from the frontline to train new personnel or accepting bottlenecks in training the new personnel," the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, wrote on Sunday.

The ISW added that the overall quality of Ukraine's frontline troops will probably decrease as experienced fighters rotate out, but the newer soldiers will likely learn fast alongside veterans.

It also noted that the Post's report of Ukrainian commanders training their troops on the frontline shows a difference in emphasis between Kyiv and Moscow's forces, citing how Russian commanders were widely reported to send their poorly trained men as cannon fodder.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, will attend the G7 conference in Italy from 13 to 15 June.

Serhii Nykyforov, spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has confirmed that Zelenskyy will attend the G7 summit in Italy on 13-15 June, either in person or online.

Source: Serhii Nykyforov; Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster; European Pravda

Details: Nykyforov confirmed that Zelenskyy will take part either online or in person. He added that with the US delegation attending the conference, Zelenskyy expects to propose further strengthening of the defence support, forming a coalition of Western fighters, and accelerating the supply of the F-16 fighter jets.

Quote: "It's beyond any doubt. The G7 are our primary partners. We will discuss with them the major topics of our ties, including bilateral conversations with the G7 governments," Nykyforov said.

More details: One of the primary subjects will be to bolster Ukraine's air defence with more systems and missiles.

According to Nykyforov, Zelenskyy discussed this with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the Shangri-La summit in Singapore.

"This was the main topic. Now, serious efforts are underway to ensure that air defence systems will come to Ukraine. We anticipate positive public announcements in the near future", he said.



Background:

Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Zelenskyy would attend the Group of Seven meeting in Brindisi, southern Italy, from 13 to 15 June.

She did not indicate whether Zelenskyy would visit Italy in person or connect via video link.

Politico had previously reported that President Zelenskyy might also attend the G7 Summit, but there was no official confirmation.

The summit, which will be largely focused on the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, is expected to approve the Group of Seven's plan to use frozen Russian assets.

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Everyone says culture has nothing to do with it. It does'  Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Rafeyenko on Russias war

Ukrainian author Volodymyr Rafeyenko never thought he would write a novel in Ukrainian.

He was a native of Donetsk, an eastern Ukrainian city where he grew up speaking Russian and completed a degree in Russian philology. Early on in his career, he was the winner of some of Russias most prestigious literary prizes for Russian-language writers.

But then Russia invaded eastern Ukraine over spring and summer 2014. On the train out of the now-occupied Donetsk, Rafeyenko made the decision to switch to Ukrainian, a language he says he could barely communicate in at the time.

I was thinking about how Russia had illegally annexed Crimea and started the war in Donbas with the false notion of protecting the Russian-speaking population. They used us as an excuse to start the war, Rafeyenko told the Kyiv Independent in an interview, adding that he felt he had to do something about it.

His first novel in Ukrainian, titled Mondegreen: Songs about Death and Love, was published in 2019. The English translation was released by Harvards Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) in 2022.

Volodymyr Rafijenko on Authors Reading Month in Wrocaw, Poland, 2015. (Wikimedia)

The experimental novel tells the story of a refugee from Ukraines Donbas region who flees to Kyiv at the start of Russias war in 2014. In Kyiv, he experiences a deep sense of dislocation and alienation as he adapts to his new life and learns Ukrainian.

When Russia invaded his country for the second time in 2022, Rafeyenko and his wife found themselves caught in Russian-occupied territory outside of Kyiv. He wrote a play on the experience published in 2023. The English translation is set to come out next spring.

The Kyiv Independent sat down with Rafeyenko to discuss his life in Donetsk, his journey to the Ukrainian language, and whether or not he blames Russian culture for what is happening.

Everyone says that culture has nothing to do with it. It does. And (Alexander) Pushkin is to blame.

This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity.

The Kyiv Independent: Before we delve into discussing the war, could you briefly tell me about your childhood and early literature career in Donetsk?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: I graduated from Donetsk State University, named after (Ukrainian 20th-century poet and Donetsk native Vasyl) Stus, with degrees in Russian language and literature and philology. My education was in Russian. We spoke and wrote exclusively in Russian. Russia was the primary language spoken in the city. Of course, I had friends who were Ukrainian speakers when I was at university. They spoke Ukrainian with each other, at least. But in such a general environment of Russian speakers, they also switched to Russian more often than not. It was difficult to hear real Ukrainian being spoken.

Both of my grandmothers were Ukrainian, and Ukrainian was their native language. However, one of my dad's grandmothers used to speak "surzhyk," a blend of Ukrainian and Russian that wasn't purely Russian or literary Ukrainian due to its mixed grammatical and phonetic forms.

Read also: 10 books to better understand wartime Ukraine

On the other hand, my mother's mother had a more complex background. While they were all ultimately Ukrainian, it's worth noting that my grandmother's side, if I remember correctly (I don't have official documents), had some connections to Polish and Jewish heritage. For reasons unknown to me, they left Poland and settled in Ukraine, where they spoke Ukrainian among children, while adults primarily conversed in Polish. It's a bit of a puzzle, but they certainly didn't speak or understand Russian.

My maternal grandmother recounted stories of their life in the village, which I believe was called Shchastia (Happiness). When they first attended school, they encountered challenges as the teachers and many classmates spoke Russian, making learning difficult for them.

The Kyiv Independent: What time period are we talking about here?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: It was the early twentieth century. My grandmother set a personal goal for herself to master Russian even better than native speakers. She dedicated herself to this pursuit and successfully completed her studies, eventually becoming an engineer. She worked in a classified design bureau that played a pivotal role in developing the first Soviet lunar rovers. With her specialized education, she was employed in military structures. Naturally, she never conversed with me in Ukrainian  our conversations were exclusively in Russian. However, she often shared stories about her family history and my grandfather's (her husband's) past, which later inspired my novel "Mondegreen."

Aerial view of Yuzovka (Donetsk, Ukraine) before 1917.(HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The historical background of this novel is the story, an absolutely true story, of the life of my grandfather, Oleksii Yehorych. They were rich people, and they were said to have been targeted by the Bolsheviks during the dekulakization period. The parents were executed in front of their children, but miraculously, the children survived. The oldest of the children was not even 10 years old when it happened. They were begging and eventually went to different parts of the world. One of the sisters ended up in the United States, but I don't remember where she is or even her name. This narrative encapsulates the essence of my family's history.

The Kyiv Independent: How did your career as a writer begin?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: I started writing some poetry when I was a child. I think I started writing my first prose when I was in the Soviet Army, something like fairy tales for adults. It was a difficult period for me and I did it in order not to go crazy. I would write fairy tales and read them to my fellow soldiers, or let them read them. And then it so happened that I later became a philologist  reading books and navigating literature became my profession, in addition to trying to write myself. Somehow it all worked out, and I've been writing ever since.

For a while, I wrote just for myself. It was almost impossible to break through and find any opportunities to be published. But I continued to write, and my work sometimes came out in local literary magazines.

Then I wrote a novel and submitted it to the Russian Prize in Moscow. This was a prize for writers who were not Russian citizens but wrote in Russian. My work won second place, and this immediately secured me publication in Moscow's prominent literary magazines. There was some kind of reaction from literary critics to what I was writing, and the attitude (to my writing) changed. A few years later I wrote a novel that won the first place prize. There were roughly forty countries and about five hundred participants.

Read also: Haunting Ukrainian novel explores time, trauma, and identity

I was writing in Russian at the time, and I had no idea that someday I would write in Ukrainian. I didn't think about it. I lived, was born in, and grew up in a Russian-speaking region, in a city where, as I said, it was almost impossible to hear Ukrainian. I didn't feel what the problem was then. All this tension of Ukrainian history somehow passed me by, we were not taught it. We were hardly taught Ukrainian at school. There were classes, but none of us could speak it. I learned to read it here and there because my parents had a very large library. My father collected the books himself, and there were, I don't know, several thousand volumes, including Ukrainian books. But I read Ukrainian with pleasure, and when I was at university after the army, I intensively read Ukrainian contemporary authors, starting with (Serhiy) Zhadan, (Yuri) Andrukhovych, and so on. I later began to translate.

I remember that at one point I wanted to make a large anthology of contemporary Ukrainian poetry. I wanted to translate it into Russian and publish a bilingual book so that our Russian-speaking residents, who did not read or understand Ukrainian, could appreciate the level, the great level, of contemporary Ukrainian poetry.

The Kyiv Independent: How were you perceived by Russian audiences? After all, you were different. Or did they not see any difference between a Russian writer and a Ukrainian writer who chose to write in Russian?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: You know, it was a long time ago, but I remember a certain attitude of being perceived as a little Russian, not Ukrainian. There was no sense that they were celebrating a Ukrainian writer.

I once had an interview with a decent journalist there who asked me: "Why don't you move here? You write so beautifully. Your texts are published in such cool publishing houses, so why don't you come here?"

I said: "Well, I'm Ukrainian." He didn't understand my reply.

I dont think he came from a place of malice or that he intended to offend me. It was his sincere feeling, his understanding, and his attitude, which was generally sympathetic. But still, it was tinged with a certain amount of arrogance. I mean, I don't want to offend anyone  there were some very nice people (in Russia), but in general, Russians have a superiority complex, I have to admit.

The Kyiv Independent: I think its fair to say that mentality plays a role in todays events. Speaking of, Im curious to hear your insight on how the events of 2014 unfolded in Donbas. Why, in your opinion, did this all happen? How?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: I believe that the causes of war primarily stemmed from empire-driven, material, and resource-related factors. In the case of Donbas, our eastern Ukraine, it is a region rich in resources that Russia lacks.

Ukraine also began to undergo a significant shift toward a stronger Ukrainian cultural identity. Despite having a diverse linguistic landscape, with around thirty percent of the population speaking Russian, there was a noticeable move away from Moscow's influence toward a focus on Kyiv. This transition involved dismantling old state myths and adopting new perspectives, which was a powerful and straightforward process. While many of us spoke Russian, it was always a unique blend that included elements of Ukrainian culture. Having grown up in Donetsk as a Russian speaker, I witnessed the emergence of a distinct Ukrainian identity. Our cultural background always remained rooted in Ukrainian traditions, even though we also celebrated holidays with songs in multiple languages.

For example, I remember singing carols, a tradition ingrained in our family and community. During Soviet times, my grandmother would take me out at night to sing carols with other children. This practice was not just about singing; it was about passing down cultural knowledge, understanding the significance of each ritual, and connecting with our heritage. This type of cultural transmission and celebration was not common in Russia.

Youth chorus dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothes prepare to perform at the Christmas service in the Assumption Cathedral of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on Jan. 7, 2023, amid the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. (Genya Sevilov/AFP via Getty Images)

This shift toward a stronger Ukrainian identity was evident to me as early as the late 1990s and continued into the early 2000s. While some tensions between eastern and western regions existed before the war, the broader trend of embracing Ukrainian culture was palpable.

Some of us speak more Russian, while others lean toward Ukrainian. But we are all Ukrainians. The steppes have always been inherently Ukrainian, marking the boundary between Greco-Roman and Mongolian civilizations, running through Donetsk and between it and Mariupol. It was here that we stood, negotiating and facilitating communication between these two worlds, living on the border as our challenge and destiny. This is how our civilization, the Ukrainian steppe civilization, came to be.

Read also: Who were the Ukrainian Cossacks?

While I won't delve deeply into historical details here, it's important to note the sentiments and realizations of the people. They recognized that Ukraine was coalescing around Kyiv, both in terms of the elites and the general populace, and there was a significant inclination toward Europe and the West. However, this was not universally welcomed, particularly by those who benefited from Ukraine's historical ties as an extension of the Russian market and economy. I'm aware of the presence of Russian business in Ukraine during that time, but I won't elaborate further on that aspect.

The Kyiv Independent: How far back are there signs pointing to all this?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: The reality is that signs of what was to come had been present for quite some time, stretching back to the early 2000s. They were preparing everything at least 10 years in advance, I believe, if not more.

I remember how in the early 2000s Russian military personnel and pensioners began to relocate and settle in our region. This migration wasn't sporadic. What struck me was how swiftly many of them secured influential roles within the police, SBU, security agencies, and public administrations. It seemed orchestrated, not random. Admittedly, I'm not a secret- service officer or military official, but I couldn't ignore the clear pattern unfolding before me. It felt like a deliberate effort by certain forces to bolster their presence within Ukrainian institutions, setting the stage for future events.

During this time, we witnessed the emergence of pro-Russian sentiments, particularly in the form of a political party in Donetsk advocating for the so-called "Russian world." This movement sought to undermine Ukrainian identity, culture, and language in all spheres of public life. Our local security services remained passive, allowing these sentiments to gain traction unchecked.

So don't think that 2014 suddenly dropped this on their heads. No way! They had been preparing for ten years, if not more, since the early 2000s for sure. And their agents of influence worked in Donetsk as well.

Portraits and uniforms of Ukrainian prosecutors burn outside the prosecutor's office in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on May 1, 2014, as Russia's proxies attempt to capture the city and other parts of Donetsk Oblast. (Alexander Khudoteply/AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: Could you describe what it was like to be in Donetsk in 2014? What did you witness there firsthand?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: We lived right in the heart of the city, in a spacious apartment. It was as central as you can get, just a hundred meters from the Opera and Ballet Theater. I was a bell ringer at the central cathedral. On a weekend, perhaps a Sundaythe sixth of July, if Im not mistakenwe were tasked with calling for the Second Liturgy between eight and nine o'clock in the morning.

As the clock approached nine, we ascended the bell tower. On that particular day, as I peered out, I witnessed the city center being overtaken. Armed individuals, carrying machine guns, marched toward the university dormitories. Their movements were coordinated, with logistics clearly prearranged. They operated like a well-oiled machine, calmly occupying key intersections and directing columns in different directions.

Read also: The origins of the 2014 war in Donbas

I had a hope, a dream, that the Ukrainian government would not give up Donetsk and do something similar to what they did in Kharkiv, where they called in special forces to solve the problem. For some reason that didnt happen in Donetsk, though, and I still dont understand why.

Less than a week later I already left for Kyiv. I didn't have any connections in the capitalno friends, no acquaintances, just a few superficially familiar faces. Thankfully, one of them graciously offered to let me stay in his place while he was away, giving me a two-week window to settle in and explore the city. Thats how it all began

The Kyiv Independent: And thats when you switched to Ukrainian? Why did you make that switch?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: My decision to switch to the Ukrainian language happened on the Donetsk-Kyiv train on July 12, when I fled my home. I was thinking about how Russia had illegally annexed Crimea and started the war in Donbas with the false notion of protecting the Russian-speaking population. They used us as an excuse to start the war. So, something had to be done about it.

This was an obvious falsehood for the locals, other Ukrainians, and even Russians themselves. However, this narrative was perceived differently  sometimes even as truth  in parts of Europe and in the United States, and elsewhere. Something had to be done about it. What could I, a person who was indirectly linked to the cause of the war, do? I resolved to master the Ukrainian language at a proficient enough level that would enable me to write fiction.

My journey with Ukrainian began in 2014 from scratch. Upon arriving in Kyiv, I couldn't even converse with a store clerk in Ukrainian or express simple ideas properly. Now, in 2018, my English surpasses the level of Ukrainian I had in 2014. Despite setbacks, I persevered and eventually published my first Ukrainian novel after five years of effort.

Read also: How Ukrainian identity evolved since the Revolution of Dignity

In 2019, my novel Mondegreen was officially published in Ukrainian. Interestingly, it had been translated into English and published by Harvard Universitys Institute for Ukrainian Studies a month before the war's escalation in 2022.

The Kyiv Independent: Why did you decide that was the first story youd tell in Ukrainian?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: The main character of this book is the Ukrainian language, which also happens to be the pivotal element of my life. My journey with the language, from learning it to eventually being able to write books in it, marks a significant milestone. This novel encapsulates a delicate sense of freedom, tinged with vulnerability, experienced by an immigrant who has lost everything.

Every aspect of my life that I cherished  homes, childhood memories, friendships, familiar streets  was stripped away due to circumstances imposed by the Russians and the war. In exchange, I found solace and purpose in the Ukrainian language. I deemed this linguistic acquisition as a meaningful substitute. It brought me a unique form of happiness, which in turn gave birth to this novel.

The Kyiv Independent: What was it like to be a refugee in your own country?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: Hard. Back then, a person from Donbas was looked down upon in central Ukraine, not to mention western Ukraine. There were job or apartment listings that excluded people from Donbas. It was difficult to find work or housing. The prevailing attitude was that we were to blame for the Russians occupying Donbas.

I wont name names, but there were some prominent western Ukrainian figures who broadcast this twisted idea that we should just give up Donbas. Not everyone thought like that, of course. There were normal Ukrainian-speaking, cultured people who helped us later on.

A family of three stands in front of a destroyed building in Borodianka, Kyiv Oblast, on May 16, 2022. (Getty Images)

But it was hard I was a Russian philologist by profession that found itself at war with Russia. Id come to a strange city, to the capital, without our friends, without any other specialty, and I needed to feed myself, to manage, to feed my family somehow. My parents stayed behind in Donetsk and they also needed help. Beforehand, Id been published mainly in Moscow. People there knew my work. But in my native country, people didnt know my work and oftentimes seemed like they didnt want to know it, simply because I was a Russian speaker. It was against this backdrop that I learned to write in Ukrainian. Despite the difficulty, this period in my life had its fun moments.

The Kyiv Independent: Where were you when the full-scale invasion started?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: We were in a house about an hour away by bus from Kyiv. It was situated between Bucha and Borodianka and intersected with the central Warsaw and Zhytomyr highways. These highways became routes for heavy Russian military equipment during the attack on Kyiv. On Feb. 24, while in our house, my wife woke me up to news about the war. Initially, I didn't grasp the seriousness of her words. After a brief pause, I did some exercises, had coffee, and went online. That's when I realized the gravity of the situation as missile attacks commenced.

I began contemplating how to relocate my wife to western Ukraine, but the reality was grim. Tank battles and intense fighting near Kyiv made any escape route impossible. Even with substantial financial offers, I couldn't find anyone willing to transport my wife to Lviv or Poland due to the presence of Russian military units and sporadic Belarusian forces along those roads.

The fear among people was palpable, making any movement toward safety challenging.

Soon enough we found ourselves in a dire situation. We lost access to power, water, internet, and mobile communication within days. The incessant sound of gunfire became constant, shaking our two-story summer house which lacked a basement for shelter. The doors swung open and shut on the sound vibrations. I feared the house might collapse on us, but miraculously it held steady.

A view of the damaged monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko on April 5, 2022, in Borodianka, Ukraine. (Anastasia Vlasova/Getty Images)

People cross a destroyed bridge as they evacuate the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, Ukraine on March 5, 2022, during heavy shelling and bombing 10 days after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images)

The continuous gunfire, day and night, accompanied by explosions, kept us on edge. I discovered missile fragments just seventy centimeters from our doorstep, dangerously close to vital infrastructure. The area was surrounded by Russian forces occupying nearby villages, engaging in heavy combat with our own forces. The chaos of battle raged around us.

Our particular location wasnt of strategic importance to the enemy and I think thats why we ultimately survived. You couldnt even find our location on a map.

In a few days, the people with pet dogs who roamed the forest discovered a brief window of five to seven minutes in the morning or evening where they could catch a mobile phone signal and have a short conversation. A small dash on the phone signaled the reception of a signal from a mobile tower. This phenomenon occurred due to specific meteorological conditions that directed the wave to certain clearings in the forest. Each day, there was a chance to catch this signal that could last anywhere from a minute to five minutes before disappearing.

It provided enough time to make a call, exchange information, or receive updates. These clearings became gathering spots for dozens or even hundreds of people who would all try to communicate simultaneously. During this time, my main focus was on contacting Kyiv and my friend, fellow author Lyubko Deresh, who eventually connected us with volunteers who facilitated our evacuation.

This experience later inspired me to write a play.

Refugees fleeing Ukraine arrive at the border train station of Zahony on March 10, 2022, in Zahony, Hungary. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: Did you write that play while you were living under occupation or after?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: After we were evacuated. I thought I would write a novel first, then a play. We were in Ternopil, and my wife was invited to go to her friends in the Czech Republic. In my solitude, I somehow didnt have time for a novel. I felt compelled to start writing the play first. It was nearly impossible to write during the occupation because I typically work on a computer and there was no electricity. I kept a diary during that time, though. I wrote it on paper. The diary is still with me, and someday, Ill write something based on its contents. But something creative? It was impossible during that period. I was in such a difficult psychological state. Artistic creativity requires some sense of security or at least the possibility of having a rest.

The Kyiv Independent: Im interested in your thoughts on how this war might end and how occupied territories can be reintegrated into Ukraine.

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: It's certainly a challenging situation. I wouldn't advise rushing into anything just yet, considering the uncertainty surrounding the duration of this war. We're unsure if there will be anything left to integrate in the future. Take Mariupol, for example  it's practically gone. Kherson is still standing, but it's under constant attack.

As for Donetsk, the city is all about mine workings. It was forbidden to build in the city center, because there is a big void there, very close to these mines. There are kilometers of empty space under the city center. If they drop a few bombs like they did in Mariupol, Donetsk will not be easy to rebuild. There will be these pits, these abysses. The water situation is terrible there. They stopped pumping water out of the mine workings, and it started to flow into the drinking water supply. The black soil in that region used to be incredibly fertile and powerful for agriculture. The agricultural sector has historically been robust there. However, now it's depleted and destroyed, lacking sufficient water. Additionally, there used to be a strong metallurgical industry with enterprises in Donetsk, but they've been dismantled, relocated to Russia, and ultimately ruined. I'm uncertain about what the future holds for that area and how things will unfold.

Read also: Alexander Khrebet: Dont write off Ukrainians living under Russian occupation

Reintegrating the population will be part of an even greater, looming problem. But the most loyal pro-Russian collaborators there will leave, and there will be a large remainder of the population that is neither yours nor ours, so to speak... They will not care who is in power so as long as they are not being shot at. Give them bread, a peaceful sky, and the opportunity to live somehow. They might not love Ukraine, understand the Ukrainian national idea, or even speak Ukrainian. However, they will still be a population that requires power, order, and education. This transition will not happen quickly, given the deep wounds inflicted on Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

In the last decade, around a hundred thousand children were likely born there and raised in these kindergartens where they were taught to idolize Russia and denigrate Ukraine. What became of these children? They are not at fault for what happened  we must find a way to coexist with them. You have to tell them stories, show them movies, and so on. It will take a lot of work.

I believe that ideally, although I'm unsure of how this would be implemented, if nuclear weapons are not used and these cities remain, even in a symbolic manner, it would be beneficial for some European countries to take responsibility for this region. This would involve English, American, and French educators alongside Ukrainian teachers, as well as humanitarian missions and other support. Additionally, foreign investors could take control of seventy-five percent of the industry for a period of time to help improve the situation. This region would become special in its own righta zone of international responsibility. Politically, it would remain Ukrainian, but significant actions need to be taken there.

The Kyiv Independent: Do you have any hope that someday Russia will change?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: The only viable solution would be to divide it into thirty or forty different states. Any other approach is not feasible. The current geographical and political setup poses a significant problem for the entire world. Ukraine regaining its territories according to its 1991 borders doesn't guarantee anything. In fact, I believe it might incentivize the Russian population to rally around certain ideas which would be a step backward, essentially reinforcing their beliefs and making them more resolute. We all recognize this reality  it's incurable. Russia is like a disease that requires radical treatment. The current form of Russia cannot continue to exist  it's unsustainable. The international community must take decisive action in terms of security and governance. External oversight of these state entities will likely be necessary for the next few decades if not a hundred years. Russia is not capable of achieving anything positive on its own.

Russian military personnel shout during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2024. The Victory Day Red Square Military Parade gathered 9000 military personnel and 75 vehicles. (Contributor/Getty Images)

Children carry Soviet flags and portraits of their relatives who partipipated in the WWII during the rally of the Immortal Regiment in Leningradsky garden in Moscow, Russia, May 5,2022. Hundreds people gathered in Leningradsky garden, a former military cemetery in Moscow to begin the Immortal Regiment, an annual massive civil event staged in major cities of Russian as a part of the Victory Day celebrations. (Contributor/Getty Images)

If we fail to address these issues and only settle for restoring pre-existing borders and signing peace agreements, the situation will deteriorate within five to ten years. At that point, there's a real risk of resorting to nuclear weapons because they believe there are no other alternatives. And they are capable of this. They are.

The Kyiv Independent: Should we and can we blame Russian culture and the Russian language for what is happening in Ukraine?

Volodymyr Rafeyenko: I believe that what's occurring is deeply rooted in the Russian language, culture, and literaturea sort of matrix that reveals itself over time. The imperial consciousness in Russia is the belief held by people that, by mere birthright, they possess the authority to control the destinies of other peoples and nations. They feel entitled to dictate what should or should not exist or thrive. This aspect should not be underestimated or ignored.

Of course, there are no inherently bad languages. But when discussing culture, we shouldn't merely regard an object as something worthy of veneration. Instead, we must view culture in a broader context. Culture is a multifaceted entity with a distinct purpose, and it's essential to assess each culture by recognizing whether it fulfills its primary function. What is this function? The culture of every nation, and every person, serves to guide and shape human behavior within that group; certain actions become possible or impossible due to cultural influences. When culture fails to fulfill its role in cultivating a nation or its people, then there's an issue with that culture, not to mention the people affected by it.

Read also: Russian missile strike reduces Kharkiv printing press to ashes, killing 7 (Photos)

I am still a specialist in Russian literature, or at least I used to be. It's been ages since I last delivered these lectures, and I have no intention of doing so again. All the same, Im well-versed in the golden age of Russian literature, which undoubtedly began with (Ukrainian author who wrote in Russian Nikolai) Gogol.

Throughout this era of Russian literature, there's a prevalent theme of arrogance and a dismissive attitude toward other nations, evident on nearly every page, starting from Pushkin. There's a pervasive disdain for Poles, Jews, Ukrainians, and anyone else in close proximity. For instance, in Lermontov's "The Lullaby," there's a line that reads, "The evil Chechen is crawling to the shore."

The sculpture of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin is smeared with red paint while the inscription "Decolonization cannot be stopped" remains on the monument's pedestal in Kyiv, Ukraine on Nov. 7, 2023. Ukrainian activists appeal for dismantling the monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, which remains in Kyiv's Ivan Bahrianyi Park (formerly Pushkin Park), after it is renamed in July 2023. They regularly smear the monument with paint and take other actions to draw more attention to the issue. After the Russian invasion, Ukraine actively pursues de-Russification, abandoning the names, personalities, symbols and ideology of Russia in all spheres of life. (Oleksii Chumachenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

We see how Russia behaves toward Ukraine now. It once seemed unthinkable in the twenty-first century. Destruction of humanitarian infrastructure of museums and libraries. They burn books, destroy books. They rape children in front of their parents and parents in front of their children. It is fundamentally incompatible with humanity and everything we stand for. When people point to figures like Tchaikovsky and Pushkin, I acknowledge their contributions to European culture, to some extent. But I argue that Russian culture no longer exists. It was a conceptual framework, and culture itself is a fluid concept.

We often discuss the challenges of defining culture in tangible termsit's like trying to grasp a conscience, something simultaneously imaginary yet undeniably concrete in its impact on society. The presence or absence of a vibrant culture is evident in how individuals and nations conduct themselves, whether they uphold values in their actions, politics, and self-organization. This, in turn, reflects the quality of the culture they have fostered. We can see the true quality of a culture by observing behavior and decision-making. That's it. Everyone says that culture has nothing to do with it. It does. And Pushkin is to blame.

Volodymyr Rafeyenkos novel Mondegreen: Songs about Death and Love, translated into English by Mark Andryczyk, is available for purchase online from major retailers.

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Delegates attend the annual interim conference in Bonn in preparation for the World Climate Conference. Christoph Driessen/dpa

UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the world "cannot afford to stumble" as climate experts gathered in the German city of Bonn on Monday for the UN's annual June climate meetings.

Opening the conference, Stiell said "climate action will need to move at a much, much faster pace" if the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is to achieved.

He added that the world is currently on course for 2.7 degrees of global heating, down from initial estimates of 5 degrees before international co-operation to tackle climate change began under the UN's leadership.

The meeting in Bonn is crucial to achieving further reductions in heating, Stiell said. "There's a long and steep road ahead," he added.

Stiell, from the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, leads the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change (FWCC), which organizes the Bonn conference.

Almost 6,000 delegates are expected to attend the ten-day gathering, in preparation for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) talks in Azerbaijan in November.

The main issue on the table at the negotiations in Bonn is financing the costs of climate change.

Industrialized countries have promised to support poorer nations hit by the consequences of climate change with billions in aid.

The loss and damage fund - as the financing has come to be known - was first formally adopted at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP) meeting in Egypt in 2022, but a backlash against climate policies and global economic struggles since the coronavirus pandemic may limit wealthier countries' willingness to come up with signifiant funds.

Other topics to be discussed include the next round of national climate action plans, adaptation plans and work on achieving a just transition.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), opens the plenary meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2024 in Bonn. Bianca Otero/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the world "cannot afford to stumble" as climate experts gathered in the German city of Bonn on Monday for the UN's annual June climate meetings.

Opening the conference, Stiell said "climate action will need to move at a much, much faster pace" if the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is to be achieved.

He added that the world is currently on course for 2.7 degrees of global heating, down from initial estimates of 5 degrees before international co-operation to tackle climate change began under the UN's leadership.

The meeting in Bonn is crucial to achieving further reductions in warming, Stiell said. "There's a long and steep road ahead," he added.

Stiell, from the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, leads the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change (FWCC), headquartered in Bonn.

Almost 6,000 delegates are expected to attend the annual 10-day gathering in preparation for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) talks in Azerbaijan in November.

The main issue on the table at the negotiations is climate finance. Industrialized countries have promised to support poorer nations hit by the consequences of climate change with billions in aid.

The loss and damage fund - as the financing has come to be known - was first formally adopted at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP) meeting in Egypt in 2022, with the aim of raising $100 billion for poorer nations every year.

A backlash against climate policies and global economic struggles since the coronavirus pandemic have limited wealthier countries' willingness to find the requisite funds, however, with the target believed to have been missed in 2023.

Germanwatch climate expert David Ryfisch told dpa that the conference in Bonn will be crucial. "There is an urgent need to rebuild trust, because the fact that the annual 100 billion was only exceeded in 2022 has permanently damaged trust between industrialized and developing countries," he said.

Western countries are demanding that other wealthy nations, including the Gulf states, also contribute to climate payments. "The challenge is that we have a huge gap between what is needed and what is actually provided," said Ryfisch.

It is unlikely that concrete draft texts for the COP29 talks in Azerbaijan's capital Baku will be presented in Bonn. Nonetheless, the conference is likely to be "very intense," said Jan Kowalzig, a German climate expert at the aid organization Oxfam.

"In recent years, expert discussions have been held at a technical level, but this year there will be concrete negotiations," Kowalzig told dpa. "We're really getting down to business now so that there is a draft decision before Baku and this key issue can actually be decided in Baku," he added.

Kowalzig concluded: "This round here in Bonn is very, very important. We look forward to seeing how the negotiations go."

Delegates attend the annual interim conference in Bonn in preparation for the World Climate Conference. Christoph Driessen/dpa
When Brian Arevalo arrived at immigration court earlier this year, the stakes -- possible deportation -- could not have been higher. But that morning in April, when he faced a federal immigration judge, he faced a more pressing concern.

"Did you find an attorney?" Judge Dinesh Verma asked him.

Arevalo, now 18, shook his head no. He had been searching in vain for legal representation for months -- one of tens of thousands of unaccompanied young migrants representing themselves before federal immigration judges, and one of dozens who appeared before Judge Verma that day in Hyattsville, Maryland.

MORE: Homeland Security proposes change to asylum-seeking process

Arevalo, who was granted a three-month extension, is due back in court in June. He says he has not yet found an attorney.

Unlike every other court in the land, immigration courts don't guarantee defendants -- even minors -- the right to counsel. A shortage of attorneys is just one of a litany of issues crippling this crucial function of the American justice system, experts say.

In 2023, only 56% of unaccompanied minors in immigration courts were represented by counsel, according to data from the Department of Justice. While the Biden administration has recently made moves to tackle the growing backlog of asylum cases, experts say the recent action by the White House is narrow in scope and won't help the glut of unaccompanied, unrepresented minors.

Arevalo told ABC News he arrived in the U.S. from Mexico two years ago when he was 16. He said he was forced to leave his parents and siblings due to the growing violence in his home country.

PHOTO: Migrants cross the Rio Grande into the United States at the US-Mexico border in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, April 24, 2024. (Justin Hamel/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"I cannot go back," Arevalo said in Spanish.

If Arevalo returns to court without an attorney, he will have to stand before Judge Verma by himself and navigate the complex court system on his own.

"The stakes are incredibly high and the consequences are severe," said former immigration judge Dana Leigh Marks.

Marks, the former president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, said she has been vocal for decades about juveniles having legal representation in immigration court.

"Those who appear in Immigration Court unrepresented are often uneducated in our language, culture and law, but are nevertheless required to present their claims unaided, while the DHS is represented by skilled government attorneys," Marks wrote on behalf of NAIJ back in 2016 when she was president of the organization.

Every Monday, dozens of unaccompanied minors like Arevalo make their way to a federal court in Hyattsville, Maryland, to make their case before a judge on why they should remain in the U.S.

MORE: Senate again fails to advance border security bill in election-year showdown vote

Those who have attorneys -- roughly less than half -- will make their case first. Then the judge will call on the rest, and spend most of the time hearing from unaccompanied minors who couldn't obtain legal representation.

The issue, experts and advocates told ABC News, is that without a lawyer, minors are left to navigate the different avenues of relief alone, fill out documents in a foreign language, and argue their case before a judge.

"How are they going to know, especially with maybe only an elementary school education, how to research country conditions, political struggles in their own land and how it puts them at risk, and corroborate their testimony?" Marks told ABC News. "All of that is extremely important."

When Arevalo stood before Judge Verma in April, he said that he had recently been a victim of a robbery and that he helped law enforcement find one of the perpetrators.

Verma told Arevalo that he was possibly eligible for a special visa that is available to noncitizens who assist law enforcement. A lawyer, Verma said, would be crucial to help Arevalo with his case.

MORE: Immigration is at the center of the 2024 election for many. Why?

Asked by ABC News in late May if he has applied for the visa that the judge recommended, Arevalo said he "wouldn't know where to begin."

"I have to work and I don't understand all the forms and documents," Arevalo said in Spanish.

"It is crazy to think that a kid could make the case for protection on their own without a lawyer," said Jennifer Podkul, the vice president for policy and advocacy for Kids In Need of Defense, a nonprofit group providing legal aid to minors. "We've put them into this complex deportation proceeding and it doesn't really make any sense."

A shortage of lawyers

The total immigration court backlog of children and adults has surged to 3.6 million cases in 2024, according to the Department of Justice said. There are roughly 600 judges in 68 courts across the U.S. handling millions of these cases, according to the DOJ.

With hundreds of cases being added every day, some private law firms and nonprofit groups like Kids In Need of Defense provide pro bono representation for minors across the U.S. -- but experts say it's not enough.

"A lot of organizations are at capacity and can't take cases and have to be put on a waiting list," Podkul said. "And judges can't necessarily just keep giving these kids continuances."

According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, only about 30% of all migrants are able to obtain legal representation.

PHOTO: Migrant people seeking asylum in the United States demonstrate on the Rio Grande river to ask for authorization to enter the country, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico, April 25, 2024. (Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

"The Court backlog has increased more than threefold since September 2019," the research group said. "This also means that three times as many immigrants need attorneys."

"As the immigration caseload has risen so quickly, and there have been more immigration judges added, that puts a stress on the private bar as well as the pro bono bar to grow at an equal pace," Marks told ABC News. "And so the resources are very strained in the legal community."

For unaccompanied minors, having an attorney could be the determinative factor as to whether they get to stay in the U.S. or are forced to return to their home country.

"Immigration judges are 100 times more likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children with legal representation than to those without it," a 2021 Congressional Research Service report found.

New immigration court docket for adults

The growing backlog of cases for asylum seekers has become so dire it has garnered attention from the White House. Last week, the Biden administration announced a new process to adjudicate immigration cases for those who recently entered the U.S. without authorization.

The new docket aims to cut the time it takes to decide asylum claims "from years to months," officials said.

"We are instituting with the Department of Justice a process to accelerate asylum proceedings so that individuals who do not qualify for relief can be removed more quickly and those who do qualify can achieve protection sooner," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in a press release.

While some advocates praised the move by the Biden administration as a step forward, the latest action by the White House does not directly help unaccompanied minors like Arevalo obtain legal representation.

"For now, I'm going to focus on work and we will see what happens at court," Arevalo told ABC News.

Unaccompanied minors are representing themselves in immigration court, alarming advocates originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Under 40 Awards named judge and community organizer Denise Hernandez the 2024 Austinite of the Year.

Hernandez is the presiding judge of County Court at Law No. 6 in Travis County where she leads the Transformative Youth Justice program, a youth diversion initiative offering holistic, community-centered support for young people in the justice system.

Judges selected Hernandez as the Austinite of the Year over hundreds of nominees and 80 finalists.

Hernandez talked with KXANs Tom Miller about her work in the courtroom and her connection to the city she calls home.

Tom Miller: First, congratulations. The awards committee recognized your youth diversion program called Transformative Youth Justice. What is that, and how does it work?

Judge Hernandez: Transformative Youth Justice is a youth diversion program for individuals between the ages of 17 to 20. In the state of Texas, 17-year-olds are considered adults within the criminal justice system. The goal of the program is truly to connect participants to community resources to address their social needs, to mentorship, but most importantly to begin to address issues that may have led them to the court system in the first place. We do that in partnership with a lot of people, including the county attorneys office, which is in agreement to enter these folks into the program, but most importantly, to do that with the opportunity of a dismissal at the end of the program. The unique thing about the program is that we dont hold it in the courtroom, and that was intentional. We wanted to be very trauma-informed and aware of the harm that could happen in a courtroom. We actually hold our monthly meetings, our monthly dockets at the Long Center. We bring speakers who talk about what it means to go back to school, maybe changing your life with starting a business, really just trying to inspire our participants to take a necessary step forward in their life that will help transform the direction that theyre going.

Tom: The awards committee also honored you and talked about you for increasing fair access to the courtroom. Can you talk about that concept and what that means to you?

Hernandez: I grew up system-impacted. A lot of people in my family are formerly incarcerated. I watched my parents navigate the courtroom at a very young age, and unfortunately, watch them be negatively impacted by how the judge treated them in that courtroom. Very early on in my career, I noticed I really want to be trauma-informed about how I interact with people in the courtroom. So the way I increase fair access is I acknowledge the harm that happens in a courtroom, the trauma that is often triggered in a courtroom. I check in with them, I see how theyre doing. I ask, hows your living situation? Do you have any issues with food access? Im really trying to problem-solve other areas that may come up outside of just the legal problem, and that is about seeing people and their wholeness and honoring their human dignity. Some other ways that I work on increasing fair access in the courtroom is being LGBTQ-inclusive. In my courtroom there are signs that say, we will honor your pronouns, we will honor the name that you want to go by, and we will honor any gender-neutral language that you want us to use in the space, and that is on purpose. We want the courtroom to be available and accessible to everybody, including our LGBTQ+ community.

Tom: With that in mind, have you noticed that makes a difference for the people in court?

Hernandez: Ive received a lot of comments from folks saying, You know Judge, I was a little hesitant about approaching the bench, and I was scared about what this would be like, and you help calm me down. Ive had people who identify as LGBTQ, really thank me for the signs, really taking a moment to honor who they are in that moment. That is our role as judicial leaders, to serve the community. The way that we do that is we have to honor where people are at, we have to honor their experiences and ensure that they feel like theyre receiving justice in a courtroom.

Tom: You earned this title of Austenite of the Year over hundreds of nominees and 45 finalists. What does Austin mean to you and whats the future look like?

Hernandez: I moved to Austin from Lubbock. I was at Texas Tech for law school. Thats where I met my wife. It was really hard living in Lubbock. I couldnt be out in that space because there was a lot of backlash for being queer. I interned in Austin one summer and it was the first time that I saw LGBTQ couples being themselves, being accepted. I knew very quickly that I wanted to move here. So when I moved here this became a city of me being honored in my wholeness, where I could be my true authentic self. It was the first space where I could talk openly about my relationships. I could talk openly about issues that were coming up for me as a queer woman. It was a city of opportunity where I could not just show up in my queerness, but also in my Latina identity and my intersectional identity and be accepted.

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.
Claudia Sheinbaum gestures to crowds at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

MEXICO CITY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Mexican climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated her victory in Sunday's presidential elections as the candidate of the Let's Keep Making History coalition.

Sheinbaum delivered an acceptance speech in the wee hours of Monday morning after the National Electoral Institute issued the results of its rapid count. Preliminary results showed that she won with between 58.3 percent and 60.7 percent of the votes.

Sheinbaum, aged 61, will become Mexico's first woman president in its more than 200 years of independence.

Opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez garnered between 26.6 percent and 28.6 percent of the votes, and conceded defeat to her ruling party rival Sheinbaum on Monday.

The only male candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez, who represents the Citizens' Movement party, had between 9.9 percent and 10.8 percent of the votes. 

Claudia Sheinbaum displays her ballot before voting at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to cast her ballots at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Claudia Sheinbaum shows her voter card at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Claudia Sheinbaum waves to audience in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum waves to audience in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum gives a speech in Mexico City, Mexico, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum gestures during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)
Under the Dome podcast: Its already June and the NCGA still has a long to-do list

Start your week in North Carolina politics with our latest Under the Dome podcast, for the week of June 3, 2024. Dawn Vaughan here, your podcast host and The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. On this episode, Im joined by my legislative team colleagues Avi Bajpai and Kyle Ingram.

The big national news is, of course, former President Donald Trump now being a convicted felon 34 times over. So well see how that plays into state politics, North Carolina being a swing state.

The legislature is back this week, with House votes planned for Wednesday and committees on the calendar for both chambers. The House and Senate canceled action this past week because of the death of House Speaker Tim Moores father, Rick Moore, who was a former city council member, and many lawmakers traveled to Kings Mountain where the Moores live.

Now that they are back, there is much to do and only about a month to do it, if the short session progresses as designed. We talk about the General Assemblys to-do list that includes the state budget adjustment bill, sheriffs cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, perhaps a mask bill compromise, and more.

Headliner of the Week

Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week, which range from our new interns to movies to summer music playlists.

Listen to our latest episode below and catch up on previous episodes. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music and Stitcher.
The ongoing scandal ignited by a leaked document does not change the fact that Columbus City Schools' massive physical footprint is a hindrance to it fully providing students the education they deserve and taxpayers the best return on their investment.

The unhinged, unethical and thankfully unexecuted "Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative" strategic plan would have silenced critics of a plan to close as many as 20 of Columbus City Schools' 113 facilities. The document is embarrassing and offensive but it should not stop progress of the Superintendent's Community Facilities Task Force.

If executed fairly, thoughtfully and with true public and expert input, closing some Columbus schools will help produce better CCS graduates by freeing up building maintenance funds that could be directed toward modernization efforts, academics and other student achievement-based endeavors.

Some of the closed properties could also be sold or leased.

The 8.3 million square feet school district

May 14, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus City Schools board member Brandon Simmons, a 2020 graduate of Columbus Alternative High School, leads a tour of the aging building. The school was included on a proposal of potential closures for the district.

This is not the first time a task force has been assembled to consider closing schools.

It was clear when school closings were recommended in October 2018 and it is clear now: the district's 8.3 million square feet facility footprint is too large and must be reduced.

By one estimation CCS Superintendent Angela Chapman shared with members of our editorial board, the Columbus schools has 30 more buildings than districts of similar demographics and size around the nation.

CCS could close up to 20 schools. Here's what to know about each of them

Columbus City Schools students deserve programs in spaces that fully function, which is not happening despite modernization efforts already undertaken in some schools.

"We have a high school that has been renovated that has maybe 400 students in it, but it could have 1000 students," Chapman told our board. "That's truly not us maximizing our resources."

CCS  Ohio's largest school district  owns a dozen properties that are either leased or vacant.

This should be about kids not buildings

May 14, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; From right, Columbus City Schools board member Brandon Simmons, board president Christina Vera and principal Darryl Sanders lead a tour of Columbus Alternative High School. The building was included on a proposal of potential closures for the district.

We understand why there has been community pushback over closing schools.

Schools are more than buildings. They spark fond memories in graduates' minds. Current students should feel a sense of ownership.

That said, the investment Columbus taxpayers have made in the district  the $100 million a year more approved in 2023 included  would be better spent on student achievement than maintaining outdated buildings.

"We have some buildings that are still operational that were built before there was electricity," Chapman told us.

The oldest Columbus City Schools facility was constructed in 1895 and the average age of buildings is 45 years old.

The district's annual capital improvements budget is $60.49 million, which does not include all funding sources and departments like Buildings and Grounds.

This must be a community decision

Aug 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, U.S.; Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman.

Closing schools under any circumstances is naturally an emotional endeavor and should be handled with care.

The public must be involved in the process to make sure Columbus Board of Education shutters the appropriate building and consolidates the right programs.

Successful programs must be maintained, and the needs of English language learners and other vulnerable students must be met.

Parents, students, taxpayers, teachers and other concerned parties must share their ideas and concerns about the nine recommended scenarios proposed by the Superintendent's Community Facilities Task Force at special sessions being held through Thursday, June 6.

'The buildings don't get younger. They get older."

The district's enrollment peaked at 110,173 during the 1971-72 school year. It now has about 46,000 students.

Chapman told us that 30 Columbus schools have close to or fewer than 200 students, and several schools do not have enough boys or girls enrolled to be eligible for participation in certain extracurricular sports,

Some schools are so old that they cannot handle the HVAC systems demanded during the 2022 Columbus Education Association strike.

Columbus City School board member Brandon Simmons sits at the beginning of the May 21 meeting. Prior to the meeting starting, he apologized and placed blame for a leaked memo concerning the school closure process.

"You got HVAC but guess what, now the ceiling is falling because the structures are not built for this type of 'modern technology'," Chapman said. "We can't keep skirting around this issue and thinking it's going to get better. The buildings don't get younger. They get older."

The school board did not close schools the last time it was proposed. It should do so this time.

The school board voted Wednesday to censure member Brandon Simmons whom it says was solely responsible for the leaked "Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative" memo.

The root of the document's creation must continue to be exposed in an open and transparent way. But as the old adage says, multiple things can happen at once.

The school board can and should address that scandal and close schools.

CCS has a responsibility to ensure students receive a quality education while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

This piece was written by Dispatch Opinion Editor Amelia Robinson on behalf of the editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch. Editorials are fact-based assessments of issues of importance to the communities we serve. These are not the opinions of our reporting staff members, who strive for neutrality in their reporting.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Repercussion of Columbus schools scandal shouldn't derail closing plan
Current and former Black Iron Reinforcing employees protest for union recognition outside Black Iron Reinforcing office. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Ellisel Artero and Oscar Castillo both work in the scorching Las Vegas heat every summer, installing the steel bars and cables that reinforce buildings in one of the nations largest tourist hubs. Neither have retirement savings, employer-provided health insurance, or vacation days.

Another thing both men have in common is they work for one of three non-unionized iron reinforcing companies in Southern Nevada. But Artero, Castillo, and a dozen other iron workers are on the cusp of changing that.

In April, the National Labor Relations Board finally certified a union election held by Las Vegas iron workers seeking to join the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.

Workers at Black Iron Reinforcing, a Nevada-based concrete reinforcing contractor, voted in September 2022 to join the Ironworkers Union, but the company objected, resulting in a two year delay. Since then, the Ironworkers Union has been helping workers try to improve working conditions at the company while waiting for recognition and a union contract.

What we are fighting for is a contract, said Artero, a 53 year-old former Black Iron worker from Mexico, and a member of Arriba Las Vegas Workers Center. We all know that if we are successful at getting the company owners to sign a contract, we can solve all the labor abuses weve experienced until now.

Before unionizing, workers said they were subjected to a number of unjust conditions at Black Iron, including wage theft, poor safety enforcement, and dangerous working conditions.

In September last year, Black Iron employee Marco Resendiz lost part of his thumb when a piece of rebar penetrated his protective gear and sliced it off. At the time of that injury, Resendez had been assigned to light duty while recovering from a workplace shoulder injury.

Union representatives argued that had Black Iron followed labor laws and excused him from heavy labor, Resendez would not have lost his finger, adding that the company has a long history of labor violations.

They want you to work more than youre physically capable of, said Oscar Castillo, a 29 year-old Black Iron worker from El Salvador. They dont care if I drink water, they dont care about your health, they dont care about any of that.

Artero said while working for Black Iron, he was also pressured to work overtime or risk retaliation, including reduced working hours, or threats of termination.

From 2014 through 2023, XL Concrete, the parent company of Black Iron, had 29 safety violations in Nevada, according to the National Council of Occupational Safety and Health. Faced with labor violations and dangerous working conditions, Black Iron workers say their only option is to fight for changes at the company through unionization.

However, despite union certification last month, Black Iron has failed to meet union representatives at the bargaining table, say employees. Instead, Black Iron workers say they have faced continued retaliation and disciplinary actions.

Black Iron representatives did not respond to multiple interview requests.

In February 2022  after a majority of the Black Iron employees signed a petition for union representation  workers demanded a timely union election. Almost immediately, workers at Black Iron reported retaliation from the company, including surveillance, interrogation, discrimination, and direct threats of termination for organizing activity.

Determined workers pushed forward anyway and filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, before voting in favor of unionizing with the Ironworkers Union in September 2022.

Black Iron workers allege that leading up to their September 2022 union election, the company began cutting employee hours and laying off workers, dropping from 110 employees, to 104 employees, before finally falling to about 45 employees. By the end of March, workers who managed to keep their jobs while organizing for a union had their hours reduced from full-time employment with overtime to less than 30 hours a week.

Union organizers filed a labor complaint against Black Iron in April 2023 with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the layoffs and reduced hours were retaliatory. In a filing with the federal labor board, Black Iron suggested the drop in employees was due to competitors poaching its employees and offering them higher wages, rather than retaliation.

That case has yet to be resolved, but now workers are fighting for union recognition and a fair union contract.

Federal protections

One of the biggest barriers to unionization for workers in the construction industry is the threat of deportation for migrant workers, said union organizers working with Black Iron employees.

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su warned migrant workers in Las Vegas in January that immigration-based retaliation creates unfair labor market conditions and perpetuates unlawful acts by employers, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and chills workers ability to organize and collectively bargain.

Former Black Iron employee Resendiz  who lost part of his thumb while working under challenging conditions  was one of several laborers in Las Vegas to receive the first deportation relief and work permit renewals under the federal Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement or DALE in January.

At the time, Resendiz said he would use his newfound federal protections to encourage other laborers to speak up about labor violations by employers, adding they could receive federal protection from immigration-related retaliation like he did.

Emboldened by a federal union recognition in April, backing from local organizers, and strong federal deportation relief for workers facing immigration-related intimidation by abusive employers, current and former Black Iron employees arent backing down.

On May 1, Black Iron employees took that lesson to heart when several workers walked off a work site in protest of the companys failure to meet them at the bargaining table  an action protected under the National Labor Relations Act.

When Castillo gave his safety manager a notice that he would be participating in the union action on May 1, he was told the notice had no legal backing under labor law, and that he would likely be fired. Castillo joined the protest anyway.

Many employees want to unionize, said Castillo, but are fearful of retaliation, lower wages, and less hours. Castillo recalled watching his coworkers, who were most vocal about unionizing, lose employment. He said he himself was dismissed from work for three weeks, before being called back in due to a labor shortage.

After the Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center and union organizers with the District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity joined the effort, Castillo said he felt more confident that his efforts to unionize would ultimately be successful.

I want to live a better life, a stable life, thats why Im fighting, Castillo said. You dont know whats going to happen tomorrow, and if we dont stand up for ourselves now, we never will.

Arturo said he believes its only a matter of time before the company signs a union contract. Black Iron is feeling the pressure after several demonstrations forced work sites to shut down as workers walked off in support of the union, said Arturo.

These companies know that the labor we provide is indispensable, he continued. If there were a technology that could do this work, it would have replaced us a long time ago.

The post Unionized iron workers warn contractors they wont rest until bosses negotiate contract appeared first on Nevada Current.
Nevada Department of Corrections Medical Director Dr. Kenneth Williams. (2020 Tennessee Department of Corrections video screengrab)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

The medical director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, Dr. Kenneth Williams, who lacks a medical license in the state, is on administrative leave, prison officials confirmed.

Deputy Director Kristina Shea said during a phone interview Friday the state has issued a mandate to Williams.

He needs to be able to prove that he has a medical license in order for him to be able to continue working with us, she said, adding the state has imposed a deadline. If he doesnt have a license by that date, I believe theres a termination clause.

NDOC declined to disclose the deadline.

According to sources who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, at least five practitioners from NDOC medical facilities have been interviewed in the last two weeks by Attorney General Aaron Fords office.

They have flooded the AG with documentation that Dr. Williams practiced medicine, one of the sources said. Practicing medicine without a license is a felony in Nevada. Even administrative physicians who dont engage in clinical care are required to be licensed.

Williams was hired by NDOC Director James Dzurenda in August of 2023, despite lacking the minimum requirement for the job  a state medical license. Dzurenda allowed Williams to practice from August of last year until after the Current reported his lack of a license in February.

Its important to me and the director, from the leadership perspective, that he has a license. So were taking it very seriously, Shea said.

Williams applied for a Nevada license Dec. 28 of last year, according to the Board of Medical Examiners, four months after he began practicing in Nevada.

He is currently ongoing to get his medical license and hes working with the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, Deputy Director William Quenga said at the time.

The medical board initiated an investigation into complaints about Williams filed by practitioners, according to a letter obtained by the Current, despite its lack of jurisdiction over unlicensed physicians.

When questioned by the Current, the medical boards executive director acknowledged the board had no jurisdiction, and turned the case over to the Attorney General.

Dzurenda, who was appointed by Gov. Joe Lombardo, has refused to say why he hired Williams, given his lack of credentials. Lombardo has also refused to address the states potential liability for employing an unlicensed medical director, given its legal obligation to provide care for inmates.

Inmates have filed four lawsuits against Williams for denying medical care, the most recent last month, according to federal court records.

Ford, a potential challenger to Lombardo in 2026, declined to say whether an investigation would include how the state hired an unqualified prison medical director.

I would not be able to confirm or deny any investigation, Ford said via text.

Practitioners at NDOCs medical facilities complain Williams made clinical decisions that affected the care and well-being of inmates, and is still ordering staffing changes, even though he is on leave with pay.

Correspondence provided to the Current by a practitioner indicates Williams was participating in staffing decisions as recently as last week.

I know he cant make any clinical decisions because thats part of the mandate, but I dont know what kind of staffing decisions hes making right now, Shea said.

Dr. Williams is not involved in any decision making, Sheas colleague Quenga said Friday.

The post Unlicensed medical director of Nevada prison system on leave, facing termination appeared first on Nevada Current.
UNRWA says forced displacement has pushed over 1 million away from Rafah

Displaced Palestinians take shelter at the border with Egypt, during an Israeli military operation, in Rafah

DUBAI (Reuters) - Forced displacement has pushed over a million people away from the Gazan city of Rafah, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said on Monday.

The small city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip had been sheltering around 1 million Palestinians who fled Israeli assaults on other parts of the enclave, aid groups said.

Since early May, Israel's military has been carrying out what it says is a limited operation in Rafah to root out Hamas fighters and dismantle infrastructure used by the Palestinian Islamist militant group that runs Gaza.

The Israeli military has told civilians to go to an "expanded humanitarian zone" some 20 km (12 miles) away.

Many Palestinians have complained they are vulnerable to Israeli attacks wherever they go, and have been moving up and down the Gaza Strip in the past few months.

UNRWA said thousands of families now shelter in damaged and destroyed facilities in the city of Khan Younis, where the agency is providing essential services despite 'increasing challenges'.

"Conditions are unspeakable", the agency added.

(Reporting by Clauda Tanios, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer





A new urine test, called MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), may be able to identify more aggressive, high-grade prostate cancers.

Experts say the test could help eliminate unnecessary biopsies in men who have low-grade cancer.

MPS2 is available now, however, more research is needed to determine how the test functions in racially diverse populations.







Researchers may have developed a new, improved way to test for the most serious and aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

A new study, published in JAMA Oncology on April 18, introduced the MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2) test. MPS2 is a urine exam that tests for 18 unique genes tied to high-grade prostate cancer.

Prostate cancers are given a grade from one to five based on how likely they are to quickly grow and spread. The MPS2 test may be able to identify prostate cancers that meet the criteria for grade group two or higher, which are more dangerous.

The ability to detect whether a persons prostate cancer is low-grade (and less of a concern) or high-grade (and more of a concern) would help doctors filter out prostate cancer cases that dont necessitate immediate biopsy or intervention.

Being able to decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies would be very beneficial because they can sometimes be painful, cause bleeding, and most importantly, there is a small risk of severe infection, said Mark Katz, MD, clinical associate professor of urology at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine.

Beyond just the physical, the MPS2 test could also provide peace of mind for men with low-grade prostate cancer, who might otherwise face unnecessary anxiety, doctors visits, and procedures, Katz told Health.

Heres what experts had to say about the new test, and how it stacks up against other prostate cancer testing methods.

The Good Brigade / Getty Images

How Does the MPS2 Exam Work?

Almost a decade ago, the same University of Michigan-based research team behind MPS2 devised an original version of the urine test, dubbed MPS. That earlier test examined two different genes associated with prostate cancer, as well as a persons prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA testing has been used for decades, as is considered the standard blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

But MPS2 improves upon the original version, explained study author Arul Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD, director of the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

MPSversion 1and some of the other commercial urine and blood biomarkers for prostate cancer tend to do well in detecting all forms of prostate cancer, but less so in detecting high-grade, [grade group two], prostate cancer from those with low grade, [grade group one], indolent disease, Chinnaiyan told Health. [MPS2] is superior to the other tests in detecting high-grade prostate cancer.

While developing this new test, Chinnaiyan and his team looked at urine samples from men who had elevated PSA levels or other abnormal rectal exam findings.

Researchers used data from a development cohortwhich included 761 men with an average age of 63to pick out the specific 18 genes that may be indicative of a higher-grade prostate cancer.

The 18-gene test was then applied to a validation cohort of 743 men, where the study authors looked at whether MPS2 could identify those men with grade group two or higher cancers. Those results showed that the upgraded test was better at identifying the intermediate and high-grade prostate cancers that require treatment, Katz explained.

Across a population of patients, the test prevents approximately 40% of unnecessary biopsies, Chinnaiyan explained. The test works even better in patients that have had a prior negative biopsy, and can prevent upwards of 50% of unnecessary biopsies in this group.

In practice, this new urine test could help physicians determine whether a patient with elevated PSA levels really needs further intervention, said Katz.

When faced with an elevated PSA test, patients and clinicians are faced with the tough decision about further testing that may be rather involved (such as MRI) or invasive, like a biopsy, Samuel Haywood, MD, urologic oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Health. This test aims to help further risk-stratify patients and potentially reduce additional testing.



Related: What Causes Prostate Cancer?

How Does MPS2 Compare to Other Testing Methods?

The most common form of prostate cancer screening is the PSA blood test, Haywood said. But the test isnt perfect by any meansmany men who are screened may have elevated PSA levels for reasons that are not prostate cancer, he explained.

Because of this, researchers have been looking for ways to further determine a persons actual risk of prostate cancer after they take a PSA test, Haywood said.

As a field, we have been trying to find more specific markers to help better screen men and reduce over-utilization of more involved [or] invasive testing, he added.

One option is for doctors to use an MRI to further evaluate men with high PSA levels, Haywood said. However, he warned, these scans can sometimes miss positive cases, and can be costly and hard to access.

Simple tests that check for other potential prostate cancer biomarkers have become alternative options. In addition to MPS2, blood and urine tests such as 4K, Prostate Health Index, PCA3, and others can provide more context to a persons elevated PSA test, and can help guide treatment.



Related: Digital Rectal Exams Alone May Not Accurately Detect Prostate Cancer, Study Shows

The Test Is Available, But More Research Is Needed

Though the studys results are promising, there are limitations and questions that still remain.

For one, there was limited racial diversity in the study population pool, and the study authors noted its not yet clear whether the findings would be different in Black Americans.

This is especially significant because there are some general differences when it comes to prostate cancers found in Black and white patient populations, Chinnaiyan said. Specifically, Black men present with prostate cancer earlier, have more aggressive cases, and have higher mortality rates than white men.

By having 18 biomarkers, we hope to mitigate those discrepancies, he said. That said, a future ongoing study will formally test MPS2 in a large African American cohort to confirm its performance further.

The hope is that the MPS2 test would behave similarly across all ethnic groups, Haywood said, but at this point, there just isnt data to back it up.

In addition to testing MPS2 in Black Americans, Chinnaiyan said he and his colleagues will also be looking at the use of this test in the active surveillance population. Essentially, they want to see if MPS2 can predict which patients have aggressive prostate cancer, or whose cancer has progressed.

For now, Chinnaiyan said anyone in the U.S. can access the test, which is owned by and available through LynxDx, a biotechnology lab in Michigan. MPS2 just needs to be ordered by a physician, he said, and some clinics are already fully set up to order the test.

Related: Plant-Based Foods May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression

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Read the original article on Health.com.
US government announces 2 proposals for offshore wind sales  generating enough clean energy to power over 5 million homes

Get ready for a gust of good news.

The U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management just announced two exciting proposals for offshore wind sales that could generate over 18 gigawatts of squeaky clean energy. That's enough to power more than 5 million homes, according to Electrek.

So, what's the scoop? The first-ever offshore wind auction in the Gulf of Maine includes eight lease areas off the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. This nearly 1 million-acre stretch has the potential to generate around 15 GW of renewable energy.

Meanwhile, a proposed lease sale in Oregon includes two areas totaling nearly 200,000 acres  one in Coos Bay and the other in Brookings. Together, they could power over 1 million homes with green energy.

This is a major milestone in the fight against pollution. By harnessing the power of offshore wind, we can provide millions of families with affordable, renewable electricity while keeping harmful gases out of our atmosphere.

It's a win-win solution that's good for your wallet and good for the planet. Plus, it means cleaner air and a healthier environment for our communities.

Excitingly, Maine and Oregon have both set ambitious offshore wind goals. Maine is aiming to procure up to 3 GW by 2040, while Oregon wants to reach that mark by 2030.

Since the waters are deep in both the Gulf of Maine and off the Oregon coast, these wind farms will need to use cutting-edge floating turbine technology. While building this new green energy infrastructure will take hard work and investment, the benefits will be more than worth it.

So, let's all do our part to support this clean energy transition. By working together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future powered by the wind and sun. The journey to a cleaner tomorrow starts today.

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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joins in a bilateral meeting during official visit in Bangkok

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is holding a ministerial meeting this week in Singapore, including major firms joining a "Clean Economy" investor forum to boost infrastructure and climate investments across the region.

It marks the first in-person IPEF ministerial session since the substantial conclusion of negotiations for the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy Agreement in November in San Francisco.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the countries plan to outline steps under each of the agreements this week.

"We're going to finalize all of those agreements at the ministerial," Raimondo said. Additional announcements are expected on a supply chain agreement, she said.

The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum includes 22 major U.S. companies such as Amazon.com's AWS Bechtel, Alphabet's Google, Microsoft, BlackRock, Bechtel, Citi, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and KKR. Raimondo said there also will be major Australian and Japanese investors at the forum.

"Government-to-government agreements are great," Raimondo said. "But honestly it's time to implement - put some points on the board. ... We hope to start doing deals and making investments in the clean economy in the IPEF countries."

Raimondo said each country has submitted their top clean economy projects "and then we're going to have matchmaking sessions at the investor forum." Raimondo said the projects include renewable energy generation such as solar and wind, energy transmission and other infrastructure, transportation and mobility projects.

She said she hopes in the coming months the forum will lead to multibillion-dollar investments in places such as Thailand and Malaysia.

"They're looking to attract investment to their climate-related infrastructure," Raimondo said. "These countries want to hit their own climate goals and build up their own infrastructure, but they need capital and that's what we're going to bring to the equation."

The "Fair Economy" agreement is aimed at fighting corruption and tax evasion. Countries this week are expected to detail anti-corruption pledges and tax transparency measures.

"It enables all the rest of this thing to work," Raimondo added.

Countries participating in IPEF are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States.

(Reporting by David Shepardson. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
US President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at Girard College, a majority Black school Philadelphia. David Muse/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

US Vice President Kamala Harris is to attend the Ukraine peace summit being held in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, the White House has announced.

Harris' attendance would underscore the US administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter, the White House statement said.

"The vice president will reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression," it added.

Harris is to be joined at the summit by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
MEXICO CITY, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Investigation is underway into the murder of a local election candidate which occurred hours before voting began on Sunday, said the attorney general's office of the western Mexican state of Michoacan Sunday.

Israel Delgado Vega, 35, a member of the coalition Sigamos Haciendo Historia (Let's Keep Making History), a candidate for a government position in the municipality of Cuitzeo, was killed Saturday night by unidentified individuals who shot him from a motorcycle in the town of San Benito Juarez, the office said in a statement.

"The perpetrators fled and Israel Delgado died on the spot after the attack," it said.

The incident took place just hours before the beginning of the largest electoral process in the country's history, in which Mexicans will elect a new president. 
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the upcoming global peace summit to be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland, the White House said on June 3.

The announcement comes a few days after it was reported President Joe Biden would likely miss the event as it clashes with a campaign fundraiser he is set to attend alongside, among others, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel.

"The Vice President will underscore the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to supporting Ukraines effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter," the White House said in a statement.

"The Vice President will reaffirm support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression."

The statement also said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would be attending.

Reports that Biden would not attend the event prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 28 to say his absence would "only be met by an applause by Putin, a personal, standing applause by Putin."

"I believe that the peace summit needs President Biden, and other leaders need President Biden because they will look at the U.S.s reaction," Zelensky said.

Saudi Arabia does not plan to be present at the event because Russia will not be there, it was reported on June 2, despite the country hosting an international summit on the peace formula in August 2023.

On June 2, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Hungary has not decided whether to take part in the peace summit as "not all sides of the war" will be present at the event.

Zelensky has accused Russia of "blackmailing some leaders and trying to block the participation of some countries."

The peace summit will be held on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Ukraine hopes the summit will address several key areas, such as energy security, the exchange of captives, the return of deported children, global food security, and other topics.

Some 107 states and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Ukraine's global peace summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, said on June 3 on national television.

Elsewhere on June 3, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to an accusation from Zelensky on June 3, pushing back on Zelensky's claims that China is trying to sabotage the upcoming global peace summit.

The previous day, Zelensky accused China of "working hard" to prevent countries from participating in the summit, which is scheduled to be held in Switzerland on June 15-16.

China has never "fanned fire or fueled the flames" of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Mao said.

"We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties," she added, saying that China's position on the summit has been "open and transparent."

China allegedly declined an invitation to participate in the summit as the terms it required to attend were not met, Reuters reported on May 31, citing several sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Read also: China responds to Zelenskys accusation of interference in global peace summit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A new rule would not let a chicken company deduct pay from a farmer raising its chickens because of the market. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  A rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would eliminate pay deductions for chicken producers, Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday.

Under the current poultry payment system, an incentive-based arrangement known within the industry as a tournament system, farmers who raise poultry earn a base payment from the companies that buy the product and bring it to a retail market.

Companies contract with producers to supply broiler chicks, feed and veterinary care and then its up to the farmers to raise healthy, substantial chickens at a mutually agreed price.

Farmers have opportunities for bonuses based on the quality of their flock.

But companies can also deduct pay from producers base pay based on that years market. If demand is down or if one producer successfully raises more chickens than another producer, the chicken company can deduct pay from the lesser farmers contracted compensation.

The proposed rule would prohibit companies from deducting that pay.

If youre going to establish a base pay, then it cant go below that, Vilsack said at a Monday press conference.

Industry groups say the tournament system makes sense economically and promotes competition in the chicken industry.

But critics, including groups that advocate for farmers, say it often harms smaller farmers, leading to a more consolidated industry and a tougher market for producers.

Vilsack said Monday that the USDAs proposed rule would not compromise the quality of meat sold to grocery shoppers around the country, but rather balance the relationship between producers and companies.

This rule is one of several new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act enacted by President Joe Bidens administration seeking to combat monopolization in the agricultural industry. Congress passed the Packers and Stockyards Act in 1921 to regulate competition in livestock markets.

In 2021, under Bidens Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, the administration aimed to ensure fair industry competition and equitable practices.

USDA finalized the Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity rule in March as part of this executive order. The rule addresses mistreatment and discrimination of livestock and poultry producers based on identity factors such as race, religion, national origin or sex.

The Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule now enters a public comment period where industry members, consumers and others can offer feedback. It may then be revised and if allowed, published as a final ruling in the Federal Register.

The post USDA aims to aid small farmers by barring pay deductions from poultry companies appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Gov. Spencer Cox is joined at the podium by Attorney General Sean Reyes as they take questions about plans to address the harmful impacts social media is having on the mental health and well-being of Utah youth in the Gold Room at the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utahs new lawsuit against TikTok includes startling allegations that the company knows it profits off the sexual exploitation of young people via the livestream feature.

In countless live streams, minors have been encouraged by adults to  among other illicit acts  strip, spread their legs, and flash body parts to the camera, in exchange for virtual Gifts, the suit alleged.

The suit filed on Monday morning marks the states second complaint against the social media giant. This most recent complaint focuses on a feature known as TikTok Live. The state alleges this feature allows adults to pay young users to dance or pose provocatively or strip  and the app takes as much as a 50% commission on every transaction. TikTok has a currency that can be paid to users and then exchanged for real money.

TikTok has industry-leading policies and measures to help protect the safety and well-being of teens, a spokesperson for TikTok said in response to a request for comment. Creators must be at least 18 years old before they can go LIVE, and their account must meet a follower requirement. We immediately revoke access to features if we find accounts that do not meet our age requirements.

Gov. Spencer Cox said in a release that the state would take all necessary actions to protect young people.

I find the new allegations against TikTok Live not merely concerning but incredibly disturbing, said Cox. Such disregard for the safety of young users on the platform, much less profiting off their exploitation, cannot and will not be tolerated.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said the app has created a virtual strip club that enables exploitation of young users and the state couldnt wait longer to act.

Our investigation confirmed TikTok knows of the damage to young victims but feels it makes far too much to stop, said Reyes. There are so many layers of harm in its practices, we cannot wait a day longer to act.

This latest suit against TikTok marks the second time the state has sued the social media company. In October 2023, the state filed a consumer protection suit alleging TikTok addicted young users to the app via features such as the algorithm and push notifications.

About that suit, a TikTok spokesperson previously said, TikTok has industry-leading safeguards for young people, including an automatic 60-minute time limit for users under 18 and parental controls for teen accounts. We will continue to work to keep our community safe by tackling industry-wide challenges.

The investigation process led Utah to examine the livestream feature and then subsequently file this latest lawsuit. The state claims TikTok reaps profits off transactions on the livestream to the tune of millions of dollars in Utah alone.

Utah alleges the companys aware the livestream feature allows young users to be sexually exploited. The state claims internal studies and admissions of employees are evidence of this awareness. Much of the suit is currently redacted.

TikToks design tactics encourage and allow it to profit from crime and the sexual exploitation of children, the suit stated. These deceptive and unconscionable practices violate Utahs Consumer Sales Practices Act and harm Utahs consumers.

The suit also contends TikTok has not implemented basic financial controls on the app that would protect against fraud and criminal activity. Subsequently, Utah claims young users can be exploited on the app while TikTok allegedly profits off it.

The state further claims the livestream feature  which has a virtual currency  has allowed for the hosting of illegal gambling rings, the funding of terrorism, the selling of drugs and for money laundering.

The Divisions presuit investigation also confirmed that TikToks platform facilitates the sale of illegal drugs to underage children right here at our doorstep  including easily allowing TikTok users to offer the sale and delivery of drugs like Xanax, Valium and MDMA to children in Salt Lake City, the suit alleged.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection filed the suit against TikTok through the Attorney Generals Office.

In a release, the division said it was in an ongoing subpoena enforcement action with TikTok to make certain documents cited in the complaint public.

The state intends to ask the court to unseal the current complaint as soon as possible to shine the full light of public accountability on TikToks conduct, the release stated.

Utah is seeking for TikTok to give up money it has obtained from alleged illegal activity on its platform.
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  The family of Levi Wright  a 3-year-old child hospitalized after driving a toy tractor into a river in southwestern Utah and drowning  has decided to take Levi off of life support, according to the childs mother, Kallie Wright, on social media.

Levi, the son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, drove a toy tractor into a river in Beaver County around 6 p.m. on May 21, according to the Beaver County Sheriffs Office. The caller said they lost sight of the boy, and authorities responded to the scene to conduct a search.

PREVIOUS STORY: Child wakes up from coma after driving toy tractor into Beaver Co. river, nearly drowning

Crews quickly found the child and administered life-saving measures before an ambulance brought him to a Beaver County hospital. A helicopter later transported him to Salt Lake City.

Levi woke up from a coma just over a week ago, on May 23, offering hope to those around him that had already begun preparing for the worst. Levis mother shared the next day that the MRI results were not good. She said the family was shattered by the results but holding out for how Levi did in the coming days.

After an outpouring of support, a benefit auction set up on behalf of Levi and his family, and continual updates regarding Levis condition and options for treatment, Kallie and Spencer Wright are saying goodbye to their child.

Read their goodbye, in full, below:

After several sleepless nights, lots of research, multiple conversations with the worlds best neurologists & millions of prayers we are here in the face of our biggest fear. Levi showed us just enough to buy us time for all of this. We prayed those things were him defying odds & proving to us that he wanted to stay here but we see now he wanted to give us time to find peace with letting him go. I told you my baby was thoughtful & considerate, I truly believe he did that for us. During this time he brought out humanity across the nation, he dropped so many to their knees & reminded them what truly matters in this world. It kind of gives that T-rex strength a whole new meaning, doesnt it? Here soon Ill climb into bed with my baby and hold him as he falls asleep for the last time on this earth. I find comfort in knowing he will be restored to the perfect little boy he was & have the ability to do all the things he loves! I know there are Angels up there waiting to hold him until I can again! We will miss him every second of every day down here but feel without unwavering doubt this is the best thing we can do for him! We love you baby beans and I cant wait till the day you can work the ground with me again! Kallie Wright via 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 ABC4 Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The State of Utah is accusing TikTok of allowing virtual strip clubs on its platform, leading to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to a new lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed on Monday by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, accuses TikToks live-streaming feature called TikTok LIVE of letting adults give virtual currency to young users in exchange for sexual solicitation and exploitation. The lawsuit further alleges TikTok makes money off the exchange by taking a cut of each payment.

TikTok has created a virtual strip club, allowing minors to be exploited across America by connecting innocent victims to predators in real-time. Adding insult to injury, Live facilitates money laundering while TikTok quietly charges fifty percent on every transaction to profit in the billions from the entire enterprise, said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. Our investigation confirmed TikTok knows of the damage to young victims but it feels it makes far too much money to stop.

A TikTok spokesperson told ABC4.com that the social media company has industry-leading policies and measures to help protect the safety and well-being of its underage users.

Utah family decides to take child off of life support after toy tractor drowning

Creators must be at least 18 years old before they can go LIVE and their account must meet a follower requirement, a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement. We immediately revoke access to features if we find accounts that do not meet our age requirements.

The states newest lawsuit reportedly comes from its continued investigation into TikToks practices of its addictive algorithm. Utah further alleges the LIVE feature opens the door for financial crimes as well such as money laundering, gambling rings, drug sells and to fund terrorism.

I find the new allegations against TikTok Live not merely concerning but incredibly disturbing. Such disregard for the safety of young users on the platform, much less profiting off their exploitation, cannot and will not be tolerated, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. We will take all necessary actions to protect them from TikToks egregious behavior.

This is not the first time the State of Utah has filed a lawsuit against TikTok. In October 2023, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox alongside Reyes alleged the Chinese-owned company illegally baits children into addictive and unhealthy use. The state also filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over the same allegations.

For the last year, Gov. Cox has made it a mission to hold social media platforms accountable. In January 2023, Cox and Reyes put social media companies on notice about impending lawsuits. Utah also launched a public awareness campaign, warning parents about the alleged harms of social media including the effects it has on mental health, body image and more.

Utah woman admits to ordering hitman for hire using dark web, Bitcoin

Utah legislators have worked to regulate social media platforms in the state, passing a law requiring stronger restrictions on child accounts, including a curfew on certain practices and an age-verification process. Those laws have been met with criticism in the tech industry, with one nonprofit trade group alleging Utahs laws violate the First Amendment.

The Social Media Regulation Act has since been modified by Utah lawmakers and is expected to go into effect in October of this year.

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.
This is part of The Hills ongoing series looking at Donald Trumps possible vice-presidential picks.

Less than a month after he was sworn in to his first ever political office, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) already had a crisis on his hands.

A train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, Vances home state, sending flames and black smoke into the air and triggering a massive cleanup process that has cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Within weeks, Vance had accompanied former President Trump to the site of the derailment and introduced legislation with fellow Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) to improve safety protocols and prevent future derailments like the one in their home state.

You want to talk about a moment that just crystalizes why youre there, one Vance ally said. It was very much a trial by fire, and I think he passed it with flying colors.

Vance, 39, has had a rapid rise in the political arena.

He is a native Ohioan who enlisted in the Marines and graduated from Yale Law School. He gained national attention with his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which depicted his upbringing and family history of poverty and addiction in Appalachia and offered his insights on the white working class and the causes and effects of economic insecurity.

Vance won a Senate seat in 2022, his first run for political office, and has quickly emerged as a face of the New Right and the MAGA movement in Congress. He has been outspoken about his opposition to continued U.S. aid for Ukraine but has also reached across the aisle to unlikely collaborators including Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Now, his conservative, populist views, his willingness to fiercely defend them, and the relationship he has built with the former president and Donald Trump Jr. have placed him squarely in the running to be Trumps running mate.

I view him as the future of our party, the most articulate populist conservative voice in our country, and believe that hed make a great vice president, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who is running for Senate in Indiana, told The Hill in an interview.

Those close to Vance said the senator and the former president are well aligned on policy, and some suggested Trump likely appreciates how Vance is unapologetic about his views and is willing to take the fight to mainstream media outlets such as CNN and CBS.

Not only has J.D. been a leader for the America First policy agenda in the Senate, he has been a courageous warrior for my father defending him from all of the leftwing lawfare coming from the Swamp, Donald Trump Jr. said in a statement to The Hill. While too many Republicans are weak and crumble when things get tough, J.D. has a spine of steel and isnt afraid to fight.

Vances position as a top Trump ally and vice-presidential contender may surprise some given his past comments about the former president. Vance during the 2016 campaign called then-candidate Trump noxious and reprehensible and posted a since-deleted tweet calling Trump an idiot.

Those comments were central to a roughly $1 million attack ad campaign during the 2022 GOP Senate primary in Ohio launched by groups backing Vances rival, Josh Mandel.

Vance, who ultimately earned Trumps endorsement in that bitter primary race, has been candid about the evolution of his views about Trump.

My view on Donald Trump  I have been very clear on this  is, look, I was wrong about him, Vance said in a recent CNN interview. I didnt think he was going to be a good president  and I was very, very proud to be proven wrong. Its one of the reasons why Im working so hard to get him elected.

Sources close to Vance and Trump acknowledged there may have been some early skepticism from the former president, but Vances sincerity about his change in views and his loyalty to the former president in recent years has helped solidify their relationship.

I think it says more about Donald Trump than anybody, said Banks, whom Vance has endorsed in his Senate race. Hes forgiven a lot of Republicans for what they said in 2016 or even 2017, and as president, he proved himself. He won a lot of us over.

Despite being one of the faces of the America First movement in the Senate, Vance has been eager to work across the aisle on certain issues, something his allies said underscores his desire to get things done for his constituents.

He has introduced legislation with Brown, Baldwin, Warren, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), among others.

He has garnered the most attention, however, as a leading opponent to additional funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Vance has won plaudits from many Republicans for being the most articulate voice among conservatives who want to end U.S. intervention in the war.

Sixty billion dollars is a fraction of what it would take to turn the tide in Ukraines favor, Vance wrote in an April New York Times op-ed, as the Senate considered a national security supplemental that has since been signed into law. But this is not just a matter of dollars. Fundamentally, we lack the capacity to manufacture the amount of weapons Ukraine needs us to supply to win the war.

Vance has in recent weeks made more headlines for downplaying the threat to former Vice President Mike Pence during the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol and for saying he would accept the 2024 election results, if we have a free and fair election. Both comments came during CNN interviews, and both echoed rhetoric Trump has used.

And in a sign of Vances loyalty to the former president, the Ohio senator made an appearance outside the courthouse in May to blast Trumps former attorney, Michael Cohen, who was on the stand as part of the trial looking at an alleged hush money scheme paid to a porn actor. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) were among the other potential vice-presidential candidates to swing through New York during the trial.

As Vances name has increasingly come up as a potential Trump running mate, the senator has repeatedly said he has not spoken with Trump about the possibility of joining the ticket and that he is interested in helping the former president however he can.

Vance has young children, and allies said the senator will prioritize his family when making any decisions about his political future.

He will serve in whatever capacity in a second Trump administration where he can do the most, a Vance ally told The Hill. He likes the Senate; hes good at being a senator. If its to be VP and be ready, or to be an advocate, hes ready to do that.

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)  A night of fun and fundraising happened Saturday evening at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, which held an auction and dinner to support Northwest Battle Buddies.

The nonprofit gives professional trained service dogs to veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Beaverton offers free weddings, vow renewals to celebrate same-sex marriage anniversary

According to the organization, there is no cure for PTSD. But they say the service dogs help provide freedom and independence to veterans at no charge.

We have now gifted 256 service dogs to our American heroes free of charge, said Battle Buddies CEO and Founder Shannon Walker. And we have not lost one veteran to suicide, so it has become quite the mission.

The service animals go through intensive training for over five months before they are paired up with veterans. They then go through several more weeks of training and bonding to create a lasting partnership.

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.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  A Virginia Beach firefighter suffered a minor injury while battling large fire at a business complex early Monday morning.

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Fire Department

Just after 5:30 a.m., crews responded to the 3300 block of Holland Road for a fire at a commercial property.

Pictures of the incident show flames and smoke pouring from the roof and the extensive damage the fire caused.

Officials said two businesses were affected, and both were closed at the time of the fire.

Crews had the fire under control by 7:09 a.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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.
Joe Martinez, the Miami-Dade commissioner suspended by the governor for his alleged participation in a public corruption scheme that prosecutors say netted him thousands of dollars, took a defiant pose before a bank of television cameras Tuesday morning, announcing his entry into a crowded field vying to become Miami-Dade Countys first elected sheriff in over 50 years.

Less than a half hour earlier, in a courtroom just a few feet from the commissioner and a gaggle of his supporters, Miami-Dade County Circuit Court Judge Lody Jean said jury selection for Martinezs trial would begin June 24.

They dont need a puppet there. They need someone who will represent the people, Martinez said, admitting the timing for the announcement could have been better. But I know Im innocent. I know that for a fact.

Under Florida law, a felony conviction would bar Martinez, 66, from the August Republican primary or the November general election  if he makes it that far. But a Florida attorney generals opinion from 1977 leaves the door open for Martinez. Thats because a conviction isnt considered final until he exhausts what would be an expected appeal should he be found guilty.

In a move out of Republican presidential hopeful Donald J. Trumps playbook, Martinez, 66, brushed aside his upcoming criminal trial on felony charges of unlawful compensation and conspiracy to commit unlawful compensation Tuesday morning, and refused to directly answer whether hed continue his campaign if he were convicted.

Thats not going to happen. Thats not going to happen, he said.

Martinezs official entry into the sheriffs race as a Republican candidate would make an already crowded field even more jumbled. He has until June 14 to qualify for the August primary. The general election against a Democratic challenger is scheduled for Nov. 5, the same day as the presidential election.

The job is expected to have a base salary of about $255,000.

Martinez was considered one of the early favorites in what will be the first sheriffs race in Miami-Dade since the 1960s. Hes said repeatedly that he believes the criminal charges hes facing are politically motivated and that he did no wrong.

Commissioner Martinez has made it clear since the since the beginning of this matter that he believes the timing of his arrest was intended to interfere with his front-runner status as a candidate, said Martinez defense attorney, Ben Kuehne.

During a strange time in American politics, when a former U.S. president just convicted of 34 felonies remains the front-runner for the presidential post yet again, its not clear how Martinezs entry in the busy field will play out. Sean Foreman, a professor of political science at Barry University, said in name recognition alone, Martinez will likely jump to a top position in a crowded field.

I mean hes damaged goods. But at this point, its wide open, Foreman said. Joe Martinez probably enters as a front-runner.

Others, like Florida International University political science professor Dario Moreno, arent so sure. He said Martinez is probably just another name in a crowded field of mostly unknowns.

I think the electorate is so split, it probably wont matter, said Moreno. His name recognition is very limited to West Kendall, so it wont do much.

State believes money woes led to alleged crimes

Martinez, whose scheduled May trial was pushed back to the end of June after a failed attempt by defense attorneys to have the judge removed, rose to the post of lieutenant with Miami-Dade Police Department during a 17-year law enforcement career. That was followed by two decades of public service at the highest levels of Miami-Dade County government, including a stint as chairman of the powerful 13-member Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners.

All that came tumbling down in August 2022, when at the start of his fifth term in office Martinez was taken into custody and charged with single counts of unlawful compensation and conspiracy to commit unlawful compensation. In September 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended him from the County Commission.

Martinezs alleged crime: sponsoring a law that would have benefited the owner of a shopping plaza in his West Kendall district in exchange for $15,000. The owner had been fined thousands of dollars for using more than the permitted six cargo containers behind the mall. State prosecutors allege that in exchange for compensation, Martinez tried to increase the number of allowable containers holding inventory at the strip mall.

The charges could land Martinez in prison for as many as 20 years.

Though the bill was never considered by the commission, state law only requires proof of intent. The crime was allegedly committed in 2016, just after Martinez was reelected after spending the previous four years as a security consultant.

State prosecutors believe Martinez was financially strapped when he is alleged to have committed the crimes. The former commissioner is believed to have received the first of three $5,000 payments from supermarket owner Jorge Negrin two weeks after Martinezs Aug. 30, 2016, election victory.

Martinez is alleged to have tried to help the malls owner Sergio Delgado, who had been fined repeatedly for having more than the permitted six cargo containers behind the building.

Martinezs chances in sheriffs race unclear

In a race that was upended by the attempted suicide last summer of its leading candidate, then-Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez, it is unclear exactly how  or even if  Martinezs entry into the sheriffs race would affect the outcome.

READ MORE: Miami-Dade police chief shot himself in the head after fight with wife at Tampa hotel

When Ramirez dropped out, the field expanded almost immediately, with a host of candidates vying for a crack at the newly created top public safety position in the largest county in the state. Currently there are 18 candidates, 13 of them Republican.

Through the end of March, Republican Joe Sanchez, a former Miami commissioner and state trooper, was leading his party in fundraising, with $415,000 in donations to his campaign and political action committee, Law and Order. Democrat James Reyes, the current overseer of public safety in Miami-Dade, was closing in on Sanchez, with $400,000, according to campaign finance reports.

Also given a big boost, certainly in the primary: Miami-Dade Police senior staffer and Republican Rosanna Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who secured the endorsement of former president Trump in April.

The election will be the first for a Miami-Dade sheriff since the office was abolished more than a half-century ago. Since then, the office has been under the control of the county mayor. But a 2018 amendment to the Florida Constitution changed that and required Miami-Dade to join other counties in the state with an elected independent sheriff.

Reyes worked in the corrections division for the Broward County Sheriffs Office before Levine Cava recruited him to run Miami-Dades jails in 2022. She promoted him to chief of public safety weeks before he filed for the sheriffs race in January and shortly after Ramirez dropped out of the race.

Sanchez served several terms as a city of Miami commissioner before taking the helm as chairman of the five-member governmental body. He left more than a decade ago for the Florida Highway Patrol, where he became a chief spokesman.

To University of Miami political science professor and political consultant Fernand Amandi, Martinezs entry in the race hardly surprises, by Miami standards.

One of the reasons voters continue to have less confidence in elected officials is because of decisions like this one, he said. Thats what makes trust in government in Miami-Dade such a major problem.
An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a bridge over the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows an expo park in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)
Vice President Kamala Harris will be making another trip to the Queen City next week as part of a nationwide tour to promote economic opportunity.

Harris will be in Charlotte on June 12, and the visit marks her fifth visit to North Carolina this year.

According to a news release on Monday, Harris will be talking about the Biden Administrations actions for the economy, including jobs and investments in education.

PREVIOUS: VP Kamala Harris comes to Charlotte to announce climate investments

Details werent given about where the vice president will visit while shes in Charlotte. In past visits, shes made trips to campaign field offices, neighbors homes, and local restaurants.

During Harris arrival next Wednesday, expect traffic delays due to road closures in the area.

(WATCH >> President Biden commends fallen officers as heroes during national memorial)
A 2019 Toyota 4Runner was supposed to be Maril Bauters retirement ride, as reported by our sister station KIRO 7 News.

It was clean, no accidents, she said.

But Maril was hit head-on by a fraudster. The scam is called VIN cloning, and it can cost you cash and your car.

Vin cloning is when a scammer steals the vehicle identification number from a legit car and places it on one thats stolen. Then they try to sell it.

There was no way for her to know that this was actually a stolen car, said Lt. Jason Hicks, who investigates cloned VIN cases for the Washington State Patrol.

Read: Insurance companies canceling homeowners policies using drone, aerial photos

Back in December 2021, Maril found the SUV on Facebook Marketplace and contacted the scammer, who was quick to send the VIN. She did her homework and checked both the VIN & the Carfax.

It all matched. You know, everything matched up. The title, the VIN number, the name, said Maril.

Only then did she fly to Portland to buy the SUV and do a $40,000 cash deal at a branch of her bank. Furthermore, when Maril took her bogus title to a licensing agency in Blaine, no one stopped her from getting the title or the tabs.

Christine Anthony is with the Department of Licensing. Yeah, the system didnt work like it was supposed to, she said.

Read: Ticketmaster data breach: 500 million customers information stolen

Maril was 4 Runnin registered for almost three years. But when she tried to buy tabs in February, the licensing agent directed her to a VIN inspection by the Washington State Patrol.

The report says the SUV was stolen from a car dealership in Vancouver, Washington. And the VIN was copied from a vehicle with a similar make and model near Portland.

Whoever did this went above and beyond whats normally done in these situations to obtain that fraudulent title, said WSP Lt. Jason Hicks.

This year, the car was seized because it was a stolen vehicle.

Read: China lands a spacecraft on the moons far side to collect rocks for study

It was very shocking, said Maril. I had bought new tires and new rims, and, I mean, I was making it my forever car, and I just had to walk away.

Now, shes worried her insurance company wont pay the claim.

I kept going higher and higher in the company, and they just kept telling me, you have no claim. So, Maril called me.

Christine Anthony of the Department of Licensing said the case helped them find a gap in their system. She blames the third-party licensing agency for switching the title from Oregon to Washington without running a national title check.

Read: Police identify suspect in Leesburg convenience store clerks shooting death

Theres a number on all titles. Youre supposed to enter that title number into the database, said Christine. And, that didnt happen.

Anthony adds the DOL learned the title was fraudulent more than a year ago. But made a mistake by requiring Maril to keep buying tabs.

We thought that if you cancel the title, the registration automatically gets canceled. But, we learned that that wasnt what happened in this case. So, we have changed that process for the future, Anthony said.

Thats good to know, but what about her auto insurance?

Read: Mexico elects 1st female president in the countrys history

They wouldnt talk to me. They just kind of laughed and said, no, you have no claim, said Maril.

I contacted Farmers Insurance, and a spokesperson told me they were investigating the case.

A few weeks later I got a call from Maril. Farmers finally paid my claim today. After all this, they said no, no, no, they finally came through. Thanks to you!

Farmers says:

After a thorough investigation, we have paid our customer for this loss. The company says it cares deeply about its customers claims.

Make sure everything, including the year, matches the Carfax or other vehicle history report.

Also get your car inspected before by a mechanic before you buy. There are other spots on the car where the VIN is found.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A Michigan man swept the internet last week after a viral video showed him attending a court hearing via Zoom after he appeared to park his car. That quickly became a national story.

Should it have been?

The footage, which first made the rounds on social media, showed Corey Harris calling into a hearing before Judge J. Cedric Simpson of the Washtenaw County District Court. "I'm looking at his record. He doesn't have a license," Simpson says about a minute into the hearing. "He's suspended and he's just driving.I don't even know why he would do that." Harris' bond was promptly revoked and he was ordered to turn himself in to the local jail.

Neither of those repercussions would have anywhere near the lasting impact that the forthcoming news cycle did, which was deemed a significant enough event to merit coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fox News, CNN, NBC, BBC, USA Today, and the New York Post, among other outlets.

It turns out all those stories, however, were based on a falsehood. Harris never had a license.*

That's a good indication that this never should have been a national story to begin with, which would be true even if Harris had been driving on a suspended license. A man in Michigan driving allegedly when he wasn't supposed to is not newsworthy enough to deserve coverage in the most influential outlets in the U.S. (and beyond). Good for a social media laugh? Sure. Justifying its own news cycle? No.

That idea may seem weird in a media landscape where social media virality has for several years been seen as a metric for measuring newsworthiness. What that means in practice, though, is that some of the largest publications in the worldacross the political spectrumroutinely blow up small stories that are of no import to society, simply because they may be good for clicks and shares. But while those stories may offer little to no benefit to readers, they do have real impacts on the people at the center of them, like Harris, because the internet never dies.

"Twitter isn't real life" has been a cliche for years now. The name of the platform has changed, but the core of that maxim has not. Harris knows that all too well now.

*CORRECTION: The original version of the piece mischaracterized the status of Harris' driver's license. For an update on this story, see "Viral Story About Bogus Viral Story Was Also Bogus."

The post The Viral Story About a Defendant Driving With a Suspended License Was Fake News appeared first on Reason.com.
June 3 (UPI) -- The company that once owned a dog breeding facility in Virginia has been ordered to pay a record $35 million fine after mistreating more than 4,000 beagles, according to the U.S. Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency on Monday.

Envigo Global Services Inc. of Cumberland County, which is 64 miles east of Richmond, pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act and was ordered to pay a record fine under the act.

The company also pleaded guilty to knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. Sentencing is set for Oct. 7, and the news release didn't list individuals involved.

The beagles were surrendered in 2022 from the breeder.

The company has agreed to no longer breed or sell dogs there.

The Animal Welfare Act sets minimum standards of care for animals in captivity, used for research or educational settings, or sold to the public.

Envigo RMS, which is a subsidiary of Inotiv like Envigo Global Services, failed to provide adequate veterinary care, staffing and safe living conditions for dogs housed at the facility, according to the federal agencies.

Envigo Global Services also operated and maintained the wastewater treatment plant at the facility, "which led to massive unlawful discharges of insufficiently treated wastewater into a local waterway and also impacted the health and well-being of the dogs at the facility," according to DOJ.

"Envigo compounded the heartbreaking nature of its animal welfare crimes by committing egregious Clean Water Act violations that undermined public health and the wellbeing of the animals in their care," Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said. "Everyone victimized in this precedent-setting animal welfare case deserved better: the workers, the beagles, the environment and the community. Envigo deserves every dollar of its record fine."

The entities will serve from three to five years of probation and pay a total criminal fine of $22 million -- $11 million for each violation.

Envigo also will pay approximately $1.1 million to the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force and about $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for direct assistance provided to the investigation.

Also, $3.5 million will be paid to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to benefit and restore the environment and ecosystems in Cumberland County, at least $500,000 of which will be spent on purchasing riparian wetland or riparian land located in or near Cumberland, according to the department.

Envigo will spend at least $7 million to improve their facilities and personnel beyond the standards imposed by the Animal Welfare Act.

"Our nation's animal welfare and clean water laws exist to prevent suffering and harm," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "That's why we secured the transfer of thousands of beagles from Envigo's Cumberland facility into adoption, and that's why today's plea agreement is so significant. The plea agreement includes the largest ever fine in an animal welfare case as well as heightened standards of care for facilities across the country."

Inotiv, which provides live animals and related products and services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government, academia and other life science organizations in animal testing, The company issued a statement of contrition: "In committing the crimes identified in the charging document, and by not making the necessary infrastructure upgrades and hiring the requisite staff, we fell short of our standards for animal and environmental welfare and apologize to the public for the harm caused by our conduct. In resolving this matter, we renew our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care, as well as to the communities and environments in which we operate. We hope that others will learn from our experience."
North Dakota residents can research candidates and ballot measures for the June 11 primary at VOTE411.org. (Getty Images)

Plato famously said, If you do not vote, you will be governed by idiots. When asked if we were to have a monarchy or a republic form of government, Benjamin Franklin said, A republic, if you can keep it. Today, voters are frustrated with our current political climate  how polarized weve become and the negative campaigning. Sadly, many citizens wonder if their vote even matters.

Your vote matters more than ever.

The most fundamental right we citizens have is the right to vote. This right has been fought for and defended by generations of brave men and women, many of whom have given their lives to protect your right to vote in free and fair elections. A healthy, functioning democracy relies on active citizen participation at all levels of government.

At a time when voters across the political spectrum may be feeling that our democratic institutions are threatened, we should educate ourselves on the candidates and issues.

As we head to the polls in North Dakota on June 11, please remember that each race on the ballot holds significance. Down-ballot voting refers to voting on races at the local and state levels; positions such as city council members, judges, school board members, park board members, township board members, and other local government officials. Local and state-level officials have a more direct influence on communities than federal elected officials, so it is crucial to use our voices through our votes during elections to ensure that our governments function as desired.

Not sure who the candidates are in your community? Not sure where to vote or what you need to bring to the polling place? Luckily, there exists a free and complete voter guide resource at VOTE411.org. This guide is powered by the League of Women Voters, and it is committed to ensuring voters have the information they need to successfully participate in every election. Just enter your address, and all the information you need about voting in your community is at your fingertips.

The League of Women Voters of North Dakota is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of Americas oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. While the League hosts free, public candidate forums across the state, the League does not rank or endorse any candidate in any election  ever.

At a time when voters across the political spectrum may be feeling that our democratic institutions are threatened, we should educate ourselves on the candidates and issues, and then follow through by exercising our most important legal entitlement  the right to vote. So, make a plan to vote, then cast your ballot and make your voice heard!

The post Your vote matters more than ever appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
While Mexico appears to be on its way toward electing the first female President in its history, voters at the Los Angeles consulate are reporting difficulties in their attempts to vote in the historic race.

While speaking to KTLAs Shelby Nelson, voters expressed frustration in learning that the consulate, located on 2401 W 6th Street in L.A., only had 1,500 ballots available for those who hadnt registered to vote online prior to the day of the election.

FILES - This combination of two file photos shows Xochitl Galvez, at left, arriving to register her name as a presidential candidate on July 4, 2023 in Mexico City, and at right, Claudia Sheinbaum at an event that presented her as her party's presidential nominee on Sept. 6, 2023 in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, Files)

It wasnt organized. There wasnt enough staff, there wasnt attention for the elderly, one voter told Nelson, translated from Spanish. There werent a lot of things that we needed.

Many voters waited in the pre-registered voters line for hours before realizing that there was a separate line for non-registered voters. By the time many of them realized the mistake, it was too late.

A lot of people didnt vote because there were only nine boxes, nine computers for 10,000 people, one voter told Nelson, translated from Spanish. Theyre only open from 7 in the morning to 5 in the evening. Its not enough time for everyone.

The Mexican election was expected to see a large turnout, perhaps the biggest in the nations history, as two women were the leading nominees.

Former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum of the left-wing Morena party was leading the preliminary voting as of 10 p.m., according to the Associated Press. Only about 20% of the vote had been counted at the time of that update.

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.
MEXICO CITY, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and another injured Sunday in armed assaults on two voting stations in the central Mexican state of Puebla as voters went to the polls in general elections, local media said.

In the town of Tlapanala, assailants stole electoral material from a voting station and fled, getting into a shootout with police officers who pursued them.

In the exchange of gunfire, a woman was killed. The police arrested several of the assailants.

In a separate but similar incident, a man was killed and another injured near a voting station in the municipality of Coyomeapan when hooded assailants attacked and stole electoral material.

The Electoral Institute of the State of Puebla said it temporarily suspended voting at the station installed at a secondary school in Coyomeapan due to the shooting. 
A bottle of buprenorphine, a medication to treat opioid-use disorder. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Washington health officials on Monday announced a new program to help emergency room clinicians prescribe medications to treat opioid addiction.

ScalaNW, a state Health Care Authority program, will offer 24/7 live clinical support to hospitals and emergency rooms looking to provide patients with medications for opioid-use disorder.

The authority is hoping ScalaNW will help physicians feel more comfortable prescribing medications like buprenorphine and methadone, which have been found to significantly cut death rates for patients with opioid addiction.

Most people in Washington at high risk for overdose death have been to an ER within the past 12 months, noted Liz Wolkin, program manager at the Health Care Authority. So we know that patients who could benefit are there, Wolkin said.

The intention isnt to send people there to get treatment, but to recognize people who could benefit from it, Wolkin added.

Hospitals that enroll in the hotline, which is offered in partnership with the University of Washington Psychiatry Consultation Line, will also have access to 24/7 follow-up appointment scheduling, supported by the Washington Recovery Helpline and offered to patients before theyre discharged from the emergency room.

For all hospitals across the state  not just those enrolled in the helplines  ScalaNWs website, ScalaNW.org, will provide clinicians with evidence-backed protocols to determine how and when to provide medications for opioid-use disorder.

About 14 hospitals across the state are moving forward with enrollment so far, Wolkin said, in both populous counties like Pierce and King, as well as rural counties where the epidemic has hit hard, like Okanagan. ScalaNW will be funded using about $970,000 in state opioid settlement funds allocated to the Health Care Authority during the 2023-2025 budget cycle.

Related: How WAs counties are spending millions in opioid settlement dollars

The goal of ScalaNW is to really be a centralized and statewide resource, instead of each county or each hospital having to put together the staff and the funding and the resources to develop a program like this at their site, Wolkin said.

Research suggests less than 9% of overdose-related emergency room visits result in a prescription for opioid-use disorder, despite the fact that an analysis of King Countys emergency rooms found that patients are much more likely to die of a subsequent overdose within 30 days after being treated for one in the hospital.

The reluctance comes from a history of strict federal regulations on opioid-use treatment medications, said Dr. Chris Buresh, an emergency room doctor at Seattle Childrens and associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Washington. Prescribing buprenorphine used to require additional training, and methadone is still highly regulated.

It just made the medicine seem somehow like its more dangerous, Buresh said. Theres no other medication out there like that. I can prescribe medications that are lethal without any additional training.

Both medications  particularly buprenorphine  are super safe for adults, Buresh said, adding that almost nothing is more dangerous than allowing someone to continue to use fentanyl.

People who use drugs are just like you and me and everybody else. Theyre people, and they deserve the very best care that we can provide, Buresh said. Thats what these medicines are. And thats what this website does.

Editors note: This story was updated to remove an incorrect statistic cited by Wolkin.

The post WA health officials turn to emergency rooms in fight against opioid epidemic appeared first on Washington State Standard.
Wake County public schools will get more money in local funding, and many homeowners can expect higher property tax bills after this years property revaluation.

Wake County leaders are increasing the property tax rate in the county managers recommended budget to provide $58.3 million in additional local funding to the Wake County Public School System.

But that falls short of the $63.2 million in additional funding that school leaders said they needed.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the budget unanimously Monday evening. Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson was excused and absent from the meeting.

This budget debate felt more painstaking that previous debates in recent years, said Wake County Vice Chair Susan Evans.

Fast budget facts

The $2.1 billion budget is a 10.7% increase over the current years budget.

The approved property tax rate is 51.35 cents per $100 of assessed property value, or 0.3 cents over the county managers proposal. Thats higher than the rate Wake County would have needed to set at 46.36 cents per $100 to maintain the same level of revenue.

The current rate is 65.7 cents per $100.

The new budget is effective July 1.

WCPSS funding

The Wake County Public School System will get 58.3 million in local funding, or a 9% increase, over the current budget.

The school boards request would fund 4% raises, institute a $17.75-per hour minimum wage for non-certified staff and a $20-per hour minimum wage for bus drivers.

Several WCPSS teachers and employees rallied during the countys budget public hearings, calling on the elected leaders to fully fund the school boards request.

School employees should be paid livable, comparable wages to those of county workers, said Christina Spears, president of the Wake chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

Many placed blame on the North Carolina General Assembly for not providing enough funding for local schools, but asked local leaders to make up the difference.

We understand that the state has failed to fulfill its constitutional obligation to fully fund the public educational system instead choosing to invest in private school vouchers with little-to-no-income limit nor oversight and in charter schools with limited oversight, said Teresa Jones, president of the Wake PTA Council. But the Wake County Commission is uniquely positioned to ensure that all children within its borders do not suffer from the legislatures failure to invest in them.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
All clear given after man with backpack triggers bomb threat at Walmart in Sacramento County

A Walmart Supercenter in north Sacramento County was briefly evacuated Monday morning due to a bomb threat, according to the Sheriffs Office.

The store at 7901 Watt Avenue and Elverta Road in Antelope has since been given an all clear by deputies, and the backpack used in the threat was rendered safe.

According to Sacramento County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a man walked into the Walmart and told workers he had a bomb in his backpack. Leaving the backpack behind, the man left the store and caught a bus to get away.

Gandhi said deputies located the bus, stopped it and detained the man for questioning.

Just before 9 a.m., a Sheriffs Office explosive ordnance disposal team rendered the backpack safe, but no other details about the incident were immediately available.

It was not clear how many people were in the store at the time of the evacuation. The shopping center anchored by the Walmart includes several small businesses, a Jack in the Box, OReilly Auto Parts and veterinary hospital.

Traffic in the area was expected to be congested for about an hour after deputies had shut down Watt Avenue at U Street for safety during their response.

Walmart at 7901 Watt Avenue has been evacuated due to a bomb threat. Suspect is detained. Traffic on Watt Avenue stopped near U Street as Deputies work to safely secure the suspects backpack. EOD en route. pic.twitter.com/u02h91R2MA  Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) June 3, 2024
We want justice: Families protest deaths of loved ones who died in Ohio jail

Selena Copeland Daughtry, flew in from Florida to protest the treatment and death of her niece Maggie Copeland. Family members whose loved ones have died while in custody, protest outside the Richland County Jail in Mansfield.

The families of Zach Marshall, Maggie Copeland and Candice Crose share an unwanted bond: their loved ones died in custody of the Richland County Jail.

About 20 people  friends and family members of those who died  gathered Monday at a Mansfield city park outside the jail to demand changes.

"We want justice," said Sherry Stone, mother of Marshall. She called on Gov. Mike DeWine to take action to improve jail employee training and inmate medical care across Ohio.

"The governor needs to take us seriously. Every day I wake up and the pain is so hard. I wouldn't wish this on anybody," she said. "Zach was such a big part of my life."

Marshall, 35, died in December 2021 after being held in the jail.

In May 2022, Copeland, 29, died of dehydration after several days in the jail. Employees shaved her head the night before she died.

Her aunt, Selena Copeland Daughtry, of Florida, yelled at cars passing by the protest and hoisted signs demanding accountability. "If somebody gets arrested, God knows if they'll come out alive," she shouted from the sidewalk.

Between 2020 and 2023, at least 219 people died in custody of Ohio's 89 full-service jails, including four in Richland County, according to the state Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.

In the past two months, two more people died in Richland County Jail. Sheila Lambert's daughter, Candice Crose, 32, died April 14 of a fentanyl overdose inside the jail.

Lambert, wearing a necklace containing her daughter's ashes, said "I want them to do their job and quit killing people. They weren't there on a death sentence."

She added "They didn't even come to my house and tell me. They told me over the phone, like she was a stray cat."

Rebecca Westfield, 54, is the most recent incarcerated person to die in Richland County Jail custody. She died May 7.

The Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and USA TODAY Network Ohio investigated what happened to these people by conducting dozens of interviews and poring over hundreds of public records.

The leading causes of death for people in Ohio county jails are suicide, drug-related deaths and natural causes, though those cases can include medical neglect.

On any given night, about 16,000 people are locked up in Ohio's 89 full-service jails. The majority of them suffer from mental illness or drug addiction or both. That means sheriffs are running jails that double as mental health and addiction treatment centers.

In many instances, the sheriffs and jail administrators are failing to protect those in their custody. Serious medical conditions and injuries went unnoticed or untreated. Life-saving medications and equipment were withheld. Suicidal ideation was missed. Drugs got smuggled inside, leading to overdoses.

Following the year-long investigation, advocates called for a state investigation into deaths inside the Montgomery County Jail in Dayton.

Selena Copeland Daughtry, right, hugs Sherry Stone, left, both had family members who died while in custody of the Richland County Jail in Mansfield.

Isaiah Trammell, a 19-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, died following 10 hours in custody of the Montgomery County Jail. Officers taunted and threatened Trammell, placed him in a concrete cell by himself and strapped him into a restraint chair two separate times while he begged for his medications and to call his family.

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: Families gather at Ohio jail to remember those who died in custody
Palm Beach County commissioners put shovels into the ground Thursday, May 30 to launch The Park at Delray, a $121 million warehouse project to be built on what once was a nursery in the Agricultural Reserve off State Road 7 west of Delray Beach.

"This is a game changer," said County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, praising BBX Logistics Properties for developing a project that meets a need in the region's economy. He also praised the builder for a design that minimizes negative impacts on the surrounding area.

BBX, based in Fort Lauderdale, has already cleared nearly 40 acres in preparation for three large warehouse buildings, each about 200,000 square feet. Also planned are nearly 700 parking spaces. The initial building will front State Road 7, from which access to the project will be. A bridge will be built over a Lake Worth Drainage District canal to make that happen.

Units are expected to be rented to pharmaceutical and medical companies for them to store their products. Other clients could include air-conditioning firms.

"We are talking about businesses that already service the growing area of the western end of the county," said Mark Levy, president of BBX Logistics Properties.

He said several businesses have already expressed an interest in leasing at The Park at Delray. The first building is expected to be completed in about a year. The entire project is expected to take about three years to complete.

Ag reserve plans: Landholder wants to build 856 residences on preserved area; critics say it sets precedent

Creation of 'commerce' category in Ag Reserve made warehouse project possible

It was one of the first approved under the new "commerce" category in the Ag Reserve, a 22,000-acre area west of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. It allows for much larger commercial projects if they are built near the major east-west highways of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. The Park at Delray is just north of Atlantic Avenue on State Road 7.

BBX paid $25 million to buy the tract from the Mulvehill family, a legacy farming family that had been trying for years to sell the property.

"This was a difficult and arduous process, and I assume that other developers were discouraged with the time and effort needed to obtain approval. The creation of the commerce category helped to make this work. We saw value in building warehouses here," said Levy, who thanked commissioners at the groundbreaking for making the change.

The warehouses can accommodate tenants seeking spaces as small as 25,000 square feet or a tenant could lease an entire 200,000 square-foot building, Levy said. The project received a $31.3 million construction loan from City National Bank.

Warehouse space shortage in Palm Beach County helped win support for project

The Mulvehill family sold 40 acres of its nursery, seen here in June 2023, to BBX Logistics for a warehouse complex along State Road 7 near Atlantic Avenue west of Delray Beach.

Levy noted that The Park at Delray will include a 12-acre preserve area and ecologically enhanced landscaping to minimize impacts on surrounding areas. The buildings also will be oriented so they will not be visible outside the property. Sound experts also will work to ensure there will be no noise impacts, Levy added.

BBX had to overcome the opposition of county planners who urged that the project not be approved, arguing that it would be an isolated industrial use inconsistent with the other developments along State Road 7. Some nearby property owners said the project would create hardships for them.

But the commission voted 6-1 this year to approve the project, concluding the warehouse project would help to meet a need for storage space for area businesses. BBX, arguing in support of the project, said there is little, if any, warehouse space available in Palm Beach County, forcing companies to rent space as far away as Orlando. He called the State Road 7 site ideal since it is within a few miles of Florida's Turnpike.

The county also has endorsed plans for a warehouse park off the Beeline Highway west of Jupiter at the site of the former Palm Beach International Raceway.

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Warehouse project on ag land west of Delray Beach called 'game changer'
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the partnership between treaty tribes and our state co-managers to establish salmon fisheries.

Each spring since 1984 weve held a series of meetings known as the North of Falcon process, named for the cape on the Oregon coast that marks the southern boundary of the management area for Washington salmon stocks, which extends to the Canadian border.

Fifteen years ago, then-NWIFC Vice Chair Lorraine Loomis said it well: It seems like it would get easier after 25 years, but it gets harder. Lorraine walked on in 2021 after decades of coordinating tribal participation in North of Falcon.

We have difficult discussions every year because were dividing up a dwindling resource. This year we had to work around limiting numbers of Quillayute coho, Nooksack spring chinook, Stillaguamish chinook, Snohomish chinook and Skagit summer/fall chinook.

We know harvest management alone cant recover salmon. The problem is that human development is continuing to destroy spawning and rearing habitat, and climate change is compounding this impact, leading to increasingly warmer oceans and natal streams that threaten salmon populations. In watersheds where habitat has degraded to the point it can no longer support salmon spawning, treaty tribes have been leaders in operating hatchery programs to sustain those runs.

For the past 40 years, fisheries in Washington have been managed using a conservation-first approach. Tribal, state and federal harvest managers work together, along with our Canadian counterparts through the Pacific Salmon Commission, to plan sustainable fisheries in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act.

Sustainability has become a buzzword in the environmental community, where it isnt always well understood. When overfishing is blamed for declining runs elsewhere in the world, some people jump to the conclusion that all fishing is unsustainable, especially knowing many of our salmon stocks are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Tribes have thousands of years of experience fishing sustainably. Its in our best interest to make sure enough salmon make it to the spawning grounds  and hatcheries  so the next seven generations have salmon to harvest. Weve always harvested only as much as we need, and as much as the salmon populations can support. Our job as stewards is to ensure that our actions today dont take salmon away from future generations.

Its discouraging when the word sustainable is used as a weapon to harm tribal fishing economies. In Washington, no one type of fishing gear is more sustainable than another; it is not more sustainable to harvest the same fish from a different location; and no one type of seafood on a menu is more sustainable than another. When seafood is harvested by treaty tribes  it meets the definition of sustainable.

When we set salmon fisheries, our goal always is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the salmon resource while maximizing harvest opportunities for everyone. Our fisheries target healthy stocks while protecting weak wild runs.

Tribal and state co-managers use Western science and traditional knowledge to tell us how many fish need to return to the spawning grounds to sustain their populations. We set fisheries to ensure we meet this goal, known as escapement, while factoring in the ordeals adult salmon must navigate on their way home.

Unfortunately, for decades treaty tribal fishing has been bearing the brunt of conservation efforts, while those who destroy and degrade habitat are not held to the same standard. Hatchery programs support cooperative co-management, but salmon recovery is a losing battle unless we put the same energy into habitat protection and restoration.

Ed Johnstone is chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission based in Olympia.
The Washington Posts executive editor Sally Buzbee has resigned, according to a press release issued by the newspaper.

The move is a sudden and unexpected leadership change at one of the countrys largest newspapersone that just last month won three Pulitzer Prizes for national reporting, editorial writing and commentary.

Sally is an incredible leader and a supremely talented media executive who will be sorely missed, Will Lewis, the CEO and publisher of the Post, said. I wish her all the best going forward.

Buzbee will be replaced by Matt Murray, the former editor-in-chief at The Wall Street Journal, who will serve in the role until the 2024 election has concluded, the newspaper said in its announcement. Following the election, Robert Winnett, who is currently deputy editor of The Telegraph Media Group, will take over as editor of the Post.

Its unclear what led to Buzbees decision.

She was hired in 2021 to replace Marty Baron, who served for nearly a decade in the position. Prior to her time in Washington, Buzbee was the top editor at the Associated Press.

In addition to its leadership change, the Post also announced that it plans to add a newsroom division for service and social media journalism dedicated to better serving audiences who want to consume and pay for news differently from traditional offerings.

The unit will focus more on video storytelling, embracing AI to help, and flexible payment methods, the paper wrote, while predicting that it will be operational by the third quarter of 2024.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Joe Kent  the far-right Republican congressional candidate who lost his race in a shocking upset two years ago  has some thoughts about abortion. Kent thinks that years from now we, as a society, will look back on the current debate over access to reproductive care in this country in horror and disbelief.

And its hard to argue with that when there are women in Texas who, instead of being provided routine care, have been forced to give birth to stillborn children; when the state of Idaho is fighting for the right to deny health-preserving medical care to pregnant women; when lawmakers in South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas are floating the possibility of the death penalty for people who seek abortions.

None of that, however, is what Kent meant. I am totally against abortion. I think its a stain on our humanity that its legal right now, Kent told 21 Studios podcast, in an interview on the floor at CPAC in 2021.

From there, he went on to compare legal abortion to American slavery: I remember learning about slavery and learning about segregation and being amazed that there was a time in my parents life, who arent that much older, that segregation was a very real thing. I was like, Man, thats crazy that that happened in their lifetime. And then looking back two lifetimes from that, we had slavery. And Im like, Man, thats insane  that my grandparents, their great grandparents, they grew up then. I think theres going to be a time in our lives when were in our 60s or 70s where our kids come up to us, and theyre gonna be like, So, it was OK with everybody that you could just go kill babies? I think that thats coming very soon. I think abortion is absolutely evil in the way that its gone on.

During his last campaign for Congress, Kent made the slavery analogy more than once. In 2022, his opponent, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, shared a screenshot in which a high school student DMed her to say that Kent had made a similar argument when visiting their school. The student wrote: Joe Kent came to my high school and a student was curious and asked him about his thoughts on reproductive rights. He then compared it to slavery and segregation. My peers and I were wondering what the correlation was and how such heinous acts could be compared with rights for women. He told this to a room full of high school students and essentially sent the message [was] that we (girls and women), should not have rights to our own bodies.

As he began campaigning for election earlier this year, Kent sought to soften his position on abortion, posting on X, Post Dobbs decision [abortion is] a state issue, adding that he no longer supports a federal ban on abortion. Kents campaign manager, Flo Rossmiller, reiterated that stance in response to an email to Rolling Stone. The Supreme Court has ruled that this is a state issue, and Joe Kent supports keeping it that way, Rossmiller wrote.

Its worth noting that there are legal scholars who see a connection between state restrictions on womens bodily autonomy and slavery of the past. Michele Goodwin, a Georgetown University law professor and author of the book Policing the Womb, has written, When states coerce and force women, girls and people with the capacity for pregnancy to remain pregnant against their will, they create human chattel and incubators of them. By doing so, state lawmakers force their bodies into the service of state interests.

Speaking recently to Rolling Stone, Goodwin noted that the most onerous abortion restrictions in this country exist in states that fought to preserve slavery. Some would say, Well, OK, how is that relevant? Slavery itself was explicitly about denying personal autonomy, denying the humanity of Black people, Goodwin said. Now, clearly, these laws affect women of all ethnicities. But the point is: If youre in a constitutional democracy and you found a way to avoid recognizing the constitutional humanity of a particular group of people, its something thats not lost in the muscle memory of those who legislate and of the courts in that state.

In those states, Goodwin continued, there was never an internal reckoning around that denial of rights for black people and women; instead, federal interventions  the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and Roe v. Wade  forced those states to change their practices, at least temporarily.

Meanwhile, in Washington state  where Joe Kent is running for Congress  abortion is easily accessible up to the point of viability, the former federal limit for abortion. (The race is currently rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.) In the past, Kent has said hed like to see that change, declaring his support for banning abortion in Washington in addition to support for a federal ban on abortion.

His recently softened position is more aligned with public opinion in Washington: 63 percent of voters opposed the Dobbs decision ending a federal right to abortion, and just 26 percent supported it, according to a poll released shortly after the ruling. But its hard to say Kent would put much stock in polls on this issue, though.

As he told an interviewer in 2022, Until we come up with the technology to poll the unborn to see if they want the chance to live or not theres no consent there  This idea that we can just take the kids life and thats the womans choice? That just doesnt make any sense.

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Lauren Miller was pregnant with twins when she landed in the emergency room after 36 straight hours of vomiting. An ultrasound would reveal that one of her expected twins had fluid where the brain should be developing.

"After speaking with multiple doctors and genetic counselors, we kept arriving at the same point: our son would die," Miller recalled during a press call organized by the Democratic Party on Monday. She could die too too, her doctors said, which would in turn kill the viable fetus and leave her toddler at home without a mother.

The course of treatment was obvious: Miller needed an abortion. Before the summer of 2022, that wouldn't have been much of a problem, even in her home state of Texas, as there was a federally recognized constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. After the Supreme Court's conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade, however, more than a dozen states imposed strict bans on the procedure. And while Texas, like other states, has exceptions to protect the life of a mother, in practice there is a concern that recommending one could result in a medical professional being liable for what the state GOP argues is an act of murder.

"As my medical providers tried to counsel me on my options," Miller said, "they would just stop mid-sentence, looking for the right words. It was like they were afraid that they would be arrested just for saying the word 'abortion' out loud."

One specialist, Miller recalled, was visibly upset, tearing off his gloves and angrily tossing them in the trash. "I can't help you anymore," he said. "You need to leave the state."

Miller was finally able to terminate the pregnancy when she heeded the specialist's advice and left the Lone Star state.

"I was at risk of organ damage to my kidneys and brain, but I wasn't dead enough for an abortion in Texas, " Miller said.

Texas Republicans imposed a near-total ban on abortion following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, a move that has been followed by complaints, from pregnant people and their doctors, that the prohibition is unclear on when a pregnancy can be terminated to protect a life.

Last week, the state's all-Republican Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge from women who said their lives were endangered as a result of complicated pregnancies that their doctors were hesitant to properly treat; the court said abortions could go ahead based on the "good faith judgment" of a medical professional that an individual would be "unlikely to survive."

But what if a doctor performs an abortion that a court later decides wasn't absolutely necessary? Under current state law, that could mean a sentence of life in prison. Some Republicans want to go even further than that.

As writer Jessica Valenti noted, the Texas Republican Party has adopted a plank that effectively calls for people who perform or obtain abortions to be prosecuted and potentially sentenced to death. The party's platform urges lawmakers "to enact legislation to abolish abortion by immediately securing the right to life and equal protection of the laws to all preborn children from the moment of fertilization." That language was first added in 2022, Valenti reported, "after a lobbying effort by Abolish Abortion Texas," a group that refers to "preborn babies" as being "murdered," the punishment for which includes capital punishment.

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"The fact that this platform could even be brought up for a vote is disturbing," Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, told reporters on Monday. "But it should remind us how extreme and out of touch Donald Trump's MAGA Republican Party has become. If we allow Trump to get to the White House, he will subject all women across this country to his agenda of revenge and retribution."

While boasting of his responsibility for state abortion bans, Trump, who appointed three of the six justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and previously endorsed punishing doctors who perform abortions and patients who receive them, has waffled on just how far he would go if he wins in November. Last month, the presumptive Republican nominee told an interviewer he was "looking at" allowing state bans on birth control, only to walk back the statement after criticism.

Miller, who ultimately received a single fetal abortion and give birth to a healthy son, said she's not confused about the former president's positions when it comes to women and reproductive rights. Trump won't make America great, she said, but he will make it more like Texas, subjecting millions more Americans to the sort of abortion restrictions that now cover a third of the U.S. population.

Should he win in November, according to Miller, "he will make this nightmare a reality nationwide."
Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani (L) and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib attend a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Monday called for convening an emergency ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take collective steps against the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

"Islamic countries must adopt a joint movement to confront the Israeli aggression and protect Palestinian people," he said following a meeting in Beirut with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

This marks the first diplomatic visit by Bagheri Kani after his predecessor died in a helicopter crash last month.

Bagheri Kani said the close relationship between Iran and Lebanon is a significant indicator of regional stability.

"Iran has always been a supporter of Lebanon's stability, safety, security, and progress and has spared no effort to promote the well-being of the Lebanese people," he said.

For his part, Bou Habib said the two sides reached a consensus about "the danger of the continued war in Gaza, which undermines the chances of a just and comprehensive peace in the region."

The two sides also discussed Gaza ceasefire proposals, Israel's withdrawal from the strip, and the exchange of detainees between Hamas and Israel, Bou Habib added.

The Lebanese minister noted that his country has been seeking to avoid a wider war and looking for "sustainable solutions that restore calm and stability to southern Lebanon."

During his visit, Bagheri Kani also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and House Speaker Nabih Berri. 

Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani meets with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut, Lebanon, June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
WATCH: Coast Guard rescues family after boat sinks off Floridas coast

A family is back on land after being rescued from Floridas southwest coast.

The Coast Guard shared a video of Saturdays rescue near Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island.

It says the groups 28-foot boat overturned and started sinking.

Read: Troopers arrest man accused of DUI crash that injured 1-year-old, 2 others

Rescuers said the boaters used strobe lights to signal they were in trouble.

When they got there, they were all wearing life jackets and holding onto coolers.

Read: Deputies: 16-year-old accused of killing teen, injuring adult in stabbing in Sumter County

They were flown to a nearby airport for treatment.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Florida angler Jack Appleton has caught and tagged plenty of sharks  many of them from shore. Running a local land-based shark fishing charter, hes tangled with bull sharks, tiger sharks, and most other species that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. But Appleton says his coolest shark to date is a rare piebald lemon shark that he caught over the weekend. Appleton shared an Instagram video of the oddly colored lemon shark, which he described as incredibly rare, on Saturday. The shark is mostly white with dark peppering on its body and black fin tips. Accidentally came across this beauty while fishing for some bulls, Appleton wrote in the post, referring to bull sharks. He said in a comment that he caught it off Captiva Island, and the video clip shows him landing the lemon shark on a dock. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jack (@huntingforjaws) After lassoing the shark and dragging it onto the dock, Appleton saw that the shark had been tagged  which means he wasnt the first person to catch it. These tags help researchers track sharks as they grow and travel the oceans, and Appleton helped fill in those gaps by taking measurements of the piebald lemon shark and sending them to NOAA, along with the specific location where the shark was caught. He then carefully unhooked the shark and released it back into the Gulf. (This was in accordance with state regulations, as lemon sharks are protected in Florida and must be released without delay when fishing from shore.) Read Next: Video: 13-Foot Great White Shark Caught from Pensacola Beach Several commenters have noted how uncommon it is to see a shark with piebaldism. The genetic condition is characterized by a lack of melanin, which causes pigmentation and gives animals their natural coloring. Its seen throughout the animal kingdom, from horses and dogs to black bears and deer. And while its rare in wild populations, hunters see (and sometimes harvest) piebald whitetails every fall. Sharks are a different story, however. According to Rob Chapman, a fishing influencer who re-shared Appletons video, theres only been two previously recorded versions of a piebald shark EVER. Appleton carefully removes the hook before releasing the piebald lemon shark. Photo via Instagram In March 2022, a group of scuba divers came across a piebald nurse shark in Honduras. This marked the first documented observation of piebaldism in that particular shark species, according to a study published later that year in the Journal of Fish Biology. While its impossible to verify, another one of the two previously recorded instances that Chapman mentions could have been the same piebald lemon shark that Appleton caught. Commenting on Chapmans post, Instagram user Michael Sipos claimed to have caught a similar looking piebald lemon shark off Captiva Island in 2022. He didnt mention whether he tagged the shark before releasing it, and neither Appleton nor Sipos responded immediately to requests for comment. Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Great White Shark Attacks Either way, Appleton said he was grateful to see such a rare fish and add to the small pool of research around piebald sharks. Theres a lot of crazy creatures in the ocean, Appleton wrote. You spend enough time with bait in the water something cool is bound to happen.

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How to watch the US presidential debates  and why they are pivotal

President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump are gearing up to face each other in the first televised debate of the election year.

This marks the first of two agreed-upon debates in which the candidates will go head-to-head in a moderated discussion on national television.

When to watch the debate

CNN will host the first debate on June 27 at 9 pm ET (1amGMT). It is expected that ABC will host the second debate in September.

This debate is unusually early in the year, before either candidate becomes the official nominee of his respective party.

It will air two weeks before Trump is sentenced for his New York conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

It also comes at the end of the Supreme Courts term which will include a ruling on whether Trump is immune from federal prosecution for his role in the Capitol insurrection of January 6 2021.

Where to watch the debate

The event will air live on CNN and will be streamed to CNN International, CNN Max and http://CNN.com .

It can be watched through any subscription service carrying CNN such as DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Sling TV, Spectrum TV, Youtube TV and Hulu with Live TV.

Where is it being held?

The first debate will be held at CNNs studios at Atlanta in the swing state of Georgia.

There will be no live audience at Junes debate, which will be moderated by CNNs chief political correspondent Dana Bash and lead Washington anchor Jake Tapper.

The lack of audience is a break with tradition which was specifically requested by Mr Bidens team.

Mr Trump said that Biden was supposedly afraid of crowds and said he would prefer a live audience as its just more exciting.

The candidates microphones will be deactivated when it is the others turn to speak, another request from the Biden team. This follows the first 2020 forum where the conversation was dogged by the candidates interruptions and cutting-across.

Who will be attending?

So far, the only confirmed attendees are Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

Independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has accused the two major candidates of excluding him because they are afraid I would win.

CNNs rules require participants to appear on enough state ballots to gain the minimum 270 electoral votes required to win a US presidential election, and to gain a minimum of 15% support in four separate recognised polls.

On May 11, CNN reported that Kennedy polled at 16% in a CNN/SSRS poll. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in six states and has enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in eight more, but this still only brings him to 185 electoral votes.

What issues will the candidates be quizzed on?

The exact issues to be debated are unclear. But it is likely that the economy, wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East will see significant airtime, alongside the respective records in office of the two men.

Trump is likely to zero-in on the message that Biden is weak and unfit for office, whilst Bidens campaign team will likely focus on what they term Trumps dangerous campaign promises and unhinged rhetoric.

Analysis: Why the debates could be pivotal

They are always key moments in the political calendar, but this years presidential debates could be critical in an election between two men who are almost neck and neck in the polls.

Both Mr Biden and Trump will see their first face-off in four years as an opportunity to get the better of their political rival.

Trump and his team will be hoping Mr Biden makes at least one of his trademark gaffes to further exacerbate concerns about the octogenarians age and mental acuity.

Worries about the 81-year-olds age have plagued the Biden campaign since Special Counsel Robert Hur released a damning report earlier this year billing the US president as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

Mr Bidens public appearances and interviews are often carefully controlled by his team and any shortcomings at the debate will be seized upon by the Republican machine.

Meanwhile, Mr Bidens team believes Trumps often-incendiary rhetoric, coupled with his New York criminal conviction, will remind the public why they voted him out of the White House.

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Editors note: The above video shows KXAN News top morning headlines from Monday, June 3, 2024.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Two people were arrested after officials executed a drug operation at an apartment complex for older adults in Taylor earlier this week, the Williamson County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

On Thursday, officials responded to an apartment complex on 3700 N Main St. in Taylor, according to WCSO. Denise Pippin, 60, and Lesley Nettles, 66, were found with approximately 7.36 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, scales, baggies and cellphones, according to a release.

Pippin and Nettles were charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance weighing between 200 and 400 grams, according to WCSO.

Denise Pippin and Lesley Nettles (Williamson County Sheriffs Office Photo)

KXAN has reached out to attorneys for Pippin and Nettles. We will update this story when we hear back.

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.
Appearing on Meet the Press on Sunday, Republican Senator and Trump V.P.-hopeful Tom Cotton intently avoided answering whether hed support the verdict if Trump loses the appeal in his hush-money trialand weaseled away from his stance on other topics that went against Trumps position too.

Republicans are attacking the judge, the jury, the legal system here instead of letting the process play out, Meet the Press anchor Peter Alexander asked. If Donald Trump wins on appeal, is that valid?

Cotton quickly answered the softball question, responding, I think theres no question Donald Trump should win on appeal. On follow-up, Cotton was asked if he would find the verdict valid if Trump loses on appeal. Cotton blew off the question entirely, instead opting to speak straight through it to falsely assert, Hes an innocent man who did nothing wrong.

This judge, again, violated New York rules by giving money to Joe Biden in 2020, specifically to stop Donald Trump, Cotton continued. I hope that the Court of Appeals in New York actually applies the law in an even-handed way as opposed to do what this judge did, what Joe Bidens Department of Justice has done, which is bending the rules in return solely to stop Donald Trump. The only thing Donald Trump is guilty of is being a threat to Joe Bidens reelection.

Tom Cotton on Meet the Press: "I do believe the jury got it wrong."



"If he loses on appeal, would that be valid?" host Peter Alexander follows up. (Cotton ignores the question.) pic.twitter.com/zfOo3pfOWc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 2, 2024

Alexander noted to Cotton that Joe Bidens Department of Justice is in the midst of prosecuting Robert Menendez, Henry Cuellar, and Hunter Biden. Alexander also noted to Cotton that the case against Trump began in 2018well before Biden was the presidential nominee, and before hed ever announced he was running for president.

In the same interview, Cotton revealed he would do Trumps bidding elsewhere, adding a condition to whether he would accept the 2024 election results. Cotton was further grilled on his previous statements about the January 6 Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Notably, Trump has promised to pardon everyone convicted for the Capitol riotincluding those who assaulted policewhile Cotton has only gone so far as to call for pardoning people who did not assault anyone or vandalize anything. Cotton was also asked if hed condemn extreme threats made against jurors, the judge, and prosecution in Trumps hush-money trial that MSNBC pulled from Trumps social media platform, Truth Social. Cotton initially dodged by deriding the comments as coming from an obscure platform and insinuating they must have come from some obscure account before admitting I will always say that violence has no place in our politics.
A Cincinnati bridal shop is closing its doors after more than half a century.

Wendy's Bridal, which first found a home at Northgate Mall in 1973, is closing its current location in the Reading Bridal District after 51 years of business. Its last day open is July 31.

"We appreciate all the people in the (Reading) Bridal District," co-founder Norman Wasserman, 89, said. "It's a nice experience to be able to be associated with such quality people."

Wendy's Bridal is closing its current location in the Reading Bridal District after 51 years of business.

Wasserman opened Wendy's Bridal alongside his wife, Wendy Wasserman, 82, when they decided to settle in Cincinnati to raise their family. They're going on 61 years of marriage.

At the height of the shop's success, there were 11 Wendy's Bridal locations, including stores in Detroit, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Dayton and Columbus. The Cincinnati location has been in Reading at 301 W. Benson St. for the past 20 years, Norman Wasserman said.

The last standing Wendy's Bridal in Columbus was sold to store managers and will operate under the same name. The Wassermans decided not to sell the Reading location to new owners to prevent the Wendy's Bridal name from being associated with something they're not involved in.

Bride Katy Pat wears a Stella York gown from Wendys Bridal.

Norman Wasserman also said the couple didn't decide to close the store due to poor business, but because they're ready to retire.

"You can't picture us in our 80s going down to the store every day," he said.

All orders placed will be fulfilled ahead of the closing date. In-store sample gowns are being sold at 50% off or more. The store is no longer accepting new dress orders, per Wasserman.

Despite the closing, the Wendys Bridal Show is still happening in January 2025 at the Sharonville Convention Center.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Wendy's Bridal to close shop after 51 years in Cincinnati
The potentially deadly West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected recently in east Modesto, health officials said.

The infected mosquitoes were found near Lakewood Avenue and Scenic Drive, according to a news release Friday by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency. The East Side Mosquito Abatement District trapped the mosquitoes May 22 and testing revealed they were carrying the virus.

It was the first sample testing positive for West Nile this year in Stanislaus County and the northern San Joaquin Valley, the news release said.

The countys two districts that conduct surveillance and mosquito control  East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement District  urged the public to take precautions against mosquito bites. The detection in east Modesto indicates that West Nile has emerged and may be a threat to health anywhere in the county.

The West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. About 20% of infected people come down with a fever and other symptoms lasting for weeks. Fewer than 1% suffer severe neurological illness, which may cause long-term disability or death.

As of Friday, the virus had been detected in mosquito samples or dead birds in the Bay Area, Stanislaus, Fresno and Southern California.

The East Side and Turlock mosquito abatement districts urged residents to report standing water and other mosquito problems.

Rainstorms in the past winter and early spring have created concerns about West Nile spreading as the weather warms up. The relatively mild temperatures in May kept mosquito activity just below normal, but thats about to change.

County residents can help by dumping water from pots, buckets, kiddie pools, planters and tarps. The districts want to hear about neglected swimming pools in neighborhoods and standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Other precautions include tight-fitting doors and window screens, and using insect repellent when outdoors. West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are most active near dawn or evening hours.

Call the East Side Mosquito Abatement District, at 209-522-4098, to report mosquito problems north of the Tuolumne River. Otherwise, report problems by calling Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at 209-634-1234.
Jurors at the inquest of 35-year-old law graduate Zara Aleena will be asked if police could have done more to stop her killer.

The family of trainee solicitor Zara Aleena hope her murder will be a 'catalyst for reshaping how society safeguards women'. (Alamy)

The inquest into the death of 35-year-old Zara Aleena continues today, with jurors asked to consider whether police could have done more to stop her killer.

Aleena, a law graduate was walking home after a night out in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of 26 June 2022 when she was murdered by Jordan McSweeney.

She was just 10 minutes away from home when she was attacked on Cranbrook Road. According to her family, knew the area well and felt "safe" there.

McSweeney had 28 previous convictions for 69 crimes dating back to 2006, according to court documents, and had only been out of prison on licence for nine days when he targeted Aleena.

Aleena was later found struggling to breathe on someone's driveway, was taken to Royal London Hospital and later died of her injuries. A post-mortem examination gave Aleena's cause of death as blunt force trauma injury and neck compression.

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Family members of Aleena described her as a joy to all of us. In a tribute message, they said: "Caring for others came so naturally to her. Zara was friendly, she was everybodys friend.

"She was everybodys daughter, everybodys niece, everybodys sister, everybodys cousin. She was pure of heart. She was a joy to all of us, her sparkling eyes and the curly, jet-black hair. Her glorious laughter and her sweet, smiling voice. Her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy.

Watch: Zara Aleena's aunt: Probation have blood on their hands

"She was authentic and refused to try and impress anyone but she impressed us. She was the rock of our family. Zara was stoic and held it all together and never complained. She glued our community together."

Aleena's family would use their tragedy as a platform to call for an end to violence against women and girls, and would later go on to say how "disheartening" it was that her killer successfully appealed to have his sentence reduced.

McSweeney was initially handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years in December 2022 after admitting Aleena's murder and sexual assault.

Jordan McSweeney later successfully appealed to have his minimum sentence reduced. (Alamy)

He made a bid at the Court of Appeal to have his minimum sentence reduced, and in November, three judges reduced his minimum term to 33 years, describing the original sentence as "manifestly excessive".

Following the decision, the trainee solicitors family branded McSweeney a repugnant man and said the decision sent a disheartening message to women.

In a statement issued afterwards, Aleena's aunt, Farah Naz, said: In the wake of this decision, we choose to relegate this man to obscurity, hoping that society forgets him as a meaningless and despicable individual. Our focus now lies elsewhere.

Zara, a beacon of hope, a symbol of change. Her tragic murder stands as a catalyst for reshaping how society safeguards women. She serves as our guiding light, and we invite each and every one of you to stand with us in preserving her memory, supporting our campaigning efforts, and ensuring that her legacy is not forgotten.

Farah Naz, the aunt of Zara Aleena, during a Million Women Rise march from Oxford Street to Trafalgar Square calling for an end to male violence against women and girls. (Alamy)

Could police have done more to stop Zara Aleena's killer?

Coroner Nadia Persaud said she would empanel a jury for the month-long inquest into Zara Aleena's death.

She said she had "reason to suspect" that the Metropolitan Police "could and should have done more to locate Mr McSweeney prior to his attack", adding that this is a question jurors will be tasked with answering.

The inquest into the death of Zara Aleena will consider the actions of police officers and will also consider the actions of prison and probation staff," Persaud added. These are all agents of the state who play a role in keeping the public safe.

The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 says an inquest must be held with a jury if a senior coroner has reason to suspect the death resulted from an act or omission of a police officer in the execution of their duty.

Ms Persaud said: Acts or omissions of police officers who were tasked with recalling Mr McSweeney falls within the scope of this inquest.

McSweeney was released on licence from prison on June 17 2022 and, after missing successive appointments, the Probation Service recalled him to prison on June 24 2022  but police did not find him at the address he had given.
What's in store for the 2024 Texas Democratic Party Convention in El Paso this week?

Democratic Party leaders and party faithful will be descending on El Paso for the 2024 Texas Democratic Party Convention.

The convention will begin Thursday, June 6, and run through Saturday, June 8, at the El Paso Convention Center.

The party convention is an opportunity for Democrats in various caucuses to elect leadership and set their agenda for the coming session. It also allows Texas Democrats to select their 273 national delegates and 20 alternates to attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The three-day event will feature a variety of high-profile speakers from the state and national level, as well as a bevy of events, caucus meetings and breakout sessions.

Who's coming to Democratic convention 2024?

The convention is a veritable who's-who of Democrats, both from Texas and beyond.

Special guests for the Thursday night kickoff event include former presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords of Arizona, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinjosa and El Paso's own U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and state Sen. Cesar Blanco.

State Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, speaks at UTEPs groundbreaking ceremony of the Texas Western Hall on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The new $100m learning complex will replace the old Liberal Arts building.

A breakfast event slated for Saturday morning will once again feature Escobar along with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston.

Other prominent political figures scheduled to attend the event are U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, who is currently mounting a campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio. David Hogg, a student survivor of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, is also scheduled to attend.

What are key priorities for the party?

Judging by the caucus lineup, as well as the presence of gun control activist Hogg, Texas Democrats will likely be focused on gun control measures.

Thursday trainings at the convention are largely aimed at voter empowerment, voter protection and organizing, though other trainings tackle faith and politics and abortion rights, which will likely be another key focus of the party.

Friday caucus meetings include the Indigenous Peoples Caucus, the Labor Caucus, the Youth Caucus, the Texas Progressive Caucus, the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and many others. For the most part, these groups will be electing new leadership and setting their priorities for the year ahead.

What about President Joe Biden and his reelection efforts in Texas?

Though no official surrogate is slated to be on hand to represent President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, at least two members of his reelection team will be on hand.

Escobar was named a national co-chair of the president's reelection committee in April 2023 and will play a large part in the upcoming convention. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who will also be present for this week's convention, is also a national co-chair of the president's reelection committee.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, speaks during a news conference Friday, April 5, 2024, in Downtown El Paso to announce $19 million in federal funding for 15 different projects across El Paso and the surrounding area.

Co-chairs, in large part, act as representatives for the president's campaign by raising money, talking to voters and crafting voter messaging and strategy.

With a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump only a few months away, it's highly likely that Escobar and Whitmer will ensure Texas Democrats are fired up to hoist the president to four more years in the White House.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Democratic Convention 2024: Guests include Beto O'Rourke, Colin Allred
BISHKEK, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with China and the friendship between the two peoples, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov has said.

Speaking last Friday at an international forum dedicated to the 85th anniversary of Osh State University and the opening ceremony of a center for robotics and artificial intelligence at the university, Japarov thanked China for its long-term support in Kyrgyzstan's socio-economic development, saying that the center will become an important base to train innovation talents in Kyrgyzstan, as well as strengthen Kyrgyz-Chinese practical cooperation and the friendship between both countries.

The event was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen, Minister of Education and Science Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, and representatives of various sectors.

The Chinese ambassador congratulated Osh State University on its 85th anniversary and noted that under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, friendly cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan has embarked on the path of rapid comprehensive development.

Du noted that the Confucius Institute of Osh State University plays an important role in promoting Chinese language teaching in Kyrgyzstan and preserving the centuries-old friendship between China and Kyrgyzstan.

She said that the center has been created with the support of a Chinese company, and will train highly qualified robotics and artificial intelligence talents to jointly contribute to the Belt and Road cooperation. 
The White House signaled Monday that it is opposed to a bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee that funds military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), raising concerns about partisan amendments that target LGBTQ Americans and abortion access.

The White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement that the bill has numerous, partisan policy provisions with devastating consequences for reproductive rights, the LGBTQ community, marriage equality and climate change.

House Republicans are again wasting time with partisan bills that would result in deep cuts to law enforcement, education, housing, health care, consumer safety, energy programs that lower utility bills and combat climate change, and essential nutrition services, White House officials said.

The GOP-led House Appropriations Committee passed the more than $147 billion legislation May 23 to fund the VA and military construction along party lines in a 34-25 vote.

Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) praised the bills passage as a testament to our dedication to caring for those who selflessly served our nation, supporting our military families, and strengthening Americas defense.

The legislation creates yet another clash over culture wars in Defense and government funding bills between Democrats and Republicans, which became a major point of tension last year before many of the partisan amendments were stripped after conference.

Some committees appear to be trying to avoid the same battles as last year. The House Armed Services Committee cleared the annual Defense bill in May without the provision of any serious partisan culture war amendments.

The VA and military construction legislation includes a prohibition on the closure or realignment of Guantanamo Bay, the U.S. naval base in Cuba, which still holds 30 prisoners. President Biden has moved toward closing the facility and has returned home some detainees. The White House said the bill would affect Bidens plans to continue weighing how to free those prisoners.

The White House is also opposed to another provision that would restrict the VA from carrying out a Biden administration rule that allows veterans to have greater access to abortion counseling and abortions in certain circumstances.

Under the rule, the VA is allowed to provide access to abortions for veterans if their life or health is endangered, or if they became pregnant because of rape or incest. But the House bill would make that more restrictive, requiring the danger of death to be present for an abortion, along with allowing an abortion for rape or incest.

This change would prevent VA from providing needed care when the health of the woman is endangered, the White House said.

Other provisions the administration is opposed to include a prohibition of funding from the bill for surgical procedures or hormone therapies for gender affirming care and a ban on flying any other flag at a VA facility except for a government-related flag, and an amendment that would prevent a directive for most VA health care personnel to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.
MACKINAC ISLAND  For years, lawmakers in Michigan have tried and failed to expand the state's Freedom of Information Act to cover the Legislature and the governor's office. But some lawmakers advocating for transparency have said they see an opening this year for action.

The Senate Oversight Committee recently held its first hearing on legislation to expand FOIA. Michigan is one of two states where state lawmakers and the governor don't have to answer public records requests like other state agencies and levels of government, a 2014 Free Press review of state laws found.

At the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference, the Free Press asked the governor and legislative leaders two questions: Why haven't lawmakers voted yet on legislation to expand FOIA to the Legislature and the governor's office? And if lawmakers don't pass that legislation this year, would you see that as a failure?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

"I would like to see it passed," Whitmer said. "But when the Legislature's ready to, you know, have it apply to both branches, I think we'll have something to sign."

Whitmer said Michigan has made strides on transparency, touting Proposal 1 voters approved during the last election to require politicians to disclose certain information about their finances. But she would like action to expand FOIA.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a ceremony for UL Solutions North America Advanced Battery Laboratory at the site location in Auburn Hills on Monday, June 5, 2023. The new facility will provide testing and certification services addressing electric vehicle and industrial battery safety and performance.

"I think we've got an opportunity and a duty to get something done. I also know we're in probably the last four or five weeks of the term for quite awhile and there's a lot to do. So not that I'm saying it can't get done, it could. But you know there's a lot on the list between now and July 1," Whitmer said, noting the deadline for finalizing the budget.

House Speaker Joe Tate

Tate, D-Detroit, said there's a willingness to take action to expand FOIA. But not everyone may be on the same page when it comes to the details just like Proposal 1, which saw lawmakers put forward competing ideas for implementing the new disclosure requirements, he said.

Joe Tate, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the second district talks to the media during the Stellantis press conference and ground breaking at the corner of Kercheval and Beniteau in Detroit for the $1 million green initiative and education pavilion at Stormwater Park on Thursday, June 3, 2021.

Asked if he would consider inaction on transparency measures this year, Tate responded, "You know, I don't think so?"

"No matter what, whether we are able to do something on that, I think the conversation is going to continue," he said. In addition to expanding FOIA, he said, lawmakers could make tweaks to the system they set up to implement the new financial disclosure requirements.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks

"We have been working hard on that this spring," Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said of legislation to expand FOIA to include the Legislature and governor's office. She noted changes to the legislation are in the works. "And I think that we're really, really close on having a product that we can put back out there and see if we can move it and see if we have the votes."

Some lawmakers in the Senate have talked about expanding FOIA for several years, she said. "We'd really like to see forward movement on that." She noted that the timeline is tight because of the budget process but said she wants to see progress before the end of June.

Senate majority leader Winnie Brinks looks on during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.

"I wouldnt call it a failure," Brinks said of the possibility that this year doesn't see movement on transparency measures. "It's an important legislative priority for me. It's an important priority for many in our caucus, so I would like to see movement on it."

Michigan Politics: Whitmer lays out innovation agenda at Mackinac Policy Conference

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt

Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, called Whitmer the obstacle for expanding FOIA, saying she doesn't want it to apply to her office.

"I mean I think it's pretty apparent. But she's pretty good at staying on message. She knows how to read a poll. And she knows like its kind of interesting that you know that I mean she ran on transparency," he said.

Whatever lawmakers may craft this year, he said, any proposal to expand Michigan's public records law should be structured to work no matter which party is in power.

Michigan Sen. Aric Nesbitt. R-Lawton, speaks with the media and supporters of restaurant owner Marlena Pavlos-Hackney during a news conference, Monday, March 22. Nesbitt and other state Republican legislators organized the news conference to address the closure of Pavlos-Hackney's restaurant and her detainment for violating a court order.

Would it be a failure in his eyes if they don't do anything?

"I mean it's something where I've heard the Democrats for the last 14 years parade up and down make plenty of speeches saying that the only reason why it's not passing is because of a Republican Senate or Republicans aren't serious about it. And here you have a Democrat trifecta. Waiting," he said.

Minority Leader Matt Hall

Hall, R-Richland Township, declined a request for an in-person interview during the Mackinac Policy Conference. A spokesperson for Hall did not provide a comment responding to the questions the Free Press put to the Governor and legislative leaders.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at 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: Whitmer, legislative leaders see obstacles, opportunity for FOIA
Check your fridge or produce drawer before you add cucumbers to a salad or enjoy as a snack, because the garden varietal has been recalled across 14 states and was recently linked to a Salmonella outbreak.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 162 people have reported illness and 54 people have been hospitalized with salmonella following a cucumber recall by a Florida producer.

The agency's epidemiologic data and testing showed the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana has been reported in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

"Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to May 16, 2024," the CDC stated in a June 5 update, adding that no deaths have been reported.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. announced with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that it is recalling whole cucumbers due to the potential for them to be contaminated with salmonella.

Details of cucumber recall

"The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria," the recall stated. "The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation."

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17 to 21, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers and food service distributors in 14 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

PHOTO: Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. recalled whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. (FDA)

The company did not say if any illnesses have been linked to the recalled cucumbers.

Fresh Start Produce Sales said in the recall notice with the FDA that it "has notified customers who received the recalled product directly from the company and requested that they remove it from commerce."

"We have also asked our direct customers to notify their customers of this recall. Fresh Start Produce Sales is issuing this press release and keeping the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed of its recall process to ensure that consumers are properly alerted," the company wrote.

Cucumber product information for recalled produce

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.

What to do with recalled cucumbers

Consumers should first check with their local retailer or place of purchase to find out if the recalled cucumbers were in fact sold at the store where they shop.

"Although these cucumbers are unlikely in the marketplace, anyone with the recalled product should not consume it," the company said in the recall notice, adding that consumers with any cucumbers should "destroy and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund."

Consumers with additional questions may contact the company at a toll-free number.

PHOTO: Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. recalled whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. (FDA)

Potential health impacts, symptoms of salmonella

Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days. But some -- especially children younger than 5 and adults 65 years and older, or people with weakened immune systems -- may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization, the CDC states.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on June 3, 2024.

More than 160 sick from recalled cucumbers linked to salmonella outbreak originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Why 30 years of ANC majority rule is over, and what's next for South Africa

Why 30 years of ANC majority rule is over, and what's next for South Africa

Johannesburg  On April 27, 1994, Black and White South Africans voted side by side for a new government for the first time in the country's history. Nelson Mandela's party, the African National Congress (ANC) had defeated apartheid and ushered in a new democratic era.

The ANC swept to power with ease and Mandela became South Africa's first Black president to the delight of a mostly adoring country. Now, 30 years later, the party that brought democracy to South Africa has been defeated by it.

National election results announced over the weekend saw the ANC lose the electoral majority it had won in every round of voting since Mandela came to power on that historic day three decades ago.

Why did the ANC lose its long-held majority?

As they headed to the polls to cast their verdict on the ANC for the seventh time since 1994, South Africans had a lot to complain about.

An African National Congress (ANC) supporter holds a poster of former President Nelson Mandela during the ANC Election Manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, in a Feb. 24, 2024 file photo. / Credit: RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty

A stubbornly high unemployment rate, which officially hit 32.9% last year but in reality is much higher; persistent economic inequalities; rampant corruption and a lack of public service delivery, particularly in poorer areas, all contributed to the dethroning of the ANC.

Then there were the frequent power cuts. Intermittent outages have been a near-constant for well over a year.

There's also a soaring crime rate, with 130 murders and 80 rapes documented every single day in the last quarter of 2023.

Together, all these factors dented confidence in the long-ruling party, and the result was a slap in the face for the ANC, which garnered just 40.2 percent of the votes  well below the more than 50% needed to remain in power.

What comes next for South Africa?

Instead, the ANC has two weeks to negotiate a new power-sharing government with members of other parties. This could take the form of either a coalition with a smaller party, or a government of national unity, which would see multiple parties get roles in a unified cabinet.

The options available could not be more different.

The second largest share of the votes, 21.8%, went to the official opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which has been on the political scene since the dawn of South Africa's democracy and historically was a merger between the former apartheid rulers, the National Party, and liberal Whites who participated in the old apartheid regime but criticized the country's racist policies.

The DA wants to liberalize the national economy, including a move toward greater privatization, but it is dogged by a credibility issue  perceived by many Black South Africans to be a mostly white, middle-class party that doesn't care about the poor.

Then there's the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which exploded onto the political scene at the end of last year. It's made up of former disgruntled ANC members and led by the disgraced former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, who faces multiple corruption charges and was already sent to prison briefly in 2021 for defying a court order to testify at a corruption inquiry.

As a convicted felon, Zuma cannot run for office, but he remains the face of the party and helped MK snatch 14.9% of the vote away from the ANC by appealing to Zulu nationalism.

Like every election since democracy arrived in South Africa, this one has been declared objectively free and fair by observers. But that hasn't stopped Zuma casting doubt on the results, including with public claims of vote-rigging, without providing any evidence.

On Sunday, the former leader issued an ominous warning.

"The results are not correct," he said. "Results should not be declared. If you're declaring, you're provoking us. Don't start trouble."

MK's manifesto is anti-constitutional. It speaks about nationalising the SA Reserve Bank and holding a referendum on scrapping the constitution completely.

The attacks on the election results appear aimed at denting the credibility of the vote and creating uncertainty. But Zuma is also fighting for his survival  desperate to avoid his corruption trial which could very well send him back to jail.

Lagging behind MK was another ANC breakaway party, the Economic Freedom Front (EFF), which argues that the ANC has not redressed the racial economic imbalances of apartheid. It wants to redistribute land to the less well-off and nationalise mines, banks and other key parts of the economy. But it made no gains in this election, instead dropping to 9.5% for a fourth place finish.

An EFF poster is seen outside a polling station in Hopetown, Northern Cape province, South Africa, May 29, 2024. / Credit: Jeremy Suyker/Bloomberg/Getty

The ANC could attempt to form a coalition with either the DA or the EFF and another smaller party, or even with MK, although it's unlikely that Zuma would agree to this unless the ANC boots out its leader, incumbent South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which seems just as unlikely, at least for now.

The unity option  a possible reset for South Africa?

As an alternative, a government of national unity would see a grand multi-party coalition, and possibly provide a reset for South Africa.

Despite this country's multitude of problems and a poor voter turnout compared to previous years, democracy still holds strong in South Africa.

The election was mostly peaceful and South Africans actually sent a clear message by giving no single party a mandate to govern.

Gracious in defeat, Ramaphosa said the people's will was clear, and he accepted the results.

"Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not," said Ramaphosa. "Through their votes they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong, that our democracy is robust and enduring."

Mosotho Moepya (left), chairman of the Election Commission, announces the results of the election and declares them free and fair before handing over to President Cyril Ramaphosa (center) at the National Result Operation Centre (ROC) at Gallagher Estate, June 2, 2024 in Midrand, South Africa. / Credit: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty

He said it seemed clear that South Africans want their leaders, from across the political spectrum, to find common ground and work together.

The cheerful goodwill could evaporate to some degree amid the cut and thrust of coalition-making, but the process has revealed a constitutional democracy that's more robust than the chaos Zuma's party seems to be hoping for.

The next 15 days will be crucial in shaping a government that serves the people of South Africa, and hopefully returns some trust in its political leaders.

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Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on what life is like on Earth?

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question youd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on how life is on Earth? Couldnt there be totally different kinds of life on other planets?  Henry, age 13, Somerville, Massachusetts

Have you ever played hide-and-seek in a new place? Its much harder than playing at home. You only know the obvious hiding spots: under the bed, in the closet, behind the couch. The trick is trying to think of hiding spots you cant even imagine. How do you search in places you never thought could be hiding spots?

That is kind of what scientists like me do when we look for alien life; were trying to think of new ways to look for life. In the meantime, were looking for life by looking for life like us because thats what we can imagine.

Looking nearby

The closest place to look for extraterrestrial life is on planets within our solar system.

NASAs Viking 1 mission began orbiting Earths neighbor Mars back in 1976. Looking for life on Mars was one of the most important scientific questions for the mission. The spacecraft included a lander that could go to the planets surface to see if there were any life-forms in the dirt there.

A view of the soil on the surface of Mars, as taken by Viking 1 lander on Aug. 1, 1976. NASA/JPL, CC BY

Scientists knew that life on Mars could be really different from life on Earth, so they didnt look for specific life-forms or molecules. Instead, they tried to design experiments to look for what life does, rather than what it makes.

For example, plants and some other life-forms on Earth do photosynthesis, a process that uses sunlight and carbon dioxide in the air to gather energy and grow. The Viking 1 scientists designed the lander to look for signs of photosynthesis happening on Mars.

To do that, the lander scooped up some dirt, shined a light on it and made measurements to see if any of the carbon dioxide in the air was transferred into the dirt. This experiment did not show any signs of photosynthesis in Mars dirt.

The lander had two other experiments that looked for evidence of organisms growing in the dirt on Mars. One used carbon dioxide gas and another one used sugar and amino acid molecules that life-forms on Earth like to eat.

The combination of these three experiments and other measurements led most scientists to agree that there probably is not life on the surface of Mars, at least life that does something like photosynthesis or eats sugar. But we still dont know if there are signs of ancient life-forms on Mars, or even current life deep below the surface.

The Viking lander experiments were the most direct tests for life on other planets. In terms of a game of hide-and-seek, though, these experiments were basically like looking in the closet: Its a pretty obvious hiding spot, but you should check there just in case. Even so, it took scientists a long time to interpret the results.

At four light-years away, Proxima Centauri is the star closest to our Sun  could one of its planets host life? ESA/Hubble & NASA, CC BY

Looking far away

Looking for life outside the solar system is even harder and requires different techniques.

The closest exoplanet  a planet orbiting a star that is not our Sun  is Proxima Centauri b, and its about 25 million, million miles (thats 25 followed by 12 zeros) away from Earth. These distant worlds are so far away that scientists are not going to send landers to do experiments on them for a long time.

Looking for life on exoplanets is kind of like trying to play hide-and-seek in your neighbors house, but you only get to look through the windows and cant go inside. You might get lucky and get just the right angle to spot someone hiding, but you cant know all the spots youre not able to see.

Tools like the new James Webb Space Telescope can reveal the size of exoplanets, how close they are to their stars, and maybe the gases in their atmospheres. But thats it. How would you look for life with that?

Because elements emit light at particular wavelengths, scientists can determine what a distant planets atmosphere is made up of based on its spectra. JPL, CC BY

Astronomers have thought about looking for life on exoplanets by looking for oxygen. They started with this strategy because on Earth, life-forms made most of the oxygen in our atmosphere. Maybe oxygen on another planet was made by alien life.

Weve learned, though, that there are other ways to make oxygen that dont involve life. So now, astronomers dont look for just oxygen  instead theyre on the hunt for a planet that has oxygen along with water and other gases, like methane and carbon dioxide. Together, these combinations might indicate life because we dont think planets without life would have them. But were still uncertain about that, too!

Looking for life by looking for these gases is kind of like looking behind the couch in our hide-and-seek game. Do we know anyone is going to be there? No. But we only get to look through the windows, and we can imagine people hiding behind couches. We might as well try  where else would we even look?

What game are we playing?

There are two big differences between playing hide-and-seek and looking for aliens.

First, when youre playing hide-and-seek, you usually know that youre playing with someone else. We have no idea if there are aliens out there to find! Its possible theres no other life out there, and its possible there are aliens right next door. Until we find examples of life besides our own, we wont know how common life is in the universe.

No sign so far of an alien civilization nearby. janiecbros/E+ via Getty Images

The second difference is that most scientists dont think alien life is hiding from us; its just that we havent spotted it yet. There are some ideas that more advanced civilizations might avoid being detected, but researchers dont think thats happening in our solar system.

Most astronomers and astrobiologists know that if we only look for life thats like Earth life, we might miss the signs of aliens that are really different. But honestly, weve never detected aliens before, so its hard to know where to start. When you dont know what to do, starting somewhere is usually better than nowhere.

Looking for life using experiments like the Viking lander or searching for oxygen might not help. But we might get lucky. And even if were not, well get to cross a couple of obvious possibilities off the list. Then we can focus on the harder question of imagining something weve never thought of before.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question youd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit  adults, let us know what youre wondering, too. We wont be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

This article has been updated to correct a typo in the distance to Proxima Centauri b.

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: Cole Mathis, Arizona State University

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Cole Mathis has previously received funding from the NASA Postdoctoral Program.
By Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly

(Reuters) -In the wake of Donald Trump's historic hush-money conviction, Democrats are wrestling with how central Trump's felonies should be to President Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

So far, the answer is "not very."

While most Democrats were thrilled to see Trump convicted last Thursday on 34 felony counts, many - including top officials in Biden's campaign - are taking a wait-and-see approach to advertising and new strategies. They want to see polls and voter feedback before they react strongly to this unprecedented moment in U.S. history.

In more than a dozen interviews, Biden campaign officials and Democrats involved in campaigns in battleground states told Reuters they think whatever political pain Trump endures will largely happen organically due to intense media attention and without the need for them to amplify and frame the issue.

If polls in the coming days and weeks show the verdict is really swaying voters, they may pivot.

"Talk to me again in 10 days, when the headlines go away," said one senior Democrat. "We could see some independents who can't vote for a felon move to Biden, or we could see a surge of soft Biden supporters who feel this is overreach move to Trump. We just don't know yet.

Some early polls, including from Reuters/Ipsos, show a small but significant chunk of Republicans saying the conviction makes it less likely that they will vote for Trump in November.

On Monday, a Biden campaign account on social media platform X, Biden-HarrisHQ, posted an unflattering photo of Trump with the words "convicted felon."

Biden himself might strike harder on Monday at a private, off-camera campaign fundraising event in Greenwich, Connecticut, his first political event since the conviction.

Biden's son Hunter was in court on Monday for a criminal case against him over his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018 in a trial that Republicans could highlight in their own election messages.

The soft focus approach toward Trump so far is frustrating some Biden supporters who want to use the conviction to highlight a message that Trump is unfit for office, including outside political action committee; they want Biden to use his bully pulpit to press the case against his Republican challenger.

"I think that this needs to be tattooed on Donald Trump's forehead that he is a convicted felon," said Jeff Timmer, senior adviser at the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group formed by former Republican strategists. Biden should include the felony in his opening statement on the first presidential debate scheduled for June 27, he said.

MoveOn.org, a progressive advocacy group, has already given away some 50,000 "Trump is a felon" stickers, 10 times the amount of any similar giveaway in years, said Britt Jacovich, a MoveOn spokesperson.

"This has been one of our most energizing moments for MoveOn members all year," Jacovich said.

NO 'GLOATING' FOR BIDEN

Last week Biden, a Democrat, called Trump and Republicans "reckless" and "dangerous" for suggesting the jury trial had been rigged, just before pivoting to a new, surprise Israeli ceasefire plan, snatching some of the media spotlight from Trump's conviction.

His focus on supporting the jury system makes sense, given the limited number of persuadable voters in the U.S., some say.

Hes not going to change one mind by saying anything much more than the jury has spoken and I have always respected the jury system, said Democratic strategist James Carville.

Biden spent the weekend at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, biking, attending church and avoiding shouted questions from reporters over whether Trump should be disqualified from the election. He was with his son Hunter.

"The Democrats, particularly Biden because it's not his brand, don't want to seem to be gloating (over Trump)," said Ray La Raja, a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. That gloating "could be used to counter-mobilize Trump supporters."

Enraged by his conviction, Trump supporters have flooded websites with calls for riots, revolution and violent retribution. Some called for attacks on jurors, the execution of the judge, Justice Juan Merchan, or outright civil war and armed insurrection.

Biden's reelection campaign has told supporters that Trump can only be beaten at the ballot box, and has asked supporters for money, pointing out that Trump's campaign said he raised $52.8 million after the jury verdict.

"We need your help to fight back and keep him out of the White House," the campaign messaged on Sunday.

The Biden campaign declined to comment on this story, and did not provide details on early fundraising figures since the conviction.

(Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly; Editing by Heather Timmons, Alistair Bell and Stephen Coates)
An undated photo of the cross that Christopher "Kit" Carson left on a rock on Fremont Island in 1843. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. | Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands

HOOPER, Weber County  John C. Fremont and Christopher Kit Carson left what is now known today as Fremont Island rather disappointed in 1843, but the ghost of Carson might not be disappointed to find that what he left behind is now an American treasure.

A cross that Carson etched in stone during a tour of the island nearly 181 years ago is now one of the newest additions to the National Register of Historic Places. It joins just the Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island, Black Rock in Tooele County and the Ogden-Lucin cutoff trestle as the only sites within the Great Salt Lake to have ended up on the register.

Its exciting, said Marisa Weinberg, Great Salt Lake coordinator for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The cross is something that everyone asks about on the island. Its probably the most sought-after site to visit despite how difficult it is to access.

Carson's cross

The story of Carson's cross dates back to the expeditions that Fremont and Carson led in modern-era Utah back in 1843 and 1844, beginning four years before Mormon pioneers settled in the Salt Lake Valley. They were the first explorers of European descent to reach and map many parts of the state, including what eventually became Fremont Island.

But it's fair to say Fremont and his colleagues weren't big fans of the island back in the day.

On Sept. 9, 1843, months into the expedition, Fremont, Carson and a few others boarded an 18-foot inflatable rubber boat and departed the shores of the Great Salt Lake for an island that had captured their attention, according to Alex Baugh, a professor of church history at BYU, who wrote a piece on the expedition's history.

The group had high expectations about the trip, believing the island could be "an exotic paradise," University of Utah historians noted in "Saline Stories: An Oral and Visual History of the Great Salt Lake." Baugh wrote that the team spent "the better part of two days" exploring the island and making scientific measurements.

Touring the island dashed any hopes the group had. Fremont famously dubbed it "Disappointment Island" after the group encountered no wildlife, vegetation or signs of life on the desolate island. By all accounts, Carson etched the cross on a rock just to pass the time before the group eventually left.

"We ascended the highest mountain under (a) shelving rock (and) cut a large cross which is there to this day," Carson later recalled.

A portrait of Chris "Kit" Carson likely taken between 1860 and 1868. | U.S. Library of Congress

He explored all over the West before he died in 1868. Hes the namesake of Carson City, Nevada, and Kit Carson County, Colorado, among other legacies. His home in Taos, New Mexico, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and added to the historic register in 1966, the same year the program was created.

Preserving Carsons cross

While Fremont, Carson and others found their stay on the island disappointing, their venture proved to be significant in history. Their findings helped map the Great Salt Lake shoreline and Utah, which were vital tools used by pioneers in settling the state.

This significance in state history sparked the efforts to include the cross  a reminder of their short island trip  in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kit Carson Cross pictured on May 26, 1962. | Utah State Historical Society

"Although it's a tiny etching in a rock (and) seems insignificant, it tells a story of the early explorer parties that came to Utah when it was just completely barren and open land," Weinberg said. "They paved the way for other settlers, such as the Mormon settlers to come out here and make this place their home."

The effort to add the cross to the registry only started a few years ago because the island had been privately owned for more than a century up until November 2020. That's when a private philanthropist with the Palladium Foundation purchased the island and donated it to the Nature Conservancy, which transferred it over to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to manage under a conservation easement.

Weinberg said the division first began working with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office on a cultural resource survey in 2021, the same year the office helped get Black Rock added to the register. The idea of adding Carson's cross to the federal list only picked up steam as the state land managers compiled the 2023 management plan for the island.

The group determined that getting it listed on the register was a good first step toward long-term plans to preserve the site. She adds that she views the listing as opening the door "for us to better protect it." The division is weighing different possibilities like new fencing or signage that could be added in the area.

While Fremont Island is difficult to access, the goal is to preserve the site so people who do reach it in the future can view one of the earliest pieces in modern Utah history.

It is important for people to understand that the history here is rich and theres a lot of people who passed through here before we were able to live here today, Weinberg said. I think its vastly important to understand that history to help (us) appreciate what we have a little bit more.
It will take some time before the Biden administration's highly touted pier in Gaza is usable again after breaking apart in heavy seas. Humanitarian aid deliveries via the sea have subsequently ground to a halt and criticisms are growing about how the technically 'no-boots-on-the-ground' mission has proceeded to date. Yet the U.S. has a robust capability to conduct outsized deliveries from ship to shore without any of this infrastructure. So, if this is such a high-priority humanitarian mission, where are the U.S. Navy's Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q78jrIflx_E

Readers can get up to speed on the current state of the pier, estimated to have cost some $320 million to establish and operate , and how it got the way it is now in The War Zone's initial reporting on the situation here .

A satellite image provided by Maxar showing the state of the now nearly non-existent aid pier on the Gaza shore after it broke up in heavy seas more than a week ago now. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

The so-called Trident Pier was only put into place roughly two-and-a-half weeks ago . U.S. President Joe Biden had first announced plans for the aid operation back in March . The initial assembly of the pier, which consists of an array of modular floating sections supported by small tugs that are part of a larger system of systems called Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS), had already been delayed due to rough seas .

A truck carrying aid drives down the U.S. military pier toward the Gaza shore on May 19. US Army

"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 would already be prepositioned and can roll off pretty immediately," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said at a press conference on May 28. "For the rest of the aid that's in Cyprus, that's still an ongoing conversation that USAID [the U.S. Agency for International Development] is leading in terms of how best to move that aid... to Gaza."

The War Zone has reached out to U.S. Central Command, which is leading the aid operation, for more information about what, if any alternatives it might be considering for getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza by sea in the absence of the pier.

The U.S. military does have other assets in its inventory that could be used to help move that aid ashore right now, and even before the pier itself was in operation. Chief among these available capabilities is the Navy's fleet of some 90 LCAC hovercraft. The Navy is also working to replace the LCACs with similar, but more capable Ship-to-Shore Connectors (SSC).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS9Xrvr_aIk

"The Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) is a high-speed, over-the-beach, fully amphibious landing craft capable of carrying a 60-75 ton payload," according to the Navy's official fact sheet on the hovercraft. That payload can include various kinds of vehicles, including cargo trucks, which can drive right onto the beach or onto a dispersal area after the LCAC arrives.

A US Marine Corps MTVR wrecker truck drives off an LCAC right onto the beach during an exercise. USN

"Air cushion technology allows this vehicle to reach more than 70 percent of the world's coastline, while only about 15 percent of that coastline is accessible by conventional landing craft," the Navy's fact sheet adds, highlighting the ability of these hovercraft to get in beach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. The LCACs also boast a top speed of 40 knots and a range up of to 200 miles while traveling at 35 knots with a 50-ton payload.

"LCACs have proven to be very useful in supporting non-hostile amphibious operations and were vital in delivering life-saving equipment, food, water, and medical supplies in humanitarian relief efforts throughout the world," by the Navy's own accounting . The War Zone has explored the immense value LCACs offer in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance scenarios, even within the United States, in the past. LCACs have also executed missions in more threatening environments, including evacuating U.S. personnel from Libya.

A US Navy LCAC delivers Los Angeles County Fire Department vehicles and personnel to Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California to help fight wildfires in 2007. This highlights the ability of these hovercraft to support non-combat disaster relief and humanitarian missions. USN

With all this in mind, an immediate question is why the JLOTS pier option was solely chosen given the urgency of the aid crisis in Gaza rather than dispatching amphibious ships capable of launching and recovering LCACs that could have conceivably swung into action faster. Right before Biden announced the pier plan, The War Zone had detailed a host of alternative options , including the use of LCACs, for establishing an aid beachhead in Gaza.

Whether any technical or logistical issues led to the decision to use the JLOTS pier, and the pier alone, is unclear. Regardless, at the very least, the LCACs could have been put into action as soon as security was in place without the large pier being built and could fill in now that the pier has been put out of action.

Depositing commercial trucks not designed for offroad use right straight onto the beach could present complications. However, one of the key benefits of LCACs is their ability to travel up the beach directly to an offload area. When the pier was in operation, trucks were coming off and driving up an embankment before departing the beach area. This seems like an ideal landing area for LCACs. In fact, the LCACs could potentially traverse the embankment and drop the cargo onto a harder surface.

A view of the pier on May 16 with a US Army Logistics Support Vessel (LSV) docked at the end. CENTCOM

There might have also been questions of volume and throughput. Prior to the pier being put out of commission, the U.S. military says it was able to get over 1,000 metric tons into Gaza. One for one, U.S. Army Logistics Support Vessels (LSV) and other larger landing craft that have been supporting the operation so far can carry larger payloads than the LCACs.

At the same time, the use of a single pier alone inherently creates a bottleneck. By comparison, multiple LCACs could unload simultaneously in waves along a broader beach section.

Meulaboh, Sumatra, Indonesia (Jan. 10, 2005) - Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, assigned to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and Expeditionary Strike Group Five (ESG-5), deliver much needed materials and supplies to the citizens in the city of Meulaboh, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Bart A. Bauer)

As for transferring the cargo from ships to LCACs, the throughput could be further increased by the use of the Navy's Expeditionary Transfer Dock ships . These vessels, the USNS Montford Point and USNS John Glenn, were designed explicitly to act as self-propelled piers to help rapidly transload cargo from massive cargo ships onto waiting LCACs and other landing craft for movement ashore in the absence of traditional port facilities. The Navy bought two of these ships for exactly this mission set, then relegated them to reserve status.

Readiness-wise, Montford Point and John Glenn are currently categorized as being at Reduced Operating Status Five (ROS 5). "In a ROS 5 status," the ships can be "made ready for tasking within five days of notice to support fleet operations," according to the Navy .

An LCAC comes in to dock on the Navy's Expeditionary Transfer Dock ship USNS Montford Point during an exercise in 2014. Two other LCACs are seen in the ship's other purpose-built docking lanes. The Montford Point is also seen here attached to the cargo ship USNS Bob Hope, with vehicles able to drive off that ship on the expeditionary transfer dock via a ramp. USN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZbcK8M-NpA\u0026t=15s

Once again, none of this would preclude the use of the JLOTS pier. Long-term, JLOTS is an attractive option, but LCACs could operate alongside the pier facility and just let it take over once it is in place.

Regardless, with the existing pier that was established on the Gaza shore having been scattered along the Israeli-Gaza coastline and now having to be rounded up, fixed, and reassembled, no aid is flowing via the sea at all.

Biloxi, Miss. (Sept. 4, 2005)  Vehicles and equipment assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion Two (ACB-2) arrive on the shores of Biloxi, Miss., to render assistance to Hurricane Katrina survivors. The equipment was transported via Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Navy's involvement in the Hurricane Katrina humanitarian assistance operations is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Department of Defense. U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer 1st Class Edward S. Kessler

One very plausible reasons why this obvious application of LCAC capability was not brought to bear is that the hovercraft would have to land on the beach. The Biden administration and the Pentagon have been adamant that the aid operation on the Gaza shore is and will continue to be a no-boots-on-the-ground mission. This has always been a massive tour de force in semantics as the pier is literally sitting right on the beach, along with U.S. personnel and defensive systems, all packed onto a relatively tiny area.

The fact that a matter of feet would change the risk to U.S. personnel is totally irrelevant in terms of operational reality, but it is very much a factor in terms of optics and messaging, especially considering how the administration sold this operation to the American people.

It could easily be argued that using LCACs is actually far less risky than a pier as the pier is a totally fixed point, packed with assets and personnel, including large cargo ships at their far end, that can be easily targeted. LCACs move fast and can come ashore anywhere along a beach. They can vary their approach and landing point, even if on a small scale, to greatly complicate enemy targeting, especially by indirect fires. When they are not unloading, there is nothing there to target at all. The pier has no such luxury and its tight confines mean that an attack could do a lot of damage compared to a less predictable, spread-out operation.

A US Navy sailor uses signal flags to direct an LCAC onto a beach during training. USN

Force protection measures, including systems to protect against drones and various indirect fire threats , had been put in place on the pier underscoring the very real risks personnel had been facing even without having their boots physically touching the beach.

Currently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been providing primary force protection and security ashore for the operation, with U.S. assets in the region on standby in case of an incident.

Trucks head down the pier toward the Gaza shore on May 18. US Army

Even when the pier returns to full operational capacity, LCACs could still augment it to speed up the inflow of humanitarian assistance via the sea. In the meantime, with aid for those in Gaza desperately in need now stranded in Cyprus, at least temporarily, questions remain about why alternative mechanisms like Navy hovercrafts are not already being used to help get it where needs to go.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com
This photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Khiam, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and four others injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on the southeastern Lebanese village of Houla, Lebanese military sources said.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli warplane bombed a house in central Houla with four air-to-surface missiles, wounding four civilians and killing two livestock herders.

Israel carried out 11 airstrikes on seven towns and villages in the eastern and central areas of the border region and fired 70 shells on 13 villages and towns in the southern border region, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said it attacked several Israeli sites, including al-Sammaqa, al-Ramtha, Kiryat Shmona, Al-Abad, and al-Marj.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

Smoke caused by Israeli bombing rises in Odeissah, Lebanon, June 2, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows Israeli Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepting Hezbollah rockets over Houla in Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

Smoke caused by an Israeli strike rises in Rachaya Al-Fakhar, Lebanon, June 2, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Khiam, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Khiam, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Khiam, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke caused by Israeli bombing rises in Khiam, Lebanon, June 2, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows an Israeli warplane over Odeissah, Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Khiam, Lebanon. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
(KRON)  Three furious Chipotle Mexican Grill customers attempted to fight a cashier, which erupted into a food fight, according to the Vallejo Police Department.

Around 5 p.m. on Friday, three women entered a Chipotle on Admiral Callaghan Lane. Shocked patrons watched as the suspects began arguing with a cashier. In a video posted on X, a suspect in a black outfit climbed onto a table and then leaped onto the counter. Once the suspect was on the counter she grabbed items and began throwing them.

Chipotle preparing to raise prices, company confirms

The video also shows the other suspects simultaneously charging at the cashier walking to the cash counter. Many of the staff members surrounded the suspect for the cashiers safety. One of the suspects was wearing a white shirt and pink shorts. The other was wearing a white shirt and blue jean shorts.

The video shows two of the suspects picking up food and items and throwing them at the staff.

Circumstances regarding how the fight began are unknown.

By the time Vallejo police officers responded to investigate, the staff members were off, according to the Vallejo Police Department.

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.
Kamala Harris is now the most likely Democratic candidate to take on Trump in this year's election

The question on everybodys lips - who is going to win the election on Nov 5?

There are now less than 50 days to go until polling day. Since our election swingometer was last updated, Kamala Harris has received a boost in the national polls after her performance in the television debate, and Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt while golfing in West Palm Beach.

However, the polls also show that most voters have already decided which way they will vote in this election, and there has been little change to the vital swing states and counties that will actually decide this race. Our experts average shows they feel Ms Harris is narrowly more likely to win the election, but it remains too close to call.

Our writers have been predicting the overall winner of the election since early this year, periodically plotting their choices on a sliding scale of likelihood.

After this weeks events, they have now updated their predictions below.

Kamala Harris may have the better deck as things stand, but this race remains perilously difficult to call. The vice-president remains narrowly ahead in reputable national polls, but the White House will turn on seven states where the margins between Ms Harris and Donald Trump are down to decimal points.

Pollsters have also noted that with a fast-paced news cycle  Trumps second assassination attempt came just as they were conducting post-debate surveys  there are logistical challenges to determining which events are swaying voters.

Trump insiders have shrugged off the polls, and some see echoes of 2016, when the ex-president confounded the pundits. As one GOP strategist told me: I think you could make a strong case now where you could have a different winner in the electoral college to the popular vote.

One week on since Kamala Harriss victory in the first  and possibly last  televised debate, the polling gap has barely shifted.

Nationally, Ms Harris leads by just three points, an increase from two points depending which polls you look at. A second assassination attempt against Trump could help close it once again, but as with other defining moments of the election, any gains seem to be quickly reversed.

Polling shifts are even lower in the seven swing states, which will decide the election. Currently though, polls suggests this election could come down to just one state: Pennsylvania. Here, Ms Harris leads by 0.2 points, a gap so statistically insignificant, it is impossible to say who is really ahead.

This election is still very much neck and neck.

Polls indicate a slight improvement for Kamala Harris since the debate, though liberals over-excited by the evening forget that Trump has never performed well in them (except vs Biden at his most senile). It seems Ms Harris is gaining in the swing-states too, though Trump maintains a large lead among the cats and dogs of Springfield, Ohio.

Its intriguing to note that both media and public seem unmoved by the multiple attempts to kill the Republican candidate. So, the race gently tilts Democratic  but it all depends on how wrong the polls are and in what direction. If theyre out like they were in 2020, Trump is on the road to victory. If theyre out like they were in 2022, Ms Harris is even stronger than she appears.

Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised that the second assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life has hardly seemed to shift the agenda this week. As the race hurdles to a close and the news cycle speeds up, even attempts at murder can only command the headlines for a matter of days. Even Springfield, Ohio  currently caught in the eye of the culture war storm  feels mostly forgotten.

Supporters of Kamala Harris will likely feel positive about their position less than two months to election day. With a host of celebrity endorsements, bursting campaign warchest, and a well-received performance at the debate, some liberal commentators have taken to declaring the race over.

Still, theres an undeniable whiff of 2016 in the air. Battleground polling is still fiercely competitive, with Pennsylvanias swing measured in the tenths of a percentage point. Theres little hard evidence that Ms Harriss wins have translated to potential votes  with an electorate this polarised, its hard to imagine what a real October surprise would have to look like to move the dial.

Kamala Harris is enjoying a run of good press after her debate performance last week, and she has also benefitted from a series of unforced errors from the Trump campaign  not least a confrontation between his staff and officials at Arlington Cemetery and apparent divisions between Donald Trump and JD Vance, his running mate.

The second assassination attempt against Trump will have fuelled the narrative that he is under attack from many enemies, but I wouldnt expect that to make a major difference to the polls now. Both candidates are fighting over a very small proportion of undecided voters, and this has become a race of very fine margins.

Methodology

Our experts are asked to plot their decision on a scale of 100, where 0 is a Harris landslide, 50 is a tie and 100 is a Trump landslide.

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Sir Keir Starmer has, at last, brought his election campaign round to the defence of this nation. It is the most important task, bar none, that he will face if he becomes Prime Minister on 5 July.

The threat from Russia, both conventional and nuclear, has surely never been higher. And while neither Starmer nor his potential ministers have the gravitas or grit to go toe to toe with Putin, his proposals, at least if taken at face value, are fitted to the task at hand. But this depends on their being carried through, and most importantly funded, in time.

Reasserting the importance of the nuclear deterrent, after his predecessor wanted to ditch it, is a welcome and the essential change to Labour policy required for any credibility. Starmer surely knows that Labour would be unelectable without a long-term assurance that our continuous at sea deterrent will be in action for the foreseeable future. It is fear of this deterrent  in combination with that provided by France  that has restrained Putins hand in Ukraine. Putin probably correctly judges that the US would not react to a nuclear attack in Ukraine, but we will.

Similarly, Starmers commitment to a Strategic Defence Review is the correct move. Currently, we have a military configured for battles that do not exist or are of no relevance to us at the current time  in particular, the two massive and expensive aircraft carriers intended to protect the South China Sea! Thank God at least the AUKUS defence pact should see the US and Australia take on this task. Perhaps we could flog them these white elephant assets. After all, when it looked like we needed an aircraft carrier to attack the Houthis, we used perhaps the best carrier of all  HMS Cyprus.

The last Review focused on tech at the expense of mass. This, of course, was Hitlers undoing, as we will remember this week on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The relatively small numbers of high end German tanks were ultimately overwhelmed by the vastly higher numbers of basic, capable but mass produced Shermans. At the moment, we simply do not have the required number of vehicles  with the Challenger 3 fleet intended to be even smaller  to deter Putin with conventional armaments.



This is a refreshing and reassuring approach from Sir Keir. The question is whether he can spend the money necessary. I judge that reaching 2.5% of GDP is a bare minimum to get things moving. Perhaps 3 per cent would give military experts more confidence that Labour are up for this. But Starmers unwillingness to set a precise date for this to be reached does not inspire confidence. When the hullabaloo of the election dies down and the hard Left of the party is screaming for money for the NHS, will he have the spine to insist that we spend on soldiers rather than nurses?

There is a real danger that Labour could find itself leading us into war in Europe with Russia wholly unprepared. But if Sir Keir is good to his word, Labour may just deliver a British defence capability fit to see off the Russians and bring stability to Europe again. This is the sternest test Starmer will face as leader. We must hope he is up to it.

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Wives of conscripted Russians picket in front of Russia's Defence Ministry, demanding that their husbands be brought back from war  photos

The wives and mothers of Russians conscripted for the war against Ukraine are picketing in front of Russia's Defence Ministry office, demanding a meeting with the defence minister and demanding that their husbands and sons be brought home.

Source: Telegram-based Russian news outlets Astra and Ostorozhno, Novosti; BBC, Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza

Details: The picketing women are demanding a meeting with the newly appointed Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. "We want the new minister to hear us, to meet with us and start solving our problem," said one of the protesters.

Wives and mothers of conscripted Russians protesting next to Russia's Defence Ministry.

Screenshot

They are demanding that their husbands and sons be brought home from the war in Ukraine. However, none of the women who came to the picket demanded that Russia end the war in Ukraine.

Photo: Telegram-based news outlets

The posters read: "Please bring my dad home"; "Set terms of service for soldiers in the special military operation (as the Russian authorities call the war against Ukraine  ed.)"; "It's time for the mobilised to come home".

Photo: Telegram-based news outlets

The police are on duty near the building of Russia's Ministry of Defence, and police cars are parked next to the protesters.

Immediately after the start of the gathering, the police approached the wives of the mobilised men and demanded that they disperse. The police then began to check the documents of the picketers.

The BBC noted that the Russian Ministry of Justice recognised the movement of wives of mobilised soldiers The Way Home as a "foreign agent" on Friday, 31 May. Members of the movement demand that their husbands be brought back from the war in Ukraine.

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Woman who helped killer of Nassau deputy sentenced to 3 years on accessory charge

The woman who pleaded guilty to attempting to help the convicted killer of Nassau County deputy Joshua Moyers evade arrest in September 2021 was sentenced Monday.

Breiana Toles attorney indicated in court that the state reached a negotiated sentence.

Judge James Daniel said terms of Toles negotiated sentence are as follows:

Three years in Florida State Prison, credit for time already served, followed by three years of probation.

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The court will impose the negotiated sentence for Tole.

Tole was arrested the same day as McDowell and has been in custody since September 2021.

In April, a jury recommended the death penalty for McDowell. Also on Monday, a Spencer hearing was held for McDowell, as his lawyers are fighting to get him a life sentence.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man accused of touching a woman inappropriately at a WeGo bus terminal was taken into custody over the weekend, authorities said.

The incident took place on Sunday, June 2 at the WeGo bus terminal located in the 400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Man charged with attempted homicide following stabbing at WeGo bus stop

According to court documents, police were sent to area after receiving reports that a man was touching on a female inappropriately.

Officers said the victim told them that the suspect ran off before they arrived. She allegedly told police that she was sitting on a bench on the 4th Avenue North side of the terminal when a man touched her leg at least four times.

Man shot multiple times at WeGo bus station in downtown Nashville

The woman said she got up, walked away, went to another bay inside the terminal, and sat with a witness. However, the suspect reportedly followed her to the bay, continuing to touch her leg several times.

An arrest report states the suspect  identified as 39-year-old Kenneth Bell  then exposed himself to the woman, which led to witnesses to try to get her away from him.

A witness confirmed the events to police and said Bell took off running when he heard police sirens.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Bell was later found in a parking lot in the 500 block of 2nd Avenue North. He was taken into custody and charged with sexual battery, indecent exposure, and trespassing.

According to booking records, Bell remains jailed on a $30,000 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 WKRN News 2.
(Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht)

We are long overdue to use more precise language about our national obsession with guns, and our repugnant aversion to gun safety legislation. The biggest problem is the willingness by politicians and news outlets to echo the term Second Amendment when it is babbled by gun extremists.

It makes no sense to ask the question, What do you think about the Second Amendment? The only answer is, It exists. You can find it between the First and Third Amendments in the Bill of Rights. The actual text of it is relevant., reading: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

The National Rifle Association likes the part after the comma very much. That was convenient when the NRA drifted from being a gun training and sportsman advocacy group into being flacks for gun manufacturers. The Brennan Center for Justice notes, Today at the NRAs headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, oversized letters on the facade no longer refer to marksmanship and safety. Instead, the Second Amendment is emblazoned on a wall of the buildings lobby. Visitors might not notice that the text is incomplete. It reads: .. the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. The first halfthe part about the well regulated militiahas been edited out.

For more than two centuries we largely understood that the Second Amendment was to be understood in its entirety. The opening clause was relevant and important. The clause set up the rationale for the rest of it. Laws that did not impose upon a well-regulated militia, such as the National Guard, presumptively did not run afoul of the amendment.

That changed a bit in 2008 with the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. The Court, responding to laws leading to a near-total ban on handguns in the District of Columbia, carved out a new course for an individual right to own handguns not dependent on the militia clause.

Flanked by legislative leaders, Gov. Bill Lee signs - for the second time -a law permitting permitless gun carry. (Photo: Sam Stockard)

Its a dubious extrapolation, but thats where the Court went in a 5 to 4 decision. Now we must worry that the current Court will go even further in that direction. Yet, even in the Heller case majority opinion, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, the Court does not set out some sort of absolutist course against all firearms regulations no matter the desire of gun fetishists to see it that way. The case turned on the ability to use handguns in the home for self-defense. Scalia wrote, Like most rights, the right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited. [Past items] routinely explained that the right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.

Scalias caution tells us that assault weapons bans, safe storage and insurance requirements, and red-flag laws all likely would be constitutional even in a broad reading of the current status of law regarding the Second Amendment. Nevertheless, we routinely let state legislators bloviate that the Second Amendment means they cannot and should not take these reasonable steps as gun safety requirements. Instead, those same legislators trumpet the Second Amendment in their ill-reasoned quest to get more guns into schools and public places.

Gov. Bill Lee even refers to these callous legislative insults to our gun victims as constitutional carry. Its an amplification of how muddled language serves muddled thinking  and a corollary to Lees use of the term school choice to muddle details of his unpopular scheme for school vouchers.

The constitutional carry obfuscation also has popped up in other places, including state and federal politicians as well as right-wingers who all seem to pick up vocabulary from the same playbook. As common-sense gun safety regulations gain in popularity, these right-wingers cannot be allowed to hijack the public debate by slapping the ill-fitting term Second Amendment to oppose any gun-related legislation.







The post Words matter in Tennessees debate over guns and gun laws appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Worlds largest Buc-ees opens next week but Floridas newest store will be even bigger

Worlds largest Buc-ees opens next week but Floridas newest store will be even bigger

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Americas largest Buc-ees is set to open next week.

The Texas-based convenience store and gas station will unveil its largest location in Luling, Texas on Monday, June 10. The 75,000 square feet store will replace the citys current Buc-ees store, the brands first family travel center, which was built in 2003. Currently, the largest Buc-ees is a 74,000-square-foot store in Sevierville, Tennessee.

The newest store in Texas is located at 10070 I-10 and will offer 120 gas pumps.

Customers can grab their Buc-ees favorites, including Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries.

Florida city among the top move-out cities, company says

We are thrilled to open the doors to the worlds largest Buc-ees travel center right here in the Great State of Texas, said Buc-ees Director of Real Estate and Development, Stan Beard. 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 worlds largest Buc-ees in Texas wont hold the title for long. The company plans to build its biggest location in Florida.

Floridas newest location is scheduled to open in 2025 and will reportedly include an 80,000-square-foot travel center with more than 100 gas pumps. The Buc-ees location will sit just east of I-75 near Highway 326 in Ocala.

Florida currently has two Buc-ees locations. One is in Daytona Beach and the other is in St. Augustine. The company also has plans to build a St. Lucie County store at the southeast corner of Indrio Road and Interstate 95.

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.
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chen Wenqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, met with Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Beijing on Monday.

Chen said the leaders of the two countries have reached many new consensuses on deepening strategic China-Turkiye cooperation in recent years, creating a new blueprint for the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Guided by the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries, China is willing to work with Turkiye to bring cooperation in the field of security to new heights continuously, enrich and expand the connotations of bilateral ties further, protect the security interests of both countries in an improved manner, serve the strategic alignment of the two countries' development, and contribute actively to the peace and development of both countries, the region and the world, Chen added.

Fidan expressed willingness to continue promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of security. 
(Reuters) -Claudia Sheinbaum won a landslide victory to become Mexico's first female president, inheriting the project of her mentor and outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador whose popular anti-poverty measures helped drive her triumph.

Here are some reactions to Sheinbaum's historic win:

U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN:

"I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico. I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries."

BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA:

"I am very happy with Sheinbaum's victory - a progressive woman presiding over Mexico, a victory for democracy - and also for my great friend Lopez Obrador, who led an extraordinary government.

"I plan to travel to Mexico this year to strengthen our trade relationships. We are the two largest economies in Latin America and could have a greater business flow."

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU:

"I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum to further strengthen the friendship between Canada and Mexico, which is rooted in cultural connections, shared priorities, and a dynamic trade and investment relationship.

"Working together, we will make life better for our peoples, including by fighting climate change, strengthening international peace and security, promoting gender equality, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

"Delighted to have had our first phone call. We will carry on together the historic partnership between Mexico and France."

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN:

"Congratulations, @Claudiashein, on your historic election as the first female President of Mexico. Mexico and the EU share deep historical, economic and cultural ties. I look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations under your leadership."

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY:

"Congratulations to @Claudiashein on her convincing victory in Mexico's presidential elections.

"I look forward to fruitful cooperation and the further strengthening of Ukrainian-Mexican relations. We are also confident that Mexico can play a significant role in global efforts to bring about just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as to restore the full force of the UN Charter globally."

CHILEAN PRESIDENT GABRIEL BORIC:

"Congratulations to @Claudiashein on becoming the first female president of Mexico! I hope her leadership and program of social progress inspire the region and continue to unite us as brotherly countries."

ARGENTINE FOREIGN MINISTRY:

"The Argentine government salutes the people and government of Mexico for Sunday's election, extends its congratulations to President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum... and renews its willingness to continue developing the bilateral work agenda."

SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ:

"Congratulations, @Claudiashein, on your election. For the first time in its history, Mexico will have a woman at the head of the presidency. We will continue working to strengthen relations between Spain and Mexico."

CUBAN PRESIDENT MIGUEL DIAZ-CANEL

"In a telephone conversation with @Claudiashein, I reiterated the warm congratulations for her win... I confirmed the willingness to advance in areas of mutual interest for bilateral relations."

(Compiled by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Alistair Bell)
The vast majority of states44, to be exactsuspend people from serving on juries when they are convicted of a felony, and in many states the suspension is permanent. That means millions of peopleespecially groups of people convicted at relatively high rates, such as black and Hispanic menare disqualified from jury service, quietly resulting in what some have called the "whitewashing" of American juries.

At least two states, New York and New Jersey, would like to change that.

The New York proposal, which is currently under review by the state's Senate Judiciary Committee, would repeal the clause in the state's judiciary law that blocks individuals convicted of felonies from serving on juries. New Jersey's bill, which was introduced in January and endorsed by Gov. Phil Murphy on May 1, would amend the equivalent clause in its code to permit most felons to serve on juries, barring only people convicted of murder and aggravated sexual assault.

"Jury exclusion laws bar more than 20 million people nationwide from serving," said Wanda Bertram, a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative. "With this bill, New Jersey has the chance to reverse one of the harshest jury exclusion laws in the country, and to set an example that other states can follow to make their criminal legal systems fairer and more effective."

In New Jersey, between 438,000 and 533,000 people cannot serve on a jury due to a previous criminal conviction. Of those, between 219,000 and 269,000 are black, representing between 23 percent and 29 percent of the African American population, meaning black New Jerseyans are five times less likely than average to be allowed to serve on a jury.

New Jersey is not alone, nor is its example the most alarming. Some states, such as Texas, disqualify individuals from jury service for lesser crimes such as misdemeanor theft. In other areas of the country, the racial disparity caused by jury disqualification is even more pronounced: the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New York found that 40 percent of black men in Manhattan cannot serve on juries due to their criminal histories, and in one county in Georgia, 63.7 percent of black men are barred.

The result is that some districts' juries do not fairly represent the racial composition of the community, according to a coalition of 50 nongovernmental organizations that wrote an open letter to New Jersey's Gov. Murphy in April. "By denying so many peopleparticularly Black and other people of colorfrom serving on juries, our juries become whitewashed, failing to reflect the diversity of our state, and people of color accused of crimes are not judged by a jury of their peers," the coalition stated.

Advocates for reform have some reason to be hopeful, according to James Binnall, a law professor at California State University at Long Beach and the author of Twenty Million Angry Men: The Case for Including Convicted Felons in Our Jury Process, which was published in 2021. Binnall tells Reason that, since he began working on the issue a decade ago, legislative efforts to eliminate or reduce jury duty suspension for felons have succeeded in California, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C., and are ongoing in Michigan, New Jersey, and New York.

Marleina Ubel, a senior policy analyst for the think tank New Jersey Policy Perspective, commended reform efforts in a statement provided to Reason via email: "More diverse and representative juries will not only enhance the legitimacy of verdicts but also improve the quality of deliberations, and that makes the justice system more just for everyone involved."

The post New York and New Jersey Want To Let Felons Serve on Juries. Here's Why. appeared first on Reason.com.
Young boy in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself in Kansas City: Police

A young boy was critically injured after he accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun Saturday night in Kansas City, according to police.

Officers responded at 10:08 p.m. to a Kansas City Fire Department station, 6006 E. Red Bridge Rd., where they found a boy under the age of five who had been shot, according to Sgt. Phillip DiMartino, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department.

Emergency medical crews transported the boy to a hospital in critical condition.

Detectives believe the boy picked up an unsecured firearm and accidentally shot himself.

The investigation is ongoing.
Young child taken to hospital in critical condition after pool rescue

DENVER (KDVR)  The Douglas County Sheriffs Office told FOX31 on Sunday that a young child was in critical condition after being rescued from a pool.

Details are limited, but just after 6 p.m., the sheriffs office told FOX31 that CPR was in progress.

Officials are not sharing details about the childs age or gender at this time.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

The child was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Fire rescue crews also responded to the scene.

No further information was 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 FOX31 Denver.
The Capitol at dusk. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

After attempting to rein in the skyrocketing costs of a state program that covers college expenses for some military families, Virginia leaders are discussing whether the move is proving so politically unpopular that they should return to Richmond to undo it.

Advocates for military families have called for a special General Assembly session to repeal the changes to eligibility rules for the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program, which assists spouses and children of military members who were killed or severely disabled as a result of their service.

Thats an option under consideration by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and General Assembly leaders, but so far there doesnt appear to be a consensus on whether the issue has caused a crisis worthy of immediate reversal.

In an exchange of letters Monday, Youngkin told Democratic legislators responsible for the state budget that they can either work with him on the particulars of a special session or hell call one himself.

We can work together to repeal the adopted language within the current special session, or I will convene a concurrent special session, Youngkin wrote to House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, D-Prince William, and Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth. I look forward to continuing our productive conversations on this matter.

Because the General Assembly is technically still in the special session convened earlier this year to finish the budget, legislative leaders can call the members back to the Capitol at any time. If Democratic leaders resist Youngkins push, the governor can call a new, overlapping special session.

Torian and Lucas had sent the governor their own letter earlier in the day indicating they felt the issue could wait until the 2025 General Assembly session because current program participants are covered by a grandfather clause.

The grandfather clause effectively allows for current and new students for the coming summer or fall 2024 to be exempt from the reform measures, Torian and Lucas wrote.

The Virginia Mercury obtained copies of both letters.

The Democratic lawmakers also pointed out that Youngkin has already convened a task force to study the issue and make meaningful recommendations for consideration next year.

The Youngkin administration has prepared draft legislation to repeal the VMSDEP changes, and the governors office said Youngkin is hoping to work with General Assembly leaders to have them pass it by June 30.

Virginia military members, who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom, and their families will continue to be a top priority for the governor, said Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez. He is committed to reversing the eligibility changes and allowing the task force, which includes Gold Star families, legislators, members of the military, veterans and institutions of higher education, to make a comprehensive recommendation on a sustainable path forward that can be considered in 2025.

The recently approved changes to VMSDEP were intended to address growing costs that lawmakers felt were becoming a financial burden for universities and other tuition payers. The program, which provides tuition waivers and stipends at public schools in Virginia, is also open to spouses and children of military members missing in action or taken captive.

The push to tighten eligibility for the program  which didnt require participants to live in Virginia and allowed the benefit to be used for advanced degrees in addition to undergraduate studies  infuriated military families who say their benefits shouldnt be on the chopping block at a time when Virginias budget seems relatively healthy.

A few weeks ago, it seemed the passage of Virginias overdue budget marked the end of big legislative battles in Virginia for the year. But the controversy over VMSDEP shows a new one might be emerging, as Youngkin sides with military families upset about the programs overhaul and Democratic leaders face a choice over how strongly they should defend the policy change.

Opponents have portrayed the move as a blemish on Virginias reputation as a veteran-friendly state and an example of state government pushing significant policy initiatives with little transparency and public input.

Last week, Virginias Joint Leadership Council of Veteran Service Organizations, an official advisory body on veterans issues, voted unanimously to ask state leaders to hold a special session to repeal the changes.

Much of the deliberation for these changes occurred without public input or dialogue, the council said in a written statement. This issue is too important to decide behind closed doors.

The changes to VMSDEP were included in the bipartisan budget deal the Democratic-led General Assembly and Republican governor approved on May 13. The new budget takes effect July 1.

The deal was unveiled just a few days before the General Assemblys May 13 budget vote. A standalone bill seeking to reform VMSDEP was introduced for the 2024 session, but it was scaled back to a study and, after clearing the state Senate, failed in the House. Policymakers pressed on with some of the changes the bill envisioned by incorporating them in the budget, a practice that frequently comes under fire as a way to push policy changes through with minimal public attention.

Lawmakers in both parties spoke in opposition to the VMSDEP changes ahead of the budget vote last month, but by then it was too late to make changes to a deal that had been worked out in closed-door negotiations. Youngkin told advocates he would work to prevent unintended consequences for military families, but proceeded to sign the budget that was already overdue.

Supporters of the changes have noted the tougher eligibility rules wont affect current participants or anyone who had committed to a higher education institution by May 15. Advocates say those assurances ring hollow and dont account for the complexity involved in making higher education plans.

Kayla Owen, a Stafford County mother of two and wife of a disabled Marine veteran, was hoping to use VMSDEP to enter a new field by getting a masters degree in nursing. However, she first had to take prerequisite courses at a community college and is now worried the eligibility changes mean shell no longer be able to use VMSDEP for the nursing program since she hadnt formally enrolled in it by May 15.

There is immediate and irreparable harm being done to the community right now, said Owen, 42. Being a protected class means what? You get cut first?

Though its existed in some form for decades, the costs of the VMSDEP program have risen dramatically in the last five years due to a 341% increase in the number of students participating. The number of participants has grown from about 1,400 in 2019 to 6,400 by 2023, according to state officials.

The programs costs over that five-year period have ballooned 444%, rising from $11.9 million in the 2018-2019 academic year to $64.8 million in 2022-2023.

In an attempt to get that growth under control, the new budget imposed restrictions on the program that would require participants to live in Virginia, first seek other forms of financial aid and only allow the program to be used for undergraduate degrees.

The lack of limits raised concerns other families and taxpayers would end up footing a steep bill for a program that lets participants pursue advanced degrees, such as enrolling in law schools and medical schools, and has made Virginia a destination for out-of-state military families increasingly aware of the generous assistance. In 2023, roughly 20% of the tuition waivers were used by out-of-state students or covered graduate degrees, according to officials.

The data showing the programs exponential growth was presented at a House Appropriations Committee meeting last week.

Please let us not lose those significant points, Torian said at that meeting. There has been greater participation. The cost has escalated. What were seeking is to have sustainability for this program.

The new budget included $40 million to support higher education waivers and mitigate the growing costs of the VMSDEP program, according to officials.

Opponents of the new eligibility rules say that if the state was concerned about high costs officials could have first done a thorough study of the program and given military families more time to adjust.

Springing the changes on families that have already endured hardship, said Stafford military veteran and advocate Caitlin Goodale-Porter, has been catastrophic.

We have a stated objective to be veteran-friendly in Virginia, Goodale-Porter said. And were doing the exact opposite.

Goodale-Porter was appointed to the state task force that will formally begin the process of studying VMSDEP at its first meeting June 10. That study could be helped, Goodale-Porter said, by political leaders undoing the changes they just made and starting the process anew.

At this point theyve gotten people so angry theyre talking about leaving the state, she said. And that hurts.

The post Youngkin calls for repeal of new limits on college tuition program for military families appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met his Philippine counterpart, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in Manila on Monday, a day after the conclusion of a security summit where the two leaders delivered statements sharply critical of China.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The two leaders discussed a Ukraine summit which will be held in Switzerland June 15-16, and Zelenskiy underscored the importance for Southeast Asian countries to be represented there.

I am pleased that the Philippines will participate in the summit, he said in a post on X. Marcos communications office confirmed that the Philippines is joining the event, but is still finalizing details.

We will continue to do all that we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting and to come to a political resolution of your country, Marcos told Zelenskiy during their meeting, according to the Philippine presidents communications office.

The Ukraine leaders visit to the Philippines followed his attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday, where both he and Marcos delivered statements critical of China during the three-day annual defense summit.

Zelenskiy made an appeal to countries across the Asia-Pacific on Sunday to join the summit in Switzerland, which he accused China and Russia of trying to sabotage. He said Moscow is doing everything to disrupt the conference by using Chinese influence and its diplomats.

Marcos, for his part, criticized Beijings assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea in his speech Friday at the defense forum. The Chinese delegation responded by condemning the Southeast Asian nations moves to deepen military alliance with the US, saying it threatened peace and stability in the region.

China said it will continue to safeguard its sovereignty and rights, according to a statement from the foreign ministry on Monday, adding that it seeks dialogue to handle maritime conflicts. Both China and the Philippines continued to trade fresh accusations about the conduct of their security forces in disputed waters.

Zelenskiy said in a separate interview with Philippine media that he sees a lot of similarities between Russias invasion of Ukraine and Beijings maritime dispute with Manila. If Russia will occupy us totally, we will see this war in other continents, he said, as he called for unity against the occupation of independent countries.

Zelenskiy and Marcos vowed to strengthen their diplomatic ties, with Kyiv planning to open an embassy in the Philippines later this year. The Ukrainian leader also asked Marcos to send Filipino mental health workers to help Ukrainian soldiers at the frontline of the crisis.

--With assistance from Clarissa Batino.

(Adds more comments from Marcos office, Zelenskiy throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Zelensky meets with president of the Philippines for the first time

During his official visit to the Philippines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the countrys President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marking the first-ever meeting between the two nations' leaders.



Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its support of Ukraine, and announced plans to open a Ukrainian embassy in Manila this year to enhance bilateral cooperation.



I am grateful to the Philippines for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for its clear position on Russia's aggression against our country, and for supporting important UN resolutions, Zelensky said.



The discussions included the upcoming global peace summit, with the Philippines set to participate. Zelensky emphasized the importance of Southeast Asian countries participating.



Additionally, the leaders talked about the potential for increased Ukrainian agricultural exports to the Philippines.



Zelensky's visit followed his participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defense summit, held annually in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), an independent think tank.

Read also: Media: Saudi Arabia plans to snub Ukraines global peace summit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zhao Xianfu/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zhao Xianfu/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zheng Xianlie/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zheng Xianlie/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zheng Xianlie/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. Electrical workers staged a "high-wire walk" above the Yangtze River to inspect a power transmission line in Wuhu.

Stretching 2,080 kilometers, the 800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line between southwest China's Sichuan Province and east China's Jiangsu Province spans the Yangtze River here in Anhui. As a critical part of China's west-to-east power transmission project, this line annually transmits over 30 billion kWh of clean power.

Electrical workers of Anhui Electric Power Transmission & Transformation Co., Ltd. inspected the line section across the Yangtze River to secure its operation. In nearly three hours, these workers climbed up and moved along the cables for more than 2 kilometers at a maximum height of 278.2 meters. (Photo by Zhao Xianfu/Xinhua)
Russian forces have struck Ukraine almost 1,000 times with various weapons, including missiles, drones, and aerial bombs, over the past week alone, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 2.

Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in Kharkiv Oblast. While the Ukrainian military said it has managed to largely stabilize the situation, Russia has continued to launch attacks at the city of Kharkiv and the surrounding area.

Moscow has also continued to launch missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, attacking at least four power plants on June 1.

"Complete disregard for human life and constant terror is what Russia is trying to spread. In this week alone, Russian troops have launched almost 1,000 strikes with missiles of various types, satellite-guided KAB bombs, and attack drones," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Zelensky said that additional air defense systems and long-range weapons would defend Ukraine from Russian strikes and help in "bringing the peace closer."

"Russian terror must lose. The world can ensure this," the president added.

Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to protect the country from Russian attacks, according to Zelensky. Air defense systems like the Patriot and the IRIS-T are highly effective at intercepting Russia's ballistic and cruise missiles.

Germany launched a coalition with 14 other countries in mid-February to bolster Ukraine's air defense.

Read also: Ukraine urges allies to lift Western arms ban on hitting targets inside Russia. Will they?

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday thanked Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for supporting an upcoming summit in Switzerland aimed at ending the Russian invasion of his country.

In a quick visit to Manila after attending the Shangri-la Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Zelensky said more than 100 countries were expected to attend the peace summit scheduled on June 15-16.

Im happy to hear today that youll participate in our peace steps  and thank you for your participation (in) the peace summit, he said told Marcos Jr. Its a very strong signala very strong step on the way to peace.

It was not yet clear if Marcos Jr himself will attend the summit or if the Philippines will send a representative.

Zelensky also announced at the meeting that Ukraine plans to open an embassy in the Philippines this year.

Marcos Jr hailed the plan as very good news, noting that the Philippines would very much like to continue to help in any way that (it) can.

We will continue to do all that we can to promote peace and to bring an end to the fighting and to come to a political resolution, he added.

I think everybody fully understands that it is easier said than done and it will be a difficult road to find our way back to the situation that is morally acceptable not only to Ukraine, but to the rest of the world.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Ukraine were formally established on April 7, 1992. Total trade between the countries amounted to $6.9 million, with export valued at $1.49 million and imports at $15.41 million in 2022.

Nearly 200 Filipinos lived and worked in Ukraine before Russias invasion. Many have returned home and now there are 25 Filipinos in the European country, mostly married to Ukrainians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that former President Trump could be a loser president if he imposes a poor peace deal on Ukraine if his is elected, saying the wrong deal could end the American position as a global power.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he would quickly negotiate the end of the Russia-Ukraine war if he is elected, once promising results within 24 hours. It is expected that he would cut off aid to the country or severely pare it down if he takes office.

Zelensky told The Guardian on Sunday that he has no strategy yet for how to deal with Trump, adding that former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has attempted to reach out to Trump on the Ukrainian governments behalf.

The Ukrainian leader predicted that if Trump withheld support from Ukraine, the country would no longer be able to stand up to the Russian military.

Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion [Russian] army, he said.

Does he want to become a loser president? Zelensky warned. Do you understand what can happen?

Trump aides have floated a plan that would see Ukraine cede its eastern territories and Crimea to Russia in exchange for the end of fighting. Zelensky and Ukrainian leaders have called any such deal unacceptable, committing to recovering all the countrys land.

Zelensky, who is in the Philippines on Monday to bolster support for the Ukrainian cause in Asia, added Sunday that any negotiated deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin would likely be a trap. He predicted Putin would go back on any deal Trump brokered, making him look very weak.

This is not about him [Trump], as a person but about the institutions of the United States. They will become very weak, he continued. The U.S. will not be the leader of the world anymore.

Yes, it will be powerful, first of all, in the domestic economy because it has a powerful economy without a doubt, he added. But in terms of international influence, it will be equal to zero.

Without the U.S. as a dominant world power, Putin and other authoritarian leaders would be emboldened to action, Zelensky predicted.

The beginning of what everyone is so afraid to talk about. This is reality, he said. And this is the real third world war.

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Zelensky: Ukraine recognizes both Israel and Palestine, seeks to end suffering of civilians

Ukraine recognizes both Israel and Palestine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Singapore on June 2, calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Kyiv voiced support for Israel after it came under a deadly attack by the Hamas militant organization in October 2023. Tel Aviv's subsequent shelling and ground invasion of Gaza attracted harsh criticism from much of the international community, with the U.N. estimating the Gaza death toll at over 35,000.

When asked by a journalist about Kyiv's support for Israel, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine also offered to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and said that the two periods should "not be mixed together."

"Ukraine said that if Hamas terrorists attacked civilians on the first day of their attack on Israel, then Israel has the right to defend itself," Zelensky said during the Shangri-La Dialogue conference.

"And after that, when Israel was in Gaza and there was a humanitarian crisis, Ukraine said: Firstly, we are ready to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"Secondly, we must respect international law. Thirdly, Ukraine recognizes two states, both Israel and Palestine, and will do everything it can to convince Israel to stop, to end this conflict and prevent the suffering of civilians."

The president also said that Ukraine is a "just country that recognizes international laws and the U.N. charter."

Ukraine invited both Israel and Palestine to the upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland as Kyiv is "ready to hear every opinion" of other countries, except for Russia, Zelensky noted.

The peace summit will be held on June 15-16 in the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Ukraine hopes the summit will address several key areas, such as energy security, the exchange of captives, the return of deported children, global food security, and other topics.

Read also: Ukrainians trapped in besieged Gaza: We are constantly bombed

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived on an official visit to the capital of the Philippines, Manila, where he has met with the country's president and discussed bilateral relations.

Source: Philippine news agency PNA; Zelenskyy on Telegram

Details: Zelenskyy has arrived in Manila for talks with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A meeting between the two heads of state is scheduled for Monday morning at the Malacanang Palace [the residence of the Philippine leader  ed.].

However, PNA noted that the Palace had not disclosed details of the meeting.

Update: Zelenskyy later said he had arrived in the Philippines to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Quote: "I have arrived in the Philippines and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the first time in the history of our bilateral relations.

I am grateful to the Philippines for its support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for its clear position on Russia's aggression against our country, and for its support of important UN resolutions. Ukraine intends to open an embassy in Manila this year to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

We discussed the inaugural Global Peace Summit and the importance of Southeast Asian countries being represented at it. We appreciate that the Philippines will participate in the Summit.

We also discussed bilateral cooperation, including the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Philippines."

Zelenskyy on a visit to the Philippines

Photo: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Background: Zelenskyy was in Singapore on Saturday and Sunday. He held a number of bilateral meetings, including with US congressmen and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, and spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit.

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Zelenskyy in Manila to promote peace summit, which he says China and Russia are trying to undermine

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Philippine president on Monday in a rare Asian trip to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organized global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia, with Chinas help, of trying to undermine.

Zelenskyy arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila late Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore. He was given a red-carpet welcome with military honors Monday at the presidential palace before meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after which he left the Philippines.

Marcos pledged that his country would take part in the peace summit, Philippine Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

Im happy to hear today from you that youll participate in our peace steps, Zelenskyy told Marcos. Its a very strong signal.

The White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at the meeting in Lucerne on June 15.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs more mental health workers for its soldiers. Marcos promised to help and welcomed a decision by Ukraine to open an embassy in Manila this year which would hasten efforts to deliver assistance.

We have ourselves been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international law in our part of the world, Marcos said. The issues that you are facing are similar and in parallel to ours and, therefore, the position the Philippines takes is always to promote peace."

Both leaders spoke critically of China at the Singapore forum, which was attended by top defense and government officials from around the world, including from Washington and Beijing. The talks were held amid the raging wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as growing tensions and rivalry for influence between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

At a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Zelenskyy accused China of helping Russia to disrupt the Swiss-organized peace summit by pressuring other countries not to attend.

Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, he said, without elaborating. This is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denied the allegation. Our position is open and transparent, and there is no such thing as pressuring other countries Mao said.

China has taken what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the U.S. and most of Europe. Its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.

Switzerland had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning suggested Friday that was unlikely.

At the security forum, Zelenskyy urged top defense officials to participate in the talks in Switzerland, expressing disappointment over the failure of some countries to commit to attending. Ukraine, he said, has proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

He said Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace."

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the conference and renewed U.S. commitments to Ukraine. In an address to the forum Saturday, Austin said that Putins war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want."

Marcos, whose country has had escalating clashes with China over disputed islets in the South China Sea, bluntly underscored the dangers of the regional flashpoint Friday at the defense forum. He said that if a willful act should result in a Filipino dying in the high-seas hostilities, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war."

"That would certainly increase the level of response, Marcos said in response to a question.

"Illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos said, without naming China, but he added that the Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the disputes.

Austin said at the forum that the U.S. commitment to the Philippines as a treaty ally is ironclad but reiterated the importance of dialogue with China.

There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognize that, he said. But our goal is to make sure that we dont allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily."

___

Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan in Manila, Philippines, and Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
To make affordable green hydrogen a reality, 3M says 'bring us your problems'

Hydrogen and oxygen pulse through thin tubes around a crowded laboratory. Moments before, the gases were combined as water.

From a lab bench inside 3M's Maplewood campus, massive electrical cables connect to metal devices the size of books. A surge of power interacts with water moving through a powder, turning the liquid into gases.

This is green hydrogen, the long-promised clean energy. To bring it to a larger scale and deliver on hydrogen's longstanding promise as the renewable fuel of the future, 3M is investing in the industry and focusing research on lowering costs to make it an economical energy option.

A kilogram of hydrogen contains enough energy to power an average home for a day.

"The problem is a kilogram of green hydrogen is about $4 today," said Bill Weber, business building director at 3M Ventures. "It gets really competitive if we get it down around $1," which is what hydrogen costs when it is made from fossil fuels and would be cheaper than natural gas.

3M  the company behind N95 respirators, Post-it notes and a litany of electronic and industrial components for phones, cars and manufacturers  is focused on climate technology as it continues to evolve.

This isn't the company's first crack at the alternative energy. It pioneered some of the technology that underpins green hydrogen production, but sold off that business years ago because, Weber said, the market wasn't ready.

3M is betting now is the time to get the company deeply embedded in the potentially revolutionary industry; a wave of federal support for hydrogen, including nearly $1 billion for a "hub" in Minnesota and tax credits, helps.

"It's an era in hydrogen where things are happening both fast and slow," said Tim Yamaya, a corporate entrepreneur at 3M Ventures. "We want to help speed the transition."

Producing and moving hydrogen

This spring, 3M joined a $20 million investment round for Evoloh, a California company that manufacturers electrolyzers, the devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

3M is also trying to solve the problem of how to store and transport green hydrogen. It has also partnered with major Korean ship builder HD Hyundai to develop liquid hydrogen storage tanks using glass bubbles 3M makes for insulation.

Liquid hydrogen can be reduced to 1/800th the size of the gas  essential for economical transportation  but it must be held at extremely low temperatures.

"We can only handle natural gas because we have a half-trillion-dollar infrastructure," Pivovar said.

By building up the infrastructure to more cheaply produce and move hydrogen, 3M expects more industries will join the market. More demand will lead to more supply, pushing prices even lower.

However, there remains risk to investing in hydrogen without the guarantee of widespread adoption.

Bryan Pivovar, a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, called it a "a chicken and the egg problem where you need a chicken and egg at the same time."

"The biggest problem with hydrogen is it's not economical at a small scale, but if there are more players and it's more ubiquitous all of a sudden it can reach that larger scale," he said. "We're at a tipping point."

To reach a goal of hydrogen providing about 15% of global energy needs, Pivovar said current green hydrogen production would need to increase about 500-fold. Some big steps toward that are underway; gigawatt-scale plants could be online by the end of the decade.

"The good news is it's more economical than it ever has been before, or at least less economically painful," Pivovar said.

Meanwhile, the conservative Manhattan Institute calls green hydrogen a "boondoggle," and says small modular nuclear reactors are a better choice for emission-free energy.

Nearly all of the hydrogen produced today is made from natural gas and used in ammonia fertilizer production. 3M sees an opportunity to both switch that production to a more sustainable process and open a pathway to more uses like steelmaking and transportation/fuel cells.

Seeking efficiency

Andy Steinbach's lab may be the happiest place at 3M thanks to the excess oxygen piped out of the mini electrolyzers lining the lab bench.

One of the devices has been running for 5,000 hours, and will run another 75,000 hours to ensure the key 3M material splitting water molecules performs as long as it should.

"These are long-term durability tests," Steinbach said.

That material, nanostructured-supported iridium catalyst powder, is a classic 3M innovation: It has been around for decades but only recently was enlisted to help with hydrogen production.

A gram of the powder can help produce 100 tons of hydrogen while reducing the amount of rare and expensive iridium needed in electrolysis. More efficiency, lower cost.

"It all comes back to 3M's goal of supporting the hydrogen economy through materials and processes," Yamaya said.

Weber said 3M wants to be a go-to resource for the hydrogen industry, rather than knocking on doors to pitch solutions.

"We want the problems to come to us."
A depiction of China's Chang'e 6 moon lander on the far side of the moon after landing on June 2, 2024.

China has landed on the moon's mysterious far side  again.

The robotic Chang'e 6 mission touched down inside Apollo Crater, within the giant South Pole-Aitken basin, at 6:23 a.m. Beijing Time on Sunday (June 2) , according to Chinese space officials. It was 6:23 p.m. EDT (2223 GMT) on June 1 at the time of the landing. The probe "successfully landed in the pre-selected area," China's space agency said.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) now has two far-side landings under its belt  this one and Chang'e 4, which dropped a lander-rover combo onto the gray dirt in January 2019. No other country has done it once.

A Chinese moon lander on the far side of the moon just after landing

And Chang'e 6 will make further history for China, if all goes according to plan: The mission aims to scoop up samples and send them back to Earth, giving researchers their first-ever up-close looks at material from this part of the moon.

"The Chang'e-6 mission is the first human sampling and return mission from the far side of the moon," CNSA officials said in a translated statement. (To be clear: Chang'e 6 is a robotic, not crewed, mission.) "It involves many engineering innovations, high risks and great difficulty."

Related: China's Chang'e 6 mission has a big lunar mystery to solve

Sampling a new environment

Chang'e 6 launched on May 3 with a bold and unprecedented task: haul home samples from the moon's far side, which always faces away from us. (The moon is tidally locked to Earth, completing one rotation on its axis in roughly the same amount of time it takes to orbit our planet. So observers here on Earth always see the same side of our natural satellite.)

Every lunar surface mission before Chang'e 4 targeted the near side, largely because that area is easier to explore. It's harder to communicate with robots operating on the far side, for example; doing so generally requires special relay orbiters, which China launched ahead of both Chang'e 4 and Chang'e 6. China's newest moon relay satellite, called Queqiao-2, aided the Chang'e 6 landing, CNSA officials said.

Chang'e 6 arrived in lunar orbit about four days after liftoff. It spent the next few weeks scrutinizing its planned landing site and gearing up for today's big event, which went according to plan: Chang'e 6's lander came down softly in Apollo Crater, leaving the mission's orbiter, with its attached Earth-reentry module, circling the moon.

Diagram showing the various phases of the Chang'e 6 lunar sample-return mission.

The lander will spend the next few days studying its surroundings and collecting about 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of lunar dirt and rock. Some of these samples will be scooped from the surface and some will be dug from up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) underground, using Chang'e 6's onboard drill.

This material will then be launched into lunar orbit by a rocket that rode down with the lander. The sample container will rendezvous with the Chang'e 6 orbiter, then make the long trek back to Earth, eventually touching down here under parachutes on June 25.

Chang'e 6 is also carrying a tiny moon rover and has a variety of scientific experiments onboard the lander.

A moon lander with a small rover strapped to its side

Scientists will study the returned material in detail, seeking insights about the moon's history and evolution and clues about why the lunar far side is so different than the near. The dark volcanic seas known as maria are common on the near side, for example, but are rare on the far side, for reasons that remain mysterious.

Researchers will doubtless compare the Chang'e 6 material to the samples collected on the moon's near side by Chang'e 5, which came down to Earth in December 2020. (Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 are sister missions, with virtually identical architectures.)

Related: The moon: Everything you need to know

Big lunar dreams

The Chang'e moon program, which is named after the Chinese moon goddess, has launched increasingly complex and ambitious missions over the past 17 years.

Chang'e 1 and Chang'e 2 sent orbiters to the moon in 2007 and 2010, respectively. Chang'e 3 marked China's first trip to the lunar surface, putting a lander-rover duo on the near side in late 2013. Chang'e 4 landed a similar pair on the far side in early 2019. Chang'e 5-T1 launched a test capsule around the moon and back to Earth in 2014, proving out the gear that could get lunar samples here safely, which Chang'e 5 did in late 2020.

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And there are more missions to come. Chang'e 7 is scheduled to launch in 2026 to assess the resource potential of the moon's south polar region, which is thought to harbor large stores of water ice. Chang'e 8, which will lift off two years later, will test ways to use those resources on-site  building a structure out of lunar dirt and rock, for example.

And all of this robotic work will lead to something even bigger, if all goes according to plan: crewed missions to the moon, which China aims to start launching by 2030. The nation wants to build an astronaut outpost near the south pole called the International Lunar Research Station later in the 2030s, with help from partners such as Russia, Belarus and Pakistan.

The United States has similar aims with its Artemis program, which is targeting late 2026 for its first crewed lunar landing. The U.S. is also building a moon-exploration coalition via a diplomatic framework called the Artemis Accords; more than 40 nations have signed on to date.
At around 3 p.m. ET on May 24, China's mysterious Shenlong space plane released an unidentified flying object 372 miles (600 kilometers) above Earth's surface. Experts outside China don't know exactly what the object is, but they believe it may be a small satellite or a piece of hardware ejected before the craft is scheduled to deorbit.

The U.S. Space Force has been tracking the space plane since it launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Launch Center on Dec. 14. Little is known about the craft, although it appears to be similar to the clandestine Boeing X-37B space plane developed by the U.S., which is capable of making years-long excursions into orbit. China's secret space plane first launched in 2020 and remained in orbit for just two days. However, it stayed aloft for 276 days during its second voyage, which began in late 2022.

Shenlong (which means "Divine Dragon") deployed six smaller objects shortly after launch last year; each appeared to be emitting some kind of signal. So far, Chinese officials have remained secretive about the plane and its activities, and have not addressed the nature of the mystery objects or even acknowledged them.

Related stories: China has launched a secret robot to the far side of the moon, new Chang'e 6 photos reveal

Meanwhile, the U.S. military's X-37B space plane is also in Earth's orbit. The craft launched on Dec. 28 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The fact that the two missions are operating simultaneously is "probably no coincidence," Space Force Chief of Space Operations B. Chance Saltzman told Air & Space Forces magazine .

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, China's state-run media outlets have not indicated any military applications for the space plane. "After operating in orbit for a period of time, the experimental spacecraft will return to the designated landing site in China," Xinhua reported, according to Gizmodo . "During this period, it will carry out reusable technology verification and space science experiments as planned, providing technical support of the peaceful use of space."

Reusable space planes have many potential commercial and scientific applications, including carrying passengers and launching satellites more efficiently. Nevertheless, the Space Force will continue to monitor the Shenlong mission until it returns to Earth.
A Japanese billionaire canceled his trip to the moon on a SpaceX rocket after too many delays

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will no longer fly to the moon aboard SpaceX's rocket, Starship.

A statement said the voyage was scheduled for 2023, but delays made the timeline "unfeasible."

The uncertain launch schedule prompted Maezawa to scrap the project.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has canceled his star-studded trip to the moon aboard a rocket designed by Elon Musk's company, SpaceX.

The project's official website, dearMoon, published a statement on Saturday. Maezawa, the founder of online retailer Zozotown, first announced the project in 2018 and described it as "the world's first civilian circumlunar voyage aboard SpaceX's space vehicle, Starship."

SpaceX and dearMoon made plans to take flight by the end of 2023.

"Unfortunately, however, launch within 2023 became unfeasible, and without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable decision to cancel the project," the statement read.

Yusaku Maezawa. YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/Getty Images

Maezawa echoed the statement with an X post, writing, "I can't plan my future in this situation, and I feel terrible making the crew members wait longer, hence the difficult decision to cancel at this point in time."

"I apologize to those who were excited for this project to happen," he added.

A dearMoon representative confirmed the cancellation in a statement to Business Insider. Representatives for SpaceX did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Maezawa announced the eight people who would fly aboard the space vehicle in a YouTube video in December 2022. The guest list included American DJ Steve Aoki, K-Pop star T.O.P., and Indian actor Dev Joshi.

The billionaire previously traveled to space in December 2021 during a 12-day trip to the International Space Station. He spent an estimated $80 million to ride aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket.

Musk founded SpaceX in 2022 and recently answered questions about the company during the annual Milken Institute Global Conference in May.

When asked if artificial intelligence could speed up his space exploration efforts, Musk said that "almost no AI is used" in that field.

He added that he's not against integrating AI, but "we haven't seen a use for it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
ANKARA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained a pro-Kurdish mayor in Hakkari, southeastern Turkiye, on Monday over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

Mehmet Siddik Akis, a member of the opposition People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), has now been replaced by the provincial governor of Hakkari, the ministry said in a statement.

Akis allegedly took a senior position in the PKK, as well as conducted "interrogations" and collected money on behalf of the group, the ministry said, adding that the mayor was also allegedly involved in illegal marches, terrorist funerals, and recruitment activities while pressuring shopkeepers to participate in the group's actions in the province.

The ministry also accused Akis of visiting PKK's camps in rural areas and meeting with high-ranking members of the group there.

The mayor was detained in the eastern Van province over an investigation conducted by the Hakkari Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.

The arrest came two months after Akis was elected mayor of Hakkari in the March 31 municipal elections, during which the DEM won 10 provinces, mainly in the southeast of Turkiye. 
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa won't shoot for the moon on SpaceX's Starship after all.

Maezawa, who booked a private trip around the moon on SpaceX's Starship megarocket in 2018, has now scrapped the project  which he called dearMoon  after the rocket wasn't ready to fly him and eight hand-picked artists in 2023.

"I signed the contract in 2018 based on the assumption that dearMoon would launch by the end of 2023," Maezawa said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). "It's a developmental project so it is what it is, but it is still uncertain as to when Starship can launch."

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SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy booster make up the world's tallest and most powerful rocket ever to fly. The company launched its first uncrewed Starship test flight in April 2023, but failed to reach space. A second test in November 2023 flew higher but also failed. Starship reached space for the first time on March 14 of this year in a test that reached orbital velocity, but its Starship and Super Heavy booster did not survive to their intended splashdown points.

SpaceX is preparing to launch its fourth Starship test flight on June 5 as part of its development of a crewed Starship to land NASA Artemis astronauts on the moon by 2026.

Maezawa said the uncertainty over when Starship would be ready to fly his dearMoon mission led him to cancel the flight.

"I can't plan my future in this situation, and I feel terrible making the crew members wait longer, hence the difficult decision to cancel at this point in time," Maezawa wrote on X. "I apologize to those who were excited for this project to happen."

SpaceX conducts a fueling test with its Starship vehicle on May 28, 2024.

In December 2022, Maezawa selected a crew of eight artists and creators to join him on his dearMoon flight, but those astronaut hopefuls have had their lunar dreams dashed. The crew included: Tim Dodd, creator of the YouTube channel Everyday Astronaut; D.J. and electronic music producer Steve Aoki; artist and choreographer Yemi A.D.; photographer Karim Iliya; filmmaker Brendan Hall; Indian TV actor Dev Joshi; and South Korean rapper T.O.P. Two backup crewmembers, dancer Miyu and snowboarder Kaitlyn Farrington, were also selected.

Maezawa also held a short-lived girlfriend contest to find a partner to fly around the moon with him on the dearMoon flight, but it was canceled shortly after its announcement.

"And just like that, the dreams of my crew are over," Dodd wrote on X after Maezawa announced the dearMoon cancellation.

"I'm extremely disappointed, having dreamt about this mission since I first heard about it in 2018 and even more for the last 3 years since the selection process started. I slowly allowed myself to envision a trip to the Moon one little bit by little bit," Dodd added. "On the other hand, I have guilt about being upset about a gift that was retracted. A part of me doesn't feel I'm entitled to grieve since I wasn't entitled to this mission in the first place."

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa entered the International Space Station on Dec. 8, 2021.

Dodd said he would likely have had second thoughts on joining the project if he'd known it could be canceled so soon after its announcement.

"Had I known this could have ended within a year and a half of it being publicly announced, I would've never agreed to it," Dodd said. "We had no prior knowledge of this possibility."

a large silver rocket flies through a golden morning sky

When Maezawa announced the dearMoon mission in 2018, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the company's Starship program (which had only been announced two years earlier) would need about $5 billion to get up and running, with Maezawa contributing a key chunk of that funding. Since then, SpaceX has secured a NASA contract to fly land the agency's Artemis 3 astronauts on the moon by 2026, as well as an uncrewed landing test.

American billionaire Jared Isaacman, meanwhile, has booked the first crewed orbital flight of Starship as part of his three-mission Polaris Program, which also aims to fly the first private spacewalk on a SpaceX Dragon capsule later this year. SpaceX has also booked another private Starship trip around the moon for billionaire Dennis Tito and his wife Akiko. Tito became the world's first space tourist when he bought a trip to the International Space Station brokered by Space Adventures in 2001.

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX launches giant Starship rocket into space on epic 3rd test flight (video)

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To reach the moon, SpaceX has said it would take at least "ten-ish" refueling missions alone to fuel Starship for a trip to the moon (the company has not yet reached a full orbit with Starship or demonstrated a full refueling flight, though did test refueling technology on its third Starship test flight in March.

Maezawa did not wait for Starship to be ready in his goal to reach space. In December 2021, he flew himself and a videographer to the International Space Station for a 12-day trip. He said he does wish SpaceX's Starship team the best as the company continues to develop the rocket.

"We will hold deep respect for SpaceX as they continue to venture into uncharted territories, while we ourselves will move on to the next challenge," his dearMoon team said in a statement.
Marion Technical College will expand cybersecurity education and train more workers for the in-demand field.

A new grant from the National Science Foundation will help bridge the skills gap and establish a skilled cybersecurity workforce to help meet local, regional and nationwide demands.

More: Marion Technical College bucks higher education trends with record enrollment

Marion Tech was awarded this $533,404 to better align curriculum with the NSA Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity. In addition to upgrading hardware, Marion Tech will offer cybersecurity camps starting in summer 2025 to offer free training to teachers, government employees and utility workers as well as students.

Dr. Ryan McCall, left, and professor Jeremy Fryman meet with Intel executives in the mobile lab. A grant will equip the mobile lab to bring cybersecurity training to the doors of schools and businesses.

The National Science Foundation grant is a game-changer for our cybersecurity program. We will be providing training on cutting-edge technology to our students, community and local government agencies. Cybersecurity is a constant arms race between bad actors and the good guys; keeping local agencies, teachers, and the community up-to-date with recent trends is essential for the safety of everyone, said Mike White, associate dean of technical programs at Marion Tech.

Mike White

With new equipment, the Marion Tech mobile lab will bring cybersecurity awareness and training events around the region. In addition, Marion Tech will develop three new cybersecurity courses and certifications. These include stackable certificate options, where students can tailor their learning to their career goals and put their learning to use in their careers quickly.

More: Ohio State-Marion salutes the first graduates of engineering technology program

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and widespread, leveling up our cybersecurity education helps prevent cyberattacks before they happen, saving time and money that would be spent fixing things afterward, said Christy Culver, assistant program administrator for business and information technologies.

At upcoming professional development boot camps, high school instructors, local government employees and public utility workers will learn and implement cybersecurity protocols and best practices for their fields.

The planned professional development opportunities for high school instructors, local government, and public utility employees will raise the overall standard of cybersecurity education in the region, creating a ripple effect of improved cybersecurity practices, said Culver, one of the grants authors.

In addition, Marion Tech will reach out to underrepresented students in cybersecurity, including rural students, economically disadvantaged individuals and women with the goal of helping. This initiative aims to increase program enrollment among these groups by 25%.

Cybersecurity jobs will grow by 32% over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Cyberattacks threaten all of us  with attacks on health care, schools, utilities, financial institutions and businesses," said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech. "This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for cybersecurity expertise in our community and beyond. By expanding our educational offerings and reaching out to underrepresented groups, we aim to cultivate a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of meeting these challenges."

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Technical College awarded cybersecurity education grant
The red line shows the boundaries of more than 900 acres of farmland in Granger of the old St. Joe Farm that sold to Microsoft Corp. in May 2024.

GRANGER  Owners of the St. Joe Farm have sold 929 acres of its farmland to the Microsoft Corp., according to the St. Joseph County recorders office.

This answers who the unnamed purchaser is for the future computer data center at the site, east of Capital Avenue and Cleveland Road.

And it confirms what some residents had already speculated as they opposed the industrial rezoning of the land at county meetings this spring.

Microsoft is paying a total of $77.5 million, according to the county assessors office.

Shown Monday, May 6, 2024, is some of the land north of Cleveland Road and east of Currant Road that has since sold to Microsoft Corp. for a data center.

The land was transferred to Microsoft on May 23, a warranty deed in the recorders office shows.

Microsoft also announced plans Tuesday to invest $1 billion to establish another local data center, this one in LaPorte, creating up to 200 new jobs by the end of 2032. The company will construct a new 245,000-square-foot data center on 489 acres at the Radius Industrial Park in LaPorte.

Indiana is committed to being a central hub in the global economy of the future, and this latest announcement ensures Hoosier communities and talent will be key to widespread advancements in cloud and artificial intelligence technology, Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a release regarding the LaPorte announcement.

Despite the sale of the Granger land, St. Joe Farms local owners are continuing to deal in rural real estate, as they recently purchased more than 500 acres in Florida, according to the Ocala StarBanner, a member of the USA Today network.

Since 1867, St. Joe Farm had been used by Holy Cross brothers to feed staff and students at the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame sold it in 2008.

The farms most recent owner, Paul Blum, had lamented to the countys Area Plan Commission in April that he and his wife struggled with mud and silt issues in the soil, saying that theyd lost 40% of their income and spent millions on irrigation and improvements.

Several neighbors had opposed the rezoning. They felt they didnt get enough of their questions answered. Many felt they didnt get assurances that their rural life wouldnt be disrupted, among other issues.

Ultimately, the St. Joseph County Council voted 6-3 to grant the rezoning in a 4.5-hour meeting on May 14 as they fielded last-minute answers to questions from Microsofts local consultant for the sale, Mike Danch. The council was under pressure that, according to Danch, the as-yet-unnamed developer would seek a property elsewhere if the rezoning didnt pass that night.

Long meeting: Under pressure to vote, county council approves rezoning of St. Joe Farm for data center

Meanwhile, St. Joe Farm LLC recently paid $5.05 million for 560 acres in a rural area north of Ocala, Fla., according to a deed on file with the Marion County Clerk of the Circuit Court in that state.

Story continues

The county is northwest of Orlando. The land is classified as agricultural, and the deed was recorded on May 31.

Construction work takes place on a portion of land between Walnut and Larrison Road and north of Early Road on an $11 billion Amazon Web Services data center campus on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in New Carlisle.

The St. Joe Farm sale and LaPorte news follow announcements that Amazon Web Services will build a data center in the Indiana Enterprise Center east of New Carlisle and that Google is building a data center near Fort Wayne. Northern Indiana has proven desirable to data center companies because of lower cooling costs and access to water.

Jim Ross of the Ocala StarBanner contributed to this story.

South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Microsoft buys St. Joe Farm land for computer data center in Granger
Zombie Army

In what stands to be a major cybersecurity win for US law enforcement, the Department of Justice announced the arrest of Yunhe Wan  a 35-year-old Chinese national accused of perpetrating what the FBI says is likely the biggest botnet scheme in history.

According to a DOJ press release, officials allege that Wan and his co-conspirators used pop-ups advertising alleged VPN services to distribute malware that infected "millions" of residential Windows computers in nearly 200 countries, creating an extensive residential proxy service (basically, a secret communication highway that hides users behind the IP addresses of real people.)

Wan sold access to the network  known as "911 S5"  to other cybercriminals, who used it to commit "a whole host of computer-enabled crimes, including financial frauds, identity theft, and child exploitation," according to a statement by FBI director Christopher Wray.

The illicit scheme was massively successful. According to the DOJ, 911 S5 raked in an eye-watering $99 million since its inception in 2014. Wan spent much of that income on luxury properties, cars, watches, and more.

"The conduct alleged here reads like it's ripped from a screenplay," said Department of Commerce official Matthew Axelrod in a statement. "A scheme to sell access to millions of malware-infected computers worldwide, enabling criminals over the world to steal billions of dollars, transmit bomb threats, and exchange child exploitation materials  then using the scheme's nearly $100 million in profits to buy luxury cars, watches, and real estate."

Finders Keepers

Now in custody, Wan has been charged with "conspiracy to commit computer fraud, substantive computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering," per the release. He faces up to 65 years in prison.

Wan must've enjoyed an extremely lavish lifestyle. According to the DOJ, his "2022 Ferrari F8 Spider S-A, a BMW i8, a BMW X7 M50d, a Rolls Royce, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, several luxury wristwatches, 21 residential or investment properties (across Thailand, Singapore, the [United Arab Emirates], St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United States), and 20 domains," are all up for forfeiture.

One of the more striking allegations in the indictment against Wan is that 911 S5 allowed foreign actors to pose as unemployed US citizens during the coronavirus pandemic. Together, these actors drained nearly $6 billion in COVID aid funding from the US government.

911 S5 was also used for cyberstalking purposes and facilitated the passage of child sexual abuse materials.

Where the case goes next, and what a conviction would mean for victims of 911 S5-related crimes in terms of retribution, remains to be seen.

More on cybersecurity: Researchers Create AI-Powered Malware That Spreads on Its Own
ISS Star Fighter

Space company Sierra Space's Dream Chaser space plane is like no other: its retractable wings and sleek Space Shuttle-like fuselage make it look like it was yanked straight out of a "Star Wars" movie.

It might sound implausible, but it's almost ready to roar into action. The intriguing spacecraft arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center last week in preparation for its maiden voyage to the International Space Station in September, having completed "rigorous environmental testing" at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio.

And while its first launch is designed to test its cargo capabilities, the company is already looking to launch human astronauts on board as well.

"Oh, its a possibility I might be flying, its a possibility you could be a passenger as well," retired NASA astronaut and Sierra Space chief medical officer Tom Marshburn told NBC 6 South Florida.

https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1796280204719218918

Space Glider

But before Tenacity, the first in Sierra Space's Dream Chaser fleet, can embark on its first-ever mission  a project that was first announced almost 20 years ago  Sierra Space still has its work cut out for it. Now at the Kennedy Space Center, the spacecraft will still have to go through a litany of tests and eventually be attached to the launcher of the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket, which will hoist it into space.

Dream Chaser is under contract with NASA to fly seven cargo missions to the ISS, a renewable alternative to SpaceX's Dragon cargo shuttle that can glide back through the atmosphere to land on any runway that's at least 10,000 feet in length, instead of relying on giant parachutes to make its uncontrolled descent.

In fact, it's the first private spaceplane ever built, though building on an extensive legacy of US and Soviet spaceplanes.

The unusual spacecraft is still being outfitted with heat tiles designed to protect it during its reentry through the Earth's atmosphere, and will need to be attached to its expendable cargo module, dubbed "Shooting Star."

And, as Ars Technica reports, it's still unclear how long all of this hands-on work will take and whether Sierra Space will meet its already ambitious September deadline. But we can't wait to see it in action.

More on Dream Chaser: Sierra Space Reveals "Star Wars"-Looking New Spaceship
U.S. invests in AI to help fight wildfires

Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct information about the ALERTCalifornia system. We apologize for the error.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Biden-Harris Administration has invested thousands of dollars into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help fight wildfires.

The Biden-Harris Administration has invested $250,000 to support the development of a powerful new artificial intelligence (AI) model, which will improve fire weather forecasts through better lightning prediction, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced on Thursday.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires bringing unhealthy air to US cities: Where is it worst?

This funding is part of a larger Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) investment to improve fire weather research from President Bidens Investing in America agenda.

This investment, made possible thanks to President Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will significantly improve NOAAs fire weather forecasts while safeguarding firefighters who risk their lives each day to serve Americans impacted by wildland fires, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

Vice President Harris arrives in San Diego for brief visit

With this new funding, the Center for Satellite Applications and Research, which is part of NOAAs National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) will create a customized version of LightningCast.

This AI model uses imagery and data from NOAA satellites to predict lightning strikes within the next hour at any given location, including those around wildland fires.

How can you protect your home against wildfires?

NOAA says it continues to work to develop products to help first responders stay safe during wildland fires by testing the improved LightningCast tool and related research on early detection of dangerous fire-generated thunderstorms.

Wildland fires pose a major threat to our nation, said Assistant Administrator of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Michael C. Morgan, Ph.D. NOAA remains committed to finding ways to use AI, machine learning and other technologies to improve the accuracy of our forecasts and warnings, and better serve first responders as they work to protect lives and property.,

In the United States, from 2013 to 2022, there were an average of 61,410 wildland fires annually, with an average of 7.2 million acres burned each year, the National Interagency Fire Center reports. In 2022 alone, 68,988 wildland fires burned 7.6 million acres.

Incident meteorologists (IMETs) at NOAAs National Weather Service use LightningCast to provide real-time information to wildland fire incident teams about the risk of lightning strikes nearby, which can start a new fire.

California firefighters use cutting-edge simulation tables to train for large wildfires

California is no stranger to using AI to help fight wildfires. In August 2023, a new initiative was announced, part of a pilot program in collaboration with the University of California, San Diegos ALERTCalifornia program, which was monitoring 1,080 cameras throughout the state as of last fall to keep track of potential active wildfires and other natural disasters.

Cal Fire has invested more than $20 million into the program in the last four years and plans to contribute another $3.5 million in the coming years.

How California firefighters are using AI to help spot wildfires

The wildland fire-focused version of LightningCast began testing in August 2023. NOAA says it plans to transition LightningCast to an operational status in 2025, while users continue to explore the tool and provide feedback during this years wildland fire season.

LightningCast is continuing to evolve to meet the demand for timely and actionable information, said Mike Pavolonis, NESDIS Wildland Fire Program manager. LightningCast is one of several new satellite-based tools NOAA is developing to address the increasing wildland fire challenge.

Visit NOAAs Bipartisan Infrastructure Law website to learn about current and future funding opportunities.

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.
Where will the world's first genetic sequencing of a corn dog take place? At the Minnesota State Fair

There are lots of things that happen only at the Minnesota State Fair: Butter busts. Costumed llamas. Traffic-cone-flavored lip balm.

This summer you can add another: Gene sequencing of a corn dog.

University of Minnesota researchers are aiming to crack the genetic code of the quintessential State Fair snack at the school's Driven to Discover research building on the fairgrounds.

It's a lighthearted way to draw attention to the more serious research being done by university scientists to track infectious diseases. Gene sequencing technology is being used at the U for everything from tracking respiratory pathogens, to breeding more productive cows, to developing better cancer treatments.

The corn dog project is the brainchild of Dr. Beth Thielen, assistant professor of pediatrics and an infectious-disease expert at the U of M Medical School, and Christopher Faulk, associate professor of functional genomics at the university's Department of Animal Science.

Thielen is hoping to use the corn dog project to recruit potential participants at the fair for a study formally titled "Prospective Surveillance for Respiratory Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Diverse Regional Populations: A Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence Collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Health and University of Minnesota."

The informal name for the study is "Got Snot?"

The mission of the study is to follow 500 households in Minnesota and neighboring states, asking them to mail in nasal swabs if they get sick. The researchers will then use the latest gene sequencing technology to figure out which respiratory diseases are emerging and how they're spreading.

"We wanted to show prospective participants how nucleic acid sequencing works and from there the corn dog sequencing experiment was born," Thielen said. "For safety reasons, we didn't think working with actual infectious agents at the fair was a good idea."

All organisms  from respiratory bugs to the once-living ingredients in a corn dog  have genetic material that can be sequenced.

"Since all once-living things have nucleic acid, we figured sequencing a corn dog would be a good tribute to the fair," Thielen said.

But what will they learn about corn dogs?

"So our hypothesis is that a corn dog contains components of formerly living organisms. So there's corn, which has DNA. There's beef, we think," Thielen said. "By reading out the sequences that we get, we can determine the relative proportions of those different materials that contributed to the corn dog in our sample."

Thielen and Faulk will also be showing off advances in gene sequencing equipment.

Instead of large machines costing millions of dollars, the researchers will be bringing to the fairgrounds a sequencing device the size of a Snickers bar that plugs into a laptop and costs less than $2,000.

It's the sort of portable gear Thielen and Faulk will be using overseas if they get funding to expand their emerging pathogen tracking research in places like Uganda, Malaysia and Ecuador.

Could the experiment win an Ig Nobel Prize, the annual Harvard-based ceremony that celebrates offbeat research?

"We can only hope," Thielen said. "All publicity is good publicity. It's a little bit of a fun experiment, but underlying it is an important point which is this is something that's up and coming and has a lot of potential for a lot of areas, and we want people to learn about it and be excited about science."
WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The trial of U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden on felony gun charges kicked off with jury selection on Monday in Wilmington, U.S. state of Delaware, drawing national attention in a contentious election year.

It's the first prosecution for the child of a sitting president in the history of the United States.

Hunter Biden, the youngest son and only surviving son of President Biden, faces three felony gun charges in the historic trial that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if he's convicted.

The 54-year-old was indicted last September by a federal grand jury on charges related to his purchase of a revolver in October 2018 while he was a drug user.

Those charges include false statement in purchase of a firearm, false statement related to information required to be kept by a federal firearms licensed dealer, and possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter Biden, who pleaded not guilty to all three charges, arrived at the courthouse in Wilmington Monday morning for the first day of jury selection in his trial.

U.S. First lady Jill Biden and Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen Biden showed up in person at the courthouse in a show of family support.

Hunter Biden is also facing another criminal trial in Los Angeles on tax fraud charges. A federal judge agreed last month to postpone the trial until September.

President Biden on Monday issued a statement on the trial of his son, saying that "As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength."

"Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support," he added.

CNN reported that approximately 250 Delaware residents have been summoned for jury service, citing the judge.

Those residents will be whittled down to a panel of 12 seated jurors and four alternates. As part of the selection process, prospective jurors will be asked if they can stay impartial regardless of their views about the 2024 election, according to the report.

Hunter Biden's gun trial came just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump, President Biden's 2024 presidential contender, was found guilty in the first criminal trial of a former president in the U.S. history. Trump was convicted of felony crimes by a jury in New York on Thursday on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a bid to hide hush money payment to a porn star in 2016, shortly before the presidential election.

Hunter Biden's trial "further entrenches the courtroom as a central player in an unorthodox and chaotic presidential election," noted The Washington Post, a major U.S. newspaper published in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital.

"The cases against Trump and Hunter Biden are markedly different, not least because one defendant is seeking the presidency and the other is a private citizen. But both could affect the 2024 election as Republicans seek to tie Biden to his son's legal troubles, and the president's handling of them will be scrutinized closely by voters considering his performance as president and as patriarch," the newspaper noted.

CNN presidential historian Douglas Brinkley pointed out in a report of the television channel that Hunter Biden's sprawling legal debacles "cut unusually close to the bone because it's the president's son."

"This trial is an albatross around President Biden's neck and weighs very heavily on his psyche," Brinkley added.

The Associated Press reported that Hunter Biden's gun trial "could last up to two weeks and likely include sharp disagreements over evidence as it plays out during his father's reelection campaign." 
Editor's Note

To make informed decisions, voters need accurate, timely and impartial information, and they need it in the language they speak. So, with generous support from the Yakima Free Press Fund, the Yakima Voter Project is providing free access to general election coverage by the Yakima Herald-Republic and El Sol de Yakima. To contribute to the Free Press Fund, visit www.yakimafreepress.org.
You are the owner of this article.
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday said the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) used their trilateral defense ministers' meeting and trilateral vice foreign minister-level dialogue to deliberately attack and vilify China.

On June 2, defense ministers of the United States, Japan and the ROK held a trilateral meeting in Singapore and issued a joint press statement, in which they blamed China. The media note of the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue held in Washington on May 31 contains similar negative content on China.

In response, spokesperson Mao Ning told a briefing that the three countries advance the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy," point fingers and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan question, deliberately attack and vilify China on maritime issues, and sow discord between China and neighboring countries.

"Such moves seriously violate basic norms governing international relations. China strongly deplores and opposes this," Mao said.

China firmly opposes the practice of bloc politics, anything said or done to instigate or intensify tensions and undermine other countries' strategic security and interests, and the attempt to form exclusive groupings in the Asia-Pacific, she said.

The United States needs to act on its word that the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China and stop seeking selfish gains at the expense of other countries' strategic security and the wellbeing of the people in the Asia-Pacific, she said.

The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and basic norm in international relations, Mao stressed, adding that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference.

The biggest threat to cross-Strait peace now is the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and external connivance and support for them, she stressed.

If relevant countries truly care about cross-Strait peace and stability and want the world to be safe and prosperous, they should uphold the one-China principle, unequivocally oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and support China's reunification, Mao said.

Mao said that China will always defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. "We are committed to properly settling bilateral maritime issues with countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation. That said, we firmly oppose countries outside the region meddling with and escalating the situation."

In recent years, the United States has been inciting and supporting certain countries in provoking China and infringing on China's sovereignty and maritime rights at sea, and frequently conducted joint military exercises and close-in reconnaissance with its allies in waters close to China, including the South China Sea, to flex muscles and intensify tensions in the region. "This has become the biggest threat and challenge to regional peace and stability," Mao noted.

Mao said that China's basic position on the Korean Peninsula issue is consistent. "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. Resorting to military deterrence and imposing sanctions and pressure will only intensify differences and heighten tensions."

China urges relevant parties to be prudent in words and deeds and refrain from fueling the tension in the Korean Peninsula which is already highly complex and challenging, Mao said, adding that China will continue to handle Korean Peninsula affairs based on their merits and China's own position. 
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, the mayoral candidate of opposition Parbeszed-Greens-DK-MSZP, said late on Friday that his main goal was to improve living standards for Budapest residents, while David Vitezy, the mayoral candidate of opposition LMP said Budapest needed developments rather than being used as a battleground for party politics.

A debate of mayoral candidates held on the Partizan Youtube channel was not attended by Alexandra Szentkiralyi, the ruling parties candidate.



Karacsony said he was a politician open to green, left-wing, liberal values, as well as conservative values, adding that Budapest and Hungary should become greener and more equal.



He said a starting point for his measures as mayor was the human desire to live a fuller, healthier and longer life.



Vitezy said he was not a party politician, adding that his programme offered an opportunity to replace the party politics that dominated Budapest.



He criticised Karacsony for failing to fulfil his election promises, and using his position as mayor for advancing his own political goals.



Karacsony said that the coronavirus pandemic, the energy crisis and government austerity measures in recent year had taken 365 billion forints from city coffers.



He said that despite the poor condition of roads, the public transport system in Budapest had developed dynamically, and he called the rollout of a combined public transport pass of historic importance.



MTI Photo: Tibor Illyes

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Leftist and liberal authors accuse the government of turning its back on western allies, while pro-government commentators believe Hungarys leaders are simply desperately trying to preserve peace on the continent.

In Elet es Irodalom, veteran liberal economist Lajos Bokros suspects that western allies have ceased to share sensitive information with Hungary. The reason he presumes, is that Hungary has become a fifth column at the service of Russia.



While the Russian bear and the Chinese dragon exploit the fat mouse representing Hungary, he fulminates, Hungary is being slowly excluded by western powers from the alliance of democracies.



In a very similar vein, Magyar Narancs vituperates against the governments decision to vote against a UN general assembly resolution designating 11 July as Srebrenica genocide remembrance day. In its first page editorial, the liberal weekly dismisses the argument that the resolution pinpoints the whole of the Serbian population as war criminals.



The relevant chapter of the resolution doesnt even mention Serbs, the editors write. They accuse the government of opposing the UN resolution because Russia opposes it and also because the Hungarian government has cultivated friendly relations with Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Bosnian Serb Republic.



In Bosnia, a negative memorial will be erected with the names of the countries opposing the resolution which will leave a lasting stain on the name of Hungary, the editors write.



Magyar Hangs Istvan Devenyi rejects as completely absurd the governments claim that Brussels wants to introduce mandatory military service throughout the European Union and send Hungarian conscripts, among others, to fight against Russia in Ukraine.



He believes Peter Magyars sudden success prompted the government side to realise that its previous threats about the looming spectre of nuclear war were insufficient, and its propagandists decided to raise the stakes by suggesting that the lives of young Hungarians are in jeopardy.



In reality, he remarks, EPP leader Manfred Weber is the only established European politician to argue for a return to compulsory military service, and only in Germany at that, while young Germans in his proposal would still be free to choose between civilian and military service.



In his Demokrata editorial, Andras Bencsik describes the stance of the Hungarian government on Ukraine as an effort to avoid being drawn into a new war, after Hungarys tragic mistake of taking part on the losing side in both world wars.



This is why Prime Minister Orbans government is urging a ceasefire and peace talks among the warring parties, he explains. This doesnt seem to be easy, he adds, as proven by the attempted assassination of Robert Fico, Slovakias pro-peace Prime Minister.



The Hungarian government, however, is backed by the commitment to peace of huge masses of Hungarians, Bencsik writes. (The weeklies were already on the stands on Saturday when the peace march organised in support of the government was held in Budapest.)



In an interview with Hetek, Balazs Orban, who serves as political director in the Prime Ministers office accuses unnamed forces which see confrontation between NATO and Russia as inevitable, of being opposed to the political stability of pro-peace countries.



As a result, he says, they managed to exacerbate polarisation in Slovakia, which led to an attempt to assassinate the Slovak Prime Minister. Those forces, he continues, are trying to put into place new forces in Hungary as well, by bringing up matters that seem apt to to undermine the governments legitimacy.



The forthcoming European elections, he says, will be about whether those unnamed forces can shake the position of a pro-peace European government.



In Mandiner, Daniel Kacsoh claims that NATO is only one step away from appearing in Ukraine in an offensive posture, despite being a defensive alliance, at the risk of igniting the Third World War.



After weapon supplies, he continues, initiatives like sending soldiers and introducing compulsory military service in Europe are now also being considered.



Anyone warning that hundreds of thousands of people are dying in Ukraine is branded a friend of Vladimir Putin, he complains.



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Orsolya Ferencz, the foreign ministrys commissioner for space science, has called Hungarys membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2015 a real success story.

Speaking to public current affairs channel M1, Ferencz summarized the Hungarian Incentive Scheme programme which was launched in cooperation of ESA and the foreign ministry and had come to a close.



Under the programme the Hungarian space sector could learn about opportunities provided by ESA, she said.



Those opportunities have played a key role in a faster development of the sector, in making it more competitive and more prepared for future ESA programmes, she said.



Ferencz called Hungarys cooperation with ESA a pillar of Hungarys space strategy, noting the space agency was an official partner in the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut programme.



Geraldine Naja, ESAs Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, said at a press conference on the incentive scheme that the excellent cooperation between ESA and the foreign ministry has played a highly important role in Hungarys significant improvement in space research.



She said the HUNOR programme to be carried out in partnership with ESA offered Hungary an immense opportunity for Hungary in future.



MTI Photo



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Two new bridges will be opened in Hungary in the first week of June, and they are not just any bridges: one is the new Danube bridge between Kalocsa and Paks, officially named the Tomori Pal Bridge, and the other is the world-record-breaking pedestrian suspension bridge in Satoraljaujhely, Vilaggazdasag reports.

The Tomori Pal Bridge is the twentieth Danube bridge on the Hungarian stretch of the river. According to newly released information, it will be opened next week on Thursday, June 6.



Thanks to the new Danube bridge, the journey time between Kalocsa and the M6 motorway and between Kalocsa and Paks (both in southern Hungary) will be reduced to approximately 15 minutes.



The total value of the bridge and the related road network development project, carried out by EKM and Duna Aszfalt Zrt, is HUF 92 billion net (EUR 236 million).



During the construction of the substructures (including the foundations) and superstructures of the new bridge, the contractor used approximately 28,000 cubic meters of concrete, and the weight of the steel structure exceeds 5,000 tons.



In addition, 418 kilometers of pre-stressing tendons were installed and 82,300 tons of stone were used for the hydraulic structures and pillar protection.



The new Danube bridge is 946 meters long and was built by around 900 people.







Just two days before June 6, another special bridge will be inaugurated in Hungary next Tuesday.



This is the Satoraljaujhely pedestrian suspension bridge, called the Bridge of National Unity, a world record holder in its category.



Its inauguration on June 4 is no coincidence: it is the Day of National Unity, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the 1920 Trianon Treaty.







The more than 700 meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge, held aloft by six steel cables, will connect Szar Hill and Var Hill.



This technology has never been used to build a bridge of this length, not only in Hungary, but in the whole world, making it one of the largest in its category.



It will be inaugurated on June 4, and the next day the residents of Satoraljaujhely and Sarospatak will be able to try it out for free. From June 6, the world-record-long pedestrian suspension bridge will be open to all, but only with a ticket.



Tickets will be available at the Castle Visitor Center in the Castle Hill car park, and a ticket machine will be installed at both ends of the bridge. Payment at the ticket machines will be by credit card only.



The entrance fee to the bridge will be HUF 5,000 (EUR 12.84), but residents of Satoraljaujhely and Sarospatak will get a 20 percent discount.



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This photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows a flooded area as the water level of the Danube river has risen in Ulm, southern German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

The weather situation in the affected regions remains tense. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has warned of "lively showers and thunderstorms or heavy continuous rain in places" over the course of the day.

BERLIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- At least four people have died in heavy flooding in southern Germany, local police said on Monday. The floods follow exceptionally heavy rainfall, causing widespread evacuations and a state of emergency in several districts.

A firefighter died Sunday when rescuing residents trapped by flood waters near Pfaffenhofen in Bavaria. A boat carrying the 42-year-old man and three other emergency workers capsized.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old woman from Schrobenhausen in Upper Bavaria who had been missing since Sunday was discovered dead in the cellar of a house on Monday. Later Monday, in Schorndorf, Baden-Wuerttemberg, emergency services recovered two bodies from a cellar.

This photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows a flooded area as the water level of the Danube river has risen in Ulm, southern German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Around 3,000 people in Bavaria had to be evacuated due to the floods, authorities said on Sunday.

The German rail operator Deutsche Bahn advised against traveling to flood areas on Monday, since rail traffic has been severely impacted in parts of southern Germany. A high-speed train carrying 185 passengers derailed on Saturday due to a landslide, although no one was injured.

The upper part of the Rhine River, an important route for transporting goods, has been closed to inland shipping in order to prevent waves causing damage to neighboring houses. Several locations in Bavaria have reported burst dams on smaller rivers.

On Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser visited Reichertshofen in Bavaria, which was badly affected by the floods. Scholz promised help to those affected.

This photo taken on June 2, 2024 shows a flooded area in Babenhausen, southern German state of Bavaria. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

"We can see here what we as humans must never forget: the forces of nature are big, they are strong and they can cause great destruction," Scholz said. He thanked the numerous people who have been working in many places in southern Germany "trying to prevent the worst."

"Emergency services, both volunteers and full-time staff, risk their lives in the flood areas to save people," Economics Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said in a statement. "We should always be grateful that these people exist."

Habeck also called for more efforts to be made to protect the climate. "Curbing CO2 emissions so that we have enough time to adapt should not be trivialized or pushed aside, but is a top priority," Habeck said during a visit to Reichertshofen on Sunday. The frequency of natural disasters is a clear indicator that nature and the climate are changing, as record floods now occur "every few years," he added.

Vehicles wade through a flooded road in Babenhausen, southern German state of Bavaria, June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

In 2021, major flooding hit parts of Europe, killing almost 200 people in Germany. Climate change is considered to play a major role in disasters of this kind.

Meanwhile, the weather situation in the affected regions remains tense. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has warned of "lively showers and thunderstorms or heavy continuous rain in places" over the course of the day. 
Prime Minister Viktor Orban told participants of the Peace March in Budapest on Saturday that giving up on peace meant "choosing to die for the cause of Ukraine", but "we do not want to shed blood for Ukraine, we will not go to war, and we will not die for somebody else on foreign soil", he said.

In a speech delivered on Margaret Island, Orban endorsed the candidates of the Fidesz-Christian Democrats alliance in the European Parliament election and said that Hungary could only stay out of the war if Hungarian voters backed up the government.



Do we want to shed Hungarian blood for Ukraine? No! We will not go to war, we will not die for somebody else on foreign soil, Orban said in his speech.



Addressing the Peace March, organised by the Civic Union (COF) and its foundation COKA, Orban said it would be impossible to hide from the war, and that the only antidote to war was peace.



Our mission is to stay out of the war and preserve Hungary as an island of peace, Orban said.



He said evil was behind world wars and urged people not to give in. The time for exorcism has come, he added.



Either we win or they win. There is no third way, only a third world war, he said.



Orban said there was no solution to the war on the battlefield and called for a ceasefire and peace talks.







Peace March Arrives on Margaret Island





A Peace March, organised by the Civic Union (COF) and its foundation COKA, arrived at a meadow on Margaret Island a little before three oclock in the afternoon on Saturday.



As the first Peace March participants arrived at the meadow, the end of the procession was still in front of the parliament building, stretching along the Danube embankment road to Jaszai Mari Square and across Margaret Bridge.



The participants marched behind a NO WAR banner.



At the front of the procession were Tamas Deutsch, who heads the European Parliament list of ruling Fidesz-KDNP, Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, National Agriculture Chamber head Balazs Gyorffy, COF-COKA spokesman Zoltan Lomnici, editor-in-chief of weekly Demokrata Andras Bencsik, the publicist Zsolt Bayer, the political scientist Tamas Fricz, COF founder Laszlo Csizmadia, the journalist Istvan Stefka, the businessman Gabor Szeles, the presenter Adam Fasy and the frontman of the band Edda Attila Pataky.



Many of the participants carried signs reading Go Hungary!, Fidesz, Vote! June 9. No war, No gender and No migration as well as ones with the names of cities and towns.



There was also a European Union Civil Cooperation Council flag in the crowd. The crowd sang the national anthem and the Kossuth Nota, a patriotic song, during the march.



They also chanted Go Hungary! Go Hungarians! and Go Fidesz!.



The national flag, the Szekler flag, the German flag and the Swiss flag also appeared in the crowd.



Orban: Election Must Be Won Next Week





The election must be won next week, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said addressing the Peace March on Saturday.



An election victory and reinforcement from every country in Europe would pave the way for the establishment of a European pro-peace coalition in Brussels, he added, stating that a transatlantic peace coalition could be established in the autumn if the Americans elect a pro-peace president.



We were in the minority at the start of the year, but could be in the majority by year-end, he said. Referring to the European Parliament and local elections to be held on June 9, he said we must put the pedal to the metal.



Victory will come only if we all go to vote. Only peace! Only Fidesz!, he added.



Orban said there were already enough pro-war politicians in Brussels, so the candidates of Fidesz-Christian Democrats, headed by Tamas Deutsch, needed to occupy Brussels.



We need our own kind there, who dont believe in war and violence, but believe in the power of love and solidarity, he added. He said the 2022 victory of Fidesz-Christian Democrats in national elections had raised the price of Hungarian shares on the political bourses of every capital in Europe.



Although those shares are in demand, they are not for sale, not to Brussels, not to Washington and not to George Soros, he added. In a message to ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia, in the west of Ukraine, Orban said the day was not far off when your destiny will take a turn for the better.



He also sent his regards and wished a speedy recovery to Slovakias pro-peace Prime Minister Robert Fico, adding that Fico had been shot because he stood on the side of peace, practically giving his life for peace.



He said Fico was made of sterner stuff than most and would return to put Slovakia and Hungary side by side in the fight for peace. Orban said the ruling parties victory in the European Parliament election needed to scare the Brussels bureaucrats out of their offices.



He noted that Fidesz-Christian Democrats had won all elections since the autumn of 2006, including parliamentary, local council and European elections. We have won eleven times in one go.



An absolute record, a KO, an undisputable victory, he added. Orban said that the Fidesz-Christian Democrats camp was the largest, most unified and most hardened camp in all of Europe, and the ruling parties were able to campaign most successfully, theirs being the largest election army.



Never before have so many people lined up for peace, because the only purpose of the Hungarians election army is to preserve peace, he said.



We are Europes largest legion of peace, we are Europes greatest peace-preserving force, he added. Orban said the Fidesz-Christian Democrats were again on the verge of a huge victory.



Orban said Fidesz had a great chance to score a goal, but still had to take the shot. Having a routine is an advantage in government work, but during a campaign routine is poison, routine kills, he added.



He said a good campaign needed a common cause and a successful campaign required heart, while passion was necessary for a winning campaign. Another week of hard work, the legendary Fidesz finish, and we will push the enemy off the field, he said.



He added that the task at hand was greater than ever before: to prevent Europe from rushing into war and to its ruin.



He said Europe was making preparations for war and that every day another stretch of the road to hell is inaugurated, pointing to initiatives involving hundreds of billions of euros for Ukraine, the deployment of nuclear weapons in the middle of Europe, the conscription of young men into a foreign army, NATOs Ukraine mission and units of European soldiers in Ukraine.



It appears that the pro-war train has no brakes, and the engine driver is insane, he said, adding that stopping that train was at stake in the EP elections.



He said the Hungarian government knew how to do this and noted that it had earlier decoupled the Hungarian carriage from the pro-migration train and rescued Hungarian children from the hands of gender activists.



We wont allow our children and our grandchildren to be shipped to the Ukrainian front, either, he said. No migration, no gender, no war, he added.



Every vote cast for Fidesz-Christian Democrats in the European Parliament election saves lives, he said. Every vote for Fidesz-Christian Democrats increases the weight of the pro-peace side and affirms Hungarys decision to stay out of the war, he added.



We can only stay out of the war if ours will be the biggest election victory in Europe, he said.



If the left-wing wins, he added, it would only be a matter of time before the war caught up with Hungary. Orban said the pro-war side was beyond common sense and wanted to beat Russia, just as was attempted in the first and second World War, and was even ready to clash with the entire East.



He likened the intoxication of war to a drug that removes all responsibility and said the pro-war side was uninterested in the future of your children.



They cant be won over, so we wont win them over, we will defeat them, he added. He said the founding fathers of the EU were right in believing the continent could not bear another war.



As for Hungary, we can gain nothing in war but stand to lose everything, he added. He noted that the lives of one and a half million Hungarians had been lost in the first and second World War and wondered how strong our country would be if they hadnt died.



I will say it slowly, so they understand in Brussels, too: We will not enter the war. We will not march east for the third time, we will not return to the Russian front, weve been there before, and we have no business there, he said.



We will not sacrifice Hungarian youth for the profit of wartime speculators, he added. Orban said that George Soros had written the script for a victory over Russia using Western weapons and Eastern European troops, then replacing the lives lost with migrants, 30 years earlier.



He added that the Hungarian left wing were payrolled by Soros.







Opposition Parties Weigh in on Orban Speech

List leaders of opposition parties in the European Parliament election responded to a speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivered at the Peace March in Budapest on Saturday.



In a statement, Klara Dobrev, the EP list leader of DK-MSZP-Parbeszed, called Orban the only pro-war politician in Europe and said he had signed a dirty deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on gas that required Hungarians to pay the highest gas prices in Europe.



Viktor Orban is financing Putins war in Ukraine with Hungarian money, she added. Anna Donath, the head of Momentum, said Orban had taken a stand for Russias total victory and Ukraines defeat behind a peace banner.



Anybody who is pro-peace backs Ukraine, not Russia, she added in a post on Facebook.



Donath said supporting Ukraine to defend itself and win its fight for freedom would lead to peace.



LMP co-head Peter Ungar said Orban was mistaken to say the EP election was a vote of confidence in the government.



The EP elections are about issues within the scope of the European Parliament, such as the green transition, not World War III, he added.



MTI Photos: Zoltan Balogh / Szilard Koszticsak / Zoltan Mathe / Zsolt Czegledi



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New Delhi: Indian eyewear retailer Lenskart has secured 200 million dollars in funding from Singapores state investment firm Temasek and Fidelity Managament amd Research Company. This information comes from Avendus Capital, the financial advisor for the deal.

Peyush Bansal-led Lenskart with this latest transaction has attracted nearly 1 billion dollar in capital over the past 19 months as it marked one of the largest growth-stage financings globally, according to financial advisor, Avendus Capital. With this funding, Lenskarts market valuation has touched 5 billion dollars. (Also Read: Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices By Rs 2 per Litre In Delhi-NCR After Amul: Check New Prices HERE)

Lenskart has built one of the most defensible businesses with an omnichannel experience, deep backward integration, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, said Neeraj Shrimali, MD and Co-Head of Digital and Technology Investment Banking at Avendus. (Also Read: Amul Hikes Milk Prices By Rs 2 Per Litre Across All Variants: Know Reason Behind Increase In Cost)

The investment marks Temasek doubling down on its existing investment in Lenskart, while FMR joins the cap table. Lenskart now has more than 2,500 stores, of which 2,000 are in India. We are excited about what lies ahead for Lenskart and Peyush.

In our view, more late-stage tech companies will continue to garner strong investor interest demonstrating the robustness and excitement of the Indian consumer tech landscape, said Shrimali. Lenskart continues to deepen its penetration in India while rapidly scaling its international presence in Asia including in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. (With IANS Inputs)
New Delhi: The latest in a long line of student-related incidents in the nation, a 23-year-old Indian student went missing in the US state of California last week. The authorities are asking for the public's assistance in locating the missing student. Nitheesha Kandula, a student at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), vanished on May 28, as per the police report. According to a post on X on Sunday, John Guttierez, Chief of Police at CSUSB, stated that she was last seen in Los Angeles and was reported missing on May 30.

#MissingPersonAlert: California State University, San Bernardino Police along with our partners in #LAPD, is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of @CSUSBNews Nitheesha Kandula, to contact us at: (909) 537-5165. pic.twitter.com/pZaJ35iwuq June 1, 2024

Kandhula was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds (72.5 kg), with black hair and black eyes, according to police. According to the statement, she was possibly driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California licence plate that was unknown in colour.

Police urged anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact authorities, saying, "Anyone with information is urged to contact the CSUSB Police Department at (909) 538-7777, or the LAPD's Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582."

Recent Incidents Of Crime Against Indians In US

Rupesh Chandra Chintakind, 26, an Indian student, was reported missing in Chicago last month. Earlier in April, a 25-year-old Indian student who had been missing since March was discovered dead in Cleveland, USA. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, originally from Nacharam, Hyderabad, moved to the United States in May of last year to pursue a Masters in Information Technology at Cleveland University.

Amarnath Ghosh, a 34-year-old trained classical dancer from India, was fatally shot in St. Louis, Missouri, in March. Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student at Purdue University, was discovered dead in a nature preserve in Indiana on February 5.

On February 2, Vivek Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive, was seriously injured during an assault outside a Washington restaurant.

In January, Akul Dhawan, an 18-year-old University of Illinois student, was discovered unconscious outside a campus building. Investigations revealed that he died of hypothermia, with authorities determining that acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures played a significant role in his death.
New Delhi: A day before a Lok Sabha election result, Zee News AI exit polls predicted results for the 2024 general election. According to AI exit polls, the BJP-led NDA is expected to get 305-315 seats while the INDIA alliance is expected to win 180-195 seats. The others may get a maximum of 52 seats. As per the AI Exit polls prediction, NDA is going to form a government with a majority. But there are states like Maharashtra and Bihar where the INDIA alliance is likely to gain the votes can be a trouble for the BJP.

50-50 In Bihar

According to the Zee News AI exit poll, there is a 50-50 contest between the NDA and INDIA alliance in Bihar. Out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, NDA are likely to set 15 to 25 seats while INDIA alliance are also expected to secure 15 to 25 seats.

In the 2019 elections, the NDA won 39 seats out of a total of 40 seats while Congress secured one seat in Bihar.

Good News For INDIA Alliance In Maharastra

According to the AI exit poll, the INDIA alliance seems to be gaining seats in Maharastra. NDA is expected to win 26-34 seats that can go to NDA's account, while the INDIA alliance may win 15 to 21 seats out of 48 seats.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA secured 41 seats out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, while the Congress-led UPA won 5 seats. AIMIM had won one seat and an independent candidate had won one seat.
New Delhi: Election results are set to be declared tomorrow, on June 4, in the world's largest democracy. Votes will be counted starting tomorrow morning and following exit polls suggesting a potential third term for Prime Minister Modi, the opposition has cast doubts on the entire election process.

In today's DNA, Zee News anchor Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed how the opposition is preparing excuses to defend a potential defeat ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results, and reviewed the Election Commission's response to their allegations.

The opposition has Effectively passed a no-confidence motion against the Election Commission. The essence of this motion is:

- Opposition parties are not willing to accept their defeat at any cost.

- The INDI Alliance has decided it is winning the election.

- If the opposition loses, they will consider it a democratic fraud.

- The opposition will view Modi and the NDA's victory as electoral dishonesty.

In essence, they claim, "We will win, or we will disrupt the process." This stance is a rare example in electoral politics. The Election Commission has responded to these allegations today. First, let's see how the opposition is preemptively rejecting the results.

1. Up until now, the opposition has only questioned EVM and VVPAT systems. Yesterday, they also brought postal ballots under suspicion, presenting five demands to the Election Commission. One demand was that postal ballots be counted before EVM votes. The Election Commission has accepted this demand and noted that postal ballots were also counted first in Arunachal and Sikkim.

2. The INDI Alliance's second allegation is that results can be manipulated using EVM and VVPAT systems. They demanded that the control unit of EVMs be kept under CCTV surveillance and that the tags be shown to agents while sealing the EVMs. Before being imprisoned, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the BJP had already committed an EVM scam, detailed in his four theories.

3. The opposition considers the possibility of a BJP victory, as predicted by all exit polls, to be part of a vote-rigging scam. They allege that these exit polls are one-sided and meant to create a narrative that justifies the results while dismissing any allegations of vote tampering. According to the opposition, the government will argue that its improbable for so many agencies' estimates to be wrong.

4. The fourth major allegation by the INDI Alliance is that the government has directed district magistrates (DMs) to ensure BJP's victory at any cost. Jairam Ramesh accused Home Minister Amit Shah of calling the collectors of 150 districts. Following this, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the foundation of exit poll predictions is not based on EVMs but on the DMs' efforts. Today, the Election Commission requested evidence from Jairam Ramesh to support these claims.
The Lok Sabha Election exit poll results are here and most of them have given a clear majority to Narendra Modi's BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. While some of the exit polls went on to predict around 400 seats for the NDA, most of the post-poll surveys gave around 350 seats to the ruling alliance. On the other hand, the Congress-led INDIA bloc is predicted to improve its tally by winning around 150-200 seats this time. While the Congress and its allies have rejected the exit polls, they claimed that the INDIA bloc will form government by bagging 295 seats. All these claims will be put to an end tomorrow when the counting of votes will take place. Ahead of the vote counting, here are five factors that may have worked for the BJP, NDA and Narendra Modi:

1. Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

India has around 80 crore ration card holders. Before Covid, they used to pay a meagre amount to get the ration. However, since 2021, they have been getting 5kg ration for free under the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. The impact of this scheme was such that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge promised 10kg free ration if voted to power.

Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensures that beneficiaries continue to receive free grains for the next 5 years, a true testament to Modi ji's commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged.



With the pic.twitter.com/X996asQNoT  Amit Rakksshit (Modi ka Parivar) (@amitrakshitbjp) April 18, 2024

2. Women Voters

As per the exit polls, women voters played a decisive role in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. As per Axis My India exit polls, not only Hindu but even Muslim women electors voted for the BJP and Narendra Modi. The women voters' confidence in Modi is fuelled by multiple factors including security, toilets, and ration among other factors. PM Modi's promise of lakhpati didi yojana and drone didi yojana may have instilled a confidence among women voters.

Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Jis visionary leadership has brought about a remarkable shift in approach - from focusing on Women's Development to fostering Women-Led Development in the Amrit Kaal.



Initiatives such as PMAY, UJJWALA, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, and numerous others have pic.twitter.com/PI23f9gVsl June 19, 2023

3. Welfare Schemes

The Narendra Modi government has managed to take its welfare schemes to rural areas successfully. These include PM Awas Yojana, Tap Water for all, electricity for all and Toilets for all among other welfare schemes. People are hopeful that these schemes are changing their lives.

Success story of - 'Jal Jeevan Mission'...



'Har Ghar Nal Se Jal'



The @narendramodi Govt. is Transforming the Lives of millions of Indians by ensuring Tap Water connections with safe drinking water to every household.#JalJeevanMission #Betterlife #water #ModiGovt @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/h4M5RglE7n  Prakash Javadekar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@PrakashJavdekar) April 11, 2023

4. Connectivity

A boost to connectivity has been another important factor for the BJP. People are happy with the quality of roads and highways built by the Central government across the country. This is aided by an increase in the number of airports and UDAN flights.

Atal Setu, a pioneering project that will transform infrastructure in Mumbai! Happy to have inaugurated it yesterday pic.twitter.com/zC1byGQq5n  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2024

5. Revival Of Hinduism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate of his religion. Be it the renovation of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok or his visit to temples in South India, PM Modi openly accepted his religion taking pride in it. This sent a message that this government is bringing back the lost glory of Hinduism.

Prayed at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Har Har Mahadev! pic.twitter.com/sDeJIDioYF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2024

Prayed at the iconic Kothandaramaswamy Temple. Felt extremely blessed. pic.twitter.com/0rs58qqwex  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2024

6. Nationalism, Foreign Policy

The Modi government has been considered strong on the front of nationalism and foreign policy. The way External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar presented India's stand on different global forums has conveyed a sense to the Indians that the government is working for the country's benefit. Be it the Russia-Urkaine war, buying oil from Russia, action against Pakistan, vocal statements on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or firm statements against China, people saw this government dealing with global challenges using an iron hand.
Pulwama Encounter: Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, news agency PTI quoted police as saying. Following specific information about the presence of militants in the Nihama area of the south Kashmir district, security forces established a cordon and conducted a search.

The search operation turned into an encounter when the militants opened fire on a search party of the forces, who then fired back, an official said. The exchange of fire is ongoing, and neither side has reported any casualties, the official added.

In recent years, there have been a number of encounters between terrorists and security forces in Kashmir, with many terrorists being killed. More details awaited.

This is a developing story.
New Delhi: The Election Commission Of India called a press conference on Monday and informed that India created a world record of 64.2 crore voters, including 31.2 crore women, participated in the Lok Sabha election 2024.

Addressing a press briefing, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said that more than 68,000 monitoring teams and 1.5 crore polling and security personnel were involved in the world's largest electoral exercise which started on April 18 and ended on June 1.

10 Key Points

India created a world record with 64.2 crore voters in Lok Sabha ELction 2024.

In Lok Sabha Polls 2024 31.2 crore women participated in the Lok Sabha elections this year.

Due to the meticulous work of the election personnel, the ECI chief said that they ensured fewer repolls.

ECI is going to start the process of Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir.

ECI said that they had failed to understand the fake narratives that were going on during the elections but now they understood it.

This is one of the General Elections where we have not seen violence and this required two years of preparation.

The election commission informed us that the postal ballot counting will start first and after half an hour EVM counting will start.

Reacting to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's allegations, ECI said that can someone influence DMs/ROs. The commission asked the name of the person and said "We will punish the person who did it." they further said that thus is not right to spread a rumour and doubt everyone.

The entire counting process is robust. It works similarly to the precision of a clock.

ECI made a record seizure record of almost Rs 10,000 crores during this general election of 2024.
Wayanad Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 : Rahul Gandhi of the INC is leading with more than 6 lac votes from Annie Raja, CPI who trails by more than 3 lac votes and BJP candidate tried hard but trailed by 506,017 votes at 3rd position. Established as a separate constituency in 1980, Wayanad was carved out from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Wayanad is witnessing a keenly contested election, comprising three municipal townsKalpetta, Mananthavady, and Sultan Batheryand three assembly constituencies.

Wayanad Election Results 2024 Live Highlights

4: 42 PM: Rahul Gandhi of the INC is leading with more than 6 lac votes from Annie Raja, CPI who trails by more than 3 lac votes and the BJP candidate tried hard but trailed by 506,017 votes at 3rd position.

3: 58 PM: The latest updates from Wayanad reveal a challenging scenario for Annie Raja, who is currently in second place.

3: 36 PM: INC candidate Rahul Gandhi is in the lead by more than 3.5 lakh more votes than Annie Raja as counting progresses in Wayanad.

3: 18 PM: With a significant lead, he surpasses Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India, who is far behind with 268,256 votes. The significant disparity of 340,241 votes highlights Gandhi's commanding lead in the race and the substantial backing he has received from voters.

3: 04 PM: Rahul Gandhi representing the Indian National Congress has surged ahead with a commanding lead, amassing 608,497 votes.

2:13 PM: Rahul Gandhi leading by 304,649 votes and the total casted vote is 552,130, till now.

1: 32 PM: Vote tabulation is underway in Wayanad, Kerala, with initial outcomes showing Rahul Gandhi from the INC leading for the Wayanad constituency, closely followed by Independent candidate Sinoj A.C in the second position.

1: 04 PM: Rahul Gandhi is poised for a historic win in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, having secured a commanding lead of over 200,000 votes against his opponents.

12: 04 PM: Leading with a significant margin of 143,081 votes is Rahul Gandhi from the Indian National Congress. Trailing behind with a deficit of 143,081 votes is Annie Raja from the Communist Party of India.

11: 23 AM: Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India trails with 74,232 votes. Following her is K Surendran of the Bharatiya Janata Party, with 43,436 votes, trailing by 130,836 votes.

10: 58 AM: Rahul Gandhi from the Indian National Congress is presently in the lead in the election, securing 174,272 votes, with a substantial margin of 100,040 votes ahead of the runner-up.

9: 41 AM: Recent reports from Wayanad depict a tough situation for Annie Raja, who currently holds the second position. The INC contender, Rahul Gandhi, is in the lead with a margin of 34,249 votes over Annie Raja as the counting continues.

9:28 AM: During the 2014 elections, MI Shanavas of the Congress secured victory with 377,035 votes, whereas Sathyan Mokeri representing the CPM garnered 356,165 votes.

8: 57 AM: Wayanad Election Result 2024 Live: 2019 General Elections Recap, Rahul Gandhi (Congress) won with 706,367 votes.

8: 19 AM: Rahul Gandhi is leading the count as soon as the count began....

7: 59 AM: Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, is running for Parliament from two constituencies: Wayanad and Raebareli. After losing the traditional stronghold of Amethi in 2019 and securing a seat in Lok Sabha from Wayanad, Gandhi is striving to uphold the party's remaining stronghold in the state. His opponents in Wayanad include Dinesh Pratap Singh and K. Surendran from the BJP, along with Annie Raja from the CPI-M.

7: 21 AM: Shashi Tharoor, a three-time Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram representing the Congress party, is in a challenging electoral battle against Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the BJP and Panniyan Ravindran of the CPI-M. Exit polls suggest a closely contested race ahead.

7: 12 AM: Wayanad is one of the 20 parliamentary constituencies in Kerala. The counting of votes for the Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seats begins shortly.

6.48 AM: Counting of votes to start from 8 am. Postal ballots are to be counted first and EVMs to be opened around 8.30 am or 8.45 am.

Background Details Of The Seat

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Wayanad for the second time, facing competition from BJP state president K Surendran and the ruling Left's Annie Raja. In the 2019 elections, after losing Amethi to Union minister Smriti Irani, Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Wayanad, winning by over 7 lakh votes and securing a vote share of 64.7%.

Reflecting on previous elections, Congress leader M.I. Shanavas clinched victory in Wayanad in 2009 and 2014. In 2009, Shanavas won by a margin of 4.10 lakh votes and a vote share of 49.8%, repeating the feat in 2014 with over 3.77 lakh votes and a vote share of 41.2%. In 2014, the CPM's Sathyan Mokeri secured only 356,165 votes.

According to the exit poll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha 2024 election, Congress is poised to win favourably in this state, but BJP has also made an impression. As per the Axis My India-India Today exit poll, INC-UDF is expected to secure 18 seats, while BJP is projected to win 2-3 seats. Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to retain the Wayanad seat.
New Delhi: A few days back, headlines about the alleged break-up of Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor had hogged attention. However, the yoga enthusiast's manager denied all such reports. Now, the stunner shared a cryptic post on Instagram reading: "When they say you can't do it, do it twice and take pics."

Malaika-Arjun Kapoor Break-Up

Interestingly, a day back, Arjun Kapoor also dropped a cryptic post on his Instagram Story, reading, "We have two choices in life. We can be prisoners of our past or explorers of future possibilities." Take a look here:

After reports about Malaika and Arjun's break-up caught attention all over social media, Malaika's manager reacted to the rumours while talking to India Today. When asked about the break-up, the manager was quoted as saying, "No no, all rumours."

Malaika Arora's Love Life

Malaika'a love life has always been under the scanner. Malla and Arjun made their relationship official back in 2018. She was earlier married to actor-producer Arbaaz Khan but they got divorced in 2016. The couple continues to stay friends and are co-parenting their son, Arhaan Khan.

Malaika runs a yoga studio by the name of Diva Yoga Centre and often urges people to either take to yoga or hit the gym. She also made her digital debut last year with the Disney+ Hotstar show - 'Moving In With Malaika' - where she gave fans access to her life through unfiltered conversations.
A Cameroonian worker operates at the construction site of phase II project of the Kribi Deep Seaport in Kribi, Cameroon, April 22, 2024. Thousands of Cameroonians are employed by Chinese firms, who train them on the job or through formal programs. In addition to creating jobs for locals, Chinese firms are helping Cameroonian youth upgrade their skills and better contribute to the country's industrialization. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze

YAOUNDE, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The sun overhead was shining brightly in Cameroon's southern town of Kribi.

Chinese and Cameroonians worked side by side in complete harmony at a vast construction site at Kribi Deep Seaport, where China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) is building phase II of the port.

The CHEC routinely pairs Cameroonian crew with experienced Chinese colleagues, who assist them in performing their tasks until they are able to continue unaided.

Eric Defo Fotso and Larissa Ekale Koule, Cameroonian workers at the CHEC, told Xinhua that such a working environment has contributed significantly to the knowledge transfer and skills development of local employees.

"I have learned a lot when it comes to managerial duties and how to oversee activities on the site. It is a real honor for me to work on such a project for my country and also for the CHEC," said 28-year-old Koule, whose main task is to ensure that all workers on the site are in good health and no one suffers from job-related injuries.

Fotso, 34, coordinates projects at the site.

"The first thing I learned is how to work in a multicultural environment. Given that the project follows Chinese standards, there is first the understanding and application according to Chinese standards," he said.

Jonas Hadomaha, 31, now works at a sophisticated tollgate of the Kribi-Lolabe highway, also part of the project. He joined the CHEC as a translator but gained knowledge and skills thanks to collaboration with Chinese colleagues.

"This is my first time to work with a company that manages a highway, and I have learned a lot about the functioning of a highway," he said.

Like Hadomaha, Fotso and Koule, thousands of Cameroonians are employed by Chinese firms, who train them on the job or through formal programs.

In addition to creating jobs for locals, Chinese firms are helping Cameroonian youth upgrade their skills and better contribute to the country's industrialization.

Jules Elanga was among the first to join engineers of Chinese construction company CGCOC Group when they arrived in Cameroon's West Region in 2014 to build a water treatment plant and related facilities that would supply 10,000 cubic meters of water a day to Bafoussam, the region's capital city. It was part of a project to provide water to nine cities in Cameroon.

Elanga spent over a year working side by side with Chinese engineers.

"Technology transfer was very well done, especially in terms of management of electro-mechanical equipment, workshop management and other devices," said Elanga, who now heads the maintenance department of state-run Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER) in the region.

"Since the transfer (of technology, skills) three to four years ago, the company now functions without the assistance of the Chinese," he said. "The upkeep, the maintenance of equipment is done by us. This is thanks to the Chinese."

Martin Donkeng, who heads the CAMWATER production department in the region, said: "Today, our production capacity has increased by 30 percent."

In Kouekong, about 15 kilometers north of Bafoussam, there is a multipurpose stadium built by China Machinery Engineering Corporation.

Eric Sama Ndoh and Ndjinjou Abdelkadher, who have been working at the stadium since 2014, said the company's systems have been created in a way that gives workers an opportunity to experience various areas of the project.

"There has been a lot of skills transfer. Many people were unskilled laborers when they joined, but now they are skilled workers," Ndoh said. "This is good for them and good for the country."

Abdelkadher said he stayed with the company and learned a lot there. "It's good collaboration. It's win-win." 

Cameroonian and Chinese technicians talk in a machine room at a drinking water treatment plant in Bafoussam, Cameroon, Feb. 20, 2024. Thousands of Cameroonians are employed by Chinese firms, who train them on the job or through formal programs. In addition to creating jobs for locals, Chinese firms are helping Cameroonian youth upgrade their skills and better contribute to the country's industrialization. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Cameroonian and Chinese talk in an operating system room at a drinking water treatment plant in Bafoussam, Cameroon, Feb. 20, 2024. Thousands of Cameroonians are employed by Chinese firms, who train them on the job or through formal programs. In addition to creating jobs for locals, Chinese firms are helping Cameroonian youth upgrade their skills and better contribute to the country's industrialization. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Monday morning returned to Mumbai with family after spending time in Italy. In the visuals captured by the local paps, he along with his wife Gauri Khan and kids Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan can be seen exiting the Mumbai airport. SRK's manager Pooja Dadlani was also spotted at the airport.

A while ago, actors Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan and director Atlee were also spotted at the Mumbai airport as they returned home after vacationing in Italy.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, co-starring Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani. The film opened to largely positive reviews. The actor will reportedly begin shooting for his upcoming film 'King.'

Recently, a video of SRK was widely shared on social media where eagle-eyed fans noticed the film's script lying on the table beside him. Reportedly, the film is also set to star Shah Rukh's daughter and actor, Suhana.

The video happened to be from a clip of Shah Rukh congratulating cinematographer Santosh Sivan after he received the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

In the aforementioned video, a section of the Internet spotted the script of 'King' on the table next to him. It also contained some additional details on its cover, which were not clearly visible in the video. If reports are to be believed, 'King' will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh.
New Delhi: HDFC Bank has notified its customers through email and SMS that all HDFC Bank debit, credit and prepaid card transactions will be temporarily unavailable during a scheduled upgrade window. HDFC Bank debit, credit and prepaid card transactions will not be available on June 4, 2024 from 12:30 AM - 2:30 AM and on June 6 from 12:30 AM - 2:30 AM, HDFC Bank informed its customers via email.

HDFC Bank has scheduled a system upgrade for its debit, credit, and prepaid card services on the following dates. HDFC Bank has scheduled a system upgrade that will temporarily affect debit, credit, and prepaid card services. Please note that DFC Bank is not affected by this outage. (Also Read: Lenskart Secures $200 Million From Temasek And Fidelity: Key Details Inside)

The upgrade will take place on the following dates:

June 4th, 2024, from 12:30 AM to 2:30 AM

June 6th, 2024, from 12:30 AM to 2:30 AM

During the system upgrade all debit, credit, and prepaid card services will be temporarily unavailable on HDFC Bank's ATM, POS (Card Swipe Machine at Stores), and Online (Payment Gateway portal), including Netsafe transactions. Further, HDFC Bank Rupay Cards will not function for online transactions, even on other (non-HDFC Bank) Payment Gateways. (Also Read: Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices By Rs 2 per Litre In Delhi-NCR After Amul: Check New Prices HERE)

HDFC bank has announced that it will stop sending sms alerts for UPI transactions below Rs 100 starting from June 25. However, all UPI transactions will still generate email alerts for customers, as per HDFCs Bank Communication. After June 25, customers will only receive text notifications for transactions above Rs 100 or when they receive more than Rs 500 via UPI, as stated by the bank.
KHARTOUM, June 3 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 85 civilians were killed and more than 110 others injured over the weekend, as clashes escalated between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State in western Sudan, a local resistance committee said on Monday.

The resistance committee in El Fasher, a non-governmental group, said in a statement that the RSF launched artillery attacks on the western and southern neighborhoods of El Fasher, adding the security situation and lack of communications made it difficult to determine the exact number of the dead and injured.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said the RSF fighters managed to reach the Al-Wohda and Al-Salam neighborhoods west of El Fasher on Saturday before the army forces repulsed them and regained control of the two populated areas.

They added that El Fasher's famous Al Mawashi livestock market was closed on Sunday after rocket shells fell near its shops.

In the meantime, volunteers warned that El Fasher's main South Hospital is facing a shortage of medical supplies.

Since May 10, fierce clashes have been raging in El Fasher, the latest escalation of the larger conflict between the SAF and the RSF across the country since April 15, 2023. The deadly clashes have so far claimed 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to recent estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 
KHARTOUM, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Sunday held talks with South Sudan's Presidential Advisor on National Security Tut Gatluak on the resumption of South Sudan's oil transportation through Sudanese territories.

"South Sudan's oil transportation line has been affected by the war in Sudan, and it is currently suspended due to the continued military operations at the areas alongside the line," Gatluak was quoted as saying in a statement by the sovereign council.

He said it has been agreed that a meeting will be held between the oil ministries of the two countries to discuss solutions to this issue, noting that, "Oil constitutes a lifeline for the citizens of both countries."

Gatluak also delivered a written message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit regarding the development of bilateral ties, said the statement.

In March, the Sudanese government announced the suspension of South Sudan's oil exports through Sudanese territories due to a fault in the transportation lines.

According to the Sudanese authorities, the fault was the result of a blockage in an underground pipeline situated at areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, north of Sudan's White Nile State.

Oil exports constitute the main source of South Sudan's national revenue, and the country heavily depends on Sudan, its northern neighbor, to transport oil to international markets. 
DHAKA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu has said Bangladesh is keen to ensure mutual benefits after signing of the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (CBFTA).

"We want to move ahead with the CBFTA. There is no doubt about it. We have to make sure that our partnership is mutually beneficial," he said.

The state minister was speaking at a seminar titled "China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement: A Mutually Beneficial and Win-Win Choice", organized by the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh on Sunday.

The state minister said that Bangladesh's priority is to increase employment opportunities and investment through the signing of the CBFTA.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen emphasized that the CBFTA serves as a guarantee for the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation between China and Bangladesh.

Signing the CBFTA will bring significant benefits to Bangladesh. It is convinced that the early signing of the CBFTA will undoubtedly open a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, ushering in a new golden era of economic and trade cooperation between China and Bangladesh, Yao added. 
YANGON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities are working towards the accession of the country's Mount Popa National Geopark to the UNESCO Global Geoparks list, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation said on Monday.

"After designating it as Mount Popa National Geopark in December last year, we are working to meet the requirements for the UNESCO Global Geoparks status," Daw Zin Mar Tun, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, told Xinhua.

"We are now establishing more geo sites to meet the criteria for the global geopark status," she said. The Mount Popa National Geopark currently has 15 geo sites.

If Mount Popa National Geopark gets the UNESCO Global Geopark status, it will attract more international tourists and help promote geo-tourism. This scenario will also help local people earn more money and create job opportunities, she added.

Mount Popa is a dormant volcano standing 1,518 meters above sea level. It is located in central Myanmar's Mandalay Region, about 50 km southeast of Bagan in the Pegu Range. 
SEOUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korea decided Monday to suspend the Sept. 19 military agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the presidential office.

The decision was made during the National Security Council (NSC) working-level meeting, presided over by Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo.

The agenda to halt the entire effect of the military agreement will be presented to South Korea's cabinet meeting on Tuesday for approval, the presidential office said.

The agreement was signed by defense chiefs of the two Koreas during the 2018 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang to stop all hostile acts across the border. 
COLOMBO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan health officials are to take legal actions against 981 establishments where mosquito breeding sites were detected during the National Mosquito Control Week held from May 26 to June 1, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry said on Monday.

Issuing statistics to the media, the unit said from 26 May to June 1, its staff inspected 93,874 premises.

The unit said legal action will be taken against the owners of 981 establishments and warnings had been issued for 3,121 premises.

The Epidemiology Unit said around 25,000 people with dengue have been reported from the island as of June 3. 
NAIROBI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Kenya and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) on Monday launched a campaign to boost the uptake of electric vehicles in the East African country.

Daniel Kiptoo, director general of Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), told journalists in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the nationwide campaign seeks to raise awareness of safety and affordability, and rally the country toward mass market adoption of green modes of transportation.

"The campaign supports the government's aspiration to attain a 5 percent market share of all newly imported vehicles being fully electric by 2025," Kiptoo said.

According to the energy regulator, Kenya had registered 3,700 electric vehicles in Kenya as of December 2023, with about 90 percent of them being two- and three-wheelers.

Alexander Korner, program management officer heading UNEP's Global Electric Mobility Program, said UNEP is providing financial and technical support for the campaign that aims to tackle the challenges that hinder the transition to electric mobility. 
MOSCOW, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Russia has issued entry bans on several British politicians, journalists and experts, the country's foreign ministry said on Monday.

"In response to the hostile actions of the UK, it was decided to include a number of representatives of the political establishment, the journalistic corps and the expert community of the United Kingdom on Russia's entry ban list," the ministry said in a statement.

The ban was due to their "implementation of London's anti-Russian policy" or "covering important social-political events in Russia in a negative way," it said.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged Britain to stop providing military support to Ukraine. 
WARSAW, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Polish government plans to allocate more than 3 billion zloty (760 million U.S. dollars) for cybersecurity investments, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization Krzysztof Gawkowski said on Monday.

Gawkowski told a press conference that the Ministry of Interior and Administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digitalization, will focus on directing new investments towards cybersecurity. This strategic move comes in response to a significant rise in cyberattacks observed in the country, he said.

The investment will be channeled into the "cybershield" program, aimed at conducting regular security assessments, enhancing resilience within critical infrastructures, and ultimately ensuring the security of Polish citizens, Gawkowski said.

He disclosed that the Polish Press Agency (PAP) fell victim to an attack by Russian hackers last Friday. The hackers managed to publish a false announcement regarding a partial military mobilization in Poland through the agency's news feed.

At Monday's press conference, Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak said that his ministry is currently grappling with hackers acting on behalf of a foreign nation with substantial or seemingly limitless resources.

He said the recent cyberattacks are aimed at disrupting the upcoming European Parliament elections. 
MINSK, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A two-day meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council kicked off in Belarus on Monday, with the theme of "Food Security in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)."

"This topic was chosen for a reason: food security is top priority for the modern world. This is a matter of social stability and, without exaggeration, the very existence of any nation and state," Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said at the plenary session, according to the BelTA news agency.

EAEU member states need to mount a joint response to challenges in the field of food security, Golovchenko said.

Speaking at the meeting, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed confidence in the EAEU and Russia's food production.

According to Mishustin, the EAEU has more than 93 percent of its own agricultural product supply, and in the 10 years since the establishment of the EAEU, agricultural production in the union has increased by more than 25 percent.

He called on the union to maintain consistency in increasing food production, stressing that the development potential of the union will be able to ensure the food supply of 600 million people in the world.

Mishustin noted that the EAEU should strengthen logistics and transportation construction, reduce grain transportation costs, and develop grain markets in China, Uzbekistan and India.

With regard to a regulation the European Union adopted on May 30 that introduces prohibitive tariffs on grain products imported from Russia and Belarus, Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said Russia will find alternative markets for its agricultural products. 
Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

MEXICO CITY, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's electoral authority on Sunday kicked off the largest electoral process in the country's history, in which Mexicans will elect a new president.

In addition to the presidency, more than 98.5 million eligible voters will elect 128 senators and 500 deputies of Mexico's bicameral Congress, as well as nine governors of Mexico City, Chiapas, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz and Yucatan.

In 32 states of the country, local legislatures and city councils will also be renewed, as well as 1,612 mayors and 972 local deputies. 

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, prepares to vote at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez casts her ballots at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, arrives at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez (C) speaks after casting her ballots at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, displays her voter card at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, casts her ballots at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, shows her ink-marked thumb after voting at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, is hugged by a voter as she arrives at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez casts her ballots at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez shows her ink-marked thumb after voting at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez casts her ballots at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez prepares to vote at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez shows her voter card and ink-marked thumb after voting at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Claudia Sheinbaum, presidential candidate for Morena Party, casts her ballots at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Claudia Sheinbaum (C), presidential candidate for Morena Party, speaks after casting her ballots at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

A voter waits to cast his ballot at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Staff members make preparation at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in San Andres Totoltepec, Mexico City, Mexico, June 2, 2024. 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. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

People vote at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

People vote at a polling Station in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: The airline industry is on track to reach unprecedented heights in 2024, with nearly five billion passengers expected to fly, surpassing pre-pandemic records. This optimistic forecast was announced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) during its annual general meeting in Dubai on Monday.

Soaring Profits and Revenues

IATA predicts the world's airlines will achieve $30 billion in net earnings this year, an increase from its earlier estimate of $25.7 billion. Willie Walsh, IATAs director general, highlighted this achievement, noting, "The expected profit is a great achievement considering the recent deep pandemic losses."

Walsh emphasized the crucial role of aviation in global prosperity, stating, "Without a doubt, aviation is vital to the ambitions and prosperity of individuals and economies. Strengthening airline profitability and growing financial resilience is important."

In addition to rising profits, the airline industrys total revenues are expected to increase nearly 10 percent, reaching a record $996 billion this year, according to IATA.

Record-High Expenses

Despite the promising revenue figures, the airline industry is also grappling with significant cost increases. Total expenses are projected to rise by 9.4 percent, hitting a record $936 billion this year. The industry faces challenges such as shortages of parts and labor, as well as the ongoing demands of addressing climate change.

Industry Resilience and Challenges

IATA, which represents over 300 airlines accounting for 83 percent of global air traffic, is holding its 80th annual general meeting in the UAEs financial hub. The gathering serves as a platform to address the industrys achievements and hurdles.

The projected passenger numbers and financial gains reflect a strong recovery from the pandemic's impact. However, the rise in operational costs underscores the need for continued adaptation and resilience within the industry.

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Gibraltar vs Scotland: Review of the International Friendly

Match Overview: Scotland Finds Form in Gibraltar

In a night that might not have had the crowd on the edge of their seats, Scotlands international friendly against Gibraltar still had its moments, even if the air of anticipation was somewhat subdued. The backdrop of a sparsely populated stadium set the stage for a game that was less about spectacle and more about preparation. With the Euro 2024 just around the bend, concerns loomed about player fitness and injury avoidance, which mirrored the scenario that sidelined Lyndon Dykes recently.

Scotland, facing a Gibraltar team struggling to find form, managed a 2-0 victory. However, the win does little to mask some ongoing issues for the Scots. Despite the victory, which ended a seven-match winless streak, Scotlands performance left much to be desired in terms of finishing.

Key Performances and Tactical Insights

Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Jack, and Che Adams were amongst those who clocked valuable minutes on the pitch, crucial for gaining match fitness ahead of the upcoming tournament. Debutant Ross McCrorie, playing at right-back, had a mixed outing. Although he faced lenient opposition, McCrorie was notably outpaced during Gibraltars singular threatening moment in the first halfa stark reminder of the defensive sharpening required.

Scottish manager, in this context, can glean little from such a low-intensity affair except that his players got a much-needed runout. In truth, there is not much Clarke can take from it beyond getting some minutes into the likes of Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Jack, and Adams, summed up the nights effort and intention.

Scotlands Forward Line Under the Microscope

The forward lines blunt edge, however, remains a concern. This match again highlighted Scotlands need for more clinical finishinga theme that has been evident in recent outings against more formidable opponents like the Netherlands and Northern Ireland. With the group stages of Euro 2024 featuring robust teams like Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary, Scotland must sharpen their attack or risk early disappointment.

The injury woes adding to Clarkes challenges include significant losses like Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, and Lewis Ferguson. Coupled with Coopers forced withdrawal in Faro, these developments pose serious tactical dilemmas.

Positive Takeaways and Future Outlook

Yet, it wasnt all gloomy. Breaking the winless spell provides a psychological boost, and history suggests that the outcomes of these friendlies rarely mirror tournament performances. Reflecting on past friendlies, Scotland once impressed against the Netherlands and overcame Luxembourg only to falter at the group stages. For Clarke and his squad, the real test lies ahead between 14 and 24 June at Euro 2024.

Scotlands journey to the Euros, marked by qualifying ease but followed by momentum hurdles, indicates a narrative of resilience. The friendlies serve as a calibration point, not just for tactics and team readiness but also for setting realistic expectations. With the right adjustments and a focus on healing and fitness, Scotland could yet surprise many this summer.

In sum, while the match against Gibraltar was hardly a classic, it fulfilled its role as a necessary step in Scotlands preparations. The focus now shifts to fine-tuning and recuperating as the countdown to Euro 2024 continues.
Keira Hogan has remained in the Ramstein community her entire school career (provided by Keira Hogan)

When Keira Hogan started her first day of kindergarten at Ramstein Elementary School, she was still living in the Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF). Her family had just PCSed from North Dakota, with an exciting side trip to Disney World along the way. She celebrated her fifth birthday during that move. Keira says, I dont really remember living in the States.

Keiras first day of kindergarten, leaving the TLF. (provided by Keira Hogan)

Thirteen years later, Keira is graduating from Ramstein High School. She is one of the very few military kids who have stayed in one location for their entire K-12 school career, an exceptional rarity at an overseas location. In contrast, the average military-connected child moves six to nine times between kindergarten and their senior year of high school.

This unique experience has had its own challenges. While Keira has remained at Ramstein, her friends have come and gone. Its extremely difficult, she says. A lot of people dont see how my situation is also bad. Her best friends relocated to Ohio and watching them go was really hard. While fellow classmates have considered her very lucky, however, Keira feels differently.

They dont realize I have to sit here and watch everybody move.

Keira progressed from Ramstein Elementary School through Intermediate and Middle Schools and is now excited to finish at Ramstein High School. She has had some influential and supportive teachers during that time. Keira really connected with her high school choir teacher, Ms. Kruzcek, over the four years she was there. At Ramstein Middle School, her drama teacher, Ms. Lee, was another positive influence.

Keiras first grade photo by the bush in front of her new home in Germany. (provided by Keira Hogan)

Since living in the community, Keira has not only seen friends come and go, but has also seen Ramstein Air Base evolve. She has seen the BX shops fluctuate a lot, and she was here when the Burger King burnt down. She feels like growing up in the same house and village has allowed her to build up a lot of local family memories, which is not easy for military kids who move often.

On the other hand, the challenges can be unique. Keira does not know how to drive. This year her parents have taken her to a couple of German training areas so she can get a little experience, but she will need to pursue that coveted license this summer as she moves to the States for college.

Keiras final photo by the bush in front of her house. (provided by Keira Hogan)

For her, being in the U.S. feels a bit like being a foreign exchange student. She has visited a handful of times, and there are things that still feel like small jolts of culture shock. For example, when visiting an uncle in Florida, she ordered water at a restaurant right when all the free water was served. Then, everyone at the table looked at me like I was an idiot for unnecessarily specifying that she wanted still water, like she needs to do in Germany. Soon, Keira will have the opportunity to learn more about her native country.

She is excited to have been accepted at Illinois State University this fall. Like many military kids, she has been able to take advantage of the education benefits her parents service earned. Using the Hazelwood Act from her mothers enlistment in Illinois and a fraction of her fathers GI Bill, Keira will be pursuing a Musical Theater major.

She has been involved in theater and choir for years in the Ramstein community, both at school and at KMC Onstage. Theater has always been my favorite place to be, over anything else. She enjoys that it provides an escape for both the actors and the audience.

As a military kid in the unique situation of staying in one community for so long, Keira has thrived, even with the difficulties. She has had to make new friends every school year, has seen friends move unexpectedly, and has struggled like many military kids with all the change that seems to happen around her. I think its important that the kids that stay get recognized as well, she says since it feels like Im standing still while the world around me is constantly moving.

Celebrate all this years graduates with the Stars and Stripes Europe graduation insert.
Fabio Camandona / iStock/Getty Images

We often hear about young and middle-aged workers not saving enough for retirement. But what about their parents and those who are nearing retirement age?

Check Out: Im an Economist: Heres My Prediction for Social Security If Biden Wins the 2024 Election

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Its a big group to consider  an estimated 4.1 million Americans a year will reach age 65 over the next few years. Thats more than ever before, according to the Alliance for Lifetime Income.

Whether you call them late boomers or peak boomers  those born from 1959 to 1964  many of these workers have little money saved for retirement.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

The Great Recession

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the main culprit in late boomers misfortune was the Great Recession, which stretched from late 2007 through mid-2009, marking the longest economic downturn since World War II.

During the Great Recession, joblessness soared, home values tanked and the S&P 500 took an enormous hit. The timing was especially awful for late boomers. According to USA TODAY, the downturn hit when late boomers were in their top earning years, their early to late 40s.

Job Losses and Salary Declines

Lets take a closer look at the impact of the Great Recession on jobs for late boomers. They were hit especially hard by job losses. As such, those without jobs during that time had to cut back contributions to employer retirement accounts.

There were other factors at play as well. Many workers never returned to the workforce after losing their jobs. For others, their earnings never fully recovered. All of this came at a time when they were at points in their lives and careers where putting away more money for retirement would have made financial sense under more normal circumstances.

Hits to Retirement Savings

Speaking of retirement savings, they also took big hits during the Great Recession. In fact, according to USA TODAY, In their prime earning years, late boomers saw their retirement funds decline from roughly $31,000 in value at age 47 to $26,500 at age 51, on average.

This group of workers also faced an interesting change in dynamics in the workplace. Many boomers were already mid-career when more traditional defined benefit pension plans began to go away and the 401(k) emerged. According to WYPR, the boomers havent had as much time to save in these kinds of plans as the generations that came after them.

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Demographic Changes

Another reason it appears late boomers have so little money saved for retirement is thanks to demographic changes.

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, people of color have vastly less wealth than Whites, and the Hispanic and Black populations have grown, so as the retired population becomes more diverse, average balances look smaller. The wealth gap between workers of color and White workers has actually narrowed, mostly due to their Social Security wealth increasing.

Hopes About Social Security

A final reason late boomers may have saved so little is their hope that Social Security would be able to help cover most retirement expenses.

Learn More: 10 Things Boomers Should Always Buy in Retirement

Most experts say this is bad thinking. At current rates, Social Security is not going to be able to cover rising healthcare costs and allow most retirees to live at their current lifestyle levels.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Key Reasons Late Boomers Have So Little Money Saved for Retirement
European private credit management firm Pemberton Asset Management has revealed that its new NAV Strategic Financing plan will be anchored by a fully owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

ADIA's investment is anticipated to lead to a first close for the NAV Strategic Financing Strategy exceeding $1bn in the upcoming weeks, along with commitments from other investors.

NAV Strategic Financing takes advantage of the expanding private equity fund finance market to offer non-dilutive strategic capital options to funds and general partners in the private equity industry.

In addition to providing money for accretive portfolio business investments like bolt-on acquisitions, Pemberton expects the strategy to give GPs the growth capital they need to support expanded fund commitments, succession planning, and strategic initiatives.

The NAV Strategic Financing Strategy is a logical expansion of Pemberton's direct lending platform, which currently provides loan solutions for individual assets.

It also allows Pemberton to offer a greater choice of products to its private equity buyout community.

Symon Drake-Brockman, managing partner of Pemberton stated: ADIAs anchor commitment reflects the growing interest in the NAV asset class, the strength of Pembertons private credit platform and our ability to deliver a broad range of financing solutions to private equity managers. We believe that NAV financing will become a core fund financing tool, and, with ADIAs support, we look forward to offering this innovative solution to our clients.

Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of the private equities department at ADIA, said: Pemberton is one of the leading private credit managers in Europe with a highly experienced team and a deep network across the GP community. NAV Financing is one of the fastest growing asset classes in private credit and we are confident Pembertons new strategy will prove attractive to a broad range of GPs.

Thomas Doyle, partner, and head of strategic financing at Pemberton added: This anchor commitment from ADIA is an indicator that NAV Financing is becoming a standalone institutional asset class, which we believe is set to substantially grow over the next years. NAV Financing leverages the proven strength of our broad origination and credit risk management capabilities to provide innovative financing solutions for GPs globally.

"ADIA supports Pemberton NAV Financing Strategy" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.

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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.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has reached an agreement to farm out a 3% participating interest in the Satah Al Razboot (SARB) and Umm Lulu concessions to the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The SARB and Umm Lulu fields are located approximately 200km and 30km north-west of Abu Dhabi, respectively.

According to ADNOC, the SARB and Umm Lulu concession utilises advanced digitalisation and AI technologies including Intelligent Well Surveillance to enhance operational efficiency.

These technologies are said to facilitate remote monitoring, smart well operations and production management, contributing to optimised production efficiency, reduced emissions and improved safety.

After the deal, ADNOC now owns a 57% share in the SARB and Umm Lulu oil fields, with 20% shares held by French energy company TotalEnergies and Austrian company OMV.

This agreement is a continuation of the partnership between ADNOC and SOCAR, which includes ADNOC's 30% equity stake in the Absheron gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea and an agreement focusing on the development of low-carbon energy technologies.

ADNOC upstream executive director Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy said: We are very pleased to welcome SOCAR to the SARB and Umm Lulu concession. This award supports ADNOCs strategy to leverage strategic partnerships and advanced technologies to maximise value from Abu Dhabis energy resources to ensure a secure, reliable and responsible supply of energy.

SOCAR president Rovshan Najaf said: This is our first international upstream investment and we are particularly delighted to make this investment in Abu Dhabi, building upon our bilateral strategic relationships.

We are committed to advance our energy partnership with ADNOC even further and continue cooperating in many more projects of mutual interest."

Last month, ADNOC acquired a 10% equity stake in the Area 4 concession in Mozambique's Rovuma basin from Galp and secured an 11.7% stake in Phase 1 of the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas, US.

"ADNOC grants 3% interest in SARB and Umm Lulu offshore concession to SOCAR " was originally created and published by Offshore 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.
As my eldest child started high school, I started noticing the cost of college. It seemed like a lot. As each year went by, the price only rose. At the same time, this particular child  I have four  wasn't all that interested in college.

But I still figured he should go. Everyone does, right? Especially in this economy. We want our kids to have the best start in life, and a college degree paves the way, doesn't it?

This child started to express interest in trade school, but I felt hesitant. There are few six-figure jobs waiting on the other side, and they're physically demanding. They're also not very glamorous. I asked myself a question that was hard to answer. If my child became a plumber rather than a pediatrician, would I be embarrassed? Would I be proud of that? Did either of those things matter?

The cost of college has become prohibitive

President Joe Biden announces another student loan canceling program on April 8, 2024, in Madison, Wis.

The cost of college is too prohibitive for many students and their families. There's also a need in the labor market for skilled blue-collar workers.

In 1980, the cost to attend a four-year college full-time was $10,231 annually, covering tuition, fees, room and board. Now, the cost of college at a public institution is almost $40,000 a year, per student.

Few students and parents can afford to pay for college with cash. Every year, up to 40% of all undergrads get federal student loans, and 70% of students who receive a bachelor's degree have some kind of education debt after graduation.

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When parents like me factor in multiple children just a couple of years apart, the cost feels insurmountable and discouraging. You start asking yourself: Is there a better way?

There are only three options: Split the cost of student loans, let the child take on loans themselves, or cover the loans and push back retirement.

The allure of getting a college degree

For many students, the choice to attend college begins with a sense of cynical hope.

If they take on debt, they have to hope to earn a degree and get a job that hopefully pays enough to pay off that debt. Hopefully, someday, they'll work a dream job that earns enough money to pursue other dreams and things like family, vacation, retirement and home ownership.

This means parents agonize over these scenarios with their high school students, just like I am.

More Americans think a college degree isn't worth the cost

I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking twice about the importance of college, especially for careers that might not require a degree, such as becoming a doctor or attorney.

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The U.S. white-collar job market is in a downturn. Professional and business services only added 7,000 jobs in March, and college graduates are struggling to land jobs.

Half of college graduates are underemployed.

The extraordinary cost of college, coupled with the lower chance of getting a higher-paying job that made college necessary in the first place, is changing American minds about the value of college.

The cap of a University of Iowa graduate reads "cancel student debt" during a commencement ceremony in 2022 in Iowa City.

According to the Pew Research Center, just 1 in 4 adults say it's extremely or very important to have a four-year degree in order to get a well-paying job. About half say it's less important to have a four-year college degree today in order to get a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago. Just 22% say a college degree is worth getting even if students have to take out loans.

That last number is far lower than I thought it would be.

I also was surprised to learn  although maybe I shouldn't be  that opinions about college differ by political ideology. More Republicans than Democrats recognize its not as important to have a four-year college degree in order to get a well-paying job.

The American blue-collar gap is real

If you're a student or the parent of a student who can't afford college, doesn't want to carry the weight of student debt, or simply isn't wired for college, there are alternatives.

There is a shortage of men and women willing to do skilled labor, not because it doesn't pay well but because blue-collar industries still do not get the respect of white-collar employment, although this may be slowly changing.

Last spring, the Department of Labor reported that the construction industry added about 129,000 job openings that February, despite the nationwide overall rate of job openings declining 6% in a month.

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By 2027, the United States is expected to be short of plumbers by about 550,000.

The point is: If your kid doesn't want to pay $160,000 for college, he might be able to find work in a trade easier and for less money upfront.

Statistics show that learning a skilled trade will improve earnings, rather than just working in traditional blue-collar employment. This is an important distinction.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

The average college graduate salary in Texas, for example, is nearly $60,000 a year, up to $85,440 for experienced positions. The annual salary range for a skilled trade job is from $63,809 to $79,488 in Texas.

Nationwide statistics differ slightly. Trade school graduates earn a median annual salary of $67,149. Graduates with a bachelors degree ages 22-27 earn the median of $60,000 a year.

Some kids are already latching onto this idea: Enrollment in trade-related studies has increased 16% from 2022 to 2023.

Biden's student loan forgiveness exacerbated white-collar elitism

Earnings and reputation are two things that have contributed to a skilled labor gap. The Biden administration hasn't helped shift skilled labor bias much either. This is why many people were outraged after the president declared he'd forgive billions in student loan debts.

The cost of paying for this is deferred to blue-collar workers without college degrees, even though they purposely chose not to attend college.

If that kind of promise doesn't smack of elitism, what does?

'Bidenomics' is failing: Biden's tax hikes could flip even a moderate

What's best for you and your kid?

A lot of the ongoing discussion and anxiety around college and its cost, at least for parents, is really about helping our kids achieve their dreams. This is why the cost of college matters. It's not only about money but determining the best avenue to make their dreams real.

If your child always wanted to be an astronaut, how can they do it if you can't help them pay for college?

It took a while for me to make peace with the idea that one or more of my kids might not attend college. Over time I realized that perhaps it was my dream for them. But the goal is for my children to make their own dreams come true, whatever they are.

Nicole Russell is a national opinion columnist at USA TODAY.

Sometimes the discussion about college becomes tense and fraught because we want to prevent our kids from making the mistakes we made. Employment and money are tied to self-worth for so many people. If my child can't get a job and earn money, what then? Have I failed him or has he failed himself? These are existential ideas hinging on, or supposedly hinging on, one question about college. But life's success doesn't really hinge on this one thing.

My children all have their own journey to make just like I did. They will need to make mistakes. They will need to self-correct. They will make good and bad decisions. These are things we have to let go the older our children get. But part of the journey is deciding whether it includes college and loans or trade school and a solid pair of working boots.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College costs too much. Trade school offers a solution for parents
(Bloomberg) -- A British artificial intelligence startup plans to launch a private credit fund to buy servers outfitted with high-powered Nvidia Corp. chips to be used by companies in Asia.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In its first foray into private credit, Venture Hub, a UK-based AI company operated by ANC Research & Development Ltd., seeks to raise up to $50 million to buy servers using Nvidia H200 graphic processing units, director and founder Alex Cheung told Bloomberg News in an interview Monday.

The goal is to establish an initial cluster of at least 96 servers with H200 GPUs. The H200 is Nvidias latest GPU and has capabilities that allow it to better cope with large data sets needed for AI, the company has said.

The funds launch plan comes as Asia faces a shortage of computing power for high-end technology processes, while investment is flowing into for data centers as demand for AI capabilities grows. The worlds biggest companies are set to spend up to $60 billion over the next couple of years on data centers in Southeast Asia as the region embraces video streaming, online shopping and generative AI.

Clients would include companies based in the Asia-Pacific and as well as government or related departments in Taiwan, according to Cheung. Revenue would be generated by charging an hourly fee to access the servers with the chips, Cheung added. Venture Hub was founded in late 2022 and currently has six employees, including Cheung.

The servers and the Nvidia chips depreciate with time, said Cheung. Thats why investors are keen to use private credit as an investment strategy: Its the most practical way to enjoy the short-term returns while not having to buy the asset themselves, he added.

Venture Hub has reached out to family offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan with a number expressing interest, Cheung said.

H200 GPUs can help data centers accelerate processes including machine learning and high-performance computing, Nvidia has said  technology needed to handle reams of data faster.

The earliest expected launch date for the fund is end of August, Cheung said.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
China's software, IT service industry sees double-digit growth in revenue, profits

Xinhua) 08:48, June 03, 2024

A staff member from a technology company demonstrates an AI software at an exhibition at China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) 2023 in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China's software and information technology service industry reported double-digit year-on-year growth in terms of both revenue and profits in the first four months of 2024, official data showed.

Total profits of the sector jumped by 14.3 percent year on year to 431.4 billion yuan (about 60.69 billion U.S. dollars) during this period, while combined revenue rose by 11.6 percent to 3.8 trillion yuan, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Total revenue of the information technology service sub-sector increased by 13.2 percent year on year to around 2.5 trillion yuan, contributing 65.9 percent of the total revenue of the industry as a whole.

Specifically, combined revenue of cloud computing and big data services surged by 14.3 percent compared with the same period of 2023, reaching 410.7 billion yuan.

The data also revealed that revenues from software products and information security had increased by 8.7 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively, year on year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American Airlines told an appeals court Monday would consider a new arrangement with JetBlue Airways if it wins a ruling reversing a May 2023 decision requiring it to end an alliance.

U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled in the airlines' "Northeast Alliance" (NEA) that allowed the two carriers to coordinate flights and pool revenue violated antitrust law. Sorokin said American and JetBlue cannot enter into any agreement that provides for revenue sharing, or for coordination of routes or capacity similar to the Northeast Alliance before entering various other agreements over the next decade.

American Airlines lawyer Greg Garre told the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals the ruling prevents the airline "from entering into any similar arrangement and that gives the district court continuing jurisdiction over this case for at least 10 years."

Asked by the court if American wants "other things with JetBlue," Garre said: "That's correct. We would seriously consider that, yes, and the injunction prevents us from doing that -- any sort of similar arrangement."

Justice Department lawyer Daniel Haar said American and JetBlue were fierce competitors on price before the agreement. "It was eliminated under the NEA," Haar said. "Before the NEA was established this competition was directly benefiting consumers."

Through their partnership, American, the nation's largest airline, and JetBlue, the sixth largest, joined forces for flights in and out of New York City and Boston, coordinating schedules and pooling revenue.

JetBlue opted not to appeal as it unsuccessful sought to bolter its efforts to win approval for its now dropped $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines. JetBlue did not immediately comment Monday.

American Airlines said in legal briefs Sorokin's ruling invalidating their partnership must be overturned because it threatens a wide range of other collaborations between competitors.

"If left unchecked, the district courts decision will discourage fruitful and lawful collaboration that benefits consumers through increased output, decreased prices, and improved product quality," American Airlines' lawyers wrote.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Nick Zieminski)
Regular readers will know that we love our dividends at Simply Wall St, which is why it's exciting to see Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad (KLSE:AMWAY) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next 3 days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. Thus, you can purchase Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad's shares before the 7th of June in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 21st of June.

The company's next dividend payment will be RM00.05 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed RM0.60 to shareholders. Last year's total dividend payments show that Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad has a trailing yield of 8.1% on the current share price of RM07.40. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to investigate whether Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow.

View our latest analysis for Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad

If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad paid out a comfortable 25% of its profit last year. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. It distributed 40% of its free cash flow as dividends, a comfortable payout level for most companies.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. Fortunately for readers, Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad's earnings per share have been growing at 19% a year for the past five years. Earnings per share are growing rapidly and the company is keeping more than half of its earnings within the business; an attractive combination which could suggest the company is focused on reinvesting to grow earnings further. This will make it easier to fund future growth efforts and we think this is an attractive combination - plus the dividend can always be increased later.

Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad's dividend payments are effectively flat on where they were 10 years ago.

Final Takeaway

Is Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf? Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad has grown its earnings per share while simultaneously reinvesting in the business. Unfortunately it's cut the dividend at least once in the past 10 years, but the conservative payout ratio makes the current dividend look sustainable. It's a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention.

While it's tempting to invest in Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad (including 1 which shouldn't be ignored).

If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks.

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) -- Atos SE received revised bids from the two consortia vying to take over the heavily indebted French IT company, and will work with creditors this week to choose between them.

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Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinskys EP Equity Investment and David Layanis Onepoint made proposals that were consistent with the targets set by Atos, including debt reduction and financing needs, the company said in a statement on Monday.

Atos shares fell 16%, the biggest decline since March 19, to 1.41 at 4:43 p.m. in Paris.

Atos and its creditors will try to reach an agreement by Wednesday, with a final deal to restructure the company targeted for July.

The bidders are seeking to rescue what was once one of Frances premier tech companies, before accounting scandals and huge debts left it on the verge of insolvency. Even though Atos has lost 90% of its value in the last year, it remains a key IT services provider in its home country.

The bid led by French IT firm Onepoint, with help from Butler Industries and Econocom Group SE, is joined by a group of some of the companys creditors, while Kretinskys EPEI is in consortium with turnaround specialist investor Attestor Limited. A majority of the firms creditors will ultimately have to vote for their preferred refinancing proposal.

The EPEI-led bid includes as much as 700 million ($762 million) in equity investment and a reduction of Atos debt by about 3.4 billion, leaving a remaining debt of 1.4 billion. It would weigh a disposal of Atos digital business.

The Onepoint-led group would bring 250 million of new money equity and aim to convert 2.9 billion of the debt into shares. It says it has support from holders representing 36% of the bonds. It proposes to keep Atos as one single company.

Atos still needs cash to keep its business running and said it is seeking an additional 350 million interim financing, on top of 450 million agreed in April, as part of the revised proposals to cover costs from July 2024 through the end of the restructuring.

Atos said it has also received offers for its smart energy business, Worldgrid, which are under review.

(Updates with details of the two proposals)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Mathieu Rosemain and Tassilo Hummel

PARIS (Reuters) - Distressed IT consulting firm Atos has given itself until Wednesday to choose between two revised restructuring proposals that would dilute its current shareholders to almost nothing and massively cut its debt burden.

The two rival offers - one led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, the other by Atos' anchor investor David Layani - are "generally consistent" with the conditions set by Atos, the French company said in a statement on Monday.

These include a reduction of Atos' 4.8 billion euro ($5.21 billion) in debt and new financing, it said, adding that details of the two revised offers would be published on its website.

The new June 5 deadline effectively prolongs the battle Kretinsky and Layani, as the two had already presented widely different tactics to strengthen in their initial offers to shore up the company's finances.

The fierce competition between the two businessmen has led to scathing comments in the French press from both camps against each other, prompting calls of restraint Atos' chairman, Jean-Pierre Mustier.

Layani's revised offer, supported by investment company Butler Industries and smaller IT consulting firm Econocom, also received the backing of some creditors, Atos said.

Atos didn't specify the proportion of the debt held by this group of creditors. Support from creditors in such a process is essential, as Atos' debt restructuring will eventually need the backing from creditors owning at least two-thirds of its debt.

Kretinsky's revised offer, formulated by his EPEI group, is backed by British investment fund Attestor.

Atos also said it was reviewing offers for its Worldgrid business unit, providing IT solutions to power generation.

France's finance minister last month said he would make sure the unit, which also works for France's nuclear energy giant EDF, would stay 'under French control'.

($1 = 0.9214 euros)

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Lincoln Feast.)
(Bloomberg) -- Autodesk Inc. shares soared by the most in more than a year after the company reassigned its chief financial officer, a move aimed at resolving an internal accounting investigation that delayed filings for weeks.

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Deborah Clifford, who has been CFO since March 2021, will become chief strategy officer, effective immediately, the company said late Friday in a statement. Elizabeth Rafael, an Autodesk board member, was appointed interim CFO and remains on the board. The stock gained by as much as 10.2% to $222.21 in New York on Monday, the biggest intraday gain since Nov. 10, 2022.

Cliffords reassignment puts to rest uncertainty that has weighed on Autodesks stock for months. In early April, the engineering software maker delayed its annual financial disclosure and said it was opening a review of its accounting processes around free cash flow and operating margins. Autodesk reaffirmed on Friday that the probe wouldnt result in any adjustments to its financial statements.

The company had said previously that it didnt expect any previously issued financial data to be affected by the probe. Still, the unusual delays in filing earnings reports stirred investor anxiety, and the stock had dropped 22% to $201.60 through Fridays close since the investigation was announced.

The disruption of the filings stemmed from the way the company accounted for billings from multiyear software contracts, the company said in a statement.

The decision to replace Clifford as CFO was made by the board of directors audit committee, which led the investigation, executives told employees during a call Friday afternoon, according to a person familiar with the discussion who asked not to be identified. Autodesk management appointed Clifford to her new post following the decision.

Company representatives couldnt be reached for further comment.

Wall Street sentiment had spiraled negative due to uncertainty, Ken Wong, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co., wrote in late April. He and other analysts pointed to a recent change in Autodesks transaction model, in which the company is sending prices directly to customers rather than using third parties, as a potential source of the accounting issues.

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Autodesk also released preliminary earnings for the fiscal first quarter. The company reported revenue of about $1.42 billion and adjusted profit of $1.87 per share in the period ended April 30. Both topped analysts average estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The earnings report would have typically come last week, but was delayed by the investigation, according to a person familiar with the issue.

Autodesk is working diligently to file its annual report on Form 10-K as soon as possible and to hold an earnings call to discuss first quarter fiscal 2025 results, the company said.

BMO Capital Markets noted that some important questions remain.

The investigation found that in FY23, after Autodesk shifted to an annual billings model, the company continued to pursue multi-year upfront contracts with some enterprise customers at a pace significantly higher than historical trend in order to improve FCF results that year, BMO said in a research note.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Thick smoke slows traffic along Interstate 35 through the Kansas Flint Hills each spring when ranchers set the prairie afire so the grass will grow back thick and tall on millions of rolling acres that have changed little since herds of wild bison roamed where beef cattle now graze.

Bill Haw Sr. never ceased to be awed by the lands majesty, acquiring thousands of acres for his cattle feeding business and that of National Farms, the big agribusiness company he ran for three decades.

You cant look at this without saying, My God, that is beautiful, he told a local historian a few years ago at his Crocker Springs Ranch in Chase County.

At that time, he was preparing to sell 14,000 acres he owned in the Flint Hills with perpetual easements to preserve the land as it had been for eons. If a buyer wanted to add a house, it couldnt be visible from the highway.

I dont want it to remain perfect and unspoiled just for my lifetime, but forevermore, Haw told a Wichita Eagle reporter in 2021.

Building thunderstorm clouds form over the Flint Hills near Cedar Point.

The 85-year-old Kansas City businessman died Thursday, son Bill Haw Jr. said. However, his gift to future generations of travelers through the Flint Hills wasnt his only legacy. Haw Sr. was also synonymous with Kansas Citys West Bottoms area, owning the Livestock Exchange Building and developing the real estate around it.

He was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri. His dad was a medical doctor and his a mother nurse and artist. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in English literature and served two years in the Army immediately after college..

Following his service, Haw began working toward a masters degree in finance to secure a well-paying job, but stopped short of getting a degree when Commerce Bank in Kansas City hired him halfway through the coursework. He quickly rose through the ranks and by his mid-30s, he was executive vice president.

He left banking in the early 1970s when stockholders of a near-bankrupt agribusiness company convinced him to become president of the National Alfalfa Dehydrating and Milling Co. Haw ran National Farms, as it was later renamed, for three of the four Bass brothers of Fort Worth, Texas, while also accumulating a considerable amount of real estate of his own.

By the time Sid, Lee and Ed Bass sold the company in 2002, National Farms was among the top 10 cattle feeders in the country.

The Livestock Exchange Building is at the heart of the West Bottoms.

Haw and his wife, Maggie, bought the Livestock Exchange Building from National Farms and began spending more time in the Flint Hills. One of his proudest accomplishments was removing 30 miles of fence to accommodate his growing cattle grazing operation, reclaiming the wide-open feel lost when the land was divided into chunks surrounded by barbed wire for smaller cattle farmers.

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You cant look at the Flint Hills in small pieces, he told the Eagle. It has to be as far as you can see to be able to fully appreciate it.

Beams of sunlight stream through passing storm clouds above a minimum maintenance road in the Flint Hills near Cottonwood Falls on Sunday.

The Haws also helped revive the town square in Cottonwood Falls by restoring several historic buildings in that Chase County town, while also restoring the Hotel Frederick in Boonville, Missouri.

All the while, Haw remained devoted to reviving the West Bottoms by developing land around the Livestock Exchange Building in an area he called the Stockyards District. His goal, he told a Star reporter in 2011, was to transform that once deserted Kansas City neighborhood  the Kansas City stockyards finally shuttered in 1990 after decades of decline  into a citywide draw that was appealing, approachable and safe.

That transformation is now well underway and, according to his family, is a testament to his vision and persistence.

No funeral is planned in accordance with Haws wishes.
BROCKTON  Who will buy three local hospitals run by bankrupt Steward Health Care? Bankers marketing the facilities say they have at least 20 interested buyers.

The investment bank Cain Brothers said in a bankruptcy court filing that it pitched 45 potential buyers. Twenty of those prospects were intrigued enough to sign "non disclosure agreements" which let them see closely guarded Steward financial info while they kick the tires. An unspecified number of suitors has filed "indications of interest" that go into more detail about possible deal structures, Cain said in the same filing.

Cain is marketing Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Morton Hospital in Taunton and Saint Anne's in Fall River, plus others outside Massachusetts. A different bank is trying to sell Steward's other Massachusetts hospitals.

Steward has set a goal of selling its Massachusetts hospitals by the end of June.

Dawn Hebert-Miller, a registered Nurse at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, and her son Devon Hebert-Miller, 10, attend a community rally at Keating Hall on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to keep Good Sam open amid the financial crisis enveloping its owner, Steward Health Care.

Nurses asks state to step up if no one wants to buy Steward hospitals

A lot of people and organizations have a stake in the future of the community hospitals. Among them are Steward employees represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). The union on Friday called on state officials for a more muscular  and more public  plan in case no one wants to buy some of the hospitals.

"These are such essential community services, literally life or death for hundreds of thousands of people," said Dana Simon, director of strategic campaigns for the MNA.

Here's what the nurses union wants the state to do:

He said the MNA wants the the state to be ready to put in its own bids if the private market fails.

He also urged the state to use its power of "eminent domain" to acquire the nine hospitals for a fair market value, not the arguably inflated prices Steward received in 2016 when it sold the hospitals' buildings and land to Medical Properties Trust of Alabama for $1.25 billion. Simon said the assessed value of the properties is one-third or one-fourth what MPT paid.

Thirdly, Cain pushed state officials to pause approvals for benefits being sought by Massachusetts' other hospital operators until they pitch in to help the troubled community hospitals.

Cain said it's possible that state officials are prepared to do each of those things, but aren't saying it publicly. State officials have cited non-disclosure agreements they say keep them from going into further detail in public.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X at @HelmsNews.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Who will buy Steward hospitals in Brockton, Taunton and Fall River?
C Spire, a diversified telecommunications and technology services company founded and based in Mississippi, announced the appointment of Suzy Hays as president and chief executive officer of C Spire effective July 1, 2024.

Hays succeeds Hu Meena, who will step up to Chairman of the Board of Telapex Inc., the holding company for both C Spire and Franklin Telephone Company Inc.

Hays, becomes the highest-ranking female CEO of any privately owned company in Mississippi.

She earned a bachelors degree in business administration with a marketing concentration from Mississippi College, and a masters degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Mississippi.

"I feel like C Spire is a great success story for Mississippi," Hays told the Clarion Ledger. "We are a strong and growing company, and we have been giving back to Mississippi for many years."

Meanwhile, Meena will be stepping away from the day-to-day operations of the $1 billion a year business that he has been overseeing since it began as Cellular South in the late 1980s. C Spire has consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 privately held business in the state for more than 20 years.

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His leadership has provided the enormous growth C Spire has experienced. He also led the brand change from Cellular South to C Spire. This change was due in large part to the plans to diversify products and services. And, he led diversification into other lines of business as well as new areas of the country.

Suzy Hays will be the new president and chief executive officer of C Spire, effective July 1, 2024

"I have been doing this for a long time and I as enthusiastic about the company as I have ever been," Meena said. "I am also as bullish about the future of the company as I have ever been. And with Suzy's leadership, I am even more bullish about our future."

Meena said that Hays is well positioned to take the company to more success in the short and long term.

Meena will be stepping away from the day-to-day operations C Spire to transition to Chairman of the Board of Telapex, Inc., the holding company for both C Spire and Franklin Telephone Company, Inc.

"She is not only going to grow the company, but she will make a positive impact on Mississippi," Meena said.

The company has three lines of business  wireless, mostly in Mississippi, Memphis and Mobile, Alabama; home fiber in more than150 communities in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee and business customers in 47 states.

Hays has been with the company for more than 30 years and has served in multiple senior leadership positions including Chief Marketing Officer and GM for all three of the lines of business at different times.

C spire

As for being the highest-ranking female executive for a private business in Mississippi she said that was not on her radar.

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"I will say I do have young ladies in our company that periodically talk to me about their aspirations and their dreams," Hays said. "While I don't think that has to do with why I am in this role now, I do know that for a lot of young ladies, that means something to them. So, I try to be a good mentor, a good leader and a good example because my parents always told me I could always do whatever it is I put my mind to."

Meena began his career with C Spire in 1987 as general manager for C Spires (then known as Cellular South) first market on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was responsible for the companys start-up in February 1988. Under his leadership, the company has become the largest privately held wireless carrier and the sixth-largest carrier in the nation. Meena also led the start-up of Telepak, a fiber optic based broadband networking company that today operates as C Spire Fiber and has served as a catalyst for the companys geographic expansion over the last decade.

Hays says the future is now for the company.

"We have invested a lot in the last year in systems," she said. "That's because we are growing very rapidly across all three of our lines of business. We are kind of wrapping that up and can kind of now focus on the fun stuff. The stuff that customers don't know yet is the next big thing. We did that all those years ago with the smart thing. Now, we are focusing on the next big things."

While C Spire has been a Mississippi name brand for the last 30 years, the company has expanded its borders over the years. It has offices in Montgomery, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; Nashville, Atlanta and Hattiesburg. Having said that both Hays and and Meena said that Ridgeland will always be the headquarters.

"We are here to stay," she said. "Will we ever expand out of that building? That's a great question, but Mississippi is where we were born, and we aren't going anywhere."

Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: C Spire makes change in leadership




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VF Corp. has named Caroline Brown the global brand president of The North Face.

Brown, who served as an independent director on the VF board from February 2024 to May 2024, will assume the global brand president role at The North Face the week of June 10. With the appointment, VF Corp. confirmed Brown has resigned as a member of its board of directors.

Brown succeeds Nicole Otto, who became The North Faces global brand president in June 2022, succeeding Steve Murray, who retired and returned to the UK.

Prior to assuming this role, Brown most recently was a managing director at the New York-based investment firm and innovation center Closed Loop Partners, which focuses on the circular economy. VF Corp. said via statement that she led the firms fashion practice.

Brown also previously served as the chief executive officer of Donna Karan International and DKNY, and prior to that was the president of Carolina Herrera and the U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Swiss luxury fashion brand Akris. Her career began at Giorgio Armani, where she spent more than 10 years in various marketing and communications leadership roles.

This new hire comes less than a week after Vans, another VF-owned company, named former Lululemon chief product officer Sun Choe as its brand president.

Carolines expertise in building and transforming global brands, as well as her extensive experience in the apparel and fashion industry, fit perfectly with the needs of The North Face brand at this time, VF president and chief executive officer Bracken Darrell said in a statement. With Carolines intense focus on brand building, product design, consumer insight, and innovation, I am confident The North Face will expand on its enormous power as a leading global outdoor brand and be a driving force behind VFs growth and value creation.

He continued, On behalf of the board and leadership team, I thank Nicole for her dedication and service to VF and the brand, and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Whats more, VF also announced that Mindy Grossman  a fashion industry veteran whose resume includes leadership roles at Nike, Ralph Lauren and Fanatics  and Wendys CEO Kirk Tanner have been appointed independent directors on the VF board, effective May 30. Grossman and Tanner will stand for re-election at the 2024 Annual Meeting of VF Shareholders, the company said via statement, and Benno Dorer has decided not to stand for re-election at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

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Mindy and Kirk are proven leaders with extensive track records leading complex companies and supercharging the growth of global consumer brands through innovation, marketing and digital strategies. We look forward to benefiting from their insights as VF continues to improve execution and enhance innovation as part of its Reinvent strategy, Richard Carucci, chair of the VF board, said in a statement. These appointments represent further steps in VFs refreshment process, and reflect our continued constructive collaboration with VF shareholder Engaged Capital. With these appointments, VF has added five new directors to its Board within the past two years, including directors with valuable apparel and footwear experience.

He continued, We are grateful to Benno for his contributions to VF over many years of service, and particularly appreciate his work and impact as interim CEO prior to Bracken Darrells appointment. We thank Benno and extend to him our best wishes for the future.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.









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Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City

SANYA, China, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, China, has been approved as a National Offshore Entrepreneurship Base for Overseas Professionals, accelerating its development as a demonstration zone for international talent innovation and entrepreneurship.

In 2019, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya launched construction. Since its launch five years ago, the City has provided comprehensive support for domestic and overseas talents, focusing on key industries such as the seed industry, deep-sea science and technology, life sciences, and the digital economy.

The City innovatively create a team of Service Specialists serving domestic and overseas talents and enterprises, nicknamed "Cheng Xiaoer". Charlotte from Belgium, the first international Cheng Xiaoer, has been working in the City for three years. She is primarily responsible for international enterprise services and investment.

"Led by the seed industry, we are gradually developing sectors like deep-sea technology, life sciences, and the digital economy. The number of international enterprises inquiring for information is increasing." Charlotte noted that the City has innovatively established an international talent workstation and the "ITCC International Talent Community", which has attracted 324 international talents. These professionals regularly exchange daily life experiences in Hainan, and this warm atmosphere has enhanced Hainan's appeal to more high-quality human resources from across the globe.

Looking ahead, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya plans to leverage the Hainan Free Trade Port policies to introduce a series of enterprise and talent systems. This strategy aims to encourage overseas project leaders, high-level talents, and funds to relocate to the City, further attracting international talents to start businesses and pursue employment opportunities.

Source: Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City

Charlotte, the International Investment Manager, actively promotes the Science and Technology City to guests in English.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. He, Tel: 86-10-63074558.




Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is a household name for the hungry. The chain that put "fast casual" on the map has consistently grown its reach, serving customers through what's currently 3,479 locations -- and growing.

Chipotle is also surprisingly consistent when it comes to feeding its stakeholders. The stock is up 51%, 128%, and 341% over the past one, three, and five years, respectively.

This doesn't mean that the chain is perfect. Let's go over the positives and negatives of Chipotle as an investment to see if it's buy, sell, or hold right now.

Buy Chipotle

The historical stock gains are impressive, and in the cutthroat restaurant industry, Chipotle is one of the easiest bets to make. It has a cult following that has proven loyal, even as others have taken on its fast-casual assembly-line approach to provide tasty meals at reasonable price points.

Growth has been consistent after seeing its sales soar 26% in 2021 coming out of the understandably suppressed pandemic-related slowdown a year earlier. Revenue rose 14.4% in 2022, 14.3% in 2021, and up 14.1% in the first quarter of this year.

Store-level growth remains impressive. Chipotle is eyeing comps in the mid- to high-single-digit range for this year. Expansion is how that impressive unit-level production turns into double-digit gains on the top line, and the chain expects to add 285 to 315 new restaurants this year.

The bottom line is even more impressive. This is shaping up to be the fourth year in a row in which profit growth exceeds the already impressive revenue jumps. Net income has increased by at least 36% in each of the last three years, climbing 23% in the first quarter of this year, which it posted in late April. Analysts see Chipotle's earnings per share rising 24% this year on a 15% increase in revenue.

Image source: Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Sell Chipotle

Valuation is often cited as the biggest obstacle for investors. Chipotle isn't cheap. It's trading for 56 times this year's projected earnings and 47 times next year's analyst profit target.

The bullish counter here is that bears said the same thing a year ago, three years ago, and five years ago. You see how well things worked out for those who understood that you have to pay a premium to own a name like Chipotle. However, there's no denying that Chipotle is richly valued relative to traditional market multiples.

Another knock on Chipotle is that it has all of its tortilla chips in the same basket. Chipotle has tried to diversify into new concepts. It's given pizza a spin with Pizzeria Locale, burgers through Tasty Made, and Asian street food via ShopHouse. All three failed.

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It launched a new concept last year -- Farmesa Fresh Eatery -- as a ghost kitchen, hoping to toss premium salads and protein-topped grain bowls. The concept was shuttered in April.

The flagship concept is obviously solid, and Chipotle feels it can more than double its current store base without saturating the market. It's still problematic that it hasn't been able to strike lightning in a bottle with a sister concept.

Hold Chipotle

Chipotle is scheduled to complete a 50-for-1 stock split later this month, which it announced in March. I didn't list this as a reason to buy because any related pop should be short-lived in nature. Stock splits are zero-sum games but help make it more accessible for options trading. It's probably a good reason to at least hold on at this point until the shares begin trading post-split on June 26.

The best reason to hold is that the trend is Chipotle's friend right now. Companies calling employees back to in-office work should benefit the chain, which is a favorite lunch spot for workers.

The company's efficiency also continues to improve. It introduced a second assembly line dedicated to mobile and delivery app orders when it began to see its digital sales spike coming out of the pandemic. It's also been making pick-ups more convenient for customers with dedicated drive-thru lanes, when possible. A hearty 80% of its new openings this year will feature Chipotlanes.

Chipotle, the stock, isn't Cheap-otle. It will be prone to corrections in volatile markets. It's also been vulnerable to economic downturns, pandemics, and its own food scare nearly a decade ago that made hundreds of customers sick.

However, if you're looking for a restaurant stock to spice up your portfolio, it's hard to fathom Chipotle not being near the top of your list. It seems to be a hold -- if not an outright buy at this point -- despite its strong gains over the past year.

Should you invest $1,000 in Chipotle Mexican Grill right now?

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Chipotle: Buy, Sell, or Hold? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Exploring the Sustainability and Growth of CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividends

CLP Holdings Ltd (CLPHY) recently announced a dividend of $0.08 per share, payable on 2024-06-24, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-06-03. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into CLP Holdings Ltd's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does CLP Holdings Ltd Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with CLPHY.

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CLP Holdings is the larger of the two electric utility companies in Hong Kong, serving 80% of the city population. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to about 2.6 million customers in Kowloon and the New Territories through its wholly owned network. The business is regulated by the Hong Kong government with a permitted return on net fixed asset of 8.00%. Besides Hong Kong, the company has expanded its reach overseas, with generation and retail assets in Australia and generation assets in China, India, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Its Hong Kong activities made up more than 80% of recurring net profit in 2021.

CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividend History

CLP Holdings Ltd has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2010. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, CLP Holdings Ltd currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.90% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 4.90%. This suggests an expectation of same dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, CLP Holdings Ltd's annual dividend growth rate was 0.20%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 0.70% per year. And over the past decade, CLP Holdings Ltd's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 2.20%.

Based on CLP Holdings Ltd's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of CLP Holdings Ltd stock as of today is approximately 5.07%.

CLP Holdings Ltd's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, CLP Holdings Ltd's dividend payout ratio is 1.35, which may suggest that the company's dividend may not be sustainable. CLP Holdings Ltd's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks CLP Holdings Ltd's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

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Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. CLP Holdings Ltd's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and CLP Holdings Ltd's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. CLP Holdings Ltd's revenue has increased by approximately 3.10% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 75.25% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, CLP Holdings Ltd's earnings increased by approximately -23.20% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 87.21% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -7.80%, which underperforms than approximately 81.02% of global competitors.

Conclusion: Assessing Dividend Viability

While CLP Holdings Ltd showcases a strong dividend yield and has maintained consistent payments, the sustainability of these dividends hinges on several factors. The company's modest dividend growth rates coupled with a challenging earnings growth landscape may pose risks to future dividend reliability. However, its significant market presence and regulated business model in Hong Kong provide a stable earnings base. Investors should weigh these factors and monitor upcoming financial results to better understand the long-term viability of CLP Holdings Ltd's dividends. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


The joint venture 'AL KALMA' will see Keralty and Burjeel Holdings jointly develop and operate an integrated healthcare ecosystem to provide value-based care and mental health services in MENA.

AL KALMA will debut in Saudi Arabia and expand to the United Arab Emirates, other Middle East countries, and beyond.

The joint venture will leverage Keralty's successful track record in nine countries, including the US, in rapidly rolling out its unique healthcare model based on prevention, detection, and management of health risks.

CARTAGENA, Colombia and ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Keralty S.A.S, a multinational health organization based in Colombia, and Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in MENA, have announced a joint venture aimed at establishing a unique healthcare model for cost-efficient healthcare solutions. The joint venture, AL KALMA, was announced at a signing ceremony held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The alliance aims to enhance well-being throughout the value chain by promoting access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable price.

From left to right: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings; H.E. Mohamed Abdulla bin Khater Al Shamsi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to the Republic of Colombia; Joseba Grajales, president of Keralty; and John Sunil, CEO Brujeel Holdings.

AL KALMA, a name that signifies 'united for health and well-being', will consolidate a unique value-based healthcare model with specialized primary care centers, health risk management, and a new range of integrated mental health services, expecting to reach nearly 30 million patients over the next decade. The strategic partnership combines the experience and knowledge of both groups for a rapid roll-out in the Middle East, with the potential to extend subsequently into North Africa. The joint venture will debut in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the shift in the Saudi healthcare market towards a primary healthcare model. The collaboration aims to extend services beyond the region by evaluating each market and executing the strategy on a country-by-country basis.

Keralty, with a track record of nearly five decades and operations in nine countries, including the US and Colombia, enters into this joint venture by leveraging the success of its healthcare model based on the prevention, detection, and management of health risks, as well as the control and care of diseases and dependency. Burjeel Holdings, with a strong presence in the Middle East, offers the highest standards of care through an integrated network of hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, focusing on highly complex and specialized services.

The partnership announcement ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed Abdullah bin Khater Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Colombia; Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings; Mr. John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings; along with Mr. Joseba Grajales, President of Keralty and Dr. Emilio Herrera, CHO of Keralty.

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Joseba Grajales, President of Keralty, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Burjeel Holdings to extend our distinctive healthcare model to new regions. This model, successfully scaled from Colombia to numerous countries, is continuously enriched by our collective experiences. We provide valuable feedback across all our activities, achieving outstanding results in enhancing the health and well-being of millions who trust us. This success stems from our deep understanding of their health, social, and community needs."

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, commented:

"This partnership marks a significant milestone for us as we strive to provide better health for a diverse range of populations. Our unique model envisions comprehensive well-being, from prevention to control and care of disease in order to enhance services and patient outcomes on a local, personalized level. This approach will keep people healthier and out of hospitals, leading to a substantial shift in healthcare delivery."

The joint venture partnership will be operated through a newly formed holding company established in the Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction. Keralty and Burjeel Holdings will each hold an equal 50% shareholding. Further information, including details of the expansion plan, will be disclosed in due course.

Through AL KALMA, Keralty and Burjeel demonstrate their commitment to improving global health by providing access to quality healthcare and fostering well-being, sustainability, and efficiency. The agreement signifies a meaningful collaboration between Colombia and the UAE, aiming to benefit millions of people worldwide.

About Keralty

Keralty S.A.S. is a global group of private companies dedicated to maintaining people's health through a comprehensive healthcare model that emphasizes prevention, risk identification, disease control, and care. Operating in Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Peru, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, Keralty partners locally to tailor services to each region's unique needs. Trusted by millions worldwide, Keralty's success is built on excellence, commitment, and a talented team embodying compassion, reciprocity, justice, respect, and solidarity.

About Burjeel Holdings

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private providers of world-class healthcare services in the UAE and Oman, and it operates a growing specialized healthcare segment in Saudi Arabia. With a network of 82 assets, including 17 hospitals and 42 medical centers, as well as 15 pharmacies and other allied services, the Group collectively provides a premier offering in the Gulf region. Burjeel Holdings' brands include Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, PhysioTherabia and Tajmeel. It has 13 JCI-accredited facilities, with a total of 1,708 patient beds across its operations in the UAE and Oman and holds a leading position in the UAE.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/colombias-keralty-and-uaes-burjeel-holdings-announce-landmark-joint-venture-for-cost-efficient-healthcare-solutions-in-mena-302161535.html

SOURCE Keralty
The New York Stock Exchange got it wrong, listing Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) A shares as having lost some 99% of their value. That didn't really happen, but that's what the ticker tape was saying (or online quote services in more modern parlance). Luckily it was just a technical issue and it was quickly remedied. But there's still an important lesson here for investors.

Berkshire Hathaway's big fall

In early trading on June 3, 2024 Berkshire Hathaway's A share class was listed as having declined by as much as 99.9%. Basically the "ticker tape" was showing that the A shares had become worthless, which doesn't make logical sense. The current understanding of what happened is that the Consolidated Tape Association had a problem and reverted to a backup system which didn't work quite as smoothly as hoped. In fact, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway wasn't the only stock that was impacted. It seems like NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) and Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD) were mis-priced, as well.

Image source: Getty Images.

The Consolidated Tape Association is the entity that helps to keep track of all the trades that happen on Wall Street. It provides the real-time quotes that major quote services and brokers show on their websites and in applications. Years ago the ticker tape was a machine that listed the prices of trades as they happened and it required a direct feed from the exchange. We've made huge technological leaps since that device. But, still, the current mistake was a pretty public black eye for everyone involved given the prominence of Berkshire Hathaway's stock. But the problem was identified quickly (no shock there), trading in the affected shares was halted, and the issue was resolved. Berkshire Hathaway's A shares are now worth about what they were worth before the shocking, and erroneous, plunge.

As a shareholder in Berkshire Hathaway, or any stock impacted by the pricing mistake, you might feel a bit upset. That's understandable, given that a 99.9% drop in a $600,000 per share stock would probably be a devastating blow to one's finances. However, you need to give The Consolidated Tape Association and all of the companies that displayed the erroneous data a little leeway. The amount of pricing information that is created on Wall Street is staggering. The fact that the data is correct the vast majority of the time is a huge win. An occasional mistake should be taken with a grain of salt even if it is headline grabbing news.

Don't blindly trust the data

That brings up the really big lesson here. You have to consider the data you have in front of you within the broader picture. Or, to put it another way, does it make sense that Berkshire Hathaway's class A shares would become worthless in the blink of an eye? That answer is pretty clearly no.

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But if that's what you were seeing, what should you have done? The first step would be to check with a second data provider, which in this case would likely have shown the same decline given the source of the problem. After that, and somewhat unique to Berkshire Hathaway, would be to look at the company's B share class, which wasn't impacted by the problem. At that point you could have breathed a sigh of relief.

But what about Barrick and NuScale, which don't have alternative share classes to look up? In that case you could go to the company's website to see if there was any shocking news that might logically explain the decline. If there's no news at the company's website, do a quick news search online. If there's still no news out there but you remain worried you can always check out the SEC filings form the company for any clues about what might be going on.

BRK.A Chart

In this instance you would have come up empty-handed, for the most part, until news got out about the technical problem. And, once it did, you would have had a better handle on what was going on. But don't write this issue off so easily, data mistakes happen all of the time. Dividend payments, for example, often create problems that end up causing erroneous dividend yield data. That can happen when there's a dividend cut that isn't yet displayed in the data feed or when a special dividend gets annualized even though it is a one-time payment. Stock splits are another fairly common event that can cause havoc for data feeds.

Ask the right questions

Data mistakes creep into data sets all the time. The larger the data set, the greater the chance for error. Wall Street's pricing data feed is like a high-pressure fire hose that's been turned up past 10 and all the way to 11. And still, everything flows correctly most of the time. When you see something odd in the data, think of it as a small water leak in this analogy, you need to step back and ask some simple questions.

Is that stock that used to yield 3% really suddenly yielding 20%? Is a stock that was worth $600,000 yesterday worth pennies today? Probably not in both cases. A little homework and common sense would have told you that and saved your stomach from dropping into your feet.

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Don't Believe Your Eyes -- Berkshire Hathaway Isn't a Worthless Stock was originally published by The Motley Fool
Economist rejects BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's suggestion that people work longer to solve the retirement crisis

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink caused quite a stir when he suggested America could dodge its looming retirement crisis by encouraging people to continue working past age 65.

The billionaire, who chairs the world's largest asset manager, kicked off his 2024 annual letter to shareholders by telling his readers it is time to rethink retirement.

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He raised the point that more Americans are retiring and their retirements are increasing by length. This, he claims, is having a massive impact on the countrys retirement system  specifically the nations Social Security coffers, which are quickly running out of money.

Whats the solution here? Fink pondered in his letter. No one should have to work longer than they want to. But I do think its a bit crazy that our anchor idea for the right retirement age  65 years old  originates from the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Fink never claimed to have the answer, but he did suggest that encouraging Americans to work for longer with carrots rather than sticks may help alleviate certain retirement-related economic challenges. But not everyone agrees.

Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci, a renowned thought-leader on U.S. retirement issues, slapped down Finks suggestion in a recent interview with Bloomberg's Sonali Basak.

If you think, Mr. Fink, that people working longer  maybe just one year or two years longer  will mean that people wont go into their old age without being downwardly mobile into poverty after being a middle class worker, or you think working longer will maintain peoples living standards, youll be wrong, she said. Heres why Ghilarducci is against raising the retirement age.

Its not fair

Ghilarducci thinks people need to dive deeper into the data around American life expectancy and how that relates to working longevity.

Not everyone is living longer, she stressed. There is a slice of the population that have had good healthcare [and] have had the kinds of jobs that enhance their health and their wellbeing and their skills. Theyre living longer.

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But there are some parts of our economy, of our America, where actually the longevity is going down. Deaths of despair, the suicides, the opioid addiction [and] even the kinds of jobs that people have are shortening their lives.

Ghilarducci claims this inequality in society makes this common live longer, work longer argument impossible for a large portion of Americans.

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

Specifically, she highlighted the plight of older workers in pink collar jobs (care-oriented careers, historically considered to be womens work) and light blue collar jobs that may require a lot of engagement with a computer.

The service sector  taking care of older people, taking care of children  that requires a lot of heavy lifting, a lot of stooping and bending, a lot of physical activity and those jobs break bodies down, Ghilarducci explained.

The computer has made some aspects of jobs easier, [especially] on the knees, but the requirements for intense concentration, keen eyesight and actually being able to speed up your work because of increased surveillance has actually made those jobs harder too.

Ghilarducci claims the jobs older Americans often have can raise cortisol levels, increase inflammation and cause more metabolic disorders and early death. As a result, she says making them work for longer is not a viable solution to the nations retirement challenges.

Some dont have a choice

One part of Americas so-called retirement crisis that Ghilarducci thinks experts  including Larry Fink  overlook is the fact that most people cannot decide when they retire.

She highlighted the difference between someone choosing to retire at a certain age, versus being forcefully retired by an employer due to age or waning workplace abilities.

According to a 2018 Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis report, 52% of older workers claimed they were forced into involuntary retirement.

Ghilarducci cited that 52% stat in the Bloomberg interview, saying that older Americans are often forced to retire because of health issues  like bad knees, metabolic disorders and stress  or to take care of their aging spouse.

This idea that workers can just decide to work longer is a myth because most people cannot decide whether or not to work or not, she stressed.

While you may not have much choice over your employment later in life, there are things you can control, such as: how you manage your finances, when you decide to take Social Security, and how you save and invest your money so that you have enough to live off during your retirement.

If youre not sure where to start, consider seeking guidance from a financial adviser, who can help you come up with a plan that helps you hit your retirement goals.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Over the past year, the Australian market has shown robust growth, rising by 8.5%, with earnings projected to increase by 14% annually. In this dynamic environment, dividend stocks that demonstrate consistent payouts and potential for earnings growth stand out as particularly appealing options for investors.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Australia

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Lindsay Australia (ASX:LAU) 6.67%  Fiducian Group (ASX:FID) 3.89%  Nick Scali (ASX:NCK) 4.99%  Centuria Capital Group (ASX:CNI) 6.61%  Charter Hall Group (ASX:CHC) 3.58%  Eagers Automotive (ASX:APE) 7.32%  Premier Investments (ASX:PMV) 4.72%  Fortescue (ASX:FMG) 8.09%  Diversified United Investment (ASX:DUI) 3.18%  Australian United Investment (ASX:AUI) 3.59% 

Click here to see the full list of 26 stocks from our Top ASX Dividend Stocks screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Harvey Norman Holdings Limited operates in integrated retail, franchise, property, and digital system sectors with a market capitalization of approximately A$5.58 billion.

Operations: Harvey Norman Holdings Limited generates revenue from various international retail segments, including A$982.46 million from New Zealand, A$204.83 million from Slovenia & Croatia, A$691.09 million from Singapore & Malaysia, A$237.17 million from non-franchised retail, and A$676.83 million from Ireland & Northern Ireland.

Dividend Yield: 4.5%

Harvey Norman Holdings has demonstrated a mixed track record in dividend stability, with significant fluctuations over the past decade. Despite this, its dividends are sustainably covered by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 73.4% and 39.2% respectively. However, its dividend yield of 4.46% falls below the top quartile of Australian dividend stocks at 6.43%. Additionally, recent profit margins have declined to 13.4%, down from last year's 26.6%.

ASX:HVN Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: JB Hi-Fi Limited operates a retail chain specializing in consumer electronics and home products, with a market capitalization of approximately A$6.39 billion.

Operations: JB Hi-Fi Limited generates revenue through its segments: JB Hi-Fi Australia (A$6.57 billion), The Good Guys (A$2.66 billion), and JB Hi-Fi New Zealand (A$0.28 billion).

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Dividend Yield: 4.7%

JB Hi-Fi has shown a mixed performance in dividend reliability, with unstable payments over the last decade despite a 10-year increase. Its dividends are supported by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios at 65% and 46.8% respectively. However, its current dividend yield of 4.67% is below the top quartile benchmark of 6.43% in Australia's market. Recent sales results indicate slight declines in JB Hi-Fi Australia and The Good Guys segments, contrasting with growth in JB Hi-Fi New Zealand.

ASX:JBH Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: nib holdings limited operates in Australia and New Zealand, providing private health insurance to residents, international students, and visitors, with a market capitalization of approximately A$3.65 billion.

Operations: nib holdings limited generates revenue primarily through its Australian Residents Health Insurance segment at A$2.55 billion, followed by New Zealand Insurance at A$351.90 million, with smaller contributions from NIB Travel and International (Inbound) Health Insurance segments at A$109.10 million and A$173.20 million respectively, along with Nib Thrive contributing A$38 million.

Dividend Yield: 4%

nib holdings has demonstrated a fluctuating dividend history, with significant drops in payments over the past decade. Despite this, the company's dividends are moderately covered by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 67.5% and 57.9% respectively. However, its current yield of 3.99% trails behind the top Australian dividend payers' average of 6.43%. Earnings have increased by an annual rate of 9.7% over five years, suggesting some underlying growth potential despite the dividend concerns.

ASX:NHF Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Seize The Opportunity

Embark on your investment journey to our 26 Top ASX Dividend Stocks selection 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.

Companies discussed in this article include ASX:HVN ASX:JBH and ASX:NHF.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Inside a 111-year-old former Detroit train station, Ford (F) CEO Jim Farley is charting a path for the auto giant's next 100 years.

Just don't expect it to include electric trains.

"The building has really been revitalized physically, but what's important is that it will have software people here, the future of our pro and our EV business will be down here," Farley told me in a new episode of Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid podcast (video above).

We are sitting smack in the middle of Michigan Central Station in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. Constructed in 1913, the station ran trains for about 75 years before officially closing in 1988 due to waning ridership  a byproduct of Detroit's manufacturing decline.

The 472,000-square-foot building, decked out in early 1900s architecture, stood abandoned until 2018. Led by executive chairman Bill Ford, Ford purchased the building and several surrounding locations for $90 million, with a vision to reestablish Detroit as an epicenter for high-tech jobs.

Close to $1 billion of renovation work later, the rehabbed Michigan Central Station is now the center of a new mobility innovation district.

The central building will house Ford employees working on autonomous vehicle projects. Google (GOOG, GOOGL) also signed on in 2022 as a founding member of the district.

Google will share its cloud technology for the site's various mobility projects. The company will also offer workplace development training to local high school students and job seekers.

Over time, Ford envisions the mixed-use site to include hotel and retail options to lure in vital tech talent to the rebuilding city.

Farley says the development should help the company attract the best and brightest to develop autonomous and electric vehicles.

Built in 1913, Michigan Central Station in Detroit reopened after 36 years thanks to nearly $1 billion in investments from Ford. (Brian Sozzi)

The reopening arrives at a critical time for Ford and the race car-driving Farley, who will reach his four-year mark as CEO in October.

Ford's stock has downshifted in the past two years as the company dealt with issues like quality control, a slowdown in the EV market, and losses in the EV business. Under Farley's watch, Ford debuted the Mustang Mach-e SUV and Lightning F-150 pickup to compete in an EV market led by Tesla (TSLA).

He also struck up a partnership with Tesla to allow Ford EVs to charge at its Superchargers using adapters. That partnership has created a relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who Farley says he just texted the other day to ask for more charging adapters.

"I think there is a mutual respect," Farley said of his relationship with Musk.

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Ford's shares are down 14% in the past two years, according to Yahoo Finance data, lagging the 28% gain for the S&P 500. Its rival GM's stock (GM) has gained 12% in that span, supported by stock buybacks and aggressive cost cuts.

Farley has pivoted as market conditions evolved.

The company said in April it would push back the release of its three-row electric vehicles from 2025 to 2027. It's also delaying EV production at the massive BlueOval City EV campus in Tennessee from 2025 to 2026.

In October 2023, Ford postponed $12 billion in planned EV spending, including the construction of a new battery factory in Kentucky. But the company committed to making more hybrids to bridge the gap during the EV transition.

A more cost-minded Ford is beginning to show up on the company's balance sheet.

In April, Ford guided to the high-end of $10 billion to $12 billion for full-year operating profits. Adjusted free cash flow guidance was lifted to $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion  previously, the range stood at $6 billion to $7 billion.

"If Ford can continue executing in the coming quarters, the stock should benefit from positive EPS revisions and an increasingly compelling case for multiple expansion post last years re-segmentation  all anchored by a strong B/S & improved FCF conversion," Citi analyst Itay Michaeli wrote in a recent client note.

Even still, the EV division will likely be the one driving the stock's narrative  though the narrative hasn't been a bullish one.

The Model e division (Ford's electric segment) lost $1.32 billion in the first quarter on $100 million in sales (down 84% compared to last year). The number of vehicles sold for the division fell 20% year over year as consumers navigated away from EVs despite price cuts.

The Model e division is on track for $5 billion in operating losses this year.

Farley said he has a date in mind for EV profitability but declined to share it.

"We wouldn't allocate capital if I didnt think it was profitable," he said.

Watch what Ford's longtime competitor, General Motors, is up to in a recent episode of Yahoo Finance's Lead This Way. CEO Mary Barra said she isn't backing down on EVs.

Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor. He is also the host of the "Opening Bid" podcast. Follow Sozzi on Twitter/X @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. Are you a CEO and want to come on Yahoo Finance Live? Email Brian Sozzi.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
The former president of a Georgia credit union was sentenced to serve four years in prison and pay back nearly $4.5 million in restitution after admitting to running a multimillion-dollar bank loan and identity theft scheme.

Leah Lehman, 63, of Valdosta was sentenced on May 30.

She was ordered to pay $4,491,253.97 in restitution to Southern Pine Credit Union.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Lehman pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on Oct. 26, 2023.

In addition to the four years in prison, she will serve two years of supervised release after getting out of prison.

Her co-defendant, Teresa Paulo, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on Nov. 2, 2023.

Paulo faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, and a mandatory two years in prison in addition to any other prison term imposed for aggravated identity theft, followed by a maximum of five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine.

She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.

Neither woman is eligible for parole.

Lehman chose greed and deception, abusing her trusted leadership role to steal millions of dollars at this credit union over the course of many years, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, take financial crimes seriously, and we will work to hold fraudsters accountable.

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Being a freelancer is a great way to start a small business. If you have professional skills in technology, marketing, business consulting, or other expertise, being an independent professional freelancer is a great way to make a living with a flexible schedule.

Some people decide to become freelancers so they can get away from the restrictions and frustrations of office jobs in the corporate world. But one big problem with "real jobs" unfortunately can also be common for freelancers: the gender pay gap.

A recent survey from OnDeck, a small business lender, found that male freelancers charge about 26% more per hour than female freelancers. That means that the "freelance gender pay gap" is even bigger than the overall gender pay gap, where women get paid about $0.82 for every dollar that men get paid (or 18% less).

How can freelancers and small business owners fix this gender pay gap? Let's look at a few ideas.

1. Better pay transparency

The gender pay gap is often a result of systemic problems and disparities. Big employers can try harder to fix it with pay equity policies and salary transparency -- such as publicly posting the salary ranges for all job listings.

But these actions might not apply to freelancers. Freelancers often negotiate their own hourly rates or fees per project. To fix the freelance pay gap, freelancers should try harder to encourage pay transparency. When people know what a job (or freelance gig) pays, they can negotiate a better deal for themselves.

Freelancers and their unions or associations should encourage employers to openly post and share freelance gig pay rates, hourly rates, and per-project fees.

2. Better market research among freelancers

Big corporations do market research every day so they can understand what customers want and how much customers are willing to pay. Freelancers need to do the same. As a freelancer, if you're part of any industry associations, professional groups, or discussion boards where you can network with your fellow freelancer peers and colleagues, there are a few questions that you should ask frequently:

How much does that client pay?

How much is that project worth?

Can you share the pay rates for that?

How much did you charge per hour when you were just getting started, and how much do you charge now?

Freelancers should communicate amongst themselves to share how much they earn or how much they charge. You might be surprised at how much more money your colleagues and competitors are charging for the same work that you're giving away at a discount. Don't accidentally end up in a situation where you're not charging competitive rates. This isn't about gouging clients or asking people to share sensitive secrets -- it's about setting your rates at a fair level.

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3. Freelancers should join associations like the Freelancers Union

Being a freelancer doesn't have to be lonely. Join professional organizations like the Freelancers Union. Look for industry-specific groups and professional development associations. Go to in-person meetings and networking events. Meet other people who are making a living in your industry as consultants, freelancers, or other independent professionals.

Because freelancers often work as solo professionals on one-off projects. Just by the nature of the flexible, short-term work that so many freelancers do, joining a union doesn't always mean the same thing that it might mean for a factory worker, firefighter, or Hollywood screenwriter. You might not get collective bargaining power like the Screenwriters Guild or other high-profile unions. And that might not be legal, possible, or desirable for the gigs you want and for how you manage customer relationships.

But by joining a union or other professional association, you can get better information and insights on how your industry works and how much you deserve to get paid. Freelancers don't have to go it alone. You can connect with a larger community of peers to get equipped with better tactics, tools, and contracts for how to ask for what you deserve.

Bottom line

The freelance gender pay gap is a reflection of larger systemic problems with how men and women get paid. But we don't have to accept it! Freelancers, consultants, and solo entrepreneurs have the power to change the way they work, the way they charge, and the way they build community to advocate for their best interests and get a better deal from every client and contract. Understanding your value as a freelancer can help you command higher hourly rates and put more money in your small business bank account.

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The Freelance Gender Pay Gap Might Be Even Harder to Fix. Here's How We Can Try... was originally published by The Motley Fool
As we wind down the celebration of World Trade Month this May, it is appropriate that we reflect on the pivotal role that international trade plays in shaping the economic landscape of South Florida. From the bustling ports of Miami to the diverse array of businesses that call our region home, the trade industry stands as a cornerstone of prosperity for our community.

South Floridas economy has long been intertwined with global trade, benefiting from its strategic location as a gateway to the Americas and beyond. The trade industry drives economic growth and fosters cultural exchange, innovation, and job creation within our community.

Miami, with its world-class logistical infrastructure and thriving ports serve as a vital link in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods and services to and from destinations worldwide.

The trade industry, however, faces a myriad of challenges and uncertainties that require our collective attention. From geopolitical tensions to supply chain disruptions, the landscape of international trade is constantly evolving, presenting both opportunities and obstacles for businesses in South Florida.

As we confront these challenges, it is crucial that we remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in our efforts to safeguard and promote the interests of our regions trade community. In particular, we must recognize the value and importance of nurturing strong trade relationships and providing export assistance to our small and medium-sized export companies, which are crucial to propelling our regions industry forward.

At the World Trade Center Miami, we are committed to empowering local businesses of all sizes to seize global opportunities and expand their footprint in international markets. The WTCM staff has over 100 years of export expertise assisting small and medium-sized companies export. By providing a platform for trade shows, networking, education and advocacy, we strive to bridge the gap between Miami companies and the global marketplace, unlocking new horizons for growth and success.

The World Trade Center Miami, as part of the global World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network, has been the voice for our citys trade business for nearly 40 years. The WTCA network promotes global trade and investment opportunities through its unmatched international connections and supporting trade services.

This global network, encompassing more than 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries, supports over 1 million affiliated businesses worldwide. Our mission is to help our cities stay ahead of the global trade industry changes and help member businesses remain poised to adapt and succeed.

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The value of the trade industry cannot be understated, with trade-related activities accounting for a significant portion of South Floridas economy. Trade through Miami International Airport and PortMiami is crucial in driving economic activity, generating billions of dollars in revenue, and supporting countless jobs in our region.

The World Trade Center Miami plays a pivotal role in fostering global business opportunities for Miami companies, serving as a catalyst for economic development and innovation.

As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to champion international trade and advocate for policies that promote a vibrant and sustainable trade ecosystem in South Florida. By investing in infrastructure, talent development, and trade promotion initiatives, we can position our region as a global leader in trade and commerce, attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving economic prosperity for years to come.

Let us embrace the spirit of World Trade Month as an opportunity to reaffirm our communitys commitment to the trade industry and its vital role in shaping the future of South Florida.

The World Trade Center Miami stands ready to empower Miami companies on their journey to global success. I am confident that together, we can chart a course toward a brighter future for our community through the power of international trade.

Ivan Barrios is the president and CEO of World Trade Center (WTC) Miami and serves as a Board Member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). To learn more, visit: https://www.wtcmiami.org/.
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. However, after investigating Gullewa (ASX:GUL), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

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. To calculate this metric for Gullewa, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.14 = AU$2.5m  (AU$18m - AU$256k) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023).

Thus, Gullewa has an ROCE of 14%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Metals and Mining industry average of 11% it's much better.

View our latest analysis for Gullewa

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're interested in investigating Gullewa's past further, check out this free graph covering Gullewa's past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us

Unfortunately, the trend isn't great with ROCE falling from 19% five years ago, while capital employed has grown 130%. Usually this isn't ideal, but given Gullewa conducted a capital raising before their most recent earnings announcement, that would've likely contributed, at least partially, to the increased capital employed figure. Gullewa probably hasn't received a full year of earnings yet from the new funds it raised, so these figures should be taken with a grain of salt.

The Bottom Line On Gullewa's ROCE

In summary, despite lower returns in the short term, we're encouraged to see that Gullewa is reinvesting for growth and has higher sales as a result. And the stock has done incredibly well with a 115% return over the last five years, so long term investors are no doubt ecstatic with that result. So should these growth trends continue, we'd be optimistic on the stock going forward.

If you'd like to know more about Gullewa, we've spotted 3 warning signs, and 2 of them are significant.

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While Gullewa 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.
As global markets navigate through a period of mixed performances and rising inflation concerns, particularly in Europe, the Euronext Amsterdam presents an intriguing landscape for investors interested in growth companies with high insider ownership. Such stocks often signal strong confidence from those closest to the company's operations, which can be particularly appealing in uncertain economic times.

Top 5 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In The Netherlands

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth BenevolentAI (ENXTAM:BAI) 27.8% 62.8% Envipco Holding (ENXTAM:ENVI) 15.1% 67.8% Ebusco Holding (ENXTAM:EBUS) 31.4% 115.2% MotorK (ENXTAM:MTRK) 35.9% 105.8% Basic-Fit (ENXTAM:BFIT) 12% 66.1% PostNL (ENXTAM:PNL) 30.8% 24.3%

Click here to see the full list of 6 stocks from our Fast Growing Euronext Amsterdam Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Basic-Fit N.V. operates a chain of fitness clubs across Europe and has a market capitalization of approximately 1.49 billion.

Operations: The company generates its revenues primarily from two geographic segments: Benelux, which contributes approximately 479.04 million, and France, Spain & Germany combined with about 568.21 million.

Insider Ownership: 12%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 66.1% p.a.

Basic-Fit, a prominent fitness chain in the Netherlands, demonstrates robust growth potential with its revenue forecasted to increase by 14.9% annually, outpacing the Dutch market's 9.2%. Although currently unprofitable, it is expected to shift into profitability within three years with significant earnings growth projected at 66.07% per year. Insider activity has been balanced with more buying than selling but not in substantial volumes. Despite this optimism, the company's share price remains highly volatile and recently reported a reduced net loss of 2.68 million for FY2023 on revenues of 1.05 billion.

ENXTAM:BFIT Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: MotorK plc operates as a software-as-a-service provider for the automotive retail industry across Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the Benelux Union, with a market capitalization of approximately 275.56 million.

Operations: The company generates 42.94 million in revenue from its software and programming segment.

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Insider Ownership: 35.9%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 105.8% p.a.

MotorK, a digital automotive company in the Netherlands, is navigating a challenging phase with a net loss widening to 13.25 million in 2023 from 7.28 million the previous year. Despite this, revenue growth remains robust at 24% per year, outperforming the Dutch market's average of 9.2%. The company anticipates significant improvements with committed annual recurring revenues expected to hit 50 million by year-end. Recent executive changes signal strategic shifts, potentially impacting future governance and performance directions.

ENXTAM:MTRK Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: PostNL N.V. offers postal and logistics services across the Netherlands, Europe, and globally, with a market capitalization of approximately 0.66 billion.

Operations: PostNL's revenue is primarily generated from two segments: Packages, which brought in 2.25 billion, and Mail in The Netherlands, contributing 1.35 billion.

Insider Ownership: 30.8%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 24.3% p.a.

PostNL, while trading at 47.3% below its estimated fair value, presents a mixed financial picture. The company has recently become profitable and forecasts suggest earnings growth of 24.3% per year, outpacing the Dutch market's forecasted 16.3%. However, it struggles with high debt levels and an unstable dividend track record. Revenue growth projections are modest at 3.4% annually, lagging behind the broader Dutch market expectation of 9.2%. Recent quarterly results showed a shift from a net income to a loss, highlighting potential volatility in its financial performance.

ENXTAM:PNL Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jun 2024

Key Takeaways

Dive into all 6 of the Fast Growing Euronext Amsterdam Companies With High Insider Ownership we have identified here.

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Simply Wall St is a revolutionary app designed for long-term stock investors, it's free and covers every market in the world.

Searching for a Fresh Perspective?

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 ENXTAM:BFIT ENXTAM:MTRK and ENXTAM:PNL.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
BOSTON  Legislators in the Massachusetts House of Representatives Monday expanded the governors proposed housing bond bill, adding another $2 billion to the measure, half of it earmarked to expand the states water authority.

The bill will go to the full House for consideration Wednesday.

Reps. James Arciero, left, Aaron Michlewitz, center, and Ronald Mariano announce details of the House's $6.2 billion housing bond bill Monday.

The investment in water infrastructure, legislators said they believe, could spur housing development outside of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority would expand its system to communities in the Ipswich River Basin and on the South Shore.

In announcing the amended measure, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, D-Quincy, made good on his promise that the Legislature would go big or go home, and called the bill the first step in addressing the states housing crisis.

This will be big, Mariano promised.

In upping the bottom line, the House is taking advantage of the recent increase in the states bond rating, said the House Ways and Means chairman, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, D-Boston. The bond bill will go a long way to getting the state out of this crisis.

The lawmakers opted to exclude the proposed opt-in real estate transfer tax championed by Gov. Maura T. Healey. The proposal would have allowed communities to impose a fee of up to 2% on real estate transactions worth $1 million or more to help fund affordable housing.

This would be a patchwork attempt to get money for housing that is not supported by research, Mariano said in explanation.

House leaders said the tax on the sale of real estate could raise millions in certain communities like Nantucket, where property values are high, without helping as much in a city like Lawrence.

It would be hard to have a policy that doesnt help everyone in the state, Mariano said.

Even with the value of the bond bill increased to $6.2 billion, Mariano said, the state will not be able to fix the long-brewing housing crisis with one piece of legislation. Experts calculate Massachusetts needs to add more than 200,000 units of housing to ensure all residents are accommodated.

One-third to rehabilitate public housing units

The bill filed by Healey with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Housing Secretary Edward M. Augustus Jr. in October earmarked $1.6 billion to rehabilitate the states 43,000 public housing units. The House version ups that amount to an even $2 billion.

Mariano described some units in public housing as unlivable. Experts indicate that the state would need to invest $4 billion in public housing to bring all existing units up to a livable standard.

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Of the proposed $2 billion, the House would set aside $150 million to decarbonize the public housing stock, $15 million for accessibility upgrades and $200 million to support local housing authorities as they partner with developers to add mixed-income units in order to increase the total supply of housing.

House lawmakers also indicated that $150 million would be allocated to converting commercial real estate into housing units, with another $100 million in accessible tax credits for private contractors doing similar work.

The commercial conversions would address vacant strip malls as well as vacant corporate campuses across the state.

Rep. James Arciero, D-Westford, said a recent conversion in Littleton, which repurposed a former IBM corporate campus, added 1,400 dwelling units.

Accessory dwelling units embraced

The House bond bill would authorize construction of accessory dwelling units up to 900 square feet by right in districts zoned for single-family development throughout the state.

It would also set aside $200 million for single-person occupancy units, transitional and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness, housing for seniors and veterans, and transitional units for persons recovering from substance use disorder.

It includes $100 million for the Commonwealth Builder program, which focuses on the construction of financially accessible single-family homes in the states Gateway Cities.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. House leaders support borrowing $6.2 billion to build housing
Exploring the Sustainability and Growth of Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividends

Imperial Oil Ltd (IMO) recently announced a dividend of $0.6 per share, payable on 2024-07-01, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-06-03. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Imperial Oil Ltd's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Imperial Oil Ltd Do?

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Imperial Oil Ltd is one of Canada's largest integrated oil companies. It is active in all phases of the petroleum industry in Canada, including the exploration for, and production and sale of, crude oil and natural gas. It is a major producer of crude oil, the largest petroleum refiner, a leading marketer of petroleum products, and a major producer of petrochemicals. The company also pursues lower-emission business opportunities including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and lower-emission fuels. The company's operations are conducted in three main segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical. The majority of revenue is from the downstream segment. The Downstream segment is organized and operates to refine crude oil into petroleum products and to distribute and market these products.

Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividend History

Imperial Oil Ltd has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1984. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Imperial Oil Ltd currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.22% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.49%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Imperial Oil Ltd's annual dividend growth rate was 30.10%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to 21.00% per year. And over the past decade, Imperial Oil Ltd's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 13.60%.

Based on Imperial Oil Ltd's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Imperial Oil Ltd stock as of today is approximately 5.76%.

Imperial Oil Ltd's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2024-03-31, Imperial Oil Ltd's dividend payout ratio is 0.25. Imperial Oil Ltd's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Imperial Oil Ltd's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2024-03-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 9 years out of past 10 years.

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Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Imperial Oil Ltd's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Imperial Oil Ltd's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Imperial Oil Ltd's revenue has increased by approximately 44.20% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 88.59% of global competitors.

Conclusion

Considering Imperial Oil Ltd's consistent dividend payments, robust growth metrics, and sustainable payout ratios, the company presents a compelling case for dividend investors. The strategic initiatives in reducing emissions and expanding in low-carbon alternatives also align with global shifts towards sustainability, potentially bolstering the company's long-term viability. For those interested in further exploring dividend opportunities, GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


APL Cargo of Wolcott, Indiana, filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

An Indiana trucking company with 122 drivers and 142 power units recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

APL Cargo Inc. of Wolcott, Indiana, filed its petition Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

The trucking company hauls general freight, fresh produce and meat, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations SAFER website.

No reason was given for the filing by APL Cargo, which lists Stefan Trifan as president, but the petition states that the company seeks to reorganize.





Wolcott-headquartered truck leasing company Indy National Leasing, which lists Trifan as sole member, filed for Chapter 11 on the same day.

A former APL Cargo lease purchase driver filed suit against the trucking company and Indy National Leasing in April 2023. The complaint, which seeks class action status, alleges that former APL drivers were misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Indiana wage laws. The lawsuit also alleges that APL drivers who leased trucks or trailers from Indy National werent allowed to use their equipment to work for other carriers without written permission from APL.

APL Cargo lists both its assets and liabilities as between $1 million and $10 million. The petition lists the number of creditors as between 200 and 999 and states that funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors.

The carrier and leasing companys attorney, Weston E. Overturf, had not responded to FreightWaves request for comment as of publication time.





APL Cargos trucks had been inspected 177 times, and 51 had been placed out of service in a 24-month period, resulting in a nearly 29% out-of-service rate. This is higher than the industrys national average of around 22.3%, according to FMCSA.

The trucking companys drivers had been inspected 398 times over the same 24-month period, with 13 drivers being placed out of service, resulting in a 3% out-of-service rate. This is lower than the national average of around 6.7%, according to FMCSA.

In the past two years, the companys trucks had been involved in three injury crashes and nine tow-aways.

The three largest unsecured creditors are SOS Capital II LLC, owed nearly $541,000; Dynasty Capital, owed $350,000; and JRG Funding, owed nearly $342,000. APL Cargo is disputing the trade debt claims against the three lenders, which are based in New York, according to the petition.

Another unsecured creditor, US Truck & Trailer Repair Co. of West Lafayette, Indiana, is owed more than $1.4 million.

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According to Indy National Leasings petition, the company has assets of up to $50,000 and liabilities of $10 million to $50 million.

This is a developing story.





The post Indiana-based trucking company with 122 drivers files for bankruptcy appeared first on FreightWaves.
Those following along with 3i Group plc (LON:III) will no doubt be intrigued by the recent purchase of shares by Simon Borrows, CEO & Executive Director of the company, who spent a stonking UK2.8m on stock at an average price of UK29.03. There's no denying a buy of that magnitude suggests conviction in a brighter future, although we do note that proportionally it only increased their holding by 0.6%.

Check out our latest analysis for 3i Group

3i Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent purchase by Simon Borrows was the biggest purchase of 3i Group shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being UK28.63). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 113.87k shares for UK3.2m. But they sold 50.88k shares for UK1.5m. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by 3i Group insiders. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

3i Group 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.

Does 3i Group Boast High Insider Ownership?

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It's great to see that 3i Group insiders own 1.8% of the company, worth about UK498m. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

So What Do The 3i Group Insider Transactions Indicate?

The recent insider purchases are heartening. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about 3i Group. One for the watchlist, at least! In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing 3i Group. For example - 3i Group has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

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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.
Located In Wyoming, This City Offers Pensioners More Ways To Keep Their Money

Choosing a retirement destination is a significant decision that can be made easier with the financial security Wyoming offers. This state provides pensioners unique opportunities to preserve their wealth, making it a compelling choice for retired Americans. Here's why you should consider retiring in the Cowboy state.

Getting old is inevitable, and financial gurus like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman recommend planning for retirement as early as possible. The goal is to retire with a comfortable amount of savings, but choosing where to settle down can also impact your pocket.

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Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you .

The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement  How do you compare?

For many Americans, retirement is no longer a distant goal, with 2024 holding the record for having the most retirees in one year. According to a report from the Alliance for Lifetime Income, approximately 4.1 million Americans are turning 65 this year, affectionately calling it the "Silver Tsunami" and will be looking for somewhere to retire.

States like Florida and Pennsylvania are popular among retirees, but Wyoming offers a great alternative. With affordable housing, no income or corporate tax, and low crime rates, Wyoming is a haven for retired Americans seeking a peaceful and serene lifestyle. Despite its vast size, this state offers a secluded and tranquil environment, perfect for the golden years. The breathtaking scenery, such as Yellowstone National Park, further enhances the tranquillity, making it an ideal retirement destination.

Pensioners should consider settling in Wyoming because affordable housing is a significant advantage. U.S. home prices have increased by 2% over the last year. It's not just housing prices that went up, but 30-year mortgage rates, from 6.09% to 7.63%, making buying a home an even more expensive venture. The cost of buying a house in Wyoming is less than the national average. Data from Zillow revealed that the average house in Wyoming costs around $344,250. In contrast, the average home price in Montana increased by 4.8% and now costs $517,500. Additionally, renting in Wyoming is cheaper than in other states.

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Taxes play a big part in choosing where to live, and retirees will be pleased to learn there are fewer taxes in Wyoming. For starters, there is no income tax, low property taxes at 0.61% and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 5.36%. The combination of affordable housing and no income tax makes Wyoming a desirable retirement location. The state has a significant retirement population, with over 15% of its population over 65 years old. This means that retirees will join a vibrant and active community of like-minded individuals, making it easier to make new friends and find social activities that suit their interests.

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If you need more convincing, consider this: Wyoming has a low crime rate, with the number of violent crimes around 60% lower than the national average.

Another way the state helps pensioners save money is by offering an effective and reliable transportation system. Depending on the city you choose to settle in, you may not even need your vehicle, ultimately saving you money on maintenance costs and fuel. Reliable transportation means that retirees have easy access to health care, as the state is known for its many health care practitioners. This is particularly true in larger cities.

Retirees with chronic conditions should avoid settling in more rural areas. Larger cities like Cheyenne, Casper and Laramie are great choices for retirees looking to live comfortably, enjoy a quiet life, and save money.

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This article Located In Wyoming, This City Offers Pensioners More Ways To Keep Their Money originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
BATON ROUGE  The House voted Thursday to create a subcommittee to study the makeup of the state's music industry ecosystem and its economic impact.

Authored by Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge, House Resolution 294 passed 95-0.

The resolution says the subcommittee would make recommendations by next Feb. 1 for policy and legislative changes to promote the development of a self-supporting industry.

Rep. Paula Davis wants to promote the music industrys impact in Louisiana.

Internationally renowned as the birthplace of jazz, Louisiana has produced music styles like rhythm and blues, zydeco, swamp pop and bounce. Musical legends such as Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino and Amede Ardoin are among the vast list of artists from the Bayou State.

The music industry in Louisiana is an economic driver contributing more than $1 billion dollars to the states gross domestic product, and it employs more than 30,000 residents, according to the resolution.

The resolution does exactly as it says, Davis said. A House Commerce subcommittee had been studying the economic impact of music industry for the past year, she said, and we just want to continue that.

The subcommittee would be chaired by the chairman of the Commerce Committee, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville, and it would have a minimum of five meetings. The subcommittee would also review the state's incentive laws for the music and live-performance industries.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: House resolution creates panel to study impact of state's music industry
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Many of us dream of growing up, hitting it big, and then buying an enormous house with at least one swimming pool. Well, that dream might not be for all of us.

Check Out: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State

Try This: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

GOBankingRates spoke to Joel K., a software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, who, although amassing a multi-million dollar net worth from his years at big tech companies, has opted for a modest two-bedroom apartment. Here are five reasons why a millionaire didnt buy a mansion.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Lower Maintenance and Utility Costs

The costs of maintaining and heating/cooling a massive home were just impractical for me, said Joel. My utilities, landscaper fees, repair costs, etc. are a fraction of what theyd be for a giant house and property.

He estimates his total housing expenses at around $33,000 per year currently. For a multi-million dollar mansion, Id likely be paying nearly that much just in taxes, insurance, and maintenance yearly. No thanks!

Ability To Stay Central

A driving factor in Joels real estate decision was staying in an urban, centrally-located area. I didnt want to be isolated in some far-out suburb just to have excessive space I didnt need, he said. Being walking distance to amenities is really important to me.

With a reasonable 1,200-square-foot apartment, Joel owns a simple but comfortable home base near top restaurants, nightlife, parks and his friends. My quality of life wouldnt improve by trading that for a mansion out in the boonies, he added.

Read Next: Why a Billionaire Bought a Bunch of Homes In Duluth, Minnesota

Minimizing Environmental Impact

As someone deeply passionate about sustainability, limiting his environmental footprint was a priority for Joel. Going smaller on housing lets me drastically reduce my energy and water consumption, which is hugely important to me, he said.

Not only does he consume less power for heating, cooling and appliances, but his modest two-bedroom also didnt require clearing land and erecting a large, high-impact construction project. Im doing my part to preserve natural resources and open space by not building  and heating  an unnecessarily massive structure, Joel stated.

Protecting Liquid Assets

Even as a multi-millionaire, tying up excessive money in an illiquid asset like real estate gave Joel pause. Id rather have the bulk of my net worth stay liquid and invested in income-producing assets instead of dumping it into an inflated property that doesnt generate cash flow.

Story continues

He continued, If I spent $5-10 million on prime Bay Area real estate, not only are those millions stuck in an illiquid mansion, but theres also the ongoing carrying costs associated with that burden each year.

To Joel, it made more sense to keep his real estate holdings relatively minimal.

Future Flexibility

Looking ahead to potential retirement locations or living situations, Joel valued keeping his options open. I dont know if this is true or not, but it just seems like it would be easier to move when youre in an apartment as opposed to a big house, he said. I dont want to live here forever and Ill have to downsize eventually so why not start downsized?

Joel loved the idea of just not accumulating that much stuff  he feels like it allows him more freedom now and in the future.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Millionaire: 5 Reasons I Wont Buy a Mansion
(Bloomberg) -- Michael Dells wealth tumbled the most in a single day after the computer company he founded posted results that disappointed investors.

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Dells net worth dropped $11.7 billion to $107.1 billion on Friday as shares of Dell Technologies Inc. fell 18% in New York  the most on record. While the company reported its first quarterly revenue increase in two years, it wasnt enough to impress investors with high expectations for its AI server business.

Almost half of Dells fortune comes from the Texas-based computer maker, which he started 40 years ago while a student at the University of Texas. Another major source of his net worth comes from his stake in Broadcom Inc., whose shares also slid on Friday.

Dell, 59, the companys chairman and chief executive officer, ranks 13th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. In early March, he joined the small group of people with fortunes exceeding $100 billion as surging demand for equipment assisting artificial intelligence computing sent Dell shares to a record high. The stock has tripled in the past 12 months.

Read More: Michael Dell Joins $100 Billion Club as AI-Driven Shares Surge

Other tech billionaires have also seen their wealth skyrocket amid the blistering rally in AI-related stocks. Nvidia Corp. co-founder Jensen Huangs net worth briefly surpassed $100 billion earlier this week after another blowout quarter from the chipmaker. He currently sits in 16th place on Bloombergs wealth list with $96.3 billion.

Large corporations increasingly need high-powered servers to train and run demanding generative AI tasks, which are sold by Dell and a few other companies.

--With assistance from Jack Witzig.

(Updates figures throughout.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Cuts continue at Deere & Co., as the ag manufacturer's executives have authorized early retirements at the Ottumwa factory, cut more jobs at the same site and announced looming layoffs across the company this summer.

The company accepted early retirement applications from 103 factory workers at Deere's Ottumwa plant, with workers ending their careers at the company May 31 in exchange for lump sum payments. Deere cut another 16 jobs at the factory June 1.

In addition, as first reported by Waterloo-based KWWL and confirmed by the Des Moines Register, company executives announced in a May 31 email that Deere will cut yet more positions later this year. In the email, executives wrote that they would eliminate "overlap and redundancy" by the end of July.

"Our economic reality  and that of our customers  has changed," they wrote.

Workers assemble a tractor at John Deere's Waterloo assembly plant Tuesday, April 9, 2019.

According to filings with Iowa Workforce Development, the company had cut at least 650 jobs across the state before last weekend.

On March 12, Deere officials announced that they would lay off 150 workers at the Ankeny plant, where employees make sprayers and cotton pickers. Company officials also announced in March and May a total of 500 layoffs in Waterloo, where Deere makes tractors.

The company remains profitable, but Deere's financial performance has slipped this year. Deere reported $2.37 billion in net income for the quarter that ended April 28, down about $490 million from the same period in 2023.

More: Iowa fought to keep Corteva. Now, the company is helping farmers battle climate change

On a May 16 call with analysts, investor communications manager Josh Rohleder predicted an economic downturn for farmers this year, decreasing tractor sales. As of Monday, the company's stock price had dropped to $370 a share, down 11% from where the price stood before the call.

Josh Beal, Deere's investor relations director, told analysts that the company expects farmers around the world to spend less money over the next six months. U.S. Department of Agriculture economists projected in April that corn, wheat and soybean prices would drop this year, sending farm income down 26% compared to last year.

Beal said executives will produce fewer machines than the market demands, a strategy he called "planned underproduction."

"Both we and our dealers have learned from the past (down) cycles," said Cory Reed, president of Deere's ag and turf division. "This is probably best exemplified by our decision to underproduce large tractor retail demand in North America in the back half of the year."

In Ottumwa, where employees makes round balers, small and large square balers, and self-propelled windrowers, workers have expected job cuts for about two years. In 2022, Deere announced that the company would move production of its mower conditioners from Ottumwa to Monterrey, Mexico.

Story continues

Chris Laursen, a painter at the Ottumwa plant, told the Register that Deere officials announced the early retirement offer in February. According to letters and segments of a union contract that Laursen shared with the Register, employees with at least one year of experience at the factory could apply for the program from Feb. 26 through April 26.

Company officials did not have to accept all applications, according to the documents.

Deere offered employees a lump sum payment, based on their years of experience. Workers with one year at the factory received $15,000. Employees with 25 years or more of experience received $72,000.

The company will provide health and dental insurance to these employees through the end of the year.

More: How much benefit can farmers expect from ethanol plant carbon capture? It's hard to say

Workers also received retirement bonuses, which Deere offered to United Auto Workers members to end the 2021 strike. Employees received $37,500 if they worked for 10 to 24 years at Deere. More experienced workers got $50,000. That offer applies to any worker who retires, even those who do not receive an early retirement offer from executives.

A UAW International spokesperson did not return an email seeking confirmation about the details of Deere's early retirement offer.

Laursen, 53, said he took Deere's offer and retired May 31 because he worried he would otherwise lose his job. A 22-year employee and former UAW Local 74 president, Laursen frequently and publicly criticized the company in the Register, the New York Times and Rolling Stone during the 2021 strike.

He said a manager fired him last June after he smoked outside of a designated break time. He said he broke a company rule. But he also said he was punished for smoking while waiting for a painting machine to start, which he described as a common practice in Ottumwa.

Laursen said the UAW successfully petitioned for the company to rehire him last September. He said managers required him to sign a "no chance" letter, meaning they could fire him if he violated another company rule over the next year.

According to a letter from Deere, the company should deposit his lump sum payment in his bank account June 28. In the meantime, he booked a flight for the Dominican Republic.

"I'm taking the money and running," Laursen said. "I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. But I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I can't wipe the smile off my face."

Tyler Jett is an investigative reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on X at @LetsJett. He also accepts encrypted messages at tjett@proton.me.

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: John Deere employees in Iowa take early retirement as layoffs loom
An In-Depth Look at the Upcoming Dividend and Historical Performance

NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:NEE) recently announced a dividend of $0.52 per share, payable on 2024-06-17, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-06-03. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into NextEra Energy Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does NextEra Energy Inc Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with NEE.

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NextEra Energy's regulated utility, Florida Power & Light, is the largest rate-regulated utility in Florida. The utility distributes power to nearly 6 million customer accounts in Florida and owns 34 gigawatts of generation. FP&L contributes roughly 70% of NextEra's consolidated operating earnings. NextEra Energy Resources, the renewable energy segment, generates and sells power throughout the United States and Canada with more than 30 GW of generation capacity, including natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar.

NextEra Energy Inc's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at NextEra Energy Inc's Dividend History

NextEra Energy Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1986. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. NextEra Energy Inc has increased its dividend each year since 1995. The stock is thus listed as a dividend aristocrat, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 29 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

NextEra Energy Inc's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down NextEra Energy Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, NextEra Energy Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.40% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.57%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, NextEra Energy Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 10.10%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 10.90% per year. And over the past decade, NextEra Energy Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 11.40%.

Based on NextEra Energy Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of NextEra Energy Inc stock as of today is approximately 4.03%.

NextEra Energy Inc's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2024-03-31, NextEra Energy Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.58.

Story continues

NextEra Energy Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks NextEra Energy Inc's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2024-03-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. NextEra Energy Inc's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and NextEra Energy Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. NextEra Energy Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 14.80% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 72.43% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, NextEra Energy Inc's earnings increased by approximately 40.20% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 88.84% of global competitors.

Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 11.40%, which outperforms approximately 70.82% of global competitors.

Next Steps and Conclusion

Considering NextEra Energy Inc's consistent dividend payments, robust dividend growth rate, sustainable payout ratio, strong profitability, and solid growth metrics, the company remains an attractive option for investors seeking stable dividend income. As the energy sector continues to evolve, NextEra Energy Inc's focus on renewable sources positions it well for future growth, potentially leading to continued dividend increases. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating the company's long-term value. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.s chiefs showcased new generations of the chips powering the global boom in AI development, deepening a rivalry thats shaping the future of artificial intelligence design and adoption.

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Jensen Huang and Lisa Su  both born in Taiwan and now local celebrities for leading US tech powerhouses  employed different tacks in conveying their expertise during back-to-back shows at the worlds largest computing conference this week in Taipei.

Nvidias CEO repeatedly voiced his $2.8 trillion companys dominance in the accelerators that OpenAI and Microsoft Corp. rely on to build generative AI services like ChatGPT. Huang went as far as to tease a chip envisioned for 2026 he dubbed Rubin  after Vera Rubin, the American woman who helped discover dark matter. The chip, which will succeed the Blackwell family, will be key to sustaining its runaway leadership.

While Huang headlined much of his own two-hour presentation on Sunday, AMDs Su chose to make hers more of a team effort. She brought out a stream of big-name partners from HP Inc. CEO Enrique Lores to Lenovo Group Ltd.s Luca Rossi to convey the companys focus on designing neural processors  a type of chip that runs AI services directly from laptops. At one point during her Computex address, Asustek Computer Inc. Chairman Jonney Shih called her the pride of Taiwan  a characterization often associated with Huang of Nvidia, whose market valuation is now about 10 times that of AMDs.

People see Nvidia as a personification of Jensen. And while Lisa is the savior of AMD, shes very clear that its about everyone around her, said Ian Cutress, chief analyst at the consultancy More Than Moore. AMD still have that underdog element about the business, and with AI its very much true.

The back-to-back presentations  attended by hundreds and watched by thousands more across the globe  underscore the growing stakes in a technology that has the potential to redefine a slew of industries and create new devices that can near-instantly generate video and other content from simple commands.

Theres a personal component to the competition too. Su and Huang are not only both Taiwanese, they were born in the same city of roughly 1.8 million on Taiwans southern coast and are distant relatives. That hasnt made either one more willing to cede ground to the other.

Story continues

Su was originally tapped by organizers to kick off the week-long conference, one of the most important summits for tech executives around the world. Instead, the Nvidia CEO organized his own presentation the Sunday night before the gatherings official opening to talk about the chipmakers strategic plans.

Huang, who had keynoted Computex a year earlier, spoke at National Taiwan University just hours before the conference opened, essentially stealing the spotlight from his closest competitor. AMDs Su on Monday referred obliquely to the episode during an OpenAI demo of a chatbot.

Lets start by letting the tool know that were interested in Taiwan, and that were going to be attending Computex, Su said. And you might ask something about the opening keynote, she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

Nvidia sees the rise of generative AI as a new industrial revolution and expects to play a major role as the technology shifts to personal computers, the CEO said in his keynote address at National Taiwan University. He returned to themes he set out a year ago at the same venue, including the idea that those without AI capabilities will be left behind.

Delegates to Computex remarked that Huangs performance drove home Nvidias continued dominance  a position that appeared difficult for AMD or any other rival to shake in the short run. One fund manager told Bloomberg News that Huang generated a lot of buzz in particular around Rubin, even though the CEO didnt go into detail about a chip slated for 2026.

Shares of Nvidia rose 4.9% in New York on Monday, leaving them up 132% this year. AMD declined 2%.

Nvidia is selling customers a fully proprietary system, where businesses can buy its chips, networking gear and everything else required to run advanced AI development in data centers hes called AI factories. AMD, on the other hand, touts open standards that make its hardware interoperable with that of rivals like Intel Corp.

Huang said the upcoming Rubin AI platform will use HBM4, the next iteration of the essential high-bandwidth memory thats grown into a bottleneck for AI accelerator production. Leading manufacturer SK Hynix Inc. is largely sold out through 2025. He otherwise didnt offer detailed specifications for Nvidias upcoming products.

Teasing out Rubin and Rubin Ultra was extremely clever and is indicative of its commitment to a year-over-year refresh cycle, said Dan Newman, CEO and chief analyst at Futurum Group. What I feel he hammered home most clearly is the cadence of innovation, and the companys relentless pursuit of maximizing the limit of technology including software, process, packaging and partnerships to protect and expand its moat and market position.

Read More: Samsung Replaces Chip Chief After SK Hynix Takes AI Lead

But it was Su who commanded a broader, star-studded supporting lineup. She was joined onstage by Microsoft Windows chief Pavan Davuluri, a key leader of a company thats regarded as stealing a march on Google and Baidu Inc. in the generative AI revolution.

She and her partners used their Computex slot to show off new laptops with AI enhancements branded Copilot+. The majority of those devices coming to market are based on NPUs, which are more efficient at handling AI tasks and thus help extend battery life. Qualcomm Inc. was among the first out of the gate with Copilot+ PCs, but AMDs response will be on the market from July. Nvidia has no comparable offering.

Su concluded her keynote by returning to a key sphere of competition: data centers and AI training. She matched Huangs annual upgrade timeline by announcing new AI chips for 2025 and 2026 and promising to speed up the rate of improvement from her companys semiconductors.

The major difference between the two to me is that Jensen is not only technical and visionary, hes also a salesman. Lisa is much more execution-focused, said Dave Altavilla, principal analyst at HotTech Vision and Analysis. She has her work cut out for her, and theyre picking spots where it matters, and the data center is obviously where the high margin is.

--With assistance from Ian King and Nick Turner.

(Updates with closing share prices in the thirteenth paragraph.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
AI - Artificial Intelligence

Nvidia Corp. stock ETFs rose sharply Monday as investors cheered the introduction of a new AI chip architecture from the worlds leader in artificial intelligence technology.

Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang delivered the keynote address Sunday to start this weeks COMPUTEX tech conference in Taipei where he introduced Rubin, Nvidias new artificial intelligence chip model.

Today, were at the cusp of a major shift in computing, Huang said in his keynote.

Leveraged exchange-traded funds betting on Nvidia, such as the GraniteShares 1.5x Long NVDA Daily ETF (NVDL) and the T-Rex 2X Long NVIDIA Daily Target ETF (NVDX) rose as much as 7% in early afternoon trading.

Nvidias Rubin AI Chip Architecture

Nvidia's Rubin, slated for release in the first half of 2026, is their upcoming line of next generation graphics processing units (GPUs), which power or optimize a range of artificial intelligence applications, including generative AI, self-driving cars, robotics and gaming PCs.

Heres what we know about Rubin so far:

Successor to Blackwell: Rubin is set to succeed Nvidia's current generation of chips, the Blackwell architecture, which was announced in March and is still in production.

Focus on performance: According to Nvidias blog, the combination of GPUs and CPUs can deliver up to a 100x speedup while only increasing power consumption by a factor of three, achieving 25x more performance per Watt over CPUs alone.

Named after astronomer: The name "Rubin" is a tribute to American astronomer Vera Rubin, known for her pioneering work on galaxy rotation rates.

Nvidias One-Year Rhythm of Accelerating AI

Huang also built investor enthusiasm and anticipation for Nvidias potential growth in the future as he explained the companys roadmap for new semiconductors.

Our company has a one-year rhythm. Our basic philosophy is very simple: build the entire data center scale, disaggregate and sell to you parts on a one-year rhythm, and push everything to technology limits, Huang explained.

NVDAs price continues to defy gravity, as the $2.7 trillion stock has rocketed 200% in the past year and is up 27% in the past month, even after some investors questioned its high valuation, which is a lofty 64, according to Y Charts. Nvidia stock ETFs, led by the 2x leveraged NVDX, are up as much as 340% this year.





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various Costco liquor bottles - Static Media / Shutterstock

Costco has carved a niche as a one-stop-shop for quality affordable products, thanks largely to its in-house Kirkland Signature brand. Considered a better alternative to popular household names by many consumers, Kirkland Signature accounted for a quarter of Costco's total revenue in 2021. Unsurprisingly, the brand's food and beverage offerings are where it truly shines, particularly its impressively varied alcohol selection. In fact, with numerous in-house and brand name alcohol options, Costco was the world's largest overall retailer of spirits and brews in 2023 -- yet it doesn't manufacture a single drop of alcohol sold under the Kirkland Signature banner.

Behind the scenes, Costco partners with various winemakers, distilleries, and other companies to produce and sell its line of alcoholic beverages. Now, Costco isn't the only retailer that employs this type of outsourcing strategy (wait until you see the brands behind Trader Joe's snacks). It also doesn't freely disclose its manufacturing partners for many of Kirkland Signature alcohol products -- but the information is out there. With that in mind, we did some digging and managed to uncover some of the brands behind popular Kirkland Signature spirits. Here are the real companies behind Costco alcohol.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Wine  Multiple Companies

Kirkland Signature boxed wine - Hayley Hamilton Cogill / Tasting Table

Costco's wine selection can impress even the staunchest oenophiles. You can experience the world in one visit, and there's enough to make your glass overfloweth for days. Kirkland Signature wines generally receive positive reviews from members, as well, who say the taste is better than expected. Of course, there's a broad network of winemakers behind Costco's Kirkland Signature wines.

For starters, E. & J. Gallo Winery was revealed as a manufacturer of Kirkland Signature's California wines in 2020. When we dove deeper into the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau registry, we uncovered a number of additional companies listed alongside Kirkland Signature's other wine varieties, as well. While we can't say for certain which winemaker is behind each bottle (the registry doesn't note which product it's referring to), the following companies were listed as manufacturers for Kirkland Signature wines: MISA Imports, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, the Stamford, Connecticut-based Ethica Wines, Delicato Vineyards in Manteca, California, and Plata Wine Partners in American Canyon, California.

Cotes De Provence Rose  Familie Sumeire

Kirkland Signature cotes de provence - winecommguy / Instagram

Certain wines suit certain situations. When the moment calls for a lighter touch, the Kirkland Signature Cotes de Provence Rose is one of Costco's popular go-to options. But unlike other Kirkland Signature wines -- which don't reveal the precise winemaker -- this light-bodied favorite says it right on the label. It's made by Olivier Sumeire (of Familie Sumeire), who comes from eight generations of winemakers from the Cotes de Provence Appellation region.

The Cotes de Provence Rose branding is elevated compared to the general Kirkland Signature selection, and it's clear that Familie Sumeire's reputation for excellence is a selling point. After all, Costco also offers another sparkling rose wine with a much less fanciful label. The Cotes de Provence Rose is a balanced blend of grapes that includes grenache, cinsault, syrah, vermentino, carignan, tibouren, and ugni blanc. A combination of strawberry, melon, citrus, and peach is a good way to describe how the blend coalesces, while a bit of saltiness rounds it out.

Hard Seltzer  Patco Brands (Rumored)

Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzer case - Costco Deals / Facebook

When it comes to Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzer, the consensus opinion is that Patco Brands is the manufacturer of this bubbling brew (that's the best guesstimate among online experts, at least). Patco specializes in private-label beverage development and has an impressive client list that includes Kroger, Target, Meijer, and Whole Foods Market. Even if its production of hard seltzer for Costco is unconfirmed, one thing's for sure: Patco has a reputation for brewing quality spirits, with the company winning more than 30 awards in 2022 alone, including a Los Angeles Spirits Award.

Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzer is no exception, as it's often compared to White Claw in terms of taste and quality (some consumers enjoy it more). Costco's in-house hard seltzer makes a great alternative for those who want the White Claw taste but not the cost. After all, while prices vary depending on your location, a 24-pack of White Claw generally costs much more than the same-sized pack of Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzer.

Champagne Brut  Thibaut-Janisson

Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut label - YouTube

It's never a bad time to pop open a bottle of Champagne, especially if you're in a celebratory mood. Of course, Costco stocks a healthy selection of bubbly perfect for any occasion, such as the affordably priced Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut, which is made by Manuel Janisson (of Thibaut-Janisson). Now, if you're unfamiliar with the world of sparkling wine, the rule is that sparkling wine must be produced within 100 miles of Champagne, France to be labeled as such. Since Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut is produced in Verzenay, France (a small Champagne village), it qualifies.

Manuel Janisson comes from a long line of Verzenay-based winemakers and has a reputation for blending tradition with a modern approach. In other words, with Janisson behind the production, it makes perfect sense why the Costco's Champagne Brut -- which has a flavor profile consisting of green apple and citrus -- tastes surprisingly impressive for a Kirkland Signature bottle.

Tequila  Destilleria Santa Lucia

Kirkland Signature tequila - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Costco knows the key to keeping customers happy is offering high-quality products at a low price, which is how its line of Kirkland Signature tequilas has amassed a loyal following. Unlike some other Costco-made alcohols, though, the all-purpose retailer reveals the manufacturer on the back label of its blanco and reposado tequila varieties: it's produced and bottled by Destilleria Santa Lucia, and imported into the U.S. by MPL Brands.

Destilleria Santa Lucia is located in Jalisco, Mexico and has more than eight decades of experience making tequila. Since tequila can't be made outside of Mexico, Destilleria Santa Lucia's involvement confirms that Kirkland Signature's products are authentic. Furthermore, MPL Brands is a beverage company that imports and distributes various blue agave-based alcohol products throughout the U.S. Costco isn't the only major company that works with MPL Brands, either, as it also produces ready-to-drink spirits for Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods (among others).

Vodka  Multiple Companies

Kirkland Signature vodka bottles - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Costco sources alcohol from manufacturers around the world to offer the best bang for your buck. With that in mind, as discovered by various online sleuths, the California-based Levecke Corporation is behind Kirkland Signature American Vodka, while Kirkland Signature French Vodka is made in Douai, France by Gayant Distillery (according to its label).

Now, before the real companies behind these Costco alcohols were revealed, many speculated the French variety was actually rebottled Grey Goose given its similar taste and production location. However, this false rumor was eventually debunked in an official statement from Grey Goose, where it explicitly denied any association with Kirkland Signature-brand vodka.

Additionally, while the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau lists Levecke Corporation as the principal place of business for Kirkland Signature Vodka 80 - 90 Proof, it doesn't appear to receive the same love as the brand's French option from consumers. After all, while some believe Kirkland Signature French vodka is as good as premium vodkas that cost twice as much, the praise for the American Vodka was less prominent.

London Dry Gin  Tennessee Distilling

Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin - Reup Liquor

As recently as a few months ago, the maker behind the popular Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin remained a mystery to Costco customers. Ever curious, we decided to dust off the old Sherlock Holmes-style cape and magnifying glass and put our detective skills to use. After searching the trusty Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau registry, we found an application for the bottle's label was approved on March, 4, 2024, and it lists Tennessee Distilling as the manufacturer of Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin.

On the Tennessee Distilling website, it says that the company specializes in traditional sour mash whiskey, bourbon, rye, corn, and malt whiskeys. While it does not mention gin, based on the label approval, one can assume that it has expanded its offerings at some point to include the Costco-brand London dry gin. Either way, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin has earned a reputation as a great value that's perfect for cocktails and frequent sippers, so it seems Tennessee Distilling is doing something right for Costco customers.

Scotch  Alexander Murray & Co.

Kirkland Signature Scotch Whisky - atsushi.timely / Instagram

Costco is surprisingly transparent about the company behind its Kirkland Signature Scotch selection. On each label, you'll clearly find "Alexander Murray & Co. Ltd, Aberdeen, Scotland" printed. In other words, we can easily verify Alexander Murray is the manufacturer of several Kirkland Signature Scotch whisky products -- and the real company behind Costco's in-house Scotch varieties.

Now, while Alexander Murray has operations in both Florida and California, the Scotch whisky it produces for Costco is distilled and matured in Scotland (which is why it's spelled "whisky" rather than "whiskey"). This makes sense, of course, since Alexander Murray's Scottish roots date back to 1911. Simply put, the brand's reputation for attention to detail and quality can be found in its Kirkland Signature offerings. Some online reviewers believe the Kirkland Signature Scotch whiskies aren't particularly adventurous, but for the price and taste? The Costco brand is also tough to beat.

Blended Canadian Whisky  Crown Royal (Rumored)

Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Although we know Alexander Murray is the company behind several popular Costco whiskies, there are some that it does not produce, like the Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky. Curiosity always gets the best of fans online, though, who have come up with an interesting theory. While unconfirmed, rumor has it that Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky is made by Crown Royal -- and may even be the same whisky as the name brand.

One supposed indicator is the eerily similar taste and nose, which is sweet and smooth. Kirkland's bottle has spicier notes, but some credit that distinction to the six years it spends in the barrel. Additionally, the slight difference may be because Crown Royal has an extensive catalog of aged whiskies, so it could be made with a different blend of spirits. Either way, even longtime Crown Royal fans tend to have positive things to say about Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky. Not only is it considerably cheaper, but it's also nearly indistinguishable when blended into cocktails according to some consumers.

Bourbon Casked Rum XO  Les Bienheureux

Kirkland Signature Bourbon Casked Rum XO - Instacart

Similar to the aforementioned Cotes de Provence Rose, Kirkland Signature partnered with master blender Olivier Dumont to produce its Bourbon Casked Rum XO. In fact, a deep dive wasn't necessary for this one, as Dumont's name is clearly printed on the back label of Kirkland Signature Bourbon Casked Rum XO. Dumont works for the France-based Les Bienheureux, a spirits company launched in 2015 that also produces the award-winning El Pasador De Oro rum.

Dumont's mastery is supported by the success of El Pasador De Oro and Bellevoye, another Les Beinheureux product that became France's bestselling whisky in an impressively short time span. El Pasador De Oro has received many awards, as well, including a double gold medal in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Given the other products made by Les Bienheureux are widely praised, it's hardly surprising that some Costco members who've tasted both note the Kirkland Signature Bourbon Casked Rum XO is similar to El Pasador De Oro. What's more, both rums have the same bottle shape, furthering the comparisons between this Costco alcohol and the premium brand.

Irish Whiskey  Multiple Companies

Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey on white - Costco

We've established the (likely) company behind Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky, but what about its Irish whiskey? We know it's made somewhere in Ireland; similar to tequila, regulations restrict the term "Irish whiskey" solely to alcohol produced on the Emerald Isle. Additionally, while the label lists MISA Imports, Inc. (which is also responsible for several Kirkland Signature wines), that doesn't reveal the Irish whiskey's original location.

Still, one connoisseur of Irish spirits born and raised in Ireland may have discovered the distillery responsible for this Kirkland product after an investigation. The appropriately-named Irish Whiskey Lad searched the MISA Imports website and found the company also works with a popular Irish brand known as Mr. Whiskey. Mr. Whiskey is made by an Irish company named Terra Spirits & Liqueurs, which specializes in private-label manufacturing. While this does not confirm the company's involvement, it isn't far-fetched to assume Terra is the original source of Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey.

Original Spiced Rum  Multiple Companies

Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum - coskitotiendita / Instagram

The London dry gin isn't the only Kirkland Signature product produced by Tennessee Distilling, as Costco makes the brand's original spiced rum, as well. Actually, when we initially investigated this bottle, we settled on Sazerac Company, Inc. as the responsible company because it's listed as the bottler and distributor on the label. But after searching the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for more information, we found Tennessee Distilling listed as the producer of Kirkland Spiced Rum -- meaning Costco appears to work with both companies.

Tennessee Distilling likely produces Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum, while Sazerac handles the bottling and distribution. Digging deeper, we learned that Sazerac built a distillery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2018, which is located less than an hour away from Tennessee Distilling's location. Though this doesn't explicitly confirm the two companies mutually produce and distribute Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum, it's an interesting piece of information that adds further evidence.

Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey  Barton 1792

Kirkland Signature Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey in hand - costcoorganic / Instagram

Costco has a keen eye for partnering with quality distilleries, as demonstrated by its Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. It's made by the award-winning brand Barton 1792, which specializes in small-batch production to ensure a consistent and reliable flavor profile. Barton 1792 also produces two other Costco varieties: the Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

There's no denying Barton 1792's involvement as a producer -- its name is printed on each label in large metallic font. Interestingly, though, Costco members who have compared actual Barton 1792 to the Kirkland Signature Small Batch say both carry similar tastes with a noticeable distinction: Barton 1792 has an aged mellowness whereas Kirkland has a youthful sweetness. Like other winemakers and distillers who Costco partners with, Barton 1792's reputation for quality elevates the Kirkland Signature brand, with some saying it's a great value buy for frequent sippers.

Read the original article on Tasting Table
DUBAI, the United Arab Emirates, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dubai-based Realcoin Global Tech , a member of CT Group Vietnam, today announced its expansion into the US market.



Realcoin meeting potential partners at Consensus Austin 2024





Realcoin meeting potential partners at Consensus Austin 2024

This milestone is marked by Realcoin's participation in Consensus 2024, the world's largest blockchain conference, held in Austin, Texas. Realcoin showcases its advanced real estate tokenization solutions (RWAs - Real world assets), connects with the global blockchain and web3 community, and unveils new strategic investors.

Prominent US entrepreneurs have expressed interest, including Chad Mestler, CEO of The Helvetica Group, Robert Kopitsch, Secretary General of Blockchain for Europe, Dmytro Sosnovyk, US Branch Head at S-PRO, and Lauri Marekwia, President of Aalto Crypto Society.

Realcoin has also officially opened a representative office in Sheridan, Wyoming, which will serve as the operational and product development hub for the US market.

Furthermore, during the Blockchain Expo in early June 2024 in Silicon Valley, Realcoin will host a launch event and sale of RCT, under licenses reviewed by the SEC.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d46f1ca4-0e47-4745-bac2-2fc8fc6aae19

CONTACT: Email : admin@realcoin.vn




There are concerns that Daniel Kretinsky's takeover will put IDS's balance sheet under serious strain - David W Cerny/REUTERS

Royal Mail has said its sale to the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky risks triggering a financial squeeze, raising fresh fears about the potential threat to the postal service from his debt-fuelled takeover.

Parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) has said that nearly 2.4bn of loans could be called in as a result of the deal.

Investors have the right to demand repayment of nearly 1.5bn of fixed-rate bonds if a sale affects its investment-grade credit rating. In addition, a sale of the company could also result in lenders either withdrawing or renegotiating an unused 925m borrowing facility.

The disclosures, contained in annual results filed 10 days ago, add to the concerns surrounding Royal Mails 3.5bn takeover by Kretinskys EP Group. As a result of what the board calls uncertainty over its existing financial arrangements in the event of any takeover, it has been forced to admit that the future of the company could be at risk.

In results published before Mr Kretinsky confirmed his offer last week, the company said: While the board have been seeking assurances in relation to EP Group financing arrangements through due diligence and negotiation of contractual commitments, the financing arrangements of EP Group are outside of the control of the board.

The directors have concluded that the extent of the uncertainty related to whether existing finance will be recalled following a change in control, together with a lack of visibility or control over the availability of funding are conditions that constitute a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a going concern.

The disclosure comes amid fears in some quarters that Mr Kretinskys bid will put IDSs balance sheet under serious strain. 2.3bn of the 3.5bn offer will be financed by new debt, provided by a syndicate of four large European banks: BNP Paribas, Citi, Societe Generale and Unicredit.

After weeks of negotiations, the board of IDS last week said it had recommended the 370p a share offer. Mr Kretinsky has promised to invest in Royal Mail and made a series of legally binding pledges to protect its universal service.

The terms of IDSs loans mean they can be withdrawn if there is a change of control such as a sale and its credit rating is downgraded. IDSs debt is currently rated at BBB with a negative outlook, putting it two notches above junk status. The costs of servicing its debt last year totalled nearly 100m.

Sources close to Mr Kretinsky pointed out that he has offered legally binding undertakings designed to protect IDSs credit rating. The deal would be structured so that the companys investment-grade rating is expected to be maintained post acquisition, EP Group said.

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IDS will become a core subsidiary of EP Group, meaning its rating should not drop below the broader groups.

The commitments are designed to relieve fears about Royal Mails future in private hands.

One analyst said lenders would be likely to use the potential takeover as an opportunity to renegotiate the debt at a higher price, since there would be less transparency about Royal Mails financial status under private ownership.

Mr Kretinsky has also vowed not to split Royal Mail, which is heavily loss-making, from its highly profitable parcels arm. However, shareholders are worried that the board is selling the company on the cheap, which would enable Kretinsky to make a quick return through asset sales.

The tycoon could be getting his hands on one of the biggest corporate property portfolios in Europe. Royal Mail owns an estate of prime sites situated in towns up and down the country in locations that many delivery companies  as well as big property developers  covet.

In 2011, Royal Mail offloaded a 2.3-acre site in Londons West End for 120m. Six years later the redeveloped site was sold for 435m.

A sale of Royal Mail would mark the first time that any country has sold its postal service to overseas investors. Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, has said that any takeover will face scrutiny under national security laws.

Mr Kretinsky has said that the EP Group has the utmost respect for Royal Mails history and tradition.

Both IDS and EP Group 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.
Russia's efforts to reach a significant gas pipeline agreement with China have hit a roadblock due to disagreements over price and supply, reported the Financial Times, citing sources.

The agreement concerns the 2,600km-long Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which starts in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Russia) and ends in Inner Mongolia (China).

Chinas approach over the pipeline highlights the extent to which President Vladimir Putin's dependence on Chinese leader Xi Jinping for financial support has increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

People familiar with the development told the publication that China had demanded to pay prices that were nearly identical to Russia's heavily subsidised domestic marks.

In addition, it had agreed to purchase a small portion of the pipeline's projected annual capacity of 50 billion cubic metres of gas, they added.

If the pipeline is approved, it will connect the Chinese market to gas fields in western Russia that formerly supplied Europe, supporting state-backed gas company Gazprom, which is facing losses.

Amidst falling gas sales to Europe, which has been more successful than anticipated in diversifying away from Russian energy, Gazprom experienced a loss of Rbs629bn ($6.9bn) last year, the largest in at least a quarter of a century.

Despite Russia's insistence that an agreement on Power of Siberia 2 is certain "shortly," sources stated that the standstill was the reason Alexei Miller, the CEO of Gazprom, did not accompany Putin on the Russian leader's state visit to Beijing last month.

As per sources, President Putin presented President Xi Jinping with three primary demands during their meeting: further Chinese bank involvement in Russia; a pipeline deal; and China's rejection of a peace summit scheduled by Ukraine this month.

Last week, China declared that it will not attend the summit with Ukraine in Switzerland.

Sources said that Beijing and Moscow were in talks to ringfence one or more banks to fund trade in components for the latters defence sector.

They added that an agreement on the pipeline is still far off, and the suggested cooperation with Chinese banks is still significantly smaller than what Russia had asked for.

A request for comment was not immediately answered by the Kremlin, and Gazprom refrained from responding, the FT said, adding that China did not answer a request for comments.

"Russia-China gas pipeline talks hit roadblock over price and supply " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.

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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.
By Lisa Barrington and Tim Hepher

DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi budget airline flyadeal is studying a possible order for between 10 and 20 wide-body jets to carry more passengers, and could make a decision by the end of the year.

The low-cost subsidiary of state carrier Saudia is in the early stages of comparing the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo, CEO Steven Greenway told Reuters. It has not yet started a formal competition between planemakers, he added.

Such a deal would be worth up to around $5 billion at list prices, though airlines typically win sharp discounts.

Saudia Group, owner of Saudia, and flyadeal placed an order for a total of 105 Airbus narrow-body aircraft last month.

Among larger aircraft, Jeddah-based Saudia already operates the Boeing 787 and the A330ceo, an earlier version of the A330neo which is an upgrade based on new engines.

"We have on our back doorstep an operator, in our owner, that has intimate knowledge of both aircraft, which is very helpful to us," Greenway said in an interview.

The larger A350, the latest Airbus wide-body jet which competes with both the Boeing 787 and 777, is less likely to be a contender because it was built for longer ranges than flyadeal needs, Greenway said.

"The A350s are a great airplane, but they're over-engineered for what we need," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the IATA airline association's annual meeting in Dubai.

Greenway, a former senior executive at Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot, which operates Boeing 787s, was appointed CEO of flyadeal in January.

Saudi Arabia's aviation sector is expanding as the kingdom invests billions of dollars in its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels and boost its private sector.

"We have mapped out a long term plan (in which) we could potentially have a fleet of 10, 15, 20 - I would say 10 minimum in the next three, four or five years," Greenway said, referring to the airline's study of wide-body aircraft.

Such planes - which designers say can seat up to around 400 passengers in all-economy configurations - could be attractive for the number of seats amid slot constraints in places like Dubai, though they could also open new routes, Greenway said.

"If we can't get any more slots ... then the only choice you've got beyond the (Airbus) A320 is getting a wide-body to operate the service," Greenway said.

The Airbus narrow-body jets purchased by flyadeal in its recent order can seat up to 240 people.

Greenway dismissed concerns that budget airlines have a poor track record of operating large aircraft, saying the Atlantic market had unique competitive pressures while large planes were more routinely used to fly relatively short distances in Asia.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Lisa Barrington; Editing by Jan Harvey and Tomasz Janowski)
House prices in Vermont rose the highest last year, with a 12.8 percent jump - nearly double the national average (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Out of all 50 states, Vermont house prices soared the highest with new data revealing they jumped 12.8 percent in the last year  nearly double the national average.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), house prices across the US rose by an average of 6.6 per cent between Q1 of last year and this year, despite stubbornly high national mortgage rates, and continued fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the start of the year, house prices have increased 1.1 percent.

The highest jumps in housing prices are predominantely all on the east coast  with New Jersey, New York, Delaware all seeing double-digit increases in property appreciation.

Behind Vermont, the four states with the highest annual appreciation were New Jersey, with 11.6 percent; New York, 10.9 percent; Delaware, 10.7 per cent; and Wisconsin, with an increase of 9.9 percent.

Only District of Columbia, which technically isnt a state, saw a decline, with house prices dropping -1.5 percent on average.

At the opposite end of the scale, southern states including Louisiana and Missouri saw the lowest increases in property value, with 2.2 percent, and 2.7 percent, respectively. Texas and North Dakota both saw low increase, with 3.3 percent each, while West Virginia and Colorado both saw an increase 3.6 percent

Low housing inventory is contributing to the high prices across the US, said FHFAs Anju Vajja, in a statement.

Out of all 50 states, Vermont has seen the highest increase in home appreciation in the country over the past year  12.8 percent  according to the FHFA.

Great news perhaps, for those already with property in the Green Mountain State, but realtors say that a lack of new inventory and seller hesitancy are actually harming Vermonts property market  and prospective homeowners are losing out.

So what is it that is driving up house prices in Vermont?

Vermont consistently ranks among the safest states in the US, taking pole position in 2024 data from World Population Review. The state has the second smallest population in the nation (around 650,000) and is known for its natural beauty.

Historically, certain aspects of the home sale market follow a seasonal cycle in Vermont, according to the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Most sales take place in the warmer spring and summer months.

Home prices typically increase the most during this period, with harsh winter conditions making it more challenging and less desirable to sell property.

However the median sales price of primary homes sold in Vermont in the first half of 2023 reached a value of $315,000. Even then the VHFA noted that the state was experiencing strong demand among homebuyers relative to the inventory of homes for sale.

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Dan Titus, real estate broker and co-owner of Flex Realty in Vermont, says that the lack of inventory in the state, restrictions on construction and state property tax, means it is unlikely that a climb down on property price will be happening any time soon.

Its a big time sellers market right now, and it has been for a long time but its even worse now for sure, he told The Independent. Theres a lack of housing inventory throughout the whole state, which is only driving prices up.

Homes just arent being built fast enough to keep up with the demand, and a lot of that has to do with Vermont because its tough for developers to build in Vermont. Theres a lot of restrictions and red tape you have to get through in order to develop around here.

Then our property taxes are some of the highest I believe and, and the country as well. Its not a cheap place to live.

All this, Mr Titus said, is coupled with a combination of out-of-staters and empty-nesters buying or keeping property and pricing out young, native Vermonters. Mr Titus said he had noted a significant uptick during the pandemic.

To an out-of-state $100,000 for a home may not be a lot from where theyre from, but here in Vermont, thats quite a hefty price tag and its making it difficult for folks to compete with those out of state buyers, he told The Independent.

Theres certainly some of that going on, not as much as what we were seeing during Covid in the Covid years there was a huge influx of people scooping up homes from out of state. But it is still happening.

In addition, the climbing prices discouraged current homeowners, even parents whose children no longer lived at home, from selling their properties.

Its great if you bought a home 10 years ago, but at the same time, its also created a problem where people who are empty-nesters are in large home, their kids have moved out and they want to downsize, but theyre in a low interest loan or something like that or the cost to buy a smaller home doesnt make sense versus just staying and staying where theyre at, he said.

He told The Independent: Its good if you already own a home, sure. But obviously theres really no first-time homes for first-time homebuyers. Those are almost gone.
New data reveals the US states that are the most stressed about their finances, with Colorado coming out on top.

Online lender CreditNinja analysed average monthly search volumes over the past 12 months to discover the states searching the most for terms related to money and financial issues. The study examined over 200 search terms, including money help, debt relief, and student loan forgiveness.

Colorado is top of the list, with 3,631.20 average monthly searches per 100,000 people. Coloradans top searches include mortgage rates at 1,650.33 searches, loans at 149.44 searches, and car payment calculator at 225.01 searches.

The Centennial State had an increase in monthly searches of over 75% compared to Mississippi, which comes bottom of the full ranking with only 2,069.95 average searches per 100,000 residents.

Utah is in second place, with an average of 3,593.29 monthly searches per 100,000 people. The Beehive State searched for how to make money fast the most out of every state, with 70.95 average monthly searches for this term.

Florida is third, with a monthly average of 3,416.97 searches per 100,000 people. Food stamps was the second most popular term searched for by Floridians, averaging 397.49 monthly searches.

In fourth is Georgia, with 3,219.63 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. The Peach State had the second highest number of searches for how to make money online compared to any other state, at an average of 106.08 each month.

Arizona comes fifth, with an average of 3,149.67 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Arizonians searched for freedom debt relief the most out of every state, with a monthly average of 38.91.

Nevada is in sixth place, with a monthly average of 3,145.91 searches per 100,000 people. The state's top three terms were mortgage calculator at 1,210.01 searches, mortgage rates at 332.90 searches, and student loan forgiveness at 314.90 searches.

Washington is a close seventh, with an average of 3,145.06 searches a month per 100,000 residents. The Evergreen State has the third highest average search volume out of every state for the term debt consolidation at 33.49.

In eighth place is Tennessee, with 3,131.17 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. One of the top searches in this state was loans, with an average volume of 202.06.

Massachusetts is ninth, with an average of 3,121.04 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Massachusettsans searched for credit score an average of 71.65 times a month, the second highest out of every state.

In tenth is Virginia, with a monthly average of 3,090.03 searches per 100,000 people. The state searched for debt relief more than any other state, with 12.97 average monthly searches.

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Final Rank Location Average Monthly Search Volume Per 100K 1 Colorado 3,631.20 2 Utah 3,593.29 3 Florida 3,416.97 4 Georgia 3,219.63 5 Arizona 3,149.67 6 Nevada 3,145.91 7 Washington 3,145.06 8 Tennessee 3,131.17 9 Massachusetts 3,121.04 10 Virginia 3,090.03

Commenting on this, Matt Mayerle, CreditNinja, personal finance editor, said: "Most people will experience financial hardship at some point in their lives, so it is natural to have concerns. The issues arise when small worries turn into severe stress and anxiety, as this can have a detrimental impact on our lives.

"This data aims to highlight the states that are struggling and spark a conversation about what needs to be done to improve peoples well-being when it comes to their finances."

"The states most worried about their finances " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, 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 successor to the former Eastland Center mall is now officially open and ready for business tenants to arrive.

Built on the site of the demolished shopping mall along Eight Mile and Vernier Road in Harper Woods, Eastland Commerce Center is a new development of three massive warehouses that can be set up for light industrial or commercial use, with just over 1 million square feet of total available space.

The development was built on spec by Kansas City, Missouri-based NorthPoint Development, which says the project represents a $135 million capital investment.

During a ribbon-cutting event at the site Monday morning, NorthPoint officials said one of the three warehouses is now fully leased to a single tenant and they are still trying to land tenants for the other two.

The cavernous interior of Building 1 at Eastland Commerce Center

The single tenant is Thailand-based auto supplier Thai Summit Corp., which has contracts with automaker Stellantis and anticipates employing 60 to 80 people at Eastland Commerce Center next year, once it has fully moved into Building 1. Thai Summit's other North American facilities are in Howell and the state of Kentucky.

The cavernous Building 1  nearly 300,000 square feet, and still empty on Monday  was the location of the ribbon-cutting event. There were several dozen people in attendance, including Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Harper Woods Mayor Valerie Kindle.

"I really want to thank NorthPoint for its commitment to this project," Evans said.

The former Eastland Mall site in Harper Woods is now occupied by new buildings photographed Monday, June 3, 2024.

Long-struggling Eastland Center mall was essentially a dead mall by summer 2021 and down to just a handful of stores when NorthPoint bought the entire 83-acre property later that year from the mall's final owner, New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group.

At the time, industrial bulk warehouses were a booming segment in southeast Michigan real estate and new projects filled up with e-commerce tenants and automotive suppliers as fast as developers could build them.

The former Eastland Mall site in Harper Woods is now occupied by new buildings photographed Monday, June 3, 2024.

NorthPoint proceeded to completely demolish the mall and replace it with the trio of warehouses: one about 535,000 square feet in size, another nearly 300,000 square feet and the third just under 210,000 square feet.

NorthPoint was awarded several incentives to help with the demolition and the redevelopment, including a $17.4 million future local- and state-level Brownfield tax capture and a $12.2 million local tax abatement.

A map of the three warehouses at Eastland Commerce Center

Tim Conder, vice president of development for NorthPoint, said in an interview Monday that while demand for bulk warehouse space has since cooled a bit from the frenzy that it once was, inquiries for Eastland's two still-available warehouses have picked up in recent weeks.

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The earlier slowdown can be partly attributed to last fall's United Auto Workers strike, he said, which led to a pause in new automotive-related investments.

"So there was not a lot of activity, and I think that carried over to the beginning of the year," Conder said. "But it's picked up."

Eastland Commerce Center is expected to ultimately create over 500 jobs, including both construction jobs and permanent post-construction jobs.

That is down from early projections that anticipated 250 construction jobs, then 560 additional permanent jobs.

Conder said that job numbers for projects such as Eastland Commerce Center often change because they are built on spec, without commitments from future occupants.

"It just depends on the users," he said. "Some of them are heavier labor than others.

Tim Conder is vice president of development for NorthPoint

When NorthPoint bought the old Eastland mall, it also acquired property inside the mall  including the various pieces of public artwork such as the celebrated Marshall Fredericks sculpture "The Lion and the Mouse."

I had more calls about "The Lion and the Mouse" than I did about the acquisition of the mall," Conder told the crowd Monday.

Many of the closed businesses have their lights off inside Eastland Center in Harper Woods on Aug. 25, 2021. The once-popular mall was sold with plans for it to be demolished by the end of the year.

NorthPoint's foundation went on to donate "The Lion and the Mouse" to the Detroit Historical Society, and the sculpture could be displayed in the future at the new Ascension St. John Children's Hospital wing in Detroit.

NorthPoint has in recent years undertaken several similar redevelopment projects in southeast Michigan, including to the former Cadillac Stamping plant on Detroit's east side and the former American Motors Corp. headquarters on Detroit's west side.

What it was like: Eastland Center mall's final months

Contact JC Reindl: 313-222-6631 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Eastland mall successor now open, ready for tenants
The County Administrative Board of Gotland has decided to recommend the Swedish government to grant a permit for the 5.5GW Aurora offshore wind farm being developed by OX2 and Ingka Investments.

If approved, the first phase of the wind farm will be operational by 2030, delivering more than 6 terawatt hours (TWh) of clean energy annually to southern Sweden.

Once the entire wind farm is developed in 2035, it will deliver 24TWh annually.

The wind farm will be located 22km south of the island of Gotland and 30km east of the island of Oland in the Baltic Sea, in Swedens exclusive economic zone.

The Aurora project will also support the Swedish Armed Forces in the surveillance of the area with the help of sensors attached to the wind turbines.

OX2 is also working to improve biodiversity. It is investigating how offshore structures can be designed to act as artificial reefs for sessile [permanently attached] species and form areas where fish accumulate.

It also collaborating to investigate the possibilities of large-scale mussel farming within the park and of reducing eutrophication [a process in which nutrients accumulate in a body of water, resulting in an increased growth of microorganisms that may deplete the water of oxygen].

OX2 Sweden offshore wind development head Emelie Zakrisson stated: Aurora can act as an accelerator in the transition to net zero emissions in southern Sweden. The large-scale production of electricity will enable a substantial production of hydrogen and e-fuel, which is the prerequisite for fossil-free industry, shipping and aviation.

We are working in parallel to secure the connections to the electricity grid as well as signing supplier agreements to be able to start construction as soon as all permits are in place.

Ingka Investments renewable investments head Frederik de Jong stated: We are really pleased that the County Administrative Board has given the green light to the project.

We look forward to realising Aurora together with OX2. With a fast permit process, the wind farm could be producing electricity by 2030.

In April 2024, the County Administrative Board granted the wind farm a Natura 2000-permit - confirmation that the project can proceed without negatively impacting protected species.

"Swedish county advises government to approve OX2 Aurora project" 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.
A fall from a second-story roof in Sevierville. A deadly trench collapse in Knoxville. Fatal heat stroke in Clarksville.

These are just a handful of the dozens of work-related deaths investigated by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration during 2023. So far in 2024, TOSHA has investigated two workplace-related deaths.

"We're tired of carrying caskets," said Jacen Davidson of Nashville-based Ironworkers Local 492 at a recent press conference seeking more stringent safety measures at construction sites. "It stops now."

In Nashville, recent work-related deaths on Metro-owned construction sites have prompted the introduction of legislation designed to add an additional layer of oversight to city-controlled projects. Tennessee ranks among the most dangerous states for construction workers due to fatalities and injuries on job sites, according to a recent analysis of federal workplace citations and injury reports.

Tennessee ranks among the most dangerous states for construction workers due to fatalities and injuries on job sites, according to a recent analysis of federal workplace citations and injury reports.

As the summer heat rises, so do health threats for construction workers who are busily reshaping the Nashville skyline and meeting booming demand from population growth statewide.

In 2022, the last year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data is available, the Tennessee private construction industry sector had the highest number of fatalities of any occupation with 43, up from 21 the year prior. There were 173 total workplace fatalities in 2022.

In Nashville, recent work-related deaths on Metro-owned construction sites have prompted the introduction of legislation designed to add an additional layer of oversight to city-controlled projects. Support for the proposed law came from a coalition of construction unions and local politicians.

"Its about people being able to go to work and come back safely," said Charley Rodriguez, a local organizer for the Union of Painters and Allied Trades. "Some workers feel unsafe, day in and day out. They feel like nobody is listening to them."

In the private sector, builders active in Nashville's construction industry boom said proper safety starts with a strong workplace culture, consistent training and constant reminders.

"I think its our duty, as a company, to make sure people are safe," Hardaway Construction CEO David Frazier said. "We cant build projects without the workers that are on the jobs. Its our responsibility to make sure they are safe, and I think it starts with our culture."

Tennessee ranks highly for fatalities, workplace injuries

A recent analysis by Chicago personal injury attorneys Abels & Annes P.C., ranked Tennessee third in the nation with 129 fatalities per 100,000 workers from 2017 to 2024, behind only South Dakota and Delaware. According to the report, the state had the seventh-highest number of OSHA construction citations from Jan. 2017 to Jan. 2024.

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As the summer heat rises, so do health threats for construction workers who are busily reshaping the Nashville skyline and meeting booming demand from population growth statewide.

In Nashville, where a construction boom has attracted workers from across the country, several high-profile deaths have brought the issue of safety to the forefront of the industry.

Denis Geovani Ba Che, 20, fell to his death in October 2023 while repairing the roof at Glencliff High School. In 2020, 16-year-old Gustavo Ramirez died after falling approximately 120 feet at a LaQuinta Inn and Suites construction site on the East Bank. A total of 16 Nashville construction workers died in 2016 and 2017, a Tennessean analysis revealed.

The most common safety violations at construction sites? Lack of eye and face protection and lack of fall-protection training  especially at residential projects.

Heat and exposure in the summer months present another safety challenge to construction workers in Tennessee. High heat can cause cramps, dehydration and heat stroke. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also be exacerbated in heat.

Regulators struggle to keep up with complaints

For TOSHA, the job of inspecting construction sites in Tennessee while also juggling inspections in the public sector and manufacturing industry has swelled beyond the office's limited resources.

According to Wendy Fisher, assistant commissioner for TOSHA, the office gets 300 to 400 complaints per month that can include death, amputation, hospitalization and loss of an eye. The office conducts about 30 to 50 workplace death investigations each year.

When compliance officers are not completely booked with investigations, they visit construction sites for random inspections. But they are not able to visit every site.

"We just work through what we can with the folks that we have," Fisher said. "We could bring all the compliance officers to Nashville and keep them busy."

While TOSHA's compliance officers are not able to visit every single construction site in the state, let alone in Nashville, Metro Council has introduced legislation to create an additional layer of oversight at city-controlled construction sites, like the one Denis Geovani Ba Che worked at before he fell to his death.

District 30 Council member Sandra Sepulveda introduced on May 21 a bill to establish a board to monitor and inspect Metro's existing construction projects to ensure safe working conditions.

The board would not have enforcement authority and would refer inspection findings to federal or state regulators.

Rodriguez, the Union of Painters and Allied Trades organizer, said support from Metro Nashville Public Schools, Metro Council and other unions and advocacy groups has been crucial to elevating the issue.

"Everybody has been willing to listen," Rodriguez said. "There's a problem here. Its the contractors being irresponsible. All were trying to do is bring accountability."

'Going home safely at the end of the day'

At Skanska USA, one of the largest construction firms in the country, safety is deeply embedded within culture, according to Tennessee Vice President of Operations Rob Johnson.

Skanska was the lead contractor for Nashville's Fifth + Broadway development, and has worked on construction projects in Franklin, Clarksville and Chattanooga, among other Tennessee cities. The Nashville-area office of the construction firm consistently scores highly in the Associated Builders and Contractors' STEP Safety Management System, a program aimed at creating safer work sites.

Johnson said consistent standards for workplace safety start at the top with good planning and communication.

"Everyone on our job sites should have the same expectation that I do," Johnson said. "And thats going home safely at the end of the day. Anything less than that is unacceptable."

All trade partners on Skanska construction sites undergo safety training before starting work. The company also uses a digital platform called Planit, which identifies potential hazards during a day's tasks and outlines a safety plan.

Internal programs like the "Good Catch" initiative, which allow all workers and trade partners to digitally upload photos and track information on the work site, ensures that accountability can come from all levels.

"Its not about catching someone doing the wrong thing, its about preventing someone from doing the wrong thing," Johnson said.

Hardaway, a Nashville-based construction firm that builds numerous multifamily and residential projects, also uses consistent and persistent training to hold high safety standards. The company, like Skanska, offers safety trainings and orientations to trade partners in English and Spanish to prevent language barriers from causing unsafe work sites.

Frazier, who bought the company from the Hardaway family in 2018, said safety challenges are exacerbated by layers of subcontractors who act more like labor brokers than employers. For this reason, he hires trade partners who have gone through a prequalification process.

"We have pretty strict guidelines with these guys," Frazier said. "But Id rather lose the labor or lose the construction than have somebody get hurt."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Construction workers unions, TN OSHA work to address fatality rate
The Switzerland market recently concluded a robust trading session, with the benchmark SMI climbing significantly as investors anticipate potential rate cuts by several central banks. This positive momentum underscores a growing investor confidence in the economic landscape of Switzerland. In such an optimistic market environment, companies with high insider ownership can be particularly appealing, as they often signal strong confidence from those most familiar with the company's operations and prospects.

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) 29.9% 8.8% Sonova Holding (SWX:SOON) 17.7% 10.3% Sensirion Holding (SWX:SENS) 20.7% 78.3% SHL Telemedicine (SWX:SHLTN) 17.9% 96.2% 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 uncover some gems from our specialized screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: COLTENE Holding AG is a company that develops, manufactures, and sells disposables, tools, and equipment for dentists and dental laboratories across various global regions, with a market capitalization of CHF 303.56 million.

Operations: The company generates CHF 242.73 million in revenue from its disposables, tools, and equipment segment for dental professionals.

Insider Ownership: 22.2%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 20.9% p.a.

COLTENE Holding, a Swiss company with significant insider ownership, presents a mixed financial outlook. While trading at 34.4% below its estimated fair value suggests potential undervaluation, its revenue growth at 2.8% per year is slower than the Swiss market average of 4.4%. Despite this, COLTENE's earnings are expected to grow by a robust 20.9% annually, outpacing the market forecast of 8.3%. However, its recent performance showed a decline in sales and profits for the year ended December 31, 2023, with net income dropping to CHF 11.95 million from CHF 26 million previously and earnings per share halving from CHF 4.35 to CHF 2.

SWX:CLTN Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Gurit Holding AG specializes in developing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling advanced composite materials, composite tooling equipment, and kitting services globally, with a market capitalization of CHF 279.17 million.

Operations: The revenue segments for the company include CHF 307.09 million from Composite Materials, CHF 101.63 million from Marine and Industrial, and CHF 51.29 million from Manufacturing Solutions.

Insider Ownership: 30.2%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 35.1% p.a.

Gurit Holding AG, despite its highly volatile share price and a high level of debt, is positioned for substantial growth with earnings expected to increase by 35.08% annually over the next three years. Analysts predict a significant potential upside in its stock price, forecasting a 42% increase from current levels. However, its revenue growth at 4% per year lags behind the Swiss market average. The company also maintains a consistent dividend payout with CHF 0.35 recently declared for April distribution.

SWX:GURN Ownership Breakdown as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Temenos AG is a global provider of integrated banking software systems, serving banks and financial institutions worldwide, with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 4.20 billion.

Operations: The firm generates its revenue by marketing and selling integrated banking software systems to financial institutions globally.

Insider Ownership: 17.4%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 14.7% p.a.

Temenos, a Swiss growth company with significant insider ownership, has demonstrated robust advancements in its cloud-native banking platforms. Recent benchmarks on Microsoft Azure showcased a 52% efficiency improvement in handling digital transactions, emphasizing sustainability by halving the carbon impact of its software since 2021. Additionally, Temenos has expanded its market reach through strategic partnerships, like the recent adoption of its retail core banking solution by President's Choice Financial in Canada. Despite these positive developments, it is important to note that Temenos' revenue growth forecast (7.7% per year) trails behind more aggressive market expectations and it carries a high level of debt which could impact financial flexibility.

SWX:TEMN Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jun 2024

Where To Now?

Navigate through the entire inventory of 17 Fast Growing SIX Swiss Exchange Companies With High Insider Ownership here.

Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments.

Unlock the power of informed investing with Simply Wall St, your free guide to navigating stock markets worldwide.

Ready To Venture Into Other Investment Styles?

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:CLTNSWX:GURNSWX:TEMN and .

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
LUXEMBOURG / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Bonnevois-Nord-Verlorenkost - Titan Capital Partners , a top-tier brokerage firm, attracts a diverse range of investors by offering a variety of investment strategies suitable for everyone, from novice investors to experienced high-net-worth individuals.

In the latest record, Titan Capital Partners is set to expand its assets in financial planning services with industry-leading ROI. Titan Capital Partners offers fully managed accounts with daily returns ranging from 0.35% to 2.3% on the invested amount. This ROI is among the highest in the industry. The platform's extensive trading tools and resources support various investment strategies, whether users need options, analytics, or trade idea generators. The seamless user experience is enhanced by well-designed mobile and web interfaces.

With professional management and cutting-edge technology, the platform's professional portfolio managers use the latest artificial intelligence algorithms to handle client funds, ensuring some of the best returns on investment (ROI) in the financial sector. The platform's wide range of customizable trading features and analysis tools is designed to cater to users of all experience levels. The desktop, web, and mobile versions are user-friendly and offer consistent functionality.

Including more, Titan Capital Partners provides a broad spectrum of financial planning and withdrawal services tailored to individual client needs. Expert teams work closely with clients to develop customized financial plans that align with their unique goals and objectives.

In addition, the platform empowers clients to trade a variety of assets through Titan Capital Partners' web and mobile platforms, including:

Stocks

Bonds

Futures/Commodities

Cryptocurrencies

Foreign currencies (70 currency pairs)

OTCBB (penny stocks)

Indices

Options

The platform employs proprietary AI order routing technology to optimize trading.

Consequently, Titan Capital Partners provides 24/7 telephone support and assistance via email, website, and direct platform chat. The platform offers a reasonable pricing structure and strives to make it transparent. The platforms prioritize customer satisfaction and privacy. With its advanced access control, the platform provides an additional layer of security when signing in that ensures individuals that their data is confidential. The platform encourages individuals by active bug bounty programs that help them to identify vulnerabilities in website application and API. The platform's institutional liquidity can be integrated through API across partner exchanges and institutions to immediately upgrade their order books to a depth deeper than top exchanges. Titan Capital Partners stands as a decentralized platform offering new possibilities to swap prices and reduce slippage at affordable fees.

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About Titan Capital Partners:

Launched in 2023, Titan Capital Partners is a renowned company which emerges as a full-service licensed broker globally, managing over $1.7 billion in assets. The company's philosophy focuses on selecting talented managers suited to market conditions and strategically allocating funds to achieve exceptional medium to long-term capital gains across various market environments. The company is certified by ISO/IEC 27001, and meets the standards for information security.

Media Details:

Website: https://titan-capital-partners.com/

Company Name: Titan Capital Partners

Address: 32-36 Bd d'Avranches,

1160 Bonnevoie-Nord-Verlorenkost Luxembourg

Germany

Contact Person: Harold Martinos

Email: support@titan-capital-partners.com

SOURCE: Titan Capital Partners





View the original press release on accesswire.com




As of June 2024, the German market has experienced a slight downturn, reflecting broader European economic pressures highlighted by rising inflation rates and cautious monetary policy signals from the European Central Bank. In such a climate, identifying growth companies with high insider ownership can offer investors potential resilience and alignment of interests between shareholders and management. In this context, companies with significant insider stakes might be better positioned to navigate through economic uncertainties, as these insiders often have a deep commitment to the long-term success of the company.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Germany

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth pferdewetten.de (XTRA:EMH) 26.8% 73.5% Deutsche Beteiligungs (XTRA:DBAN) 35.3% 31.6% YOC (XTRA:YOC) 24.8% 22.2% NAGA Group (XTRA:N4G) 14.1% 58.1% Exasol (XTRA:EXL) 25.3% 107.4% Alelion Energy Systems (DB:2FZ) 37.4% 106.6% Stratec (XTRA:SBS) 30.9% 22% elumeo (XTRA:ELB) 25.8% 99.1% Friedrich Vorwerk Group (XTRA:VH2) 18% 29.9% Redcare Pharmacy (XTRA:RDC) 17.7% 46.9%

Click here to see the full list of 16 stocks from our Fast Growing German Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Redcare Pharmacy NV is an online pharmacy operating across the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and France with a market capitalization of approximately 2.33 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its operations in the DACH region (1.62 billion) and other international markets (0.37 billion).

Insider Ownership: 17.7%

Redcare Pharmacy, a German growth company with high insider ownership, is trading at 42.1% below its estimated fair value. Despite recent shareholder dilution, the company is on track to profitability within three years, outpacing average market growth expectations. With a revenue increase from 1.2 billion in 2023 to projected sales between 2.3 billion and 2.5 billion in 2024, Redcare's financial recovery appears robust, marked by reduced net losses and an improving earnings trajectory forecasted at an annual growth of 46.92%. However, its share price remains volatile and Return on Equity is expected to be low at 12.9%.

XTRA:RDC Ownership Breakdown as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Stratec SE operates in Germany and internationally, designing and manufacturing automation and instrumentation solutions for in-vitro diagnostics and life sciences, with a market capitalization of approximately 579.23 million.

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Operations: The company generates its revenue by designing and manufacturing automation and instrumentation solutions for in-vitro diagnostics and life sciences across Germany, the European Union, and other international markets.

Insider Ownership: 30.9%

Stratec SE, a German company with significant insider ownership, faces challenges with its financial performance. Its recent earnings report showed a decline in both sales and net income, with sales dropping from EUR 60.48 million to EUR 50.87 million year-over-year and net income decreasing significantly. Despite these setbacks, the company's earnings are expected to grow by 22% annually over the next three years, outpacing the German market's growth rate. However, Stratec is currently trading at a substantial discount to its estimated fair value and struggles with low profit margins and debt coverage issues.

XTRA:SBS Ownership Breakdown as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Zalando SE is an online retailer specializing in fashion and lifestyle products, with a market capitalization of approximately 6.25 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue segments total approximately 10.40 billion, derived from its online fashion and lifestyle platform.

Insider Ownership: 10.3%

Zalando SE, a growth-oriented company with high insider ownership in Germany, reported a challenging first quarter in 2024 with a net loss of 8.9 million and slightly reduced annual sales to 10.14 billion from 10.34 billion the previous year. Despite these setbacks, Zalando anticipates modest sales growth between 0% and 5% for 2024 and expects significant earnings growth over the next three years, outperforming the German market's forecasted rate. However, its share price has been highly volatile recently, reflecting potential investor concerns about its near-term financial stability.

XTRA:ZAL Ownership Breakdown as at Jun 2024

Summing It All Up

Access the full spectrum of 16 Fast Growing German Companies With High Insider Ownership by clicking on this link.

Already own these companies? Bring clarity to your investment decisions by linking up your portfolio with Simply Wall St, where you can monitor all the vital signs of your stocks effortlessly.

Enhance your investing ability with the Simply Wall St app and enjoy free access to essential market intelligence spanning every continent.

Searching for a Fresh Perspective?

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 XTRA:RDC XTRA:SBS and XTRA:ZAL.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps supporters blasted artificial intelligence-generated images through social media after the former president was convicted of felony charges, using deepfakes to promote the idea that Trump is the victim of a corrupt system.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Accounts on X with millions of followers amplified images of Trump within minutes after a New York jury announced that theyd declared him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The influencer Matt Wallace posted a fabricated image to his 1.7 million followers depicting Trump standing resolutely in a suit in front of a jail cell. Another, obviously fake picture from other popular accounts showed the Republican presidential candidate shirtless and adorned in American flag tattoos accompanied by a message urging followers to Take the country back.

Yet another vocal Trump-backer with 2 million followers pushed out a stylized picture of Trump wearing a cowboy hat and a belt of ammunition. The first outlaw president, said the accompanying tweet.

Such imagery represents an emerging front in the spread of political misinformation, a trend thats likely to intensify ahead of the November presidential elections and three more criminal trials in which Trump will be the defendant. Even pictures obviously created by generative AI services present a challenge for potential voters hoping to find true information in a chaotic news environment, according to analysts.

When deepfakes are used as jokes theres always the risk that these go viral among an audience that doesn't understand where it came from or that it's meant as a joke, Maarten Schenk, co-founder of the fact checking service LeadStories, said in an interview with Bloomberg News prior to the Trump conviction.

Its misinformation meant to look almost like satire, and then it goes viral, he said.

According to Xs policy, users may not share synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm.

Prominent right-wing voices seized on the conviction, circulating unproven allegations that criminal cases against Trump are politically motivated. The former president has frequently repeated the talking points in speeches.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested without evidence that Trump was likely to be assassinated, and that his supporters should distance themselves from family members who believed that the former president illegally oversaw a scheme to send hush money payments to a former adult actress. Carlson has nearly 13 million followers on the service.

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X owner Elon Musk said in a post on his website that the jurys decision caused great damage to the publics faith in the US justice system. Musk recently has been in touch with the former president, advising him on potential cryptocurrency policy. X didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the post.

Immediately after the conviction in a post on his own Truth Social service, the Trump campaign urged voters to express their support by showing up at the polls in November.

AI-generated content, particularly voice cloning technology, poses an alarming threat to the integrity of upcoming elections, according to a report from the Center for Countering for Digital Hate released Friday. The ease with which internet users can create such content, with relatively few limitations, inevitably will be weaponized to mislead voters, the research group said in a statement.

OpenAI also said Thursday it had shut down five influence operations, including networks in Russia, China, Iran and Israel that exploiting its technology in the past three months.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
While Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW.) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a decent share price growth of 13% on the LSE over the last few months. The company is now trading at yearly-high levels following the recent surge in its share price. With many analysts covering the mid-cap stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stocks share price. However, what if the stock is still a bargain? Lets examine Taylor Wimpeys valuation and outlook in more detail to determine if theres still a bargain opportunity.

See our latest analysis for Taylor Wimpey

What Is Taylor Wimpey Worth?

The share price seems sensible at the moment according to our price multiple model, where we compare the company's price-to-earnings ratio to the industry average. In this instance, weve used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. We find that Taylor Wimpeys ratio of 14.92x is trading slightly above its industry peers ratio of 14.51x, which means if you buy Taylor Wimpey today, youd be paying a relatively sensible price for it. And if you believe Taylor Wimpey should be trading in this range, then there isnt really any room for the share price grow beyond the levels of other industry peers over the long-term. Is there another opportunity to buy low in the future? Since Taylor Wimpeys share price is quite volatile, we could potentially see it sink lower (or rise higher) in the future, giving us another chance to buy. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market.

Can we expect growth from Taylor Wimpey?

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. Taylor Wimpey's earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 22%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value.

What This Means For You

Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in TW.s positive outlook, with shares trading around industry price multiples. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at TW.? Will you have enough confidence to invest in the company should the price drop below the industry PE ratio?

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on TW., now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around industry price multiples. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for TW., which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

Keep in mind, when it comes to analysing a stock it's worth noting the risks involved. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Taylor Wimpey (including 1 which is potentially serious).

If you are no longer interested in Taylor Wimpey, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

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.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spirit of World Milk Day, Vietcoco Coconut Milk beverage, a leading coconut brand in Vietnam, brought a wind of change to Vietnam Dairy 2024 event, held at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium under the theme "A healthy you, a healthy Vietnam". Vietcoco's presence made this such a memorable Children's Day (June 1) for children and their families.

Vietcoco's booth served as a hub of knowledge and skills, empowering visitors to make informed choices about their health and well-being. Attendees gained valuable insights related to milk and milk-based products, while learning about scientific healthcare practices for their families. Beyond its educational contributions, Vietcoco actively participated in distributing knowledge about milk, contributing to public health awareness and promotion. Vietnam Dairy 2024 provided a platform for companies to showcase the latest and highest quality dairy product, fostered connections and collaboration among domestic and international dairy industry players.

The Vietnam's Dairy Market is experiencing a robust growth driven due to rising consumer demand fueled by population increase, rising per capita income, and growing awareness of the health benefits of milk. According to forecasts, the Vietnamese dairy market is projected to reach a value of USD 21.4 billion by 2024 with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during the period from 2020 to 2024. Capitalizing on the global consumer trend towards healthy and eco-friendly food, Vietcoco, a brand under Luong Quoi Coconut Co., Ltd., made a strong impression at the product exhibition with its Coconut Milk beverage - a 100% plant-based milk product line made entirely from fresh coconut using European-standard technology.

Vietcoco Coconut Milk beverage is produced in closed and meticulously controlled production line, adhering to strict international food safety standards. Using cutting-edge ultra-heat temperature (UHT) technology, the coconut milk undergoes thorough sterilization through a brief heat treatment at high temperatures (135C - 1400C) in just 2-5 seconds. This meticulous process ensures that Vietcoco Coconut Milk beverage retains its spectacular flavor and superior quality for an impressive 6 months without the need for refrigeration or preservatives, chemicals, or synthetic additives.

Vietcoco Coconut Milk beverage delights consumers a variety of products with delicious flavors, including Chocolate Coconut Milk beverage, Coconut Milk Coffee beverage, Coconut Milk Matcha beverage, and Black Sugar Coconut Milk Tea. Every product is meticulously crafted at a GMP-certified factory, adhering to strict international standards such as ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, HACCP, BRC, HALAL, and KOSHER. The implementation of GMP standards  a mandatory requirement for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and highly recommended for most food companies  underscores Vietcoco's commitment to provide consumers with high-quality and safe products.

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Vietcoco, a Vietnam's leading coconut brand and the only coconut brand to receive the Vietnam National Brand title, hosted an event to showcase and let customers to experience the company's products. Beyond offering high-quality products, Vietcoco also aims to spread a message of love and social responsibility through its meaningful CSR activities.

On International Children's Day, June 1, the company donated thousands of 180ml coconut milk beverage boxes along with gifts such as notebooks and candies to children who are the offspring of factory workers, patients at Children's Hospital, and offspring of organic coconut farmers in Ben Tre. Although the gift may be small, it carries high spiritual value, helping the students gain more motivation for learning and fostering personal development.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietcoco-coconut-milk-beverage-impressed-at-vietnam-dairy-2024-302161513.html

SOURCE Vietcoco
In an effort to strengthen its ties with Swiss intermediaries, particularly international banks, Vontobel has named Christian Zeitler as head of intermediary Switzerland.

Zeitler has an established record in business development and over 20 years of experience in asset management.

He held the position of head of client relations at responsibility investments AG and head of Switzerland Distribution at GAM Investments before joining Vontobel.

In addition, he held the positions of head of Northern Europe and country head Switzerland at Legg Mason Global Asset Management for almost ten years prior to that.

Reto Lichtensteiger, Vontobels head of Switzerland, Institutional Clients stated: We are pleased to welcome Christian, whose extensive industry knowledge and established client network will be an optimal advantage for our team. Christian shares our client-focused and investment-led values, committed to helping investors meet their long-term financial goals with quality investment solutions.

Additionally, earlier last month, Vontobel has launched a fund that offers investors broad-based access to a high-income Swiss equity strategy by combining Vontobel Swiss dividend and covered call concepts.

The Vontobel Fund  Sustainable Swiss Equity Income Plus is an actively managed, diversified, and sustainable option. It offers strong income potential by investing in high-quality Swiss dividend stocks merged with a covered call option overlay.

Furthermore, the funds aim is to deliver relative outperformance in negative, stable, and rising market phases.

With strong quality features, Swiss equities offer an interesting investment opportunity, especially during periods of economic uncertainty, said Marc Hanni, head of Swiss equities.

Thanks to its allocation to both large- and mid-caps, the portfolio could offer investors an attractive mix of defensive, quality stocks with attractive dividend yields. Furthermore, the premiums generated by selling call options can provide not only an additional source of income, which is tax free, but also a certain degree of cushion against drawdowns in negative markets.

"Vontobel bolsters its Swiss distribution team" was originally created and published by Private Banker 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.
Washington state secured the top spot due to its performance in both economic activity and innovation potential. Caroline Purser / Getty Images

WalletHub's report ranks state economies based on their economic activity, health, and innovation.

Washington leads the list driven by high-tech jobs and STEM professionals.

Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky are among the weakest state economies in the US.

States like Washington, Utah, Massachusetts, Texas, and California may not seem like they have much in common, but each has a strong economy that's helping to fuel national growth.

Those five states have the best economies, according to a new ranking of all 50 states and DC by financial services company WalletHub. Meanwhile, Mississippi, Hawai'i, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Louisana have the worst.

"A strong state economy doesn't guarantee success for the state's residents, but it certainly makes financial success more attainable," Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, wrote in the report. "Factors like a low unemployment rate and high average income help residents purchase property, pay down debt, and save for the future."

To determine the best state economies, WalletHub compared the 50 states and DC across three categories: economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. Each of the three categories was evaluated using 28 metrics of varying weights, including share of fast-growing firms, unemployment rate, and entrepreneurial activity.

"The best state economies also encourage growth by being friendly to new businesses and investing in new technology that will help the state deal with future challenges and become more efficient," Happe wrote.

Washington secured the top spot due to its performance in both economic activity and innovation potential. The state's economy benefits significantly from high industry research and development investment levels, positioning it at the forefront of technological advancement. After all, Amazon and Microsoft are headquartered in the state.

Source: WalletHub

Additionally, people who move to Washington are the fifth-most educated in the country, contributing to the state's sixth-highest median household income after adjusting for the cost of living. A November report from Bank of America based on internal customer data showed that people who move to Seattle for a new job receive the largest pay raises among all US cities.

Utah was the runner-up with the second-highest median annual household income after adjusting for the cost of living. The state also has a healthy labor market, featuring one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and substantial growth in its civilian labor force.

Story continues

Meanwhile, several states in the south are among those with the lowest rankings. Many of the states scored low across the board as they struggled with issues like high unemployment rates and low household incomes.

Here are the top five states, followed by the five states ranked the lowest.

1. Washington

Seattle. halbergman/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 1

Economic health rank: 15

Innovation potential rank: 2

2. Utah

Salt Lake City. Denis Tangney Jr/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 7

Economic health rank: 1

Innovation potential rank: 10

3. Massachusetts

Boston. John Coletti/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 11

Economic health rank: 43

Innovation potential rank: 1

4. Texas

Austin. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 2

Economic health rank: 7

Innovation potential rank: 24

5. California

San Diego. Ron Thomas and Patty Thomas/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 3

Economic health rank: 49

Innovation potential rank: 3

46. Louisiana

New Orleans. John Coletti/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 26

Economic health rank: 48

Innovation potential rank: 49

47. Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Economic activity rank: 40

Economic health rank: 38

Innovation potential rank: 47

48. West Virginia

Charleston, West Virginia. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Economic activity rank: 32

Economic health rank: 45

Innovation potential rank: 51

49. Hawai'i

Honolulu. Art Wager/Getty Images

Economic activity rank: 49

Economic health rank: 32

Innovation potential rank: 50

50. Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Economic activity rank: 48

Economic health rank: 50

Innovation potential rank: 45

Read the original article on Business Insider
Investors interested in the pharmaceutical industry are currently excited about the anti-obesity market. Weight-loss therapies have become the industry's versions of rock stars, and none is more popular than Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.

Other companies are looking to challenge the Denmark-based drugmaker. Its longtime rival in the diabetes market, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), recently launched a competing anti-obesity medicine called tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound for this indication.

However, as recent clinical developments highlight, Lilly still has more promising products in its pipeline. Let's look into this recent progress and what it means for Eli Lilly.

Good news from a faraway land

Eli Lilly is developing a next-generation weight-loss therapy called mazdutide. The company is currently testing it in phase 2 studies, but the treatment just reported positive results from a phase 3 clinical trial.

Here's the background. In 2019, Eli Lilly sold the rights to develop and market mazdutide in China to Innovent Biologics (OTC: IVBX.F), a biotech company based there.

Innovent conducted a study that enrolled 731 patients in China and pitted mazdutide against dulaglutide, a medicine for type 2 diabetes marketed as Trulicity. (Until just last year, Trulicity was Eli Lilly's top-selling medicine, but it will lose that title to tirzepatide this year.) In the 28-week study, the results of which Innovent reported in early May, mazdutide showed non-inferiority -- and, in fact, statistically significant superiority -- in lowering patients' blood glucose levels and body weight compared to dulaglutide.

Those are strong results. Here's what investors should make of them.

An embarrassment of riches

First, let's note that this study was conducted in China. Designing clinical trial results is a complicated business. One important factor is choosing a pool of patients that is somewhat representative of the broader population (and of the subset of that population that suffers from the disease being studied) in which a company hopes to earn approval. That's why extrapolating Innovent's recent results to other countries, like the U.S. -- which has a vastly different demographic composition -- would be a bit premature.

Second, though mazdutide beat dulaglutide in helping patients lose weight in this trial, the latter was never approved for that indication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (it was prescribed off-label). Would mazdutide perform better than Wegovy in helping patients lose weight? That's a different question.

Story continues

Those caveats aside, there is a broader point to note about Eli Lilly -- the company has an exciting portfolio of investigational products in this area. It boasts several more anti-obesity programs in its pipeline aside from tirzepatide and mazdutide.

Several corporations are looking to mount a challenge here, but it seems Eli Lilly has nothing to worry about. For the most part, competitors are laying eggs, or at least their clinical trial results haven't been that impressive. In fairness, that's just the nature of developing innovative medicines in any area.

There are some exceptions, particularly Viking Therapeutics, a mid-cap biotech that has delivered highly encouraging phase 2 results. Amgen is making solid progress as well. But Eli Lilly still seems better positioned than most to profit from the weight loss market, which will skyrocket in the coming years.

Eli Lilly's Zepbound generated $517.4 million in the first quarter -- its first full quarter on the market. It is difficult to overstate how impressive that is, and it would have been higher had Lilly been able to keep up with the incredible demand for the medicine.

The company's total revenue grew by 26% year over year to $8.8 billion, and is likely to grow about that fast for the foreseeable future, especially as Lilly's products earn brand-new approvals in the anti-obesity market and elsewhere. Therefore, Eli Lilly remains a top pharmaceutical stock to buy.

Should you invest $1,000 in Eli Lilly right now?

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Watch Out Wegovy: Here Comes Another Promising Anti-Obesity Candidate was originally published by The Motley Fool
Company Logo

Dublin, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "West Africa Gold Mining to 2030 (2024 Update)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The report provides a comprehensive coverage on the West Africa Gold industry in 22024. It provides historical and forecast data on gold production, production by company, production by country, reserves by country and world gold prices. The report also includes a demand drivers section providing information on factors that are affecting the global gold industry. It further profiles major gold producers, information on the major active, planned and exploration projects by region.



Collective gold production in Ghana, Mali, Republic of Guinea and Burkina Faso decreased by an estimated -0.3% in 2023, but is projected to grow by 2.6% to 11.83 million ounces (moz) in 2024. Ghana will be the largest contributor towards this growth, followed by the Republic of Guinea. Collective output from these two countries is forecast to increase from 6.7moz in 2023 to 7.3moz in 2024 - an 8.4% increase.

In contrast, output from Mali and Burkina Faso is expected to decline by a collective 5.5% to 4.56moz in 2024. Meanwhile, gold production from Ivory Coast, Niger, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, all emerging markets, is expected to grow by 6.2% to 4.67moz in 2024, after an estimated 0.9% growth in 2023.



Looking ahead, gold production from the four major markets over the forecast period (2025-2030), is expected to decline at a CAGR of -1.5% to nearly 12.0moz, linked to schedules closures, mainly in Burkina Faso. In contract, production from the emerging markets is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% to 5.65moz with key contributions from Ivory Coast and Niger. Overall, political instability and unregulated illegal mining are some of the key barriers that are expected to impair West Africa's gold mining in the coming years.



Report Scope

The report contains an overview of the West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Republic of Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone) gold mining industry including key demand driving factors affecting the West Africa gold mining industry.

It provides detailed information on reserves, reserves by country, production, competitive landscape, major operating mines, major exploration, and development projects.

Reasons to Buy

To gain an understanding of the West Africa gold mining industry, relevant driving factors

To understand historical and forecast trend on West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Republic of Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone) gold production

To identify key players in the West Africa gold mining industry

To identify major active, exploration and development projects by region

To identify taxes and royalties in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali

Story continues

Key Topics Covered:

Overview

Gold reserves

West Africa gold production

Gold prices

Major active mines

Major development projects

Major exploration projects

Demand

Competitive landscape

Taxes and royalties - Ghana

Taxes and royalties - Burkina Faso

Taxes and royalties - Mali

Company Coverage:

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd

Endeavour Mining Corp

Newmont Corp

Gold Fields Limited

Barrick Gold

B2 Gold

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/23e4b6

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.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




Low Keng Huat (Singapore) Limited (SGX:F1E) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 3 days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is an important date to be aware of as any purchase of the stock made on or after this date might mean a late settlement that doesn't show on the record date. Meaning, you will need to purchase Low Keng Huat (Singapore)'s shares before the 7th of June to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 21st of June.

The company's next dividend payment will be S$0.015 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of S$0.015 per share. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Low Keng Huat (Singapore) has a trailing yield of approximately 4.8% on its current stock price of S$0.31. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Low Keng Huat (Singapore)'s dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing.

View our latest analysis for Low Keng Huat (Singapore)

Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Low Keng Huat (Singapore) lost money last year, so the fact that it's paying a dividend is certainly disconcerting. There might be a good reason for this, but we'd want to look into it further before getting comfortable. With the recent loss, it's important to check if the business generated enough cash to pay its dividend. If cash earnings don't cover the dividend, the company would have to pay dividends out of cash in the bank, or by borrowing money, neither of which is long-term sustainable. The good news is it paid out just 5.0% of its free cash flow in the last year.

Click here to see how much of its profit Low Keng Huat (Singapore) paid out over the last 12 months.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. Low Keng Huat (Singapore) reported a loss last year, and the general trend suggests its earnings have also been declining in recent years, making us wonder if the dividend is at risk.

Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Low Keng Huat (Singapore) has seen its dividend decline 6.7% per annum on average over the past 10 years, which is not great to see. While it's not great that earnings and dividends per share have fallen in recent years, we're encouraged by the fact that management has trimmed the dividend rather than risk over-committing the company in a risky attempt to maintain yields to shareholders.

Story continues

Get our latest analysis on Low Keng Huat (Singapore)'s balance sheet health here.

To Sum It Up

Should investors buy Low Keng Huat (Singapore) for the upcoming dividend? First, it's not great to see the company paying a dividend despite being loss-making over the last year. On the plus side, the dividend was covered by free cash flow." Overall it doesn't look like the most suitable dividend stock for a long-term buy and hold investor.

Although, if you're still interested in Low Keng Huat (Singapore) and want to know more, you'll find it very useful to know what risks this stock faces. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Low Keng Huat (Singapore) (2 are significant) you should be aware of.

Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers.

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.
Regular travelers to and from Hawaii and who frequently fly on Hawaiian Airlines may want to consider the Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard. The first two checked bags are free and you can share miles with friends and family. Even though theres an annual fee, the welcome offer and rewards of this travel credit card outweigh the cost.

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee : $99

Welcome offer : Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months of opening your new card

Rewards : 3x miles on eligible Hawaiian Airlines purchases 2x miles on gas, dining and grocery store purchases 1x miles on all other purchases

Card details: Get two free checked bags every time you book on Hawaiian Airlines with your card; one-time 50% off companion ticket discount; no foreign transaction fee

APR

The APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99% for purchases and balance transfers, depending on your creditworthiness and approval. The cash advance APR is 29.99%.

Annual fee

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard charges a $99 annual fee.

Welcome offer

Earn 70,000 bonus HawaiianMiles when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of opening your new card.

Rewards rate

3x miles on all eligible Hawaiian Airlines purchases

2x miles on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases

1x miles on everything else

How to earn rewards

You can earn rewards every time you shop and use your card wherever Mastercard is accepted, which is most places around the world. Since theres no foreign transaction fee, you wont be charged an additional fee if you use your card overseas.

How to redeem rewards

One of the easiest ways to redeem rewards is to put them towards future Hawaiian Airlines flights. Youll need at least 7,500 miles to redeem one-way flights. The amount you need for redemption increases depending on where you sit in the cabin, like the main cabin or first class. You could pay upwards of 30,000 miles for a first-class redemption one-way.

You can also redeem rewards on partner airlines, including Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia. In some cases, you can earn HawaiianMiles from flying other airlines and using their frequent flyer programs. For instance, if you use American Airlines AAdvantage, you can redeem AAdvantage miles on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

There are other ways to redeem your HawaiianMiles, including:

For car rentals

With select hotel partners

For dining, shopping, and grocery stores

For gift cards

Miles never expire as long as your card is in good standing and doesnt close.

Additional benefits

One-time companion discount at 50% off

One free companion flight valued at $100 or less every year on your card anniversary

Two free checked bags every time you fly

No foreign transaction fees

Miles never expire

Who is the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard best for?

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard is best for frequent flyers of Hawaiian Airlines, especially those who travel to and from Hawaii and the mainland. Its also a great option for travelers who may need to use other airlines and can maximize rewards through partner airlines and other airline redemption options.

Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard pros

Many types of redemption opportunities between Hawaii Airlines and partner airlines.

Two free checked bags every time you fly

Free annual companion pass

No foreign transaction fees

Generous welcome bonus

Transfer miles to friends and family for no charge

Unlimited earning potential

Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard cons

Annual fee of $99

Some other fees apply, including late payment and returned payment fees (up to $40 each), balance transfer fee, and cash advance fee

Where can you use Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?

To maximize your earning potential, use your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard when booking flights on Hawaiian Airlines as well as when you upgrade your seat and in-flight purchases. You can also use your card at grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations to earn 2x miles for every dollar you spend.

You can earn miles on all your purchases, dollar for dollar, whenever you use your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. You can use it wherever Mastercard is accepted around the world and without facing foreign transaction fees when you do.

How to make a Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard payment

Mobile app. You can manage your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard through the Hawaiian Airlines mobile app to make a payment or set up automatic payments.

Online. Visit HawaiianBOHCard.com and log in to add banking information and set up autopay on your card.

Over the phone. You can call the number on the back of your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard to make a payment.

Through the mail. Youll send your payment directly to Barclays to one of the addresses below thats listed on your statement:

Card Services

P.O. Box 13337

Philadelphia, PA 19101-3337

-or-

Card Services

P.O. Box 60517

City of Industry, CA 91716-0517

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard customer service info

You can contact credit card customer support for your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard at 1-877-523-0478. You can also log into your account and find specific support-related options there.

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard is issued through Barclays. For questions or concerns about your card, you can also call 877-523-0478. Barclays phone support is available 24/7.

If you have questions about Hawaiian Airlines specifically, you can text them at 38285 or call 1-800-367-5320 for 24/7 support.

Alternative cards to consider

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard might be a great choice for some, but take some time to compare alternative cards to see if it makes sense for you.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Annual fee $95

Welcome offer Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel value: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months  worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel  plus up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year

Card type(s) Travel

Ongoing Purchases APR 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries 2x points on all other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases

Benefits Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year

Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a similar annual fee at $95, but you can use and redeem points in many more ways compared to the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. Youll get 5x points on travel shopping through Chase, 3x points on dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services. Plus get 2x points on all other travel shopping and 1x points on everything else. Learn more

American Express Gold Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $325

Welcome offer Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months, plus 20% back on restaurant spending worldwide (up to $100 in statement credits) for new cardmembers through November 6, 2024

Card type(s) Travel, Rewards

Ongoing Purchases APR See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com 2x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com 1x Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month when you pay with your American Express Gold Card at Five Guys, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Wine.com (enrollment required) Up to $100 in annual statement credits ($50 semi-annually) when you use your American Express Gold Card on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants on the Resy app or Resy.com Up to $84 per year ($7/month) in statement credits after using your American Express Gold Card to pay at more than 9,000 Dunkin locations nationwide

Why we like it: With the American Express Gold card, youll earn points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, and points when you book flights through American Express Travel. Youll also get extra American Express perks, including credits for Uber Cash and dining credits. Learn more

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $95

Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Card type(s) Travel

Purchase APR 19.99% - 29.99% variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases

Benefits Receive up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees Receive a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and early check-in at eligible hotels Access Hertz's Five Star membership tier, offering free upgrades, a wider selection of vehicles, and more

Why we like it: If youre just starting out on your traveling rewards journey, the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card might be right for you. Youll earn unlimited 5x miles on hotels and rental cars when you book through Capital One Travel plus unlimited 2x miles on everything else. There are also no foreign transaction fees. Learn more

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Colorado voters face two broad options that seek to tackle soaring property tax valuations  one enacted by lawmakers to cut both residential and commercial assessment rates and another via proposed initiatives to revert taxing levels back to two years ago and then place a hard cap on revenue growth.
The Colorado Springs Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order for an area near Memorial Park Sunday evening.

CSPD asked residents around the area of 600 S. Prospect St. to stay indoors due to police activity related to a wanted person, according to a Peak Alert sent by the department.

Just after 7 p.m., CSPD sent an all clear message to those in the area and lifted the shelter in place.

This is a developing story.
Update: The Colorado Springs Police Department announced on social media on Thursday afternoon that Patience Bristow had been located and is safe.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for community assistance in locating at-risk juvenile, 16-year-old Patience Rose Bristow.

Bristow was reported missing on June 2 and was last seen on the 2600 block of Gobi Drive, in the vicinity of Constitution Avenue and Marksheffel Road.

Bristow is a white female, 56 tall, 140 pounds with long blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and gray hoodie, gray leggings, and black and white shoes, and was carrying a Walmart bag.

Bristow had previously gone missing for a week, being found just on May 30, before now going missing again. According to Colorado Springs police, there are serious concerns about her safety and she requires daily medication.

Anyone with information regarding Bristows whereabouts is encouraged to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000. To remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867), or 1-800-222-8477.
bouldercolorado.gov A new monument to Los Seis de Boulder stands at the corner of 17th Street and Pearl in downtown Boulder.
Dick Wadhams is a former Colorado Republican state chairman who worked for U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong for nine years before managing campaigns for U.S. Sens. Hank Brown and Wayne Allard, and Gov. Bill Owens.
DES MOINES  Iowas primary elections are this week, when voters choose candidates for the general election ballot in November.

While some legislative primary elections are small, low-budget grassroots affairs, others have seen fundraising of tens of thousands of dollars, TV advertising and endorsements from prominent statewide groups.

Candidates in legislative primary races raised more than $620,000 and spent more than $395,000 in the period between Jan. 1 and May 14, according to reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

Five incumbents in the House and two Senate incumbents are facing challenges from within their own party. In the other 15 legislative primary contests, there is no incumbent running or there are multiple candidates running for the chance to challenge an incumbent of the opposite party in the general election.

Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate, and are hoping to grow their majorities in November.

House Speaker Pat Grassley, a Republican from New Hartford, said in a statement the partys candidates have set their focus on fundraising now that the legislative session is over. He said Republicans have strong incumbents in the Des Moines metro that will help them hang on to swing seats.

Were also eager to continue to expand our map by flipping long-held Democratic strongholds across the state and making them solid Republican seats just as weve done in Newton and Fort Dodge, for example, he said.

House Democratic leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights said in a statement that the partys strong fundraising shows that they will expand their numbers in the chamber in November.

Iowans are tired of politics. They are ready for more balance in the Iowa legislature and Iowa House Democrats strong fundraising numbers from people all over the state prove it, Konfrst said.

Tyler Redenbaugh, the executive director of the Senate Democrats Iowa Senate Majority Fund, said Senate Democratic candidates are "more motivated than ever to share their vision with voters this summer and win in November" based on early fundraising numbers.

Senate Republicans spokesperson Caleb Hunter said the caucus's fundraising for the period showed Iowans' support for their decisions.

"Despite currently holding 34 seats in the chamber, multiple pickup opportunities exist across the state, and Senate Republicans are well-positioned to maintain a supermajority in the Iowa Senate in 2024," Hunter said.

Polls will be open for the June 4 primary from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and early voting has already begun. Primary elections will be held for seats in Congress, the Legislature and local offices.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most expensive primaries in the state House and Senate, based on spending by candidates between Jan. 1 and May 14.

Senate District 30

Incumbent Republican Sen. Waylon Brown, of Osage, is facing a primary challenge from Republican Doug Campbell of Mason City in this district that covers Cerro Gordo, Worth and Mitchell counties, and parts of Floyd County. The winner will face Democrat Richard Lorence.

Heres how the fundraising and spending breaks down in the primary race:

Waylon Brown:

Cash on hand before period: $147,848

Raised: $44,197

Spent: $55,613

Cash on hand: $136,432

Doug Campbell:

Cash on hand before period: $0

Raised: $17,861

Spent: $11,746

Cash on hand: $6,114

Campbell is focusing his campaign heavily on opposition to carbon dioxide capture pipelines, which have been proposed to sequester the CO2 emitted at ethanol plants to take advantage of federal tax credits and low-carbon markets.

Summit Carbon Solutions is seeking a permit to build a pipeline that will cross all four counties in the Senate district, and opponents of the pipeline have accused Brown of opposing efforts to stop its construction.

(Brown) wants to put an unconstitutional pipeline through the state of Iowa that has no use at all, Campbell said in a recent campaign video. Your money, tax dollars, for a private company, private gain.

Campbells campaign expenses include consulting, sign printing and text message advertising.

Brown had nearly $150,000 in the bank at the end of last year, and raised another $44,000 during the first four-and-a-half months of this year.

Browns expenditures include TV and digital advertising, text message advertising and mail campaigns.

In television ads, Brown flexes his conservative record. He points to votes for bills that allow Iowa law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants, impose tax cuts and restrict foreign owners of farmland.

When it comes down to it, it takes a conservative to get the job done, he says in an ad titled Conservative Results.

Senate District 38

There is a three-person Republican primary to challenge incumbent Democrat Eric Giddens of Cedar Falls. The district covers parts of Black Hawk, Tama and Benton counties. Heres how fundraising and spending breaks down in the primary:

David Sires:

Cash on hand before period: $0

Raised: $38,049

Spent: $22,547

Cash on hand: $15,501

James McCullagh:

Cash on hand before period: $422

Raised: $27,555

Spent: $18,000

Cash on hand: $9,977

Steve Schmitt:

Cash on hand before period: $0

Raised: $6,805

Spent: $2,961

Cash on hand: $3,844

Sires, 63, a former Cedar Falls City Council member, leads the race in both fundraising and spending. He told the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier in January he wanted to run for Senate to represent Republican values like gun rights, property rights and preventing foreign entities from owning farmland.

When they (the government) take one link out of your chain, your chain gets shorter and shorter, and you dont notice," he said at the time. "These freedoms are slipping away from us, and Im the guy whos not going to tolerate that."

McCullagh, an engineer and entrepreneur, is running a largely self-funded campaign. McCullagh donated $27,002 to his campaign and received $53.13 in individual contributions.

Schmitt, a former Waterloo City Council member, told the Courier in March he wanted to run to focus on the budget and lowering taxes.

Senate District 26

Political newcomers Kara Warme and Gannon Hendrick, both Republicans, are facing off in a primary to represent Senate District 26, which includes Marshall County and parts of Story County.

Sen. Jeff Edler, who currently represents the district, is retiring and will not seek re-election. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Mike Wolfe. Heres how the fundraising in this district breaks down:

Kara Warme:

Raised: $51,133

Spent: $34,248

Cash on hand: $16,884

Gannon Hendrick:

Raised: $24,902

Spent: $6,092

Cash on hand: $18,809

Warme's top expenses include buying ads on Facebook, TV, and mail campaigns. Hendrick's expenses included signs and campaign mailers.

House District 34

Democratic Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad announced his retirement this year after nearly two decades in office, opening up his seat in the heavily Democratic House District 34 in Des Moines.

Four Democrats have jumped into the primary, making this seat the most expensive House primary campaign this year. The winner will face Republican Danielle Duggan. Here is how the fundraising breaks down:

Samy El-Baroudi:

Raised: $15,595

Spent: $14,733

Cash on hand: $861

John Campbell:

Raised: $19,883

Spent: $12,641

Cash on hand: $7,241

Rob Johnson:

Raised: $16,045

Spent: $9,693

Cash on hand: $6,351

Dudley Muhammad:

Raised: $2,817

Spent: $2,663

Cash on hand: $154

Johnson has notched the endorsement of Abdul-Samad and other prominent Des Moines Democrats, including state Auditor Rob Sand, as well as seven state representatives. He is a faith leader and community activist.

El-Baroudi, a teacher and education advocate, says on his campaign website he wants to prioritize education funding and make the district a "beacon of social justice and inclusion."

House District 60

Incumbent Republican Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, of Northwood, is facing a primary challenge from Republican John Rosenfeld in this district that covers Worth, Mitchell and parts of Cerro Gordo and Floyd counties. Heres how the fundraising and spending breaks down:

Jane Bloomingdale:

Cash on hand before period: $101,442

Raised: $40,115

Spent: $21,728

Cash on hand: $119,830

John Rosenfeld:

Cash on hand before period: $0

Raised: $12,370

Spent: $12,132

Cash on hand: $238

Bloomingdale's main expense during the period was more than $15,000 for materials and postage for a mail campaign. She has highlighted endorsements from the Iowa Farm Bureau and National Rifle Association on her social media pages.

Rosenfeld, of Clear Lake, said in a March press release announcing his campaign that he would advocate for property rights, anti-abortion stances, and gun rights. He gave $5,000 to his campaign, and received more than $7,000 in donations. The Family Leader, a conservative Christian political group, has endorsed Rosenfeld.

House District 51

Two Republicans are facing off in a primary to replace outgoing GOP Rep. Dave Deyoe in this district that covers rural Story County. Nevada Mayor Brett Barker and former Story County Supervisor Martin Chitty are running to take on Democrat Ryan Condon in the general election. Heres how the fundraising breaks down:

Brett Barker:

Cash on hand before period: $6,228

Raised: $21,042

Spent: $15,438

Cash on hand: $11,833

Martin Chitty:

Cash on hand before period: $0

Raised: $14,389

Spent: $7,733

Cash on hand: $6,655

Texas elections officials shoulder new burdens to appease ballot-security skeptics Texas elections officials shoulder new burdens to appease ballot-security skeptics Texas elections officials shoulder new burdens to appease ballot-security skeptics
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If youre new to Guam, theres a good chance you dont know of many things to do. The island is known for its beaches, but theres much more to the island. Here are 10 things you must do during your stay where Americas day begins.

Understand Guams role in the WWII Pacific Theatre

After the Japanese Occupation in 1941, Guam became a prized military possession of the United States. The island played an instrumental war in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. To commemorate local servicemen and ensure wartime stories are not forgotten, visit the War in the Pacific Museum! Walking up the steps to the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, smiling volunteers greet you with a Hafa Adai before directing you to a compelling 10-minute movie, The Battle for Guam, presented in four languages. After short museum introductions, you should visit colorful exhibits and interactive artifacts. The museum operates on the latest technology, featuring recordings of gripping personal stories and music from pre- and post-WWII. (website)

Visit an underground historical monument

Imagine living in an underground bamboo hut for more than a quarter of a century. In 1944, Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi hid in the depths of Talofofo to escape capture by American soldiers. In accordance with Japanese nationalism ideals, Yokoi perceived the Americans as enemies and feared to be a prisoner of war. When Talofofo farmers discovered Yokoi in 1972, the sergeant begged to be killed on the spot, only to return to his hometown with a heros welcome. Seven feet underground lies Yokois cave: A small underground room thats three feet high and nine feet long, supported by large bamboo cranes. To see how a man could survive hiding in a cave  only leaving at night to hunt for fish or rats  visit the Talofofo Falls Resort Park.

Climb the worlds tallest mountain

Without oxygen masks or certified training, hikers can easily reach the worlds tallest mountain. Mt. Lam Lam, though only 1332 feet above sea level, measures an additional 36,070 from the bottom of the Marianas Trench. If Mt. Everest were measured from the bottom of the Marianas Trench, the worlds tallest mountain (above land) will still lie submerged 6000 ft. Across from Guams Cetti Bay Overlook, one can reach the summit in about 30 minutes. You can also reach Guams second highest peak  Mt. Jumullong Manglo  on the same trail.

Taste a local favorite: Kelaguen

When visiting a fiesta or a local Chamorro restaurant, one cannot miss out on the prized kelaguen. Featuring chopped chicken or shrimp combined with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, the acclaimed dish serves as either a main dish or, typically, an appetizer. Homemade Chamorro recipes are the tastiest, but the evolution of kelaguen has long since moved from a household favorite to a restaurant top seller. Today kelaguen is served on its own, with red rice, or with cooked corn tortillas.

Learn to cha-cha at Chamorro Village

In the heart of Guams capital, Hagatna, Chamorro Village bustles with energy. Every Wednesday, the village opens up shops and vendors to sell locally sourced jewelry, barbecue and crafts. Under breezy conditions in the main dining hall, Chamorro pluck their guitars and ukuleles while couples twirl and step to the beat of cha-cha music. The cordial greetings of waitresses and vendors will easily put a smile on your face, and if lucky, some of the Polynesian dancers may even select you to perform with them. Learn to cha-cha and see a laid back Guam at Chamorro Village.

Bike up to the popular Two Lovers Point

When two lovers were forcefully separated from their families, they chose to die together rather than risk capture. Few people on the island have never heard of the famous two lovers legend, and even fewer have not visited the iconic cliff line. Featuring tasty smoothies and a romantic canopy atop the cliff, Two Lovers invites families and couples to enjoy sunset dinners and relaxing afternoons. The long routes leading up to the attraction is well-suited for bikers, and the attraction itself is not a disappointment. For couples visiting Guam for a short period of time, make sure to purchase a heart-shaped chain and attach it to one of the rocks adorned with thousands of other love chains. (website)

Watch an exquisite performance at the Sand Castle

Spend a night in plump, lavishly designed seats in Sand Castle. As performers move to the rhythms of soft classical music and intense hip-hop, viewers are taken to a nighttime show you might see in Las Vegas. Acrobats perform daring tricks  right above your heads  before magicians play with large, fearsome tigers. Sit in a $40 million theatre voted the best tourist attraction by the Guam Visitors Bureau and squeal in delight as you enjoy an elegant dinner!

Snap a selfie in the Latte Stone Park

In ancient times, Chamorros built their huts on latte stone pillars. The stable stone structures represent formed an integral construction in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. When eight, natural megalithic monuments were restored in the Latte Stone Park, the location became a must-see attraction for tourists and locals. Today students visit the park on Chamorro studies or as the third stop on the Hagatna Heritage Walking Trail. While youre at the latte stone park, dont forget to snap a selfie in the center of the eight latte stones!

Ride a boat to Cocos Island

Since youve already arrived on Guam, you might as well travel to a nearby island. Cocos Island features a day resort, meaning guests cannot stay overnight. Customers arrive at the resort via a scheduled boat ride and spend a day sunbathing or participating in beachside activities varying from parasailing to snorkeling. Tickets to Cocos include a basic meal (nothing fancy), and though the resort is not luxurious in any sense, the islands water is fresh and clear. Cocos is also famous for its wide variety of bird species, and its beaches are very clean.

Learn to weave a coconut basket at Gef Pago

In elementary school, Gef Pago was a must-see field trip site. The culture village reflects Guam during the 1940s and 1950s. Elder Chamorros demonstrate Chamorro arts and crafts, and storytellers teach Chamorro legends. Its not very common to see people speak standard Chamorro language, but at Gef Pago, Chamorro language is heard often. Elders also teach you how to make coconut candy, and since coconut trees adorn Guams beaches, making fresh candy and coconut juice is very easy. You also learn to make hand woven rope and bowls out of tree bark. Travel to the times of Guam in the mid-1900s in the village of Inarajan.
Xi calls for firm cultural commitment

09:40, June 03, 2024 By Xu Wei and Du Juan ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Zhang Heshan starts his day before dawn, scaling the rugged terrain near his village in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province  a seemingly ordinary routine that the 69-year-old has gone to extraordinary lengths to follow for the past 46 years.

His destination is a 6-kilometer stretch of the Great Wall, where he spends hours meticulously inspecting 23 ancient watchtowers and removing any weeds or waste that could threaten the integrity of the structure.

For Zhang, this daily ritual is a labor of love and a mission for preservation. He has also gone the extra mile to collect folk tales about the Great Wall and has detailed them in two books.

He is one of the tens of thousands of rangers and volunteers dedicated to preserving this iconic monument in China, and their contributions have won recognition from President Xi Jinping, as the nation ramps up its drive for cultural preservation and development.

Last month, Xi wrote back to the residents of Shixia village in Beijing's Yanqing district, who are committed to protecting the Great Wall and carrying forward its culture, just like Zhang.

The president underscored the Great Wall's role as "a symbol of the Chinese nation and an important emblem of Chinese civilization", embodying the spirit of unyielding perseverance and patriotic unity, while encouraging its guardians to pass down "this precious heritage left by our ancestors for generations to come".

One year ago, Xi made a clarion call for action as he presided over a high-level symposium on cultural inheritance and development, expounding on the need to firm up confidence among the Chinese people in their history and culture.

He highlighted the need to use Chinese wisdom to summarize the Chinese experience and transform it into Chinese theory, in order to develop an independent cultural mindset, while underlining the importance of shouldering new cultural missions and building a modern Chinese civilization.

Zhang Zhiqiang, dean of the Institute of Philosophy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that Xi has elevated cultural development to an unprecedented position in China's national governance  a move that has also reinvigorated the role of traditional culture in national governance and education.

This unprecedented emphasis will entail the creative transformation and innovative development of China's outstanding traditional culture, he said on Sunday at a symposium held at the Chinese Academy of History.

Nationwide, people in general are embracing the revival of traditional culture.

China's museums recorded a historic 1.29 billion visits in 2023, with over 40,000 exhibitions and more than 380,000 educational activities held over the past year.

Archaeological endeavors have yielded remarkable discoveries, unveiling ancient treasures that shed light on China's historical depth and maritime legacy. Two shipwrecks that were found by archaeologists deep in the South China Sea in October once served as witnesses to commercial and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Wang Wei, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and director of its history department, said in a recent interview that Chinese civilization is the only ancient civilization in the world that has continued uninterrupted to this day.

"Archaeological discoveries enable the public to gain a deeper understanding of the splendor of Chinese civilization and its contributions to human civilization, drawing wisdom from the past to navigate the future," Wang said.

Meanwhile, the protection of the Great Wall, which spans 15 provincial-level regions across China, received a significant boost as the central government rolled out an initiative in 2019 to develop a thematic national cultural park.

Modern technologies are now used to empower conservation efforts. In Beijing's Huairou district, researchers are using drones and data analytics to monitor and protect the structure.

Zhang, the ranger, now has over 400,000 followers on his social media platforms, where he regularly shares videos of him patrolling the Great Wall. He is also frequently invited to share his insights into Great Wall culture at official symposiums and to tell his stories on TV programs.

"For me, beyond guarding the physical structure of the Great Wall, there are countless stories to uncover and a wealth of culture to explore. This is a lifelong endeavor," he said.

Wang Ru contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The combination of stage and screen is a popular way of enjoying performing arts, which can be shared by audiences around the globe. For the same price as going to a movie, audiences can enjoy theatrical productions from around the world instead of taking a flight to London or Paris, or waiting for the shows to tour their hometowns.

From the end of April through June, 10 HD recordings of China's recent top stage and dance productions are appearing for the first time in the United Kingdom, touring cities including London, Edinburgh, Cambridge and Liverpool.

The project Global Stage on Screen opened with the HD UK premiere screening in London of the National Ballet of China's version of Giselle  an all-time favorite for ballet fans  on April 29.

In 1960, the National Ballet of China staged its first performance of the romantic classic Giselle, which has since been regarded as one of its three founding repertoires.

With Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, as the production's director and producer, this version of Giselle features Qiu Yunting, the principal dancer of the Chinese ballet company playing the lead role, a young and innocent peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a Duke, played by dancer Wu Sicong, who hides his royal identity from her.

When Giselle discovers she has been deceived, she is driven to madness and dies of a broken heart.

Other highlights include Writing in Water by Stan Lai, the director and scriptwriter of the Chinese theatrical production.

Featuring actor He Jiong as He Shi and actress Huang Yici, it follows the extraordinary journey of He Shi, a man who comes back to Hong Kong after his studies in the UK to start the Happyology Program. He hopes that he can introduce a richer, spiritual fulfillment to people. However, he feels discouraged by his business partners, who have their minds set solely on profit.

He Shi comes across a mysterious little girl  played by Huang  when he's about to inherit an old beach house from his late mother. Together with the little girl, He Shi embarks on a spiritual journey that enables him to experience life on an unimaginable level.

Principle by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre and Uncle Vanya, a Chinese stage adaptation of the classic play of the same title by Anton Chekhov, by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, will also be screened during the tour.

Sacrifice, a classic Peking Opera, featuring actress Wang Peiyu, is also listed on the screening program, which will introduce the 200-year-old art form, Peking Opera, or jingju, to audiences in the UK.

Wang, a star of the modern Peking Opera stage, known for her solid performing techniques and vivid portrayal of male roles, plays the role of Cheng Ying, who sacrifices his baby son to replace the only survivor and heir of a persecuted family. Cheng then raises the heir as his own, only to reveal the truth when the young man grows up and seeks revenge.

Set in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Sacrifice is based on the classic Chinese tragedy The Orphan of Zhao.

"Many of these are well-known Western classics with an Eastern interpretation, and some of these are original stories that are less familiar to local audiences. We hope that this program will offer audiences in the UK a glimpse of China's top performing arts," says Li Congzhou, CEO of Beijing-headquartered ATW Culture, who co-initiated Global Stage on Screen along with UK-China Film Collab, a UK NGO for the research, practice and creation of "modern film diplomacy".

"We selected the Peking Opera Sacrifice, which is based on the 1947 version performed by the celebrated Peking Opera actress Meng Xiaodong (1908-77), who was known for her command of male roles," Li says.

In the 1947 version, Meng played the role of Cheng Ying and when Wang interpreted the role, she paid tribute to Meng, Li adds.

"Everything onstage, from the performance, singing and live band to stage presentation, was exactly the same as the 1947 version," Li says. "For some audiences in the UK, the screening of Sacrifice may be their first experience with Peking Opera."

Besides theaters in the UK, the screenings are also shown at universities there, Li adds.

"We selected the content together with our partner ATW, hoping to combine content that showcases the tradition of Chinese stage art and its modern standard, as well as Chinese interpretations of Western classics," says Hiu Man Chan, founder and executive director of UK-China Film Collab.

"We believe that soft power is about demonstrating an open attitude to world arts and culture. The program we selected is truly international," Chan says.

The live theater broadcast has witnessed a phenomenal rise in China since 2015, when ATW Culture first introduced the novel cinematic experience that appeals to both cinema lovers and theatergoers.

By the end of August 2023, the company has collaborated with nearly 30 art institutions including National Theatre Live, the Royal Opera House and Comedie-Francaise, distributing over 250 productions of dramas, operas and dances, covering 69 cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Taipei in Taiwan and Hong Kong, attracting over 800,000 audiences.

On May 21, the company announced its 10th season of live theater screenings, which will feature 36 theatrical productions from countries including France, Russia, Japan and the UK.

One of the highlights is the National Theatre's production Nye starring Michael Sheen, which is the 100th National Theatre live play since it launched its program of digital cinema broadcasts, known as National Theatre Live (NT Live), in 2009.

With this year marking the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, productions by Comedie-Francaise will be screened in China, including two of Moliere's classic comedies  The Bourgeois Gentleman and The Impostures of Scapin.

The screenings also feature four art documentaries, including Titian: The Empire of Color, which explores the life and work of Tiziano Vecellio, one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance, and Borromini and Bernini: The Challenge for Perfection, which is the story of an architectural revolution and the famous rivalry between Francesco Borromini (1599-1667) and Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680).

Besides theater screenings, audiences can also enjoy these productions online.
A celebration of life service for Helena-based Historian Ellen Baumler will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in the Montana Capitol Rotunda.

The public may attend.

Baumler was the states first interpretive historian at the Montana Historical Society, beginning in 1992. She dedicated herself to the job for 26 years, making significant contributions to Montana history, including writing more than 1,600 interpretive signs for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

She also was well known for delivering thousands of programs statewide, to everyone from grade school children to retirees; researching and writing countless articles; and publishing best-selling books including Montana Moments and Spirit Tailings. She also was renowned for her cemetery tours and ghost stories.

Baumler, who held a Ph.D. in medieval history, received awards including the Montana Governors Humanities Award in 2011; the Peter Yegen Jr. Award from the Montana Association of Museums in 2017; and the Outstanding Service to Historic Preservation in Montana award and the Montana Heritage Keeper award, both in 2023.

Baumler, 74, died on Dec. 16.

For more information, contact Mark Baumler at mbaum406@gmail.com
China's TV drama directors gathered on May 28 in Beijing to explore industry trends and the future development of the sector as part of the 2024 Television Directors Conference.

Director Zheng Xiaolong, president of the China Television Director Committee under the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, speaks during a forum held at the 2024 Television Directors Conference in Beijing, May 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Television Director Committee]

The inaugural Television Directors Conference, co-sponsored by the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations and Henan Broadcasting System, was organized by the China Television Director Committee under the federation, with support from entities like The Beijing News.

The China Television Director Committee, founded in 2008, boasts 552 directors from both the TV and online series sectors. This conference is the first major gathering after the COVID-19 pandemic and a celebration of recent achievements in TV drama creation.

Fan Weiping, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, said in his opening speech that he hopes directors would continue to focus on a new journey to achieve national rejuvenation, create new chapters with their work and promote the positive and healthy development of China's television drama industry.

Liu Wenfeng, director of the art division for the TV drama department of the National Radio and Television Administration, stated that the 2024 Television Directors Conference marks a new journey for the television drama industry. He hopes that directors will adopt a broad historical perspective, a broad cultural perspective and a broad era perspective when creating new series. In the creation and production of television dramas, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that people are participants and beneficiaries.

Director Zheng Xiaolong, 71, president of the China Television Director Committee, called the conference a great platform for exchange between directors. "We have been through rains and storms, and we help and support each other. It's warm, and it's like a beautiful big family. Let's continue to move forward together in the future."

How to tell a good Chinese story was a topic discussed at an industry forum during the conference. For Zheng, who directed such series as "Stories from the Editorial Board" (1991), "A Native of Beijing in New York" (1992) and "Empresses in the Palace" (2011), a high-quality TV drama should first possess spiritual connotations, reflecting the Zeitgeist, which is the soul of a good work. He also voiced that directors must always adhere to their original aspirations. "We must still adhere to our ideals; otherwise, the ones who will ultimately suffer are ourselves. We are engaged in artistic creation, not just earning money for a living."

Zheng added that if directors are unsure what to create, they should explore life itself for inspiration, as it always provides ideas for creative content. "Social reality is our best material," he concluded.

Yang Lei, the director of "Three-Body," a recently popular Chinese sci-fi series, discussed his thoughts on creating science fiction series. "There's a misconception that sci-fi should mimic American blockbusters. In reality, Western sci-fi utilizes the genre to depict their own history. We should find our own key within our culture. 'Sci-fi' is a new method for telling traditional stories. Our sci-fi works should be linked to Chinese civilization and history, with their own intrinsic significance."

Additionally, executives and experts from Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku also discussed topics such as the use of new technologies in TV drama creation and directorial innovations. During the conference, Yang Beibei, deputy head of Beijing's Chaoyang district government, also recommended 102 locations in the district suitable for filming various TV series, including Sanlitun, the China World Trade Center and Beijing Olympic Park.

Directors pose with award plaques of the "Director of the Year" award during a gala at the 2024 Television Directors Conference in Beijing, May 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Television Director Committee]

The 2024 Television Directors Conference concluded with a gala where various awards were presented to directors, actors and behind-the-scenes crew. Notably, the "Director of the Year" award was handed out to five directors: Xu Jizhou, Yan Jiangang, Yang Lei, Kang Honglei and Yang Yang. A total of 14 TV productions were named "TV Series of the Year," including "Three-Body," "The Knockout," "A Long Way Home," "Imperfect Victim" and "The Heart."
GUEST OPINION: The Australian cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. As cloud adoption soars, propelled by Australia's global leadership in this domain, organisations face a pressing need to fortify their digital defences against a relentless wave of cyberthreats.

In this dynamic environment, two key security pillars have emerged: the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools. Understanding these pillars and their strategic integration is paramount for Australian organisations seeking to safeguard their sensitive data and maintain a robust security posture.

CVE: A standardised approach to vulnerability identification

The CVE Program serves as the bedrock for vulnerability identification and management across the globe. This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the MITRE Corporation, meticulously catalogues publicly known vulnerabilities in software and hardware components.

Each vulnerability is assigned a unique CVE identifier, creating a standardised language for security professionals. This approach streamlines communication, enabling organisations to swiftly identify and prioritise patching efforts for relevant vulnerabilities.

A recent report by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) underscores the critical importance of staying ahead of the curve. The report pinpoints Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228) and ProxyLogon (CVE-2021-26855) as the most exploited vulnerabilities in the past year, collectively responsible for a staggering 29% of all CVE-related incidents.

This stark reality emphasises the imperative for Australian organisations to actively leverage the CVE Program to identify and prioritise mitigation strategies for vulnerabilities posing the greatest threat.

SIEM: Real-time threat monitoring and response

Building upon the vulnerability intelligence gleaned from the CVE Program, SIEM tools empower security teams with an invaluable asset: real-time threat monitoring and response capabilities.

SIEM acts as a central hub, seamlessly aggregating security logs from diverse sources across an organisation's network, including cloud environments, on-premises infrastructure, and applications. This consolidated view empowers security teams to detect anomalies and suspicious activity in real-time, enabling a proactive approach to threat hunting and incident response.

Furthermore, SIEM solutions can be integrated with Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms. This potent combination unlocks the power of automation, streamlining response workflows and minimising the time it takes to neutralise threats. By expediting the response cycle, organisations can significantly reduce the potential impact of a security breach.

Aligning with the Australian Cyber Security Strategy

Australia's recently unveiled 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy charts a clear path for organisations to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. This comprehensive strategy emphasises the paramount importance of the ASD's Essential Eight, a well-established set of mitigation strategies proven to significantly bolster cybersecurity posture.

The Essential Eight aligns seamlessly with international standards like ISO 27001, providing a robust framework for organisations to tailor their security strategies to their specific needs.

A well-implemented SIEM solution plays a pivotal role in achieving compliance with the Essential Eight and other security frameworks. By consolidating and normalising logs from diverse environments, SIEM empowers security teams to effectively monitor and enforce the Essential Eight controls.

This comprehensive approach ensures organisations not only adhere to national cybersecurity benchmarks but also implement tailored defence mechanisms for enhanced protection.

The unique challenge of securing the cloud

Australia's global leadership in cloud adoption presents both challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity professionals.

As organisations increasingly migrate to cloud and hybrid environments, securing these dynamic infrastructures becomes imperative. Legacy security solutions often struggle to adapt to the intricacies of the cloud, demanding innovative approaches.

The strategic integration of the CVE Program and SIEM tools empowers Australian organisations to thrive within the dynamic and expansive cloud landscape.

By leveraging the standardised vulnerability identification offered by the CVE Program and harnessing the real-time threat monitoring and response capabilities of SIEM, organisations can fortify their cybersecurity posture, ensuring the continued success of Australia's digital transformation journey.

As Australia leads the way in cloud adoption, it is equally crucial to ensure that our cybersecurity measures keep pace, safeguarding the nation's digital frontier in the face of evolving threats.
(Nagaragawa Railway)

Gujo Hachiman is a little onsen town, tucked away into the mountains of Gifu. Known for their summer Obondori dances, and its pristine, fresh water. It wouldnt be a surprise to learn that two rivers run through the town. The Kodara River joins the Yoshida River, before flowing into the Nagara River  one of the three great rivers of the Kiso. To get to Gujo Hachiman by public transport, the best (and most scenic) way is with the Nagaragawa Railway.

The Nagaragawa Railway is a quaint, little, sightseeing train, built in the style reminiscent of the 1920s Taisho era streetcars. There are 3 different kinds of trains on the Nagaragawa Railway; the Morigo (No. 1), the Ayugo (No. 2), and the Kawakaze (No. 3).

(View from the Nagaragawa Railway) (The Nagaragawa Railway follows along the Nagara river) (The gleaming emerald water amidst the mountains is an awe inspiring sight)

All of the trains are single-car trains, and its bold, red exterior makes it easy to spot in any season. The interior of the train is made with wood from the forests of Gifu, and seating in the train is in the style of booths  much like an old-school diner, with bespoke wooden tables that lie in between the seats. Bar counter seating lines some of the windows, too, making it the ultimate spot for sightseeing. Drinks and small snacks can also be purchased at the service counter on board. The three trains differ slightly in design and style, but the interiors of all services conjure a sense of wonder and nostalgia at the quaint, and well-maintained environment inside the cabins.

The trains route follows the course of the Nagara River as it cuts through the mountain passes, dividing the valley in which Gujo Hachiman sits. You can get some magnificent views of the mountains and the clear, gleaming rivers. There is a special service train (which runs three times a day in the summers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), there is a guided tour on the train into the mountain passes. This special train pauses at the most scenic points of the journey, letting tourists take in the view of the valley and the gleaming Nagara river.

As these trains are small compared to the full sized, 10-carriage varieties that we see regularly, it takes a little luck and some nimbleness to hurry aboard when you spot one at Mino-ota Station.

GETTING THERE

The Nagaragawa Railway begins its journey from Mino-Ota Station in Gifu. If youre getting there from Nagoya Station, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to JR Gifu Station. Switch platforms for the JR Takayama line, and alight after 7 stops at Mino-Ota station. Tap out, and follow signs for the Nagaragawa Tetsudo station. The journey from Nagoya Station to Mino-Ota station takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Tickets for the Nagaragawa Railway can only be bought at a little manned booth on the platform, or from the conductor before the train leaves the station. Reservations for the tourist train can also be made in advance by telephone to the railway company.

Call the Nagara Tourist Train Reservation Center ( +81 575-46-8021). For more information about the Nagaragawa Railway, please visit their website at http://www.nagatetsu.co.jp/. The website is also offered in English and Chinese in addition to Japanese.

Japan Travel
Way before 5 a.m. people eager to cast a vote for the Mexican presidential election began to form a line outside the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. By noon, thousands of people took over South Ashland Avenue, forcing police to close off streets and set up barricades to control the lines.

For the first time, Mexican nationals could cast a vote in person at consular offices around the world, in a historic election where the country is set to elect its first woman president. Voters will decide whether Claudia Sheinbaum, aligned with the left-wing party Morena, or Xochitl Galvez, with the center-right party PAN, will succeed Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist and creator of the Morena movement.

With only nine voting booths at the Mexican Consulate, the process was lengthy and frustrating for some in Chicago  some waiting more than 10 hours  but they were excited and committed to voting.

For some Mexican immigrants, the opportunity to vote in person from Chicago encouraged them to vote, many for the first time ever. Others said electing the first female president inspired them to wait in line despite the lack of coordination.

We want to vote, we want to vote, dozens chanted as the lines stalled and the sun hit their faces. While 1,317 Mexican nationals registered to vote in person in Chicago, there were only 1,500 available electronic ballots on a first-come, first-served basis for those who did not register but who had a valid Mexican voters identification card, according to the National Electoral Institute, or INE.

In all, 10,560 Mexicans in the Chicago area registered to vote in person, online and through the mail, making Chicago the city with the second-highest number of Mexican nationals registered to vote in the United States, said Eduardo Puga of the National Electoral Institute.

The latest census data indicates that 1 in 5 Chicagoans identify as Mexican. People from all over the Chicago area, suburbs and nearby states who did not register traveled to the Mexican Consulate in Chicago hoping to get a chance to access one of the 1,500 electronic ballots. Hundreds were expected to be left out.

They (INE) underestimated our power, our presence in Chicago, said Edith Cortez, who is from Guerrero, Mexico. She has been living in Wood Dale for 34 years, but one day she wants to return to Mexico, she said. Though she was frustrated after more than six hours waiting in line to vote, she refused to leave.

It makes me proud to see so many Mexicans here willing to vote, Cortez said. This shows how hungry we are for a change in our country; we must unite, after all, weve been forced out of our country into the United States by former politicians.

A woman president opens the door to create a domino effect of changes in a country that has been so deeply correlated with a macho culture, Cortez said.

We are progressing, regardless of which candidate wins, were going in the right direction, she said, referring to Sheinbaum, who has remained the front-runner for the majority of the campaign, and her opponent, Xochitl Galvez. A third, less popular candidate, Jorge Alvarez Maynez of Citizens Movement, is also running.

Voters will also have a say in nine gubernatorial races, including the states of Chiapas, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatan and Mexico City, 128 senators of the republic, and all 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies.

Lopez Obrador, a populist colloquially known as AMLO, finishes his term as one of the most popular and controversial leaders in modern history after taking the reins from established major parties in Mexico.

Sheinbaum, a scientist and former Mexico City mayor, is representing Morena, the countrys current ruling party. Her opponent, Galvez, is a former senator representing a coalition of the National Action Party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the Party of the Democratic Revolution.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue current policies of expanding social programs for the countrys low-income and working class. Meanwhile, Galvez has promised to quell violence and corruption, harshly criticizing AMLOs failed policies to stop cartel violence.

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 Mexicos electoral agency and expand the militarys responsibilities in civilian life have eroded Mexican democracy. The opposition has responded with large protests.

Lopez Obrador is considered Sheinbaums mentor, and if she is elected, it would cement his legacy and show that his Morena party can survive beyond his presidency.

After waiting in line for more than six hours, two brothers, Daniel Pena Salgado, 77, and Angel Pena Salgado, 83, gave up and stepped out of the line.

We are disappointed, said Angel Pena Salgado. We vote for every single election; its important to vote, its our responsibility. The two, however, did not register and could no longer handle waiting in line without eating or sitting down.

Daniel Pena Salgado, who prefers Sheinbaum, said he was looking forward to seeing a woman in power in Mexico. This is the year of the woman, he said.

I have faith that everything will work out, said Angel Pena Salgado.

Unlike the two brothers, Juana Salgado, 77 and her son Carlos Salmeron, 55, were able to vote after waiting in line for a little over eight hours. They drove from Blue Island and were in line by 5 a.m. To them, a woman president in Mexico sets a role model for the rest of the world because gender shouldnt matter to determine a persons capability to lead, Salgado said.

Salgado said that she votes in every presidential election, and she wanted to make sure to be a part of history.

We deserve it, we work hard, Salgado said. Es una chulada.

Its beautiful.

Many Mexican nationals living in Chicago have deep roots in Mexico. Most have family living in Mexico and religiously send money back home, forming part of the more than $63 billion in remittances sent to Mexico in 2023  with most of the money arriving from the United States  according to Banxico, Mexicos central bank.

They say voting is a way of honoring their roots and protecting their capital because they intend to go back or live in both the United States and Mexico. For those who are undocumented and cannot travel back to Mexico, voting gives them a say in the future of the country they love, where they send money and a place they still consider home.

Several members of the Illinois Latino Caucus traveled to Mexico City to attend a watch party for Sheinbaum after members of her team invited them.

State Sen. Karina Villa said the candidates team had been working to get people in the Chicago area to go out and vote.

North America is having the first-ever female president, and that is really significant. This is electrifying, Villa said on a phone call from Mexico.

Villa, whose parents were Mexican immigrants, said of the winner: They must take a look at the folks living in the U.S.

The number of people that showed up to vote today shows the power of Mexicans in Chicago, she said.

The power Villa refers to is in numbers and money, she said. Mexico is the United States No. 1 trading partner, said Jaime di Paulo, who is president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

So the business conversation is very important and how each candidate plans to deal with it, Di Paulo said.

To Di Paulo, Galvez is the candidate who has provided more information about how to improve trade or support small-business relationships between the two countries.

But having the first Mexican woman president is the most exciting part of this years elections for Di Paulo.

That is going to shut a lot of people down in terms of labeling Mexico a machista culture. I think that Mexico is doing the right thing, whoever wins, Di Paulo said. Its a proud day to be Mexican, Mexican American.

By 7 p.m., the lines still wrapped around the blocks that surrounded the Mexican Consulate even though voting had been closed. Some registered voters had waited more than 12 hours and did not get to vote. Angry and defeated, some started leaving the grounds.
A thirtysomething Winston-Salem couple have started making wine cocktails, inspired by their year of living abroad.

McCabe Galloway and Kiernan Heine, who are married, launched Holiday sparkling wine cocktails in November, and they are now available in dozens of stores throughout the Triad and Triangle.

Holiday makes three preservative-free cocktails that consist of sauvignon blanc flavored with fresh fruit juices, herbs and other natural ingredients.

Galloway, who was born and raised in Winston-Salem, works in marketing, and Heine just left a software tech job to devote his time to Holiday. The two met years ago in New York and lived for a while in Chicago before settling in Winston-Salem.

During the pandemic, they dreamed about traveling again to Amsterdam, a place they had enjoyed visiting during a pre-COVID-19 vacation.

In 2022, when COVID-19 travel restrictions eased, they worked out their jobs so they could work from Europe and bought two one-way tickets to Amsterdam. They lived there a year and made time to travel from there to France and other parts of Europe.

Theres a really interesting wine scene in Amsterdam, Heine said. Its become one of the wine capitals of Europe. People from all over Europe move there. And we spent a lot of time traveling around France and the Mediterranean.

We just fell in love with aperitivo culture, Galloway said. Thats the tradition of friends meeting up for a pre-dinner drink.

Thats when they started to notice the European fondness for wine cocktails.

In Europe, they discovered that a lot of these drinks were fizzy wine cocktails. While still in Amsterdam, they started making some at home just for fun.

We thought it would be fun to experiment on our own, Heine said. So, in Amsterdam, wed go to the market down the street, buy all kinds of fruit and make different wine cocktails.

When they got back home, they noticed that there werent a lot of products like this  at least ones made with fresh fruit and no preservatives. At the same time, they noticed that Americans are now buying all kinds of pre-mixed alcoholic beverages.

We were seeing this category hadnt gotten craft  but theres no reason why you cant have a mixed beverage thats really high quality, Heine said.

They enlisted David Bowen, co-owner of easytalk bar in Winston-Salem and a former N.C. Mixologist of the Year, to help them develop the cocktails.

Holiday sells three different cocktails, all in standard 750-ml wine bottles. The bottles sell for about $27, depending on the retailer.

Holiday also has begun selling kegs to restaurants and bars.

Holiday Website: https://www.drinkholiday.com Instagram: @drink_holiday Triad retail locations: Buies Market, easytalk, Stella Brewa, West Salem Public House, Acadia Foods, Little Pep, Campus Gas, Brouwerij DuBois, Boutique Wines in Winston-Salem; Brewers Kettle in Clemmons and Kernersville; Beer Co., Bestway and The Tasting Room in Greensboro.

All three varieties start with the same base: sauvignon blanc sourced from a sustainable winery in Washington.

The Al Fresco features fresh cantaloupe juice and basil. The Rendezvous has fresh strawberry juice and mint. The Discoteca has fresh watermelon juice and a little kick from serrano chiles.

All are lightly carbonated, and all clock in at 10.5% alcohol, so they are mostly wine but with just enough fruit juice to make them light and refreshing.

Were going to launch two new cocktails in the fall and then one for the holidays, Galloway said. At least one of those will be a sparkling red.

Right now, Holiday makes all of its cocktails in the former Canteen commercial kitchen downtown, then takes them to Bull City Ciderworks in Lexington for bottling.

They are now sold in about two dozen locations in the Triad and Triangle. And this month they are beginning distribution that can put their cocktails all over North Carolina and South Carolina.

The reception to both the brand and the product has been amazing, Galloway said. People are loving these as a pre-dinner, get-the-night-going drink, or as a mimosa alternative.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has asserted that China is open to dialogues to properly resolve trade frictions with the European Union (EU), and will take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese-funded enterprises in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday local time.

His remarks came in response to the EU's recent intensive probes into Chinese products including electric vehicles, railway locomotives, as well as equipment used for photovoltaics, wind power generation, security inspections, and healthcare.

Such investigations were conducted under false pretexts such as Chinese overcapacity and unfair competition, and involved discriminatory use of trade remedies, international procurement instruments, and foreign subsidy regulations, Wang said. These moves are increasing the risk of having escalated China-EU trade frictions, he added.

Leaders of France, Germany, and the EU have repeatedly vowed to avoid a trade war, expressing support for a rules-based multilateral trade system and an equitable environment for competition.

The legitimate concerns of China and EU should be addressed to prevent further escalations of trade frictions, Wang said, emphasizing that China will take all necessary measures to protect its companies' rights and interests if the EU fails to act on its words and continues its oppression.

During the meeting, the commerce minister also called for heightened efforts to facilitate investment and trade between China and Spain.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Chinese companies involved in finance, manufacturing, green energy, and transportation in Spain, along with members of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU.
Tucson, Arizona, icon Linda Ronstadt lost her capacity to speak and hear after a second bout of COVID earlier this year.

With the help of therapy and attentive, around-the-clock care, the legendary songstress has regained her speech, she recently told a high school classmate who checked in with her ahead of their 60th reunion at Catalina High School.

Though Ronstadt has regained her speech, she said her hearing loss may be permanent.

Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. She had a breakout hit "Different Drum" with The Stone Poneys before embarking on a successful solo career. She retired from performing in 2011 and later revealed she is no longer able to sing due to Parkinson's disease.

With Ronstadts permission, her classmate has also shared with the Arizona Daily Star how they met as teens, why Ronstadt didnt graduate with the 1964 Catalina High School class and how the two have kept in contact over the years. Read more in the following story:
Lestina Saul-Merdassi still remembers the question she asked herself when her cousin went missing.

Will someone in power try to find him? Will anyone?

Her cousin, Merle Saul, is one of an estimated 4,200 unsolved cases of missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives nationally, as reported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

I feel like he was basically written off as a transient, written off because he suffered from alcohol-related issues, said Saul-Merdassi, an Omaha resident and member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate Tribe, during a 2023 legislative hearing.

In 2019, the Nebraska Legislature sought to better understand the reason behind the disproportionate number of missing Indigenous women and children in the state. Lawmakers directed the Nebraska State Patrol to investigate and produce recommendations to address the issue.

Five years later, few of those recommendations have been implemented. And the number of reported cases of missing Indigenous people in Nebraska has jumped from 23 in 2020 to 43 in 2024.

Law enforcement, state officials and activists offered a range of explanations for the rise in reported cases and seeming inaction on the reports recommendations.

Better counting and awareness could be behind part of the increase in known cases, the patrol said.

Leadership changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, historical distrust and coordination challenges among law enforcement agencies have complicated progress, the reports authors said.

Progress is not as fast as I would always like it to be, but I do believe that we are making progress, said Judi gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe and director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, which worked with the patrol on the report.

The report, released in 2020, put Nebraska at the forefront of states on the issue of missing Native people. At the time it was only the second state in the country to mandate a report investigating these disparities.

Other states undertook similar investigations and acted on their recommendations. Nebraska, for the most part, has not.

When I look at the finished project and everything that I learned from it, it's one of the things I'm most proud of, but at the same time, it's also one of my biggest failures because we didn't see it through, said former Capt. Matt Sutter, who led the report for the patrol.

A need for action

When lawmakers passed their bill in 2019 (LB154), Native women and girls in Nebraska were reported missing at one of the highest rates in the country.

A 2018 analysis by the Urban Indian Health Institute indicated that 10% of Native missing persons cases reported across 71 cities in the U.S. originated from Omaha and Lincoln.

"We needed somebody to do something, recalled Omaha Tribe member Renee Sans Souci, one of the founding members of Native Womens Task Force of Nebraska, a grassroots group dedicated to raising awareness about the issue.

The report produced by LB154 identified three primary issues: jurisdictional uncertainty; lack of communication between law enforcement agencies; and racial misclassification of missing people.

And it identified contributing factors: poverty, high rates of domestic abuse, high levels of substance abuse and geographic isolation in some Native communities.

Sans Souci already knew this.

Months before the report was released, Sans Soucis niece, Ashlea Aldrich, 29, was found dead in a field near her boyfriends house. The family told the Sioux City Journal that they had made dozens of calls to tribal police over the years with concerns about possible domestic violence against Aldrich, but said nothing was done.

We have to be our own detectives, our own attorneys, and often its the families who have to search for their missing loved ones, Sans Souci said. My sister has to live with that every day.

Four years after Aldrichs death, activists said uncertainty and a lack of trust persist.

I believe some of that could go back to colonization and the U.S. Cavalry, and how they violated our people, our women and our rights, Saul-Merdassi said.

Investigating missing Native person cases often boils down to a complicated turf battle between law enforcement agencies, said Sen. Tom Brewer, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe who introduced the 2019 bill.

Report fails to spur immediate change

The report ultimately recommended the patrol take nine measures, including forming a separate law enforcement task force for missing persons and establishing a standardized policy for reporting missing persons.

The task force was never formed. A statewide standardized policy for reporting missing people has yet to be adopted by individual agencies across the state. But the patrol says progress is happening in other ways.

The report also recommended recruiting more Natives to the patrol. Just one Native applicant has been accepted out of 22 who applied since 2019, according to the patrol.

The report encouraged tribal and non-tribal law enforcement agencies to enter into memorandums of understanding. Law enforcement agencies have entered into zero MOUs for reporting missing people since the report.

We have not (talked with tribal law enforcement) nor have we been invited, as far as I know, to any committee meetings. But really the beginning of this is collaboration and regular contact with tribal law enforcement," said Col. John Bolduc, who heads the State Patrol.

Many of the larger issues are not unique to Nebraska. Disparities in how missing persons cases are reported and handled by different police agencies pose significant challenges across the country, according to a 2022 FBI report.

The Nebraska report found that 31% of the 51 responding law enforcement agencies didnt have a clear policy on how cases should be reported.

There were a lot of ways we could have seriously improved the problem by not doing a lot other than communicating better, knowing who's who and (who) to call, said Sutter, who was reassigned after the report was published and later fired from the patrol for releasing confidential information unrelated to the report.

The patrol did adopt several recommendations, including one on cultural awareness training for its troopers, before the report was finalized.

Bolduc said the patrol is committed to making progress. He pointed to the agencys involvement with the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force and the Siouxland Safe Trails Task Force  a partnership established in 2021 between the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and other law enforcement agencies to help solve serious crimes on reservations.

The Nebraska State Patrol was the very first agency to step up and offer a full-time Task Force officer  So I think that's very indicative of the willingness to work together, said Kevin Hall, a supervisory special agent with the FBI who oversees Siouxland.

From January through November 2023, the task force helped locate five children, according to Hall.

Bolduc said the jump in missing Native people reflects more accurate reporting  the patrol has stressed the importance of including race in missing persons reports.

We need better collaboration, communication, and data collection. And I think we're making progress toward those, Bolduc said. I'll let you know when we've arrived, but I don't think we're there yet.

Problem is bigger than law enforcement

Advocates say law enforcement alone cant solve the problems at the root of so many people going missing.

The blame isn't just all about law enforcement, it's about the humanity in the inhumanity of what's happening in our state with our Native people, gaiashkibos said.

Natives nationally face significantly higher crime victimization rates compared to non-Natives, with nearly 58% of Native women reporting lifetime violence, according to the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs collaborated on the report and made some commitments itself to address these underlying issues, including creating a task force and full-time staff position and pursuing legislation to mandate the use of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System by Nebraska law enforcement agencies.

Like the patrol, the commission acknowledged it had not acted on every recommendation, but said progress has been made in other ways.

Last year, the commission helped spearhead legislation creating a missing Indigenous persons liaison in the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office.

In October, Grace Johnson of the Oglala Sioux Tribe was appointed to the post. Her exact duties and responsibilities have yet to be finalized, the AGs Office said in a statement.

Since starting the position, Johnson said she has helped find 10 missing people in Nebraska. She regularly meets with liaisons in similar roles around the country, she said.

Nebraska report became a model

Action on the report has been slow, but the process of creating it has become known nationally as the Nebraska model.

But other states have moved beyond the initial probe.

Washington, the first state to mandate a report on missing Indigenous people, established a specialized unit within the state police to handle cases.

In Minnesota, the state created the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office.

Brewer said some of the Nebraska reports recommendations put too much responsibility on the patrol, including some that should have been shared with tribal law enforcement agencies.

Tribal law enforcement officials did not respond to numerous emails and phone calls seeking comment.

Activists say they have noticed some positive change since the 2019 law, particularly increased awareness. Saul-Merdassi said the patrol has been inclusive over the past year, inviting community advocates to quarterly meetings, including Johnson.

They talk about crime and human trafficking trends, but little about underlying risk factors in Indigenous communities, she said. Saul-Merdassi remains engaged on the issue. She helped organize an event in early May to recognize and honor missing relatives.

We can do all the things that make this movement public or known, Saul-Merdassi said. But it's the families who suffer because they're still dealing with the loss of their loved one.

This article was produced as part of the Deepe Family funded spring 2024 in-depth reporting course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. The course focused on the issue of missing and/or murdered marginalized women in Nebraska. This story was edited by Flatwater Free Press staff.

PhotoFiles: Native American rallies in Nebraska Steps of the Courthouse Gordon Rally Student Support Native American Protests Meeting in the governor's office Purification Ceremony Native American Rally March at the State Capitol Gathering at the Capitol University Students Support Meeting at Fort Robinson American Indian Movement Red Arm Band A Call For Peace March to the Capitol in 1973
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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Hong Kong students get off the C919 jetliner at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, east China, June 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A C919 jet that is part of China Eastern Airlines' fleet launched its first overseas commercial chartered flight on Saturday, making the carrier the first to provide round-trip service between Shanghai and Hong Kong using a domestically made passenger aircraft, according to official sources.



China Eastern Airlines, the first international carrier to purchase a C919, operated the flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday morning and made the return trip that afternoon, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The passengers on the return flight included over 120 Hong Kong students who are participating in a seven-week internship program in Shanghai, the airline said.

Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, expressed support and gratitude to China Eastern for transporting the students.

A flight demonstration of the C919 was performed last year in Hong Kong, which inspired a wave of aviation passion and deeply impressed Hong Kong youth, said Chan, who made a speech during a ceremony marking the flight's takeoff at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday.

The C919 flew over scenic Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong in December, giving visitors on the waterfront a glimpse of the aircraft. The jet celebrated the first anniversary of its commercial operation on Tuesday.

People pose for a group photo in front of a C919 jetliner after its arrival at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, east China, June 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China Eastern, which is based in Shanghai, received its sixth C919 jet on May 27 from manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, or COMAC.



Over the past year, its five other C919 jets have been used in 2,181 commercial flights and have accumulated a total of 6,090 hours of commercial operation, safely handling about 300,000 passenger trips as of May 27.

"As a new aircraft model, it has taken quite a long time for the C919 to grow into a well-recognized and sophisticated one in the industry," said Qi Qi, an associate professor at Guangzhou Civil Aviation College.

"To reach the long-term goal of breaking the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus, the C919 needs to fly domestically and globally to win market recognition, develop its fleet, gain consumer confidence and strengthen its production and supply chain."

According to Zhu Rui, chief technology officer of aviation data and solution service provider Vari-Flight, C919 aircraft have flown to six major airports in cities on the Chinese mainland over the past year, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Xi'an in Shaanxi province.
The unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last week in National Rifle Association v. Vullo represents a needed breath of fresh air in a First Amendment atmosphere that has lately been heavy with suffocating arguments for punishing speech. Moreover, the fascinating concurrence by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson offers hints about the big social media cases everyone is awaiting.

The NRA sued Maria Vullo  then the head of New Yorks Department of Financial Services  for allegedly violating the organizations First Amendment rights. The group claimed Vullo used her power to pressure financial firms such as Lloyd's of London not to administer or underwrite insurance policies the NRA offered to its members. According to the complaint, Vullo took this action because she disagreed with the NRAs politics.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit dismissed the action, finding no constitutional violation. Last week, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court. If the allegations of the complaint are true, wrote Justice Sotomayor for a unanimous court, the regulatory pressure violated the First Amendment. The case was sent back for trial.

Fundamental to the courts logic are two propositions: First, government officials cannot discriminate against an entity based on that entitys views. Second, what those officials cannot do directly they also cannot do indirectly, by pressuring third parties to punish that entity.

Did the defendant commit that second sin? Lower courts will have to decide that now. But Justice Sotomayors opinion abounds with quotations from Vullo: Lloyds could avoid liability for [unrelated] infractions if it aided DFSs campaign against gun groups by terminating its business relationships with them. And Vullo allegedly said she would be less interested in pursuing the infractions ... so long as Lloyds ceased providing insurance to gun groups, especially the NRA.

The courts unanimous conclusion: One can reasonably infer from the complaint that Vullo coerced DFS-regulated entities to cut their ties with the NRA to stifle the NRAs gun-promotion advocacy and advance her views on gun control.

The justices didnt rule that civil servants cant hold or express views on public issues. Rather, those civil servants cant use their official powers to punish people or groups with different views. Nor can civil servants pressure third parties to punish those with whom they disagree.

Heres another way to understand Justice Sotomayors point. According to the complaint, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo took a victory lap after Lloyds caved, telling the press: The NRA is an extremist organization. I urge companies in New York State to revisit any ties they have to the NRA and consider their reputations, and responsibility to the public. Just take out NRA and put in Black Lives Matter or Planned Parenthood and the viewpoint discrimination becomes obvious.

The case should never have arisen. Its hornbook First Amendment law that the government cant coerce third parties to act against those whose views officials dont like. That so many political figures seem unable to comprehend this is ... troubling. The rule isnt exactly new. The leading precedent on the subject, Bantam Books v. Sullivan, dates from 1963.

All of which leads us to Justice Jacksons concurrence  the opinion that contains what might be hints about the pending social media decisions. Those cases concern allegations the government pressured social media companies to reduce the reach of conservative voices.

Jackson draws an important distinction between two kinds of government coercion involving third parties. Vullo represents the first kind. Of the second, she writes: Coercing an entity in the business of disseminating speech to stop disseminating someone elses speech obviously implicates the First Amendment. Its easy to see how that could apply to the social media cases  leaving government officials little in the way of defense.

Possibly Jackson is going out of her way to make this point to signal her position in those cases. Or maybe Im trying too hard to read the tea leaves. Well find out soon enough.

Either way, Im heartened not only by the outcome in Vullo, but by the Supreme Courts unanimity. The NRA, whether one agrees with its positions or not, is entitled to try to prove that New York sought to punish it for its politics. At the heart of the First Amendments Free Speech Clause, Sotomayor writes, is the recognition that viewpoint discrimination is uniquely harmful to a free and democratic society.

Thats a sentiment we should all be cheering. Government officials are always free to criticize. What they cant do is use their powers to launch frontal attacks on fundamental principles of democracy.
The 2024 Forum on China Digital Economy Development and Rule of Law opens in Beijing on June 1, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]



China's rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the legal implications of the technology were the focus of the 2024 Forum on China Digital Economy Development and Rule of Law, held in Beijing on Saturday.

Peng Sen, president of the China Society of Economic Reform, highlighted generative AI as the forefront of new quality productive forces, stressing its reliance on big data, large models, and substantial computing power. He emphasized the importance of vigorously developing the digital economy to drive this digital revolution.

Gan Zangchun, vice president of the China Law Society, underscored the importance of pursuing legal reforms to match the digital era and AI development. He stressed that AI development should focus on positive outcomes. Companies designing AI systems and training large-scale models must consider human values and moral guidelines, ensuring AI aligns with human expectations through legal means.

Fang Xin, professor at the School of Public Policy and Management at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed the dual-edged nature of AI. According to the 2024 AI Index from Stanford University, 61.1% of the world's AI patents originated from China in 2022. China's core AI industry has now exceeded 500 billion yuan ($70 billion), with over 4,500 enterprises. However, AI presents global challenges, such as data leakage and infringement of rights.

Fang noted China's recent legal measures, including laws governing cybersecurity and data security, but pointed out the lack of a comprehensive AI legislative framework. She recommended timely enactment and continuous refinement of laws and regulations to provide clearer and more stable regulatory guidance, facilitating high-quality AI development through efficient governance.

Shen Weixing, professor at the School of Law of Tsinghua University and director of the university's Institute for Studies on Artificial Intelligence and Law, proposed suggestions for AI legislation in China after studying the European Union's AI Act adopted this year and analyzing other foreign AI legislations. The suggestions include delineating the boundaries of responsibility in AI governance and overcoming the constraints on AI development.

The forum also unveiled 10 major influential events in 2023 concerning China's digital economy development and rule of law, including a plan for China's digital development released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council and a landmark ruling by the Beijing Internet Court on a copyright infringement dispute involving generative AI software, the first case of its kind ruled in China.

Guests from courts and top universities shared perspectives on challenges the legal system faces in the era of AI and the corresponding responses, as well as human-machine interaction and AI governance.

The forum was co-hosted by the China Reform Foundation, China Legal Exchange Foundation, and a research center for technology and law at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, attracting around 280 attendees.
On 1 June Chiles Presidentdelivered his third state-of-the-nation report to congress in Valparaiso.

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Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the preparatory work for the upcoming 2024 national college entrance examination at the Beijing Education Examinations Authority in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2024. Ding on Sunday inspected preparatory work for the exam, also known as Gaokao. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has urged all-out efforts to support the upcoming 2024 national college entrance examination and take due responsibilities to ensure it is smooth and fair.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday inspected preparatory work for the exam, also known as Gaokao, which usually kicks off on June 7 each year.

At a Beijing middle school exam site, Ding learned about the exam room arrangement, waiting-for-exam management as well as related services. He also had talks with the staff members working in the monitoring, broadcasting and exam rooms.

He acknowledged their hard work. Also on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Ding extended sincere greetings and gratitude to all those working to ensure that everything linked to the exam proceeds as planned.

Noting that the number of students registering for this year's Gaokao hit a record high, Ding urged meticulous services in terms of traffic control and heatstroke prevention as well as combating noise and ensuring accommodation hygiene, with an aim to create a sound and comfortable exam environment.

At the Beijing Education Examinations Authority, Ding stressed that fairness and safety are the lifeline of Gaokao, asking for strict confidentiality management and crackdown on exam fraud.

Data from the education ministry show that 13.42 million students have registered for China's 2024 national college entrance examination, an increase of 510,000 students from last year. Gaokao is considered the most important exam in China.
Princess Diana is considered a style icon for a reason, as her images are often copied, and certain outfits of royals are surprisingly similar to those worn by the former wife of King Charles III. Thus, over the 7 years of actress Meghan Markle's marriage to Prince Harry, the artist's wardrobe has accumulated a lot of clothes that are surprisingly similar to her mother-in-law's style.

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They are both considered quite elegant in fashion. And although they have never met in person in their lives due to Princess Diana's early death, their styles of dressing are surprisingly similar from time to time. Hello! drew attention to one of Meghan Markle's last looks during her scandalous trip to Nigeria, which was a direct reference to the late royal.

White jeans and loafers

At the end of her visit to Nigeria in May this year, Meghan Markle decided to wear white jeans, sandy loafers and a blazer of the same color instead of open dresses. Princess Diana also wore an identical look, but with a grayer jacket.

Red dress with thin straps

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In 1995, at Katherine Walker's party in Argentina, the princess wore a bright red dress with thin straps that connected at the neck, and in 2021, her daughter-in-law chose a similar look, but with a deeper neckline, for the red carpet in New York.

White sheath dress

These white dresses of royalty differ only in length and additional snake pockets on Princess Diana.

Long dark dress with sequins

In 1990, the ex-wife of Charles III decided to shock the public with a tight-fitting bottle-green dress and an emerald choker and earrings. In 2019, Meghan Markle, while pregnant with her son Archie, tried to wear a similar tight-fitting outfit with blue sequins.

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Emerald coat

During her pregnancy in 2019, Meghan Markle appeared in front of the public in an emerald two-piece suit consisting of a dress and a coat with splashes of dark green. While carrying Prince William, the princess flaunted a lighter-colored coat, but added a hat to it.

Red long dress

Another red dress unites these two royals. Although they are not identical, the shade and length of both are the same.

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Owners of a short nail plate often get complex because of the difficulty of creating a variety of designs without extending long nails, so to relieve this pain, there is an Italian manicure technique that will visually increase the length. It will not be difficult to perform, but the result will be incredible.

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Italian manicure has one nuance - it requires a monochromatic coating or a jacket. It is unlikely to be possible to create this with a bright design. According to British Vogue, you need to apply colored varnish so that it is much longer than wide.

"You should get as close as possible to the cuticle without touching the skin, then draw a vertical line of the nail, leaving a small gap between the edge of the nail wall and the gel," explained nail technician Alexandra Teleki.

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Interestingly, the classic French manicure will not help to visually lengthen the nail. Teleki explains that the Italian technique "starts about halfway up the nail on both the left and right to form a 'U' shape.

Nail technician Sonya Mish tells InStyle that this style of manicure is best combined with dark or rich shades of varnish so that the effect is noticeable and does not merge with the natural nail plate.

To create "Italian" nails, you first need to push the corner as far as possible so that you can use the entire application area. When applying a colored coating, it is important to avoid the edges along the width, namely those that round the nail.

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"So just paint the middle part of the nail and make sure there is a tiny space between the two sides of the nail plate. This creates the illusion of a longer and narrower nail," says nail technician Hang Nguyen.

However, Italian manicure has one downside. Nail technician Metta Francis explains: "When the nail starts to grow, if you don't regularly lubricate it with cuticle oil, the sides can start to look untidy. With this extra space, a person may also be tempted to pick or tear off the nail polish."

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Chinas determined climate commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak carbon emissions by 2030 marks a significant turning point in the global fight against climate change. By declaring its intent to meet these targets independently, China is signaling a robust and self-reliant approach to environmental sustainability that could serve as a model for other nations.

Driving this commitment are stringent climate policies being actively implemented across major municipalities and provinces such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. These regions are leading the charge with comprehensive strategies for green, low-carbon development, emphasizing technological innovation and the integration of sustainable practices across various industries. This shift towards carbon neutrality reflects a profound transformation in Chinas economic growth model, one that prioritizes environmental stewardship alongside economic development.

Renewable energy is at the heart of this transformation, experiencing rapid and unprecedented growth within China. This surge is creating a ripple effect across various market sectors, spurring advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage solutions and other cutting-edge technologies. The expansion of renewable energy not only bolsters Chinas energy security but also positions it as a frontrunner in the global green economy.

At the corporate level, Chinese businesses across manufacturing, construction and logistics are embracing this green revolution. Companies are increasingly integrating solar panels, adopting electric vehicle fleets and implementing a wide range of clean energy practices. This transition is driven by a combination of government policies and market incentives, with both state-owned and private enterprises proactively setting and meeting challenging emission reduction targets. This dynamic reflects Chinas evolving energy landscape, shaped by national and local government priorities, market transformations, significant investments in the energy sector and the implementation of carbon tax schemes.

Chinese suppliers are also excelling within the global supply chain, particularly in innovation, production efficiency and emissions reduction. Many suppliers have already established stringent climate reduction targets and actively participate in industry-wide collaborations. For example, the UNFCCC China groups initiative in the apparel industry highlights how Chinese suppliers are leading the charge in sustainability. Global companies and buyers can leverage these suppliers commitments to continuous improvement, robust investments and dedication to low-carbon practices, thereby enhancing their own sustainability efforts.

Chinas 30/60 decarbonization goalreaching a carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060places significant emphasis on the role of finance in facilitating the green and low-carbon transition. The country has developed a multi-tiered green finance market system, with green loans and bonds ranking among the highest globally. This financial framework is supported by top-down government policies and bottom-up local initiatives, such as the carbon trading market and green finance pilot zones.

Over the past decade, these efforts have spurred rapid growth in green industries. Notably, BYD, a Chinese company, has surpassed Tesla to become the worlds best-selling brand of electric vehicles. Additionally, Chinas share of renewable energy capacity, primarily from solar, wind and hydro sources, now constitutes about 50 percent of its total generation capacity. In 2023, the clean energy sector accounted for 40 percent of Chinas GDP growth, highlighting the significant economic benefits of the green transition.

Chinas success in green finance initiatives is a testament to its commitment to sustainable development. Green finance pilot zones and the carbon trading market are pivotal in directing investments towards green projects, fostering innovation and driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. These initiatives demonstrate how financial mechanisms can be effectively leveraged to support environmental goals.

Nevertheless, Chinas journey towards carbon neutrality is fraught with challenges. The country must balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensure energy security while reducing carbon emissions, and foster innovation in green technologies. Despite these hurdles, the progress made thus far is promising and sets a strong foundation for achieving the 2060 carbon neutrality goal.

Chinas approach to integrating environmental sustainability with economic development offers valuable lessons for the global community. By prioritizing technological innovation, embracing green finance and fostering a culture of sustainability, China is paving the way for a greener future. The countrys efforts underscore the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, involving government policies, corporate actions and community engagement.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, Chinas example offers hope and direction, demonstrating that with determination, innovation and collaboration, a sustainable future is within reach.

Qaiser Nawab*, China Daily

*Qaiser Nawab is a president of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and a dynamic Global Climate Youth Leader, and hasplayed an active role in the proceedings of COP- 26, 27, 28 and 29.
The citys education bureau has ordered the under-scrutiny Portuguese School of Macau (EPM) to check its deployment of staff complies with labor laws and its contracts with teachers.

This comes as controversy hit the school after the termination of contracts of 12 teachers, sparking shock and indignation among the faculty, parents and the Portuguese community, though EPMs director has rejected claims of a restructuring process and has cited management reasons for the decision.

In a press statement yesterday, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) said that it has been in continuous communication with the school.

The statement comes after the bureau visited the school late last week.

The bureau understands that the Portuguese School regularly communicates with the Ministry of Education of Portugal regarding the arrangement of staff assignments, the bureau said.

The DSEDJ will continue to monitor the implementation of the schools curriculum and the allocation of teachers to ensure that they meet the requirements in terms of the number of courses and the necessary qualifications, with particular emphasis on the approval of teaching personnel qualifications.

Every year, there is normal staff mobility in schools due to retirements and transfers and schools hire suitable teaching staff according to their development and needs.

The DSEDJ said all private schools must comply with relevant laws and guidelines when hiring or arranging staff. Before the start of the new school year, the bureau conducts a strict review to ensure schools have enough teachers.

Last week, school management called EPM teachers to a personal meeting where they were told their employment relationship with the school would be renewed.

The school ended the contracts of three teachers in the Portuguese department. All three hold permanent resident cards and are in Macau under a special license from Portugal.
Irans hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registered yesterday as a possible candidate for the presidential election, seeking to regain the countrys top political position after a helicopter crash killed the nations president.

The populist former leaders registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In office, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was barred by authorities.

The firebrand, Holocaust-questioning politicians return comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program, its arming of Russia in its war on Ukraine and its wide-reaching crackdowns on dissent. Meanwhile, Irans support of militia proxy forces throughout the wider Mideast have been in increased focus as Yemens Houthi rebels attack ships in the Red Sea over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Ahmadinejad is the most prominent candidate to register so far. Speaking after his registration, he vowed to seek constructive engagement with the world and improved economic relations with all nations.

The economic, political, cultural and security problems are beyond the situation in 2013, Ahmadinejad said, referring to the year he left the presidency after two terms.

After speaking to journalists in front of a bank of 50-odd microphones, Ahmadinejad said, his finger in the air: Long live the spring, long live Iran!

Before his arrival at Irans Interior Ministry, his supporters chanted and waved Iranian flags. They quickly surrounded Ahmadinejad, 67, shouting: God is the greatest!

He descended the stairs at the ministry, showing his passport as is custom to dozens of photographers and video journalists on hand for the registration process. As a woman processed his candidacy, he sat, turned to the journalists, nodding and smiling for the cameras. He was expected to give remarks after concluding his registration.

An election is planned June 28 to replace Khameneis hard-line protege President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May along with seven other people.

Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, a conservative with strong ties to Irans former relatively moderate President Hassan Rouhani, has already registered, as has former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, who also ran in 2021.

Who else will seek to run remains in question. The countrys acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, previously a behind-the-scenes bureaucrat, could be the front runner because he has already been seen meeting with Khamenei. Also discussed as a possible aspirant is former reformist President Mohammad Khatami, but, as with Ahmadinejad, whether he would be allowed to run is another question.

The five-day registration period will close on Tuesday, and the Guardian Council is expected to issue its final list of candidates within 10 days. That will allow for a shortened two-week campaign before the vote in late June.

Ahmadinejad previously served two four-year terms from 2005 to 2013. Under Iranian law, he became eligible to run again after four years out of office, but he remains a polarizing figure even among fellow hard-liners. His disputed re-election in 2009 sparked massive Green Movement protests and a sweeping crackdown in which thousands of people were detained and dozens were killed.

Abroad, he became a caricature of Western perceptions of the Islamic Republics worst attribute, questioning the Holocaust, insisting Iran had no gay or lesbian citizens and hinting Iran could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so.

But Ahmadinejad remains popular among the poor for his populist efforts and home-building programs. Since leaving office, hes raised his profile via social media and written widely publicized letters to world leaders. Hes also criticized government corruption, though his own administration faced graft allegations and two of his former vice presidents were jailed.

Khamenei warned Ahmadinejad in 2017 that his standing for office again would be a polarized situation that would be harmful for the county. Khamenei said nothing during Ahmadinejads 2021 attempt, when his candidacy was rejected by the 12-member Guardian Council, a panel of clerics and jurists ultimately overseen by Khamenei. That panel has never accepted a woman or anyone calling for radical change to the countrys governance.

That panel could reject Ahmadinejad again. However, the race to replace Raisi has yet to draw a candidate with clear, overwhelming support from Khamenei. JON GAMBRELL, DUBAI, MDT/AP
Chinese artist Ren Zhe is showcasing a diverse body of work that seamlessly uses Chinas rich cultural heritage in his current exhibition at MGM Cotai.

The collection includes a wide range of mediums, from striking sculptures depicting iconic figures like Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms period, to contemporary furniture, lifestyle products and fashion designs.

Ren Zhe, a graduate from Tsinghua University in the Academy of Fine Arts and member of the GBA Top Talent Scheme, has previously held other art exhibitions and has recently seen his work gain fame from collectors in the Asian and international auction art markets.

His exhibition includes nine sculptures of classic characters from Jin Yongs martial arts novels, 11 sculptures from Rens iconic Warrior series, numerous manuscripts and prints, a series of home decor products and a selection of neo-Chinese apparel.

The overall goal is to create contemporary expressions and interpretations of traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics, to make them relevant and accessible in modern life and daily living, the artist said in a media interview.

Intertwined with the art pieces are the artists forays into the world of lifestyle and fashion. The ARTI_DIVINE home decor brand, which the artist serves as art director, showcases a range of products that seamlessly blend traditional Chinese elements with modern design.

From tea sets to wine collections, the brand aims to redefine the contemporary Chinese lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the countrys rich cultural legacy.

The artists venture into the fashion industry with the RE_DIVINE brand further exemplifies their holistic approach to integrating Chinese aesthetics and values into all facets of life.

We also hope that in the future life, we will be related to beauty everywhere, said the artist.

At the same time, the beauty is not only visual, but is also the beauty of thought, civilization and culture, he added, underscoring the deeper significance behind their creative endeavors. The fashion collection aims to capture the spirit of revered literary and martial arts traditions, offering stylish menswear and womenswear infused with subtle Chinese influences.

When we wear clothes, were not just looking at fabric and tailoring, the artist said. Were expressing a deeper cultural ethos  the traditions, values and sense of identity that these designs represent.

Meanwhile, speaking at the opening ceremony, Pansy Ho, chairperson and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, We aspire to not only promote traditional Chinese culture to locals and tourists through Ren Zhes contemporary sculptural works, but also to inject commercial elements into the local art scene. Howard Tong
MGM is committed to fostering scientific education among Macaus youth. Following the two-year cooperation agreement inked last year with the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macau (MAPST), MGM rolls out the MGM Youth Popular Science series events this year. One of its flagship initiatives is the Macau Space Dream Project (Project)  co-launched with the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), the Nations first-grade academic institution of aerospace. The Project, themed on aerospace technology, not only marks CSAs maiden science education event in Macau, but also Macaus first education series of space science designed exclusively for local youth through a three-pronged approach of Learning, Practice & Research. This project is also designed to strengthen local youths practical abilities in science and technology with the aim to cultivate future leaders in this field, and thus further contribute to Macaus 1+4 development and inject young vitality into the Nations high-tech progress.

The Project is comprised of two programs, one is the Macau Youth Creative Design Competition of Space Experiment for Form 1 to 5 high school students, which is designed based on 2024 International Space Science and Scientific Payload Competition (ISSSP 2024). Prior to the competition, young participants can receive precious and systematic training taught by national-level aerospace experts. After the training, each participating team has to submit a creative space experiment design to a panel of judges composed of CSA experts and professionals of Macaus technology sectors for evaluation. Selected teams will have the opportunity to conduct research on the International Moon Day in Harbin this summer, while the champion will represent Macau to compete at the ISSSP 2024 held in Hong Kong this August.

Another program is Call from Deep Space Experiential Camp for Primary 5 to 6 students. This immersive one-day experiential camp enables participants to learn aeronautical theories and hands-on knowledge from an interactive script game. It includes workshops such as making and launching water rockets, as well as assembling satellite models, allowing students to learn and practice science through fun. Distinguished participants will be able to join an in-depth study tour of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai this November.

Apart from the Project, MGM will continue to support other science-focused educational events hosted by MAPST, where the Company will share its expertise in science application within integrated resorts, providing participating students with a deeper knowledge of technology through real-life case studies to improve their overall scientific literacy. These initiatives are under the MGM Youth Popular Science series.

MGM

Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau

E info@mgmchina.com.mo

W http://www.mgm.mo/
After China's Chang'e-6 touched down on the far side of the moon Sunday morning to collect samples, foreign scientists participating in the mission expressed their excitement and thanks for taking their scientific instruments to the moon.

The Chang'e-6 mission carried four payloads developed through international cooperation, providing more opportunities for global scientists and merging human expertise in space exploration.

Scientific instruments from France, Italy and the European Space Agency (ESA)/Sweden are aboard the Chang'e-6 lander.

"Thank China so much for taking us to the moon," Sylvestre Maurice, a French astronomer from the University of Toulouse, said after he watched the landing process in a control room at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Sunday.

"Today's landing is absolutely amazing. It's hard to land on a planet, and it's very hard especially on the moon. Don't think it's easy. Remember it's on the far side of the moon where we cannot see. And China had even to put another relay satellite to watch the landing. They landed right where they wanted to. So it's quite an achievement, something we've been looking for so many years," said Maurice.

Supported by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, the lander-ascender combination of the Chang'e-6 probe successfully landed at the designated landing area at 6:23 a.m. (Beijing Time) in the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, according to the China National Space Administration.

"The far side of the moon is very unique. The South Pole-Aitken Basin is a huge basin. There was an impact long time ago to remove most of the crust, so we might have landed as close as possible to the mantle of the moon," Maurice said.

"As planetary scientists, the best thing we can dream of is to have samples in our lab. Nothing is better than having samples here, where we can study them and really go into the details of the story of the moon," said Maurice.

He mentioned that French scientists have got the lunar sample returned by the Chang'e-5 mission and would carry out research on it.

"We were very lucky to collaborate with China on different projects including the Chang'e lunar program and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission," he added.

Mathieu Grialou, a representative from the French space agency CNES, said Chang'e-6 will be the first mission to bring back samples from the far side of the moon. "We are very thrilled to be a small part of this very big mission."

"We are very happy to cooperate with China on this mission as China is now a big player in space," Grialou said. "It's great that we can contribute together to a better knowledge of the moon and our solar system."

A scientific instrument named Detection of Outgassing RadoN (DORN), developed by French scientists and onboard the lander of Chang'e-6, will detect radon isotopes and study the transmission and diffusion mechanisms of volatile compounds in the lunar environment.

Witnessing the landing of Chang'e-6, Pierre-Yves Meslin, principal investigator of DORN from France, said, "We have been thinking about this moment for years and even more intensely for the last few months and weeks and days. We were almost watching at the moon every night here in Beijing."

"We are very glad to be on the surface of the moon. Our instrument will start working. Now the pressure will be on us to succeed in our measurements," Meslin said.

He said the objective of the instrument is to study the origin and dynamics of the lunar exosphere. It will try to measure a radioactive gas called radon that is produced by lunar rocks in the lunar interior. "This gas might migrate from the warm regions of the moon to the cold regions of the moon, and we will try to understand its dynamics in the lunar environment. It will be the first time to measure it on the surface of the moon."

He mentioned that his team had a short time to develop the instrument, with only 3.5 years. "The schedule was very tight but we succeeded with the help of our Chinese partners."

"It's always good to share ideas with the different countries, which allows us to move forward to enrich our knowledge. As Europeans, we don't have the capacity to deploy our instruments on the surface of the moon yet. So we rely on international partners. China is now one of the most reliable partners that can safely land on the moon, as we have one more proof today," said Meslin.

Patrick Pinet, a scientist at the University of Toulouse, said Chang'e-6's landing seems smooth and easy, but it relies on a very heavy job and high skills. "And we're very impressed by what was achieved by China this time again."

"It's a very moving time for me," he said, noting that when he was 10 years old, he watched Neil Armstrong's landing on the moon on TV, and today it is his first experience of witnessing a landing on the far side of the moon in a control room in China. "It's 55 years later, and a lot of things have evolved through time."

"We really expect to have some success with this mission and with the next ones to come," he added.

The lander of the Chang'e-6 spacecraft also carried an instrument, called Negative Ions on the Lunar Surface (NILS), developed by the ESA/Sweden to the moon, which will be used to detect negative ions and study the interaction between plasma and the lunar surface.

Neil Melville-Kenney, NILS technical officer of the ESA, said the CNSA's initiative to invite international partners to participate in the Chang'e-6 mission is very much appreciated by the international community.

"It's a very impressive mission, a very ambitious mission. So we are very pleased to be a part of it. And the collaboration has gone very smoothly. Now we are waiting for the payload to be turned on so that we can get our first data," he said.

"It's very important to have international cooperation for space exploration. I think space exploration encourages us to consider our planet as one and our people as one. And it's important that we work together as we start to explore the solar system more and more. Together we can achieve greater things," he added.
Michael Dunlop made history Saturday afternoon (L.T.) at the Isle of Man Tourism Trophy (TT) Races with his 26th win in the multi-race event.

With this win at the Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1, Dunlop equaled the record of his uncle, Joey Dunlop, which stood for 24 years.

Michaels win, in the first of several races in this major event of the Road Racing calendar, opens the door for a potential record-breaking year at the TT.

But his win was not easy. He had to overcome the efforts of two heavyweights of the Macau Grand Prix, former contenders Dean Harrison and Davey Todd.

Harrison led the race in the early stages but gradually dropped to third.

Todd, who finished last Novembers Macau GP second behind Peter Hickman, also came second in this race, behind Dunlop who crossed the finish line some 8.5 seconds faster.

Last years winner of the Macau event, Hickman, finished in eighth position.

Besides equaling his uncle Joeys win, Dunlop also achieve his 12th Supersport category win and his 40th podium finish at the TT.

The last time Harrison raced in Macau was in 2017.

Dunlop made his only appearance in the Guia Circuit in 2011 in the company of his brother William following in the steps of their father Robert who won in 1989.

The TT continues until Saturday (June 8) with the much-awaited Milwaukee Senior TT Race.

Many names familiar from the Macau race will contend, as the TT is known to be the competition where local organizers recruit racers who will in November participate in the local racing event.
Chinas defense minister yesterday acknowledged the importance of newly renewed military-to-military communications with the United States as tensions escalate in the Asia-Pacific, while at the same time accusing Washington of causing the friction with its support for Taiwan and the Philippines.

We will not allow anyone to bring geopolitical conflicts or any war, whether hot or cold, into our region, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun told the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore through a translator.

We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region, he added.

China has been increasingly assertive in pressing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, a key global shipping route, which has led to a growing number of conflicts, most notably with the Philippines, whose ships have been rammed by Chinese vessels and hit with water cannons.

Dong insisted that Chinas strategic culture is anchored in universal love and non-aggression, before threatening the Philippines, which has grown rapidly pro-American since the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022.

Since territorial hostilities with China surged last year in the South China Sea, Marcos Jr.s administration has taken steps to forge new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed a larger U.S. military presence in more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact.

Dong accused the Philippines of deliberately provoking China, emboldened by outside powers.

China has recognized great restraint in the face of such infringements and provocations, he said. But there is a limit to our restraint.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said that American support for the Philippines was ironclad and praised Marcos Friday speech at the forum as a powerful statement about how the Philippines is standing up for its sovereign rights under international law.

Austin also stressed the significance of renewing military-to-military communications between China and the U.S. to avoid misperceptions and prevent miscalculations.

There are a number of things that can happen at sea or in the air, we recognize that, he said. But our goal is to make sure that we dont allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily.

Dong is a former naval commander who was appointed in late December after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, was abruptly removed from office.

Dong met with Austin on Friday on the sidelines of the Singapore forum, which were the first in-person talks between top Chinese and American defense officials since contacts between the two countries militaries broke down in 2022 after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, infuriating Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must come under its control, by force if necessary.

The U.S., like most countries, does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Washington is Taiwans biggest provider of military hardware and congressional delegations regularly visit Taiwans leaders.

Dong said China remains open to exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. military, but added this requires efforts from both sides.

He accused the U.S. of emboldening Taiwans new government, which refuses to accept Beijings insistence that the island is part of China, of pursuing separation in an incremental way.

We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds, he said. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction. DAVID RISING, SINGAPORE, MDT/AP
Narendra Modi swept to power a decade ago on promises to transform Indias economy, and it would be hard to argue he hasnt made strides. As he seeks a third term as prime minister, the countrys economic growth is the envy of the world, its stock markets are booming, and new buildings and highways are popping up everywhere.

There are cracks in the facade, though, that his political challengers hope to benefit from, including high unemployment, persistent poverty and the sense that only a small portion of Indias 1.4 billion people has been able to cash in on the good fortune.

You have a booming economy for people higher up on the socioeconomic ladder, but people lower down are really struggling, said Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party have remained popular since he was first elected prime minister in 2014 on a strident Hindu-first platform and pledges to succeed where past governments had failed by finally transforming the economy from rural to industrial.

He promised to clamp down on deeply rooted corruption and to leverage the countrys manpower advantage to turn it into a manufacturing powerhouse. While campaigning this spring  the six-week-long election concludes Saturday  Modi has vowed to make Indias economy the worlds third-largest, trailing only those of the U.S. and China. Votes will be counted Tuesday.

Modi has had successes. The economy is growing by 7% and more than 500 million Indians have opened bank accounts during his tenure  a big step toward formalizing an economy where many jobs are still off the books and untaxed. His administration has also poured billions of dollars into the countrys creaky infrastructure to lure investment, and notably streamlined its vast welfare program, which serves around 60% of the population and which his party is leveraging to try to win over poor and disillusioned voters.

Despite these advances, though, Modis economic policies have failed to generate employment that moves people from low-paying, precarious work to secure, salaried jobs. With inequality, joblessness and underemployment soaring, theyve become central themes of the election.

Even as Indias millionaires multiply, nearly 90% of its working-age population earns less than the countrys average annual income of around $2,770, according to a World Inequality Lab study. The top 1% own more than 40% of the countrys wealth, while the bottom 50% own just above 6%, the study found.

To stem economic discontent, Modi and the BJP are hoping to win over poor and disgruntled voters with more than $400 billion in welfare subsidies and cash transfers.

At the heart of their welfare agenda is a free ration program, which serves 800 million people. It existed under the previous government and is a right under Indias National Food Security Act. But it was greatly expanded during the pandemic to provide grain for free, instead of just cheap, and then extended for another five years beginning in January.

Through roughly 300 programs, hundreds of millions have received household goods ranging from cooking gas cylinders to free toilets. Millions of homes have been built for the poor, who now have greater access to piped water, Wi-Fi and electricity. And the government has ramped up cash transfers to farmers and other key voting blocs.

When Rajesh Prajapati lost his job at a chemical factory in Prayagraj, a city in Indias largest state, Uttar Pradesh, his family of five survived on government grain.

For almost a year, the free ration was our only solace, he said, adding that it was the reason they voted for Modi again.

Indian parties have always used welfare to win elections. But experts say the BJP has done it better.

Benefits such as subsidies, pensions and loans are now delivered through cash transfers directly to bank accounts linked to each individuals biometric identity card, which the government says has helped eliminate leakages and corruption by cutting out intermediaries.

These large-scale handouts provide relief, but some say they are only a temporary fix and a sign of rising economic distress. To reduce inequality, they should be accompanied by investment in health and education, which have stagnated in recent years, said Ashoka Mody, an economist at Princeton University.

Subsidies are helpful, but they do not create the ability of people to put themselves on a trajectory where they and their children can look forward to a better future, he said.

Tuntun Sada, a farmworker from Samastipur, a city in the eastern state of Bihar, said the 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of free grain that helps feed his family of six each month has only marginally improved their lives. He still earns less than $100 a month after working the fields of wealthier landowners.

People like us dont get very much, Sada said. Modi should walk the talk. If we dont earn enough, how will we raise our children?

The free rations dont last through the month, piped water has yet to reach his community and there are no nearby schools for his four kids to attend. What he really needs, he said, is a better job.

Modis opposition, led by the Congress party, are betting on the jobs crisis to dent the BJPs chances of securing a majority. Before the election, a survey by the Center for Study of Developing Societies found that more than 60% of voters were worried about unemployment and believed finding a job had become tougher. Only 12% felt like economic opportunities had increased.

Official government data, which many economists question, shows the unemployment rate declining. But a recent report from the International Labor Organization found that youth unemployment in India is higher than the global average, that more than 40% of Indians still work in agriculture, and that 90% of workers are in informal employment.

The liberalizing of Indias economy in the 1990s laid the foundation for the remarkable growth since, with millions escaping poverty and spawning a middle class. But it has also allowed for the growing disparity between rich and poor, economists say.

Rahul Gandhi, the main face of the opposition, has sought to tap into the growing resentment felt by the countrys many have-nots by promising to take on the issue of wealth distribution if his alliance gains power.

Modi, who says his government has lifted 250 million Indians out of poverty, is unapologetic. In a TV interview this month, he said wealth distribution is a gradual process and dismissed criticism of the growing inequality by asking, Should everyone be poor?

Both the BJP and the Congress party say they will create more employment through various sectors including construction, manufacturing and government jobs. Experts say this is crucial for reducing economic disparities, but its also hard to do.

Mass unemployment and underemployment have always been intractable problems in India, so parties inevitably fall back on the promises of handouts, said Mody, the Princeton economist. Case in point: The Congress party has pledged to double peoples free rations if voted into power.

Its completely the wrong focus what we need is job creation, Mody said. And there is no one today who has an idea of how to solve that problem. KRUTIKA PATHI & SHEIKH SAALIQ, SAMASTIPUR, MDT/AP
As climate change makes disasters such as cyclones, floods and droughts more intense, more frequent and striking more places, fewer people are dying from those catastrophes globally because of better warning, planning and resilience, a top United Nations official said.

The world hasnt really noticed how the type of storms that once killed tens or hundreds of thousands of people now only claim handfuls of lives, new United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Kamal Kishore, who heads the UNs office for disaster risk reduction told The Associated Press. But he said much more needs to be done to keep these disasters from pushing people into abject poverty.

Fewer people are dying of disasters and if you look at that as a proportion of total population, its even fewer, Kishore said in his first interview since taking office in mid-May. We often take for granted the progress that weve made.

Twenty years ago there was no tsunami early warning system except for one small part of the world. Now the whole world is covered by a tsunami warning system after the 2004 tsunami that killed about 230,000 people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, Kishore said.

People are getting better warnings about tropical cyclones  also called hurricanes and typhoons  so now the chances of dying in a tropical cyclone in a place like the Philippines are about one-third of what they were 20 years ago, Kishore said.

As the former disaster chief for India, Kishore points to how his country has cut deaths thanks to better warnings and community preparedness such as hospitals being ready for a surge in births during a cyclone. In 1999, a supercyclone hit eastern India, killing almost 10,000 people. Then a nearly similar sized storm hit in 2013, but killed only a few dozen people. Last year, on Kishores watch, Cyclone Biparjoy killed fewer than 10 people.

The same goes for flood deaths, Kishore said.

The data backs up Kishore, said disaster epidemiologist Debarati Guha-Sapir of the Catholic University of Louvain in Brussels, who created a global disaster database. Her database  which she acknowledges has missing pieces  shows that global deaths per storm event has dropped from about a ten-year average of 24 in 2008 to ten-year average of about 8 in 2021. Flood deaths per event have gone from ten-year averages of nearly 72 to about 31, her data indicates.

While there are fewer deaths globally from disasters, there are still pockets in the poorest of countries, especially in Africa, where deaths are worsening or at least staying the same, Guha-Sapir said. Its much like public healths efforts to eradicate measles, success in most places, but areas that can least cope are not improving, she said.

India and Bangladesh are poster nations for better dealing with disasters and preventing deaths, especially in cyclones, Guha-Sapir said. In 1970, a cyclone killed more than 300,000 people in Bangladesh in one of the 20th centurys greatest natural disasters and now Bangladesh has done fantastic work in disaster risk reduction for years and years and years, she said.

Pointing out wins is important, Guha-Sapir said: Gloom and doom will never get us anywhere.

While countries such as India and Bangladesh have created warning systems, strengthened buildings such as hospitals and know what to do to prepare for and then react to disasters, a lot of it is also just because these countries are getting richer and better educated and so they can handle disasters better and protect themselves, Guha-Sapir said. Poorer countries and people cant.

Fewer people are dying, but thats not because climate change is not happening, Kishore said That is despite the climate change. And that is because we have invested in resilience, invested in early warning systems.

Kishore said climate change is making his job tougher, yet he said doesnt feel like Sisyphus, the mythical man pushing a giant boulder up a hill.

You are getting more intense hazards, more frequently and (in) new geographies, Kishore said, saying places, like Brazil that used to not worry too much about floods now are getting devastated. The same goes for extreme heat, which he said used to be an issue for only certain countries, but now has gone global, pointing to nearly 60,000 heat wave deaths in Europe in 2022.

India, where temperatures have been flirting with 122 degrees (50 degrees Celsius), has reduced heat deaths with specific regional plans, Kishore said.

However with the new extreme temperatures we are seeing, every country needs to double its efforts to save lives, he said. And that means looking at the built environment of cities, he added.

Cutting deaths is only part of the battle to reduce risk, Kishore said.

We are doing a better job of saving lives but not of livelihoods, Kishore said.

While fewer people are dying you look at people who are losing their houses, people who are losing their businesses, a small farmer that is running a poultry farm, Kishore said. When they get flooded or hit by a storm, they may survive but theyve got nothing, no seeds, no fishing boats.

On that were not doing as well as we should, Kishore said. We cannot accept that losses will occur. Of course they will occur, but they could be minimized by an order of magnitude. SETH BORENSTEIN, MDT/AP
The World Health Organization said member countries on Saturday approved new steps to improve global preparedness for and response to pandemics like COVID-19 and mpox, and set a new deadline for agreeing on a broader treaty.

Countries agreed by consensus to amend the International Health Regulations, which were last changed in 2005, such as by defining the term pandemic emergency and helping developing countries to gain better access to financing and medical products, WHO said.

The move came as the U.N. agency ended its six-day World Health Assembly this year, after plans to adopt a more sweeping pandemic treaty at the meeting was shelved largely over disagreements between developing countries and richer ones about better sharing of technology and the pathogens that trigger outbreaks.

But countries agreed to complete negotiations on the pandemic accord with the year, at the latest, WHO said.

The success of the IHR amendments demonstrates that in our divided and divisive world, countries can still come together to find common cause and common ground, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, hailed a big win for health security, and posted on X that the move will simplify negotiations for the pandemic agreement.

WHO said countries have defined a pandemic emergency as a communicable disease that has a wide geographical spread or a high risk of one, and has exceeded or can exceed the ability of national health systems to respond.

Its also defined as an outbreak that has or could cause substantial economic or social disruption and requires quick international action, the agency said.

WHO legal officer Steven Solomon said the move to revise the health regulations does not take effect immediately, but will come into force a year after Tedros formally notifies countries of the decision.

Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors without Borders, said that the changes adopted Saturday include important provisions addressing equity in access to health products during global health emergencies. MDT/AP
Team Brazil has confirmed its dominant status with four straight wins in four matches in the Macau round of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Galaxy Arena from May 28 to June 2.

The South Americans, currently second in the world ranking, defeated Japan, the Netherlands, Italy and Thailand.

In the last match yesterday afternoon, Brazil won comfortably over Thailand (3-0) with the Asians only leveling the score in the first set (25-22).

The Brazilian players were most dominant in their second game, winning comfortably 25-14.

On the previous day, the Brazilians struggled to beat Italy (3-2), having to recover from a disadvantage (of 1-2).

Similarly, Brazil encountered a strong Japan in their first Macau match, on Day 1 (May 28) winning with the minimum advantage (3-2) and, as with Italy, saw themselves initially losing (1-2).

Despite the difficulties posed by Italy and Japan, Brazil leaves Macau for the next round with the same ranking position and with 382.13 points.

Turkey currently leads the world ranking with 385.71 points.

In the Macau round, and despite the loss (2-3) to Brazil in their first match, Japan scored important points, securing three wins in the following three matches with the highlight being the win (3-1) to China.

The results put Japan in seventh position in the World Ranking with 329.62 points.

In the events last match, Italy beat China 3-0 securing the 5th position in the World Ranking with 349.21 points.

Italy scored three dominant wins (3-0) in Macau against France, the Dominican Republic, and China, only losing in the decisive tiebreaker with Brazil.

China ended Week 2 in 6th position overall with two wins (over the Netherlands and Thailand) and another two defeats with Japan and Italy.

While the last score was not so costly, in ranking terms, as Italy was already classified in a higher position, the defeat against Japan raised the Japanese one position in the rankings from 8th to 7th making it a threat to Chinas 6th place.

Frances ranking dropped significantly in Macau, with four defeats against Italy, Japan, Thailand and the Netherlands.

Frances three defeats (against Italy, Japan and Netherlands) were by 3-0, sending France down to 19th position in the World Ranking (a drop of four positions).

The only match in which the Europeans were close to scoring a win was against Thailand when they lost by the minimum margin (2-3) and when they made an impressive comeback after losing (0-2) and managed to balance the score to 2-2.

The VNL moves now to Fukuoka, Japan, where a new series of matches will start tomorrow (June 4).
Reykjavik, IcelandBusinesswoman Halla Tomasdottir was on Sunday declared the winner of Icelands presidential election, final results showed, beating former prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir whom critics said was too political for the post.

Jakobsdottir conceded defeat early on Sunday and congratulated Tomasdottir, the CEO of The B Team, a global non-profit co-founded by UK business tycoon Richard Branson to promote business practices focused on humanity and the climate.

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Icelands president holds a largely ceremonial position in the parliamentary republic, acting as a guarantor of the constitution and national unity.

He or she does, however, have the power to veto legislation or submit it to a referendum.

Tomasdottir, 55, won 34.3 percent of votes, ahead of 48-year-old Jakobsdottir, who garnered 25.5 percent after stepping down as prime minister of a left-right government in April to run in Saturdays election.

Tomasdottir, who came second in an earlier bid for the presidency in 2016, received much broader support than opinion polls had suggested in the run-up to this years vote, spurting in the final days of the campaign after running neck-and-neck with Jakobsdottir.

Jakobsdottir conceded defeat already in the early hours of Sunday, before the last votes were counted.

It seems to me that Halla Tomasdottir is quickly heading towards becoming the next president of Iceland.

I congratulate her on that and know that she will be a good president, Jakobsdottir told national broadcaster RUV at an election night rally.

Second woman president

Tomasdottir was to make a televised address to the nation later on Sunday.

During her election rally in the early hours of Sunday, she told daily Morgunbladid was just trying to breathe.

I feel incredibly good. I know its not over until its over. So, Im also just trying to stay calm and breathe, she said.

Tomasdottir is also the founder of Audur Capital, an investment firm created in 2007 aimed at promoting feminine values in the financial sector.

No one central issue dominated the campaign, where candidates traditionally run as independents without party affiliations.

In the country of 380,000 people, any citizen gathering 1,500 signatures can run for office.

While Jakobsdottir was at times seen as the favorite, political observers had suggested that her background as prime minister could weigh against her.

Among the other main candidates in the field of 13 were a political science professor, a comedian, and an Arctic and energy scholar.

Tomasdottir is set to be the second woman to serve as Icelands president.

In 1980, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the worlds first woman democratically elected as head of state.

Tomasdottir will take over the position on August 1, succeeding the hugely popular Gudni Johannesson, who has held the job since 2016.

He announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.

Jakobsdottir, party leader for the Left Green Movement from 2013 until her presidential bid, has been hailed for her handling of the resurgence in volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula since December.

The five eruptions, including one last week, have sparked a series of evacuations as well as the states acquisition of homes from residents evacuated from the threatened fishing town of Grindavik.
President Marcos met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Malacanang on Monday.

The two leaders were in parallel situations involving conflict with superpower nations over territorial disputes and growing aggression that threatened global peace and stability.

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Zelenskyy arrived in Malacanang around 8:00 a.m. He was given arrival honors before entering the Palace.

It is a great pleasure to meet with you to discuss some of the issues that are common to our two countries and hopefully find ways for both of us together, Marcos was quoted telling Zelenskyy during their meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy troops the line during an arrival honors ceremony as he arrives in Malacanang Palace for a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 03, 2024. The Ukranian leader arrived on the evening of June 02, 2024. This visit follows his attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he accused China in helping Russia of undermining a peace summit planned for Switzerland. Zelenskyys visit to Manila is seen as part of his efforts to gain international support amidst Ukraines ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy wanted to meet Marcos in Singapore, but their schedules did not align. (Photo by Yummie Dingding/PPA POOL)

The two leaders were expected to discuss the Ukraine-Russia war and the escalating tension in the Indo-Pacific region involving Chinas maritime expansion in the South China Sea.

President Marcos recently addressed the tension between Manila and Beijing in his keynote address at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last Friday, where he stressed that peace and stability in the contested waterway is a global issue.

Mr. Marcos also underscored the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines maritime rights.

The President emphasized the Philippines role in asserting the integrity of UNCLOS, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits President Marcos in Malacanang for a high-level dialogue. Present during the meeting are the members of their respective delegations, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez (rightmost) on the side of the Philippines. (MPC Pool Photo)

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy arrived in Singapore last Saturday to participate in the global defense forum, where he discussed recent developments in the Ukraine-Russia war.

Global security is impossible when the worlds largest country disregards recognized borders, international law, and the U.N. Charter, resorts to hunger, darkness, and nuclear blackmail, Zelenskyy said in his X account.

The Ukrainian leader, moreover, said he joined the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss support from the Asia-Pacific region for a planned peace summit in Switzerland this June.

Zelenskyy also met with United States Defense Chief Lloyd Austin to give updates on the current battlefield situation in Ukraine and to talk U.S. commitment to providing aid to Ukraine to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression.

Ukraine and Russia have been at war since 2014 after Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists.

Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 at the escalation of the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Mali is not totally inflexible when it comes to its position on ECOWAS membership, Senegals new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said on Thursday (30 May), as he embarked on the first leg of a journey that will take Faye also Burkina Faso, another of military-led Sahelian state.

Before leaving for his first visit to Mali and Burkina Faso, Faye said he aims to strengthen ties with these two states which have quit their membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and would try to persuade the respective junta leaders to remain in the regional bloc. The 44-year-old Senegalese leader and Africas youngest head of state was elected on a promise of radical change, which included effort to bring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger back into ECOWAS. After holding talks with Malis leader Col. Assimi Goita in the Malian capital Bamako, Faye said: I understand Malis position, which, although rigid, is not totally inflexible.

Faye has made several trips across West Africa since being sworn as president on 2 April. These visits are part of a drive to strengthen the historic ties of neighborliness, fraternal friendship, solidarity and multifaceted cooperation, the Senegalese presidency said in a statement.

According to a recent analysis by the Atlantic Council, Faye started his what some hope will be a transformative presidency by calling upon Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which had seceded from the ECOWAS, to return to the regional economic union. Fayes brand of left-wing pan-Africanism has fueled the shift in Senegals diplomatic strategy, which in turn presents an opportunity for Western countries to collaborate closely with Senegal on issues of African integration to reset and reshape relations with the countries that have distanced themselves from ECOWAS, the analysis concludes.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) to play its role as a national strategic sci-tech force and make new contributions to the country's great self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent to the CAE on the 30th anniversary of its founding.

Xi extended warm congratulations and sincere greetings to academicians of the CAE and other engineering technology workers on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi said that over the past 30 years, the CAE, under the strong leadership of the Party, has united academicians and engineering technology workers to promote the development of engineering technology, overcome sci-tech difficulties and build major national projects and equipment, thus making important contributions to promoting China's innovation and progress in engineering technology as well as high-quality economic and social development.

Xi emphasized that engineering technology is an important engine driving the development of human society. He expressed the hope that the CAE, at a new starting point, will play its role as a national strategic sci-tech force, lead the innovation of engineering technology, accelerate breakthroughs in key and core technologies, and strengthen its function as a high-end national think tank.

Xi also called on the CAE to make more contributions to realizing the country's great sci-tech self-reliance and strength and building a strong country in science and technology.

The CAE held an academician symposium on Monday in Beijing. At the symposium, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang read out the congratulatory letter from Xi before delivering a speech.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called on the CAE to firmly grasp the strategic opportunities of the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, solve major engineering technology problems, promote the industrial application of sci-tech innovations, and better serve the development of new quality productive forces.

He urged the CAE to strengthen the research on "bottleneck" technologies and strive to make more breakthroughs in key fields in accordance with the country's urgent needs and long-term requirements.

Ding also called for strengthening forward-looking and targeted strategic research to support the decision-making of the central authorities.

The CAE was founded on June 3, 1994.
Burkina Faso, embroiled in conflict since 2019, faces the most severe and neglected refugee crisis in Africa, according to a recent Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) report. For the second year running, the West African nation tops the list of neglected crises.

In 2023, Burkina Faso experienced a record 707,000 new internal displacements, with the humanitarian situation worsening. Over 8,400 people were killed in the escalating violence, doubling last years toll. The number of Burkinabe refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries nearly tripled, reaching 148,317, according to UNHCR.

An unprecedented 42,000 people faced catastrophic food insecurity, and up to two million civilians were trapped in 36 blockaded towns. Armed groups movement bans severely restricted humanitarian aid, leaving at least half a million people in a near-total aid blind spot.

By spring 2023, over 6,100 schools were closed, nearly half of all closed schools in Central and West Africa. Around 400 health facilities were either shut down or providing minimal services, leaving 3.6 million people without healthcarea 70 percent increase from 2022.

On February 8, 2023, two staff members of Doctors Without Borders were murdered by an armed group, marking the first deaths of national aid workers from an international NGO in the conflict.

With road access plagued by security issues, aid organizations relied more on costly air transport, further limiting aid delivery. Funding shortfalls persisted, with only 39 percent of the response plan funded in 2023, down from 43 percent in 2022.

As media coverage dwindled due to bans on international journalists and domestic reporters avoiding sensitive topics, the crisis remained underreported. In 2024, 6.3 million people will need humanitarian assistance, with over two million internally displaced. Ensuring safe, voluntary, and dignified returns per the Kampala Convention is a major humanitarian concern for 2024.
The Benin-Niger inter-state committee meeting failed to resolve ongoing issues between the two nations. Both countries have partnered with China National Petroleum Corp on an oil project that has yet to fully commence. This project involves a pipeline connecting Koulele in Niger to the port of Seme in Benin, expected to produce about 90,000 barrels per day. Currently, Niger produces approximately 20,000 barrels per day, mainly from China National Petroleum Corp projects in the Agadem Rift Basin in southeastern Niger.

Despite months of strained relations, the Nigerien side of the border remains closed. Last week, Benins minister of mines, Samou Seidou Adambi, met with his counterpart in Niamey. However, Benins president, Patrice Talon, expressed disappointment that Adambi could not deliver his message to Nigers transitional president, Abdourahmane Tchiani. On June 1, Nigers Prime Minister Lamine Ali Zeine stated that Tchiani could not meet the Beninese envoy due to another engagement. Zeine also accused Benin of expelling Nigerien representatives who arrived at the port.

On May 15, Benin granted temporary and provisional authorization for the first ship to load Nigerian oil at the Seme platform. However, Benin insists that regular pipeline operations require a proper state-to-state relationship framework and has called for the reopening of the border. Niger, grappling with terrorism, argues that the border closure is necessary for security reasons. This ongoing impasse highlights the complexities in diplomatic and economic relations between Benin and Niger, despite their shared interests in the oil project.
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

Access to health care for women in rural communities remains an urgent issue worldwide, especially in the least developed countries. While more clinics have been built in rural communities, on their own they are not enough to provide all the necessary care. The clinics need supplies of health commodities for patients, and often, those supply chains are challenged.

New research from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management offers insight into the best ways to manage the supply chain for health commodities. The research is published in the journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management.

Being mindful that inventories of health commodities, such as contraceptives, are managed by frontline health workers, professors Anant Mishra, Karthik Natarajan, and Kingshuk (KK) Sinha along with Professor Amir Karimi (Ph.D. 2020), now at the University of Texas at San Antonio, studied the availability of contraceptives in rural Senegal, a country plagued with highest level of contraceptive stock-outs in the world. The research team performed a comparative evaluation of the effect of two distribution models on contraceptive availability and examined the impact on key public health outcomes (e.g., unintended pregnancies, maternal and newborn deaths).

The common "pull distribution" model involves health facilities that are fully responsible for managing inventory, including collecting the ordered supplies from upstream warehouses. An alternative known as the "informed push distribution" model tasks external logistics providers with inventory management and product delivery to health facilities.

The study found:

Switching to the informed push model significantly lowers the stock-outs of contraceptives by 30% at severely disadvantaged health facilities (i.e., those in remote areas with below-average inventory management capabilities), but has less impact on facilities that are not disadvantaged.

This switch to the informed push model also leads to major public health benefitsespecially in areas served by the severely disadvantaged facilitiessuch as reduced workload for frontline health workers, higher satisfaction among patients, more contraceptive use, and fewer unintended pregnancies and maternal and newborn deaths.

Economically, the transition to the informed push model is both highly effective and cost-efficient for severely disadvantaged facilities.

"The study has broader implications for access to medical services in rural areas, considering recent closures of rural hospitals and growing concerns about the adverse impact on health care access and community health," said Natarajan.

Mishra further notes, "Telehealth has been proposed as a way to mitigate those concerns, but patient adoption is a challenge. Our findings could be valuable in evaluating the costs and benefits of alternate approaches to improve access in rural areas such as telehealth and mobile clinics."

Sinha believes that "this study demonstrates how the principles of supply chain management can be used to enable and empower frontline health workers to deliver uninterrupted care in rural communities."

More information: Amir Karimi et al, Toward Advancing Women's Health in Least Developed Countries: Evaluating Contraceptive Distribution Models in Senegal, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (2024). DOI: 10.1287/msom.2021.0488
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:

One 10 ml vial of 1000 mg ketamine. Credit: Psychonaught/Wikipedia

When Los Angeles County medical examiners worked last year to determine how Matthew Perry died, they discovered something startling.

The amount of ketamine in Perry's bloodstream was about the same as what would be used during general anesthesia, his autopsy showed.

Perry's deathnow the subject of an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administrationis putting a spotlight on the growing use of ketamine. There are more prescriptions, dedicated clinics and a burgeoning black market that medical and law enforcement professionals say is being fueled by the wealthy.

Far removed from its club-drug days, when ketamine was known as "Special K" or "Super Acid," the drug's newest users include the rich and famous.

"These kinds of en vogue, money-making drugs have just exploded with certain strata of society," said Dr. David Goodman-Meza, an addiction-medicine and infectious-disease specialist at UCLA.

Part of the drug's new boom, medical experts say, is being driven by clinics and online services offering intravenous treatments and prescriptions for in-home usesuch as tablets and nasal spraysfor ailments including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.

It doesn't come cheap. A single intravenous session can cost from $350 to more than $700. Many clinics bundle treatments, which can cost thousands of dollars.

But an even bigger concern is those taking the drug without close medical supervision.

"I think that's a recipe for disaster," said Dr. Caleb Alexander, an epidemiologist and professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Ketamine is legal and commonly used as an anesthetic, but it also is used recreationally to create a sense of disconnect and sedationand, at times, hallucinations.

Elon Musk posted on X that he has a prescription for ketamine "for when my brain chemistry sometimes goes super negative." Sharon Osbourne told People she underwent three months of ketamine therapy. "Saturday Night Live" alumni Pete Davidson revealed during a comedy set in Atlantic City that he had taken ketamine daily for four years before he checked himself into rehab.

The drug is offered off-label to treat depression and other mental health disorders. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use for those treatments, and while prescribing drugs for off-label use is not uncommon, some medical experts worry that the risks are being ignored.

"There has been an explosion of ketamine usage with these kinds of online direct-to-consumer marketing practices," Goodman-Meza said. "If enough people use a drug, you are going to see a certain proportion that is going to start seeing adverse side effects."

When Dr. David Mahjoubi opened Ketamine Healing Clinic of Los Angeles in 2014, the board-certified anesthesiologist said the treatment was still largely unknown to the general public.

That changed about five years ago, he said. Demand increased. He opened a second location in Orange County in March 2022.

"There's been a blow-up of ketamine clinics," he said, adding that he's also seen an increase in online sites offering telehealth services that deliver ketamine prescriptions to a patient's home.

Mahjoubi is president of the American Board of Ketamine Physicians, a new organization of medical professionals that, according to its website, vets providers who use the drug "for the treatment of mood and chronic pain."

For $700, his clinic provides a one-hour ketamine infusion personally monitored by Mahjoubi. Memberships for six and 12 sessions are also offeredfor $2,580 and $4,650, respectively.

But he said he worries ketamine's profitability has prompted some companies to put financial gains ahead of patients' health.

"Someone would just open [a clinic] up and stick an untrained nurse in there and have them give [the patient] whatever dose in whatever duration," he said. "It was quite distressing to see that being done incorrectly."

Because he supports off-label ketamine use for those with mental health issues, Mahjoubi said he also offers a cheaper treatment at his clinic. For $350, patients can receive the same one-hour infusion, monitored by a nurse. The discounted price, he said, is to "provide it to people who can't afford to see me."

For most patients, their primary concern is whether ketamine is going to work and how long it will last, Mahjoubi said.

Since Perry's death, however, many more have asked about the risks.

"I say Matthew Perry was someone who was struggling with addiction way before he started dealing with ketamine," Mahjoubi said, noting that he thinks other factors, including buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid-use disorder, also contributed to the actor's death.

Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home Oct. 28 with trace amounts of ketamine in his stomach and a much higher concentration in his bloodstream. In December, the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner determined the actor died from acute effects of ketamine.

While Perry had been receiving ketamine treatment every other day for some time, the medical examiner's report noted that he had reduced his intake, and his last known infusion had been more than a week before his death. Detectable amounts of ketamine from those types of treatments normally disappear from a person's system in three to four hours, the coroner said.

Investigators are now trying to determine how Perry got the drug.

His autopsy noted that Perry had no other drugs in his system, and while he had been open about his struggles with addiction in the past, he had been 19 months sober at the time of his death. There was no evidence of illicit drugs or paraphernalia at his home.

The risks of off-label ketamine use are not fully understood by medical professionals.

"There is little data to support these uses, and it's a really risky proposition to be using this drug willy-nilly to treat these sorts of conditions," said Alexander, the John Hopkins professor. "The evidence just isn't there."

In October, noting an uptick in use, the FDA issued a warning about ketamine, saying the drug is not approved for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

"FDA is aware that compounded ketamine products have been marketed for a wide variety of psychiatric stress disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder ... and obsessive-compulsive disorder); however, FDA has not determined that ketamine is safe and effective for such uses," the statement read.

Use of ketamine for those treatments without monitoring, the agency warned, "may put patients at risk for serious adverse events."

The drug's proliferation, Alexander said, has been compounded by events that helped make it easier to obtain.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020 allowed doctors to prescribe controlled medications online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DEA has since extended that rule, allowing companies to continue marketing ketamine with online consultations.

Its off-label use also has placed ketamine in a medical and legal gray area, Alexander said.

Manufacturers are not allowed to advertise or promote the drug for unapproved uses, but clinics and some doctors have done so freely. The result: Some patients are self-seeking these clinics instead of primary doctors prescribing the medication.

Alexander said he worries about the long-term effects of repeated use in an untested setting. The FDA says ketamine use could lead to abuse, psychiatric events, increased blood pressure and slowed breathing.

Bill Bodner, former special agent in charge of the DEA's Los Angeles field division, said ketamine use is increasing.

"People are hearing about the medicinal uses for it ... [and] are sort of self-prescribing on the black market," he said.

But the fact that ketamine has therapeutic usage and is being prescribedeven off-labelmakes it difficult to police, Bodner said.

"It would be almost impossible to go after a doctor," he said, unless there were issues regarding prescriptions, such as fraudulent scripts or an effort to hide the amount prescribed to a patient.

Cases like Perry's, where he used ketamine at home and then died, would certainly draw scrutiny, Bodner said.

Still, for most law enforcement agencies across California, ketamine has remained a low priority, said Devin Chase, an instructor and board member of the California Narcotics Officers Association.

Ketamine doesn't have the "street" presence of opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine, which are cheaper and more prevalent, he said.

But there are concerns with ketamine use, especially for those who take large doses, said Chase, a narcotics officer with decades of experience.

"You can get addicted to ketamine, and there are people that use large amounts a day," he said.

Bodner thinks the black market is also feeding an interest in ketamine.

During fiscal year 2023, Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than 8,000 pounds of ketamine being transported into the U.S. The year before, they nabbed 14,000 pounds. This year, CBP officers have seized 2,500 pounds through April.

It's unclear how Perry obtained the ketamine cited in his death, but if it was provided by a doctor, investigators will likely want to know why, Bodner said.

"People are going to look at it and say, was that prescription justified?" he said.

Cases against doctors for providing drugs are difficult for law enforcement to pursue, Bodner said. In the Perry investigation, he said, detectives likely will seek to determine whether there was any effort to conceal the ketamine or who it was going to. If the drug was obtained through the black market, it would likely be an easier case.

Deaths connected to ketamine are "infrequent," but not unheard of, said Rosa Valle-Lopez, a spokesperson for the DEA in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles County, ketamine was listed as a primary or secondary cause of death in just 14 cases in 2022, the spokesperson said, citing information the agency obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

That would link ketamine to 0.4% of all 3,220 drug-related deaths in L.A. County for that year, the most recent data available.

But the fact that ketamine has therapeutic uses makes it complicated for law enforcement to pursue a case against a distributor, especially if they are a licensed medical professional, said Dmitry Gorin, a defense attorney who handles drug cases.

Still, federal officials have filed criminal charges in some cases. In January, two doctors from St. Louis were indicated after DEA investigators alleged they were illegally distributing ketamine.

While Bodner said no charges have been brought in connection with any ketamine fatalities in L.A., other high-profile drug-related celebrity deaths have increased pressure for criminal charges.

Two years after Michael Jackson died in 2009, Dr. Conrad Murray would be convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors portrayed him as a reckless physician paid $150,000 a month to treat the pop star's insomnia with a nightly drip of propofol.

Two years after model Anna Nicole Smith's accidental overdose in 2007, two of her doctors and her boyfriend were charged with orchestrating her array of prescriptions. Then-Attorney General Jerry Brown called their conduct "damn serious." One doctor was acquitted, a psychiatrist was convicted of a misdemeanor and a judge later dismissed the charges against her boyfriend.

When rapper Mac Miller died in 2018 as a result of unwittingly taking fentanyl-laced pills, three drug dealers were convicted and sentenced to prison for selling him the drugs.

Mahjoubi, who said his clinical use of ketamine follows all medical protocols, worries that other clinics and online services are not as careful and whether that could mean more serious consequences, like Perry's death.

"I'm really surprised that nothing has been done," he said.

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Stem cell transplants can help ensure remission for some cancer patients. However, approximately 40% to 50% of cancer patients who have a type of stem cell transplant where cells are donated by another person experience a side effect known as chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). This occurs when the donor stem cells "attack" the patient's healthy cells.

Treatment for cGVHD works best when the condition is caught as early as possible, but sometimes weeks or months can pass between a patient's follow-up visits and symptoms can develop in the meantime.

A team of nurse-researchers at Wilmot Cancer Institute came together with Wave Health, a company that develops symptom-tracking apps, to develop an app specifically for chronic graft-versus-host-disease symptoms.

To investigate feasibility, they conducted a study that enrolled 15 patients who used the app over a month. Early results show that about 88% of patients were able to use the app once a week, far surpassing the 50% benchmark the team had hoped for. In addition, about 89% of participants said the app was easy to use, helpful, and relevant, again passing the 50% benchmark.

"GVHD symptom onset is often difficult to know, subtle symptoms can be missed, and determining treatment response is challenging," says Jamie Oliva, ANP-BC, FNAP, BMTCN, associate professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Rochester and nurse scientist at Wilmot.

"These study findings showcase the opportunity to improve treatment response and guide crucial next steps in thinking about intervention opportunities."

KC Clevenger, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, chief nursing officer at Wilmot, presented pilot data at the 49th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress (ONS Congress 2024), held in April in Washington, D.C. The study remains ongoing and the ultimate goal is that the initial data collected will help make possible further research through a multi-center study.

The ultimate end goal is a tool that could become used regularly in the clinic.

"When we are engaging with patients and trying to monitor their symptoms after a stem cell transplant, it is very important to know what is going on with them between clinic visits, and to educate them," says Clevenger.

"This study offers introductory objective data to help us start looking at the best ways of assessing a patient's symptoms, as well as when they started and how severe they are. We look forward to continuing this work in hopes of finding solutions that improve quality of life for our patients and lead to better workflows for our oncology care teams."

About chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD)

There are two types of graft-versus-host disease: chronic GVHD develops within one year of a transplant whereas acute GVHD develops in the early weeks of a transplant.

The two types have different symptoms. Symptoms of cGVHD can include (but are not limited to): Rash, nail changes, itchy skin, muscle pain, dry eyes, blurred vision, teary eyes, mouth sores, chapped lips, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, painful intercourse.

Those at higher risk of cGVHD include those with a mismatched donor or unrelated donor, older patients, a female donor for a male recipient (and risk increases if female donor has ever been pregnant), having had acute GVHD.
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Immunotherapy before surgery for patients with metastatic melanoma appears to be especially successful. Some 59% of patients respond so well to this therapy that adjuvant treatment is no longer needed, according to the results of the NADINA study.

The NADINA study, led by researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, was named one of the eleven clinical studies with the biggest impact on health care in 2024 by Nature Medicine.

The study now proves that this was not an empty claim, as shown by the results presented by medical oncologist and research leader Christian Blank during ASCO 2024, the international congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. The results have also been published in New England Journal of Medicine.

Long lead-up

Standard treatment for patients with metastatic skin cancer (melanoma stage III) consists of the removal of the local lymph nodes, followed by a year of adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

"Despite that, we still see disease recurrence within three to five years in nearly half of these patients," Blank explains. That's why he setup the OpACIN trial 10 years ago, in which immunotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant immunotherapy) was compared to immunotherapy after surgery (adjuvant therapy).

The study showed that neoadjuvant immunotherapy could induce a stronger and broader immune response against the tumor, at the cost of more side effects.

Blank says, "That's why we initiated the OpACIN-neo trial, comparing three schedules with varying doses and eventually finding a safe and effective schedule. In the subsequent PRADO trial, we applied this optimal dose to 99 patients. The patients who responded well to the treatment were able to forgo surgery and adjuvant treatment."

In 2022, Blank and his research group published the results of the PRADO study, in which 60 out of 99 patients with metastatic melanoma responded well to immunotherapy before surgery. "Conducting these studies eventually led to the design of the NADINA trial, the first Phase III trial investigating neoadjuvant checkpoint inhibition for early stage melanoma," Blank states.

High response rate

In the international investigator initiated NADINA trial, 423 patients were randomized to two groups: the first group received two immunotherapy treatments with ipilimumab and nivolumab, followed by surgery. The second group received standard treatment involving surgery followed by 12 rounds of immunotherapy with nivolumab.

"In 59% of patients who had received immunotherapy before surgery, the tumor was nearly entirely or completely gone, which meant that they did not require additional treatment." Even people who did not respond well to the therapy and had an unfavorable prognosis benefited from the therapy: they were able to start adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy or targeted therapy after surgery.

Effective and cost-efficient

The effects of the treatment become apparent quickly. After one year, almost 84% of patients who had received neoadjuvant treatment were still tumor-free, compared to 57% of the group receiving standard treatment.

Blank says, "Patients whose tumors were nearly entirely or completely gone, saw even better results; 95% remained tumor-free, after only six months of treatment."

In all, 76% of patients whose tumors were only partially gone were still tumor-free one year after the start of their treatment, compared to 57% of patients who did not respond well to neoadjuvant therapy. These two patient groups received additional adjuvant treatment after their neoadjuvant treatment and surgery. In three years, the researchers expect to know whether this positive trend continues and could improve survivorship. The next challenges in this field will be to improve treatment outcomes of patients who responded less favorably.

Besides a greater chance of tumor-free survival, most patients were able to cut down their treatment time to only six weeks. Blank says, "Treatment is a lot cheaper16,000 instead of 68,000, which would free up about 30 to 40 million euros in the Netherlands, and could reach a billion euros worldwide."

The treatment still needs to be registered and approved in the Netherlands to qualify for health care insurance coverage. That's why it will not be immediately available. Blank says, "We are talking with various public authorities to ensure that the treatment can eventually receive coverage."

Personalized medicine

There are many studies looking into neoadjuvant treatments for various cancer types, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer. "These trials often combine a neoadjuvant approach with standard adjuvant treatment after surgery, instead of adapting treatment to the response to the neoadjuvant part," Blank explains.

"The NADINA trial is the very first trial within the oncological field that researched a purely immune-therapeutic and personalized treatment. Eventually we aspire to be able to provide personalized immunotherapy by reading out the tumor RNA in every individual patient, and providing a treatment that we know works best based on the results."
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Lori Tipton is among the growing number of people who say that MDMA, also known as ecstasy, saved their lives.

Raised in New Orleans by a mother with untreated bipolar disorder who later killed herself and two others, Tipton said she endured layers of trauma that eventually forced her to seek treatment for crippling anxiety and hypervigilance. For 10 years nothing helped, and she began to wonder if she was "unfixable."

Then she answered an ad for a clinical trial for MDMA-assisted therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Tipton said the results were immediate, and she is convinced the drug could help a lot of people. But even as regulators weigh approval of the first MDMA-based treatment, she's worried that it won't reach those who need it most.

"The main thing that I'm always concerned about is just accessibility," the 43-year-old nonprofit project manager said. "I don't want to see this become just another expensive add-on therapy for people who can afford it when people are dying every day by their own hand because of PTSD."

MDMA is part of a new wave of psychoactive drugs that show great potential for treating conditions such as severe depression and PTSD. Investors are piling into the nascent field, and a host of medications based on MDMA, LSD, psychedelic mushrooms, ketamine, the South American plant mixture ayahuasca, and the African plant ibogaine are now under development, and in some cases vying for approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Proponents hope the efforts could yield the first major new therapies for mental illness since the introduction of modern antidepressants in the 1980s. But not all researchers are convinced that their benefits have been validated, or properly weighed against the risks. And they can be difficult to assess using traditional clinical trials.

The first MDMA-assisted assisted therapy appeared to be on track for FDA approval this August, but a recent report from an independent review committee challenged the integrity of the trial data from the drug's maker, Lykos Therapeutics, a startup founded by a psychedelic research and advocacy group. The FDA will convene a panel of independent investigators on June 4 to determine whether to recommend the drug's approval.

Proponents of the new therapies also worry that the FDA will impose treatment protocols, such as requiring multiple trained clinicians to monitor a patient for extended periods, that will render them far too expensive for most people.

Tipton's MDMA-assisted therapy included three eight-hour medication sessions overseen by two therapists, each followed by an overnight stay at the facility and an integration session the following day.

"It does seem that some of these molecules can be administered safely," said David Olson, director of the University of California-Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics. "I think the question is can they be administered safely at the scale needed to really make major improvements in mental health care."

Breakthrough therapies?

Psychedelics and other psychoactive substances, among the medicines with the oldest recorded use, have long been recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits. Modern research on them started in the mid-20th century, but clinical trial results didn't live up to the claims of advocates, and they eventually got a bad name both from their use as party drugs and from rogue CIA experiments that involved dosing unsuspecting individuals.

The 1970 Controlled Substances Act made most psychoactive drugs illegal before any treatments were brought to market, and MDMA was classified as a Schedule 1 substance in 1985, which effectively ended any research. It wasn't until 2000 that scientists at Johns Hopkins University were granted regulatory approval to study psilocybin anew.

Ketamine was in a different category, having been approved as an anesthetic in 1970. In the early 2000s, researchers discovered its antidepressant effects, and a ketamine-based therapy, Spravato, received FDA approval in 2019.

Doctors can also prescribe generic ketamine off-label, and hundreds of clinics have sprung up across the nation. A clinical trial is underway to evaluate ketamine's effectiveness in treating suicidal depression when used with other psychiatric medications.

Ketamine's apparent effectiveness sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of other psychoactive substances.

They fall into distinct categories: MDMA is an entactogen, also known as an empathogen, which induces a sense of connectedness and emotional communion, while LSD, psylocibin, and ibogaine are psychedelics, which create altered perceptual states. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, though it can produce hallucinations at the right dose.

Despite the drugs' differences, Olson said they all create neuroplasticity and allow the brain to heal damaged neural circuits, which imaging shows can be shriveled up in patients with addiction, depression, and PTSD.

"All of these brain conditions are really disorders of neural circuits," Olson said. "We're basically looking for medicines that can regrow these neurons."

Psychedelics are particularly good at doing this, he said, and hold promise for treating diseases including Alzheimer's.

A number of psychoactive drugs have now received the FDA's "breakthrough therapy" designation, which expedites development and review of drugs with the potential to treat serious conditions.

But standard clinical trials, in which one group of patients is given the drug and a control group is given a placebo, have proven problematic, for the simple reason that people have no trouble determining whether they've gotten the real thing.

The final clinical trial for Lykos' MDMA treatment showed that 71% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after 18 weeks of taking the drug versus 48% in the control group.

A March report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, an independent research group, questioned the company's clinical trial results and challenged the objectivity of MDMA advocates who participated in the study as both patients and therapists. The institute also questioned the drug's cost-effectiveness, which insurers factor into coverage decisions.

Lykos, a public benefit company, was formed in 2014 as an offshoot of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a nonprofit that has invested more than $150 million into psychedelic research and advocacy.

The company said its researchers developed their studies in partnership with the FDA and used independent raters to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.

"We stand behind the design and results of our clinical trials," a Lykos spokesperson said in an email.

There are other hazards too. Psychoactive substances can put patients in vulnerable states, making them potential victims for financial exploitation or other types of abuse. In Lykos' second clinical trial, two therapists were found to have spooned, cuddled, blindfolded, and pinned down a female patient who was in distress.

The substances can also cause shallow breathing, heart issues, and hyperthermia.

To mitigate risks, the FDA can put restrictions on how drugs are administered.

"These are incredibly potent molecules and having them available in vending machines is probably a bad idea," said Hayim Raclaw of Negev Capital, a venture capital fund focused on psychedelic drug development.

But if the protocols are too stringent, access is likely to be limited.

Rachel del Dosso, a trauma therapist in the greater Los Angeles area who offers ketamine-assisted therapy, said she's been following the research on drugs like MDMA and psilocybin and is excited for their therapeutic potential but has reservations about the practicalities of treatment.

"As a therapist in clinical practice, I've been thinking through how could I make that accessible," she said. "Because it would cost a lot for [patients] to have me with them for the whole thing."

Del Dosso said a group therapy model, which is sometimes used in ketamine therapy, could help scale the adoption of other psychoactive treatments, too.

Artificial intelligence and analogs

Researchers expect plenty of new discoveries in the field. One of the companies Negev has invested in, Mindstate Design Labs, uses artificial intelligence to analyze "trip reports," or self-reported drug experiences, to identify potentially therapeutic molecules. Mindstate has asked the FDA to green-light a clinical trial of the first molecule identified through this method, 5-MeO-MiPT, also known as moxy.

AlphaFold, an AI program developed by Google's DeepMind, has identified thousands of potential psychedelic molecules.

There's also a lot of work going into so-called analog compounds, which have the therapeutic effects of hallucinogens but without the hallucinations. The maker of a psilocybin analog announced in March that the FDA had granted it breakthrough therapy status.

"If you can harness the neuroplasticity-promoting properties of LSD while also creating an antipsychotic version of it, then that can be pretty powerful," Olson said.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Image depicts a healthy versus unhealthy gut wall. Credit: Brosna O'Donovan

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, also called the colon and rectum. At least 40,000 people are living with IBD in Ireland, and over 5 million globally.

In a new paper recently published in Computers in Biology and Medicine, researchers from CURAM at the University of Galway and collaborators at the University of Birmingham present a novel computational model simulating shear stress distribution in the colon with varying mucus thicknesses.

The colon, a vital part of our digestive system, relies on rhythmic contractions to move waste. These movements create mechanical forces on the colon's mucus-lined surface. This mucus acts as a protective barrier, separating the inside of our body from the trillions of microbes in our gut.

The research team's computational model uses real-world data on these movements, mucus behavior and tissue characteristics to simulate the dynamic environment. Their study reveals how the mucus layer acts as a lubricant, significantly increasing fecal velocity and easing waste movement through the colon. This effect is diminished in UC, where the mucus layer is thinner, potentially contributing to constipation.

The model highlights the protective function of mucus, shielding the thin cell layer that performs the colonic processes from the mechanical forces.

When the research team, led by Dr. Yury Rochev, School of Physics, University of Galway, investigated the mechanical distribution in the cell layer, they found that shear stress varies along the various functional zones, suggesting a potential role in regulating cell migration, differentiation, and immune responses. However, when this protection is compromised, such as in the UC, it could contribute to inflammation and tissue damage.

Dr. Rochev said, "Our model demonstrates that mucus acts as a lubricant, significantly increasing fecal velocity and easing waste movement through the colon. This effect is diminished in ulcerative colitis (UC), where the mucus layer thins, potentially contributing to constipation."

The model's revelations do not stop there. It also highlights the protective function of mucus, shielding the delicate cells responsible for essential colonic processes from the mechanical forces generated by bowel movements.

Dr. Rochev added, "When we investigated the mechanical distribution in the cell layer, we found that shear stress varies along the different functional zones, suggesting a potential role in regulating cell migration, differentiation, and immune responses. When this protection is compromised, as in UC, it could contribute to inflammation and tissue damage."

The team is not relying solely on computer simulations. They are developing an experimental model using "organ-on-a-chip" technology to validate their findings.

Ibrahim Erbay, a researcher on the team, said, "We are using intestinal organoids to create a replica of the thin cell layer at the colonic surface. By actively flowing fluid with the organ-on-a-chip platform, we can simulate the mechanical forces similar to those experienced in the colon."

By combining computational modeling with robust experimental validation, the researchers aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical forces influence biological events in both health and disease. This holistic approach promises to improve our understanding of gut health and pave the way for new, targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and other digestive disorders.

Researcher Erbay added, "This research not only enhances our understanding of basic colon function at the cellular level, but also offers a powerful tool for developing new therapeutic approaches. We can now model various drug delivery systems and optimize them, potentially leading to more effective treatments for gut-related conditions."

More information: I.H. Erbay et al, Computational insights into colonic motility: Mechanical role of mucus in homeostasis and inflammation, Computers in Biology and Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108540
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A patient sits in the living room of her apartment in the Brooklyn borough of New York during a telemedicine video conference with a physician on Jan. 14, 2019. Patients can now see an array of doctors without leaving their recliner thanks to telemedicine. But that doesnt mean trips to the office should end. Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person visits can be a key to getting good care. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

Patients can now see an array of doctors without leaving their recliner thanks to telemedicine. But that doesn't mean trips to the office should end.

Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person visits can be a key to getting good care.

Here's what you need to know about which form of care may be right for you and when.

WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?

This generally refers to diagnosing and treating patients remotely. It's often done over a secure video connection provided by the doctor's office. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer.

But telemedicine also can involve telephone calls or trading secure messages with someone from your doctor's office to discuss test results or follow-up steps after an appointment.

It can be used to diagnose new health problems and monitor existing, long-term issues like diabetes.

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

These virtual visits can save time and give patients more doctor choices. That's especially important for those who live where in-person care options are slim or for patients who can't take time off work to get to the doctor or lack transportation.

Telemedicine use exploded after COVID-19 hit in 2020. It has cooled since, but it remains more popular than it was before the pandemic, particularly in specialties like dermatology or mental health care.

Amazon now offers a telemedicine option in every state. And many companies sell subscription-based plans centered on virtual care. For those, patients pay a regular fee for doctor visits and mail-order prescriptions to treat high blood pressure, anxiety or hair loss, among other issues.

WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A VALUABLE VISIT?

Test your phone or tablet before the visit starts. You will want to make sure both audio and video work properly. You may need time to adjust your device settings.

Make sure you're in a room or location that offers privacy, especially for therapy sessions. That's usually not a work cubicle, library or restaurant with public Wi-Fi.

Don't drive, walk or eat while talking to the doctor. Aside from being unsafe, those habits also can be distracting for both the patient and physician, noted Dr. Jay Lee, a family physician who does both in-person and virtual visits.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?

Telemedicine needs a secure, fast internet connection, and some patients or doctors may lack the technology to do a virtual visit.

Sometimes physical exams are necessary.

Someone seeking help for a urinary tract infectionwhich can be treated by telemedicinemight actually have gallbladder problems. That could require an ultrasound during an in-person visit, noted Lee, a board member with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

There also may be limits to receiving telemedicine from doctors outside your state. Pandemic emergency declarations that made this easier have ended.

That can make follow-up care challenging if a patient travels to see a specialist.

"There aren't that many pediatric specialists in all of the different conditions that can affect kids," said Krista Drobac, founder of the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for telemedicine use.

WHAT'S THE RIGHT BALANCE?

That can depend on the patient's comfort with telemedicine and the treatment they need.

In some cases, there is no balance if a patient lacks an in-person option or that visit is tough to schedule.

If possible, Lee recommends an initial visit in person and then telemedicine follow-ups. He says that first visit is important for any doctor or specialist you expect to see again.

Both the physician and patient need to determine whether they "have a vibe, that they can get along and that they can work together," he said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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The type of weight loss surgery women undergo before becoming pregnant may affect how much weight their children gain in the first three years of life, suggests a study presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, Mass.

Researchers found children born to women who underwent the bariatric procedure known as sleeve gastrectomy before they became pregnant gain more weight per month on average in the first three years of life compared with children born to women who had the less common Roux-en-Y gastric bypass weight loss procedure.

"Either the extent of pre-pregnancy weight loss or the metabolic changes from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may be favorable for the children's early childhood weight gain," said researcher Vidhu Thaker, M.D., of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, N.Y.

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for obesity in children. Women are more likely to conceive following weight loss procedures, but less is known about the early growth of the children born after pre-pregnancy weight loss procedures.

Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are two of the more common types of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. These surgeries result in sustained weight loss and improve the body's metabolism in the majority of patients.

In vertical sleeve gastrectomy (also called gastric sleeve surgery), a surgeon removes most of the stomach, leaving only a banana-shaped section that is closed with staples. By removing a part of the stomach that makes hormones that drive hunger, this procedure also decreases appetite.

In gastric bypass, the surgeon divides the stomach into two parts, sealing off the upper section from the lower. The surgeon then connects the upper stomach directly to the lower section of the small intestine. This creates a shortcut for food, bypassing part of the stomach and the small intestine. Skipping these parts of the digestive tract means the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients.

The researchers examined the weight and length of offspring born after pre-pregnancy weight loss procedures in the first three years of life. The study used data from 20,515 deliveries over three years, of which 450 had pre-pregnancy weight loss procedures. Among the mothers who underwent weight loss surgery, 57% had sleeve gastrectomy and 41% had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Long-term weight and length data were available for about half of the babies in each group.

The researchers found there was no difference in birth weight among the babies born after weight loss surgery. The pace of weight gain was higher in those born after pre-pregnancy sleeve gastrectomy compared to those born following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, while adjusting for several other variables including pre-pregnancy body mass index.

"While we did not have data on the magnitude of weight loss following bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is known to have higher weight loss and metabolic changes compared to sleeve gastrectomy," Thaker noted.

The authors concluded that either the extent of pre-pregnancy weight loss or the metabolic changes from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may be favorable for the offspring's early childhood weight trajectory.

"A study of the mechanisms underlying the associations of the sustained pre-pregnancy weight loss and the offspring's early life growth may also apply to other methods of weight loss, including the most recently approved anti-obesity medications," Thaker said.
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Two women who are suspected of being connected to a double homicide in Box Elder have been arrested on drug charges.

The women are not facing any formal charges in connection to the double homicide.

Melody Bernard, 51, and Ashley Cortez, 23, were indicted in federal court on May 22. Both women are facing drug charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and conspiracy with intent to distribute both drugs. The Havre Weekly Chronicle first reported the story.

Charges against Bernard came as a surprise to some, given her prominent role in the close-knit tribal community. Located in north-central Montana, the Rocky Boy Reservation is home to 3,613 people.

Bernard, who is Chippewa Cree, recently founded a restaurant on the reservation called Ziahs. In 2020, she organized a Black Lives Matter protest in Havre that received national attention. Her LinkedIn profile states she was at one point an Indian Child Welfare Act case manager.

Bernard, whose married name was Whitford, also formerly served as a tribal judge and police officer. As a judge, she saw cases in tribal drug court and participated in the Chippewa Cree Tribal Adult Healing to Wellness Court Program. In 2014, she ruled that a recent Chippewa Cree Business Committee election had been invalid and ordered another election to be held.

Double homicide in Box Elder

Citing several witness accounts, court documents allege Bernard sold narcotics out of her restaurant, the business next door, which she also owns, and out of her house in Box Elder.

Documents say Bernard would distribute anywhere from 500 to 1,000 fentanyl pills at a time, typically selling one pill for $40.

Documents allege that Bernard worked with a Mexican man named Martin Topete. Also called Junior or Bad Boy, Topete is incarcerated at Centinela State Prison in California for a drug-related premeditated murder of a rival gang member in 2015. Topete was allegedly able to communicate and give orders about criminal activity from prison.

Ashley Cortez, the other woman facing charges, allegedly manages Bernards dealing, serving as a go-between for Bernard and Topete. Several witnesses told law enforcement that Cortez also sold drugs on the reservation.

Cortez reportedly told law enforcement that since November 2023, she made about four trips from California to Bernard in Montana. She estimated she had transported 23 pounds of methamphetamine, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder and three ounces of cocaine. She also said she transported $230,000 for Bernard.

On March 28 around 1:30 a.m., according to court documents, Hill County Sheriff's deputies responded to a shooting at the D and L Bar in Box Elder. Tribal members Thomas Roderick T.R. Yallup, 42, and Darrin Caplette, 41, were shot and killed.

Video surveillance revealed two shooters were driven by a third male in a vehicle. Court documents show the vehicle they used belongs to Bernard.

Bernard was allegedly present at the shooting and was speaking on the phone before, during and after the incident. Court documents allege Bernard was on the phone for 31 minutes with a California-based cell number.

After the shooting, she transported Caplette, one of the victims, in her vehicle until she was intercepted by an ambulance. That vehicle was later found at Bernards ex-husbands house. He stated that Bernard told him the car was used in a shooting and should be destroyed, documents allege.

On March 27, the day before the double homicide, camera footage showed three men enter and exit Bernards home. The three individuals, according to court documents, matched the description of the shooters and were wearing the same clothes as the shooters. They also drove the vehicle that was later recovered at Bernards ex-husbands house.

Law enforcement interviewed Bernard after the shooting, where she allegedly identified the three individuals in the suspect vehicle as Angel Castillo, 18, Miguel Ibanez, 16, and Angelo Sanchez, 18.

Law enforcement found Cortez, Sanchez, Ibanez and Castillo in a room at the Super 8 Motel in Havre shortly after the shooting. Officers found two handguns, multiple cellphones and suspected narcotics in the room, according to court documents.

Castillo and Sanchez, who are both 18, are now in custody at the Choteau County Jail, though officers discovered that they have since called a male believed to be Topete, documents allege. Ibanez, 16, is in custody at the juvenile detention center in Great Falls.

Law enforcement believes, according to documents, that Topete may have ordered that Caplette and/or Yallup be killed. Topetes case notes that he founded a gang called the Wicked Pot Smokers, and Castillo, Ibanez and Sanchez, according to court documents, all had WPS tattoos. Bernard also told law enforcement that Topete, Cortez and Castillo have ties to a Mexican cartel.

Law enforcement in March also received information that additional men from out of state were on the reservation to clean house, which officers interpreted as a threat to life.

Law enforcement determined that before the shooting, a Chippewa Cree tribal member picked up Cortez, Castillo, Ibanez and Sanchez in California and drove them to Montana. Bernard allegedly told law enforcement she thought the group was looking for Caplettes brother. She said Topete had words with Caplette over the phone two nights before he was killed.

On May 21, when officers executed a search warrant at Bernards home on First Street NW in Box Elder, Cortez hid in a bathroom.

Officers discovered Cortez attempting to destroy evidence by running bathtub water over about 64 fentanyl pills and 98 grams of cocaine. Officers also found $8,800 in cash and a firearm at Bernards residence.

Bernard and Cortez have not pleaded to the drug charges yet.

If convicted, they face a possible maximum sentence of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five or more years of supervised release.
Nearly half of registered voters in Butte-Silver Bow County had returned absentee ballots for the primary election by late last week and voters have all day Tuesday and early Tuesday night to drop them off.

People can also vote in person Tuesday and most county residents can do that at the Butte Civic Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are separate polling places for residents in Ramsay, Melrose and Divide.

Ramsay voters can cast ballots in person from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ramsay School. Divide residents can vote at Grange Hall from noon to 8 p.m. and Melrose residents can vote at the Melrose School from noon to 8 p.m.

There is no separate polling location in Rocker this year so voters in that precinct should go to the Civic Center to vote in person on Tuesday.

County election officials were setting up voting stations at the Civic Center and making other preparations Monday.

It is too late to mail back absentee ballots because those not received by 8 p.m. Tuesday will not be counted, even if they are postmarked by then.

But anyone in Butte-Silver Bow County can drop off absentee ballots at the Civic Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday or the Clerk and Recorders Office at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clerk and Recorder Linda Sajor-Joyce said Monday that about 13,000 absentee ballots were mailed to registered voters last month and as of last Thursday, 47% had been returned.

There are some highly contested primaries involving Butte-Silver Bow County races this year, including a four-way contest for chief executive. Incumbent J.P. Gallagher seeks a second term and faces Rayelynn Brandl, Bill Foley and Cathy Moe Goodwin.

In that and any other county races involving three or more candidates, only the top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 5 general election. If there are only two candidates, both advance regardless of primary results.

There are also four candidates seeking to replace longtime state District Court Judge Kurt Krueger: Michael McKeon, Ann Shea, Frank Joseph and William Joyce. The other state judge in Butte-Silver Bow County, Robert Whelan, is running for a second, six-year term on the bench but is not being challenged.

Sajor-Joyce is not running for re-election and three people are vying for her post, with only two advancing after Tuesday. The candidates are Cindy Sherman, Amy Shadow and Rachel Roberts Boyd.

The primary will also matter in one Council of Commissioners race. In District 5, incumbent Justin Fortune is running as are Russell OLeary, Dan Olsen and Tom Cronnelly.

Voters in Butte-Silver Bow will also decide whether a once-a-decade review of local government should be conducted followed by recommendations for changes.

If a majority votes yes, people can run for one of nine seats on a committee that will do the study. The top nine vote-getters in the November general election would serve on the panel.

In neighboring Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Chief Executive Bill Everett seeks a third term and faces Greg Bahr, Kevin Morley and Daniel Goddard.

Three people are running for police chief in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, so the primary will eliminate one: The candidates are incumbent Bill Sather, Kyle Staley and Steve Ernsberger.

State legislative races are partisan so only one Democrat and one Republican can advance past Tuesday. There are several contested primaries in state House and Senate districts that include Butte-Silver Bow and surrounding counties.
On Wednesday, May 29, Ezekiel Mutua, the Chief Executive Officer of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), met Faith Mutindi, the woman who gained online attention for gifting Pastor Kanyari a packet of condoms during a church service.

In a statement on his social media platforms, Dr. Mutua said the meeting was part of the mission to reform content shared on TikTok.

Also present during the engagement was Pastor Obadiah Mwaura, who Ezekiel Mutua thanked for dedicating his time to mentor and pray for young people.

I finally met Faith Mutindi Peters, the lady who caused a TikTok sensation with the CD gifts to Pastor Kanyari.

The mission to reform the digital media goes on. Thank you, Pastor Obadiah Mwaura, for giving your time to mentor and pray for these young people. They are our children, and they must be guided and supported. Faith can be a powerful agent for change, Ezekiel Mutua wrote.

The MCSK boss mentioned that Faith had admitted to clout-chasing for social media fame.

The meeting came after Mutua held a similar meeting with Pastor Kanyari to address his recent conduct on TikTok.

Mutua said he would use Kanyaris experience to mentor thousands of Kenyan youths on TikTok engaging in lewd content for money.

We must have a genuine conversation to rescue our youths who are perishing. We cannot afford to wait to get their attention when another one dies. Most of them have real challenges. They are depressed, high on drugs, and resentful. But they are our children, and we must engage.

Also Check Out  Ezekiel Mutua Withdraws His First TikTok Earnings, One day I will post a million..
President William Ruto flew to South Korea on Sunday evening, marking a return tour following an earlier State Visit in November 2022 at the invite of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

He announced his trip during an interdenominational church service in Kimilili, Bungoma, assuring the Kenyan public that this trip, coming shortly after his recent visit to the U.S., was necessary.

Ruto emphasized his commitment to prioritizing official duties over leisure travel, stating that his trip focuses on work, allaying public concerns about his frequent travels.

President Ruto explained that his official visit to South Korea aims to finalize and sign various agreements initiated during his November tour.

Ruto stated that he would witness the signing of three multibillion-shilling deals that would benefit the country.

Today, I will be jetting to Korea for three issues. When I was there last year, we made some agreements, and now I am going to secure that money, he said.

These agreements include a reported Kes.40 billion deal for the creative economy and a Kes.25 billion deal for equipment to construct irrigation dams.

I agreed with the President of South Korea that we want to collaborate with our university in Athi River and one in South Korea. They have allocated us Kes.40 billion for young people in the creative economy. I will be going to receive those funds, he said.

He added, You saw I visited one of the largest creative economy hubs in America, and now we want to establish ours here.

Another major agreement pertains to labor migration between the two countries.

When we met with the South Korean president, we initiated plans to export our youth, and now we are going to sign an agreement to that effect, he said, revealing that the agreement would see between 5,000 and 10,000 Kenyan youth travel to South Korea under a human capital export deal.

I had to explain so that you dont say we had an agreement with this guy and hes just idle. So, please allow me to go for the sake of other Kenyans, he said.

President Rutos itinerary also includes participation in the Korea-Africa Summit, where he will join 48 other heads of state and government.
The family of a 64-year-old woman, allegedly murdered by her Ugandan farmhand in November, is demanding answers after learning that the suspect had escaped police custody under unclear circumstances.

The family stormed Kiamaciri police station on Sunday morning demanding justice. The deceaseds daughter, Calorine Wangui, expressed shock upon being informed by the officer commanding station (OCS) that the suspect had fled.

I want justice and the suspect rearrested. I used my own money to see the suspect brought here from Uganda, and now they have released him, Wangui said.

Esther Wamuyu, a relative of the deceased, questioned how a suspect could escape from a guarded police station.

We are going to stay here until we receive a proper explanation, Wamuyu stated.

The Ugandan national, Phillipino Muifi, 23, is accused of killing his employer, Rose Muthoni Kariuki, on November 2, 2023, before fleeing.

The deceaseds phone was later found at Muifis aunts house in Nairobi and he was arrested by detectives in Nakuru on May 18, 2024, after a months-long pursuit.

The suspected killer had been held at Kiamaciri police station after the court allowed detectives to detain him for 14 days to continue investigations.

According to the police at Kiamaciri, Muifi disappeared on Friday along with another suspect accused of bestiality with a goat in Kagio town. The police claimed that the two broke a pipe and escaped, vowing to re-arrest them.

Kirinyaga County Investigator Jason Mworia, who is off duty, reported that two police officers on duty at the time had been arrested.
Kenya has voiced its support for the suggestion made by the United States (US), Qatar, and Egypt to bring an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a statement, Korir SingOei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, affirmed Kenyas endorsement of the initiative put forth by the three countries to achieve a resolution to the ongoing war.

We fully align ourselves with this crucial initiative aimed at halting the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in widespread killings and devastation in Gaza and other parts of Palestine, triggering an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We urge the parties involved to make any necessary compromises to secure a permanent ceasefire, SingOei stated.

The Principal Secretary declared Kenyas backing following the release of a joint statement by the three nations, calling for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

Qatar, Egypt, and the US are mediating ongoing discussions to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees.

The mediators have called on both Hamas and Israel to finalize the agreement embodying the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024.

This deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and ending the crisis, read the joint statement, asserting that the principles outlined in the agreement address the demands of all parties involved.

President Biden announced on May 31 that Israel had proposed a three-part plan aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and releasing all hostages held there for the last eight months.

Biden clarified that the plans first phase would commence with six weeks of a full and complete ceasefire. He emphasized that this would entail the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza and the release of women and children who were being held hostage.

During this period, Biden stated that the two parties would negotiate a permanent ceasefire despite the possibility of setbacks.

Additionally, there would be a surge in humanitarian aid, and Palestinian civilians would be able to return to their homes in Gaza.

However, Biden clarified that phase two would not commence until all agreements outlined in phase one were reached.

The second stage would involve the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Subsequently, there would be a permanent cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

According to Biden, the final step would involve initiating a significant reconstruction plan in Gaza and returning the remains of deceased hostages to their families.
Police launched a manhunt on Sunday for a father suspected of fatally stabbing his daughter during a domestic altercation in the Changamwe area of Mombasa.

Witnesses and authorities revealed that the tragic incident was sparked by a quarrel over a solar rechargeable lamp following a brief power blackout in the area. The man was reportedly fighting with his wife when their daughter intervened to disperse them.

During the argument, the man allegedly picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed his daughter, Diana Yumbya, 25, before fleeing the scene.

Neighbors who heard the commotion rushed her to Bomu Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Yesterday 1/06/2024 at around 2305 hours, the suspect picked a quarrel with the deceased over a solar rechargeable lamp and suddenly drew a knife and stabbed her in the chest. He then escaped after the incident. She was rushed to Bomu Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival, police noted in a statement.

Police arrived at the hospital and processed the body, which had a visible stab wound, before transferring it to the mortuary pending autopsy.

The detectives also recovered the weapon from the scene. One kitchen knife with blood stains was recovered and kept as an exhibit, police noted.

As of Sunday evening, the suspect remained at large as police launched further investigations and continued to search for him.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has refuted reports suggesting that the National Police Service (NPS) is conducting training for Haiti security officers in Kenya.

During a TV interview, Mudavadi clarified that the government has not reached the stage of hosting Haitian police officers in the country, let alone training 2,000 of them as claimed by some media outlets.

We have not reached the level of having Haitian police come to Kenya for training, he stated.

Mudavadi elaborated that Kenya has only agreed to deploy 1000 police officers to Haiti under the United Nations (UN) deployment framework, emphasizing that such information would not be concealed from the public.

If there were plans for training, we would not conceal anything. We would make it public, just as we have announced our engagement under the UN framework for deployment. Currently, there are no 2,000 individuals undergoing training in Kenya, he added.

Furthermore, Mudavadi defended the governments decision to initially send 200 police officers in the first phase, rather than 1000.

The CS explained that the deployment process is managed operationally and follows the guidance of experts trained in logistics and deployment, similar to Kenyas past missions.

There are extensive consultations ongoing, with numerous countries committing to be part of this process moving forward. The deployment will be strategic and phased out, ensuring that security deployment experts have sufficient boots on the ground to address the crisis, Mudavadi stated.

Additionally, Mudavadi emphasized that the deployed officers are security experts who have undergone thorough training to ensure comprehensive coverage during the mission.

So, I can only plead to the Kenyan people to understand that these are experts who are being asked to asset the people of Haiti and in consultation with the people of Haiti, the UN and other states that are willing and ready to support either financially or logistically, he explained.

Mudavadi assured that measures have been put in place to handle any emergencies that may arise during the mission.

They are meticulously considering every detail concerning emergency situations and how to address them. This is not people jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim, these are people who are trained in matters security, he affirmed.

Furthermore, Mudavadi defended the deployment, affirming that the mission operates under the UN Security Council and is prompted by resolution 2699 of 2023.

The UN resolution remains in effect, serving as the foundational framework guiding the deployment to Haiti, he clarified.

According to Mudavadi, the new Haitian Prime Minister (PM) Garry Conille is tasked with continuing the peacekeeping efforts initiated by former PM Ariel Henry.

During the transition of power to the transitional council, one of the agreements was that the peace initiative started by the outgoing Prime Minister would be embraced by the government and people of Haiti. This, along with the UN framework, forms the basis of our deployment, he concluded.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (ICT) is spearheading a plan to enable Kenyans to make direct phone calls with President William Ruto.

Prof. Edward Kisiangani, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, disclosed that the government is developing strategies to facilitate communication between Kenyans and President Ruto, allowing citizens to discuss matters of concern with him directly.

PS Kisiangani made these remarks during a visit to Bungoma County, following an incident where the President hinted at giving out his phone number during a speech in the County.

Ruto addressed residents of Machakha in Webuye West Constituency, Bungoma on May 30, 2024, teasing them to contact him if the areas Member of Parliament failed to fulfill his commitment of establishing an ICT Hub in the area.

Speaking at the official opening of Webuye West Technical and Vocational College, Machakha, Bungoma County, the Head of State directed his remarks towards Dan (Daniel Wanyama MP Webuye West), tasking him with the responsibility of constructing the ICT Hub.

Ruto informed the crowd that he had already informed their MP about the project, emphasizing that if the MP failed to deliver, they should contact him directly.

So, Dan, you have the task of building the ICT Hub, and I have reported you to your constituents. They shall be asking you, Where is the ICT Hub which the hustler promised us, where is it? Make sure you follow up with the MP, and if he fails to accomplish it, call me, said Ruto.

Following Rutos remarks, residents began chanting, demanding the Presidents phone number, which he initially teased before humorously retracting.

You want my number? Now, if you all call me on reverse call and the way you are many, youll deplete my salary, he joked.

However, PS Kisiangani noted that the Head of State had not fully considered the logistical challenges of implementing such a plan, particularly the potential influx of calls, including those at odd hours.

According to Kisiangani, the President wants direct communication with the people on the ground without intermediaries such as other elected leaders. He explained that facilitating Kenyans to call President Ruto directly necessitates logistical planning, including organizing the allocation of who calls and when they do so.

Yesterday he (President Ruto) was trying to give people his number, and I think he didnt have the correct logistics on how he can give the number. People would call at midnight. I mean he would receive probably one thousand calls, the PS remarked.

We are working on logistics; we can allocate certain people some days and hours so that the president can talk to you directly because that is what he wants. Dont pass through people, you need to talk to the President directly, he added.
Xinjiang enters peak tourism season with various rural tour routes, cultural events

Xinhua) 10:17, June 03, 2024

Tourists visit a grassland scenic spot in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 30, 2024. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a countryside amusement park in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows a grassland scenic spot in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A local dancer greets tourists at Yuliu lane in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 30, 2024. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

People visit a night market in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 29, 2024. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

People visit a night market in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 29, 2024, Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Villagers greet tourists at an agro-tourism area in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 30, 2024. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows an agro-tourism area in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang in northwest China has entered its peak tourism season recently. Emin County, located near the China-Kazakhstan border, is a popular tourist destination which provides various rural tour routes and cultural events. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The stock market opened on Monday at a record high, following the exit polls predictions giving the BJP-led NDA a third term with a comfortable majority. Markets experts see further upswings after the formation of the government, allocation of portfolios to ministers and announcements in the upcoming July budget. Madhusudan Kela, Founder of MK Ventures, reflects a positive outlook on India's prospects and the potential for continued growth and development across various sectors. He emphasises the importance of visionary leadership, sound policies, and collective effort in realising the goals outlined in Amrit Kaal for the benefit of the nation. Kela said, "Amrit Kaal for Bharat lays down a clear vision for the next 20 years, encompassing economic growth, social upliftment, environmental sustainability, and governance reforms. The past 5-10 years have been transformative for the Indian economy, witnessing significant wealth creation in both the real and financial sectors." He added, "India has ascended to become the 5th largest economy by GDP and the 4th largest by market capitalization, surpassing 5 trillion USD. With robust decision-making, policy continuity, and renewed optimism, we perceive abundant opportunities for wealth creation and feel privileged to be part of Amrit Kaal. As Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam rightly said, 'You have to dream before your dreams come true.'" Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert, said, "Monday is witnessing a gap-up opening, but we anticipate further upside on Tuesday as actual trends become clearer." Following the election results, the attention of investors will shift to the formation of the new government. The composition of the government and policies can have a significant influence on market sentiment and investment decisions. Bagga said, "However, attention will swiftly shift to government formation, the Union Budget, and potential tax changes. We foresee significant upside potential in the markets this week, contingent upon factors such as the NDA tally nearing the 400 mark, announcements of priorities by the new government, and measures outlined in the Union Budget in July." "Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) will closely monitor these developments before robust net inflows are expected", Bagga added. The optimistic outlook has invigorated investor confidence, leading to a record-breaking opening. As the market continues its upward trajectory, experts emphasise the significance of political developments, continuity in economic policies, and global factors in shaping future market dynamics. The robust performance underscores the resilience and potential of the Indian economy, signalling opportunities for long terms investors in the Indian markets. (ANI)
Adani One and ICICI Bank on Monday launched what they termed India's first co-branded credit cards with airport-linked benefits in collaboration with Visa. These co-branded credit cards are available in two variants: the Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card and Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card, Adani One said in a statement. As per the company statement, the cards come with several benefits designed to enhance the cardholders' lifestyle and elevate their airport and travel experiences. They would offer up to 7 per cent Adani Reward Points on spends across the Adani Group consumer ecosystem like Adani One app, where one can book flights, hotels, trains, buses, and cabs; Adani-managed airports; Adani CNG pumps; Adani Electricity bills, and Trainman, an online train booking platform. The rewards are "uncapped," the statement said. The cards also offer an array of benefits, including welcome benefits like free air tickets and airport privileges like premium lounge access, Pranaam Meet & Greet Service, porter, valet and premium car parking. Card users also get privileges like discounts on shopping at duty-free outlets and on F&B spends at the airports, and benefits like free movie tickets and Adani Reward Points on groceries, utilities, and international spends. The Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card carries an annual fee of Rs 5,000 with joining benefits worth Rs 9,000, while the Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card has an annual fee of Rs 750 with joining benefits worth Rs 5,000. This strategic partnership marked the Adani Group's maiden venture into the financial sector. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Group, expressed his enthusiasm at the launch event, saying, "This unique partnership with ICICI Bank and Visa will set a new benchmark in customer experience and showcase our commitment to innovation and excellence." "The Adani One ICICI Bank Credit Cards are a window to a seamless digital ecosystem. By leveraging the Adani One platform, which integrates physical B2C businesses into the digital world, users will experience unparalleled convenience and accessibility." Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, ICICI Bank, said, "Through this launch, we intend to offer our customers rewards and benefits across the Adani Group's consumer ecosystem, and strengthen the Bank's credit card portfolio." Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager, Visa India and South Asia said, "At Visa, we are delighted to partner with the Adani Group and ICICI Bank to bring these exciting co-branded credit cards to life, leveraging Visa's trusted network and worldwide acceptance. These cards empower the globetrotting cardholders with an elite travel and shopping experience, both online and offline, elevating their convenience and travel experience. We look forward to continue enabling many more such offerings in the future." (ANI)
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Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said in Singapore on Sunday that China has been promoting peace talks with a responsible attitude on the Ukraine crisis.

He made the remarks when delivering a speech on China's approach to global security at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore.

China has never provided weapons to either party of the Ukraine crisis, Dong said.

The Chinese defense minister also said that on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China adheres to a just and impartial position and works together with the international community to push for a ceasefire.

On issues such as those concerning the Korean Peninsula, Afghanistan and Myanmar, China has actively sought political settlement and thus played a constructive role, Dong added.
After spending quality time in Italy, star couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are now back in India. The duo with their daughter Raha was spotted at the Mumbai airport during the early hours of Monday. In the visuals captured by the paps, Ranbir could be seen holding Raha in his arms as Alia walked beside them. But what caught everyone's attention was Raha showering love on her dad Ranbir by planting sweet kisses on his cheeks. Alia and Ranbir Kapoor tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony held at the former's Bandra residence, Vastu, on April 14, 2022, after dating for five years. The couple welcomed their daughter, Raha, in November of the same year. Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia and Ranbir will be seen sharing screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directorial ''Love & War'. The film will also star Vicky Kaushal. In January 2024, Alia shared the announcement poster which read, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next EPIC saga 'LOVE & WAR' starring #RanbirKapoor @aliaabhatt & @vickykaushal09. See you in Cinemas on CHRISTMAS 2025!"The poster had the names of the film's three stars - Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal - along with their signatures. Expressing his happiness about the project, Vicky on his Instagram wrote, "An eternal cinema dream has come true."This project marks the second collaboration of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt, after 2022's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. This is also Ranbir's second collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.He made his acting debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya' in 2007. Further details regarding 'Love & War' have not been disclosed yet. Prior to 'Love and War', Alia and Ranbir shared screen space in Ayan Mukerji's 'Bhramastra'. Interestingly, they fell in love with each other during the shoot of the film, which also starred megastar Amitabh Bachchan. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, Shilpa dropped a series of pictures featuring herself and kids.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7vtDoyNjo5/?

The first picture shows Shilpa flaunting her beautiful smile.

The next images capture Viaan and Samisha lying on the sand. Enjoying the waves and beach time.

She also shared selfies with Viaan and Samisha.

She captioned the post, "Starting the week with a smile and a heart full of gratitude."

As soon as the pictures were shared, fans dropped heart emojis.

Recently, she finished shooting for her upcoming film 'KD - The Devil Part 1'.

Shilpa took to Instagram and shared a fun video from the wrap-up.

Shilpa has wrapped up the last schedule in Mysore.

The video begins with Shilpa dressed in floral saree sitting in a chair while the makeup artist fixes her makeup.

In the clip, she says, "It's a bloody business, bloody difficult business." Then, she walks towards director Prem and says, "Sir, pack up."

In the end, Shilpa says, "KD is a film to watch out for. One of my most favourite roles, Satyavati, is in this movie."

Sharing the video, she wrote, "It's a wrap for #KDTheDevil - Part One. Can't wait for you to see Satyavati in action. All set to be yours this December."

'KD- The Devil' also stars V Ravichandran and Sanjay Dutt. With Shilpa Shetty Kundra now entering the war zone, this one is guaranteed to leave audiences wanting more.

In March, Shilpa announced that she is joining KD's Battlefield as Satyavati.

In the poster, Shilpa was seen sporting a retro look, she wore a polka dots sari and oversized glasses.

Directed by Prem, 'KD-The Devil', the Pan-India multilingual is set to release in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. A period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore.

Meanwhile, Shilpa was recently seen in Rohit Shetty's OTT debut 'Indian Police Force', which also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi. The series is streaming on the OTT platform Amazon Prime. (ANI)
In the videos captured by Mumbai paparazzi, Anil can be seen posing with the Quick Style group.

Anil looked handsome as always in shirt and trouser look.

The group Quick Style rose to fame after recreating hook steps of popular Bollywood songs such as 'Sadi Galli' from the film 'Tanu Weds Manu' and 'Kala Chashma' from 'Baar Baar Dekho'.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Anil is all set to host Bigg Boss OTT 3.

Taking to the Instagram account on Sunday Jio cinema shared the photos and wrote, "Tell us if you've ever seen such a 'good looking' silhouette host #BiggBossOTT3 coming this June on JioCinema Premium." As soon as the photos were shared, fans were seen reacting. They have guessed and wrote Anil Kapoor in the comment section. Many dropped heart emojis and some even mentioned contestants.

The web show, streaming exclusively on JioCinema, will be launched in June.

The announcement came through a gripping minute-long promo released on Wednesday via Jio Cinema's official Instagram account.

The teaser offered a tantalizing glimpse into the drama-packed world of Bigg Boss OTT, featuring iconic moments from previous seasons. From intense showdowns to unforgettable catchphrases, the promo promised a season that will surpass all expectations.

Along with the promo, Jio Cinema added a caption that read, "Bhule naa bhulaaye Jane wala season hai bbott2 Raosahab ki wajah se toh ott ki value huii."

The caption of the teaser which read, "Ye season hoga khaas, Ek Dum Jhakaas," hinted at Anil Kapoor replacing Salman Khan as the host of the show.

On acting front, Anil Kapoor will be seen in action-drama 'Subedaar'.

The film will be directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously directed T-Series' comedy-drama 'Tumhari Sulu' (2017) and 'Jalsa', both headlined by Vidya Balan.

Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni, and Anil Kapoor serve as producers for the film.

"In an adrenaline - fueled action drama, Subedaar Arjun Singh grapples with civilian life, navigating a strained relationship with his daughter, and societal dysfunction. The man who once fought for the nation must now fight enemies within to protect his home and family," read the official synopsis of the project. (ANI)
Thirteen people were killed and 15 were injured as a tractor overturned near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border late night on Sunday, police said. The people who were on board the tractor were coming to Rajasthan to attend a wedding, the police said adding that two of those who have been injured are in critical condition. "Some people from Rajasthan were coming to the state to attend a wedding, in a tractor. Near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border, the tractor was overturned in which 13 people died and 15 were injured. Two people were in serious condition and have been admitted to the hospital and we have referred them to Bhopal. The injured are being given proper treatment as per the instructions of the government...," Rajgarh Collector Harsh Dikshit said speaking to ANI. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to the families who died in the Rajgarh accident. "The news of the death of many people in a road accident in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the President said in a post on 'X'. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Singh said that his Cabinet colleague Narayan Singh Panwar reached the spot along with the Rajgarh Collector and the Superintendent of Police. Singh further said that the state government is also in touch with the Rajasthan government and the Rajasthan Police has reached the spot as well. "The news of the untimely death of 13 people from the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan due to the overturning of a tractor-trolley on Piplodi Road in Rajgarh district is extremely sad. Cabinet colleague Narayan Singh Panwar along with the Collector and SP Rajgarh are present on the spot. We are in touch with the Rajasthan government and Rajasthan police have also reached the spot," the Chief Minister said in a post on 'X'. "The treatment of the injured is going on in the District Hospital, Rajgarh and some seriously injured patients have been referred to Bhopal...My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he added. (ANI)
Mumbai Police on Sunday clarified that a false complaint was filed against actor Raveena Tandon with the Khar Police, accusing her of being drunk, rash driving and assault. Tandon shared a screenshot of a post from 'Viral Bhayani' on 'X' saying that the complainant filed a false complaint in the case and after checking the CCTV footage it was found that Raveena's car did not hit anyone and she was not drunk. The post said that while speaking to a Mumbai-based daily, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajtilak Roshan of Zone 9 said that the complaint was false. "The complainant gave a false complaint in the alleged video. We checked the entire CCTV footage of the society and found that the actress's driver was reversing the car from the road into the society when this family was crossing the same lane. The family stopped the car and told the driver that he should check if people were behind the car before reversing and an argument started between them," the DCP said while speaking to the daily. When the argument got heated, Raveena came to the spot to check on her driver and tried to protect him from the mob. The duo went to the Khar police station to file complaints but subsequently withdrew them. "This argument escalated into abusive language, and actress Raveena Tandon arrived at the spot to check what had happened with her driver. The actress tried to protect the driver from the mob; however, the mob started abusing her. Both Raveena Tandon and the family went to the Khar police station and gave written complaints. Later, they both also submitted letters stating they did not want to register any complaints," DCP Rajtilak Roshan explained. DCP Rajtilak Roshan further stated, "Nobody was injured in this incident. We checked the CCTV footage, and the car did not hit anyone. The actress was not drunk." In another screenshot shared by Raveena in the same post, the Mumbai Police was quoted in an online portal saying that both parties denied making any complaints. "Tandon's driver was trying to reverse the car to park it, and three people from a family felt that they would get hit. After the argument, both parties left, and later, police reached the spot and questioned Tandon's staff. The other party was also called to the Police station. Both parties denied making any complaints," Mumbai Police was quoted as saying. The post mentioned that the police statement came after the video of the incident went viral across social media platforms where Raveena Tandon is requesting people to calm down and can also be heard saying 'don't hit me.' The video of the incident is doing rounds across social media platforms in which Raveena Tandon can be seen struggling around the people pushing her and wanting to beat her driver, it added. There were accusations of her and her driver being drunk which were denied by Police as false allegations, it said. A scuffle was reported outside actor Raveena Tandon's house last night when her driver was parking the car in the building premises. According to the Mumbai Police, while the driver was reversing the car, a family was passing in front of the building's gate. Thinking that the car would hit them, a scuffle broke out between Raveena Tandon's driver and three women of the family over the issue. Raveena came out of the house after she heard the arguments between her driver and the family However, after a lot of arguments, both parties left. Upon getting information, when the police reached the spot, they questioned Raveena's staff and called both parties to Khar Police Station. No one was injured in the incident nor did any vehicles collide, police said, adding no complaint has been filed by any side. Meanwhile, on the work front, Raveena recently wowed the audiences with her compelling performance in the Disney+ Hotstar courtroom drama 'Patna Shuklla', alongside co-stars late Satish Kaushik and Manav Vij. In the coming months, she will be seen in 'Welcome 3'. The star-studded cast includes Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, and Paresh Rawal. (ANI)
The Election Commission has ordered repolling at one polling station each in the Barasat and Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal on Monday, a day before the counting of votes. As per the order from the poll body, repolling will be conducted at 61 Kadambagachi Saradar Pada FP School, Room No 2 of 120-Deganga Assembly Constituency in 17 Barasat Parliamentary Constituency and 26 Aaddir Mahal Srichaitanya Bidyapith FP School of 131-Kakdwip Assembly Constituency in 20-Mathurapur (SC) Parliamentary Constituency in West Bengal. "I am directed to state that on the basis of reports received from the concerned RO/the concerned DEO/the Observers of 17-Barasat PC and 20-Mathurapur (SC) PC. regarding poll taken for General Election to Lok Sabha for West Bengal State, 2024, held on 1 June, 2024 and after taking all material circumstances into account, the Commission, hereby declares under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, that the poll taken on 1 June, 2024 for aforesaid election at the following polling stations (as mentioned in Column 3 of the table below) to be void and appoints 3 June, 2024 as the date and fixes the hours as mentioned in Column (4) of the table below, for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations in accordance with Commission's instructions contained in paragraphs 13.62 of Chapter XIII of Hand Book for Returning Officer, 2023," the Election Commission said in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. Clashes broke out between supporters of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Indian Secular Front (ISF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in various areas of the State in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls on June 1. An alleged clash broke out between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers at Bayarbari in West Bengal's Basirhat amid the seventh and final phase of polling in the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday. A clash also broke out between TMC and BJP workers at Meraganj in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, leaving several people injured. Meanwhile, as West Bengal police went to arrest an alleged accused in Saturday's violence in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, the local women resisted and a scuffle broke out on Sunday. The police had come to arrest BJP worker Sadhan Nandi. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid a visit to ailing spiritual leader and Padma Shri awardee Chitta Maharaj, who has been undergoing treatment at a hosptial here. Saha had kept himself informed about the condition of Chitta Maharaj through updates from the doctors upon returning to the state he along with officials from the Health Department, visited GB Hospital here on Sunday night. The CM has also issued necessary instructions to the Medical Superintendent of GB Hospital to ensure that Chitta Maharaj receives the best possible care. Additionally, the Chief Minister expressed his wishes for Chitta Maharaj's speedy recovery through social media. He was joined by GB Medical Superintendent Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kanak Chowdhury, and other senior doctors. The Chief Minister discussed Chitta Maharaj's treatment with the attending doctors and personally spoke with the Padma Shri awardee. In another case, Saha also inquired about the condition of a PG student from Karnataka studying at Agartala Government Medical College who was injured in an attack. He ensured that the student was receiving proper treatment and emphasised the need for meticulous care. Speaking to media representatives outside the hospital, Saha provided updates on the legal actions taken regarding the attack on the student. He confirmed that the police have already arrested one suspect and are actively pursuing the other individuals involved. Saha assured that justice will be served, stating, "The law will follow its course, and none of the guilty will be spared. All necessary arrangements will be made from our side." (ANI)
After a one-sided win in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday lauded his former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) over his detailed analysis of the reasons people voted for the BJP. In a post on X, CM Khandu said, "Guided by the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji, we ensured last mile delivery of government developmental schemes in the State." Pointing to an article in Indian Express written by his former OSD, Pema Khandu added, "How well my OSD, Aaditya_bharat1 has analyzed the multi-dimensional reasons why people laid trust in Team Arunachal." Aaditya Tiwari, a former OSD to Arunachal Pradesh CM wrote an article in Indian Express where he mentioned some reasons behind BJP's win in the state. He emphasized that PM Modi has made more visits to the Northeast as compared to other PMs. "We have come a long way from the days when a Union minister visiting Guwahati would make headlines across Northeast India to such visits becoming routine. PM Modi has made more visits to the Northeast than all his predecessors cumulatively. A region that is culturally as well as strategically important for India still largely remains out of the popular media narrative but has remained a priority for the "double engine" BJP government," the article read. He also mentioned the Itanagar airport and said that it is remarkable that it took 75 years to build an airport in this remote part of the nation. "Such projects are not merely about infrastructure; they symbolize aspirations and national integration," it added. The former OSD to Arunachal CM further highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission and said that the state became the first state to achieve 100 per cent saturation. "On August 15, 2019, only 22,796 households in Arunachal Pradesh had tap water connections; this number rose to 2,28,546. This achievement is phenomenal, given the state's difficult terrain and sparsely located population," the article mentioned. (ANI)
Repolling began at one booth each in the Barasat and Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal on Monday. The booth number 61 in the Kadambagachi Sardar Para area of Barasat Lok Sabha Constituency and a booth located at the Aaddir Mahal Srichaitanya Bidyapith in the Mathurapur constituency went to the repolling after the Election Commission's order in this regard. The decision of the repolling was based on reports of the returning officers, the district election officers, and observers concerned, said the Election Commission. "I am directed to state that on the basis of reports received from the concerned RO/the concerned DEO/the Observers of 17-Barasat PC and 20-Mathurapur (SC) PC. regarding the poll taken for General Election to Lok Sabha for West Bengal State, 2024, held on 1 June 2024 and after taking all material circumstances into account, the Commission, hereby declares under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, that the poll taken on 1 June 2024 for aforesaid election at the following polling stations (as mentioned in Column 3 of the table below) to be void and appoints 3 June 2024 as the date and fixes the hours as mentioned in Column (4) of the table below, for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations in accordance with Commission's instructions contained in paragraphs 13.62 of Chapter XIII of Hand Book for Returning Officer, 2023," the Election Commission said in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal on Sunday. To manage post-election violence, nearly 400 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies (over 40,000 personnel) will remain in West Bengal until June 19, sources told ANI. A significant portion of the CAPFs will consist of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), said a source privy to the development, adding, "The decision was taken anticipating post-poll violence in West Bengal." "The ongoing deployment of 400 CAPF companies in West Bengal aims to establish area dominance, build confidence among citizens, and ensure a peaceful environment while maintaining law and order in the state," said officials requesting anonymity. As per the official source, the 400 CAPF companies consist of the CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). (ANI)
With barely a day left for the Lok Sabha poll results, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday launched a sharp attack at the Congress over the latter's remarks on the Election Commission of India. BJP leader Naqvi, while speaking to ANI, said, "Tumhare pair ke neeche koi zameen nahin, kamaal hai ki fir bhi tumhein yakeen nahin. They can feel the ground slipping under their feet." "They talk about their alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modiji has become successful in making the country realise that it will progress on the path of good governance under his leadership. The INDI-Alliance, on the one hand, are wrestling among themselves in Kerala and on the other hand, joining hands in Delhi. They were fighting in Punjab while embracing each other in Delhi. Now they claim that they would cross 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls," he added. Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, through a post on his social media handle, alleged that calls had been made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to 150 District Magistrates just days before the scheduled counting of votes (June 4). The ECI, in response to this, sought factual information and documents from Ramesh in support of his claim. Later, while addressing the media here in the national capital, the Congress leader said that the Election Commission is a constitutional body and that it needs to be neutral. "...The Election Commission is a constitutional body, it needs to be neutral. People are watching, not only the parties and candidates but also the Election Commission. But, the way the Election Commission has functioned till now, we can't trust it. Since it's a constitutional body, we respect it as it has dignity..." he said. Moreover, the exit polls on Sunday predicted a landslide victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the LS polls. The exit polls predicted that the ruling BJP-led NDA is poised to improve its performance over its 2019 record when it won 352 seats. Two polls predicted the BJP also improving its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. While the BJP leaders rejoiced about the poll predictions, several INDIA bloc leaders rubbished the same and expressed confidence that it would secure over 295 seats in the polls. If the exit poll predictions come true on June 4 when votes are counted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will become the only PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three successive terms in Lok Sabha polls. The exit polls predicted 'Modi 3.0' with PM Modi having led the BJP's poll effort through rallies and roadshows in various parts of the country. (ANI)
 Flash

Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, visited Namibia from May 30 to June 2 at the invitation of the Namibian National Assembly.

During the four-day trip, Cai held talks with Namibian Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi, and Chairperson of the National Council Lukas Sinimbo Muha.

Cai said that China and Namibia have been good friends and partners since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago. The two sides have maintained sincere friendship, treated each other as equals through thick and thin, and forged ahead together.

He said that China will continue to be Namibia's companion on its road to development and revitalization, to further advance the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and achieve new results.

Cai briefed the Namibian officials on China's modernization drive, the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, to be held in Beijing this autumn, as well as China's push for national revitalization through science and education.

The Namibian side thanked China for its selfless support during its struggle for national independence and nation-building, reiterated its adherence to the one-China principle, and highlighted the important role of working together through the Belt and Road Initiative and forums such as FOCAC.

The Namibian officials also expressed the hope to learn from China's development experience and its advanced technologies, and to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During his stay in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, Cai also visited the Independence Memorial Museum, which focuses on the country's resistance against colonialism and its national liberation movement.
The deceased police personnel identified as Sodhi Laxman was stabbed with a sharp weapon on Sunday.

After receiving the information about the incident, a police team inspected the crime site.

The police team collected all the evidence and the body has been sent for postmortem.

A case has been registered against the unidentified assailants and the police have started investigations.

The unidentified assailants committed the crime in the jurisdiction of the Gadiras police station which is around 25 kilometres from the Sukma police headquarters.

More details are awaited.

Sukma is one of the worst affected districts by Maoist and Naxalite activities and is considered a war zone by security forces. (ANI)
Delhi's Karkardooma Court dismissed the bail plea of Dr Akash, who has been arrested in connection with the New Born Baby Care hospital fire case. In this case, eight babies have died so far. It was argued that Dr Akash was a trainee at the hospital. He was neither an employee nor in a supervisory capacity. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand dismissed the bail plea of Dr Akash after hearing submissions of defence counsel and an additional public prosecutor (APP). Advocate Naveen Kumar Singh, counsel for Dr Akash argued that he (Akash) is neither an employee, nor in a supervisory capacity. There is no appointment letter. He is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS). In January 2024, he joined the hospital as a trainee, the counsel added. It was also submitted that Akash was assisting the nursing staff. Dr Naveen Khichi does the treatment. The accused never treated any patients or gave any prescriptions. It is an old hospital. He is 26 years old; can he be given a supervisory capacity? defence counsel asked. He (Akash) was just following the instructions of the doctor and the nursing staff. He is 26 years old. How can he be in a supervisory role? It is the start of his career, he enrolled in 2023, the defence counsel added. It has also been submitted that it is an accident. This fire started on the second floor by a short circuit. Death happened due to suffocation, not burns. In this way, how can he be responsible for all this? The defence counsel also submitted that there is a lack of procedure. His career will be spoiled if he is kept in jail, accused is from a poor family; he is not influential, the counsel said. He further stated that the fire started on the second floor with the cylinder used for patient treatment. Before the arrival of police and fire staff, they rescued seven babies. There is a discrepancy between the dates of arrest May 26 and 27. Prosecution opposed his bail application. Additional public prosecutor (APP) argued that allegations are serious. The offence is punishable with life imprisonment. It is triable by court of session. This case should be transferred to court of session. The investigation was at initial stage, APP argued. It also submitted that accused was not a trainee. He was overall in charge in the night. He fled from the hospital. General public informed about the incidents. He did not inform the police or fire department; instead, he called Dr Naveen Khichi. Delhi Police also said that a dead body was also kept in ICU prior to this incident. High Court is also seized of the matter. It is also stated that one more baby has died. Total 8 babies have died so far. Defence counsel submitted in rebuttal that police have inquired into the cause of fire. What is his role in the fire? He (accused) saved 7 babies, the defence counsel said. (ANI)
A day ahead of the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has said that the INDIA alliance will get 295 seats and form the next government. Without naming the BJP, he said if it gets over 300 seats, then "it is not people's vote but of EVM (electronic voting machine)". "If people have voted, then they will not get a majority and the figure given by Congress of 295 seats (for INDIA alliance) is correct. If it is '300 paar', it is not the vote of people but of EVM," he said. Digvijay Singh, a former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Rajgarh in the state. Congress and some other constituents of the INDIA alliance have insisted that they will get 295 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha polls and form the next government at the Centre. Exit polls, however, have said that BJP-led NDA will return to power with a large majority. Earlier, in the day, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said that India had created a record in the Lok Sabha election by recording the highest voter turnout in the world. "We have created a world record of 642 million voters. This is the historic moment for all of us. This is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries and 2.5 times voters of 27 countries in the European Union (EU). We thank each and every one who took part in this festival of democracy. The Indian elections are indeed a miracle, having no parallel in the world," Rajiv Kumar said. (ANI)
Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the opposition Congress party of hypocrisy for dismissing the exit poll predictions as "fake and fabricated". Prasad's comments came in response to Congress leaders questioning the credibility of exit polls that predict a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "What else will losers say? When the same exit poll spoke about Congress' victory in Telangana Assembly elections, then they did not utter a word. Today when there are predictions that PM Modi will be the Prime Minister again, they are annoyed. The same thing is with EVMs. When it is in their favour, they will say it is correct, otherwise not," Prasad said. "They keep abusing the media, the Election Commission. What can be done if they do not get votes?" he added. After exit polls prediction showed BJP-led NDA gaining a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday termed it as a "Psychological game" and said that there will be a huge difference in exit polls and results on June 4. "The outgoing PM, the person who will have to leave for sure on June 4 has conspired all these things and has managed the exit polls. There will be a huge difference in exit polls and results of June 4. INDIA bloc had a meeting yesterday, we had detailed discussions on numbers, it's impossible that INDIA alliance will get anything below 295," he said. "It is wrong to believe the exit polls. They are creating an atmosphere that these people are coming but in reality, these people will go. We have made 114 complaints to the Election Commission, out of which 14 are against PM. No action has been taken against them. Anyone will start laughing after seeing the exit polls in Karnataka. I am a Rajya Sabha MP from there and I know what the ground reality is," Jairam said. The exit polls on Sunday predicted a landslide victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha elections. According to the exit polls, the ruling BJP-led NDA is expected to improve its performance over its 2019 record when it secured 352 seats. The BJP is also predicted to improve its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 general elections. 2024 Lok Sabha elections were held in seven phases from April 19. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (ANI)
BJP national president JP Nadda paid tribute to late party veteran Sushil Kumar Modi at 'Smriti Sabha' organised in memory of the latter in Delhi on Monday. While addressing the occasion, Nadda recalled the period when the Emergency was removed and how Sushil Kumar Modi chose a 'student life' when every other young leader then aspired to be a legislator emphasising the late leader's 'commitment to the cause.' "When the emergency was removed in 1977, every young leader was either becoming an MLA or MP, but Sushil Ji was above all of this. He said that he wanted to work in student life and he did that for a very long time. This was his commitment to the cause," Nadda said. "He did a lot of study. He could call him a walking 'reference book' in any subject. He left us untimely. This was not his time to go," he added. Sushil Modi passed away at Delhi's All-India Institute of Medical Sciences on May 13 after battling cancer for seven months. He was 72. On April 3, this year, Sushil Modi revealed he was suffering from cancer and requested the BJP to relieve him of assignments related to the Lok Sabha elections. Over his three-decade-long political career, Modi played a pivotal role in shaping Bihar's political environment. Sushil Modi held various positions in his three-decade-long political career. He served as an MLA, MLC and member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He was elected as an MLA for the first time in 1990 from the Patna Central constituency, where he defeated sitting Congress legislator Akil Haider. He also served as the leader of the opposition in the state assembly from 1996 to 2004. He was elected as an MLA for the first time in 1990 from the Patna Central constituency, where he defeated sitting Congress legislator Akil Haider. He also served as the leader of the opposition in the state assembly from 1996 to 2004. In 2004, Sushil Modi was elected as a member of the Lok Sabha from Bhagalpur. Later, he stepped down from his position as a member of Lok Sabha in 2005 to become a member of the legislative council and was appointed as the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister alongside Nitish Kumar. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2020. (ANI)
A Special PMLA court in Mumbai said that fugitive Indian businessmen Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, and Mehul Choksi fled the country because the investigating agencies failed to arrest them at the proper time. The court made these observations while hearing an application filed by a PMLA case accused Vyomesh Shah for amending his bail conditions in a case probed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). In an order dated May 29, Special PMLA judge MG Deshpande observed, "Ld. SPP Mr. Sunil Gonsalves vehemently argued that if such an application is allowed, it will give rise to situations like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Chokshi, etc. I thoughtfully examined this argument and felt it necessary to note that all these persons fled because of the failure of the Investigating Agencies concerned in not arresting them at the proper time." The Special PMLA court allowed Shah's application, though ED opposed it, stating that the Court has been gracious enough to permit him to travel abroad from time to time on the terms and conditions. Further, the ED contended to reject the application, saying that if the application is allowed, the applicant may flee away from the jurisdiction and further conceal himself without making him available during the trial. There is a possibility of tampering with evidence, the probe agency submitted to the court. Following the arguments, the court observed that in many previous orders, this Court has boldly observed and taken note as to how ED has been trying to get their work done through the Court when they failed to do it, i.e. arrest of the accused under Section 19 PML Act and garb their failure in not doing the same at the appropriate time. "It is simply because it is the ED who allows such a person to be scot-free without any apprehensions of his travelling abroad, tampering and hampering evidence, flight risk, apprehension of dealing with POC and assisting the said process, etc. but for the first time when such person appears before the Court all such contentions and objections astonishingly crop up before the Court. So, this Court has repeatedly taken a firm stand that, the Court cannot do what the ED basically failed to do," the court observed while hearing Shah's plea. Mehul Choksi is a fugitive Indian businessman, currently residing in Antigua and Barbuda, where he holds citizenship. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is wanted by Indian authorities in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, where it is alleged that the Choksi-Modi duo defrauded the bank of more than Rs 14,000 crore. Reportedly, PNB unearthed the scam on January 25, 2018, and submitted a fraud report to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January 29. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued against Choksi, who is wanted in India for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and dishonesty, including delivery of property, corruption, and money laundering. Choksi fled the country in January 2018 to Antigua and Barbuda, a few days before the PNB scam was uncovered. Fugitive Nirav Modi is currently in a UK jail, awaiting extradition. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had then suspended the passports of both Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, another fugitive accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore, is in the UK. (ANI)
A day after Delhi's Chief Minister surrendered to Tihar Jail authorities, Delhi Minister Atishi mounted a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor has been confined in a cell of Tihar Jail without a cooler amid the scorching heat in the National Capital. "Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the BJP in a fake case. Yesterday, Arvind Kejriwal surrendered and went to Tihar Jail. But the BJP-ruled central government has not found peace. The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to harass Arvind Kejriwal. He has been kept in a cell where even a cooler has not been provided," the AAP leader told ANI. The AAP leader noted that notorious criminals "were provided with coolers" in Tihar jail as the mercury soared over 45 degrees Celsius in the city, "but Delhi's popular CM Arvind Kejriwal has not been given a cooler in this scorching heat". "I want to ask this to the BJP. I want to ask their LG sahab (VK Saxena) how low will you stoop?...," Atishi added. Arvind Kejriwal surrendered before the Tihar Jail authorities on Sunday, following which he was sent to judicial custody till June 5 by the Rouse Avenue Court. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the Delhi excise policy. However, it ordered that Kejriwal not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat. (ANI)
The Department of School Education, Ministry of Education, signed an MoU with the National Book Trust under the aegis of Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education in New Delhi on Monday to create an institutional framework for the Digital Library Platform, Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. K. Sanjay Murthy, in his address, underscored the importance of non-academic books in the lives of children as it helps them in choosing their discipline of studies in future. He also urged the National Book Trust to invite faculty members of the academic institutes to write good books that can be included in the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. While addressing the event, Sanjay Kumar emphasized on the importance of developing the habit of reading books. He said that the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will be available round-the-clock, irrespective of the geographic location of the readers, making the books more accessible to them. He also added that the problem of 'last mile' presence of a library for many states will be solved with Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. He also emphasised on the role of the Content Enrichment Committee that will decide on the books to be included in the platform of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. In the coming 2-3 years, there will be over 10000 books in more than 100 languages, he hoped. Awasthi highlighted the significance of the inclusion of non-academic titles in the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. She also informed that over 1000 books in 23 languages, including English, have already been added to the e-Pustakalaya. A first-of-its-kind digital library, Rashtriya e-Pustakalya, will seek to instill a lifelong love of reading among Indian children and youth by offering over 1,000 non-academic books to children and adolescents published by over 40 reputed publishers in more than 22 languages besides English. It will be aimed at facilitating the availability of quality books across geographies, languages, genres, and levels and providing device-agnostic accessibility for children and adolescents in the country. The books will be categorized by four age groups, as per NEP 2020, for readers aged 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years. The Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya app will be available for download on both Android and iOS devices. Other salient features of the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will include the availability of books in multiple genres, such as adventure and mystery, humour, literature and fiction, classics, non-fiction and self-help, history, biographies, comics, picture books, science, poetry, etc. Further, the books will foster cultural awareness, patriotism, and empathy with an intent to realise Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya project will be a big step in bridging the digital divide and creating an inclusive atmosphere for everybody. The books will thus be available to read anytime and anywhere. By signing this MoU, DoSEL and the National Book Trust, India, will commit to collaborating to improve the educational environment. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday expressed grief over the accident near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border late on Sunday night which left 13 people dead and 15 injured. Singh also requested the Rajasthan and the Madhya Pradesh governments that compensation should be given to the families affected in the accident. On Monday, the Congress leader reached Rajgarh and met with the injured people undergoing treatment at the district hospital. "We are saddened that such an incident has happened in Rajgarh. 13 people lost their lives in the accident. We request the Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh government that compensation should be given to the families and the injured should be given proper treatment," Singh told ANI. According to the police, 13 people were killed and 15 were injured after a tractor overturned near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border late at night on Sunday. The people who were on board the tractor were coming to Rajasthan to attend a wedding. Earlier, Rajgarh Collector Harsh Dikshit told ANI, "Some people from Rajasthan were coming to the state to attend a wedding, in a tractor. Near the Rajasthan-Rajgarh border, the tractor was overturned in which 13 people died and 15 were injured. Two people were in serious condition and have been admitted to the hospital and we have referred them to Bhopal. The injured are being given proper treatment as per the instructions of the government." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that his Cabinet minister Narayan Singh Panwar reached the spot along with the Rajgarh Collector and the Superintendent of Police. "The news of the untimely death of 13 people from the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan due to the overturning of a tractor-trolley on Piplodi Road in Rajgarh district is extremely sad. Cabinet colleague Narayan Singh Panwar along with the Collector and SP Rajgarh are present on the spot. We are in touch with the Rajasthan government and Rajasthan police have also reached the spot," the Chief Minister said in a post on 'X'. "The treatment of the injured is going on in the District Hospital, Rajgarh and some seriously injured patients have been referred to Bhopal...My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he added. (ANI)
The case, initiated by the father of the victim, was registered by Fatehjang police under sections 377 and 511 of the PPC.

After thorough deliberation and testimonies from both the complainant and the victim, the court pronounced the sentence.

Additionally, the verdict stipulated that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment. Consequently, the convict was remanded to the district prison, according to Dawn.

In a separate development, two drug peddlers faced legal consequences in Attock. In the first case, the Special Court for the Control of Narcotic Substances (CNS) sentenced Hunar Mohammad to nine years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of PKR 80,000 for drug trafficking. Hunar Mohammad was apprehended by Attock Saddar Police last year while selling hashish in Sheenbagh area.

Similarly, another drug peddler, Shehryar Ali Khan, was sentenced to nine years in prison and fined PKR 80,000 by a special CNS court. Khan, a resident of Formuli, was arrested by Rangoo Police in December 2023 after hashish was recovered from his possession.

Both convicts pleaded guilty in light of witness statements, leading to their respective sentences and fines.

In recent times, Pakistan has grappled with rampant street crime, robberies, drug-related offences, and encounters with law enforcement. Street criminals operate with impunity, targeting citizens in broad daylight outside banks, amidst traffic snarls, and within bustling markets, resorting to violence when faced with resistance, Dawn reported. (ANI)
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Palestinian children are seen among destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, May 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that Israel is promoting a governing alternative to Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip.

During a visit to the Israeli army's Southern Command headquarters in the Negev desert city of Beer Sheba, Gallant noted that in any process of ending the war, Israel would not allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza.

"We will isolate areas, eliminate Hamas personnel, and bring in other forces that will establish a different governing body," he said.

The minister added that "the operation in Rafah is progressing above and below ground, with the forces destroying the 'oxygen tube' that connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt," stressing that "we are suffocating Hamas, not allowing it to continue to exist or to reinforce, strengthen, and arm itself."

He noted that the military operation aims to achieve the war goals, which are the collapse of the Hamas administration and military power and the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The European Union (EU) has upheld its decision to maintain the ban on Pakistani air carriers, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as reported by ARY News. Following a recent meeting, the EU found no compelling reasons to revise its existing list of prohibited air carriers operating within the Union, which includes Pakistani airlines. This verdict follows an extensive assessment conducted by the EU Air Safety Committee, featuring an on-site evaluation of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and sample assessments of Pakistani carriers Fly Jinnah and Airblue Ltd. The on-site evaluation, conducted between November 27 and 30, 2023, primarily scrutinised the PCAA's oversight role and responsibilities in ensuring safety. While acknowledging the PCAA's commitment to international safety standards and the presence of technically proficient personnel, the assessment team highlighted several deficiencies. These included inadequate scrutiny in closing findings based solely on proposed corrective actions rather than concrete evidence, deviations from established procedures, and significant understaffing within the Flight Standards Directorate, according to ARY News. Despite these shortcomings, the assessment did not reveal any major safety concerns regarding airworthiness or personnel licencing and training organisations, which were deemed adequately staffed. Fly Jinnah, one of the assessed carriers, was singled out for improvement in record-keeping and management of findings. Responding to the assessment findings, the PCAA presented a comprehensive Corrective Action Plan (CAP) on May 6, 2024. During a subsequent hearing before the EU Air Safety Committee on May 14, 2024, the PCAA outlined the measures taken to address the identified issues. Significantly, the PCAA bolstered its cadre of qualified inspectors from one to nineteen within the Flight Standards Directorate, established Quality Control sections in each department, and instituted a central Quality Assurance department. Fly Jinnah outlined operational enhancements and efforts to rectify flaws in its quality management system, including the utilisation of software tools and outsourcing certain activities to Air Arabia. The EU Air Safety Committee underscored the necessity of continuous monitoring of Pakistan's safety situation. It outlined plans for regular technical meetings in Brussels and periodic progress reports from the PCAA to ensure ongoing oversight. Moreover, the Committee stressed the importance of sustained support from the Pakistani government and stability in leadership within the PCAA. At present, the EU maintains the ban on Pakistani air carriers, urging Member States to conduct ramp inspections to verify compliance. The Commission cautioned that any indication of imminent safety risks could prompt further action, emphasising the paramount importance of upholding international safety standards, ARY News reported. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], June 3 (ANI/TPS): A terrorist who turned himself in to the Palestinian Authority police after killing two Israeli soldiers is now at large, The Press Service of Israel can confirm. Abed Rauf Shteyeh, a 30-year-old resident of Shechem (Nablus), rammed his car into Staff Sgt. Eliya Hilel, 20, and Staff Sgt. Diego Shvisha Harsaj, 20, near the entrance to Itamar on May 29. "He was indeed not handed over to Israel and he is behaving as expected," a high-ranking officer in the Israel Defence Forces told TPS-IL. "We will soon put our hands on him, either alive in handcuffs or in a coffin." An associate of PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas and a Palestinian security official both confirmed to TPS-IL that they saw Shteyeh in the police building in Shechem the night after the attack. However, police officers informed him and his family that they could not accept him or guarantee his safety and urged him to surrender to the Israel Defence Forces. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, Shteyeh and his family went to the PA General Intelligence building. The PA's General Intelligence is commanded by Col Majid Faraj, who is also responsible for security coordination with Israel. Shteyeh's family and local police agreed that the police would not accept him, but the family refused to hand him over to Israel. Following this, Shteyeh reportedly left the General Intelligence building and went into hiding. He has not been seen since. A Palestinian official told TPS-IL that the Palestinian Authority is reluctant to accept anyone who turns themselves in. He said Ramallah fears Israeli reprisals and the possibility Israel will exploit these incidents to undermine the PA. Since October 7, Israeli security forces have arrested around 4,000 Palestinian terror suspects in Judea and Samaria, of whom 1,700 are associated with Hamas. (ANI/TPS)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Israeli Minister Benny Gantz about Israel's proposal to achieve a full and complete ceasefire in Gaza, the State Department said. Gantz is a minister in Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet. In separate calls on Sunday according to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken commended Israel for the proposal and emphasized that the onus is on Hamas to accept the deal. The US Secretary reiterated that, in addition to reuniting hostages with their loved ones, the proposal would advance Israel's long-term security interests, including by unlocking the possibility of calm along Israel's border with Lebanon that would allow Israelis to return to their home. The top US diplomat commended Israel's readiness to conclude a deal and reaffirmed the United States ironclad commitment to Israel's security. On Friday, US President Joe Biden announced in a speech that Israel has proposed a "comprehensive new proposal" that provides a roadmap to a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages held by the terrorist group. According to Biden, the proposal, transmitted by Qatar to Hamas, outlines a "roadmap" towards a ceasefire. The initial phase, spanning six weeks, involves a "full and complete ceasefire with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza" and "release of a number of hostages including women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners." This announcement follows Israel's presentation of new ideas regarding hostage and ceasefire negotiations earlier in the week, a diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations told CNN on Tuesday without divulging details regarding these new ideas. Direct talks between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of hostages were paused three weeks ago due to disagreements over certain terms. A statement from the group said that it had shown "flexibility and positivity in dealing with the efforts of the mediators throughout all previous rounds of indirect negotiations." Israel, Hamas said, had used the months of ongoing talks as a cover to continue its war in Gaza. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday, the US expects Israel to stick to the hostage deal proposal it made last week and accept the offer if Hamas consents as well. "We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal -- as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal -- that Israel would say 'Yes,'" Kirby said in an interview on ABC News. According to the Politico, the controversy began on Wednesday, when Israel's war cabinet made an offer for a ceasefire to Hamas, against the wishes of Netanyahu. Hamas rejected the bid on Thursday, but seemed to reconsider when Biden urged them to on Friday, saying they viewed the offer "positively." The three-part cease-fire plan is backed by the European Commission, the UK, Germany, France, Egypt, Qatar and other Arab governments, the US publication detailed. (ANI)
According to the statement, no engagements will be scheduled from June 20 onwards until further notice.

"Update to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Schedule - This is to inform all concerned that no engagements, including public audiences, will be scheduled from June 20 onwards until further notice. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to travel to the United States for medical treatment on his knees," the office of Dalai Lama said in a post on X.

"Upon his return to Dharamsala, regular engagements will resume," it added.

https://x.com/DalaiLama/status/1797450435890135467

In April this year, the 88-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader was presented with Lord Buddha's sacred Kapilavastu relics.

The sacred relics were located at RajaGuru Sri Subuthi Waskaduwa Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.

Notably, the Kapilavastu relics hold immense historical and spiritual significance, connecting the devotees to the profound legacy of Lord Buddha.

In February, the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of Chotrul Duechen, gave a short general teaching from the Jataka Tales at the Main Tibetan Temple, Tsuglagkhang, in the Himachal Pradesh hill town of Dharamshala, which was attended by over 3000 Tibetan followers, including Buddhist monks, nuns and foreigners from different parts of the world.

Chotrul Duechen is the day of offerings and is celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month.

The day, which means Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations," is one of the four Buddhist festivals commemorating four events in the life of the Buddha. (ANI)
"The United States congratulates His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah for his appointment as the new Crown Prince of Kuwait. His Highness Sheikh Sabah has a distinguished background of public service for his country, which includes previously serving as the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister," the US State Department said in an official statement.

The US also underlined that its strategic partnership with Kuwait is a valued one.

"The United States values our strategic partnership with the State of Kuwait. We look forward to deepening our friendship with Kuwait and His Highness Sheikh Sabah as we work toward a peaceful and prosperous Middle East region," the statement added.

According to state agency KUNA, the Kuwait Emir appointed Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah as Crown Prince.

The appointment of Al Sabah comes six months after the Emir of Kuwait took over the throne and also weeks after suspending parliament, according to Khaleej Times.

The 71-year-old Sheikh was Kuwait's foreign minister from 2011 to 2019 and then prime minister until 2022. (ANI)
The Chinese administration has orchestrated several arrests of activists who sought to organise the commemoration ceremonies of the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre to be held on Tuesday in China and Hong Kong, a report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Sunday. Additionally, the administration has also rejected all acknowledgement of the mass killings during the same incidents, and any redressal being given to the families of the victims. Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch the report mentioned that "The Chinese government is seeking to erase the memory of the Tiananmen Massacre throughout China and in Hong Kong. But 35 years on, the government has been unable to extinguish the flames of remembrance for those risking all to promote respect for democracy and human rights in China." The HRW report, On April 3, Xu Guang, a student leader from 1989, was sentenced to four years in prison for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" after he demanded that the government must acknowledge the Tiananmen Massacre holding a sign calling for redressal against the local police station in May 2022. Xu was reportedly tortured, shackled, and mistreated while in detention by the defence personnel. In another case, a group called Tiananmen Mothers consisting of relatives of victims of the 1989 massacre, claimed in the HRW report that Zhan Xianling one of their founders was put under severe surveillance outside her house. Additionally, Pu Zhiqiang a human rights lawyer and Ji Feng a student leader from Guizhou, were put under serious police surveillance. Moreover, on May 28 and 29, Hong Kong police arrested seven people, including the already detained lawyer-activist Chow Hang-tung, and her 65-year-old mother, for alleged "seditious" posts regarding an "upcoming sensitive date." Chow was amongst the organizers of Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen vigil being organized by the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. These were the first arrests under the city's recently adopted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, known as "Article 23," which punishes peaceful speech and civil society activism with heavy prison sentences. In January this year, a Hong Kong Court overturned Chow's acquittal plea, all when she had been released in December 2022 of the charge of "inciting others to take part in an unauthorized assembly". Raising its voice against the concern the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Chow's arrest was arbitrary and has called for her immediate and unconditional release. The HRW report claimed that the members of the Hong Kong Alliance face a probable life sentence on the charges of "inciting subversion" under Hong Kong's National Security Law, awaiting a trial date. In November 2023, Hong Kong authorities did not renew the work visa of a Canadian-Chinese history professor, Rowena He. The Chinese University of Hong Kong subsequently fired her. She is the author of Tiananmen Exiles: Voices of the Struggle for Democracy in China, which the authorities removed from Hong Kong public libraries in May 2023. The Chinese government has long ignored domestic and international calls for justice for the Tiananmen Massacre. Some of the sanctions that the European Union and United States imposed at the time have over the years been weakened or evaded. The repeated pressure exerted by the international community has caused a severe increase in human rights violations in China, the HRW report added. (ANI)
China's newly-appointed Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, arrived in Kolkata on June 1 to assume office. Chinese Consulate General officials, representatives of the Chinese community and Chinese-funded enterprises in Kolkata welcomed Consul General Xu Wei at the airport, according to the Consulate General of India in Kolkata press release. Xu Wei is the 6th Chinese Consul General in Kolkata. Xu said he is honoured to work in Kolkata. According to the Consulate General of China in Kolkata press release, Xu Wei will actively promote friendly exchanges and cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between people of the two nations. At the same time, he will continue to provide high-quality consular services to overseas Chinese and Chinese-funded enterprises in Kolkata. In a press release, the Consulate General of China in Kolkata stated, "China and India are neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, and five states in our consular districts has a long history of friendly exchanges with China." "The Consulate General will actively promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and India, deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and contribute to the sound and steady development of China-India relationship," it added. The last Consul General of China in Kolkata was Zha Liyou, who retired from public services in January, 2024. Zha stated that he was retiring from public service, however, he will never give up serving to strengthen friendship between two nations. In a post on X, Zha Liyou had stated, "It's amazing to imagine that as Chinese CG I have been working out of Kolkata for over five years with a group of wonderful friends at CCK. Though retiring from public services and returning to China soon to join family, I will never give up serving to strengthen our friendship." "Deep gratitude to Mr. Pradeep Khemka and Ms. Nayantara Palchoudhuri for their services to our small community and to all the other CGs and honorary consuls for our pleasant interaction and posssibly cooperation measured by various means and standard," he added. Earlier in May, the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, arrived today in New Delhi to assume office, the Chinese Embassy in India announced in a statement. Officials from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Eritia's Ambassador to India Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam and Minister Ma Jia, Minister Wang Lei, Minister Counselor Chen Jianjun from the Chinese Embassy welcomed Xu Feihong and his wife Tan Yuxiu at the airport, according to the statement released by Chinese Embassy in India. (ANI)
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has warned its citizens to stay away from 'fake job rackets' targeting youth. An advisory issued by the Indian Embassy stated that an increase in incidents has been recorded and in view of the same it reminds its people to follow their advice and not accept any job offers without first checking with the Embassy. "There has been an increase in the incidents of Indian nationals falling victim to the international crime syndicates active in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border. We would re-emphasize the importance of adhering to our advisories on the subject for not taking any such job offers without consulting the respective Indian Embassies," the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said in a press release on Monday. The release further states, that this advisory is being issued in continuation of the Embassy's advisories on the above subject, issued on 5th July 2022, 14 October 2022, 28th March 2023 and 13th September 2023. https://x.com/indiainmyanmar/status/1797584766415536276?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw In a post on X, the Indian Embassy stated that they are working closely with concerned authorities for the safety and rescue of Indian nationals. "Please see our updated Advisory below, regarding fake job racket targeting Indian youth. More details at http://embassyofindiayangon.gov.in. We are also working closely with concerned authorities for the safety and rescue of Indian nationals who fall victim to such crime syndicates," Indian Embassy said on X. A new location in Pha Lu area, South of Myawaddy town is reported to have emerged recently where most of the Indian victims are being trafficked into, via Thailand, after being recruited from India as well as from countries like Malaysia, UAE etc. "In view of the above, it is reiterated that Indian nationals should not accept such job offers floated through social media platforms or other unverified sources. Indian nationals are advised to check/verify the credentials of foreign employers through the Indian Embassy located in that country. The antecedents of recruiting agents as well as companies should also be established before taking up any job offer abroad," the statement added. "Embassy of India, Yangon may be contacted through Email- and cons.yangon@mea.gov.in Mobile No.- +9595419602 (WhatsApp/Viber/Signal) for any Myanmar-related query in this regard," it added. "On the basis of inputs shared by the victims, an updated list of suspected agents, agencies and compounds involved in these criminal activities is enclosed," the release said. Recently, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also addressed this matter and said that three Indians had been contacted for repatriation and one has already been brought back. He futher reminded of the notice to job-seekers that cautioned them to be careful, while applying for jobs in South East Asian countries. Indian nationals have been duped with job offers from transitional crime syndicates in Myanmar and were made to work under harsh conditions. So we will yet again through you and through all of you remind people who take up this assignment that they should be careful in their approach," said an MEA spokesperson. Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar shared that over 400 Indian nationals have been rescued so far and asked Indian citizens to exercise caution and not get trapped in such fake job offers. Earlier in September 2022, in an advisory to Indian citizens, the MEA had cautioned IT-skilled youth who were the targets of such fake job rackets. In October, India rescued around 45 Indians trapped in fake job rackets in Myanmar. (ANI)
India and Denmark in Monday started a four-day bilateral dialogue between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Statens Serum Institute (SSI), Ministry of the Interior and Health of Denmark, in New Delhi. The event aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations in the fields of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the One Health approach. Denmark Ambassador Freddy Svane, Directorate General of Health Services Prof Atul Goel and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the inaugural session. "A four-day event to hold bilateral dialogue between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), @MoHFW_India, Government of India, and Statens Serum Institute (SSI), Ministry of the Interior and Health of the Kingdom of Denmark, commenced today in New Delhi. The event aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations in the fields of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the One Health approach," the Ministry of Health said in a post on X. "Prof (Dr) Atul Goel, DGHS, Mr. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark, and other senior officials from @MoHFW_India and Denmark attended the inaugural session," the post added. https://x.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1797607145095254301 Director General of Health Services, Professor Atul Goel, said that post-COVID, we have to be prepared for the upcoming pandemic, and for that, worldwide collaborations are being done. "There is a collaborative dialogue between the NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) and the SSI (Statens Serum Institut) of Denmark. The very important health issues that are present in today's time include antimicrobial resistance (AMR), One Health, and infectious disease prevention, especially the COVID-19 pandemic experience," he told the reporters. "After the COVID times, we have to be ready for the upcoming pandemic. That's why worldwide collaborations are being done. One of those collaborations is between India and Denmark," he stressed. Prof Goel emphasised that the exchange of experiences between India and Denmark will help to move forward in all three areas. He emphasised that the "One Health" approach is not entirely a new area and is about the health of the ecosystem, adding that humanity has forgotten about this ecosystem in the quest for development. "Now, "one health" is not entirely a new area, although we all call it a new area. It is about the health of the ecosystem. For some reason, humanity forgot about this ecosystem in the quest for development. And it was left and left in the lurch. So it's good that everybody realised that the importance of not just all living beings around us, but also the environment is equally important," he said during the event. Asked whether the agreement of intent has been signed between the two nations, he noted that the two nations will mark their 75th year of ties and added that the "agreement of intent will be signed after a few days." The DGHS noted that the Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to all states about the necessary precautions, adding that there was also an advisory for patients to avoid going out in the hot summer. "They should do their activities before peak noon or after peak summer. They should not allow children to play during peak heat. I am doing a small thing. I wet my cap and walk. It is an old method to protect yourself from heatwaves," he said. On being asked about the death rate, he said, "I can't tell you the exact number because the numbers that are released are not confirmed. After that, a verbal postmortem is done. The number of confirmed deaths from the heat stroke is finally released by the NCDC." (ANI)
The Greater Male Connectivity Project is being implemented with an Indian grant and concessional credit of USD 500 mn. It is funded through a USD 400 million Line of Credit (LoC) and a USD 100 million grant from India. GMCP is a transformational infrastructure project that will stimulate economic growth and improve the ease of living in the Maldives.

"It was heartening to see on-ground progress of the Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge, India's flagship development partnership project in the Maldives," posted India in Maldives on X.

The Maldivian Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Abdulla Muththalib, and the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, visited the Thilamale Bridge site, the Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge, to observe the ongoing work closely.

"Today, the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib and the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Munu Mahawar visited to inspect the Thilamale Bridge site along with senior officials of the High Commission, Senior officials of the Ministry and Technical team," the Maldivian Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure said in a post on X.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed by the project consultant and representative of the contractor, AFCONS, one of the largest infrastructure construction companies in India.

"During this visit, the progress and ongoing works were closely observed by the delegation and were briefed by the Project Consultant and Representative of the contractor AFCONS," the post read.

https://x.com/MoCImv/status/1797666366507614228

The Indian embassy in the Maldives shared a post on X, expressing joy to see the on-ground progress of the Greater Male Connectivity Bridge.

The 6.74-kilometre-long bridge and causeway link will connect the capital city of Male with the adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

The Greater Male Connectivity Bridge was requested by President Solih and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid during the visit of EAM S Jaishankar in September 2019. (ANI)
 Flash

People wait in line to cast their ballots at a voting station in Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has secured 159 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly in the country's 2024 general elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officially announced on Sunday evening.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), came second with 87 seats in the National Assembly, followed by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party with 58 seats and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 39 seats, according to the official election results released by the IEC at the Results Operation Center (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg.

More than 27 million South Africans took part in the 2024 national and provincial elections on May 29 to elect a new National Assembly and provincial legislatures.

In the end, no party won an outright majority in the National Assembly. The ANC got less than 200 seats it needed to maintain its 30-year-old unchallenged dominance in the lower house of parliament.

While announcing the final results, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya declared the 2024 general elections as "free and fair."

Calling them "the most difficult and highly contested elections" since the end of apartheid in 1994, Moepya said this year's elections were not without their challenges, as attempts to undermine the credibility of the IEC had been made.

In his speech after the announcement of election results, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said it "represents a victory for our democracy, for our constitutional order and for all the people of South Africa."

"We have held another successful election that has been free, fair and peaceful," said Ramaphosa. "Our people have spoken. As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes."

"And now, we are all called upon to recognize that the results of the election reflect the will of the people," he added.

Following Sunday's official announcement of the election results, the newly elected National Assembly will have 14 days to hold its first sitting, where members will elect the president of South Africa for the next five years by a simple majority.
EGMONT KEY, Fla. (WFLA)  A shocking video caught a Bradenton man landing a helicopter in the middle of a closed shorebird nesting site at Egmont Key State Park.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was alerted of the incident, which happened on May 12, when a helicopter landed on the south tip of Egmont Key.

Were about to go into the ocean: Passengers on Florida-bound flight told to prepare for possible water landing

A witness told officials they saw a female passenger get out of the chopper and take a few photos, before hopping back on the helicopter and taking off.

The pilot of the chopper, identified by the FWC as 53-year-old Ernesto Cordero, took off from Albert Whitted Airport in Pinellas County, flying along Fort Desoto and Egmont Key, before landing in Punta Gorda, according to a flight log on FlightAware.

The video shows Cordero landing the small helicopter on the beach, causing several protected shorebird species, including black skimmers and sandwich terns, to flee their nests.

Florida city among the top move-out cities, company says

When asked about his reasoning for landing on Egmont Key, Cordero told FWC officials he could smell fuel and believed he had a fuel leak. However, he never declared any emergency with air traffic control, according to the report.

Cordero was cited for landing an aircraft in a state park and entering a closed area, along with threatening federally designated endangered and threatened species.

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Inside Brian Laundries demented drawings saying trust no one and kill as treasure trove of writings is released

Brian Laundrie, 23, killed his girlfriend Gabby Petitio in August 2021. Newly released drawings from him showed disturbing thoughts. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Chilling writings and drawings scrawled by Brian Laundrie with the words kill and trust no one were found among his things at his Florida home, newly released FBI files reveal.

Laundrie, 23, killed his girlfriend Gabby Petitio in August 2021 during a cross-country road trip and dumped her body in a remote area of Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. Her body was found in September 2021 after a massive search.

Weeks later, Laundrie was found dead in a nearby Florida reserve. He had a gunshot wound to his head and his death was ruled a suicide.

During a raid at Laundries Florida home at the time, investigators found his disturbing writings and drawings, including diary entries year before the killing, recently obtained by The New York Post.

Laundrie wrote about his mania, describing in disturbing detail how he wanted to pour gasoline on his body and burn himself alive.

Brian Laundrie, 23, killed his girlfriend Gabby Petitio in August 2021. Newly released drawings from him showed disturbing thoughts.

About a year ago I went in to a type of mania where I was smashing holes in the wall with my head, kicking throug (sic) paintings, tearing whatever I was working on, pouring gasoline on myself to burn alive but getting the lighter wet, parking out in murderland listening to Mac [unclear, but may be DeMarco] with a gun to my head, wrestling alligators, Laundrie wrote in his diary on October 26, 2018.

I wanted to die and the weird thing is nothings changed, but the [timers] running down. Under the mattress Im on is a loaded 357 magnum revolver. A pull of the trigger and all my problems will be over.

Investigators also found hundreds of bullets, several magazines, and a bill of sale and handbooks for Ruger .380 and Glock 49mm pistols, and notebooks belonging to Gabby.

When the Petito family lawyer, Brian Stewart, was shown some of the graphic drawings, he told The Post, thats just scary.

In retrospect, it tells us that Brian dealt with mental health issues and was clearly a narcissist and manipulator capable of violence, Stewart added.

Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito during happier times in their travel blog (EPA)

In another diary entry, Laundrie describes a nightmare he had which appeared to be about Petito leaving him.

The ocean pours out of her blue eyes and the fire is out. With one word the pain is gone. Brian?, Laundrie wrote.

Oh how sweet she is to say we should get together, but you know when you walk out that door shell be gone forever again, he added. Your [sic] back in the car, haunted by the eyes youll never look into again.

The pain burns fresh because you know its just tonight. You wake up and your [sic] both free.

Stewart said the Petito family was unaware of the disturbing diary entries.

We know that hes a manipulator who hid his intentions, Stewart said. Its interesting seeing all these notes, knowing now how these types of domestic violence situations turn fatal.

Also recovered in the raid was Chuck Palahniuks novel Choke, a book about a scam artist who pretends to choke on food to earn sympathy checks from others, copies of The Watchtower, an illustrated religious magazine published by New-York based Jehovahs Witnesses and a slew of weapons including a compound bow fitted with a rifle scope, bolt-action rifle magazines and brass knuckles.

A page from Brian Laundries notebook recovered by the FBI (Fox News Digital)

In 2021, Gabbys family had reported her missing after she stopped FaceTiming with them as she regularly did.

Weeks earlier, Gabby and Laundrie had set off on a cross-country trip together, documenting their travel experiences as van lifers on their YouTube channel Nomadic Statik. But things took a turn when Laundrie returned home to Florida without her.

On September 19, 2021, investigators located Gabbys body in Grand Teton National Park.

Laundrie himself had vanished from his Florida home as he came under scrutiny following Gabbys disappearance.

His remains were later found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in a Florida nature reserve on October 20. His death was ruled as suicide with his writing found nearby.

Last weekend, Gabbys mother, Nichole Schmidt, told the crowd at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, that shes forgiven Laundrie but slammed the killers mother and insisted she deserved to be forgotten.

I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you, Schmidt told the audience. I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness and I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life.

She did not hold back, however, when speaking about Laundries mother Roberta, according to Fox News.

As for you, Roberta, and I call you out individually because you are evidently the mastermind that shattered your family and mine with your evil ways, I see no empathy in your eyes, she said. No remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Gabby Petitos mother, Nicole Schmidt, said that she forgives her daughters suspected killer but blames his mother for ruining their families (AP)

You do not deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be forgotten, she added.

Laundries parents told authorities during deposition hearings that their son had called them in an erratic state leading them to be concerned for Gabbys safety.

However, Gabbys parents allege that the Laundries never reached out to them and ignored their efforts to communicate with them.

Gabbys parents have alleged that the Laundries knew about her murder and tried to conceal it.

Even though his parents denied knowledge of the crime they had sent a $25,000 retainer to a defense attorney. The Petitos settled a lawsuit against the Laundrie family earlier this year.
CURRY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  A Portales, New Mexico, man has been sentenced for crimes related to child abuse and attacking officers. He pleaded guilty in March 2024.

According to the Ninth Judicial District Attorney out of Clovis, Alfonso Perez, 29, was accused of two incidents. As a result, he was charged with multiple felonies such as abuse of a child and four counts of battery on a peace officer.

The first crime happened in February of 2022 when he reportedly became angry with a seven-year-old child. Officials said he beat the child with a Louis Vuitton belt, and later, the childs grandmother noticed purple bruises all over his body. It was reported, and Perez was charged for the incident.

Substitute teacher in Farmington accused of inappropriately touching students

In June 2022, while awaiting trial for the child abuse case, authorities said Perez forcibly made himself vomit in jail. Officers tried to enter his cell to help, but the release said he kept holding the cell shut. Once the officers got in, he tried to fight them. Three officers were struck, and a taser was knocked out of one of their hands.

Perez was given a 19.5-year sentence. He will be required to serve 85% of the sentence.

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Russian law enforcement officials may prosecute chess legend Garry Kasparov on terrorism charges, state media TASS reported Sunday, signaling a potential expansion of attempts to stifle criticism of the Kremlin.

Kasparov, the worlds best chess player in the 1990s and 2000s, has been an outspoken critic of the Russian government. He was arrested in absentia in April for his activity organizing the Free Russian Forum, a conference bolstering political opposition hosted in Lithuania.

Russian law enforcement told TASS that there is every reason to prosecute Kasparov under the countrys foreign agent laws. The chess grand master has lived in exile from Russia since 2013.

The new charges would likely be related to the Anti-War Committee, another government opposition group founded by Kasparov in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, TASS reported. The group has labeled President Vladimir Putin a mad dictator and strongly opposed the invasion.

Kasparov was added to a list of foreign agents in 2022 because of his work with the Anti-War Committee. The list forces anyone identified as having foreign support or influence to register with the justice ministry and declare themselves foreign agents, as well as requiring significant disclosures.

The move comes as the Russian government continues a crackdown on domestic dissent as the war in Ukraine continues. At least 50,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict so far, BBC reported last month.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, speaks to the media following the second night of the CNN Democratic presidential debate at the Fox Theater in Detroit on July 31, 2019. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

June 2 (UPI) -- A novelist and poet from the island nation of Samoa has been arrested and charged with slaying fellow writer Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, the aunt of U.S. politician Tulsi Gabbard.

Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, allegedly stabbed Sinavaiana-Gabbard multiple times and beat her with a hammer after an argument at the GaluMoana Theater in Vaivase-Uta on May 25, the Samoa Global News and Hawaii News Now reported.

Figiel fled to a friend's house after the incident and was later arrested on suspicion of manslaughter before her charges were upgraded to murder.

"It wasn't until Sunday morning while they were having breakfast that Papalii told her friend what had happened," Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said. Figiel then turned herself in.

Sinavaiana-Gabbard's body was later found at Figiel's home, Samoa Global News reported. The New Zealand Herald clarified that Figiel's home doubles as the GaluMoana Theater.

The exact motive for the killing remains unclear but both women were highly accomplished for their writing and academics.

Figiel's poetry won the Polynesian Literary Competition in 1994 and her bestselling novel Where We Once Belonged won a regional writing prize for the best first book by an author in 1997. Her works have been translated into at least eight languages.

Sinavaiana-Gabbard was a retired professor of English at the University of Hawaii and has been credited as the first Samoan to become a full professor in the United States. She had received awards for teaching and her writings were widely published.

"Caroline was my best friend as a teenager," Hawaiian State Sen. Mike Gabbard, the brother of Sinavaiana-Gabbard and father of Tulsi Gabbard, told Spectrum News. "She helped me considerably during my rebellious stage of adolescence."
Ukraine has fired US-made weapons at targets inside Russia for the first time, according to Russian sources.

Russias ministry of defence and Russian military bloggers have reported that HIMARS, long-range artillery, were fired by Ukraine at Russia on Saturday evening.

The enemy has begun using Western-made weapon systems to attack old Russian territory. These are fragments of M142 HIMARS MLRS shells, said the sanctioned Russian war reporter and Kremlin propagandist Evgeniy Poddubny on his Telegram channel underneath a slideshow of several photos. The Russian Armys air defence crews destroyed more than 10 missiles in the sky over the Belgorod region.

Ukraine has not commented.

The US this week gave Ukraine limited permission to fire US-made weapons at targets inside Russia close to the border with the Kharkiv region.

It had delayed handing permission to Ukraine because of fears the strikes would escalate the war.

Ukraine, though, said that Russia was massing forces behind the border ahead of attacks and it needed to strike them as an act of self-defence.

US permission only covers the area immediately north of the border and only allows Ukraine to fire HIMARS at targets in Russia, not longer-range missiles.

05:35 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage. The key developments from the day were:

Russias defence ministry claimed to have captured a village in eastern Ukraine and said it is advancing in all tactical directions.

Volodymr Zelensky criticised Joe Biden for not doing enough in allowing US weapons to be fired into Russia as Ukraine faces the threat of a renewed invasion. He also said he discussed bolstering Ukraines air defence system and the F-16 coalition at a meeting with US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin.

Ukraine fired US-made weapons at targets inside Russia for the first time, according to Russian sources.

Greece sent the first Nato F-16 fighter jet instructor to Ukraine, Greeces defence-point.gr website has reported.

Ukraine imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country on Sunday, a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a speech directed at Vladimir Putin that Nato is prepared to defend every square inch of its territory against attacks.

Mr Zelensky will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit on 13-15 June in Italy, Giorgia Meloni confirmed.

The Ukrainian president also said that 106 countries and organisations had so far agreed to participate in a summit in Switzerland in mid-June aimed at bringing peace to his war-ravaged nation. However, he accused Beijing of working with Moscow to undermine the summit.

A 24-year-old Ukrainian policewoman was starved, beaten and abused as a prisoner of war by Russian forces, her mother said as she was released after two years in captivity.

Nearly 1,000 people attended a ceremony today honoring the memory of Ukrainian journalist Iryna Tsybukh, who was killed in action while serving as a volunteer combat medic.

05:28 PM BST

Greece sends first Nato F-16 fighter jet instructor to Ukraine

Greece has sent the first Nato F-16 fighter jet instructor to Ukraine, Greeces defence-point.gr website has reported.

Ukrainian pilots have been training to fly F-16 fighter jets at air bases across Europe for the past 12 months, mainly in Romania and Denmark, but have not previously been reported to be in Ukraine.

The presence of the Greek airman in the capital of Ukraine is apparently part of the F-16 training coalition initiative, an international coalition, the website reported.

The Greek government has not commented on the report.

With the permission of the US, European countries have donated several F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and Ukraine hopes that its first pilots trained to fly F-16s will take to the skies in the next few weeks.

Last month, France said that it may send military trainers to Ukraine.

04:39 PM BST

Nearly 1,000 people honor Ukrainian journalist and combat medic killed in action

Nearly 1,000 people attended a ceremony today honoring the memory of Ukrainian journalist Iryna Tsybukh, who was killed in action while serving as a volunteer combat medic.

Tsybukh, 25, was killed while on rotation in the Kharkiv area, where Russia started its offensive nearly a month ago.

She had left a note describing how she wished the ceremony to be held, asking people to sing Ukrainian songs and attend in vyshyvankas  traditional embroidered shirts  instead of black clothes.

I want everyone to sing at the farewell, to learn at least 10 meaningful songs and sing them in unison, to extinguish sorrow with native songs, she wrote. Instead of flowers she asked people to make donations to the Hospitallers Volunteer Medical Batallion, in which she served.

A Ukrainian serviceman cries over the coffin of Iryna Tsybukh - AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka

Tsybukh was killed while on rotation in Kharkiv area, where Russia started its offensive nearly a month ago - AP Photo

A large crowd gathered in the courtyard of Kyivs St. Michaels Golden-Domed Monastery, where the memorial service was held. People later joined a column that moved to central Independence Square, a ritual that has become common during funerals of servicemen killed in action, chanting Heroes dont die.

Tsybukhs death sparked wide reaction on social media, where her letter went viral for several days after her death.

Today everything is behind me, my life has ended, and it was important for me to live it with dignity: to be an honest, kind, and loving person, she said in the letter that she wrote a year ago while serving in the embattled Donetsk region. Her brother shared it, as she wished, on Instagram.

To have the strength to be a free person, one must be brave, she wrote.

04:30 PM BST

In Russia punishment is more often a political tool, says MoD

Todays intellience update from the Ministry of Defence.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  02 June 2024.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/nCpOSLSjUs#StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/cUtX6y2a23  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) June 2, 2024

04:05 PM BST

Starved, beaten and abused  Ukrainian policewoman returns home after two years in captivity

A 24-year-old Ukrainian policewoman was starved, beaten and abused as a prisoner of war by Russian forces, her mother said as she was released after two years in captivity.

Maryana Checheliuk, an investigator with the National Police of Ukraine, was taken prisoner after being caught up in the siege of Mariupols Azovstal steel works.

Her full story was recounted to The Telegraph magazine by her family last year, who told how she had been forced through a Russian filtration camp and then blocked from returning home.

Maryana Checheliuk returned home on Friday noticeably frail after years of abuse and mistreatment - krainian Presidential Press Office

On Friday, Ms Checheliuk was released in a prisoner exchange, after enduring years of severe mistreatment, including being starved, beaten and abused. She appeared frail as she finally arrived back on Ukrainian soil in tears.

In her first phone call to her family after being released, Ms Checheliuk said: Mummy, Im home.

Her mother replied: My lovely and dear sunshine, we finally got this day.

Read the full story here

03:06 PM BST

Ukraine publishes video from destroyed Vovchansk

The Liut Assault Brigade of Ukraines National Police has published a video from Vovchansk in the north of Kharkiv Oblast, where fighting continues.

The DeepState analytical project reported that 50-80 per cent of the citys buildings have been destroyed and cannot be rebuilt.

Vovchansk. The fighting for the city is incredibly intense.



: Liut (Fury) Brigade pic.twitter.com/c62dGq2V8J  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) June 2, 2024

02:55 PM BST

Zelensky to arrive in Philippines

Volodomyr Zelensky is set to visit Manila and is scheduled to arrive late on Sunday, Rappler news site reported, quoting diplomatic sources.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Philippine presidents office or the Philippine foreign ministry.

Mr Zelensky would be coming from Singapore where he made an unscripted appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue conference, his second visit to Asia since Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

02:41 PM BST

Italys PM confirms Zelenskys attendance at G7 Summit

Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit on 13-15 June in Italy, Giorgia Meloni has confirmed.

Ms Meloni said the G7 Summit will be attended by at least fifteen countries and international institutions, in addition to the leaders of the Group and the Pope.

Earlier, it was also reported that Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the summit.

01:44 PM BST

Scholz: We will defend every square inch of Nato territory

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has said in a speech directed at Vladimir Putin that Nato is prepared to defend every square inch of its territory against attacks.

Natos recent move to strengthen its eastern border is aimed at deterring Russia, Mr Scholz said, adding it should be clear to Moscow that the alliance will be ready to defend itself if necessary.

Speaking at the Eastern German Economic Forum Mr Scholz said: The threat from Russia will continue, we and other allies decided last year to deploy additional units to the Baltic states and to station an entire brigade there permanently in future.

But this turnaround in security policy is necessary to show Russia: We are prepared to defend every square inch of Nato territory against attacks.

He said diplomacy would only be successful from a position of strength.

01:22 PM BST

Russia captures village in Donetsk

Russias defence ministry claims to have captured a village in eastern Ukraine and says it is advancing in all tactical directions.

Russian troops have managed to liberate the village of Umanskoye in the popular republic of Donetsk, the ministry said in reference to the Ukrainian village of Umanske, a tiny village home to fewer than 180 inhabitants before Russias invasion.

The village lies about 25 kilometres to the northwest of Donetsk, which is the main city of the region and is under Russian control.

Ukraines outnumbered and outgunned forces have been under pressure for several months, particularly since Russia launched a new push in early May around the eastern city of Kharkiv.

Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov said on Friday Russia had made advances in all tactical directions and that Moscows forces had seized 880 square kilometres of territory this year alone.

12:59 PM BST

In pictures: Zelensky meets Singapores leaders

Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong shaking hands with Volodymyr Zelensky - Singapore MCI/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Singapore's president Tharman Shanmugaratnam greeting Volodymyr Zelensk - Singapore MCI/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

12:33 PM BST

Situation on Pokrovsk front is tense, says Ukraine

On the Pokrovsk front, the Russians are trying to advance on Novooleksandrivka and Sokil, Ukraines General Staff has reported.

Two attacks were repelled and three more are ongoing, with defence forces taking measures to stabilise the situation, according to online Ukrainian newspaper Pravda.

11:52 AM BST

Energy shutdowns hit Ukraine after Russian attacks target infrastructure

Ukraine imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country on Sunday, a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure.

The shutdowns were in place in all but three regions of Ukraine following Saturdays drone and missile attack on energy targets that injured at least 19 people.

Ukraines state-owned power grid operator Ukrenergo said the shutdowns affected both industrial and household consumers.

11:07 AM BST

Zelensky criticises Biden over Atacms ban

Report from Nicola Smith, in Singapore:

Volodymr Zelensky criticised Joe Biden for not doing enough in allowing US weapons to be fired into Russia as Ukraine faces the threat of a renewed invasion.

The Ukrainian president thanked Mr Biden for giving Kyiv permission to strike inside Russian territory with American munitions, but said restrictions  including on the use of long-range Atacms  should also be dropped.

He said: Is that sufficient? No. Why? Because I have given you the example of airfields from which Russia is permanently firing, in calm knowing that Ukraine will not fire back because it has no corresponding systems and no permissions.

After weeks of pressure Biden gave permission for Ukraine to use American missiles like Himars to fire across the border north of Kharkiv, where Russian forces are massing. But he blocked Ukraine from using the more advanced Atacms systems.

Mr Zelensky said Russia continued to use artillery, long-range fire, and some 300 weapons systems carrying tens of thousands of missiles on its side of the border to target the Ukrainian population.

So they have these weapons there and they do not remove them because they know that Ukraine cannot target them with Western weaponry even if they fire against us, he said.

10:48 AM BST

Russia claims capture of village in Ukraines Donetsk region

Russias defence ministry has claimed to have captured a tiny village in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, where it has been on the offensive making territorial gains.

Russian troops have managed to liberate the village of Umanskoye in the popular republic of Donetsk, the ministry said in reference to the Ukrainian village of Umanske.

The claims could not immediately be verified.

10:34 AM BST

Watch: Monument to Wagner Group founder Prigozhin unveiled in St Petersburg

A life-sized monument to the founder of Russias Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin has been unveiled at his grave in St. Petersburg.

The site was visited by several dozens of people, many of whom laid flowers. Some were dressed in military uniform and were wearing PMC Wagner symbols.

Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group that fought for Russia in Ukraine, waged a long-running feud with the defence establishment that culminated in an outright mutiny in late June 2023.

It ended quickly but was widely seen as a serious challenge to President Vladimir Putins almost quarter-century-old grip on power.

10:24 AM BST

Zelensky says 106 nations and organisations to attend Switzerland summit

Volodomyr Zelensky has said that 106 countries and organisations had so far agreed to participate in a summit in Switzerland in mid-June aimed at bringing peace to his war-ravaged nation.

Mr Zelensky wants the peace summit, scheduled for June 15-16 in Switzerland, to produce a front to support the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraines 1991 borders.

10:15 AM BST

Ukraine says it downs 24 Russia-launched attack drones

Ukraines air defence systems destroyed 24 of the 25 attack drones that Russia launched overnight, Kyivs air force said on Sunday.

Russia also launched an Iskander-K cruise missile towards the Kharkiv region and an anti-aircraft guided missile, the air force said on the Telegram messaging app. It did not say what happened to the missiles.

10:06 AM BST

Russia threatens former chess champion Kasparov with criminal charges

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, who fled Russia a decade ago for fear of persecution, may face a criminal case in Moscow for violating the Kremlins foreign agent law, TASS news agency reported on Sunday.

Russian law enforcement officials, the state news agency reported, said there is every reason to charge Mr Kasparov, without providing further details. The fierce Kremlin critic could face up to two years in prison or a fine if a case is initiated, the unnamed officials said.

Russia added Mr Kasparov to the list of individuals acting as foreign agents, which includes dozens of critics of Vladimir Putin, soon after the Russian president launched his full-scale invasion on Ukraine in 2022.

09:39 AM BST

Zelensky and Pentagon chief discuss bolstering Ukraines air defence

Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed bolstering Ukraines air defence system and the F-16 coalition at a meeting with US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin.

Volodymyr Zelensky and US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin meet at the Shangri-La Dialogue - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

The meeting between the Ukrainian president and the Pentagon chief took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore.

We discussed the key issues: the defence needs of our country, bolstering Ukraines air defence system, the F-16 coalition, and drafting of a bilateral security agreement, Mr Zelenskyy said.

09:17 AM BST

In pictures: Zelensky in Singapore

Volodymyr Zelensky and US foreign affairs committee chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) meet at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Singapore's defence minister Ng Eng Hen - NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images

09:13 AM BST

Zelensky says being allowed to strike Kharkiv with some US weapons not enough

Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he was grateful to the United States for allowing Kyiv to use US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in the Kharkiv region, but added that it was not enough.

Ukraine is weathering a renewed assault from Russian forces, more than two years after the invasion began.

09:09 AM BST

Local official dies in Russias Belgorod as ammunition detonates, governor says

A local official in Belgorod died when some ammunition detonated, while six people were injured in Ukrainian shelling of the southern Russian region, Belgorods governor said on Sunday.

Igor Nechiporenko, deputy head of Korochansky district administration in Belgorod, was killed as a result of ammunition detonating, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

I offer my most sincere and deepest condolences to the family and loved ones, Mr Gladkov said.

He also said that six civilians received shrapnel injuries during Ukraines shelling of the town of Shebekino and were taken to hospital.

09:07 AM BST

Zelensky accuses China of undermining Ukraine summit

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Beijing of working with Moscow to undermine a summit to discuss his countrys peace blueprint.

Russia is doing everything to disrupt the summit set for mid-June by using Chinese influence and its diplomats, Mr Zelensky told reporters at the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Earlier, the Ukrainian president gave a keynote speech, appealing for Asian leaders to join the summit to help forge a path to end Russias war.

We want Asia to know whats going on in Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said on Sunday. We need the support of Asian countries. It is much needed.

China has not immediately responded to the comments.

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OSAKA, Jun 03 (News On Japan) - Next year's Osaka-Kansai Expo plans to offer free admission for children, which has garnered interest from about 70% of schools in Osaka Prefecture.

Osaka Prefecture has been promoting a project to invite children from age four through high school to the Expo at no cost, with a survey conducted by the end of May to determine the schools' intentions. Out of 1,900 schools, approximately 70%, or 1,390 schools, expressed their desire to participate.

However, about 20% or 310 schools responded that they were "undecided or considering," and the remaining 200 schools did not provide a response.

The initiative has faced some criticism over its survey methodology. For example, Mayor Kageyama of Katano City indicated that no schools in his city wished to participate, opting out of the initiative at the school level. Moreover, some critics pointed out that the survey did not offer an option for "not interested," compelling schools to choose "undecided or considering" to avoid follow-up inquiries from the prefectural government. This has led to questions about the integrity of the survey process.

Source: YOMIURI
TOKYO, Jun 03 (News On Japan) - A Chinese man, who allegedly vandalized a stone pillar at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, has reportedly returned to China. The incident involved the man urinating on the pillar and spray-painting the word 'toilet' in English before leaving the scene.

The vandalism was discovered on the morning of June 1, when the shrine staff noticed the graffiti on the stone pillar known as the shago-hyo. The footage shows the man engaging in the act of urination before using red spray paint to write 'toilet' on the pillar.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police are investigating the whereabouts of the man seen in the video. However, according to sources close to the investigation, it has been confirmed that the suspect has already left Japan and returned to China.

A video of the vandal has been widely circulated on Chinese social media.

Further details revealed that the man was captured on a nearby security camera on the night of May 31, around 10 PM, along with another individual. The police are now looking into the involvement of multiple people in the incident.

Earlier:>a href="https://newsonjapan.com/article/142311.php">Video Shows Man Peeing on Yasukuni Shrine Pillar Before Spraying Graffiti

Source: FNN
Jun 02 (News On Japan) - When it comes to business energy comparison, managing costs effectively is crucial. Energy consumption is one of the most significant expenses for any business.

With fluctuating energy prices and various suppliers offering different deals, finding the best options can be challenging. This is especially true in the UK power networks, where businesses must make informed decisions to save on energy bills.

This article aims to provide businesses with clear and straightforward insights into energy comparison, helping them navigate the complex market and find the best deals for their needs.

Understanding Energy Comparison for Businesses

Energy comparison evaluates different suppliers and their offers to find the best rates for your business. This process involves comparing various aspects such as energy prices, tariffs, and contract terms.

With the correct information, businesses can make smarter choices about their energy consumption, ultimately leading to significant savings on their energy bills.

Why Energy Price Comparison is Important

Energy price comparison is essential for businesses looking to manage their operating costs.

Energy prices vary significantly between suppliers, and businesses may pay more than necessary without comparing them.

This practice is especially important in a market where energy prices constantly change due to supply and demand, regulatory changes, and market competition.

The Role of Business Energy Suppliers

Business energy providers are critical in providing gas and electricity to businesses. These suppliers offer a range of energy tariffs and contracts tailored to different business needs.

Understanding the various offerings from business suppliers is crucial for making informed decisions. This comparison helps select a business energy supplier offering competitive rates and reliable service.

How to Compare Business Energy Prices

To compare business energy prices effectively, businesses need to consider several factors.

First, they should gather information on their current energy usage and costs. Next, they can use online comparison tools to compare different energy tariffs and rates from various suppliers. These tools provide a comprehensive overview of the available options, making it easier for businesses to identify the best business energy deal. Additionally, businesses should consider the contract terms and any additional fees that may apply.

The Impact of Energy Tariffs on Business Energy Bills

Energy tariffs directly affect energy bills. Different suppliers offer various tariffs, each with its pricing structure and terms. Some common energy tariff types include fixed-rate, variable-rate, and green energy tariffs.

Fixed-rate tariffs offer stability with consistent rates throughout the contract period, while variable-rate tariffs fluctuate with market prices. Green energy tariffs support renewable energy sources.

Understanding the differences between these tariffs helps businesses choose the one that best suits their budget and energy consumption patterns, ultimately impacting their overall energy costs.

The Benefits of Switch Business Energy Suppliers

Switching suppliers can lead to significant cost savings. When businesses compare suppliers and switch to a better deal, they can reduce their bills and improve their bottom line. Switching suppliers has become easier with online tools and services facilitating the transition.

Additionally, as you compare business energy suppliers, it can offer businesses access to better customer service, more flexible contract terms, and innovative energy solutions.

Exploring Business Energy Contracts

Energy contracts are agreements between a business and an energy supplier that define the terms of energy supply. These contracts outline the pricing, duration, and terms of service.

Understanding the details of energy contracts is crucial for businesses to avoid hidden fees and unfavorable terms. Contracts can vary from short-term to long-term, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

Businesses should carefully review and compare contract terms to ensure they get a fair deal that meets their needs. Negotiating contract terms can also help secure better rates and conditions from your energy supplier.

The Role of Energy Suppliers in the Energy Market

Energy suppliers are key players in the market, influencing prices and availability. They purchase energy from producers and sell it to consumers, including businesses.

The competition among suppliers helps keep prices competitive and drives innovation in energy products and services. Engaging with multiple business energy providers and comparing their offers ensures businesses can find the best energy deal and maintain a steady energy supply at reasonable prices.

Comparing Domestic and Business Energy Needs

While domestic and business energy needs may seem similar, they have distinct differences. Businesses typically have higher energy consumption and more complex needs compared to households. This difference affects the type of energy tariffs and contracts available to businesses.

Business energy comparison considers these unique requirements, offering tailored solutions that can handle higher energy demands and provide cost-effective options.

The Impact of Energy Price Cap on Businesses

The energy price cap is a government policy designed to limit the amount energy suppliers can charge customers. While primarily focused on protecting domestic consumers, the price cap can also indirectly influence energy prices.

Suppliers may adjust their pricing strategies for business customers when prices are capped for households. Understanding the impact of the energy price cap on the overall energy market helps businesses anticipate changes in energy prices and make informed decisions regarding potential energy suppliers.

Finding the Best Business Energy Deals

Finding the best energy deals involves thorough research and comparison. Businesses should regularly review their energy usage and costs to identify opportunities for savings. Businesses can use online comparison tools to explore different energy tariffs and rates from various suppliers.

Additionally, businesses should consider negotiating energy tariffs with suppliers to secure better rates and terms for gas and electricity supply.

Final Words

Managing how much energy you will use and energy costs is vital for maintaining profitability. As you understand and utilize energy rate comparison, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to significant savings.

Regularly comparing energy prices, tariffs, and suppliers helps businesses find the best deals and reduce their energy bills. Staying informed about the market and leveraging available tools and resources ensures businesses can help manage gas and electricity bills properly.
 Flash

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent remarks aimed to amplify the Philippine's wrongful position on issues concerning the South China Sea and deliberately distort and hype up the maritime situation.

Marcos had claimed that both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea affirmed his country's legal right, and that their policy in the South China Sea was built upon these two touchstones.

In response, China slammed the arbitral award as illegal, null and void. Without the Chinese government's prior consent, the Philippines unilaterally initiated an international arbitration, which violated the international law, including UNCLOS, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), the ministry said.

"The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration handled the case ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling. The rendered award is illegal, null and void. China neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration, neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award," the ministry said.

The U.S. has played an extremely ignoble role by supporting and assisting the Philippines in infringing on China's sovereignty, and by exploiting the South China Sea issue to drive a wedge between China and other regional countries, it said.

China will continue to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, while committing to resolving sea-related conflicts and differences through negotiations and consultations with the countries directly concerned on the basis of respect for historical facts, the ministry said.

China is ready to continue to work with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, to manage maritime differences, deepen maritime cooperation and promote peace in the South China Sea, it said.

"We urge the Philippines to honor its commitments, adhere to the limits of its territory established by the international treaties, fully and effectively implement the DOC, stop maritime infringement activities and provocations at once, and return to the right track of handling maritime disputes and differences properly through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible," it added.
TOKYO, Jun 03 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has revealed that an internal investigation prompted by a series of fraudulent vehicle certification tests by Daihatsu Motor and others has uncovered similar fraud by Toyota and four other companies.

According to MLIT, as of the end of May, fraudulent activities were reported by a total of five companies: Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Mazda, Yamaha Motor, and Suzuki.

The five companies were found to have submitted false data and manipulated test vehicles during the certification tests required for mass production of vehicles.

MLIT plans to conduct on-site inspections of the five companies to verify the facts and details of the fraudulent activities.

The investigation into vehicle certification tests was initiated after repeated instances of fraud were discovered at Daihatsu and Toyota Industries, both part of the Toyota Group. In response, MLIT had instructed 85 companies, including automakers and equipment manufacturers, to investigate and report any fraudulent activities in their type approval applications.

TV Asahi's Economic Department reporter, Junya Shindo, explains the recent fraud involving Toyota and four other companies in the vehicle certification system known as "type approval." This system evaluates whether vehicles meet safety and quality standards.

Toyota reported fraud in seven models, including three currently produced and four discontinued ones. Examples of fraud include substituting test data and manipulating crash test vehicles. Despite these practices, Toyota's internal investigations found no performance issues, asserting no immediate danger for vehicle owners.

This broader issue involves several Toyota Group companies, including Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) initiated a comprehensive review, leading to the discovery of fraud across five companies. MLIT has set up a committee to evaluate and prevent future fraud, with further investigations ongoing.

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda held a press conference on Monday afternoon, offering an apology to customers, car fans, and all stakeholders.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Jun 03 (News On Japan) - The former CEO of a company involved in selling 'marijuana gummies' has been arrested for the third time.

Daisuke Matsumoto, the 39-year-old former CEO of "WWE," was detained on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. In February, he allegedly possessed HHC, a designated drug with similar components to marijuana, with the intent to sell it at a store in Osaka.

During a house search in February, approximately 700 items, including cookies and gummies, were seized, and some were found to contain the designated drug HHC.

Source: ANN
Over $30 billion worth of gold was smuggled out of Africa in 2022, primarily to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, and Switzerland, according to a new ground-breaking report by Swissaid that calls for more transparency and traceability in the gold supply chain to improve local conditions and artisanal miners working conditions throughout the continent.

While Africa is experiencing a gold rush, the glittering wealth produced by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) largely remains in the shadows, as a whopping 321 to 474 tons of the precious metal, worth between $23.7 billion and $35 billion, are not declared each year, the new report by the Swiss-based aid and development group reveals.

These billions of dollars in gold are smuggled out of Africa each year, most of which ends up in the UAE, where it is refined and sold to customers around the world. Turkey and Switzerland are other two main buyers of African gold, the latter of which imported some 21 metric tons of undeclared gold from Africa in 2022, the report said.

The report aims to highlight the need to make the trade in African gold more transparent and put pressure on industry players to implement more measures to make gold supplies traceable and supply chains more responsible. There is a lot more that needs to be done to formalize the sector and make sure that African states get a revenue from the trade of this gold, notes Yvan Schulz, one of the reports authors. We hope that this will improve the living conditions of local populations and the working conditions of artisanal miners throughout Africa.
While many in China and Africa hope that economic cooperation between both sides will continue to expand under a series of initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a new report by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warns that Sino-Africa economic relations will be increasingly impacted by Chinas slowing economy.

At a recent Africa Day Gala Night venue in Beijing held by Chinas Foreign Ministry and the African diplomatic corps, some African envoys rejected accusations such as the debt trap as mere attempts to undermine Sino-Africa ties, expressing hope that economic cooperation between both sides will continue to expand. Since 2000, trade between China and Africa has grown from $10 billion to over $282 billion, which is quite remarkable, and it can be more, Ibrahima Sory Sylla, Senegalese Ambassador to China, told the Global Times at the event.

Meanwhile, the recent three-day China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Kenyas capital Nairobi, ended with the participants renewing a call for increased Sino-Africa business relationship.

But as a new Carnegie report entitled How Is Chinas Economic Transition Affecting its Relations With Africa? argues, Chinas slowing economic growth and its economic transition toward a more high-tech, consumption-oriented, and environmentally sustainable growth model with reduced exposure to geopolitical shocks will increasingly impact its economic relations with Africa. The authors highlight five domains of Chinas economic engagement with Africa  trade, investment, fiscal stabilization, RMB internationalization, and people-to-people ties  across which both strong continuities and changes are evident. Moreover, policy directions within African countries and third parties, most notably the United States and the European Union, will greatly shape how these changes in the Sino-Africa relationship continue to unfold.
Morocco is preparing to launch a tender this summer to build a floating regasification unit in the port of Nador West Med, an energy ministry official said.

A financial close is expected in 2025, with construction and entry into service seen in 2026, the official in charge of oil and gas at the ministry was cited by Reuters as saying.

Morocco, so far, has relied on imported gas from Spanish LNG through the reverse flow of a pipeline that once carried Algerian gas.

The new terminal would help meet the gas needs of the country which are estimated to surge to 8 bcm in three years, Reuters reported.

Coal is still the main source of electricity production in the rapidly developing country, where industrial operators are increasingly opting for gas as a low-carbon and competitive source of energy.

The new terminal will be linked to the existing pipeline along with gas fields in Tendrara and gharb regions, the media said citing officials.
The Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, sent, Friday, a letter to the President and members of the UN Security Council in which he decried the instrumentalization by Algeria of its mandate in the Council to advance its biased position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.

The Kingdom of Morocco regrets that the briefing organized by the Security Council on May 30, 2024, on the situation of refugees and displaced persons in the world, was exploited by the ambassador, permanent representative of Algeria, Amar Bendjama, in his capacity as a non-permanent member of the Council, to advance the biased position of his country on the question of the Moroccan Sahara, as well as on the disastrous situation, which unfortunately characterizes the daily life of the populations sequestered in the Tindouf camps, in Algeria, underlined Hilale in this letter.

Instead of addressing the eight humanitarian situations mentioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, during his briefing, the Algerian ambassador was the only one among the members of the Council, to focus on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, although Mr. Grandi did not mention it, the Moroccan diplomat noted in his letter, adding that the Algerian diplomat distinguished himself, once again, by demonstrating that Algeria is indeed the main stakeholder to this regional dispute, which it created and which it maintains in violation of the rules of neighborliness and the legal, historical, and political foundations of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

Responding to the untruths conveyed by the Algerian ambassador during this meeting, which was reserved for members of the Security Council only, Ambassador Hilale stated that Algeria does not in any way welcome the populations of the Tindouf camps. On the contrary, it has sequestered them against their will for more than five decades. It has used them in its policy of constant hostility against the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.

He pointed out that the Algerian ambassador claims that +these populations are awaiting action from the international community, and more particularly this Council, to allow them to voluntarily return to their land+. However, the reality is quite different. In fact, Algeria refuses them this right of return to their motherland, Morocco, although guaranteed by international humanitarian law, in particular, the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, explained Hilale, emphasizing that Algeria categorically opposes the registration of these populations in flagrant violation of its obligations as a State party to the 1951 Convention and all Security Council resolutions since 2011.

The Moroccan ambassador continued by indicating that Algeria has been violating, for half a century, the statutory mandate of the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), by prohibiting it from registering these populations, as it does so in all refugee situations all over the world.

He said that Algeria denies the populations sequestered in the Tindouf camps the choice between the three durable solutions that international humanitarian law offers them: freely consented return, local integration or resettlement in a third country, reporting that in fact, the populations of the Tindouf camps are prohibited from leaving these camps which are surrounded by several security cordons of the army and Algerian services, in addition to the armed polisario militias.

In the same vein, Hilale stressed that Algeria unfortunately politicizes international humanitarian law by making the return of the populations of the Tindouf camps, to the Moroccan Sahara, subject to a so-called referendum. However, voluntary return, like other durable solutions, is a humanitarian requirement which cannot be conditioned on any other consideration, he explained.

The so-called referendum to which the Algerian ambassador refers is well and truly dead and buried by the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Algerian ambassador pretends to be unaware that no Security Council resolution makes the slightest reference to a so-called referendum, and this for more than two decades, recalled the Moroccan diplomat.

He insisted that the one and only solution to this regional dispute remains the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, within the framework of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, noting that this Initiative is considered serious and credible in all Security Council resolutions since 2007.

The Security Council recommends in all its resolutions, the political, realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise solution, he further indicated, specifying that in its latest resolution 2703 of October 30, 2023, the Council calls, in particular, Algeria, the main party to this dispute, to take part in the third round table, within the framework of the exclusively UN political process. What Algiers unfortunately refuses, thus preventing the resumption of this political process.

The claim of the Algerian ambassador that +his country spares no effort to respond to the needs of Sahrawi refugees+ is a pure lie, stated ambassador Hilale, noting that Algeria violates the most basic rights of these populations and even deprives them of international humanitarian aid, which is systematically looted by the leaders of the separatist armed group +polisario+ and those in charge of the Algerian Red Crescent.

He noted that these systematic misappropriations have been confirmed, with supporting evidence, by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), as well as by the United Nations World Food Program, in its January 2023 report, entitled +Evaluation of Algeria WFP Interim Country Strategic Plan 2019-2022+.

Moroccos ambassador further stated that the Tindouf camps are militarized, in violation of international humanitarian law which requires the maintenance and preservation of the civilian character of refugee camps throughout the world.

Algeria, which always prides itself on respecting its sovereignty, nevertheless delegates its sovereign prerogatives to an armed group linked to terrorism +polisario+, by ceding part of its territory, the Tindouf camps. This is strongly condemned by the United Nations Human Rights Committee and other UN and international bodies, as contrary to international law, he said.

Omar Hilale concluded that the Kingdom of Morocco strongly hopes that the Algerian ambassador devotes himself more to the urgent peace and security crises which concern the international community, than to the promotion of his countrys political agenda against its neighbor, Morocco.

The letter addressed by Ambassador Hilale to the president and members of the UN Security Council will be published as an official document of the UN body.
OCP Group, the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers, announced it has finalized a 200 million financing agreement with KfW, Germanys development and investment bank, to enhance global food security and combat climate change.

The KfW loan is a significant contribution towards OCP Groups $13 billion green investment strategy for 2023-2027 to increase sustainable fertilizer production, the group said in a press release.

OCP explained that 150 million of KfW financing will be dedicated to the Groups goal of using 100% non-conventional water in 2024 for its industrial operations, and that 50 million will help the Group hit its targets of 100% clean energy by 2027 (5 gigawatts) and full carbon neutrality in Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and in Scope 3 by 2040, at the same time as increasing the production of green fertilizers.

As part of its green strategy, OCP is investing $7 billion in the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia from wind and solar power, with an output of 1 million tons annually by 2027, for use not only in fertilizers but also to support the development of other green industries in Morocco.

These investments will promote the emergence of an innovative and integrated ecosystem in Morocco, comprising some 600 companies in the energy, agricultural and industrial sectors, and creating approximately 25,000 jobs, the group said.

The significantly increased volumes of OCP Groups customized plant nutrition solutions that are sustainably produced will play a key role in empowering farmers to enhance global food security at the same time as decarbonizing agriculture and protecting biodiversity.

Welcoming the deal, Karim Lotfi Senhadji, OCP Groups Chief Financial Officer commented: We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future. This agreement with KfW represents not only a pivotal contribution to our ambitious green investment strategy. It demonstrates that stakeholders and investors trust OCP Group, our business model and financial strength to deliver on our shared goals.
Morocco and France are preparing to hold their high joint committee on July 4 in Rabat, marking a patch up of ties after a period of silent diplomatic tension, Moroccan media reported.

The committee will be co-chaired by Moroccos Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and his French counterpart Gabriel Attal, who will be having his first visit to Morocco since he took office.

Attal will be leading a French delegation including cabinet members and private sector leaders to discuss an array of economic, regional, and political issues of common interest.

During visits by French foreign and economy ministers, Paris made it clear that it maintains its support for Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara territory.

France has also promised to fund economic projects in Moroccos Sahara including a 3GW Powerlink from Dakhla to Casablanca, in a move that shows Paris recognition of Moroccos full economic sovereignty over the territory.

When asked by a French TV when Paris will take a bolder stance in support of Morocco on the Sahara issue, foreign minister Stephane Sejourne had said that such a stance is for heads of state to discuss, hinting that Moroccan-French ties are headed towards that direction.

Moroccos king had made it clear that the Sahara issue is the lens through which it measures the sincerity of its foreign relations.

Spain, the US, most of Africa and the Arab World as well as Israel understood this by ending ambiguities by recognizing Moroccos rights to its southern provinces and backing the autonomy option.

France, the former colonial power, is well-aware of the extent of the imperial Morocco whose borders were amputated during the colonial rule. Its recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara would put the final nail in the Polisarios coffin and deal the most severe blow to Algeria.

After a failed bet on Tebbounes Algeria, France is losing ground in the Sahel and looks at Morocco as a credible partner who has a say in the region.

Morocco is recognized by France as a regional power, as Sejourne said and France has much to gain by mending ties with Morocco instead of betting on a military-run Algeria that is deepening its isolation in the region.
Liberian Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reaffirmed, on Sunday in Seoul, her countrys support for Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Moroccan Sahara.

Liberias position is the same. Our support for Moroccos territorial integrity is constant, stressed Beysolow Nyanti after her talks with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Korea-Africa Summit.

She also praised the relations between Morocco and Liberia, noting that the two countries are making strategic progress towards strengthening these relations and accelerating joint action on the African continent in favor of sustainable development goals.

The Liberian official noted that the Kingdom has a key role to play in strengthening Korea-Africa relations, given its good relations on the continent.

Morocco can help several African countries benefit more from Korea-Africa cooperation, in order to make progress within the framework of the African Unions Agenda 2063, she said.

Bourita, who is visiting Seoul to take part in the ministerial meeting of the first Korea-Africa Summit, to convene June 4-5, also held talks with his Nigerian peer Yusuf Tuggar.

The Nigerian official underscored, in a statement to MAP, Moroccos key role in strengthening Korea-Africa relations, saying, Morocco, a leader in several fields, including trade and business, plays a pivotal role in strengthening relations between Korea and the African continent.

He highlighted the historic relations between Morocco and Nigeria, and underlined the two countries efforts to promote peace, stability and development in Africa.

Tuggar also spoke of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, as well as cooperation between the two countries in the fields of fertilizers and phosphate, affirming his countrys readiness to continue working alongside Morocco in this area.

Bourita conferred with several other African Foreign Ministers, including Mauritanias Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug.
The Moroccan police seized 18.243 tons of cannabis resin and arrested five people as they were unloading the banned substance into rapid dinghies on the coast of Sidi Rehal, near Casablanca.

Investigations have been opened into connections of the gang with local and international trafficking networks, the police said in a statement.

In July, Morocco seized 10 tons of cannabis and in June 2023 it seized 19 tons as Moroccos security services intensify crackdown on trafficking networks.
The city of Tiaret in western Algeria has been rocked by violent clashes as citizens take to the streets torching tires and protesting water cuts.

Videos shared on social media showed Tiaret citizens blocking roads and denouncing 20 days of water outage, after a dam that supplies the city went empty.

Algerias media, mostly mouthpieces of the military regime, turned a blind eye to the incidents and the water crisis that also engulfed large western cities such as Oran.

In the second largest city, water rationing is now the norm with total cuts that last for days.

Instead of acting on the water problems, the Algerian regime indulges in exaggeration and fake news. The president himself told the UN General assembly in 2023 that the country will have a desalination capacity of 1.3 billion cubic meters this year! That means the whole Mediterranean Sea will dry up in a year.
This is a collection of random personal experiences. So if you don't want to read everything, feel free to skip to the end for takeaways.

I write because I'd like to see more high-quality meetups. And maybe my little bit of experience will help someone out.

2015: Philadelphia

I first tried to organize a meetup in Philly in 2015. I was contracting at the time and I figured a meetup might be a good way to source contracts or just meet interesting people. I created the "Philadelphia Software in Business" (or some other similarly vaguely named) group on Meetup.com.

I didn't have any network; the first companies I worked for were not in Philly. But Meetup.com got me a few tens of people joining the group.

My first challenge was finding a place to meet. I didn't know what I was doing so I looked at restaurants, bars, and cafes for dedicated event space. Needless to say, renting space was expensive on its own. And there was always an additional required minimum dollar spent per attendee.

I ultimately found a place near the Schuylkill River. Maybe it was a community event space. Maybe I paid for it. I can't remember.

The first and only time I hosted an event for the group, I got a surprising number of people for such a vague topic. There were maybe 6 of us. I was the youngest by far (I was 20), they were middle age. Excel users and one visionary type.

There was no real point to the meetup and I didn't continue doing it.

2016 - 2017: Linode

While I was at Linode, I organized "hack nights". I didn't ask for anyone's approval before starting it. I just said I'd be ordering pizza for anyone interested in staying after work to hack on Linode-related projects. I was willing to pay for the pizza, in part because I didn't want to risk being shut down by asking. But caker paid for it each time.

I was nervous because people would show up and ask for pizza and not want to hack. It was company-provided under the aspiration of doing Linode-related work. Maybe I mentioned this or not. I can't remember. I'm pretty sure they got their pizza.

Aside from myself, developers at Linode didn't really attend. The folks who attended were support staff or folks from the technical writing team who wanted more experience coding.

I ran this for maybe 3 to 5 Wednesdays before not continuing. It was pretty fun! But staying after work for a few hours each Wednesday lost its charm.

Book Club

Another time at Linode I started a book club. I was very torn about attempting to make the book club open to anyone in the area or just to Linode employees.

I knew I'd probably get more people to attend if I made it public. But I wasn't sure if Linode would be cool with having external folks in the office. Before they moved to the Old City office, visitors weren't really a thing.

So I made it private to Linode. And I started with the most obvious book for your average developer: Practical Common Lisp.

I am pretty sure I learned one big trick by this time though. When I announced I'd be starting the book club I said something like this:

Hey folks! I'm thinking of starting a book club. A book I have in mind to start with is Practical Common Lisp. If I get at least one other person to join in then I'll move forward!

I ended up getting two folks: one developer and one support staff member. We held the book club for 30 minutes once a week, covering one chapter each week. I was the only one who read anything I think, but the other two guys faithfully showed up for discussion.

I didn't ask for permission to do this either. And this time we met during company time. I think it was 2-2:30PM.

It was fun. We finished the book. But Practical Common Lisp probably wasn't a good choice. And I don't think I started a second book.

2017 - 2020: False starts

I moved to NYC and joined a small startup (~20 employees). Linode was 100+ employees.

We were in a WeWork so I considered starting a book club that was public to the WeWork. I had learned by then the law of numbers: I probably wouldn't get anyone from my company to join.

I considered putting up posters around the WeWork to advertise. But in the end, I didn't end up going through with anything.

I did present at a few meetups in NYC during this time. But I didn't organize anything.

And then the pandemic hit and everything disappeared.

2021 - 2022: Virtual

In 2021 I started contracting again, thinking about starting a company. I wanted a community to be at the center.

So I started a Discord focused on software internals.

I had a bit more of a network at this point so I posted about the Discord on Twitter and got 100 likes or something and slowly started gaining folks in the Discord.

I knew it was going to do better if I was pretty active in it so I made sure to post interesting blog posts at some regular interval. About compilers or databases or something.

The Discord didn't turn out to help me out much in the starting-a-company front. Or I didn't use it effectively for that.

I wanted more of an independent Discord of cool people who like to learn about systems internals. And that's what I got.

This turned out to be ok though because I stopped working on that company and the Discord is still around and I still get to hang out with cool people.

This Discord is still around and hit 1,700 members recently. Among other things, it has developers from many different database companies in it these days. They hang out and help out the noobs like me learn about database internals.

I culled inactive members recently, so today the total is around 1,100.

Hacker Nights

During the pandemic I became frustrated that all the good meetups disappeared so I decided to start an online one that would be somewhat tied to the Discord and be about software internals.

I would find 2 or 3 people to present for 10-20 minutes each on anything to do with software internals. We'd meet once a month at 8PM NY time I think.

To get speakers I'd mostly DM people who I saw do interesting things on Twitter or Hacker News. I was lucky to have Philip O'Toole (author of rqlite), Simon Eskildsen (author of the Napkin Math blog), Rasmus Andersson, and many other excellent folks speak.

You can find videos of these talks on YouTube.

The events were organized on Meetup.com. The group grew quickly and I'd have about 100 people RSVP to each event. 10-20 normally showed up.

I'd post a Zoom link on Meetup.com. Sometimes Meetup.com crashed right as the meetup started, so no one could get a link. That was fun.

On two different nights I had Zoom bombers show up and play crazy music or impersonate other members of the call and act weirdly (Zoom lets you change your name after you've joined the call).

I learned a little bit about how to administrate a Zoom meeting.

I ran Hacker Nights for 5 months. It was tiring to find speakers, tiring to deal with Zoom bombers. It was thankless and I wasn't really enjoying it.

I was proud though that I was offering a channel for developers to learn about software internals of compilers, databases, etc. And it was great to meet many interesting speakers and attendees.

2023: Designing Data Intensive Applications

A month ago I put out a call on Twitter for folks in NYC interested in reading through the book Designing Data Intensive Applications.

I'd read the book before and while it was challenging, I knew it was immensely useful to any developer who works with data or an API.

By this time I'd learned my second trick: not asking for public responses.

I said something like:

Hey folks! I'm thinking of starting a book club meeting in Midtown NYC reading through Designing Data Intensive Applications. DM me if you'd be interested! If I get 2 other interested folks this will be on!

I got maybe 40 DMs and 20 of them were based in NYC. Attendence thus would have been higher if I made the book club virtual. But virtual events take about as much effort as in-person events and somehow feel less rewarding. So I went through with the NYC group.

I'm sure I could have gotten some company to provide us space, but this would just mean more negotation for me and tedium for everyone involved (bring your ID to be checked in, make sure you're registered, etc.).

The group would meet every 2 weeks and cover 2 chapters at a time. We'd meet for 30 minutes. To avoid needing to find a place to meet, we'd meet in public at Bryant Park. (There turns out to be plenty of available seating on Fridays at 9AM in Bryant Park. When it rains we meet online.)

I wanted to keep the overhead minimal and the timeline slightly aggressive. We'd be through the book in only 3 months. No crazy commitment.

We've meet twice now and are 25% done the book. Attendance has been around 7 to 9 people each time so far, or a little less than 50%.

They're almost all software developers, with one manager I think, who work for a variety of large and small tech companies.

I'm loving it so far. And if it continues to go well, I'll probably continue running in-person book clubs.

But it would only meet a few months a year, giving me a few month breaks from running it.

Takeaways: The meh

Organizing any event takes effort. Meetups are especially hard because you need to find a place to run the meetup, you probably want to provide food, and you need to find speakers.

Often you can find a single place to host the meetup, but you have to constantly search for new speakers. Even one of the greatest meetups in NYC, Papers We Love, seems to be struggling to find speakers.

The CMU Database Group and the Distributed Systems Reading Group seem to have the right idea though. They only run sessions part of the year, and they plan out all sessions in advance (including speakers).

However, they are both virtual. And I'm not so interested in running virtual events anymore.

Takeaways: The good

For one, meetups are an awesome way to meet random people and expand your network.

Two, they're educational. Even beyond the content you are meeting about, there's the discussion alongside it you wouldn't get by yourself. And you, as organizer, get to pick the topic.

These work out great for me. I love to meet people, and I love to learn.

Tricks

Starting something new is embarassing because you're putting yourself out there. Maybe no one in your network shares your interests (to the degree or in the direction you do).

My tricks are:

Most importantly: keep things low key! Don't stress people out. Before learning and networking, the point of meetups is (or should be) fun.

Saying you are "thinking about X" is a lightweight way to gauge interest. As compared to just saying you're "starting X", which gives you less room to back out if there turns out not to be interest.

Asking people to DM you with interest is less embarrassing than asking for people to respond in public. Not everyone would want to respond in public. If there's interest in private, you can share the interest in public later on. But if you only ask for responses in public and there are no responses, that can feel embarassing.

Indicating success criteria can help people understand how big you're thinking of. I'm normally fine with doing something as small as only two other people, so I say that. It's kind of like how Kickstarters work with minimum funding levels.

These ideas apply to corporate planning too. I think about them when I'm sharing some new idea in company Slack as much as when I share on Twitter.

A note on attendance rates: 10-20% actual attendance versus RSVP seems normal. If you get a higher percentage of people actually attending versus RSVP-ing you're doing pretty well!

One final idea is about paying for space or paying for food. Companies with space and money for food are often willing to partner with folks willing to do the work to run an event.

Running your own event in a company's space is advertising for them. They get to be associated with cool tech. It's a chance for them to pitch their open positions.

Obviously this happens often when you start a meetup hosted by your own company. But you can also find other companies to host space.

The kind of people to find to make this happen are senior developers or engineering managers, often on Twitter and sometimes on LinkedIn.

I haven't done this myself yet because I'm not ready to commit to running a meetup. But I see it happen. And it's the approach I'd take if I were to run a real meetup again.

Though now that I've got some time off there are a few talks I'd like to do myself.
Photo: Intelligencer; Photo:Getty Images

When Nate Cohn releases a poll, people pay attention. Cohn, who created and oversees the New York TimesSiena College poll, is perhaps alone among peers in his capability to drive a narrative with proprietary data. For example, in November 2023, NYT-Siena polls that found President Biden trailing Donald Trump in several swing states set off a (familiar) cycle of Democratic anxiety and recriminations about Bidens prospects that continues to the present moment. Cohn is highly regarded in the field  his sophisticated methods and high transparency levels merit FiveThirtyEights highest rating, and his 2022 polls were uncannily accurate. But he is hardly infallible: Among other things, the NYT-Siena surveys in 2016 and 2020, like many others, significantly underestimated Donald Trumps strength in swing states. Last week, I spoke with Cohn about the unusual elements of the Biden vs. Trump 2024 rematch, why we still dont know what went wrong with 2020 polling, and whether the New York Times covers its own polls appropriately. (Our conversation took place hours before Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 charges, which, Cohn later wrote, could provide a boost for Biden among key voters hes been struggling with.)

Most polls, including yours, have Trump currently leading in the important swing states. I want to start with the question of how predictive polls are at this point in the election cycle, because Ive seen various theories on that. And Im wondering if theyre more predictive this far out than they used to be, since peoples political views are so entrenched now. We dont see huge swings like we did in the Dukakis vs. Bush days, for example.

The short answer is that polls at this stage are not typically extraordinarily predictive of the final outcome, but as you mentioned, theyve become more accurate in recent decades. American politics is more polarized, so there are fewer swing voters. Voters know a lot more about the candidates in recent cycles than they have in the past. Weve had a lot of well-known candidates like Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump who arent unknown like Michael Dukakis was in 1988.

There are other things that we see in the data nowadays that suggest that the polls are less volatile than they used to be. For instance, Michael Dukakis built that tremendous lead in the summer of 1988 after the Democratic convention that year. It was pretty common for candidates to come out of a convention enjoying a huge double-digit bounce, and we just dont see things like that happen anymore. The catch is that our elections are much closer than they used to be. So even though the polls at this stage may be more quote unquote predictive than they were 20 or 30 years ago, because the range of election outcomes has also narrowed as well, its not like now we know whos going to win. And thats especially true in this race, where the candidates are, as you know, fairly close in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Plus, there werent real primaries this time around, and it doesnt really feel like theres been the usual election slog yet  just a creeping sense of dread among Americans that its going to be the same two guys.

Yeah. This is pretty subjective, but I dont really feel like this campaign is underway yet.

I agree. You were early to mark one of the major polling story lines of this election, which is the split thats showing up in polling between likely voters and registered voters. Democrats are doing quite well among the first group, made up of enthusiastic voters who cast ballots regularly, and less well among the second group, who vote irregularly. Every poll seems to show this split  how confident are you at this point that its actually happening?

When were talking about polling, saying something like actually happening is always hard. Polls are fuzzy things, and they are inherently imperfect, so even when all the polls agree on something, its hard to ever be 100 percent sure its real. But in this particular case, as far as Im aware, all of the evidence suggests that something like this story is real. We can debate about the degrees, we can debate about whether itll last until November, but I dont think that theres very much room to disagree with the notion that the Democrats are showing a lot of strength among the most regular and highly engaged voters, and Joe Biden in particular is extremely weak among less engaged voters, and in particular less engaged Democrats.

Do you have any theories as to why its playing out this way? That seems to be the big question right now.

I think there are two broad theories. One is that its a matter of engagement, that these people arent paying close attention, that if they did  or when they do  that they will end up behaving like more highly engaged voters of the same demographic profile. So in this theory, a Black voter whos paying attention is for Biden and one whos not paying attention is ambivalent. And once they pay attention, theyll support Biden. You can come up with evidence to support that theory.

You could also look at their evaluations of the economy. Less engaged Democrats are much more likely to say the economy is poor than highly engaged Democrats. That may reflect actual factual knowledge about the unemployment rate, or how the stock market is doing, and so on. You can posit that some of these voters, as they tune in, and as the campaign heats up, will glean the same information the highly engaged voters already have, and theyll swing Bidens way.

The second theory is that its not just about engagement, its that these are fundamentally different kinds of voters who will never be as engaged as someone who watches MSNBC every night. And as a consequence of their relative lack of knowledge of American politics, of policy and economics, theyre much less likely to be voting on the issues. Theyre less likely to think about abortion or democracy and instead vote on character and which candidate looks strong or weak. Theyre more likely to want a candidate who supports change, just because theyre not happy with the status quo, and theyre not going to make the rational calculation that, Oh, Im not happy, but I think Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, and therefore, Ill vote for Joe Biden, even though I dont like him. Those just arent the kinds of calculations that less engaged voters make. And its worth noting that we know that the people who didnt vote in recent elections, almost by definition, are not the ones who were motivated to stop Donald Trump last time. If they were, they would have voted. So we know that this is a group of people that just cant be that upset about Donald Trump. And if thats true, then Joe Bidens problem is going to be really deep.

That group of voters, who arent paying attention to the news and are voting on things like character, is always enormous. The difference for Democrats, though, is that theres this gap between likely and not-so-likely voters that I dont think existed even four years ago. So what changed?

Donald Trump has never been popular. Hes still not popular. His unfavorability rating is just as high today as it was heading into Election Day 2020. This group of disengaged voters doesnt like Donald Trump and never did. Whats changed, to my mind, is that Joe Biden went from being a broadly appealing person  they didnt necessarily love him, they didnt necessarily even like him, but he was acceptable  to someone who many voters do not find acceptable anymore.

They think his stewardship of the economy is terrible, and they think hes simply too old to be president and that he no longer passes some sort of basic visual gut check for millions of Americans. And Biden is trying to still win those voters on a pretty sophisticated argument, frankly, about Donald Trump as a threat to democracy and about his opposition to abortion rights. Its an issue-based appeal that I think very naturally would resonate among those who pay close attention to politics, who have well-informed opinions on the issues, and would naturally not resonate so well with those who dont.

And then for good measure, we have the economy looming over this whole picture. Many less engaged voters are less likely to have college degrees, and they are less likely to make $100,000 a year. Donald Trump in 2020 and 2016 was seen as the best candidate on the economy, and now that issue matters much more for voters, because they say the economy is bad.

It doesnt sound like you think that much of Bidens current strategy in going after these voters. And his teams general attitude toward negative polls, at least publicly, is Theyre not right. Do you think their outreach strategy reflects a denial of the reality theyre up against?

Im not sure whether it reflects reality denial or not. I think that it may reflect the hand they have to play. Voters dont think Joe Biden has done a good job, and they dont think the economys especially good. And many of the arguments that Democrats would traditionally make against the Republican, like, Oh, theyre going to help the rich and not the working class, are harder to make against Donald Trump than they were against Mitt Romney in 2012. The arguments that the Democrats have at their disposal that are strongest, and that might well win them the election in the end, are about democracy and abortion. There just arent very many other places where they can fight.

In other words, trying to convince people that the economy is strong, which it is on paper, is a losing battle.

Well, Im not saying they shouldnt try and do more in that space, and I cant prescribe what the optimal economic message is for Biden. I dont know if its to say that the economy is good, and try and convince people that its not as bad as they think: Look at these great stats. I dont know if its to acknowledge that things are bad, but say things are getting better. I dont know if its to say that Donald Trump would make it worse. Im not going to speculate about what would do best on the economy. Im just saying that, in terms of how Joe Biden can actually try to win this election, as opposed to playing defense, clearly abortion and democracy are two powerful arguments, and they may be their best arguments. If they have another argument that has the potential to resonate a little more broadly with voters, in particular those concerned about pocketbook issues, I havent seen anyone floating it.

Abortion and democracy have worked very well for Democratic candidates in the last two to four years. But were seeing that state Democratic candidates are outrunning Biden right now, which also ties into the theory that is really just about the president and less about Trump.

Yeah. The thing that the Democratic Senate numbers and other numbers down ballot remind us of is that Bidens weakness right now is among voters who usually vote for Democratic candidates, and maybe even people who dont usually need to think too hard about who theyre going to vote for. Maybe theyre registered as Democrats and they come from demographic groups that typically vote Democratic. And there are lots of reasons why people are Democrats. For some, its because of their views on a host of policy issues. Others are from identity groups that bind them in different ways toward the Democrats, like as a union worker or an African American. And other people support the Democrats out of perceived self-interest  they might think that Democrats are going to protect their Medicare and Social Security, or that theyre good for working people, and so on.

And I think that latter group, that group of people who have traditionally supported the Democrats on pocketbook-issue grounds, might well be the heart of Bidens problem here. It explains, to my satisfaction at least, why the numbers are so unique at the presidential level. Because Democrats arent being weighed down by Bidens economic stewardship, it seems, and similarly, other Republicans dont have Trumps unique brand name on economic management.

Hes a businessman, as voters like to remind us. Biden has a problem with Black and Hispanic voters in particular right now, as you alluded to. How much does that overlap with the disengaged-voter problem? Is it basically the same problem, or are these two distinct issues?

Thats a good question. Theyre certainly related, but it is worth noting that Biden is holding up among well-engaged, high-frequency Black voters. Hes also holding up among Hispanic midterm voters in our poll. Were talking about small groups, and now were looking at the subset of small groups that dont regularly vote. So theres an extra layer, I think, of uncertainty around exactly where Bidens weakness among Black and Hispanic voters lies. But its conceivably consistent that most of his weakness among Black and Latino voters is among relatively disengaged Black and Latino voters. And if thats true, it carries some interesting possibilities. If its a low-turnout election, maybe you end up with the Black and Latino share of the electorate declining, but then Biden does better than the polls show among Black and Hispanic voters. Which wouldnt necessarily net out any differently in the top-line poll result, because many of these Black and Latino voters staying home are still, on-net, Biden voters. They may not be as good for Democrats as in the past, but they still lean Democratic. And so you could get the sort of scenario where the final results demographically look considerably more normal, but the turnout of Black and Latino voters is quite low. I think thats at least imaginable.

Which is one reason Democrats may want lower turnout for once  another strange thing about this election.

The funny thing about turnout is its not just the level  its who is voting and staying at home. If you get low turnout and the people who show up are the people who showed up in the midterms, that may be fine. If you get high turnout and the increase is coming out of Black and Latino voters, that could be good for Biden, but if its coming out of white working-class voters, it wouldnt be. And so on.

Pivoting a bit to polling more generally: The New York TimesSiena polls were dead-on in 2022 and also extremely accurate in 2018. They were considerably less accurate in 2016 and 2020, underestimating Trump support in swing states in those years. I remember, after 2020, you were trying to understand what had happened. Four years later, what is your thesis about why your surveys were so off 2020 yet so good two years later?

The truth is that there is not an excellent explanation for what went wrong in 2020. And I should note that I didnt feel like this was true after 2016. After 2016, there was no shortage of plausible explanations for why the polls had underestimated Donald Trump, which were backed by hard evidence. We knew that the polls in that cycle were probably underestimating the number of people with a college degree. We thought that undecided voters were prone to switching, and there was real evidence that you could look at after the election that suggested that this could explain why most of why the polls underestimated Donald Trump, and therefore, why we could be pretty confident that we could do well in the future, provided that we represented people without a college degree in the numbers that we wish we had.

As a consequence, we went out and we did 100 polls in 2018. That was a reflection of the level of confidence that we had, that despite what we saw in 2016, that there were real credible paths to being accurate in the future, and that we didnt think it represented some sort of lasting issue. And I cant say the same thing after 2020. There are, at the end of the day, no really strong theories backed by hard evidence that explain why the polls were wrong in 2020 and offered us a path to doing something different, or, alternately, to be sure that it wouldnt happen next time.

In polling, when you cant come up with a strong theory to explain what went wrong, you usually fall back on this diagnosis of exclusion  nonresponse bias. Theres this idea that if everything we did looks right, but we didnt get the answer we wish we did, there must be some reason why the people who backed Donald Trump were still underrepresented in our surveys, and it was probably just that theyre less likely to respond than demographically similar Biden voters. So even if, say, you had the right number of white working-class voters, you didnt have the right number of white working-class Trump voters.

I dont think thats what happened in 2016. I think in 2016, if you had the right number of white voters without a degree, you wouldve come way closer to the result than you wouldve in 2020. So theres something extra going on in 2020 thats still not fully explained. One possibility, and I think this is the most optimistic one for the survey industry, is that its about COVID, that all these liberals were staying home and taking polls, while Republicans were out living their lives. We know that the coronavirus had different effects on the behavior of Democrats and Republicans  we can see that in the vaccine numbers. Why couldnt it be the case that we were just systematically getting more people who were concerned about COVID, who were staying indoors, and consequently, that our polls had too many Biden voters controlling for all the demographic traits we try to adjust for?

Yeah, youve said that your numbers were more accurate in 2019.

The 2019 polls were great, and our 2022 polls were as well. But its also worth noting that there are more pessimistic possibilities as well. Perhaps Trump voters are just so distrustful of the media and institutions that theyre just systematically less likely to respond than Biden voters among the same demographic group  thats a real possibility too.

Not only is it that Trump supporters are less likely to respond to surveys than Biden supporters, but theyre overwhelmingly concentrated among the kinds of people who dont show up in midterm elections. Thats another theory that I think you could argue that would sort of square all of the various data points. I think thats conceivable. One interesting thing I could note in this respect is that our polls right now show Donald Trump doing really well among disengaged voters. That was the whole start of this conversation. That wasnt true in 2020. Is it possible that Trump was similarly strong among these voters in 2020, and thats who we were missing? I dont know. I dont know that thats not true. The 2020 polling was so bad that its hard to rule out anything about it. But its just an example of how the introduction of this uncertainty about the way polls are handling these presidential-year voters makes it harder to be confident in what were measuring sometimes.

I appreciate the transparency and lack of confidence. It goes to this whole larger discussion about polling that makes people crazy, especially in the internet era. I feel like every four years, theres this ongoing and kind of tiresome debate where someone asserts that polling is fundamentally broken, and then the pollsters respond, Actually, the polling errors arent as bad 40 years ago. Are you tired of that conversation? And are people expecting too much here? This is an unclear question.

It is an unclear question. I sympathize with all of the various emotions that went into it, though. In some respects, its a miracle how good polling is. It is so hard to talk to people, and the response rates of telephone surveys can be one percent. And I know that I just spent all this time talking about how bad the 2020 polls were, and theyre bad by the standards that we need in our era of fairly close and competitive elections. But it is true that they werent horrible for many purposes. The polls overestimated Joe Biden nationwide, by about four points on the margin, which is to say the difference between Trump and Biden. So Biden was at plus eight and a half, as opposed to Biden plus four and a half. But thats two points off on the percentage for the two candidates: Biden at 52 percent as opposed to 54 percent. A two-point difference on 95 percent of questions that we ask is entirely tolerable.

Does it make a difference whether 72 or 74 percent of Americans think Biden is just too old to be an effective president? Thats substantively the same. So polls are actually still pretty darn good for lots of things, but they are inherently imprecise. And we live in this era of close elections, where the level of precision that polls offer may not be sufficient to tell, at least to readers, what they really want to know, which is just: Whos going to win? And in 1988, and in 1984, and in 1996, the polls could tell you who was going to win, because Reagan and Bush were up double digits in the final month of the race. And frankly, if Trump is up double digits in the final month of this race, hes probably going to win. But the odds are that our polls will not show him with such a large lead  they dont do so now  and consequently, well go into Election Day knowing full well that either candidate will probably win.

The other difference now is that theres the internet, and every piece of data is digested and spit out so quickly. The panic that has greeted your recent polls from Democrats, pundits, and otherwise  and I include myself here  is quite something. Does it always surprise you how exercised people get?

Yeah. I remember our November 2019 polls, which showed Biden narrowly ahead and Elizabeth Warren losing.

That one helped tank Warrens campaign, I think, because she was doing so poorly compared to everyone else.

I did not think that Elizabeth Warren was on a path to win personally, but I certainly did not help her. Of all the polls weve ever done, I feel like thats the one where the response was just completely beyond anything that I had expected, and maybe that was naive of me. But it is extraordinary how much attention the polls get. In some sense, its merited. If you look at how our polls have done compared to others, it really is pretty remarkable how well weve done in a way that doesnt seem sustainable. Its hard to believe, over the long run, that if you average our poll against all other polls that were going to win, but its true up to this point.

But I think that it really reflects much more peoples interest in whos going to win the election, not some considered view of just how much better our poll is or something. And Im not sure that is healthy. As we said at the beginning, (a) were still six months out, and (b) even at the end of the race, itll probably be so close that either candidate can win. People are obsessed with our polls, and not just our polls, but all the polls, in hopes that we will be able to answer a question that, in all likelihood, we cant. And maybe even worse than that: People sometimes do think were answering that question even when were not, and we cant.

I also just wonder what the alternative is. Theres no better method of analyzing whats happening in the election, I think.

Theres no real substitute.

I guess we could have fewer polls, or none at all.

If we didnt have polls, I think we know what we would get. We would get information based on partisan polls, filtered through the campaigns and campaign committees and party committees and so on, and they would tell us a similar story. Or it would be based on on-the-ground reporting. I actually think that economics coverage is probably the best analogy to what the world without polls would look like. Like politics, economics is fundamentally a social-science problem. Economics coverage solves this problem through survey research. The jobs report is a poll.

I didnt quite realize that, actually.

The jobs report is a great poll; its a Census-funded poll, but its a poll. We dont have the equivalent of that in politics. There is no federally funded political survey. And so we basically are stepping in as the New York Times, and other media organizations do the same, to provide what the government provides in economics. Its hard to imagine what it would be like to talk about the economy without having a jobs report. And, similarly, its very hard to understand how we would talk about the electorate without surveys.

It would probably be the old cliche about yard signs  anecdotal stuff.

Yeah. And you can imagine the same thing for the economy perhaps, that people would go and talk to the person running some shop on Main Street in suburban New York somewhere, and then someone would have a different conflicting report from someone running a different kind of shop in New Mexico, and it would be a total mess. We wouldnt have any idea.

This all plays into something Im also curious about, which is the New York Times treatment of your polls. You started the poll in 2016. And since then, the paper has made them into more and more of an event, where the readers get a write-up of the actual findings with the top-line numbers, which gets sent out as a breaking news alert. And then theres all these follow-up articles for five, seven days afterward reporting on the polls sub-findings, some of them written by you, some by others. And then the numbers from the poll are cited again and again in more articles by Times reporters. Ive always been impressed about how careful you are in your write-ups to say, Hey, here are all the caveats. Heres what I found. Heres how we did it. And it might be wrong. But I sometimes wonder about the Times presentation of all this stuff, as if its like, Heres the news. And its actually polls.

Yeah. Theres a real tension between the thing I just told you, which is that polling is this inherently imprecise instrument  probably better than anything else, but still imperfect  and an organization like the New York Times, which is accustomed to writing up its articles as its objective truth.

Exactly.

And a New York TimesSiena is not an objective truth, its not the Census. And by the way, the Census in the jobs report isnt objective truth either  they revise them every month.

But its not in that tier of survey, either. Thats a really hard needle to thread. And weve tried a lot of different ways over the years to try and thread the needle of How do we both relay what we think is the best information that probably exists on the electorate and also make it clear to people that it could be wrong, that its subject to all these sources of error?

And there are lots of things that weve done in this space that I think were somewhat promising. We have tried to show the margins of error. Like, even this most recent poll, you could see that there was a little band around each of the numbers that was supposed to indicate that theres this fuzziness around our estimates. Weve done something called live polling before, where we showed people every call we made and every response. As a consequence, people can see that most people werent responding, which in some way communicated the imperfection of it, even in the moment.

We try to report different turnout scenarios. All of these things  they dont solve the ultimate problem, which is that we still have to figure out how to write up a New York Times survey result for the public, even though we know its not perfect. Thats a really hard problem that I dont think weve had luck in solving. At the same time, we do have to write it up. These polls are really expensive, they do contain a wealth of information, and very little of what weve found we couldnt print. Im not saying that every article is perfect, and I know sometimes its a weeklong event, but that seventh article that comes out usually still contains useful information that we couldnt have realistically gotten after the first story.

No, Im not saying its padded out in that way  more what you pointed out at the top, that theres just fundamental tension between the Times as a news organ and its putting out the poll in the first place, even though it may be the best one.

Yeah. For informational purposes, the findings are essentially true. When we blare that voters think Biden is too old to be president, thats a finding thats so far outside of any margin of error that we can be reasonably confident in it. I dont know whether, if we have an absolutely perfect poll, like literal truth for a moment and we could basically conduct an election today, or simulate an election  I dont know Donald Trump would be ahead or behind in the three midwestern battleground sites, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, that are reasonably close in our polling. Its possible that with such a perfect poll that truly simulated the election, with the exact right people going into the voting room tomorrow, that Biden could take the lead.

I do have reasonable confidence that such a perfect poll, however, would contain a whole lot of very bad news for Joe Biden in terms of the publics assessment of the economy, in terms of what they think about how hes handling his job as president, favorability ratings, his strength among Black and Latino and young voters.

You can imagine that there could be a case where we put out a poll that says, X result, and its a news alert, its on the front page, it leads the home page, theres a Daily episode about it. And then the very next day, another reputable poll says the exact opposite, and we then go and try and poll again in a few weeks, and we no longer find that either. That hasnt happened this cycle. And that reflects, I think, that the way our articles are framed appreciates that we have to rely most heavily on the findings that are robust and resilient to survey error. Theres some element that we cant escape, like whos up or down in our poll, and thats really hard. We really could do a poll again and now find Biden had a lead in Pennsylvania. Thats conceivable.

And then the news cycle would be totally different. Itd be like, Oh, hes back.

Exactly. And one reason we do these six state battleground polls is because they offer extra layers of robustness to the overall finding. One state poll can bounce one way, but all six of them are a lot less likely to move around.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photo: Alamy Stock Photo

One of the strangest stories in media over the past decade is the Epoch Times, a formerly free newspaper distributed on the streets of New York that focuses on conspiracist, right-wing takes and reports that are extremely critical of the Chinese Communist Party. Founded in 2000, it effectively functions as a propaganda wing of Falun Gong, the religious movement headquartered upstate that is also behind Shen Yun, the anti-communist show with the inescapable subway ads. During the Trump years, the Epoch Times successfully expanded its operation on YouTube and Facebook, reaching millions of Americans with clickbait and misinformation. According to the Justice Department, it also functioned as a massive money-laundering scheme for one of its executives.

On Monday, federal prosecutors in New York charged the Epoch Times chief financial officer, Bill Guan, with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering for allegedly moving at least $67 million in illegally obtained funds to bank accounts in the media outlets name. According to the indictment, Guan was in charge of something (rather suspiciously) called the Make Money Online team, in which Guan and underlings used cryptocurrency to knowingly purchase tens of millions of dollars in crime proceeds. The alleged scheme was fairly simple, relying on prepaid debit cards, which are a common method in crypto laundering. The Make Money Online team, based abroad, would allegedly purchase proceeds of fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits loaded onto prepaid cards. The team then allegedly traded them for cryptocurrency at 70 to 80 percent of the cards actual value. After making the deal, the Feds claim that those funds would then be transferred into bank accounts associated with the Epoch Times as well as into Guans personal bank accounts.

It appears that the Make Money Online team lived up to its name. The Feds say that at the same time that Guan allegedly concocted the money-laundering scheme, the Epoch Times annual revenue shot up 410 percent, from $15 million to around $62 million. Its bankers naturally had questions, but Guan said that the windfall came from donations, per the indictment. (Unfortunately for him, he also wrote to a congressional office in 2022, stating that donations are an insignificant portion of the overall revenue of the Epoch Times.) Guan has entered a not guilty plea, and prosecutors note that the charges do not relate to the Media Companys newsgathering activities.
the national interest

J.D. Vance Says Trump Was Right to Try to Steal the Election, Because of Twitter

The most ludicrous rationale yet.
Trump watches as one of his trophy justices, Brett Kavanaugh, is sworn in. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The U.S. Supreme Court is having a bit of a credibility crisis lately, thanks to the partisan antics of certain members of its conservative majority. Most recently, revelations about the insurrectionary flag-flying habits of Justice Samuel Alitos household have undermined the pious claims of Chief Justice John Roberts and other Supreme Court members about the apolitical nature of these lifetime appointees. The most recent brouhaha deepens the problems associated with ongoing evidence of Justice Clarence Thomass deep and lucrative ties to the far right, and compounds the significant loss of public trust the Courts conservatives sustained after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

So its not an ideal time for the president who appointed three conservative justices to ask that they and their colleagues rescue him from liability for the crimes of which a New York jury found him guilty last week. But Donald Trump was about as subtle as a jackhammer in demanding an intervention on Truth Social:

The Sentencing for not having done anything wrong will be, conveniently for the Fascists, 4 days before the Republican National Convention. A Radical Left Soros backed D.A., who ran on a platform of I will get Trump, reporting to an Acting Local Judge, appointed by the Democrats, who is HIGHLY CONFLICTED, will make a decision which will determine the future of our Nation? The United States Supreme Court MUST DECIDE!

Even more direct than the ruling monarch of the GOP was its highest-ranking elected official, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who went on Fox News and made things worse by suggesting some personal knowledge of the Courts inclinations, as the New York Times reported:

I do believe the Supreme Court should step in, Mr. Johnson told Fox News during an interview the morning after Mr. Trump became the first former president to be convicted of any crime. Obviously, this is totally unprecedented 

Speaking on Fox, Mr. Johnson said he knew some of the justices on the Supreme Court personally and believed that they shared his view that Mr. Trump was a victim of unfair and politically motivated prosecutions. He also suggested that the legal system was biased against Mr. Trump and other conservatives.

So I think theyll set this straight, Mr. Johnson said.

Unlike Trump, who seemed to be expecting a Supreme Court thunderbolt before his July 11 sentencing date, Johnson hinted at some knowledge of how the legal system actually works:

[I]ts going to take awhile.

He added: This will be overturned, guys, theres no question about it. Its just going to take some time to do it.

It will take some time to do it, of course, because Trumps conviction was in a New York court for the violation of New York laws. Perhaps the man who once said of the U.S. Constitution that I have an Article II, where I have the right to do whatever I want as president, isnt clear on this, but the Supreme Court cannot just do whatever it wants, either. There must be a federal constitutional issue justifying the Courts intervention, and there are none apparent in his case. Even if there were a hook, federal courts typically demand that petitioners exhaust every state remedy before becoming involved. So that would mean the Supreme Court would stay far away until Trumps lawyers are finished with New Yorks own appeals processes (beginning with the Appellate Division and then proceeding to the Court of Appeals), which could take years. This timetable could help Trump stay out of the hoosegow (in the event that he draws an actual jail sentence from Judge Juan Merchan), but it means he cant expect a speedy life preserver from the federal judiciary.

Im guessing some quiet messages will be sent from emissaries of the conservative justices to Mar-a-Lago asking Trump to cool his jets, particularly if there is any prospect that the Supreme Court may be on the brink of siding with Team Trump on actual pending cases. Trumps claim of immunity for crimes he may have committed as president, and a separate objection to federal prosecutors charging the January 6 insurrectionists (including Trump and his cronies) with obstruction of justice, are issues where the 45th presidents appointees, along with Alito and Thomas, might confirm his very good luck in being able to shape a Court where some one-term presidents (e.g., Jimmy Carter) never get a single nomination. So he should probably not be so freewheeling in ordering the justices around, and tell his friend Mike Johnson to put a lid on it as well.
Blue-state Republican Larry Hogan. Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Donald Trumps criminal conviction last week unsurprisingly created an all-hands-on-deck moment for Republicans. Clearly, a lot of Americans hadnt been paying much attention to the hush-money trial or Trumps other legal problems, so his party urgently wanted to spin the rather shocking (and entirely unprecedented) news from Manhattan as a partisan miscarriage of justice and a vindication of Trumps self-victimizing paranoia. What has been shocking is the lengths Team Trump has gone in enforcing party discipline.

Just consider how Larry Hogan has been treated. Hogan is the Republican former governor of the very blue state of Maryland. He is now running for the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Ben Cardin. Republicans have no business even thinking about winning a Maryland Senate race in a presidential year. Biden carried Maryland by better than a two-to-one margin in 2020; it was his third-best state, after Vermont and Massachusetts, and its as Democratic as Oklahoma is Republican. Yet Hogan, an inveterate critic of Donald Trump, is sufficiently popular that he has a punchers chance of flipping this seat against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks in November. If he does so, it will virtually guarantee a Republican Senate, and if its merely close, he could force Democrats to spend money they can ill afford to expend defending a seat that should be safe. And to be very clear, for all the talk of Trumps frightening second-term agenda of hyper-reactionary policies and vengeance against his many enemies (including the deep state federal employees who represent a big chunk of Marylands electorate), his ability to implement his plans depends very much on his party controlling Congress.

In other words, Larry Hogan is a precious GOP commodity, and party leaders should give him a wide berth to disassociate himself from the top of the ticket. His statement just prior to Trumps conviction was about as mild as you could possibly expect from someone running statewide in a jurisdiction where a majority of voters probably think the former president should be chained to an anchor and dropped into the Potomac River:

Regardless of the result, I urge all Americans to respect the verdict and the legal process. At this dangerously divided moment in our history, all leadersregardless of partymust not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship. We must reaffirm what has made this nation  Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 30, 2024

Yet at a time when youd figure the Trump campaign had other fish to fry, cocampaign manager Chris LaCivita to tweeted back at Hogan: You just ended your campaign. On national TV this weekend, RNC co-chair Lara Trump made it clear Hogan would not get a pass from his party, as Politico Playbook reported:

I think anybody whos not speaking up in the face of really something that should never again have seen the light of day, a trial that would never have been brought against any other person aside from Donald Trump, doesnt deserve the respect of anyone, Lara Trump added. [Hogan] doesnt deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party at this point, and, quite frankly, anybody in America.

One could argue that these anathemas are intended to help Hogan among anti-Trump voters, but if so, they are remarkably ham-handed. Hogan needs MAGA voters, too, and giving him the Judas treatment could alienate them decisively. What the reaction suggests is that Republicans are so fixated on absolute Trump solidarity that they are imposing a loyalty litmus test on candidates up and down the ballot. This approach could help ensure a strong, harmonious hymn of praise for the GOP presidential candidate but not necessarily the strongest overall party performance in November.

No matter how strong Trump looks as the opponent of an unpopular Democratic incumbent, he is deeply and consistently unpopular himself, and the trial and verdict in Manhattan underlined some of his most unsavory characteristics. His party needs a coalition broader than the MAGA base to control Congress and give him the power he craves. Republicans should be giving politicians like Larry Hogan a hand, rather than the back of their hands.
Photo: MarcusMcDonald

Where face masks for high-risk COVID protection are concerned, there are three types I would recommend: N95 masks (the American gold standard), KN95 masks (the Chinese equivalent), or KF94 masks (the South Korean equivalent). Surgical masks are better than nothing, but they tend to leak more air around the sides, making the protection they offer not as good. Like many thousands of other people, I prefer wearing KN95 masks: Their foldable beaklike shape and ear loops (as opposed to the hairdo-ruining head straps found on N95 masks) make them a more convenient and comfortable everyday choice for me. Plus I find they are easiest to stash in a coat or back pants pocket. All of this means Im more likely to consistently wear one on the subway, in an Uber, and at the office when COVID levels are spiking.

The challenge with KN95 masks is that a lot of the ones you will find online are counterfeit and it can be hard to tell a fake from the real thing. So to help you find the best authentic KN95 masks, I reached out to four doctors, infectious disease specialists, and mask experts for advice and recommendations. Then I tested a bunch of KN95 masks at home and on friends to give you first-hand information about the fit and feel of each one. If you already know the type of KN95 youre looking for, use the table of contents to skip ahead. Otherwise read on for the seven best options for adults and children.

Update on September 6, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What were looking for Authenticity Michael Chang, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston says its fair to assume that a lot of KN95s on the market are fakes. The issue with KN95 masks is that there is no regulatory agency ensuring that manufacturers actually meet the KN95 standard, he explains. Without a Chinese governmental agency similar to NIOSH or to Koreas FDA, anybody can claim they are selling masks with KN95-level filtration. Thats where people like Aaron Collins come in. The mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science has tested hundreds of masks using a Total Inward Leakage test, which measures for filtration efficiency and breathability (or pressure drop). To more closely replicate the way tiny COVID particles act, he tests using a smaller-than-standard aerosol size. This also makes his tests harder to pass. Though he is not an accredited lab, his data has shown good agreement with other published data. His public Google spreadsheet of the best childrens masks has become a lifeline for overwhelmed parents and lists his findings as well as recommendations for sizing by age. If youre an adult looking for authentic KN95s, he suggests only buying from reputable sources. Dont buy random brands from Amazon or eBay. My recommendation is ProjectN95, BeHealthyUSA, KollecteUSA, or, if using Amazon, verify that you are purchasing from the brands official store, and that the mask you are buying ships from and is sold by Amazon, he says. Otherwise, check for labeling that says the mask is made from multiple layers of non-woven polypropylene material and, ideally, includes a melt-blown filter layer. These materials use electrostatic charge to attract and catch tiny particles like a magnet, and unlike the gridded weave of cotton or other traditional fabrics, the random arrangement of fibers in non-woven materials does a better job at filtering tiny particles. Availability The perfect mask isnt much good to anyone if its always sold out or stuck in shipping purgatory. At the moment, most masks are available to ship in a reasonable amount of time. And even if your mask of choice sells out, many pandemic-related supply-chain issues have been resolved, and theres a good chance it will be restocked soon. That said, with this list we are prioritizing masks that are available to purchase on a regular basis. Fit Even the best masks can fail if there are gaps around the edges that allow air to flow around the mask rather than through it. Look for a mask that fits your face well, assuring that it covers your nose and mouth and fits below your chin, says Dr. Ravina Kullar, infectious-disease specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Dr. Stacy De-Lin, a family-medicine specialist in New York City, agrees the fit is extremely important, especially with KN95 masks. I think the biggest thing that I see with the KN95 masks is theyre often not fitted well. Its supposed to collapse along your cheeks when you inhale so that no air can enter in through the sides, she explains. All of the masks in this article that I tested personally pass De-Lins inhale fit test. Comfort We all want our masks to feel soft rather than scratchy and not to leave deep lines across our cheeks, but comfort matters most when we think about buying masks for children. The younger a child is, the more important comfort will be. Also how easy a mask is to breathe through becomes more important, says Chang. The more comfortable and breathable it is, the less likely they are going to constantly adjust it or try to take it off. Additionally, a mask thats hard to breathe through will actually end up being less effective. Thats because if your breath (or someone elses) meets resistance from the mask, it will be more likely to find its way around the sides. If you can feel air coming out around your cheeks, nose, or chin, your mask is either too loose or not breathable enough. To get an idea of how breathable each mask is, Collins uses a magnehelic pressure gauge to measure the resistance his breath meets as it flows through each mask. That measurement is the masks pressure drop. The lower the number, the easier the mask is to breathe through. In both extremes, if the pressure drop is too low or too high, the mask isnt protective enough.

Best KN95 mask overall

Powecom Non-Medical Disposable KN95 Respirator Face Masks $12 for 10 $12 for 10 We have been recommending Powecom KN95 masks since as early in the pandemic as summer 2021. Back then, they were on the FDAs emergency authorization list of approved face masks for health-care professionals when that list was still necessary. Like other KN95 masks, these masks claim to filter out 95 percent of small particles. But when Collins tested the childrens sized Powecoms, which are exactly the same as the adult masks in every way except size, he found them to have an even better filtration efficiency of 97.3 percent. What we think: These masks are soft on the skin and create a tight seal all the way around the mask, from the bridge of the nose to the underside of the chin. In September 2020, I bought them for my husband, Jacob Cohen, to wear while teaching in person. He teaches fourth grade in Brooklyn and has tried a lot of KN95s. These remain one of his (and my) favorite masks for their combination of breathability, fit, and reliable and transparent sourcing. While they arent made in the United States they do have a dedicated distributor: Bona Fide Masks, based in Mount Vernon, New York and run by real humans I have spoken to. Powecom masks fit my husbands face more snugly than most of the other KN95s he has tried and dont move when he is talking. And they have made him feel safe in the classroom since before vaccines were available. I have also worn them comfortably  and with minimal glasses fogging, as the sides collapse in when I breathe  on the subway, on the Metro-North, at the airport, and to countless doctors appointments. $12 for 10 at Amazon Buy $12 for 10 at Bona Fide Masks Buy

Best black KN95 mask

Accumed BNX KN95 Face Masks Made in USA $20 for 20 $20 for 20 Along with Powecom KN95s, these black KN95s are the ones I order on repeat. They are manufactured in the United States and have five breathable layers of non-oven material, including a middle active filter layer composed of electrostatically charged melt-blown polypropylene. They are even OEKO-Tex certified, meaning they have been tested and found to be free of harmful substances. And they are independently tested by Nelson Labs. The ear loops are stretchy yet secure and latex-free, good news for allergy sufferers. What we think: My husband was given a few of these AccuMed BNX KN95 masks by a fellow elementary-school teacher, when we were unable to get new Powecoms fast enough. After wearing them, he made the switch for good, which is why I ended up testing them and wearing them on a regular basis as well. When Collins tested them, he found them to have a filtration efficiency of 95.03 percent, a few points below the Powecoms, but nothing to sneer at. One reason my husband prefers them is that they come in three sizes (small, medium, and large). The medium size is slightly larger than the adult Powecom and fits his face better. $20 for 20 at Amazon Buy $20 for 20 at Amazon Buy

Best multi-size KN95 mask

Vital Supply Store KN95 Mask $35 for 20 $35 for 20 Most KN95 masks are one-size-fits-all, which could potentially result in a fit thats uncomfortably tight or improperly loose. For a more custom fit, Vital Supply Stores masks are available in five different sizes (the AccuMed BNX masks above only come in three), from extra-small to extra-large, to accommodate a wide range of face and head sizes. Though the variations in the masks measurements arent all that pronounced on paper  fractions of an inch, really  in practice they can make a significant difference in how comfortable a mask feels to wear, especially for long periods of time. What we think: Vitals small size felt snug and secure on my face and the medium size fit my husband well; I also had a friend with a beard test out the large size, and he reported that it more comfortably accommodated his facial hair than other masks hes tried. As for the masks protective abilities, theyre constructed with five layers of nonwoven melt-blown fabric, with a 95 percent particle-filtration efficiency. $35 for 20 at Vital Supply Store Buy

Best KN95 mask for kids overall

Best envelope-style mask with KN95 protection for kids

Evolve Together Kids KN95 masks, Black $15 for 5 $15 for 5 After seeing huge success with their pleated surgical-style masks, Evolve Together launched a second mask, this time with KN95-level protection and a shape that mimics a KF94 mask. The envelope-style masks, a design that tends to offer a better fit for people with a lower nose bridge, come in both adult and childrens sizes. They are made of five layers of nonwoven polypropylene material including two water-resistant outer layers, two melt-blown inner filter layers, and a moisture-absorbing interior layer. What we think: Evolve Togethers adult masks have long been a favorite of mine because of how lightweight and soft they are against my skin, making them perfect for warm weather or running around town. I used to wear their surgical masks almost exclusively; now I switch among the adult version of these masks, Powecom KN95s, AccuMed BNX KN95s, and Kaze KN95s. All Evolve Together masks are independently tested and certified medical-grade type IIR by SGS, a world leader in consumer product testing. Evolve Together says these masks fit children ages 3 to 8 years old. Editors note: Evolve Togethers kids KN95 masks are currently out of stock, but the brand expects to get them back in around mid- to late September; you can sign up here to be notified as soon as they become available. $15 for 5 at Evolvetogether Buy

Best made-in-America KN95 for kids

Armbrust USA-Made Kids KN95 Mask $50 for 20 $50 for 20 Produced in the U.S. with American-made materials, these five-layer KN95 masks for kids feature a melt-blown filter sandwiched between two polypropylene layers on either side. They come in six different colors including gray and white. And are available to buy in packs of 20 or packs of 5 as well as on a subscription basis. What we think: Armbrust USA publishes its own comprehensive mask-testing database and found its adult KN95 masks to have a filtration efficiency of 98.61 percent. But the company does not include results for their kid-size masks online. When he tested them, Collins found these masks to have a 97.8 percent filtration efficiency and told us they are best suited for kids ages 6 to 11 years old. $50 for 20 at ArmbrustUSA Buy

Our experts

 Michael Chang, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

 Aaron Collins, mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science; follow him on Twitter @masknerd

 Dr. Stacy De-Lin, a family-medicine specialist in New York City

 Dr. Ravina Kullar, infectious-disease specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America

 Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor and mother to a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old

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Ive been a fan of Birkenstocks since 2018, wearing them everywhere from the south of France to the shores of Lake Michigan. And, of course, Im not the only one  celebrities, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Holladay, and, Jamie Chung have long loved the classic slides for their comfort and ability to mold to their feet. We even named Birkenstock Arizonas the best slide sandals. That said, if youve had Arizonas for the past few years, you might be ready for something different. If so, I have good news: Birkenstocks Uji Sandals are 40 percent off. The decidedly minimalist, Velcro-strap style is available in four colors, and would look just as right with track shorts on your next Sunday-morning bagel run as they would with a sundress on vacation.

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Days after walking across the stage in front of family and friends to accept their degree, recent graduates spoke to the Opelika-Auburn news about the next steps they'll take in life.

Students who graduated from Southern Union Community College and Auburn University spoke about their goals and aspirations. It ranged from everything from transferring to a university to finishing their undergraduate degree to applying for graduate school.

Lauren Fuller, a music education major, will transfer from Southern Union Community College to Auburn University as a junior.

Going into college, she had no clue what career path she wanted to take or what major she should choose.

"Through the Southern Union Performing Arts Department and its amazing directors, I have chosen to study Music Education at Auburn University in the Fall," Fuller said. "One of my biggest dreams is to come back to my Almer Mater and become the choir/music instructor there. I wouldn't be where I am today in my education if it were not for the SU Show Choir."

Fuller wants to give back to SUSCC at least half as much of the love and support that was given to her.

"After graduating in early May, it's been hard to say goodbye," Fuller said. "However, I am grateful that I got to spend two years there with the amazing staff and faculty, my classmates and my friends."

Jenna Fuller recently graduated from SUSCC and intends to transfer to Auburn University in the Fall and major in graphic design.

"Southern Union has given me many opportunities that I would not have gotten elsewhere," Jenna said. "While studying at Southern Union, I participated in the SU Sound under Dr. Trey Rayfield and work study under the leadership of the public relations director of the college, Ms. Shondae Brown."

During her time as a work study, Jenna also worked with Mrs. Abra Camp, the former multi-media coordinator, where she gained experience in graphic design.

"This opportunity sparked a passion in me for designing graphics," she said. "I will cherish my time at Southern Union for the rest of my life."

Mallory Caypless, a graduate who majored in nursing at SUSCC recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination.

"I plan to start applying for RN jobs in emergency departments near me," Caypless said.

SUSCC graduate Jordan Ford plans to attend UAB and major in biomedical sciences.

"One I graduate with my undergrad degree in Biomedical Sciences, I plan to apply to graduate school at UAB to become a physician assistant," Ford said.

Shecoria Akins just graduated from Auburn University with an undergraduate degree in law and justice. Akins is looking to go into community planning, and she spent much of her college career doing a mix of internships and other programs to learn about various aspects of the field. She encourages other students do the same.

"Try different things. So you can figure out what you actually like," Akins said. "I think before you decide what you want to do long term or what your future, what type of jobs, you want to apply to, make sure you're actually meeting people and asking thorough questions."

Following graduation, Akins will be doing a community health fellowship through Project Horseshoe Farm and will be going to the project's site in Pomona, Calif.

"The community health program basically is like a service learning program, where we work with either a youth group, or a senior citizens home," Akins said. "You partner with local health partners to kind of figure out how to cater specifically to areas that have health disparities. And you also just learn how to be a better provider for a wider audience."

Akins said the fellowship, which starts on June 22, will last 13 months. Following the completion of the fellowship, Akins hopes to enroll in graduate school in fall 2025 to get a master's in community planning.

Vanessa Njuguna graduated on May 4 from Auburn University as a honors scholar with a bachelor of science in exercise science and a minor in general business and she will be staying in school.

In August, Njuguna will be starting physical therapy school at Alabama State University and pursuing a doctorate degree.

Njugana said she was inspired to pursue physical therapy by two experiences, when her grandmother, from Kenya, had come to Birmingham for double hip replacement and the physical therapy that followed, and when Njugana broke her leg during her senior year of high school and had to deal with her own physical therapy.

Once her doctorate is complete, Njuiguna has a lot of hopes for where she can take her career.

"I want to work in an inpatient clinic just for like a few years, maybe one or two, just to get some experience," Njuiguna said. "Then I want to be a travel physical therapist for a few years as well just to see what I like and where I want to settle down. And then also after that, which is why I minored in business, I hope to one day open up my own clinic."

Arianna Jones just graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor of science in early education and a minor in counseling. On the Monday following graduation, Jones started her new job at Auburn Day School as a lead teacher for three and four-year-old students.

In that role, Jones teaches STEM-based activities. Jones said she knew she wanted to be in early education since high school. She credits her curriculum at Auburn for giving her the confidence to take a job right after graduation.

"We had so many different hands-on opportunities and field opportunities. We did a lot of observations at different types of schools like [Auburn] Montessori School, a nature school, a title one preschool, a first class preschool," Jones said. "So I felt very confident that I would know exactly what to do when I got in the classroom because of how well my professors prepared me."
I'm glad that Hill House was a co-production because that one actually came out on bluray/dvd. But I'm sad I won't ever be able to own Midnight Mass.



I've started buying physical media again.

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consumers are anti physical media.



Source: the declining sales of physical media every year.

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The average consumer is stupid in general.



Look at how they all ran to sub to Netflix after they did the password lockdown.

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the average consumer doesn't know how to pirate anymore.

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Ehhh honestly IA; if more than hardcore collectors bought the things, Best Buy, Target, wouldn't stop producing them. Studios can eke more money out of renting the movies via PVOD or to a streaming service. I wonder if some studios are just not going to print movies unless it's a special order service.

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that's actually not true for all forms of physical media. 4k blu-ray sales have been increasing over the past couple of years and vinyl sales have increased every year for, no joke, the past 17 years. don't let the retail corporations and streaming execs fool you.

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The issue is going to be when streamers start to just wholesale delete movies and shows and people will realize too late what theyve lost by having no alternative.

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Physical media is king. I really miss the directors and actors doing commentary that they use to include on dvds.

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I learned so much from those as teen! I remember feeling so shocked and slightly betrayed when watching the Legally Blonde one and they revealed Reese was wearing hair pieces lmao

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Ill never understand why streaming services dont have this as extras or why they dont produce them on new releases. If they did, Id be the first to sign up.



Edited at 2024-06-03 08:48 am (UTC)

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I bought the Gone Girl blu-ray just for Fincher snarking on Affleck, 100% worth it

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When I was a kid I was obsessed with the actor commentary for the Scooby Doo movie. I think I watched the movie with the commentary more than without it.

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Netflix is dumb not doing physical media. I'd own a lot of shows if they just released them. Now I pirate lol



I know it's a money decision to keep people subscribed to watch but I can still call them dumb.

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I pay for Prime anyway but I also pay for AMC+ when IWTV or Dark Winds is on so they get my views (so hopefully they have more seasons.)





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Its strange that Netflix wont allow physical media bc its not like people are subscribing over just a few shows and would suddenly cancel if they got the physical copies. The insane price increases/limitations are way more cancellation inducing than making stuff physically available.

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Even if they didn't make EVERYTHING physical media, yeah, like there's still plenty you can still subscribe for.

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I don't think the worry is about people canceling as much as they decided that the cost to produce and distribute the physical copies isn't worth the money they'd make. There don't seem to be enough people still buying them. Like I like the idea of having DVDs but I don't think I've had a device that could even play DVDs in like a decade.

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Actually thats exactly what I do and Im sure Im not the only one. Netflix current catalog in particular is so bad that I only subscribe when theres a new season of shows Im actually a fan of such as Stranger Things. I sure as hell dont keep my sub once the latest season is over. If they released a physical copy or offered their content for a digital purchase, I would definitely opt for that instead of subscribing.

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Thats just. not my reality at all lol even though there plenty of shows I like there, if I had all of them on dvd Id likely watch them on Netflix just the same considering its more readily available (bc yes, having to grab my perfectly stacked shit & put on the reader might be a very tiny hassle, but one Id still avoid since just pressing play on something thats already there is so very simple). I also like having a whole catalog of options, I dont think Ive ever subscribed to a streaming service over one title in particular.

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LONG LIVE PHYSICAL MEDIA!!!



I already have both Haunting season's on DVD.

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i miss being able to go to a physical media store and just browse.



doing this on a streaming website is just not as magical :(

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I went to Target last week to browse and there was nothing! Only video games.

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I would buy a Midnight Mass boxset so fast.



Netflix did release The Crown on DVD, but I guess only because they think it might attract an older audience that don't understand or like the idea of streaming.

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I think the difference is the Crown is a co-production. It was released on dvd by Sony Pictures, I believe, not Netflix.



Like, the Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor were released by Paramount.



Stranger Things might be the exception. I'm not sure who releases their dvd/bluray.

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they're extremely spotty even with stranger things

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A lack of physical media means libraries can't buy titles and make them available to patrons. For people who are saying studios are responding to less consumer demand, people are only gonna buy what's available and less media to buy likely means fewer sales.

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i'm glad he tried to push for it. no physical media means none for the public library which SUCKS.

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I still want Sense8 (Netflix original) on blu-ray.

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Came in here to say this; I would buy it in a heartbeat.

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SAMMMMME

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I've resorted to buying bootlegs off Etsy from sellers with good reviews. They're usually close to blu-ray quality, although it's definitely expensive if you want to buy a series with multiple seasons.

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Ok this is REALLY funny somehow. Do they design the box art themselves? Do they just send a sleeve of CDs?

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They usually use the official poster for cover art and send it in a normal blu-ray case!



I could burn copies myself but I'm lazy and don't want to bother lol.

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I miss when Netflix shipped DVDs. I liked that better than streaming. However, they didn't put all of their original shows on DVD.

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They only stopped recently & I was very disappointed.

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Sure it makes sense from Netflix's POV cause if they release physical media, not a lot of people will feel the need to re-watch the series on the platform so I get that.



BUT on the flip side actors don't get as much residuals and the industry is effected cause there's that whole portion of Matt Damon's Hot Ones where he mentioned that sometimes films not doing well in the theaters was okay-ish~ because they possibly could make up their budget and breakeven with dvd/vhs/rental sales which is what happened some of the time.



Pedro Pascal and Quentin Taratino mentioned how residuals from physical media and syndication greatly helped them outta tight spots when they're struggling.

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I was so pleasantly surprised Disney decided to release Andor (and several of its other shows) on phsyical media. I really hope they do the same for Season 2 whenever it comes out, but you never know.

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In a controversial move, Colombias leftist President, Gustavo Petro, banned awarding new hydrocarbon exploration contracts. He also sought to ban hydraulic fracturing in the conflict-riven country, which is economically dependent on petroleum extraction. Those government policies, coupled with tax hikes for Colombias extractive industries along with a lack of major oil and natural gas discoveries, sparked considerable speculation that the economically crucial hydrocarbon sector is in terminal decline. The last decade has been particularly turbulent for Colombias economically vital oil industry, especially since the 2020 pandemic, with production stuck in what can only be described as a death spiral. The outlook for Colombias beaten-down oil industry is bleak, despite recent efforts to lift production to one million barrels per day. The hydrocarbon sector is being buffeted by headwinds that have the potential to spark a grave energy crisis.

Data from Colombias oil regulator, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH  Spanish initials), shows the country lifted an average of 779,626 barrels per day for March 2024. While this is 2% greater than a month prior and 1% higher year over year, it is well below Colombias pre-pandemic output of 884,876 barrels per day for March 2019. Natural gas production also appears incapable of recovering. Output of the vital fuel, considered to be the transitional fossil fuel of choice, averaged one billion cubic feet per day during March 2024 or 2% less than a month prior and 6% lower year over year. That number was also lower than the 1.04 billion cubic feet of natural gas pumped during March 2019.

The decline of Colombias hydrocarbon output has the potential to sharply impact the Andean countrys economy, particularly weaker natural gas production. Government data shows oil is Colombias largest export. Petroleum shipments for 2023 earned $15.8 billion, compared to $9.2 billion for coal, the second largest export, which amounted to a third of all exports by value during that year. Those numbers emphasize the economic importance of Colombias hydrocarbon sector. There are also fears declining natural gas output could lead to a broader energy crisis. You see, the El Nino weather phenomenon is responsible for a drought that is severely impacting water flows at Colombias hydro-facilities, which generate 70% of the countrys electricity. To compensate for the sharp decline in electricity production, Bogota is seeking to bolster output from natural gas-fired plants.

Recent developments indicate Colombias hydrocarbon production will never return to pre-pandemic volumes, with various headwinds buffeting the oil industrys outlook. A sharp downturn in foreign investment is materially impacting petroleum output. Private sector spending on upstream oil and natural gas operations during 2023 is estimated to have plunged by a third compared to 2022, primarily because of Bogotas controversial plans to cease awarding exploration contracts and November 2022 tax hikes. Despite this marked decline, overall hydrocarbon spending rose by 4% because Colombas national oil company Ecopetrol boosted upstream expenditures. Reduced private sector investment is responsible for a decline in exploration and development activity. ANH statistics show 41 exploration wells were completed in 2023, which is 26 less than the 67 wells drilled a year prior and seven less than the 48 wells completed in 2019. Development wells also fell sharply, with 597 drilled in 2023 against 657 a year earlier.

Softer exploration and development activity is further reflected by Colombias rig count. Baker Hughes counted 19 active drill rigs at the end of March 2024, representing a sharp decline from the 34 rigs operating during the same period a year earlier. This number is also substantially lower than the 33 active rigs recorded for March 2019. These developments are responsible for not only declining hydrocarbon production but also Colombias chronic shortage of oil and natural gas reserves. The ANH announced that Colombias proven oil reserves (Spanish) at the end of 2023 totaled 2.02 billion barrels, which was 2.6% lower than a year prior. Meanwhile, in a devastating development, proven natural gas reserves plummeted 16% year over year to 2.4 trillion cubic feet.

For a decade, the Andean countrys reserves have been declining, with 2023 proven oil reserves 12.5% lower than 10 years earlier, while natural gas reserves are down a whopping 49.6%. Of greater concern is that Colombias current oil reserves can only support another seven years of operation, while the sharp decline in natural gas means there are only six years of production remaining. This underscores the dire state of Colombias hydrocarbon sector, with questions arising over its long-term viability, especially if no significant oil and natural gas discoveries are made soon. The countrys main industry body Colombias Oil and Gas Association (ACP  Spanish initials) warned in an April 2024 statement (Spanish) that natural gas supplies were around half of their original capacity. This the ACP warned, will trigger an energy crisis with domestic natural gas supply incapable of meeting demand by 2028, further highlighting the considerable uncertainty surrounding the long-term outlook for Colombias hydrocarbon sector.

A chronic lack of exploration success over the last two decades, with the last world-class oil discovery occurring during the 1990s, indicates Colombia is incapable of boosting its proven hydrocarbon reserves any time soon. This demonstrates that Colombia does not possess the oil potential of its neighbors like Venezuela and Ecuador. Recent natural gas discoveries in Colombias Caribbean waters, including the Uchuva-1, Kronos-1, Gorgon-1, Purple Angel-1, Gorgon-2 and Glaucus-1 exploration wells, which were heralded as potential game changers have proven disappointing. The greatest expectations were held for the Orca-1 natural gas discovery located in the Tayona Orca Block, operated by Ecopetrol, in Colombias Caribbean waters.

Colombia Map of Offshore Hydrocarbon Blocks

Source: National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).

Those discoveries in Colombias Caribbean waters near Venezuela sparked considerable speculation that the country possessed the potential to enjoy a mammoth offshore natural gas boom. The Orca-1 discovery was touted as a game changer with the potential to significantly boost Colombias hydrocarbon reserves at a crucial time with a shortage of fossil fuel looming. While recent drilling by Ecopetrol in the Tayrona Orca Block with the Orca Norte-1 deepwater well, which was completed in January 2024, overall results were disappointing. Colombias national oil company announced it had identified two additional bodies of natural gas in reservoirs outside of the original Orca discovery. Nevertheless, Ecopetrol was unable to confirm the commercial viability of the project, and there are emerging concerns that the Orca discovery is significantly smaller than initially believed.

Those events delivered a bittersweet outcome for Colombia, which is facing a domestic natural gas shortage and emerging energy crisis at a time when the leftist Petro administration is seeking to wean the country off its hydrocarbon dependence. There are, indeed, fears the Andean country, which is heavily reliant upon hydropower will be forced to ration electricity. This is because of the confluence of falling electricity production at Colombias hydro-plants due to plummeting water levels triggered by an El Nino induced drought and the inability to bolster electricity production from natural gas-fired facilities. The threat of a major energy crisis is worsening, with Colombias oil industry seemingly caught in an endless decline spiral, with hydrocarbon output not only failing to return to pre-pandemic volumes but continuing to decline. If a crisis occurs, it will sharply impact Colombias oil-dependent economy.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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Green ammonia is gaining in popularity as an alternative renewable energy source that can be used in fertilisers, as well as potentially for industry and shipping. An increase in the production of green ammonia could help several hard-to-abate industries decarbonise operations in line with a global green transition. Several countries around the globe are now investing heavily in research and development, to explore different applications, scale up production and reduce the costs associated with green ammonia production.

Ammonia is produced by combining hydrogen and nitrogen using the Haber-Bosch process. This creates brown ammonia and releases carbon emissions. By contrast, green ammonia is produced using renewable energy, green hydrogen, and nitrogen from the air. It is more expensive to produce but much more environmentally friendly, massively reducing the quantity of carbon emissions associated with production. Further, the process is not reliant on natural gas.

Around 70 percent of the ammonia produced worldwide is used in fertilisers, while the rest is used in industrial applications, such as in the production of plastics, explosives, and synthetic fibres. The demand for ammonia is expected to increase significantly in the future, in line with population growth and greater industrialisation. Companies are, therefore, aiming to produce more green ammonia in response to government pressure to support a green transition through decarbonisation.

Many companies are looking to green ammonia as a potential sustainable fuel for the shipping sector, which is considered extremely difficult to decarbonise. As ammonia is easier and cheaper to store and transport than hydrogen, governments and private companies have been investing heavily in the sector in recent years to support decarbonisation efforts. Ammonia may also offer a long-term solution for storing and transporting renewable energy. However, the production scale remains small, with greater investment required for both research and development, as well as scaling up production.

Several countries around the globe are expanding their green ammonia sectors in a bid to become major hubs of the clean energy sources. In the Middle East, Oman will support the Norwegian company Yara and the Indian renewable energy company Acme with their green ammonia plans. Acme will begin producing green ammonia in Oman at its planned 900,000 tonnes-per-year plant starting in 2027. The company will use solar energy to power the production process supported by Omans favourable renewable energy conditions.

Magnus Ankarstrand, the President of Yara Clean Ammonia, stated, Yara Clean Ammonia is a frontrunner in enabling the hydrogen economy across the shipping, food, power, and industrial sectors. The renewable ammonia from Oman will be part of our scalable distribution system, developing a reliable, safe, and cost-efficient supply chain for low-emission ammonia across different market segments. This agreement demonstrates the power of partnerships and collaboration to develop value chains that reduce emissions.

In Europe, Norway is developing its green ammonia market. The renewable energy company Fortescue is currently constructing a project off the coast of the Nordgulen fjord in the western part of Norway consisting of a 300 MW hydrogen production facility; a green ammonia synthesis plant with a nominal capacity of 675 tonnes per day; facilities for ammonia storage, water treatment and marine infrastructure; an import-export port and a water subsea pipeline. Fortescue was awarded $221 million by the EU in 2023 to support the development of the project. The new ammonia plant will be powered using surplus renewable energy from Norways grid, with Fortescue planning to ship green ammonia to domestic and European markets.

In Latin America, Chile has big plans for its green hydrogen sector, and it is now looking towards green ammonia production. One project currently under consideration is the $2.5-billion Volta green ammonia project, which has been proposed by the developer MAE. The company hopes to construct the facility in the Mejillones industrial zone in the northern region of Antofagasta. If approved, the plant could have a capacity of 620,000 tonnes per year of green ammonia, with power being produced by a 600 MW solar PV plant with battery storage.

The CEO of MAE Gonzalo Moyano explained the companys reasons for choosing Mejillones for the development, stating: Antofagasta, and especially Mejillones, has favourable conditions for the development of projects of these characteristics. Moyano added, Atacama desert is the place with the highest solar irradiance on the planet, which positions it as one of the best places for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives Likewise, Mejillones already has infrastructure, such as roads, electrical transmission infrastructure, a desalinated water network and the port infrastructure necessary to unload the equipment needed for the construction of the plant and to market the product.

Several countries are investing in the expansion of their green ammonia industries in an attempt to diversify their clean energy mix. Green ammonia has a wide application potential, with many hoping to use the sustainable fuel to help decarbonise hard-to-abate industries, such as shipping and manufacturing. However, greater investment is required to develop production technologies to both reduce costs and scale up production.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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America's transition to a decarbonized economy demands massive base metals and rare Earth minerals. Currently, China dominates the rare Earth mineral market. However, initiatives are already underway by the US federal government to sever reliance on the Chicoms and boost domestic mining and refining abilities.

One unlikely area where 40% of the nation's lithium supply could be sourced from is 'Trump's coal country,' otherwise known as good ole' Appalachia.

According to Justin Mackey, a research scientist at the National Energy Technology Laboratory and PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh, wastewater from oil/gas rigs across the Marcellus Shale formation could supply the nation with 40% of its lithium needs.

"This is lithium concentrations that already exist at the surface in some capacity in Pennsylvania, and we found that there was sufficient lithium in the waters to supply somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of the current US national demand," Mackey told CBS News.

Mackey said there are lithium mining operations in the US. But he told local media outlet Pittwire, "This is different. This is a waste stream, and we're looking at a beneficial use of that waste."

He said finding lithium in water recycled in hydraulic fracking wasn't difficult, adding, "If you can extract value out of materials, and specifically lithium from this, then you reduce the cost of remediating and handling this waste."

The researcher said future wastewater extractions of lithium from oil/gas rigs in neighboring states, such as West Virginia, Western Maryland, and Ohio, could spark an "economic boom for the region."

Trump country has been economically decimated over the last several decades amid de-industrial trends. Death and despair, along with big pharma, helped ignite an opioid and pill epidemic that has killed tens of thousands, if not more.

Could Trump's coal country be primed for revitalization trends and capitalize off decarbonizing trends? If so, then the land across the region could become increasingly more valuable over the coming decade.

By Zerohedge.com

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The shift is limited in scope, allowing Ukrainian forces to use short-range missiles from HIMARS launchers, or artillery, to hit command-and-control posts, arms depots, and other military targets used as part of the Kharkiv offensive. Ukraine will still be barred from using longer-range surface-to-surface missiles known as ATACMS against targets inside Russia.



U.S. President Joe Biden recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S.-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them, a U.S. official told RFE/RL. Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of ATACMS or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed.



The change was first reported by Politico.



Ukraine has the right to strike targets in Russia, Jack Watling, senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in London, said during a Financial Times podcast prior to the announcement. It is at war with Russia, and Russia is striking targets in Ukraine every day.



But he said the question is what kinds of weapons Ukraine would be allowed to use to make a substantial difference. Howitzers fired across the border are one thing; longer-range Storm Shadow or Scalp cruise missiles or ATACMS missiles are another.



I think if we just draw a hard line and say, Strikes in Russia? No. Thats very unhelpful, he said. But we do also need to appreciate that there are different kinds of strikes using different kinds of systems that hold quite different risks.



Red Lines



In the past, Russia has warned that Washington supplying longer-range weaponry to Ukraine would cross a red line. But even as Western weapon supplies have grown in frequency and number, Russia has refrained from targeting shipments or depots where they could be located.



Asked about the reported change in U.S. policy, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed that Moscow knew nothing about it and suggested that the Russian government did not see it as a significant change in the status quo.



Its well known that on the whole American weapons have already been used to try and target Russian territory, he said on May 31. That is enough for us to know and is very eloquent evidence of the level of involvement of the United States in this conflict.

Ukraine for months has enthusiastically gone after targets in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Russia seized in 2014. Russia has a substantial deployment of troops, aircraft, and equipment there, not to mention its Black Sea Fleet naval ships, which until recently have been based in the port of Sevastopol.



In late April, Ukraine used ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, to hit an airfield in Dzhankoy in Crimea. Though Ukraine had received shorter-range versions of the ATACMS in the past, the Dzhankoy attack was the first time Ukraine had used the longer-range model -- something that the United States had secretly supplied months prior.



Ukraine has also used the British-French-designed Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian naval facilities in Crimea.



Since the United States, like most of the international community, does not recognize Russias claim to Crimea, there were few, if any, restrictions on Ukraine targeting sites in Crimea.



Ukrainian forces have been struggling on the battlefield for months now, a situation caused in part by the pause in U.S. weapons supplies that resulted from political infighting in Washington.



On May 10, their struggles deepened further when tens of thousands of Russian troops crossed the border north of the city of Kharkiv, opening up a new offensive and forcing Ukrainian commanders to rush more experienced units to the region from other hot spots.



The policy change will allow for Ukraine to target Russian troops, especially high-value targets such as command-and-control elements, artillery, logistics, and air-defense units that are located on Russian territory near Kharkiv and concentrating or rehearsing future operations against Ukraine, Mick Ryan, a retired Australian Army major general, said in an e-mail newsletter. This is the kind of operational strike -- the ability to destroy Russian military forces before they are committed to combat operations -- that is essential while Ukraine reconstitutes its forces in 2024.



One of the reasons Russia is making gains at present is its dominance of the air. Russia has been able to use jet-dropped glide bombs to devastating effect, said Johan Norberg, a senior analyst and expert on Russias military at the Swedish Defense Research Agency FOI.



Ukraine has been unable to push back due to a lack of robust air defenses such as U.S.-made Patriot systems.



With Western weaponry and the ability to strike Russian airfields, Ukraine should be able to curtail Russias ability to attack effectively with planes, Norberg said.



They have to move farther away, also making things more difficult in terms of the frequency of sorties you can make over Ukraine, he told RFE/RL. And then the military rationale is clear. There could be other arguments I could find, like striking on command postsdeeper inside Russia or various logistics hubs. But I think right now, air power seems to be some of the Ukraine's biggest problems at the moment.

'Boiling A Frog Slowly'



Its unclear exactly what prompted the Biden administration to change its policy. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who traveled to Kyiv last month, reportedly received a sober assessment of the ability of Ukraines forces to hold out. In Congress, lawmakers from both parties had criticized the White House for holding Ukraine back.

Speaking to Blinken at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 22, the committees Republican chairman, Michael McCaul, accused the Biden administration, and White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan more specifically, of creating a sanctuary for Russian forces across the border.



Germany, which has been one of the most hesitant NATO members where Western weaponry is concerned, on May 31 signaled it was in agreement with the new U.S. policy. Ukraine has repeatedly asked Berlin for its Taurus KEPD-350 cruise missile.



Over the past two weeks, a growing chorus of NATO members have come out in support of using various Western weaponry more aggressively, to hit targets inside Russia itself.



However, with regard to weapons that can operate over a long distance, of hundreds of kilometers, there is still a reluctance on our part, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters during a visit to Moldova.



Looking at where we are today, where wesupply missiles, armored vehicles, what have you -- they would have been out of the question two years ago. But everything is done very gradually, Norberg said. Whether this was deliberate to, sort of, slowly boil the frog, and not pass any Russian red lines, or just because of decision-making taking a long time at the West, I don't know.



Complicating the discussion: Ukraines willingness to go after Russian targets  civilian or military  on its own, with its own technology, in all likelihood without U.S. and NATO approval. The attack on the Voronezh-M radar installation near the city of Orsk on May 27 was the latest example.



That drew criticism from some arms control experts who say its potentially dangerous for Ukraine to target military objects used for nuclear deterrence  not something directly related to the Ukraine conflict.

By RFE/RL

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European natural gas prices surged on Monday to the highest level in six months as supply from Norway crumbled amid unplanned outages.

The Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, surged by 10.4% to $40.94 (37.78 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) at 10:37 a.m. in Amsterdam after Norwegian natural gas flows dropped sharply on Monday. That was the highest price at Europes gas hub since December.

The UK benchmark gas prices also soared by 15% as supply from Norway to Britain was crippled.

The Sleipner hub offshore Norway was shut down, which has also stopped operation at the Nyhamna onshore processing plant, pipeline operator Gassco told Reuters.

There was an incident at the Sleipner Riser platform on Sunday, where we were told they are shutting down, Alfred Hansen, head of pipeline system operations at Gassco, told Reuters on Monday morning.

The Sleipner Riser offshore hub is a connection point for pipelines connecting the Nyhamna plant on the west coast of Norway with the Easington terminal in the UK.

Both terminals were shut on Monday and supply nominations for Norwegian gas slumped compared to Friday, per Gassco data cited by Reuters.

The pipeline operator is cooperating with Equinor, the operator at Sleipner Riser, to bring the hub back online, Gasscos Hansen told Reuters, but added it is not certain how long the platform would be offline.

This looks like it might be somewhat complicated, Hansen said.

Norway became Europes top gas supplier after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the slump in Russian gas exports to the EU.

These unplanned outages highlight the vulnerability of Europe relying on natural gas imports.

In April, portfolio managers boosted their bullish bets on Europes gas prices to the highest level in six months. Money managers have been concerned that unplanned outages in Norway during the summer, higher natural gas demand in Asia, and the end of the current gas transit deal for Russian pipeline gas to flow via Ukraine at the end of 2024 could sap gas supply for Europe and boost prices.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A fire broke out yesterday at a refinery run by Russias Lukoil in the northern Komi Republic, resulting in two fatalities, Reuters reported, citing Russias environmental regulator.

The head of the Komi Republic said, however, that the fire was not caused by a drone attack but by failure to comply with safety rules, according to the report.

According to revised data, it was established that a fire occurred during routine technical works by a contracting company, the Russian Ministry for Emergencies said.

This year, Ukraine has intensified attacks on oil refineries in Russia, which have reduced Russian refining capacity, and which, reportedly, have the White House concerned about rising international prices.

The United States has repeatedly urged Ukraine to halt its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries due to Washingtons assessment that the strikes could lead to Russian retaliation and push up global oil prices, the Financial Times reported last month, citing sources familiar with the exchange.

The drone attacks from Ukraine on Russian refineries could disrupt fuel markets globally, the International Energy Agency said in April, estimating that up to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russias refinery capacity could be offline in the second quarter.

To protect against drone attacks, one local oil company, Rosneft subsidiary Bahsneft, earlier this year installed metal mesh over its refining facilities. We don't stop there. There are a number of solutions there, which I won't talk about yet. They are classified. But believe me, we worry about this very much, the governor of the Bashkortostan region where Bashneft is based said at the time.

Earlier, there were suggestions to protect refineries with missile systems but, some military experts, point out, this would be an unwise decision.

It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to have those systems laid out like polka dots on the interior of your country, especially one as vast as Russia. You really intercept these sorts of threats at the borders of your airspace, not the interior, George Barros from the Washington Institute for the Study of War told Radio Free Europe last week.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Russias giant Gazprom saw its natural gas exports via pipeline to Europe soar by 39% year-over-year in May, according to estimates by Reuters.

Last month, Gazproms pipeline flows to European customers jumped to 89.5 million cubic meters, up by 7.3% from April and a 39% increase compared to May 2023, per the Reuters calculations based on data from European gas transmission group Entsog and Gazproms daily reports on gas transit via Ukraine.

Gazprom stopped reporting monthly export data at the beginning of 2023.

Russia has seen its gas exports to Europe significantly reduced since the invasion of Ukraine. The major drop in Gazproms gas deliveries was due to the halt of Russian pipeline gas exports to nearly all European countries. Weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Russia cut off supply to Poland, Bulgaria, and Finland.

Then Gazprom started to reduce supply via the Nord Stream pipeline to Germany in June 2022, claiming an inability to service gas turbine maintenance outside Russia due to the Western sanctions against Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine. This was weeks before the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines at the end of September 2022, which definitively closed all pipeline gas routes of Russias gas to Germany.

Before the war in Ukraine, Russia supplied around one-third of all the gas to Europe.

Last year, Gazproms pipeline gas exports to Europe slumped by 55.6% compared to 2022.

As a result, Gazprom booked its first annual net loss in 23 years, signaling a significant shift in financial performance attributed to dwindling gas shipments to Europe and pricing pressures.

While Gazproms May 2024 exports to Europe were higher than in the previous month and in May 2023, its not certain whether these increased supplies would last.

For example, Austrias OMV warned the market last month that Gazprom could halt gas supply to Austria due to a foreign court ruling that could interrupt OMV payments to Gazprom Export.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Rongsheng Petrochemical has become the latest refiner in China to have purchased crude oil delivered to Canadas Pacific coast via the expanded Trans Mountain oil pipeline.

Rongsheng Petrochemical has bought its first-ever crude cargo via the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, which entered into service in early May, through a tender from TotalEnergies, Reuters reported on Monday, citing trade sources.

Traders and market analysts are closely watching Asias appetite for Canadian crude, as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) gives Canadian producers an outlet on the Asian markets and on the U.S. West Coast.

The expanded Trans Mountain pipeline is tripling the capacity of the original pipeline to 890,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 300,000 bpd to carry crude from Albertas oil sands to British Columbia on the Pacific Coast.

The rise in pipeline egress is set to boost the price of Western Canada Select (WCS), the benchmark for Canadian heavy crude sold at Hardisty in Alberta, as it will narrow the discount at which WCS has traded in recent years relative to the U.S. crude oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI).

The expanded pipeline is set to boost the price of Canadas heavy crude oil for years to come, top executives at the major energy firms say.

Last month, Scott Stauth, president of Canadian Natural Resources, the top oil and gas producer in Canada, told analysts that the company had secured some marine sales from TMX. Some of the sales may end up going marine side still onto the West Coast, or it could move to Asian markets, Stauth added.

In Asia, Sinochem bought a cargo of crude via TMX as early as in March. Sinopec and PetroChina have also acquired cargoes for shipment to China, while Indias Reliance Industries is also reportedly awaiting a cargo for delivery in July.

While TMX provides more Canadian crude to Asia, not all of that crude can be processed at all Chinese refineries due to its high density and sulfur and acid content, traders told Reuters.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Following a clampdown in Greece, ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil have moved further west in the Mediterranean, just off the eastern end of Moroccos coast on the Mediterranean, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

The newly discovered spot for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers highlights the fact that operators and traders continue to find ways to skirt sanctions and haul Russian crude oil and petroleum products to international markets.

Last month, the Greek Navy held exercises in the Laconian Gulf in southern Greece, and effectively banned all ship traffic there. The area has been a notorious spot for STS transfers of Russian crude and products since the EU slapped embargoes on these and the bloc, together with G7 and the United States, enacted a price cap on Russian oil if it is to use Western shipping, insurance, and financing services.

Greece announced in May a naval exclusion zone in international waters in the Laconian Gulf, which has disrupted Russian oil transfers.

This strategic area, notorious for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of Russian oil, has become a critical battleground in the enforcement of global sanctions against Moscow, MarineTraffic reported.

Greece issued three such advisories in May, suggesting that it seeks to disrupt the illicit STS activities, although there has been no official statement that this is the intended purpose of the exclusion zone,

Risk & Compliance Analyst Dimitris Ampatzidis wrote.

As a result, traders have moved the STS activity to the Moroccan coast, where at least three Aframax tankers, loaded with Urals from Russias Baltic port of Primorsk in May, have recently arrived to transfer the Russian flagship crude onto larger vessels, according to the data monitored by Bloomberg.

Spain and the EU have also clamped down on STS transfers near Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, over the past few months.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Oil supermajor Shell won a reprieve for Wild Coast offshore exploration after a South African appeals court suspended an earlier ruling from a lower court that had halted exploration activities due to environmental concerns, Reuters reports.

Shell targeted South Africas Wild Coast for oil exploration in 2014, sparking backlash from indigenous peoples in this eastern region of the country who were concerned about the potential for land and water contamination.

Local environmental activists campaigned against exploration, winning a High Court ruling that effectively revoked Shells permit, according to activists from Living on Earth (LOE). On Monday, however, the South African appeals court suspended the High Court ruling, which paves the way for Shell and other oil companies eyeing the Wild Coast to argue their case in another round of public consultations, according to Reuters, which noted that the initial ruling against Shell revolved highly around the lack of a public consultation.

In its Monday ruling, the appeals court recognized oil companies exploration rights, including renewals that were handed out in 2017 and 2021.

"In the circumstances ... considerations of justice, equity and the principles of finality and certainty dictate that the harshness of the exploration right being set aside can and should be ameliorated," the ruling, published electronically, said.

The South African Court of Appeals described the High Courts finding that authorising new oil and gas exploration, with its goal of finding exploitable oil and/or gas reserves and consequently leading to production, is not consistent with South Africa complying with its international climate change commitments as having a sterilising effect that cannot be endorsed.

The sterilising effect refers vaguely to the development of new offshore oil and gas in neighboring Namibia and Mozambique that has reinvigorated investor interest in final frontier oil in Africa, rendering the Wild Coast more poignant than it was when the original ruling halted exploration.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol endorsed on Monday a plan for drilling off the east coast of one of the worlds largest oil and gas importers, to explore what studies say are potentially vast resources of crude oil and natural gas.

The area could contain 14 billion barrels of oil and gas, the president told a press conference on Monday, as carried by Reuters.

Yoon was citing a study about the resource potential off South Koreas east coast. The study has been reviewed by industry groups and experts, the president said.

The area of the drilling will be offshore the southeastern industrial port city of Pohang, and the exploration prospects are in South Koreas Exclusive Economic Zone, local officials said.

South Korea hopes to begin drilling around the end of this year and to find resources by the middle of next year. Commercial production is targeted for 2035 for the exploratory prospects, the larger part of which are estimated to contain natural gas.

South Korea imports nearly all the fossil fuels it consumes, so domestic production of oil and gas could go a long way to meet some of the demand.

The country is the fourth-largest importer of crude oil and natural gas in the world, Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) says. South Korea is also the worlds ninth-biggest energy consumer.

South Korea, which aims to reach net zero by 2050, said last year that it would rely more on nuclear power generation in its latest plan, which envisages a lower share of renewable power generation in the electricity mix. South Korea will aim to have nuclear energy account for nearly one-third of its electricity generation capacity by 2030, while renewables are set to meet 21.6% of power demand, down from a previous forecast of just over 30%.

President Yoon scrapped his predecessors policy to phase out nuclear energy over some 45 years and has set a target for nuclear to provide at least 30% of the countrys electricity in 2030.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The European Union is gearing up to put the finishing touches on its 14th sanctions package on Russian energy this month, with sanctions targets to include shipments of Russian LNG, the European energy commissioner has told S&P Global Commodity Insights on Monday.

The sanctions package adds three Russian LNG projects to the blacklist, including Arctic LNG 2, Ust-Luga and Murmansk, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told S&P Global Commodity Insights, adding that this sanctions package would be the first one where we cover also partially LNG trade and specifically transshipments.

The EUs 14th sanctions package is far from a done deal, however, with all EU member states required to be on board with the deal, and some clear outliers waiting in the sidelines to scupper the package.

Speaking to S&P Global on the sidelines of the Japan-EU energy forum in Tokyo, Simson said EU member states had discussed the package and requested more information and that she expected them to agree to adoption.

"We have provided them [with an] assessment on how these measures will impact international LNG markets. Our assessment is that it doesn't have a major impact to global LNG markets and LNG markets right now are liquid enough to cover the demand even if we introduce our 14th package, S&P Global quoted Simson as saying, expressing confidence that the package could be finalized in June.

In mid-April, the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) cautioned that sanctioning Russian LNG could negatively impact the security of natural gas supply in Europe.

Currently, the Baltic EU member states are calling for a ban on the blocs imports of LNG, but the EUs watchdog believes that any such move should only be gradual.

As the EU aims to completely end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, the reduction of Russian LNG imports should be considered in gradual steps starting with spot Russian LNG imports, ACER said in its report European LNG market developments.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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This week saw BHPs last attempt to acquire fellow miner Anglo American fail. The negotiations had lasted six weeks, the offer prices were hiked twice, and yet the deal broke down. Because BHP only wanted Anglos copper operations. The deal, although failed, put copper in the spotlighton the scene of resource scarcity.

Earlier this month, copper prices reached a record high, while BHP tried to convince Anglo executives and shareholders to agree to spin off the companys platinum and iron ore business and sell itself as a copper producer. The price per tonne in New York topped $11,000 earlier this month.

The FT attributed the price surge to an influx of speculative traders flooding the copper space at a time when many thought copper was about to start going down. Yet there wasand still isthe expectation that sooner or later the copper market would swing into a deficit, because demand is set to outpace supply amid transition efforts in Europe and North America. Now it turns out its not just the transition that will drive stronger copper demand.

Goldman Sachs this week forecast that demand for copper is about to take off on the back of the transition but also because of artificial intelligence development and defense spending. According to the bank, copper prices could hit $12,000 per ton thanks to these sources of demandbecause new supply is not exactly forthcoming, as evidenced by BHPs desperate attempts to secure assets through the Anglo acquisition.

The deal shows the only way for miners to grow their revenue with copper is through acquisition since no new major copper assets are available. Even if they did exist, it may take up to 20 years to permit and build, Peter Bryant, the chairman of consultancy Clareo and resource industry expert, told Oilprice.com.

Not only this, Bryant said, but even brownfield expansion will not help secure sufficient new supply of copper because of declining grades, increasing depths of available resources, increasing distances from processing facilities and the respective increasing use of energy, water, and work. Things are not looking good for copper supply.

Investments in new copper production capacity have been weak, too, for about a decade now. The fact, as noted by Goldman Sachs in its latest forecast, was a result of poor returns on investment over the previous decade. Now, the outlook for demand looks great and yet copper miners are still not throwing billions at new mines. This might be because peak demand is too close around the corner.

BHPs chief executive said recently that boosting copper supply to a degree that would ensure meeting demand by 2030 would require $250 billion in investment. But according to Clareos Bryant, peak demand, starting roughly in 2035, does not last for the life of a major asset so theres no incentive to build new supply that will only be needed for a fraction of the life of an asset. In short, demand has to flatten.

No wonder, then, that miners have only spent $50 billion out of the $250 billion estimated to be needed to boost supply to meet demand. And no wonder no one is bothering with investing in new mines amid increasingly stringent regulations when they could simply acquire a fellow mineror not, as in the case of BHP.

On top of all this, the copper market is currently in a surplus, according to the International Copper Study Group. The ICSG recently reported that the global copper market was balanced in 2023, at around 26.5 million tons of refined copper, but this year, it would swing into a surplus of 162,000 tons, shrinking to 94,000 tons in 2025. This is not exactly conducive to more supply investment.

On the other hand, mine closures and falling ore grades are helping keep a lid on supply growth, as noted by Clareos Bryant, so prices shouldnt drop too low. This would be especially true if forecasts of stronger demand from transition industriesdespite the current slowdownpan out. Then again, the transition may be about to slow down overall as, per Bryant, this reality is setting in around the ultimate goal of providing all people and businesses affordable, accessible and reliable energy that is as clean as possible.

It is the affordable and accessible parts that are a challenge for most transition technologies, and that will lead the demand slowdown. On the other hand, this slowdown may help keep the copper market in relative balanceif it werent for AI and the compulsion to build more data centers to house the body of the technology.

AI is currently emerging as a significant challenge to affordable low-carbon energy because it demands so much of it, wind and solar installations cannot possibly cope with supply it, necessitating the construction of more hydrocarbon generation capacity. But now AI is also turning out to be a rival in the copper demand space. As if the transition needed any more complications.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Blueprint set for future of Sino-Arab ties

10:34, June 03, 2024 By Zhang Yunbi ( China Daily

Representatives of Arab countries attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Over the past week, the world has seen packed diplomatic schedules producing fruitful outcomes, both at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing and in the state visits made by leaders of four Arab nations.

Analysts said the series of statements issued and the cooperation documents signed at the ministerial meeting and during the state visits set practical goals for the coming years, and have charted road maps for taking China-Arab ties and the construction of the Belt and Road to a higher level.

China has been the top trading partner of Arab countries for years, with annual China-Arab trade volume growing from $36.7 billion in 2004 to $398.1 billion last year.

The two sides have carried out more than 200 large-scale Belt and Road cooperation projects, benefiting nearly 2 billion people.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting on Thursday, President Xi Jinping outlined five frameworks for future two-way collaboration, covering innovation, investment and finance, energy, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

At its conclusion, the meeting adopted the Beijing Declaration and an action plan that covers the period from 2024 to 2026, including plans to further strengthen political, economic, social and development cooperation, particularly in the areas of investment, infrastructure, energy, science and technology, and culture.

Regarding the efforts of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum over the past 20 years, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the League of Arab States, told Chinese media that the importance of the forum "is self-evident, as it covers an extremely wide range of topics and areas".

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for ushering in "an even more glorious 20 years" of China-Arab cooperation, and said that "while the blueprint has been drawn, implementation is the key".

In addition, China and Arab countries issued a joint statement on the question of Palestine, stating that joint efforts should be made to facilitate a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip at an early date and to realize a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine.

Palestinian Ambassador to China Fariz Mehdawi said of Beijing's push for peace that "they understand us and know what's the solution for us, giving us more resilience".

In the past week, the visits to China by the heads of state of four countries  Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates  yielded fruitful results as well.

Niu Xinchun, executive director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, said all the fresh areas of consensus and blueprints unveiled in Beijing "sent a clear signal that the two sides are committed and well prepared to foster the region's peace and make a greater contribution to world stability, while engaging more in economic cooperation to better benefit each other".

"Both sides represent a stabilizing force for development and peace for the globe," he said.

While the two sides have worked well in conventional areas such as trade, energy and infrastructure, Arab countries now seek to reindustrialize themselves and are looking more to cutting-edge technologies, and so is China, Niu said, adding that this has given two-way investment a new focus.

The first China-Arab Summit convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. At the ministerial meeting last week, both sides welcomed the plan unveiled by President Xi to convene the second summit in China in 2026.

Experts said it is essential to further tap the leading role of the summit to speed up the construction of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department of American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said the summit is a further upgrade of the overarching China-Arab communication mechanism, as the summit can better consolidate consensus, and it is bound to "play a stronger leading role in detailed planning of future cooperation".

"The high hopes for the summit mean great prospects for cooperation between the two sides, and the summit also serves as a reminder of the long-term design and long-running considerations of China's diplomacy," she added.

Analysts said that behind the fruitful China-Arab cooperation that overcomes geographic distance is the fact that both sides represent developing countries, setting a great example of South-South cooperation.

One key area of common ground is that both sides support multilateralism and advance global governance reform, Su said.

"Over the past 20 years, the two sides have communicated in a way that accommodates each other's comfort without imposing strategic demands, and they have always emphasized that each country has the right to choose its own development path," Su said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
LINCOLN  Tears instantly sprang to her eyes.

Confetti cannons exploded around her, a standing ovation broke out, a bouquet of flowers was placed in her arms and a sash bearing Teacher of the Year was set around her shoulders.

In that moment, Erin Seitz was overwhelmed with gratitude and respect for her fellow teachers.

Seitz, an art teacher at Lincoln Lutheran, was selected from a pool of more than 700 nominees by the Herzog Foundation to be a 2024 Christian Teacher of the Year. Only 11 other teachers from across the country were chosen for the honor.

Lincoln Lutheran announced Seitz as a national honoree in a surprise ceremony after schoolwide chapel last month with a special video from the president of the foundation, her family in the crowd and plenty of applause.

It was really special and really so sweet, she said.

But as confetti floated down around her, and as her family looked at her alongside the cheering students and staff, Seitz wasnt thinking about herself or what this honor meant for her. Her thoughts were on all the people who helped her get there.

All I could think about were the students that I serve, and the staff that I work with and how I feel like every single teacher I teach with deserves the award, she said. It was humbling.

The Herzog Foundation, which focuses on the development of quality Christ-centered education, annually selects and recognizes teachers from across the nation who have made a lasting impact on students as part of its Excellence in Christian Education awards program.

Seitz and the other honorees will travel to Smithville, Missouri, this summer to visit the foundation before attending a special recognition ceremony at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., this fall.

Seitz has taught art at Lincoln Lutheran Middle and High School for eight years. But teaching wasnt the first career path she chose. While she had studied to become a teacher in college, she began her own photography business after graduation instead.

Then, after a change in plans, she decided to switch careers. This led her to Lincoln Lutheran, where she was met with open arms and a team of experienced teachers.

God just picked me up and put me at Lincoln Lutheran, she said. I was an adult in my second career starting teaching and I had no idea what I was doing. But I had all these amazing role models at Lincoln Lutheran as my mentors, as my friends, as my examples, as my guides.

Since joining the teaching staff, Seitz has worked to build strong relationships with her students by being consistent, honest and vulnerable with them, she said. Seitz also sponsors the schools Acts of Random Kindness Club, which she started five years ago to help instill the importance of kindness in students by doing little acts of kindness a few times a month for members of the school community.

If they dont have a relationship with me, then theyre not going to believe what I have to say about who God is, and what God did for us and what its like to follow Jesus, Seitz said.

Head of Schools Sheila Psencik said Seitzs dedication to her students played a big role in her decision to nominate Seitz for the award last fall.

Seitz is also incredibly caring, energetic, innovative and positive. Shes a change-maker, Psencik said.

Kids who get to have her as a teacher here, theyre better everyday because of her. Her colleagues are better everyday because of her, Psencik said. She truly deserves this.
Senator Dino Melaye has announced his interest to contest Kogi State governorship race scheduled for November 16.

Melaye, who represents Kogi West in the Senate, declared his intention to stand for the November 16 poll at a Peoples Democratic Party meeting held at Maj Gen David Jemibewons Ayetoro country home on Saturday.

The lawmakers media aide, Gideon Ayodele, confirmed the development to our correspondent on the telephone.

According to him, the party leaders at the meeting asked others interested in the race to inform them within two weeks to enable the party to screen them and prepare for the primary election.
Tacha and Ebuka

The official host of 2019 Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has reacted to complaints by Nigerians over the second strike issued BBNaija housemate, Tacha.

It was reported that Biggie on Sunday evening issued Tacha a second strike for disobeying BBNaija rules and undermining authorities.

Big Brother had gathered the housemates in the lounge and played several videos of Tachas disrespect to Ebuka and fellow housemate.

While warning her, he said a last strike will get you disqualified from the reality show.

Her second strike stirred reactions from BBNaija fans on social media who blamed Ebuka for Tachas punishment.

Ebuka, reacting to the backlash on social media, said he is just an employee and not responsible for all decisions made in the reality show.

On his Twitter page, he wrote: I never know whether to be flattered or bemused that on a show run by EndemolShine, MultiChoice, Mnet, Deloitte and Red Pepper Productions, people actually think that I call the shots and make all the decisions.

Unfortunately guys, Im just an employee. Make una nor vex.
Over 600 Nigerian Americans showed up at the Muritala international Airport in Lagos, wanting to be evacuated to United States Of America, according to serial investor, Bamikole Banks In a Twitter post.

Over 600 Nigerian Americans showed up at the Muritala international Airport in Lagos, wanting to be evacuated to United States Of America. pic.twitter.com/74YYgLNvLQ  Bamikole Banks (@MrBanksOmishore) April 4, 2020

Recall that the United States Mission in Nigeria had announced the commencement of evacuation of its citizens from Nigeria.

This is happening after Germany, Israel, and France evacuated their nationals following the rising cases of coronavirus disease in the country.

The Embassy confirmed the development via its official Twitter handle, @US Mission Nigeria.

It said multiple emergency flights departing from Lagos and Abuja had been confirmed for this week.

The mission asked Americans booked for the flight not to come to the airport until they had been contacted by officials.

The Twitter post read, The US Consulate in Lagos has confirmed multiple emergency flights for this week departing from Lagos and Abuja. Please do not come to the airport until we have contacted you directly. Please shelter in place and await further information.

The U.S. Consulate in Lagos has confirmed multiple emergency flights for this week departing from Lagos and Abuja. Please do not come to the airport until we have contacted you directly. Please shelter in place and await further information. #STEP pic.twitter.com/gABq6j6pgX  U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USEmbassyAbuja) March 30, 2020
Even the friendliest of dogs can bite when scared, startled or protecting its territory. Dog bites and injuries related to trying to escape from an aggressive dog pose serious safety concerns for Ameren employees.

Ameren has more than 100,000 miles of power lines and over 23,000 miles of natural gas pipelines throughout the communities it serves, which means crews must access neighborhoods and backyards to make repairs or trim vegetation in an effort to ensure customer reliability. As crews work along company easement areas, they frequently encounter dogs, which can sometimes result in safety issues.

To highlight this issue and in conjunction with children being home from school for summer break, Ameren is providing information for a safe environment for pets, Ameren employees and neighborhood children.

Since 2020, 39 Ameren field workers have required medical attention because they have been attacked or sustained injuries trying to evade an aggressive dog. In March, an Ameren Illinois employee was reading a natural gas meter and was bitten by the customer's leashed dog. An Ameren Missouri employee was standing on an asphalt driveway when a dog charged causing the employee to fall to the ground. The employee was not bitten, but the co-worker twisted his ankle because of the fall and subsequently, missed nine days of work.

"While we appreciate and understand that owners love their pets, we're seeing too many employees being injured or attacked by dogs when entering back yards to service our customers' natural gas and electric equipment," said Karen Boulanger, director of safety for Ameren. "In addition to providing training to our workers on how to avoid a dog bite, we need our customers to do their part to keep pets away from our employees so they can safely perform their work."

As a safety precaution, Ameren is reminding customers that pets on the loose or leashed to equipment can be hazardous for employees. Customers are asked to safely secure their dogs when a utility worker is scheduled to visit a home or business. Here are some safety recommendations:

Never leash a pet to any utility equipment  meter, pole or supporting wires

If a utility worker is outside the home or business, securely confine the dog inside. If the Ameren worker needs to enter the home, keep the pet securely confined

An invisible electric fence will not always keep a determined dog from breaking through

Post a Beware of Dog sign on your fence or house to warn utility workers about the presence of a dog at the residence

A dog's vaccinations and inoculations for rabies and parasites should always be up-to-date

If you have a dog, please consider notifying Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000 or Ameren Missouri at 1-800-552-7583 so that it is clearly noted on your customer account

Ameren field workers are trained to:

Never assume a dog is friendly

Have a "cautious calm" and confident attitude and remain in a front-facing position with the dog to demonstrate dominance

Give dogs their space

Not to run, which could trigger the dog's chase/hunt instinct and do not get closer to the dog than necessary

If an attack appears imminent:

Change your stance from front-facing to a side position

Loudly yell "NO!," "GET BACK!" or "STOP!"
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.
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the SDA Basic 1 and 2 School (a government school) at Madina in Accra have expressed worry about a private property (building) on the school compound which is creating a lot of inconvenience and a threat to the school as a result of the presence of the occupants of the private building.



The PTA Chairman of the school, Mr Isaac Addo speaking to journalists said efforts made by the SDA church to make the owner of the building leave the compound for the building to be demolished have proved futile as the owner of the building is not cooperating with the school.

He said the septic tank of the house also poses a threat to the safety of the school children some of who play on it when they come to school.



Mr Isaac Addo said the PTA has reported the matter to the La Nkwantanang-Madina Directorate of Education to step in to address the problem.



The La Nkwantanang Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kean Adjei Appiah said government released the land on which the school is located to the SDA Church to establish the school which was later taken over by government.



He said the La Nkwantanang Municipal Directorate of Education has received a petition from the school about the private building on the school compound and the Education Directorate has written to inform the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly about it to address the problem.



Mr Adjei Appiah also appealed to organizations and philanthropists to help provide facilities such as school buildings and furniture to schools in the municipality to promote education.

Source: Emmanuel Akorli/Peace FM Parliamentary Correspondent









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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Adukrom, Eastern Region, Ghana - May 29, 2024: The KGL Foundation's unwavering commitment to the well-being of Ghanaians was on full display at a health screening and blood donation exercise held at the Chief's Palace Durbar Grounds in Adukrom.



The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with residents and students from Nifa Senior High, Adukrom Presby Secondary Technical, J. Knol Vocational and Technical Institute, and AbiriwPresby Vocational and Technical Institute actively participating.



The presence of the Akuapem Nifahene, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, the District Chief Executive of the Okere District, and the acting District Health Director, further solidified the importance of the initiative. Representing the KGL Foundation was Mr. Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, the program manager, who delivered a speech on behalf of the CEO, Mr. Elliot Dadey.



This impactful exercise serves as a prime example of Mr. Dadey's dedication to social responsibility. The KGL Foundation, through its consistent organization of health screening and blood donation exercises, is making a significant contribution to improving public health across Ghana.



The KGL Foundation stands firm in its mission to empower Ghanaians and build a better future for all.

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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Leading companies and distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performances in the country's manufacturing industry were honoured at the eighth edition of the Ghana Manufacturing Awards (GMA) on the theme; " Promoting Trade: Instituting Sustainable Tariffs".



The event held on Friday, May 31st, 2024, was organized by Xodus Communications Limited with support from PayAngel (Ultimate Sponsor), Graphic Plus and Kaya. It seeks to celebrate companies and individuals who demonstrated outstanding performance in stewardship, health and safety, Corporate Social Responsibility and innovation in the manufacturing sector.



Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the Events Director of Xodus Communications Limited, Richard Abbey Junior, said this year's winners were carefully scrutinized by the awarding board and was focused on innovation in the industry with the ultimate aim of compelling individuals and companies to compete locally and globally.



According to him, the manufacturing sector's contributions to national development is really impactful and some manufacturers have stood the test of time by adding value and innovation over the years.



" This year's winners have really gone through a lot of scrutiny right from the awarding board, HSEQ auditors and the third-party consultants. We are here to celebrate and salute Achievers in the industry ", Mr. Abbey stated.



Meanwhile, Muhanad Yousif (Head of Strategic Planning, Resource Mobilization and Partnership) at Africa Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA) also took the opportunity to urge businesses to freely collaborate with African countries to improve standards of living.



"We encourage all businesses to continue trading among others in the continent to promote and improve our domestic economies," he said



The Ghana Manufacturing Awards has over the years celebrated excellence and professional standards in the manufacturing industry, and will continue to do so.



Here are the winners of the 2024 Ghana Manufacturing Awards;





HALL OF FAME-



1. MINERAL WATER PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



BLOWCHEM INDSUTRIES LIMITED



Honorary



2. LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD



MUKESH VASDEV THAKWANI



3. STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



B5 PLUS LIMITED



4. JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



PMMC JEWELLERY LIMITED



5. DETERGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



AFRICAN CONSUMER PRODUCTS.



6. PAPER PRODUCT MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



JAYKAY INDUSTRIES & INVESTMENT.LTD



7. PLASTIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR - HOUSEHOLD PLASTICS



QUALIPLAST LTD





8. PLASTIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR - INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS



QUALIPLAST LTD



9. ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



ALPHA TND LIMITED



10. MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR



GBFOODS GHANA LTD - ANIGYE ABA FIE PROMO





11. CYLINDER MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



SIGMA GHANA





THIS CATEGORY HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO TWO (BAKERY & CHOCOLATE)





12. CONFECTIONARY PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR- BAKERY

TWELLIUM INDUSTRIALS LIMITED



13. CONFECTIONARY PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR- CHOCOLATE



COCOA PROCESSING COMPANY



THESE CATEGORIES HAVE NOMINEES



14. BEVERAGES PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR  ALCOHOLIC

BLOWCHEM INDUSTRIES LIMITED



15. BEVERAGES PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR - NON ALCOHOLIC



BLOCHEM INDUSTRIES LIMITED



16. MINERAL WATER PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR

TWELLIUM INDUSTRIALS LIMITED



17. SOFT DRINK PRODUCING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



TWELLIUM INDUSTRIALS LIMITED



18. PROMISING MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR





VESTER OIL MILLS Limited





19. EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY



NUTRIFOODS GHANA LIMITED



20. BEST GROWING MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



ALPHA TND LIMITED



21. BRAND OF THE YEAR AWARD



GBFOODS GHANA LTD



22. MANUFACTURING INNOVATIONS AWARD



JAYKAY INDUSTRIES & INVESTMENT LTD





23. FOOD PROCESSING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES GHANA LIMITED



24. EXPORT MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR





ALPHA TND LIMITED





25. AGRO  PROCESSING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



WILMAR AFRICA LTD



26. EMERGING BRAND OF THE YEAR



FAIRAFRIC GHANA LIMITED





27. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR



PAWAN AIDASANI (JAYKAY INDUSTRIES & INVESTMENT.LTD)



28. CEO OF THE YEAR



DAVID AFFLU (GBFOODS GHANA LTD)



29. MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR



ALPHA TND LIMITED











Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Nigeria's federal government has stepped in after crisis-hit international students were ordered to leave the UK.



Nigerian students at Teesside University were thrown off courses and reported to the Home Office after a currency crisis left them struggling to pay fees on time, the BBC found.



A delegation led by a Nigerian ambassador will now meet with university management "to intervene on allegations of unfair and unjust deportation orders", a spokesman for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) said.



The Middlesbrough-based university said it is supporting students and is open to the meeting.



The intervention comes after masters degree students were blocked from studies and reported to the Home Office by the university.



They had struggled to pay tuition fees on time after the value of Nigeria's naira plummeted amid an economic crisis, wiping out savings and substantially altering budgets.



Earlier this month, a university spokesman told the BBC failure to pay was a breach of visa sponsorship and that it had "no choice" but to alert the Home Office, which said sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.



'Justice and fairness'



Some students said they were left feeling suicidal after falling into arrears and being ordered to leave.



A food charity said 75% of clients were now Nigerian students struggling to afford the cost of living.



Students at other universities, including Sussex, have also been hard hit by the currency crisis.



The Nigerian government's decision to intervene was taken following a recent meeting between some affected students and NIDCOM chair Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Nigerian High Commission UK ambassador Christian Okeke and Yemi Soile, president of Nigerian Students Union UK.



The virtual meeting, held on Sunday, saw students urged to "remain calm and not take laws into their hands", as an appeal was made to the university to treat students with "justice and fairness".



the UK, said he welcomed the intervention but was not convinced it could make a difference.



"I think it will be a persuasive appeal, but I'm not sure they can force the university to do anything," he said.



"Our lives are still in limbo while we wait for decisions to be made."



A university spokesman said it is offering case by case support to students affected by the economic crisis in Nigeria.

Source: BBC









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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E ON 3 Group and its key partners are using the peace initiatives of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to celebrate him on the silver jubilee of his coronation.



Recognized as Pillar of Peace, His Majesty has undertaken several peace initiatives cutting across politics, education and chieftaincy over the past 25 years, and the E ON 3 Group and its key partners deem it fit to continue to project the successes.



Activities



The Executive Chairman of E ON 3 Group, Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, said several activities have been planned to propagate the good works of the King.



 We will erect billboards and produce a documentary on Otumfuos peace initiatives.



Peace



Mr Ofori Atta called for peace before the 2024 elections, saying that is what the Asantehene has always advocated for.



Handling difficult political transitions



Key among Otumfuos peace initiatives were the facilitation and mediation of difficult political transitions.

These manifested in the 2000, 2008,2012 and 2016 elections where he played various roles to calm tensions and ensure peaceful transitions.





Dagbon crisis



Otumfuo led the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to restore peace to Dagbon after many years of a bloody chieftaincy dispute.



The dispute settlement and other peace initiatives won the Asantehene the award of Pillar of Peace at the maiden African Premier Leadership Awards Ceremony in Kumasi on December 29, 2019.



Also on December 12, 2021, E ON 3 Group, upon the authorization of the Bank of Ghana, teamed up with its partners to launch the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin, to celebrate the King on his Dagbon peace success.



After the launch, the 24-carat Gold coin was presented to several personalities and institutions.



The first recipient was KGL Group, which bought the first coin during the launch, followed by Otumfuo himself.

I share gold coin honour with all Ghanaians



On December 20, 2021, a delegation from the E ON 3 Group and its partners was at the Manhyia Palace to present the gold coin to Otumfuo.



Otumfuo said, The commemorative Gold coin is an honour I share with my country Ghana.



Otumfuo said since he ascended the Golden Stool, he has not concentrated his peace initiatives in only Asanteman but has ensured that the entire country benefitted from every step that he took for peace to thrive.







KGL Group delighted



The Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Alex Apau Dadey, who received the coin for the Group, said,  Hundred of years from today into the future, let these coins being launched today become a collectors item and an everlasting touchstone marking the remarkable achievement of peacemaking that the onetime 16th Asantehene of the Great Asante Kingdom of Ghana provided his people, and indeed, his country.



Other peace initiatives



The Asantehenes other peace initiatives include, resolution of the Techiman dispute with some Asante towns, the settlement of stools/chieftaincy disputes in Asanteman, and the resolution of the crisis at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.



His Majesty is also recognized for the speech he delivered at the high-level forum to mark the 20th anniversary of the UN General Assemblys adoption of a Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.



He stated at the UN event:  Warfare is no longer the threat we face from states; it is now a danger we face daily from our citizens and all quarters. This new threat comes on the heels of an unprecedented trust deficit in political leadership at the national level. The effect of this trust deficit is to erode the capacity of political leaders to rally their people to coalesce around national interests. The consequence for peace and security cannot be overstated.

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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His Royal Highness Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, on Monday, June 3, 2024, launched the 'One-Student-One-Tree' initiative, which is a key component of the government's flagship afforestation program, the Green Ghana Project under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.



The 'One-Student-One-Tree' initiative which aims to complement the government's tree planting efforts set out to incorporate students of second Cycle institutions in the project, imbibe in Ghana's youth and children population the culture of planting trees and create awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.



The event, held at Abuakwa State College in Kyebi, Eastern Region, saw the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, join the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who praised the long-term benefits of environmental initiatives like Green Ghana Day to plant a tree to signify their commitment and dedication to the project.



The Okyenhene urged the students to actively engage in the project, contributing to global efforts to build a sustainable and resilient climate that will shield humanity from harsh and unfavourable climatic conditions.



"I am proud to say that we have been instrumental in the success of Green Ghana Day since its inception in 2021. Our ancestors used their souls and spirits to protect the forests, and it is now our responsibility to do the same. They dedicated 100 days a year to forest conservation, he said.



"Do not be reckless, irresponsible, or greedy, focusing only on immediate gains at the expense of your future survival. It is crucial to protect your future. Our elders taught us not to destroy assets because they retain their value. We have decimated our forests and water reserves, and we are now experiencing the impacts of climate change, he added.



"To the students, you are undertaking this to safeguard your future, so participate fully. Guard your future and preserve it for the generations to come," he stated.



In his speech, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor congratulated the Okyenhene for his visionary and exemplary leadership, which has spanned over 25 years.



Hon. Jinapor also commended the Okyenhene for his consistent advice and assistance to various government initiatives and policies, including the Green Ghana project.



"Let me begin by congratulating His Royal Highness, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for twenty-five years of exceptional leadership and his relentless pursuit of excellence for his people and the nation as a whole.



"Today, we honor a leader whose steadfast dedication, vision, service, and commitment have significantly shaped the Abuakwa Traditional Area, as well as the nation and humanity," he said.



Providing historical context to the conversation about the urgency of the Green Ghana Project, Hon. Jinapor reminded the audience of Ghana's precarious situation regarding forest reserve protection and the progress made with the planting of over 42 million trees since 2021.



The Minister detailed the One-Student-One-Tree initiative's goal to raise awareness about the Green Ghana project and instill a sense of environmental protection in schoolchildren.



"As we join our students to mark the 2024 edition of this remarkable initiative, it is essential to highlight the role of trees in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting human well-being. Trees act as the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They provide habitats for countless species, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to the water cycle. Planting trees is an investment in the natural infrastructure that sustains life on Earth.



"Nananom, esteemed teachers, students, ladies, and gentlemen, it is noteworthy that the 'One Student One Tree' initiative goes beyond planting; it fosters a sense of environmental stewardship in our students.



"It represents our collective duty to protect and ensure a sustainable future. By participating in this program, we aim to instil in our students the significance of caring for the environment, which underpins our economy, society, and existence. Our students must develop a connection to nature, broaden their ecological understanding, and strengthen their responsibility to the world they will inherit.



"As we embark on this journey, let us remember that planting a tree is an act of hope, a declaration of our faith in the future, and our commitment to a bright and sustainable tomorrow. Let us encourage each student to take pride in their tree, to nurture its growth, and to recognize that their actions today will shape the world of tomorrow."



The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong, in his statement, indicated that the One Student One Tree initiative, he believes, will gather students to honor the environment to build their future and health.



He pledged his absolute support to ensure that the initiative will be sustained to become a history for posterity and hoped that the Green Ghana project will fulfil its purpose in growing a greener tomorrow.



The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Eric Hanson Agyei Sarpong in his closing remarks appreciated the government and the Ministry for their dedication to the tree-planting vision come to fusion. He encouraged the students to nurture the trees planted to grow.



The "One Student, One Tree" initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards environmental transformation, and its impact is expected to be felt for generations to come.



This year's Green Ghana Day, scheduled for June 7, aims to plant 10 million seedlings across the country, with the theme "Growing for a Greener Tomorrow." President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will lead a commemorative tree planting exercise at the Nicholson Stadium in Burma Camp, Accra.







Source: Nana Kwadwo Asante Agyemang, 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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As part of activities to mark the 2024 World Milk Day, Ghanas leading dairy brand, Cowbell with Twisco Chocolate Drink provided 100,000 servings of complete breakfast to students drawn from various basic schools within metropolitan, districts and municipal assemblies nationwide under the theme Lets Celebrate Nutritious and Sustainable Dairy.



Promasidors intervention was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; specifically, goal 2-zero hunger; goal 3-good health and well-being and goal 4-quality education.



World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization to recognize the importance of milk as a global food in 2001 and has since been observed on the 1st of June each year.



Speaking at the school outreach, Promasidor Ghanas (PGH) Marketing Manager, Michael Hagan reiterated Promasidors commitment to providing quality food products for the past 25 years.



Twenty-five years ago, Promasidor began production of its flagship brand, Cowbell to provide nutritious milk products to Ghanaians, and aid address the issue of malnutrition in the country. Treating our young ones to quality breakfast further exhibits our commitment to the wellbeing of Ghanaians, especially children.



He added that Cowbell as a brand will continue to have the consumer at heart and invest in innovation to provide quality dairy products to meet the nutritional needs of the Ghanaian consumer. Today, Cowbell offers products that contain protein content as high as 24% as well as other essential minerals and vitamins which aid in the child's development at an early stage in life.



Numerous heads of schools visited were very vocal in recognizing the impact of Cowbell investing in the development and nutritional needs of students over time.



Since 2020, the brand's footprint on the improvement of nutrition within communities has been exhibited in partnership with the 37 Military Hospital via Nutrition Assessment Programs in some deprived communities supporting health screening, education around good feeding practices and provision of products as part of World Milk Day celebrations.



Throughout its Silver Jubilee celebration, Promasidor Ghana reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enriching Ghanaians' future and contributing to the country's continued progress.

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 Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta II has honoured Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, with a symbolic chieftaincy crown.



Dr. Bawumia, who arrived in Cape Coast Sunday evening ahead of his Central Regional tour, paid a courtesy call on the Oguaamanhene and his elders for their blessings ahead of his campaign activities in the Central Region.



Addressing the Oguaamanhene, Dr. Bawumia congratulated him on the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.



Accompanied by some Ministers of State and senior campaign advisors, Dr. Bawumia told Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Attah that his visit to him is a mark of respect hes giving him and is also to seek his blessings.



"You are the Overlord of Oguaa and I can't just enter and start my campaign activities without coming here to greet you and seek your blessings", Dr. Bawumia said.



The Vice President spoke of his presidential bid and sought the support and prayers of the Oguaamanhene and Oguaaman, pledging to continue his father-son relationship with the Oguaamanhene.



Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta expressed gratitude to Dr. Bawumia and assured him of his continuous prayers.



"You are seeking the face of God and when we pray to God, he listens; so we will continue to pray for you for the battle ahead, the Oguaamanhene said before presenting a symbolic crown to Dr. Bawumia.

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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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the primary defendant in the ongoing ambulance trial, has strongly criticized the conduct of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, about an alleged audio conversation with the third accused person, Richard Jakpa.



According to the Minority Leader, the behaviour exhibited by the AG is deeply concerning and warrants condemnation from all well-meaning citizens of Ghana.



During cross-examination, Richard Jakpa disclosed that the Attorney General had been reaching out to him at unusual hours, seeking testimonies against Dr. Ato Forson, the Minority Leader.



This revelation, coupled with the emergence of a purported 16-minute phone conversation between Mr. Jakpa and the Attorney General, has ignited widespread discussions among Ghanaians, with some calling for the resignation of Attorney General Godfred Dame.



In a recent press conference, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) unveiled the alleged 16-minute tape, purportedly featuring a conversation between the Attorney General and Jakpa.



The New Patriotic Party (NPP), however, has refuted the authenticity of the audio, claiming it has been "doctored and manipulated" for malicious intent.



Although the Attorney General has not personally addressed the tape, his office has downplayed its significance, asserting his intention to remain in his position.



In an affidavit filed by his legal representatives on Friday, May 31, Dr Ato Forson expressed his firm belief that the conduct exhibited by Mr. Dame in his capacity as AG is unacceptable and unbecoming of the office he holds.



"That I Am advised by counsel and I do believe same to be true that it is in the interest of justice, which must not only be done but be manifestly seen to be done, that he Honourable Court declares a mistrial since based on the impugned conduct of the Attorney-General, which stands uncontested, it is clear the prosecution led by the Attorney-General has embarked on the reprehensible and unlawful conduct, conduct unbecoming of an Attorney-General, let alone the Minister for Justice, for sole purpose of securing my conviction," an excerpt of his affidavit said.

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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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disclosed that Ghana's biggest international airport, the Kotoka International Airport will begin the use of eGates before the end of the year for check-in.



Dr Bawumia disclosed this while meeting with the Clergy in Cape Coast at the beginning of his tour of the region.



"In fact, before the end of this year, if you arrive in Ghana at Kotoka International Airport you don't have to go to an immigration officer. We are putting together the eGate, just put in your Ghana card and it will open for you.



The eGate will come into work in Ghana before the end of the year, Dr Bawumia assured.



What is eGates



eGates automatically processes passengers through passport control.



They use facial recognition technology and your e-passport to check your identity.



It is quick and secure.



Eligible passengers



You can use the eGates if you are 14 years or older and have an e-passport from an eligible country.



Your passport is an e-passport if it has a small camera symbol at the bottom of the front cover.

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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The Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his commitment to fighting against corruption which he says is a major hindrance to national development.



Interacting with the Clergy in Cape Coast on Monday as part of his campaign tour of the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia pledged to remain committed to fighting corruption citing his digitalization initiative as one of significant ways he has used to prevent corruptible practices.



Dr. Bawumia also noted that corruption can be fought by putting in place effective systems and not the usual lip service that some leaders pay to it.



"Corruption in the public space is a major canker against our development and the fight against it must continue. I have been a committed fighter against corruption and I am very committed to the fight against it."



"Corruption can be fought effectively through systems and I have been behind building digital systems which are aimed at averting corruption...That's the way to go, building systems to tackle corruption and I am very committed to it...The ghost names that have been wiped off the public payroll is an example of how putting in place systems fight corruption", Dr. Bawumia said.



Dr. Bawumia also assured the Clergy that, "as President, by the grace of God, I will also be more accountable to you because I will have the opportunity of seeking another term and I will come back to you and the Ghanaian people to account for my stewardship".



He added; "If I don't perform, you won't give me another opportunity, so I will work hard and deliver on my pledges so that I can come back and account to you...As for somebody, there will be no accountability because he will go on a honeymoon and you won't see him again."

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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The Minority in Parliament has expressed serious concerns over the governments decision to award a 5G licensing contract to NextGen InfraCo, a company established just a week before the contracts approval.



According to the Minority, the deal lacks transparency and does not serve the country's best interests.



In a press statement issued on Monday, June 3, and signed by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the NDC MPs pledged to oppose the deal.



The statement highlighted similar contracts awarded by the current government that have resulted in a waste of state resources, reinforcing their scepticism about the NextGen InfraCo deal.



The NDC MPs emphasised the need for scrutiny and accountability, assuring the public that they will address the nation in the coming days to shed light on the opacity of the deal and its potential implications for Ghana.



"The regulatory framework and operational modalities and guidelines for this opaque arrangement have not been clearly defined by the AkufoAddo/Bawumia government, which appears to be in an indecent haste to give away the countrys 5G spectrum for a pittance," an excerpt of their statement said.



This development follows Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, defending the governments decision to award the 5G licensing contract to NextGen InfraCo.



The Ablekuma West MP clarified that NextGen InfraCo was specifically established to manage the 5G rollout.



She added that, at the time, there were no other infrastructure companies with the necessary capacity for this project.



The minister further explained that the direct award of the contract to this new company is part of the governments strategy to overcome previous challenges and expedite the deployment of the 5G network in Ghana.



"This is a special purpose vehicle and once the government took the decision that we will use a neutral infrastructure company to deliver this service, there is no existing neutral infrastructure company that can deliver it at the moment."



"So, it had to be specifically formed to deliver this service based on the strategic policies and decisions of the government, and it is borne out of our experiences and that is why we chose not to auction it," she stated.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Despite a series of reforms to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) instituted by the U.S. Department of Justice, a University of Maryland study finds that some Black residents still have concerns that the police are ineffective and racially biased.

Two companion reports, published by the Abell Foundation, drawing on the experiences of other cities and released on Wednesday, suggests that a proposed program to reroute low-risk 911 calls to civilian responders offers a potential avenue for improving police effectiveness, performance and community relations.

Both efforts follow a 2017 federal mandate for wide-ranging BPD reforms in the wake of Freddy Gray's 2015 death while in officers' custody and a corruption scandal in its Gun Trace Task Force. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for more comprehensive reforms and increased investment in community-based initiatives to address longstanding issues of distrust and tension between the police department and Black residents.

"The Baltimore Police Department has made important reforms in the last few years, but these studies should help the department in its future strategy for restoring confidence in the Black community and improving responses to a variety of 911 calls that tax police officer skills," said Distinguished University Professor of public policy Peter Reuter, principal investigator for the overall project.

In the first report, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Brooklynn Hitchens and Associate Professor Lauren Porter, conducted interviews and focus groups with 93 Black residents from diverse backgrounds to understand their experiences, attitudes and perceptions toward the department.

Key findings indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the BPD in reducing crime and ensuring public safety, along with concerns about racial profiling and use of excessive force and reluctance to call the police. Interviewees also expressed an interest in more recreation centers to keep youths off the streets and better police training in engaging respectfully with people.

"Contrary to popular belief, Black participants were not 'anti-police' altogether. They held nuanced perceptions of the Baltimore Police Department that were steeped in both direct and vicarious experiences," said Hitchens.

"Although many of these experiences were negative, participants desired for police to be more actively engaged in their community and to intervene in criminal activity such as drug dealing. More generally, participants wanted officers to build rapport with residents, get out of their vehicles and use a humanistic approach to crime prevention."

The second report, by criminology and criminal justice Associate Professor Greg Midgette and public policy Associate Professor Luke Spreen and Reuter explored extending the Behavioral Health 9-1-1 Diversion Pilot Program (BHD).

It was started in 2021 to allow dispatchers to redirect emergency calls about non-weapon behavioral health crises to Baltimore Crisis Response, potentially without police presence.

The research team found that as of January 2024, 53% of the 543 calls handled by BHD were resolved without police intervention, resulting in approximately 500 saved hours for the police and fire departments.

"Police forces in big cities are struggling to recruit patrol officers. They also struggle in handling 911 calls involving a range of distress, like lack of housing and behavioral problems, that afflict our society," Reuter said. "Shifting responsibility for many 911 calls from the police to social service agencies helps on both these counts."

The researchers also analyzed successful reforms in Albuquerque, Atlanta and Houston, where certain categories of other non-criminal 911 calls are redirected to civilian agencies. And they examined Baltimore's 911 data, modeling scenarios for rerouting additional calls and estimating potential benefits.

They found that routing low-risk 911 calls away from the BPD to civilian first responders alleviates some of the strain on law enforcement resources, enhances police efficiency, performance and community relations, and indirectly addresses the officer shortage that has plagued the department.

"They can help an otherwise underserved community while allowing police to refocus their resources," said Midgette.

The researchers aim for these findings to help guide policy decisions on enhancing public safety and well-being in Baltimore, particularly within marginalized communities.

More information: What Can Be Done To Improve Police Community Relations In Baltimore? Exploring the experiences and perspectives of Black residents. abell.org/wp-content/uploads/2  t_Part-1_digital.pdf Improving Baltimore Police Relations With the City's Black Community: Alternate response to non-criminal emergency calls for service. abell.org/wp-content/uploads/2  t_Part-2_digital.pdf
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Paraparatrechina neela. Credit: Sahanashree R

Nothing like the common red, black, or brown ants, a stunning blue ant has been discovered in Yingku village in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. This new species belongs to the rare genus Paraparatrechina and has been named Paraparatrechina neela. The word "neela" signifies the color blue in most Indian languagesa fitting tribute to the ant's unique coloration.

Entomologists Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan and Sahanashree R, from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bengaluru, along with Aswaj Punnath from the University of Florida, collaborated to describe the remarkable new species. Their scientific description of the ant is published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

"While exploring a tree hole about 10 feet up in a steep cattle track in the remote Yinku village one evening, something sparkled in the twilight. With the dim light available, two insects were sucked into an aspirator. To our surprise, we later found they were ants," said the researchers.

The ant was found during an expedition to Siang valley in Arunachal Pradesh to resurvey its biodiversity after the century-old "Abhor expedition." The original Abor expedition from the period of colonial rule in India was a punitive military expedition against the indigenous people there in 19111912.

A scientific team also accompanied the military expedition, to document the natural history and geography of the Siang Valley. his expedition encountered several challenges, including hostile terrain, difficult weather conditions, and resistance from local tribes.

Paraparatrechina neela. Credit: Sahanashree R

Despite the challenges, it managed to explore and map large parts of the Siang Valley region, cataloging every plant, frog, lizard, fish, bird & mammal and insects they found, with the discoveries published in several volumes from 1912 to 1922 in the Records of the Indian Museum.

Now, a century later, a team of researchers from ATREE and a documentation team from Felis Creations Bangalore have embarked on a series of expeditions under the banner "Siang Expedition," to resurvey and document the biodiversity of the region.

"Nestled within a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley presents a world of unparalleled diversity, much of it yet to be explored. However, this very richness, both cultural and ecological, faces unprecedented threats.

"Large-scale infrastructure projects like dams, highways, and military installations, along with climate change, are rapidly altering the valley. The impact extends beyond the valley itself, as these mountains play a critical role not only in sustaining their own diverse ecosystems but also in ensuring the well-being of millions of people living downstream," said Dharma Rajan, corresponding author of the paper.

A view of Siang Valley. Credit: Ranjith AP

Paraparatrechina neela is a small ant with a total length of less than 2mm. Its body is predominantly metallic blue, except for the antennae, mandibles, and legs. The head is subtriangular with large eyes, and has a triangular mouthpart (mandible) featuring five teeth. This species has a distinct metallic blue color that is different from any other species in its genus.

Blue is relatively rare in the animal kingdom. Various groups of vertebrates, including fish, frogs, and birds, as well as invertebrates such as spiders and flies and wasps, showcase blue coloration. In insects, it is often produced by the arrangement of biological photonic nanostructures, which create structural colors rather than being caused by pigments.

While blue coloration is commonly observed in some insects like butterflies, beetles, bees, and wasps, it is relatively rare in ants. Out of the 16,724 known species and subspecies of ants worldwide, only a few exhibit blue coloration or iridescence.

The discovery of Paraparatrechina neela contributes to the richness of ant diversity and represents the unique biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas, and its blue coloration raises intriguing questions. Does it help in communication, camouflage, or other ecological interactions? Delving into the evolution of this conspicuous coloration and its connections to elevation and the biology of Paraparatrechina neela presents an exciting avenue for research.

More information: Ramakrishnaiah Sahanashree et al, A remarkable new species of Paraparatrechina Donisthorpe (1947) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Formicinae) from the Eastern Himalayas, India, ZooKeys (2024). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.114168 Journal information: ZooKeys
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Co-author Ana Spalding has immersed herself in Bocas del Toro communities in Caribbean Panama, developing relationships with its local and Indigenous residents and incorporating their knowledge and needs into her research. Credit: Ana Endara, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Slowing down the pace may not be common in academia, but it could lead to better science to support our planet through the current climate, biodiversity and social justice crises. This is one approach suggested by a diverse group of marine conservation scientists who were brought together in 2021 by the COMPASS Leaders for Sea Change Science Communication program. In a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the co-authors consider three pathways to better connect with the places they study.

Frequently, scientific expertise to address the global change crisis comes from a place of privilege. Research findings often come from the Global South but are disseminated, debated, and championed by well-funded institutions and experts in the Global North. Despite much of the science being conducted in the places most vulnerable to the pressing challenges of our times, the knowledge, histories, and Indigenous wisdom of local communities are often overlooked or undervalued by the scientific community.

The co-authors of the paper "Centering relationships to place for more meaningful research and engagement" argue that this type of knowledge "extractivism" may occur because of time, capacity, funding, or personal constraints. However, they also contend that extractive human behavior toward the natural world and each other is what has led us to our current global crises in the first place.

They argue that building relationships to places of study and their people would lead to more fair science and more accurate and meaningful research outcomes, and present three pathways aimed at building deeper connections between natural scientists and the places they study.

The first pathway is to deepen reflection and communication about relationships with places. For example, this pathway can be practiced by immersing oneself in local communities, learning about the historical and social-ecological narratives of the places of study, and allowing these experiences to shift perspectives, refine research goals and expand the societal relevance of research findings.

This pathway also encourages expanded land acknowledgements. Researchers are encouraged to seek guidance from local and Indigenous resources to precede public communications with recognition of past and present Indigenous presence in these spaces. An additional suggestion is to expand positionality statements beyond mere disclosure of personal and professional backgrounds to include a broader spectrum of influences shaping the research process, such as the geographic, socioeconomic, institutional, and cultural contexts of the scientists involved, to show where their perspectives come from.

The second pathway is to strengthen collaboration among research teams and partners, which entails building a foundation of mutual respect, trust and knowledge exchange between scientists and individuals who may be local or Indigenous to the place of research. Understanding their worldviews and expertise may lead to new ways of thinking about and relating to a place.

This pathway encourages collaboration and engagement with partners outside of academia and project co-creation with local partners, a common practice in the social sciences. This could result in research outcomes that are meaningful and transformative to those who may be impacted by research processes, improve public trust in research findings and make knowledge more accessible.

A community meeting in January 2023 where collaborative research results were presented to Squamish Nation community members. The meeting included a shared meal, ceremony, short presentations, and a short documentary screening. Credit: Fiona Beaty, University of British Columbia

"Change must happen, and this is one way we can contribute toward a cultural shift to make the research process more equitable and relational, as a way to move away from extractive paradigms," said lead author Fiona Beaty, an early-career scientist from the University of British Columbia.

Recognizing that developing these deeper relationships to place takes time and energy, and that a majority of natural sciences institutions or research systems do not currently incentivize this type of work, co-authors of the PNAS paper propose transforming systems of knowledge creation to foster place-based roots as a third pathway.

They recommend that institutions consider restructuring training, evaluation, and funding systems throughout various career stages. A critical area would be to revise training and research opportunities within both undergraduate and graduate programs. Hiring and evaluation processes could also be transformed to encourage the development of deep relationships with places of study.

Finally, funding systems could support collaboration outside of academic systems by incentivizing public research dissemination activities and community engagement alongside traditional metrics of academic success, such as peer-reviewed publications.

"Natural science institutions throughout the world and particularly in the global north could reshape their reward systems, which impacts researchers' lives, promoting place-based and deeply rooted research," said Beaty. "It's really hard for individuals to make changes if they're constantly battling the system."

The authors also propose the development of site-based research capacity, which may look like many things; for example, empowering local scientists to lead research aligned with community needs or creating site-specific centers that employ local experts or collaborate with community organizations to produce knowledge that is tailored to their specific contexts.

The interdisciplinary group of scientists brought together by the COMPASS Science Communication cohort, "Leaders for Sea Change" met in person in Baja California, where they began brainstorming the early manuscript of this paper, based on the collective experience of the cohort. Credit: Santiago Dominguez-Sanchez, Oregon State University

"These perspectives are the result of multi-year conversations where we shared experiences among one another and recognized the outstanding value of and complications involved in genuine and impactful engagement," said co-author Katharine Bear Nalven, from Oregon State University.

Beaty hopes this paper inspires early career researchers by giving them a range of options and offering guidance. She also seeks to encourage established researchers to see how they can contribute to change within academia.

"We do not expect everyone to take up all our suggestions, because it can be overwhelming, but different people may have different entry points," said Beaty.

Ana K. Spalding, co-author and director of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative at STRI, views this paper as a testament to the effectiveness of training programs such as Leaders for Sea Change.

"Our aspiration is for initiatives like this, focused on capacity building and leadership training, to gain momentum and underscore the significance of collaboration," she said.

More information: Fiona Beaty et al, Centering relationships to place for more meaningful research and engagement, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306991121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A review in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution has looked at research into the impact of climate change on the coastal environments of small islands. The study covers the literature from 1985 to 2021, and offers new insights into the deleterious effects of human activities on small island coasts.

Lorenzo Carlos Quesada-Ruiz of the University of Seville and Carolina Pena-Alonso of the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, examined more than 500 papers, which focused broadly on North Atlantic and North Pacific islands and highlighted the effects of various human activities on ecosystem services.

Human actions, including climate change, environmental policy, and tourism, have been identified as important factors that are detrimentally affecting delicate ecosystems. Factors such as increasing populations, technological advancements, and an increase in tourist activities have put increased pressure on small island coastal regions in many different ways. This pressure has disrupted ecosystem balances and led to increased vulnerability to natural disasters and climate extremes.

In addition, the review shows that of major concern are habitat loss, biodiversity decline, shoreline alterations, and landscape degradation. Activities like maritime trade, fishing, agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development have exacerbated the problems and pose ongoing threats to both ecosystems and local populations.

Moreover, the looming threat of climate change, with its projections of sea level rise and more frequent extreme storm events, will further compound the vulnerabilities, particularly for islands that have dense coastal populations.

In their review, Quesada-Ruiz and Pena-Alonso emphasize the importance of understanding the complex interactions between human activities and coastal ecosystems with a view to developing effective mitigation strategies to manage the worst effects.

For some areas, marine litter, extractive activities, and the lack of management of protected areas, remain underexplored in the research literature. The team points out that there are also methodological gaps, including limited integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and sparse utilization of data-driven models. This, their review suggests, highlights the need for more comprehensive approaches to coastal environmental research.

More information: Lorenzo Carlos Quesada Ruiz et al, Studies of environmental coastal impacts in small islands: a review, International Journal of Environment and Pollution (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2023.137972

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Geomorphic map of the Nile Valley near Luxor, Egypt. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-024-01451-z

Researchers have explored how the River Nile evolved over the past 11,500 years and how changes in its geography could have helped shape the fortunes of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The research, "Shift away from Nile incision at Luxor ~4,000 years ago impacted ancient Egyptian landscapes" published in Nature Geoscience reveals a major shift in the Nile around four thousand years ago, after which the floodplain in the Nile Valley around Luxor greatly expanded.

The findings raise the possibility that this shift could have contributed to the success of the ancient Egyptian agricultural economy at points between the Old and New Kingdom periods. The New Kingdom was a period of unparalleled prosperity, military conquest, and cultural achievement in Ancient Egyptian history.

Dr. Benjamin Pennington, a co-author on the paper from the University of Southampton said, "The expansion of the floodplain will have greatly enlarged the area of arable land in the Nile Valley near Luxor (ancient Thebes) and improved the fertility of the soil by regularly depositing fertile silts."

"While no specific causal links can be inferred between this shift and any contemporaneous social developments, the changes in the landscape are nonetheless an important factor that need to be considered when discussing the trajectory of Ancient Egyptian culture."

The study also suggests that changes in the Nile's behavior and landscape might have influenced settlement patterns and the location of iconic historical structures, such as Karnak temple.

The research was carried out by an international team led by Dr. Angus Graham of Uppsala University in Sweden and including several archaeologists and geographers from the University of Southampton.

Dominic Barker, another co-author also from the University of Southampton, explained, "We drilled 81 boreholes, many by hand, across the whole Nile Valley near Luxora genuine first for Egypt. Using geological information contained within the cores, and dating the sediments using a technique called Optically Stimulated Luminescence we were able to piece together the evolution of the riverine landscape."

The team found that between around 11,500 and four thousand years ago, the Nile experienced significant valley incision, meaning the river cut down into its bed, creating deep channels and a narrower flood plain. This may have led to more pronounced and forceful flooding.

These flood dynamics would have been in place between the Epipaleolithic period (a time of hunter-gatherer societies) and the Old Kingdom (the "age of the pyramids") and perhaps the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt.

"The Egyptian Nile we see today looks very different from how it would have been throughout much of the last 11,500 years," says Dr. Pennington. "For most of this time, the Nile was made up of a network of interwoven channels that frequently changed their course."

Around 4,000 years ago, the Nile abruptly shifted and there was rapid floodplain aggradation, where the river began depositing large amounts of sediment, building up the valley floor. This created a more expansive and stable floodplain.

The river also progressively changed character during this timefrom a dynamic wandering-braided system to fewer, more stable channels. The single-channel Nile we are familiar with today didn't really establish itself until around two thousand years ago.

The researchers say the major shift in the Nile's behavior was likely caused by a reduction in the volume of water flowing through the river and an increase in fine sediment supply. This was driven by the aridification of the Nile basin, with the "Green Sahara" of the African Humid Period transforming into the present-day hyper-arid Sahara Desert. This shift in regional climate may have further combined with changing human impacts on the land to make the soil more prone to erosion.

The new insights into the evolution of the Egyptian Nile Valley near Luxor provide essential landscape context for archaeologists and Egyptologists to reinterpret ancient sites in the region and re-consider locations of settlements in the Nile Valley.

More information: Jan Peeters et al, Shift away from Nile incision at Luxor ~4,000 years ago impacted ancient Egyptian landscapes, Nature Geoscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-024-01451-z Journal information: Nature Geoscience
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A plastic particle (red) is colonized by the marine fungus Parengyodontium album. Credit: Annika Vaksmaa/NIOZ

A fungus living in the sea can break down the plastic polyethylene, provided it has first been exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Researchers from, among others, NIOZ published their results in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They expect that many more plastic degrading fungi are living in deeper parts of the ocean.

The fungus Parengyodontium album lives together with other marine microbes in thin layers on plastic litter in the ocean. Marine microbiologists from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) discovered that the fungus is capable of breaking down particles of the plastic polyethylene (PE), the most abundant of all plastics that have ended up in the ocean.

The NIOZ researchers cooperated with colleagues from Utrecht University, the Ocean Cleanup Foundation and research institutes in Paris, Copenhagen and St Gallen, Switzerland. The finding allows the fungus to join a very short list of plastic-degrading marine fungi: only four species have been found to date. A larger number of bacteria was already known to be able to degrade plastic.

Following the degradation process accurately

The researchers went to find the plastic degrading microbes in the hotspots of plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. From the plastic litter collected, they isolated the marine fungus by growing it in the laboratory, on special plastics that contain labeled carbon.

Vaksmaa explains, "These so-called 13C isotopes remain traceable in the food chain. It is like a tag that enables us to follow where the carbon goes. We can then trace it in the degradation products.

"What makes this research scientifically outstanding, is that we can quantify the degradation process." In the laboratory, Vaksmaa and her team observed that the breakdown of PE by P. album occurs at a rate of about 0.05% per day.

"Our measurements also showed that the fungus doesn't use much of the carbon coming from the PE when breaking it down. Most of the PE that P. album uses is converted into carbon dioxide, which the fungus excretes again." Although CO 2 is a greenhouse gas, this process is not something that might pose a new problem: the amount released by fungi is the same as the low amount humans release while breathing.

Only under the influence of UV

The presence of sunlight is essential for the fungus to use PE as an energy source, the researchers found. "In the lab, P. album only breaks down PE that has been exposed to UV-light at least for a short period of time. That means that in the ocean, the fungus can only degrade plastic that has been floating near the surface initially," explains Vaksmaa.

"It was already known that UV-light breaks down plastic by itself mechanically, but our results show that it also facilitates the biological plastic breakdown by marine fungi."

Other fungi out there

As a large amount of different plastics sink into deeper layers before it is exposed to sunlight, P. album will not be able to break them all down. Vaksmaa expects that there are other, yet unknown, fungi out there that are degrading plastic as well, in deeper parts of the ocean.

"Marine fungi can break down complex materials made of carbon. There are numerous amounts of marine fungi, so it is likely that in addition to the four species identified so far, other species also contribute to plastic degradation. There are still many questions about the dynamics of how plastic degradation takes place in deeper layers," says Vaksmaa.

Plastic soup

Finding plastic-degrading organisms is urgent. Every year, humans produce more than 400 billion kilograms of plastic, and this is expected to have at least triple by the year 2060.

Much of the plastic waste ends up in the sea: from the poles to the tropics, it floats around in surface waters, reaches greater depths at sea and eventually falls down on the seafloor.

Lead author Vaksmaa of NIOZ says, "Large amounts of plastics end up in subtropical gyres, ring-shaped currents in oceans in which seawater is almost stationary. That means once the plastic has been carried there, it gets trapped there. Some 80 million kilograms of floating plastic have already accumulated in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre in the Pacific Ocean alone, which is only one of the six large gyres worldwide."

More information: A. Vaksmaa et al, Biodegradation of polyethylene by the marine fungus Parengyodontium album, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172819 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment
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Rich gold finds and the hat made from birch bark from Eberdingen-Hochdorf. Credit: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg, P. Frankenstein/H. Zwietasch

The Celtic culture of the pre-Roman Iron Age in Western and Central Europe has left numerous traces to this day, not least in the form of enormous burial mounds and spectacular archaeological artifacts. Despite this rich legacy, much about this civilization remains hidden from us.

In a collaboration between the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments in Baden-Wurttemberg and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany, the genomes of Celtic individuals from several burial mounds have now been reconstructed for the first time.

The work is published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

The burial mounds of Eberdingen-Hochdorf and Asperg-Grafenbuhl, known as Furstengraber, are among the richest burials of German prehistory, with gold finds and elaborate bronze vessels. A new genetic analysis has now revealed that the two princes, buried about 10 kilometers apart, were biologically closely related.

"It has long been suspected that the two princes from the burial mounds in Eberdingen-Hochdorf and Asperg 'Grafenbuhl' were related," says Dirk Krausse of the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, "but only now has this assumption been confirmed by the new analyses."

For the current analyses, teeth and skull bones of the inner ear were sampled at the MPI-EVA using the latest methods, and the remaining DNA was sequenced to reconstruct the genomes of a total of 31 individuals. The two central burials stand out from the rest of the group due to their close relationship.

Visualization of the central grave/main burial of the Hochdorf mound. Credit: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg, FaberCourtial; Thomas Hoppe (scientific reconstruction)

Visualization of the central grave/main burial of the Grafenbuhl mound. Credit: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg, FaberCourtial; Thomas Hoppe (scientific re-construction)

Two princes closely related

After establishing a genetic relationship between the two individuals, the team looked at all possible connections, such as brothers, half-siblings, grandfather and grandson, as well as uncle and nephew.

"Based on the fairly precise death dates, estimates of age at death and the genetic similarity of the two princes, only one scenario comes into question as uncle and nephew, more precisely: the sister of the Hochdorf prince was the mother of the Asperg prince," explains Stephan Schiffels from MPI-EVA.

"This result shows that political power in this society was most likely inherited through biological succession, comparable to a dynasty," says Joscha Gretzinger from MPI-EVA. This is also supported by evidence of relationships between other individuals from the two mounds, as well as from the much more distant Magdalenenberg mound, which was built about 100 years earlier.

Bronze cauldron with lion decorations with a capacity of about 500 liters Hochdorf. Credit: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg, P. Frankenstein/H. Zwietasch

Gold jewelry of the Lady of Ditzingen-Schockingen. Credit: Landesmuseum Wurttemberg, H. Zwietasch

Reconstruction of the Hochdorf burial mound. Credit: Landesamt fur Denkmalpflege im Regierungsprasidium Stuttgart, O. Braasch

Gretzinger adds, "Overall, we seem to be dealing with a broad network among the Celts in Baden-Wurttemberg, in which political power was underpinned by biological kinship."

But how were the Celts related to other inhabitants of Iron Age Europe beyond Baden-Wurttemberg? A detailed analysis of the genetic origins of this group reveals a genetic origin most likely to be found in present-day France, but which was widespread throughout southern Germany at the time.

In addition, several individuals show a genetic origin from Italy, which also fits well with the objects found in the graves, many of which show Mediterranean styles.

The study is therefore an important piece of the puzzle in our understanding of European history in the Middle and Late Iron Age, which, unlike the Roman and other Early Medieval periods, can hardly be researched from written sources.

More information: Dirk Krausse, Evidence for dynastic succession among early Celtic elites in Central Europe, Nature Human Behaviour (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01888-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01888-7 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour
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Terrorist attacks in Kenyaspatial and temporal variation. Credit: Journal of Applied Econometrics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jae.3058

A recent study by Joseph-Simon Gorlach of Bocconi University, Milan, in collaboration with Marco Alfano of Lancaster University, has highlighted the severe consequences of terrorism on education in Kenya. The paper, titled "Terrorism and Education: Evidence from Instrumental Variables Estimators," published in the Journal of Applied Econometrics, uses an innovative approach to analyze the effect of terrorist attacks on school enrollment.

The study is based on a detailed analysis of data from Kenya, a country severely affected by attacks from the terrorist group al-Shabaab. Using novel instruments to predict the location and timing of terrorist attacks, the researchers found that each terrorist attack reduces the number of children enrolling in school at entry age on time by one percentage point. Moreover, the study finds no effect of terrorist attacks on teacher absences, suggesting that parents' fear is the driving force behind the reduction in schooling.

According to Professor Gorlach, "The impact of terrorism on education is devastating and goes far beyond the immediate physical consequences of the attacks. The fear and uncertainty caused by terrorism have a lasting effect on families' decisions to send their children to school."

Terrorism represents a growing threat globally, with the number of attacks rising over the last 20 years. In Kenya, most attacks are attributed to the al-Shabaab group, affiliated with al-Qaeda, which has conducted numerous attacks targeting civilians and security forces. The study highlights how the fear of further attacks deters parents from enrolling their children in school, with long-term negative consequences for the country's education and economic development.

The situation in Kenya is indicative of a broader problem affecting many regions worldwide. Terrorist attacks continue to undermine the foundations of civil society, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities.

Educational and security policies should thus be integrated to address not only immediate threats but also to mitigate the long-term effects of terrorism on education and mental health. Moreover, the international community should intensify efforts to disrupt the funding sources of terrorist groups.

As Gorlach emphasizes, "cutting off these groups' financial resources is essential to reducing their operational capacity and, consequently, protecting future generations from their destructive influences."

More information: Marco Alfano et al, Terrorism and education: Evidence from instrumental variables estimators, Journal of Applied Econometrics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jae.3058
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A coral reef at the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Roughly 2 million species live in the world's oceans. But scientists have only described a mere 10% of them. With extinctions on the rise and biodiversity threatened worldwide, many species are in danger of vanishing before researchers can identify them or fully grasp the benefits they provide.

The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy calls for a stronger, more unified and inclusive approach to ocean conservation. Written by a team led by the Smithsonian and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the strategy was announced by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on June 3.

It represents the first nationwide strategy aimed at changing course to save marine life and all the services it provides to people. The plan seeks to improve scientists' ability to gather and share knowledge and use that knowledge for more effective protection.

"We are confronting biodiversity loss and its implications for human well-being, alongside the challenges posed by climate change and social inequity," said Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian. "But we hold the power to overcome these obstacles with a united, society-wide effort to preserve nature and its benefits."

The prosperity and health of the U.S. is inextricably tied to the ocean and its life. The ocean contributes nearly $400 billion to the U.S. economy every year and provides 2.4 million jobs according to NOAA, including fishing, shipping, tourism and energy.

And the nation's ocean waters are vast: The total ocean territory under U.S. managementknown as the "U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone"covers an area larger than all 50 states combined. Much of this prosperity comes from the ocean's diverse species and habitats.

A female blue crab in eelgrass. Seagrasses, a critical refuge for juvenile blue crabs, are among the many habitat-forming species the National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy seeks to preserve. Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

"Life in the ocean touches everyone," said Gabrielle Canonico, leader of the U.S. Marine Biodiversity Observation Network at NOAA and co-chair of the team that wrote the strategy.

"Every other breath we take comes from the oxygen produced by microscopic ocean plants, and more than a billion people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein. But these and other benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss, with dire consequences especially for frontline communities."

Critical gaps remain in the nation's protection and even knowledge of ocean life. The knowledge scientists do possess about the ocean is often scattered, with many organizations gathering information in different formats that are difficult to share. Many smaller organisms, including those that cause disease, are barely studied at all.

Scientists suspect these neglected species contain secrets vital to keeping coral reefs and fisheries thriving and the ocean's plankton pumping atmospheric carbon into the deep sea. The strategy addresses this challenge with plans to strengthen the nation's ocean observing system and the information pipeline that delivers knowledge to those who need it.

"We are advancing frontier technologies for biodiversity science and understanding," said Sarah Kapnick, NOAA chief scientist. "But it is critical that we come together around the use of evidence-based metrics and indicators for decision-making in ocean spaces, and for monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure that investments in conservation or development deliver the desired outcomes while minimizing negative impacts to ocean life."

Credit: Personnel of NOAA Ship RAINIERA humpback whale strains krill in Alaska.

"Biodiversity is the beating heart of the ocean that supports society, but it's in trouble," said Emmett Duffy, the other co-chair of the strategy's writing team and chief scientist of MarineGEO at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. "This strategy is our best chance yet to turn the tide. We need to implement it to reach a future where people and the rest of nature thrive together by joining forces and leveraging the power of people and technology to understand the living ocean ecosystem."

The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy outlines a three-fold plan to create a more inclusive, evidence-based network of protection in U.S. ocean waters and the Great Lakes:

Coordinate ocean research and conservation across the U.S: As a first step, the strategy would bring together federal agencies with ocean-related missions to engage stakeholders, including states, Tribes and local communities, toward co-designed solutions. A key part of this process is documenting the economic and cultural values of the ocean, to reveal the hidden costs of degrading nature and include them properly in economic decision making across both government and private sectors. Strengthen the information pipeline: The U.S. has a wealth of existing data on ocean life, but much of it is inaccessible to policymakers and managers who are making decisions on the ground. The strategy calls for stronger support of centralized, open-source databases that everyone with a stake in the ocean's health can find and use. This also requires revamping the neglected field of taxonomy to reveal undiscovered species and harnessing new technologies to track biodiversity, such as environmental DNA ("eDNA"), satellites and artificial intelligence. Protect, conserve, restore and sustainably use ocean biodiversity: The strategy's success hinges on partnerships with all key stakeholdersstates, Tribes, local communities, NGOs and the private sector, including commercial and recreational fishers. The strategy calls for listening sessions as a critical starting point for collaborations built on trust. As each group's needs and contributions are understood, managers can use their continually improving biodiversity knowledge to co-create protection measures that work over the long term, with the benefit of community input.

Lead authors Duffy and Canonico both emphasize that this strategy is a first stepa high-level roadmap to a more sustainable ocean. An implementation plan is currently in development to outline specific actions tailored to regions and communities based on feedback collected through engagement with stakeholders.

More information: The full strategy is available on the Office of Science and Technology Policy website.

Provided by Smithsonian
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La Nina can cause wetter conditions in parts of the world and contribute to a more severe Atlantic hurricane season.

El Nino, the natural weather phenomenon that contributed to 2023 being the hottest year on record, has recently subsided, paving the way for its opposing, cooling La Nina phase to begin.

But in the context of a warming planet due to human-caused climate change, scientists say that cooling effect may be miniscule.

Here is how the cycle called El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) works to affect global weather:

El Nino

El Nino can weaken consistent trade winds that blow east to west across the tropical Pacific, influencing weather by affecting the movement of warm water across this vast ocean.

This weakening warms the usually cooler central and eastern sides of the ocean, altering rainfall over the equatorial Pacific and wind patterns that change temperature and rain around the world.

The extra heat at the surface of the Pacific releases energy into the atmosphere that can temporarily drive up global temperatures, which is why El Nino years are often among the warmest on record.

It occurs every two to seven years, and lasts nine to 12 months.

The latest El Nino, which began in June 2023, peaked among the five strongest such events on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

It typically results in drier conditions across southeast Asia, Australia, southern Africa, and northern South America, and conversely much wetter conditions in the Horn of Africa and the southern United States.

While it is unclear what impact climate change may be having on ENSO, it is affecting how these events play out, said Michelle L'Heureux, lead ENSO forecaster for the US NOAA weather agency.

Climate change is making extreme events more frequent and intense, and when colliding with ENSO can cause its associated drier or wetter conditions to "become more amplified", she added.

The elevated global temperatures ENSO causes also served as a "portal" into the future of climate change, L'Heureux said.

"It gives you... a bit of a preview of what a warmer world looks like because it is giving you a temporary boost. So we're now at a new level we haven't seen before," she said.

Neutral period

Although El Nino has been dissipating, the first four months of 2024 have continued to break heat recordsunsurprisingly as the cycle typically drives up temperatures the year after it develops.

ENSO is "not an on-off switch", L'Heureux explained. "It takes a while for the global atmospheric circulation to adjust."

Scientists anticipate that the neutral period between the two cycles will begin between May and July.

Above-normal temperatures are forecast to persist through July across the northern and southern hemispheres, with just equatorial regions anticipated to see near-to-below normal temperatures, according to WMO.

The neutral period is not likely to last long, L'Heureux explained.

Typically, after a strong El Nino as the world has just experienced, La Nina soon follows.

La Nina

La Nina sees the eastern Pacific Ocean cool for a period of about one to three years, generating the opposite effects to El Nino on global weather.

It leads to wetter conditions in parts of Australia, southeast Asia, India, southeast Africa and northern Brazil, while causing drier conditions in parts of South America.

It can also contribute to more severe Atlantic hurricanes, and NOAA has forecast an "extraordinary" storm season ahead this year.

La Nina tends to bring down global temperatures, although L'Heureux warned against hopes of relief in areas like southeast Asia that have recently been battered by scorching heat waves.

"The world is warming and ENSO is acting secondary to that," she said.

"Even this year with La Nina potentially developing, we're still expecting basically a top-five global mean temperature record," she said.

NOAA says there is a 69 percent chance of La Nina beginning sometime between July and September.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Malawi is heading towards a severe food crisis later this year. Drought brought on by the El Nino weather pattern has affected the harvest of maize, the staple food grown by nine out of 10 farming households in the country.

The government declared a state of disaster in March as the country entered its dry season with very low food stocks. Malawi consumes around 3.5 million tons of maize every year, but only 2.9 million tons will be harvested according to government estimatesa shortfall of 600,000 tons.

On 30 April President Lazarus Chakwera said the country needed US$447 million in aid to import food, boost dry season production, and future-proof Malawi against the next drought. The government is unlikely to be able to raise the entire amount.

We, and our collaborators listed below, analyze food systems and agricultural policies in Malawi. We believe that the only way to ensure that Malawians have enough food to eat this year is to import it.

Building a food system that can withstand future droughts is the most important objective, but one that cannot be achieved in time to prevent hunger this year. This leaves the country with two options: importing food, or growing food during the ongoing dry season. In this article, we argue that imports are the only realistic way to ensure that Malawians have enough food to eat before the next main harvest.

The next rains are only expected towards the end of 2024, for a harvest around April 2025. This means that, as in past El Nino affected years, up to 40% of the population are likely to need food assistance.

For a cash-strapped country which imports more than it exports, growing food in the dry winter season is a more attractive proposition than using scarce foreign exchange to buy it. The government believes that if it enables farmers to grow crops this winter, they will be able to produce enough maize to make up for this year's lost harvest. This is a very risky strategy. It relies on three assumptions, none of which are realistic.

It is too late for winter cropping

First, growing crops in winter without irrigation can only happen if the soil has retained enough residual moisture from the rainy season. The Malawi government says that, if it buys US$45.2 million worth of maize seed and chemical fertilizer for smallholder farmers who have access to land in shallow wetlands (dambos) and on riverbanks, these farmers will be able to grow 210,000 tons of maize this winterover one third of the total amount needed.

But this is not possible after a drought. Even in a year where enough rain falls in the wet summer season, maize that relies on residual moisture cultivation must be planted before June. This year the soils are too dry across most of Malawi. Only the less thirsty crops such as sweet potatoes are still being grown with residual moisture. But this is standard practice in Malawi, so there is little room for expanding their cultivation.

Second, the appeal assumes that massive amounts of maize will be grown under irrigation. The government plans to supply US$25.5 million in seeds and fertilizer to middle scale farmers and institutions like the Malawi Defense Force and Greenbelt Authority Mega Farms to grow 218,000 tons of maize (just over one third of the maize needed) using existing irrigation schemes. The government also wants to contract big commercial farms to grow 100,000 tons of maize for purchase by the National Food Reserve Agency at a cost of US$48.5 million.

This would come at a large opportunity cost, because the irrigation equipment that is in working order is already being used to grow other crops (often for export).

Third, the government has said that it will repair almost 5,800 hectares of dilapidated irrigation schemes and newly irrigate 12,800 hectares of land. It will spend US$31.3 million doing this, and says this could produce enough maize to make up about 15% of the shortfall.

This is the type of investment that, if done right, would increase agricultural production capacity for years to come. But repairing irrigation equipment takes months and constructing new irrigation schemes takes years. It will not help prevent hunger this year and cannot be an emergency response.

Food imports are necessary

This leaves only one viable means to ensure that Malawians do not go hungry this year: food imports. We have argued before that food should be imported as soon as it becomes clear that Malawi will not be able to harvest enough crops.

This should be done before food prices start rising (as they typically do after each main harvest) and before the country faces stiff competition on regional markets from Zambia and Zimbabwe, which also have a maize shortage this year.

Donor support is crucial

Unfortunately, the government does not have the resources to import the grain that will be needed, so donors will have to step in if hunger is to be averted. But they might be hesitant to foot the bill because they worry that a short-term humanitarian response could negatively affect long-term investment in food system resilience by competing for limited resources and diminishing the urgency of seeking a lasting solution.

However, this is not the right time for a conversation about how Malawi can better face future disasters or whether aid stymies the reforms needed to improve the country's resilience. Failing to import food would have dire consequences.

In a normal year, hunger costs Malawi over 10% of GDP in lost productivity, poor health, and missed school days. Without humanitarian aid, the losses will be worse this year. Impoverished people whose resilience has already been deeply eroded will pay for survival by depleted assets (having to sell off the few that they have to buy food), deteriorated health, and compromised education, reversing years of economic development. Children in particular are likely to suffer life-long losses in cognitive and physical ability when exposed to hunger.

This should not be allowed. We ought to first face the looming crisis, learn from it, and then make the necessary reforms and long-term investmentsnot the other way around.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Repetitively arranged Tm neurons in the visual system of the fruit fly: The small section is an image prepared using an electron microscope with two of the axons highlighted in color. Credit: Marion Silies

The brain is a particularly complex organ, not only in humans. Even the brain of a fly contains more than 100,000 neurons connected by millions of synapses. For the first time, an international community of researchers has reconstructed and published all neurons with their corresponding synaptic connections in the brain of an adult female fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.

The team of Professor Marion Silies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) made an important contribution to this research by analyzing neurons of the optic lobes, i.e., those parts of the brain that process visual information. To their surprise, the researchers discovered that a specific type of neuron in the eye of the fruit fly is not homogeneously wired.

"This challenges our current understanding of how the eye is organized," said neurobiologist Silies in view of the findings.

The work is published in the journal Nature Communications.

FlyWire Consortium builds the first whole brain connectome for Drosophila

Spearheaded by a team of researchers at Princeton University and with the help of artificial intelligence, the FlyWire Consortium has been able to map the entire connectome of the brain of Drosophila melanogaster. The term 'connectome' is used to designate all neuron and the synaptic connections between them, which play a significant role for neuronal function.

Hundreds of researchers from across the world supplied the corresponding information. The result is a neural wiring diagram of more than 130,000 nerve cells and 50 million synapses produced by first preparing electron microscope images of ultra-thin sections of brain tissue, then combining the images, tracing neurons, and annotating cell type identities.

Mapping all presynaptic inputs to Tm9 in FlyWire. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45971-z

"This data set is unique and will revolutionize the entire field of neurobiology," said Professor Silies. "Thanks to this information, we can now far better analyze how the brain works."

Silies' team at the Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (IDN) at Mainz University is specialized in visual system research and has thus contributed to the successful outcome of the FlyWire project while also uncovering new aspects of how visual information is processed.

At the core of their discovery are certain transmedulla cell types that are located just two synapses behind the photoreceptors in the roughly 800 individual units of the compound eye of the fruit fly. "Visual systems have a homogeneous structure, which was thought to extend also to the level of synaptic wiring," explained Silies. The principle of homogeneous wiring of the eye was thought to apply to Drosophila melanogaster as well as to humans.

After all, it would make sense because the environment should be perceived and processed in the same way in different regions of the eye.

Neurons are not as homogeneously wired as was thought

"We have determined now that certain neurons, for example of the transmedulla cell type Tm9, have heterogeneous connectivity rather than homogeneously wiring," said the team. Previous observations have shown that these cells do not always react identically to a specific stimulus. Silies' team has now proposed a possible explanation for this phenomenon.

An isolated Tm9 cell (left) and with all its presynaptic neurons, reconstructed with aid of FlyWire.ai (right). Credit: Marion Silies

"It appears that the fly's eye processes visual inputs differently at different points in space," the author explained. To verify that their findings in the case of the Tm9 cells were not an unusual feature present in a single female fruit fly, the group produced additional light microscopy images of samples from other fruit flies, providing corroborating evidence.

"The next step is to find out whether there is a specific pattern underlying this variability or whether it is just a random occurrence," said Professor Marion Silies, outlining future research.

For Silies, this work raises the question of why there is this heterogeneity in the fly's visual system. Is it some kind of chance side effect or is the variability necessary for robust visual processing?

Her group will continue to explore this fundamental question with the help of the RobustCircuit Research Unit, which includes other researchers from Mainz University as well as colleagues at Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, and the Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB).

More information: Jacqueline Cornean et al, Heterogeneity of synaptic connectivity in the fly visual system, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45971-z Journal information: Nature Communications
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The Will lab uses a series of lasers and optical elements as part of their cooling experiments. Credit: Columbia University

There's a hot new BEC in town that has nothing to do with bacon, egg, and cheese. You won't find it at your local bodega, but in the coldest place in New York: the lab of Columbia physicist Sebastian Will, whose experimental group specializes in pushing atoms and molecules to temperatures just fractions of a degree above absolute zero.

Writing in Nature, the Will lab, supported by theoretical collaborator Tijs Karman at Radboud University in the Netherlands, has successfully created a unique quantum state of matter called a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) out of molecules. Their BEC, cooled to just five nanoKelvin, or about -459.66F, and stable for a strikingly long two seconds, is made from sodium-cesium molecules. Like water molecules, these molecules are polar, meaning they carry both a positive and a negative charge. The imbalanced distribution of electric charge facilitates the long-range interactions that make for the most interesting physics, noted Will.

Research the Will lab is excited to pursue with their molecular BECs includes exploring a number of different quantum phenomena, including new types of superfluidity, a state of matter that flows without experiencing any friction. They also hope to turn their BECs into simulators that can recreate the enigmatic quantum properties of more complex materials, like solid crystals.

"Molecular Bose-Einstein condensates open up whole new areas of research, from understanding truly fundamental physics to advancing powerful quantum simulations," he said. "This is an exciting achievement, but it's really just the beginning."

It's a dream come true for the Will lab and one that's been decades in the making for the larger ultracold research community.

To go colder, add microwaves

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a long history at Columbia. In the 1930s, physicist Isidor Isaac Rabi, who would go on to the Nobel Prize in Physics, did pioneering work on microwaves that led to the development of airborne radar systems.

"Rabi was one of the first to control the quantum states of molecules and was a pioneer of microwave research," said Will. "Our work follows in that 90-year-long tradition."

While you may be familiar with the role of microwaves in heating up your food, it turns out they can also facilitate cooling. Individual molecules have a tendency to bump into each other and will, as a result, form bigger complexes that disappear from the samples. Microwaves can create small shields around each molecule that prevent them from colliding, an idea proposed by Karman, their collaborator in the Netherlands.

With the molecules shielded against lossy collisions, only the hottest ones can be preferentially removed from the samplethe same physics principle that cools your cup of coffee when you blow along the top of it, explained author Niccolo Bigagli. Those molecules that remain will be cooler, and the overall temperature of the sample will drop.

With the help of microwaves, Columbia physicists have created a Bose-Einstein Condensate, a unique state of matter, from sodium-cesium molecules. Credit: Will Lab, Columbia University/Myles Marshall

The team came close to creating molecular BEC last fall in work published in Nature Physics that introduced the microwave shielding method. But another experimental twist was necessary. When they added a second microwave field, cooling became even more efficient and sodium-cesium finally crossed the BEC thresholda goal the Will lab had harbored since it opened at Columbia in 2018.

"This was fantastic closure for me," said Bigagli, who graduated with his Ph.D. in physics this spring and was a founding lab member. "We went from not having a lab set up yet to these fantastic results."

In addition to reducing collisions, the second microwave field can also manipulate the molecules' orientation. That in turn is a means to control how they interact, which the lab is currently exploring. "By controlling these dipolar interactions, we hope to create new quantum states and phases of matter," said co-author and Columbia postdoc Ian Stevenson.

A new world for quantum physics opens

Ye, a pioneer of ultracold science based in Boulder, considers the results a beautiful piece of science. "The work will have important impacts on a number of scientific fields, including the study of quantum chemistry and exploration of strongly correlated quantum materials," he commented. "Will's experiment features precise control of molecular interactions to steer the system toward a desired outcomea marvelous achievement in quantum control technology."

The Columbia team, meanwhile, is excited to have a theoretical description of interactions between molecules that have been validated experimentally. "We really have a good idea of the interactions in this system, which is also critical for the next steps, like exploring dipolar many-body physics," said Karman. "We've come up with schemes to control interactions, tested these in theory, and implemented them in the experiment. It's been really an amazing experience to see these ideas for microwave 'shielding' being realized in the lab."

There are dozens of theoretical predictions that can now be tested experimentally with the molecular BECs, which co-first author and Ph.D. student Siwei Zhang noted, are quite stable. Most ultracold experiments take place within a secondsome as short as a few millisecondsbut the lab's molecular BECs last upwards of two seconds. "That will really let us investigate open questions in quantum physics," he said.

One idea is to create artificial crystals with the BECs trapped in an optical lattice made from lasers. This would enable powerful quantum simulations that mimic the interactions in natural crystals, noted Will, which is a focus area of condensed matter physics.

Quantum simulators are routinely made with atoms, but atoms have short-range interactionsthey practically have to be on top of one anotherwhich limits how well they can model more complicated materials. "The molecular BEC will introduce more flavor," said Will.

That includes dimensionality, said co-first author and Ph.D. student Weijun Yuan. "We would like to use the BECs in a 2D system. When you go from three dimensions to two, you can always expect new physics to emerge," he said. 2D materials are a major area of research at Columbia; having a model system made of molecular BECs could help Will and his condensed matter colleagues explore quantum phenomena including superconductivity, superfluidity, and more.

"It seems like a whole new world of possibilities is opening up," Will said.
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The global extent of greenhouse cultivation. Credit: Nature Food (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00985-0

We have long become accustomed to enjoying tomatoes, cucumbers, berries and melons year-round. In Europe, most of these imports come from Spain, where millions of tons of fruit and vegetables are grown under seas of white plastic that span the southern part of the country.

Globally, greenhouse cultivation is increasing rapidly, according to a new study from the University of Copenhagen that maps the global extent of greenhouses. But the majority of this boom is happening outside of Europe, it is taking place in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South.

Using a combination of deep learning algorithms and modern sources of satellite imagery, the researchers mapped the amount of land used for greenhouse cultivation worldwide. Their mapping shows that greenhouse cultivationwhether it takes place in glass houses or open fields wrapped in plastic filmscovers at least 1.3 million hectares of the Earth's surface. The new figure is nearly three times more than previous estimates.

China in first place, by far

Greenhouse cultivation is spread over 119 different countries, of which China accounts for an entire 60.4% of the total area. Spain and Italy occupy second and third place with 5.6% and 4.1% of global greenhouse coverage respectively.

Whereas large clusters of greenhouses in the Global North were established in the 1970s and 1980s, they began to spring up in the Global South two decades later. And while there has been some stagnation in the Global North, the trajectory of growth continues in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Indeed, greenhouses in the Global South account for 2.7 times as much area as in the Global North.

"Greenhouse cultivation has become a global phenomenon and there is every indication that it will continue to expand. Until now, however, this phenomenon is rapidly rising under the radar and we have had large gaps in our knowledge of the dynamics that drive this phenomenon," says Xiaoye Tong, a postdoc at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management and first author of the research article published in Nature Food.

According to the researchers, China's dominance in terms of area is probably tied to the country's socio-economic development. Here, the study also found that large clusters of greenhouses are located near metropolitan areas.

"The boom in China seems to be closely linked to its strong economic performance over the past decade and the rise of an urban population with purchasing power that demands tomatoes, cucumbers and other types of fresh fruit and vegetables.

"At the same time, farmers who would otherwise be unable to finance this form of cultivation receive government subsidies and support to build greenhouses and learn cultivation techniques," says Xiaoye Tong.

Huge benefits, as well as consequences

Government support for greenhouse growers doesn't just exist in Chinait is found in arid and semi-arid regions that have traditionally not been cultivated or seen intensive agriculture before. Indeed, half of all areas with greenhouse cultivation are located in regions with major resource limitations, such as water scarcity. As such, the researchers point out that greenhouse cultivation provides opportunities for local food security and the alleviation of poverty in the Global South.

Due to their controlled environments, greenhouses potentially offer a range of major advantages in the form of higher and more stable yields, efficient irrigation systems, the more precise dosing of fertilizers and nutrients, and an improved control of crop quality.

But there is a flip side to the coin as welland we need to better understand it, argues associate professor and co-author Marianne Nylandsted Larsen from the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management.

"We know very little about the environmental and social consequences of greenhouse cultivation in the Global South. But we do know that these can include the overexploitation of water resources, high energy consumption, the contamination of groundwater with pesticides and fertilizers, soil degradation and plastic pollution from greenhouses that make use of plastic film and sheeting. Furthermore, agricultural working conditions have often been criticized," says Larsen.

Consequently, the researchers believe that political regulation of the sector needs to be considered.

"In low- and middle-income countries, which account for 70%80% of the total area, there is a lack of regulation in greenhouse cultivation. This needs to be addressed," says Xiaoye Tong.

At the same time, there is a need for more research into the importance of greenhouse cultivation for countries in the Global South, concludes Larsen. "I hope this mapping serves as a point of departure for studies related to the consequences of greenhouse cultivation. For example, has it alleviated rural poverty? Does greenhouse cultivation affect the demand and quality requirements for fruit and vegetables in both national and international markets?

"And what consequences does this have on the consumption of groundwater resources, fertilizers and chemicals? These types of questions are important to answer if we are to ensure sustainable and socially responsible development within the sector."

More information: Xiaoye Tong et al, Global area boom for greenhouse cultivation revealed by satellite mapping, Nature Food (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00985-0 Journal information: Nature Food
As the United Methodist Church (UMC) recently made decisions at its general conference regarding the ordination of homosexual pastors, among other issues, it has stirred repercussions in Korea. Among Korean-American Methodist pastors, there are divergent reactions.

On the one hand, some pastors within the Korean Methodist Church argue that the church should sever ties with the UMC. Voices advocating for this stance have been growing within the Korean Christian Holiness Movement (KCHM), including the Methodist Holiness Movement Conference (MHMC), the Movement to Rebuild the Methodist Church (MRMC), and the Wesleyan Holiness Movement Headquarters (WHMH).

In a statement issued after the UMC General Conference, they expressed, "Homosexuality cannot be accepted until the Lord returns. This is not an emotional issue but a matter of unchangeable truth. Homosexuality is clearly a sin." They further stated, "This is an issue concerning the sanctity of life that the church must teach correctly, without compromise. Therefore, the Korean Methodist Church cannot continue to associate with the United Methodist Church, which supports homosexuality."

Demanding that the Korean Methodist Church clearly express its opposition to homosexuality through administrative procedures, they warned, "Otherwise, both internally and externally, the Korean Methodist Church will inevitably be treated similarly to the United Methodist Church."

Recently, the MHMC held an Emergency Seminar and Meeting in Response to the UMC Crisis at Incheon Sungui Methodist Church, where Pastor Nak-in Kim (retired from Lord's Church in Southern California) lectured, highlighting the pro-homosexual trends within the UMC.

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On the other hand, pastors from the Korean-American UMC Conference expressed concerns about recent decisions at the UMC General Conference while suggesting considering the different circumstances in the U.S. and Korea. Currently, there are approximately 220 Korean churches within the UMC, with around 800 Korean pastors and about 30,000 Korean congregants.

One Korean-American pastor from the UMC Conference mentioned that most Korean pastors within the UMC either received their ordination from the UMC after studying in Korea or were ordained in Korea before coming to the UMC. He explained, "In other words, pastors trained according to Korean church tradition are serving within the UMC."

He emphasized the need to consider the situation in the U.S., likening it to the passage of anti-discrimination laws in 2015, which made it a legal requirement not to inquire about one's sexual orientation.

He argued that "the recent decision at the UMC General Conference regarding homosexuality is not about promoting or instigating homosexuality but rather removing discriminatory language aimed at prohibiting the ordination of homosexuals."

"While it's true that deleting this clause removes questions about sexual orientation, it doesn't necessarily lead to an increase in homosexual pastors or have a significant impact on Korean churches."

He added that "even in this situation, Korean churches can surely uphold the traditional faith we have maintained and protect the church, as laws have been passed to support this within the UMC."

At the recent General Conference, the UMC allowed individual churches to refuse the appointment of homosexual pastors and to autonomously decide on the hosting of same-sex marriages or related ceremonies.

Expressing his main concern, he said, "What we are most worried about is still the possibility of turmoil and division within Korean-American Methodist churches, which could threaten and divide the church. The exploitation of this UMC General Conference decision for malicious purposes cannot be overlooked."

UMC held its General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 23 to May 3. During this period, decisions related to sexuality were made, including supporting the equal rights, freedoms, and protections of all people regardless of sexual orientation (amendment to social principles), removing the mandatory penalty of unpaid leave for over one year for clergy convicted of performing same-sex marriages or ceremonies, and removing the prohibition on the ordination of homosexual pastors.

This General Conference was overshadowed by many churches within the denomination leaving over the past four years due to perceived pro-homosexual tendencies within the UMC. It is reported that the number of churches that have withdrawn so far amounts to approximately 7,600, about a quarter of UMC churches in the U.S.

Originally published at Christian Daily Korea. Translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Beyond the rainforests, scientists are zeroing in on changes occurring to a natural water cycle that could forever alter the Amazon.

The Amazon has always gone through periods of drought or abnormally heavy rainy seasons caused by the naturally occurring climate patterns of El Nino and La Nina. However, a recent increase in extreme climate events has led an international team of scientists to look more closely at the water cycles that connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains and distant parts of the Amazon. They have determined that human activity could be impacting this natural water cycle through river alteration, deforestation and climate change.

The work is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Elizabeth Anderson, an FIU freshwater scientist who co-led the research, says she and the other scientists are calling for greater emphasis on freshwaters in Amazon conservation to protect this cycle. Their recommendations include better data collection, improved access to data for scientists and conservation managers, stronger collaborations and zero-deforestation policies to stop the cutting down of trees.

For many years, scientists have talked about the importance of the pathway for water between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon lowlands, but until now, the significance of the Atlantic Ocean was not as quickly recognized. In the new study, scientists are trying to raise awareness about the Andes-Amazon-Atlantic (AAA) pathway in hopes of greater consideration of this pathway and freshwater resources in Amazon conservation.

"In this century, there's been a huge increase in the number and extent of protected areas like national parks, reserves and Indigenous territories that are recognized officially in the Amazon, but the focus has really been on forests and terrestrial ecosystems," Anderson said. "It's now time to extend support for conservation to freshwater systems like rivers."

The AAA pathway is a giant, multi-directional water cycle that connects the Andes, Amazon and the Atlantic Ocean. About 90% of the Amazon Basin's total sediment comes from the Andes Mountains, travels down the Amazon and other rivers, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. As global temperatures rise and the Amazon grapples with deforestation, the chances for extreme climate events that could disrupt this cycle increase.

The Amazon region is home to 47 million people. Spanning eight countries and one territory, the Amazon is the Earth's largest remaining rainforest. It sustains one-fifth of the world's freshwater biodiversity and is home to some of the planet's most diverse collections of birds, mammals, amphibians and plants. Its forests help mitigate global climate change. The future of the Amazon and its continued capacity to support the people, animals and plants living there fully depends on the connectivity of the AAA pathway.

Anderson points out an immediate need for integrated environmental management, conservation and governance approaches to sustain the AAA pathway. Within the scientists' recommendations, they suggest monitoring of all components of the AAA system; coordination across political boundaries for improved data collection and management; strengthening collaboration between interdisciplinary researchers, water managers, and local communities facing changes in the AAA pathway; and stopping deforestation, restoring vegetation, and mitigating climate change in the Amazon.

"We hope this study will bring the AAA pathway to become a commonly recognized system, fostering a more holistic understanding of Amazon freshwaters and how they are connected with people and nature in other parts of South America and the world," said Claire Beveridge, FIU courtesy postdoctoral and co-lead of this study.

In addition to Anderson and Beveridge, FIU researchers included Natalia Piland, Clinton Jenkins and Simone Athayde. Scientists from the Universite Grenoble Alpes and the Universite de Toulouse in France, Lancaster University in the U.K., the Pontificia Universidad Catolica in Peru, University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Mississippi State University and Cornell University in the U.S. also contributed to this study.

More information: Claire F. Beveridge et al, The AndesAmazonAtlantic pathway: A foundational hydroclimate system for socialecological system sustainability, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306229121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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The colored regions of this transmission electron microscopy image highlight the grain boundaries in a nanodiamond. Credit: Dionne Group/Stanford University

They say that one can miss the forest for the trees. But it's often worth taking a closer look at the trees to make sense of the dense, brambly whole. That's what a Stanford University group did to tackle a thorny quantum-information problem in diamond.

A star material for hosting quantum information, diamond nevertheless presents a challenge: Signals from the bits of quantum information embedded in diamond are often messy and inconsistent. Scientists have offered explanations for the inconsistency, but they've needed a way to examine diamond's constituent parts to expose the culprit.

The Stanford group, led by Jennifer Dionne, did just that, using a powerful microscope to zoom in on diamond's atomic-level makeup. In a paper published in PNAS, the team demonstrated that the diamond's variegated interior largely explained the erratic signals from quantum bits embedded within.

"There had been no good way to correlate the structure of the qubitthe quantum bitwith the emitted signal, yet researchers would observe considerable heterogeneity in the emission," said Dionne, the deputy director of Q-NEXT and a Stanford professor of materials science and, by courtesy, of radiology. "We addressed the problem, linking atomic scale structure with quantum properties."

Silicon vacancy

The group worked with a type of qubit called a silicon vacancy center. Two carbon atoms are removed from diamond and replaced with a silicon atom. Because one atom takes the place of two, a gap sits on either side of the silicon atoma semifilled hole.

Silicon vacancy centers are promising for quantum sensors, which can achieve many times higher precision than today's best tools, as well as for quantum communication networks, which are, by their quantum nature, virtually eavesdrop-proof.

The Dionne group tested silicon vacancy centers in diamond nanoparticles, tiny pieces of diamond that are a few hundred nanometers across. Typically, several vacancies are scattered throughout the sample like holes in a sponge.

The signal from a vacancy center takes the form of a photona particle of light. In a perfect world, a vacancy-in-diamond acts as a trusty photon factory, reliably producing the same photon type every time one comes off the assembly linesame color, same brightness.

"We want indistinguishable photons," said Daniel Angell, first author of the paper, who conducted the research while a graduate student at Stanford.

But scientists were seeing a variety of photon colors and brightnesses shooting from their diamond sources. That led the Dionne group to dig deeper.

The many facets of diamond

A diamond is a motley thing. Like most crystals, a diamond is composed of regions that abut each other like irregularly shaped Lego bricks. The regionsor domainsare differentiated by their atomic "grains," like the grain of wood. A domain with atoms aligned on the diagonal might adjoin another with a front-to-back orientation.

The team used a scanning transmission electron microscope to examine the domains one by one, measuring the photon emission from eachan ultraprecise task that would be practically impossible with a less powerful tool. They began to notice a pattern.

This image shows a 3D perspective of the nanodiamond examined by the Dionne Group at Stanford University. Credit: Dionne Group/Stanford University

"We kept looking at these diamonds and eventually could start to see these really cool, very distinct regions of photon emissionthe photon profile would differ from one region to the next," Angell said.

The conclusion was crystal clear: Domains make a difference.

The grain of each domain shapes the vacancy inside it, stretching or squeezing it. While a vacancy in one domain might be squeezed one way, and the vacancy next door might be strained differently.

The group found that the way the vacancy is strained affects the emitted photon's properties, as does its location within the grain structure.

Scientists had been measuring fuzzy or inconsistent signals from diamond because they'd treated the sample as a single source, a single photon emitter. But a diamond sample comprises multiple tightly packed domains, each housing its own photon emitter. Researchers had been measuring the signal from the forest, not the trees.

"The vacancy's position within the crystal matters," Dionne said. "The diamond's different crystal facets and the particular orientation of the crystal can have a significant impact on both the brightness and the color of the emission."

Even vacancies that are a scant distance apart can generate markedly different photon emissions.

"We saw a perfectly discrete jump in the emission signal when two vacancies were within only 5 nanometers of each other," Angell said. "To see this almost perfect line of separation between emissions at the nanoscalea clear shift in emissionis something that I'd never seen before. It's really compelling data to look at."

Crystal clarity

Angell correlated the different types of grain-strain to their respective photon profiles, providing researchers with a high-resolution, strain-and-emission map to better understand their own findings.

While grain variety isn't the only factor contributing to the fuzzy photon signals, the Dionne group showed that it plays a significant part.

"We point out how it's important to know exactly the underlying grain structure of crystal particles that are being studied. If you're collecting the emission from the whole particle and you have blurry emission, it's probably because there is some kind of grain boundary in there. You're collecting different vacancies with different signatures, and you don't know it," Angell said.

Their work has a broader reach, too, applying to other members of the vacancy-center family of qubits.

"The door has been opened for a vast number of studies that enable precise structure-function correlation in quantum systems, and ultimately improved quantum communications, quantum networking and quantum sensing," Dionne said.

More information: Daniel K. Angell et al, Unraveling sources of emission heterogeneity in Silicon Vacancy color centers with cryo-cathodoluminescence microscopy, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308247121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Fragments of leaves embedded in opal layer compared to recent oak leaves. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6611

A multi-institutional team of plant specialists, microbiologists and paleontologists in the Czech Republic and the University of Minnesota, in the U.S., has found evidence of a hot spring oasis during the last ice age in a part of central Europe.

In their study, reported in the journal Science Advances, the group found and analyzed bits of leaves, wood and pollen in the area around a modern freshwater spring.

Environmental scientists have long suggested that temporary hot springs in parts of Europe may have helped trees and other types of plants survive during the last ice age, but there has been little evidence to prove the case.

In this new effort, the research team ventured to freshwater springs in the Vienna Basin looking for evidence of ancient plant life. They suspected an oasis could have existed in the area during the last ice age, as the weight of glaciers sliding down the nearby Alps set off tectonic activity, releasing geothermally heated water from deep within the Earth's crust.

The release of warm water, the researchers reasoned, would have formed an oasis, keeping the ground around the hot springs warm enough for trees and other plants to survive even though they would have been surrounded by ice.

During their search, the research team found bits of wood, pollen and fossilized bits of leaves from trees that should not have been able to survive in the area during the last iceyet, they were dated to between 19,000 and 26,000 years ago, a span of time that correlated to the last ice age.

Temperate trees in a hot spring oasis within the periglacial desert Credit: Illustration by Jiri Svoboda

The researchers also found evidence of an ancient hot springtree remains were found buried in mineral geyserite, a type of soil often found around geysers and hot springs. The minerals derive from rocks dissolved in the heated water.

The team also found evidence of oxygen isotopes that only form in the presence of hot or warm water. The type found suggested the water had been between 15C and 35C.

The findings strongly support the presence of an oasis during the last ice ageone that helped some types of trees survive despite the cold.

More information: Jan Hosek et al, Hot spring oases in the periglacial desert as the Last Glacial Maximum refugia for temperate trees in Central Europe, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6611 Journal information: Science Advances

 2024 Science X Network
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ZS-DeconvNet framework and exemplary processing effects. Credit: Li Dong's group

Based on the noise model of microscopic images and the zero-sample learning theory, researchers led by Prof. Li Dong from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Prof. Dai Qionghai's team from Tsinghua University, have proposed the zero-shot deconvolution networks (ZS-DeconvNet) and developed the corresponding one-click microscopic image processing software.

The study was published in Nature Communications.

ZS-DeconvNet can use only a single image with a low-resolution/noise ratio for training in an unsupervised manner, stably increasing the resolution of microscopic images to more than 1.5 times the diffraction limit at a fluorescence intensity working 10 times lower than traditional super-resolution imaging conditions.

The researchers designed a physics-inspired self-supervised loss function based on the photon noise model, the optical microscope imaging model, and the spatial continuity of the image. This function can learn denoising and super-resolution capabilities simultaneously without the need for additional training sets. And the researchers theoretically prove the convergence of the proposed loss function.

ZS-DeconvNet can handle various imaging modes, including total internal reflection microscopy, three-dimensional wide-field microscopy, lattice light-sheet microscopy, and confocal microscopy.

In particular, based on the theoretical discovery of the zero-noise expectation properties in structured illumination microscopy (SIM) image reconstruction, the researchers extended the proposed ZS-DeconvNet solution to SIM images, achieving the first unsupervised training of a noise-robust deep learning super-resolution model for SIM images.

ZS-DeconvNet can adapt to different biological imaging environments, even when biological processes are too dynamic and light-sensitive to obtain high-quality microscopic images.

Compared to traditional iterative optimization-based deconvolution methods, ZS-DeconvNet has shown significant improvements in qualitative and quantitative evaluations under all signal-to-noise ratio conditions, with data throughput increased by more than 100 times.

The researchers collaborated to develop a one-click universal Fiji plugin for microscopic image processing with integrated training and prediction functions, as well as a corresponding tutorial homepage, making it easy to use by life science researchers, even those not specialized in AI.

Finally, the researchers conducted extensive in vivo biological experiments to demonstrate the universality of ZS-DeconvNet. They found that ZS-DeconvNet can show excellent performance in various imaging modalities in biological experiments, thereby contributing to life science research.

More information: Chang Qiao et al, Zero-shot learning enables instant denoising and super-resolution in optical fluorescence microscopy, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48575-9 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The former Sumas Lake located in the Lower Fraser River, British Columbia. The flooding of Sumas Lake would change which properties are currently protected by dikes. Our analysis is divided into five regions whose properties would become vulnerable to flooding without further alterations to the diking infrastructure. Credit: Frontiers in Conservation Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2024.1380083

A new proposal has emerged in response to the November 2021 floods that swept Sumas Prairie in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, causing mass evacuations and millions in damages.

Instead of rebuilding the dykes to manage water flows and prevent future floods, scientists at UBC, along with members of the Sumas First Nation and other research partners, suggest an alternative: let Sumas Lake, which was drained in the early 1920s and converted into the farmland known as Sumas Prairie, return to its natural state.

This can be done by buying out properties on the lakebeda solution that is projected to cost around $1 billion, less than half of the estimated $2.4 billion cost of repairing the dykes and installing a new pump station.

"Dyke rehabilitation programs tend to assume that future waterflows will be predictable, however climate projections show that flooding events are likely to increase in the futureand the water needs somewhere to go," says study author Riley Finn, a researcher at the Martin Conservation Decisions Lab at UBC in a paper published today in Frontiers of Conservation Science.

"By restoring Sumas LakeSema:th Xhotsawe can help the region adapt to future floods, facilitating climate resiliency in the long term. It is the most ecologically responsible solution for flood management in the region."

Ecological reconciliation

The authors note that restoring the lake will also promote healthy food systems and ecological reconciliation, addressing the ongoing harms caused by the loss of the lake to the Sema:th people.

Before its conversion to agricultural land, Sumas Lake supported thriving populations of salmon, sturgeon, ducks, and food and medicinal plants, many of which are now endangered.

Chief Dalton Silver, Sumas First Nation said, "For the Sema:th people, the lake represented life and livelihood. In 1924, the lake was drained in an instance of land theft, decimating an ecology that supported a rich and diverse Indigenous food system and replacing it with a settler food system.

"My grandpa used to say that in the Coast Salish Territory, Sema:th was the central location where the people used to gather. The people gathered in the summertime as we had Sema:th Lake that once offered every species of fish right there at the front of our village and in the wintertime, people gathered there from all parts of the Coast Salish Territory for the winter ceremonies."

Managed retreat

The study integrates Indigenous laws and oral tradition and the concept of "managed retreat"the purposeful relocation of people and infrastructure to safer areas.

"In a time when climate-change induced flooding is predicted to increase, our study shows that incorporating Indigenous laws and knowledge is essential for developing more sustainable and just solutions," said Dr. Tara Martin, the study's senior author and a professor of forest and conservation sciences at UBC. "We need to explore innovative solutions, not just build more dykes."

Humans seem to want to build bigger and better infrastructure but it is always at the detriment of our ecosystem and environment, added co-author Murray Ned, a member of the Sumas First Nation and executive director of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance.

"Mother Nature signaled to us in 1990 and 2021 that the spirit of the Sema:th Xhotsa is alive and well, and ready to return with or without our cooperation. This research demonstrates that there are more economical and logical options that would allow us to reconcile some of the past harms of draining the lake a hundred years ago, and still maintain agricultural opportunities and the farming community in the region," said Ned.

More information: Riley J. R. Finn et al, Reclaiming the Xhotsa: climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration via the return of Sumas Lake, Frontiers in Conservation Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2024.1380083
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Artist's impression of NASA-led Artemis Base Camp on the lunar south pole. Credit: NASA

In a new study, a team of researchers led by Dimitra Atri of the NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Center for Astrophysics and Space Science call for strengthening existing planetary protection policies beyond the space surrounding Earth to include requirements for preserving the Lunar and Martian environments. In addition to biological contamination, they argue that guidelines should be expanded to address more than orbital debris, crowding, and security issues.

They also recommend adding compliance incentives to all existing and improved sustainability policies. Team members include Paulina Umansky from the University of California, Berkeley and K. R. Sreenivasan from New York University, New York.

In the paper titled "Sustainability as a core principle of space and planetary exploration" published in the journal Space Policy, the researchers present a new review of existing planetary protection laws and literature on planetary protection policy and identify key shortcomings of rules guiding human space exploration. Specifically, they cite several questions that existing laws leave unaddressedincluding issues of atmospheric and abiotic contaminationwhich constitute important gaps in planetary policy that must be confronted, collaboratively.

Additionally, the researchers present arguments for the necessity of sustainability on planetary objects such as the moon and Mars and offer examples of terrestrial benefits that could be derived from sustainable exploration practices in space. Specifically, they cite the potential development of new technologies thatwhile designed for sustainable uses beyond Earthcould advance terrestrial technology.

Artist's impression of NASA-led Artemis Base Camp on the lunar south pole. Credit: NASA

"Sustainability must become a core principle of human space exploration," said Atri. "Just as we view climate change as the great challenge facing our terrestrial human society, the space community should begin to address space sustainability with the same urgency. The rules and procedures implemented now will govern the next generation of space explorationrules that create a basis for clean and safe space exploration that will not only be productive and enforceable for years to come but are also stronger and more specific in their requirements and enforceability."

More information: Dimitra Atri et al, Sustainability as a core principle of space and planetary exploration, Space Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.spacepol.2024.101636
MAYS LANDING  Natalie Prost beamed at the opportunity to see herself on the big screen for the first time.

I feel like its amazing to be on the big screen, Prost, 29, of Northfield, said. Its just different.

Prost joined approximately 15 Weist-Barron-Ryan Acting Studios Rising Stars program students in watching Ezra at Regal Hamilton Commons on Sunday.

I am so excited that all my friends are in the movie with me, Prost said. Im just so excited.

The rising stars program is geared toward neurodiverse student actors whose brains work differently than that of a neurotypical person. The program has been offered by the studio since 2013.

Stefanie Ryan-Manhim, president of the Galloway Township studio, put together Sundays gathering for students and their families to see the film together on its opening weekend in theaters.

Everybody is so close and so tight, Ryan-Manhim said. "We have one of our students Colt (Seaman) who actually works here. He is not part of the neurodivergent community, but he's one of the employees here at the movie theater. He really advocated and helped us put everything together for me to get in touch with the right people, get the releases and approvals, and everything else. Then we all just showed up in force."

"Ezra" is about separated parents struggling to decide the best way to raise their 9-year-old neurodiverse son. Five neurodiverse students at Sundays showing, including Prost, appear in the film. Their reactions were all similar to Prosts: amazed and excited.

I love being on the big screen, Johnnie Bieniakowski, 30, of Egg Harbor Township, said. Its real nice, and I get to see a lot of people.

Ashton Fohner, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, said being on the movie screen for the first time feels good.

Im very excited because Ive never done anything this big before, said Emma Edelmann, 23, of Somers Point, adding that working on set with actors, actresses and friends was "very cool."

Sara Davis, 25, of Ocean City, said Ezra was fun because its part of my life.

The actors had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, as Bieniakowski and Edelmann said, being on set with Academy Award-winner Robert De Niro, Emmy-winner Bobby Cannavale, and Emmy-nominated Rose Byrne.

Bieniakowski mentioned Tony Goldwyn, who also directed the film, and Whoopi Goldberg, a New Jersey resident, as stars he was excited to see in the same film as him.

"They get up in front of the camera in the workshops every week with the hopes that this is something that's going to come to fruition for them, and to just be able to give this community and these individuals opportunities that are virtually unheard of," Ryan-Manhim said. "To get on a set with Robert De Niro and Whoopi Goldberg, and then also to be understood and heard (by them)."

Bringing the neurodiverse student actors and their families together to watch them appear on the screen was a heartwarming experience. Everyone who attended Sundays showing paid close attention to spot those who were in the film. One scene saw Prost as a school child. She described the child role she played as someone who was a similar age as her.

"Getting to see them up on the big screen is pretty much why we do what we do," Quinn Showell, vice president of Weist-Barron-Ryan, said. "It's an amazing experience. It's cool because not only did we get to cast them in this film, but we got to work with some of them for years prior. They put in a lot of hard work and just to see that hard work pay off for them, it's a really warm feeling. I think that's why we're all in this business at the end of the day."

Showell said that as a South Jersey based acting workshop, the narrative is that films aren't being made in or around the area and working with big name actors and actresses isn't a reality. "Ezra" disproves that narrative.

"We have students from our neurodivergent students to our high schoolers, and they're like the most popular kids in school now," Showell said. "They get to go talk to everybody about it. It's just an amazing feeling to see them digress within their own careers like that."
A Christian math teacher banned by the U.K. Education Secretary for refusing to use the preferred pronoun of a schoolgirl identifying as a boy has begun his appeal at the High Court in London.

Joshua Sutcliffe, 32, is pursuing a Judicial Review of the indefinite ban, following his suspension and sacking from Cherwell School in Oxford for refusing to use the preferred pronoun. Lawyers from the Christian Legal Centre filed his appeal on May 1.

The controversy dates back to 2017, when Sutcliffe said, Well done, girls, to students, which included a girl identifying as a boy.

Sutcliffe took legal action against the school, which was settled out of court. The Professional Conduct Panel Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA), however, banned him from teaching for a minimum of two years in May 2023 for bringing the profession into disrepute.

In a press release, Christian Concern cited undisclosed sinister documents apparently revealing that Sutcliffe had originally been referred to the TRA from an unnamed school. He had previously worked at this school and asked for a job reference, which was refused.

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The school alerted the TRA under the auspices of the U.K. Prevent Strategy, which alerts authorities about people allegedly involved in terrorism, apparently because Sutcliffe criticized Islam and cited Biblical texts about homosexuality on a YouTube channel.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan subsequently endorsed the TRAs recommendation to ban Sutcliffe, saying it was necessary to impose a prohibition order in order to maintain public confidence in the profession.

Keegans view contradicts her governing Conservative Partys draft transgender guidance for schools published in December, according to advocacy group Christian Concern.

The official U.K. Government guidance (Section 6:3), not yet in effect, states, No teacher or pupil should be compelled to use these preferred pronounsand it should not prevent teachers from referring to children collectively as girls or boys, even in the presence of a child that has been allowed to change their pronouns.

Christian Concern declared the ban against Sutcliffe as therefore illegal.

Furthermore, the teaching ban was made after the [TRA] Panel found that Mr. Sutcliffe did not maliciously intend to cause distress to pupils, and that he had demonstrated exceptionally high standards in his personal life.

Attorneys for Sutcliffe will argue at the High Court that decisions made by Keegan and the TRA are perverse and without any legal authority. In particular, compelling Sutcliffe to use the pupils preferred pronouns conflicted with the European Convention of Human Rights and common U.K. laws.

They will also challenge other TRA decisions at the High Court. These include Sutcliffe being found guilty of professional misconduct for showing a PragerU American Conservative video about masculinity in class time without a debate.

Christian Concern stated by comparison that the TRA refused to take action last year against a LGBTQI+ promoting teacher at a South London school. The rights watchdog alleged this unnamed teacher told pupils they would be dealt with severely for rejecting LGTBQI+ beliefs. The teacher gave no choice to pupils but to learn the subject.

Sutcliffe, a father of one child, said the fight for his legal rights as a practicing Christian had turned his life upside down.

I have been a marked man ever since I dared to express my Christian beliefs in a school and tell the media about how I was punished for doing so, he said. I feel vindicated by the draft government guidance and the Cass Review [an independent review into gender identity services], and it is time for my ban to be overturned.

Sutcliffe said teachers had no training or guidance on transgender issues in 2017, when he was a young teacher building his career. At the time, he said schools sought guidance from controversial gay rights charity Stonewall, rather than the U.K. government or experts.

If the ruling is upheld, then every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom, Sutcliffe added. I believe affirming children in a transgender identity in the classroom is psychologically damaging for them.

He said he refused to go against his Christian faith and conscience and cause a child harm.

I refuse to apologize for that. I do not believe it is in any childs best interests to affirm them in something that is untrue, Sutcliffe said. The TRA wanted me to capitulate and say that I was wrong. I have been severely punished for refusing to do so. I believe it is time for the courts to do the right thing and ensure that no other teacher experiences what I have.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said the TRA ruling had a chilling effect.

Teachers are intimidated into silence for fear of losing their jobs if they say something with which the regulator disagrees, she said. The teaching profession is no longer an easy place to navigate for Christian teachers. Expressing long held Christian beliefs on marriage and gender can get you suspended, investigated and barred.

Sutcliffe was targeted for refusing to use preferred pronouns and expressing his Christian belief on marriage in response to questions from pupils, Williams said.

From that moment, everything he did in and out of the classroom came under intense scrutiny, she said, adding that Sutcliffe had faced viewpoint discrimination from schools since the start of the issue. For loving Jesus and expressing his beliefs in response to questions, Joshua has been punished severely by the TRA and the Secretary of State. If the draft government guidance had been in place six years ago, none of what Joshua has been through would have happened. Its now time for justice for Joshua. The ban must be overturned.
Polls open Tuesday in Iowa's June primary to determine which candidates will be on the Nov. 5 ballot for Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians in federal, legislative and local races.

Iowa has a closed primary election, which means voters must be registered with the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian Party to participate. Voters can change their party affiliation anytime before Election Day or at their polling place on Election Day.

As of Thursday evening, nearly 21,000 Iowans had returned an absentee ballot of the more than 24,000 issued, according to the Iowa Secretary of States Office. Thats far below the more than 73,000 Iowans who voted absentee in the June 2022 primary.

More than 357,000 Iowans, or about 16% of all registered voters, participated in the June 7, 2022, primary  the second-highest turnout in since 1994. The highest primary turnout in Iowa, by a wide margin, was in 2020, when more than 529,000 ballots were cast.

As of May 1, Iowa had about 2.2 million registered voters. Of those, about 30% were Democrats, 35% were Republicans, and 35% were no-party voters.

In the 2022 primary, turnout in Iowa was about 7% of registered Democrats and about 9% of registered Republicans. About 25% of the Democrats and 16% of the Republicans cast absentee ballots before the primary election.

How to I register to vote in the June primary?

The deadline to register to vote ahead of the June 4 primary was May 20. You can check whether youre registered to vote at the Iowa Secretary of States website.

If you missed the deadline, you still can register to vote on Election Day. You must bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence  like a utility bill  if your photo ID does not contain your current address.

How do I return my absentee ballot?

You can return an absentee ballot by mail, at a ballot drop box, or by dropping it off at your county auditors office.

Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county auditors office by the time polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Absentee ballots cannot be returned to a polling place on Election Day. If voters have not returned their absentee ballot, they have three options:

Deliver their absentee ballot to the county auditor's office before the polls close on Election Day.

Surrender their absentee ballot at the polls and vote a regular ballot.

Vote a provisional ballot at the polls if they are unable to surrender their absentee ballot.

You can keep track of your absentee ballot using a tool on the Iowa Secretary of States website.

Can I vote early in person?

You can vote early in person without mailing an absentee ballot request form. Early in-person voting is open through Monday.

The early voting hours vary by county, but many county auditors offer early voting at their office. Some counties offer satellite early voting locations.

Scott County voters can vote early Monday at the county auditor's office, closing at 4:30 p.m.

You will need the same information to vote early as you do for an absentee ballot, including your residential address and drivers license or voter ID number.

How do I vote on Election Day?

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can find your polling place at the Iowa Secretary of States website or from your local auditor.

Iowa requires voters to show a valid, current photo ID with an expiration date to vote on Election Day. If you do not have a valid ID, you can have another registered voter attest to your identity, or provide proof of identity and residence using Election Day registration documents.

The following are acceptable IDs to present at a polling location for those who lack an Iowa drivers license:

Iowa non-operator ID

Out-of-state drivers license or non-operator ID

U.S. passport

U.S. military or veteran ID

ID card issued by employer

Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college

Tribal ID card/document

Who is on the ballot in the primary election?

Three of Iowas four congressional districts have primary elections this year:

Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowas 1st District is challenged by Quad-Cities prayer breakfast organizer David Pautsch.

Incumbent GOP U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who represents the 4th District, is facing a primary challenge from Republican Kevin Virgil.

Democrats Lanon Baccam and Melissa Vine are facing off to challenge Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn in Iowas 3rd District.

There are other primary races for seats in the Iowa Legislature and for local county offices.

In Iowa state primaries, a candidate must receive at least 35% of the vote to win their partys nomination. If not, the nominees are chosen at party conventions. This applies only to races with three or more candidates, which on Tuesday includes the Republican primary in state Senate District 38 and the Democratic primaries in state House Districts 34 and 53.

In Eastern Iowa races include:

Democratic incumbent Rep. Elinor Levin, of Iowa City, faces primary challenger Ty Bopp, an assistant store manager at Hy-Vee in Iowa City, in her bid for a second term to Iowa House District 89. Levin, a writing tutor, was elected in 2022. The district covers part of Iowa City and University Heights.

Williamsburg Mayor Adam Grier and Judd Lawler of Oxford face off in a GOP primary for Iowa House District 91, which covers Iowa County and western and northern Johnson County. The winner will go on to face Democrat Jay Gorsh of Williamsburg for the open seat in November. Republican incumbent Rep. Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg, is not seeking re-election.

John Anderson of Tama, Tommy Hexter of Grinnell and Jennifer Wrage of rural Gladbrook are competing in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination to run in House District 53 against longtime incumbent Dean Fisher, a Republican from Montour, in the November general election.

Three Republicans are running to challenge incumbent Democrat Eric Giddens of Cedar Falls in Senate District 38. The district covers parts of Black Hawk, Tama and Benton counties. Running in the three-way GOP primary at David Sire, a former Cedar Falls City Council member; James McCullagh, an engineer and entrepreneur; and Steve Schmitt, a former Waterloo City Council member.

The Quad-Cities area does not have any contested statehouse primaries, but Scott County does have contest Republican primaries for auditor, sheriff and supervisors, and a contested Democratic primary for sheriff.

You can find sample ballots for your local races at your county auditors website.

There are no statewide primary elections this year. The governor and other statewide executives arent on the ballot until 2026, and neither of Iowas Republican U.S. senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, is up for re-election.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Correction: This story has been updated to note that the Libertarian Party also has a primary election on Tuesday.

How Pennsylvania secures mail ballots, prevents fraud, and makes sure votes count How Pennsylvania secures mail ballots, prevents fraud, and makes sure votes count How Pennsylvania secures mail ballots, prevents fraud, and makes sure votes count
An elderly Christian man attacked by a Muslim mob in Pakistan over a false blasphemy accusation succumbed to his injuries at 12:30 a.m. Monday (June 3), his son said.

Sultan Gill, son of 74-year-old Nazeer Masih Gill, said his father passed away after the government had moved him to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi on the day of the attack, May 25, for security reasons.

Doctors there conducted two surgeries to save his life, but despite the removal of bone fragments from his brain, his condition remained precarious, and he couldnt survive, Sultan Gill told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

An agitated mob of Muslims in Sargodha incited by a mosque announcement, including women and children, assaulted Nazeer Gill after an area Muslim accused him of burning pages of the Quran in the street. The mob pelted Nazeer with bricks and stones, beat him with sticks and kicked him as he lay bleeding on the ground, sources said.

Despite police efforts to intervene, the mob persisted, resulting in multiple skull fractures and critical blood clots in his brain. The mob also damaged the ambulance transporting Nazeer Gill to a hospital, further complicating rescue efforts.

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A grieving Sultan Gill said his father had worked for more than 30 years in the United Arab Emirates and returned to Pakistan to start a shoe manufacturing business with his savings 25 years ago.

Sultan Gill said 11 members of his family, including his father, mother, wife, three children and five children of his elder brother, were present in their house in Mujahid Colony during the attack.

It was around 6 a.m. when we heard shouts outside our main gate, he told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. When I went outside to enquire, I saw a group of 20-30 Muslims there who alleged that my father had burned pages of the Quran. I tried to placate them and also sought forgiveness on my fathers behalf if he had indeed mistakenly did something wrong, but they refused to listen.

Police soon arrived and told the mob that they were taking his father into custody for investigation, he said.

Meanwhile, the number of the mob had grown into hundreds, and as soon as the police brought my family outside, some people snatched my father from the policemen and started torturing him, Sultan Gill said. I tried to rescue him, but the police told me that the lives of the entire family were at serious risk, and it was important to move us to safety. They assured me that they would save my father from the mob after which I agreed to leave, but they failed to rescue him in time.

Sultan Gill said police and security officials moved his family to a government guesthouse while he was allowed to go with his father to the CMH in Rawalpindi.

Doctors at the CMH carried out two head surgeries on my father, but his condition did not stabilize, and after fighting for his life for nine days, he passed away, he said.

His family was still living in the government safehouse for security reasons, Sultan Gill said.

Weve been told that we cannot return to our house for some days, as it is not safe yet, he said. However, the entire episode has been so traumatizing for all of us that I dont think we will ever be able to resume our normal lives there.

His three children and the family of his older brother were in deep shock and fear, he said.

All our valuables and belongings were looted by the mob, said the 50-year-old member of the Presbyterian church. They also burned some rooms of our house and damaged the infrastructure.

He doubts his family will be able to resume their business in Mujahid Colony despite assurances given by police and administration officials, he said. Sultan Gill was managing the business along with his father.

Our business was flourishing, making some local Muslims jealous of our success, he said. There have been multiple attempts to involve us in fake cases, which we faced bravely, but this time they misused religion to persecute us.

Tragic Death Grieved

The incident sparked nationwide and international condemnation and protests against persecution of Christians and other minorities accused of blasphemy.

Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall posted a message of grief on X, which read in part:

Today every single Pakistani should be weighed by grief, not only for the atrocities in a foreign land but right here, Marshall wrote. Yet again, hate has brought us to the place where we must ask questions. The question is not Where will this stop? because beyond the devastation of homes and lives, beyond the brutal killing of a hard-working man, beyond the devastation of a community and the grief of a family, we have already come too far!

Catherine Sapna, executive director of legal advocacy group Christians True Spirit, said that she could feel the fear and trauma in the Gill family when she met them on Monday (June 3).

The family had been brought there for some time to attend the funeral of their elder, Sapna said. During my conversation with Gills grandchildren, I could sense that the gory and violent incident had left a deep impact on them. I also met the victims widow; she is in her 70s, but the grief is such that she wasnt able to speak anything. Seeing their condition, I dont think it is safe for them to continue living there.

Sapna demanded the government ensure justice for the grieving family by punishing the perpetrators of the attack.

This is not the first time someone has been lynched in Pakistan on accusations of blasphemy, she told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Its high time the government realizes the need for a strong deterrent against the misuse of the blasphemy laws.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.
The Virginia State Police is investigating after a Midlothian man was killed Wednesday in a crash on Interstate 64 in James City County.

Police said troopers responded to the area of exit 247 on I-64 East at around 2:03 p.m. Wednesday for the reports of a crash. At the scene, troopers determined that a Virginia Department of Transportation truck was stopped in the exits deceleration lane to assist a disabled vehicle when a 1996 Toyota Camry driven by Louis M. Manning, 79, of Midlothian, merged from the travel lane into the deceleration lane.

The driver of the VDOT truck attempted to avoid the collision, but the truck was struck by the Camry and overturned, police said.

Manning was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a seat belt, police said.

The driver of the VDOT truck sustained minor injuries, according to police. He was wearing a seat belt.

The crash remains under investigation.

16 photos from The Times-Dispatch archives
A company that bred beagles for medical research has agreed to pay a record $35 million as part of a criminal plea, admitting it neglected thousands of dogs at its breeding facility in rural Virginia. Prosecutors said Monday that the penalties amount to the largest ever levied in an animal welfare case.

The plea deal also bars Envigo RMS and its West Lafayette, Indiana-based parent company, Inotiv, from breeding or selling dogs in the future.

Inotiv issued what it called a statement of contrition after Mondays plea hearing in federal court in Charlottesville.

The investigation of Envigo drew national attention in May 2022 when federal authorities conducted a search of the breeding facility in Cumberland County and found nearly 450 animals in acute distress.

The company later agreed to relinquish all 4,000 beagles at the facility, which were sent around the country for adoption.

After the hearing in Charlottesville on Monday, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, whose office prosecuted the case, said Envigo and Inotiv prioritized profits and convenience over following the law.

He said the company generated $16 million in revenue between 2019 and May 2022, when the search occurred, through the sale of 15,000 beagles over that time.

But he said the company refused to make the investments necessary to provide for the animals basic care. Cages were cleaned twice a month rather than every day as required. Animals were euthanized, including by direct injections to their heart, without sedation, he said. Dogs were routinely injured by getting their legs caught in flooring composed of metal grates that left space for their paws to easily fall through. Food and water were lacking and unclean.

Court records show that 300 puppies died over a seven-month stretch around 2021 for what was described as unknown causes.

He said the company continued to employ a veterinarian who had botched surgeries and oversaw numerous violations because executives believed it would be too difficult to find a replacement.

Todd Kim, assistant attorney general for the environment and natural resources division of the Justice Department, said Envigo unlawfully enriched itself by failing to spend the necessary money for upgrades and by failing to hire enough trained and competent staff.

In May 2022, a federal judge, finding extraordinary relief is warranted, issued a restraining order against Envigos facility in an effort to halt its torturous mistreatment of beagle dogs and puppies.

U.S. District Judge Norman Moon ordered Envigo to immediately cease breeding, selling, or otherwise dealing in beagles at the Cumberland Facility, until in full compliance with his order, which required a long list of corrective actions, including that Envigo provide its dogs quality food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

The facility, which employed nearly 40 people, has been shuttered. Kavanaugh said it was woefully understaffed to care for thousands of dogs.

The plea deal calls for an $11 million fine for violating the Animal Welfare Act and an $11 million fine for violating the Clean Water Act. The deal also requires Inotiv to spend $7 million over the next three years to improve its facilities and meet standards in excess of Animal Welfare Act requirements.

The plea deal includes an admission that Envigo violated the Clean Water Act by discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of improperly treated wastewater.

It also requires the companies to pay $3.5 million for environmental repairs in Cumberland County and for the cost of a compliance monitor during a probationary period of three to five years.

In addition, the plea agreement requires the companies to pay roughly $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for assistance it provided to the investigation.

Prosecutors also said their investigation is ongoing and that criminal cases against individual employees remain possible.

West Lafayette, Indiana-based Inotiv issued a statement after the plea hearing on Monday.

In committing the crimes identified in the charging document, and by not making the necessary infrastructure upgrades and hiring the requisite staff, we fell short of our standards for animal and environmental welfare and apologize to the public for the harm caused by our conduct, the company said. In resolving this matter, we renew our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care.

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Virginia Democrats, said in a joint statement on Monday: Todays settlement represents an enormous victory for animal welfare, as the perpetrators of horrific abuse against innocent dogs will pay a historic settlement for their negligence. After our advocacy for these animals, weve been deeply heartened to hear stories of their adoption into loving, safe homes, and this settlement takes another step critical towards justice.

Tamsen Kingry, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, said in a statement: Untold suffering occurred at the facility Envigo operated in Cumberland County. The record fine ... is welcomed by all who advocated for and worked to ensure the rescue of thousands of dogs from the cruelty they endured there.
During a trade mission this spring that took him to Germany, Gov. Glenn Youngkin told his team he wanted to stop at Dachau, site of one of the Nazis concentration camps.

I wanted ... us to stop and reflect on what it means to try to annihilate entire people ... it is so important that we never forget. It is so important that we remind ourselves that if we forget that it could happen again, he said Monday at the Virginia Summit to Combat Antisemitism, held in Norfolk.

I have to say that the realities of this past spring when we watched champions of hate speech, disruption and violence rise on college campuses across this country was yet another wake-up call, Youngkin said.

The summit featured a number of Virginia political leaders, including Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares. Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, was scheduled to attend virtually.

The summit also featured a panel with former neo-Nazi Arno Michaelis and former Islamist Mubin Shaikh talking about what led them to renounce violence and reject hate.

State Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, who sponsored this years new law that expands hate crimes to cover ethnicity, joined a panel focused on the need for a working definition of antisemitism.

A panel including Rabbi Gershon Litt, director of the College of William & Marys Hillel group, along with students from Virginia Tech, focused on the need to protect Jewish students from threats of physical and emotional harm.

As for protests on Virginia university campuses, Youngkin said he was proud of the response by Virginia colleges and law enforcement.

What we must do ... translated I believe in very decisive responses; not always as quick as I wanted, but decisive responses and so we will not have chaos on our university campuses. We will not allow this disruption to invade the experience of our students. We will not allow threats to go unanswered, he said.

Moral leadership is at the heart of all of it, he said. Moral clarity that there is no doubt that we support Israel, moral clarity that there is no doubt that America must come to the aid of Israel. Clarity that it was a hateful terrorist act on October the 7th that if we dont condemn it, we condone it.

Youngkin told the Norfolk summit that Virginia is taking steps to fight antisemitism, with funds to protect synagogues and Jewish community facilities, as well as standards for school curricula that require lessons on the Holocaust.

It is time to take a stand, he said.

Youngkin added: We must cast the light. That light will bring peace as we combat antisemitism today or tomorrow and recognize that it ... cannot stand on our campuses and in our schools and cannot be a future where students worry not only about their safety but are in fear, expressing their fundamental faith of God Almighty.

Gallery: Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks at VCU graduation
Mexico Votes: Claudia Sheinbaum to be the countrys first female president

Mexico City, Mexico  Claudia Sheinbaum will be the first female president of Mexico after a landslide win. Sheinbaum won the general election with more than 58 percent of the votes Sunday.

While figures released by the National Electoral Institute (INE) are still preliminary, they have reported Sheinbaum with just over 27 million votes or around 58.7 percent of the votes cast around the country Sunday.

Claudia Sheinbaum will become Mexicos first female president.

Photos: June 2, 2024.

Those same preliminary results show her competitor Xochitl Galvez with more than 13 million votes (28.2 percent) cast Sunday and Jorge Alvarez Maynez with 4.8 million votes or 10.5 percent.

On Sunday, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador congratulated the people of Mexico on the development and results of the June 2 election in which Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo won the presidential election.

AMLO is seen here Sunday casting his vote in Mexico City. Photo: AMLO June 2, 2024.

Today is a day of glory because the people of Mexico decided freely and democratically that Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first female president in 200 years of independent life of our Republic, he said. As of October 1, she will become the first female president of Mexico, he reported in a statement.

Sheinbaum is photographed with a red inked thumb Sunday indicating she had voted. Photo: June 2, 2024.

Congratulations to all of us who have the joy of living in these stellar times of pride and transformation, AMLO said in a media statement Sunday.

With all my affection, respect, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum, who was the winner with a wide margin. She is going to be the first president of Mexico in 200 years, since 1824, since the first federal Republic, since Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of Mexico, ruled, but she is also the president with possibly the most votes obtained in the entire history of our country, he said.

Sheinbaum addressed hundreds of thousands who gathered in the Mexico City historic square Sunday night. Photo: June 2, 2024.

On Sunday, June 2 nearly 100 million Mexican nationals voted for new municipal and state officials as well as a new president. The six-year term of current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will finish toward the end of this year.
According to court documents, Torrez kept the dog in a kennel without adequate food and water for approximately two weeks until it died. When animal control officers came to Torrez' house on April 30, they found the 1-year-old shepherd mix dead, locked inside a kennel and covered in maggots. The kennel was filled with feces and fur, and the dog's water and food dishes were empty and had feces in them.
SIOUX FALLS -- A Larchwood, Iowa, man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison for receiving nude photos of an underage girl.

Shane Nelson, 37, pleaded guilty in February in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls to one count of receipt of child pornography.

Nelson admitted that from March 13-18, 2020, he used his cellphone to access the internet and receive photos of a naked 16-year-old girl. Nelson was initially charged with production of child pornography, but was recharged in a superseding indictment with receipt of child pornography.

After completing his prison sentence, Nelson must serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He also will be required to register as a sex offender.
In a historic first in Pakistan, a Christian female officer has been promoted to the rank of brigadier in the Pakistan Army, garnering praise and felicitations from people across the country.

Colonel Helen Mary Roberts has become the first female one-star general from the minority communities in Pakistans history. With 26 years of dedicated service in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps as a pathologist, Brigadier Dr Roberts promotion is a testament to her merit and the inclusivity upheld by the Pakistan Army.

She was among the officers promoted as brigadiers and full colonels by the Armys Selection Board on Saturday.

During a Christmas celebration at Rawalpindis Christ Church last year, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir lauded the Christian communitys role in Pakistans development and commended its contributions in promoting quality education, healthcare and philanthropy, as well as national defence.

General Munir also expressed his profound respect for the Christian community and underscored the importance of fostering interfaith harmony to achieve the vision of the countrys founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, for a pluralistic and egalitarian Pakistan.

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Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also greeted Dr Roberts on her promotion to the rank of brigadier in the Army Medical Corps.

Brigadier Roberts, a member of the Pakistani Christian community, has made history by becoming the first woman from a minority background to achieve this prestigious rank, the prime minister said in a press statement.

He praised Brigadier Roberts for her hard work and dedication, saying that she had proven that Pakistani women could excel in any field and were second to none.

The entire nation is proud of Brigadier Roberts and the thousands of hardworking women like her from minority communities who are serving the country with distinction, he said.

He added that Brigadier Roberts commitment to service, humanity and her dedication to her work would serve as a beacon of inspiration for the young women of the next generation.

In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reiterated that Pakistan's founder Jinnah had declared that minorities shall be deemed to be citizens of Pakistan without distinction of caste, color, religion, or creed and shall enjoy all their rights and privileges."

The Pakistan Army embodies this principle, making decisions devoid of any religious, linguistic, or gender discrimination, the ISPR said.

The United Nations in Pakistan highlighted the historic moment, saying, Congratulations to Helen Mary Roberts, who has just made history as the first-ever Christian and the first-ever woman from a religious minority to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier in Pakistan Army. She serves in the Army Medical Corps.

Roberts promotion as brigadier was warmly welcomed by Christians and other communities across the country.

Church of Pakistans President Bishop Azad Marshall said that Roberts promotion as the first woman brigadier from the Pakistani minority communities was a matter of pride for the Christian community.

The news of her promotion is a breath of fresh air for Christians who mostly get to hear depressing news of incidents of persecution. We express our gratitude to the Pakistan Army for considering her promotion on merit and hope that other state institutions will also follow this example and allow people from vulnerable communities to grow and contribute to the national mainstream, Marshall told Christian Daily International.

A Christian social media user praised Roberts' perseverance noting the challenges she must have faced: First and only Christian brigadier in Pakistani Army, Helen Mary Roberts. I salute her for her resilience and courage. It wouldnt have been an easy journey without the Lords favour and hand upon her amongst the silent persecution in an all majority staff of Muslims.
On this day in 1980, an explosion went off in the Statue of Liberty, specifically within the museum at the statues base. It damaged a portion of the museums ceiling, as well as a corner of an invitation to statues 1886 dedication housed in the museum and a tore in half a similarly preserved steam boat ticket. A group of Croatian nationalists, radical terrorists who opposed the continued existence of Croatia within then-communist Yugoslavia, were blamed for the attack after their arrest a little over a year later.

You may use this page to discuss other instances of terrorists causing minor damage to museum exhibits, or pursue your own areas of freewheeling, off-topic discourse. Find previous discussions in the Open Thread archive. Excepting the entreaty that you remain on topic, all of Slates usual commenting policies apply.

If you depend on this community and Slates journalism, please consider joining Slate Plus. We appreciate your support.
Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts in the New York hush money casebut theres a lengthy appeals process ahead. And what ever happened to the other three cases against himJack Smiths federal election interference and classified documents cases, and Fani Willis Georgia election interference case? All three have hit various roadblocks. To make it easier to follow all of Trumps ongoing legal entanglements, each Monday, well keep you updated on the latest developments in Keeping Up With the Trump Trials.

It was a week for the history books. The New York hush money trial ended with Trump becoming the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, and basically the entirety of the Republican Party quickly came to his defense. Meanwhile, special counsel Jack Smith continued working on the classified documents case, filing a new motion to gag the former president.

Mike Johnson makes a weird point about being buddies with the Supreme Court

Following the news of Trumps guilty verdict, House Speaker Mike Johnson went on Fox News and urged the Supreme Court to intervene and set this straight. I know many of [the justices] personallyI think they are deeply concerned about that, as we are, he said.

Johnson went so far as to say, This will be overturned guys, theres no question about it. (It would be extraordinarily bizarre for the Supreme Court to somehow overturn a criminal conviction under state law outside of the appeals process in New York courts.)

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Johnsons comments come just as Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has been in the hot seat over flags associated with insurrectionists that flew outside of his homes, and as the court considers two consequential Trump-related cases involving Jan. 6. Alito has rejected congressional Democrats calls to recuse himself from those cases.

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Johnson was joined by plenty of other Republicans who also blasted the Manhattan jurys unanimous decision in Trumps hush money trial. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, also the chair of the House Republican Conference, put out a lengthy statement blaming President Joe Biden and Democrats. This was a zombie case illegally brought forward by a corrupt prosecutor doing Joe Bidens political bidding, Stefanik wrote on X.

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Related From Slate Alitos Aggrieved Letter to Congress Tips His Hand in the Jan. 6 Cases Read More

In case you missed it somehow: Trump is a convicted felon

After deliberating for about 12 hours, and asking the judge for details around critical testimony, the jury in Trumps hush money trial finally announced their verdict late Thursday afternoon: guilty on all 34 felony counts.

It was a unanimous decision, reached by 12 jurors after a six-week-long trial where prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argued Trump unlawfully falsified business records in order to hide a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. And after the courtrooms foreperson read aloud each felony counts guilty verdict, Trump closed his eyes and his lead defense attorney put his face in his hands, Slates Jeremy Stahl wrote in his courtroom dispatch. Outside the courthouse, huge throngs of Trump protestors rallied with plenty of creative signage, including one that said Only Wins When He Cheats.

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While each felony count carries up to four years in prison, some experts dont believe Trump will face any time behind bars, given that this was his first offense and the crime was nonviolent. Justice Juan Merchan has scheduled Trumps sentencing for July 11four days before the Republican National Convention. Meanwhile, Todd Blanche, Trumps lead defense attorney, already pledged to appeal the jurys verdict, and that process could take years. As for Trump, he can continue campaigning for president, and if he wins the election in November, he can still serve as president, despite being a convicted felon.

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Jack Smith is trying to gag Trump (again)

The special counsel went back to the drawing board to put together a refined motion for a gag order in the classified documents case, less than a week after Judge Aileen Cannon rejected his first attempt.

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The new motion was filed Friday evening and reiterates the same ask: Stop Trump from attacking law enforcement involved in prosecuting the classified documents case in public statements. The first time Smith tried requesting this gag order, Cannon quickly rejected it because the special counsel failed to notify Trumps attorneys in a reasonable way. (Smith told them about it at 5:30 p.m. on the eve of Memorial Day weekend. Cmon, Jack!)

This time around, Smiths motion includes a statement from Trumps defense attorney, which calls the gag order a blatant violation of the First Amendment rights of President Trump and the American People. However, Smith argues the gag order is necessary given Trumps penchant for making incendiary comments against law enforcement, including a fundraising email that falsely claimed Bidens DOJ was authorized to shoot me! and Joe Biden was locked & loaded and ready to take me out & put my family in danger.
Former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts related to hush money payments he made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, while his wife Melania was at home with their infant son. Prosecutors said the payments were an attempt to illegally interfere with the 2016 election. Trumps team had a different explanation: that he didnt have the affair in the first place, but also was still trying to conceal allegations of it from his beloved wife, anyway.

The Melania defense didnt work on the jury. But it is one of many examples of a telling dynamic: Powerful political men pushing the moral responsibility of their own actions onto their wives.

To Trumps credit, he didnt blame Melania for his alleged affairsone with Daniels, and a more prolonged relationship with a Playboy model who says she saw Trump while Melania was pregnant. Instead, Trump denied culpability entirely, while suggesting that the hush money payment was for her benefit and protection. The same cant be said of Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, whose defense in his trial for an alleged bribery and corruption scheme boils down to my wife did it, blame her. Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito has taken a similar tack since evidence surfaced of an upside-down American flag hanging outside of his Virginia home, a symbol of solidarity with those who believe the 2020 election was stolen. That was soon followed by reporting about another flag, representing the extreme Christian right, hanging outside of his New Jersey beach house. The flags, Alito has said, are the work of his wife Martha-Ann. My wife is fond of flying flags, Alito wrote in a letter explaining why he would not recuse himself from cases related to the same issues the flags represent. I am not.

Wives, amirite?

These efforts to make women responsible for mens bad acts are as old as Adam, Eve, and the apple, and are a perverse sort of marital traditionalism. Marriage, in the traditionalist and conservative Christian views, is a coming together of two people fit for complementary, not equal, roles. Men, in this tradition, are the familys public representative, economic supporter, an unquestioned leader; women are confined to the private realm, charged with keeping a home and raising children, but are also the familys moral centerthe molders of upstanding children and civilizers of otherwise boorish husbands. Marriage, in this view, is a kind of separate-but-equal union of interdependence. Women, who are intellectually feeble and less effective economic actors, need men for financial support, basic survival, political representation, and general guidance. Men need women for gentle moral encouragement; wives are the angels in the house, and in their softness and submission are supposed to inspire men to work hard and to be decent people.

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The idea that it is the role of a wife to police a mans moral decisionmaking is a very old one, and continues to creep into our political discourse on gender, marriage, and society. Much of the concern about declining marriage rates, for example, has been framed as a social threat because untethered men, unchecked by the better angels of a female partner, will descend further into crime, drugs, poverty, and unemployment. The idea that young men are civilized by women and marriage may seem as corny as Kansas in August, Stephen Pinker wrote in a 2011 book, but it has become a commonplace of modern criminology. Abstinence-only education, which was especially pervasive in the 1990s and 2000s but still persists across the U.S., routinely tells young people that boys will push for sex and its up to girls to be the sexual brakes in any relationship so that both parties stay pure.

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Assuming women are more inherently moral and decent than men may sound flattering. In reality, its often used to blame women for mens bad behavioreven when those men are among the most powerful around.

When Hillary Clinton was first lady, she was widely demonized as an ambitious overreacher who improperly inserted herself into politics, a woman who did not stay in her designated lane. Later, when she ran for president, she found herself blamed for some of her husbands political policies, even ones she had little or no hand in crafting. The archetype of the woman as a subservient, supportive moral center of the family can only exist if theres a comparatively domineering, wicked model: The ambitious, scheming wife who leads her husband astray, or at least fails to correct him.

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Trumps Melania defense places her in the first category, a beloved and decent wife whom he could not stomach disappointing. Menendez and Alito place their wives in the second: Women of their own minds, who did their own thing and whose independent decisions have now landed innocent yet extremely powerful (and public) men in hot water, through no fault of those mens own.

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The United States is in a strange cultural moment when it comes to gender equality. An anti-feminist backlash seems to be in full force as American women see our rights rolled back to a time before we were allowed to vote. At the same time, a rising hypermasculine right is gaining traction with explicit misogyny and male grievance. Tradwives are a social media trend, largely for men who seem turned on by the fantasy of wholesale female submission. Pronatalist voices are gaining more airtime by blaming women for not having enough babies, thus ushering in social and economic decline. And conservative legislators are putting a series of mechanisms into place to force women and girls to have babies whether we want to or not. Victorian-era lines between good women and bad ones seem to be reemerging, especially but not exclusively on the right.

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These assumptions and stereotypes that divide the angel at home from the independent Eve run deep, despite centuries of feminist work to counter and disprove them. Trumps employment of them to make himself look like a conscientious husband seems to have failed. Menendezs use of them to blame his wife for the crimes hes charged with are being tested in a court of law; Alitos similar strategy is being tested in the court of public opinion. Perhaps the American public has finally wised up to the fact that women are people, not either angels or she-devilsbut that hasnt stopped many powerful men from recently hanging their innocence on claims that their wives are either too virtuous to disappoint, or too independent to be trusted.
Last week, in a widely watched case, the Texas Supreme Court rejected the claims of Amanda Zurawski and her fellow plaintiffs that they had suffered injuries after being denied emergency access to abortion due to lack of clarity in the states abortion ban. Zurawski v. State of Texas has offered an important model for lawyers seeking to chip away at sweeping state bans and even eventually undermine Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Now the state Supreme Courts decision offers a preview of conservatives response to the medical tragedies that have been all too common after Dobbs: to blame physicians and hint that the life of the fetus ultimately counts as much as or more than that of the pregnant patient.

From the beginning, Zurawski had significance for patients outside Texas. Republicans have been increasingly hostile to abortion exceptions since 2022, demanding that sexual assault victims report to law enforcement when such exemptions do exist, dropping rape and incest exemptions altogether in many other states, and going so far as to require physicians to prove their innocence rather than necessitating that prosecutors prove their guilt. Nevertheless, exceptions are critical to the post-Dobbs regime: They are popular with voters and offer the hopein reality the illusionthat abortion bans do not operate as harshly as we may expect.

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The Zurawski litigation illuminated how exceptions fail patients in the real world. Physicians, afraid of harsh sentences up to life in prison, turn away even those they feel confident will qualify under exceptions. The exemptions, by their own terms, do not apply to any number of serious medical complications or fetal conditions incompatible with life. The Zurawski plaintiffs argued that Texas law should cover these circumstances and that if the opposite was true, it was unconstitutional.

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Although this did not succeed in Texas, Zurawski created a blueprint for litigation in other states. It also kicked off a political nightmare for Republicans. Earlier this year, when Kate Cox, a Texas woman who learned that her fetus had trisomy 18, a condition that usually proves fatal within the first year, the states Supreme Court denied her petition for an abortion. In the aftermath, Republicans were flummoxed about how to respond.

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The Texas Supreme Court offered Republicans one way to address the emergencies Dobbs has produced. The court began by limiting physicians discretion about when to intervene. The plaintiffs in Zurawski argued that physicians require protection when they believe in good faith that they need to protect the life or health of their patients. The court disagreed, suggesting that the standard was whether a reasonable physician would believe a particular procedure to be lifesaving.

On the surface, this doesnt sound so bad. Who doesnt want doctors to have to act reasonably? But determining how sick a patient must be is never straightforwardand is all the more complicated when the wrong answer will be determined after the fact by a prosecutor and the physicians with whom they consult, and when guessing wrong will result in a penalty of up to life in prison.

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The courts message was that physicians were the problem. They had misunderstood what the court portrayed as a perfectly clear law. Doctors were the ones who had refused to act reasonably and denied help to the patients that the court thought were deserving, like Amanda Zurawski herself. Texas had stressed the same argument throughout litigation in the case.

Republicans may well borrow the same strategy. If Americans dont like the new reality that Dobbs has brought on, the party will argue, the GOP is not to blame. It is all the doctors fault. This allows conservatives to have it both ways: They frightenor, in the case of Kate Coxs doctor, blockphysicians who might be willing to offer reasonable care, then blame the physicians for failing to care for their patients.

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The courts interpretation of the state constitution was just as revealing. The plaintiffs had argued that Texas ban discriminated on the basis of sex because only some persons are capable of pregnancy. The court rejected this argument, drawing both on Dobbs and on claims that have emerged in cases about transgender youth. Regulating abortion, the court reasoned, was no different from regulating gender-affirming careit was a rule governing a specific medical procedure, not discrimination on the basis of sex.

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What about the right to life? The Dobbs case held that U.S. citizens have 14th Amendment rights only when that liberty was deeply rooted in history and tradition. Is there a federal or state right to access abortion to avoid death or serious bodily harm? As Reva Siegel and I have written elsewhere, there seems to be historical evidence to support this argument. And the political case for such a right is strong too. If courts say that there is no constitutional limit on state abortion banseven if patients bleed to deaththat will raise yet more grave questions about what Dobbs permits.

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Related From Slate The Insidious Legal Movement to Make Pregnant Women Second-Class Citizens Is Growing Read More

The Texas Supreme Court did not rule out the idea that the state constitution recognizes a right to life for the patientor deny that high courts in other conservative states had identified a right to lifesaving abortions. But if there was such a right, the court noted, it would account for the lives of pregnant women experiencing life-threatening complications while also valuing and protecting unborn life. In other words, the court suggested, fetuses too have rights to life, and that means that the state has every right to deny treatment to pregnant patients in an effort to prioritize the well-being of unborn ones. Texas may not yet have written fetal personhoodthe idea that fetuses are rights-holding peopleinto its constitutional law in clear terms, but the idea of fetal rights has already affected the lives of pregnant patients in the state.

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Voters dont seem to like the idea that fetal rights trump patients rights. The Texas Supreme Court has suggested that judges, not voters, may be the ones who decide the question.

But even in dictating what happens to pregnant patients across the state, other Republicans will join the court in pointing the finger at the doctors charged with implementing draconian bans. The law entrusts physicians, the court explained, with the profound weight of the recommendation to end the life of a child.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to make things worse for pregnant patients later this month, when it hands down a ruling on whether the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act preempts an Idaho ban with very narrow emergency exceptions. None of this makes Zurawski a waste. It may not have changed the reality on the ground for patients in Texas, but it did tell an important story about the kind of America Dobbs has createdand it delivered voters a reminder that they still have the power to change it.
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Anti-Globalist International

June 3, 2024

GENEVA, June 3, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Reggie Littlejohn, Founder and President of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, releases the following and is available for comment:

Late Saturday, June 1, the WHO passed the Amendments to the International Health Regulations. This act is appalling on several fronts.

The manner in which these were passed flagrantly violates the WHO's own rules. Under Article 55 of the International Health Regulations, "The text of any proposed amendment shall be communicated to all States Parties by the Director-General at least four months before the Health Assembly at which it is proposed for consideration." That deadline passed on January 27, 2024.

In defiance of this requirement, the WHO negotiated the draft Amendments until the last minute, releasing the final text just hours before the final vote.

This violation prevented governments and civil society from being able to analyze this document and discern its implications.

The WHO's tossing out of its own rule indicates its disregard for the rule of law. If it is willing to disregard such an important safeguard as Article 55, what is stopping it from disregarding any other provision in the IHRs? If it is willing to ignore its own laws, why would we expect it to honor ours?

For this reason, The Amendments to the IHR are invalid and should be rejected.

Further, the Amendments that passed on June 2 retain troubling language regarding censorship. These provisions have been buried in Annex 1,A.2.c., which requires State Parties to "develop, strengthen and maintain core capacities . . . in relation to . . . surveillance . . . and risk communication, including addressing misinformation and disinformation."

The requirement that nations "address" "misinformation and disinformation" is fraught with opportunities for abuse. None of these terms is defined in the document. Does "addressing" it mean censoring it, and possibly punishing those who have offered divergent opinions? We have already seen how doctors and scientists who disagreed with the WHO narrative under Covid 19 were censored for their views  views that turned out to be true. Some who offered protocols not recommended by the WHO even had their licenses to practice medicine threatened or suspended. How much worse will this censorship be if it is baked in as a requirement to the International Health Regulations?

The "surveillance" requirement does not specify what is to be surveilled. The IHR amendments, however, should be read together with the proposed Pandemic Treaty, which the WHO is continuing to negotiate. Article 5 of the most recent draft of the Treaty sets forth the "One Health Approach," which connects and balances human, animal, plant and environmental health, giving a pretext for surveillance on all these fronts.

Meanwhile, Article 4: Pandemic Prevention and Public Health Surveillance, states:

2 bis. The Parties recognize that environmental, climatic, social, anthropogenic [climate change caused by people], and economic factors increase the risk of pandemics and endeavor to identify these factors and take them into consideration in the development and implementation of relevant policies . . .

Through the "One Health" approach, the WHO is asserting its authority over all aspects of life on earth, all of which will be surveilled.

Regarding the IHR, Article 35 details the requirements of "Health Documents," including those in digital format. The system of digital health documents is consistent with, and in my opinion a precursor to, the Digital IDs described by the World Economic Forum. According to the attached WEF Chart, people will need a Digital ID to:

Access healthcare insurance and treatment

Open bank accounts and carry out online transactions

Travel

Access Humanitarian Services

Shop and conduct business transactions

Participate in social media

Pay taxes, vote, collect government benefits

Own a communication device [such as a cell phone or a computer]

In other words, individuals will need Digital IDs to access almost every aspect of civilized society. All of our actions, taken with the use of Digital IDs, will be tracked and traced. If we step out of line, we can be punished by, for example, being severed from our bank accounts and credit cards  similar to what happened to the Canadian Truckers. Digital IDs are a form of mass surveillance and totalitarian control.

These Digital IDs are currently being rolled out by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the European Union.

The IHR Amendments, taken together with the impending Pandemic Treaty, will usher in a global, totalitarian bio-tech surveillance police state. Their adoption just hours after their disclosure is invalid and must be rejected.
On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported on Elon Musks increasingly close relationship with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, which has flourished to the point that the two talk on the phone several times a month. The conversation subjects tend to cover Trumps attempt to regain White House control and the potential opportunities for Musk and his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX, under another potential Trump administration.

Musk rejected the reports central conceitthat Trump had discussed an advisory role for him should the former president be reelectedbut he certainly keeps behaving like a typical Trump supplicant. Just look at his X posts following Trumps 34-count conviction in the New York hush money trial, in which he refers to the process as troubling, endorses a Sequoia Capital partners $300,000 donation to Trumps campaign, proclaims that great damage was done today to the publics faith in the American legal system, and reply-guys a couple of characteristically lame Babylon Bee headlines. President Joe Bidens reelection campaign has responded with a scoff, declaring that, Despite what Donald Trump thinks, America is not for sale to billionaires, oil and gas executives, or even Elon Musk.

Indeed, great damage was done today to the publics faith in the American legal system.



If a former President can be criminally convicted over such a trivial matter  motivated by politics, rather than justice  then anyone is at risk of a similar fate. https://t.co/zrHCyIZazh  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2024

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This meeting of extremely online, self-interested minds was perhaps inevitable, in light of a few trends: Trumps desperation for personal and campaign cash, Musks nonstop penchant for open racism and far-right conspiracism, and the increasing overlap of the duos personal and business networksespecially with Trump courting grievance-fueled megadonor funds in the immediate aftermath of the verdict. For Musk in particular, this new friendship of convenience also represents a firm endpoint for a foundational part of his identity as a businessman and public figureand an unmistakable turning point in how he plans to brand and behave himself going forward.

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Musk has been a tech industry name for decades now, with origins dating back to the PayPal mafia. But remember, what really made him Elon Muskthe megatitan who commands the ears of politicians and executives, became a global name with an inescapable suite of companies, and stood distinct from other wealthy founderswas his eagerness to take on a seemingly impossible mission: to weaponize American industry in the fight to mitigate climate change.

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It was his hijacking of Tesla Motors in the mid-2000s, for which he raised money, forced out existing employees, designed and kickstarted production of the pioneering electric Roadster model, and secured a hefty government loan, that kept the company going as the financial crisis shellacked the automotive sector. He further invested in the then-burgeoning domestic markets for solar panels and energy-dense batteries, and spoke out about why addressing climate change was a motivator for his business. He even inspired other environmentally conscious celebrities and encouraged them to boost his profile, putting Tesla models in movies and all. Yes, the space rockets, intergalactic dreams, and NASA contracts played no small part. But it was part and parcel of a futuristic goal that also included lots of green tech, including sleek gas-free cars.

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This was such a defining aspect of Musk that it even colored his relationship with Trump, early in the former presidents term. Despite having voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 (and for Barack Obama, who offered some lucrative federal contracts, in the preceding presidential cycles), the Tesla CEO joined one of Trumps executive advisory councils in early 2017, justifying the decision by saying it was better for more moderates to advise Trump as opposed to only extremists. Yet he didnt last long, choosing to resign when Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, after claiming to have done all I can to advise directly to POTUS  that we remain.

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Still, he didnt brush aside the possibility of voting for Trump in 2020, telling Kara Swisher that Trump was as supportive as he can be of the electric car industry despite his policies in favor of gas cars. Musk was likely alluding to Trumps professed endorsement of his desire to keep his California Tesla plant open in the thick of the pre-vaccine COVID pandemic.

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The SpaceX CEO has said repeatedly that he voted for Joe Biden in 2020, although biographer Walter Isaacson reported that Musk stayed home because he didnt think his vote mattered in blue state Cali. Isaacson likewise mentioned that Musk grew angry with President Joe Biden after he was not invited to a 2021 presidential event on EVs.

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Despite inking a 2023 deal with Biden to open up Teslas Supercharger network to adaptability with non-Tesla EVs (earning a personal shoutout from Biden in the process), and despite Musks continuing surfeit of government contracts across SpaceX and Tesla, the all-important executive kept swinging to the rightmuch like some of his other ultrawealthy buddies miffed by the Biden administrations pro-regulation and pro-union stances.

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So, were Musks politics a matter of ideology, or personal enrichment? Its likely that the latter always underpinned the former, considering his bipartisan political donations in the past (and prominent clashes with Republican officeholders like Richard Shelby). At any rate, Musk has now gone full Trump in his public statements and ideological commitments, even as he continues to waffle on donating to or endorsing the former president.

That lack of either endorsement or donation was probably a bummer for Trump at first. He courted Musk back in March when he really needed the money, and raised the idea of having the Neuralink CEO speak at the Republican National Convention in an attempt to attract young voters to the GOP. Around that time, Trump also told CNBC that hed been friendly with [Musk] over the years. Ive helped him when I was president. Ive liked him. While he didnt elaborate, he may have been thinking about his high tariffs on tech imports from China, which hosts a cheap EV industry thats decimating Tesla in global sales. Biden has kept many of those tariffs in place, but notably, he also signed federal legislation to aid rival car companies (Ford, General Motors, etc.) finally getting into the EV game.

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Even beyond business considerations, however, Musk has gone full-on Republican in the Biden years. He took over Twitter, restored Trumps account, and turned the platform into a cesspool of hateful content and right-wing propagandaincluding, but hardly limited to, climate change denial and disinformation, which he now tends to endorse. He kowtows to far-right world leaders like Indias Narendra Modi and Argentinas Javier Milei while attempting to undermine Brazils more liberal government. He rails against Biden on his own platform, a place mainly supported now by ads from Republican organizations and paid-blue-checkmark subscribersincluding one, named @TeslaTalent, whos paid to boost a genuinely surreal pro-Trump ad comparing the former president to a spiritual leader.

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An incredible take on what Trump brings to the world. The complete show can be viewed here: https://t.co/FtXQ2ozjDg  Celestial_Sound_Planet (@TeslaTalent) April 29, 2024

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Meanwhile, his fixation with the site-formerly-known-as-Twitter has left his onetime priority of running Tesla behind, according to disgruntled investors. His aggressive lawsuit against Media Matters for America, which he lodged after it (accurately) reported on the preponderance of X ads that appeared next to white nationalist posts, has already spurred layoffs at the liberal nonprofit, likely to the delight of Musk and Trump and the MAGA media outlets that MMFA monitored. In April, he helped arrange a dinner party with a group of prominent executives who strategized about beating back Biden and his fellow Democrats; some of the attendees are planning to host a pro-Trump Silicon Valley fundraiser in June. Musk, for his part, plans to host an X-based town hall with Trump sometime in the near future, in partnership with NewsNation.

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Related From Slate The Theories About Trumps High Polling Numbers Made Me Realize Something Read More

Its equally telling what Musks current-day priorities for Tesla are, especially as the company sheds its once dominant market share and revenue within the EV space. Hes gone all-in on a disastrous Cybertruck and hardly recouped the investment. He wants Teslas shareholders to approve a $56 billion pay package for him, even though a Delaware court already struck down the possibility. He laid off the Supercharger team despite his federal deal. He says he no longer considers Tesla a car company but rather an avenue for automated self-driving and artificial intelligence tech, no matter the myriad tragic failures of Teslas Full Self-Driving system.

In the grander scale of things, Musks head is somewhere else. Climate change has taken a full back seat to other concerns like rapidly evolving A.I. systems and plummeting birth rates across the world. It seems Musks time is better spent these days raising billions of dollars to power an A.I. chatbot that is at best adept at cracking jokes about itchy genitals. Or cheerleading a eugenicist pronatalist movement whose goal is for (mostly white) people to have lots and lots of kids. Or promoting racist conspiracy theories about immigration and corporate diversity initiatives.

So it hardly matters that candidate Trump is offering explicit quid pro quos to oil industry executives, threatening to ban all electric vehicle sales (much like other Republicans), and preparing to scrap all sorts of green-tech incentivesincluding the types that once benefited Teslaif he regains power. Musk may wallow in the fame and power his climate advocacy brought him, but he no longer cares about that pet issue, or the fact that its why hes in his position to begin with.
In the silence about Ficos condition, even usually sensible people turn to conspiracy theories.

The police guarded the house of PM Robert Fico last Thursday when he was released from hospital. (Source: TASR)

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Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. Robert Ficos health has improved and he was sent home, but Slovaks know precious little about their prime ministers condition. The struggle between newsroom and management continues at TV Markiza. NAKA officers who ran the Purgatory case have now been formally charged.

If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk.

Without information, people resort to guesswork

Robert Fico is well enough to have been released from hospital, but not well enough to appear in public, let alone return to his prime ministerial duties.

This is basically all that people in Slovakia are able to tell about the condition of their prime minister, more than two weeks after an assassination attempt that put his life at risk. While Robert Fico deserves time to recover and privacy during that process, the government that he leads also needs to consider the publics interest in his condition  in other words, what communication strategy is best for Slovakia and its people at this sensitive time.

If the success of the governments strategy can be measured by observing how well it manages to staunch the spread of wild guesses and conspiracy theories, the authorities are not doing a great job.

Here's what we know, what we do not know, and why it is problematic.

What we know
Daniel Bombic, who lives in London, is wanted by Slovak authorities.

From left to right: Smer leader Robert Fico (l), Daniel Bombic (c) and Judita Lassakova (r). (Source: Sme)

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YouTube, Googles video sharing platform, cancelled on Sunday a channel that had belonged to the notorious Slovak extremist and conspirator Daniel Bombic, also known as Danny Kollar.

YouTube told the Sme daily that Bombic had violated YouTubes guidelines. However, the platform failed to specify how he had breached the rules. Bombic compared YouTubes move to the May 15 attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico of the Smer party. Fico was left shot and severely injured.

If they cant argue, theyll shoot you down. It happened to Robert Fico, its happened to me too, the extremist said.

The Dennik N daily writes that Google did not see anything problematic in Bombics videos two weekends ago, when the daily contacted the tech giant.

The London-based Slovak, 42, had a huge following on the platform - 79,500 people. His videos had more than 12 million views in the past seven months, according to social media expert Jakub Goda. In addition to the lost followers, YouTube also deleted Bombics 600 videos, and cut the controversial man from income generated from membership fees paid by his fans.

In the past, the Meta company deleted Bombics Facebook and Instagram pages for spreading hate, and put him on its black list.

Wanted and heiling Bombic

Three European arrest warrants have been issued against the Slovak for extremism and the unauthorised handling of personal data. After long months, a London court ordered the extradition of Bombic to Slovakia in April. The decision is not final.

Bombic is infamous for verbal attacks on different groups, in particular well-known female journalists and politicians. During the coronavirus pandemic, he also attacked essential workers and published their personal data, calling on people to phone them. Moreover, the Sme daily published a video in which Bombic Heil-Hitler's. Most recently, he published an ID card belonging to the pensioner who shot the premier last month.

He also talks about the New World Order conspiracy and the Great Replacement theory, which is a racist theory holding that global elites want to replace white people and encourage immigration.

Bombic insists that he is being prosecuted for his opinions and exposing the truth.

Meanwhile, the Slovak has also identified those reportedly responsible for YouTubes decision to cancel him - lawyer Miroslav Kamensky and Zapadoslovenska televizia, a TV channel. Kamensky, who runs on the far-right party Republikas slate in the European elections, was his friend before their rift. Later, Bombic went on to accuse the globalists for the removed channel.

YouTubes warning

Regardless, Bombic has said that he is not giving up and is planning to create a new channel, though he is not officially allowed to.

YouTube has already warned anyone who would like to cooperate with Bombic.

If we become aware of a channel that uploads content with a creator whose activity has been terminated on YouTube, we may remove that content or channel entirely.

Several coalition politicians have recently appeared on Bombics show, which has been streamed on YouTube, including Ficos chief adviser Erik Kalinak (Smer) and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Hlas). Kalinak was supposed to appear on the show on June 5. Fico himself was a guest on the programme in 2023. The show is co-hosted by Smer MP Judita Lassakova. She is also running in the European elections.

Smer politicians have slammed YouTube for the decision. For example, pro-Russian Smer MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lubos Blaha called the move corporate fascism. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak described Bombic as just a blogger, adding that he himself was on the programme several times.

Bombic also curates his profile on the Telegram platform, where he has 60,000 followers. Telegram is a popular platform among pro-Russian Slovak politicians, as well as disinformation spreaders.

His background was previously scrutinised by the investigative journalism site Bellingcat.
The first stop is India.

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The Foreign Ministry has launched a flying consuls project in an attempt to speed up the arrival of foreign workers to Slovakia.

The first consul has already left for India. From there, they will move on to Indonesia.

Their role will be to receive national visa applications from non-EU citizens in professions that have long lacked a workforce. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer) has said that the flying consul, by the end of June, should receive 900-1,100 visa applications from the workers selected by employers in Slovakia.

These job applicants have already undergone approval procedures by Slovakias central labour authority, and at the same time undergo all important security checks, the minister added.

As Blanar further explained, the project has been launched to help Slovak embassies in Delhi and Jakarta. They have been flooded with national visa applications and not been able to handle them all alongside standard visa procedures.

The new workers should predominantly work in the automotive industry.

Counting on foreigners

Earlier on, the government introduced the possibility of non-EU workers applying for national visa via an external services provider.

National visas apply not only to highly skilled professions in all sectors, but also to professions with lower qualifications, especially in transport and industry. After granting this visa, it is not possible to change employer.

Back in February, PM Robert Fico (Smer) admitted that Slovakia is a country with an acute labour shortage, arguing that schools will have to reflect on the needs of the labour market, including car companies and more.

"For now," he said, We will have to seek qualified workers from abroad.

Almost 28,000 workers from outside the EU worked in Slovakia in April.
The man, who killed his cousin in the past, saw the war as a means of earning money and settling in Russia's Siberia.

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A person from Slovakia wearing a Russian uniform surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers, according to a video shared on social media by a Ukrainian journalist.

The captured man introduced himself in broken Russian as Jaroslav Galajcik, despite his surname being Halajcik (unlike Slovak, Russian does not have the letter H but this letter is equivalent to the Russian G, ed.). He told journalist Aleksandr Kachura that the Ukrainians had captured him near Lyman, Donetsk.

According to Aktuality.sk, a Slovak news website that broke the story on June 3, the man told the Ukrainians that he initially assisted the Russians with the unloading of vehicles.

He claimed that he had not been involved in combat activities. However, as a contractor (a person who signed a contract with the army, ed.) he was then sent to the front, said Kachura, adding that Ukrainian soldiers found a lot of propaganda literature on his phone about the alleged genocide of the Donbas people.

The stories of the alleged genocide have been a major propaganda message echoed by pro-Russian and Kremlin voices.

Halajcik was supposedly part of an international unit with Indians, Nepalese and Mongolians. The Slovak was promised 2,000 a month for his service.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/dolanezebe

He was the only Slovak in his unit. A single citizen of the European Union. And they poked fun at him for being a spy, said Kachura.

It is still not clear if Ukraine has notified Slovakia about the captured Slovak. The Slovak embassy in Kyiv is said to have no information about the man from the video.

A dream of living in Siberia

Unlike the Slovak authorities, the Czech daily Denik N managed to interview the Slovak in an unknown location in the Donetsk Region and under the supervision of members of the Security Service of Ukraine, of which one spoke Slovak, several days after the first reports appeared in the media. The Slovak said that he agreed to the interview so that his mother learned that he was alive.

Halajcik confirmed that he had helped the Russians dig trenches.

I thought I was going to dig bunkers. And thats what I did at first. From February 13, I was in the woods in the Luhansk Region. I also kept loading and unloading Ural, Russian trucks.

In April 2024, he said that his unit was transformed into an assault infantry.
San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin, third from left, signals of the bullpen as pitcher Blake Snell, left, exits during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, June 2, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Giants pitcher Blake Snell appears headed to the injured list for a second time this season after leaving Sunday's start against the New York Yankees with left groin tightness.

A similar injury landed Snell on the IL for a month this year when he was sidelined by a left adductor strain. The two-time Cy Young Award winner will have an MRI on Monday.

It feels the same, so well see, Snell told reporters at Oracle Park. The MRI will tell us and well go from there. Its definitely a bummer and frustrating, but got to look on to whats next and attack that, get better and get back on the field.

Snell threw 99 pitches. The 31-year-old left-hander was removed with a 1-1 count on Alex Verdugo with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth inning.

I dont think hes moving around worse than the last time but I dont know how its not an IL (situation), San Francisco manager Bob Melvin said after his team's 7-5 defeat.

Snell is 0-3 with a 9.51 ERA in six starts for San Francisco since signing a $62 million, two-year contract as a free agent. He won the 2023 NL Cy Young Award with San Diego.

He missed most of spring training after signing on March 19, then was on the injured list from April 23 to May 22. He also spent a few days on the paternity list awaiting the birth of his first child, and hasnt been able to get back up to speed since.

Snell gave up Juan Soto's solo home run in the first inning Sunday, then weaved his way around traffic in each of the next three innings. He hasn't lasted five innings in any of his six starts with San Francisco, and his ERA is the highest among Giants pitchers still on the roster.

Before the latest setback, however, Snell felt he was on the right path.

A lot of good stuffs been happening the last couple of weeks to where I was like, OK, it's coming," Snell said. Well get there. I can stay here. Theres been a lot that Ive learned this year that is going to help me get back quicker and start dominating. It sucks that this happened, but it happened. So face it head on and attack it and get back.

Snell said this is the fourth or fifth time over the past three to four years that hes dealt with a groin injury.

What Im doing, I've got to change something or add something, he said. Definitely got to add something strengthening-wise that I havent been doing so that I can get the muscle even more prepared for 100 pitches a game. Got a lot to learn, but definitely got to get stronger and make sure this stops happening.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Nearly three centuries after the discovery of white gold detonated Limogess global industry, it is now coffees turn. You might be surprised to know that it was Limoges porcelain, exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, that spawned a whole female-led, American art industry during the Guilded Age. However, times have changed, and a town once known for firing up its furnaces is continuing to do what it does best, tapping into generations worth of heat and craftsmanship knowledge, to coffee. Not only is coffee a natural fit, but the trained eyes of the citys artisans primes it as a place for coffee to be mined and refined.

Nothing speaks to these efforts more than FCIL Barista, the only university of its kind in France, fully accredited and dedicated to the scholarship of coffee and comprehensive knowledge of the industry. Even with this schools small class sizes, students are out in the field. Your favorite local barista might just be a trainee taken under the wing of a first-rate head barista.

Limogess cafe landscape is pedagogical and categorically professional. Its approach to cafe culture is toned by an infectious global curiosity that compels it to brew coffees from places like Dublin, Berlin, Rotterdam, and Paris, in addition to local roasters. Here, coffee is thrown, molded, and cast into experimental and gratifying forms: its the Limoges China of the twenty-first century.

So, walk the cobblestone and get to know Limoges, the host of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France torrefacteur (coffee roasting MOF, or Best Craftsman in France) competition in 2025 and the Neo-Aquitain city with a long coffee career ahead.

Breme Patisserie

A word to the wisest coffee lovers: never dismiss a patisserie. Like butter and sugar, this enterprise is a fine marriage of coffee and pastry that emulsified last year when pastry chef Zakary Lagerige-Loireau found out that the illustrious Benoit Guichard was on the market. In specialty coffee for 10 years, with formal studies in catering and hospitality, head barista Benoit has been involved in coffee all over Limoges including at La Fabrique du Cafe and Kennedys Cafe, as well as at the former Gens qui Doutent and Raku, his own project. Merging their expertise is a winning recipe. The cafes closeness makes it impossible not to admire the fresco between the tile that dominates the decor. Behind Guichards coffee alchemy, a whisk whips up a Kanagawa-style wave from water spilling from a waterfall and watermill amidst planetary bubbles. These bubbles spill into the pastry case in the form of round tartes, babas, and flans, alongside irresistible classics with the added touch of Zakarys mastery. Breme itself, the name of a river fish, even plays with an aquatic theme. Clearly, if coffee is the air you breathe, you are no fish out of water here. With Guichard meticulously brewing you his selection of the best the world is roasting, you need only to absorb every molecule of it that you can.

CHONCOTE

The A-frame out front reads: COOL PEOPLE DRINK SPECIALTY COFFEE. Alright, here we go. Before even ordering, a coral cup landed on the counter with what can only be described as latte hearts leaping out of a half wreath. This latte prompted smiles and gleeful back counter murmurs, the kind that come from kids with callow eyes. Come to find that this cafe opened in February 2023, founded by two co-owners with no coffee experience whatsoever. Their primary inspiration is the London coffee scene, and you definitely pick up this vibration. One might think of it as its reimagining, what this ambiance could be if it was not crammed into Englands capital.

Seating and room to stand in the front coupled with a dimly-lit space in the back offer chances to admire the goings-on outside city hall or to withdraw. The coffee spans KAWA on espresso as well as retails bags (and cans) of Special Guests, Manhattan Coffee Roasters, and People Possession, all a reflection of the shops farm-focus approach to coffee selection. Guidance from the amateurs for the cool customer: snag a cortado with a homemade, classique cookie (before they sell out).

La Fabrique du Cafe

The parallels between igniting a roaster and firing up a porcelain kiln may have been just what Limoges-native Phillipe Exbrayat instinctually knew when he opened this cafe and roastery in 2012. Its the first of its kind in the city, and Exbrayat went through three years of coffee education and apprenticeship in order to skillfully and considerably craft coffee worthy of Limoges. The dark green facade and the windows painted lettering dresses the cafe in a butcher shop or corner store feel, and inside it is buzzing as much as you would hope. The Modbar allows customer-and-barista conversations to flourish while the high ceilings make way for fully assembled LEGO Star Wars spacecrafts and plenty of Simone, the Bernese mountain dog weaving between your legs and the tables, who is also the furry maintenance crew and the unofficial mascot (she appears on all the coffee bags).

Whether you get a V60 of their Gakenke (washed Rwanda) or a beer (infused with their coffee), the crux is always affordable, approachable coffee. With many visiting three or four times a day, it is no wonder why this sanctuary is the conductive force in such a staggering number of coffee journeys now including your own.

Kennedys Cafe

Yes, that Kennedy. The sign in Anchor Jack font in the parking lot promises a challenging trifecta: COFFEE SHOP, CANTINE MAISON, CULTURE. So, what kind of coffee shop is worth exiting Limogess main city center? And what about it earns it a place in the 35th presidents Google search results? Pictures of the moon landing decorate the body of the La Marzocco Linea that has every intention to serve many, and boy does it do so around lunchtime. Their four drink menus, full of sizes, centiliters, persons, and reflexive illustrations, cater to the sipping masses.

Sisters Sarah and Margaux Camelot opened this zealous cafe-restaurant in November 2018. Everything about it reflects their lineage of farmer grandparents and an upbringing of recurrent family dinners overflowing with homemade dishes. Now run solo by the self-described pugnacious Sarahfueled by a liter of Moccamaster every morningthe cafe rotates every month between French roasters that have included Louargots Cataldi, Lilles Muda, and Pariss feve. Oh, and that name? Kennedy was the sisters chosen alias during the rise of the Internet and MySpace, derived from their love of Kill Hannahs track Kennedy. Subsequently, continuing under their claimed disguise, it was the only name befitting of a cafe that unequivocally belongs to them.

La Cyclisterie

Were not really a coffee shop, Thibault Ducourtioux insisted, the Rocket Boxer espresso machine right over his shoulder seeming to silently cough. One might reasonably presume then that coffee was added later. No, the project of the shop is to be a bike coffee shop. The coffee shop part is just to give something more comfy for our customers.

Warm, cozy, and somehow embracing, Ducourtiouxachieves everything he wants and more. To feel this way, surrounded by LEZYNE lights, POC hard helmets, lightweight TACTIC clothing, and bikes from 3T, BAAM, MARIN, and others, befitting of all biking styles, is a surprise thats hard to overstate. Here, quality is axial to success; quality characterizes both the bikes and the coffee sold, with beans coming from Limoges household name La Fabrique du Cafe. A menu of coffee favorites is the perfect selection for the regular coffee rides Ducourtioux hosts: public events when bikers gather, bike, and end at the shop for a coffee or beer. So, as you grab life by the handlebars, do so with his choice, a mochaccino; he makes it with lots of chocolate.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/always-in-the-forefront-all-you-need-to-know-about-russias-akhmat-special-forces-1118755022.html

Always in the Forefront: All You Need to Know About Russia's Akhmat Special Forces

Always in the Forefront: All You Need to Know About Russia's Akhmat Special Forces

Sputnik International

Russias Akhmat special forces have been deployed to the Kharkov region, the units commander Apty Alaudinov said on Monday. What is known about the unit and what does it deal with at the front line? Check Sputnik to find out.

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Akhmat Special Forces commander Apty Alaudinov has praised his unit that has been in the forefront since the very first days [of the special operation].When Was Akhmat Created?The units history dates back to 2009, when the now-late First President of Russias Chechen Republic Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov, the father of the republics current head Ramzan Kadyrov, endorsed the creation of the Akhmat Special Rapid Response Detachment.The unit, which was formed on the basis of a special motorized regiment of troops with Russias Ministry of Internal Affairs, included former members of Akhmat Kadyrovs security service.How Many Soldiers Does Akhmat Have?There are reportedly up to 4,000 Akhmat members right now, with some sources claiming that more than 13,000 volunteers from different Russian regions have already joined the unit. They previously underwent tactical and fire training at the Russian University of Special Forces in the Chechen city of Gudermes.What is Akhmat's Record?What is Akhmat's Current Task?Alaudinov has, meanwhile, told reporters that the unit "has already adapted" to the deployment in the Kharkov region.According to him, the Akhmat Special Forces have also taken over the areas that they needed to cover so that the enemy could not conduct sabotage and terrorist activities there.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/german-interior-chiefs-urge-deportations-to-afghanistan-after-police-stabbing---reports-1118757248.html

German Interior Chiefs Urge Deportations to Afghanistan After Police Stabbing - Reports

German Interior Chiefs Urge Deportations to Afghanistan After Police Stabbing - Reports

Sputnik International

German interior ministers will discuss lifting curbs on criminal deportations to Afghanistan after a police officer was stabbed to death by an Afghan citizen last week, German media reported on Monday.

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The motion that seeks to reverse the Foreign Offices 2021 ban on deportations to Afghanistan was filed by Hamburg interior chief Andy Grote, Bild daily reported. The interior ministers will look into the proposal when they gather for a regular conference near Berlin from June 19-21. The motion tells Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser to make sure that the Foreign Office reviews its security assessment of the situation in Afghanistan and Syrias capital region to give a go-ahead to repatriations of criminals convicted of serious offenses. A proposed deal with Pakistan will ensure that Afghan citizens will be delivered by land to the Pakistani border with Afghanistan, which has had no ties with Germany since the Taliban* (under UN sanctions) overran Kabul in summer 2021. The Federal Interior Ministry has reportedly backed the proposal. The Social Democrats and the Free Democrats, who make up a coalition government with the asylum-friendly Greens, have also voiced their support for the move. The debate over repatriation of violent criminals reignited in Germany over the weekend after a 25-year-old man, identified by media as a rejected asylum seeker from Afghanistan, stabbed a police officer in the neck and wounded five others at a rally organized by Islam critic Michael Stuerzenberger in the southwestern German city of Mannheim on Friday. The 29-year-old officer died of his wounds on Sunday. Jochen Kopelke, head of police trade union GdP, told the Rheinische Post that the parliament needed to deal with violence against police as he called for "determination in enforcing deportations of criminals." The parliament will reportedly debate the stabbing on Wednesday. Interior Minister Faeser demanded the harshest possible penalty for the attacker, who was shot and wounded by the police. Faeser suggested that the assault could be Islamist-motivated.*An organization under UN sanctions for terrorist activities.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/hezbollah-employs-new-weapons-and-tactics-to-keep-israel-on-tenterhooks-1118756414.html

Hezbollah Employs New Weapons and Tactics to Keep Israel on Tenterhooks

Hezbollah Employs New Weapons and Tactics to Keep Israel on Tenterhooks

Sputnik International

The Lebanese Shiite movement has reportedly rolled out "sophisticated" new technology as clashes with Israel intensify in light of Tel Aviv's invasion of Rafah.

2024-06-03T15:01+0000

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Hezbollah-Israel clashes have worsened of late as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues its operation in Rafah, a southern Gaza region bordering with Egypt."By employing a variety of weapons and tactics, many of which remain unutilized, Hezbollah ensures that its full capabilities and potential battlegrounds are unpredictable. This strategy not only complicates Israel's defense calculations but also allows Hezbollah to retain the initiative in the conflict, adapting its strategy dynamically based on developments on the ground," the pundit continued.Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah warned Tel Aviv on May 24 about "new surprises" on the part of the Lebanese group if Israel doesn't halt hostilities in Gaza. The Israeli press cited El-Nashra, the Lebanese news agency, as alleging that "surprises" mentioned by Nasrallah are new weapons in the group's possession, including long-range precision missiles and anti-aircraft projectiles.Earlier this month, the Associated Press (AP) likewise emphasized new weapons and new tactics recently employed by the Shiite movement, including deeper strikes into Israel's territory. Hezbollah's outstanding military capabilities have been acknowledged by both Israeli and US think tanks, which suggest the group possesses at least 150,000 rockets and anti-tank missiles, along with up to 2,000 drones.In the second half of May, Hezbollah introduced new armored drones against Israeli military facilities, according to Dr. Lorenzo Trombetta, Beirut-based scholar and analyst specializing in the Middle East.On June 1, Hezbollah managed to down a second Israeli Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Lebanese town of Deir Kifa. The first was destroyed over southern Lebanon on April 6. The group also fired two 500 kg Burkan missiles into northern Israel on Saturday with one of them reportedly hitting the Gibor Military Base near Kiryat Shmona. The group announced that it carried out 10 strikes on Saturday, targeting Israeli positions on both the eastern and western fronts.The Beirut-based analyst explained the escalation by Hezbollah's bid to step up pressure on Israel in order to stop hostilities in the Gaza Strip.To date, over 36,300 Palestinians have been killed and many more injured in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Israel's Rafah operation was launched amid bumpy truce negotiations with Hamas and has led to the displacement of over a million people and further exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.Tel Aviv sent mixed signals concerning a new truce proposal on Sunday. Ophir Falk, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahs chief foreign policy advisor, claimed that Israel had accepted the framework of a new deal to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the same day that the goals of Israel's Gaza war  to completely dismantle the Hamas government and its military wing and to release hostages  have not changed. "We will not accept the rule of Hamas in Gaza at any stage in any process aimed at ending the war," he stressed.Hardline conservative members of Netanyahu's governing coalition  Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir  have pledged to leave the government if the latest truce proposal is accepted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240602/hezbollah-targets-israeli-iron-dome-battery-with-uavs-day-after-downing-idf-drone-1118747255.html

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Phil Wickham & Brandon Lake Announce 'Summer Worship Nights Cruise' Set to Sail Summer 2025

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EPIC

June 3, 2024

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 3, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Renowned Christian artists Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake are thrilled to announce the "Summer Worship Nights Cruise, Presented by Air1," a one-of-a-kind worship experience set to sail in the summer of 2025. Phil & Brandon have partnered with Premier Vacation & Events and Air1 to fully charter the Carnival Freedom which will set sail June 21 - 26, 2025. Visiting Nassau, Princess Cays, and Grand Turk, this cruise will offer fans an unforgettable combination of worship and relaxation.

Im excited for people and their families to get away, rest, and encounter Gods presence together, said Phil Wickham. This cruise is going to be such a blast! The heart behind this cruise isnt just a vacation, its an opportunity to remove distractions of the everyday and focus on Jesus.

Registration for the Summer Worship Nights Cruise will go on sale to the public on June 7 with pre-sale beginning as early as June 4. Staterooms are expected to sell out quickly due to the high demand for this incredible experience. The cruise will feature multiple nights of worship under the stars, led by Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake, along with special guest appearances and engaging activities.

Summer Worship Nights has quickly become one of the top Christian tours over the last two years with most cities selling out well in advance of the concert date.

Brandon Lake added, This Cruise is going to be WILD. Who doesnt love worshiping God on the open ocean?!? I pray that families dont just experience vacation, but they experience the presence of God like never before. Believing for a FUN and POWERFUL time together! Time to get our worSHIP on.

More information about the Summer Worship Nights Cruise, including stateroom sales, itinerary details, and special activities, will be available at https://summerworshipnightscruise.com.

Dont miss this chance to be a part of a one-of-a-kind worship experience at sea. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to set sail for an unforgettable summer adventure.

ABOUT PHIL WICKHAM

Phil Wickham is a GRAMMY nominated, Dove Award-winning modern worship artist whose songs have been sung in churches around the world. His most recent single, I Believe, is a bold declaration of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. His 2024 Grammy Nominated I Believe Album went #1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums, while his song This Is Our God remained #1 on the Billboard for multiple weeks. In 2023, the artist was nominated for 5 GMA Dove Awards, including Song of the Year - Then Christ Came, Songwriter of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Recorded Song of the Year - Holy Forever, and Worship Recorded Song of the Year - This Is Our God. Also in 2023, the artist was nominated for two GRAMMY awards in the category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, recognizing the songs, Hymn of Heaven and Holy Forever. The Hymn of Heaven Album won him Worship Album of the Year at the 2022 GMA Dove Awards, while he was named Songwriter of the Year as well as awarded Worship Recorded Song of the Year for the title track, Hymn of Heaven. From his Gold-certified singles This is Amazing Grace and Living Hope, to his latest project, I Believe, Wickhams music has received hundreds of millions of streams across his catalog and platforms. Wickhams discography includes nine full-length projects, multiple Christmas releases, and a series of popular Singalong records. His recent debut devotional, On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldly in Prayer won the Book Impact K-LOVE Fan Award in 2023. To learn more, visit www.philwickham.com.

ABOUT BRANDON LAKE

Brandon Lake is a GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-winning artist and songwriter. He lives with his wife, Brittany, and their three sons in Charleston, South Carolina. As a worship leader for gatherings around the nation, he has found his purpose in calling followers of Jesus into a posture of freedom and confidencecreating space to boldly declare truth and expect the miraculous. Through releasing his solo albums and collaborating with artists across the country he has taken home five GRAMMY Awards and been nominated for a total of ten over the course of his professional music career. Believing that God has a unique and powerful purpose for each and every one of us, Lake longs to see individuals and families live free and be everything that God has called them to be. His Little Lion Lungs book is one of many projects and resources to serve the home in discovering the powerful weapon of worship. To learn more, visit brandonlake.co.

ABOUT PREMIER VACATIONS AND EVENTS:

PREMIER Vacations and Events in partnership with Premier Arts Collective has delivered the best in family-friendly vacations and events for nearly two decades. Best known for exciting theme cruises, PREMIER has produced the K-LOVE Cruise, Duck Commander Cruise, Sailing with the Scotts from HGTVs Property Brothers and the Jesus Freak Cruise  just to name a few. Land-based vacations and events are another specialty for PREMIER with notable events that include Illuminate at Disney World, the Hillsong Holy Land Experience, Worship Nights in Israel with Chris Tomlin, the Israel Encounter with Zach Williams and other Israel tours.

ABOUT AIR1:

Like its parent company (Educational Media Foundation) and sister station (K-LOVE), Air1 exists to create compelling media that inspires and encourages audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. Broadcast on more than 300 signals nationwide, and streaming around the world on Air1.com, the Air1 Radio App, iHeartRadio, Alexa, Siri, TuneIn, Roku, and more, Air1 is always there to welcome you and help you worship through it. Visit Air1.com.



About Educational Media Foundation:

Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is a nonprofit, multi-platform media ministry on a mission to draw people closer to Christ. Founded in 1982 in Santa Rosa, Calif., with a single radio station, EMF today owns and operates the worlds two largest Christian music radio networks (K-LOVE and Air1) with more than 1,100 broadcast signals across all 50 states, streaming audio reaching around the world, and a growing family of media ministries including podcasts, books, films, concerts and events. EMF employs 500+ team members between its offices in Nashville, TN; Rocklin, CA; and field locations around the country. For more information, visit www.emfbroadcasting.com.

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CONTACT: Nicole Crumbley, 770-286-1144, Nicole@epic.inc
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/is-us-alarmism-over-chinas-grab-of-american-farmland-justified-1118757492.html

Is US Alarmism Over China's 'Grab' of American Farmland Justified?

Is US Alarmism Over China's 'Grab' of American Farmland Justified?

Sputnik International

US lawmakers claim China is on a buying spree of American farmland even though private investors and firms from the People's Republic are nowhere near the club of top five foreign owners of the country's land.

2024-06-03T18:33+0000

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The US House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (Farm Bill) 33-21 on May 24. Explaining why the move is a "big win" for the US, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson told the Daily Mail that the proposed legislation would help prevent "Communist China" from grabbing American land."Communist China shouldn't be allowed to buy another acre of American farmland, nor should we rely upon our top foreign adversary for key parts of our food supply chain," Hinson told the media outlet.In reality, Chinese private investors and firms possessed less than 1 percent (or 349,442 acres) of all foreign-held agricultural land in the US as of December 31, 2022, according to the Farm Service Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.The Chinese possessions are spread across the US, including in Texas (162,167 acres); North Carolina (44,776 acres); Missouri (43,071 acres); Utah (32,447 acres); and Virginia (14,382 acres).For comparison's sake, Canadian investors own 14.2 million acres or 32 percent of all foreign-owned US land, ranking top of the list. Thirteen million acres are held by Dutch investors (12 percent), while Italians (6 percent), Brits (6 percent), and Germans (5 percent) follow. The remaining 17.1 million acres are held by various smaller international landowners, including China.All in all, foreign investors held a stake in over 43.4 million acres or around 3.1 percent of all US agricultural land.There is nothing particularly new about acquiring foreign farmland. American investors routinely buy land and real estate abroad, for example. US and European companies are planning to acquire Ukrainian arable lands once hostilities are over, given that the moratorium on the sale of agricultural land in the country was lifted on July 1, 2021.The act was passed in March 2020 and stipulated that in 2022 only natural persons would be authorized to buy land. However, starting from July 2023, corporate entities would also be allowed to buy up to 10,000 ha (24,710 acres) of land each, while foreigners would be granted the right to buy Ukrainian land only after a referendum concerning the issue.Remarkably, the Oakland Institute  a California-based progressive think tank  revealed on February 21, 2023, that over 28 percent of Ukraines arable land is already in the possession of European and North American entities or Ukrainian oligarchs. The report was fiercely criticized by the Western mainstream press.However, in April this year, Polish President Andrzej Duda appeared to confirm the think tank's findings by telling the Lithuanian press that "industrial agriculture () is not really run by Ukrainians; it is run by big companies from Western Europe, from the USA. If we look today at the owners of most of the land, they are not Ukrainian companies."The trend appears to be deep-rooted. In July 2009, Der Spiegel shed light on "modern colonialism" exercised by big American and European investors who massively bought up cheap land in crisis-ridden countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.'Espionage' AccusationsWhile some US lawmakers and think tanks admit that China's land holdings in the US are quite modest, they accuse the Chinese of using their land to spy on the US military on behalf of Beijing. No evidence has been provided to back up the allegations, however.The only case circulated by the Western media concerns China-based food producer, Fufeng Group, which acquired 300 acres of land 16 miles away from the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. No proof of Fufeng Group's apparent "espionage" has been presented so far.The Heritage Foundation, a US conservative think tank, even went so far as to claim that any Chinese real estate purchases or mere leases deserve suspicion."Chinese ownership of any real estate may be a concern if it is near critical infrastructure, whether or not it is agricultural land," claimed the think tank. "Adding further complexity, national security concerns may be present even in non-ownership interests in real estate  for example, if a Chinese tech company leases office space across the street from the Pentagon or acquires an easement to build wind turbines near a military base."US lawmakers and think tanks' fight against "Communist China" resembles nothing so much as a McCarthy-style crusade over a "Red Scare". The ongoing speculations about China's "land grab" coincided with the overall deterioration of US-Chinese relations. Team Biden is raising stakes in the ongoing trade war against China and is continuing to militarize the island of Taiwan and the Philippines to preserve Washington's waning hegemony in the Asia Pacific.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/poland-reinstates-buffer-zone-along-belarusian-border--1118751503.html

Poland Reinstates Buffer Zone Along Belarusian Border

Poland Reinstates Buffer Zone Along Belarusian Border

Sputnik International

Poland will reintroduce buffer zone on the border with Belarus since Tuesday, said defense minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz

2024-06-03T06:30+0000

2024-06-03T06:30+0000

2024-06-03T06:30+0000

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Poland will reintroduce a buffer zone on the border with Belarus starting Tuesday, said Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.He further mentioned that citizens would not be allowed to approach the buffer zone closer than 200 meters.Earlier, the press reported that an illegal migrant attempted to cross the Polish-Belarusian border and subsequently stabbed a Polish serviceman. In response to the incident, additional troops were deployed near the border.In 2021, thousands of migrants seeking entry into the EU congregated at the border between Poland and Belarus. Warsaw pointed fingers at Minsk as the source of the migration crisis, but Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko refuted these claims, asserting that Poland was exacerbating the refugee crisis by deporting migrants from its own soil. Despite this, Warsaw implemented a buffer zone, which remained in place until parliamentary elections were held last year.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240210/poland-south-korea-rethink-22-bln-arms-deal-amid-fear-of-sparking-regional-wars-1116717221.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/zelensky-says-us-hegemony-will-end-if-he-loses-but-that-already-happened-1118750935.html

Zelensky Says US Hegemony Will End If He Loses, But That Already Happened

Zelensky Says US Hegemony Will End If He Loses, But That Already Happened

Sputnik International

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview that the US risks losing its global leadership position if he loses, ignoring that it was the US support of Ukraine that caused that to happen already.

2024-06-03T04:11+0000

2024-06-03T04:11+0000

2024-06-03T17:39+0000

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volodymyr zelensky

vladimir putin

fault lines

the critical hour

nato

ukraine

united kingdom (uk)

russia

european union (eu)

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Since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine, the United States and NATO bet hundreds of billions of dollars that they could propel the Kiev regime to victory by outfitting it with some of the best weapons in NATOs arsenal.Despite Russias larger economy, population size and military, Ukraine could win, the thinking went, by using the vastly superior NATO weaponry and training. Of course, the US and NATO didnt hand over their very best weapons right away, but it would surely be enough to defeat the Russian army that was portrayed as ill-equipped and untrained in Western media outlets.When that didnt work, NATO and the US upped the stakes, giving newer and ostensibly even more invincible weapons to Ukraine, they too failed.Now, armed with the best weapons NATO could afford to give away, and full permission to strike inside Russia despite the risk of escalation, Ukraine is still being defeated on the battlefield. The whole world has seen for itself that NATO weapons are not equipped with force fields; they can be destroyed and are being destroyed at an alarming rate.Last year, Trump claimed that he would end the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours though he did not specify how he intended to accomplish that. When asked who he wants to win, Trump would only say that he wants everyone to stop dying.In his interview with the Guardian, Zelensky admitted that he had not developed a strategy to deal with Trump should he become elected, and seemingly admitted that his country would collapse without US support.Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion army, he said.Does he [Trump] want to become a loser President? Do you understand what can happen? he added, then saying that if Ukraine loses, it means the US will lose its power in the world as well.Of course, the opposite is true. The longer NATO and the US remain involved in Ukraine, the more thoroughly the veneer of NATO invincibility will be shattered. If they continue to increase their involvement and escalate things against Russia, it will only expedite the fall of Western hegemony.Over the last few weeks, NATO nations started giving the Kiev regime permission to strike inside Russia, culminating in the United States agreeing to it last week, but that too has failed to result in any meaningful change of the battle lines.But [Kremlin spokesman Dmitry] Peskov pointed out, you start using long-range missiles against Russia, were just going to have to take more of Ukraine [to build a bufferzone]. Thats what he said and he specifically mentioned Kiev, international relations and security expert Mark Sleboda told Fault Lines.Peskov also told reporters that the United States is already involved in targeting and aiming their weapons at Russia. [The weapons] are directly controlled by military personnel of NATO countries, adding that constituted not just military assistance but participation in a war against us.While Ukraine is not the only factor eating away at Western hegemony, it has played a large role, along with the US support of Israel and general economic trends.While Russia has shown that NATOs weapons are not superior, it's the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, who proved they are ill-equipped for modern war.Still, with no other hopes or lifelines, Zelensky wants the US to embarrass themselves further by continuing to fund his government, saying that the US losing will encourage other countries to act aggressively. However, Russia and Ukraine were close to signing a peace deal in Istanbul at the start of the conflict. According to Ukrainian officials close to the negotiations, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was sent to Ukraine to sabotage the deal at the behest of the United States.Ironically, Zelensky says he recently asked Johnson to speak to Trump on his behalf.Zelensky said he wanted to bring Trump to Ukraine to see the results of what he brought to Ukraine. Although the "he" Zelensky was referring to was Russian President Vladimir Putin, it would have been more accurate if he were referring to US President Joe Biden and/or Johnson - two world leaders who really brought that destruction to Ukraine and Western hegemony.Fifty nations gathered to defeat Russia and they failed Ukraine has been defeated and Europe is defeated, Magnier concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240601/nato-100-involved-in-aiming-approval-of-ukrainian-attacks-deep-inside-russia-analysts-1118740855.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240602/scholz-and-pistorius-bicker-over-how-to-make-germany-fit-for-war-as-ukraine-drains-coffers-1118744803.html

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Dresden Raceway kicked off the Mark Austin Memorial Pacing Series as part of its 10-race card on Sunday, June 2, featuring two divisions for colts and one for fillies and mares, each for horses that are non-winners of one race or $5,000 lifetime as of March 31.

Ashers Basher kicked off the first division for the boys with a gate-to-wire victory. Protecting the rail starting position, driver Nick Steward put Ashers Basher on the front through a quarter of :30.4 before taking the field to the half in 1:02.1. Steward picked up the pace in the third quarter, leading to that station in 1:31.2 before opening up the lead over Rise N Grind (Andy Moore) by 2-1/4 lengths on the line in 2:00.2.

The victory broke the maiden of the three-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight-Ashlees Star. Trained by William Leon and owned by Gordon and Scott Mason along with Derick Anderson, Ashers Basher has made eight career starts after going unraced as a two-year-old.

The second division for colts belonged to Write About Now, who delivered at the 3-5 favourite. Driver Donald Rankin settled Write About Now in the pocket while Psycho Path (Scott Wray) put down a :31 quarter on the front. Thejackofdiamonds (Garrett Rooney) thundered up from fourth to take the lead just beyond the half in 1:03 while a revved up and crooked Write About Now began to gap from third before straightening out on the backstretch at moving into second at three-quarters in 1:31.4. Write About Now wore down a stubborn Thejackofdiamonds in the lane to score in 2:01.

The victory was the second (consecutive) from three seasonal outings for the three-year-old William Hamm trainee, who made just two starts as a rookie. The Sportswriter-Cant Stop gelding's trainer also bred and shares ownership with Thomas Hamm.

Driver Nick Steward doubled his pleasure on the card, taking the lone $5,000 division for fillies and mares aboard Premier Elsa. Leaving from post two, Steward put Premier Elsa on the front in a hurry, leading to the first quarter in :29. The pace slowed considerably on the way to the half, as the favourite reached that station in 1:02 before taking the field to three quarters in 1:32.2. Premier Elsa had plenty left in the stretch, kicking away by 2-3/4 lengths on the line in 2:01.3 over Crytel Shadow (Rooney).

The victory makes it two in a row for the three-year-old rookie daughter of Mcwicked-Premier Indigo. Unraced as a two-year-old, the nine-time starter is trained by Darryl Laver for owner Rick Rier.

The Mark Austin Pacing Series will consist of a second leg on June 9 before the $12,000 finals on Sunday, June 16.

The Sunday card also featured a $5,000 Preferred 3 Trot, which served as race seven on the card. Heavy Dude E delivered on the engine with Ryan Desroche after getting to the front from post four to the quarter of :29. Heavy Dude E took the field to the half in 1:00.1 before Hot Fudge Sundae (Alfie Carroll) took the leader to task to put his head up front at three-quarters in 1:30.2. Heavy Dude E re-rallied with inside position to put Hot Fudge Sundae away by a length on the wire in 2:00.

Natalie Elliott owns and trains the six-year-old gelded son of Holiday Road-Marclif Aisalinda. Now a four-time winner in 21 seasonal outings, Heavy Dude E is a 24-time career winner with lifetime earnings of $177,258.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)
A pair of $22,603 events for the top claiming pacers on the grounds headed the Sunday, June 2 night card at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Both winners emerged triumphant for the third time in their last four starts, and both scored the victory on the front.

Shoobee Doo A blasted away from the rail for driver Matt Kakaley and put Trip Hammer behind him; that one sat behind the pacesetters fractions of :26.2, :55.4 and 1:23.3. The pocket horse moved outside entering the stretch but couldnt gain significantly in a :27.1 kicker, with Shoobee Doo A winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50.4. Shoobee Doo A was claimed for $41,096 from owner Adam Short and trainer Darren Tanneyhill.

The racing pattern was identical to the stretch in the other featured event: Winbak Willy T left hard for driver George Napolitano Jr. and forced a tuck from South Point before the :26.4 quarter, then went on to mid-fractions of :55.1 and 1:23. South Point tried the Pocono Pike in going after the leader and gained a little, but couldnt quite match strides with the winning son of Art Major, finishing 1-1/4 lengths back in the 1:51.2 mile. Dean Eckley trains the winner for owner Kathleen Napolitano.

Top winners on the card were driver Anthony Napolitano and trainer Darren Taneyhill, with three visits to the winner's circle.

Pocono concludes its racing week with 1 p.m. cards on Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4.

(With files from PHHA/Pocono)
Trained, owned and driven by Larry Stalbaum, Big Box Hanover returned to the winners circle at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday, June 2 after taking the featured $20,548 Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot.

Big Box Hanover and Majestic Fire (Billy Dobson) battled for the lead to the opening panel in :28.2. After that mark, Big Box Hanover took command to the half in :58.1, but Duckdodgendive (Brett Beckwith) was the first to the three-quarters from the outside in 1:27. Duckdodgendive and Big Box Hanover battled against each other towards the finish line. Down to the wire, Big Box Hanover prevailed by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.2. Duckdodgendive took second and favourite Joxter (Dan Daley) completed the top three.

The seven-year-old Uncle Peter-Box Of Dreams gelding is a winner of $676,658 and 46 career races from 156 starts. Big Box Hanover paid $9 to win as the 7-2 third choice in his return to the Spa where he was an Open runner-up two starts ago. The win was his third in 18 seasonal starts.

Brett Beckwith drove five winners on the Sunday afternoon card, including Mickie Mantle ($8.10), Echo De Meautis Fr ($3.70), Secret Bro ($19), Wania ($4) and Spirit Of Success ($4.20).

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)
As we navigate through a sea of devices and applications in a digital-first world, the ability to seamlessly communicate and express ourselves remains a fundamental need. So does the need for adaptable, user-centric tools.

Microsoft SwiftKey is more than just a keyboard app for Android and iOS. Its a smart partner that helps users express themselves with style, speed, and fun. Using the latest AI tech, it predicts words, adapts to user preferences, and lets one create amazing and original content at their fingertips.

Here are 5 reasons to try out Microsoft SwiftKey:

Multilingual typing and language diversity: Microsoft SwiftKey allows users to use up to five languages simultaneously. With support for 700+ languages on Android, it adapts seamlessly to users preferred language, whether its Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, or any other language. SwiftKeys multilingual capabilities empower users to communicate effortlessly across linguistic boundaries. Without having to switch between languages, SwiftKey intelligently predicts the language the user is typing in.

Expressive content creation with camera, filters, and AI: With SwiftKeys integrated camera, users can create personalized content right from the keyboard. They can capture photos, add custom stickers, emojis, and apply fun filters from Snap. The AI-powered image creation feature generates unique stickers and images, making messages more engaging and creative.

Empowering writing with Microsoft Copilot and Editor: Microsoft Copilot, SwiftKeys AI-powered assistant, offers context-aware recommendations and creative ideas to overcome writers block. It enhances productivity and creativity, whether composing emails, texts, or social media posts. Additionally, SwiftKey integrates Microsoft Editor, ensuring polished and error-free communication with real-time grammar and spelling checks.

Clipboard productivity: SwiftKeys clipboard feature streamlines workflow by storing frequently used clips, links, and images. Users can seamlessly copy and paste between SwiftKey on their mobile device and Windows PC, eliminating the need for repetitive typing.

Customizable themes: Users can personalize their keyboard with a range of colorful themes that match their style. They can choose from pre-designed themes or create their own using an image as the background. Whether preferring vibrant colors or minimalistic designs, SwiftKey allows users to make their keyboard uniquely theirs.
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:

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A major Australian study of worker experience of AI has found workers are being ignored in the development of new tools and processes, leaving them, their employers, and the broader public exposed to increased risks and missed opportunities.

The qualitative research engaged workers in nursing, retail and the Australian Public Sector. It was conducted by the University of Technology Sydney's Human Technology Institute (HTI) in partnership with Essential Research as part of HTI's AI Corporate Governance Program.

The study found low levels of worker engagement in workplace automation and significant concerns about the impact of AI and automation on work quality and outcomes for patients, customers, and citizens.

Key findings in the research include:

Nurses have deep concerns about the impact of automated decisions on patient care, such as the dispensing of drugs and triage diagnosis.

There is deeply held skepticism about AI among public servants, where both trust and social license have been undermined by Robodebt.

Retail workers see automation in the form of self-managed checkouts working against their interests while increasing customer frustration.

Even when workers have a low initial understanding of AI systems, they are quickly able to provide valuable and nuanced insights into ethical, operational and strategic issues.

HTI Co-Director Professor Nicholas Davis said the research is among the first to take workers on a reflective journey around the impact of AI, and has led to significant findings.

"The research finds workers are not opposed to AI. In fact, they see opportunities for improving many parts of their work, especially around reducing the burden of menial, repetitive tasks," Professor Davis said.

"But the study also shows that workers are a source of deep yet underutilized expertise around how AI tools can be used both productively and responsibly."

The study was conducted in the context of recent research by leading economists that shows that technology-led and automation-focused AI adoption can simultaneously harm workers, disappoint investors and damage the economy.

Professor Davis points out, "Our research provides further evidence that, if companies continue to treat workers as invisible bystanders, AI investments will result in 'so-so automation' that displaces employees without increasing productivity."

"Organizations urgently need to harness a critical yet overlooked asset in driving innovation and productivity: workers."

The report calls for workers' voices to be embedded in the development and deployment of AI systems across Australia. This could include:

Establishing of industry-wide AI works council.

Imposing a general duty of care on organizations around AI equivalent to workplace safety obligations.

Developing industrial guardrails akin to minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.

Reforms that establish clear boundaries on worker surveillance.
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:

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Every year ahead of the June 4 commemoration of the Tiananmen Square massacre, the Chinese government tightens online censorship to suppress domestic discussion of the event.

Critics, dissidents and international groups anticipate an uptick in cyber activity ranging from emails with malicious links to network attacks in the days and weeks leading up to the anniversary.

Much of this cyber activity by Beijing is done covertly. But a recent restructuring of China's cyberforce and a document leak exposing the activities of Chinese tech firm i-Soon have shed some light on how Beijing goes about the business of hacking.

As a China expert and open-source researcher, I believe the latest revelations draw the curtain back on a contractor ecosystem in which government officials and commercial operators are increasingly working together. In short, Beijing is outsourcing its cyber operations to a patchwork army of private-sector hackers who offer their services out of a mix of nationalism and profit.

From censorship to cyberattacks

Chinese authorities restrict the flow of information online by banning search terms, scanning social media for subversive messages and blocking access to foreign media and applications that may host censored content. Control of online activity is particularly stringent around the anniversary of the protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989 that ended with a bloody crackdown on demonstrators by troops on June 4 of that year.

Since then pro-democracy activists have sought to commemorate the massacre on its anniversaryand Beijing has sought to counter mention of the crackdown. Chinese internet users note more restrictions and censorship in the run-up to the anniversary, with more words being banned and even certain emojislike candles, denoting vigilsdisappearing.

In 2020, Chinese authorities ordered Zoom, an American tech firm with a development team in China, to suspend the accounts of U.S.-based activists commemorating June 4 and to cancel online vigils hosted on the platform. Zoom complied, stating that it was following local laws.

Beyond censorship, cyberattacks on dissident groups and Chinese-language media in the diaspora have also occurred on or around the anniversary.

On June 4, 2022, Media Today, a Chinese-language media group in Australia, experienced an unattributed cyberattack against its user accounts. And earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice charged seven China-based hackers with sending malicious tracking emails to members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a group set up in 2020 on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

China's cyberforce

The increasing sophistication of online attacks on dissident and international groups comes as China has been restructuring the agencies responsible for its cyber operations.

Today, much of China's malicious cyber activities are carried out by the Ministry of State Security, or MSS, the country's main intelligence agency and secret police. But prior to the MSS expanding into this role, the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, was responsible for the earliest cyberattacks attributed to the Chinese government. In 2015, the PLA dedicated a new service to cyberwarfare and network security, the Strategic Support Force.

But in April 2024, the PLA abruptly announced the Strategic Support Force's disbandment and the creation of three new forces: the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force and the Information Support Force. They, along with the existing Joint Logistics Support Force, report directly to the Chinese Communist Party.

This restructuring comes at a time of political uncertainty for China's leadership. In 2023, Defense Minister Li Shangfu was removed just months into his new role, along with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Li Yuchao, commander of the Rocket Force.

While Beijing has yet to offer details on the military reorganization, its timing appears to send a message. President Xi Jinping personally presided over the inauguration of the Information Support Force, telling members of the force that they must "listen to the party's orders" and be "absolutely loyal, absolutely pure, absolutely reliable."

Hackers: Patriots, pirates or profiteers?

The restructuring of China's cyberforces coincides with a trend that has seen the outsourcing of malicious cyber operations to private sector contractors acting with the state's explicit or tacit approval.

In February 2024, a document leak exposed an underground network of Chinese cyber contractors hacking for profit.

Cyber experts have long suspected that hackers may collaborate with the Chinese government, but the leak shows how operators working for Chinese firm i-Soon sold services and products to Chinese government entities and state-sponsored threat groups. The company was founded in 2010 by Wu Haibo, a former member of the Green Army, often described as China's earliest hacker community.

The Green Army was formed in 1997 for hackers to learn and exchange hacking techniques. By 1998, patriotic Chinese hackers began organizing cyberattacks. For example, when riots in Indonesia triggered by the Asian financial crisis gave rise to racial violence against Chinese Indonesians, Chinese hackers targeted Indonesian government websites.

In 1999, Chinese hackers vandalized U.S. government websites following NATO's accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The term "honker," meaning "red hacker" in Chinese, emerged around this time to designate Chinese hackers motivated by ideology and nationalism.

Yet, Chinese hackers have had an uneasy relationship with the authorities. While they offer cyber skills as well as plausible deniability for the Chinese government, they tend to muddle Beijing's foreign policy when their actions go too far and draw criticism.

They are also prone to commit cybercrimes such as fraud and theft of intellectual property alongside state-sponsored espionage.

The Chinese government and prominent "patriotic" hackers have previously tried to rein in the community and promote legitimate work such as cybersecurity.

The i-Soon leak, however, documents how Chinese state-sponsored contractors engage in bribery and other illicit activities.

Exploiting security flaws

China's cyber capabilities have grown through the control and exploitation of cyber professionals, state-sponsored or otherwise. But it's a complicated relationship.

To phase out the criminal behavior of hackers, Beijing has developed a pipeline to train its cyber workforce. And in part to keep them from sharing expertise with foreigners, Chinese cyber professionals are generally banned from international hacking competitions.

While cybersecurity is improved when security professionals share newly discovered security flaws, Chinese regulations limit the flow of such information. By law, software vulnerabilities discovered in China must be immediately reported to the Chinese government. Experts believe the Ministry of State Security subsequently exploits this data to develop cyber offensive capabilities.

Still, the i-Soon leak points to corruption in at least one corner of China's growing network of commercial hacking. Internal correspondence shows contractors bribing government officials with money, alcohol and other favors. Messages also show contractors failing to generate sales, delivering subpar work and complaining about their working-class salary.

With local governments in China struggling to pay for basic services in a weak economy, companies such as i-Soon that support Beijing's cyber operations face not only political but also financial headwinds. Despite Beijing's intention to implement an online crackdown every year on June 4, the cyberforces it employs to do so face their own issues that invite scrutiny and rectification by the Chinese Communist Party.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.